Doctor Who_ Cats Cradle_ Witch Mark - Andrew Hunt [45]
'I think we must destroy the circle, combat the demons, win back Tír na n-Óg, win back favour ... But I must bow to the majority of the Tuatha de Danaan.'
He paused and the Doctor asked, 'But what of us? You say we can’t return and I understand your reasons. A long time ago I removed two people from their home because I though they might reveal my secrets and the secrets of my TARDIS, but two people in a world of many millions are very few. It would be a drop in the water, a piece of random information that most would ignore - even were we to tell anyone. After all, there are only the two of us.'
'No,' Dryfid shook his head, 'there have been many – over the years - and at this stage we cannot allow anything to jeopardize our safety. You can see that, can't you?' He seemed to be asking for their approval of the sentence of exile.
You don t sound too sure yourself,' said Ace.
Dryfid looked at her sadly. 'I'm not,' he told her. 'But if it were left to Nuada you would be dead by now. He has strong beliefs and I think he would not tolerate my presence as leader of the Tuatha if I tried to let you return. He would kill you, and then he would kill me. None from your world may go back no matter what. But there is another chance.'
'Yes?' the Doctor asked suspiciously. The word 'chance' had an unpleasant ring of danger to it.
'Goibhnie was once a good man. We will give you food, horses, maps and you may leave Dinorben.
Go to find Goibhnie, try to talk to him, maybe even persuade him that his present course is evil.'
'It's not much of an option, Professor.'
'Yet it is really all there is for you. Nuada will put you out of Dinorben to prevent you entering the circle. At least with the choice I offer you, you will have some sort of purpose out there.'
'Oh well, so long we can get killed on purpose ... ' Ace muttered.
'I once spoke with Goibhnie. I spoke with him many times. He did things for us, helped us, was like a father to the land. He was nearly a god, you see. He cared for us and yet he did not love us, and in the end even that care has been abandoned. Maybe something in his life died.' Dryfid remembered finding Wynne, remembered nearly striking the Sidhe who had led him to her body. It hadn't been the Sidhe's fault, but in that moment Dryfid had wanted someone to blame, to accuse. If he could react in such a way to his loss, how might a nearly-god react?
Ace looked to the Doctor and saw a frail figure slumped in a chair. As though he felt her eyes upon him, he guiltily drew himself more erect.
‘There is something in my life,' said the Doctor. His voice was quiet.
‘Yes?' probed Dryfid.
The Doctor paused, uncertain. He seemed to be searching for something. Ace wondered if it was something in his past, or maybe even something in his future. The sudden diminution of the etchings on his face revealed that the connection had been made. 'We accept!' he said firmly.
'You what?' Ace exploded, pushing herself up out of her chair.
‘It’s all right, Ace. Save a world and back in time for tea. We accept. When do we start?'
‘Tomorrow. It is past noon and the Fomoir will be growing active. Tonight you will eat well and rest.'
He rose to his feet. ‘I will ask Captain Rhys to arrange some quarters for you, and perhaps he might be prevailed on to show you around Dinorben.
‘Don't I get any say in this? Ace whispered savagely to the Doctor.
‘It’s all right, Ace, I know what I'm doing. He tapped the side of his nose and winked at her.
Realization dawned on Ace. 'Oh, I get it. Right.’ She mirrored his actions and gave him a quick dig in the ribs, eliciting a wince. Together they followed Dryfid into the council room, where Captain Rhys was still waiting patiently. Cyllell remained lying before the fire, acknowledging their departure merely by opening an eye for a second.