Theives Like Us

19

Rhyan's ribs hurt. She'd been dosed up on ambrosia, nectar and Birch's healing magic.

On the plus side she hadn't had to do any walking since the incident with the cyclops. Birch said she'd slow them down, Crash agreed and they didn't have time to wait, not that they had been given a time limit. Instead Crash had picked her up then dropped her, insisting that she put on a jumper because she was 'colder than a frost giant.'

As of current Rhyan was curled up in the corner of the carriage, clutching her sides wearing a hugely oversized hoodie. Crash, who was now hoodie-less, was sitting next to Birch. The three demi-gods decided to catch up on some much needed sleep, but Rhyan just couldn't. Her ribs hurt too much.

Crash looked peaceful, at ease even. Not at all like the angry, traumatised half blood Rhyan knew. On the other hand, Birch looked tence and kept muttering in his sleep. Something about 'obeying' and 'crooked ones'. 

Rhyan started to drift off into the comfort of the hoodie, when she was plagued with nightmares.

She was back in a hospital in England, sitting in a chair beside a pale, woman. She had round cheeks, brown hair and the same gunmetal blue eyes. Rhyan's mum. They had nothing in common except those eyes.

The doctors had said the sickness was unlike anything they had ever seen -Burning her up from the inside. The doctors said it had taken over her mind so not to worry about her rambling.

They wouldn't explain anything to Rhyan. She was too young, 6, so Rhyan's sister, Abby, had taken care of her instead.

The memories moved once again back to the mysterious man who'd made her mum coffee. He moved in next door, and introduced himself with a coffee. Every morning and afternoon the same time with a coffee....

Rhyan didn't understand it.

It grew darker and darker, until a scream interrupted her nightmare.

She woke up to see Birch staring straight at her not helping Crash  as he thrashed and shouted in his sleep.

Rhyan went to touch him. Birch grabbed her wrist and stopped her.

"Pretend to be asleep and not notice man. He'll wake up in a few...."

Rhyan shut her eyes and curled up. Less than a minute later Crash was awake.

"Nightmare?" Birch asked. Crash didn't reply. Rhyan could only assume he nodded as Birch replied with a quiet "thought so."

Rhyan took this moment to let out a yawn and pretend to wake up.

"Did you hear anything?" Crash asked. Rhyan raised a brow. She could tell the truth or take Birch's advice. Rhyan opted for her own option - When in doubt use sarcasm.

"Like what? An elephant? Music? You're gonna have to be a little more specific. Even then I doubt it. I was asleep you know."  Birch nodded and mouthed a small, silent  'thank you', as Crash sighed in relief.

Rhyan went to stretch to make it seem like she really had just woken up but had pulled a little too hard, immediately she went back to her fetal position. Her ribs still hurt.

Birch pulled out a flask of a clear liquid that looked very much like water but tasted way better. Nectar.

It was only then that it clicked. Rhyan understood her dream...

"Are you alright?" Crash asked.

"Its poison, isn't it?"

"What? No its nectar."