Chapter V

After hearing Apollos' terrible haiku, I wasn't going to question how the god of poetry could mess up something as simple as a haiku, I really thought the day wouldn't get worse. Well... I was wrong, because for some reason said god thought it a good idea to let Thalia drive the sun chariot- or rather sun bus, despite her audible protest.

On our trip we probably set quite a few new temperature records for New England, at least judging from the burning rooftops and trees, as well as sudden cold snaps Thalia caused by her erratic driving. As we swerved a dozen miles above the New England coastline, I honestly considered jumping into the Atlantic a dozen times, it seemed far safer than staying on this bus a minute longer.

Against my better judgement I remained in the bus, holding on for dear life. And soon to my immense relief Long Island came into sight, though that relief was near instantly again replaced with fear as we started hurtling down like a meteor, luckily we didn't burn up as we moved towards Camp-Half Blood with what felt like mach ten.

I could hear Apollo yelling for Thalia to break and she did as he asked. The bus slammed forward, near flipping over as we smashed into the canoe lake. Thank the gods, the lake was still empty as barely anyone was in Camp at this time of the year and it was early in the morning.

Not that this was of much help to the naiads or the local marine population as the water boiled around us, canoes melting into the water, in short Thalia had caused a small ecological disaster, but at least it remained at that.

The bus was now swimming on the surface and we were close enough to the shore that one could just trudge out. As soon as the door opened I was near much the first one out, now standing out on the lake's surface. I helped the others out, pulling Grover and Nico across onto the pathway, a still shaky Thalia soon followed.

"Are you alright? You look sick." I stated with concern.

"I'm fine." She replied angrily.

She clearly wasn't, but with her eyes making clear she didn't want to talk about it any further I just sighed and let it rest. I watched in slight amusement as the hunters stomped through the cold water and muddy ground and Grover went to help them, despite their protest.

Wasn't it bad enough to fawn over the goddess? Did he really have to harass her hunters as well? I shook my head at this, a lot of them were quite beautiful sure, but they were at last doubly so unfriendly as well.

Soon after Apollo had left, only the four of us were left as the hunters marched to cabin eight, our resident satyr and creep following. Soon we were marching up to the big house in solemn silence.

It was fitting as we walked through the camp, which was mostly deserted. In the distance I spotted a good few campers. Silena was at the stables, which wasn't surprising, she adored working with the pegasi. Beckendorf was stoking the fire of the forge and I gave him a wave as he noticed us, which he returned with a surprised expression.

I was happy to see both of them, the two older campers both were some of the most friendly ones, though each in their own way. Neither of them were bothered much by my past and I got along with both quite well. I also spotted the Stolls picking the lock of the camp store.

I didn't really see the point of that, there wasn't that much too steal in there and they wouldn't annoy Katie with it, since she wasn't even here. I guess practice makes perfect was their approach to theft.

The whole camp, including the Big House were decorated. I wouldn't call them Christmas decorations, Saturnalia would be the fitting Roman celebration, but considering we were not Roman and who we were currently fighting that would be quite inappropriate as well. In the end I settled on calling the little fireballs floating on strings along the porch, solstice decorations.

I was quite relieved to enter the building as warmth seeped into me, the air smelling of cocoa. My good mood was dampened by the upcoming meeting with a certain god. We strode through the hallway till we stood in front of the door leading to the parlor. We shared an uncomfortable look between us, someone would have to tell Chiron about Annabeth. Finally Thalia took the lead and pushed the door open.

Chiron and Dionysus sat together, playing cards. Chiron looked good, or at least a lot more settled in than when I had first met him. Not that this was so surprising. His beard and hair had grown a bit longer and he was wearing a fuzzy sweater with hoofprint design, which I considered kind of a weird, imagine wearing a sweater with footprints on it.

A just as fuzzy blanket covered his wheelchair disguised legs, the centaur looked relaxed and honestly I felt quite guilty for us bringing him bad news, especially as he smiled when he saw us.

"Percy! Theseus! Thalia!" He called, before looking to boy we had in tow. "Ah- this must be-"

"Nico di Angelo," Percy introduced. "He and his sister are half-bloods."

