"Janen, this is dangerous. The one called Teyla is a warrior. She has remained compliant so far, but she will eventually try to escape." The older woman who accompanied Elizabeth and Teyla to the washroom stood before him. He was sitting at a small table in a room as devoid of décor as those of their captives.
The man sighed and stood up. "I know, Onnadi. Both women are as strong as Dessan and Hodda are weak. Those two are as meek as young babies."
Onnadi remained silent as Janen turned to look at the street below through a dingy curtain on the one window in the room. After several seconds, he turned back. His face was lined with weariness and concern.
"Put just enough of the sedative in their food to keep them calm, but no more. They cannot know what is happening and must not be harmed in any way."
"We will be very careful." She nodded then left. She glanced back as she closed the door to see him slowly sit again, lost in thought.
----------
Sheppard and Ronon headed back to Rolth's as the sun reached its zenith. There was no-one in the main room, but Verna came through from the kitchen within seconds. A young woman followed close behind her.
"Were you able to find out if your womenfolk have been here?" Verna smiled hopefully.
"No, no-one has seen or heard of them, or of anyone from our planet." Sheppard answered, leaning against the bar as Ronon walked to the fireplace.
"I am sorry. Maybe they will know something at market tomorrow. Town Hall opens after the mid-day meal time so you can ask there, too." She paused and looked at her cousin. She smiled hesitantly when she turned back to him. "Yes, Tannea. This is my cousin, Tannea. She came to keep me company while father is out. He is helping my uncle today."
"Welcome to Caldea, Sirs." Tannea blushed and curtsied. She looked over at Ronon. "You are both most welcome."
"Thanks. We're please to me you." Sheppard glanced around the empty tavern. "No customers today?"
"Maybe later, but there are few about today. Everyone is getting ready for market." Verna smiled at his concern.
Ronon nodded. "Any chance for some food?"
"Yes, of course. You must be hungry. I will get something for you to eat. Please sit down."
They sat in front of the fire and waited silently. Both were lost in thought. Minutes later the two young women returned with trays laden with food and a jug of beer. They quickly transferred the meal to a table next to the visitors. Ronon immediately picked up a thick slice of bread and wrapped it around a slab of roasted meat.
Sheppard smiled at both girls. "Thank you."
Tannea blushed again, but Verna smiled back, and did another quick curtsy. "You are welcome."
The Colonel bit his lip. "Uh…"
Verna saw his hesitation and a small crease appeared on her brow. She looked over the table. "Is there anything else you need, Sir?"
Ronon shook his head as he chewed a bite of his makeshift sandwich, but Sheppard hesitated again.
She waited in expectation.
He glanced at Verna then Tannea and back at Verna. "Can I ask you a question?"
"Yes, of course."
"We saw a few security patrols around and everyone seems…tense. Is that normal?"
The girls became nervous and glanced at each other.
Sheppard leaned forward. "I'm sorry, is there something wrong?"
Verna glanced around the room and at her cousin before taking a deep breath and answering in a hushed tone. "There has been trouble here."
Tannea grabbed her arm. "Verna!"
"Hush, Tannea. These men are searching for family. They have a right to know it is not safe here." Verna pulled up a nearby chair and sat down. Her voice was low. "There was a kidnapping yesterday. Two of our ministers and two diplomats from another planet were taken."
Sheppard raised both eyebrows in alarm and looked at Ronon and back. "Kidnapped?"
"They haven't been found yet?" Ronon asked, registering as much alarm as he was capable of, which wasn't much.
Verna shook her head. "No, not yet."
"My intended is a constable. He said they completely disappeared." Now Tannea pulled a stool forward and perched on it. It appeared as though she remembered something. "You came through the Ring of the Ancestors last night, didn't you?'
"Yes, we did. Why?" Sheppard leaned back, trying to keep an innocent face.
"Norval was on duty there. You must have seen him, tall, blond hair and very handsome." The girl blushed again.
