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This time they locked the door.
For the first time in days, possibly even weekssince at this
point hed entirely lost track of timethe door to his
cell closed and locked with a loud clank as soon as Turlough pushed
Jack through it. Without his collar and chain, apparently, Morgana
and Company were not taking any chances of accidentally misplacing
him in the middle of the night.
Swell.
Standing in the middle of the dark cell, with only a small glimmer
of light shining through the barred window in the door, ONeill
ground his teeth in frustration. He was in a sorry state. He was
locked up in the dungeon of a castle, barely clothed, his voice
was on vacation, and his brain and body kept losing their connection.
Just peachy.
At least he didnt hurt anywhere. That was a pleasant change,
but who knew how long that would actually last.
This evening had been a nightmareand one he would probably
relive time and time again if Morgana had any say about it. It had
been painful to sit twenty feet away from Daniel and Carter. He
was forced to watch their every move, all their familiar gestures
and quirksDaniel constantly playing with his glasses, Carter
tucking the longer strands of her blonde hair behind her earsbut
completely unable to speak or do anything but stare. Even though
he had managed to catch Daniels eye several times throughout
the evening, the lack of recognition had been disturbing. To Daniel,
Jack was just one more face in a crowd. Jack was a nameless face
without a voice. One nameless, voiceless face without the will to
get the hell out of Dodge.
Glancing back to the closed door, Jack rubbed his hand roughly across
his face and into his short gray hair. Hed discovered that
as long as Morgana wasnt in sight he was pretty much himself,
the noise in his mind dropping down to a tolerable level, allowing
him to thinkand perhaps plan his escape.
Squinting through the dimness, he crept to his pallet of blankets
wishing he had a tall glass of crystal clear mountain spring water.
His throat was dry againprobably due to his forced abstinence
before. As long as she didnt give him that firewater again,
hed be okay. Long after she had left, he had writhed in agony
until the pain had finally dissipated, allowing him to fall into
a restless sleep. Of course, that luxury hadnt lasted long.
She had awoken him just so she could drag him upstairs for her nightmarish
version of show and tell.
It wasnt as if he could actually ask for a glass of water,
he thought savagely. Besides, he wasnt the type to do the
whole sign language/stick figure drawings thing. That was Daniels
job.
Daniel, Jack thought, his breath going out in a long sigh. Daniel
had looked tired. Probably not taking care of himself again, too
busy wrapped up with one artifact or anotherforgetting to
sleep and eat as he usually did.
Thinking back, he realized that Carter had looked a little highly
strung as wellprobably due to her new position as leader of
SG1. Since he was gone, there was nothing to hold her back. Jack
knew that she was more than capable of commanding an SG unit. People
respected her, looked up to herhe did, and he was the hardest
sell of all. She didnt have anything to worry about. Hammond
loved heras a surrogate child and as the brilliant scientist
who had pulled their asses out of the fire more times than he could
remember.
Leaning back against the cold stone wall, he pulled a blanket around
his body, trying to keep warm. While the Great Hall had been heated,
the rooms in the castle foundation were anything but warm. Drafts
abounded and the blankets never fully covered his lanky frame. It
was one of those constants that convinced him that the universe
was playing one big practical joke on him. No matter where he had
gone throughout his lifewhether it was on earth or another
planethis feet were always cold due to a substantial lack
of blanket length. Ildanach was no exception.
Trying to conserve as much body heat as possible, he drew the blanket
tighter around him and pulled his feet up toward his chest, resting
his elbows on his knees. The uneven stones of the wall dug into
his back but he welcomed that small discomfort because it reminded
him of where he was and what had happened to himnot that he
would forget anytime soon, he thought, his mouth turned down into
a painful grimace.
He was tired, but he knew he was too wired to sleep. His team was
hereminus Tealc apparentlyand they didnt
know who he was. And from the looks of things, they didnt
even know that he was here. And they probably werent even
looking.
Things were not looking up.
There had to be some way he could contact them to convey to them
that he was still here, that he was still waiting for that one chance,
that one small fighting chance, to go home.
He was still thinking that thought as he drifted off into a fitful
sleep, his head cradled in his arms.

