Well here you go. Record time compared to all my other chapters. Goodness, I had no clue that I have been working on this for two years. I appreciate your reviews, favorites, PMs, follows etc. I promise to keep plugging. Thanks to my beta highonscifi and to each of you. I tried to respond to your feedback when I could but some were guest or did not allow replies but I cherished them as well!
Chapter 8- A King's Power
It was a quiet trip to the White House but, thankfully, very quick. O'Neill had alerted Thor-much to Tristan's surprise and glee, having thought the Asgard lost to them forever.
It was an advantage having a ship like the Scabuer that could be hidden from plain sight and also from radar. However, Sheppard was right. No one would trust them because of this technology and someone would always want it. Sheppard nodded to Gaius, who took the controls.
"Okay," Sheppard said quietly, "Looks like the President is up late. Gaius, recall Seamus and our belongings then standby in case we need you. General O'Neill, Lorne, Lord Tristan and I will inform the President that we are leaving."
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Crowley did not hear them enter, only sensed something…dark and sad and angry. He rubbed his temple as he looked up and stood up immediately in shock.
Sheppard looked a mess and O'Neill and Tristan did not look much better. They had weapons pointed down to the ground. "John!" Crowley said moving away form the desk, "What…what has happened?"
Sheppard looked directly at Crowley. His eyes were glistening and he was tired, but the anger was unmistakable. Crowley approached cautiously and spoke very slowly. "John…what happened?"
"Dr. Weir is dead," said looking beyond Crowley as he spoke then directly at the president.
"What?! How?"
Sheppard did not hesitate and showed Crowley rather then spoke. He was still numb, but sharing the memories threatened to bring it back to the surface. Crowley staggered a moment and grabbed the desk to steady himself.
If having his mind invaded by Sheppard's memories bothered the president, he did not say. The images were devastating and overwhelming. He knew at that moment that John Sheppard would never belong to Earth. No one could have that ability and remain here unbothered. In fact, he probably never belonged to Earth. "I am so sorry John. I…I did not know."
Sheppard knew this to be the truth, but it made no difference. He got to the point. "We are removing the Stargates from Earth. We will not allow travel to Atlantis or Pegasus from Earth. If anyone wishes to leave our worlds they will be transported back via ship at our earliest convenience." His tone was hard and empty.
"You can't do this John, we will be sitting ducks!" The Goauld and the ORI were not an active threat but there was always a possibility of a resurgence.
"You don't understand. There are Wraith on Earth. Maybe a small number, but they are being led by the person responsible for all of this. I can't let Pegasus be threatened and we can't fight on two fronts. If you need help, it will be here, but there are not enough to be a threat to Earth if you can unite and get things under control."
"What do you mean, you have no right to do this!"
"I have every right to protect my people. It is Earth that has ruined this relationship!"
"But you said we have Wraith on Earth," Crowley added weakly.
"The bigger threat is the one leading them."
"Who is he?"
Sheppard was about to say something when the office door opened unexpectedly.
"Gareth! We have terrible news," Crowley said looking around Sheppard.
Lorne had been watching it all, and at that moment time seemed to slow down. He saw Sheppard turn slowly and realization flashed across the king's face all at once.
"You," Sheppard growled. He was standing square and his fists were clenched, and Lorne instantly knew that this was the one responsible for everything. The Vice-President had been leading this all along. He had manipulated the IOA, used LaPierre and killed Elizabeth.
"You are responsible for all of this!" Sheppard targeted his mind toward Gareth who immediately went to his knees. He pushed through the man's mind to learn more but only made it so far before Gareth managed to put up some defenses and push back. Nonetheless, Sheppard had seen enough. He looked down at Gareth in disgust.
"Your mind is not as strong as you think," Sheppard said coldly. Tristan knew that the king had taken Gareth's thoughts. The coldness of the king's mind is what concerned him. There was a darkness that continued to linger. As Tristan scanned Gareth's mind-though he could not read it now that his defenses were up-there was a familiar darkness there. It was as if wherever that part of Sheppard came from, it had the same flavor as Gareth.
"What the hell is going on?!" Crowley said moving next to Sheppard. "John, what are you doing?"
Sheppard turned and shared his thoughts. It had become so much easier than trying to explain with words.
"Gareth? Is this true, why have you done this?"