"Ah, yes, he is a fine young man." Sheppard leaned forward again and paused thoughtfully. "Did they get out of town? The kidnappers, I mean. Seems there're a lot of places out there they could hide.
Tannea shook her head. "No, Norval says they think the rebels are still in town. They have four hostages and would be too easy to see out in the open."
"They must be hiding here in town." Verna nodded. Sheppard could see now that they were young, probably still teenagers. Both were getting excited about telling the story. They had little opportunity to discuss such things with interested adults.
"But no-one seems to be looking for them." Ronon picked up another slice of bread and slapped a piece of meat on it. "Why not?"
"Norval said it's because Janen, he's the leader, might kill them if they see anyone is looking for them." Tannea almost whispered.
"I cannot believe he would really do such a thing." Verna frowned. She glanced sideways at cousin. "Nesor would in a heartbeat, but not Janen."
"He scares me."
"You see, Janen's younger sister was killed by one of the landowners three years ago. She was to be married to Nesor." Verna looked serious. "Poor woman. She was walking down the laneway when she was run down by Remen's carriage. He didn't even stop to help her."
"And, that's not all." Tannea continued. "They're forcing children to work the fields. I heard that youngsters barely able to walk are being put to have to pick legans and tollus."
"It's not right." Verna was indignant. Her cousin nodded vigorously in agreement.
"But…Norval…thinks they're still in town?" Sheppard prompted, hoping he'd followed their story.
"Yes, probably in the storehouse district. It'd be the easiest place to hide them." Verna was pleased with her conclusion.
Sheppard glanced at Ronon. That's where they had lost the men late last night. He quickly frowned sympathetically at the girls. "I'm sure the authorities are doing all they can to get them back."
"They'd better. Minister Dessan isn't Agricultural Minister for nothing." Verna looked around to make sure she wasn't overheard. "His family owns one of the biggest farms on Caldea."
----------
Teyla yawned. She lay back on the bed, her head aching badly. Thinking the stuffiness of room combined with a night spent going over every inch of her room were affecting her.
The questions that had swirled in her head remained there. The people she'd seen since her capture were not criminals. They were laborers, people who worked hard every day for little reward. She was treated with respect, but they would not talk to her. They were silent.
The young Athosian rubbed her temples, trying to dispel the aching and weariness.
----------
"How can you just sit here?" Ronon's voice was a low rumble. He'd been fidgeting for the last half hour.
"What would you recommend we do?" Wishing he had his sunglasses, Sheppard squinted up into the bright sunshine at his friend. He shifted slightly and casually glanced around. After lunch, he'd wanted to escape the chattering girls and think. Out here in the open, he settled on one of the long wooden benches dotted around the nearly empty square. His coat was folded on the bench next to him and the sleeves of his tunic were pushed up to expose bare arms to the warm sun. No-one approached them, but it appeared to any observer that they were just waiting for the day to pass.
"I don't know, but we can't just sit here and do nothing!" Ronon replied through clinched teeth. He shrugged off his coat and draped it over the back of the bench, taking care not to reveal his weapon.
Sheppard looked straight ahead again and closed his eyes. He exhaled heavily. His voice was quiet, but he did not mask the anger and sense of helplessness he felt. "I want nothing more than to tear this place apart, but if Elizabeth and Teyla are still alive, they won't stay that way long if we go pounding down doors."
"You think they're alive?"
"They'd better be." The Colonel slouched down on the bench, extending his legs and crossing his ankles. To any onlookers, it appeared as if he was trying to nap in the sun.
Ronon watched him for a moment. As he did his own slouching, he remembered something Ford said while he, Sheppard, Teyla and McKay were prisoners in Ford's cave.
"Don't ever underestimate Sheppard's determination, or his capacity for ruthlessness. You'd never think it to look at him, but he can be one mean, cold-hearted son of a bitch when he needs to be."
"It's turned out to be a nice afternoon. Enjoy the sunshine." Sheppard yawned then smiled at a couple who tried not to stare at the strangers as they hurried by. "Look, there's nothing else we can do until later. Relax."
