In the land of Ingary where such things as seven-league boots and cloaks of invisibility really exist, it is quite a misfortune to be born the eldest of the three. Everyone knows you are the one who will fail first, and worst, if the three of you set out to seek your fortunes.

I mean one of the things about being alone is that you've no people to define yourself off, I mean, people are like all-round mirrors, because let's face it, we don't often see ourselves all round in a mirror anyway, do we.

When have you looked?" said Sophie. "Oh, how your rears flap and your long nose twitches", Howl croaked.

It does seem that a fantasy, working out in its own terms, stretching you beyond the normal concerns of your own life, gains you a peculiar charge of energy which inexplicably enriches you. At least, this is my ideal of a fantasy, and I am always trying to write it.

Oh! Polly thought. Why aren't all girls locked up by law the year they turn fifteen? They do such stupid things!

Chrestomanci smiled and swept out of the room like a very long procession of one person.

Take it from me, Fate doesn't care most of the time.