The Dancer (Men of the North Book 7)

by Elin Peer

  “I don’t care where they fly as long as they stay the fuck away from my home.”

  I sat down on a low brick wall. “Are you talking about the drones we arrived in with the performers?”

  “No, I’m not counting those drones. These are different ones, and it’s a security risk to have them fly over our heads. What if they shoot me or crash on my house?” Khan’s dark eyes were full of fire as he stabbed a finger at the drone circling above us. “Do you see that fucker taking his time like he has every right to be there?”

  “What he’s doing isn’t illegal,” Pearl said in a flat tone.

  “It bloody hell should be.” Because he was looking up, Khan walked into a chair and kicked at it. “This day just keeps getting worse and worse.” Khan turned to Magni, who was sitting next to Laura on a bench. “Did Pearl tell you about her suggestions on how to appease the Motherlands?”

  “No.” Magni raised an eyebrow. “Are you saying there might be a way to calm them down?”

  Pearl whispered something in her daughter’s ear and Freya left us adults to be alone. “According to Isobel, the Council agrees that the integration must continue. The problem is that people were already scared after the murder of Josephine, and now with the attack on the performers today, the country is in an uproar. We’ll need to give the Council something to show how sorry we are. Something good.”

  “And what do you suggest?” Magni asked Pearl.

  Her eyes wandered to Hunter, who was playing soccer with the other five Doomsmen and some of the police officers. With our being at the manor, the performers were under security by the regular guards and all we security guards were more relaxed.

  Pearl leaned forward in her chair. “I suggest we call for a town hall meeting and discuss it in a forum.”

  Magni rolled his eyes and looked away.

  “I know it’s not your favorite thing, Magni.” Pearl’s tone was soft and patient. “But we might get some valuable input that we can use.”

  He pushed his jaw out. “Fine, but no children. There’s no way I’m arguing with ten-year-olds again.”

  “I told you that discussion was for the benefit of the children. It’s the only way to teach them the art of stating their case in a clear and precise manner.”

  Magni raised an eyebrow. “No children, Pearl, or I’m out.”

  “All right. No children today.” Pearl gave a nod.

  “I’m getting Boulder and Christina; they should be on their way anyway.” Magni pointed to me and Leo, who sat next to me. “You two, go round up the soccer players and get some of the women to come down here too.”

  Fifteen minutes later around thirty-five people were gathered, including Willow, Salma, Ben, Hunter, Zasquash, and the other Doomsmen, who looked baffled by the whole thing.

  “What the fuck is a town hall meeting?” Zasquash whispered to me.

  “A Motlander thing. As kids we used to spy on the adults when they had them at the school. It’s a lot of arguing back and forth.”

  He wrinkled his nose up. “Sounds like some of that democracy nonsense they believe in.”

  Salma, who sat on Zasquash’s other side, leaned in and whispered, “Don’t be so negative. Everyone deserves to be heard.”

  Zasquash pointed his thumb over his shoulder. “Yeah, but we were just playing ball. Why can’t Khan just make a decision and get on with it?”

  We didn’t get a chance to answer because Khan stood up and spread out his arms. “Welcome to our home. I wish I could welcome you under better circumstances, but as you all know, today has been chaotic, and I want to personally express how sorry I am for what happened in Freeman. Here, you’ll be safe, and our wonderful outdoor amphitheater nestled right here in our park will provide a secure location for the rest of your shows.” He paused and scanned the crowd before his face fell into deep frown lines. “It is our hope that the Council in the Motherlands will see that what happened today will not be tolerated in the Northlands and that we’re making your safety our highest priority. However, today’s incident, in combination with the sad and untimely death of one of the Motlander brides only two weeks ago, leaves the integration process between our countries in grave danger.” Khan looked to Pearl, who stood up to join him, her hand finding his in a discreet way and her shoulder rubbing against his arm.

