Annabeth lay on her hard makeshift bed now bereft of pillows and blankets. Her body shook from exhaustion, begging for sleep, but between her own fear and the cold, sleep would not come. So she lay there trying to control the emotions threatening to spill. Time moved slowly or not al all, and all Annabeth could focus on was her breathing. It was only when she heard a commotion outside her cell, that she prepared herself for the worst. Her heart raced as she forced herself into a sitting position, despite her body's protest. She heard the key slide into the door, as she desperately looked for a weapon or a place to hide in the darkened room. She heard the click of the lock and the door swiftly opened. She tried to look strong despite her vulnerable position. A young soldier walked into the room. The torches in the hallway shadowed his face making it unrecognizable. His eyes searched every corner of the room until he finally saw her.
Annabeth tensed. "Take one step toward me, and I swear I will kill you." Annabeth growled.
"Really?" His young voice cracked. "And how are you going to do that without your knife?" To her disbelief, he pulled out a knife. Her knife that had been wrested out of her hand. "I think you dropped this." He smirked.
"Percy?!" She whispered disbelievingly.
"Still going to kill me, or shall we get out of here?" He asked.
Annabeth stared at him for a moment, not quite believing what was going on. Then her mind caught up and she blurted, "It's a trap. They're going to kill you."
"Then let's hurry." He held the knife out to her, handle out.
Annabeth forced her body to stand and took the knife from him. "What about Lady Artemis?" She questioned.
"Her hunters are tending to her." He replied as he checked the steps headed down.
Sure enough, it wasn't long before Artemis came down the stairs with three maidens. At first she thought they were soldiers, but when she looked closer she noticed their feminine features.
"The coast is clear." Percy announced.
"I've sent the signal." One of the women with deep set eyes and strong features announced.
"Then let's go." Percy nodded.
Percy led the way with the maiden who had spoken close behind. An arm wrapped itself around her arm, causing Annabeth to stiffen at the contact. "Time to get you home princess." A familiar voice lowly spoke.
Annabeth turned to get a better look at the maid dressed as a soldier. "Thalia?!" Annabeth looked at her with surprise. "When did you become a hunter?"
"Recently. It doesn't matter." She seemed to almost blush. Annabeth wanted to find out more, but Thalia put her finger up to her lips, encouraging quiet and they began to descend the stairs.
"This is Bianca." She motioned to the girl helping Artemis. They nodded in acknowledgment of each other.
"My Lieutenant up ahead is Zoe." Artemis motioned to the girl up ahead with Percy.
As they walked down the steps, a rush of adrenaline and hope filled her exhausted limbs with energy. She was especially happy with the fact that she didn't stumble once. Percy and Zoe were a good team as they silently took out anyone unfortunate to be in their way. Once they were in the main hall, Percy and Zoe quickly took out the soldiers standing guard at the main doors. Percy opened one of the doors, just wide enough to let them out.
They were half way down the steps when Annabeth heard the chilling voice that stopped them all in their tracks. "Welcome to Orthys, Percy Jackson."
Annabeth took her focus off of the steps and looked down into the courtyard. There were at least twenty men rushing through the gate, which was quickly closing. Standing in front of them was none other than Luke. That thought coupled with the fact that she knew there lay thousands upon thousands of soldiers beyond the wall who were ready to kill them was so disheartening that Annabeth's legs collapsed beneath her. She almost fell down the steps if it weren't for Thalia and Percy catching her.
"You keep on exceeding my expectation. Not only are you capable of betrayal, murder, and debauchery, but attacking innocent women. What's next, killing infants in their cradles?" Percy growled at Luke as he carefully helped Thalia keep Annabeth steady.
Luke turned red and yelled, "You know nothing about me!"
"How could you have done this, Luke? To Annabeth of all people." Thalia accused.
"Thalia?" He said as a grin appeared on his face. "Would you believe me if I said it was for us?"
Thalia looked at him disbelievingly. "You would torcher the one person that we share a common bond with, who we worked with and trained for six years, for us?
"You know my feelings regarding you. Do not pretend that you do not feel the same." He looked at her with something that Annabeth instantly recognized as something akin to love or was it lust?
"You know why we can't be together." Thalia retaliated.
"I will be king, and we will finally be able to be together."
"Not this way." Thalia put a protective hand on Annabeth's shoulder.
"It is the only way. All I need now is the stallion." Luke's attention shifted to Percy.
"Sorry to disappoint you, but I don't think you'll be seeing him." Percy snarled back.
