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.
***
6th of Thriduin, 15 AVE.
Kingdom of Harin, Bolir's Farm.
The sun rose above the bloody fields, a new day in a land Bolir no longer knew. He watched as his farmhands dragged the bodies of fallen warriors, tossing them into the nearby trenches cutting through what used to be his fields. He felt cold despite the warm light of the morning.
He wondered if the smell of death would ever be cleaned from this place. If so,
never
from his memory. The trenches were gradually filling, yet even all these days later, the bodies seemed endless. Oh, The Empire had left behind a number of legionaries to 'assist', yet they seemed to do little aside from collecting anything of value from the battlefield. Armor, weapons, they salvaged anything of value while his farmhands labored. The
generosity
of The God Emperor.
"Next year's harvest shall be the largest we've ever seen," Preza said from behind as she approached. "Even their dead bring us prosperity."
"Told you to stay at the main house. You shouldn't see this," Bolir replied harshly, moving to block her view with his chest.
"I'm no child, father."
He saw her hand resting upon her belly, still flat, yet not for long. He felt his blood boil. "No. You've made
that
clear." He turned with a scowl, allowing her to stand at his side as they watched the horrid display before them.
"I've given some thought to traveling with the traders again after the birth. If it's a girl, perhaps the Sages will have need of her," Preza said in excitement. "If you'll permit it, of course."
Bolir turned his head, seeing the face of a stranger where his daughter's used to be. Their king was dead. His land was tainted by an aroma of rotting corpses. Their great Capital had fallen. Now, nothing remained of Preza.
He walked away without another word, for the world had ended.
8th of Thriduin, 15 AVE.
Kingdom of Harin, Great City of Visti.
Clin listened to the distant sounds of celebration echoing through the otherwise quiet night. Standing atop Visti's gate, he peered across the blue city shrouded in darkness.
Down the street, he heard muffled laughter from within a tavern, one of many that were surely packed to its limit with legionnaires. It was only right for them to enjoy themselves after a long war. Better to keep the army distracted and satisfied, for after all, the alternative must be avoided at all costs. Those who had disobeyed his strict orders against harming the population now swayed in the breeze below him, hanging from the wall by their necks. Rapists, thieves, murderers, no longer would such horrors be tolerated in the world they were building, even after the fall of a city. Clin peered at them occasionally as he paced, never wanting to forget what they had done, what
he
had done, and the purpose of The Empire's deeds.
With the gate sealed tightly, the guards had long departed to the barracks below, for Clin sought his solitude. They'd come rushing forth at a single shout, of course, yet he knew there'd be no need for that. The terrified population had caused them little trouble, rarely daring to break the temporary curfews.
The sounds of laughter rang out louder as the door to the nearest tavern burst open, spilling light across the dark street. A man pulled a woman along by her arm, both legionaries, as they stumbled outside drunkenly. Clin watched from afar as the male clumsily pushed his companion against the wall of the tavern, hearing her slurred moans as he forced himself inside. He bucked his hips, her legs wrapped around his waist.
Clin could almost smile, pleased to see that others could find joy this night. They were a sharp contrast to the few legionaries that occasionally wandered down the dark street, appearing lost with empty eyes. Once, he had seen one of his men weeping as he walked alone, only to straighten and hurry along the moment he noticed Clin.
The sound of soft steps came from his side. He turned, seeing a cloaked woman walking along the ramparts. He gripped the hilt of his blade with cation as she approached. "None are permitted to be here at this hour. I'll ask you to state your name and rank before departing, if you'd please."
"You'll find it's quite high. An imperial princess, in fact." The woman removed her hood, revealing silver eyes that nearly glowed in the moonlight. "They say you come here most nights."
Clin's chest tightened at the sight of Cendra. "It gives me time to think."
"And what must the mighty Lord Clin ponder, I wonder?" She approached slowly. Her hesitation was clear upon her pretty face, a dampness already gathering within her eyes. She held back, grimaced, and finally moved to embrace him.
