Across the chasm, Vasor let out a fiendish cackle and turned to go.
Ian called to him. "Vasor, wait!'
The giant trapper pointed a mocking finger at the stranded group. "No,' he roared. "You wait... Wait there for ever... There's no other way out.' His coarse laughter echoed around the immense cavern and the next moment he had vanished.
Nobody spoke.
Finally, Barbara peered over the edge at the useless bridge. "How do we get across?'
Ian, angry with himself, said, "I don't know. It's too wide to jump.'
"Maybe we can find some planks and logs and lay them across?'
The likelihood of finding the right materials was so remote as to be laughable. But what else could they do? It was just possible that whoever built the bridge may have left something lying about. They entered the tunnel.
The entrance was narrow and sloped downwards beneath a massive lintel of solid ice. As they stepped through there was a loud creak. They peered upwards into the gloom. The lintel of ice, which must have weighed several tons, was supported at one end by a piece of rock wedged into the wall.
"Keep down as you go under,' said Ian to the others. Several minutes later they arrived in the large chamber. Ian hurried forward to examine the iceblock. After a moment he beckoned Susan over.
"Is this what you saw?'
Susan peered into the ice. Frozen deep at its core were four figures, armed and helmeted like ancient warriors. Their faces were strangely distorted by the refracted light.
She nodded. "They seem so lifelike.'
"They must be the demons that Vasor talked about,' said Ian.
Sabetha suddenly pointed excitedly. "Look! It's the key!'
Above the warriors' head, locked into the ice, was a small, square rock. On it was the micro-circuit. "Guarded by four dead warriors,' said Ian.
Barbara called out, "There's a pipe here with a valve or something.' She gave it a twist. There was a faint gurgling noise.
"It's melting,' remarked Susan, pointing to the block of ice. Water had begun to drip from the sides.
"While we're waiting let's see what we can do about the bridge,' suggested Ian.
Half an hour later he and Altos had managed to prise two very long icicles from the roof of the chamber and drag them to the chasm's edge. They lashed them together with rope from the bridge and slid them carefully across the gap until they lodged on the other side.
"With any luck they'll freeze together,' said Ian. "But we'll need some more to pack in at the sides.'
In the chamber most of the iceblock had melted, flooding the floor to a depth of six inches. The four warriors, freed as far as their waists, slumped forward like drunken men. Their weapons dangled harmlessly by their sides. Behind the warriors, still imprisoned in the ice, lay the key. Sabetha watched patiently as the transparent shield melted layer by layer.
Barbara heard Ian and Altos approaching. "It's alright,' she called out, "the ice has nearly melted.'
The two men arrived in time to see Sabetha pick her way through the fallen slabs and remove the key. She turned and beamed at them, her face radiant with joy.
"Ian,' called out Susan, "Look at these weapons.' She was examining one of the warriors. "I wouldn't like to come across him in a battle.'
She bent down to get a closer look. The face, deathly pale like sculpted alabaster, stared unseeing at the floor. Gingerly Susan fingered his resplendent tunic and tested the razor-sharp edge of his sword. As she turned away, her heart missed a beat. Had she caught a movement in the warrior's eye? She looked again. His knuckles were tightening about the hilt of his sword! Susan stood rooted to the spot as the warrior's head screwed slowly round to face her.
She screamed. "He's alive!... He's alive!'
Ian looked up and saw the four warriors rising from the ice like ghosts. "Get out of here! Run!'
They raced for the exit.
The warriors, stiff and cumbersome, lurched menacingly after them.
Within minutes they were all at the crevasse, except for Ian.
Susan gazed nervously at the slender bridge the men had built. It was no more than a foot wide, a brittle, slippery thread of ice spanning the deep chasm. It would never support them all, not even singly. A daring thought struck her. Unnoticed by the others, she hauled in the fallen end of the rope bridge. Grasping it firmly in one hand, she crawled out onto the narrow strip of ice.
Barbara suddenly caught sight of her. "Susan!'
The others turned and gasped with dismay.
"It'll never take her weight,' exclaimed Altos. "It can't have frozen yet.'
