"Er... I'd be happy about that," Shufti ventured. "If everyone else is."
"So you'd have your baby without a husband?" said Polly.
"He's probably dead anyway, whoever he was," sighed Shufti.
"The general has influence," said Clogston. "He might be able to - "
"No, I'm not buying into this," said Tonker. "It's a gooey little lie. To hell with them."
"Lofty?" said Polly.
Lofty struck a match, and stared at it. She could find matches anywhere.
There was another crump, high above.
"Maladict?" said Polly.
"Llet tthe bball rroll. II ssay nno."
"And you, lieutenant?" Clogston asked.
"It's dishonourable," said Blouse.
"Could be problems for you if you don't accept, though. With your career."
"I suspect I haven't got one, major, whatever happens. No, I will not live a lie. I know, now, that I'm not a hero. I'm just someone who wanted to be one."
"Thank you, sir," said Polly. "Er... Jade?"
"One of der trolls wot arrested me hit me with his club an' I frew a table at him," said Jade, looking at the floor.
"That was mistreatment of a pris - !" Blouse began, but Clogston said: "No, lieutenant, I know something about trolls. They are very... physical. So... he's a rather attractive lad, is he, private?"
"I got a good feelin' about him," said Jade, blushing. "So I don't want to be sent home. Nothin' for me there, anyway."
"Private Igor... ina?" said Blouse.
"I think we ought to give in," said Igorina.
"Why?" said Polly.
"Because Wazzer's dying." She raised a hand. "No, please don't cluster round. Give her air, at least. She hasn't eaten. I can't get any water down her at all." She looked up with red-rimmed eyes. "I don't know what to do!"
"The Duchess talked to her," said Polly. "You all heard. And you know what we saw down in the crypt."
"And I said I don't believe any of that!" said Tonker. "It's her... mind. They made her crazy enough. And we were all so tired, we'd see anything. All that stuff about wanting to get to the High Command? Well, here they are, and I don't see any miracles. Do you?"
"I don't think she would have wanted us to give in," said Polly.
No.
"Did you hear that?" said Polly, although she wasn't certain that the word had turned up in her head via her ears.
"No, I didn't!" said Tonker. "I didn't hear it!"
"I don't think we can accept this compromise, sir," said Polly to the major.
"Then I won't," said Shufti promptly. "I don't... this wasn't... I only came because... but... look, I'm staying with you. Erm... what can they do to us, sir?"