Okay so here is chapter 4. Thanks very much again for your reviews and encouragement. They have been like water in the desert and I think I might be slowly coming out of my writer's block, but not sure. Seems I have created something challenging for me to keep up with. So thanks very much to my beta and thanks for any reviews or encouragement you continue to provide. I honestly cannot express how great it feels to have people like your story and care enough to give feedback even if it is critical. I still don't own any of the characters not mine, but sure wish I did! Here goes…

Chapter Four-Visions

Sheppard wanted his presence to not be disruptive but he and everyone else realized that was like wishing the Wraith away. It was that way everywhere he went since his arrival on Ilium, so he learned to make the appearance and get that done then everyone could just move on. With the return of the Pegasi and the upcoming wedding, the pomp and circumstance had risen to new heights and had almost become uncomfortable again. The military was at full strength and everyone from the scientists to the farmers were all working to prepare for battle. He had sent scouts out to gather information for his next move. Everyone was on a high right now and he allowed himself to enjoy it. There had been too many lows throughout his career and he knew there would be more.

"Your Royal Highness, they are waiting." Sheppard sighed slightly. Time to turn on king mode. He felt the weight of the robe on his shoulders and looked down and smiled. His boots were amazingly shiny…a testament to the fact that he no longer was in charge of any of his official clothing-and most of his daily clothing, for that matter. He saw one of muddy field boots haphazardly thrown under a chair. The valet had missed it. He almost laughed at the absurdity of the contrast between those boots and the wardrobe he had on.

He felt the crown's weight as it was placed on his head. Thankfully it was still the smaller one, but he knew he would have a headache tonight. He smiled as he turned and then, with a quick nod of thanks, he headed toward the open door of his chambers. A small contingent of the imperial guard was there waiting-Tristan, Lorne, Gaius, and Etienne as well as the Guardian Saphides. Apparently Tristan and Lorne had wasted no time in joining forces, their jobs essentially the same. They were a strike team but they all had agreed that protecting Sheppard was a primary duty and all else was additional. It was not how he saw it, but no one seemed to care. A contingent seemed to follow him most everywhere since the mess with Erebus-at least on official functions-and he decided he didn't like it, but no one seemed to care very much about that either and so here they were. They bowed deeply at his presence and then followed discreetly behind. They would walk to the ceremony then their horses would be brought to them to follow behind the carriage for a trip around the village before heading for the ball.

The halls were empty and all Sheppard could hear were their boots tapping on the polished ornate cream floors. Two men opened the door for him out into the courtyard and they headed toward the royal chapel. Sheppard had stayed at all of his residences, or castles as O'Neill called them, on each of his worlds, but he had a fondness for Arcadia. He felt more connected here and perhaps this was because Evander had made his main home here as well. There was a large crowd of well-wishers from the village and they cheered when they saw him. The general palace guard had cordoned them off to make a clear path for all the guests attending the service but they waved and Sheppard smiled and waved back. He knew a number of the faces as he would go to the town when he could. He was almost embarrassed that there had been some very American and other Earth recipes turning up in the cafes and bakeries-although some of that was not just because of him but also because of the exchange with the crew on Atlantis. He did a double take when he saw someone in the crowd he had not seen for some time. He went straight toward the man leaving his guard behind. Lorne rolled his eyes and stopped. Tristan sensed Lorne's annoyance and turned back. He grinned when he saw Sheppard talking to someone. He and the other Pegasi monitored the crowd but kept their distance. It was easy to sense the villager's thoughts and he felt no ill will. This planet felt so much different than Earth. Reading the thoughts of the people from Earth was like trying to sort through different symphonies playing at once. Here it was one symphony with individual players all playing for one conductor. Tristan had no doubt that the lack of a Wraith threat had allowed the Earth humans to bloom with independence. The worlds of the Armentarii, though, were interdependent but that could change and evolve with the influence now of the Earth humans and, in particular, Sheppard. He was curious as to what the other planets of Pegasus had become. He watched Sheppard's interaction curiously.

"Pirate," Sheppard said quietly, "I have not seen you for a long time."

Dragan bowed deeply as Sheppard approached and he remained partially so as he looked up at the king. "It has been too long, my lord. You are looking well."

Sheppard grinned. "Thank you. How are your men?"

Dragan held his head up high. "We have been training my lord and our numbers have increased. We have had no trouble recruiting." Dragan kept taking quick glances over toward Tristan and the others. Sheppard raised an eyebrow and turned his head.

"Impressive, aren't they," Sheppard quipped.

Dragan smiled in embarrassment. "We have heard that they had returned, my lord."

Tristan would you please come here?

Tristan bowed slightly and strode toward Sheppard. He bowed again. "Yes, my lord?"

Sheppard turned to Dragan. "Tristan, this is Dragan, my Chief Pirate." Tristan chuckled softly a moment then frowned slightly as Sheppard shared his memories quickly. Tristan's countenance relaxed and he eyed Dragan curiously.

"It is a pleasure to meet you Dragan," Tristan finally said. It was an odd picture with the impressively large Pegasi looking down and shaking the hand of the short and stout Pirate.

"Yes sir," Dragan said nervously.

"Tristan, would you please have Seamus meet with Dragan's men? I do not know if we will need a navy, but there are no better sailors and I want them considered for contingencies."

"Of course, your Royal Highness."

Sheppard smiled at Dagan. "You'll like Seamus. He would enjoy sailing again."

"Aye he would," Tristan said from behind Sheppard. We must go my lord.

Sheppard rubbed his temple. Yes, today would be a headache day. "Have to go to a wedding. It was good seeing you, Pirate. I suspect I will see you again soon."

Dragan bowed again deeply. "Yes, my lord." Dragan watched the king leave. It had been too long. He had heard of the king's troubles when there had been an attempt on his life, but he had not met with the king for some time. He was different-but also the same. He waited until he could no longer see Sheppard then turned to leave and give his men the news.

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A horn announced the king's arrival. Teyla turned and watched as Sheppard strode in. She knew he thought this unnecessary. It was not his wedding and he thought the pomp surrounding him was dispensable, but he no longer protested as he had when he had first become king. His expression was relaxed and his eyes intense. The light caught the small jewels of his crown. He walked confidently and formally. She wondered if the carefree slouch he once carried was something he had trained himself in because this Sheppard and his manner seemed so natural. She had waited to see if he would change-if power would overtake him as it had taken so many before. Yet he seemed easy with it; and other than what happened after Erebus, he was still the same self-effacing, humble man at heart. He must have sensed her because he looked up at her. His face, though aged slightly since she had first met him, still held its boyishness and when he looked at her with a smile in his eyes her heart leaped. She sat with her Atlantis and Armentarian friends who had been invited. Caldwell did not seem to have any other family and like Sheppard and even O'Neill, he had formed his own family amongst the people he fought alongside. Sheppard sat with the Guardians and other members of the guardian families. She was watching him when a movement to her right caught the corner of her eye.

"He is looking quite regal today, isn't he?"

Teyla turned to Elizabeth Weir. "He is, Elizabeth. He will be happy to see you. I thought you might not make it in time."

Weir smiled. "Are you kidding? There was no way I was going to miss Steven getting married. I thought my trip home could wait a couple of days."

Teyla was about to say something when music announced the arrival of the wedding party. The chapel had been decorated in light blue, cream, and silver decorations and the smell of flowers filled her senses. First Caldwell walked in. He wore a tailored black suit much like the one Sheppard wore, though less ornate. Silver lined the collar and cuffs and a light blue and cream sash fell from his right shoulder to the left. There were a few medals and a unique medallion on his left chest. She leaned in toward Weir. "Viscount Caldwell looks very handsome."

"He does," Weir beamed. She was very happy that Caldwell had settled and had found some happiness and peace. It seemed that everyone had a place here except maybe her. In some ways she was caught between the IOA and Sheppard, but Woolsey had kept the peace for now. She decided to reserve her worry for another day and just enjoy herself.