Egan glided
through the silent halls of Meath Castle while its occupants slept
soundly all around him. This night he was finding it difficult to
sleep. His mind would not quiet.
He had sat through the sessions in the Great Hall this eveningin
the back among the shadowswhile his brother played Lord, presiding
over the event in a grand fashionas he usually did when there
was an audience to impress.
While he agreed with the alliance they were outlining, it was Lord
Kentigern and Lady Morganas motives that concerned him. His
brother had changed these past few years, moving away from the warriors
path that he had at one time cherished.
Egan nodded quietly to a passing servant, smiling gently in greeting,
his mind a million miles away. The servants were accustomed to his
nightly strolls, as infrequent as they usually were. He realized
that, as of late, these walks had almost become nightly, his restlessness
beginning sometime after his first meeting with the strangers who
stepped through the great stone ring.
His actions of late weighed heavily on his mind. He was the one
who had greeted them and extended the hand of friendship that they
had gladly returned in kind. He had brought them to his home, to
his family, his people, without a word, without a warning of what
could happen.
He had seen the hungry look in Lady Morganas eyes that first
evening and he knew that things would not go well for these strangers,
especially for ONeill. He was the strongest onefull
of energy and vitality. He was a warrior, one educated in the art
of war and in the ways of honor. Egan could see it in ONeills
eyes, in his bearing, in his very being. ONeill had a warriors
soul and walked the warriors path.
After he had escorted Daniel Jackson and his colleagues to the Castle
this day, he had spent the remainder of the afternoon deep in thought,
walking through the gardens trying to gain a measure of peace.
Peace, however, would not come.
He trusted Lady Morgana and Lord Kentigern with his life. Kentigern
was his brother and, even though he had his faults, he was family.
When they were growing up, Kentigern had always been the center
of attention, winning awards at the various contests and fairs each
year, excelling in all things until he was eventually selected as
Lord.
Lady Morgana was his wife and Meaths high priestess, but she
had changed over the years. Egan remembered her from when he was
younger, when she first had come to the village from the outlying
territories, asking for protection and a home. Immediately, his
father had welcomed her, for not only was she a priestess in service
to our God Lugh, but she was beautiful. Throughout the years, she
had aided both his father and his brother to become powerful rulers,
bringing a peace to Meath that had not been seen in years.
However, even though she claimed to be trained in the path of warriors,
there were times when Egan doubted her wordand her motives.
Just as he did now.
Glancing out a window as he passed, he noted the flight of several
birds against the lightening sky. Dawn was soon to break. He sighed.
This was another night where he would find no rest.
Egan paced though the silent halls, his hands clasped behind him,
his expression thoughtful. But time and time again, his steps led
him to the hallways and stairs that he wanted to avoid. Twice already
this night he had turned from this very doorway, but yet three times
his feetor was it his hearthad led him here.
This time he did not turn away.
Stepping carefully down the scarcely lit staircase he made his way
into the depths of the castle, the cool damp air caressing his face.
There were no guards present on this lower level this night, as
per Lady Morganas order. Apparently, she felt secure, confident
in her own abilities. Egan, however, suspected that ONeill
would surprise her.
Walking to the closed cell door, Egan peered in, trying to see the
figure slumped in the shadows. Even though it looked as if ONeill
were sleeping, crouched uncomfortably against the wall, ONeill
was a light sleeper this night. Just as Egan started to turn away,
a glint from ONeills open eyes caught his attention.
They stared at each other through the darkness for several moments
before Egan moved to grab the key and the torch, opened the door
to the cell, and stepped inside.
He placed the torch on the wall, eyeing ONeill carefully,
waiting to see if he would do something. ONeill just watched
Egan warily, his expression guarded. After a few minutes of locked
eyes and tense silence, Egan kneeled down, finally getting a good
look at ONeill in the flickering light offered by the single
torch. ONeill looked better than he had several nights before,
which was not saying much. His face was gaunt and pale and covered
with a salt-and-pepper beard. His eyes were tired, but still held
a small spark.
For Egan, that was all he needed to see.
