7.

The Doctor watched with horrified fascination as the terrifying body of Astaroth took material form.

The creature was at least twenty feet tall and had taken the shape of a man but with huge bat-like wings that folded around his back. It was dressed in a long black and crimson patterned robe and appeared to sit on a huge golden throne. Powerful, black talons rested on the arms of the throne whilst a barbed tail poked from beneath the robe and curled around the base.

Astaroth had given itself a human face with a crimson hue and with a long jaw from which protruded dripping fangs. Two long goat-horns curled from the forehead. Most terrifying of all were the eyes that were completely obsidian.

Surrounding the creature and the throne was a faint vortex of twisting colours.

Astaroth growled in pleasure, a long tongue snaking between the curved fangs. "I am glad you are here Doctor. It will make my triumph all the more sweet."

"You're not free yet Astaroth." The Doctor pointed to the halo of colour that covered it. "The Dimensional Prison that we forged still binds you."

"Not for long Doctor," cackled the demon. "Look at the artron crystals."

The Doctor looked at the red crystals that completely surrounded the fiery pit in the centre of the cavern. Although most remained intact, some were blackened and scorched and a few had shattered completely. "So that's how you managed to squeeze through?"

"Exactly, Doctor. And now as my power in this reality grows, I will soon be able to throw off these pitiful shackles entirely!"

***************

In the TARDIS, Ionay watched as the twisting ball of light grew in intensity and size. She soon saw the twisting figures of the scarlet– robed priests trapped within, their mouths open in silent screams.

There was a sudden wheezing, groaning sound from the central console and the pillar of glass above it began to rise and fall. At the same time, the Vortex bubble containing the priests began to warp out of shape. There was a flash of blinding light and Ionay threw up her arm to protect her eyes.

At the sound of a crash onto the metal-grilled floor of the TARDIS, Ionay opened her eyes to see the figure of Gavas being hurled from the Vortex. There was another crash and then another, as Cynther and Owain, landed next to Gavas.

Gavas picked himself up, still carrying his staff, and smiled proudly at Ionay. "Well done my child."

8.

In the cavern, Astaroth twitched on the throne and looked up suddenly as if sniffing the air. "Something has broken the Vortex bubble," it roared. The demon pointed down to the Vola that stood around the pit. "Strengthen the barrier – now!"

The Vola leader bowed its head. "It will cost our life-force my Lord."

"I don't care – that half-breed rabble must not escape!"

The Doctor watched the exchange and a smile grew. He knew that it had to be Ionay. "Something gone a bit wrong has it?" he taunted. "The fight's not over yet!"

"Silence Doctor. I want you to see me free before you die, but do not provoke me or I will forego that pleasure!"

The Doctor held up his hands in supplication and glanced at the Vola leader next to him. "Touchy devil isn't he?"

The Vola leader ignored him completely and pointed at two Vola who stood next to the pit. Without hesitation, the two fiery creatures walked forwards and tumbled into the pit. The fires burnt brighter and higher as the two Vola were instantly consumed.

********************

In the TARDIS, there was a sudden flash of sparks from the console. The column stopped moving and the wheezing sound of the massive engines ceased. The Vortex bubble that contained the rest of the priests instantly flared and vanished with the sound of a roaring wind.

The TARDIS was silent save the ever-present gentle throb of the engines.

Ionay rushed over to where Gavas stood. "What happened?" she cried.

"You freed us," smiled Cynther as Owain helped her to her feet.

"No I didn't, I didn't do anything…."

Gavas laid a firm hand on her shoulder. "Yes you did Ionay. It was the power of your mind, amplified by the telepathic nature of this TARDIS that managed to rupture the Vortex prison."

"Then why did we not all escape, Master?" asked Owain.

"Astaroth must have sensed our escape and made the barrier stronger," replied the older priest. "But it is of no matter. We must do with what we have. Ionay, join us in meditation." He held up the palms of his hands and Cynther and Owain did the same to form an open circle"

Ionay stared at them in disbelief. "But you don't know what has happened…."

"We will Ionay," said Cynther. "Join us."

