Jade dominion, p.1
Jade Dominion, page 1
Jay Krauss
Jade Dominion
Copyright © 2025 by Jay Krauss
All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced, stored or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic, mechanical, photocopying, recording, scanning, or otherwise without written permission from the publisher. It is illegal to copy this book, post it to a website, or distribute it by any other means without permission.
This novel is entirely a work of fiction. The names, characters and incidents portrayed in it are the work of the author's imagination. Any resemblance to actual persons, living or dead, events or localities is entirely coincidental.
Jay Krauss has no responsibility for the persistence or accuracy of URLs for external or third-party Internet Websites referred to in this publication and does not guarantee that any content on such Websites is, or will remain, accurate or appropriate.
First edition
Editing by Sidnie Krauss
Editing by Carlie Morris
Cover art by Henrique "Morpheuz" Neves
This book was professionally typeset on Reedsy
Find out more at reedsy.com
To Hannah,
You wanted more women kissing women…
Sorry to disappoint. I’ll get you next time.
Contents
Chapter 1
Chapter 2
Chapter 3
Chapter 4
Chapter 5
Chapter 6
Chapter 7
Chapter 8
Chapter 9
Chapter 10
Chapter 11
Chapter 12
Chapter 13
Chapter 14
Chapter 15
Chapter 16
Chapter 17
Chapter 18
Chapter 19
Chapter 20
Afterword
Glossary
Chapter 1
“Icannot believe I have to do this again.”
Lin Mah glared at Leon, who stared into the wide storage room in the keep with a confused look on his face.
“Do… what, exactly?”
With an exasperated sigh, Lin Mah turned to Hannah, who had an impish grin on her face.
“You are helping this time.”
The grin faded, Hannah taking a step back slowly, bumping into Amber, who yelped as her toes were stepped on.
“Ah, I’m so sorry!” Hannah exclaimed, “Let’s go heal you right away!”
She picked up the smaller woman bodily and carried her from the room, Amber’s face one of total confusion. Lin Mah rolled her eyes.
“Do you have any idea how long it took me to organize everything last time you dumped your inventory out into a warehouse?”
The storage room took up the majority of the keep’s basement, stretching from stone wall to stone wall in an area no smaller than that of the warehouse they had rented in Sylvandell. There were far more useful racks, bins, and locked chests than there had been in the elven city, but the entire center of the room was filled with a pile of monster bones, weapons, ore, and assorted items that Leon had picked up since coming to the Desolate Lands. An area towards the rear of the space was obviously designed for secure storage, and somehow had already filtered out the coinage and what few monster cores Leon still had to his name, displaying them in bins.
“Oh! We’re gonna need those I bet.” Elzbeth said, heading over to check them out.
Lin Mah looked at Leon with a raised eyebrow, who nodded.
“Her continued health depends on Soul Qi… the only source I have for which is monster cores.” he explained calmly, “I gain some back over time, but it has yet to be enough.”
“Even after your Advancement to Duke?”
Leon seemed to consider that for a moment before shrugging.
“I have not had the time to check. That said, I feel a slow drain of Soul Qi coming from the Domain, and it cost me quite a bit to bring you all here as well. I imagine cores will be needful going forward, regardless. I will need to do some hunting very soon.”
Lin Mah rolled her eyes and held out a hand, dumping a stream of cores onto the storage room floor. The orbs vanished as they struck the stone below and reappeared in the bins in front of Elzbeth, who jumped and then laughed at herself.
“What is mine is yours, Leon. And, unfortunately, what is yours…” she trailed off, staring at the pile of miscellaneous loot, “…is mine. I’ll take care of this.”
Leon gave her a chagrined look before closing his eyes and pushing his mind out into his Domain. Everything within the space became known to him as though it was rolled out in front of him like a blueprint. He could sense the keep and those within it, the forest and rolling hills, the river that ran just a few hundred yards down slope, and could test the bounds of the space as he sensed where it stopped. He focused on the storage room, encompassing everything within it. Unbeknownst to him, both women shivered slightly as the weight of his notice fell upon them, looking up at the man with trust and concern.
He somehow knew that he could make things happen within his Domain with just a flex of his Willpower. He could change nearly everything he could sense, though adding to or drastically moving things would cost him resources and Soul Qi. He could easily make life less tedious for Lin Mah, however, and did so with a thought.
The items that littered the space exploded in all directions, garnering gasps from both of the women. Each piece flew to its newly designated section, filling crates, barrels, shelves and racks. The storage space didn’t seem to diminish even after everything he had collected was in place, however. It felt just as ready for more as it had when they first arrived. Each container was labeled clearly, with small signs above sections that he had designated using his own sensibilities as a smith. Like things with like things, as always. He opened his eyes to see Lin Mah beaming at him before she threw herself against his chest in a hug.
“Oh, that is so much better. Thank you.” she said into his doublet.
He patted her head lightly, still uncertain in the realm of physical touch that didn’t involve a sword. Elzbeth grinned at them both before reappearing beside them and attempting to hug them herself. Her short stature meant short arms, naturally, and she managed to more press herself into their sides than anything else. Lin Mah smiled at her before realizing their position and pulling away with red creeping up her neck.
