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tall house in Snake Slipway, two doors up from the Van Klampff house—and rented a small room in the Ramblings from where she enrolled as a Hopeful in the Open Magyk classes that were run at the Wizard Tower for those who hoped to become Apprentices.
    Her chance came suddenly. Silas Heap gave up his Apprenticeship to Alther Mella, and Alther wanted to replace him immediately. Alther had given a few lectures to the Hopefuls and he had been impressed with Marcia. He invited her—along with three other Hopefuls—to spend a day at the top of the Tower. It was no contest: Marcia was by far the best for the job as his next Apprentice, and despite her rather brusque air, Alther found that he liked her very much. Marcia really cared —about Magyk and, more importantly, about people.
    Marcia enjoyed her Apprenticeship with Alther. For seven years and a day she and Alther argued, laughed and learned together. Marcia had not long completed her Apprenticeship—and survived the dreaded Draw for the Queste —when she came with him to help him out at his Welcoming Ceremony for the newborn baby Princess.
    That evening, a profoundly shocked Marcia found herself wearing the Akhu Amulet and the purple robes of the ExtraOrdinary Wizard. It was what she had always wanted—but never like that. The old Castle saying, “Beware of what you wish for, lest it come true,” has haunted her ever since.
    Now Marcia has her own Apprentice, Septimus Heap. Septimus is remarkably young to be an Apprentice, but Marcia chose him after ten years of living without one—and Marcia knows best.

    ALL THOSE WHO HAVE BOUGHT Silas Heap’s I-C-U in the Castle Scorebook may wish to know how to spot Marcia Overstrand and gain the top 100 points.
    D ESCRIPTION : Tall with dark, curly hair. Piercing green eyes.
    S HE WEARS : Around neck (although usually hidden), lapis lazuli and gold Akhu Amulet. Purple double-silk cloak (lined with indigo-blue fur in the winter). Long purple silk tunic with small amount of gold embroidery. Gold and platinum ExtraOrdinary Wizard belt. Pointed purple python shoes.
    N.B. If you see someone wearing all of the above but without the shoes, it is not Madam Marcia Overstrand.

A Guide to How to Behave When Visiting the Wizard Tower
    BY M ADAM M ARCIA O VERSTRAND E XTRAORDINARY W IZARD

    We, the Wizards of the Wizard Tower, firmly believe in access to all, and tours are available on alternate Monday afternoons. However, we reserve the right to refuse entry to those considered unsuitable. Visiting the Wizard Tower is a privilege. The following rules must be read before you enter the Tower. Please sign the “I accept” clause at the bottom, otherwise entry will be denied.
    GENERAL BEHAVIOR
    Remember that this is home to many Wizards, so please behave as you would in your own home (or at least as you would like people to think you behave). No screaming, shouting or swearing. No running, singing, dancing, playing ball games or skipping. No chewing gum, no musical instruments, no looking in the cupboards and no imported fruits or vegetables.
    PETS
    No pets allowed. Any smuggled hamsters will be speedily removed.
    THE PASSWORD
    The double silver doors at the main entrance are protected by the password. This will be whispered by your host Wizard and it is considered very rude to try to listen. In any case, you will not hear anything that is correct, as the password is self-scrambling. Please do not try shouting random words at the doors, hoping to get lucky. If you do, you will be asked to leave immediately.
    THE MAGYK FLOOR
    In the beautiful main vaulted entrance hall of the Wizard Tower you will notice that the floor feels somewhat like sand. Do not attempt to poke at it with your foot; it is a delicate, enchanted substance and difficult to repair. Stand still a moment and take time to watch for any messages. It will welcome respectful visitors if there are not more important messages to be relayed. Do not ask the floor to write something