Teal’c had volunteered to return to the SGC in order to inform General Hammond of their plans and to get a few additional supplies. The plan was bold. It was daring. It all hinged on the fact that they would be able to find Jack and Morgana on a planet larger than Earth—kind of along the lines of finding two needles in a proverbial haystack.

It was a two-folded plan with two distinct goals: the first and foremost being the rescue of Jack O’Neill and the second, to bring Morgana back to Ildanach to atone for her crimes. In order to accomplish either of those objectives, they needed to enter the city undetected. Jacob, though, was adamant in his assertions that there were several cities on the planet. Knowing Morgana’s personality and insane quest for power, they were going to try the largest city first, which also happened to be the one closest to the gate.

Daniel hoped and prayed they wouldn’t be too late.

They’d spent the past 36 hours gathering together a small group of warriors—a handful loyal to Egan and willing to fight against Morgana—if necessary—to accompany them to P8X-767. Caedmon had decided to remain in Meath, along with Hywel, to protect his brother’s interests in the city. Egan would accompany SG1. He needed to avenge his brother’s death and would not settle for anything less than his absolute participation in the mission.

Sam agreed, somewhat reluctantly.

Teal’c had returned about 12 hours earlier with the extra supplies and General Hammond’s blessings. Jacob had only just arrived in Meath with whatever intelligence the Tok’ra had had on the planet in question. Apparently, the Tok’ra had been keeping an eye on this planet with a view to possibly using it for another base. Although ideally located and a lush planet with an equally friendly local population, it was still under the thumb of a minor System Lord. Locally known as Lel, the planet was ruled by Lord Yam whom Daniel was quick to point out, was the god of the sea and rivers in Canaanite mythology.

"How will this information help us?" Caedmon asked, puzzled at Daniel’s statement.

"Long story short, Caedmon," Daniel said, his tone sliding into lecture mode. "The Goa’uld took various peoples from Earth and repopulated planets around the universe. Apparently, this Goa’uld is using the persona of Yam, one of the Canaanite gods. This god in particular was interesting because he was also known by several other names including Nahar, Yaw, Lotan, and Leviathan. His mythological character seems to reflect two temperaments, perhaps reflecting the calm summer when maritime expeditions are feasible and the stormy winter."

"Daniel," Sam said, her voice warning Daniel that he was going off track, as she pored over the files covering the large wooden table in the room. Her father had brought back piles of information with him and they had decided to set up a workspace in Egan’s study, adjacent to the main hall. There was much more room and it provided a better atmosphere in which to work. It also provided Egan with better access. As the new Lord of Meath, he still had a village to run and it wasn’t the best idea to be sequestered in an upper room with strangers—especially so soon after his brother’s death. It was bad enough that he had insisted on accompanying them to Lel. They didn’t need a riot or an uprising on their hands as well.

Jacob had accompanied Egan into the main chamber where several citizens had requested an audience with the new Lord. He was curious to see what they wanted—and to see if there were any potential problems they’d be leaving behind.

Daniel scowled at Sam before turning his attention back to Caedmon. "What I’m trying to say is that having a good working knowledge of the god the Goa’uld is impersonating usually helps us to figure out his weaknesses and how he might react in any situation."

"I see," Caedmon said, clearly still puzzled but willing to accept Daniel’s explanation.

"This city will prove difficult to enter undetected," Teal’c commented, his eyebrow raised slightly as he examined some of the topographical drawings Jacob had produced from the various Tok’ra surveys of the planet.

"Yeah, I noticed that as well," Sam said, glancing up quickly to look at Teal’c, who stood at her side. "We’re going to need an inside source, a way to get in. There doesn’t even look like there’s a lot of places that we can set up a camp. It’s pretty wide open," she said, her finger tracing the outline of the vast beach leading up into the grasslands.

"Perhaps here would be appropriate," Teal’c said, pointing to a spot several clicks south of the gate and just south of the city. From the maps, it looked as if some woodland began along this southern edge. That might provide just enough cover. They just had to get there.

"Yeah, that might work," Sam said, her voice distant as she examined possible routes. Most took them in direct contact with the city.

"A path through here," Teal’c said, drawing Sam’s attention to the eastern edge, "would be suitable for our needs. If we remain at the edge of the forest we may be able to continue on undetected until we reach the deeper woods. From here we would be able to plan our strike within an easy distance of the city."

