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.

***

17th of Thriduin, 19 AVE.

Kingdom of Lian, Praith.

"Here it comes!" Vixin announced excitedly. The elegant voice of the princess mixed with the cacophony of Anthara's pained groans.

The room nestled inside the royal family's temporary stronghold was compact and snug, centered in the heart of the building in the heart of the city. All Lanthian furnishings had been torn from the rest of the rooms and replaced with human comforts, save for the small chamber in which they stood. Wooden walls remained decorated with green woven tapestries fashioned into traditional symbols that encouraged motherhood and fertility. A large bowl made of solid gold sat in the center of the room, the inside cushioned with packed leaves.

No other room but a traditional birthing chamber would do. Squatting over the golden bowl, Anthara squeezed Vixin's hand to one side and Yisi's on the other as she cried out.

Gathered around, the cramped confines permitted few to observe, and only Dominax, Irith, and Lalian stood to watch the birth of The Grand Imperial Architect's son. The green man trembled at the pained groans of his mate, fidgeting wildly with his fingers until The God Emperor's hand upon his shoulder offered support. He straightened, inhaled deeply, and solidified his resolve. His love needed him to be brave.

Vixin and Yisi performed their duties as best they could. Having never witnessed a Lanthian birth, they steadied her through the pain. Their own pregnancies were on display, and Yisi couldn't help but lay a hand unconsciously upon her own slight swell, blushing at knowing her child shared a father with the Lanthian's unborn baby. She had witnessed many births during her Sage training. Admittedly, she had delivered many babies from pretty women that had caught The God Emperor's eye, bringing forth more fatherless bastards such as herself into the world. Only now, with her own womb carrying his spawn, did she find herself eager to flee her duties even as Anthara groaned.

The gilded loincloth hanging over the bowl glimmered in the gentle candlelight. Anthara wore the uniform of a warrior, the same gift from Lalian she had donned in preparation to conceive their son. She had chosen the traditional uniform of her forebears in preparation for her greatest battle, loosing a scream as she pushed. No Vaid blood ran through her veins to replace her pain with ecstasy.

Vixin watched the woman's midriff subtly swell as something moved through her vaginal canal.

With a final push, Anthara grimaced as her labia parted. Lalian's eyes widened at the sound of something falling into leaves with a gentlethud. Almost too nervous to look, he stepped closer as a deep relief oozed from his mate's lips, peering down into the bowl. There, drenched in the juices and green blood of his mate, sat a perfectly shaped egg. Awed, a dampness began to fill his gaze as reality crashed down upon his shoulders.He was a father.

Vixin carefully cupped the egg in her grasp, its size fitting comfortably in her palms as Yisi tended to the new mother. Cleaning its surface with a ready cloth, she offered the polished egg to its father. "Congratulations, Lalian."

Her voice was soft, holding an affection that tested his restraint further. A dam fought to contain his emotion as he accepted the egg, heart racing. The smooth shell was divided into two shades of green, mirroring the skin of a Lanthian. No matter how hard he fought, no matter how hard he tried to remain strong, the dam was gradually undone until tears of joy flowed down his cheeks.

Long had he accepted his fate. Long had he endured the knowledge he'd never be a father. Now, holding his child close to his chest, he wept, letting the remnants of his past torment drain away.

***

Their time in Praith had been a month of tension, suspicion, and mistrust. Now, mere hours after the birth, the streets and walkways near the heart of the city came to life as the legion celebrated The Grand Imperial Architect's son.

The vast majority of the city remained tightly secured, yet the throne platform glowed with human braziers and bioluminescent plants that had been collected from below as the royals feasted. A great table had been placed before the throne, concealing the faint stains of green blood that had seeped into the cracks of the wood after The Priarch's defeat.

Dominax sat atop the throne with Anthara and Lalian seated at his feet at the head of the long table, their egg resting proudly upon a cushion between them. Having been spared the ordeal of a human live birth, enduring only the thickness of the large egg, she rested at her lover's side, knowing the soreness between her green thighs would heal quickly. Her fingers met Lalian's as they lovingly held their egg together, as if fearful the cushion would vanish and it would tumble to the ground.

