SUNSPEAKER, percy jackson.

0𝟏𝟔. picnic with a queen

sixteen
picnic with a queen

THE DOOR TO THE BIG HOUSE creaked open, and Annabeth stepped out, looking shaken. Lennon had waited for her on the porch of the Big House. She knew firsthand what it was like to get a prophecy from the Oracle, and she didn't want her friend to be alone.

"Hey," she stood up, greeting Annabeth.

"You waited for me?"

Lennon shrugged as if it was nothing. "Of course,"

Her words brought a small smile to her face.

"Is it bad?"

Annabeth's smile faded. "It's definitely not good,"

Lennon's frowned.

"It'll all be okay though," Annabeth said, though it sounded like she was saying the words more to herself.

"I'm supposed to be telling you that,"

Annabeth let out a little laugh. "Well someone has to keep you optimistic,"

They continued walking to the arena, eventually reaching it.

"My dears," Chiron said. "You made it."

Percy gave Lennon an odd look. Then Annabeth focused on Quintus. "I got the prophecy. I will lead the quest to find Daedalus's workshop."

Chiron scraped a hoof on the dirt floor. "What did the prophecy say exactly, my dear? The wording is important."

Annabeth took a deep breath. "I, ah...well, it said, you shall delve in the darkness of the endless maze..."

They waited.

"The dead, the traitor, and the lost one raise."

Grover perked up. "The lost one! That must mean Pan! That's great!"

"With the dead and the traitor," Percy added. "Not so great."

"And?" Chiron asked. "What is the rest?"

"You shall rise or fall by the ghost king's hand," Annabeth said, "the child of Athena's final stand."

Lennon's brows furrowed with worry.

"Hey...we shouldn't jump to conclusions," Silena said. "Annabeth isn't the only child of Athena, right?" Lennon nodded in agreement.

"But who's this ghost king?" Beckendorf asked.

"Are there more lines?" Chiron asked. "The prophecy does not sound complete."

Annabeth hesitated. "I don't remember exactly."

Lennon studied her face. There was something she wasn't telling. Annabeth gave her a look that said We'll talk later.

"Something about...Destroy with a hero's final breath."

"And?" Chiron asked.

She stood. "Look, the point is, I have to go in. I'll find the workshop and stop Luke. And...I need help." She glanced at her and Percy. "Percy? Lennon?"

"Of course," Lennon said while Percy nodded.

"I'm in,"

Annabeth smiled. "Grover, you too? The wild god is waiting."

Grover seemed energized now. "I'll pack extra recyclables for snacks!"

"And Tyson," Annabeth said. "I'll need you too."

"Yay! Blow-things-up time!" Tyson clapped so hard he woke up Mrs. O'Leary, who was dozing in the corner.

"Wait, Annabeth," Chiron said. "This goes against the ancient laws. A hero is allowed only two companions."