Vaid Empire Conquest: A Glimpse into Arkos-Tul's Fate

Vaid Empire: Conquest

Chapter 128

36th of Fonic, 22 AVE.

Kingdom of Wonakaros, Holy City of Arkos-Tul.

The festival city of Arkos-Tul was now more than an empty metropolis lingering with ancient memories and long forgotten ghosts. As Naram sauntered down the old streets away from The Great Temple, she saw life all around her where lifeless structures had once sat vacant.

It was captive life, however. Her people went about their days, filling once dead streets with music and trade, yet they weren’t permitted to leave. Anyone caught attempting to sneak back to one of the dozens of Wonaks still wandering the desert outside the city was immediately executed. Only a select few elders were permitted to remain atop the great beasts to prevent them from straying too far.

She saw the faces of all those she had failed, a trapped population awaiting The God Emperor’s judgement.

Cliax marveled at the sights they passed. He was one of many among the entourage of Privictis Knights and legionaries escorting The Kromak’s daughter across the city.

Such was another of Naram’s rewards, for she desired to meet with The Priestesses of The Womb, holy women that were said to bless expecting mothers. It would have been a simple matter for The God Emperor to summon the strange women to The Great Temple, yet she had begged her master for the chance to stretch her legs. She craved to see the city, to know the condition of her people. What she saw gave her hope.

Legionaries patrolled the streets, yet they were nearly outnumbered by the warriors of Narok. Humans and eastern Arkos alike kept the conquered population under control. Had The Battle of Arkos-Tul not shattered the fragile unity of the gathered Wonakaros tribes and claimed the lives of countless of their strongest warriors, Naram doubted The Empire could keep the city in its grasp for long.

The vast majority of western Arkos the group passed were women, children, and elders, tending to mutilated men. Most of the humans and eastern Arkos they saw wore bandages and displayed terrible scars. Both sides had suffered greatly, yet the victor was clear.

As they passed an open courtyard, Cendra’s lips tightened with distaste as a group of Arkos women loudly sang and danced. Drums boomed with a rhythmic beat as they swayed their hips, stripping what little clothing they wore. Clearly intoxicated, many began to caress the other bare bodies around them. The princess fell back into the center of her fellow Knights to cover her son’s eyes as the Arkos women began to pleasure each other, their moans echoing through the streets.

Naram blushed, for the ritual was unfamiliar even to her. Dozens of tribes brought their own unique beliefs into the city, filling the noisy streets with a mixture of countless traditions. No doubt the day held some special meaning to the women of the tribe they passed.

When they were out of sight, Cendra returned to her place at the head of the group, leading her Knights. A growing boy, ever a true Vaid, Cliax tried to glance back without his mother’s notice, yet the women were beyond his sight.

The young prince drank in the sounds, the smells, the life all around him. He hadn’t hesitated to join his mother’s entourage, all too eager to see the truth of the city. If he was going to rule these people someday, he craved to know them better.

Even surrounded by Knights and guards, Cliax was flanked by Knight Kunir and Knight Nomax to keep him away from The Kromak’s daughter. His mother hadn’t forgotten her deeds, nor had Naram. Without The God Emperor’s command, Cendra would never have agreed to let the Arkos woman anywhere near her son.

Cradling her pregnant belly, Naram glanced at the boy as she had countless times during their walk. Her guilt swelled anew each time. So too did the prince occasionally meet her gaze, silver meeting orange, only to swiftly look away.

Biting her lip, she couldn’t resist any longer. A thousand thoughts pierced her reluctance. At long last, she dared to move closer.

Kunir touched his sheathed sword. Standing between her and the prince, he offered a deadly glance.

“May I ask his majesty a question?” Naram held out her hands, showing the Knight she meant no harm.

Kunir looked her up and down, his gaze searching her silk robe for weapons despite knowing she had already been searched repeatedly. Eying her swollen belly, privately admitting to himself that a heavily pregnant woman was of little threat, he nodded. “He can hear you where you are.” He slowed to fall back behind the boy, though he kept his hand firmly upon Cliax’s shoulder, never taking his cautious gaze from Naram.

“Your majesty,” she began in the human tongue, her accent heavy and her tone weak. She cleared her throat, seeking the proper words. “There is something I must know. Something I don’t understand.”

Cliax’s steps grew unsteady. Never had she directly addressed him. Her voice coaxed the memory of her blade against his throat, yet he found the courage to answer nervously. “Yes?”

“Why did you spare me?” She let her question spew forth, words that had long been on the tip of her tongue. “You pleaded for your grandfather to restrain his wrath.” She may never have another chance to ask. “Why? For what reason would you offer mercy to me after what I did?”

“The reason?” Cliax tilted his young head in careful thought. In the end, he could offer only the truth. “I didn’t know I needed a reason. You were scared, and I didn’t want you to be.”

Baffled, Naram’s lips parted, only to curl into a subtle smile. “Thank you.”

As they walked, the crowds of Arkos parted to keep their distance. Some fled in terror. Others scowled as they slipped into alleyways or turned down branching streets to get away. A select few knelt and prayed at the sight of The Holy Kromak’s killer, only to be roughly picked up and heaved out of the way by guards.

One Arkos, a scrawny girl, crouched. She offered no prayers. Instead, she reached into a puddle left behind by a recent rainfall, scooping up a handful of wet sand where the ancient street was missing a brick. Her hateful shout came in the Arkos tongue as she stood.

