Vaid Empire: Conquest

Vaid Empire: Conquestis a massive fantasy series that aims to mixeroticawith the quality of a published novel. New chapters and artwork are released every month for free, with the completely optional possibility to receive early access on the official Vaid Empire Website. The Series focuses heavily on worldbuilding, story, and characters.

The world of Ayphieal is shattered and chaotic, with kingdoms and tribes of six distinctive races vying for territory amongst themselves. It is only when a young human warrior finally pushes back against the chaos that the world begins to shift towards order.

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12th of Onis, 20 AVE.

Domani, Capital of The Vaid Empire.

The silence of the tomb lingered as Dominax read the reports. Tightly holding the message cylinder, his eyes traced over the etched symbols that told of Cendra's victory. In his absence, she had risen.

His sword rested atop Irith's sarcophagus beside his discarded crown. Knees aching after kneeling beside her for so long, he reread the report once more before glancing over at the transparent globe projecting from the orb in the crossguard. He had willed the otherworldly map to focus upon the mountains to the west. It was time for him to rise as well.

Hardly did he react to the sound of the heavy door opening, nor did the vision of his younger self as it stood in the shadows, arms crossed, awaiting his decision. For hours he had read the report, and for hours he had studied the glowing depiction of the mountains projecting from his sword. When Lalian came to his side, the green man made no comment about the ghost he could not see. Instead, he peered at the map curiously.

"Cendra lives." Dominax offered the message cylinder, though he knew the green man was already aware. Much of The Empire seemed to know, for the tale of her victory crept slowly across the land. "I've been a fool."

"A f...fool?" Lalian stammered as he took the cylinder into his grasp.

Dominax stared at the stone lid of the sarcophagus before him. "It's a dangerous thing for a man to believe himself untouchable. Yet in the end, I was brought down by my own hand."

The green man clasped his hands behind his back as the flickering light of the globe held back the darkness. "How so?"

He rubbed the smooth stone as his features hardened. "I failed her, Lalian. I've been foolish and weak." Glancing at the silent specter of his younger self, glowing silver meeting silver, he spoke more to the ghost than to his advisor. "Never again."

Lalian dared to smile, daring to hope. "Shall I inform the court of your return?"

"Soon." Dominax glanced at the map. "This is the last time I shall ever kneel, Lalian. When I rise, I shall remain standing until my purpose isdone."

"In that case, let me help, my friend." Lalian offered a hand. For a moment, he didn't tremble. He didn't stutter nor shake. His grasp remained strong as he took Dominax's hand, assisting him to his feet. As he rose, Lalian offered a beaming smile before bowing his head. "Welcome back, my God Emperor. What are your orders? Shall I prepare a ship for our return to Praith?"

"No." The word was a deep rumble through the dark chamber. "Bring the legion to me."

Lalian's smile faded. "A...a retreat? You intend to surrender the progress we've made?"

"Surrender?" Dominax's eyes glowed brighter as he reached for his sword. "Never. A temporary withdrawal, nothing more." He brought the blade between them, his powerful grip tight around the hilt as the transparent map illuminated his hard features. "Even with your knowledge, we fight an enemy we simply don't understand. While the Lanthians maintain dominion over the skies, I'd bring down a foe that shall stand against us in the dirt." The globe shifted, focusing upon the black desert beyond the mountains. "Or rather,sand."

"The Arkos?" Lalian questioned in confusion. "We...we'd simply trade one enemy for another, forgoing what many bled to gain."

Dominax shook his head. "Cendra was our salvation, for she holds The Capital of Lian in her grasp. With her victory, we may pull the majority of the legion from the jungle without further losses. None shall dare move to reclaim what we seized while we hold a blade to the most sacred of their tombs."

Lalian's eyes narrowed in thought as his quick mind sought out the implications of his words. "And the Arkos? Why provoke another species while knee-deep into the lands of another?"

"What have we gained in the jungle for all our suffering? Thousands have fallen for a mere handful of cities. Without Cendra's blade carving through the heart of the kingdom, hundreds more would have fallen to hold them," Dominax replied. "All of Lian bows to our will, hoping, awaiting the day we falter, yet Lian is one kingdom among four. I could lead countless men to their deaths. I could lay waste to all that stands before us and burn every city to the ground. I'd rule over mere bones and ash, though perhaps we'd have our victory."

