The Box Within

The sun peeked over the turrets of Camelot, casting long shadows over the cobblestone courtyard. Merlin, with his brown messy hair swaying in the cool breeze, was busy sweeping the stones, when something caught his eye.

“Arthur! Look here!” Merlin called out, pointing to a lead box lying almost hidden under the shadow of the castle wall.

Arthur, the young prince with equally wild hair, approached, brow furrowed. “What do you think it is, Merlin?” he asked, adjusting his worn leather belt.

“I haven’t the foggiest,” Merlin replied, leaning closer. He could feel its strange pull, as if it whispered secrets only he could hear.

“It looks... dangerous,” Arthur mused, folding his arms. “Do you think it could be enchanted?” he added with a hint of suspicion.

“In Camelot?” Merlin laughed lightly. “Not likely. But we should at least see what’s inside.”

Arthur hesitated. “Father’s ban on magic further complicates things. We can’t just go poking around.”

“But if we don’t, who will?” Merlin countered, with a determined twinkle in his eye that spoke of adventure.

Arthur sighed deeply, placing a hand on the box. “Alright. But whatever happens, we face it together.”

Echoes of the Unknown

Merlin and Arthur circled the lead box, their shadows softening its corners. Determined to uncover its secrets, they heaved it up between them. "Hey, it's lighter than it looks," Arthur remarked, surprised.

"Must not be made of pure lead," Merlin quipped with a grin.

As they shuffled towards the castle doors, Morgana appeared, her dark hair glinting in the morning sun. "What do you have there?" she inquired, her eyes narrowing with a mix of curiosity and caution.

Arthur hesitated but Merlin stepped in, "Just a curious little find, nothing dangerous."

Morgana’s gaze lingered on the box. "Be careful," she advised coolly, "Defiance of the king’s ban on magic could bring ruin."

Climbing up the stone steps, Arthur hesitated, "Merlin, are you sure about this?"

"As sure as the stars hold the night, Arthur," Merlin replied confidently.

They finally opened the box, only to find it empty. However, Merlin felt a peculiar warmth from its interior, puzzling him even more.