“Move!” Kunir yelled, shoving Cliax out of the way as the girl hurled the wet clump of sand at the royal entourage. Perhaps she had aimed for the prince. Perhaps not. The sand flew over the group and struck where he had been standing, hitting Kunir in his place.

Cendra drew her sword. The surrounding crowds screamed.

Kunir spat the sand from his mouth and wiped it from his face, only to open his eyes wide as he saw Nomax coax a flame in his grasp. “No!” He tried to grab the younger Knight’s arm, yet it was too late. The ball of flame leapt from his fingertips and struck the scrawny girl.

The blast threw her onto her back. Screaming, writhing, she held the side of her face where his power had struck. Gone was her eye, the skin around it badly scorched.

Nomax watched the girl’s agony, his mouth opening in horror. He spun around when Kunir grabbed his chestplate and yanked him close. “Forgive me. The prince…she attacked him. She could have…”

“It was only sand, you dumb fuck!” Kunir roared in his face. “It was harmless!”

Cendra turned towards them, her words firm and commanding. “Release him! Such is the price of-”

Her words were cut off by the sound of a woman’s wail. An Arkos rushed to the girl’s side, presumably her mother. The crowds watched the display in horror. Fear gradually turned to outrage, for screams gave way to angry shouts towards the girl’s attacker.

Cendra held her blade ready. Hundreds of Arkos surrounded her group. All nearby legionaries patrolling the street rushed to join her, seeing the situation swiftly spiraling out of control as the vast population found their courage and began to chant and shout with rage.

The crowd swelled closer, daring to step towards the group. Cendra’s blade blazed with fire as she pointed the tip towards the population. “Come no closer!” she warned, restraining her power. Many Arkos at the front tried to flee in terror of her flames, yet the outrage of the crowd could not be contained.

Gritting her teeth, she prepared to fight. Her Knights followed her lead. Vastly outnumbered or not, she would cut down anyone who threatened her son or any of her Knights, sensing Cliax’s terror just behind her. Civilians or not, hundreds or not, each of them would forfeit their lives the moment they endangered her golden prince and her companions.

“Wait!” Naram shouted above the roar of the crowd. She shoved her way through the Knights, only for Kunir to grab her arm. “Release me! For your own safety!” She glanced back at Cliax. “For the sake of your prince!”

Kunir hesitated. His duty was to protect her, an asset of great interest to The God Emperor. When she met his gaze with a desperate challenge, something in her eyes gave him pause, something genuine. She didn’t seek merely to save herself. “Curse me.” He released her, the only man among them that would forsake his ruler’s commands. “Let her through!”

His command parted the group despite the obvious shock and confusion of the others. Naram slipped from the safety they offered and held up her hands as she stood before the outraged masses. “I am the daughter of The Holy Kromak, his secondborn!” She gathered every remaining ounce of her courage, shouting in her native tongue. “Hear me, for I am Naram!”

The mere mention of her name caused many to fall to silence. Though others continued to shout, they halted in place.

She glanced back at Cliax, seeing his terrified form through the group of humans. She faced her people, a hundred faces she had failed to save. She forced herself to cast aside the meek submission and fear of a prisoner and put authority into her tone, for there was no other way to salvage the situation. “I want you all to stand down and return to your dwellings! Honor my father and heed my command, for the daughter of The Holy Kromak does NOT wish for you to fight!”

The angry crowds held back, hesitating. Cendra’s sword continued to burn, yet she watched the Arkos woman with a cold curiosity.

“Do NOT harm these humans!” Naram continued to shout. She knew the price her people would face if they attacked. “If you have any love left for my father, if you have any respect for the man that was your Kromak, heed my words and go about your day!”

Their fury remained, yet so too did their respect. Reluctantly obeying her wishes, they gradually retreated.

Naram breathed a relieved sigh, glancing back at Cliax.

Cendra didn’t extinguish her flames until she was certain there’d be no battle. She granted her companions a nod to do the same. Though her hard expression remained, she couldn’t help but look at Naram as if she was a new woman.

She could have easily encouraged the crowd to fight. She could have begged them to save her. Instead, the Arkos woman had shown her loyalty.

The princess reluctantly regarded her with the smallest amount of new respect. She would ensure her father knew of her actions.

38th of Fonic, 22 AVE.

Kingdom of Wonakaros, Holy City of Arkos-Tul.

The royal palanquin swayed as King Torakeom swam within his thoughts. Joined only by two of his concubines and his granddaughter, Taros, he felt the warm bodies of his lovers against him as he sat quietly. His hands rested on their thighs, feeling their smooth, grey skin, yet his focus rested elsewhere. Even the subtle swell of their bellies could not draw him from his introspection, having fallen pregnant during their long and dangerous journey across the deep desert.

Seated across from her grandfather, Taros watched his hands.

No doubt the citizens of Narok would have rested easier had their elderly king remained safe in his underground palace, rather than accompanying the small army of Arkos warriors he sent as reinforcements. Even The God Emperor himself had granted him permission to stay if he desired to, yet he could not. History called out to him, and he would not miss its embrace.

For the first time in hundreds of years, Arkos from The East had returned to their source to stand in victory over their terrible kin. Torakeom sought to live to see as many days as he could seize in his grasp, yet this day was not one he could pass in comfort and safety. He would be the first Narok king to enter Arkos-Tul.

