The next day, Jack was making his way back out to the Stargate to check if his team had come yet, when he heard the unmistakable sounds of the ‘Gate engaging from over the hillock. He leant down and tapped his heels into Sam’s flanks, urging her to go faster.
The guard looked up as the Portal began to make noises, lights appearing around it. He jumped back, surprised, as the wormhole activated. His eyes narrowing, he drew his sword as many people came out of the event horizon. Sam, Daniel, and Teal’c weren’t alone on the rescue mission. All of SG units not off-world had begged to come, and the General had readily agreed. He would have sent more, but every other team was off-world for another two days. So, the rescue team was made up of units 2 through 6.
The guard waved the tip of his sword at the new comers, not realising that their MP-5’s were weapons.
“Mane, xenos!” His curt command caused all of the guns to be trained on his chest and head, the safety catches flipping off in the same movement. Daniel raised his hands, saying,
“Wait, wait wait! Don’t shoot, he’s just making sure we don’t try anything against him.” When they lowered their guns, he continued.
“He’s peaking what sounds like classical Latin, he basically said to ‘stay put, foreigners’. I’m guessing he won’t hurt us if we stay still.” The guard glared at Daniel.
“Tace!” Daniel glanced at Sam and Teal’c as he mouthed the translation,
“Shut up.” His eyes flickered to the ridge-line, where he could hear the sound of approaching hoof beats. The guard kept his gaze fixed on the soldiers as a golden horse burst over the hill, heading straight towards them, it’s rider hunched over it’s neck. It galloped towards the group rapidly. When it was no more than thirty yards from them, the rider slipped his heels from the stirrups, tucking them under his buttocks on the saddle. Jack dived from the back of his horse, rolling as he hit the ground, running as soon as his feet made contact with the grass. He came to a half in front of the guard. Placing his fists on his hips, he bellowed,
“Attende, milite!” The guard reacted instantly, the point of his sword dropping to rest on the ground, his hands resting on the pommel, his back straight. Most, if not all of the SGC soldiers felt their feet twitch in response to the familiar parade ground tone, even if they didn’t understand the words themselves. Colonel Makepeace’s raised eyebrow prompted Daniel for the translation.
“Ah, well taken in context,” Daniel said, a look of astonishment on his face. “It means ‘snap to, soldier’.” He grinned as Jack turned around to face them. He bowed to them from the waist, and said,
“Nobles all,” He rose from the bow, a cheeky grin on his face. “What kept you?” He was mobbed instantly by the soldiers, lead by Major Carter When the wild, exuberant greetings had settled down, Daniel asked,
“So, Jack, what have you been up to?” He glanced at Jack’s mailed torso and sword. “You have been doing well for yourself it seems…” He grinned from ear to ear. Jack, one arm still absently wrapped around Carter’s waist, said,
“Well, Danny boy, it kinda reads like one of those wild, improbable TV shows…I was knocked unconscious, and taken prisoner. I was freed by the local rebels, who took me in, and now I’m helping them to be free of their evil tyrant…You won’t believe who it is…an old acquaintance, none the less.” Teal’c did his trademark eyebrow raise at this statement. Jack explained. “He’s about so tall,” He held his hand out at about head height. “Dark skinned, and he has a gold tattoo on his forehead…” Daniel’s face hardened.
“Shak’l.”
“The one and only.” Jack said. “He went shol’va as well, but not for any moralistic reasons like Teal’c here…he was looking out for numero uno…He’s set himself up as king of this world. The rebels, the ones who freed me, have banded together, and we’ve been fighting running battles with the local militia for the last week or so.” He looked up at the sun for a second. After a brief conversation with the guard on duty, he addressed the rest of them. “It’s going to be dark in another hour or so. Why don’t you let the General know that you’re all safe and sound, then we’ll head on over to the camp and have some dinner? There’s a few things that I need to get sorted out before we go.” Major Carter looked at the others. Seeing their grins, and knowing that they were typical males, always hungry, she smiled at Jack.
“I think that’s a ‘yes’, Colonel.” Jack turned slightly and placed two fingers in his mouth. He gave a short whistle, calling out to his horse, who was contentedly grazing on the hillside. The horse’s ears pricked up, her head turning to look at her master as he said,
“Come on, Sam!” She trotted over to him. Jack, noting the strange look on his Major’s face, explained.
