Transcript: 9x06 The Woman Who Lived

[jpgr]

EXT. WOODED ROAD, NIGHT

A carriage driven by four white horses moves along the road. A masked rider dressed all in black on a black horse comes from the woods, blocking their way. The horse rears and whinnies.

COACHMAN:
Whoa! (halts carriage)

The couple in the carriage look out the window and the rider comes alongside.

RIDER:
Stand and deliver! (aims gun)

COACHMAN:
Do as he says. I've heard of this brigand. He's known as the Knightmare! Faster than Sam Swift the Quick, deadlier than Deadly Dupont.

KNIGHTMARE:
Dabbling lowpads the pair of 'em, with terrible pseudonyms to boot. Cash bags, jewels, the lot.

MAN:
I will not be robbed by some lone, ranting cavalier!

KNIGHTMARE:
Who says I am alone?

Two lights appear in the woods as if switched on. There is a growl and the woman screams.

EXT. WOODS, NIGHT

The DOCTOR steps out of the TARDIS and pauses. He shakes his head, dismissing something. He then turns on a gadget.

DOCTOR:
Right.

It begins to beep.

DOCTOR:
Warm.

The beeping intensifies.

DOCTOR:
Warmer.

He walks in the direction it leads.

EXT. WOODED ROAD, NIGHT

COACHMAN:
We are cursed. The Knightmare is in league with the devil.

KNIGHTMARE:
Aye, Satan's sidekick, me. (takes purse) Where's the rest?

WOMAN:
What else would you take from me, sir?

KNIGHTMARE:
You know what I want. Hand over the amulet.

The DOCTOR climbs into the carriage from the door on the other side.

DOCTOR:
Hello.

MAN:
Wah!

DOCTOR:
Oh, don't mind me, don't mind me. I'm only going to be a minute. Don't worry. Oh, very warm. (sticks his head out the window)

KNIGHTMARE:
What are you doing?

DOCTOR:
Oh, just ignore me, I'm just passing through, like fish in the night. (ducks his head back inside)

KNIGHTMARE:
This is a robbery!

DOCTOR:
It's not fish in the night, it's something else. (steps outside the carriage)

KNIGHTMARE:
This is my robbery.

DOCTOR:
No, ships in the night. Yeah, something like that. (turns to couple)

KNIGHTMARE:
Step aside or I shall blow your brains out.

DOCTOR:
Sorry, were you talking to me there? Try again, I promise I'll listen this time.

KNIGHTMARE:
You have interrupted my robbery, sir, and you will step away, if you wish to take another breath.

COACHMAN:
You're going to get us all killed, if you don't shut your mouth.

DOCTOR:
Sorry. Sorry, I really was planning to listen that time but, basically, I didn't. Usually, someone hits me at this point, but she's taking the Year 7s for taekwondo.

The DOCTOR points his gadget around and it takes him to a chest tied to the back of the carriage.

DOCTOR:
Oh, oh, oh, oh, oh, oh!

The beeping intensifies.

DOCTOR:
Yes! Got you! (chuckles)

The KNIGHTMARE brings his horse to the back and he points his pistol at the DOCTOR.

DOCTOR:
Oh, hang on. If I didn't know better, I'd say this was a robbery.

KNIGHTMARE:
I am robbing these people, you are getting out of my way.

DOCTOR:
I just need one tiny little thing from this box.

KNIGHTMARE:
This is my robbery!

DOCTOR:
Well, can't we share it? Isn't that what robbery's all about?

As they argue, the carriage drives off.

DOCTOR:
Oh, no! No, no, no!

KNIGHTMARE:
You bungled my heist.

DOCTOR:
No, you bungled mine, Zorro!

KNIGHTMARE:
Whey-faced fool!

DOCTOR:
Yeah, well, why don't you show your face? At least I show my face, what's wrong with yours?

KNIGHTMARE:
(female voice) Nothing, Doctor.

The KNIGHTMARE dismounts, walks over to the DOCTOR and removes the hat and mask. It is ASHILDIR!

DOCTOR:
You?!

ASHILDIR:
Yes, it is me. What took you so long, old man?

**********************************************************************

Peter Capaldi
Jenna Coleman

DOCTOR WHO
“The Woman Who Lived”
By
Catherine Tregenna

PRODUCER
Derek Ritchie

DIRECTOR
Ed Bazalgette

**********************************************************************

EXT. WOODED ROAD, NIGHT

DOCTOR:
"Old man?"

ASHILDIR:
It seemed apt. Life expectancy is 35 these days. Well, for everyone else.

DOCTOR:
But didn't you know it was me?

ASHILDIR:
Of course, you don't forget the man who saved your life. It's good to see you.

DOCTOR:
Yes, I didn't get that impression when you were threatening to kill me.

ASHILDIR:
(male voice) The Knightmare has a reputation to maintain.

DOCTOR:
It's a very good voice. How do you do that?

ASHILDIR:
Practice.

DOCTOR:
Last time I saw you, you were founding a leper colony. I was so proud of you.

ASHILDIR:
Proud of me? You weren't even there.

DOCTOR:
Yes, I was. You didn't see me, but I saw you.

ASHILDIR:
And you just left me there?

DOCTOR:
Well, you seemed…fine.

ASHILDIR:
In a leper colony? No matter, you're here now. We should celebrate.

DOCTOR:
Oh, no, this isn't a visit, I've got a job to do. I'm here looking for an alien object which has no business being here on Earth in 1651. It was just... It just so happened, you know, that my tracking device, it led me to the carriage that you were, you know, robbing. There wasn't... I didn't...It was...

ASHILDIR:
You mean, you haven't come for me?

DOCTOR:
No. It was just a coincidence.

ASHILDIR turns away as a church bell chimes.

DOCTOR:
Oh, Ashildr, I'm sorry.

ASHILDIR:
(turns back) Who's Ashildr?

DOCTOR:
You are, that's your name. Ashildr, daughter of Einarr. Chuckles. I used to call him Chuckles. Do you remember?

ASHILDIR:
(looks puzzled) Yes. I think I remember the village.

DOCTOR:
You loved that village.

ASHILDIR:
If you say so.

