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.

***

14th of Thriduin, 20 AVE.

Kingdom of Lian, Near Northern Border.

House Vaid was beyond his reach, though not for long. Hours ago they had slipped from his sight upon the waves, sailing away from this accursed land of Lanthians, though Salik already knew their destination. He'd find them, and the hunt would continue.

The sound of gentle waves lapping at the muddy shore of the jungle mixed with clashing steel. As agents of Shai waited, Salik wasted no time. When he wasn't eating or sleeping, he was training. Curved blades of black steel carved through the air towards his mock foe, maneuvering through the man's defenses before jabbing a sharp point towards his neck. An Arkos agent, the grey man froze as he felt the cool steel against his flesh. Salik drew no blood, though had his trained restraint failed him, it was better to risk spilling purple blood than that of a fellow Dril.

Accepting his dueling partner's surrender, he bowed his head in mutual respect, for the horned man had survived his blades longer than most.

Salik was about to select another agent to face him before Ynisa's voice rang out from further down the beach. "There it is!"

He didn't look at her, for he knew what she held. Instead, he followed the gazes of the men around him, turning in time to watch the bow of their hidden vessel peek out from behind the distant tree line far down the beach as it sailed around a curve in the vast river.

His men readied their supplies for departure as the ship grew closer. The same wide,heavyship they had arrived upon, it followed the shoreline slowly like some hulking sea beast. Far from the prettiest of vessels, Salik had taken to calling itThe Atonement, though only to himself. As it lumbered closer, he thought of The Potentate's words. "A day will come when we're finished with these humans. On that day, I'll tell you all you need to know of your mother. Do not fail us."

Their duty was far from done. A part of him secretly wished the approaching vessel would take them home to the snowy lands they hadn't seen in years, though their fate lay elsewhere. Once more The God Emperor would soon be in reach.

WhenThe Atonementpushed into the beach, Salik knew he could delay no longer. His men set about loading supplies aboard as his boots sank into the mud with every reluctant step. She waited ahead like a beacon he didn't dare to peer at.

"My report for The Potentate." His words were melting ice in the humid air. Coming to a stop before Ynisa, he kept his distance, looking up at her winged pet circling above, rather than the bundle cradled lovingly in her arms. "Send it. He must send word to Wonakaros of The God Emperor's intentions."

Ynisa followed his gaze to the Idrae, watching the eyeless pet flying high above them. "Talik will see it done." They lingered together in silence, every second an eternity until she sighed. "Salik, may we discuss her? Please? I-"

A cry came from the bundle in her arms. The sound was an icy dagger through his heart. They had evidently awoken it.

"Hush now, Varisa. Everything's alright," Ynisa said as she began to rock the bundle, comforting it with a soothing voice.

Salik dared to glance at her smile. Her long pregnancy had ended, and now her snow-colored skin seemed to glow with a maternal beauty as she lovingly tended to the creature. For an instant he felt a yearning at the sight of her, an echo of possibility, ofhome. Red eyes peered down through the eye holes of his helmet, feeling his black heart freeze in an instant. There, peeking out from the wrappings of a blanket in Chalvarrus colors, was a tiny face. Tiny red eyes fluttered up to meet his, and the world grew unsteady.

"Varisa."

He turned away before he'd be undone. Closing his heart to the sound of the infant, he marched in silence towards the ship. With a glance back, however, a thought whispered through his mind like a gentle wind.

"What shall be your future?"

18th of Thriduin, 20 AVE.

Kingdom of Vaidrin, Crosia.

The docks echoed with the cacophony of countless men and women as what remained of the battered legion disembarked. Filthy white cloaks and armor poured from every ship, contrasting sharply with the pristine condition of the fresh recruits standing in neat lines. As the two armies blended into one, veterans were welcomed into The City of Crosia as heroes of The Empire by new warriors.

Vixin saw the hope rise among the ranks of men and women all around as they beheld all her father had summoned to bolster their forces. The jungle had stripped them down to their foundations. With so many fresh faces, however, the legion seemed reborn.

