Vaid Empire: Conquest Ch. 79

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.

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35th of Twic, 15 AVE.

Kingdom of Harin, City of Winexia.

A sea of white marched upon Winexia's walls. Though formidable and thick, they would not stop the inevitable end of Siril's shattered power.

Dominax led the legion to the sealed gates. Their thunderous steps came to a stop with a wave of his hand. Peering up at the archers lining the high walls, he sensed the terror seeping through their ranks. Dead men guarded a doomed city.

Siril had retreated inside, of course, along with whatever remained of his royal army. If Hesin and his Truthseekers survived the battle, they'd be among his men, ready to enact the second portion of their plan as they blended in.

Either bravery or naivety caused an archer to loose an arrow, hoping to end the conquest with a single lucky shot. The God Emperor flicked a powerful burst of lighting, tearing through the arrow and continuing until it ripped the man from his feet. The others held their bows ready, none daring to repeat the mistake.

Dominax summoned his translators and waited. Irith strode to his side, followed by Clin and Fonax. A silence lingered as thousands waited. Finally, the archers began to part as an older man stepped forward, standing atop the wall.

"I am Minister Ovax, advisor to King Siril The Second of House Harlin," he announced in the northern tongue. His blue tunic was accompanied by a decorated chestplate that looked oversized on his slim and gaunt form.

Irith's breath seized in her throat. All these years later, yet she hadn't forgotten Ovax's presence whenever she and Enil had met with King Siril. Of course, that had been Siril The First, yet the memories of Ovax's studying eyes unnerved her even now. "What of your king? Does he cower from the courtesy of facing his conqueror himself?"

To her relief, the man offered no hint of recognition. He merely straightened with dignity. "King Siril was wounded while fighting bravely amongst his men. While his majesty recovers, and he will recover shortly, he's allowed this humble servant of Harin to act in his place. Grant me your terms and I'll ensure they are brought before him."

Dominax listened to the translators before meeting the man with cold silver eyes. "I need nothing from Siril, and thus, my terms are for the people of Winexia. Lay the head of your king at my feet, and I vow to spare every living being within your walls. Refuse, and Winexia burns," he announced in his booming voice. The translators repeated his words, shouting to ensure every man upon the wall and just beyond could hear.

Raising his sword, The God Emperor's blade erupted into a volatile blast of electricity that screamed through the sky, bursting into a wide web high above the city. Shouts of terror echoed from behind the wall, spreading through the population.

"Decide by morning. When the sun rises, my mercy ends."

As if to match his words, shouts began to ring out in the distance. Ovax turned to see smoke rising from a house nearby. Then another, and a third as buildings caught fire. Unseen, Hesin's men finished their work before blended with the crowd, repeating Dominax's announcement in the northern tongue to all who could hear. "King Siril's head, else he'll burn us all! The king' head!"

Both Irith and Clin turned to Dominax in shock, unaware of the extent of his plans.

"My love, perhaps we-" she said in a near whisper, but a glance from him stopped her words.

The translators continued to shout as Ovax attempted to reply, yet they paid him no mind. Unable to get a word in, his lips thinned in frustration before he stormed off.

The God Emperor turned away with satisfaction, granting commands as the legion began to set up the encampment around the city.

"A city burned?" Clin's voice echoed from behind, for he had evidently remained at his ruler's heels. When Dominax stopped walking, the blond advisor lowered his voice to ensure the men going about their business could not hear. "Surely you don't mean to carry out such a threat."

"An empty promise is worth little. They heard my conditions. They know the consequences for failure," Dominax replied firmly. "Tell me, of what value would there be in dragging out this war? Is the starvation of a city more merciful than the death of a king?"

"And if they burn? Does mercy have any place in that?" In a rare moment, Clin was unable to maintain his polite tone.

"Your loyalty these past decades have earned you leniency, yet proceed carefully." Dominax's eyes narrowed. "Don't forget, the men behind those walls nearly claimed the life of your mate, my firstborn. If their fate is to burn, so be it, yet I've offered an escape to the innocents of the population."

"I'm no butcher," Clin heard the memory of Dominax's words echoing in his mind. He eased his tone, knowing he walked a thin line. "We must offer sanctuary to the women and children. At the very least, we owe them that."

"We owe them nothing, for The Eternal Peace we shall grant them is more valuable than they could ever hope to repay," Dominax replied before his expression eased. He grabbed Clin's shoulder. "Still, recall my words. Winexia will burn, yet I said nothing of the population. Their fears must be pushed to the extent I require until my aims here are fulfilled, yet in the end, I'm under no obligation to slaughter innocents."

