"Thank you again, Captain Lion," Serna replied with a smile, "Between this medallion, my shield and my friends, I KNOW I'm going to be safe!"

The airship captain looked over towards the rulers of East Port now, "With the threat of vampires in your city how will you proceed in eradicating them? Blessing and consecrating the areas down in the commons is a good start since that's where they've chosen to reveal themselves. My crew and I will be able to provide any knowledge pertaining to vampires if you so wish."

"Yeah!" Irzen perked up, "That's a good question, Captain Lion. What are your plans to deal with the Vampires, Birch, Elven Prince?"

"My good sir," Prince Birch grinned, "We're not just going to bless and consecratre the areas down in the commons. We are going to bless and consecrate the entire city of East Port! There are many clerics from many different religions and faiths in our land. So, we are going to designate specific areas of the city where certain temples are located for a blessing and a consecration. We are futher going to allow the clerics in those temples to bless and consecrate every shoppe, every stall, every alley and every house within their designated area. With each cleric from each faith blessing and consecrating each designated area of East Port, we shall drive the Vampires into the underground areas of the city."

The airship captain straightened his tie abruptly before he addressed the prince, "Blessing and consecrating every building here in the city proper will only drive them out temporally. I've seen it before and not all vampires have the same origins, Prince Birch. Well most can be killed by a wooden or silver stake through the heart, some aren't afraid of crossing over holy ground."

"A temporary cessation of their hostilities against our people is better than none at all." Prince Birch replied, "And while some vampires are not afraid of crossing over holy ground, the rest of our plan should take care of those who remain."

"And it will be at that point that we will unleash the vampire hunters upon them." Princess Cauladra added, "We have sent for professional vampire hunters from across the Realm. Battle-hardened slayers who specialize in the art of killing the undead. They will traverse the tunnels and dark places of East Port, root out this vampiric vermin that threaten our people and annihilate them within a fortnight."

"Calling for every vampire hunter/slayer in the Realm may not be such a good idea either. We don't need to attract Venger here that is unless you want to deal with the Force of Evil your highness." Sir Gonagle adjusted his goggles.

"And why would calling for vampire hunters summon the Dark Lord upon us?" Princess Cauladra asked Sir Gonagle, "If anything the Force of Evil should be wary of us, we have recently defeated an army far greater than any he could amass against at us. I confess that I do not understand your rationale. Please explain."

"From the stories of the Platinum Knight, I would rather remain under the radar of a being of his immense and dreadful power, your highness. Magic in general if concentrated for too long in one place will attract someone of ill repute." The artificer replied.

"Under the radar?" Princess Cauladra repeated Sir Gonagle's words somewhat confused by the term.

"However, we will more than welcome any and all aid that you can offer, Captain Lion," Prince Birch concluded, "You and your crew have ever been our friend and we appreciate both your friendship and assistance."

"Of course, you should be focusing on finding out where the master vampire or vampire's nest is. The sooner, the better." He concluded.

"Or you could just," Another female voice came into the room behind them dressed in steampunk attire. She winked at Serna and gave her a thumbs up. "Find the thralls like the one I just dragged into the dungeon."

The Shield Maiden turned towards Quake and grinned from ear to ear, "Quake! You're alright! You made it!"

Quake gave the prince and princess a formal bow where she stood.

"Gadzooks! Lady Quake! Good to see you again!" Prince Birch rose from his seat at the table, took the Dragon Elemental's hand and kissed it, "I see that your hunting of these vermin went well. Into which cell did you toss the thrall?"

Quake brought a finger to her lips for a moment and replied, "On the first level with a view unless you want him in isolation, your highness."

"Isolation would be preferable," Princess Cauladra offered, "At every turn, this thrall should be convinced that there is no hope of escape from our palace."

Quake gave her a slight bow acknowledging the princess.

Irzen turned towards Quake, "Nice work! I was beginning to worry about you. What did you learn from your little foray against the undead?"

"Other than trying to bite me to impress his master which by the way gave him a serious case of heartburn. Gods I love being too hot to handle!" Quake's skin glowed bright red for a few seconds in front of everyone. Amazingly her leather outfit was untouched.

Captain Lion raised an eye brow, "You must be Alyson's creation then?"

"Yes sir! The Lady and I are one and the same. Well sort of!" The elemental grinned.

"With the permission of our hosts, can you direct us to the cell, Quake?" Irzen asked the Dragon Elemental, "I think its time we had a little chat with our vampire-loving friend."

"Indeed!" Prince Birch added, "A good interrogation would do all of us a realm of good in terms of finding the nest of these vampires and their master."

"Lead on!" Serna offered as she rose from her chair.

Princess Cauladra joined her husband's side as they all walked to meet the Thrall.

Both Sir Gonagle and Captain Lion joined them as Quake turned about and headed down the corridor to the far left. She paused briefly before heading down a spiral stairway for about forty feet where the guards were stationed. "Per orders of Princess Cauladra, the prisoner is to be moved to the far end cell."

One of the two guards nodded and ran ahead to move the prisoner while Quake waited for the others to join her.

Irzen arrived with Serna in tow, "Well, Quake, let's see what your fishing expedition caught for us tonight?"