[Updated 28/08/2017]

Chapter Seven: Assassins' Land

"There's no sense in hiding." The deep voice resonated in the canyon. "I have known of your arrival since the disappearance of your Colonel O'Neill. Now, show yourselves and let's discuss this in a reasonable manner."

Sam huddled behind the boulder, shoulders squared against its surface as she gazed at the archaeologist beside her. She whispered, "Anything?"

Daniel shook his head, replying softly, "Other than that he knows about Jack, I've got nothing."

She acknowledged his statement and tilted her head in the direction of Teal'c, who raised his eyebrow asking for a command. Carter placed her forefinger on her lips signalling for him to remain hidden, whilst she confirmed her former sighting. Her head gradually moved to the edge of the boulder and then quickly withdrew.

Yup, I'd definitely seen a man on a black stallion.

When she had first sighted them, her brow had furrowed in confusion. A horse off-world? She had thought, but then she remembered the Mongols they had encountered in their first year. Seven years ago, no wonder it's strange to see one now, not the soldier though.

Recalling his appearance, the warrior was dressed like an assassin, suited with dark battle leathers across his chest, shoulders, and biceps. A sleeveless black coat hugged this in addition to a hooded cloak, which draped over his left shoulder. Ankle boots retrofitted to his knees with leather, stretched over close-fitting pants. All of which donned a tanned muscular body.

Furthermore, he had a sword and knife set strapped to his left hip hidden by the silky cloak. Secured to his right thigh, was a sidearm, most likely a stunner. Dark brown eyes, medium length hair and stubble beard, which hid a scar that stretched from his right eyebrow down to his jaw, completed the recollection.

"Do not try my patience." The mustang pounded the path with its right hoof like an ostrich pecking at the ground. "I am not to be toyed with. Throw down your weapons and show yourselves or I will be forced to act." He threatened deviously.

It's three against one. What can you do?

"Disarm!" Within the blink of an eye, another stealthily warrior with similar attire in the colour beige, had relocated and positioned herself amidst them. Weapon raised at the Doctors, and sword pointed at Teal'c who raised his Zat in retort. His expression displayed that she had caught him by surprise – an unlikely occurrence for a warrior of his calibre.

It's not every day that someone can get one up on the First Prime. Better, watch ourselves. Sam thought.

"I would do as my master says." The woman's lips had moved underneath a veil covering her facial features from below her amber eyes down to her neck.

Sam nodded at the Jaffa, and in unison, they reluctantly unclipped their vests and dropped their weapons, eyes carefully observing the mysterious characters. The female assassin moved swiftly, collecting the released vests, whilst another warrior appeared to assist her, grabbing for the additional weapons. This assassin's body matched that of a young man's, Sam quickly observed. Both took off, en route for and past their master, who curtly nodded as they vanished behind a boulder up the path.

SG1 stood unarmed and clearly astonished, Sam scowling dangerously at the man on his mustang. The Colonel would've had a witty quip for this.

"I am Haran." He extended his arms before him gesturing at the canyon. "Welcome to my planet."

A wry smile curled his lips as his gaze darted between them, lingering finally on the Major.

Dr Jackson adjusted his glasses, and smiling kindly, spoke, "I am Daniel Jackson." He gestured to his right at his teammates, "This is Samantha Carter and Teal'c, we're peaceful explorers."

"I know who you are." Haran replied haughtily.

"Colonel O'Neill, I presume, told you about us?" Carter asked, blue eyes scrutinizing.

Unless forced to do so or if deemed trustworthy, Colonel O'Neill would not have surrendered to Haran's demands. Carter's gut told her it was the latter.

"My dear woman." Haran's laughter drifted in the air. "Look at what transpired in mere minutes. Do you think I need your Colonel's help?" His eyes combed her body; she was certainly a fine woman. The Major responded with a sickened glare.

"I suppose not." Teal'c answered expression neutral and fists clenched as he drew the warrior's attention. "However, we would like to know what you have done with our leader."

Haran's stern gaze tilted in his direction, "You are Jaffa . . . a Sholva by the looks of it. What have they done to deserve your loyalty?" His words dripped with discontentment.

Daniel emerged from behind the boulder, stepping closer to the path as he addressed the Arab head-on. "He saved us, and in exchange we gave him a home and a place in our military. He's also our closest friend, fighting alongside us against the Goa'uld. He is no Sholva." The warrior remained silent, while the horse snorted in response jerking its halter.

The archaeologist's demeanour changed, his expression turning inquisitive. "We would like to know what you have done to Colonel O'Neill. We know that the inscriptions are false, we haven't yet figured out why." The man mocked him with a sly smile, Daniel faithfully continuing, "Since you're here now, maybe you can help us out. Like I said, we mean you no harm."

Haran clicked his tongue a few times, the team thinking it was to nudge the mustang, but instead, six warriors lurked over the canyon walls, compound bows in hand, arrows aimed down at them.

Carter raised her hands in surrender, cursing inwardly whilst proclaiming outwardly, "Yeah, things just got worse."

Her expression turned furious, as she regarded the smirking warrior, sitting casually on his mount like a king on his throne. Hatred surged within her, wishing O'Neill were there to set this man straight, tell him where to stick it, 'cause she really wanted to do it.

Oh, I'll so enjoy wiping that smirk off your face.

"Indeed!" Teal'c forlornly agreed, while Daniel eyed the shadowy characters, slowly raising his hands, "No kidding."

Haran tugged at the reins, the horse turning away from them, and glanced over his shoulder, smugness in his next words. "Come, come, let's move. We have much to discuss." He smiled wryly as he noted Carter's hostile expression, her eyes blazing.

I will most certainly enjoy speaking to you, Samantha. He savoured her name as one did a rich creamy dessert. Desire briefly lit up in his eyes, not caring that she saw, and he smiled his most charming smile, thinking, only to cause O'Neill more pain for his insolence, that is what you will be.

Breaking eye contact, looking before him, Haran announced barely audible. "All for your Jack O'Neill's sake."

Behind Haran, his warriors comfortably slid down the walls and encircled the team, Teal'c scolding them with a nasty look.

"We obey, we find the Colonel. We'll take it from there." Sam relayed under her breath, the Jaffa bowing his head in confirmation.

Daniel inserted his hands in his pockets, and leisurely followed behind the warriors that directed them. "If you say so."