"You succeeded, then?"

"A Pyrrhic victory at best..." I said painfully, we all knew how close the two were, which made this so much worse.

"What's wrong?" Realization set in on the centaur's face. "Where's Annabeth?"

"Oh, dear," Dionysus said, clearly not caring in the slightest. "Not another one lost."

As I looked at the sad excuse of a god, I had to use a lot of willpower to not to react to him. It were moments like these were I ever so slightly wished I had stayed with the Titans, even if it was just to see this pitiful immortal get thrown into Tartarus, or even better- scattered, how could someone so unworthy be granted immortality. Of course these were mere thoughts of anger, but they were so enticing. Our dislike, no hate even, was truly mutual, though it wasn't worth getting turned into a dolphin over.

"What do you mean?" Thalia asked. "Who else is lost?"

Before the centaur could answer, Grover entered the room. A mad grin on his face, a black eye and a fresh slap mark on his face. Whatever he had done, I had a feeling this response wasn't entirely unjustified, though perhaps a bit over the top, especially judging from his expression, did the satyr have a thing for pain?

"The Hunters are all moved in!" He reported happily.

"The Hunters, eh? I see we have much to talk about." He said and glanced at Nico. "Grover, perhaps you should take our young friend to the den and show him our orientation film."

I wasn't even aware the camp had an orientation film, but after a question about the rating of said film, they were already off. Though the questions made me in turn question Bianca's decision again, she seemed quite responsible and caring. I guess caring for the boy really was quite the burden, but still...

"Now, perhaps you should sit down and tell us the whole story." Chiron stated with concern.

I mostly let Percy do the talking, with Thalia and me adding on, whenever he forgot something or while we were separated. Though as we came to the part about what Thorn said, I threw Chiron a look clearly telling him that we needed to talk about that, which he confirmed with a nod.

"We should launch a search for Annabeth immediately." The centaur said with a turn to Dionysus.

"I'll go!" Percy and Thalia both declared at the same time.

I of course wanted to save her as well, but we didn't even know where to go, she could be anywhere in the US right now. Besides that there were so many things to discuss beyond that. Saving Annabeth was the right thing to do, but it still needed to be approached with reason. Though it never came so far as the god spoke up again.

"Certainly not!"

Percy and Thalia instantly started complaining audibly. I wanted to throw so many things at his head as well but held my tongue, it was of no use, I was well aware of that. The immortal clearly was infuriated by the two as his eyes turned to purple fire. The flames danced madly in his eyes, reminding me that no matter how pathetic he seemed, he was still immortal, an Olympian even.

"From what you have told me," He said. "we have broken even on this escapade. We have, ah, regrettably lost Annie Bell —"

"Annabeth," Percy snapped furiously and I put a hand on his shoulder.

I could understand my brother's anger very well, but the last thing we needed was losing him as well, so I silently prayed that he wouldn't be his usual self.

"Yes, yes," He waved Percy off. "And you procured a small and annoying boy to replace her. So I see no point risking further half-bloods on a ridiculous rescue. The possibility is very great that this Annie girl is dead."

I felt Percy growing even more angry, fearing for the pipes of the big house, as I felt the water rush beneath us and of course for his safety, I pressed on his shoulder. Get a hold of yourself Percy, I thought.

"Annabeth may be alive," Chiron argued weakly. "She's very bright. If... if our enemies have her, she will try to play for time. She may even pretend to cooperate."

I nodded in support. "Chiron is correct, besides, our dearest Titan King is not one to waste something or someone if he thinks he can use it."

"You're right, Luke would want her alive." Thalia agreed.

She was quite right, besides Kronos' scheming, Luke was also a factor, he was much more emotional than my grandfather, which was something that could be manipulated. This was not just how his master controlled him, but also a opportunity for Annabeth, though I was afraid it was just as much a weakness that our foes could use.

"In which case, I'm afraid she will have to be smart enough to escape on her own." The god now said again, still entirely untouched.

I felt Percy trying to get up, he was full of anger and it was hard to keep him down, he had already risen halfway.

"Calm down Percy, please." He finally relented, still fuming, and I pushed him back down into his seat.

