Maybe Next Time

Thalia

Thalia and her troop had made it down the mountain in record time. She currently stood on a pier in Poseidon’s kingdom, searching for a boat. It wasn’t odd for foreigners to find themselves in the Sea King’s territory; he owned all the coast and controlled 80% of trades. To keep the peace, he allowed people to enter and exit his land at no penalty to them. The other kings, however, were a different matter. Brutal punishments were issued if anyone not of that kingdom crossed the line.

Thalia tapped her foot impatiently against the wooden pier. She was suppose to meet the captain of a boat called The Huntress. The captain was an experienced female named Artemis, and she was easy to pick out in the crowd of fishermen and sailors. Thalia’s first impression was that she didn’t look like she was about to man any kind of boat, much less a ship. Her auburn hair was beautifully styled and her silver eyes peeked out from the hood of her shiny grey cloak with a knowing look.

“Thalia Grace?” She inquired when she approached the princess. The dark haired girl loved that she hadn’t been addressed by her title, but the captain was not without manners and offer a nod instead of a full bow.

“Yes. Are you Artemis?”

The woman nodded, “You wish for me to sail you…?”

“I want to sail to wherever Percy Jackson is. You will be greatly rewarded, of course, in helping me with this, but you are not to ask questions.”
Artemis’s tinkling laugh filled the air.

“I do not find this a laughing matter.” Thalia glared at the woman.

“Oh, it is quite funny, Princess Thalia.” She spoke the title as if it were an insult, “You do not rule me. You want to use my ship. You will be under my rule. Once you’re on The Huntress, your title here is merely that: a title. Just because you’re a princess doesn’t mean the ocean will be anymore pleasant of a place.”

Thalia glared at the woman, “If you think I’m looking for any kind of special treatment-”

Artemis held up her hand, silencing the younger girl, “It’s my ship. I will know what she’s doing, and why she has the interest of the Daughter of Zeus.”

 

“No boys.”

A deep frown etched itself into Thalia’s face, “Excuse me?”

She was standing with her small group of soldiers behind her on the pier about to board The Huntress.

“I said no boys. That is my policy. Perhaps you should’ve read my letter better.” Artemis glared at Mitchell who stood with his arms crossed next the princess.

“What the hell do you mean ‘no boys’?” he snapped.

“Are you hard of hearing or is your ego making you deaf?” The captain spat bitterly, “There has not been a male on my ship since she was built, and I don’t plan to change that now.”

Thalia didn’t have time for this. “Mitchell. Take the other men and lead them back to my father. I will send a bird when I am on my way back.”

“But, Thalia-” He protested.

“That’s an order, Mitchell.” Thalia growled. Reluctantly, the males separated themselves from the females and made their way of the pier. Thalia turned back to Artemis when they were gone, “Happy?”

Captain Artemis grinned sarcastically, “Getting there.”