Alternatively

To Be Human (iv.)

She had her doubts.

The castle, as decrepit and dismal as it was, happened to be the first of it's kind she had ever seen. It was imposing and she was daunted as she and Percy wound their way through the rundown commons. She knew hardship, had see mortal misery presented before her, yet never as raw. The citizens drearily went about their day, clothes in various states of disrepair and faces gaunt and eyes cold.

What sort of king let his people live in such squalor? What sort of person would do nothing in the face of such detriment?

She glanced at Percy beside her, catching his mouth firmly set and his chin level as he took in the estate before them. His shoulders were squared and though he had long since ripped off the seal from his coat, it seemed to be branded across his chest.

Then his eyes flickered to her and the muscles in his arms relaxed. "Something up?"

Annabeth shook her head and side stepped a hole in the road. "No, not yet."

He squinted but faced front again, a second set of wrought iron gates drawing ever near.

Yes, she had her doubts, but she steeled herself. They had come all this way, after all. Never mind that the journey to this point had been cake to what they were about to face; she would take it all in stride.

Mrs. O'Leary sniffed the air, keeping close on their heels with her hackles ever raised. Demons were sure to be abundant, if Piper's insinuations were to be correct, and it had cast off the hound's goofy behavior. Annabeth didn't mind her sticking at their backs; she could then focus on the guards before her. Still, she didn't quite trust the dog to accompany them inside.

She didn't know if it would be safe.

"Good after-"

"Back to your duties," one of the armor clad guards gruffly interrupted.

Percy frowned. "We're simple travelers, seeking-"

"There's nothing here for travelers."

"Seeking an audience with the king," he finished, jaw twitching.

"With the king," the other guard raised an eyebrow. "You must be joking."

"The king has no business with common travelers, be on your way."

Annabeth crossed her arms; the men were sorely equipped, armor rusted and falling to pieces. Brute force, an intimidation factor, she was sure. "Don't you know who this is?"

All three men looked at her.

"Common travelers," she rolled her eyes, taking her time so her words wouldn't shake. "As if you think the Great One's mage is some common traveler, I swear."

The guards exchanged a look while Percy speared her with one of his own before reverting to his princely posture.

"The Great One's mage."

"Is that not what I said?"

The first guard gave Percy a critical once over. "Why would the Great One need a mage?"

She pursed her lips. "Why would the king need one?"

"I couldn't speak for-"

The ground rumbled, rubble tumbling from the already crumbling wall encircling the vast castle. Annabeth fought to keep her balance without flailing her arms, staring up at the many windows facing the gate. The king was watching, and he had just summoned them.

"Right," the second guard stepped aside, gesturing with his spear. "Go ahead."

"Yeah, and good luck," the other snorted.