Vaid Empire: Conquest Ch. 78

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.

***

33rd of Twic, 15 AVE.

Kingdom of Harin, Bolir's Farm.

Hesin watched from behind his mask as his Truthseekers finished their preparations. Supplies were packed. Their blades had been cleaned. Most importantly, they wore the uniforms of Siril's army, taken from corpses that were pulled from the river. He chuckled quietly, for perhaps Cendra's doomed fleet hadn't fallen for nothing.

He didn't hear the silent footsteps of Dominax approaching from behind, accompanied by Princess Nafalya. Concealing his surprise was a simple thing behind his mask, feeling a powerful hand grip his shoulder.

"We've come to see you off," Dominax said as he stood at his advisor's side. "I suspect we'll meet again only if we are triumphant. Remember the signal, and Siril's army shall bleed."

"We'll be there," Hesin replied. He couldn't help but feel amused at The God Emperor's plan. He'd lead his Truthseekers into the forest, a mile away from the farm to ensure they weren't encountered. When the time came, they'd strike Siril's men from behind, blending in to ensure chaos spread quickly. They were few, the army was many, yet any advantage was critical.

Nafalya clasped her hands behind her back, tilting her head playfully. "The Truthseekers need my blade, father. Wouldn't you agree, Grand Master Hesin?"

Dominax's expression offered no debate. "My daughter returns, and another seeks to hurl herself into danger. No. You'll remain exactly where I desire; away from battle."

Nafalya merely shrugged in mock disappointment. "So be it. You're on your own, master. I do hope you'll return." She smirked as the Truthseekers gathered behind Hesin. "I suppose this is goodbye."

"For now. Until I return, I require a favor." He reached up to touch his face. Though he already felt naked without his hood, wearing a uniform to match his companions, the worst was yet to come. Slowly, as if removing his own skin, he pulled off his mask to reveal his scarred face. "This is yours until I return. Don't lose it."

Nafalya accepted the mask with glee, as if holding a priceless artifact. Hesin granted the pair a nod, and after gesturing a silent command to his Truthseekers, he set off.

Nafalya watched him depart, walking across the northeast field towards the trees. Only when he was out of sight did she sense her mother.

Irith's hips swayed as she made her way towards them, smiling at her daughter, yet straightening when Dominax faced her. "My love, we must speak. I've received word that you intend to grant me your best warriors."

Dominax nodded coldly. "They shall ensure your safety during the battle."

"It would be wiser to place them at your side, where the fighting shall be heaviest," Irith replied carefully, allowing only as much firmness into her smooth tone as she could get away with. "I do not need to be protected like a child."

The God Emperor's lips tightened in annoyance. "You'll find there is no compromise here. You've been permitted to fight only because your skill and experience is of sufficient value. Leaving you with fewer guards would be against my better judgment, and as I said before, that shall never occur again. I'll endure no further losses."

She opened her mouth in defiance, though something in his eyes made her stop. She hesitated, calming her frustration until she nodded. "If that is your wish." She began to walk away, stopped, and turned back to grant him a kiss. He didn't resist. "I merely want you to remain safe," she said, then turned to Nafalya. "Come, child. I'll need your help looking after the twins while I finish preparations."

The princess looked to her father. Dominax nodded, and he watched them walk away.

34th of Twic, 15 AVE.

Kingdom of Harin, Bolir's Farm.

"State your names. State your ranks. I'll know the full extent of you two before you may fight at my side," Dominax commanded as he stood before the two kneeling men.

The final nightfall before Siril's arrival had plunged the land into a quiet darkness, as if the world itself held its breath. The room glowed with the light of hundreds of candles to ensure the maps remained illuminated. A small chamber, luxurious cushions and pillows that had been brought from The Capital lined the walls.

"Your holiness, I am Recruit Gravis of The Privictis Order," the first young man said proudly when permitted to speak. "It would be an honor to serve at your side."

The God Emperor studied him, giving no sign of his satisfaction. With black hair trimmed short, he possessed a build similar to Dominax's own. "So it is."

The next man hesitated after a gesture from his ruler, unable to meet his eyes. A slim man, slightly younger than the first, he kept his long brown hair tied loosely at the back. "I am Recruit Zovix, your holiness. Of The Privictis Order. Your will is my own."

