Really quick so sorry for the long wait in between chapters My plan had been to finish writing the story and then just upload each chapter after I edit it. However, change of plans the story keeps getting longer and longer in my head so now I am going to post what I have already written and edited. Then I will put the story back on hiatus And continue writing. Hope you enjoy. Thanks for reading this far.

Chapter 32 Is it too late to be superstitious too?

Sarah's POV

I didn't know how long I had sat by myself in the hayloft. I had zoned out so hard I hadn't noticed when Brice left, but that didn't bother me. I had decided that curse or no curse, I needed to visit the clearing that they warned me about. After all, I came here for answers. Leaving the stables I made sure not to pass Blackjack's stall, instead, exiting into the small fenced pasture behind the stables, minding my step to prevent any unfortunate accidents. I hopped the fence and walked towards the Athena cabin, in the hopes to find a map of the woods I could borrow. On my way, I began to notice something for the first time. You could almost tell which campers had been here longer just by looking at them, without the help of their bead necklaces. Sure, most of the more experienced campers were older teens, but that wasn't the biggest giveaway. It didn't matter if they were strawberry picking or playing basketball, ninety percent of the time the kids with the most amount of beads also had their weapons on them at all times. Not only that, their eyes would constantly sweep in the direction of the borders, like it was a long-standing habit. However, the biggest tell was their eyes.

If I happened to look at one of them while they were zoned out they always seemed sad, with a far-away look in their eyes as if they were remembering a moment from the past. It was really unsettling seeing fifteen and sixteen-year-olds with the same look to them as my dad, who had been honorably discharged from the military due to injuries. A thought occurred to me, making me falter in my step. What would happen when I found the answers I was looking for? What if I didn't like what I found? After all, nobody just lies about their entire past if they have nothing to hide. What if Luke wasn't just a revolutionary? What if he wasn't at all what he said he was? (These people didn't seem so bad, what had Luke seen in them that was so terrible it made him want to leave forever and even fight against his old friends?) Then again, whether I liked what I found or not, it's important I know the character of the guy I'm dating. I would just have to find the truth first and figure out what to do with it second. With that decision made, I put a little more purpose into my step. When I reached cabin six its windows and door were open, allowing both sunshine and the soft breeze into the building. I stood just outside the door, hoping someone would notice me so I wouldn't have to knock and disturb everyone from their work. I tried not to be weird by watching everyone and looking in the cabin like a stalker. The only problem was, that it's hard to catch someone's attention if you're not looking at them, so I probably just looked really awkward. On the other hand, I found the difference between this cabin and my current one very interesting. While Hermes looked like an old stereotypical summer camp cabin, whose occupants only used it for sleeping, storing their things, or hanging out, this one looked more like a set for a movie. All the beds were pushed against one wall, and on the other was a huge built-in bookcase that was full of books and scrolls. A handful of desks lined one wall with blueprints, maps, and handwritten notes pinned above them. Not only that but all of the identical siblings were doing something that at least looked important. I sighed. Sometimes in life, you just had to be the interrupting cow. I gave a quick knock on the door frame and tried to pretend I hadn't been standing there as long as I had. Most glanced up from their work, then returned to it as one of the younger boys got up to greet me.

"Good morning, what can we do for you?"

"I'm hoping to borrow a map of the woods, I don't want to get lost tonight during the game."

A big smile spread across his face as he waved me into the cabin.

"If it's a map you're looking for then you're in the right place. Though I think you're one of the first people to ask for a map. Most either stay close to someone who knows their way or get lost. By the way, my name's Liam, what's yours?

"Sarah."

"Well Sarah, it's a pleasure to make your acquaintance."

I had to smile at his vocabulary as he stuck out his small hand. I shook it and he led me to an unoccupied desk. There the little gentleman pulled out the chair for me before getting one for himself. While my small host was collecting a map, I glanced around the cabin, happy to see the approving looks from his older siblings. Before long Liam came back with a smallish map, while he got settled in his chair and pulled out different colored markers, I asked,

"How old are you?"

"I'm nine and three-quarters."

"Wow, I'm impressed, I thought you might be a little bit older."

He glanced up from drawing seemingly random circles on the map.

"Why did you think I was older?"

"Because your manners are so good. Where did you learn to act like such a gentleman?"

"From my dad, he told me that a lot of adults forget how to use their manners, which is why the world is so messed up. He also told me that I should always be respectful to old people and women."

I couldn't think of anything to say, so the little guy just kept going.

"The way I see it is, if I use my manners even if it's hard, then I can be a hero like my sister Annabeth who saved the world even though it was hard. Because if the world wasn't messed up then she wouldn't have had to save it."

