“Here’s the obols, pay Charon the ferryman with them, also these golden ones are your way out, keep them safe” Ericarni told them.
“How will they get us out?” Athena queried
“Think of the camp, think of everything about it. Then when the coin starts to vibrate, throw it at something solid and enter through the portal that appears. There’s a few, just in case”
“And we’ll all fit through one?”
“That was the general belief”
Athena nodded to ensure the others that she understood.
“Why such a quick escape?”
“So do you remember the plan?” Another unanswered question, she would have to start a list at the rate this was going.
“Follow the maps instructions to the entrance” Emma recited “once there, go through the cave, pay Charon, get him to ferry us across the Acheron River, then the Styx, to the gates of the underworld, get past Cerberus, bargain with Hades, talk with him, then get out of there before the hellhound or Hades stops us.”
“Exactly, you remember well Emma, so remember this: it may take a few days or even longer”
“It all sounds so simple” said Athena “but it’s definitely not going to be easy, is it?”
“No. Here, you’ll need this” Ericarni handed her the map “Remember, there could be a whole number of beasts on your way there, so be sure to consult the map at regular intervals. It will take you the shortest way, but to avoid danger you will need to make several diversions. Also assume this, if it seems quiet, and has been for a while, then you are almost certain to run into trouble, so be sure to consult the map then too.”
“Okay”
“You best get going... and good luck” Ericarni grinned
Psychí trotted forwards, nudging her arm with his gorgeous golden head, his eyes, his wonderful aurous eyes... looking alone and slightly vulnerable.
“I can’t take you with me Psychí” he rubbed his head against her again “you’ll slow us down and you can’t come into the underworld anyway.”
“Thee let’s go!” Tom called, Athena ran to join the other four, Psychí in her wake.
“Psychí no!” she yelled slightly “no” she repeated, a little more controlled, but this time he looked not only alone, but somewhat sad and deprived. Now she knew she shouldn’t have shouted, but at least Psychí had got the message, even if he had flown off in a sulk. As she watched him she realised she’d sooner be slowed down than lose what appeared to become a best friend.
“Hey” Robbie cooed “He’ll be alright” Athena knew that, but she wouldn’t be. What did Robbie know anyway? She thought, but as he gripped her arm and smiled, her heart jumped and Athena couldn’t help but smile back. Tom looked over and, glaring slightly, he muttered something to Liam. “Why’s he like that?” Athena knew he meant Tom.
“Honestly, I don’t know, they say he’s jealous, but I think he feels threatened by you.” She replied truthfully.
“Threatened? How am I threatening him?”
“Why do you care? I didn’t think you liked him either.
“Well of course I like him; he’s the one with the problem”
“I know”
“Besides, we’re in this together; I’m as much a part of it now as he is”
“And don’t you forget it”