The palanquin came to a stop. Thoughts of his ancestors, of his enemies, of history itself were all put aside, for he prepared himself. When a guard opened the door, he stepped forth into the hot desert light.

“Arkos-Tul,” he said with a satisfied smile. Surrounded by Narok warriors, he saw the ancient city waiting ahead. “Yes, at long last, we have returned.”

A guard assisted Taros in departing the palanquin, claiming her place at her grandfather’s side. “They’ll write about this moment, your majesty. They’ll sing about it too,” she said in her native tongue.

The concubines behind her received no such assistance. They wore the same transparent silks as she did, their bodies on display beneath the unforgiving sun while their king was sheltered beneath his crimson robe.

Torakeom turned to see a second palanquin come to a halt nearby. He didn’t wait for them, already marching through the army. At his back, the future rulers of Lian and Tempian emerged. Sanara and Tavari shared a sneer at the black sand touching their feet, Lanthians in the Arkos desert.

Cautious and slow, the old king took his time. As he reached the edge of the army, the commander knelt before him. They all knew to wait, having halted just outside the city’s perimeter.

Just ahead, he saw Princess Cendra and her entourage standing to welcome his reinforcements. She was a proud statue at the city’s edge, surrounded by nobles and Knights.

Torakeom seized his place in history as he set foot inside the city. No doubt his predecessors stirred with envy in their tombs. “Your majesty,” he greeted The God Emperor’s daughter, bowing low.

“My father is waiting for you in the throne room,” she said, cutting directly to the point. “Follow me, and quickly. You know he doesn’t like to wait long.”

“Ah, yes, yes, of course. Lead away.” He obeyed swiftly, his old legs straining to keep up with her long strides. He interlocked his arm with his granddaughter’s, leading her along. The Lanthian pair followed behind as his unwanted guests, for The God Emperor sought their presence during the coming jungle conquest.

Only the Knights of Cendra’s entourage followed, acting as guards. The nobles stayed behind to perform their duties. Veteran commanders of the legion, they began to divide the reinforcements to begin the process of integrating the reinforcements into the forces currently within the city.

Torakeom followed the princess through the ancient streets, knowing his ancestors had once roamed where he did now.

He glanced at his granddaughter, seeing Taros’s keen eyes studying their surroundings. He had upheld his side of The God Emperor’s bargain, for she hardly ever left his side. He spent ample time each day preparing her to act as regent for his eventual heir, training her to rule.

Now that their mutual enemy had fallen, would The God Emperor uphold his end?

Sealing his place in history hadn’t been the only reason he had come. A war had begun and ended. Much could change after all that had occurred, and thus he sought to assess if his understanding with his human ruler remained intact.

Making a final turn, his purple gaze fell upon The Great Temple for the first time. Its massive dome loomed ahead, beckoning a king towards the lair of his fallen enemy.

***

Dominax sat upon The Kromak’s former throne. The chamber was a hive of conversation, for the royals flanking his sides fell into various discussions.

Salduin, Quinla, Fonax, Galis, all had been summoned. Even minor Lords such as Drivis had been permitted to attend. His focus, however, remained upon Naram as she stood at his side. He caressed her pregnant swell, savoring his child inside her before reaching back to squeeze her rump.

Naram’s lips tightened without a sound, more than accustomed to his touch. She stood in her usual silk robe, now decorated with jewelry made of gold and vibrant gems. Though she would never desire to wear such eye-catching finery, she had found them waiting upon her bed with instructions to wear them all.

For the first time since her capture, Naram was presented as something more than a well-treated prisoner. She could almost be mistaken for royalty.

Nafalya stood dutifully at his other side, joined by the children of House Vaid. Turning, however, Dominax was pleasantly surprised to find Vixin striding into the chamber through a side entrance.

Long had he permitted her absence from court, granting her time to recover. As she approached, she presented herself with a bow of her head. Eager to welcome her back, he commanded Naram to step aside and allowed his daughter to accept her rightful place beside him.

Vixin had returned. Unfortunately, Lalian continued to languish in solitude.

Finally, he sensed Cendra’s approach. Holding up a hand, he silenced the noisy room in an instant. The doors were hauled open a moment later.

At long last, King Torakeom was led inside the chamber where so many raids against his people had been encouraged. He knelt before The God Emperor, his old knees creaking. “Your great majesty, it is an honor to be in your presence once more. Yes, you look well, my good, good friend.”

Dominax granted Cendra a subtle nod. She departed swiftly while he permitted the old king time to spew his false praises. “Enough. I see you are not alone.” He granted the Lanthian pair his attention, seeing them straighten with seductive glances before he regarded the king once more. “Welcome to Arkos-Tul, the prize of our shared aims. Rise, for I’d have you stand in triumph with me, Torakeom.”

Taros helped her elderly grandfather to his feet while The God Emperor stood from his throne to join him. “Yes, I did not believe I’d see the day,” Torakeom said.

“I told you the benefits of my rule. This is but the first reward you shall see for kneeling. Never again shall the people of Narok and Wonakaros spill each other’s blood.” Dominax’s expression hardened. “Yet come. I’d have you behold the price, and what remains of us. All of you.” He gestured for everyone to follow.