"We should at least be looking for them."
"No, too many watching eyes." Sheppard glanced at Ronon. They saw each of the same four patrols pass by, all taking interest in them. Only one patrol questioned them. Seemingly satisfied with the story they must have already been briefed on, they went their way.
"We can give them the slip." Ronon persisted.
"Maybe, but we can't afford any suspicion at all. The kidnappers have to have people in the constabulary. There's no other way for them to have pulled the snatch off so easily."
Ronon exhaled heavily. "I don't like sitting around, doing nothing."
"Neither do I."
Ronon exhaled heavily and tried to relax. On seeing yet another unit of constables in a nearby street, he observed, "I don't understand why they have so many guards walking around. You'd think the kidnappers would want them off the streets."
"I've been thinking about that." Sheppard glanced around. "They probably have enough people in the constabulary to steer them away from wherever their keeping the hostages. There has to be something else, though. What I want to know is, where are the landowners? And, where is Nathal, the Security Minister?"
"Yeah, I was wondering about that, too."
----------
The sun began its hasty descent to the horizon and the air seemed to cool a degree every few minutes. Sheppard finally relented and the two of them began a leisurely stroll around town as the shadows lengthened. Early in the afternoon, many of the businesses showed signs of life. People were occupied with preparations for the following day. As the day wore on, that activity slowed, doors closed and the people disappeared from the streets.
They made a point of not avoiding the constables until they were near the warehouse district. Once the daylight began to fade, Sheppard stopped and looked around. He was frowning.
"There's a patrol coming." Ronon said under his breath as he turned his back to the approaching men.
"Shh. I know." Recognizing the men, the Colonel replied in an equally low tone as he waved at the constables. He spoke more loudly at them, relief in his voice. "Officer! We're glad to see you."
"What are you doing in this area?" One of the younger men asked gruffly.
"This is not a safe area for you to be in after dark." The leader scowled at his subordinate.
Sheppard looked around with a confused expression. "Well, I thought we were headed back to Rolth's, but..."
"I told you we should've turned left back there." Ronon stated with annoyance.
"Yeah, I know." Sheppard rolled his eyes and shrugged. He looked at the constable. "Can you tell us how to get back to the main square?"
The elder guard glanced at the fast darkening sky and exhaled heavily. "That's on our way back to headquarters. You'd better come with us."
"Thanks, Officer. I'm grateful." Sheppard grinned as Ronon glared at him.
They walked in silence for a few minutes then Sheppard cleared his throat. "You probably know about most of the comings and goings on Caldea. Do many people come through the Ring of the Ancestors and stay?"
"Not many other than traders come here. At least, not many that stay. Jobs are hard to come by."
"We heard there was some kind of trouble recently."
"Nothing to concern yourselves about as long as you keep out off the streets at night." The guard paused at a warehouse door and tested it. When it didn't open he moved on.
One of the younger men looked at Sheppard. "How long are you staying?"
"We were told about the market tomorrow and that the Town Hall is open. We wanted to ask about our womenfolk there." Sheppard replied
"Someone will know if they're here." The young man offered.
"Shouldn't you be trying a few of those doors, Yoss?
"Yes, Belan." The young man hurried across the lane to test a few doors. The other two guards rushed to try others.
Belan grumbled. "Don't know why they send these boys to me."
"Many people come to the market?" Ronon asked.
"Most of Caldea turns out for market. Farmers, weavers, potters and such bring their wares to town. Be a good place to ask around." He watched his men with a practiced eye. "Hopeless."
"Your superiors probably know you'll sort them out." Sheppard chuckled. "We heard you get traders from off-world at the market."
"Sometimes." Belan turned a corner and they could see the buildings were now shops and houses. He slowed his pace and spoke softly. "It wouldn't be wise to stay beyond market day. Caldea is small. If anyone has heard of your womenfolk, you will find out tomorrow."
"We want to leave as soon as possible. Planting starts on our world in a few days. We're needed there."
