Daughter of the Sea || HoO

CHAPTER THIRTY-EIGHT

They didn't make it to the ship. Halfway across the dock, three giant eagles descended in front of them. Each deposited a Roman commander in purple and denim with glittering gold armor, sword, and shield. The eagles flew away, and the Roman in the middle, who was scrawnier than the others, raised his visor.

"Surrender to Rome!" Octavian shrieked.

Hazel drew her cavalry sword and grumbled, "Fat chance, Octavian." 

Tori cursed under her breath. By himself, the skinny augur wouldn't have bothered her, but the two other guys looked like seasoned warriors —a lot bigger and stronger than Tori wanted to deal with, especially since Piper and Annabeth were armed only with daggers.

Tori had also drew Tidal, "surrendering is not really my thing; sorry Octagon."

Piper raised her hands in a placating gesture. "Octavian, what happened at camp was a setup. We can explain."

"Can't hear you!" Octavian yelled. "Wax in our ears—standard procedure when battling evil sirens. Now, throw down your weapons and turn around slowly so I can bind your hands."

"Let me skewer him," Hazel muttered. "Please."

"I don't object," Tori shrugged. "But he does realize he's trying to fight a daughter of Poseidon when she's right next to water, right?"

Hazel shrugged.

"Ooh, this should be fun," Tori smirked.

The ship was only fifty feet away, but Annabeth saw no sign of Coach Hedge on deck. He was probably below, watching his stupid martial arts programs. Jason's group wasn't due back until sunset, and Percy would be underwater, unaware of the invasion. If Annabeth could get on board, she could use the ballistae; but there was no way to get around these three Romans.

The eagles circled overhead, crying out as if to alert their brethren: Hey, some tasty Greek demigods over here! Tori couldn't see the flying chariot anymore, but she assumed it was close by. She had to figure out something before more Romans arrived. 

"Well?" Octavian demanded. His two friends brandished their swords.

Very slowly, using only two fingers, Annabeth drew her dagger. Instead of dropping it, she tossed it as far as she could into the water. Understanding Annabeth's plan, Tori discreetly controlled the water to make the weapon go farther. 

Octavian made a squeaking sound. "What was that for? I didn't say toss it! That could've been evidence. Or spoils of war!"

Annabeth tried for a dumb-blonde smile, like: Oh, silly me. Nobody who knew her would have been fooled. But Octavian seemed to buy it. He huffed in exasperation.

"You other three..." He pointed his blade at Tori, Hazel, and Piper. "Put your weapons on the dock. No funny bus—"

All around the Romans, Charleston Harbor erupted like a Las Vegas fountain putting on a show. When the wall of seawater subsided, the three Romans were in the bay, spluttering and frantically trying to stay afloat in their armor. Percy stood on the dock, holding Annabeth's dagger. "You dropped this," he said, totally poker-faced.

Annabeth threw her arms around him. "I love you!"

"It took you long enough," Tori smiled at her older brother.

"You can control the water too, why didn't you do anything?" Percy raised his eyebrows.

Tori shrugged, "I felt like being a good sister, and waiting for you so we can both have fun with the water. Show some Romans what the Jackson duo can do."