“Italics” – Symbiote – Host communication and/or Telepathic communication

 

Blood of My Heart, Beloved of my Soul

 

Chapter 23

 

Revelations

 

 

Martouf awoke with a start, sweating.  The dream he had awakened from had been a nightmare, not one of his own, but one that was actually Lantash’s.  Even awake, he saw the scene as it played out in Lantash’s mind.  It was obviously a scene of torture with Lantash and his host, a man Martouf had never seen, as the victims. 

 

Lantash’s dream continued to play out as Martouf watched and in the dream, they were coming for him again.  Martouf began to try to awaken Lantash.

 

“Lantash.”  He frowned when he was not answered and tried again, “Lantash!”

 

Martouf winced as Lantash yelled as he awoke.  “I am sorry; Lantash, you were having an extremely vivid and painful nightmare.  My chest is still hurting,” Martouf spoke to him softly.  It was not often that Lantash’s past intruded into his dreams this way.  He could feel their hearts beating wildly. 

 

As Lantash’s agitation calmed, he asked Martouf, “Are you all right?  I hope I did not distress you too much.  I am sorry that my nightmare entered your mind.”

 

“Do you remember what you were dreaming about?”  Martouf asked him.

 

“Bastet, and the time we spent being tortured,”  Lantash replied promptly.

 

“Yes.  I do not know how you survived that,”  Martouf answered, with obvious sympathy.

 

“I almost did not.”  Martouf could feel Lantash’s agitation begin again.  “Are you still feeling the pain in your chest, Martouf?”  He asked abruptly.

 

“Yes, I am.  Why is it lingering?”  Martouf was puzzled, as the pain induced by one of Lantash’s dreams rarely lingered.

 

“I am not sure, but I am working on it.  Try to go back to sleep, Martouf.  I will stay awake,”  Lantash assured him.

 

Martouf rolled over and looked at the woman who lay there.  Samantha slept beside him.  They had roused one another from sleep many times to make love time and again.  It was almost dawn, and his desire for her had not been quelled, however this time, he simply watched her sleep for a while.  As he felt himself growing sleepy again, he reached out and pulled her gently into his arms.  She snuggled into his embrace, but did not awaken.  He was glad, as they had to be up and on base early today, and they would not get much more sleep.

 

 

Jacob stood at the door of Sam’s lab and watched as Martouf kissed Samantha good-bye.  His daughter glowed as brightly as the diamond, sapphire and topaz ring on her finger.  He sighed at the complicated turn their lives had taken. 

 

He and Selmak had a long discussion the previous evening following the gathering in Merdwin’s quarters.  As Selmak had given free rein to his memories of the time of Kataya and Lantash, Jacob had begun to understand at last why the situation was as it was.

 

He came to respect Kataya, the Warrior, who made hard choices and carried them through.  He also began to realize what Lantash had been through.  What he had lost and given up, and he respected him more than ever. 

 

Jacob would be proud to have him for a son-in-law.  At least, he hoped he’d be able to call him that someday soon.  As solemn as he felt, his ever-ready sense of humor came to the fore.  His lips quirked wryly, as he said to Selmak, “If someone had told me I’d be happy to see my daughter married to a snake, I’d have told them they were nuts.  It just goes to show that life has some weird practical jokes to play on us.”

 

Selmak’s amusement was apparent as he answered him, “I am glad you can now contemplate the event with equanimity, Jacob.”

 

Jacob grinned at him and turned back to his contemplation of his daughter. 

 

He respected her for her ability to stay balanced and focused with all of the turmoil around her.  He only hoped she would remain on that same even keel once she found out the purpose she had been born to fulfill.  That whole concept still made him shaky, and he hoped she would handle it better than he was. 

 

“Samantha shall handle it quite well, Jacob.  No doubt, there will be some emotional scenes, tears and soul-searching, but remember her soul is Furling, as well as Tau’ri, and it will see to it that she understands.”

 

“Yes, I suppose you are correct, Sel.”

 

As Sam proceeded to walk toward the door, she stopped in front of her dad, and he caught her in a long, hard hug, resting his cheek on the top of her head, then he gave her a swift kiss.  “Sam, we’ll talk later, after you talk to Kataya, okay?”  Jacob asked.

 

“Sure, dad.  I don’t know how long it will take for Kat to talk to me, but I’ll see you then, and we can talk.”

