Author Notes: Thanks for all the reviews. For this chapter, any Langaran is in italics.

Chapter 23: Children of Thor

"Oh boy." Jack raised his hands, along with Daniel. They were surrounded by a group of very angry looking people, "Kid?"

The girl nodded and stepped forwards, "Please, my name is Pasha and I share your blood. These men mean no harm. They are friends of Thor and come through the great portal. This is O'Neill, and this is Daniel. They wish to speak with the Elders. "

"Daniel?" Jack muttered, "She'd better being saying good stuff."

"Jack? Shut up." Daniel hissed through a smile.

The Langarans lowered their weapons slightly, one spoke, "Do you take responsibility for them?" Pasha nodded, and the weapons were lowered fully. Switching to English, the leader, a woman, introduced herself, "My name is Bera. What business have you with the Elders?"

Daniel, stepped forwards, "We need to know whether your god, Thor, left anything behind here that will aid in the coming battle against the Ettin worshipers." At this comment, Jack could have killed Daniel with his eyes.

Bera nodded, "Come."

Jack grabbed Daniel's arm as they moved away, "What happened to not taking sides in wars?"

"They won't trust us otherwise."

They were led out of the small underground room, and out into a freezing climate. Snow lay in patches on the ground, gradually melting with the midday sun. Jack pulled his cap on, "Pasha? How far north is the North?"

"We're far from any of the other continents. Do not complain; this is summer."

Bera led them to where some horses were tethered, "I hope you can ride. Unfortunately, the pass to the city of Thorbjorg is too narrow for any faster mode of transportation."

Daniel frowned, "Thorbjorg?"

Bera nodded as she reined her horse. "Daniel?" Jack prompted.

"Oh, er, it means 'protected by Thor'."

Jack rolled his eyes, "Why do I even ask?"

"The cells are in the lower levels of that building, and I'd imagine, as guarded as the Stargate." Sam pointed on the crude map she had drawn up earlier, showing Teal'c the location of the other Government building. "Unfortunately, we have no way of getting inside; there are no Langarans working there who could get us in, or Jonas out."

Teal'c frowned, "Did Pasha not say that the Andari and Terranians do not condone the acts of the Kelownans?"

Sam sighed, "Even if they did work there, it's likely that they'd be loyal to the Kelownan Government and no use to us." She buried her face in her hands, "To be honest, there's only one realistic way of doing this – we have to tell Hammond and get reinforcements and get Jonas just before he's executed. Unfortunately, that means both admitting what mess we've gotten ourselves into, and cutting it very close for Jonas."

Teal'c frowned, "Perhaps there is another solution." Sam looked up, "Would it not be possible to pretend to be a Government official and gain access ourselves?"

A sly smile grew on Samantha's lips, "Teal'c, I think we have a plan. Now we just need a computer."

Teal'c raised an eyebrow.

"Holy…" Jack was speechless. The riders had reached the peak of the hill, and were now given full view of the city of Thorbjorg and its surrounding countryside. The city itself was large enough; a bizarre mixture of modern and old, both thatched cottages and high rise buildings, the predominant being a central tower, with a spike rising far above the skyline. It was not this, however, that caught their attention. Not one scrap a grass could be seen, such was the volume of tents, horses, vehicles and people milling around. It was an army camp.

Bera gestured to the scene. "This is approximately one third of our army, from both the city, and brought in from the smaller farming communities in the valley. The other two thirds are spread across the other continents, waiting for the signal."

"Incredible." Pasha breathed.

"Um, Bera? What's this?" Daniel was pointing at a strange device, positioned not far from them on the hill. It had a flat, slanted top with a mirrored surface that reflected out to various others lining the hills.

"They are a gift from Thor, given to our ancestors many years ago. When activated, they will create a barrier impervious to attack. It is one of the reasons we retreated here when the Ettin came. Thor left us his hammer and shield in case of danger when he could not come."

As they moved down the hill, Daniel commented, "It makes sense. The, um, Ettin, was one of the older ones, so maybe there was no Protected Planets Treaty. Thor would have wanted them to be safe. It's promising. If he left that technology, he could have left a Hall."

"Major Carter, what precisely are you doing?" Teal'c peered over her shoulder as she furiously entered information into the computer they had procured.

"I'm entering us in the system. With a building as big as that one, it's unlikely they'd know everyone. We should be okay. Besides, this technology is easy to crack."

Teal'c moved away; he would beg to differ.

"Wait here." Bera commanded, leaving them in what could be called a waiting room, before disappearing through a pair of carved wooden doors. Guards remained stationed at all exits, although as they were only armed with swords; Jack decided they were predominantly ceremonial. They had been instructed to leave their weapons in a store room, something that Jack was still antsy about.

"This is amazing." Daniel breathed, eyes sparkling, "It's like looking into the future."

"Daniel?" Jack gave him a bored look.

"Jack, seriously. The Langarans seem to be a culture like Gairwyn's, only after many years of development. The introduction of the other culture must have forced them to evolve faster. This is like seeing what the Vikings would have become!"

