The Unclaimed

Chapter 32: My newest clue

   We were back at our running and I was still bored. All of my tactics to occupy my brain had already been used and I had no idea what else to think about. I would have tried to strike up a conversation with one of the other hunters but none of them were talking, at all.
   At least as it started to get dark out, I had to focus. The closer it got to night fall and the more time that passed by without a monster, the more tensions rose. I knew that one had to show up and it would happen soon. Because it was almost night time and I had to get a clue every day. Judging from the other hunters, and even Artemis's, facial expressions I could tell that they were thinking the same thing. By the time we got to the point where the sun was setting, my heart was beating faster than it ever had before.
   I kept shifting my vision side to side, I was scared. The suspense was killing me. The lower the sun got, the more worry I felt. Then it happened. Off to my left I heard the sound of wings, large wings. I could tell right away that it was not just from a bird. The rest of the hunters heard it as well, so did Artemis. We all turned and immediately had our bows at the ready.  We were facing the woods and with how dark it was, even with my enhanced vision, I could barely make anything out. None of us moved or spoke; we just looked, listened, and waited. Then there was laughter, but not from any of us. It was a dark and low sound. The laughter, our breathing, and the sound of wings flapping together was all that could be heard. Suddenly, out no where, I figure came out from above the trees and landed in front of us.
   "Di' immortals," I heard Thalia mutter from behind me. "They sent one of the kindly ones." When it heard Thalia speak, the monster nodded and let out a noise that I could only assume was its laugh.
   "Why yes my dear," it's voice was scratchy. "Certain immortals have taken a keen interest in preventing the success of this quest. They had assumed that the sub-par monsters that they've been sending would have been enough but," she made sure I was keeping eye contact with her before she continued. "You miss darling child have impressed them. Time after time you have evaded their attempts to kill you; so now they send me. A monster that they know will not fail. One that," though she could have been a potential source for information, I was getting tired of her bragging about herself so I shot her. As the kindly one exploded, a peace of paper fluttered to the ground. Before anyone could object I took long strides, picked up the paper, and read it out-loud,
   "While this monsters pride was to much,
    The rest will not be like such.
    Wars and violence is what your father strives off of,
    But despite what most people think, he does indeed know how to love." I looked up from the paper. Both Artemis and the other hunters were staring at me. I tried to think if this narrowed my options down but I couldn't decide. If it had to help me get rid of one option it would be Zeus. Ares (obviously) loved violence and Hades gained more spirits from violence. But even with that logic I still felt unsure. Looking Artemis is the eyes, I tried to silently beg her to get the attention off of me. I believe she got my message because she suddenly spoke up,
   "Alright ladies, lets grab some snacks but then you all need to get to bed," she said. "We can sleep in some tomorrow but not much so it's important that you get to bed earlier than normal." There were some mutters of annoyance but for the most part everyone listened. They looked like they wanted to say something to me about my prophecy but chose not to. Trying to stay away from everyone I ate a quick snack and then went to bed.