"ONeill, how much of the tea did you drink?" Egan
asked, getting directly to the point, his eyes fastened to ONeills.
Dawn was breaking and the guards would soon return. Egan knew he
did not have much time.
After a moments hesitation, ONeill raised his hand,
three fingers raised. Egans eyes widened slightly in surprise
while ONeill looked on, a perplexed expression on his face.
Egan explained a moment later.
"Normally, men such as yourself drink much more of the tea,
double what you have had. Are you sure that was all you drank?"
ONeills firm nod was answer enough.
"Good. The confusion you are currently feeling should dissipate
within the next day or so, allowing you to act independently of
Lady Morgana." At ONeills disgusted expression,
Egan continued. "I know you are not pleased, but I assure you,
it will wear off. Take pleasure in your fortune. Most men find themselves
at her mercy for much longer. How much of the Riordan did you take?"
ONeill shrugged his shoulders and shook his head.
"My apologies," Egan said. "I am inquiring about
your voice. Did Lady Morgana give you something to drink or eat?"
ONeill nodded vigorously and pantomimed drinking, holding
up a single finger.
"You drank one glass?" Egan asked, needing confirmation.
At ONeills affirmative nod, he continued. "Good.
Try saying something."
ONeills forehead furrowed, his eyebrows drawing close
together in distrust, but he triedwithout success. ONeill
shrugged apologetically.
"No, it is I who should apologize, but that must wait for another
time. You will probably recover your voice within the day. Riordan,
while effective, lasts only for a short time, usually less than
a day. With your physical differences from my people, the time may
be longer or shorter, unfortunately, I do not know which."
Egan paused, his eye critically going over ONeills face.
He reached out his hand to tilt ONeills head, but stopped
quickly, realizing what he was doing. "ONeill, I need
to examine you. I am sure Morgana will return once the sun rises.
I do not have much time."
ONeill nodded, somewhat reluctantly.
"I aided another man, much like yourself, years ago when I
was much younger," Egan admitted, taking ONeills
head in his hands and tilting it to get a better look at him in
the dim light. ONeill drew back slightly, fighting Egans
hold until he finally acquiesced and relaxed his muscles, allowing
Egan to work. "He was a formidable warrior and Lady Morgana
took a personal interest in himmuch like she has in you. He
managed to escape, never to be found again. I can help you as I
did him. Give me your hand," Egan ordered, and much to his
surprise, ONeill complied with a roll of his eyes and a sigh.
The man had not lost his spirit.
"Do you trust me, ONeill?" Egan asked after a few
moments, sitting back on his heels, giving ONeill more room
to move. His quick examination of ONeill was promising. He
was in fair health, in no pain, and his eyes were clearing quickly.
ONeill narrowed his eyes and shook his head slightly back
and forth.
The answer did not surprise Egan. "Before I go, let me tell
you this. You can choose to believe me or not, it is entirely up
to you," Egan said, speaking fast and keeping his voice low.
"I think you are past the worst of what Lady Morganas
potions can do. I do not think she will give you more this day.
She underestimates you, thinking she has already won. I, though,
can tell the difference." Egan smiled without humor. "Morgana
has limited control over your mind and it will continue to decrease
as the day goes on. Remember that, but do not misuse the freedom
it gives you. Your voice should also return soon. Use it wisely."
Egan stood, glancing back over his shoulder toward the door. If
anyone saw him now, he would have a hard time explaining himselfeven
as the brother of the Lord. What he was about to do amounted to
treasonand called for death.
He did it anyway.
Egan reached into the leather pouch at his hip, pulling out two
small leaves. Looking above the greenery at ONeill, he came
to his final decision. From here there was no going back. "ONeill,
I know you do not trust us, but we are a good people. Take this.
It will give you energy when you need it and it will help clear
your mindbut remember this, it will only be a temporary solution
for you. You must find your own way home."
Leaning down, Egan handed the green leaves to ONeill and turned,
walking out the door. Looking in the cell as he locked the door,
Egan noticed that ONeill had not moved, still holding the
foliage in his outstretched hand.
Had Egan stayed, he might have heard the strangled whisper, barely
louder than a gentle breeze.
