The logo “The Daily Steam” is proudly displayed on the tallest building in Red Iron City. The lavish steampunk metropolis is located within a beautiful valley near the center of the floating continent of Avalith. Populating it are mostly Avalians, but all races of Irikihlians dwell within it and copy the culture and fashions of the Avalians, which is highly identical to the western Victorian Age, but is also a blend of 1940s America. Flying powered steamboats and blimps line the skylines. Smog spewing factories can be seen on the outskirts. The city is booming with life.

The vast majority of Innokians that dwell within the city are slaves that occupy the lowly, undesirable jobs such as janitorial work(for the Yzzarians), life threatening engineering work(for the Krahmlyns), ferry pulling(for the Ohgahnians and Veguhls), and self deprecating street performances(for the Grushians).

At a busy intersection just outside of the The Daily Steam office building is a young Avalian newsboy waving newspapers to the sprawling crowd.

Avalian Newsboy: Extra! Extra! Read all about it! Princess Hrist’s wrath was behind the red sky incident last week! Extra! Extra! We’ve got the latest details of the red sky incident right here folks!

Many Avalian business men and housewives scramble to the boy and newsstands to trade their hard earned Shekels for a copy of a newspaper.

A chubby Avalian newsboy is in a floating hot air balloon calling out to small flying steamboats at an intersection five stories in the air. The steamboats roughly resemble and function like cars as people stop to buy a newspaper from the boy before driving on.

Chubby Avalian Newsboy: Extra! Extra! Queen Titania’s ship of dreams’ maiden voyage is almost here! The luxury liner of the century is nearly upon us! You heard it first from The Daily Steam folks!

Riding in the back of a fancy long convertible steamboat is a middle-aged Avalian married couple; Mr. and Mrs. Bail. Mister Bail is a chubby but tall business tycoon with an ego as big as his belly. Mrs. Bail appears to be as snooty and stuck up as they come. The steamboat’s radio is playing Big Band music and the driver is a hopeless looking Avalian Grushian. Mrs. Bail is reading a newspaper with a headline titled “The Princess’s Red Fury!” and a beautiful black and white photograph of Princess Hrist regally posing for the camera. Mrs. Bail shakes her head at the paper.

Mrs. Bail: Why didn’t you tell me that young hooligan of a king was behind the incident, dear?

Mister Bail: Sweetheart, you’ve been the first to read my newspapers before anyone else for the past thirty-two years. Why the sudden urgency?

Mrs. Bail: Henry, I thought I requested that you keep me abreast of everything that rascal is up to. I keep hearing rumors that he’ll be declaring war on Avalith any day now.

Mister Bail adjusts a blue tie he’s wearing around his neck.

Mister Bail: And so what if he does? Outside of the Kingdom of Haven you’re living in one of the safest and most secure cities in the world. What you need to do is stop buying into Mrs. Ferris’s delusions. That woman is a handful. I feel sorry for Mr. Ferris.

Mrs. Bail: That red sky was no delusion. I mean it, Henry. I’m not just hearing it from the girls, it’s all over the radio now. What else could have driven Princess Hrist to such a tirade?

Mister Bail: Listen sweetheart, you’re going to forget all about it and that’s going to be the end of it. Massadah doesn’t have enough resources to wage a war against anybody. The country is on the verge of imploding as it is. And when that happens I’m sure another queen will be appointed to govern it.

Mrs. Bail frowns as the car approaches a sky high dock that’s extending from the The Daily Steam building. Several business men and woman eagerly wave and await Mister Bail’s arrival upon the dock.

Avalian Grushian: We’re here, Master.

Mister Bail gives his wife a quick smooch on the lips before departing. Her frown disappears.

Mrs. Bail: Have another perfect and prosperous day, dear.

Mister Bail: I always do because of you, sweetheart. And don’t worry, I’ll make up for all these long hours with that vacation I promised you. I hear she’ll be ready to set sail soon.

Mrs. Bail gives him a warm and grateful smile.

Mrs. Bail: I can hardly wait, love.

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Typing away at a tiny desk in a grand busy newsroom is Tina Valentine, a beautiful and short Arcane woman. Tina is twenty-two years of age, wears long braids, and is the spitting image of Tamar; her twin sister. On her desk are several headlines and newspaper clippings of Loc. Big Band music is playing on a gramophone with a giant speaker in the corner of the room.

Tina: (Two weeks ago the world was rattled by the ire of our great and immortal Princess Hrist. And where exactly is the bold young ruler of Massadah, the one that sparked the flame that is known as the Red Sky Incident? While there are many conflicting stories regarding his whereabouts, here at The Daily Steam it’s our mission to bring the most accurate information the public deserves, and our most credible sources say the young king is currently residing--)

Tina pauses to quickly sift through a pile of notes on her desk. A sullen and scarred Grushian janitor that’s missing an arm, an eye, and wearing a chained muzzle, strolls by while sweeping the floors. He notices the pictures of Loc on Tina’s desk. Joy slowly permeates his face upon seeing the pictures and he pauses. Tina notices, the Grushian quickly looks back at his chores, terrified of a possible punishment. He works up the courage to glance back and realizes that Tina is smiling at him. She whispers to him--

Tina: Don’t worry, your secret’s safe with me.