 

“Sure thing, kid.  I’ll be looking forward to it.  And Sam, I really am happy about you and Martouf.”  He caught her in another hard hug, gave her another swift kiss, and then he smiled at her, although his heart was heavy with thoughts of what she was about to learn.

 

As she left the room, Jacob turned to Martouf, who was surprised to see Selmak take control and say, “Martouf, I need to speak with Lantash.  Let us go to your assigned quarters, as this is a very delicate subject, and I do not wish to be disturbed.”

 

Martouf frowned, but his eyes flashed as Lantash took control.  “As you wish.  My quarters are this way,” he stated, as he headed out of the lab.

 

“Selmak is acting rather odd, Lantash.  This must be important.  Do you think it concerns our relationship with Samantha?”  Martouf sounded puzzled and a little apprehensive.

 

“I do not understand why Selmak would wish to talk to us of Samantha.  I suppose there could be a problem with the Tok’Ra accepting her as our mate, but that seems unlikely.  Perhaps it is not Samantha he wishes to talk about.”  Lantash sounded equally puzzled.

 

“I do not believe that the Tok’Ra would have a problem with our taking Samantha as a mate, either.  Everyone knows how we feel about her, and there has been no one hinting that our mating would be a cause for disapproval.” 

 

They walked swiftly down the hall and opened the door to their quarters, allowing Selmak to enter first.  After closing the door, the men sat down at the small round table. 

 

 “What is it that you wish to say to me?  If it is concerning Samantha, then I must tell you, Selmak, that we have mated, and our bond is binding on us.  We wish for General Hammond to perform the Tau’ri marriage ritual for us.”  He frowned again, as he realized that it made no sense for Selmak to be discussing Samantha with him.

 

“I am not questioning your relationship with Samantha; that is for Jacob to do.  However, I feel that you have another relationship that must be taken care of before you can be fully bonded to her.  It is your relationship with Kataya that I wish…”

 

“Kataya is my Heartmate, Selmak.  I do not think that…”

 

Selmak’s eyes flashed, as he said curtly, “You will give me the courtesy and respect of listening to what I have to say, Lantash.  The discussion last evening was long and informative.  What I have to tell you of Kataya, and your rescue from Bastet’s torture chamber, should have been told to you long ago.  Unfortunately, as you will see, that was not possible.”

 

Lantash sat up straighter as he looked piercingly at Selmak.  “Are you telling me that Kataya has finally spoken of what happened there?  That you know why she allowed Dominic to die rather than me?”

 

“Yes.  It came out last night at the gathering we had in Merdwin’s quarters.  Allow me to tell you the entire story, Lantash.”  A sympathetic light entered Selmak’s eyes, as he said, “The truth is bitter, Lantash, and there is much for you to forgive.  Not Kataya, she did what she had to, and she has lived with it for a very long time.  She blames herself and yet, she would have to do exactly the same, should it happen again.  She knows that and you will, too.” 

 

Selmak proceeded with a stark retelling of events, which he found almost too hard to repeat without emotion.  As he spoke, he watched the emotions move across Lantash’s face.  He was listening to the information in stunned silence. 

 

“Lantash, Daniel told us of Kataya and Dominic’s last conversation as Dominic was dying.  We know now what actually took place.”

 

He repeated what Daniel had told them and when Selmak finished speaking; Lantash sat as if frozen.  He sat with his fists and jaws clenched and his head bowed.  Drawing a ragged breath, and raising his head, he looked at Selmak, his eyes filled with pain.  “I wish to be absolutely sure I understood what you said.  Dominic knew that he was beyond Kataya’s power to heal and requested she kill him, take his soul, hold it, and then have the soul spinners at Avilion spin it into mine that he might live on in me.  He wished her to take his life force, so that he would die more quickly, and he made her and the others swear never to reveal to me what had occurred.”

 

At Selmak’s nod, he stood and began to pace the room.  “Why?  Why would he make her promise that?  Why would he not go to the All and be reborn as it was meant to be?  How could he do this, Selmak?  Why?  Why?”  Lantash’s voice broke as he asked the questions, and it was obvious he was in a great deal of emotional pain.

 

Selmak shook his head sadly.  “He did not want you to know he could not survive for you.  He told Kataya so.  Lantash he loved you very much, and you are more aware than anyone of what he felt for Kataya.  This was his way of living on for you and for her.  It was what he wished to do.  He wished to be reborn into your soul.  It was what he requested of Kataya, and she went to great lengths to see that his last wish was carried out.”

