Written by DAVID WHITAKER

first broadcast - 10 April 1965

1. A NARROW PASSAGEWAY IN LYDDA

(Here there are many archways. Barbara runs up a passageway and hides in the shadow of one. Without warning a hand appears from behind her and covers her mouth. She looks round at the man holding her, Haroun, who signals to be quiet. She nods as two warriors walk past. Haroun takes them both out from behind.)

HAROUN: Two heads without the brains of one.

BARBARA: Thank you for helping me. Who are you?

HAROUN: I'm Haroun ed-Din.

BARBARA: I'm Barbara.

HAROUN: We have a common enemy in El Akir, it makes for uncommon friendship. Come with me.

BARBARA: Where?

HAROUN: To a place of safety, come.

(They walk off down the passageway.)

2. INTERIOR OF A ROBING ROOM IN KING RICHARD'S PALACE

(The Doctor is trying on some new clothes, supervised by Vicki and Ben Daheer.)

VICKI: Oh, you look marvellous.

BEN: Hmm, marvellous indeed my lord. The birds will envy you and the multi-coloured fish from the deeps are put to shame!

THE DOCTOR: Alright, alright, don't get so carried away my friend. It's a fine cloak, you've done a very good job.

BEN: My lord is most gracious.

THE DOCTOR: Now the next question is what could you do for my boy, hmm? I want something of finer quality.

BEN: Like yours my lord, then I can provide all the quality you need. (He gestures around Vicki.) Jewelled tunics with fur collars, ruby-studded belts, quilted sleeves, laced lather boots...

THE DOCTOR: Quite so, quite so, thank you, thank you, now run away and have a good think about it and let me know in the morning what you've decided.

BEN: I will, my lord. And when the sun rises I shall be here to transform the boy into a veritable strutting peacock!

(He makes as if to leave but turns round at the door.)

BEN: And then perhaps my lord will recommend the name of Ben Daheer to the King?

(He walks out.)

VICKI: Who's your friend?

3. OUTSIDE THE ROBING ROOM

(On his way out, Ben bows to Joanna who walks in to the robing room.)

4. INTERIOR OF A ROBING ROOM

(Joanna appears in the doorway as the Doctor and Vicki are talking.)

VICKI: Anyway, why have I got to go on pretending to be a boy? Why can't I be a girl again?

(She turns and sees Joanna. The Doctor carries on oblivious.)

THE DOCTOR: I'm sorry my dear but you known how we're placed here. It's... it's a...

(Vicki taps him on the shoulder.)

THE DOCTOR: Hmm?

JOANNA: (Coldly.) Why have you deceived us?

THE DOCTOR: Oh, forgive me your highness. Ah, this is my young ward. Having found ourselves in a hostile country I decided to use this disguise.

JOANNA: But we are not hostile. The open country, yes. Within reach of the merciless Saracen, yes. But here in Jaffa?

VICKI: Please, don't be angry with him, he... he only did what he thought was best for me.

JOANNA: (Smiling.) A pretty advocate. Well, I won't be a partner to this deception, but while you are here you shall be in my company and be given my protection.

THE DOCTOR: We are indeed grateful your highness.

JOANNA: I saw the chamberlain in the corridor, bring him to me.

(Vicki goes into the corridor. Joanna turns to the Doctor.)

JOANNA: You say you are grateful. I cannot command what I ask of you now nor will I, but I am in some quandary.

THE DOCTOR: Can I help you, ah, madam?

JOANNA: I am my brother's favourite, yet now I find I am excluded from his confidence. I sense he's made a plan of which I am a part.

THE DOCTOR: Ah, may I ask, why of all people here, you've come to me, hmm?

JOANNA: There's something new in you, yet something older than the sky itself. I sense that I can trust you.

THE DOCTOR: Hmm, hmm, hmm. If there is a plan my lady, I will find out what it is and keep close in touch, hmm.

JOANNA: Then I am satisfied.

(Vicki returns with the chamberlain.)

