Naga Raj-deelith

7th of August, 1998.

For several days Kato simply studied the web spun between each one of the comatosed people in his ward. Together with Draco, he worked through one theory after another. They discarded some and kept working on others until Draco sat in a cacophony of papers filled with calculations.

Kato sat down on the floor in the centre of the hospital room. He connected to the web and tugged gently at one of the treads. Pain flared but not from him. One of the dreamers was in pain. He touched their dream and saw how it had twisted into a nightmare. As he opened his eyes and looked around he met the gaze of Tharindu who was sitting up in his bed. He could feel the pull from the web. It wanted to drag him down into the dream.

'Definitely not,' Draco said sharply.

Kato smiled. It was nice to know that Draco cared. He stood up slowly and walked closer to Tharindu. Now that he was awake there were several things he could check that hadn't been possible while he slept. "Can you hear me?" he asked calmly.

The man's face twisted. "Powerful," he bit out.

Kato stopped by the foot of the bed. "I have some power, yes," he confirmed.

"Bring them," Tharindu said.

"Who?" Kato asked.

"Thehan. Ayomi. Bring them."

Kato took a step back as Tharindu launched for him. "Sleep," he said as he sent a powerful sleeping spell at the man. He still didn't want to touch any of the patients directly. He headed out of the room and set the ward in place. He needed to find Healer Nimali. He sensed her in a room he had not entered and he knew from speaking to her that he only had access to the one room he was working in. He didn't mind. He knocked on the door and stepped back. He knew Draco had mostly left him and was studying his books instead.

Kato took a deep breath and reversed the mind share so he could read alongside Draco only to pull back when he felt the wards twitch. Nimali was looking at him expectantly. She did not like being interrupted and she had been very clear about that.

"Tharindu woke up," Kato said. "He asked for Ayomi and Thehan. Does that mean something to you?"

Nimali looked thoughtful for a moment. "I believe those names are in his file," she said. She walked over to the room where they handled what little administration they needed to do. She flipped through the file quickly. "His wife and child," she said. "I have seen those names before though… Will you be continuing today?" she asked.

"No I will not," Kato said. "I have found that removing someone is met not only with resistance, but it turns the dream into a nightmare for them. I don't want to put them through that."

Nimali nodded slowly. "We have to get them out through," she said.

"We will. But I need to figure out how to prevent the nightmares first," Kato said and she nodded. He headed back to the Inn and sat down with Draco. He started looking through books slowly. His fingers ran along the pages and he listened to Draco's breathing. Both of them were focused on what they were reading.

"I need to find a Potion Master," Draco said after a while.

"Is that necessary?" Kato asked. "Do you have to learn under a Master to gain your own Mastery?"

"I have to create something new or improve several already existing potions," Draco said.

"You know I offered Severus the chance to create a vaccine against Lycanthropy years ago, but he doesn't have the time between Hogwarts and the Dark Lord," Kato said.

Draco smiled. "Really?" he said. "You would offer me that?"

"Why not," Kato said with a shrug of his shoulders. "Someone needs to do it and I certainly can't. Then I would look into using Crystalback scales in potions. I gave some to Slughorn last year, but he doesn't have a near-endless supply the way you do."

Draco nodded slowly. "Severus would vouch for me if I made Potions," he said. "I think I like it. I can do without another Master. You're quite enough."

"It would get hard to keep to another Master the way we travel too," Kato said. "But we can quite easily work in time for you to research on your own. I don't mind helping either."

"Right you took the NEWT just so you could," Draco said.

"We can't start that until after we have gone back home though. I can get you samples of the Cure that I brought and you can gather some scales from the dragons," Kato said. He fell silent for a while thinking about the dreams and the web. Maybe it wasn't so much a spider web as it was interlinked roots. "Are there Naga here?" he asked himself. He stood up. "I need to go ask Clan Skarjed a thing. I'll be right back." He headed out of the Inn and up the street to the bank. He knew that this Clan wasn't going to let him push the lines so he waited patiently until a teller was free. "I have a question not concerning money," he said in Tamrielic. "Do Naga live in Sri Lanka?"

The teller looked taken back for a moment before his brain kicked into gear. This was the human from Clan Alfknif. They had orders to be as helpful as possible with him. He considered the question. "Yes, there are Naga, but they care little for our kind," he said. "Humans seldom come back if they travel there."

"Can you give me a location?" Kato said. "I know the risks. No blame will fall upon Clan Skarjed if I do not return."