 

Suddenly, Lantash was angry.  “Then why force them to promise to keep it to themselves?  Did he think I would truly hold it against him that he had not been able to survive what we had been through?  I almost died, as well.  I know what we endured.  Not just once, but many times,” he snarled harshly, as he paced the room.  “Why make Kataya suffer all of these years?  Dominic knew me well enough to know that I would always wonder why she saved me, and not him, and that I would always feel betrayed by her because of it.”

 

“He also knew that your love for her was strong enough to overcome any sense of betrayal.  He never doubted that you would forgive her.”  Selmak paused, and then continued, “Dominic and Kataya both believed that in your grief over his loss, you might take your own life in an effort to free his soul to be reborn.  Only by keeping the truth from you could they insure that you would not do so.  For both of them, the most important thing was that you survive and hold what was left of Dominic’s soul.” 

 

Selmak sighed.  “There is more that you must know.  In a way, it relates to what happened long ago to you, Dominic, and Kataya.  Lantash, Kataya is more than a Katteri-enti.  There is a prophecy from the myst-time of the Furling, spoken by the All.”  He proceeded to recite the entire prophecy. 

 

Lantash shook his head when he had finished.  “You are telling me that Kataya is this Soul, this Dragon of the Fire that will join with a spirit twin and defeat Bastet?”

 

Selmak stood and walked over to him.  Placing a hand on his shoulder, he spoke quietly, “Yes.  She is.  Moreover, she could have manifested and saved both yourself and Dominic.  However, she would not take the chance that she would be discovered and alert Morgasha to the presence of the Soul.  So she allowed Dominic to die, actually helped him to die, and she would do the same today.  She feels great guilt over this Lantash, but she had no choice.  There was too much at stake for her to reveal herself.”

 

Taking a long breath, he paused, and then started to speak again, “The second soul of the prophecy, the Dragon of the Star, has been born.  Lantash, it is Samantha.  We have all been drawn here, at this time, to fulfill the prophecy.  But, while it is true that you and Daniel have been drawn here by the prophecy, you have also both been called because you are the mates of their souls; Each of you are both Soulmate and Heartmate, and as such, it is to you that they will turn for a place where there is love, comfort, and peace.  You and Daniel may be called upon to make great sacrifices during this time.  One of them that you must make is to free Kataya from your vows.” 

 

“Lantash, Kataya will not force you to go through the sevesh.  I believe you need to request that you see into her heart.  As her mate, you have the right to demand that she show you.  It may answer all of your questions, and I have no doubt it will convince you that going through the sevesh is imperative.  Merdwin believes that it is perhaps the part of Dominic’s soul that is keeping you from going through the Sevesh Lok Twin.”

 

Lantash nodded.  What other sacrifices would he have to make?  Had he not made enough?  That Samantha was the other soul, told him more than any words could ever tell, that the sacrifices could be great indeed.  She was in great danger, and he knew instinctively that he would not be able to sway her from her path once her decision had been made.  She and Kataya, the two women that meant the most to him, would fight this demon, and they would win.  But, at what price to them?  And what price would he and Daniel pay for their love of these two women?  He knew his heart was already breaking, and he had much more yet that he had to do. 

 

He must seek out Kataya and then Samantha.  They were correct, of course, and although he would like to deny it, he must go through the sevesh.  Now that he knew that it was Dominic’s soul that was refusing to let him do it, he could work through it.  But, first, he must insist on seeing into her heart, as Selmak had suggested.  Only then would that portion of his soul that was Dominic’s be convinced that it must be done.

 

Turing slowly back to face Selmak, he nodded, as he said, “I will seek her out.  Where is she now?”

 

“According to a message I received mentally from Merdwin a short time ago, I imagine they are just beginning the first rite of joining, the mind link.”

 

Lantash sighed heavily, and then said, “Then it has started, and Samantha has already made her decision.  While we would have wished that she had discussed it with us, there is nothing more to be said.  We must accept it, and become the safe haven she will require, must we not?”  He looked at Selmak with both sorrow and determination in his face. 

 

“I believe that is so, Lantash.  You knew Kataya for a long time.  You have not known Samantha for that length of time, but do you think discussing it with you would have made a difference in her choice?”

