The rise of Tartarus

Chapter 9

Grover POV

Grover sat cross-legged on the deck of The Wanderer, a map sprawled before him, its edges flapping slightly in the cool breeze. The air smelled of salt and adventure, but a tension hung thick among the crew. Leo tinkered with a mechanism near the helm, his brow furrowed in concentration, while Reyna leaned against the ship's railing, her arms crossed.

"Okay, everyone," Grover said, trying to sound more confident than he felt. "We have a destination: Siberia. But we need to figure out how to get there—and fast."

Frank stepped forward, his expression serious. "Siberia is vast. We can't just sail blindly and hope to stumble upon the Fields of Punishment. We need to pinpoint the exact location where the Obsidian Mirror is said to be hidden."

"Right," Grover replied, looking back at the map. "If Marie was right, the Mirror is buried deep in the Underworld, and it might take more than just finding it to retrieve it. We'll have to navigate through some dangerous territories." He traced his finger along the route they would take. "This is going to be more than just a straightforward journey."

"I can help with that," Clarisse chimed in, stepping forward with a fierce glint in her eye. "I've faced down monsters and spirits before. If we hit any trouble on the way, I'll make sure we're ready."

"Thanks, Clarisse," Leo said, glancing up from his work. "But remember, we're not just dealing with your average monsters. Tartarus is pulling strings. He's building an army, and we'll have to be ready for anything."

Nico, who had been silently watching from the shadows, finally spoke up. "I can help with that, too. If we run into any undead or spirit forces, I can communicate with them. They might have information about what we're facing." His voice was quiet but steady, as always, and the others nodded in agreement.

"Let's not forget," Reyna added, her tone serious, "we'll also need supplies. If we're going to make it to Siberia and back, we can't afford to run out of food or resources." She looked around at the group. "Does anyone have any ideas?"

Grover's ears perked up. "The local flora in Siberia could help us. There are plants that could be used for sustenance and healing. If we can make a pit stop, I can forage."

"Great thinking, Grover," Frank said, his expression lightening a bit. "We should also check the ship's inventory before we set sail. Make sure we have everything we need."

The group split off, some heading to the storage areas while others stayed to discuss their plan further. Grover moved to the side of the ship, looking out over the ocean. He felt a mix of anticipation and dread. What awaited them in Siberia was unknown, but he couldn't shake the feeling that they were about to enter a dark chapter of their adventure.

As the sun dipped below the horizon, casting an orange hue across the sky, Hazel joined him, her expression thoughtful. "What do you think we'll find there?" she asked softly.

Grover shrugged, trying to keep the worry from his voice. "Answers, hopefully. But I can't help but feel like we're racing against time. Tartarus is plotting something big, and we need to be ready for it."

Hazel nodded, her eyes scanning the horizon. "Whatever happens, we'll face it together. We have each other's backs."

"Right," Grover said, managing a smile. "Together."

The ship creaked gently as the evening settled in, and for a moment, they stood side by side in silence, steeling themselves for the journey ahead. Little did they know, the challenges waiting for them would test not just their strength, but the very bonds that held them together.

As the stars began to twinkle above, the crew of The Wanderer continued their preparations, unaware of the shadows looming ever closer, preparing to strike when they least expected it.