The Days of Wine and Raven
Part One
rav·en v. 1) To consume greedily; devour.
v. tr. 2) To seek or seize as prey or plunder.
The lone pair of sentries stared down in anticipation as the last chevron lit. They looked at each other, nearly drooling over the prospect of visitors. It had been over an Age since anyone had journeyed here through the portal. There had been a very recent false alarm when only a couple of mechanical devices had come forth from the open portal. The Mistress would be beyond pleased if living, breathing beings were to travel through this time. The event horizon settled, bringing a momentary end to the usual eerie darkness of their world. The duo watched eagerly as four human figures emerged. There was only momentary disappointment when no others followed and the wormhole winked out of existence. Aye, the party was small, but they would suffice quite nicely.
The watchers exchanged a gleeful look, holding an entire silent conversation in the blink of an eye. The younger male sentry immediately spread his large black wings and took flight; the older female stayed motionless on her perch high in the tree to observe. Each of the four humans held a small portable light to brighten the roadway. With the artificial lights to guide their path, the quartet seemed to be headed into the city toward the Anathema. Merely thinking of the forbidden place sent shivers down her spine. The Mistress would not be happy if they were to successfully venture there. Her keen hearing allowed her to pick up their conversation with ease.
"We'll do a quick sweep of the area first, Daniel. Then you and Carter can play with the toys to your heart's content." This man was obviously the leader of the group, tall and lean with a hint of grey hair at the edges of his cap. He moved with a graceful elegance that stirred the cravings deep within her. But nay, she must resist! One so fine as this would have to be left for the Mistress alone. Still, there were three others in the group for her kin to share. The fates had indeed been kind this day!
"I'd like to examine these stelae in greater detail, Jack. There might be something the MALP footage missed." This speaker was a younger man who wore strange clear circles over his eyes, though he didn't seem to have any trouble seeing. Perhaps that was their purpose. His hair was darker than the others and while he was nicely proportioned, he didn't quite manage the natural grace of the leader. Still, she and the rest of the female autochthon alike would greatly enjoy having him. If she did her job well enough, the Mistress might even allow her to be the first to have him. Even from this height, she could hear their blood singing to her. It was like a siren of the Old Ages, luring her to act prematurely. It was only through a supreme effort of will that she forced herself to remain in her perch and observe them. And wait she must, or explain her actions to an enraged Mistress. She didn't want to even think about what punishment might be dealt her were that the case. Nay, she would stay and complete her task. A task that would be much easier if the leader would allow the young one's request.
The leader sent an assessing look toward the taller, dark-skinned member of the party, who nodded ever-so-slightly in return. Well, this was quite odd. He was not dressed as a servant of one of the Mistress's brethren, though he bore the mark. The mark of a Right Hand, at that. Oh, what a luxury he would be! Dark skinned, he was slightly taller than the leader and the bulk of muscle was evident even under his strange garb. There was no hair upon his head and likely none on the rest of his well-developed body if he followed the old traditions. And somehow, she was certain he did. Aye, having the being within to boost his limits, this Right Hand would be able to sate them for a very long while. And the Mistress willing, she would be among the first to take of him! The thought was almost enough to ease her lament over the forbidden status of his leader.
Though no words were spoken, there seemed to be an entire conversation between the two during that one brief look. Remarkably, the feeling was not of lord and servant, but one of equals. Yet in spite of that, he seemed to defer to the leader as much as the others. Even more peculiar, neither of the other underlings bore any marking. Was the leader of the same kin as the Mistress? Had one dared return after all this time? If he were one of Her brethren, why was his mark absent from the two underlings? Very curious, indeed.
"All right, but make it quick. I get the feeling we're being watched and don't want us getting caught out with our shorts down." The leader's words nearly caused the sentry to fall from her perch. She blinked, eyes wide with astonishment. This leader did not sound nor act as any kin to the Mistress she'd ever seen. Where was the arrogance? The exaggerated air of self-importance? And for that matter, where were the gaudy and flashy garments? No brethren would ever willingly deign to be garbed as plainly as this, nor would one allow his servants to wear the exact same coverings--plain or not. She noted with interest that the leader had sensed her presence even before the silent conference with the Right Hand. His instincts were considerable. The Mistress would be ecstatic when She finally got him into Her clutches.