"Rolth's is two corners that way." Belan pointed down a laneway to his right.
"Thanks. Good night." Sheppard said as he and Ronon turned away.
----------
The tavern's few patrons left soon after the two off-world visitors entered. Market day meant earlier than normal rising and an earlier bedtime. Dukon bolted the door and sat down next to Sheppard. He pulled a short knife out of his pocket, picked up a small piece of firewood and began to carve. He'd sent Verna off to bed soon after dinner. She frowned, not wanting to miss a moment with their guests, but quickly obeyed her father. She had worked hard cleaning and cooking that day and was tired. Her consolation was that they would still be here the next day.
Sheppard glanced at his host. "Her mother would be proud of her."
"Yes, she would be, as am I." Dukon smiled then glanced at his guest. "I expect you've been to many worlds with trading and searching for your women."
Sheppard exhaled heavily, staring at the fire. "Yeah. Sometimes I think too many."
"Are the cullings as bad as we've heard?" He watched Sheppard out of the corner of his eye. There were more to these men than met the eye, he was certain. He was just as certain that they did not intend any harm to the people here. Dukon saw a shadow of pain briefly cross his face.
"They're worse. The Wraith woke too early. They're fighting for food and taking everyone possible." The Colonel turned to Dukon. He liked this man and his daughter. "Do you have any place to hide? Underground is better."
"Yes, we have a deep cellar and the door is well hidden. It was dug long ago, and each generation has dug a little more and shored it up so that it is safe from attack." He glanced around the room. "This place has been rebuilt more than once over the generations. It may have been many years since the Wraith last came to Caldea, but some of us remember the lessons of the past."
Sheppard turned to watch the fire again. "Good. Don't hesitate to use it."
The innkeeper began to whittle again, thinking about the journey these men must have been on and the terrible things they must have seen.
They sat in silence for a long time. The only sounds in the room were the crackling of the fire, knife on wood and, after a little while, Ronon's soft snoring. The warm fire and good meal, along with a couple of large mugs of beer, made it too difficult for the Satedan to keep his eyes open. Sheppard wasn't worried about his guard being down, though. He knew Ronon would be instantly awake and ready to brawl if needed. He only wished he could join him.
After some time, Dukon folded his knife and put it away. He set a small figure on the nearby table and stood up. Sheppard glanced up at him.
"You two can stay and warm yourselves as long as you want. There's plenty of wood. I bid you goodnight." With that, he turned and quietly went upstairs.
Sheppard leaned forward and picked up the figure. It was a remarkably good miniature of a young woman. Verna, he guessed. He set it down and put a couple of pieces of wood on the fire, judging that they should last about two hours. Then, it would be time to go out again.
----------
The hot dinner and heat of the fire kept them warm for only a short while once they left the tavern. Sheppard thought about the bitter cold of Antarctica, especially the winter. He hadn't missed it a whole lot. The night was nowhere the subzero temperatures of even the summer in Antarctica, but it was still cold enough to be very uncomfortable. He hoped Elizabeth and Teyla were being well cared for in their captivity. From what the girls said that morning, Janen was not a cruel man, so it was possible they were as comfortable as the less than perfect living conditions here allowed.
They slipped out of the tavern without disturbing Dukon or Verna, Ronon fuming that Sheppard let him sleep so long. They headed straight for the warehouse area, keeping to the shadows cast by the few weak streetlights and a thin first quarter moon that was rising over the low buildings. Street by street, they peeked into windows and listened at doors for signs of life or movement. Most, it seemed, were in bed early in anticipation of the busy day ahead. Anyone holding captives would have guards on duty, especially a group as organized as this one.
The two of them slowly and systematically searched the streets for hours. There was almost no sound or movement anywhere except the roaming units of constables. The few times they heard or saw anything turned out to be false alarms. Several minutes of intense listening revealed families bedding down for the night or solitary men working at their given trade.
