A/N Well, I am finally at the final chapter. I hope Elisht'na's passing didn't upset you too much. When I wrote the first five chapters over five years ago, she told me it was going to happen and I just had to go with it. It feels really odd finally getting to the end of something that has been a labour of love. Thank you so much for all the kind reviews and support. Would love to hear more on which are your favourite characters, lines, scenes or chapters. Thanks for reading!

Chapter Twelve

The next day dawned bright and clear and life in the village of the Amrak and Hanrah went on. One could have been forgiven for thinking everything was back to normal but Jack noticed that there was a subdued air to the conversations between the Glenmara around him and a feeling hanging over the village that something important was missing.

There was a definite chill in the air and it wouldn't be long until the season moved completely from autumn to winter. Jack pulled his collar up higher around his neck as he chewed on a second piece of yellow fruit he was having for his breakfast and stood staring at nothing, lost in his own thoughts.

This was supposed to be SG1's last full day on AmRoval. They were all expecting to leave the following morning but, figuring that they might possibly be asked to shorten their planned visit under the current circumstances, his team had decided to make the most of the morning: scattering in different directions as soon as they woke up. Jack was convinced that the Glenmara would decide they would want SG1 to leave today so they could concentrate on looking after their own and not worry about entertaining their human guests any longer.

With nothing planned for himself that morning, Jack was waiting for Titch to show up: he didn't really know what else to do with his time. He kept expecting Guardian of Amrak to appear and had to keep reminding himself that she was gone. His chest hurt when he thought of her. And he could only imagine what Thought-Reader was going through. He glanced around the village and spotted Guardian of Hanrah, Healer of Amrak and Storyteller of Amrak coming towards him. He finished the last bite of his fruit and wiped his fingers on his jacket.

"Morning," he said as the group reached him. "I guess you will be wanting us to leave today rather than tomorrow so you can get on with what you need to do rehoming the villagers who've been displaced."

Storyteller of Amrak replied: "On the contrary, O'Neill. The Council of Guardians has rescheduled their meeting for this morning and they have asked that your team attend."

"Really?" Jack couldn't have been more surprised.

"Yes," Guardian of Hanrah confirmed. "We will set off to the Great Meeting Place in ten minutes. Will your team be ready?"

"I'll make sure they are."

Healer of Amrak looked the human up and down and then fixed Jack with a look that all healers seem to have perfected the universe over. "Hmmph. I think not, Guardian of Hanrah. We will go by flyer. Colonel O'Neill is clearly not up to a long walk…Can't you smell the pain he's in?"

Guardian of Hanrah sniffed the air – something Jack found very disconcerting – and looked at him with apologetic eyes. "I am so sorry, I did not realise. I will get a flyer arranged immediately, which means we need not leave for half an hour," he said and then hurried away to see to this task.

Healer of Amrak harrumphed again and then followed him.

Storyteller of Amrak's ears and whiskers twitched suspiciously as he said, "This is going to be a day for making Stories, I think. I am glad that I am allowed to attend to oversee the interests of the Amrak."

As the clearly amused Glenmari sauntered away, Jack went in search of his team. He was still favouring his weaker knee and limped slightly as he explored the settlement. He found Teal'c conversing with a group of Hunters and told him to be ready to head out to the Council meeting in twenty minutes. Then he went in search of Carter. He had to ask several Glenmara before he tracked her down to Knowledge Hunter of Hanrah and Celesna of Hanrah's home: she'd been invited to share breakfast with them. When he knocked on the wooden structure and was told to come in, he found Carter sat on the floor holding baby Nota and attempting to feed her some mushed up fruit. She had the biggest smile on her face and Jack couldn't help smiling back at her.

"Sorry to tear you away, Carter, but we've been invited to attend the Council Meeting this morning. We need to be ready in about fifteen minutes."

"Okay, sir, I'll be there."

"Great, now I just need to find Daniel."

"I think he was seeing Teacher of Amrak this morning," Sam informed him.

"Of course," Jack muttered to himself. "Where else would he be?"

