Myrddin's Shield
Chapter Two
SG-1 stepped out of the rippling blue pond at the centre of the naqahdah ring that made up the Stargate and into the bracing cold of P9G-787. Despite the arctic jacket she was wearing, Vala shivered: not from the cold wind blowing from east of the gate, but rather from the sight of this planet covered with snow, the forest edge coming into view ahead of them and the unmistakeable twin moons rising in the east as the sun slowly sank in the west. The twin satellites glowered down at her, demanding to know why she had come.
"Not long 'til nightfall," Cameron commented, looking at the diminishing disc of the sun. "We'd better not hang around: it's going to get real cold."
Vala pulled herself together and followed Daniel over to the obelisk and helped him brush snow from the indented marks covering its sides. She could make out the meaning of most of the words on the near side and was secretly pleased with how much Latin she now knew. Daniel started recording the obelisk from all angles: even though he already had the MALP information, he always liked to keep his own records; another quirk she found endearing.
Cameron and Teal'c did a quick scan around the perimeter of the Stargate, just to make sure the area was secure, while Sam did the standard dial home to make sure that the DHD was working and they could leave whenever they wanted to. Everything seemed quiet just as the MALP had reported.
Daniel extended his recordings to include a wider area. Even half hidden by snow, the fallen blocks and remaining half columns reminded him of many temples that he had seen on earth and on his travels further afield. Using his boots to scrape away the light covering of snow from what appeared to be a large area of smooth intact flooring, Daniel uncovered some familiar circular markings and called Cameron over.
Cameron's surprise was evident. "Now that looks to me like a ring platform. This place is getting more and more interesting." He glanced at Daniel and asked, "Doesn't that mean some Goa'uld or other used to rule this planet?"
"No, not necessarily," Daniel replied. "The Goa'uld took over existing Ancient technology after all. It was probably built at a similar time to the obelisk."
Cameron stamped his feet to keep the circulation going. "Well, let's think about it later, Jackson. It's getting even colder and the sun's going down too quickly for my liking."
Daniel hurriedly finished scribbling down notes in his green journal then shoved it back in his bag as the rest of SG-1 started making their way along the only obvious track towards the forest. Either side of the pathway, small rocks and boulders littered the white ground. A little way along, one rock stood out larger than the others and was more uniform in shape. Daniel and Vala left the path to examine it and used their padded gloves to scrape off the snow and ice crystals to reveal some more text.
Stamping his feet again, Cameron asked impatiently, "So what does it say?"
Vala peered at the inscription: she ran her fingers over the indentations and answered before Daniel, "This says 'Truth brings forth wisdom and sight'…I think…" She turned round in time to see the surprised looks on her teammates' faces.
Daniel gave her a smile that was genuinely filled with pleasure at her progress as his student. Vala flushed a little and savoured the moment: Daniel was pleased with her. His blue eyes met her darker ones, and for one brief moment it was as though they were alone and he was saying that he had finally realised that his opinion mattered to her. Then the moment was gone and he turned towards Cameron, Teal'c and Sam to add to her explanation: "Vala's right and these other symbols in the corners are the four elemental symbols again, just like we saw on the obelisk…Vala could you…?"
She was already filming the text for him and Sam and Cameron exchanged amused glances. Daniel's shadow: that's what a few of the SGC personnel had started calling her. Not in an unfriendly fashion, just acknowledging that wherever Daniel was to be found, Vala was never far away. When Vala was done, Cameron said, "Okay, let's go find the locals."
The team headed towards the trees in the direction that the MALP had indicated was where the nearest village lay. It was eerily quiet under the trees, broken only by the sound of the team's boots as they stomped across the frozen ground. Any animal life was clearly hiding or hibernating and who can blame them? Cameron thought. I'd be hibernating if I could.
Fifteen minutes later, the coniferous trees began to thin out and they spotted the soft, warm lights of the settlement twinkling through the scraggy branches of the few remaining trees. They paused at the edge of the clearing to take stock.
A dirt road led away to the left: rutted tracks that had not yet re-filled with snow indicated that it had been recently used. The track wound its way past minute fields; regular sections of bare earth that would no doubt be neatly tilled come spring. In one or two of the rectangular plots, the equivalent of winter wheat was just poking its head through the wintry earth and a few lines of dark green plants, leaves curled in tight circles, sat on top of the frosty ground. Animal feed or some sort of cabbage perhaps? Cameron wondered.
They moved forward and gazed at the tall, stone archway that spanned the entrance to the village. Vala shivered once more and wrapped her arms tightly round her body. Her dream had been so detailed. Everything was as she had envisioned it. The village was made up of a mixture of stone and wooden houses, and meaner wattle and daub cottages, all of a design familiar to her from books Daniel had shown her on the life and culture of mediaeval Europe…and from her vision. The circular wall surrounding the settlement was made of grey mottled stone and the impressive archway bore down on her, filling her with irrational dread.
