Chapter 79 - Sore Feet (2/2)

Manousos about to respond was cut off by Annabeth- ”We should be a day away now if my timing isn't off.” she said looking at Manousos to confirm.

Manousos- ”Yes that's right.”

Manousos- ”Well we wasted enough time, my men and I will clean up what we can from our fallen brethren and then we'll set off, you can find any empty space in the back wagons if you don't mind... (Pausing he took another look at the bloody woman, receiving goosebumps as he recalled how she got that way.)... And you can use the spare water barrels to clean yourself up, we're near enough to Athens anyways.”

Io- ”Thank you, it'll suit us just fine.”

Manousos- ”No trouble, no trouble at all, now if you'll excuse me, those damn Spartans caused us quite the headache, I hope this doesn't lead to war.”

Annabeth frowned hearing that.

Sigyn- ”Anna, what's wrong?” she asked noticing the frown.

Annabeth shook her head- ”It's nothing, I just don't think those were Spartans.”

”Go on,” Io said knowing she had more to say.

Annabeth- ”Well most notably, Spartans are not known for running away, and while they were good fighters, they seemed a bit off to me from what I was expecting from a Spartan trained warrior, and then there are the women comments, in Sparta, women are also treated better than other places, they are allowed education, property, and physical activities are encouraged like the men, but in the end, even in Sparta women are still looked down upon I suppose.” Spartans only wanted strong women so they can produce strong offspring, preferably male.

Io- ”Anna, I don't know how much of that magical knowledge you received from your mom, but don't assume things without first-hand experience, you should only use it as a guideline.”

Annabeth snorted- ”Tell me something I don't know.” then went to find some water to clean off.

Io ignored her sassiness and headed for the wagons to finally take a load off and let her feet get their much-needed rest.

Once they were all in the back, the girls took a snooze, Io pretty much collapsing as soon as she entered.

Theoric stayed awake keeping an eye on everyone wondering what he would do should he meet an Olympian.

The caravan's later stopped having found a place to sleep last night. The following day they found themselves parked on top of a hill, giving a great view as the morning sun swept through the valley below.

Theoric already up and about came back when he noticed the girls getting up.- ”Hey there sleepy heads, I hope you had a good rest.”

Annabeth spoke out first, being the most excited, wondering if they arrived- ”Have we reached Athens?”

Theoric grinned and pointed south towards the city situated around another hill in the distance, you could just make out the Acropolis on top.

Annabeth's eyes sparkled seeing the city built for her mom, the sun making it look all the more magnificent. - ”Wow, there it is, my mother's city.”