TITLE: Good Knight, Sir… Jack

AUTHOR: Linz

CATEGORY: SJ, Action

SUMMARY: Think 'White Knight on charging steed' and then add SG-1.

CONTENT LEVEL: 13+

SPOILERS: Mainly Emancipation, with tiny references to Birthright and Fallen. SEASON: 7-ish

ARCHIVE: SJD, Heliopolis, JackFic, others only have to ask.

DISCLAIMER: Ok, don't own characters (wish I did) made this story up, didn't make any money out of it, yada yada, blah blah.

NOTES: This is the first fic I've written in… wow, a very long time. I hope I'm not as rusty as I think I am! Thank you my very own 'online thesaurus' in chat; their knowledge of Old English synonyms knows no bounds, and to 'Chiroho' for the name of the baddie.

Finally, huge hugs for my wonderful beta, SallyR who, basically, just kick's ass.

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Dedication: For Jackie, who gave me the bunny, had the patience to wait until I could write again and then bugged me incessantly until I finished it.

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So far, this had been the type of mission that Jack O'Neill couldn't decide if he loved or loathed. No bad guys out to draw blood, usually his, no world that needed an ingenious plan to save it, usually Carter's. No one for Daniel to make friends with and no Amazonian Jaffa's for Teal'c, although he knew that that may not be a plus point for his alien friend.

Nope just trees, grass and something that sounded suspiciously like birdsong, although Jack had since learned that the Earth version of birds was not always the same in this wide and wonderful universe of ours. Teeth? That's just plain wrong!

The only thing that made this planet mission-worthy was the 'funky' things the M.A.L.P had found in the soil. Whatever-the-stuff-was had sent Carter and the other scientist types into paroxysms of bounciness – really Carter bouncing was a sight to behold! Hammond had subsequently deemed this worthy of a long mission to see if they could find more of it, map it, and assess its potential value. Carter's excitement had swayed Hammond into giving SG1 the 'privilege' of the mission. Oh Joy.

SG-1, flagship team of Earth's most top secret… well, secret… was basically on a science field trip!

In fact the only interesting thing that had happened to them so far, was walking out of the stargate, into the very small stone mound – which Daniel had since gone into raptures over, because it was 'obviously' man-made, as opposed to being just a pile of rocks - which meant people, culture… all the stuff that made the archaeologist all but dance. As well as the Gate's 'house', they had also been greeted by a flock of birds. Large, pink, beautiful birds… with large, pink and sharp teeth!

Since their abrupt departure from the psychotic flamingos, it had been one long walk in the park, literally and figuratively.

And just to make things peachy, the comms system didn't seem to like the climate of P5X-wherever-the-heck-they-where, because as they got further from the gate the comms system got worse, even between each other. They'd tested out the viability, or lack there-of, of their equipment shortly after realising there was a problem and found that they could hardly hear each other for the static if they were more than a few feet away. Carter thought it was the denser proportions of the stuff in the soil, rather than distance that was interfering in the radio signals. Their last radio-in with Hammond had been so bad that Jack had only just been able to make out what his CO had been saying. But Jack's assessment of 'minimal threat' had appeased Hammond enough to let them continue the mission as planned.

So here they were… walking.

Carter was chattering about the soil, Daniel was chattering about the potential civilisation, Teal'c was… being Teal'c and Jack, well, he was just plain bored.

His P90 hung loosely in his hands, a testament to the lack of threat. Not that he couldn't get a good hold of the sucker and let rip a few dozen rounds if he needed to, but he just doubted if this mission would amount to very much other than a fairly pleasant stroll. He and Teal'c followed while Carter played in the dirt and Daniel got ever more excited about the potential civilisation he expected to find around the next bend. On the other hand, there was only so much walking in the park that he could take, and after clocking their fourth hour, he'd had enough.

"Ok, that's it," he said as he turned to face his team, "Since Hammond, in his infinite wisdom, decided that this is a five day, fun-filled stop-over we may as well set up camp here."

One 'Yes, sir' and a head bow later, Jack lowered his pack as he turned to greet what he just knew was coming.

"But, Jack," Daniel all but whined, "it's still daylight! We can walk a few more miles before night falls. There has to be 'something' close by, the gate had been housed by someone and they aren't going to just…"

Jack really did try to stifle the urge to roll his eyes, although he was the first to admit that he may not have been all that successful. "Daniel, do ya remember that M.A.L.P reading?" At his friend's blank look, Jack continued, "The one that showed how quickly it gets pitch black on this planet?" A small 'o' shape appeared on the archaeologist's mouth as Jack elucidated further. "The one that told us we'd have about 5 hours to travel and pitch camp… and" he glanced meaningfully at his watch, "oooo, look… four hours and now ten minutes down, fifty to go, well aren't I just good?"

A small, but well disguised snort of laughter came from the direction of Carter, who seemed to suddenly be very interested in getting the tents laid out. Jack raised an eyebrow in return, pleasantly surprised to see a subtle, but tell-tale hue sweep over her cheeks. Momentarily lost, Jack fought to pull himself back to his excitable friend, who looked like he'd just lost a dollar and found a cent.

"Daniel if whoever built that … house… for the gate is still here, they'll probably still be here in the morning. Now, go do something useful and help Teal'c check the perimeter." Daniel's eyebrows weren't the only ones to draw in confusion at Jack's order. Both Teal'c and Carter wore the same expression, and if he was honest, if he'd had a mirror handy, he'd probably have found the same expression on his own face.

Usually, either he or Teal'c or sometimes both, checked the perimeter, while Carter unpacked and started building the fire. Daniel's usual job was coffee. The boy had definite talent in making field-ration coffee taste almost drinkable.

However, since his glorious un-ascension, Jack had sensed a change in his friend. A hardness to him that was never quite as obvious before he did the 'glowy' thing. Jack knew that Daniel needed more that just the responsibility of being chief coffee maker and this planet seemed as good as any to get him back into the swing of things. So Jack put on his 'I'm-the-colonel-I-don't-have-to-explain-myself' face and watched in smug satisfaction as Daniel went on his merry way with Teal'c while Carter valiantly finished unloading the supplies.

