The King's Demons

"We sing in praise of total war; against the Saracen we abhor"

It is thirteenth century England, and King John is visiting the castle stronghold of Sir Ranulf Fitzwilliam.  Ranulf’s personal fortune has dwindled away, freely donated to King John to help fund the Crusade.  While staying with Ranulf, the King’s greed is criticized by the baron’s head-strong son, Hugh.  As a result, Hugh is challenged to a duel by the monarch’s enigmatic French Knight-at-Arms, Sir Giles Estram, a duel the young Englishmen has little hope of surviving.  When the TARDIS materializes and disturbs the joust, the Doctor’s party are proclaimed friendly demons by the King, who seems strangely interested in their "blue engine."  Before long the Doctor becomes embroiled in court politics, and he realizes that there is far more to the situation than a simple battle of honor between nobles.

• "The King's Demons" is the sixth story of the 20th anniversary season of Doctor Who.  Each story within this season features the return of one of the Doctor's former adversaries.

• This adventure marks the return of The Master, last seen in the previous year's story "Time-Flight."

• This story also sees the addition of a new companion, Kamelion.  However, due to technological problems the robot companion would not show up again until he was written off in the Davison classic "Planet of Fire."

• This story is part of a double tape package that includes the special edition of "The Five Doctors," the 20th anniversary adventure.

• Events at the end of this story lead directly into the next adventure, "The Five Doctors."