End of the Line

#17 - The Diktaean Cave

Chapter 17 - The Diktaean Cave
published: Wednesday, 20 March 2019

The Argo II docked into the bay of the island of Crete with a small shudder as Leo lowered the anchor into the depths of the bay's waters.

"We're here!" Leo shouted. He scrambled away from the steering wheel to join the rest of his friends.

The drawbridge began to lower automatically, emitting a groan.

As Leo made a beeline for the land, Jason yanked him back. "Woah, woah, we haven't decided who's standing guard."

Everyone exchanged glances. No one wanted to stay behind.

"I have to go," Piper reminded them. "Charmspeak."

"I was guard last time," Frank pointed out.

Leo raised his hands. "Not it!"

All eyes turned to Hazel and Jason.

"I'm not staying!" they both protested in unison.

"One you has to stay behind," Piper insisted. "We'll rotate. Next time, the other person will stand guard."

Hazel and Jason had a brie starting contest before Hazel let out a reluctant huff. "Fine."

"Thank you," Jason said gratefully as he gave her a one-armed hug. He led the way down the drawbridge.

"You owe me, Sparky!" Hazel called as they left the ship.

The four demigods strolled around Crete, grabbing tourist maps and asking directions to the Diktaean Cave.

Leo had his eyes peeled for any warriors or dodgy-looking people. He didn't want another surprise ambush like the last time.

"It's probably a major tourist site," Jason reasoned. "If we just ask one of the locals..."

Piper approached a store vendor and they had a short conversation in Greek. She pointed to the road straight ahead. 

After a little less than an hour, the demigods has hiked up the right hill and reached the cave. The site was bustling with noisy tourists, rowdy children and loud tour guides.

"We'll have to wait till nightfall at this rate," Jason murmured.

Leo scanned the area. "I could try blocking off the place. But I doubt the tourists would listen to me."

And so they waited.

The four of them toured Crete as the sun slowly set along the horizon. Jason Iris-Messaged Hazel to check on her and to inform her about the delay.

After an agonising wait, the cave was finally closed for the night.

Piper charmspeaked the security guard to sleep as her friends hurried past him.

The demigods creeped into the cave, Leo holding out a flame for light, while the others drew their weapons.

Frank rolled a boulder to block the entrance, making sure that no one would disturb them.

The cavern was sparse, with granite hanging off the ceiling and jutting out from the floor.

"Gaia," Piper called. Her voice reverberated around the enclosed space. "Speak."

The sheer charmspeak in her voice compelled words out of the others, and the three boys promptly burst into nonsensical babbles.

"Not you," Piper hissed, and they fell silent again.

"She's probably blocked off," Frank guessed. "Or any random mortal could call her. There has to be something we're missing."

Leo and Jason scoured the cave, brushing against walls and feeling for hollow walls.