"I would imagine they have sentries that routinely patrol that area, especially since it’s so obvious to us," Sam said, her forehead creased in concentration. She rubbed the back of her neck, trying to ease some of the stress that was building there. The longer they delayed, the longer Colonel O’Neill was in the clutches of a mad woman. But, in order to pull this off, they needed to get it right the first time and, for that, they needed to plan carefully.

"I am sure one of those sentries will be most willing to answer our questions," Teal’c said, simply hinting at the various possibilities, a ghost of a smile on his lips.

The door to the room opened, revealing a weary Jacob Carter. He closed the door quietly behind him, trying not to disturb Daniel and Caedmon’s conversation. The two men had moved into the far corner near the fireplace and were speaking intently in low tones. Teal’c narrowed his eyes, looking at them, but quickly turned his attention to Jacob, who had stepped over to the table and was eyeing the large map, held down on all four corners by various weighted objects—mainly candlestick holders. They were going to have to find something to replace two of them quickly unless they didn’t mind wax on the map.

"So, how do things look?" Jacob asked, eyeing Sam and Teal’c carefully.

"Well," Sam said, taking a deep breath. "It looks like Teal’c’s found us a good base of operations. It won’t be easy to get to, especially with the FRED, but we have to go the long way around if we plan to stay out of sight." Sam’s finger traced the route for her father, tapping their destination with finality. "From here we should have easy access into the city."

"Looks good. When do we leave?"

Sam glanced up, surprised at her father’s impatience. "Dad, you just got here. Don’t you think it might be a good idea for you to rest a little first?"

Jacob frowned, dropping his eyes back to the map and their route. "Yeah, I know, but I have a funny feeling about this."

"A funny feeling?" Teal’c eyebrow was at full tilt. "Would this funny feeling be anything like the heebie jeebies?"

Jacob looked expectantly at his daughter who simply smiled and offered a weak excuse. "He’s been hanging around Colonel O’Neill too much."

"Oh," Jacob said, as he turned, hearing Daniel and Caedmon approach—both wearing distinctly gloomy expressions.

"What’s wrong, Daniel?" Sam asked, her voice laced with worry.

"When are we leaving?" Daniel asked, ignoring Sam’s question.

"I was thinking about first thing in the morning. Why?"

"I guess that’ll be fine," Daniel said, his blue eyes staring at a fixed point somewhere beyond Sam.

"Daniel," Sam said a little more forcefully, drawing Daniel’s attention to her. "What’s wrong?"

"It’s just something Caedmon was saying. It’s nothing really," Daniel said, pointedly vague, his eyes flashing a warning. He obviously wanted to speak in private, but they were all in this together—and her father had the right to know.

"Daniel," Sam said, her tone ominous and unmoving.

He sighed, glancing back and forth between Sam’s eyes and a point just above her left shoulder. It made her want to turn to see what he was looking at, but she fought the urge. "Caedmon mentioned something…disturbing about the mind pressure Morgana is able to produce. If Jack willingly went with her, we have to assume that he might have gone dark side on us."

"What? What do you mean?" Sam asked, aghast at the possibility. It was a concept around which she couldn’t wrap her mind.

"Do you think she is able to unduly influence O’Neill?" Teal’c asked, his manner direct and to the point. He stood erect, his face calm, as if he were discussing the weather and not his friend’s state of mental health.

"Brainwash, Teal’c," Daniel said, his shoulders slumping. "And yes, I think she may have." Daniel raised his eyes, his gaze taking in everyone in the room. "I think we all have to consider the possibility that Jack might not want to come home."

Daniel slept fitfully that night, waking up several times. The last time, around five in the morning, he finally gave up pretending to sleep and instead rose, padding quietly into the small sitting room. The fire was still burning but was getting low, so he bent down, lifting several pieces of wood to place on the top of the pile, watching the flames slowly engulf the logs. Sounds of peaceful slumber could be heard throughout the room, as he stood before the fire in his bare feet, his arms crossed in front of him.

Bare-chested, Daniel sighed deeply; his attention fixed solely on the flames before him, leaping up from the fresh logs. He shivered as a chill raced up his spine, bringing goosebumps to his arms. At this point in time, Daniel thought, it would be foolish to try and go back to sleep—especially since they were planning to get up in less than an hour anyway. He was too wired to sleep. He’d just end up making himself more tired in the long run. He was worried. He knew the symptoms.

