RECLUSE ?Leo Valdez?

Piper is bilingual??

"The storm giant, Typhon," Boreas explained. "The first time the gods defeated him, eons ago, he did not die quietly. His death released a host of storm spirits— wild winds that answered to no one. It was his job to track them down and imprison them. The other gods— they did not help. They didn't even apologize for the inconvenience. It took him centuries to track them all down, and naturally this irritated them. Then, last summer, Typhon was defeated again—"

"Releasing another wave of venti," Jason guessed. "Which made Aeolus even angrier."

"C'est vrai."

"But, your majesty," Piper said, "the gods had no choice but to battle Typhon. He was going to destroy Olympus! Besides, why punish demigods for that?"

The king shrugged. "Aeolus can't take out his anger on the gods. They are his bosses, and very powerful. So he gets even with the demigods that helped them in the war. He issued an order to us: demigods who come for aid are no longer tolerated. We are to crush your little mortal faces."

"That sounds ... extreme," Jason ventured. "But you're not going to crush our faces yet, right? You're going to listen to us first, 'cause once you hear about our quest—"

"Yes, Yes," the king agreed. "Aeolus said that a son of Zeus might seek my aid, and if it happened, I should listen before killing you. As you might— how did he put this?— make our lives very interesting. I am only obligated to listen, but after that, I am free to judge how I see fit. But I will listen first. Khione wishes this also. It may be that we won't kill you."

"Great. Thanks," Jason breathlessly spoke.

"Do not thank me," Boreas smiled. "There are many ways you could make our lives interesting. Sometimes we keep demigods for amusement, as you can see."

Piper made a strangled noise as he gestured to the statues.

"You mean— They're all demigods? Frozen demigods? They're alive?" Maisie exclaimed.

"An interesting question," Boreas said, like it hadn't occurred to him before. "They don't move unless ordered. The rest of the time, they are frozen. Unless they were to melt, I suppose, that would be messy."

Khione stepped behind Jason and put her fingers on his neck. "My father gives me such lovely presents," she murmured in his ear. "Join our court. Perhaps I'll let your friends go."

"What?" Zethes broke in. "If Khione gets this one, then I deserve the girls. Khione always gets more presents!"

"Now children," Boreas said sternly, "our guests will think you're spoiled. Besides, you move too fast. We haven't heard their story yet. Then we shall decide. Please, Jason Grace. Entertain us."

Khione purred and stroked his neck, but there was a loud pop, and Khione flew backwards, sliding across the floor.

Zethes roared in laughter. "That is good! I'm glad you did that, even though I have to kill you now."

The air began to swirl in a micro blizzard as Khione shouted, "You dare—"

"Stop," Jason ordered. "Yore not going to kill us, or keep us. We're on a quest for the queen of gods herself, so unless you want Hera busting down your doors, you're going to let us go."

Khione a blizzard slowed to a stop and Zethes lowered his sword. Both looking to their father in uncertainty.

"Hmm," Boreas's eyes twinkled. "A son of Zeus favored by Hera? That's definitely a first. Tell us your story."

Jason froze.

"Your majesty," Piper stepped forward. "We seek your guidance. These storm spirits attacked us, and if they're working for the same mistress, we can find Hera."

"I know these storm spirits," Boreas said. "I know where they are kept, and the prisoner they took."

"You mean coach Hedge?" Jason questioned. "He's alive?"

Boreas waved aside the question and advised against facing who controls the storm spirits.

"Hera's in trouble," Jason said. "In three days she will be— I don't know— consumed? Destroyed? And a giant is going to rise."

"Yes," Boreas agreed. "Many horrible things are waking. The great string of monsters that began with Kronos— your father Zeus foolishly believed it would end when the Titans were defeated. But it is back, just as it was before. The storm spirits— are only the beginning. When monsters no longer stay in Tartarus, and souls are no longer confined to Hades, Olympus has reason to fear."

"So you'll help us?" Jason questioned.

"I never said that."

"Please, your Majesty." Piper begged. Her blessing had worn off completely now, she looked like her old self. Better, in Maisie's opinion."If you tell us where they are. We can bring them to Aeolus. Then you look good for your boss, Aeolus will pardon us, and we can rescue Gleeson Hedge. Everybody wins."

"She's pretty," Zethes mumbled. "I mean she's right."

"Father, don't listen to her!" Khione spoke. "She's a daughter of Aphrodite. She dares to charmspeak a god? Freeze her now!"

Ach nein

Unedited
7/8/24
2186 words