Hey, people! This is an update from yours truly! I'm sorry for this much delay actually I was so engrossed with the new story I was working on but unfortunately my system crashed and I lost all my data, so had to reboot my system completely, or was it fated? Anyway's here's the chapter, so I may be able to write more as am putting new story on hiatus! But my ability to update all depends on how many review's and PM's I get. So everything counts on your response so don't be lazy CHICA'S and review.

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Starlighz & ryanmitzel53's Review Replies: Thanks for your review guy's am personally delighted that you like the Story so far, I know last chapter was not much entertaining, it was just a filler hoping to writing more, adventure's are yet to come slowly I'll be atleast bringing artemis/any pairing for the story please do suggest but no PJO character's atleast for few more chapter's.

To EVERYONE who read the story: thanks' for following my story hoping to write more just want to appeal you guys to REVIEW or PM me so that I get motivated.

Disclaimer: I don't own Anything.

Chapter Ten _

Early the next morning when he wakes and goes out to the front area, he finds Corbin and family eating breakfast before heading out to the fields. "Good morning all," he says as he approaches the breakfast table. "Feeling better this morning?" asks Corbin. Mary brings a plate for Percy and he helps himself to the eggs and biscuits. "Much better, thank you. It was probably Mary's cooking that did the most good." Percy smiles over to her who then grins back at him.

During breakfast, he sits quietly at the table, absentmindedly picking at his eggs and biscuits while he tries to come up with the right words to say. Corbin asks, "Something on your mind, Percy? You seem to be a bit preoccupied, barely even touched your breakfast." Realizing that he has been pushing his food around, he says "Well, as much as I have enjoyed your hospitality, I think it's time for me to be moving on.

I was wondering if you could go into town with me and help me pick out some travelling gear?" He takes a bite of his eggs while he waits for Corbin's reply. "I guess I could," responds Corbin. "Where are you planning to go, if you don't mind my asking?"
"I'm not sure where anything is in this area," replies Percy. "Where is the nearest major city?"
"The closest city of any size is Bearn. It lies two days south along the Kelewan River. Three days further south out on the coast you will find Castle Cardri, our capitol. If you go east about a week, you'll come to the city of Trade meet, a bustling city where merchants of many nations meet. It lies at the foot of the mountains separating Cardri and Madoc."

"Do you think Castle Cardri would have a library or something that I could use?" he asks. "Probably," he replies. "Though it's unlikely you would be permitted inside. Only the nobles or known scholars are allowed entry. Or so I hear."
"Well," says Percy, "it wouldn't hurt to try." He finishes his breakfast and together they go to the barn to saddle their horses.

Percy Climbing into the saddle, he directs Carol out of the barn. The kids are there with Mary as he nears the house. She comes up to him and hands him a sack filled with bread, dried meat and fruits. He takes the sack of food and gives her his heartfelt thanks.

Devin brings out his spear and backpack. Reaching down, he grabs the backpack but tells him to keep the spear. "I really don't think I'm going to need that. You go ahead and keep it," he tells him. Devin smiles up at him and nods, gripping his new spear.

He looks to Mary and says, "I appreciate your hospitality and have enjoyed being here more than you know."
"Goodbye Percy," she says, "and be careful."
"I will," he assures her. With a chorus of goodbyes, Percy turns his horse and follows Corbin down the lane. Looking back he sees Elizabeth and Cyanna still waving goodbye. He raises one of his arms and waves back, then turns and catches up with Corbin who's already at the road leading into town. The dogs follow them, barking and jumping until the end of the lane where they turn back and race for the house. He and Corbin then ride side by side as they continue on into town.

Upon approaching the outskirts of town they see a column of soldiers marching along the main road heading east.
"Who are they?" asks Percy. "Cardri soldiers," he replies. "They must be heading east to reinforce Dragon's Pass. The siege is still raging at Saragon, at least that's the rumour. If it falls, they may swing our way. Doubtful, but best to be prepared."
"I suppose so," he agrees. Once the soldiers pass, they make their way through town to Alexander's. Arriving at his establishment they dismount and tie their horses to the front post before entering. Within they find Alexander at the counter dealing with an elderly woman so they wait a few moments until she concludes her business.

