Andy W: Your suspicions were correct: that last chapter was terrible. I'll try to make this one better. Poor old Sam - all the Sams - and I'll work on making the dialogue clearer. I couldn't think of another way to do the thoughts.

Vilya74: Thanks!

BekaJWP: At this rate, it should run to 20-30 chapters.

Tinuviel3: salutes Will do!

Chapter Eleven: The Beginnings of a Journey

Somewhere inside an alien mind, Sam Vimes was seething.

Let me talk!

But the king had moved on to another map.

"You took my counsel, my lord," said the woman. She sounded both surprised and pleased.

"Yes, lady," said Vimes' mouth. "At the last, it seemed to me a needless danger."

"Kind of you to heed poor Éowyn," she said coldly. The smile had something of a sneer to it.

Pained and proud, but pleased nonetheless.

What are you talking about?

The voice didn't answer. Vimes regained control, and watched her go with a worried expression. And then Carrot was at his elbow.

"I need to speak to the king," he said.

"I don't know if that's a good idea. My - passenger -" he spat the word "- took over before I could say a word."

"But I don't have... one of those," said Carrot carefully.

"That's what I'm afraid of. These aren't Discworld people, Carrot."

"The king is, sir," Carrot persisted quietly. "The wizards recognise him, apparentlyhe rules a kingdom up in the Ramtops."

Vimes gave him a 'yeah, right' look, but Carrot had already pushed oninto the tent. "Excuse me, sir," Vimes heard him say, "can I have a word in private?"

"Have my eyes gone all funny," whispered Nobby, "or is that army wearing pink?"

"You're right, Mr Frodo," said Sam in an awed voice.

Rincewind rolled his eyes. "Only the ones at the front. Something's not right," he said.

"Damn right," said Nobby. "I'm not a conny-sewer, but that shade is appalling."

Sam and Rincewind stared at the little humanoid for a moment. Then Sam said, "I suppose we'd best press on. It looks like the war's starting already."

"You sent him where?"
Sybil Vimes had arrived at Unseen University, and was making her presence felt. To the rafters.

"We're calling it Medium-Earth, milady," said Ponder Stibbons shakily. "Youcan see him if you like..."

But she'd already pushed past him to the Omniscopes.And then she breathed a sigh of relief. "Thank gods he's safe, at least."
Those standing closest by were surprised to see tears in her eyes. Sybil stared at the screen for a moment, took a deep, calming breath.
"And my son? Is there any word?"

Stibbons quickly twiddled some instruments on another Omniscope and a sleeping baby came into view. Sybil nodded.

"He's a captive of the elves, madam," said Ponder. "But don't worry. We're calling the experts."

"Oh, Esme, you old softie," grinned Nanny Ogg. "One note and you're off like a shot."

"Look!" Granny snapped, thrusting the letter at her. "Read it."

Emergency. Elves in Ankh-Morpork. Child kidnapped.
Not a joke this time.

Mustrum

"Oh... When'd you get it?"

"It just turned up in my kitchen," said Granny. "If this turns out to be a trick..."

"I'm from the Discworld," said Carrot. The word seemed to trigger a change in the king. His face became less lined; other subtle changes built up until Carrot was looking at a completely different face. It sighed.

"Are you here to rescue me?" it begged.

"Sadly, no," said Carrot. He gestured at Vimes."You see that man over there? We're looking for his son."

"Oh. Let me guess - elves?"

"Yes, how did you-"

"Go north, they like the cold. And..." the man leaned closer, "get me out of here."