They soared over the plains for another day before they saw any signs of life. It was Kethro who spotted it first. "Look!" He pointed, and Serali twisted her head around to see a thin line of smoke in the distance. The three wheeled and flew towards it. Soon their keen eyes could see what had to be a human settlement.

They landed some distance away, not wanting to alarm the humans by flying in. "I think I should go in human form, so I can bargain with them," said Serali. "Kethro too, I suppose. Though..." she considered. She knew that among most humans, men were assumed to be the leaders. The plainsmen might want to talk to Kethro instead, and while his command of the human language was steadily improving, his bargaining skills were nonexistent. "Actually it might be best if you took some other form," she said. "If you're human they may insist on talking to you, I know some humans tend to be patriarchal. And no offense, but you've no experience at all with bargaining."

"None taken. How about a hawk. Humans keep hawks, don't they? I could sit on your shoulder and pretend to be a pet."

"Sounds good to me," said Serali.

"But I can't shape-shift at all," said Doran, looking worried.

Serali smiled at him. "That's just fine. I think it would be a bit too much to ask them to sit down and bargain with a dragon, and it would definitely be too much for three dragons to just stroll in among them, but one dragon ought to be all right. Humans can get used to dragons, I've shown that before." And as far as Serali was concerned the more peaceful dealings dragons and humans had together, the better.

Doran nodded. "So I guess I'll go with you. Should we walk in?"

"I think so. Though I'll have a time keeping up with you in human form, even on the ground. Would you mind carrying me?"

"No, I wouldn't mind," he said.

"Then we have a plan!" said Serali with a grin.