"Enough talk." A loud voice said behind them. Annabeth turned to see General Atlas with Lieutenant Thorne standing in the door with their own small army. Despair clawed at Annabeth's throat. But there was also something else. Something about standing between Thalia and Percy that made her stand and draw her knife.
"Thorne." Bianca said with pure hatred in her voice. There also was a slight tremor.
"Princess Bianca. I had heard that you joined Artemis' hunt after our last interaction." Thorne sneered.
Bianca attacked Thorne with a strangled roar. All at once everyone leapt into battle. Zoe engaged Atlas, who snarled in greeting, "Well, if it isn't my traitorous daughter. I believe I owe you a stab in the back!" Atlas move a lot quicker than Annabeth would have thought and fought with intense vigor. Percy went to engage Luke, but Thalia beat him to it, matching his swordsmanship. Percy instead fought side by side and back to back with Annabeth and Artemis. The soldiers just kept on coming and Annabeth's muscles already shook from the days events. Just when she felt it would be the end of them, there were several cries at the gate entrance. A green fire was rapidly overtaking the wall and spreading across the court. Annabeth saw a figure leap off the wall and into the fray. To her surprise, a few minutes later the gate rose up. It distracted her so much that she almost missed the sword bearing down on her. Percy's sword intervened, and he quickly dispatched the offending soldier. Their eyes met and she could see the worry in them. For some reason, it gave her strength.
Now that the gate was up, several more hunters rushed in. Along with them were several horses stampeding through the courtyard, and there in the lead was the black stallion. Luke also saw the stead and his eyes took on a maniacal glint. Blackjack stared charging toward Luke.
"Blackjack!" Percy yelled, "No! We have to get the princess out of here. Help Annabeth."
The stallion surprisingly stopped in it's tracks and headed toward them instead. As soon as the horse was close enough, Percy glared at the stallion. "I thought I told you to stay behind."
The horse huffed indignantly.
Percy helped Annabeth up onto the black stallion. She wasn't sure about climbing on top of a wild stallion, but he held as still as a tame mare. Once she was safely on the stallion she looked out at the chaos of battle. Horses were stampeding the courtyard and were specifically targeting Atlas' army.
Percy must have noticed too because he turned to the horse and said, "Your doing, I suppose?"
Blackjack snickered.
Thalia and Luke were fighting furiously, but Luke's eyes stared straight at Annabeth atop the black stallion that she knew he coveted. He was so distracted that he did not see Thalia's spear whip up and make a critical blow across his chest. He stared at her in disbelief. Thalia looked crushed. She immediately dropped her spear and caught him as he fell. Annabeth could see them exchanging words. Even from where she was, she could see the tears in Thalia's eyes.
Annabeth's attention was quickly drawn toward Atlas fighting against Zoe. Artemis had joined in the fight. They were holding their own against him. "Time to go, My Lady!" Percy shouted at them.
"Go, my lady." Zoe shouted. "I'll cover you."
"I'll not leave with out you!" Artemis cried.
"Go!" Zoe screamed again as she swiped at Atlas.
Artemis climbed onto a horse and charged toward Atlas.
While they were having this exchange, Annabeth noticed that the building wasn't as structurally sound as it should be for a fortress. "There!" Annabeth pointed to some haphazardly stacked stones in a column. "Strike it there, where it meets the ceiling!"
Percy looked at where she was pointing, then ran and leapt into the fight with Atlas. "Zoe, fire an arrow there at the column." Percy risked pointing at it during the fight, almost losing his head in the process. He staggered back and recovered himself just in time for the next blow. In one swift motion she drew an arrow and fired it at the column. Percy got a fist to the head, served him right for watching the arrow instead of his opponent. But it hit its mark and a loose stone fell out causing the column to tremble and fall. The ceiling then began to shake dangerously.
"No!" Atlas screamed as he tried to prevent it from crumbling around him. Zoe took advantage of his frantic state and swiped at him.
"Let's go! Let's go! Let's go!" Percy yelled while motioning Zoe to leave.
Zoe leapt on Artemis' horse behind her and they took off toward the gate.
Bianca, on the other hand, was not faring well against Thorne. Bianca was fighting with pure rage, and it was obvious that Thorne was toying with her. Percy had already headed toward them. Annabeth was startled when Blackjack kept pace with him even while biting and kicking at soldiers. She wasn't sure what to grab hold of. He had no reigns, and she didn't dare grab his mane. She settled with holding onto the saddle. She stabbed any soldiers that came near her. Percy clashed swords with Thorne, saving Bianca from a fatal blow.
"We need to get out of here! Get on a horse." Percy shouted.
