Vaid Empire: Conquest Ch. 20

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.

***

26th of Silla, 1 AVE.

The Human Basin, Elmia.

A bead of sweat rolled down Salduin's bald head and fell onto the wooden table as he leaned over the map etched into its ebony surface. He quickly whipped it away with a grunt, feeling the sticky humidity permeate around the guard tower atop Elmia's surrounding wall.

"If we are to secure this area..." King Galis began as he searched the map before finally planting his finger. "...here, we shall require a minimum of five hundred men to settle the beginnings of a colony. The rest of the legions can then begin to sanitize the surrounding wildlife, though an initial foothold shall serve us best."

They had discussed logistics for a full three hours upon the open topped tower, overlooking the camp of several thousand warriors encamped at the base of the wall. The plan was simple: The Empire would settle colonies along the shoreline of the river to secure a supply line before delving deeper into the surrounding lands.

Clin wiped his forehead, the third of the trio standing around the table. The rainforests throughout Vaidrin were far more temperate when compared to Elmia, especially in terms of density. The trees around the Eastern city were as constricting as a serpent, their man-sized leaves toppling over the outer wall. "Very well, I shall lead said men myself."

"You? Come now lad, what manner of King shall I become if I allow others to fight my battles?" Galis asked lightheartedly. "No Lord Clin, I'd rather have you at my side instead."

"If that is your wish, your majesty." The younger man replied with a respectful nod. Your majesty. The title didn't quite feel right on his tongue yet, for after all the man was only the ruler of the small District of Elmia, newly absorbed into The Empire's domain. Such would change however, for Clin was prepared to fight tooth and nail to ensure that all under the newly forming kingdom's borders would thrive in prosperity. It was his duty, no less. "I'll inform The God Emperor of your suggestions and we shall ready the men to depart within days."

"Yes...The God Emperor." The King replied, tasting the tiniest hint of fear. The pregnancy of Elmia, now Princess Elmia, had begun to truly show days ago yet the older ruler remained wary of his position. "He seems to place tremendous trust in you two. You'll speak of the efforts my people and I have already begun to invest in this enormous task, won't you?"

Salduin had only just opened his mouth to reply when the yells of a female guard rang out below, calling up to the trio. "My lords, The Empress Irith! She is pushing!"

***

Dominax held Irith's hand firmly, feeling her tight grip as if she were clinging to the edge of an endless chasm. Her loud cries echoed through the chamber, situated at the top of Elmia's Main Stronghold. The temporary quarters had been swiftly made fit for The God Emperor, yet its luxurious furnishing remained the furthest thing from the minds of the individuals huddled around the bed.

Xenia stood between Irith's spread legs, the only healer trusted with the task of leading a fellow Concubine Empress through a birth. Several slaves remained at her side, prepared to assist in whatever way she required.

"Nearly there." Dominax said in a firm voice, sounding both harsh and encouraging in a way that only he seemed to be able to manage. His silver eyes burned into hers, unwavering.

Throughout the visceral ordeal Hesin remained standing beside the door, permitted to witness the birth of the divine child as a member of The God Emperor's Council of Advisors. The immensity of such an honor was something he was not prepared to refuse, yet as he held his mask in his folded arms, he felt more out of place than ever. The gorgeous body of The Empress lay bare and spread for all to see, an intoxicating sight even given the circumstances.

"It's coming, keep pushing!" Xenia commanded, giving no hint to the secret joy she took in hearing Irith's cries.

A warm breeze swept in through the wide balcony as the door to the chamber opened, allowing Clin and Salduin to step inside. The two men had become drenched in sweat after their lengthy sprint from the outer wall, arriving just in time to witness the child's head emerge from Irith's delicate folds.

