"Who do you choose as your companions?"

The meeting had dissolved, now the only people left were Ingrid, Jinx, Orlando and the Stolls, sitting on the porch of the big house with Chiron. Some of the campers stood around, trying to catch bits of the conversation. Ingrid was curled in a ball on one of the deck chairs watching as Orlando nervously chewed on the table cloth.
"Who do you choose as you companions?" repeated Chiron.

Ingrid picked at the peeling blue paint. "Them" she said, indicating Orlando, Jinx and the Stolls.

"Only two"
Ingrid was riled, it was so unfair! "But four people just left for the quest for Artemis! Five if you count--"

Chiron cut her off. "That was on the direct order of the oracle. And only three of them were campers."

Ingrid fumed inwardly. She wanted to mull it over, to think about it carefully, but everyone was staring, waiting. She squeezed her eyes shut. Jinx and Orlando, Travis and Jinx, Orlando and Connor, Travis and--

Travis's voice ripped through her musings. "I am about to make the choice much easier for you Ingrid." He hesitated "I thought I wanted a quest, ever since I got here. But right now…" his voice trailed off.
"It's not the time," Connor finished for him. "Luke disgraced the Hermes cabin and as its new leaders, our duty is here." He looked confident, but in his eyes a flicker of remorse was visible. Ingrid decided not to question his decision; the choice was hard enough for him all ready, as he had been here a lot longer than most kids. If she probed further into his decision, he would change his mind.

Chiron nodded "Then Jinx and Orlando will accompany you on this quest". Ingrid gave a sigh of relief, that was one thing out of the way. He turned to the Stolls "You sons of Hermes made a very wise and mature decision today. You are correct to say that your place is here." He turned to Ingrid. "Go to the attic of this house and consult the Oracle of Delphi. When you return, repeat the exact word to us, assuming you are still sane."

Ingrid stared at him, but Chiron looked dead serious. Ooookay… exactly how is a dead body going to make me crazy… she pondered. She started to face the door.

"Oh and Ingrid?" asked Chiron. She turned back to him. "Remember the quest" His words were so vague, they could mean anything, but she just nodded and entered the big house.

* * *

The trap door shut, automatically locking. Ingrid gulped, there was no turning back. She studied her surroundings. The attic was full of severed body parts, glass jars with pickled eyes and toes in them, broken armor, and vials full of bubbling green liquid. Under any other circumstances, Ingrid's curiosity would have taken control, but she had eyes only for the shriveled mummy in the corner. Ingrid recognized her from the game of capture the flag. She shivered and took a cautious step towards her. "This is no time to be afraid Ingrid" she said to herself. "Just walk" She exhaled steadily through her mouth and walk across the room. The oracle limp form sat up straight. Ingrid had been expecting something like this to happen, but it still caught her off guard. She jumped, making the floorboards rattle. The oracle opened her mouth and pale green mist billowed out, covering the floor so thickly that Ingrid could not see her feet. 'I am the spirit of Delphi, it said speaker of the prophecies of Phoebus Apollo, slayer of the mighty Python. Approach, seeker, and ask.' The words entered her mind, stronger than in the forest two days ago, as they were meant only for her. Ingrid opened her month, but what would she say? Finally she asked "What must I do to succeed in my quest?"

The mist rose, engulfing her in it, and than it was gone. She was in the archery range with the hunters and Jinx. Aliana turned to face her and spoke in the oracles hissing voice.

'You shall travel by sea through perils and pains,

In pursuit of the ship where the traitor reigns,'

Jinx turned her head to deliver the next line.

'The ancient warrior must walk again,

To end the battle that rages within,'

Lyra opened her mouth, and the last line was delivered

'The shadow and the light will merge into one,
Not all can be freed, the sacrifice will be done.'

Eva turned around opened her mouth, breathing greens mist. Ingrid squeezed her eyes shut and when they opened again she was back in the attic, the oracle was limp and unresponsive. She wanted more, she wanted to understand. But she had a feeling she could stay here for weeks, even months, and nothing would happen. It was time to leave.

* * *

Ingrid slumped into the deck chair.
"What did she say?" asked Orlando gently.

"You shall travel by sea through perils and pains," Started Ingrid. They waited.

"In pursuit of the ship where the traitor reigns" She continued

"The Princess Andromeda "said Chiron, nodding.

"The ancient warrior must walk again, to end the battle that rages within. The shadow and light will merge into one…" Ingrid's voice trailed off nervously. She fiddled with her hair. The field seemed emptier now, only a few people were left. She could see Silena Beauregard scowling at her. Why am I doing this? Should I just accept that this isn't what I was meant to do?

"What is it?" probed Jinx, "Ingrid, this is important we have to know everything she said"

Ingrid sighed "Not all can be freed, the sacrifice will be done" she whispered.

"Well, that's cheerful" said Jinx sarcastically.

Chiron silenced her. "You should all go pack. I shall contact someone who may know the whereabouts of The Princess Andromeda. You will leave early morning, tomorrow."

* * *

Ingrid yawned "I didn't think he meant this early! The sun isn't even up yet!"

"Deal with it." said Jinx grumpily. "Chiron should be here soon"

They had packed the night before; all Ingrid had was two sets of clothes, her toiletries, a jacket and orange thermal underwear she had got in the camp store. It wasn't cold in camp but it was winter on the outside too, and Zeus knows where they were headed.
Chiron galloped up to them. "You will be needing these" he handed them a small packet. "Nectar and Ambrosia" He explained seeing their questioning faces. He then took out a wallet "Drachmas, 100 dollars, and…." He rummaged through his pockets "three ship tickets to Panama."

"Why Panama? The prophecy didn't say anything about that" muttered Orlando.

"Because" Answered Chiron gravely "The Princess Andromeda is in Panama Canal. Argus will drive you to the ferry station. Go to the Manhattan Port from there. You have a long way to cover, they are far ahead. Good luck and goodbye." He forced a smile as they stepped into the white minivan and drove off. Ingrid looked at the empty road ahead. There were so many sharp turns; you couldn't see what was around the next corner. It was like life. Suddenly, Ingrid felt completely vulnerable. I'm done making mistakes. She thought. From now on, I'm going to be prepared for the turns in my life. Either that… or I die. She was still scared, only an idiot wouldn't be, but it was bearable. She turned around and stared at the disappearing strawberry fields.