Over the next few days I got settled into the rhythm of Camp Half Blood. I met Dionysus, I mean Mr. D, and I think I actually made a good impression on him. I guess all he needed was a good laugh. He still scowled at me like he did to all the other campers. But I could tell he despised me less than them. Michelle took over tour duties from Luke, which I was totally fine with. In the mornings we had ancient Greek lessons. Admittedly not the most exciting class. Apparently most half-bloods were dyslexic because their brains are designed for Greek letters. Personally I had never had that problem. In fact I find it very easy to learn any alphabet. Probably another perk of being a storyteller's child. Fiction is a universal language. Ancient Greek was no different, but still boring. Then in the afternoons, Michelle would take me down to the arena to learn some combat skills. I learned a lot, like that I'm a lousy shot with a bow and that Clarisse from Ares cabin packs a mean punch. We'd finish the combat training with some sword techniques. Michelle tried to give me some pointers. Unfortunately, all the swords there felt heavy and awkward in my hands. Nikki Lafayette had a fun time watching as Clarisse and various other campers took turns beating me.
Finally, on Friday Michelle dragged me down to the Hephaestus Cabin's forge. Two of her cabin mates were busy at work down there. I have to say, looking at them, it's hard to believe they were related to Michelle. The other Hephaestus children looked big and rough, probably like their father. Michelle must take after her mother. She insisted that I let her help pick out the right sword for me.
"Everybody in camp needs one to call their own." She insisted. "The right weapon can make a world of difference in a fight. Plus, you never know when you might need to fight off a monster." I thought for a minute, then it hit me. I'd always been interested in fencing. Watching old Errol Flynn movies, or Sulu in that episode of Star Trek, I just thought it looked so cool. I'd even taken a few classes at the youth center. I said as much to Michelle, and she led me over to a row of swords. There were blades like a pirate's cutlass, epees, cavalry sabers. All appropriate fencing swords made from celestial bronze.
"not exactly standard issue for a Greek warrior, but I like to diversify." Michelle explained. "See anything you like?" I picked up one after the other, testing the weight and feel. None seemed like a good match for me. Then one caught my eye. It was a cavalry saber, with a long, double-edged blade and a wide guard that went over the knuckles. The guard had some strange marks on it, imperfections or something. These marks actually looked like a crudely drawn smiley face. I'm the son of the comedy muse,I thought, might as well advertise it.
"What are you going to call it?" Michelle asked, making me jump. I was practically hypnotized by this sword. "Every good blade deserves a name." I thought for a moment, then just shrugged. "Well," Michelle said, "I suppose the name can wait until later."
"Careful newbie" another Hephaestus kid called out. "That's one of Michelle's 'masterpieces' It might blow up if you're not careful." He and the other smith burst into laughter. I looked over at Michelle. She seemed hurt, but it was an old hurt. As though she'd dealt with this before and was getting used to it.
"Like I told you before" She said, turning away to compose herself. "I'm not the best smith here."
"Hey, it's alright." I assured her. "The sword looks awesome. Besides if it did explode, that would be pretty helpful in a fight." This got another glorious laugh out of her.
"I guess we'll find out." she said, now wearing a big smile. "It's almost time for dinner. Then after that is capture the flag. Come on, let's get ready."