The team moved closer together to cut down the distance between them: the wind was rising which made it hard to hear what Daniel was translating aloud as he recorded the inscriptions: "Come under Myrddin's protection. Speak the truth. Seek the light. Reveal the power." He lowered the camera and pointed up. "We've got the four elements again here and I think that wheel carved in the middle there is the symbol for the element Aether."
"What?!" Cameron could hardly keep the incredulity out of his voice. "Ether's that highly flammable stuff that's used as a solvent isn't it?"
Daniel rolled his eyes at Cameron and shook his head. It was all so obvious to him that he often forgot other people didn't know the same things about ancient cultures on Earth as he did. "In ancient times people thought that the gods lived above the earth in a special element called Aether…spelt with an "ae" at the beginning," he added for Cameron's benefit.
"The word's sometimes translated as Spirit or heaven. People also believed it's what the stars were made of. I've not seen this symbol in any of the other villages founded by Merlin that we've come across so far…this is very interesting."
The team turned their attention to the village itself: there were no villagers in evidence but they could hear the snuffling of animals in some of the pens just inside the wall and the sound of distant music came from a large wooden building, just visible ahead in what had to be the centre of the village.
The sun had now completely set and the light from the twin moons glinted on the snow as the team made its way along the frozen dirt track through the settlement. Vala walked slower than the rest of the team, unwelcome thoughts filling her mind. It's just like my dream. What if everything's going to come true? I don't want to do this. We shouldn't have come. I should have said something. She shook her head to relieve the sense of foreboding that was building up.
Sam noticed the headshake and wondered why Vala seemed so much quieter than usual. Actually she'd been pretty quiet since she, Daniel and Teal'c had come back from Celestis. Sam had read their mission reports but she guessed that there had been a lot left out by all of them. I should have arranged for a Girls' Night out once everyone was cleared for duty, Sam thought. Vala probably could have done with a chance to let her feelings out. We haven't had a really good girly gossip for ages.
"Are you okay?" Sam asked. "You seem on edge."
"No, I'm fine, Sam." Vala tried to smile reassuringly at her friend. She thought: I wish I'd told you about my dreams before we came, Sam. I don't know why I didn't. Friends should tell each other what's worrying them and Sam had been such a good friend to Vala. It would've been easy to knock on her door and fill Sam in but lately she'd been so wrapped up in her feelings for Daniel and why she was dreaming about him, it hadn't occurred to her to seek out another friend to talk to. She would have to put that right when they got back. Make sure Sam knew she was grateful for her friendship.
SG-1 reached the village square, pausing in the middle to look at a small pillar of smooth granite that appeared, from its position on a raised stone platform, to be of some importance to the inhabitants. A hollowed out circle carved into the grey-green stonework held a crystal which looked unnaturally dull for such a prominent artefact. There were no markings of any kind on any of its sides, nothing to give a clue as to its purpose.
Cameron hoisted his backpack into a more comfortable position then said, "Okay, people. Let's go and introduce ourselves."
SG-1 left the pillar behind and headed towards the large wooden building ahead of them and cautiously pushed open the huge doors and then closed them behind them. A pair of heavy woven curtains hung down from each side, helping to keep the cold out and the warmth in. Cameron shouldered his way between the folds in the dull material and stepped into the hall. It was huge: circular in shape with a fire-pit just off centre providing warmth for the whole room.
Illumination came from a mixture of sources: there was one huge metal ring hanging suspended above the centre of the room which held twenty tallow candles; small candleholders sat on each table; and oil lamps, presumably burning animal fat, dangled from hooks on the walls. Tables and benches filled one side of the hall while the floor was bare and empty of furniture on the other. Daniel guessed the space had been left free for dancing or the performing of other entertainments.
As he had expected from the Latin inscriptions, the villagers were human and wore clothes made from woven and sewn natural materials. There was a range of colours. Daniel guessed that the poorest people were wearing browns and greys, while the richer people were wearing purples, blues and reds. Some of the villagers were talking in soft voices, sharing platters of food while five musicians played a quiet melody on what appeared to be a variety of wooden instruments. The celebration or whatever it was seemed strangely subdued.
After a moment, one or two people became aware of their presence and turned to stare. The room got quieter and then lots of muttered whisperings began. Clearly most of the villagers were alarmed by their unexpected visitors. One young man shot away from his table and slipped out of the door at the back of the building.
"Going to get the head honcho, I reckon," Cameron said softly to no-one in particular then in a loud voice he continued, "Hi folks."
A tall, thin woman with silver blonde hair hesitantly stepped forward and bowed. She was wearing a dress coloured in rich purples and blues and looked altogether a woman of some importance. "You are welcome in our village," she said in a voice that to Cameron sounded both kind and commanding. If she felt any fear, she didn't show it. She gestured to a group of villagers who hurriedly brought forward trays of food.
Daniel was the first to step forward and accept some fruit. He chose a yellow skinned piece that looked not unlike a plum. "Thank you." He tried a bite and licked his lips to wipe away the tangy but sweet juice that had erupted from its yellow flesh. "Mmm, it's good," he advised the others.
Cameron grimaced: Jackson's idea of what tasted good and his own didn't always gel. Never been a big fan of plums, he thought to himself before deciding to go for something that looked more like pineapple. It was nothing like pineapple of course but it tasted okay and Cameron breathed a sigh of relief.