"I don't need to explain anything to you," Lorne heard Gareth say just as he saw movement to his own right. He had seen that agent before with the Vice President. Before he had time to react, gunshots rang out and Lorne went down. Tristan and O'Neill both focused on that threat when a shot rang from behind them. Tristan turned in time to see Sheppard pulling down the President. In the chaos somehow Gareth slipped out knocking O'Neill in the face on the way out. Five seconds of all hell breaking loose-then it was over.
"I'm fine John, thank you," Tristan heard Crowley say just as he saw O'Neill pulling himself up shakily to check on Lorne. Tristan was going to help O'Neill as Lorne appeared badly injured when he heard a grunt. He wheeled around toward the president. Crowley was looking down at his shirt where there was a red stain that was unmistakably blood. The President looked up at Sheppard then up at Tristan. "It's not mine."
Tristan quickly knelt next to Sheppard who was coughing slightly. "I'm okay," the king managed. Tristan ran his hands over Sheppard's head, neck and shoulders. He lifted his hand away from Sheppard's shoulder and it was red. "Aye. You're fine alright."
Sheppard let Tristan remove his vest until he heard a gurgle and O'Neill trying to assist Lorne.
"Hang in there buddy," O'Neill said with a wince as he pressed down on Lorne's chest. O'Neill looked around and locked eyes with Tristan. "We need to go now!"
Lorne tried to speak but only looked frantic as he choked on his blood. "Don't worry son, Thor will get you fixed up pronto. " O'Neill reassured with a smile but blood was pumping through his fingers. Where the hell was Thor?
Lorne knew he was dying. The bullet had pierced his vest. He coughed up whatever blood had made his way to his throat but it did not matter as more quickly replaced it; and he heard himself cough again as he was choking on his own blood. It hurt to breathe but he wasn't a quitter and he fought to stay conscious even as he felt coldness sweeping across his body and the pain brought tears to his eyes.
"Your majesty, no!" Tristan shouted, but Sheppard mentally rebuffed him then turned his attention to Lorne.
O'Neill heard Tristan say something but did not turn his focus away from Lorne until he felt a presence next to him. Sheppard was on his knees as he gently pushed O'Neill to the side. The king was in obvious pain and the wound on his shoulder did not go unnoticed by O'Neill. "What the hell are you doing?" O'Neill said.
Sheppard did not reply as he placed his hand on Lorne's chest and spoke in Ancient. Lorne felt a presence and his eyes drifted toward Sheppard. He cried out he felt pressure on his chest. Lorne weakly placed his own hand over Sheppard's but did not move.
Your body is my body and your wounds my wounds. Do not be afraid because I will not let you go. I will not let you go.
Sheppard focused his mind on the wounds and directed energy to repairing the most urgent damage first. He willed cells to repair themselves and blood to clot where it was needed and to continue to flow elsewhere. He knew his XO had lost a lot of blood but that could be replaced. He never took his eyes off of Lorne and through his own fingers, he gave Lorne a part of himself-and Lorne's blood stopped pumping through them.
Lorne kept his eyes locked on Sheppard's. He felt the pain and the panic slowly dissipated. Warmth coursed through his body and he felt the light of life replace the coldness of the death he knew would have come. He did not know how long they had been there…it seemed forever and yet it could not have been. Sheppard's eyes watered and Lorne knew it was from the effort and the pain, perhaps his own or perhaps what he had taken from Lorne. Tears stained Lorne's own cheeks because he could feel Sheppard's mind connected to his own. The connection he felt at this moment was unlike anything he had ever experienced before. It was as if he and Sheppard had become…
Brothers. Sheppard whispered in Lorne's mind as the king sank back and Tristan was there to catch him.
"Fool boy," Tristan growled, "You have not been trained."
Sheppard grimaced as the pain in his shoulder flared at the movement. "No one else will die tonight," he managed to say. Crowley knelt down next to John as more Secret Service agents came rushing into the room, including the chief agent named Steiner. He had worked closely with the Pegasi on security for Sheppard. "Find the vice-president and Agent Baras," Crowley said.
"I beg your pardon sir?" Agent Steiner said.
"The vice president tried to kill me and these men saved me!"
Hard as it was to believe, Steiner did not doubt the look in the President's eyes and the scene before him. He immediately began alerting the others and was in pursuit.
Crowley looked over at Lorne then down to Sheppard. "John," he said quietly, "I am so sorry. What do I need to do?"
Sheppard looked up at Crowley. "Find him. Find Gareth and unite the nations again and disband the IOA. I'll come back then."
Tristan handed the president a ring and a paper with a number. "Use this when you have found Gareth."
Crowley did not have time to respond as Thor beamed them up. Crowley was left alone in the office except for a team of agents. He stared down at a pool of blood and tried to understand what, exactly, had happened in the last five minutes. He turned to one of the agents since no one else was in the office. "I need to speak to the Secretary of State."
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Sheppard knew he was not on Earth anymore. He looked immediately for Lorne, felt his mind and, although still injured, he knew Lorne would not die now. Sheppard smiled but was only vaguely aware of what was going on around him. It seemed chaotic and he managed to hear Tristan scolding him as pressure was applied to his shoulder. His own wound was not serious but he was aware that he was sick…saving Lorne had sapped him severely of his own energy and all he wanted to do was sleep.
O'Neill looked over at Sheppard and got a reassuring nod from Tristan. He felt a hand on his arm. "You look terrible General," Lorne whispered.
O'Neill smiled. A flash of a frantic, drowning and dying Lorne flashed in his mind but he shook it off. "Yeah well you don't look so great yourself."
Lorne managed a smile. He didn't feel great, but he was alive and felt a whole lot better than a couple of minutes ago. The Pegasi, Milinus, was working on him and Lorne knew the bullet was still in him, but he was not dying. "I would prefer not to complete your treatment here," Milinus said, "You are stable and I have given you something to mitigate your pain. You have been given a great gift."
"I know," Lorne whispered as he looked over toward Sheppard. He kept his eyes open long enough to see Milinus turn his attention to O'Neill's battered face.
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"Thor," Tristan said. Sheppard and Lorne were asleep and even O'Neill had been persuaded to rest. "We had thought you lost forever." The rest of the Pegasi had come through with only minor scrapes and had communicated that Orion had been initiated and they were on their way back to meet them at Atlantis once they spoke to the Pegasi that had remained behind. "I am so pleased to see you."
"It is also good to see you, Tristan of the Pegasi. It has been some time."
"Yes. The last we had heard was that you would soon cease to exist."
"Yes, we had thought this, but once King Armentarius had taken his throne, Dr. McKay was able to find a missing piece to what we required in our work. Col Samantha Carter and O'Neill helped us. We have been concerned with the direction Earth has been taking for some years, so we thought it best to 'lay low' as O'Neill says. We have also reconnected with our lost brethren in the Pegasus Galaxy. They had all but given up hope. I will be making contact with them."
"Do you plan to join our fight with the Wraith?"
"We owe a great debt to Evander's heir and to O'Neill, but we have agreed that we will support as needed and watch over Earth in the event it becomes disconnected from Pegasus."
"Yes," Tristan said leaning back in his chair. "The King has seen to that."
Thor nodded slightly but his attention was directed to behind Tristan. The Pegasi saw what looked like bemusement on the Asgard's face, though it was extremely subtle given the general lack of expression.
"Well, well, it is good to see your little gray butt again. I have to say though, maybe looking a little less gray."
"Thank you O'Neill. It is good to see you as well." Tristan smiled as he stood.
"I will leave you two to catch up while I go check on the King and Major Lorne," he said as he left.
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Lorne was sleeping peacefully. They had managed to remove the vest and his jacket and shirt. There was a great deal of blood around his chest and neck and what had run along his side. There were bandages on top of his wound and the Asgard monitors indicated that he was stable. Tristan walked over to Lorne and touched his mind-gently reassuring him. "You have earned your keep, Master Lorne, and we have learned more about you in the process." Milinus had run Lorne's blood work in preparation for surgery. It was a quick test to run his DNA. Tristan had his suspicions when he first saw Lorne, but they had not had a chance to test his theory until now. "It is time to join your true brethren among the Pegasi." Tristan sighed as he walked over to Sheppard.
The King looked very pale. Milinus assured him that there was no danger as the wound was cleaned and had not damaged arteries, but Tristan knew that saving Lorne could have cost Sheppard his own life. Yet, the natural instincts of the king had been good. He had acted quickly and used just enough energy to save Lorne-though the Major would still need further ministrations.
"I cannot determine if your stubbornness is a gift or a curse, John Sheppard." He sent reassuring thoughts to the King as well and was glad that his sleep was peaceful. There would be much for the king to deal with in the very near future, thought Tristan, as his mind drifted to thoughts of Elizabeth Weir.
He sat there a while watching over his charges. This trip had only been two days long and they had lost Elizabeth Weir, discovered Gareth, cut off Earth with the hope the IOA would be wrested of its power, and nearly lost Lorne and the King in the process.
"You should get some sleep, Lord Tristan," a quiet voice said.
He smiled. "Etienne, my friend. I thought you would have been resting by now." Tristan looked his friend over. There was some dried blood in his blond hair and a bandage covered part of his left eye. "You are injured."
"Only minor, Tristan. I am well. Though it seems that you have come across, again, unscathed."
"Skill, my friend…skill."
Etienne huffed. "So you always say." Tristan laughed. "How is the King?" Etienne asked quietly watching Sheppard sleep.
"Physically, he will be fine. The wound is serious but not life threatening. He is weak-very weak-from saving Lorne."
Etienne nodded and was silent for a while. He sighed but still said nothing further.
Tristan smiled slightly then turned to the blond Pegasi. "What troubles you, Etienne?" Tristan knew what it was. It was something on all of their minds.
"The thoughts of the king…were reminiscent of Erebus and his kind and…and of the Enemy."
"I know. He was infected with the blade of Erebus, battled him, and defeated him but nearly lost himself in the process."
"What if he is unable to contain his thoughts in the future? It is very unexpected that the King is able to have the kind of power he has with regards to taking a life-overpowering a mind to that degree."
Tristan sighed. "Not even Evander could know that his heir would have been fed upon by a Wraith and the iratus, or be nearly killed by the knife and poison of Erebus. The King has the remnants of Wraith DNA and iratus DNA because of what he has been through-including nearly being converted into a beast. All of this while enduring what Evander had left for him. It is a wonder his mind and his soul have survived at all. The son of Capys has proven to be a good mentor to him and now he has us to rely on."
Etienne sighed. "I know the King has endured much, but his abilities are far more than we expected."
"He has been trained well, but we must continue to help him. Besides," he said looking at Sheppard, "if the loss of Elizabeth Weir did not make him lose his humanity, then I am not sure what will."
Etienne nodded as he looked over at Lorne. "And what of Master Lorne and his discovered heritage?"
Tristan smiled. "He will know soon enough and, hopefully, will join our ranks. Thor stated we should be in Atlantis within five hours. Get some sleep, my friend. Our king will need us very soon."
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Carson sighed. It was like the old days…here he was in the Atlantis infirmary waiting for an SG team commander to recuperate from surgery. This time it was two of them-Sheppard and Lorne-now a king and his knight. It had been a few months since they had faced anything significantly traumatic with Sheppard, in particular. Now all hell would break loose. Carson mourned Elizabeth and Rodney had said virtually nothing since returning with her body to Atlantis. O'Neill had explained the events. They were going to regroup here at Atlantis before heading to Arcadia. Titus had gone ahead to make the arrangements.
"How are they?" A quiet voice asked from behind him. Beckett turned. McKay looked exhausted-probably had not slept all night.
"They are going to be fine, Rodney. I had some work to do with the Major. I can't believe he survived that wound, but General O'Neill told me that our King saved him. He had lost a good deal of blood but he is undergoing transfusions now and I removed the bullet. John is fine. A bullet in his shoulder but that, actually, was not serious. He has been asleep for a while and Tristan says that it may be some time before he wakes because, in a sense, he gave a part of himself-his own life force, so to speak-to save Lorne."
McKay looked at Sheppard, then Lorne, and seemed deep in thought for a moment. Carson had no doubt the great mind of McKay was working, trying to figure it out. "Not like the Wraith…more like the Ascended?"
Carson sighed. "I don't know. Maybe a hybrid of the two. More like John Sheppard, King of the Armentarian worlds. I took a sample of Lorne's blood and there are traces of John's DNA."
"What does that mean?"
"I don't know…just waiting to see what happens." Carson turned his attention to McKay. "How are you doing, Rodney?" The scientist was unusually quiet and not complaining.
"Fine…well as fine as…you know."
Carson smiled slightly. "Aye, I know. Here," he said handing McKay one pill. "Take this after a nice shower, and I want you to go get some rest. They will be fine. You really do need some rest."
McKay hesitated a moment and looked in Carson's eyes. The doctor smiled again, "You can't do anything else tonight; and you won't be any good without sleep. John is going to need you later…we are all going to need each other."
McKay nodded without saying a word. He was actually looking forward to simply succumbing to the oblivion of sleep. He knew he needed it. He took the pill and quietly walked out of the infirmary.
Beckett checked once more on both Sheppard and Lorne. Satisfied that they were stable, he went to his lab nearby to rest and examine any changes in the blood he had drawn from Lorne.
