Page 121 of Phoenix's Fire

Ayla

The messages were sent out in the morning, delivered by Lorsa's letter carriers, along with a hard knock on the door. Rymar headed out to get ours and returned waving a washed-out red card. I'd never seen anything like it before.

"Town meeting today at three," he announced, raising his voice so it would carry into the kitchen where Zasen was cleaning up.

"Won't Kanik still be at the school?" I asked.

Because Kanik now left the house early for his job. Normally, he returned sometime after four, and I didn't want him to miss the meeting. But if he did, I'd make sure he knew everything that was discussed.

"School lets out at three," Zasen said as he made his way to the archway so he could lean against it.

"But - " I tried.

"And they're supposed to make an announcement at the schools so everyone heads over to the city stage," Rymar assured me. "Teachers too, Ayla. Jerlis wants to make sure everyone knows to stay inside tomorrow."

"At least he believes her this time," Zasen grumbled.

"She proved her point last time," Rymar said. "But Jerlis said he was setting the time as three, but he won't start until the children, their parents, and the teachers get there."

"I'd also like it to be known Ayla is in the militia now," Zasen said.

"If we announce that," Rymar countered, "they may want her to speak."

"About what?" I asked.

Zasen crossed his arms and smirked at me. "About why we're doing things differently this time. It's your idea, Ayla."

"And yours!" I huffed.

"Mostly yours," he assured me.

"But I don't know what to say," I insisted.

"Yes, you do," Rymar assured me. "Just like last time, okay? You tell them the truth. They may not like it, but you still say it."

"I don't want to," I told him.

"I'll do it," Zasen said. "Rymar, it's my plan, built on Ayla's knowledge. So if people start asking questions, just call me up."

"Perfect," Rymar said. "Hopefully Jerlis will handle everything, but we all know he's not good at this part."

"What is he good at?" I asked.

"Numbers," Rymar said. "Jerlis is very good at making sure Lorsa can afford the things it needs without taking money from people who can't afford it. He thinks outside the box and has come up with many ideas to pay for communal things in a voluntary manner."

"What box?" I asked.

Zassen ducked his head to try to hide his smile, but it didn't work. "It's a saying, Ayla."

"But what does it mean?" I pressed.

"It means outside what's expected," Rymar explained. "The box represents normal things. The common wisdom. Jerlis might not be the most charming mayor we've ever had in Lorsa, but he's been good to the town. And he chose me to be his running mate because Iamcharming, so that makes up for his lack of social skills."

"You are charming," I agreed. "You'll be even more charming if you never make me talk to everyone again."

"Deal," he said. "But wear something tough-looking today, just in case."

"Leathers," Zasen suggested as he pushed away from the wall. "Wear your belt with it."