Ok, so now what should he do? Carter had already done the supply thing and was about to prep the ground for the fire. He figured he should go start collecting the…

"Wood," as if reading his mind, she suddenly spoke. "It might be a good start point, Sir." The humour lacing her words was so not lost on him.

"Really?" he smiled back. "And here was I wondering why I couldn't get the water hot enough to make the coffee." He watched in satisfaction as the smile spread to her eyes and waited for her comeback.

"No offence, Sir, but I'd rather wait for those pink birds to make coffee!" Her eyes twinkled back at him, and not for the first time recently, he was hit by the fact that she was beginning to get, well… a lot like him.

Not being the type of man to back down…"Yeah, but Carter, I wouldn't want to come between you and your 'I am woman, I make Fire' inclinations, now would I?" He almost winked.

"Sir, did you just call me a pyromaniac?" She straightened, squaring her shoulders ready to defend her honour. Pity she gave herself away by that quirk on her lips.

"No, I think I just called you a woman, actually." Ok, question one: where the heck did that come from? Two: why the hell did he actually say it? And three: how hard was she gonna hit him?

He never got the chance to find out, as she quickly schooled the myriad of expressions that flew across her face, coughed a little and gathered herself enough to say, "I'll go get the wood, Sir," and was gone before he had the chance to say anything else, which in retrospect was probably a good thing.

"Watch out for those birds, they bite you know!" He distractedly rubbed over the small scar that was his evidence of the warning as he called after her while most of his apparently remaining brain cell was still trying to work out what the hell had gotten into him.

*^*^*^*^*^*^*^*^

Jack had assembled the tents, and was almost through with setting everything ready for Daniel's coffee magic, when he heard the familiar footfalls of the previously mentioned archaeologist and his Jaffa bodyguard returning to camp. Carter, he could tell as he glanced over to the edge of the forest, was still putting together an impressive amount of fire wood, that he and the boys would no doubt end up having to help lug back to camp. He was about to ponder whether she did it on purpose, just to see them show their mighty masculine strength, when Teal'c's voice timed his interruption to perfection.

"O' Neill, the perimeter is set." Jack nodded his understanding. "However there are tracks around this area, of what I am yet uncertain, though the animal is large."

"Risk assessment, Teal'c?" The question needed to be asked, especially if Teal'c had felt the need to bring it up.

"Again, I am uncertain. The tracks are even and well-spaced, in consistent patterns through the forest, O'Neill."

"So you're saying…" Jack never got to finish his sentence.

"Jack, he's saying that it's the second real sign of a civilisation on this planet! Teal'c said they could be horses, well, 'domesticated equines', but you realise what this means?" Jack opened his mouth, all ready to assure his bubbly companion that he actually did know what that meant, but once again, he never got the chance. "People, Jack. People. People who obviously have the infrastructure to use horses, or something like horses, maybe that is even evidence of trade? Jack, this means…" This time it was Daniel who was interrupted.

"This means, Daniel that we're pulling double watches tonight, just in case." Teal'c nodded his assent, as Jack continued "It also means that we better go haul the fire wood Carter has been collecting for the last half hour, before we lose our light completely." Without waiting for any reply, Jack turned on his heel and wandered over to Carter's position, ready and willing to show off his wood-hauling skills.

^*^*^*^*^*^*^*^*^*^*

Jack watched the flames from the fire dance in front of his eyes, trying his best to shut out Daniel's constant theorising about the apparent civilisation and culture on this previously thought of uninhabited planet. He was too busy theorising himself. Risks, dangers, the usual stuff that went along with being the commander of a team and being utterly unwilling to have something happen to any one of said team.

His other major decision had already been made. Pulling double watches meant having to pair off his team. And since he was CO it was him who got to decide. He and Daniel would have first watch, Carter and Teal'c the next. And that had nothing to do with the fact that his brain to mouth reflex with Carter seemed to be on full flow today.

Nothing.

^*^*^*^*^*^*^*^*^

Sam walked carefully to the forest edge, her gun in one hand, her flashlight in the other guiding her path.

Quickly finding a suitable location to take care of her needs, she placed her gun on the mossy ground with her flashlight. She finished and stood, righting her clothing as she went. Her peace was suddenly broken by the sound of unfamiliar footfalls right behind her. She reached out to pick up the Beretta but before she got close to it a strong, cruel arm encircled her while another clamped tightly around her mouth.

Instinct took over. Sam jerked her head back in the hope of breaking at least a nose as her foot lifted sharply in the hopes of doing damage of a more 'personal' kind.

Neither action succeeded as suddenly more arms grabbed her.

She bucked frantically, trying to gain enough leverage to hit out while she did her best to scream for help. Her scream was dull at best, as she was forced towards a rope that burned as it was tightened brutally around her arms while a gag was stuffed violently into her mouth before being tied tightly in place. Whoever was doing this was good, she had to admit. But she'd apparently run their patience to its limit, for as she felt the rope surround her ankles, her last attempt to kick out was met with a decisive fist heading her way.

That was the last she saw for a while.

In their haste to escape before their captive's absence was noticed, the dark shadows failed to notice the black box that slid from Sam's pocket as they hauled her lifeless body onto a horse and galloped off into the night.

^*^*^*^*^*^*^*^*^

As always, when off world, Jack slept the sleep of a natural soldier. Restful enough to be worth it, but light enough so that he could be up and running at a heartbeat's notice, gun in hand and ready for action. He could count the number of time's he'd actually had to do this, but tonight added one to that list.

He was up and out of the tent; P90 gripped tightly, finger already around and not flagging the trigger, at the first sound of trouble. By the time he heard the muffled scream, he was off and running, Teal'c by his side, Daniel not more than two steps behind him. By the time he got close enough to fire, it was already too late. Teal'c gave chase, but Jack stopped, knowing full well that it would be a waste of their energy. He watched as four horses galloped away, carrying four men and one very familiar woman. As the tight knot of fear settled in his stomach, he heard Teal'c fire repeatedly to no avail.

Struggling to contain the sudden upsurge of anger, Jack dropped his gaze to the floor, still not quite able to believe what he had seen.

