‘So she prophesies our doom,’ Tlotoxl sneered. ‘Without doubt to avert her own.’ He jabbed a finger at Autloc. ‘I tell you she is not Yetaxa, she is a false God.’ ‘I do not know it,’ Autloc replied firmly. ‘Question her again and again and again, then you will learn if speak the truth.’ They heard the Doctor puffing his way up the stairs. ‘The old man,’ Tlotoxl said, ‘let us withdraw.’ They hid in the shadows of an alcove and watched the Doctor as he muttered that he was too old for this sort of thing and continued climbing up the stairs to the antechamber where Barbara was resting. She started as he came in. ‘Doctor, go away,’ but he flopped onto a couch instead. ‘No one’s allowed to see’ ‘Nonsense,’ the Doctor gasped, ‘the guards didn’t stop me.’ He waved an arm vaguely towards the door. ‘And besides, I’m supposed to be your aged servant.’ There was a hint of sarcasm in his voice which Barbara decided to ignore. ‘Didn’t Tlotoxl warn you that during my questioning none of you are allowed up here?’ ‘No,’ the Doctor stood up wearily.