Skeptical, Clin's brow furrowed. "Then you... never intended to harm them?"

"Oh, the blood of the army shall repay the destruction of Cendra's fleet if Winexia burns. Be certain of that. Yet the population?" Dominax smirked. "Living citizens are more valuable than bones and ash."

"Yet you'd take their homes and reduce them to rubble," Clin replied with unease.

"I'd give them a quick end to bloodshed. If they fail, they'll be reminded of the consequences of war. Let them speak of it for generations, else they might forget the value of my Eternal Peace."

35th of Twic, 15 AVE.

Shai Domain, City of Nelzarshi.

A cold wind strained the ropes lashing each ship tightly to the docks, vessels that hardly saw the open sea. Varse's cloak fluttered as he folded his arms, enjoying a rare moment of peace. Even now, with The Domain secured beneath his command, he did not smile.

A dark figure approached from his side. Turning, he saw Salik moving silently. The masked assassin lowered his head in respect. "My Potentate."

"The day has arrived when you can do no good for me here," Varse explained, his voice as cold as the icy wind. "Your skills are required elsewhere."

Red eyes peered from behind his black helmet. "Retaliations, my Potentate. What of our enemies?"

Varse flicked a dismissive hand. "Irrelevant now. They can do no more harm to me than the snow. Now that we possess agents loyal only to me, I can safely send you away."

A narrowing of the younger Dril's eyes revealed his discomfort with the notion. "What would you have me do?"

With a gesture, Varse invited him to walk at his side. They made their way to the end of the dock, hearing the harsh waves of the frigid ocean. "I'd have you travel to this human empire. You've seen the reports yourself. The unification of humanity is nearly complete, and preparations for our future must be set in place. I shall provide you with a small group of agents that shall serve under your command." He released a weary breath. "There's more, however."

Salik felt The Potentate's hand rest upon his shoulder gently, as if he were made of fragile ice. Silent as ever, he turned his head.

"I've spent countless nights pondering how best to reveal this truth. Most nights I decide to store it away forever. However, after the loyalty you've demonstrated during this period of chaos, I've decided the only way to speak of such a thing is as a gift to you. A reward of sorts." Varse stared out at the water, wanting to be anywhere else than at the younger man's side in this particular moment. "The event of your birth is one you've questioned Vesh about for many years. It is... difficult to speak of, yet I owe you my part in it at the very least. If you must know, I am responsible for your birth. I was with your mother at the time of your conception."

His words danced around the point, yet Salik found their meaning quickly. "Then you claim to be my... father?"

Varse cleared his throat. "If that's how you'd like to put it, yes. I'm your father." He continued to face the ocean even when Salik turned fully towards him. "Does that please you, boy?"

"Please me?" Salik found himself searching for words.

"I was a young man. Foolish. Impulsive. It was a mistake that nearly destroyed our future," Varse explained, thinking of Tsida's corpse. They'd still hold sway over The Council together to this day if he had controlled his lust, ensuring The Domain was much stronger than it was now. Instead, they were just beginning. "I risked the safety of The Domain for a few seconds of satisfaction, and I've spent over a decade rectifying that mistake. Now we have, together."

Salik turned away at his words. "I dislike this gift."

"Yet you'll bear it. You'll bear it because you must be the best of us. You'll bear it so you may secure the safety of our people and ensure my greatest mistake wasn't for nothing." He sighed, his expression turning sour. "You'll bear it because, if it were possible to go back, I don't believe I'd have the strength to undo it. You're my son, Salik."

The waves lapped at the docks as Salik stood still. When he finally spoke, his voice was nearly a whisper. "What of my mother?"

Varse dared to face him, his already hard expression firming even more. "You shall earn that knowledge with the blood of the human God Emperor."

Salik's red eyes peered at him intently, though he closed them and nodded after a moment.

Receiving no response, Varse folded his arms. "I suppose it's onto business then. What I ask is difficult for any Dril, I'm aware. I ask you to leave our homeland only because your task is critical to our survival."

"The mission?" Salik asked in a distant tone, no longer meeting his Potentate's gaze.

"I'll provide you with explicit instructions before you sail, yet your goal is to seek out human infants," Varse explained coldly. "It's no secret that this human ruler spreads his seed widely. The reports we've received of his carnal deeds are... ah, I suppose only their products are relevant to our purposes. He is beginning to gather many of the offspring he has spread throughout his empire, and we shall do the same."