"Jack," Daniel attempted to connect, as Teal'c came unhappily back, holding his hand out regretfully. He held a single Earth-issue radio; obviously dropped during her capture… the implications hit him hard. The radios were more than just a coms system. They also housed the tracking signal that would have led her team right to her. Only now, they were on their own.

"JACK!" Daniel tried again, this time the edge in his voice brought Jack's attention away from running scenarios through his head. Daniel said nothing more, he just held out his hand, offering Jack whatever was in it.

Forcing his attention onto whatever Daniel as trying to show him, Jack's eyes focussed on a black piece of cloth, edged in silver, with a vicious hawk decorating its centre. It took Jack a moment or two before he fully understood what he was seeing – proof of what he had already observed in the four men who had taken his second. They had been knights; old world, medieval, King Arthur, Sir ''Galahad'', Merlin the damn Magician knights.

Only judging by their 'calling card' these were no brave knights presiding over a round table. Even with his limited knowledge gained in the main from the 'auspicious' cinematic releases that Sara had adored, Jack knew that 'black' was not a good thing.

"They have left tracks, O'Neill." Teal'c sounded a little out of breath, but filled with the type of confidence it took to slap him back in to action.

"Right. Daniel. Pack light, essentials only. We wanna move as fast as we can. Flashlights, water, spare clips." Jack took his Major's radio from Teal'c as he began to needlessly recite to the other men as they made their way back to camp. "Oh and… you better get the med-kit from Carter's pack, just in case." With that he stopped, knowing he didn't have to say more. He was already assimilating the information at hand, assessing the threat and weighing his choices; the probable outcomes of each different scenario that ran through his head. Knights, weapons, battle: fine by him. He was just about ready to pick a fight with pretty much anyone who stood in the way of him and his one acceptable outcome. They'd find her, get her back… un-harmed, or there would be hell to pay.

^*^*^*^*^*^*^*^*^*^

Sam had come too a little while ago and had since tried valiantly to keep a rough track of the general direction she was being taken in. If she was given the smallest chance to run, it'd be a good idea to know which direction she should run in.

She knew the guys had seen her, she'd heard them running… the Colonel's shout of her name and then the bright orange of Teal'c staff fire come close enough to cause panic in her kidnappers, just before she'd been hit. She also knew that they'd be tracking her already, the thought bringing comfort, stopping her automatic response to being captured. Normally she'd be doing anything she possibly could to fight back, but as her body continued to be jerked unceremoniously over the black horse she had been thrown over, she figured she had to make it as easy as possible for the guys to track her. Causing horses to buck and circle would not be the best ways of letting Teal'c follow clear trails. So she lay still, trying to relax her body as much as possible while her stomach muscles worked overtime to try to keep her balanced over the horses back. Her legs had no purchase and dangled over the other flank of the horse while her head constantly banged between the horses near flank and the rider's armour.

Armour!

Part of her almost laughed. It was something out of the movies. She had been kidnapped by real life knights, on horseback no-less! But the ropes that dug into her wrists and ankles, and the rough material that formed her gag – not to mention the headache she had, told her enough to know that these were not the romantic heroes of the screen. She just had to lie still, concentrate and do as little as possible to disturb the ride. Sooner or later the cavalry would arrive; she had no doubt at all. She just hoped to hell it was gonna be sooner.

^*^*^*^*^*^*^*^*^*^

When Jack had said they wanted to move quickly, he wasn't joking, but he knew that realistically they couldn't keep up with four galloping horses, he just had a hard time being patient. Coming to a halt, he heard the groan of relief from Daniel, and almost gave in to his own urge to echo it. Instead he bent over, hands on knees and allowed his tired body a few moments to rest. He had to slow the pace; they'd be useless trying to get Carter back if none of them had the energy to walk!

As his body drew in oxygen, removing the lactic acid that was beginning to take up residence in his muscles, his brain was pre-occupied in replaying how they has managed to capture a member of his team so easily. She and Teal'c had been on watch, when the call of nature demanded her attention. According to Teal'c she hadn't gone too far away, just far enough to give herself some privacy, it was in those few scant minutes when she had been out of sight that the 'knights' had stuck. And as good as Carter was, she was no match for four men especially when she was unarmed. They'd found her sidearm on the ground where she had left it while she… took care of business. Which meant two things; one: the knights had to have been watching them for a while and had chosen the most advantageous moment to strike, and two: Carter wasn't ever taking a potty break alone ever again!

He smirked slightly when he thought about how that little decree would go down. The truth was no one could've done anything to stop it. Not one of them would have ever encroached on her privacy and they all knew it. What he should have realised, was that they were being observed. He didn't know how he'd missed it and he was more than a little pissed off that he had. If he hadn't, Carter might still be here.

"O'Neill!" Teal'c called from further up the 'track' and Jack knew as he looked to the large man, now squatted over the earth, that this wasn't going to be good news.

"What?" He tried to keep the apprehension from his voice, but he had a good idea what Teal'c was about to say.

"The direction is no longer apparent. There are two clear tracks from this point forwards," murmured the still crouching man.

"Well, ok, so we've come to an intersection, which one has our set of prints?" questioned Jack, sounding way more confident than he felt. He knew without doubt that if Teal'c could've been able to distinguish one way or another, they'd already be heading down yonder.

"Neither one, O'Neill. The group has separated." The Jaffa's eyes conveyed his regret.

"Teal'c, I'm no tracker, but can't you tell by the depth of the tracks?" Jack watched Teal'c eyebrow question Daniel, his own following the same journey as Daniel continued. "I mean, the horse carrying Sam is carrying the weight of two people, so won't the prints be… I dunno, deeper?"

Jack was reluctantly impressed. "Nice thinking, Dr. Jackson," he duly acknowledged.

Teal'c nodded his approval at Daniel's insight. "However, the ground is now hard; I can no longer locate which animal carries the heaviest burden."

"Typical," began Jack, falling characteristically on flippancy when the situation got all screwed up, i.e., pretty much all the time. "So, Teal'c, you're basically saying we have to…"

"…guess" finished Daniel in stereo.

"Indeed," agreed the third man.

"Great. Just great." Jack rumbled, rubbing a hand over his face. "Anyone got a quarter?"