Tina takes a copy of a photo of Loc and tucks into a pocket of the Grushian’s vest. The Grushian reveals a timid but grateful smile as he continues on. Tina resumes her typing.

Tina: (--Somewhere in the Thunder Hills of Iarlec. What’s this mysterious young ruler’s true aim, and what could it have to do with the kingdom of Iarlec? Is it really to achieve the impossible by overthrowing our wonderful and almighty Queen Haven? Or perhaps he seeks a more humble cause? Whatever it is there’s one thing we know for certain, and that is many Innokians across the globe are beginning to view him as some sort of a savior. Perhaps this is due to the ambitious king’s Innokian companions and how they’re reportedly treated by him.)

Tina pauses to stretch and look out the window. She briefly watches two Avalian Ohgahnians scrub the windows outside. Dean, a tall and dashing young Avalian man, stands behind Tina viewing her work. His hair is slicked back and carries a cocky, womanizing demeanor.

Dean: How’s next week’s feature coming along, Tina?

Tina: Oh um…

Dean leans in to take a closer look at her typed paper. He frowns.

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Dean: Don’t tell me you’re doing another article on him again. What happened to the story on the pixie sightings in Minera Forest I told you to write? Or the Bloodtooth Brothers’ latest plunder?

Tina quickly grabs a thin stack of papers on her desk, causing a few loose papers to fall off of it.

Tina: Complete and ready for the composing room, Dean.

Dean takes the papers and examines them with an incredulous look. A pretty young Avalian woman and Vyrkian woman holding papers pass by while smiling at Dean in a flirty manner.

Avalian Woman: Hello, Dean.

Vyrkian Woman: How do you do, Dean?

Dean smiles back.

Dean: Good morning ladies.

Dean turns back to Tina.

Dean: You know the boss isn’t going to appreciate your, uh…colorful portrayal of that crazed hooligan prince.

Tina: For the hundredth time Dean, he’s not a hooligan. And he’s not a prince anymore either, he’s the king and ruler of Massadah.

Dean: It doesn’t matter what you title him, he’s a fool all the same. I wish you’d pour half the effort you do into writing about him as you do your other stories, we’d put Oliver’s Press’s features to shame. I tell ya, that lunatic’s got you under some kind of spell.

Tina: He’s not a lunatic. And I can’t help but to be a little extra motivated when there’s a driven young man out there reaching for the stars. His story is inspiring. And good or bad he’s making a difference.

Ann, a chubby young Avalian woman sitting nearby, briefly turns to them while typing.

Ann: Not to mention he’s kind of dreamy.

Dean: Oh not you too, Ann.

Cliff, a young and tall Arcane man with a thick mustache, is sitting at a desk nearby and leans back in his chair to interject.

Cliff: Isn’t that bloke engaged to Princess Heldine?

Dean snaps his fingers, electrified by Cliff’s words and quickly turns to Tina.

Dean: That’s right! He’s already taken my dear. So I think a new hobby is in order.

Tina: Not once has he declared his love for Her Majesty. If you ask me it’s all a ruse.

Cliff: And she would know, Dean. She’s his biggest fan.

Tina turns to him with an offended pout.

Tina: I am not, Cliff!

Everyone chuckles at Tina.

Ann: Whatever you do don’t let the boss hear that. I don’t think he’s too fond of him.

Cliff: No husband is. That scoundrel is the subject of every cackling household tea party.

Three men sitting nearby briefly turn to the conversation in unison just to give credence to Cliff’s statement by expressing their annoyed demeanor; “You said it…”.

Mister Bail enters the room, causing a subtle panic among the workers who were slacking off. An Avalian man and woman sitting at their own desks whisper to each other in fear--

Avalian Woman: He’s wearing his blue tie today. That means someone is getting demoted.

Avalian Man: Or fired.

Mister Bail is followed by an entourage of young secretaries as he marches to Tina’s desk and examines her work. The air is tense.

Dean: Good day, Mister Bail!

Mister Bail: I trust you have next week’s features all in order, Mr. Spade?

Dean nervously holds up the papers he grabbed from Tina.

Dean: All right here boss!

Mister Bail takes them, licks a finger, and sifts through them. He sighs.

Mister Bail: You expect to outsell our competition with this, Mr. Spade?

Dean: Uh, well sir, these are the top stories we have.

Mister Bail: What’s our motto Mr. Spade?

Dean: Uh, by hook or by crook, even if there is no top story, we’ll give them a top story.

Mister Bail: Precisely Mr. Spade. What you have here are not top stories.

Mister Bail picks up a picture of Loc and examines it before placing it back.

Mister Bail: Miss Valentine.

