Page 28 of Poseidon's Trident
All the color drains from Rebecca’s face at my announcement. It’s more dire than she thought. “The volcano.”
“Yes, it’s connected to Poseidon’s earth shaker abilities. Thad was able to stabilize it for now, but after the Hephaestus students inspected it further, they came to the conclusion that they may not be able to stop it if another earthquake hits the academy.”
“I spoke with the oracle a few hours ago. I was going to call you into my office in the morning to tell you about this mission. The oracle insists that it must be you all.” Rebecca scans our expressions. “But you already knew that, didn’t you?”
“Yes,” I say. “It’s always going to be us, Rebecca. No matter if we have to find the items of power for every god and goddess on the pantheon, it’s going to be us.”
“Let’s just hope it doesn’t come to that.” Rebecca stands and walks around behind her desk to slump in her chair.
I don’t like it any more than she does, but this is my life and with the mark of the warrior across my stomach, I doubt I have a choice in any of it. Artemis was concerned about the scar. It brands me and now that we are all gods touched, it makes things much more difficult.
I could live forever. I could live forever and never have a happy life. Those are the consequences of the trip to save Ares’ shield. The only plus in this situation is that Jayden and Raven will be there forever too.
“What else did the oracle say?” Jayden asks. “Did he give us a direction?”
“North. Up the coast. He was adamant that you must stay along the coastline.” Rebecca covers her eyes.
“How far north are we talking? Are we going to have to sneak into another country? I don’t have a passport,” I say and peer at Raven.
“Don’t look at me. My passport expired three years ago.” Raven shakes her head.
“I don’t know how far north. The oracle didn’t say. Just to stick to the coastline and keep going north.” Rebecca sighs.
“Which coast?” I ask because specifics are needed. “Do we need to fly to Florida and go north or is it the California coast we’re following?”
“No planes.” Jayden shudders.
“What?” I ask. “Why?”
“I’m pretty sure Zeus nearly took me out when I flew in a plane with my mom as a child.” Jayden’s eyes are wide.
“I think I’m going to have a chat with my father about that,” I growl.
“Don’t. It will just make things worse.” Jayden squeezes my hand.
“How is it that anyone can ever follow a conversation with the lot of you?” Rebecca asks. “You lose focus at the drop of a hat.”
“Sorry, did the oracle say which coast?” I drum my fingers against my knee and wait.
If it’s not the California coast, we are in a world of trouble. We can’t take the time to drive all the way to Florida and then north up the coast. The academy will be completely destroyed by the time we complete the mission.
“He said to start in Santa Barbara and work your way north,” Rebecca says.
I breathe out a heavy sigh of relief at the confirmation. We still have time to complete it. At least it won’t take us a week just to get to the starting point.
“Good, at least that’s one thing in our favor. The Hephaestus students say it could be a week before the volcano erupts but maybe less. Kira is standing guard to make sure everyone gets out if it blows while we’re gone.”
“You asked a student to guard an active unstable volcano?” Rebecca shrieks.
“I’m pretty sure that you aren’t a child of Hephaestus and I don’t believe I know of any faculty here that can withstand the heat of the lava.” I glare at her. “Kira can withstand it. Plus, she has Claud.”
“Claud,” Rebecca says the name with distaste.
“Yes, he can work in the lava without it hurting him and can get the others out if needed.”
“Fine, I won’t say anything about the students guarding the volcano,” she huffs.
“I think that covers everything, then.” I move to stand but she holds up a hand, stopping me.
