Vaid Empire: Conquest Ch. 17

Of the Onaks that hadn't been outright killed by the serpent, only two were left mostly unharmed. The rest were all too wounded to continue, with broken legs and shattered ribs. With two riders each, the group rotated every hour while the rest walked.

Varse granted his hourly turn upon one of the Onaks to an injured Dril, choosing instead to shuffle through the dark sand. Step...by step...by step...

Every life they lost was in service to their people, every grueling minute they spent toiling away in this gods forsaken desert was to ensure the survival of The Shai Domain. He'd-

His eyes fell onto the Dril walking in front of him. The man appeared to be mostly unharmed, aside from a light cut on the back of his forearm that had presumably been created during the fight with the serpent. Many others of the group possessed similar cuts, yet...

Varse's heart sank, and his jaw tightened when he saw it, a drop of bright orange blood dripping from the cut and running down the man's white skin.

"HALT. ALL OF YOU."

All came to a sudden stop at Varse's command, turning to look at him with concern.

"My Potentate, what is wrong?"

Wordlessly, Varse's finger pointed to the man. Several saw the blood and gasped, taking a step backwards.

The man looked at them in genuine confusion, turning back towards Varse for answers. "I...don't understand, what's the matter my Potentate?"

One of the Dril spit onto the ground in disgust, holding his hands out as he backed away. "He's...a hybrid! With Lish blood no less"

The others who hadn't glanced at the wound immediately went wide eyed in surprise, reaching for their knives.

"Wait! Stop this! I can explain!" The man cried out.

Horos dismounted, readying his gauntlet in uncertainty. "What is this? What has this man done to earn this ire?"

"He's and imposter, a half breed!" The nearest Dril explained with a scowl. "A Dril with a parent from another species always inherits the blood of the outsider. They lose their ability to survive unassisted in the cold of the tundra without our natural blood. I'd wager that's why you were so eager to volunteer for this mission, yes Zeril? Unable to withstand your own homeland, so you seek the desert?"

"Xilik, please! I've served with you for years!" Zeril pleaded. "You know me! All of you do!"

Varse stepped towards the hybrid, causing the man to slowly lower himself to his knees in a begging gesture. "I am truly sorry, though you know our laws, our ways. Your existence threatens our species, and for that you cannot be tolerated."

"My Potentate...I've served our people with my life...I've-"

"Enough." Varse replied, removing his blade from his sleeve. "You could have a dozen children with full blooded Dril females, yet they'd all inherit your blood. This is the unfortunate reality we are in. You'd weaken us." He explained sternly, standing over Zeril. There was no hatred as many of the other members of the group, for he simply had to uphold his duty to protect his people in all ways. Such was life.

"But I...I'll leave, I'll walk into the desert and never return!" Zeril pleaded, his mind working as fast as possible to preserve himself. "No Dril shall ever lay eyes upon me, no lesser child shall spring from my loins!"

Varse held up a hand to quiet him. "Be silent. You are still half Dril, and thus, die with dignity. There is no alternative."

"I..." Zeril began, though his words came to a stop. He merely gazed up at his executioner, before finally bowing his head and accepting his fate. "If...for the greater good of all Dril...I request that you make it quick."

Varse nodded grimly. "For your service, be assured that I shall." He said as he lifted the man's chin. Holding the hilt of his blade tightly, he pressed the cold metal to the man's throat.

With a quick slash of his hand, the hybrid met his fate.

***

Day after day they walked, pressing deeper and deeper into the endless dunes.

To tread upon sand was a far different sensation than the frozen ice of Shai, and Varse longed to once more step upon solid ground. His muscles ached, yet he pressed on uncomplaining and unyielding.

Creatures of all shapes and forms crossed their path, forcing Horos to periodically break his oppressive silence to instruct the dwindling group on how they must proceed. Slithering creatures with no eyes, hopping six legged reptiles that eerily mimicked their speech, a caravan of shinny bulbs that used flippers to paddle across the sand, even a tiny hive of buzzing finger sized parasites that sought out the orifices of other creatures.

Every step provided the possibility of an attack from an unseen foe buried beneath their feet. Yet, what was left of their luck remained, and before they had all reached their breaking point the sight of a large gathering of oversized tents came into view on the horizon just as the sun was beginning to creep beneath the dunes.

