"Let me guess," the Doctor says, looking from the Betties and back
to the dragon and elves. "You want to come along?"
"Actually, we do," B'Elenna says. "According to our Teacher's brother,
Sigin Dronocis, you were given a very quick course in the Arte, but had
given indications of expecting more....in fact in desiring more in the
way of magical lessons?" (re: 8649)
"Well, I guess you....could have interpreted I that way," the Doctor
says, remembering the event.
"Well, I just happen to be available," Sigin 2 says magnanimously. "Not
that I'm tired of the company of my friends, the D'Honaires and Sigin,
God bless them, but...... I'm something at a loss. I was teleported here
and left my true love, my ship, behind."
A look of sadness passes over the handsome features of Sign's human
form.
"I carved out something of a niche for myself as a captain who'd go
and do things that others feared to do," the dragon said with manifest
pride. "I found my heart captured by the lure of the sea....the desire
to see new and strange lands. But there was another facet to this picture.
See, it was risky, for I was not only fooling humans into believing I was
only human....but also fooling the Dragon Council of my world.....making
them think I was doing such to only serve as something of a spy for my
Dragon Circle. Listening and gathering information through my 'human tools'
so I would perhaps get a better view what my Cirlce's rivals were up to.
That kind of behavior was acceptable to them. If they'd only known the
truth, on how much I'd dare defy their edicts.....especially with this!
Such as this no longer concerned the Council when my Synizn did it (though
he still has a habit of hiding it)......"
Sigin fingered a small gold cross he was wearing and suddenly Gilmuriel
snaps his fingers.
"Teacher, is that why you and he had no problem adding to your name?"
Gilmuriel smiled.
"Oh, I see," E'eysha says, suddenly. "You told me about what the other
dragons told you about their belief in Tiamat, that their names are given
to them from their dragon goddess herself? If that cross means he's converted
to the True Faith...."
Several people nod silently, remembering that religion plays a large
part in the lives of Terrans (who's world mimics later Middle Age/late
Renaissance times). Christianity was a large part of many nations here....
"Yes, what need I worry about names if I don't believe in Her."
Sigin sighed.
"So, basically what you are saying is that you desire to join our little
merry band?" the Doctor asks...suddenly liking this picture. "Join as a
companion and a teacher of magic? I say, I rather like that idea, considering
I was rather enjoying learning this wonderful new field! Short or long
as the delay might have been, it was disheartening to wait."
"And we were looking forward to actually starting on the road to knowledge,"
Betty 1 and 2 puts in together.
"Ah, eager students," Sigin smiled, "that makes this wyrm's heart gladdened.
But of course I don't plan on going off without those already under my
tutelage. Do you perhaps have room in your TARDIS for my four elven pupils?"
"That and rather much more," the Doctor says. "The Master who it had
belong to before his....er....departure seemed to have stolen the deluxe
version of the TARDIS I was familiar with his analog owning. I have the
oddest sensation he thought that my TARDIS was also a deluxe version
of what I had before....."
The Doctor pauses, still saddened at what had been a friend to him.
The death of his old TARDIS would be a long time in fully getting over.
"Well, there is room enough on her," the Doctor finishes. "I'm just
worried whether or not you and they would survive upon entering my universe
since....."
"There is magic there....enough for them," a voice says. It was the
voice of Rule 1. "Why did you think that we said that if you played your
cards right you'd get the honor of being offered those lost regenerations
again....when you show the Council and prove to them what you now know."
"Eh.....right," the Doctor says, looking befuddled. "Sorry."
"No problem," the Rule's voice says out of thin air, "But now, I hate
to be a prig, but I suggest you and your Companions get a move on. A time
machine you may have but there are.....rumblings here on my end about this
whole business. It be best if you at least start, and get to officially
become our Champion, so as that should offer enough protection....."
"Right then," the Doctor says abruptly. "let us be off, shall we?"
Bags had already been stowed away for the Doctor and the Betties. The
others have their travel gear at the ready, already.
No word is said about telling the others in the castle about their change
in plans. If all went well they'd returned almost a second after departing.
If they failed.....then that was that...... A hastily scribbled note explaining
the situation is made....
-
 Now,
to find Inquirer and give it to her.....
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