Demetrius approached the hound with caution.
The beast would dwarf the largest wolf and its appearance was far more fearsome in close-up. Foam dribbled from the elongated muzzle and the light shimmered on dark skin, reflecting like the feathers of a peacock as it combined with the sparkles of teal scales.
"It's alright," Demetrius held his hands up as one eye opened and a low growl ruminated from its throat. "I won't hurt you. I haven't got claws like some of them, so I'm less likely to."
He wasn't sure if she understood or if it was the soothing tone of his voice, but she slowly lay her head back even if her eyes remained open and watched him intently.
He looked around, hoping for help and saw that he was left alone. "Jerks," he said under his breath as he looked at the female hound. She seemed calm but still looked suspicious as he leaned forward to aid the emerging pup, a cute little runt with some white spots over his head and on his ears.
A smile spread on his face as the mother sniffed it before looking away disdainfully as it wriggled to suckle. She growled lowly, uncomfortable with the attention.
"Not the maternal type?" Demetrius frowned. "I'll move them once they've had the first milk. I'm not having you eat them or rip them apart."
The unearthly hounds were renowned for not being the best of parents. Once the pups had suckled, they were left to fend for themselves. They were hardy, even at such a young age, and few fell victim to predators. But the risk of illness was high and only those who took the most of the first milk managed to grow.
Sweat pooled on his brow as he worked. One turned to two, then three, until six squirming, scaly pups wriggled by the lactating teats.
From the side, Karanos, his arms folded, watched impassively. The care being taken was a rare sight. Normally the birthing was violent and blood flowed from the hound and from the wounds it inflicted on any near it. His eyes shifted and indicated to the golem-like guard to remove the puppies after they had drank their fill.
The titan was gentle, albeit cumbersome, and gathered the tiny beings up in his hands to safety, even though their whines could indicate otherwise.
"Take them to the stable. The straw will keep them warm and the keeper will ensure they are tended to." His gaze shifted back to Demetrius. His hair was a mess and plastered to his face and blood and sweat covered his hands and chest. "You will follow. You can tidy up and remain there whilst I consider things."
"Wait, my Lord...the runt," Demetrius pushed the golem's hand away as it reached for the tiny pup. The narrow eyes narrowed further and he knew it wished to reach for his neck but waited impatiently for its master's command.
"What about it?"
"May I keep hold of him for a while? He needs more care..."
Karanos looked at the animal and sneered. The weakness exuded from it in waves; if its siblings did not force it away, then the weight of the world would see it off.
"As you wish. An animal like that would suit you," he answered coldly. "Both of you are hanging onto the edge of existence. Besides," his lips curled into a smirk, "if you raise him well then it's an extra guard. If not, it's no loss." He turned abruptly and stalked away, his long hair shimmering in the gloom.
The golem glared down. "You are to be the watcher of this young pup, so says our Lord," he said as his eyes started to glow red, emphasising the point. "I shall lead you to where you shall dwell for now. Do not think you will be able to escape. The powers here seal those who trespass within. And those who are sentenced to rot here until the Gods see fit to excuse them."
Up until now Caldor had remained silently but now he sidled forward, his lips pursed in a grim line. "Collar him. It will mean we can locate him if he does decide to be foolish. However, one move like that and death will be the reward, and you will be trapped here anyway."
"A collar?" Demetrius's eyes widened. "I'm not an animal! And I have no intention of being an ass! I'm not fully human so I understand some of the rules of the other worlds!"
That was hardly true and it sounded ridiculous the moment it left his lips. He knew very little having been raised by humans. His knowledge was based more on hearsay than fact.
"And that makes you an exception because...?"
Caldor arched an eyebrow and tilted his head, waiting for an answer that never came. He grinned widely as Demetrius looked down, stroking the puppy silently.
"Retain that attitude and perhaps no harm will befall you," he said, the sour edge fading slightly. "Lord Karanos is not unreasonable. He is not like the demons that adore pain without reason." He flicked his wrist. "Come, follow me and let us get this over with. For the pups sake, not your own."
---
The stables were meticulously clean.
From prior experience, Demetrius was used to smelling the scent of manure or filthy hay before even seeing the outline of a building.
He had assumed it would be similar here, perhaps worse, imagining the stench of seaweed when the sun started to bleach it or the odour of dead fish.
This time the red stone of the building greeted his eyes before a soft scent of dried weeds.
The relief turned to trepidation as he laid eyes on the horses within.
The great beasts were parted in four stalls crafted cleverly from the shattered remains of lost ships and crumbled stone. It was a wonder that it could contain huge animals. They could easily force their way free if they so desired.
They were a mass of muscular shadow. Their skin was as black as pitch and shimmering with teal like the tail of a peacock with cold brown eyes watching knowingly.
Impressively versatile, they were used for a variety of duties from hunting to towing. But such majesty was unnerving, especially as they gazed towards him.
What disturbed Demetrius more was the reddish hue that stained the hay and kelp in the troughs. When he peered closer he saw the fleshy remains of an unidentifiable creature.
"Yes, they eat meat," Caldor said with an air of indifference as he patted one of the wide muzzles. "At the moment it's mainly fish and other unfortunate animals that get caught in the traps. But it's also a marvellous way of getting rid of the victims of war or unwanted prisoners who deserve a more painful death."
A sickly grin spread over his lined features as Demetrius stiffened, his eyes fixed on the horses who stared back with no particular interest. The nearest gave a snort and leaned over to rummage in the trough. The sound of crunching bone soon followed.
As Demetrius was frozen in place the guard moved behind him, clamping a leather collar about his throat.
Caldor smiled wider as Demetrius started, almost dropping the pup who yelped in shock, wriggling in his arms to gain a hold.
"Once your little friend earns his collar, you'll match very well," he smirked and wafted them forward. "Even if your status might differ. Regardless, you'll remain here and you will be still, or behave at least. I daresay you'll find out about your fate in due course."