“Ah, apologies.” she said, looking away.
“Nuh-uh! No you don’t!” Elzbeth replied, throwing herself around the tall woman in a tight hug, “It’s been way too long since I saw you last, and we have so much to discuss! Leon, why don’t you go… kill something… somewhere for a while?”
Leon raised an eyebrow but saw the serious looks on both women’s faces and raised his hands in surrender.
“Very well, I will go… kill something somewhere.”
He left them in the storage area and headed up the stone stairs, exiting into the main hall. He heard the sounds of Hannah and Amber, well mostly Hannah, speaking in the study and followed them. The study was a wide and warmly decorated room that reminded him greatly of the one that had graced his former lord’s castle. It was wood paneled, with thick fur rugs covering the stone floors. A fireplace stood at the far end, roaring high though none of them had so much as put logs into it since arriving. A heavy desk stood against a wall that was entirely lined with shelves that seemed to be designed to display trophies, with an equally heavy leather chair behind it. The middle of the room was taken up by a set of couches and chairs that faced the fireplace, on one of which sat the two women he was looking for.
Hannah was roaring with laughter at a joke she almost certainly just told, with Amber smiling back at her. The smith didn’t seem uncomfortable in the slightest- if anything, she seemed to truly enjoy Hannah’s company. Leon assumed they had spoken about Amber’s fears in regards to her romantic outlook- or lack there of- as Hannah had clearly taken on a mother bird role in their relationship. If anything Amber seemed a little overwhelmed by the outpouring of love and care that the cleric showed, but she was hardly put out by it. She allowed Hannah to hold one of her hands as they talked, catching each other up on Leon and the team.
“Wait, so you thought when he said ‘it’s taken care of’ that he meant he had just told the man off?” Hannah was asking, mimicking Leon’s voice as she did so, “Oh you sweet little bird. If that’s easier for you, you keep on keeping on with that belief.”
She looked up at Leon and winked as he entered the room.
“Giving the bad men a talking to, huh Leon? Having a good chat? Surely nobody died.”
Leon grimaced a bit but not without mirth of his own. He didn’t feel guilty in the slightest over his actions, though perhaps a bit over Amber’s reaction to them. He didn’t wish to take that innocence away from her, as he knew this world would do that for him eventually. All he could do was be true to himself and his people, and ensure that they all had what they needed to thrive. If that meant avoiding certain topics with Amber, so be it. As he thought that, Amber giggled.
“When did I say that?” she asked, smiling at Hannah, “I’m glad that bastard’s dead. He deserved that and more for what he’s done to me and others.”
Hannah’s face was a picture of shock as she looked at Leon, eyes wide and mouth open. Leon laughed and sat on the couch opposite them with a sigh.
“Your first day and you have managed to shock her into silence! I am impressed, Amber.”
Amber just grinned at him, patting Hannah’s hand
“This is a harsh place, Hannah. I am not so naive as to believe that someone like Steven Wainright could meet someone like Leon and walk away from the encounter. For which I am grateful.” she said, half bowing to Leon.
Leon shook his head.
“No need to count that as anything beyond doing the needful. You are one of us, and even if you were not I would have acted the same. Men like that do not deserve to continue to draw breath.”
Hannah let out a breath and shook her head.
“Whew, alright then, you got me good there. Glad to see you’ve been picking up on what Leon’s been putting down… even if he has no clue that he’s doing it. You couldn’t have picked a better Master, or better Clan, I assure you that!”
Amber giggled again, before rolling her eyes.
“Not that I was flush with opportunities, but I will forever be glad of both. People like me, like us in Duskwarren, aren’t offered a place in a Clan- much less given a surname by their Clan Founder. We’re mostly lucky if those powerful enough to be in Clans don’t murder us just for the fun of it.”
Hannah made a face and went to respond when Leon winced, a feeling of pressure coming from his mind. He heard Soren’s voice in his ear.
“Hey, brother, you’ve got visitors. They seem… friendly? Well, four of them do. The others outside not so much. Maybe come check it out?”
Leon blinked and looked at the two women.
“It appears we have trouble outside. Do you wish to stay here while I handle it?”
Hannah shook her head at the same time Amber nodded, the two looking at each other and laughing softly.
“I’ll come with! I haven’t seen you throw down in what feels like years!” Hannah exclaimed.
“I will stay. I need to orient myself here, perhaps look for a place to build a new workshop?” Amber said hopefully.
Leon nodded.
“Yes, do that. When I return we can get started on it.” he replied, then looked at Hannah, “Shall we?”
With a flash, he and Hannah vanished from the room.
* * *
Leon opened his eyes in Amber’s shop as Hannah reappeared beside him. Soren jumped as Leon stood up suddenly, the monk’s hand still placed on his shoulder as if trying to rouse him. Turning towards the door, Leon was greeted by a set of voices speaking at once, harmonizing in tone rather than sounding discordant.
“Greetings, my lord!”
