'Annabeth . . . Annabeth . . .' a voice whispered in the darkness. Who is that? I thought.I groaned and pulled the soft pillow over my head. 'Can I not get some sleep?!' I said into my pillow. Silence. No one answered. Odd, I thought, I could have sworn that . . . A sharp knock at the cabin door awakened me into full alertness. I sat up quickly poised to defend myself if necessary. I glanced around the cabin. Everyone else was asleep. Nobody stirred, nobody else had heard the knock. All the maps and war charts I had hung strategetically around my bunk, hung peacefully undisturbed. Must have been the wind. I sighed and was just pulling the covers up to my chin when the incessant knock came once more. I froze.

There was definitely someone or something at the door. Chills raced up and down my back as the hair on my neck began to raise. Be brave Annabeth! You're a daughter of Athena! I said chidingly to myself. I purposefully stepped out of my bed and slipped into my worn brown leather boots. I quickly pulled on my one pair of blue jeans. I slipped into my jacket that covered my orange camp half-blood t-shirt. I glanced around quickly. All my half brothers and sisters were sleeping, some snoring softly. If this is one of Percy or the Stoll brother's pranks . . .I thought to myself, thinking of all the ways I would repay their 'kind' visit. I shook my head. I fumbled for my pillow and zipped open the pillow case. Out fell my knife which I caught nimbly. It glinted metallic gold in the dark light.

I tiptoed over to the cabin door which was held up by Doric columns. I'm currently studying architecture and knowing Ionic, Doric, and Corinthian columns is coming in quite helpful for designing new structures. I touched the brass doorknob. It was freezing. I opened the door and a cold blast of air tousled my blond hair. It didn't matter, my hair was probably a mess already. Anyways, worrying about appearances was the Aphrodite's cabins job! 'Percy you can come out now!' I whispered angrily. No answer. I stepped outside and the door slammed shut behind me.

'Ha ha ha. Hilarious.' I said sarcastically. 'Alright you've had your fun, now come out!' I said raising my voice to room level. Still no answer. I stomped around the corner of the cabin, expecting to see someone standing there. No one at all. The blank marble wall stared back at me. I shivered, the temperature was dropping by the minute. Below me, because the Athena cabin is on a hilly slope, I saw the Hermes, Aphrodite, Zeus, Posiedon, and newly built minor god and goddess cabins. Down lower was the forest and the Big House where Chiron lives. The lake sparkled to my left. 'Annabeeetthhh . . . Aaanabethh . . .' a voice like the wind murmured. I pulled out my knife and said in a shaky voice, 'Who's there? Answer me!'

A soft, warm wind blew in around me. 'It's fine child. Lay down your weapon. I mean you no harm. I-' 'Oh? You mean me no harm? How do I know that?' I bit back angrily, bluffing to hide my fear. I heard a sound like soft whispers and rustling leaves. The wind was laughing. 'Annabeth Chase, you do so humor me. I do not in any way wish you harm, but you must trust me on my word. After all, I have some important . . . information from higher sources you most desperately need.' I narrowed my eyes.

'How can I place trust in someone not even visible to me?' The wind stilled. 'If I do remember correctly, is your fatal flaw not hubris? Too much pride? The only way to cure hubris is with trust and honesty. Do you wish to fix your flaw? If so, meet at the lake.' I shook my head and rolled my eyes, kicking at the dirt. This apparition's reference to my flaw was stinging and humiliating. As I turned to go, the voice said, 'Annabeth, do not take this offer lightly. You will soon realize you need my services and it will be to late. I stopped and turned. The wind stilled. 'Oh . . . and do you enjoy riddles my child?' 'What kind of riddle?' 'Riddle me not, riddle me woe, I'm hiding under the giants toe. When finally the tiny mouse roars, you shall unleash the wild boars. Tame a beast and say its name thrice and you will understand my price.'

I laughed. 'And- Wait a moment! Hello? Hello?' The wind had settled down again. I grit my teeth and blew noisily through my lips. I felt a knot of emotions in my stomach twist and turn as I thought out my decision. I had one obvious choice as much as I hated the idea. Before I could stop to think, I made a rash decision and ran down towards the lake.