"
Everything
." He breathed a deep sigh as he wrapped his arms around her, pulling her close.
"
I'm sorry Clin
," she whispered, closing her eyes when they began to leak. "
After everything that-"
He quieted her gently. Words had their uses, yet not in this. He had nearly lost her. Perhaps he had, in a way. Now, as his lips met hers after so long, he felt as though a crushing weight had eased, just enough to bear.
25th of Twic, 16 AVE.
Domani, Capital of The Vaid Empire.
Lalian's green hand throbbed, yet he could only grin as he continued his work. Here, hours could pass without his notice, his chisel chipping away the stone. The muffled sounds of the busy city outside were beyond his awareness, nor did he pay attention to the sweltering heat of the massive tent as his hand dripped perspiration.
"I should've known I'd find you here," a smooth voice rang out behind him in the Lanthian tongue. His hand fumbled as he was startled, nearly dropping his tool. He turned to see Anthara standing with her hands upon her hips.
Grinning anew, he descended the scaffolding built around the colossal block of stone, trying and failing to brush the dust from his sweat soaked apron. His workers continued without him, the greatest stoneworkers from across The Empire.
Her green legs moved seductively as she moved closer, appraising their progress. Taller than the highest building in the city, the structure sat in the center of the former market outside the steps of The Grand Pyramid, concealed from the public. "Huh, I can almost see the statue in the stone now."
Lalian kissed her deeply when he reached her, hands holding her waist. He peered down, seeing her medallion hanging between her green breasts. The deep green chimira silk of her new shawl was thin enough to see her perky buds when they hardened, her outfit a gift that had required
quite
a bit of convincing for her to accept, relinquishing the traditional fabric of their homeland for one exclusive to The Empire's culture. It hung low enough to caress the top of her thighs, wearing nothing underneath. "Art is rarely quick, yet always worthwhile."
"So you say, yet this heat..." She fanned herself with her wing. "Few things are worth enduring such torment."
Lalian smiled, though clasped his hands nervously. "The imperial tongue, love. Remember, you still require practice."
She shook her head with a smirk, continuing to speak their native language. "Right now, I'd rather my words remain between us. Do you know what day it is?"
"Day?" He fiddled with his fingers as his mind dashed to remember. "It's...Onis at least, is it not?"
She covered her lips as she chuckled in amusement. "Little Lalian...I should put you on a leash. Perhaps then I could keep you from this place for more than a night. The moon is Twic now. The
25th
of Twic. Does that summon any memories?"
His mind worked instantly, searching every memory related to the date. Realization flashed in his green eyes, lips parting in a panicked apology. "The anniversary of the day we sealed our bond. Anthara I...I'm..."
A finger to his lips silenced him. "A full year since I took you as my companion and lover. Even now I find such titles informal." She touched the medallion, and for the first time, he realized her other hand had been holding something small. "You gave me this medallion that night. Now, Lalian, I think I've found something to match its value."
Lalian watched as she opened her other hand, presenting a thin wooden tool with a sharp metal tip. "A...Lanthian Kintha needle?" He peered at the tool, a traditional tattoo needle with intricate patterns carved upon its handle.
For a moment she grew hesitant, peering behind him at the stoneworkers toiling away as if checking to ensure they couldn't understand. "You know our love is...strange, uncommon. I can only compare it to the bonds that occasionally form between women, for mistresses and slaves simply don't form such affections."
"Among Lanthians, Anthara. Don't forget where we are," he dared to correct her with a slight tremble to his tone, her words coaxing memories. "Humans aren't so cruel."
"So they aren't," she replied. That'd still take some getting used to, witnessing the occasional displays of love between human males and females. The sight of countless human families walking together about the city baffled her even now, for what purpose did a loyal cock serve after a woman had already reproduced? Pleasure? A woman had no shortage of options for
that
. "Still, I care little what these humans do.
