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TableofContents1.MyRescueOperationGoesVeryWrong2.TheVicePrincipalGetsaMissileLauncher3.BiancadiAngeloMakesaChoice4.ThaliaTorchesNewEngland5.IPlaceanUnderwaterPhoneCall6.AnOldDeadFriendComestoVisit7.EverybodyHatesMebuttheHorse8.IMakeaDangerousPromise9.ILearnHowtoGrowZombies10.IBreakaFewRocketShips11.GroverGetsaLamborghini12.IGoSnowboardingwithaPig13.WeVisittheJunkyardoftheGods14.IHaveaDamProblem15.IWrestleSanta'sEvilTwin16.WeMeettheDragonofEternalBadBreath17.IPutonaFewMillionExtraPounds18.AFriendSaysGood-bye19.TheGodsVoteHowtoKillUs20.IGetaNewEnemyforChristmasPreviewofTheRedPyramid

ToTopherBradfieldandToniDavisTwocamperswhohavemadeaworldofdifference

ONE

MYRESCUEOPERATIONGOESVERYWRONG

TheFridaybeforewinterbreak,mymompackedmeanovernightbagandafewdeadlyweaponsandtookmetoanewboardingschool.WepickedupmyfriendsAnnabethandThaliaontheway.

Itwasaneight-hourdrivefromNewYorktoBarHarbor,Maine.Sleetandsnowpoundedthehighway.Annabeth,Thalia,andIhadn’tseeneachotherinmonths,butbetweentheblizzardandthethoughtofwhatwewereabouttodo,weweretoonervoustotalkmuch.Exceptformymom.Shetalksmorewhenshe’snervous.BythetimewefinallygottoWestoverHall,itwasgettingdark,andshe’dtoldAnnabethandThaliaeveryembarrassingbabystorytherewastotellaboutme.

Thaliawipedthefogoffthecarwindowandpeeredoutside.“Oh,yeah.This’llbefun.”WestoverHalllookedlikeanevilknight’scastle.Itwasallblackstone,withtowersandslit

windowsandabigsetofwoodendoubledoors.Itstoodonasnowycliffoverlookingthisbigfrostyforestononesideandthegraychurningoceanontheother.

“Areyousureyoudon’twantmetowait?”mymotherasked.“No,thanks,Mom,”Isaid.“Idon’tknowhowlongitwilltake.We’llbeokay.”“Buthowwillyougetback?I’mworried,Percy.”IhopedIwasn’tblushing.ItwasbadenoughIhadtodependonmymomtodrivemetomybattles.“It’sokay,Ms.Jackson.”Annabethsmiledreassuringly.Herblondhairwastuckedintoaskicapand

hergrayeyeswerethesamecolorastheocean.“We’llkeephimoutoftrouble.”Mymomseemedtorelaxalittle.ShethinksAnnabethisthemostlevelheadeddemigodevertohit

eighthgrade.She’ssureAnnabethoftenkeepsmefromgettingkilled.She’sright,butthatdoesn’tmeanIhavetolikeit.

“Allright,dears,”mymomsaid.“Doyouhaveeverythingyouneed?”“Yes,Ms.Jackson,”Thaliasaid.“Thanksfortheride.”“Extrasweaters?Youhavemycellphonenumber?”“Mom—”“Yourambrosiaandnectar,Percy?Andagoldendrachmaincaseyouneedtocontactcamp?”“Mom,seriously!We’llbefine.Comeon,guys.”Shelookedalittlehurt,andIwassorryaboutthat,butIwasreadytobeoutofthatcar.Ifmymom

toldonemorestoryabouthowcuteIlookedinthebathtubwhenIwasthreeyearsold,Iwasgoingtoburrowintothesnowandfreezemyselftodeath.

AnnabethandThaliafollowedmeoutside.Thewindblewstraightthroughmycoatlikeicedaggers.Oncemymother’scarwasoutofsight,Thaliasaid,“Yourmomissocool,Percy.”“She’sprettyokay,”Iadmitted.“Whataboutyou?Youevergetintouchwithyourmom?”AssoonasIsaidit,IwishedIhadn’t.Thaliawasgreatatgivingevillooks,whatwiththepunk

clothesshealwayswears—theripped-uparmyjacket,blackleatherpantsandchainjewelry,theblack

eyelinerandthoseintenseblueeyes.Butthelookshegavemenowwasaperfectevil“ten.”“Ifthatwasanyofyourbusiness,Percy—”“We’dbettergetinside,”Annabethinterrupted.“Groverwillbewaiting.”Thalialookedatthecastleandshivered.“You’reright.Iwonderwhathefoundherethatmadehim

sendthedistresscall.”IstaredupatthedarktowersofWestoverHall.“Nothinggood,”Iguessed.Theoakdoorsgroanedopen,andthethreeofussteppedintotheentryhallinaswirlofsnow.AllIcouldsaywas,“Whoa.”Theplacewashuge.Thewallswerelinedwithbattleflagsandweapondisplays:antiquerifles,

battleaxes,andabunchofotherstuff.Imean,IknewWestoverwasamilitaryschoolandall,butthedecorationsseemedlikeoverkill.Literally.

Myhandwenttomypocket,whereIkeptmylethalballpointpen,Riptide.Icouldalreadysensesomethingwronginthisplace.Somethingdangerous.Thaliawasrubbinghersilverbracelet,herfavoritemagicitem.Iknewwewerethinkingthesamething.Afightwascoming.

Annabethstartedtosay,“Iwonderwhere—”Thedoorsslammedshutbehindus.“Oo-kay,”Imumbled.“Guesswe’llstayawhile.”Icouldhearmusicechoingfromtheotherendofthehall.Itsoundedlikedancemusic.Westashedourovernightbagsbehindapillarandstarteddownthehall.Wehadn’tgoneveryfar

whenIheardfootstepsonthestonefloor,andamanandwomanmarchedoutoftheshadowstointerceptus.

Theybothhadshortgrayhairandblackmilitary-styleuniformswithredtrim.Thewomanhadawispymustache,andtheguywasclean-shaven,whichseemedkindofbackwardtome.Theybothwalkedstiffly,liketheyhadbroomstickstapedtotheirspines.

“Well?”thewomandemanded.“Whatareyoudoinghere?”“Um...”IrealizedIhadn’tplannedforthis.I’dbeensofocusedongettingtoGroverandfinding

outwhatwaswrong,Ihadn’tconsideredthatsomeonemightquestionthreekidssneakingintotheschoolatnight.Wehadn’ttalkedatallinthecarabouthowwewouldgetinside.Isaid,“Ma’am,we’rejust—”

“Ha!”themansnapped,whichmademejump.“Visitorsarenotallowedatthedance!Youshallbeeee-jected!”

Hehadanaccent—French,maybe.HepronouncedhisJlikeinJacques.Hewastall,withahawkishface.Hisnostrilsflaredwhenhespoke,whichmadeitreallyhardnottostareuphisnose,andhiseyesweretwodifferentcolors—onebrown,oneblue—likeanalleycat’s.

Ifiguredhewasabouttotossusintothesnow,butthenThaliasteppedforwardanddidsomethingveryweird.

Shesnappedherfingers.Thesoundwassharpandloud.Maybeitwasjustmyimagination,butIfeltagustofwindrippleoutfromherhand,acrosstheroom.Itwashedoverallofus,makingthebannersrustleonthewalls.

“Oh,butwe’renotvisitors,sir,”Thaliasaid.“Wegotoschoolhere.Youremember:I’mThalia.AndthisisAnnabethandPercy.We’reintheeighthgrade.”

Themaleteachernarrowedhistwo-coloredeyes.Ididn’tknowwhatThaliawasthinking.Nowwe’dprobablygetpunishedforlyingandthrownintothesnow.Butthemanseemedtobehesitating.

Helookedathiscolleague.“Ms.Gottschalk,doyouknowthesestudents?”Despitethedangerwewerein,Ihadtobitemytonguetokeepfromlaughing.AteachernamedGot

Chalk?Hehadtobekidding.Thewomanblinked,likesomeonehadjustwokenherupfromatrance.“I...yes.IbelieveIdo,

sir.”Shefrownedatus.“Annabeth.Thalia.Percy.Whatareyoudoingawayfromthegymnasium?”Beforewecouldanswer,Iheardmorefootsteps,andGroverranup,breathless.“Youmadeit!You

—”Hestoppedshortwhenhesawtheteachers.“Oh,Mrs.Gottschalk.Dr.Thorn!I,uh—”“Whatisit,Mr.Underwood?”saidtheman.HistonemadeitclearthathedetestedGrover.“What

doyoumean,theymadeit?Thesestudentslivehere.”Groverswallowed.“Yes,sir.Ofcourse,Dr.Thorn.Ijustmeant,I’msogladtheymade...thepunch

forthedance!Thepunchisgreat.Andtheymadeit!”Dr.Thornglaredatus.Idecidedoneofhiseyeshadtobefake.Thebrownone?Theblueone?He

lookedlikehewantedtopitchusoffthecastle’shighesttower,butthenMrs.Gottschalksaiddreamily,“Yes,thepunchisexcellent.Nowrunalong,allofyou.Youarenottoleavethegymnasiumagain!”

Wedidn’twaittobetoldtwice.Weleftwithalotof“Yes,ma’ams”and“Yes,sirs”andacoupleofsalutes,justbecauseitseemedlikethethingtodo.

Groverhustledusdownthehallinthedirectionofthemusic.Icouldfeeltheteachers’eyesonmyback,butIwalkedcloselytoThaliaandaskedinalowvoice,

“Howdidyoudothatfinger-snapthing?”“YoumeantheMist?Hasn’tChironshownyouhowtodothatyet?”Anuncomfortablelumpformedinmythroat.Chironwasourheadtraineratcamp,buthe’dnever

shownmeanythinglikethat.WhyhadheshownThaliaandnotme?GroverhurriedustoadoorthathadGYMwrittenontheglass.Evenwithmydyslexia,Icouldread

thatmuch.“Thatwasclose!”Groversaid.“Thankthegodsyougothere!”AnnabethandThaliabothhuggedGrover.Igavehimabighighfive.Itwasgoodtoseehimaftersomanymonths.He’dgottenalittletallerandhadsproutedafewmore

whiskers,butotherwisehelookedlikehealwaysdidwhenhepassedforhuman—aredcaponhiscurlybrownhairtohidehisgoathorns,baggyjeansandsneakerswithfakefeettohidehisfurrylegsandhooves.HewaswearingablackT-shirtthattookmeafewsecondstoread.ItsaidWESTOVERHALL:GRUNT.Iwasn’tsurewhetherthatwas,like,Grover’srankormaybejusttheschoolmotto.

“Sowhat’stheemergency?”Iasked.Grovertookadeepbreath.“Ifoundtwo.”“Twohalf-bloods?”Thaliaasked,amazed.“Here?”Grovernodded.Findingonehalf-bloodwasrareenough.Thisyear,Chironhadputthesatyrsonemergencyovertime

andsentthemalloverthecountry,scouringschoolsfromfourthgradethroughhighschoolforpossiblerecruits.Theseweredesperatetimes.Wewerelosingcampers.Weneededallthenewfighterswecouldfind.Theproblemwas,therejustweren’tthatmanydemigodsoutthere.

“Abrotherandasister,”hesaid.“They’retenandtwelve.Idon’tknowtheirparentage,butthey’restrong.We’rerunningoutoftime,though.Ineedhelp.”

“Monsters?”“One.”Groverlookednervous.“Hesuspects.Idon’tthinkhe’spositiveyet,butthisisthelastdayof

term.I’msurehewon’tletthemleavecampuswithoutfindingout.Itmaybeourlastchance!EverytimeItrytogetclosetothem,he’salwaysthere,blockingme.Idon’tknowwhattodo!”

GroverlookedatThaliadesperately.Itriednottofeelupsetbythat.Usedtobe,Groverlookedtomeforanswers,butThaliahadseniority.NotjustbecauseherdadwasZeus.Thaliahadmoreexperiencethananyofuswithfendingoffmonstersintherealworld.

“Right,”shesaid.“Thesehalf-bloodsareatthedance?”Grovernodded.“Thenlet’sdance,”Thaliasaid.“Who’sthemonster?”“Oh,”Groversaid,andlookedaroundnervously.“Youjustmethim.Theviceprincipal,Dr.Thorn.”Weirdthingaboutmilitaryschools:thekidsgoabsolutelynutswhenthere’saspecialeventandthey

gettobeoutofuniform.Iguessit’sbecauseeverything’ssostricttherestofthetime,theyfeellikethey’vegottoovercompensateorsomething.

Therewereblackandredballoonsalloverthegymfloor,andguyswerekickingthemineachother’sfaces,ortryingtostrangleeachotherwiththecrepe-paperstreamerstapedtothewalls.Girlsmovedaroundinfootballhuddles,thewaytheyalwaysdo,wearinglotsofmakeupandspaghetti-straptopsandbrightlycoloredpantsandshoesthatlookedliketorturedevices.Everyonceinawhilethey’dsurroundsomepoorguylikeapackofpiranhas,shriekingandgiggling,andwhentheyfinallymovedon,theguywouldhaveribbonsinhishairandabunchoflipstickgraffitialloverhisface.Someoftheolderguyslookedmorelikeme—uncomfortable,hangingoutattheedgesofthegymandtryingtohide,likeanyminutetheymighthavetofightfortheirlives.Ofcourse,inmycase,itwastrue....

“Theretheyare.”Grovernoddedtowardacoupleofyoungerkidsarguinginthebleachers.“BiancaandNicodiAngelo.”

Thegirlworeafloppygreencap,likeshewastryingtohideherface.Theboywasobviouslyherlittlebrother.Theybothhaddarksilkyhairandoliveskin,andtheyusedtheirhandsalotastheytalked.Theboywasshufflingsomekindoftradingcards.Hissisterseemedtobescoldinghimaboutsomething.Shekeptlookingaroundlikeshesensedsomethingwaswrong.

Annabethsaid,“Dothey...Imean,haveyoutoldthem?”Grovershookhishead.“Youknowhowitis.Thatcouldputtheminmoredanger.Oncetheyrealize

whotheyare,theirscentbecomesstronger.”Helookedatme,andInodded.I’dneverreallyunderstoodwhathalf-bloods“smell”liketo

monstersandsatyrs,butIknewthatyourscentcouldgetyoukilled.Andthemorepowerfulademigodyoubecame,themoreyousmelledlikeamonster’slunch.

“Solet’sgrabthemandgetoutofhere,”Isaid.Istartedforward,butThaliaputherhandonmyshoulder.Theviceprincipal,Dr.Thorn,hadslipped

outofadoorwaynearthebleachersandwasstandingnearthediAngelosiblings.Henoddedcoldlyinourdirection.Hisblueeyeseemedtoglow.

Judgingfromhisexpression,IguessedThornhadn’tbeenfooledbyThalia’strickwiththeMistafterall.Hesuspectedwhowewere.Hewasjustwaitingtoseewhywewerehere.

“Don’tlookatthekids,”Thaliaordered.“Wehavetowaitforachancetogetthem.Weneedtopretendwe’renotinterestedinthem.Throwhimoffthescent.”

“How?”

“We’rethreepowerfulhalf-bloods.Ourpresenceshouldconfusehim.Mingle.Actnatural.Dosomedancing.Butkeepaneyeonthosekids.”

“Dancing?”Annabethasked.Thalianodded.Shecockedhereartothemusicandmadeaface.“Ugh.WhochosetheJesse

McCartney?”Groverlookedhurt.“Idid.”“Ohmygods,Grover.Thatissolame.Can’tyouplay,like,GreenDayorsomething?”“Greenwho?”“Nevermind.Let’sdance.”“ButIcan’tdance!”“YoucanifI’mleading,”Thaliasaid.“Comeon,goatboy.”GroveryelpedasThaliagrabbedhishandandledhimontothedancefloor.Annabethsmiled.“What?”Iasked.“Nothing.It’sjustcooltohaveThaliaback.”Annabethhadgrowntallerthanmesincelastsummer,whichIfoundkindofdisturbing.Sheusedto

wearnojewelryexceptforherCampHalf-Bloodbeadnecklace,butnowsheworelittlesilverearringsshapedlikeowls—thesymbolofhermother,Athena.Shepulledoffherskicap,andherlongblondhairtumbleddownhershoulders.Itmadeherlookolder,forsomereason.

“So...”Itriedtothinkofsomethingtosay.Actnatural,Thaliahadtoldus.Whenyou’reahalf-bloodonadangerousmission,whattheheckisnatural?“Um,designanygoodbuildingslately?”

Annabeth’seyeslitup,thewaytheyalwaysdidwhenshetalkedaboutarchitecture.“Ohmygods,Percy.Atmynewschool,Igettotake3-Ddesignasanelective,andthere’sthiscoolcomputerprogram...”

Shewentontoexplainhowshe’ddesignedthishugemonumentthatshewantedtobuildatGroundZeroinManhattan.Shetalkedaboutstructuralsupportsandfacadesandstuff,andItriedtolisten.Iknewshewantedtobeasuperarchitectwhenshegrewup—shelovesmathandhistoricalbuildingsandallthat—butIhardlyunderstoodawordshewassaying.

ThetruthwasIwaskindofdisappointedtohearthatshelikedhernewschoolsomuch.Itwasthefirsttimeshe’dgonetoschoolinNewYork.I’dbeenhopingtoseehermoreoften.ItwasaboardingschoolinBrooklyn,andsheandThaliawerebothattending,closeenoughtoCampHalf-BloodthatChironcouldhelpiftheygotinanytrouble.Becauseitwasanall-girlsschool,andIwasgoingtoMS-54inManhattan,Ihardlyeversawthem.

“Yeah,uh,cool,”Isaid.“Soyou’restayingtheretherestoftheyear,huh?”Herfacegotdark.“Well,maybe,ifIdon’t—”“Hey!”Thaliacalledtous.ShewasslowdancingwithGrover,whowastrippingalloverhimself,

kickingThaliaintheshins,andlookinglikehewantedtodie.Atleasthisfeetwerefake.Unlikeme,hehadanexcuseforbeingclumsy.

“Dance,youguys!”Thaliaordered.“Youlookstupidjuststandingthere.”IlookednervouslyatAnnabeth,thenatthegroupsofgirlswhowereroamingthegym.“Well?”Annabethsaid.“Um,whoshouldIask?”

Shepunchedmeinthegut.“Me,SeaweedBrain.”“Oh.Oh,right.”Sowewentontothedancefloor,andIlookedovertoseehowThaliaandGroverweredoingthings.

IputonehandonAnnabeth’ship,andsheclaspedmyotherhandlikeshewasabouttojudothrowme.“I’mnotgoingtobite,”shetoldme.“Honestly,Percy.Don’tyouguyshavedancesatyourschool?”Ididn’tanswer.Thetruthwaswedid.ButI’dnever,like,actuallydancedatone.Iwasusuallyone

oftheguysplayingbasketballinthecorner.Weshuffledaroundforafewminutes.Itriedtoconcentrateonlittlethings,likethecrepe-paper

streamersandthepunchbowl—anythingbutthefactthatAnnabethwastallerthanme,andmyhandsweresweatyandprobablygross,andIkeptsteppingonhertoes.

“Whatwereyousayingearlier?”Iasked.“Areyouhavingtroubleatschoolorsomething?”Shepursedherlips.“It’snotthat.It’smydad.”“Uh-oh.”IknewAnnabethhadarockyrelationshipwithherfather.“Ithoughtitwasgettingbetter

withyoutwo.Isityourstepmomagain?”Annabethsighed.“Hedecidedtomove.JustwhenIwasgettingsettledinNewYork,hetookthis

stupidnewjobresearchingforaWorldWarIbook.InSanFrancisco.”ShesaidthisthesamewayshemightsayFieldsofPunishmentorHades’sgymshorts.“Sohewantsyoutomoveouttherewithhim?”Iasked.“Totheothersideofthecountry,”shesaidmiserably.“Andhalf-bloodscan’tliveinSanFrancisco.

Heshouldknowthat.”“What?Whynot?”Annabethrolledhereyes.MaybeshethoughtIwaskidding.“Youknow.It’srightthere.”“Oh,”Isaid.Ihadnoideawhatshewastalkingabout,butIdidn’twanttosoundstupid.“So...

you’llgobacktolivingatcamporwhat?”“It’smoreseriousthanthat,Percy.I...Iprobablyshouldtellyousomething.”Suddenlyshefroze.“They’regone.”“What?”Ifollowedhergaze.Thebleachers.Thetwohalf-bloodkids,BiancaandNico,werenolongerthere.

Thedoornexttothebleacherswaswideopen.Dr.Thornwasnowhereinsight.“WehavetogetThaliaandGrover!”Annabethlookedaroundfrantically.“Oh,where’dtheydance

offto?Comeon!”Sheranthroughthecrowd.Iwasabouttofollowwhenamobofgirlsgotinmyway.Imaneuvered

aroundthemtoavoidgettingtheribbon-and-lipsticktreatment,andbythetimeIwasfree,Annabethhaddisappeared.Iturnedafullcircle,lookingforherorThaliaandGrover.Instead,Isawsomethingthatchilledmyblood.

Aboutfiftyfeetaway,lyingonthegymfloor,wasafloppygreencapjustliketheoneBiancadiAngelohadbeenwearing.Nearitwereafewscatteredtradingcards.ThenIcaughtaglimpseofDr.Thorn.Hewashurryingoutadoorattheoppositeendofthegym,steeringthediAngelokidsbythescruffsoftheirnecks,likekittens.

Istillcouldn’tseeAnnabeth,butIknewshe’dbeheadingtheotherway,lookingforThaliaandGrover.

Ialmostranafterher,andthenIthought,Wait.

IrememberedwhatThaliahadsaidtomeintheentryhall,lookingatmeallpuzzledwhenIaskedaboutthefinger-snaptrick:Hasn’tChironshownyouhowtodothatyet?IthoughtaboutthewayGroverhadturnedtoher,expectinghertosavetheday.

NotthatIresentedThalia.Shewascool.Itwasn’therfaultherdadwasZeusandshegotalltheattention....Still,Ididn’tneedtorunafterhertosolveeveryproblem.Besides,therewasn’ttime.ThediAngeloswereindanger.TheymightbelonggonebythetimeIfoundmyfriends.Iknewmonsters.Icouldhandlethismyself.

ItookRiptideoutofmypocketandranafterDr.Thorn.***

Thedoorledintoadarkhallway.Iheardsoundsofscufflingupahead,thenapainfulgrunt.IuncappedRiptide.

ThepengrewinmyhandsuntilIheldabronzeGreekswordaboutthree-feetlongwithaleather-boundgrip.Thebladeglowedfaintly,castingagoldenlightontherowsoflockers.

Ijoggeddownthecorridor,butwhenIgottotheotherend,noonewasthere.Iopenedadoorandfoundmyselfbackinthemainentryhall.Iwascompletelyturnedaround.Ididn’tseeDr.Thornanywhere,butthereontheoppositesideoftheroomwerethediAngelokids.Theystoodfrozeninhorror,staringrightatme.

Iadvancedslowly,loweringthetipofmysword.“It’sokay.I’mnotgoingtohurtyou.”Theydidn’tanswer.Theireyeswerefulloffear.Whatwaswrongwiththem?WherewasDr.

Thorn?Maybehe’dsensedthepresenceofRiptideandretreated.Monstershatedcelestialbronzeweapons.

“Myname’sPercy,”Isaid,tryingtokeepmyvoicelevel.“I’mgoingtotakeyououtofhere,getyousomewheresafe.”

Bianca’seyeswidened.Herfistsclenched.OnlytoolatedidIrealizewhatherlookmeant.Shewasn’tafraidofme.Shewastryingtowarnme.

IwhirledaroundandsomethingwentWHIIISH!Painexplodedinmyshoulder.Aforcelikeahugehandyankedmebackwardandslammedmetothewall.

Islashedwithmyswordbuttherewasnothingtohit.Acoldlaughechoedthroughthehall.“Yes,PerseusJackson,”Dr.Thornsaid.HisaccentmangledtheJinmylastname.“Iknowwhoyou

are.”Itriedtofreemyshoulder.Mycoatandshirtwerepinnedtothewallbysomekindofspike—a

blackdagger-likeprojectileaboutafootlong.Ithadgrazedtheskinofmyshoulderasitpassedthroughmyclothes,andthecutburned.I’dfeltsomethinglikethisbefore.Poison.

Iforcedmyselftoconcentrate.Iwouldnotpassout.Adarksilhouettenowmovedtowardus.Dr.Thornsteppedintothedimlight.Hestilllookedhuman,

buthisfacewasghoulish.Hehadperfectwhiteteethandhisbrown/blueeyesreflectedthelightofmysword.

“Thankyouforcomingoutofthegym,”hesaid.“Ihatemiddleschooldances.”Itriedtoswingmyswordagain,buthewasjustoutofreach.WHIIIISH!AsecondprojectileshotfromsomewherebehindDr.Thorn.Hedidn’tappeartomove.It

wasasifsomeoneinvisiblewerestandingbehindhim,throwingknives.

Nexttome,Biancayelped.Thesecondthornimpaleditselfinthestonewall,halfaninchfromherface.

“Allthreeofyouwillcomewithme,”Dr.Thornsaid.“Quietly.Obediently.Ifyoumakeasinglenoise,ifyoucalloutforhelportrytofight,IwillshowyoujusthowaccuratelyIcanthrow.”

TWO

THEVICEPRINCIPALGETSAMISSILELAUNCHER

Ididn’tknowwhatkindofmonsterDr.Thornwas,buthewasfast.MaybeIcoulddefendmyselfifIcouldgetmyshieldactivated.Allthatitwouldtakewasatouchof

mywristwatch.ButdefendingthediAngelokidswasanothermatter.Ineededhelp,andtherewasonlyonewayIcouldthinktogetit.

Iclosedmyeyes.“Whatareyoudoing,Jackson?”hissedDr.Thorn.“Keepmoving!”Iopenedmyeyesandkeptshufflingforward.“It’smyshoulder,”Ilied,tryingtosoundmiserable,

whichwasn’thard.“Itburns.”“Bah!Mypoisoncausespain.Itwillnotkillyou.Walk!”Thornherdedusoutside,andItriedtoconcentrate.IpicturedGrover’sface.Ifocusedonmy

feelingsoffearanddanger.Lastsummer,Groverhadcreatedanempathylinkbetweenus.He’dsentmevisionsinmydreamstoletmeknowwhenhewasintrouble.AsfarasIknew,wewerestilllinked,butI’dnevertriedtocontactGroverbefore.Ididn’tevenknowifitwouldworkwhileGroverwasawake.

Hey,Grover!Ithought.Thorn’skidnappingus!He’sapoisonousspike-throwingmaniac!Help!Thornmarchedusintothewoods.Wetookasnowypathdimlylitbyold-fashionedlamplights.My

shoulderached.ThewindblowingthroughmyrippedclotheswassocoldthatIfeltlikeaPercysicle.“Thereisaclearingahead,”Thornsaid.“Wewillsummonyourride.”“Whatride?”Biancademanded.“Whereareyoutakingus?”“Silence,youinsufferablegirl!”“Don’ttalktomysisterthatway!”Nicosaid.Hisvoicequivered,butIwasimpressedthathehad

thegutstosayanythingatall.Dr.Thornmadeagrowlingsoundthatdefinitelywasn’thuman.Itmadethehairsstandupontheback

ofmyneck,butIforcedmyselftokeepwalkingandpretendIwasbeingagoodlittlecaptive.Meanwhile,Iprojectedmythoughtslikecrazy—anythingtogetGrover’sattention:Grover!Apples!Tincans!Getyourfurrygoatbehindouthereandbringsomeheavilyarmedfriends!

“Halt,”Thornsaid.Thewoodshadopenedup.We’dreachedacliffoverlookingthesea.Atleast,Isensedtheseawas

downthere,hundredsoffeetbelow.IcouldhearthewaveschurningandIcouldsmellthecoldsaltyfroth.ButallIcouldseewasmistanddarkness.

Dr.Thornpushedustowardtheedge.Istumbled,andBiancacaughtme.“Thanks,”Imurmured.“Whatishe?”shewhispered.“Howdowefighthim?”“I...I’mworkingonit.”“I’mscared,”Nicomumbled.Hewasfiddlingwithsomething—alittlemetaltoysoldierofsome

kind.“Stoptalking!”Dr.Thornsaid.“Faceme!”Weturned.Thorn’stwo-toneeyesglitteredhungrily.Hepulledsomethingfromunderhiscoat.AtfirstIthought

itwasaswitchblade,butitwasonlyaphone.Hepressedthesidebuttonandsaid,“Thepackage—itisreadytodeliver.”

Therewasagarbledreply,andIrealizedThornwasinwalkie-talkiemode.Thisseemedwaytoomodernandcreepy—amonsterusingamobilephone.

Iglancedbehindme,wonderinghowfarthedropwas.Dr.Thornlaughed.“Byallmeans,SonofPoseidon.Jump!Thereisthesea.Saveyourself.”“Whatdidhecallyou?”Biancamuttered.“I’llexplainlater,”Isaid.“Youdohaveaplan,right?”Grover!Ithoughtdesperately.Cometome!MaybeIcouldgetboththediAngelostojumpwithmeintotheocean.Ifwesurvivedthefall,Icould

usethewatertoprotectus.I’ddonethingslikethatbefore.Ifmydadwasinagoodmood,andlistening,hemighthelp.Maybe.

“Iwouldkillyoubeforeyoueverreachedthewater,”Dr.Thornsaid,asifreadingmythoughts.“YoudonotrealizewhoIam,doyou?”

Aflickerofmovementbehindhim,andanothermissilewhistledsoclosetomethatitnickedmyear.SomethinghadsprungupbehindDr.Thorn—likeacatapult,butmoreflexible...almostlikeatail.

“Unfortunately,”Thornsaid,“youarewantedalive,ifpossible.Otherwiseyouwouldalreadybedead.”

“Whowantsus?”Biancademanded.“Becauseifyouthinkyou’llgetaransom,you’rewrong.Wedon’thaveanyfamily.NicoandI...”Hervoicebrokealittle.“We’vegotnoonebuteachother.”

“Aww,”Dr.Thornsaid.“Donotworry,littlebrats.Youwillbemeetingmyemployersoonenough.Thenyouwillhaveabrand-newfamily.”

“Luke,”Isaid.“YouworkforLuke.”Dr.Thorn’smouthtwistedwithdistastewhenIsaidthenameofmyoldenemy—aformerfriend

who’dtriedtokillmeseveraltimes.“Youhavenoideawhatishappening,PerseusJackson.IwilllettheGeneralenlightenyou.Youaregoingtodohimagreatservicetonight.Heislookingforwardtomeetingyou.”

“TheGeneral?”Iasked.ThenIrealizedI’dsaiditwithaFrenchaccent.“Imean...who’stheGeneral?”

Thornlookedtowardthehorizon.“Ah,hereweare.Yourtransportation.”Iturnedandsawalightinthedistance,asearchlightoverthesea.ThenIheardthechoppingof

helicopterbladesgettinglouderandcloser.“Whereareyoutakingus?”Nicosaid.“Youshouldbehonored,myboy.Youwillhavetheopportunitytojoinagreatarmy!Justlikethat

sillygameyouplaywithcardsanddolls.”“They’renotdolls!They’refigurines!Andyoucantakeyourgreatarmyand—”

“Now,now,”Dr.Thornwarned.“Youwillchangeyourmindaboutjoiningus,myboy.Andifyoudonot,well...thereareotherusesforhalf-bloods.Wehavemanymonstrousmouthstofeed.TheGreatStirringisunderway.”

“TheGreatwhat?”Iasked.AnythingtokeephimtalkingwhileItriedtofigureoutaplan.“Thestirringofmonsters.”Dr.Thornsmiledevilly.“Theworstofthem,themostpowerful,arenow

waking.Monstersthathavenotbeenseeninthousandsofyears.Theywillcausedeathanddestructionthelikesofwhichmortalshaveneverknown.Andsoonweshallhavethemostimportantmonsterofall—theonethatshallbringaboutthedownfallofOlympus!”

“Okay,”Biancawhisperedtome.“He’scompletelynuts.”“Wehavetojumpoffthecliff,”Itoldherquietly.“Intothesea.”“Oh,superidea.You’recompletelynuts,too.”Inevergotthechancetoarguewithher,becausejustthenaninvisibleforceslammedintome.Lookingbackonit,Annabeth’smovewasbrilliant.Wearinghercapofinvisibility,sheplowedinto

thediAngelosandme,knockingustotheground.Forasplitsecond,Dr.Thornwastakenbysurprise,sohisfirstvolleyofmissileszippedharmlesslyoverourheads.ThisgaveThaliaandGroverachancetoadvancefrombehind—Thaliawieldinghermagicshield,Aegis.

Ifyou’veneverseenThaliarunintobattle,youhaveneverbeentrulyfrightened.SheusesahugespearthatexpandsfromthiscollapsibleMacecanistershecarriesinherpocket,butthat’snotthescarypart.HershieldismodeledafteroneherdadZeususes—alsocalledAegis—agiftfromAthena.TheshieldhastheheadofthegorgonMedusamoldedintothebronze,andeventhoughitwon’tturnyoutostone,it’ssohorrible,mostpeoplewillpanicandrunatthesightofit.

EvenDr.Thornwincedandgrowledwhenhesawit.Thaliamovedinwithherspear.“ForZeus!”IthoughtDr.Thornwasagoner.Thaliajabbedathishead,buthesnarledandswattedthespear

aside.Hishandchangedintoanorangepaw,withenormousclawsthatsparkedagainstThalia’sshieldasheslashed.Ifithadn’tbeenforAegis,Thaliawould’vebeenslicedlikealoafofbread.Asitwas,shemanagedtorollbackwardandlandonherfeet.

Thesoundofthehelicopterwasgettinglouderbehindme,butIdidn’tdarelook.Dr.ThornlaunchedanothervolleyofmissilesatThalia,andthistimeIcouldseehowhedidit.He

hadatail—aleathery,scorpionliketailthatbristledwithspikesatthetip.ThemissilesdeflectedoffAegis,buttheforceoftheirimpactknockedThaliadown.

Groversprangforward.Heputhisreedpipestohislipsandbegantoplay—afranticjigthatsoundedlikesomethingpirateswoulddanceto.Grassbrokethroughthesnow.Withinseconds,rope-thickweedswerewrappingaroundDr.Thorn’slegs,entanglinghim.

Dr.Thornroaredandbegantochange.Hegrewlargeruntilhewasinhistrueform—hisfacestillhuman,buthisbodythatofahugelion.Hisleathery,spikytailwhippeddeadlythornsinalldirections.

“Amanticore!”Annabethsaid,nowvisible.HermagicalNewYorkYankeescaphadcomeoffwhenshe’dplowedintous.

“Whoareyoupeople?”BiancadiAngelodemanded.“Andwhatisthat?”“Amanticore?”Nicogasped.“He’sgotthreethousandattackpowerandplusfivetosavingthrows!”Ididn’tknowwhathewastalkingabout,butIdidn’thavetimetoworryaboutit.Themanticore

clawedGrover’smagicweedstoshredsthenturnedtowarduswithasnarl.

“Getdown!”AnnabethpushedthediAngelosflatintothesnow.Atthelastsecond,Irememberedmyownshield.Ihitmywristwatch,andmetalplatingspiraledoutintoathickbronzeshield.Notamomenttoosoon.Thethornsimpactedagainstitwithsuchforcetheydentedthemetal.Thebeautifulshield,agiftfrommybrother,wasbadlydamaged.Iwasn’tsureitwouldevenstopasecondvolley.

Iheardathwackandayelp,andGroverlandednexttomewithathud.“Yield!”themonsterroared.“Never!”Thaliayelledfromacrossthefield.Shechargedthemonster,andforasecond,Ithought

shewouldrunhimthrough.Butthentherewasathunderousnoiseandablazeoflightfrombehindus.Thehelicopterappearedoutofthemist,hoveringjustbeyondthecliffs.Itwasasleekblackmilitary-stylegunship,withattachmentsonthesidesthatlookedlikelaser-guidedrockets.Thehelicopterhadtobemannedbymortals,butwhatwasitdoinghere?Howcouldmortalsbeworkingwithamonster?ThesearchlightsblindedThalia,andthemanticoreswattedherawaywithitstail.Hershieldflewoffintothesnow.Herspearflewintheotherdirection.

“No!”Iranouttohelpher.Iparriedawayaspikejustbeforeitwould’vehitherchest.Iraisedmyshieldoverus,butIknewitwouldn’tbeenough.

Dr.Thornlaughed.“Nowdoyouseehowhopelessitis?Yield,littleheroes.”Weweretrappedbetweenamonsterandafullyarmedhelicopter.Wehadnochance.ThenIheardaclear,piercingsound:thecallofahuntinghornblowinginthewoods.Themanticorefroze.Foramoment,noonemoved.Therewasonlytheswirlofsnowandwindand

thechoppingofthehelicopterblades.“No,”Dr.Thornsaid.“Itcannotbe—”Hissentencewascutshortwhensomethingshotpastmelikeastreakofmoonlight.Aglowingsilver

arrowsproutedfromDr.Thorn’sshoulder.Hestaggeredbackward,wailinginagony.“Curseyou!”Thorncried.Heunleashedhisspikes,dozensofthematonce,intothewoodswherethe

arrowhadcomefrom,butjustasfast,silveryarrowsshotbackinreply.Italmostlookedlikethearrowshadinterceptedthethornsinmidairandslicedthemintwo,butmyeyesmust’vebeenplayingtricksonme.Noone,notevenApollo’skidsatcamp,couldshootwiththatmuchaccuracy.

Themanticorepulledthearrowoutofhisshoulderwithahowlofpain.Hisbreathingwasheavy.Itriedtoswipeathimwithmysword,buthewasn’tasinjuredashelooked.Hedodgedmyattackandslammedhistailintomyshield,knockingmeaside.

Thenthearcherscamefromthewoods.Theyweregirls,aboutadozenofthem.Theyoungestwasmaybeten.Theoldest,aboutfourteen,likeme.Theyworesilveryskiparkasandjeans,andtheywereallarmedwithbows.Theyadvancedonthemanticorewithdeterminedexpressions.

“TheHunters!”Annabethcried.Nexttome,Thaliamuttered,“Oh,wonderful.”Ididn’thaveachancetoaskwhatshemeant.Oneoftheolderarcherssteppedforwardwithherbowdrawn.Shewastallandgracefulwith

copperycoloredskin.Unliketheothergirls,shehadasilvercircletbraidedintothetopofherlongdarkhair,soshelookedlikesomekindofPersianprincess.“Permissiontokill,mylady?”

Icouldn’ttellwhoshewastalkingto,becauseshekepthereyesonthemanticore.Themonsterwailed.“Thisisnotfair!Directinterference!ItisagainsttheAncientLaws.”

“Notso,”anothergirlsaid.Thisonewasalittleyoungerthanme,maybetwelveorthirteen.Shehadauburnhairgatheredbackinaponytailandstrangeeyes,silveryyellowlikethemoon.Herfacewassobeautifulitmademecatchmybreath,butherexpressionwassternanddangerous.“Thehuntingofallwildbeastsiswithinmysphere.Andyou,foulcreature,areawildbeast.”Shelookedattheoldergirlwiththecirclet.“Zoë,permissiongranted.”

Themanticoregrowled.“IfIcannothavethesealive,Ishallhavethemdead!”HelungedatThaliaandme,knowingwewereweakanddazed.“No!”Annabethyelled,andshechargedatthemonster.“Getback,half-blood!”thegirlwiththecircletsaid.“Getoutofthelineoffire!”ButAnnabethleapedontothemonster’sbackanddroveherknifeintohismane.Themanticore

howled,turningincircleswithhistailflailingasAnnabethhungonfordearlife.“Fire!”Zoëordered.“No!”Iscreamed.ButtheHunterslettheirarrowsfly.Thefirstcaughtthemanticoreintheneck.Anotherhithischest.

Themanticorestaggeredbackward,wailing,“Thisisnottheend,Huntress!Youshallpay!”Andbeforeanyonecouldreact,themonster,withAnnabethstillonhisback,leapedoverthecliff

andtumbledintothedarkness.“Annabeth!”Iyelled.Istartedtorunafterher,butourenemiesweren’tdonewithus.Therewasasnap-snap-snapfrom

thehelicopter—thesoundofgunfire.MostoftheHuntersscatteredastinyholesappearedinthesnowattheirfeet,butthegirlwithauburn

hairjustlookedupcalmlyatthehelicopter.“Mortals,”sheannounced,“arenotallowedtowitnessmyhunt.”Shethrustoutherhand,andthehelicopterexplodedintodust—no,notdust.Theblackmetal

dissolvedintoaflockofbirds—ravens,whichscatteredintothenight.TheHuntersadvancedonus.TheonecalledZoëstoppedshortwhenshesawThalia.“You,”shesaidwithdistaste.“ZoëNightshade.”Thalia’svoicetrembledwithanger.“Perfecttiming,asusual.”Zoëscannedtherestofus.“Fourhalf-bloodsandasatyr,mylady.”“Yes,”theyoungergirlsaid.“SomeofChiron’scampers,Isee.”“Annabeth!”Iyelled.“Youhavetoletussaveher!”Theauburn-hairedgirlturnedtowardme.“I’msorry,PercyJackson,butyourfriendisbeyondhelp.”Itriedtostruggletomyfeet,butacoupleofthegirlsheldmedown.“Youareinnoconditiontobehurlingyourselfoffcliffs,”theauburn-hairedgirlsaid.“Letmego!”Idemanded.“Whodoyouthinkyouare?”Zoësteppedforwardasiftosmackme.“No,”theothergirlordered.“Isensenodisrespect,Zoë.Heissimplydistraught.Hedoesnot

understand.”Theyounggirllookedatme,hereyescolderandbrighterthanthewintermoon.“IamArtemis,”she

said.“GoddessoftheHunt.”

THREE

BIANCADIANGELOMAKESACHOICE

AfterseeingDr.ThornturnintoamonsterandplummetofftheedgeofacliffwithAnnabeth,you’dthinknothingelsecouldshockme.Butwhenthistwelve-year-oldgirltoldmeshewasthegoddessArtemis,Isaidsomethingrealintelligentlike,“Um...okay.”

ThatwasnothingcomparedtoGrover.Hegasped,thenknelthastilyinthesnowandstartedyammering,“Thankyou,LadyArtemis!You’reso...you’reso...Wow!”

“Getup,goatboy!”Thaliasnapped.“Wehaveotherthingstoworryabout.Annabethisgone!”“Whoa,”BiancadiAngelosaid.“Holdup.Timeout.”Everybodylookedather.Shepointedherfingeratallofusinturn,likeshewastryingtoconnectthe

dots.“Who...whoareyoupeople?”Artemis’sexpressionsoftened.“Itmightbeabetterquestion,mydeargirl,toaskwhoareyou?Who

areyourparents?”Biancaglancednervouslyatherbrother,whowasstillstaringinaweatArtemis.“Ourparentsaredead,”Biancasaid.“We’reorphans.There’sabanktrustthatpaysforourschool,

but...”Shefaltered.Iguessshecouldtellfromourfacesthatwedidn’tbelieveher.“What?”shedemanded.“I’mtellingthetruth.”“Youareahalf-blood,”ZoëNightshadesaid.Heraccentwashardtoplace.Itsoundedold-

fashioned,likeshewasreadingfromareallyoldbook.“Oneofthyparentswasmortal.TheotherwasanOlympian.”

“AnOlympian...athlete?”“No,”Zoësaid.“Oneofthegods.”“Cool!”saidNico.“No!”Bianca’svoicequavered.“Thisisnotcool!”Nicodancedaroundlikeheneededtousetherestroom.“DoesZeusreallyhavelightningboltsthat

dosixhundreddamage?Doeshegetextramovementpointsfor—”“Nico,shutup!”Biancaputherhandstoherface.“ThisisnotyourstupidMythomagicgame,okay?

Therearenogods!”AsanxiousasIfeltaboutAnnabeth—allIwantedtodowassearchforher—Icouldn’thelpfeeling

sorryforthediAngelos.IrememberedwhatitwaslikeformewhenIfirstlearnedIwasademigod.Thaliamust’vebeenfeelingsomethingsimilar,becausetheangerinhereyessubsidedalittlebit.

“Bianca,Iknowit’shardtobelieve.Butthegodsarestillaround.Trustme.They’reimmortal.Andwhenevertheyhavekidswithregularhumans,kidslikeus,well...Ourlivesaredangerous.”

“Dangerous,”Biancasaid,“likethegirlwhofell.”Thaliaturnedaway.EvenArtemislookedpained.

“DonotdespairforAnnabeth,”thegoddesssaid.“Shewasabravemaiden.Ifshecanbefound,Ishallfindher.”

“Thenwhywon’tyouletusgolookforher?”Iasked.“Sheisgone.Can’tyousenseit,SonofPoseidon?Somemagicisatwork.Idonotknowexactly

howorwhy,butyourfriendhasvanished.”Istillwantedtojumpoffthecliffandsearchforher,butIhadafeelingthatArtemiswasright.

Annabethwasgone.Ifshe’dbeendownthereinthesea,Ithought,I’dbeabletofeelherpresence.“Oo!”Nicoraisedhishand.“WhataboutDr.Thorn?Thatwasawesomehowyoushothimwith

arrows!Ishedead?”“Hewasamanticore,”Artemissaid.“Hopefullyheisdestroyedfornow,butmonstersnevertruly

die.Theyre-formoverandoveragain,andtheymustbehuntedwhenevertheyreappear.”“Orthey’llhuntus,”Thaliasaid.BiancadiAngeloshivered.“Thatexplains...Nico,yourememberlastsummer,thoseguyswho

triedtoattackusinthealleyinD.C.?”“Andthatbusdriver,”Nicosaid.“Theonewiththeram’shorns.Itoldyouthatwasreal.”“That’swhyGroverhasbeenwatchingyou,”Isaid.“Tokeepyousafe,ifyouturnedouttobehalf-

bloods.”“Grover?”Biancastaredathim.“You’reademigod?”“Well,asatyr,actually.”Hekickedoffhisshoesanddisplayedhisgoathooves.IthoughtBianca

wasgoingtofaintrightthere.“Grover,putyourshoesbackon,”Thaliasaid.“You’refreakingherout.”“Hey,myhoovesareclean!”“Bianca,”Isaid,“wecameheretohelpyou.YouandNiconeedtrainingtosurvive.Dr.Thornwon’t

bethelastmonsteryoumeet.Youneedtocometocamp.”“Camp?”sheasked.“CampHalf-Blood,”Isaid.“It’swherehalf-bloodslearntosurviveandstuff.Youcanjoinus,stay

thereyear-roundifyoulike.”“Sweet,let’sgo!”saidNico.“Wait.”Biancashookherhead.“Idon’t—”“Thereisanotheroption,”Zoësaid.“No,thereisn’t!”Thaliasaid.ThaliaandZoëglaredateachother.Ididn’tknowwhattheyweretalkingabout,butIcouldtellthere

wasbadhistorybetweenthem.Forsomereason,theyseriouslyhatedeachother.“We’veburdenedthesechildrenenough,”Artemisannounced.“Zoë,wewillresthereforafew

hours.Raisethetents.Treatthewounded.Retrieveourguests’belongingsfromtheschool.”“Yes,mylady.”“And,Bianca,comewithme.Iwouldliketospeakwithyou.”“Whataboutme?”Nicoasked.Artemisconsideredtheboy.“PerhapsyoucanshowGroverhowtoplaythatcardgameyouenjoy.

I’msureGroverwouldbehappytoentertainyouforawhile...asafavortome?”Groverjustabouttrippedoverhimselfgettingup.“Youbet!Comeon,Nico!”

