"Athen Chaston, please report to General Washington's quarters immediately!" A boy with thick, honeysuckle hair rean quietly down the hall and out of view. If he hadn't have seen him, Percy would have thought he wasn't there. He snuck around the Winter ''base'' until her found a window that showed Washingtons quarters.
The boy, Athen, now walking, came it ten seconds later. He looked about Percy's age: 17 or eighteen. Percy pushed his ear against the window and listened.
"-s why I have appointed you to join me as General!" Percy fumed. He was replaced already? "Seeing your confused expression, I see that you have no idea what is going on. Our former General, Percy Jackson. betrayed us for the Lobsterbacks. I have appointed you as replacement."
"Yes sir. Thank you sir." the boy's voice was high, but Percy didn't know if it was fear, or if it was naturally that way.
"It was a difficult decision, but your strategic planning puts you above and beyond other soldiers in our army. Dismissed."
Percy watched as the boy left the room, closing the door silently behind him. Percy began back to the British base, but changed his mind and disappeared into the woods.
...
When Percy emerged from the cover of the trees, he was out of his uniform, and instead in a button-up shirt and trousers, just like those select few who snuck away from the colonies to live in the woods. Ran out in front of the base and traveled the dirt road until he found a tall tree to climb.
...
Not soon after, the boy came walking down the path.
"Hey." Athen jumped as he passed under Percy's tree. Percy swung down from his branch, landing on his feet in front of the startled blond.
"I heard you were appointed General today."
"H-how did you know that?"
"Word travels fast. You look a little young to be a soldier. But nevermind that. Why are you so scared of me? Do you have some secret you're hiding?"
"Please leave me alone." he looked down and hid his face in the collar of his long coat, trying to walk away. Percy stepped in front of him.
"Not likely. Not until I get some answers." He stumbled back in shock as the boy punched him in the face and hurried back the way he came. Percy rubbed his cheek. It's going to take more than pressure to get this birdie to sing.