^*^*^*^*^*^*^*^*^*^

Sam sighed in grateful relief as she was pulled off the horse and dumped to the ground. The earth was hard and stony, but with her stomach muscles finally gaining some reprieve, she really didn't care. The largest of the four knights came close, yanking her arms as he tied a thick rope over her already bound wrists, which he in turn tied to a large tree trunk.

"Thou shalt have no escape, my Lady," came the echoing voice from inside the still-lowered silver helmet as he obviously took a moment to look at her defiant face, before turning abruptly away and settling with the other 'men' to rest.

She almost giggled. They even spoke like the movies! Although there was something in his tone when he called her 'lady', that warned her to be wary. But, if she still had her Beretta, she'd show them escape; odds were that a bullet was a new experience for these guys, if their reaction to Teal'c's staff blasts were anything to go by.

Dragging her mind back to the situation at hand, Sam tested the knots, damn, but they were done well. She'd not be able to work them loose anytime soon. Rather than dwelling on negatives, she focussed on the positive, on what she knew. Thanks to the twin suns that had risen a short time ago and previous M.A.L.P telemetry, they figured had been travelling a roughly Easterly path for the majority of the morning at a fair speed. Not that that helped her much unless she managed to get out of these ropes. She also knew that it was going to take the guys a while to catch up with her since they didn't have the benefit of horses.

That would have left the colonel with two choices. Come after her on foot, or make his way back to the gate for reinforcements. Considering the latter would be deemed a waste of too much time, especially since they didn't have the luxury of comms on this mission, Sam knew he'd opt for the former. She just had to wait.

She looked over at the quartet. They were sat in a circle, two men facing her, visors down, two men with their backs to her, visors up. They obviously didn't want her to see their faces, which struck her as a little… odd. They were talking so quietly that she couldn't make out their words, but she knew without doubt that she was the topic of conversation.

Three of the knights wore silver armour, with black tunics also trimmed in silver, while the fourth (whose right knee was way too familiar) wore the same tunic over black armour, giving him a decidedly more 'dangerous' aura. He was the leader, of that she had little doubt. Their shields and tunics all bore the same crest, a vicious looking hawk with its wings splayed and large hooked talons bared in wait for its prey. Yup, these were indeed the bad guys.

A few moments later, all visors were replaced, as 'Black Knight' returned to her, silently unwound the rope from the tree and dragged her up by the wrists; the rope was unforgiving to her flesh. 'Black Knight' saw her small grimace.

"T'wil not be the worst of it, woman, if thou resists." His voice made Sam internally flinch, he was enjoying this. "Nay, fortune favours us in error as you be no squire." Sam lost her breath as 'Black Knight' swung her easily over his shoulder and then back across a different horse. "Your companions' magic may be lost to us, but thou shalt be won!"

Sam heard the replying cheers from the other knights. This was not sounding good. 'Hurry, Sir!' She thought as the horse accepted his rider and burden and suddenly cantered into motion.

^*^*^*^*^*^*^*^*^*^

Jack dropped to the ground behind the covering bushes and brought out his scope to get a closer look at the camp below. He scanned the tents – horses, knights... fire – looking for anything that could be a sign of someone being held prisoner. There was nothing. "How many, Teal'c?"

"At least ten, O'Neill. As yet I have seen no sign of MajorCarter."

"Daniel?" Jack questioned. "Talk to me." He needed more Intel. It had taken most of the day to get this far along the trail. It had been a long and tiring night (or what had been left of it after she'd been taken), followed by a long and tiring day and it would be dark again soon.

To make matters worse, he knew absolutely that she wasn't there. His head told him that the lack of guards, chains, or anything that remotely suggested there was a prisoner there, kinda hinted to the fact that there wasn't. But the biggest clue was that there wasn't a black and silver anything in sight. Gut told him the same thing, but for an entirely different, and altogether a more dangerous reason. She wasn't here because he couldn't 'feel' her.

"Well, it could virtually be right out of Arthurian legend, Jack," began Daniel as both Jack and Teal'c watched the movements in the camp. "King Arthur was said to rule over the ancient kingdom of Camelot, which is purported to be what is now Cornwall in the British Isles and legend holds that…"

"Yeah, Daniel, I saw the movie, funky swords, round tables, ladies in lakes, Merlin the Magician, right?" Jack interrupted, but Daniel continued unfazed. "History is a little more violent than the Disney effect, Jack, but yeah…these knights, for want of a better description, are obviously the white knights. Their white tunics and the gold lion crest would seem to indicate that they are…"

"The 'Good Guys'?" questioned Jack.

"I'd say it's safe to assume that we've already met the bad guys…" answered Daniel, who was quite blatantly under the spell of the medieval culture playing out right before his eyes.

"Ok, so we should go and see…" Jack began to rise, only to be interrupted once more, this time by a very sharp and shiny sword hovering precariously above his Adam's apple.

"Silence, knave and yield to your captor!" spoke the muffled voice from under even shinier armour. Looking quickly for his remaining team members, Jack saw they were all in the same predicament, only Teal'c was special, he had three swords…

"You lost me after, 'Silence'." Jack's reward was a swift kick to the ribs. "Ow! Dammit!"

^*^*^*^*^*^*^*^*^*^

Sam was tired, sore and not just a little bad tempered. After spending most of her day slung uncomfortably over the back of a horse, she was not at her happiest as she trudged through the camp, a sword at her back.

'Black Knight' and his cohorts had finally reached their destination. A fairly small encampment set on slightly higher ground than that which they had been travelling through all day. On one side of them was a covering of light forest and on the other a small, but fast flowing stream. Looking around her, Sam was forced to admire their location. It was perfect. Easily defendable, a fresh supply of water and wood… These guys may not be the best hosts in the world, but they knew what they were doing when it came to living in the outdoors.

Sam was pushed non-too-gently into a large canopied tent. Fur rugs, small stools, jugs of… something and two small women were waiting for her as 'Black Knight' ordered, "Wenches, robe her fittingly for a tournament!"

Two small curtsies immediately followed their joint "Aye, m'Lord" as Sam turned quickly coming face to face with the largest man she had ever seen, aside from Teal'c. He was, to put it bluntly, formidable. Tall and broad, he was frightening in stature and appearance. His hair was jet black and his dark eyes would have reminded her of someone else's, were it not for the malice and spite that were so blatant in their depths.

