The Curse of Peladon by Brian Hayles

Author:Brian Hayles [Hayles, Brian]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Tags: Fiction, General, Science Fiction, Life on Other Planets, Doctor Who (Fictitious Character)
ISBN: 9780426104520
Publisher: Target Bks.
Published: 1974-10-31T07:00:00+00:00

irresistible tune... The Doctor stopped chanting, but let the spinning mirror continue to flash its pattern of reflected phosphor light into the creature’s eyes, now languid in relaxation. ‘Well, Aggedor old chap,’ chuckled the Doctor,

‘You seem to be very partial to Venusian lullabies, don’t you?’

The spinning mirror flashed its pattern of reflected light into the creature’s eyes.

As though in reply, the normally fearsome monster growled, but with pleasure, like a contented cat. It was crouched on all fours, its great, powerful bulk completely relaxed. The mirror disc still holding its attention, the Doctor moved gently closer. His movements were almost imperceptible, but at last he was close enough to fondle the ears and forehead of the mighty beast. The light, though dim, was bright enough for the Doctor to see the details of the terrifying head: the matted hair, the nose tusk, white and gleaming, and the glistening fangs set into the huge, cruel jaws. The great beast, delighting in the light and the soothing fingers scratching its head, stretched slowly; and from the corner of his eye, the Doctor caught sight of the fearsome claws that had struck down the frail figure of Torbis. Distracted for a moment, he lowered the mirror-and immediately Aggedor roared with irritation. The Doctor hastily set the disc in speedier motion, letting the miniature strobe effect fall across the creatures eye line; then sighed in relief as its anger subsided once again. He cleared his throat, nervously, and chuckled.

‘I think we’d better have another chorus, don’t you?’ he murmured. ‘Best not get too friendly, had I? Not until you’re properly under, that is...’ And he started his soothing chant once more.

The terrifying roar had made Jo freeze in her tracks.

Aggedor! But if Aggedor was up ahead, thought Jo, so was the Doctor. And if he was in trouble, now was not the time to desert him. Gathering up all her courage, she ran forward into the half-darkness. Turning a bend in the tunnel, she stopped again, and barely stifled a scream—the Doctor seemed to be lying between Aggedor’s outstretched paws! Whatever weapon it was that the Doctor was wielding, it looked so puny as to be useless for dealing with the animal which was slavering over him! Added to which, the Doctor was giving out a low and painful moaning sound, as though in agony from a terrible wound. Without a weapon of her own, there was little she could do—but at least she had the advantage of surprise. With a great, brave cry, she charged to the Doctor’s rescue.

‘Its alright, Doctor—I’m coming—I’ll save you!’

‘Jo! No! Keep back!’ the Doctor shouted—but it was too late.

Aggedor, startled from his semi-daze by Jo’s frightening shouts and screams, lumbered to his feet and lurched away into the darkness of the lower tunnels. Jo, uncomprehending, clutched the Doctor—and was rather put out when he pushed her irritably away.

‘Jo, you idiot! Just when I’d started to get through to him!’

Jo stood gaping at the Doctor. What he’d just said didn’t make sense.

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