When she is done and turns to leave, Percy steps to the counter. Alexander looks up at his approach and says, "Why, it's Percy. How may I be of service today?"
"I'm leaving town so need to withdraw the rest of my money," he explains.

"Very well," Alexander says. "A thousand gold pieces is a lot to carry around with you. If you prefer, I could give you a letter of account. Such a letter would be honoured by any money lender in Cardri. It would be less bulky than a chest full of coins that any robber would surely take an interest in."

"Alright then," agrees Percy. "Give me another hundred gold pieces to take with me and the rest in a letter of account. That should last me until I get to Cardri."
"You're heading to the city of Cardri then?" Alexander asks. "Yes," Percy replies, "I plan to head in that direction."
"My brother has a money lender establishment in Cardri," he explains. "I'm sure he would be more than willing to cash this for you. You can find him in the merchant's quarter of the outer ring."
"That sounds good, I'll look him up when I get there," Percy says.

"Very good sir, I shall be but a moment," Alexander says as he turns and disappears in the back. It doesn't take long before he returns to the counter with a pouch of coins and the letter. Together they count the money; both verifying that Percy is indeed receiving the correct amount, and then the money is put back into the pouch.

Handing the pouch and the letter to Percy, Alexander says, "Protect this letter carefully. If you lose it, you've lost your money, understand?" Seeing Percy nodding that he understands he adds, "And if you see my brother, tell him all is well here."
"I will be sure to do that," Percy assures him. After signing a few papers stating that Alexander was no longer responsible for his money, he and Corbin leave his establishment.

Next to Alexander's is the Chandlers' Shop where a variety of equipment and supplies that would be useful for travel are sold. Inside, they find useful wares displayed throughout the shop. Bags, cloaks, belts, etc. An open counter lines most of one wall and a portly man stands behind it.

When he sees who has entered his store, he says, "A good day to you, Corbin. How may I help you today?"
"Not for me, but for Percy here," Corbin corrects him as he points to Percy.

"Percy? Not the same Percy who rescued Jake's little girl?" asks the chandler. Percy responds, "I guess so. I need some equipment."
"What are you looking for?" he asks. Percy describes the things he thinks he's going to need, then Corbin and the chandler proceed to tell him what he's really going to need, including several sets of clothes. Together, they compile a list of equipment he'll need. When he asks how much for the lot the chandler replies, "Jake came in here yesterday and told me that if you wanted anything, that I was to charge him for it. He said it was the least he could do to repay you."

Turning to Corbin, Percy looks questioningly at him. "While you were recovering, he stopped by to talk to you but you were sleeping and we thought it best not to disturb you," he explains. "He said he wanted to repay you in some way, so I told him that you would most likely be needing equipment and supplies when you left, seeing as how you didn't have anything. He must have come down here and set this up with Burl."
"That's right, he did," agrees Burl. "Okay, I understand," Percy says. Collecting his new equipment he says to the chandler, "Thank you for your help."
"You are most welcome," Burl replies. With his arms full, he exits the shop and begins the job of packing and redistributing his things upon his horse until he has a balanced load. He mounts on Carol,

"Thanks, Corbin." Reaching out his hand, he shakes Corbin's. "I appreciate all that you've done for me. I'll drop by if I'm ever back in the area again."
"You're always welcome," Corbin tells him. "You take care now." Percy mounts up, turns the horse in the direction of the south road, and canters out of town.

Travelling down the road along the Kelewan River is peaceful and enjoyable. The road has been well maintained and makes for easy riding. It's a clear and sunny day with a slight breeze, too warm for more than just a shirt. Percy rides along and covers the miles quickly. According to Corbin it's two days to Bearn. As the day progresses, he passes several travellers, some alone and others as a group. Late in the morning he encounters one caravan with ten wagons and about as many guards. The teamsters wave at him as he passes, while the guards only glare. The lead wagon is not the same flatbed as the others, but a wagon covered with a deep blue canvas.

A four horse team pulls it, making him think of the covered wagons in the old western movies. The wagon is being driven by a young lady who looks to be about sixteen. Next to her on the seat is an older man, most likely her father. As Percy pulls abreast of the wagon, the lady greets him, "Good day to you sir." Smiling his most charming smile, he replies, "And a nice day to you too ma'am."

