The Meteor, The Stone And A Long Glass Of Sherbet by Graham Nelson (as Angela M. Horns)

Another day wasted as guest of the Empress, a wretchedly long tour of the breath-taking Boreal Falls, conducted as ever by the Lady Amilia. As if she weren't bad enough, an honour guard of soldiers, their breast-plates red in the setting sun, march ahead of the procession and protect you from seeing anything unrehearsed. It's a dog's life being an Ambassador. [--blurb from The Z-Files Catalogue]