"Not until he dies!" Bianca growled. She already had several cuts on her arms and legs.
"This is a rescue mission! Not a revenge mission! Pull out, now!" Percy ordered.
Thalia joined in the fight blocking another blow. "He's right, Bianca." She grunted from the effort.
Bianca took advantage of Thorne's attention on Percy and Thalia and managed to stab him deep in his thigh. "Agh! You little wench!" Thorne screamed as he stumbled back. "I should have taken you when I had the chance!"
The look Bianca gave him was murderous, as she charged him. "Thalia! We've got to get her out of here. Get a horse." Percy yelled over the clatter of battle. She nodded once, and as soon as her spear had left the battle, Bianca swung her sword and made a neat cut across Thorne's cheek.
What happened next, Annabeth couldn't quite process. She saw Thorne rush toward Bianca recklessly. He must have know that he couldn't survive a charge like that. And sure enough, Bianca's sword slid easily into his midsection. Her eyes were wide with surprise, which widened even further when she realized Thorne's sword had slid right into her midsection.
"Bianca!" Percy called as he caught her when she fell off the sword.
"I told you, wench, that I would have you." Thorne grinned. Thalia stabbed her spear in his throat in reply.
"You're going to be alright. We're going to get you home." Percy soothed.
"It's alright. You can't fight destiny. I knew I might not make it out." Bianca coughed some blood.
"You were targeting Thorne?"
"He was the reason I joined the hunters. I wanted to learn how to fight, so I could face him. I only regret leaving Nico. He will one day make a great king. Promise me, you will look after him."
"I . . . I promise." Percy said reluctantly.
Bianca smiled and she was gone. Percy lifted her up onto the horse that Thalia brought. Thalia got on the horse and Percy got on Blackjack behind Annabeth, which made her flush. They rushed toward the gate. The other hunters were already gone. Annabeth tensed as the horses ran through the tunnel and only exhaled once they were on the other side. She let out a surprised yelp when Blackjack launched forward, kicking his back legs out. Percy's arm grabbed hold of her waist preventing her from getting bucked off. "Grab his mane." His voice tickled her ear. She did as was told. The camps on the other side of the gate were in absolute chaos. Greek fire was lit everywhere. And soldiers were running around franticly trying to stop them.
The hunters were a good distance away from them, but it didn't take Blackjack long to catch up with them. The stallion then began to pass them. "Pull back!" Percy yelled next to her ear.
Blackjack shook his head.
"We have to protect the others." Percy insisted. And to prove his point Percy raised his shield arm just in time to stop a volley of arrows from hitting them. They were targeting Percy, and he was using himself as bait to get the hunters out. "They need to move faster." Percy complained.
Blackjack whinnied loudly and to Annabeth's surprise the group of horses sped up. It wasn't long before they cleared the camp. Percy kept checking behind them and encouraging the group to keep going. "We just have to get to Ephyra and we're in the clear." Percy murmured in her ear again, tickling it pleasantly. Exhaustion was beginning to wash over her body again. But this time it was different. She found herself relaxing into Percy, letting him keep her steady atop the horse. As she relaxed, she became acutely aware of how close she was to Percy. She could feel his muscles tighten. She would have blushed if it were under circumstances. As it was, her surroundings faded around her as she slipped in and out of consciousness. They rode hard all day. She was just wondering if they were ever going to stop when she felt the horse slow down
"What's happening? Where are we?" She asked groggily.
"Ephyra." Percy's breath tickled her ear. "We just crossed the border. They won't follow us here. Not yet anyway."
In the distance she could see a pavilion and several figures standing near by. As they approached, she noticed more and more soldiers. Once they were close enough she saw several soldiers dressed in a light tan uniform matching the surroundings. They were guarding a young boy who was dressed all in black. They stopped only once they were in front of him.
"Water for the horses!" Shouted the boy.
Percy got off the stallion and bowed respectfully.
"You did it. I knew you would." the yound man exclaimed.
"Make way!" Artemis yelled, as she cleared a path to the front. "She needs medical attention now!"
Percy immediately went to help. He along with other soldiers helped lower the girl that was riding behind Artemis. It was Zoe. She was pale and having a hard time breathing. Annabeth then noticed her side covered in blood. "You should have said something, we could have stopped sooner." Artemis scolded her lieutenant with tears in her eyes. A doctor had arrived and was attempting to sew up the wound.
"It was too late, my lady. Serving you was an honor. Thank you." She then saw Percy and smiled at him. "You live up to your legend, Percy Jackson. You have renewed my faith in mankind. I leave Olympus in your capable hands." She closed her eyes and was gone.