Daniel walked back into his room, pulling on socks and his boots. While he appreciated the clothing Egan had provided, he still preferred his cotton socks and boots. Tugging on an oversized tunic, he also grabbed the thick winter cloak Egan had given him. It was double layered with a thick well-oiled outer layer and a lighter inner layer, providing more than adequate warmth and protection from the elements.

Grabbing a pen and a blank piece of paper, he quickly scribbled a note, explaining his absence and his plans to return within the hour.

Shrugging on the cloak, he stepped out into the darkened hallway, quietly closing the door behind him with a click. The castle was silent around him, deep in the realms of dreams and darkness. He moved down the stairs, toward the main level, not surprised to find a single guard step out of the darkness, offering him a polite nod and letting him pass.

Apparently, he wasn’t the only one to go on early morning strolls. The house servants appeared to be accustomed to movement within the castle. He’d encountered the same guard the past two nights.

Daniel moved to the castle’s front door and silently let himself out, closing it softly behind him. He stood for a minute, breathing deeply, taking in the crisp, cold air. It had stopped snowing, but the heavy gray sky still held an ominous threat of more to come. Hopefully, they would already be on their way by the time the next storm arrived.

Pointing himself toward the castle gardens, Daniel moved quietly and with purpose. He wanted to see the spot where Jack had bent his knee, pledging his allegiance. Egan and Caedmon had both offered to bring him when he mentioned it the first day they had arrived, but he had put them off, making excuses. In reality, he needed to do this alone.

The snow wasn’t deep, but provided a thick coating on the ground, muffling his footfalls. Stepping into the garden, Daniel stopped, holding his breath. Even covered in snow, the garden had a magical quality. The raised altar was imposing at the far end of the garden, large stones standing tall against a backdrop of thick green pines.

Daniel slowly approached it, trying his best to follow the paths, avoiding the plantings as much as possible. He had no desire to trample the beauty here, even though it had been the setting for something sinister.

Stepping up, he strode to the altar, brushing the snow away, revealing the unnatural red of the stone. Daniel looked out, turning his eyes away from the stain, as if it might vanish if he did not look. How many lives had been taken on this very spot? How many people had put faith in her?

He’d never know.

Daniel sank down, sitting on the edge of the altar, his head in his hands. With the aid of Egan’s explanation, Daniel could picture what had happened on this very spot in his mind’s eye. Egan had told him that Morgana was going to offer up a child, a boy, to try and appease the gods. Instinctively, Daniel knew what Jack would have done. Jack would have offered his own life in place of the child. He wouldn’t have hesitated, he wouldn’t have cared, wouldn’t have even considered the price. Willingly, he would have offered his life.

His willingness that day had been his downfall.

From how Caedmon explained it, once someone freely gave himself or herself, they were bonded to the Kyredian or Kyredians to whom they pledged. In the case of Jack O’Neill, he had bonded himself to Morgana. This bond permitted her access to his mind, his thoughts, and his emotions, drawing on his strength as if it were her own. Just what thoughts or impressions she placed in his mind, Daniel did not know, could not even imagine. But, Daniel did know one thing, once Jack gave her what she wanted, it would only be a matter of time before she moved on to someone new, taking his life energy with her.

They had to get there before that happened.

Daniel didn’t know how long he sat there staring at his feet and the patterns his boots made in the snow before Hywel’s deep voice drew him back to the present. He raised his head, his eyes settling on the man before him.

"My lord?" Hywel asked, his voice carrying peculiarly across the distance, the snow soaking up the sound.

"Yes, Hywel?" Weariness had settled into Daniel’s voice.

"Egan has asked for me to guide you back to the castle. He wishes to speak with you. He said it was important."

Daniel turned away, gazing out across the wide open field stretching down into the snow-covered valley below Meath. "It can wait."

"My lord, Egan said it had something to do with your friend, the one you seek."

Daniel turned, looking sharply at Hywel, his eyes narrowing. Egan knew what would catch his attention that was for sure. Daniel sighed, finally rising to his feet. "Fine. Lead the way." Daniel said, gesturing to Hywel with a wide sweep of his hand.

They walked quickly and in silence until they reached the castle door. "Lord Egan is waiting for you in the main hall," Hywel said, holding the door open for Daniel.

