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 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.
***
45th of Silla, 13 AVE.
Kingdom of Harin, Gadrin.
The wind howled through the shattered gates below him as Salduin stood upon the wall, gazing out at the remains of Gadrin. Fires continued to burn despite the weather, reminders of yesterday's siege.
A deep breath passed from his lungs, remaining frozen in place like a weary statue overlooking the destruction. His meditation never failed to coax a deep peace within him, and he said a silent prayer to The Creator for the fallen citizens.
"A shame," Dominax's voice suddenly rang from behind, forcing the large man to whirl around to face The God Emperor. "More should have built their homes from stone. When wood burns away, what remains of their memory?"
"Your holiness...I did not hear your approach," Salduin said as his muscles eased.
Dominax nodded with satisfaction. In one hand he carried a long object wrapped in white fabric, his cloak flowing in the snapping wind. "Report."
Clearing his throat, the large man turned back towards the ruined city. "I've commanded my men to begin fortifying what remains of the city, while Lord Hesin's Truthseekers have eliminated remaining pockets of resistance. Lord Clin continues to tend to survivors, though I must say...he isn't pleased."
"Of course, yet he knows better than to overstep with his complaints. The outbreak of fire was unfortunate, though I've already assured him that we'll avoid similar tragedies in the future," Dominax stated with disinterest.
Salduin frowned, feeling the tiny trickle of morning rain doting his bald head. "The dead now know the truth of their gods. Let them rest in comfort with The Creator."
"So they shall, yet matters regarding the living require discussion." Dominax placed his freehand upon the man's powerful shoulder. "Your duties demand you elsewhere."
"Apologies, your holiness. I merely needed a moment to clear my hea-"
"No, Salduin. I don't refer to your current duties, but rather, those left unfulfilled. Vixin requires a mate, my friend."
Salduin straightened, his heart already beginning to quicken. "Am I not required here? We've only just stepped foot into Harin. Surely, my talents could be better spent-"
"Your talents shall be utilized exactly where my plans require them, my friend," Dominax cut him off in a calm tone. "Vixin must be inseminated with your seed, and you shall delay no longer."
"I'm...honored, your holiness. Truly. I'd love nothing more than to grant House Vaid another heir, particularly one of my own blood," Salduin replied. The statement held the truth, and yet... "I simply require more time."
Dominax's expression fell to a stern glare. "The gift of my daughter's womb isn't one I'll allow to be spurned twice. Refuse once more, and I shall find another to sire my grandchild."
Face faintly reddening, he required a moment before opening his mouth. "When must I depart?"
"A ship shall soon deliver my long-awaited prisoner. You shall board that same ship, and its captain, Lady Dunith's heir, shall replace your command until your return," Dominax explained. "With Gadrin under our control, I've sent word to allow them to approach the city safely."
Salduin finally nodded. "Very well."
"Good." A grin broke across The God Emperor's features. "I'm certain she'll accept your seed eagerly despite your delay. In the meantime, prepare your men for the transition of power, as Lord Clin shall finalize the fortifications."
"If that's all, I'd like to be excused," Salduin requested, seeking time to ponder. Already the memory of his family prodded at his mind. "Please."
"Very well, you may go. Summon Cendra here before you see to your other duties," Dominax commanded. He watched his advisor turn to depart, only to stop him once more. "Yet be warned, Salduin. Vixin is very precious to me. A being of my blood deserves the greatest pleasure, and you shall grant her nothing less. Understood?"
Salduin nodded, not daring to turn around to display the conflicting emotion playing across his face. Instead, he continued on after a permitting command from his ruler.
Dominax moved to peer out across the conquered city, firmly gripping the wrapped object. He studied the movements of the legion through the streets, marching in patrols as slaves set about constructing necessary structures. They had taken their first foothold within The Kingdom of Harin, and the small city would grow with each new arrival of supplies and manpower.
He didn't need to wait long before sensing Cendra's approach.
Striding proudly atop the wall, she greeted him with a bow of her head before claiming her place at his side. She mirrored his posture, gazing out at the city. "You wished to see me, father?"
"You fought well yesterday, my flower." He turned to address her, allowing satisfaction to seep into his tone. "These fallen men of Harin are but a hint of what we'll face, yet once more you've proven yourself adequate to participate."
A slight widening of her silver eyes hinted at the fluttering emotion beneath her careful control, and she nodded in gratitude. "I'll do what I must to prove the worth of our House."
"So you will, yet you'll do so while properly adorned." He presented the object, its fabric wrapping fluttering lightly in the wind.
The gift's long shape left her little doubt of what lay beneath, yet she required further prompting from her father before reaching out. Excitement sparked within her as she slowly pulled the fabric away, her stern lips curling into a grin as the white blade was exposed. Before her lay a sword of deadly elegance, its hilt gilded in gold, while the crescent moon of House Vaid had been pressed in the center of the crossguard.
"Go on, my flower. Claim it. Make it yours."
Slowly, she allowed her hand to wrap around the hilt for the first time, raising it carefully as if it'd shatter. With a gesture from her father, she twirled it as she assessed the weapon, its light weight and thin blade easily carving through the air. Once more she felt excitement tingle within her.
"A proper replacement for the blades you've been forced to utilize thus far," Dominax explained as he watched her test the gift.
"Are you...certain?" she asked, rushing to correct herself a moment later. "That I may keep it, I mean."
"Of course. A being of our blood deserves a worthy blade that you shall pass to your descendants," he explained, watching as her gaze quietly obsessed over every detail. "The basic form has been forged for you, yet you'll be required to complete the rest."
Pulling her attention from her new sword, she raised her brow as his finger tapped the hilt of his own weapon.
"At nightfall you shall see what I've discovered in the depths of the orb and know what it is to wield true power." An insidious chuckle escaped his lips. "Until then, I shall reveal no more. For now, know that this blade comes with a price, for you'll be required to assist Clin with his command of the legion. His focus must be shifted elsewhere in time, and I'd have a true Vaid lead the forces of my Empire when the time is right."
Silver eyes widening once more, she was no longer able to conceal her elation. She stepped forwards, hesitating only a moment before wrapping her arms around him, careful to hold her blade aloft. "I'd desire nothing less."
Running his fingers through her silky black hair, he took in his offspring's scent with satisfaction before allowing her to part. "You've demanded guidance, and so you shall receive it. You'll hold a place at my side as you learn to command, while both Clin and Irith shall provide you with ample training."
"Ah. Irith," she replied, her joy dampening somewhat. "Then Vixin isn't her sole focus after all."
"Careful, my flower." He gently cupped her chin, forcing her to look at him. "I'll hear no spiteful words against my mate. After all, she's eager to begin your mentorship."
Finally nodding, she was released from his hold, looking down at her new blade. "Nightfall, then."
Despite her shift in attitude, she did little to stop him as he kissed her, her eyes closing to enjoy the sensation. Parting, he dismissed her with a gesture. "Nightfall, my flower."
Departing, her posture returned to the prideful imperial princess of her facade. He watched her hips sway as she strode along the top of the wall towards the nearest staircase, appreciating her feminine form.