Reincarnated In Vikings

As Merlin guided Zaya through the grand gates of Urshu's mansion, the sun bathed the pair in warm, golden light. The weight of the oppressive air within the mansion lifted as they stepped into the bustling streets of Egypt. Merlin paused, turning to Zaya with a soft smile, his tone gentle but firm. "You are free now."

Zaya froze in place, her wide almond-shaped eyes reflecting both disbelief and apprehension. Her voice trembled as she replied, "My Lord, Lord Urshu gifted me to you. I am your slave."

Merlin stopped walking and sighed deeply, his kind eyes meeting hers. "No, Zaya. You are free now. I am setting you free."

For a moment, Zaya's lips parted in astonishment, but her joy was short-lived. Fear crept into her voice as she muttered, "No, my Lord… If Lord Urshu finds out, he will never allow it. He will see your actions as humiliation, and he will punish me."

Merlin frowned, the weight of her words settling on him. "Is he truly one of those types?" he thought grimly. His jaw tightened as he pondered a solution. After a moment of silence, he offered a soft smile. "Alright then, I have someone who can protect you—a place where you will be safe and treated with dignity."

Before Zaya could protest, Merlin began leading her through the streets of Egypt. Her fear and confusion only deepened as they approached a grand palace. Its shimmering white walls were adorned with gold and turquoise accents, exuding divine beauty. Statues of Hathor in her bovine form stood at the gates, their serene faces watching over all who entered.

Zaya froze, her eyes wide. "My Lord, this is Lady Hathor's palace… She is a goddess! Mortals cannot approach her unannounced."

Merlin chuckled softly, waving to the guards stationed at the entrance. The men, recognizing him, stepped aside with smiles and respectful bows, much to Zaya's amazement. They walked in, leaving her even more bewildered.

At the far end of the courtyard, Hathor appeared. Her radiant beauty seemed to eclipse even the sun. She was dressed in flowing white and gold robes, her golden collar glinting as she moved. A warm smile graced her lips as she approached, her presence both divine and approachable.

"I was surprised when I sensed you returning," Hathor teased, her voice as smooth as honey. Her grin widened playfully. "Did you miss me already, Merlin?"

Merlin's smile softened as he replied, "Yes, I did miss you." He gestured toward Zaya, who stood awkwardly behind him, eyes downcast in awe. "But she is the reason I came back. I happened upon Urshu's palace and found him treating her… poorly."

Hathor's expression turned knowing as she folded her arms. "Let me guess," she interrupted, a mischievous glint in her eyes. "You intervened like the noble sorcerer you are, freed her from her slave bond, and now she's hopelessly smitten with you."

Zaya's cheeks flushed as she stood in stunned silence, her awe for Hathor now mixed with curiosity about Merlin's relationship with the goddess. There was a distinct familiarity and warmth between them—something deeper than friendship. But Hathor's words made Zaya blush harder, and she quickly lowered her gaze, her hands clutching her simple dress.

Merlin sighed, though there was a faint smile tugging at his lips. "You always have to make it sound dramatic, don't you?" He turned to Zaya and reassured her gently. "Don't worry, Hathor is kind and will keep you safe."

Hathor tilted her head and smiled warmly at Zaya. "Come now, little one. There is no need to be scared. You'll find sanctuary here, and I'll make sure no harm comes to you."

Zaya looked up hesitantly, meeting Hathor's serene gaze. For the first time since leaving Urshu's mansion, she felt a flicker of hope. With a deep breath, she stepped forward, her voice barely above a whisper. "Thank you, my Lady… and you, my Lord."

Hathor glanced at Merlin with a knowing smile. "You seem to have a talent for rescuing damsels in distress," she teased. Merlin simply chuckled, a light blush creeping onto his face as the three of them made their way into the palace.

Merlin noticed Zaya holding her wrist, her movements stiff and pained. His sharp eyes immediately narrowed, and he asked in a low, concerned tone, "What happened to your wrist?"

Zaya instinctively tried to hide it, cradling her arm against her chest. "It's nothing, my Lord," she whispered, her voice trembling. But Merlin wasn't convinced. He gently but firmly took her arm, uncovering the purple bruises that marred her skin, stark against her light brown complexion.

His jaw clenched, his usual calm demeanor giving way to a simmering anger. "Urshu did this, didn't he?" he muttered, his voice barely above a growl. Zaya didn't respond, but the way she lowered her gaze confirmed it. Merlin took a deep breath, steadying himself. Violence wouldn't solve this—not now.

He raised his free hand over her bruises, a soft golden light emanating from his palm. The energy shimmered and pulsed gently, washing over her injuries. The Horse Talisman he carried activated, its power of healing and regeneration flowing into her. The bruises faded away within seconds, leaving her skin unblemished and whole.

Zaya stared in awe, her eyes wide with disbelief. "It's… gone," she whispered, touching her now-healed wrist. She glanced up at Merlin, her voice trembling with a mix of gratitude and confusion. "Who… who are you?"

Merlin smiled softly, his expression warm and reassuring. "Just someone who doesn't tolerate cruelty," he said, stepping back. "All done."

He turned to Hathor, who stood nearby watching the scene unfold with a fond smile. "Take care of her," Merlin said. "I'll see you soon."

Hathor's smile grew playful as she stepped closer, her radiant presence filling the space. Her form shimmered briefly, shifting to match Merlin's height. Before he could react, she leaned in and kissed him. The kiss lingered, a mixture of affection and mischief, before she pulled back with a sly grin. "Yes," she said, her tone soft but brimming with certainty. "We'll see each other very soon."

Merlin smiled, a hint of color rising to his cheeks. With a nod, he turned and walked away, his figure disappearing into the golden light of the Egyptian sun.

Zaya stood frozen, her mind reeling from everything she had witnessed. Hathor's presence, Merlin's abilities, and now the goddess's kiss—it all felt like a dream. Her thoughts were interrupted by Hathor's melodic voice. "Don't be so surprised by his abilities," the goddess said, her tone both teasing and gentle. "Merlin is no ordinary man; he is a sorcerer of great skill and even greater heart."

Hathor's knowing smile deepened as she added, "And don't think I didn't notice how quickly you've fallen for him."

Zaya's face flushed a deep crimson. She stammered, "I—I haven't…" but her words faltered as Hathor's laugh rang out, warm and light.

"Don't worry, little one," Hathor said, placing a reassuring hand on Zaya's shoulder. "You're in safe hands now, and you'll find your place here. Merlin has a way of bringing people to where they belong."

Zaya nodded, still dazed but filled with a growing sense of hope. For the first time in a long while, she felt safe, and for reasons she couldn't yet understand, she felt something else too—a quiet admiration and love for the sorcerer who had set her free.