Tina jolts in her seat.

Tina: Yes, sir!

Mister Bail: In my office.

Mister Bail marches ahead along with the entourage. Tina looks terrified and responds timidly.

Tina: W-What for?

Mister Bail: In my office.

She sighs.

Tina: Yes, sir.

Tina slowly rises with a clueless but frightful look and follows him.

Cliff: Oh she’s done it now.

Ann: I’m gonna miss that girl.

Dean looks regretful.

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Inside Mister Bail’s giant windowed office are beautiful artifacts of medieval swords and shields. They appear to be Massadan in design. Several family photos of him with his wife and a young Avalian boy are visible.

Tina timidly sits across from Mister Bail who is sitting behind a giant mahogany desk. He materializes a cigar and lighter, lights the cigar, and puffs out smoke. He opens a box of cigarettes lying on the desk and silently offers one to Tina. She pauses to summon up the courage to shake her head.

Tina: Oh no thank you, sir. I don’t smoke.

Mister Bail: Good for you.

There is a brief pause. Tina takes a deep breath.

Tina: Mister Bail, if you’ve summoned me here to fire me then--

Mister Bail: I have a special assignment for you, Miss Valentine.

Tina’s eyes widen in astonishment.

Tina: I-I beg your pardon?

Mister Bail: I have a special assignment for you. I want you to gather as much information as you can on this Loc fellow and his misfit crew of bounty hunters.

Tina looks slightly relieved.

Tina: Wait, then you mean I’m not fired?

Mister Bail: Fired?! Heavens no, Miss Valentine! What gave you that idea? You’re the only one working for me that actually has close ties with a member of the Flying Broom. I need you. The Daily Steam needs you. Oliver’s Press has pressed our backs against the wall for far too long now.

Mister Bail rises, approaches the window and gazes at the city’s skyline. He’s suddenly filled with gusto.

Mister Bail: This is the beginning of our big turnaround! I plan on launching a campaign giving the public all the details regarding that reckless ruler and his circus of bounty hunters. And thanks to your connections we’ll have the inside scoop on all of his affairs. We’ll finally have a leg up on Oliver’s Press.

Mister Bail chuckles.

Mister Bail: I can see it now. Every housewife eagerly clamoring for one of our daily papers. We’ll give them details so juicy they’ll run their husbands to the loony bin. The whole world will be on the edge of their seats awaiting his next move; our next issue. Which country will he try to take over next?! What’s the latest bounty he’s after?! Just how far will he go?! …I love it.

Tina clears her throat.

Tina: Well actually sir, I’m not too sure if I can get you that inside scoop.

Mister Bail quickly turns his head to her with an alerted, stern look.

Mister Bail: What do you mean? Don’t you have a twin sister that’s a part of his brigade?

Tina: Well I do but, I haven’t exactly spoken to her in quite a few years. And last we spoke we, well we had sort of a, falling out.

Mister Bail: Falling out? Oh no, no, no that won’t do, Miss Valentine.

Mister Bail sits on his desk in front of Tina. He takes a big puff from his cigar.

Mister Bail: Listen here, if you can be a roving reporter for me and keep this paper updated on his whereabouts, just for six months mind you. You can have the editor in chief position I know you so candidly desire.

Tina’s eyes light up.

Tina: Editor in chief?

Mister Bail leans in closer to Tina with a plucky tone.

Mister Bail: That’s right, Miss Valentine. Editor in chief. Doesn’t that sound nice?

Tina: It-it certainly does, Mister Bail.

Mister Bail: Well now you have something nice to talk about during your family reunion. Get me that scoop, Miss Valentine! I wanna know his shoe size, what he eats for breakfast, how he keeps his steam blowing, and…

Mister Bail stops to give her a stern look.

Mister Bail: Why aren’t you writing this down?

As if being awoken from a daze, Tina springs to life by materializing a small notebook and pen with an eager smile.

Tina: You got it, Mister Bail!

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Tina and Dean board the Red Goose, a small floating two seater steamboat, at a busy hangar. They’re both wearing aviation gear. Tina sits in the cockpit with excitement, Dean in the copilot’s cockpit with dismay.

Dean: I can’t believe I got demoted and dragged into this crazy job.

Tina starts the engine with glee.

Tina: You should be happy to finally get out and get some fresh air.

Dean: I was getting plenty of air back at the office.

Tina: Aw, where’s your sense of adventure?

Dean: I have plenty of adventures every day on my commute to and from work.

Tina: But you only live a block away from the office.

Dean: Exactly.

Tina shakes her head in disappointment and revs the engine.

Tina: Hold on tight! Iarlec here we come!

Dean: Not too fast now, I get airsick very easily!

Tina can hardly hear him through the loud engine.

Tina: What’s that?

Dean: I said--

A green sign flips up inside the hangar to cue Tina to take off.

Tina: Hang on!

Dean hollers in fear as Tina blasts off out of the hangar and into the open sky.

Chapter End