Chapter 3
They found themselves at a tiny wooden cabin on the edge of the main housing area, hidden away in the trees, out front was a mini assault course and training area. Percy made it to the door first, slamming his fist into it as he rapped three times, dust floating into the air, when there was no response Percy knocked again a little harder and more urgent
"What?" a deep voice called out, the three Demi-Gods entered finding the door unlocked. It was fairly dark inside the cabin, a little light filtered through the open window, it was a small box room with a small bed pushed into the corner and a door leading off into what looked like a bathroom, it looked like it had been built in a hurry and with the bare minimum, not like the other cabins
Quick movement in the corner of the room caught their attention, the figure was dressed in a black vest and slacks, his hands wrapped as he struck a well-worn punching bag which hung from the ceiling. The tall guy glanced over at them.
"Well isn't it the heroes of Olympus and his band of followers" he said sarcastically as he struck the bag again.
Percy was a little taken back at this guy's idea of a greeting
"Markos…" Percy started knowing it would sound like a suicide mission, but he had to try "We need your help"
Markos paused his assault on the bag, turning to face the three younger half-bloods "My help?" he mused for a moment with a slight smirk on his face, Annabeth rolled her eyes, typical Son of Ares… Cocky and thinking he was above everyone else.
"Yes" Percy continued, ignoring the look on Markos's face "Hades is planning to release Tityus from his chains in Tartarus and use him to take his revenge on the mortal world including Camp Half Blood"
Markos's face remained neutral as if waiting for Percy to continue when he didn't Markos asked
"So why do you need me? slayer of Cronos, Daughter of Athena with all her tricks" he made a pointed look at Annabeth, not so subtly jabbing at her for her underhanded tactics yesterday
"And well a Satyr in training" Markos shrugged, obviously not impressed by Grover
Grover took a step forward obviously insulted, but Percy cut in "We think Hades is planning to use the Harpe of Perseus which…"
"Which currently is in the possession of Enyo" Markos finished, a smile on his lips "So you just need someone who she would talk to… like a child of Ares for instance" then something clicked and a knowing look crossed his features "Oh and you came to me because my half-sister is off on her own quest with the others"
The three were silent for a moment before Grover spoke up "Yep that pretty much sums it up"
Markos turned away "Sorry not interested, close the door on your way out" he returned to his punching bag, fists thumping against the leather,
Percy turned to Annabeth and Grover confusion plain on his face "So you won't help us"
Markos faced them, an unentertained look in his emerald eyes "That pretty much sums it up" mirroring Grover's earlier words
Grover was about to kick this guy's ass, he didn't care if he was the Son of Ares or not. Percy was about to push the matter when Annabeth walked right up to Markos, blocking Grover's path to the larger Demi-God
"So you're a coward" her voice was confident, it wasn't a question and Markos knew it, he stared down at the grey eyed Demi-God, his anger started to bubble, his fists clenching a little, he could feel a heat creeping up his neck
"Watch yourself Daughter of Athena after yesterday's performance I'm not inclined to give you many more chances to walk away" He growled under his breath
Annabeth stood her ground keeping eye contact with the Demi-God, she would not back down "I thought Children of Ares never turned down a quest with the promise of Battle"
By the look in Markos's green eyes, she knew she had his interest
"Tell me I'm wrong" she was pushing her luck and she knew it, they watched each other for a moment,
Percy shifted uncomfortably at the proximity of Annabeth and Markos, he didn't know much about this guy, but if Annabeth's reaction when they learnt he was the only child of Ares left on campus was anything to go by then he didn't trust him, but he was the only option they had to find Enyo.
"So will you help us?" she said in a low voice
Markos continued to watch Annabeth, gauging her resolve, Markos had to admit that she had gotten Athena's brains, but he wasn't sure where she got her courage from, she knew that he was kept away from the other Demi-Gods and yet here she was standing face to face with him, without flinching
He could not deny that he would like to get off campus for a while and after another moment of silent deliberation did he answer gruffly "Grab what you need, we are leaving in an hour, be at the service road" he pulled his gaze from the younger blonde, removing his hand wraps "We have a long way to go"
Annabeth turned to the other two and lead them outside, she didn't seem very happy that she managed to convince Markos to take them, she remained mostly silent as they made their way back to the main cabins.