"Thanks, Hywel," Daniel said, offering a weak smile. He shrugged out of his cloak, handing it to Hywel, who scurried off with it, up the stairs. Daniel assumed he was taking it back to the room. He hoped so. He was growing attached to that garment. Shaking his head, Daniel walked to the open doors of the main chamber, and stepped inside. Egan was sitting in a pool of light at the far end of the room. Egan must have felt Daniel’s presence, for as soon as Daniel stepped in the room, Egan glanced up greeting him with a smile.

Egan rose, meeting Daniel halfway. "Good morning, Daniel Jackson. Thank you for joining me."

"Hywel mentioned that you wanted to talk about Jack," Daniel said, his tone and manner direct. On the walk back, a heaviness had settled over him, making every step an effort. He wanted to get this over with as quickly as possible.

Egan nodded slowly. "Yes. I actually wanted to show you something. I thought you might need to see this before we left. It may help to settle your troubled mind." At Daniel’s quizzical expression, Egan continued. "Your friend did not give up easily, although to you it might seem as if he did. Please come with me and let me show you where he spent his days and nights while he was a guest in the castle. It will not be easy for you to see, but it will help you to understand."

"Egan, I have a pretty good idea what Morgana did to him. I really don’t need to see it," Daniel said, turning away from Egan in disgust.

"Daniel, there is more that you need to see, to know, before we meet up with O’Neill and Morgana." Egan was adamant and apparently not taking "No" for an answer.

Daniel sighed deeply, closing his eyes and rubbing his hand across his face. He’d left his glasses in the room and the squinting had already given him a slight headache. Now, this conversation was just compounding the pain. "Fine."

Egan nodded. "Very well. Please follow me." With a swish of fabric, Egan walked past Daniel and out the door, pausing long enough for Daniel to catch up.

They walked in silence, first up the stairs to the second level and then down several hallways, most of which Daniel had never seen, before finally entering a small hallway leading to a long steep staircase descending into the foundations of the castle.

As they made their way down the stairs, cool, damp air swirled upward, chilling Daniel, making him wish for his cloak. They walked past several small rooms, dungeons really, the dirt floors scuffed and lumpy with rocks.

Daniel paused at the door to one of the rooms, the small makeshift bed toward the back of the cell catching his eye. His gaze took in every detail of the small room: the metal loop high on the wall, a chain still connected; the rough wool blankets; one small goblet turned on its side, its contents long gone, absorbed into the floor; reddish brown stains on the back wall.

Without realizing, Daniel had stepped into the room, kneeling down on the blankets, his fingers lifting an object from the dirt on the floor. He turned it over several times, feeling its weight, the chain jingling with its every movement.

Daniel turned just enough to look at Egan, who had paced back to stand in the doorway, his eyes unreadable. Daniel’s voice was harsh, guttural even. "Egan, what is this?"

Egan’s response was quiet as if he didn’t want to disturb, even though there was no one here. "Morgana referred to it as her leash of obedience."

Daniel turned back to look at the object in his hand in disgust. Flecks of dried blood blended in with the dark metal. Fury rose within him and when he spoke, he spoke with a deep timbre, his voice shaking with anger. "She left him here, leashed him as if he were an animal. Dogs get treated better than the way she treated him." He threw the leash down, rising to his feet, his blue eyes bright with pain. "Why did you bring me here?"

"You need to understand. You need to see what he did to save you, to protect you."

"What? Protect me from what? He’s the one who needed protection and no one seemed to care about him."

"On the contrary, we did what we could to help him while he was here, but there was more at stake than just his life, as you well know," Egan said calmly. He looked Daniel over critically before continuing. "Come."

Sighing deeply, Daniel followed.

Down a dark hallway, lit only by a single torch, Daniel followed Egan. Reaching the end, the door opened and the light came on, revealing the room beyond. Wide-eyed, Daniel stepped inside, taking in everything. Deep within the confines of a medieval castle, he was standing in the middle of a Goa’uld laboratory. "Where did this come from?" Daniel asked several minutes later, his eyes coming to rest on the table in the middle of the room. His eyes settling on the dark reddish-brown stains on the top.

"Everything you see had been left behind centuries ago. Morgana discovered this room and claimed it for her own."

Daniel stepped over to the table, resting his hands lightly on its surface, avoiding the stains. "I don’t recognize this device."

"According to Morgana, it was able to revive a person from the dead. This is one of two such devices that were left behind. This one, however, she altered to better serve her purposes." Egan had moved around the opposite side of the table, looking Daniel in the eyes. "Do you trust me?"