O'Neill followed behind Caldwell. Teyla smiled when he walked by and winked slightly. He wore an outfit similar to Caldwell's but with a white sash. Teyla lost herself in the ceremony. It was long and formal and very unlike the ones of her people. She wondered if this was what it would be like when she married John. She suspected it would be even longer and more formal than this ceremony. She sighed. Her feelings for John were strong and she loved him more than she could imagine, but she doubted her ability to be his queen. It was not that she thought ill of this lifestyle or of these people because they were wonderful, but she was not used to the ornateness and grandness. She wondered what her role would be. She was a warrior and the leader of her people but was that not Sheppard's role now that the Athosians were under the protection of his planets? She pulled herself from her thoughts in time to hear Caldwell and the Lady Shimon pronounced husband and wife. She wondered how long she had been lost in thought. The ceremony was not yet over as there was music and more words and readings. She looked up and felt her cheeks get hot when she saw John staring at her. He smiled briefly then turned his attention back to the ceremony. After several more minutes, it came to a conclusion, and the wedding party started to file out.

"That was beautiful."

Teyla turned to Weir. "Yes it was. Very beautiful." Long, but beautiful.

Weir looked at Teyla as the Athosian watched the family leave. "How are the plans for your wedding coming along?"

Teyla smiled and looked slightly embarrassed. Weir leaned in as they spoke.

"We really have not discussed it much," Teyla whispered discretely. "We have had little time together and have not yet set a date."

"Well there is plenty of time," Weir said quietly as they left the church. She watched as Caldwell and his bride entered a coach and waved to the cheering crowd. She saw Sheppard also waving to the crowd before mounting his horse. Zorthos pranced as the cheers grew louder. Sheppard smiled as he patted the horse's neck and pulled the reigns to gain more control. He looked up and Weir smiled as he glanced at her and his gazed shifted to Teyla where it settled. "Plenty of time," Weir reiterated. "But now…it's been a while since I have been to a party here."

Teyla laughed. "Then let us go celebrate."

Tristan emptied his cup and sat it on the table. "O'Neill, do you not dance?"

"Oh I can cut the rug as well as anyone else. I actually did a dance or two with Elizabeth, but I prefer sampling the cuisine."

Tristan raised his eyebrows and looked across the room. "Then you and Dr. McKay seem to have this in common."

O'Neill sputtered what he was drinking. He set the glass down. "I wouldn't go that far."

Tristan scanned the room looking for Sheppard. He saw the king dancing with someone he had not met. "It seems that the king has no difficulty finding dance partners."

"No. No he doesn't," O'Neill said. He saw Teyla standing next to Weir and she was smiling as she watched Sheppard. "But there is only one partner that matters."

Tristan followed O'Neill eyes and smiled. "Yes. So it seems." The Ancient could sense her emotions and her love for Sheppard though he would not intrude on her thoughts. "I have heard that they are engaged."

"They are. No date or anything yet. Things have been busy."

Tristan leaned back and watched as Sheppard walked over to Teyla and took her hand just as the musicians began a new piece of music. "It was very challenging for Evander and Ilian. There were many blissful days but then the battles began and they saw each other less and less; but they never wavered in their love for each other or their belief that they would see each other again."

O'Neill sighed but said nothing. His thoughts lingered on someone special to him, and he wondered if he would ever be able to find happiness the way Caldwell had. He watched Teyla and Sheppard for a while until he mentally sensed something dark and foreboding. He looked more closely at Sheppard and turned to Tristan, but the Pegasi was already moving toward Sheppard. Being the military man that he was, O'Neill could see, out of the corner of his eye, the other Pegasi as well as the Guardian Sarik moving toward the king as well. O'Neill could "hear" Tristan mentally giving orders. While he and Tristan continued to move toward Sheppard, the others had begun to clear a path.

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"Are you not tired of dancing, John?" Teyla asked quietly.

