"Master, you summoned me?" The voice's timber was low and, to human ears, would have sounded more like a guttural gurgling noise than a language.

The beast-like creature had entered through heavy curtains and waited patiently for his master's reply.

"Yes." A giant half man half beast spoke in the same gurgling growls with a deep voice that could have been mistaken for many instead of one. "Drudzail, I have sensed a change in the third and fourth dimensions of energy."

The creature who had knuckle walked into the massive cavern that served as his master's throne room to reach this private sitting area, slowly stood awkwardly on two feet. This allowed for his giant three-fingered hands to reach up and grasp a heavy leather-bound tomb resting on a shelf carved into the wall near his master fireplace.

The tomb was of a size that even with the creature's three-inch dagger claws extending from each pale grey finger, his hands could not cover more than a quarter of the width of the book while he carried it over to the table beside his master.

The beast's gate was uneven as he staggered on two feet that were unused to being forced to balance his oversized torso without the aid of his massive hand's knuckle-walking. Even so, he managed to walk with care and laid the tomb carefully on the table without a sound.

Muscles relaxing as he let his body fall back to all fours, the creature went to sit on his haunches near the fire and watched the flames lick upwards as sparks twinkled here and there.

"The fourth dimension is spiritual, right, Master?" The creature sounded more curious than scared. Yet, he knew he should be at least nervous.

The beast's master was almost twice the size of his servant. Just over thirteen feet tall with a face similar to a tiger's and the torso of a man, he sat in an oversized padded chair; one leg swung carelessly over a chair arm with his back slouched to one corner.

The tail twitching around the one leg that rested a giant paw on the floor was the only sign of the master's annoyance.

"Yes." The master's reply came with no small amount of disgust. "Something is changing in the new world we sent our horde to prepare for us. Something that may put our victory in jeopardy."

The creature couldn't suppress the slight shiver that ran through him at his master's words. If they failed, many would suffer their master's wrath. The suffering would be long, and families would not only be forced to kill one another but feed on one another as their food sources were running dangerously low.

The creature pretended to take in the dark vastness of the mostly empty cavern beyond the tied back curtains.

The ceiling rose a hundred feet into the air, and a dozen pillars spread throughout had intricate carvings of beasts and half-humans caught in both violent and sexual acts and most often violent sex that border on horrific. Even for Drudzail.

A few sitting areas with cushions and rugs were scattered here and there in small nooks or corners, leaving the majority of the polished rock floor open and feeling bare without the usual mass of beasts circulating the room in small groups.

During celebrations when the Rakshasi came to visit twice a year, this cavern served as a room for feasting and dancing. Granted, the dance was more violent foreplay to a massive orgy than anything else, with the females often raping the males of their choice if they appeared unwilling.

The violence between the Rakshasi and Rakshasa was the main reason they had to live so far apart. In Drudzail's opinion, females were scary, especially in heat, and he often hid during their visits.

However, none of this crossed Drudzail's mind as he pretended to look around. Instead, he surreptitiously glanced several times at his master, taking in every detail of his countenance.

Being caught staring directly at his master would most likely result in a violent beating, but as long he was careful, his master shouldn't notice the quick and fleeting seconds Drudzail's eyes passed over him.

His master, the mighty Dhargar, slayer of many and lord of all Rakshasa, wore a look of annoyance mixed with disgust. His tail flicked violently around his ankle, and his whiskers kept twitching sporadically.

Drudzail also caught a small glimmer of concern creasing his master's eyes. That small detail caused Drudzail's thick grey skin to prickle as cold fear spread through him. He couldn't remember ever seeing such a look on his master's face before.

"Huh hun," Drudzail cleared his throat nervously. "How can I serve you, Master?"

Picking up the large tomb in one massive paw, making the size difference between Drudzail and his master even more pronounced as the book appeared to be half the size it had in Drudzail's claws, Dhargar opened to a page near the end.

"I need to contact Shiha. She's been dying to get her claws on this ancient collection of prophecy's from the Oracle Armayi anyway. Perhaps her interpretation will help us defeat whatever anomaly has occurred in this new world." Dhargar's voice was resigned if not defeated.

Drudzail kept his mouth shut and turned his eyes back to the fire. His master could probably smell his fear, but he would not show his face. That would be humiliating. Thus, staring at the fire once more, he let the implication of his master's words sink in.

The Rakshasa was going to ask the queen of the Rakshasi for aid. They would be in her debt if she agreed. They would owe her a favour.

Drudzail felt sick just thinking about what she may require of his master in return. His master thought letting the Queen see the Oracle's book would be enough, but Drudzail knew it wouldn't.

Queen Shiha was greedy and clever. She would see his master's request as a weakness and exploit it as much as she could without risking war.

Drudzail stole another sly glance at his master. Dhargar was running a furry man-shaped finger along the text of the prophecy that had haunted the Rakshasa for centuries. His master's shiny black onyx-like claws remained retracted to reduce the risk of tearing the ancient parchment.

Drudzail snapped his eyes back to the blazing fire. His master's private sitting area was nestled in a cove behind the throne situated at the furthest end of the cavern from the large double doors that allowed entry.

Curtains allowed for privacy when needed, and a shag carpet skinned from a hairy animal Drudzail could not name kept his haunches insulated against the cold stone of the cavern's floor.

Drudzail's eyes lost focus as his mind wandered. He would need to send a messenger. But should he send one of the servants or a Namibian? Would the queen be offended if he sent a flying serpent instead of an actual servant?

With deep regret, Drudzail realized the reality of what his master had meant with his words. Only one thing could be done.

Drudzail would have to go himself. Anything else would not be enough. He felt his mouth go dry and was glad he hadn't eaten yet.

Could it be happening? Drudzail had never considered any prophecy coming to be during his pathetic existence. It was inconceivable that the prophecy could be unfolding now while he served the master of the Rakshasa directly.

And now he would have to go and bring a message, no, a request, to the Queen who ate the males she mated with.

Swallowing hard, he gave his master the only answer he knew would be acceptable.

"I will leave at once, Master."