Part 10 (2/2)

'No,' shouted Chela instinctively.

He fell silent, struck dumb by embarra.s.sment.

'Oh, will that be difficult?' asked Lon, concerned. 'I know these last-minute changes of plan can sometimes cause problems.'

'Director,' said Chela desperately. 'It is expressly forbidden by your oath of office -'

'Superst.i.tion! Just foolish superst.i.tion.'

'It's all my fault, I'm afraid,' said Lon. 'It was all my idea.'

Chela stepped back, bowing his head. 'My Lord.'

Lon turned looked at his mother. 'Do you have any objection?'

Lady Tanha shook her head.

'Those are my instructions,' said Ambril with nervous determination. 'I will have them obeyed - to the letter!'

'Then fetch the Great Crystal, will you?' said Lon affably.

Ambril blenched. 'You mean - now, my Lord?'

'Yes. Why not now? We may as well have a look at it.'

Ambril stumbled out of the room.

Chela looked at the big metal key, on Ambril's desk. He began edging towards it.

'Well,' said Lon cheerfully. 'A drink while we're waiting, I think.' He smiled at Chela. 'Will you join us?'

By now Chela was leaning against Ambril's desk, his hands reaching out behind him. They touched the cold metal of the key. He straightened up. 'No thank you my Lord, I'm afraid I have duties.'

Chela backed towards the door.

'Of course, of course, very commendable,' said Lon. 'You mustn't neglect your duties.'

'Lon,' said Tanha protestingly, 'Please, will you tell me what is going on?'

Lon seemed to be in high spirits. 'With the greatest of pleasure, Mother.'

By now Chela was at the door. He bowed. 'Excuse me, my Lord, my Lady - I'll send a servant to bring you wine.'

Chela slipped out of the room.

Lon rounded on Lady Tanha. 'What was on the table?'

Lady Tanha stared at him.

'He picked something up off the table. 'What was it?'

Chela hurried into the cell area, key in hand.

'Well done,' said the Doctor delightedly. 'Mind you, it's about time.'

'Be quiet,' said Chela impatiently. 'We must hurry, there is little time.'

He unlocked the cell door.

'What made you change your mind?' asked the Doctor.

'Come on' said Chela, and led the way from the room.

The bodyguards had been alerted, and now Lon was pacing up and down Ambril's study, waiting for news.

'It's no use making excuses for him, Mother,' Lon said impatiently. 'He's a traitor.'

'Are you sure? He seems such a pleasant young man.' 'He took the key, didn't he? That proves he's involved.'

Chela led them swiftly along the back corridors. 'We must get out of the building at once.'

'And back to the TARDIS,' said Nyssa. 'We'll be safe there.'

' We will, perhaps. What about Tegan?'

In Ambril's office, Lon was berating a guard. 'Why haven't they been found yet? I want every entrance sealed. They must not escape.'

The guard hurried away 'Lon, I really do feel you're making too much of this,' protested Tanha.

'My dear Mother - do you really expect me to allow those who plot my death to go free?'

'Your death?'

'Isn't it obvious? This whole thing is a plot against my life - and those responsible must die!'

It would solve a lot of problems, thought Lon. An attack on the Federator or one of his family was the most dreadful crime imaginable.

The death penalty would be automatic, and instant.

The three fugitives turned a corner and found themselves facing one of the bodyguards - a giant of a man in a terrifying mask-like helmet.

'Back the way we came!' ordered the Doctor.

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