Daniel’s eyes were unreadable. He paused, but eventually nodded his head. "Yes."

"Please place your arm flat against the top of the table and I’ll show you how Morgana changed this device." Daniel complied and Egan flipped a switch. The surface of the table trembled for a few seconds before erupting, covering Daniel’s arm. In the blinking of an eye, the table settled down once again and Daniel’s arm was securely fastened to the table at the wrist and elbow.

Daniel glanced up, his eyes wide. "What did she do to the sarcophagus?"

Egan flipped another switch and Daniel’s arm was released just as quickly. "I do not know, but the Kyredians have the ability to change more than just people, as you have just discovered. Morgana had the ability to work with metals and various technologies, tinkering with them until it suited her purposes. This lab is filled with her creations."

"Egan, this may sound sick, but would it be possible to take a closer look at this stuff once we get back? We could really learn a lot from it. It may help us in our fight against the Goa’uld."

"You may have it if you desire. We have no need for it," Egan said simply, as Daniel made a quick circuit through the room, touching several items, entranced by the technology. Several minutes passed before Egan spoke again. "From these rooms, your friend made his stand. He was the only warrior Morgana could not break. He would not give in. Instead, he fought. With every breath and every ounce of strength, he fought, protecting you with his life."

Daniel’s words were quiet, barely loud enough to carry across the room. "That’s what he does best."

"Daniel Jackson?"

"I’m sorry, Egan," Daniel said, turning away from the wall to face Egan. His voice, louder now, was tinged with regret. "That was Jack’s way. That’s what he always did best. He was always protecting us—even protecting us from our own best intentions."

"There is something more," Egan said, stepping closer, gazing down at Daniel who refused to meet his gaze.

"Yes, there is," Daniel said finally, sighing deeply.

"Might it have something to do with the black aura surrounding your friend?"

Daniel’s head came up, his eyes narrowed at Egan. "What aura?"

"Some of our people have always been free of Morgana’s influence. Hywel is one such person. His ancestors included one of the Kyredians. Because of his grand-grandfather, Hywel, on occasion, has the ability to view auras. When you arrived, O’Neill’s aura was dark—the darkest Hywel had ever witnessed. There was something on the inside, something wrong, was there not?"

Daniel swallowed trying to dislodge the lump in his throat. "Something, yes, was wrong. He’d been acting strangely for the past week or so. Are you trying to say that there was something physically wrong with him?"

"No, not physically, of this Hywel was certain. His soul was greatly troubled," Egan paused, tilting his head to look closely at Daniel. When Egan spoke again, his words came slowly, shaded with emotion. "As a great warrior and a leader of your people, could he have been plagued by self-doubt and a faltering trust in himself? Perhaps it involved those with whom he worked."

"What does he have to worry about? He’s the best of the best. We trust him implicitly. We trust him with our lives."

"Are you sure?"

Daniel stopped to really look at Egan. The man was calm and deadly serious. "Of course I’m sure," Daniel said, lacking the conviction he had had only a few moments ago. His mind slowly drifted back, thinking of all the times as of late where he hadn’t—they hadn’t—listened to Jack’s advice, to his orders, but instead had openly objected, even choosing a different path. Flashes of memories brushed through his mind: their dealings with the K’Tau; the situation with the Enkarans and the Gad-Meer; Alar and the rest of the Eurondan population; the incident with the Replicators and Thor’s ship; the crystal skull on P7X-377; and of course, Jack’s undercover mission involving the rogue NID organization. Things really hadn’t been going very smoothly lately.

"Something was weighing heavily on O’Neill’s mind the day he arrived here. Perhaps he knew that this was a turning point in his life. Perhaps O’Neill knew that his decision now would have profound ramifications for him and the rest of his life." Egan stepped over to the door, hesitating for a moment before he stepped through. "Think of this, Daniel Jackson. Although you study the cultures and peoples you meet, do you ever consider that some of them may have been put in their place for a reason? Do you think it to be a coincidence that O’Neill met Morgana at this point in time? Perhaps there is something more going on than meets the eye. Perhaps Morgana is the whetting stone which sharpens O’Neill once again."

Egan’s final words echoed in Daniel’s head for a long time after he departed, leaving Daniel slumped against the table in the middle of the Goa’uld laboratory, alone except for his troubled thoughts.