Lalian watched as the globe narrowed its focus upon the mountains once more.

"Yet my gaze falls to the west, and I see our alternative. Think of the histories you've provided me. The human chiefs before my rise never dared to enter the horrid lands of your birth. Only Arkos raiders were capable of taking what they sought," he explained, his deep voice oozing through the dark chamber with a hint of respect. "For centuries they learned to fight the Lanthians, to raid their cities along their shared border. I'd see them broken beneath my will, to unleash their expertise against my foes until I have what I seek."

In the glowing light, Lalian nervously watched as Dominax's hand crept across the globe, a conqueror's grasp looming above the land he desired.

"I shall regather my strength. I shall summon all that may still hold a blade from the jungle, and lead them through the mountain pass just here," he explained, dragging his finger across the map with glowing eyes. "There is a wound in the world, a passage cutting through the mountain peaks."

Studying the landscape, Lalian squinted. "The City of Crosia sits near the entrance, I believe."

Once more the green man's flawless memory proved its worth as Dominax confirmed his words with a sharp nod. "We shall gather the might of all the Lords I permitted to stay behind, as many blades as we can spare, before we sail to Crosia. There the legion shall meet us."

Lalian pondered his plan for a moment, weighing the dangers and alternatives. "The Capital of the Arkos Kingdom of Narok sits on the other side of the mountains. If we survive the journey, I suppose we'd be well positioned to conquer them quickly." He couldn't help but let an excited smile touch his lips. "Oh, this...this is quite singular!"

Dominax extinguished the glowing map as he sheathed his blade. Moving to the sarcophagus, he lit a candle atop the stone lid to push back the darkness, staring down into the tiny flame. "Narok shall bend to my will, and with their warriors at the side of the legion, the Lanthians shall be torn down."

"I...I'll begin the preparations right away."

"Good." Dominax picked up his helmet. The golden spikes lining the top that acted as his crown gleamed in the candlelight. "I've faltered, though never again. Cendra rose to seize her purpose, and so shall I. Never will I stop. Never will I rest." He stared at the empty helmet, his purpose in his grasp. Yet despite the light weight of the chimira steel, he found that the crown was too heavy to raise to his head.

Seeing his grimace, Lalian stepped closer. "Ah. Oh dear." Once more his strength was required, refusing to stutter. "It takes time to rise. When you're ready, I shall happily announce your return." He slipped the message cylinder beneath his tunic and offered his open hands. "Until then, do not languish alone. Permit me to bear your burden, my friend."

Few beings were trusted enough to lay a finger upon his crown. Meeting Lalian's green eyes, Dominax silently relinquished his crown into his care. Hardly did he need to utter a word. Instead, he offered a firm nod.

Lalian held it with the honor it deserved, as if holding The Empire itself in his careful grasp. "W...will you be staying here tonight again?"

"No." The glow of Dominax's eyes dimmed as he gestured to the exit of the tomb. "I'll step into the world of the living once more, though only a step."

Deeply relieved, Lalian hurried to guide him from the tomb. As they departed, Dominax paused in the doorway, glancing back.

With concealed sorrow, he stared at the sarcophagus a moment longer. When he met the gaze of the shadow, the vision of his younger self, he marched silently from the tomb.

20th of Onis, 20 AVE.

Kingdom of Lian, Lanvale.

Cendra strolled through the conquered streets of The Capital with ease, passing legionaries that went about their duties. They bowed in respect as she walked by, shouting in unison when they straightened. "The Goddess of War!"

She merely offered a nod of her own each time, permitting a tiny smile to her lips. No longer did she make long strides, holding the burden of pride an imperial princess required. Now, as she walked slowly in the aftermath of her victory, she felt weightless.

"To victory or death, she said!" a wounded man exclaimed nearby, loudly retailing the tale of the battle to a group of fellow legionaries. They cheered, savoring the memory. Others sat silently nearby, their heads down, enduring memories of their own with horror in their lowered gazes. Cendra chuckled to herself as she passed the loud legionaries, though granted a grim nod to the quiet men.