Ionay did as she was told and the priests closed their eyes.

"Contact!" snapped Gavas.

9.

Astaroth seemed to relax back on its throne, a satisfied smile on its hideous face. "The barrier has been restored," it snarled. "Your pathetic guardians are still contained."

The Doctor's face creased with worry. The trouble was that Astaroth could be right. "I'm not going to give on up on them yet," he blustered.

The demon shook with cruel laughter. "Your faith in those half-breeds is misplaced Doctor." It curled its talons slowly. "But I can see your strategy. Whilst you distract me I cannot concentrate my efforts to the next plane. Look at that crystal." It pointed to one red crystal alongside the pit that smoked steadily. "It is only a matter of time…."

The Doctor licked his suddenly dry lips. As each crystal decayed, the creature would get stronger.

"Vola, contain the Doctor," ordered Astaroth gleefully. "Keep him bound until he is ready to witness my becoming!"

Two Vola stepped back from the pit and started to herd the Doctor towards a tunnel that led from the cavern. As he was pushed into the darkness, the last thing he heard was the demon's malevolent laughter.

*******************

As soon as she had joined hands with the other three priests, images flashed through Ionay's mind at incredible speed - their arrival on Arcadia, the chase through the streets pursued by the Vola, the Doctor's capture and then the TARDIS.

After a moment, Ionay staggered back with a gasp.

"It seems we must rescue the Doctor first," said Gavas. "Concentrate again so that we may sense his mind."

But Ionay held up her hand. "Wait a minute," she insisted. "Before we go any further you need to tell me why I can do all this." She looked imploringly at Gavas. "Please?"

Gavas returned her gaze and then nodded. "You are part of our Brotherhood Ionay."

"So the Doctor told me. Why are we here on this terrible world? What can we do?"

Gavas paused and took a breath. "Millennia ago, the Doctor's people - the Time Lords – arrived on this world and told our ancestors that a great evil dwelt here."

"This…. Astaroth?"

"That's right - a powerful creature from another dimension. Arcadia sits on a Time Rift – a gateway to that twisted reality. Astaroth tried to escape before but the Doctor and the Time Lords imprisoned it here." Gavas sighed. "That was a long time ago. Now the Time Lords of Gallifrey are no more."

Cynther took up the story. "But the Time Lords created a Schism Portal to another world – Pendara – the world that was your, our, home Ionay."

"All the population of Arcadia that survived the battle," continued Gavas gravely, "and there were only few, fled through the portal. The Time Lords decreed that it would be better if most forgot the terrible evils and dangers. All except the Scarlet Brotherhood - the sacred order to which they passed on some of their great powers."

Gavas held his staff proudly. "We are the Guardians of Arcadia."

10.

Ionay nodded slowly as she absorbed all the information. "So it's up to us."

"It is indeed," said Gavas holding out his hand. "Join the circle again Ionay. We need to find the Doctor."

The four of them formed a circle by joining hands. Ionay glanced warily at Cynther, and then closed her eyes copying her friend

Once again the assault on her mind took her breath away. It was like jumping into freezing cold water – shocking, yet exhilarating. A startlingly clear image of the Doctor appeared in her mind. He was pacing about a small, dark cave, with a worried frown on his face.

"He is there," Ionay heard Owain say as the image faded and she felt the others lower their hands.

"I fear he has been caged," said Cynther.

"Then we shall release him child," replied Gavas. He started down the metal walkway to the TARDIS door, his staff clattering on the gratings as he went. "Come, we must hurry."

*******************

The Doctor tried again to push against the rippling wall of energy that blocked the cave entrance, but it was no use. There was a flash of red and he snatched back his scorched fingers and blew on them.

"I just hate heat barriers," he muttered and continued pacing like a caged lion.

********************

Ionay joined Gavas, Cynther and Owain on the dark platform, closing the TARDIS doors behind her. She knew instinctively that the Doctor's strange ship must retain its secrets from Astaroth and the Vola.

"How are we going to find him?" she asked.

