Magic and Bronze Rings In the ancient times, the people up north celebrated rebirth, the new life rising from ashes, by sacrificing to the Mothers, the goddesses, and the sun during the darkest days of the year. –––––––– Sweat was trickling down Hank’s back. The heat in the room was oppressive; it made him dizzy, but there was definitely steam coming from the boiler now. “Hank! Get up here and watch.” The excitement in Steel’s voice made him smile. He climbed the stairs only to have Steel grab his arm and drag him out on deck. “Isn’t she a beauty?” Hank shivered as the winter night embraced his sweaty body. Then he followed Steel’s fluttering hand gestures to a giant balloon starting to fill above one of the chimneys—a steam pipe Hank realised. It looked like a giant pumpkin with a n