“I named her after you… Reliable, blonde, and not afraid to give me a kicking.” Carter shook her head and smiled as Sam playfully head-butted her.
“Well, Major,” Jack quipped. “It looks like you’ve made a friend.” They headed down the rebel encampment, Jack patiently explaining the linguistic differences to an enthusiastic Daniel.

The sound of laughter floated across the camp, causing Jack’s lips to crinkle into a grin. The cause of his mirth was the rebels down at the archery targets teaching most of SG units 2 and 3 the finer points of the longbow, i.e. how not to shoot the person standing next to you. Sam, seated on the log next to him looked questioningly at him.
“Archery 101.” He answered her unspoken query. “Wanna go see how they’re doing?”
“Why not?” Jack stood up, offering his hand to Sam. Taking it, she stood also, falling into step beside him as they made their way towards the targets.
When they reached the others, Jack chuckled openly at Ferretti, the arrow weaving back and forth in a figure eight as he tried to aim it. The commander of SG-2 loosed the shaft, watching as it landed about half way down the green. Turning an indignant glare at the Colonel, he said,
“You think this is funny, Colonel?” He gestured to an unstrung longbow at his feet. “Why don’t you give it a go?” Jack shrugged his shoulders.
“Why not?” He stepped forward, slipping his tunic from his body in a smooth motion. Sam’s eyes wandered down his naked back, watching the muscles ripple as he easily compressed the bow and slipped the string in place.
*I can see that being captured hasn’t done your muscle tone any harm, Colonel.* She thought. Her face heated as her treacherous mind continued. *I wonder if his stamina has been affected?* With a slight shake of her head, she dismissed the thought, preferring not to think about it now…there would be time for that later. Jack picked up seven arrows, pressing them point first in the dirt. Nocking an arrow, he sighted down it for only an instant before releasing. He had another one in the air before the first had reached the target. As the last arrow whacked into the target at the far end, he lowered the bow and grinned at Ferretti. He held his hand out in front of him, gesturing for the Major to see where the shafts had struck. When they reached the target, they found six of the arrows spaced evenly in a circle at the bullseye, their feathers touching. The seventh was in the dead centre. Jack turned to Ferretti, saying in an almost-humble voice,
“So I practice…” Two short horn blasts rang out, causing Jack to swing his tunic over one shoulder and lead the others back to the main camp. He turned to face them. Grinning, he said,
“Dinner time!”
As they made their way down to the mess hall, Jack was approached by Guyvan. Waving the others on ahead, he stopped, facing the rebel leader.
“What’s up, Guyvan? ” Guyvan grinned, saying,
“I have been talking to the Circle of Brethren. You have been offered a place among our ranks. ”
Looking puzzled, Jack asked,
“Who are the ‘Brethren’? ”
“A wise question, my friend. We are, were, I should say, an order of Knights before the False King took over. It was our duty to search out injustice in the Lands, answerable to no-one but the truth. Most of us were killed when the one you call Shak’l came to power…now, there are only a few of us left, rebels all. The Circle is formed by the most senior amongst us. It is they who must decide if a person is to be offered a place in the Brotherhood of the Lion. Not many are given the choice, maybe five or six in a decade. ” Smiling, Jack said,
“It would be my honour, Guyvan. ” Guyvan clasped hands with Jack, his face splitting into a huge grin.
“We will have the ceremony tonight, after the feast. I must go tell the Circle at once! ” Jack chuckled and continued on his way to the mess hall to tell the rest of his team about it.

Flames from the bonfire lit the faces of the crowd with a flickering orange light, the crackle of the fire the only sound in the clearing as Jack stepped out of the tent, clad in only a pair of black woollen trousers. His torso had been oiled and painted for the ceremony, black, red, and white whorls and spirals, dipping and curving across his chest and back. Stepping into the firelight with the grace of a panther, he knelt before the table at which the Circle sat, backs to the flames. Guyvan, seated in the middle of the row of Brethren, stood up. He raised his voice to the crowd assembled in front of him.