As the others also took pieces of food to eat, Daniel reached into his backpack and pulled out a bar of chocolate, part of the supply of treats he always carried for such occasions. He opened it, broke it and offered a piece to the tall woman in front of him. Hesitantly, she took a small piece and tried it. She smiled and Daniel handed her the whole bar.
Looking round the room, Daniel was disturbed by the way some of the bearers kept their heads down and would not make eye contact with him while still others looked at him with undisguised fear. The children were mostly hiding behind their parents, timidly sneaking looks at the visitors.
The silvery-blonde woman gestured again and a man came forward holding a tray of items worked from metal: small daggers, necklaces, bracelets and delicate tools, similar to those a surgeon might use or even an archaeologist for that matter. Daniel eyed a small hooked tool and a miniature hammer with interest.
"Do these meet with your approval, my lord?" she asked anxiously.
Daniel shook his head at the title given to him but the effect of the gesture was instant: most of the villagers took at least a step back and some started trembling. Daniel put out a hand towards them, trying to reassure them. "I'm sorry. I didn't mean to upset you."
The woman in front of him relaxed a little and nodded her head slightly. "You gave no offense…sir…but please tell us how to address you so that we do not give offense to you."
The archaeologist smiled at her and said, "My name is Daniel Jackson and I would be pleased if you called me Daniel."
A small ripple of relief ran through the gathering: perhaps this man intended not to threaten them but just to do honest trading. Daniel smiled one of his most charming smiles and the people around him relaxed considerably. Vala could only watch in wonder at the transformation from fear to trust that ran around the room. How does he do that? How does he get people to trust him so easily? How did he get me to trust him so easily? Does he know how special he is?
Daniel was speaking again: "My friends and I mean you no harm…We're explorers from far away and would like to get to know you and your people better. Perhaps we can find items to trade with you." He looked at the tray still being held out towards him, made a decision and indicated a small silver hammer with beautiful engravings. "May I give you something in exchange for one of these?"
The woman nodded. Eyeing the hammer appraisingly, Daniel reached into his backpack again and pulled out a silver pen; he quickly demonstrated what it did on a piece of paper torn from one of his pads and asked, "Would this be an acceptable trade?"
The woman nodded so Daniel lifted the hammer from the tray and held it in his hand, assessing it for balance and usefulness as he said, "Thank you. It's beautiful."
The uneasy atmosphere in the room lifted and the tall woman said, "You have not come from Lord Maltus then. You say you are traders from far away?"
Daniel nodded. "We are from far away and we would like to trade knowledge with you and learn about your culture. Will you tell me your name?"
"I am Cansalla. I am one of the Elders of our village and this is my son, Brin." She indicated a youth with light blond hair who came forward and bowed. His resemblance to his mother was striking.
At this point, Cameron stepped forward: glad that friendly relations seemed to have been established and keen to be introduced to the fine looking woman. There was something about the way she spoke that he found very appealing and even though their visit would be brief, he had no doubt he would enjoy listening to her talk as they discovered more about this place.
Daniel was in the middle of introducing the rest of the team properly when a door at the back of the building opened. The young man, who had left the room earlier, came back in. He was followed by a reluctant middle-aged, dark-haired man who walked as if the weight of the world was on his shoulders. He exchanged looks with Cansalla as he came to her side. She patted his arm, silently acknowledging his private anguish and asked Daniel to introduce his friends again.
The man appeared to have trouble focussing on what was being said: he barely looked at each of them but blinked noticeably when he saw Vala. For a moment he just stared at her and, Cameron noticed, she at him and then a slow relieved smile broke over his face transforming it. He took a step towards her and said, "You have come at last! Please follow me!" Without even thinking, Vala started to follow him.
"Vala?" Cameron stepped forward and grabbed her arm. She looked at him blankly. "Hey, what's going on Vala? You know this guy?"
"No…and yes." Vala's face was uncharacteristically serious as she said, "I can't really explain it but I think I need to go with him. I know he needs my help."
"Ok-aay." Cameron looked at her quizzically waiting for further explanation but she didn't offer anything further.
The man came closer to Cameron and bowed, holding both his palms together. As he straightened up, he kept his fingers tight together, moving his hands closer to his mouth as if praying. It was a gesture that on any planet would be recognised as beseeching. "Please. You must allow your friend to help my daughter." His voice cracked a little as he said, "She is very ill, so very ill…and I believe this Vala is the only one who can save her."
Cameron exchanged confused glances with the rest of the team. "Okay…well, we'll all go then. Lead the way." He gestured for the man to go ahead and the team followed him through the crowd of people who parted and let them through their midst.
The man talked excitedly as he led them out of the room, only stopping briefly to unhook a lamp from the wall and to tell the young man who had called him to see the strangers to: "Go and tell Madrianna, those she foretold have arrived!"
Turning back towards Cameron, he said, "My name is Faylan and I have been hoping for days that you would come. In my despair, I began to doubt Madrianna's word but I should have known she would not fail." The man picked up his pace, the lamp in his hand waving wildly from side to side. "We must hurry: my daughter's life energy is very low."