"My will may be your death. Be certain of that vow," Dominax replied coldly. They'd be sufficient for his aims, he sensed, for what truly piqued his interest was entirely internal. "Rise. Accept your fate or leave us. I'll tolerate no cowards in this matter."

The men rose, both wearing the white tunics and cloaks of Privictis recruits. They matched the fourth and final person in the chamber, for Hazia stood beside The God Emperor with a gloating smirk. She held her pregnant belly as it lightly stretched the thin fabric.

When they didn't flee, Dominax permitted them to join him at the table. Placed to the side of the small room, maps upon maps had been laid out across its surface, rearranged, rewritten, and marked with countless corrections. They all depicted the landscape of the surrounding area, presenting preparations for the coming battle. "You've been selected. The blood within your veins is stronger than most. Moreover, you've demonstrated a keen ability to bring forth your powers during your training. Hazia has my ear, and she has named you both. Do not disappoint."

Although she remained a mere recruit, as were they all, it was clear to all members of The Privictis Order that Hazia had been blessed with The God Emperor's favor. Even now, as Dominax's hand rested upon her shoulder, the message was clear. They were not equals here.

Dominax gestured to the largest map, for it depicted the two long trenches that had been dug in the southeast field. Placed in a wide V-shape that would funnel the opposing army, the farmhands and the lesser skilled of the legion had labored day and night until they were completed. The more valuable and well-equipped legionaries had been kept rested and prepared for the coming battle. Dominax planted a finger where the two trenches nearly met. There, a strip of land remained untouched between the trenches. "Your place shall be there, at my side. The enemy shall be faced with a bottleneck, and we'll be what awaits them."

"The strongest of our brothers and sisters shall be placed nearby where they may burn any who approach," Hazia added after a nod from Dominax. "Yet in the front at his holiness's side you shall face a greater danger than any other."

Dominax watched them, these illegitimate sons of his. Gravis's jaw tightened as he nodded, accepting the risk. Zovix took a deep breath. Hardly could Dominax remember their mothers, two pretty bodies among thousands. Even still, the decision to utilize the new Privictis recruits hadn't been frivolous. Oh, Clin had given voice to his misgivings the moment he had learned of Dominax's intentions, yet even he had agreed that they'd require every advantage over Siril's approaching army to see victory.

"It shall be an honor to fight and die at your side, your holiness," Gravis replied firmly. Zovix merely nodded. Neither would flee.

Satisfied, Dominax whispered into Hazia's ear before she left the room. His silver eyes narrowed. "So be it. There is a final requirement." He leaned forward, pausing to sense their anticipation. "Your blood is my own. You know your source, yet you've been blessed with stronger abilities than many of my offspring. Call it chance. Your mothers were more compatible with my seed than others. Had I been able to sense such things in those days, I would have bred them with additional children."

Gravis quietly cleared his throat. Zovix blushed.

"Valuable beings such as yourselves cannot be wasted. The danger you shall face tomorrow threatens to spill blood that I'd see utilized further," he explained. His deep voice boomed a command, causing Hazia to open the door a moment later. She strode inside, leading three young women into the small room. "Gaze upon my solution."

The girls moved into position. Two stood in the center while Hazia and the third took their places at their ruler's side. Dressed in little more than finely detailed loincloths, they had been decorated with golden arm and ankle bands, accompanied by a golden necklace that was unique to each of them. They stood on display as if they were alluring statues.

Dominax chuckled, for the young men appeared unable to pull their eyes from them. "Beauty runs through the lands of my empire. Thus, beauty serves us in this. You've been permitted the honor of risking your lives, though the potential of your blood cannot be wasted. I'd see it passed to the next generation before it's lost forever."

Gravis managed to look up from the exposed breasts before him. "Your holiness, you don't mean to say..."

"These wombs are yours for tonight. Utilize them. Ensure The Empire may benefit from the existence of your offspring," Dominax explained, his words deep and smooth. He placed his hand upon Hazia's belly. "The duty of siring new citizens falls to all beings beneath my throne, though for none is that duty more vital than for beings of worth. Your sister has bred. You will follow Recruit Hazia's example."

"This one is yours, Gravis," Hazia gestured to the female on the left, a brunette with several black strands at the front. She then nodded to the right, a girl with wavy black hair cut short. "And yours, Zovix." The pair of girls approached, their hips swaying.