"Thank you."

It was afternoon
on the second day of the negotiations and they were just about finished.
Lady Morgana, Lord Kentigern, and the team from the SGC had reconvened
first thing in the morningwith an equally large audience in
attendance as the night beforeand things were moving smoothly.
For Daniel, it was a blessing. He was eager to explore the village
and some of the farms on the outskirts of the cityand the
talks were boring him to death. Intellectually, he knew his place
was here, but his emotional side had other thoughts on the matter.
Maybe it was the fact that he really wasnt supposed to leave
the table that made him so jumpyespecially when he knew the
treasure trove that was outside waiting for him.
So, instead of wandering around in the sunshine, he was sitting
in the Great Hall sandwiched between Sam and Stan Kovachek and trying
not to be obvious about his boredom. Glancing to his right, he caught
Sams eye and smiled quietly at her. Daniel could tell from
her expression that she also wished she were anywhere else but here.
Paul and Stan, on the other hand, had jumped in with both feet and
were having the time of their livesat least thats how
it appeared from Daniels perspective.
Glancing around the room, he noticed most of those present in the
audience were listening intently, some even taking notes. Egan,
Daniel noticed, was standing once again in the back of the room
doing a fine job of blending in with the tapestries.
Daniel glanced at his watch again. It was only one oclock,
fifteen minutes later than when he had looked the last time. He
sighed quietly, trying to pay attention to what Paul and Lord Kentigern
were discussing, something about mining rights. Apparently, the
mineral samples they had brought back looked promising and the SGC
wanted to get their hands on more. Although the samples didnt
contain a lot of naquadah, there was enough to make some of the
scientists very happy.
"The mineral you seek, why is it important?" Lady Morgana
was asking.
"We have found it to be useful in many aspects, especially
for defensive technologies such as shields," Sam said, drawing
Morganas attention away from Stan. "Unfortunately, naqahda
is not plentiful on our planet."
Apparently, Sam was leaving some of the more interesting uses of
naquadahsuch as in ribbon devices, the Stargate, nanotechnology,
power generators, and explosive devicesout of the conversation,
Daniel thought absently, his mind and his gaze wandering around
the chamber once again. An empty seat in the front row surprised
him. Lady Morganas friend was gone. Hed been there all
morning. Theyd caught each others gaze on more than
one occasion, Daniel usually turning away first, uncomfortable with
the mans cool, level gaze.
Daniel leaned over to Sam, whispering quietly, "Im going
to the little boys room." Sam nodded her understanding,
her mind focused on naqahda and mining rights.
Daniel slid from his chair, quickly excusing himself from the table.
Once he was out in the hallway, however, he was unsure why he was
there. He really didnt have to go to the bathroom. Glancing
around the empty hallway, he headed for the back of the castle,
toward the bathroom and what he thought was the kitchen area. Since
there was no one around, he didnt think it would hurt if he
just poked his head into some of the rooms he was passing. You never
knew when you would get another opportunity like this, to walk through
a castle, he thought, convincing himself that his snooping was justified.
Halfway to the kitchens, he was pulled deeper into an empty room,
nearly swiping him from off his feet. When he finally caught his
balance, Daniel found himself face to face with the tall stranger
in the dimly lit room. The stranger tried clearing his throat several
times, but when he spoke, his voice was quiet, barely above a whisper,
and very rough. The message, though, was crystal clear.
"Help me."
Daniel glanced at the open door, expecting someone to walk in the
room. "What?" Daniel asked. "How can I help you?
What do you want me to help you do?"
The man closed his eyes briefly before he answered. To Daniel, the
man looked frustrated, which perplexed Daniel all the more.
"Need
help
gate."
"You need help with the gate?" Daniel was confused. Gate
education would start once the treaty was signed. Did he want a
jumpstart on the education? And why? "What do you want to do
with the gate? I dont understand."
The man turned around, his hands running through his hair as he
took a few steps away from Daniel deeper into the shadows. Several
beats passed before the man turned around once again, moving in
quickly and stepping close to Daniel, causing Daniel to back up
several paces, nearly standing in the open doorway.
