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.

***

19th of Thriduin, 20 AVE.

Kingdom of Vaidrin, Near Crosia.

The mountains loomed before them like a wall that touched the sky. On the other side waited their hopes.

An endless line of white cloaks trailed behind The God Emperor like a waiting river. He led them to the foot of the mountains, standing before their majesty.

Salduin bowed his head and said a silent prayer at his ruler's side. No natural processes had forged the gargantuan chain of sloping stone that stood in their way. The hand of The Creator had pulled the mountains from the depths of the world into the sky, laying a divine artwork of endless peaks and summits to divide his creation. The black desert was held back from the human rainforest with a line of unforgiving stony ridges and elevations more than three hundred miles thick.

Ahead, a wound was carved into the stone, twisting and curving up to the peaks high out of their reach. Lalian pulled his cloak nervously around him. "History tells us that Arkos traders used to brave these mountains using this passage, m...much as they still do in the north."

The Creator had left many paths through the mountains, potential ways for his creations to one day interact. Though Arkos traders continued to cross the shorter mountains far to the north into Spirexia, trickling down into the new lower kingdoms, none had braved the crossing directly between the desert and the lower Human Basin where the mountain chain was thickest in living memory.

Hesin stared at the carved stone from behind his emotionless mask. "I suppose we'll find out why the savages stopped."

Dominax glanced over at Cendra at his side. She granted him a nod, prepared to face the endless dangers ahead. With the other members of House Vaid protected in the center of the long column of legionaries, along with the supply train and families of several commanding Lords and Ladies, he led them forth.

With The God Emperor's single step, their long journey began.

20th of Thriduin, 20 AVE.

Kingdom of Vaidrin, Mountains Near Crosia.

Every step brought them higher, rising every waking minute. The thundering march of the legion echoed as they continued to climb, following the path towards the sky.

Arinax stumbled along in a daze, lost in thought. Ahead flowed a stream of endless white cloaks fluttering in the mountain wind, while concubines and children shuffled along just behind, tended to by slaves. Lixidions hauled supplies, transporting the only thing that would keep them alive on their journey. Further back followed more legionnaires, filling the path at their rear like a slithering tail dragging up the rocky heights. He supposed the other royals felt safe in the center of the long army. The young prince only felt trapped.

Up and up, always climbing. Though the path wound its way up the mountainside, never proving too steep, his legs were already aching by the end of the second day. The rocky terrain made his feet hurt, for he had to stop occasionally to fish out the small pebbles that found their way between his sandals and skin.

Already he wanted to go home. He wanted to curl up upon his bed and simply read. Even when he turned back with a yearning for Domani, he was met with the vast sight of The Human Basin stretching out for miles upon endless miles to touch the distant horizon below. A land of converging rivers and vivid trees lay across the landscape, the place of their ancestors, the land they had fought over for countless generations. All who glanced back beheld the grand width of his father's empire. An empirehewas expected to inherit. Arinax avoided looking back as his stomach tightened.

Vixin watched her brother carefully as he stumbled along ahead of her. "So much going on inside that little head," she thought to herself with a frown. At the very least, she supposed Jinilya could learn a thing or two from the somber boy. She glanced over when she heard her daughter whine about the endless walking. Offering pleading eyes, the little princess was rescued by her father, for Salduin hoisted her up to sit upon his broad shoulders. Receiving what she had asked for, false tears gave way in an instant to a smirk as Jin looked down upon the rest of them from her elevated perch. Vixin shook her head. "If that one ever gets a throne of her own, all beneath it shall weep."

Arinax nearly stumbled over a rock. Snapped from his thoughts, he peered up from his feet for the first time in an hour. Zela admired the glorious landscape below at his side, never missing an opportunity to look over her shoulder. Having shunned the basin, however, Arinax was met only with the barren rock of the mountains. Jagged stones beaten by the wind and rain for a millennium were all that loomed ahead and around. Only when the smallest hint of green caught his eye, however, did his interest spark.