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Samsus looked at the Guardians. They had not expected to hear the news of Elizabeth Weir or of what happened to Lorne and to the King. Thankfully, they had survived, but Samsus and the Guardians knew this would have an impact on Sheppard. Saphistides took it hardest, having spent a great deal of time with Elizabeth during the initial and subsequent negotiations.
"The King's chambers and Major Lorne's chambers have been prepared for their recovery," Samsus said. There had been silence for some time as they took in all the news from Earth. He had known before and had set in motion what needed to be done.
"Thank you, brother Samsus," Saphistides said quietly. The Guardian then looked up. "What would the King want us to do with Elizabeth's remains?"
"I am not sure," Samsus said. "Their burial traditions are similar to ours; but I am not exactly sure at what level or how private the King would want it."
Saphistides nodded thoughtfully. "We will make arrangements to keep her until he recovers enough to let us know."
Samsus bowed slightly. "We have made those arrangements and Titus has returned to Atlantis. We are sure the King would want to bury her on these worlds and not in the waters of Atlantis-or at least that is what Teyla has said based on a conversation she had with Dr. Weir some months ago."
Saphistides smiled slightly. "We are thankful to you, Samsus. When will the King and Major Lorne arrive with the rest of the Pegasi?"
"In a few hours. Dr. Beckett is preparing them now."
Saphistides stood. "Well, brothers, we have much to do."
With that they left quietly. Samsus sighed. Perhaps there would be many more days like this…days of sadness and loss. He discarded those thoughts. He could sense that they were ready. All was ready, and perhaps they could quickly defeat the enemy.
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He slowly opened his eyes. They were like lead because he felt so tired. Why did he feel so tired? He saw McKay sitting by his bed, working on his computer as always. It took too much effort to say anything or keep his eyes open so he closed them and stopped fighting to stay conscious.
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He didn't know how long it had been since his last attempt to wake up, but he heard people whispering and he found his heavy eyes trying to open again. He managed to glimpse Teyla and Ronon quietly talking. He managed to get his eyes open and he slowly looked around. He was on Arcadia in his chambers. He tried to move but his muscles did not want to comply and the ones that did, ached. He studied the gold Arcadian symbol on the light blue wall, then tried again. More success, a little more pain and this time a slight groan escaped his lips.
Teyla and Ronon stopped talking when they heard Sheppard groan. "Hey buddy," Ronon said with a broad smile. "Glad you're finally waking up."
Sheppard tried to smile. It was good to see Ronon and Teyla. Teyla approached him and held his hand. "We were worried about you, John."
It was good to feel her warm hand. He had missed her. Perhaps she had forgiven him. He looked in her eyes and, though he could she was happy to see him, there was a deep sadness in them and in Ronon's eyes as well. He looked past them…Elizabeth.
He took in a hitching breath. With the adrenaline worn off he could feel everywhere Thugs 1 and 2 had hit him, where Tristan had landed on top of him, and finally where the bullet meant for Crowley had torn through his shoulder.
"Lay still John," Teyla said, "I will get Carson."
"No," John managed to whisper. "No, I'm fine. Please. Just leave me alone for a while."
Ronon was going to say something when Teyla placed a hand on the Satedan's arm. "Okay John. Get some rest. I am sure Carson will want to check on you later."
He nodded slightly and managed a smile. His bed was comfortable, tempting him to just stay there and sleep. Sleep was a respite from the pain and from the memory of losing Elizabeth.
After a few minutes, he sat up slowly, pushed himself through the soreness, and put his feet on the ground. He shivered and reached for the robe at the foot of the bed to cover his bare chest. Slowly, he stood, walked toward the window, and looked out. The sun was a few hours from setting, and he didn't even know what day it was or how long he had been here. He walked over to the washroom and looked in the mirror. The wound in his shoulder was healing nicely. Carson had done a good job, as usual.
He washed his hands and noticed the rings on his wrists where he had been tied. He closed his eyes but opened them quickly when a flashback of Elizabeth smiling at him appeared. He slowed his breathing as he splashed his face with water. He looked into the mirror again and saw his own hazel eyes blazing with the fury he felt in his heart.
Feeling stronger, he walked over to his wardrobe and picked out a black pair of pants and a navy blue shirt with intricate embroidery on the cuff and mandarin collar. He slipped on the riding boots and reached for the belt that held the knife of Evander…no...his own knife now, no longer Evander's.
