Sam hasn't figured out enough in the few days it's been since her Iris message with Ethan. She learned that the campers that had reported seeing the Camp Half Blood kids also admitted into the infirmary with headaches in the following day or two. She had talked to the current praetors about taking a reconnaissance trip to Camp Half Blood, but the idea was immediately shot down. No one wants to risk a quest into the area that is quickly becoming regarded as the enemy's.
It just makes her frustrated. But more and more people are becoming convinced that there's going to be an attack within the next few weeks. The praetors are going to prepare for war, not negotiation. Sam knows that isn't the way to go. At least, she couldn't let it be. She had friends at Camp Half Blood. People she thought of as family. And the Romans… She knows they would destroy them.
With the stress of impending war on her shoulders, she's glad to get an Iris message from Ethan that evening. Just seeing him makes her relax a bit.
"Hey," He yawns, covering his mouth to muffle himself.
"Tired?" She asks, amused at him for calling her when he's obviously exhausted.
"Yeah. I've been in a Head Counselor meeting for hours. It's getting really serious over here. There's news going around that the Romans are planning to attack in a few days, so-" He stops short and looks back, like someone is calling him. He smiles at them before looking back at her. "What about over there? Any news?"
"Rumors of Camp Half Blood attacking. Some campers claimed seeing kids from Camp Half Blood, but they would have to go to the infirmary with headaches right after," she reports. After a moment of silence, Sam voices one of her major concerns. "It seems a bit odd, both camps thinking that there's going to be an attack."
"I know. Something isn't right," he agrees. "We need to stop it before there is actually a war."
She nods in agreement. That's the number one priority, stopping a war before it even starts. But she knows she's going to have a hard time trying to change the praetors' minds. At least Ethan will have a chance since he's head counselor of the legacy cabin.
"We need a plan. The praetors aren't listening to me. They refuse to sponsor a quest to Camp Half Blood with anything less than war in mind. I don't know what Chiron has said to you, but nothing's going to happen here with the support of the legion. I may have to go out on my own."
Ethan's concern is written plain on his face, but he doesn't speak against her idea. He knows it's the right thing to do. "The Ares cabin is preparing for war. They don't like the idea of threats, especially with no precedent for it. The Apollo cabin is against it, but they've been busy with lots of campers complaining of forgetfulness and confusion. Did you say something about headaches at Camp Jupiter?"
"Yeah, with the kids who reported seeing Greek campers."
"Something isn't right," he repeats to himself.
Sam takes a deep breath, trying and failing to ease her fears. "I'll be there as fast as I can and we'll talk about it in person. I can talk to Chiron and tell him about what the Romans are planning. And, we can hang out for a bit before I come back. At least I get to ride Arion."
Ethan smiles a tiny bit. "That crazy horse with the worst mouth in the world? Don't fall off of him, please."
"Don't worry. He'll get me there in a few hours and I can stay in your cabin for the night." She smiled. "I'll see you soon, alright?"
"Yeah. Just be careful. I'll warn Chiron that you're coming."
"Thanks, Ethan. You're the best."
"I know," he smiles proudly. "I'll see you soon."
"Bye."
She waves her hand through the rainbow and watches it disappear. A solo secret quest to Camp Half Blood. She can do it. She's been to the other camp plenty of times. But this time, she's hoping to bring peace and not war, much against the wishes of her own camp.
She packs a bag for a couple of nights before going to the empty training field to call Arion. A few years back, her mother had taught her how to call him when she needed him. And he seems to like her as much as he likes her mom.
She climbs onto the horse and holds on tight as he takes off, quick as lightning. She closes her eyes, knowing she would get motion sickness from the ride there. All she can think of so she doesn't throw up is about saving the camps. About bringing peace. And about her friends.
She hears Arion's quiet whine what seems like only minutes later. She opens her eyes and sees herself on Half Blood Hill, but what she sees there is definitely not what she expects. The Greeks that she knew and grew up with, the fun loving and carefree Greeks, are preparing for war.