The Last Cry of Merlin
In the time of ancient Camelot, when magic and mystery were as real as the rising of the sun, there lived the legendary wizard, Merlin. Foreseeing his imminent end, Merlin decided to enlist an apprentice, a young orphan named Gareth, who had a hidden touch of magic residing within him.
Merlin found Gareth in a bustling marketplace, pickpocketing to survive. Struck with deep compassion, Merlin promised to change the boy's fate if he committed himself to the path of magic. Enthralled by the thought of a better life, Gareth agreed willingly.
Merlin guided Gareth through the streams of magic like a father, teaching him not just the craft but its responsible use. The duo became a familiar sight in Camelot’s paths, their laughter often resonating in the emerald valleys surrounding the castle. Their bond transcended the boundaries of a master-apprentice relationship; they were a family.
As predicted, Merlin's end was near. He informed Gareth, their eyes reflecting a mix of grief and resolve. Merlin had one last lesson for his young learner - a spell powerful enough to change destiny itself. The spell, 'Essence of Time', could tie the essence of life to time, turning the user into a powerful Timekeeper who would survive till the end of time itself - a fate Merlin did not wish for himself, but hoped Gareth might choose.
Rummaging through ancient scrolls and dusty tomes, Merlin prepared Gareth for the challenges he would face to activate the spell. It was a journey unlike any other, requiring the young man to wrestle with his deepest fears, overcome personal trials, and, most importantly, to conquer death.
As Gareth progressed, Merlin gradually faded, becoming weaker with each passing moment. However, his soul brimmed with hope that Gareth would not just survive but would protect the realm after his death. They worked tirelessly through nights lit by flickering candles, Merlin's frail voice narrating cryptic references and Gareth, his eager apprentice, hanging on every word.
One fateful night, Merlin gasped his last breath, his eyes containing an ocean of trust and a world of hope. As he departed, he pressed an ancient amulet into Gareth's hand. It was a timepiece, the final piece to their puzzle.
Gareth held his master's cold body, his heart heavy with loss but alight with purpose. As per his master's guidance, Gareth initiated the 'Essence of Time' spell, his voice carrying notes of sorrow and defiance. As the amulet absorbed the spell, the realm shook, thunder boomed, and the wind howled. The universe seemed to be acknowledging the birth of its new Timekeeper.
As the dust settled, Gareth stood tall, forever changed. He was no longer an orphan or a scrawny pickpocketer but the Timekeeper of Camelot. He could feel time flowing around him, commanding him to control it.
Years passed. Under Gareth’s watch, Camelot flourished and bathed in prosperity. Gareth, following Merlin's path, retained his master’s compassion, and despite being immortal, he remained human at heart. His story was told and retold, becoming a beacon of hope for many, reminding them of an orphan boy who danced with time.
As the Timekeeper, Gareth's story was woven into the fabric of the universe, a testament to the undying spirit of a humble orphan boy and the legendary wizard who changed his destiny.