“We, The Circle, as representatives of the Brotherhood of the Lion, have called this gathering of the people to witness the oath about to be sworn by the newest amongst us, Jack O’Neill. ” Daniel, sitting at the edge of the crowd, was pressed into a running translation of the speech by Sam and the others.
Guyvan looked at Jack, his face calm. “O’Neill, you have been offered a place in the ranks of the Brotherhood. Knowing what this entails, do you accept it? ” His voice, clear and sure, Jack answered.
“Yes, I accept. ” Stepping around the table, Guyvan held out his hand to one of the Circle seated behind him. When his hand came back around, it held a small stone bowl and a knife, both engraved with the symbol of the Lion. He laid the blade first on one of Jack’s shoulders, then the other. Finally, he pressed the flat of the blade to the kneeling man’s forehead. Jack took the knife from Guyvan, kissing the blade.
“O’Neill, if you would be one of us, speak the Oath. ” Jack drew a deep breath, pressing the point of the knife above his heart. With a slight twist of the gleaming blade, he opened a small nick in his skin. Guyvan stepped forwards, pressing the bowl to Jack’s torso. After a few seconds, the bowl had enough blood in it. Jack looked squarely into the face of the rebel leader as he spoke.
“I, Jonathan Charles O’Neill, accept a place in the Brotherhood, to abide by the Code and the Measure until my last breath. I accept the rank and position that this allows, and also the responsibilities. I will strive to uphold the teachings of the Lore to the best of my ability. To this, I, Jonathan Charles O’Neill do swear, by my heart’s blood, my honour, word, and soul. ” His face solemn, Guyvan dipped his index finger into the bowl and placed a single drop of blood between Jack’s eyes. Stepping back, he signalled to two other members of the Circle. They stood behind Jack and fastened a jet black cloak, trimmed with lion’s fur, around his broad shoulders.
“This man, ” Guyvan said. “man no longer, but Knight, is of the Brotherhood of the Lion. Arise, Lord O’Neill. ” When Jack had come to his feet, Guyvan continued, his voice grave. “Go thee amongst thy people, Lord O’Neill, and carry this night forever in thy heart.” He placed his fist over his heart and bowed his head as Jack did the same. Looking at his friend, he raised his voice once more. “Let the festivities commence! ” A tremendous shout rose up from the assembled crowd as Jack turned to face them. Everyone jumped to their feet as the drums and flutes began to play, the infectious beat causing person after person to start dancing.

The party went on into the small hours of the night, people heading towards bed closer to dawn than midnight.
Sleepy and slightly drunk, Sam was wandering in between the trees when she saw Jack heading towards his tent for the nigh. Raising her voice she called out to him.
“Jack, wait!” Turning, Jack peered into the gloom, wondering who had spoken. He smiled as he saw Sam emerge from the trees. He stopped as she strolled up to him.
“Can we talk for a bit?” She asked as he offered his arm to her in a gentlemanly fashion.
“Sure…” Glancing around, he saw a fallen tree not far off. Steering her over to it, they sat down.
“What did you want to talk about?” After a short pause while Sam came up with several responses, she said,
“Anything, I guess… We’ve got a lot of catching up to do. You were away for a long time. You gave us the Reader’s Digest version back at the ‘Gate, but I want details, Colonel.” Jack grinned in the darkness.
“Well,” He said. “There was quite a lot of training, with the bow, and the sword, maybe five or six hours a day. It was a lot of fun, really…I managed to work off a bit of that flab I got from too much paperwork.” He was interrupted by a snort from his Major.
“Paperwork? You?” She grinned at him, lightly backhanding his stomach. “I can see it’s done you good, anyway.” Jack caught her had, throwing her a mock glare.
“Hey! What’s with the beating your superior officer up? I thought the idea was to rescue me!” Sam grinned even wider as she pushed him backwards off the log onto the ground. Before he could roll out of the way, she jumped down and sat on his stomach, pinning his arms to the ground with her hands. A feral glint in her eye, she said,
“But, you see, I’m the only one allowed to beat up on you…nobody else.” Jack shifted slightly under Sam, moving his arms out to his sides. When her face was an inch or so from his own, he whispered.