"What do you want from me? What tournament?" demanded Sam of her captor.

"The woman has spirit, an asset to be sure," he smiled maliciously. "Be warned, I break men with more courage that thou."

Sam stifled her shudder, "My name is Samantha Carter, not 'woman'! Who are you and what tournament?" she asked once more, the steel in her tone belying her fear.

"I shalt enjoy thee, wench." His eyes lit with the promise of her fire, this time she did not control the shiver as easily. His dark gaze pinned her like a butterfly as he took a menacing step closer. "Thou hast been mistaken for a squire; I wished to learn of your magic - fire without flints, light in thine hands. I will also have the magic of firesticks from you, thus our error was highly favourable and will giveth me a true advantage." He stepped closer still, into her body space, testing her resolve. She stayed were she was. His eyes showed admiration for her, but a more definite promise of determination to break her followed too swiftly. "I am Lucien Danford, once member of the Knights Royal. Injustice was served upon me by our King, branding me traitor and murderer. Thine capture provides opportunity to take revenge!"

Sam knew in that instant as the sheer brutal force of him demanded her to step backwards and the 'injustice' he was speaking of was certainly not unreasonable. His sly, victorious smile at her withdrawal angered her more as he continued. "In times of 'peace'" he spat the word at her, "no armies may form. Battle is conducted through tournament jousts. I have long wished to wreak my revenge for their treachery and lies and now I shalt have it! I shall challenge the King offering thee as prize! Thine magic and beauty be reward enough, yet he would not see anything as innocent and true as thee go easily to me. Already have I sent word to Alfred's camp, he shalt know I have thee, and of thine powers. Let honour be his downfall, his penance for discrediting me, the murder was just!"

Sam belatedly realised that she had been backed against a low table as he reached for her and stroked a finger along her jaw; every ounce of her being went cold at his leering touch. "My plot is bold; I shalt kill the Knight Herald in battle, thereby no law can demand my head. Twill be revenge upon my accuser and the loss of his most trusted knight will unnerve the King. Moreover, if thine companions attempt retribution outside honour, the king must brand them traitor lest his power shalt be ousted and my revenge shalt pass complete. Further, I shall own a new wench!" His sadistic grin made Sam pale as he finished, "And once I own thee, make no mistake, 'wench' is all thou shalt ever be!"

The violent promise he predicted was shattered by the sound of a breaking jug. Black Knight… Danford… spun quickly away from Sam, turning his anger abruptly on the younger of the two women.

"Inane woman!" he bellowed as he struck her forcibly across the face with his still gloved hand. The blow sent the woman to the floor and Sam felt every hackle in her body rise as her instincts took her over to help the fallen woman.

"Leave her!" roared Danford, "the wench deserves no aid!"

Sam had already made up the ground between herself and the fallen woman before his command was finished. She instinctively recoiled internally as she saw the evidence of the brutal reality of life under this man's control in the broken and bloody face below her. It was only as she felt her arm almost yanked clean from its socket and looked up to see the fury on the vicious face before her that she realised her mistake.

"Challenge me not again, woman, or thou shalt watch the joust through blacked eyes!"

Sam looked away, hard lessons having already taught her enough to know that defying this man would be a huge mistake. He was apparently satisfied with her submission as he threw her violently from him and stalked from the tent, leaving Sam the opportunity to help pick up the young woman who was now coming to from the cruel blow. Without her med-kit, there wasn't a lot she could do, even with it she would have found it difficult.

Two more women entered the tent and quickly removed the battered woman from sight.

Sam knew at that moment that she was in deep trouble.

^*^*^*^*^*^*^*^*^*^

Jack wasn't happy. His hands were bound and he was being dragged along well worn, but equally well concealed paths by really impatient, real life Knights. And his fingers were turning blue.

What was it with these people? He understood the 'tying people up' thing, that was a necessary evil, but seriously, did they have to be so tight? Flexing his fingers to keep the blood flowing, Jack knew that unless they were intentionally untied, those ropes were staying put. With every step his frustration increased. This little 'adventure' was costing them valuable time, quite possibly time that could mean the difference between finding Carter and not. If the bad guys rested briefly and travelled over night and then throughout today… well, Jack already had that option figured out. A radio check with good ole George – crackled and indistinct or not, it had to be worth a shot- and then a whole heck a lot of friends would come a runnin', or at least he hoped. First he had to get his radio back, oh and a gun, his nine 'mil would be nice, but he wasn't fussy.

He felt the rope bite into his wrists a little more as he slowed his pace.

"Hey, easy there, ''Galahad'', the knees aren't what they used to be." Jack's grouse was met with nothing more than a harder yank on the rope.

He glanced over at the other two bound men; Teal'c gave nothing away, although Jack could tell from the slight stiffening of his shoulders that he was as unhappy about this situation as Jack. He knew what this delay meant. Daniel on the other hand seemed preoccupied, more interesting in the scenery than the fact they were losing too much time. Jack chided himself, knowing that assessment was neither fair nor accurate. Daniel was just as eager to have Carter back safe and sound as any of them. And, Jack had to admit that what Daniel was seeing and hypothesising about this culture would undoubtedly come in very useful.

Jack gave a cough, gaining Daniel's attention. Using his eyes to point the other man's attention to his hands, Jack mimicked the flex of his fingers. Daniel immediately took the advice, his face noticeably showing the relief.

As they entered a small but perfectly defendable encampment, all three men's attention was focussed on varying aspects of the camp.

Jack knew that he and Teal'c would be looking for weaknesses and assessing chances of fighting their way out. Daniel, on the other hand would be taking in everything about their culture, relating it to whatever history books he knew by heart and assessing the chances of talking their way out. As far as Jack was concerned, either option was fine by him, he just wanted the most expedient process.

