Vaid Empire: Conquest Ch. 29

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.

***

50th of Silla, 9 AVE.

The Shai Domain, Ishtai.

Varse watched the many snow blanketed buildings of his home city pass by, feeling a nostalgia that threatened to make him sick.

"Are you succumbing to the motion, my Potentate?" The young assistant girl seated across from him asked innocently, evidently viewing the pained expression that had snuck its way onto his face. "We're nearly there."

He brushed aside her concerns. "Ah...no, there are simply...lingering memories. Worry not."

Her words proved true when they arrived only a few minutes later, coming to a stop outside a squat circular building that seemed to stick out sorely from the common aesthetic of the city. Just outside the main entrance the Chidrae lowered itself into the snow, a large six-legged creature covered in white-silver feathers that carried the enclosed travel house atop its back. Hardly more than four seats facing each other, Varse crouched as he exited through the small doorway and out into the open air of his home city for the first time in decades.

A nauseous shiver ran through him, as the smell of all sorts of recently fished aquatic monstrosities lingered in the air. It brought back the memory of his parents, carried away by their Lish captors. His face hardened further as he shrugged the image from his shoulders, turning to watch as the assistant struggled to remove a long wooden case from the Chidrae travel house.

He granted the driver seated on the small roof a nod, silently acknowledging their deal that he would remain until Varse's business here was concluded. It was just business after all, even if its existence had to remain strictly off record for the time being. All he did here would ensure the survival of The Shai Domain, yet much would have to remain concealed until the time was right.

As for The Council themselves, they had been fed a false story of an entirely different location that his journey would take him. The previous years had severely dampened their suspicions and doubts regarding him as their Potentate, for the seemingly exponential growth of the Vaidrin crisis had apparently burned out. Yes, Vaidrin had evolved into the first human empire in history, yet its vile God Emperor appeared entirely happy to lay back and enjoy his gains. What had once seemed like an inevitable threat against Dril security had stalled, becoming nothing more than a neighbor to watch from afar.

That was what The Council believed, of course, though Varse knew better.

He knocked on the door to the circular building, only waiting a moment before a young Dril girl answered. She appeared little more than twelve years of age, her black hair tied into two knots on either side.

"Master Vesh, we have company!" The girl called back behind her, earning a grimace from Varse.

Within seconds the girl was pushed aside, replaced in the doorway by a Dril whose eyes lit up at the sight of their visitors. Immediately he bowed his head in mutual respect, as Varse mirrored his actions.

There was no doubt about who he was, as though he was now a little fatter than before, the scarred face of one of the greatest former agents of The Shai Domain was unmistakable. The past few years had seemingly treated him well, as his missing eye had been adorned by an eyepatch embedded with a flat gem as red as his remaining eye. He did little to conceal his missing ear, however, which was now accompanied by several new scars that slashed across his plump yet grizzled face.

"By the gods, you finally decided to pay us a visit." Vesh said with a wide grin.

Varse nodded without humor. "Indeed. I've come to assess your progress with the boy."

"Of course, my Potentate. Please, come in!"

Both Varse and his assistant followed the man inside, leaving the frozen city behind as the door was sealed. He took a moment to glance at the young girl that had opened the door, only to turn and scowl at his host. "Master Vesh?"

The large man casually waved aside the criticism. "A mere formality, my Potentate. I found this one attempting to pick my pocket at the market, and needless to say I saw potential in her."

Varse held out a finger. "That won't do." He said firmly. After all, every Dril must be equal under The Domain. "But in any case, don't allow the training of this girl to distract you from your true purpose."

"The boy is my primary focus, as this one is merely intended to assist in his future tasks." Vesh explained, leading them down a short hallway. "But I suppose you didn't come all this way to reprimand me, yes? Come, see the fruits of what you've left behind."

The man pushed open the door at the end of the hall, emerging into a large circular chamber that seemed to take up much of the building's interior space. They stepped out onto a balcony that encircled the curved walls, as the chamber extended downwards an additional level below ground.