DOCTOR:
Anyone in that village would have died for you.

ASHILDIR:
Well, they're all dead now, and here I am. So, I guess it all worked out.

DOCTOR:
Ashildr...

ASHILDIR:
That's not my name. I don't even remember that name.

DOCTOR:
Well, what... what do you call yourself?

ASHILDIR:
Me.

DOCTOR:
Yes, you, there's nobody else here.

ASHILDIR:
No... I call myself Me. All the other names I chose died with whoever knew me. Me is who I am now. No-one's mother, daughter, wife. My own companion. Singular. Unattached. Alone. Anyway, I should get started. Jump on, I'll give you a ride. You can help me.

DOCTOR:
With what?

ASHILDIR:
Packing. (walks to horse) Come on.

EXT. MANOR HOUSE, NIGHT

The DOCTOR and ASHILDIR walk up the drive of a large manor house.

DOCTOR:
It's a big place for someone who lives on their own.

ASHILDIR:
I have a servant. And all manner of visitors drop in.

iSomething watches them from behind bushes and growls. The DOCTOR ducks to walk through the doorway. ASHILDIR looks around when she hears the growl. She goes inside./i

INT. MANOR HOUSE, ENTRANCE HALL, NIGHT

As she walks, ASHILDIR removes her sword and bag.

ASHILDIR:
Your device, what is it? (removes gloves)

DOCTOR:
My curioscanner? Oh, it, er, it sort of scans for... It scans for curios. I've just realising how it got its name. It's been tracking exoplanetary energy for the last couple of weeks. I've been following it across the galaxy.

ASHILDIR opens a chest filled with coins, jewels and silver. She removes items from her bag and puts them inside.

ASHILDIR:
And do you know what you're looking for?

DOCTOR:
I've got a pretty good idea, yes. Why?

ASHILDIR:
I wasn't just robbing Lucie Fanshawe for her loot. She's bragged about having the rarest gem in the land, an ancient amulet from foreign parts. Could it be we are looking for the same prize?

DOCTOR:
Clearly, you don't need money. So why do you rob?

ASHILDIR:
For the adventure, Doctor. (closes chest) Isn't that what life's all about?

ASHILDIR removes her jacket as she walks to another room.

INT. MANOR HOUSE, LIBRARY, NIGHT

A fire is burning casting a warm glow on the floor-to-ceiling shelves lined with identical-looking books.

ASHILDIR:
I've had 800 years of adventure, enough to fill a library if you write it down.

DOCTOR:
(picks up a crown) A medieval queen? How exciting.

ASHILDIR:
You'd think. It was paperwork and backgammon mainly, as I recall.

>>>FLASHBACK>>>

We see a small group of mourners around an ornate casket.

ASHILDIR: (o.c.)
Ended up faking my own death. Did a bunk before the evisceration. (runs away as mourners walk in the other direction)

>>>END FLASHBACK>>>

ASHILDIR re-enters the library with a longbow.

ASHILDIR:
Now this... was much more my thing.

>>>FLASHBACK>>>

We see soldiers marching. Behind them, an unconscious man is dragged behind some bushes. ASHILDIR takes his mail and helmet.

ASHILDIR: (o.c.)
The Battle of Agincourt. My first stint as a man. No-one will ever know that a mere woman helped end the Hundred Years' War.

>>>END FLASHBACK>>>

DOCTOR:
You're immortal, not indestructible. You can be hurt, killed even. (twangs bowstring)

ASHILDIR:
10,000 hours is all it takes to master any skill. Over 100,000 hours and you're the best there's ever been. I don't need to be indestructible, I'm superb.

>>>FLASHBACK>>>

We see ASHILDIR marching with the other soldiers.

ASHILDIR: (o.c.)
You should have seen me. I could shoot six arrows a minute. I got so close to the enemy, I penetrated armour.

>>>END FLASHBACK>>>

DOCTOR:
How many people have you killed?

ASHILDIR:
You'll have to check my diaries.

DOCTOR:
You can't remember?

ASHILDIR:
For what it's worth, I've saved many lives too.

>>>FLASHBACK>>>

We see ASHILDIR with her hands bound. Villagers with pitchforks yelling in her face. She is led to a dunking chair.

ASHILDIR: (o.c.)
I cured an entire village of scarlet fever once, almost got drowned as a witch for my troubles (climbs out of the other side of the pond) Fortunately, I'm really good at holding my breath. Ungrateful peasants.

>>>END FLASHBACK>>>

DOCTOR:
The Black Death, 1348. (picks up plague doctor mask) I meant to warn you.

ASHILDIR:
I got sick but I got better.

DOCTOR:
Of course, your immune system is learning too. There's another bout coming. And a big fire that tears through London.

ASHILDIR sits at her desk and the DOCTOR sits in the chair opposite.

ASHILDIR:
Excellent. Maybe I start it.

DOCTOR:
No, that was the Terileptils. Surgeon, scientist, inventor, composer, it's a fantastic CV.

ASHILDIR:
You should try my journals. I read them myself now and then. Drink pomace wine, have a little "me" time.

DOCTOR:
You don't seem the nostalgic type.

ASHILDIR:
It's not nostalgia, it's curiosity. I can't remember most of it. That's the trouble with an infinite life and a normal sized memory.

DOCTOR:
It can't have been easy, outliving the people you love.

ASHILDIR:
According to my journals, hell.

DOCTOR:
Sorry.

ASHILDIR:
You'll have to remind me, what's sorrow like? It all just runs out, Doctor. I'm just what's left. In fact, I've done all I can here. I look up to the sky and wonder what it's like out there.

The DOCTOR stands and starts to walk away as she talks

ASHILDIR:
Please, take me with you. (stands) All these people here, they're like smoke, they blow away in a moment. You don't know what it's like.

DOCTOR:
I do know what it's like.

ASHILDIR:
Then, however you fly, whatever ship you sail in, take me with you.

DOCTOR:
(walks back) How do you know I had a ship?

ASHILDIR:
Because I'm incredibly clever. It doesn't matter... take me with you.

DOCTOR:
We'll talk about it.

