The vast golden sea of sand held no regards for what living beings baked in its merciless sunlight or frozen in its chilling might. In its intense heat or frigid air, life managed to evolve and thrive off its harsh conditions. One such life was the world tree.

An impressive cactus stood at the center of an Oasis. It was much wider and rounder than any of the World Trees. Millions of spikes aimed towards the sky as if it had the ability to launch them at unwanted foes. It was cradled by a city thriving on the water it produced.

This was Navargzan, Pamalyra’s capital, claimed to be the home of the richest and poorest people in the world. Many Beastmen call it the city of gold and opportunity as money circulated daily through all sorts of means.

Once the bridge was lowered, the first to run off the deck was Krullu. He landed face first into the sand and kissed it.

“Land! Oh sweet land! Goodbye terrible sand monsters and that terrible boat ride! No Scalemen should have to endure that!”

“Was it that bad?” Yizdra asked. “It was a nice experience.”

“I-I thought it was a nice too.” Ainig added, carefully moving down the bridge slowly. “N-now that we’re here, do we wait for the Oracle-?”

“Herald, Please refrain from speaking his title aloud in the open. He wishes to enter these lands incognito.”

“Then what should I call him?”

“What about the one eyed grumpy face? No, better yet, Crabby! He always snaps at me and makes this face I can’t tell if he’s annoyed, angry or both.” Krullu grumbled.

“We will not address such an inappropriate name to him.” Yizdra scolded. “I will ask if he has a preferred moniker when we meet with him.”

The three observe the busy docks as many ships come and go. Opposite to them was the Path Weaver, however, Kihet and his team had gone ahead with Tama to finalize the terms to allow the Scalemen to seek refuge in Pamalyra.

“Hey, what are you three gawking at?” A peddler stomped up to the trio. “Why are ya three doin here anyways?”

“H-he sounds angry. What’s he saying?” Ainig asked.

“Krullu, could you translate it for us?”

“Oh, umm… We, come, peace? No, that doesn’t sound right. He’s speaking in slang that it’s hard to understand.”

“Perhaps you can talk to see what he wants.”

“I’ll try…” Krullu cleared his throat. “We Stusis.”

“I can see dat scaly. What are ya doin here?”

“Umm… slower?”

“Argh…” The Sailor sighed. “Forget it. You’re lost ain’t cha? Are, you, visiting?”

“Visiting? Erm… ah! Yes! Visiting!”

“Dere ya go! Now we’re onto somethin!” The peddler cackled. “I can give ya a map. It’s very easy ta read, and I’ve marked up all the locations you might even want ta visit.”

“Krullu, what’s he saying?” Ainig interrupted.

“He’s speaking too fast! I think he’ll give us a map or something.”

The peddler held up a pamphlet with his long skinny arms towards Krullu. As soon as Krullu pinched the other end, he realized his fingers were glued to it.

“H-huh? What the hell?! My fingers are stuck!”

The peddler briefly made a sly grin then shouted aloud from the top of his voice. “Help! These scale freaks are stealing from me! Help!”

“Wait! Stealing?!”

“Krullu, what’s going on?” Yizdra asked.

“I ain’t done such thing! My fingers are stuck!”

“Awawawa! Y-Yizdra, armed people are running towards us!”

“Herald, no matter what don’t draw your shields. We are caught in a scheme.”

“You three are under arrest!”

Ainig, Yizdra and Krullu suddenly found themselves surrounded by a group of guards. The captain waltz up to them, inspecting the situation.

“Tch. The lizards made it here. They should’ve all been killed in that civil war.” The captain suddenly smacked Yizdra’s arm with his baton to back away. “They will be charged accordingly. Theft, and illegal migrants.”

“H-hey! No thing!” Krullu shouted back.

“And now, resisting arrest. Take them away.”

“What’s going on there?! What are ya pansies doin with my clients?!” Radhr burst through the crowd of guards in a fury. The Lycanthrope was seething as soon as he saw Krullu’s finger bonded to a pamphlet.

“R-Radhr?!” The peddler shrieked. “F-Finished your trip so soon?”

“Watch your whiskers, Wuss. Don’t forget who owes who a debt. If you ain’t got the money, don’t go on pickin those who have no more than you. Are you saying you got the money now?”

“I-I’ll eventually pay you back! I-I need more time!”

“How long? A day? Week? It’s been three months past your due. You’re lucky my clients are watchin. I would’ve beaten you half dead and use you as bait for sand fishin. Da next time I see yer face, I’ll gut ya and worse.”

“I-I’m only doing this ta earn back your dues!”

“Get out before I bite your face off.”

“B-but!”

“SCRAM!” Radhr roared.

The scammer fell onto his bottom as he scurried away on all fours.

“The misunderstanding has been dealt with. You people can leave unless you want my claws tearing out your throats. You know I don’t mind meddlin’ with the authorities, that is, if ya are.”

The Invincible and her crew held a reputable status in Pamalyra. Not wanting to provoke Radhr, the ‘guards’ turned a blind eye and marched away. A few gave a stink eye, but that would be most they could do to Radhr.

