Vaid Empire: Conquest Ch. 36

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.

***

7th of Silla, 10 AVE.

Kingdom of Kinia, Taroi.

"They're here!"

The announcement rang in Haril's ears just before the distant sounds of war drums echoed over Taroi's walls, and he turned to watch as his fellow men hurried into their proper formations. The God Emperor had come.

Long had they waited, their scouts bringing consistent updates about their attacker's slow approach. Yet now that the moment had arrived...Haril found it difficult to cease the trembling of his hands as he rushed to gather his armor and spear from the stockpile. The main gates towering above him had never failed against barbarian raids, though this was...something else.

He granted a final nod to his friends as they ascended the wall, young men that he had known throughout the entirety of his training. Each one had shrugged off their coming siege as little more than the lashing out of inferior savages, a mere group of chiefdoms that had gathered together in greed. Their King had said it, their Lord had said it, and the citizens believed it. Did Argin?

As much as he'd like to help defend the gate, duty required him elsewhere. He made his way through the streets, becoming increasingly crowded the closer he jogged to Taroi Castle. The people knew to stay away from the walls during a raid, yet if they shared his doubts, they hid them well. Did the citizens of Argin go about their daily lives before they fell? His grip tightened around his spear.

He reached the main entrance where he found a group of ten soldiers waiting patiently outside. The commanding officer stepped towards him as he joined them, jabbing his finger into Haril's chest.

"Last one here, means you walk up front with me." The grey-haired man said, already turning to lead the group inside.

Haril hurried to follow, taking his place just beside the commanding officer. He took a final glance at the sky before they entered, hoping he'd see it again. They walked through the throne room and descended a spiral staircase, emerging into a large chamber decorated heavily with luxuries.

The Lord of Taroi himself waited beside a shelf lined with wooden slabs, accompanied by the entirety of his noble family. A son and two daughters stood at their mother's side, not much older than Haril himself.

Their commanding officer forced the group to bow to their ruler, before he and two other men began to push the heavy shelf. Wood grinding against the stone floor could not conceal the faint sounds of battle, as the siege had evidently begun.

Their efforts ceased only when the shelf had been moved completely to the right, revealing the entrance to a tunnel in the wall. The commanding officer held his head high as he led them through, while the noble family followed in the back. Other men would lament their placement far in the front and away from the family, yet Haril focused solely on calming his misgivings. After all, he and his group possessed the safest task in the city.

Only men sworn to secrecy were allowed to escort the Lord and his family during a siege, tasked with ensuring their safety out of the city. They'd guard the exit to the hidden tunnel and wait for one of two signals. If the raiders were repelled, the ruler would be brought safely back inside. If the city fell, they'd serve as protection until they reached safety.

They walked through the darkness, illuminated only by their torches. Haril could only hope that the siege ended swiftly. The noble family would be just fine lounging in the cabin at the exit to the tunnel, yet he and his men would be on constant guard duty. What would the people think, to know their ruler abandoned them each time a sliver of danger knocked on their walls?

Barbarian raids never lasted more than a few hours at most, though he felt a sickening sensation as they matched deeper and deeper. King Olvir had told them they'd be safe, yet a city had already fallen. Taroi was larger, though would that be enough?

With one hand on his spear and the other carrying his torch, he heard the footsteps of his fellow men echo off of the naturally formed walls. Offshoots of the cave had been artificially sealed by brick, leaving a single wide path.

They were safe, protected by secrecy and solid stone. Utterly safe. He told himself these words, attempting to stifle the fear. Taroi could fall behind him, just as...

"Hold." Their officer commanded in a low voice as he came to a stop.

Haril looked to him, though the man remained still. He studied him and realized that he was listening intently to their surroundings. Haril followed his lead, trying to detect anything that had caught the older man's attention.

He was beginning to wish that he hadn't been placed at the front when...there it was, the click of a rock skittering across the ground. The sound sent chills down his spine, knowing they were supposed to be the only beings in the tunnel. "A creature, my lord? Perhaps a small inhabi-"

The man cut his whispering off as he placed his hand upon the hilt of his sword.