The man looks him up and down, his expression seeming to suggest that he finds Percy somewhat lacking. He nods a greeting but doesn't say anything.
"Where are you bound?" the lady asks him. "South to Bearn, then perhaps to the coast," he replies. "By the way, my name is Percy." He gives her a slight bow. "I am called Celienda," she responds. Gesturing to the man next to her she adds, "This is my father Meredith." Bowing slightly, this time to her father, he gives his respect. "Are you heading to Bearn?" Percy asks. "Oh, yes. Our home is there but we transport goods to various towns, depending on the markets."
"Could you perhaps tell me of a good inn where I might stay while I am there? I have never before been to Bearn," he explains. Thinking a bit, she says "The Flying Swan is good and well priced. The owner is a friend of mine by the name of Jillian. If you should stay there, tell him Celienda sends her wishes."
"I will, and thank you for your help. Maybe we'll run into each other while I am there?" suggests Percy with a grin. Her father gives him a cold look when he hears that. "You never know," responds Celienda with a cheerful smile.

Giving them another slight bow, he says, "May your travels be both profitable and safe." He speeds his horse up to a canter and begins pulling away from the caravan. "Fare you well, Percy," he can hear Celienda call after him. It doesn't take long before he's out distanced them.

When the sun reaches its apex in the sky, Carol neighs as she's hungry Percy stops to let her graze while he has a bite to eat. Finding a shady spot not far from the banks of the river, he removes the sack Mary gave him and settles against the bole of a tree.

While he eats, he thinks how peaceful and calm it is there by the river. Pulling the medallion from beneath his shirt, he again contemplates the design upon its face. Questions and still more questions with very few answers. Sighing, he replaces it beneath his shirt and finishes his meal.

The rest of the afternoon is pretty much a repeat of the morning, except that the Carol is bit more chatty as the day wears on. When the sun is but an hour away from dipping below the horizon, several buildings appear in the distance ahead. Two appear to be houses or storage sheds while a third stands two stories tall with smoke coming out of the chimney.

Another long building sits behind it. As he draws closer he makes out a sign depicting a river turning a bend hanging in front of the large, two story building. Must be an inn, he thinks to himself. Since night is quickly approaching, he figures this would be a good spot to stop for the night. Coming to the inn, he ties his horse to the hitching post in front then enters.

The smell of unwashed bodies and smoke hits Percy like a wall, taking his breath away. His eyes start to water and can barely breathe. Standing there for a second, he slowly acclimates to the stench. Looking around he notices several tables in the common area, only one which is currently unoccupied, and a long bar along one wall. A stairway at the rear of the room climbs to the second floor.

Fortunately the unoccupied table is near an open window. Taking a seat enabling him to sit with his back to the wall so he can see the entire common room, Percy gets comfortable. Leaning his head back against the wall near the window for the fresh air coming through, he doesn't have long to wait until the serving girl comes over.

"Hi, I'm Melinda. What can I get ya?" she asks him. "What do you have?" he asks. "There are two choices for dinner," she explains. "Mutton stew or roast beef. The stew is two coppers, the roast beef three. I'd take the roast beef. Some have said the mutton is a bit on the tough side."
"I'll take the roast beef then," he decides, "and some ale. How much are the rooms? I also have a horse."
"The rooms are silver a night and two coppers for the stall for your horse. If you need feed for your horse, that's another copper." Reaching into his travel purse, he pulls out two silvers and hands them over to her. She takes them and says, "I'll be right back." She walks over to the man behind the counter and his coins change hands. Then the man hands her back several coppers and she returns to give him his change. He gives her two coppers for a tip.

"The stall for your horse is the third from the right," she explains. "If you need food for your horse just give a copper to Ferric when you stable your horse. He's the stableman. Your room is up the stairs and second on the left."

Despite being in close proximity to the window, he's unable to stand the stench in the common room any longer. "I'll take care of my horse first then retire to my room," he explains. "Would it be possible for my meal to be delivered to my room after I'm finished settling in my horse?"
"Sure, if you would like," she says. "When you come back from stabling your horse, just let me know and I'll bring it up there myself." She gives Percy a wink and a knowing smile before walking over to another table where a customer is signalling for her.

