Read Online Doctor Who: The Mark of the Rani by Pip Baker, Jane Baker - Free Book Online Page B

light from the wicker lamp that burned in the anarchic workshop.
    His earnest young face wore a worried frown.
    Stephenson began to waver. ‘Dolt reckon us should cancel meeting?’
    The Doctor was in no doubt.
    ‘Luke?’
    ‘Aye, sir. I do.’
    Peri certainly thought so.
    Stephenson capitulated. ‘A pity.’ He crossed to a bench.
    ‘I suspect Doctor’s contribution would’ve put cat among pigeons. Where’s paper, lad?’
    Luke ripped a sheet from a pad. Picking up a quill, Stephenson began to write.
    ‘Fine. Now that’s sorted out,’ Peri said to the Doctor.
    ‘Shouldn’t we do something about the TARDIS?’
    Paying no heed, the Doctor gazed around the workshop with its crude implements, and was consumed with respect for the inventor. Without the more refined equipment of Peri’s twentieth century, George Stephenson’s ingenuity would reshape existence on the planet Earth - provided, that is, the Master and the Rani could be foiled. It was a grim thought but not one that prevented him from being intrigued by the prototype engine.
    ‘The Blucher, is it?’ he asked Luke.
    ‘Aye.’
    ‘Doctor, this is no time to be playing trains!’
    ‘Mind if I take a peep?’
    ‘The TARDIS is at the bottom of that pit shaft!’ Peri wasn’t going to be tubbed off.
    ‘We have to wait -’ his voice became muffled as he stuck his head into the boiler of the engine, ’– until it’s safe.’
    ‘And that could be forever!’
    Speaking quietly, Luke moved closer to Peri. ‘When Doctor were attacked again...’ he faltered, reluctant to hear the answer to his question.
     
    ‘Yes, Luke?’
    ‘Was – did me Da’ take part?’
    Peri nodded.
    ‘I asked me Mam about that red mark. On his neck. She knew nowt of it. She’d nay seen it. Dost know what caused it?’
    Selfconsciously, Peri rubbed her own neck, recalling that she, too, was almost a victim.
    Stephenson interrupted. ‘Luke, take this to his lordship.’ He gave him the note he had written.
    ‘Dost mind if I also seek me Da’?’
    ‘Of course not, lad.’
    ‘Wait!’ The Doctor crawled from under the Blucher.
    ‘Luke, your father’s not the man you knew. Take care ...’
    Perplexed, the young apprentice left. Stephenson was also perturbed by the Doctor’s warning. ‘I’d nay like anything to happen to Luke. Lad’s got great future. He’ll outshine me.’
    This final remark worried the Doctor. It bewildered Peri. ‘You?’ How could Luke Ward outshine George Stephenson? No-one had done that – not according to the history books.
    Stephenson continued. ‘I were down pit at nine. Never did get much schooling. But Lord Ravensworth’s seen to it Luke’s been well taught. We’ve both great hopes for the lad.’
    Little did he know how tragically forlorn these hopes were to be.
    Having gained access, the Master was systematically searching the sprawling environs of the mine when he witnessed a dispute that suggested an entirely new strategy.
    ‘Hey, Tim! Tim Bass! Hast seen me Da’?’ Luke had spotted the marauding aggressor flitting between the sheds, obviously avoiding the guards.
    The jaunty scarf was still tied about Tim’s brow but his jovial manner had been banished. ‘He’ll want nowt to do with thee! Not as long as tha’s lackey to that Stephenson!’
    ‘But why? He’s nay objected afore.’
    ‘He do now. Assistant! Traitor more like! Out of road!’
    He jostled the slim apprentice aside and blustered on.
    Bewildered, Luke stared after him. What had happened to the happy-go-lucky Tim Bass, a man rarely without a smile? There was a red mark below his ear. Could that have something to do with his ugly mood?
    ‘Excuse me, young man.’ Luke was accosted by a gentleman expensively attired in a black velvet suit trimmed with silver. ‘I’ve been invited here by Lord Ravensworth.’ The gentleman dangled a medallion between his fingers. ‘Can you tell me where I’ll find him?’
    The medallion was swinging... rhythmically...