Doctor Who_ Bunker Soldiers - Martin Day [24]
‘Nahum? Unusual name.’ Dodo paused in thought. ‘Isn’t that Isaac’s son?’ she asked in surprise.
Lesia nodded. ‘Our fathers quarrel. You can understand why our relationship must be kept secret for fear of wagging tongues.’
‘Of course,’ smiled Dodo. ‘It all makes sense now. I noticed you staring at him the other day. I thought he had his flies undone or something.’
‘Flies?’
Before Dodo could speak there was a tap at the door.
‘Who’s there?’ called Lesia.
‘It’s the Doctor,’ came a muffled voice in reply. ‘Sorry to trouble you, my dear, but I would like a word with Dodo, if I may.’
Dodo pulled the door open. ‘You didn’t have anything to do with us being stuck here, did you, Doctor?’
‘Gracious, no,’ said the Doctor. He nodded politely in Lesia’s direction before returning his gaze to Dodo. ‘The governor is clearly concerned for our safety, and that of his advisers. My dear, he really does have the best interests of all his people at heart.’
‘Where’s Steven?’
‘Safe, but in prison.You hadn’t heard?’
‘I’d heard rumours. I didn’t think they were true! What are we going to do to get him out?’
‘Nothing,’ replied the Doctor. ‘As I say, he’s safe enough, and –’
‘But we’ve got to do something!’ interrupted Dodo.
The Doctor chuckled. ‘Oh, my child, you and Steven are so alike – you cannot stand being idle!’ He turned towards Lesia, drawing her into the conversation. ‘I’ve tried telling her that some things are beyond even me, and that worrying about them will achieve nothing, but will she listen?’
‘We have similar conversations, sir,’ observed Lesia.
‘Yes, young lady, I’m sure you do.’ The Doctor’s voice dropped to a precise whisper. ‘Now, listen to me, both of you. I have asked for leave to travel to the Mongol army, and plead for Kiev. Now, while I’m gone –’
‘But you’ll be killed!’
‘Oh, really, my dear, this is becoming most tiresome! Yes, Steven said the same thing, but I am confident I shall return in one piece. Now, while I’m gone, the important thing is to be alert to all that happens around you. Staying here, in the governor’s residence, is really very advantageous. It is the hub of all that happens in Kiev.’ He paused, his voice becoming grave.
‘Something awful has been released.’ He sighed. ‘Desperate men will always make desperate choices... but if only they realised the true consequences of their actions!’
‘We’ll be careful,’ said Dodo. ‘But I still don’t understand.
Why are you going to the Mongols?’
The Doctor paced the room. ‘I’ve told you what might happen if the people of Kiev, still less the rulers of the Mongol Empire, were to gain access to the secrets of the TARDIS. Now I have come to believe that there is something in Kiev that speaks of another world, another time. I cannot let the Mongols have that. Even a hint of its technology might prove devastating!’
He paused, mopping his brow as if in anticipation of the rigorous journey that awaited him.
‘I must convince the Mongols not to attack Kiev, or at the very least to pass swiftly through it.’ He turned to Lesia. ‘Of course, I hope to plead for the safety of all the citizens. Please be assured, my dear, that my reluctance to allow access to my ship does not mean I am unconcerned by your fate.’
Lesia nodded demurely, but said nothing.
‘I will be leaving shortly,’ said the Doctor. ‘But I will return as swiftly as I can.’
Lesia watched as her friend gave the old man an impromptu hug. Dodo was a slim thing, with little strength, but beneath her embrace the Doctor seemed liable to bend or snap. Lesia could scarcely believe that the fate of their city rested on his ancient shoulders.
Bishop Vasil strode into the vestibule beyond the main entrance of the governor’s residence. He looked less than happy at having to leave the cathedral, a fish plucked from water and left floundering on the ground.
Yevhen watched as he reached for a hollowed-out horn that he carried beneath his robes, and drew from it a medicinal preparation. The bishop dabbed the