Chapter 25 Proof at Last

Alabaster's POV

I groaned, pushing myself up. What Claymore had just told me was potentially good news.

I just didn't want to deal with it right now, but there was always a chance this time I'd get what I wanted. So I exited my room and slowly made my way into the living room. Claymore was sitting in his favorite spot by the large window. That not only let in lots of light, but also gave a stunning view of the rolling New York countryside. And the Half-Blood pacing within my green cage. Suddenly excited and re-energized, I ran past Howard shouting,

"Why didn't you tell me that we finally caught a Half-Blood!?"

If he gave a response, I didn't hear it. Upon reaching the door, I checked myself, forcing down my excitement at this being my first non monster catch, and replacing it with a demeanor fitting a soldier of Lord Cronos's army. After I mastered myself I threw open the door, striding out, with Claymore following curiously. No sooner had I come within ear shot, than the disheveled Half-Blood began yelling.

"I DEMAND YOU RELEASE ME AT ONCE!"

When my only reply was to keep walking, he pulled himself up, trying his best to look intimidating. Which is hard to do when one is weaponless in a cage. Not to mention exhausted to the point of swaying, barefoot and covered with dirt, grass and blood. The older boy tried and failed to pull off the silent intimidating look, though to be fair he was doing an ok job, despite his current position. It's just after you've had the misfortune of being in the presence of an angry Luke, you don't get intimidated easily. As I got closer, I could see a tattoo which had been burned into his forearm. At least four black stripes and two symbols I couldn't quite make out, though I knew enough to discern one of those symbols would be an SPQR wreathed in laurels. Marking him unmistakably as a well trained Roman legionnaire. This was confirmed once I was in easy conversion range, as he called out,

"I am Sam Lamarcus. Legacy of Mars, former member of the second Cohort, loyal soldier of Rome, and its rightful Praetor Octavian. Who are you to confine me in this way?"

I sized up the Half-Blood, deciding that he had an impressive resume. But mine is better, and since two could play at the game of titles, I decided to share mine.

"I'm Alabaster C. Torrington. Strongest child of Hecate, loyal soldier and Commander of Lord Saturn's army."

Sam took several steps back as fear flickered across his face, as he asked,

"What do you want from me?"

Again I had to swallow my anticipation. But somehow I managed to keep my composure as I said,

"All I want is information. Do your best to provide me with what I want to know and I will let you go."

Sam nodded in agreement to my terms, though he seemed cautious as he asked,

"What's the first question?"

Unable to keep my curiosity any longer, I began.

"There's a rumor that a man named Luke Castellon has come back through the Doors of Death."

Sam frowned,

"Many people have, so why is this one important to you? Besides, how am I supposed to know if this guy is alive? Shouldn't you know better than me?"

His questions annoyed me. Probably because I had come so close, or at least I thought I had come close to finding out if he was back. My reply came back sharper than intended.

"Just answer my question!"

"But why does it matter if this one dude is back or not?"

"Because Luke Castellon betrayed us all, forcing us into a life of exile. Doomed to be hunted down and killed by monsters, Half-Bloods, and gods alike!"

Claymore put a hand on my shoulder. He knew all too well how I felt about Luke, after I learned the truth of what happened on Olympus. After a moment Sam spoke again,

"So now you're out for revenge."

"No, I'm out for justice."

Sam scoffed,

"To me it sounds like revenge. What makes you call it justice?"

"You're a Roman aren't you?"

"Yes."

"Then you should understand that treason can and should be punished by death. Especially when the one who committed it was second only to the Lord of time himself."

Sam took a breath and slowly exhaled, making his cheeks puff out. He remained silent, so I continued.

"In your attempt to threaten me, you mentioned that you are loyal to the rightful Praetor of Rome. That makes me think that you understand what I'm talking about."

Sam glanced from me to Claymore then slowly he nodded saying,

"I don't know if I can help you or not. I don't know this Luke person by name… but if you swear on the Styx to let me go, l will try to answer your questions."

I only hesitated for a heart beat before I agreed. An oath on the Styx is not to be taken lightly, but Sam was only asking for assurance. As the usual thunder clap sounded, Claymore leaned in and whispered.

"What are you doing? You said that taking that kind of oath is dangerous."

"It is… so don't follow my example."

Before he could respond, Sam spoke.

"Describe the guy you're looking for, maybe I've seen him around somewhere."

This time I scoffed as I said,

"I really doubt you would have seen him."

Sam quirked an eyebrow as he spoke.

"It's possible I could have seen him, why do you think otherwise?"

"Because, if you met Luke you wouldn't be alive to tell the tale."

At my words, anger flushed Sam's face, and he shouted back,

"What makes you think that?! I'll have you know I'm a very capable fighter!"

I raised my hands in a placating gesture saying,

"I don't doubt your abilities, however I know Luke's. Three days ago I sent a group of seventy plus soldiers to investigate the rumors about Luke. None have returned or reported back."

"In that case, why are you wasting your time on me?"

"I can always hope you got lucky."

After a long pause he replied with a tone of exasperation.

"Just give me the description and I'll let you know if it rings a bell."

"Luke is older, like early to mid twenties, blonde hair, blue eyes. But the best way to identify him is by his scar, which runs from under his right eye to his jaw."

Sam's eyes widened and he paled slightly as he said,

"Oh yeah your man is definitely alive."

"What makes you so sure?"

"He had me tied up and threatened to hand me over to Percy and Annabeth unless I cooperated…. I assume you know who they are?"

I nodded in response, though I was a little taken aback. It felt out of character for Luke to have let him go so easily. Mentally shrugging I said,

"Tell me everything you can."

Sam sighed and began his tale of misfortune. I listened carefully to everything he could tell me. As he talked I nibbled on a piece of ambrosia to regain my strength. When Sam had finished I nodded slowly pressing my lips to gather, as thoughts swirled around in my head. Eventually I asked,

"Is there anything else I should know?"

"No…"

We stared at each other for a moment trying to figure out what the other was thinking. After a few seconds Sam said,

"I told you what you want now let me go."

I shook my head,

"Not yet."

Sam's face paled as he shouted,

"You swore an oath on the Styx!"

Claymore put a warning hand on my shoulder, but I brushed it off.

"Relax, I'm not stupid enough to consider breaking my oath. But I'm also not foolish enough to leave loose ends untied. So here is a lesson for you both in why you have to be very careful with binding oaths.

(Hi sorry about the long wait work and life got crazy... anyway I hope you enjoyed this chapter and the story thus far. Also just wanted to say thanks for all the awesome comments and I know my grammar is atrocious, I try my best bit I'm Severely dyslexic. Not that that's an excuse or anything I just don't see the errors dearest however now I have one of my good friends going over my work and hopefully she'll catch Most of my mistakes. :) So again thanks for the patience hope you enjoyed it also thanks for the patience I will post when I have a chance.)