"The MALP showed no sign of human habitation, sir." Ah, finally the woman was heard and her voice held a very pleasing timbre. She was quite attractive, despite the short length of her blonde tresses. She was fairly tall for a human female and even though the garments did little to reveal her womanly assets, there was no doubt that she was female. And such a lovely countenance did she possess. Aye, her fellow male denizens would immediately be vying to have their time with this lovely morsel.
"Maybe, maybe not, but I'm telling you, there's something out there watching us. Fan out and give Daniel a few minutes to look at his scribbles. Then we're out of here." Aye, for sure the leader definitely possessed the instincts of a highly skilled warrior. The Mistress might well want to keep this one permanently. Perchance She might even share him once before he was transformed.
"Okay, Daniel, time's up. Got anything more?"
The younger man seemed a bit irritated, but answered immediately. "No, Jack, nothing the MALP didn't show us. But I'd still like to study them under better lighting."
The leader, Jack seemed to be his name, did not seem at all fazed by the young man's sharp reply. "If all goes well, maybe tomorrow you can set up some of the bigger lights and do just that. Now it's time to move out. T, take point. Carter, you're next. Then Daniel. I got our six."
The sentry paused for a moment to ponder leader Jack's words. Six of what? Could they have found something to prevent her or any of her kind from taking them? Could that be why the group was bold enough to journey here? No matter, she had to act now and chance their defenses would not work on her. The Mistress would be livid if she allowed them to pass completely unhindered. It was unquestionably obvious the group was headed to the Anathema and if they reached their destination, no one would be having any of the strangers. Although if they were brethren to the Mistress, they would not be able to activate the device within. Still, no matter who or what they were, once within the structure, neither the Mistress nor any of her kind would be able to follow. Those inside would have to come to them and there was only one way to assure that happened. Her decision made, she silently took flight.
The group had already entered the main gate of the city and was nearing the library. They would be at the Anathema long before the others could arrive. She had to slow them down. It was apparent that all four of the visitors were in very good physical condition, a fact which made her blood sing. It meant they would last a long time once taken. At the very least, she needed to mark one of them. She smiled as she approached leader Jack at the rear of the line. This couldn't have possibly worked out any better, shy of them staying near the portal until the others arrived. The air shimmered around her as she swooped in with claws extended. She would not be seen, but the evidence of her presence would be undeniable.
Razor-sharp talons met flesh. A scream of surprised outrage alerted the others, but it came far too late. Skin and muscle rent, splattering glorious red human blood everywhere. Chaos ensued. The chatter of ineffective projectile weapons filled the air, but none of their offerings found her. Bursts of energy from the Right Hand's staff joined the useless projectiles, but none of those passed anywhere near her vicinity either. She soared higher, buoyed by the scent of the leader's blood coating her claws and the desperate cries of his underlings. It had been so long since any of them had tasted such a delicacy! Still, she fought the desperate urge to plunge back in to take her fill. She firmly reminded herself that the leader was to be saved for the Mistress as she circled around for another pass.
Beams of light searched her out as she swooped down and in for a second attack. She laughed to herself, knowing with absolute certainty that they would never find her. Her prey had made it to his knees, his weapon's light futilely searching the sky with the others. Then for the second time, claws dug deeply into their victim, lifting him well off the ground before flesh tore and sent him crashing heavily back to the ground. The screams of pain were music to her ears, even as arcs of blue energy enveloped her. While it did not slow her down nor injure her in any way, it did briefly reveal her position and the Right Hand was quick to take aim and fire. The ball of energy came close enough to singe her wing slightly, but did not score a direct hit. She regretfully abandoned plans for a third pass. The game had quickly turned into one too dangerous to continue alone and it was still far too early for the others to arrive. Reluctantly, she abandoned the attack and flew off to meet them. She would have to settle for marking the leader and reporting to the Mistress. The smell of his blood on her talons sent her mood soaring. Aye, the Mistress would be most pleased with what she had found.
"Jack!" Daniel kept one eye on the dark sky and his zat ready while heading to the aid of his injured teammate. He was dismayed, though not surprised to see the stubborn man trying to make it to his knees before a third attack ensued. "Damn it, Jack, it's only targeting you! Stay down and let us cover you!"
