“Three demigods died in the battle,” Adrian says. “It’s terrible but it could have been a lot worse. I saw so many deaths but I’m glad it was only three. The reinforcements helped a lot.”
“It’s still terrible that we lost anyone.” I sigh.
“We rally and show our support by having the traditional hero burial,” Jayden says. “Adrian, do you still have the bag of coins for the ferryman?”
“Yeah, I kept them in my dorm since we went to the underworld just in case we needed to go back.”
“Good. We’re going to need some of them. Usually it’s an entire day process, but we don’t know how long we have before the queen comes back so it will have to be done today.” Jayden nods.
“Yeah.” I rub my eyes. “What do we need?”
“Kira, can you have the Hephaestus students work on some urns? We’ll need them for the ceremony.” Jayden turns to her.
“Sure thing. I’ll have them get started on them right away.” She turns and leaves the war room.
“Thad, can you go talk to the Dionysus students about securing libations?”
“What did you have in mind?” Thad grins.
“It’s for the funeral rites. You pour one out for your fallen comrades,” Jayden says.
“Like pouring one out for the homies?” I giggle.
“Yup, that’s a tradition spanning back thousands of years.” Jayden grins.
“I would have thought me saying that would irritate you. Like when I call Cerberus Spot.” I sit back in my chair, drumming my fingers on the table in front of me.
“Okay, smart-ass.” Jayden tickles my side.
“Jayden, stop.” I smack his hand away. “Okay, back to the funeral rites. What else do we need?”
“Draven, can you ask around the Hermes students and find some of your sister’s favorite things? We’ll need them for the funeral pyre.”
“We’re going to burn her favorite things?” I ask. “That feels wrong somehow.”
“It was a ritual so they could take those items into the afterlife with them and a show of love and respect. We’ll need to get a hold of items for the other two students as well.” Jayden leans forward, elbows on the table.
“I can find their friends,” Adrian says. “We’ll be ready by this evening, I’m sure.”
“This is usually a whole day, starting with the procession in the early morning. So I think sunset will work as well. We need someone to prepare the bodies.” Jayden glances around.
My stomach roils. “I don’t think I can do that.”
“You don’t have to. You have an important job. You too Raven.” Jayden glances between us.
“What could I possibly do for a funeral?” Raven asks, brows tipped down.
“In ancient times when a warrior died in battle, they were celebrated with funeral games before the feast. That’s what you’ll be in charge of.”
“What kind of games?” Raven asks, suddenly interested.
“Well, they were warriors, so think of some games with weapons. Whatever you want but keep the bloodshed to a minimum.” Jayden rubs the back of his neck.
“Cool. I can do chariot races finally.” Raven fist-pumps the air.
“Seriously? We were in a real chariot race just a couple weeks ago.” I roll my eyes at her.
“Yeah, but this time I can kick my brothers’ asses, not just some long-dead demigods.” Raven rolls her shoulders.
