Markus walked down the passage, squeezing past Dwarves who scurried about. Grabbing one of the short, stout men, the man gives him a puzzled look. "I'm trying to find General Durn or Captain Meller. Do you know where I can find them?" "Top deck, sir." "And how do I get to the top deck?" "Well, what you do, sir, is turn around and climb the ladder you are standing next to. See that hole at the top?" Markus glanced up and saw blue sky through the opening. "That's the top deck." Markus turned back to thank the Dwarf, but he was already down the passage. Climbing the ladder, he was soon on the deck, standing next to the airship's main gun. At the bow stood a Dwarven man, his head shaved as many Dwarves who served on the flying machines were. Markus smiled when he saw the General staring at the backside of the woman who stood before him. Markus had heard of Captain Meller. A woman who towered over the Dwarf who watched her intently. She was a half Human who'd risen to command one of the airships that were the power of the Dwarven kingdom. And the word was, she was on track to take over all command of the fleet. Which was amazing given the hostility felt by the Dwarves for the Humans of the Kingdom of Aggada. The two swiveled about when the Human strode up the deck to stand beside Durn. "Welcome aboad the Hammer, Prince Markus." Meller said in a deep, yet feminine voice. "What do you think of her?" "She's rather cramped." He said with a smile. "Not for us dwarves." Durn said, grinning. "Nice and roomy for us." "Speak for yourself General." The woman said. "It's cramped for me too, though I make do. I trust you didn't bang your head too many times Prince Markus?" "I stopped counting at eleven." Markus told her with a chuckle. "Well, you'll be on the ground in just a few minutes." Durn said with a nod. "We approach the Temple Of The King." Meller turned and pointed over the bow. "After we leave you and some of our troops, we fly to the opposing peak to the Queens Tower to destroy the Demon's Stone." "Yes!" Markus added vehemently. "It is most important that damned thing be shattered. Even if Barran or O'Bannon are killed, the demon can be called again as long as the stone exists." The two nodded assent. "Is it true Varn and Willem Stander are guarding this thing, this stone?" "Yes." Markus said quickly. "And these two are the most dangerous men in the Kingdom after Victor himself. Do not try to take them prisoner." "We have heard the stories of what these two brothers did to Dwarves captured in the last war." Durn said sternly. "Trust me when I say this: these two will not be taken alive. Even if they try to surrender." "Very good." Markus smiled. "And try to make their end as nasty as possible." "Now that's something we can promise you." Meller said as she patted Markus on the chest. "They will suffer."