The Unusual Half-Blood

Chapter 2: Just an average

Back at Cabin 11, everyone was talking and horsing around, waiting for dinner. Nobody paid much attention to me as I walked over to a free spot in the corner.

The counselor, Luke, came over with a gentle smile on his face.

"Found you a sleeping bag," he said, "And here, some toiletries from the camp store."

"Thanks, I appreciate it."

"No problem." he sat next to me, pushing his back against the wall. "Tough first day?"

"Kind of," I said, "It's a lot to take in, I guess."

"Yeah, I get what you mean. I still remember my first day. It was frustrating." He said, "Also, I wanted to apologize for earlier this evening. They.....didn't mean any disrespect. It's just that we've had too many unclaimed campers lately. As you can see, we already have limited space so it's kinda hard for us. I hope you won't take it personally."

"It's okay, I don't mind"

He smiled. "You're a good kid, Keith. I'm sure you'll be claimed soon. Some of us don't have to wait too long. I was claimed on my 2nd day."

"Did you ever meet him? Your dad, I mean."

"Once", he said, after a small pause.

The bitterness in his voice didn't surprise me. He looked up and managed a sad smile. "Don't worry about it. The campers here are mostly good people. After all, we're an extended family, right? We take care of each other."

A reasonable choice. If they can't rely on gods, they have no choice but to support and rely on each other.

A horn blew in the distance.

"Well, it's time for dinner", Luke said, standing up, "If you ever need any help, feel free to ask, all right?"

"I will"

"Eleven, fall in!", Luke yelled.

Following Luke, we marched up the hill to the mess hall pavilion. Satyrs, Naiads, and a few other creatures joined in as well. There were around 100 campers. Each cabin had its table, covered in white cloth trimmed in purple.

Chiron and Mr. D were sitting at a separate table with the satyrs- although Grover was nowhere to be seen.

After we all settled down with our food, Chiron pounded his hoof against the marble floor of the pavilion to get everyone's attention.

He then raised his glass. "To the Gods!"

Everyone did the same and started digging in.

Timeskip

After everybody finished their meals, Chiron pounded his hoof again for our attention.

Mr. D got up with a huge sigh. "Yes, I suppose I'd better say hello to you brats", he said in a grumpy tone. "Well, hello. Our activities director, Chiron, says the next 'capture the flag' is tomorrow night. Cabin 5 currently holds the laurels."

A bunch of cheering noises rose from the Ares cabin.

"Personally," Mr. D continued, "I couldn't care less, but congratulations. Also, I should tell you that we have a new camper today. Kyle Salamander,"