Her screams cascaded through the room as Dominax leaned in closer, pressing his lips near her ear. "Grant me an heir..." his voice dripped with ambition, uncertain of what the birth may bring. Though he had sensed his connection to the child in her womb long ago, he hadn't yet allowed himself to delve further. The spiritual bond linking father to offspring were clear to observe with only the faintest of effort, but further details of the child's soul were less so. The sex, its potential power, all could be viewed if he would only push a little deeper. Yet...he hadn't, wouldn't. The future of The Empire may rest between Irith's legs, slowly expelled inch by inch as her vaginal muscles labored to birth the baby, though he simply would not delve deeper. Only when it finally emerged fully into the world would he explore the child's potential.

Hesin's single eye widened in awe at the beautiful moment of Irith's final push, an effort that at long last caused the child to slip from her loins and into Xenia's waiting hands. The tiny human took its first breath, bursting into ragged cries.

"God Emperor Dominax..." Xenia began, assessing the infant as if she held her prey. "You have a daughter..."

The unmistakable twinge of disappointment struck Dominax like a small stone, noticeable but something to be quickly deflected. Such a result was probable, even expected as an average of two of every three births among humans resulted in a female. Yes, an Empress would indeed face stronger challenges to her rule than an Emperor, though the daughter of The God Emperor himself could be quite the viable heir if tutored properly. Not ideal to be sure, yet none of it would matter if she held what he sought...

"Give her to me." He commanded, accepting the child from Xenia's offering hands a moment later.

"M...my love..." Irith said weakly, gripping his arm.

"A moment." Was his only response, focusing his entire attention onto the squirming newborn. He closed his eyes, instead peering into her soul through his own. She was there, a flicker of life in the darkness. The power of her blood radiated from her being...yet the previous sting of disappointment was nothing compared to the war hammer that slammed through his thoughts. The potential he had sensed in breeding Irith, the power that their children held the possibility of possessing...resulted in a daughter no more powerful than Cendra or Vixin. Even Vaidimated she would not surpass her sisters, a realization that drained away his electrified anticipation.

"Come here...child..." Irith said in a near whisper as Dominax cautiously handed the infant to her mother. She accepted her with eager arms, cradling her as if she held her own heart. "My love...she is perfect..."

Dominax stared down at the pair, watching as Irith began to weep with joy. "Yes. Perfect." The bitterness in his voice could only be disguised to a point, causing her to glance up at him in confusion.

"Is she...what you sought?" Irith asked in her flowing accent, a lingering reminder of her past.

The sternness of Dominax's expression eased, and he gently caressed his mate's dark hair as she lay in motherly beauty. "She is...adequate, my love. We have more than enough time to sire an heir of greater power, yet for the moment she shall suffice."

Reaching over Irith grabbed the fabric of his sleeve, using the remainder of her strength to ease him towards her side. "No...she is more than adequate. She is...ours." She said with a quiet fierceness as she held both The God Emperor and their child close to her. Tears continued to stream down her gorgeous face, as for the first time she held in her grasp the very thing she had always sought. "Our little..."

"Nafalya" Dominax replied after a moment of searching. "Princess Nafalya of House Vaid, current heir to the throne of The Empire."

As the couple held their new daughter, unified, they did not see the subtle scowl that crept across Xenia's face.

***

The gentle waves of the river quietly lapped at the reddish shore hugging the border of Elmia, far from the busy streets of the city center. Only the faintest hints of the bustling market occasionally nudged the peaceful scenery, until Xenia's foot slammed furiously into the water as she stomped repeatedly at the soft, muddy sand below.

"THE HEIR!? THAT LITTLE RUNT!?" She screamed, unrelenting in her assault.

Having whisked herself away shortly after the birth in the guise of granting the couple time to enjoy their newborn alone, the unquenchable fury at the revelation flowed through her without restraint.

"YOU VILE...EVIL...SLUT!" She yelled in rage as she crashed to her knees, savagely clawing at the wet ground. Tears began to stream down her face, cheeks reddening by anger and excursion. "YOU...I'LL...."

The face of Vixin seeped through her mind, and she began to pound her fists into the sand. Her daughter should...no, MUST be the heir! There was no other acceptable fate for her precious baby than the throne. Absolutely none. As a daughter of Dominax, Vixin would prosper regardless, yet Xenia would rather throw herself from the western mountains than allow Vixin's fate to be anything less than a true Empress.

