Merlin’s Marvels
Dear Diary,
After our unexpected visit to Heirloomberg Hospital, Professor Xorki and I found ourselves standing before Merlin’s Marvels, a peculiar shop nestled within the depths of the Magimorphus Mark. With the professor’s guidance, I hastened my steps and entered the shop using the technique he had taught me, feeling a surge of anticipation as we ventured inside.
As we descended into the dimly lit basement of the shop, I couldn’t help but feel a sense of awe and wonder at the sight that greeted us. There, amidst a clutter of curious inventions and alchemical apparatus, stood an eccentric old man, his presence imbued with a mysterious aura that hinted at his deep connection to the arcane.
The old man’s appearance was striking, with his unkempt beard adorned with peculiar contraptions and his tattered robes bearing the marks of countless experiments. Despite his humble attire, his eyes gleamed with the wisdom of ages, and I could sense the excitement of discovery radiating from him like a beacon. his name was “Corbyn Merlin”.
With a warm smile, the mr. Merlin greeted us and began to shuffle towards us, his steps slow and deliberate due to his broken leg. He seemed momentarily flustered as he struggled to recall the professor’s name, amusingly referring to him by various other names before finally settling on “Wilbur Xorki.” It was clear that the passage of time had taken its toll on his memory, yet his joy at seeing the professor again was unmistakable.
Professor Xorki revealed to him that we had come to the Heirloomberg Hospital to visit Dolyn. Mr. Merlin’s reaction was one of shock, and he quickly whispered a hushed “shhh!” to the professor, casting a meaningful glance in my direction. Despite the professor’s attempt to introduce me, Mr. Merlin seemed hesitant, commenting cryptically that not every student from Terravale Hall was alike, before trailing off without elaboration.
Professor Xorki then explained to Mr. Merlin that I was of royal blood, implying that I was someone who could be trusted to keep my promises. While I appreciated the sentiment, I couldn’t help but feel a pang of discomfort at the stereotype that all royals were inherently faithful. Nevertheless, I resolved to prove myself worthy of the professor’s trust, regardless of my lineage.
As the professor and Mr. Merlin engaged in conversation, I took the opportunity to explore the basement of Merlin’s Marvels. The room was filled with artifacts and knowledge, each corner brimming with potential power. It was evident that this place held secrets that maybe could either protect or destroy the portal, depending on how they were wielded.
When the professor called me back, Mr. Merlin had become engrossed in his search for something amidst the clutter of his shop. Professor Xorki confided in me that Mr. Merlin hailed from a family of devotees to the mysterious figure whom Monta Morra, Mr. Morvain, and others believed in. Despite facing opposition for their beliefs, Mr. Merlin’s family remained steadfast in their convictions, their faith seemingly keeping them resilient even in the face of adversity.
I couldn’t help but wonder why we had met Mr. Merlin if he belonged to the faction opposing the traditional beliefs upheld by the school and the kingdom. Professor Xorki’s enigmatic smile hinted at unspoken truths, and I realized that he, too, shared a belief in the enigmatic figure championed by Mr. Merlin’s family.
Before we departed, Mr. Merlin handed Professor Xorki an old metallic card bearing the name “Davenport & Sons,” cautioning us to be punctual lest we miss our opportunity. As we bid farewell and made our way back to the shop’s entrance, Mr. Merlin’s parting words lingered in the air, a reminder of the trust placed in me by both the professor and Mr. Merlin himself.
His that words “I hope Wilbur trusted you right” still buzzing in my head.
Once outside, Professor Xorki reiterated his earlier advice to be swift like the wind, a directive that seemed to carry a deeper meaning than mere haste. With my mind abuzz with questions and revelations, I followed the professor back into the bustling streets of the Magimorphus Mark, eager to uncover more mysteries hidden within the magical realm.
Yours in curiosity,
Zoe