Haril felt his grip tighten as he tried to raise his torch, though the flickering light illuminated little of the wide tunnel, failing to pierce the darkness before them.

He could hear the quiet echoes of his men breathing, though as Haril peered into the consuming darkness, he felt his blood run cold the moment he made out the ever so faint sound of breathing coming from ahead. They weren't alone.

"Show yourselves!" The officer's strong voice boomed, yet it received no reply. Slowly he unsheathed his sword, holding it firmly as he gazed into the darkness.

Haril's hands began to tremble before the insidious laughter of an unseen stranger crept from ahead, slowly growing louder and louder.

Holding his spear in terror, he watched as a pair of glowing silver eyes began to peer from the darkness, pouring dread through the young man's veins. He nearly screamed, his voice seized by fear.

Without warning, webs of electricity burst from the darkness, illuminating the fingers that conjured them. Haril had merely an instant to watch as the lightning rushed forwards, filling the tunnel before his entire world erupted into agony.

Screams exploded all around him, granting him a split second of painful existence before a sword raging with brilliant flame slashed downwards, ending his suffering.

Haril would never see the sky again.

***

The day of Taroi's fall could not have been more temperate, as other cities were no doubt enjoying the sunshine. Yet for Taroi, nothing could be done. The moment The God Emperor and his group cut down the city's defenders from behind, little could have stopped the gate from being opened. The legions poured inside, forever putting an end to the misconceptions of the citizens. There would be no raid by foreign savages, only the wrath of an angry Empire.

Prisoners watched as their purple banners were burned in the city square, while the majority of the population hid in their houses. With no Lord to dispose of, Dominax claimed his seat upon the vacant throne.

41st of Iahta, 10 AVE.

Kingdom of Kinia, Taroi.

"I have to say, Taroi is a MUCH nicer city than Argin ever was."

The comment came from Cendra, seated next to Clin in the main dining hall. Though it could never come close to the grandeur and luxury of Domani's royal gatherings, the single large table had been filled to the brim with Kinia's native foods.

"Don't you agree?" Cendra prodded, jolting Clin from his thoughts as she placed her soft hand on his forearm.

"Yes, apologies. I'm glad you're more comfortable here." He said in a genuine tone, even as he felt his mind slipping back. They should be celebrating their relatively bloodless victory, or the two months of stability that followed. Instead, he found himself thinking back to the family of nobles he had freed in Argin, wondering if they had survived. He'd never know, of course, yet he could hope...

Cendra glanced to the head of the table, seeing her father locked in a discussion with Elmia. Unsurprisingly, Vixin had placed herself as closely as possible to him, sitting like an obedient pet.

"If something is on your mind, you may unburden yourself." Cendra replied, returning her attention to her left. "You'll find I'm a good listener."

Clin felt a tightening in his chest at her kind smile, her face as gorgeous as if it were expertly carved from marble. Her stunning silver eyes peered into his, as if attempting to pierce what lay behind. "It's nothing, my lady, simply the thoughts of an old warrior."

She giggled. "Three decades? Almost four? That's hardly what I'd call old, Clin."

He allowed his muscles to relax somewhat, unaware that he had grown so tense in his pondering. Constantly wondering if he had done what was best, he allowed a tired breath to escape. "I feel old..."

She gently caressed his arm, looking to him with concern.

From across the table, Dominax pulled the nearest slave closer to him, allowing his hand to rest on her bare rump as he listened to Elmia's words. Vixin allowed herself a quick glance at where his palm rested, feeling a tingle in her belly.

"Deci won't be nearly as easy to take as Taroi, your holiness." Elmia explained, her arms wrapped around her son as he sat in her lap. "Argin didn't expect a threat, yet the rest of Kinia will now know what to expect. They'll fight tooth and nail, and Deci holds no secret passageways as far as we're aware."

