Prince John's Quest

Prince John’s Quest

by

John’s Dad

John Christian Orndorff

Illustrations by John’s Mom

Debora Morris Orndorff

Pensive Books, Springfield, TN

Prince John’s Quest

By John’s Dad, John Christian Orndorff

Published by: Pensive Books at Smashwords

This ebook is licensed for your personal enjoyment only. This ebook may not be resold or given away to other people. If you would like to share this book with another person, please purchase an additional copy for each recipient. If you’re reading this book and did not purchase it, or it was not purchased for your use only, then please return to Smashwords.com and purchase your own copy. Thank you for respecting the hard work of this author.

Copyright 2000, by John Christian Orndorff

Original Paperback Printed in the United States of America

Library of Congress Card Number: 99-091278

ISBN 1-893213-01-3

PRINCE JOHN’S QUEST

TABLE OF CONTENTS

A NOTE FROM JOHN’S DAD

Chapter 1-PRINCE JOHN'S UNUSUAL CHARGE

Chapter 2-AN UNEXPECTED AUDIENCE

Chapter 3-PREPARATION FOR THE QUEST

Chapter 4-THE QUEST BEGINS

Chapter 5-SEPARATED IN APHIXIS

Chapter 6-WHERE IS THE PRINCE?

Chapter 7-SAVED BY THE SEA

Chapter 8-THE VOYAGE TO DULOS

Chapter 9-SOME HELP FOR OWEN

Chapter 10-THE BETRAYAL

Chapter 11-TOWARD THE GOAL

Chapter 12-THE PURSUIT

Chapter 13-THE ZAHAB CHOKMAH

Chapter 14-HOMECOMING

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

A NOTE FROM JOHN’S DAD

I think every parent wants to do something special for his or her children. For some parents this special activity might mean building a special piece of furniture or toy. It could be a special vacation together, or maybe some meaningful keepsake. I have chosen to write a book. As will be obvious from the first sentence, this is not a true story, nor is it likely to take place, at least not the way presented here. This story is pure fantasy with some, not so subtle, messages. There are some things in it that I hope might be meaningful, but by and large, I wrote it for fun, and I hope you will read it for fun.

There are some actual friends of John's who appear in the story. Sean, who no longer lives near us, was the first best friend, that I know of, John ever had. Jeffrey is also a close friend, and he actually did live in the forest at the time I wrote this story. Brian is another good friend who, I believe, John can count on in a pinch. Though Shadow, the lion, is fictitious, we did, for some time, have a very fine cat named Shadow who, like the lion, earned his name in the same way. Except for John's family, all other characters are the products of my imagination. Lionel, John’s brother, actually did go to heaven a few years ago, and writing in this way is an opportunity for me to spend at least a little time with him until I join him in the court of the King of Heaven.

jco

John, Prince of El

CHAPTER 1

PRINCE JOHN'S UNUSUAL CHARGE

It was long ago in the old Kingdom of El that the good King Christian and Queen Debora ruled, and every person in their realm lived in peace.

The king and queen had four children: John, Michael, Lionel and Mary. Michael, was a valiant warrior. He was the one who slew the great dragon in the northwest mountains of El. He then married Princess Alethia and became King of the Northern Kingdom. Lionel, was a faithful and loyal prince, and was also a valiant warrior. However, he was killed in the battle of Nekrosis and went to serve in the presence of the Great King of Heaven. Mary, the youngest, was a beautiful maiden and went about the kingdom rendering aid to whomever she might, as well as assisting the king and queen in their work. However, it was John, the eldest, who was the heir to the throne of El, and about whom this story was written.

Like his brothers, Prince John was also known for his abilities as a warrior, especially after the battle of Nekrosis, when he bravely stood against the evil Lord Diabolos. John was best known for his administrative abilities and his talents as an artist. John used his abilities in administration working on public projects, making sure taxes were collected and that the king's household was in order. He would also see to it that building projects and such things were carried out properly. Furthermore, John was an artist. He spent much time going about the countryside painting fine portraits of landscapes and people. In fact, John was such a fine artist, people eagerly sought to own his paintings and sculptures.