Gavas just smiled and tapped his forehead. "I can sense his mind." He walked to the edge of the platform and jumped down to the track a few metres below it. "The entrance to the underworld of Astaroth is this way," he said as he started into one of the dark tunnels.

Cynther and Owain followed Gavas without question and after only the slightest of pauses, so did Ionay.

Gavas smiled reassuringly at her and then closed his eyes. The red crystal at the tip of his staff began to glow. "Let's risk a little light shall we?"

The four figures, now illuminated by a halo of red, ventured into the darkness.

************************

Astaroth sat upon his mighty throne, its eyes closed in concentration. Then they flicked open and it gave a terrible smile before slumping backwards as if fatigued.

One of the artron crystals around the fiery pit suddenly cracked and shattered.

"The chains that bind me are weakening," snarled the demon. "Soon I shall be free!"

11.

Ionay ducked back into the shadows of the rocky tunnel. She held her breath as the two Vola marched from another tunnel that intersected it, and strode away into the darkness in front of her.

"That was close," whispered Cynther next to her and Ionay just nodded in reply.

"Can you still feel the Doctor's mind Master?" asked Owain.

"Of course I can," Gavas snapped. He paused at the intersection and then hurried up the tunnel from where the Vola had originated.

*****************

The Doctor looked up and grinned as he saw the four robed figures approach. "Master Gavas!" he cried delightedly. "Ionay did it then? Managed to free you from the Vortex prison?"

Gavas rolled his eyes. "Evidently Doctor." Then he smiled too. "She's a fast learner that one."

"Is the TARDIS still safe, Ionay?" asked the Doctor.

She shrugged. "I think so."

"Brilliant. Now then – how about getting me out of here?"

Owain and Cynther stepped forwards, joined hands and held their free hand, palm upwards, to the rippling energy barrier at the cave mouth.

Ionay watched as their eyes glowed with a blue light.

*******************

Astaroth leant forwards on the throne and seemed to sniff the air. Its black eyes examined the fire in the pit. "Someone is trying to free the Doctor," it snarled. "I cannot be distracted from my escape now. Vola – go into the tunnels and destroy all you find there!"

Most of the fiery creatures that surrounded the pit, including the larger leader, bowed their smouldering heads and strode from the cavern into the various tunnels that led from it.

Only three Vola stayed at the pit.

Astaroth closed his eyes again in concentration and another red crystal that surrounded the pit shattered into fragments. The demon started to shake with malevolent laughter.

*******************

The Doctor stepped from the cave as the energy barrier faded, a grin on his face. "Thank you." He clapped Gavas on the shoulder and winked at Ionay. Then his grin faded. "It will have sensed that I've been released y'know."

Gavas nodded. "I know."

"Then shouldn't we get going?" Ionay suggested nervously.

The Doctor shook his head. "We can't. I need to check how many artron crystals have been destroyed." He looked at Gavas who nodded. "We need to get back to the main chamber first."

Suddenly there was a deep roar from behind them.

Ionay turned and her eyes widened in fear as she saw two angry Vola striding up the tunnel. "It's the Vola!"

12.

Gavas grabbed Ionay's hand. "Then open your mind and destroy them!"

Ionay glanced at Owain and Cynther but they had already raised their arms towards the creatures.

The Vola threw deadly fire bolts down the corridor but they exploded against a shimmering curtain of energy that suddenly appeared in front of them.

Ionay took a breath as her mind touched with Gavas'. It was like she could see for the first time, with all the dazzling colours of a rainbow. She could see the Vola with her mind and suddenly knew how to summon the mental energy to destroy it.

The Doctor watched as a beam of brilliant red energy shot from the tip of Gavas' staff and was joined only a heartbeat later by a bright blue bolt from Ionay's outstretched palm.

Both beams struck the two Vola directly on the chest. The flames that covered their bodies were doused almost immediately leaving blackened, scorched torsos. With a scream of agony, the Vola crumbled into ash and rubble that scattered about the tunnel.

Ionay opened her eyes to see the Doctor grinning at her. "Well done, but it's not over yet!" He grabbed hand. "Come on – back to the main cavern."