"Not yet. I would love to go sit somewhere in a corner with you and just talk but…"

"No one will leave us alone," she finished for him.

"Right." He ignored the others watching them and held her a little closer. "What did you think of the ceremony?"

"It was beautiful. I am so happy for both of them."

Sheppard grinned. "Yeah, it was pretty great. I bet he is glad it is over."

She looked at him with smiling eyes. "I suppose we will not be able to have a quiet ceremony."

"The Guardians won't hear of it."

"You do understand that we will also have a traditional Athosian ceremony?"

He looked panicked for a second. "How long does it last?" he asked quickly.

She smiled broader. "It is quite simple but beautiful-and short."

He sighed with relief. "Thank goodness, because I have a feeling that as long as Caldwell's ceremony was today…"

"Ours would be longer." The music had ended and she stepped away from him for a second. She was going to ask him something as he reached for her, but he froze when he grabbed her hand. "John, what is it?"

Sheppard saw flashes of her with a Wraith hand about to come down on her. His breath quickened and his heart raced as he saw her crying out.

"John," Teyla asked again, concerned. She was moving forward when all of a sudden O'Neill and Tristan were by Sheppard's side. "Follow", Tristan said simply. A few guests had turned and were watching, though many seemed unaware. She smiled as she followed behind them though she was worried. The look in Sheppard's eyes was one of panic, yet distant-much as it was when he touched the stones. She followed behind Tristan and O'Neill, who had either of Sheppard's arms, as they walked quickly along the discrete path the other Pegasi had made. Three of the Guardians were standing by the door. She could sense their concern. Though no one was speaking to her directly, she could tell that they were speaking to each other by the almost perfect synchronization of their actions. They escorted Sheppard into another room and it was Lorne who closed the door after them. Sheppard was saying nothing but clutched his head; and his legs seemed to weaken as he stumbled slightly. Tristan grabbed Sheppard by the shoulders and Teyla stood by next to O'Neill.

Sheppard slowly fell to his knees. With one hand he clutched Tristan's left arm and with the other he supported his weight, palm to the floor.

"My lord!" Tristan said trying to look into Sheppard's eyes. "What is happening? What do you see?"

Teyla could hear Sheppard gasping and muttering something but she did not understand what he was actually saying.

She felt something brush by her and saw Sarik, Sauriko and Saphides move toward Sheppard. Tristan looked at them and they nodded almost imperceptibly.

Tristan reached out to Sheppard's mind and exhaled at the images. He retreated from them, as they were overpowering, but he stayed in Sheppard's mind and squeezed Sheppard's arm. "I am here, my lord. What you see is not real. It is not happening." What you see is not real. What you see is not happening. Let it pass through you.

Sheppard said nothing but slowly raised his head up and looked into Tristan's eyes. The Ancient held firmly to Sheppard. "I am here, my lord. We are all here. Let what you see pass."

Sheppard shut his eyes and tried to relax the muscles in his face. His head hurt but he focused on slowing his heart and his breathing. It was so real and it tore him apart. He took a moment longer and wiped a tear from his eye. He met Tristan's warm eyes then looked around. "What's this? Why the fuss?" He asked. His embarrassment was displayed as annoyance. He pushed Tristan away then stood up. The three present Guardians stepped back respectfully but kept a gentle connection to his mind. Tristan bowed. "My lord, are you alright?"

Sheppard looked at him from the corner of his eyes. "Yes. Of course I am. Thanks." Sheppard walked over to Teyla and offered his arm to her. She smiled as she took it but was still concerned. Sheppard turned around. "We have a party to go to." With that Sheppard walked out. The whole event lasted nearly 10 minutes and then it was as if nothing had happened. O'Neill looked around the room wondering what had actually happened so he approached Tristan and asked exactly that. "What the hell was all that about? One minute everything is hunky dory then I get this nauseous feeling like a warning signal that something is up with Sheppard. What is going on?"

Tristan looked at the open door where Sheppard had exited with Teyla. "I do not know, my friend. I am not sure-only that the king was seeing something."