The shiny ''Galahad'' – as Jack had christened him – punched the air, victorious in his conquest as they passed the cheering and laughing men of the camp. Jack couldn't help yanking back on the rope, just enough to make 'Galahad' stumble a little, the weight of his armour nearly taking him down. He received a quick punch for his trouble from 'Galahad' Junior, but it was worth it to see the other guy lose his poise in front of his men. Childish, some might say. Jack would disagree, it was tactical. 'Don't underestimate me, my friend' was implicit within the action and Jack was pleased to see that 'Galahad' had taken the warning. Jack knew instinctively that his usual MO wouldn't work. Here weakness was a mistake and manipulating his opposition to underestimate him on his usual scale would be unwise. Although, he couldn't stop the glib wave at the on looking men as he was pulled past; after all, it was only civil.

Finally their little parade through the camp came to an end as his team were bundled into the largest tent in the camp.

"Nice!" Jack whistled as he took in his surroundings. Warm torchlight filled the room, fur rugs were scattered around a large central fire and a… yeah… a real life, honest to God, throne sat right there in the corner! With - judging by the crown - a real life, honest to God king sat in it! This just kept getting better! Jack quickly assessed the man before them. He was old, easily in his sixties, larger than his men, girth wise, but Jack realised shrewdly that he held that indefinable spark that told of wisdom, experience and power.

"His Majesty, King Alfred of Merrick, right and just ruler of these lands…" boomed 'Galahad' as he unceremoniously pushed Jack to his knees. Of course, the knife to the back helped persuade Jack that his knees should make the sacrifice gracefully. Daniel, already kneeling, was in his absolute element. But Teal'c, unable to be physically placed on his knees, waited for Jack's small nod before moving stylishly into position as the King looked down at them from his lofty perch.

Jack watched carefully as Alfred motioned the other knights, 'Galahad' included, to rise from their own respectful positions.

"Malcolm, what friend or foe has thou brought before me?" Ah, thought Jack, 'Galahad' had a name; not that he'd ever actually use it, but still, it was nice to know.

"Forgive my intrusion, I beg grace for your audience, my King, these rogues were found close to camp, spying, I feel." Galahad explained. "They possess magics, your Majesty, powerful magics." Galahad nodded to groupie number one, who duly brought forward their supplies and equipment. Alfred leaned forward; his interest peaked as he reached out to pick up a grenade, his fingers coiling around the pin.

"Don't!" Jack shouted as he rose on his knees. "That’s dangerous!" Alfred held Jack's gaze for a moment, before he carefully replaced the grenade and turned to address the kneeling Colonel.

"You are, ' Knight Herald'?" he questioned as Jack took a surreptitious glance at his team, looking for and gaining Daniel's guidance.

"Yeah, I guess you could say that." He nodded, squaring his shoulders. Only to have the wind knocked from him by 'Galahad' who chastised "Your Majesty!" Jack took the hint.

"Sorry… Your Majesty." His correction obviously appeasing the opposing party as Alfred nodded to Galahad, who then stepped away.

"And your name, Sir?" demanded the King.

"Jack. Jack O'Neill and this is…" Jack didn't get any further in the introductions because Alfred spoke again.

"Very well, Sir Jack," began Alfred as Jack preened slightly at the new and exciting context of 'sir'. "Explain your manner of magic and your purpose."

Jack looked at Daniel, who merely shrugged. So much for his help!

"We're explorers; we come from a long, long… way away." He began their usual spiel. "The things you took from us are our…" Jack stalled;

"Supplies and rations" provided Daniel.

"Yeah, supplies and rations. We use them to… explore." Jack fumbled.

"And weapons?" pressured Alfred.

"Yes, we carry weapons," Jack stated honestly, wanting them to know they were not to be misjudged, although instinct told Jack to add, "Our weapons are used in defence not attack, Sir."

Jack held the older man's eyes, refusing to lower his gaze. He knew if he was made to falter he wouldn't be given the respect he demanded of the room.

Almost imperceptibly a flicker of respect sparkled across the other man's eyes in recognition of Jack's determination and courage and it was at that moment that Jack realised that there was something almost familiar about Alfred – about this whole stand off.

He'd witnessed, and been a part of it, too many times with a Texan General back home not to recognise the same dynamic here. Alfred commanded and received respect, not only because of his rank, but because you knew that he would do anything in his power to save your butt, if he thought your butt was good enough to save.

Jack let a subtle signal flash back to the regent through his own unwavering gaze – an unspoken acknowledgement of respect and acceptance.

"And be they thine knights or squires?"

Jack smiled, getting into the swing of things and motioned first to Teal'c then to Daniel. "They are my knights and my friends, Sir… um, Your Majesty." Jack held the King's assessing gaze, as did Teal'c and Daniel, until Alfred addressed 'Galahad' again.

"Malcolm, unbind them, they be honest and true, they shalt be greeted as friend," determined the man in the crown after studying Jack for what seemed an interminably long time. Jack had to admit the man was astute enough to read the question in his eyes. "Thou held great magic when my knights captured thee." Alfred explained as Jack watched him motion to the small table that held their weapons. "Yet thou yielded without challenge. Thine honour caused thee to bid warning of your magic that was held in mine hands. That be proof enough."

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Once they were freed, they were ushered over to the rugs and motioned to sit, a golden goblet thrust into each man's hand.

"Thou be a noble man, Sir Jack." Alfred decreed once they were all seated. "I believe that if thou wished to, thou could have caused much harm before now. Yet thou chose honour. For that deed alone, you are judged favourably." Alfred finished with a benevolent smile that only served to reinforce his resemblance with Hammond.

Jack only nodded as Alfred continued speaking,

"Thy knights and thee travel to our lands through the astralianua." Alfred hadn't issued a question; he'd made a statement, one that caused his knights to lean slightly closer in anticipation of the answer.

"Daniel?" asked Jack, although he needn't have voiced the question at all, Daniel was already there.

"Astralianua…" he pondered aloud." It sounds like a combination of two Latin derivations, Jack. 'Astra' meaning 'star' and 'ianua' meaning 'portal' or 'gate'… my God, it's actually… well… a virtually literal translation…Jack!" the excitement was tangible. "He's asking if we've come from the…"

"…from the stargate," Jack finished. "Yeah, I got that."

Turning his attention back to the regal figure before him, Jack answered the wise man.

"Yeah, we did." Beating around the bush was definitely not an option here as he used his eyebrows to press for further explanation.

