Merlin: the secret prince

Welcome to Deria and welcome Home

Two days had passed since they'd left the last village, the journey growing steadily more difficult as the terrain shifted from gentle hills to jagged, unforgiving mountains. Now, as the sun began to dip behind towering peaks, the group arrived at the border—a place shrouded in legend and guarded by ancient magic. The air here was noticeably cooler, sharp with the scent of pine and damp earth. A faint, almost imperceptible hum vibrated through the ground, sending a subtle shiver through the horses and riders alike.

Merlin suddenly raised his hand, fingers extended and steady, halting the entire company with a commanding silence. The clamor of armor and restless horses faded, replaced by a tense stillness that settled over the group like a held breath.

Arthur's eyes narrowed with concern as he urged his horse forward. "Merlin, is everything alright? Why have we stopped here?"

Merlin's face softened, the usual weight of responsibility giving way to a rare expression of relief and hope. "We've reached the border. Our true home lies just beyond this threshold."

Leon stepped closer, squinting at the looming stone archway embedded in the mountainside. "Border? What do you mean?"

Merlin's gaze fixed on the ancient gateway, the air shimmering faintly around it. "This border is protected by a magical gem—an artifact forged by the earliest Ambrousis ancestors. It's more than a simple barrier. It watches, reads, and judges the heart of anyone who approaches. Only those deemed pure in intent—authorized by the original family—may pass through."

He looked back at the company, his voice dropping to a conspiratorial whisper. "Authorized bloodlines include Noah, Lilliana, Amelia, my mother, and myself. The gem examines the soul's intent. If it senses dishonor, malice, or deceit, it refuses passage. It's slow, but the only safeguard that keeps our home safe."

Turning to Leon, Merlin's eyes gleamed with quiet command. "Send the troops through first. We will follow once they have crossed."

Arthur's brow furrowed with disbelief. "Forty thousand men. Are you certain this will work? This process could take days."

Merlin's confidence did not waver. "It will take time, yes. But their loyalty and honor will ease the gem's judgment."

The first soldiers approached the shimmering border, the magical gem embedded in the mountain pulsing with an ethereal light. As each knight stepped forward, their reflections flickered in the gem's polished surface. Moments passed—then, the barrier rippled like a curtain in a breeze, silently parting to let them through.

Arthur watched, astonished, as the massive army filtered through with surprising fluidity. "How are they passing so quickly? I expected resistance, delay."

Merlin's lips curved with pride. "The gem does not act blindly. It reveals to me their hearts—their intentions and purity. Every man here carries loyalty to you and our cause. None seeks harm beyond their orders. I have witnessed their true selves, and the gem has accepted them without hesitation."

Elyan's voice broke the silence, filled with awe. "You saw the intentions of forty thousand souls... and you remain unharmed? How is that possible? Are you some kind of god?"

Merlin chuckled, the tension easing slightly. "It's quite the spectacle, actually. Noah can confirm—it's as entertaining as it is taxing."

Noah nodded, a rare grin on his usually solemn face. "Indeed. It's a display unlike any other."

Merlin's expression grew serious again. "I will go in last. One by one, the rest of you follow. My knights and Noah will lead the way."

Leon shook his head with an amused smirk. "I still can't get used to you giving orders, Merlin. Feels strange."