"Home."
"Home? What about your home? Did something happen to your home?"
Daniel glanced away, gazing across the hall at the hanging tapestry.
Looking back at the stranger, Daniel breathed in deeply and took
a leap of faith. "What do you want me to do?"
"My lord?" came an inquiring voice from the hallway, making
Daniel jump nearly out of his boots. He turned to face the girl.
"I am sorry, my Lord, if I startled you. I was just inquiring
if you required something," said the young girl. Daniel figured
she was no older than Cassie was, probably around twelve or thirteen.
"No. I was just looking around a little before I went back
to the Great Hall," Daniel answered.
"Very well, my Lord. If you require anything, please do not
hesitate to ask," she said, curtseying and walking away.
When Daniel glanced back in the dim room, his eyes narrowed in bewilderment.
Squinting through the half-light, Daniel realized that he was alone.
The stranger had slipped into the shadows and vanished without a
trace, without a sound.
Confused, Daniel stepped back into the hall and slowly made his
way back to the Great Hall. When he found his seat, he was surprised
to see the stranger sitting across from him, occupying the same
seat as before with the same blank expression on his face that he
had worn throughout the talks.
This time, however, Daniel was unable to catch his eye. The stranger
sat perfectly still, his eyes focused intently on Lady Morgana.

That was a
stupid idea, ONeill, his mind chided him, as he strode down
the passageway back to the Great Hall. If he stayed away any longer,
Turlough was sure to come looking for him. But when Jack had seen
Daniel roaming the hallways alone, he couldnt think of a better
plan. What made him think that Daniel would understand what he was
trying to say? Jack grumbled to himself. Sometimes that boy was
denser than a ton of bricks. Why did it have to happen now of all
days?
It was times like these that Jack was convinced that Daniel had
had much more successful communication with dogs on more than one
occasion.
Sliding back into his seat next to Turlough, Jack leaned back in
the chair, relaxing his muscles, his hands clasped loosely in this
lap. Normally, it was nearly impossible for him to sit still for
any length of time. But right now, his life depended on it. The
white noise in his mind was nearly gone and his voice was returning,
albeit slower than he would have liked. If he took it slowly, freedom
might only be a few steps away.
He just needed to get outside.
Focusing his attention on Lady Morganas collarbone, Jack let
his mind wander, thinking of the various possibilities, various
situations. He knew he wasnt up to his usual levels, but even
if he wasnt at his best, he should be able to get himself
to the gate and somehow get himself homeeven if he took a
side trip to Abydos or Chulak. One thing he knew for surehe
didnt want to end up splattered against the iris just because
he couldnt get his hands on his GDO.
Vaguely, he realized Daniel had returned to the Great Hall as well,
sitting down at the main table. Out of the corner of his eye, Jack
could tell that Daniel was trying to get his attention, but any
contact that obvious would mean death for himand Jack was
positive on that one point. He wanted to stay alive. Jack remembered
what Lady Morgana was like when she didnt get her way. Hed
rather take hundreds of spoiled bratsjust like the one he
had seen in the grocery store just a few weeks ago, throwing a temper
tantrum because she couldnt get a chocolate barthan
be subjected to what this overgrown spoiled brat Celtic priestess
could throw at him.
But, all his plans hinged on one thing: he had to be outside of
the castle.
While a zat gun would be nice, he didnt think Carter or Daniel
would just let him borrow oneespecially not in their present
state. He probably couldnt rely on Davis or Kovachek, either,
Jack thought. Morgana had probably managed to get her mitts on them
as well.
Out of the corner of his eye, Jack saw Stan Kovachek glancing at
his wristwatch before speaking up again. "Lady Morgana, Lord
Kentigern, would it be possible to take a recess for an hour or
two? We would like to rest briefly. Additionally, it will give me
some time to draw up some of the documents about which we were speaking.
Would that be acceptable to you?"
Even before Lord Kentigern could respond, a figure materialized
beside him. Egan bowed deeply. "My lords, please pardon my
interruption, but perhaps a short walk around the village would
help clear everyones mind, since you have been seated for
the majority of the day."
