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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.226Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEyzU1eGJIQ
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.226Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZoPt4PGZqg
"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."226Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFU5t0F4r1F
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. 226Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡm8bxNLPd0g
You see here, I have everything I need in my heart, which is filled with love and peace."226Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoBdot8iBTo
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. 226Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgnznGZ4CC9
You are a stupid fool to believe otherwise. Come, Merlin, let us leave this pitiful, idiot creature to his silly delusions."226Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡx4fHrC2KuF
𝑻𝒉𝒆 𝑪𝒐𝒖𝒏𝒕226Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXxSfj72MeY
The Count turned his horse and rode away, followed by Merlin. The monk watched them go, and prayed for their souls.226Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjslHSfV2Zd
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.226Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsCJZQpD87A
The Count wanted to conquer Camelot and claim its riches and lands, while Merlin wanted to destroy it and its protector, the wizard Gandalf.226Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡl4JhftG7y4
Merlin had a plan, which he shared with the Count. He said,226Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBr5yif8aHK
"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. 226Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ53ZlXNpdwW
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."226Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtkljmCtNDl
The Count was quite intrigued and asked,226Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvebnrcX834
"How do we find this Holy Grail?"226Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡALyQAxZbd1
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."226Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAtWa2N1Hb8
The Count realized who he meant and said, "The monk? You want to use him?"226Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡP3HbdgCOcY
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."226Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyHDsIrgFRz
𝑴𝒆𝒓𝒍𝒊𝒏226Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡguiMh0gODm
The Count agreed and said, "Very well, let us do it. When do we leave?"226Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhSHYNDTuQC
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."226Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ54YqzTtaZL
The Count smiled and said, "Excellent. Let us prepare then. Soon, we will rule this land with an iron fist."226Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFktRPDKFRQ
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. 226Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlbYEpDyS9o
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.226Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡC1ZXemQSUY
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, 226Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2esWX2op9J
do you not?"226Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAlvJchXtsl
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."226Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ73T9hfhYZv
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."226Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9vXm1XHnTN
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."226Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFBaSEw960s
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."226Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVAp7NL2Fij
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.226Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡH2Is1OKXTj
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. 226Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡI4ASTDla1P
Though he was quite hesitant to lead the Count to the Holy Grail, he would not lay down his life for it.226Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUa0khtv7lp
At last, they came to a clearing, where a red small chapel stood. It was old, decrepit226Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUfQkmgqnQa
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."226Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTvwFcjMEjw
Chapter II226Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpZ0me3k9sI
He drew his sword and walked towards the chapel, leaving Merlin and the others behind. He pushed open the wooden door and entered.226Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQCMKiCrq6D
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, 226Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLMc4XvwX7v
"The Grail! It is real! It is here!"226Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3q0Ryj9Lne
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.226Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVvM6RW41pc
Outside, Merlin heard a scream and said, "What was that? What happened?"226Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUivutU92eF
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,226Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTcyvBxGaxm
"The Grail! It is real! I 226Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmzoo4M9aXV
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. 226Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡStTwxjw8Xi
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.226Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtZ8s08qxsk
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.226Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡd2BGhY2Or0
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.226Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoYay5TPlVB
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."226Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1gQAhL7hhh
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.226Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAncSD6G1D4
The monk recognized him at once and said, "My lord... King Arthur?"226Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmGIdbTgtJq
The man smiled and said, "Yes, it is I. I have come to save you from your enemies."226Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNAlvz3G9k8
He untied the monk and helped him to stand up. He said, "Come with me. I will take you to a safe place."226Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡg8XfyyzpRC
Chapter III226Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3DfvMDMKTY
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."226Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡem2i6p7drn
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.226Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwxWESnt8F9
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.226Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡO7ADURA0Pj
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.226Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡetmNmpoNJt
He quickly rode out of Camelot, without even looking back.226Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmax3biCZVO
He rode his horse for many days and nights, through forests and fields, mountains and valleys. 226Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAUe4XAq5gY
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.226Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJAXOUF4Y3N
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, 226Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡijvR8oua3a
"Whoever wishes to enter this castle must prove himself worthy by passing through the fire."226Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwmCzlAhSvy
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.226Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKf2wJC6Wnm
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.226Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2B7Gnv8Swt
𝑻𝒉𝒆 𝑯𝒐𝒍𝒚 𝑮𝒓𝒂𝒊𝒍226Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcmTbAVUu8e
Lancelot recognized it as the Grail. He felt a surge of joy and awe, as he walked towards it, his eyes wide in226Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡu1Mzks3Kwh
wonder.
He reached out his hand to touch it, but as soon as he did, he heard a scream.226Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBnBSHQVVmi
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?"226Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnTAzzDs4Tu
She fell to the ground, dead.226Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpdxxS4Nixa
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!"226Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcMVeftaGEX
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.226Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0EkVePSmov
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."226Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ53bfM9arSx
She disappeared in his arms, still laughing.226Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2xwI1oGNt0
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!226Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1hIrUlixLq
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 ."226Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFy7XDd6P2t
He looked up not226Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ83cZmKSgxD
believing his own
eyes...
𝑲𝒊𝒏𝒈 𝑨𝒖𝒕𝒉𝒖𝒓226Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNOba9cZcA6
Lancelot recognized him at once and said, "My lord ... King Arthur?"226Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeQQ4ZQarBA
The king smiled and said, "Yes, it is I, I who have come to save you from your enemies."226Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkpC5ttGcnV
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."226Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrHNiZxy41R
He led him to a white horse that was there waiting nearby. He helped him to mount it and then mounted another one himself .226Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhYhBez3AcY
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."226Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVxoTtypyk7
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.226Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡo2Ds17jJXp
They entered into Avalon, where they were welcomed by knights that had transcended their physical bodies and were now guardian angels.226Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiMzTQmEfWe
226Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNIpzVYx9Mf