NicoandGroverwalkedofftowardthewoods,talkingabouthitpointsandarmorratingsandabunchofothergeekystuff.Artemisledaconfused-lookingBiancaalongthecliff.TheHuntersbeganunpackingtheirknapsacksandmakingcamp.

ZoëgaveThaliaonemoreevillook,thenlefttooverseethings.Assoonasshewasgone,Thaliastampedherfootinfrustration.“ThenerveofthoseHunters!They

thinkthey’reso...Argh!”“I’mwithyou,”Isaid.“Idon’ttrust—”“Oh,you’rewithme?”Thaliaturnedonmefuriously.“Whatwereyouthinkingbackthereinthegym,

Percy?You’dtakeonDr.Thornallbyyourself?Youknewhewasamonster!”“I—”“Ifwe’dstucktogether,wecould’vetakenhimwithouttheHuntersgettinginvolved.Annabethmight

stillbehere.Didyouthinkofthat?”Myjawclenched.Ithoughtofsomeharshthingstosay,andImight’vesaidthemtoo,butthenI

lookeddownandsawsomethingnavybluelyinginthesnowatmyfeet.Annabeth’sNewYorkYankeesbaseballcap.

Thaliadidn’tsayanotherword.Shewipedatearfromhercheek,turned,andmarchedoff,leavingmealonewithatrampledcapinthesnow.

***TheHunterssetuptheircampingsiteinamatterofminutes.Sevenlargetents,allofsilversilk,

curvedinacrescentaroundonesideofabonfire.Oneofthegirlsblewasilverdogwhistle,andadozenwhitewolvesappearedoutofthewoods.Theybegancirclingthecamplikeguarddogs.TheHunterswalkedamongthemandfedthemtreats,completelyunafraid,butIdecidedIwouldstickclosetothetents.Falconswatchedusfromthetrees,theireyesflashinginthefirelight,andIgotthefeelingtheywereonguardduty,too.Eventheweatherseemedtobendtothegoddess’swill.Theairwasstillcold,butthewinddieddownandthesnowstoppedfalling,soitwasalmostpleasantsittingbythefire.

Almost...exceptforthepaininmyshoulderandtheguiltweighingmedown.Icouldn’tbelieveAnnabethwasgone.AndasangryasIwasatThalia,Ihadasinkingfeelingthatshewasright.Itwasmyfault.

WhathadAnnabethwantedtotellmeinthegym?Somethingserious,she’dsaid.NowImightneverfindout.Ithoughtabouthowwe’ddancedtogetherforhalfasong,andmyheartfeltevenheavier.

IwatchedThaliapacinginthesnowattheedgeofcamp,walkingamongthewolveswithoutfear.ShestoppedandlookedbackatWestoverHall,whichwasnowcompletelydark,loomingonthehillsidebeyondthewoods.Iwonderedwhatshewasthinking.

Sevenyearsago,Thaliahadbeenturnedintoapinetreebyherfather,topreventherfromdying.She’dstoodhergroundagainstanarmyofmonstersontopofHalf-BloodHillinordertogiveherfriendsLukeandAnnabethtimetoescape.She’donlybeenbackasahumanforafewmonthsnow,andonceinawhileshewouldstandsomotionlessyou’dthinkshewasstillatree.

Finally,oneoftheHuntersbroughtmemybackpack.GroverandNicocamebackfromtheirwalk,andGroverhelpedmefixupmywoundedarm.

“It’sgreen!”Nicosaidwithdelight.“Holdstill,”Grovertoldme.“Here,eatsomeambrosiawhileIcleanthatout.”Iwincedashedressedthewound,buttheambrosiasquarehelped.Ittastedlikehomemadebrownie,

dissolvinginmymouthandsendingawarmfeelingthroughmywholebody.Betweenthatandthemagic

salveGroverused,myshoulderfeltbetterwithinacoupleofminutes.Nicorummagedthroughhisownbag,whichtheHuntershadapparentlypackedforhim,thoughhow

they’dsnuckintoWestoverHallunseen,Ididn’tknow.Nicolaidoutabunchoffigurinesinthesnow—littlebattlereplicasofGreekgodsandheroes.IrecognizedZeuswithalightningbolt,Areswithaspear,Apollowithhissunchariot.

“Bigcollection,”Isaid.Nicogrinned.“I’vegotalmostallofthem,plustheirholographiccards!Well,exceptforafew

reallyrareones.”“You’vebeenplayingthisgamealongtime?”“Justthisyear.Beforethat...”Heknithiseyebrows.“What?”Iasked.“Iforget.That’sweird.”Helookedunsettled,butitdidn’tlastlong.“Hey,canIseethatswordyouwereusing?”IshowedhimRiptide,andexplainedhowitturnedfromapenintoaswordjustbyuncappingit.“Cool!Doesiteverrunoutofink?”“Um,well,Idon’tactuallywritewithit.”“AreyoureallythesonofPoseidon?”“Well,yeah.”“Canyousurfreallywell,then?”IlookedatGrover,whowastryinghardnottolaugh.“Jeez,Nico,”Isaid.“I’veneverreallytried.”Hewentonaskingquestions.DidIfightalotwithThalia,sinceshewasadaughterofZeus?(I

didn’tanswerthatone.)IfAnnabeth’smotherwasAthena,thegoddessofwisdom,thenwhydidn’tAnnabethknowbetterthantofalloffacliff?(ItriednottostrangleNicoforaskingthatone.)WasAnnabethmygirlfriend?(Atthispoint,Iwasreadytostickthekidinameat-flavoredsackandthrowhimtothewolves.)IfiguredanysecondhewasgoingtoaskmehowmanyhitpointsIhad,andI’dlosemycoolcompletely,butthenZoëNightshadecameuptous.

“PercyJackson.”Shehaddarkbrowneyesandaslightlyupturnednose.Withhersilvercircletandherproud

expression,shelookedsomuchlikeroyaltythatIhadtoresisttheurgetositupstraightandsay“Yes,ma’am.”Shestudiedmedistastefully,likeIwasabagofdirtylaundryshe’dbeensenttofetch.

“Comewithme,”shesaid.“LadyArtemiswishestospeakwiththee.”***

Zoëledmetothelasttent,whichlookednodifferentfromtheothers,andwavedmeinside.BiancadiAngelowasseatednexttotheauburn-hairedgirl,whoIstillhadtroublethinkingofasArtemis.

Theinsideofthetentwaswarmandcomfortable.Silkrugsandpillowscoveredthefloor.Inthecenter,agoldenbrazieroffireseemedtoburnwithoutfuelorsmoke.Behindthegoddess,onapolishedoakdisplaystand,washerhugesilverbow,carvedtoresemblegazellehorns.Thewallswerehungwithanimalpelts:blackbear,tiger,andseveralothersIdidn’trecognize.Ifiguredananimalrightsactivistwould’vehadaheartattacklookingatallthoserareskins,butmaybesinceArtemiswasthegoddessofthehunt,shecouldreplenishwhateversheshot.Ithoughtshehadanotheranimalpeltlyingnexttoher,andthenIrealizeditwasaliveanimal—adeerwithglitteringfurandsilverhorns,itsheadresting

contentedlyinArtemis’slap.“Joinus,PercyJackson,”thegoddesssaid.Isatacrossfromheronthetentfloor.Thegoddessstudiedme,whichmademeuncomfortable.She

hadsucholdeyesforayounggirl.“Areyousurprisedbymyage?”sheasked.“Uh...alittle.”“Icouldappearasagrownwoman,orablazingfire,oranythingelseIwant,butthisiswhatI

prefer.ThisistheaverageageofmyHunters,andallyoungmaidensforwhomIampatron,beforetheygoastray.”

“Goastray?”Iasked.“Growup.Becomesmittenwithboys.Becomesilly,preoccupied,insecure.Forgetthemselves.”“Oh.”ZoësatdownatArtemis’sright.SheglaredatmeasifallthestuffArtemishadjustsaidwasmy

fault,likeI’dinventedtheideaofbeingaguy.“YoumustforgivemyHuntersiftheydonotwelcomeyou,”Artemissaid.“Itisveryrarethatwe

wouldhaveboysinthiscamp.BoysareusuallyforbiddentohaveanycontactwiththeHunters.Thelastonetoseethiscamp...”ShelookedatZoë.“Whichonewasit?”

“ThatboyinColorado,”Zoësaid.“Youturnedhimintoajackalope.”“Ah,yes.”Artemisnodded,satisfied.“Ienjoymakingjackalopes.Atanyrate,Percy,I’veaskedyou

heresothatyoumighttellmemoreofthemanticore.Biancahasreportedsomeofthe...mmm,disturbingthingsthemonstersaid.Butshemaynothaveunderstoodthem.I’dliketohearthemfromyou.”

AndsoItoldher.WhenIwasdone,Artemisputherhandthoughtfullyonhersilverbow.“Ifearedthiswasthe

answer.”Zoësatforward.“Thescent,mylady?”“Yes.”“Whatscent?”Iasked.“ThingsarestirringthatIhavenothuntedinmillennia,”Artemismurmured.“PreysooldIhave

nearlyforgotten.”Shestaredatmeintently.“Wecameheretonightsensingthemanticore,buthewasnottheoneIseek.

Tellmeagain,exactlywhatDr.Thornsaid.”“Um,‘Ihatemiddleschooldances.’”“No,no.Afterthat.”“HesaidsomebodycalledtheGeneralwasgoingtoexplainthingstome.”Zoë’sfacepaled.She

turnedtoArtemisandstartedtosaysomething,butArtemisraisedherhand.“Goon,Percy,”thegoddesssaid.“Well,thenThornwastalkingabouttheGreatStirPot—”

“Stirring,”Biancacorrected.“Yeah.Andhesaid,‘Soonweshallhavethemostimportantmonsterofall—theonethatshallbringaboutthedownfallofOlympus.’”Thegoddesswassostillshecould’vebeenastatue.“Maybehewaslying,”Isaid.Artemisshookherhead.“No.Hewasnot.I’vebeentooslowtoseethesigns.Imusthuntthismonster.”Zoëlookedlikeshewastryingveryhardnottobeafraid,butshenodded.“Wewillleaverightaway,mylady.”

“No,Zoë.Imustdothisalone.”

“But,Artemis—”“ThistaskistoodangerousevenfortheHunters.YouknowwhereImuststartmysearch.Youcannot

gotherewithme.”“As...asyouwish,mylady.”“Iwillfindthiscreature,”Artemisvowed.“AndIshallbringitbacktoOlympusbywintersolstice.

ItwillbealltheproofIneedtoconvincetheCounciloftheGodsofhowmuchdangerwearein.”“Youknowwhatthemonsteris?”Iasked.Artemisgrippedherbow.“LetusprayIamwrong.”“Cangoddessespray?”Iasked,becauseI’dneverreallythoughtaboutthat.AflickerofasmileplayedacrossArtemis’slips.“BeforeIgo,PercyJackson,Ihaveasmalltask

foryou.”“Doesitinvolvegettingturnedintoajackalope?”“Sadly,no.IwantyoutoescorttheHuntersbacktoCampHalf-Blood.Theycanstaythereinsafety

untilIreturn.”“What?”Zoëblurtedout.“But,Artemis,wehatethatplace.Thelasttimewestayedthere—”“Yes,Iknow,”Artemissaid.“ButI’msureDionysuswillnotholdagrudgejustbecauseofalittle,

ah,misunderstanding.It’syourrighttouseCabinEightwheneveryouareinneed.Besides,Iheartheyrebuiltthecabinsyouburneddown.”

Zoëmutteredsomethingaboutfoolishcampers.“Andnowthereisonelastdecisiontomake.”ArtemisturnedtoBianca.“Haveyoumadeupyour

mind,mygirl?”Biancahesitated.“I’mstillthinkingaboutit.”“Wait,”Isaid.“Thinkingaboutwhat?”“They...they’veinvitedmetojointheHunt.”“What?Butyoucan’t!YouhavetocometoCampHalf-BloodsoChironcantrainyou.It’stheonly

wayyoucanlearntosurvive.”“Itisnottheonlywayforagirl,”Zoësaid.Icouldn’tbelieveIwashearingthis.“Bianca,campiscool!It’sgotapegasusstableandasword-

fightingarenaand...Imean,whatdoyougetbyjoiningtheHunters?”“Tobeginwith,”Zoësaid,“immortality.”Istaredather,thenatArtemis.“She’skidding,right?”“Zoërarelykidsaboutanything,”Artemissaid.“MyHuntersfollowmeonmyadventures.Theyare

mymaidservants,mycompanions,mysisters-in-arms.Oncetheyswearloyaltytome,theyareindeedimmortal...unlesstheyfallinbattle,whichisunlikely.Orbreaktheiroath.”

“Whatoath?”Isaid.“Toforeswearromanticloveforever,”Artemissaid.“Tonevergrowup,nevergetmarried.Tobea

maideneternally.”“Likeyou?”Thegoddessnodded.Itriedtoimaginewhatshewassaying.Beingimmortal.Hangingoutwithonlymiddle-schoolgirls

forever.Icouldn’tgetmymindaroundit.“Soyoujustgoaroundthecountryrecruitinghalf-bloods—”

“Notjusthalf-bloods,”Zoëinterrupted.“LadyArtemisdoesnotdiscriminatebybirth.Allwhohonorthegoddessmayjoin.Half-bloods,nymphs,mortals—”

“Whichareyou,then?”AngerflashedinZoë’seyes.“Thatisnotthyconcern,boy.ThepointisBiancamayjoinifshe

wishes.Itisherchoice.”“Bianca,thisiscrazy,”Isaid.“Whataboutyourbrother?Nicocan’tbeaHunter.”“Certainlynot,”Artemisagreed.“Hewillgotocamp.Unfortunately,that’sthebestboyscando.”“Hey!”Iprotested.“Youcanseehimfromtimetotime,”ArtemisassuredBianca.“Butyouwillbefreeof

responsibility.Hewillhavethecampcounselorstotakecareofhim.Andyouwillhaveanewfamily.Us.”

“Anewfamily,”Biancarepeateddreamily.“Freeofresponsibility.”“Bianca,youcan’tdothis,”Isaid.“It’snuts.”ShelookedatZoë.“Isitworthit?”Zoënodded.“Itis.”“WhatdoIhavetodo?”“Saythis,”Zoëtoldher,“‘IpledgemyselftothegoddessArtemis.’”“I...IpledgemyselftothegoddessArtemis.”“‘Iturnmybackonthecompanyofmen,accepteternalmaidenhood,andjointheHunt.’”Biancarepeatedthelines.“That’sit?”Zoënodded.“IfLadyArtemisacceptsthypledge,thenitisbinding.”“Iacceptit,”Artemissaid.Theflamesinthebrazierbrightened,castingasilverglowovertheroom.Biancalookedno

different,butshetookadeepbreathandopenedhereyeswide.“Ifeel...stronger.”“Welcome,sister,”Zoësaid.“Rememberyourpledge,”Artemissaid.“Itisnowyourlife.”Icouldn’tspeak.Ifeltlikeatrespasser.Andacompletefailure.Icouldn’tbelieveI’dcomeallthis

wayandsufferedsomuchonlytoloseBiancatosomeeternalgirls’club.“Donotdespair,PercyJackson,”Artemissaid.“YouwillstillgettoshowthediAngelosyour

camp.AndifNicosochooses,hecanstaythere.”“Great,”Isaid,tryingnottosoundsurly.“Howarewesupposedtogetthere?”Artemisclosedhereyes.“Dawnisapproaching.Zoë,breakcamp.YoumustgettoLongIsland

quicklyandsafely.Ishallsummonaridefrommybrother.”Zoëdidn’tlookrealhappyaboutthisidea,butshenoddedandtoldBiancatofollowher.Asshewas

leaving,Biancapausedinfrontofme.“I’msorry,Percy.ButIwantthis.Ireally,reallydo.”Thenshewasgone,andIwasleftalonewiththetwelve-year-oldgoddess.“So,”Isaidglumly.“We’regoingtogetaridefromyourbrother,huh?”Artemis’ssilvereyesgleamed.“Yes,boy.Yousee,BiancadiAngeloisnottheonlyonewithan

annoyingbrother.It’stimeforyoutomeetmyirresponsibletwin,Apollo.”

FOUR

THALIATORCHESNEWENGLAND

Artemisassuredusthatdawnwascoming,butyoucould’vefooledme.Itwascolderanddarkerandsnowierthanever.Uponthehill,WestoverHall’swindowswerecompletelylightless.IwonderediftheteachershadevennoticedthediAngelosandDr.Thornweremissingyet.Ididn’twanttobearoundwhentheydid.Withmyluck,theonlynameMrs.Gottschalkwouldrememberwas“PercyJackson,”andthenI’dbethesubjectofanationwidemanhunt...again.

TheHuntersbrokecampasquicklyasthey’dsetitup.Istoodshiveringinthesnow(unliketheHunters,whodidn’tseemtofeelatalluncomfortable),andArtemisstaredintotheeastlikeshewasexpectingsomething.Biancasatofftooneside,talkingwithNico.IcouldtellfromhisgloomyfacethatshewasexplainingherdecisiontojointheHunt.Icouldn’thelpthinkinghowselfishitwasofher,abandoningherbrotherlikethat.

ThaliaandGrovercameupandhuddledaroundme,anxioustohearwhathadhappenedinmyaudiencewiththegoddess.

WhenItoldthem,Groverturnedpale.“ThelasttimetheHuntersvisitedcamp,itdidn’tgowell.”“How’dtheyevenshowuphere?”Iwondered.“Imean,theyjustappearedoutofnowhere.”“AndBiancajoinedthem,”Thaliasaid,disgusted.“It’sallZoë’sfault.Thatstuck-up,nogood—”“Whocanblameher?”Groversaid.“EternitywithArtemis?”Heheavedabigsigh.Thaliarolledhereyes.“Yousatyrs.You’reallinlovewithArtemis.Don’tyougetthatshe’llnever

loveyouback?”“Butshe’sso...intonature,”Groverswooned.“You’renuts,”saidThalia.“Nutsandberries,”Groversaiddreamily.“Yeah.”Finallytheskybegantolighten.Artemismuttered,“Abouttime.He’sso-o-olazyduringthewinter.”“You’re,um,waitingforsunrise?”Iasked.“Formybrother.Yes.”Ididn’twanttoberude.Imean,IknewthelegendsaboutApollo—orsometimesHelios—drivinga

bigsunchariotacrossthesky.ButIalsoknewthatthesunwasreallyastaraboutazillionmilesaway.I’dgottenusedtosomeoftheGreekmythsbeingtrue,butstill...Ididn’tseehowApollocoulddrivethesun.

“It’snotexactlyasyouthink,”Artemissaid,likeshewasreadingmymind.“Oh,okay.”Istartedtorelax.“So,it’snotlikehe’llbepullingupina—”Therewasasuddenburstoflightonthehorizon.Ablastofwarmth.“Don’tlook,”Artemisadvised.“Notuntilheparks.”Parks?Iavertedmyeyes,andsawthattheotherkidsweredoingthesame.Thelightandwarmthintensified

untilmywintercoatfeltlikeitwasmeltingoffofme.Thensuddenlythelightdied.Ilooked.AndIcouldn’tbelieveit.Itwasmycar.Well,thecarIwanted,anyway.Aredconvertible

MaseratiSpyder.Itwassoawesomeitglowed.ThenIrealizeditwasglowingbecausethemetalwashot.ThesnowhadmeltedaroundtheMaseratiinaperfectcircle,whichexplainedwhyIwasnowstandingongreengrassandmyshoeswerewet.

Thedrivergotout,smiling.Helookedaboutseventeenoreighteen,andforasecond,IhadtheuneasyfeelingitwasLuke,myoldenemy.Thisguyhadthesamesandyhairandoutdoorsygoodlooks.Butitwasn’tLuke.Thisguywastaller,withnoscaronhisfacelikeLuke’s.Hissmilewasbrighterandmoreplayful.(Lukedidn’tdomuchmorethanscowlandsneerthesedays.)TheMaseratidriverworejeansandloafersandasleevelessT-shirt.

“Wow,”Thaliamuttered.“Apolloishot.”“He’sthesungod,”Isaid.“That’snotwhatImeant.”“Littlesister!”Apollocalled.Ifhisteethwereanywhiterhecould’veblindeduswithoutthesuncar.

“What’sup?Younevercall.Youneverwrite.Iwasgettingworried!”Artemissighed.“I’mfine,Apollo.AndIamnotyourlittlesister.”“Hey,Iwasbornfirst.”“We’retwins!Howmanymillenniadowehavetoargue—”“Sowhat’sup?”heinterrupted.“Gotthegirlswithyou,Isee.Youallneedsometipsonarchery?”Artemisgritherteeth.“Ineedafavor.Ihavesomehuntingtodo,alone.Ineedyoutotakemy

companionstoCampHalf-Blood.”“Sure,sis!”Thenheraisedhishandsinastopeverythinggesture.“Ifeelahaikucomingon.”TheHuntersallgroaned.Apparentlythey’dmetApollobefore.Heclearedhisthroatandhelduponehanddramatically.“Greengrassbreaksthroughsnow.Artemispleadsformyhelp.Iamsocool.”Hegrinnedatus,waitingforapplause.“Thatlastlinewasonlyfoursyllables,”Artemissaid.Apollofrowned.“Wasit?”“Yes.WhataboutIamsobig-headed?”“No,no,that’ssixsyllables.Hmm.”Hestartedmutteringtohimself.ZoëNightshadeturnedtous.“LordApollohasbeengoingthroughthishaikuphaseeversincehe

visitedJapan.’TisnotasbadasthetimehevisitedLimerick.IfI’dhadtohearonemorepoemthatstartedwith,ThereoncewasagoddessfromSparta—”

“I’vegotit!”Apolloannounced.“Iamsoawesome.That’sfivesyllables!”Hebowed,lookingverypleasedwithhimself.

“Andnow,sis.TransportationfortheHunters,yousay?Goodtiming.Iwasjustaboutreadytoroll.”“Thesedemigodswillalsoneedaride,”Artemissaid,pointingtous.“SomeofChiron’scampers.”“Noproblem!”Apollocheckedusout.“Let’ssee...Thalia,right?I’veheardallaboutyou.”Thaliablushed.“Hi,LordApollo.”

“Zeus’sgirl,yes?Makesyoumyhalfsister.Usedtobeatree,didn’tyou?Gladyou’reback.Ihateitwhenprettygirlsturnintotrees.Man,Irememberonetime—”

“Brother,”Artemissaid.“Youshouldgetgoing.”“Oh,right.”Thenhelookedatme,andhiseyesnarrowed.“PercyJackson?”“Yeah.Imean...yes,sir.”Itseemedweirdcallingateenager“sir,”butI’dlearnedtobecarefulwithimmortals.Theytendedto

getoffendedeasily.Thentheyblewstuffup.Apollostudiedme,buthedidn’tsayanything,whichIfoundalittlecreepy.“Well!”hesaidatlast.“We’dbetterloadup,huh?Rideonlygoesoneway—west.Andifyoumiss

it,youmissit.”IlookedattheMaserati,whichwouldseattwopeoplemax.Therewereabouttwentyofus.“Coolcar,”Nicosaid.“Thanks,kid,”Apollosaid.“Buthowwillweallfit?”“Oh.”Apolloseemedtonoticetheproblemforthefirsttime.“Well,yeah.Ihatetochangeoutof

sports-carmode,butIsuppose...”Hetookouthiscarkeysandbeepedthesecurityalarmbutton.Chirp,chirp.Foramoment,thecarglowedbrightlyagain.Whentheglaredied,theMaseratihadbeenreplaced

byoneofthoseTurtleTopshuttlebuseslikeweusedforschoolbasketballgames.“Right,”hesaid.“Everybodyin.”ZoëorderedtheHunterstostartloading.Shepickeduphercampingpack,andApollosaid,“Here,

sweetheart.Letmegetthat.”Zoërecoiled.Hereyesflashedmurderously.“Brother,”Artemischided.“YoudonothelpmyHunters.Youdonotlookat,talkto,orflirtwithmy

Hunters.Andyoudonotcallthemsweetheart.”Apollospreadhishands.“Sorry.Iforgot.Hey,sis,whereareyouoffto,anyway?”“Hunting,”Artemissaid.“It’snoneofyourbusiness.”“I’llfindout.Iseeall.Knowall.”Artemissnorted.“Justdropthemoff,Apollo.Andnomessingaround!”“No,no!Inevermessaround.”Artemisrolledhereyes,thenlookedatus.“Iwillseeyoubywintersolstice.Zoë,youareincharge

oftheHunters.Dowell.DoasIwoulddo.”Zoëstraightened.“Yes,mylady.”Artemiskneltandtouchedthegroundasiflookingfortracks.Whensherose,shelookedtroubled.

“Somuchdanger.Thebeastmustbefound.”Shesprintedtowardthewoodsandmeltedintothesnowandshadows.Apolloturnedandgrinned,janglingthecarkeysonhisfinger.“So,”hesaid.“Whowantstodrive?”TheHunterspiledintothevan.Theyallcrammedintothebacksothey’dbeasfarawayaspossible

fromApolloandtherestofushighlyinfectiousmales.Biancasatwiththem,leavingherlittlebrothertohanginthefrontwithus,whichseemedcoldtome,butNicodidn’tseemtomind.

“Thisissocool!”Nicosaid,jumpingupanddowninthedriver’sseat.“Isthisreallythesun?I

thoughtHeliosandSelenewerethesunandmoongods.Howcomesometimesit’sthemandsometimesit’syouandArtemis?”

“Downsizing,”Apollosaid.“TheRomansstartedit.Theycouldn’taffordallthosetemplesacrifices,sotheylaidoffHeliosandSeleneandfoldedtheirdutiesintoourjobdescriptions.Mysisgotthemoon.Igotthesun.Itwasprettyannoyingatfirst,butatleastIgotthiscoolcar.”

“Buthowdoesitwork?”Nicoasked.“Ithoughtthesunwasabigfieryballofgas!”ApollochuckledandruffledNico’shair.“ThatrumorprobablygotstartedbecauseArtemisusedto

callmeabigfieryballofgas.Seriously,kid,itdependsonwhetheryou’retalkingastronomyorphilosophy.Youwanttotalkastronomy?Bah,whatfunisthat?Youwanttotalkabouthowhumansthinkaboutthesun?Ah,nowthat’smoreinteresting.They’vegotalotridingonthesun...er,sotospeak.Itkeepsthemwarm,growstheircrops,powersengines,makeseverythinglook,well,sunnier.Thischariotisbuiltoutofhumandreamsaboutthesun,kid.It’sasoldasWesternCivilization.Everyday,itdrivesacrosstheskyfromeasttowest,lightingupallthosepunylittlemortallives.Thechariotisamanifestationofthesun’spower,thewaymortalsperceiveit.Makesense?”

Nicoshookhishead.“No.”“Wellthen,justthinkofitasareallypowerful,reallydangeroussolarcar.”“CanIdrive?”“No.Tooyoung.”“Oo!Oo!”Groverraisedhishand.“Mm,no,”Apollosaid.“Toofurry.”HelookedpastmeandfocusedonThalia.“DaughterofZeus!”hesaid.“Lordofthesky.Perfect.”“Oh,no.”Thaliashookherhead.“No,thanks.”“C’mon,”Apollosaid.“Howoldareyou?”Thaliahesitated.“Idon’tknow.”Itwassad,buttrue.She’dbeenturnedintoatreewhenshewastwelve,butthathadbeenseven

yearsago.Sosheshouldbenineteen,ifyouwentbyyears.Butshestillfeltlikeshewastwelve,andifyoulookedather,sheseemedsomewhereinbetween.ThebestChironcouldfigure,shehadkeptagingwhileintreeform,butmuchmoreslowly.

Apollotappedhisfingertohislips.“You’refifteen,almostsixteen.”“Howdoyouknowthat?”“Hey,I’mthegodofprophecy.Iknowstuff.You’llturnsixteeninaboutaweek.”“That’smybirthday!Decembertwenty-second.”“Whichmeansyou’reoldenoughnowtodrivewithalearner’spermit!”Thaliashiftedherfeetnervously.“Uh—”“Iknowwhatyou’regoingtosay,”Apollosaid.“Youdon’tdeserveanhonorlikedrivingthesun

chariot.”“That’snotwhatIwasgoingtosay.”“Don’tsweatit!MainetoLongIslandisareallyshorttrip,anddon’tworryaboutwhathappenedto

thelastkidItrained.You’reZeus’sdaughter.He’snotgoingtoblastyououtofthesky.”Apollolaughedgood-naturedly.Therestofusdidn’tjoinhim.Thaliatriedtoprotest,butApollowasabsolutelynotgoingtotake“no”forananswer.Hehita

buttononthedashboard,andasignpoppedupalongthetopofthewindshield.Ihadtoreaditbackward(which,foradyslexic,reallyisn’tthatdifferentthanreadingforward).IwasprettysureitsaidWARNING:STUDENTDRIVER.

“Takeitaway!”ApollotoldThalia.“You’regonnabeanatural!”I’lladmitIwasjealous.Icouldn’twaittostartdriving.Acoupleoftimesthatfall,mymomhad

takenmeouttoMontaukwhenthebeachroadwasempty,andshe’dletmetryoutherMazda.Imean,yeah,thatwasaJapanesecompact,andthiswasthesunchariot,buthowdifferentcoulditbe?

“Speedequalsheat,”Apolloadvised.“Sostartslowly,andmakesureyou’vegotgoodaltitudebeforeyoureallyopenherup.”

Thaliagrippedthewheelsotightherknucklesturnedwhite.Shelookedlikeshewasgoingtobesick.

“What’swrong?”Iaskedher.“Nothing,”shesaidshakily.“N-nothingiswrong.”Shepulledbackonthewheel.Ittilted,andthebuslurchedupwardsofastIfellbackandcrashed

againstsomethingsoft.“Ow,”Groversaid.“Sorry.”“Slower!”Apollosaid.“Sorry!”Thaliasaid.“I’vegotitundercontrol!”Imanagedtogettomyfeet.Lookingoutthewindow,Isawasmokingringoftreesfromtheclearing

wherewe’dtakenoff.“Thalia,”Isaid,“lightenupontheaccelerator.”“I’vegotit,Percy,”shesaid,grittingherteeth.Butshekeptitfloored.“Loosenup,”Itoldher.“I’mloose!”Thaliasaid.Shewassostiffshelookedlikeshewasmadeoutofplywood.“WeneedtoveersouthforLongIsland,”Apollosaid.“Hangaleft.”ThaliajerkedthewheelandagainthrewmeintoGrover,whoyelped.“Theotherleft,”Apollosuggested.Imadethemistakeoflookingoutthewindowagain.Wewereatairplaneheightnow—sohighthe

skywasstartingtolookblack.“Ah...”Apollosaid,andIgotthefeelinghewasforcinghimselftosoundcalm.“Alittlelower,

sweetheart.CapeCodisfreezingover.”Thaliatiltedthewheel.Herfacewaschalkwhite,herforeheadbeadedwithsweat.Somethingwas

definitelywrong.I’dneverseenherlikethis.Thebuspitcheddownandsomebodyscreamed.Maybeitwasme.Nowwewereheadingstraight

towardtheAtlanticOceanatathousandmilesanhour,theNewEnglandcoastlineofftoourright.Anditwasgettinghotinthebus.

Apollohadbeenthrownsomewhereinthebackofthebus,buthestartedclimbinguptherowsofseats.

“Takethewheel!”Groverbeggedhim.“Noworries,”Apollosaid.Helookedplentyworried.“Shejusthastolearnto—WHOA!”

Isawwhathewasseeing.Downbelowuswasalittlesnow-coveredNewEnglandtown.Atleast,itusedtobesnow-covered.AsIwatched,thesnowmeltedoffthetreesandtheroofsandthelawns.Thewhitesteepleonachurchturnedbrownandstartedtosmolder.Littleplumesofsmoke,likebirthdaycandles,werepoppingupalloverthetown.Treesandrooftopswerecatchingfire.

“Pullup!”Iyelled.TherewasawildlightinThalia’seyes.Sheyankedbackonthewheel,andIheldonthistime.As

wezoomedup,Icouldseethroughthebackwindowthatthefiresinthetownwerebeingsnuffedoutbythesuddenblastofcold.

“There!”Apollopointed.“LongIsland,deadahead.Let’sslowdown,dear.‘Dead’isonlyanexpression.”

ThaliawasthunderingtowardthecoastlineofnorthernLongIsland.TherewasCampHalf-Blood:thevalley,thewoods,thebeach.Icouldseethediningpavilionandcabinsandtheamphitheater.

“I’mundercontrol,”Thaliamuttered.“I’mundercontrol.”Wewereonlyafewhundredyardsawaynow.“Brake,”Apollosaid.“Icandothis.”“BRAKE!”Thaliaslammedherfootonthebrake,andthesunbuspitchedforwardataforty-five-degreeangle,

slammingintotheCampHalf-BloodcanoelakewithahugeFLOOOOOOSH!Steambillowedup,sendingseveralfrightenednaiadsscramblingoutofthewaterwithhalf-wovenwickerbaskets.

Thebusbobbedtothesurface,alongwithacoupleofcapsized,half-meltedcanoes.“Well,”saidApollowithabravesmile.“Youwereright,mydear.Youhadeverythingundercontrol!

Let’sgoseeifweboiledanyoneimportant,shallwe?”

FIVE

IPLACEANUNDERWATERPHONECALL

I’dneverseenCampHalf-Bloodinwinterbefore,andthesnowsurprisedme.See,thecamphastheultimatemagicclimatecontrol.Nothinggetsinsidethebordersunlessthe

director,Mr.D,wantsitto.Ithoughtitwouldbewarmandsunny,butinsteadthesnowhadbeenallowedtofalllightly.Frostcoveredthechariottrackandthestrawberryfields.Thecabinsweredecoratedwithtinyflickeringlights,likeChristmaslights,excepttheyseemedtobeballsofrealfire.Morelightsglowedinthewoods,andweirdestofall,afireflickeredintheatticwindowoftheBigHouse,wheretheOracledwelt,imprisonedinanoldmummifiedbody.IwonderedifthespiritofDelphiwasroastingmarshmallowsupthereorsomething.

“Whoa,”Nicosaidasheclimbedoffthebus.“Isthataclimbingwall?”“Yeah,”Isaid.“Whyistherelavapouringdownit?”“Littleextrachallenge.Comeon.I’llintroduceyoutoChiron.Zoë,haveyoumet—”“IknowChiron,”Zoësaidstiffly.“TellhimwewillbeinCabinEight.Hunters,followme.”“I’llshowyoutheway,”Groveroffered.“Weknowtheway.”“Oh,really,it’snotrouble.It’seasytogetlosthere,ifyoudon’t”—hetrippedoveracanoeand

cameupstilltalking—“likemyolddaddygoatusedtosay!Comeon!”Zoërolledhereyes,butIguessshefiguredtherewasnogettingridofGrover.TheHunters

shoulderedtheirpacksandtheirbowsandheadedofftowardthecabins.AsBiancadiAngelowasleaving,sheleanedoverandwhisperedsomethinginherbrother’sear.Shelookedathimforananswer,butNicojustscowledandturnedaway.

“Takecare,sweethearts!”ApollocalledaftertheHunters.Hewinkedatme.“Watchoutforthoseprophecies,Percy.I’llseeyousoon.”

“Whatdoyoumean?”Insteadofanswering,hehoppedbackinthebus.“Later,Thalia,”hecalled.“And,uh,begood!”Hegaveherawickedsmile,asifheknewsomethingshedidn’t.Thenheclosedthedoorsand

revvedtheengine.Iturnedasideasthesunchariottookoffinablastofheat.WhenIlookedback,thelakewassteaming.AredMaseratisoaredoverthewoods,glowingbrighterandclimbinghigheruntilitdisappearedinarayofsunlight.

Nicowasstilllookinggrumpy.Iwonderedwhathissisterhadtoldhim.“Who’sChiron?”heasked.“Idon’thavehisfigurine.”“Ouractivitiesdirector,”Isaid.“He’s...well,you’llsee.”“IfthoseHuntergirlsdon’tlikehim,”Nicogrumbled,“that’sgoodenoughforme.Let’sgo.”Thesecondthingthatsurprisedmeaboutcampwashowemptyitwas.Imean,Iknewmosthalf-

bloodsonlytrainedduringthesummer.Justtheyear-rounderswouldbehere—theoneswhodidn’thave

homestogoto,orwouldgetattackedbymonsterstoomuchiftheyleft.Buttheredidn’tevenseemtobemanyofthem,either.

IspottedCharlesBeckendorffromtheHephaestuscabinstokingtheforgeoutsidethecamparmory.TheStollbrothers,TravisandConnor,fromtheHermescabin,werepickingthelockonthecampstore.AfewkidsfromtheArescabinwerehavingasnowballfightwiththewoodnymphsattheedgeoftheforest.Thatwasaboutit.EvenmyoldrivalfromtheArescabin,Clarisse,didn’tseemtobearound.

TheBigHousewasdecoratedwithstringsofredandyellowfireballsthatwarmedtheporchbutdidn’tseemtocatchanythingonfire.Inside,flamescrackledinthehearth.Theairsmelledlikehotchocolate.Mr.D,thecampdirector,andChironwereplayingaquietgameofcardsintheparlor.

Chiron’sbrownbeardwasshaggierforthewinter.Hiscurlyhairhadgrownalittlelonger.Hewasn’tposingasateacherthisyear,soIguesshecouldaffordtobecasual.Heworeafuzzysweaterwithahoofprintdesignonit,andhehadablanketonhislapthatalmosthidhiswheelchaircompletely.

Hesmiledwhenhesawus.“Percy!Thalia!Ah,andthismustbe—”“NicodiAngelo,”Isaid.“Heandhissisterarehalf-bloods.”Chironbreathedasighofrelief.“Yousucceeded,then.”“Well...”Hissmilemelted.“What’swrong?AndwhereisAnnabeth?”“Oh,dear,”Mr.Dsaidinaboredvoice.“Notanotheronelost.”I’dbeentryingnottopayattentiontoMr.D,buthewaskindofhardtoignoreinhisneonorange

leopard-skinwarm-upsuitandhispurplerunningshoes.(LikeMr.Dhadeverrunadayinhisimmortallife.)Agoldenlaurelwreathwastiltedsidewaysonhiscurlyblackhair,whichmust’vemeanthe’dwonthelasthandofcards.

“Whatdoyoumean?”Thaliaasked.“Whoelseislost?”Justthen,Grovertrottedintotheroom,grinninglikecrazy.Hehadablackeyeandredlinesonhis

facethatlookedlikeaslapmark.“TheHuntersareallmovedin!”Chironfrowned.“TheHunters,eh?Iseewehavemuchtotalkabout.”HeglancedatNico.“Grover,

perhapsyoushouldtakeouryoungfriendtothedenandshowhimourorientationfilm.”“But...Oh,right.Yes,sir.”“Orientationfilm?”Nicoasked.“IsitGorPG?’CauseBiancaiskindastrict—”“It’sPG-13,”Groversaid.“Cool!”Nicohappilyfollowedhimoutoftheroom.“Now,”ChironsaidtoThaliaandme,“perhapsyoutwoshouldsitdownandtellusthewhole

story.”Whenweweredone,ChironturnedtoMr.D.“WeshouldlaunchasearchforAnnabeth

immediately.”“I’llgo,”ThaliaandIsaidatthesametime.Mr.Dsniffed.“Certainlynot!”ThaliaandIbothstartedcomplaining,butMr.Dhelduphishand.Hehadthatpurplishangryfirein

hiseyesthatusuallymeantsomethingbadandgodlywasgoingtohappenifwedidn’tshutup.“Fromwhatyouhavetoldme,”Mr.Dsaid,“wehavebrokenevenonthisescapade.Wehave,ah,

regrettablylostAnnieBell—”“Annabeth,”Isnapped.She’dgonetocampsinceshewasseven,andstillMr.Dpretendednotto

knowhername.“Yes,yes,”hesaid.“Andyouprocuredasmallannoyingboytoreplaceher.SoIseenopointrisking

furtherhalf-bloodsonaridiculousrescue.ThepossibilityisverygreatthatthisAnniegirlisdead.”IwantedtostrangleMr.D.Itwasn’tfairZeushadsenthimheretodryoutascampdirectorfora

hundredyears.ItwasmeanttobeapunishmentforMr.D’sbadbehavioronOlympus,butitendedupbeingapunishmentforallofus.

“Annabethmaybealive,”Chironsaid,butIcouldtellhewashavingtroublesoundingupbeat.He’dpracticallyraisedAnnabethallthoseyearsshewasayear-roundcamper,beforeshe’dgivenlivingwithherdadandstepmomasecondtry.“She’sverybright.If...ifourenemieshaveher,shewilltrytoplayfortime.Shemayevenpretendtocooperate.”

“That’sright,”Thaliasaid.“Lukewouldwantheralive.”“Inwhichcase,”saidMr.D,“I’mafraidshewillhavetobesmartenoughtoescapeonherown.”Igotupfromthetable.“Percy.”Chiron’stonewasfullofwarning.Inthebackofmymind,IknewMr.Dwasnotsomebody

tomesswith.EvenifyouwereanimpulsiveADHDkidlikeme,hewouldn’tgiveyouanyslack.ButIwassoangryIdidn’tcare.

“You’regladtoloseanothercamper,”Isaid.“You’dlikeitifwealldisappeared!”Mr.Dstifledayawn.“Youhaveapoint?”“Yeah,”Igrowled.“Justbecauseyouweresenthereasapunishmentdoesn’tmeanyouhavetobea

lazyjerk!Thisisyourcivilization,too.Maybeyoucouldtryhelpingoutalittle!”Forasecond,therewasnosoundexceptthecrackleofthefire.ThelightreflectedinMr.D’seyes,

givinghimasinisterlook.Heopenedhismouthtosaysomething—probablyacursethatwouldblastmetosmithereens—whenNicoburstintotheroom,followedbyGrover.

“SOCOOL!”Nicoyelled,holdinghishandsouttoChiron.“You’re...you’reacentaur!”Chironmanagedanervoussmile.“Yes,Mr.diAngelo,ifyouplease.Though,Iprefertostayin

humanforminthiswheelchairfor,ah,firstencounters.”“And,whoa!”HelookedatMr.D.“You’rethewinedude?Noway!”Mr.DturnedhiseyesawayfrommeandgaveNicoalookofloathing.“Thewinedude?”“Dionysus,right?Oh,wow!I’vegotyourfigurine.”“Myfigurine.”“Inmygame,Mythomagic.Andaholofoilcard,too!Andeventhoughyou’veonlygotlikefive

hundredattackpointsandeverybodythinksyou’rethelamestgodcard,Itotallythinkyourpowersaresweet!”

“Ah.”Mr.Dseemedtrulyperplexed,whichprobablysavedmylife.“Well,that’s...gratifying.”“Percy,”Chironsaidquickly,“youandThaliagodowntothecabins.Informthecamperswe’llbe

playingcapturetheflagtomorrowevening.”“Capturetheflag?”Iasked.“Butwedon’thaveenough—”“Itisatradition,”Chironsaid.“Afriendlymatch,whenevertheHuntersvisit.”“Yeah,”Thaliamuttered.“Ibetit’srealfriendly.”ChironjerkedhisheadtowardMr.D,whowasstillfrowningasNicotalkedabouthowmany

defensepointsallthegodshadinhisgame.“Runalongnow,”Chirontoldus.

“Oh,right,”Thaliasaid.“Comeon,Percy.”ShehauledmeoutoftheBigHousebeforeDionysuscouldrememberthathewantedtokillme.“You’vealreadygotAresonyourbadside,”Thaliaremindedmeaswetrudgedtowardthecabins.

“Youneedanotherimmortalenemy?”Shewasright.Myfirstsummerasacamper,I’dgotteninafightwithAres,andnowheandallhis

childrenwantedtokillme.Ididn’tneedtomakeDionysusmad,too.“Sorry,”Isaid.“Icouldn’thelpit.It’sjustsounfair.”Shestoppedbythearmoryandlookedoutacrossthevalley,towardthetopofHalf-BloodHill.Her

pinetreewasstillthere,theGoldenFleeceglitteringinitslowestbranch.Thetree’smagicstillprotectedthebordersofcamp,butitnolongerusedThalia’sspiritforpower.

“Percy,everythingisunfair,”Thaliamuttered.“SometimesIwish...”Shedidn’tfinish,buthertonewassosadIfeltsorryforher.Withherraggedblackhairandher

blackpunkclothes,anoldwoolovercoatwrappedaroundher,shelookedlikesomekindofhugeraven,completelyoutofplaceinthewhitelandscape.

“We’llgetAnnabethback,”Ipromised.“Ijustdon’tknowhowyet.”“FirstIfoundoutthatLukeislost,”shesaid.“NowAnnabeth—”“Don’tthinklikethat.”“You’reright.”Shestraightenedup.“We’llfindaway.”Overatthebasketballcourt,afewoftheHunterswereshootinghoops.Oneofthemwasarguing

withaguyfromtheArescabin.TheAreskidhadhishandonhisswordandtheHuntergirllookedlikeshewasgoingtoexchangeherbasketballforabowandarrowanysecond.

“I’llbreakthatup,”Thaliasaid.“Youcirculatearoundthecabins.Telleverybodyaboutcapturetheflagtomorrow.”

“Allright.Youshouldbeteamcaptain.”“No,no,”shesaid.“You’vebeenatcamplonger.Youdoit.”“Wecan,uh...co-captainorsomething.”ShelookedaboutascomfortablewiththatasIfelt,butshenodded.Assheheadedforthecourt,Isaid,“Hey,Thalia.”“Yeah?”“I’msorryaboutwhathappenedatWestover.Ishould’vewaitedforyouguys.”“’Sokay,Percy.Iprobablywould’vedonethesamething.”Sheshiftedfromfoottofoot,likeshe

wastryingtodecidewhetherornottosaymore.“Youknow,youaskedaboutmymomandIkindasnappedatyou.It’sjust...Iwentbacktofindheraftersevenyears,andIfoundoutshediedinLosAngeles.She,um...shewasaheavydrinker,andapparentlyshewasoutdrivinglateonenightabouttwoyearsago,and...”Thaliablinkedhard.

“I’msorry.”“Yeah,well.It’s...it’snotlikewewereeverclose.IranawaywhenIwasten.Besttwoyearsof

mylifewerewhenIwasrunningaroundwithLukeandAnnabeth.Butstill—”“That’swhyyouhadtroublewiththesunvan.”Shegavemeawarylook.“Whatdoyoumean?”“Thewayyoustiffenedup.Youmust’vebeenthinkingaboutyourmom,notwantingtogetbehindthe

wheel.”IwassorryI’dsaidanything.Thalia’sexpressionwasdangerouslyclosetoZeus’s,theonetimeI’d

seenhimgetangry—likeanyminute,hereyeswouldshootamillionvolts.“Yeah,”shemuttered.“Yeah,thatmust’vebeenit.”Shetrudgedofftowardthecourt,wheretheArescamperandtheHunterweretryingtokilleach

otherwithaswordandabasketball.Thecabinsweretheweirdestcollectionofbuildingsyou’veeverseen.ZeusandHera’sbigwhite-

columnedbuildings,CabinsOneandTwo,stoodinthemiddle,withfivegods’cabinsontheleftandfivegoddesses’cabinsontheright,sotheyallmadeaUaroundthecentralgreenandthebarbecuehearth.

Imadetherounds,tellingeverybodyaboutcapturetheflag.IwokeupsomeAreskidfromhismiddaynapandheyelledatmetogoaway.WhenIaskedhimwhereClarissewashesaid,“WentonaquestforChiron.Topsecret!”

“Issheokay?”“Haven’theardfromherinamonth.She’smissinginaction.Likeyourbutt’sgonnabeifyoudon’t

getouttahere!”Idecidedtolethimgobacktosleep.FinallyIgottoCabinThree,thecabinofPoseidon.Itwasalowgraybuildinghewnfromseastone,

withshellsandcoralfossilsimprintedintherock.Inside,itwasjustasemptyasalways,exceptformybunk.AMinotaurhornhungonthewallnexttomypillow.