JOANNA: Ah, good chamberlain.

CHAMBERLAIN: Your highness.

JOANNA: Bid your servant go about the town and find nimble hands who will dress this child. Good weaving, well-spun cloth. The dresses shall be of silks and satins and brocaded stock.

CHAMBERLAIN: (Incredulously.) Dresses? Dre.. Ah, silks? Satins? Heh, heh. For the boy?

(He bursts into laughter which quickly subsides at the icy glare Joanna gives him.)

CHAMBERLAIN: I, I thought there was some amusement your highness?

JOANNA: Did you, chamberlain?

(She walks out of the room. The Doctor laughs.)

CHAMBERLAIN: (To the Doctor.) Ah, I don't understand!

VICKI: It's perfectly simple. I'm a girl.

CHAMBERLAIN: A girl? Dressed as a boy? Is nothing understandable these days? The dresses, silks, satins -- where's the money to come from?

THE DOCTOR: The household purse, hmm?

(The chamberlain nods and leaves, embarrassed. The Doctor laughs.)

VICKI: Thank goodness for that, I didn't really see myself as a veritable strutting peacock.

THE DOCTOR: Well, my dear, in one way I don't think things have turned out to badly after all, hmm.

VICKI: (Suspiciously.) How do you mean 'in one way?'

THE DOCTOR: You would be much safer under Joanna's wing, hmm.

(The Doctor sits down on a bench in the corner of the room.)

VICKI: (Anxiously.) I'll still see you won't I?

THE DOCTOR: Of course, my child!

VICKI: I mean Barbara's gone off, and then Ian.

THE DOCTOR: Only temporarily.

VICKI: You wouldn't go off and leave me, would you?

THE DOCTOR: What a question!

VICKI: I mean, your ship's the only home I've got now and I couldn't bear it if...

THE DOCTOR: Ah, now, now, now. What is all this, eh, hmm?

VICKI: Well when you said a good thing in one way I thought, well I thought you meant that I was some sort of problem or something.

THE DOCTOR: Ah, surely you know me better than that, child? No, my reservation was that I might get entangled in court intrigue and that's going to be very, very dangerous, hmm? Very dangerous indeed, hmm?

(Vicki smiles.)

5. HAROUN'S HOUSE AT LYDDA

(Haroun and Barbara cautiously enter the house.)

HAROUN: Safiya? Safiya?

(Safiya, Haroun's daughter comes out through a doorway and hugs Haroun.)

SAFIYA: Oh, father! I have been so frightened.

HAROUN: (To Barbara.) My poor house is yours Barbara. This is my daughter, Safiya. She tarries you with your closest cousin child. (To Safiya.)
Well now see to some food.

(Safiya goes off to the kitchen area. Haroun peers through the window.)

HAROUN: There are soldiers of El Akir with the searches in the street. You must wait here until a quieter time.

BARBARA: I don't want to endanger you.

HAROUN: I am in constant danger. I have sworn to k*ll the Emir.

BARBARA: El Akir?

HAROUN: Yes. That vile and evil man. (Sadly.) Last year my house was a fine and happy place. A gentle wife, a son who honoured and obeyed me, and two daughters who adorned whatever place they visited. Then El Akir came to Lydda and imposed his will. He desired my eldest daughter, Maimuna, but I refused him.

BARBARA: So he took her?

HAROUN: Yes. Well, when Safiya and I were away he came and b*rned my house. My wife and son were put to the sword.

BARBARA: Then why do you stay in Lydda?

HAROUN: I live for one thing alone, the death of El Akir. Now I will go out and see if the way is clear for your escape.

(He heads towards the door but Barbara stops him.)

BARBARA: No, please. I just feel that I'm making things worse for you.

HAROUN: Rest here, I shall not be long. If danger thr*at, Safiya will hide you. But, if the soldiers persist in their search, and you think that they will find you, take this and use it.

(He hands her a Kn*fe.)

BARBARA: (In shock.) k*ll her?

HAROUN: Yes and afterwards yourself.

