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.
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16th of Thriduin, 13 AVE.
Kingdom of Spirexia, Between Prismi and Drin.
"There it is." Hesin said as he stood beside The God Emperor, pointing across the wet plains. In the distance, a single structure stood alone, surrounded by miles of tall grass and occasional pools of water.
"Are you certain of the Truthseekers' reports?" Dominax asked, studying the building closely. He had dressed only in his one-suit and cloak, his hood pulled up in preparation for the meeting. "There can be no mistakes in this."
"Of course." Hesin said from behind his mask. A breeze ran up the hill they stood upon, overlooking the stretch of land before them. "The place has been deserted until this morning. He came alone, just as promised."
"Then we shall begin." A satisfied grin played across Dominax's face as he left his advisor behind, moving to descend the hill.
He followed the path they had carved for him, emerging onto the abandoned road. Old and forgotten, the rough cobblestones had evidently lost their battle to hold back the vegetation, appearing as little more than a neglected trail, rather than a road once used by hundreds of worshippers. The grass on either side had grown to just surpass his own height, creating walls of vibrant green stalks interspersed with red and orange offshoots.
The plants felt wet as he passed, running his hand along them, and knowing several of his Truthseekers remained hidden amongst the vegetation. At a single hint of treachery, they'd spring forth.
As he approached, the temple slowly came into view before him. Circular in shape, it had been built of three stacked levels, each smaller than the one beneath. The dome capping its top level had collapsed long ago, and the shattered remnants of the building appeared overgrown with vines as the land attempted to reclaim the structure.
Eventually he reached his target, the decrepit road leading him directly to the temple's entrance. The great doors lay rotting on the overgrown ground, their hinges long rusted away. He stepped through, emerging into the single chamber of the building. Two circular rows of pillars held up the top layers of the building, the ceiling gradually narrowing until it reached the shattered dome.
Sunlight trickled across the cracked tiles of the floor as he crept his way between pillars and rubble, his silver eyes falling upon a man as he neared the chamber's center.
Cloaked and hooded, the man was seated upon a large chunk of the collapsed dome. He appeared lost in thought before Dominax allowed him to hear his approach, immediately standing in preparation.
"Who do I find here, wishing to discuss betrayal?" Dominax's voice boomed through the chamber. He came to a stop before him, folding his arms, yet prepared to unleash a blast of electricity at the first hint of danger.
"Ah, you came. The God Emperor, I presume? Your eyes give you away, though one can never be too certain." The stranger questioned in a polite tone. He stood proud, hands clasped behind his back.
Dominax nodded before removing his hood, silvery hair shimmering in the natural light. "It's a dangerous thing to waste my time when battle lays upon the horizon."
"Indeed, yet I wouldn't have requested your presence if our interests weren't strictly mutual." The man's elegant accent flavored his words, yet he spoke the southern tongue with a familiar ease.
Dominax watched as he removed his hood, revealing a head of wavy dark hair, accented with hints of gray. Dark eyes peered from a calm and cleanly shaven face, lined with faint wrinkles that had only just begun to age his features. His tunic appeared to be made of fine fabric, modest, yet no doubt expensive, and embroidered with intricate green details. The item that caught Dominax's eye, however, was a small ring upon his finger, decorated with a green gem. "So your messenger claimed."
"Quinla is...alive, isn't she?" The stranger asked, concealing his concern from his face, though not from Dominax's senses.
"I would not harm a prisoner without first learning her value. What is she to you? A lover? A bondmate? Perhaps a..." An awareness began to claim him as he studied the man's face. Slowly, he closed his eyes, sensing the man's spiritual bonds. They connected to a father, unknown to Dominax, yet clearly deceased. Beyond was a grandfather, extending down another branch to a daughter, then a granddaughter. He had met her, knowing the composition of her soul. He smirked as he opened his eyes. "Ah...a cousin, then."
The man hid his surprise well, his expressions controlled. He swallowed, choosing his words carefully. "We've heard rumors, of course. The one who sees what others cannot."
"You're royalty." Dominax stated with a grin. "Yet which one, I wonder? Your family tree appears to have grown dangerously sparse. I see only one possibility."
A light chuckle eased from the man as his posture relaxed. "I would have liked to retain my anonymity for a moment more, yet I suppose proper introductions are in order. I am Rolir of House Stire, King of Spirexia."
Dominax watched him bow, unmoving. "A king conspires against his own throne. How very curious."
Rolir raised a finger, nearly sounding offended. "With good reason, mind you. I don't gamble frivolously with the fate of my kingdom. I know the price of what I intend to propose, yet the outcome may be grand indeed."
"Then make your proposal, unless you desire to delay me until your army arrives."
He shook his head. "I assure you that deception remains far from my intentions. I've halted my men for the day, else they'd have stormed through this ruin by now. No, your majesty, I've come to seek an end to this bloodshed."
"You know how this may end, Rolir. Kneel before me. Swear your allegiance to my throne before the masses." Dominax explained, beginning to circle the man. "I'm not a beast that cannot be reasoned with. I have no desire to slaughter beings that may soon lay under my domain. You may even retain your crown, should you agree to certain requirements."
"Ah, were that it was so simple. To surrender Spirexia without resistance? The population would demand my head! They'd have it too, eventually. Be it years or decades, someone would find their way to me. I'd never have peace. Not entirely."
Dominax traced his fingers over the passing rubble as he continued to circle. "You'd cower from doing what's necessary out of...fear? What is inner peace to a ruler when he holds the fate of countless within his grasp?"
Rolir's face hardened. "You may judge me all you like, yet I know my people well. You've conquered two of our prominent cities. That's notable, to be sure, yet hardly a total victory. Many rightly believe we'll withstand your invasion, and nothing short of taking The Capital will convince them otherwise. We aren't alone, after all, as The Kingdom of Harin is prepared to send aid. Yet another reason it's become critical for us to speak, as we must act before they arrive."
"Then you had better explain what you intend."
Apprehension claimed the king as he sighed. "I...propose a deal, and one that can never be learned by anyone but ourselves. My army marches to meet yours. This I cannot prevent, yet I can lead them into mistakes that'll prove to be devastating. Afterwards, you must march upon Spiri. The Capital is well defended, yet Quinla shall provide you with directions to a hidden tunnel near the lake for a group of your...how do you call them? Truthseekers? It should prove to be a relatively simple task for them to undermine our defenses from within. The city shall fall with little loss of life, and we'll surrender to you. Do this...and I shall send proclamations to every corner of Spirexia to lay down their weapons and submit to your rule."
Coming to a stop, Dominax tilted his head in curiosity. "Quite an unceremonious end to a proud kingdom. A moment ago, you were certain you could stand against me. Now, you eagerly accept the inevitable."
"My reasons extend beyond what I've shared, yet I assure you that this would be in the best interest of all involved."
Dominax waited, his piercing eyes demanding more.
Reluctantly, the king gritted his teeth before continuing. "When all is settled, I ask only that you allow me to retire from court life. Grant the crown to whoever you desire, and you shall never hear from me again."
Utterly baffled, Dominax stepped closer. "You'd willingly relinquish your claim to your ancestor's throne?"
Rolir nodded, yet when he saw that his answer wouldn't satisfy his foe, he sighed once more. "You've ruled for many years yourself. Tell me, in all that time, did you never once consider tossing aside your crown and leaving it all behind?"