Sam was nearly packed by the time Daniel walked in the door, his eyes distant, his shoulders slouched and rounded.

"Daniel," Sam asked, taking in his haggard appearance with one glance. "Are you okay?"

Daniel looked up, pulling himself forcefully from wherever he had been moments before. "Yeah," he said with a weary smile, trying to reassure her. "I’ll be okay once we get Jack back."

Sam returned his smile with understanding. "I know what you mean. Are you about ready to move out?"

"Sure. I just have to throw a few things in my pack," Daniel headed to his room, but turned back to face Sam. "Did Hywel bring back my cloak?"

Sam nodded and gestured with her hand. "Yeah. It’s on your bed." She paused, looking at him carefully. "Are you sure you’re all right?"

"Yeah. Just have a lot on my mind."

A few minutes later, Daniel emerged from his room, his pack slung over his shoulder and his cloak in his hands. Her father had packed earlier and had headed downstairs with Teal’c to take one last look at the plans and maps before they rolled them up and packed them in one of the bags.

Sam smiled, trying to lighten the dark mood that had apparently settled over her friend. "Well, we’re off to see the wizard."

Daniel’s head came up sharply, his eyes squinting across the distance to where she stood. Even from across the room, Sam could see the tension in Daniel’s shoulders and in the lines of his face. "Daniel, where did you go this morning?" She asked, her tone quiet and gentle as she stepped closer, laying her hand on his arm in a gesture of comfort and support.

"I needed to think, to get some perspective," Daniel said, his voice solemn. "I walked to the garden and to the altar and right then I knew exactly what had happened, why Jack did what he did."

"What do you mean?" Her blue eyes darkened in distress.

"The altar was stained blood red, Sam," Daniel said, finally lifting his head to look at her. His eyes screamed out to her as if Daniel himself had uttered a plaintive cry. "They perform ritual human sacrifices here, Sam. They use little children."

Sam’s hand flew to her opened mouth. "Oh God, Daniel. That’s horrible."

"Jack would never have let that happen as long as he drew breath."

"He traded his life for the life of a child," Sam said, her voice fully aware.

Daniel nodded. "He gave of himself willingly to save that child and to save us," he said quietly. "Now we just have to rescue him from his own best intentions—just as he’s done for us countless times before."

"Well, then, what are we waiting for?" Sam asked, shouldering her pack. "Let’s move."

Jack O’Neill took a deep breath, enjoying the view from the rooms on the upper level of the palace. Overlooking the main part of town and out over the harbor, Ugarit was dreamlike, especially early in the morning when the mists hovered low, close to the ground, coating everything with an ethereal quality.

He felt relaxed and at peace with himself and the world. There was no longer a need—or desire—to fight the Goa’uld or the Replicators or anything else. Here at Morgana’s side, there was peace. There was a stability that he hadn’t had in a long time.

He had taken to getting up early, much earlier than Morgana, to walk around the palace and its grounds. This morning, his third here on Lel, he nodded briefly to Eavan, who was standing guard as he left the royal apartments, strolling along the wide open hallways.

His long robes shifted easily with his movements and his sandal-clad feet welcomed the morning chill. His hands held loosely behind him, in the small of his back, he walked. It was these times alone that he truly enjoyed the most. It gave him the time to ground himself in the day, in what was to come, without distraction. While Morgana was very understanding of his private nature, he still needed this time to himself.

This morning he stopped alongside one of the large fountains that continually circulated water high into the air to come cascading down onto the various stone statues below. He dipped his fingers in the cool water, dragging his hand, adding his own splashes and designs to the fountain’s pool.

There was already activity at the dock this morning, the calm inviting the sailors to cast off early, heading for deeper waters. Soon the winter storms would be upon them, making any deep-sea fishing difficult at best.

A ship was due in port from Acco this morning, bringing some precious metals as well as various fabrics and foodstuffs. Jack planned to visit to the docks as soon as the ship arrived, giving him time to speak with the ship’s captain about the state of trade. Morgana preferred if he didn’t go out and talk to the people. She claimed it was beneath him, that they should come to him. But, in the long run, she humored him.

They were his people. He wanted to know them, and then in turn, it would give them the opportunity to learn about him.

When he walked through the city, Morgana was adamant that guards accompany him, and that was a fight he stood no chance of winning. They settled for one guard, generally Eavan.