Jack raised an eyebrow, "That's going a bit far, isn't it Danny?"

Daniel gave him a glare, "Look at these designs," he gestured to the patterning on the floor, "They've entwined pictorial designs with Norse runes. Their written culture must have evolved too…"

"The Elders will see you now." Bera had reappeared at the doorway. They were led down a passage and up some stairs. Everything was imposing and ceremonial, every design and decoration paid homage to the warrior culture. Bera showed them through another pair of doors, grander than the last, and into a huge hall. It was golden in colouring, with dark designs littering the floor and walls. At the same time, the decoration was humble, not going any further than needed to make an impression. At the opposite end of the hall sat five people at a wooden table, most wizened in appearance, except for the two men sat to the furthest right, who looked young enough yet to fight. Two more guards stood at either end of the table.

"Step forward." The central figure, an aged man with auburn hair called them over. "Hail. I am Lord Annar, Elder Master of the Langarans. Sitting with me are the Elders of this city. You will address yourselves to us." He gave a nod to Bera.

The warrior stepped forwards, leading Jack, Daniel and Pasha to a spot close to the table, but not within reaching distance. "May I introduce the four Elders of Thorbjorg. Mistress Disa of the East; Lord Hagen of the West; Lord Vegeir of the North; and Lord Ragnar of the South. Elders, may I present Colonel O'Neill and Daniel Jackson, men who hail from a world beyond the portal. Also a lost sister named Pasha, who led them here."

Before anyone could respond, the dark haired woman to the right spoke, "Come here child."

Trembling, Pasha stepped forwards. Mistress Disa smiled kindly, and took the girl's manacled wrists. In turn, she placed her ring onto each metal band, which snapped open. "We shall not have this filth in our halls. Dispose of them."

"Excuse me, but how did you do that?" Daniel asked.

"This ring produces a close range signal, at a frequency designed to make the mechanism weak and break. The spire you saw on arrival is designed to release all our brethren tomorrow, when we attack."

Jack frowned, "How do you know the Kelownans don't know this?"

Lord Hagan let out a rich rumbling laugh, "Step forward, boy, and tell me what colour my eyes are."

Bristling at being called 'boy', but still acutely aware that he had left his gun outside in the hall, Jack stepped forwards, "Green, erm, my Lord."

"Exactly. Tell me, how many Langarans have you met with eyes of any other colour? Or in contrast, how many Kelownans have you seen with green? It is what defines us as who we are."

Jack looked at each of the Elders in turn, then Pasha. At his slight frown, the girl rolled her eyes, "Yes, Jack, Jonas' eyes are green also."

"Well you can't expect me to notice these things!" Jack huffed.

"But surely, Lord Hagan, there are anomalies. It's impossible otherwise. I mean, I don't know much about genetics, but there has to be some leeway." Daniel pointed out.

"True, which is why all citizens who are born without green eyes are registered, so as not to be falsely accused as spies."

"What about contact lenses?" Jack asked.

Hagan frowned, "What are these 'contact lenses'?"

Daniel moved forwards and grasped Jack's arm before he could make anymore of a mess, "Remember, Jack, even the Kelownans aren't as advanced as us. It's unlikely they've got lenses yet. At least no decent ones."

Suddenly, Lord Annar banged his fist on the table, making the men jump, "What was the point of your coming here? I have yet to hear anything of interest."

Daniel hurriedly made to explain, "Our friend, a Langaran, is due to be executed, and we need help in getting him out. We also believe that somewhere near here is the Hall of Thor's Might. If we can find this, there will be no need for you to go to war."

"No need for war?" Lord Ragnar spoke for the first time, "The Kelownans must pay!"

"At such loss of life?" Daniel argued.

"It is honourable to die in war."

"Oh, fer cryin' out loud." Jack burst out, "Surely it's better not to die at all? I mean, I personally like my life, granted, it's full of snakes and completely wacko, but I don't think dying is a great goal in life!"

"Stop this!" Mistress Disa commanded. "Ragnar, you are not listening. Yes, Daniel, there is a Hall, not far from here, in the hills. Many travel there, yet only Elders are permitted to enter. Every one of us have passed all but the last test. It is said that when the last test is completed, Thor shall return."

"We would like the opportunity to try."

"That is not possible."

"We've been to a land named Cimmeria. They were under attack from the Ettins, and Thor's hammer was broken so could not protect them. With their help, we entered their Hall and solved the riddles. Thor came and saved them."

Ragnar shook his head, "This is nonsense. Your friend will die with honour, having defied the Kelownans to the last, for we can spare no men. The Hall is sacred, and should not be desecrated by the likes of you. We welcome back our sister, however, can you fight?"

Before Pasha could answer, Jack spat, "No she cannot! She isn't even eighteen and has no battle training. Like hell is she joining your war!"

