As they continued their trek through the dense forest, the group finally came to a halt, allowing Grover to catch his breath. The adrenaline from the earlier battle was still coursing through Cordelia's veins, but she needed answers.
"Grover, what were you doing out there?" Cordelia asked, concern etched on her face. "And why were the Furies after you?"
Grover looked sheepish, glancing down at the ground. "I was scouting for food, but I overheard something I shouldn't have. The monsters were talking about the Golden Fleece—how it's hidden in the Cave of the Cursed Water."
"The Cave of the Cursed Water?" Annabeth repeated, her brow furrowing. "What's so special about that?"
Grover took a deep breath, his expression serious. "It's said to be a place where Pan once roamed. But more importantly, I'm a direct descendant of Pan. Finding him is crucial, not just for the Fleece, but for all nature spirits. The forest needs him, and so do I."
"Wait," Luke interjected, his eyes widening. "You're saying the Fleece is in a cursed cave? How do we get to it without getting hurt?"
Grover nodded, looking anxious. "Exactly. The water in that cave is dangerous, especially for those not of the sea. I overheard the monsters saying that it can drain your strength and leave you vulnerable."
Cordelia felt a knot tighten in her stomach. The water could do serious damage to her friends, and she couldn't let that happen. "I need to contact my father," she said decisively. "He'll know how to protect us."
Taking a deep breath, she reached out, closing her eyes to focus on her connection with Poseidon. A moment later, the familiar warmth of the ocean enveloped her mind, and she felt her father's presence.
"Cordelia," Poseidon's voice resonated, calm and steady. "What troubles you, my daughter?"
"Father, we're close to the Cave of the Cursed Water," she explained quickly. "Grover says the water is dangerous for anyone not of the sea, and I need to protect my friends. Can you help us?"
There was a brief pause before Poseidon replied, "I will grant you a blessing. Use it wisely. It will shield those who are not of the sea, allowing them to withstand the curse of the water. Trust in your own abilities, Cordelia, and remember that you are strong."
With a surge of gratitude, Cordelia opened her eyes. She felt a sense of reassurance, knowing her father was watching over them.
"Okay, everyone," she said, her voice steady. "We're going to the cave, and we'll be protected by my father's blessing. But we need to be cautious. The water is powerful, and we can't underestimate it."
"Let's move then," Annabeth said, determination shining in her eyes. "We need to find the Fleece and Pan."
As they set off toward the cave, Grover filled them in on what he had overheard. "The monsters were saying that the Fleece has the power to heal and rejuvenate all nature, but it's also a target for those who want to exploit its magic."
Luke's expression turned serious. "If that's the case, we need to find it before the wrong hands do."
The group moved swiftly, navigating through the underbrush with renewed purpose. Each step brought them closer to their goal, and Cordelia could feel the weight of their mission pressing upon them.
When they finally reached the entrance to the Cave of the Cursed Water, an eerie silence enveloped them. The air was thick with the scent of damp earth and something faintly sulfuric. Cordelia's heart raced as she turned to her friends.
"Stay close," she warned. "And remember, my father's blessing will protect you. Let's find the Fleece and Pan."
With that, they stepped into the darkness of the cave, determined to face whatever lay ahead.