Chapter 3

Gwen

"Gwen…hey, Gwen."

As she locked the door Gwen turned to see Hazel coming down the hall.

"So what's the, do I call him a prisoner, like? Has he woken up yet?"

As innocent as Hazel's questions might seem, they put Gwen on edge. Normally news as exciting as finding a new Demigod would spread through the camp almost faster than the words could leave a person's lips, but Percy wasn't just a new demigod. Not only was he found within the camp's borders, but he had ended a monster incursion, saved a century of recruits, and had stood his ground with both Bobby and Reyna threatening him at sword point.

For someone like Hazel who loves gossip, more than a daughter of Venus loves make-up, not to have heard anything already was frightening. Reyna and Bobby must have pressured the newbies to a near unimaginable level to keep Percy's actions suppressed.

"I probably wouldn't even know if not for Lupa's standing orders."

"What?" asked Hazel.

Gwen jerked her head up, " Huh…oh."

"I must have said that out loud. Should I tell her about Percy? Why would they want it kept secret? If Lupa wanted it kept secret the injured wouldn't have told me what had happened. But if I tell Hazel, only Lupa's direct orders would keep her from talking."

Hesitantly Gwen asked "Hazel?"

"Yeah."

"I need you to promise me something."

Despite a growing sense of worry Hazel immediately replied, "Anything, you know that."

Slowly exhaling Gwen and Hazel began walking towards the Praetorium. Along the way Gwen filled her in on all that Percy, the trainees, and her own intuition had revealed about the morning's events. The only thing she didn't tell Hazel about was Percy's amnesia.

"Are you serious?"

Rolling her eyes Gwen replied, "Of course I am. That's why I need to you promise not to say anything to anyone. At least until after we have talked to Bobby and Reyna."

Looking up and raising her eyebrows in irritation Hazel responded, "No…not about what happened this morning, or about the trainees being ordered to keep quiet. I mean did you really take this Percy guy out to a dining pavilion? Did you really warn him about Lupa? And all of this even after he said that stuff to you about eating meat?"

Disconcerted Gwen said, "Um…yeah."

Hazel burst into laughter and only until she started coughing for breath did she finally stop.

Embarrassed and clearly angry Gwen demanded, "What!"

"Sss…Ssorr…Sorry. I'm sorry. It's just, well…Gwen you are more of a Prefect than Reyna. Everybody thinks so. You never shirk duty, always follow orders to the letter, and the only time you ever show even the slightest sign of irritation with an order is when it puts a patient of yours in danger. You're the perfect soldier from a commander's perspective."

"What's so funny about that?"

"Look don't take this the wrong way because we knew you would agree to violate orders and go with us to find Jason. But even though we knew you would, we were still surprised when we heard you say yes to the idea."

"And you think that's funny?" Gwen asked hurt and now a little confused.

"No that's not funny. What was so funny is that you have known this guy for about an hour and a half. And in that short amount of time you have broken the rules regarding the handling of a prisoner. You then gave him knowledge of our command structure and camp layout…"

"But…"

Raising her hand, Hazel silenced Gwen and continued.

"And even if Percy wasn't a prisoner, he is still a new demigod. And everyone knows that no one is to be given any foreknowledge of Lupa before being brought to her. Those are Lupa's standing orders."

Gwen stood stunned uncertain what to do or say, her mouth agape.

Hazel burst into another fit of laughter.

"Oh Gods. Hazel what am I going to do? I'm going to be in so much trouble."

Rather than answering Hazel only laughed harder.

Finally when she couldn't stand it anymore Gwen yelled, "Hazel!"

With an effort Hazel choked off her laughter.

Still fighting the occasional giggle Hazel began, "You mean you didn't even think about it?"

"No…" uncertain whether to continue Gwen paused, "Perseus did ask if I would get in trouble for taking him to the dining pavilion."

"He asked? And you still took him over there?"

Hiding her face behind her hair Gwen replied, "Yeah."

"Wow," said Hazel surprised, while grinning from ear to ear, "well the first thing you need to do is take me back to that little room and let me get a look at this guy. I mean he must be beyond good looking for you to have done all that without even thinking."

With her face bright red and wearing a mortified expression, Gwen quietly said, "Hazel…you're not helping!"

"Lighten up Gwen, I'm just kidding. What you're going to do is take your punishment and bear it with the same stoic nature you use when performing your duties. Then me, you, Dakota, Bobby, Reyna, and Jason, after we find him, are going to sneak off to San Francisco and celebrate your first screw up."