****************

The Vola leader halted abruptly as he heard Astaroth's cruel voice inside his mind. "Vola have been destroyed."

"Yes master – I felt it too."

"Return to me. I am almost free of the bonds. You must buy my freedom with your essence."

"Yes master." The Vola leader turned and gestured for the three Vola that followed to go back up the tunnel.

*****************

The Doctor's desperate sprint slowed to a trot as they came to an intersection in the tunnel. "It's just down here I think," he panted. "You two," he indicated Cynther and Owain, "stay here. I don't fancy anything sneaking up behind us."

The two priests nodded and took up defensive positions crouching behind rocks as the Doctor led Ionay and Gavas down the tunnel.

The Doctor put his finger to his lips as they came to a bend. Ionay could hear the roar of an enormous furnace ahead. They edged forwards and Ionay's heart leapt into her mouth as she gazed into the cavern.

"That's Astaroth?" she whispered, pointing a shaking finger to the terrifying demon that sat on the glowing throne.

"Yup," answered the Doctor grimly. He bit his lip as he put on his glasses. "Oh no – Gavas, look!" He pointed to the red artron crystals that surrounded the fiery pit. Only three now remained intact.

"It will soon be free," murmured the old priest. "We are beaten."

Suddenly there was a shout from behind them and they turned to see Owain and Cynther running down the tunnel. "Six Vola coming towards us!" cried Cynther.

The Doctor looked crestfallen. They were trapped!

13.

Gavas suddenly took a firm grip on his staff and strode into the cavern, his face resolute. "Astaroth," he shouted, "I will deny you your freedom!"

"What's he doing?" gasped Ionay.

"Master?" whispered Owain in confusion.

"He's buying us our lives," replied the Doctor sadly.

"Then we must help him."

Cynther started forwards but the Doctor grabbed her arm tightly and shook his head. "No, you'll just be throwing your life away. We haven't got much time – we have to find another way out."

The Doctor edged into the cavern and started skirting around the shadows at the edges. Ionay followed him and behind her scurried a reluctant Owain and Cynther.

Astaroth turned to look down imperiously from its throne at the approaching Gavas. "And who are you priest?" The long, forked tongue curled between its fangs. "Ah, one of the half-breed Time Lord guardians no doubt." Astaroth breathed in slowly, its chest expanding. "Do you really feel you can kill me?"

Gavas said nothing but stopped in the middle of the cavern and raised his staff. A beam of red energy shot from the crystal tip towards the demon.

But Astaroth held up a clawed hand almost lazily and the energy dissipated as it touched it. The demon snarled with contempt and then flicked its wrist, sending the energy hurtling back towards Gavas.

The priest staggered back as he parried the energy bolt with his staff, but was otherwise unhurt. "You will have to better than that Astaroth!"

The three Vola that stood next to the fiery pit started to stride towards Gavas but stopped as Astaroth hissed at them. "No! If this priest is foolish enough to confront me then I cannot allow him anything but death at my own hand."

Gavas just swung his staff expertly in the air and crouched into a defensive position. He glanced to the side of the cavern and could see the four figures scurrying through the shadows towards a tunnel. Then he looked back at Astaroth and gasped at what he saw.

The demon had stood from the throne and held both arms in the air. There was a tremendous crash and suddenly the last artron crystals cracked in two.

Astaroth laughed in triumph and spread the huge bat-wings behind its shoulders. "You are too late priest! I am free!" Then it launched itself from the high ledge and swooped down on Gavas with a roar.

Gavas held up his staff and shot a bolt of red energy towards it. The bolt struck Astaroth but had no effect. Then the demon was on him.

Huge claws lifted the priest from the ground and bore him into the air.

Gavas twisted in pain, dropping his staff which fell to the ground with a clatter. With a savage howl, the clawed hands of Astaroth wrapped around his neck. "Now the universe will bear witness to my rebirth!"

Gavas screamed in mortal agony as his body was surrounded by a lightning storm of multi-coloured energy.

Astaroth flew high into the cavern and then with another roar dropped the now lifeless body of Gavas into the fiery pit below.