ItookAnnabeth’sbaseballcapoutofmybackpackandsetitonmynightstand.I’dgiveittoherwhenIfoundher.AndIwouldfindher.

Itookoffmywristwatchandactivatedtheshield.Itcreakednoisilyasitspiraledout.Dr.Thorn’sspikeshaddentedthebrassinadozenplaces.Onegashkepttheshieldfromopeningalltheway,soitlookedlikeapizzawithtwoslicesmissing.Thebeautifulmetalpicturesthatmybrotherhadcraftedwereallbangedup.InthepictureofmeandAnnabethfightingtheHydra,itlookedlikeameteorhadmadeacraterinmyhead.Ihungtheshieldonitshook,nexttotheMinotaurhorn,butitwaspainfultolookatnow.MaybeBeckendorffromtheHephaestuscabincouldfixitforme.Hewasthebestarmorsmithinthecamp.I’daskhimatdinner.

IwasstaringattheshieldwhenInoticedastrangesound—watergurgling—andIrealizedtherewassomethingnewintheroom.Atthebackofthecabinwasabigbasinofgraysearock,withaspoutliketheheadofafishcarvedinstone.Outofitsmouthburstastreamofwater,asaltwaterspringthattrickledintothepool.Thewatermust’vebeenhot,becauseitsentmistintothecoldwinterairlikeasauna.Itmadetheroomfeelwarmandsummery,freshwiththesmellofthesea.

Isteppeduptothepool.Therewasnonoteattachedoranything,butIknewitcouldonlybeagiftfromPoseidon.

Ilookedintothewaterandsaid,“Thanks,Dad.”Thesurfacerippled.Atthebottomofthepool,coinsshimmered—adozenorsogoldendrachma.I

realizedwhatthefountainwasfor.Itwasaremindertokeepintouchwithmyfamily.Iopenedthenearestwindow,andthewintrysunlightmadearainbowinthemist.ThenIfisheda

coinoutofthehotwater.“Iris,OGoddessoftheRainbow,”Isaid,“acceptmyoffering.”Itossedacoinintothemistanditdisappeared.ThenIrealizedIdidn’tknowwhotocontactfirst.Mymom?Thatwould’vebeenthe“goodson”thingtodo,butshewouldn’tbeworriedaboutmeyet.

Shewasusedtomedisappearingfordaysorweeksatatime.Myfather?Ithadbeenwaytoolong,almosttwoyears,sinceI’dactuallytalkedtohim.Butcould

youevensendanIris-messagetoagod?I’dnevertried.Woulditmakethemmad,likeasalescallorsomething?

Ihesitated.ThenImadeupmymind.“ShowmeTyson,”Irequested.“AttheforgesoftheCyclopes.”Themistshimmered,andtheimageofmyhalfbrotherappeared.Hewassurroundedinfire,which

would’vebeenaproblemifheweren’taCyclops.Hewasbentoverananvil,hammeringared-hotswordblade.Sparksflewandflamesswirledaroundhisbody.Therewasamarble-framedwindowbehindhim,anditlookedoutontodarkbluewater—thebottomoftheocean.

“Tyson!”Iyelled.Hedidn’thearmeatfirstbecauseofthehammeringandtheroaroftheflames.“TYSON!”Heturned,andhisoneenormouseyewidened.Hisfacebrokeintoacrookedyellowgrin.“Percy!”Hedroppedtheswordbladeandranatme,tryingtogivemeahug.ThevisionblurredandI

instinctivelylurchedback.“Tyson,it’sanIris-message.I’mnotreallyhere.”“Oh.”Hecamebackintoview,lookingembarrassed.“Oh,Iknewthat.Yes.”“Howareyou?”Iasked.“How’sthejob?”Hiseyelitup.“Lovethejob!Look!”Hepickedupthehotswordbladewithhisbarehands.“Imade

this!”“That’sreallycool.”“Iwrotemynameonit.Rightthere.”“Awesome.Listen,doyoutalktoDadmuch?”Tyson’ssmilefaded.“Notmuch.Daddyisbusy.Heisworriedaboutthewar.”“Whatdoyoumean?”Tysonsighed.Hestucktheswordbladeoutthewindow,whereitmadeacloudofboilingbubbles.

WhenTysonbroughtitbackin,themetalwascool.“Oldseaspiritsmakingtrouble.Aigaios.Oceanus.Thoseguys.”

Isortofknewwhathewastalkingabout.HemeanttheimmortalswhoruledtheoceansbackinthedaysoftheTitans.BeforetheOlympianstookover.Thefactthattheywerebacknow,withtheTitanLordKronosandhisalliesgainingstrength,wasnotgood.

“IsthereanythingIcando?”Iasked.Tysonshookhisheadsadly.“Wearearmingthemermaids.Theyneedathousandmoreswordsby

tomorrow.”Helookedathisswordbladeandsighed.“Oldspiritsareprotectingthebadboat.”“ThePrincessAndromeda?”Isaid.“Luke’sboat?”“Yes.Theymakeithardtofind.ProtectitfromDaddy’sstorms.Otherwisehewouldsmashit.”“Smashingitwouldbegood.”Tysonperkedup,asifhe’djusthadanotherthought.“Annabeth!Isshethere?”“Oh,well...”Myheartfeltlikeabowlingball.TysonthoughtAnnabethwasjustaboutthecoolest

thingsincepeanutbutter(andheseriouslylovedpeanutbutter).Ididn’thavethehearttotellhimshewasmissing.He’dstartcryingsobadhe’dprobablyputouthisfires.“Well,no...she’snothererightnow.”

“Tellherhello!”Hebeamed.“HellotoAnnabeth!”“Okay.”Ifoughtbackalumpinmythroat.“I’lldothat.”“And,Percy,don’tworryaboutthebadboat.Itisgoingaway.”“Whatdoyoumean?”“PanamaCanal!Veryfaraway.”Ifrowned.WhywouldLuketakehisdemon-infestedcruiseshipallthewaydownthere?Thelast

timewe’dseenhim,he’dbeencruisingalongtheEastCoast,recruitinghalf-bloodsandtraininghismonstrousarmy.

“Allright,”Isaid,notfeelingreassured.“That’s...good.Iguess.”Intheforges,adeepvoicebellowedsomethingIcouldn’tmakeout.Tysonflinched.“Gottogetback

towork!Bosswillgetmad.Goodluck,Brother!”“Ok,tellDad—”ButbeforeIcouldfinish,thevisionshimmeredandfaded.Iwasaloneagaininmycabin,feeling

evenlonelierthanbefore.***

Iwasprettymiserableatdinnerthatnight.Imean,thefoodwasexcellentasusual.Youcan’tgowrongwithbarbecue,pizza,andnever-empty

sodagoblets.Thetorchesandbrazierskepttheoutdoorpavilionwarm,butweallhadtositwithourcabinmates,whichmeantIwasaloneatthePoseidontable.ThaliasataloneattheZeustable,butwecouldn’tsittogether.Camprules.AtleasttheHephaestus,Ares,andHermescabinshadafewpeopleeach.NicosatwiththeStollbrothers,sincenewcampersalwaysgotstuckintheHermescabiniftheirOlympianparentwasunknown.TheStollbrothersseemedtobetryingtoconvinceNicothatpokerwasamuchbettergamethanMythomagic.IhopedNicodidn’thaveanymoneytolose.

TheonlytablethatreallyseemedtobehavingagoodtimewastheArtemistable.TheHuntersdrankandateandlaughedlikeonebighappyfamily.Zoësatattheheadlikeshewasthemama.Shedidn’tlaughasmuchastheothers,butshedidsmilefromtimetotime.Hersilverlieutenant’sbandglitteredinthedarkbraidsofherhair.Ithoughtshelookedalotnicerwhenshesmiled.BiancadiAngeloseemedtobehavingagreattime.Shewastryingtolearnhowtoarmwrestlefromthebiggirlwho’dpickedafightwiththeAreskidonthebasketballcourt.Thebiggergirlwasbeatinghereverytime,butBiancadidn’tseemtomind.

Whenwe’dfinishedeating,ChironmadethecustomarytoasttothegodsandformallywelcomedtheHuntersofArtemis.Theclappingwasprettyhalfhearted.Thenheannouncedthe“goodwill”capture-the-flaggamefortomorrownight,whichgotalotbetterreception.

Afterward,wealltrailedbacktoourcabinsforanearly,winterlightsout.Iwasexhausted,whichmeantIfellasleepeasily.Thatwasthegoodpart.Thebadpartwas,Ihadanightmare,andevenbymystandardsitwasawhopper.

Annabethwasonadarkhillside,shroudedinfog.ItalmostseemedliketheUnderworld,becauseIimmediatelyfeltclaustrophobicandIcouldn’tseetheskyabove—justaclose,heavydarkness,asifIwereinacave.

Annabethstruggledupthehill.OldbrokenGreekcolumnsofblackmarblewerescatteredaround,asthoughsomethinghadblastedahugebuildingtoruins.

“Thorn!”Annabethcried.“Whereareyou?Whydidyoubringmehere?”Shescrambledoverasectionofbrokenwallandcametothecrestofthehill.

Shegasped.TherewasLuke.Andhewasinpain.Hewascrumpledontherockyground,tryingtorise.Theblacknessseemedtobethickeraroundhim,

fogswirlinghungrily.Hisclotheswereintattersandhisfacewasscratchedanddrenchedwithsweat.“Annabeth!”hecalled.“Helpme!Please!”Sheranforward.Itriedtocryout:He’satraitor!Don’ttrusthim!Butmyvoicedidn’tworkinthedream.Annabethhadtearsinhereyes.ShereacheddownlikeshewantedtotouchLuke’sface,butatthe

lastsecondshehesitated.“Whathappened?”sheasked.“Theyleftmehere,”Lukegroaned.“Please.It’skillingme.”Icouldn’tseewhatwaswrongwithhim.Heseemedtobestrugglingagainstsomeinvisiblecurse,as

thoughthefogweresqueezinghimtodeath.“WhyshouldItrustyou?”Annabethasked.Hervoicewasfilledwithhurt.“Youshouldn’t,”Lukesaid.“I’vebeenterribletoyou.Butifyoudon’thelpme,I’lldie.”Lethimdie,Iwantedtoscream.Lukehadtriedtokillusincoldbloodtoomanytimes.Hedidn’t

deserveanythingfromAnnabeth.ThenthedarknessaboveLukebegantocrumble,likeacavernroofinanearthquake.Hugechunksof

blackrockbeganfalling.Annabethrushedinjustasacrackappeared,andthewholeceilingdropped.Shehelditsomehow—tonsofrock.ShekeptitfromcollapsingonherandLukejustwithherownstrength.Itwasimpossible.Sheshouldn’thavebeenabletodothat.

Lukerolledfree,gasping.“Thanks,”hemanaged.“Helpmeholdit,”Annabethgroaned.Lukecaughthisbreath.Hisfacewascoveredingrimeandsweat.Heroseunsteadily.“IknewIcouldcountonyou.”Hebegantowalkawayasthetremblingblacknessthreatenedtocrush

Annabeth.“HELPME!”shepleaded.“Oh,don’tworry,”Lukesaid.“Yourhelpisontheway.It’sallpartoftheplan.Inthemeantime,try

nottodie.”Theceilingofdarknessbegantocrumbleagain,pushingAnnabethagainsttheground.Isatboltuprightinbed,clawingatthesheets.Therewasnosoundinmycabinexceptthegurgleof

thesaltwaterspring.Theclockonmynightstandreadjustaftermidnight.Onlyadream,butIwassureoftwothings:Annabethwasinterribledanger.AndLukewas

responsible.

SIX

ANOLDDEADFRIENDCOMESTOVISIT

Thenextmorningafterbreakfast,ItoldGroveraboutmydream.Wesatinthemeadowwatchingthesatyrschasethewoodnymphsthroughthesnow.Thenymphshadpromisedtokissthesatyrsiftheygotcaught,buttheyhardlyeverdid.Usuallythenymphwouldletthesatyrgetupafullheadofsteam,thenshe’dturnintoasnow-coveredtreeandthepoorsatyrwouldslamintoitheadfirstandgetapileofsnowdumpedonhim.

WhenItoldGrovermynightmare,hestartedtwirlinghisfingerinhisshaggylegfur.“Acaveceilingcollapsedonher?”heasked.“Yeah.Whattheheckdoesthatmean?”Grovershookhishead.“Idon’tknow.ButafterwhatZoëdreamed—”“Whoa.Whatdoyoumean?Zoëhadadreamlikethat?”“I...Idon’tknow,exactly.AboutthreeinthemorningshecametotheBigHouseanddemandedto

talktoChiron.Shelookedreallypanicked.”“Wait,howdoyouknowthis?”Groverblushed.“IwassortofcampedoutsidetheArtemiscabin.”“Whatfor?”“Justtobe,youknow,nearthem.”“You’reastalkerwithhooves.”“Iamnot!Anyway,IfollowedhertotheBigHouseandhidinabushandwatchedthewholething.

ShegotrealupsetwhenArguswouldn’tletherin.Itwaskindofadangerousscene.”Itriedtoimaginethat.Arguswastheheadofsecurityforcamp—abigblonddudewitheyesallover

hisbody.Herarelyshowedhimselfunlesssomethingseriouswasgoingon.Iwouldn’twanttoplacebetsonafightbetweenhimandZoëNightshade.

“Whatdidshesay?”Iasked.Grovergrimaced.“Well,shestartstalkingreallyold-fashionedwhenshegetsupset,soitwaskind

ofhardtounderstand.ButsomethingaboutArtemisbeingintroubleandneedingtheHunters.AndthenshecalledArgusaboil-brainedlout...Ithinkthat’sabadthing.Andthenhecalledher—”

“Whoa,wait.HowcouldArtemisbeintrouble?”“I...well,finallyChironcameoutinhispajamasandhishorsetailincurlersand—”“Hewearscurlersinhistail?”Grovercoveredhismouth.“Sorry,”Isaid.“Goon.”“Well,Zoësaidsheneededpermissiontoleavecampimmediately.Chironrefused.Hereminded

ZoëthattheHuntersweresupposedtostayhereuntiltheyreceivedordersfromArtemis.Andshesaid...”Grovergulped.“Shesaid‘HowarewetogetordersfromArtemisifArtemisislost?’”

“Whatdoyoumeanlost?Likesheneedsdirections?”“No.Ithinkshemeantgone.Taken.Kidnapped.”“Kidnapped?”Itriedtogetmymindaroundthatidea.“Howwouldyoukidnapanimmortal

goddess?Isthatevenpossible?”“Well,yeah.Imean,ithappenedtoPersephone.”“Butshewaslike,thegoddessofflowers.”Groverlookedoffended.“Springtime.”“Whatever.Artemisisalotmorepowerfulthanthat.Whocouldkidnapher?Andwhy?”Grovershookhisheadmiserably.“Idon’tknow.Kronos?”“Hecan’tbethatpowerfulalready.Canhe?”Thelasttimewe’dseenKronos,he’dbeenintinypieces.Well...wehadn’tactuallyseenhim.

Thousandsofyearsago,afterthebigTitan–Godwar,thegodshadslicedhimtobitswithhisownscytheandscatteredhisremainsinTartarus,whichislikethegods’bottomlessrecyclingbinfortheirenemies.Twosummersago,Kronoshadtrickedustotheveryedgeofthepitandalmostpulledusin.Thenlastsummer,onboardLuke’sdemoncruiseship,we’dseenagoldencoffin,whereLukeclaimedhewassummoningtheTitanLordoutoftheabyss,bitbybit,everytimesomeonenewjoinedtheircause.Kronoscouldinfluencepeoplewithdreamsandtrickthem,butIdidn’tseehowhecouldphysicallyovercomeArtemisifhewasstilllikeapileofevilbarkmulch.

“Idon’tknow,”Groversaid.“IthinksomebodywouldknowifKronoshadre-formed.Thegodswouldbemorenervous.Butstill,it’sweird,youhavinganightmarethesamenightasZoë.It’salmostlike—”

“They’reconnected,”Isaid.Overinthefrozenmeadow,asatyrskiddedonhishoovesashechasedafteraredheadedtree

nymph.Shegiggledandheldoutherarmsasherantowardher.Pop!SheturnedintoaScotchpineandhekissedthetrunkattopspeed.

“Ah,love,”Groversaiddreamily.IthoughtaboutZoë’snightmare,whichshe’dhadonlyafewhoursaftermine.“I’vegottotalktoZoë,”Isaid.“Um,beforeyoudo...”Grovertooksomethingoutofhiscoatpocket.Itwasathree-folddisplay

likeatravelbrochure.“Yourememberwhatyousaid—abouthowitwasweirdtheHuntersjusthappenedtoshowupatWestoverHall?Ithinktheymight’vebeenscoutingus.”

“Scoutingus?Whatdoyoumean?”Hegavemethebrochure.ItwasabouttheHuntersofArtemis.Thefrontread,AWISECHOICE

FORYOURFUTURE!Insidewerepicturesofyoungmaidensdoinghunterstuff,chasingmonsters,shootingbows.Therewerecaptionslike:HEALTHBENEFITS:IMMORTALITYANDWHATITMEANSFORYOU!andABOY-FREETOMORROW!

“IfoundthatinAnnabeth’sbackpack,”Groversaid.Istaredathim.“Idon’tunderstand.”“Well,itseemstome...maybeAnnabethwasthinkingaboutjoining.”

***I’dliketosayItookthenewswell.Thetruthwas,IwantedtostrangletheHuntersofArtemisoneeternalmaidenatatime.Therestof

thedayItriedtokeepbusy,butIwasworriedsickaboutAnnabeth.Iwenttojavelin-throwingclass,buttheArescamperinchargechewedmeoutafterIgotdistractedandthrewthejavelinatthetargetbeforehegotoutoftheway.Iapologizedfortheholeinhispants,buthestillsentmepacking.

Ivisitedthepegasusstables,butSilenaBeauregardfromtheAphroditecabinwashavinganargumentwithoneoftheHunters,andIdecidedI’dbetternotgetinvolved.

Afterthat,Isatintheemptychariotstandsandsulked.Downatthearcheryfields,Chironwasconductingtargetpractice.Iknewhe’dbethebestpersontotalkto.Maybehecouldgivemesomeadvice,butsomethingheldmeback.IhadafeelingChironwouldtrytoprotectme,likehealwaysdid.Hemightnottellmeeverythingheknew.

Ilookedtheotherdirection.AtthetopofHalf-BloodHill,Mr.DandArguswerefeedingthebabydragonthatguardedtheGoldenFleece.

Thenitoccurredtome:noonewouldbeintheBigHouse.Therewassomeoneelse...somethingelseIcouldaskforguidance.

MybloodwashumminginmyearsasIranintothehouseandtookthestairs.I’donlydonethisoncebefore,andIstillhadnightmaresaboutit.Iopenedthetrapdoorandsteppedintotheattic.

Theroomwasdarkanddustyandclutteredwithjunk,justlikeIremembered.Therewereshieldswithmonsterbitesoutofthem,andswordsbentintheshapesofdaemonheads,andabunchoftaxidermy,likeastuffedharpyandabrightorangepython.

Overbythewindow,sittingonathree-leggedstool,wastheshriveled-upmummyofanoldladyinatie-dyedhippiedress.TheOracle.

Imademyselfwalktowardher.Iwaitedforgreenmisttobillowfromthemummy’smouth,likeithadbefore,butnothinghappened.

“Hi,”Isaid.“Uh,what’sup?”Iwincedathowstupidthatsounded.Notmuchcouldbe“up”whenyou’redeadandstuckinthe

attic.ButIknewthespiritoftheOraclewasintheresomewhere.Icouldfeelacoldpresenceintheroom,likeacoiledsleepingsnake.

“Ihaveaquestion,”Isaidalittlelouder.“IneedtoknowaboutAnnabeth.HowcanIsaveher?”Noanswer.Thesunslantedthroughthedirtyatticwindow,lightingthedustmotesdancingintheair.Iwaitedlonger.ThenIgotangry.Iwasbeingstonewalledbyacorpse.“Allright,”Isaid.“Fine.I’llfigureitoutmyself.”Iturnedandbumpedintoabigtablefullofsouvenirs.ItseemedmoreclutteredthanthelasttimeI

washere.Heroesstoredallkindsofstuffintheattic:questtrophiestheynolongerwantedtokeepintheircabins,orstuffthatheldpainfulmemories.IknewLukehadstoredadragonclawsomewhereuphere—theonethathadscarredhisface.

Therewasabrokenswordhiltlabeled:ThisbrokeandLeroygotkilled.1999.ThenInoticedapinksilkscarfwithalabelattachedtoit.Ipickedupthetagandtriedtoreadit:

SCARFOFTHEGODDESSAPHRODITE

RecoveredatWaterland,Denver,Co.,byAnnabethChaseandPercyJackson

Istaredatthescarf.I’dtotallyforgottenaboutit.Twoyearsago,Annabethhadrippedthisscarfoutofmyhandsandsaidsomethinglike,Oh,no.Nolovemagicforyou!

I’djustassumedshe’dthrownitaway.Andyethereitwas.She’dkeptitallthistime?Andwhyhadshestasheditintheattic?

Iturnedtothemummy.Shehadn’tmoved,buttheshadowsacrossherfacemadeitlooklikeshewassmilinggruesomely.

Idroppedthescarfandtriednottoruntowardtheexit.Thatnightafterdinner,IwasseriouslyreadytobeattheHuntersatcapturetheflag.Itwasgoingto

beasmallgame:onlythirteenHunters,includingBiancadiAngelo,andaboutthesamenumberofcampers.

ZoëNightshadelookedprettyupset.ShekeptglancingresentfullyatChiron,likeshecouldn’tbelievehewasmakingherdothis.TheotherHuntersdidn’tlooktoohappy,either.Unlikelastnight,theyweren’tlaughingorjokingaround.Theyjusthuddledtogetherinthediningpavilion,whisperingnervouslytoeachotherastheystrappedontheirarmor.Someofthemevenlookedlikethey’dbeencrying.IguessZoëhadtoldthemabouthernightmare.

Onourteam,wehadBeckendorfandtwootherHephaestusguys,afewfromtheArescabin(thoughitstillseemedstrangethatClarissewasn’taround),theStollbrothersandNicofromHermescabin,andafewAphroditekids.ItwasweirdthattheAphroditecabinwantedtoplay.Usuallytheysatonthesidelines,chatted,andcheckedtheirreflectionsintheriverandstuff,butwhentheyheardwewerefightingtheHunters,theywereraringtogo.

“I’llshowthem‘loveisworthless,’”SilenaBeauregardgrumbledasshestrappedonherarmor.“I’llpulverizethem!”

ThatleftThaliaandme.“I’lltaketheoffense,”Thaliavolunteered.“Youtakedefense.”“Oh.”Ihesitated,becauseI’dbeenabouttosaytheexactsamething,onlyreversed.“Don’tyouthink

withyourshieldandall,you’dbebetterdefense?”ThaliaalreadyhadAegisonherarm,andevenourownteammatesweregivingherawideberth,

tryingnottocowerbeforethebronzeheadofMedusa.“Well,Iwasthinkingitwouldmakebetteroffense,”Thaliasaid.“Besides,you’vehadmorepractice

atdefense.”Iwasn’tsureifshewasteasingme.I’dhadsomeprettybadexperienceswithdefenseoncapturethe

flag.Myfirstyear,Annabethhadputmeoutasakindofbait,andI’dalmostbeengoredtodeathwithspearsandkilledbyahellhound.

“Yeah,noproblem,”Ilied.“Cool.”ThaliaturnedtohelpsomeoftheAphroditekids,whowerehavingtroublesuitinguptheir

armorwithoutbreakingtheirnails.NicodiAngeloranuptomewithabiggrinonhisface.“Percy,thisisawesome!”Hisblue-featheredbronzehelmetwasfallinginhiseyes,andhis

breastplatewasaboutsixsizestoobig.IwonderediftherewasanywayI’dlookedthatridiculouswhenI’dfirstarrived.Unfortunately,Iprobablyhad.

Nicoliftedhisswordwitheffort.“Dowegettokilltheotherteam?”“Well...no.”“ButtheHuntersareimmortal,right?”

“That’sonlyiftheydon’tfallinbattle.Besides—”“Itwouldbeawesomeifwejust,like,resurrectedassoonaswewerekilled,sowecouldkeep

fighting,and—”“Nico,thisisserious.Realswords.Thesecanhurt.”Hestaredatme,alittledisappointed,andIrealizedthatI’djustsoundedlikemymother.Whoa.Not

agoodsign.IpattedNicoontheshoulder.“Hey,it’scool.Justfollowtheteam.StayoutofZoë’sway.We’llhave

ablast.”Chiron’shoofthunderedonthepavilionfloor.“Heroes!”hecalled.“Youknowtherules!Thecreekistheboundaryline.Blueteam—CampHalf-

Blood—shalltakethewestwoods.HuntersofArtemis—redteam—shalltaketheeastwoods.Iwillserveasrefereeandbattlefieldmedic.Nointentionalmaiming,please!Allmagicitemsareallowed.Toyourpositions!”

“Sweet,”Nicowhisperednexttome.“Whatkindofmagicitems?DoIgetone?”Iwasabouttobreakittohimthathedidn’t,whenThaliasaid,“Blueteam!Followme!”Theycheeredandfollowed.Ihadtoruntocatchup,andtrippedoversomebody’sshield,soIdidn’t

lookmuchlikeaco-captain.Morelikeanidiot.WesetourflagatthetopofZeus’sFist.It’sthisclusterofbouldersinthemiddleofthewestwoods

that,ifyoulookatitjusttherightway,lookslikeahugefiststickingoutoftheground.Ifyoulookatitfromanyotherside,itlookslikeapileofenormousdeerdroppings,butChironwouldn’tletuscalltheplacethePoopPile,especiallyafterithadbeennamedforZeus,whodoesn’thavemuchofasenseofhumor.

Anyway,itwasagoodplacetosettheflag.Thetopboulderwastwentyfeettallandreallyhardtoclimb,sotheflagwasclearlyvisible,liketherulessaidithadtobe,anditdidn’tmatterthattheguardsweren’tallowedtostandwithintenyardsofit.

IsetNicoonguarddutywithBeckendorfandtheStollbrothers,figuringhe’dbesafelyoutoftheway.

“We’llsendoutadecoytotheleft,”Thaliatoldtheteam.“Silena,youleadthat.”“Gotit!”“TakeLaurelandJason.They’regoodrunners.MakeawidearcaroundtheHunters,attractasmany

asyoucan.I’lltakethemainraidingpartyaroundtotherightandcatchthembysurprise.”Everybodynodded.Itsoundedgood,andThaliasaiditwithsuchconfidenceyoucouldn’thelpbut

believeitwouldwork.Thalialookedatme.“Anythingtoadd,Percy?”“Um,yeah.Keepsharpondefense.We’vegotfourguards,twoscouts.That’snotmuchforabig

forest.I’llberoving.Yellifyouneedhelp.”“Anddon’tleaveyourpost!”Thaliasaid.“Unlessyouseeagoldenopportunity,”Iadded.Thaliascowled.“Justdon’tleaveyourpost.”“Right,unless—”“Percy!”Shetouchedmyarmandshockedme.Imean,everybodycangivestaticshocksinthe

winter,butwhenThaliadoes,ithurts.Iguessit’sbecauseherdadisthegodoflightning.She’sbeen

knowntofryoffpeople’seyebrows.“Sorry,”Thaliasaid,thoughshedidn’tsoundparticularlysorry.“Now,iseverybodyclear?”Everybodynodded.Webrokeintooursmallergroups.Thehornsounded,andthegamebegan.Silena’sgroupdisappearedintothewoodsontheleft.Thalia’sgroupgaveitafewseconds,then

dartedofftowardtheright.Iwaitedforsomethingtohappen.IclimbedZeus’sFistandhadagoodviewovertheforest.I

rememberedhowtheHuntershadstormedoutofthewoodswhentheyfoughtthemanticore,andIwaspreparedforsomethinglikethat—onehugechargethatcouldoverwhelmus.Butnothinghappened.

IcaughtaglimpseofSilenaandhertwoscouts.Theyranthroughaclearing,followedbyfiveoftheHunters,leadingthemdeepintothewoodsandawayfromThalia.Theplanseemedtobeworking.ThenIspottedanotherclumpofHuntersheadingtotheright,bowsready.Theymust’vespottedThalia.

“What’shappening?”Nicodemanded,tryingtoclimbupnexttome.Mymindwasracing.Thaliawouldnevergetthrough,buttheHuntersweredivided.Withthatmany

oneitherflank,theircenterhadtobewideopen.IfImovedfast...IlookedatBeckendorf.“Canyouguysholdthefort?”Beckendorfsnorted.“Ofcourse.”“I’mgoingin.”TheStollbrothersandNicocheeredasIracedtowardtheboundaryline.IwasrunningattopspeedandIfeltgreat.Ileapedoverthecreekintoenemyterritory.Icouldsee

theirsilverflagupahead,onlyoneguard,whowasn’tevenlookinginmydirection.Iheardfightingtomyleftandright,somewhereinthewoods.Ihaditmade.

Theguardturnedatthelastminute.ItwasBiancadiAngelo.HereyeswidenedasIslammedintoherandshewentsprawlinginthesnow.

“Sorry!”Iyelled.Irippeddownthesilversilkflagfromthetreeandtookoff.IwastenyardsawaybeforeBiancamanagedtoyellforhelp.IthoughtIwashomefree.ZIP!Asilverycordracedacrossmyanklesandfastenedtothetreenexttome.Atripwire,fired

fromabow!BeforeIcouldeventhinkaboutstopping,Iwentdownhard,sprawlinginthesnow.“Percy!”Thaliayelled,offtomyleft.“Whatareyoudoing?”Beforeshereachedme,anarrowexplodedatherfeetandacloudofyellowsmokebillowedaround

herteam.Theystartedcoughingandgagging.Icouldsmellthegasfromacrossthewoods—thehorriblesmellofsulfur.

“Nofair!”Thaliagasped.“Fartarrowsareunsportsmanlike!”Igotupandstartedrunningagain.OnlyafewmoreyardstothecreekandIhadthegame.More

arrowswhizzedpastmyears.AHuntercameoutofnowhereandslashedatmewithherknife,butIparriedandkeptrunning.

Iheardyellingfromoursideofthecreek.BeckendorfandNicowererunningtowardme.Ithoughttheywerecomingtowelcomemeback,butthenIsawtheywerechasingsomeone—ZoëNightshade,racingtowardmelikeacheetah,dodgingcamperswithnotrouble.Andshehadourflaginherhands.

“No!”Iyelled,andpouredonthespeed.IwastwofeetfromthewaterwhenZoëboltedacrosstoherownside,slammingintomeforgood

measure.TheHunterscheeredasbothsidesconvergedonthecreek.Chironappearedoutofthewoods,lookinggrim.HehadtheStollbrothersonhisback,anditlookedasifbothofthemhadtakensomenasty

whackstothehead.ConnorStollhadtwoarrowsstickingoutofhishelmetlikeantennae.“TheHunterswin!”Chironannouncedwithoutpleasure.Thenhemuttered,“Forthefifty-sixthtime

inarow.”“PerseusJackson!”Thaliayelled,stormingtowardme.Shesmelledlikerotteneggs,andshewasso

madthatbluesparksflickeredonherarmor.EverybodycringedandbackedupbecauseofAegis.Ittookallmywillpowernottocower.

“WhatinthenameofthegodswereyouTHINKING?”shebellowed.Iballedmyfists.I’dhadenoughbadstuffhappentomeforoneday.Ididn’tneedthis.“Igottheflag,

Thalia!”Ishookitinherface.“IsawachanceandItookit!”“IWASATTHEIRBASE!”Thaliayelled.“Buttheflagwasgone.Ifyouhadn’tbuttedin,we

would’vewon.”“Youhadtoomanyonyou!”“Oh,soit’smyfault?”“Ididn’tsaythat.”“Argh!”Thaliapushedme,andashockwentthroughmybodythatblewmebackwardtenfeetinto

thewater.Someofthecampersgasped.AcoupleoftheHuntersstifledlaughs.“Sorry!”Thaliasaid,turningpale.“Ididn’tmeanto—”Angerroaredinmyears.Awaveeruptedfromthecreek,blastingintoThalia’sfaceanddousingher

fromheadtotoe.Istoodup.“Yeah,”Igrowled.“Ididn’tmeanto,either.”Thaliawasbreathingheavily.“Enough!”Chironordered.ButThaliaheldoutherspear.“Youwantsome,SeaweedBrain?”Somehow,itwasokaywhenAnnabethcalledmethat—atleast,I’dgottenusedtoit—buthearingit

fromThaliawasnotcool.“Bringiton,PineconeFace!”IraisedRiptide,butbeforeIcouldevendefendmyself,Thaliayelled,andablastoflightningcame

downfromthesky,hitherspearlikealightningrod,andslammedintomychest.Isatdownhard.Therewasaburningsmell;Ihadafeelingitwasmyclothes.“Thalia!”Chironsaid.“Thatisenough!”Igottomyfeetandwilledtheentirecreektorise.Itswirledup,hundredsofgallonsofwaterina

massiveicyfunnelcloud.“Percy!”Chironpleaded.IwasabouttohurlitatThaliawhenIsawsomethinginthewoods.Ilostmyangerandmy

concentrationallatonce.Thewatersplashedbackintothecreekbed.ThaliawassosurprisedsheturnedtoseewhatIwaslookingat.

Someone...somethingwasapproaching.Itwasshroudedinamurkygreenmist,butasitgotcloser,thecampersandHuntersgasped.

“Thisisimpossible,”Chironsaid.I’dneverheardhimsoundsonervous.“It...shehasneverlefttheattic.Never.”

Andyet,thewitheredmummythatheldtheOracleshuffledforwarduntilshestoodinthecenterof

thegroup.Mistcurledaroundourfeet,turningthesnowasicklyshadeofgreen.Noneofusdaredmove.Thenhervoicehissedinsidemyhead.Apparentlyeveryonecouldhearit,

becauseseveralclutchedtheirhandsovertheears.IamthespiritofDelphi,thevoicesaid.SpeakerofthepropheciesofPhoebusApollo,slayerof

themightyPython.TheOracleregardedmewithitscold,deadeyes.ThensheturnedunmistakablytowardZoë

Nightshade.Approach,Seeker,andask.Zoëswallowed.“WhatmustIdotohelpmygoddess?”TheOracle’smouthopened,andgreenmistpouredout.Isawthevagueimageofamountain,anda

girlstandingatthebarrenpeak.ItwasArtemis,butshewaswrappedinchains,fetteredtotherocks.Shewaskneeling,herhandsraisedasiftofendoffanattacker,anditlookedlikeshewasinpain.TheOraclespoke:

Fiveshallgowesttothegoddessinchains,Oneshallbelostinthelandwithoutrain,ThebaneofOlympusshowsthetrail,CampersandHunterscombinedprevail,TheTitan’scursemustonewithstand,Andoneshallperishbyaparent’shand.

Then,aswewerewatching,themistswirledandretreatedlikeagreatgreenserpentintothemummy’smouth.TheOraclesatdownonarockandbecameasstillasshe’dbeenintheattic,asifshemightsitbythiscreekforahundredyears.

SEVEN

EVERYBODYHATESMEBUTTHEHORSE

TheleasttheOraclecould’vedonewaswalkbacktotheatticbyherself.Instead,GroverandIwereelectedtocarryher.Ididn’tfigurethatwasbecausewewerethemost

popular.“Watchherhead!”Groverwarnedaswewentupthestairs.Butitwastoolate.Bonk!Iwhackedhermummifiedfaceagainstthetrapdoorframeanddustflew.“Ah,man.”Isetherdownandcheckedfordamage.“DidIbreakanything?”“Ican’ttell,”Groveradmitted.Wehauledherupandsetheronhertripodstool,bothofushuffingandsweating.Whoknewa

mummycouldweighsomuch?Iassumedshewouldn’ttalktome,andIwasright.Iwasrelievedwhenwefinallygotoutofthere

andslammedtheatticdoorshut.“Well,”Groversaid,“thatwasgross.”Iknewhewastryingtokeepthingslightformysake,butIstillfeltreallydown.Thewholecamp

wouldbemadatmeforlosingthegametotheHunters,andthentherewasthenewprophecyfromtheOracle.ItwaslikethespiritofDelphihadgoneoutofherwaytoexcludeme.She’dignoredmyquestionandwalkedhalfamiletotalktoZoë.Andshe’dsaidnothing,notevenahint,aboutAnnabeth.

“WhatwillChirondo?”IaskedGrover.“IwishIknew.”Helookedwistfullyoutthesecond-floorwindowattherollinghillscoveredin

snow.“Iwanttobeoutthere.”“SearchingforAnnabeth?”Hehadalittletroublefocusingonme.Thenheblushed.“Oh,right.Thattoo.Ofcourse.”“Why?”Iasked.“Whatwereyouthinking?”Hecloppedhishoovesuneasily.“Justsomethingthemanticoresaid,abouttheGreatStirring.Ican’t

helpbutwonder...ifallthoseancientpowersarewakingup,maybe...maybenotallofthemareevil.”“YoumeanPan.”Ifeltkindofselfish,becauseI’dtotallyforgottenaboutGrover’slifeambition.Thenaturegodhad

gonemissingtwothousandyearsago.Hewasrumoredtohavedied,butthesatyrsdidn’tbelievethat.Theyweredeterminedtofindhim.They’dbeensearchinginvainforcenturies,andGroverwasconvincedhe’dbetheonetosucceed.Thisyear,withChironputtingallthesatyrsonemergencydutytofindhalf-bloods,Groverhadn’tbeenabletocontinuehissearch.Itmust’vebeendrivinghimnuts.

“I’veletthetrailgocold,”hesaid.“Ifeelrestless,likeI’mmissingsomethingreallyimportant.He’souttheresomewhere.Icanjustfeelit.”

Ididn’tknowwhattosay.Iwantedtoencouragehim,butIdidn’tknowhow.Myoptimismhadprettymuchbeentrampledintothesnowoutthereinthewoods,alongwithourcapture-the-flaghopes.

BeforeIcouldrespond,Thaliatrompedupthestairs.Shewasofficiallynottalkingtomenow,butshelookedatGroverandsaid,“TellPercytogethisbuttdownstairs.”

“Why?”Iasked.“Didhesaysomething?”ThaliaaskedGrover.“Um,heaskedwhy.”“Dionysusiscallingacouncilofcabinleaderstodiscusstheprophecy,”shesaid.“Unfortunately,

thatincludesPercy.”ThecouncilwasheldaroundaPing-Pongtableintherecroom.Dionysuswavedhishandand

suppliedsnacks:CheezWhiz,crackers,andseveralbottlesofredwine.ThenChironremindedhimthatwinewasagainsthisrestrictionsandmostofuswereunderage.Mr.Dsighed.WithasnapofhisfingersthewineturnedtoDietCoke.Nobodydrankthateither.

Mr.DandChiron(inwheelchairform)satatoneendofthetable.ZoëandBiancadiAngelo(whohadkindofbecomeZoë’spersonalassistant)tooktheotherend.ThaliaandGroverandIsatalongtheright,andtheotherheadcouncilors—Beckendorf,SilenaBeauregard,andtheStollbrothers—satontheleft.TheAreskidsweresupposedtosendarepresentative,too,butallofthemhadgottenbrokenlimbs(accidentally)duringcapturetheflag,courtesyoftheHunters.Theywererestingupintheinfirmary.

Zoëstartedthemeetingoffonapositivenote.“Thisispointless.”“CheezWhiz!”Grovergasped.HebeganscoopingupcrackersandPing-Pongballsandspraying

themwithtopping.“Thereisnotimefortalk,”Zoëcontinued.“Ourgoddessneedsus.TheHuntersmustleave

immediately.”“Andgowhere?”Chironasked.“West!”Biancasaid.Iwasamazedathowdifferentshelookedafterjustafewdayswiththe

Hunters.HerdarkhairwasbraidedlikeZoë’snow,soyoucouldactuallyseeherface.Shehadasplashoffrecklesacrosshernose,andherdarkeyesvaguelyremindedmeofsomeonefamous,butIcouldn’tthinkwho.Shelookedlikeshe’dbeenworkingout,andherskinglowedfaintly,liketheotherHunters,asifshe’dbeentakingshowersinliquidmoonlight.“Youheardtheprophecy.Fiveshallgowesttothegoddessinchains.Wecangetfivehuntersandgo.”

“Yes,”Zoëagreed.“Artemisisbeingheldhostage!Wemustfindherandfreeher.”“You’remissingsomething,asusual,”Thaliasaid.“CampersandHunterscombinedprevail.We’re

supposedtodothistogether.”“No!”Zoësaid.“TheHuntersdonotneedthyhelp.”“Your,”Thaliagrumbled.“Nobodyhassaidthyin,like,threehundredyears,Zoë.Getwiththe

times.”Zoëhesitated,likeshewastryingtoformthewordcorrectly.“Yerrr.Wedonotneedyerrrhelp.”Thaliarolledhereyes.“Forgetit.”“Ifeartheprophecysaysyoudoneedourhelp,”Chironsaid.“CampersandHuntersmust

cooperate.”“Ordothey?”Mr.Dmused,swirlinghisDietCokeunderhisnoselikeithadafinebouquet.“One

shallbelost.Oneshallperish.Thatsoundsrathernasty,doesn’tit?Whatifyoufailbecauseyoutrytocooperate?”

“Mr.D,”Chironsighed,“withallduerespect,whosesideareyouon?”

Dionysusraisedhiseyebrows.“Sorry,mydearcentaur.Justtryingtobehelpful.”“We’resupposedtoworktogether,”Thaliasaidstubbornly.“Idon’tlikeiteither,Zoë,butyouknow

prophecies.Youwanttofightagainstone?”Zoëgrimaced,butIcouldtellThaliahadscoredapoint.“Wemustnotdelay,”Chironwarned.“TodayisSunday.ThisveryFriday,Decembertwenty-first,is

thewintersolstice.”“Oh,joy,”Dionysusmuttered.“Anotherdullannualmeeting.”“Artemismustbepresentatthesolstice,”Zoësaid.“Shehasbeenoneofthemostvocalonthe

councilarguingforactionagainstKronos’sminions.Ifsheisabsent,thegodswilldecidenothing.Wewillloseanotheryearofwarpreparations.”

“Areyousuggestingthatthegodshavetroubleactingtogether,younglady?”Dionysusasked.“Yes,LordDionysus.”Mr.Dnodded.“Justchecking.You’reright,ofcourse.Carryon.”“ImustagreewithZoë,”saidChiron.“Artemis’spresenceatthewintercounciliscritical.Wehave

onlyaweektofindher.Andpossiblyevenmoreimportant:tolocatethemonstershewashunting.Now,wemustdecidewhogoesonthisquest.”

“Threeandtwo,”Isaid.Everybodylookedatme.Thaliaevenforgottoignoreme.“We’resupposedtohavefive,”Isaid,feelingself-conscious.“ThreeHunters,twofromCampHalf-

Blood.That’smorethanfair.”ThaliaandZoëexchangedlooks.“Well,”Thaliasaid.“Itdoesmakesense.”Zoëgrunted.“IwouldprefertotakealltheHunters.Wewillneedstrengthofnumbers.”“You’llberetracingthegoddess’spath,”Chironremindedher.“Movingquickly.NodoubtArtemis

trackedthescentofthisraremonster,whateveritis,asshemovedwest.Youwillhavetodothesame.Theprophecywasclear:ThebaneofOlympusshowsthetrail.Whatwouldyourmistresssay?‘ToomanyHuntersspoilthescent.’Asmallgroupisbest.”

ZoëpickedupaPing-Pongpaddleandstudieditlikeshewasdecidingwhoshewantedtowhackfirst.“Thismonster—thebaneofOlympus.IhavehuntedatLadyArtemis’ssideformanyyears,yetIhavenoideawhatthisbeastmightbe.”

EverybodylookedatDionysus,Iguessbecausehewastheonlygodpresentandgodsaresupposedtoknowthings.Hewasflippingthroughawinemagazine,butwheneveryonegotsilentheglancedup.“Well,don’tlookatme.I’mayounggod,remember?Idon’tkeeptrackofallthoseancientmonstersanddustytitans.Theymakeforterriblepartyconversation.”

“Chiron,”Isaid,“youdon’thaveanyideasaboutthemonster?”Chironpursedhislips.“Ihaveseveralideas,noneofthemgood.Andnoneofthemquitemake

sense.Typhon,forinstance,couldfitthisdescription.HewastrulyabaneofOlympus.OrtheseamonsterKeto.Butifeitherofthesewerestirring,wewouldknowit.Theyareoceanmonstersthesizeofskyscrapers.Yourfather,Poseidon,wouldalreadyhavesoundedthealarm.Ifearthismonstermaybemoreelusive.Perhapsevenmorepowerful.”

“That’ssomeseriousdangeryou’refacing,”ConnorStollsaid.(Ilikedhowhesaidyouandnotwe.)“Itsoundslikeatleasttwoofthefivearegoingtodie.”

“Oneshallbelostinthelandwithoutrain,”Beckendorfsaid.“IfIwereyou,I’dstayoutofthedesert.”

Therewasamutteringofagreement.“AndtheTitan’scursemustonewithstand,”Silenasaid.“Whatcouldthatmean?”IsawChironandZoëexchangeanervouslook,butwhatevertheywerethinking,theydidn’tshareit.“Oneshallperishbyaparent’shand,”GroversaidinbetweenbitesofCheezWhizandPing-Pong

balls.“Howisthatpossible?Whoseparentwouldkillthem?”Therewasheavysilencearoundthetable.IglancedatThaliaandwonderedifshewasthinkingthesamethingIwas.Yearsago,Chironhad

hadaprophecyaboutthenextchildoftheBigThree—Zeus,Poseidon,orHades—whoturnedsixteen.Supposedly,thatkidwouldmakeadecisionthatwouldsaveordestroythegodsforever.Becauseofthat,theBigThreehadtakenanoathafterWorldWarIInottohaveanymorekids.ButThaliaandIhadbeenbornanyway,andnowwewerebothgettingclosetosixteen.

IrememberedaconversationI’dhadlastyearwithAnnabeth.I’daskedher,ifIwassopotentiallydangerous,whythegodsdidn’tjustkillme.

Someofthegodswouldliketokillyou,she’dsaid.Butthey’reafraidofoffendingPoseidon.CouldanOlympianparentturnagainsthishalf-bloodchild?Woulditsometimesbeeasierjusttolet

themdie?Iftherewereeveranyhalf-bloodswhoneededtoworryaboutthat,itwasThaliaandme.IwonderedifmaybeIshould’vesentPoseidonthatseashellpatterntieforFather’sDayafterall.

“Therewillbedeaths,”Chirondecided.“Thatmuchweknow.”“Oh,goody!”Dionysussaid.Everyonelookedathim.HeglancedupinnocentlyfromthepagesofWineConnoisseurmagazine.

“Ah,pinotnoirismakingacomeback.Don’tmindme.”“Percyisright,”SilenaBeauregardsaid.“Twocampersshouldgo.”“Oh,Isee,”Zoësaidsarcastically.“AndIsupposeyouwishtovolunteer?”Silenablushed.“I’mnotgoinganywherewiththeHunters.Don’tlookatme!”“AdaughterofAphroditedoesnotwishtobelookedat,”Zoëscoffed.“Whatwouldthymother

say?”Silenastartedtogetoutofherchair,buttheStollbrotherspulledherback.“Stopit,”Beckendorfsaid.Hewasabigguywithabiggervoice.Hedidn’ttalkmuch,butwhenhe

did,peopletendedtolisten.“Let’sstartwiththeHunters.Whichthreeofyouwillgo?”Zoëstood.“Ishallgo,ofcourse,andIwilltakePhoebe.Sheisourbesttracker.”“Thebiggirlwholikestohitpeopleonthehead?”TravisStollaskedcautiously.Zoënodded.“Theonewhoputthearrowsinmyhelmet?”Connoradded.“Yes,”Zoësnapped.“Why?”“Oh,nothing,”Travissaid.“JustthatwehaveaT-shirtforherfromthecampstore.”Heheldupa

bigsilverT-shirtthatsaidARTEMISTHEMOONGODDESS,FALLHUNTINGTOUR2002,withahugelistofnationalparksandstuffunderneath.“It’sacollector’sitem.Shewasadmiringit.Youwanttogiveittoher?”

