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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.440Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjllSXiHDW2
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.440Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtcRjaIQfFt
"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."440Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWqWkVYXq3H
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. 440Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGIE2GiUWEc
You see here, I have everything I need in my heart, which is filled with love and peace."440Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡogZcn5SCzN
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. 440Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡX8ybdisK7Q
You are a stupid fool to believe otherwise. Come, Merlin, let us leave this pitiful, idiot creature to his silly delusions."440Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfaadSE0Ic9
𝑻𝒉𝒆 𝑪𝒐𝒖𝒏𝒕440Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKMbAblVu5a
The Count turned his horse and rode away, followed by Merlin. The monk watched them go, and prayed for their souls.440Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKWVj5WaEzC
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.440Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3rofS9CiKu
The Count wanted to conquer Camelot and claim its riches and lands, while Merlin wanted to destroy it and its protector, the wizard Gandalf.440Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXDqMkq2iA7
Merlin had a plan, which he shared with the Count. He said,440Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡe3HVjrOtqg
"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. 440Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡM23st2orVH
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."440Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0hgf63ZGMB
The Count was quite intrigued and asked,440Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡISXwurpOtk
"How do we find this Holy Grail?"440Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡs7Ugv0qQKh
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."440Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAkCmeA4etI
The Count realized who he meant and said, "The monk? You want to use him?"440Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBifMBqCmKX
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."440Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡStqyAsfIKW
𝑴𝒆𝒓𝒍𝒊𝒏440Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtCr96me2pa
The Count agreed and said, "Very well, let us do it. When do we leave?"440Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtlX7MeRFoT
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."440Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmOvb81exhv
The Count smiled and said, "Excellent. Let us prepare then. Soon, we will rule this land with an iron fist."440Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ597xTYgdUs
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. 440Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQPl0VgjgMk
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.440Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡN3l49JJxp3
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, 440Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHQSNvIEG30
do you not?"440Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiZTyTu1p1V
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."440Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpFTpKGfWvu
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."440Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3R87VNNaK9
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."440Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡy7GyMO0Po3
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."440Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsLZiKXsGJA
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.440Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTOJ9j4PH8g
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. 440Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUebnq62gza
Though he was quite hesitant to lead the Count to the Holy Grail, he would not lay down his life for it.440Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmti4B2tlVJ
At last, they came to a clearing, where a red small chapel stood. It was old, decrepit440Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvh2LyyGfB2
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."440Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJrm4PbwL44
Chapter II440Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡh4j9i9l0UE
He drew his sword and walked towards the chapel, leaving Merlin and the others behind. He pushed open the wooden door and entered.440Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmVyEry4uZT
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, 440Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyp9bFI2sgZ
"The Grail! It is real! It is here!"440Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHbHbD0Ov1I
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.440Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡep8xLgGLpi
Outside, Merlin heard a scream and said, "What was that? What happened?"440Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJ2dSp3CIyv
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,440Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqZfKLInKb3
"The Grail! It is real! I 440Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPDjnjHBuC0
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. 440Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbeMN6FdskE
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.440Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdbhLFFkNBz
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.440Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡS5AJng8vt5
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.440Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6m5MQQ98W9
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."440Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIWB81yZUaV
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.440Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxVSNO49hI4
The monk recognized him at once and said, "My lord... King Arthur?"440Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDJploP6qdr
The man smiled and said, "Yes, it is I. I have come to save you from your enemies."440Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbo9J9znzi1
He untied the monk and helped him to stand up. He said, "Come with me. I will take you to a safe place."440Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRVCG0un6XR
Chapter III440Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkcgxaWarb6
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."440Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHPPMRRIXs5
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.440Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqwzaRFUiAi
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.440Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFlE4a8h4pH
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.440Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvXae5lFXJF
He quickly rode out of Camelot, without even looking back.440Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIuygokKRTQ
He rode his horse for many days and nights, through forests and fields, mountains and valleys. 440Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiv78kSzRNJ
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.440Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyytZ6hARYr
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, 440Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEDbtJ4dw4n
"Whoever wishes to enter this castle must prove himself worthy by passing through the fire."440Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTjUrgGMy9o
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.440Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJxhCDiK5nq
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.440Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPGJpJfRPhr
𝑻𝒉𝒆 𝑯𝒐𝒍𝒚 𝑮𝒓𝒂𝒊𝒍440Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1HJBntfJJx
Lancelot recognized it as the Grail. He felt a surge of joy and awe, as he walked towards it, his eyes wide in440Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuEN9bnEt47
wonder.
He reached out his hand to touch it, but as soon as he did, he heard a scream.440Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡc0x4Y5xqrf
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?"440Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrNogqtF3VK
She fell to the ground, dead.440Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSO5HGZxIdf
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!"440Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡf5wLg7cxry
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.440Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUJ9sEShguJ
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."440Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOaFm3tfRQ8
She disappeared in his arms, still laughing.440Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgoZO39HO5M
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!440Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcaWBC3paR7
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 ."440Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXcGvy50GHW
He looked up not440Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxOhu407GGp
believing his own
eyes...
𝑲𝒊𝒏𝒈 𝑨𝒖𝒕𝒉𝒖𝒓440Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxHMk048ctk
Lancelot recognized him at once and said, "My lord ... King Arthur?"440Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQRJ9nxvIjP
The king smiled and said, "Yes, it is I, I who have come to save you from your enemies."440Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuZtli2lRQS
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."440Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQlldOcZdGG
He led him to a white horse that was there waiting nearby. He helped him to mount it and then mounted another one himself .440Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnQZpxnqCJS
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."440Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqfJieNVsnb
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.440Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRm6984xpHj
They entered into Avalon, where they were welcomed by knights that had transcended their physical bodies and were now guardian angels.440Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOkHLpTh3by
440Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTOCavdstWj
