Horizon's Point: The Rise of the Lyre (Jason Grace)

Chapter 16: Statues suck

When we landed on the beach, Percy decided to scout out the area and ordered Jason to watch me while I got some rest.

I protested for ages, complaining that I was fine and not tired at all. The boys rolled their eyes in response so I told Percy that I was going to do the scouting because I didn't know when the last time they slept was. Without another word, I marched off in the direction of the city, planning on getting some food to bring back on the way.

While I was wondering through the alleyways, a certain man caught my attention. He appeared to be a young adult -maybe in his early twenties- with chin-length, wavy brown hair and gorgeous, almond shaped, soft brown eyes.

He was doing the thing I loved to do more than anything: draw.

Well, more specifically, I love drawing in the shade of a tree with some calming music playing in the background, not on the streets of a small docking village. None the less, I made my way over to him.

"Hello!" I greeted, he smiled in recognition, "I love to draw too, may I see your work?"

"Of course, dear! You know, you look just like a woman that I created as art, she was the love of my life." He handed me his sketch book and motioned for me to sit down beside him on the bench.

There were vibrant potted flowers behind us and a sea view ahead, it was serene and beautiful. However, the sewer stench and deserted feel to the street ruined the feeling.

I must say though, his drawings were amazing beyond words! The shading was on point and every feature of each individual person was so well-done that it looked like it was going to come to life any minute.

"This is- its brilliant." I breathed out, words couldn't describe how much I wanted to stare at those pages forever.

"Thank you. Might I ask, what's your name?"

"Abigail." I couldn't remove my eyes from the book, it was simply impossible. Yet I managed it and the man took my hand, he was now standing.

"I want to show you something, Abigail." He led me through the streets, twisting and turning. It was like a labyrinth, what if it was part of the Labyrinth? I started to panic; what if I couldn't find my way back? Where was he taking me? And, most importantly, who was this man?

"Um, where are we going?" I asked in a timid voice, I didn't want to hurt an innocent mortal, but I also didn't want to get taken away from who I felt safe with.

He didn't seem to hear me; he was too busy telling me that I was beautiful and looked exactly like the woman he fell in love with. How he loved my hair and eyes, how he loved my smile and body. He was starting to creep me out.

"Excuse me, who are you and where are you taking me?" I said, louder now. This guy was a creep and I wasn't going anywhere with him, I yanked my hand out of his, causing him to stop and turn around slowly. His eyes no longer looked so soft, they gleamed with a menacing fire and his mouth was twisted into a scowl.

"Oh, Abigail." He started walking towards me, I backed up but soon hit a wall: I was trapped. "Don't be scared, I'm taking you to my home to show you the statue of the love of my life. As for my name, it's Pygmalion. Come on, I won't hurt you, were really close now."

He almost grabbed my hand again, but I jerked it away. "I see how it is. If you won't come willingly, I guess I'll have to make you." He snapped his fingers and three statues walked up behind him. Wait, they must be automations so that would make this man...

"Oh, for the love of Zeus, why me?" I grumbled before pulling at my pendant, releasing the trident, I'd named it Fides it's Latin for loyalty. My scimitars were back with the pegasi, but Fides would do nicely for this job as I lunged into battle.