Finally, I got around to writing the last chapter. I'm sorry it's taken me so long.
Vimes observed Detritus. 'When I said we needed to find a way through the trees I didn't think we were proposing a forest clearance scheme.'
Detritus shrugged. 'I found da way out, didn't I?'
The rest of the Watch was forced to nod. Detritus had indeed, by dint of merely walking in a straight line, found the road. Branches and leaves still adorned him.
'How are we going to stop a coach sir?' Colon was feeling far better now he was out of the trees.
Vimes just looked at his broadest sergeant and glared. 'With a road block Fred. You and Detritus, out there please, in the middle of road where everyone can see you.'
It took thirty minutes to push Colon out into the road. He stood with his hands outstretched, whimpering, having been firmly told that hiding behind Detritus would result in his pay being docked and hence Mrs Colon giving him an earful.
A coach screeched to a halt right beside him, just close enough for the horses to snort at his palms. Sergeant Colon gave up at this point, gibbered something about not liking animals and ran to the safety of the rest of the Watch, whom he had not been forbidden from hiding behind.
Vimes marched up to the coach, rapped on the door, then wrenched it open without waiting for a response. He did not note the colour and design of the coach though...
'Alright, we need a lift to Ankh-Morpork, all of us, and your travel plans now include the city, so we'll just make ourselves at home here-'
'Ah Vimes. I was wondering when you would charge back to Ankh-Morpork. I'm pleasantly surprised to see the rest of your training group has survived the woods. Marvellous.' Vetinari raised an eyebrow. 'I'll send a coach to fetch you, shall I? Drumknott remember to send a coach out here when we get back, won't you?'
'Of course sir.'
'I'll expect you in my office at nine on Monday then Vimes. And I'll tell Lady Sybil of your forthcoming return.' With that the door shut and the coach swerved round Detritus.
'Should we wait here sir?' This was from Angua.
'No. We'll start walking.'