The Power of Nine

Nine is a fascinating number. Add up the numerals of multiples of nine and what do you get? Nine. Here's an example: 1 + 8 = 9. Very useful if you're ever trying to balance an account and the total is out by a multiple of nine–look for a transposed figure. What has this to do with books other than the financial kind? Not very much, apart from 'Fellowships' and suchlike, and the fact that the ninth Iyessi song is now due.

Here it is:

Nestle in the shelter of Ondd's wings
Be cradled in the coils of Its tail
Feel the rhythm of Its breath rock you.
There is one–a pillar strong as stone
Lay your troubles in his lap
And be at peace.