I'm not Alone

Chapter 24

Duke came running toward Eidos with his sword held high. He was aiming for his head and lunged ahead, using his whole body weight. Eidos simply sidestepped as his momentum carried him forward, just like the beef head, who Percy defeated when he was 12. "First rule: try not to use brute force while sparring. Keep it as a last resort, or if you have a weapon which needs strength. Rely mostly on speed and agility when using swords or daggers." He taught them, while still dodging all of Duke's reckless attacks. 

He spoke again,"Never let your emotions get in the way of fighting. Keep a calm and composed mind." At this almost all the students were writing notes or looking at Duke's furious face.

"Try to taunt and bait your enemy. Find its weakness and seize him up. If you can get him frustrated and angry enough, you will surely win." Duke was falling for the bait as he kept getting angrier and angrier as Eidos spoke and taunted him. Before long his pathetic attacks had become similar to a 5 year old's.

Finally Eidos grew tired of his pathetic attempts and faster than eye could follow he had his sword upon his neck, even before Duke's sword hit the ground. Just as Eidos swiftly turned around to watch the demigods expressions, Duke crept up behind him and pulled a hidden dagger from his boot. Luke and Zoë noticed but didn't say anything, trusting their Commander completely. Before Duke could do anything he quickly turned around and hit a sensitive nerve on his neck, making him go completely immobile.

"And the last rule, never let your guard down."

Even the immortal campers were astonished by Eidos's teaching methods. They were sure no one would forget his lessons. "Grab a partner, even the immortal demigods and start sparring. We will move among you guys to give pointers or advice." He wasn't even breathless after his little spectacle.

Once everyone was partnered and exchanging blows did Duke get up. Eidos decided to observe him. Duke was a typical son of Zeus, blonde hair, blue eyes, but what Eidos saw in his aura was sadness, regret and depression. Eidos figured that he was having a hard time coping with the responsibility and expectations of being a son of Zeus. There was the explanation for his previous betrayal. He must have felt threatened by Percy, and so he decided to help himself, just in the wrong way.

All of Eidos's negative feeling for the demigod, which buried deep, evaporated. He finally had a reason to forgive him and so he did so. But he was going to talk to him about it and help him get on a better path.

"Hey, Duke! A word, please?"