Jack was pleased, though, that Morgana finally permitted him to arm himself. Instead of the broad swords the Meath castle guards preferred carrying, Jack had settled for one of the Ugarit swords—long and slender with the same ethereal quality that was reflected in the early morning hours.

The sword fit him well, even though he had only received it last night as a gift from the Ugarit master craftsman. Today, he would practice with it, if Morgana permitted him the time.

Standing quietly among the trees, he heard footfalls approaching him long before the visitor spoke. "Lady Morgana requests your presence for breakfast, my Lord."

Jack took one last deep breath before turning to Adair with a smile. "Very well. Take me to Morgana. We mustn’t keep the lady waiting."

It took nearly three hours to reach the spot Teal’c had indicated on the map. While it was easier to use the FRED to carry most of their equipment, it still took time—more time than they had originally anticipated. The paths on the eastern edge were overgrown and not maintained making the journey difficult.

As soon as they had stepped through the gate onto Lel, they were immediately on guard. The eight members of the team were cautious and moved quickly to get out of sight. Tucking their heavier winter clothes and cloaks on FRED and into various packs, they moved steadily, most in shirtsleeves and tunics.

Upon reaching the designated spot for their camp, Teal’c and Egan made a quick circuit of the area, blending into the woodlands with ease. Several tension-filled minutes passed before Teal’c and Egan emerged once again. Teal’c nodded once to Sam, who smiled in relief. The site was clear and looked good. It was time to dig in and set up camp. They had a lot of work to do in a short period of time. She wanted to have someone checking out the city by nightfall—most likely Daniel and Egan. They seemed to work well together and she was sure Egan would be able to protect Daniel in case there was a problem.

The tents went up quickly and the gear was spread out among the group. Everyone had their jobs and Sam was pleased at how well the team melded together. It was peculiar to see her father working side-by-side with a huge muscular Ildanachian. Although Jacob Carter was by no means a petite man, he was dwarfed when he stood beside any of the castle guards. Corcoran, in particular, stood a head taller than Egan, his reddish hair and complexion contrasting sharply with the dark countenances of the other men.

"Sam," Daniel called quietly, approaching Sam with a pair of binoculars in hand. "I think we’re going to need to get a change of clothes before we enter the city."

"Why?" she asked, pausing in the unpacking of her bag.

"Well, for one thing, as if you hadn’t already noticed, the weather’s a little different here than it was in Meath. But, from the looks of things," Daniel said, holding up the binoculars, "the people I can see seem to be dressed quite differently. Very light, flowing clothing. Long robes, primarily. Mostly light colors as well."

"Okay, Daniel. What do you suggest?"

"See, that’s where I’m a little uncomfortable," Daniel admitted, looking sheepish.

"Feeling bad about a little shop lifting, Daniel?" Sam teased, catching Teal’c’s eye over his shoulder. She gestured for Teal’c to join them. "Teal’c, Daniel and Egan are going to need some clothing for tonight’s expedition. Think you can round up something for them?"

Teal’c nodded solemnly. "I can endeavor to locate some appropriate garments, Major Carter. The outer limits of the city are not far. I shall return shortly." Seconds later, Teal’c had vanished into the forest.

"Sammy, where’s Teal’c going?" Jacob asked, approaching with a puzzled expression on his face. "I didn’t think we were supposed to go venturing out until nightfall."

"Daniel and Egan need a change of clothes," Sam said. "Teal’c offered to obtain some for us."

"Oh," Jacob said, turning back to look at the camp and the furious activity. The three warriors Egan had brought—Quillan, Corcoran, and Afton—were very efficient and flexible. They had managed to figure out most of the items the SG team had brought along, including the operation of the FRED, much to Daniel’s amusement.

"Come on, Daniel," Sam said, moving back to her pack. "Let’s finish setting up camp. I want to scout out the area before it gets dark."

Dinner that night was warmed rations, which no one really enjoyed. Sam and Jacob had gotten the chance to take a brief tour around the immediate vicinity, looking for a water source and any signs that this was a regular route for patrols. The water was only a stone’s throw from the camp, which pleased Sam. Her father’s maps, so far, had been correct.

Right now, Daniel and Egan were gearing up, dressing in some of the clothing Teal’c managed to pilfer from several shops and homes. He had brought a variety of garments, many more than they needed for that night. Daniel and Egan planned to purchase some other clothing tonight that they would be able to use when they finally entered the city to bring Jack home. If everything went well, that would be two days from now.

