Page 85 of The Champion
“Yes, now, but why do they have to make all the houses like in the Motherlands?”
“Because the Motherlands did something right when they built that way,” Freya insisted.
“That’s a matter of taste,” Khan insisted as we walked on.
“The Polo family lives in that house. Albert has been invaluable in the department of agriculture. He is using his degree in biology to work with farmers on expanding the production of fresh produce. It will take a lot to grow at the rate we’re hoping to, but the boy is like his mother and sees opportunities where others see problems.”
Pearl looked up the building to an open window on the third floor with flowery curtains. “What about Ada? The last time we spoke, you said that she was driving Marco mad.”
“Argh, it’s because she’s dating a young Northlander and Marco doesn’t like it. Marco is old-school like Dad. He thinks that all relationships must lead to marriage. Ada disagrees and wants to have fun. She’s seventeen so there’s plenty of time for her to get serious.”
“As I recall it, you used to be pretty old-school yourself,” I reminded my wife.
Freya took my hand. “Yeah, but I wish I hadn’t been. It’s sad to think about how much time we wasted before we found a way to be together.”
“Is the young Northlander okay with Ada wanting nothing more than to flirt?” Khan asked.
“Who knows? He’s twenty and besotted with her. We stay out of the drama.” Freya pointed ahead. “And then there’s the parliament building we took you to the last time you came. Do you see what’s new?”
Khan spotted the change right away. “The balcony wasn’t there the last time.”
“Mm-hmm, and the large doors finally got installed. Remember how Magni and Thor made fun of those temporary ugly doors that we had?”
Khan nodded. “What did you expect when we men had to bend down to avoid banging our heads on them? Who the hell ordered temporary doors that were made for children in an official building?”
Walking through the city that was still under construction, we all pointed and discussed buildings and parks that were taking shape.
“I like the decision to keep buildings in the city center low and let them rise as you move outward. When we flew in this morning, I said to Pearl that the city center reminded me of a meadow in a forest because it’s so flat compared to all the taller buildings that are popping up fast.”
I agreed. “It’s amazing what the building crews have managed so far. Robots make all the difference. They don’t take breaks and they build with precision. At first, I feared that having taller buildings on the outside of the city would block off all light from the center. But with the four broad avenues, we’re getting plenty of light in the middle.”
“How many live here now?” Pearl asked me.
“So far, we’re a little under ten thousand, but we’re scheduled to grow with a thousand a week over the next three months. That’s why we have to prepare and think big from the get-go. The interest in Wisdomia around the world has been overwhelming. We have a long waiting list of people hoping to get permission to move here.
“You’ll be home for Mason and Aubri’s birthday in August, right? They’re having a massive garden party at the mansion, and everyone will be there. It’s the week after the summit, so you’re already in the Northlands. I’ll watch Isobel, of course.”
Freya and I exchanged a glance. “I don’t know, Mom. Things here are happening fast. Staying away for two weeks seems a little much.”
“Oh, trust me, you’ll be establishing things for years to come. The summit is work related and I’m so happy you and Victor were chosen to represent Wisdomia. You know everyone at the summit already and you’re the founders of this country.”
“Well, right now it’s more like a small city, but we’re projected to reach a million people in eight years, so I’m happy we were invited to participate,” Freya said.
“Did Thor tell you that Linea is taking your place in the Northlander delegation? It makes sense as she’ll be Thor’s co-ruler at some point.”
I stuffed my hands into the pockets of my long shorts. “Khan, surely you must have considered changing the political system. The Northlands is the only country in the world that doesn’t have democracy.”
“We tried that, and the people still wanted me, so why waste people’s time voting?” Khan argued.
Pearl shook her head. “I’m happy you asked that question, Victor. Now that the Council in the Motherlands finally reached an equal amount of male and female members, Khan had to honor the agreement he made back in ’37. Funnily enough, he didn’t think making me his co-ruler required an official ceremony or that I should speak to the people. Nor does he want to listen when I make suggestions. I’m the first female ruler of the Northlands and…”
Khan cut Pearl off. “Co-ruler. I’m the ruler and you’re my co-ruler.”
“We’re supposed to be equals.”
Freya laughed. “It sounds like Dad has some maturing to do.”
“Maturing. Ha! I’m sixty-one years old.”
