They looked at one another, alone and damp in the mist-shrouded street. There could be anything up there. The imagination peopled the dank air with terrible apparitions. And what was worse was the knowledge that Nature might have done an even better job.
'Nah,' said Colon. 'It was probably just some . . . some big wading bird. Or something.'
'Isn't there anything we should do?' said Carrot.
'Yes,' said Nobby. 'We should go away quickly. Remember Gaskin.'
'Maybe it's another dragon,' said Carrot. 'We should warn people and…'
'No,' said Sergeant Colon vehemently, 'because, Ae, they wouldn't believe us and, Bee, we've got a king now. 'S his job, dragons.'
'S'right,' said Nobby. 'He'd probably be really angry. Dragons are probably, you know, royal animals. Like deer. A man could probably have his tridlins plucked just for thinking about killing one, when there's a king around.'[17]
'Makes you glad you're common,' said Colon.
'Commoner,' corrected Nobby.
'That's not a very civic attitude…' Carrot began. He was interrupted by Errol.
The little dragon came trotting up the middle of the street, stumpy tail high, his eyes fixed on the clouds above him. He went right by the rank without giving them any attention at all.
'What's up with him?' said Nobby.
A clatter behind them introduced the Ramkin coach.
'Men?' said Vimes hesitantly, peering through the fog.
'Definitely,' said Sergeant Colon.
'Did you see a dragon go past? Apart from Errol?'
'Well, er,' said the sergeant, looking at the other two. 'Sort of, sir. Possibly. It might of been.'
'Then don't stand there like a lot of boobies,' said Lady Ramkin. 'Get in! Plenty of room inside!'
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