“Good. We can’t be sure that they’re here of their own free will or if they are being controlled.” I step over a fallen log covered in ash and Raven grunts behind me.
“You would think they would be focused on the battle going on than slapping me with their branches,” Raven growls.
“At this point, I think it’s a game to them. I don’t even think they remember why they were mad.” I duck a branch that swings toward my head.
“At least they’re here. It was weird being in the forest and not encountering a single dryad or feeling their presence.” Kira shivers.
Sara leads us deeper into the forest close to the wards where I witnessed the first Ares student leaving under Hera’s control. The clash of metal against flesh and the scent of burning wood assault my senses the closer we get to the front lines.
The second we cross the tree line, I scan the battlefield for any sign of Jayden or the others. Whispers turn to cheers as the demigods on our side spot us coming.
“Help them with the monsters only,” I command Hephaestus’ army.
The monsters freeze as the golden automatons advance on them before they pop out of existence without putting up another fight.
“I knew you would get here on time.” I whirl to find Adrian, bow and quiver strapped to his back and mud on his face.
“How did you guys do? Has anyone died?” I ask, scanning the battlefield.
“We’ve had a few serious injuries, but I don’t know about any casualties. I have been here killing monsters the whole time.” Adrian shrugs.
“That is the best use of your time.” I nod. “Have you seen Jayden, Thad, or Dax?”
“No, I have been with the archers in the trees, providing cover for our forces. I’m sure they’re fine, though. Especially now that the hammer is back with Hephaestus and you have his automaton army.”
“You saw all this, didn’t you?” I wave him forward so we can wade through the demigods to find Jayden and the others.
“It was only in a couple timelines. I had to be careful of what I said. The monsters may have retreated, but there are still dangers to face. I’m just not sure which way this will go.”
“Well, I don’t want to know. I’m going to operate under the belief that they retreated to regroup but will be back.” I glance over at an Athena girl holding a boy up, trying to limp offthe battlefield. “We need to triage people and get them to the healers.”
“I’ll go help her. Jayden is probably at the very front of the battle. He wouldn’t listen when we asked him to hang back as the leader who needed to make decisions.” Adrian shakes his head and jogs off.
“Stubborn,” I growl.
“Like you wouldn’t do the same?” Raven bumps my shoulder.
“Yeah, I definitely would but he would throw a fit about needing me protected and blah, blah, blah.”
“Like that ever stops you. There were plenty of times on this trip we asked you not to risk yourself and you always did,” Raven scoffs.
Several demigods wave at us with wide smiles as they greet us on the battlefield. Many walk around, lifting up friends with injuries and helping them to the healers. Dax jogs up and doesn’t say a word; he just picks up Kira and spins her around in a circle. Kira laughs as she grips Dax tighter, burying her face in his neck. I turn away, giving them privacy.
“You’re really here. Really safe,” Dax says with a sigh.
“I was never in any danger. Beth made sure that none of us were in danger but her.”
“Jayden was not pleased. He sparred with me or Thad the entire time to get out his anger at the injuries she sustained,” Dax says with a laugh. “You’re in big trouble.”
“Yeah, yeah. Where is he?” I ask.
“Last I saw him, he was fighting the Nemean lion with his shadow chains.” Dax points to the line of the wards.
“Of course she sent that asshole back here.” I shake my head.
“She sent them all over again,” he says. “If Thad hadn’t stepped in, I would have made a mess with the hydra.”
“That bastard is tricky. I nearly messed that one up too. Don’t feel bad.” I pat his shoulder.