"The God Emperor's spawn." Salik straightened. "Do you intend for me to end them? My Potentate..."

"Trim his bloodline before they can do more harm to us? No. That'd be an endless task, or so our agents lead me to believe. You could slay hundreds of his offspring, and it'd never be enough." Varse shook his head. "I seek them for the very reason this Dominax seeks them. Tales have reached us, boy. Incidents. An electrocuted mother here, a burned house there. If they're to be believed, it's possible that the human conqueror's strange abilities have passed to his spawn. We'll turn my own mistake into his, endangering the safety of his people by siring children."

"You'd have me kidnap infants," Salik stated plainly. Whatever emotion he felt remained concealed behind his intimidating helmet.

Varse nodded grimly. "The agents under your command will deliver them to The Capital. If rumors of their abilities are true, and if the human is intending to use them against his foes, they may be our only hope to stand against him. Human offspring raised from birth to serve The Domain shall be our shield. A countermeasure."

"Years will be required before they can fight."

"More. There is time, though only if we begin now. We'll assemble an army with his spawn at the head. We live in an era where Gods fight among mortals, if the tales are to be believed, and I fear our warriors simply cannot withstand what's coming alone."

Salik remained silent as he pondered. When he met The Potentate's gaze, his eyes were that of a servant rather than his son. "When would you have me depart?"

"No later than tomorrow, my boy."

35th of Twic, 15 AVE.

Kingdom of Harin, City of Winexia.

The water was dark, as black as the void of the night sky. Darkness was all that remained to her, a consuming black that pulled her deeper and deeper into its depths. She opened her mouth to scream. Water poured down her throat, claiming her lungs as it choked the life from her. Thrashing, she clawed at the darkness. When her strength began to fade, she felt herself slipping from her body, only to realize she had been within Briza's corpse.

Cendra's eyes flashed open, tearing herself from the nightmare. Heart pounding in her chest, she gasped for air as the tent around her slowly came into focus.

Lying upon her back, she stared at the fabric ceiling as she tried to calm her frantic heart. She felt perspiration drenching her bare body, feeling a chill as she rested atop the sheets.

When tears began to trickle down her cheeks, she sat upon the edge of the bed and buried her face in her hands. With strands of messy black hair clinging to her pretty features, she released a shaky breath when she was finally able to regain control over herself.

She peered at the flap of the tent's entrance. It hung there, taunting her until she could bear it no more. She stood and walked to where someone had neatly folded her outfit and armor. Reaching out, she pulled back, unable to touch it without her hands shaking. Instead, she pulled a cloak around her shoulders.

After a final hesitation with her hand upon the flap, she gritted her teeth and pulled it open. Leaving the tent, which had mercifully been placed at the edge of the encampment to grant her privacy, she pulled the hood over her head and began to walk.

Striding quickly and quietly, she flinched each time she passed a group of legionaries gathered around a fire. The night air tugged at her cloak, making her feel exposed as she pulled it tighter around her nude form.

Each tent she passed brought a hint of doubt. She knew she should turn back. It was a foolish idea. She'd be admitting defeat if she didn't turn back now. She focused on the wet mud between her toes, trying to quiet her mind as each step brought her closer to what she sought.

Finally, Cendra found herself standing before Irith's tent, paying no attention to the guards as they bowed. Larger than the rest, it hadn't been difficult to find, second only to her father's. Even while sleeping apart, they remained close, for The God Emperor's command tent was mere steps away. Cendra should go to him, she knew. He was close, she sensed, yet she closed her silver eyes and paused as her hand gripped the smaller tent's flap. Even Clin's tent wouldn't be too difficult to find, yet her grip only tightened. There'd be only one path forward.

"My mother is dead," she thought to herself, trying to force her legs to retreat. Instead, she pulled the fabric entrance open.

Both Irith and Nafalya turned to look at her as she stepped inside. They were sitting on the floor, watching as the twins played together. The surprise on The Concubine Empress's lips was obvious, yet Nafalya only smirked in amusement.

"Am I... interrupting you four?" Cendra swallowed.

Within a heartbeat Irith was at her side, hand gently on her back to guide her further inside. "Of course not, child. Come. You always have a place here." She watched as Cendra remained silent, and when she saw the dampness gathering in her silver eyes, Irith discreetly waved a hand at Nafalya. "Take your siblings. We need a moment alone."

The princess obeyed, guiding the twins out of the tent by their hands. She gave her elder sister a curious smirk before departing.

