A/N: As much as it saddens me realizing how close this story is to its end-I hope you guys enjoy it anyway. Can you guys believe that 2013 is almost over? I know due to different timezones and stuff it's already 2014 for some of you guys...I think. But that's all I have to say about that, I'm not going to go on a spiel about it like everyone else on Facebook.
XLIX
The Commemoration
When Perseus opened his eyes once more, he found himself laying in a bed, covered in a thin sheet. He peered through his heavy eyes, and realized he was in one of the palace bedrooms. Perseus rubbed his eyes slowly so that he could see more clearly.
"You're awake," A voice said.
Perseus glanced up, and found Gruev standing in the doorway, holding a tray laden with food. His friend wore a pained expression, but managed a smile somewhat.
"Gruev," Perseus sighed, relieved to see that his friend was all right, "How did I get here? The last thing remember was-"
He stopped mid-sentence, not wanting to finish. Gruev came forward with the tray,
"You've been asleep for about five days, now. But I imagine you haven't had much of a sustenance in a while, either. Eat first, and then we can talk."
Perseus nodded, "I suppose that sounds fair."
Gruev handed him the tray, and sat down beside him as Perseus wolfed down the food. He didn't even remember the last time he had eaten, and now, it was the only thing he could think of, if only for a few minutes. Perseus didn't even bother looking at what he was shoveling into his mouth he was so hungry. But after the plate in front of him had been scraped clean, he cringed as the food nearly sunk like a rock in his stomach.
"The...Fight you had with Poseidon on the mountains was easy to spot, even from the beach. After the weather had grown stable again, and everything had grown quiet again, I headed up with a group of soldiers. We found you unconscious about halfway down the slope. Then we found your father," Gruev swallowed at this, as though he was trying to word his sentences carefully, "We gathered up his body, and brought you back here after that."
The fight from a few days ago was still prominent in his memories. The blood, his father's face as Perseus killed him...He lurched forward at this in particular, fearing that his food might make a reappearance.
Gruev cringed, before quickly apologizing, "Sorry."
Perseus shook his head, "No, I'm fine. But thank you, for going back and retrieving him."
"It's the least I could do," He answered modestly, "You know, I'm not sure whether or not you really dwelled on this, but you saved everyone from destroying each other."
"I didn't do that," Perseus replied, "Those who fought did that."
"What? And you didn't fight? You're a hero, Perseus."
"Well I don't want to be the hero," Perseus answered stubbornly, "I'm not even remotely close to being something of a hero."
Gruev chuckled, "I'm not just saying this, Perseus. A lot of people are grateful for your actions, which is something that could help you rise to become king."
Perseus said nothing as he shifted in his bed. And after a moment, Gruev stood.
"You should rest up some more, or stay in bed, at least," Gruev suggested, collecting the tray.
He stood, bringing the tray with him, before walking out the door. Perseus reclined back, staring at the ceiling as he listened to the sounds outside. As much as he wished he could go to the window to see what was going on in the streets, he thought that it would be best if he remained in bed. As his mind was free to wander, Perseus was reminded of Annabeth. Thinking of her brought pain to him, as he had no knowledge of her current situation or location. He wondered if she had come across anyone or anything yet, wishing that he could've gone away with her, traveled alongside her.
A more selfish part of him yearned for her to return, so that they could pick up the pieces from their new-found relationship. Though a bigger part of him countered this, knowing that he would sleep easier knowing that she was off doing what she had been craving for most of her entire life. Well, as easily as he could sleep, now. Perseus ran the sheets between his fingers, as he felt the light fabric slide against them. Gruev had brought up the possibility of him becoming king.
While it was in his intentions to become the ruler of Sounion, would the civilians agree? And now that Athens was short of their Queen, what then? Perseus was the only known heir to both thrones, and he wasn't entirely sure if that would play out well. He sunk deeper into the confines of the sheets, as sleep lured him to cease in his fretting. Perseus turned onto his side, pulling the bedding over him. And as he shut his eyes, he was dragged back into the dark depths of sleep.
Perseus' eyes flitted open again. His room had darkened, as the sunlight from outside no longer illuminated it. He sat up, draping his legs over the side of his bed. Daring himself to stand, he tentatively placed his feet on the cold, marble floor. As he stood, his surroundings almost instantly slanted violently, nearly causing him to fall to the ground. Perseus gripped the nightstand by his bed with a clammy hand.
He walked to the door with shaking legs, having not walked in days. Perseus unlatched the door, and as he stepped out into the hallway, he looked to his side. Gruev sat slumped in a chair, dozing, with a flickering lantern placed at his feet. Perseus shuffled on, not wanting to disturb his friend. He made various turns down different halls, fingers crossed that he was headed in the right direction. Finally, he made it to his destination.
He padded through the throne room, which was now devoid of both his mother's body or any other remnants signifying the night. Only a table remained, and it looked out of place in the otherwise empty room. Perseus leaned his weight against it, panting slightly from the influx of movement. As he ran his hands against the grain, he was reminded of that horrible night. And the single moment it returned to him almost instantly caused him to wince.
