The black tunnel appeared a breath before Piers Southway stepped through, a sure sign something was up. When he was in more relaxed state of mind, the tall, blond, gray eyed leader of the Steam Union would saunter through with a grin on his full, wide lips, long hair swinging to his knees over one shoulder.

This Piers looked harried, dark circles under his eyes, bloodshot and red rimmed. I abandoned Max for my sorcerer friend, ignoring the flare ...