Starting to smile herself, Gwen responded, "You make it sound like my getting in trouble is something to be proud of."

"It is. Ever since you became Cassandra's heir you've gone out of your way to follow even the most obscure rule. Like you're afraid that no one would believe anything you said if you gave them even the slightest reason to doubt you."

"What am I supposed to do. You know what happened to the Trojan's. If they had believed Cassandra they wouldn't have lost."

"Maybe, but you can't forget why they refused to believe her. She betrayed Apollo and so he cursed her. And besides, if that hadn't happened Rome would never have come into existence."

"I guess you're right, but...anyway let's hurry we've been talking so long Reyna and Bobby have probably left the Praetorium already. We need to find them before they show up at the Valetudinarium looking to interrogate Percy."

"So what are we going to tell them? From what you told me Reyna won't like you taking the side of the unknown and dangerous new demigod."

"I'm not sure, but I'll think of something."


The walk to the pavilion was short, and the time Gwen had to think felt even shorter. In truth, she could have been on a cross country march and still wouldn't have had enough time to think. She couldn't focus. Every time she started to order her thoughts Hazel's comments would scramble them.

Looking back…why had she helped Percy? She believed what he had said about the events on the beach. And thanks to the impression she, had had earlier, knew he was telling the truth about his memory. Still none of that explained why she had acted the way she did. It was obvious what Hazel thought. As far as Hazel was concerned she had already taken Percy out on a date.


Raised voices up ahead brought Gwen out of her silent introspection. The voices, or upon closer inspection voice, were coming from the pavilion.

The voice just below shouting was Reyna's. "Consul, with all due respect I disagree."

"So do I Ma'am." added Bobby's stern but always level tone.

"After hearing our report you must agree that this Perseus is dangerous. And it just so happens he arrives three days after the Praetor's disappearance. It can't be a coincidence." continued Reyna.

Following a brief pause which could only be the result of Lupa's unique form of non-verbal communication Reyna pressed on, "Consul I implore you; please allow Bobby and I to interrogate the prisoner."

Another longer pause was followed by Bobby and Reyna's simultaneous, "Yes Ma'am."

Gwen was uncertain what had been at the heart of the debate, but the level of frustration evident in those final, "Yes Ma'am(s)" revealed to Gwen that Reyna and Bobby had been denied more than an interrogation session.

As she and Hazel were about to step around the corner they were nearly knocked down by Reyna and Bobby as the two quickly exited the pavilion.

"Gwen, Hazel…what are you doing here?" asked Reyna.

Hazel upset from nearly being trampled replied, "It's okay, I'm fine…You okay Gwen?"

Bobby clearly apologetic responded, "Sorry guys…It has just been one thing after another today."

"We kind of heard. What was that all about?" asked Gwen.

Clearly a touchy subject Bobby angrily stated, "If you heard then you know it was about the prisoner."

"What Bobby means…" amended Reyna while also biting back on the words, "is that we were discussing Perseus…the Legion's newest recruit."

"Newest recruit!" blurted a shocked Gwen.

Gritting his teeth Bobby added, "Don't you mean newest centurion, Prefect?"

Now it was Hazel's turn to be surprised, "Centurion!"

Exhaling Reyna confirmed, "Yes…Centurion Perseus last name unknown. It has a nice ring to it, don't you agree." It was clearly a statement and not a question.

"So now that we have filled you in on the jist of our meeting with the Consul…why are the two of you here eavesdropping?" asked Bobby.

Gwen began to answer, but was cut off by Hazel, "We weren't eavesdropping. We only got here about two minutes before you nearly ran us over Robert. Right Gwen?"

"Right. We heard you talking to Lupa so we stayed out here rather than interrupt." answered Gwen. "And I ran into Hazel on the way to report Perseus's condition."

"You know me…I was there when Dakota told Gwen about some new demigod, and I just had to tag along. I can't stand being left out of the loop." put in Hazel.

"What is the Centurion's status?" inquired Reyna.

Taking on a more formal tone Gwen replied, "The only injury to report is a contusion to the back of the head. There is some minor swelling, but no signs of a concussion."

Assuming the consummate soldier persona expected of a commander Reyna stated, "Good. Now Tribune Hudson, return to the Valetudinarium and discharge Centurion Perseus. Afterwards escort him to Barracks Eleven, and once he is settled. Take him out to the campus and formally introduce him to his century. Tribune Evans if you would accompany her, and help answer any questions Centurion Perseus may have, I would appreciate it."

"Are there any orders you would like relayed Prefect?" requested Gwen.