Our
culture allows occasional bonds of love to form between females."
"Yet you chose me." A hint of worry filled his tone, the beginning of a devastation that would certainly kill him. "Do you mean to say you don't...feel-"
Anthara cut off his words with a deep kiss, cutting down his fear before it could take hold. She cupped his cheek when they parted, her green eyes softer than they had been in quite some time. "Never doubt the bond we share.
Never
, you little fool. I mean only to say we are alone among our species, for we are equals, my lover neither a slave nor Priarch. I'm uncertain what to call you, for what title is worthy of us?" She lifted the Kintha needle once more. "It's a sacred bond when a woman finds another woman worthy of her love. You may have witnessed two lovers granting each other matching tattoos upon their hands during your enslavement, yet never could you understand how meaningful such a ceremony truly is."
Only her soft touch dampened his hatred. "If you're proposing we...we tattoo our hands in the custom of those
vile
creatures...I..."
"All they did to you has been washed away by time. You're here now, Lalian, with me."
He felt his fingers tremble as he whispered. "
I cannot forget
."
She peered over his shoulder, granting any onlookers a vicious scowl until they turned away in fear. When their privacy was renewed, hearing the tapping of chisels, Anthara embraced her lover. "Such is your curse. I know, Lalian. Merely consider it. If not for me, for yourself, as we'll forge our own customs away from their grasp."
A shuddering sigh escaped him as he felt her body against his, closing his eyes to savor her touch. They opened wide once more when ideas began to flood his quick mind. "Our own customs? Perhaps..." He pulled back, almost looking through her as he was lost inside his imaginings for a moment. "Perhaps there is an alternative. Oh...this is singular...truly singular."
She knew better than to interrupt the workings of his thoughts.
"The northern humans seal their love as bondmates, exclusive to each other. Here, a man possesses concubines and casual mates, as many as he wants. If Lanthian women tattoo themselves to outwardly display their love...perhaps..." He tapped his chin in thought. "I shall ponder this, yet perhaps we can combine all three concepts to fit our needs, a new tradition for The Empire. Oh...The God Emperor will be pleased."
Anthara's hard expression spoke of her displeasure. "He has no place in this.
Our
bond is why I've come today."
Broken from his thoughts, he swallowed. "Yes...of course. I merely...perhaps there is value in..." He took a breath before placing his hands upon her hips. "Apologies...I simply got ahead of myself. Our bond comes first."
"Then we shall settle the details of this together, Lalian." Her commanding eyes offered no compromise.
The sight of her beautiful features forced a smile onto his green lips, no matter how harsh. "Y...yes, Anthara. I'd like nothing more."
39th of Twic, 16 AVE.
Domani, Capital of The Vaid Empire.
The royal pleasure barge sat like a gently swaying island anchored just offshore. The river lapped quietly at its hull, cold water for a warm day. Atop the pyramidal peak of its central structure, Supreme Mother Vixin sipped at her cup as she leaned against the railing. The thin shroud wrapped around her naked body fluttered in the breeze, almost weightless.
She watched as dozens of Sage acolytes moved in unison upon the beach, following the training she had granted them. Arms raised, igniting their power. Arms slowly pulled back to their chests, gathering their power internally. Then a thrust outward, sending electricity arcing through the sky. Vixin smirked, pleased by their progress.
Though she noted the small boat approaching her barge, much of her attention remained upon her acolytes. Her silver eyes watched their alluring bodies moving gracefully, each the very definition of beauty. Wearing little more than loincloths, these sisters of hers, the sight of them made her thighs rub together.
Even the older Sages that walked up and down their ranks couldn't compete, for they were ordinary humans. They loudly demanded answers to questions regarding The Empire's laws, whacking the bare rears of the younger women with a metal rod whenever they failed to answer correctly. All were aware of the coming replacement, removing ordinary blood for divine blood, yet they trained their usurpers with fervor, as was their duty.
