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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.405Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaouynO78bb
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.405Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPgnevnFpsw
"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."405Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDuP3faLrdh
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. 405Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡc2u9ri3sPa
You see here, I have everything I need in my heart, which is filled with love and peace."405Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXFazA4ZinQ
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. 405Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEhtaJqpwwc
You are a stupid fool to believe otherwise. Come, Merlin, let us leave this pitiful, idiot creature to his silly delusions."405Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiZOfcDzbEX
𝑻𝒉𝒆 𝑪𝒐𝒖𝒏𝒕405Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3IsrLkGYCg
The Count turned his horse and rode away, followed by Merlin. The monk watched them go, and prayed for their souls.405Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdE1ZZCvQoM
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.405Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDZqS2Jfely
The Count wanted to conquer Camelot and claim its riches and lands, while Merlin wanted to destroy it and its protector, the wizard Gandalf.405Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8YWBirncah
Merlin had a plan, which he shared with the Count. He said,405Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpERgIJP2qG
"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. 405Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzHQpOiAHYM
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."405Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrNrubvcStt
The Count was quite intrigued and asked,405Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiF6Q4fNuYO
"How do we find this Holy Grail?"405Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdUAZwDit9o
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."405Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuPqoluhyS3
The Count realized who he meant and said, "The monk? You want to use him?"405Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhiUXS9QY1z
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."405Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNwKgCM2pL6
𝑴𝒆𝒓𝒍𝒊𝒏405Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMO2sf7NthH
The Count agreed and said, "Very well, let us do it. When do we leave?"405Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡORT0oHIm5r
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."405Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRqNhHK7Bay
The Count smiled and said, "Excellent. Let us prepare then. Soon, we will rule this land with an iron fist."405Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQNQG1YuOM0
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. 405Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxCsrrdhpRU
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.405Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡs76fgLWIYw
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, 405Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxad16u4xVF
do you not?"405Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ30oN8cWjD6
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."405Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLMTciH2q7j
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."405Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡx7QrW5z7tC
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."405Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdGmgPu9tih
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."405Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZh1FIF6res
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.405Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡh2jb1AWAZ9
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. 405Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡm4KOM3V35P
Though he was quite hesitant to lead the Count to the Holy Grail, he would not lay down his life for it.405Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCg55BRyfib
At last, they came to a clearing, where a red small chapel stood. It was old, decrepit405Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ28djLfmzOH
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."405Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyXq5IoQbUp
Chapter II405Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4J0jk7DDeQ
He drew his sword and walked towards the chapel, leaving Merlin and the others behind. He pushed open the wooden door and entered.405Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxoWFOsX4Al
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, 405Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5nUafizrXY
"The Grail! It is real! It is here!"405Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkQDcAODWZE
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.405Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoSJDoc7FMT
Outside, Merlin heard a scream and said, "What was that? What happened?"405Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpWRylYbrdK
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,405Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAvQyDLoTni
"The Grail! It is real! I 405Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡS6mna4yG0Z
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. 405Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAmegOeO4GM
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.405Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTitaT5x58w
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.405Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaZ7K9oPjIi
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.405Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvbVctBd16v
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."405Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGA7TQElcZ6
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.405Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5kzVoSGAzD
The monk recognized him at once and said, "My lord... King Arthur?"405Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBZD959cTUX
The man smiled and said, "Yes, it is I. I have come to save you from your enemies."405Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡB9m7ZUuiaT
He untied the monk and helped him to stand up. He said, "Come with me. I will take you to a safe place."405Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3xb4clUBTY
Chapter III405Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5u7s6e5LWJ
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."405Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbOMEe3bM9X
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.405Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJlmy648icH
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.405Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡslp1l8Eydx
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.405Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTrXzrhw8HE
He quickly rode out of Camelot, without even looking back.405Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgVmexarmjT
He rode his horse for many days and nights, through forests and fields, mountains and valleys. 405Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡO4BxQNy0uO
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.405Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQO1OE1HE9s
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, 405Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVP05NRAo1k
"Whoever wishes to enter this castle must prove himself worthy by passing through the fire."405Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡy2IS2iuDDH
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.405Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPjwPrzSJlj
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.405Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSrwxKUNHL5
𝑻𝒉𝒆 𝑯𝒐𝒍𝒚 𝑮𝒓𝒂𝒊𝒍405Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9bNdODmcSF
Lancelot recognized it as the Grail. He felt a surge of joy and awe, as he walked towards it, his eyes wide in405Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPmrrX8LTNA
wonder.
He reached out his hand to touch it, but as soon as he did, he heard a scream.405Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡe8ys10N6Lb
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?"405Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEXsiHwMdK8
She fell to the ground, dead.405Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhLi5JJQAlR
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!"405Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBdgHAxxUrf
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.405Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0fZXh1mSKr
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."405Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOhGaM44lmc
She disappeared in his arms, still laughing.405Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡanb2F98tNo
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!405Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhWCMu1MTZJ
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 ."405Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbUr5Dvaufv
He looked up not405Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡieqOV00juJ
believing his own
eyes...
𝑲𝒊𝒏𝒈 𝑨𝒖𝒕𝒉𝒖𝒓405Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9FfAlcbZHD
Lancelot recognized him at once and said, "My lord ... King Arthur?"405Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGpujuSuEtx
The king smiled and said, "Yes, it is I, I who have come to save you from your enemies."405Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyMr702Ij3M
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."405Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuD8iz7fRqb
He led him to a white horse that was there waiting nearby. He helped him to mount it and then mounted another one himself .405Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsKlYtr0h6h
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."405Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyhgU64U7s2
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.405Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnmi73Wf0tJ
They entered into Avalon, where they were welcomed by knights that had transcended their physical bodies and were now guardian angels.405Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdfPZjWwRkq
405Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRBqpJnDdv9