ASHILDIR:
This thing you're looking for, I'll help you find it. It'll be quicker. (puts coat on)

DOCTOR:
I don't need your help.

ASHILDIR:
Yes, you do. I know where Lucie Fanshawe lives, and I'm an excellent house-breaker. We'll leave in an hour.

ASHILDIR walks slowly out of the room and the DOCTOR watches. ASHILDIR closes the door behind her and leans against it. In the library, the DOCTOR looks over the shelves and pulls out one of the journals. He starts to read.

ASHILDIR: (o.c.)
"Today is the day I should have died. Instead, I was re-born, by my hero, a man called The Doctor.” “My love is dying. It broke my heart when the questions started and I knew I had to leave him. I returned to find an old man who smiles and thinks I am a dream. I am flesh and blood, my love, but all you see is a ghost."

EXT. MANOR HOUSE, NIGHT

As the DOCTOR reads, ASHILDIR goes outside with a lantern.

INT. MANOR HOUSE, LIBRARY, NIGHT

The DOCTOR finds pages torn out of a journal written in Latin. There are also spots where the ink is smudged.

DOCTOR:
Tears.

EXT. MANOR HOUSE, NIGHT

ASHILDIR approaches a tree in the middle of a field.

ASHILDIR: (o.c.)
"The Plague. Mass graves. Sightless children..."

>>>FLASHBACK>>>

We see images of wooden framed houses and ragged people, and a weeping woman clutching a rag doll in her grief.

DOCTOR: (o.c.)
".. clutching toys as they sleep, never to wake up. My children. My screams. I could not save you... little ones. Such pain. And yet, still... still I am not brave enough to die, to let go of this... wretched life. (ASHILDIR weeps in front of empty cradles) I will endure but no more babies. I cannot... will not suffer such heartbreak again. From now on, it's me against the world."

EXT. MANOR HOUSE, GROUNDS, NIGHT

We hear the growling again. She is speaking to the possessor of the glowing eyes we saw earlier when she was robbing the carriage.

ASHILDIR:
Quiet, my friend. We have a visitor. I didn't get it, but I will. If your promise stands, I'll have it by dawn My visitor can help me. Don't worry, he doesn't know about you, only about the artefact. He has no idea what we intend to do with it.

INT. MANOR HOUSE, DINING ROOM, NIGHT

ASHILDIR enters and puts the lantern on the table. The DOCTOR enters behind her.

DOCTOR:
I read your journals. Why are there pages missing?

ASHILDIR:
When things get really bad, I tear the memories out.

DOCTOR:
What could be worse than losing your children?

ASHILDIR:
I keep that entry to remind me not to have any more. (pokes the fire in the grate)

DOCTOR:
I've left you alone too long. I had no idea how much you'd suffered, but I remember the person you used to be. She's still in there. I can help you find her.

ASHILDIR:
Spare me your pity, I'm fine.

DOCTOR:
I think this is just another mask that you wear to protect you from the pain.

ASHILDIR:
I think the alternative frightens you, that this is who I've become.

DOCTOR:
This is no way to live your life, de-sensitised to the world.

ASHILDIR:
So you intend to fix me? (walks up to DOCTOR who backs away) Make me feel again, then run away? I don't need your help, Doctor, you need mine. Just this once, you can't run off like you usually do.

DOCTOR:
(stops) How do you know? How do you know what I usually do? We've met once in a Viking village, I didn't give you my life story.

ASHILDIR:
It's true though, isn't it? (puts pistol in belt) You're the man who runs away.

DOCTOR:
Oh, who told you that?

ASHILDIR:
Maybe I just worked it out. (heads for the door) Come on.

EXT. MANOR HOUSE, NIGHT

ASHILDIR and the DOCTOR exit by the same door. The DOCTOR closes it behind him and follows ASHILDIR. He pauses when he hears the growling. We see a creature in the bushes that looks similar to a lion.

EXT. FANSHAWE HOUSE, NIGHT

ASHILDIR and the DOCTOR are approaching from the back of the house. ASHILDIR has her mask on.

ASHILDIR:
Housebreaks can be tricky.

DOCTOR:
Not for me. (takes glasses out of pocket) Sonic technology. It should be able to deactivate any alarms.

ASHILDIR:
(at the door) What's an alarm? (holds up wanted poster) The most wanted in the land.

DOCTOR:
Now is not the time to be showing off.

ASHILDIR:
Now seems like a very good time to me.

ASHILDIR slips the poster under the door, uses wire to poke the key out of the lock then pulls out the poster with the key. She picks up the key and then hold a mask out to the DOCTOR.

ASHILDIR:
You'll need a mask, sidekick. Watch and learn.

DOCTOR:
Brought my own, thanks. (puts on sunglasses)

INT. FANSHAWE HOUSE, NIGHT

They walk down a dark hall.

ASHILDIR:
'Tis black as night. I have a tinderbox somewhere.

The DOCTOR kneels by a table and uses the glasses to light a candle. He then picks up the holder by the handle. He takes the lead.

ASHILDIR:
Show off. Know where you're going, do you? (takes the candle) The servant's stairs. Follow me.

INT. FANSHAWE HOUSE, STAIRCASE, NIGHT

DOCTOR:
Why are you still alone? What happened to the second immortality charge I gave you?

ASHILDIR:
Shh! (shows him the chip she keeps hidden) No-one's good enough.

DOCTOR:
Humans need...

ASHILDIR:
Hush!

There is a light on the floor above them. They wait and then continue.

DOCTOR:
Humans need shared experiences.

ASHILDIR:
I'm regretting sharing this one.

DOCTOR:
It isn't right for you to be on your own!

They back down a couple of steps and ASHILDIR holds a hand in front of the candle. A MAID backs out of one of the rooms.

MAID:
Goodnight, Ma'am. (walks down the hall away from the DOCTOR and ASHILDIR)

INT. FANSHAWE HOUSE, UPPER CORRIDOR, NIGHT

ASHILDIR and the DOCTOR hurry along.

ASHILDIR:
I'll wager there's a dressing room. Come on!

ASHILDIR opens a door further up the corridor and slips in. The DOCTOR follows and almost walks into the door.

