My extensive eyes have a look at Artemis who offers me a reassuring nod.

With that, I take a pleasant swing. The material tears away like butter with a butter knife. Because the silk falls to the bottom, I swipe on the limp material.

But once more, the knife tears cleanly by way of it.

The service provider was proper. This factor was sharp and downright lethal.

“Good.” The Moon Goddess grins. “We’ll take it.”

Tossing a number of luggage of drachmae his approach, I attempt to not consider how a lot Artemis has spent on me at present however a little bit of me feels responsible.

“Are you prepared to move again to the fortress?” My buddy asks.

“Positive.” I pause on the sight of a toga clasp. It is a vibrant gold saucer with flowers stamped into the background and a diamond lyre inlaid as the middle point of interest. My coronary heart clenches. This pin jogs my memory of the time I used to be gardening, and Apollo was taking part in his lyre whereas I labored. “Truly, can I get this too? I wish to give it to Apollo.” Sheepishly, I lookup at her.

Artemis nods enthusiastically. Throwing but extra luggage on the vendor. So many who I selected to disregard it to maintain me relaxed with my thoughts.

The seller packs each bit in a velvet pouch. Taking nice care of their storage. He gushes over each, telling us about how they have been every handmade domestically.

After which, we make our option to the palace gates. Positive sufficient, they have been as shut as Artemis had mentioned they have been.

From a distance, we see the gates buzzing stuffed with commotion. Guards are working throughout, checking everybody coming and going heavy. The strains appeared enormous. “What’s happening up there?”

Artemis shrugs. “Undecided. Perhaps Apollo is holding court docket at present? Who is aware of with that man. However all I do know is we aren’t ready in line. We stay right here and we aren’t ready.”

Skeptically, I watch her. Not prepared to speak again to this goddess. She appears harmless sufficient, however my intestine tells me that she’s not one to cross. Particularly when she’s on a mission. Slicing by way of the lengthy line, I duck the gate following on her heels, the guards watching us with extensive eyes. With faces pale. Like they’re seeing two shades. One put his hand out in entrance of Artemis. Blocking our path.

Darkness covers our speedy space. Despite the fact that it’s midafternoon.

In a swift movement, she drew an arrow aiming it between his eyebrows. “I swear to Gaia, for those who don’t transfer your hand, I am going to flip you right into a goat.”

“Yeah, and never like a cute pygmy goat. An unpleasant one,” I smiled over to Artemis proudly.

She half laughs and half grimaces earlier than including, “Yeah. What she mentioned.”

The guard seems between the 2 of us. Forwards and backwards like he was unsure what to make of us earlier than he launched us. In all probability not prepared to danger the wrath of the Moon Goddess. Permitting us to enter the palace. I anticipate her to tuck away her weapon, however she holds it idly, resting at waist.

Ever assured, Artemis treks up the trail. I am almost sprinting to maintain up together with her. I ask, “What’s gotten into you?”

“I’ve a foul feeling. The guards. They haven’t acted like this since… Effectively Persephone’s disappearance. Then earlier than that… When Zeus was dethroned.” Gravely she defined. “Simply keep by my facet. We have to discover Apollo, Athena, or Ov. As soon as we’ve assessed the hazard, you are free to go.”

“Get your dagger out now.” She instructs me.

Pulling out my purchases, I clasp the dagger between my fingers.

Artemis tosses her luggage on the nearest guard. Ordering them to drop off the baggage in her room. As we enter the palace, Artemis prowls slowly. Like a cat able to pounce. “This dagger feels massive sufficient to be a sword.

Positive, immortals appear to have the ability to shift their dimension based mostly on what fits them at that second, however for probably the most half, Apollo, Artemis, Ov, and Athena all are over seven ft tall.

With a snap of her fingers, the dagger shrinks right down to the suitable dimension. “Thanks,” I reply meekly.

Numerous good that may do me. Positive, I exploit it whereas searching to place a creature out of its distress, however this isn’t the identical. Except after all my expertise with mincing mint could be transferable.

“Proper now, I nonetheless hope you received’t want to make use of it,” she whispers. “Half of sword play is posturing. appear to be you realize what you’re doing.”

I snigger gravely. Not as a result of it was humorous, however as a result of the strain was so thick on this fortress that I may lower it with my dagger.

Artemis almost floats down the hallways, previous rooms and corridors. Blitzing previous the workers who’re dashing round us. Discovering a workers member she questions in a commanding tone, “Apollo?”

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