Dancing with Death

The Praetor and the Augur

Ali heaved a long breath as she reached the peak of the hill.

Below her, a massive expanse of land splayed out across the hills. There was a city on one end and a hill crowned with odd buildings. What looked like a military camp sat several miles outside the city. Directly ahead, was an open plain with a small fortress assembled on the end nearest to the encampment. Camp Jupiter.

Ali strode out onto the plain, which looked like it could be a battlefield.

She must not have been too far off, because a small group of teenagers in full armor appeared out of no where and surrounded her, spears aimed at her chest.

"Who are you?" One of the legionnaires asked, gripping their spear tighter. "What are you doing here?"

"I come in peace." Ali assured, raising her arms in a sign of surrender. "I need to speak with your leader."

The spear points dropped an inch.

"Search her." The leading legionnaire ordered.

Someone pulled her quiver and bow from her back. Someone else unsheathed Mason's sword and the long hunting knife that were strapped to her waist. One of the teens grabbed the dagger strapped to her thigh.

"Careful with that." Ali warned. "Chimera venom is a horrible way to die."

The boy's eyes widened and he handled the poisoned blade like you would a snake, holding it away from him.

Ali smirked at the boy's apprehension as more legionnaires found the two throwing knives hidden in her boots and the one sheathed at the back of her belt.

One girl reached into Ali's coat and removed the three small blades concealed there.

By the end, there were enough weapons for almost every legionnaire present.

The girl who had first spoken forced down her surprise at the sheer amount of weaponry and turned to face Ali. "Now you may speak with our Praetor."

Ali fought back her smile. "It's about time."
                                      *   *   *
Ali had to admit that New Rome was impressive. The architecture was intricately complex. Annabeth would've loved it.

Ali sighed. Annabeth. She didn't want to think about Camp Half-blood right now; and she definitely didn't want to think about Annabeth, because then she thought about Percy and... that hurt too much.

The legionnaires led her to a huge ancient-looking building that they called the Senate House. One of them led Ali inside to a huge round room where a girl with a long dark braid and a cape stood facing the wall. She had two grey hounds at her sides, one silver and one gold.

"Reyna." The legionnaire spoke up weakly. "We have a visitor."

The girl - Reyna - turned, her expression hard. Her cold gaze settled on Ali. "And who is this visitor?"

The legionnaire shoved Ali forward. "She wouldn't say, but she's a Graecus, like him."

Reyna nodded and dismissed the soldier. "Fetch Octavian, would you. He'll get on me if I don't invite him to meet with this one."

The soldier gave a quick salute and hurried out of the room.

Reyna approached Ali ever so slowly. "So... Graecus, why are you at my camp?"

Ali held the girl's gaze. "I'm here to help you."

"And why should we believe that?" A blonde boy, with a belt of stuffed animals holding up his white yoga, strode importantly into the room, stalking over to stand next to Reyna. "Everyone knows you can't trust the words of a Graecus."

Ali immediately hated the boy. "I'm sorry, I asked to speak to the Praetor, not this oversized child."

Octavian clenched his fists. "I beg your pardon, I am the Augur of this camp."

"Really?" Ali feigned admiration. "Should I be impressed?"

Reyna cut in before he could lash back. "That's enough, Octavian. We cannot expect this Graecus to understand all of our traditions... though I wish she'd respect them."

"My apologies." Ali turned to Reyna. "I meant no disrespect to your traditions." She eyed Octavian. "Him on the other hand."

Reyna pressed her hand against Octavian's chest to hold him back. "Why are you here?"

"I know of the coming attack." Ali explained. "I was sent to help you defend Camp Jupiter."

"You doubt the strength of Rome?" Octavian snapped.

"No." Ali assured. "But I know the strength of the giants," she faced Reyna. "and I'd rather underestimate my allies than my enemies."

"What makes you think we're allies?" The augur seethed.

"Octavian." Reyna snapped.

Ali sighed. "Look. I hold no fantasies of ever being your friend, that's a privilege I rarely enjoy, but, from what I've heard of the army that's coming, you will need all the help you can get."

Reyna eyed Ali skeptically. "Who sent you? How did you find this place?"

Ali met her gaze with no fear, something she probably didn't see often. "Percy Jackson told me how to get here."

"You know him?" Reyna surmised.

"Yes." Ali confirmed. "In another life we were friends."

Reyna studied Ali's gaze. "You mean before he lost his memories."

Ali nodded, not trusting her voice.

"Well," Reyna patted her dogs' heads. "if Percy trusts you enough to reveal the location of camp to you, then I shall trust you as well."

Octavian began to protest, but Reyna cut him off. "The decision is made, Octavian. She stays."

The augur growled and stalked out of the room.

Ali met his glare with a smug grin before turning back to Reyna. "Thank you."

The girl's expression was unreadable. "Don't thank me yet. I just invited you into our war."

Ali chuckled. "I was already involved. The only difference is now I'm on the front lines - where I belong."

Reyna almost cracked a smile, almost. "Well... may I know your name? Or should I just call you the mysterious intruder?"

Ali chuckled. "Call me whatever you like, but all Half-bloods know that names have power. Forgive me if I don't care to share mine."

Reyna nodded. "As you wish." She started towards the door. "Allow me to show you where you can stay."

A/N
Yay! Got another chapter out!!!
Hope you enjoyed it. I'm not entirely sure what the next one will be, but whatever.
Thanks for the support guys. 🥰
-Cheshire