The Adventures of Merlin

The Crystal Cave

    The next morning they were off for a mysterious cave in the cursed Valley of the Fallen kings. Arthur knew of a small ridge at the side of the mountain that would take them to thee edge of the valley. Not many used this ridge, because they feared the valley. Arthur had his doubts, but Merlin was too distracted by Morgana and what this cave had to do with his destiny to be scared. Arthur led the way, Merlin was close behind. The morning started quite, but Arthur's curiosity got the best of him, "So you're destined to save my life?" Merlin rolled his eyes, "Yes, and I've been saving it since I met you." "What are you talking about?" Arthur looked back at Merlin who scoffed, "I've saved your life more times than I care to count." Arthur looked back to the trail and scrunched his nose, "What on Earth are you talking about?" "You're kidding right?" Merlin's tone was annoyed, "The third time I ever saw you, for one. Remember, a sorceress threw a knife at you and I pushed you out of the way. The I used magic to stop you from being bitten by snakes that came out of a shield, I drank poison for you, I killed the griffon, I stopped you from being sacrificed by Sidhes, I helped us win the battle of Ealdor, Don't even get me started on when I had to use the cup of life, then there was Cedric and the troll, also when I-" "Okay! Okay, I get it!" Arthur never realized how much Merlin did for him.

    "You saved me that many times?" Arthur looked back. "That's only the half of it. Honestly it surprising how often you almost die. It feels like you're in peril ever five minutes and I have to be the one to fix it." Arthur shook his head, "You never once sought credit or anything." "Well, that's not why I do it. I do it because I believe in the future you'll build." Arthur felt scared by the amount of faith Merlin had in him, how could someone be so sure in a another person? "Thank you Merlin." They both smiled and continued on their trip. They rode in silence, their minds filled with questions. Merlin wondered what could be in the cave where magic was born. Arthur rethought his friendship with Merlin. If it weren't for Merlin's destiny would he even bother to put up with the prat of a prince? Arthur didn't know what he would do without Merlin. Probably be dead, considering Merlin saved his life so much. How could he not notice how much Merlin did for him? The sun was high in the sky when they arrived before the entrance of the valley. Merlin stopped looking around nervously. "What's wrong?" Arthur asked. "This place. It just feels. Wrong." Merlin spat. "Well, what other choice do we have?" Arthur continued on, Merlin reluctantly followed.

     There were walls of rocks creating narrow path ways for them to follow. They soon had to leave the horses, they just couldn't maneuver through the rocks. Neither of the men had any idea where the cave was. They walked aimlessly until Merlin's eyes darted up. "Arthur." Arthur stopped and watched Merlin go back a bit and go in a some how smaller space. "What on Earth are you doing?" Arthur started following. "It's this way. Trust me." Merlin could feel some sort of presence radiating energy. Merlin led the way as if he made this trip a million times. Eventually the rocks were lower and more spread out. Merlin stopped in front of a cave he looked back to Arthur who had been following close by. "What is it?" Arthur asked, Merlin being visibly nervous. Merlin gulped, "Anything could be in there. Something that could effect the both of us." Facing the cave again Merlin started walking again. Arthur took one last look at the area surrounding them before going into the dark with Merlin.

    "Lieut" Merlin held out his hand letting it illuminated the dark tunnels.  Soon the daylight from the outside could no longer be seen and Merlin was the only source of light. "Look." Arthur pointed over to a corner, where behind a tall pile of a rocks a soft light shined through. Merlin lowered hid hand, all they could see was the small light in the corner. Merlin went up and started pulling the rocks down. Arthur helped make a hole big enough for them to get through. Arthur went first, he helped Merlin get down into the other side. Arthur dusted his own clothes and looked at the brilliant sight before him. The whole room was covered in crystals that shined with power. Arthur looked at them thinking them beautiful, but as soon as Merlin laid eyes on them he felt fear. Merlin saw flashes of something, he looked away before he could understand it. But everywhere he turned a crystal met his gaze. Arthur watched Merlin backing away, eyes looking every direction. Merlin felt the cold rock on his back, there was no where he could go. He turned to a crystal and let it show him what secrets it held.