The teller nodded slowly. "I know there is a tribe in Palk Bay," he said. "They may be on the Indian side at this time of year though I can't be sure."

"Thank you," Kato said. He turned around and headed back out. He wasn't about to just head off to see the Naga. He knew he might need to though. He walked slowly as he headed back to the Inn. He would need gifts if he was to approach the Naga. He needed scales from back home. If he was going to pick that up he might as well get the things that Draco needed as well. Not until tomorrow though. He wanted to tell Nimali that he was heading off before just disappearing. Maybe he should bring Qozul and Kaanaaz back with him.

8th of August, 1998.

It was early in the morning the next day when Kato headed off to Rohala Ajantha. Draco hadn't gotten up yet, but he didn't see a reason to wake him. He wasn't going to be there to train him so he could get a sleep-in. Nimali was bustling around already when he entered house five. She looked up at him. "I found the people we were talking about yesterday. The woman is dead and the son is in recovery. If we are lucky he'll make it, but it is up to him now," she said.

"Do you think that Tharindu is responsible?" Kato asked.

"From what my colleagues have been able to assess it seems that way," Nimali said. "I am not condoning moving the boy here."

Kato shook his head. "I wasn't going to suggest it," he said. "I will be away for a few days. I need to go back home and fetch a few things… and I'll be going to see the Naga."

"You think that Naga might be involved?" Nimali said. "They are peaceful unless threatened."

"He might have threatened them," Kato pointed out.

"He doesn't bear any mark that might imply Naga involvement," Nimali said. "They will not like being accused."

"You assume I would accuse them," Kato said. "That is not my intention at all. Naga know much and dreams are one of their specialities."

"I think you are the first white man I have met who seems to know what he is talking about," Nimali said. "Most are quick to accuse and slow to understand. Then my interactions with Westerners are limited. I didn't approve of asking for your aid. You have shown yourself capable enough though. Don't get yourself killed."

"I will do my best," Kato said. "I always do." He bowed low and headed back out of the house. He had a lot of things to do and prepare if he wanted to make a good impression on the Naga.

…

It was still dark as Kato walked into Ennerdale Manor. He wasn't surprised. The time difference was quite staggering. It didn't really bother him though. He walked into his room and stopped. A smile spread over his face. Charlie was sleeping in his bed. He walked over and sat down next to him. His fingers ran over a muscled arm slowly. They hadn't been apart for that long, but he still missed Charlie. He wasn't sure how it had happened. He had never really missed Rhavaniel until she was gone forever. He stood up and walked over to his closet. He needed to have a long talk with a tailor before he left to see the Naga. He didn't really have anything suitable. He closed the closet and walked over to his desk. He collected the scales that he cleaned off the dragons when he helped them groom. He figured Draco could use what he wouldn't need. He already had a sample of the cure and Dumac had promised to put more samples aside for the future.

Kato looked back towards the bed as he headed for the door. He stopped in his tracks. "I woke you up," he said.

"Were you really just going to slip in and out?" Charlie asked sleepily. "Come over here."

Kato chuckled. He pulled his robes off as he walked over to Charlie. "Maybe I hoped you would wake up," he said before straddling Charlie.

"Is that so," Charlie said as he turned them around. "I guess I'll have to punish you for being noisy then."

"Oh please do," Kato said with a smirk gracing his lips.

…

Remus looked up from the Prophet as Kato and Charlie sat down by the table. "So you are home already?" he asked.

Kato shook his head. "I'm just here to pick some things up," he said.

Remus chuckled and shook his head. He could guess why Kato was still there. "Remember that you left your apprentice in Kandy," he said.

"I know," Kato said. "I just need to get Qozul and Kaazaan then I'm heading back." He smiled at Winky as she placed a plate in front of him. "Oh, and tell Dusty that he is coming with me, will you dear," he said. "Thank you."

"Didn't Qozul and Kaazaan want to mate?" Charlie asked.

"Yes, but they don't want eggs yet," Kato said. "I wasn't sure bringing them would be a good idea, but I will need their added protection now."

"Why?" Charlie asked.

"I'm going to see some Naga," Kato said. "I have been warned and I know it could be dangerous, but I need their input on the case I have. It could be Hist poisoning."

"I thought the Hist wasn't dangerous," Charlie said. "Didn't drinking the zap save your life?"

"It did," Kato said. "But that zap was given freely. It is a whole other matter if you take it without permission. Normally I would say that it causes vivid hallucinations, but it could be different with trees growing here."