They moved with a seduction that had been carefully trained, running their hands over their intended breeders. Zovix stood still as he was caressed, while Gravis grinned and held his mate's waist.

"Both have been carefully chosen to serve my designs. I've sensed their compatibility with you both," Dominax stated as the third young woman pressed herself to his side, touching his chestplate. She was the tallest of the trio, a lightly tanned beauty with childbearing hips and silky black hair to match his own. "The children you sire this night hold the potential of great power. Do not failed me."

The young women began to undress their male companions, removing the cloaks of the two recruits. Gravis offered no resistance, all too happy to feel her touch. "If I fail in this, I hope you'll cut me down yourself, your holiness," he said with a grin, sliding his hand to cup the girl's flawless rump.

Pleased with the boy's eagerness, Dominax felt his arousal growing while touching Hazia's belly. It was far too premature to allow anyone to know she carried his baby. After all, would Gravis still be so eager if he knew the truth of who these women were?

Zovix shivered at his mate's touch, allowing her to rub his groin beneath his thin clothing. Slowly, the women removed the recruits' tunics until nothing but skin was on display.

Hazia touched her mouth, suppressing a smile of amusement. Despite Gravis's toned body, his manhood appeared shorter than an average man could hope for. To her surprise, however, Zovix had inherited a cock nearly identical to The God Emperor's, both in size and appearance. It hung like a weapon upon his skinny frame, leaving no doubt of his paternity. "Congratulations are in order for one of you, it seems."

Zovix's cheeks reddened under her observation, keenly aware of their shared kin.

"Your role in this has ended," Dominax said in a low voice to Hazia. Now was not the time to risk revealing their incestuous nature, and thus, he sent the recruit away. She departed, sharing a knowing look with him. She knew all too well who these young women were, delighting in the secret.

The women caressed their mates, readying them as their manhoods hardened. Only a slight hesitation remained to them, bare and aroused in the presence of their ruler. All knew he had sired them, of course, yet southern human fathers had never been overly shy about mating at the side of their sons. As Dominax's armor and one-suit were removed, he stood proudly, joining them in nudity. "Tomorrow you shall fight as brothers. Tonight, you shall breed as brothers. Enjoy, for it may be your last."

More than eager, Gravis fondled his mate's breasts as he kissed her, tasting her pretty lips. His hands wasted no time, fingers circling her nipples. Zovix watched as if seeking guidance, yet his mate was more than prepared to provide it. She took his hands, moving them to glide down her toned belly until they found a wetness between her warm thighs. He shuddered, releasing a breath.

Dominax chuckled, turning his attention towards his own. She kissed his neck, her hand gliding up and down his cock as she prepared him. Her thighs rubbed together as she pressed close, her breath hot against his skin. He took her hands, guiding her to the many cushions lining the walls. As he sat down, he allowed her to straddle him, pressing his cock against her belly.

Gravis followed his lead, receiving a giggle as he pushed his mate onto her back upon a flat cushion. Kneeling, he opened her legs, seeing the perfection she hid between them.

The sight of Gravis caressing her lower lips intrigued Dominax, pushing his tip against his own lover's labia. The taboo nature of the act drove his arousal, for after all, these gorgeous creatures were his offspring. His children, his daughters, they were birthed by some of his earliest slaves. Though they were now pleasure slaves themselves, they'd serve a greater purpose, unaware of their paternity.

Zovix remained standing as his girl slid to her knees, gently kissing the side of his thick shaft. She ran her tongue along his length, unaware she was tasting the cock of her sibling.

A deep groan of satisfaction eased from Dominax's lips as he guided his lover to lower herself, sliding his manhood into her soaking tightness. She moaned, not knowing the cock that glided into her deepest depths was that of her biological father. He grinned insidiously. His illegitimate sons would sire pure and powerful children, unaware their mates shared their blood. He could revel in the utterly taboo display before him, a glorious act that only he and Hazia knew the depths of.

Across the small room a woman giggled, for Gravis ran his tongue hungerly up her body until it found a nipple. He licked the hard bud, obsessing over her gorgeous form before straightening up. She moaned as he began to rub his erection against her waiting lower lips, his ample experience clear. It came as no surprise, for he had evidently inherited Dominax's libido.

The God Emperor grinned insidiously as his lover rocked her hips in his lap, for he watched as Gravis slid his cock into his mate, entirely unaware they were committing incest.

