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Merlin was a master of dark magic, who used his wicked spells to manipulate and deceive. He also had a hidden agenda, which was to overthrow the Count Phillip and take his place.
One day, Count Phillip was riding through the forest, when he came across a monk, who was traveling to a nearby monastery.409Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkl7tos5kec
The monk was a humble and kind man, who devoted his life to helping others and spreading the word of God. He greeted the Count with respect and courtesy, but the Count mocked him and his faith.409Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmvu1WiTd5U
"Ha! What do you know of life, you foolish monk? You waste your days in pointless prayer and meditation, while I enjoy the pleasures of this world. You have no power, no real influence, no glory. You are nothing but a beggar in a robe."409Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0CQhf3IDOe
The monk smiled and said, "My lord, I do not seek any of those things. I only seek to serve God and his creation. I have no selfish need for raw power, influence, or glory, for they are fleeting and vain. 409Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqHd8x7VHwK
You see here, I have everything I need in my heart, which is filled with love and peace."409Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyTTYSpiUrX
The Count sneered and said, "Love and peace? What utter nonsense! There is only war and strife in this world. Love is a weakness, and peace is a lie. 409Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnVkkDG0rkM
You are a stupid fool to believe otherwise. Come, Merlin, let us leave this pitiful, idiot creature to his silly delusions."409Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdQWYv9hFKW
𝑻𝒉𝒆 𝑪𝒐𝒖𝒏𝒕409Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNHf3nWxnKx
The Count turned his horse and rode away, followed by Merlin. The monk watched them go, and prayed for their souls.409Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcaqr3IBHSJ
The Count and Merlin returned to the castle, where they plotted their next move. They had been at war with the neighboring kingdom of Camelot, which was ruled by the noble King Arthur and his knights.409Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcJxBizJgfx
The Count wanted to conquer Camelot and claim its riches and lands, while Merlin wanted to destroy it and its protector, the wizard Gandalf.409Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡV8TbH4xE72
Merlin had a plan, which he shared with the Count. He said,409Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡURctUWBccb
"My lord, I have devised a way to defeat our enemies once and for all. I have learned of a powerful artifact, hidden in the depths of the forest. 409Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1LDFh2T2bf
It is called the Holy Grail, and it is said to grant eternal life and wisdom to whoever drinks from it. If we can find it and use it, we will become invincible and unstoppable."409Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqEOryR0nqK
The Count was quite intrigued and asked,409Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjIwaENMQCc
"How do we find this Holy Grail?"409Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxC8cs7yJnq
Merlin said, "There is a legend, that only the purest of heart can see it and touch it. We must find someone who fits that description, and use them as our guide. I have a candidate in mind, someone who crossed our path today."409Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡohVC3DdLgX
The Count realized who he meant and said, "The monk? You want to use him?"409Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgPtdNakC0n
Merlin nodded and said, "Yes, he is perfect. He is innocent and devout, he knows the forest well, and he has no ties to Camelot or Gandalf. He will not suspect our intentions, and he will lead us to the Grail. All we have to do is capture him and persuade him to cooperate."409Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKJeLx01qnt
𝑴𝒆𝒓𝒍𝒊𝒏409Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3jBRvmTD8L
The Count agreed and said, "Very well, let us do it. When do we leave?"409Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnpSZGPCbeB
Merlin said, "Tonight, under the cover of darkness. We will take a small group of men with us, and leave the rest to guard the castle. We will be back before dawn, with the Grail in our hands."409Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdMXpMdY2II
The Count smiled and said, "Excellent. Let us prepare then. Soon, we will rule this land with an iron fist."409Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6SlFJbnVCd
That night, the Count and Merlin, along with a dozen of their men, rode to the monastery where all the monks were staying. They arrived in the pale midnight, and attacked the peaceful, sleeping, monks, killing many of them and setting fire to the buildings. 409Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsUzxl00m5V
They found the monk they were looking for, and dragged him out of his bed. He was terrified, and bitterly confused, begging them to spare his life.409Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGkEmHmVIMm
The Count said, "Do not fear, we will not kill you. We have a special task for you. You will lead us to the Holy Grail, the most sacred relic in the world. You know where it is, 409Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoHrBlxl65y
do you not?"409Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnZFSEruAK0
The monk said, "The Holy Grail? I do not know what you speak of. I have never seen it or heard of it. Please please, let me go. I have done nothing to harm you."409Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLGooQlduHQ
Merlin said, "Do not lie to us, you pious fraud. You are one of the purest of heart, and only such can find the Grail. We have seen it in our dreams, and we know you have too. It is hidden in the forest, in a secret place known only to God and His chosen ones. You will take us there, or you will suffer greatly."409Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2FqxNf2OF9
The monk said, "I swear by God, I do not know anything about the Grail. You are mistaken, or deluded by evil spirits. The Grail is not for mortal men to seek or possess. It is a divine mystery, beyond your comprehension."409Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtXlembZi7b
The Count said, "Enough of your nonsense. You will obey us, or you will die. Come, mount this horse. We have no time to waste."409Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdO5ELSwsdQ
The Count forced the monk to ride with him, while Merlin and the rest followed behind. They left the burning monastery behind them, and headed into the forest.409Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4296tygftk
The Count and his men rode through the forest for hours, following the directions of Merlin, who claimed to have a vision of the Grail's location. The monk was silent and prayed inwardly, hoping for a miracle. 409Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsh6rOlU1ms
Though he was quite hesitant to lead the Count to the Holy Grail, he would not lay down his life for it.409Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmbkEPWEae6
At last, they came to a clearing, where a red small chapel stood. It was old, decrepit409Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYcDyxUhQcp
crumbling, and covered with vines and moss. Merlin said, "This is it. This is where the Grail is hidden. I can feel its power. Come, let us enter."