"Thank you, Egan for suggesting that, but I believe our guests
would rather take the time to rest and relax" Lady Morgana
said, only to be cut off by Daniel.
"Uh, actually, a walk would be good. It helps to get the brain
cells working again," Daniel said, glancing around the table
for support.
"If it is not too much trouble, I would also love to walk around
the village again. Perhaps even others could join us. If they have
questions, Im sure my team would be delighted to speak with
them in person," Stan said. ONeill almost huffed in disbelief
when Stan said "my team," but he managed to restrain himself
before the sound emerged. From the look of fire in Sams eyes,
Jack was sure that Kovachek would get an earful from her later on
tonight.
"My lord," Egan said, bowing his head in respect, "your
idea would be pleasing to us as well. The people of Meath have many
questions for you."
"Very well, then, if everyone is in agreement, then let us
walk. The weather is fine," Lord Kentigern said, rising from
his seat, his hand entwined with Lady Morganas.
Jack was ecstatic. He was sure that the utter glee of the situation
was shining brightly in his eyes, so he kept them downcast, meekly
following the crowd and the leading of Turloughs hand.
After only a few paces, Lady Morgana stepped close to him, whispering
in his ear. "Stay with the group and behave yourself and you
will be rewarded this night."
Jack nodded his head in understanding, watching Morgana glide forward
to walk alongside her husband. He could have jumped for joy, but
decided restraint was the better option. The white noise was gone
and he felt no compulsion to obey Morganas command.
He glanced at his surroundings surreptitiously, looking for escape
routes. The group was large, but he realized that as long as Turlough
was at his side, he didnt stand a chance. He could wait. Hed
waited this long. A few more minutes wouldnt hurt.
The weather was idealnot too hot, not too cold. If it were
Earth, he would have called this Indian Summer. Hed be okay
out in the open tonight. He just had to get away. He knew how to
survive in the woods overnight. Hed done it often enoughas
a kid, running away from home and a situation he found intolerable
at times and as an adult, on special ops missions and on planets
far, far away.
He was self-sufficient. He knew how to take care of himself. On
many occasions, he was the only one he could really rely on when
things got tough. He couldnt even depend on his team or the
SGCtheyd left him for dead.
Maybe it was time for him to retirefor good this time. Hed
thought about it often enough, but the promises made to his dead
son and others kept a hold on him. If he gave up now, he would fail
them all and that was something that he wasnt prepared to
doyet.
Daniel, Sam, and Paul Davis were scattered throughout the crowd,
small groups hovering around them. Daniel, of course, had his digital
recorder out and was busy filming as they walked. Sam was chatting
animatedly with Lady Morgana up near the front of the group, while
Stan was holding court with Lord Kentigern.
Paul Davis was speaking with Hywel but keeping an eye on Daniel,
making sure he didnt stray too far behind the group. Good
luck, Paul, Jack thought, smiling to himself. Its been four
years now and I still havent been able to keep him from wandering
off.
All the while, Jack kept his eyes peeled, looking for an opportunity
to slip away unnoticed.
"Turlough," called Lady Morgana, her hand waving high
in the air.
When Turlough answered her and advanced his way through the crowd
to be at her side, Jack almost sighed in relief. He wished he could
hear what they were saying, but they were too far away and there
were too many people around, too many conversations, and too many
voices.
A few moments later when Turlough loped off heading back to the
castle, Jack realized that it was either now or never. Hed
never have a better opportunity. Keeping an eye on Lady Morgana
and watching for the impending return of Turlough, Jack maneuvered
his way to the edge of the group, carefully waiting for the moment
that could very well make or break the rest of his life.

Daniel was
having a hard time paying attention to what Hywel was saying. Recording
the sights and sounds of the village was far more important right
nowat least in Daniels eyes. Glancing over quickly,
he flashed Paul a grateful smile. At least one of them was paying
attentionand responding coherently.
Daniel panned the camera around, catching glimpses of faces and
buildings. They were nearing one of the village walls, closer to
some of the residential areas of the city. Between some of the wooden
and stone structures small gardens grew, most of them past the harvest
and picked clean, leaving the plants to wither and die in the cold
of winter that was soon to be upon the valley.