INT. FANSHAWE HOUSE, DRESSING ROOM, NIGHT

ASHILDIR crosses the dark, paneled room over to a cabinet. She opens it to reveal a number of drawers. The DOCTOR turns on his scanner.

ASHILDIR:
Doctor! Doctor, turn that thing off.

The DOCTOR walks to the cabinet and the scanner leads him to a particular drawer. He opens it to find a box. The DOCTOR put the scanner down, lifts out the box and opens it. Inside is a large purple jewel.

DOCTOR:
The Eyes of Hades!

INT. FANSHAWE HOUSE, UPPER HALL, NIGHT

They leave the dressing room by way of the main hall. As they are nearly across, one of the doors opens and a servant exits. They scurry to another room and slip inside, unnoticed by the servant.

INT. FANSHAWE HOUSE, FANSHAWE’S ROOM, NIGHT

They close the double doors and then lean against them with a sigh. Then they hear snoring. FANSHAWE is sleeping on a sofa.

DOCTOR:
(whispers) Let's just go ‘round and see if we can't get out the back.

ASHILDIR:
(whispers) OK.

They tip-toe across the room towards the door opposite. A floorboard creaks.

FANSHAWE:
Lucie?

The DOCTOR and ASHILDIR drop to their hands and knees behind the sofa. FANSHAWE sits up and the DOCTOR peeks at the sofa and he’s no longer there. FANSHAWE is standing, looking towards the door, with a candle in his hand. The two crawl to the other end of the sofa.

FANSHAWE:
Lucie?

ASHILDIR gets on her knees to look but ducks when FANSHAWE turns around.

FANSHAWE:
Lucie?

FANSHAWE leaves the room. They stand but the DOCTOR knocks something metal off a table and it clatters. ASHILDIR glares at him.

FANSHAWE: (o.c.)
There is an intruder on the premises! Bring me my blunderbuss!

ASHILDIR pulls out her pistol, cocks it and aims it at the door.

DOCTOR:
What are you doing?!

ASHILDIR:
It's kill or be killed.

DOCTOR:
No, we can't. We should hide!

ASHILDIR looks at him. When FANSHAWE enters the room waving his gun, the room is empty.

FANSHAWE:
Guard the doors! Alert the militia!

As FANSHAWE walks past, we see the DOCTOR’S feet dangling in the fireplace.

ASHILDIR: (o.c.)
Your feet, you oaf!

The DOCTOR pulls his feet up.

INT. FANSHAWE HOUSE, CHIMNEY, NIGHT

Things are a little tight for the two of them as they climb.

ASHILDIR:
Oh, I said you'd be a liability. Just let me shoot them and be done with it!

DOCTOR:
You're the liability. I never have this trouble with Clara.

ASHILDIR:
Oh, is she still with you, is she?

DOCTOR:
(grunts) Oh, you remember Clara, do you?

ASHILDIR:
Of course. I take particular note of anyone's weaknesses.

FANSHAWE: (o.c.)
Search every nook and cranny! I warrant they will hang for this!

ASHILDIR:
So what's wrong with Clara, then?

DOCTOR:
There's nothing wrong with her.

ASHILDIR:
Why haven't you made her immortal?

DOCTOR:
Well, look how you turned out.

ASHILDIR:
She'll die on you, you know. She'll blow away like smoke.

DOCTOR:
Save your breath.

ASHILDIR:
How old are you, Doctor?

DOCTOR:
Older than you.

ASHILDIR:
And how many have you lost? How many Claras?

The DOCTOR looks at her but doesn’t answer. They reach the top of the chimney and climb out.

EXT. WOODED ROAD, DAY

ASHILDIR and the DOCTOR walk along the road.

DOCTOR:
Robbery, burglary, that's capital. Meat and drink to the hangman, Ashildr.

They pass a gallows.

ASHILDIR:
I'm not Ashildr, I'm Me. And I fear no hangman in Christendom!

A MAN jumps down from a tree.

MAN:
Ah-ha!

ASHILDIR:
Sam Swift the Quick! I wouldn't be so bold if I were you. Don't you know who I am?

SAM:
The Knightmare, which is why I'm not alone.

Two men approach with weapons.

ASHILDIR:
'Tis hardly a fair fight.

SAM:
And it was fair when you stole my patch?

ASHILDIR:
Is that a fake nose, Sam? They should call you Sam Sniffed!

SAM:
What's wrong with it? It's perfectly normal, isn't it?

ASHILDIR:
For an anteater maybe.

SAM:
(sing-song) Ooh! (normal) Well, never knew you were so puny, Knightmare. Or should I say, Slightmare.

His men laugh.

DOCTOR:
No, not the puns. Line in the sand, no puns.

ASHILDIR:
It's what's in my brain that counts, Bingo Boy.

SAM:
Well, no brain outwits a bullet, Dandyprat. Aims pistol at ASHILDIR)

DOCTOR:
This is banter. I'm against banter. I'm on record on the subject of banter.

SAM:
Lay down your arms, hand over the loot, or I'll shoot.

ASHILDIR:
(sighs) We better had. He'll probably aim to miss and hit one of us.

DOCTOR:
We could give you cash instead.

SAM:
Who's this? Your sidekick? You've got your dad as a sidekick?

DOCTOR:
I'm not his dad, I'm the Doctor.

SAM:
Is that the best name you could come up with?

DOCTOR:
What, says Sam Swift the Quick? That's trying a bit too hard, isn't it? Or are you a little bit slow?

SAM:
You what?

ASHILDIR uses the distraction to take SAM’S pistol and points it at him.

SAM:
Oi!

DOCTOR:
I rest my case. No-one outwits the Knightmare.

ASHILDIR turns her head to look at the DOCTOR and SAM knocks the gun from her hand and tackles her to the ground. His men then put their guns to the DOCTOR’S head. ASHILDIR is on top of SAM, trying to choke him with the gun.

SAM:
If you value the life of your sidekick, back off! Put the weapon down!

He throws ASHILDIR off and stands, pointing his pistol at the DOCTOR.

SAM:
Who's slow now, Doctor?

ASHILDIR kicks SAM’S feet out from under him and he falls to the ground. She aims her pistol at him.