BARBARA: (Horrified.) No!

HAROUN: (Firmly.) You must.

BARBARA: No! Life is better than this!

HAROUN: You do not know El Akir.

BARBARA: I couldn't do it. I...

HAROUN: You would not let them take Safiya?

BARBARA: No, of course I wouldn't.

HAROUN: Then I'll leave the Kn*fe.

(Haroun goes out to the street. After a while Safiya returns. Barbara hides the Kn*fe.)

SAFIYA: Where has my father gone?

BARBARA: Oh, he... he... he went outside to see if the soldiers had gone.

SAFIYA: More likely to ask more questions of our neighbours.

BARBARA: Questions? I don't understand.

SAFIYA: My mother, my brother and my sister Maimuna disappeared last year. My father searches everywhere for them. We live in hope they will return one day.

BARBARA: Then you don't know... (Barbara catches herself.) ... where they are?

SAFIYA: No. It is a strange mystery. They've gone away and we must simply wait for their return. It is the will of Allah. You will eat? (spotting the Kn*fe.) My father's Kn*fe!

BARBARA: Oh yes, ah, he... he just left it behind.

SAFIYA: How strange. He never goes without it.

6. A NARROW PASSAGEWAY IN LYDDA

(Haroun cautiously backs down the passageway as the voices become louder.)

WARRIOR'S VOICE: ...We should carry on searching, El Akir says we must find the...

(A Saracen warrior appears from behind him. They struggle briefly but the warrior is easily able to overcome Haroun. A second warrior approaches.)

SECOND WARRIOR: Who've you got there?

FIRST WARRIOR: I do not know my lord. He was going to slay me.

SECOND WARRIOR: I seem to know that face.

FIRST WARRIOR: You cannot my lord. He's a poor man of the town, he lives in the northern quarter.

SECOND WARRIOR: Have you searched there?

FIRST WARRIOR: A little, my lord. A den of thieves and beggars. Not wise to venture into such a place of squalor.

SECOND WARRIOR: The runaway can find a host of allies in the northern quarter, each individual as desperate as herself. Take what men you need and find her!

(The first warrior runs off.)

7. INTERIOR OF A CHAMBER IN KING RICHARD'S PALACE

(King Richard is seated on the throne at the end of the room. Around him are the Doctor, the Earl of Leicester and various other nobles.)

RICHARD: And when Sir Ian is returned we trust that he will bring your lady and Sir William des Preaux in addition to the answers to the several letters we have written.

LEICESTER: Tell me your plan sire. A new demand of Saladin? A battle plan? A victory like Arsophe?

RICHARD: Not this time, no my lord of Leicester, no we've had another thought. To give our sister's hand in marriage to Saphadin, brother of the Sultan, and so make an end to this w*r.

THE DOCTOR: I am indeed glad sir, to know that you are thinking in terms of peace.

LEICESTER: (Outraged.) The princess to marry Saphadin! My lord, I beg you to explain.

RICHARD: We do not feel obliged to explain anything to anyone, my lord of Leicester. We think our words were plain enough.

THE DOCTOR: It is a good scheme, sire, if the princess agrees.

RICHARD: (Quietly.) Joanna knows nothing of this matter.

THE DOCTOR: Will she agree?

RICHARD: (Firmly.) You should rather ask how can she refuse? To stem the blood, bind up the wounds and give a host of men lives and futures? Oh, now there's a marriage contract to put sacrifice to shame and make a saint of any woman.

LEICESTER: Sire, with all the strength at my command I urge you, sire, to abandon this pretence of peace!

THE DOCTOR: (Angrily.) Pretence, sir? Here's the opportunity to save the lives of many men and you do nought but turn it down! Without any kind of thought. What do you think you are doing?

LEICESTER: I speak as a soldier. Why are we here in this foreign land if not to fight? The Devil's horde, Saracen and Turk, posses Jerusalem and we will not wrest it from them with harried words.

THE DOCTOR: With swords, I suppose?

