Page 112 of The Warrior
“Then why did you choose that poem?”
Solo was already on his way back to his seat next to Storm and Tristan when he threw his answer over his shoulder to Kya. “Because it was the shortest of the poems you had us pick from.”
The other boys laughed.
Kya didn’t give up and drilled a little more. “But what did you think of it?”
Solomon looked back at her. “I think it’s a waste of time, and I don’t see why I have to learn about that stuff.”
Kya’s nostrils expanded and she raised her chin like a weapon aiming straight at the disrespectful young man. “Poetry is like music, Solo. Would you like a world without music?”
“Nooo.” He dragged out the word.
“Then there is your answer to why you have to learn about poetry. It’s the heartbeat of a culture.”
Pearl got up from the table and walked over to place a hand on Kya’s shoulder. “Thank you, dear.”
Kya’s black curls bobbed around her face when she nodded. “My pleasure.”
Pearl turned to address the children. “A big thank you for sharing your favorite poems with us. I enjoyed it very much.” Holding up her hands, she led a round of applause that we all took part in before she made an announcement. “This is the first time we’ve all been gathered, and that gives us an excellent opportunity to have our first town hall meeting.”
“What’s that?” Marco asked and caught a piece of bread that William was throwing at another boy. “William, do you want to be on kitchen duty for a week?” Marco’s voice was stern and William was quick to put his hands on the table, signaling that he was done throwing food around.
“A town hall meeting is an opportunity for a community to discuss important matters,” Pearl explained. “With all the changes we face here in the Northlands, it would be interesting to hear different perspectives. I suggest we start by talking about how to deal with all the Motlander women who wish to move here.”
Magni, who sat next to Khan, leaned forward and spoke in a booming voice. “That’s easy. They marry a man and become his wife. End of story.”
“I’m afraid it’s not that simple. Motlander women are used to having a profession and would like to contribute with their unique talents.” Pearl turned from Magni to Christina and Kya. “I’m sure you worry about what kind of life your daughters might have in the Northlands as well.”
Christina nodded and Kya clapped her hands with excitement. “Yes, let’s do a town hall meeting. It would be a great way to show the children how democracy works and how important it is for everyone to feel heard. Maybe we could do a vote as a learning experience.”
Magni flew up from his seat. “I’m shutting down this madness before it gets any further. The only two people with a vote in this room are Khan and me. We don’t need anyone’s advice on how to run the Northlands.”
“You’re not the only two people living in the Northlands. The rest of us have an opinion too,” I muttered, low enough that Magni didn’t hear me.
“A town hall discussion will offer you and Khan valuable input.” Pearl folded her hands in front of her. “What you do with the input is up to you.”
Khan leaned back on the bench, supporting his back against the wall. “I told you, Pearl, this isn’t how we do things here.”
Magni, who was standing next to Khan, looked down on him. “You knew she was going to pull this shit on us?”
“No, but I’m not surprised since Pearl has been talking about town hall meetings for days now. She wants us to tour around the country and listen to people’s input.”
“Jesus Christ.” Magni’s outburst had everyone looking at him. “Get your woman under control, brother.”
Magni’s words provoked me.
“Women aren’t supposed to be controlled by their husbands,” I said, my pulse drumming like a freight train with too much speed to slow down in time to avoid the disaster.
Magni pinned me with a dirty look that spoke of spankings and scoldings, but my frustration with him was bigger than the lust his heated looks inspired. “I’m with Pearl. Let’s hear what everyone has to say.”
Pearl gave me a small nod of recognition.
“I’m with Pearl too,” Christina pitched in and was hushed by Boulder, who warned her not to get involved. “Of course, I’m getting involved,” she told him. “I love town hall meetings.”
When Athena, Kya, and Shelly supported the idea, the children began to speak up as well.
“Can we stay and listen?” Rochelle, who was the younger sister of Shelly, asked.
