Secret 1

This was not a prisoner at all. It was a Forger. One of the freakish, metalized agents of the enemy.

MEANING:
The enemy and his agents are masters of disguise. Deception is their most popular ploy. Ask God for discernment and wisdom so that you can detect His handiwork and be aware of His antics. Second Corinthians 11:14 says, “And no wonder! For Satan disguises himself as an angel of light.”

Secret 2

The orb of his breastplate began to spin, churning out words that hovered in the air before him.

“Resist the enemy, and he will flee.”

MEANING:
Finn discovered that he had a secret weapon to gain traction and victory against the enemy. So do you! Resistance requires resolve and intention. And it is something that you have been empowered by God’s Spirit to employ against the Devil. According to James 4:7, “Therefore, submit to God. But resist the Devil, and he will flee from you.”

Secret 1

“The Mountain of Rhema,” Ruwach said. “You must receive your sword from the mountain.”

MEANING:
Rhema is a common Greek word that simply refers to something spoken. The Bible is God’s spoken word to you. Anytime you are reading the Scriptures or listening to someone explain it and feel like you are the only person in the room, or like it was written with your specific circumstances in mind, this is because He Is speaking directly to you. His Word will stir conviction in your heart that is intimate and personal. This is the way that God gives you the tools, instructions, insights, and artillery you will need to defeat the enemy in present circumstances or even in future ones that you haven’t even faced yet. He is preparing you so that you can have a ready sword and be an equipped soldier who is prepared to fight well. When the Spirit speaks to you in this kind of personal way, He is handing you a sword for battle. Ephesians 6:17—. . . the sword of the Spirit is the Word of God.

Secret 2

He soon realized that his boots felt different—thicker and spongier, gripping the boulders like glue. He stopped to examine his foot and noticed that the toe of his boot had curved so it hugged the boulders. And the whole bottom of the boot was rubbery, giving it extra gripping power. He remembered how these boots had sprouted sticky tendrils like Spider-Man to help him climb up the side of a building once. They had also helped build the stone steps of a bridge over a steep chasm. They seemed able to transform to any kind of terrain, wherever the Prince Warriors had to go.

MEANING:
Ephesians 6:14 says that you need to wear a certain kind of shoes if you are going to be able to stand firm against the schemes of the enemy. The shoes that the Apostle Paul described were similar to the gladiator boots a Roman soldier wore during the first century. One of the most unforgettable features of a soldier’s sandaled boots were the spikes that protruded from the thick leather soles, similar to the football cleats I bought for my boys last summer. These hobnails dug deeply into the earth, helping the soldier to hold his ground. To stand firm. Instead of slipping and sliding on slick terrain, causing their feet to be swept out from under during intense struggle, the specialized shoes they wore offered firm footing.

The peace of God, which is discovered in a relationship with Jesus Christ, will keep you sure-footed and standing firm in your life.     

Secret 1

Levi stared at both words which now sandwiched his Krÿs one on the top of the page and the other on the bottom:

Implanted. Received.

MEANING:
Levi discovers that the Krys fits into a small compartment in The Book. He doesn’t understand why this is important yet but will soon find out that the sword’s power increases to the extent that it is connected to The Book. The same is true of the sword you carry to defeat the enemy. The more you stay connected and receptive to The Book—God’s Word, the Bible—the more precise God’s sword will be in your hand, the more strength you will have to wield it and the more consistently you will see it’s power displayed in your life. When we meditate on and study God’s Word, it is embedded and engrafted into our hearts; and as we receive it willingly, it takes deep roots. This is the outcome and goal of our connection with the Scriptures. Listen to James 1:21: “Therefore, ridding yourselves of all moral filth and evil, humbly receive the implanted word, which is able to save you.”

Secret 2

J. Ar to his son Levi: “The black dragons shoot thorns. Thorns are a big problem for true Prince Warriors. You always have to be on guard against them.”

MEANING:
The Prince Warriors thought that the black dragon had been spitting mere spikes at them. They had no idea that what those enormous things really were. Mr. J. Ar. explains to his son that they are actually thorns. According to Matthew 7, where Jesus told a parable to a crowd of people gathered around Him, He spoke of thorns: “Consider the sower who went out to sow. As he was sowing, some seed fell along the path, and the birds came and ate them up. Others fell on rocky ground, where there wasn’t much soil, and they sprang up quickly since the soil wasn’t deep. But when the sun came up they were scorched, and since they had no root, they withered. Others fell among thorns, and the thorns came up and choked them.”

