Greeks, Gods & Other Problems

Chapter Eleven

"Artemis Paver." Artemis just nodded, too nervous to say anything: Chiron reminded her too much of a strict school-teacher.

"How long have you been here?"

"Err... a day, I think."

"Arty," Artemis was shocked to hear him use her short name. He clopped towards her, "you've been here a day and have already caused trouble in the camp. Outside of camp you may have an excuse, but here you don't, and -"

"What did the actual prophecy say?"

"Pardon?"

"The prophecy. I heard someone mention it. The point is everyone avoids me, the gods - well at least Zeus -"

"Don't say his name. Names have power."

" - all hate me and I have no idea what I've done or am about to do." She sounded so much like a whiny teenager and she hated herself for it, but she did deserve to know the truth. Chiron studied her face for a little longer before speaking.

"Patience. Now is not the right time. But, for now, you need to train. You may have been lucky for fourteen years but that will run out."

Artemis nodded stiffly and turned to leave.

"I'm not finished yet. Concerning the cabin's destruction you will clear it up and fix anything that is broken. Ask the Hephaestus cabin for help if you need it."

She turned to leave and opened the door. Chiron called out to her back, "and you are on dish washing duty until the end of the week." Now, that was unfair. Artemis spun round to protest and got a mouthful of door instead.

"Stupid home," she muttered under her breath. She stood in the evening light where she'd sat just hours before and felt something fall on her head.

"Not again." She groaned and ran for it.

She arrived, soaked, at her cabin only to find a throng of campers already there.

"British weather. Can't leave me alone, can it?" She laughed thinly. They were all gawking at her. She grabbed a towel draped over a chair and began to dry her hair with it. They were still completely silent. Why wasn't Percy here?! There had to be a reason they were there. There was such a multitude of them Artemis couldn't pick out individuals (not that she'd be able to do anyway as she had only been there for a day.), she could vaguely tell who their parents were; but in the dying sunlight it was still hard to distinguish. She thought most of them were from the Ares cabin: many of them were thickset, heavy built, muscular, and a tremendous contrast to her slight frame. They were giving her the heebie-jeebies!

"Will someone please say something!"

"Or what, you'll flood our cabin?"

"Hey, that was an accident," she protested, her symbol floating before her eyes.

"Oh, really," cried another camper.

"Yes, really. If you don't believe me, tough." She said this with such aggression, hand on hip, that something in the atmosphere changed. It wasn't exactly electric but more fluid, it spread through the crowd in a wave; suddenly Artemis had the upper hand - and she knew she did. A few flexed their biceps before snorting, shooting her a venemous look and then leaving swiftly. After that the crowd began to disperse until it was just Artemis... and Percy standing at the doorway, Artemis hadn't noticed him, she just stumbled over to her bed and flopped down on top of the covers. She was asleep within seconds.

~~~

How was my portrayal of Chiron? Did you like it? Longer chapter next, well I hope it is otherwise I'ver been lying to you guys. Sorry. Millions of cakes to you if you're still reading. Please comment, it really helps me figure out what I'm doing wrong. :) x