Obeying, they all made their way outside. Standing atop the temple steps, they watched as the legion gradually gathered into neat rows just beyond, filling the street. Commanded by Cendra and acting upon prior orders to assemble when it was time, every warrior not currently serving a critical duty presented themselves before The God Emperor.

Like a wide river flowing through the city, the Arkos warriors who had fought beside the legion continued to fill the street behind the humans.

“We’ve lost many to win this war,” Vixin said with a tone of sorrow, dropping her gaze.

With the full might of their forces on display, their precarious situation became clear to all. What remained was still an army that would strike fear into the hearts of many, yet it had been greatly diminished.

Hardly could a human legionary be found without an injury or recent scar, though they had cleaned their armor and repaired their cloaks during the months following the slaughter. So too were the Arkos warriors in similar shape, yet with the new reinforcements bolstering their numbers, it was clear to all that they outnumbered their human allies.

“The conquest of The Lanthian Empire shall resume.” Dominax clasped his hands behind his back. “When it does, we cannot be careless. Every man and woman, human or Arkos, shall be of great value.” He turned, offering a cold stare towards his vassals. “There will be great bloodshed ahead. I shall command you to commit terrible deeds. I’d have you see the necessity of what we shall do.”

None dared to make a sound. The bravest among them nodded obediently.

“There is much to discuss, and more to do. We shall depart from this horrid desert in mere days, yet your journey has been long,” he continued, addressing Torakeom. “Settle into your new quarters. Rest a moment. I shall summon you and those I deem necessary, for I’d have your mind sharp when we speak about all that is to come.”

***

The sun touched the horizon when The God Emperor sent out his summoning command. Among the upper levels of The Great Temple, he dwelled within The Kromak’s former lounge, keeping Naram close.

Gone were the various cushions, cleared away to make room for several tables carved from black sandstone, their surfaces polished until one could see their reflection. Wooden slabs were placed in organized stacks upon them, consisting of maps and architectural designs.

While his father peered out at the sunset through an open window, his hand caressing Naram’s curves, Arinax peered around the room patiently. The chamber was, of course, circular like most in the city, resting directly beneath the great dome atop the temple. Massive pillars lined the walls to support the dome, and at the base of each pillar was an intoxicating gift.

Kneeling with their backs against each pillar, Arkos concubines obediently waited like beautiful statues. They served dutifully as The God Emperor’s decorations, cradling their swollen bellies.

Arinax blushed, knowing each one carried his hybrid half-sibling in their wombs. He took a sneaky glance at the closest woman, only to see Vixin put her hands on her hips and shake her head, unable to hide her amused smirk. He quickly looked away.

Vixin chuckled. Every day, every year, her brother seemed more like a young man than a mere boy. Soon, he would be.

Cendra arrived with Cliax, and Arinax quickly invited the younger prince to join his side. A moment later, the others began to arrive one after the other.

Entering, Quinla offered an elegant bow. She wore a new one-suit of green silk, the shade identical to the dress she had worn on the day she first met The God Emperor. No longer did she decorate herself in armor, for the slaughter had made it clear that she was no warrior. Her sorrow for her saviors had gradually subsided, yet her eyes were no longer as bright as they had been.

Fonax and Galis entered together. Their scars had mostly healed, yet the young king held the stump of his missing hand protectively. Lord Drivis stumbled into the chamber, the smell of wine fresh upon his breath. The most important Lords and Ladies who served as commanders in the legion poured into the room. Behind them, several Arkos commanders were permitted to join them, clustering together on their own side of the chamber.

“Ah, so this is the luxury our enemy enjoyed?” Torakeom asked as he entered with his granddaughter, followed by the Lanthian pair. “Walls of bare stone? Not a gem to be seen? How…quaint.” Peering around the room, the old king immediately narrowed his eyes at the sight of Naram. “Your majesty, is it wise to permit prisoners to hear our words? Who can say where this little fiend may whisper what she knows?”

The God Emperor turned to face him, keeping Naram against his side. “A prisoner? Not quite. We shall discuss that later, though for the moment, treat her as if she does not exist. You may all speak freely in her presence.”

Naram glanced at the king and the winged women nearby. A year ago, none but true sons and daughters of the desert had ever set foot within the holy city. Now, humans, Lanthians, and their eastern kin had all ventured into the heart of Arkos-Tul. It was a strange feeling to know the ways of her ancestors were being desecrated by outsiders, yet she no longer knew if such things mattered. The manner of her father’s death had proven many of their beliefs and traditions to be false.

They all gathered around the maps and charts on display, each depicting the landscape where the desert’s vast southern border brushed against The Lanthian Empire, separated by a great river. Where the edges of Wonakaros, Narok, and the jungle would have met, the river widened considerably to form a small sea with a massive island in its center.

Arinax glanced at the island on the map with a deep longing. He had heard tales that the strange island was covered in bizarre glowing plants. Every ounce of his being yearned to see it for himself, to explore the mysteries of the world, yet the conquest would take him far from its edge.

The heir to the most powerful man in the world felt as if a slave’s collar was locked around his young neck.

Toakeom gestured to the lower border of his kingdom. “I have taken precautions, your majesty. Yes, I’ve ordered a small army to guard against the possible wrath of those winged pests, yet I sincerely doubt they will attack Narok while we invade their jungle.” He glanced at the Lanthian women, offering no apology. “They are a selfish species, always looking inwards. Ah, I suspect their warriors shall focus solely on slowing our advance into their territory, rather than striking out in retaliation. Only if we are defeated shall our own lands suffer their wrath.”

