Shelaya bowed her head in respect waiting until Bannock was seated before taking her own seat before him. She hated the sickeningly sweet smell of the Kamaka powder burning within the candles that lit the small room; hated even more the power it exterted over the mind. "You have done as Na-air-tay requested?" The shaman asked.

"I have."

Shelaya had slowly circled their shelter four times stopping on each side of the tent to say a prayer before seating herself in front of the entrance. Closing her eyes, she whispered the words, taught to her not by Bannock but the spirits themselves. The words that released her soul to walk among the dreams of the ones sleeping inside. With those such as Daniel she had no need to wait for sleep.

Unlike his companions, he felt no need to shield his thoughts and feelings, keeping hidden only those that caused pain. As warriors the others kept guard of their emotions and thoughts keeping them locked them away during their waking hours. Shelaya had never liked the thought of visiting the sleeping ones, believing that dreams were personal and private. Only with those thought to be a threat to the People did she willingly participate in the ritual. These Tau'ri were no threat.

"Speak child. Tell me of the visitors Na-air-tay called the Tau'ri."

"I have walked through their dreams. Have seen into their minds. They are good people, strong and kind who care greatly for one another."

"Tell me what you learned."

"Their chieftain, the one called O'Neill, has a fierce will. Many have tried to release the secrets he holds and each have failed. He has fought many battles and defeated many demons. He is a great and respected leader whose warriors follow him willingly. Warrior Teal'c shares his body with another just as the one called Samantha once did. The Cha'cota root will not affect these two." She sighed, her earlier words to Daniel ringing loudly in her mind, 'You cannot change what is meant to be.' "Warrior Teal'c has a strong mind and spent many years training to serve those he believed to be Gods. He has pledged his devotion to the Tau'ri. Nothing will cause him to betray that loyalty."

"What of the woman?"

"She has great knowledge but like the warrior she is, she would die before revealing anything that would endanger either her world or the ones she travels with."

"And the speaker? The one called Daniel."

"The spirits have blessed him with many gifts."

"But he is not a warrior. Without a warrior's training he is the weakest of the four."

"He has a soul of light Great Bannock. In many ways he is the strongest of them all." Shelaya spoke rapidly. "They are much like the People. Courageous, they are willing to die for others. They are honorable warriors who come to us in peace and friendship, without deceit. They wish to make a bond with the People that would benefit both our worlds."

"Na-air-tay knows of these Tau'ri. She told me of their ways. They guard their Spirit Stone and refuse entrance to their world Is that an act of friendship?"

"The spirits tell me Na-air-tay cares nothing for our people." She could see the anger in his eyes but continued on, hoping he would listen even though this wasn't what he wanted to hear. "I fear we will anger them if we follow her." Her head snapped sideways with the force of his hand against her cheek, the slap ringing loudly in the quiet room.

"Na-air-tay speaks for the Sun Spirit. That is who we follow child. He has sent her to protect and guide us." His expression softened, the hand that now rested against her cheek gentle once again. This girl child was favored among the spirits. He had watched her grow to womanhood, taught her, cared for her and knew that she would bring great joy and prosperity to his people but she was strong willed in her own right and often questioned the ways of the spirits.

"You are still very young child and do not always understand what it is the spirits wish of you. There is still much to learn and my time grows short. Obedience of the spirits is your greatest challenge. They are wise and will never lead you from the correct path."