“So you’re the only one who’s allowed to spank me?” Their breaths mingling, Sam said,
“Yes, and if you ever run away like that again, I’m going to take you back to my quarters and tie you up, so you can’t get away.” His eyes roving over her face, Jack asked,
“Promise?” Sam lowered her face until their lips almost touched. As she drew breath to answer his question, she was cut off by Daniel’s voice, echoing through the camp.
“Jack! Jack! Where are you?” Muttering threats against the archaeologist under his breath, Jack sat up, gently removed the Major from his lap, and called out.
“I’m over here, Daniel!” He helped Sam to her feet, brushing some twigs off as he did so. It was at that moment that Dr. Jackson arrived. He glanced from Sam to Jack and back again, noting the debris on Jack’s clothing and Sam’s knees. Sighing, Jack said,
“What was it, Daniel?” A faint smile, hidden by the shadows, played on Daniel’s lips as he replied,
“I just wanted to ask you some questions about the city you were taken to…but that can wait until morning.” So saying, he bid them a hasty goodnight, and headed back to the campfire to find out where his tent was. Shaking his head, Jack offered Sam his arm in a courtly manner, and said,
“May I escort you back to your tent, milady?” Smiling, Carter took the offered arm, saying,
“But of course, milord.” They wandered slowly back to the sleeping area, arm in arm.

When they reached Sam’s tent, Carer invited Jack in for a while, saying,
“Oh, while you were gone, Cassie had her thirteenth birthday…I know you wanted to be there, so I brought the photos with me. You wanna see?” Jack readily agreed, and they stepped inside. Sam turned the electric lamp on, filling the room with a yellow glow. Digging the pictures out of her pack, she sat down next to Jack, who was seated on the edge of the camp bed, idly playing with the zip of Sam’s sleeping bag. Jack frowned as he saw the goose bumps on Sam’s arms.
“You’re freezing!” He said. “Why didn’t you tell me you were cold?” Sam gave him a brave grin.
“I’m not cold.” She lied. Shaking his head, Jack replied,
“Well, Major, your arms say otherwise.” Glancing at her eyes, he lightly trailed one finger up her forearm. Gasping slightly at the unexpected contact, Sam half closed her eyes, an involuntary shudder running up her arm. Jack lifted his hands to the pin holding his cloak on. Seeing the gesture, Sam said,
“No, Jack. Then you’ll be cold, not me. That leaves us in exactly the same situation.” A devilish glint in his eyes, Jack replied.
“Well then, Major, I think I have the solution.” He shifted his weight back, moving his knees apart. Patting the bed between his knees, he motioned for Sam to sit.. A puzzled look on her face, Sam complied. When she was settled, Jack flipped the edges of the cloak around them both so that only their heads stuck out of the cloth. Sam threw a grateful grin over her shoulder at the Colonel. Snuggling down, she held up the photos through the gap in the cloak for Jack to see. A smile on his face, Jack listened while Sam recounted the saga of the birthday party.
Two hours later, a relaxed silence fell in the tent, only to be broken by the Major’s yawn. Her slow breathing told Jack that she was nearly asleep. He shifted his weight slightly, intending to lay her down gently and head back to his own tent. Sam turned around half way, looking up at him through sleepy eyes.
“Stay.” She gave him her best ‘pleading puppy’ look, the one that she knew made men go weak at the knees. She resisted the urge to smile as she felt, through the thin layer of clothing separating them, his heart beat erratically for an instant. Carefully keeping his face neutral. Jack asked,
“Are you sure?” Sam leant forwards, pushing Jack onto his back. Laying on the bed, their arms wrapped around each other, Carter replied.
“Yes, I’m sure…besides, you yourself said that I was freezing, so we’re just sharing body heat…like in Antarctica.” Smiling at the transparent yet possibly believable explanation, Jack said,
“Works for me…” There was silence for a few seconds as Sam searched Jack’s face. With tears in her crystal blue eyes, she said,
“It almost doesn’t seem real…I thought I’d lost you for good, Jack, and now here you are…alive and well.” Tenderly, Jack cupped Sam’s face in his hands, wiping her tears away with his thumbs.
“Sam,” He said gently. “It’d take a lot more than what’s out there to keep me away from you.” He leant in, and kissed first one cheek, then the other. Finally, he kissed the tip of her nose. In a mock-stern voice, he said,
“Now sleep, Major, that’s an order.” Two thirds asleep anyway, Sam snuggled her face into Jack’s shoulder, whispering as she drifted off.
