The Owl Princess

Book 6: Chapter 1- Return to Ogygia

The gossamer-like, gold sail flapped and shimmered in the breeze. Calypso spotted it on the horizon when she was walking along the beach, gathering shellfish for dinner. She wondered how the ship got that close. Her mother's protection spell should have prevented them from getting closer than the rocks at the mouth of the harbor.
The ship dropped its anchor in a small cove outside of the limestone caves. Calypso swam up to the ship. When she got close, she took a deep breath and swam the last few feet under water.
"Welcome to Ogygia," she said when she popped up above the surface.
The crew rushed over to the side of the ship to look at her.
"Calypso," one of the sailors replied.
Leo looked down at her and smiled.
"Pull her up onto the deck."
Two of his crew mates extended their arms and lifted her on board the ship.
"May the God of the Seas bless every fisherman with so fair a catch," one of the crewmen, a wiry, dark-haired youth, said. "What type of fish is this?"
Calypso quickly became aware of how her wet chiton clung indecently to the curves of her body. She covered her chest with her arms and hair.

"My lord," Leo answered. "This is Calypso, our hostess."
A dainty, dark-skinned girl put an arm around Leo.
"I can see why you were so anxious to return here," she said.
Leo swatted her away.
"Shhh, Hazel."
Hazel was lovely, with her sweet, baby face, large, golden-brown eyes, and shy smile. Her hair was twisted back and head in place by a head scarf tied with a ribbon. Wispy auburn curls framed her face.

Calypso could see why Leo was so taken with her.
"Hazel, Calypso. Calypso, Hazel."
Hazel greeted Calypso with a slight bow.
"You've met Prince Perseus of Crete."
Prince Perseus, the wiry, dark-haired youth, also bowed to Calypso.
"And this is Frank."
Frank, a giant of a man with massive arms, broad shoulders, and a bull neck, was the second sailor who had lifted Calypso onto the ship. In contrast to his bulky, imposing physique, he had a soft, friendly face.
"Please to meet you all," Calypso said. "What brings you to Ogygia?"
"We're here because of my betrothed, Princess Annabeth," Prince Perseus said. "Leo says you had some information about where she is."
Calypso noticed Glauce, the owl, swoop down over the ship.
"Come back tonight," she said. "After sunset. I'll be able to sneak her out then and bring her to you. We'll wait for you on the beach."
Prince Perseus looked up and saw Glauce flying overhead.
"An owl," he said. "A sign that that the Goddess of War and Wisdom has blessed our endeavor."