ETERNAL! | percy jackson

chapter five - giant scorpions pay a visit

CHAPTER FIVE
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           ACCORDING TO the other campers, an Aethiopian drakon was spotted along the borders of the camp this morning. Estella was sound asleep during this time, so she was quite shocked to hear the news at breakfast. Althea seemed alarmed as well, given that she probably didn't realize drakons existed.

The good news is that the magical boundaries of the camp kept the drakon out. The Apollo cabin also managed to lodge a few arrows in the drakon's armor, causing it to flee.

"It's still out there," Lee said during announcements. "Twenty arrows in its huge, and we just made it mad. The thing was thirty feet long and bright green. Its eyes-" he shuddered.

"You did well, Lee," Chiron patted him on the shoulder. "Everyone stay alert, but stay calm. This has happened before."

"Aye," the man, who Estella later found out was named Quintus, said. "And it will happen again. More and more frequently."

The campers muttered among themselves, including the ones at Estella's table. Althea looked at her for answers.

"Luke was a demigod at camp, child of Hermes. But he turned to the side of the Titans, and they plan on attacking the camp soon," Estella quickly whispered.

Althea's eyes wavered as she heard her words. She hesitated, like she was about to say something in defense of Luke, but stopped.

"This is a good reason for new war games," Quintus said. "We'll see how you all do with that tonight."

"Yes..." Chiron said. "Well, enough announcements. Let us bless this meal and eat." We raised his goblet. "To the gods."

They all raised their glasses and repeated the blessing. Estella's eyes were glued to Althea, who joined them in chant.

Estella asked Althea to join her in going to the brazier. Althea obliged. Estella scraped off her food and into the fire. Althea watched her with nervous eyes, and Estella knew that there was something wrong.

"Why are you being so hesitant?"

Althea blinked. "What do you mean?"

Estella glanced around, before leaning toward her sister's ear. "I know what it's like to question the Gods. But trust me, this is the side to be on."

Althea looked shocked. Her mouth was slightly agape, and her eyes roamed her face for any signs of jokingness. "I'm serious. It was a few months ago. The Titan army tempted me, and I shame myself every day for wanting to give in."

"Sounds horrible," she said.

They sat back down at the table. Estella looked over at the Poseidon bench, seeing that Grover had now joined Percy and Tyson was gone. Estella glanced at Annabeth, who stood up and gestured for Estella to join her.

"Isn't that against the rules?" Estella whisper yelled.

"The rules don't matter right now. We all need to talk."

Estella sighed and followed her to Percy's table. Estella sat down on his left, and Annabeth on his right.

"I'll tell you what it's about," Annabeth said, but Estella had no idea what she was talking about. "The Labyrinth."

"You guys aren't" supposed to be here," Percy said.

"We need to talk," Annabeth insisted. "Look, Grover is in trouble. There's only one way we can figure out to help him. It's the Labyrinth. That's what Clarisse and I have been investigating."

"Hold up, what Labyrinth?" Estella questioned.

"You mean the maze where they kept the Minotaur?" Percy asked.