NOTE: I DO NOT OWN PERCY JACKSON OR KANE CHRONICLES

Alexan stumbled through the night, clutching her shoulder to stop the blood. She had to keep moving. They would find her if she stopped. She saw some figures up on the hilltop, guarding a golden light in a tree. She peered at them in confusion, blinking out the rain. She stumbled up to the hill and they came forward.

"What's your name?"

"Alexan."

One eyed her. "She's hurt."

Another shook his head. "Dying. More like."

"She could be a spy."

"She's not a spy, Clarisse. Does she look anything like a spy to you?"

"How am I supposed to know?"

Alexan stiffened as she heard the distant howling.

"What's that? Did you bring monsters to us?"

She turned in fear. "They found me."

A bow and arrow appeared in her hands as she summoned her weapon. She turned to them and loaded an arrow, firing it straight into the first hound. Another leaped toward her and she slashed it with her sword. She steadied her breathing, willing herself to stay strong enough to fight.

The third came to her and she whacked it aside, grimacing as the claws scratched her. Fresh blood oozed out and another took the chance to attack, claws scraping at her side. She spun and sliced, managing to keep them from any killing blows. She stumbled, her legs starting to feel weak. Another hound lunged for her and she made a move to defend, slipping in the mud. She fell and managed to stab it at the last second, killing the hound. Another leaped toward her and the boy slashed at it with his dark bladed sword.

"Fall back to the barrier!" Clarisse shouted, charging with her own weapons.

The boy helped her up to her feet and she leaned on him for support.

"They won't stop," she gasped.

"They don't need to," he explained. "Just long enough for you to get across."

She stumbled, feeling the barrier press against her. He frowned and they were suddenly on the other side. They both collapsed and she pushed herself up to her hands and knees. Clarisse got across the barrier and the hounds stopped, sniffing and hunting for a way in.

Hooves approached and two figures looked over her.

"The infirmary. Quickly now, Grover."

"Yes, Chiron."