"Dreams aren't that far a step away from hallucinations," Remus said. "I don't know anyone who travels back and forth to Naga, but I know there have been people who have done it. With your knowledge, I would hope that you'll do alright."

"I'm also blessed by a Hist," Kato said. "They should respect that even if they don't know the tree."

"Didn't you want to move that tree," Charlie said.

"I would love to. It can't gain new keepers where it stands now, but I have to point out that the tree that blessed me was kept by assassins. We might want to be a little careful with that," Kato said.

"You are sure you'll be fine though?" Charlie asked.

"I should be," Kato said. "I don't know how much knowledge they have kept from their Argonian brethren. If they care for a Hist I will be alright. They might not though."

"So you are bringing two dragons that can help protect you," Charlie said.

"They are less likely to attack me if I have two dragons. Just like the Selkies they might very well be able to feel that I'm not quite human if I have the dragons with me." Kato got up and headed towards the door. "I'll be fine. I promise I'll send you a message the moment I'm back."

"Both of us," Remus said.

"Will do," Kato said. "See you guys. Bye-bye Leoline."

"Bye Harry," Leoline said.

Qozul came flying over the moment Kato walked through the wards to the enclosure. He landed on his Monah's shoulder. "Qozul will go on an adventure," he said.

Kato laughed as he felt his other shoulder grow heavier as Kaanaaz landed there. "Kaanaaz is coming too," she said.

"That was the idea," Kato said. "Will you come with me and meet some Saxhleel?" He walked back out of the reserve and apparated to Gringotts. From there he took a portkey back to Kandy. He looked around as he started heading towards the Inn again. He needed a tailor. He had figured it would be better to use a local one. While he could probably explain what he wanted to Madam Malkin, he knew it would be easier with someone who was immersed in the culture. They might not know Argonian or Naga culture that well, but they carried fabrics closer to what he needed. He walked into the shop and waited until an elderly man came walking out. He bowed low. "I am looking for someone who can help me prepare for a meeting with the Naga," he said.

"A strange request especially for a white man," the tailor said. "What do you have in mind?"

Kato pulled his robes off and walked over to a mirror. He built something akin to what he would need as an illusion around him. "Something along these lines," he said.

"No shoes? Or will you wear those boots?" the Tailor asked.

"I will not be wearing shoes," Kato said.

The man nodded slowly as he walked around Kato. The style was unknown to him, but it fit with what he knew about Naga. His eyes caught sight of movement in the man's discarded robes. Two little heads poked out of the folds and looked around. It wasn't until the wings became visible that the tailor looked upon them in awe. He had seen renditions and heard songs about these dragons. They used to live on the island a long time ago before humans came there. This man carried them openly; he was either very dangerous or he had permission to keep them… or both.

He walked in back and fetched snakeskin for the clothes that he would now be making. He knew better than to mess this up. "Meeting the Naga is foolish if you do not know their language," he said softly as he worked.

"I know," Kato said. He noticed an open terrarium by the door to the little shop. "Little one," he hissed. "Are you comfortable there?"

"Too bright, speaker," the little snake answered. "This one likes watching the people, but the sun is bright."

"Maybe I can fix that before I leave," Kato hissed.

"That would be much appreciated," the snake said.

The tailor shook his head. This white man was something else. If he had been born in India or schooled there he would have been treated like a prince. Those who could talk to snakes were seen as holy. It was not an ability that was common anywhere, but he hadn't heard of many Westerners who could do it.

Kato provided golden links that he had traded with the goblins. They were sown in by his shoulders and hips. The door didn't open even though Kato saw people looking inside. He guessed the owner had closed down as soon as he started working on his clothes. A young man came walking from somewhere inside the shop. He stopped and stared at Kato. From where he stood he could only see the customer's back, but there were so many scars. What had this man been through? "Grandpa the silks have arrived, finally," he said.

"Good, good get me the black one," the Tailor said. "I will need it."

The boy headed back into the belly of the shop to fetch the fabric. He watched his grandfather work. He was surprised the customer was so patient. Most people just told them to take their measurements and then they left. He knew his grandfather preferred working this way though. It made the clothes better. He certainly didn't mind. Not when the customer was so easy on the eyes. He did his best to hide a smirk.

"Naga use feathers as decoration," the Tailor said after a while.

"I know," Kato said. He had made sure to take a few of Hedwig's discarded feathers before leaving home. "Do you need any?" he asked.

"We should fasten some by the belt," the Tailor said.