Zovix gritted his teeth as the kneeling slave took his massive shaft into her mouth, nearly gagging. He dared to hold her head, uncertain what he should be doing, yet enjoying himself all the same.

Bouncing up and down atop Dominax's lap, the girl smiled seductively when he reached up to touch her necklace. A gift from The God Emperor, the light of hundreds of candles glittered off its surface. It hung between two firm breasts, their large size jiggling with each movement. He moved to cup them, feeling their round size while knowing his pure child would suckle from them.

When Zovix could endure no more of her skillful tongue, the slave pulled away and guided him to sit. Gently, she forced his hands onto her hips, straddling his lap. "Master, with a manhood this large, surely this is not your first."

The young man nodded with hesitation. "First, and perhaps last."

Pursing her lips, she shook her head. "A shame. If tomorrow brings your death, tonight I'll give you a son with a cock as large as his daddy's, my brave boy."

Watching her slide down carefully to accept his massive virgin cock from across the room, Dominax chuckled. They were all of similar ages, around a year after reaching maturity. She could hold control over Zovix here, yet Dominax sensed his hidden courage. He wouldn't fail his ruler upon the battlefield.

"Moan for me," Gravis commanded, thrusting hard and fast. His skill appeared to make up for the shortcoming of his cock, making her writhe in pleasure beneath him. "If this is the last pussy I shall have, I'm going to make it squirt!"

She obeyed, head falling back as her eyes fluttered. "Take me! Ooohhh... yes!"

Zovix failed to hold in a groan. His lover moved her hips slowly, pushing his cock deep inside of her snug tunnel. The pleasure bursting through his loins was plain to see across his face.

"You feel... this feels..." Gravis moaned before closing his eyes, savoring the inhuman ecstasy of the slave's vagina. "I've never felt... anything like this..."

Once more Dominax chuckled, running his fingers through his lover's soft hair. Aside from the exquisite texture within his female offspring's loins, the young man's pleasure was no surprise. Whether he knew it or not, his instincts were coming to life. Sibling calling out to sibling, a brother's cock craving the womb of his secret sister. Their lovemaking was pure, natural, and their bodies were rewarding them despite their knowledge.

The God Emperor watched his lover moan, seeing the details of her beautiful face. The fact of their shared blood was easy to see, for traces of his features echoed throughout each of them. The young men were not seeking such details, and thus they went unnoticed. After all, neither would have suspected their ruler would deceive them into committing such a taboo act.

Though the display of incest aroused him nearly as deeply as the feeling of his lover's tight vagina, she could not be forgotten. Every plunge into her seductive body sent excruciatingly intense tingles of pleasure erupting throughout his cock. Every inch of her pussy massaged and caressed him like a goddess.

The slave atop Zovix arched her back alluringly, running her fingers up her body. Her intoxicating show forced him to moan, his cock twitching inside her.

"What a reward you've been granted. The God Emperor has permitted you to get me pregnant," the slave teased, brushing her fingers over her perky breasts. "Are you going to earn it, my brave boy? Are you going to fight to defend our future child?"

"Yes..." he muttered, enduring the squeezing depths of her tight body. When she guided his hands onto her hips, determination filled his tone. "Yes. I'll slaughter Siril's men... ahh... and ensure they may never threaten our child..."

"Good boy." Her finger tapped his nose playfully. "Then you had better cum... ahh... as deep and hard as your... big cock allows so I can make it."

Their slow pace was a sharp contrast to the pair nearby, for Gravis pounded into his lover relentlessly. His pace wasn't without control, for his small cock moved with precision. Clearly no stranger to the female form, he made her eyes roll back in bliss, muttering loudly. "Breed me... breed me with your child! Ooohhh... I want to get pregnant!"

Despite their loud mating, it was not Gravis who made his lover cum first, but rather it was The God Emperor. He didn't need to frantically thrust to make her toes curl. He guided her hips with his experienced hands, moving her in his lap as she endured his massive manhood. He pressed his lips to her neck, gently biting her delicate skin. The sensation proved too much, as he sensed it would, and she began to shake atop him as her breath seized in her throat.

His cock was deep inside his secret daughter, feeling her orgasming body in his lap. No greater feeling existed in all of reality, yet he endured. However tight she was, no matter how taboo their act, he'd easily endure longer than his sons.