"You're looking for her, aren't you?"
Perseus turned to find his friend walking towards him, his movements exhausted.
"I was hoping I wouldn't wake you up," Perseus muttered, "Sorry nevertheless...But-yes, I was looking for her."
Gruev pressed a sympathetic sort of smile, "Athens has suffered the loss of a great leader."
"She was my mother, Gruev," Perseus announced. It was silent, as Gruev processed his words. And then, he finally spoke,
"Oh, gods," Gruev shuddered, "I'm-I'm so sorry, Perseus. But, doesn't that mean…?"
Perseus nodded, "I have another throne to fill."
"Do you know what you're going to do?"
Perseus sighed, as the question weighed on him further.
"If a new ruler isn't implemented soon, there will be chaos," Perseus began, choosing his words carefully, "But if someone takes the throne too soon, there will still be chaos. The timing needs to be perfect. A large group of people left without a governing power for too long will allow them to run free. The soldiers are few in numbers as it is. If an uprising broke out, it would be a mess. The people are still recovering. So for now, I must wait."
"What are you going to do until you think it's appropriate to take the throne for yourself?"
"Today, we have gathered to acknowlege those who fought in the most recent Dekapente Chronia," Perseus looked out into the massive crowd in front of him before continuing, "Furthermore, we are also here to remember those who in turn perished on the battlefield. While each and every soldier showed the greatest amount of bravery humanly possible, there were also those who, over the burning inferno, found their comrades' lives over their own. These men are exceptional for that, and are to be held with the highest esteem."
Perseus turned partially, regarding the soldiers sitting behind him with an open hand.
"These men behind me are some of those very soldiers," He continued, turning back fully, "Many ran into sheer chaos to save another-some did not return from this. But whether they survived to live the tale or not, each and every one of them are heroes, and are the saviors of both Athens and Sounion. Now, I will ask that each of them come up when their name is called in order to receive their accolade."
He uttered the first name, and from the table in front of him, took the engraved box that matched it. Perseus turned to the soldier beside him, as they both saluted.
"For your honor and sacrifice, I give you your honorary medal."
Perseus, upon lowering his hand, slowly gave him the box. The soldier took it, hands trembling slightly, before returning to his seat. This continued on, until the remaining boxes never had their owners come up to take them. He was silent for a moment, wondering how to continue,
"I…" He swallowed, looking up, "I'll now speak a little about those lost in the war. Some of the living friends who served along these men have agreed to speak about them. But first, I have a few people of my own to remember. Firstly-General Hedge of the Athenian Cavalry...During the early portion of the war, when the fighting was concentrated to the small battlefield, he stayed by my side every moment that he could be there, as did the rest of the men. And then, when we found that we were losing ground, they stayed back so that I could warn the rest of the front of what was going on."
Perseus lightly grazed his fingers over a box engraved with Hedge's name. It felt ice cold to the touch,
"He was one of the bravest, most loyal men that I've ever met...And the Athenian Cavalry's sacrifice will never be forgotten. And then there's Captain Fletcher. I didn't know him well, I'll be fully honest. But his loyalty to Athen's fight was never once flawed. And like General Hedge, he too was one of the most valiant men I have ever come across. His quick-thinking on the battlefield kept the odds as balanced as they could be. He has brought honor to both the Archers, along with the rest of the military."
"The next person is Thalia-"
There were a handful of gasps following this, as a few recalled the name from the woman who ran the fabric shop.
"Yes, some of you probably know her as the beloved woman who ran the fabric shop. And despite the fact that women are unable to serve in the military, she overcame that barrier. Thalia-wanted to protect me, protect our friendship. She thought I was going to get myself killed if I was out there on my own…"
He paused, clenching his jaw to keep a tamper on his emotions.
"Her willingness to put her life on the line for a friend, even if it didn't mean being by their side, is a great sacrifice. And her service as both a friend and a soldier has, and will make her name a fierce, amazing one."
"And lastly, there's Queen Athena. My mother."
More nervous chattering.
"While she didn't personally fight on the battlefield, she was the backbone in this war. Athena spent every minute making meticulous plans of action. And for her knowledge as a queen and strategist, she was able to spare an immense amount of men from their demise. Queen Athena, while she is no longer with us, she is one of the people to be thanked the most."
There was silence again, but above it all, a voice shouted,
"Hail Queen Athena!"
One by one, more voices recanted this call.
Perseus raised his head to the sky, "Hail Queen Athena!"
A/N: I know, from here on out the chapters are kind of slow-going compared to the battle scenes. But maybe it will be a nice break. Well, looking back at my old stories, I realize it's been a little over two years now since I posted my first Fanfiction ever! I vaguely remember asking in an Author's Note somewhere about New Year's resolutions. So, I'll ask again-what's your New Year's resolution?
See you guys Saturday,
Leaded-Pegasus