"You're glad to lose another camper, You'd like it if we all disappeared!" Percy still cried out.

"Percy, stop!" I snapped. "This gets us nowhere!"

"You have a point?" The god yawned, though thankfully it remained at that.

Before my brother had the chance to say anything else stupid, Nico and Grover returned. The boy had an amazed look on his face as he walked in happily, all the bitterness from before now gone and replaced. He pointed at Chiron.

"SO COOL!" Nico yelled "You're... you're a centaur!"

"Yes, Mr. di Angelo, if you please. Though, I prefer to stay in human form in this wheelchair for, ah, first encounters."

Honestly I was unsure if that truly was a good idea, sometimes I just felt like Chiron liked to shock people when he reveals he's a centaur.

"And, whoa!" Nico turned to Dionysus "You're the wine dude? No way!"

I stifled a laugh as the god turned to Nico confused. Nico rambled on about Mythomagic and the stats the god of wine had in it. I watched in amusement as Nico pretty much told him his powers were lame and he was the weakest card. The baffled look on the god's face truly was invaluable, as he was told that despite his shortcomings, his powers were totally sweet.

"Percy," Chiron said, clearly intent on getting the angry demigod away "You, Theseus and Thalia go down to the cabins. Inform the campers we'll be playing capture the flag tomorrow evening."

"Oh, and Theseus, we need to talk. come to my office in the evening will you?"

I nodded and quickly followed Thalia who was already dragging Percy outside.

"What were you doing in there?" I asked him perplexed as we left.

"You've already got Ares on your bad side," Thalia added in agreement. "You need another immortal enemy?"

"Forget him just being an enemy, he hates us already Percy, don't give him grounds for incarceration."

"Sorry," Percy muttered. "It's just so unfair..."

Thalia stopped next to the armory, looking towards the tree which she once was a part of.

"Percy, everything is unfair," Thalia muttered. "Sometimes I wish..."

Thalia didn't bring the sentence to an end, but I had a feeling she wanted to talk with Percy, alone preferably. Hopefully these two could finally bury their conflict, at least for now.

"I'll go tell Beckendorf and Silena, they aren't in their cabins anyways," I said and they both barely nodded as I hurried off.

I started with the forge since it was closest and I needed to see Beckendorf anyways. The distinct sounds of hammer striking metal could be heard from it as I got closer. Beckendorf was currently working on a sword, powerful strikes shaping the blade.

Patiently I watched with interest as he worked the mteal, not only would it be rude to interrupt him, I also simply enjoyed watching him forge, he truly was a uniquely skilled smith. He had noticed me and gave me a small nod, though he quickly returned his focus to his work.

After a few more minutes, he had finished and cooled the blade off. He pulled his protective goggles up and put his hammer away as he turned to me.

"Hey Theseus, good to see you, that was quite the return you made there." He greeted me looking at the lake with a grin.

"Indeed," I agreed. "Though I would have prepared swimming all the way from Maine to here honestly."

"So that's where you're coming back from what were you doing up there, and what are the Hunters doing here?"

"We were on a mission to rescue some new half-bloods, siblings, ten and twelve. Though we botched it, the hunters showed up and we lost Annabeth, she isn't dead but..."

"lost," He finished for me, with a tired voice. "Clarrise as well, missing in action."

I nodded, clearly the war started taking its toll more and more. I wondered how many would come this summer, hopefully more than last summer or at least we would break even, but I had a feeling it would be less than before. With our enemy luring demigods to his side and monsters killing others, our losses were mounting and there was no sign of stopping.

"And what about the hunters?" Beckendorf asked again.

"Right," I said. "We met Artemis along with her hunters and she talked with Perce, the monster we fought, a manticore, he said some concerning stuff. She went on a mission to kill an important monster, said it was too dangerous even for her hunters. Despite her lieutenant's protest she decided it was best for them to stay here while she was away. That's actually the main reason I came to talk to you as well, we are having a friendly match of Capture the Flag with them, Chiron said we should tell you guys." I told him with big air quotes around it and he nodded in understanding.

