Pyramids (Discworld 7)

'You'd think there'd be some, you know, camel hairs or something,' he said.

'Or blood,' said the Ephebian.

'I reckon it's one of them unexplainable phenomena.'

'Oh. That's all right, then.'

The two men stared at the stone for a while.

'Like a mirage,' said the Tsortean, helpfully.

'One of them things, yes.'

'I thought I heard a seagull, too.'

'Daft, isn't it. You don't get them out here.'

The Tsortean coughed politely, and stared back at his men.

Then he leaned closer.

'The rest of your people will be along directly, I expect,' he said.

The Ephebian stepped a bit closer and when he spoke, it was out of the corner of his mouth while his eyes apparently remained fully occupied by looking at the rocks.

'That's right,' he said. 'And yours too, may I ask?'

'Yes. I expect we'll have to massacre you if ours get here first.'

'Likewise, I shouldn't wonder. Still, can't be helped.'

'One of those things, really,' agreed the Tsortean. The other man nodded. 'Funny old world, when you come to think about it.'

'You've put your finger on it, all right.' The sergeant loosened his breastplate a bit, glad to be out of the sun. 'Rations okay on your side?' he said.

'Oh, you know. Mustn't grumble.'

'Like us, really.'

''Cos if you do grumble, they get even worse.'

'Just like ours. Here, you haven't got any figs on your side, have you? I could just do with a fig.'

'Sorry.'

'Just thought I'd ask.'

'Got plenty of dates, if they're any good to you.'

'We're okay on dates, thanks.'

'Sorry.'

The two men stood awhile, lost in their own thoughts. Then the Ephebian put on his helmet again, and the Tsortean adjusted his belt.

'Right, then.'

'Right, then.'