Sanara arrogantly lifted her chin. “He speaks the truth. After all, an Arkos would know best. Many of their savage armies have failed to remain in our jungle for long, only for their own cities to taste the power of Lanthian blades. My people tend to remove a threat before striking back.”

Seeing their simmering animosity, Dominax silenced Torakeom when the Arkos opened his prideful mouth. Instead, he shifted their attention back to the nearest map. “Good, for I intend to cut directly into our target.” He spoke to the gathered nobles and commanders. “Lian is in our grasp to the east, yet we cannot risk crossing the mountains again without losing more men and women than we can spare,” he explained.

Salduin listened at Vixin’s side, happy to see her return to court life. He studied the map. To go north around the mountains would take too long, and to go south would require venturing through the jungle regardless.

“The Kingdom of Waith shall be our next target instead,” Dominax continued, speaking of the westernmost Lanthian kingdom. He gestured to where a possible city was marked on the map near the border. “Learn the landscape. I am told there is a major city just here. They call it Nenian.”

Lalian and Anthara had never ventured outside of Lian while living in The Lanthian Empire, nor had the winged pair in the chamber. Most Lanthians from one side of their empire likely had little knowledge of the other side, for the jungle was vast, yet so too was his green advisor’s knowledge.

“Nenian,” Salduin muttered. “If our forces shall befall them next, I shall pray for them tonight.”

“Indeed.” Dominax slowly traced his finger over the city and through Waith. “Our diminished numbers don’t permit a gradual conquest. I’d pierce the heart of the jungle swiftly. I’d see us remain as a single force, one united army that shall drive our blades through Waith until we reach its capital. We shall pacify the kingdom under the same threat we hold over Lian’s people.”

The others fell into quiet conversations, though Cendra interrupted them with a question. “And what of Wonakaros, father? When we march, who must remain behind to ensure they don’t cast aside our authority the moment our blades aren’t at their throats?”

The God Emperor smiled. He had hoped for such a question. “All but our latest arrivals know of the recent incident involving a Privictis Knight and a young Arkos girl.” He turned to Torakeom. “A misunderstanding nearly caused a riot, a possible catastrophe that was halted only by the efforts of Naram here.” He rested a hand upon her shoulder. “The population recognizes her. They respect her. I see no better candidate, and thus I’ve decided to name her as the regent of Wonakaros.”

Gasps echoed through the chamber from the Narok commanders, though none were more surprised than Naram herself. “The regent?” she muttered, looking at her ruler in utter shock. “Why?”

“Yes, my good, good friend,” Torakeom added harshly. “What would encourage our wise and glorious ruler to permit the daughter of The Kromak anywhere near a throne?”

Dominax didn’t enjoy his tone. His silver eyes offered a warning.

“The decision is yours, of course. Yes, but my curiosity remains.” The old king was quick to shield himself with his words.

“I have watched her. I have tested her. She has offered no hint of disloyalty, and thus my choice is made,” Dominax stated simply. He would explain his decision no further. “She shall remain while the rest of us march into the jungle.”

It was Vixin’s turn to speak up. Her voice was a soft, fragile thing. “And the children? Will we take them into danger once more?”

“The danger is here, my flower. The potential riot was a warning,” Dominax replied. He had given the subject much consideration, and thoughts of his grandchildren being dragged into the streets while he was away sealed his decision. “We shall keep them safe.”

Hardly could she argue, for they had survived the jungle once before. Still, she shivered at the thought of returning.

Prince Fonax stepped closer to examine the various maps closely. Others began to join him, breaking into several discussions.

As the chamber filled with noise, Arinax and Cliax stood together out of the way. The adults planned the coming invasion while quiet princes observed. The God Emperor had summoned them specifically to watch, to learn. They would both sit upon a throne one day.

Arinax watched his father, feeling a knot form in his stomach. He watched the way The God Emperor commanded the attention of the others. He saw how he moved, how he spoke, how he controlled those around him with his mere presence. He was a giant among mortals, each of his words seizing the others in his grasp, yet Arinax was a mere shadow at the rear of the group. When he imagined having to rise to such commanding heights himself, to become what his father was, he felt as if he’d faint.

Finally, their discussions faded. All knew what awaited ahead. All understood the monumental task that would likely claim the lives of several of them.

“If there are no further questions, Torakeom and I have much to discuss. The rest of you may leave,” Dominax commanded. He grabbed Naram’s wrist to stop her from going and gestured to Cendra. “Stay a moment longer. Both of you.”

Cliax remained with his mother, saying goodbye to Arinax as the group slowly drained from the room. Torakeom granted his ruler a suspicious glance. “Your majesty?”

“Our mutual enemy has fallen, though much of our bargain remains yet to be done. I’d speak with you about our plans in The North,” The God Emperor explained.

“Ah, yes, your majesty. It would be good to speak of such things without the presence of your Lanthian architect,” Torakeom replied.

Among the last to leave, Tavari glanced back at the sound of his words before she and her companion reached the door. “Yes, where is he? Lalian, was it?” she asked, feigning ignorance despite the memory of his little green cock inside her. “He was an…interesting specimen.”