The five members of SG-1 followed him through the narrow streets towards the northern wall surrounding the village. They passed single storey stone houses that were interspersed with wooden pens for livestock and what looked like chicken coops, although in the dark it was hard to tell. Gradually these buildings gave way to two storey buildings: this was obviously a better part of town but not overly affluent.
Vala hurried after Faylan as if it was the most natural thing in the world. Daniel, Cameron and Sam followed closely behind to make sure that she wasn't in any danger while Teal'c kept a watchful eye on their rear.
"Anyone want to tell me why this guy's expecting us and why he thinks we can help?" Cameron muttered.
"Perhaps this Madrianna will be able to elaborate," Teal'c suggested.
Faylan led them towards an unassuming two-storey house, surrounded by similar looking homes. The wooden shutters were closed but dim candle-light seeped out through cracks in some of them showing that the house was occupied. Once inside, they pushed through a doorway hung with heavy curtains and came out into a hallway lined with wooden panels. Faylan led them upstairs to a bedroom where a worried-looking, grey-haired woman kept watch over a small girl of around six years of age. She had an unnatural stillness about her as she lay there, her body barely filling the space in the bed. Her skin was pale and her breathing shallow and ragged.
Faylan took hold of his daughter's hand and, with tears in his eyes, asked, "Can you help her? Or is it too late?"
Sam went up to the bed and checked the girl's temperature and pulse. "She's very weak. Her pulse is erratic. How long has she been like this?"
"It was three moons rise ago that she was first taken ill; two since she closed her eyes and I could not rouse her. No-one in the village has seen this illness before and even Madrianna was unable to help her…but you are here now. You will make her well." Faylan turned to Vala and repeated his words, "You will make her well."
"Think we should go back to the gate and get a med-team here and see what they can do?" Cameron said.
Sam looked up from her examination of the girl's chest and arms. "I've got no idea what we're dealing with here, Cam. We really need to get Carolyn here as soon as possible. I'll draw some blood and one of us should get it back to the SGC pronto. I can give her some broad spectrum antibiotics: given that the villagers seem to be descended from earth it shouldn't be harmful to her. I'll try and get her fever down if I can. We'll all have to stay here until we're given the all clear anyway."
Daniel and Teal'c nodded agreement but Vala was already taking off her backpack and arctic parka. She placed both on the floor at the end of the bed and started undoing the straps on the main section of her backpack.
"Vala? What are you doing?" Daniel asked.
She didn't seem to hear him but reached into one of the pack's many pockets and pulled out the Goa'uld healing device. Cameron was surprised to see the device in Vala's hand: he thought it was under lock and key at Area 51. Only those humans who'd been host to a Goa'uld or a Tok'ra could make use of it so it was rarely utilised. He knew that while Sam was able to activate it, she didn't like doing so. She'd told him that she was never quite sure if she was doing it right or whether her reservations about opening up her mind to too many of Jolinar's memories were what inhibited its effectiveness.
Sam was remembering the last time she had tried to use the device: it had been when Daniel had been dying from radiation poisoning. Not a happy memory. She caught him looking at her and shared an eloquent smile: she thanked God that he'd been given the extraordinary opportunity to ascend but was even more grateful that Daniel had had the chance to come back to them.
Sam turned her attention back to Vala as she slipped the jewelled object set in a gold clasp onto her palm and moved closer to the bed. The dark-haired woman closed her eyes and concentrated on making the device work. It began to glow and hum almost immediately. Vala's longer exposure to being a host had left her with the ability to handle any Goa'uld technology without hesitation.
Cameron spoke sharply: "Anybody want to hazard a guess on how the hell Vala knew she would need that thing?" Sam and Daniel looked at him nonplussed but Teal'c shifted his position uncomfortably. "Okay, big guy. What's going on?"
After a brief pause, Teal'c said, "Vala Mal Doran has been experiencing vivid dreams which she believes are connected to this planet."
"And?" Cameron demanded, glaring his disapproval at the Jaffa who remained stoically unmoved by his tone.
"That is all the information with which I can furnish you," Teal'c said, sounding not for the first time like a teacher of English grammar, "but I believe Vala Mal Doran should tell you what she has dreamed."
The SG-1 team watched silently as Vala used the healing device. After several minutes, there appeared to be little change in the child's condition. "How long does that thing take to work, Sam?" Cameron asked.
"It depends on how ill the person is…but not more than a few minutes, as far as I know," Sam answered, watching the little girl carefully for any slight sign of improvement. Vala continued concentrating on the child. Her breathing gradually became more ragged and her face began to show the strain of concentration.
Daniel moved closer to Vala, looking concerned. "Vala? Are you okay?"
Her eyes still closed, Vala answered softly, "She's been very ill…I'm not sure…uh…if I can…" She staggered slightly and Daniel caught her under her forearm to support her. She groaned, as if in pain and Daniel said, "Vala…that's enough."