O'Neill looked at Tristan skeptically. "Seeing what?"

"I cannot tell if it was something of his past, or just something from the knowledge transfer." Tristan had another thought but kept it to himself because he did not think it probable. It was not part of Evander's wishes that his heir be able to see the future. It was too dangerous and a volatile gift that was more of a curse. Evander did not have this ability, and chose not to develop it; and neither did any of the Pegasi. O'Neill's voice broke him from his thoughts.

"Well whatever it was. It certainly was not a happy thought," the general observed.

Tristan saw vaguely the images in Sheppard's head but not enough to know more of what was happening.

The Guardians were talking quietly as they processed the images that Tristan had shared with them. Saphides turned and spoke with deep concern. "We must keep an eye on him until we know exactly what this was about."

O'Neill wanted to say "duh" but restrained himself. He thought Sheppard was in the free and clear with weird events and knowledge transfers It had been months since anything like this had happened. He went back out to the party and Sheppard and Teyla had made their way back to the dance floor. He made his way over to Weir to discretely keep an eye on Sheppard while the Guardians talked with Tristan and the other Pegasi.

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"John," Teyla asked quietly. She did not want to annoy him but she was still concerned. She could sense that he was not completely relaxed around her and she saw him occasionally steal glances around the room. "Are you sure you are alright?"

She saw a flash of annoyance cross his face, but it quickly vanished and he smiled at her. His eyes brightened but she saw something behind them…a haunted look. "I am, Teyla. Guess I'm just tired. It's been a long day and I didn't get much sleep; plus this crown is giving me a headache."

She squeezed a hand and accepted his diversion for now. She knew there was more to what happened than he was willing to say, but she would be patient. "Perhaps you should retire. It may give others who also may be tired an opportunity to make their exit. They will not leave before you."

He sighed. Stupid protocol-but then thought again. Most of the time at similar events when he was in the Air Force, it was the highest-ranking officer who usually left first. After that, the party either really got started, people began to leave, or both.

"Yeah. Maybe you're right. How about you?"

"I am going to visit with Elizabeth a little longer since she will be heading back tomorrow."

He smiled, stepped back and kissed her hand. He tilted his head slightly. "My lady, you look beautiful tonight."

Teyla smiled as she bowed her head slightly. "Thank you your majesty. You do not…how do they say…look so bad yourself."

He laughed and she took his arm as he escorted her toward Weir and O'Neill.

"General, I am heading out. Ready to hit the sack."

"Oh thank goodness," O'Neill said. "My feet hurt and Elizabeth was trying to get me to do the jitter bug or something like that."

Weir slapped O'Neill on the arm. "General O'Neill! I did no such thing. The jitter bug was before my time."

O'Neill frowned. "Oh. Well. Whatever. I am ready to hit the hay as well. How about we go say goodnight to Caldwell."

"Good idea," Sheppard said. "See you ladies tomorrow. Elizabeth we should have lunch before you leave."

Sheppard was tired and he pretended not to see O'Neill giving him a once over. They headed toward Caldwell who seemed to be having a great time talking with several of his new family members. They all stopped and bowed when he approached. "Your majesty," Caldwell said with a smile. "Hope you are enjoying the party."

"Yeah, it really is great. I haven't eaten or danced as much since, well a long time. I am beat, so I wanted to give my congratulations and say good night."

Caldwell stepped forward and shook his hand. "Thanks, your majesty."

"Welcome to the family, Steven," Sheppard said softly. He turned toward O'Neill. "Guess we have a new cousin, General."

O'Neill stepped forward and took Caldwell's hand and patted him on the back. "Well we didn't have a bald guy so…perfect." Caldwell laughed. "Congratulations, Steven," O'Neill continued more seriously. "I am really happy for you and glad that you are staying here with us more permanently."

"Thanks, Jack," Caldwell quietly said. "I am too."