Alfred read the signal well. "It be the most cherished secret of this realm, with only myself and My Knights Royal, privy to it. Their secrecy bound by their honour and allegiance to me."

Jack looked in turn at the five men he faced. Deja-vu. Who would have guessed that governmental cover-ups went this far back in time!

"Alas, its magic is beyond our understanding." Jack tensed as he predicted the next question. "And I feel that it is best left unseen. Until such time as we can master its secrets and control its power, by my decree it shalt be untouched."

Jack was stunned. That he had not expected, at all. He'd been waiting for the "share it, we'll give you what you want if you give us what we want" speech and it hadn't materialised. He was grateful, he didn't want to have to make that choice; Carter for the gate. He knew which one he'd have to make. Here, instead, stood before him men who understood the natural order and the fundamental balance of knowledge and power. He was highly impressed.

"Why do you trust our motives, Your Majesty? Surely you would be dubious of anyone with the power of the star… I mean… the astralianua?" Daniel had beaten him to the punch; he'd said it better too!

"As already spoken, thine weapons are magics beyond our experience and if thou truly harness the power of the astralianua, then thee are great indeed. Yet thou yielded to my knights upon your capture inflicting no harm. If thou were without honour, my knights would be dead. Thou controls magic, but wilst not use it unjustly." Alfred reasoned with a benevolent smile as he continued. "Now, Sir Jack, be willed to introduce your knights," came the king's request.

"My pleasure," began Jack, and he realised that he truly meant it. This man commanded a natural respect that the soldier in him responded to. It was a characteristic that told Jack all he wanted to know about his new allies, besides, the quicker he could ask for their help in finding Carter, the happier he'd be. "This is Daniel Jackson, he is our…" Again, Jack faltered.

"Scholar," Daniel again provided as the other men nodded their understanding.

"And this," Jack motioned to Teal'c, "is Teal'c; he too is a … knight." Jack finished.

"He bears a strange marking," commented the blond knight now sat opposite Jack.

"It was given to me by my father," explained Teal'c, comfortable in that abbreviated explanation. As, it seemed were the other men, who once again nodded their understanding and acceptance.

"Very well, I shalt now have privilege to introduce my Knights Royal. The most just and honourable men in the land!" boasted the king as he motioned to each of the men in turn. All wore the same white tunic, with the same heraldic golden lion, all wearing the same dignity as their king.

"This," a surprisingly strong arm motioned to the tallest man in the room, "is my Knight Herald, Sir Malcolm Wessex, and this," Alfred moved his jewelled finger to the next man, more slightly built than Malcolm, with blond rather than dark hair, but the same intelligence in the same eyes, "is Lord Royce Wessex, brother to the knight herald, and somewhat an apothecary." Jack could've figured the brother part out for himself, as the jewel settled on the next man, as large as Malcolm, but once more, fair. "This be Sir Guy de Fontinac, also a scholar, and at finish, Sir Edward Breck," again a large man, dark in appearance and nature, Jack thought, he and Malcolm being the more obvious warriors of the four. "Nowhere in this fine land wilst thou find better, more noble men!" finished the King joyously.

"No 'Galahad's' huh?" At their host's blank looks, Jack shook his head, "Never mind."

"You're language is foreign to us, Sir Jack, yet thou are most welcomed at our table. Eat, drink and tomorrow we shalt talk of more," decreed Alfred.

"Whoa! Tomorrow? I don't think so!" exploded Jack, unable to contemplate a whole other day between himself and Carter. Immediately the knights rose, ready for any threat, Daniel coughed, as he took over the conversation.

"Our apologies, your majesty, but we are tracking our fourth. She has been taken by…" Daniel got no further, as Malcolm questioned in utter disbelief,

"'She'? A woman travels in your party?!"

"Yeah, what's wrong with that?!" bristled Jack. There was still something about 'Galahad's' arrogance that grated on his nerves.

"MajorCarter is a formidable warrior and scholar," maintained Teal'c. "She is more than capable of her duty." Jack smiled at the protectiveness in the large man's tone. Teal'c certainly projected the image of guard dog at that moment in time. One wrong move by the knights and… wham. At that moment, Jack was not going to tell him 'down boy', either.

"Malcolm," warned the King, tempering the younger man's attack immediately, "differences do not always defy trust."

Jack's own ire died just as quickly as it had arose; he liked this man, and moreover, he respected him. He watched Malcolm bow slightly, before turning to face them. "My humble apologies, I intended no insult to thine ways." Jack nodded his acceptance of the apology.

There was just something so… familiar… about Malcolm, the way he held himself slightly apart from everyone else… the way he held his position as head knight without alienating the others. The man exuded a natural aura of command combined with a nobility that radiated from his shrewd eyes, eyes that when levelled upon you, spoke of a deep intelligence and the courage to defend his beliefs. He was not a man to be underestimated.

"That's ok. These things happen." Jack acquiescence was a little prickly. "But we really could do with your help in finding Carter."

"Carter? Your fourth?" asked Royce, aiming his question to Daniel who immediately took up the story.

"Yes, our fourth, a… knight… our scholar and… alchemist. She was taken by four men, knights. We found this…" he produced the pennant-like material they had found in place of their friend.

Neither Jack, Teal'c nor Daniel missed the look shared by the other men as they recognised the offering. They knew something.

The one called Guy cleared his throat as the others continued to exchange meaningful looks. "Carter is a strange name for a woman, although common place for thee?" His attempt to distract them failed miserably on all but Daniel, who although still wanting to know about the looks, didn't want to appear rude. Or so it seemed to Jack.

"Carter is her family name, her given name is Samantha," explained Daniel, while Jack continued to try and decipher the undercurrent in the room.

"Ah, Lady Samantha!" exclaimed Edward, pleased with the now familiar ring to Carter's new title.

"Now, just wait one minute here." As nice as this bonding was, Jack's patience had just waved the white flag, "Who took Carter? Why? And how do we get her back? And don't try to play innocent with me, I know you know something!" he finished with gusto, carefully examining the impact of his demands on the five men.

"Very well," began Alfred resignedly. "I believe Lady Samantha was taken by Lucien Danford, you offer his crest and guild as evidence of his further treachery."