IknewtheStollswereuptosomething.Theyalwayswere.ButIguessZoëdidn’tknowthemaswell

asIdid.ShejustsighedandtooktheT-shirt.“AsIwassaying,IwilltakePhoebe.AndIwishBiancatogo.”

Biancalookedstunned.“Me?But...I’msonew.Iwouldn’tbeanygood.”“Youwilldofine,”Zoëinsisted.“Thereisnobetterwaytoprovethyself.”Biancaclosedhermouth.Ifeltkindofsorryforher.IrememberedmyfirstquestwhenIwastwelve.

Ihadfelttotallyunprepared.Alittlehonored,maybe,butalotresentfulandplentyscared.IfiguredthesamethingswererunningaroundinBianca’sheadrightnow.

“Andforcampers?”Chironasked.Hiseyesmetmine,butIcouldn’ttellwhathewasthinking.“Me!”GroverstoodupsofasthebumpedthePing-Pongtable.HebrushedcrackercrumbsandPing-

Pongballscrapsoffhislap.“AnythingtohelpArtemis!”Zoëwrinkledhernose.“Ithinknot,satyr.Youarenotevenahalf-blood.”“Butheisacamper,”Thaliasaid.“Andhe’sgotasatyr’ssensesandwoodlandmagic.Canyouplay

atracker’ssongyet,Grover?”“Absolutely!”Zoëwavered.Ididn’tknowwhatatracker’ssongwas,butapparentlyZoëthoughtitwasagood

thing.“Verywell,”Zoësaid.“Andthesecondcamper?”“I’llgo.”Thaliastoodandlookedaround,daringanyonetoquestionher.Now,okay,maybemymathskillsweren’tthebest,butitsuddenlyoccurredtomethatwe’dreached

thenumberfive,andIwasn’tinthegroup.“Whoa,waitasec,”Isaid.“Iwanttogotoo.”Thaliasaidnothing.Chironwasstillstudyingme,hiseyessad.“Oh,”Groversaid,suddenlyawareoftheproblem.“Whoa,yeah,Iforgot!Percyhastogo.Ididn’t

mean...I’llstay.Percyshouldgoinmyplace.”“Hecannot,”Zoësaid.“Heisaboy.Iwon’thaveHunterstravelingwithaboy.”“Youtraveledherewithme,”Iremindedher.“Thatwasashort-termemergency,anditwasorderedbythegoddess.Iwillnotgoacrosscountry

andfightmanydangersinthecompanyofaboy.”“WhataboutGrover?”Idemanded.Zoëshookherhead.“Hedoesnotcount.He’sasatyr.Heisnottechnicallyaboy.”“Hey!”Groverprotested.“Ihavetogo,”Isaid.“Ineedtobeonthisquest.”“Why?”Zoëasked.“BecauseofthyfriendAnnabeth?”Ifeltmyselfblushing.Ihatedthateveryonewaslookingatme.“No!Imean,partly.Ijustfeellike

I’msupposedtogo!”Nobodyrosetomydefense.Mr.Dlookedbored,stillreadinghismagazine.Silena,theStoll

brothers,andBeckendorfwerestaringatthetable.Biancagavemealookofpity.“No,”Zoësaidflatly.“Iinsistuponthis.IwilltakeasatyrifImust,butnotamalehero.”Chironsighed.“ThequestisforArtemis.TheHuntersshouldbeallowedtoapprovetheir

companions.”MyearswereringingasIsatdown.IknewGroverandsomeoftheotherswerelookingatme

sympathetically,butIcouldn’tmeettheireyes.IjustsatthereasChironconcludedthecouncil.

“Sobeit,”hesaid.“ThaliaandGroverwillaccompanyZoë,Bianca,andPhoebe.Youshallleaveatfirstlight.Andmaythegods”—heglancedatDionysus—“presentcompanyincluded,wehope—bewithyou.”

Ididn’tshowupfordinnerthatnight,whichwasamistake,becauseChironandGrovercamelookingforme.

“Percy,I’msosorry!”Groversaid,sittingnexttomeonthebunk.“Ididn’tknowthey’d—thatyou’d—Honest!”

Hestartedtosniffle,andIfiguredifIdidn’tcheerhimuphe’deitherstartbawlingorchewingupmymattress.Hetendstoeathouseholdobjectswheneverhegetsupset.

“It’sokay,”Ilied.“Really.It’sfine.”Grover’slowerliptrembled.“Iwasn’teventhinking...IwassofocusedonhelpingArtemis.ButI

promise,I’lllookeverywhereforAnnabeth.IfIcanfindher,Iwill.”Inoddedandtriedtoignorethebigcraterthatwasopeninginmychest.“Grover,”Chironsaid,“perhapsyou’dletmehaveawordwithPercy?”“Sure,”hesniffled.Chironwaited.“Oh,”Groversaid.“Youmeanalone.Sure,Chiron.”Helookedatmemiserably.“See?Nobody

needsagoat.”Hetrottedoutthedoor,blowinghisnoseonhissleeve.Chironsighedandkneltonhishorselegs.“Percy,Idon’tpretendtounderstandprophecies.”“Yeah,”Isaid.“Well,maybethat’sbecausetheydon’tmakeanysense.”Chirongazedatthesaltwaterspringgurglinginthecorneroftheroom.“Thaliawouldnothavebeen

myfirstchoicetogoonthisquest.She’stooimpetuous.Sheactswithoutthinking.Sheistoosureofherself.”

“Wouldyouhavechosenme?”“Frankly,no,”hesaid.“YouandThaliaaremuchalike.”“Thanksalot.”Hesmiled.“ThedifferenceisthatyouarelesssureofyourselfthanThalia.Thatcouldbegoodor

bad.ButonethingIcansay:bothofyoutogetherwouldbeadangerousthing.”“Wecouldhandleit.”“Thewayyouhandleditatthecreektonight?”Ididn’tanswer.He’dnailedme.“Perhapsitisforthebest,”Chironmused.“Youcangohometoyourmotherfortheholidays.Ifwe

needyou,wecancall.”“Yeah,”Isaid.“Maybe.”IpulledRiptideoutofmypocketandsetitonmynightstand.Itdidn’tseemthatI’dbeusingitfor

anythingbutwritingChristmascards.Whenhesawthepen,Chirongrimaced.“It’snowonderZoëdoesn’twantyoualong,Isuppose.Not

whileyou’recarryingthatparticularweapon.”Ididn’tunderstandwhathemeant.ThenIrememberedsomethinghe’dtoldmealongtimeago,when

hefirstgavemethemagicsword:Ithasalongandtragichistory,whichweneednotgointo.

Iwantedtoaskhimaboutthat,butthenhepulledagoldendrachmafromhissaddlebagandtossedittome.“Callyourmother,Percy.Letherknowyou’recominghomeinthemorning.And,ah,forwhatit’sworth...Ialmostvolunteeredforthisquestmyself.Iwouldhavegone,ifnotforthelastline.”

“Oneshallperishbyaparent’shand.Yeah.”Ididn’tneedtoask.IknewChiron’sdadwasKronos,theevilTitanLordhimself.Thelinewould

makeperfectsenseifChironwentonthequest.Kronosdidn’tcareforanyone,includinghisownchildren.

“Chiron,”Isaid.“YouknowwhatthisTitan’scurseis,don’tyou?”Hisfacedarkened.Hemadeaclawoverhisheartandpushedoutward—anancientgesturefor

wardingoffevil.“LetushopetheprophecydoesnotmeanwhatIthink.Now,goodnight,Percy.Andyourtimewillcome.I’mconvincedofthat.There’snoneedtorush.”

Hesaidyourtimethewaypeopledidwhentheymeantyourdeath.Ididn’tknowifChironmeantitthatway,butthelookinhiseyesmademescaredtoask.

Istoodatthesaltwaterspring,rubbingChiron’scoininmyhandandtryingtofigureoutwhattosaytomymom.Ireallywasn’tinthemoodtohaveonemoreadulttellmethatdoingnothingwasthegreatestthingIcoulddo,butIfiguredmymomdeservedanupdate.

Finally,Itookadeepbreathandthrewinthecoin.“Ogoddess,acceptmyoffering.”Themistshimmered.Thelightfromthebathroomwasjustenoughtomakeafaintrainbow.“ShowmeSallyJackson,”Isaid.“UpperEastSide,Manhattan.”AndthereinthemistwasasceneIdidnotexpect.Mymomwassittingatourkitchentablewith

some...guy.Theywerelaughinghysterically.Therewasabigstackoftextbooksbetweenthem.Themanwas,Idon’tknow,thirtysomething,withlongishsalt-and-pepperhairandabrownjacketoverablackT-shirt.Helookedlikeanactor—likeaguywhomightplayanundercovercopontelevision.

Iwastoostunnedtosayanything,andfortunately,mymomandtheguyweretoobusylaughingtonoticemyIris-message.

Theguysaid,“Sally,you’reariot.Youwantsomemorewine?”“Ah,Ishouldn’t.Yougoaheadifyouwant.”“Actually,I’dbetteruseyourbathroom.MayI?”“Downthehall,”shesaid,tryingnottolaugh.Theactordudesmiledandgotupandleft.“Mom!”Isaid.Shejumpedsohardshealmostknockedhertextbooksoffthetable.Finallyshefocusedonme.

“Percy!Oh,honey!Iseverythingokay?”“Whatareyoudoing?”Idemanded.Sheblinked.“Homework.”Thensheseemedtounderstandthelookonmyface.“Oh,honey,that’s

justPaul—um,Mr.Blofis.He’sinmywritingseminar.”“Mr.Blowfish?”“Blofis.He’llbebackinaminute,Percy.Tellmewhat’swrong.”Shealwaysknewwhensomethingwaswrong.ItoldheraboutAnnabeth.Theotherstufftoo,but

mostlyitboileddowntoAnnabeth.Mymother’seyestearedup.Icouldtellshewastryinghardtokeepittogetherformysake.“Oh,

Percy...”

“Yeah.Sotheytellmethere’snothingIcando.IguessI’llbecominghome.”Sheturnedherpencilaroundinherfingers.“Percy,asmuchasIwantyoutocomehome”—she

sighedlikeshewasmadatherself—“asmuchasIwantyoutobesafe,Iwantyoutounderstandsomething.Youneedtodowhateveryouthinkyouhaveto.”

Istaredather.“Whatdoyoumean?”“Imean,doyoureally,deepdown,believethatyouhavetohelpsaveher?Doyouthinkit’stheright

thingtodo?BecauseIknowonethingaboutyou,Percy.Yourheartisalwaysintherightplace.Listentoit.”

“You’re...you’retellingmetogo?”Mymotherpursedherlips.“I’mtellingyouthat...you’regettingtoooldformetotellyouwhatto

do.I’mtellingyouthatI’llsupportyou,evenifwhatyoudecidetodoisdangerous.Ican’tbelieveI’msayingthis.”

“Mom—”Thetoiletflusheddownthehallinourapartment.“Idon’thavemuchtime,”mymomsaid.“Percy,whateveryoudecide,Iloveyou.AndIknowyou’ll

dowhat’sbestforAnnabeth.”“Howcanyoubesure?”“Becauseshe’ddothesameforyou.”Andwiththat,mymotherwavedherhandoverthemist,andtheconnectiondissolved,leavingme

withonefinalimageofhernewfriend,Mr.Blowfish,smilingdownather.Idon’trememberfallingasleep,butIrememberthedream.Iwasbackinthatbarrencave,theceilingheavyandlowaboveme.Annabethwaskneelingunder

theweightofadarkmassthatlookedlikeapileofboulders.Shewastootiredeventocryout.Herlegstrembled.Anysecond,Iknewshewouldrunoutofstrengthandthecavernceilingwouldcollapseontopofher.

“Howisourmortalguest?”amalevoiceboomed.Itwasn’tKronos.Kronos’svoicewasraspyandmetallic,likeaknifescrapedacrossstone.I’d

heardittauntingmemanytimesbeforeinmydreams.Butthisvoicewasdeeperandlower,likeabassguitar.Itsforcemadethegroundvibrate.

Lukeemergedfromtheshadows.HerantoAnnabeth,kneltbesideher,thenlookedbackattheunseenman.“She’sfading.Wemusthurry.”

Thehypocrite.Likehereallycaredwhathappenedtoher.Thedeepvoicechuckled.Itbelongedtosomeoneintheshadows,attheedgeofmydream.Thena

meatyhandthrustsomeoneforwardintothelight—Artemis—herhandsandfeetboundincelestialbronzechains.

Igasped.Hersilverydresswastornandtattered.Herfaceandarmswerecutinseveralplaces,andshewasbleedingichor,thegoldenbloodofthegods.

“Youheardtheboy,”saidthemanintheshadows.“Decide!”Artemis’seyesflashedwithanger.Ididn’tknowwhyshejustdidn’twillthechainstoburst,ormake

herselfdisappear,butshedidn’tseemableto.Maybethechainspreventedher,orsomemagicaboutthisdark,horribleplace.

ThegoddesslookedatAnnabethandherexpressionchangedtoconcernandoutrage.“Howdareyou

tortureamaidenlikethis!”“Shewilldiesoon,”Lukesaid.“Youcansaveher.”Annabethmadeaweaksoundofprotest.Myheartfeltlikeitwasbeingtwistedintoaknot.Iwanted

toruntoher,butIcouldn’tmove.“Freemyhands,”Artemissaid.Lukebroughtouthissword,Backbiter.Withoneexpertstrike,hebrokethegoddess’shandcuffs.ArtemisrantoAnnabethandtooktheburdenfromhershoulders.Annabethcollapsedontheground

andlaythereshivering.Artemisstaggered,tryingtosupporttheweightoftheblackrocks.Themanintheshadowschuckled.“Youareaspredictableasyouwereeasytobeat,Artemis.”“Yousurprisedme,”thegoddesssaid,strainingunderherburden.“Itwillnothappenagain.”“Indeeditwillnot,”themansaid.“Nowyouareoutofthewayforgood!Iknewyoucouldnotresist

helpingayoungmaiden.Thatis,afterall,yourspecialty,mydear.”Artemisgroaned.“Youknownothingofmercy,youswine.”“Onthat,”themansaid,“wecanagree.Luke,youmaykillthegirlnow.”“No!”Artemisshouted.Lukehesitated.“She—shemayyetbeuseful,sir.Furtherbait.”“Bah!Youtrulybelievethat?”“Yes,General.Theywillcomeforher.I’msure.”Themanconsidered.“Thenthedracaenaecanguardherhere.Assumingshedoesnotdiefromher

injuries,youmaykeepheraliveuntilwintersolstice.Afterthat,ifoursacrificegoesasplanned,herlifewillbemeaningless.Thelivesofallmortalswillbemeaningless.”

LukegatheredupAnnabeth’slistlessbodyandcarriedherawayfromthegoddess.“Youwillneverfindthemonsteryouseek,”Artemissaid.“Yourplanwillfail.”“Howlittleyouknow,myyounggoddess,”themanintheshadowssaid.“Evennow,yourdarling

attendantsbegintheirquesttofindyou.Theyshallplaydirectlyintomyhands.Now,ifyou’llexcuseus,wehavealongjourneytomake.WemustgreetyourHuntersandmakesuretheirquestis...challenging.”

Theman’slaughterechoedinthedarkness,shakingthegrounduntilitseemedthewholecavernceilingwouldcollapse.

Iwokewithastart.IwassureI’dheardaloudbanging.Ilookedaroundthecabin.Itwasdarkoutside.Thesaltspringstillgurgled.Noothersoundsbutthehootofanowlinthewoodsandthedistantsurfonthebeach.Inthemoonlight,onmynightstand,wasAnnabeth’sNewYorkYankeescap.Istaredatitforasecond,andthen:BANG.BANG.

Someone,orsomething,waspoundingonmydoor.IgrabbedRiptideandgotoutofbed.“Hello?”Icalled.THUMP.THUMP.Icrepttothedoor.Iuncappedtheblade,flungopenthedoor,andfoundmyselfface-to-facewithablackpegasus.Whoa,boss!Itsvoicespokeinmymindasitcloppedawayfromtheswordblade.Idon’twannabe

ahorse-ke-bob!

Itsblackwingsspreadinalarm,andthewindbuffetedmebackastep.“Blackjack,”Isaid,relievedbutalittleirritated.“It’sthemiddleofthenight!”Blackjackhuffed.Ain’teither,boss.It’sfiveinthemorning.Whatyoustillsleepingfor?“HowmanytimeshaveItoldyou?Don’tcallmeboss.”Whateveryousay,boss.You’retheman.You’remynumberone.Irubbedthesleepoutofmyeyesandtriednottoletthepegasusreadmythoughts.That’sthe

problemwithbeingPoseidon’sson:sincehecreatedhorsesoutofseafoam,Icanunderstandmostequestriananimals,buttheycanunderstandme,too.Sometimes,likeinBlackjack’scase,theykindofadoptme.

See,BlackjackhadbeenacaptiveonboardLuke’sshiplastsummer,untilwe’dcausedalittledistractionthatallowedhimtoescape.I’dreallyhadverylittletodowithit,seriously,butBlackjackcreditedmewithsavinghim.

“Blackjack,”Isaid,“you’resupposedtostayinthestables.”Meh,thestables.YouseeChironstayinginthestables?“Well...no.”Exactly.Listen,wegotanotherlittleseafriendneedsyourhelp.“Again?”Yeah.ItoldthehippocampiI’dcomegetyou.Igroaned.AnytimeIwasanywherenearthebeach,thehippocampiwouldaskmetohelpthemwith

theirproblems.Andtheyhadalotofproblems.Beachedwhales,porpoisescaughtinfishingnets,mermaidswithhangnails—they’dcallmetocomeunderwaterandhelp.

“Allright,”Isaid.“I’mcoming.”You’rethebest,boss.“Anddon’tcallmeboss!”Blackjackwhinniedsoftly.Itmight’vebeenalaugh.Ilookedbackatmycomfortablebed.Mybronzeshieldstillhungonthewall,dentedandunusable.

AndonmynightstandwasAnnabeth’smagicYankeescap.Onanimpulse,Istuckthecapinmypocket.IguessIhadafeeling,eventhen,thatIwasn’tcomingbacktomycabinforalong,longtime.

EIGHT

IMAKEADANGEROUSPROMISE

Blackjackgavemearidedownthebeach,andIhavetoadmititwascool.Beingonaflyinghorse,skimmingoverthewavesatahundredmilesanhourwiththewindinmyhairandtheseasprayinmyface—hey,itbeatswaterskiinganyday.

Here.Blackjackslowedandturnedinacircle.Straightdown.“Thanks.”Itumbledoffhisbackandplungedintotheicysea.I’dgottenmorecomfortabledoingstuntslikethatthepastcoupleofyears.Icouldprettymuchmove

howeverIwantedtounderwater,justbywillingtheoceancurrentstochangearoundmeandpropelmealong.Icouldbreatheunderwater,noproblem,andmyclothesnevergotwetunlessIwantedthemto.

Ishotdownintothedarkness.Twenty,thirty,fortyfeet.Thepressurewasn’tuncomfortable.I’dnevertriedtopushit—toseeif

therewasalimittohowdeepIcoulddive.Iknewmostregularhumanscouldn’tgopasttwohundredfeetwithoutcrumplinglikeanaluminumcan.Ishould’vebeenblind,too,thisdeepinthewateratnight,butIcouldseetheheatfromlivingforms,andthecoldofthecurrents.It’shardtodescribe.Itwasn’tlikeregularseeing,butIcouldtellwhereeverythingwas.

AsIgotclosertothebottom,Isawthreehippocampi—fish-tailedhorses—swimminginacirclearoundanoverturnedboat.Thehippocampiwerebeautifultowatch.Theirfishtailsshimmeredinrainbowcolors,glowingphosphorescent.Theirmaneswerewhite,andtheyweregallopingthroughthewaterthewaynervoushorsesdoinathunderstorm.Somethingwasupsettingthem.

Igotcloserandsawtheproblem.Adarkshape—somekindofanimal—waswedgedhalfwayundertheboatandtangledinafishingnet,oneofthosebignetstheyuseontrawlerstocatcheverythingatonce.Ihatedthosethings.Itwasbadenoughtheydrownedporpoisesanddolphins,buttheyalsooccasionallycaughtmythologicalanimals.Whenthenetsgottangled,somelazyfishermenwouldjustcutthemlooseandletthetrappedanimalsdie.

ApparentlythispoorcreaturehadbeenmuckingaroundonthebottomofLongIslandSoundandhadsomehowgottenitselftangledinthenetofthissunkenfishingboat.Ithadtriedtogetoutandmanagedtogetevenmorehopelesslystuck,shiftingtheboatintheprocess.Nowthewreckageofthehull,whichwasrestingagainstabigrock,wasteeteringandthreateningtocollapseontopofthetangledanimal.

Thehippocampiwereswimmingaroundfrantically,wantingtohelpbutnotsurehow.Onewastryingtochewthenet,buthippocampiteethjustaren’tmeantforcuttingrope.Hippocampiarereallystrong,buttheydon’thavehands,andthey’renot(shhh)allthatsmart.

Freeit,lord!Ahippocampussaidwhenitsawme.Theothersjoinedin,askingthesamething.Iswaminforacloserlookatthetangledcreature.AtfirstIthoughtitwasayounghippocampus.I’d

rescuedseveralofthembefore.ButthenIheardastrangesound,somethingthatdidnotbelongunderwater:

“Mooooooo!”Igotnexttothethingandsawthatitwasacow.Imean...I’dheardofseacows,likemanateesand

stuff,butthisreallywasacowwiththebackendofaserpent.Thefronthalfwasacalf—ababy,withblackfurandbig,sadbrowneyesandawhitemuzzle—anditsbackhalfwasablack-and-brownsnakytailwithfinsrunningdownthetopandbottom,likeanenormouseel.

“Whoa,littleone,”Isaid.“Wheredidyoucomefrom?”Thecreaturelookedatmesadly.“Moooo!”ButIcouldn’tunderstanditsthoughts.Ionlyspeakhorse.Wedon’tknowwhatitis,lord,oneofthehippocampisaid.Manystrangethingsarestirring.“Yeah,”Imurmured.“SoI’veheard.”IuncappedRiptide,andtheswordgrewtofulllengthinmyhands,itsbronzebladegleaminginthe

dark.Thecowserpentfreakedoutandstartedstrugglingagainstthenet,itseyesfullofterror.“Whoa!”I

said.“I’mnotgoingtohurtyou!Justletmecutthenet.”Butthecowserpentthrashedaroundandgotevenmoretangled.Theboatstartedtotilt,stirringup

themuckontheseabottomandthreateningtotoppleontothecowserpent.Thehippocampiwhinniedinapanicandthrashedinthewater,whichdidn’thelp.

“Okay,okay!”Isaid.IputawaytheswordandstartedspeakingascalmlyasIcouldsothehippocampiandthecowserpentwouldstoppanicking.Ididn’tknowifitwaspossibletogetstampededunderwater,butIdidn’treallywanttofindout.“It’scool.Nosword.See?Nosword.Calmthoughts.Seagrass.Mamacows.Vegetarianism.”

IdoubtedthecowserpentunderstoodwhatIwassaying,butitrespondedtothetoneofmyvoice.Thehippocampiwerestillskittish,buttheystoppedswirlingaroundmequitesofast.

Freeit,lord!theypleaded.“Yeah,”Isaid.“Igotthatpart.I’mthinking.”ButhowcouldIfreethecowserpentwhenshe(Idecideditwasprobablya“she”)panickedatthe

sightofablade?Itwaslikeshe’dseenswordsbeforeandknewhowdangeroustheywere.“Allright,”Itoldthehippocampi.“IneedallofyoutopushexactlythewayItellyou.”Firstwestartedwiththeboat.Itwasn’teasy,butwiththestrengthofthreehorsepower,wemanaged

toshiftthewreckagesoitwasnolongerthreateningtocollapseonthebabycowserpent.ThenIwenttoworkonthenet,untanglingitsectionbysection,gettingleadweightsandfishinghooksstraightenedout,yankingoutknotsaroundthecowserpent’shooves.Ittookforever—Imean,itwasworsethanthetimeI’dhadtountangleallmyvideogamecontrollerwires.Thewholetime,Ikepttalkingtothecowfish,tellinghereverythingwasokaywhileshemooedandmoaned.

“It’sokay,Bessie,”Isaid.Don’taskmewhyIstartedcallingherthat.Itjustseemedlikeagoodcowname.“Goodcow.Nicecow.”

Finally,thenetcameoffandthecowserpentzippedthroughthewateranddidahappysomersault.Thehippocampiwhinniedwithjoy.Thankyou,lord!“Moooo!”Thecowserpentnuzzledmeandgavemethebigbrowneyes.“Yeah,”Isaid.“That’sokay.Nicecow.Well...stayoutoftrouble.”Whichremindedme,I’dbeenunderwaterhowlong?Anhour,atleast.Ihadtogetbacktomycabin

beforeArgusortheharpiesdiscoveredIwasbreakingcurfew.Ishottothesurfaceandbrokethrough.Immediately,Blackjackzoomeddownandletmecatchhold

ofhisneck.Heliftedmeintotheairandtookmebacktowardtheshore.

Success,boss?“Yeah.Werescuedababy...somethingorother.Tookforever.Almostgotstampeded.”Gooddeedsarealwaysdangerous,boss.Yousavedmysorrymane,didn’tyou?Icouldn’thelpthinkingaboutmydream,withAnnabethcrumpledandlifelessinLuke’sarms.HereI

wasrescuingbabymonsters,butIcouldn’tsavemyfriend.AsBlackjackflewbacktowardmycabin,Ihappenedtoglanceatthediningpavilion.Isawafigure

—aboyhunkereddownbehindaGreekcolumn,likehewashidingfromsomeone.ItwasNico,butitwasn’tevendawnyet.Nowhereneartimeforbreakfast.Whatwashedoingup

there?Ihesitated.ThelastthingIwantedwasmoretimeforNicototellmeabouthisMythomagicgame.

Butsomethingwaswrong.Icouldtellbythewayhewascrouching.“Blackjack,”Isaid,“setmedownoverthere,willyou?Behindthatcolumn.”Ialmostblewit.IwascomingupthestepsbehindNico.Hedidn’tseemeatall.Hewasbehindacolumn,peeking

aroundthecorner,allhisattentionfocusedonthediningarea.Iwasfivefeetawayfromhim,andIwasabouttosayWhatareyoudoing?realloud,whenitoccurredtomethathewaspullingaGrover:hewasspyingontheHunters.

Therewerevoices—twogirlstalkingatoneofthediningtables.Atthisungodlyhourofthemorning?Well,unlessyou’rethegoddessofdawn,Iguess.

ItookAnnabeth’smagiccapoutofmypocketandputiton.Ididn’tfeelanydifferent,butwhenIraisedmyarmsIcouldn’tseethem.Iwasinvisible.IcreptuptoNicoandsneakedaroundhim.Icouldn’tseethegirlsverywellinthedark,butIknew

theirvoices:ZoëandBianca.Itsoundedliketheywerearguing.“Itcannotbecured,”Zoëwassaying.“Notquickly,atanyrate.”“Buthowdidithappen?”Biancaasked.“Afoolishprank,”Zoëgrowled.“ThoseStollboysfromtheHermescabin.Centaurbloodislike

acid.Everyoneknowsthat.TheysprayedtheinsideofthatArtemisHuntingTourT-shirtwithit.”“That’sterrible!”“Shewilllive,”Zoësaid.“Butshe’llbebedriddenforweekswithhorriblehives.Thereisnoway

shecango.It’suptome...andthee.”“Buttheprophecy,”Biancasaid.“IfPhoebecan’tgo,weonlyhavefour.We’llhavetopick

another.”“Thereisnotime,”Zoësaid.“Wemustleaveatfirstlight.That’simmediately.Besides,the

prophecysaidwewouldloseone.”“Inthelandwithoutrain,”Biancasaid,“butthatcan’tbehere.”“Itmightbe,”Zoësaid,thoughshedidn’tsoundconvinced.“Thecamphasmagicborders.Nothing,

notevenweather,isallowedinwithoutpermission.Itcouldbealandwithoutrain.”“But—”“Bianca,hearme.”Zoë’svoicewasstrained.“I...Ican’texplain,butIhaveasensethatweshould

notpicksomeoneelse.Itwouldbetoodangerous.TheywouldmeetanendworsethanPhoebe’s.Idon’twantChironchoosingacamperasourfifthcompanion.And...Idon’twanttoriskanotherHunter.”

Biancawassilent.“YoushouldtellThaliatherestofyourdream.”“No.Itwouldnothelp.”“Butifyoursuspicionsarecorrect,abouttheGeneral—”“Ihavethywordnottotalkaboutthat,”Zoësaid.Shesoundedreallyanguished.“Wewillfindout

soonenough.Nowcome.Dawnisbreaking.”Nicoscootedoutoftheirway.Hewasfasterthanme.Asthegirlssprinteddownthesteps,Zoëalmostranintome.Shefroze,hereyesnarrowing.Her

handcrepttowardherbow,butthenBiancasaid,“ThelightsoftheBigHouseareon.Hurry!”AndZoëfollowedheroutofthepavilion.IcouldtellwhatNicowasthinking.Hetookadeepbreathandwasabouttorunafterhissisterwhen

Itookofftheinvisibilitycapandsaid,“Wait.”Healmostslippedontheicystepsashespunaroundtofindme.“Wheredidyoucomefrom?”“I’vebeenherethewholetime.Invisible.”Hemouthedthewordinvisible.“Wow.Cool.”“HowdidyouknowZoëandyoursisterwerehere?”Heblushed.“IheardthemwalkbytheHermescabin.Idon’t...Idon’tsleeptoowellatcamp.SoI

heardfootsteps,andthemwhispering.AndsoIkindoffollowed.”“Andnowyou’rethinkingaboutfollowingthemonthequest,”Iguessed.“Howdidyouknowthat?”“Becauseifitwasmysister,I’dprobablybethinkingthesamething.Butyoucan’t.”Helookeddefiant.“BecauseI’mtooyoung?”“Becausetheywon’tletyou.They’llcatchyouandsendyoubackhere.And...yeah,because

you’retooyoung.Yourememberthemanticore?Therewillbelotsmorelikethat.Moredangerous.Someoftheheroeswilldie.”

Heshoulderssagged.Heshiftedfromfoottofoot.“Maybeyou’reright.But,butyoucangoforme.”“Saywhat?”“Youcanturninvisible.Youcango!”“TheHuntersdon’tlikeboys,”Iremindedhim.“Iftheyfindout—”“Don’tletthemfindout.Followtheminvisibly.Keepaneyeonmysister!Youhaveto.Please?”“Nico—”“You’replanningtogoanyway,aren’tyou?”Iwantedtosayno.Buthelookedmeintheeyes,andIsomehowcouldn’tlietohim.“Yeah,”Isaid.“IhavetofindAnnabeth.Ihavetohelp,eveniftheydon’twantmeto.”“Iwon’ttellonyou,”hesaid.“Butyouhavetopromisetokeepmysistersafe.”“I...that’sabigthingtopromise,Nico,onatriplikethis.Besides,she’sgotZoë,Grover,and

Thalia—”“Promise,”heinsisted.“I’lldomybest.Ipromisethat.”“Getgoing,then!”hesaid.“Goodluck!”Itwascrazy.Iwasn’tpacked.IhadnothingbutthecapandtheswordandtheclothesIwaswearing.

IwassupposedtobegoinghometoManhattanthismorning.“TellChiron—”“I’llmakesomethingup.”Nicosmiledcrookedly.“I’mgoodatthat.Goon!”Iran,puttingonAnnabeth’scap.Asthesuncameup,Iturnedinvisible.IhitthetopofHalf-Blood

Hillintimetoseethecamp’svandisappearingdownthefarmroad,probablyArgustakingthequestgroupintothecity.Afterthattheywouldbeontheirown.

Ifeltatwingeofguilt,andstupidity,too.HowwasIsupposedtokeepupwiththem.Run?ThenIheardthebeatingofhugewings.Blackjacklandednexttome.Hebegancasuallynuzzlinga

fewtuftsofgrassthatstuckthroughtheice.IfIwasguessing,boss,I’dsayyouneedagetawayhorse.Youinterested?Alumpofgratitudestuckinmythroat,butImanagedtosay,“Yeah.Let’sfly.”

NINE

ILEARNHOWTOGROWZOMBIES

Thethingaboutflyingonapegasusduringthedaytimeisthatifyou’renotcareful,youcancauseaserioustrafficaccidentontheLongIslandExpressway.IhadtokeepBlackjackupintheclouds,whichwere,fortunately,prettylowinthewinter.Wedartedaround,tryingtokeepthewhiteCampHalf-Bloodvaninsight.Andifitwascoldontheground,itwasseriouslycoldintheair,withicyrainstingingmyskin.

IwaswishingI’dbroughtsomeofthatCampHalf-Bloodorangethermalunderweartheysoldinthecampstore,butafterthestoryaboutPhoebeandthecentaur-bloodT-shirt,Iwasn’tsureItrustedtheirproductsanymore.

Welostthevantwice,butIhadaprettygoodsensethattheywouldgointoManhattanfirst,soitwasn’ttoodifficulttopickuptheirtrailagain.

Trafficwasbadwiththeholidaysandall.Itwasmidmorningbeforetheygotintothecity.IlandedBlackjacknearthetopoftheChryslerBuildingandwatchedthewhitecampvan,thinkingitwouldpullintothebusstation,butitjustkeptdriving.

“Where’sArgustakingthem?”Imuttered.Oh,Argusain’tdriving,boss,Blackjacktoldme.Thatgirlis.“Whichgirl?”TheHuntergirl.Withthesilvercrownthinginherhair.“Zoë?”That’stheone.Hey,look!There’sadonutshop.Canwegetsomethingtogo?ItriedexplainingtoBlackjackthattakingaflyinghorsetoadonutshopwouldgiveeverycopin

thereaheartattack,buthedidn’tseemtogetit.Meanwhile,thevankeptsnakingitswaytowardtheLincolnTunnel.IthadneverevenoccurredtomethatZoëcoulddrive.Imean,shedidn’tlooksixteen.Thenagain,shewasimmortal.IwonderedifshehadaNewYorklicense,andifso,whatherbirthdatesaid.

“Well,”Isaid.“Let’sgetafterthem.”WewereabouttoleapofftheChryslerBuildingwhenBlackjackwhinniedinalarmandalmost

threwme.Somethingwascurlingaroundmyleglikeasnake.Ireachedformysword,butwhenIlookeddown,therewasnosnake.Vines—grapevines—hadsproutedfromthecracksbetweenthestonesofthebuilding.TheywerewrappingaroundBlackjack’slegs,lashingdownmyanklessowecouldn’tmove.

“Goingsomewhere?”Mr.Dasked.Hewasleaningagainstthebuildingwithhisfeetlevitatingintheair,hisleopard-skinwarm-upsuit

andblackhairwhippingaroundinthewind.Godalert!Blackjackyelled.It’sthewinedude!Mr.Dsighedinexasperation.“Thenextperson,orhorse,whocallsmethe‘winedude’willendup

inabottleofMerlot!”

“Mr.D.”Itriedtokeepmyvoicecalmasthegrapevinescontinuedtowraparoundmylegs.“Whatdoyouwant?”

“Oh,whatdoIwant?Youthought,perhaps,thattheimmortal,all-powerfuldirectorofcampwouldnotnoticeyouleavingwithoutpermission?”

“Well...maybe.”“Ishouldthrowyouoffthisbuilding,minustheflyinghorse,andseehowheroicyousoundonthe

waydown.”Iballedmyfists.IknewIshouldkeepmymouthshut,butMr.Dwasabouttokillmeorhaulme

backtocampinshame,andIcouldn’tstandeitheridea.“Whydoyouhatemesomuch?WhatdidIeverdotoyou?”

Purpleflamesflickeredinhiseyes.“You’reahero,boy.Ineednootherreason.”“Ihavetogoonthisquest!I’vegottohelpmyfriends.That’ssomethingyouwouldn’tunderstand!”Um,boss,Blackjacksaidnervously.Seeingashowwe’rewrappedinvinesninehundredfeetin

theair,youmightwanttotalknice.Thegrapevinescoiledtighteraroundme.Belowus,thewhitevanwasgettingfartherandfarther

away.Soonitwouldbeoutofsight.“DidIevertellyouaboutAriadne?”Mr.Dasked.“BeautifulyoungprincessofCrete?Sheliked

helpingherfriends,too.Infact,shehelpedayoungheronamedTheseus,alsoasonofPoseidon.ShegavehimaballofmagicalyarnthatlethimfindhiswayoutoftheLabyrinth.

AnddoyouknowhowTheseusrewardedher?”TheanswerIwantedtogivewasIdon’tcare!ButIdidn’tfigurethatwouldmakeMr.Dfinishhis

storyanyfaster.“Theygotmarried,”Isaid.“Happilyeverafter.Theend.”Mr.Dsneered.“Notquite.Theseussaidhewouldmarryher.Hetookheraboardhisshipandsailed

forAthens.Halfwayback,onalittleislandcalledNaxos,he...What’sthewordyoumortalsusetoday?...hedumpedher.Ifoundherthere,youknow.Alone.Heartbroken.Cryinghereyesout.Shehadgivenupeverything,lefteverythingsheknewbehind,tohelpadashingyoungherowhotossedherawaylikeabrokensandal.”

“That’swrong,”Isaid.“Butthatwasthousandsofyearsago.What’sthatgottodowithme?”Mr.Dregardedmecoldly.“IfellinlovewithAriadne,boy.Ihealedherbrokenheart.Andwhenshe

died,ImadehermyimmortalwifeinOlympus.Shewaitsformeevennow.IshallgobacktoherwhenIamdonewiththisinfernalcenturyofpunishmentatyourridiculouscamp.”

Istaredathim.“You’re...you’remarried?ButIthoughtyougotintroubleforchasingawoodnymph—”

“Mypointisyouheroesneverchange.Youaccuseusgodsofbeingvain.Youshouldlookatyourselves.Youtakewhatyouwant,usewhoeveryouhaveto,andthenyoubetrayeveryonearoundyou.Soyou’llexcusemeifIhavenoloveforheroes.Theyareaselfish,ungratefullot.AskAriadne.OrMedea.Forthatmatter,askZoëNightshade.”

“Whatdoyoumean,askZoë?”Hewavedhishanddismissively.“Go.Followyoursillyfriends.”Thevinesuncurledaroundmylegs.Iblinkedindisbelief.“You’re...you’relettingmego?Justlikethat?”

“Theprophecysaysatleasttwoofyouwilldie.PerhapsI’llgetluckyandyou’llbeoneofthem.Butmarkmywords,SonofPoseidon,liveordie,youwillprovenobetterthantheotherheroes.”

Withthat,Dionysussnappedhisfingers.Hisimagefoldeduplikeapaperdisplay.Therewasapopandhewasgone,leavingafaintscentofgrapesthatwasquicklyblownawaybythewind.

Tooclose,Blackjacksaid.Inodded,thoughIalmostwouldhavebeenlessworriedifMr.Dhadhauledmebacktocamp.The

factthathe’dletmegomeanthereallybelievedwestoodafairchanceofcrashingandburningonthisquest.

“Comeon,Blackjack,”Isaid,tryingtosoundupbeat.“I’llbuyyousomedonutsinNewJersey.”Asitturnedout,Ididn’tbuyBlackjackdonutsinNewJersey.Zoëdrovesouthlikeacrazyperson,

andwewereintoMarylandbeforeshefinallypulledoveratareststop.Blackjackdarnneartumbledoutofthesky,hewassotired.I’llbeokay,boss,hepanted.Just...justcatchingmybreath.

“Stayhere,”Itoldhim.“I’mgoingtoscout.”‘Stayhere’Icanhandle.Icandothat.Iputonmycapofinvisibilityandwalkedovertotheconveniencestore.Itwasdifficultnottosneak.

Ihadtokeepremindingmyselfthatnobodycouldseeme.Itwashard,too,becauseIhadtoremembertogetoutofpeople’swaysotheywouldn’tslamintome.

IthoughtI’dgoinsideandwarmup,maybegetacupofhotchocolateorsomething.Ihadalittlechangeinmypocket.Icouldleaveitonthecounter.IwaswonderingifthecupwouldturninvisiblewhenIpickeditup,orifI’dhavetodealwithafloatinghotchocolateproblem,whenmywholeplanwasruinedbyZoë,Thalia,Bianca,andGroverallcomingoutofthestore.

“Grover,areyousure?”Thaliawassaying.“Well...prettysure.Ninety-ninepercent.Okay,eighty-fivepercent.”“Andyoudidthiswithacorns?”Biancaasked,likeshecouldn’tbelieveit.Groverlookedoffended.“It’satime-honoredtrackingspell.Imean,I’mprettysureIdiditright.”“D.C.isaboutsixtymilesfromhere,”Biancasaid.“NicoandI...”Shefrowned.“Weusedtolive

there.That’s...that’sstrange.I’dforgotten.”“Idislikethis,”Zoësaid.“Weshouldgostraightwest.Theprophecysaidwest.”“Oh,likeyourtrackingskillsarebetter?”Thaliagrowled.Zoësteppedtowardher.“Youchallengemyskills,youscullion?Youknownothingofbeinga

Hunter!”“Oh,scullion?You’recallingmeascullion?Whattheheckisascullion?”“Whoa,youtwo,”Groversaidnervously.“Comeon.Notagain!”“Grover’sright,”Biancasaid.“D.C.isourbestbet.”Zoëdidn’tlookconvinced,butshenoddedreluctantly.“Verywell.Letuskeepmoving.”“You’regoingtogetusarrested,driving,”Thaliagrumbled.“Ilookclosertosixteenthanyoudo.”“Perhaps,”Zoësnapped.“ButIhavebeendrivingsinceautomobileswereinvented.Letusgo.”AsBlackjackandIcontinuedsouth,followingthevan,IwonderedwhetherZoëhadbeenkidding.I

didn’tknowexactlywhencarswereinvented,butIfiguredthatwaslikeprehistorictimes—backwhenpeoplewatchedblack-and-whiteTVandhunteddinosaurs.

HowoldwasZoë?AndwhathadMr.Dbeentalkingabout?Whatbadexperiencehadshehadwith

heroes?AswegotclosertoWashington,Blackjackstartedslowingdownanddroppingaltitude.Hewas

breathingheavily.“Youokay?”Iaskedhim.Fine,boss.Icould...Icouldtakeonanarmy.“Youdon’tsoundsogood.”AndsuddenlyIfeltguilty,becauseI’dbeenrunningthepegasusforhalf

aday,nonstop,tryingtokeepupwithhighwaytraffic.Evenforaflyinghorse,thathadtoberough.Don’tworryaboutme,boss!I’matoughone.Ifiguredhewasright,butIalsofiguredBlackjackwouldrunhimselfintothegroundbeforehe

complained,andIdidn’twantthat.Fortunately,thevanstartedtoslowdown.ItcrossedthePotomacRiverintocentralWashington.I

startedthinkingaboutairpatrolsandmissilesandstufflikethat.Ididn’tknowexactlyhowallthosedefensesworked,andwasn’tsureifpegasievenshoweduponyourtypicalmilitaryradar,butIdidn’twanttofindoutbygettingshotoutofthesky.

“Setmedownthere,”ItoldBlackjack.“That’scloseenough.”Blackjackwassotiredhedidn’tcomplain.HedroppedtowardtheWashingtonMonumentandset

meonthegrass.Thevanwasonlyafewblocksaway.Zoëhadparkedatthecurb.IlookedatBlackjack.“Iwantyoutogobacktocamp.Getsomerest.Graze.I’llbefine.”Blackjackcockedhisheadskeptically.Yousure,boss?“You’vedoneenoughalready,”Isaid.“I’llbefine.Andthanksaton.”Atonofhay,maybe,Blackjackmused.Thatsoundsgood.Allright,butbecareful,boss.Igota

feelingtheydidn’tcomeheretomeetanythingfriendlyandhandsomelikeme.Ipromisedtobecareful.ThenBlackjacktookoff,circlingtwicearoundthemonumentbefore

disappearingintotheclouds.Ilookedoveratthewhitevan.Everybodywasgettingout.Groverpointedtowardoneofthebig

buildingsliningtheMall.Thalianodded,andthefourofthemtrudgedoffintothecoldwind.Istartedtofollow.ButthenIfroze.Ablockaway,thedoorofablacksedanopened.Amanwithgrayhairandamilitarybuzzcutgot

out.Hewaswearingdarkshadesandablackovercoat.Now,maybeinWashington,you’dexpectedguyslikethattobeeverywhere.ButitdawnedonmethatI’dseenthissamecaracoupleoftimesonthehighway,goingsouth.Ithadbeenfollowingthevan.

Theguytookouthismobilephoneandsaidsomethingintoit.Thenhelookedaround,likehewasmakingsurethecoastwasclear,andstartedwalkingdowntheMallinthedirectionofmyfriends.

Theworstofitwas:whenheturnedtowardme,Irecognizedhisface.ItwasDr.Thorn,themanticorefromWestoverHall.

Invisibilitycapon,IfollowedThornfromadistance.Myheartwaspounding.Ifhehadsurvivedthatfallfromthecliff,thenAnnabethmusthavetoo.Mydreamshadbeenright.Shewasaliveandbeingheldprisoner.

Thornkeptwellbackfrommyfriends,carefulnottobeseen.Finally,GroverstoppedinfrontofabigbuildingthatsaidNATIONALAIRANDSPACE

MUSEUM.TheSmithsonian!I’dbeenhereamillionyearsagowithmymom,buteverythinghadlooked

somuchbiggerthen.Thaliacheckedthedoor.Itwasopen,butthereweren’tmanypeoplegoingin.Toocold,andschool

wasoutofsession.Theyslippedinside.Dr.Thornhesitated.Iwasn’tsurewhy,buthedidn’tgointothemuseum.Heturnedandheaded

acrosstheMall.Imadeasplit-seconddecisionandfollowedhim.ThorncrossedthestreetandclimbedthestepsoftheMuseumofNaturalHistory.Therewasabig

signonthedoor.AtfirstIthoughtitsaidCLOSEDFORPIRATEEVENT.ThenIrealizedPIRATEmustbePRIVATE.

IfollowedDr.Thorninside,throughahugechamberfullofmastodonsanddinosaurskeletons.Therewerevoicesupahead,comingfrombehindasetofcloseddoors.Twoguardsstoodoutside.TheyopenedthedoorsforThorn,andIhadtosprinttogetinsidebeforetheyclosedthemagain.

Inside,whatIsawwassoterribleIalmostgaspedoutloud,whichprobablywould’vegottenmekilled.

Iwasinahugeroundroomwithabalconyringingthesecondlevel.Atleastadozenmortalguardsstoodonthebalcony,plustwomonsters—reptilianwomenwithdouble-snaketrunksinsteadoflegs.I’dseenthembefore.AnnabethhadcalledthemScythiandracaenae.