Jack headed out of the Knowledge Hunter's home and along the platforms until he came to the Storytellers' building. Unsure of the protocol, he knocked before he entered. Five heads looked up: four Glenmari, one human.

"Oh hi, Jack, do you need me for something?" the young man enquired.

"Yeah. Sorry to drag you away, Daniel, but we've been asked to attend the Council Meeting this morning."

Daniel stood up. "Really?"

"That's exactly what I said," Jack observed.

Teacher of Amrak looked very excited as she stood up and patted Daniel's arm. "This is good news, I think. I have a good feeling, Daniel." Her coffee coloured ears flicked with excitement.

"I hope you're right, Maya," Daniel said then turned towards his CO. "When do we leave, Jack?"

Jack looked at his watch. "About eight minutes."

"Oh." Daniel picked up his notebooks and started shoving them in his bag. As he picked up his current notebook, he paused and then handed it to Teacher of Amrak. "You hold onto this one while I'm at the meeting. You can carry on with our research if you want."

"Thank you, Daniel."

As Daniel headed towards Jack, Teacher of Amrak's eyes followed him and she looked at him with easily read fondness. As he saw the emotion dancing in Teacher of Amrak's eyes, it occurred to Jack that all of his team were going to find it hard to say goodbye at the end of this mission. Last night, he'd felt as if he couldn't wait to leave but that had been his grief colouring his view. This morning, he was wondering just how he was going to say goodbye to Titch when the time came.

/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\

Quietly gliding, the flyer came in to land in a small clearing not far from the Great Meeting Place. SG1 disembarked and Daniel led them over to the ancient building. It was Jack, Teal'c and Sam's first sight of the ornately decorated edifice: Jack whistled a long slow whistle and Sam said, "Wow!" Teal'c did a circuit around the columns, taking in the intricate decorations covering the stonework.

Jack craned his neck to try to take in the height of the columns that towered above them. The paintings of trees and plants were as beautiful as anything he had ever seen. As the members of his team walked forward towards the gathering of Glenmari Guardians, Daniel pointed out the writings on the huge circular disc on the ground, the translation of which had been the cause of so much controversy. Sam, Teal'c and Jack could only see part of it because there were several Glenmara standing around it.

"Please wait here until you are invited to join us," Guardian of Hanrah said, as they reached the edge of the gathering. "And remember if you wish to say something, please address Guardian of Sonrah first."

He hurried forward to consult with the Guardians of the Sonrah and Gilnak. Jack was pleased to see both of them alive, even if not looking completely well. Guardian of Gilnak waved a hand at him in greeting. Guardian of Sonrah looked very battered. A healer was standing behind him keeping a close eye on him. If it had been Janet Frasier, she would have been tutting. Clearly, Guardian of Sonrah wasn't supposed to be up and about but had refused to do as he was told so that he could chair this important meeting.

From behind a column, a Keeper from the Gilnak tribe appeared and blew a horn. All of the Guardians began to gather around in a circle. Guardian of Sonrah held up his hand for attention and invited the humans to come and join in the group. Jack waited a moment but, when there were no objections made as far as he could see, he led his team forward. They placed themselves between Guardian of Hanrah and Storyteller of Amrak.

Guardian of Sonrah spoke: "My fellow Guardians, we shall start this meeting with a moment of silence to remember those we have lost, particularly Guardian Elisht'na of Amrak."

The Guardians and humans alike bowed their heads and remained silent until Guardian of Sonrah called them back to the present and the matters at hand.

"My friends, we have gathered to vote upon two matters: firstly, do we wish to make an alliance with the people of Earth; and secondly, should the Circle of Light be sealed to prevent further visitations to our planet? We all know Guardian Elisht'na of Amrak's wishes upon the matter and I believe the Hanrah and Amrak desire to trade with the people of earth even if we do not wish our whole people to be allied with them."

Guardian of Hanrah and Storyteller of Amrak nodded their agreement.