The city seemed to be a scurrying hive of white cloaks as they secured the city. She granted commands when necessary, though otherwise she savored the tiny moments she had to herself.

Crossing a bridge near the city's center, she saw the building that King Galis had made his temporary stronghold in the days following the battle. Even now she could hear the distant smacks of his blade against wood, for never did the young king cease to train with the sword he had once feared to so much as pick up, even while the healers begged for a moment to tend to his missing eye. Cendra frowned at the sound. The boy had been weak, yet what remained of him now wasn't entirely an improvement.

Continuing to stroll, she passed a group of Lanthian citizens that were being escorted by legionaries. Hardly did they glance at her, peering at the walkway floor as they were marched along. They were a broken population, knowing the consequences of rebellion. Like Praith, Cendra had stationed legionaries within the burial chamber. Should a single Lanthian stand to resist them, or should the warriors of other cities raid another beneath The Empire's control, the entire kingdom would weep, for the corpses of their greatest and most sacred heroes would be destroyed.

Already reports from Tempian, Praith, and Hainath spoke of their raids ceasing. Even the fact that their messages were delivered without being shot down by Lanthian arrows was a testament to their victory.

Weightless and tall, Cendra passed a fellow Privictis Knight. Quickly stopping, she took the time to clasp the man's forearm in mutual respect, having fought at his side. They parted with few words, yet the moment remained with her as she crossed to the railing of the walkway.

Glancing around to ensure no one was too near, she took a silent moment as she looked down at the jungle floor far below. Closing her eyes, she whispered. "Thank you, Hazia." Hardly was it the first time, and hardly would it be the last. Opening her silver eyes, she continued on.

"Your majesty!" A legionary hurried to gain her attention from behind. Turning, she saw the message cylinder held carefully in his grasp. He delivered it with a bow of his head. "Orders from The God Emperor himself."

"Orders?" Cendra almost dreaded what she'd read. Long had she pondered how her father would respond to her disobedience, victory or not. She took the cylinder, opening it before beginning to read silently as the legionary waited. Though her silver eyes widened, she gave no voice to her surprise, sealing the cylinder carefully when she was done. She regarded the messenger with a controlled tone. "There is much to be done, then. Come. I'll need your assistance delivering orders of my own across the city."

"Your majesty?" The messenger eyed her with concern.

Cendra offered no word of her thoughts. No punishment had been ordered, yet there was no telling what he'd say when they finally came face to face. For the moment, at least, she continued to feel as weightless as before. "As I said, come. It seems we're leaving the jungle."

35th of Twic, 20 AVE.

Domani, Capital of The Vaid Empire.

Dominax felt the warm water as he sat half-submerged in the shallow pool. The entrance lounge of his personal quarters sat empty as he savored the silence with closed eyes, focusing, diving within himself to touch the power waiting inside his blood.

He was a bright sun of burning power. When he opened his eyes, however, he was but flesh. Dominax reached up to feel his neat beard and silver hair, freshly trimmed and cleaned by slaves. Long had he languished in Irith's tomb until he had become a corpse himself. Now he had regained the appearance of a ruler at the very least.

Already his plans were in motion. Sending Dominax's commands across The Empire, Lalian worked to gather every man and woman they could spare for the conquest ahead. A fleet of ships waited in the port, purchases from merchants or gifts begrudgingly offered by Lords that could contribute no further legionaries. Enough were left behind in each city to ensure that order remained, of course, for Dominax was unwilling to leave his lands undefended in his absence, though a wave of fresh recruits were pulled in from across The Empire.

A knock came from the door. When he heard Lalian's voice, he permitted him inside without rising. Entirely bare, Dominax merely leaned back against the pool's edge to regard his new guests coldly, for the green man ushered in a trio of concubines.

"Is there a purpose to this intrusion?" his deep voice oozed through the faint haze of steam that filled the chamber.