DOCTOR:
Good question.

SAM:
Please, Knightmare, I don't want to die. Let's have honour amongst us!

SAM’S men back away from the DOCTOR.

DOCTOR:
Also can you confirm that I'm not your dad?

ASHILDIR:
What do you say, Dad? I should kill him? He'll be dead in a minute, what difference does it make?

DOCTOR:
Kill him and you make an enemy of me.

ASHILDIR:
(lowers gun) Run.

SAM and his men run off and ASHILDIR picks the pistol up from the ground and puts it in her belt.

DOCTOR:
I know their lives are short, I understand, but those lives do matter.

ASHILDIR:
Shut up. You're not my dad. (walks away)

The DOCTOR stands there for a few moments before following.

INT. MANOR HOUSE, ENTRANCE HALL, DAY

The DOCTOR starts up the stairs.

DOCTOR:
I have a theory about the amulet.

The DOCTOR hears a cough and stops. An older man, a SERVANT, steps into the hall and approaches him.

SERVANT:
Morning, sir. Forgive me, but might I enquire into who you are?

DOCTOR:
The Doctor.

SERVANT:
Clayton, sir.

At that moment, ASHILDIR walks down the stairs. She has her hair piled on her head and is wearing a gown fit for a lady.

CLAYTON:
Would you care for a cocktail, milady?

ASHILDIR:
Oh, yes, please.

CLAYTON coughs and walks away.

ASHILDIR:
Half blind and deaf as a post. He's no use any more really, but...

DOCTOR:
You keep him on. See, you do have a heart. You don't fool me.

ASHILDIR:
How do I look?

DOCTOR:
Pink. Are you coming down with something? Look, why would an alien artefact resemble the Eyes of Hades, King of the Underworld?

The DOCTOR holds up the jewel and ASHILDIR takes it from his hand and walks off.

DOCTOR:
(follows) An ancient Greek talisman which wards off evil and protects those in death on their journey to an afterlife?

INT. MANOR HOUSE, DINING ROOM, DAY

ASHILDIR:
You tell me. (puts the artefact in her bag)

DOCTOR:
Could it be that the mythology originated on another planet? (smiles)

ASHILDIR:
You can't wait to get going and find out, I'll wager.

DOCTOR:
No. I think I want to stick around and keep an eye on you for a while.

ASHILDIR:
Get me back on track?

DOCTOR:
Well, why not? Hey, we're a good team.

ASHILDIR:
Then take me with you.

DOCTOR:
You don't want to get stuck with an old fool like me. You have this whole wonderful planet to play on.

ASHILDIR:
It takes a day to get to Kent.

DOCTOR:
In the future, you'll fly.

ASHILDIR:
I want to fly right now. I have waited... longer than I should ever have lived. I have lost more than I can even remember. Please, Doctor, just get me out of this. I want more than this. I deserve more than this! Why not? Why not?!

DOCTOR:
Because it wouldn't be good. Ashildr, please. Ashildr.

Her expression changes from pleading to cold and shut off.

ASHILDIR:
I am not Ashildr anymore.

The DOCTOR hears a loud snarling.

DOCTOR:
Do you have a cat? It sounds like a very big cat. (walks to the door) Hence the very big cat flap.

The creature with the glowing eyes appears at the door. He walks in and the DOCTOR backs up. He is leonine in appearance and seems to have a coronet of some sort.

ASHILDIR:
Leandro, meet the Doctor. (walks to stand by LEANDRO) You thought I was helping you. In fact, it was the other way ‘round. Leandro, we have it. My friend here was as useful as I'd hoped.

DOCTOR:
If somebody needed my help, why did nobody just ask? I am forced to assume you have plans and I wouldn't approve. Oh, Ashildr.

ASHILDIR:
Stop calling me that.

DOCTOR:
(to LEANDRO) Kill me!

LEANDRO:
Why?

DOCTOR:
If you intend any harm to this planet, or its people, then killing me is by far your best move.

LEANDRO:
You invite your own death?

DOCTOR:
No. I just want you to attack first. Then my conscience is clear.

LEANDRO:
Of what?

DOCTOR:
You.

LEANDRO:
(laughs) You are not of this world, or part of my plans. I have no quarrel with you.

DOCTOR:
Then tell me why you are here and what you intend to do. Otherwise, get on with trying to kill me. But I advise you, be very quick and very sure.

LEANDRO:
I am from Delta Leonis. My tribe was overthrown, my world destroyed, my wife killed as we escaped.

DOCTOR:
Using the amulet? That's your means of travel?

LEANDRO:
I lost it when I crashed to Earth.

ASHILDIR:
I found him in my grounds. He's been sleeping there while I searched for it.

DOCTOR:
The Underworld, gateway to an afterlife. Another reality.

ASHILDIR:
We need it to open a portal, travel the galaxy.

DOCTOR:
Oh! Oh, so what's the plan, Ashildr? Fancy yourself as his new Queen? Hunting, running errands while he sleeps.

ASHILDIR:
Oh, dear God... You're just like every other man. I'm not looking for a husband, you oaf. I'm looking for a horse to get me out of town. You said no.

DOCTOR:
Oh, what? And you think you can trust him?

ASHILDIR:
He knows what it is to be alone.

DOCTOR:
So do I!

ASHILDIR:
Then how could you do what you did?

DOCTOR:
I'm looking for the headline here.

ASHILDIR:
The what?

DOCTOR:
Well, you know, you want to escape? Well, go on. Escape as much as you like! Why would I not approve?

ASHILDIR:
The amulet...

DOCTOR:
What about it?

LEANDRO:
A death is required. It is only way the amulet works.

DOCTOR:
Of course. Every single death is a tiny fracture in reality. Now the amulet can lever the fracture open. Primitive, but effective.

ASHILDIR:
It's just exploiting an abundant resource. There's so much dying here.

DOCTOR:
Who dies so you can run away?

ASHILDIR:
(calls) Clayton?

CLAYTON: (o.c.)
Coming, my lady.

DOCTOR:
No, you can't. He loves you.

ASHILDIR:
To the end, it would seem.

LEANDRO:
Would you rather take his place?

