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The sooner they got away from this place, the happier Vollmer would be.

The sergeant had come to a decision. Already the water level beyond the dam was more than halfway up the structure. They had a day, perhaps two before Clark's work gave way and a flash flood tore down the valley. Vollmer walked back into camp and relieved Johnson and Hawthorne from guard duty. Once the pair had moved off, the sergeant undid the chains binding the Doctor in place and took the prisoner for a walk. The two men strolled along the crest of the hill to a point from where they could see all the activity below.

`The water is just a quarter of its usual level,' the Doctor noted.

'The general won't need the diving bell for his next expedition'

`Doctor, I think you were right. Doulton - he's not in his right mind. He plans to execute you when he gets back. He said if you escaped, he would have me shot instead'

Ìs that what you would expect from him?'

The sergeant shook his head. 'It's as if his reason is unhinged. The choices he is making, the orders he is giving. They make no sense to me' Vollmer decided he would have to trust this civilian. 'I've been up to view the temporary dam'

`How long will it hold?'

`Days. Perhaps only hours'

`That may be a blessing,' the Doctor said thoughtfully.

`Her Majesty will most likely be here later today. It is far too dangerous for her to visit this place. I don't know why the general invited her.'

Ì fear that I do' The Doctor held up his manacled wrists. Ìf you want me to help save the Queen, these shackles will have to come off. But once you do that -'

Ì would be disobeying a direct order from the general' The sergeant sighed. 'Gross insubordination. He would not need an excuse to have me shot after that'

`Have you heard of the Rubicon?' the Doctor asked, but Vollmer shook his head. 'It's a waterway in Northern Italy, not unlike the river below us. In ancient times it marked the boundary between Italy and Cisalpine Gaul. Julius Caesar led his army across the Rubicon in 49 BC and thus committed himself to civil war with the senatorial party of the day. Splendid chap, Julius, but far too trusting of those around him'

Ìt was a point of no return,' Vollmer said.

`Yes. He committed himself irrevocably to a course of action. Take off my shackles and you will do the same' The Doctor held out his hands. Ì want to rescue my friend Nyssa from beyond the rift. I want to stop the general from making a terrible mistake. But I need your help, I can't do all of that alone. It's up to you, Sergeant'

Vollmer produced a tiny key. 'I'll do it, but there's no guarantee Clark or one of the others will not just put those shackles straight back on you again. The general has a very strong command of his men'

The Doctor smiled. 'Then we must find a way around that'

After the morning feast Nyssa volunteered to take her brother for a walk in the gardens, suggesting it would do them both good to get out of the house and feel the sun's warmth on their skin. Lucina was only too eager to accept. Ì know there are many seasons bet ween you in age, but it would be good if you spent more time together. Besides, Tremas and I have much to discuss now you're home, Nyssa.' She gave her daughter an affectionate hug. Ìt's good to have you back. Just don't let your brother kill any more birds with his slingshot. I know they peck at the fruit but their song is so lovely in the morning'

Nyssa slipped on some simple shoes before leading the young boy out of the courtyard and down some stone steps to the gardens. 'Who are you? What's are you doing here? I don't have a brother!'

The boy smiled. 'I have two brothers. Or maybe I just dreamed them. It gets hard to remember what's real if you've been here more than a day.'

`What's your name?'

`James. James Lees'

`But that's impossible,' Nyssa said. 'I met you in Windsor. I -'

She stopped, trying to hold on to that certainty in her head. 'I mean I... I thought I had met you. But I...' Nyssa frowned. 'It's