At her side, Sanara couldn’t deny her own curiosity. “And Lady Anthara. Where might I find her, your majesty?”

The God Emperor’s expression hardened. His tone was low and deadly. “The Grand Imperial Architect is currently preoccupied. You will not disturb him.” He made no mention of Anthara.

Seeing the shift in his mood, they politely bowed before departing. He let them go, fully intending to summon both women to his chambers when he was done.

When only those he cared to reveal his plans to remained, he guided Naram to stand before him and placed his hands upon her shoulders, as if presenting her. “We’ve endured much in your absence, Torakeom. In this place, I’ve found two possible assets.”

The old Arkos lifted a curious eyebrow, remaining skeptical. Taros listened at his side, blushing in the presence of the man that had bred her.

“Two of The Kromak’s acknowledged daughters remain alive. I would use them both to pacify the population,” Dominax began. “We’ve shattered the foundations of their world. Those who still regard their fallen liar of a ruler with worship or even mere fondness shall look to his daughters for guidance. Therefore, in time, Prince Cliax shall grant them both his children, much as he will with two of your granddaughters. The child he sires with Naram shall rule over Wonakaros.”

Naram’s eyes widened as she glanced at Cliax, seeing nothing more than the boy she had harmed. “Your majesty…”

Cendra’s lips curled subtly into a smirk. Despite her thoughts of death, she couldn’t help but be pleased with the news. “Another throne? Once more, you have my gratitude, father.” At her side, her golden prince could hardly look at the two Arkos girls in the room, feeling the great weight of his expected duty.

Torakeom merely stroked his braided beard. He would have vastly preferred for a member of his own tribe to be granted the throne of his enemy, though he knew better than to argue. The Kromak’s fall had already granted him what he sought in The West.

“And Karak?” Naram questioned, unable to hold back her concern. “What of her? I’ve tutored her. I’ve done all you’ve asked. Please, I’d gladly forgo-”

Dominax silenced her. “Karak too shall have a purpose, as I promised. The child she conceives with Cliax shall possibly inherit the throne of the future Arkos kingdom in The North.”

The old king’s jaw nearly fell from his ancient head. “We had a bargain, your majesty.”

“And our bargain shall be upheld.” The God Emperor moved Naram aside. Gesturing towards a map that depicted the northern Arkos desert, his hand hovered above all he sought to uplift. “Consider what we intend to build together. West and east, human and Arkos, I’d see all divisions united to construct a new realm where abominations now roam.”

“Of course, yet-”

“Your people have slaughtered each other for generations. The blood of Narok from your granddaughter Quos, and the blood of Wonakaros from Karak, shall combine to forge a new House that shall hold the desert together as one,” Dominax explained, permitting no debate. “Cliax shall breed them both. The strongest child shall become his immediate heir, yet their children shall one day join together to conceive a future ruler from both sides of the desert, united by Vaid blood.” He offered a smirk. “May Cliax’s heirs be a manifestation of The Empire itself, the purpose of my Eternal Peace given flesh.”

Torakeom sought the proper words. “Half-siblings breeding? My friend…” The incestuous rumors about his holy ruler were solidifying, for he glanced at Cendra. “This was not what I…ah, I mean, such a thing might be beyond what the population-”

Dominax waved his hand. “The population shall accept whatever reality I forge when they are living comfortably beneath my protection, and their children are promised more than a short life spent fighting upon the dunes. Shall you?”

The old king considered his position and his ambitions. After a long moment, he nodded. “If our bargain remains, my good friend, I believe I can.”

Pleased, The God Emperor gestured to a neat stack of wooden slabs nearby. “Then behold the future of your people. Though Lord Lalian is preoccupied, he created many designs during our journey.”

Torakeom studied the wooden slabs, finding that they held architectural designs. “These were created by the Lanthian’s hand?”

“The final plans for The Capital City of a kingdom that does not yet exist,” Dominax explained as the others pressed closer to see them. “We shall seize the horrid north and forge it into a realm of Arkos and humans who may live united.”

“These are…grand.” Awed by what he witnessed, the old Arkos found a slab depicting a great fortress topped by a massive dome. When he finally dared to look up, his expression was one of remorse. “I owe the Lanth…ah, I mean to say, I owe The Grand Imperial Architect an apology.”

Dominax chuckled. “Indeed.” While the old king and Cendra studied the future city that their shared descendants would one day rule, he made his way towards the door. “We’re done here, though you may stay. Drink in the sight of the future. When the Lanthians fall at last, we shall tame the desert together.”

***

As the vast city slipped into darkness beneath the night sky, Dominax made his way to the level just below the lounge, finding the doors to The Kromak’s former quarters. He commanded one of the guards waiting in the curved hallway to retrieve the Lanthian pair as he entered.

Inside, the chamber was nearly an identical copy of the one just above, circular and lined with pillars. Acting as his home for the past few months, he had stripped every reminder of The Kromak away until nothing remained. His massive human bed decorated the center. A human desk and shelves were set against the curved walls. He had washed away the blood of his enemy, and so too had he washed away his memory in his personal dwelling.

A pair of Arkos slave girls stood at either side of the bed, their bellies swollen with his children. His time in the desert had seen countless branches of his bloodline extend through the sand.