"But…we also heard many objections at our last meeting and these must be-"

A deep voice cut across Guardian of Sonrah's speech: "-May I be allowed to say something, Guardian of Sonrah? It is pertinent and may save us wasting time."

"Very well, Guardian of Mimrah, speak."

The lime green Glenmari held his hands out in front of him and his ears drooped a little as he addressed the meeting.

"I would like to apologise to the Council for my ignorant and outspoken comments at our last meeting. I also apologise for my tribe allowing our fear of the unknown to blind us to so much good. We have been short-sighted and petty."

He took a step towards SG1 and locked eyes with Jack, who suddenly realised that this was the Glenmari who had been working alongside him yesterday when he had helped to pull Guardian of Sonrah from the collapsed village.

"I have seen with my own eyes how these humans worked tirelessly to save our own people. They have proved their tenacity and trustworthiness. The Mimrah and Silnak and our friends the Umrak and Panrah will vote, without reservation, to form an alliance with the people of Earth."

A ripple of astonishment ran round the circle. Guardian of Mimrah raised a lime-green hand to collect everyone's attention and continued, saying, "Our four tribes also formally withdraw our request to seal the Circle of Light…We believe it would dishonour the memory of Elisht'na of Amrak to do so."

There was a general murmur of assent from nearly all the tribes. Guardian of Sonrah spoke: "Does anyone have an objection to the proposal to seal the Circle of Light being withdrawn?"

No-one spoke.

"Very well. Let it be noted that this proposal has been withdrawn. Now let us vote on the matter of forming an alliance with the people of Earth and allowing more humans to visit us…All those in favour?"

Every single Guardian raised a hand in affirmation. Jack swallowed hard as Daniel and Carter grinned at each other. He felt rather than saw Teal'c's pleasure: he'd developed a sense of the big man's moods and knew he was grinning on the inside.

Guardian of Sonrah addressed Jack. "Colonel Jack O'Neill of the Warrior Guild of Earth will you advise your people that we would like to enter into a formal treaty with you."

"I will," Jack said proudly. "May I say thank you to you all…especially to Guardian of Mimrah. I think Elisht'na would be very pleased."

Guardian of Mimrah bowed to Jack and there were a flurry of nods around the group.

Suddenly, Daniel spoke up: "Guardian of Sonrah, may I make a request?"

"You may."

"Please would the Council reconsider their position on uncovering the chamber near the Ancient Ruins and allowing people from Earth to help you find out what's buried there?"

Jack muttered so only his team could hear: "And you always have to take it that one step further…"

Guardian of Sonrah looked around the circle of Guardians. "I call for a revote on the matter of uncovering the chamber discovered by the human Guardian of the Past. Does anyone have anything they wish to say for either side of the argument?"

Guardian of Panrah raised his arm, indicating he wished to speak: "I believe that this excavation should be undertaken but not right now…we have two tribes that need a whole new settlement constructed. There are many injured that need taking care of as well. These issues are of immediate concern. Perhaps, in a few weeks' time, this could be undertaken."

Several Guardians nodded their heads in agreement and Guardian of Sonrah saw assent on most faces. He addressed the whole group: "We will vote on two matters. Firstly, all those in favour of uncovering the underground chamber at a future date to be decided by the Council?"

Again all hands were raised.

"Secondly, all those in favour of allowing some of the people of Earth to return to help us translate and uncover what is hidden there?"

One by one, hands were raised. Jack looked at Daniel: he didn't know how his friend did it but he managed to look both pleased and disappointed at the same time.

"Jack, do you think Hammond will allow me to come back to help? I really want to be here when they re-open the chamber?"

"Yes, Daniel, I'm sure that can be arranged…I'll certainly propose it to Hammond and give you my full support."

"Thanks, Jack," Daniel said with a grin.

Guardian of Sonrah declared that part of the meeting finished and chatter broke out amongst the Council Members. Storyteller of Amrak started shepherding SG1 back towards the flyer saying, "I need to get O'Neill back now or Healer of Amrak will be even grumpier than usual."