They paused near yet another dreary building and peered into a dirty, cracked window. Nothing. Ronon suddenly nudged Sheppard and jerked his thumb at the corner. Knowing the Satedan had better hearing, he froze, listening. They backed into the blackest shadow and waited. Seconds later, a four-man patrol rounded the corner and approached their position. Sheppard clenched his teeth to stop them chattering from the cold as they passed him.
As before, each unit had an older and, presumably, more experienced leader. They were much more nervous than the night before. After several minutes, Sheppard began to move when Ronon pulled him back. He heard the footsteps before the trio turned the corner. They were coming from the same laneway, but the other direction. They kept to the shadows on the opposite side of the street, but their movements were deliberate. It was clear these people knew where they were going and were determined to get there.
Ronon stepped away from the wall as the three figures turned another corner two blocks away. Sheppard followed him, wondering at his friend's ability to move quickly across the unpaved street without making a sound audible enough to be heard more than a few feet away. Ronon drew them to within twenty yards of their quarry.
The three suddenly turned a corner. Ronon slowed as he and Sheppard approached it. He carefully looked to see where they were. Sheppard waited impatiently. When Ronon continued to peer around the corner without moving, he became concerned. The Satedan turned back and leaned down to whisper in Sheppard's ear.
"They've gone into one of the buildings."
Sheppard nodded and gestured that he would go around to approach from the other direction. He indicated to watch for ten minutes then pointed up the street. He quickly made his way back to the corner and rounded it after checking for the constables prowling the area. He was soon two blocks from Ronon's position, watching for any sign of movement in the narrow street.
They waited, straining to see into the dark shadows or hear movement, but neither saw nor heard anything. After ten minutes, they began to steal toward each other, pausing frequently to watch and listen at each doorway and window. On reaching the intersection in the middle, they stopped to look each way. Sheppard signaled for them to check the buildings down the side street, but before they could start, they heard footsteps coming from two different directions.
They hurried to a deep shadow several doors down from the corner. Two patrols approached and met where they had stood just seconds ago.
"Did you see anyone?" One unit leader whispered to the other. Their respective men peered into the darkness up and down the streets. The younger men were decidedly edgy while the older were only a little less so.
He looked around and shook his head. "Nah. Nothing moving that we've seen. Why?"
"Thought we caught a glimpse of something earlier." They were all looking up and down the streets.
The constable glanced up at the sky. "It'll be light in less than three hours. May be that it was someone gettin' an early start to ready for market."
"Yeah, maybe. Or, maybe it was Nesor and some of his men." The first man scratched his head and looked around again.
"He knows better than to be seen, even in the middle of the night."
"I don't know. Nesor's bold, and dangerous. He's gonna start something soon, I can feel it in my bones."
"That's the cold, but I believe you are not wrong. I heard the Captain say that he's probably just waiting to see if Janen's plan will work. I beg the Ancestors help us if it doesn't or we don't catch him first." The patrol leader jerked a thumb up one street. "We'll check around down here. You go that way."
Sheppard and Ronon decided it was time to retreat. They waited long enough for the men to get out of earshot, took careful note of the area then headed back to the tavern. There was just enough time for Sheppard to get some sleep before needing to make an appearance for breakfast.
----------
"This is just great. I wonder how dangerous this guy is." Sheppard said, staring at the hot liquid in the mug that was warming his hands and vaguely hoping it had caffeine in it. He blinked and got his mind back on the current problem. Nesor was a wrinkle that was less than welcome. The constables were clearly not happy at the thought of this man's involvement. The younger men were downright fearful.
"It explains the number of patrols." Ronon shoveled a spoonful of cooked mashed grain into his mouth.
Sheppard marveled at the man's appetite, no matter the time of day or the circumstances. He set the mug on the table and tried his porridge. He was happy to find it flavorful, and it was warm. These people seemed to make the most of the modest ingredients at hand.
"Dangerous enough." Ronon replied. "It sounds like he would follow through with the threats without hesitation."
"Yeah, that's what I thought."