Sam stepped up to her other side and gently touched her arm, worried about what her friend was putting herself through. "Vala, if it's this difficult, she may be beyond your ability to help her."
Vala panted the words: "Just a little longer, Sam. I can feel her body mending." Slowly, the little girl's face became a healthier colour and her breathing became more normal. Vala groaned again: her face was now very pale, accentuating the dark circles which she already had under her eyes from several nights of disturbed sleep.
Daniel's eyes looked at Sam, begging her to do something. She touched Vala's shoulder gently, her words sounding like an order: "Vala, that's enough…stop."
Through gritted teeth, Vala said, "I'm…done…There." She lowered her hands and it was all Daniel and Sam could do to grab her and help her gently onto a chair before her legs gave way. Daniel knelt down next to her, searching her face. "You okay?" Vala nodded wearily and closed her eyes.
Sam moved forward and checked the child's pulse and held a thermometer under her arm. After a minute or two, she confirmed: "She's doing much better. Her temperature is back to what I guess is normal, her colour's better and her pulse seems quite steady now. Hopefully she'll wake up soon."
Faylan stroked his daughter's hair and closed his eyes for a brief moment. Then he opened them and addressed his words to all of them: "I cannot thank you enough. I will be forever indebted to you."
A wavering, elderly woman's voice spoke softly from behind the group encircling the child's bed; making most of them jump in surprise. "Now that your daughter is well, Faylan, perhaps you will show me these visitors?"
The members of SG-1 turned to see a petite woman, standing behind them, leaning heavily on a stick. She wore a gown of green and a cloak of soft black material and her white hair almost glowed as it flowed down her back.
Faylan kissed his daughter's head and then quickly walked to the woman's side. "Of course, Madrianna. Let me lead you." As he led the elderly woman forward, the team realised that she was blind. Faylan stopped in front of Cameron and said, "This man is the leader of our visitors, I believe."
Cameron nodded confirmation. "The name's Mitchell, Ma'am. I'm pleased to meet you. Perhaps you could tell us how you knew we were coming?"
"All in good time, young man…May I touch your face so that I can see you?"
Cameron blinked both at being called a 'young man' and at her request but said, "Sure. Be my guest."
Madrianna gently ran a hand over his face and said, "Mitchell," as if connecting the imprint of his face on her hand to his name.
Faylan stood Madrianna in front of Sam and Teal'c and after introductions, she also read their faces. Vala struggled to stand up as she approached, weariness etched on her face. When she touched Vala's face, Madrianna smiled and said, "You are the one who has healed Hana, yes? You have been in my dreams…I see you walked a dark path for many years…against your will, I believe…but now you walk along the pathway of light."
Daniel took off his glasses as Madrianna approached and introduced himself. Madrianna read his face as she had done with everyone else but then placed a hand above his heart. For a moment she said nothing then she smiled, nodded to herself and stated, "You have walked along the path of light for many years…and I sense…ah, you have also been among Myrddin's people, have you not?" She looked thoughtful as she continued: "…and he has lodged with you...some part of him still remains."
Daniel looked thunderstruck. "How could you possibly know Merlin...I mean Myrddin...shared his…his knowledge with me?"
Madrianna smiled. "He tells me things, my young friend. He is the originator and guardian of life on our world and he has spoken to me and others before me many times…Now he has sent you to help us."
"Help you how?" Cameron asked, feeling more and more out of his depth. The woman was downright spooky if you asked him: like some mystical gypsy peering into her crystal ball while smoky shapes swirled around inside her magical orb, drawing you in to her deceptions…although there was something about this Madrianna, he had to give her that. She had the mystical part down well enough.
"You will help us all by renewing the power of Myrddin's Shield and making our village safe once more," Madrianna said. "Yes, yes, you will conquer the elements, as Myrddin has foretold."
Daniel looked intrigued. "I'm sorry but what is Myrddin's Shield and how are we to conquer the elements?"
Madrianna smiled and held up her hand. "Come, come, all of you. Join us for our evening meal and I will try to give you the answers you seek."
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Daniel and Madrianna were deep in discussion when Faylan came into the room with his daughter. As the handsome dark-haired man and his sweet-looking child made their way across the room, people rose to embrace them both and chattered excitedly. Faylan eventually arrived at the table where Vala and Sam were sitting. He took Vala's hand and said, "I cannot thank you enough. My Hana is well again!"
The little girl smiled shyly at Vala and whispered, "Thank you for making me better."
"You're welcome," Vala said and looked a bit overwhelmed as lots of the villagers started patting her on the shoulder. She flushed slightly at Faylan's intense gaze and the way he smiled as he held her hand.
Daniel felt a stab of jealousy when he noticed Faylan holding onto Vala's hand for longer than was strictly necessary. Was she smiling back at him? Sam's head obscured his view of Vala's face so he wasn't able to see how much Vala was enjoying the attention…or hopefully not enjoying the attention. Suddenly he became aware that someone was saying his name. "Oh, I'm sorry, Madrianna. What were you saying?"
Madrianna smiled knowingly at him. "You need not fear, my young friend. That one's heart belongs to you."