 

“No, which is why I feel we must simply move forward, and do all we can to help her.  Kataya could never be swayed without very firm logic once she decided, and I believe that Samantha is the same.  She will not see that she has a choice, even though the All does not force a path on a person.  She will simply see evil that needs to be destroyed, and knowing that she has the power to destroy it, she will do whatever it takes to accomplish her goal.” 

 

Selmak looked at him a moment, before replying, “I believe that if you look around you, here and on our own base, you will see a multitude of people who fit that description.  Do we not go forth almost daily to fight the evil of the Goa’uld?  Would you change her decision if you could, knowing it is one you yourself would make, as you have proven on more than one occasion?  It seems that you are fated to love strong willed women, Lantash.  Jolinar and Rosha, Kataya and Siesha, and now Samantha, all within the last two hundred years.  What of those before?  Were not all of the women you have loved the same?  Perhaps, you are drawn to them because you are strong within yourself, and therefore, you are strong enough to be what they need.”  Selmak pointed out

 

“Perhaps what you say is true, Selmak,” he said.  Sighing, he continued, “The answer to your question is no.  No, I would not change her decision if I could, for to do so would be to force her to go against what she feels and knows to be right.  You are also correct about the others who are willing to do that which must be done.  I have come to have respect for many of the Tau’ri and to like many of them.” 

 

“It does not make the acceptance of Samantha’s decision any easier, however, even knowing that I myself would make the choice she has made.”  Again, he paused before saying, “I probably should not feel so, but…I feel as if there is nothing I can do for her.  I do not like this feeling of helplessness.”  Thinking over other times he had felt that way, he said, “It never gets easier to accept even after being in the position to feel it so many times.” 

 

“Do not underestimate the role you have been given.  To be the mate of the Dragon is a heavy burden.  Yours will be the heart she turns to for comfort and support.  You will not fail her.”

 

“I will do my best, Selmak, of that I give you,” his lips quirked, “and Jacob, my word.”

 

Selmak nodded, and said, “Merdwin was brief only saying that they were linking their minds and that they would learn to fully understand one another. Samantha and Kataya will both be emotionally drained by it, if I understand correctly what will take place.  I believe Merdwin is performing the rite, so they will be safe.” 

 

As Lantash looked at him questioningly, he said, “They are entering each other’s minds, Lantash, I imagine Merdwin will be there to separate them should they become too deeply immersed in one another.  He did not seem concerned about it; it was simply a precaution, nothing more.”  He paused before adding, “Merdwin is no longer a rival, Lantash.  You must start to see him through different eyes.  I think he could be a source of both information and support for you and Daniel.”

 

Lantash smiled wryly, “Yes, I had already figured that out.  I believe I should see Kataya as soon as it is possible.  I realize that the situation between us must be resolved soon.”  His voice was heavy with regret.

 

Selmak regarded him quietly, before saying, “Lantash, we of the Tok’Ra are often as guilty of not saying that which we should, as the Tau’ri, one of which I chide for not speaking of things that should be spoken.  Because I realize this, I wish to tell you something I should have told you long ago.”  As he stopped speaking, Lantash looked at him in surprise. 

 

“Selmak, it is not…”

 

“Yes.  It is necessary.  As you know, you are respected and liked among our people.  The fact that it is obvious does not preclude saying it.  But, I also wish you to know that I, myself, both like and respect you and I will be proud to be able to claim you and Martouf as my sons.”   

 

Clearing his voice, and changing the subject abruptly, he asked, “Should we not discuss who to ask for the Tok’Ra to send to us?”

 

“Yes, we should, and in a moment, we will.”  Lantash reached out slowly and placed his hand on Selmak’s shoulder, as he said, “It will also be a source of great pride to me, to be able to claim you and Jacob.  I thank you for your words, Selmak; coming from you, they mean a very great deal to me.  Now, perhaps you are correct, and we should make our decision about who to request be sent here.”

 

With his words, Jacob came forward as did Martouf.  Jacob was the first to speak, “Before we discuss that, I want you to know that everything that Selmak said, well, I agree with it, he just said it before I had the chance.  I’d also like to tell you that I’m happy for you and Sam.  I know you’ll do everything you can to make her happy.”

 

Martouf bowed his head in acknowledgement.  “Thank you, Jacob.  We will do our very best to insure that Samantha is happy with us.”

