Much has happened since last we met, Bartimaeus," he went on. "Do you remember how we parted?" "No." I did. "You set light to me, old friend. Struck a match and left me burning in a copse." The crow shifted uneasily beneath the cleaver."That's a gesture of endearment in some cultures. Some hug, some kiss, some set each other on fire in small patches of woodland.

Getting that first draft out is a horribly hard grind, but that (perversely) is where the joy of it lies.

Oh, the boots were on the other eight feet now.

The mercenary finished his coffee in a single gulp, It must have been piping hot, too. Boy, he was tough.

Julius Tallow was a fool. He appeared complacent, but like a weak swimmer out of his depth, his legs were kicking frantically under the surface, trying to keep him afloat. Whatever happened, Nathaniel did not intend to sink with him.

Hey, we've all got problems, chum. I'm overly talkative. You look like a field of buttercups in a suit.

I wanted to wake you straightaway, but I knew I had to wait several hours to ensure you were safely recovered." "What! How long has it been?" "Five minutes. I got bored.