Chapter 13 They have changed
Luke's POV
After Sarah had started climbing the hill I sank into the tall grass. Moving sideways I followed the direction of the wind, in order to stay hidden. I wanted to make sure Sarah got to the border safely. I couldn't place it but something felt off so I followed her progress. She reached Half-Blood Hill without any problems, but once at the top I hoped the Dragon would scare her off. Unfortunately someone was on the hill out of my sight, I could faintly hear their voices. The camper must have succeeded in convincing her it was safe to cross, because she disappeared over the hill. I decided to wait for lights out before moving, mostly because the wind had died. But I was also curious. I wanted to know if Percy had kept his promise to me. So I waited with my back to Half-Blood Hill, roughly an hour and a half later I herded voices. They were trying to be quiet and doing a pretty bad job, as they got closer I was able to make out conversation.
"Marcus, do you have any idea where we are?"
"No actually I don't. But if you're so smart, where are we!?"
The group laughed jarringly.
"Keep your voices down."
This time a different voice spoke,
"What's the point Anthony were in the middle of nowhere?"
Anthony silenced him,
"Quiet Julius, We are at the front door of the Greek's camp. And unless you want those cheating archers to come out here and use us for target practice, stay quiet."
"Let's burn it to the ground like Pontifex Octavian wanted."
"No Aurelius," Anthony said, "At least not yet."
"You take the fun out of everything." Aurelius wined.
Marcus agreed,
"Yeah why do we listen to you anyway?"
Anthony growled in frustration,
"Because you're all idiots Incapable of thinking on your own. Not only that, I'm the ranking officer. So the next one that has a problem with the way I do things will meet Pluto tonight. Is that clear?"
The group grumbled and Anthony repeated.
"Is that clear?"
The group reluctantly chorused,
"Yes."
"Yes, what?"
A mix of yes sir and yes Centurion and came back.
"That's what I thought. Now here are your orders, conceal yourselves on the side of this path. We will wait for one of the Greeks to leave. The first one that does, we'll ambush and get information from them. That way we can know what we're up against."
The group of soldiers hid themselves much like I had done. I speculated about who the Half-Blood were. I didn't recognize any of their names, and their conversation didn't quite make sense to me. I considered running them off but before I made up my mind. Two very familiar voices came into earshot, I remained still as possible as Percy and Annabeth came into view. They walked hand in hand talking about random nonsense, completely unaware of the danger they were in. At the lowest point between Half-Blood Hill, and the one they had just come from, the attack was sprung. The Ambushers we're obviously well practiced in the art, they rushed out of hiding with only the sound of the grass to mark their passage. Not a single battle cri was uttered as their swords whistled through the air. Had Percy or Annabeth been any less experienced they would have been killed or captured within seconds. As it was, their reaction time was extraordinary. I heard the familiar shink of Riptide, as the sword came to life in Percy's grip. Annabeth's dagger seemed to materialize in her hand. Back to back they moved in perfect synchronization. To say I was impressed with how well they knew each other's fighting style and abilities, would be selling it short. Percy and Annabeth appeared to be going through the steps of well rehearsed dance rather than a five to one fight. Their weapons, seemingly a mer extension of their arms. The attackers were also well trained, though there was something off about the fitting style. I just couldn't tell what it was, even by the full moon's light it was hard to see the fight clearly. Someone cried out and I knew fist blood had been drawn. I decided to get closer for a better view, seeing as it was unlikely for me to be seen. Carefully I crept forward, making sure to stay well out of range. The attackers pulled back circling the two, blood now flowed freely from both parties. I peered closer and noticed that even Percy had been wounded, which should not have been possible. Unless he no longer had the curse of Achilles, as far I knew only death could free you from it. I decided to look into that later, for now though, I assist their situation. One of the enemies was down either dead or wounded. The remaining nine continued to circle, till one lunged. Percy countered his strike easily, and the soldier backed off. Antony said something in what sounded like Latin, his people replied in the same tongue. Annabeth spoke rapidly in Greek,
"They want to kill you and take me alive for questioning. I think they want to attack the camp."
Percy replied in kind,
"Not on my watch, on three. Three!"
They lunged, catching both me and their enemies off guard. I was not expecting Annabeth and Percy to go for a fatal attack, but that is exactly what they did. Both of their weapons hit home, and the battle continued, with the stakes now being much higher for everyone involved. The seven remaining attackers found themselves in a fight for their lives, because Percy and Annabeth weren't holding back. One by one the would-be evaders fell to the fatal onslaught of the infamous duo. I watched stunned by the defense with which they attacked. It was clear to me that Annabeth and Percy had changed, I just wondered what had caused it. Percy finished off his last opponent, turning just in time to Annabeth stumble and fall. Her attacker yelled in triumph, as he pinned her to the ground weapon poised to kill. I watched in horror as he brought the weapon down, knowing that both Percy and I were too far-away to save her. Desperately she tried to roll to the side but I could tell it would be in vain. Percy screamed, an inhumane sound that made my blood run cold. He thrust a hand forward and the soldier was flung bodily off of Annabeth. She got to her feet holding her side, as her would-be killer hit the ground. Percy charged him as he staggered to his feet. The unfortunate Half-Blood pulled a knife in a futile attempt to defend himself, without hesitation Percy cut him down. Then ran to Annabeth, dropping to one knee he examined her side.
"Annabeth, this doesn't look good, we need to get you to the infirmary."
She said something I couldn't hear, and Percy put an arm around her for support, lending her away up the hill.