He maneuvered his way to the back of the group so he would be able
to film without getting too much of the group in his way.
This was fantastic, Daniel thought, as he stopped suddenly, zooming
the camera in closer, trying to get all the details of the carving
outside a door they were passing. He didnt remember reading
about any intricate wood carvings on Celtic homes before, but then,
on Earth there really was never anything left for the archeologists
to findjust dust, stone, and rubble.
If they could only see just a fraction of what I have, Daniel mused.
They wouldnt know where to begin. One day, perhaps once the
Goauld threat was no more, his colleagues would be able to
see some of the things he had been fortunate enough to behold on
planets far, far away.
Panning back the way they had come, he vaguely heard Lady Morgana
call for someone. But, when the call was not repeated, he continued
filming, realizing that the group was in a section he had not visited
previously with Hywel.
Taking his eye away from the camera, he let it run, panning the
village while he gazed about, looking for something else to record.
Up ahead was a gap in the wall where two large gates stood open,
allowing cattle and people to come and go. Beyond the gate, Daniel
saw a river, not wide, but flowing swiftly. Several men were standing
knee-deep in the water, their cloaks on the riverbank, their feet
bare, their pants rolled up as high as they would go, and holding
spears. Other men, several yards downstream, were handling fishing
nets catching some of the smaller fish.
In the few minutes they stood at the gate, and Daniel observed the
men as they caught several fish. On the edge of his awareness, he
heard Hywel explaining about what was happening. Daniel smiled to
himself when he caught a glimpse of Pauls bored expression.
At least now he knows how I feel, Daniel thought.
A huge splash distracted them as one of the fishermen tripped and
fell into the river. Seconds later, he regained his feet and the
man walked to shore amidst the joking and teasing of his friends.
As Lord Kentigern called for them to keep moving, Daniel stayed
to get one last glimpse of the fishermen. This was a way of life
that was nearly extinct on Earth, replaced instead by machines,
global commerce, and the mighty dollar. Although primitive, it certainly
served its purpose.
Movement at the corner of his eye caught his attention. For a moment
he could have sworn he saw something, but he reckoned that it was
just his imagination or an animal in the brush.
He quickly turned to catch up with the rest of the group before
he was left behind and had to listen to Sams complaining later
that night.
There were some things that never changed. That was one of them.

Jack ONeill
ran.
As soon as he was past the fishermen and out of their sight, he
ran as fast and as hard as he could. He followed the river, remembering
distantly that the path from the Stargate ran parallel to the stream.
Jack didnt think anyone had seen him. For a brief minute,
he thought Daniel might have given him awayDaniel and his
stupid camerabut, when no angry shouts or running feet followed,
Jack breathed a small sigh of relief.
Once he hit the shelter of the forest, he planned to stop, to rest
briefly before pressing on. He only had a two-hour hike back to
the gateif he took the direct route, which was unlikely. Hed
discovered that over the years of missions, the strangest things
happened when you took the easy route. Better to be safe and go
slow, than head directly for your ultimate destinationand
perhaps a waiting army.
Soon he would be off this godforsaken planet and going homeback
to his bed, his shower, warm food, crystal clear water, and comfortable
clothing.
Only a few minutes into his escape and he was already winded. This
was not part of the plan. He could see the darkness of the forest
just ahead, the river turning, meandering deeper into the woods
beyond, the dense foliage swallowing it whole.
A few more yards and then a few more and he could rest. That was
his mantra. Thats what was keeping him goingthat and
his sheer determination and bull-headed stubbornness. He was not
going to die on a planet light years from home.
Stones and rocks kept digging into his feet with every step, piercing
through the soft-soled shoes Morgana had given him. While they were
fine within the village walls, he wouldnt recommend them for
long distance running. Not enough support where you need it most,
he thought, chuckling humorlessly to himself.
He ducked his head as he plowed his way into the undergrowth, trying
to avoid tree limbs, twigs, and thorn bushesbut managing to
get several scratches in the process.
A few more yards and you can rest.