“Yes, my Colonel.” Seconds later, Jack was sleeping too.

The wind tossing her hair, Sam looked over her shoulder at Jack, seated behind her as they rode his horse bare backed along the edge of the forest. A whispered command brought the horse to a stop in a clearing. Jack slid off first, then helped Sam down. Out of the day pack on his back, Jack produced some sandwiches and gave half to Carter. That morning, he had managed to excuse their absence for the rest of the day by telling the others that he had some interesting mineral sample for the Major to look at, all the while both of them were steadfastly avoiding looking at Daniel’s eyes, and the vaguely self-satisfied smirk hovering around the corners of his mouth.
The horse wandered over to the small brook at the edge of the grassy area to drink, while Sam and Jack leant against a fallen tree, contentedly eating their lunch. Sam lay back into Jack’s arm and wriggled to get comfortable as he pulled an apple out of the pack, offering her a bite. Tilting her face upwards slightly, she placed her lips against the fruit and took a large mouthful, the juice dribbling down to her chin. With his free hand, Jack wiped the drip off Sam’s chin. Before he could move his finger, however, Sam moved her head forwards, drawing his finger into her mouth and sucking it clean. A soft purr escaped Jack’s mouth as Sam teased the tip of his finger with her tongue, lightly flickering it from one end to the other. Setting the apple to one side in favour of more interesting distractions, Jack slid his unoccupied hand around Sam’s waist, his fingers slipping deftly under the bottom of her shirt to draw lazy circles on her bellybutton as his lips descended to her neck. His kiss sending waves of pleasure up and down her body, Sam turned her face to Jack’s, meeting his hungry lips with her own. A slight shift of weight, and they were laying on the ground, Sam on top, with Jack’s hands resting on her hips, and her arms on either side of his head. A subtle change in the forest noise caused Jack to stop instantly, his attention reluctantly dragged away from his Major to the surroundings. Sensing the abrupt change in the Colonel, Sam sat up, swiftly scanning the tree for danger. Rolling to his feet with dagger in hand, Jack silently made his way between the trunks. Fifty yards closer to the tree line, right at the edge of the forest, six men were riding slowly, their low voiced banter at carrying the immediately identifiable undertones of soldiers sent on an unpleasant and boring duty.
“But why us, Maltek? ” The first rider turned and glanced at one of the others behind him. The soldier he addressed, clearly the leader of the little patrol, answered.
“Because, Kirlan, the King told us to go and find the trails leading into the forest, so that the army will not have to hack their way through. The outlaws are in a large number, so there must be some form of path in. ” Maltek gestured for three of the others to continue in the direction that they had been travelling, while Kirlan, himself, and the other soldier stopped to water their horses. The other soldier stroked his mount’s mane and said,
“Beats me why he left it this late, actually, with the attack being only two days away and all. ” Maltek, a nasty grin on his face, replied,
“I wouldn’t say that within earshot of the Royal Guard, Gyrlath. ” His face paling slightly, Gyrlath said,
“Yeah, I value my intestines, thank you very much. ” Their horses having drunk their fill, Maltek said,
“Mount up, we’d better catch up to the others. ” Swinging into the saddle, they were galloping almost before they had settled in place.
A puzzled look on her face, Sam didn’t need to ask the question. Looking very worried, Jack answered her unspoken question.
“They were scouts…looking for the best way into the forest for Shak’ls army…which will be here the day after tomorrow.” The relaxed, romantic mood now completely destroyed, they quickly packed their gear up and headed back to camp at a canter.

The banners snapped in the stiff breeze as the opposing forces faced each other across the grassy field. Late the previous evening, the rebel soldiers had decided to change their defence strategy, opting for a course that would, if successful, save many lives, not only on their own side, but in the opposition’s ranks as well. Two soldiers rode out from within the orderly lines of men belonging to the outlaws under a white flag of peace. They were met half way between the two armies by one of the Royal Guard, and also the armour clad ex-Jaffa Shak’l. Speaking in English for the benefit of the false King, Guyvan spoke first.
