The Child of Artemis

Chapter Twelve

I'm awakened the next morning by excited chatter. The entire cabin is strapping armor on, getting weapons and various instruments ready, and discussing the plans we came up with the previous day. All in all, the atmosphere was lighthearted and happy, and everyone couldn't wait to participate in the game.

I dragged myself out of bed, and followed the Apollo campers down to breakfast after they finished getting their weapon of choice ready. I didn't know why, but one guy was bringing a saxophone into the mix. I don't understand it, but I decided just to go with it.

I sat down at the table after getting my food, and ate as much as I could. I refused to go down without a fight. I was determined to be at the top of my game, even though that wasn't very impressive yet. I was going to do my very best.

Nico walked into the Dining Pavilion looking slightly worn out. Looks like he didn't get a lot of sleep last night. I wouldn't bother him about it, but I do hope he tells me later. I focus back on my own food. Before I could eat too much, however, Chiron comes over to me.

"Amaris. When you're done eating, please come to see me in the armory. We have a few extra pairs of armor; I'm hoping one will fit you." He points in the general direction of the armory.

"Yes sir, I'll be there." I smile, speaking quietly.

"No need to call me sir. I'm not Dionysus. Just call me Chiron." He smiles at me warmly.

"Okay, Chiron." I smile back at him.

"See you there, Amaris." Chiron walks off to the armory. I quickly finish the rest of my food, then hurry over to the armory. I walk in slowly, admiring all the different weapons, shields, and armor. "Over here!" Chiron calls from the back. I go up to meet him, and he studies my body type for a minute, then picks up some armor pieces. "See if this works." He hands them to me.

"How do I put this stuff on? I've never worn armor in my entire life." I point out. Chiron only looks mildly surprised.

"Yes, I suppose so. That's why Acacia has come to help you out." He points behind me. I turn to see the bubbly daughter of Athena coming over.

"I've got it from here, Chiron." She smiles at the centaur, then turns to me. She takes the pieces of armor from my grasp, then starts strapping them on me, showing me how to do it in the process. Soon enough, I have all of the armor on.

"It feels awkward and heavy." I comment with a huff. Acacia smiles brightly.

"It does feel that way at first, but you'll get used to it. Ask anyone here! Now let's  go! We've got a Capture the Flag game to play!" Acacia grabs my wrist, ignoring how I tense up at the action, and drags me to join the campers marching off into the woods. I feel like my whole body was being weighed down by cement. Long story short; wearing armor is not a fun experience.

"What side of the creek will we be on?" I decide to try and make conversation, despite me panting like a dog from the sheer effort of walking with heavy armor.

"The side with Zeus' Fist." She shrugs, still dragging me. Once she reaches Zeus' Fist, she drops my wrist, and points to a guard position. "You'll be one of the three guards. It's easier to defend than to attack." She walks off. I frown, but turn my bracelet into a sword. Even if I was a natural at the bow, I had only shot once. I had practice and training with a sword. This was my best bet at the moment.