Whispers from the Wind

Camelot was as magnificent as ever, with its stone walls reaching high into the sky, as if trying to touch the clouds themselves. The sun peeked through the castle’s arched windows, casting playful shadows that danced across the ancient walls. Inside, the smell of old parchment and the faint hint of candle wax filled the air.

Merlin, the ever-busy wizard and servant to Prince Arthur, was on his knees with a scrub brush, battling the dust that dared settle on Camelot’s vast library floors. His brown hair tousled like the mane of an untamed horse, he grumbled under his breath about the dullness of his chore.

Suddenly, something caught his eye—a glimmer in the dusty corner. He paused, squinting at what appeared to be a strange, shimmering crack beneath the bookshelf. Curiosity took the best of his grumbling as he crawled closer.

“What on earth...?” he muttered, reaching forward to touch it.

As his fingers brushed the edge of the crack, light burst forth, illuminating the room like a thousand stars. He gasped, stumbling back.

Quickly, Merlin picked himself up, knowing he needed to tell Arthur. But this was no ordinary discovery; it thrummed with magic. Clutching his cloak around him, he dashed to find the prince.

“Arthur!” Merlin called, skidding into the courtyard where the prince was busy debating with the knights.

Arthur turned, arching an eyebrow. “What now, Merlin?”

“I found something... something big!” Merlin exclaimed, struggling to keep his voice steady.

Arthur smirked, folding his arms. “Don’t tell me it’s another rabbit in the castle.”

“No, no, not a rabbit. This is... magical,” Merlin insisted, nodding eagerly.

Arthur’s interest piqued as he saw the genuine excitement in Merlin’s eyes. He waved off the knights and started following his friend back inside.

“What does it do?” Arthur asked, still unsure what to make of the situation.

“I think... it leads somewhere we’ve never been. Somewhere beyond the clouds," Merlin whispered like it was the most natural thing in the world.

Arthur chuckled, though the curiosity was undeniable now. “Alright, let’s see this magical thing you’ve found.”

And with that, the two set off together, minds abuzz with possibilities.

Venturing Through the Crack

As Merlin and Arthur entered the library, anticipation clung to the air like static. Arthur peered skeptically at the mundane corner, unsure of what to expect. Merlin, adrenaline fizzing inside him, pointed eagerly.

“Look, right here,” Merlin said, gesturing to where a faint glow flickered between bookshelves.

Arthur squinted, stepping closer. “Is this it?”

BOOM! An ancient suit of armor teetered dangerously as Merlin bumped into it, sending clattering echoes through the room.

“Nice work, Merlin,” Arthur snorted, trying to smother his laughter.

Merlin, cheeks flushed, gave a sheepish grin. “It’s possessed, I swear!”

Just at that moment, a bluebird swooped effortlessly through the window, bright as a pocket of sky, and landed gracefully by the crack.

“Now that’s peculiar,” Arthur murmured, gaze fixed on the vibrant bird.

Merlin, inspired, watched the bird’s glimmering plumage. "See, Arthur? This isn’t just any crack."

Arthur chuckled, clapping Merlin's shoulder. “Well then, let's about jump through and see what adventures await beyond these clouds.” With that, their curiosity grew more rooted, compelling them onward.