Perseus the Hunter

Chapter 4

The hunters worked for four days straight, searching the forest for any sign of the male hunter. Artemis was starting to tire herself, which is when she knows the hunters have had enough.

"We will set up camp here." They walked into the small clearing, just big enough for their camp. "Thalia, Pheobe, set up the fire, the rest of you resurrect the tents. Meet in twenty for dinner." Artemis went to the edge of the clearing, finding a good space to place her own tent. Watching the others help the new hunter Lily with her tent. Thalia and Pheobe collecting firewood.

Once the camp was set up and all of the hunters had eaten they heard ear-piercing screams coming from inside the forest to their left. Instantly, the hunters gathered their weapons and proceeded, in formation, toward the group of monsters. Stopping at the edge of the lake as they saw the male hunter appear out of nowhere.

Kynigós drew his cylinder and charged into the group of monsters. Elongating the staff as he went. He prefered this style of fighting as it related more to dance than sword fighting did. Spinning the staff expertly, jabbing the pointed end into the Drakon's weak spots, turning them to dust one by one. His fighting impressed and terrified the hunters as they watched him dance gracefully through the maze of monsters. Destroying more than even they could have done together.

After half of the monsters were destroyed, he turned his staff into a double-sided dagger, twisting the cylinder in the middle and making it split into two. He took a stance and waited for the onslaught of monsters to attack. Three ran off in fear as they recognised the hunter. The others charging forward only to be killed quickly and swiftly. The hunter barely lifted his head, keeping his face covered. The last two charged at the man from either side, he dropped his daggers and turned, mid-movement, standing up and flicking his wrists. Activating his hidden blades and puncturing the last two monsters in the throat simultaneously. His head still down as he waited for the two to crumble into dust. Hiding his blades once again as he bent to pick up his daggers. Silently screwing the handles back together and clicking a button. Making it shrink back into the cylinder as he strapped it to his waist. Flicking his cloak slightly and revealing his throwing knives to the hunters' gaze.

They all drew their bows and aimed at the male. He didn't flinch or move a muscle as they advanced toward him. They couldn't believe what they had just seen. He took out an entire group of monsters and he didn't have a scratch on him. He waited patiently for one of the girls to speak.

"Who are you?" The Lieutenant glared at the male who did not speak. Instead, he simply reached into his cloak pocket. The hunters tensed at his movement, gripping their bows harder and pulling back on their strings. The only ones who didn't have him at aim were the girls he personally delivered to the hunt. He pulled out a small scroll, similar to the one he handed Lily and held it in an open palm toward Artemis herself. She was disguised as one of her hunters and was surprised he knew which one she was. She lowered her bow and took the scroll from his hand. He lowered his hand slowly back to his side.

"Why do you not speak Boy?" Pheobe spat at Kynigós. He didn't flinch at her tone, just simply stood, patiently waiting for the goddess to finish reading.

"He can't, Pheobe," Artemis spoke softly, almost sad at the letter. Hoping to have a reason to hate the male but she found none. The letter held everything she wished to know except for the male's identity.

"What?" Pheobe was shocked, mostly at her Patron's tone. Artemis reached out a hand and placed it on Pheobe's bow, gently lowering it to the ground. Each of the hunters followed suit.

"He took a vow of silence. He cannot speak." He bowed his head slightly in respect and waited for her to fill in the rest of the girls with the information he offered. One of the hunters, still not happy with her Maiden's choice, did not lower her bow and at the answer that Artemis gave, accidentally shot her silver arrow at Kynigós.

He did not flinch but instead watched as the arrow came sailing toward his shoulder. Lifting his right arm in time to catch it inches before it pierced his neck. He did not react or let any emotion arise. Simply lowered his hand and offered the huntress her arrow back. The hunt was shocked. Artemis herself would not have been able to stop the arrow. Dodge it maybe, but to catch it? She glared at the huntress who defied her orders. Then turned back to the note.

"He is a peaceful entity under the command of two he calls family. He means no harm to the gods or demigods and only wishes he remains unharmed." She read his words, paraphrasing a little to help the hunters understand. She looked upon this Hunter with a new light. He went against everything she thought men stood for.

"Would you accompany me to Olympus, the other gods are waiting upon your arrival." He sighed silently, not overwhelmingly pleased with the upcoming events but nodded his head to give an answer to the maiden goddess.

"My Lady, please let me accompany you?" Thalia asked, wary of the male still.

"You may Lieutenant." Artemis turned back to the Hunter. "Walk with us to our camp and I will flash us to Olympus." He moved his head once in agreement and joined the back of the hunters, walking slowly and patiently behind the group.

He waited on the borders of their camp for the goddess and hunter to be ready to leave. Giving the girls' space and not wanting to intrude in their camp, even though he had been invited. Knowing his distance would put the hunters more at ease.

Artemis joined Kynigós at the border and flashed the three of them to the throne room of Olympus.