Audaces Fortuna Iuvat • J.Grace

VIII.

               𝐖𝐡𝐢𝐥𝐞 𝐀𝐧𝐧𝐚𝐛𝐞𝐭𝐡 𝐫𝐮𝐬𝐡𝐞𝐝 𝐝𝐨𝐰𝐧 𝐭𝐡𝐞 hall in search of a med kit, Jason and the newly introduced Rachel gently placed Piper down on the couch. The girl was still breathing, but she would not wake. It was as if she were in some sort of coma.

"We've got to heal her. There is a way, right?" Jason insisted in almost a panic. Alecia placed a comforting hand on his arm. They all had only known each other for a short period of time, but going through such a life or death situation with someone created a bond. Seeing her so pale and barely breathing, it was hard to take in.

"Annabeth is collecting the proper items to do so. We'll aid her, don't fret too much, Jason. She will be alright," Alecia attempted to calm without causing more distress. She felt what he did. She had only left one of her friend's side for a bit and she ended up in a worrisome state.

Chiron didn't do as well with the comfort, placing his hand on Piper's forehead and grimacing. "Her mind is in a fragile state. Rachel, what happened?"

"I wish I knew," She said. "As soon as I got to camp, I had a premonition about Hera's cabin. I went inside. Annabeth and Piper came in while I was there. We talked, and then - I just blanked out. Annabeth said I spoke in a different voice."

"A prophecy?" Chiron asked.

"No. The spirit of Delphi comes from within. I know how that feels. This was like long-distance, a power trying to speak through me."

Annabeth ran in in possession of a leather pouch. She knelt next to Piper. "Chiron, what happened back there - I've never seen anything like it. I've heard Rachel's prophecy voice. This was different. She sounded like an older woman. She grabbed Piper's shoulders and told her-"

"To free her from a prison?" Jason guessed and Alecia's eyes widened. This was not good and Chiron making a three-fingered gesture over his heart that resembled a ward against evil did not help the tension.

Annabeth stared at him. "How did you know that?"

"Jason, Alecia, tell them. Annabeth, the medicine bag, please." Chiron tipped a medicine vial over Piper's mouth and let drops trickle down. The two went into the explanation of what had happened when time had frozen - how the dark, misty woman claimed to be a patron and a savior. When they finished, no one spoke a word, filling Alecia with more anxiety.

"So does this happen often?" Jason questioned. "Supernatural phone calls from convicts demanding you bust them out of jail?"

"Your patron," Annabeth said. "Not either of your godly parents?"

"No, she said patron. She also said my dad had given her my life."

A frown painted itself on Annabeth's face. "I've never heard of anything like that before. You said the storm spirit on the skywalk - he claimed to be working for some mistress who was giving him orders, right? Could it be this woman you saw, messing with your mind?"

"I don't believe so," Alecia said. "If it were an enemy, realistically, would she be seeking us out for aid? She's imprisoned and fretful that an enemy is gaining power. She mentioned a king rising from the earth on the solstice-"

Annabeth turned to Chiron. "Not Kronos. Please tell me it's not that."

The centaur looked absolutely miserable. His fingers gripped Piper's wrist, measuring her pulse. "It is not Kronos. That threat has ended. But..."

"But what?" Annabeth asked.

Chiron shut the medicine bag. "Piper needs rest. We should discuss this later."