Clin sat beside Cendra at the table. Although he had waited with his fellow advisors outside the birthing chamber, he had been the first to grant Lalian a wide grin and a joyful congratulations. Salduin had wrapped him in his large arms with a powerful squeeze, and Hesin nodded with a smirk that wasn't nearly as taunting as usual, relinquishing his mask in respect. Now the three men feasted aside lovers and children of their own.

Lalian watched Cliax stare at a distant group of slaves returning to their quarters under the strict curfew with furrowed brows, uneasy thoughts clear upon his young face. He turned in time to see Jinilya ignite the wood of the table with her flames, laughing hysterically as Yisi hurried to extinguish the swirling fire. He saw Atrix suckling at Nafalya's breast, her belly beginning to show her latest pregnancy.

Knight Kunir had been permitted to join them as Clin's honored guest. Across from him, his eyes seemed locked upon Vixin's pregnant belly. She offered a reassuring smile when she caught his obvious gaze, caressing her swell. In response, he drank heavily from a cup of Omrinian Wine.

Life mingled everywhere Lalian looked, all gathered to celebrate the birth of his child. Rising calmly from his seat, he leaned to whisper into Anthara's ear when she looked up with a question. "A moment. I'll return shortly."

Departing without a second glance, he made his way from the platform and crossed a bridge. The legionnaires greeted him with low bows and congratulatory grins each time they parted to permit him through.

Far from the feast, he found a quiet spot at the edge of a walkway, releasing a long breath of relief as he leaned over the railing. He peered into the darkness below, listening to the distant celebrations, and fearful silence from every Lanthian dwelling. "I'm a father."

"You departed your night of victory," a deep voice came from behind. Lalian hadn't heard a single step, turning to see Dominax strolling soundlessly to his side. The God Emperor joined him at the railing. "Something troubles you."

There was no glow to Dominax's silver eyes. For a brief moment, beneath his crown, he almost appeared human. "Nothing at all. I...I merely needed a moment of peace. It's difficult to steady my thoughts with so much noise."

"By all means."

They lingered together, savoring the quiet. There were no distractions to focus upon. There was nothing to stop reality from settling in. Lalian found himself smiling.

"Thank you, Dominax," Lalian dared. The guards kept their distance, oblivious to their words. "It all happened so fast. The birth, the feast, I...I haven't had time to thank you again."

Dominax shook his head. "An unnecessary gesture. Merely raise the child well, and I shall know of your gratitude."

Once more they stood in silence. Finally, when Lalian dared to speak again, his calm gave way, and his nervous fidgeting returned. "Y...you know, I've given much thought to the past. After all, my future has just arrived." He swallowed. "There should be no secret between friends, and...and after all you've done for me, y...you deserve to know every possible truth I can offer." He paused as if the world hung upon his next words. "It...I...it's a peculiar admission, yet years ago...well, ah, you're aware Xenia and I weren't particularly fond of...oh, apologies, may I utter her name? F...forgive me. She was a...a complicated woman...and I...she treated me...ah...that is to say-"

"You tasked Hesin to spy upon her," Dominax interrupted coldly. "I'm aware."

"Y...you knew?" Stunned, Lalian stepped back. "Forgive me, yet if I knew his investigations would lead to her death, I-"

"You initiated the discovery of her horrid secret." Dominax scowled as if the memory tasted like ash upon his tongue. "Don't apologize."

Frozen for a moment, Lalian blinked. "All these years, and y...you made no mention of it."

"Nothing occurs within the walls of Domani that does not reach my ear eventually." He gestured for the green man to return to his side. "You've earned my trust tenfold since that vile day. There was no need to breathe life into past misdeeds."

A smile couldn't help but jab through Lalian's misgivings. A deep weight had left his shoulders, relinquishing a decades-long burden to the jungle floor below.

The unnatural silence from all directions save for the city's heart was a reminder of their precarious control, yet even amidst a sea of enemies, Lalian found himself savoring the humid air as if he had been reborn.

