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.

"Regardless 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 smack down on any vamps trying to escape! NOW GO!"

The Bronze Man pulled a pouch opening it pouring a thin line of white salt across the main doorway. "Only the living can cross the line. The undead will be rebuked. The flames will spread if not contained and I know what I must do. Alyson will stay with me while you two watch Serna and Caliaphy. The vampires will most likely have other exits and will try to take Serna."

"Quake, Madeous, get Serna and Caliaphy out of here!" Irzen stood beside the Bronze Man, "You're going to need a fighter to keep the vampires at bay as much as you're going to need another mage."

The sounds of bells rang through the far end of the street that was followed up by crown guards, elven mages and clerics to assist the common folk.

*******

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!"

The crowns guard mounted up and followed their prince down to the market district of his city. By the time he reached what was left of the Dandy Muse, it was half burnt with large beams leaning down or broken by remained of the side walls. The ashen remains of a dozen vampires littered the broken floor. The stage was destroyed whereas the bar was untouched and there sitting back in the corner was the very same gentleman sitting there with a smirk on his face. He raised a glass of wine to the Prince of East Port.

At the head of crown guards rode Prince Birch high in his saddle and barking out orders, "Clerics! Help the injured! Mages! Pour more water on that fire! Guards! Assist my people out of this area! BY GODS, LET'S GIVE THIS FIRE WHAT FOR!"

And suddenly Birch spotted them! The Bronze Man! Lady Alyson! Lord Irzen! Serna! Caliaphy! And two new companions he did not recognize.

Quickly dismounting, Prince Birch cried out in wide-eyed disbelief as he ran towards them, "NO WAY! LADY ALYSON! BRONZE MAN! LORD DROW! OUTSTANDING! HAIL AND WELL MET, HEROES OF NORTHAVEN! WHAT ARE YOU DOING IN MY PRINCEDOM?!"