time of the witch page 3

An aged, clawed hand held up a large glass globe and softly recited mysterious incantations as another clawed hand was waved across it. A swirling purple glow suddenly emanated from the glass globe and slowly, small distinct figures started to appear within. It was the Doctor and Jack talking to the Vicomte on their horses.

The clawed hand waved gently over the globe again and the scene vanished into swirling purple mist before the globe went dark once more. The figure chuckled malevolently. 'It seems we have someone who tries to oppose us,' the unseen figure cackled, 'but nothing escapes the attention of our crystal!'

Another figure stirred the steaming cauldron with what appeared to be a human bone. 'Why now,' an aged voice screeched, 'when the time draws so close!'

'What shall we do Morgwyn?' croaked another shadowy figure from the stygian darkness as it petted a large and ugly crow. The crow cawed and strutted back on forth on a tall wooden perch

'Have patience my dears!' replied the first voice with an angry hiss. A shape crossed the chamber to stand behind the pale and dishevelled figure of De Gallois that sat vacantly in the chair. It softly stroked his hair with a clawed hand. 'We have so many toys we can use against him!' The hand reached down and picked a small rag doll from a low, round wooden table next to where De Gallois sat. Some strands of brown hair were looped and knotted around the doll’s head. 'Let’s use one of my favourites shall we?'

The dark chamber resounded with maniacal, cackling laughter.

~~~

The Doctor groaned under his breath at Jack’s avoidance of answering his questions, but his curiosity was piqued at the mention of the strange lights. At least he now knew why the Vicomte was expecting him and had greeted him so well – Jack Harkness had told him.

Jack looked over to the Vicomte. 'Perhaps we should return to the chateau?'

The French aristocrat nodded. 'But of course.' He kicked his heels into the flanks of his mount and with Jack still grinning at a still moody Doctor, the three men galloped back down the hill towards the opulent buildings.

As they approached the chateau, the Doctor noticed some horses standing on the long path close to the main entrance. Sitting on the horses, or waiting nearby, were soldiers, their breastplates and helmets gleaming in the morning sunshine. 'It looks like you have company Vicomte?' asked the Doctor loudly over the sound of the horse’s hooves as they galloped nearer.

De Gallois pulled a face. 'It is, no doubt, Lavallier, come to ask for my aid again!'

The Doctor glanced across to Jack. 'Local politics?' he ventured.

Jack nodded. 'Trouble at one of the villages!'

The Doctor frowned. He hated getting involved in the petty disagreements of humans. It usually ended in bloodshed.

The Doctor, Jack and the Vicomte reached the chateau and dismounted from their horses as servants came out to meet them and take the horses back to the stables.

De Gallois strode towards the house, taking off his riding gloves as he walked. The Doctor and Jack followed a respectful distance behind as they entered the main hallway. Standing in the hall was a soldier with his helmet under his arm. He turned and gave a short bow as the Vicomte entered.

The Vicomte gave a polite nod in return and then gestured to the Doctor and Jack. 'Captain Gaston Lavallier, may I introduce Captain Jack Harkness and the Doctor.'

Lavallier was a handsome man in his late twenties with clear blue eyes that were filled with the arrogance of youth. He spared the Doctor and Jack only the briefest of glances before turning directly to De Gallois. 'Vicomte, I must speak with you urgently!'

~~~

De Gallois sighed impatiently. It was clear he had little time for Lavallier, but his aristocratic background meant that he managed a façade of god manners. 'Very well, Captain, walk with me into the study. I know what you want, but I can’t promise you my help for much longer, as well you know.'

Jack cleared his throat and looked meaningfully at the Vicomte. 'I’ll have to get going as well your Grace. I’ll just fetch what I need from my room.'

The Vicomte nodded. 'Very well Captain Harkness. I hope you are successful in your mission.' He paused, his eyes full of concern. 'It is very important to me that you succeed.'

Jack inclined his head with respect. 'Of course, I’ll do my best.'

The Doctor looked from De Gallois to Jack in both confusion and irritation. 'But Jack,' he began angrily, 'you still haven’t answered any of my questions!'

Jack looked a little sheepish. 'Sorry Doctor, I’ll explain everything when I get back. I shouldn’t be too long.' He hesitated. 'Hope not anyway!' With a cheery wave, Jack ran up the long staircase and was gone.

The Vicomte put his hand reassuringly on the Doctor’s shoulder and started to guide him with Lavallier towards the study. 'Perhaps you can help us instead mon ami?' he asked the Doctor.

The Doctor looked up the stairs after Jack. He hated not knowing all the facts and being in control of a situation. 'Looks like I don’t have a choice' he said peevishly, pursing his lips. Then he took a breath and smiled, remembering his manners. 'Of course I will, your Grace.'

As soon as the three men had entered the study, Lavallier, who had been impatiently biding his time, could not hold back any longer. 'Vicomte,' he implored urgently, 'I insist you give us funding from the estate to hire more men, or at the very least intervene personally!'

De Gallois, his face impassive, held up a hand to silence the soldier’s outburst. 'Perhaps we should explain Captain,' he said tersely. 'The Doctor here knows nothing of our little ‘rebellion’ in the village, let alone the role my nephew has played!'

~~~

The Doctor rode on a dappled grey stallion next to Lavallier as they left the Vicomte’s chateau and onto a rough track that led to the village of Dabarre. Lavallier’s troops, also on horses, followed a short distance behind them.


'So all this trouble is really down to a dispute over land taxes?' asked the Doctor brightly.

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