Chapter 55: Escape

Moments ago, in the mist-shrouded Glastonbury Abbey. Standing before Sir Bedivere's statue, Edward felt certain he heard faint sounds emanating from it. The voice was eerily similar to the one that had lured him to touch the Mirror of Erised—ethereal and fleeting. Even with his blessing still active in this strange space, Edward had to strain to catch just a few words. Was it his ancestor calling him here? What was he trying to say? Edward leaned closer, desperate to hear more clearly. But as he did, the statue seemed to come alive, trembling violently. And then, he finally made out the words coming from within. "...Don't... touch... it..." Those three simple words sent chills down Edward's spine, his hair standing on end. In an instant, he drew his shape-shifting sword and wand, whipping around. The atmosphere in the church had completely changed. The faint holy glow of the sunlight dimmed, turning cold and ominous. The air filled with damp, chilling mist, as if he'd stepped into a haunted graveyard. Edward could only groan inwardly. Ancestor, could you maybe be clearer next time? I only caught "touch it" and reached out before I realized you meant don't touch it! Was King Arthur's corpse about to leap out of the tomb or what? But there was no time to complain about his ancestor now. As the environment shifted, Edward picked up other sounds. The ground trembled, and the distant clatter of hooves grew closer, accompanied by the relentless clinking of armor. Even the least perceptive person would realize a group of cavalry—origin unknown—was charging toward him. Edward couldn't tell how many there were, but he knew he absolutely didn't want to get trampled by them. Now he understood why his ancestor Bedivere had warned him not to touch the mirror. (Bookmark our site, 101kan.com, for the fastest chapter updates!) It had to be because of these mysterious knights, their faces unknown, their purpose unclear! Running now was out of the question. His best bet was to stay inside the church, where the confined space gave him a fighting chance. After all, he was a magic knight! Even if only second-tier! He stepped forward, slammed the church doors shut, and quickly cast a locking charm to seal them. Then, using his blessing, he carefully sensed the surroundings. The noise grew louder. The snorting of warhorses was right outside the church walls, clear as day. Even through the walls, the oppressive force was palpable. Gripping his sword and wand tightly, Edward crouched behind Arthur and Guinevere's tomb, keeping an eye on the door. If those knights tried to break in, he'd hit them with a Blasting Curse or a whirlwind of debris. But, to his surprise, no knights wielding lances and shields stormed the door. They seemed to circle the church endlessly, pulling at their reins but unable to find a way in. It was as if the door was an impassable barrier to them. After observing for a while, Edward let out a relieved breath. He was safe—for now. With a moment to think, though, he grew more puzzled. Where did these knights come from? Why did it feel like they were after him? And why couldn't they enter the church? Was it because of the sanctity of Arthur's tomb and the Round Table Knights' statues? Whatever the reason, this place was filled with unknown mysteries and dangers. Now wasn't the time to ponder why—it was time to figure out how to escape this strange space. After a moment's thought, Edward returned to Sir Bedivere's statue. If his ancestor's statue had warned him not to touch the mirror, it must also hold a clue to getting out. Ignoring the sounds of the knights circling outside, Edward focused all his senses on listening to the statue, hoping for another hint from his ancestor. Finally, he heard the long-awaited voice again. "Merlin... mirror... reveal..." The words that followed were too faint to make out. But Edward immediately grasped what his ancestor was trying to tell him. The mirror was connected to the legendary wizard and swordmaster, Merlin? Was the mirror here in the church, and did he need to use a Revealing Charm? Raising his wand, Edward shouted, "Revelio!" A wave of white light burst from his wand, spreading across the entire church. Sensing the charm's effect, Edward looked up. There, floating high above the church, was a mirror identical to the Mirror of Erised. Who put it that high up? For an ordinary person, reaching a mirror that high would be impossible, but Edward was a magic knight. This was a piece of cake, whether by physical or magical means. "Thank you, ancestor!" Edward said, placing his right hand over his heart and giving a formal knight's salute to Bedivere's statue. Then he pointed his wand upward. "Accio Mirror!" The Summoning Charm was typically taught to fourth-year Hogwarts students, but it wasn't complex—especially when the object was right in front of you. The mirror swooped down toward Edward. He took two light steps forward, channeled his breathing technique, and leaped upward, diving straight into the mirror. Just before he entered, he caught sight of another inscription on the mirror's frame, where the Erised's usual runes would be. "To Queen Guinevere, may this mirror keep her forever young and beautiful. —Merlin." Edward gave a wry smile before vanishing into the mirror. The mirror didn't crash to the ground—it simply disappeared midair. With Edward and the mirror gone, the knights outside seemed to lose their target. Their reins were pulled in unison, and with angry whinnies, the warhorses galloped off into the distance. The church returned to its initial tranquility. Warm sunlight pierced the mist again, streaming through the mosaic glass to illuminate Arthur's sarcophagus. The only change was subtle: Bedivere's statue seemed to stand in a slightly different pose. But Edward was unaware of this. He felt like he'd dived into the mirror as if plunging into water, now floating upward. Then he saw another mirror's surface. Outside it, Dumbledore and Snape stood with their backs to the mirror, talking to someone. Was that—Daphne and Draco? Edward slapped his forehead. Oh no! I forgot about them! read more inpatreon ilham20