Butthatwasn’ttheworseofit.Standingbetweenthesnakewomen—Icouldswearhewaslookingstraightdownatme—wasmyoldenemyLuke.Helookedterrible.Hisskinwaspaleandhisblondhairlookedalmostgray,asifhe’dagedtenyearsinjustafewmonths.Theangrylightinhiseyeswasstillthere,andsowasthescardownthesideofhisface,whereadragonhadoncescratchedhim.Butthescarwasnowuglyred,asthoughithadrecentlybeenreopened.

Nexttohim,sittingdownsothattheshadowscoveredhim,wasanotherman.AllIcouldseewerehisknucklesonthegildedarmsofhischair,likeathrone.

“Well?”askedthemaninthechair.HisvoicewasjustliketheoneI’dheardinmydream—notascreepyasKronos’s,butdeeperandstronger,liketheearthitselfwastalking.Itfilledthewholeroomeventhoughhewasn’tyelling.

Dr.Thorntookoffhisshades.Histwo-coloredeyes,brownandblue,glitteredwithexcitement.Hemadeastiffbow,thenspokeinhisweirdFrenchaccent:“Theyarehere,General.”

“Iknowthat,youfool,”boomedtheman.“Butwhere?”“Intherocketmuseum.”“TheAirandSpaceMuseum,”Lukecorrectedirritably.Dr.ThornglaredatLuke.“Asyousay,sir.”IgotthefeelingThornwouldjustassoonimpaleLukewithoneofhisspikesascallhimsir.“Howmany?”Lukeasked.Thornpretendednottohear.“Howmany?”theGeneraldemanded.“Four,General,”Thornsaid.“Thesatyr,GroverUnderwood.Andthegirlwiththespikyblackhair

andthe—howdoyousay—punkclothesandthehorribleshield.”“Thalia,”Lukesaid.“Andtwoothergirls—Hunters.Onewearsasilvercirclet.”“ThatoneIknow,”theGeneralgrowled.Everyoneintheroomshifteduncomfortably.

“Letmetakethem,”LukesaidtotheGeneral.“Wehavemorethanenough—”“Patience,”theGeneralsaid.“They’llhavetheirhandsfullalready.I’vesentalittleplaymateto

keepthemoccupied.”“But—”“Wecannotriskyou,myboy.”“Yes,boy,”Dr.Thornsaidwithacruelsmile.“Youaremuchtoofragiletorisk.Letmefinishthem

off.”“No.”TheGeneralrosefromhischair,andIgotmyfirstlookathim.Hewastallandmuscular,withlightbrownskinandslicked-backdarkhair.Heworeanexpensive

brownsilksuitliketheguysonWallStreetwear,butyou’dnevermistakethisdudeforabroker.Hehadabrutalface,hugeshoulders,andhandsthatcouldsnapaflagpoleinhalf.Hiseyeswerelikestone.IfeltasifIwerelookingatalivingstatue.Itwasamazinghecouldevenmove.

“Youhavealreadyfailedme,Thorn,”hesaid.“But,General—”“Noexcuses!”Thornflinched.I’dthoughtThornwasscarywhenIfirstsawhiminhisblackuniformatthemilitary

academy.Butnow,standingbeforetheGeneral,Thornlookedlikeasillywannabesoldier.TheGeneralwastherealdeal.Hedidn’tneedauniform.Hewasaborncommander.

“IshouldthrowyouintothepitsofTartarusforyourincompetence,”theGeneralsaid.“Isendyoutocaptureachildofthethreeeldergods,andyoubringmeascrawnydaughterofAthena.”

“Butyoupromisedmerevenge!”Thornprotested.“Acommandofmyown!”“IamLordKronos’sseniorcommander,”theGeneralsaid.“AndIwillchooselieutenantswhoget

meresults!ItwasonlythankstoLukethatwesalvagedourplanatall.Nowgetoutofmysight,Thorn,untilIfindsomeothermenialtaskforyou.”

Thorn’sfaceturnedpurplewithrage.Ithoughthewasgoingtostartfrothingatthemouthorshootingspines,buthejustbowedawkwardlyandlefttheroom.

“Now,myboy.”TheGeneralturnedtoLuke.“Thefirstthingwemustdoisisolatethehalf-bloodThalia.Themonsterweseekwillthencometoher.”

“TheHunterswillbedifficulttodisposeof,”Lukesaid.“ZoëNightshade—”“Donotspeakhername!”Lukeswallowed.“S–sorry,General.Ijust—”TheGeneralsilencedhimwithawaveofhishand.“Letmeshowyou,myboy,howwewillbring

theHuntersdown.”Hepointedtoaguardonthegroundlevel.“Doyouhavetheteeth?”Theguystumbledforwardwithaceramicpot.“Yes,General!”“Plantthem,”hesaid.Inthecenteroftheroomwasabigcircleofdirt,whereIguessadinosaurexhibitwassupposedto

go.Iwatchednervouslyastheguardtooksharpwhiteteethoutofthepotandpushedthemintothesoil.HesmoothedthemoverwhiletheGeneralsmiledcoldly.

Theguardsteppedbackfromthedirtandwipedhishands.“Ready,General!”“Excellent!Waterthem,andwewillletthemscenttheirprey.”

Theguardpickedupalittletinwateringcanwithdaisiespaintedonit,whichwaskindofbizarre,becausewhathepouredoutwasn’twater.Itwasdarkredliquid,andIgotthefeelingitwasn’tHawaiianPunch.

Thesoilbegantobubble.“Soon,”theGeneralsaid,“Iwillshowyou,Luke,soldiersthatwillmakeyourarmyfromthatlittle

boatlookinsignificant.”Lukeclenchedhisfists.“I’vespentayeartrainingmyforces!WhenthePrincessAndromedaarrives

atthemountain,they’llbethebest—”“Ha!”theGeneralsaid.“Idon’tdenyyourtroopswillmakeafinehonorguardforLordKronos.

Andyou,ofcourse,willhavearoletoplay—”IthoughtLuketurnedpalerwhentheGeneralsaidthat.“—butundermyleadership,theforcesofLordKronoswillincreaseahundredfold.Wewillbe

unstoppable.Behold,myultimatekillingmachines.”Thesoilerupted.Isteppedbacknervously.Ineachspotwhereatoothhadbeenplanted,acreaturewasstrugglingoutofthedirt.Thefirstof

themsaid:“Mew?”Itwasakitten.Alittleorangetabbywithstripeslikeatiger.Thenanotherappeared,untiltherewere

adozen,rollingaroundandplayinginthedirt.Everyonestaredatthemindisbelief.TheGeneralroared,“Whatisthis?Cutecuddlykittens?

Wheredidyoufindthoseteeth?”Theguardwho’dbroughttheteethcoweredinfear.“Fromtheexhibit,sir!Justlikeyousaid.The

saber-toothedtiger—”“No,youidiot!Isaidthetyrannosaurus!Gatherupthose...thoseinfernalfuzzylittlebeastsandtake

themoutside.Andneverletmeseeyourfaceagain.”Theterrifiedguarddroppedhiswateringcan.Hegatheredupthekittensandscamperedoutofthe

room.“You!”TheGeneralpointedtoanotherguard.“Getmetherightteeth.NOW!”Thenewguardranofftocarryouthisorders.“Imbeciles,”mutteredtheGeneral.“ThisiswhyIdon’tusemortals,”Lukesaid.“Theyareunreliable.”“Theyareweak-minded,easilybought,andviolent,”theGeneralsaid.“Ilovethem.”Aminutelater,theguardhustledintotheroomwithhishandsfulloflargepointyteeth.“Excellent,”theGeneralsaid.Heclimbedontothebalconyrailingandjumpeddown,twentyfeet.Wherehelanded,themarblefloorcrackedunderhisleathershoes.Hestood,wincing,andrubbed

hisshoulders.“Cursemystiffneck.”“Anotherhotpad,sir?”aguardasked.“MoreTylenol?”“No!Itwillpass.”TheGeneralbrushedoffhissilksuit,thensnatcheduptheteeth.“Ishalldothis

myself.”Hehelduponeoftheteethandsmiled.“Dinosaurteeth—ha!Thosefoolishmortalsdon’tevenknow

whentheyhavedragonteethintheirpossession.Andnotjustanydragonteeth.Thesecomefromthe

ancientSybarisherself!Theyshalldonicely.”Heplantedtheminthedirt,twelveinall.Thenhescoopedupthewateringcan.Hesprinkledthesoil

withredliquid,tossedthecanaway,andheldhisarmsoutwide.“Rise!”Thedirttrembled.Asingle,skeletalhandshotoutoftheground,graspingattheair.TheGenerallookedupatthebalcony.“Quickly,doyouhavethescent?”“Yesssss,lord,”oneofthesnakeladiessaid.Shetookoutasashofsilveryfabric,likethekindthe

Hunterswore.“Excellent,”theGeneralsaid.“Oncemywarriorscatchitsscent,theywillpursueitsowner

relentlessly.Nothingcanstopthem,noweaponsknowntohalf-bloodorHunter.TheywillteartheHuntersandtheiralliestoshreds.Tossithere!”

Ashesaidthat,skeletonseruptedfromtheground.Thereweretwelveofthem,oneforeachtooththeGeneralhadplanted.TheywerenothinglikeHalloweenskeletons,orthekindyoumightseeincheesymovies.TheseweregrowingfleshasIwatched,turningintomen,butmenwithdullgrayskin,yelloweyes,andmodernclothes—graymuscleshirts,camopants,andcombatboots.Ifyoudidn’tlooktooclosely,youcouldalmostbelievetheywerehuman,buttheirfleshwastransparentandtheirbonesshimmeredunderneath,likeX-rayimages.

Oneofthemlookedstraightatme,regardingmecoldly,andIknewthatnocapofinvisibilitywouldfoolit.

ThesnakeladyreleasedthescarfanditfluttereddowntowardtheGeneral’shand.Assoonashegaveittothewarriors,theywouldhuntZoëandtheotherhuntersuntiltheywereextinct.

Ididn’thavetimetothink.Iranandjumpedwithallmymight,plowingintothewarriorsandsnatchingthescarfoutoftheair.

“What’sthis?”bellowedtheGeneral.Ilandedatthefeetofaskeletonwarrior,whohissed.“Anintruder,”theGeneralgrowled.“Onecloakedindarkness.Sealthedoors!”“It’sPercyJackson!”Lukeyelled.“Ithastobe.”Isprintedfortheexit,butheardarippingsoundandrealizedtheskeletonwarriorhadtakenachunk

outofmysleeve.WhenIglancedback,hewasholdingthefabricuptohisnose,sniffingthescent,handingitaroundtohisfriends.Iwantedtoscream,butIcouldn’t.Isqueezedthroughthedoorjustastheguardsslammeditshutbehindme.

AndthenIran.

TEN

IBREAKAFEWROCKETSHIPS

ItoreacrosstheMall,notdaringtolookbehindme.IburstintotheAirandSpaceMuseumandtookoffmyinvisibilitycaponceIwasthroughtheadmissionsarea.

Themainpartofthemuseumwasonehugeroomwithrocketsandairplaneshangingfromtheceiling.Threelevelsofbalconiescurledaround,soyoucouldlookattheexhibitsfromalldifferentheights.Theplacewasn’tcrowded,justafewfamiliesandacoupleoftourgroupsofkids,probablydoingoneofthoseholidayschooltrips.Iwantedtoyellatthemalltoleave,butIfiguredthatwouldonlygetmearrested.IhadtofindThaliaandGroverandtheHunters.Anyminute,theskeletondudesweregoingtoinvadethemuseum,andIdidn’tthinktheywouldsettleforanaudiotour.

IranintoThalia—literally.Iwasbarrelinguptheramptothetop-floorbalconyandslammedintoher,knockingherintoanApollospacecapsule.

Groveryelpedinsurprise.BeforeIcouldregainmybalance,ZoëandBiancahadarrowsnotched,aimedatmychest.Their

bowshadjustappearedoutofnowhere.WhenZoërealizedwhoIwas,shedidn’tseemanxioustolowerherbow.“You!Howdareyoushow

thyfacehere?”“Percy!”Groversaid.“Thankgoodness.”Zoëglaredathim,andheblushed.“Imean,um,gosh.You’renotsupposedtobehere!”“Luke,”Isaid,tryingtocatchmybreath.“He’shere.”TheangerinThalia’seyesimmediatelymelted.Sheputherhandonhersilverbracelet.“Where?”ItoldthemabouttheNaturalHistoryMuseum,Dr.Thorn,Luke,andtheGeneral.“TheGeneralishere?”Zoëlookedstunned.“Thatisimpossible!Youlie.”“WhywouldIlie?Look,there’snotime.Skeletonwarriors—”“What?”Thaliademanded.“Howmany?”“Twelve,”Isaid.“Andthat’snotall.Thatguy,theGeneral,hesaidhewassendingsomething,a

‘playmate,’todistractyouoverhere.Amonster.”ThaliaandGroverexchangedlooks.“WewerefollowingArtemis’strail,”Groversaid.“Iwasprettysureitledhere.Somepowerful

monsterscent...Shemust’vestoppedherelookingforthemysterymonster.Butwehaven’tfoundanythingyet.”

“Zoë,”Biancasaidnervously,“ifitistheGeneral—”“Itcannotbe!”Zoësnapped.“PercymusthaveseenanIris-messageorsomeotherillusion.”“Illusionsdon’tcrackmarblefloors,”Itoldher.Zoëtookadeepbreath,tryingtocalmherself.Ididn’tknowwhyshewastakingitsopersonally,or

howsheknewthisGeneralguy,butIfigurednowwasn’tthetimetoask.

“IfPercyistellingthetruthabouttheskeletonwarriors,”shesaid,“wehavenotimetoargue.Theyaretheworst,themosthorrible...Wemustleavenow.”

“Goodidea,”Isaid.“Iwasnotincludingthee,boy,”Zoësaid.“Youarenotpartofthisquest.”“Hey,I’mtryingtosaveyourlives!”“Youshouldn’thavecome,Percy,”Thaliasaidgrimly.“Butyou’reherenow.Comeon.Let’sget

backtothevan.”“Thatisnotthydecision!”Zoësnapped.Thaliascowledather.“You’renotthebosshere,Zoë.Idon’tcarehowoldyouare!You’restilla

conceitedlittlebrat!”“Youneverhadanywisdomwhenitcametoboys,”Zoëgrowled.“Younevercouldleavethem

behind!”ThalialookedlikeshewasabouttohitZoë.Theneveryonefroze.IheardagrowlsoloudIthought

oneoftherocketengineswasstartingup.Belowus,afewadultsscreamed.Alittlekid’svoicescreechedwithdelight:“Kitty!”Somethingenormousboundeduptheramp.Itwasthesizeofapick-uptruck,withsilverclawsand

goldenglitteringfur.I’dseenthismonsteroncebefore.Twoyearsago,I’dglimpseditbrieflyfromatrain.Now,upcloseandpersonal,itlookedevenbigger.

“TheNemeanLion,”Thaliasaid.“Don’tmove.”Thelionroaredsolouditpartedmyhair.Itsfangsgleamedlikestainlesssteel.“Separateonmymark,”Zoësaid.“Trytokeepitdistracted.”“Untilwhen?”Groverasked.“UntilIthinkofawaytokillit.Go!”IuncappedRiptideandrolledtotheleft.Arrowswhistledpastme,andGroverplayedasharp

tweet-tweetcadenceonhisreedpipes.IturnedandsawZoëandBiancaclimbingtheApollocapsule.Theywerefiringarrows,oneafteranother,allshatteringharmlesslyagainstthelion’smetallicfur.Thelionswipedthecapsuleandtippeditonitsside,spillingtheHuntersofftheback.Groverplayedafrantic,horribletune,andthelionturnedtowardhim,butThaliasteppedintoitspath,holdingupAegis,andthelionrecoiled.“ROOOAAAR!”

“Hi-yah!”Thaliasaid.“Back!”Theliongrowledandclawedtheair,butitretreatedasiftheshieldwereablazingfire.Forasecond,IthoughtThaliahaditundercontrol.ThenIsawthelioncrouching,itslegmuscles

tensing.I’dseenenoughcatfightsinthealleysaroundmyapartmentinNewYork.Iknewthelionwasgoingtopounce.

“Hey!”Iyelled.Idon’tknowwhatIwasthinking,butIchargedthebeast.Ijustwantedtogetitawayfrommyfriends.IslashedwithRiptide,agoodstriketotheflankthatshould’vecutthemonsterintoMeowMix,butthebladejustclangedagainstitsfurinaburstofsparks.

Thelionrakedmewithitsclaws,rippingoffachunkofmycoat.Ibackedagainsttherailing.Itsprangatme,onethousandpoundsofmonster,andIhadnochoicebuttoturnandjump.

Ilandedonthewingofanold-fashionedsilverairplane,whichpitchedandalmostspilledmetothefloor,threestoriesbelow.

Anarrowwhizzedpastmyhead.Thelionjumpedontotheaircraft,andthecordsholdingtheplane

begantogroan.Thelionswipedatme,andIdroppedontothenextexhibit,aweird-lookingspacecraftwithblades

likeahelicopter.Ilookedupandsawthelionroar—insideitsmaw,apinktongueandthroat.Itsmouth,Ithought.Itsfurwascompletelyinvulnerable,butifIcouldstrikeitinthemouth...The

onlyproblemwas,themonstermovedtooquickly.Betweenitsclawsandfangs,Icouldn’tgetclosewithoutgettingslicedtopieces.

“Zoë!”Ishouted.“Targetthemouth!”Themonsterlunged.Anarrowzippedpastit,missingcompletely,andIdroppedfromthespaceship

ontothetopofafloorexhibit,ahugemodeloftheearth.IsliddownRussiaanddroppedofftheequator.TheNemeanLiongrowledandsteadieditselfonthespacecraft,butitsweightwastoomuch.Oneof

thecordssnapped.Asthedisplayswungdownlikeapendulum,thelionleapedoffontothemodelearth’sNorthPole.

“Grover!”Iyelled.“Clearthearea!”Groupsofkidswererunningaroundscreaming.Grovertriedtocorralthemawayfromthemonster

justastheothercordonthespaceshipsnappedandtheexhibitcrashedtothefloor.Thaliadroppedoffthesecond-floorrailingandlandedacrossfromme,ontheothersideoftheglobe.Thelionregardedusboth,tryingtodecidewhichofustokillfirst.

ZoëandBiancawereaboveus,bowsready,buttheykepthavingtomovearoundtogetagoodangle.“Noclearshot!”Zoëyelled.“Getittoopenitsmouthmore!”Thelionsnarledfromthetopoftheglobe.Ilookedaround.Options.Ineeded...Thegiftshop.Ihadavaguememoryfrommytriphereasalittlekid.SomethingI’dmademymom

buyme,andI’dregrettedit.Iftheystillsoldthatstuff...“Thalia,”Isaid,“keepitoccupied.”Shenoddedgrimly.“Hi-yah!”Shepointedherspearandaspideryarcofblueelectricityshotout,zappingthelioninthe

tail.“ROOOOOOOAR!”Thelionturnedandpounced.Thaliarolledoutofitsway,holdingupAegisto

keepthemonsteratbay,andIranforthegiftshop.“Thisisnotimeforsouvenirs,boy!”Zoëyelled.Idashedintotheshop,knockingoverrowsofT-shirts,jumpingovertablesfullofglow-in-the-dark

planetsandspaceooze.Thesalesladydidn’tprotest.Shewastoobusycoweringbehindhercashregister.

There!Onthefarwall—glitterysilverpackets.Wholeracksofthem.IscoopedupeverykindIcouldfindandranoutoftheshopwithanarmful.

ZoëandBiancawerestillshoweringarrowsonthemonster,butitwasnogood.Thelionseemedtoknowbetterthantoopenitsmouthtoomuch.ItsnappedatThalia,slashingwithitsclaws.Itevenkeptitseyesnarrowedtotinyslits.

Thaliajabbedatthemonsterandbackedup.Thelionpressedher.“Percy,”shecalled,“whateveryou’regoingtodo—”Thelionroaredandswattedherlikeacattoy,sendingherflyingintothesideofaTitanrocket.Her

headhitthemetalandsheslidtothefloor.

“Hey!”Iyelledatthelion.Iwastoofarawaytostrike,soItookarisk:IhurledRiptidelikeathrowingknife.Itbouncedoffthelion’sside,butthatwasenoughtogetthemonster’sattention.Itturnedtowardmeandsnarled.

Therewasonlyonewaytogetcloseenough.Icharged,andasthelionleapedtointerceptme,Ichunkedaspacefoodpouchintoitsmaw—achunkofcellophane-wrapped,freeze-driedstrawberryparfait.

Thelion’seyesgotwideanditgaggedlikeacatwithahairball.Icouldn’tblameit.IrememberedfeelingthesamewaywhenI’dtriedtoeatspacefoodasakid.The

stuffwasjustplainnasty.“Zoë,getready!”Iyelled.Behindme,Icouldhearpeoplescreaming.Groverwasplayinganotherhorriblesongonhispipes.Iscrambledawayfromthelion.Itmanagedtochokedownthespacefoodpacketandlookedatme

withpurehate.“Snacktime!”Iyelled.Itmadethemistakeofroaringatme,andIgotanice-creamsandwichinitsthroat.Fortunately,Ihad

alwaysbeenaprettygoodpitcher,eventhoughbaseballwasn’tmygame.Beforethelioncouldstopgagging,Ishotintwomoreflavorsoficecreamandafreeze-driedspaghettidinner.

Thelion’seyesbugged.Itopeneditsmouthwideandreareduponitsbackpaws,tryingtogetawayfromme.

“Now!”Iyelled.Immediately,arrowspiercedthelion’smaw—two,four,six.Thelionthrashedwildly,turned,and

fellbackward.Andthenitwasstill.Alarmswailedthroughoutthemuseum.Peoplewereflockingtotheexits.Securityguardswere

runningaroundinapanicwithnoideawhatwasgoingon.GroverkneltatThalia’ssideandhelpedherup.Sheseemedokay,justalittledazed.ZoëandBianca

droppedfromthebalconyandlandednexttome.Zoëeyedmecautiously.“Thatwas...aninterestingstrategy.”“Hey,itworked.”Shedidn’targue.Thelionseemedtobemelting,thewaydeadmonstersdosometimes,untiltherewasnothingleftbut

itsglitteringfurcoat,andeventhatseemedtobeshrinkingtothesizeofanormallion’spelt.“Takeit,”Zoëtoldme.Istaredather.“What,thelion’sfur?Isn’tthat,like,ananimalrightsviolationorsomething?”“Itisaspoilofwar,”shetoldme.“Itisrightlythine.”“Youkilledit,”Isaid.Sheshookherhead,almostsmiling.“Ithinkthyice-creamsandwichdidthat.Fairisfair,Percy

Jackson.Takethefur.”Ilifteditup;itwassurprisinglylight.Thefurwassmoothandsoft.Itdidn’tfeelatalllikesomething

thatcouldstopablade.AsIwatched,thepeltshiftedandchangedintoacoat—afull-lengthgolden-brownduster.

“Notexactlymystyle,”Imurmured.

“Wehavetogetoutofhere,”Groversaid.“Thesecurityguardswon’tstayconfusedforlong.”Inoticedforthefirsttimehowstrangeitwasthattheguardshadn’trushedforwardtoarrestus.They

werescramblinginalldirectionsexceptours,liketheyweremadlysearchingforsomething.Afewwererunningintothewallsoreachother.

“Youdidthat?”IaskedGrover.Henodded,lookingalittleembarrassed.“Aminorconfusionsong.IplayedsomeBarryManilow.It

workseverytime.Butit’llonlylastafewseconds.”“Thesecurityguardsarenotourbiggestworry,”Zoësaid.“Look.”Throughtheglasswallsofthemuseum,Icouldseeagroupofmenwalkingacrossthelawn.Gray

meningraycamouflageoutfits.Theyweretoofarawayforustoseetheireyes,butIcouldfeeltheirgazeaimedstraightatme.

“Go,”Isaid.“They’llbehuntingme.I’lldistractthem.”“No,”Zoësaid.“Wegotogether.”Istaredather.“But,yousaid—”“Youarepartofthisquestnow,”Zoësaidgrudgingly.“Idonotlikeit,butthereisnochangingfate.

Youarethefifthquestmember.Andwearenotleavinganyonebehind.”

ELEVEN

GROVERGETSALAMBORGHINI

WewerecrossingthePotomacwhenwespottedthehelicopter.Itwasasleek,blackmilitarymodeljustliketheonewe’dseenatWestoverHall.Anditwascomingstraighttowardus.

“Theyknowthevan,”Isaid.“Wehavetoditchit.”Zoëswervedintothefastlane.Thehelicopterwasgaining.“Maybethemilitarywillshootitdown,”Groversaidhopefully.“Themilitaryprobablythinksit’soneoftheirs,”Isaid.“HowcantheGeneralusemortals,

anyway?”“Mercenaries,”Zoësaidbitterly.“Itisdistasteful,butmanymortalswillfightforanycauseaslong

astheyarepaid.”“Butdon’tthesemortalsseewhothey’reworkingfor?”Iasked.“Don’ttheynoticeallthemonsters

aroundthem?”Zoëshookherhead.“IdonotknowhowmuchtheyseethroughtheMist.Idoubtitwouldmatterto

themiftheyknewthetruth.Sometimesmortalscanbemorehorriblethanmonsters.”Thehelicopterkeptcoming,makingalotbettertimethanwewerethroughD.C.traffic.Thaliaclosedhereyesandprayedhard.“Hey,Dad.Alightningboltwouldbeniceaboutnow.

Please?”Buttheskystayedgrayandsnowy.Nosignofahelpfulthunderstorm.“There!”Biancasaid.“Thatparkinglot!”“We’llbetrapped,”Zoësaid.“Trustme,”Biancasaid.Zoëshotacrosstwolanesoftrafficandintoamallparkinglotonthesouthbankoftheriver.Weleft

thevanandfollowedBiancadownsomesteps.“Subwayentrance,”Biancasaid.“Let’sgosouth.Alexandria.”“Anything,”Thaliaagreed.Weboughtticketsandgotthroughtheturnstiles,lookingbehindusforanysignsofpursuit.Afew

minuteslaterweweresafelyaboardasouthboundtrain,ridingawayfromD.C.Asourtraincameaboveground,wecouldseethehelicoptercirclingtheparkinglot,butitdidn’tcomeafterus.

Groverletoutasigh.“Nicejob,Bianca,thinkingofthesubway.”Biancalookedpleased.“Yeah,well.IsawthatstationwhenNicoandIcamethroughlastsummer.I

rememberbeingreallysurprisedtoseeit,becauseitwasn’therewhenweusedtoliveinD.C.”Groverfrowned.“New?Butthatstationlookedreallyold.”“Iguess,”Biancasaid.“Buttrustme,whenwelivedhereaslittlekids,therewasnosubway.”

Thaliasatforward.“Waitaminute.Nosubwayatall?”Biancanodded.

Now,IknewnothingaboutD.C.,butIdidn’tseehowtheirwholesubwaysystemcouldbelessthantwelveyearsold.Iguesseveryoneelsewasthinkingthesamething,becausetheylookedprettyconfused.

“Bianca,”Zoësaid.“Howlongago...”Hervoicefaltered.Thesoundofthehelicopterwasgettinglouderagain.

“Weneedtochangetrains,”Isaid.“Nextstation.”Overthenexthalfhour,allwethoughtaboutwasgettingawaysafely.Wechangedtrainstwice.Ihad

noideawhereweweregoing,butafterawhilewelostthehelicopter.Unfortunately,whenwefinallygotoffthetrainwefoundourselvesattheendoftheline,inan

industrialareawithnothingbutwarehousesandrailwaytracks.Andsnow.Lotsofsnow.Itseemedmuchcolderhere.Iwasgladformynewlion’sfurcoat.

Wewanderedthroughtherailwayyard,thinkingtheremightbeanotherpassengertrainsomewhere,buttherewerejustrowsandrowsoffreightcars,mostofwhichwerecoveredinsnow,liketheyhadn’tmovedinyears.

Ahomelessguywasstandingatatrash-canfire.Wemust’velookedprettypathetic,becausehegaveusatoothlessgrinandsaid,“Y’allneedtogetwarmedup?Comeonover!”

Wehuddledaroundhisfire.Thalia’steethwerechattering.Shesaid,“Wellthisisg-g-g-great.”“Myhoovesarefrozen,”Grovercomplained.“Feet,”Icorrected,forthesakeofthehomelessguy.“Maybeweshouldcontactcamp,”Biancasaid.“Chiron—”“No,”Zoësaid.“Theycannothelpusanymore.Wemustfinishthisquestourselves.”Igazedmiserablyaroundtherailyard.Somewhere,fartothewest,Annabethwasindanger.Artemis

wasinchains.Adoomsdaymonsterwasontheloose.AndwewerestuckontheoutskirtsofD.C.,sharingahomelessperson’sfire.

“Youknow,”thehomelessmansaid,“you’renevercompletelywithoutfriends.”Hisfacewasgrimyandhisbeardtangled,buthisexpressionseemedkindly.“Youkidsneedatraingoingwest?”

“Yes,sir,”Isaid.“Youknowofany?”Hepointedonegreasyhand.SuddenlyInoticedafreighttrain,gleamingandfreeofsnow.Itwasoneofthoseautomobile-carrier

trains,withsteelmeshcurtainsandatriple-deckofcarsinside.ThesideofthefreighttrainsaidSUNWESTLINE.

“That’s...convenient,”Thaliasaid.“Thanks,uh...”Sheturnedtothehomelessguy,buthewasgone.Thetrashcaninfrontofuswascoldandempty,as

ifhe’dtakentheflameswithhim.Anhourlaterwewererumblingwest.Therewasnoproblemaboutwhowoulddrivenow,because

weallgotourownluxurycar.ZoëandBiancawerecrashedoutinaLexusonthetopdeck.GroverwasplayingracecardriverbehindthewheelofaLamborghini.AndThaliahadhot-wiredtheradioinablackMercedesSLKsoshecouldpickupthealtrockstationsfromD.C.

“Joinyou?”Iaskedher.Sheshrugged,soIclimbedintotheshotgunseat.TheradiowasplayingtheWhiteStripes.IknewthesongbecauseitwasoneoftheonlyCDsI

ownedthatmymomliked.ShesaiditremindedherofLedZeppelin.Thinkingaboutmymommademesad,becauseitdidn’tseemlikelyI’dbehomeforChristmas.Imightnotlivethatlong.

“Nicecoat,”Thaliatoldme.Ipulledthebrowndusteraroundme,thankfulforthewarmth.“Yeah,buttheNemeanLionwasn’tthe

monsterwe’relookingfor.”“Notevenclose.We’vegotalongwaytogo.”“Whateverthismysterymonsteris,theGeneralsaiditwouldcomeforyou.Theywantedtoisolate

youfromthegroup,sothemonsterwillappearandbattleyouone-on-one.”“Hesaidthat?”“Well,somethinglikethat.Yeah.”“That’sgreat.Ilovebeingusedasbait.”“Noideawhatthemonstermightbe?”Sheshookherheadmorosely.“Butyouknowwherewe’regoing,don’tyou?SanFrancisco.That’s

whereArtemiswasheading.”IrememberedsomethingAnnabethhadsaidatthedance:howherdadwasmovingtoSanFrancisco,

andtherewasnowayshecouldgo.Half-bloodscouldn’tlivethere.“Why?”Iasked.“What’ssobadaboutSanFrancisco?”“TheMistisreallythicktherebecausetheMountainofDespairissonear.Titanmagic—what’sleft

ofit—stilllingers.Monstersareattractedtothatarealikeyouwouldn’tbelieve.”“What’stheMountainofDespair?”Thaliaraisedaneyebrow.“Youreallydon’tknow?AskstupidZoë.She’stheexpert.”Sheglaredoutthewindshield.Iwantedtoaskherwhatshewastalkingabout,butIalsodidn’twant

tosoundlikeanidiot.IhatedfeelinglikeThaliaknewmorethanIdid,soIkeptmymouthshut.Theafternoonsunshonethroughthesteel-meshsideofthefreightcar,castingashadowacross

Thalia’sface.IthoughtabouthowdifferentshewasfromZoë—Zoëallformalandalooflikeaprincess,Thaliawithherrattyclothesandherrebelattitude.Buttherewassomethingsimilaraboutthem,too.Thesamekindoftoughness.Rightnow,sittingintheshadowswithagloomyexpression,ThalialookedalotlikeoneoftheHunters.

Thensuddenly,ithitme:“That’swhyyoudon’tgetalongwithZoë.”Thaliafrowned.“What?”“TheHunterstriedtorecruityou,”Iguessed.Hereyesgotdangerouslybright.IthoughtshewasgoingtozapmeoutoftheMercedes,butshejust

sighed.“Ialmostjoinedthem,”sheadmitted.“Luke,Annabeth,andIranintothemonce,andZoëtriedto

convinceme.Shealmostdid,but...”“But?”Thalia’sfingersgrippedthewheel.“Iwould’vehadtoleaveLuke.”“Oh.”“ZoëandIgotintoafight.ShetoldmeIwasbeingstupid.ShesaidI’dregretmychoice.Shesaid

Lukewouldletmedownsomeday.”Iwatchedthesunthroughthemetalcurtain.Weseemedtobetravelingfastereachsecond—shadows

flickeringlikeanoldmovieprojector.“That’sharsh,”Isaid.“HardtoadmitZoëwasright.”

“Shewasn’tright!Lukeneverletmedown.Never.”“We’llhavetofighthim,”Isaid.“There’snowayaroundit.”Thaliadidn’tanswer.“Youhaven’tseenhimlately,”Iwarned.“Iknowit’shardtobelieve,but—”“I’lldowhatIhaveto.”“Evenifthatmeanskillinghim?”“Domeafavor,”shesaid.“Getoutofmycar.”IfeltsobadforherIdidn’targue.AsIwasabouttoleave,shesaid,“Percy.”WhenIlookedback,hereyeswerered,butIcouldn’ttellifitwasfromangerorsadness.“Annabeth

wantedtojointheHunters,too.Maybeyoushouldthinkaboutwhy.”BeforeIcouldrespond,sheraisedthepowerwindowsandshutmeout.

***Isatinthedriver’sseatofGrover’sLamborghini.Groverwasasleepintheback.He’dfinallygiven

uptryingtoimpressZoëandBiancawithhispipemusicafterheplayed“PoisonIvy”andcausedthatverystufftosproutfromtheirLexus’sairconditioner.

AsIwatchedthesungodown,IthoughtofAnnabeth.Iwasafraidtogotosleep.IwasworriedwhatImightdream.

“Oh,don’tbeafraidofdreams,”avoicesaidrightnexttome.Ilookedover.Somehow,Iwasn’tsurprisedtofindthehomelessguyfromtherailyardsittinginthe

shotgunseat.Hisjeansweresowornouttheywerealmostwhite.Hiscoatwasripped,withstuffingcomingout.Helookedkindoflikeateddybearthathadbeenrunoverbyatruck.

“Ifitweren’tfordreams,”hesaid,“Iwouldn’tknowhalfthethingsIknowaboutthefuture.They’rebetterthanOlympustabloids.”Heclearedhisthroat,thenhelduphishandsdramatically:

“Dreamslikeapodcast,Downloadingtruthinmyears.Theytellmecoolstuff.”

“Apollo?”Iguessed,becauseIfigurednobodyelsecouldmakeahaikuthatbad.Heputhisfingertohislips.“I’mincognito.CallmeFred.”“AgodnamedFred?”“Eh,well...Zeusinsistsoncertainrules.Handsoff,whenthere’sahumanquest.Evenwhen

somethingreallymajoriswrong.Butnobodymesseswithmybabysister.Nobody.”“Canyouhelpus,then?”“Shhh.Ialreadyhave.Haven’tyoubeenlookingoutside?”“Thetrain.Howfastarewemoving?”Apollochuckled.“Fastenough.Unfortunately,we’rerunningoutoftime.It’salmostsunset.ButI

imaginewe’llgetyouacrossagoodchunkofAmerica,atleast.”“ButwhereisArtemis?”Hisfacedarkened.“Iknowalot,andIseealot.ButevenIdon’tknowthat.She’s...cloudedfrom

me.Idon’tlikeit.”“AndAnnabeth?”Hefrowned.“Oh,youmeanthatgirlyoulost?Hmm.Idon’tknow.”Itriednottofeelmad.Iknewthegodshadahardtimetakingmortalsseriously,evenhalf-bloods.

Welivedsuchshortlives,comparedtothegods.“WhataboutthemonsterArtemiswasseeking?”Iasked.“Doyouknowwhatitis?”“No,”Apollosaid.“Butthereisonewhomight.Ifyouhaven’tyetfoundthemonsterwhenyoureach

SanFrancisco,seekoutNereus,theOldManoftheSea.Hehasalongmemoryandasharpeye.HehasthegiftofknowledgesometimeskeptobscurefrommyOracle.”

“Butit’syourOracle,”Iprotested.“Can’tyoutelluswhattheprophecymeans?”Apollosighed.“Youmightaswellaskanartisttoexplainhisart,oraskapoettoexplainhispoem.

Itdefeatsthepurpose.Themeaningisonlyclearthroughthesearch.”“Inotherwords,youdon’tknow.”Apollocheckedhiswatch.“Ah,lookatthetime!Ihavetorun.IdoubtIcanriskhelpingyouagain,

Percy,butrememberwhatIsaid!Getsomesleep!Andwhenyoureturn,Iexpectagoodhaikuaboutyourjourney!”

IwantedtoprotestthatIwasn’ttiredandI’dnevermadeupahaikuinmylife,butApollosnappedhisfingers,andthenextthingIknewIwasclosingmyeyes.

Inmydream,Iwassomebodyelse.Iwaswearinganold-fashionedGreektunic,whichwasalittletoobreezydownstairs,andlacedleathersandals.TheNemeanLion’sskinwaswrappedaroundmybacklikeacape,andIwasrunningsomewhere,beingpulledalongbyagirlwhowastightlygrippingmyhand.

“Hurry!”shesaid.Itwastoodarktoseeherfaceclearly,butIcouldhearthefearinhervoice.“Hewillfindus!”

Itwasnighttime.Amillionstarsblazedabove.Wewererunningthroughtallgrass,andthescentofathousanddifferentflowersmadetheairintoxicating.Itwasabeautifulgarden,andyetthegirlwasleadingmethroughit,asifwewereabouttodie.

“I’mnotafraid,”Itriedtotellher.“Youshouldbe!”shesaid,pullingmealong.Shehadlongdarkhairbraideddownherback.Hersilk

robesglowedfaintlyinthestarlight.Weracedupthesideofthehill.Shepulledmebehindathornbushandwecollapsed,bothbreathing

heavily.Ididn’tknowwhythegirlwasscared.Thegardenseemedsopeaceful.AndIfeltstrong.StrongerthanI’deverfeltbefore.

“Thereisnoneedtorun,”Itoldher.Myvoicesoundeddeeper,muchmoreconfident.“Ihavebestedathousandmonsterswithmybarehands.”

“Notthisone,”thegirlsaid.“Ladonistoostrong.Youmustgoaround,upthemountaintomyfather.Itistheonlyway.”

Thehurtinhervoicesurprisedme.Shewasreallyconcerned,almostlikeshecaredaboutme.“Idon’ttrustyourfather,”Isaid.“Youshouldnot,”thegirlagreed.“Youwillhavetotrickhim.Butyoucannottaketheprizedirectly.

Youwilldie!”Ichuckled.“Thenwhydon’tyouhelpme,prettyone?”“I...Iamafraid.Ladonwillstopme.Mysisters,iftheyfoundout...theywoulddisownme.”

“Thenthere’snothingforit.”Istoodup,rubbingmyhandstogether.“Wait!”thegirlsaid.Sheseemedtobeagonizingoveradecision.Then,herfingerstrembling,shereachedupandplucked

alongwhitebroochfromherhair.“Ifyoumustfight,takethis.Mymother,Pleione,gaveittome.Shewasadaughteroftheocean,andtheocean’spoweriswithinit.Myimmortalpower.”

Thegirlbreathedonthepinanditglowedfaintly.Itgleamedinthestarlightlikepolishedabalone.“Takeit,”shetoldme.“Andmakeofitaweapon.”Ilaughed.“Ahairpin?HowwillthisslayLadon,prettyone?”“Itmaynot,”sheadmitted.“ButitisallIcanoffer,ifyouinsistonbeingstubborn.”Thegirl’svoicesoftenedmyheart.Ireacheddownandtookthehairpin,andasIdid,itgrewlonger

andheavierinmyhand,untilIheldafamiliarbronzesword.“Wellbalanced,”Isaid.“ThoughIusuallyprefertousemybarehands.WhatshallInamethis

blade?”“Anaklusmos,”thegirlsaidsadly.“Thecurrentthattakesonebysurprise.Andbeforeyouknowit,

youhavebeensweptouttosea.”BeforeIcouldthankher,therewasatramplingsoundinthegrass,ahisslikeairescapingatire,and

thegirlsaid,“Toolate!Heishere!”IsatboltuprightintheLamborghini’sdriver’sseat.Groverwasshakingmyarm.“Percy,”hesaid.“It’smorning.Thetrain’sstopped.Comeon!”Itriedtoshakeoffmydrowsiness.Thalia,Zoë,andBiancahadalreadyrolledupthemetalcurtains.

Outsideweresnowymountainsdottedwithpinetrees,thesunrisingredbetweentwopeaks.Ifishedmypenoutofmypocketandstaredatit.Anaklusmos,theAncientGreeknameforRiptide.A

differentform,butIwassureitwasthesamebladeI’dseeninmydream.AndIwassureofsomethingelse,too.ThegirlIhadseenwasZoëNightshade.

TWELVE

IGOSNOWBOARDINGWITHAPIG

We’darrivedontheoutskirtsofalittleskitownnestledinthemountains.ThesignsaidWELCOMETOCLOUDCROFT,NEWMEXICO.Theairwascoldandthin.Theroofsofthecabinswereheapedwithsnow,anddirtymoundsofitwerepileduponthesidesofthestreets.Tallpinetreesloomedoverthevalley,castingpitch-blackshadows,thoughthemorningwassunny.

Evenwithmylion-skincoat,IwasfreezingbythetimewegottoMainStreet,whichwasabouthalfamilefromthetraintracks.Aswewalked,ItoldGroveraboutmyconversationwithApollothenightbefore—howhe’dtoldmetoseekoutNereusinSanFrancisco.

Groverlookeduneasy.“That’sgood,Iguess.Butwe’vegottogettherefirst.”Itriednottogettoodepressedaboutourchances.Ididn’twanttosendGroverintoapanic,butI

knewwehadanotherhugedeadlinelooming,asidefromsavingArtemisintimeforhercouncilofthegods.TheGeneralhadsaidAnnabethwouldonlybekeptaliveuntilthewintersolstice.ThatwasFriday,onlyfourdaysaway.Andhe’dsaidsomethingaboutasacrifice.Ididn’tlikethesoundofthatatall.

Westoppedinthemiddleoftown.Youcouldprettymuchseeeverythingfromthere:aschool,abunchoftouriststoresandcafes,someskicabins,andagrocerystore.

“Great,”Thaliasaid,lookingaround.“Nobusstation.Notaxis.Nocarrental.Nowayout.”“There’sacoffeeshop!”saidGrover.“Yes,”Zoësaid.“Coffeeisgood.”“Andpastries,”Groversaiddreamily.“Andwaxpaper.”Thaliasighed.“Fine.Howaboutyoutwogogetussomefood.Percy,Bianca,andIwillcheckinthe

grocerystore.Maybetheycangiveusdirections.”Weagreedtomeetbackinfrontofthegrocerystoreinfifteenminutes.Biancalookedalittle

uncomfortablecomingwithus,butshedid.Insidethestore,wefoundoutafewvaluablethingsaboutCloudcroft:therewasn’tenoughsnowfor

skiing,thegrocerystoresoldrubberratsforadollareach,andtherewasnoeasywayinoroutoftownunlessyouhadyourowncar.

“YoucouldcallforataxifromAlamogordo,”theclerksaiddoubtfully.“That’sdownatthebottomofthemountains,butitwouldtakeatleastanhourtogethere.Costseveralhundreddollars.”

Theclerklookedsolonely,Iboughtarubberrat.Thenweheadedbackoutsideandstoodontheporch.

“Wonderful,”Thaliagrumped.“I’mgoingtowalkdownthestreet,seeifanybodyintheothershopshasasuggestion.”

“Buttheclerksaid—”“Iknow,”shetoldme.“I’mcheckinganyway.”Ilethergo.Iknewhowitfelttoberestless.Allhalf-bloodshadattentiondeficitproblemsbecause

ofourinbornbattlefieldreflexes.Wecouldn’tstandjustwaitingaround.Also,IhadafeelingThaliawas

stillupsetoverourconversationlastnightaboutLuke.BiancaandIstoodtogetherawkwardly.Imean...Iwasneververycomfortabletalkingone-on-one

withgirlsanyway,andI’dneverbeenalonewithBiancabefore.Iwasn’tsurewhattosay,especiallynowthatshewasaHunterandeverything.

“Nicerat,”shesaidatlast.Isetitontheporchrailing.Maybeitwouldattractmorebusinessforthestore.“So...howdoyoulikebeingaHuntersofar?”Iasked.Shepursedherlips.“You’renotstillmadatmeforjoining,areyou?”“Nah.Longas,youknow...you’rehappy.”“I’mnotsure‘happy’istherightword,withLadyArtemisgone.ButbeingaHunterisdefinitely

cool.Ifeelcalmersomehow.Everythingseemstohavesloweddownaroundme.Iguessthat’stheimmortality.”

Istaredather,tryingtoseethedifference.Shedidseemmoreconfidentthanbefore,moreatpeace.Shedidn’thideherfaceunderagreencapanymore.Shekeptherhairtiedback,andshelookedmerightintheeyeswhenshespoke.Withashiver,Irealizedthatfivehundredorathousandyearsfromnow,BiancadiAngelowouldlookexactlythesameasshedidtoday.Shemightbehavingaconversationlikethiswithsomeotherhalf-bloodlongafterIwasdead,butBiancawouldstilllooktwelveyearsold.

“Nicodidn’tunderstandmydecision,”Biancamurmured.Shelookedatmelikeshewantedassuranceitwasokay.

“He’llbeallright,”Isaid.“CampHalf-Bloodtakesinalotofyoungkids.TheydidthatforAnnabeth.”

Biancanodded.“Ihopewefindher.Annabeth,Imean.She’sluckytohaveafriendlikeyou.”“Lotofgooditdidher.”“Don’tblameyourself,Percy.Youriskedyourlifetosavemybrotherandme.Imean,thatwas

seriouslybrave.IfIhadn’tmetyou,Iwouldn’thavefeltokayaboutleavingNicoatthecamp.Ifigurediftherewerepeoplelikeyouthere,Nicowouldbefine.You’reagoodguy.”

Thecomplimenttookmebysurprise.“EventhoughIknockedyoudownincapturetheflag?”Shelaughed.“Okay.Exceptforthat,you’reagoodguy.”Acouplehundredyardsaway,GroverandZoëcameoutofthecoffeeshoploadeddownwithpastry

bagsanddrinks.Ikindofdidn’twantthemtocomebackyet.Itwasweird,butIrealizedIlikedtalkingtoBianca.Shewasn’tsobad.AloteasiertohangoutwiththanZoëNightshade,anyway.

“Sowhat’sthestorywithyouandNico?”Iaskedher.“WheredidyougotoschoolbeforeWestover?”

Shefrowned.“IthinkitwasaboardingschoolinD.C.Itseemslikesolongago.”“Youneverlivedwithyourparents?Imean,yourmortalparent?”“Weweretoldourparentsweredead.Therewasabanktrustforus.Alotofmoney,Ithink.A

lawyerwouldcomebyonceinawhiletocheckonus.ThenNicoandIhadtoleavethatschool.”“Why?”Sheknithereyebrows.“Wehadtogosomewhere.Irememberitwasimportant.Wetraveledalong

way.Andwestayedinthishotelforafewweeks.Andthen...Idon’tknow.Onedayadifferentlawyercametogetusout.Hesaiditwastimeforustoleave.Hedroveusbackeast,throughD.C.ThenupintoMaine.AndwestartedgoingtoWestover.”