Dazed from the unexpected attacks, O'Neill ignored him and continued his struggle to rise. He tensed and tried to strike out when Daniel's hand landed on his back, but it was a weak effort and the archaeologist avoided him easily. "Sit down and let me help you, you're hurt." To his great relief, Jack seemed to come to his senses and sank back to the ground. Daniel fished in his vest pockets for bandages, but kept a wary eye on the sky, his zat open and ready.
"What the hell was that thing?" Though he'd literally gasped out the question, they were all relieved that Jack seemed to be more alert. His features remained deeply contorted from the agony of his injuries. He tried to stifle the groans while Daniel tended his wounded neck and shoulder, but was not at all successful. Refusing to give in to the urge to pass out, he stubbornly focused on the answers of his team.
"I have no idea, sir. Until Daniel hit it with the zat, I couldn't see anything at all. It must have some type of cloaking ability." Like Teal'c, Carter was on high alert and continued to sweep the area with the light on her P-90.
"Indeed, O'Neill. Had not DanielJackson managed to reveal the creature's location, I would have been unable to determine its whereabouts. I believe it has now fled, possibly to alert others of its kind. We would be wise to seek shelter immediately, before it returns."
Daniel frowned at Teal'c's recommendation. "Sam, I think you should take a look at this. Some of these are really deep. I'm pretty sure they'll need stitches. Maybe we should head back to the 'gate."
Before Carter could respond, Jack gasped and then spoke through gritted teeth. "No, Daniel, Teal'c is right. It's not as bad as it looks, just a few scratches and they can wait. We don't know when that thing will be back or if it will bring friends along with. We need to find shelter and then figure out a way to make the thing visible before we try for the 'gate."
Both scientists rolled their eyes at his attempt to downplay his injuries, but let it pass unchallenged. "Sir, the building we think houses the symbiote removal device is only a block or two from here. If we go there, we might be able to find some technology to use against this creature, too." She waited for his answer, but he remained silent. "Sir?"
"Sam!" Daniel's alarmed cry sent her scurrying to the colonel's side, leaving Teal'c to serve as the lone guard. His light illuminated the injured man, revealing a clammy, pale countenance. Further scrutiny revealed shallow, rapid breathing and unfocused eyes. Even as she reached for his wrist to take his pulse, she knew what she'd find. As expected, the beat was weak and rapid.
"Lay him down, he's going into shock," she instructed. "Get a blanket around him." Before Daniel could comply, O'Neill's eyes rolled up in his head. "Damn it, Colonel, don't do this," she muttered.
With command now falling to her, she took only a moment to consider the situation before issuing her orders. "Teal'c, you carry the Colonel. I'll take point and Daniel, you've got our six. We're going to try to make it to that building."
"Incompetent fool! We will never succeed in preventing them from entering the Anathema now!" The female sentry cowered before the Mistress. She had morphed into human form shortly after arriving back to deliver her report and drew her black cape closer around as the Mistress ranted. "It has been over an Age since the humans last walked this world and you have allowed them to escape our grasp. You will be punished for this!"
The sentry began to grovel in earnest. "Please, Mistress, I beg of you! You must allow me to complete my tale."
"Do you dare to presume to tell me what I should do, underling?" The Mistress was nearly shaking with rage.
Realizing her mistake, the sentry backpedaled. "Nay, Mistress, of course not! I merely beg for the opportunity to present you with a gift and relate to you the rest of my experience."
"A gift, you say." Though extremely angry, the Mistress was willing to be mollified. "Very well, child. Finish your accounting. But heed my warning--you shall suffer my wrath should I not like what I hear."
The sentry rose from her prone position at the feet of the Mistress and extended blood-covered hands. "I was able to mark the leader before being forced to flee." She dared to move closer until her hands were right in the Mistress's face. "I tasted not of him myself, but brought all back for you," she offered.
The first good whiff of the scent long denied Her had the Mistress greedily grasping at the offered extremities. She eagerly sucked the sentry's bloodied finger into her mouth and closed Her eyes to savor the gore-coated digit as she slowly extracted it. Her body tensed suddenly and Her eyes flew open wide with shock.
The sentry smiled, knowing her reward was sure to be a large one. "Aye, Mistress, the essence of the Old Ones flows strongly within him."