'We meant that if you tried your favourite kick, Nobby, it wouldn't work,' said Vimes.
'It's a girl,' translated Lady Ramkin.
'But it's sodding enormous!' said Nobby.
Vimes coughed urgently. Nobby's rodent eyes slid sideways to Sybil Ramkin, who blushed like a sunset.
'A fine figure of a dragon, I mean,' he said quickly.
'Er. Wide, egg-bearing hips,' said Sergeant Colon anxiously.
'Statueskew,' Nobby added fervently.
'Shut up,' said Vimes. He brushed the dust off the remains of his uniform, adjusted the hang of his breastplate, and set his helmet on squarely. He patted it firmly. This wasn't where it ended, he knew that. This was where it all got started.
'You men come with me. Come on, hurry! While everyone's still watching them,' he added.
'But what about the king?' said Carrot. 'Or queen? Or whatever it is now?'
Vimes stared at the rapidly shrinking shapes. 'I really don't know,' he said. 'That's up to Errol, I suppose. We've got other things to do.' . Colon saluted, still fighting for breath. 'Where we going, sir?' he managed.
'To the palace. Any of you still got a sword?'
'You can use mine, Captain,' said Carrot. He handed it over.
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