"I'm perfectly all right," Jack protested, but the wince he gave as he walked across the uneven ground to the flyer undermined his words.

"Hush. You need a lot more rest, my friend. No shame in that after all your efforts."

Jack decided to give in graciously and acknowledged Storyteller of Amrak's observation with a nod.

When they were all sat down inside the flyer, Storyteller of Amrak and said with pleasure, "I was right that the meeting would be an event to remember! Guardian of Mimrah apologising: I never thought I'd live to see that!"

As the flyer took off and they headed back to the village they were still calling home, Sam turned to Daniel and quietly asked, "Daniel, is there any custom for visiting bereaved people in this culture? I wondered if I could go see Thayan."

"Not as far as I know," Daniel answered. He turned to Storyteller of Amrak. "Do the Glenmara have any traditions or customs that we should observe?"

Storyteller of Amrak spoke directly to Sam: "No, anyone may visit. Each Glenmari is allowed to deal with their grief in his or her own way. If they do not wish to see visitors, we respect that, but there is no offence committed in offering comfort."

"Thanks. I'll look him out when we get back."

"Would you like me to come with you, Carter?" Jack offered.

Sam put her head on one side and considered the offer. "No, I think it would be easier of its just me."

Jack nodded. "Just let him know we're thinking of him."

"I'll do that, sir, but I'm sure he knows," Sam said, giving him an understanding look.

The flyer came into land and the passengers disembarked. Once inside the village, Daniel headed straight off to see how Teacher of Amrak was getting on with her translations. Teal'c and Jack followed Storyteller of Amrak to the Keeper's lodge to see if there was anything they could do to help with planning the rebuilding of the village of the Gilnak and Sonrah.

Sam headed across the communal area and over to the dwelling she knew to be Thought-Reader's. All the shutters were down and she hesitated: it didn't exactly look as is Thought-Reader wanted company. She knocked on the doorframe and waited.

After a moment, a taut voice asked softly, "Who is it?"

"Thayan, it's me, Sam. May I come in?"

"Yes."

Sam entered slowly, allowing her eyes to adjust to the candlelit dwelling. Thought-Reader was sat on the floor on a large cushion in front of a row of candles. Quietly, Sam went and sat down beside him. He looked at her with large pain-filled eyes and Sam held out her hand to him.

"Thayan, I'm so sorry…I don't know what else to say." Sam felt a tear run down her face.

Thought-Reader took the offered hand and held it tight. He turned back to contemplating the candles and whispered, "There is no need for words. It is enough that you are here, Sam…Thank you, my friend."

Sam squeezed his hand and continued to hold it as she watched the candles flicker and gave thanks in her own way for the life of Guardian of Amrak and the opportunity to be a friend to her vow-partner. It was a small gesture of friendship but for Thayan it seemed to be enough.

/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\

That evening, SG1 and the Glenmara gathered for one final meal together. The musicians played just as they had on their first night there and Storyteller of Amrak told a tale about the Green Spirit, which had Daniel particularly enthralled. Jack found himself missing Guardian of Amrak's presence enormously. As the tale of mystery ended, families called good night to each other and began to drift homewards. Titch had fallen asleep on Jack's lap during the storytelling and didn't wake when his mother came and carried him away. Freed from the warmth of the young child's body curled up on his lap, Jack stood up abruptly and headed away from the main platform at a brisk walk.

"Think we should go after him?" Daniel asked his fellow team members, his eyes watching intently where Jack was going.

"Indeed," Teal'c said.

He stood up and started after his CO: Sam and Daniel followed suit. They saw Jack stop next to a particularly tall, broad tree and look up. Suddenly, he disappeared from view. The three members of SG1 quickly caught up to where they had seen him disappear and peered up through the branches. Teal'c was the first to spot the hand-holds in the tree trunk and started to climb up after Jack. Sam exchanged looks with Daniel, who looked nervous, before following the climbing Jaffa. Daniel sighed, straightened his shoulders and placed his hand on the first ledge.