Kato held his hand out and three feathers came sailing smoothly from his robes. He handed them to the Tailor and looked in the mirror. He nodded slowly as he watched his reflection. This was turning out the way he had hoped. He would put his hair up and place feathers in it as well. He could see how the scars left by the Selkie ritual gleamed silver and the marks from his enchanting knowledge made themselves known. He knew that many of these marks would mean a lot to the Naga. Now he just hoped that they had enough Argonian left in them. He might be quite far off the mark otherwise. The sun was setting as he left the shop. He had paid handsomely for the work and they had packed it all away for him. He started heading towards the Inn only to stop as he saw quite a few people over by a fire. They seemed to be dancing and having fun.

"Will you join me?"

Kato turned around. It was the Tailor's grandson. "I will not," he said. "My love is at home and I will not stray."

"She would never know," the boy said.

"That is unimportant," Kato said. "I will not betray him." He started walking again. He knew that had he not met Charlie he would be joining the celebrations. Did he regret not joining? He looked once more towards the fire before walking into the Inn. No, he did not regret it. He had Charlie and he was happy with that.

"I brought you some potion to get started," Kato said as he sat down with Draco. "There is a party going on outside. Would you like to join them?"

"Only if you come and check in on me," Draco said. "I'd rather not get kidnapped or something."

"I promise that won't happen," Kato said.

"What should I wear?" Draco asked.

Kato smiled as he pulled out not only the clothes that he had gotten for meeting the Naga, but also two outfits that looked more like the traditional robes but looser. He handed Draco a blue and green set. "You'll be a heartbreaker. I suggest you make sure there won't be any little Sri Lankan Malfoys before heading out." He laughed as he noticed Draco's blush. "At them," he said. He sat down and started working the scales he was bringing for the Naga. He wanted a longer chain made solely of scales and several shorter ones that would fit around the neck. He worked through the scales he had and cleaned them up. He picked some out and polished them. He could hear the music outside getting louder. He summoned Kali and sent her out invisible. He wasn't going to let Draco get hurt, but he needed to be allowed to have some fun.

It was almost midnight when Kato rose from the floor with his gifts and packed them away. He walked outside. The fire was still burning. He had forgone shoes and the stone beneath his feet was cool to the touch.

Kali was sitting a few streets down. She looked over to him.

The boy from earlier stumbled up to Kato drunkenly. "Come on… have some fun with me," he slurred.

"You need to go home," Kato said. He stepped to the side and the guy stumbled. Kali had stood up. Her tail was slowly moving back and forth. She was agitated. Kato started walking faster until he reached her. She showed him the way to a cramped storeroom filled with tarps and boxes. Draco was lying half-naked with two girls.

Kato rolled his eyes and smiled. The girls certainly didn't seem like a problem, but the men coming down the street were a different story altogether. He slipped into the storehouse and pulled everyone with him to Draco's room at the Inn. He was sure it would come back to bite them, but as long as Draco was inside his wards he would be safe.

9th of August, 1998.

The sun had barely risen beyond the horizon. The sky was misty with orange and yellow. The people who moved around did so with determination from years of the same routine. The only one who stood out was a man in his mid-twenties. His chest was bare and what clothes he wore looked to be made from black silk and snakeskin. Feathers and gold adorned his hair, shoulders and hips. He looked to be wearing intricate dragon ornaments on his shoulders; though looking closely might alert people to the fact that the ornaments seemed to be breathing. He walked with the same determination as everyone else. He had a portkey scheduled for Jaffna in only a few minutes. He entered the bank and then he was gone.

Kato looked around. He could see the bay clearly enough from where he was standing. From there he would be apparating in short bursts. He turned himself invisible and muffled his movement before the first jump. He never went further than he could see so he wouldn't land on anyone.

Six jumps in he suddenly passed through a magic barrier. It wasn't a ward designed to keep people out. Looking at it, he determined that it was probably an alarm system. The Naga knew he was there. He considered apparating or even using a shout but decided against it. He might as well not rush them since it could be considered threatening.

The ocean snaked in among the hills and the water was blooming. In the distance, something broke the water's surface. Was it a fish or something else? No one was around… at least not above water. The wind caught his hair for a moment and his black locks danced.

Kato walked down towards the ocean slowly. He heard the screeching of birds overhead. Faraway, something large moved below the surface. He applied a water walking spell before stepping out. He was still invisible to non-magic eyes, but he knew that any magical being would be able to tell where he was. He wasn't really trying to hide. He could feel another ward further out. He guessed the Naga may live beyond it. Something glistened just beneath the surface before a head popped up. Big yellow eyes looked right at him.

