Percy Jackson and Camp No Blood Book #2

Chapter 1- The old city tavern

Brendon was walking through Huntersville looking for a place to drink. His wife had just kicked him out of the house and he needed a place to think where he wouldn't be bothered at all.

He knew of a bar called Groves Tavern but it was always packed and one of his friends might be visiting so he had to rule that one out. In the end he decided to go to Sai's Tavern. It was in the eastern part of town where hardly anyone went nowadays because of the eerie feeling you had when walking through it. As if someone was following you at all times.

When Brendon reached Sai's Tavern he stopped before entering and looked in the window just to be sure one of his friends wasn't in there. None were so he opened up the creaky door and headed inside.

It was very dark inside the bar and not lit by lights or lamps but by candles. He scanned the bar and saw no one but a very poor looking fellow sitting down in the corner. He was alone. Brendon walked over to him cautiously wanting someone to talk to. The man was wearing a black cloak with a very long collar. He looked up when Brendon sat down across from him and spoke.

"Hello." The man said, but it sounded more like a whisper in the wind.

"Hey there." Brendon said quickly. "Want a drink?"

"Not the kind of drink you are thinking of." The man said looking down at his feet.

"Well what do you want, they have water." Brendon told the man confused.

"No, this is the type of liquid that isn't sold at any bar." He said.

"Are you just going to keep me guessing? At least tell me your name." Brendon said.

"My name's Chris and if you step up to the bar with me I can tell you what I want to drink." Chris said while getting out of his chair.

They walked over to the bar and sat down in front of it.

"Where's the bartender?" Brendon asked Chris looking around for him.

"Never mind that, what I like to drink is red. There's your first clue." Chris said barely opening his mouth.

"Is it red wine?" Brendon asked confused.

"No no no, just go into the kitchen and look around."

Brendon did what he was told but cautiously and when he entered the kitchen he nearly fainted. The bartender was on the ground covered in blood. He was dead. He noticed there were two cuts in his neck that made it look as if he was bit there and then Brendon realized something. Was blood the drink the man wanted?

Chris walked back out and sat down farther away from Chris than before.

"What's the matter?" Chris said smiling.

It was then that Brendon noticed two twin incisors protruding from his upper mouth.

"Now, do you know where I can get more of my favorite drink?"