  It touched something inside me: the closeness between them and the looks of deep understanding. My head turned and I watched Willow, who was sitting one row in front of me and five seats to the right. Only her profile was visible to me and her gorgeous long hair that cascaded down her back. My chest swelled with the desire to be close to her, and then, as if she could feel me reaching out for her in my mind, Willow turned her head and looked at me. It was a few seconds only and there were no smiles between us, but it didn’t matter. What mattered was that we shared a connection and if her heart was racing like mine, it had to mean something.

  “You Motlanders will be familiar with town hall meetings and for the rest of you I should mention that it’s a chance for you to express your free opinion.”

  Pearl spoke up, “As long as it’s in a respectful and civil manner.”

  “Civil doesn’t mean that we can’t swear, does it?” Zasquash asked.

  Pearl chuckled but it was Magni who answered. “Fuck no. By civil she means don’t get physical and don’t threaten to kill or beat up people who disagree with you.”

  “Got it.” Zasquash leaned back. “Sounds easy enough.”

  Khan’s deep voice was serious when he spoke again. “Today’s agenda is how to get the integration back on track. We need suggestions on ways to calm down the Motlanders.”

  Ben raised his hand and when Khan told him to go ahead, he stood up. “I think what we have is a case of bad media and as an agent for famous people, I’d say it’s one of my areas of expertise. The remedy is to apologize and spread another story to distract people. Like one time one of my sports clients was accused of improper communication and I admit it, she can be rude, but I made sure that the week after, she gave an interview in her house and talked about the puppy she’d just rescued. It worked like a charm.”

  Khan crossed his arms. “And how many puppies do you think we need to rescue to make them forget one of our men killed his bride and hundreds of crazy fans stormed your hotel this morning?”

  Ben bit his lip. “Ehm… maybe you’ll need something bigger than puppies for this one.” He scratched the tip of his nose. “How about a movie that tells the romantic tale of how the integration process began in the first place. Something that would paint a positive picture of your culture and tell about how Christina first came here and fell in love.”

  Everyone looked to Christina, who sat next to her husband Alexander Boulder. The two exchanged a glance and then she shook her head. “It could backfire if everyone knew how I was forced to marry against my will.”

  Khan placed his arm around Pearl. “Not if the movie focuses on how well it turned out in the end. You and Boulder are happy together. I think a movie sounds like an excellent idea. Maybe they could make one about me and Pearl as well. Just make sure we have the right to approve the script.”

  Pearl inclined her head to Ben. “Thank you for your suggestion. I believe there is wisdom in the strategy of finding something positive for everyone to focus on. A movie is an option that we would be open to, but the downside is that it takes a long time to produce it. What we need is something immediate.” Her eyes found Hunter, who was sitting next to Willow. “One of my suggestions is something that is guaranteed to excite Motlanders. I’m talking about sending one of our biggest athletes to play in the Motherlands.”

  Everyone turned to look at Hunter, who placed a hand on his chest. “You mean me?”

  “Yes.” Pearl smiled at him.

  Hunter moved in his seat. “No, that wouldn’t work.”

  “Why not?” Willow asked.

  “Because I live here. The Motherlands is nice and all, but I couldn’t fly my drone or pl
ay soccer the way I’m used to.” He looked at Khan for support. “You know they don’t even head the ball, right?”

  Khan leaned his head to one side with a speculative glance. “It would be a big deal to them if our star player came to live and play with them. It would get a lot of media attention and you could adopt a puppy while you’re there.”

  “I don’t want a damn puppy.” Hunter’s brow was lowered and he had his hands tucked up under his armpits like a stubborn child refusing to eat his vegetables.

  “What do you think?” Khan looked back at Magni, who walked forward and took a wide stance next to his brother.

  “I think it’s a great idea. Hunter, you’ll do it!”

  “You can’t order me to go if I don’t want to and I’m not fucking playing on a mixed team with a bunch of Motlanders. That’s ridiculous.”