"Return when you're able, my friend." Dominax turned after a long moment and began to stride away. "In this place, we must enjoy every victory."

40th of Fonic, 19 AVE.

Kingdom of Lian, Praith.

The wooden planks of the platform creaked under Salduin's weight as he walked, easily keeping up with Jinilya's frantic pace as she hurriedly led him along, a small hand gripping a large one. "Careful, Jin."

The young princess nearly tripped in her eagerness. It was as if she wanted to see every inch of the city after being restricted to the royal stronghold for so long. Now, under the protection of guards and her father, she eyed the strange population with curiosity as they passed by, held back by the stern blades of the legion. She seemed enthralled by the control of her grandfather's warriors, watching them carefully direct foot traffic and pacify any resistance. Most Lanthians kept their heads low and their eyes lower, yet whenever a brave woman occasionally hurled a scowl towards the conquering royal, she offered a smirk in return.

Her father saw little but the surrounding jungle, for Salduin inhaled the exotic smell of the trees. The murmurings and distant commanding shouts faintly touched his awareness as he simply enjoyed the various chirping and buzzing echoing through the branches from afar. Life bloomed all around him, and he said a silent prayer to The Creator before sighing peacefully.

"Why don't they have wings?" Jinilya asked, pointing to a group of nearby slaves on their way to harvest Lapal fruit, bulbous blue fruit that grew only from the highest branches above the city. The walkway seemed to be divided in two, half for the legion, and half for the population, separated by white blades and shields of cautious legionaries.

Salduin granted the men a grim nod. "They're slaves, Jin."

"Ah." She shrugged. "Perhaps they don't deserve to fly, then."

"Now, Jin, that's hardly fair." Salduin frowned. "These men were doomed from their birth. Under our rule, all slaves have a chance to rise from-"

"Daddy!" Jinilya pointed. "Fire!"

Looking far ahead through the trees, Salduin saw smoke beginning to rise in the distance. His jaw tightened as he reached for his hammer. "Come. It's time to return to-" He watched as flames erupted from a cluster of buildings nearby, across the gapping gap stretching forth from the edge of their walkway. He quickly swept Jinilya into his arms, seeing a group of Lanthian's with golden spears fly through the branches far ahead.

The legionaries readied their blades, holding back the population as screams and shouts erupted among them in response. Many cheered as another group of warriors swept down from the air to hurl spears into the ranks of gathering white cloaks in the distance, while multiple columns of smoke began to rise throughout the city.

"Lord Salduin, come!" A commander hurried to his side, guarding the princess with his shield. "You must get back to the stronghold at once! We'll-"

Bravery spread like a swift fog through the population until they began to push against the wall of legionaries, sending a cacophony of agonized screams to bleed through the once tranquil air as many were cut down. They chanted in their native tongue, their strange voices carrying vengeance as they grasped at the legion's spears and sharp blades. The bravest of the women flapped their wings and attacked from above and behind, only to be swiftly skewered by spears.

Salduin opened his mouth to seize command over all nearby legionaries, only to peer down at Jinilya's terrified expression. Knowing no other duty was more important, he relinquished his authority to the commander before hurrying to retreat, clutching his daughter protectively to his broad chest.

He pushed through the chaos as the riot's fervor threatened to shatter the wall of white cloaks, shoving aside legionaries who were far too preoccupied to notice his approach, while others eagerly parted to permit him through. The guards that had been tasked with protecting Jinilya for the day struggled to follow, blades ready.

A large hand covered the princess's eyes to shield her from the sight of corpses. A woman rushed forward, driving a hidden dagger into the neck of the nearest guard. Weapons thought to have been confiscated suddenly sprouted from shadows, while most of the population fought with fists and hands grasping desperately to spill human blood.

Fires burned and arrows rained in the distance as unrest spilled over. Legionaries were dragged to the ground. Conquerors were trampled while white swords butchered a vengeful population.

