Elizabeth Potter

Chapter 5

I knew what was coming the moment we stepped foot in Nebraska. It was mid-April and cold. Luckily, I had Apollo's blessing and couldn't freeze to my death. While I couldn't control snow, it did have water, so it gave me small power boosts sometimes.

It was early dawn when the hunt packed up. It was routine. That way, they could cover the most ground. Artemis had given me my own tent, unlike the hunters who had to share. Calla slept on my chest, and Strider was next to me. Once the hunt was packed up, it was time to say goodbye. I realized then that I had grown attached to the hunt. That I didn't want to leave. I wished, desperately, that Artemis would ask. I knew I would say yes in a heartbeat. But Artemis knew it too. That's why she didn't offer. Still, as Apollo entered the morning sky, I wished she would do something. Maybe Apollo heard me because Artemis walked over to me.

"As much as I dislike my brother, he has beautiful sunrises," She said, sitting on the rock beside me. I nodded, not looking at her. Artemis squinted her eyes as she looked into the sun.

"I do wish we didn't have to part," She said at last, "But as I sit here with you, I can tell I am making the right choice. Elizabeth, you will be an amazing and powerful demigod. And you would make an amazing huntress, but we would only hold you back from your true potential. Elizabeth, as the goddess of childbirth, I am at every birth in the world. Always spiritually, except the occasional times I am there physically. Your birth was one of those times. I was the one who delivered you. Used the mist to convince the mortals I worked there. I got to meet your mortal parents. They were lovely people. The world took a huge loss that fateful day in October. Amphitrite told me something later. Something only a few others know about. And, that is why I am letting you go. Because there are people out there who need you. And I know you will live a longer life than most demigods. Even with the cursed blessing bestowed upon you. I am so sorry, Elizabeth. It is time to go. Say your goodbyes now," Artemis instructed, standing up. At the young age of six, I did not understand what Artemis had told me. All I knew was that she had to leave, and I didn't want her to.

I watched, sad, as the hunt departed, leaving me in the middle of the woods. Artemis had given me a dolphin necklace before she left. She told me to pull on the charm should I find myself in need of an escape. Only that. So, with Calla asleep on my shoulders and Strider sleeping in my arms, I set off to find Camp Half-Blood.

...

A month passed, and I was in Missouri. Monsters blocked my every exit. Calla and Strider had both become stronger and fiercer. Calla especially. They were both ready to attack at my signal. I had raised my hand about the let them go at it when all the monsters turned to dust. Minerva. Instead of attacking, I signaled them to relax. It would not be good if Calla and Strider attacked the goddess of War. I bowed, not wanting to disrespect her.

"Lady Minerva, what can I do for you?" I said. Roman felt odd in my mouth after not speaking for months. She smiled at me.

"Elizabeth, good to finally meet you in person. You can not do anything for me, I am here to give you a gift. A blessing. To get you to your destination safely," I noticed how she didn't say Camp Half-Blood. She must not like the Greeks. Instead of doing what Apollo did, Minerva blessed me from where she stood. Closing my eyes, I felt the magic swirl around me like water, warming me before it entered my heart. When I opened my eyes, Minerva was gone. I looked at Calla and Strider and continued on.

...

"Ellie!" I stopped in my tracks, whipping around with my dagger out. Calla and Strider were on guard as well. But we weren't met with danger. Only my mom. I let out a sigh of relief and ran into her open arms. As I hugged her, I smelled the ocean. Calla and Strider had also calmed down.