"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 troubadours. I like troubadours! Baroness Meleranti used to have visting troubadours 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?"

"Anything is possible in the Realm, Serna" Alyson rubbed her eyes from the dust, "Let's go to the palace and get some rest."

Madeous took lead with the swordsman with Serna being escorted by her bodyguards. Lazheros and Alyson followed from behind with Caliaphy. The walk didn't take too long up the winding stone streets giving them a breath taking view of the surrounding land and sea. A cool breeze shifted through the evening sky and well lit streets of East Port. Now the party could not one but two airships docked to the eastern tower. A secured ramp lead from each ship to the tower itself with a crew of humans and gnomes working. Over looking the city, the figure of Captain Lion stood there with his telescope surveying the palace from a birds eye view.

He waved down to the party briefly before leaving his ship eager to meet up with everyone when they arrived at the palace.

The main gates were open and the royal guard captain met them outside the palace, "Prince Birch is waiting for you inside. Follow me."

The interior of the palace was a mix of blue and green with a hint of gold floral patterns that weaved along the edges of the open windows. Elegant long woven rugs draped the floors to the left and right. At the center was a twin spiral stair case leading up to the second, third, and fourth tiers to the throne room. The doors opened and there sat Prince Birch and his wife accompanied by Captain Lion and a tinker gnome, Sir Gonagle Stoutheart.