"I wondered when you'd return amongst the living," Irith said gently. When Cendra's tears broke free and began to pour down her cheeks anew, she took her stepdaughter tightly in her arms.

"I... can't..." Cendra muttered through weeping gasps, calming herself just enough to speak. "I can't continue. Not like... this."

Irith nodded, listening as her hand moved to hold Cendra's head to her shoulder.

"I... I thought I was... strong... an imperial princess." She gritted her teeth. "It led to... nothing!"

"Pride can be a poison," Irith's voice came smoothly.

"That's all I have. All I... had..." Cendra released a quivering breath as her tears slowed to a trickle. "What else is there for me?"

Irith's chuckle was gentle, motherly. "Everything. Child, what has this path left for you but pain and solitude?"

Cendra grimaced, hearing her own thoughts uttered from another's lips. Perhaps she had been right to come here. "The firstborn is offered no other path. I... wanted to be his pride, his legacy. No weakness. No forgiveness. It's... killing me." Cendra began to weep once more, feeling Irith's arms around her. "Help me."

Running her fingers through her stepdaughter's messy hair, Irith caressed the young woman's head. She hummed a soothing melody until Cendra gradually regained her composure. "All beings can change. The first step is desire."

"I... want to be better," she replied quietly. "I see your nature... your... your ease... your happiness and I..." She gritted her teeth in disgust at herself. "I... envy you..."

Irith nodded with understanding, giving the young woman's forehead a kiss. "Happiness is all I desire for you, child. Despite his... flaws... I love your father more than you could know, and you're just as much a part of him as my own children. If there is anything in this world I can do for you, I shall. Have no doubt of that."

Cendra pulled away to look at the woman with skepticism. "After all this time? After I said... all I said?"

"You've been harsh at times, it's true," Irith chuckled, caressing her stepdaughter's cheek. "Yet never did I discard you from my heart. Such is the nature of family, the nature of mothers and daughters."

A thought of Briza nearly made her pull away, yet when it passed, Cendra realized she hadn't moved. She allowed the feeling of being in Irith's arms to linger, testing herself, enduring the motherly affection she had fled for so long.

With visible relief, Irith grinned widely. She gently kissed her stepdaughter's pretty lips before pulling her into another tight embrace. "I'm at your side, my child. You'll survive this. When your pain passes, you may one day be grateful for it."

Cendra's stiff form began to ease, allowing herself to melt into her stepmother's arms as if she were a child again. A deep breath released as she closed her eyes, and for the first time since boarding her doomed fleet, the hint of a smile found her lips.

36th of Twic, 15 AVE.

Shai Domain, City of Nelzarshi.

"Your father? He said that? Surely you misheard," Ynisa said. As Salik's assistant, she continued to polish his blades despite her disbelief. When he glared at her, she chuckled. "Ah, so be it. The Potentate, your father. I should have guessed. Your faces are far too similar to be a coincidence."

With his back against the wall as he sat upon his thin sleeping mat, Salik peered down at the black helmet in his hands. The cold wind swept across his bare chest as it passed through the small room, yet he paid it no mind.

High atop one of the towers dotting The City of Nelzarshi, they had been granted chambers upon the top level. Placed in the corner of the thin tower, two of the walls opened onto a massive balcony outside. They kept the reinforced doors wide open to allow the refreshing wind inside, protected only by fluttering drapes.

"What did you say to him?" Ynisa asked as she carried his blades to a table, wrapping them in cloth carefully before securing them inside one of the supply packs. Wearing only a traditional short dress, much was revealed as she leaned over.

"What could I say? I hardly know the man," Salik's quiet tone eased from his lips. The wind tugged at the sheet draped across his legs, the only fabric concealing him. "Vesh was more of a father in some ways."

The pretty Dril giggled, readjusting the neat buns on either side of her head. "Vesh taught me... many things, but it'd be wrong to call him my father," she said with a knowing chuckle as her thighs subtly rubbed together. "And your mother? Don't tell me she's an Empress of some undiscovered land."

Salik traced the lines of his helmet. "Alive, dead, he didn't say. Perhaps she's out there waiting for me. Perhaps she's a corpse. Told me I'd know her name when we're finished with the humans."

"Ah, yes. Snatching babies from their mother's breasts." Ynisa secured the daggers laying upon the table inside another pack.

Peering up as she bent over, Salik snuck a glimpse. The white skin of her Dril rump could've been that of a marble statue, allowing him to see a hint of the sweet lower lips between her thighs. He wondered if she was oblivious, or simply didn't care if he saw. "They'll live. That's more of a mercy than we give many of our enemies."