Further along the path, he saw the limb of a tree peeking out from behind a colossal boulder. The prince marched with renewed vigor, following the legion as they wound their way up the mountain. Curving around towering rocks, the path carved through the stone, leaving sloping walls of solid stone at either side. As the path ventured diagonally to cut across a cliffside, the natural wall to their left gradually gave way to a steep fall. The legion began to thin as they avoided the edge.

The bolder ahead leaned above the path, its tip jutting out over the cliff below. As the legion marched easily beneath it, the tree gradually came into view. The first of its kind Arinax had ever seen, he dared to break from the others, climbing the sloped rocks at the path's other side to reach it.

Touching its smooth trunk, the prince dared to smile in fascination. With wood the color of dark purple, swirling violet lines bled across its green leaves, forming patterns that mimicked the shape of an eye onto every leaf. He reached up to pluck one from a branch, ignoring the faint cuts left behind on his hands from his short climb up the sharp stones.

He wondered if Zela would illustrate the tree for him, wishing to document the new species. The world was a curiosity he craved to discover. When he glanced up from the leaf, peering out at the vast empire below, his smile faded. A future God Emperor had little time to explore.

"Arinax!" Vixin called out a moment later. She reached up the gentle slope to take his wrist, guiding him to come down. She put a hand upon her hips with the firm tone of a disapproving mother. "We're venturing into a dangerous place. You cannot go off on your own."

Arinax watched the legion continue to march behind his elder sister like a flowing river. Hanging his head, he let the wind carry the leaf from his hands, and it fluttered away like a childish dream. "Forgive me."

Her pretty expression eased as she clasped his shoulder. "Let's keep going. When we reach the other side, and father secures us a stronghold in The Wandering Desert, I'm sure you'll have plenty of opportunities to study the local plants." She offered a kind smile, knowing him well. "Imagine all the discoveries waiting beyond, a place few humans have ever witnessed. Can you wait? Will you stay safe at my side until then?"

Her smile couldn't help but warm him despite the harsh wind. His somber expression lightened. "Yes, Vixin. I can wait."

"Good boy." She mussed his black hair. "A long journey lies ahead of us. I can't have you sneaking off to risk your death before it even begins. Come. Let's catch up to-"

His sister was cut off by the echo of nearby screams. They turned in time to watch as a portion of the path gave way, sending a slave and six legionaries tumbling over the edge of the cliff.

Vixin covered her brother's ears to spare him of their screams, hearing them plummet to the rocky ground far below. She grimaced at the heavy crash of bodies that echoed up the cliffside, though the silence that followed struck her deeper.

As legionaries swiftly backed away from the weak portion of the crumbling path, somberly mourning their fallen, Vixin met Arinax's terrified gaze with grim eyes. "A misstep shall be our deaths here. Do not leave my side."

When his sister offered her hand, he squeezed it, following behind her as she led him away. He peered back at the collapsed ground as if peering through a nightmare.

The mountains claimed the first casualties of the coming war. He wanted to go home.

25th of Thriduin, 20 AVE.

The Deep Mountains.

The God Emperor led them through the mountains, his cloak ever fluttering at his back. Through wind and rain he pushed. Ever marching, ever rising, he drove his blade up the rocky landscape to meet his enemy.

Never did his advisors offer a complaint at his side, though the rumblings of fatigue from behind occasionally reached his ear. He was driving them hard up the mountains, permitting rest only when necessary. Hardened warriors endured their ruler's determination with a bitter silence, though more than legionaries followed at his back.

Their climb seemed never to end. For every stony peak they passed, another loomed higher. The rainforest was a distant memory far below, washed away by endless rock and an occasional strange tree.

They conquered one mountain ridge only to find another taller behind, and another. Rising several miles, descending one, and rising again, up and up and down, testing their resolve.

As Dominax led them up the latest mountain ridge, he fully expected to be met with another yet taller behind. It mattered little. The Arkos could place a thousand mountains between them, and he'd still reach across to grip their necks.