"Of course, you give voice to the very concerns I share." Dominax replied with a chuckle. "However, they shall fall all the same. I've sent a request back to The Capital for additional supplies. Should we be forced to starve them out of their precious city, we'll be more than prepared to do so."

King Foin listened closely to the conversation as he greedily indulged in the prepared dinner, while Enalia caressed her now pregnant belly beside him. Vixin only had to concentrate a small amount to sense the unborn child's bloodline, confirming what she already suspected as she sent a concealed smirk at her father.

"Very well." Elmia stated with a gentle pat upon her heir's head. "My father wishes for me to inform you that he has received your reinforcements, and will march on Sladi by the end of Onis."

"Delay him." Dominax commanded firmly, removing his hand from the slave girl's rump and allowing her to return to her duties. "Prince Alrin shall protect Sladi so long as King Galis remains a threat. Therefore, Galis must continue to distract him until we've begun the siege, as I won't simply wait for Kinia's royal army to surprise us from behind should Galis fail."

"Until when, your holiness?" Foin broke in, wiping his mouth with his sleeve.

Dominax did little to hide his disgust. "No sooner than the end of Fonic. I would see my men entirely recuperated and supplied before we march."

"Galis is a patient man, your majesty. He'll be ready to serve when the time comes." Elmia assured him with an alluring smile.

As Dominax nodded, a slave entered the chamber and quietly whispered in his ear before being dismissed. "If you've nothing more to say, my guest has arrived."

Vixin turned her head to peer at the doorway, watching as a brunette with long flowing hair strode over to the table with confident steps. Nearly the entirety of her gorgeous body remained on display, save for a small finely crafted loincloth that concealed only her most intimate area.

Dominax stood from his seat, receiving a bow from the woman before he commanded Vixin to stand. "My flower, before you stands Rosila of The Sages, your new mentor."

Vixin's silver eyes widened in surprise, though she respectfully bowed her head before turning her gaze towards him. "Are you relinquishing me as your apprentice, master?"

He ignored the obvious look of worry in her eyes. "No child, your training shall continue unabated. However, there is much you must learn from Rosila if you are ever to serve as the leader of The Sages."

"Leader?" She asked, surprised once more. How long had he planned this, making no mention of it until now?

"Of course." Rosila said with a smirk. "I shall teach you the ways of our order in the hopes that you'll one day provide us the leadership we've sorely lacked."

Cendra leaned in close to Clin's ear with a scowl. "Daddy's favorite receives yet more training, as always."

"You shall memorize each and every one of my laws, and practice the manipulative seductions of The Sages." Dominax explained, placing his hand upon her lithe shoulder. "Yet never forget that your main priority shall always be your training under me, for a Vaid is nothing without power. Do you understand?"

Though hesitant for only a moment, Vixin obediently nodded.

"Good girl, you shall begin your lessons immediately." He commanded, gesturing towards the door.

Rosila gently took Vixin's hand in both of hers, peering into her eyes. "My princess, there are many oddities you will be subjected to, yet be assured that if you pay attention, you shall learn quickly."

Cendra watched her sister depart with the woman, feeling nothing but a burning hatred.

1st of Fonic, 11 AVE.

Kingdom of Kinia, Taroi.

A quiet dripping of water echoed faintly through the corridor as Vixin descended the stairs into Taroi's dungeon. Alone, she used a flame ignited in her palm to guide her way.

The past few months under Rosila's mentorship hadn't been anything like she had expected. While attempting to read through countless laws would have been mind-numbing, Rosila had instead brought Vixin out into the public to demonstrate her work. Vixin had watched, enraptured by the excited crowds of Taroi as her teacher preached the worship of The God Emperor, speaking of order and his endless peace. She had watched carefully as Rosila's practically nude form moved in subtly alluring ways, coaxing the desires of the crowds and allowing her message to reach them without immediate rejection. A true master, slowly subjugating the population through ideals.

She had always been dismissed before Rosila began to select lucky men and women from the crowd, serving her other duties that would only indoctrinate them further. However, the control she had witnessed Rosila build each day in the masses, the way she held their attention, Vixin wanted nothing more than a taste of such abilities.