As if to answer his thoughts, she lightly swayed her hips, luring his gaze further before turning her head to smile at him. He'd been caught. "And if we're both slain out there?"

He watched as her fingers hooked under her dress to teasingly lift its edge. She acted as though nothing were occurring, exposing her feminine legs until the fabric was less than an inch from revealing her most intimate area. Salik's face hardened. "The Potentate deems my birth a mistake. I won't return until I correct that."

"I'm sworn to follow you," her soft voice replied as she slowly approached with swaying hips. She knelt at his side, daring to place a hand on his leg. "I can't say the thought of leaving The Domain has ever been appealing, yet if we're sailing to our doom, its hard to deny that all of this is at least a little exciting. Don't you think?"

As her hand crept up his leg, he grabbed her wrist when her fingers brushed against his bulge beneath the sheet. He met her with a questioning look.

"What? After all these years, were you never... tempted? We sail to dangerous foreign lands with only each other to watch our backs. Before we leave, we should settle things. Unless..." She pursed her lips. "Don't tell me I'd be your first."

Salik's deadly eyes peered into hers. "I've kept to myself. This life demands discretion."

"Oh, it does. Yet between us?" She tilted her head playfully. "I think not." She tried to move, yet his hold remained tight. Her expression softened. "Please?"

Salik eased his grip until her hand escaped. She concealed her relief with a smile, moving to lightly rub him through the thin fabric. The presence of a female's hand on his groin sent tiny tingles between his legs.

He felt her pressing closer, her body against his as she moved to straddle his lap. She placed his helmet carefully to the side, hesitating only a moment when she met his red eyes. With a warm breath, she finally pressed her lips to his, tasting him for the first time.

"I've waited a while for that," she giggled, touching her lips. Her other hand ran over his bare chest as she rubbed her groin against his bulge, allowing him to feel the warmth between her thighs. "If you think I'll let you leave these lands without knowing the touch of a woman, you're mistaken. It'd be disgraceful as your assistant."

Her smile intoxicated him, urging his hands to explore her legs. Fingers gliding over her soft Dril skin, he caressed her thighs, savoring the opportunity. She was right, of course. He had thought of her during lonely nights. They had been raised together, yet as he watched her mature...

"Good. Touch anywhere you'd like. If I'm going to continue serving you, I'll serve you." She took his hand in hers, guiding him between her spread thighs. Blushing, she released a breath, pressing his palm against her labia. "Do you feel that? Do you want that?"

"I do," he said, his tone as quiet and deadly as ever. His red eyes offered no reluctance nor mercy.

Biting her lip, she guided his finger inside her. Leaving him there, she slowly began to pull off her dress, exposing her lithe and fit form. The tattoos of Clan Chalvarrus ran up her side, matching his own, for they were both natives of Ishtai. Naked in his lap, she guided his other hand to her breast. Perky and petite, her nipple hardened as his finger brushed against it, a pink nub atop a white mound.

Each little movement as he gently circled her nipple made her loins squeeze tightly around his finger. He felt her damp embrace, coaxing the growing yearning between his legs. She reached down to pull away the sheet, slowly revealing his manhood for her inspection. It lay heavily in her hand, steadily hardening.

The feeling of his cock resting in her palm made it twitch. She ran a finger up his length, lightly massaging the tip. "You're... quite larger than Vesh. Curse me for delaying until now..."

Salik's hand slid over her toned and feminine form, the other pushing a second finger inside to join the first. "Vesh is a master with a blade. Don't shame him."

She giggled as she saw the faintest hint of a smile upon his lips. "So be it, yet this is a proper blade. I'll teach you how to wield it," she replied as she pressed his manhood against her belly.

Every second of exploring her form coaxed his yearning further, her body calling to him. He attempted to curl his fingers, rubbing inside her until she parted her lips.

She gently stroked his cock while her other hand reached under, returning between her thighs. Aiding his inexperience, she guided his hand. "That's... yes, just keep doing... ahh... that. You're a quick learner," she chucked, but she had already known that. Years of watching him train under their mentor had been a delight.

Her soft hand felt like gliding silk upon his cock, subtly deepening his breaths with arousal. The feeling of his tip pressing against her toned belly made him want to continue and retreat simultaneously. Had The Potentate felt such urges when he bred his mother? Did Salik risk making a mistake of his own?