  Pearl spoke in a soft tone. “Hunter, sometimes the individual must sacrifice oneself for the greater good. I know you as a strong and kind person. I’m sure someone with your strong character is willing to do your part to secure peace and prosperity between our countries.”

  Hunter opened his mouth to speak but with everyone looking at him, only a low annoyed mutter came from him.

  “It wouldn’t be a permanent move.” Magni rocked back on his feet. “Just a season or two. And think about all the women you’ll be able to meet. Maybe find a bride while you’re there.”

  Angelo, one of my colleagues in the Doom Squad, raised his hand. “If he won’t go, I’m happy to do it. I’m a great soccer player.”

  “No, you’re not. You just want to go because of the women,” Zasquash teased him.

  People laughed a little, but Pearl and Khan kept looking at Hunter, who was squirming in his chair.

  “I don’t see how my going will help anything.”

  “Let’s ask the Motlanders here. Raise your hand if you think it would be a good idea to send Hunter, the biggest soccer star in the Northlands, to play in the Motherlands.”

  Fourteen hands including Willow’s rose up high.

  “That’s a one hundred percent yes.” Pearl clasped her hands together in front of her. “Hunter, can we count on your taking one for the team?”

  “But who will I be playing for?”

  Ben shot up from his chair again. “The Dolphins – they’re the best team in the Motherlands and I represent their coach and top player. I can get you in there tomorrow. Just say the word.”

  Pearl clapped her hands again. “Wonderful, this is the strength of a town hall meeting. What other brilliant initiatives can we come up with?”

  Raven raised her hand up high.

  “Yes.” Khan pointed to her and she got up to her full height, which wasn’t so impressive.

  “I think we should send a strong signal that the Northlands are serious about equality. Every time I’m in the Motherlands I always hear that women are limited here and that men don’t respect us as equals.”

  “I’m listening.” Khan had his arms crossed and was tapping his fingers on his arms.

  “I volunteer to be the first woman to join the police force. That would be a positive story for sure.”

  “Yes. Raven, I love it!” Pearl lit up.

  Not only did Khan and Magni protest but all we Nmen in the audience groaned, shook our heads, and muttered,

  “No fucking way.”

  “It’s too dangerous.”

  “Women aren’t supposed to fight.”

  “What if something happens to her?”

  “Women have no place in the police force.”

  Over all the voices rang a clear whistle and Laura stepped forward and held her hand high in the air to silence us.

  “I challenge any man who dares say that women can’t fight to go a few rounds with me.” She banged a fist against her chest and looked mad as hell. “When the wall collapsed during the great earthquake of 2437 I went to bring back the criminal Nmen who had crossed the border illegally. Me. A woman!”

  The intensity and outrage in her eyes made us quiet down. “You men might be bigger and stronger than us, but do not make the mistake of thinking we can’t be anything we set our minds to.” Stabbing her finger through the air like she was poking our very foreheads, Laura continued, “If Raven wants to be a pioneer and become the first policewoman in the Northlands then you’d all better support that and be fucking grateful that she’s willing to do her part.”

  As to support his wife, Magni took a strong stance beside her.

  “What do you say?” Khan turned to Raven’s adoptive father Alexander Boulder, who sat on the side.

  He sighed and stretched his long legs in front of him. “I don’t think any father wishes his daughter to go into the police force. The thought that something might happen to her scares me.”

  “But Dad,” Raven began before she was silenced by the palm that he held up as a stop sign.

  “I do, however, agree with Laura and Raven that women can fight. I’m proud of the warrior my daughter has become, and she deserves the chance to follow her dreams like anyone else.”

  Khan was thinking hard with his head lowered and a finger rubbing the bridge of his nose. When he finally looked up, he shook his head in a slow movement. “I don’t like it. Putting a woman in danger will only make us look worse with the Motlanders.”

  Pearl objected. “That’s not how they think, Khan. Women in the Motherlands don’t wish to be protected by men. They want equal opportunities and to be respected.”

