Ignatio walked back over with another server. He had a strange look on face and smiled, "Your leaving? You just got here. Why don't you all stay for dessert."

"Let's not and say we did!" Irzen's hand slipped to the pommel of his sword, "You've been well compensated for your meal and your entertainment. We bid you and your company good day, sir!"

The other server looked down at Serna with hunger in his eyes, "Mmmm, fresh young blood."

The Shield Maiden gave a large audible gulp!

Quake stood up between them, her eyes glowing like embers, "Caliaphy. Serna. Follow the Platinum Knight and the Swordsman out of here, now!"

Serna took Caliaphy's hand as she made her way over to Madeous and Irzen, "I think we should be going now!"

Half of the patrons got up and turned towards the party. Their appearances shifted revealing claws, fangs, and blood red eyes. While the normal patrons were literally being compelled by the bard's song and were unable to move. Some slumped over from having their blood drained.

Ignatio and the server smiled revealing blood red eyes and fangs, "I'm afraid you will all have to stay here. It's been awhile since we've had fresh virgin blood!"

"And its been awhile since I had a root canal, but you don't see me eager to get one either!" Irzen shot back at Ignatio.

*******

Right in the middle of some rest and relaxation, Alyson sat up on the bed and gave the Bronze Man a look of horror. ~Vampires?!~

"It would appear that things have changed greatly since Chef Halas was here last time. And if that's the case, then Serna is in danger." Lazheros grumbled quietly.

Both Lazheros and Alyson came out of the room to a pair of vampires waiting on either side. The one to the left went up in flames and was reduced to ash from Alyson. The other was turned to ash by the bronze man.

A series of screams and shrieks filled the second floor as burning corpses plummeted over the railing by the elementalist. A beam of pure radiant fire slammed down from above into the main seating area next to the stage. The vampires that were there were turned to ash. The two bards vanished and the song died. The patrons were enthralled snapped out of whatever trance they were in and ran out of the tavern. In a flash of light Lazheros and Alyson appeared outside the tavern in the street.

Quake grabbed the heavy wooden table and threw in into Ignatio and the server pinning them to the floor. "GO!"

Madeous drew his great sword in one single fluid motion bringing down the balcony onto another group of vampires.

In one strike, Irzen pulled Evenflow free of its scabbard and decapitated two vampires that were moving towards them. "Guys! It's time to shut the door! There's a draft!"

Caliaphy took a hold of Serna's hand and teleported outside next to Lazheros and Alyson. "Phew! That was scary!"

"Tell me about it!" The Shield Maiden gasped before she looked around, "Wait a minute! Aren't we missing someone? Where's Irzen, Quake and Madeous?"

No sooner than Serna asked the kurori the three of them came running out. Quake grabbed a bench, broke it up into several pieces to stake the vampires that made it out past the falling debris.

"Nice one, Quake!" Irzen gave the Elemental a thumbs up.

"Everyone alright?" Madeous looked at the others.

"Yes, we're fine, uncle." Alyson replied.

"Prince Birch should be notified of this problem at once," Lazheros brushed off his tunic. "I'm sure we put a dent into them but I didn't see the master vampire anywhere."

"What about the guy in the back with the two goliaths?" Alyson added.

"Could be a blood servant. A human who's blood bound to the master to act as a watchmen during the day time." Caliaphy added.

"Regarless of what he is or is not," Irzen dusted himself off, "I agree with our resident Cleric. Prince Birch needs to be informed now. Also, some of us need to stick around to make sure that none of these suck-heads escape while the cavalry comes. Caliaphy, Serna, Madeous, you three go to the palace, tell Prince Birch what is going on and see if he can get us some help! Alyson, Quake, Lazheros, we'll stay behind to lay the smackdown on any vamps trying to escape! NOW GO!"

*******

Up at the palace, a crowns guard came running to the foray, up the stairs and into the dining hall where the prince and princess were having dinner.

"My apologies, my prince and princess! The Dandy Muse is ablaze with screaming patrons running for safety. The guard captain is on his way now, my liege!"

"GADZOOKS!" Prince Birch shot up from his chair in complete disbelief, "If The Dandy Muse is ablaze, then you will need more than just the guard captain. Summon the city's fire brigade to put the blaze out before that whole district burns to the ground! Also, call for any and all clerics and healers to attend to the patrons of that establishment. Some of them may be badly burned or worse!"

Prince Birch turned towards his wife, "My dear love, I feel I must deal with this matter personally. I shall return as soon as the blaze is out, the patrons are safe and the district is secured."

The princess merely nodded in agreement as the prince ran out of the room yelling, "A HORSE! A HORSE! MY PRINCEDOM FOR A HORSE!"