Daniel sat cross-legged, on the floor of one of the smaller tents. Sitting across from him was a rather scary-looking black man. By the way he looked, Daniel suspected that he was one of the oldest, if not the eldest member of the tribe. Facial paint covered his features and a permanent look of sadness was stuck onto his face. Basically, the guy kind of looked like what Teal'c used to look like- only about four million years older. "Daniel, this is the Jah'di." Ahmed said next to him. "He is the eldest in the tribe, as well as our tribal leader. He is the head of the council of Na'jai, so he will also be one of your judges." Turning to the older man, Ahmed spoke. "Jah'di, kumulu kiape. Nenatu me shui fefe garemeru. Daniel." By the way he said it, Daniel could tell he was introducing him. "Ineake garu me. Yenti neake Tau'ri. Ina tea pe. Wumu tare a ki."
For a few long minutes, the old man looked Daniel up and down, studying every inch about him. The boy did all he could to prevent himself from squirming under the man's scrutinizing gaze. Clasping his hands tightly in front of him, he instantly recalled a lesson Jack had taught him long ago. "When captive, show no sign of weakness, whatsoever. Reflect their every action. When they study you, study them. Keep your face neutral, but your manner defiant. And whatever you do, never, ever break eye contact." Taking a deep breath, Daniel raised his head and met the old man's gaze. He erased all signs of nervousness off his face, and clenched his jaw to show his insolence to their authority.
Upon seeing the sudden change of manner, the old man tilted his head to the right and raised one eyebrow. The gesture reminded Daniel a lot of what Teal'c did when he was either confused…or intrigued. After staring at him a minute longer, the old man gracefully got to his feet and walk out of the tent.
"Remain here." Ahmed said as he walked out of the tent, following the elder. Daniel watched as the two began walking, their backs to him. Suddenly, a big, tall man, who had his arms crossed in front of him, blocked the doorway.
"Make yourself comfortable, boy." The man said to him. "Your fate will be decided tomorrow." With that, he closed the opening flap of the tent, shutting Daniel inside.
"That is the boy you found inside the chamber, Ahmed" The elder asked the younger man.
"Yes." Ahmed answered, glancing at the tent wherein Daniel sat. "He was found with the archeologist."
"An apprentice, perhaps?" The Jah'di asked as he, too, looked in the direction of the now-guarded tent.
"I doubt it." Ahmed answered. "He has the skill of a unique warrior. Jaffa fighting mixed with the ingenuity of a Tau'ri soldier."
The old man raised both his eyebrows. "He is a warrior, you say?" He turned to Ahmed. "One so young?"
"He has the skill, yes. As well as the heart and soul." Ahmed answered. "Experience, although, is not on his side."
"An apprentice to a warrior, then?" The Jah'di suggested.
"Quite possibly." Ahmed agreed. "My men tell me he came with the Na'jai from across the ocean."
"The one who's name is spread across the heavens." The elder nodded. "Yes. The creator has told me about him." He glanced once again to the tent where their subject of conversation sat.
Ahmed nodded his head and took a breath. "There is one last thing, Jah'di." He said after a short pause.
"Is it of great importance?" He asked, raising his eyebrows.
"Yes." Ahmed answered. Once the older man had given him his full attention, he continued. "While we were riding here, he awoke for sleep and I told him what was to happen to him. Naturally, he panicked and attempted to try to find a means of escape. When he was unable to, the wind came forth to comfort him, and while she was doing so, the boy whispered a message."
"And it was carried?" The old man asked.
"Yes!" Ahmed exclaimed. "Jah'di…what if this boy is a Na'jai?" He asked hopefully. "Surely you would spare him!"
"The wind has not told me he is so." The Jah'di said bluntly. "The warrior from across the ocean, yes. But this boy…no."
"Then you could test him!" Ahmed suggested. "See if I am correct!" He pushed. "Jah'di…on the journey here, I have heard him speak to the wind. Visions are beginning to come to him. Voices are beginning to be heard by him!"
"You suggest he is a Jae'im." The older man stated.
"I do not suggest." Ahmed insisted.
"You presume."
"I believe." Ahmed answered forcefully, trying by every means necessary to spare Daniel judgment.
"Yes, you do. But he does not." The old man said, pointing to the tent in which Daniel stayed. "How is to be so if he, himself, does not believe he is a Na'jai?" The old sage asked. Ahmed looked away, recognizing the truth in the old man's words. "Ahmed…the blood may give one the ability…but the mind and the heart give one the strength to use it."
"Jah'di…" Ahmed said in a low voice. "Spare his life." He asked softly. "He is young… He is only a boy! What harm can he do?"
Sighing, the old ancient gripped the younger man's shoulder. "Ahmed…you have known me your entire life." He said slowly. "You know I am very willing." Dropping his hand, he looked away. "The rest of the council, although, I fear, is not."
"What would it take to convince them?" Ahmed asked.
The old man seemed to consider the question for a moment. "Bring forth proof of your claim…and I assure you they will grant him pardon." He nodded curtly. After thinking for a moment more, he added. "And I will personally grant him status as a Jae'im."
Ahmed's head turned at the old man's last statement. With a slight smile, he asked, "What sort of proof do you require?"
With a smile, the Jah'di began to turn away, but clasped at Ahmed's shoulder. "I will leave that up to you, my young friend. Although…" He raised a finger. "I doubt it is very far from here." He pointed a finger at the top of one of the dunes and began to turn away. "It comes with the wind!" He exclaimed as he began to slowly walk towards his own tent.