He felt the scars left behind long ago by the Arkos assassins that had nearly killed him. They drove his powerful steps. Even with all of humanity beneath his throne, chaos would still creep in from outside. He marched swiftly.

Rising to touch the heights of the ridge they currently climbed, he heard Cendra's gasp as they finally reached the top. Rather than a taller ridge blocking their view, they were met with the sight of all that lay behind, for the ridge they stood upon matched the height of the others beyond.

He beheld the challenge ahead. A vast land of endless mountains lay before them, like raised scars upon the world. Gazing out at the width of the mountain chain, he saw only a hint of the hundreds of miles of rock and stone that stood in their path, the very top of the world.

The thousands of men and women at his back suddenly felt like insects scurrying upon the backs of giants.

It would take days to retreat the way they had come, though it could be done. They could turn back. He saw the mountain pass carving around the peaks and summits ahead, disappearing far into the mist that blanketed the elevated landscape. It would be a simple thing to return home and rule over all he had gained.

Dominax thought of his scars. He marched forth into the mist.

***

Though the heights of the ridges had somewhat leveled out, they still had to rise and descend the countless ridges beyond. Curving around colossal mountains that rose above the rest, their path cut into the stoney landscape. The natural walls at either side began to grow higher and higher, dwarfing them beneath their might.

"Send your best Truthseekers to follow along the tops of the cliffs. Lalian claims that tribes of Arkos exiles roam these mountains," he commanded Hesin, peering up at the nearly vertical cliffs at either side of the path. "We cannot be caught off guard here."

"Of course." Hesin fell behind to fulfill his orders.

Hour after hour they marched, hiking around the peaks. The mountain pass cut through a short ridge, then curved around a steep slope. Once more one of the towering cliffs at one side gave way to a sheer drop, forcing them to avoid the edge.

"Look!" Cendra shouted over the wind.

Ahead, they saw the first hint of why the passage had been abandoned. As Dominax ordered the rest to halt, they came to a stop before the edge where a portion of the path had entirely collapsed away. A short gap lay before them, dropping off into the dark depths of a steep fall below.

Cloak billowing around him, Dominax folded his arms. He turned his head after a moment of consideration. "Send men back to cut down the trees we passed, and summon Lalian," he commanded Cendra as she stared with stern lips at their predicament.

"A bridge, father?" she asked, trying not to shiver in the biting wind. After so long in the oppressive humidity, her outfit wasn't ideal for the dry cold. After receiving a nod, she turned upon her heel. "It shall be done."

***

Halted in their tracks, the legion swiftly set up camp. Thin lines of tents filled the path where the mountain pass was thickest. Fires were lit to hold back the ever growing cold as the sun began to fall beneath the highest summits, stretching long shadows across the cliffs and slopes.

"There we are," Salduin greeted Vixin upon his return, having departed to retrieve a cloak lined with fur. Black to match her leotard, he wrapped it around her slender shoulders, pulling it around her to keep the mother of his child warm. She thanked him with a lingering kiss, permitting him to taste her gratitude.

He offered Yisi a second cloak, thoughhergratitude came only in the form of an emotionless nod.

Nafalya accepted no aid. As she joined her kin around a grand fire, she wore nothing more than her thin robes, hardly more than a thong and hood. "The cold isn't a thing to fear." She endured the wind caressing her soft skin without complaint.

Vixin watched her sister's nipples poke through the nearly transparent fabric of her top, growing hard in the cold. Biting her lip, she couldn't help but think of theschemethey had discussed in private together during their journey. A desire whispered into a discreet ear, plans taking shape, a sisterly secret had formed. Now, perhaps it was time to make it blossom into reality.