John was a tall handsome man with blond hair that neatly fell just below his ears. He was sharp and agile in body and mind. John could quickly understand difficult matters, and he could run with the fastest runner. Though he was such a capable person and heir to the throne of El, he was also thoughtful, considering the needs of others before his own needs.

Unlike his brother, Michael and sister, Mary, John did not normally travel far from the King's province. He preferred to rely on word from his sister and envoys as to the state of the kingdom. John believed it was his place to remain near the castle so he could take care of administering the affairs of state, and be near his father, the king.

One day, it came about as John was in his study, preparing a report to his father that his brother, Lionel, appeared to him. Lionel came into the room suddenly, as from nowhere, clothed in the brightest clothing, brighter than a person could imagine. Lionel's face also glowed with the glory that comes from being near the throne of the King of Heaven. John was so frightened at Lionel's sudden appearance, he fell backwards in his seat and was blinded for a short while by the bright light.

Who are you? What do you want? John asked in a frightened voice as he peered over the top of his great wooden desk.

Don't you recognize me, John? Lionel asked in a calm, reassuring voice.

Lionel, it's you! John exclaimed as he jumped over the top of his desk to look at his brother. It’s been so long. I thought I would not see you again until I joined you in the Great King's court. What brings you here to me? No! Let me get our parents! John shouted in his excitement, not knowing what to say.

Be calm, John. Only you can see me at this time. The Great King has decreed that you shall be King of El one day, but only after you have completed a quest. The king commanded me to send you on this quest, Lionel stated matter-of-factly.

Quest? John said as he looked curiously at Lionel, now more interested than frightened.

Yes, you must travel to find the Zahab Chokmah, and return it to the kingdom within the year, Lionel replied.

Zahab Chokmah! John shouted displaying a tone of unbelief. I can't even imagine such a thing! How am I, or any other mortal for that matter, to find a Zahab what ever you called it?

Do not be afraid, brother, Lionel responded calmly and reassuringly. The king will not give you a task unless it is within your ability to accomplish it. I can only say that once you find it, you will recognize it.

Recognize it! I don't even know which direction to go in! John exclaimed.

John, travel in the direction from which the light comes and you shall find the Zahab Chokmah. Have no fear, for the Great King sends you. If the Great King sends you, he will also go with you. Expect his help and rely on his guidance. Also remember, you cannot rule without the Zahab Chokmah. Go with the king my brother, Lionel instructed.

After Lionel spoke these words, he departed as quickly as he had appeared, leaving John again partially blinded as his eyes readjusted from the light.

What will I do now? John thought as he sat on the edge of his large oak desk, his eyes roving the floor as if looking for an answer.

CHAPTER 2

AN UNEXPECTED AUDIENCE

Alone, John, sat on the corner of his desk, staring at the floor of his study and making funny faces while speaking to himself. Zahab Chokmah, um…, what is a Chokmah? he said to himself over and over. The more he thought, the wilder his imagination grew. Is it a living thing? I hope it’s not like a lion. It could be dangerous. No, the name itself indicates it must be a thing, yes! A golden scepter? What else could it be that a king would need? Even as John considered all the possibilities he could think of, he knew it must be something different still.

Finally, after sitting alone for several minutes, which seemed like hours to John, he decided to go to his father, the king, and ask his advice. However, this was not a decision he made calmly. For once John realized that Lionel actually spoke with him and gave him a message from the King of Heaven, he jumped up and ran to his father's throne room.

As he headed for the throne room, he ran as fast as he could without tripping over the furniture, though he did knock a few unsuspecting attendants out of his way as he charged wildly down the hallway.

He shouted, "Father, Lionel appeared to me and gave me a quest from the King of Heaven! It was really him, I spoke with him, and I