The Doctor and Alison were led to a long, thatch-roofed building. As they approached they could see smoke billowing from a stumpy chimney.
"At least it should be warm in there." Alison shivered.
They entered the structure and were immediately hit with the smell of smoke, but there was something else, a strange chemical sort of smell that permeated the room, and a smell of decay. The house was dark, lit only by a few candles and the chimney fire burning quietly in the corner, but they could clearly see that every inch of wall space was covered with animal skins and furs. In one corner the skin of some sort of quadruped creature had been filled with air, it's head removed and the neck and legs tied off, so that it looked like some sort of macabre balloon. The large man stood behind them in the doorway.
"Malik will be with you shortly" he informed them "I will be just outside this door... should you need anything."
"How kind" the Doctor said sarcastically.
The man exited. The door closed with a resounding thud.
"This is putrid!" said Alison covering her nose. She walked forward into the darkness and bumped into something soft. She blinked as her eyes adjusted to the light of the room. In front of her on a rough wooden table stood the remains of a fat, red coloured bird. It's eyes were simple black stones, polished smooth and shining. She reached a hand out to touch the ruffled feathers. They seemed to be coated with a strange tacky powder. She pulled back her hand and brought it to her face.
"What is this?" she asked.
The Doctor stepped forward. He gazed at the powder on her hand and then at the bird.
"Taxidermy" he responded "or a very primitive form of it." Alison brushed the powder onto her cloak. The Doctor moved confidently into the room, obviously his eyes were adjusting to the darkness faster. "There are several more of these about, be careful where you walk."
When her eyes were fully adjusted she could see six long tables distributed through the building, each holding some sort of animal carcass at different stages of being dismantled. An odd collection of bones sat soaking in a large tub at the back of the room.
"We've got to get out of here." Alison insisted.
"Intimidation" the Doctor responded.
"What?"
"Intimidation, this place is meant to inspire it, obviously this Malik person wants to put himself in a position of power before he even meets us... establish his dominance as it were. Which means he doesn't intend to kill us."
"Doesn't he?"
"No, at least not straight away, there's something he wants from us first."
The door opened with a scraping sound. A short, heavy set man entered. On one arm he carried a large tray of what looked like turkey legs, in his free hand he carried a large set of tongs. He glanced back at the larger man guarding the door and gave him a nod. The door slammed shut once again.
"You must be Malik," said the Doctor "we've heard so much about you, I'm the Doctor this is Alison."
Malik eyed the Doctor suspiciously, then set the tray on a nearby table and shuffled his way over to the tub. Using the tongs, began to turn the bones carefully in the soupy substance. The chemical smell in the air grew more intense.
"Tell me of the Toroth..." Malik spoke slowly as he turned the bones "How long have you lived among them?"
"We've never even seen them" the Doctor said plainly.
"Tell me of their technology..." Malik continued as though he hadn't heard him "how advanced have they become?"
"Technology?" the Doctor said with surprise "Then you don't believe they have magical powers?"
Malik chuckled softly "My people believe it, and it suits me to let them believe it... for now."
"And who are your people?" asked the Doctor.
Malik turned to face him. Sharp, intelligent eyes searched the Doctors face. "We are the Antazi, the people. The only true people of this land."
"How wonderful for you." the Doctor responded.
Malik turned to find Alison staring again at the red bird. "Do you like it?" he asked as he stepped toward her. "I've just finished it."
The Doctor quickly side stepped between them. "We'll it's important to have a hobby" he said as he looked directly into Malik's eyes.
Malik turned his gaze to the tray. "The food is for you" he told Alison. "It's a long journey from the Toroth city, you must be hungry."
"Oh, thanks" said Alison, she turned to look at the tray "...but I'm a vegetarian."
Malik nodded knowingly, though it was quite clear he had no idea what she meant. He moved toward the tray and grabbed one of the legs for himself. He began to eat as he walked away from them to warm himself by the fire.
The Doctor moved closer to Alison. "You never told me that" he whispered.
Alison's eyes scanned the bodies in the room. "I'd only just decided."
Malik watched them as he finished the leg, then he carelessly flung the bone into the tub. "I want the technology of the Toroth" he stated.
"We know nothing of the Toroth" the Doctor responded.
"And yet you clearly know something of technology."
There was a moment of silence. "Ah, I see" the Doctor finally spoke "you don't really believe we're from the Toroth."
"In truth I do not know where you're from, nor do I care. It matters not to me where the information comes from."
"I see."
"In exchange for the knowledge you provide, you will be allowed to live."
"Of course." the Doctor muttered.
For a moment no one spoke, only the sound of the crackling fire filled the air.
"Well?" said Malik
"Well!" the Doctor responded, clapping his hands together "I think we can come to some sort of arrangement." Alison stared at him in disbelief.
Malik smiled "It's nice to see that you're a reasonable people."
"Of course," the Doctor smiled in return "but first we must be allowed to examine your city."
"For what reason?" said Malik forcefully.
"Surely a man of your intelligence can see the logic in this. If I'm to share my knowledge with you I have to have an idea of where to begin. I must know something of the existing industries, examine the raw materials..."
"Agreed." interrupted Malik "Stron will accompany you."
"Is that the rather large fellow guarding the door?"
Malik nodded "My top warrior, he will show you what you need."
"Excellent!" the Doctor turned toward the door "Come along Alison, we mustn't keep Stron waiting."
"The girl stays" said Malik.
The Doctor turned to look at Alison, then at Malik. "I require her assistance" he stated.
"She stays," Malik said flatly, then he smiled "to insure your cooperation." He moved toward the Doctor "Or I could simply kill you now and glean the information from her."
Alison looked to the Doctor and Malik in turns, unsure of what might happen.
"You could kill me." the Doctor said in a threatening tone "It would be an interesting experience... for both of us."
Malik stared at the Doctor with unblinking eyes, then his countenance wavered. He let out a deep exhale of breath. "She will go with you," he finally said "but you are not to leave Stron's side."
"Understood." the Doctor smiled.
Malik lead the two of them to the door. As it opened, Stron turned his attention to Malik. "You are to show these people the village" he stated "give them any assistance they require." Stron nodded. "Oh, and Stron..." Malik began again "keep them safe." Stron gave a slight smile. Malik ducked into the darkness of the building and closed the heavy door behind him.