Sam approached quietly as Daniel’s hands nervously settled the long outer garment over his shoulders. It flowed gracefully, falling nearly to touch the ground. Teal’c had even managed to procure two pairs of sandals which fit relatively well. They’d be able to get by with them.

"Are you about ready?" Sam asked, her voice quiet.

"Yeah, Sam," Daniel said, glancing up and offering Sam a nervous smile. "I don’t know why I’m so jittery tonight. It’s not like I never get the chance to meet new people."

"Maybe you need to get out more, Daniel," Sam smiled, the flickering light of the fire catching her hair, giving her a dreamlike quality. "The Colonel’s always complaining that we don’t have a social life."

"Yeah, I know," Daniel said, falling silent as thoughts turned over in his head. He continued a few beats later, his voice several tones lower. "Sam, do you realize that things have been…different between all of us lately?"

"Different? What do you mean?" Sam looked puzzled, her eyebrows drawing together. She turned a little, the shadows darkening her face.

"Have you realized how many times we’ve gone and done things without ever thinking about what Jack had to say?"

"I’m not sure where you’re going with this, Daniel," Sam said slowly, hesitatingly. Her eyes, though, told another story.

"When was the last time we included him on our decisions? When was the last time we really trusted him to know what do to? When was the last time we told him or showed him that we trusted in him?"

"Since when do we have to ask for his advice? He knows what has to be done, just as we do. He makes the final decision, not us, Daniel."

"Sam, just think about this. How many times have we openly disagreed with one of his decisions? How many times do you think Jack just sits on the sidelines watching us as we study something or other?"

Sam shook her head. "Daniel, that’s his job."

"No, it’s not," Daniel said, his words hissing through his clenched mouth. He glanced around, checking to see who was looking at them, who was listening. It was difficult in the half-light of the fire to be able to tell. They had to keep it low, however, lest they reveal their presence prematurely. "He’s not just an overgrown babysitter, although lately, it might seem as if he was. I think we’ve really been taking him for granted."

"Daniel, Colonel O’Neill is just about the last person anyone takes for granted."

"Sam, just consider the possibility. Think back to some of the missions lately. Look at it from his perspective." Daniel shrugged, spotting Egan walking toward them dressed and ready to go. He looked strange and out of place. Daniel was so used to seeing him in royal robes in deep, rich colors. The light flowing robes they now wore even changed the way his face reflected the light, making it brighter, less foreboding. The sword at his hip, partially hidden by the robes, looked clumsy next to the grace of the garments themselves.

"Daniel, are you prepared?" Egan asked, startling Sam, making her turn quickly to face him. Daniel smiled to himself. If he hadn’t watched Egan approach, he wouldn’t have heard him either.

"Yes. I think I’m ready. How far did Teal’c say it was to the city?" Daniel said, stepping around Sam to Egan’s side.
"I believe he said it was a thirty minute hike to the city," Egan said.

"Daniel, Egan, good luck and be careful. We don’t want to reveal our presence here just yet," Sam said, glancing between the two men.

Egan bowed his head toward her. "Yes, my Lady. We shall endeavor to be prudent and cautious this night."

"We’ll be careful, mom. Don’t worry."

"I always worry, Daniel. Always."

"When was the last time we told him or showed him that we trusted in him?" As Sam watched Daniel and Egan blend into the night, Daniel’s words continued to spin through her mind.

She was troubled by what Daniel had said, at what he had implied. In some ways, she was indignant, offended even. How dare he think that she didn’t appreciate the Colonel, how dare he even suggest such a thing.

Jack O’Neill was one person she would never take for granted. He continued to surprise her. He continued to amaze her with his thoughtfulness, his generous nature, and his ability to see the situation at its simplest, especially when she tried to complicate everything, sometimes needlessly. While he wasn’t an openly giving man, emotionally speaking, his actions spoke louder than any words could have.

Jack O’Neill cared deeply for all of them. Of this, she was certain.

Just looking at his actions countless times, even a blind man could see what was obvious to them all. So, why did Daniel insist that they were taking Jack O’Neill for granted?

But why did Daniel’s words haunt her so?

When was the last time we told him or showed him that we trusted in him?

Right at that very moment, she couldn’t bring one to mind. She was determined, however, to tell him, to show him, the very first chance she got.