They assisted their master in removing his armor and one-suit. Naked, he settled onto the bed, enduring a moment of rare silence. When he thought he saw Irith’s outline in a shadow cast upon the wall by a pillar, he commanded the nearest slave to join him. The touch of her tight but round belly banished the judging specter from his mind.

Delving into his beautiful distraction, he lounged while the girl gently caressed his manhood, coaxing him to full hardness. He permitted her smooth grey hand to stroke him, preparing him for his guests.

They didn’t keep The God Emperor waiting long. All too eager to be in his presence once more, the Lanthian pair were quickly ushered into the chamber by the guard.

“Welcome.” He beckoned them closer. “It has been too long.”

Any fool could see what he expected of them. They held no reluctance nor hesitation. With the memory of how he had claimed their wombs while in Narok, Sanara and Tavari began to undress. “So it has,” the future queen of Lian replied, letting her gilded loincloth tumble to the ground.

Dominax studied them as they dared to mount the bed. Their bodies were opposites, two examples of different beauty. The future High Lady of Tempian swayed her alluringly wide hips as she knelt before him, her thick thighs drawing his attention.

Her tall companion, Sanara, ran a hand over her toned and athletic body, her curves elegant and graceful. Her wings twitched with excitement as she moved closer. “You are no longer required, slave.” She brushed aside the Arkos girl’s hand, replacing it with her own. “His holiness requires a real woman, not a desert dweller.”

A nod sent the slave away as Dominax focused upon the new hand. Though feminine, it was strong around his girth, gripping him tightly. A true Lanthian warrior sought to claim her worthy breeder.

Retreating to join her fellow slave beside the bed, the girl watched, craddling her pregnancy. Tavari scowled at the sight of her belly. “Your majesty, your seed is wasted on them.”

Dominax pulled her closer, hearing her gasp as his hand seized its rightful place between her thick thighs. His fingers explored her, finding her eager wetness. “Then tell me about what you’ve offered me,” he commanded. They had still been pregnant when the legion departed from Arkos-Nu. “Tell me of my children.”

Sanara chuckled, her arrogant features darkening with lust as she stroked the cock that had impregnated her. “Oh, your majesty, they are flawless.” Her other hand glided down to her green lower lips, running a finger between her waiting labia. Her ancestors had been conditioned for generations to crave the seed of a strong Priarch. Now, her body yearned for the conqueror before her. “A girl from each of us. My daughter shall be a magnificent warrior.”

“Good.” The word was a deep echo through the chamber, dripping with satisfaction. He guided her into his lap, rewarding her loyalty by permitting her to sink down on his cock. They had shared a single night long ago, their loins almost strangers, yet they had created life together.

While her companion moaned as her green sex stretched around his girth, Tavari savored his fingers. “Their wings are as healthy as pure-blooded Lanthians, if a bit pale,” she added, biting her lip in desire. “I shall gladly grant you another tonight. Unless…”

Dominax caressed Sanara’s toned midriff, feeling her tight body as she moved up and down carefully in his lap. “Yes?”

A devious expression claimed the shorter woman as her wings involuntarily fluttered. She crept closer, a huntress knowing precisely what she desired. Never could any Lanthian warrior be thought of as a prude. “If it would please you, I’d ask you to claim me in a different way tonight.”

She dared to guide his hand away from her sex, his wet fingers dragging her juices across her curves as she gently moved his hand around to her rear.

“The truth is, we knew this was inevitable the moment you summoned us from that Arkos pit.” Tavari grinned seductively. “Your reputation in such things is not a mystery, and thus I’ve had desires.”

“We came…ahh…prepared,” Sanara added, closing her eyes as she enjoyed his thick intrusion. Her movements quickened, knowing her time was limited if he accepted her companion’s offer.

More than intrigued, Dominax squeezed her round rump. “Show me these desires,” he replied through his pleasure.

Tavari escaped his grasp long enough to depart from the bed. Returning to her pile of discarded outfit, she retrieved an item from beneath the gilded fabric. “Nara beads, your holiness.”

He offered his hand and let her drop the object into his grasp as she mounted the bed once more. Bringing it closer for inspection, he saw that it was a small chain linking ten rounded beads together in a single line, each ball thicker than his thumb. They appeared to be made of smooth gold, carved with Lanthian symbols he could not read. “You’ll have to explain.”

“Of course.” In response, she knelt beside him and bent over, presenting her large rear. She wiggled her wide hips, glancing back. “I want to feel you inside me again, though until Sanara has had her fill, I’m…content to wait.” She reached between her thick thighs and gently took his hand, guiding the beads toward her ass. “Let me show you something new, your holiness. Let me show you my submission.”

Dominax brought the beads to her rear entrance. One by one, she guided him to push them inside her puckered hole until only the end of the chain dangled outside her body. Chuckling, more than curious, he watched as she slowly began to pull them from her ass.

“Like…ahh…so…” Tavari moaned. Bead by bead, she gradually pulled the chain, her anus clenching hard as each smooth ball of gold slipped from her ass. When the last escaped her, she quivered in pleasure.

The Arkos slaves watched with wide-eyed fascination. The women of The Lanthian Empire were experts at pleasing each other.

While Sanara continued to ride his cock, Dominax pushed the beads back inside Tavari. Feeling his current lover’s squeezing sex, he took ample satisfaction in watching the shorter woman’s thighs tremble as he slowly pulled the chain. Bead after bead emerged from her ass, making her grip the sheets.

