Annabeth rode through the forest on her horse. She went to her father's grave earlier. It was a rush of emotion. She had been having realizations all day
She was 21 now.
An adult.
An adult who didn't know what will happen to her; who doesn't know who she is.
An adult who couldn't stand up for herself.
At the corner of her eye, she caught a blur of movement. She dismissed it as a trick of her eye.
Every day on her birthday, she went to the library in the town. What else was there to do? Celebrate at her house?
She saw a bit of blond rustling in the bushes.
She kept riding anyway.
And ran straight into a net.
A trick of your eye, Annabeth? Have you learned nothing from reading, she mentally scolded herself.
"Who's there?" Annabeth yelled out. Silence.
"You know, if you're going to steal from me, at least know that you have to come out to take the money."
Still there wasn't even a word said. After a few minutes, someone erupted from the bushes. He had pure, blond hair and blue eyes. Annabeth's eyes trailed to his arms- which were really muscly, might she say- and then to the knife in his hands.
Great, she thought. I'm going to get murdered on my birthday.
"I'm helping you escape."
"What?" Annabeth was caught off-guard by this. Helping her escape? From who?
"The queen sent me to kill you," he said while cutting the rope.
She really hates me that much?
"You're going to have to run as far as you can."
"How can I trust you?" Annabeth asked.
"If you want to live, you will run," the stranger said, as he finished cutting the rope.
Maybe because it was because of fear of this stranger; maybe it was because she believed this blond-haired mystery, but she ran.
I have no idea what happened on the last try.
Okay, sorry for the super late update. I got writers block, procastinated, and got overwhelmed by school.
I'll try to get the better and longer chapter out tomorrow, or on Friday. It will be out by Sunday.
Captain Thorne