Upon the forward deck, Yisi led two men up the stairs to the barge's summit. Vixin met her with a smile, crossing the top deck to grant her cheek a kiss.
"An Arkos and the human you requested, your majesty. Shall there be anything else?" the younger girl asked quietly without a hint of emotion.
Vixin eyed the two slaves behind her, recognizing the human from the night she had lost her anal virginity. Though she knew of the massive weapon hiding behind his loincloth, his companion intrigued her further. A male Arkos that was a head taller than her, she watched the sunlight gleam from his curved horns with a devious curiosity. "No, that'll be all, sweet girl. Return to your studies, for this place won't be suitable for one of your age in a moment."
Yisi frowned, ever serious. "I've also been asked to inform you that Grand Imperial Architect Lalian wishes to speak with you."
Vixin tapped her pretty lips with a finger as she pondered. "Tell him he may come in an hour. Our business here should be finished by then, and if not, he'll simply be granted a little show."
Though Yisi's cheeks reddened with embarrassment, she gave no voice to her thoughts. "As you wish."
Once more Vixin kissed her cheek, embracing her tightly. The girl's arms remained straight at her sides, yet she didn't struggle. When Vixin freed her, she watched Yisi walk to the stairs, touching her smile. For a moment she felt like a proud mother, seeing how her illegitimate sister was blossoming into a capable young woman.
When the oarsmen of the small boat departed to take Yisi to shore, Vixin turned her attention to the slaves.
"I made
you
a promise long ago, did I not?" Vixin nodded towards the muscular human as her hips swayed, crossing to the center of the deck where a large square cushion had been prepared. She sat down, allowing the shroud to part slightly. The edges of the shroud neared her nipples, the shape of her hard buds visible beneath the thin fabric. "Remind me."
The slave eyed her without restraint, a hungry animal that hardly knew his place. A touch of her electricity would remind him if he grew too rough, of course. "The honor of impregnating a princess, your majesty. That's what you promised me."
"So I did." A hand upon her flat belly made her think of Fanir. She tilted her head seductively. "Does my offer still intrigue you?"
His expression appeared as if she had asked the most ridiculous question he could imagine. "
Of course
, your majesty. You'll find none more capable than me."
"Oh?" She eyed the tall Arkos. "And what of him? Is he capable of getting me pregnant?"
The human eyed the other slave with a deadly sneer. "This...
creature
? Why would one consider tainting blood as divine as yours?"
She smiled with amusement, a finger tracing the edges of her shroud as she pulled it, revealing her left breast entirely. "A curious question, yet I find myself intrigued." She nodded at the Arkos. "Come."
The Arkos obeyed, his steps heavy upon the deck. As if a well-trained pet, he stood before her, close enough to reach. "I am at your service, mistress." A heavy accent flavored his rough voice.
A delicate hand reached out with a cautious curiosity, silver eyes peering at him with utter fascination. "I'm ashamed to admit that I've yet to see one of your kind this...
close
." She carefully touched the grey skin of his hard abs, biting her lip. Her hand crept down, untying his loincloth. With a final tug, it fell to the ground, revealing an Arkos cock hanging heavily before her.
The human's patience decreased with every second. "Your majesty, why-"
A single stern glare from her silver eyes stopped his words. These years sitting on her father's throne had certainly taught her much. She returned her attention to the slave before her, gently lifting his grey cock to feel its weight. "How wonderful you are..." Her finger traced over the dark stripes upon his manhood, matching the rest of his strange skin.
The Arkos remained still, clearly no stranger to serving a mistress.
Feeling a flutter in her chest from her aroused fascination, she finally permitted the Arkos to step back to the human's side. She allowed the shroud to slide from her slender shoulders, revealing her top entirely as she addressed them. "When I offer an honor such as I've promised, I keep my word. You've waited patiently. Now that I'm ready for another child, your opportunity has arrived. You'll have your