The Vampire's Strange Pact with Vikram

"I will come with you on one condition," said the vampire. "I will narrate a story to you and ask you a question at the end. If you speak, I will fly back to this tree. On the other hand, if you stay silent despite knowing the answer, your head will burst."

"Agreed," said Vikram, who quickly stripped off his waistcloth and fashioned a bag from it, into which he bundled the vampire. He and Dharma Dhwaj then began walking to where they had left Shanta-Shil.