LEICESTER: Aye, with swords and lances, or the axe.

THE DOCTOR: You stupid butcher! Can you think of nothing else but k*lling, hmm?

LEICESTER: You're a man for talk, I can see that. You like a table and a ring of men. A parley here, arrangements there, but when you men of eloquence have stunned each other with your words, we, we the soldiers have to face it out. On some half-started morning while you speakers lie abed, armies settle everything, giving sweat sinewed bodies ironed life itself.

THE DOCTOR: I admire bravery and loyalty, sir. You have both of these. But, unfortunately you haven't any brain at all. I hate fools!

LEICESTER: A fool can match a coward any day.

(Leicester pulls out his sword and faces the Doctor.)

RICHARD: Enough of this! (To Leicester.) You dare to flourish arms before your King?

(Leicester reluctantly sheaths his sword.)

RICHARD: Know this my lord of Leicester, we will not be advised, we have decided on a pact with Saladin. If that fails, then a trial of arms. But we have set our mind and heart upon this marriage and it shall go forward!

8. INTERIOR OF A CHAMBER IN SALADIN'S PALACE AT RAMLAH

(Saladin and Saphadin sit at a table facing each other. Saphadin is reading Richard's letter. He looks towards Saladin who is smiling.)

SAPHADIN: Why do you smile, brother? Is it a trap?

SALADIN: No. The English King writes sincerely. It is so guileless it can only be genuine.

SAPHADIN: Think seriously about it. Alliance with Joanna would give me title to much land. Power over far off countries, a glittering empire, brother!

SALADIN: I did not know you were so ambitious.

(Saphadin rises and walks forward.)

SAPHADIN: I... I would be the name, yours would be the voice.

SALADIN: Ah.

SAPHADIN: Of course!

SALADIN: Of course. (On Saphadin's look.) Do not look so troubled. I will humour you and let this proposition go ahead. But listen to me well.
Strategy is worth a hundred lances. Think brother, how does this proposed marriage help us to win our future battles?

SAPHADIN: (Disappointedly.) You do not mean to think of this alliance seriously.

(Saladin moves to join his brother.)

SALADIN: If you can marry with this sister of the English King then do so and I will help you to it. Go, write a letter. Say the idea pleases both of us.

SAPHADIN: But yet you doubt it!

SALADIN: Have England, France and all the rest come here to cheer a man and woman and a love match? No, this is a last appeal for peace from a weary man.
So you write your letter and I'll alert the armies. Then on either day, the day of blissful union or the day of awful battle, we will be prepared.

SAPHADIN: You are wise. I was wrong to doubt you.

SALADIN: Hold one hand out in friendship but keep the other on your sword.

SAPHADIN: The knight, Sir Ian of Jaffa, who brought a plea for the release of Sir William...

SALADIN: Sir William I cannot return, not yet. But write that he is well cared for. As for the other, Sir Ian, he begged to be allowed to search for the lady Barbara. The brave deserve their favours. Go brother, write your letter. This sincerity deserves our honest dealings. But caution, yes caution, insists that my armies are ready.

9. HAROUN'S HOUSE

(A woman screams outside.)

WARRIOR: (OOV, in background.) Watch your tongue woman, or we'll...

(Barbara peers out of the window. She turns to Safiya.)

BARBARA: They're getting nearer. Where's your hiding place?

(The harassment of the woman continues outside. Safiya leads Barbara over to a hidden cupboard in the corner of the house. She goes out and retrieves Haroun's Kn*fe from the table where Barbara left it.)

SAFIYA: In case we have to defend ourselves.

(Barbara gulps and nods. The voices out in the street get louder.)

WARRIOR: (OOV, in background.) I'll get the others.

ANOTHER WARRIOR: (OOV, in background.) Down here!

(Shortly, two Saracen warriors enter . The first, the one who encountered Haroun, looks around.)

WOMAN: (OOV, in background.) No! Get away!

WARRIOR: (OOV, in background.) In the name of El Akir, open the door!