Jack couldn't say he was surprised when he saw Teal'c's head appear through the leaves. He should have known the big man would be looking out for him.

"Hey, T. Come on up. It's a great view."

He made room next to him on the branch for the Jaffa but Teal'c carried on past him and settled himself in a crook between two branches. Jack raised an eyebrow at him but understood his reasoning when first Sam's and then Daniel's heads appeared.

"Great, the gang's all here," he murmured.

He offered Carter a hand and pulled her up beside him then reached down for Daniel. Daniel slid along the wooden limb then found a thick vertical branch to cling onto and wrapped his arms tightly around it.

"So, Jack, what are we doing here?" the archaeologist asked, trying to sound as if the height didn't bother him in the slightest.

"We're looking up, Daniel."

Three heads followed Jack's direction and there were three audible indrawn breaths. Jack looked fondly at all three of them, before returning his gaze to the scattered shimmering lights dancing on the coal-black velvety back drop of the night sky. The view was greatly enhanced by sharing it with the people closest to being his family and a feeling of contentment settled over Jack and dispersed his earlier sadness. He thought to himself that Elisht'na would approve of him sharing her spot with his friends and that notion made him smile.

/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\

Early the next morning, while the rest of SG1 packed up their gear, Jack went over to the Keeper's Lodge and asked to speak to Guardian of Hanrah and Storyteller of Amrak. He didn't have to wait for too long for them to arrive to speak to him. The russet and amber striped youngster seemed to have matured greatly over the last few days and Jack recognised what Guardian of Amrak had seen in him: he was going to be an excellent leader for his people. Storyteller of Amrak greeted Jack warmly and they both listened carefully as Jack explained to them that a team from the SGC would be in touch by radio before another team came to visit and negotiate the treaty. He handed the young Guardian an IDC controller and explained its use so that the Glenmara could make contact with Earth if they wanted or needed to. Then he gave them the Stargate address for Earth.

"I will accompany you to the Circle of Light to say farewell, if I may, Colonel O'Neill," Guardian of Hanrah suggested.

"That would be most welcome," Jack replied, secretly wishing that SG1 could just slip away.

"I think you may find that a few of us will be accompanying you on your way this morning," Storyteller of Amrak observed.

"Really, that's not necessary," Jack said. He hated goodbyes at any time but public ones were especially hard.

"You cannot hold back a jala beetle when it wishes to fly," was Storyteller of Amrak's reply.

Jack nodded acquiescence and headed back to see how his team was doing. He could see a whole bunch of adult and juvenile Glenmara were gathering in the communal area, including Teacher of Amrak, Knowledge Hunter of Hanrah, the Chief Keeper, a whole group of Hunters and Thought-Reader, and he made his way over towards them. The rest of his team were just emerging from their hut and looking surprised to see the gathering crowd. Jack looked around but was sad to see there was no sign of Titch.

A tap on his shoulder brought him face to face with Annamaya of Amrak. "Colonel?"

"What is it, Annamaya?"

Annamaya's ears flattened with distress as she explained, "It's Teche'urt. He's so upset that you're going, he won't come to say goodbye. I'm sorry."

"Can I speak to him?"

"Of course. Please. I'll take you to him," Annamaya said.

She led Jack to her house and invited him inside. She pointed to a smaller room next to her living area. "He's hiding under a pile of cushions in there."

Jack walked into the room and saw a pyramid made of cushions piled in the corner of the room. He knelt down on the floor next to it and called softly, "Titch? You in there?"

"No. Titch isn't here."

"Well, that's a shame. If you see him, please would you tell him that I didn't like leaving without saying goodbye. And would tell you tell him that I'm very, very sorry that I have to go home today. I am going to miss him so much."

There was a snuffling sound and the cushions slowly started to move apart. Titch appeared and crawled out onto Jack's lap. He buried his face in Jack's shoulder.

"I don't want you to go. Why can't you stay, Colonel Jack?"

"Oh, Titch, I really wish I could but I have to go back to my planet and my people."

