Whispers in Stone

Camelot's grand library was exactly how you'd expect it—with tall, creaky shelves that loomed above like gentle giants, holding more stories than should fit in such a room. And in the midst of dust flecks playing in sunlight danced Merlin, our young wizard and Prince Arthur's humble servant.

Merlin had always been good with chores, but losing himself in books was much more fun. Today, his task involved finding a few scrolls at His Majesty's request. But as Merlin brushed past an old tapestry, something peculiar caught his eye. A corner peeking out, looking too much like an old book, and too little like the smooth stone wall it should have been.

"Hmmm," whispered Merlin as he tugged gently at the woven fabric. Behind it lay a dusty, leather-bound book with symbols he'd never seen before, looking quite out of place.

A whisper—quick and faint—seemed to flicker through the room. The book almost seemed to hum between its pages. Slipping it under his tunic, Merlin mused, "I'd best have a look at this later."

Just then, King Uther's voice boomed from behind. "Merlin! Quit dallying with dreams. You're needed elsewhere," he barked, leaving Merlin juggling duty and a hidden, mysterious wonder.

Whispers Among Shadows

Merlin hurried through the stone corridors of Camelot, one hand supporting a silver jug filled with crystal-clear water. King Uther had demanded refreshment, and there was little time for dilly-dallying. Yet, Merlin couldn't shake the tingling excitement from the mysterious book snug below his tunic.

The kitchen was a frenzy of clattering cookware and bustling servants, perfect for a bit of discreet multitasking. He filled the jug and then slipped out quietly, following a familiar corridor that led to a lesser-used corner of the castle.

Faced with a moment of rare solitude, Merlin placed the jug down and pulled the grimoire from under his tunic. Unsure of what he might uncover, he took a deep breath.

As his fingers gently opened the cover, a soft glow emanated from the pages, and he thought he heard quiet chanting in an unknown tongue. The room grew still, holding its breath in harmony with Merlin's curiosity.

But just then, a soft shift, like a shadow passing by, flickered in the periphery. Was someone—a friend, or someone else—watching? He hesitated, snapping the book shut, unsure whether to explore further or to heed caution's warning.