“T-thank you.” Krullu quietly said.

“Not so fast. You scaly skins get back on da ship. I ain’t want more trouble with you three wandering about. Until the client gets back, the Scalemen under my watch ain’t gonna get touched.”

Radhr put a pipe in his mouth and struck a flame. He took a whiff, then blew a cloud of smoke at Krullu.

You could be reading stolen content. Head to the original site for the genuine story.

“Meanwhile, I could use some extra pair of hands to help move some shipment. Consider having to done ya a favor for a saving yer scale back dere.”

“Ain’t that right? Are you so short staffed you’re forcing the Scalemen to do free labor?” Fang snickered as he led a gang down towards them.

“Buzz off, Fang. Keep your witless comments to yerself. I just got a hunting request as soon as I landed and I’m preparing fer it. Aren’t I popular?”

“Kek. Sure. Anyways, you arrived later than usual. Where’d our client go?”

“He immediately jumped off my ship with his group of three as soon as we docked.” Aghili sighed.

A Mixrel rappelled down from the Path Weaver and onto the dock. Her weary face said it all. She never wanted to take Kihet as a client ever again.

“Seriously, the client was such a pain. He kept asking questions about my ship every minute of the way!”

“Aren’t you supposed to be happy a foreigner is interested in your ship?” Fang asked. “If you don’t want to be disturbed, you don’t have ta answer.”

“No way! I couldn’t just brush his question! He had a look that could kill me if I was any bit rude to him! Don’t you two remember how insane he was? He’d burn our ships just to have us die with him from a Dragon!”

“That Rozzalian and Vivirian were also dangerous. I wouldn’t want them to attack us. It’d be a one sided massacre.”

“And although that Devil Folk has an innocent and cheerful face, something about her wasn’t right. I can’t put my finger on it, but one wrong look and I can feel an arrow flying through my throat.”

Radhr had completely been absorbed into his conversation and forgotten lead Krullu, Yizdra and Ainig back to his ship. Unbeknownst to them, Ainig was standing attentively, listening in their conversation.

“U-umm! I don’t think the Orac-, I mean, Crabby is that scary. He’s actually a nice person.”

“Woah! You scared the shit outta me. I forgot to show you the way back-.” Radhr paused, suddenly narrowed his eyes at Ainig. “Hey, Turtle. Ya could speak Pamarine all this time?”

“No? A-aren’t you three speaking Scylanis?”

“Are we?” Aghili looked around and was replied by head shakes. “I don’t know what you’re on about, but you’re definitely speaking Pamarine.”

“It doesn’t matter what language yer speaking. Just get back on the ship before more trouble comes.”

“O-oh… okay. Krullu, Yizdra, the Captain told us to back to the ship.”

“Herald, you understand the Beastmen words?”

“Yeah… I’m confused but apparently, I can understand them. I’m speaking in Scylanis and they understood what I’m saying.”

“Wait a goddamn second! What were all my efforts to learn a new language for if Ainig is magically able to speak other languages now?!”

“S-sorry, Krullu. I don’t know either…”

“I’m not mad at you, buddy. But I am jealous.”

“S-sorry…”

“Is it perhaps the Pale Dragon’s blessing at work? Stories of old have said those bestowed by the Elder Dragon’s blessing are also granted knowledge. This may be of case.”

Ainig looked at his stubby hands, wondering if it was a gift from the Pale Dragon. He listened to his surroundings as he followed Yizdra up the ramp. He could understand the Pamalyrans speaking, shouts, screams and laughters.

One Lycanthrope directed a ship to a halt before unloading their shipments. One Mixrel who coached a carriage was bartering with a stall selling tobacco.

Ainig could understand every word exchanged.

“[Something amiss, Herald?]” Before Ainig could express his shock, he was interrupted. “[Up, up, up. You need not speak aloud. Your thoughts alone are enough to reach me.]”

An animated painting of smoke scatter on a surface of the ship’s body. The misty painting sucked into on singularity before taking on the silhouette of the Pale Dragon. Despite being a large canvas painted on an exposed surface, no one noticed the Pale Dragon.

It was like Ainig was the only one to see it.

One of its five heads loomed over a child Mixrel, curious of the puzzle in hand. Another kept a stern lookout at the golden sea. Each of its heads looked in every direction, attentively observing the busy harbor.

“[Did you give me this ability?]”

“[To travel the world with the Oracle, conversing with others will be of utmost importance. However, the Dragon’s tongue may be a blessing and a curse. For one, you are allowed to speak. For the other, you cannot mask what you speak.]”

“[T-that’s great! I can talk with everyone without any misunderstandings!]”

“[Hmph. I supposed you for one, are too pure to understand its flaws.]” A smirk formed on the Pale Dragon’s face.

“[What do you mean?]”

“[Nothing my dear fledgling. I am simply taking the view of temporary lodging the Oracle has promised to the Scalemen. Among all my champions, you are the first to set foot out of Stusis. I confess, while the golden sea vastly intriguing, I do miss the mountains.]”

“[But… we can’t go back.]”

“[The past has passed. You are only able to live the present and look for the future. You shan’t overburden more than you must. Not when you become a Hero.]”

