Page 37 of The Ruler
“What is their job?” I asked.
“Boulder says they keep his island safe and ensure that no one trespasses. He hunts with them sometimes.” Her mouth turned downward and she looked away. Clearly his killing and eating animals was a sore subject.
“Are there any empty buildings on the island?” I asked casually.
“Yes, there’s an old church, and some cabins on the northern part of the island.”
“Have you seen them?”
“No, why?” Christina gave me a curious look.
“Khan and I have been talking about an experiment and we’re looking for the right place to conduct it.”
Christina leaned against the window frame and played with the end of her braid. “What kind of experiment?”
“I already told you that I’m interested in finding a way to influence the Nmen and that my wish is for the Northlands to be included in the Motherlands one day. It’s the only way to achieve true harmony in the world.”
“Yeah, you told me,” she said.
“We’re planning to have a group of children from each side of the border come together for a cultural experiment.” I gave her the full scope of the project.
“Wow,” she said with eagerness in her eyes. “That’s amazing, Pearl.”
“Yes, it will be if we can pull it off. We already have the teacher from the Northlands; his name is Archer.”
Christina’s eyes opened wide. “Archer, the mentor?”
“Yes,” I smiled. “Do you know him?”
“A little.” She smiled. “He’s kinda cute.”
“Cute?” I chuckled and shook my head. “Christina, you’ve been here too long if you start finding the Nmen cute; Archer is a giant with vulgar muscles and tattoos like the rest of them.”
She grinned and tugged a loose strand of hair behind her ears. “I know, but I’m getting used to it and I’m starting to see its appeal. And Archer is definitely one of the most attractive ones. He’s got pretty features like our men.”
“He’s nothing like our men,” I objected. “The man is huge and extremely masculine; there’s absolutely nothing pretty about him.”
“Yeah, but at least he doesn’t have a massive beard like Boulder did when I first met him. Archer is handsome, admit it.”
“He’s charming, I’ll admit that much.” I grinned. “But back to my experiment. He can’t do it alone, and the council will need to find one of our most experienced teachers who can match him and work with him to create a curriculum that will serve both groups of children.”
Christina’s hand flew out to grasp my arm, her eyes large. “I know the perfect teacher.”
“Who?” I asked.
“My best friend Kya Janae.”
“She was your roommate, wasn’t she?”
“Yes, and a really good teacher too. It’s perfect since she specializes in kids with behavioral problems. Plus, we love each other and I could talk her into coming here.” She frowned. “Maybe… I mean, I could try at least.”
“Honestly,” I exclaimed, “that would be a small miracle. Finding a teacher from the Motherlands is the thing I suspect will be the hardest.”
“Maybe if I tell her she’ll be working with a hot Nman,” Christina speculated.
I covered my eyes with one hand for a moment. “Christina.”
“Yes?”