Each of these scenarios results in a different impact on the seed (The Word of God). The thorn chokes. Think about what choking does—it stops a person from breathing. In the Prince Warriors story, the black dragon’s thorns were supposed to stop the life-giving breath of the mountain from flowing, which is why the warriors noticed the breath dwindling as the thorns were thrust into the mountain. Mr. J. Ar wanted his son to see that the enemy was being intentional and targeted in his attempts to keep the Prince Warriors from getting their sword from the breath of the mountain. Make no mistake about it, the devil is just as sinister in his attempts against you.

Secret 3

J. Ar nodded. “Oh, son, some places you should never get too busy or too big for.  It’s good to visit the old places. You never know what you’re going to find.

Aren’t you glad you came today?”

MEANING:
Levi hadn’t been to his tree house in quite a while because he felt he was too old to play in it anymore. But because he hadn’t gone there, he had not seen The Book his father had left for him some time before. Mr. J. Ar. wisely tells his son that there are some things he should never grow out of. The same is true for you and me. Often we will neglect some of the foundational practices of our faith, feeling like we’ve gotten too grown-up or too cultured for them. Things like prayer, Bible reading or going to church. Instead, we try to keep up with the change in our times and technology. But if we get caught up and forget to visit the fundamental places and practices of old, we may very well miss out on receiving great truths from God.Listen Prince Warrior, never let yourself get “too old” for the things that matter most.

Secret 1

Training Days.

MEANING: 
Wielding God’s Word with precision requires diligence and practice. Getting help from older, wiser warriors in your life is imperative if you want to handle it accurately. For the Prince Warriors, Mr. J. Ar. and Grandpa Tony were role models and experienced trainers who helped them know how to take care of and use their weapons. Second Timothy 2:15 says, “Be diligent to present yourself approved to God, a worker who doesn’t need to be ashamed, correctly teaching the word of truth.”

Secret 2

There it was, sitting on his father’s desk, just as Evan had said. A Prince Warrior book. Evan was right. Manuel crept over to the desk and peered at the book, pushing his glasses up his nose. It did look different. The symbol of Ahoratos appeared to be upside down. Manuel opened the book and looked through the pages. The changes were small: a chapter heading rearranged, a sentence crossed out or rewritten, a note scribbled in the margin. The pictures were missing small details. The shield illustration contained no red seed in the center of the brass boss. And the picture of the sword did not have the Crest of Ahoratos in the hilt, nor were there any letters engraved in the blade. When Manuel touched the blade, his finger did not go through the page, as it did with his own book. He realized that the Krÿs could not be implanted in this book. It was powerless.

MEANING:
The Word of the Lord is right and true (Psalm 33:4) and should never be manipulated or changed to suit our preferences. Every jot and tittle is inspired by God and intended to remain. “All Scripture is breathed out by God” (2 Timothy 3:16), so whenever we read or hear something that is in contrast to what it says, we need to be careful and aware that something is awry. His Word alone “is truth” (John 17:17).

Secret 1

Ruwach, please, help me! He knew that somehow Ruwach could hear his unspoken plea.

MEANING:
In the story, Ruwach represents the Holy Spirit. He is a guide, counselor and friend. He is also capable or hearing words that you have not even spoken out of your mouth. This means, that if you are ever in a position where you need the help of the Holy Spirit but cannot ask for it out loud, you can still utter an inaudible prayer. Even though no one else can hear it, He can.

Secret 2

Manuel loved science more than anything. He loved forming a hypothesis and working toward proving it by the scientific method. He loved rational explanations for things that made sense according to the laws of nature. And yet, he had been to Ahoratos; he had seen things he could never explain with science alone. A tiny seed that stopped the destruction of the terrible flaming Olethron. Water that led to a dry, mysterious cave. Boots that sprouted spikes. A mountain that breathed. Ruwach himself, a smallish, otherworldly being who had given Manuel and his friends purpose and courage and power. Ahoratos was a real place. And the enemy was real too.

MEANING:
Like his father, Manuel loved science. But unlike his father, he didn’t let science override his belief in The Book. He knew that the instruments of earth would be unable to verify some things that were very true (like the skypod). He’d learned this lesson the hard way once before when he’d tried to construct his own shield and failed miserably.

