Chapter 10: A New Quest

Chiron found Serena Cosmos in the garden, adding trellises for the clematis and moonflowers. He heard her humming a hymn.

"Serenity," Chiron called out, refusing to call her by her mortal name.

Serena looked up with a knowing look, "I know, old friend." She had a vision three days ago, warning her of a quest.

"This quest has a dual purpose, princess." Chiron was fond of the reincarnated royal like an uncle would be. "You get to choose your fellow questers."

"I need to see the oracle of Delphi," Serena stated as she stood up, dusting off her pants.

Chiron nodded; his chocolate brown eyes full of understanding. "She awaits your visit, princess."

Serena headed off for the stone building then climbed the stair to the musky attic. She waved her hand to disperse the cobwebs and dust. Her presence caused the dozens of candles to ignite.

"Come closer, blessed daughter of Apollo," the oracle spoke.

As Serena drew near, she saw that the oracle was Sophie, the one who foretold her conception. "Greetings, Sophie."

Sophie's skin was no longer dried out and wrinkled. Her long hair was once more luxurious. Her flame red hair told all she was am Irish sprite's daughter. Her amber eyes shone with ageless wisdom. "I was blessed to be the one to foretell your praised conception."

Sophie as the oracle wore the long-lost Hapsburg Sun diamond in gold with amber embellishments. She had a tennis bracelet with yellow diamonds and amber around her right wrist. Round yellow diamond studs pierced her top piercing. A white toga with a three inch gold belt graced her form.

"What is my quest, beloved oracle of Apollo?"

"A series of tasks will be put to you to test your worth. Your sacrifices for humanity and all forms of life let you pass the test of selflessness. First, you are to take my replacement to Delphi, but I will be training her on the journey. Then you are to lay me to rest as my time as oracle has come to an end."

"Who is your replacement?"

"Your half-sister, Lauren Laurelle," Sophie informed the descendent of 3 divine bloodlines.

Unknown to most, the oracles were children of a sprite or nymph and Apollo, but they only lived one thousand years.

Lauren was called to the attic to start her training.

"Fine speech earns respect. Instead of starting a sentence with but, use however. Whining is frowned upon. Mediation will clear your mind of clutter so visions come more frequently and less jumbled," Sophie advised.

Meanwhile, Serena was given a sheep skin by Mr. D. The skin had her 1st dual task on it.

"After you complete each task, a new task will appear," Mr. D explained.

"Annabeth or Marcus? Fabien or Kassandra? Clarissa or Julius? Which son of Poseidon?" Serena pondered to herself. She knew that it was about time for Kassandra, Marcus, and Julius to leave Camp Half-Blood to make their marks on the world.

Serena made her decision then sent notes to those that would go on her quest, inviting that they meet her at her cabin in two hours. Serena and Lauren spent the next two hours packing. Serena packed Tampax, vitamins, aspirin, money, and The Light of Hope Diamond. Lauren was packing all her belongings in a suitcase that was spelled to hold whatever was put in it.

A message in a bottle was delivered from Nico.

"Beloved Cosmos,

I will be picking you up at Moon rise at the East gate for your quest.

Until Then,

Nico A."

Julius and Marcus showed up as a duo, discussing American military tactics like two middle-aged generals. Percy was jogging up, trying to catch up with the other two boys. Kassandra sauntered in last like she owned the place.

Kassandra tossed her hair over her shoulder, "What's this all about?"

"Three of you are taking this quest as your last quest before you make your mark on the world. So start thinking about future occupations. Percy is here to practice his water control."

"Awesome!" Julius and Marcus high-fived.

Percy tilted his head, "What time do we leave? What is the task?"

"We leave at Moon rise at the East gate via sail boat to Crete. Nico is joining us," Serena replied. "After we drop Kassandra off at the temple in Delphi, we are laying the oracle of Delphi to rest."

Kassandra narrowed her eyes, "Why Lauren?"

"I have been chosen as the next oracle of Delphi. I wish to go to Delphi instead of returning to Camp Half-Blood after my training," Lauren answered. The platinum blonde with sky blue eyes currently wore white capris and a yellow sunflower on her topaz-colored tank top.

"It is a little after four so we have five hours to get ready," Marcus thought out-loud. "I'll fill the coolers with food if you will pack the survival gear," he said to Julius, who nodded. They ran off, eager to leave.

Kassandra groaned until Lauren tossed her the extra spelled suitcase. Kassandra had jewelry and her cosmetics plus her wardrobe to pack.