Squeezing her hands through the muddy surface, Xenia's nails pushed into her palms in utter anger, deep enough to draw tiny trickles of crimson blood. This outrage could NOT be tolerated. Cendra, nor Nafalya, nor any further vile spawn that slipped from Irith's whore legs would stand in Vixin's way.

"YOU'VE..." she continued to shout, only to finally reign herself in and lower her voice to a growl that oozed with hatred. "You've overstepped your place...slut. I'll put you in the same hole as Briza..."

10th of Thriduin, 2 AVE.

Kingdom of Vaidrin, Domani.

Crackling webs of power radiated from Dominax's outstretched hands, swirling around the curved walls of the pod's inner chamber in a vortex of electricity.

"Good...hold it...maintain its flow..." Dorian's voice crept through the chamber, no louder than a whisper despite the roaring echoes of the vortex. It mattered little, for his words poured directly through Dominax's mind rather than his ears.

Dominax thought back to The Battle of Unification, savoring the wild power that had flowed through him when he had decimated Linnax's army. The moment had been so pure, so freeing...yet the emotions that had fueled such actions began to trickle back to him. He had hoped that the birth of a truly worthy heir would have provided enough distraction to rid himself of the majority of his loss, yet what he received instead was...Nafalya. Even months after the birth of his third daughter, the sting of Briza's assassination lingered just as firmly as before.

Rage. He could feel it building once more, familiar as it pushed back his sorrow and fueled the ferocity of the vortex. The air was ecstatic with power, wishing to burst free of the spacious chamber.

"No...my boy, enough..." Dorian said as his ghostly image flickered, hardly able to hold together. "Cease for a moment...."

Cease? How could he stop now, lightning erupting from his fingertips as he poured pure emotion, anger, sorrow, even guilt. He had failed Briza, her death left unavenged. Of course, the most likely suspect remained The Cult of Ortis, yet who had done the deed? Whose blades had cut his beloved down? Whose hands had held her under the water as she gasped for breath? Dominax gritted his teeth, the vortex spinning faster and faster until the chamber became enraptured in chaos.

"I...said...ENOUGH!" Dorian yelled, echoing painfully in Dominax's mind. His concentration faltered, causing his swirling power to unravel and dissipate.

Dominax furiously whirled to face the ancient being of The Creator as darkness returned to fill the chamber. "Hold your tongue old man! Could you not sense the power I brought forth?!"

In response Dorian raised a calming translucent hand. "Indeed...yet what is power...without control? For a moment you maintained your hold...upon your abilities, yet they freed themselves...from your grasp..."

"THAT is-" He began to reply, only to cut himself off and start again as he slowly calmed himself after such an intense flow of power. "You are incorrect. They did not escape me."

"Call it what you like...yet you were losing control. There is no value in power...that cannot be properly wielded."

Rubbing his forehead, Dominax released a humorless chuckle. "Linnax's dead warriors must have missed that lesson."

"Ah yes...you tore them apart, yet how many...of your own people did you slaughter that day?" Dorian questioned, slowly encircling the outer wall. "What good...can power bring...if it destroys everything you care about?"

The question lingered for several moments, before Dorian's ghostly figure began to slowly fade. "Our time together...has come to an end for the day...my boy. Continue to train...to hone your emotions...and I shall return when I've regained strength..."

As Dorian faded entirely from view, Dominax could not help but repeat his words. The old man's teachings were rarely direct, and though there had indeed been many casualties during The Battle of Unification that Dominax's own powers had inflicted against his men, the result of their victory had been objectively beneficial. There would be no Empire had they failed, no stability that his rule provides. No, there had to be something he was missing...

As he left the chamber, he was immediately greeted by the sight of Pria, waiting patiently beside the entrance. She granted him a graceful bow, her devious eyes locked onto him. "Your holiness."

The sight of a familiar face was calming after such a lengthy training session, somewhat improving his mood even as his jaw tightened in slight annoyance. "Speak girl, I wish to be alone for the moment."

