The rescue team gathered at Sandro's village. Teyla glanced over at McKay, who had a worried expression on his face – even more worried than usual.
"Are you alright, Rodney?" she asked the scientist.
"Of course I'm not alright!" he exclaimed. "Two members of my team, and one of my closest friends are being held by modern-day Roman barbarians, and I'm stuck here, in this pathetic excuse for a village, waiting until they decide which of the numerous routes they should take to the barbarian stronghold so that we don't get seen."
Teyla just looked at him. "Okay," he conceded. "At least I have you for company, but can't they just do something!"
As if they had heard his remarks, Sandro and Lorne broke away from the group and came towards Rodney and Teyla.
"We've decided to split up into two groups," Lorne said to Rodney and Teyla. "You are both with me and Sandro will lead the other group."
"And which route will we take?" Rodney asked. "I trust you've chosen the most direct route. Time could be of the essence here. Carson has been holed up there for days, suffering from a gunshot wound, and at this very moment Ronon and Sheppard might be fighting each other to the death, or at least to preserve their tongues."
"I'm sure they will appreciate your concern," Teyla said, slightly surprised at Rodney's reaction.
"I do have a heart," Rodney said, noting her reaction. "Carson has confirmed that on a number of occasions. He has the pictures to prove it. I just don't believe in getting all emotional over trivialities." His last remark was accompanied by a pointed look at one of Lorne's team.
"It's no crime to cry over a movie," Lieutenant Michaels said, wishing for the umpteenth time that the person to find her crying over a sad movie hadn't been Rodney McKay.
"Yes," Rodney retorted, "but when it's Lassie, then I seriously doubt your emotional stability."
"Dr McKay," Major Lorne butted in. "Please leave my team alone. I have no problems at all with the emotional stability of any of my team." He turned and smiled at Lieutenant Michaels. "But that's more than I could say of some other teams," he said under his breath, so that only she could hear. His reward was a big grin.
"That's all thanks I get for laying my life on the line yet again, to save members of this expedition from certain death. If it wasn't for me, you'd be dead many times over, Major," Rodney said, indignation in his voice.
"Rodney," Teyla intervened. "I'm sure that Major Lorne and the others very much appreciate the contributions you have made to the safety of Atlantis. However, this is a military situation, and although you have proven yourself in such situations on many occasions," Teyla managed to ignore the snigger that came from Lieutenant Michaels at this point, "it would be as well to let them decide what the best course of action is."
"Thank you, Teyla," Major Lorne said, giving her a smile. "If it's okay with your Dr McKay, I'll continue the briefing."
"Don't mind me," Rodney said, with a wave of his hand.
"Sandro will lead his team into the back entrance his men found to the caves. It doesn't look as if it's been used in years, but they don't think it's blocked. We'll take the more direct route." He gave Rodney a sharp glance at this point. Rodney just sniffed. "This should take us to the front entrance of the cave. Sandro and his men will create a diversion, and that is when we'll attack. Our main objective is to release Colonel Sheppard, Ronon, Dr Beckett and the children. What Sandro chooses to do with the Renegades is up to him. Does everyone understand?" A series of nods greeted his remark. "Very well, then, let's go!"
OoOoO
Two of Mikal's men grabbed John and another two grabbed Ronon. A third quickly jumped into help the two holding Ronon as his struggling made it difficult for the original two to hold onto him. Another man grabbed Carson, who was too weak to fight.
All three were dragged out to the entranceway of the caves. There was a natural amphitheatre there which had been enhanced by the circle of stones the Renegades had added. This was obviously the fighting ring. John quickly looked round for the children. They weren't there. He heaved a sigh of relief. At least they weren't going to use them to force Ronon and him to fight. He noticed Carson was doing the same, and the two men exchanged a smile to shared relief.
Carson was dragged over to the side, and John and Ronon were both pushed into the ring of stones.
Mikal raised his hand for silence from the gathering of Renegades that sat on the stone sides to the amphitheatre.
"Gilo and Karim had a disagreement today," he announced. "They disagreed on whether it would rain or not. To settle their dispute, a fight was called, and here we are."
John looked at Mikal in disbelief. They were being forced to fight over a debate on the weather. He looked over at Ronon who was all but snarling at the Renegade leader. For a man who had fought many battles over matters of life and death, it seemed a bit of a let down to be forced to fight over rain.
Mikal raised his voice again. "The weapons will now be displayed."
Two men approached with swords laid out on large cushions. One presented a sword to John, the other to Ronon. Neither of them took the weapon.
"Take the swords!" Mikal ordered. Neither man moved. "You will fight!" Mikal announced. Still neither man moved. Mikal looked at them both through narrowed eyes.
"You think you are clever," he said. "Do you honestly think no-one has tried this before? We are not the fools you obviously take us for. Gilo, take action."
The man, who had brought Carson out, pushed him forward. He stumbled and fell, too weak to save himself. Another man dragged him back to his feet, and quickly bound his hands. Gilo then pulled Carson over to a large pole that had been driven into the ground. He then dragged Carson's hands over this head and bound them to the pole. Carson let out a cry of agony as his damaged shoulder was forced to rotate to allow his hands to go above his head.
Gilo then picked up a large scourge. It was made of leather, and had three thongs to it. Each thong had pieces of metal or stone tied into it. Gilo first whipped the scourge against the ground, drawing up dust and marking the stone. Then he turned towards Carson . . . . .
OoOoO
OK, so it's the weekend, and I thought I'd leave you with a nice cliffhanger.