Varse stepped to the railing, gazing down into what could only be described as a training arena. There, for the first time since he had handed his newborn son over to the care of Vesh, he laid eyes upon the roughly thirteen-year-old boy as he was locked into combat with two Arkos slaves and a third Dril combatant.

The boy swung both of his curved blades, slashing and parrying his opponents' weapons. His left sword slid under the defense of the left Arkos, opening a wound that sent the man tumbling to the floor with gasps of agony. The other swung high, striking the right and sending drops of Dark Purple blood to the stone floor.

As for his fellow Dril, the boy leapt forward, bringing his blade down in a swipe that unarmed the man, causing his opponent to hold out his hands and slowly back up. The boy merely bowed his head, sheathing his weapons as he wouldn't dare spill the blood of a Dril, even as the two Arkos lay rolling upon the floor in pain. They'd live, though not without visible scars that signaled their defeat.

"You've made him fearsome." Varse muttered in satisfaction, catching the attention of the boy. Their eyes met, and for a moment he couldn't help but feel a slight twinge of guilt. Then in an instant the feeling was snuffed out.

"Come, I will introduce you to our weapon." Vesh said before turning to make his way towards a set of stairs that led from the balcony to the arena floor. They descended, meeting the young man near the center. "Boy, this is-"

"Potentate Varse of Clan Chalvarrus." The thirteen-year-old interrupted. "I know. Not a day goes by where I don't thank our gracious leader for his guidance."

Taken aback, Varse paused before clasping his hands behind his back. "And your name is?"

He straightened up with pride. "Salik, my Potentate. I shall be the blade that puts an end to the enemies of The Domain."

"Indeed you shall, Salik." Varse said with a satisfied nod. It was obvious that the boy suspected little of his true paternity, just as intended. "Your training is of great interest to me, child. We both know that the human God Emperor is merely biding his time like a Vidshi waiting beneath the snow to snatch his prey."

Salik tensed at the mention of Dominax, involuntarily glaring. "Of course, I have trained every single day to put an end to that threat. The God Emperor shall fall by my hand, or I shall die trying."

Varse turned his head to Vesh. "You've taught him well."

"Of course, you've made it his purpose to kill that human and so it is." Vesh replied, before suddenly breaking into a chuckle. "Aye but watch this!"

The mentor crossed over to one of the alcove cutouts along the arena wall and retrieved a training dummy that appeared to have armor in the crude shape of The God Emperor's own. VERY crude in fact, as its wooden surface was littered with deep cuts. "Go on boy, show the human what you're made of!"

Without hesitation Salik spun, hacking off the head with a single swipe of his blade. The wooden head tumbled to the ground with a dull thud.

Varse frowned. "It shall never be as simple as that, as a man who proclaims himself a deity can be stubborn to kill. Ah but come Salik, I've brought you a gift."

The assistant laid the wooden case on the ground, bowing her head before backing up.

"Go ahead, child. Claim what's yours." Varse instructed, gesturing to the case. "If your purpose is to kill the greatest threat of this age, you shall be equipped accordingly."

Though hesitant for a moment, Salik would never dare refuse a gift from The Potentate himself. He kneeled down, unfastening the clasps one after the other. He began to lift the lid, and as soon as he realized what it contained his eyes lit up with enthusiasm.

The boy pulled two swords from the container, their blades thin and curved. To his surprise, the metal was as black as the night sky, a color only found in The Vaid Empire.

"Before you ask, yes, they are genuine chimira steel. Not entirely transformed by The God Emperor's powers as to appear white, yet far stronger than the steel of an average weapon." Varse said, unable to keep the pride from his voice despite his harsh expression. "Many of our agents fell to bring these blades to you, child. Treat them well."

"I...I will..." Salik stammered, already testing their weight and balance. His eyes fell upon one of the hilts, and he granted Varse a questioning look.

