"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, when she was a little girl, 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."

"I agree!" Serna yawned, "Rest would be good right about now."

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.

Irzen and Serna waved back up to Captain Lion.

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 Princess Cauladra accompanied by Captain Lion and a tinker gnome, Sir Gonagle Stoutheart.

"FRIENDS!" Prince Birch sprang from his throne, raced over to the adventurers and gave them each a bone-crushing hug, "Welcome to East Port! I am overjoyed to see that you were able to navigate your way safely to our abode!"

"I am not!" Princess Cauladra rose from her throne, "Guards arrest that Drow!"

The Royal Guardsmen within the chamber either drew their swords or levelled their polearms at the Swordsman.

The Shield Maiden looked on, her eyes wide with surprise.

"What did I do this time?" Irzen asked in a small voice as he raised his hands, "I just got here."

"What is the meaning of this, Cauladra?!" The prince turned to his wife in complete disbelief, "He is one of the Heroes of Northaven! We owe our throne and our lives to Lord Drow!"

"That is the only reason why I haven't thrown him into the deepest dungeon in our palace and tossed away the key!" Cauladra snapped as she approached Irzen, "I bear no ill will to your companions, Lord Irzen, they may stay as long as they like and enjoy every comfort we can bestow upon them. But you are a different matter entirely."

"Because I'm a Drow?"

"Nay!" Cauladra shook her head, "Because you poisoned my husband with your vile liquor, your Cannard! You drank my husband into a stupor with a foreign drink that only a denizen of the Underdark could stomach. You shall not do so again!"

"As you wish, your Highness," Irzen smiled, "No more drinking contests with your husband."

"Nay! You shall do better than that, Lord Irzen!" Cauladra snapped her fingers and a Hand Maiden walked up to her and extended her hands out towards Irzen, "You shall surrender every flask, wineskin and container you have carrying this Cannard to my Hand Maiden OR you shall spend the rest of your stay with us in a cold, dark, damp dungeon cell that will rival any hole in the Underdark! Choose now!"