"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.

"What humans from Earth mean by keeping out of sight, your highness." The gnome answered.

"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?"

The elemental waited down at the end of the long corridor flanked by two of the castle guards in charge of the dungeon. Their armor slightly duller than those who served elsewhere in the castle. They were the seasoned elven soldiers who chose to do their roles given to them after many, many generations of servitude. They stepped aside bowing to both the prince and princess.

From the cell, everyone could hear the prisoner singing a pirate's song of Dead Men tell no tails. Quake shook her head quietly, "Oy! He's still singing? Well maybe he'll sing a different song when Irzen and Captain Lion have a few words. That is of course if Prince Birch and Princess Cauladra wish to have a chat with him?"