But Susan was already halfway across. The long poles of ice bent unnaturally in the middle beneath her. Very slowly she inched her way forward.
Ian reached the narrow gap surmounted by the large, hanging lintel. He broke off a long, pointed stalactite and levered away the small rock supporting the lintel. The great mass of ice thudded to the floor with a boom, blocking the tunnel. Then, gripping the stalactite as a club, he waited.
Susan was three feet from the far side of the crevasse when she felt the bridge give way. She hurled herself across the remaining gap. Her fingers clawed desperately at the rim of the chasm. For one agonising moment it seemed she was slithering to her death. But she dug her fingernails into the icy surface and slowly pulled herself to safety. Then she hauled the broken end of the rope bridge and secured it firmly around the retaining pillar.
A sharp blade thudded through the ice nearly slicing off Ian's shoulder and the head of the leading warrior burst through. Ian dealt him a fierce blow with his ice-club. The makeshift weapon shattered into tiny pieces. The others were safely over the bridge when Ian raced into view. Altos held the ropes steady as Ian plunged recklessly across.
"Right, you carry on,' yelled Ian. "I'll catch you up.' Altos hurriedly shepherded the girls away.
Ian began untying the holding ropes just as the leading warrior appeared. Wielding an enormous broadsword he waded onto the bridge. He was almost across when Ian unfastened the last rope and the bridge swung into the crevasse. The soldier plummetted to his death, screaming. Ian hurried off. The remaining warriors began hacking at the icy walls to construct another bridge.
In his hut Vasor sat gloating over the stolen valuables; the travel bracelets, the Doctor's ring, and the two strange plastic keys. He could barter a rich reward for these little trinkets. And there was no-one left to ask awkward questions.
His musings were interrupted by a loud crash as Ian and Altos burst in followed by the girls. Amazement, alarm, and fear animated Vasor's face in quick succession.
"We've come to collect our things, Vasor,' announced Ian boldly. He strode to the table and gathered up the valuables.
"No, no, no...' cried Vasor, more in astonishment than anger.
Ian handed out the bracelets and entrusted Sabetha with the rest. "Now we can keep our date with the Doctor.'
Bewildered by the sudden turn of events Vasor decided to escape. He sidled towards the open door but quickly withdrew, his eyes crazed with terror. The devils from the mountain! They're coming here!' He slammed the door and drove home the bolts.
"I'm afraid you'll have to entertain them alone, Vasor,' said Ian drily.
An axe-blade bit through the door. Vasor, emboldened by terror, drew his knife. "You'll stay or I'll kill her!' He grabbed Susan. The others stood powerless as he placed the knife at her throat. Suddenly he groaned and slumped forward. Screaming, Susan shook herself free. The warrior's axe had cut clean through the door and plunged into the big man's kidneys. The next moment the door flew off its hinges and the three warriors crashed into the room.
"The dials!' yelled Ian. "Twist the dials!'
The warriors raised their weapons and charged the defenceless group. But they found themselves slicing the empty air. Their victims had vanished. Only Vasor's enormous hulk remained, like a dead whale at their feet.
Ian materialised alone in a bare, windowless corridor. Immedi
ately in front of him stood a solid metal door slightly ajar. He stepped forward and peered through.
Inside was a small room, also windowless. The iron door provided the only entry to the room, which seemed to be underground. The walls were hung with ornamental antique weapons and in the centre stood four glass display cases, like those found in museums. Lying in front of the nearest case was the body of a young man.
Ian bent down to examine him. There was a deep wound on the man's forehead but no other sign of injury. He wore a black military uniform and looked like a guard of some sort.
Beside him on the floor lay a large, spiked mace. Ian picked it up and studied it. It seemed the likely murder weapon. He replaced it beside the body. His attention was then caught by the contents of the nearest display case. Mounted on black velvet beneath the glass was the fourth key of Marinus!
At that moment he heard a slight movement behind him. Before he could turn, a heavy object smashed violently against the back of his skull and he fell to the floor, unconscious.
The unseen attacker broke the glass display case and swiftly removed the key. There was a clang of alarm bells. The figure retreated into the corridor and closed the iron door, locking Ian and the dead body inside.