Salduin held Jinilya with one large arm as he brought his hammer to bear, forcing his way through the battle as he fought his way towards safety. The guards behind began to fall away one by one, some forced to fight for their lives, while others lost sight of their princess in the chaos.

A swarm of white and green fought all around, and as Salduin found himself among more Lanthians than legionaries, he stumbled into a human woman clutching at a missing eye, sending her toppling to the ground while his hammer was knocked from his grasp. He reached down, only for a flash of pain to rip through his head as a green fist struck his jaw.

Grunting, he watched someone kick the hammer from his grasp before he could recover. Hurrying to his full height, he dropped Jinilya carefully before forcing her behind him, guarding her with his powerful body as a group of slaves surrounded them. Retreating a step, he found there was nowhere to go, for the railing was just behind.

"I know this human," one of the slaves said clumsily in the imperial tongue, sneering. "Ah yes, yes we knowthesehumans."

The others muttered in their native language, hate in their eyes. One carried a dagger, while the others appeared ready to tear the large man apart. Salduin straightened, an arm holding Jinilya back. "Stay behind me."

Only the first to speak seemed to understand his words. The slave took a step closer as shouts continued to echo all around. "The granddaughter and advisor to the vile conqueror."

"Leave us," Salduin nearly growled. "I don't want to harm a slave."

"Kill them, daddy!" Jinilya demanded from behind.

Salduin met the slave with a deadly gaze. "The battle for Praith is done. I won't harm you unless I must."

The man disregarded him, taking another step. "Your master showed no such mercy when he butchered our Priarch. Yes. Alinan was one of us." His words were nearly too accented to understand. "The conqueror thought himself untouchable." He punched Salduin hard. "Look! You're not.She'snot."

Tasting blood, Salduin's hard expression only grew firmer. "Leave. My. Daughter.Alone."

"You're going to suffer before we're done." The slave threw another hard punch. "For Alinan!"

Spitting blood, Salduin bared his teeth. "Fine." As the slave readied for another hit, he caught the green man's fist. A hard twist coaxed a loud snap. A howl of pain erupted from the slave as he fell back.

Momentarily stunned, the rest rushed forth. Salduin kicked back the closest man before ramming his fist into the throat of another. He roared, seizing a skinny arm before breaking it over his knee.

Untrained in combat, the slaves fought clumsily, their numbers their only advantage. Salduin held them back with a savage fury, every movement and strike for Jinilya. His large form was hardly nimble, age slowing him slightly, yet he endured every painful strike while hearing the crack of bones and scattering of teeth with each of his own punches. Knuckles bleeding, he sidestepped a thrust from the only blade, disarming the man before hauling him over the edge of the railing.

A scream from behind nearly stopped his heart, whirling around to watch a slave snatch a handful of Jinilya's long hair from the side as she tried to run. As the man yanked her backwards, Salduin rushed forward with a roar that offered no mercy as he drove the dagger deep into the slave's eye socket, wrenching his daughter away.

Once more she screamed at his side. Rather than terror, her shriek was one of fury, small hands thrusting forward. Salduin watched as her silver eyes glowed brightly, instinctually shielding his own as blinding arcs of lightning tore through the air. They ripped through all in their path, electricity seizing their remaining attackers in a rippling web. The smell of charred skin filled the air as they collapsed, little more than limp flesh.

Everyone nearby turned at the flash of light. Everyone regarded her with wide glances of terror. She sent another arc into a group of Lanthians before Salduin swept her off her feet, snatching his hammer before running with all his strength. Many fled in terror of the girl's power while the rest continued to fight. The riots raged as Salduin swung his hammer, taking down anyone that stood in their path. This was no time for mercy. This was no time for restraint. It pained him as his hammer crushed the skull of an unarmed slave, yet he merely gritted his teeth. "Close your eyes, Jin!"

The princess merely clung to his tunic with one hand and sent bursts of fire and electricity with the other, a bloodthirsty scowl upon her once innocent features.

As they fought their way along the walkway, they reached the heart of the city, finding walls upon walls of guards holding back the chaos. They parted quickly, ushering the royal advisor and the princess to safety.