Daniel felt the colour rising in his cheeks and wondered how Madrianna could possibly know what had caught his attention when she couldn't see. She patted his hand. "We will talk more on the morrow. Will your people stay with us tonight?"
Cameron heard the question as he came towards the table. "Yes, Ma'am, if that's all right with you folks. We'll set up camp outside in the square."
"Nonsense!" Madrianna said as she rose. "You will take your rest in here. It is too cold to be away from a fire on a night like this. Cansalla! Make sure our guests have what they need. Get Brin to make up the fire for them."
"Yes, Madrianna. Of course." Cansalla called to Brin and two other youngsters and sent them off on various errands.
"Good night to you," Madrianna said as she purposefully walked from the room. As if she had given some silent signal, people started to drift away and the tables were cleared of the last of the food.
Cansalla bowed. "If you go through that door, you will find water for washing when you require it. The room is yours for as long as you stay. Please sleep by the fire. There are blankets here if you want them."
Cameron smiled at the elegant woman and said, "Thank you for making us so welcome." As he'd predicted, he had enjoyed listening to her talk about her people and their customs. That he'd also found her husband, Gann, to be an interesting man, quietly spoken but full of humour, was a bonus.
Cansalla bowed again and returned his smile. "We shall speak further of trade in the morning, Colonel Mitchell. Good night." Then she walked to join her husband, who was waiting patiently for her by the door, and they and the last few villagers left the hall just as Teal'c came back in.
It was obvious that there was fresh snow falling outside as Teal'c shook the snow from his short, dark hair and made his way over to the fire.
"So Teal'c? All well?"
The tall man shrugged out of his jacket and nodded. "Indeed. General Landry agrees we should pursue further information regarding Merlin's Shield. We are to report in tomorrow at 11.00 hours local time."
Cameron addressed the whole team: "Okay, let's break out the gear and catch up on what we've learned during the evening."
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With their sleeping mats unrolled and laid out close to the warm embers, Cameron gathered SG-1 together at the table closest to the fire and suggested, "Sam, you wanna go first?"
As his second-in-command settled herself comfortably on the bench, she said, "Sure. Not much to tell though. The villagers Vala and I spoke to said that Merlin's Shield had protected the village for as long as they could remember. If storms or unwelcome visitors approach, one of the village elders simply goes to the pedestal in the square and turns the Shield on."
Her eyes flashed as she mused on the scientific possibilities, eager to get her hands on something new to investigate. "It sounds like it's a pretty powerful energy field when it is working… If it can cover the whole village...Well there's good potential for it being useful to us."
Vala took over: "The pillar we saw on the way in, that's where it activates but it's not working for some reason. Apparently this Lord Maltus appeared just over a year ago, but when Cansalla tried to turn the Shield on, nothing happened."
Cameron said, "That's what Cansalla told me too. This Maltus guy's been bothering these folks every season since demanding 'tributes'." He added physical speech marks to emphasise his disgust. "Cansalla's husband said his demands are becoming more and more unreasonable."
Teal'c said, "I spoke to Cansalla's son, Brin, and a youth called Saurun. They said that Lord Maltus shot fire from the sky and destroyed several trees at the edge of the village to warn them what could happen if they did not provide what he demanded. The older men I spoke to appeared angry but uncertain of how they could fight against such an advanced enemy." He frowned at the rest of his team. "This is an enemy without honour. We must endeavour to rid these people of this coward!"
"You know how I just hate a bully," Cameron said, "But let's not rush in to anything precipitous Teal'c. Watch, wait and plan well, that's my motto."
Teal'c nodded, accepting his commander's words…for now.
"What about Madrianna?" Cameron asked, turning towards Daniel. "You seemed to have spent the whole evening jawing with her, Jackson. Did she tell you anything useful?"
Daniel nodded. "She communicates regularly with someone she thinks is Merlin. I'm not sure whether she means she has visions or someone visits her or maybe a bit of both. There's a place in the village called Merlin's Hall where she goes to seek his advice.
"She said that a few days ago, Merlin told her that five strangers would appear in the village. That they would arrive in time for the woman with raven hair…" He paused, as everyone glanced at Vala: she dropped her eyes uncomfortable with their attention and with the knowledge that at least part of her own dream had already come true. Daniel continued, "For her to heal the little girl, Hana, and that they would conquer the elements and restore the Shield.
"As to whom she's actually speaking…? Well, as far as we know, Merlin was in stasis for a thousand years before we found him and then he died helping us make the Sangraal so whoever it is I don't think it's Merlin."
"Do you think it's just a pre-programmed hologram talking to her?" Cameron asked.
Daniel shook his head. "I don't know. She seems to get very specific answers and messages from him. I don't think a hologram would be able to do that."
Vala mused: "Maybe some other Ancient's stepped in to fill the gap left by Merlin. You said Morgan le Fay pretended to be Merlin on Celestis, partly to confuse the other Ancients, partly because she thought you'd respond to Merlin, Daniel. Maybe there's an Ancient out there who likes to help humans when he can."