Getting up, Percy hurries back out the door into the cool refreshing evening, taking a couple of deep breaths. Haven't these people ever heard of baths? I suppose I better get used to it. They're not very hygienically conscious here. He unties his horse and leads him around the side to the stable.

There he finds a man filling the feed bins in several of the stalls. "Are you Ferric, the stableman?" he asks. "That's me. What can I do for you?"
"Melinda said I was to have the third stall from the right." Digging into his travel purse, Percy hands him a copper, "This is for food for my horse." Taking the copper, Ferric takes the reins from him and leads Percy' horse to the stall. The stall is roomy and filled with clean straw.

At the rear is an area where the tack and saddle can be stored. Finding a brush hanging on the wall, he takes it down and proceeds to brush Carol's coat, getting all the dirt and dust off. When he finishes with the brushing, Ferric comes over with a pail of food for his horse.

"He'll be fine," assures Ferric as he pours the grain into the feed bin. "My room is at the end of the stable so I can hear if there is any trouble. Should there be trouble or a problem arises, I will come get you."

Giving him another copper, Percy says, "Thank you and It's she." Turning to Carol, he pats her and says, "I'll see you in the morning." With one last pat he turns and heads back to the inn.

Percy signals to Melinda as he comes back into the inn, indicating that he will be in his room and that she can bring up his dinner. Nodding, she finishes with a customer and hurries into the kitchen.

He climbs the stairs and finds a long hallway stretching the length of the building. Four doors line each side of the hall and two lit oil lamps at either end do little to banish the growing shadows.

Coming to the second door on the left, he opens it and goes inside. The room is somewhat dark as the window faces east and the sun has begun dipping below the horizon. A single candle sits in a candlestick on the middle of a small table. He tries a simple spell to light the candles wick.

Candle wick,
Light quick.

A barely perceptible surge of power flows from Percy and the wick bursts into flame, giving off a comforting light. He sets his backpack and travel bags down in the far corner and then sits on the bed. It's sort of soft with a few lumps. The sheets and pillows are stained and not entirely clean. The room, though small, doesn't feel cramped. Aside from the bed there is a small table with two chairs.

Getting up from the bed, he crosses the room and opens the window to let in some fresh air. He finds that it overlooks the stable and courtyard below. Now that the window is open, the noise from the common room is more pronounced. It's not long until he hears a knock on the door.

Opening the door he finds Melinda carrying a tray of food balanced on one hand with a flagon of ale held in the other. He takes the tray from her and sets it down on the table. She brings over his ale and asks if there is anything else he would like.

"No, not right now, thank you," Percy tells her. "I'll be back in a while to take the tray back downstairs, after you've finished." With that she leaves him to his dinner.

The roast beef is surprisingly good, not too tough and a little juicy. The half loaf of bread that came with the roast beef is somewhat fresh, with a hint of nuttiness about it. It doesn't take him long to finish the meal. After sopping the last bit of juice up with some bread, he goes over and stretches out on the bed. He lies there awhile, thinking about the last few days and where the next ones will take him.

Knock! Knock!

Not wanting to get up, he hollers "Come on in." The door opens and Melinda walks in. "Is there anything else you will require this evening?" she asks him.
"Nothing, thank you," replies Percy. Coming over, she sits on the bed next to him, "Are you sure there is nothing else that you want?" She lays her hand on his leg and gives him a look that leaves little doubt what else there is available.

With the state of his mind that he has been after the loosing Annabeth and coming to this world ever present on his mind, he says "No, not tonight I'm afraid."

Getting up off the bed, she gives him a disappointed look and then goes over to the table to gather the dinnerware. As she leaves, she turns to him and says, "I'll be around all night if you should change your mind." And with that she turns and walks out the door, closing it behind her.

Percy gets up and hurries over to the door, securing the lock. Turning to the table he blows out the candle and then gets undressed before crawling into bed. He fervently hopes there will be no biting bedbugs, then slowly drifts off to sleep.

Belated Merry Christmas CHICA'S, Hope you all enjoyed this Christmas...sorry for to keep you waiting for so long, you can expect new chapter by Saturday.

P.S: Anyway's here's song for this chapter Monster by Eminem feat Rihanna(I usually don't like Eminem's song but this was epic not to like Rihanna did a great job)

Love you all!

Your loving Author signing-off
Confusion-123.