"You'll find what you seek in there." Horos replied, far less subservient and friendly than before.

"Thank the gods..." one of the Dril replied, hardly able to stand.

They carried along with renewed vigor, finally reaching their destination within an hour just as the desert was once again plunged into bioluminescence spotted darkness.

Nearing the edge of the tent city they were met by the presence of numerous guards patrolling the outline of the massive camp. Varse unwrapped his shroud, peering at the Arkos males with his piercing eyes.

"I am Varse of Clan Chalvarrus, Potentate of The Shai Domain. I demand to speak to The Holy Kromak." He announced with a conviction that gave no hint to his underlying exhaustion.

"We've been expecting you, master Potentate." The guards replied, bowing.

***

Ushered through the entrance of the largest tent, the surviving Dril were met with the spectacular sight of dozens of Arkos females, their toned bodies writhing in exotic dances as several guards stood tall and proud along the circular fabric wall. Smoke twirled calmly through the air, smelling of a bizarre aroma that Varse did not recognize. Candles illuminated most of the interior, aside from a towering throne that remained against the far wall. Draped partially in darkness, the seated figure cradled two nude females in his lap, their seductive faces smirking as the Dril entered.

"Approach, our honored friends." The deep voice boomed through the tent, emitting from the seated Arkos in the language of the Dril. His heavily muscled legs hung openly in the candlelight, with occasional flickers revealing his powerful exposed chest. The man was built like a giant, and Varse noted that he indeed possessed four arms, two on each side that caressed the smooth dark gray skin of his presumed lovers.

Varse stepped towards the throne, displaying his proudly stern face. He would not fail his people, would not allow their journey to go to waste. "You must be The Holy Kromak."

The man chuckled lightly, his voice echoing through the tent. "Of course...yet you may call me Krom, master Potentate. Only my closest companions may refer to me as such."

"Very well, Krom. I presume you know why I am here?" Varse asked, showing no surprise at the man's fluent knowledge of his language. He was raised by Dril after all.

"I have my theories. Your message came at a rather...interesting interval, so close in proximity to the formation of Magnius's newest little Empire."

Varse nodded firmly. "Your perception does not fail you, yet would it not be possible for us to speak without so many functioning ears?"

Krom chuckled once again, gesturing to the many people inside the tent. "Ah, you fear that information may slip from their lips? Come now, Master Potentate, you Dril fail to understand just how powerful devotion can be. My followers would gladly end their own lives before they'd consider betraying their living deity. Furthermore, your troubles in properly dealing with this 'God Emperor' may also lay in a similar vein." He explained, before waving a hand in dismissal. "In any case, nearly none of the beings you see here have any familiarity with your language."

Varse rubbed his head in contemplation as he scowled. "Very well then, the responsibility shall fall on you if any of what we discuss here leaks from this tent."

Krom placed his powerful hand to his chest, a flicker of candlelight revealing his sly grin. "I accept the responsibility. Now be upfront with me Varse, what must be my part in this charade you play with the human?"

Glancing around the room at the many nude dancers and guards, Varse straightened up proudly. "In plain terms, The Council requests a use of force strong enough to topple Emperor Dominax from his ever-growing throne."

"Ah, so war, is it?" Krom questioned, stroking the dark hair of the concubine nestled on his left leg. "A clash of Akros and Humans, so the Dril may feel safer?"

Varse's red eyes narrowed at the man's tone. "The fall of The God Emperor would benefit us all. Do you believe, Krom, that he'll simply halt at the edge of The Wandering Desert when the rest of us have fallen? Then what of his descendants? Will you simply hope they'll grant you mercy once more?"

"Their new Empire is spreading, yes, though they have yet to expand beyond The Human Basin. The God Emperor conquers humans, subjugates humans, and is worshiped by humans."

"Humans currently, Krom. We have every reason to believe that he shall turn his gaze outwards in due time." Varse explained. "None have come close to slowing his advance, yet we predict that a conflict with strong, faith bound Arkos on a full scale would be more than enough to put an end to our mutual problem."