To be honest, I was a little dumbfounded. I hadn't been expecting something like that to come from a child. Regardless, he was right. I just really hoped he would be able to hold onto that in this messed up world, and not become too calloused to care.

"You know Liam, you're very smart and grown-up for your age."

"I try to be, I want to be just like my big sister Annabeth. Anyway I finished marking the map. The places marked in blue you want to avoid red are super dangerous and you shouldn't go near them at all. Green just marks the border of the woods, if you do get lost in the dark then just knock on trees until you find a dryad."

He rolled up the map and handed it to me with a compass.

"Thanks."

"No problem."

I spent the rest of the day studying the map and doing random activities to kill time until the Conch horn sounded for supper. After the evening meal all the tables were magically cleared, armor and weapons appeared in the places of our plates and Magic goblets. Conner came over to help me into my armor, then Travis handed me a light sword and shield. A battered blue plumed war helm was shoved onto my head, then I was left alone while everyone else either got themselves ready or helped someone else. I stood watching the easy movements of the experienced campers. Their fingers flying over their own equipment without having to look and giving verbal directions to those having trouble. A small part of me wondered if that could be me one day. The past few days had been like something from a fantasy book or movie, yet I was nothing more than the reader. Now, standing here in armor watching the others, I finally felt like I was more than that. As if I was a character in this story with a part to play. My bunkmate gave me a nudge and I followed my team to the edge of the woods. Percy, our team captain, signaled us to gather around.

"Ok, listen up. We have some tough competition tonight. The Red team's leader is Clarisse but it's Annabeth's plan."

A groan came from the group, but Percy waved a hand in a gesture of assurance.

"I know I know, but we have some tricks up our sleeves as well, isn't that right cabin eleven?"

My cabin mates rubbed their hands together excitedly, and I almost felt bad for the other team. I only knew some of what they had planned…

"That being said, it doesn't mean you should let your guard down. Now, once we're in the woods we'll only have about half an hour of light, so, as soon as we're in the woods, get to your positions and don't take any chances unless you see a golden opportunity. Sarah, you're still pretty new, so pick a partner and stay close…"

In the distance, the horn sounded, and a smile spread across Percy's face as he shouted.

"That's our cue, let's go blue team!"

With that, we plunged into the woods. I followed random people until I got the chance to break off. As soon as I was alone, I brought out my compass and map. After getting my bearings I headed for what seemed to be the closest blue circle. The farther I walked into the woods the more I felt I was being watched, though I didn't see any signs of movement. In the distance, I could hear the sound of metal on metal mixed with shouting, though that quickly faded out. Replacing it was the rustling of leaves in the breeze and the late evening bird song. Just as Percy had predicted, sunlight was fading fast, though I wasn't going to let that deter me, despite the ever-growing feeling of being watched. I hoped my decision wouldn't come back to bite me. I remembered the warning my Counselors had given me about the woods, but surely all the activity tonight would ward off the monsters. At least, I hoped so. Glancing around again I walked faster, trying to heft my shield a little higher. After crossing a creek, the path I was supposed to follow got narrower like it wasn't used often. Before long it faded completely into the grass, and my heart raced at the thought of getting lost. Yet, after a few more yards the trees gave way to a large clearing, the last rays of sunshine bathing it in golden light as it reflected off the half-buried and broken weapons. Standing on the edge of the tree line I couldn't help but think the clearing was beautiful, in a creepy way. I stabbed my sword into the ground, leaving it there as a path marker, then I stepped fully into the clearing. The dead grass crunching under my feet. Random piles of boulders were scattered around. Old weapons and broken bits of wood littered the ground. Picking my way around them I walked to the base of the biggest pile of rubble. Putting down my shield I climbed up to get a better view. Once I was at the top, a weird feeling settled in my stomach at the view below me. Trenches and evidence of fire had scared the ground. Trees had apparently been ripped from the ground, and thrown like massive spears, their tops buried in the ground with the massive root balls sticking up into the air. The broken pieces of wood I'd noticed before were actually sharpened stakes, probably meant as the first line of defense. Off to the left, a tattered camp flag and a banner from cabin six were fluttering in a breeze. I closed my eyes, trying to imagine what this spot would have looked like on the day of the Battle. When I opened my eyes again I saw the sun had dipped below the tree line, leaving barely enough light to see by. Carefully, I started climbing back down to the ground, whispering to myself as I went.

"Great idea Sarah. Climbing up a giant pile of rocks that may or may not be stable on a supposedly cursed battlefield right before the sun disappears. Good one."