 

Jacob smiled, and said, “Okay, now on to the other stuff we need to discuss.  There is no question, but that Garshaw herself must be asked for.  I am also of the opinion that we should ask for Malek, Daimesh, Brialek, and Calise.  What do you think, Martouf?  Can you think of anyone else we would ask to see, if we thought we were dying?”

 

“I believe it would be very odd if you did not request to see Jocasta and Daur’rin, and I think it imperative they be included in this list.  Not only do you and Selmak have a well-known relationship with them, they are excellent warriors, as you know.”  Martouf watched, as a slight dusky hue entered Jacob’s face.  He continued, after a moment, “If we wish to be discreet, I think that at this time only those you have formed close bonds with should be called: Jocasta, Malek, Daimesh and perhaps Calise.  The others can be sent on missions and then come here.”

 

Jacob looked thoughtful for a moment, before saying, “I believe you’re correct and that those five would be more than enough at this time.  Afterwards, it would not seem odd if Jocasta or Malek stayed behind here.  We’ll contact them when Merdwin lets us know that Sam and Kat are finished and okay.  We thought that perhaps they should be at the briefing when the Tok’Ra come through.”

 

Martouf nodded his agreement, then hesitated, before stating, “Jacob if you do not mind, I believe that Lantash wishes to talk to me, and I feel strongly that he needs a space of time to absorb all that has been revealed to him.  Do you know how long it will be before they finish the mind link?”

 

“No, but I would expect a couple of hours, at least.  Daniel might know.” 

 

Martouf was obviously listening to something being said to him.  As his internal conversation finished, he said, “When we are finished talking, we will go in search of Daniel to see if they have finished the rite, and we will see you in the briefing room when the other Tok’Ra arrive.”

 

Jacob clapped him on the shoulder, saying, “I’ll see you later then.”  When he reached the door he turned back for a moment, “Martouf, if either of you need to talk or anything, well, you know, I’m willing to listen.”

 

Martouf smiled briefly, “Thank you, Jacob.  Your offer is much appreciated.”

 

Jacob nodded, then quietly closed the door.

 

 

Kataya stood in her quarters and contemplated her belongings.  She had begun gathering her things for her move to Daniel’s quarters and to his home very early this morning.  She wanted to make sure that among the belongings that she took were things that he could look at and remember her, so that if something were to go wrong with this mission, he would be left with good memories of her.  

 

Though Kataya would be giving up her quarters, Merdwin would be keeping his, in case he needed to remain on base; he would need somewhere that he could retire to at the end of the day. 

 

A knock sounded at her door and she called out for them to enter.  It was Sam.

 

Kataya smiled, as she greeted her friend.  “I am glad you are here, Sam.  I was going to contact you shortly, anyway.  How was your evening?”

 

Sam turned a light shade of rose, but that didn’t stop her reply, “It was wonderful.  Martouf and Lantash asked me to marry them.”  She laughed softly as she continued; “I guess my dad’s been telling them about my mom and his courtship and when he proposed to her.  Martouf and Lantash wanted to follow the earth custom for me.  It was a very special moment.”

 

Kataya smiled at her.  “It must have been very romantic and also very emotional.  I am very happy for you, Samantha.  He will make you a wonderful mate.  Is that ring from him?  It is very beautiful.”

 

Both women turned as the door opened and Daniel, looking tired, came in.  “Hi, Daniel,” Sam greeted him.

 

“Hi, Sam.  How are you today?  Did you have a nice evening?”  He asked, as he came forward and gave her a hug.  He noticed her ring and whistled softly.  “Wow, now that’s beautiful, Sam.  It matches your eyes.  Martouf and Lantash’s gift, I assume.  Congratulations, Sam, I’m truly happy for you.”  He gave her another hug and a swift kiss.

 

“I had a very nice evening, thank you,” Sam said, somewhat primly. 

 

Daniel grinned at her.  “I’ll bet it was,” he said, as he watched the blush rise in her cheeks.  Turning to Kataya, he asked, “Do you know yet what you want to leave on base and what you want to take home?”

 

“Those boxes are to stay here and the rest will go home.  Is that all right?”

 

He nodded and said, “Yes, that’s fine.  There will be someone here to get them later today.”