The Count dismounted and said, "You stay here with the monk. I will go in first. The Grail is mine, and mine alone."409Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvY63QtsbWF
Chapter II409Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdXfeW5QhsF
He drew his sword and walked towards the chapel, leaving Merlin and the others behind. He pushed open the wooden door and entered.409Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8yqGMYIFOY
Inside, he saw a dimly lit room, with a stone altar in the center. On the altar, there was a golden cup, shining with a faint light. The Count gasped and said, 409Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1ilhdpuy0o
"The Grail! It is real! It is here!"409Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTVb9kJiHGC
He approached the altar, his eyes fixed on the cup. He reached out his hand to grab it, but as soon as he touched it, he felt a surge of pain in his chest. He looked down and saw blood spilling from his heart. He fell to the ground, dead.409Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9GiGE2n8Hl
Outside, Merlin heard a scream and said, "What was that? What happened?"409Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPpVROYaytg
He ran to the chapel, followed by his men. They saw the Count's body lying on the floor, and the cup on the altar. Merlin said,409Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡs3tHAUZRti
"The Grail! It is real! I 409Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡF2Gti8pKXF
must have it!"
He rushed to the altar, ignoring the Count's corpse. He grabbed the cup and lifted it to his lips. He drank from it, expecting to feel eternal life and wisdom. Instead, he felt a burning sensation in his throat and stomach. 409Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8L8H8Uos5Q
He dropped the cup and clutched his belly. He realized too late that he had been poisoned by the Grail's holy power. He collapsed on the floor, dying.409Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZ0O7FPLIcS
The other men saw what happened and were terrified. They ran out of the chapel, leaving behind their leader and their lord. They mounted their horses and fled from the forest.409Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvd9QbRGR6Z
The monk was still tied to a Willow tree, watching everything in horror. He did not understand what had happened, or why God had allowed such evil to befall him and his brothers. He wondered if he would ever be free again.409Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnjEly6YmZG
Then he heard a voice in his ear, saying, "Do not despair, my son. You have done well. You have resisted temptation and remained faithful to me. You have witnessed my justice and my mercy. You have seen the folly of those who seek the Grail for their own gain."409Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡA0uWvtmFIn
The monk looked up and saw a man standing next to him. He was tall and fair, with long blond hair and blue eyes. He wore a white robe and a silver crown. He had a kind and gentle face, but also a majestic and noble one.409Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRBoILWtm2e
The monk recognized him at once and said, "My lord... King Arthur?"409Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWTDEEWhxEG
The man smiled and said, "Yes, it is I. I have come to save you from your enemies."409Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhlt5b9Lh6F
He untied the monk and helped him to stand up. He said, "Come with me. I will take you to a safe place."409Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoQcov3jXai
Chapter III409Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYDKpbU4SkD
Meanwhile, in Camelot, Sir Lancelot was restless. He had a dream the night before, in which he saw a golden cup and a voice that said, "Seek the Grail, and you will find your destiny."409Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7Es3FVQ1vM
He did not know what it meant, but he felt a strong urge to follow it. He decided to leave Camelot and go on a quest for the Grail.409Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡY1zztHFinW
He packed his belongings and took his horse. He did not tell anyone where he was going, not even his beloved Guinevere, the queen. He knew she would try to stop him, or ask him to take her with him. He loved her more than anything, but he also felt guilty for betraying his king and his friend, Arthur.409Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcqmU1uFqYn
He left a note for her, saying, "Forgive me, my love. I have to do this. I will return to you, if God wills it.409Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEDBsb8ZvVU
He quickly rode out of Camelot, without even looking back.409Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1OnIpKly3p
He rode his horse for many days and nights, through forests and fields, mountains and valleys. 409Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4QdsZPKYt6