"I know you are there, human," they said. "Why do you hide?"

Kato had stopped walking when the Naga appeared. "I hide from those who lack magic's gift," he hissed. "Walking on water is not something humans do."

The Naga held a hand up towards him. "Lift me up and share your cover," they demanded.

Kato took the hand and helped them. Their unclothed form was quite beautiful to behold. He assumed they were female, but didn't feel like ending up on their bad side so he asked plainly, knowing that Saxheel would prefer directness.

A peal of laughter filled the air. "I am Reeza-Ei and I lay eggs," she said. She wrapped her long snake-like tail around him. "You are powerful… bless my eggs."

Kato smiled gently. "I have a mate and honour him," he hissed. "In another life, your lustrous scales would have drawn me in."

Reeza-Ei sighed dramatically. "You tease me," she said. "Such a gentleman. I'm not surprised you are already claimed." She moved off him and looked him up and down. "You dress like the Shaman," she noted. "It suits you. Do you have hands that heal?"

"I do," Kato hissed. "I have come to ask for advice."

"Then I shall take you to the shaman. He will know how to help," Reeza-Ei said. "You do not look like other humans who have come here. Your skin is pale."

"I come from the west," Kato said. "It is more common to be pale there."

"They say father was a pale man who came looking for answers," Reeza-Ei said. "I never met him. He was gone before my clutch hatched."

"So Naga and humans can interbreed?" Kato asked.

"They can, though only blessed clutches make it," Reeza-Ei said.

Kato stepped through the wards hiding the Nagas' home from view. The Hist bore flowers; bright blue flowers that hung down over the ground below. The wind rustled the leaves of the Hist.

Reeza-Ei took Kato's hand and started pulling him towards a temple building. "This way to the shaman. Come on now."

Kato almost started laughing at her enthusiasm. She was cute. He noticed how people stared at them as they passed. The Naga seemed to vary quite a lot in how snake-like they looked. Some, like Reeza-Ei, had a more humanoid upper body with the snake tail while others looked more like Argonians.

The shaman had long ropes of dried leaves and other strange things hanging outside the door. Vines grew along the rough stone of the temple but inside it was light and airy.

"Raj-deelith Saarne, this human claims healing hands and he needs your help," Reeza-Ei said excitedly as soon as they had entered.

Kato brought out his gifts and bowed.

An elderly Naga moved past a drape of colourful beads. While they looked old their eyes were alert. They saw the scars and marks marring Kato's chest and arms. This was no healer. At least that was far from his primary vocation. "For one with hands that heal you have many scars and have brought a lot of pain." He said as he reached Kato and took the scales carefully.

"That is true. I will not deny that I have hurt people in the past and will probably do so again. One day I might be judged for my sins. I will take that judgment when the day comes," Kato hissed.

Saarne nodded slowly. "Wise to know your own character," they said. "You have come to ask for advice. What do you want to know?"

"I have a case involving a man locked in a dream. He wakes up at times and tries to pull the people around him into the dream. So far he has pulled several Healers in. I can't remove them from the dream without harming them. Is this something you recognize at all?" Kato said.

Saarne moved away slowly. He might have considered it insulting for a human to ask him about dream magic if he wasn't so knowledgeable in the subject. The dreams that were described to him did certainly not sound natural. "You could be dealing with a deva of some sort. Though they are seldom hostile," they said.

"Could it be possible that the human tried to bind a deva to himself?"

Saarne froze mid-motion for a moment before continuing what they were doing. "That could be it," they said. "The deva's powers might react to what has been done. If that is the case, finding the deva and aiding them could solve the problem."

Kato nodded slowly. He wasn't familiar with deva, but he knew they were quite powerful spirits. Trying to bind one might be similar to doing the same with a daedra. It could work but would most likely end in disaster. He would have to talk to someone who knew more once he got back to Kandy. "Thank you for your insight, Raj-deelith," he said as he bowed.

"I hope you manage to free the innocent," Saarne said.

Reeza-Ei smiled as she dragged Kato with her outside. "Let me show you our home, beeko," she said.