 

“I saw Jacob and Martouf heading to Martouf’s quarters to talk about contacting the Tok’Ra.  He said I should let you know that they’ll be contacting them soon, so that you and Sam can talk before they get here.  I’m sure he’ll tell Martouf and Lantash what was discussed last night.”  He walked over to give her a light kiss.  Wrapping her arms around him, she deepened the kiss, but didn’t keep him in it long enough to befuddle his mind.  Much.  She turned him and headed him toward the door with a pat on his butt. 

 

“I will talk to you later, Beloved.  You are correct in saying it is time that I talked to Samantha.”

 

Reaching the door, he stopped and blinked at Sam.  “Oh, bye, Sam.” 

 

Both women smiled at him as he shut the door.  “Poor Daniel.  It really isn’t fair of you, you know.”

 

“He is very passionate, Samantha, and because he feels so swiftly and strongly, it is easy for him to lose himself.  It truly is unfair of me to do it, but I must admit, it is a wonderful feeling to see that look and know that I am the one who is able to bring it to his face.” 

 

Sobering, she sighed, “Although I would prefer to talk of our respective mates all day, I am afraid there are serious things I must discuss with you.  Come sit over here by me on the sofa and get comfortable.”

 

Sam agreed and she knew the time for her to find the answers to her questions had arrived.  “I’ve been having some very vivid and odd dreams, Kataya.  I keep seeing an older man with white hair and intense green eyes and a beautiful blond-haired woman.  There is also an extremely handsome blonde man.  They are dressed much like you when you aren’t in uniform.  I haven’t told anyone about them because I thought they were just my imagination working overtime.  But, it’s not that, is it?  Do you know who they are?”  She asked.

 

Kataya took Sam’s hand in hers.  “I am going to tell you who they are, but more importantly, who you are.”

 

“The older white haired man is my father, Artereos of Cadwaellon and the woman is my mother, Gwynnivar of Wiccadia,” She paused, before saying softly, “and she is also your mother.”  She held up her other hand as Sam opened her mouth to speak.  “Let me say what must be said and then I will answer your questions.  The blond man is your father.  Before I go farther, I will tell you that they are the parents of your first living.  Your soul is Furling, Samantha, and they are the parents of your soul.” 

 

“Jacob Carter and his wife are your birth parents of this living and you are flesh of their flesh.  Your soul also contains threads of Jacob’s and your mother’s souls, so you are truly theirs in every way.  Nothing will ever change that.  Only your soul is not completely Tau’ri.”

 

“At your last death, you came here to be born as a Tau’ri.  We now know it is because of the prophecy, which I will tell you more of momentarily.”

 

“First, I wanted to get the facts of your birth out of the way, especially since you have dreamed of your soul’s parents.” 

 

As Sam sat quietly with her eyes wide, Kataya softly squeezed her hand.  “Jacob knows, Sam.  We told him last night when my father, Artereos, gave the order to explain the prophecy and what it means to everyone involved.” 

 

“I have much to tell you about what is happening, what it means to everyone and how it affects us all.  Most of all, I must explain how it all pertains to you.”

 

Sam cleared her throat and looked at Kat with pleading in her eyes.  “My dad,” she cleared her throat again.  “How did my dad take all of this?  He was pretty upset about the mate thing and now,” she paused, “this.  Was he, was he okay?”  She finally whispered.

 

Kataya sighed.  Samantha had not said what she really wanted to know.  Her heart was asking; does he still accept me?  Does he still love me even if I am different?  “I am afraid I do not really know how he took it at the time, Samantha.  I was somewhat upset myself after talking about Bastet, and Lantash’s rescue.  Once I gave them my information, I retired to meditate.” 

 

“I believe from what Daniel later told me that he thought that your dad was overwhelmed and had not had time to really grasp everything.  If you are asking my opinion, then I will tell you that I believe that your father loves you very much, and he will support whichever choice you make.  Samantha, you may ask Merdwin, if you do not believe me.  You are Jacob’s daughter in every way, and I believe that he knows this.  Did he not seem all right to you this morning?” 

 

Sam thought for a moment, and then said, “Actually, if anything he seemed more loving.  He-he hugged me a couple of times and kissed me.  I remember thinking at the time that it was a little, um, odd.”

 

“Then in his own way, he is reassuring you that you are indeed his daughter and always will be, regardless of whatever else you are.”

 

Sam nodded her acceptance of Kataya’s statements, and then asked, “You’re sure of all of this, Kat?  The things you are going to tell me, I mean?”

 

“Yes.  We are.  If you feel you are ready I will start with some background.” 