Daniel looked uneasy as unwelcome recollections came flooding back. He absently rubbed his temple, as if still trying to erase the memory of the Doci's voice. Abruptly, he came back to the present and Vala's suggestion. "Maybe…Anyway, whoever it is, he told her we would help and so the whole village is expecting us to go through Merlin's challenge!"
"Well, we can usually be expected to do our best in any situation!" Cameron declared. "Do you think we could try and talk to Merlin or whoever it is Madrianna talks to? Find out why us?"
Daniel said, "I'll ask Madrianna in the morning whether we can have an audience with Merlin. I guess it's worth a try."
Cameron nodded. "Okay. Anybody else got any other info we should know about?"
Teal'c spoke, "Brin said that there are three other villages all protected by Merlin's Shield. Their shields are still functioning. It only seems to have failed here."
"Well, if that's true, couldn't these people hide out with the neighbours when Maltus comes calling?" Cameron wondered.
Teal'c said, "Each village has only enough resources to support its own population. The other three have provided some food and materials to help this village appease Maltus's greed but they cannot do more. Saurun said that Cansalla was anxious Maltus might destroy the village and their storehouses if they all suddenly disappeared."
"Okay, I understand that…" Cameron frowned, "So we're absolutely sure no-one knows how this Shield thing works? Is it worth asking in the other villages?"
Sam said, "It's been working right for hundreds of years, Cam. If Merlin ever showed anyone how it worked, nobody remembers now."
Daniel said, "Merlin probably thought it would work until the people here were of sufficient technological advancement to work it out for themselves…or that someone like us would come along and show them."
Cameron asked, "Any idea where the Shield is located?"
Daniel replied, "Madrianna said the heart of Merlin's Shield is under Quietus Mons, the Sleeping Mountain, and can only be found by those who are worthy."
Cameron grimaced. "Tell me something new! Look, I know Merlin, the Lanteans and the Asgard all like to protect their technology from falling into the hands of the bad guys but why do they always have to make everything so complicated?" The group exchanged glances and Daniel shrugged.
Cameron sighed. "Okay so how do we find a way into the mountain?"
Daniel replied, "Well, the entrance is about five miles from the village. Apparently the villagers use the first part of the caverns as a rite-of-passage for the youngsters of each village. There's some sort of glacier that has to be got across. They work in pairs and, if they make it, both are considered adults from then on."
Vala echoed: "If they make it…"
Wondering at the anxiety in Vala's tone, Daniel said, "Madrianna said someone would take us as far as the cave entrance if we decide to try to reach Merlin's Shield."
Cameron nodded. "Well, you know me, I love a challenge!...I guess we're all agreed we want to help and if we can find some cool alien shield technology at the same time that's a bonus."
Everyone nodded agreement except Vala who bit her lip.
"Okay, Vala, what gives?" Cameron asked. "Teal'c said you'd been dreaming about this place…Is that why you knew to bring the healing device with you?"
Vala flashed a hurt look at Teal'c to which the Jaffa responded by bowing his head and saying softly, "Forgive me but I thought it was time for you to speak."
Vala nodded and said, "Yes, you're right, Teal'c. Something I've dreamt about might be important." She looked down at her hands before continuing, "I had the same dream for several nights before we came here. I dreamt about the little girl, Hana, that she was ill and needed my help…Everything in my dream has been the same so far…the way the planet looks, the twin moons, the village…"
Cameron, Sam and Daniel's faces registered varying degrees of surprise. Sam asked, "Why didn't you tell us about your dreams before we came?"
Vala looked uncomfortable. "Last time I had a specific dream, Adria had somehow put it in my mind…I guess I was worried you would think I was being controlled by some alien influence and you'd leave me behind…"
Cameron looked thoughtful. "So what else do you see in this dream?"
"I see an archway made of ice…It's very difficult to cross…maybe that's the glacier Madrianna mentioned to Daniel." She rubbed her face wearily then continued, "Then we try to cross a cavern where the ground's covered with tiles with writing on. We have to step on the right tiles or the floor opens up to reveal pits filled with spikes…then I wake up each time."
Cameron frowned. "I'm not sure I believe dreams can tell the future but then we've seen a whole lot of crazy stuff out there so who knows…I guess an Ancient could make you dream something specific if they wanted to…although wouldn't that be against the non-interference rule?" he asked, looking at Daniel.
The archaeologist's face had a faraway look on it as he remembered his last encounter with the young Harsesis child, Sha're's child. "Dreams teach…," he said softly. "Shifu used a dream to teach me something important."
"I read that file," Cameron said. "You had some crazy dream about what would happen if anyone was exposed to the full force of his Goa'uld genetic memory. Right?…Didn't Shifu say that Oma Desala had taught him how to forget...and I seem to recall Sam saying that Oma seemed to have taught him some other ascended Ancient stuff too, like the whole 'glowy-floating-down-corridors-and-turning-on-the-Stargate-without-a-DHD' thing."
Daniel nodded: amazed once again at Cameron's encyclopaedic knowledge of every mission SG-1 had ever been on. "Yes, that's right. He told me he'd been taught by Oma Desala how to manipulate dreams so I guess that's something any ascended being could do."