"No…for now you are to simply explain what his duties as a centurion will be, and answer any questions you may. Afterwards you are to give him a tour of the camp, and if you deem him physically able, assess his combat capability. Tomorrow he will be assigned a training regimen and also begin drilling with his unit."

"But Prefect how can he drill with his century when he may not know how to direct even a standard phalanx?" asked Hazel.

"I jokingly proposed the same query to Consul Lupa," supplied Reyna "and she assured me that she has a strong suspicion as to Perseus's identity. That if indeed he was whom she suspected; he would be both familiar with and very capable of directing a phalanx."

Expounding Bobby added, "Meaning this command is a test. The Consul is looking to confirm her suspicions before formally meeting him."

"Oh…I see." replied Hazel.

Concluding Reyna spoke, "Those are your orders. Understood?"

"Yes Ma'am. We shall see to it at once." said Gwen.

Reyna dropped her command posture and spoke now as a concerned friend to both Hazel and Gwen. "Be careful and watch him like a hawk. I would also advise against the two of you testing him in combat."

Bobby also speaking as just a concerned friend added, "Reyna's right. The four of us saw plenty of action during the Titan War, but I have never seen anyone fight like I saw him fight this morning. I'm sure he could even push Jason to his limits."

Truly astounded and almost speechless after hearing Bobby's matter of fact statement, Hazel said, "Alright…we'll keep a close eye on him."

With a sigh of relief Reyna replied, "Good."

Gwen feigning worry for the sake of appearance asked, "So…who does Lupa think he is?"

"She wouldn't give us even the vaguest clue about his identity." answered Bobby.

"That's no fun…" chimed in Hazel, "come on Gwen, let's go find out."

Curious Reyna asked, "How are you going to do that?"

Rolling her eyes and smiling Hazel replied, "Ask, of course."

With that the four of them parted and went off to attend to their duties.


Once Reyna and Bobby were out of sight Hazel said, "Well I still plan on celebrating even though it looks like you didn't break any rules."

Relieved Gwen said, "Thanks…I think."

"How lucky can a person be? You finally break the rules, and one order from Lupa poof…you're off the hook. We can only hope you telling Perseus about Lupa is still a violation."

"We can only hope." mocked Gwen.

"I wonder who he is…I mean if Lupa knows he must be someone important. Have you ever heard of someone showing up and immediately being given a command?"

Thinking on it Gwen said, "No…never."

Who was Percy? Hazel was right. If Lupa had an idea it was because he was important before ever being found on the beach. It shouldn't be so shocking after all; her almost vision told her as much. But she had just assumed his importance would be tied to his future not his past. "Percy…just who are you, and where are you from?" thought Gwen. It was sad because Percy couldn't answer those questions.

Another part of what Reyna had said came to mind. "How could Percy know about and how to direct combat formations?" It wasn't unheard of to find a strong demigod who managed to survive on his own without proper training, but never had one shown up with any formal training. Everything that she had heard so far would seem to indicate that Percy however, would be such a demigod.

If that indeed turned out to be the case; how would he react after being told he was now not only a part of the legion but was to be in command of his own century? Judging by what the newbies had said, Percy probably wouldn't accept it. He didn't seem the type that someone, even Lupa, could just give an order and expect it to be followed without question.

As that thought began to sink in…she became unsure what to do. She let her thoughts wonder until they trailed off leaving her mind empty. Instead she focused on each step back to the Valetudinarium. Along the way Hazel asked another question or two and tried to lighten her mood with a joke. She remained scarcely aware of anything Hazel said.

The few minutes and short stroll back to the room, where Percy was being held, vanished. She now stood staring at the grain of wood in the door. "How should I put it…I suppose straight forward and honest would be best." She inserted the key and turned the lock. Then she reached for the handle and knocked.

The door muffled the sound, but she clearly heard Percy say, "Huh…umm I'm up, I'm up." She rolled her eyes while Hazel quietly laughed behind her.

Looking back at Hazel Gwen asked, "How come no matter how bad things might seem a guy can always manage to fall asleep?"

"I don't know, but it's kind of cute." was Hazel's reply.

Gwen opened the door.

"You know Perseus…when I told you to get some rest I didn't think you would actually fall asleep."

"Sorry, but the idea of waiting around with nothing to do drives me crazy."

"ADHD…he's definitely a demigod." interjected Hazel.

"Who's your friend Gwen? Don't tell me this short cute girl is your camp's interrogator."

"Call me short again, and you'll find out." said Hazel smugly.