ANOTHER WARRIOR: (OOV, in background.) Open up! Open up or we'll burn this place down!

WOMAN: (OOV, in background.) Who are you?

FIRST WARRIOR: Nothing in here, (Gestures towards the kitchen.) look out there.

(The other goes into the kitchen, carelessly knocking some plates over and stuffing his face with some of the food on the table. He returns to the main room.)

FIRST WARRIOR: Anything?

THIRD WARRIOR: No.

(They make to leave when the first warrior notices an empty cup on the table.)

FIRST WARRIOR: (Sighs.) Wait! (Picking it up.) Still warm. No other window. Only one door. Look on the rooftop.

(The third warrior obeys.)

SAFIYA: They'll find us. Poor father!

(Barbara stares at the Kn*fe. The third warrior returns.)

FIRST WARRIOR: Nothing?

THIRD WARRIOR: No, nothing.

FIRST WARRIOR: (Sighs.) Someone must be here, somewhere. Search every corner.

(The third warrior moves off again.)

FIRST WARRIOR: No, wait! I've a better plan. Bring a torch. We'll smoke the secret out, or watch a burning funeral!

(In the cupboard...)

BARBARA: Here, cover yourself with this blanket and stay huddled in the corner.

SAFIYA: Why?

BARBARA: Never mind, just do as you're told. Take this.

(Barbara hands Safiya the Kn*fe and slips out into the open. The third warrior has gone and the first is looking in the other direction. In the background and out of view, a woman screams and a warrior laughs.)

WARRIOR: (OOV, in background.) Try down here.

WOMAN: (OOV, in background.) Let me go, you dogs! You pig!

(Silently Barbara makes for the door while trying to stay out of view of the warriors.)

WARRIOR: (OOV, in background.) Come on, let's try over in that house.

ANOTHER WARRIOR: (OOV, in background.) Down here.

WARRIOR: (OOV, in background.) Get the others.

WOMAN: (OOV, in background.) Get away!

WARRIOR: (OOV, in background.) In the name of El Akir, open the door!

ANOTHER WARRIOR (OOV, in background.) ... down here. .

(A warrior begins to turn, forcing Barbara back towards the kitchen. Suddenly the third warrior emerges from the doorway holding a torch.)

THIRD WARRIOR: Aha!

(The two warriors hold Barbara.)

FIRST WARRIOR: Now, where did you come from?

BARBARA: I... I was hiding in the shadows.

FIRST WARRIOR: Who hid you in this place?

BARBARA: No one. (Angrily.) Oh, what does it matter, you've found me. That's what you wanted, wasn't it?

FIRST WARRIOR: When you're on your knees before my master, your defiance will change to screams for pity!

(They pull her out onto the street, watched by a terrified Safiya.)

10. DESERT

(Ian is sleeping peacefully in the desert. Suddenly a Turkish bandit appears by his side. The bandit slowly reaches across and removes Ian's sword. More confident, he reaches out for Ian's money pouch. Ian sees him and grabs his wrist forcing him onto his back. The bandit tries to reach Ian's face with the sword but Ian appears to be gaining the upper hand. However, somebody creeps up behind Ian and hits him on the head with a club. The bandit relaxes.)

BANDIT: Thank you, my brother.

11. INTERIOR OF A CHAMBER IN KING RICHARD'S PALACE

(The Doctor escorts Vicki, in her new clothes, to Joanna and the Earl of Leicester. Joanna smiles.)

JOANNA: Sweet child. You look so innocent I have nothing but love for you.

VICKI: You've been very kind to me.

THE DOCTOR: We are both very grateful to you, your highness.

JOANNA: You shall stay by my side and be my close companion. Your name is not Victor now?

VICKI: No, it's Vicki really.

JOANNA: Oh, I do not know it. Is it a Venetian name? Well, it doesn't matter. The eye should have contentment where it rests. Do you not agree my lord of Leicester? Is she not beautiful?

LEICESTER: (Dryly.) Indeed madam. A fair rose of England in this foreign land.