Varse held out his hand, and though reluctant to relinquish his new gift the young man handed over one of the swords. Varse ran his fingers over the hilt, feeling it's strange texture. "No doubt in your training you have been informed of The God Emperor's...unique abilities. It would never do to have you train all this time, only to be electrocuted to death the moment he lays eyes upon you. Thus, the hilts of your blades have been infused with Izanil rubber, a material that will protect you from his power. Simply guard yourself, and the chimira steel of your blades will attract most of the electricity he may launch against you. The metal will absorb the energy, and the Izanil rubber will dissipate it before it reaches your hands."

A smile ripped across the boy's face as he twirled the sword, though his eyes fell to the rest of the container's contents. "And what of those?"

Varse returned the blade to Salik's hand. "A suit of black chimira silk, enough to conceal the entirety of your skin." He explained as the boy once again crouched to assess his gifts. "The material's natural resistance to fire will protect you from some extent of his flames, or so I've been led to believe. In any case, it's best to avoid combat at all if possible, and simply end his life as he sleeps."

"Yes, my Potentate." He said, removing a black helmet from the long wooden box. "I won't fail you, nor will I let our people down."

"No, I don't believe you will." He said, seeing the same determination in his son's eyes as were in his own, as if an echo of himself. "Both the helmet and blades were discarded prototypes created by The God Emperor himself, as it is only he who is capable of the transformation process. They were an experiment for his guards, amongst others as he looked to other cultures for potential sources of inspiration, yet in the end he deferred to his own. Wear them, train with them, and feel the whispers of his power. You will wield the blades he discarded, and you will use them to end his reign." Varse commanded, his voice low with intensity. "In the creation of these blades he has touched our culture, if merely for a moment. Allow them to remind you what shall happen upon your failure, our culture's blades cast in chimira steel..."

"Aye, though it looks like you'll have to grow into the suit a bit, my boy." Vesh chuckled, slapping Salik on the back in an attempt to alleviate the tension of the moment.

"Thank you..." the boy said, clearly wrestling with the fact that one of the few gifts granted to him during his short life had come directly from The Potentate himself. He was honored, overwhelmed, and terrified...for what if he failed?

Something deep inside Varse managed to bubble to the surface, and he found himself placing his hand upon the boy's shoulder. "We do what duty demands, child. I shall leave you to your new equipment, though I intend to take a far closer handle upon your training."

Salik nodded, unable to keep his voice from shaking. "I won't let you down...ever."

2nd of Senin, 9 AVE.

Kingdom of Vaidrin, Domani.

It was good to have Dominax back, both for The Empire and Irith herself. With enough prodding he had begun to make gradual appearances at court, finally taking short breaks from the distraction of his harem.

Now, though through great effort, his personal life had nearly returned to normal. He found himself performing his duties as ruler once again, venturing throughout the rest of The Grand Pyramid rather than simply remaining in his chamber of women.

The timing couldn't have come at a more ideal moment, for Irith had nearly reached the end of her pregnancy. There were still many days remaining of the roughly two hundred and fifty days that an average human pregnancy consisted of, of course, yet any day now The Empire would have a new set of royal children.

Because of this, Dominax spent much of his days close to his Concubine Empress, as if subconsciously guarding his quickly approaching heir. There could be no mistakes, no further Xenias to interfere with the future.

This day in particular he found himself rising from his throne after a long session of dealing with the general public, commanding his guards to empty the throne room and seal the doors. The chamber was filled with the usual gathering of exposed concubines bathing in the many pools that littered the floor, yet his attention remained entirely on Irith.

He made his way over to her as she lounged atop one of the cushions that sat between each pillar. She relaxed, tended to by slaves as she spent the day observing each request that was brought before her mate's throne.

"There is no end to the complexity." She said as he sat down at her feet, removing his helmet. "An entire host of unique issues for each citizen, and they all expect you to solve them."

