Book Four: Chapter 41

“Oh, I have all sorts of things in here.” Ratu walked toward the door, and Beth followed. “Yes, the kimono is magical. It’s something I made to keep the important things on hand.”

“Like tea?”

“Like tea.”

Ratu stopped outside of a doorway and gestured inside. Beth walked in and found a small sitting room with a serving table and some comfortable chairs.

“This is lovely.” Beth took a seat and watched the naga put some loose leaf tea inside of a metal ball, then lay it in a teacup.

“Thank you. This pagoda has been my home for many centuries, and it has served me well.”

“Wow, centuries? Do you just take it with you?”

“Oh yes. It takes some doing, but the whole thing comes down much like a tent, and can be rebuilt at a later time. It has been convenient being able to move about without leaving all my research behind.”

“Have you moved often?”

“Indeed.” Ratu pulled a pot of water off of its serving dish and held it in the palms of her h