Kato rolled his eyes as he followed her. She was very happy to have someone to show around it would seem. He was brought around to the huts where Naga of all shapes seemed content in enjoying the sun. What surprised him a little was the humans that sat among them. He had heard that people didn't return from this place. He was wondering now if that was because they chose not to. It was a much simpler life staying with the Naga. Reeza-Ei didn't stop there for long. She showed him the high point and the stables. She slithered along the narrow ridges of the walls protecting their home like she had done little else. Her eyes widened as she looked out towards the Indian coast. The call she let out could probably be heard all across the village. She grabbed Kato's arm. "We need to go," she said. "Shadowscales are coming. They kill, that is what they do."

Kato didn't move. He knew the Shadowscales. Lizzel was one though she was more focused on stealing than killing. The tree in Ssizeis had belonged to Shadowscales. He did not fear them. He wasn't the only one. Several Naga joined him by the walls. "They always get in," one said.

"We try to defend our own, but it is never enough."

"They take our young to train."

"They have no Hist?" Kato asked.

"No, they do not."

Kato walked out through the gates slowly. He knew he couldn't take on a whole clan of Shadowscales, but he had something to offer that they might want. He summoned Kali. "Do not kill," he said.

Shadows moved in. Kali rushed out and Qozul raised his head. "Monah, what is happening?" Qozul asked.

"Children of the Shadows are coming. They lack a Hist. I wonder if the Hist I found could become theirs," Kato said. "Grow and show them what we can do."

The dragons grew and flew down to the ground. They raised their wings and lightning crackled out around them. Kato drew his wand and placed it against his throat. "I will defend this tribe. Many will die if we fight. I know of Sithis. I delved into the depths of this world and found a lonely Hist. Speak with me… or die!" he hissed calmly. His wand turned into a sword and he ran lightning along his arm. He moved quickly and ducked as a blade cut through the air where he had stood only moments earlier. He caught the sword on his own blade and pushed the Naga back. He knew he would have to cheat if he wanted to beat this assassin without magicka. Qozul and Kaanaaz roared and pushed others back with their lightning. Kali had downed another Shadowscale further away.

Kato grabbed the Naga's arm and forced them to let go of the dagger. "I do not want to kill you," he said.

"The Void will take me," the Naga said.

"You could have your own Hist," Kato hissed.

"There is no Hist for us. We are hidden and forgotten," the Naga growled. "We will take what we must. You cannot stop us all."

"There is a Hist. I have touched it," Kato hissed. He forced the Naga to see his memories. "I can get to this Hist. We could find a way to bring it to you." He moved away from the assassin quickly as another Naga managed to get past Qozul. He moved quickly to force the Naga back from the village.

"If you come with us, human we will leave," the one Kato had fought said.

Kato nodded slowly. Qozul and Kaazaan shrank back down and landed on his shoulders. "I will come," he said.

"Don't go, beeko," Reeza-Ei called. "They will kill you."

Kato couldn't be sure of course, but he didn't think the Shadowscales wanted him dead. If they really did they could kill him now. He might be tough, but he knew he didn't stand a chance against a whole tribe of Shadowscales. He started walking after the tribe as they headed off. He knew they would probably have to walk for a while. Tribes didn't like living too close together.

The village that eventually came into view was well hidden. The huts were built under tree roots and between big rocks.

"If we don't like what you have to say you will die."

Kato didn't show his internal smile. He wasn't that easy to kill. He couldn't fight all of them that was true, but his only option wasn't to fight. He walked into the centre of the village. All around him, Naga had gathered. He could hear little children crying. They must have gotten into the other village and grabbed a few children at least. There was nothing Kato could do about that. He could only hope that giving them their own Hist tree would stop these attacks.

"You claim there is a Hist tree that belongs to no one," an older naga said as they moved closer to Kato.

"I have interacted with a Hist that has no tribe, Naheesh," Kato said.

"Don't think you're something special, human, just because you speak our language and know a few things."

Kato ignored the speaker. He wasn't there to fight. "In the vast desert far west of here lies a temple to Sithis. His children brought a Hist with them and guarded it well until they were betrayed. The Hist now stands without a tender or tribe. I have left instructions on how to care for it, but the tree does not belong deep underground."

"How do you know the dread father?" the elder asked.

"I know him through one who listens and one who speaks. I myself have no connection to him. The Hist however knows me well," Kato said. "The roots drew poison and I cleansed its waters."

"If you lie to us we shall never stop hunting you," the elder said. "You will return here a year from now and bring one of our own with you to get the Hist."

Kato lowered his head. "Let it be so," he said. He rose slowly and looked at the others gathered. "If I do this you will stop taking children from the other tribes," he said.

"If we have a Hist of our own there will be no need," the elder said.

"Then I will see you in a year," Kato said before simply disappearing.