Chapter 2
“Come on, we’ll walk from here.” She got out of the car, her eyes never leaving the sky.
“I can fix it though.”
“I know, we’re really close. You see that tree there?” She pointed towards the top of a nearby hill.
“Yeah,” Tyler said, he grabbed Winnie’s hand and she bit her lip.
“How do you feel about a race? First one there gets ice cream, okay?”
“Yes!” He took off running towards the hill as she gathered their little belongings. Tyler had made it up the hill and was waiting for her when she walked up with their stuff.
“You didn’t even try.” He pouted.
“You were too fast. I couldn’t keep up you little speedster,” They walked towards the ranch, “Besides you like ice cream better than I do.”
“I guess. I’m gonna beat you fair and square one day.”
“I’m sure you will,” They reached the ranch and Winnie called out, “Chiron, get your horse ass over here.”
The centaur walked out and over to them, “Miss Fletcher, nice to see you too. Who’s your friend?”
“This is Tyler Cornell. I think he’s Hephaestus’ kid.” She looked over at Tyler and laughed, he was in shock. His jaw dropped and he was just staring at Chiron.
“Tyler, honey, he’s a centaur.”
“Can I ride him?” He whispered leaning towards Winnie but never
“No, that’s disrespectful. Treat him as if he were just another human, okay?” She squatted next to him and he nodded.
“Okay, I’m sorry Mr. Chiron.”
“Just Chiron. It’s getting late, let's get you two settled in.” He started walking towards the cabins. “Mr. Cornell, would you like to stay with Winnie?”
“Yes, please.” He nodded and held her hand anxiously.
“Hermes cabin then. Or have you been claimed, Miss Fletcher?”
“You know no god wants me, Chiron.”
“Miss Fletcher. I don’t want to hear this again.”
“I’m just saying I think Zeus would rather shove lightning up his ass then let me know who my godly parent is.”
Chiron sighed and shook his head, “I’m sure they’re just waiting for the right moment. Or they're a minor god.”
“Or maybe, they don’t want to deal with the fact their kid is screwup.”
“Winnie?” Tyler pulled at her sleeve, “What does claiming mean?”
“Look up buddy.”
Tyler looked up and a fiery red hammer sat atop his head. He swatted at it. “What the fuck?”
“Language, Tyler.”
“Sorry, what does it mean? Is it gonna hurt me?”
“No, it just means Hephaestus is your dad. He’s really good with building stuff, just like you. He’s proud of you to have claimed you so early.”
“Really?” His eyes lit up and he cracked a huge smile.
“Really. We’re here buddy. This is my home. I’ll show you yours tomorrow okay?” He nodded.
“If you need anything you know where I’ll be.” Chiron said as he turned back towards the ranch.
“Thank you.” Tyler called and waved.
They walked into the cabin and put their stuff on the only empty bunk. Then settled into bed.
The next morning the camp was buzzing, something about a kid who killed the minotaur with its own horn or something. Winnie had wanted to see the horn but apparently the kid had passed out.
“Tyler, I’m gonna go move the car okay?” Winnie shook the little boy awake, “Talk to Luke if you need anything until I get back.”
“Okay, miss you.”
“Miss you too buddy. Be safe.” She walked over to the ranch to talk to Chiron. “I’m going to move the car we took here. Will you explain to Tyler if I die?”
“Yeah, what makes you think you’re going to die?”
“The storm last night, everything just feels intense. Like he’s pissed up there.” She rubbed her neck, “Just take care of him if anything happens.”
“I will, Miss Fletcher. See you again soon.”
Winnie walked back down to the car and crossed the street while looking for her keys. She heard a screech and then pain and blacked out.