From the helm Bruno couldn't help but watch the drow swordsman half baked plan in action, "If this works, I'll buy the drow a drink."

"If it works, captain." His firstmate steadied the helm as the rest of the crew prepared for a counter attack to defend the ship and its guests.

"That's a big IF, Bruno,"Roberts chimed in. "With his rate of fire, and rate of approach, it might not be that easy. Do you have any speed boosts that we can use to open up that range?"

Bruno glanced around the helm of his airship again, "Hmm...the gadgets on this ship haven't been fully tested yet, Roberts. Take a look for yourself, maybe you can figure out some of these ordinates?"

"Willow! FIRE!" The Ranger cut loose with an Energy arrow that struck and exploded the casket inches away from the Venger/Night Mare monster's maw. The resulting explosion did two things: One, it temporarily stunned the Venger/Night Mare causing it to veer into and subsequently demolish the roof of a nearby tower. Two, it caused a concussive blast that jolted the airship forward forcing Bruno and his men to fight for control so they did not share the same fate as the Venger/Night Mare.

The Venger/Night Mare may have been stunned but it was still airborne as it tried to recover its pursuit.

"Curse it all!" The Swordsman snapped, "We didn't take him down!"

"Have you forgotten, Irzen? Venger has the home field advantage here." Alyson said without taking her eyes off of the enemy.

"He'll be ready for us the next time around," The Ranger reluctantly admitted.

Irzen nodded in agreement before he turned to Quake, "Ready for another try?"

"I'll give it another try or two." Quake seemed optimistic about a counterstrike.

Roberts watched the skies towards the border with anticipation, knowing the message he sent would have been received by now. The dots of other airships appeared in the distance. Roberts quickly assessed the distance and closing rate. "BRUNO! Come port 2 points then give her all she's got!"

The half orc didn't even have to repeat what the pirate said, his first mate was already made the adjustments and headed in the direction that Roberts implied.

Bruno yelled over to the rest of party, "HOLD onto something!"

Neven and Serna grabbed a part of the railing of the airship. Irzen and Willow stood tall as their Elven sure-footed stature kept them in place.

"Home field advantage?" The Swordsman turned towards The Elementalist, "What's that supposed to mean?"

"You know like when your favorite football team is playing at home instead of away. More people. Loyal fans and such." Alyson held onto the railing as the airship came about suddenly.

"That he is stronger here than he is anywhere else?" Neven offered with a shrug.

"Yup! Exactly!" Quake loaded another shell then rotated back in the direction of the oncoming monster.

"Oh! I understand," Irzen nodded in acknowledgement, "In other words, if we can lure Venger away from the Black City, then we might have a better chance of stopping him. Am I right?"

"He's gaining on us!" Serna declared to no one in particular as she witnessed the Venger/Night Mare veer towards them in hot pursuit.

The Ranger readied another Energy Arrow while The Stone Elemental went to retrieve another casket.

THe deck lurched beneath the party with the burst of speed from the airship. The distance was actually opening up between the ship and Venger. For the moment, at least. The shapes in the distance grew larger and larger until it was clear that a squadron of airships flying the colors of Dunmead were bearing down upon the party. There was no hesitation and no need for coordination of efforts. THe new ships had opened fire on Venger with their long range guns. The fire from these guns was more accurate and deadly than any Bruno's ship could muster. Roberts uttered a silent prayer thanking whoever would listen that he was able to remember the secrets to rifling and shell shapes.


"WOOOOOOOOOOT! THAT GOT'EM!" Quake was ecstatic at seeing horn head get a whooping.

The blasts from the new airships did more than just stun the Venger/Night Mare, they wounded it. The creature howled in pain as it temporarily broke off its pursuit.

The half orc glanced over at the human pirate, "I see you made some new friends or just ones that owe you a few favors?"

"Who the hell are they?" Irzen asked no in particular as he pointed to the new arrivals.

"Allies of Roberts." The elementalist kept her gaze fixed on the monster, "Am I correct on the answer, Roberts?"