Doctor Who_ Lungbarrow - Marc Platt [133]
Mum's the word, thought Dorothée. But she kept her mouth shut on that count. 'Still no sign of the Doctor,' she said.
'He'll turn up,' Romana said. 'Always when you least expect it. As things stand, I don't mind if he takes years...'
The others threw her puzzled glances.
There was a shout and someone came galumphing down the slope to meet them.
Chris looked surprisingly clean and rested. Somehow he'd found time to shave and have a bath. And change his clothes too.
'How did you get out?' they asked. 'Is the Doctor safe? Where's the TARDIS?'
'The Doctor's fine,' he said after he'd hugged them all, including Innocet, much to her surprise. 'But he's had a hell of a shock.'
'So have we all,' said Romana.
Chris nodded up the mountain. 'Go up and see him. The company will do him good. And you won't believe what the inside of the TARDIS looks like!'
Chris watched the others tramping up the slope. Romana waited, suddenly looking serious, which made him feel awkward.
'Actually, I have to ask a favour, if that's OK.'
'Of course,' she said.
'Well, he and I have talked it through. I mean, it's not that I don't get on with the Doctor. I'll miss him terribly...'
'But he has been very much in your thoughts lately.'
217
'That's right,' said Chris. 'I think we've sort of needed each other. But now I'd like to strike out on my own. No ties.
You know the sort of thing.'
Romana smiled. 'Where would you go?'
'Well, for a start I've this friend called Bernice.'
'Bernice Summerfield,' said Romana. 'I've met her. She's an archaeologist. A rather good one. She could teach us Time Lords a thing or two.'
Chris grinned.
'If you like, I'll arrange a time ring,' she went on. 'But think first, Chris. Don't rush it. The Doctor might need you too.' She tapped his arm. 'Come on, we'd better join the others.'
Chris looked back and saw that a small and official party was fol owing.
***
The little figure sat on the mountainside under a wind-bent tree. His eyes were closed in contemplation.
'This is where our hermit used to live,' said Innocet, quietly as the company approached. 'The Doctor would spend days up here. It used to infuriate Satthralope.'
'He'd enjoy that,' said Dorothée.
'There you al are.' The Doctor stood up. 'I'd put the kettle on only we're completely out of tea.'
He looked exhausted and, although everyone stood around smiling, no one knew what to say.
'It's the shock,' he added quietly.
When he saw Romana, he produced the data extractor from his pocket.
'My House and Family,' he said. 'The essentials at any rate.' And he flourished a bunch of heavy keys.
'Good,' Romana said.
He passed the objects to Innocet. 'You're Housekeeper now, Cousin. Please look after these.'
He surveyed the group that had accompanied her up the slope. 'You've been busy, Romana. Are you still President?'
'Chancellor Theora?' said Romana.
A proud woman stepped forward, holding her labyrinthine hair sculpture steady in the breeze. 'Please tell Romana to come back to the Capitol, Doctor. Former Castel an Spandrell has spoken to the High Council in the President's favour. They are prepared to listen, if she will only come back.'
The Doctor eyed Romana. 'No doubt you have something startling to pul out of your Presidential hat.'
She nodded. 'Something monumental is happening on Gallifrey.'
'So l gather.'
She indicated a tall woman, robed in red. 'This is the priestess Charkesta.'
'You're the new Ambassador from Karn,' the Doctor said.
218
The woman made honour with her hands. 'The ages-long rift between Gal ifrey and our Sisterhood is healed.
There are many favourable portents.'
She turned and made honour to Leela, who had been busy sharpening her knife on a stone with her sound hand.
'Thought as much,' said Dorothée. 'I thought they'd know al the time.'
'Of course,' said the Doctor proudly. 'Curses can't last forever. Sooner or later, two people with the right potential were bound to get together. Congratulations, Leela. You and Andred must be very happy.'
'We will be when