"Will I ever see you again?" Titch whispered.

Jack had to swallow before he could answer: "I hope so, buddy. I'm going to try my hardest to come back and visit. It might not be for a while though."

"Will you miss me?"

"Every day," Jack said, hugging him tight. "I need you to do a job for me though, buddy. You're the only one I can trust to do it right."

Titch sat back and looked up into Jack's face. "What is it?"

"Can you look after the sister of your mother for me: she's going to miss Daniel a lot and she'll need you to cheer her up. Think you could do that for me?"

Titch rubbed his face and flicked his ears. "I can do that."

"Now, do you think you can do one more thing for me?"

"Anything, Colonel Jack."

"Will you come with me and say goodbye at the Circle of Light. I need your company to stop me being sad."

Big brown eyes looked up into Jack's eyes and Titch nodded. The human and the Glenmari child stood up together. They walked out of Titch's home and onto the platform outside.

"Want a ride?" Jack asked. "Or is that a stupid question?"

Titch's whiskers twitched. "Stupid question!" he exclaimed as he scrambled up Jack's leg, arm and then onto his shoulder.

Jack grinned and tickled Titch's ears. "Thought it might be," he said.

As he passed by her, Annamaya patted his arm and joined Jack and Titch as they headed to meet up with the crowd gathered in the communal area. At some unseen signal, the Keepers lowered the walkway and the large group descended down to the forest floor.

The diverse group made its way over the bridge and through the forest by the prescribed route of well-worn and lesser used paths until they reached the Stargate. SG1 were very surprised to see some Glenmara from other tribes waiting for them in amongst the semi-circles of roughly hewn stone blocks that surrounded the naquadah ring: most notably Guardian of Mimrah and Guardian of Umrak.

Guardian of Hanrah stepped out of the crowd and thanked SG1 for their visit, their friendship and their help with the rescue of so many of the Gilnak and Sonrah. He wished them farewell on behalf of all the tribes. His speech was followed by many pats and embraces. Jack surveyed the scene and observed a lot of bowing going on between the Hunter guild and Teal'c; Sam being enveloped by hugs from Thought-Reader and Knowledge Hunter of Hanrah and his family; and Daniel shaking hands with many Storytellers before Teacher of Amrak wrapped her arms around him.

Jack said his farewells to Guardian of Hanrah, Healer of Amrak and Storyteller of Amrak, aware all the time of Titch clinging on to him. When Teacher of Amrak finally released Daniel, with promises made to let him know when the chamber was being uncovered so that he could oversee the excavation, Jack called to his teammate.

"Well, Daniel, you'd better dial home."

Daniel walked up to the naquadah pedestal and depressed the symbols that would bring the ring to life. As the wormhole at the centre of the Stargate rippled into existence, many of the Glenmara, who had never seen this happen before, gasped and stepped backwards. Teal'c, Sam and Daniel made their last goodbyes and stepped into the blue-white shimmering portal.

Jack gently prised Titch from his shoulders and set him down on the ground next to him. He held onto his hand and leant down to speak quietly to him: "Thanks for coming to say goodbye to me. It really means a lot and I think you are very brave to have done it."

Titch grew a little taller with pride.

"I will try to visit as soon as I can, buddy. Remember I'm counting on you to look after the sister of your mother."

"I will. You can count on me," Titch said before giving Jack a quick hug.

Then the young Glenmari walked quickly over to Teacher of Amrak and took her hand. Jack grinned at him and nodded approval before walking into the Circle of Light and disappearing from view.

Epilogue

"You wanted to see me, sir?"

"Yes, come in, Colonel. Take a seat," Hammond instructed.

Jack did as ordered and sat down. The Texan looked at him and then his watch.

"I'm just waiting for…ah, here they are."

Teal'c and Sam appeared in the doorway and General Hammond invited them in. Sam sat down in the other unoccupied chair and Teal'c stood behind his team members. Hammond cleared his throat.

"I've called you here because I am afraid that I have no choice but to cancel your leave this weekend."