 

“I think I’m as ready as I’m going to be.”  She took a deep breath.  “Let’s get to it.”

 

Kataya lost no time in beginning her explanations, “Alright.  Although you are a very young soul, you have greater abilities than most due to the special circumstances attending the birth of your soul.  I am an ancient soul, Samantha, in that I was born millennia ago of a First-born soul of the All.  Most First-born kits are considered ancient.  Daniel is one of us.  Although you are born of a First-born, your soul is much younger than ours is because your first living was only a millennium and a half ago.” 

 

“Because of this, when the Soul Spinners at Avilion did the weaving of your soul, many life lessons were included so that you would be ready when the time of the Great Battle was come.  The time is upon us.”  Kataya watched Sam’s expression and knew she understood what she was saying on a deeper level than merely intellectually.

 

Sam nodded, so Kataya proceeded to relate what Merdwin had told the others the night before, but to his explanation of the Furling life cycle she added, “The Rituals and Rites of our people are shrouded in the mysts of time.  That they have profound meaning to us is unquestionable.  Those of us who are both Wiccadian and Furling have very strong ties to both worlds.  The Furlings are an ancient and powerful race whose very essence and beginnings are entwined with the dawn of all that is and all that will be.  The Furlings draw their life force from the forces of the universe.  The Wiccadians draw from all living things: The forest, the sun, the rain, the oceans, the moons, the stars, the very soil we tread upon…our very essence is made up of those things”. 

 

“It is important that you understand this, as your soul, like mine, is both Furling and Wiccadian.  It is the spirit soul of Gwynnivar that enables us to remain undetected by the First-born Furlings and gives us some mastery of the forces of nature.”  She stopped speaking to gather her thoughts. 

 

“You said there is a prophecy.  What does it say?”  Sam wanted to know.

 

Kataya nodded and repeated the prophecy. 

 

Sam frowned.  “We saw the three dragons in the mirror.  I thought they were signs of some kind that meant we would prevail.  What do they really mean?”

 

Kataya looked at Sam lovingly and somewhat sadly.  “I am the Dragon of the Fire, Samantha.  You are the Dragon of the Star.  The prophecy says that you and I shall bond and join our power and defeat the Dragon of the Blood, who is Morgasha, also known, as Bastet.  There is other information that goes with the prophecy that pertains to you and me,” she continued.

 

“When the time was right, the All brought forth the second soul to guarantee the prophecy would be fulfilled and that Morgasha/Bastet would not succeed.  That soul was spun from the soul of Llancellon, one of the greatest warriors of the First-born, and the spirit soul of Gwynnivar the Wiccadian.”

 

“Also spun into the second soul were threads of The Soul, another name I am called by the All, so that at the proper time they would be called, one to the other, and they would bond in the way of spirit twins, which they are.” 

 

“This second soul was born of Gwynnivar and her Heartmate, Llancellon and was named and known by the All as CsillaBellawyna Morna’Catira Drawyn.  In their separate forms, they mean beautiful star, beloved warrior and dragon.  When put together they mean…Dragon of the Star.  Slayer of the Blood.  That soul is you, Samantha.”

 

Sam looked at her and shook her head as if to clear it.  “I know what it is, I’m asleep and dreaming.  I’m going to wake up now and tell Martouf and Lantash all about this really weird dream I just had.”  She pinched herself and jumped when it hurt.  “Okay, I’m not sleeping.”  She muttered, “Just as well, I’d probably wake up with Daniel and a hangover.  So, not sleeping.” 

 

“Then, somehow, I’ve wandered into an alternate universe.  That’s got to be it.”  She turned to Kat.  “Okay, I’m in the wrong reality.  If you’ll just show me where the mirror is, I’ll head that way so I can go back to my own plane of existence.”  Kataya shook her head.  “Not an AU.  Okay so,” she looked at Kat and laughed shortly, “you’re telling me I’m a, what, a, Dragon?” 

 

She laughed again and then looking into Kat’s eyes, she closed her own.  “You aren’t kidding, this isn’t a dream, and it isn’t an AU.  There is no alarm clock, no mirror, and no yellow brick road.”

 

“I’m a Dragon.”  Opening her eyes she looked around her at the familiar gray walls and said, “Well, as Jack O’Neill would so succinctly say; “Aw, Crap.”  She lowered her head into her hands.

TBC

 

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