The Black King

"Absolutely wonderful!" the Dragon sneered, clapping his hands. "You've played a more abysmal game of chess than I ever expected of a mighty Time Lord! But I assume you subconsciously knew it was hopeless to challenge me and my puzzles, and thus surrendered to your inevitable fate. Isn't that right, Doctor?"

"I would appreciate it if you behaved like a gentleman and a gracious winner and dispensed with the mockery." the Doctor said. He wanted to move, to go check on Susan and the others, but found himself unable to raise his arms or legs. Across the board, his companions were likewise frozen in place. It seemed to be the penalty for forfeiting the game. "Now what about my granddaughter?"

"Oh, but can't I gloat just a little bit?" Minestus grinned. "Fine. Don't worry, Doctor. The demifoxes and your granddaughter will not be harmed. In fact, I suspect that after a little mind-shuffling Susan will become quite a formidable Champion of Darkness. But as for you... that is another matter entirely. You see, I never did like you, or your snotty accent, or your little hat, or the fact that you were British. As my costume clearly shows, my favor lies more with the passionate, fiery French. So now, my dear Doctor, it is time for you to play another little game. Not quite as sophisticated as chess, I'm afraid, but..."

The three black pawns in front of Minestus suddenly mutated into faceless humanoid golems. They strode across the chessboard toward the Doctor. "Grandfather, no!!!" Susan screamed, writhing in her invisible bonds. As the golems reached the Doctor he stood silent, a half-smile playing across his lips. Then the first punch to the stomach... then a kick to his ribs... a blow to the face. Susan was screaming uncontrollably, and the others too yelled in indignation as the Doctor went down.

"No!! That bastard!!" human Astra was yelling through her tears. "He's not a gentleman... he's a monster!! He's going to kill the Doctor!!"

"We've got to get out of here!" Fred said, gritting his teeth. "We've got to help them... but how?!"

Astra started banging on the window with her fists, but it was like punching an iron wall. Fred took her in his arms as she sobbed into his chest. "This cage may be escape-proof." he said, "But Minestus can't hold us here forever. Sooner or later someone or something will come to transfer us to a more permanent holding facility. That's when we strike. Even without our weapons, we can put up a terrific fight."

"You're right." Astra said, composing herself. "But how long will it take?"

1. Not long, as an opening in one of the walls slides open, and a massive shadow falls into the room.
2. On the chessboard below, the demifoxes, Susan, and a now unconscious Doctor are carried away by the golems.

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