Jack started to protest but Hammond cut him off with a hand.

"Yes, Colonel, I can see that you are all fatigued and really need this weekend away but one of our allies has called for help and I feel that you are the best team for the job."

Jack sighed. "What about Daniel, sir? He's already packing to go to the dig site at AmRoval. He won't be happy if he's pulled away."

The Texan nodded. "I understand that, Colonel…Perhaps you would like to hear the message for yourselves? I think you'll find it illuminating."

Jack shrugged. "Okay, sir."

Hammond produced a tape player and depressed a button. A crackly voice filled the room: "Please, please, please, please can Colonel Jack come and visit. It's going to be Winter Festival and I need him to see what I've made. Please, please, please."

Jack's face broke into the most enormous grin. "Titch!"

"It seems your presence is needed on AmRoval, Colonel. I thought you might like to spend your weekend leave there."

"Yes, sir, thank you! I'd love to."

Hammond turned to the others of SG1, saying, "Of course, Teal'c, Major Carter, this is optional for you."

Sam spoke first: "Thank you, sir. I'd really like to catch up with Thayan, see how he's doing."

"Indeed, General Hammond, I would be glad of the opportunity to go hunting again with the Hunter guild," Teal'c confirmed.

"Well, you'd better go and get ready. Doctor Jackson and SG8 leave in sixty minutes."

The three team members leapt up and rapidly left the room, saying 'Thank you' on their way out. Hammond leaned back in his chair and smiled. It was nice to be able to give his lead team a reward for all their hard work and a break from their continued battling against the odds. They deserved it and he hoped they would enjoy themselves.

/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\

It had taken the Glenmara two days to carefully remove the fallen trees and excavate all the collapsed earth from the site. Once the diggers were sent away, they had set up a temporary shelter over the site and a small group, supervised by Teacher of Amrak, had cleared the last of the debris by hand. Now as Jack watched, Daniel and Teacher of Amrak gently brushed any lingering soil particles away from the markings on the wall until they were all revealed. Jack hadn't seen Daniel look so happy in a long time.

A number of Guardians, Knowledge Hunters and Teachers from different tribes were in attendance and made notes and recordings as Daniel and Teacher of Amrak translated the writings for them. Titch wriggled on Jack's shoulders to get a better view and Jack smiled to himself. His little shadow had been thrilled to see him, even more so when he realised he was allowed a day off school for the visit, and hadn't left his side all morning.

He realised Daniel was calling over to Guardian of Sonrah to get permission to depress a series of markings that he and Teacher of Amrak thought might be the key to unlocking the chamber.

Jack called down into the pit, "Daniel. Look sharp and if one of those head-sucky things appears, get the hell away from it, you hear me."

"Yes, of course, Jack," Daniel said somewhat regretfully.

The human archaeologist and the Glenmari Teacher worked their way along one of the walls, pressing the elegant writing in a pattern that they had discerned from their translations and then they waited for something to happen. At first there was silence and then slowly a grinding noise began and a panel opened in what had appeared to be a seamless wall.

A silvery grey metallic shelf slid out of the wall space and revealed a glowing cube. It sparkled iridescently with all the colours of the rainbow and seemed to be pulsing as it sat there. Sam and some of the Knowledge Hunters moved quickly down the steps with their various gadgets taking readings.

Jack called down to Sam: "Well, Major, any clue what that thing is?"

"It's giving off amazing power readings, sir, but nothing harmful as far as I can tell," Sam replied and several heads nodded around her. "It's going to need a lot research and observation to see how the energy can be utilised, maybe weeks, months or longer…but it's an exciting find."

Jack looked at Daniel and saw he was beaming from ear to ear. Jack grinned back then looked up at Titch.

"Do you know what that cube means, Titch?"

"No. What?"

"Lots of reasons for my people to visit regularly," Jack explained as he hoisted Titch off his shoulders and swung him around in the air. "You'll be seeing a lot more of us, I'm afraid."

Titch's answer was a deafening whoop of delight.

FINIS