"From what I've heard these matches get pretty intense. So that sure won't be all that friendly, if only we were at full numbers, but even then..."

I raised a brow and he sighed. "The hunters haven't lost a game against the campers since 1954, the scores are 0:56. I don't like our odds." He paused for a moment. "Though at least we got some big three kids this time."

"Thanks for the trust, I'll try my best, though I can't promise anything." I said with a grin. "Though while I am already here I've got another request."

"If you got the time on your hands today, would you mind fixing up the blackening of my armor, it got scratched up pretty badly in the fight."

"Why am I not surprised, you really are obsessed with keeping that set in prime condition, not that I can blame you, it's great armor." He stated. "I am pretty busy though, but I'll see what I can do."

"Thanks, Beckendorf, you're the best." I said as I dropped my gear off already. "I've gotta run and tell Silena now, I'll see you in the evening."

After I had bid farewell, I made my way to the stables and told Silena the news. She seemed surprisingly angry. Had she met the hunters before? She seemed to carry some grudge against them, though it was probably just her parentage. But I had never Silena this ready beat someone into the ground.

We talked for a bit and I helped her with brushing some of the pegasi, though I quickly grew annoyed by their voices. I liked Pegasi, sure, who couldn't? But it only took so many minutes of telepathic communication with multiple voices to get on your nerves. Because they didn't actually talk, but you just heard them in your head, they were constantly talking over each other without knowing, which got real messy real quick.

"Well I'll get going again, I've still got some preparations to make for tomorrow."

"Alright, see ya." She said and waved me off.

Honestly I hadn't cared about the match that much before, I knew the hunters were good, sure. But the campers never beating them? Now that I couldn't let stand, which meant I had to find some way to make sure we won. I already had a spot for the flag in mind, it wasn't exactly the most fair strategy I was planning on, but that didn't matter, I wouldn't use it against fellow campers, that was simply not very sportsmanlike, but with the hunters?

No such concerns there, if it resulted in victory I was ready to play dirty against them.

Of course I still needed to clear this with Thalia, she would surely be leading, but I had no doubts she would agree, from the way she and Zoë talked she wanted to beat her desperately as well. I'll probably need to get Chiron to let the cold weather trough again tonight as well, for it to work, but that shouldn't be too hard though.

The rest of the day went past quickly and mostly uneventful. I spoke to Thalia and was surprised to learn she and Percy had decided to be co-captains. I wasn't jealous, at least not really, Percy had been at camp a year longer and was more accepted as a leader, so it was the reasonable choice. I spent the afternoon training with him, send Mom an Iris message before dinner and after that went to talk with Chiron.

I had made a conscious decision when I avoided telling the other two about what I suspected, especially Thalia. I wasn't sure whether it made sense to tell them about the Ophiotaurus and I was absolutely sure it was him. It could influence them, change their decision-making, make them uneasy.

There wasn't any real benefit to it either, Artemis was a capable goddess, she should be able to track it down before it turned dangerous, hunting was her main domain after all. Chiron seemed to agree with my judgement though he was insistent I couldn't know for sure what it was.

He also was willing to let the snow in, sure I argued it was for festive mood, but we both surely knew what my intention was. So I went to bed happily, excited about the coming game tomorrow. Despite my excitement, I had no hard time falling asleep, after all I hadn't slept a minute the night before.

Of course my desperately needed rest was disturbed by a dream, because why would any demigod ever get a proper night of sleep. Though it was not your average demigod nightmare, oh no, it felt much more real than that.

It was a short sequence. My view was following a girl, sprinting through the forest, though she moved so fast it almost looked as if she was flying, her figure blurred. This and her distinct look, silver parka, silver eyes and silver bow made it quite clear this was not just any girl or even any of Artemis' hunters, no, this was the goddess herself.

She was rushing through the woods, she looked as if she was looking for something, suddenly she stopped on a small clearing, dropping to the ground as if she was picking up some sort of trace.

Then glinting in the light of the evening sun, a crooked arrow flew out of the trees. Unsurprisingly she dodged easily. A dozen more followed, still no problem for the goddess, an inconvenience at best.

