x
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.382Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeQgad9j2Xm
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.382Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoUsMMikIXf
"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."382Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsGsseloT70
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. 382Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFFmXHIIYyH
You see here, I have everything I need in my heart, which is filled with love and peace."382Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDQNqBhUoaS
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. 382Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡer9dJ2zleG
You are a stupid fool to believe otherwise. Come, Merlin, let us leave this pitiful, idiot creature to his silly delusions."382Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdvC3xSMbAL
𝑻𝒉𝒆 𝑪𝒐𝒖𝒏𝒕382Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdIFvo5gWYN
The Count turned his horse and rode away, followed by Merlin. The monk watched them go, and prayed for their souls.382Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGfRhMPF3gO
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.382Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEu9ylsGxRc
The Count wanted to conquer Camelot and claim its riches and lands, while Merlin wanted to destroy it and its protector, the wizard Gandalf.382Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNksvR2rUnL
Merlin had a plan, which he shared with the Count. He said,382Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFXnduJHccB
"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. 382Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡc2rx1NlCPK
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."382Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkgKf6YCqtE
The Count was quite intrigued and asked,382Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoiTtGahe94
"How do we find this Holy Grail?"382Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡd99gUScSrR
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."382Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJi3M94nDQV
The Count realized who he meant and said, "The monk? You want to use him?"382Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpbRdGtRJYt
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."382Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCs2UPoqmSZ
𝑴𝒆𝒓𝒍𝒊𝒏382Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡS2rGRPUrJ3
The Count agreed and said, "Very well, let us do it. When do we leave?"382Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡn0Qikeadag
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."382Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7d8PCIqaGv
The Count smiled and said, "Excellent. Let us prepare then. Soon, we will rule this land with an iron fist."382Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3syWHQbMrX
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. 382Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkjwdZXJ4mi
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.382Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡd5mqtEya8k
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, 382Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoi4233VXXl
do you not?"382Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2OkMNAHGVz
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."382Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEyGiaqGqON
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."382Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5oGLP45CZx
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."382Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtCbv1BIO2l
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."382Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyTc7XzRhXv
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.382Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCqcHCL7ASI
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. 382Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJwRaYjQYVb
Though he was quite hesitant to lead the Count to the Holy Grail, he would not lay down his life for it.382Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdl50YZmLag
At last, they came to a clearing, where a red small chapel stood. It was old, decrepit382Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvNQ3LEoFbN
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."382Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWwYzOPuQp9
Chapter II382Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhoLdprfGbf
He drew his sword and walked towards the chapel, leaving Merlin and the others behind. He pushed open the wooden door and entered.382Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9aqIe2HNz5
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, 382Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡShrAuia5U7
"The Grail! It is real! It is here!"382Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡj9BpifqDAy
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.382Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZsBn2uJDWi
Outside, Merlin heard a scream and said, "What was that? What happened?"382Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdAjcw5Ljdd
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,382Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCAxIKAAPlT
"The Grail! It is real! I 382Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWSv0VB7L4V
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. 382Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3BfeWREsj8
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.382Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKxf4qTiW4Z
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.382Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGDFMbW1FPO
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.382Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfCMKBDOYSt
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."382Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ05gJywfMBK
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.382Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡE0ZaEVVD1C
The monk recognized him at once and said, "My lord... King Arthur?"382Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3PI1dMvbU8
The man smiled and said, "Yes, it is I. I have come to save you from your enemies."382Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZeXqZZ2EVM
He untied the monk and helped him to stand up. He said, "Come with me. I will take you to a safe place."382Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRpZtDfXkQ4
Chapter III382Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWGpqiCLT7j
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."382Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWSd88fYzsU
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.382Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡw7XQBuvA2O
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.382Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFIfLmCbo0C
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.382Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDOpXtODElc
He quickly rode out of Camelot, without even looking back.382Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8WRWFFsLxD
He rode his horse for many days and nights, through forests and fields, mountains and valleys. 382Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrQSVwsfaot
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.382Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡggKlcXh0ij
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, 382Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeFGhHQPdxL
"Whoever wishes to enter this castle must prove himself worthy by passing through the fire."382Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5x8k4JjPEZ
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.382Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡO0aEouBglp
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.382Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPMft05jhuT
𝑻𝒉𝒆 𝑯𝒐𝒍𝒚 𝑮𝒓𝒂𝒊𝒍382Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYV2ceP2IuL
Lancelot recognized it as the Grail. He felt a surge of joy and awe, as he walked towards it, his eyes wide in382Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWgRYWNU6Jf
wonder.
He reached out his hand to touch it, but as soon as he did, he heard a scream.382Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwojHCIEgph
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?"382Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6q93SorvPE
She fell to the ground, dead.382Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxW23a4Ti5C
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!"382Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡx6WMPb4vJX
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.382Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4nVvnK5D4x
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."382Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXqnVqI1vqR
She disappeared in his arms, still laughing.382Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXgCUSo3SUN
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!382Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8rBAe05sEd
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 ."382Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBy7Of9ZNi9
He looked up not382Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAJLS5n4Bqi
believing his own
eyes...
𝑲𝒊𝒏𝒈 𝑨𝒖𝒕𝒉𝒖𝒓382Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXVd3Hl1VDU
Lancelot recognized him at once and said, "My lord ... King Arthur?"382Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhmG3Y0vIB8
The king smiled and said, "Yes, it is I, I who have come to save you from your enemies."382Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡa6ev5V5Hsz
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."382Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsGCbUyscwd
He led him to a white horse that was there waiting nearby. He helped him to mount it and then mounted another one himself .382Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVehAcZy0vC
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."382Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡe7gnB9vuDh
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.382Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuDeSwRP4cX
They entered into Avalon, where they were welcomed by knights that had transcended their physical bodies and were now guardian angels.382Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsVey3zLNhz
382Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkWBUHpID7H
