The Crown of Kronos: Chapter 48

Charlie's POV
I pocketed the pieces and watched as the owl climbed the clouds. Then a loud neigh filled my ears, followed by a crackle of lightning. I looked back.

Paulo was following me in a chariot pulled by storm spirit horses. In his hand was a Stygian Iron javelin and he smirked at me. I frowned. Oh no. These guys won't give up.

I patted the owl's head with a determined expression on my face. "Full speed!" I cried.

The owl obliged. As I felt the wind whipping my cheeks as the owl flew faster and faster, the clouds blocked the moon. Darkness fell over us. The owl lurched.

Paulo laughed in the distance.

I searched my right-hand pockets (the pieces were in the left) until I found my little flashlight. I flicked it on and lighted the way for the owl. The owl feebly followed the light and gave an uncertain kind of hoot.

"GIVE ME THE CROWN'S PIECES!" Paulo roared.

Suddenly, an idea popped into my mind. Searching my pockets once more, I pulled out a leather pouch with the words sewn: Hermes Express Delivery. I popped a few drachmas into the pouch and also stuffed the four pieces of the crown. There was the cashier-register sound as the pouch vanished.

I sighed in relief.

But not for long. Paulo struck with his javelin and hit my back. The tip grazed a slash across my back. The pain was so enduring my vision blurred. I remembered falling down from the sky.

The next thing I knew I was chained and imprisoned in a prison cell.