Ragnar grew red in the face, but was cut off by Disa before he could reply, "He is right. I am in charge of the female fighting force with Bera, and Pasha is too inexperienced and young. You will not change this Ragnar. As for my views, I believe that their friend should not be discounted. Yet, I do not agree with leading them to the Hall."

"I agree with Disa." Hagan nodded.

Lord Annar frowned, "Vegeir, you have said nothing on this matter, nor throughout the proceedings, what say you?"

The young man sat forwards in his chair. He was by far the youngest of the group, only slightly older than Daniel, with blonde hair accompanying vibrant green eyes. "The Elder whom I replaced, my master, passed onto me a story of a sister land in the stars, and he too called it Cimmeria. It is a younger community than our people, and for a while, we traded with them through the portal, before the Ettin of Kelowna came. It is well to know they prosper yet still. I say that if they trust you, then so do I. I will lead you to the Hall, and if your word holds true, I will help you save your friend."

Lord Annar nodded, "One voice is enough to carry, and I will support his decision." Both Hagan and Disa nodded in respect of the decision, but Ragnar shot to his feet.

"This decision is a mistake. We barely know them! Excuse me, Elders, but I must prepare the army."

Disa shook her head, "Bera, I would have you accompany Lord Vegeir. Have your Second prepare the troops. If you can, try and make it back before the troops move out. If not, you will go with the offensive through the rings."

"Yes, Mistress Disa."

"Pasha, you will return with me to my rooms, I have many questions to ask of you. I take my leave of you, my lords."

Lord Annar rose with Disa, who left through a side door with Pasha and an accompanying guard, "I wish you well, Colonel O'Neill, Daniel Jackson. Come Hadan, we shall prepare. Good travel, Vegeir." The final guard left with them.

Vegeir smiled and rose. "We will have to leave now to arrive by late evening and return before dawn."

Bera smiled, "I am afraid it also requires horses once more."

Jack groaned.

Sam and Teal'c hid round the corner from the building they needed to get into. They had managed to trick Dreylock into thinking they were all in their room for the night; not an easy feat. Sam handed Teal'c his security pass. "Urgh. These clothes are awful and itchy. Alright, it's 1800, sign on shift for the night. Ready?"

"I am, Major Carter."

"General Hammond's not gonna be pleased with this when we tell him." The Stargate had been under analysis, and as such they had not been able to send a message. The technician who had informed them almost had a heart attack when he had to explain to Teal'c. "Let's go."

They walked along the path towards the back entrance, to be greeted by security. Sam had been right; the guards hardly gave their new faces a second look. As soon as they were inside the building, Sam pointed towards the stairs heading down, "This way."

After an hour of searching, they finally found the right sector, "Apparently, Government buildings are the same ridiculous mazes whatever planet you're from." Sam commented.

"Indeed." Sam smiled. Sometimes, she swore Teal'c just humoured them.

"What the…" All of the cells were empty.

"What're you doing down here? This area's off limits!" A guard came striding towards them.

Sam bit her lip. Thinking fast, she replied, "We heard rumours there was a treasonous Langaran down here."

"That is true, we wished to…speak with him." Teal'c added.

A sly smile spread on the guard's lips, "True enough, but it was transferred earlier. Apparently, it was under the command of the First Minister, and that's why she wanted it moved. In case someone tried something. It's gotta be brought to justice after all. Them scum gotta learn where their place is."

Sam made a noise that could have been taken as agreement, "Sorry we missed…it." She hated the fact the man refused to acknowledge Jonas as a person. "We'll be out of your way now."

"Be seein' you."

By the time they got outside, Sam was despairing. "Now what? We can't get to Jonas. He's only got until dawn, which will probably end up being 0800, just before people go to work."

"It appears that we will have to retrieve Jonas Quinn when he is brought out for execution."

"Is that even possible, though? I mean, we're not talking about a primitive culture here and there're only two of us."

Teal'c answer was simple, "It is possible. We will rescue him."

Vegeir led the group of four up the hill. The sun was beginning to set; being further north, the days were slightly shorter. Fires were being lit in the camp, and they flickered in the half light. The wind blew in their direction, making Jack frown, "What is that?"

Bera listened, "You have bad hearing if you have only just heard that. It is a chant; Lord Ragnar must have finished his speech."

"What are they chanting?"

Bera and Vegeir cast their eyes forward, and continued on their way. Daniel paused for a second, and then, "They're yelling Ragnarok, over and over."

"What does it mean, 'Go Ragnar!' or something?"

Daniel gave Jack a long suffering stare, "I told you before, Ragnarok is the Norse end of the world."

"Well, that's okay, I mean, don't the good guys usually prevail in these end of the world battle things?"

Daniel looked down, "In Norse mythology, neither side prevailed, both good and evil died. They're not expecting to win this; they just want to destroy as many of the other side as possible." Daniel turned his horse, and followed the others up the hill, "We should hurry."

To Be Continued…

Author Notes: That was longer than last time:)! I hope you liked this chapter, please tell me what you thought!