Krom appeared to glance down at his female mates, his face hardly visible in the candlelight. "A slaughter of Arkos, for Dril." He said, gesturing to a nearby servant. She handed him a long, thin pipe topped with several tiny vials locked into the shaft. He pressed its end to his lips, inhaling before a deep cloud of smoke oozed from his nostrils.

"For the greater good." Varse corrected. "Yet do not forget, the Dril have done more than our fair share to benefit you. Need I say more, and test if your claims of our security in this language are true?"

The muscular Arkos remained silent for a long moment, three of his hands idly exploring the two females' curves in thought. "Potentate Varse, you request a war that shall harm my people, a war that I cannot grant you. However, there are alternatives..."

"Such as?" Varse asked as his patience wore thin. He could hardly remain standing, could hardly retain his composure after their journey.

"I can grant to you the service of my Tolkarik Assassins." Krom replied with visible amusement, inhaling the pipe once again before handing it off to the servant. He appeared as if a mystical beast, breathing smoke from his nostrils as he leaned back on his throne. "A contract on the human's life, free of charge in light of our previous dealings."

Varse stiffened at the name, recalling tales of the legendary female assassins that served The Holy Kromak. However, he retained his guise of pride. "Do you believe I'd cross the desert to request something that my own agents could accomplish themselves?"

Krom chuckled. "Then why haven't you? Why have I not received news that The God Emperor is dead? No, master Potentate, you ask for the death of a living God. Ordinary assassins shall never be sufficient. However, you know the reputation of my girls."

Varse stroked his chin as he considered the idea. The subtle approach could be more efficient when compared to a full war that could last years...yet would it be enough? "An interesting proposal...yet I'd like to assess them before we agree to any arrangements."

"Ah, but master Potentate, they are already here..." Krom said with satisfaction, gesturing behind Varse.

As Varse turned around, he was met with the sight of all four remaining Dril standing frozen, terror in their eyes as they each had a sharp fingered gauntlet pressed against their necks, their mouths covered from an assassin behind each of them. The rest of the crowd continued on as if nothing was happening, swinging their hips seductively.

"Careful friends, their claws are tipped with a particularly powerful venom." Krom said with amusement. "Your bodies will slowly shut down, paralyzing you until even your lungs refuse to move."

"Unhand them." Varse replied, turning back to glare at the seated Arkos. His piercing eyes boiled with rage, unwilling to watch a fellow Dril treated in such a manner.

Krom waved his hand, and the female assassins released their prey and backed away. "A mere demonstration, Potentate Varse, yet now you must see how generous I am to allow you to leave this tent. You need me, just as I needed you."

"Your death would come swiftly if any of us were to disappear." Varse replied with a venom of his own in his voice.

"Then we are both fortunate, for that was never my intention." Krom stated with a sly grin. "Now tell me, do we have an agreement?"

A moment of silence passed before Varse nodded. "They are adequate for the task."

"Excellent!" The Arkos said with a clap of two of his strong hands. "We shall refine the details of the contract later, yet you must surely be exhausted from your travels. Come, you are at the service of my hospitality!"

With a gesture of the Kromak a nearby dancer approached Varse, caressing his arm gently.

"She shall escort you to your tent and assist you in recuperating. Request food, women, even boys if you'd prefer. A guest of my court shall have all they require!"

Varse eyed the girl sternly, pulling his arm away. "If that is the case, then I request that my companions each receive the same treatment." He demanded defiantly. "Furthermore, I require that Horos be compensated tenfold for the service of keeping us alive, else we have no deal."

Though surprised, Krom merely shrugged his powerful shoulders. "If that is what you insist...then so be it."

***

Finally settling down where no accursed sand may touch him, Varse released a breath of exhaustion as he allowed the servant girl to remove his dirty robe before he laid down onto the lavish cushion of his own tent. He dismissed her with a wave, closing his eyes.

He felt the cushion move slightly and opened his eyes to see that she hadn't departed. Rather, she had instead moved towards him, crawling like a predator about to leap onto her prey.

Once more he dismissed her, yet she either did not understand or simply didn't care. Her job was to please him, and she would not fail. She whispered in her native language, foreign to his ears as her hand brushed his leg.

"Damn you woman, do you not listen?" He asked in an annoyed tone, knowing she could not understand him. He watched her approach, felt her soft skin against his.

A raging lust stirred in his loins, and he clenched his teeth. His hands covered his manhood, feeling it slowly grow as she caressed his lower half.