She weaved and ducked past them and like a flash struck towards her unknown assailants. Her bow had been replaced by two long hunting knifes, slashing through the now visible dracaena.

Unsurprisingly this wasn't the end of it, no twelve dracaena were stupid enough to try and attack an Olympian. A large cyclops burst forward, from the armor that covered him he clearly was a Hyperborean cyclops.

It swung it's massive hammer, the goddess dodged again, leaving it to tear through two huge trees as she moved forward again, pulverizing him as well.

All of this was little more than another distraction as two even taller figures approached, both covered in heavy Greek armor. Both were imposing figures, though one seemed far more impressive.

The larger of the two was at least twenty feet and was more muscular than any immortal I had ever seen, with his dark grey eyes and black hair there was no mistaking him, Atlas. Flanking him was presumably another titan, a bit smaller and less muscular. I didn't recognize him but he gave off an oppressive aura, like a deafening storm whirled around him.

Atlas thrust forward with his massive bronze spear, somehow catching the goddess off guard, she managed to avoid her shoulder getting skewered, but still the lance cut deeply.

"Atlas!" She growled, her eyes flicking to the other. "Perses!"

I didn't know much about the titan of destruction, but now also recognized him, though there wasn't much time to remember about him. He rushed forward, his huge greatsword arcing downward. The goddess dodged once more, the sword hitting the ground, leaving a deep scar in it. Her foes gave her no rest though as Atlas launched another offensive. Artemis parried a first thrust, but then was taken by surprise from a giant attacking from behind, club smashing her into a nearby tree.

She got up, dazed, but not beaten. She fought bravely, but clearly was outmatched. Slowly my vision started fading to black and my hearing disappeared as well, the last sounds I could hear were the defiant groans of pain from the goddess.

With a jolt I awoke, nearly slamming into the bunk above me. I sat still for a few moments, trying to compose myself. I felt feverish and pushed the window next to my bed up. I peeked outside, the cold air bringing me to focus. What had I just seen, I had no basis, but this was no mere dream, no, this felt like it had happened already. Or perhaps it would still happen. But no, I cast the latter option away, I was many things, but no prophet.

I looked out into Camp, before looking up. The moon was still there, but it seemed lesser, weaker. Perhaps it was just me seeing things, but it just strengthened my suspicion. Again I let my eyes sweep through the camp, it was quiet, not even the cleaning harpies were there. Perhaps they were on vacation with so few campers around, or more likely it was already late, or rather early enough that they wouldn't eat anyone.

A glance at the digital clock on of the tables, confirmed my thoughts, 3:30 am, I got up at 5 am usually and they always were gone around that time. I sighed, I wouldn't get any sleep before my usual wake up time anymore anyways, not after that experience. With a sigh I got dressed, might as well start productively with a few laps in the arena and good swim across the sound.

I slipped out as silently as I could, moving past a Percy throwing himself from side to side. I smiled lightly, clearly I wasn't the only one who didn't sleep well tonight. Though Percy would be far more grumpy than I if he woke up this early.

As I closed the door behind me, I noticed something, or rather someone. Just as distinct as her mistress, Zoë was leaving cabin eight, with hasty steps she set off towards the big house. She didn't even notice me, or if she did she was far too hectic to notice. I swallowed hard, this surely was no coincidence. I heard a strange shuffling noise from her cabin but pushed it off, there were more important matters at hand.

I jogged after Zoë, who despite clearly noticing me, didn't show any sign of slowing, speeding up even.

"Hey," I called as I fell in pace. "wait, Zoë!"

"I don't have time, boy!" She said unnerved.

"Let me guess, you are going to talk with Chiron," I began, though she just ignored me.

"I assume it's about your goddess, is it not?" Still no reaction, so I continued.

"Had a dream about your father ambushing her?" I asked, shooting in the dark.

This got her attention as she ground to a halt, we were just in front of the Big House by now. She whirled around to me, eyes frantic, searching my face.

"What doth thee know?" She asked in a low tone, the Shakespearean language throwing me off.

I looked around, I felt watched. But I couldn't see much in the dark winter night, so I shoved the feeling aside.

"I had a dream," I started. "I was following Lady Artemis, she was moving through the woods searching for something, the Ophiotaurus I presume."

