The Promise Paradox

by Ruinous79

The destiny of a once dead planet is inextricably linked to Gallifrey's dark history, a troubled human named Sebastian and the current political unrest at the Time Lord Academy. When the paradox threatens time, the Eighth Doctor is summoned by President Romana to assist. Can the enigmatic Professor River Song help him unravel this mystery of love, betrayal, and the price of power?

1. Chapter 1

Long ago in a faraway land, a king and his fair queen were blessed with a beautiful baby girl. They named their daughter Promise, for she filled their lives with the certainty of a happily ever after.

Though their kingdom was secluded and far from the reach of any that might do them harm, the king soon began to fear for the safety of his little family. He became paranoid about protecting them and in the end grew quite mad. He began to formulate an unspeakable plan to shelter his wife and child from the dangers of the past.

The king had every reason to fear, for Promise wasn't just any ordinary princess. Promise was the last in a bloodline of mystical beings who once ruled over a kingdom called Gallifrey. She was, in fact, an enchantress whose powers wouldn't come to her fully until her 25th birthday. Her very existence was a secret that must be kept from all who might wish her harm.

Far away in another land, there was a coven of witches. They had been exiled from Gallifrey long ago and were all that remained of Promise's grandmother's followers. Over the centuries, the dark history of the coven's origins were lost to time. The very knowledge was forbidden. To even speak of the ancient times on Gallifrey was punishable by death. The witches now practiced their magick arts in a female ruled dominion called Karn.

It was in that land of red stone and soil that Promise's birth was foretold by a witch called Calanthia. Calanthia became obsessed with finding Promise and bringing the child back to the kingdom of her bloodline.

Calanthia kept the prophecy a secret from all but one fellow conspirator who shared her desire to see Promise take her rightful place as ruler of Gallifrey. Her secret remained safe, until one day she was brought before the head of her coven, the most esteemed of all the witches, Endolyn.

Endolyn had already learned of Calanthia's interest in the forbidden past. But when she found out about the child, she flew into a violent rage and attempted to kill Calanthia in order to keep the secret. For Endolyn was a shrewd and selfish witch and had no interest in having her significance usurped by the revenant.

Badly injured, Calanthia fled the dominion of the witches and made it, barely alive to the doorstep of her fellow conspirator.

With Calanthia's secret still a threat, Endolyn vowed to destroy Promise before she reached her 25th birthday.

And for her part, Calanthia vowed that when she was strong again, she would find Promise and protect her until she came into her powers.