Secret 3

Suddenly his phone buzzed in his pocket. He took it out, surprised to see the UNSEEN app already opened, with a message on the screen: Lean not on your own understanding.

MEANING:
This is from Proverbs 3:5–6 which says, “Trust in the Lord with all of your heart and lean not on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge Him and He will direct your path.”

Secret 1

“The enemy will create chaos from any small thing. Even a scrap. It is not the object that causes the problem so much as—the choice. Do you understand?”

“The choice I made,” said Manuel, his voice trembling with regret. “I’m so sorry. I wish I’d never made that stupid shield.”

MEANING:
Manuel didn’t realize that the choice he’d made to disobey Ruwach’s instruction by making his own shield (in Book 2 of the series) could have such serious consequences. He’d unknowingly left behind a small shard of metal from his man-made shield. This tiny sliver was enough for the enemy to concoct a hideous plan to destroy the Prince Warriors. Viktor was a result of Manuel’s misplaced shard of metal. All the Devil needs is a small opportunity to wreak havoc in our lives. Ephesians 4:27 says, “and don’t give the Devil an opportunity.”

Secret 2

Ruwach held the key in his illuminated hand. “Now you may choose to open your rooms.”

“Choose?” asked Evan.

“Remember what you have learned.” Ruwach said nothing more than that.

MEANING:
The warriors had been given a series of tests already. First, with the trees during the descent from the mountain. Then, with the wolf who haunted their dreams. And now, they are facing another one. They have the chance to choose: Will they open their unlocked rooms or will they remember and believe the primary lesson that Ruwach has always told them: You have everything you need. Would they believe that whatever was in the room wasn’t necessary for them to achieve victory, or would they let their desire to see what was in the room rule? Each one of us must make that same choice. Will we trust God or make the choice to see out other options? We are each given the gift of free will. We get the choose whether we will trust God . . . or not.

Secret 1

Ruwach made another gesture and the letters rear- ranged to form words: Be alert.
The enemy prowls and devours.

MEANING:
First Peter 5:8 tells us, “Be serious! Be alert! Your adversary the Devil is prowling around like a roaring lion, looking for anyone he can devour.”

Secret 2

Ruwach to Levi: “Because you believed even though you did not see, you will now have the ability to see things that the others did not believe.”

MEANING:
Jesus said, “Because you have seen Me, you have believed. Those who believe without seeing are blessed” (John 20:29).

Secret 1

The back door opened, and Manuel stepped out. “Did you two talk to that kid Viktor?”

“He’s a Prince Warrior,” said Ivy. “He knows all about Ahoratos.”

MEANING:
Viktor’s charming personality had begun to sway most of the warriors. Levi was the only one who had an eerie feeling about him. He knew that something is wrong. But the others were deceived into thinking that Viktor was a real Prince Warrior simply because he knew a lot about Ahoratos. But in reality, the Devil and his demons also believe—and they shudder (James 2:19). They know about the spiritual realm and the weapons you have to defeat them there. They are not ignorant or naïve. But they are evil and against all that is good and holy. So, do not ever allow yourself to be deceived by the illusions of the enemy. Ask God to give you His eyes to see good from evil and evil from good.

Secret 2

Viktor to Manuel: “Well, not totally. Just exaggerated, I guess. Kind of like a . . . fairy tale.”

Fairy tale. The same words his father had used to describe the book.

MEANING:
From the very beginning, the enemy’s goal has been to discredit God’s Word. Think back to Adam and Eve. This is exactly what he did with Eve to convince her to eat the fruit that God commanded her not to. He manipulated God’s Word and tried to make Eve believe that what God said wasn’t real and therefore unworthy to be trusted. It is one of the main ways He captures unsuspecting prey.

Secret 1

On getting to Ahoratos: Mr. J. Ar took out his Krÿs and held it out with both hands, hilt up. He bent and knelt stiffly on one knee. The boys mimicked his posture, bending to one knee and holding out their small knives.

“Close your eyes,” Mr. J. Ar commanded. “Bow your heads.”

MEANING:
This scene is a picture of the spiritual disciplines that can immediately connect us with spiritual places and the armor we need to defeat the enemy. God’s Word helps us hear direction from God, but prayer (in any posture, whether sitting, kneeling, standing, or anything in between) is our key to gaining entrance into heavenly places. It enables us to connect with God and the resources He has given us access to.

