Chapter 54 prepare
Annabeth's POV
I stepped out onto the porch of the big house. The smell of rain and smoke was heavy in the air. Was I making the right choice? Would Chiron approve of my choice to leave? Could I really convince my mother to give me her blessing tomorrow? Would Saley give hers to Percy again? There were so many variables to my plan. Why am I going through with this? Three campers trudged past through the mud. A soaked pegasus and rider tucked down nearby, as somewhere not so far off a monster road. Reminding me why. Camp Half Blood was my home, it's where my family is. I was going through with my terrible plan to protect not just this place, but my brothers and sisters. My friends, and the fallen heroes who gave their lives so I could stand on this porch. No way in Hades was I about to let any of them down. Reaching into my pocket I pulled out the envelope that contained my report to Chiron about the events of yesterday and last night, along with details about my plan of how to defeat Tartous. Turning it over once I slapped it against my palm turning back to the big house I walked the familiar hallways to Chiron's office. Placing the envelope in the center of his desk, I had to smile as I remembered all the times I'd snuck in here when I was little, usually with some burning question I needed the answer too. I'd hold on to the edge of this desk standing on tip tow until Chiron noticed me. I'd always taken those days for granted, I'd longed for a piece of the action, a quest to prove myself. Now I wish I could go back. Shaking my head I squared my shoulders, and lifted my chin. Going back was wishful thinking, and just wishing would never accomplish anything. I turned on my heel to leave the office, but once in the doorway I couldn't help but look back at the safe familiar room. Pulling myself away I strode quickly through the big house and stepped back out into the rain. Crossing the common ground I headed for my cabin. All of my siblings were already there waiting for me, as soon as I entered they stood.
"Ok everyone, before we go I have an announcement to make."
No one moved or said a word, not even Evan. So I resisted my carefully put together announcement.
"The prophecy has begun to unfold. Despite the grim situation we are facing here this threat cannot be ignored. Tharfor tomorrow at first light Percy and I will be leaving on a quest. Malcolm will be in charge while I'm gone. I expect you all to follow his instructions as you do mine. He and I have discussed a number of things and after the issue at our border has been resolved he will shed some light on the prophecy, at which point the subsequent contingency plans will be put in place. With any luck I will be back… relatively soon. Any questions?"
Again no one said anything, they knew something was very wrong. I wouldn't doubt that some of them had figured out the prophecy for themselves. After all they were my siblings, and it didn't take a genius to put the puzzle together.
"In that case let's go honor our fallen siblings."
Quietly they all followed me out of the cabin back into the rain.