This chapter is a set up for what is to come...
The little group stood looking up a huge pair of gates.
Jack stepped up to them and rapped them; they were solid steel.
"This would keep someone out."
The Doctor moved up next to Jack. "Oh, it's not for keeping someone out, it's for keeping things in."
Jack noted the serious tone to the Doctor's voice; there was no trace of his usual irreverent attitude to danger.
"Keep things in, what things?" Ianto asked, eyeing the gates warily.
The Doctor didn't answer his question. "Stand back, I can't remember if they open out or in."
The Doctor placed his hands against what looked like lions that were carved into the doors.
There was an audible groan and what sounded like a huge bolt sliding out. The doors vibrated and with the sound of hinges long unused began to swing inwards.
The Doctor began moving before the doors were fully open and squeezed through.
The others followed a little more cautiously and found themselves in, if you could believe it a garden.
The Doctor however didn't seem to be stopping to enjoy the flowers and neither as Ninlil.
She urged Jack and Ianto to keep moving, saying "Every garden has its weeds," in reply to Jack's query as to their speed through it.
They finally reached the end of the garden and its lush grass soon gave way to brambles and weeds.
"Is it me or is getting hotter?" Ianto said.
They walked for a while longer and yes it was definitely getting hotter.
The brambles and the weeds gave way to rocky ground and the cliffs around them were potted with caves.
Up front it looked like the Doctor was looking for something; he stopped and crouched down and touched the earth.
"Ninlil," he called.
She joined him and they talked in low voices. Ninlil nodded and went back to the others.
"Are you two experienced in the art of cave exploring?"
"Yes, "Jack said. "Why?"
"The Well is underground and the only way to access it is through a system of caves. But be warned, this is Ereskigal's and Namtar's domain and they will not let us through willingly. There is much hatred between them and Enlil."
Jack said nothing, but having heard the confrontation between the Doctor/Enlil and this Namtar it didn't surprise him. He still couldn't even begin to process what he had heard; not the fact that the Doctor had been a father, he knew that. But the fact that he never confided in him that he had another child.
It was decided that they would rest for a few hours before entering the cave.
The Doctor was sitting apart from the trio and Jack was about to move over to him when Ninlil stopped him.
"No, Jack Harkness, he is best left alone. Please sit, rest."
Jack sat down reluctantly and took the water Ninlil offered him.
"Ninlil, I need to ask you something and please be truthful. This Namtar, he's the Doctor's son isn't he."
Ninlil sighed. "You could call him that, he comes from the Doctor but that is all. Namtar's mother Ereshkigal seduced him when he was not in control of himself and Namtar is the result. When my father, Anu found out about the child he wanted to kill him, because he was a child conceived through trickery and would be nothing but bad. But the Doctor would not allow it and instead he persuaded Anu to banish Ereshkigal and her child. My father drove them underground and there they have stayed until now."
"I heard him last night, he didn't sound very fatherly."
"No like I said, Namtar comes from the Doctor that is all. He carries none of the Doctor's better qualities."
"But he's a Time Lord."
"He is not, he is an abomination. There is no Time Lord blood running through his veins. Like I said, he comes from the Doctor, but he is pure Ereshkigal. I am no scientist, but my race and his are incompatible. She didn't need his genetic material, only the energy that he releases, that is how we reproduce, being creatures of energy than flesh."
Jack took this in. "So, this isn't your real look?"
"No, it is just one that he finds attractive. But that is by the by. Namtar is a son by name but not by blood. I warn you now Jack Harkness, take great care of your companion, Namtar is a twisted as they come and he will try to take what is precious to you. Now, enough talk, rest."
The Doctor had moved whilst they were talking and was now standing at the entrance to the cave.
He stood staring into the darkness and then his eyes flashed with molten light.
"I know you are there Ereshkigal, so show yourself."
A woman appeared out of the shadows; she was beautiful but it was marred by the cruel set of her mouth.
"Have you come to kill me like you threatened to do to my son, Enlil?"
The Doctor/Enlil let out a mirthless laugh. "I am not interested in you Ereshkigal or that whelp of yours. I just came to give you fair warning, interfere in my progress towards the Well and I will punish you."
Ereshkigal scowled. "This is my domain and I will do as I wish."
The Doctor/Enlil eyes flashed again. "Fair enough, but I do not give second chances, be warned."
With that the woman faded back into the shadows and the Doctor/Enlil turned away.
He looked over at the horizon and the sun was setting...tomorrow it would begin.