Secret 2

When Evan thought that all he had to do was kneel, Ruwach corrected him— “That is not all, Prince Evan. The posture of the body must match the posture of the heart.”

“The posture? Of the heart?” Evan cocked his head to one side.

“Humility is always the hardest lesson for a Prince Warrior to learn,” said Ruwach. “The power of the Source only resides in those who are humble of heart.”

MEANING:
But He gives greater grace. Therefore He says, “God resists the proud, but gives grace to the humble” (James 4:6).

Secret 1

“What do you know about the enemy you face?” asked Mr. J. Ar.

“That he’s a liar. A deceiver.”

“Right. And what do you know about Ruwach? And the Source?”

“That they are true and right,” Xavier said slowly, thinking over the words as he spoke.

MEANING:
John 8:44 says, “The Devil . . . was a murderer from the beginning and has not stood in the trutht, because there is no truth in him. When he tells a lie, he speaks from his own nature, because he is a liar and the father of liars.”                   

And Psalm 18:30 tells us, “Of God — His way is perfect; the word of the LORD is pure. He is a shield to all who take refuge in Him.”

Secret 2

The enemy is under your feet.

MEANING:
Matthew 23:44 says, “The Lord declared to my Lord, ‘Sit at My right hand, until I put Your enemies under Your feet.’”

Secret 1

The Sparks encircled the Prince Warriors like a hedge, a barrier. And then Levi saw that the lights were growing larger, each miniscule glimmer blooming, exploding like fireworks, shooting out tendrils of light. The brilliant shafts wove themselves into shimmering figures as tall as buildings, beautiful and noble. Levi could make out the familiar shapes of breastplates over flowing robes, shields, and swords. . . .

Warriors!

MEANING:
One of the greatest revelations of your life will be to realize that God and His angels are fighting for you and always have been. They are on your side! And if God is for us, who is against us (Romans 8:31)? Psalm 91:11 says, “For He will give His angels orders concerning you, to protect you in all your ways.”

Secret 2

If only they could see this, Levi thought. He shut his eyes tight, whispering from the depths of his heart: Let them see it too. Ruwach, please, let them see it. Just this once.

MEANING:
Levi asks Ruwach to let his friends see the beautiful sight of the warriors who are surrounding them in the battle and preparing to fight on their behalf. It is one of the most beautiful portions of the entire series and is based on a story from 2 Kings 6:15–17:

When the servant of the man of God got up early and went out, he discovered an army with horses and chariots surrounding the city. So he asked Elisha, “Oh, my master, what are we to do? ” Elisha said, “Don’t be afraid, for those who are with us outnumber those who are with them.” Then Elisha prayed, “LORD, please open his eyes and let him see.” So the LORD opened the servant’s eyes. He looked and saw that the mountain was covered with horses and chariots of fire all around Elisha.

Secret 3

Regarding Finn: At least now, he thought, the anger is directed at the right enemy, the true enemy, the one that seeks to kill everything good in the world.

MEANING:
Finn’s anger used to get him in trouble. It was directed at the wrong people and worked out in the wrong ways. But now that he could really see who the real enemy actually was, he had the opportunity to channel his righteous anger at the right enemy. Victory in spiritual warfare starts right here for all of us. When we have spiritual vision to really see that the enemy is the one behind the scenes orchestrating some of life’s most pressing problems, we will be able to direct the right weapons at the right culprit.

Secret 1

Look at her. No armor. No protection.

MEANING:
Without the protection of the armor, Mary has no way of standing up to Ponéros. And he wants to take advantage of that weakness and vulnerability. Without the armor of God (Ephesians 6:10–20) we do not have a chance to stand firm against the enemy either.

Secret 2

And in this moment Levi knew—they all knew and understood—that what they had always needed to defeat Ponéros had been with them all along. The Source had given them everything. From the beginning. In Ruwach.

MEANING:
In this final, epic battle, the Prince Warriors make one last startling revelation—having “all they needed” was not found in having enough weapons, it was in having a relationship with Ruwach. He was their ultimate warrior and the one who had been protecting them all along. The armor only worked because He infused it with power to be effective. Without Him, the warriors didn’t stand a chance. Realizing this, Levi defers to the strength and power of Ruwach to defending him against this enemy.