The magician sat in contemplation, his mind swirling with the many events that had unfolded over the past couple of weeks. The accounts he had heard and the miracles he had witnessed clashed with the relentless arguments of his logic.

Merlin felt an inner stirring as comprehension dawned on him. Though he did not fully understand, he began to accept the truth of what Jesus said, yet with that trust came a weighty decision. Was he prepared to relinquish his extraordinary powers in exchange for putting his faith in this man they called the Messiah? Could he set aside his desperate quest to alter the past to save his father and instead embrace a new path guided by trust in Jesus?

Jesus held out his hand, and Merlin noticed the bloodless print of the nail that had secured him to the cross. He hesitated for a moment, then grabbed the rough hand before him. The moment they touched, tears sprang to Merlin's eyes. Unable to contain himself any longer, the young magician allowed his tears to stream down his face as countless emotions flooded over him. He was overjoyed at being able to believe in something other than hurt and pain. Hope that life still held some goodness penetrated every fibre of his being. It was as if he was being reborn.

The magician's throat tightened as he wiped the tears from his cheeks. "Seeing your agony on that cross broke my heart, knowing how bad the pain must have been. But more than that, it was like all of the forces of evil had formed an alliance to bring you down. Yet you remained until the bitter end. Was it worth it?"

Jesus smiled. "Do you believe in me?"

Merlin nodded. "I do."

"Then it was worth it."