Crusades

‘And how long has young Stefan been with you?’

‘Young’ Stefan gave him a look that would have stunned a normal human being into a rigor of apology.

‘Stefan was my first, and best, recruit,’ answered the Toymaker fondly, nostalgia seeming to tug his mouth into the semblance of a smile. ‘We had a game of dice, didn’t we, Stefan, in Constantinople..

Stefan also seemed to enjoy a trip down memory lane, for he to grinned broadly.

‘We did, Lord. Never was I so pleased to lose a throw.’

He turned to the Doctor, and announced with fierce pride,

‘I was with Barbarossa. The Army of the Third Great Crusade against the Turk.’

‘The Third Crusade, one long bloodbath. You killed more of each other than any enemy... One of the most savage and barbaric forces in history...’

***

The Nightmare Fair, Chapter 8