Royals, Lords, and Ladies wandered about the busy camp, seeking shelter from the wind among the endless swarm of white cloaks. They received a bow from a passing Queen Regent Quinla, for the Arkos hybrid of House Stire had resigned from the regency council to join the conquest of her father's ancestral lands. Lord Drivis pretended not to notice the gathered royals as he crept past with a drink in his hand, while Prince Fonax marched proudly through the camp, offering Vixin a charming grin and bow. Rulers from across her father's empire had come to serve The God Emperor's aims, familiar and new.

As she finished ensuring her younger siblings, nephews, and Jinilya were warm and accounted for, Vixin finally whispered into Nafalya's ear. Concealed behind her mask, she knew her sister smirked.

Leaning over, she met Salduin with a conspiratorial tone. "Grant me and Nafalya a few minutes, then escort Lord Hesin to my tent." She smiled deviously. "Send him in first and enter when I give the command."

Though he raised a curious brow, he nodded when she refused all explanation. "If that is your wish."

She kissed him once more, gliding her lips seductively to his ear. "It is."

The princesses rose and departed together, attempting to avoid drawing attention, though always did eyes linger upon the beautiful daughters of The God Emperor. He tried to seek answers from Yisi with a glance, though the quiet girl merely rolled her eyes in disapproval.

Hesin found his way to the fire a moment later. Having served his duty, there was nothing more to do at the front of the legion column for the moment but to wait for the bridge's construction with the rest of them. When Cendra joined the gathered royals, he looked up from the flames to see Clin following far behind. The blond man glanced at him and the princess before slowing his pace, choosing instead to seek out his tent.

Salduin waited as he had been instructed. Hardly was there anything to find comfort in, struggling to find peace in such a lifeless place. The mountains were dead things, barren and cold. At the very least, the sight of his daughter warmed him. He watched Cliax offer Jinilya a figure carved from wood. With an excited laugh, the little princess tossed it into the fire and watched it burn. The prince retreated to Arinax's side in innocent horror.

The masked assassin beside him watched the passing nobles like a hunter marking his prey. Hesin knew their secrets, whispered by Truthseekers placed in the court of every city.

"Vixin and Nafalya have summoned us to meet in private," Salduin said gently when he felt that enough time had passed for them to prepare...whatever it was they were preparing. A single eye behind an expressionless mask peered at him with a question, yet he merely shrugged his broad shoulders. "Don't ask, for I don't know."

Though suspicion lingered in his gaze, Hesin rose. "Let us find out what game they're playing, then."

Maneuvering through the narrow camp together, they heard the sounds of passion muttered softly from passing tents as concubines, slaves, and lovers tried to warm their masters and mates with their soft bodies.

Reaching Vixin's tent, Salduin halted outside the fabric flap. "This is where I leave you. She requested you to enter first."

Intrigued by whatever scheme the royals were playing out, though cautious, Hesin patted the large man's shoulder with a mocking chuckle. "See you on the other side then,old friend."

Entering, the assassin moved carefully as he felt the hidden dagger in his sleeve, only for his single eye to widen at the sight waiting inside. Ahead, he beheld Vixin and Nafalya as they waited upon the princess's bed, dressed only in thin loincloths, black and white.

"Welcome, Lord Hesin," Vixin greeted him with a sensual smirk, running her hand up her body to caress her exposed breasts. "We have much to discuss."

Taking a creeping step forward, glancing at either side as if to find a trap, he drank in the view. "A curious sight."

"Yet a welcomed one, I hope." She departed the bed with her sister, and the two princesses converged upon their target. "You hold the secrets of many, though recently, I learned one of yours."

The words coaxed a scowl despite the alluring display before him, stepping back as they came within reach.

"Thatis a curious sight," Nafalya chuckled, hands clasped behind her back, wide hips swaying as she pressed closer. "The master recoils from the apprentice when he should celebrate instead."

No longer was he enjoying their game. "Speak the secret, and my coin shall ensure it's never uttered again."

"Your decades of loyalty to our father have more than earned my eternal silence." Vixin's tone softened. "You misunderstand. My intention is not to blackmail you, Lord Hesin."