Everyone was so focused on Zoe that no one noticed Bianca being lowed to the ground. No one but Nico. "No." Nico whispered as he knelt beside her.
"Nico, I'm sorry." Percy started to say
"She was fighting a man by the name of Thorne, as though he had done something to her." Thalia said. "She died a valiant death in battle."
Nico's face scrunched up, then he spun toward Percy and screamed, "It's all your fault. You promised!"
The entire group stilled as they watched Percy's eyes widen in surprise. "I . . . I tried, Nico. I'm sorry."
"Do not address me so informal!" Nico raged.
Percy lowered his head and swallowed. "For . . . forgive me, your highness."
"Get out of my sight. Leave Ephyra immediately, and do not return unless you wish to die."
Percy's face visibly paled, but he bowed deeply in response. "As you wish, your highness. I ask only for Princess Annabeth to be tended to."
The young prince looked at Annabeth as though he had just realized she was there. He opened his mouth to respond, but Annabeth interrupted him.
"That won't be necessary, Sergeant Jackson." She leveled her gaze at the prince. "I think I have seen all I need to see here and I am anxious to return home. You have my condolences. Do give them to your father along with my regards." She then looked back at Percy who looked unsure what to do. "Sergeant Jackson?"
Percy then immediately got back on Blackjack.
"Annabeth." Artemis called out. "Do you think it wise."
"I trust Sergeant Jackson with my life." Then more quietly she told Percy, "Let's go."
"You heard her." Percy whispered. Blackjack took off immediately.
Annabeth held onto the mane until she felt comfortable with the rhythm of the stallion's pace. They were moving rather quickly. Much quicker than they had rode earlier. Annabeth found herself relaxing back into Percy again. She probably should have stayed in Ephyra, but it angered her how Percy was wrongfully accused. It seemed that the prince of Ephyra was nothing more than a spoiled brat. As she relaxed, she felt Percy's arm wrap around her again, making sure she wouldn't fall off. She let her eyes close. All the past events (being kidnapped, questioned, Luke's telling of the legend, their failed escape, holding up the beam) flashed before her eyes. She wasn't sure how much time had past, but she was startled out of her reverie when Blackjack slowed down to a walk. Annabeth opened her eyes and looked around. They were walking away from the road and into a grove of trees. The shade chilled her once again.
"We're out of Ephyra." Percy's voice tickled her ear. "Blackjack is tired and needs to rest. We could all use the rest. Are you alright with camping?"
Annabeth had had about enough of camping on the rough ground, but she didn't feel like riding much further either. "Yes, very well. If you think we're safe." She looked around warily.
Blackjack stopped in a secluded opening. Percy got off and offered to help Annabeth down. She leaned down as Percy easily helped her down. Annabeth physically shivered.
"You're cold." Percy said in surprise. "Here let me get you my cloak." Percy reached into his saddle bag and pulled out his cloak and wrapped I around her. The cloak radiated warmth. "You didn't have to come with me. You could have stayed in a palace."
"I've had my fill of games . . ." Annabeth started, but unbidden the tears she had kept at bay for so long came flowing in earnest. She was vaguely aware of clinging to Percy, of his arms wrapping around her, and his soothing voice saying over and over that she was safe, which only made her cry harder. She had never exposed herself so much in front of someone, but for the first time in weeks she felt truly safe, that the nightmare was finally over. It was only when she had finally cried herself out that she became aware of just how close she was to Percy. She looked up at him and her breath caught in her throat. Their faces were mere inches apart. The moment hung in the air for what seemed like eternity. Then Percy's head tilted ever so slightly, and Annabeth's eyelids grew heavy.
Suddenly, Percy dropped his arms that had been around her and stepped back. His eyes were wild and frantic. "I . . . I'll make camp. It . . . it'll just be a minute." Percy stuttered, not quite looking her in the eye.
Annabeth felt dazed and confused as Percy quickly unsaddled Blackjack, and rolled out a blanket next to the saddle. "Your highness." He motioned toward the blanket. Annabeth wrapped the cloak tighter around her and gingerly sat on the blanket. Annabeth could feel the awkwardness in the air, but was too tired to comprehend it. Percy didn't say much after that. She watched him as though mesmerized as he collected wood, made a fire, and then cooked a meal that they shared in silence. It was a surprisingly good meal and she ate heartily. After she had had her fill she lay down and watched Percy stoke the fire. He noticed her watching and smiled reassuringly. "I'll keep watch, your highness. Get some rest." His words washed over her like a warm blanket and she fell into a deep slumber.