Itwasastrangestory.Thenagain,BiancaandNicowerehalf-bloods.Nothingwouldbenormalforthem.

“Soyou’vebeenraisingNicoprettymuchallyourlife?”Iasked.“Justthetwoofyou?”Shenodded.“That’swhyIwantedtojointheHunterssobad.Imean,Iknowit’sselfish,butI

wantedmyownlifeandfriends.IloveNico—don’tgetmewrong—Ijustneededtofindoutwhatitwouldbelikenottobeabigsistertwenty-fourhoursaday.”

Ithoughtaboutlastsummer,thewayI’dfeltwhenIfoundoutIhadaCyclopsforababybrother.IcouldrelatetowhatBiancawassaying.

“Zoëseemstotrustyou,”Isaid.“Whatwereyouguystalkingabout,anyway—somethingdangerousaboutthequest?”

“When?”“Yesterdaymorningonthepavilion,”Isaid,beforeIcouldstopmyself.“Somethingaboutthe

General.”Herfacedarkened.“Howdidyou...Theinvisibilityhat.Wereyoueavesdropping?”“No!Imean,notreally.Ijust—”IwassavedfromtryingtoexplainwhenZoëandGroverarrivedwiththedrinksandpastries.Hot

chocolateforBiancaandme.Coffeeforthem.Igotablueberrymuffin,anditwassogoodIcouldalmostignoretheoutragedlookBiancawasgivingme.

“Weshoulddothetrackingspell,”Zoësaid.“Grover,doyouhaveanyacornsleft?”“Umm,”Grovermumbled.Hewaschewingonabranmuffin,wrapperandall.“Ithinkso.Ijustneed

to—”Hefroze.Iwasabouttoaskwhatwaswrong,whenawarmbreezerustledpast,likeagustofspringtimehad

gottenlostinthemiddleofwinter.Freshairseasonedwithwildflowersandsunshine.Andsomethingelse—almostlikeavoice,tryingtosaysomething.Awarning.

Zoëgasped.“Grover,thycup.”Groverdroppedhiscoffeecup,whichwasdecoratedwithpicturesofbirds.Suddenlythebirds

peeledoffthecupandflewaway—aflockoftinydoves.Myrubberratsqueaked.Itscamperedofftherailingandintothetrees—realfur,realwhiskers.

Grovercollapsednexttohiscoffee,whichsteamedagainstthesnow.Wegatheredaroundhimandtriedtowakehimup.Hegroaned,hiseyesfluttering.

“Hey!”Thaliasaid,runningupfromthestreet.“Ijust...What’swrongwithGrover?”“Idon’tknow,”Isaid.“Hecollapsed.”“Uuuuuhhhh,”Grovergroaned.“Well,gethimup!”Thaliasaid.Shehadherspearinherhand.Shelookedbehindherasifshewere

beingfollowed.“Wehavetogetoutofhere.”Wemadeittotheedgeofthetownbeforethefirsttwoskeletonwarriorsappeared.Theystepped

fromthetreesoneithersideoftheroad.Insteadofgraycamouflage,theywerenowwearingblueNewMexicoStatePoliceuniforms,buttheyhadthesametransparentgrayskinandyelloweyes.

Theydrewtheirhandguns.I’lladmitIusedtothinkitwouldbekindofcooltolearnhowtoshootagun,butIchangedmymindassoonastheskeletonwarriorspointedtheirsatme.

Thaliatappedherbracelet.Aegisspiraledtolifeonherarm,butthewarriorsdidn’tflinch.Their

glowingyelloweyesboredrightintome.IdrewRiptide,thoughIwasn’tsurewhatgooditwoulddoagainstguns.ZoëandBiancadrewtheirbows,butBiancawashavingtroublebecauseGroverkeptswooningand

leaningagainsther.“Backup,”Thaliasaid.Westartedto—butthenIheardarustlingofbranches.Twomoreskeletonsappearedontheroad

behindus.Weweresurrounded.Iwonderedwheretheotherskeletonswere.I’dseenadozenattheSmithsonian.Thenoneofthe

warriorsraisedacellphonetohismouthandspokeintoit.Excepthewasn’tspeaking.Hemadeaclattering,clickingsound,likedryteethonbone.SuddenlyI

understoodwhatwasgoingon.Theskeletonshadsplituptolookforus.Theseskeletonswerenowcallingtheirbrethren.Soonwe’dhaveafullpartyonourhands.

“It’snear,”Grovermoaned.“It’shere,”Isaid.“No,”heinsisted.“Thegift.ThegiftfromtheWild.”Ididn’tknowwhathewastalkingabout,butIwasworriedabouthiscondition.Hewasinnoshape

towalk,muchlessfight.“We’llhavetogoone-on-one,”Thaliasaid.“Fourofthem.Fourofus.Maybethey’llignoreGrover

thatway.”“Agreed,”saidZoë.“TheWild!”Grovermoaned.Awarmwindblewthroughthecanyon,rustlingthetrees,butIkeptmyeyesontheskeletons.I

rememberedtheGeneralgloatingoverAnnabeth’sfate.IrememberedthewayLukehadbetrayedher.AndIcharged.Thefirstskeletonfired.Timesloweddown.Iwon’tsayIcouldseethebullet,butIcouldfeelits

path,thesamewayIfeltwatercurrentsintheocean.Ideflecteditofftheedgeofmybladeandkeptcharging.

TheskeletondrewabatonandIslicedoffhisarmsattheelbows.ThenIswungRiptidethroughhiswaistandcuthiminhalf.

Hisbonesunknitandclatteredtotheasphaltinaheap.Almostimmediately,theybegantomove,reassemblingthemselves.Thesecondskeletonclatteredhisteethatmeandtriedtofire,butIknockedhisgunintothesnow.

IthoughtIwasdoingprettywell,untiltheothertwoskeletonsshotmeintheback.“Percy!”Thaliascreamed.Ilandedfacedowninthestreet.ThenIrealizedsomething...Iwasn’tdead.Theimpactofthe

bulletshadbeendull,likeapushfrombehind,buttheyhadn’thurtme.TheNemeanLion’sfur!Mycoatwasbulletproof.Thaliachargedthesecondskeleton.ZoëandBiancastartedfiringarrowsatthethirdandfourth.

Groverstoodthereandheldhishandsouttothetrees,lookinglikehewantedtohugthem.Therewasacrashingsoundintheforesttoourleft,likeabulldozer.Maybetheskeletons’

reinforcementswerearriving.Igottomyfeetandduckedapolicebaton.TheskeletonI’dcutinhalfwasalreadyfullyre-formed,comingafterme.

Therewasnowaytostopthem.ZoëandBiancafiredattheirheadspoint-blank,butthearrowsjustwhistledstraightthroughtheiremptyskulls.OnelungedatBianca,andIthoughtshewasagoner,butshewhippedoutherhuntingknifeandstabbedthewarriorinthechest.Thewholeskeletoneruptedintoflames,leavingalittlepileofashesandapolicebadge.

“Howdidyoudothat?”Zoëasked.“Idon’tknow,”Biancasaidnervously.“Luckystab?”“Well,doitagain!”Biancatried,buttheremainingthreeskeletonswerewaryofhernow.Theypressedusback,keeping

usatbaton’slength.“Plan?”Isaidasweretreated.Nobodyanswered.Thetreesbehindtheskeletonswereshivering.Brancheswerecracking.“Agift,”Grovermuttered.Andthen,withamightyroar,thelargestpigI’deverseencamecrashingintotheroad.Itwasawild

boar,thirtyfeethigh,withasnottypinksnoutandtusksthesizeofcanoes.Itsbackbristledwithbrownhair,anditseyeswerewildandangry.

“REEEEEEEEET!”itsquealed,andrakedthethreeskeletonsasidewithitstusks.Theforcewassogreat,theywentflyingoverthetreesandintothesideofthemountain,wheretheysmashedtopieces,thighbonesandarmbonestwirlingeverywhere.

Thenthepigturnedonus.Thaliaraisedherspear,butGroveryelled,“Don’tkillit!”Theboargruntedandpawedtheground,readytocharge.“That’stheErymanthianBoar,”Zoësaid,tryingtostaycalm.“Idon’tthinkwecankillit.”“It’sagift,”Groversaid.“AblessingfromtheWild!”Theboarsaid“REEEEEET!”andswungitstusk.ZoëandBiancadivedoutoftheway.Ihadtopush

Groversohewouldn’tgetlaunchedintothemountainontheBoarTuskExpress.“Yeah,Ifeelblessed!”Isaid.“Scatter!”Weranindifferentdirections,andforamomenttheboarwasconfused.“Itwantstokillus!”Thaliasaid.“Ofcourse,”Groversaid.“It’swild!”“Sohowisthatablessing?”Biancaasked.Itseemedafairquestiontome,butthepigwasoffendedandchargedher.ShewasfasterthanI’d

realized.Sherolledoutofthewayofitshoovesandcameupbehindthebeast.ItlashedoutwithitstusksandpulverizedtheWELCOMETOCLOUDCROFTsign.

Irackedmybrain,tryingtorememberthemythoftheboar.IwasprettysureHerculeshadfoughtthisthingonce,butIcouldn’trememberhowhe’dbeatenit.IhadavaguememoryoftheboarplowingdownseveralGreekcitiesbeforeHerculesmanagedtosubdueit.IhopedCloudcroftwasinsuredagainstgiantwildboarattacks.

“Keepmoving!”Zoëyelled.SheandBiancaraninoppositedirections.Groverdancedaroundtheboar,playinghispipeswhiletheboarsnortedandtriedtogougehim.ButThaliaandIwontheprizeforbadluck.Whentheboarturnedonus,ThaliamadethemistakeofraisingAegisindefense.ThesightoftheMedusaheadmadetheboarsquealinoutrage.Maybeitlookedtoomuchlikeoneofhisrelatives.Theboarchargedus.

Weonlymanagedtokeepaheadofitbecauseweranuphill,andwecoulddodgeinandoutoftreeswhiletheboarhadtoplowthroughthem.

Ontheothersideofthehill,Ifoundanoldstretchoftraintracks,halfburiedinthesnow.“Thisway!”IgrabbedThalia’sarmandweranalongtherailswhiletheboarroaredbehindus,

slippingandslidingasittriedtonavigatethesteephillside.Itshoovesjustwerenotmadeforthis,thankthegods.

Aheadofus,Isawacoveredtunnel.Pastthat,anoldtrestlebridgespanningagorge.Ihadacrazyidea.

“Followme!”Thaliasloweddown—Ididn’thavetimetoaskwhy—butIpulledheralongandshereluctantly

followed.Behindus,aten-tonpigtankwasknockingdownpinetreesandcrushingbouldersunderitshoovesasitchasedus.

ThaliaandIranintothetunnelandcameoutontheotherside.“No!”Thaliascreamed.She’dturnedaswhiteasice.Wewereattheedgeofthebridge.Below,themountaindroppedaway

intoasnow-filledgorgeaboutseventyfeetbelow.Theboarwasrightbehindus.“Comeon!”Isaid.“It’llholdourweight,probably.”“Ican’t!”Thaliayelled.Hereyeswerewildwithfear.Theboarsmashedintothecoveredtunnel,tearingthroughatfullspeed.“Now!”IyelledatThalia.Shelookeddownandswallowed.Iswearshewasturninggreen.Ididn’thavetimetoprocesswhy.Theboarwaschargingthroughthetunnel,straighttowardus.Plan

B.ItackledThaliaandsentusbothsidewaysofftheedgeofthebridge,intothesideofthemountain.WeslidonAegislikeasnowboard,overrocksandmudandsnow,racingdownhill.Theboarwaslessfortunate;itcouldn’tturnthatfast,soalltentonsofthemonsterchargedoutontothetinytrestle,whichbuckledunderitsweight.Theboarfree-fellintothegorgewithamightysquealandlandedinasnowdriftwithahugePOOOOOF!

ThaliaandIskiddedtoastop.Wewerebothbreathinghard.Iwascutupandbleeding.Thaliahadpineneedlesinherhair.Nexttous,thewildboarwassquealingandstruggling.AllIcouldseewasthebristlytipofitsback.ItwaswedgedcompletelyinthesnowlikeStyrofoampacking.Itdidn’tseemtobehurt,butitwasn’tgoinganywhere,either.

IlookedatThalia.“You’reafraidofheights.”Nowthatweweresafelydownthemountain,hereyeshadtheirusualangrylook.“Don’tbestupid.”“ThatexplainswhyyoufreakedoutonApollo’sbus.Whyyoudidn’twanttotalkaboutit.”Shetookadeepbreath.Thenshebrushedthepineneedlesoutofherhair.“Ifyoutellanyone,I

swear—”“No,no,”Isaid.“That’scool.It’sjust...thedaughterofZeus,theLordoftheSky,afraidof

heights?”Shewasabouttoknockmeintothesnowwhen,aboveus,Grover’svoicecalled,“Helloooooo?”“Downhere!”Ishouted.Afewminuteslater,Zoë,Bianca,andGroverjoinedus.Westoodwatchingthewildboarstrugglein

thesnow.“AblessingoftheWild,”Groversaid,thoughhenowlookedagitated.“Iagree,”Zoësaid.“Wemustuseit.”“Holdup,”Thaliasaidirritably.Shestilllookedlikeshe’djustlostafightwithaChristmastree.

“Explaintomewhyyou’resosurethispigisablessing.”Groverlookedover,distracted.“It’sourridewest.Doyouhaveanyideahowfastthisboarcan

travel?”“Fun,”Isaid.“Like...pigcowboys.”Grovernodded.“Weneedtogetaboard.Iwish...IwishIhadmoretimetolookaround.Butit’s

gonenow.”“What’sgone?”Groverdidn’tseemtohearme.Hewalkedovertotheboarandjumpedontoitsback.Alreadythe

boarwasstartingtomakesomeheadwaythroughthedrift.Onceitbrokefree,there’dbenostoppingit.Grovertookouthispipes.Hestartedplayingasnappytuneandtossedanappleinfrontoftheboar.Theapplefloatedandspunrightabovetheboar’snose,andtheboarwentnuts,strainingtogetit.

“Automaticsteering,”Thaliamurmured.“Great.”ShetrudgedoverandjumpedonbehindGrover,whichstillleftplentyofroomfortherestofus.ZoëandBiancawalkedtowardtheboar.“Waitasecond,”Isaid.“DoyoutwoknowwhatGroveristalkingabout—thiswildblessing?”“Ofcourse,”Zoësaid.“Didyounotfeelitinthewind?Itwassostrong...IneverthoughtIwould

sensethatpresenceagain.”“Whatpresence?”ShestaredatmelikeIwasanidiot.“TheLordoftheWild,ofcourse.Justforamoment,inthe

arrivaloftheboar,IfeltthepresenceofPan.”

THIRTEEN

WEVISITTHEJUNKYARDOFTHEGODS

Werodetheboaruntilsunset,whichwasaboutasmuchasmybackendcouldtake.Imagineridingagiantsteelbrushoverabedofgravelallday.That’sabouthowcomfortableboar-ridingwas.

Ihavenoideahowmanymileswecovered,butthemountainsfadedintothedistanceandwerereplacedbymilesofflat,dryland.Thegrassandscrubbrushgotsparseruntilweweregalloping(doboarsgallop?)acrossthedesert.

Asnightfell,theboarcametoastopatacreekbedandsnorted.Hestarteddrinkingthemuddywater,thenrippedasaguarocactusoutofthegroundandchewedit,needlesandall.

“Thisisasfarashe’llgo,”Groversaid.“Weneedtogetoffwhilehe’seating.”Nobodyneededconvincing.Weslippedofftheboar’sbackwhilehewasbusyrippingupcacti.Then

wewaddledawayasbestwecouldwithoursaddlesores.Afteritsthirdsaguaroandanotherdrinkofmuddywater,theboarsquealedandbelched,then

whirledaroundandgallopedbacktowardtheeast.“Itlikesthemountainsbetter,”Iguessed.“Ican’tblameit,”Thaliasaid.“Look.”Aheadofuswasatwo-laneroadhalfcoveredwithsand.Ontheothersideoftheroadwasacluster

ofbuildingstoosmalltobeatown:aboarded-uphouse,atacoshopthatlookedlikeithadn’tbeenopensincebeforeZoëNightshadewasborn,andawhitestuccopostofficewithasignthatsaidGILACLAW,ARIZONAhangingcrookedabovethedoor.Beyondthatwasarangeofhills...butthenInoticedtheyweren’tregularhills.Thecountrysidewaswaytooflatforthat.Thehillswereenormousmoundsofoldcars,appliances,andotherscrapmetal.Itwasajunkyardthatseemedtogoonforever.

“Whoa,”Isaid.“Somethingtellsmewe’renotgoingtofindacarrentalhere,”Thaliasaid.ShelookedatGrover.“I

don’tsupposeyougotanotherwildboarupyoursleeve?”Groverwassniffingthewind,lookingnervous.Hefishedouthisacornsandthrewthemintothe

sand,thenplayedhispipes.Theyrearrangedthemselvesinapatternthatmadenosensetome,butGroverlookedconcerned.

“That’sus,”hesaid.“Thosefivenutsrightthere.”“Whichoneisme?”Iasked.“Thelittledeformedone,”Zoësuggested.“Oh,shutup.”“Thatclusterrightthere,”Groversaid,pointingtotheleft,“that’strouble.”“Amonster?”Thaliaasked.Groverlookeduneasy.“Idon’tsmellanything,whichdoesn’tmakesense.Buttheacornsdon’tlie.

Ournextchallenge...”Hepointedstraighttowardthejunkyard.Withthesunlightalmostgonenow,thehillsofmetallooked

likesomethingonanalienplanet.Wedecidedtocampforthenightandtrythejunkyardinthemorning.Noneofuswantedtogo

Dumpster-divinginthedark.ZoëandBiancaproducedfivesleepingbagsandfoammattressesoutoftheirbackpacks.Idon’t

knowhowtheydidit,becausethepacksweretiny,butmust’vebeenenchantedtoholdsomuchstuff.I’dnoticedtheirbowsandquiverswerealsomagic.Ineverreallythoughtaboutit,butwhentheHuntersneededthem,theyjustappearedslungovertheirbacks.Andwhentheydidn’t,theyweregone.

Thenightgotchillyfast,soGroverandIcollectedoldboardsfromtheruinedhouse,andThaliazappedthemwithanelectricshocktostartacampfire.Prettysoonwewereaboutascomfyasyoucangetinarundownghosttowninthemiddleofnowhere.

“Thestarsareout,”Zoësaid.Shewasright.Thereweremillionsofthem,withnocitylightstoturntheskyorange.“Amazing,”Biancasaid.“I’veneveractuallyseentheMilkyWay.”“Thisisnothing,”Zoësaid.“Intheolddays,thereweremore.Wholeconstellationshave

disappearedbecauseofhumanlightpollution.”“Youtalklikeyou’renothuman,”Isaid.Zoëraisedaneyebrow.“IamaHunter.Icarewhathappenstothewildplacesoftheworld.Canthe

samebesaidforthee?”“Foryou,”Thaliacorrected.“Notthee.”“Butyouuseyouforthebeginningofasentence.”“Andfortheend,”Thaliasaid.“Nothou.Nothee.Justyou.”Zoëthrewupherhandsinexasperation.“Ihatethislanguage.Itchangestoooften!”Groversighed.Hewasstilllookingupatthestarslikehewasthinkingaboutthelightpollution

problem.“IfonlyPanwerehere,hewouldsetthingsright.”Zoënoddedsadly.“Maybeitwasthecoffee,”Groversaid.“Iwasdrinkingcoffee,andthewindcame.MaybeifIdrank

morecoffee...”IwasprettysurecoffeehadnothingtodowithwhathadhappenedinCloudcroft,butIdidn’thave

thehearttotellGrover.Ithoughtabouttherubberratandthetinybirdsthathadsuddenlycomealivewhenthewindblew.“Grover,doyoureallythinkthatwasPan?Imean,Iknowyouwantittobe.”

“Hesentushelp,”Groverinsisted.“Idon’tknowhoworwhy.Butitwashispresence.Afterthisquestisdone,I’mgoingbacktoNewMexicoanddrinkingalotofcoffee.It’sthebestleadwe’vegottenintwothousandyears.Iwassoclose.”

Ididn’tanswer.Ididn’twanttosquashGrover’shopes.“WhatIwanttoknow,”Thaliasaid,lookingatBianca,“ishowyoudestroyedoneofthezombies.

Therearealotmoreouttheresomewhere.Weneedtofigureouthowtofightthem.”Biancashookherhead.“Idon’tknow.Ijuststabbeditanditwentupinflames.”“Maybethere’ssomethingspecialaboutyourknife,”Isaid.“Itisthesameasmine,”Zoësaid.“Celestialbronze,yes.Butminedidnotaffectthewarriorsthat

way.”“Maybeyouhavetohittheskeletoninacertainspot,”Isaid.

Biancalookeduncomfortablewitheverybodypayingattentiontoher.“Nevermind,”Zoëtoldher.“Wewillfindtheanswer.Inthemeantime,weshouldplanournext

move.Whenwegetthroughthisjunkyard,wemustcontinuewest.Ifwecanfindaroad,wecanhitchhiketothenearestcity.IthinkthatwouldbeLasVegas.”

IwasabouttoprotestthatGroverandIhadhadbadexperiencesinthattown,butBiancabeatustoit.

“No!”shesaid.“Notthere!”Shelookedreallyfreakedout,likeshe’djustbeendroppedoffthesteependofarollercoaster.Zoëfrowned.“Why?”Biancatookashakybreath.“I...Ithinkwestayedthereforawhile.NicoandI.Whenwewere

traveling.Andthen,Ican’tremember...”SuddenlyIhadareallybadthought.IrememberedwhatBiancahadtoldmeaboutNicoandher

stayinginahotelforawhile.ImetGrover’seyes,andIgotthefeelinghewasthinkingthesamething.“Bianca,”Isaid.“Thathotelyoustayedat.WasitpossiblycalledtheLotusHotelandCasino?”Hereyeswidened.“Howcouldyouknowthat?”“Oh,great,”Isaid.“Wait,”Thaliasaid.“WhatistheLotusCasino?”“Acoupleofyearsago,”Isaid,“Grover,Annabeth,andIgottrappedthere.It’sdesignedsoyou

neverwanttoleave.Westayedforaboutanhour.Whenwecameout,fivedayshadpassed.Itmakestimespeedup.”

“No,”Biancasaid.“No,that’snotpossible.”“Yousaidsomebodycameandgotyouout,”Iremembered.“Yes.”“Whatdidhelooklike?Whatdidhesay?”“I...Idon’tremember.Please,Ireallydon’twanttotalkaboutthis.”Zoësatforward,hereyebrowsknitwithconcern.“YousaidthatWashington,D.C.,hadchanged

whenyouwentbacklastsummer.Youdidn’trememberthesubwaybeingthere.”“Yes,but—”“Bianca,”Zoësaid,“canyoutellmethenameofthepresidentoftheUnitedStatesrightnow?”“Don’tbesilly,”Biancasaid.Shetoldusthecorrectnameofthepresident.“Andwhowasthepresidentbeforethat?”Zoëasked.Biancathoughtforawhile.“Roosevelt.”Zoëswallowed.“TheodoreorFranklin?”“Franklin,”Biancasaid.“F.D.R.”“LikeFDRDrive?”Iasked.Becauseseriously,that’saboutallIknewaboutF.D.R.“Bianca,”Zoësaid.“F.D.R.wasnotthelastpresident.Thatwasaboutseventyyearsago.”“That’simpossible,”Biancasaid.“I...I’mnotthatold.”Shestaredatherhandsasiftomakesuretheyweren’twrinkled.Thalia’seyesturnedsad.Iguesssheknewwhatitwasliketogetpulledoutoftimeforawhile.“It’s

okay,Bianca.TheimportantthingisyouandNicoaresafe.Youmadeitout.”

“Buthow?”Isaid.“Wewereonlyinthereforanhourandwebarelyescaped.Howcouldyouhaveescapedafterbeingthereforsolong?”

“Itoldyou.”Biancalookedaboutreadytocry.“Amancameandsaiditwastimetoleave.And—”“Butwho?Whydidhedoit?”Beforeshecouldanswer,wewerehitwithablazinglightfromdowntheroad.Theheadlightsofa

carappearedoutofnowhere.IwashalfhopingitwasApollo,cometogiveusarideagain,buttheenginewaswaytoosilentforthesunchariot,andbesides,itwasnighttime.Wegrabbedoursleepingbagsandgotoutofthewayasadeathlywhitelimousineslidtoastopinfrontofus.

***Thebackdoorofthelimoopenedrightnexttome.BeforeIcouldstepaway,thepointofasword

touchedmythroat.IheardthesoundofZoëandBiancadrawingtheirbows.Astheowneroftheswordgotoutofthe

car,Imovedbackveryslowly.Ihadto,becausehewaspushingthepointundermychin.Hesmiledcruelly.“Notsofastnow,areyou,punk?”Hewasabigmanwithacrewcut,ablackleatherbiker’sjacket,blackjeans,awhitemuscleshirt,

andcombatboots.Wraparoundshadeshidhiseyes,butIknewwhatwasbehindthoseglasses—hollowsocketsfilledwithflames.

“Ares,”Igrowled.Thewargodglancedatmyfriends.“Atease,people.”Hesnappedhisfingers,andtheirweaponsfelltotheground.“Thisisafriendlymeeting.”Hedugthepointofhisbladealittlefartherundermychin.“Ofcourse

I’dliketotakeyourheadforatrophy,butsomeonewantstoseeyou.AndIneverbeheadmyenemiesinfrontofalady.”

“Whatlady?”Thaliaasked.Areslookedoverather.“Well,well.Iheardyouwereback.”Heloweredhisswordandpushedmeaway.“Thalia,daughterofZeus,”Aresmused.“You’renothangingoutwithverygoodcompany.”“What’syourbusiness,Ares?”shesaid.“Who’sinthecar?”Aressmiled,enjoyingtheattention.“Oh,Idoubtshewantstomeettherestofyou.Particularlynot

them.”HejuttedhischintowardZoëandBianca.“Whydon’tyouallgogetsometacoswhileyouwait?OnlytakePercyafewminutes.”

“Wewillnotleavehimalonewiththee,LordAres,”Zoësaid.“Besides,”Grovermanaged,“thetacoplaceisclosed.”Aressnappedhisfingersagain.Thelightsinsidethetaqueriasuddenlyblazedtolife.Theboards

flewoffthedoorandtheCLOSEDsignflippedtoOPEN.“Youweresaying,goatboy?”“Goon,”Itoldmyfriends.“I’llhandlethis.”ItriedtosoundmoreconfidentthanIfelt.Idon’tthinkAreswasfooled.“Youheardtheboy,”Aressaid.“He’sbigandstrong.He’sgotthingsundercontrol.”Myfriendsreluctantlyheadedovertothetacorestaurant.Aresregardedmewithloathingthen

openedthelimousinedoorlikeachauffeur.“Getinside,punk,”hesaid.“Andmindyourmanners.She’snotasforgivingofrudenessasIam.”

WhenIsawher,myjawdropped.Iforgotmyname.IforgotwhereIwas.Iforgothowtospeakincompletesentences.Shewaswearingaredsatindressandherhairwascurledinacascadeofringlets.Herfacewasthe

mostbeautifulI’deverseen:perfectmakeup,dazzlingeyes,asmilethatwould’velitupthedarksideofthemoon.

Thinkingbackonit,Ican’ttellyouwhoshelookedlike.Orevenwhatcolorherhairorhereyeswere.Pickthemostbeautifulactressyoucanthinkof.The

goddesswastentimesmorebeautifulthanthat.Pickyourfavoritehaircolor,eyecolor,whatever.Thegoddesshadthat.

Whenshesmiledatme,justforamomentshelookedalittlelikeAnnabeth.ThenlikethistelevisionactressIusedtohaveacrushoninfifthgrade.Then...well,yougettheidea.

“Ah,thereyouare,Percy,”thegoddesssaid.“IamAphrodite.”Islippedintotheseatacrossfromherandsaidsomethinglike,“Umuhgah.”Shesmiled.“Aren’tyousweet.Holdthis,please.”Shehandedmeapolishedmirrorthesizeofadinnerplateandhadmeholditupforher.Sheleaned

forwardanddabbedatherlipstick,thoughIcouldn’tseeanythingwrongwithit.“Doyouknowwhyyou’rehere?”sheasked.Iwantedtorespond.Whycouldn’tIformacompletesentence?Shewasonlyalady.Aseriously

beautifullady.Witheyeslikepoolsofspringwater...Whoa.Ipinchedmyownarm,hard.“I...Idon’tknow,”Imanaged.“Oh,dear,”Aphroditesaid.“Stillindenial?”Outsidethecar,IcouldhearAreschuckling.Ihadafeelinghecouldheareverywordwesaid.The

ideaofhimbeingouttheremademeangry,andthathelpedclearmymind.“Idon’tknowwhatyou’retalkingabout,”Isaid.“Wellthen,whyareyouonthisquest?”“Artemishasbeencaptured!”Aphroditerolledhereyes.“Oh,Artemis.Please.Talkaboutahopelesscase.Imean,iftheywere

goingtokidnapagoddess,sheshouldbebreathtakinglybeautiful,don’tyouthink?IpitythepoordearswhohavetoimprisonArtemis.Bo-ring!”

“Butshewaschasingamonster,”Iprotested.“Areally,reallybadmonster.Wehavetofindit!”Aphroditemademeholdthemirroralittlehigher.Sheseemedtohavefoundamicroscopicproblem

atthecornerofhereyeanddabbedathermascara.“Alwayssomemonster.ButmydearPercy,thatiswhytheothersareonthisquest.I’mmoreinterestedinyou.”

Myheartpounded.Ididn’twanttoanswer,buthereyesdrewananswerrightoutofmymouth.“Annabethisintrouble.”

Aphroditebeamed.“Exactly!”“Ihavetohelpher,”Isaid.“I’vebeenhavingthesedreams.”“Ah,youevendreamabouther!That’ssocute!”“No!Imean...that’snotwhatImeant.”Shemadeatsk-tsksound.“Percy,I’monyourside.I’mthereasonyou’rehere,afterall.”

Istaredather.“What?”“ThepoisonedT-shirttheStollbrothersgavePhoebe,”shesaid.“Didyouthinkthatwasan

accident?SendingBlackjacktofindyou?Helpingyousneakoutofthecamp?”“Youdidthat?”“Ofcourse!Becausereally,howboringtheseHuntersare!Aquestforsomemonster,blahblahblah.

SavingArtemis.Letherstaylost,Isay.Butaquestfortruelove—”“Waitasecond,Ineversaid—”“Oh,mydear.Youdon’tneedtosayit.YoudoknowAnnabethwasclosetojoiningtheHunters,

don’tyou?”Iblushed.“Iwasn’tsure—”“Shewasabouttothrowherlifeaway!Andyou,mydear,youcansaveherfromthat.It’sso

romantic!”“Uh...”“Oh,putthemirrordown,”Aphroditeordered.“Ilookfine.”Ihadn’trealizedIwasstillholdingit,butassoonasIputitdown,Inoticedmyarmsweresore.“Nowlisten,Percy,”Aphroditesaid.“TheHuntersareyourenemies.ForgetthemandArtemisand

themonster.That’snotimportant.YoujustconcentrateonfindingandsavingAnnabeth.”“Doyouknowwheresheis?”Aphroditewavedherhandirritably.“No,no.Ileavethedetailstoyou.Butit’sbeenagessince

we’vehadagoodtragiclovestory.”“Whoa,firstofall,Ineversaidanythingaboutlove.Andsecond,what’supwithtragic?”“Loveconquersall,”Aphroditepromised.“LookatHelenandParis.Didtheyletanythingcome

betweenthem?”“Didn’ttheystarttheTrojanWarandgetthousandsofpeoplekilled?”“Pfft.That’snotthepoint.Followyourheart.”“But...Idon’tknowwhereit’sgoing.Myheart,Imean.”Shesmiledsympathetically.Shereallywasbeautiful.Andnotjustbecauseshehadaprettyfaceor

anything.Shebelievedinlovesomuch,itwasimpossiblenottofeelgiddywhenshetalkedaboutit.“Notknowingishalfthefun,”Aphroditesaid.“Exquisitelypainful,isn’tit?Notbeingsurewhoyou

loveandwholovesyou?Oh,youkids!It’ssocuteI’mgoingtocry.”“No,no,”Isaid.“Don’tdothat.”“Anddon’tworry,”shesaid.“I’mnotgoingtoletthisbeeasyandboringforyou.No,Ihavesome

wonderfulsurprisesinstore.Anguish.Indecision.Oh,youjustwait.”“That’sreallyokay,”Itoldher.“Don’tgotoanytrouble.”“You’resocute.Iwishallmydaughterscouldbreaktheheartofaboyasniceasyou.”Aphrodite’s

eyesweretearingup.“Now,you’dbettergo.Anddobecarefulinmyhusband’sterritory,Percy.Don’ttakeanything.Heisawfullyfussyabouthistrinketsandtrash.”

“What?”Iasked.“YoumeanHephaestus?”ButthecardooropenedandAresgrabbedmyshoulder,pullingmeoutofthecarandbackintothe

desertnight.Myaudiencewiththegoddessoflovewasover.

“You’relucky,punk.”Arespushedmeawayfromthelimo.“Begrateful.”“Forwhat?”“Thatwe’rebeingsonice.Ifitwasuptome—”“Sowhyhaven’tyoukilledme?”Ishotback.Itwasastupidthingtosaytothegodofwar,butbeing

aroundhimalwaysmademefeelangryandreckless.Aresnodded,likeI’dfinallysaidsomethingintelligent.“I’dlovetokillyou,seriously,”hesaid.“Butsee,Igotasituation.WordonOlympusisthatyou

mightstartthebiggestwarinhistory.Ican’triskmessingthatup.Besides,Aphroditethinksyou’resomekindasoap-operastarorsomething.Ikillyou,thatmakesmelookbadwithher.Butdon’tworry.Ihaven’tforgottenmypromise.Somedaysoon,kid—realsoon—you’regoingtoraiseyourswordtofight,andyou’regoingtorememberthewrathofAres.”

Iballedmyfists.“Whywait?Ibeatyouonce.How’sthatanklehealingup?”Hegrinnedcrookedly.“Notbad,punk.Butyougotnothingonthemasteroftaunts.I’llstartthefight

whenI’mgoodandready.Untilthen...Getlost.”Hesnappedhisfingersandtheworlddidathree-sixty,spinninginacloudofreddust.Ifelltothe

ground.WhenIstoodupagain,thelimousinewasgone.Theroad,thetacorestaurant,thewholetownofGila

Clawwasgone.MyfriendsandIwerestandinginthemiddleofthejunkyard,mountainsofscrapmetalstretchedoutineverydirection.

“Whatdidshewantwithyou?”Biancaasked,onceI’dtoldthemaboutAphrodite.“Oh,uh,notsure,”Ilied.“Shesaidtobecarefulinherhusband’sjunkyard.Shesaidnottopick

anythingup.”Zoënarrowedhereyes.“Thegoddessoflovewouldnotmakeaspecialtriptotelltheethat.Be

careful,Percy.Aphroditehasledmanyheroesastray.”“ForonceIagreewithZoë,”Thaliasaid.“Youcan’ttrustAphrodite.”Groverwaslookingatmefunny.Beingempathicandall,hecouldusuallyreadmyemotions,andI

gotthefeelingheknewexactlywhatAphroditehadtalkedtomeabout.“So,”Isaid,anxioustochangethesubject,“howdowegetoutofhere?”“Thatway,”Zoësaid.“Thatiswest.”“Howcanyoutell?”Inthelightofthefullmoon,IwassurprisedhowwellIcouldseeherrollhereyesatme.“Ursa

Majorisinthenorth,”shesaid,“whichmeansthatmustbewest.”Shepointedwest,thenatthenorthernconstellation,whichwashardtomakeoutbecausetherewere

somanyotherstars.“Oh,yeah,”Isaid.“Thebearthing.”Zoëlookedoffended.“Showsomerespect.Itwasafinebear.Aworthyopponent.”“Youactlikeitwasreal.”“Guys,”Groverbrokein.“Look!”We’dreachedthecrestofajunkmountain.Pilesofmetalobjectsglintedinthemoonlight:broken

headsofbronzehorses,metallegsfromhumanstatues,smashedchariots,tonsofshieldsandswordsandotherweapons,alongwithmoremodernstuff,likecarsthatgleamedgoldandsilver,refrigerators,washingmachines,andcomputermonitors.

“Whoa,”Biancasaid.“Thatstuff...someofitlookslikerealgold.”“Itis,”Thaliasaidgrimly.“LikePercysaid,don’ttouchanything.Thisisthejunkyardofthegods.”“Junk?”Groverpickedupabeautifulcrownmadeofgold,silver,andjewels.Itwasbrokenonone

side,asifithadbeensplitbyanaxe.“Youcallthisjunk?”Hebitoffapointandbegantochew.“It’sdelicious!”Thaliaswattedthecrownoutofhishands.“I’mserious!”“Look!”Biancasaid.Sheraceddownthehill,trippingoverbronzecoilsandgoldenplates.She

pickedupabowthatglowedsilverinmoonlight.“AHunter’sbow!”Sheyelpedinsurpriseasthebowbegantoshrink,andbecameahairclipshapedlikeacrescent

moon.“It’sjustlikePercy’ssword!”Zoë’sfacewasgrim.“Leaveit,Bianca.”“But—”“Itishereforareason.Anythingthrownawayinthisjunkyardmuststayinthisyard.Itisdefective.

Orcursed.”Biancareluctantlysetthehairclipdown.“Idon’tlikethisplace,”Thaliasaid.Shegrippedtheshaftofherspear.“Youthinkwe’regoingtogetattackedbykillerrefrigerators?”Iasked.Shegavemeahardlook.“Zoëisright,Percy.Thingsgetthrownawayhereforareason.Nowcome

on,let’sgetacrosstheyard.”“That’sthesecondtimeyou’veagreedwithZoë,”Imuttered,butThaliaignoredme.Westartedpickingourwaythroughthehillsandvalleysofjunk.Thestuffseemedtogoonforever,

andifithadn’tbeenforUrsaMajor,wewould’vegottenlost.Allthehillsprettymuchlookedthesame.I’dliketosayweleftthestuffalone,buttherewastoomuchcooljunknottocheckoutsomeofit.I

foundanelectricguitarshapedlikeApollo’slyrethatwassosweetIhadtopickitup.Groverfoundabrokentreemadeoutofmetal.Ithadbeenchoppedtopieces,butsomeofthebranchesstillhadgoldenbirdsinthem,andtheywhirredaroundwhenGroverpickedthemup,tryingtoflaptheirwings.

Finally,wesawtheedgeofthejunkyardabouthalfamileaheadofus,thelightsofahighwaystretchingthroughthedesert.Butbetweenusandtheroad...

“Whatisthat?”Biancagasped.Aheadofuswasahillmuchbiggerandlongerthantheothers.Itwaslikeametalmesa,thelengthof

afootballfieldandastallasgoalposts.Atoneendofthemesawasarowoftenthickmetalcolumns,wedgedtightlytogether.

Biancafrowned.“Theylooklike—”“Toes,”Groversaid.Biancanodded.“Really,reallylargetoes.”ZoëandThaliaexchangednervouslooks.“Let’sgoaround,”Thaliasaid.“Fararound.”“Buttheroadisrightoverthere,”Iprotested.“Quickertoclimbover.”Ping.ThaliaheftedherspearandZoëdrewherbow,butthenIrealizeditwasonlyGrover.Hehadthrown

apieceofscrapmetalatthetoesandhitone,makingadeepecho,asifthecolumnwerehollow.

“Whydidyoudothat?”Zoëdemanded.Grovercringed.“Idon’tknow.I,uh,don’tlikefakefeet?”“Comeon.”Thalialookedatme.“Around.”Ididn’targue.Thetoeswerestartingtofreakmeout,too.Imean,whosculptsten-foot-tallmetal

toesandstickstheminajunkyard?Afterseveralminutesofwalking,wefinallysteppedontothehighway,anabandonedbutwell-lit

stretchofblackasphalt.“Wemadeitout,”Zoësaid.“Thankthegods.”Butapparentlythegodsdidn’twanttobethanked.Atthatmoment,Iheardasoundlikeathousand

trashcompactorscrushingmetal.Iwhirledaround.Behindus,thescrapmountainwasboiling,risingup.Thetentoestiltedover,andI

realizedwhytheylookedliketoes.Theyweretoes.ThethingthatroseupfromthemetalwasabronzegiantinfullGreekbattlearmor.Hewasimpossiblytall—askyscraperwithlegsandarms.Hegleamedwickedlyinthemoonlight.Helookeddownatus,andhisfacewasdeformed.Theleftsidewaspartiallymeltedoff.Hisjointscreakedwithrust,andacrosshisarmoredchest,writteninthickdustbysomegiantfinger,werethewordsWASHME.

“Talos!”Zoëgasped.“Who—who’sTalos?”Istuttered.“OneofHephaestus’screations,”Thaliasaid.“Butthatcan’tbetheoriginal.It’stoosmall.A

prototype,maybe.Adefectivemodel.”Themetalgiantdidn’tliketheworddefective.Hemovedonehandtohisswordbeltanddrewhisweapon.Thesoundofitcomingoutofitssheath

washorrible,metalscreechingagainstmetal.Thebladewasahundredfeetlong,easy.Itlookedrustyanddull,butIdidn’tfigurethatmattered.Gettinghitwiththatthingwouldbelikegettinghitwithabattleship.

“Someonetooksomething,”Zoësaid.“Whotooksomething?”Shestaredaccusinglyatme.Ishookmyhead.“I’malotofthings,butI’mnotathief.”Biancadidn’tsayanything.Icouldswearshelookedguilty,butIdidn’thavemuchtimetothink

aboutit,becausethegiantdefectiveTalostookonesteptowardus,closinghalfthedistanceandmakingthegroundshake.

“Run!”Groveryelped.Greatadvice,exceptthatitwashopeless.Ataleisurelystroll,thisthingcouldoutdistanceuseasily.Wesplitup,thewaywe’ddonewiththeNemeanLion.Thaliadrewhershieldandhelditupasshe

randownthehighway.Thegiantswunghisswordandtookoutarowofpowerlines,whichexplodedinsparksandscatteredacrossThalia’spath.

Zoë’sarrowswhistledtowardthecreature’sfacebutshatteredharmlesslyagainstthemetal.Groverbrayedlikeababygoatandwentclimbingupamountainofmetal.

BiancaandIendedupnexttoeachother,hidingbehindabrokenchariot.“Youtooksomething,”Isaid.“Thatbow.”“No!”shesaid,buthervoicewasquivering.“Giveitback!”Isaid.“Throwitdown!”

“I...Ididn’ttakethebow!Besides,it’stoolate.”“Whatdidyoutake?”Beforeshecouldanswer,Iheardamassivecreakingnoise,andashadowblottedoutthesky.“Move!”Itoredownthehill,Biancarightbehindme,asthegiant’sfootsmashedacraterinthe

groundwherewe’dbeenhiding.“Hey,Talos!”Groveryelled,butthemonsterraisedhissword,lookingdownatBiancaandme.Groverplayedaquickmelodyonhispipes.Overatthehighway,thedownedpowerlinesbeganto

dance.IunderstoodwhatGroverwasgoingtodoasplitsecondbeforeithappened.OneofthepoleswithpowerlinesstillattachedflewtowardTalos’sbacklegandwrappedaroundhiscalf.Thelinessparkedandsentajoltofelectricityupthegiant’sbackside.

Taloswhirledaround,creakingandsparking.Groverhadboughtusafewseconds.“Comeon!”ItoldBianca.Butshestayedfrozen.Fromherpocket,shebroughtoutasmallmetal

figurine,astatueofagod.“It...itwasforNico.Itwastheonlystatuehedidn’thave.”“HowcanyouthinkofMythomagicatatimelikethis?”Isaid.Thereweretearsinhereyes.“Throwitdown,”Isaid.“Maybethegiantwillleaveusalone.”Shedroppeditreluctantly,butnothinghappened.ThegiantkeptcomingafterGrover.Itstabbeditsswordintoajunkhill,missingGroverbyafew

feet,butscrapmetalmadeanavalancheoverhim,andthenIcouldn’tseehimanymore.“No!”Thaliayelled.Shepointedherspear,andabluearcoflightningshotout,hittingthemonsterin

hisrustyknee,whichbuckled.Thegiantcollapsed,butimmediatelystartedtoriseagain.Itwashardtotellifitcouldfeelanything.Thereweren’tanyemotionsinitshalf-meltedface,butIgotthesensethatitwasaboutastickedoffasatwenty-story-tallmetalwarriorcouldbe.

HeraisedhisfoottostompandIsawthathissolewastreadedlikethebottomofasneaker.Therewasaholeinhisheel,likealargemanhole,andtherewereredwordspaintedaroundit,whichIdecipheredonlyafterthefootcamedown:FORMAINTENANCEONLY.

“Crazy-ideatime,”Isaid.Biancalookedatmenervously.“Anything.”Itoldheraboutthemaintenancehatch.“Theremaybeawaytocontrolthething.Switchesor

something.I’mgoingtogetinside.”“How?You’llhavetostandunderitsfoot!You’llbecrushed.”“Distractit,”Isaid.“I’lljusthavetotimeitright.”Bianca’sjawtightened.“No.I’llgo.”“Youcan’t.You’renewatthis!You’lldie.”“It’smyfaultthemonstercameafterus,”shesaid.“It’smyresponsibility.Here.”Shepickedupthe

littlegodstatueandpresseditintomyhand.“Ifanythinghappens,givethattoNico.Tellhim...tellhimI’msorry.”

“Bianca,no!”Butshewasn’twaitingforme.Shechargedatthemonster’sleftfoot.Thaliahaditsattentionforthemoment.She’dlearnedthatthegiantwasbigbutslow.Ifyoucould

stayclosetoitandnotgetsmashed,youcouldrunarounditandstayalive.Atleast,itwasworkingsofar.

Biancagotrightnexttothegiant’sfoot,tryingtobalanceherselfonthemetalscrapsthatswayedandshiftedwithhisweight.

Zoëyelled,“Whatareyoudoing?”“Getittoraiseitsfoot!”shesaid.Zoëshotanarrowtowardthemonster’sfaceanditflewstraightintoonenostril.Thegiant

straightenedandshookitshead.“Hey,JunkBoy!”Iyelled.“Downhere.”IranuptoitsbigtoeandstabbeditwithRiptide.Themagicbladecutagashinthebronze.Unfortunately,myplanworked.Taloslookeddownatmeandraisedhisfoottosquashmelikeabug.

Ididn’tseewhatBiancawasdoing.Ihadtoturnandrun.ThefootcamedownabouttwoinchesbehindmeandIwasknockedintotheair.Ihitsomethinghardandsatup,dazed.I’dbeenthrownintoanOlympus-Airrefrigerator.

Themonsterwasabouttofinishmeoff,butGroversomehowdughimselfoutofthejunkpile.Heplayedhispipesfrantically,andhismusicsentanotherpowerlinepolewhackingagainstTalos’sthigh.Themonsterturned.Grovershould’verun,buthemust’vebeentooexhaustedfromtheeffortofsomuchmagic.Hetooktwosteps,fell,anddidn’tgetbackup.

“Grover!”ThaliaandIbothrantowardhim,butIknewwe’dbetoolate.ThemonsterraisedhisswordtosmashGrover.Thenhefroze.Taloscockedhisheadtooneside,likehewashearingstrangenewmusic.Hestartedmovinghis

armsandlegsinweirdways,doingtheFunkyChicken.Thenhemadeafistandpunchedhimselfintheface.