9: Sentenced!
Ian awoke. He was lying on the floor next to the dead body. Someone had covered it with a sheet. He staggered to his feet and glanced at the display case. An ugly hole in the glass marked where the key had lain.
A voice behind him said "Do you want to tell me where you've hidden it?'
The speaker was seated on a chair near the door. He wore an immaculate, black uniform, officer's boots, and a wide, leather belt with gun holster. He was about twenty-five years of age, clean-shaven, with short, smoothly-brushed hair.
"Who are you?' asked Ian, taken aback.
"My name is Tarron.' The stranger spoke in cultured, clipped tones. "I am Interrogator of the Guardian Division. Do you feel well enough to talk now?' He fingered the buttons on a small recorder.
"Well, my head's pretty sore.' Ian looked around. "What happened here?'
The Interrogator gave him a cool stare. "I'm waiting for you to tell me.'
"I don't know very much. I came through that door...'
"It was unlocked?'
"It was half open. I saw a body lying on the floor. I bent down to look at it and... somebody hit me from behind.'
The Interrogator frowned. "You could not have come through that door unless the guard inside let you in.'
"I told you, the door was open.'
The young man rose and walked up to Ian. "This is a maximum security vault. No-one is admitted until they have undergone a complete probity check. There is no record of you ever having completed any such check.'
"Well, of course there isn't!' retorted Ian. "I've never been here before.'
"However, you did get inside,' resumed his inquisitor smoothly. "I have to assume you either tricked the guard or you were in league with him.'
"Now wait a minute, this is nonsense. I've told you how I got in.'
Tarron gave a thin smile. "Yes, and I'm recording all your answers. Are you going to be helpful?'
"As far as I can, but I promise you I don't know...'
"Well, let's be sensible about this.' The young interrogator adjusted a control on the recorder. "Name?'
"Ian Chesterton.'
"You're a visitor to this district?'
"Yes.'
"Your work?'
After a slight hesitation, "Science teacher.'
"Mmm. You know the purpose of the micro-circuit?'
Ian remained silent.
"No reply.' The young man stared at the ceiling then threw Ian an icy look. "It would make my report complete if you would tell me how you got rid of the micro-circuit.'
"I didn't get rid of it. I never had it! I saw it in its case just before I was hit on the head.'
Tarron remained unperturbed. "While you were unconscious my men searched the room. They searched you and the body of the guard. They didn't find it. Now,' he said, drumming his fingers on the recorder box, "what did you do with it?'
Ian sighed with exasperation. "I haven't done anything with it. I've told you all I know.'
Tarron regarded him sceptically then crossed to the door. "Alright.' He pressed a button and spoke into an intercom. "Open your side, we're coming out.'
The door was unlocked from the outside by a waiting guard. Tarron gestured for Ian to leave.
"Where are we going?'
"The Guardian building. You will be charged formally.'
"Charged? What with?'
"Murder.'
Ian felt the colour drain from his cheeks. "Wait a minute - Tarron, is it?'
"Yes.'
Ian gestured towards the guard. Tarron stepped back into the room and shut the door.
Ian looked him in the eye. "I've told you the truth.'
The young soldier remained impassive. "That isn't for me to decide.'
"There was another man here,' insisted Ian. "He hit me. I've got the bruise to prove it.' He massaged the back of his head tenderly.
"The dead man could have hit you before he was killed.' Tanon spoke with no emotion, as though logic more than human feeling was his true concern.
"I suppose I killed him when I was unconscious,' said Ian with sarcasm.
"It does suggest you had an accomplice, I agree. So you'd better produce him. That's my advice to you for what it's worth.' Tarron flicked a speck of dirt from his uniform and turned to the door.
"I don't have to produce him,' Ian said, jabbing a finger at the elegant figure in front of him "You do. Circumstantial evidence is not enough. You must prove that I was the actual murderer.'
The inquisitor's hard gaze fell upon him. "That is contrary to our legal system.'
"What?'
