The Littlest Timelord: Blast from the Past

Chapter 9 (The Shakespeare Code)

Witchcraft? There's no such thing as witches. Just like there's no such thing as vampires, Elise said. 

The Doctor looked at her. It's a work in progress.

They went inside the tavern. 

"I got you a room, Sir Doctor. You and...your companions are just across the landing," the barmaid said. 

"Poor Lynley. So many strange events. Not least of all, this land of Freedonia where a woman can be a doctor?" Shakespeare asked. 

"Where a woman can do what she likes," Martha told him. 

"And you, Sir Doctor. How can a man so young have eyes so old?" 

"I do a lot of reading." 

"A trite reply. Yeah, that's what I'd do. And you? You look at him like you're surprised he exists. He's as much of a puzzle to you as he is to me." Shakespeare looked at Elise. "And you, fair lady. Your eyes are so sad. Who have you lost?" 

Martha grabbed Elise's arm before she could say anything. "I think we should say goodnight." 

Martha and Elise left. 

"You know, you still owe me an explanation," Martha said as they entered their room. 

"Not now," Elise told her. 

Martha picked up a candle as the Doctor entered. "It's not exactly five star, is it?" 

"Oh, it'll do. I've seen worse," the Doctor said. 

"I haven't even got a toothbrush." 

"Oh. Uh..." The Doctor pulled one out of his pocket and handed it to her. "Contains Venusian spearmint." 

"So, who's going where? I mean, there's only one bed." 

"We'll manage. Come on." The Doctor unbuttoned his jacket and laid down on the bed. 

"So, magic and stuff. That's a surprise. It's all a little bit Harry Potter." 

"Wait till you read book seven. Oh, I cried. Elle, have you read it? I think the TARDIS has a copy." 

Elise smiled and nodded. 

"But is it real, though? I mean, witches, black magic and all that, it's real?" 

"Course it isn't!" 

"Well, how am I supposed to know? I've only just started believing in time travel. Give me a break." 

"Looks like witchcraft, but it isn't. Can't be."

Told you, Elise said. 

"Are you going to stand there all night?" the Doctor asked. 

"Budge up a bit, then." Martha laid down on the bed. "Sorry, there's not much room. Us three here, same room. Tongues will wag." 

Martha looked over at Elise, who was staring out the window. "Wait. Where are you going to sleep?" Martha asked Elise. 

"I can fall asleep pretty much anywhere it seems like. I also don't sleep that much anymore." Most of her dreams became nightmares anyway. 

"There's such a thing as psychic energy, but a human couldn't channel it like that. Not without a generator the size of Taunton and I think we'd have spotted that. No, there's something I'm missing, Martha. Something really close, staring me right in the face and I can't see it. Rose would know. A friend of mine, Rose. Right now, she'd say exactly the right thing. Still, can't be helped. You're a novice, never mind. I'll take you back home tomorrow."