"Am I your baby's pretty mother?" Zovix's lover teased in her smooth voice. "Are you going to put your baby in me?"

He nodded firmly, cock straining inside her constricting hold. Every nudge against her cervix parted her lips in a seductive gasp, making her smile.

The nearby slave's seductive words fueled Dominax's satisfaction. Every being in this room was of his blood. His offspring were locked in pairs, cocks preparing to shoot their seed into vaginas to sire his grandchildren.

Gravis's breaths increased, his powerful body dripping with perspiration. Finally, his girl cried out in a powerful orgasm beneath him, yet using speed to compensate for his manhood's size tested his endurance. The intensely stimulating texture of her pussy was enough to drive any man to madness, and as he threw his head back, he finished with a roar. His muscles shook, for no other sensation had seized his mind with such ecstasy. Instincts flaring to life, unaware that he was cumming inside his sister, he filled her with everything he had before collapsing atop her. His small cock slid free, allowing an oozing river to pour from her tight lower lips.

Dominax smirked in satisfaction, tightening his hold on his lover's hips. He began to thrust up into her to match her rhythm, forcing her to press herself to his chest as she moaned through her second climax.

"Do you... ahh... hear that? Your brother finished," Zovix's lover teased as her hips continued to move. "Are you going to join him? Are you going to cum deep inside me... ahh... and make me a little mommy?"

Zovix tried to hold off the inevitable, knowing it may very well be his last. Finally, her tight depths overpowered his endurance. He pulled her down atop his lap, sinking his cock as deeply as possible as it began to spurt. He barely held in a scream, groaning loudly instead. Between her thighs he found bliss, an intensity he could have never imagined.

The eruptions of pleasure Dominax sensed rippling through the fabric of reality from his offspring made him pull his lover closer, his fingers digging into her back. She moaned, grinding her hips.

"I want your child..." she managed to say, peering into his silver eyes. Her own eyes fluttered, feeling a building in her core, increasing until... ecstasy.

Dominax continued to guide her hips, matching her movements through her orgasm. He watched as the other pairs held each other, slowly recovering until they began to watch him. He'd grant them a show, increasing his pace until she climaxed once more.

As her gorgeous body trembled in his lap, he felt himself growing closer and closer to his limit. He gritted his teeth, his guiding hands growing more forceful.

"I'm... I'm yours!" she nearly screamed. She was, of course, more than she'd ever know.

When he finally held her in his powerful arms, straining as he began to fill her, he closed his eyes as his thoughts claimed him. He was cumming inside his daughter. He was getting her pregnant. Four of his illegitimate children watched. The females rested with sperm oozing from their tight vaginas. Brothers held their sisters, the future mothers of their children.

Dominax's powerful voice tore through the room in a groan, utterly satisfied.

As the three pairs enjoyed the afterglow of conception, reality returned to The God Emperor.

Three children of his blood had been sired tonight. They'd only live if The Empire was victorious.

35th of Twic, 15 AVE.

Kingdom of Harin, Bolir's Farm.

A warm breeze swept through the white cloaks of thousands of legionaries as they stood, waiting. The morning sun lifted above the horizon, flavoring the sky in a yellow glow. A final sunrise for many.

Lined neatly behind the barricades running along the trenches, archers stood protected behind an additional wall of shields held by legionaries. To the left, Irith held command over their flank at the edge of the long trench. Clin held the right. Both were accompanied by generals and royals, all while the center was led by The God Emperor. He stood among a wall of legionaries, their blades ready to hold the bottleneck between the trenches.

The first hint of their enemy was the distant sound of their thunderous marching. It echoed through the trees to the southeast, a warning of approaching slaughter. The legion held their position, for The God Emperor wished to force Siril to be the aggressor. Between the trees, the northern men began to pour forth onto the edges of the field. The royal army had arrived, and The Empire stood ready to face it.

Dominax sensed the men and women around him as they watched Siril's army slowly marching towards them. Fear, excitement, terror. The archers readied their bows at his command, waiting until they were within range.

"Loose!" The God Emperor's voice boomed, inciting a flurry of arrows to rain down across the field. The army continued its slow pace in neat lines, holding up shields. Dominax studied the organized structure of his opponent with curiosity. They did not rush forward. They did not crash against his warriors. They came forth in a well-controlled march that spoke of their ample experience. He made note of that.