(Joanna leads the Doctor and Vicki aside. Leicester looks at them with undisguised interest.)

JOANNA: Do you have news for me?

THE DOCTOR: I am afraid not, your highness.

JOANNA: But you were with my brother. Did he tell you nothing of his plans?

THE DOCTOR: He said he wished to speak to you himself.

JOANNA: (Coldly.) I thought I had your friendship.

THE DOCTOR: You have, your highness, but the King spoke to me in confidence. I must not steal his thunder, hmm?

(Joanna turns to Leicester and they begin talking.)

THE DOCTOR: (To Vicki.) I thought something like this would happen, child.

VICKI: Can't you tell her?

THE DOCTOR: That she's going to get married? Of course not!

VICKI: But, can't you drop her a hint or something? She's furious! We can't afford to make an enemy of her.

THE DOCTOR: I have no desire to upset the King. (Flustered.) Dear, dear, dear, all this intrigue. I knew it! All this trouble! (Whispers.)
Here comes the King.

(King Richard walks into the room. Joanna faces him.)

JOANNA: I will speak with my brother!

RICHARD: Oh?

JOANNA: (Angrily.) What's this I hear? I can't believe it's true. Marriage to that heathenish man, that infidel?

RICHARD: (Sighs.) We will give you reasons for it.

JOANNA: This unconsulted partner has no wish to marry! I am no sack of flour to be given in exchange!

RICHARD: It is expedient, the decision has been made.

JOANNA: Not by me and never would be!

RICHARD: Joanna, please consider. This w*r is full of weary, wounded men. This marriage wants a little thought by you, then you'll see the right of it.

JOANNA: And how would you have me go to Saphadin? Bathed in oriental perfume, I suppose? Supient, tender and affectionate, soft-eyed and trembling, eager with a thousand words of compliment and love? Well I like a different way to meet the man I am to wed!

RICHARD: Well if it's a meeting you want...

JOANNA: I do not want! I will not have it!

(She turns and storms out of the chamber.)

RICHARD: Joanna!

12. OUTSIDE THE CHAMBER

RICHARD: Joanna!

(He pursues her with the chamberlain and several other people nervously following him. He turns to them.)

RICHARD: And get out. Get out!

(They leave.)

RICHARD: (To Joanna.) Joanna, I beg you to accept.

JOANNA: No!

RICHARD: I entreat you, Joanna!

JOANNA: No!

RICHARD: Very well. I am the King. We command you!

JOANNA: You cannot command this of me.

RICHARD: (Incredulously.) Cannot?

JOANNA: No. There is a higher authority than yours to which I answer.

RICHARD: I am the King. Where is there any man who has greater power over his subjects?

JOANNA: In Rome. His holiness, the Pope will not allow this marriage of mine to that infidel!

(She turns and heads back into the chamber.)

RICHARD: (Taken aback.) But... Joanna!

(He follows.)

13. INTERIOR OF A CHAMBER

RICHARD: You defy me with the Pope!

JOANNA: No, you defy the world with your politics! The reason you and all your armies are here is the reason on my side. You are here to fight these dogs, defeat them. Marry me to them and you make a pact with the Devil. Force me to it and I'll turn the world we know into your enemy!

(Richard raises his arm to strike Joanna but stops himself just in time. Joanna walks calmly away. Richard looks around and turns to the Doctor and Vicki.)

RICHARD: (Quietly.) Who gave away my plan?

THE DOCTOR: Your majesty, if you believe that I...

RICHARD: (Coldly.) You are not welcome in our sight.

14. INTERIOR OF A CORRIDOR IN EL AKIR'S PALACE

(El Akir sits as his two guards bring in Barbara, and his eyes light up upon seeing her.)

BARBARA: Let go of me!

(She kneels on the floor half defiant, half afraid.)

EL AKIR: (With an evil smile.) The only pleasure left for you is death. And death is very far away.
{"type": "series", "show": "Doctor Who", "episode": "02x24 - The Wheel of Fortune"}