Lord William's perfect world is shattered by Deception. Now locked in a dungeon awaiting execution, he thinks about his failure as Captain of the Castle, Governor of the Wall, and Keeper of the Gates of Havilah. From the prison cell he writes this gripping memoir of devastating loss. Haunted by the spectre of the loathsome creature Bwing who occupies the next cell, Lord William explores the roots of the human condition: loss of identity and the quest to regain it. A dead man already, he can afford to face the hardest questions-even the most profound and deeply disturbing loss of his own gender identity. After 40 days of fasting, the real story begins.... Readers often compare this story to The Screwtape Letters by C. S. Lewis and The Pilgrim's Progress by John Bunyan. Runyon skillfully combines character, mood, and setting to present this haunting story in simple prose that follows Lord William (both a leader and an "everyman") into spiritual warfare. Effectively depicting the challenges of mankind in recognition of and relationship to good and evil, beauty and ugliness, despair and joy, justice and forgiveness, truth and deception, condemnation and redemption, this gripping work holds the reader's interest with suspense and mystery, humor and horror, love and hate in an imaginary yet very familiar world, peopled with imaginary yet very familiar characters. Vibrant descriptions transport readers to depths and heights of recognition with dark despair or fresh delight. The story alone holds the interest; profound truths inherent to the story remind the reader of the outcomes of the momentous decisions we all make in life." -Marvelle Vannest "The Shattered Urn articulates fresh biblical insights on pressing issues that plague our culture." -Rev. G. Harry Bonney "A wonderful modern recapitulation of John Bunyan's style to tell a story that is accessible to all ages. A delightful, imaginative story full of wisdom." -Marsha Daigle-Williamson, Ph. D. "An unforgettably detailed depiction of mankind's spiritual journey to both degradation and redemption. Profound insights shine like jewels in this masterful allegory." - Carol Morrisey "Vivid contrast marks this novel. Black is darkness incarnate; White is dazzling light. Many shades of gray are nuanced, and much is revealed in the shadows." -Virgil B. Hartgerink