“[Yeah. Yeah!]” Ainig then heard a small chuckle.

“[Oh, I do enjoy what spirits you raise. Do move forward as you are, Herald.]”

“[I will.]” Ainig nodded. “[U-umm! Can I ask you a question?]”

Suddenly the Pale Dragon’s voice had gone silent.

[Umm… hello?]”

Ainig peeked over the rails, unable to find the Pale Dragon on the side of the ship. He turned his head in every direction while sending his thoughts telepathically to try and reach the Pale Dragon. He did not receive any response.

“Ainig, what are you doing slacking off? Get your butt over here and help move these for me.” Krullu pointed his finger to a pile of boxes.

“I’d advise you to continue work instead of relying on the Herald. We are in this situation because of your carelessness.” Yizdra scolded.

“I-it wasn’t my fault! I was the victim! I’m too tired to lift anymore boxes.”

“If you’ve the energy to complain, you can work.”

“Ugh…”

----------------------------------------

Moving from the harbor and into the heart of the city, Navargzan felt different for those who walked its streets.

Its entertainment facilities were among the largest buildings in the city. Every corner of the street, one would find a dedicated gambling site. Tacky posters of false promises and advertisement billboards plastered everywhere. The air smelled of tobacco, perfume, cooking oil as a result of uncoordinated variety of vendors standing side by side.

Amidst the busy narrow alleyways, three facilities stood out to them.

The first was the arena. It wasn’t as large as the one from Rozzosea Kihet visited long ago. It stood about five floors tall; its impressive size could fit an entire district in its seats. The elliptical colossal structure of sandstone and concrete was the most used structure where gladiatorial shows, punishments or important announcements were held.

Next was the mercenary’s guild. Adventuring within Pamalyra was nearly impossible without a ship. Many adventurers disguised as sellswords also took darker jobs from their employers secretly making requests through the guild.

Lastly was the Golden Temple.

The four corners displayed steep stepped pyramids with its exterior forged of gold. The main building, a Ziggurat like structure stood on its own island nearest to the world tree built from a marbled foundation away from all the noise from the city. As the quietest place of all in Narvargzan, it was also where the Council of Merchants conducted important meetings.

And also where Kihet was currently headed to.

“Look at all the colors! From the outside, I thought it’d be a desert town where everyone would hide from the scorching sun. It’s much livelier than I thought.”

“Of course, nya! Navargzan is a city that never sleeps! Money talks and is nyalways on the move!”

“Just watch yer belongings. In a crowd dis big, a crew like us are bound to attract pickpocketers and muggers.” Rogus warned. “Your best defense would be your reputation. Get yerself known and certain groups will avoid ya.”

“Wouldn’t that attract others on the opposite side if the spectrum?” Salith asked.

“This is Pamalyra. You’re bound to make enemies whatever you do.” Tama added.

Kihet felt thousands of stares glued onto his back. He quickly took a glance over his shoulders and his beady eyes deterred many looks. Once he faced forward, thousands of eyes immediately fell back on him.

Kihet’s group comprised of several races. It was no surprise everyone was curious about the traveling band of foreigners. Residents of the district fell silent as they passed. Only the howling wind made noise.

Some surveyed where they kept their valuables. Some were waiting for an opportunity to approach them. Some lurked in shady alleyways, setting boundaries to unwelcome the foreign guests if they wandered into their territory.

“I’ll show ya one trick, Oracle.” Rogus drew his sword and aimed it on the onlookers. He filled his lungs with air and unleashed a bloody howl. “WHADDYA WUSSES LOOKING AT?! I’LL GOUGE YA EYES OUT UNLESS SOME OF YA GOT BUSINESS WITH US!”

After a moment of silence, the streets bustled with noise. Bartering continued as normal, a herd of female Mixrels gossiped among themselves and lurkers from the alleyways slipped back into the Shadows.

None gave Kihet’s group any attention from here on out.

“What did you do?” Salith asked.

“Letting em know who the top hounds is. If a fool thinks they could take me on, they’ll step up. Otherwise, they’d cower and go back mindin’ their own business.”

“Rogus’ got a nice title. Most of these folks know who he is.” Tama added.

“Che. Don’t ya dare say it. It doesn’t suit me. Anyways, here we are. Take a ferry cross the lake and you’ll get ta meet one of the Schemers in charge.”

“You’re not joining us?” Kihet asked.

“I’ve got some bad blood with em. Don’t wanna see their faces. I’ll wait right here for ya.” Rogus made himself comfortable on a nearby bench. “Ya better come back. We still needa get you and I some replacement fer our missing parts.”

“I’ll try not taking too long.” As Kihet boarded the boat and looked back at his group, he saw Salith the only one hesitating to take a step onto the boat.

“What’s wrong?”

“I think it’s a bad idea for me to get on the same boat.”

She was a Rozzalian, a race of Giants, armored from head to toe. From her viewpoint, a small passenger ship would likely sink immediately as soon as she boarded.

“Tama, go with Salith I’ll go hire a second ferryman. We’ll be right behind you.”

“Aye sir.”