For once, she felt like her uncle was being truly sincere about his travel plans perhaps the curse that Venger had placed had no affect here in the Realm. "A part of me wants to go with you and see this grand kingdom but I need time to think, uncle. I feel that's there's more to me just being of the Realm entire."

Madeous was a man of strong will and could mask and or hide whatever to anyone else except for Alyson. With a heavy sigh, he told her of origins. "That last battle...knocked us off our feet. In our stubbornness, we believed that Venger could be stopped, or at best be put in his place for a long time. He won with the aid of Dungeon Master in a manner of speaking. There's some connection between those two."

"I heard there was a group of children from Earth, that Dungeon Master had summoned to thwart Venger's plans and something about redemption. I don't know how far they got or if they made it back home." The elementalist told her uncle.

Lazheros walked over to the table nearby refilled the cups with wine for them. They both looked like they needed a drink. As he walked back over, "I disapprove of children being coerced into solving problems caused by adults. Children are children. Let them be and let them enjoy their time of innocence whenever it arises."

Both Madeous and Alyson gratefully took the cups of wine and drank them.

"Thank you," The elementalist made eye contact with the cleric. There was a sense of understanding between them, more so, than before.

Lazheros's gaze allowed a telepathic connection with the elementalist, -Child. You are wonder to behold. Your friends are truly blessed to have you in their company. Come visit sometime for I wish to show you your birthright.-

"Uncle Madeous, how long will you be staying in Asylum?" Alyson out of the trance turning to the Platinum Knight.

Madeous Khyng finished the cup of wine. He did noticed the connection between his long time friend and his niece. He knew what it was. The same connection he had with Celestra. A Telepathic Bond is formed between a metallic dragon and a chosen human. "I will be here for another day before I take my leave for *Ux Verthicha Arux Darastrix.*

At the mention of the sacred city by Madeous, several acolytes, clerics, and patrons of the Platinum Dragon approached and bowed before him. They held him with great respect for being one of Bahamut's legendary Platinum Knights.

"I have an idea, lets go back to the NeverEnding Story tavern. Quake's there according to Irzen before they left to find the missing relic." Alyson suggested to both Madeous and Lazheros.

Madeous rose up from the stone chair smiling, "That would be an excellent idea. I would like to see how Mertul and Harley are."

The Bronze Man offered a hand to the elementalist, "A good walk through the city is a fine idea. I usually take at least a few walks through the city proper on a daily basis anyway."

The pair of dragonee remained behind in the temple. They would only leave if their master was immediate danger. Lazheros motioned one of the clerics over and suggested that the dragonee be groomed outside in the paddock area. It would also give a chance for the rest of the pilgrims, clergy to see these rare creatures up close and learn about them.

With that said, the three left the temple proper and headed down the path into the city. The citizens were accustomed to seeing the Bronze Man take daily walks through the streets. King Madeous walking next to him with the elementalist caught their attention. Most bowed and cheered. Some even approached and thanked Madeous for his aid and brave deeds that saved their city from a vile threat.

Alyson was in complete disbelief at all the attention her uncle received from the people of Asylum. -Wow! The stories pale in comparison...-

Lazheros walked next to the elementalist, his arms intertwined within the long sleeves of his robes. It was good to see how the citizens still remembered his friend this way. To show them that he was no better than anyone else. That he would humble himself and treat all as equals. -He treats them as equals with respect. A rare quality.-

***********

Mertul looked at the odd couple from time to time while taking inventory, "I hear the king is in town."

"The King?" Quake asked taking another sip.

"Aye, King Madeous, the Platinum Knight, Champion of Bahamut." Harley turned to the elemental. "There was a time when Asylum was in danger from invasion. The Tarfoq Armanda from the Southern Fire Sea. People had heard rumors of these sea faring marauders from sailors but not on the scale that tried invade Asylum some thirty years ago."

Quake was awe struck and listened as Harley told of tale of high adventure. The name Madeous seemed familiar but she couldn't quite place the name.

"The people of Asylum like to be left to themselves in each district. They have their own rules and laws but its the militia that patrols all of the city. They're the peace keepers and for a port city of this size, the greatest crimes here are theft and espionage. Murder and killing is frowned upon greatly. The worse offenders aren't sent to the mines or banished with no hope of return." Mertul spoke up while working behind the bar. "Asylum is a a sanctuary, neutral territory where folks can relax and start over fresh or it may that they're just stopping to rest. Harley and I fought with King Madeous and The Bronze Man at the wall. Fought hard and long and drove the Tarfoq armanda back to where they came from. Since then, Asylum has seen no squabbles of from visitors since. The guilds have their own space and stay out of each others problems."

The sounds of people cheering outside in the streets made both Mertul and Harley paused in their conversation with Quake. The beholder and the dwarf looked at each other nodding in unison. "The King is here!"

Madeous, Lazheros, and Alyson made it back to the tavern and entered. It was the time of day where most of the patrons were working applying their trades and wares to make a living. Mertul remained where she was on the box, and bowed graciously before Madeous, "Your majesty!

Harley rotated one-eighty degrees and bowed also. Well dipping downward in a manner of speaking, "Your majesty."

Quake turned to see the three of them and nearly fell out of her seat but managed to right herself. She felt foolish, "Uh, forgive my manners...Lady?"

Alyson stepped forward and headed over to Quake, "It's okay, Quake. That's my uncle, the king. Just be yourself."

"Oooooo! He is?" The elemental stammered.

Alyson then noticed the white beholder sitting to the left of Quake. Startled, she moved quickly behind the elemental. "Ahh! You're an odd ball, er aberration."

Harley chuckled, "Hehehe! Not the first time I've heard that one, my lady."

"Alyson. Just call me Alyson. Don't like having a title. Got plenty of that after saving Storm Haven. Rather be known as a hero not a ruler." The elementalist corrected the beholder.

"Your usual drink, sire?" Mertul said with a warm smile.

"Hold the hearty drinks this time, Mertul. Just a round of smoothies. The day is young and best shared when all are sober. You and Harley are also welcome. This is a time for friends to talk and be merry." Madeous gestured towards the long table for everyone to sit and share their tales of high adventure.