Dominax merely huffed, allowing one of the slaves to unfasten his armor. "Such was the burden I chose, even if their problems are beneath my concern. An Empire cannot survive without its citizens."

"None will ever be beneath your concern while you sit upon the throne." She replied with a hint of disapproval to flavor her accented voice. "Though come my love, speak no more of burdens. Let us focus on the future."

Dominax watched as she gestured to her belly, nearly ready to burst with his twins. He closed his eyes, mentally reaching out to touch their underdeveloped minds. He could sense their souls flock to him as if he were a ray of light, tasting his power. "They are eager to join us, my love."

A smile lit up Irith's face, and after a moment she seductively positioned her gorgeous body on her side. "I don't believe I'll ever grow accustomed to...that. Though come closer, I have a surprise..."

Dominax leaned over, placing his hand on her side as he gazed into her pretty face.

"I've had the slaves keep track of this cushion." She said, moving her thigh slightly to reveal a few tiny drops of blood staining the fabric. "Do you recognize it? I would hope so, as it is the one you claimed my virginity upon..."

Surprised, Dominax looked down. "Where Nafalya was conceived upon?"

Irith simply nodded, a smirk spreading across her face. Her fingers traced down his arm, taking his hand in hers as she pulled him in for a kiss. "How fitting would it be to have our final act of love before the births occur to take place in the spot you claimed me? I've been waiting, my love..."

He kissed her once again, sliding his hand over her soft skin. He reached the alluring valley between her legs, confirming her words as he felt her slick wetness.

"I need you, Dominax." She whispered as she pressed her lips to his ear. "In the very place you made me yours forever..."

No man on Magnius would have been capable of resisting such a request, and Dominax was more than happy to oblige. He waved away the slaves before reaching down, opening the groin slit of his one-suit.

Irith watched with blushed cheeks as he freed his cock, her own loins hungry for his touch. She had waited all day, thinking of little else as citizen after citizen requested his attention.

Dominax mounted the cushion fully, spreading her womanly legs to gaze upon his prize. Her enchantingly beautiful vagina was on full display as he pushed aside her skirt, the very source of his future heir.

She took a deep, tantalizing breath as their loins met, his heavy cock laying on top of her womanhood. He slowly moved his hips, dragging the underside of his shaft over her wet labia.

"Come now, my love. I wish to feel the cock that granted me my children..." she said, her own wide hips subtly moving with desire.

"Very well." He replied with a smirk of his own, lining the tip to meet her ready hole. With a push he began to slide inside, forcing a moan from her lips.

Effortlessly he hilted her, his tip pressed against her cervix while knowing that their children lay just behind. He began to pump in and out, moving with a tender slowness.

She placed her arms above her head, laying back like a pleasured goddess. How had he discovered a being as gorgeous as her, exuding the very essence of what a woman should be? There was no inch of her that wasn't entirely flawless, a mate fit for a God.

"Dominax...I am yours..." she moaned, and indeed she was. No other had ever experienced the slick walls of her pussy, had ever granted her their seed. Her womb was completely his, producing beautiful children that would one day rule the greatest civilization in history.

Their loins pushed together over and over, moving in a steady rhythm as he pleasured her. He could compare her to any one of the thousands of slaves that had moaned beneath his cock, yet Irith's womanhood was his home, his life. Only she was worthy to bear his seed, to birth fully legitimized members of House Vaid.

A low groan escaped his lips, pressing deeply each time. The sight of her baby bump only added to his pleasure, feeling a deep satisfaction that he had knocked up her perfect form. Her full breasts jiggled with each movement, allowing a tiny dribble of milk to escape her sensitive buds.

"Y...yeeeessss...." She moaned, lowering one of her arms to grip the fabric of the cushion. The pain that had occurred when he had taken her virginity in the very same spot was nowhere to be found, leaving only bliss to touch every nerve of her aching loins. "Harder, my love...the children will be fine..."