Page 98 of The Seducer
I played the video for them, my wristband projecting the clip with Khan and Pearl standing side-by-side with stern expressions.
“Today a devastating earthquake occurred,” Khan said. “We are lucky that no one was killed on our side of the border. The Motherlands however are suffering. Thousands are now homeless and precious lives have been lost.” Khan lowered his brows. “I’m aware that parts of the border between our nations have collapsed, and for those of you planning to cross the border, I want to say this. The Motherlands are not defenseless and the men who crossed the border today have all been captured.”
Khan squared his shoulders. “As you all know, a slow progress of integration between the Motherlands and the Northlands has already begun. Many have suggested to me that this earthquake is the perfect opportunity for the Northlands to occupy the Motherlands, but do we really want to take something by force that we might be able to get willingly, if we show patience?”
Pearl’s clear blue eyes looked straight at the camera when she spoke. “This is not a time to stab a wounded neighbor, but a time to show humanity, civility, and grace.” She paused and added. “I have battled in the Motherlands Council, and challenged all the rumors that flourish in the Motherlands about Nmen being brutal monsters. I have argued that you are good and proud men with a high level of integrity and honor. What you do in this time of crisis for the Motherlands will determine whether I was right.”
Khan took his turn. “We are now in a position to make demands that will speed up the integration process, and I’m urging you to stay calm and do nothing while I do what is best for our nation.”
The video ended, and silence filled the dining room.
“Do you think your people will listen?” Athena asked me.
“I’m hoping so, but many are desperate and they want a piece of the pie right now.” I sighed. “Magni and his troops are going to be busy patrolling the borders and guarding the Gray Mansion. All we can hope for is that the negotiations with the Council of the Motherlands go well and that Khan will have enough promises to calm down the rebels.”
“He’s going to need a lot more than promises,” Archer said. “He has to show them women, and lots of them.”
“What about all the women who want to marry an Nman?” Athena asked. “We saw them on the news.”
I squirmed in my seat. “Yeah, well, unfortunately the Council is refusing to let them come here. They insist on screening the women, and I think that means talking them out of it.”
“I’m not sure that’s a bad thing,” Athena said and lowered her brow. “Some of those women seemed a little unstable.”
Archer snorted. “The Council is afraid that we’ll grow in numbers if we get too many women who can give us children.”
“True,” Athena nodded. “As long as you represent a danger to the Motherlands they would be careless to let you grow in numbers.”
I leaned back and crossed my arms. “The wall’s collapsing changes everything, though. I spoke to Magni, and with all the Nmen who crossed the border today, we now know exactly what kind of defense system the Motherlands have. It’s effective, but Magni says it’s got some weaknesses that we could explore, and that the Council must be aware of it by now. That should have them nervous, don’t you think?”
Athena and Kya exchanged a worrisome glance.
“Let me put it this way,” I said. “Nobody wants a war, but that wall is coming down sooner or later, and since it’s already collapsed in places sooner seems to be the case.”
“But Finn, the Motherlands aren’t ready for that. You don’t understand the mass hysteria it would cause among our people,” Kya said with her eyes wide open. “I’m all for the integration of our nations, but if it happens too fast it’ll fail and cause nothing but pain and misery.”
“I don’t know about that. I’ve just spent ten days in the Motherlands and your people loved me,” I argued.
“Someloved you,” Athena corrected. “Many are quietly observing with suspicion and fear. There’s a big difference between welcoming five Nmen and thousands.”
Archer rubbed his face. “I’m happy I’m not Khan at the moment. He’s got a lot of pressure on his shoulders, that’s for sure.”
CHAPTER 31
Negotiations
Finn
Athena refused to be left behind at the school when I went to the Gray Mansion early in the morning. “I want to help,” she insisted. Even though I wasn’t really sure what she could do, it suited me fine since I didn’t feel comfortable leaving her out of my sight.
“Thank Mother Nature that you’re here,” Pearl exclaimed when I introduced Athena to her. “This room is packed with wolves, and your wisdom and peacemaking skills are a welcome reinforcement to this group.”
“I’m so pleased to meet you again,” Athena said and bowed her head to Pearl. “When we passed each other at the border I was burdened over you taking my place as a hostage.”
Pearl took Athena’s hands and gave her a warm smile. “It worked out well in the end.” Her eyes drifted to me and back to Athena. “I see that you and Finn made friends despite his role in the whole affair.”
Athena’s smile was soft. “Forgive your enemy and all that.”
“Yes, I know what you mean,” Pearl said and shot a glance in Khan’s direction.