"I want you inside. Let no one claim to be a more committed assistant than me," she said with blushing white cheeks.

Hardly could he resist any further. Slowly, he slid his fingers from her wet lower lips. She lifted herself with a giggle as he guided his tip against her entrance.

"Are you ready? Good. Me too." She carefully lowered herself, sinking his cock into her Dril folds. Her eyes fluttered, watching him grit his teeth as he entered. She gracefully sank into his lap, his shaft buried deep as he tightly gripped her waist. Holding him inside, she playfully tapped his nose. "Ah... there. A virgin... no more."

Exquisite pleasure trickled through his cock. For the first time, he felt the sensation of being inside a tight vagina. The ecstasy of her body did not serve his task. It would not help him slay The God Emperor. He should be training, honing his skills further while he had time, yet he couldn't help but hold her tightly as she began to move. Long had he neglected his needs.

"Feels good... ahh... doesn't it?" She kissed him, hands on his shoulders to steady herself. "When we sail... our companions will grow tired of my screams... ahh... for I'm going to let you fuck me whenever you seek satisfaction. Such is my... ahhh... service, Salik."

He closed his eyes as she bounced up and down in his lap, enjoying every sensation. Already he felt the urge to fill her, knowing the consequences. He scowled at himself, imagining The Potentate's disapproval. "The risks, Ynisa..."

"Oh, I'm... ahh... aware, Salik. I would not take such risks... ah... if I were ovulating tonight. Still, cum outside this time... just in case." She playfully patted his cheek. "A baby... ahh... would hardly make our mission easier..."

Salik grunted, knowing her words were true, yet uncertain if he could resist. His training forced him to obey, to ensure his task was completed, yet they clashed with his instincts. A silent fury filled him, gaining a greater understanding of The Potentate's words. "A mistake."

A moan eased from her lips, free of any such conflicts. She craved his cock, sliding to take him as deeply as she could manage each time. It had been a privilege to watch his skills develop, blossoming into a deadly warrior as they grew up together. He was an artist with a blade, she knew, having spent hours watching him train. To satisfy the needs of such a warrior was an honor, making her loins ache. "Perhaps one day..." she thought to herself, feeling a yearning within her womb. If she was going to bear a child, she'd look no further, for skilled seed led to skilled children. The mission could not be jeopardized, however, and thus she stored away such aspirations with a smile.

If tonight wasn't a particularly fertile night, surely the risk would be minimal. Surely, he could give into his urges just this once. Such thoughts plagued him, gritting his teeth as his hands explored her chest. He needed to fill her. He needed to pull out.

"Could you..." Her expression filled with a shy embarrassment he hadn't seen from her before. She took his hand, guiding it to touch her pointed right ear. A shudder ran through her body as his fingers brushed against it, making her blush harder than before. "I... Vesh... he showed me..." A moan escaped her as he began to rub her pointed Dril ear. "Yes... ooohhh... just like that..."

Her curious display intrigued him as his touch made her melt into his lap. Growing submissive, to his surprise, she pressed herself against his chest. Her hips continued to rock, burying her face against his neck. His fingers moved gently, each stroke making her vagina twitch around him. "Vesh and you... does he know of this?"

She was able to giggle as his fingers paused. "I am not his love... ahh... if that's what you're asking. He merely... taught me... as he does all his girls..."

When his rubbing fingers resumed, she nearly whined. They gently dragged from the base of her white ear to its pointed tip, repeating until she quivered in his lap.

Salik eased some of his tension with a breath, at least knowing he wasn't shaming the man he owed his skills to. Such a thing would be dishonorable.

"You've lasted longer... ahh... than I expected... for one of your inexperience," she chuckled, more than happy to ride him for as long as he required.

He looked at his helmet beside him, dreading the coming choice, yet forced to face it all the same. His purpose was to protect The Domain, to kill The God Emperor. He was a weapon, a tool, a shadow behind a mask. Yet as he felt the clenching insides of a beautiful young woman's tight body, he felt an urge to be a man. A person. To be Salik, if only for a moment.

She giggled in surprise as he took control, guiding her to fall onto her back with a gentleness she hadn't expected. Now beneath him as he mounted her, holding himself above her, she moaned as he began to thrust.

A touch of her ear made her squirm beneath him. He wanted to thank her for the satisfaction she offered, wondering if he deserved such a thing. His dexterous fingers were as skilled teasing her ear as they were welding a blade, it seemed, making her moan with fluttering eyes in seconds.

