Murmurs from the other four confirmed that, and I was just about to approach them to learn what they wanted answers to, when Councilwoman, Pearl, came walking in to the foyer.
The five people greeted her with wishes of eternal peace and she returned their kind wishes on her way toward me.
“Christina?” she asked politely, her sharp blue eyes locking in on me.
“Yes.”
“May peace surround you,” she said softly. “I’m pleased to finally meet you.” Pearl reached out to hold both my hands in a standard greeting and after the traditionally ten seconds of locking eyes, we let go.
“Let’s talk in the greenhouse; the butterflies in there are lovely,” Pearl said and walked slowly to the west wing of the city hall. She was taller than me and looked different than I had expected. Of course, I’d been curious about her when I’d been invited to come and meet her in person. It was unbelievable to me that a councilwoman would take time to speak with me and not just let one of her assistants do it. But the video I’d seen on Wise-Share had been a close-up of her face only and it didn’t show how tall and fit she was in person.
We didn’t speak while walking but politely greeted everyone we passed. Only when we entered a sunroom with an abundance of sunshine, plants, and a lovely smell of roses did Pearl start talking.
“Mind where you sit, Christina, or you might hurt the butterflies,” she warned and took a seat on a bench by the large window. I followed her example and sat next to her.
“You know why I called you here today.”
I nodded. “My request.”
“Yes, you have expressed a desire to get your hands dirty and be part of an archeological excavation again.”
I wrung my hands, not liking the grave expression on her face.
“Your request has been discussed, and unfortunately I am the carrier of bad news.”
Sucking in air, I held my breath while she told me what I’d been dreading to hear.
“It’s not that we don’t appreciate your talent and skills within the field of archeology. However, your history classes are very popular and it has been decided that for now, we prefer that you stay and teach.”
“But I’m ready to go back in the field. It’s been two years, and the students could easily be transferred to Professor Janson’s classes. I already spoke to her and she said it was fine.”
The edges around Pearl’s eyes softened. “I understand your disappointment, but there really isn’t an ideal project for you to work on at the moment.”
“But what about the project where you need a volunteer?” Not wanting this to be the end of it, I grasped at a straw, referring to the conversation I’d heard in the foyer.
Pearl leaned back and creased her brow. “What project would that be?”
“I’m not sure. I just overheard someone say there’s a need for an archeologist and that so far no one has volunteered. Couldn’t I volunteer for that project?” My voice was full of hope.
“Ahh,” Pearl nodded in understanding. “I think I know which project you speak of and, no, Christina, you certainly don’t want to volunteer forthatproject.”
“Why not?”
Pearl looked around and although no one was near us she leaned closer and lowered her voice to a conspiratorial whisper, “The site is in the Northlands. They’ve asked for our assistance to uncover what is believed to be a library.”
“They have?” I said unable to hide my excitement.
“Yes, they found books in reading condition and there might be more. Obviously, we’re intrigued and hoping to find answers that we’ve been lacking so far, but we may have to decline since we’ve been unable to find an archeologist willing to go.”
“I could do it!” I said spontaneously without thinking.
“No.” Pearl shook her head. “You know our policy. Women are not allowed to enter the Northlands. It’s too dangerous.”
She was right of course, but somehow I’d been certain my request would be approved and I wasn’t prepared to give up on my desire to get back in the field.
“But women have visited the Northlands before; Michelle Knight did it.”
“That was more than three hundred years ago. It’s been ages since we’ve had negotiations on their territory or allowed women to enter. It would simply be too risky.”