LEANDRO leans forward threateningly and the DOCTOR backs off. Leandro breathes fire.

ASHILDIR:
Not the Doctor, we agreed!

DOCTOR:
Oh, Ashildr, daughter of Einarr, what happened to you?

ASHILDIR:
You did, Doctor. You happened.

INT. MANOR HOUSE, CLOSET, DAY

The DOCTOR is sitting on a chair, hands tied. ASHILDIR tests the bonds.

DOCTOR:
I know you've suffered. Your children dying...

ASHILDIR:
They would have died anyway. Human life is fleeting. People are mayflies, breeding and dying, repeating the same mistakes. It's boring. And I'm stuck here. Abandoned by the one man who should know what eternity feels like. Who should understand.

DOCTOR:
I do, now, but...

ASHILDIR:
You still won't take me with you. You gad about while I trudge through the centuries, day by day, hour by hour. Do you ever think or care what happens after you've flown away? I live in the world you leave behind, because you abandoned me to it.

DOCTOR:
Why should I be responsible for you?

ASHILDIR:
You made me immortal!

DOCTOR:
I saved your life. I didn't know that your heart would rust because I kept it beating. I didn't think your conscience would need renewing, that the well of human kindness would run dry. I just wanted to save a terrified young woman's life.

ASHILDIR:
You didn't save my life, Doctor. You trapped me inside it. And now I've found someone who can set me free. Someone who understands. (steps outside)

DOCTOR:
Look, I don't know what Lenny the Lion is up to, but I know his type. Very first argument, guaranteed he'll bite your head off.

ASHILDIR:
Or I'll bite his off. Perhaps I'll enjoy that. (starts to close the door)

DOCTOR:
You're playing with fire. Open that portal and you have no idea what horrors might come through.

ASHILDIR:
That's as good a reason as any to do it.

DOCTOR:
You're not like this. I know you're not.

ASHILDIR:
(opens door wider) This is exactly what I'm like. This is what you made of me!

DOCTOR:
He'll kill you.

ASHILDIR:
He'll have to be fast. And if he does…perhaps it's about time.

There is a loud knocking on the door.

MAN: (o.c.)
Lady Me?

ASHILDIR walks to intercept the men. The DOCTOR scoots the chair forward.

INT. MANOR HOUSE, DINING ROOM, DAY

Two pikeman rush into the room.

MAN:
Oh, Lady Me, thank goodness you are safe. Sam Swift has been captured and he swore the Knightmare was heading in this direction.

ASHILDIR:
I've not seen him.

MAN 2:
Sam Swift will hang in Tyburn at noon.

The clock shows it is 11:30.

ASHILDIR:
In half an hour? (looks back at the DOCTOR) A guilty man destined to die? No harm in that. I have not seen the Knightmare. But this is his sidekick, the Doctor. He was robbing me. I only just managed to overpower him.

One of the men pulls out a wanted poster of the DOCTOR.

MAN:
(points at the DOCTOR) You will hang for this!

DOCTOR:
No, listen, I was trying to help her, she tied...

MAN:
Silence or...

MAN 2 fires his pistol into the ceiling.

MAN:
…we'll shoot.

ASHILDIR:
He needn't hang. But keep him under lock and key, for all our sakes.

CLAYTON shuffles into the room and the two pike-men aim their guns.

CLAYTON:
Was that the door? (sees the DOCTOR) Oh, dear. Always the quiet ones.

ASHILDIR:
Goodbye, Clayton. (turns to the DOCTOR) You see? I do have a heart.

DOCTOR:
In which case, don't do it.

ASHILDIR walks away.

EXT. MANOR HOUSE, DAY

ASHILDIR has donned a cloak and takes the reins of the carriage. LEANDRO is inside. They drive away.

INT. MANOR HOUSE, CLOSET, DAY

MAN 2 unties the DOCTOR as MAN holds a pistol on him.

DOCTOR:
Do I look like some feckless thief? I'm on your side. I'm an undercover constable from Scotland Yard. Do you have Scotland Yard yet?

MAN:
Been on the cider, have we?

MAN 2 pulls the DOCTOR upright.

DOCTOR:
The Dunbar Victory medal. I was decorated for valour in battle. (pulls out psychic paper)

The MAN looks at it but is not impressed. Possibly, he can’t read.

MAN 2:
Tell it to the Newgate gaoler.

DOCTOR:
All I want is to bring the Knightmare to justice.

MAN:
But you were robbing Lady Me.

DOCTOR:
I came to warn her. I fear her life is in danger. Look!

They look out the window and see ASHILDIR driving the coach, completely hidden by the cloak.

DOCTOR:
It's the Knightmare, cloaked and in disguise, bound for Tyburn. You have to let me go or take me there.

MAN 2:
You wish to hang too?

DOCTOR:
Well, will you take me there if I say yes?

MAN 2:
(forces the DOCTOR forward) Indeed! There's a bounty on your head for £20.

DOCTOR:
(to MAN) £20? Is that all?

MAN 2:
'Tis a small fortune to us.

DOCTOR:
Well, in that case, I know where Lady Me keeps all of her money. Almost £30.

MAN:
Now why didn't you say that in the first place?

EXT. WOODED ROAD, DAY

The DOCTOR is on horseback galloping. He passes a mile marker reading “Tyburn 5 miles”.

EXT. TYBURN GALLOWS, DAY

People gather around the gallows, drinking and cheering. Posters show the reward for the Knightmare is £100 while the DOCTOR is only £20. SAM is on the gallows, fortifying himself with a drink.

CROWD:
Hang him! Hang him!

SAM:
All right, calm down! Steady on! Such a good turn out. I'm honoured. (bows) Yeah, I, er... Hey, he's new at this. Someone will have to show him the ropes!

The crowd laughs.

SAM:
Don't worry mate, you'll get the hang of it.

EXT. WOODED ROAD, DAY

The DOCTOR keeps galloping.

EXT. TYBURN GALLOWS, DAY

SAM:
When I'm gone, they'll all say "That Sam Swift, he was well hung!"

The crowd laughs and cheers.