A hint of snow blew into the room from one of the balcony entrances as Talik, Ynisa's Idrae, flew into the room and landed upon a supply pack. They paid the feathered creature no mind. Their bodies remained together, skin as white as the snow outside, lips parting. Eyeless, the pet could not see his master's body writhing in pleasure, yet he could no doubt hear her sensual moans of bliss, smelling the primal scent of their sex.

Salik's thrusts grew forceful as her back arched in submissive pleasure, her neat hair buns loosening and growing messy. He thought of The Potentate's words, closing his red eyes with acceptance. A mistake would make a mistake.

"Cum... Salik... ahh... cover me in your seed..." Ynisa moaned, not resisting when he took her wrists. He guided her hands above her head before tightening his grip, pinning them against the sleeping mat. "Yes... yes... I'm yours!"

"So you are. Forgive me," he thought silently. His thrusts grew frantic, pumping, pumping, until...

"What... are you... NO... SALIK!" She struggled as he held her arms, easily overpowering her as she could do nothing to stop him. "STOP! ST... ooohhh... no... no..."

He began to fill her, his seed spurting into her Dril body. When he gently bit her ear as she felt his warm cum, she whimpered as she was forced into an orgasm of her own. Her body trembled in submissive pleasure as he finished inside.

"A mistake making a mistake." The words were inescapable. He savored each clenching spasm of his testicles, pushing himself as deeply as possible.

Her lips parted as his cock left her, not bothering to shut her thighs. She felt his seed within her, its warmth a new feeling that made her shiver as her climax faded. She simply breathed for what felt like an eternity, his seed trickling out of her. "It... better not... I better not be..."

"Forgive me," he said into her ear. He was Salik, yet in a moment, he'd be a weapon once more, a blade thrusting toward the heart of The God Emperor. "Forgive me."

36th of Twic, 15 AVE.

Kingdom of Harin, City of Winexia.

The thick walls of Winexia's castle couldn't hold back the echoing sounds of the riots outside. Ovax hoped they'd defend against their blades.

He ran a hand through his thinning hair as he strode through the halls. Blue banners passed by, one of the few shields against unrest. He wanted to take each citizen in turn, shaking the sense back into them. Did they think the barbarians would uphold their ruler's word?

The sound of shattering glass rang out from below. He hurried his steps as guards scrambled past him, weapons ready as they descended a nearby staircase. "The world is falling to madness," he thought to himself. Word of political turmoil from his hidden financiers in The Shai Domain, and now this? Ovax wondered if he was the most cursed man in all of Ayphieal.

Guards stood before the doors to Siril's temporary chambers, placed on the highest level of the castle. Best to keep as far away from the population as possible, of course. The armored men stepped aside, yet one remained to block his entrance.

"Out of my way," Ovax barked, in no mood for delays. When the man remained, the others tensed as they watched the display of disobedience. Was the man mad? "Do I need to repeat myself? Surely you heard me."

"My family, my lord. They're here. In the city. A girl and young boy," the guard muttered, peering intently through the opening of his helmet.

The others tightened their grip upon sheathed blades. Ovax squinted. It was obvious from the difference in armor that the man had been pulled from the local city guard, while the others were of the royal army. The Minister was witnessing the error of his decision to supplement their heavy losses. "Step... aside."

The man remained, his hand on his hilt. When Ovax was about to retreat a step, another of the guards grabbed the man by his shoulder plate and pulled him out of the way. The man pulled his blade an inch from its sheath, yet when the others did the same, he hesitated.

"Remove him," Ovax commanded as hidden relief threatened to overcome him. He pushed open the door, sealing it tightly behind with a breath.

The others were still inside, gathered around a map of Winexia and loudly discussing strategy as they had done throughout the entire night. From their words, it appeared the topic had progressed little from the time Ovax had departed to oversee the security of the castle. "The sun shall rise in an hour. We're out of time!"

Siril groaned as he sat up, lying in his bed. Gone was the orange streak in his wavy black hair, burned away with much of the rest. His golden armor had been peeled from his blistered skin, laying in a heap beside the bed. The ancient battles etched across the golden surfaces were nearly unrecognizable, yet those flat warriors had defended their wearer just enough to save his life. Of course, Siril's injuries hadn't stopped him from inserting himself into the nearby conversation of his advisors. "The barbarians are out of t... time, Minister!" A shudder of pain echoed through his strained words. "They'll be quite surprised to see the fighting spirit of Winexia's proud citizens."

