Forgotten memories

Mummy time

The morning sun cast a gentle glow over our campsite, and we gathered after breakfast as Percy unfolded a troubling dream. Annabeth found herself in a mysterious, fog-shrouded hillside reminiscent of the Underworld, where Luke, visibly distressed, implored her aid, unraveling a complex web of betrayal and imminent danger. Our conversation unfolded in the serene meadow, where satyrs pursued wood nymphs through the snow, each chase promising a kiss if caught, yet seldom fulfilled. The whimsical scene provided an ironic backdrop to the gravity of Percy's tale.

As we absorbed the dream's details, Percy shared the ominous revelation of a cave ceiling collapsing on Annabeth. Grover, his furry legs twitching in contemplation, sought to make sense of the surreal scenario.

"A cave ceiling collapsed on her?" Grover inquired, his finger twirling through his shaggy leg fur.

"Yeah. What the heck does that mean?" Percy questioned, his concern palpable.

Grover, displaying a mix of confusion and unease, admitted, "I don't know. But after what Zoe dreamed—"

"Whoa. Zoe had a dream like that?" I interjected, the gravity of the situation sinking in.

"I... I don't know, exactly. About three in the morning, she came to the Big House and demanded to talk to Chiron. She looked really panicked," Grover continued, his eyes reflecting the tension of the night.

Percy, now bewildered, asked, "Wait, how do you know this?"

Grover blushed, admitting, "I was sort of camped outside the Artemis cabin."

"Grover...?" I warned, my tone echoing Chiron's authoritative vibe.

"I just, you know, like to be near them."

"You're a stalker with hooves," Percy teased.

"I am not! Anyway, I followed her to the Big House and hid in a bush and watched the whole thing. She got real upset when Argus wouldn't let her in. It was kind of a dangerous scene," Grover confessed, the urgency of the situation evident.

The mention of Argus, the camp's security head, and Zoe Nightshade added an extra layer of complexity to the unfolding events. Percy sought more information about Zoe's nocturnal visit and her cryptic message regarding Artemis being in trouble.

"What did she say?" Percy pressed, eager for answers.

Grover grimaced, "Well, she starts talking really old-fashioned when she gets upset, so it was kind of hard to understand. But something about Artemis being in trouble and needing the Hunters. And then she called Argus a boil-brained lout... I think that's a bad thing. And then he called her—"

"Whoa, wait. How could Artemis be in trouble?" I interjected, urgency lacing my words.

"I... well, finally Chiron came out in his pajamas and his horse tail in curlers and—"

"He wears curlers in his tail?" Percy and I asked in unison, momentarily distracted by the comical image.

Grover covered his mouth, trying to stifle a chuckle. "Sorry," I said, urging him to continue with the unfolding tale.

Grover hesitated as he recounted Zoe's urgent plea for permission to leave camp, emphasizing her concern about Artemis being lost or possibly kidnapped. His words hung in the crisp air as we grappled with the gravity of the situation.

"What do you mean lost? Like she needs directions?" I inquired, my mind struggling to process the idea.

"No. I think she meant gone. Taken. Kidnapped," Grover replied solemnly, a weight in his voice.

"Kidnapped?" Percy echoed, his brow furrowed in disbelief. "How would you kidnap an immortal goddess? Is that even possible?" he questioned, attempting to wrap his mind around the perplexing notion.