SAM:
Well, I think a few of you know that already. Oh, yeah, I'm sure I recognize a few of you lovely ladies. You... and you... I mean I'd introduce you all, but I can't remember your names.

The crowd boos.

SAM:
(to hangman) It's a good job you're here, or they'd kill me.

A bell tolls.

CROWD:
Hats off, hats off...

EXT. WOODED ROAD, DAY

The DOCTOR keeps galloping.

EXT. TYBURN GALLOWS, DAY

ASHILDIR and LEANDRO have arrived.

MAN:
Stretch his neck!

SAM:
(to woman in crowd) Mary? Meg? Help me out here, miss.

MAN:
That's Mrs Baxter to you!

SAM:
That's a funny name for a fella!

The crowd laughs.

LEANDRO:
It's time.

SAM:
I've got plenty more. Jokes, that is, as well as women.

LEANDRO:
Hang him now!

The seriousness of the situation chases away his joking. He stares ahead.

CROWD:
Hang him! Hang him!

EXT. WOODED ROAD, DAY

The DOCTOR urges his horse.

EXT. TYBURN GALLOWS, DAY

ASHILDIR walks through the crowd.

MAN:
Make us laugh, Sam!

SAM:
Aye... For while you laugh, I live. It was raining on the way over here. But the hangman says to me, "It's all right for you, I've got to walk back through this."

LEANDRO is out of the coach wearing a cloak. ASHILDIR steps onto the gallows and pays the hangman with coins from her purse.

SAM:
What are you paying for, my beauty?

ASHILDIR:
To make it quick. A fitting end for you, Sam Swift.

SAM:
Who should be the last to kiss these lips?

WOMEN:
Me! Me! Me! (they raise their hands)

SAM:
They must mean you, Lady Me!

ASHILDIR walks over to SAM and gently kisses him

SAM:
You remind me of someone. And now I want to live more than ever.

The DOCTOR arrives and runs through the crowd towards the gallows.

DOCTOR:
Sorry, yes. Sorry about the horse! Excuse me! Sorry, excuse me. Excuse me! Sorry!

LEANDRO:
(sees the DOCTOR) Time to hang.

CROWD:
Hang him! Hang him!

The DOCTOR stops by the wall of posters.

SAM:
All right, all right, as God is my Highwayman. He steals the most precious gift of all. Life! Magical, filled with adventures! And at least I can say I lived mine to the full.

WOMAN:
I love you, Sam Swift!

SAM:
(sees the DOCTOR) Is that the Doctor? Doctor, Doctor! I'm a robber.

DOCTOR:
(long pause) Have you taken anything for it?

SAM:
Doctor, doctor...

DOCTOR:
Quick man, I'm running out of patients!

The crowd laughs as the DOCTOR moves closer.

SAM:
Have you ever seen such a sidekick so old?

DOCTOR:
I'm no-one's sidekick.

SAM:
He's so old, he farts dust!

DOCTOR:
(faces the crowd) And his nose is so big that...

SAM:
They'll have to widen the noose!

DOCTOR:
Or, or bury him in a pyramid.

SAM:
You know what they say, big nose...

CROWD:
Oooooh!

DOCTOR:
Big handkerchief?

The crowd laughs and the hangman pulls SAM back towards the noose.

SAM:
No! Doctor, don't leave me hanging.

DOCTOR:
Wait! (holds up psychic paper) I have a pardon here for Sam Swift from Cromwell himself.

The hangman takes the psychic paper and reads it.

HANGMAN:
(announces) Sam Swift is pardoned!

SAM falls to his knees as the crowd jeers.

MAN:
We didn't come all this way not to see someone hang. What about the Doctor? Hang the Doctor. Hang the Doctor! Hang the Doctor. Hang the Doctor!

The crowd joins the chant.

ASHILDIR:
Ssh...

The crowd quiets down.

ASHILDIR:
You want to see someone die? How's this? (holds up the jewel and goes to SAM)

DOCTOR:
No! Ashildr, no!

The DOCTOR hurries to stop ASHILDIR but she presses the jewel against SAM’S chest. There’s a pulsing and whirring as the artifact activates. SAM jerks as the jewel seems to attach itself to him. A purple ray shoots from him to the sky. A dark hole begins to open.

DOCTOR:
(stands) Purple -- colour of death. His life force is opening a portal.

ASHILDIR:
To my new life.

DOCTOR:
Or to Hell.

LEANDRO has reached the scaffold. He throws down his hood and breathes fire at the crowd.

MAN:
A lion man!

The crowd backs away as LEANDRO climbs the steps.

MAN:
Look!

The MAN points to the portal where another planet is visible. The crowd looks up.

ASHILDIR:
Goodbye, Doctor.

LEANDRO:
You are going nowhere.

DOCTOR:
Doors work both ways. They let people out and they let the enemy in.

ASHILDIR:
What's that? What's happening? What are those things?

Lots of small objects are visible around the planet.

DOCTOR:
Space ships, or they will be. They're coming through the rift, actualising in this plane of reality.

ASHILDIR:
You said you were the last of the Leonians. We were meant to escape.

LEANDRO:
You shall. In death.

The ships begin firing at the crowd. Building catch fire as the people scream and run. Leandro jumps down to the ground, attacking the people. Soldiers shoot their muskets at him.

ASHILDIR:
No! Doctor, what have I done? What have I done to these people? Stop this! They are defenceless.

ASHILDIR tries to stop LEANDRO and he turns on her with a roar.

DOCTOR:
Ashildr! (leaps from the scaffold) He doesn't care.

ASHILDIR:
But I do. Oh, God, I do. I actually do, I... I care.

DOCTOR:
It's awful, isn't it? It's infuriating. You think you don't care and then you fall off the wagon.

ASHILDIR:
Never mind about me. What are we going to do about them? We have to help them. They need you. They need us.

DOCTOR:
Welcome back!

ASHILDIR:
Well? Do something then!

DOCTOR:
OK! OK... Erm... Eyes of Hades, Afterlife, death opens up a gateway... We need to close it.

ASHILDIR:
Yeah, I know, but how?

DOCTOR:
Sam Swift, he's the conduit. The amulet, it's still in him. It's his death that's opening the rift. So what do we do?

