Percy's POV
I was working out with Nico in the sword fighting arena when I heard footsteps at the entrance. I turned and saw Theo watching us in awe.
Nico smiled at him. "Hi, Theo. Finished the camp tour?
Theo mumbled a yes, still staring at Riptide.
I caught his look. "You want to try, Theo?" I asked him. "I can get you one of the practice swords."
His eyes widened, but he nodded eagerly. Nico left the arena, and was back in a few minutes with a rusty, slightly bent bronze sword. I gave him a dirty look. "Sorry," he said. "It was the only one left." He passed the sword to Theo, who tried a few practice swings and nearly took my head off.
"Okay, Theo, ready?" I said. He nodded.
I'll just go easy on him, I thought. He's never held a sword in his life.
We circled each other warily for a minute or two. I opened the duel with a jab to the stomach, but Theo twisted, spun, and slapped the base of my blade with the flat of his own. I managed to hang on to my sword, but my thoughts were in turmoil. How did he learn to fight like that?
Theo pressed forward, slicing at my legs. I jumped over the strike and swung at his right side, which had been exposed by the attack, but he somehow brought his sword up in time.
I need to end this quickly, I thought. I backed away, daring him to come after me. He took the bait, bringing his sword down in an overhead strike, but I caught it with my own, twisting his hilt. The force of the blow was too powerful, though.
Our swords clattered to the floor.
Theo looked as shocked as I did. With a fearful look at me, he dropped his sword and ran from the arena.
I picked up his sword and, capping Riptide, walked over to Nico, who was gazing after Theo.
"Are you sure he's never been to camp?" Nico said.
I laughed, but there was a nervous edge to it. "Not as far as I can remember," I said, "but I'm starting to have some doubts…"