Doctor Who_ Bunker Soldiers - Martin Day [70]
Steven didn’t know what to say, surprised by Yevhen’s sudden calm. The Russian adviser’s tone was almost defeatist; Steven wondered for a moment if he had misjudged the man.
‘I wanted you to know,’ said Yevhen, ‘that whatever I have done in the past, the pain I have caused – it has been with a greater purpose in mind.’
Steven might have responded sympathetically, had not he remembered the awful sound of the door into the catacombs being locked, and the beast’s brutal attack on Olexander. He felt his heart hardening against Yevhen. ‘You can’t just explain away everything you’ve done,’ he said. ‘You have murdered, imprisoned, manipulated... Dmitri might be too occupied with the Mongol threat to see you for the man that you are, but I know only too well.’
Stung, Yevhen turned for the door. ‘I only oppose those who oppose me.’
‘Perhaps you should take the hint,’ said Steven. ‘That’s just about everyone.’
Yevhen paused in the doorway. ‘I meant what I said about your friend. Her generosity has touched me.’
‘Get out!’ shouted Steven.
His anger continued to burn long after the door had slammed shut.
They made camp in the moon’s silvered light. The clouds that had seemed so prevalent since their arrival had for once lifted, but the unblemished starscape brought little cheer to the Doctor.
He turned to Abd N-Nun Ayyub, who stood, polishing his meal knife with a wetted cloth.
‘I need to speak to Mongke,’ said the Doctor. ‘Urgently.’
‘It will be difficult,’ said Abd N-Nun Ayyub. ‘He has much to prepare. Kiev is within sight.’
‘Which is why I must speak with him.’
‘You know he respects you as a man of knowledge. He is entertained by your tales.’
‘If only I could come up with enough to distract him from the destruction of Kiev!’ exclaimed the Doctor bitterly. ‘But I suspect he would be bored with such fancies eventually, hmm?’
‘I will see what the khan says,’ said Abd N-Nun Ayyub. ‘Just do not ask again that he spare the Russian city. Your presence here is tolerated, but is less than vital.’
The Doctor considered the Arab’s warnings when, some time later, he found himself riding alongside Mongke as the khan inspected his resting army. ‘Tomorrow is the great day, Doctor!’
Mongke exclaimed. ‘Kiev will topple, like a horse caught by a concealed trap. Its legs will break, and it will be good only for carrion!’
‘Kiev is a mother,’ said the Doctor, adopting the Mongol’s fanciful language. ‘In beauty, in poise, in strength, it is more than a match for any stallion you have ever seen. She carries in her belly the hopes and fears of an entire nation.’
‘No Mongol would ever kill a horse still carrying its young,’
said Mongke. ‘And I have indeed heard this city called the mother of Russian cities. Do you suggest to me that I capture it undamaged?’
‘I make no suggestion to the khan,’ said the Doctor. ‘As you know, I tell stories and riddles. It is not for me to prescribe their meaning.’
Mongke laughed. ‘Well said, old man! Well said.’ He paused for a moment, patting the neck of his horse as if it, too, had contributed to the conversation. ‘Of course, we Mongols are the wrath of the Creator, the bringers of Apocalypse. However, we would like to conquer without unnecessary fighting. There are always more battles to be fought, no? Why tire oneself without good cause!’
‘I have heard your soldiers talk of a spy within Kiev.’
‘An emissary exists,’ said Mongke. ‘Invited there by the men of God. We have not had a report for some time. I think I shall send Abd N-Nun Ayyub to the city ahead of us. He is a man of great learning and wisdom, much like yourself. They will trust him, no? It will be as if I send my own son – and then, perhaps, they will meekly surrender, and we can be on our way!’
‘Let us hope the light will shine on Abd N-Nun Ayyub’s endeavours.’
‘We shall see, old man.’
With that, Mongke cracked his reins hard, and his horse galloped towards the front of the army. The audience was at an end.
Yevhen slept.
Yevhen slept, and dreamed.
He dreamed of