Like a creeping sea the royal army approached. The trenches held back a sea of their own, however, and the arrows continued to erupt in volleys. Back and forth they flew, slamming into barricades, shields, armor, and flesh.

A thrust of The Sword of Order sent forth a burst of lightning when they were close enough. Screams erupted from ahead as flesh burned, only for the corpses of Dominax's victims to be stepped over as the army continued. Swords met shields as the two armies came together, wetting the strip of land between the trenches with blood and bodies.

Balls of fire hurled from the hands of Privictis recruits at the side of the bottleneck, crying out as each blast strained their inexperienced minds. They slammed into the ranks of the enemy, ripping screams from any who were unlucky enough to find themselves in their way. Wooden shields burst into flame, becoming useless against the countless arrows whizzing into the masses. Iron shields fared better, though slowly heated until their users were forced to drop them after repeated blasts.

At The God Emperor's side, Gravis unleashed a powerful ball of flame into the face of a man, peeling his flesh away. An arrow ricocheted off Zovix's helmet as fire poured from his fingertips.

The royal army had fire of their own, sending arrows coated in burning Elivai oil streaking through the sky. Barricades caught fire. Pockets of trampled vegetation began to burn. The chimira silk of the legion's cloaks and one-suits protected them from the heat, yet arrows found their way through gaps in armor with wet thuds.

Gravis roared with a thrust of his spear over the heads of the legionaries before him, piercing an opponent's eye. His other hand spewed a flame that burned away the hair of a northerner, sending the man howling as he fell backwards.

One legionary after another was cut down until the blades of the enemy reached Dominax. He cleaved a man in half from shoulder to hip with a powerful swing of his sword. Ordinary iron armor screeched as his blade ripped through a chestplate, maintaining his inhuman strength through concentration. Power flowed through his fingertips as he electrocuted any who dared to face The God Emperor, feeling his silver eyes beginning to glow.

With the full focus of Siril's army being pushed against the trenches, Dominax raised his sword, sending a blast of lightning roaring high into the air.

***

There was no need to speak the obvious, for they all understood the signal. High above the surrounding trees, Hesin watched electricity ripple through the sky. He granted his Truthseekers a nod.

Without a word, they abandoned their camp and strode forth with ready blades.

***

Irith grunted as she blocked a spear thrust, driving her sword through a man's neck. She cried out orders as her warriors defended the left trench's edge, knowing they were all that prevented the royal army from flanking the legion.

Her heart raced, mixing fear with the excitement of battle. It was as if she fought at Enil's side again, leading her brother's men. Of course, he could never have imagined commanding an army half the size of the legion.

A legionary in front of her bashed his shield into an opponent, sending him stumbling. She would have finished the man with a swift stab, yet another of her warriors got in the way. They defended their Concubine Empress, surrounding her, much to her frustration.

Nearby, she heard the shouts of Queen Regent Felza's commands. Still wearing her shorts purple dress with decorative armor, the young queen had utterly surprised Irith. She had known Felza spent considerable time commanding at Elmia's experienced side, though to see how far she had progressed had been a shock. No doubt Dominax would have intended Elmia to hold the left flank with Irith, much like how Prince Fonax served under Lord Clin on the right. She nearly expected the girl to beg to remain in the central house with Quinla and Galis. She was pleased to be wrong. In the wake of Elmia's death, Felza had accepted the mantle of command with fervor. From what Dominax had told her of the girl's father, Irith suspected Alrin would've been proud.

She looked to her right, seeing the center where the two trenches met. Even from this distance she could hear the screams, seeing fire and electricity ripping across the battlefield. The bottleneck had become a slaughter, yet she comforted herself in knowing every web of lightning proved Dominax still lived.

Her sword swung to parry another spear. She managed to thrust her blade between two legionaries, driving it through a northern man's stomach. The irony of the act struck her. She was slaying her own people at the side of a southern horde. These men fought to defend Harin from her. The Empire was her home now, yet its victory would certainly destroy and replace the history and culture of the land of her birth.

After yelling her orders, she allowed the thought to linger. She wondered if any of these men and boys were from her village. Would any of them recognize her after all this time? Did they know of her brother's high reputation in the army? Now they fell to the blades under her command, spilling the blood of her people.

