The Rumbling

In the age-old halls of Camelot, the morning sun spilled through the castle windows, lighting up the busy courtyard below. Everyone seemed to be in a hurry, from bustling servants to clattering knights. Among them was Merlin, elbows deep in a tangled mess of boots that needed polishing.

"Merlin!" boomed Arthur, the prince's voice echoing off the stone walls. "I need those boots shiny enough to blind the sun. We're up against more than dirt today."

Merlin looked up with a grin, brushing a smudge of polish from his cheek. As if on cue, Lady Morgana appeared beside him, a serious expression on her usually mischievous face.

"There's a new kind of trouble, Merlin," she whispered, her eyes darting towards King Uther Pendragon, who was deep in conversation with his advisors in the Great Hall.

"Trouble? What sort of trouble?" Merlin asked, furrowing his brow.

Before Morgana could answer, a deep rumbling shook the stone beneath their feet, sending a shiver through the courtyard. Lady Morgana grasped Merlin's arm. "A giant," she said, barely audible, "and it's not friendly."

Merlin blinked, wiping his brow as Arthur approached, wearing his signature confident smirk.

"Merlin, you're with me," Arthur declared, gesturing towards the outskirts of Camelot. Merlin knew there was no arguing with Arthur's resolve.

King Uther shouted over the commotion, "Arthur, investigate immediately! We cannot have this threat lingering on our doorstep."

"Ready to see what giants are made of?" Arthur asked, expecting more adventure than despair. With a nod, Merlin followed his prince, heart racing with the promise of an unusual journey ahead.

Secret Footprints

Out on the cobbled streets of Camelot, the air was buzzing with anxious chatter. Arthur led the way with Merlin close behind, their boots echoing against the ancient stones. Merlin's eyes scanned the horizon as they left the busy courtyard, heading toward the thick forest at the kingdom's edge, where the rumors of the giant began.

"So, any clever ideas up your sleeve, Merlin?" Arthur asked, brushing a branch aside as they entered the cool shade of the trees.

Merlin chuckled nervously, "Well, giant repellant isn't exactly in my pack, Arthur. But let's see what we can find."

The forest seemed eerily quiet, save for the rustle of leaves underfoot. Arthur paused, signaling Merlin to stop. There, etched into the soft earth, were massive footprints, so large that even two of Arthur's feet barely made one.

"Do you see that?" Merlin whispered, eyes wide.

Arthur nodded, inspecting the trail with a thoughtful frown. "These prints are fresh," he said. "The giant's been here, but where is it headed?"

Merlin pointed toward the broken branches swaying high above. "That way looks promising—or dangerous."

With the sun dipping low and casting long shadows, neither of them knew what awaited. Yet, they sensed this was a clue they couldn’t ignore.