“Go,Bianca!”Iyelled.Zoëlookedhorrified.“Sheisinside?”Themonsterstaggeredaround,andIrealizedwewerestillindanger.ThaliaandIgrabbedGrover

andranwithhimtowardthehighway.Zoëwasalreadyaheadofus.Sheyelled,“HowwillBiancagetout?”

Thegianthititselfintheheadagainanddroppedhissword.Ashudderranthroughhiswholebodyandhestaggeredtowardthepowerlines.

“Lookout!”Iyelled,butitwastoolate.Thegiant’sanklesnaredthelines,andblueflickersofelectricityshotuphisbody.Ihopedtheinside

wasinsulated.Ihadnoideawhatwasgoingoninthere.Thegiantcareenedbackintothejunkyard,andhisrighthandfelloff,landinginthescrapmetalwithahorribleCLANG!

Hisleftarmcameloose,too.Hewasfallingapartatthejoints.Talosbegantorun.“Wait!”Zoëyelled.Weranafterhim,buttherewasnowaywecouldkeepup.Piecesoftherobot

keptfallingoff,gettinginourway.Thegiantcrumbledfromthetopdown:hishead,hischest,andfinally,hislegscollapsed.Whenwe

reachedthewreckagewesearchedfrantically,yellingBianca’sname.Wecrawledaroundinthevasthollowpiecesandthelegsandthehead.Wesearcheduntilthesunstartedtorise,butnoluck.

Zoësatdownandwept.Iwasstunnedtoseehercry.Thaliayelledinrageandimpaledherswordinthegiant’ssmashedface.“Wecankeepsearching,”Isaid.“It’slightnow.We’llfindher.”

“Nowewon’t,”Groversaidmiserably.“Ithappenedjustasitwassupposedto.”“Whatareyoutalkingabout?”Idemanded.Helookedupatmewithbigwateryeyes.“Theprophecy.Oneshallbelostinthelandwithout

rain.”Whyhadn’tIseenit?WhyhadIlethergoinsteadofme?Herewewereinthedesert.AndBiancadiAngelowasgone.

FOURTEEN

IHAVEADAMPROBLEM

Attheedgeofthedump,wefoundatowtrucksoolditmight’vebeenthrownawayitself.Buttheenginestarted,andithadafulltankofgas,sowedecidedtoborrowit.

Thaliadrove.Shedidn’tseemasstunnedasZoëorGroverorme.“Theskeletonsarestilloutthere,”sheremindedus.“Weneedtokeepmoving.”Shenavigatedusthroughthedesert,underclearblueskies,thesandsobrightithurttolookat.Zoë

satupfrontwithThalia.GroverandIsatinthepickupbed,leaningagainstthetowwench.Theairwascoolanddry,buttheniceweatherjustseemedlikeaninsultafterlosingBianca.

Myhandclosedaroundthelittlefigurinethathadcostherlife.Istillcouldn’teventellwhatgoditwassupposedtobe.Nicowouldknow.

Oh,gods...whatwasIgoingtotellNico?IwantedtobelievethatBiancawasstillalivesomewhere.ButIhadabadfeelingthatshewasgone

forgood.“Itshould’vebeenme,”Isaid.“Ishould’vegoneintothegiant.”“Don’tsaythat!”Groverpanicked.“It’sbadenoughAnnabethisgone,andnowBianca.Doyouthink

Icouldstanditif...”Hesniffled.“Doyouthinkanybodyelsewouldbemybestfriend?”“Ah,Grover...”Hewipedunderhiseyeswithanoilycloththatlefthisfacegrimy,likehehadonwarpaint.“I’m...

I’mokay.”Buthewasn’tokay.EversincetheencounterinNewMexico—whateverhadhappenedwhenthat

wildwindblewthrough—heseemedreallyfragile,evenmoreemotionalthanusual.Iwasafraidtotalktohimaboutit,becausehemightstartbawling.

Atleastthere’sonegoodthingabouthavingafriendwhogetsfreakedoutmorethanyoudo.IrealizedIcouldn’tstaydepressed.IhadtosetasidethinkingaboutBiancaandkeepusgoingforward,thewayThaliawasdoing.IwonderedwhatsheandZoëweretalkingaboutinthefrontofthetruck.

Thetowtruckranoutofgasattheedgeofarivercanyon.Thatwasjustaswell,becausetheroaddead-ended.

Thaliagotoutandslammedthedoor.Immediately,oneofthetiresblew.“Great.Whatnow?”Iscannedthehorizon.Therewasn’tmuchtosee.Desertinalldirections,occasionalclumpsof

barrenmountainsploppedhereandthere.Thecanyonwastheonlythinginteresting.Theriveritselfwasn’tverybig,maybefiftyyardsacross,greenwaterwithafewrapids,butitcarvedahugescaroutofthedesert.Therockcliffsdroppedawaybelowus.

“There’sapath,”Groversaid.“Wecouldgettotheriver.”Itriedtoseewhathewastalkingabout,andfinallynoticedatinyledgewindingdownthecliffface.

“That’sagoatpath,”Isaid.“So?”heasked.

“Therestofusaren’tgoats.”“Wecanmakeit,”Groversaid.“Ithink.”Ithoughtaboutthat.I’ddonecliffsbefore,butIdidn’tlikethem.ThenIlookedoveratThaliaand

sawhowpaleshe’dgotten.Herproblemwithheights...she’dneverbeabletodoit.“No,”Isaid.“I,uh,thinkweshouldgofartherupstream.”Groversaid,“But—”“Comeon,”Isaid.“Awalkwon’thurtus.”IglancedatThalia.HereyessaidaquickThankyou.Wefollowedtheriverabouthalfamilebeforecomingtoaneasierslopethatleddowntothewater.

Ontheshorewasacanoerentaloperationthatwasclosedfortheseason,butIleftastackofgoldendrachmasonthecounterandanotesayingIOUtwocanoes.

“Weneedtogoupstream,”Zoësaid.ItwasthefirsttimeI’dheardherspeaksincethejunkyard,andIwasworriedabouthowbadshesounded,likesomebodywiththeflu.“Therapidsaretooswift.”

“Leavethattome,”Isaid.Weputthecanoesinthewater.Thaliapulledmeasideasweweregettingtheoars.“Thanksforbackthere.”“Don’tmentionit.”“Canyoureally...”Shenoddedtotherapids.“Youknow.”“Ithinkso.UsuallyI’mgoodwithwater.”“WouldyoutakeZoë?”sheasked.“Ithink,ah,maybeyoucantalktoher.”“She’snotgoingtolikethat.”“Please?Idon’tknowifIcanstandbeinginthesameboatwithher.She’s...she’sstartingtoworry

me.”ItwasaboutthelastthingIwantedtodo,butInodded.Thalia’sshouldersrelaxed.“Ioweyouone.”“Two.”“Oneandahalf,”Thaliasaid.Shesmiled,andforasecond,IrememberedthatIactuallylikedherwhenshewasn’tyellingatme.

SheturnedandhelpedGrovergettheircanoeintothewater.Asitturnedout,Ididn’tevenneedtocontrolthecurrents.Assoonaswegotintheriver,Ilooked

overtheedgeoftheboatandfoundacoupleofnaiadsstaringatme.Theylookedlikeregularteenagegirls,thekindyou’dseeinanymall,exceptforthefactthatthey

wereunderwater.Hey,Isaid.Theymadeabubblingsoundthatmayhavebeengiggling.Iwasn’tsure.Ihadahardtime

understandingnaiads.We’reheadingupstream,Itoldthem.Doyouthinkyoucould—BeforeIcouldevenfinish,the

naiadseachchoseacanoeandbeganpushingusuptheriver.WestartedsofastGroverfellintohiscanoewithhishoovesstickingupintheair.

“Ihatenaiads,”Zoëgrumbled.AstreamofwatersquirtedupfromthebackoftheboatandhitZoëintheface.“She-devils!”Zoëwentforherbow.

“Whoa,”Isaid.“They’rejustplaying.”“Cursedwaterspirits.They’veneverforgivenme.”“Forgivenyouforwhat?”Sheslungherbowbackoverhershoulder.“Itwasalongtimeago.Nevermind.”Wespeduptheriver,thecliffsloominguponeithersideofus.“WhathappenedtoBiancawasn’tyourfault,”Itoldher.“Itwasmyfault.Ilethergo.”IfiguredthiswouldgiveZoëanexcusetostartyellingatme.Atleastthatmightshakeheroutof

feelingdepressed.Instead,hershouldersslumped.“No,Percy.Ipushedherintogoingonthequest.Iwastooanxious.

Shewasapowerfulhalf-blood.Shehadakindheart,aswell.I...Ithoughtshewouldbethenextlieutenant.”

“Butyou’rethelieutenant.”Shegrippedthestrapofherquiver.ShelookedmoretiredthanI’deverseenher.“Nothingcanlast

forever,Percy.OvertwothousandyearsIhaveledtheHunt,andmywisdomhasnotimproved.NowArtemisherselfisindanger.”

“Look,youcan’tblameyourselfforthat.”“IfIhadinsistedongoingwithher—”“Youthinkyoucould’vefoughtsomethingpowerfulenoughtokidnapArtemis?There’snothingyou

couldhavedone.”Zoëdidn’tanswer.Thecliffsalongtheriverweregettingtaller.Longshadowsfellacrossthewater,makingitalot

colder,eventhoughthedaywasbright.Withoutthinkingaboutit,ItookRiptideoutofmypocket.Zoëlookedatthepen,andherexpression

waspained.“Youmadethis,”Isaid.“Whotoldthee?”“Ihadadreamaboutit.”Shestudiedme.Iwassureshewasgoingtocallmecrazy,butshejustsighed.“Itwasagift.Anda

mistake.”“Whowasthehero?”Iasked.Zoëshookherhead.“Donotmakemesayhisname.Isworenevertospeakitagain.”“YouactlikeIshouldknowhim.”“Iamsureyoudo,hero.Don’tallyouboyswanttobejustlikehim?”Hervoicewassobitter,Idecidednottoaskwhatshemeant.IlookeddownatRiptide,andforthe

firsttime,Iwonderedifitwascursed.“Yourmotherwasawatergoddess?”Iasked.“Yes,Pleione.Shehadfivedaughters.MysistersandI.TheHesperides.”“ThosewerethegirlswholivedinagardenattheedgeoftheWest.Withthegoldenappletreeanda

dragonguardingit.”“Yes,”Zoësaidwistfully.“Ladon.”

“Butweren’tthereonlyfoursisters?”“Therearenow.Iwasexiled.Forgotten.BlottedoutasifIneverexisted.”“Why?”Zoëpointedtomypen.“BecauseIbetrayedmyfamilyandhelpedahero.Youwon’tfindthatinthe

legendeither.Heneverspokeofme.AfterhisdirectassaultonLadonfailed,Igavehimtheideaofhowtostealtheapples,howtotrickmyfather,buthetookallthecredit.”

“But—”Gurgle,gurgle,thenaiadspokeinmymind.Thecanoewasslowingdown.Ilookedahead,andIsawwhy.Thiswasasfarastheycouldtakeus.Theriverwasblocked.Adamthesizeofafootballstadium

stoodinourpath.“HooverDam,”Thaliasaid.“It’shuge.”Westoodattheriver’sedge,lookingupatacurveofconcretethatloomedbetweenthecliffs.People

werewalkingalongthetopofthedam.Theyweresotinytheylookedlikefleas.Thenaiadshadleftwithalotofgrumbling—notinwordsIcouldunderstand,butitwasobviousthey

hatedthisdamblockinguptheirniceriver.Ourcanoesfloatedbackdownstream,swirlinginthewakefromthedam’sdischargevents.

“Sevenhundredfeettall,”Isaid.“Builtinthe1930s.”“Fivemillioncubicacresofwater,”Thaliasaid.Groversighed.“LargestconstructionprojectintheUnitedStates.”Zoëstaredatus.“Howdoyouknowallthat?”“Annabeth,”Isaid.“Shelikedarchitecture.”“Shewasnutsaboutmonuments,”Thaliasaid.“Spoutedfactsallthetime.”Groversniffled.“Soannoying.”“Iwishshewerehere,”Isaid.Theothersnodded.Zoëwasstilllookingatusstrangely,butIdidn’tcare.Itseemedlikecruelfate

thatwe’dcometoHooverDam,oneofAnnabeth’spersonalfavorites,andshewasn’theretoseeit.“Weshouldgoupthere,”Isaid.“Forhersake.Justtosaywe’vebeen.”“Youaremad,”Zoëdecided.“Butthat’swheretheroadis.”Shepointedtoahugeparkinggarage

nexttothetopofthedam.“Andso,sightseeingitis.”Wehadtowalkforalmostanhourbeforewefoundapaththatleduptotheroad.Itcameuponthe

eastsideoftheriver.Thenwestraggledbacktowardthedam.Itwascoldandwindyontop.Ononeside,abiglakespreadout,ringedbybarrendesertmountains.Ontheotherside,thedamdroppedawayliketheworld’smostdangerousskateboardramp,downtotheriversevenhundredfeetbelow,andwaterthatchurnedfromthedam’svents.

Thaliawalkedinthemiddleoftheroad,farawayfromtheedges.Groverkeptsniffingthewindandlookingnervous.Hedidn’tsayanything,butIknewhesmelledmonsters.

“Howclosearethey?”Iaskedhim.Heshookhishead.“Maybenotclose.Thewindonthedam,thedesertallaroundus...thescentcan

probablycarryformiles.Butit’scomingfromseveraldirections.Idon’tlikethat.”Ididn’teither.ItwasalreadyWednesday,onlytwodaysuntilwintersolstice,andwestillhadalong

waytogo.Wedidn’tneedanymoremonsters.“There’sasnackbarinthevisitorcenter,”Thaliasaid.“You’vebeenherebefore?”Iasked.“Once.Toseetheguardians.”Shepointedtothefarendofthedam.Carvedintothesideofthecliff

wasalittleplazawithtwobigbronzestatues.TheylookedkindoflikeOscarstatueswithwings.“TheywerededicatedtoZeuswhenthedamwasbuilt,”Thaliasaid.“AgiftfromAthena.”Touristswereclusteredallaroundthem.Theyseemedtobelookingatthestatues’feet.“Whataretheydoing?”Iasked.“Rubbingthetoes,”Thaliasaid.“Theythinkit’sgoodluck.”“Why?”Sheshookherhead.“Mortalsgetcrazyideas.Theydon’tknowthestatuesaresacredtoZeus,but

theyknowthere’ssomethingspecialaboutthem.”“Whenyouwereherelast,didtheytalktoyouoranything?”Thalia’sexpressiondarkened.Icouldtellthatshe’dcomeherebeforehopingforexactlythat—some

kindofsignfromherdad.Someconnection.“No.Theydon’tdoanything.They’rejustbigmetalstatues.”Ithoughtaboutthelastbigmetalstatuewe’druninto.Thathadn’tgonesowell.ButIdecidednotto

bringitup.“Letusfindthedamsnackbar,”Zoësaid.“Weshouldeatwhilewecan.”Grovercrackedasmile.“Thedamsnackbar?”Zoëblinked.“Yes.Whatisfunny?”“Nothing,”Groversaid,tryingtokeepastraightface.“Icouldusesomedamfrenchfries.”EvenThaliasmiledatthat.“AndIneedtousethedamrestroom.”Maybeitwasthefactthatweweresotiredandstrungoutemotionally,butIstartedcrackingup,and

ThaliaandGroverjoinedin,whileZoëjustlookedatus.“Idonotunderstand.”“Iwanttousethedamwaterfountain,”Groversaid.“And...”Thaliatriedtocatchherbreath.“IwanttobuyadamT-shirt.”Ibustedup,andIprobablywould’vekeptlaughingallday,butthenIheardanoise:“Moooo.”Thesmilemeltedoffmyface.Iwonderedifthenoisewasjustinmyhead,butGroverhadstopped

laughingtoo.Hewaslookingaround,confused.“DidIjusthearacow?”“Adamcow?”Thalialaughed.“No,”Groversaid.“I’mserious.”Zoëlistened.“Ihearnothing.”Thaliawaslookingatme.“Percy,areyouokay?”“Yeah,”Isaid.“Youguysgoahead.I’llberightin.”“What’swrong?”Groverasked.“Nothing,”Isaid.“I...Ijustneedaminute.Tothink.”Theyhesitated,butIguessImust’velookedupset,becausetheyfinallywentintothevisitorcenter

withoutme.Assoonastheyweregone,Ijoggedtothenorthedgeofthedamandlookedover.“Moo.”Shewasaboutthirtyfeetbelowinthelake,butIcouldseeherclearly:myfriendfromLongIsland

Sound,Bessiethecowserpent.Ilookedaround.Thereweregroupsofkidsrunningalongthedam.Alotofseniorcitizens.Some

families.ButnobodyseemedtobepayingBessieanyattentionyet.“Whatareyoudoinghere?”Iaskedher.“Moo!”Hervoicewasurgent,likeshewastryingtowarnmeofsomething.“Howdidyougethere?”Iasked.WewerethousandsofmilesfromLongIsland,hundredsofmiles

inland.Therewasnowayshecould’veswumallthewayhere.Andyet,hereshewas.Bessieswaminacircleandbuttedherheadagainstthesideofthedam.“Moo!”Shewantedmetocomewithher.Shewastellingmetohurry.“Ican’t,”Itoldher.“Myfriendsareinside.”Shelookedatmewithhersadbrowneyes.Thenshegaveonemoreurgent“Mooo!,”didaflip,and

disappearedintothewater.Ihesitated.Somethingwaswrong.Shewastryingtotellmethat.Iconsideredjumpingovertheside

andfollowingher,butthenItensed.Thehairsonmyarmsbristled.IlookeddownthedamroadtotheeastandIsawtwomenwalkingslowlytowardme.Theyworegraycamouflageoutfitsthatflickeredoverskeletalbodies.

Theypassedthroughagroupofkidsandpushedthemaside.Akidyelled,“Hey!”Oneofthewarriorsturned,hisfacechangingmomentarilyintoaskull.

“Ah!”thekidyelled,andhiswholegroupbackedaway.Iranforthevisitorcenter.IwasalmosttothestairswhenIheardtiressqueal.Onthewestsideofthedam,ablackvan

swervedtoastopinthemiddleoftheroad,nearlyplowingintosomeoldpeople.Thevandoorsopenedandmoreskeletonwarriorspiledout.Iwassurrounded.Ibolteddownthestairsandthroughthemuseumentrance.Thesecurityguardatthemetaldetector

yelled,“Hey,kid!”ButIdidn’tstop.Iranthroughtheexhibitsandduckedbehindatourgroup.Ilookedformyfriends,butIcouldn’tsee

themanywhere.Wherewasthedamsnackbar?“Stop!”Themetal-detectorguyyelled.Therewasnoplacetogobutintoanelevatorwiththetourgroup.Iduckedinsidejustasthedoor

closed.“We’llbegoingdownsevenhundredfeet,”ourtourguidesaidcheerfully.Shewasaparkranger,

withlongblackhairpulledbackinaponytailandtintedglasses.Iguessshehadn’tnoticedthatIwasbeingchased.“Don’tworry,ladiesandgentlemen,theelevatorhardlyeverbreaks.”

“Doesthisgotothesnackbar?”Iaskedher.Afewpeoplebehindmechuckled.Thetourguidelookedatme.Somethingabouthergazemademy

skintingle.“Totheturbines,youngman,”theladysaid.“Weren’tyoulisteningtomyfascinatingpresentation

upstairs?”“Oh,uh,sure.Isthereanotherwayoutofthedam?”“It’sadeadend,”atouristbehindmesaid.“Forheaven’ssake.Theonlywayoutistheother

elevator.”Thedoorsopened.“Gorightahead,folks,”thetourguidetoldus.“Anotherrangeriswaitingforyouattheendofthe

corridor.”Ididn’thavemuchchoicebuttogooutwiththegroup.“Andyoungman,”thetourguidecalled.Ilookedback.She’dtakenoffherglasses.Hereyeswere

startlinglygray,likestormclouds.“Thereisalwaysawayoutforthosecleverenoughtofindit.”Thedoorsclosedwiththetourguidestillinside,leavingmealone.BeforeIcouldthinktoomuchaboutthewomanintheelevator,adingcamefromaroundthecorner.

Thesecondelevatorwasopening,andIheardanunmistakablesound—theclatteringofskeletonteeth.Iranafterthetourgroup,throughatunnelcarvedoutofsolidrock.Itseemedtorunforever.The

wallsweremoist,andtheairhummedwithelectricityandtheroarofwater.IcameoutonaU-shapedbalconythatoverlookedthishugewarehousearea.Fiftyfeetbelow,enormousturbineswererunning.Itwasabigroom,butIdidn’tseeanyotherexit,unlessIwantedtojumpintotheturbinesandgetchurneduptomakeelectricity.Ididn’t.

Anothertourguidewastalkingoverthemicrophone,tellingthetouristsaboutwatersuppliesinNevada.IprayedthatThalia,Zoë,andGroverwereokay.Theymightalreadybecaptured,oreatingatthesnackbar,completelyunawarethatwewerebeingsurrounded.Andstupidme:Ihadtrappedmyselfinaholehundredsoffeetbelowthesurface.

Iworkedmywayaroundthecrowd,tryingnottobetooobviousaboutit.Therewasahallwayattheothersideofthebalcony—maybesomeplaceIcouldhide.IkeptmyhandonRiptide,readytostrike.

BythetimeIgottotheoppositesideofthebalcony,mynerveswereshot.IbackedintothelittlehallwayandwatchedthetunnelI’dcomefrom.

ThenrightbehindmeIheardasharpChhh!likethevoiceofaskeleton.Withoutthinking,IuncappedRiptideandspun,slashingwithmysword.ThegirlI’djusttriedtosliceinhalfyelpedanddroppedherKleenex.“Ohmygod!”sheshouted.“Doyoualwayskillpeoplewhentheyblowtheirnose?”Thefirstthingthatwentthroughmyheadwasthattheswordhadn’thurther.Ithadpassedclean

throughherbody,harmlessly.“You’remortal!”Shelookedatmeindisbelief.“What’sthatsupposedtomean?OfcourseI’mmortal!Howdidyou

getthatswordpastsecurity?”“Ididn’t—Wait,youcanseeit’sasword?”Thegirlrolledhereyes,whichweregreenlikemine.Shehadfrizzyreddish-brownhair.Hernose

wasalsored,likeshehadacold.SheworeabigmaroonHarvardsweatshirtandjeansthatwerecoveredwithmarkerstainsandlittleholes,likeshespentherfreetimepokingthemwithafork.

“Well,it’seitheraswordorthebiggesttoothpickintheworld,”shesaid.“Andwhydidn’tithurtme?Imean,notthatI’mcomplaining.Whoareyou?Andwhoa,whatisthatyou’rewearing?Isthatmadeoflionfur?”

Sheaskedsomanyquestionssofast,itwaslikeshewasthrowingrocksatme.Icouldn’tthinkofwhattosay.IlookedatmysleevestoseeiftheNemeanLionpelthadsomehowchangedbacktofur,butitstilllookedlikeabrownwintercoattome.

Iknewtheskeletonwarriorswerestillchasingme.Ihadnotimetowaste.ButIjuststaredatthe

redheadedgirl.ThenIrememberedwhatThaliahaddoneatWestoverHalltofooltheteachers.MaybeIcouldmanipulatetheMist.

Iconcentratedhardandsnappedmyfingers.“Youdon’tseeasword,”Itoldthegirl.“It’sjustaballpointpen.”

Sheblinked.“Um...no.It’sasword,weirdo.”“Whoareyou?”Idemanded.Shehuffedindignantly.“RachelElizabethDare.Now,areyougoingtoanswermyquestionsor

shouldIscreamforsecurity?”“No!”Isaid.“Imean,I’mkindofinahurry.I’mintrouble.”“Inahurryorintrouble?”“Um,sortofboth.”Shelookedovermyshoulderandhereyeswidened.“Bathroom!”“What?”“Bathroom!Behindme!Now!”Idon’tknowwhy,butIlistenedtoher.Islippedinsidetheboys’bathroomandleftRachelElizabeth

Darestandingoutside.Later,thatseemedcowardlytome.I’malsoprettysureitsavedmylife.Iheardtheclattering,hissingsoundsofskeletonsastheycamecloser.MygriptightenedonRiptide.WhatwasIthinking?I’dleftamortalgirlouttheretodie.Iwas

preparingtoburstoutandfightwhenRachelElizabethDarestartedtalkinginthatrapid-firemachinegunwayofhers.

“Ohmygod!Didyouseethatkid?It’sabouttimeyougothere.Hetriedtokillme!Hehadasword,forgod’ssake.Yousecurityguysletasword-swinginglunaticinsideanationallandmark?Imean,jeez!Heranthatwaytowardthoseturbinethingies.Ithinkhewentoverthesideorsomething.Maybehefell.”

Theskeletonsclatteredexcitedly.Iheardthemmovingoff.Rachelopenedthedoor.“Allclear.Butyou’dbetterhurry.”Shelookedshaken.Herfacewasgrayandsweaty.Ipeekedaroundthecorner.Threeskeletonwarriorswererunningtowardtheotherendofthe

balcony.Thewaytotheelevatorwasclearforafewseconds.“Ioweyouone,RachelElizabethDare.”“Whatarethosethings?”sheasked.“Theylookedlike—”“Skeletons?”Shenoddeduneasily.“Doyourselfafavor,”Isaid.“Forgetit.Forgetyoueversawme.”“Forgetyoutriedtokillme?”“Yeah.That,too.”“Butwhoareyou?”“Percy—”Istartedtosay.Thentheskeletonsturnedaround.“Gottago!”“WhatkindofnameisPercyGotta-go?”Iboltedfortheexit.Thecaféwaspackedwithkidsenjoyingthebestpartofthetour—thedamlunch.Thalia,Zoë,and

Groverwerejustsittingdownwiththeirfood.“Weneedtoleave,”Igasped.“Now!”“Butwejustgotourburritos!”Thaliasaid.Zoëstoodup,mutteringanAncientGreekcurse.“He’sright!Look.”Thecaféwindowswrappedallthewayaroundtheobservationfloor,whichgaveusabeautiful

panoramicviewoftheskeletalarmythathadcometokillus.Icountedtwoontheeastsideofthedamroad,blockingthewaytoArizona.Threemoreonthewest

side,guardingNevada.Allofthemwerearmedwithbatonsandpistols.Butourimmediateproblemwasalotcloser.Thethreeskeletalwarriorswho’dbeenchasingmein

theturbineroomnowappearedonthestairs.Theysawmefromacrossthecafeteriaandclatteredtheirteeth.

“Elevator!”Groversaid.Weboltedthatdirection,butthedoorsopenedwithapleasantding,andthreemorewarriorssteppedout.Everywarriorwasaccountedfor,minustheoneBiancahadblastedtoflamesinNewMexico.Wewerecompletelysurrounded.

ThenGroverhadabrilliant,totallyGrover-likeidea.“Burritofight!”heyelled,andflunghisGuacamoleGrandeatthenearestskeleton.Now,ifyouhaveneverbeenhitbyaflyingburrito,countyourselflucky.Intermsofdeadly

projectiles,it’srightuptherewithgrenadesandcannonballs.Grover’slunchhittheskeletonandknockedhisskullcleanoffhisshoulders.I’mnotsurewhattheotherkidsinthecafésaw,buttheywentcrazyandstartedthrowingtheirburritosandbasketsofchipsandsodasateachother,shriekingandscreaming.

Theskeletonstriedtoaimtheirguns,butitwashopeless.Bodiesandfoodanddrinkswereflyingeverywhere.

Inthechaos,ThaliaandItackledtheothertwoskeletonsonthestairsandsentthemflyingintothecondimenttable.Thenweallraceddownstairs,GuacamoleGrandeswhizzingpastourheads.

“Whatnow?”Groveraskedasweburstoutside.Ididn’thaveananswer.Thewarriorsontheroadwereclosinginfromeitherdirection.Weran

acrossthestreettothepavilionwiththewingedbronzestatues,butthatjustputourbackstothemountain.Theskeletonsmovedforward,formingacrescentaroundus.Theirbrethrenfromthecaféwere

runninguptojointhem.Onewasstillputtingitsskullbackonitsshoulders.Anotherwascoveredinketchupandmustard.Twomorehadburritoslodgedintheirribcages.Theydidn’tlookhappyaboutit.Theydrewbatonsandadvanced.

“Fouragainsteleven,”Zoëmuttered.“Andtheycannotdie.”“It’sbeenniceadventuringwithyouguys,”Groversaid,hisvoicetrembling.Somethingshinycaughtthecornerofmyeye.Iglancedbehindmeatthestatue’sfeet.“Whoa,”Isaid.

“Theirtoesreallyarebright.”“Percy!”Thaliasaid.“Thisisn’tthetime.”ButIcouldn’thelpstaringatthetwogiantbronzeguyswithtallbladedwingslikeletteropeners.

Theywereweatheredbrownexceptfortheirtoes,whichshonelikenewpenniesfromallthetimespeoplehadrubbedthemforgoodluck.

Goodluck.TheblessingofZeus.Ithoughtaboutthetourguideintheelevator.Hergrayeyesandhersmile.Whathadshesaid?There

isalwaysawayforthosecleverenoughtofindit.

“Thalia,”Isaid.“Praytoyourdad.”Sheglaredatme.“Heneveranswers.”“Justthisonce,”Ipleaded.“Askforhelp.Ithink...Ithinkthestatuescangiveussomeluck.”Sixskeletonsraisedtheirguns.Theotherfivecameforwardwithbatons.Fiftyfeetaway.Fortyfeet.“Doit!”Iyelled.“No!”Thaliasaid.“Hewon’tanswerme.”“Thistimeisdifferent!”“Whosays?”Ihesitated.“Athena,Ithink.”ThaliascowledlikeshewassureI’dgonecrazy.“Tryit,”Groverpleaded.Thaliaclosedhereyes.Herlipsmovedinasilentprayer.IputinmyownprayertoAnnabeth’s

mom,hopingIwasrightthatithadbeenherinthatelevator—thatshewastryingtohelpussaveherdaughter.

Andnothinghappened.Theskeletonsclosedin.IraisedRiptidetodefendmyself.Thaliahelduphershield.Zoëpushed

Groverbehindherandaimedanarrowataskeleton’shead.Ashadowfelloverme.Ithoughtmaybeitwastheshadowofdeath.ThenIrealizeditwasthe

shadowofanenormouswing.Theskeletonslookeduptoolate.Aflashofbronze,andallfiveofthebaton-wieldersweresweptaside.

Theotherskeletonsopenedfire.Iraisedmylioncoatforprotection,butIdidn’tneedit.Thebronzeangelssteppedinfrontofusandfoldedtheirwingslikeshields.Bulletspingedoffofthemlikerainoffacorrugatedroof.Bothangelsslashedoutward,andtheskeletonswentflyingacrosstheroad.

“Man,itfeelsgoodtostandup!”thefirstangelsaid.Hisvoicesoundedtinnyandrusty,likehehadn’thadadrinksincehe’dbeenbuilt.

“Willyalookatmytoes?”theothersaid.“HolyZeus,whatwerethosetouriststhinking?”AsstunnedasIwasbytheangels,Iwasmoreconcernedwiththeskeletons.Afewofthemwere

gettingupagain,reassembling,bonyhandsgropingfortheirweapons.“Trouble!”Isaid.“Getusoutofhere!”Thaliayelled.Bothangelslookeddownather.“Zeus’skid?”“Yes!”“CouldIgetaplease,MissZeus’sKid?”anangelasked.“Please!”Theangelslookedateachotherandshrugged.“Coulduseastretch,”onedecided.AndthenextthingIknew,oneofthemgrabbedThaliaandme,theothergrabbedZoëandGrover,

andweflewstraightup,overthedamandtheriver,theskeletonwarriorsshrinkingtotinyspecksbelowusandthesoundofgunfireechoingoffthesidesofthemountains.

FIFTEEN

IWRESTLESANTA’SEVILTWIN

“Tellmewhenit’sover,”Thaliasaid.Hereyeswereshuttight.Thestatuewasholdingontoussowecouldn’tfall,butstillThaliaclutchedhisarmlikeitwasthemostimportantthingintheworld.

“Everything’sfine,”Ipromised.“Are...areweveryhigh?”Ilookeddown.Belowus,arangeofsnowymountainszippedby.Istretchedoutmyfootandkicked

snowoffoneofthepeaks.“Nah,”Isaid.“Notthathigh.”“WeareintheSierras!”Zoëyelled.SheandGroverwerehangingfromthearmsoftheotherstatue.

“Ihavehuntedherebefore.Atthisspeed,weshouldbeinSanFranciscoinafewhours.”“Hey,hey,Frisco!”ourangelsaid.“Yo,Chuck!WecouldvisitthoseguysattheMechanics

Monumentagain!Theyknowhowtoparty!”“Oh,man,”theotherangelsaid.“Iamsothere!”“YouguyshavevisitedSanFrancisco?”Iasked.“Weautomatonsgottahavesomefunonceinawhile,right?”ourstatuesaid.“Thosemechanicstook

usovertothedeYoungMuseumandintroducedustothesemarbleladystatues,see.And—”“Hank!”theotherstatueChuckcutin.“They’rekids,man.”“Oh,right.”Ifbronzestatuescouldblush,IswearHankdid.“Backtoflying.”Wespedup,soIcouldtelltheangelswereexcited.Themountainsfellawayintohills,andthenwe

werezippingalongoverfarmlandandtownsandhighways.Groverplayedhispipestopassthetime.Zoëgotboredandstartedshootingarrowsatrandom

billboardsasweflewby.EverytimeshesawaTargetdepartmentstore—andwepasseddozensofthem—shewouldpegthestore’ssignwithafewbulls-eyesatahundredmilesanhour.

Thaliakepthereyesclosedthewholeway.Shemutteredtoherselfalot,likeshewaspraying.“Youdidgoodbackthere,”Itoldher.“Zeuslistened.”Itwashardtotellwhatshewasthinkingwithhereyesclosed.“Maybe,”shesaid.“Howdidyougetawayfromtheskeletonsinthegeneratorroom,anyway?You

saidtheycorneredyou.”Itoldherabouttheweirdmortalgirl,RachelElizabethDare,whoseemedtobeabletoseeright

throughtheMist.IthoughtThaliawasgoingtocallmecrazy,butshejustnodded.“Somemortalsarelikethat,”shesaid.“Nobodyknowswhy.”SuddenlyIflashedonsomethingI’dneverconsidered.Mymomwaslikethat.ShehadseentheMinotauronHalf-BloodHillandknownexactlywhatit

was.Shehadn’tbeensurprisedatalllastyearwhenI’dtoldhermyfriendTysonwasreallyaCyclops.Maybeshe’dknownallalong.Nowondershe’dbeensoscaredformeasIwasgrowingup.Shesaw

throughtheMistevenbetterthanIdid.“Well,thegirlwasannoying,”Isaid.“ButI’mgladIdidn’tvaporizeher.Thatwould’vebeenbad.”Thalianodded.“Mustbenicetobearegularmortal.”Shesaidthatasifshe’dgivenitalotofthought.“Whereyouguyswanttoland?”Hankasked,wakingmeupfromanap.Ilookeddownandsaid,“Whoa.”I’dseenSanFranciscoinpicturesbefore,butneverinreallife.Itwasprobablythemostbeautiful

cityI’deverseen:kindoflikeasmaller,cleanerManhattan,ifManhattanhadbeensurroundedbygreenhillsandfog.Therewasahugebayandships,islandsandsailboats,andtheGoldenGateBridgestickingupoutofthefog.IfeltlikeIshouldtakeapictureorsomething.GreetingsfromFrisco.Haven’tDiedYet.WishYouWereHere.

“There,”Zoësuggested.“BytheEmbarcaderoBuilding.”“Goodthinking,”Chucksaid.“MeandHankcanblendinwiththepigeons.”Wealllookedathim.“Kidding,”hesaid.“Sheesh,can’tstatueshaveasenseofhumor?”Asitturnedout,therewasn’tmuchneedtoblendin.Itwasearlymorningandnotmanypeoplewere

around.Wefreakedoutahomelessguyontheferrydockwhenwelanded.HescreamedwhenhesawHankandChuckandranoffyellingsomethingaboutmetalangelsfromMars.

Wesaidourgood-byestotheangels,whoflewofftopartywiththeirstatuefriends.That’swhenIrealizedIhadnoideawhatweweregoingtodonext.

We’dmadeittotheWestCoast.Artemiswasheresomewhere.Annabethtoo,Ihoped.ButIhadnoideahowtofindthem,andtomorrowwasthewintersolstice.NordidIhaveanycluewhatmonsterArtemishadbeenhunting.Itwassupposedtofindusonthequest.Itwassupposedto“showthetrail,”butitneverhad.Nowwewerestuckontheferrydockwithnotmuchmoney,nofriends,andnoluck.

Afterabriefdiscussion,weagreedthatweneededtofigureoutjustwhatthismysterymonsterwas.“Buthow?”Iasked.“Nereus,”Groversaid.Ilookedathim.“What?”“Isn’tthatwhatApollotoldyoutodo?FindNereus?”Inodded.I’dcompletelyforgottenmylastconversationwiththesungod.“Theoldmanofthesea,”Iremembered.“I’msupposedtofindhimandforcehimtotelluswhathe

knows.ButhowdoIfindhim?”Zoëmadeaface.“OldNereus,eh?”“Youknowhim?”Thaliaasked.“Mymotherwasaseagoddess.Yes,Iknowhim.Unfortunately,heisneververyhardtofind.Just

followthesmell.”“Whatdoyoumean?”Iasked.“Come,”shesaidwithoutenthusiasm.“Iwillshowthee.”IknewIwasintroublewhenwestoppedattheGoodwilldropbox.Fiveminuteslater,Zoëhadme

outfittedinaraggedflannelshirtandjeansthreesizestoobig,brightredsneakers,andafloppyrainbowhat.

“Oh,yeah,”Groversaid,tryingnottobustoutlaughing,“youlookcompletelyinconspicuousnow.”Zoënoddedwithsatisfaction.“Atypicalmalevagrant.”“Thanksalot,”Igrumbled.“WhyamIdoingthisagain?”“Itoldthee.Toblendin.”Sheledthewaybackdowntothewaterfront.Afteralongtimespentsearchingthedocks,Zoëfinally

stoppedinhertracks.Shepointeddownapierwhereabunchofhomelessguyswerehuddledtogetherinblankets,waitingforthesoupkitchentoopenforlunch.

“Hewillbedowntheresomewhere,”Zoësaid.“Henevertravelsveryfarfromthewater.Helikestosunhimselfduringtheday.”

“HowdoIknowwhichoneishim?”“Sneakup,”shesaid.“Acthomeless.Youwillknowhim.Hewillsmell...different.”“Great.”Ididn’twanttoaskforparticulars.“AndonceIfindhim?”“Grabhim,”shesaid.“Andholdon.Hewilltryanythingtogetridofthee.Whateverhedoes,donot

letgo.Forcehimtotelltheeaboutthemonster.”“We’vegotyourback,”Thaliasaid.Shepickedsomethingoffthebackofmyshirt—abigclumpof

fuzzthatcamefromwho-knows-where.“Eww.Onsecondthought...Idon’twantyourback.Butwe’llberootingforyou.”

Grovergavemeabigthumbs-up.Igrumbledhowniceitwastohavesuper-powerfulfriends.ThenIheadedtowardthedock.IpulledmyhatdownandstumbledlikeIwasabouttopassout,whichwasn’thardconsideringhow

tiredIwas.IpassedourhomelessfriendfromtheEmbarcadero,whowasstilltryingtowarntheotherguysaboutthemetalangelsfromMars.

Hedidn’tsmellgood,buthedidn’tsmell...different.Ikeptwalking.AcoupleofgrimydudeswithplasticgrocerybagsforhatscheckedmeoutasIcameclose.“Beatit,kid!”oneofthemmuttered.Imovedaway.Theysmelledprettybad,butjustregularoldbad.Nothingunusual.Therewasaladywithabunchofplasticflamingosstickingoutofashoppingcart.Sheglaredatme

likeIwasgoingtostealherbirds.Attheendofthepier,aguywholookedaboutamillionyearsoldwaspassedoutinapatchof

sunlight.Heworepajamasandafuzzybathrobethatprobablyusedtobewhite.Hewasfat,withawhitebeardthathadturnedyellow,kindoflikeSantaClaus,ifSantahadbeenrolledoutofbedanddraggedthroughalandfill.

Andhissmell?AsIgotcloser,Ifroze.Hesmelledbad,allright—butoceanbad.Likehotseaweedanddeadfish

andbrine.Iftheoceanhadanuglyside...thisguywasit.ItriednottogagasIsatdownnearhimlikeIwastired.Santaopenedoneeyesuspiciously.Icould

feelhimstaringatme,butIdidn’tlook.Imutteredsomethingaboutstupidschoolandstupidparents,figuringthatmightsoundreasonable.

SantaClauswentbacktosleep.Itensed.Iknewthiswasgoingtolookstrange.Ididn’tknowhowtheotherhomelesspeoplewould

react.ButIjumpedSantaClaus.

“Ahhhhh!”hescreamed.Imeanttograbhim,butheseemedtograbmeinstead.Itwasasifhe’dneverbeenasleepatall.Hecertainlydidn’tactlikeaweakoldman.Hehadagriplikesteel.“Helpme!”hescreamedashesqueezedmetodeath.

“That’sacrime!”oneoftheotherhomelessguysyelled.“Kidrollinganoldmanlikethat!”Irolled,allright—straightdownthepieruntilmyheadslammedintoapost.Iwasdazedfora

second,andNereus’sgripslackened.Hewasmakingabreakforit.Beforehecould,Iregainedmysensesandtackledhimfrombehind.

“Idon’thaveanymoney!”Hetriedtogetupandrun,butIlockedmyarmsaroundhischest.Hisrottenfishsmellwasawful,butIheldon.

“Idon’twantmoney,”Isaidashefought.“I’mahalf-blood!Iwantinformation!”Thatjustmadehimstruggleharder.“Heroes!Whydoyoualwayspickonme?”“Becauseyouknoweverything!”Hegrowledandtriedtoshakemeoffhisback.Itwaslikeholdingontoarollercoaster.Hethrashed

around,makingitimpossibleformetokeeponmyfeet,butIgrittedmyteethandsqueezedtighter.WestaggeredtowardtheedgeofthepierandIgotanidea.

“Oh,no!”Isaid.“Notthewater!”Theplanworked.Immediately,Nereusyelledintriumphandjumpedofftheedge.Together,we

plungedintoSanFranciscoBay.Hemust’vebeensurprisedwhenItightenedmygrip,theoceanfillingmewithextrastrength.But

Nereushadafewtricksleft,too.HechangedshapeuntilIwasholdingasleekblackseal.I’veheardpeoplemakejokesabouttryingtoholdagreasedpig,butI’mtellingyou,holdingontoa

sealinthewaterisharder.Nereusplungedstraightdown,wrigglingandthrashingandspiralingthroughthedarkwater.IfIhadn’tbeenPoseidon’sson,there’snowayIcould’vestayedwithhim.

Nereusspunandexpanded,turningintoakillerwhale,butIgrabbedhisdorsalfinasheburstoutofthewater.

Awholebunchoftouristswent,“Whoa!”Imanagedtowaveatthecrowd.Yeah,wedothiseverydayhereinSanFrancisco.Nereusplungedintothewaterandturnedintoaslimyeel.Istartedtotiehimintoaknotuntilhe

realizedwhatwasgoingonandchangedbacktohumanform.“Whywon’tyoudrown?”hewailed,pummelingmewithhisfists.

“I’mPoseidon’sson,”Isaid.“Cursethatupstart!Iwasherefirst!”Finallyhecollapsedontheedgeoftheboatdock.Aboveuswasoneofthosetouristpierslinedwith

shops,likeamallonwater.Nereuswasheavingandgasping.Iwasfeelinggreat.Icould’vegoneonallday,butIdidn’ttellhimthat.Iwantedhimtofeellikehe’dputupagoodfight.

Myfriendsrandownthestepsfromthepier.“Yougothim!”Zoësaid.“Youdon’thavetosoundsoamazed,”Isaid.Nereusmoaned.“Oh,wonderful.Anaudienceformyhumiliation!Thenormaldeal,Isuppose?

You’llletmegoifIansweryourquestion?”“I’vegotmorethanonequestion,”Isaid.“Onlyonequestionpercapture!That’stherule.”

Ilookedatmyfriends.Thiswasn’tgood.IneededtofindArtemis,andIneededtofigureoutwhatthedoomsdaycreature

was.IalsoneededtoknowifAnnabethwasstillalive,andhowtorescueher.HowcouldIaskthatallinonequestion?

AvoiceinsidemewasscreamingAskaboutAnnabeth!That’swhatIcaredaboutmost.ButthenIimaginedwhatAnnabethmightsay.ShewouldneverforgivemeifIsavedheranddidn’t

saveOlympus.ZoëwouldwantmetoaskaboutArtemis,butChironhadtoldusthemonsterwasevenmoreimportant.

Isighed.“Allright,Nereus.Tellmewheretofindthisterriblemonsterthatcouldbringanendtothegods.TheoneArtemiswashunting.”

TheOldManoftheSeasmiled,showingoffhismossygreenteeth.“Oh,that’stooeasy,”hesaidevilly.“He’srightthere.”Nereuspointedtothewateratmyfeet.“Where?”Isaid.“Thedealiscomplete!”Nereusgloated.Withapop,heturnedintoagoldfishanddidabackflipinto

thesea.“Youtrickedme!”Iyelled.“Wait.”Thalia’seyeswidened.“Whatisthat?”“MOOOOOOOO!”Ilookeddown,andtherewasmyfriendthecowserpent,swimmingnexttothedock.Shenudgedmy

shoeandgavemethesadbrowneyes.“Ah,Bessie,”Isaid.“Notnow.”“Mooo!”Grovergasped.“Hesayshisnameisn’tBessie.”“Youcanunderstandher...er,him?”Grovernodded.“It’saveryoldformofanimalspeech.ButhesayshisnameistheOphiotaurus.”“TheOphi-what?”“ItmeansserpentbullinGreek,”Thaliasaid.“Butwhat’sitdoinghere?”“Moooooooo!”“HesaysPercyishisprotector,”Groverannounced.“Andhe’srunningfromthebadpeople.Hesaystheyareclose.”Iwaswonderinghowyougotallthatoutofasinglemoooooo.“Wait,”Zoësaid,lookingatme.“Youknowthiscow?”Iwasfeelingimpatient,butItoldthemthestory.Thaliashookherheadindisbelief.“Andyoujustforgottomentionthisbefore?”“Well...yeah.”Itseemedsilly,nowthatshesaidit,butthingshadbeenhappeningsofast.Bessie,

theOphiotaurus,seemedlikeaminordetail.“Iamafool,”Zoësaidsuddenly.“Iknowthisstory!”“Whatstory?”“FromtheWaroftheTitans,”shesaid.“My...myfathertoldmethistale,thousandsofyearsago.

Thisisthebeastwearelookingfor.”“Bessie?”Ilookeddownatthebullserpent.“But...he’stoocute.Hecouldn’tdestroytheworld.”“Thatishowwewerewrong,”Zoësaid.“We’vebeenanticipatingahugedangerousmonster,butthe

Ophiotaurusdoesnotbringdownthegodsthatway.Hemustbesacrificed.”“MMMM,”Bessielowed.“Idon’tthinkhelikestheS-word,”Groversaid.IpattedBessieonthehead,tryingtocalmhimdown.Heletmescratchhisear,buthewastrembling.“Howcouldanyonehurthim?”Isaid.“He’sharmless.”Zoënodded.“Butthereispowerinkillinginnocence.Terriblepower.TheFatesordaineda

prophecyeonsago,whenthiscreaturewasborn.TheysaidthatwhoeverkilledtheOphiotaurusandsacrificeditsentrailstofirewouldhavethepowertodestroythegods.”

