There are times when phrases such as 'totally astonished' just don't do the job. I am of course delighted and honoured and, needless to say, flabbergasted.

It was written in some holy book, apparently, so that made it okay, and probably compulsory.

I used to like reading and you read enough books and you overflow and then you start writing.

The librarians were mysterious. It was said they could tell what book you needed just by looking at you, and they could take your voice away with a word.

It's hard to explain," said Brutha. "But I think it's got something to do with how people should behave... you should do things because they're right. Not because gods say so. They might say something different another time.

When she spoke again it was in the thin, careful and above all brave voice of someone who has pulled themselves together despite overwhelming odds but might let go again at any moment.

Assassins did have a certain code, after all. It was dishonorable to kill someone if you weren't being paid.