Continued from S3-2-5: Titan Kelos, Servant of Donblas. “Titan has a ship ready to sail, but all of mine are at sea,” Pieto raised his head to face Blade, Rynard and Syn with a look of utter despair. “If he attacks Xorn before you can rescue Caterina… I don’t know what that Mabden fiend will do!” “It’s at lest a three day ride to Xorn’s fortress,” Blade announced, looking at the map provided in the instructions he had sent, “and less then two by ship. I don’t see how we can bet him there.” “There is a way,” Syn replied calmly. Drawing surprised looks from Blade and Rynard, but giving Pieto hope. “I have a demon that can bring us there in the same way that Xorn’s demon took Caterina and delivered its master’s demands… by teleportation!” “But there is no way to know what awaits you when you arrive,” Pieto commented. Although his face was still sullen, his voice carried a glimmer of hope. He had studied the ancient grimoire for years, and had some understanding of demons and their abilities, but knew that his knowledge of sorcery was still some what limited... certainly far less then a Dragon Lord’s. “I have a means,” Syn stated with confidence. “A rare spell I possess which allows me to see another place. But to scry on such a distant location will be very demanding… I will not be able to do so more then once.” Blade shot Rynard a questioning glance, and his look confirmed that he knew nothing of Syn teleporting demon or scrying spell either. The Melnibonean kept more secrets then the whole Jharkorian church of Chaos, and the longer they traveled with him, the more he surprised them both. “This Xorn will undoubtedly have magical protections around his fortress, preventing teleport intrusions, so we will have to arrive outside it and find a way in,” Syn continued. Then a sly smile turned his lips. “Perhaps lord Kelos will be of aid after all,” he mused, with a cruel taint of humor. “What better distraction could we have then an arrogant fool storming the fortress.” At dawn the following morning, Pieto, Blade, Rynard and Syn stood upon the highest balcony of House Dotta, watching as a ship that proudly flew a golden dragon standard ride the morning tide out of Galeazzo’s harbor. They could just make out the figure standing upon the stern castle in fine, brightly shinning armor and the noble liver of House Kelos, but they could all easily imagine the arrogant grin on Titan’s face. Titan saw them standing on the balcony and smiled with satisfaction, then he turned his back on them, and strode down the stairs. “Steady as we go,” he addressed the sailor at the wheel, as he turned his attention to the dozens of armored men crowding the deck. Loyal men at arms who truly believed that he lead them in Donblas’ cause to rescue a noblewoman of Ilmiora from the clutches of an evil slaver. But it was not the spirit of justice that swelled his heart; he would have Caterina Dotta and no man, not her father, or his mercenaries, or some Mabden fiend, would stand in his way… she would be his! To be continued on S3-2-7: Nebi, daughter of Clan Madal. The sixth installment to the second "book" of my Stormbringer characters' adventures. Thanks for looking... Hope you enjoy! Comments and suggestions always welcome and appreciated!