Prince Birch drew forth his sword and brandished it crying out in a loud voice, "ENVY THE COUNTRY WHO HAS HEROES!"

The rest of his people gave a hearty cheer in response to their over-enthusiastic prince.

Madeous turned to Birch, "Since our time here was cut short and the others clearly know of your rank and status, Prince Birch, may we stay at the palace? My concern is mainly for Serna, since she was the one the vampires were drawn to."

Prince Birch placed both of his hands upon Madeous' shoulders, "Noble Knight, it would be my greatest honor to have such an august group of heroes such as yourselves grace our company and stay in our abode. You and your friends shall have warm beds, hot meals and good company for as long as you choose to stay with us. You need not worry about the girl. I shall have my Crowns Guard serve as her personal chaperones during your stay. She will never leave their sight nor shall she come to any harm."

The Prince released The Platinum Knight and strode back to his horse while he barked orders to his kinsmen, "Captain of the Crown Guard, Myrteen!"

A stout Wood Elf with dark brown hair decked out in full Elven Chainmail snapped a salute, "My liege?"

"I want four of your best Crown Guardsmen to stay with this child at all times while she and her friends are in East Port!" Prince Birch mounted his horse effortlessly, "See that no harm comes to her and make sure that your Guardsmen are well-armed to deal with vampires. They wish to do the child grave harm and I will not stand for it! Protect her as though she were my own."

"Yes, my liege!" Myrteen turned towards four of his Crown Guard and nodded to them. Wordlessly they moved towards Serna and took up flanking positions around her.

The Prince turned to the rest of the adventurers, "I will ride on ahead back to the palace to see that every need, care and want you will have shall be provided for. Until then, good fortune to you!" Two of the Crowns Guard joined Prince Birch as he rode off, "TALLY HO!"

"Let us retire up at the palace for tonight behind safe walls." Madeous turned to the Swordsman, "You were right about seeking rest at the palace but fate has a funny way of leading where we need to be instead of needing where we want to go."

"Thanks for admitting that I was right!" Irzen smiled at Madeous before a hint of disappointment entered his voice, "But you're absolutely right about fate. We only wound up going where we wanted AFTER we found out where we were needed."

"The mages and clerics of East Port can handle the rest for now," Lazheros added quietly.

"I think I might stick around some more, Lady." The elemental's appearance changed into a steam punk outfit, "I'm not worried about a bunch of blood suckers and besides if I got bit, they'd burn up from the inside out."

"Are you sure?" Alyson walked over.

"I am and besides I am not fond of staying in a palace. I am more comfortable on or below ground anyway. Two, I heard what fang-face said about there being more than one master bugs me and I want to help these people." Quake gave everyone a thumbs up. ~Besides you and the big guy got interrupted so here's your chance to pick up where you left off.~

Alyson flushed crimson at Quake's silent comment, "Ah. Sure, go ahead. Let us know what you find out, Quake."

Serna walked up to Quake with her guards in tow, "Be careful, Quake, don't let these mean, nasty vampires get the better of you. Okay?"

"Meh, don't worry about me, kiddo. I've faced far worse than a bunch of vamps." Quake thumbed behind her towards the burnt tavern.

The Shield Maiden smiled and nodded her head in agreement.

Caliaphy pulled out her little triangle and sang a little tune that gave the people of East Port courage before they left.

Serna listened until Caliaphy's song was done, "That was lovely, Caliaphy, what is the name of that tune?"

"'We will rock you!- by Queen.' Right Alyson?" Caliaphy grinned.

"Yes, an all human band of performers back on Earth." Alyson replied.

"Oh!" Serna smiled, "They're a band of troubadors. I like troubadors! Baroness Meleranti used to have visting troubadors perform at her palace all the time. Sometimes she would join them and play the lute. She's very good at it."

The Shield Maiden added, "Rumor has it that she and her father used to sneak out of the palace at night and, in disguise, play for the common folk in the taverns and on the streets of Stormhaven. Can you believe that?"