Chapter 7
~Thalia's Tree~
Percy stood by what Lou had told him was Thalia's Tree. It was the crack of dawn, and the group was gathered to see of Percy and Annabeth off on their quest. They had to get up early, because Chiron thought it was best that the other campers know as little as possible. Percy didn't care either way. He was just glad to finally have something to do.
After they left Rachel's cave Chiron had sent them to spend the night in the big house, since he didn't want the other half-bloods to know what was going on. And, though Percy listened and went straight to bed, he couldn't fall asleep. Everything was just too exciting. He stayed up half the night, thinking about the Quest. And, even though she didn't say anything, Percy knew Annabeth hadn't been able to fall asleep either. When Chiron finally came to get them, Percy hadn't even felt tired. In fact, he felt ready to take on anything that came in his way.
His mood quickly changed when they had been awake for more than an hour. He and Annabeth didn't pack anything except two extra small camp T-shirts. Chiron supposed they would have to buy more clothes when they left camp. Then, he gave the money to Annabeth. Percy wanted to say that he was responsible enough to hold the money too, but kept his mouth shut. Although, he couldn't help but get mad all over again when he saw the smug look on Annabeth's face. She obviously felt like Chiron thought she was the more responsible one.
Now, as they all huddled around Thalia's tree, Percy shivered. It was unusually cold for summer. Even as early as it was in the day. The cold only helped to make Percy more miserable. It was amazing how fast an eight year-old's mood could change. The Stoll brother's and Lou were both worried that the two eight year olds wouldn't be prepared enough to go on a quest, but Chiron seemed to think they'd be fine. Annabeth didn't understand why no-one even mentioned what the quest was for, and she worried they didn't know. How were supposed to complete the quest if they didn't even know what they needed to do?
She didn't voice her worries though, and just looked silently across the group. Travis stood by Lou and Connor, closet to the tree. Percy and Chiron stood opposite them, next to Annabeth. On her other side was a funny looking kid with red hair. Annabeth had met Grover earlier, when she learned that he would be the third member of their quest, Though Annabeth didn't see how he would help them. He didn't look like much, though everyone seemed to agree that he was the only one who should go on the quest with them.
"Everything seems in order," Chiron's voice broke everyone out of their thoughts and they all turned to give them their full attention.
"You two will leave with Grover when-," His voice cut off as he heard a noise over his shoulder and turned to looked what is was. "Ms. Gardner, what are you doing out of bed?" He spoke to a girl standing up the hill from them. She was wearing pajama shorts with strawberries dotted all over them, and an oversized Farmers of America T-shirt. She looked to be about Connor and Travis's age.
"Chiron, I-" Her eyes cut over the group of people standing before her. Her confusion turned in a scowl when she caught sight of the Stoll brothers. Turning her attention back to Chiron, she spoke again.
"I can come back later if you want."
"No, please. I'm curious to see what brought you out of bed at such an hour," He made a gesture for her to continue.
"I had a dream," She said, suddenly sounding stupid. She should have just waited to tell Chiron. He didn't act like it was stupid though, so she kept going.
"I was driving to Kentucky, and there was a man with a ring. He was talking to this painting, and when he picked up the ring he disappeared. Then robberies were on the news and-"
"Slow down Gardener," Connor spoke up. His usual silly grin plastered to his face. "It's okay to breathe."
Katie glared at him, but made an effort to talk slower. She explained her dream to Chiron again, feeling uncomfortable with everyone watching her. When she finished Chiron's brows were furrowed.
"Why were you driving to Kentucky alone?" he questioned after a minute.
"Oh," said Katie, realizing what she left out. "I wasn't alone, I was with, with them." She glanced toward Percy and Annabeth. Obviously confused why she would go on a road trip with two eight year olds. She had no idea who they were.
"My lovely Katie," Travis teased her, and got a scowl in return. "Don't you know? This is Percy and Annabeth."
Katie frowned "Percy and Annabeth, but how?" she looked at Chiron for an answer.
Chiron gave Travis a look. No-one was supposed to know Percy and Annabeth had been magically transformed in to eight year olds.
"It's a long story, one we don't have time for." The sun was slowly rising. It wouldn't be long before the other campers woke up.
"Well," said Katie, ignoring Percy and Annabeth for now. "Do you know what my dream means?" Every one's attention turned back to Chiron.
"I suspected, after Rachel's Prophecy, but I wasn't sure until now. What I think we're dealing with is the Ring of Gyges."
"What's the Ring of Gygies?" Percy's little voice asked.
"It's Gyges, Seaweed-Brain. And it's an ancient Greek ring that can make the wearer invisible." Percy glared at Annabeth for making him sound stupid.
"I wasn't asking you, Wise-Girl," Percy shot back at her, and in return, she glared.
"Yes," Chiron told Katie, ignoring Percy and Annabeth. "What you described sound likes a ring that granted the owner the power to become invisible at will. The myth is that a shepherd in service of Lydia found a cave after an earthquake. Inside the cave he found a corpse wearing a silver ring, which he took. He found that after He adjusted the ring he could become invisible. The shepherd used his power to convince the queen to help him overthrow the king. They succeeded and he took over the thrown.
"Why haven't I ever heard of the Ring of Gyges?" questioned Katie.
"It's not a commonly known myth." Chiron told her by way of answer.
"Well, what does it mean that I'm dreaming about it?"
"It means, Ms. Gardner, that the fates want you to go on the quest with Percy and Annabeth. If I were you I'd start packing."
Everyone stared at him in shock, especially Grover. No, one questioned him though. Katie, dazed, just nodded and started walking toward her cabin to get her stuff.
"Katie." She turned around to see that it was Travis who spoke to her.
"Yes?" she asked confused.
"Nice pajamas."
Katie shot him a look that said she did not find this funny, but he just grinned more. Katie gave him one last scowl and walked to her cabin.
Hey Guys! How did you like the extra long chapter? It was really fun to write. Please leave reviews I love reading them. Is there anything you guys want to see happen on the quest? I'd really appreciate any suggestions. Also, Please tell me if I've made any mistakes so I can so back and fix them.
That's all for now,
Kamryn