She departed the command ship alongside the rest of House Vaid and the royal advisors. Carrying Jinilya, she and her fellow royals were escorted through the harbor as citizens cheered from the windows of nearby buildings. Their joy mixed with the shouted orders ringing out through the legion as countless white cloaks were divided and reorganized.

After their time in Praith, Vixin couldn't help but mutter a soft sigh as she permitted herself to savor the noise. No longer were they surrounded by a conquered population that sought their deaths. Here, in a city near the very heart of Vaidrin, inside the oldest and wealthiest District of the entire Empire, she felt truly at home.

If any had hoped The God Emperor himself would greet them in person, they were soon disappointed as they were led to the gates of the harbor. Rather than their holy ruler, they found The Grand Imperial Architect instead. Waiting with a vast entourage of additional guards to escort them through the city, Lalian met them with a beaming smile.

"Your majesties, allow me to welcome-"

Hardly could he get his greeting out before Anthara swept forward, reuniting with the lips of her mate. His green eyes went wide at her newfound boldness, only to soften with affection as he peered down at the child in her arms.

Vixin couldn't help but smile as she gestured for the others to grant the couple space. The green man nearly melted at the sight of his son after so long, daring to accept the hybrid child from Anthara's grasp with unsteady arms.

When at last he looked up, remembering his duty, he blushed with embarrassment. "I...I seem to have forgotten myself. Forgive me. Please, come this way." As he began to lead the group, he spoke over his shoulder with dripping excitement. "Oh, today is a...a singularly special occasion." He glanced back at Cendra. "Your father has quite the surprise in store for you, princess."

She couldn't help but feel a tingle of concern tighten her stomach. With Cliax following swiftly at her heels, Cendra marched with long strides that offered no hint of her misgivings. It had been one thing to ponder if she'd be punished while hundreds of miles away. Now that she approached her father with every step, the potential price of her disobedience was all too real.

A human city with human buildings, human streets, human traditions, and of course,humans, stretched out all around them. It was nearly possible to forget the horrors of the jungle as they strolled through Crosia, though all knew their refuge was a temporary thing. The mountains loomed in the distance, as if taunting their resolve.

The white lines of the fresh legion held back the population as they kept the way to Castle Riax clear. The towering structure waited ahead as they approached, its doors open to usher them inside.

Across the grand throne room The God Emperor waited. Cendra saw him high atop Crosia's seat of power. She approached with the rest of her family, drawn forward as if being lured towards his power.

At one side of the throne stood the city's Divine Mother. On the other stood a short woman with long braids dressed in silks of purple, holding her belly as if cradling the beginning of a pregnancy. Cendra could only assume that she was the ruler of Crosia. Against the walls were wealthy citizens gathered to observe, packed tightly together to make room for the royals.

Vixin felt a subtle relief at the sight of Dominax upon the throne. It was a quiet feeling, mixing with the sting of Irith's memory, yet it was there. She knew of his deed. She knew what he had taken from them. Despite the bitter taste upon her tongue, he remained her father.

She studied him coldly as they crossed the grand chamber. Irith's death had nearly destroyed him, leaving him a diminished shell when last she had seen him. Now, however, she peered at him as if a blazing sun of power sat ahead. The God Emperor's eyes glowed with a consuming power, alight with a fire that burned with determination.

"Princess Cendra of House Vaid, my firstborn, my flower, step forth," The God Emperor's booming voice echoed through the chamber.

The sound of his command shook her to her bones, yet she would not crumble. Not now. Not after she had stared into the eyes of death itself. With brave steps, Cendra marched to accept whatever fate lay before her.

A Vaid could never kneel, and thus she stood before the throne. Clasping her hands behind her back, she straightened with dignity.

The God Emperor rose from the throne with a disc-shaped object clasped in his grasp. He descended halfway down the dais with step after slow step, stopping when she was within reach. Towering over his daughter, he held the object high in the air for all to see.