"A damned Arkos..." He muttered, feeling a slight guilt at his attraction to a female other than a Dril. Her long black hair hung over her budding breasts, parted by her curled horns.

The feeling of her flexible tail slithering along his calf forced a slight groan from his stern lips, and he slowly uncovered his erection.

The Arkos girl eyed his Dril shaft, smirking with desire. She leaned down, pressing her beautiful lips to its tip. Her tongue teased his glands, tasting an arousal that had been ignored during his travels.

Varse arched his back somewhat as she slid down, engulfing his erection into her supple mouth. She moved up and down, worshiping his cock. His exhaustion was pushed aside, replaced with a flow of tingling stimulation.

His thoughts slid back to the hybrid they had encountered, knowing the danger of their entanglement. His men knew not to spill their seed where it may take hold, a duty he himself must remain committed to as well. Only the womb of a Dril was worthy of Dril sperm, yet simple oral enjoyment couldn't be harmful to anyone...

Her soft hands massaged the pure white skin of his thighs, peering up at him as her head continued to move. Her skillful tongue had been trained for this very purpose, activating every pleasure center along his shaft and tip.

He reached down to take hold of her horns, wishing to satiate his biological need as he guided her head downwards. His manhood slid into her throat, yet the young Arkos woman merely moaned. How many lovers had this beauty serviced? How many nights were spent pleasing the guests of The Kromak? Varse cared little.

The bright orange of her feline eyes peered back at him, as if studying his strange Dril features. He realized that he must surely be the first of his species that she had ever seen, a new humanoid for her mouth to please.

Her dark gray hand sneaked down her toned torso, locating her throbbing arousal between her nimble legs. He felt her mouth tense around his shaft, a silent moan as she teased her waiting lips.

With a gentle touch of her free hand, she released his grip on her horns, allowing her to slide his cock from her mouth with a hungry grin. She then maneuvered her exotic body gracefully, mounting her intended mate. The sensitive skin of his erection rubbed against her pelvis, white on gray.

Adamant in his convictions he grabbed her thighs, causing her to stop as she moved to lower herself onto his hard manhood. Their potential children, even if slightly less likely to be conceived due to their opposing species, would undoubtedly have Arkos blood. Such an abomination could not be allowed to occur.

Confused, she looked down at him and questioned him in her unfamiliar language. He merely shook his head, increasing his grip when she tried to descend once again.

There was no convincing her, she wanted his cock. Her eagerness forced an idea to slip into Varse's mind, a desire he had considered attempting in the past. If she truly wanted to feel him inside of her, she would.

Reaching around to cup her firm rear, he pulled her ever so slightly forwards, using his other hand to guide his manhood. He lowered her further, allowing his tip to press against the girl's puckered anus.

Her orange eyes went wide with realization, replying once more in a way he couldn't understand. Instead, he moved his hand to grip the base of her tail, holding it tightly as he pushed his hips up towards her.

Her mouth opened with shock as he entered her ass, struggling to sink into its tight embrace. She squirmed atop his lap, yet provided no resistance as a deep moan escaped his lips.

She allowed her body to lower, moving slowly as she accepted his manhood fully into her inexperienced rump. He hilted her fully, surprised by just how snug she felt.

A short moment passed as she adjusted to the new object inside of her, releasing a slight whine of both pain and pleasure as she began to move up and down.

Varse gritted his teeth, rocking his hips against her as he attempted to be as gentle as his arousal would permit. She leaned back, supporting herself with her arms. He watched as her silky black hair tumbled over her shoulders, flowing down her back.

Placing his hands on her hips for leverage, his beaten and exhausted muscles ached, yet he continued to thrust up into her. His eyes lingered over her exposed body, tracing her abs up to her perky breasts tipped by dark nipples. She appeared capable, flexible, and if she was a mere servant, the pesky human stood no chance against the Tolkariks.

His hands ran over her smooth thighs, feeling her striped skin. Such a beautiful creature, nearly as desirable as a female Dril. The comparison brought him back to the moment he had become a man, a night spent along the frozen beach of Ishtai with a childhood friend. Such a young and naïve Varse, unsuspecting of the responsibilities that would one day weigh him down into dust...