He prayed every day, asking God to guide him to the Grail. He hoped that by finding it, he would then be forgiven for his sins and be worthy of God's love.409Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡstk4auRTl5
One day, he came across a castle in the middle of a lake. It was surrounded by a wall of fire, which burned without smoke or ash. He heard a voice from within the castle, saying, 409Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfMLmpSa4lB
"Whoever wishes to enter this castle must prove himself worthy by passing through the fire."409Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJmexA9Ztci
Lancelot did not hesitate. He spurred his horse and charged towards the fire. He felt a brief pain as he crossed it, but then he was inside the castle.409Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnnGQGvOc5d
He dismounted his horse and looked around. He saw a large hall, with a long table in the center. On the table, there was a golden cup, shining with a bright light.409Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2tNpG7MWzc
𝑻𝒉𝒆 𝑯𝒐𝒍𝒚 𝑮𝒓𝒂𝒊𝒍409Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjkYjufKelz
Lancelot recognized it as the Grail. He felt a surge of joy and awe, as he walked towards it, his eyes wide in409Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6yENegVcSr
wonder.
He reached out his hand to touch it, but as soon as he did, he heard a scream.409Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡt1PqEA7NXZ
He turned around and saw Guinevere standing at the door of the hall. She was pale and bleeding from a wound in her chest. She said, "Lancelot! How could you? How could you leave me? How could you choose this cup over me?"409Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXgfoSIupfm
She fell to the ground, dead.409Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhkhIFCcYIn
Lancelot was shocked and horrified. He then dropped the cup and ran to her side. He took her in his arms and said, "Guinevere! No! This can't be! This is a trick! This is a lie!"409Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5vlKfs43Gv
He looked at her face and saw that it was not Guinevere's face at all. It was the face of Morgana , Arthur's half-sister and enemy. She had wickedly used her sick, morbid magic to disguise herself as the beauty, Guinevere, to lure Lancelot into a trap.409Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhHBHXs8LO5
She laughed and said. "Fool! You have fallen for my trap! You have chosen the false Grail, which is not a cup, but a curse. It has poisoned your soul and your love . You have lost everything."409Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡg3WEq1KI7K
She disappeared in his arms, still laughing.409Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYuWzkUN1q7
Lancelot realized that he had been deceived. He had chosen the wrong cup and wrong destiny. He cried out in anguish, "God!" Forgive me! Help me!409Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9jPw5uqvei
And he too, heard a voice in his ear, that said, "Do not fear or despair, my son, you have done well. You have followed your heart and your faith. and have faced evil temptation and trial. You have seen the stark truth, also the lie and have found your true destiny ."409Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPsvBFhdA9R
He looked up not409Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVSFYLQ5ug3
believing his own
eyes...
𝑲𝒊𝒏𝒈 𝑨𝒖𝒕𝒉𝒖𝒓409Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkPV32iYVkK
Lancelot recognized him at once and said, "My lord ... King Arthur?"409Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8n9lCfVeaF
The king smiled and said, "Yes, it is I, I who have come to save you from your enemies."409Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkOgUy94PVk
He helped him to stand up. He said, "Come with me, I will take you to Avalon, where I dwell with my knights and my lovely queen. There you will find peace and joy. There you will see the true Grail, which is not a cup, but a vision of God 's love."409Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfsILyrpQZh
He led him to a white horse that was there waiting nearby. He helped him to mount it and then mounted another one himself .409Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtgs5cwxAkD
He said , "We are all going to Avalon, where we are free from pain, evil and sorrow. There we are one with God and each other and we are happy and fulfilled."409Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjAPNy8ZI2H
He rode away with Lancelot, leaving behind the castle, the fire, and the corpses. They crossed a bridge of light, which had spanned over a misty lake.409Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDy6542PCd6
They entered into Avalon, where they were welcomed by knights that had transcended their physical bodies and were now guardian angels.409Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWe32xfOYEC
409Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7NmbweEZcf
