A long time later Chiron told me to follow him to the mess hall

A long time later Chiron told me to follow him to the mess hall. After a few minutes the area filled up with hungry campers. Only then did I realize how hungry I was. I hadn't eaten since yesterday's breakfast. Then I also remembered my ripped up ankle

Chiron told me to sit at a table that had the most people. I had learned during my tour that this was the Hermes cabin. We got food and I was about to sit down when the line started heading toward the huge bonfire.

The kids before me in line took part of their food and dropped it into the fire.

Oh no, I'm not giving up my food. I haven't eaten since yesterday!

When it came to my turn to scrape some food into the fire I shoved a big hunk of steak into the flames. I said a little prayer intended to anyone who was listening. Then I sat down at the Hermes table and began to eat.

Chiron interrupted the silence by stomping his hoof on the stone floor. He announced the week's events. "This Friday we are playing capture the flag."

A cheer erupted from the tables.

''The lead cabins will, again, be Ares and Athena," Chiron said.

Again a cheer erupted from the tables.

I wasn't going to worry about capture the flag because it was only Tuesday.

Then Chiron said, "There will be a archery tournament held tomorrow for anyone who wants to join."

That night I slept in the Hermes cabin. That morning I woke up early and took a walk around the camp. When I came to the pine tree I noticed the whip I had grabbed from the Fury. I ran over and grabbed it even though Chiron had warned me not to go outside the borders.

After my walk I practiced at the archery range. I wanted to be ready in case I joined the tournament at the last second.

It felt great to just relax and shoot an arrow at the target. I challenged a kid that came by to a practice contest.

He shot it and it hit just outside the center circle.

I pulled back the string knowing I wouldn't win. I let the arrow fly. It went straight and true and hit the center circle.

I was astonished. On my first shot I beat a kid that probably done it many times.

Now I knew for sure that I was going to do the tournament.

For the rest of the morning I practiced archery. Every time I shot closer and closer to the center circle. By lunchtime I felt ready to beat any opponent in the tournament.