He walked out of his room, surprising the two Guards at his door who bowed deeply when Sheppard exited. He was surprised that there was no one else in the hallway. He was glad for it. He didn't want to talk to anyone just yet. He made a left down the corridor. There were only guards scattered in the usual places and they came to attention when he passed. Usually he would greet them but he ignored them today.
His muscles started to feel better as he walked more and he could feel his strength returning. He sensed several people meeting nearby so he took an alternative route to his destination. Two guards were posted outside the door and they immediately came to attention when they saw him. Sheppard made eye contact with the one that opened the door and nodded slightly.
He saw Lorne lying on the big wooden poster bed. Surprisingly, there was nothing attached to him, not even an IV. He walked up slowly and reached his mind out to the major. Lorne's eyes fluttered open and he looked around until he made eye contact with Sheppard. He smiled and seemed to try to get up until Sheppard put a hand on Lorne's shoulder.
"No, don't get up Evan."
"Sir, are you okay?"
Sheppard smiled. "Yes, I didn't get a bullet in the chest."
Lorne laughed. "No but you did kinda get most everything else." Lorne grimaced slightly as he tried to get more comfortable; but he looked at Sheppard earnestly. "You saved my life. I don't know what you did, but you saved me."
Sheppard sat in a chair. "Yeah. I am not exactly sure myself. Hey, do you know how many days we have been back?"
"Three days."
Three days. I have been asleep for most of three days. I need to take care of a lot of things. Take care of Elizabeth.
"I feel different, sir."
Sheppard roused himself from his thoughts. "Huh? What do you mean?"
"I don't know. It's like something has been changed in me…awakened; but it also feels like we are connected…you gave me something when you saved me."
"I know. Tristan will know and maybe Carson. Look...I just wanted to make sure that you were okay. That it wasn't all a dream...you know?"
Lorne suddenly looked sad. "I wish it had been a dream..."
Sheppard stood up. "Me too," he said quietly. "I am glad you are okay. I am going to need you. I have some business to take care of here and then we need to take care of the Wraith."
Lorne looked at Sheppard. "I'll be ready."
Sheppard smiled slightly and nodded. "I know you will. Rest up. I want you 100%, not just okay."
"The same should be said for you, Your Majesty," a familiar voice chimed.
Sheppard turned around annoyed. He should have sensed Beckett coming in through the door but his mind had been elsewhere.
"I'm fine, Carson," Sheppard said, trying not to sound irritated.
"I will be the judge of that," Beckett said with a mild scolding in his voice.
Sheppard smiled softly and his hazel eyes met Beckett's blue ones. He put a hand on Beckett's shoulder. "Not this time, Carson. I have things I need to take care of."
Beckett sighed. He knew there was no stopping Sheppard. He had seen that look in his eye and, truth be told, Beckett had no medical authority over him-only what he could muster through mutual respect.
"You still need rest, lad," Beckett said quietly. "I will have supper sent to your room later.
Sheppard nodded. "I promise. Take care of Lorne."
Before Beckett could answer, Sheppard left. The King nearly ran into Samsus as he exited Lorne's room. The older man bowed. "Your Majesty, I have been searching for you."
"I know," Sheppard said quietly. He had felt many minds trying to reach out to him, but he had not answered. "Please have the Guardians, Tristan, and my old team meet me in two hours."
Samsus nodded quietly. "I will." Sheppard turned to leave when he felt a hand on his arm. He turned and looked into his mentor's eyes. "I am so very sorry."
Sheppard sighed and looked away. He was not ready to go there. "I know. Thanks."
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The muzzle was soft on his cheek. Zorthos nickered and sniffed Sheppard. "Hey, take it easy boy. Jeez! You are worse than Beckett." The horse neighed and shook his head. "I'm just saying..."
Sheppard put the hood of the cloak over his head. The sun was going down, but he did not want to be seen so he took a different route toward the beach. He could see his own breath in the cool air. Winter was coming.
Zorthos, uncharacteristically, was content to walk. Sheppard wanted to be alone-truly alone-for a while, and the only way to do that was to sneak out of the castle and ride. He could smell the water as he neared the beach; and the sound of the waves crashing got louder. Zorthos sniffed the air and quickened his walk until they reached the sand and the horse came to a stop when they neared the water's edge. Sheppard looked out toward the setting sun, then bowed his head and cried.
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Hope you liked it. I have to warn you I have not started the next chapter as work and start of school has kept me occupied but I will get on it ASAP. Thanks as always for your continued interest and inspiration.