"Hazel relax."

"He started it Gwen."

"I can't help but notice…" began Percy, "you're leaving out the cute part Hazel."

Giggling and looking over at Gwen…Hazel said, "I like him Gwen."

"Does that mean no torture today?" joked Percy.

Grinning Hazel responded, "Not today."

Gwen interrupted, "Hazel…remember why we're here."

Now broadly smiling at Gwen, Hazel replied, "Right."

"So what's up?" asked Percy.

"Perseus how do you feel about being drafted?" was Gwen's response.

"Drafted!"

"What Gwen is trying to say is that Consul Lupa has made you the centurion of the 11th Century." explained Hazel.

"Centurion? What's that?"

Gwen spoke, "It's sort of like being made a Sergeant. And the 11th Century is the same century you saved this morning."

"Does your Legion usually turn prisoners into sergeants?"

"No, but then again prisoners don't usually go out of their way to save us. Nor do they usually show up trained and equipped with a celestial bronze sword and shield." supplied Hazel.

"Hazel and I are here to escort and formally introduce you to your troops. Afterwards we are to give you a full tour of the camp and explain your duties."

"I don't get it. Why would Consul Lupa…is Lupa a he or she?"

"Lupa is a she." answered Hazel.

"Why would she do this?"

"We don't know. Reyna told us that Lupa has an idea about who you are, and that making you a centurion would confirm her suspicion." spoke Gwen.

Percy looked over at Hazel, and after a moment looked back to Gwen. The uncertainty with which he looked into her eyes spoke to her the question he could not voice aloud. "What should I do?"

Of all the possible reactions he could have had…this was one she hadn't expected. He wanted to talk to her, but with Hazel present he was leaving the choice up to her. As Tribune Medica, she had been in situations like this before. Still nothing in her experience had prepared her for this. If she told him to do it there would be no going back. But what other choice did he have.

As if reading her thoughts Percy's expression grew determined.

"Alright so when do I meet my guys?"

She couldn't help but smile. One minute he was vulnerable, and the next his will would become stronger than steel. Never had Gwen met a demigod quite like him. Was it growing up on his own that had made him as he was, or…or maybe it was something else entirely. She found herself wanting to know more about him, what he had seen and done, where was he from.

"Eh hmm. Gwen I believe Centurion Perseus asked you a question."

Blushing Gwen stammered, "What…oh right. Well the 11th Century has already resumed their training for today. They should be undergoing sword drills right now. If you like we could head to the sword ring now, or we can begin your general tour of the camp and campus."

"Well if I'm going to do this there's no point in putting it off. Take me to the sword ring."

Hazel interjected, "Take me to the sword ring…Ma'am."

Lost Percy asked, "What?"

"Perseus," began Gwen, "Hazel and I out rank you. I'm the Legion's Tribune Medica and Hazel is the Legion's Tribune Tactica."

"Can you say that in English, Ma'am?"

"Tribunes are officers…you know, like a lieutenant." explained Hazel.

Continuing Gwen added, "And centurions like we said are sergeants, but you are a centurion over a single century, which makes you a junior sergeant. A senior sergeant is called a Pilus or "Spear" and they are in charge of a cohort. Cohorts are made up of several centuries. Does that help?"

"So I'm pretty low on the totem pole. I can live with that." said Percy smiling.

"Now that we've cleared that up…can we get going?" asked Hazel.

"Sure…oh can the two of you do me a favor?"

Curious Gwen and Hazel simultaneously said, "A favor?"

"Yeah, a favor."

"Depends." said Hazel.

"The century I'm being put in charge hasn't been told about me yet have they?"

"No." said Gwen.

"Good. I'd like it to stay that way for now. Just tell them I've been assigned to the 11th Century. And the two of you are suppose to look after me for now or something."

Both clearly confused they again simultaneously asked, "Why?"

"Because a new guy always needs to earn his place first. These guys are well trained based on what I saw this morning. And I don't think it will go over to well if you suddenly tell them the new guy is their boss."

"Percy…that's not how it works." chided Gwen.

"Oh lighten up Gwen." criticized Hazel, "Nothing about this is by the book. Besides Perseus…wait did you call him Percy?"

Looking apologetically at Percy Gwen said, "Yeah."

Defending Gwen, Percy added, "It's what my friends call me."

Leaving things at that Hazel continued, "Oookayyy…anyway Percy makes a good point. I think we should do it."

"Alright…" still sounding unsure, "if you think it's a good idea Hazel."

"Cool…let's go and make some introductions." said Percy.