Doctor Who_ Battlefield - Marc Platt [59]
‘Avallion breeds her children strong,’ said the woman outside the circle. She was tall and frighteningly beautiful with hair like a cascade of fire. Her armour glinted in the light of their candle.
‘No matter. There shall be an end to these games.’
She stretched her slender fingers and gazed longingly into the circle. Shou Yuing and Ace shrank from her smile.
Ace grabbed the sword and scabbard from the floor.
Then the woman spoke again, the threat was absolute. ‘I am Morgaine of the Faye. I am power beyond your imaginings.’ She stretched an open hand towards them.
‘Surrender to me what is mine by right of conquest. Give me Excalibur.’
Ace clutched the sword tightly. ‘Never.’
In the shadows behind the woman, a darkness was rising. They heard the clink of chains and the deep breathing of a monstrous beast.
‘Then you shall be given over to the Destroyer...’
It came like a summoned dog, standing in Morgaine’s wake, swaying slowly, its great form devouring light. Its breath came in rasping growls and a stench of warm corruption.
‘... and be his handmaidens in hell.’
Part 4
Scenario: Nukeflash
... when all else fails, duck. It’s not practical, but it can be momentarily comforting.
UNIT Procedures Manual,
Zen Division.
Chapter 1
It lies with you. my son. Do nor be snared by Merlin’s wiles. We must have Excalibur.
In his head, Mordred heard his mother’s instructions.
At last, in her moment of greatest need, she placed a trust with her son. His confidence grew bolder before the Wizard’s threats.
‘Tell Morgaine to call off the Destroyer,’ demanded Merlin.
Mordred shouldered his sword and met Merlin’s glare with mockery. ‘Surrender to our justice and the children will live.’
With a flourish, Merlin hooked the red curled device at the end of his wand over Mordred’s sword. He tugged the blade hard against the Prince’s neck.
‘Your justice?’ he snarled ‘Tell her to call it off, or I’ll decapitate you!’
Mordred could not move. Again, his mother’s voice cut into his thoughts.
Fear not, my son. It is all deceit.
He was encouraged, even with death biting at his throat.
‘We know you of old. Merlin. You would not kill.’
The blade did not relent. ‘I wouldn’t count on it.’
Merlin’s eyes burned with the same fury that Mordred remembered from a different face an age ago.
‘Come then,’ challenged the prince, ‘look me in the eye and end my life.’
Merlin’s look blazed. His teeth clenched as he steeled himself for the deed. The blade nicked at Mordred’s skin.
Then with a look of despair, mighty wizard Merlin flung the sword away and stood back.
Mordred smirked at his defeated foe. ‘It is a weakness, this lack of spirit.’
He had rewarded his mother’s trust and shown that he was no coward. At last, he would share in every appurtenance of her triumph.
Cold metal suddenly pressed against his head. An old warrior clutched at his shoulder.
‘Try me,’ said the soldier and Mordred heard the priming click of a primitive gun.
Ware this man, Mordred. He is steeped in blood.
‘Brigadier,’ complained Merlin, ‘this is not the way.’
‘I’m sorry, Doctor.’ The soldier was unperturbed.
‘Can Morgaine hear me?’ he said to the prince.
‘Yes.’
He raised his voice to issue demands. ‘Listen to me, Morgaine. Leave my world or your son dies.’
Mordred waited for his mother’s reassurance. Moments passed. There was no new thought in his mind. He felt blood trickle on his neck. Why did she wait?
‘Deathless Morgaine. Save me!’
She would release him. She would find some other means to win the accursed weapon.
Finally her cold thoughts came.
Die well, my son.
‘Mother!’
Morgaine’s troops had regrouped along the ridge beside the dig. Their leader came to attention as the Battle Queen’s orders issued from his helmet.
Knight Commander. Recommence your attack. Take no prisoners.
The commander saluted. Strategy options scripted out on the inside of his visor, instantly relaying to his company of men-at-arms.
‘We shall make honour our standard. Put down your guns. Draw your swords. Let good steel be our