Four demihumans stood, curtsying deeply, their long rabbit ears hanging over their faces. They wore the same maid outfits Leon had found them in while breaking into Steven Wainright’s house, though all of them looked worse for wear. Their clothing was torn in places and dusty, as if they had recently escaped a struggle and needed to crawl through the dirt to do so. He looked at them each in turn.
“Ruba. Esmeralda. Kali and… I am sorry, I do not believe I ever caught your name.” he spoke to the last of the sisters.
All four jumped and looked at him in shock.
“You… remember our names, my lord?” Esmeralda replied, astonished.
The fourth sister curtsied again.
“I am Janice, my lord.”
Leon waved a hand.
“Please. I am only Leon. There is no need to stand on ceremony. What brings-”
A loud thump came from the door of the shop and a voice roared out from the other side.
“You in there! Bring them girls out or we’ll bust in and take em! No claim’s been laid so we’re making one ourselves! The magistrate signed off on it and everything!”
Leon raised an eyebrow at Soren, who grinned back at him, their nonchalance making all four bunny girls look at them in confusion.
“Sorry Leon, I figured you’d want to do the honors. Unless of course you want me to get some exercise?”
Leon shook his head with a sigh, glancing over the four women before him.
“I freed you all. Can you explain why there are dead men at my door?” he asked, a cold light in his eyes that made them shiver. Esmeralda wet her lips nervously before speaking.
“Er, my lord- that is, Lord Leon, sir- we appreciate what you’ve done for us, but I’m afraid it’s not as simple as destroying the collars. We signed contracts- granted under duress and in a language we don’t read well- and these men managed to get a hold of them somehow. They claim we belong to them-”
“But we do not. We belong to you, my lord.” Ruba finished, “You are our savior, and we are yours.”
Leon nearly snarled at that statement, making Hannah step between him and the women. She smiled at them all before turning and putting a finger in Leon’s chest.
“Brother, I know for a fact you aren’t about to yell at these desperate women because of a misunderstanding. Right?” she asked, her eyes daring him to contradict her.
He closed his eyes and took a deep breath before looking at her and nodding with his mouth closed tight. She smiled at him and turned back to the four bunny girls.
“Ladies, please do not refer to yourselves as property, least of all as property of Leon here. He takes great offense at the idea, and would never want to be associated with such a thing.” she said calmly, watching as their faces fell.
Another loud thump came from the door, this time made with a weapon. Leon’s trained ears could tell it was a heavy sword, which tore a chunk from the thick wood.
“I said bring them out! If you don’t, I’m coming in! And when I do, it won’t just be them in trouble!”
Leon sighed and looked up at the ceiling for a moment before returning his gaze to the women.
“You all will be taken and made to be slaves once more?” he asked quietly, working through his limited options.
They nodded as one, a tear falling from the silent Kali’s face. Ruba’s voice came out choked.
“It is as you say, my lord. We wish to be- that is, we wish to serve you, no other.” she searched his face for a sign of anger but his face was stone, his mind working.
Leon glanced at Hannah.
“Is there a way to break their contracts without having to destroy the entire town again?” he asked calmly, four sets of eyes snapping to him in shock at his words.
Hannah giggled and nodded.
“Yep, there’s one way. I think you know how already, but if you’re asking for permission…”
Leon rolled his eyes and opened a menu in his vision, sending prompts to each of the demihuman women. They gasped, simultaneously throwing their hands to their mouths as they read the words before them.
[You are are being invited to Clan Jäger as a member of the Clan in good standing. Do you accept? Yes/No.]
As if in a trance, all four stared at Leon silently. None of them could believe the System prompt in their vision, and as one they fell to their knees and wept. Ruba spoke first, through her tears.
“My lord, surely you jest. Is this… a test of some kind?”
Leon made a confused face, which made Soren and Hannah laugh softly. The monk shook his head.
“No test, friends. This is how my brother operates. How your Clan Founder operates, if you have the good sense to accept his offer.”
“I accept!” said Kali, speaking for the first time and bowing low to Leon.
“Sister!” Esmeralda exclaimed, “We are not worth-”
“I also accept!” Janice nearly shouted.
Leon simply waited, watching the remaining two wrestle with themselves. Finally, he relented, taking a knee and speaking to them on the same level.
“You are worthy, and you are welcome. We offer this to you, as well as a safe place to live, for as long as you put the matters of the Clan before all others. Should you wish to have some sort of job, if that makes it seem more believable, I am sure one of the women can come up with-”
“I accept so long as I can be your maid, my lord!” Ruba cried.
“I also wish for that role!” Esmeralda said, despite her reservations, “I accept!”
Leon looked at Hannah and Soren, chagrined, getting only impish smiles in return. He nodded once with a sigh, accepting their pledges.
“This is the fun part.” Soren said with a chuckle, watching the four demihumans.
[Kali has accepted the invitation and is now marked as ‘Member’ within the Clan. Her surname has been changed.]
[Janice has accepted the invitation and is now marked as ‘Member’ within the Clan. Her surname has been changed.]
