RECLUSE - (n) a person who lives a solitary life and tends to avoid other people.
MAISIE ELLIOT WAS ANGRY.
Angry at the world.
Angry at the Gods.
Angry at the demigods who seemed to move on too fast.
And when forced onto a quest with three stranger...
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THE GIRLS DIDN'T MAKE IT TO THE SHIP
Halfway across the dock, three giant eagles descended in front of them. Each deposited a Roman adorned in purple and denim with glittering gold armor, sword, and shield. The eagles flew away, and the Roman in the middle, who was scrawnier than the others, raised his visor.
"Surrender to Rome!" Octavian shrieked.
Hazel drew her cavalry sword and grumbled, "Fat chance, Octavian."
"Yeah! Back off toothpick!" Maisie shouted.
Piper raised her hands in a placating gesture. "Octavian, what happened at camp was a setup. We can explain."
"Can't hear you!" Octavian yelled. "Wax in our ears—standard procedure when battling evil sirens. Now, throw down your weapons and turn around slowly so I can bind your hands."
"Let me skewer him," Hazel muttered. "Please."
"Not if I get to him first," Maisie's axe appeared in her hand.
The ship was only fifty feet away, but Maisie saw no sign of Coach Hedge on deck. He was probably below, watching his stupid martial arts programs. Jason's group wasn't due back until sunset, and Percy would be underwater, unaware of the invasion.
The eagles circled overhead, crying out as if to alert their brethren: Hey, some tasty Greek demigods over here! Maisie couldn't see the flying chariot anymore, but she assumed it was close by. They had to figure out something before more Romans arrived.
"Well?" Octavian demanded. His two friends brandished their swords.
Very slowly, using only two fingers, Annabeth drew her dagger. Instead of dropping it, she tossed it as far as she could into the water.
Any normal person would've been like what the heck, Annabeth? But this girl was smart. She wasn't stupid about to discard her weapon without reason.
Octavian made a squeaking sound. "What was that for? I didn't say toss it! That could've been evidence. Or spoils of war!"
Annabeth tried for a dumb-blonde smile, like: Oh, silly me. Nobody who knew her would have been fooled. But Octavian seemed to buy it. He huffed in exasperation.
"You other three..." He pointed his blade at Hazel, Maisie, and Piper. "Put your weapons on the dock. No funny bus—"
All around the Romans, Charleston Harbor erupted like a Las Vegas fountain putting on a show. When the wall of seawater subsided, the three Romans were in the bay, spluttering and frantically trying to stay afloat in their armor. Percy stood on the dock, holding Annabeth's dagger.
