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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.283Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡX6f2MNNXAE
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.283Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBhecAuBwN7
"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."283Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlpRq3t21G2
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. 283Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRy3ePbWJ5Z
You see here, I have everything I need in my heart, which is filled with love and peace."283Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEDRypbge4l
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. 283Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOwk4OjBM0h
You are a stupid fool to believe otherwise. Come, Merlin, let us leave this pitiful, idiot creature to his silly delusions."283Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVL22PJBVOQ
𝑻𝒉𝒆 𝑪𝒐𝒖𝒏𝒕283Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBgn3P5nNKh
The Count turned his horse and rode away, followed by Merlin. The monk watched them go, and prayed for their souls.283Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLAinOCGcde
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.283Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0X7SKAyi7x
The Count wanted to conquer Camelot and claim its riches and lands, while Merlin wanted to destroy it and its protector, the wizard Gandalf.283Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ67Mzk29XTu
Merlin had a plan, which he shared with the Count. He said,283Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ42rcRFbBga
"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. 283Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDslflDcO8Z
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."283Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpC1MZGFpIe
The Count was quite intrigued and asked,283Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZ3cfQKBtni
"How do we find this Holy Grail?"283Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBTxBHI6GPN
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."283Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5Jcr8DC0Hj
The Count realized who he meant and said, "The monk? You want to use him?"283Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡn7L8j2AJPd
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."283Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHxcAyKT0IL
𝑴𝒆𝒓𝒍𝒊𝒏283Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡu5gPwHdbTW
The Count agreed and said, "Very well, let us do it. When do we leave?"283Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡx0YJFDkErY
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."283Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtqO06ribye
The Count smiled and said, "Excellent. Let us prepare then. Soon, we will rule this land with an iron fist."283Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZsxmWoKSEI
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. 283Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLzp1C1SESN
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.283Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡP3QFsWfZIQ
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, 283Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVno6YGUtfR
do you not?"283Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNlXEgJCkQY
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."283Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFrW4bKwVjh
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."283Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDulF4geflv
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."283Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfPhYvQAOny
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."283Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwjxT1LqNz8
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.283Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡf6fzaWRg0d
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. 283Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ72eUkBe1un
Though he was quite hesitant to lead the Count to the Holy Grail, he would not lay down his life for it.283Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWP9ZfciuHX
At last, they came to a clearing, where a red small chapel stood. It was old, decrepit283Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPZqV93YGps
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."283Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiwcGfXwDzR
Chapter II283Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsRJi0Bf8Sy
He drew his sword and walked towards the chapel, leaving Merlin and the others behind. He pushed open the wooden door and entered.283Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡh6148KMLVY
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, 283Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGBc0vYCaWP
"The Grail! It is real! It is here!"283Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkp4lIh9jC4
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.283Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2pnXxg2IQc
Outside, Merlin heard a scream and said, "What was that? What happened?"283Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡomMdFcFMAP
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,283Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyQQYXySGQD
"The Grail! It is real! I 283Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQbJDRfZQ4Y
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. 283Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡquq6poVXJ8
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.283Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5TquGPfbuU
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.283Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZUuU0f8bri
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.283Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcHjbcfO3uW
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."283Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡa2UAI4BnKC
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.283Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKk8H9eUpmc
The monk recognized him at once and said, "My lord... King Arthur?"283Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFM8M8rgcIu
The man smiled and said, "Yes, it is I. I have come to save you from your enemies."283Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAsc3mpkrOt
He untied the monk and helped him to stand up. He said, "Come with me. I will take you to a safe place."283Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2rV7cQ8qqI
Chapter III283Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3sYWNjTUuL
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."283Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUCCPwfZx2F
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.283Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVnKHGT8mdC
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.283Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXpsPFE9V6k
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.283Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPP4KGaNHLB
He quickly rode out of Camelot, without even looking back.283Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvXwULvYdbq
He rode his horse for many days and nights, through forests and fields, mountains and valleys. 283Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqwQuSAJOP2
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.283Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIb1Ho9yTi5
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, 283Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNfe413KfhJ
"Whoever wishes to enter this castle must prove himself worthy by passing through the fire."283Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡp0SSdo8YJX
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.283Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡh73qAU5Phb
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.283Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHfGCn80ylN
𝑻𝒉𝒆 𝑯𝒐𝒍𝒚 𝑮𝒓𝒂𝒊𝒍283Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡq7iGXIl2i8
Lancelot recognized it as the Grail. He felt a surge of joy and awe, as he walked towards it, his eyes wide in283Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡm7HmCsU67P
wonder.
He reached out his hand to touch it, but as soon as he did, he heard a scream.283Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡz0Hsv9pOT9
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?"283Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFcvRYy9VGx
She fell to the ground, dead.283Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlw4X3KYB3v
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!"283Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHnUTwraMS6
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.283Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjvexrEVWBQ
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."283Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHSbFOGJQLR
She disappeared in his arms, still laughing.283Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRBb4ujvvmZ
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!283Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgPL0B3JjHT
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 ."283Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPV9OpHqEbA
He looked up not283Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvUsaOVIr8B
believing his own
eyes...
𝑲𝒊𝒏𝒈 𝑨𝒖𝒕𝒉𝒖𝒓283Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzqoPl5oYQP
Lancelot recognized him at once and said, "My lord ... King Arthur?"283Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrNCCH2I9ms
The king smiled and said, "Yes, it is I, I who have come to save you from your enemies."283Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNalC545eBo
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."283Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡe2P13bkQGI
He led him to a white horse that was there waiting nearby. He helped him to mount it and then mounted another one himself .283Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSvNQgnkzFZ
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."283Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡh0RYr4nq51
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.283Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBVAw1lWxfa
They entered into Avalon, where they were welcomed by knights that had transcended their physical bodies and were now guardian angels.283Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcKnHWczvXd
283Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2ScJrjQS9u
