Episode 3 - Chapter 81

“She did what?” Oak demanded quietly. “Stupid, stupid people. Why would she do such a stupid thing? Tell me, why?”

“We don't like the way we're being treated,” Edward told him. “And we don't think you really care what happens to us. Fiona decided to take matters into her own hands.”

“Why would she possibly think going into the Weave would help matters?”

“She went to get Raven,” I told him. “He was trying to help us.”

Oak's shoulders slumped. “I fear,” he said, “Raven has turned away from the Forest.”

Episode 3 - Chapter 80

 “So what if we are ideas? What of that?”

“An idea shouldn't put on a cocked hat and pop to the shops for a pint of milk, or break into somebody's home before it was built, waiting for the right set of circumstances.”

“Is that what you mean then, when you say we've changed?”

“I suppose it is. For so long the Weave was an ocean, crashing on the shores of the Warp. But not any more. Now you play at dress up and strategy.”

“Would you be surprised if I told you this was the first attempt to touch the Warp in fifty years?”

Episode 3 - Chapter 79

The atmosphere changes the moment she's spoken, the temperature plummets and a deathly hush descends.

The Voice is shaking, its flesh like plastic draining of colour, ageing centuries in mere seconds. Cracks begin to appear in its skin, mouth and eyes darken and a primordial howl fills the air. The doll leaps across the court, landing on Fiona's chest, grabbing her collar to steady itself.

“Corvus is here?” It demands, in a voice full of rage. “In the Weave?”

Fiona nods, terrified.

The doll places a hand on her forehead. “You will sleep now,” it commands, and the world goes dark.

Episode 3 - Chapter 78

“At the risk of offending the court,” Fiona replies, “I learned recently that one should be wary of gifts in the Weave.”

“There is no expectation placed upon our aid, nor a debt incurred. If, at some time hence, the court requires a grace or favour, all that is asked is that you give such a request reasonable consideration.”

“Then I am most grateful, and will surely do so.”

“Then it is settled,” declares the Voice. “Now tell us, who is it that you seek in the Weave.”

“His name is Raven, though you might call him Corvus.”

Episode 3 - Chapter 77

Fiona bows her head in contrition. “I am truly sorry,” she says, “It wasn't my intention to offend.”

The doll pauses for a moment, as if listening, before it speaks. “As you are unschooled in the ways of the court, your apology is acceptable. I am also honoured to be able to offer the full resources of the court in your search.”

“Thankyou,” she replies. “Might I ask what the court wants in return?”

Once more there is uproar in the gallery, but the Voice is quick with the bell.

“Good lady,” it says, “This is a gift, and freely given.”

Episode 3 - Chapter 76

The gallery erupts in uproar, its shadowy patrons shouting and waving, making such a hullabaloo.

“Sorry,” Fiona says, “Did I say something wrong?” But nobody hears her above the din. She starts to back away, fearful that these shadows might attack her in their obvious outrage, when a ringing bell cuts through the noise.

“There will be order in the court!” commands the Voice, a huge hand bell in its hands, its moulded plastic face somehow full of fury. Turning towards her, the doll continues. “Good lady, this is the Court of Doors, not some tawdry market. There is no commerce here, where all is freely given.”

Episode 3 - Chapter 75

“I'm beginning to realise answers have a value here.”

“Dear lady,” the Voice replies, “answers have value everywhere.”

“Why is that, I wonder?”

“Simply put, answers are knowledge and knowledge is power.”

“Even here, in a place of fancy and do as you please?”

There is a glint in the doll's eyes as it replies “Especially here.”

Fiona knows she's about to play a dangerous game when she says “Then I propose we trade.”

“Trade?”

There is more murmuring in the gallery.

“Yes,” she replies hesitantly, “We trade. Your answers for mine.”