Shouts echoed faintly from behind the door. Ovax rubbed his eyes wearily. "I've secured the first floor as well as can be expected. Your majesty, have you peered outside? Have you seen the fires? The riots?"

Siril's lips twisted with an agonized fury. "How can I?"

Another of his advisors traced his finger across the map. "We may be able to move through the alleys. With luck, we can reach the north gate before-"

"A single loud citizen would give us away," Ovax shook his head. "We'd be torn apart before we made it halfway."

"Yet our men would only need to protect the openings of each alley," another replied, pointing to several places on the map.

Horror spread across Siril's blistered features. "I instructed you to plan our defense, not our escape. Would you leave these people to burn at the savages' hands? What king would allow such an atrocity? Would my father have watched them die?"

The echoes grew closer. Someone screamed from down the hall. Ovax moved to the bedside, resting a calming hand upon the sheets. "I served your father for many decades, your majesty. In the matter of his heir's life, I can say with certainty that he'd have chosen to-"

Something slammed against the doors, straining their hinges. Shouts cried out from within the hallway.

Ovax cursed under his breath. The sound of metal against metal rang out, followed by screams of dying men. Once more something heavy slammed against the doors as the other advisors backed away.

"Stop them! I will fight at their side! Tell them!" Siril shouted over the loud pounding. "If we are to die today, let me fall in battle! I'll defend them! Tell them I'll-"

Ovax abandoned the king's side as he ran to the far wall of the chamber a moment before the doors splintered open. A makeshift ram was thrown aside before soldiers and peasants roared as they flooded into the room, each wielding a weapon or a sharp tool.

Trapped, pressed against the wall, Ovax clasped his trembling hands together, closing his eyes as he prepared to meet his fate.

36th of Twic, 15 AVE.

Kingdom of Harin, City of Winexia.

The legion waited without a word, for sunlight began to stream across the sky as if the horizon was giving birth to the sun. The time had come.

Outside the city gates, Dominax stood with folded arms. His silver eyes studied the men atop the wall, knowing the fate of Winexia would be determined in the coming moments. Salvation or destruction.

The silence lingered, thousands of souls watching expectantly as a light morning mist crept through the sea of white cloaks.

When the gates began to rise, the heavy chains winding loudly, thousands held their breath, knowing either submission or a desperate fight awaited them.

A crowd stood behind the walls, readying whatever weapons they had in defense of treachery, yet only two young women emerged when the legion remained still. Slowly, cautiously, they approached, both cradling objects wrapped in bloody fabric. Their skinny legs trembled, moving closer only when Irith reassured them with a gentle gesture to step forward.

They knelt before The God Emperor, placing the objects at his feet. With nervous hands, they pulled away the fabric to reveal the severed heads of King Siril and Minister Ovax.

Towering above them, Dominax permitted the girls to flee with a nod. He instructed two legionaries to pick up the gruesome heads, inciting cheers throughout the legion as they were raised high.

He allowed their celebration. The final defense of Harin lay in ruins, their king slaughtered. None could stand against them now.

All that remained was to march upon The Capital.

36th of Twic, 15 AVE.

Shai Domain, City of Nelzarshi.

"Hold out your hand," the cut-master commanded. High atop Nelzarshi's Tower of Departure, Salik stood before the bowl-shaped altar. When he allowed the old Dril to take his exposed arm, he looked to Ynisa as she stood nearby.

Observing, Varse's grim face twitched as he watched the ceremonial dagger slice across Salik's forearm. As the younger man's black blood poured into the altar's bowl as if he were bleeding the night sky itself, the cut-master closed his eyes and began to speak. "May your blood remain while your body departs. May you return to us unharmed."

Salik let his blood flow, feeling as though he were being cleansed. He looked out across the flat rooftop as his wound was wrapped in fabric, seeing the landscape of the homeland he'd gladly die to protect. High towers stretching into the sky, surrounded by the white fields of snow spreading across the land. He wondered if he'd see it again.

Ynisa stepped to the altar, ready for her turn. The buns in her hair were once again tight and neat, granting no hint of their deed mere hours ago.

Standing at The Potentate's side as his companion's arm was cut, Salik made no move as Varse leaned closer to whisper. "Save us, son. If we fall in service to our people, we fall with purpose."

Salik remained silent as Ynisa's arm was bandaged.

Varse leaned closer to whisper a final time, his tone grim. "A day will come when we're finished with these humans. On that day, I'll tell you all you need to know of your mother. Do not fail us."

Watching the Idrae descend from the sky to drink their collected blood, Salik made no reply.