Annabeth packed everything that she would need for her trip before she went to bed. She snuck enough rations for a couple of weeks. That night, she had a restless nights rest. She reviewed her plan over and over again, looking for any flaw that she hadn't thought of. By the time morning arrived, she felt confident in her plan, but was exhausted. She was filled with nervous anticipation as she dressed. Juniper could hardly get her hair done as Annabeth kept fidgeting.

When she joined her mother at the front steps, the army was already assembled. Percy stood at the front with Blackjack by his side. He looked every bit the stalwart soldier. But Annabeth knew the doubts that filled him, because of their talk the night before. Her mother inspected the army carefully before raising her hand and signaling for them to march. Percy climbed on Blackjack and led the army out of Athens. It was a stirring sight to see over thirty thousand men marching off to war. At the end of the army were the supply wagons and the blacksmiths with their tools. Once the last of the men were off, Athena started to get herself ready. Malcolm assembled her guard. Annabeth made sure Athena's gear was packed and put in the travel wagon. Once Athena was ready, Malcolm and Annabeth stood ready at the steps to see her off.

Athena placed a hand on Malcolm's shoulder, "Protect the city."

Malcolm nodded.

She turned to Annabeth. "Be safe."

Annabeth nodded back, trying not to let the guilt show.

Satisfied, Athena entered her carriage. Malcolm and Annabeth watched the carriage pull out and exit the palace gates. Once she was out of sight, Annabeth let out a sigh of relief. Malcolm gave her a funny look. Annabeth tried for smiling innocently as she walked by him into the palace. He didn't say anything, and once she was out of his sight, made a beeline for her room.

"My lady." Juniper curtsied.

"If anyone asks, I'm not feeling well." Annabeth grabbed her bag from under her bed.

"Not again." Juniper bemoaned.

"You're leaving me alone, again?" Annabeth started when she heard Malcolm's accusing voice. She whirled around to see Malcolm glaring at her.

"Malcolm! I . . . it's not what it seems."

"You would disobey mother and do what?" Malcolm challenged.

Annabeth squared her shoulders. She was caught. She couldn't deny it any more. Now she would battle. "Do not think me weak, brother. I have been training with the sword and dagger for years." Annabeth lowered her tone to try for a more reasonable argument. "You are the heir. I am but a pawn to be married off to further Athen's relationships. Someone needs to be in Olympus with our army. I can be sacrificed.

"Mother doesn't think of you as a pawn." Malcolm said defensively.

"Oh really?" Annabeth raised an eyebrow. "Silly me. And I guess I've just been passed from one prince to another for what?"

"Annabeth," Malcolm tried again.

"Athens still needs you." Annabeth came to the point. "Mother was right. A kingdom without its heir is lost. You will need to lead the people should Athens come under attack. As for me, I am going were I can help, where I feel I am needed most."

"Let me guess," Malcolm interrupted, "with Percy Jackson."

The words actually startled her and she fought to control her blush. "Defending Olympus. It will be the deciding factor of the war."

"You think he is the legend reincarnate." He accused.

"I think he is a good and honest person who doesn't have an ulterior motive."

"Be careful, Annabeth. Remember your station." He warned.

Annabeth lost her temper, "I know my place!" She practically yelled. She took a breath to get herself under control. "They'll need all the help they can get. I couldn't live with myself if I knew I could help, but didn't."

Malcolm looked at her skeptically. "Mother is going to be angry."

"I won't tell her you knew."

"Come back alive." Malcolm's voice cracked.

Annabeth hugged her brother. "Keep our people safe."

Malcolm hugged her back for a long time. When he let go, he left her room without another word. Annabeth sighed deeply and then began changing into her armor. Once she was finally dressed, she grabbed her bag of supplies and headed to the stables. She saddled her horse and strapped her supplies to the saddle. She felt confident that she looked like all the other soldiers as she mounted her horse and rode out the palace gates and out of Athens without looking back and without interference. Something she thought might be Malcolm's doing. Once outside Athens, she urged her horse into a full run. She caught up to Athen's army by dusk. She considered staying in the back, but decided on riding up to the front, where Percy was, so he could help cover for her. She rode past the blacksmiths, spotting Tyson as she rode by. She rode past the supply wagons and the army. She only slowed down once she reached the front and settled into the same pace as Blackjack with Percy atop. No one made any motion that acknowledged her late arrival. The only sign she got was a side glacé from Percy.

Shortly after she arrived, Percy gave the signal to halt. He turned Blackjack around or Blackjack turned him around, it truly was fascinating to see how they worked together, and began giving orders.

"Set up the tents and make camp for the night." He shouted clearly.

"Annabeth got off her horse and led it off the road. Everyone was tying their horses to the trees in the forest. Annabeth followed suit. She noted that Blackjack grazed without any restraint. She saw Percy motion for her. She went over to him.

"Go and collect some firewood." He murmured.

"Good thinking." she replied and wandered off picking up dry sticks off the ground. She noticed a couple of soldiers doing the same thing, which made her feel as though her plan to disguise herself worked. However, she did feel awkward keeping her helmet on when the other soldiers did not. When she felt she had a good amount, she returned to camp. She was impressed at how quickly they had put up everything. She put down her collection of firewood and the other soldiers followed suite. All the tents were the same size except one, the command tent. She could smell the food cooking, making her stomach growl.

"Want something to eat?" Percy's voice startled her when he spoke behind her.

"Um, yeah." Annabeth suddenly felt self conscious.

Percy led her to the command tent. Inside was a table with a hot meal on it and a pitcher of water next to it. Annabeth noticed the large bed on the other side of the curtains, separating the private chambers from the rest of the tent.

"Um, I think you've made a mistake. This is the command tent. This is your meal."

"How so?" Percy smirked as if he thought what she said was funny.

"The command tent goes to the highest rank. You're the highest rank here."

"Are you sure, your highness?"

Annabeth was taken aback at being addressed so formally. "I'm not royalty here. I'm just a regular soldier."

"Percy snorted as he tried not to laugh. "Annabeth, those next in command know you're here."

"What? How?"

"On account that they fought with you in the labyrinth, and on account that you arrived very late. You did ride up to the very front as though you were leading the army."

Annabeth opened and closed her mouth a few times, not knowing what to say.

"Besides," Percy continued, "did you actually think I would let you sleep with the men?"

Annabeth blushed at that. Then she thought of something. "Wait. The soldiers that were picking firewood with me . . ."

"Were picking firewood . . . while watching over you."

Annabeth huffed, "You're getting to be as bad as my mother."

"You are here, are you not? And by the way, I think the men are proud to have you here."

Annabeth blushed at that. "Where will you sleep?"

"Don't worry about me. I can sleep just about anywhere. Good night, your highness." Percy turned to leave.

"Good night." She replied back softly.

Percy left her alone in the command tent. She couldn't help but notice the two guards outside her tent. She also noticed her bag that she packed for the trip in the private section. Guess she hadn't thought of everything, but Percy had.