"Can't you come with us, sarge?"
"Hah, me? I dare say there's a few people out there who'd take a potshot at me, white flag or no. Don't you worry. The word's gone out."
"What word's that, sarge?"
Jackrum leaned closer. "They ain't gonna shoot a girl, Perks!"
"You told them?"
"Let's just say that news gets around fast," said Jackrum. "Grab the advantage. And I'll find your brother while you're gone, upon my oath. Oh, one other thing... look at me, Perks."
Polly turned in the crowded, jostling corridor.
Jackrum's eyes twinkled.
"I know I can trust you, Perks. Make the most of it, lad. Kissin' don't last!"
Well, that couldn't be plainer, Polly thought as the armed men by the door beckoned them forward.
"Stick to the walls, okay, ladies? And be quick with that rag!"
The heavy door swung open. Half a dozen arrows bounced and pinwheeled along the corridor. Another one tore through the flag.
Polly waved it desperately. She heard distant shouting, and then cheers.
"Go! Go!" said a guard, pushing her forward.
She stepped out into the sudden daylight and, to make sure, waved the flag overhead a few more times. There were men in the courtyard and lining the battlements around it. There were bodies, too.
A captain, with blood soaking through his jacket, stepped across the fallen and held out his hand.
"You may give that to me, soldier," he said.
"No, sir. I must deliver it to your commander, and wait for his reply, sir."
"Then you give it to me, soldier, and I will bring you back the reply. You have surrendered, after all."
Polly shook her head. "No. This is a truce. That's not the same thing. I have to hand this over personally and you aren't big enough." A thought hit her. "I demand to take this to Commander Vimes!"
The captain stared at her, and then looked closer. "Aren't you one of those - "
"Yes," said Polly.
"And you locked them in chains and threw the key away?"
"Yes," said Polly, seeing her life start to flash before her eyes.
"And they had to hop miles with shackles on and no clothes?"
"Yes!"
"And you're just... women?" "Yes!" said Polly, letting the "just" go for now.
The captain leaned closer and spoke while trying not to move his lips.
"Dan gug show. Ell done. Agout time soes arragunk arsetards ere aken own a eg!"
He leaned back. "Commander Vimes it is, then. Follow me, miss."