A New Goddess (Sequel to The Child Of The Dead Sea)

17. The Musketeers

Kate

I woke to the sound of chirping birds. It was a nice change from the sound of fighting campers and training that usually woke me in the morning.

I kept my eyes closed as i adjusted. Strangely enough, i didn't remember much from yesterday, but i'm sure it will come to me. I opened my eyes and nearly screamed. Apollo was just staring at me.

"What the Hades! You almost gave me a heart attack!" I whispered angrily at him.

"Well good morning to you too." He smiled.

I couldn't help but smile back. "Good morning." I sighed.

That's when the door burst open. "Kate you have to come quickly! The Musketeers are here!" Gunner burst through the doorway.

I sat up immediately along with Apollo. Percy and Annabeth must have already be outside. I was still dressed from yesterday so i ran outside with Gunner. Apollo followed close behind.

Gunner led us to Thalia's tree. The dragon was snorting fire at three demigods on the other side of the border. Percy, Annabeth, Chiron and about a dozen armed campers kept them from crossing.

Drawing my sword as i went, i pushed my way to the front of the crowd, Apollo at my side.

"Who are you?" I asked, pointing my sword at the boy in the middle.

He wore a hood and seemed to be the leader of the three. He pushed it back and spoke. "It's been awhile, Kate. But i never though that you would forget your best friend."

"Ryan." I growled. "Give me one good reason why i shouldn't kill you where you stand." I took a step forward, almost crossing the border, but Apollo and Percy held me back.

"Oh, Kate. You were always so stubborn. If you kill me, your camp will never survive." He laughed and snapped his fingers. At least a hundred monsters emerged from the trees. They were all armed and looking for a fight. "But i have a deal to make. I will send these monsters away, and leave peacefully, you will never see me again."

"If?" I growled.

"If you give yourself over to me. This whole taking over Olympus thing is a little far fetched. I don't what to run to universe. I just want...you." He smiled as he spoke. Moving his hands in a sinister way as he explained.

"Kate don't you dare." Apollo whispered in my ear.

I stood there for a moment, thinking of a response. "Get rid of the monsters and i will think about it." I finally answered.

"I want the answer by sundown. And if you don't agree I'll call these monsters back and i will kill all of you." He responded.

"You will have your answer. Now get rid of the monsters." I growled.

"Fine. We will be here, waiting." He smiled and flicked his wrist, causing the monsters to retreat back into the forest.

I turned my back to them and the other campers followed. Chiron ordered three Ares campers to stay and make sure they don't cross the border. I didn't pay much attention though, i was seething. How dare he come face me like this. I killed him! He should be dead! He deserves to be dead!

"Kate calm down." Apollo grabbed my hand and stopped me on my way to the arena.

"How can i?! He should be dead, and now he's come back to threaten everything i care about unless i turn myself over to him! I have a right to be upset about this!" I yelled.

He looked a little hurt at my tone, but i didn't care. "I know. But right now you have to remain calm for the sake of the other campers. They are all nervous as it is. If they see the person in charge of them is more angry and nervous, it will make them worse. And we have to meet Chiron and the head campers in the big house." He said calmly.