Forbidden Quests

Chapter 49

Annabeth

"Lord Percy." The merman guard bowed his torso to Percy.

We had reached the edge of the merpeople city, which I figured out had the name of Atargatis after questioning Percy. There were great walls protecting the city, and making hid from onlookers. The wall was made of beautiful coral, multicolored fish darting in and out around the anemones and underwater plants placed in parts of the coral. I saw more than one shark swimming around, but they looked to be peaceful.

The dark ocean around us was foggy, and I couldn't see very far. Every once in a while, I could see dark figures floating and swimming, but they didn't stay in my vision for long. I was guessing they were more mermen standing guard.

Percy nodded back to the bowing merman, "It's good to see you again, Captain Adrian. And there's no need to bow, I'm not Poseidon or a god," Percy added with a good natured grin. The merman looked back up at Percy and smiled.

"I thought you wouldn't remember me, Lord Percy," the merman said, grinning. I saw that he was a younger looking merman, around my age. Unlike Shar's mermen, he didn't look like a ravage beast. His hair wasn't thick, knotted strands, but loose, long brown locks that flowed peacefully in the water. He didn't have grey skin, but tanned muscular skin, and his tail was long and slender. A broadsword was attached at his hip, and two more across his back. He had no armor on, but I bet he was good enough at swordplay he didn't need armor.

He was handsome, in an outlandish way. Nothing like the mermen I've experimented with before. He was the stark opposite of Shar's men.

"Why wouldn't I? You were, like, my best friend when I lived with my father for those years!" Percy exclaimed. He parted the bubble he and I were in, stepping out. It was like he was walking on solid ground as he went over to the mermen. They embraced like long-lost brothers. "And seriously, Adrian. What's with the 'Lord Percy'? Has my name changed as well as you? Look at you, I barely recognized you. And guard of the main entrance, huh? You must be getting really good." Percy held Adrian at arm length, examining him. He clucked his tongue. "You may look like you know more, but I bet I could still beat you in a sword fight."

Adrian scoffed, "Please. Still? I beat you last time we fought."

"Hey," Percy defended, "I was, what, nine?"

"So was I."

"Touchè," Percy replied, smiling. The merman smiled back, then he looked at me. I saw his green eyes. They were vividly bright green, astonishing, but nothing compared to Percy's, if I had any say in it.

He studied me for a moment, me still being in the sphere of oxygen, then his eyes widened. "A daughter of Athena, I'm guessing? You have a lot of guts, bringing her here, Perce."

I frowned, about to retort, but Percy beat me to it, "She's fine. All children aren't like their parents, and I trust Annabeth with my life. She's a good friend, she won't do anything. Her name's Annabeth. Annabeth Chase."

Adrian lowered his eyebrows, considering me for a moment. Then he shrugged, "If Percy trusts you, then I do too. It's good to meet you, Annabeth."

"You too," I replied, smiling at him. "Sorry to rush, but we have a few friends up on shore who are waiting, and we are also kind of in a hurry."

Percy nodded in affirmation, "Yes. We need to meet with Lord Caspion, if you don't mind. We have a few things to discuss."

"Sure thing," Adrian said. He turned around and waved at an unseen person. Apparently that was the signal for them to open the gates. I couldn't see anything before that looked to be an entrance, but sure enough, the coral in front of us cracked open, two slabs spreading out to create a large entrance to a tunnel in the coral. The tunnel was lit by greek fire, which could still burn underwater. It had a sand bottom, and coral walls and ceiling. It went on for a few yards, then curved to the left, and that's as far as I could see.