Madeous came over, "We still have to shut the Black Gate down below. It still remains open and to honest, I'd rather the keys to that forbidden place be held by true guardians of East Port. You two, or someone of whom you'd trust your very lives with."

"We will do it!" Prince Birch volunteered both himself and Princess Cauladra, "You can entrust those keys to our care. And we will hand them down to our children and their children and their children's children from now until the ending of The Realm!"

The elementalist stepped backwards from the rulers of East Port and spoke ancient draconic. In full view of everyone, the remaining pieces of the Crimson Dragon armor materialized merging with the rest. In a multitude of voices spoken as one, "Very well. One key shall be of the magic held by the elves of East Port in the care of Princess Cauladra. The other key shall be of the arms, held by Prince Birch of East Port."

Both the Elven prince and princess received their charges in kind.

"And with the keys of The Black Gate shall be handed down the story of bravery, sacrifice and gallantry that each and every one of you showed this night to ensure that the recent horror visited upon us shall visit us no more," Princess Cauladra added, "This shall be our sacred charge now and forever more!"

Madeous stood in awe of the Crimson dragon as well as Lazheros who'd only seen pictures and tapestries in old books. Quake seemed unfazed.

"Well, you don't see that everyday!" Irzen quipped as he took note of the crimson dragon.

"Mmmhmm. Were you not present at the closing of the Black Gate in Storm Haven, Swordsman?" The Crimson Dragon inquired briefly before turning back to Cauladra and Birch, "Both keys are required to seal and lock the Black Gate beneath the city once I have closed it. Both are not needed to accompany us there, as it would be advisable for one to remain in case something should arise."

"Nope! I was not there," Irzen replied flatly, "I came along thereafter. You must have me mistaken for either the Drowling Chronicler War Scribe or the Wood Elven Druid Gareth."

The Crimson Dragon merely shook her head, "No matter."

"Then I shall join you!" Princess Cauladra spoke up first.

"Cauladra?!" Prince Birch reacted with a measure of surprise in her voice, "It is not safe down there."

"Nor is it safe up here so long as the Black Gate remains open," The princess replied, "My husband, you have acted with grace and gallantry in securing our victory over the forces of darkness this night. Please allow me to do my part."

Birch silently nodded in agreement.

"Prince Birch it is my understanding not to get in the way of your significant half, for females in general will always find a way to get things done with or without your help." Lazheros added.

"So I've noticed." Prince Birch replied proudly, "My dear Cauladra runs East Port in my stead while I am out to sea and my advisors have frequently told me that she always does an excellent job."

Madeous and Quake stood on either side of the rift that lead to the cavern down below. The elemental added, "Umm, so like this rift will remain open until the Black Gate is closed and sealed. The location will only be known to those who possess the keys."

"And we shall reveal its location to no one." Princess Cauladra reassured them with determination in her heart.

Quake waited patiently for the rulers of East Port to go through the rift after the Crimson Dragon, "I will remain here."

Both Prince Birch and Princess Cauladra entered the rift and passed through to the other side.

Madeous and Lazheros followed behind Cauladra and Birch.

The Crimson Dragon carefully made her way back down the old and narrow worn steps that lead to the Black Gate chamber. There she stopped to survey the area before proceeding further. Turning back to the others, "Remain here at the edge, lest you be tempted by the ruinous pull of the Black Gate."

The rulers of East Port silently did as they were instructed and waited to see what the Crimson Dragon would do.

The Crimson Dragon walked towards the black gate feeling the dreadful pulse of the heart. As in response to the threat, she merely side stepped out of the way as tendrils of blood lashed out. Her presence meant only one thing, closure. Raising both claws and speaking in ancient draconic, a soft glow enveloped her entire form burning away the tendrils forcing them back through the gate to the other side. In a frantic pulse, the black gate screamed in defiance nearly deafening the chamber.

Madeous immediately covered his ears, while Lazheros cast Silence on them to negate the scream. Both Cauladra and Birch were protected by the spell.

In one final cris-cross slash from the Crimson Dragon, the wailing of an impudent child from the beyond was silenced and the door closed. The heart beat faded and died. The surrounding area in the cavern became still once more. Turning around towards the others, she motioned for the rulers of East Port to approach.

The bronze man immediately dismissed the spell.

******

Captain Lion made his way back up to the airship and was immediately greeted by Maxim, "As you were."

"Aye, captain." Maxim stood next to him. "The girl is resting in your cabin, sir. All this excitement and lack of sleep finally caught up with her. Spencer is keeping vigil at the moment."

"Thank you, Maxim. Inform the crew that I have returned." Captain Lion told him.

"Aye, captain."

The vampire opened the cabin door to see Spencer sitting at the table reading a book. He motioned to him to be quiet and relieved him of his post. "You may go now, lad. For I am in need of rest myself."

"Aye, sir." Spencer gave a nod and left the cabin.

Captain Lion walked over to the desk and pulled out a bottle of blood wine, emptying the entire bottle to sate his thirst. Then sat down in the high back chair and closed his eyes to rest.