“Out of all the missions we’ve been on, we have never had to go against another human. How do we do this?” I ask.
We’ve defeated gods, titans, and monsters but never other demigods or anyone slightly human. Can we do this? Not to mention the fact that he’s indestructible.
“I don’t think it will work to fight him outright. He’s not technically human right now because he’s dead and brought back by whatever magic the queen used to bring back those she finds useful,” Raven says.
“She did side with the Greeks, probably out of petty jealousy but still.” I shrug.
“Petty jealousy over what?” Dax asks.
“There was a prize for the goddess that was the fairest of them all. A golden apple. The queen, Aphrodite, and Artemis were all in the running. They went to Paris, the prince of Troy, togive them an answer on who is the fairest. He chose Aphrodite who in turn granted him Helen’s love. She was betrothed to Agamemnon and that’s what started the Trojan war.”
“So she sided with the Greeks because Paris snubbed her? Yeah, that tracks with her.” Dax shakes his head.
“That makes the most sense but we can’t know the inner workings of her twisted mind,” I say.
“But why would Achilles try to stop us from getting to Arcadia if he sided with the Greeks as well?” Kira asks.
“Because Hermes didn’t completely side with them. He facilitated the deal for Hector’s return and I’m guessing here, but I’m thinking Achilles never forgave the messenger god for his perceived betrayal to his cause.” I hang my head. “He’s here to stop us at all costs.”
“Monsters are one thing, but an indestructible demigod is definitely something else entirely.” Jayden runs a hand down his face.
“Especially a highly trained and battle-hardened indestructible demigod.” Raven glances around.
If the daughter of Ares is worried, what chance do we have of winning this fight?
“Do you think we could possibly reason with him?” Adrian asks.
“Do you see what he’s doing right now? He’s dragging a dead man behind his horse in a sign of disrespect. I don’t think he will see reason.” Dax shakes his head.
“We have to try. Even if he’s already dead, I don’t like the idea of killing a demigod who was a hero in his time.” I shake my head.
“He was a warlord in his own time. Look at him. He’s on a downward spiral. No wonder he was killed by a stray arrow after this.” Raven pats my shoulder.
“Yeah, but when someone has nothing to lose, that’s when they become the most dangerous,” Jayden points out.
“We can’t just attack him without knowing. I don’t feel right about that.” I push the door open and hop out of the SUV.
“Beth, fuck,” Jayden hisses.
His door flies open and his shadows wrap around me as I make my way to Achilles in the middle of the beach. The others follow suit, shutting their doors behind them, then following us.
“Excuse me,” I shout in an attempt to get his attention.
The horse continues kicking up dust in every direction as if I never spoke.
“Achilles,” I yell.
The horse skids to a halt and the rider spins, unsheathing his sword instantly. “They told me you would come, but I didn’t believe it. I thought the monsters would get you before you got this far.”
I press the charm for my own sword and sigh. “You’re working for the queen? I suspected it but I’m disappointed.”
“Why would you be disappointed?” he asks, brows scrunched down.
“You were once a great warrior unlike the world had ever seen and now you’re doing the queen’s bidding like a loyal lapdog.” I ready my stance.
“Lapdog? I gave allegiance to Hera freely. For revenge on Hermes, I would do anything including stop you from getting to his caduceus.” He jumps down from the horse and it disappears along with the body of Hector.
Achilles twirls his sword in a complicated pattern unlike anything I’ve ever seen before.