Thankfully I got to the bottom without falling off or anything. Picking up my shield I carefully picked my way towards the spot my sword stuck out of the ground. It was slow going, and the sun had completely set by the time I got down the boulder pile, leaving me to find my way using the dim glow cast by the magic metal. Which was cool but also mega creepy. My foot caught on some leftover barb wire. Dropping my shield I fell on my hands and knees, which probably saved my life. Something sailed over my head, and I turned over, so now I was on my butt facing the direction the object had come from. I'm pretty sure my heart stopped for a second when I saw what looked like a pile of rubble advancing towards me rather quickly. After making what must have been a 'very intimidating squeaking noise', I wasted no time in crab-walking away as fast as I could. The laughter that came from the darkness sounded like a bad movie villain's, which was enough to get me on my feet. I had no intention of dying… especially not to a bad movie villain. I scrambled to my feet and hoisted my shield back onto my arm. Throwing caution to the wind, I ran. The humanoid was catching up quickly. I glanced over my shoulder to see the humanoid thing preparing to throw what looked to be a giant waited net. Too late I looked back where I was actually going, my next step was into empty air.

I had literally run myself into a trench. Amazed that I didn't just break anything, I picked myself up and pressed myself against the near side of the trench. I wished Luke was here. He would know what to do; he always did. But he wasn't here, no one was, I was completely on my own in the dark with no weapon and barely any training. Not to mention trapped in a glorified ditch. I was totally about to die. Blinking back tears I wondered how many others had died too young in this cursed clearing, and if they had been thinking about their family like I was now. From somewhere above me I could hear the monster moving around. After what felt like an eternity, it called out in a voice that sounded like he had about a hundred packs of cigarettes too many.

"Come out, come out, wherever you are, I just want to talk."

(Half truth)

I didn't dare move. The voice had come from directly above me.

"You can't hide forever girl! I can smell him on you, not even the demigod blood spilled here can mask his scent."

I had no idea what any of that meant. All I knew was I didn't like the way it sounded. I took a deep breath. The monster was right, I couldn't hide forever. I also couldn't fight, which left me with talking, not that I liked that much better. However, the monster had mentioned it wanted to talk, though once it was done the monster was probably going to try to kill me and would probably succeed. Meaning I had to keep it talking until I could figure something out. What would Luke do? Suddenly I remembered something from monster-fighting class. Annabeth had said never to focus on what you don't know instead only think about what you do know. So what did I already know?

1. Monsters don't like Celestial bronze Or Imperial gold.

2. All monsters have at least one weakness.

3. All monsters can smell Half-Bloods.

4. Most monsters who have a strong sense of smell have poor vision, and vice versa.

Then I remembered how Luke had made me tell him about our surroundings when we got trapped in the bathroom. Closing my eyes I tried to recall everything that I had seen while the sun was still up. It was hard at first but slowly my mind began to clear, just like it had in the bathroom, despite the monster calling out threats and sniffing the air. After another deep breath, I opened my eyes. I had a plan. It wasn't very good, but at least I had one. Staying close to the wall I crept to my left, using the trench to cover ground without being seen. Hopefully, I would be able to use the trench to make a run for it into the woods. From there I could probably either hide or find someone to kill the monster. Unfortunately, after a few yards, I came to a place where the right wall of the trench had caved, meaning I would have to cross open ground to get to the next trench. I took one more deep breath before struggling up the dirt mound. The trench was probably only seven feet deep, but the slope was steep, the ground was soft dirt, and my armor and shield were heavy. I was tired, my nerves were shot, and if I made the slightest noise the monster would see me. In other words, it was impossible. Inevitably I tripped and the monster saw me. Adrenaline coursed through me, helping me to frantically scramble the rest of the way up. Once on solid ground again had nothing to do but stall for time and pray for a miracle. So as it advanced towards me I yelled,

"Wait! You said you wanted to talk!"

The monster's laugh sounded like sandpaper on metal.

"What are you and what do you want with me!?"

Its reply came back in a sneering tone,

"I'm a Laestrygonian, I would have killed and eaten you on-site, except first, I want to know why I can smell Luke Castellon on you."

"What do you mean you can smell Luke on me? How do you even know his name?"

The monster laughed again,

"Luke Castellon is the general of the mighty Titan army. I am one of many sent through the Labyrinth to destroy Camp Half-Blood! We may have lost the battle but we will win the war!"

It occurred to me that this Laestry… whatever this monster is called, must have been left behind when the main army had retreated. Now, years later, it didn't know the war was over.

"Now Half-Blood, tell me who you are."

"I'm Sarah."

"Sarah what?"

"Sarah Whotson, an unclaimed Half-Blood."

It felt weird to say that out loud for the first time. Kinda like introducing yourself as a senior in high school to a freshman. Only unlike most freshmen, the monster seemed less than impressed.

"Well then, what is so special about you?"

"Excuse Me?"

I may have been terrified, but that wouldn't stop me from being offended as well.