"She stopped for a moment, before being attacked by some dracaena. Of course she wiped them out easily, followed by a nearby cyclops." I paused for a moment as I watched her, her mind was racing from the looks of it.

"Then the General appeared, along with the titan of destruction." I continued, careful to avoid the names, I didn't know if they were aware we knew, but their attention was unwanted.

"Lady Artemis suffered a few hits, I couldn't see how it ended, but from your worried look I assume not well..."

Zoë remained silent for a few moments. She looked as if she was bringing together pieces in her mind, clearly her dream had been at least somewhat different. Finally she spoke up.

"I thank thee for telling me, boy." She finally said, though there was a tad less hostility in her voice than before.

"This helps me understand what happened, but alas it doesn't change a thing, I still need to speak with Chiron. Leave now, this is a matter of the Hunters." She told me but I shook my head.

"I'm not going anywhere Zoë, you can pretend what you want, but this concerns me as well. She is your goddess, yes, but this is my war as well. Besides, I can be of use with figuring this out, still. I sat with Luke and his other officers as he planned, I spoke to the titan king myself." I argued and she just turned back to the Big House.

I followed her and she protested no further, either she was too tired to, or she had accepted I was right. I cared little which it was, both got me to my goal. She stepped onto the porch with heavy steps and knocked impatiently. After a few seconds without a reaction she knocked again, harder and more arithmetically. This time lights quickly followed illuminating the hallway as the door was opened.

Argus leaned out, his hundred eyes were watching us intently as he towered over us.

"Let me in, I require to speak with Chiron immediately." Zoë demanded and pushed forward.

Argus didn't budge though and just shook his head wordlessly. I sighed, Argus was very strict when it came to the rules and no one was allowed in the big house at night without any of the camp staff letting them in. He saw no need for an exception for Zoë right now it seemed.

Zoë started up again, insisting again that Argus had to let her speak wit Chiron. But again Argus refused to budge, which infuriated Zoë even further. She tried a few more times getting louder every time and her language getting more and more old-fashioned as well rough.

"Damn it,-" Zoë said followed by a colorful and long curse in old tongue. I was well versed in the ancient language of the Titans, but even I can't put what followed into fitting words. "-You boil-brained lout, my lady Artemis is lost for Olympus' sake," She yelled. "If thou don't move in this instant-"

Before she could finished Chiron luckily appeared, surely awakened by her yelling. I had to try hard not to chuckle as I noticed the centaur's pajamas, of course these also had a hoofprint design, and the curlers in his tail.

"Finally thou art here, Chiron." She addressed him. "The Hunters need to leave this instant. Our lady needs us, you have to give us permission to leave."

"Zoë? Theseus? What is the meaning of this?" He asked and I nodded to the daughter of Atlas, she was the one who wanted to talk to Chiron before sunrise.

Zoë seemed annoyed, but gathered herself again. "I had a dream. My Lady is in trouble. She has been taken by the enemy. The Hunters need to leave immediately and you have to give us permission."

"No Zoë, Lady Artemis told you to remain here till she gives orders to the contrary and I won't go against that." He said simply and Zoë switched from annoyed to angry.

"What do thee mean, No?" She flared up.

"My lady is gone, there won't be any orders for us to leave, not today and not tomorrow, perhaps never. She told me to do as she would and I intend on doing just that. The hunters must leave right now." She insisted again.

"My answer is still no, I sincerely doubt Lady Artemis would want her hunters aimlessly risking themselves. If what you say is true it is most troubling and we will have to deal with it, but I won't let you rush to search for her blindly." Chiron retorted.

Argus was gone by now and I was left alone with the two immortals staring each other down. I felt incredibly uncomfortable, the tension was palpable and I was sure Zoë would not stop till she got the answer she wanted.

"Chiron, we have already discussed what him being free means yesterday. Are you sure that the circumstances haven't changed more significantly than anyone could have anticipated?" I argued.