He was wheezing. It was loud amidst the silence of the forest. The
sound was all consuming.
A few more yards and you can rest.
His heart was pounding so strongly he was nearly convinced that
it would burst out of his chest. He was confident that it could
be heard beating several feet away from him.
A few more yards and you can rest.
Sweat poured down his face, into his eyes, obscuring his vision.
He wiped savagely at his eyes trying to clear them enough so he
could see where he was going. He leaped over fallen tree limbs time
and again, nearly losing his balance each time, but regaining it
to push on further into the forest.
A few more yards and you can rest.
There was a small clearing up ahead. Rest stop number one was fast
approaching. If he didnt stop now, he was sure that hed
just end up passing out a few feet farther down the path.
Collapsing on the ground, his chest heaving as he tried to pull
in oxygen to his body, he tried to calm his pounding heart. For
several minutes, he simply sat there, reveling in the peace and
quiet and the absolute pleasure of breathing fresh air.
His ears were open to the sounds of the forest, listening intently
for what could be the end of his lifethe sound of movement,
the sound of people in the forest, the sound of people in the forest
looking for him.
Except for his heaving breaths, which were quickly evening out,
the only sounds came from the forest itselfthe rustling of
the leaves, the twittering of birds high above, the scuffling sound
of small feet against trees. Nature at its best.
Peace.
Solitude.
Freedom.
He was free. Now he just had to get to the gateand that was
easier said than done.
Reaching into his pocket, he withdrew the two leaves that Egan had
handed him earlier that day, even before the sun broke over the
horizon. Examining them with a careful eye, he twirled him in his
fingers, mesmerized by their quickly changing color as they caught
the light.
As if by some internal force, he came to a decision.
He didnt really trust Egan, but he didnt have much choice.
Why did Egan offer assistance to me if his only intention was to
kill me? Jack thought, his eyes narrowed in concentration, focused
intently on the leaves in his hand.
He would take one now to get as far as he could before nightfall,
and then take one tomorrow morning.
Tucking one leaf away, he sniffed the remaining one carefully. It
didnt smell like anything with which he was accustomed. It
had a sweet odor, but was mixed with other smellsforeign,
alien smells.
Dropping it on his tongue, he closed his mouth and started chewing.
The aroma filled his senses, lifting his spirits. It slid down his
throat, leaving behind a sugary aftertaste.
Sweet, he thought, gazing around, a half-smile on his face.
After a few minutes, he was ready to move on, this time slower and
more carefully, covering his trail as he went. He traveled for several
hoursat least that was what he estimated since he no longer
had his watch. He doubled back on his trail several times, leaving
false trails as well. The people of Meathat least the warriorswere
doubtless very good trackers. He wanted to make sure they had problems
following him.
Several times he considered walking directly to the gate, trying
to beat the guards that were sure to be pursuing him. To him it
was obvious where hed goto the gate. But, if he bided
his time, he might stand a better chance of getting away unseenif
they thought he was already gone. It was convoluted logic, he thought,
but it was the best plan he had.
Evening had fallen a while agoan hour or two, or so he thought.
It was time to make camp for the night.
The leaf, stimulantwhatever it washad worked quickly,
giving him the boost of energy he needed.
Hed covered a lot of ground, and hoped he was still on the
right path to the gate. He stayed off the main path, remembering
that patrols might be doing their rounds. One thing was for certain:
he did not want to meet anyone tonight.
The nearly full moon was giving him ample light, but the night was
getting cold. He needed to find somewhere to rest for the nightpreferably
someplace quiet that didnt already have an occupant.
Detecting a small clearing up ahead, he scouted around, looking
for signs of habitation. Once he was satisfied that it was clear,
he settled down under the bows of a great pine tree, its limbs nearly
brushing the needle covered ground.
The pine needles would provide a soft mattress of sorts, while the
tree itself would give him cover. It was perfectly positioned at
the foot of a small rocky hill, providing protection for his back.
The needles were thick, thick enough for him to dig in, covering
as much of his body as possible, insulating him from the cold of
the night.
The hooting of an owl and the rustling leaves of the trees surrounding
him followed him down to a peaceful sleep.


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