Wow! Thanks a heap for all your inspiring reviews! Hugs to sherryw, Dragonfairymaiden, Esmilla, Titan5, Mandy, Sheppardster, Baileysmom, amsilcox, Tammie, Jules47, auStraliS, drufan, winterelf, reen21200 and Ditzyleo! I was thrilled by all your comments and didn't want to leave you hanging. If you were hoping to get me to write faster, it worked. :D So here's an early update for all who requested it. A bit short, but it seemed appropriate to end there. Hope you enjoy.

Chap 6: Escape from Genii Mountain

Ronon knew the Genii had shot Sheppard when he heard the gunshot blast and the colonel's cry of pain. A heated rage coursed through his veins at the cowardice of the enemy. It made the Satedan raging mad, and he wanted to kill every single Genii there with his bare hands. With an abrupt violent jerk, he sliced through the last remaining coil of rope. They were free at last!

Ronon swiftly pushed the coils of rope away from his body, saw that Rodney and Teyla were helping Sheppard, and dismissed them from his mind. There were enemies to kill, revenge to be had. With roar and a great leap he jumped across the ring of fire and sprang towards the Genii running past him, knocking the man to the ground. The Satedan grinned viciously, when he recognised the pony tailed Genii who had cut off a piece of his dreadlock. Smack! Crack! Went his hand, striking the Genii's jaw, then another smashing into his face. The man, not expecting an attack in the direction of the burning stake was taken by surprise. He tried to put up a fight but was no match for Ronon and pretty soon he was rendered unconscious with a broken nose, arm and ribs. Ronon then took the knife given to him by Adric, lifted the Genii's pony tail and sliced it off with a single cut before slamming the unconscious man's head back hard onto the ground again. With a growl of disdain, he scattered the Genii's cut hair over the unconscious form before picking up the Genii's discarded firearm and headed off towards the fray where the sound of gunshots fired.

o-O-o

At the release of their binds, John would have fallen, if it were not for Teyla and Rodney both quickly grabbing a firm hold of the colonel from each side. Sheppard was still conscious, but in a lot of pain. The second bullet had hit him in the front of his left upper arm, logging in there with no exit wound. He was bleeding badly. They shared a grim look before Teyla asked, "Ready Rodney?"

The scientist nodded nervously, understanding instantly what they needed to do. Without any hesitation, they leaped through the growing flames that was now quite high before them. They carried Sheppard tucked safely between them. John and Teyla tumbled clear from the flames to hit hard dirt, but Rodney was not so lucky and he let go of John as soon as he felt his injured foot stumble and hit the burning wood below him. The hungry flames were eager to feed on the another source and Rodney screamed in horror as he felt the side of his jacket and trouser leg catch fire.

Despite the raging pain of his injuries, John managed to retain his grip of consciousness - his hand clutched tightly at his wounded arm as Teyla tore some cloth to quickly wrap around the new bullet wound in an attempt to stop the bleeding. Black dots started to appear before his vision, but then he heard McKay screaming and what he saw made his heart heighten close to panic.

"Drop and roll, Rodney! Drop and roll!" he screamed, very much fearing for his friend's life.

Despite his growing terror, Rodney managed to hear Sheppard's shouted command. He instantly began rolling about in the sand frantically trying to put out the flames.

"Teyla, go help, Rodney! I'll be okay," John managed to gasp out, getting up to his knees and grunting heavily. You can pass out later, John, just not now! he chastised himself. His task was not yet complete, he still had things to do.

Seeing that John was still conscious and coherent, Teyla nodded, shooting one last worried look in his direction before rushing towards McKay. She quickly removed her jacket and wrapped it around the remaining flames on Rodney's form as the scientist writhed on the ground; his eyes tightly shut, grimacing in pain. He gasped out painfully, "Oh god, oh god, oh god! Am I a burnt bacon? Can you smell charred flesh? Is my leg and side still in one piece? Do I still have my eyebrows?"

Teyla quickly checked over the scientist, frowning slightly at the reddened flesh at the lower end of the Rodney's leg where the fire had caught on his trousers. McKay had some second degree burns on his lower leg, but fortunately they managed to get the flames out in the time. His clothes suffered the main blunt of the damage. "You have some burns on you leg, Rodney, but you'll be OK."

"I will?" Rodney asked, sounding surprised, finally opening his eyes to stare up at Teyla. "Oh thank god! For a moment there, I thought I was going to become a human version of barbecued steak!"

Teyla smiled, "No, not this time Rodney."

McKay finally sat up, looking in disgust at his burnt clothes then at his injured leg and foot, wincing painfully. He turned and looked around, "Where's Sheppard?" he asked, his voice now tinged with concern. "Is he all right?"

Teyla smiled. "He is fine, Rodn..." her reassurance died in her lips as she glanced to where she had left John. She noticed that except for blood stains on the ground, he was no longer where she had left him. Her concern heightened as her sharp eyes noticed that a trail of blood led towards the sound of weapons fire.

o-O-o

TBC

Please continue reviewing. We'll almost at the end, I think only two more chapters and possibly (maybe) an epilogue to go.