I could of course understand Chiron's concerns, but quite frankly I had to agree with Zoë. Artemis return was incredibly important in light of the current events. However, I wasn't sure how exactly she intended on beating her father and his allies with thirteen middle schoolers, albeit skilled and experienced middle school girls, they alone had no chance against Atlas, not to mention whoever aided him. But just doing nothing was far worse than trying to prevent the worse.

"The General is free?" Shocked Chiron turned to Zoë. "Perhaps you should tell me just what exactly you saw."

We followed him inside and he led us to his office. He offered us to sit, but Zoë didn't even bother. To not make the situation more awkward than it already was I remained standing as well, leaning against the door after Chiron had entered, now in wheelchair form. Which made me wonder how he slept, or where even for that matter. He had curlers in his horse tail, so I guess he slept in horse form, though I wondered if he slept standing or laying down.

"So, perhaps you should start at the beginning?" He said as he rolled behind his desk.

I exchanged a short look with Zoë who impatiently nodded towards me to go first. So I took a deep breath and started, recounting everything, making sure to mention every small detail.

After I had finished Zoë continued, picking up shortly after my dream had faded, the parts fit like puzzle pieces and that they belonged together was frankly obvious. She described how she saw Artemis being slowly beaten by the two titans and finally dragged off in celestial bronze shackles. By the end of it she was shaking, it was worrying to see someone who made such a stoic and steadfast impression on me like this.

"I see, it is good you have told me about this. But now my answer is even more certain, I won't let you and the Hunters leave. Lady Artemis gave clear orders and she would never accept me letting you disobey her like this and risking yourselves for her. I will have the council informed about this. For now you must remain here. I am sorry, but I cannot allow anything else." He still said decisively.

Zoë turned on her heel and marched out without another word. I dared not stand in her way, moving from the door. Now only me and Chiron remained and I looked at the old teacher.

"Are you sure this is the right way, with everyday we wait we lose time and our odds get worse I'd say." I said after Zoë left, doors slamming behind her.

"You are not completely wrong, my child, but I won't let them go to their death like this, even if that is what they want. Especially not if they are explicitly supposed to stay here."

I didn't agree with Chiron's judgement, but there was nothing I could do about it so I turned to leave as well. After stepping out onto the porch I waited a few more minutes, leaning on the railing, fingers drumming. As I watched Zoë return to Cabin eight, though my eyes picked up someone else. Was that... Grover? What was he doing awake at such a time and why was he sneaking around the cabins, was he the one who I felt watching us.

I made my way down, silently nearing the satyr. Following him as he moved along the cabins, finally he arrived near the Artemis Cabin and settled down near one of the surrounding bushes. I raised a brow to myself as I walked towards him, there was no weaseling out of this for him, what was he doing.

I crept up behind him and when the satyr finally noticed me he looked as if he was about to die from fright. He wordlessly begged me to remain silent as I realized just what he was doing. From the look of the ground beneath him he had spent the entire night here so far, he clearly didn't want the hunters to notice.

For a moment I stood and considered, it would be incredibly funny to alert the hunters of his presence somehow. He would surely get another round of slap marks and a second black eye, definitely not undeserved this time.

Luckily for our half-goat stalker I decided against such an act, besides it being rather cruel, there was something far worse stopping me. Namely the risk of drawing the Hunters' ire myself which wasn't worth the potential entertainment of seeing him get chased away. So I just let him get away with a good scare, for a minute stopping in front of the cabin door as if contemplating knocking which got the satyr frantically up his hooves again and running for the hills.

Stifling my laughs I walked off towards the arena, the sun would be coming up soon. The terrible signs of these last days were all the more reason to get a few extra laps in today before it did. If war was coming earlier than expected, than I had half a year of time I wasted to catch up on and all the less time to do so. So without further ado I got to training, there was after all, also still a game of capture the flag coming up today, one I still intended to win or at least lose while putting up a good fight...

AN: Heh, I almost tricked you into believing we would get to capture the flag with last chapter huh? Well I intended to put this in this chapter, but didn't want to blow the other chapters out of proportion, I've decided to always aim for about 5-6k words. But I am excited to write this next part since it's less story and more action, which is challenging to write, but all the more satisfying to in my opinion.

Next update should be soon!

As always thanks for reading, please Review!