Teal'c interrupted quietly. "Do not forget it was something you yourself were able to do while you were ascended, Daniel Jackson." He shared a private look with his younger friend. "And it was for my wellbeing."
Sam, Vala and Cameron looked at each other mystified. "I don't remember reading no report about that, Teal'c," his CO said.
Teal'c raised an eyebrow. "O'Neill believed it was not relevant to his report on his escape from torture at the hands of Ba'al and in my own case…at the time, I was not certain of my memory but later I came to realise that it was indeed so."
Everyone looked at Daniel with something verging on a new respect. He cleared his throat self-consciously. It was time to get the conversation back on track. "So we know manipulating dreams is something ascended beings can do. Maybe it is another Ancient posing as Merlin here and maybe he used a dream to show Vala something we need to know to get through this quest."
"Forewarned is forearmed, as they say." Cameron stifled a yawn. "If what Vala's seen is correct, then at least we've got some idea of what to expect on this quest."
Vala winced at the painful memory from her dream that she could not bring herself to share with the others and stood up abruptly. "I'm going to get some air."
As she left the room, Sam asked Teal'c, "Did she see something else in this dream of hers? There's something she's not saying and I can see it's really worrying her."
Teal'c nodded. "Vala Mal Doran believed one of us was badly hurt when the cavern floor opened up."
"Okay so we'll have to be extra careful on that challenge." Cameron stood up and stretched. "Well, I guess we should think about getting some shut-eye so we're all on the ball tomorrow…One of us should see if she's all right," he inclined his head towards the door then he and Sam looked at Daniel with a hint of humour on their faces but he seemed not to notice.
Daniel was too busy thinking about Vala to realise that they could see right through him. If people thought Vala was Daniel's shadow, they knew that he was her protector, best friend and something that hadn't quite been defined…yet. Oblivious to their knowing looks, he stared after her: worrying about her; disliking the way she seemed to have lost her usual sparkle and was surrounded by an air of fear and…grief? He grabbed a couple of jackets and said, "I'll go and see if Vala's all right."
"There you go!" Cameron said to Sam. "Knew it wouldn't take long."
Daniel hauled his jacket on as he pushed his way through the heavy curtains and opened one of the solid wooden doors. He found Vala just outside, shivering in the cold night air: her breath turning opaque as it hit the below freezing temperature surrounding the village.
Small flakes of snow were drifting down over the settlement, filling the ruts in the road and covering the roofs. Silently, Daniel wrapped the thick white jacket around Vala and regarded her with concerned eyes.
Her profile, outlined against the light spilling from the un-shuttered window of the communal hall, looked strained and she looked as if she might have been crying. Daniel found himself compelled by an urge to comfort her and tentatively put an arm around her. "Want to talk about what's worrying you?"
"No." The harshness of Vala's answer was softened when she slipped her hand into his free one and leaned against him. Daniel kept quiet, enjoying the growing closeness between them, and waited for her to confide in him. Moments passed and still she didn't say anything. Open up, Vala. Please tell me what's on your mind.
He knew something was eating away at her. A thought passed through his mind: a glimmer of understanding coming from somewhere at the back of his psyche, from the place where he kept thoughts to do with Vala carefully locked away. Keeping his voice low, he said, "In the dream, when the floor opened up, who got hurt? Was it me?"
"You must really fancy yourself, Daniel, if you think I've been dreaming about you!" Vala said with some of her usual feistiness then she sighed. Still refusing to look at him, she nevertheless squeezed his hand in confirmation. Daniel wondered what to say next but realised she was shivering even with her parka wrapped around her so instead he said, "Let's go inside and get warmed up. Okay?"
Vala nodded and let Daniel lead her back to join the others. They shrugged off their jackets and went and stood close to the fire. Teal'c was sat on his sleeping bag, meditating. Sam had disappeared for the moment and Cameron appeared to have crawled into his bag and fallen asleep already. Daniel had noticed before that Cameron just seemed to have the ability to turn off and crash out at will.
Vala stared into the flames, arms tightly wound round her body trying to get warm. She was a little surprised when Daniel wrapped a blanket around her and for the second time that evening drew her close, cocooning her in his arms. His breath grazed her ear as he whispered, "Everything's going to be okay, you know."
Vala moved her arms so that they were encircling his waist and rested her head on his shoulder. "I'm scared, Daniel. So far everything we've seen and done has been exactly as I dreamed. I wish we'd never come here."
Daniel pulled away from her enough to touch her face gently so that he could make eye contact with her. "Wherever this dream comes from, you wouldn't be having it, if it wasn't supposed to help us get through the challenges ahead. Whatever you've seen is just a warning. The future's not written in stone."
"You really believe that?" Vala searched his face wishing she could feel even half as confident as he sounded.
Daniel's voice was absolutely sure as he said, "Yes. You'll see. You'll be glad you had that dream when we've successfully completed the challenge and helped protect these people."
He sounded so certain that Vala found herself almost believing him. She tried to shrug off her dark mood. "Thanks for the pep talk, Daniel…Let's hope you're right."