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.
***
33rd of Twic, 15 AVE.
Kingdom of Harin, Bolir's Farm.
Hesin watched from behind his mask as his Truthseekers finished their preparations. Supplies were packed. Their blades had been cleaned. Most importantly, they wore the uniforms of Siril's army, taken from corpses that were pulled from the river. He chuckled quietly, for perhaps Cendra's doomed fleet hadn't fallen for nothing.
He didn't hear the silent footsteps of Dominax approaching from behind, accompanied by Princess Nafalya. Concealing his surprise was a simple thing behind his mask, feeling a powerful hand grip his shoulder.
"We've come to see you off," Dominax said as he stood at his advisor's side. "I suspect we'll meet again only if we are triumphant. Remember the signal, and Siril's army shall bleed."
"We'll be there," Hesin replied. He couldn't help but feel amused at The God Emperor's plan. He'd lead his Truthseekers into the forest, a mile away from the farm to ensure they weren't encountered. When the time came, they'd strike Siril's men from behind, blending in to ensure chaos spread quickly. They were few, the army was many, yet any advantage was critical.
Nafalya clasped her hands behind her back, tilting her head playfully. "The Truthseekers need my blade, father. Wouldn't you agree, Grand Master Hesin?"
Dominax's expression offered no debate. "My daughter returns, and another seeks to hurl herself into danger. No. You'll remain exactly where I desire; away from battle."
Nafalya merely shrugged in mock disappointment. "So be it. You're on your own, master. I do hope you'll return." She smirked as the Truthseekers gathered behind Hesin. "I suppose this is goodbye."
"For now. Until I return, I require a favor." He reached up to touch his face. Though he already felt naked without his hood, wearing a uniform to match his companions, the worst was yet to come. Slowly, as if removing his own skin, he pulled off his mask to reveal his scarred face. "This is yours until I return. Don't lose it."
Nafalya accepted the mask with glee, as if holding a priceless artifact. Hesin granted the pair a nod, and after gesturing a silent command to his Truthseekers, he set off.
Nafalya watched him depart, walking across the northeast field towards the trees. Only when he was out of sight did she sense her mother.
Irith's hips swayed as she made her way towards them, smiling at her daughter, yet straightening when Dominax faced her. "My love, we must speak. I've received word that you intend to grant me your best warriors."
Dominax nodded coldly. "They shall ensure your safety during the battle."
"It would be wiser to place them at your side, where the fighting shall be heaviest," Irith replied carefully, allowing only as much firmness into her smooth tone as she could get away with. "I do not need to be protected like a child."
The God Emperor's lips tightened in annoyance. "You'll find there is no compromise here. You've been permitted to fight only because your skill and experience is of sufficient value. Leaving you with fewer guards would be against my better judgment, and as I said before, that shall
never
occur again. I'll endure no further losses."
She opened her mouth in defiance, though something in his eyes made her stop. She hesitated, calming her frustration until she nodded. "If that is your wish." She began to walk away, stopped, and turned back to grant him a kiss. He didn't resist. "I merely want you to remain safe," she said, then turned to Nafalya. "Come, child. I'll need your help looking after the twins while I finish preparations."
The princess looked to her father. Dominax nodded, and he watched them walk away.
34th of Twic, 15 AVE.
Kingdom of Harin, Bolir's Farm.
"State your names. State your ranks. I'll know the full extent of you two before you may fight at my side," Dominax commanded as he stood before the two kneeling men.
The final nightfall before Siril's arrival had plunged the land into a quiet darkness, as if the world itself held its breath. The room glowed with the light of hundreds of candles to ensure the maps remained illuminated. A small chamber, luxurious cushions and pillows that had been brought from The Capital lined the walls.
"Your holiness, I am Recruit Gravis of The Privictis Order," the first young man said proudly when permitted to speak. "It would be an honor to serve at your side."
The God Emperor studied him, giving no sign of his satisfaction. With black hair trimmed short, he possessed a build similar to Dominax's own. "So it is."
The next man hesitated after a gesture from his ruler, unable to meet his eyes. A slim man, slightly younger than the first, he kept his long brown hair tied loosely at the back. "I am Recruit Zovix, your holiness. Of The Privictis Order. Your will is my own."
"My will may be your death. Be certain of that vow," Dominax replied coldly. They'd be sufficient for his aims, he sensed, for what truly piqued his interest was entirely internal. "Rise. Accept your fate or leave us. I'll tolerate no cowards in this matter."
The men rose, both wearing the white tunics and cloaks of Privictis recruits. They matched the fourth and final person in the chamber, for Hazia stood beside The God Emperor with a gloating smirk. She held her pregnant belly as it lightly stretched the thin fabric.
When they didn't flee, Dominax permitted them to join him at the table. Placed to the side of the small room, maps upon maps had been laid out across its surface, rearranged, rewritten, and marked with countless corrections. They all depicted the landscape of the surrounding area, presenting preparations for the coming battle. "You've been selected. The blood within your veins is stronger than most. Moreover, you've demonstrated a keen ability to bring forth your powers during your training. Hazia has my ear, and she has named you both. Do not disappoint."
Although she remained a mere recruit, as were they all, it was clear to all members of The Privictis Order that Hazia had been blessed with The God Emperor's favor. Even now, as Dominax's hand rested upon her shoulder, the message was clear. They were not equals here.
Dominax gestured to the largest map, for it depicted the two long trenches that had been dug in the southeast field. Placed in a wide V-shape that would funnel the opposing army, the farmhands and the lesser skilled of the legion had labored day and night until they were completed. The more valuable and well-equipped legionaries had been kept rested and prepared for the coming battle. Dominax planted a finger where the two trenches nearly met. There, a strip of land remained untouched between the trenches. "Your place shall be there, at my side. The enemy shall be faced with a bottleneck, and we'll be what awaits them."
"The strongest of our brothers and sisters shall be placed nearby where they may burn any who approach," Hazia added after a nod from Dominax. "Yet in the front at his holiness's side you shall face a greater danger than any other."
Dominax watched them, these illegitimate sons of his. Gravis's jaw tightened as he nodded, accepting the risk. Zovix took a deep breath. Hardly could Dominax remember their mothers, two pretty bodies among thousands. Even still, the decision to utilize the new Privictis recruits hadn't been frivolous. Oh, Clin had given voice to his misgivings the moment he had learned of Dominax's intentions, yet even he had agreed that they'd require every advantage over Siril's approaching army to see victory.
"It shall be an honor to fight and die at your side, your holiness," Gravis replied firmly. Zovix merely nodded. Neither would flee.