ASHILDIR:
Reverse it.

LEANDRO:
(grabs ASHILDIR and turns her around) You cannot reverse death.

ASHILDIR:
Oh, yes, we can! (holds up the immortality “chip”)

LEANDRO makes a grab for it but the DOCTOR pulls her back.

DOCTOR:
Run!

ASHILDIR runs up to SAM’S body and places the chip on his head. It is absorbed into his body.

LEANDRO:
No, my lady. They will destroy me for this.

The light from the amulet changes, becoming gold. SAM gasps.

LEANDRO:
The light of immortality.

The portal flickers and snarls at ASHILDIR. The DOCTOR pulls her away behind him.

LEANDRO:
Spare me, my brothers!

LEANDRO is disintergrated and the portal closes. The ray of light stops and the amulet no longer glows. SAM looks around. The people come out of hiding.

SAM:
I'm alive. I'm alive! Ha-ha!

The crowd cheers and claps.

INT. TAVERN, DAY

The DOCTOR, ASHILDIR and SAM are sitting at a table having beer.

SAM:
Last thing I remember is you turning up, Doctor. Good thing too. Between you and me, I was running out of material.

DOCTOR:
Yeah, I could tell. Gave a whole new meaning to dying on stage.

SAM:
Gallows humour can be tricky. But at least there's never a second house. We've nearly finished these. I'll get some more in. Er, by the way, I've not forgotten that kiss. (leaves)

ASHILDIR:
Is he immortal now?

DOCTOR:
Do you want him to be?

ASHILDIR:
I don't think I want anyone to be.

DOCTOR:
Well, probably not. Probably the power would have been drained by the whole opening and reversing the portal thingy. There'll be enough power to bring him... back, but not enough power to keep him here. Probably.

ASHILDIR:
Did you just make all of that up?

DOCTOR:
Yeah... But it's hard to keep track of all this... stuff. Keep an eye on him though. He might be around for a while. Or not. Who can say?

They look over at SAM in discussion with another man.

ASHILDIR:
You're still not going to take me with you, are you?

DOCTOR:
People like us, we go on too long. We forget what matters. The last thing we need is each other. We need the mayflies. See, the mayflies, they know more than we do. They know how beautiful and precious life is because it's fleeting. Look how Sam Swift made every last moment count, right to the gallows. Look how glad he is to be alive. I looked into your eyes and I saw my worst fears. Weariness. Emptiness.

ASHILDIR:
That's why you can't travel with me. Our perspectives are too vast. Too far away.

DOCTOR:
You're not the first, you know. I did travel with another immortal once. Captain Jack Harkness.

ASHILDIR:
Who?

DOCTOR:
He'll get ‘round to you eventually. Who told you about me? The man who comes for the battle and runs away from the fallout.

ASHILDIR:
Take your pick. You've had an impact on this world. You've made waves.

DOCTOR:
Sometimes tidal waves.

ASHILDIR:
I'm flattered.

DOCTOR:
Well, you should be. You're an extraordinary woman, Ashildr. But, I think I'm going to have to keep an eye on you.

ASHILDIR:
No.

DOCTOR:
No?

ASHILDIR:
Someone has to look out for the people you abandon. Who better than me? I'll be the patron saint of the Doctor's leftovers. While you're busy protecting this world, I'll get busy protecting it from you.

DOCTOR:
So are we enemies now?

ASHILDIR:
Of course not. Enemies are never a problem. It's your friends you have to watch out for. And, my friend, I'll be watching out for you.

DOCTOR:
Ashildr, I think I'm very glad I saved you.

ASHILDIR:
Oh, I think everyone will be.

INT. TARDIS

The DOCTOR is by the console strumming his electric guitar. The door opens and CLARA enters.

CLARA:
Hey! Hello?

DOCTOR:
Oh, hello! Hi!

CLARA:
Did you miss me?

DOCTOR:
Be more specific. Who are you?

CLARA puts down her papers, takes off her bag and removes her jacket.

CLARA:
Ha-ha(!) I've got a present for you.

DOCTOR:
Why? Am I ill?

CLARA:
No.

DOCTOR:
Are you ill?

CLARA:
No.

DOCTOR:
Are you never going to travel with me again, because I said a thing?

CLARA:
It's not a good present. (walks over)

DOCTOR:
Oh, well that's a relief.

CLARA:
OK, Evie Hubbard? Year Seven, you helped her out with her homework? Imaginary interview with Winston Churchill. You basically cheated.

DOCTOR:
That was her fault because she should have stressed "imaginary."

CLARA:
Anyway, she got an A and so she has sent you a selfie. (holds her mobile out to the DOCTOR)

DOCTOR:
(walks away without looking) Yes, you're right. That is not a good present.

CLARA:
Come on... (follows with the mobile)

DOCTOR:
Do they make sherbet lemons anymore? And I'd like a Ferrari. What about a Ferrari?

CLARA:
(walks away) I knew you'd be thrilled.

DOCTOR:
(follows) OK, come on, let me see. Let me see, let me see, let me see.

The photo is of CLARA and EVIE. The girl is proudly holding her paper.

DOCTOR:
Ha...

The DOCTOR sees something and zooms in on the area over CLARA’S shoulder. It’s ASHILDIR in contemporary clothes.

CLARA:
What's wrong?

DOCTOR:
(smiles) Nothing. (give back the mobile) Nothing at all! (walks away)

CLARA:
Doctor?

DOCTOR:
Tell her next time, I'll take cash.

CLARA:
So... Where are you going to take me?

DOCTOR:
Wherever you want.

CLARA:
Hmm... Somewhere... Somewhere magical. Somewhere new!

DOCTOR:
Ah, there is nowhere new under the sun! Above it, on the other hand...

The DOCTOR hits some buttons on the console. CLARA hugs him and he pats her arm.

DOCTOR:
I've missed you, Clara Oswald.

CLARA:
Well, don't worry, daft old man. I'm not going anywhere.

CLARA ends the hug and moves over the dematerialization switch. After a nod from the DOCTOR, she pushes it with a smile. The DOCTOR looks at her, knowing that she will die at some point, a mayfly.