Doctor Who_ Battlefield - Marc Platt [35]
He saluted coldly, turned and walked away along the road. She watched him go. He would return when his sulking was done.
In the meantime, the spirits of those knights they had dishonoured must be appeased. She formed the men-at-arms up before the shrine. They raised their swords in a grim salute to the dead.
As they stood in silent contemplation, she heard someone approaching on the road. She descended the steps to the lych gate and saw the figure of a man walking towards her. He seemed startled as she stepped out into his path.
‘What manner of man are you?’ she challenged.
Lethbridge-Stewart assumed the classic duelling position: the body turned sideways, the pistol held straight-armed and aimed at Morgaine.
The men-at-arms raised their weapons in threat. The Brigadier did not flinch.
Morgaine was impressed and greatly amused. ‘A warrior, no less.’ She faced his gun and enquired merrily,
‘How goes the day?’
‘I’ve had better,’ said the Brigadier carefully.
‘I am Morgaine Sunkiller,’ she proclaimed imperiously.
‘Dominator of the thirteen worlds and Battle Queen of the S’rax. What say you, sir warrior?’
He recognized the laws of parley and slowly lowered his pistol. ‘I am Brigadier Lethbridge-Stewart. Surrender now and we can avoid bloodshed.’
She laughed. ‘Are all your knights so resolute?’
‘Bloody, bold and resolute, madam.’
‘It is well.’ She indicated the war memorial. ‘No blood shall be spilled until we have done full honour to those of your warriors who have died in battle.’
‘Let me see if I understand you correctly,’ he said. ‘You are holding a remembrance ceremony for the dead of our World Wars. A ceasefire to remain in force for the duration of said ceremony. Right?’
She nodded slowly. ‘Your words are strange, but that is the meaning, yes.’ She signalled the men-at-arms to lower their weapons.
The Brigadier holstered his gun. ‘Very well. What must I do?’
They stood silently, side by side, while the men-at-arms knelt in ranks before the memorial. The Battle Queen and the veteran soldier. United in respect for one another’s warriors and the etiquette of war.
After minutes had passed, Morgaine lifted her head and said, ‘I wish you to know that I bear you no malice.’
‘I understand,’ he said.
‘But when we meet again, I shall kill you.’
She turned, the sunlight glancing on her armour and her flowing red hair. She led her soldiers away along the road towards the village.
He would have been proud to lead such a well-drilled company. Nor did he doubt that they were formidable fighters. He was honoured that the Battle Queen deemed him a worthy opponent. But whether she had leapt from out of the past or from some other world where the laws of chivalry held sway, he could not tell.
It was imperative that he find the Doctor quickly. He retraced his steps back to where he had left Lavel, but there was no sign of her.
On the road, he saw a small blue car turning into the drive of a country hotel. He quickened his pace and started to run.
Chapter 3
Ace didn’t need to see to tell that the pitch-black tunnel was damp. The cold air was clammy with vapour and the sound of dripping had increased. Her shoes, which she hadn’t changed since she left Iceworld, were letting in water. She clung tightly to the Doctor’s hand as they slipped and slithered their way along.
‘Ancelyn’s ancestors must have built this tunnel,’ he was saying.
She kept on talking because she didn’t want to stop and think about what she was doing. ‘Professor?’
‘Hmm?’
‘Where does Ancelyn come from?’
‘Another dimension,’ said his voice. ‘Sideways in time at a rough guess. A different universe.’
‘Oh. Not a local boy then... ’ She gave a gasp and swore as the floor slid under her and she sat in a puddle.
‘Ace!’ shouted the Doctor. ‘Where are you?’
‘I’m here!’ She could hear him groping for her hand.
‘Where? Why is there never light when I need it!’
There was a buzz and the tunnel walls gleamed with a tracery of phosphorescent green.
‘Hey, Cavern Club!’ grinned Ace. She turned towards