Storm Rising

Chapter 22

Percy's POV

The light is so intense and bright, our eyes, which have not seen full daylight in weeks, are forced to look away. I fumble in my pocket, trying to draw Diarkis. The light finally dies down and two cloaked figures stand in front of us.

I uncap Diarkis, pointing it at the two figures, ready to protect my friends. Beside me, Bianca touches her bracelet, activating her black bow. She pulls it into firing position, a black stygian arrow appearing. We're in close quarters, so I'm not sure how much good arrows would do. But its comforting that she is beside me. Everyone else tenses, weapons drawn.

"Show yourself," Triton demands with a growl in his voice.

Suddenly I feel compelled to sit down and put away my weapon. It isn't a natural feeling but it seems like such a good idea, I sit down along with my other friends, though I still keep my weapon out. However, Ivory stands defiantly, her gold dagger in one hand and a ball of green magic in the other. Nico reaches up to pull her down, but she stands firm.

"I will not submit to your tricks!" Ivory calls at the figures.

The figure on the left gives a little chuckle. "So brave, very strong," A male voice says.

Ivory almost growls at him

"Yes," A female voice replies. "Children of sorcery are stronger than children of magic. We choice right."

"What do you mean chose right?" Ivory asks, still not relaxing.

The female on the right steps forward and touches Ivory's cheek. From on the ground, Nico is ready to jump up and bust out some crazy moves, but Frank pushes him down. Ivory closes her eyes, not moving.

"You are very powerful, Ivory, daughter of Circe," The female says.

"Daughter of Circe?" Ivory asks confused.

Circe? Wasn't she that lady who tricked me and turned me into a Guinea pig? Doesn't she hate men?

Reyna tenses at hearing her old mistresses name. I had forgotten she used to be one of Circe's handmaidens.

"Yes, you are a daughter of the goddess, Circe, goddess of sorcery and witches," The male voice said.

Ivory's mouth dropped open. She stunned and speechless. Actually, I think we were all shocked. That's why she could use magic.

"Why do you cover your faces?" I ask, my voice returning to me.

"Forgive us," And they lower their hoods.

The man stands very tall, maybe a few inches taller than my height of 6 feet and three inches. His black hair is long, but not nearly as long as Nico's or mine. His eyes are an ice blue almost a sky blue, but darker and more mysterious than the happy color of the sky. His black cloak ripples back from him, like the wind is blowing in the cave. The cloak covers the rest of his body but doesn't drag on the floor. The woman next to him is beautiful but in an almost eerily way. Her eyes are a serene purple with a few swirls of green here and there. She has black hair on the top of her head but as it lengthens out into a side braid, it becomes lighter. The tips of her hair are a meduim brown color. I look to Amphitrite to see if she recognizes them, but she gives me a small shake of her head, like shes reading my mind. Oh wait, shes a goddess, she can read my mind.

"Who are you?" Bianca asks. Not in fear, but more out of curiosity.

The woman's eyes lock on Bianca. "Ah, Bianca di Angelo. We beg your pardon for our lack of manners. It was silly of us to forget. I guess being away from earth for so long can do these things to you."