With a final pat on Caldwell's back, O'Neill turned to walk out with Sheppard. The music stopped as they turned to leave and the trumpets played Sheppard's tune. The entire room bowed or curtsied. Sheppard said his thanks and asked them to continue to celebrate without him. The trumpets signaled again and Sheppard made his retreat with O'Neill close behind. Tristan and Lorne were waiting nearby, and Sheppard could sense the Guardians watching him.

"Must they always play that?" Sheppard asked annoyed as the music finished.

O'Neill shrugged. "Well, look at it this way, it's like "Hail to the Chief" for the President of the United States."

Sheppard snorted softly. "I guess." Sheppard turned to Tristan and Lorne. "The imperial guard is not required to escort me to my quarters. Really. Please rejoin the party."

Lorne looked at Tristan then back at Sheppard. "Uh, sir. We were actually using you as an excuse to kind of…make our exit." Tristan nodded in agreement.

"Oh," Sheppard said sheepishly. "Sorry. Of course. In that case, I require your escort to my quarters."

"Of course, my lord," Tristan said as he opened a door for Sheppard.

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Sheppard said nothing as his valet removed his crown and robe. He repressed a groan as he felt the difference on his shoulders and head when the weight was no longer on him. The valet moved quickly and left sensing that Sheppard wanted to be alone. Sheppard was glad that Samsus had left for Ilium after the ceremony to prepare for his departure for Atlantis tomorrow. He was not sure if his mentor had sensed his earlier distress or not but Samsus and Tristan had seem to come to some sort of agreement with monitoring him and helping him. Although they held counsel together, many times if Samsus was gone, Tristan was around more and vice versa. Sheppard sat down in the large chair by his bed and tried to relax, but it was not working. He stood and looked outside. It was still early and the moon was bright and he smiled as he heard a whinny. Tristan and O'Neill had rode with him through the gate so Zorthos was here. He turned and left the room. A moonlight ride would be great.

He made his way to the stable unnoticed. Most everyone was at the ceremony or had retired for the night. Zorthos, of course, impatiently reared when he saw Sheppard coming. "Shhh. Keep still boy. Let's go for a quiet ride-without anyone else, just like we use to do. "

Zorthos snorted and pushed his nose into Sheppard's chest but otherwise stood patiently. Sheppard mounted and they trotted out of the paddock area. He looked behind and could see through the grand windows of the main castle. There were many people still there dancing. He gently prodded Zorthos and they raced off over the hill.

Sheppard enjoyed the freedom of riding alone. Though he had accepted less freedom since becoming king, he reveled in the few private moments he had-and they had become fewer and fewer. His chambers were a refuge but he enjoyed being outside. He raced toward the coast. Evander had the good sense to build his castles near the oceans. He must have enjoyed them just as Sheppard did. Maybe that was genetic too. Zorthos snorted with excitement and was eager to run faster. Sheppard let the reins go a little and he felt Zorthos change gears. Sheppard listened to the horse's rhythmic breathing and the pounding of hooves on the beach.

After a few minutes, he was going to pull back on the reins and slow to a walk when images seared his mind again. He saw a Wraith holding Teyla while another prepared to feed. Tell us where he is human. Tell us where he is. They did this over and over. They killed her then brought her back to life then did it again. He clutched his head and was oblivious to dropping the reins. He no longer heard Zorthos or was aware of what was going on around him.

Zorthos raced away from the beach and back towards the forest-enjoying the new freedom as his master set the reins loose. The giant black horse increased his speed until he sensed the anguish from his master. He instinctively began to slow but the momentum of his rider did not slow and he felt the weight lifted from his back. Zorthos heard a crashing sound and came to a complete stop. He turned toward his master's smell and stood next to him unmoving. He sensed the human's pain but could only nicker in support. Zorthos stomped the ground and neighed as his master twisted and grunted in the pile of brush. When Sheppard was still, Zorthos moved up slowly and softly touched the man with his nose. He knew his master was injured and Zorthos stood his ground to keep a watchful eye.

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I have not yet started chapter 5 but will get on it as soon as I can!