“Like I said, names are power. There are three names for everyone. The name you're born with, the name you're given and the name you take. Everyone, no matter who they are, is born with a name. You were born with a name. Do you know what it is?"

”Is this a trick question?"

”Do you know what your name is?"

”Yes. Stephanie Edgley"

”No."

”No?"

”That's your given name. That's the name other people handed you. If a mage with any kind of knowledge wanted to, he could use that name to influence you, to attain some small degree of control - to make you stand, sit, speak, things like that."

”Like a dog."

”I suppose so."

”You're likening me to a dog?"

”No," he said, and then paused. "Well, yes."

”Oh, cheers."

”But you have another name, a real name, a true name. A name unique to you and you alone."

”What is it?"

”I don't know. You don't know it either, at least not consciously. This name gives you power, but it would also give other people absolute power over you. If someone knew it, they could command your loyalty, your love, everything about you. Your free will could be totally eradicated. Which is why we keep our true names hidden."

”So what's the third name?"

”The name you take. It can't be used against you, it can't be used to influence you and it's your first defence against a sorcerer's attack. Your taken name seals your given name, protects it, and that's why it's so important to get it right.”