Doctor Who: The Masque of the Mandragora by Philip Hinchcliffe Read Free Book Online

list—it was prepared by the Duke Giuliano’s secretary.’
    Federico span round and snatched the list. ‘To the King of Naples?’ he read aloud, ‘... the Duke of Milan... the Duke of Padua... the Doge of Venice... Signoria of Florence...’ His expression grew more enraged by each name.
    â€˜They are the rulers who have accepted Giuliano’s invitation and are coming to San Martino,’ explained the captain in a servile tone.
    A look of contempt appeared on the Count’s ugly face. ‘To celebrate his accession to the Dukedom. The arrogant puppy!’ He screwed up the list in his hand, hurled it against the wall and stormed out of the chamber.
    Moments later there was a sharp rat-a-tat at Hieronymous’s door and Federico strode in. Hieronymous looked up in surprise from a pile of ancient charts he was studying.
    â€˜I did not say enter,’ he said curtly. His face wore a cool and reserved expression unlike his normal obsequious manner.
    â€˜What?’ Federico seemed momentarily taken aback.
    â€˜I wish to be left alone,’ snapped the old soothsayer and returned to his charts.
    â€˜In this palace, astrologer, I come and go as I please,’ growled Federico.
    â€˜This is my private room.’
    The Count’s eyes narrowed and he leant forward threateningly. ‘Whatever room you have here is because I allow it. I’ve warned you before, Hieronymous, do not get above yourself.’
    Hieronymous said nothing for a moment then responded in a more conciliatory fashion. ‘I have studying to do. But if there is something urgent you want?’
    â€˜Yes, it is urgent!’ shouted Federico, then realising he might be overheard lowered his voice. ‘We cannot wait until Mars or Saturn or whatever other nonsense it was you said—Giuliano must die at once.’ He fixed Hieronymous with a penetrating stare.
    â€˜It is not nonsense.’ retorted the astrologer.
    Federico continued unheeding. ‘He’s called a gathering here of all the leading scholars and philosophers in Italy and their patrons.’
    Hieronymous looked up sharply. ‘Gathering?’
    Federico nodded impatiently. ‘Don’t you see what it means? With all those important people here, at his invitation, he will establish his power in the state for good.’
    â€˜So?’
    Federico banged his fist down on Hieronymous’s charts. ‘So it will be harder to get rid of him!’ He paused for breath. ‘He must die. Tonight! ‘
    Hieronymous drew himself up to his full height and shook his head solemnly. ‘It cannot be.’
    â€˜Why not? I have the poison.’ Federico scowled. ‘I want you to announce that you have made a new finding,’ he waved his arm airily, ‘some new conjunction has come to light. You’ll think of. something.’ He pressed his face close to Hieronymous. ‘Sudden death!’
    Hieronymous withdrew. ‘You’re asking me to invent a horoscope.’
    â€˜That’s what you always do,’ snapped the Count.
    A look of hurt appeared on the soothsayer’s visage. ‘Do you know what it is you are mocking?’ He raised his voice. ‘Do you know what power is held by the celestial bodies? They are not at our beck and call.’
    Federico took hold of Hieronymous by the shoulders and shook him violently. ‘I’m asking you to help me. as you did before.’ His voice grew menacing. ‘Giuliano must die tonight! Do you understand?’ He bellowed in the soothsayer’s ears, ‘Tonight! ‘

6
The Secret of the Temple
    â€˜Spirit from the heavens? I thought you were a man of science, Doctor.’
    The speaker was Giuliano and his handsome features wore a vexed expression. He was now alone with the Doctor and Sarah having