The Altered Seven

The Bridge to Aeolus

Seconds later, Aelin heard more wolves baying, but the sound was different-less threatening, more like hunting dogs on the scent. A smaller white wolf burst into the cave, followed by two more.

"The hunters!" she shouted in relief.

A heartbeat later, their masters appeared: a troop of hunters in white-and-gray winter camouflage, at least half a dozen. All of them carried bows, with quivers of glowing silver arrows on their backs.

Their faces were covered with parka hoods, but clearly they were all girls. One, a little taller than the rest, crouched in the firelight and snatched up the arrow that had wounded Lycaon's hand.

"So close." She turned to her companions. "Phoebe, stay with me. Watch the entrance. The rest of you, follow Lycaon. We can't lose him now. I'll catch up with you."

The other hunters mumbled agreement and disappeared, heading after Lycaon's pack.

The girl in white turned toward them, her face still hidden in her parka hood. "We've been following that demon's trail for over a week. Is everyone all right? No one got bit?"

"Thalia!" Jason exclaimed, his shoulders slumping in relief.

Aelin ran up and hugged her. "Thank the gods you're here."

Thalia hugged the younger girl back. "Thank Artemis. She sent us to track Lycaon. About five minutes ago, she told me that you were close by and to go help you." She let go of Aelin and hugged her brother. "I had no idea she meant with Lycaon. That coward'll never fight when he's not absolutely certain he'll win."

"Who're you?" Leo asked carefully.

Thalia faced him. "Thalia, Lieutenant of the Hunters of Artemis. Also a daughter of Zeus."

"Oh, so you're Jason's sister."

"Yup." Thalia turned back to Aelin. "What're you guys doing here?"

"We need to see Aeolus as the next part of the quest. We need to deliver some storm spirits to him, hopefully in exchange for the location of Hera."

Thalia nodded. "I will show you guys how to get there, it can be a little tricky." She glanced at Phoebe. "Go with the others. I will catch up as soon as I drop these guys off."

The hunter nodded her assent before taking off in the direction of Lycaon and his pack. Thalia slipped off her pack and fished around for a minute before pulling out two golden bags.

"They're enchanted," Thalia explained, handing one to Jason. "They can hold the wind spirits you have over there. Oh, and you might want to free the satyr."

They set to work stuffing the venti into the bags while Leo freed Coach Hedge. The satyr was a little wild, but calmed down when he saw Thalia and Aelin.

Thalia gestured for the group to follow before Thalia ran uphill through the snow, hugging a tiny little path on the side of the mountain.

Coach Hedge leaped around like a happy mountain goat, coaxing them on like an over caffeinated gym teacher. "Come on, Valdez! Pick up the pace! Let's chant. I've got a girl in Kalamazoo..."

"Let's not," Thalia snapped.

So they ran in silence.

After about ten minutes, Thalia stopped and pointed above them.

"That," Leo choked, "is a really large rock."

They stood near the summit of Pikes Peak. Below them the world was blanketed in clouds. The air was so thin, they could hardly breathe. Night had set in, but a full moon shone and the stars were incredible. Stretching out to the north and south, peaks of other mountains rose from the clouds like islands-or teeth.