Forgotten prophecy

Chapter 15

Unfortunately Ryker's debt with the Hunters would not be settled that day as it turned out. Thalia and the other hunters left several hours after the meeting in Reyna's office without a word to anyone. When Ryker was told he was livid. "Why that little..." He thought for a long moment about going after them but he knew that their head start would be insurmountable in this unfamiliar territory.

"You really don't like her, do you?" Nico asked curiously from where he stood leaning against the foundation of a wall. The Romans had been busily building the defenses for the game of capture the flag while Ryker wandered around the camp. Silver had gone with Annabeth to do what they referred to as 'girl things'. Ryker had followed them out of simple curiosity and had been rebuffed with an enthusiasm that bordered on violent.

"She's the reason I was dragged into this mess." Ryker growled. He was sat on the ground a few feet away from Nico. He had spent the better part of the last hour surveying the defenses and debating on whether he would like to be on the offensive side of the game or the defensive. Both had their appeal. "She and the other Hunters along with Artemis came and dragged me out of my forest. Literally."

"I know the feeling." Nico told him sympathetically. Ryker sensed that the pale little demigod had more to say on the matter, but he remained silent. "So what's your plan for catching whatever this thing is?"

"Bait." Ryker shrugged. Nico sent him a blank look and Ryker elaborated, "If what they said is true and the only thing that makes this thing interested are campers and legionnaires who distinguish themselves then the only thing for it is to figure out who the next target would be."

"So that's why you are in the game." Nico nodded. "You want to see who would fit the description."

Ryker nearly smiled. "Exactly," He nodded, impressed. "Whenever you hunt something knowing what it eats is half the battle."

"What's the other half then?" Frank asked interestedly, striding up to them. He had a spear in one hand and a shield in the other.

"The kill." Ryker's mouth curled up in an expression that was equal parts joyful and savage. "You can lay a perfect trap and have your quarry fall right into it, but you will almost always have to make the kill yourself."

"Why not just make the trap kill it?" Frank inquired. "It would save a lot of trouble."

"Because that takes all the fun out of it." Ryker laughed softly. "Every creature deserves the chance to fight for its life."

"What about whatever it is that's taking the campers?" Nico's words were neutral but his eyes had narrowed. "Are you going to let it fight for its life?"

"That's a special case." Ryker allowed. "I doubt that it would fall into a trap. A normal one at any rate. It's too smart."

A horn blew in the distance and a black Pegasus flew into the air with a rider on its back. "Gather for the games!" Reyna shouted from where she sat on the horse. The Pegasus whinnied its agreement.

Nico melted into shadow and Frank began to walk back to where two large groups of people were forming up. Another two legions were making their way behind the walls, manning the contraptions that were interspersed along the stone. Ryker looked back and forth between the groups one last time before quickly climbing up the wall. He somersaulted over the stone and turned to regard his opponents. They had formed into two rough rectangles with their shields arranged in front of them to provide optimum defense. A large elephant stood between the ranks garbed in what appeared to be heavy black leather armor. Ryker raised an eyebrow at the beast but he said nothing. One of the legionnaires on the wall seemed to be in charge of the others and Ryker sauntered over to her. She spied Ryker and frowned. "Who are you?" She challenged, leveling her sword at him.