Chapter Six
Agrak strode through the ranks of goblins, each of which was clad in shoddy mithril armour. They clutched makeshift swords, axes, bows and arrows, also made from mithril.
"We march on Minas Tirith!" he shouted. Cheer and jeers rose out of the ranks and then suddenly the air was rent apart as the entire eight thousand strong army roared with delight. Agrak grinned cruelly and raised his own sword above his head and screamed a single word.
"MARCH!"
The Doctor's face was ashen and his hands wouldn't stop shaking.
"He can't be alive. He just can't be," he muttered, more to himself than anyone. River crossed over to him and gently took his hands in her own. He looked up at her, sliding out of his daze.
"Last time I fought him, he was sucked back through time, with Galifrey and the President and the rest of the twisted Time Lords. This isn't possible." His eyes pleaded with her, willing her to agree with him. Unfortunately that wasn't what she said.
"Yes sweetie, but it is him that much is clear. So you need to tell us all as much as you can about him, so we can help you beat him once more." She was calm but insistent, so much so that the Doctor nodded compliantly.
"Yes, yes you're right. Okay, the Master. Um, well, he's a Time Lord like me but he's mad, twisted and evil. The last time I saw him, I regenerated because of his actions. But he was dying. His body was collapsing in on itself." He stopped short abruptly and suddenly, his eyes filled with madness. He righted himself before sprinting over to the wall where two swords crossed decorated a portion of it. He reached up and slid one down, turned and stared at it.
"No, Doctor. That's not your style my old friend," said Gandalf, calmly. The Doctor looked up for a moment before sighing. His shoulders dropped and the sword clanged to the floor. River had never seen the Doctor like this before. It was worse than when Amy and Rory had been taken from him. Just then, once more, the doors at the end of the hall burst open and Faramir ran in. He stumbled to a halt and spoke directly to Aragorn.
"You were right, my lord. They're here. Eight thousand strong plus a Blue Wizard," he said. He was panting slightly and had aimed the last part of his message at Gandalf.
"No," said the Doctor, shocking them all. He had straightened himself up and despite a slightly pale tinge to his skin, he seemed back to normal. He absent-mindedly swept his hair back from his forehead and stepped forward.
"That is no longer Pallando. Think about it Gandalf. Yes, Saruman was corrupted, but there is nothing out to the east that could've corrupted them. That man out there is the Master, in Pallando's body. He must not be underestimated. Now, get out there and hold off that army! I'll deal with him." He turned to leave.
"Doctor, we cannot even hurt them, their armour is too good," shouted Aragorn, anxiously.
The Doctor spun round on the spot and gave a mischievous smile.
"I'll deal with that also. Now, go, all of you! River, with me!" And he ran from the room.