'Well, I think you're just upset because you're impotent.'
Vimes's eyes bulged. 'Whee?' he said.
'Against the dragon,' Lady Ramkin went on, quite unconcerned. 'You can't do anything about it.'
'I reckon this damn city and the dragon just about deserve one another,' said Vimes.
'People are frightened. You can't expect much of people when they're so frightened.' She touched him gingerly on his arm. It was like watching an industrial robot being expertly manipulated to grasp an egg gently.
'Not everyone's as brave as you,' she added, timidly.
'Me?'
'The other week. When you stopped them killing my dragons.'
'Oh, that. That's not bravery. Anyway, that was just people. People are easier. I'll tell you one thing for nothing, I'm not looking up that dragon's nose again. I wake up at days thinking about that.'
'Oh.' She seemed deflated. 'Well, if you're sure . . . I've got a lot of friends, you know. If you need any help, you've only got to say. The Duke of Sto Helit is looking for a guard captain, I'm sure. I'll write you a letter. You'll like them, they're a very nice young couple.'
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