-Kyra Teal-
Percy Jackson approached us directly after they talked with their party. "Apparently, they placed the statue in Athens already. They were just resupplying before searching for us."
"And what arrangements have been made for regrouping?" Amos asked.
"Well, the choices are we meet them there, or have them met us here," Percy explained. "Figured we'd let you four decide, you've been the only reason why we have traveled as far in such short time."
I cleared my throat and faced my cousin, earning his attention. "We might not strike another auspicious moment being in Rome. But I also fear a quick trip through the Duat will stir our Greek friends into a frenzy." I voiced my opinion.
Amos nodded in agreement. "I don't trust the earth in these parts, a trip in the Duat for any of us is far too risky."
"So, have them meet us?" Percy asked for clarification.
"That would be best." I finalized before he returned to Annabeth.
I looked past Amos to see Carter and Sadie practicing pulling Amos' sleeping bags out of their own lockers, and then putting them back. "Amos," I spoke softly as to not bring alarm to anyone else.
He faced me, exhaustion visible in his facial features, but he refused to let himself appear that way. "We should slip for a moment and talk," I struggled to say.
He nodded in understanding and extended his right hand, which I hesitated to take. Then stood speechless to the sudden cliff-side view of the ocean. "Well, I guess you have far too many tricks up your sleeve." I smiled as he decided to sit, letting his legs dangle over the cliff.
"One of those things you pick up as Chief Lector." He shrugged off as I sat beside him. "So, what's on your mind?"
I sighed, digging at my list of worries to decide which one to bring up first. "I have a feeling that I know how you plan to have the next meeting with this Goddess turn out. I won't stop you, I know it's perhaps for the best. However, I'm concerned about the following Chief Lector-"
Amos closed his eyes for a second. "Sadie is headstrong, she'll continue guarding and advising the Pharaoh in my place."
"Amos," I snapped, "the Per Ankh still questions the reasoning of placing a teenager in the throne. It would be unwise to let the House be headed with teens."
He faced me in reaction. "Perhaps this is something you should discuss with Carter and Sadie," he suggested. "If they feel the same, maybe an exception can be made and place you in my place instead."
My eyes gave in to the sadness tugging at me since the evacuation. "How can you be so casual on the subject?" My voice broke.
Amos shook his head. "Kyra, we're the adults amongst this small group," He started. "I know you still feel fifteen with the knowledge of a fifty-year-old. You haven't been put in the situation of playing role model yet. I fear, if it happens, they'll immediately turn to you to push them on."
"That's another thing," I continued. "How am I expected to hide my emotions from them if you are not around?"
Amos rolled his eyes. "It's not like I'll be ditching you Kyra. I'll pay my visits, Julius will make certain of that."
"You sure? Julius and I never got along-" I reminded.
"You've had your disagreements," Amos agreed. "But it's not like Julius and I don't either."
Amos and I shared smiles, recalling past fights they had. "It's just hard to even think that Julius is gone. I don't even want to think of how lonely I'll be without the other Kane brother too," I admitted dryly.
His expression hardened in response. "You've held on to family far too much since the accident."
"When it leaves me parentless, it tends to happen," I pointed out. "Have you not seen the same of Carter and Sadie?"
Amos hesitated to nod. "Yes, and it's dragged them into far too much trouble than I'd like to admit."
"Well, that's what is expected when around you," I continued, "but everyone that has taken the time to know you obviously don't regret it for a second. Because, unlike Julius the pompous jerk, you are gentle and caring of those who even try to push you away."
Amos smiled a bit and shook his head. "Why is it that you keep picking us up and help dust off the hopelessness?"
"It's one of the few things I can give you in return," I answered easily. "So, I expect you don't go on an immediate suicide mission when she shows her muddy face."
"Well I wasn't planning to make it easy on her; I'm Chief Lector for crying out loud. Besides, Set would be pissed if I go down so easily." Amos adjusted his fedora against his hair, which he had tossed the idea of braiding it this morning. "And everyone else, obviously."