“In the interests of peace, we come to you with an offer, so that the bloodshed might be lessened. If you would be King, you must hear our words under the law of Loqueris Libertatiis, Free Speech. In refusing this request, you would prove beyond doubt to all who follow you that you are none but a usurper. Will you hear our words?” Grinding his teeth in impotent fury, Shak’l replied.
“I will hear your words.” Keeping any trace of smile from his face and voice, Guyvan continued.
“Good. In times of conflict, the matter might be settled by the engagement of the opposing forces, or, more simply, by the combat of a chosen representative from each of the armies. The outcome of the duel between the champions is determined by the Gods, he who is right in his cause shall be strengthened by their arms. What say you to the duel?” A confident smirk settled on Shak’ls lips as he said,
“I accept your terms. The weapons?” Relieved that the proposal had been accepted, Guyvan explained.
“The combatants are to be armed with a sword only, both blades of equal length. No shield is allowed, nor is armour…the armour of the Truth is all the defence needed by he who is right.” Sure of himself, the false King said,
“Very well. I name myself as champion of this army. There are none in this world who can best me in combat. Who is your champion?” Removing his helm, Jack grinned nastily as he said,
“Well, we have had a bit of luck there…I am.”
“You!” Shak’l spat the word, his face twisting in distaste. “I will rip you apart in this duel, and feed you to my dogs as scraps!” Glaring at Guyvan, he spoke again, his voice a mixture of rage and hunger to fight. “We will begin in ten minutes.” Turning abruptly, he mounted his horse and returned to his awaiting army. As Jack and Guyvan made their way to the rebel force, knight turned to Jack and asked,
“Are you sure of this, my friend?” His eyes hard, Jack responded.
“Yes, Guyvan, I am sure.” Reaching the safety of their own ranks, they began the preparations for the duel.

Guyvan stepped forward, a mechanical device in his hands. Setting it on the ground at the edge of the roped off combat area, he said,
“This will chime in one minute from the time I press the button. A chime will sound, and the duel will commence.” He depressed the small button on top of the device and stepped back as the two combatants entered the arena. Stripped to the waist, both of the duellists wore only a pair of black woollen leggings and some boots. Around the abdomen, Shak’l had a cotton band covering his symbiote pouch, to protect it from dirt. At each of the corners of the arena stood two men, one from each of the armies, armed with crossbows. Their muscled bodies oiled and gleaming in the midday sun, Jack and Shak’l waited, swords in hand, as the clock whirred. The loud chime of the bell merged into the ringing clash as the swords met in mid air, a shower of sparks cascading over them both as they disengaged, circling one another slowly, eyes probing for weaknesses. Jack stepped in, throwing an off side snap to his opponent’s ribs. Rolling his shoulders, he flicked the back edge of the blade to the on side of Shak’ls head. His blade vertical, the Jaffa blocked the first strike easily. Anticipating the next shot, a slight shifty of the blade deflected Jack’s sword over his head. Grinning at the expected defence, Jack spun and flicked the tip of his weapon at Shak’ls face, dropping the point into a slash across his opponent’s midsection. With a startled oath, Shak’l barely managed to avoid a killing stroke, taking a cut to the ribs for his effort. Following his natural instinct to duck slightly and half turn, the Jaffa used the move to cover the preparation for a backhanded blow launched at Jack’s face. A surprised Jack bent over backwards quickly, the sword whistling barely half an inch from the tip of his nose.. Straightening, Jack grasped the hilt of his sword with both hands, swinging as Shak’ls stomach. When his blade clashed with his enemy’s, he used the rebound to pirouette, the pommel catching Shak’l in the side of the head. Dazed, the Jaffa backed off half a pace, then stepped inside Jack’s guard. With a nasty twist, his blade opened a cut across Jack’s forehead as his knee slammed brutally into Jack’s groin. With a startled grunt, Jack dropped to the ground in agony, barely managing to roll to one side to avoid the slashing downward stroke that would have severed his head from his body. Rolling once more, Jack swept his leg out, collecting Shak’l on the side of the knee. Blinking blood out of his right eye, Jack stood quickly, his face twitching in controlled agony from the pain in his groin. Separating briefly, the two opponents glare at each other, watching the eyes for a minuscule narrowing that would preface a surprise attack. Snarling with hate, Shak’l began a series of broad, overhand strokes. Driven back by the force of the attack, Jack deflected each of the swings, lulling his aggressor into a rhythm. Shifting his defence suddenly, Jack watched as Shak’ls next stroke was checked slightly. Angling his blade downwards at waist height, Jack stepped to one side and let the attack deflect. Raising his blade suddenly to meet the oncoming edge, Jack quickly swept the tip in a tight circle. His face red with effort, Jack smashed his sword into the forte of his unsuspecting opponent’s blade. With a loud clang, Shak’ls sword spun from his grip into the air. His hands stinging from the jarring, he looked down only to see the edge of Jack’s sword at his throat. He dropped slowly to one knee, tucking his toes in preparation for a leap.
