Now that did take him by surprise, the Doctor doubled over, the breath being forced out of his lungs in a rush. He was suddenly grateful for the Drudges as well, as it was only their presence and hold on him that stopped him from ending up curled on the floor.

Of course the House seemed to realise this immediately as well and released him a moment later, dropping the Doctor to sprawl at the Master's feet in pain, which he had no doubt would go down rather well with the other Time Lord. He'd be lucky if he ever heard the end of it.

He heard the Master turn on his heel a moment later and the Doctor slowly pushed himself off the floor, looking up to watch the Master leave as the room was plunged back into darkness and the door closed with an almost final click.