"You sound like any other one of your kind. What is so special about you that the General would give you the time of day, let alone spend enough time around you that some of his scent would rub off on you?"

"I…I don't know. Nothing, I guess."

As soon as the words left my mouth I knew they were the wrong ones.

"In that case, I'm sure it's ok if you are my first decent meal in I don't know how long. Your sacrifice is most appreciated."

Too late I realized the monster had been edging closer the whole time we had been talking. I had been the one distracted rather than the other way around. Turning on my heel I tried to run. I wasn't fast enough. Something slammed into my back, resounding off my armor and sending me to the ground. Groaning, I rolled onto my back, horrified to see the giant monster man practically standing over me with a small boulder raised above his head. Somehow I had the good sense and reaction time to actually use my shield. No sooner than I had covered my head and chest, the large rock was hurled down. The force from the impact caused me to punch myself in the face. Pain exploded in my nose, and something warm and wet covered my face. The boulder had exploded on impact with the shield, sending bits of shrapnel flying. Some of it must have hit the monster because he also yelled in pain. However, he recovered quickly, stretching out his hands to grab me. I scrambled back pushing off the ground with my feet and hands desperately as I tried to get away. Advancing on me slowly like something out of a horror movie, it grabbed me by the ankle. Screaming I clawed at the dead grass as he dragged me back. Something sharp cut my grasping hand, but despite the pain, I grabbed whatever had just cut me. Adrenaline and terror helped me to hold onto the danger that was now slippery with my blood, as I was yanked upside-down. I hung for only a moment, the force of the yank was enough to swing me close to the monster, allowing me to plunge the dagger into his chest. Then I was falling, I must have blacked out for a second. Cuz the next thing I knew my whole body hurt worse than it ever had, the knife was still clinched in my bleeding hand. As for the monster, all that was left was a pile of gold dust. Slowly, painfully I picked myself up from the ground. Staggering over to where my shield had fallen, I looked at myself in the reflection of the dented metal. Surprised to see I didn't look as bad as I felt, despite being covered in my own blood. Fighting down a wave of quiziness I rapt my arms around myself. I had come so close to dying tonight, it was a miracle I was still alive. Was this really what it was like to be a Half-Blood? How could any of those middle school and High school kids do this on the regular? How could they have so easily accepted this as part of their life… How could I? After a minute I bent over and picked up the dented shield sliding my arm through the straps, I walked back to my sword. Replacing the sword in its scabbard on my belt, I walked back down the path that had led me here. As I walked alone through the dark woods I studied my new dagger. I know it probably wasn't the best idea to take something like that from a battlefield field, but with how tired I was if anything else attacked me there was no way I could use the heavy sword. Besides I had a feeling that the past owner wouldn't mind me taking it. In a strange way, I almost felt like I had proven myself by killing the monster. When I got back to the small creek I put down the knife and shield to wash my hands and face in the water. It stunning the cut on my hand but the feeling of washing off the dry itchy blood on my face was worth it. Randomly a phrase from a book I read forever ago came back to me,

Find a good blacksmith and honor them. For every time you go to war, you trust your life to the quality and skill the Smith has in his trade.

I looked back at the dented shield, deciding I would have to pay a visit to the forge and give them my thanks. Standing up I gathered my gear and kept walking. Before long I heard many voices yelling followed by cheering. The trees broke and I could see both teams on the bank of the river which marked the border between the teams. Someone from our team was being lifted onto the shoulders of the others. I took that to mean we won the game, one of my cabin mates saw me and motioned for me to join the celebration. Before I could Savanna came running out of the trees she was yelling something I couldn't hear and practically dragging a frizzy redhead girl behind her. Which I thought was strange because Savanna

had been so adamant about not going anywhere near the woods tonight. Slowly more people began to notice them, heads turned, and the cheering died allowing Savanna's voice to be heard. Pointing at the girl behind her she was breathlessly yelling,

"Rachel!… Prophecy!… important!"

The girl behind her who had been swaying on her feet with eyes closed. Suddenly stood completely straight her eyes shot open revealing green light which filled the clearing. She took a step forward spreading her arms, and green mist seemed to billow out from the place she stood. The area was dead quiet until she opened her mouth and spoke in a booming voice which easily carried across the clearing.

"Wisdom's daughter and Son of the Sea

stand on edge of eternity,

Soon to fall immeasurably.

Truth and lies,

the Traveler's disguise.

Though camp decides

if he lives or dies.

Fait decreed

friends be freed

for hero's sake Olympus will bleed.

Title unwanted must be claimed

if son and daughter are to be saved.

For ebis eternal takes bone and skin

in hope to condemn two souls which escaped him.

All in vain lest sisters champion in worlds unreal and stand by them."