"My blood, my child, you rose in my absence to claim victory for The Empire. You proved the power of our House when you put your blade to the Lanthians," he announced to all in the chamber. "You return to my side a worthy being, and for your service, you shall be sealed into history as The Goddess of War!"

Cendra heard the cheers booming through the chamber as if from a dream. Frozen in place, she watched as his hand opened to reveal a circular medallion of chimira steel decorated with gold. Fastened to a thin chain, he clasped it around her delicate neck, letting it hang just above her breasts.

"Let the world remember those that fell under your command, and let the victory you seized be a reminder to all citizens that a single act of courage may bring our enemies to their knees," his deep voice continued. "They shall look to the Lanthians and remember the day my flower tore them down. Henceforth, The Capital of Lian, the site of your victory, shall hereby be renamed to Cendra's Wrath."

Though Vixin glanced over to see the distaste upon Anthara's lips, she added her soft cheer to the thundering cacophony. "Appearances," she thought to herself.

"When the world rests in peace beneath my throne, when war becomes a forgotten thing, may they continue their prayers to The Goddess of War for strength and resilience in moments of crisis," he announced to all.

Cendra stood like a statue of marble as she endured the cheers, the very sound she had craved all her life. They praised the firstborn of House Vaid, yet she couldn't help but think of Hazia's corpse. With a solemn bow of her head, remembering the fallen, she whispered. "Thank you, father."

His fingers felt like talons as he gripped her slender shoulder. Leaning down, he put his lips to her ear. "Never disobey me again."

The harsh words sent a shiver down her spine, though as she met his gaze, she nodded.

"War shall become a memory, yet now it lays at our feet. Rest, for tomorrow we march!" The God Emperor waved his hand, dismissing hundreds.

As the crowds continued to echo in the aftermath of his speech, intermingling as they slowly drained from the chamber like a sea trickling through a narrow breach, Dominax stepped down to join his family.

Nafalya was the first to come forth with seductive swaying hips. She came to a stop a step away, clasping her hands behind her back as if offering herself to his judgment. Though pleased by the sight of her latest pregnancy, he assessed Irith's firstborn. Her pretty face was concealed behind her mask, yet the cold white steel could do nothing to hide the secret in her silver gaze, a secret they shared the burden of together. Offering a hand, he permitted her closer. Little more than a whisper of relief escaped her trained concealment of emotion as she joined her father's side as if settling into his shadow once more.

"Father," Vixin greeted him. Her smooth voice was a stale thing, neither warm nor cold. Jinilya was a burning flame in contrast, reaching for her grandfather until Vixin relented and handed her over. Stepping back, she stared at the floor as Yisi took her hand.

"Your holiness," Salduin said joyfully. As Dominax held Jin in one powerful arm, he used the other to clasp the large man's forearm. "We're prepared to march, if crossing the mountains remains your wish."

"Indeed." The single word oozed from The God Emperor's lips, sealing the fate of the black desert beyond.

Salduin nodded before his expression softened. Opening his mouth, the words seemed to cling to his tongue. When he leaned in closer, they came gently. "I should say, your holiness, that I've prayed for Irith since your departure. I'm certain she is resting peacefully at The Creator's side."

Dominax's arm slid from his advisor's grasp as he offered a cold nod.

As the big man stepped aside, The God Emperor beheld his family. For the first time since that horrid night, he met the gaze of his heir. Arinax stood pale before him. The boy retreated, flanked by Cliax and Zela. Dominax's lips twisted into a subtle frown as they kept their distance.

"The mountains?" Clin asked after a polite greeting, delving straight into the matter at hand.

Dominax killed the question with a glance. "All shall be revealed before we march. Rest, for your journey has been long, yet it has only just begun."

***

Cendra watched as the orange light of the setting sun bled through the sky while she peered out the window. Dressed in a silk robe, she sipped from a cup as she studied the city below, a voyeur high atop Castle Riax.

