Reincarnated In Vikings

The Nile sparkled like a band of molten silver under the bright sun, its mighty waters crowded with merchant ships of every shape and size. Sailboats with billowing red sails glided alongside massive vessels laden with goods, the river serving as the lifeblood of the capital. The city itself rose from the banks like a divine masterpiece—crafted not by human hands but by the gods themselves. Marble towers glistened in the light, gilded in gold, while newly built pyramids gleamed like polished glass, reflecting the sky in crystalline perfection. It was a city of engineering marvels, far beyond anything Merlin had ever seen, even in his countless journeys across the multiverse.

Walking through the bustling streets, Merlin felt the pulse of the city. Broad avenues teemed with life, merchants calling out their wares, priests chanting prayers to the gods, and citizens moving with purpose. The main temple complex dominated the skyline, a colossal structure crowned by massive lotus-shaped domes that seemed to reach for the heavens. Bridges stretched out from this central sanctuary, creating a network that connected every corner of the city to its sacred heart.

In the distance, pyramids lined the banks of the Nile, their smooth surfaces glowing in the sunlight. Two golden statues flanked the entrance to the main bridge leading to the temple—massive depictions of Osiris and Set, their imposing forms standing as eternal guardians of the city. The statues exuded power and reverence, their detailed craftsmanship almost lifelike.

The surrounding greenery softened the grandeur of the architecture. Lush fields stretched out, dotted with palm trees and irrigated gardens, a testament to the city's prosperity. It was a harmonious blend of nature and divinity, a civilization thriving under the blessings of its gods.

Merlin approached the grand palace, its gates an intricate tapestry of gold and silver. The guards hesitated at first, their spears crossing to bar his way, but the moment was interrupted by the arrival of a breathless messenger who whispered urgently into their ears. Without another word, the guards stepped aside, bowing respectfully as they allowed Merlin to pass.

The palace was a marvel of divine design. Intricate carvings adorned every surface, the walls seemingly alive with stories of the gods and their triumphs. Columns soared into the air, their bases encrusted with precious gems, while the floors shimmered as if paved with starlight. Merlin surveyed the opulence and muttered under his breath, "Well, the gods certainly have exquisite taste in architecture."

A deep voice broke through his thoughts. "Yes, we do, my friend."

Merlin turned to see a towering figure entering the hall. Horus, the god of the sky, stood before him, his piercing blue eyes glowing with divine light. His long, curly, sun-kissed brown hair framed a face that seemed to have been sculpted by the gods themselves. His smile, sharp and disarming, complemented his imposing height—nearly nine feet tall.

"I saw you coming a mile away," Horus said with a knowing grin.

Merlin returned the smile. "Ah, yes, your divine sight never fails you."

Horus inclined his head, his gaze playful yet curious. "So, what brings you here unannounced?"

Merlin shook his head lightly, gesturing to the city outside. "Nothing urgent, just passing through and thought I'd pay a visit."

Horus smiled, leading Merlin through the palace toward his sanctuary. The halls were lined with treasures, divine relics, and ethereal lights that seemed to float without a source. "It's good to see you. Hathor has been asking about you."

Merlin chuckled but reached into his pouch, pulling out three small vials filled with a shimmering, iridescent liquid. Handing them to Horus, he said, "These are for you, your father, and your mother."

Horus's eyes lit up with curiosity as he accepted the vials. Holding them delicately, he murmured, "I still can't fathom how you create these."

Merlin smirked, his voice playful yet firm. "Trade secret, my friend. After all, a magician never reveals his tricks."

Horus let out a deep laugh, but his eyes quickly grew serious, a sharp contrast to his earlier jovial demeanor. The air between them, though filled with camaraderie, now carried a hint of tension. "You're keeping this a tight secret, aren't you?" Horus asked, his voice low and weighted. "Once the other pantheons catch wind of this, there will be wars—wars between gods. I mean, can you really trust Bilquis? Her allure is... legendary, but trust?"

Merlin met his gaze, calm and resolute. "Don't worry, Horus," he replied firmly. "I never gave her anything of the sort. While I enjoy her company, trust isn't something I hand out freely. She hasn't earned it—not yet, at least."

Horus studied Merlin for a moment, his divine senses gauging the truth in his words. He gave a slow nod, recalling how long it had taken Merlin to trust even him, Osiris, and Isis. Decades had passed before that trust was solidified, and even then, Merlin had insisted on a divine contract, binding them in a way that ensured mutual secrecy and protection. Horus understood the necessity; after all, the vials Merlin created were no mere trinkets. They held the essence of life and power—the kind of power that could elevate a god, or tear apart the balance of the divine realms.

"It's wise," Horus said finally, his tone thoughtful. "These vials... they're not just tools; they're treasures. Every god who's lost followers, every pantheon on the brink of obscurity, would kill to have even one of them. You're not just protecting yourself, Merlin—you're protecting the world from their ambitions."

Merlin smirked faintly, his eyes glinting with a knowing confidence. "I've seen enough ambition in both gods and mortals to last several lifetimes, Horus. Trust me, I'm not about to hand anyone the keys to a divine arms race."

Horus nodded and said."You can follow the maids, they will take you to your chamber. Also, change your size it will much easier."

Merlin nodded, a he was led to his room by a maid.