Imperium

Prologue

The rattle of metal disturbed the dark silence. A dank smell rose throughout the dungeon, filling one's nostrils of mold and rats. Flickering torches were the only sources of light. A click followed every step a very large man took when he crossed the stone floor. He wondered how quickly a prisoner would become insane just from the cold, barren cells and windowless walls. It was a morbid thought. Passing by countless cells grew quiet unease in the man, like feeding a monster most capable of destruction, but nonetheless he carried on. It was important he complete his task.

Gradually, the cells became more and more desolate. A few cries and bangs made the man flinch away. The entrance of the dungeon now looked so distant, he could no longer see the first torch. The man began to quicken his pace. It seemed like hours when finally he had arrived at a cell of no particular feature, only that it had a steel plate engraved with the number 196 upon its heavy door.

The man glanced about. Then, he opened a slot in the door, revealing darkness from the other side. He reached into his jacket pocket to pull out a small biscuit, a piece of cheese, and a slice of ham. He slowly moved his hand through the slot, holding the ham.

Suddenly a long, slender snout shot at the ham. A few snaps could be heard past the door. Almost as if begging, the snout returned through the slot, opening and closing to reveal canid teeth and a split tongue. The man grabbed the biscuit and gently placed it into the strange mouth. It greedily gobbled it up and once finished, whined for more. This time the cheese was given. The creature ate it with equal gusto.

The man smiled as the animal continued to reach for food. The man thought to himself as a a very clever man. After all, one could only hope to create such a beautiful chimera.