They state that diplomacy is a gentle art. That mastering it is a lifetime’s work. But you do need a certain inclination in that direction. It’s not something you are able to just detect the job.

A couple of days ago Sam Vimes was a copper – an important copper, accurate – main of law enforcement – but still, at his core, a policeman. But today he’s an ambassador – to the mystical, fat-rich nation of Uberwald. Today, Sam Vimes is also a man on the run.

He has nothing but his native wit as well as the gloomy trousers of Uncle Vanya (don’t question). It’s snowing. It’s freezing. And if he can’t make it through the forest to civilization there’s likely to be a awful war.

There are monsters on his path. They’re bright. They’re fast. They’re werewolves – and they are catching up.