Modern Myths

Book 4 - The Battle of the Labyrinth: Chapter 6: Return to Camp

6/15/08, Sunday

Pan's Cave, Carlsbad Caverns, New Mexico

Percy POV

Daedalus spoke, "Well, we rescued those in need, found Faunus, and it is useless to reclaim Ariadne's string, so this is part where I follow Pan to the underworld."

Nico, Bianca & Hazel approached him, while Annabeth hugged him, "It was an honor to know you, big brother."

He responded, "The honor is mine. All my stuff was moved to Camp Jupiter & you & Percy are the sole inheritors of my estate. Percy gets Mrs. O'Leary & her things including the whistle, while you get everything else."

They separated & Annabeth spoke as the 3 approached, "Legionnaires, Attention!"

The 9 of us from Camp Jupiter's Contubernium saluted him.

Hazel spoke as she approached in response, "Warriors, Attention!"

The 6 from Half-blood did the same.

Daedalus closed his eyes for the last time as Nico & Bianca released his soul from the Automaton container & Hazel buried it with her geokinesis.

Annabeth ordered, "21 shot salute!"

Me, Annabeth, Drew using Annabeth's gun, Bobby, Marcus, Nathan & Tyson using his sling stood at the ready.

"Fire."

We released our arrows/stones/bullets & reloaded.

"Fire."

We released our arrows/stones/bullets & reloaded.

"Fire."

We released our arrows/stones/bullets & put our weapons away.

Bianca spoke, "A lot of monsters just returned to the underworld from the Labyrinth."

I spoke, "Probably Kronos's army getting trapped in the Labyrinth."

Grover spoke telepathically while sniffling, "A lot of monsters... (blows nose) were banging on the sealed door at camp but didn't get through."

I created a sprinkle by manipulating the river, "Oh Arcus, goddess of the Rainbow, please accept my offering." I threw in another dupondius. "Reyna Ramírez-Arellano, Camp Jupiter."

Once she picked up, she said, "I assume Daedalus is no longer among us as the monsters are no longer hammering on the door to the Labyrinth trying to get in."

Annabeth gave her a full status update on everything.

She responded, "I expect a full written report from each of you as my last order before your promotions."

We were shocked.

She responded, "After everything you did, including restoring Quirinus and getting all of those artifacts back, you were elected to the restored ranks above praetor before a proper election could be held by population demands."

In ancient Rome, depending on the era, the highest political ranks were:

1. Emperors:

1.1. Augustus - Senior Emperor; Plural form is Augusti.

1.2. Caesar - Junior Emperor; Plural form is Caesares.

2. King - elected by the senate.

3. Interrex - dictator between elected kings

4. Dictator - only elected during emergencies.

5. Senate:

5.1. Princeps Senatus - Head of the senate