CHAPTER 12: TO BE HUMAN

"No, no, not again." Riley, who had only been pretending to sleep earlier, managed to get comfortable enough to doze off.

And as if it were his karmic retribution, he ended up dreaming of pulverized golems and his first airborne flight at Kael’s back in dragon form.

It was a relief that he had no meals in between to throw up, or else the Dragon Lord might not have forgiven him. And now, with the impending renewal of the Accords, he had no choice but to conduct surveillance for alliance members and the reluctant ones.

As the caravan arrived at the first outpost, the dilapidated signboard said, "Welcome to Wyrmfall."

Not a warm welcome, though. Since the armed guards blocked the way and demanded that the new arrivals state their business.

Riley shouted from the back, "Let me handle this." Kael agreed, "As you wish."

He hopped off the cart and pushed back his hood, revealing a black mop of hair and a friendly face. The guard barked something in a dialect translated as, "Why are you here?"

Riley fluently replied in Draskil. "We are merchants with artifacts and tools to trade."

Startled, the guard further asked, "How long are you staying?"

Again, in flawless Draskil, "We leave as soon as we sell our goods." Convinced, the guard placed his weapon down and slowly opened the makeshift gate.

"Done?" Kael muttered. "Mn. Yes, you’d be surprised at what you can accomplish by talking your way through instead of threatening to burn the place down. Not that you’re bad at that," Riley replied and placed his hood back.

Kael asked, "When did you learn to speak Draskil?"

"Ah, I self-studied it after our first visit to Wyrmfall." Way back, he made a translation mistake that almost started a war between factions.

When they finally stopped at a waystation to rest and recharge, "It’s good to pee," Riley announced with outstretched arms. "Hard to hold it in when the road is this bad."

A few nearby merchants who overheard the candid remark sneered yet nodded in agreement.

At the same waystation, two caravaneers were squaring off, yelling accusations about a stolen gold coin. A small crowd gathered around them and cheered: "Thief, thief, thief."

On impulse, Kael stood up and almost jumped to his feet to shut up the warring duo. Riley held up a hand, "Oh no, let me. This is too small a matter for you."

Kael arched his brow, but didn’t stop him.

Riley walked past the crowd of hecklers. It was easy being ignored when you’re human.

"What’s the problem here?" he called and clapped twice.

At the same time, both pointed at each other and shouted: " He took my gold coin."

"Where did you last see it?" Riley clarified.

Both said, " It was inside my pouch. Now it’s disappeared".

Riley observed where the two were standing. He stooped down, cleared the top dirt, and picked something shiny and round. "You mean this gold coin?" holding it up for everyone to see.

"Agree to share or finders-keepers," Riley bluntly said. " So now you can fight over something else. Start by seeing who apologizes first." He looked at the crowd and motioned for them to move away. "The show is over."

The would-be combatants muttered half-hearted apologies and decided to grab food and drinks instead with their share of the coin.

Back in the caravan, Riley met Kael’s stare and whispered. " Words over claws."

Kael just stared. Not clear if he agreed or not.

Time and again, Riley’s patience had to be tested. This time by a magical hauling beast. The enchanted mule tried to escape and almost succeeded.

Riley grabbed Kael’s arm before he could reveal his magical power and blow their cover. The pseudo-animal charmer stepped forward and whistled low. He moved slowly towards the mule, speaking in a calm and steady tone.

"Easy, Easy, now." He ran a hand along the creature’s flank and worked the bridle loose. He signaled for water from the handler, and the mule drank it with gusto. He sprinkled the remaining water onto the mule’s body to cool down.

The mule tossed its head but didn’t bolt away.

"There you go. Best to give water, food, and rest for faster recovery. He’d be back on his feet before you know it.", says pseudo-animal charmer.

Kael helped Riley up the caravan and said, "You have a bag full of tricks."

Oh, no, not at all. Just observation and common sense. Riley thought to himself. Really, this was more because he had no other choice and couldn’t exactly use his non-existent strength to subdue anything or anyone.

Before the blessings, I was like that mule—thirsty, hungry, and tired. I can relate as much.

He thought, remembering those days when he’d been desperate to try anything.

That evening, the undercover pair went to the nearest inn for dinner. Still in disguise, Riley coyly asked Kael to get him food and drinks. In shock, the dragon snorted but complied. The impostor boss had a huge appetite, while the fake aide hardly ate.

With a full stomach, Riley suggested they mingle with the travelers to get insider tips, contraband routes, and smugglers’ hideouts.

To break the ice, he needed a distraction and fast before he himself fell asleep. With courage, he asked, "Would you like to hear a song?"

No one answered. He took it as a yes and sang his heart out off-key. It was a ballad about a farmer, a wyvern, and a barrel of wine. He wasn’t even drunk.

At first, the caravaners looked confused. Then those within earshot clapped their hands and swayed to the unfamiliar tune.

When the song ended, Riley bowed and tapped another traveler to take his place.

"You’re up next."

He walked towards Kael and sat on the wooden bench next to him.

For a long moment, Kael said nothing. Then he murmured, "They listen to you."

Riley shrugged. "I’m human, nothing to be afraid of. No competition."

To be human, he thought, wasn’t so bad after all, especially when you’re trying not to stand out.

At first light, the caravan was getting ready to leave for the actual settlement. Two guides argued about which route is safest and fastest. Seeing Kael’s frustration, Riley borrowed both maps held by the guides and laid them flat on the floor for comparison.

"This route is shorter but has collapsed bridges you forgot to mark. This, on the other hand, is a longer route but with intact road safety for supply wagons. My vote is for a longer route."

The guides both stared at him, dumbfounded. "How do you know this?" " Riley showed them his own map, which he labeled and colored the main and alternate routes. He smugly said, "You’re welcome."

Kael took this sight all in. It seemed like his aide was enjoying himself immensely.

So was this how he kept getting all that information?

Humanity?

Well, in a sense, yes. However, in reality, much of it was due to trial and error.

After all, criminals aren’t exactly the easiest bunch to deal with.