It's an old magical principle - it's even filtered down into RPG systems - that magic, while taking a lot of effort, can be 'stored' - in a staff, for example. No doubt a wizard spends a little time each day charging up his staff, although you go blind if you do it too much, of course.

She was convinced that she was anorexic, because every time she looked in the mirror she did indeed see a fat person.

Personal’s not the same as important. People just think it is.

Vimes's lack of interest in other people's children was limitless.

And, while it was regarded as pretty good evidence of criminality to be living in a slum, for some reason owning a whole street of them merely got you invited to the very best social occasions.

I like the idea of democracy. You have to have someone everyone distrusts.

Don't look back!" "Why not?" "Because I just did! Run faster!