His Father's Glory

Chapter 5

I felt the blood leave my face.

What does he know? Who told him?

"My father came to me in a dream," he continued. "He told me that you were coming and would be staying with me in the Hades cabin, even though you aren't my brother."

Too many thoughts danced in my head, each just barely out of reach. I couldn't completely comprehend what he was saying.

"They're going to be waiting for us to start the campfire," he said as he walked away. "Let's go catch up."

I snapped out of my confused daze and followed after him.

~*~

The sun hung low in the sky as the campers were settling on the benches, placed around the fire pit.

The fire was a deep purple, a sign of unease among the campers.

I followed Nico as he sat next to the Apollo cabin and of course, next to Will.

When the sun finally set, and the campers were settled, the singing started.

Songs that I had never heard, but I had never been to a summer camp.

I was lost at first but soon caught on.

As we sang, the fire's color changed from a deep purple to a light blue.

We sang many songs, some that sang the truth of the Twelve Labors of Hercules, one that told the tale of the Titan War, and one about a little red wagon. The last one was a mystery to me.

When the songs were over, Chiron came into view. His eyes flickered across the body of campers until he saw me. His eyes darkened considerably as I gazed back at him.

He looked away and addressed the camp.

I didn't hear most of what he said, my attention is drawn to Percy. He sat next to Annabeth, his arms around her waist as he kissed her forehead.

I smiled at the sight of them. It was quite obvious to anyone with eyes, that they were in love. Not just the usual teenage romance, but deep, soul-binding love that will never be broken. A love everyone craves but so few receive.

My smile fell as I remember the words Fates had uttered in pure hatred. I shook those thoughts from my head and tried to focus on Chiron's words.

"Tomorrow we play capture the flag after dinner but may I remind you, no one is to venture into the forest under any circumstances, except for scheduled events." He then looked into my eyes as he proceeded to say, "the monster activity has been unusual and until we know its cause, we ask you not to go into the forest unsupervised."

His gaze then drifted to the others who had started whispering again.

Unusual monster activity? What monster activity is usual?

"There is one last announcement. We have a new camper to welcome."

My heart skipped a beat as my blood turned cold yet again. My body froze in shock as my eyes widened.

I didn't know about this. All eyes were on me. I don't do well under pressure.

Nico nudged my shoulder and whispered to me, "Go up there."

I stood, gracelessly and made my way to the fire pit where Chiron awaited.

There had to be at least a hundred people at camp. All focused on me.

Chiron cleared his throat. I frowned in confusion until I realized,  they want to see my abilities.

I had many, however, most of them were things only my father should be able to do. If they were to believe I was the offspring of Hades, I had to be careful of what I showed.

I decided to shadow travel. Well, my version of shadow traveling.

I went into the shadow of the fires and willed myself to become one with the shadow.

I inevitably took a detour to my father's realm. It was the only way I can travel. I then willed myself to form in the back of the crowd.

This was where the Aphrodite girls were sitting. I smiled to myself as I quietly crept behind them

"Boo," I whispered.

The girl's shrieks filled the air as did some others as they heard the screams of their fellow campers.

"Shadow travel," I heard Percy whisper, astounded.

I shot him a quick wink before traveling back to Chiron.

I decided to then take out my sword. I took the skeleton key out of my pocket. I thought it was amusing that the key could open any door, therefore, being a skeleton key, but it also looked like a skeleton.

I smiled and turned the key, just as I did on the hill, and kólasi fotiás sprang forth.

Gasps rang from the on-lookers. The black blade gleamed in the flames.

Flames. I smirked as I pressed the largest skull on the hilt with my thumb.

Blue flames engulfed the blade. I grinned, undoubtedly looking like a mad man as I watched Greek fire run along the sword's edge.

The entire camp was silent as I swung the sword once, leaving a slightly lingering trail of fire.

I pressed the skull once more and the flames receded. I smiled as I turned the sword as if it were a key. Instantly, Hell Fire shrank back into a key and I slipped it back into my pocket.

I looked into the crowd, analyzing the emotions they emitted.

Amazement and wonder were all around but there was something else there.

Fear. In every single person who met my eyes, fear was present.

"Who are you?" Someone whispered.

"My name is Cleo." I hoped only my first name would suffice but the Fates truly despise me.

"What is your full name, Cleo?" Chiron asked. I knew I couldn't go against Chiron.

My eye twitched as I thought of my last name and the bastard that left my mother broken and bankrupt.

"My name," I growled through gritted teeth," is Cleo Castellan."