It was a curious feeling, knowing she was back in the north. If it wasn't guilt that was slowly creeping into her belly, it was something... lesser, more tamable. The north would thrive if The Empire succeeded, of course, but another thought eased her misgivings further as she swung her sword. The royal family of The Empire was her family, and they'd suffer if she failed now. What's done couldn't be undone, and though the power of the throne could easily be discarded from her interests, she'd do all she could to ensure her son inherited a stable and formidable realm.

As she thought of Arinax, a woman at her side choked, gurgling blood after an arrow tore through her cheek. Irith's pretty jaw tightened as her sword hit the hilt of an enemy's sword, sending several fingers tumbling to the dirt. Of what use was a safe and secure realm if she couldn't protect her son from his own father? Dominax continued to train the boy in his own way, and still Irith was required to comfort Arinax after each session. She nearly roared as she pushed through the legionaries guarding her, driving her blade through the neck of an opponent before they surrounded her once more.

Was she failing Arinax? Was she failing Cendra? The girl hadn't permitted anyone to visit, including her. Unable to help either of them, she felt trapped, hacking ferociously at the wooden shaft of a thrusting spear that nearly caught her side.

A scream to her left broke her thoughts. Turning, she saw Queen Regent Felza's sword tumble to the dirt, hands rushing to the spear that was buried deep in her belly. A legionary cut down her attacker as another caught her, lowering her gently to the ground.

Irith forced her way through white cloaks until she was at her side. Kneeling as Felza pulled at her skirt, she allowed the young queen to grip her hand. She squeezed, breathing hard as Irith tried to stop the bleeding.

"H... help..." Felza said through clenched teeth, wincing at every breath. "It... it went in... it... how bad... is it?"

A single glance as Irith lifted her hand told her all she needed to know. She pressed down on the wound once more, taking a breath as she prepared to lie. "I'll get you to the healers. You'll be alright," she said before turning to shout over the sound of battle. "Get her out of here!"

"STOP!" Felza screamed when a legionary tried to lift her, nearly choking in pain as blood dripped from her lips. She gasped, breathing hard.

Grimacing, Irith removed her hand from the wound. Her hopeless attempt to stop the blood would do nothing. Instead, she caressed the girl's cheek, knowing a mother would do more good than a healer now. "You're alright, Felza. I have you. Rest, child. You'll be alright."

The Queen Regent shook her head at Irith's soothing words. "No... no! I... can't... I..." Her words grew weaker as her skin became pale. "I... should've..." The air eased from her lungs to utter a final word. "... Alia..."

Irith watched the life leave the girl's eyes. She closed them with a bloody hand.

As she stood, she watched a web of lightning tear through a cluster of men far to her right. That was her mate. That was the man who had led them here. That was the man who ended countless lives with a single word or a mere flick of his fingers. That was the man that conquered young women and led them to die in Irith's arms.

That was the man who granted her a family.

Irith closed her eyes, raising her face to the sky as she took a deep breath. When she opened them, she rose from her knees to resume command, ready to fight.

***

"Long live The Empire!" Gravis roared as his spear ran through a man's groin.

Dominax couldn't help but note the prowess of his illegitimate sons with satisfaction, for even Zovix showed none of the hesitation he had displayed the previous night. The skinny warrior's flames danced from his hands, and for a moment The God Emperor pondered how powerful he'd be if he were Vaidimated. Of course, he'd never permit that.

To his left, Gravis grunted as an arrow struck a small gap in his new white armor, piercing his shoulder. He gritted his teeth, snapping the shaft. He was forced to drop his spear, left only with his unskilled arm as fire erupted from his fingertips.

Dominax searched the battlefield with his keen eyes, seeking Siril. His advisors would surely have kept him from the front, yet he held a small hope that the boy king's arrogance would outmatched his sense. When he saw the golden armored rider prancing about amongst his men, a vicious grin crept across his lips.

Siril's cape flowed in the wind, decorated like a golden statue atop an armored lixidion. He shouted commands as if he were the conqueror, with an eager smile so large Dominax would have seen it from this distance without his advanced eyes. The mere sight of him flamed his ire, only deepening as he thought of Cendra.

Raising his hand, he sent a web of lighting ripping through the air. It soured across the battlefield, just over the heads of hundreds of men, crashing into their golden king. His screams as he was ripped from his mount echoed through the sky.

