Tales of a Time Lady (A Doctor Who Fanfiction)

8: Chapter 4: King and Country

Jay found herself awaken in the Doctor arms. She rubbed her eyes and sat up. The tent seemed unfamiliar and she recalled nothing on how she got here. Frowning, she punched the Doctor in the arm.

"Oi, get up." He stirred and opened a sleepy eye.

"Oh, awake? Some people just say good morning, but you're not like most people are you?"

"Nope. Also, how did I get here?"

He sat up and stretched. "You fell asleep and rather than sleeping on the dirt I carried you here." She narrowed her eyes.

"A likely story." Jay believed him nevertheless. "What's the time?" The Doctor clicked his tongue.

"5am?" Jay widened her eyes.

"Yikes."

A voice outside the tent made them both jump. "Get up and pack. We are moving out soon. His majesty's orders." The voice was unrecognizable but they obeyed. Soon the tent was folded and Jay strapped on her armour. She found Marie and they both headed for Richard. He seemed full of energy and alert. However his eye seemed tired and their usual brightness was gone. Marie yawned.

"Good morning, Sire." Jay bowed, Marie rubbing her eyes. He nodded.

"I hope it is. Smell the air." He inhaled deeply. "Odd. It's going to be a interesting day." Jay forced a smile.

"Of course your majesty."

Richard rubbed his eyes and sighed. "I must quickly go and finish some things. Make sure everything's packed. We're leaving in half an hour."

"Armour and swords on?" Marie asked, Richard nodding, then leaving. "Okay." She inhaled and shivered slightly. "Today's the big day." Jay smiled.

"It is. You ready?"

She shook her head. "Never. But might as well anyway."

"Love the spirit." Jay laughed. "Come on, let's find the boys and help."

Axe had slept in, snoring loudly while the blanket had twisted itself around him. Jay searched every tent until she found him and popped inside. Grinning like a cat, she picked up a pitcher of water and tipped half of it on his face. Axe gave a yelp and freaked out.

"What- who's there!" He shouted, fists in a fighting stance.

"Rise and shine, sleepy head." Jay stood over him, laughing heartily. Axe realised and wiped his face with his sleeve, smiling.

"A simple tap on the shoulder would have been fine!" Jay shrugged and squatted next to him.

"You know by now I'm not one for that sort of thing." Axe ruffled his hair.

"I guess I should know by now. We have been together for-"

"A month?" Axe whistled.

"Wow, how time goes by." Jay smiled.

"Indeed. Anyway, we're heading out. Today is the big one. Time to win it!"

"Or lose it." Axe added quietly. Jay chewed her lip.

"Let's not think of it, okay?"

Axe nodded and forced a smile. Jay wrapped him in a hug. "There's my Axe."

"Doctor!" Marie called out, folding a blanket for a soldier. He picked up his head as he finished inspecting a patch of grass. He ran over.

"You called?" Marie nodded, handing over the blanket to the soldier who thanked her and left.

"You think you could help a bit?" He shook his head.

"I want no part of this. Jay shouldn't either. You know, that's what being a Time Lord was all about: observing." Marie grinned.