“Yes…I’m…” Sanara moaned, her loins bursting with pleasure after forgoing the sensation of a worthy cock for so long. “Your holiness…I’m…”

After mere minutes, he felt her squeeze hard around his cock. Her wings twitched wildly as she was gripped by a powerful orgasm.

The woman trembling in his lap was a future queen, a worthy being he intended to place upon the throne of Lian. His free hand caressed her body as he rewarded her loyalty with pleasure, thinking of their future descendants, green queens that would share her powerful beauty.

“Your majesty, I would…AHH…” Tavari cried out as he abruptly yanked the entire chain from her rear with a single pull, making her legs quiver wildly. Moaning, she looked back with a devious smirk of pleasure.

“This was only a taste. You said it yourself.” Dominax guided Sanara from his lap when she could move. “After all, there is much I would know.”

“Oh?” Tavari asked with curiosity, remaining bent over while he maneuvered behind her. She bit her lip as he caressed her rear, rubbing his wet cock against her. “What would you have us tell you?”

Missing the tight warmth he had enjoyed, far from satisfied, his manhood ached as it brushed against her puckered hole. “We are returning to finish what we started in the jungle.” He began to push. Lubricated by Sanara’s vaginal juices still coating his manhood, his cock forced its way inside Tavari’s ass. Gritting his teeth from the squeezing sensation around his shaft, a low rumbled echoed through the chamber as he groaned. “I’d know more about my enemy.”

Tavari moaned loudly as she was claimed, digging her green fingers into the sheets. Clearly more than accustomed to objects sliding into her rear, she fought to relax her body to enjoy the sensation.

“We’ve provided all we can grant you, your majesty,” Sanara said as she drank in the sight of her companion’s submission. She casually maneuvered in front of her as if she had presented herself to the shorter woman countless times before. As the only two Lanthians left behind in Arkos-Nu, they were no doubt quite familiar with each other’s touch. “What more would you know?” She bent over, mirroring Tavari’s position while granting him a curious smirk.

Holding his current lover’s wide hips, he pushed in and out of her tight rear, watching her wings twitch in bliss. “Tell me of The Empress, this…ahh…Grand Miarch of The Lanthians,” he demanded. The focus of his first invasion had been upon Lian. Now, he sought a swift end to the entirety of the jungle empire.

Sanara met her companion’s familiar gaze, requiring no words to express what she desired. “Empress, Miarch, the grandest Miarch, she can be described by many titles. I suppose the term most would use in her presence would be Kanara.” Her arrogant lips parted when Tavari retrieved the Nara beads, granting her what she sought. Rubbing the first golden ball against Sanara’s puckered hole, the shorter woman began to push the beads one by one into her companion.

Dominax caressed Tavari’s flawless rear, large and round. He recalled the histories Lalian had prepared for him. “The name of the first…ahh…Miarch.” He remembered the ancient tale of the Lanthian who had conquered the jungle without a single battle by challenging the rulers of every village to a duel.

“The first, the last, and all those in between. They…ahh…” Sanara moaned as Tavari slowly pulled the chain from her ass, every bead making her quiver. “The empresses, the greatest ruling Miarchs, all adopt the name of their predecessor. The thirty-seventh Kanara currently holds the throne above all other Miarchs.”

The God Emperor heard Tavari’s loud moan as he drove his cock deep inside her clenching depths. Watching her push the beads inside her fellow Lanthian before beginning to pull them out with a gradual, agonizing slowness, he pondered his enemy. “Tell me…ahh…more.”

“We hear only distant tales, your…ahh…majesty,” Sanara said through her pleasure. As the end of the chain slipped from her rear once more, she purred in bliss. “Ohh…they say she is wiser than all. They claim she is devoted to her people in all ways.”

Dominax nodded, expecting no more than what little she granted him. So too had Lalian and Anthara both been unable to offer much insight into their former empress, for the countless subjects of an empire could hardly be expected to know their rulers beyond mere propaganda.

He respected Lalian’s mind and knowledge above that of any other living being, though his experience of the jungle had been from the perspective of a slave. Now that Anthara was forever lost to him, the perspective of a former free woman of The Lanthian Empire was critical, and thus he’d keep the pair before him quite close during the coming war.

Tavari’s submissive moans grew louder with every passing minute. She gladly surrendered to a worthy breeder, biting the sheets as she approached her finish. She required no added stimulation other than his thick manhood in her rear to find her satisfaction, her ample experience more than clear.

Sensing her pleasure, Dominax increased his pace. He sought to match her, both striding towards a mutual climax. Savoring her ass, caressing every alluring, smooth inch, he squeezed her round flesh and dug his fingers into her green skin as he brushed against his own limit.

Finally, slamming his hips hard against her rump, he unleashed his seed deep inside her. The feeling of his gushing warmth was the last piece of her pleasure she required, crying out as her body seized and trembled in an intense orgasm.

Sanara glanced back to watch their ecstasy. Reaching between her toned legs to run a finger between her dripping lower lips, she chuckled in satisfaction.

Unwilling to release his hold, Dominax held her firmly against him as he endured his agonizing bliss. As his body remained locked in the grasp of his climax, he thought only of his purpose.

The Grand Miarch, the thirty-seventh Kanara, would be the last Kanara.

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