Dominax's blade beheaded an opponent as he savored his victory, only for disappointment to claim him as he continued to hear the distant screams of Siril. A gap opened within the royal army to drag his smoking form away. He had been too far, and the blast had dissipated just enough to save him. The King survived, if only barely.

Driving his blade into the stomach of an opponent, flame erupted up The Sword of Order, cooking the man from the inside. The thought of Cendra remained firmly in Dominax's mind. If he couldn't comfort her through words, he'd avenge her pride with blood.

A tingle of awareness pulled at his attention. It was an uncomfortable feeling, sickening his deepest core. He turned his head in time to watch a Privictis recruit stumble forward, an arrow protruding from his neck. The boy collapsed into the trench, sending a shock of pain through Dominax's stomach. He sensed his death, his son's death, without ever knowing his name. It rippled across the spiritual bond connecting father to child.

He had felt hints of a similar sensation before, extremely rare occasions that felt like a slight tug from hundreds of miles away. He had pondered them, of course, sensing when one of his countless offspring perhaps wandered too deeply into the rainforest, or perhaps tried to befriend a dangerous animal. They had been mere flickers, so rare they could be discarded. Now, however, he felt the death of a boy nearby, a boy he had encountered several times in passing.

The sensation was nothing compared to what came next. As an enemy spear was hurled through the air, Zovix didn't see it until it was far too late. His head whipped back as the weapon drove through his eye, stopping only when it hit the back of his helmet. He was dead before he hit the ground, and Dominax gripped his chest in pain.

A spiritual agony throbbed through his core, entirely different from physical pain. He gritted his teeth, regaining control over himself just enough to parry an attack. A deep chill spread throughout his soul, knowing Zovix was gone. He was not some far away offspring. He was not a nameless recruit nearby. Dominax had sensed Zovix's soul deeply, knowing every part of it to find him a compatible mate.

Enduring the feeling until it faded, he called out a command to his Privictis recruits as he watched the royal army bringing forth makeshift bridges. Obeying, they focused their flames upon the thin wooden structures, preventing anyone from crossing the trenches.

The legion's own bridges were kept behind, hidden, waiting for Dominax's order to enact his plan. Farmhands were forced to rush back and forth from the farm, carrying water buckets to keep the bridges moist as stray fire arrows occasionally thudded into their crude planks.

The trucks of trees were brought forth by Siril's forces, doing all they could to bypass the bottleneck by crossing the trenches. Those too burned.

Shouts from the rear of the royal army echoed, just enough for Dominax to hear. Hesin was playing his part.

Gravis strained as his flames tore through opponents, his exhaustion threatening to overcome him. He pulled back, tried to rest, and returned, enduring until he felt his hand would crumble to ash. The intense training of The Privictis Order simply hadn't been long enough, and as his endurance failed, he was powerless to stop a slashing sword from opening his throat. He stumbled, too exhausted to try to lift his hand to his neck. He turned towards The God Emperor. Despite his agony, he grinned, for he had served well.

Dominax watched him fall, loosing a vicious howl of agony as he sensed his death. The men before him pulled back, terror in their eyes, granting him enough time to recover from the pain in his chest. He poured his power into his blade, building it before thrusting forward. Whatever pain he felt was nothing compared to their screams.

Their king had fallen. Losses were extreme on both sides. Chaos and confusion spread throughout their rear as unseen attackers cut them down from behind. Finally, the royal army, the final defense of the oldest and greatest human kingdom, began to turn and flee. "Retreat! Retreat!"

Now was the true battle. Dominax called out, commanding the bridges to be brought forth. They were hauled across the trenches, crude constructions built in haste, yet they'd serve their purpose. The legion poured across, unrestricted by the bottleneck.

Dominax led the charge. A battle cry erupted across the field as a sea of white cloaks pursued their defeated enemy, cutting them down from behind. Some turned to defend themselves, but a man is not a shield wall, and their resistance proved fruitless as they were butchered.

Hacking, running, crying out in pain, men fell to the swords and spears of the legion. They continued into the trees, tripping, crawling as many were left behind.

The legion chased them as far as they could manage, yet when the royal army finally escaped, more than three quarters of their men lay scattered and dead.

Dominax cleaned his blade before sheathing it. He knew where they'd go, of course. His prey would seek shelter, and the nearest city was Winexia.

Cheers of victory echoed through the trees, nearly matched by groans of dying men.