Perking up, she smirked seductively at her master. "It'll only take a short time, as there is a visitor waiting in the throne room. He brings offerings."

"Can he not be handled without my presence? Throw them with the rest."

Pria folded her hands behind her back, tilting her head slyly. "Of course, your holiness, yet I think these offerings will be particularly interesting to you."

For a brief moment he considered her words, finally granting her a wave of his hand. "Very well then, bring me to this visitor."

With an obedient nod she began to walk down the corridor, just ahead of her master. With each step she carefully swayed her hips, granting him an enticing show.

After several minutes navigating the long hallways of The Grand Pyramid they reached the temporary throne room, greeted by two fully armored guards on each side of the internal entrance. The two men bowed before turning around, heaving the heavy doors open.

Dominax strode into the room, his white cloak hanging behind him as his eye fell upon the small group of five that waited patiently in the center. A single slightly overweight human man appeared to be in command, flanked by four female Arkos slaves. Dressed in a dingy white robe that ended just past his knees, the man held four chains that each connected to harsh metal collars locked around the necks of the women. The striking beauty of the horned females were concealed only by thin loincloths, their petite breasts proudly displayed.

"Ah, The God Emperor himself!" The man joyfully exclaimed, lowering himself to his knees. "Such a pleasure to finally make your acquaintance."

In response Dominax held his hand up to quiet the man, strolling passed him as his visitors watched in confusion. He approached his throne, taking a seat as he placed himself just above the group. Then, with a nod, he spoke. "You may stand and state your purpose."

Momentarily taken aback the man cautiously rose to his feet, loosely holding two chains in each hand. "Ah yes...my lord. I am known as Unis, and I bring the gifts of The Great Torakeom, King of Narok. His majesty offers these slaves in the hope of forging a mutually beneficial bond, one where you may point your gaze elsewhere during your Empire's...uh, expansion."

"Interesting..." Dominax replied, stroking his pointed beard. "I find it odd that this King Torakeom would entrust such a gift to a human messenger. Could he not face me himself?"

A slight redness flared in Unis's round cheeks, yet his voice remained cordial. "His majesty is a busy man, as I'm sure you understand my lord. He merely wishes to ensure that Arkos lands remain Arkos lands, and human lands remain human lands. Yet I am no mere messenger, for I have facilitated the trade of metals and precious stones between Narok and The Human Basin long before your Empire emerged."

"A merchant then?" He replied before shrugging the matter aside. Trade between the humans and the mountain dwelling Kingdom of Narok had been long established, and if King Torakeom desired for a simple merchant to represent him then what did it matter? "Very well, I'm certain Torakeom will be interested to know that my aims lay elsewhere for the time being."

Unis glanced over at the slaves, returning his attention toward the throne with a wide smile. "Excellent, your holiness! That shall suffice for the moment. For now, allow me to introduce the offerings that his majesty deems worthy to serve you."

With a limp tug on the chains the women stepped forwards, their feline pupils hungrily studying their new owner while their long tails swayed back and forth.

"Here we have Harkeom and Janos," Unis announced enthusiastically, gesturing to his right. The first if the pair easily possessed the longest hair of the group, her dark strands draped over her perky breasts. In contrast, the second had only a small ponytail, pulled back in a tight braid. "and Nalos and Cloram." He concluded, shifting to his left. Nalos's black locks flowed down to her shoulders in gorgeous waves, while Cloram kept her hair neat and chin length. The vicious stripes of their species decorated their smooth gray skin, their bodies appearing slim and athletic with small visible muscles. They appeared fierce, deadly, and Dominax briefly considered if perhaps their services could be better utilized under Hesin's training. A thought for another day.

All four women stepped forwards, bowing low before speaking. "We are pleased to be at your mercy, master."

With a satisfied nod Dominax turned towards Pria as she waited beside the throne. "Have these four bathed and inspected as per usual, then escort them to my chambers. Tonight I shall assess these offerings."