Her personal quarters for the night were more than adequate. The thick castle walls were a welcome change, holding back the outside humidity to leave the room cool. She had left the jungle for the rainforest of home, yet the tropical atmosphere outside was noticeably more forgiving. For a moment she wondered what the black desert would offer.

Putting her cup down as the sky darkened with every moment, watching the sun slipping into oblivion, she shrugged the robe from her shoulders and permitted the silk to glide down her soft royal skin, leaving her bare.

She felt the air caressing her nude form as she made her way towards the bed, feeling as weightless as she had after her victory. Only the medallion remained upon her, brushing against her perky breasts as she eased onto her back.

Reaching over, she ignited a flame upon her fingertip to light a candle that rested atop the bedside table. The gentle light traced over her alluring form.

The silky sheets caressed her as she moved, savoring the luxury of her surroundings. Finally, she had earned her place. Finally, she could rest, if only for a moment.

Thinking of Hazia, she closed her eyes. "Thank you." The memory of her corpse was a burden, though one she'd proudly carry. The girl would never again enjoy soft sheets. She'd never so much as breathe another breath. Cendra breathed for her, inhaling deeply, savoring that she still lived. As the air eased from her lungs, her silver eyes opened.

Staring up at the ceiling, she felt the warmth between her thighs. A much lesser burden than her memory, though a burden all the same, she had carried it since Clin's rejection. Lying alone, having requested separate quarters, she sighed, no longer feeling quite as weightless.

Still the warmth lingered. Still it called to her, an unsatisfied ache.

A curious hand ran down her side, exploring her own athletic curves. Fingers glided over smooth skin, savoring just how soft she felt.

The other hand found the medallion around her neck. She held it up, brushing her thumb across the engraved words that ran around the circular edge as she read them in the candlelight. "Princess Cendra of House Vaid, Firstborn of God Emperor Dominax."The symbol of her House sat proudly in the center, with smaller words engraved in gold just beneath. "The Goddess of War."

She held it close to her chest as her hand brushed her thigh. Cendra felt the firmness of her powerful legs, knowing their exquisitely feminine shape had coaxed the obsession of many.

Her body was a masterpiece, an artwork that made others quiver with desire, yet still Clin had rejected her.

The sting of his words lingered, though she'd survive. Cendra could sense him in the chamber across the hall if she concentrated, though in truth, she didn't want to. The man she loved had chosen not to warm to bed, and thus...

Glancing over at the bedside table, she eyed Vixin's gift. The wooden box lingered beside the candle. It taunted her.

A hand caressed her inner thigh as she parted her legs. She uttered a soft breath as her touch narrowly avoided the source of her ache. Already her advanced senses could smell the sweet aroma of her need.

When a finger finally brushed her sensitive lower lips, gliding gently through her gathering dampness, she bit her lip. Soft flower petals were at her fingertips, tracing their flawless shape as she closed her eyes.

She imagined her hand was Clin's, uttering the smallest hint of a moan as she explored herself. Delectable juices wetted her touch as her body yearned for its long-awaited release.

Temptation guided her hand to the box, feeling the smooth wood in her grasp as she brought it closer. Placing it upon her toned stomach, she dared to open it once more, peeking at the creature inside. The candlelight nearly made the waiting slug glow with a vivid shade of purple mixed with a black pattern. Its wet body squirmed, damp with slime. She felt a tingle inside her, a memory of her first vibshir. A single experience nine years ago, yet never had she forgotten the bizarre andexquisitevibration.

"Vixin, why do you tempt me so?" she whispered, closing the box. How could she possibly enjoy such a lewd gift while knowing her sister was its source? As she opened the box once more, however, her silver eyes glowed with curiosity.

Perhaps there was no harm. After all, Vixin had seen her pleasure in person. As she dared to caress the slug's slimy back, she blushed as it began to vibrate. How many nights had her sister...enjoyedthe abilities of these strange little creatures? The thought made her move the box from her stomach to the sheets at her side, as if to push it away, yet still it lingered within reach.