"Yes, ah, yes there is." Lalian excitedly waved the women inside. A brunette, a black-haired woman, and a concubine with dark blue hair, they came decorated with jewelry woven into their hair, though nothing else. Bare before his eyes, they took their places at the opposite edge of the pool as they began to dance. At their side, Lalian clasped his hands behind his back with a nervous smile. "It is a...singularconundrum, though I know you well, my friend. How long has it been since you...ah..."

Dominax took his meaning with an annoyed grimace, though he watched the swaying of their hips. In his grief, he had taken no other women.

"Yes, well, you see, for a man accustomed to a new woman every night, these last few months have been quite a...peculiar anomaly. Though entirely understandable, of...of course," Lalian was quick to correct himself. He watched as the concubines swayed, enchantresses that any man would melt in the presence of. The brunette twirled, and the sight of her seductive smile nearly sent him toppling into the pool as his knees grew weak. "I had a...shall I say...ahunchthat you are in need of some...relief."

No truer words had been spoken. Yet even as Dominax traced over their delectable curves, feeling the simmering weight of months without another's touch, his lips held a faint scowl.

Despite the alluring sight before him, Lalian broke his stare to focus upon his friend's need, crouching beside the edge of the pool to offer a gentle tone, unable to mask his concern. "T...take them. Clear your mind for an evening and simply enjoy yourself." When The God Emperor offered no reply, he continued in a whisper. "What use is your suffering? Do you believe she would have wanted you to torment yourself?"

Dominax nearly burned at the sight of them, watching their dance as they sought to coax his lust with expert precision, as if knowing exactly how to move to entice his interest. Wide hips, young and firm breasts, a buffet of soft feminine flesh waited before him, taunting a starving man. He merely grunted in annoyance. "Focus upon your own enjoyment, Lalian. Leave me."

Dismissed by a bitter wave, Lalian nervously fidgeted with his fingers, only to stand up with determination. Risking The God Emperor's wrath, he shook his head. "No, no. Come now." He hurried to the side of the concubines, urging them to approach their ruler. "His holiness needs this. Serve him. Quickly." When they refused to approach, seeing the growing ire in their master's silent gaze, Lalian bit his lip. He knew his friend well. Leaving the tomb had been the first step of his return. Bathing had been another. For the sake of The God Emperor, he took the hands of the two closest concubines, leading them closer. The touch of two women quickened his heart, fighting to ignore the softness of their hands as he gently pulled. Determined, he stepped down into the shallow depths, leading them into the pool himself. His cloak and tunic were instantly drenched as he guided them to the side of his master, his friend. "If you dislike them, I'll bring replacements."

There was no going back. The God Emperor had dismissed them, though now they were held near his sides by the faint temptation in his gaze. Risking disobedience, a gamble, the pair eased closer, presenting seductive smiles. Not wanting to appear foolish by standing idle and alone, the third joined them when their ruler made no further gesture to send them away.

Wet bodies surrounded him, eager to serve with hunger in their eyes. Dominax's interest burned in his loins, neglected for far too long. Finally, as they waited with dripping anticipation, he flicked a lazy finger towards the woman in the center with a hint of annoyance. "So be it. You, then. Come."

The others hid their disappointment well as they eased back to wait their turn. Like an honored sacrifice, the selected concubine crept closer with an eager grin to accept her fate. Her long black hair dragged through the water as she closed the short distance between them.

Lalian uttered a silent sigh of relief as he retreated, stepping out of the pool. He watched Dominax caress his new lover as his wet clothing dripped to form a puddle upon the stone floor. "Enjoy her."

From the first touch, he scowled. His fingers dragged across her wet skin, coaxing his already boiling desires, yet the feeling of her was...wrong. Delectable, beautiful, every instinct urged him to savor her body, yet he recoiled.

"A...a...problem?" Lalian questioned nervously.

Her soft skin brought a memory of Irith, making him grimace. He sought pleasure while she rested alone in her tomb. Dominax could almost see the blood upon his hands.

"If she isn't pleasing to you..." Lalian trailed off.

Dominax tried once more, running his fingers through her dark hair. With her pretty face up close, he realized her hair wasn't truly black, but a brown so deep that it appeared nearly as dark as his own had once been. Irith's had been the same, dark and silky, yet certain light revealed the truth of her.