"Further treachery?" it wasn't a question, rather an unambiguous insistence for clarification.

"Danford once held position as my Knight Herald, a strong and savage warrior that spared no sympathy for any enemy. His true nature kept well hidden from all eyes, but Malcolm's until he murdered without just cause. A woman," explained Alfred, hurt by his obvious lack of judgement about the man. "He was duly condemned to death, his wealth and assets seized by the crown, however, while in custody, an escape was made, another man lost life by his demon hands. He has been out of law ever since." The apology was sincere in the older man's eyes. "Whilst journeying back to Merrick, the royal seat, we have seen evidence of Danford's presence in this area, hence Malcolm's search this day."

Jack had gone cold; the guy who had Carter was blatantly the right kind of lunatic to have no qualms about killing. And knowing her as he did, her temperament placed her in very real danger of that threat begin carried out.

"AlfredofMerrick," began Teal'c "SamanthaCarter is then at grave risk, immediate action must be taken!"

"Alas," began Alfred, "I fear that…" He was never allowed to finish, as suddenly the tent flap opened and two armoured knights stepped through, immediately kneeling. Malcolm swiftly went over to the two men and spoke in hushed tones. He just as quickly dismissed them, before returning to the King and passing a rolled piece of paper to him. Jack felt something cold and icy grip tighter on his stomach as he watched the elder man's reaction to what was being read. Finally, he looked up and addressed the room.

"Danford seeks a tournament. And it seems the infidel holds Lady Samantha as prize." As he finished the sentence, he held up something very carefully. Jack focussed his eyes in the torchlight.

It was without doubt a lock of Carter's hair.

^*^*^*^*^*^*^*^*^

"What?!" Jack demanded of his hosts.

"I am pained to convey this news to thee, Sir Jack. Danford claims to hold Lady Samantha prisoner, he makes note of her beauty and magic and offers her as prize for victory at joust." Alfred, at that moment, and probably for the first time since they met, looked every day of his sixty-plus years.

"Scoundrel…" swore Edward and Guy at the same time.

"Your Majesty," began Daniel, "if Sam…Lady Samantha is with Danford, if you know where he is, we can find her ourselves, there is no need to joust."

"Just tell us where he is, and we'll be on our way." Jack promised as he rose to his feet and headed straight for their weapons only to be stopped in his tracks by Malcolm.

"The scroll was happened upon by squires near the river. We have no knowledge of Danford's camp." Malcolm informed him.

Jack was incensed, but he could tell by the reactions of 'Galahad' that he was just as angry, which perversely calmed his temper.

"If it was found nearby, there may be tracks," stated Teal'c as he too walked to the entrance of the tent, his intention clear. But Jack knew better. These guys may be history on Earth, but they sure knew what they were doing when it came to tactics and surveillance. Any clues had already been looked for and not found.

"I don't think it'll do any good, Teal'c." He turned his attention from his friend to Malcolm, directing the final part of his speech to him. "Will it?"

"Nay, I fear 'twil not."

"No, I didn't think so," Jack agreed, a second more sinister subject already formed in his mind. "What does he want with her anyway?"

"Thou told that Danford was surveilling thee for some time before he moved to strike?" Edward questioned. Jack merely nodded. "Then he hast undoubtedly seen thy magic, Sir Jack. He wishes to possess it."

"Aye and he hath opportunity to command advantage, whilst seeking revenge against Our Majesty and Malcolm," added Royce.

Daniel spoke again more to himself that anyone else, but Jack was listening carefully. "Amazing! The Heraldic code means that if we tried to get Sam back ourselves, using our weapons, the King would be dishonoured in law. I would imagine that in such a society that would be the worst possible crime, causing undoubted loss of support with the noblemen. If they agree to the challenge they have to literally 'win' her from him."

"Thine scholar is correct, Sir Jack. We are blessed by peace; as such no battle outside the arena may be fought without leading to rebellion against the throne."

"Ok, you may not be able to fight, but we sure as hell can!" Jack almost growled as he lifted his vest onto his shoulders.

"No, Jack, we can't," Jack's eyes flashed to his friend's he didn't even attempt to disguise his temper as Daniel continued. "Don't you see, he'll know already we are with Alfred, and if we went to Sam back it would end with the same result. Danford is using their own code against them. I want her back just as much as you do Jack, but if it means bringing down an entire civilisation in the process, I'd rather find another way."

Jack listened to the words and accepted his choices, or more aptly, his lack there of. He hated it when Daniel was right. There was no way he could choose Carter over the collapse of this government, not when there was another option. He may not like it, but…

"So what will happen to Carter while Danford has her?" Jack voiced the question that he had almost feared to ask.

The knights exchanged looks, before Royce spoke. "Danford shalt not dishonour your Lady, Sir Jack, if it t'were found out, his honour would fall further. No nobleman would take his side against the King. She be safe, lest until she belongs to him."

Jack eyed the other man carefully, "Well, that's just not gonna happen anytime soon, is it?" he stated, surprised by the depth of his venom and his absolute certainty.

Jack changed the focus, feeling like a coward but unable to let himself dwell on the possibility that she'd…No!" He'd kill Danford with his bare hands if he as much as touched another hair on his Major's head. This thirst for vengeance that poured through him at that moment scared him. Squashing his sentiment ruthlessly, he spoke. His voice he was glad to note held none of the turmoil in his gut.

"Ok, so how does this joust thing work, and where will it be held?" Jack needed as much detail as he could get. He was being forced by his own sense of right and wrong into acting uncharacteristically calmly and he didn't like it one bit.

"In a tournament joust," began Guy in a tone scarily like Daniel's lecture voice, "Knights from the realm are invited to do combat, each knight holding one joust. Each joust contains three passes. Victorious knights progress, vanquished knights are carried from the arena."

Well that was sure blunt enough, thought Jack as he nodded his understanding while Guy continued. "Alas, Danford has challenged our Sovereign outright. Thus to win Lady Samantha, Danford must be faced in one single joust," Guy finished, resigned.

All knights' eyes turned to Malcolm, knowing it was he who would face Danford on his King's behalf.

"Danford challenges me o