Yet tonight was...different. Where she had grown accustomed to her mentor meeting her each morning, she had instead received nothing more than a vague message cylinder containing only four words.

"Dungeon. Nightfall. Come alone."

When she had questioned her father about the message, he merely granted her a knowing look and ordered her to comply.

Each step she took deeper into the subterranean complex forced a tingling in her belly to faintly increase, a nervousness that she had wished she was above. She was a Princess of House Vaid, daughter of The God Emperor himself, yet she was...afraid?

She crept forwards, grateful that Taroi's dungeon was practically nothing compared to the endlessly complex mess of mazes laying under Domani. She found the only sealed door, taking a breath before knocking.

A moment later the door unlocked, swinging open to let loose the flickering light of candles as Rosila greeted her.

"Welcome, my lady. It's time to begin the next phase of your training." The mentor said, stepping aside and allowing her student to enter.

Though momentarily relieved to see the familiar face in the dark depths, her expression turned to utter shock when her eyes fell upon the nude woman laying atop a table in the center of the chamber.

Locking the door behind herself, Rosila placed her hands on Vixin's shoulders. "Go on...have a look. You will see much of her today, so get acquainted quickly."

Vixin took a step closer, her eyes running over the woman's skin. Her womanly curves sent chills of desire through the princess's body, seeing the metal cuffs locking her arms above her head and her legs far apart. She saw the woman's chin length black hair, and with sudden recognition she realized whose naked form she gazed upon. "Princess Elmia?!"

From behind, Rosila nodded with satisfaction. "King Galis's daughter has generously volunteered her...sweet little body for your lesson. Isn't that right?"

Elmia made a muffled noise through her gag.

Rosila chuckled. "You should ask your father sometime of how Prince Galis was conceived. It's quite an...interesting story involving your mother."

She felt a twinge of guilt at the mention of Xenia. "What exactly is this 'lesson' you speak of?"

"It's simple; you'll get to watch as I pleasure our friend here, and hopefully learn a few of the intricacies of the female form." Rosila explained with a devious grin. "Though from what I've heard of your mother, this particular lesson may be as unnecessary as teaching you to breathe. You'll be a natural, I'm sure."

Vixin concealed tiny bursts of emotion behind the mask of a confident smirk. "Is that so?"

Rosila slowly paced to a pair of hanging metal cuffs at the ends of two chains suspended from the ceiling, motioning for her apprentice to come close. "Oh, though I should mention...you'll be locked in these during this session. Your father doesn't wish for you to be physically involved just yet, so you'll be restricted from...'exploring' yourself for now."

Vixin's pretty lips opened in embarrassed exasperation. "I'm...more than capable of controlling myself..."

Rosila shook her head. "Sorry dear, those are my rules. We wouldn't want your father to be disappointed, hearing that his sweet daughter disobeyed her mentor. Correct?"

A rebuttal seized in her throat, unable to emerge before she sighed. "I'll be your master one day, and you had better hope I still like you."

Rosila chuckled, gently grabbing the girl's wrists. "Of course. In a few short years, you'll love me for what I'll put you through."

Vixin didn't resist as her arms were raised above her head, clenching her jaw as she felt the cold metal cuffs lock around her wrists. She granted them a tug, feeling uneasy at her now vulnerable position.

"Wasn't so hard, was it? Ah, but somethings missing..."

The princess's eyes went wide as Rosila retrieved something from a shelf beneath the table, revealing a strip of cloth that she quickly gagged her new prisoner with. Vixin struggled in her restraints as the cloth was tied behind her head, concealing her mouth.

"There, a sweet royal all bound and ready to watch like a good girl." Rosila said before carefully placing her hands on Vixin's waist. "It's a shame your father wishes to delay me, for it is quite tempting to see such a beautiful body on display."

Vixin squirmed in her chains, feeling the woman's hands on her soft skin. She wore only a skirt and wrapped top, causing her to feel particularly helpless in her situation. Her skin tingled as her fingers slowly left.