"You are already guilty of this crime. The burden of defence is entirely yours. You must prove beyond any shadow of doubt that you're innocent, otherwise...' He looked down at his slender, manicured hands.
"Yes?'
"You'll die.'
Ian turned pale.
"If you take my advice, you'll get someone to speak for you at the tribunal: Do you know anybody in the city?'
Ian gave a hollow laugh. Then he noticed the travel dial on his wrist. The Doctor! He was already here.
"There is one man,' he said. "If I can find him.'
"You'd better locate him quickly,' observed Tarron. "The tribunal sits in two days.'
He summoned the guard and Ian was led away.
Forty-eight hours later Ian was still confined to his cell. He had drawn a blank on the whereabouts of the Doctor but through intermediaries had been informed of the arrival of Barbara and the others.
On the morning of the trial Barbara and Altos presented themselves as instructed to the duty officer outside the courtroom. The officer, whose name was Larn, had an open, friendly face. He told them they had been granted permission to attend the Court proceedings.
"But,' he warned them, "there must be no disturbances of any kind. The law is very rigid. Offenders can be sent for one year to the glass factories in the desert, instantly and without trial.'
Barbara looked suitably impressed.
"Chief Enquirer Tarron has arranged for you to speak to your friend,' he continued, "but you are not to give him any packets or articles not previously examined by me.'
Barbara and Altos gave their assent and retired to a nearby bench. Susan and Sabetha were to meet them there shortly. Barbara hoped they would have some news of the Doctor. Five minutes later they were escorted in.
"Any luck?'
Susan shook her head sadly. "No sign of him anywhere.'
"But several people saw him two days ago,' added Sabetha, "after Ian was arrested.'
Altos drew near to avoid being overheard. "I've failed to discover any news of my friend Eprin either.'
"At least they're going to let us speak to Ian,' said Barbara.
&nb
sp; "Can't we all make a run for it?' whispered Susan.
"No, it's too dangerous.'
They glanced around. The building was filling up. Court dignitaries and officious-looking clerks scurried busily back and forth.
Suddenly Ian was led in. He looked drawn and haggard. He was accompanied by an immaculately dressed officer whom Barbara guessed was the Chief Enquirer. He led Ian over to the others and left them to talk for a moment.
"How are you?' asked Barbara. She was shocked by Ian's tired and dishevelled appearance but tried not to show it.
"They're treating me well enough. Any news of the Doctor?'
"We think he's here but we haven't been able to contact him.'
"We must, Barbara, we must!' exclaimed Ian. "The laws here are a mockery.'
"I quite agree my boy!' said a chirpy voice behind them.
They whirled round. The Doctor, alert and bright, stood beaming at them in his usual manner.
"Grandfather!' Susan flung her arms around him.
The others greeted him warmly.
The commotion attracted Chief Enquirer Tarron who stepped across to the group. "This man is known to you?' he asked with surprise.
"Yes,' replied Susan proudly.
The Doctor drew Ian aside. "Chesterton, you and I must have a talk.'
"Not much time for talking, Doctor.' Ian pointed to the courtroom doors. "I go in there in a moment to face an accusation of murder. I need someone to defend me.'
The Doctor drew himself up to his full height. "I will defend you!' be said. His eyes danced mischievously.
A few minutes later the entire party were escorted to their seats inside the courtroom. The room was of an imposing ultra-modern design and was filled with several hundred people. They fell silent as Ian was led in. At the far end of the courtroom was a long U-shaped table. Behind it were seated the three judges, dressed in full-length robes of a dull purple colour. Their heads were crowned with tall, cylindrical hats similar to those worn by Eastern Orthodox priests.
Ian was guided to a small, raised dais immediately in front of the judges where he faced them alone. Curving past him to his right and left ran the long arms of the U so that defence and prosecution counsels, seated at either end, were not within his line of vision. The Doctor was led to the left-hand end where a carved shield lay on the table before him. The Prosecuting Counsel, a tall, grey-faced man with a supercilious look, was already in position. Before him on the table lay an ornamental axe. "Symbol of attack,' thought the Doctor.
Doctor Who And The Keys of Marinus Page 7