OK, my plan has gone completely wrong so this story will end up longer than I first thought. Just be patient with me and I'll get there...sometime. Sorry Dena, only a short bit about Sam and her baby in this bit. It shouldn't be too long before I clear things up, maybe in the next chapter. Thanks to everyone else who reviewed. I'm glowing like an extra strength light bulb. I hope I cleared up about the warriors for you Horus. If anybody has any questions feel free to e-mail me.

Chapter 11

"Ready to go?" questioned Jack entering the tent. After stripping down to his tee shirt in the hot sun and exchanging his combat trousers for a pair of Jonathan's shorts, he was glad to be back in uniform again. The shorts had looked ridiculous, coming to just below his knee and being paired with his boots. Teal'c had looked moderately better in borrowed black Magi robes similar to the type he wore when visiting Chulak. Daniel had also suffered at the hands of Jonathan's wardrobe with white trousers carefully ironed with a crease down the legs and dark green silk shirt. For the first few hours Daniel had tried to keep the clothes in pristine condition because Jonathan kept mentioning how much he had paid for them.

The silk shirt and filthy trousers now lay in a crumpled heap and Daniel, however much he cursed military clothing, was looking much more comfortable. Teal'c, Jack thought, was looking like Teal'c in uniform. He did however look much more relaxed now that his staff weapon had been unpacked. Rick was looking pleased with the spare trousers and shirt he'd borrowed from Jack and the handgun that fitted neatly into its holster. He also had a rifle slung over his shoulder and had stuffed ammunition into every empty pocket. Evie had refused to borrow any clothing, choosing instead to wear a black button down shirt and dark trousers accompanied by flat boots. Her weapon of choice was a graceful double edged sword, thin but strong and definitely sharp.

"Ready as we'll ever be." Rick said and went back to checking out his clothing. The next few minutes were spent in silence checking weapons and ammunition before a movement caught their attention and turned them all to face the tent flap. Ahdeth entered followed by Jonathan, Alex and Islyndor. The healers hands were full of jars and the belt around her waist was strung with pouches and an ornate dagger.

"My friends." Ahdeth began. "The battle is underway but the creatures are impossible to destroy because of the way in which they were brought to life."

"How's that?" Asked Daniel with innocent curiosity. Jack glared at him to shut up so the Ahdeth could continue.

"Sekhmet's father was the sun God Ra. Unlike most of the Goa'uld their relationship thrived and Sekhmet was a loyal daughter. When Ra was overthrown his followers thought it would be wise for Sekhmet to go into hiding until a time when the rebellion was forgotten and she could rule without trouble. Before Sekhmet was put in the sarcophagus she raised warriors to prepare for her rising. However, she was still loyal to her father who ruled and owned the light and so she conjured the beasts from the shadows themselves. You can banish a shadow with light but these creatures are bound to the essence of Sekhmet and fear nothing." A black look crossed Ahdeth's face and Jack recognised it as a look he had often adopted after sending innocent men to die in conflict. Islyndor unhooked the pouches and nudged them into Ahdeth's hands.

"What's in there?" Evie asked curiously."

"A powder that will make the shadows solid for a short time. In that time they can be killed."

"Um...how're we gonna reach the entrance?" Daniel wrapped his arms around his body nervously and concentrated a worried look on the Magi leader.

"We will head through the centre." He said as if it were the most obvious explanation in the world. Daniel's jaw nearly slammed through the floor at the thought of wading through the carnage. "Islyndor will remain here. She will be able to perform a complex spell that will protect us until we reach the temple. Jonathan..."

"Who? Me?" he looked around as if there might be another Jonathan being addressed.

"You will stay with Islyndor. The magick will take a lot of her strength, you will act as an anchor and take care of her when she is finished." He looked at them all in turn before adding one more thing. "May the Gods be with you all." Jack, Daniel and Teal'c followed him outside to allow Rick and Evie to say goodbye to Alex and Jonathan.

They stood and waited in an oppressive, blanketing silence. The pair joined them not long later looking grim and tense as they continued to wait.

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Talia stroked Sam's hand every time a contraction began. They were closer together and more painful now which only meant that she was running out of time. The midwife and another woman had carried her to her bed and she lay there feeling alone and scared.

Another contraction began and Sam curled up no longer ashamed of the tears that rapidly began to overflow and flood her cheeks.

"Time now?" Asked Talia. Sam shook her head, squeezing her eyes shut in pain, she was confident that her friends would reach her in time. After a few seconds of deep breathing the pain began to recede, a hand closed over her own. Opening her eyes she saw a tired looking Eve crouching down by the bed.

"I didn't go through this alone and you won't either," she smiled.

"My friends..."

"Will get us out of here." Eve assured her in a complete role reversal, "but first we have to worry about you."

Have a nice day now and don't forget to review.

Coffee Bean

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