Mathieu (White Flame Trilogy) by Paula Flumerfelt Page A

never unprotected.”
     
    Mathieu wrinkled his nose. “What a dictator…”
     
    “To an extent, but he is not vicious like most historical dictators are.” The Professor rebutted.
     
    Avian piped up. “What about the other two districts?”
     
    “The Eastern District is led by a pair of sisters: Zanika and Zerieve. They are…eccentric to say the least, and they are in charge of a primarily agricultural area. Most of the food that supplies Korinth comes from the Eastern District. On top of that, many of the basic units for tradable products are grown or created within their district so that they can be shipped overseas and traded with the surrounding countries, including Unith.
     
    “The last district, the Western District, is perhaps the area with the least amount known about it. We know that it is primarily made of ice and mountains, but little else is known.”
     
    “Hm…” Avian looked at the ceiling for a moment, thinking everything over. “Okay. Tell me about the relationship we have with Korinth as a whole.” She said lazily. It seemed that for everything she learned that interested her, she had to learn something else that was boring.
     
    “Inquisitive today, are you not?” The Professor smiled. “We technically only have a political relationship with Elise and the Southern District. Unith, in its …” his voice took an annoyed tone that Mathieu hadn’t heard before, “infinite wisdom, believes that Korinth should be viewed as a whole instead of as parts that make up a whole. It would be like a foreign country thinking that Korinth and Unith are still one, so only negotiating with Unith, instead of with each individually.”
     
    “That’s stupidity at its highest level.” Avian dropped her feet to the floor, rolling her eyes. “When I’m in charge, I’ll treat Korinth with the same respect that we wish to be treated with and open conversations with each of the districts.” She said in a tone that clearly implied she thought that was what should be being done now.
     
    “That is a worthwhile goal for a future ruler.” The Professor looked at the clock on a bookcase. “Literature time. Pick your poison.”
     
    Avian hopped up immediately and whipped a book with a worn cover off the shelf and curled up in an armchair. The book fell open and she scanned the page. “Mathieu! Want to hear my favorite story from when I was a little kid?”
     
    “Later. You need to study.”
     
    “But…” Avian give him a big pout, which he managed to ignore it.
     
    “Study. You can read to me later.” Mathieu said, folding his arms over his chest.
     
    “Promise?”
     
    He nodded and patted her head, pulling a book off the shelf as well.
     
    ~*~
     
    Exactly one hour and fifteen minutes later, Avian set her book down and stretched. She had the air of one who just completed an enjoyable task. Unfortunately, Mathieu hadn’t picked such an interesting book. Instead, he had read for over an hour about the various ways in which the local shrubbery survived. It was the most painful hour of his life.
     
    “Woo, time for fencing!” Avian hopped up and grinned victoriously, tilting her head to the side. “Ready?” Her hands were on her hips and she was grinning, clearly ready to move on to the next part of her day already.
     
    Nodding, he stood, as well. “Sure. Where is it at?” He queried.
     
    She threw open the door and peeked around the door to make sure that no one was watching. It seemed that Avian was rather paranoid about who was around her at all times. Having decided that things were safe, she jumped into the hall. “To the grounds!” She called before taking Mathieu by the hand and dragging him down the hall.
     
    Mathieu was quickly learning that with Avian, it was her way. No excuses. It would have been enough to label her as rude or obnoxious, however, she had a natural magnetism that made people feel as if they had known her all their life and therefore it was somehow