Some may read the title of this book and think this is some sort of book that deals with a monarch figure of English folklore that was terrorizing a colony set in the medieval times. Then, there are those that have read the introduction and expect a dissertation on the brain and multiple personalities. Guess what? You are going to get a taste of all of that in the pages to follow. Based on the fact that people have been dealing with the fight within since the beginning, of time this subject matter has been approached from many angles. From the Apostle Paul, to Plato, to Aristotle to Sigmund Freud, many have tried to self-examine mankind and design a road map detailing how to navigate the rugged terrain of this thing we call life. It was while I was trying to negotiate my own inner battles that I was led by the Holy Spirit to an interesting time and period in the Bible where the Israelites were faced with a very demanding task. They were challenged to do something that would prove to be critical for them to take possession of a land that promised a better existence and abundant resources to make life more prosperous for them. In my studies, I found a provocative Biblical story that has a potentially broader impact for mankind, if we can open ourselves to embrace the deeper implications. As the dramatic story unfolded, I soon determined that the plight of the Israelites could actually be indicative of an individuals internal battle and inward journey towards personal growth and development. Inspired by God, I decided to write a sermon series about it entitled Driving out the kINGS. In this series, I dissect the mission the Israelites were given in order to possess the land promised to them by God. This mission I found to run parallel with that of a person trying to take control of their life and be the best that they can be in the good and bad of life. Join me in the following pages to seek the better you for the best life of your dreams.

Mary Hastings Bradley (1882-1976) wrote historical novels, travelogues, and mysteries, and was a journalist for Colliers Magazine during World War II. She traveled extensively, and wrote many articles and novels about her experiences.

Halfdan the Black got a wife called Ragnhild, a daughter of Harald Gulskeg (Goldbeard), who was a king in Sogn. They had a son, to whom Harald gave his own name; and the boy was brought up in Sogn, by his mother’s father, King Harald. Now when this Harald had lived out his days nearly, and was become weak, having no son, he gave his dominions to his daughter’s son Harald, and gave him his title of king; and he died soon after. The same winter his daughter Ragnhild died; and the following spring the young Harald fell sick and died at ten years of age. As soon as Halfdan the Black heard of his son’s death, he took the road northwards to Sogn with a great force, and was well received. He claimed the heritage and dominion after his son; and no opposition being made, he took the whole kingdom. Earl Atle Mjove (the Slender), who was a friend of King Halfdan, came to him from Gaular; and the king set him over the Sogn district, to judge in the country according to the country’s laws, and collect scat upon the king’s account. Thereafter King Halfdan proceeded to his kingdom in the Uplands. In autumn, King Halfdan proceeded to Vingulmark. One night when he was there in guest quarters, it happened that about midnight a man came to him who had been on the watch on horseback, and told him a war force was come near to the house. The king instantly got up, ordered his men to arm themselves, and went out of the house and drew them up in battle order. At the same moment, Gandalf’s sons, Hysing and Helsing, made their appearance with a large army. There was a great battle; but Halfdan being overpowered by the numbers of people fled to the forest, leaving many of his men on this spot. His foster-father, Olver Spake (the Wise), fell here. The people now came in swarms to King Halfdan, and he advanced to seek Gandalf’s sons. They met at Eid, near Lake Oieren, and fought there. Hysing and Helsing fell, and their brother Hake saved himself by flight. King Halfdan then took possession of the whole of Vingulmark, and Hake fled to Alfheimar.

The centuries pass and Tharandil and his partner Nimrond rule the "House of Trees" as kings. Their offspring grow up and are now approaching the year house. There is a deep longing within them, the desire for togetherness awakens. But after the world wanderer returns from Gydland, everything changes. There, among the humans, he has found the instrument he needs to seize control of Varngond. He manages to throw King Tharandil completely off balance and rally some hunters behind him. Will the royal family succeed in averting all harm and retaining power? And what is the mysterious intruder doing sneaking through the woods in search of the king?

Eisenbrauns is pleased to announce this quality reprint of Simo Parpola's classic work, Letters from Assyrian Scholars to the Kings Esarhaddon and Assurbanipal. "Part II: Commentary and Appendices" originally appeared in 1983 as AOAT 5/2