Vaid Empire: Conquest
is a massive fantasy series that aims to mix
erotica
with the quality of a published novel. New chapters and artwork are released every month absolutely free, with the completely optional possibility to receive early access. 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.
***
3rd of Fixuin, 11 AVE.
Kingdom of Kinia, Deci.
The terrible cacophony of battle echoed from afar as Lalian stood upon a hill, looking across the rolling plains to the distant grandiose city. They had come to take Deci with the full force of the imperial army, yet its people had pushed back just as hard.
Safely away from the raging siege, the Lanthian couldn't help but feel a twinge of guilt. Dominax had stated that Lalian's intellect was far too valuable to risk in battle, yet to be placed amongst the supplies and non-combatants of the legion? To be protected beside the pregnant females, healers, and builders? His cheeks darkened with shame as he flinched, hearing crackling lightning erupt amongst the fighting men.
For hours he had watched as they assaulted Deci's high walls, its placement atop a similar hill acting as a natural barrier against the placement of ladders. Not that they hadn't tried, however, as each attempt ended with broken bodies crashing to the ground as the enemy kicked them back. The main roadway, acting as the only smooth entrance to the city, lay littered with the dead of both sides. Without the hidden entrance of Taroi or the naivety of Argin, it was abundantly clear that Deci wouldn't surrender anytime soon.
Cendra paced impatiently at Lalian's side, desperate to launch herself into battle. Her father had granted her a taste during Argin's siege, so why deny her now? She could only glower at Vixin, taking a hint of pleasure that her sister had been forbidden the same glory of their inevitable victory.
Yet victory never came. As Lalian observed the ebb and flow of battle it was clear that neither side could gain much in the way of an advantage, and as the sun slowly fell to the horizon, the fighting began to die down.
When darkness had fully consumed the sky, they settled in, ready for a long siege.
***
"King Galis...is dead."
The announcement came from Dominax, addressing his court and advisors as they stood packed into the command tent. The legion's camp had been settled around the entirety of Deci, encircling the city and severing its population from the rest of the world.
"What did you say..." Elmia asked in a hard, though quiet tone. Prince Galis stood at her side, looking up at her with concern.
Dominax held up the message cylinder itself. "Communications from the east arrived just before nightfall. It appears..." he explained, taking a breath that couldn't mask his irritation. "It appears that the siege of Sladi has
failed.
"
King Foin winced at his harsh tone, suddenly wishing he could squeeze Enalia's hand for support. Instead, she resided in their personal tent, caring for their new son.
"I don't understand...we sent him his reinforcements. Everything appeared to be proceeding smoothly..." Clin said, glancing to Elmia with a sorrowful expression.
The God Emperor lightly tapped the wooden message. "It seems we don't truly understand these people, not entirely. They may be more formidable than we had been led to believe."
"My father wouldn't have fallen so easily...you've been fed a lie." Elmia stated with conviction as she gently stroked her son's hair.
"See for yourself."
Hesitantly, she accepted the cylinder from his outstretched hand, opening it to insect the wooden sticks inside. With the symbols of the message carved into their surfaces, she inspected each one in order. Slowly, as her eyes scrolled over the letters, her firm expression began to shift.
"They spared no survivors." Dominax explained to the group as she continued to silently read. "No prisoners were taken, including
Galis
."
"Barbaric!" Clin suddenly burst out, causing Cendra to glance at him as she stood at his side. "They call us savages when they themselves commit such atrocious acts?"
A tightening of Hesin's fists went unnoticed by the group as he lingered near the entrance, allowing his hatred for the blond to simmer behind his mask.
Calmly, as if in a trance, Elmia returned the cylinder to Dominax's hand before turning away. She strode from the tent, leaving the group and her son to watch the fabric door flutter shut behind her.
Dominax released a frustrated curse under his breath, though he nodded as Clin made a gesture towards the exit. With permission the blond man turned to follow her.
***
Clin followed what he believed were her footprints in the slightly damp dirt, having quickly lost her as she had disappeared amongst the sea of tents and occasional warrior. Her tracks quickly blended into the hundreds that had already been made, causing him to sigh as he came to a stop.
"This way, dumbass." Hesin's voice came from behind, causing the blond to tilt his head at the intrusion.
The familiar grip of unease and guilt slid into his stomach at the man's presence, unable to directly look him in his remaining eye. "How?"
Hesin huffed, putting his hand to his ear as if he were teaching a child. Clin focused, listening to the distant sounds of snoring and occasional moaning. The majority of the soldiers had already settled in, exhausted by the battle as guards atop Deci's high walls nervously stood on silent watch over their invaders. Through the relative lack of noise he found what Hesin had heard, the distant weeping of a woman.
Together they sought the source, finally discovering Elmia near the edge of the camp. She sat upon the edge of a ditch, her head buried in her hands. She made no move to look up as she heard them approach, completely lost in her mind as tears streamed violently down her pretty face.
Cautiously, Clin placed a hand gently on her shoulder, as if fearing its weight would shatter her. He opened his mouth, his words sticking in his throat before finally managing to speak. "I'm sorry for your loss, your majesty. If my words upset you in any way..."
She shook her head, not bothering to reply.
His comforting hand remained, and he simply nodded his head in understanding and allowed her to silently grieve.
Hesin pulled his dark cloak around him, appearing as if a shadow in the lightless night as he spoke. "Prince Alrin will pay, I can promise you that." He said before turning his attention to Clin. "Those who kill indiscriminately always face justice...one way or another."
Clin couldn't help but grit his teeth, his guilt rising in his throat. For a moment they were once again children, staring at each other through the shredded trees. Memories of his nightmares bubbled to the surface, a child staring at the death he had unleashed at his mother's command. He wanted to throw himself to the dirt, to once more attempt to beg his forgiveness and shed his burden. He had at least saved Hesin that night, hadn't he? Wasn't that worth anything? Yet as Elmia's whimpering brought him back to reality, he realized the moment wasn't for them.
Slowly he sat beside her, taking her hand in his. He wished to ease her suffering, to commit an act of kindness that may stomp his guilt back down. How many would it take for his deeds to be washed away? How many honorable acts before he could possibly consider himself a good man?
Hesin watched in disgust, allowing himself a single moment to remember the family he had lost that night, so long ago. A mother...a brother...he began to recall the horrifying calls of the creature Clin had lured from its cave, only for them to fall away in an instant when he turned his head. He realized that silently, just behind, Dominax was watching curiously. The man had approached soundlessly, even to Hesin's trained ear. "My lord..."
"If the situation is under control, I'd have a word with the princess." Dominax commanded, his sudden deep voice startling the seated pair.
Taking a moment to pat Elmia's hand in sorrow, Clin bowed his head to their ruler before departing with Hesin. Dominax approached, the warm breeze tugging at his white cloak.
"So...am I supposed to slink back home?" Elmia said, attempting to wipe her eyes. "To attempt to rebuild where my father failed?"
Dominax nodded. "You're a royal now, a fate you bargained for when you and Galis sought me out. You hold a responsibility."
She chuckled without humor, once again burying her face in her hands. "Is there even a point now? The King of Cendia is dead, with his heir a thousand miles away from The Capital. The High Lords are certain to vie for my family's throne..."
"Stand." He commanded in his firm voice. When she begrudgingly rose on unsteady feet, he calmly cupped her cheeks and pulled her close for a kiss upon her forehead. "Don't think I've forgotten the night we spent together, all those years ago... Your son is mine, and any that threatens either of you shall quickly learn the
error
of their actions
.
Do you understand?"
She leaned forwards, resting her head against his chest plate.
