I lead the trio toward the Big House, ignoring Tyson's constant questions. "Whasthat?!" He gasped.
"That's the stable for Pegasi." Percy replied. "The winged horses."
"Whasthat!?"
"Um…those are the toilets."
"Whasthat!?"
"The Cabins for the Campers. If they don't know who your Olympian parent is, they put you in the Hermes Cabin, that brown one over there, until you're determined." I bit back a scowl. Ok, if this Cyclops is staying here, I don't want him to stay with me, even if he's 'nice'. "Then, once they know, they put you in your Dad or Mum's group."
"You…have a cabin?"
"Number Three."
"You live with friends in the cabin?"
"No…no, just me." Our group made it to the Big House.
"You guys should talk to Chiron yourselves." I told them. "I need to help coordinate with Clarisse."
"You're working with Clarisse?" Annabeth asked me.
"We need as much help…everywhere." I sighed. "We have to try and train the Aphrodite kids as well. Good luck, you guys." I pat Percy on the shoulder and headed off.
TIMESKIP
That night in the Dining Pavilion, everyone filed in from their cabins at the bottom of the hill. Annabeth lead the Athena Cabin into the Pavilion. She wasn't the oldest, not by a long shot, but her beads proved to everyone it was her right to stand at the front. The next group was Clarisse who lumbered over with her siblings. I frowned a little at Clarisse's appearance. One of her arms was in a sling, and she had a nasty gash on her cheek that had started to heal, but it still looked bad. She did have a paper taped to her back that read 'YOU MOO, GIRL', but no one said anything. Us Hermes Cabin kids were the last ones to the Dining Pavilion. After Luke's…betrayal, the Stoll Brothers had taken up the position as Co-Head Councillors. They were nice enough, but it was a bit disheartening for us unclaimed kids. Ethan and I squeezed ourselves onto the crowded bench…and then all heads turned. Percy walked with Tyson into Pavilion. I kept my head down, ignoring both the commotion and Tantalus. I stood and made my way to the fire to give an offering to my mother. As I passed the Ares table, I put my free hand on Clarisse's back, crumpling the note as I spoke to her.
"Tomorrow after breakfast, I'll take the Aphrodite kids for the first round of lessons." I told her softly.
"Thanks Mako." Clarisse muttered. I tucked the paper in my back pocket and then sat down again.
"What was that about?" Ethan muttered.
"Just lessons tomorrow." I sighed. "For the Beauty Brats." Once the meal was over, Tantalus stood, so I had to reluctantly listen.
"Yes, well, another fine meal!" He announced. "Or so I am told…" Tantalus tried to grab a plate of food, but it zoomed down the table before he could even get close. "And here on my first day of authority. I'd like to say what a pleasant form of punishment it is to be here. Over the course of the summer, I hope to torture, er…interact with each and everyone one of you children. You all look good enough to eat." Mr D applauded softly, and the Satyrs half-heartedly followed suit. Every time Tyson tried to shuffle away from the head table, Tantalus yanked him back. "And now, some changes! We are reinstituting the Chariot Races." I groaned softly, putting my head in my hands. "Now, I know that these races were discontinued some years ago due to…ah…technical difficulties."
"Three deaths and twenty-six mutilations!" Someone from the Apollo Table shouted.
"Yes, yes." Tantalus waved them off. "But I know that you will all join me in welcoming the return of this Camp Tradition. Golden Laurels will go to the winning charioteers each month. Teams may register in the morning! The first race will be held in three days' time. We will release you from most of your regular activities to prepare your chariots and choose your horses. Oh, and did I mention, the victorious team's cabin will have no chores for the month in which they win?" Everyone started to murmur. Then, out of all people, Clarisse stood.
"But sir!" She protested. "What about patrol duty? I mean, if we drop everything to ready our chariots-"
"Ah! The hero of the day!" Tantalus exclaimed. "Brave Clarisse, who single-handedly bested the bronze bulls." My cheeks went red with anger, though Clarisse blushed.
"Um…I didn't…"
"And modest too!" Tantalus but in. "Not to worry my dear, this is a summer camp. We are here to enjoy ourselves, yes?"
"But the tree-"
"And now." Tantalus interrupted again, prompting Clarisse's siblings to yank her down to her seat. "Before we proceed to the campfire and sing-along, one slight housekeeping issue. Percy Jackson and Annabeth Chase have seen fit, for some reason, to bring this here." Tantalus gestured to Tyson. Everyone murmured distastefully. "Now, of course, Cyclopes have a reputation for being bloodthirsty monsters with a very small brain capacity. Under normal circumstances, I would release this beast into the woods and have you hunt it down with torches and pointed sticks, but who knows? Perhaps this Cyclops is not as horrible as most of its brethren. Until it proves worthy of it's brethren. Until it proves worthy of destruction, we need a place to keep it! I've thought about the stables, but that would make the horses nervous. Hermes' Cabin, possibly?" Travis and Connor stared at the tablecloth, and I pulled my hood over my head. "Come now, the Monster may be able to do some menial chores. Any suggestions as to where such a beast should be kennelled?"
Suddenly, a green light spilled over everyone. I looked up, my mouth dropping open. Above Tyson…a glowing green trident appeared above his hand…Tyson had been claimed…by Poseidon. I stared in disbelief as the campers burst into uproarious laughter. Tyson looked up and tried to slap the trident above his head.
"Well, I think we know where to put the beast now. By the Gods, I can see the family resemblance!"