“I’d like nothing more that to run three feet of cold steel between your breakfast and your lunch, you slimy, treacherous bastard, but I have to ask. Do you yield?” Jack stepped back until the very tip of the sword was resting in the hollow of Shak’ls throat. His face twisting with rage and humiliation, Shak’l defiantly shouted,
“Never!” He bunched his muscles and dove forwards, intending to impale himself on the sword at his neck. The slight shift of weight was all that Jack needed to alert him to his opponent’s plan. Stepping to one side, he spun the blade in an arc, turning the edge ninety degrees. It all ended abruptly when the flat of the blade connected with a loud ‘thump’ with the back of Shak’ls head. Unconscious and face down in the dirt, the Jaffa didn’t utter even a groan as Jack stepped back to the exultant cheers of the rebel army, raising his sword in victory. Lifting his voice above that of the crowd formed by both the armies, Guyvan addressed them, Daniel muttering the translation to an enthralled Sam.
“My friends! It has been proven in trial by combat that Lord Jack O’Neill was in the right. Therefore, the false King Shak’l is guilty of usurpation, wrongful imprisonment, and deceiving the people. ” Turning to face Jack, he continued. “The usual sentence for such crimes is lifelong exile. But, as the victor, you have the final say. ” His mind whirring, Jack said,
“Exile you say…then exile it shall be, but to a place from where he will never again cause trouble. This then, is his sentence. He is to be sent through the Stargate to the planet Taldek, an uninhabited world, but one which will support life. The Stargate of that world is broken, and will only allow things to be sent to there, not from. ” Smiling, Guyvan turned once more to the crowd.
“My people, Lord O’Neill has spoken. We are, once more, free! Go now to your homes with the news, and let the party begin as soon as the sun goes down. ” As Guyvan finished, Jack stepped forwards before the crowd could disperse.
“People of the Kingdom, ” Jack said. “Today, the reign of a false King has come to an end. Through his treachery, none of the children of the former, rightful, King survive. In the last few months, the leader of the ‘rebels’, Guyvan, has shown himself to be a gifted leader of men, and a skilled negotiator. What say you to appointing him as your new monarch? ” Jack turned, grinned, and clasped the hand of the new King to the roars of approval of the crowd.
The party got under way much sooner than expected, and lasted for many more days as the people celebrated their freedom and new ruler.

The briefing droned on slowly. Jack, caught in a bemused reverie, smiled as he remembered the look on General Hammond’s face as he stepped from the event horizon, clad in his chain mail, sword belted at his hip, followed by Samantha the horse. He snapped back to the present as the General finished up with the magic words: two weeks downtime. They stood up and filed out of the briefing room, grins on their faces. Daniel hung back slightly, grabbing Teal’c by the arm to slow him down. Wordlessly, he pointed to Sam and Jack, who were involved in a hushed conversation in the hall a few meters ahead. Sam headed off to the change rooms. As she did so, she looked over her shoulder, threw Jack a brilliant smile and a half wave. Curious, Daniel and Teal’c approached the Colonel. Looking at the smile tugging at the corners of Jack’s mouth, Daniel asked,
“What was that all about, Jack?” The faint smile turning into a fully fledged grin, Jack replied.
“Ah, Danny-boy! I have some unfinished business with an apple to complete, don’t y’ know…” He waved and strolled happily down the corridor to his quarters. As he vanished from view, Daniel would have sworn that he could hear the words “And maybe later, some strawberries and whipped cream as well…” emerge softly from around the corner.

Finis

Hope you all enjoyed the ride. Let me know what you thought...