Deep within the high vaulted cavern, the bone-carved throne sat upon a terrace of jagged obsidian overlooking the subterranean settlement.
A kneeling beastman warrior pressed his snout against the slick volcanic glass, trembling as he presented a shattered bronze horn to his master.
"The human column breached the outer perimeter gate thirty minutes ago, Lord!" the subordinate whimpered, keeping his snout glued to the dust.
"They march beneath imperial standards, carrying silver fire and cutting down every scout in the lower sector!" the creature added in frantic desperation.
The towering silhouette seated upon the dragon-bone seat did not speak, his massive crimson-plated hands resting motionless on his armored knees.
With a swift, disdainful flick of his clawed gauntlet, the giant struck the messenger across the skull, sending the beast tumbling twenty feet across the stone.
