Page 43 of Artemis' Bow
“What’s a vampire?” Chiron asks behind me.
“Undead bloodsucking assholes from after your time,” Jayden says. “They aren’t a threat to us. I hope anyway.”
“I don’t know about that. Some are ancient and insanely powerful. They don’t age.” Greyson leans back against the SUV.
“This just keeps getting better and better.” I walk over to the front passenger door of the car and yank it open. “We need to avoid anyone with pointy fangs.”
“Agreed.” Raven chuckles. “Not that we’ll know they have them until they smile, and then it will be too late.”
“That is exceedingly unhelpful,” Jayden grumbles.
“But not untrue,” she sings.
“All right, let’s get back on track. What did you need from us, Chiron?” I ask.
“I just came to see you off and make sure you have everything you need.” Chiron crosses his arms over his barrel chest.
“I think we’re good. We gathered our supplies yesterday and rested so we are fresh for the long journey.” I sigh. “We’re as ready as we’ll ever be, I guess.”
I dump both my packs on the floorboard of the SUV and turn to face the centaur. Chiron nods in thought.
“There are dark forces at work here, but I have faith in you all. You will do what you need to as you always do.”
“Thank you, Chiron. We will bring Artemis back so we can begin the true preparations for the war.” I place my fist over my heart and bow my head slightly in the warrior’s sign of respect.
Chiron offers us the same sign of respect before turning and trotting away.
“Oh good, I caught you,” Hermes says as he pops into existence. “Popping into and out of moving vehicles is always a bit tricky. I’m glad I don’t have to attempt it.”
“Hermes, what are you doing here?” Jayden asks. “Is everything all right in the underworld?”
“Yes, your parents are fine. There has been a small uprising in Tartarus but it’s nothing your dad can’t handle.” He waves away the concern.
“A small uprising?” I ask. “What does that mean?”
“Nothing for you all to worry about. Hades is handling it. You need to focus on Artemis. Too many are losing their lives before they were supposed to because of the disruption.”
“Disruption is a great way to describe Apollo becoming a royal douchecanoe,” Raven snorts.
“I would probably be very careful about disrespecting the sun god while out searching for Artemis. He’s a vengeful one,” Hermes says.
“Yeah, I read about what he did to Orion because he’s a typical man and guarding his sister’s virtue when it wasn’t his to guard,” I say.
“The gods have had many transgressions over the millennia,” Hermes says. “It’s not for mortals to judge them on that.”
“I beg to differ when most of the times those transgressions affect the mortals who you say shouldn’t judge them. Case in point.” I point at the bright never-ending sun.
“Can we talk about the uprising in Tartarus, please?” Jayden asks.
“I’m sure it’s Hecate throwing a fit because she can’t get to the human realm and help in this pointless war.” I shake my head.
Hermes points to his nose with a smirk. “You got it in one. Very smart.”
“That’s where we left the goddess. We should have done worse to her,” I grumble.
“She’s not getting out of there anytime soon. She’s just stirring the pot. None of our enemies except for Hecate have a great relationship with Hades, so she has no one to get her out.”
“Good. She needs to rot for the things she’s done.”
