Page 97 of Poseidon's Trident
“I think it’s a monster,” Thad growls.
“What kind of monster is that big?” I ask.
“I don’t know. Cetus is on our side so it can’t be them. They’re friends,” Thad says.
“They?” Jayden asks.
“There’s more than one Cetus. They are a group of large sea monsters that are loyal to my father,” Thad says.
“So, it’s not them. The captain of the guard said we have Poseidon’s protection. The only thing we have to worry about here are sea monsters.” I take a step back from Jayden.
“Then we need to keep on guard. Sea monsters could be anywhere.” Jayden sighs.
“That’s a monster and I fear which one.” Thad runs a hand down his face.
“Which monsters are big enough to make a splash like that and rumble the ground?” I ask.
“There are a few but Ceto and Echidna are the most likely. Scylla and Charybdis are pretty stationary. If we were on Scylla’s island, we would know about it,” Thad says.
I shudder at the mention of the two most feared sea monsters in ancient history. Will we encounter them on this mission? Most likely. I just wish I knew when and how to defeat them. I have never heard of a hero actually killing them but simply making it past them and I refuse to sacrifice my friends for that purpose.
“Yeah, we’d already be dead five times over,” Raven says.
“So, are we thinking Ceto or Echidna?” I ask.
“I mean, they are both sea monsters,” Jayden says, tightening his grip on his sword.
“Technically, Ceto is a primordial sea goddess,” Thad says.
“So we are potentially going up against a sea goddess? That’s just fucking great.” I throw my hands up in the air.
“Ceto is monstrous. She is the mother of all sea monsters for a reason.” Thad shrugs.
“Just fucking great,” Raven scoffs.
“Speculating isn’t getting us any closer to passing this trial and getting the hell out of here.” I glance toward the shore.
Are we really a mile from the shore on all sides or just a mile from the direction we walked to begin with? It doesn’t really matter because I’m sure whatever inhabits this island already knows we’re here and wants to take us out.
“Which way did it come from?” Jayden asks.
I point to the right beyond the tree line with my sword. Please don’t be Ceto. I don’t know how we could possibly defeat a goddess. Especially one that’s related to the Titans.
“Let’s go see what it is,” I say with a sigh.
We trudge through the forest of tall pines and underbrush. Another enormous splash startles me and I jump. Fuck, that is huge. Whatever it is, it’s going to be difficult to defeat.
“Are we sure it’s a monster and not just a whale or something playing in the ocean?” Raven asks hopefully.
“Do we ever have that kind of luck?” I scoff.
“No, but it’s wishful thinking,” Raven says.
“I prefer practicality,” Jayden grunts.
“We know that, oh practical one. You won’t even go over the speed limit.” Raven pushes him in his shoulder.
“Ow, Raven,” he groans.
