The Forgotten Hero (Book 1)

Chapter 13

"What do you mean, your brother?" Thalia turned to me, almost threateningly.

I squeezed Jason's hand now. I didn't expect to need this much support, but I was scared of Thalia. "I just found out a couple of days ago. We were separated as kids."

"Did Hera do that to you too?" It did seem pretty suspicious.

"She was an influencing factor. I just wanted to know if you could tell me something about him."

"What is it?" She seemed both angry and confused. I felt like I did this to her, but I needed to know the answer to my question.

"What is he like?" It was kind of sad, how I didn't know anything about the person that I should be closest to.

"He's the bravest person I know." She stated simply.

I felt kind of disconnected already, and Thalia's comment didn't really help. I wouldn't consider myself to be brave or a hero. "Thanks." I mumbled.

Jason must have sensed by sadness, because he wrapped his arms around me. Honestly, it wasn't fair of me to be doing this. I was supposed to be here to be Jason's support, but instead, he was mine. But, as I was wrapped in his arms, I realized I was not infatuated by the manica's power. For a moment, I was just infatuated by him.

"I have to get moving. If not, the other hunters will get too far away. But I'll take you to Aeolus' palace first." Thalia looked kind of happy for a second while she looked at us.

"If you can't, that's okay." Jason sounded kind of distressed.

"I haven't had a brother in years." She grinned. "I think I can stand you for a few minutes before you get annoying. Let's get going."

We walked to the entrance of the cave where a small tent was set up. Leo was busy trying to make joked with Phoebe, Hedge was eating a small thermos cup, and Piper was giggling to herself at the scene. They were all dressed in parkas, like the ones that Thalia and Phoebe were wearing. Piper no longer looked like she was on the brink of death.

Thalia lightly pat Piper on the back. "You up for moving?"

Piper nodded. "Thanks to Phoebe I am. You guys are great at this survive in nature thing. I feel like I could run ten miles."

"Strong child of Aphrodite. I like this one." Thalia turned to Jason.

Leo whined. "I could run ten miles too. Strong son 0f Hephaestus here."

Leo got none of her attention and I giggled a little.

We started heading up the mountain. It was hard work, and running through the snow was hard to do in jeans. I kind of wished I had asked Thalia for some of the winter clothes that Piper and Leo had. It was too late for that now, so I would just have to deal with it.

The coach pranced around like a funny mountain goat, attempting to encourage us. My dislike for him grew.

"Pick up the pace, Valdez. C'mon let's chant. I've got a girl in Kalamazoo--"

I made a face. "How about we don't do that?"

The coach shut up and we ran in silence.

I ran forward, as Leo held back to run next to Jason. I thought it was sweet how much these three cared about each other.

We made it to the top of the mountain, the only thing between us and Aeolus' palace was a small ice bridge. Coincidentally, it was also the only thing between the sky and the very far away ground.

Leo came up behind her. He choked out. "That is a very large rock."

I frowned, looking at the bridge. "I say we give up."