Doctor Who - Past Doctor Adventures - 39 - Bunker Soldiers (1st Doctor) by Martin Day

Author:Martin Day
Language: eng
Format: mobi, epub
Tags: General, Mongols, Science Fiction, Human-Alien Encounters, Adventure, Doctor Who (Fictitious Character), Fiction
ISBN: 9780563538196
Publisher: BBC Pubns
Published: 2001-03-14T07:00:00+00:00

‘And, as a traveller, you would hope to gain what, exactly?

Your freedom is the one thing you crave, and yet you know by now that I am not willing to let you go until after the Tartars have been defeated.’ He paused. ‘In any event, I trust you, Steven. I always have. I am saddened, however, that it has been so difficult to assure you of that trust.’ Dmitri looked keenly about the empty debating room, tapping his fingers to his lips.

‘Do not let Yevhen know that we are aware of this beast he has liberated,’ he whispered. ‘There is still more duplicity and treachery in the man that only time will draw out.’

I got to my feet. ‘Thank you for believing me,’ I said. ‘And now, with your leave, I would very much like to have a wash, find some clean clothes – and then be reunited with Dodo.’

Dmitri smiled. ‘You will find her with Yevhen’s daughter, I daresay. Since my order that those closest to me remain at my side, I have barely seen either of them.’

‘You have many things to consider,’ I said, thinking of how Dodo and Lesia had rescued me, and wondering if they had indeed managed to return without being apprehended.

‘I do,’ said Dmitri, as the great burden of responsibility settled around him again. ‘There is so much –’

The door flew open, and Yevhen strode into the debating chamber. ‘Forgive me, my lord, I have grave news,’ he said, bowing his head humbly.

It was only when he looked up that he saw me standing there. He blinked in surprise.

‘What is this man doing here?’

‘He is a free man, who can come and go as he pleases,’ said Dmitri.

‘But the murder... The prison...’

‘Steven is no more capable of these despicable acts than you or I,’ said Dmitri. I saw him stare at his adviser keenly, his rhetorical statement concealing a growing suspicion. ‘And, surely, a man cannot be blamed for wanting to escape from prison if he is truly innocent?’

I must admit, I did enjoy watching Yevhen squirming in anger. ‘This is Isaac’s doing!’ he finally exploded.

‘Nonsense,’ said Dmitri. ‘I have not seen my other adviser all day, though I expect him to be here soon. I must inform you both that Bishop Vasil will be arrested and tried for treason.’

‘Treason?’

‘Far from joining us in our struggle against the Tartars, it seems that Vasil is planning to appease them.’

Yevhen shook his head sadly, although I wondered if this was, to him, an entirely bewildering turn of events.

‘You said you had bad news?’ prompted Dmitri.

Yevhen nodded gravely. ‘Our physicians are attending the bodies now...’

‘Bodies?’

‘A great illness is sweeping through the city.’

‘What sort of illness?’

‘We are not yet sure.’

‘How will we recognise it?’

‘Vomiting, an aged appearance to the skin, a fevered but cold brow, an inclination to sleep. Death seems surely to follow.’

Dmitri sighed in anguish. ‘Why must the people of Kiev be bludgeoned in this way?’ he asked desperately. I could see the frustration etched on his face – how much more was he expected to cope with?

‘How many have died?’ I asked Yevhen.

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