The Doctor Of War ³

The Girl Who Died pt.2

Later that night the Vikings are inside the Meeting House preparing for battle by having a big feast. The Doctor, Clara and I are outside listening to booms in the sky.

"Weird sounding thunder," Clara says.

"That's not thunder. It's the weapon forges of the Mire. They're making sure we hear them" I say.

"Well?"

"Well, Heidi faints at the mention of blood, not just the sight any more. He's actually upgraded his phobia. Chuckles, he questions every single order you give him, which is going to be a little bit difficult, a little bit tricky, in the heat of battle" I say shrugging my shoulders.

"I keep waiting to hear what your real plan is."

"Teaching them to fight, that's the only plan we've got," the Doctor says.

"Turning them into fighters? That's not like you two" Clara says.

"Yeah. We used to believe that too" I reply.

"What happened?" I look at Clara.

"You. Oh, Clara Oswald what have we made of you?" I ask sighing.

"It doesn't matter how well you train them, it's not going to make difference."

"They'll die fighting with honour. To a Viking, that's all the difference in the world" the Doctor says.

"A good death? Is that the best they can hope for?"

"A good death is the best anyone can hope for unless you happen to be immortal" Ashildr leaves the Meeting House.

"Sorry" she mutters.

"No problem" Clara replies.

"Night" the two, of us say with a nod.

"You've made an impact there," Clara says.

"Stop it" the Doctor says.

"She's nice. Fight you for her."

"The human race, you're obsessed. You all need to get a hobby."

"I've got a hobby, thanks. It's you two, by the way."

"Well, get a new one" I reply, with a hint of a smile forming on my lips.

"Not this."

"Tomorrow it's going to be a bloodbath," the Doctor says.

"Don't even ask."

"These people all died hundreds of years before you were born."

"I'm not running."

"I have a duty of care."

"No, you don't, because I never asked for that."

"Every time we do something like this, I keep thinking, what if something happens to you?"

"Well, stop thinking about me, and start to think about them, because you're missing something."

"What?"

"How you're going to win. You always miss it, right up until the last minute. So, put down your sword, stop playing soldier and look for it. Start winning, Doctor. It's what you and the Seer are good at."

*Time skip*

Ashildr is challenging a shadow cast on a skin by candlelight in her hut.

"So, we meet again, Fake Odin. Valhalla burns around you, your army is destroyed and now it is time for you to die!" she attacks her model of Odin with a wooden stave. I stand in the doorway and clears my throat.