  “But how is it respect to place a woman in danger when it’s our very jobs as men to protect her from harm?” he argued.

  “Yeah.” Some of the men shouted. “What kind of man puts women in danger? That’s just fucked up.”

  Pearl waited for everyone to be quiet before she spoke. “It’s clear we have cultural differences and that’s why a town hall meeting is good. Let’s ask the Motlanders who are present what they think. In general, would Motlanders see it as a positive signal to have a female join the police force or would they see it as a negative? Raise your hand if you think it’s positive.”

  Again, fourteen hands went up.

  “But why?” Zasquash threw his hands up. “That’s the most backward thinking I’ve ever heard. Why would we send a small woman like her to fight big-ass men like me? Are Motlanders suicidal by nature?”

  “No, of course not,” Salma whispered. “We are strong empowered women who can do anything that men can do.”

  “Bullshit.” Zasquash stood up. “I’m sorry, ladies, but either you’re blind or stupid because to claim that you can do anything we men can do is crazy. Look at my guns versus hers.” Zasquash flexed his biceps that stood out like hills on his arms. “How the hell is she supposed to protect herself against someone my size?” He turned to Raven. “Tell you what, shorty, if you can take me in a fight you have my full support. You wanna give it a go right now?”

  “Zasquash, sit your ass back down,” Magni ordered. “No regular police officer can take a Doomsman like you in a fight. Not even the male ones, so you can shut it.”

  “Then let her fight Leo, he’s only six feet two or something. I’ll bet she can’t even take a small guy like him.”

  “Yeah, let her fight Leo,” others chimed in.

  Leo looked back like he was annoyed to be dragged into this. “First of all, I’m not short. And second, I have no interest in fighting a girl.”

  “I’m almost twenty-two so don’t you call me a girl,” Raven exclaimed with indignation.

  “Raven isn’t fighting anyone today. I’ve seen her fight since she was a child. We’ve all helped train her.” Magni pushed out his chest. “Just because you men get to have an opinion doesn’t mean you get to make decisions.” He turned his head to Khan, who still looked skeptical. “You’re in charge.”

  After a long pause with Khan not saying anything, Pearl spoke up. “If you don’t like the thought of a woman police officer, you could still send a signal of equality by changing the law that only son
s can follow their father as rulers.”

  Khan’s head snapped up. “I already agreed to making you my co-ruler when the Motherlands council has complete equality.”

  “I know, but that could take years and it may never happen. We have a bright daughter; why not make her your successor?”

  Again, the crowd muttered and mumbled. The thought of a female ruler of the Northlands didn’t sit well with us. We were the last free men not ruled by women.

  “I’m not changing that law but Raven can join the police academy,” Khan declared and was met by shouts of outrage from several men whom he had to quiet down. “She’ll enroll in the training first and if she makes it through she can join the force.”

  “I think it’s time to end this meeting. Thank you for all your input and ideas.” It was hard to hear Pearl what with the Nmen’s talk among themselves.

  Zasquash had his face scrunched up in a grimace of what the fuck just happened?

  “Wasn’t it fun?” Salma smiled at him.

  “Oh, it was fucking hilarious.” He shook his head and mumbled. “Town hall meetings my ass.” When he passed me he grunted, “Next time don’t invite me. This was a big fucking waste of time – and to think we gave up playing soccer to be humiliated like that. Female police officers.” He made a “tsk” sound and moved away.

  Raven was glowing and hugging Willow and Mila as Pearl, Laura, Christina, and a bunch of Motlanders came to congratulate her as well.

  “I wish you luck,” I told her when Raven was no longer swamped by people. “It won’t be easy but if you need someone to spar with to prepare for the fight test, I’m here.”

  Raven’s eyes widened. “For real, Solo. You mean that?”

  “Sure.”

  She tilted her head. “I thought you didn’t like me.”