Guards Guards - Thermals

The great beast turned in the air and swooped over the rooftops. The flame darted out again. Below it, yellow flames sprang up. It was done so quietly and stylishly that it took Vimes several seconds to realise that several buildings had in fact been set on fire.

“Golly!” said Lady Ramkin. “Look! It's using the thermals! That's what the fire is for!” She turned to Vimes, her eyes hopelessly aglow. "Do you realise we're very probably seeing something that no-one has seen for centuries?''

“Yes, it's a bloody flying alligator setting fire to my city!” shouted Vimes.

She wasn't listening to him. “There must be a breeding colony somewhere,” she said. “After all this time! Where do you think it lives?”

Vimes didn't know. But he swore to himself that he would find out, and ask it some very serious questions.

“One egg,” breathed the breeder. “Just let me get my hands on one egg ...”

Vimes stared at her in genuine astonishment. It dawned on him that he was very probably a flawed character.

Below them, another building exploded into flame.

***

Guards Guards - p119