“MMMMMM!”“Um,”Groversaid.“Maybewecouldavoidtalkingaboutentrails,too.”Thaliastaredatthecowserpentwithwonder.“Thepowertodestroythegods...how?Imean,

whatwouldhappen?”“Nooneknows,”Zoësaid.“Thefirsttime,duringtheTitanwar,theOphiotauruswasinfactslainby

agiantallyoftheTitans,butthyfather,Zeus,sentaneagletosnatchtheentrailsawaybeforetheycouldbetossedintothefire.Itwasaclosecall.Now,afterthreethousandyears,theOphiotaurusisreborn.”

Thaliasatdownonthedock.Shestretchedoutherhand.Bessiewentrighttoher.Thaliaplacedherhandonhishead.Bessieshivered.

Thalia’sexpressionbotheredme.Shealmostlooked...hungry.“Wehavetoprotecthim,”Itoldher.“IfLukegetsholdofhim—”“Lukewouldn’thesitate,”Thaliamuttered.“ThepowertooverthrowOlympus.That’s...that’s

huge.”“Yes,itis,mydear,”saidaman’svoiceinaheavyFrenchaccent.“Anditisapoweryoushall

unleash.”TheOphiotaurusmadeawhimperingsoundandsubmerged.Ilookedup.We’dbeensobusytalking,we’dallowedourselvestobeambushed.Standingbehindus,histwo-coloreyesgleamingwickedly,wasDr.Thorn,themanticorehimself.“Thisisjustpairrr-fect,”themanticoregloated.HewaswearingarattyblacktrenchcoatoverhisWestoverHalluniform,whichwastornand

stained.Hismilitaryhaircuthadgrownoutspikyandgreasy.Hehadn’tshavedrecently,sohisfacewascoveredinsilverstubble.Basicallyhedidn’tlookmuchbetterthantheguysdownatthesoupkitchen.

“Longago,thegodsbanishedmetoPersia,”themanticoresaid.“Iwasforcedtoscroungeforfoodontheedgesoftheworld,hidinginforests,devouringinsignificanthumanfarmersformymeals.Inevergottofightanygreatheroes.Iwasnotfearedandadmiredintheoldstories!Butnowthatwillchange.TheTitansshallhonorme,andIshallfeastonthefleshofhalf-bloods!”

Oneithersideofhimstoodtwoarmedsecurityguys,someofthemortalmercenariesI’dseeninD.C.Twomorestoodonthenextboatdockover,justincasewetriedtoescapethatway.Thereweretouristsallaround—walkingdownthewaterfront,shoppingatthepieraboveus—butIknewthatwouldn’tstopthemanticorefromacting.

“Where...wherearetheskeletons?”Iaskedthemanticore.

Hesneered.“Idonotneedthosefoolishundead!TheGeneralthinksIamworthless?HewillchangehismindwhenIdefeatyoumyself!”

Ineededtimetothink.IhadtosaveBessie.Icoulddiveintothesea,buthowcouldImakeaquickgetawaywithafive-hundred-poundcowserpent?Andwhataboutmyfriends?

“Webeatyouoncebefore,”Isaid.“Ha!Youcouldbarelyfightmewithagoddessonyourside.And,alas...thatgoddessis

preoccupiedatthemoment.Therewillbenohelpforyounow.”Zoënotchedanarrowandaimeditstraightatthemanticore’shead.Theguardsoneithersideofus

raisedtheirguns.“Wait!”Isaid.“Zoë,don’t!”Themanticoresmiled.“Theboyisright,ZoëNightshade.Putawayyourbow.Itwouldbeashameto

killyoubeforeyouwitnessedThalia’sgreatvictory.”“Whatareyoutalkingabout?”Thaliagrowled.Shehadhershieldandspearready.“Surelyitisclear,”themanticoresaid.“Thisisyourmoment.ThisiswhyLordKronosbroughtyou

backtolife.YouwillsacrificetheOphiotaurus.Youwillbringitsentrailstothesacredfireonthemountain.Youwillgainunlimitedpower.Andforyoursixteenthbirthday,youwilloverthrowOlympus.”

Noonespoke.Itmadeterriblesense.Thaliawasonlytwodaysawayfromturningsixteen.ShewasachildoftheBigThree.Andherewasachoice,aterriblechoicethatcouldmeantheendofthegods.Itwasjustliketheprophecysaid.Iwasn’tsureifIfeltrelieved,horrified,ordisappointed.Iwasn’ttheprophecykidafterall.Doomsdaywashappeningrightnow.

IwaitedforThaliatotellthemanticoreoff,butshehesitated.Shelookedcompletelystunned.“Youknowitistherightchoice,”themanticoretoldher.“YourfriendLukerecognizedit.Youshall

bereunitedwithhim.YoushallrulethisworldtogetherundertheauspicesoftheTitans.Yourfatherabandonedyou,Thalia.Hecaresnothingforyou.Andnowyoushallgainpoweroverhim.CrushtheOlympiansunderfoot,astheydeserve.Callthebeast!Itwillcometoyou.Useyourspear.”

“Thalia,”Isaid,“snapoutofit!”ShelookedatmethesamewayshehadthemorningshewokeuponHalf-BloodHill,dazedand

uncertain.Itwasalmostlikeshedidn’tknowme.“I...Idon’t—”“Yourfatherhelpedyou,”Isaid.“Hesentthemetalangels.Heturnedyouintoatreetopreserve

you.”Herhandtightenedontheshaftofherspear.IlookedatGroverdesperately.Thankthegods,heunderstoodwhatIneeded.Heraisedhispipesto

hismouthandplayedaquickriff.Themanticoreyelled,“Stophim!”TheguardshadbeentargetingZoë,andbeforetheycouldfigureoutthatthekidwiththepipeswas

thebiggerproblem,thewoodenplanksattheirfeetsproutednewbranchesandtangledtheirlegs.Zoëletloosetwoquickarrowsthatexplodedattheirfeetincloudsofsulfurousyellowsmoke.Fartarrows!

Theguardsstartedcoughing.Themanticoreshotspinesinourdirection,buttheyricochetedoffmylion’scoat.

“Grover,”Isaid,“tellBessietodivedeepandstaydown!”“Moooooo!”Grovertranslated.IcouldonlyhopethatBessiegotthemessage.“Thecow...”Thaliamuttered,stillinadaze.

“Comeon!”Ipulledheralongasweranupthestairstotheshoppingcenteronthepier.Wedashedaroundthecorneroftheneareststore.Iheardthemanticoreshoutingathisminions,“Getthem!”Touristsscreamedastheguardsshotblindlyintotheair.

Wescrambledtotheendofthepier.Wehidbehindalittlekioskfilledwithsouvenircrystals—windchimesanddreamcatchersandstufflikethat,glitteringinthesunlight.Therewasawaterfountainnexttous.Downbelow,abunchofsealionsweresunningthemselvesontherocks.ThewholeofSanFranciscoBayspreadoutbeforeus:theGoldenGateBridge,AlcatrazIsland,andthegreenhillsandfogbeyondthattothenorth.Apicture-perfectmoment,exceptforthefactthatwewereabouttodieandtheworldwasgoingtoend.

“Goovertheside!”Zoëtoldme.“Youcanescapeinthesea,Percy.Callonthyfatherforhelp.MaybeyoucansavetheOphiotaurus.”

Shewasright,butIcouldn’tdoit.“Iwon’tleaveyouguys,”Isaid.“Wefighttogether.”“Youhavetogetwordtocamp!”Groversaid.“Atleastletthemknowwhat’sgoingon!”ThenInoticedthecrystalsmakingrainbowsinthesunlight.Therewasadrinkingfountainnexttome

...“Getwordtocamp,”Imuttered.“Goodidea.”IuncappedRiptideandslashedoffthetopofthewaterfountain.Waterburstoutofthebustedpipe

andsprayedalloverus.Thaliagaspedasthewaterhither.Thefogseemedtoclearfromhereyes.“Areyoucrazy?”she

asked.ButGroverunderstood.Hewasalreadyfishingaroundinhispocketsforacoin.Hethrewagolden

drachmaintotherainbowscreatedbythemistandyelled,“Ogoddess,acceptmyoffering!”Themistrippled.“CampHalf-Blood!”Isaid.Andthere,shimmeringintheMistrightnexttous,wasthelastpersonIwantedtosee:Mr.D,

wearinghisleopard-skinjoggingsuitandrummagingthroughtherefrigerator.Helookeduplazily.“Doyoumind?”“Where’sChiron!”Ishouted.“Howrude.”Mr.Dtookaswigfromajugofgrapejuice.“Isthathowyousayhello?”“Hello,”Iamended.“We’reabouttodie!Where’sChiron?”Mr.Dconsideredthat.Iwantedtoscreamathimtohurryup,butIknewthatwouldn’twork.Behind

us,footstepsandshouting—themanticore’stroopswereclosingin.“Abouttodie,”Mr.Dmused.“Howexciting.I’mafraidChironisn’there.Wouldyoulikemetotake

amessage?”Ilookedatmyfriends.“We’redead.”Thaliagrippedherspear.Shelookedlikeheroldangryselfagain.“Thenwe’lldiefighting.”“Hownoble,”Mr.Dsaid,stiflingayawn.“Sowhatistheproblem,exactly?”Ididn’tseethatitwouldmakeanydifference,butItoldhimabouttheOphiotaurus.“Mmm.”Hestudiedthecontentsofthefridge.“Sothat’sit.Isee.”“Youdon’tevencare!”Iscreamed.“You’djustassoonwatchusdie!”

“Let’ssee.IthinkI’minthemoodforpizzatonight.”Iwantedtoslashthroughtherainbowanddisconnect,butIdidn’thavetime.Themanticore

screamed,“There!”Andweweresurrounded.Twooftheguardsstoodbehindhim.Theothertwoappearedontheroofsofthepiershopsaboveus.Themanticorethrewoffhiscoatandtransformedintohistrueself,hislionclawsextendedandhisspikytailbristlingwithpoisonbarbs.

“Excellent,”hesaid.Heglancedattheapparitioninthemistandsnorted.“Alone,withoutanyrealhelp.Wonderful.”

“Youcouldaskforhelp,”Mr.Dmurmuredtome,asifthiswereanamusingthought.“Youcouldsayplease.”

Whenwildboarsfly,Ithought.TherewasnowayIwasgoingtodiebeggingasloblikeMr.D,justsohecouldlaughasweallgotgunneddown.

Zoëreadiedherarrows.Groverliftedhispipes.Thaliaraisedhershield,andInoticedatearrunningdownhercheek.Suddenlyitoccurredtome:thishadhappenedtoherbefore.ShehadbeencorneredonHalf-BloodHill.She’dwillinglygivenherlifeforherfriends.Butthistime,shecouldn’tsaveus.

HowcouldIletthathappentoher?“Please,Mr.D,”Imuttered.“Help.”Ofcourse,nothinghappened.Themanticoregrinned.“SparethedaughterofZeus.Shewilljoinussoonenough.Killtheothers.”Themenraisedtheirguns,andsomethingstrangehappened.Youknowhowyoufeelwhenallthe

bloodrushestoyourhead,likeifyouhangupsidedownandturnright-sideuptooquickly?Therewasarushlikethatallaroundme,andasoundlikeahugesigh.Thesunlighttingedwithpurple.Ismelledgrapesandsomethingmoresour—wine.

SNAP!Itwasthesoundofmanymindsbreakingatthesametime.Thesoundofmadness.Oneguardputhis

pistolbetweenhisteethlikeitwasaboneandranaroundonallfours.Twoothersdroppedtheirgunsandstartedwaltzingwitheachother.ThefourthbegandoingwhatlookedlikeanIrishcloggingdance.Itwouldhavebeenfunnyifithadn’tbeensoterrifying.

“No!”screamedthemanticore.“Iwilldealwithyoumyself!”Histailbristled,buttheplanksunderhispawseruptedintograpevines,whichimmediatelybegan

wrappingaroundthemonster’sbody,sproutingnewleavesandclustersofgreenbabygrapesthatripenedinsecondsasthemanticoreshrieked,untilhewasengulfedinahugemassofvines,leaves,andfullclustersofpurplegrapes.Finallythegrapesstoppedshivering,andIhadafeelingthatsomewhereinsidethere,themanticorewasnomore.

“Well,”saidDionysus,closinghisrefrigerator.“Thatwasfun.”Istaredathim,horrified.“Howcouldyou...Howdidyou—”“Suchgratitude,”hemuttered.“Themortalswillcomeoutofit.ToomuchexplainingtodoifImade

theirconditionpermanent.IhatewritingreportstoFather.”HestaredresentfullyatThalia.“Ihopeyoulearnedyourlesson,girl.Itisn’teasytoresistpower,is

it?”Thaliablushedasifshewereashamed.“Mr.D,”Groversaidinamazement.“You...yousavedus.”

“Mmm.Don’tmakemeregretit,satyr.Nowgetgoing,PercyJackson.I’veboughtyouafewhoursatmost.”

“TheOphiotaurus,”Isaid.“Canyougetittocamp?”Mr.Dsniffed.“Idonottransportlivestock.That’syourproblem.”“Butwheredowego?”DionysuslookedatZoë.“Oh,Ithinkthehuntressknows.Youmustenteratsunsettoday,youknow,

orallislost.Nowgood-bye.Mypizzaiswaiting.”“Mr.D,”Isaid.Heraisedhiseyebrow.“Youcalledmebymyrightname,”Isaid.“YoucalledmePercyJackson.”“Imostcertainlydidnot,PeterJohnson.Nowoffwithyou!”Hewavedhishand,andhisimagedisappearedinthemist.Allaroundus,themanticore’sminionswerestillactingcompletelynuts.Oneofthemhadfoundour

friendthehomelessguy,andtheywerehavingaseriousconversationaboutmetalangelsfromMars.Severalotherguardswereharassingthetourists,makinganimalnoisesandtryingtostealtheirshoes.

IlookedatZoë.“Whatdidhemean...‘Youknowwheretogo’?”Herfacewasthecolorofthefog.Shepointedacrossthebay,pasttheGoldenGate.Inthedistance,a

singlemountainroseupabovethecloudlayer.“Thegardenofmysisters,”shesaid.“Imustgohome.”

SIXTEEN

WEMEETTHEDRAGONOFETERNALBADBREATH

“Wewillnevermakeit,”Zoësaid.“Wearemovingtooslow.ButwecannotleavetheOphiotaurus.”“Mooo,”Bessiesaid.Heswamnexttomeaswejoggedalongthewaterfront.We’dlefttheshopping

centerpierfarbehind.WewereheadingtowardtheGoldenGateBridge,butitwasalotfartherthanI’drealized.Thesunwasalreadydippinginthewest.

“Idon’tgetit,”Isaid.“Whydowehavetogetthereatsunset?”“TheHesperidesarethenymphsofthesunset,”Zoësaid.“Wecanonlyentertheirgardenasday

changestonight.”“Whathappensifwemissit?”“Tomorrowiswintersolstice.Ifwemisssunsettonight,wewouldhavetowaituntiltomorrow

evening.Andbythen,theOlympianCouncilwillbeover.WemustfreeLadyArtemistonight.”OrAnnabethwillbedead,Ithought,butIdidn’tsaythat.“Weneedacar,”Thaliasaid.“ButwhataboutBessie?”Iasked.Groverstoppedinhistracks.“I’vegotanidea!TheOphiotauruscanappearindifferentbodiesof

water,right?”“Well,yeah,”Isaid.“Imean,hewasinLongIslandSound.Thenhejustpoppedintothewaterat

HooverDam.Andnowhe’shere.”“SomaybewecouldcoaxhimbacktoLongIslandSound,”Groversaid.“ThenChironcouldhelpus

gethimtoOlympus.”“Buthewasfollowingme,”Isaid.“IfI’mnotthere,wouldheknowwherehe’sgoing?”“Moo,”Bessiesaidforlornly.“I...Icanshowhim,”Groversaid.“I’llgowithhim.”Istaredathim.Groverwasnofanofthewater.He’dalmostdrownedlastsummerintheSeaof

Monsters,andhecouldn’tswimverywellwithhisgoathooves.“I’mtheonlyonewhocantalktohim,”Groversaid.“Itmakessense.”HebentdownandsaidsomethinginBessie’sear.Bessieshivered,thenmadeacontented,lowing

sound.“TheblessingoftheWild,”Groversaid.“Thatshouldhelpwithsafepassage.Percy,praytoyour

dad,too.Seeifhewillgrantussafepassagethroughtheseas.”Ididn’tunderstandhowtheycouldpossiblyswimbacktoLongIslandfromCalifornia.Thenagain,

monstersdidn’ttravelthesamewayashumans.I’dseenplentyevidenceofthat.Itriedtoconcentrateonthewaves,thesmelloftheocean,thesoundofthetide.“Dad,”Isaid.“Helpus.GettheOphiotaurusandGroversafelytocamp.Protectthematsea.”“Aprayerlikethatneedsasacrifice,”Thaliasaid.“Somethingbig.”

Ithoughtforasecond.ThenItookoffmycoat.“Percy,”Groversaid.“Areyousure?Thatlionskin...that’sreallyhelpful.Herculesusedit!”Assoonashesaidthat,Irealizedsomething.IglancedatZoë,whowaswatchingmecarefully.IrealizedIdidknowwhoZoë’sherohadbeen—

theonewho’druinedherlife,gottenherkickedoutofherfamily,andneverevenmentionedhowshe’dhelpedhim:Hercules,aheroI’dadmiredallmylife.

“IfI’mgoingtosurvive,”Isaid,“itwon’tbebecauseI’vegotalion-skincloak.I’mnotHercules.”Ithrewthecoatintothebay.Itturnedbackintoagoldenlionskin,flashinginthelight.Then,asit

begantosinkbeneaththewaves,itseemedtodissolveintosunlightonthewater.Theseabreezepickedup.Grovertookadeepbreath.“Well,notimetolose.”Hejumpedinthewaterandimmediatelybegantosink.BessieglidednexttohimandletGrovertake

holdofhisneck.“Becareful,”Itoldthem.“Wewill,”Groversaid.“Okay,um...Bessie?We’regoingtoLongIsland.It’seast.Overthat

way.”“Moooo?”Bessiesaid.“Yes,”Groveranswered.“LongIsland.It’sthisisland.And...it’slong.Oh,let’sjuststart.”“Mooo!”Bessielurchedforward.HestartedtosubmergeandGroversaid,“Ican’tbreatheunderwater!Just

thoughtI’dmention—”Glub!Undertheywent,andIhopedmyfather’sprotectionwouldextendtolittlethings,likebreathing.“Well,thatisoneproblemaddressed,”Zoësaid.“Buthowcanwegettomysisters’garden?”“Thalia’sright,”Isaid.“Weneedacar.Butthere’snobodytohelpushere.Unlesswe,uh,borrowed

one.”Ididn’tlikethatoption.Imean,surethiswasalife-or-deathsituation,butstill,itwasstealing,andit

wasboundtogetusnoticed.“Wait,”Thaliasaid.Shestartedriflingthroughherbackpack.“ThereissomebodyinSanFrancisco

whocanhelpus.I’vegottheaddressheresomewhere.”“Who?”Iasked.Thaliapulledoutacrumpledpieceofnotebookpaperandhelditup.“ProfessorChase.Annabeth’s

dad.”AfterhearingAnnabethgripeaboutherdadfortwoyears,Iwasexpectinghimtohavedevilhorns

andfangs.Iwasnotexpectinghimtobewearinganold-fashionedaviator’scapandgoggles.Helookedsoweird,withhiseyesbuggingoutthroughtheglasses,thatwealltookastepbackonthefrontporch.

“Hello,”hesaidinafriendlyvoice.“Areyoudeliveringmyairplanes?”Thalia,Zoë,andIlookedateachotherwarily.“Um,no,sir,”Isaid.“Drat,”hesaid.“IneedthreemoreSopwithCamels.”“Right,”Isaid,thoughIhadnocluewhathewastalkingabout.“We’refriendsofAnnabeth.”“Annabeth?”HestraightenedasifI’djustgivenhimanelectricshock.“Issheallright?Has

somethinghappened?”Noneofusanswered,butourfacesmust’vetoldhimthatsomethingwasverywrong.Hetookoffhis

capandgoggles.Hehadsandy-coloredhairlikeAnnabethandintensebrowneyes.Hewashandsome,Iguess,foranolderguy,butitlookedlikehehadn’tshavedinacoupleofdays,andhisshirtwasbuttonedwrong,soonesideofhiscollarstuckuphigherthantheotherside.

“You’dbettercomein,”hesaid.Itdidn’tlooklikeahousethey’djustmovedinto.TherewereLEGOrobotsonthestairsandtwo

catssleepingonthesofainthelivingroom.Thecoffeetablewasstackedwithmagazines,andalittlekid’swintercoatwasspreadonthefloor.Thewholehousesmelledlikefresh-bakedchocolate-chipcookies.Therewasjazzmusiccomingfromthekitchen.Itseemedlikeamessy,happykindofhome—thekindofplacethathadbeenlivedinforever.

“Dad!”alittleboyscreamed.“He’stakingapartmyrobots!”“Bobby,”Dr.Chasecalledabsently,“don’ttakeapartyourbrother’srobots.”“I’mBobby,”thelittleboyprotested.“He’sMatthew!”“Matthew,”Dr.Chasecalled,“don’ttakeapartyourbrother’srobots!”“Okay,Dad!”Dr.Chaseturnedtous.“We’llgoupstairstomystudy.Thisway.”“Honey?”awomancalled.Annabeth’sstepmomappearedinthelivingroom,wipingherhandsona

dishtowel.ShewasaprettyAsianwomanwithredhighlightedhairtiedinabun.“Whoareourguests?”sheasked.“Oh,”Dr.Chasesaid.“Thisis...”Hestaredatusblankly.“Frederick,”shechided.“Youforgottoaskthemtheirnames?”Weintroducedourselvesalittleuneasily,butMrs.Chaseseemedreallynice.Sheaskedifwewere

hungry.Weadmittedwewere,andshetoldusshe’dbringussomecookiesandsandwichesandsodas.“Dear,”Dr.Chasesaid.“TheycameaboutAnnabeth.”IhalfexpectedMrs.Chasetoturnintoaravinglunaticatthementionofherstepdaughter,butshejust

pursedherlipsandlookedconcerned.“Allright.GoonuptothestudyandI’llbringyousomefood.”Shesmiledatme.“Nicemeetingyou,Percy.I’veheardalotaboutyou.”

Upstairs,wewalkedintoDr.Chase’sstudyandIsaid,“Whoa!”Theroomwaswall-to-wallbooks,butwhatreallycaughtmyattentionwerethewartoys.Therewas

ahugetablewithminiaturetanksandsoldiersfightingalongabluepaintedriver,withhillsandfaketreesandstuff.Old-fashionedbiplaneshungonstringsfromtheceiling,tiltedatcrazyanglesliketheywereinthemiddleofadogfight.

Dr.Chasesmiled.“Yes.TheThirdBattleofYpres.I’mwritingapaper,yousee,ontheuseofSopwithCamelstostrafeenemylines.Ibelievetheyplayedamuchgreaterrolethanthey’vebeengivencreditfor.”

Hepluckedabiplanefromitsstringandsweptitacrossthebattlefield,makingairplaneenginenoisesasheknockeddownlittleGermansoldiers.

“Oh,right,”Isaid.IknewAnnabeth’sdadwasaprofessorofmilitaryhistory.She’dnevermentionedheplayedwithtoysoldiers.

Zoëcameoverandstudiedthebattlefield.“TheGermanlineswerefartherfromtheriver.”

Dr.Chasestaredather.“Howdoyouknowthat?”“Iwasthere,”shesaidmatter-of-factly.“Artemiswantedtoshowushowhorriblewarwas,theway

mortalmenfighteachother.Andhowfoolish,too.Thebattlewasacompletewaste.”Dr.Chaseopenedhismouthinshock.“You—”“She’saHunter,sir,”Thaliasaid.“Butthat’snotwhywe’rehere.Weneed—”“YousawtheSopwithCamels?”Dr.Chasesaid.“Howmanywerethere?Whatformationsdidthey

fly?”“Sir,”Thaliabrokeinagain.“Annabethisindanger.”Thatgothisattention.Hesetthebiplanedown.“Ofcourse,”hesaid.“Tellmeeverything.”Itwasn’teasy,butwetried.Meanwhile,theafternoonlightwasfadingoutside.Wewererunningout

oftime.Whenwe’dfinished,Dr.Chasecollapsedinhisleatherrecliner.Helacedhishands.“Mypoor

braveAnnabeth.Wemusthurry.”“Sir,weneedtransportationtoMountTamalpais,”Zoësaid.“Andweneeditimmediately.”“I’lldriveyou.Hmm,itwouldbefastertoflyinmyCamel,butitonlyseatstwo.”“Whoa,youhaveanactualbiplane?”Isaid.“DownatCrissyField,”Dr.Chasesaidproudly.“That’sthereasonIhadtomovehere.Mysponsor

isaprivatecollectorwithsomeofthefinestWorldWarIrelicsintheworld.HeletmerestoretheSopwithCamel—”

“Sir,”Thaliasaid.“Justacarwouldbegreat.Anditmightbebetterifwewentwithoutyou.It’stoodangerous.”

Dr.Chasefrowneduncomfortably.“Nowwaitaminute,younglady.Annabethismydaughter.Dangerousornot,I...Ican’tjust—”

“Snacks,”Mrs.Chaseannounced.Shepushedthroughthedoorwithatrayfullofpeanut-butter-and-jellysandwichesandCokesandcookiesfreshoutoftheoven,thechocolatechipsstillgooey.ThaliaandIinhaledafewcookieswhileZoësaid,“Icandrive,sir.I’mnotasyoungasIlook.Ipromisenottodestroyyourcar.”

Mrs.Chaseknithereyebrows.“What’sthisabout?”“Annabethisindanger,”Dr.Chasesaid.“OnMountTam.Iwoulddrivethem,but...apparentlyit’s

noplaceformortals.”Itsoundedlikeitwasreallyhardforhimtogetthatlastpartout.IwaitedforMrs.Chasetosayno.Imean,whatmortalparentwouldallowthreeunderageteenagers

toborrowtheircar?Tomysurprise,Mrs.Chasenodded.“Thenthey’dbettergetgoing.”“Right!”Dr.Chasejumpedupandstartedpattinghispockets.“Mykeys...”Hiswifesighed.“Frederick,honestly.You’dloseyourheadifitweren’twrappedinsideyour

aviatorhat.Thekeysarehangingonthepegbythefrontdoor.”“Right!”Dr.Chasesaid.Zoëgrabbedasandwich.“Thankyouboth.Weshouldgo.Now.”Wehustledoutthedooranddownthestairs,theChasesrightbehindus.“Percy,”Mrs.ChasecalledasIwasleaving,“tellAnnabeth...Tellhershestillhasahomehere,

willyou?Remindherofthat.”Itookonelastlookatthemessylivingroom,Annabeth’shalfbrothersspillingLEGOsandarguing,

thesmellofcookiesfillingtheair.Notabadplace,Ithought.“I’lltellher,”Ipromised.WeranouttotheyellowVWconvertibleparkedinthedriveway.Thesunwasgoingdown.Ifigured

wehadlessthananhourtosaveAnnabeth.“Can’tthisthinggoanyfaster?”Thaliademanded.Zoëglaredather.“Icannotcontroltraffic.”“Youbothsoundlikemymother,”Isaid.“Shutup!”theysaidinunison.ZoëweavedinandoutoftrafficontheGoldenGateBridge.Thesunwassinkingonthehorizon

whenwefinallygotintoMarinCountyandexitedthehighway.Theroadswereinsanelynarrow,windingthroughforestsandupthesidesofhillsandaroundthe

edgesofsteepravines.Zoëdidn’tslowdownatall.“Whydoeseverythingsmelllikecoughdrops?”Iasked.“Eucalyptus.”Zoëpointedtothehugetreesallaroundus.“Thestuffkoalabearseat?”“Andmonsters,”shesaid.“Theylovechewingtheleaves.Especiallydragons.”“Dragonscheweucalyptusleaves?”“Believeme,”Zoësaid,“ifyouhaddragonbreath,youwouldcheweucalyptustoo.”Ididn’tquestionher,butIdidkeepmyeyespeeledmorecloselyaswedrove.Aheadofusloomed

MountTamalpais.Iguess,intermsofmountains,itwasasmallone,butitlookedplentyhugeasweweredrivingtowardit.

“Sothat’stheMountainofDespair?”Iasked.“Yes,”Zoësaidtightly.“Whydotheycallitthat?”Shewassilentforalmostamilebeforeanswering.“AfterthewarbetweentheTitansandthegods,

manyoftheTitanswerepunishedandimprisoned.KronoswasslicedtopiecesandthrownintoTartarus.Kronos’sright-handman,thegeneralofhisforces,wasimprisonedupthere,onthesummit,justbeyondtheGardenoftheHesperides.”

“TheGeneral,”Isaid.Cloudsseemedtobeswirlingarounditspeak,asthoughthemountainwasdrawingthemin,spinningthemlikeatop.“What’sgoingonupthere?Astorm?”

Zoëdidn’tanswer.Igotthefeelingsheknewexactlywhatthecloudsmeant,andshedidn’tlikeit.“Wehavetoconcentrate,”Thaliasaid.“TheMistisreallystronghere.”“Themagicalkindorthenaturalkind?”Iasked.“Both.”Thegraycloudsswirledeventhickeroverthemountain,andwekeptdrivingstraighttowardthem.

Wewereoutoftheforestnow,intowideopenspacesofcliffsandgrassandrocksandfog.Ihappenedtoglancedownattheoceanaswepassedasceniccurve,andIsawsomethingthatmade

mejumpoutofmyseat.“Look!”Butweturnedacornerandtheoceandisappearedbehindthehills.

“What?”Thaliaasked.“Abigwhiteship,”Isaid.“Dockednearthebeach.Itlookedlikeacruiseship.”Hereyeswidened.“Luke’sship?”IwantedtosayIwasn’tsure.Itmightbeacoincidence.ButIknewbetter.ThePrincessAndromeda,

Luke’sdemoncruiseship,wasdockedatthatbeach.That’swhyhe’dsenthisshipallthewaydowntothePanamaCanal.ItwastheonlywaytosailitfromtheEastCoasttoCalifornia.

“Wewillhavecompany,then,”Zoësaidgrimly.“Kronos’sarmy.”Iwasabouttoanswer,whensuddenlythehairsonthebackofmyneckstoodup.Thaliashouted,

“Stopthecar.NOW!”Zoëmust’vesensedsomethingwaswrong,becausesheslammedonthebrakeswithoutquestion.The

yellowVWspuntwicebeforecomingtoastopattheedgeofthecliff.“Out!”Thaliaopenedthedoorandpushedmehard.Webothrolledontothepavement.Thenext

second:BOOOM!Lightningflashed,andDr.Chase’sVolkswageneruptedlikeacanary-yellowgrenade.Iprobably

would’vebeenkilledbyshrapnelexceptforThalia’sshield,whichappearedoverme.Iheardasoundlikemetalrain,andwhenIopenedmyeyes,weweresurroundedbywreckage.PartoftheVW’sfenderhadimpaleditselfinthestreet.Thesmokinghoodwasspinningincircles.Piecesofyellowmetalwerestrewnacrosstheroad.

Iswallowedthetasteofsmokeoutofmymouth,andlookedatThalia.“Yousavedmylife.”“Oneshallperishbyaparent’shand,”shemuttered.“Cursehim.Hewoulddestroyme?Me?”Ittookmeasecondtorealizeshewastalkingaboutherdad.“Oh,hey,thatcouldn’thavebeenZeus’s

lightningbolt.Noway.”“Whose,then?”Thaliademanded.“Idon’tknow.ZoësaidKronos’sname.Maybehe—”Thaliashookherhead,lookingangryandstunned.“No.Thatwasn’tit.”“Wait,”Isaid.“Where’sZoë?Zoë!”WebothgotupandranaroundtheblastedVW.Nothinginside.Nothingeitherdirectiondownthe

road.Ilookeddownthecliff.Nosignofher.“Zoë!”Ishouted.Thenshewasstandingrightnexttome,pullingmebymyarm.“Silence,fool!Doyouwanttowake

Ladon?”“Youmeanwe’rehere?”“Veryclose,”shesaid.“Followme.”Sheetsoffogweredriftingrightacrosstheroad.Zoësteppedintooneofthem,andwhenthefog

passed,shewasnolongerthere.ThaliaandIlookedateachother.“ConcentrateonZoë,”Thaliaadvised.“Wearefollowingher.Gostraightintothefogandkeepthat

inmind.”“Wait,Thalia.Aboutwhathappenedbackonthepier...Imean,withthemanticoreandthesacrifice

—”“Idon’twanttotalkaboutit.”“Youwouldn’tactuallyhave...youknow?”

Shehesitated.“Iwasjustshocked.That’sall.”“Zeusdidn’tsendthatlightingboltatthecar.ItwasKronos.He’stryingtomanipulateyou,makeyou

angryatyourdad.”Shetookadeepbreath.“Percy,Iknowyou’retryingtomakemefeelbetter.Thanks.Butcomeon.

Weneedtogo.”Shesteppedintothefog,intotheMist,andIfollowed.Whenthefogcleared,Iwasstillonthesideofthemountain,buttheroadwasdirt.Thegrasswas

thicker.Thesunsetmadeabloodredslashacrossthesea.Thesummitofthemountainseemedclosernow,swirlingwithstormcloudsandrawpower.Therewasonlyonepathtothetop,directlyinfrontofus.Anditledthroughalushmeadowofshadowsandflowers:thegardenoftwilight,justlikeI’dseeninmydream.

Ifithadn’tbeenfortheenormousdragon,thegardenwould’vebeenthemostbeautifulplaceI’deverseen.Thegrassshimmeredwithsilveryeveninglight,andtheflowersweresuchbrilliantcolorstheyalmostglowedinthedark.Steppingstonesofpolishedblackmarbleledaroundeithersideofafive-story-tallappletree,everyboughglitteringwithgoldenapples,andIdon’tmeanyellowgoldenappleslikeinthegrocerystore.Imeanrealgoldenapples.Ican’tdescribewhytheyweresoappealing,butassoonasIsmelledtheirfragrance,IknewthatonebitewouldbethemostdeliciousthingI’devertasted.

“Theapplesofimmortality,”Thaliasaid.“Hera’sweddinggiftfromZeus.”Iwantedtosteprightupandpluckone,exceptforthedragoncoiledaroundthetree.Now,Idon’tknowwhatyouthinkofwhenIsaydragon.Whateveritis,it’snotscaryenough.The

serpent’sbodywasasthickasaboosterrocket,glintingwithcopperyscales.HehadmoreheadsthanIcouldcount,asifahundreddeadlypythonshadbeenfusedtogether.Heappearedtobeasleep.Theheadslaycurledinabigspaghetti-likemoundonthegrass,alltheeyesclosed.

Thentheshadowsinfrontofusbegantomove.Therewasabeautiful,eeriesinging,likevoicesfromthebottomofawell.IreachedforRiptide,butZoëstoppedmyhand.

Fourfiguresshimmeredintoexistence,fouryoungwomenwholookedverymuchlikeZoë.TheyallworewhiteGreekchitons.Theirskinwaslikecaramel.Silkyblackhairtumbledloosearoundtheirshoulders.Itwasstrange,butI’dneverrealizedhowbeautifulZoëwasuntilIsawhersiblings,theHesperides.TheylookedjustlikeZoë—gorgeous,andprobablyverydangerous.

“Sisters,”Zoësaid.“Wedonotseeanysister,”oneofthegirlssaidcoldly.“Weseetwohalf-bloodsandaHunter.Allof

whomshallsoondie.”“You’vegotitwrong.”Isteppedforward.“Nobodyisgoingtodie.”Thegirlsstudiedme.Theyhadeyeslikevolcanicrock,glassyandcompletelyblack.“PerseusJackson,”oneofthemsaid.“Yes,”musedanother.“Idonotseewhyheisathreat.”“WhosaidIwasathreat?”ThefirstHesperidglancedbehindher,towardthetopofthemountain.“Theyfearthee.Theyare

unhappythatthisonehasnotyetkilledthee.”ShepointedatThalia.“Temptingsometimes,”Thaliaadmitted.“Butno,thanks.He’smyfriend.”“Therearenofriendshere,daughterofZeus,”thegirlsaid.“Onlyenemies.Goback.”

“NotwithoutAnnabeth,”Thaliasaid.“AndArtemis,”Zoësaid.“Wemustapproachthemountain.”“Youknowhewillkillthee,”thegirlsaid.“Youarenomatchforhim.”“Artemismustbefreed,”Zoëinsisted.“Letuspass.”Thegirlshookherhead.“Youhavenorightshereanymore.Wehaveonlytoraiseourvoicesand

Ladonwillwake.”“Hewillnothurtme,”Zoësaid.“No?Andwhataboutthyso-calledfriends?”ThenZoëdidthelastthingIexpected.Sheshouted,“Ladon!Wake!”Thedragonstirred,glitteringlikeamountainofpennies.TheHesperidesyelpedandscattered.The

leadgirlsaidtoZoë,“Areyoumad?”“Youneverhadanycourage,sister,”Zoësaid.“Thatisthyproblem.”ThedragonLadonwaswrithingnow,ahundredheadswhippingaround,tonguesflickeringand

tastingtheair.Zoëtookastepforward,herarmsraised.“Zoë,don’t,”Thaliasaid.“You’renotaHesperidanymore.He’llkillyou.”“Ladonistrainedtoprotectthetree,”Zoësaid.“Skirtaroundtheedgesofthegarden.Goupthe

mountain.AslongasIamabiggerthreat,heshouldignorethee.”“Should,”Isaid.“Notexactlyreassuring.”“Itistheonlyway,”shesaid.“Eventhethreeofustogethercannotfighthim.”Ladonopenedhismouths.Thesoundofahundredheadshissingatoncesentashiverdownmyback,

andthatwasbeforehisbreathhitme.Thesmellwaslikeacid.Itmademyeyesburn,myskincrawl,andmyhairstandonend.IrememberedthetimearathaddiedinsideourapartmentwallinNewYorkinthemiddleofthesummer.Thisstenchwaslikethat,exceptahundredtimesstronger,andmixedwiththesmellofchewedeucalyptus.IpromisedmyselfrightthenthatIwouldneveraskaschoolnurseforanothercoughdrop.

Iwantedtodrawmysword.ButthenIrememberedmydreamofZoëandHercules,andhowHerculeshadfailedinahead-onassault.IdecidedtotrustZoë’sjudgment.

Thaliawentleft.Iwentright.Zoëwalkedstraighttowardthemonster.“It’sme,mylittledragon,”Zoësaid.“Zoëhascomeback.”Ladonshiftedforward,thenback.Someofthemouthsclosed.Somekepthissing.Dragonconfusion.

Meanwhile,theHesperidesshimmeredandturnedintoshadows.Thevoiceoftheeldestwhispered,“Fool.”

“Iusedtofeedtheebyhand,”Zoëcontinued,speakinginasoothingvoiceasshesteppedtowardthegoldentree.“Doyoustilllikelamb’smeat?”

Thedragon’seyesglinted.ThaliaandIwereabouthalfwayaroundthegarden.Ahead,Icouldseeasinglerockytrailleading

uptotheblackpeakofthemountain.Thestormswirledaboveit,spinningonthesummitlikeitwastheaxisforthewholeworld.

We’dalmostmadeitoutofthemeadowwhensomethingwentwrong.Ifeltthedragon’smoodshift.MaybeZoëgottooclose.Maybethedragonrealizedhewashungry.Whateverthereason,helungedatZoë.

Twothousandyearsoftrainingkeptheralive.Shedodgedonesetofslashingfangsandtumbled

underanother,weavingthroughthedragon’sheadsassheraninourdirection,gaggingfromthemonster’shorriblebreath.

IdrewRiptidetohelp.“No!”Zoëpanted.“Run!”Thedragonsnappedatherside,andZoëcriedout.ThaliauncoveredAegis,andthedragonhissed.

Inhismomentofindecision,Zoësprintedpastusupthemountain,andwefollowed.Thedragondidn’ttrytopursue.Hehissedandstompedtheground,butIguesshewaswelltrained

toguardthattree.Hewasn’tgoingtobeluredoff,evenbythetastyprospectofeatingsomeheroes.WeranupthemountainastheHesperidesresumedtheirsongintheshadowsbehindus.Themusic

didn’tsoundsobeautifultomenow—morelikethesoundtrackforafuneral.Atthetopofmountainwereruins,blocksofblackgraniteandmarbleasbigashouses.Broken

columns.Statuesofbronzethatlookedasthoughthey’dbeenhalfmelted.“TheruinsofMountOthrys,”Thaliawhisperedinawe.“Yes,”Zoësaid.“Itwasnotherebefore.Thisisbad.”“What’sMountOthrys?”Iasked,feelinglikeafoolasusual.“ThemountainfortressoftheTitans,”Zoësaid.“Inthefirstwar,OlympusandOthryswerethetwo

rivalcapitalsoftheworld.Othryswas—”Shewincedandheldherside.“You’rehurt,”Isaid.“Letmesee.”“No!Itisnothing.Iwassaying...inthefirstwar,Othryswasblastedtopieces.”“But...howisithere?”Thalialookedaroundcautiouslyaswepickedourwaythroughtherubble,pastblocksofmarbleand

brokenarchways.“ItmovesinthesamewaythatOlympusmoves.Italwaysexistsontheedgesofcivilization.Butthefactthatitishere,onthismountain,isnotgood.”

“Why?”“ThisisAtlas’smountain,”Zoësaid.“Whereheholds—”Shefroze.Hervoicewasraggedwith

despair.“Whereheusedtoholdupthesky.”Wehadreachedthesummit.Afewyardsaheadofus,graycloudsswirledinaheavyvortex,making

afunnelcloudthatalmosttouchedthemountaintop,butinsteadrestedontheshouldersofatwelve-year-oldgirlwithauburnhairandatatteredsilverydress:Artemis,herlegsboundtotherockwithcelestialbronzechains.ThisiswhatIhadseeninmydream.Ithadn’tbeenacavernroofthatArtemiswasforcedtohold.Itwastheroofoftheworld.

“Mylady!”Zoërushedforward,butArtemissaid,“Stop!Itisatrap.Youmustleavenow.”Hervoicewasstrained.Shewasdrenchedinsweat.Ihadneverseenagoddessinpainbefore,but

theweightoftheskywasclearlytoomuchforArtemis.Zoëwascrying.SheranforwarddespiteArtemis’sprotests,andtuggedatthechains.Aboomingvoicespokebehindus:“Ah,howtouching.”Weturned.TheGeneralwasstandingthereinhisbrownsilksuit.AthissidewereLukeandhalfa

dozendracaenaebearingthegoldensarcophagusofKronos.AnnabethstoodatLuke’sside.Shehadherhandscuffedbehindherback,agaginhermouth,andLukewasholdingthepointofhisswordtoherthroat.

Imethereyes,tryingtoaskherathousandquestions.Therewasjustonemessageshewassendingme,though:RUN.

“Luke,”Thaliasnarled.“Lethergo.”Luke’ssmilewasweakandpale.HelookedevenworsethanhehadthreedaysagoinD.C.“Thatis

theGeneral’sdecision,Thalia.Butit’sgoodtoseeyouagain.”Thaliaspatathim.TheGeneralchuckled.“Somuchforoldfriends.Andyou,Zoë.It’sbeenalongtime.Howismy

littletraitor?Iwillenjoykillingyou.”“Donotrespond,”Artemisgroaned.“Donotchallengehim.”“Waitasecond,”Isaid.“You’reAtlas?”TheGeneralglancedatme.“So,eventhestupidestofheroescanfinallyfiguresomethingout.Yes,I

amAtlas,thegeneraloftheTitansandterrorofthegods.Congratulations.Iwillkillyoupresently,assoonasIdealwiththiswretchedgirl.”

“You’renotgoingtohurtZoë,”Isaid.“Iwon’tletyou.”TheGeneralsneered.“Youhavenorighttointerfere,littlehero.Thisisafamilymatter.”Ifrowned.“Afamilymatter?”“Yes,”Zoësaidbleakly.“Atlasismyfather.”

SEVENTEEN

IPUTONAFEWMILLIONEXTRAPOUNDS

Thehorriblethingwas:Icouldseethefamilyresemblance.AtlashadthesameregalexpressionasZoë,thesamecoldproudlookinhiseyesthatZoësometimesgotwhenshewasmad,thoughonhimitlookedathousandtimesmoreevil.HewasallthethingsI’doriginallydislikedaboutZoë,withnoneofthegoodI’dcometoappreciate.

“LetArtemisgo,”Zoëdemanded.Atlaswalkedclosertothechainedgoddess.“Perhapsyou’dliketotaketheskyforher,then?Bemy

guest.”Zoëopenedhermouthtospeak,butArtemissaid,“No!Donotoffer,Zoë!Iforbidyou.”Atlassmirked.HekneltnexttoArtemisandtriedtotouchherface,butthegoddessbitathim,almost

takingoffhisfingers.“Hoo-hoo,”Atlaschuckled.“Yousee,daughter?LadyArtemislikeshernewjob.IthinkIwillhave

alltheOlympianstaketurnscarryingmyburden,onceLordKronosrulesagain,andthisisthecenterofourpalace.Itwillteachthoseweaklingssomehumility.”

IlookedatAnnabeth.Shewasdesperatelytryingtotellmesomething.ShemotionedherheadtowardLuke.ButallIcoulddowasstareather.Ihadn’tnoticedbefore,butsomethingaboutherhadchanged.Herblondhairwasnowstreakedwithgray.

“Fromholdingthesky,”Thaliamuttered,asifshe’dreadmymind.“Theweightshould’vekilledher.”

“Idon’tunderstand,”Isaid.“Whycan’tArtemisjustletgoofthesky?”Atlaslaughed.“Howlittleyouunderstand,youngone.Thisisthepointwheretheskyandtheearth

firstmet,whereOuranosandGaiafirstbroughtforththeirmightychildren,theTitans.Theskystillyearnstoembracetheearth.Someonemustholditatbay,orelseitwouldcrushdownuponthisplace,instantlyflatteningthemountainandeverythingwithinahundredleagues.Onceyouhavetakentheburden,thereisnoescape.”Atlassmiled.“Unlesssomeoneelsetakesitfromyou.”

Heapproachedus,studyingThaliaandme.“Sothesearethebestheroesoftheage,eh?Notmuchofachallenge.”

“Fightus,”Isaid.“Andlet’ssee.”“Havethegodstaughtyounothing?Animmortaldoesnotfightameremortaldirectly.Itisbeneath

ourdignity.IwillhaveLukecrushyouinstead.”“Soyou’reanothercoward,”Isaid.Atlas’seyesglowedwithhatred.Withdifficulty,heturnedhisattentiontoThalia.“Asforyou,daughterofZeus,itseemsLukewaswrongaboutyou.”“Iwasn’twrong,”Lukemanaged.Helookedterriblyweak,andhespokeeverywordasifitwere

painful.IfIdidn’thatehisgutssomuch,Ialmostwould’vefeltsorryforhim.“Thalia,youstillcanjoinus.CalltheOphiotaurus.Itwillcometoyou.Look!”

Hewavedhishand,andnexttousapoolofwaterappeared:apondringedinblackmarble,bigenoughfortheOphiotaurus.IcouldimagineBessieinthatpool.Infact,themoreIthoughtaboutit,themoreIwassureIcouldhearBessiemooing.

Don’tthinkabouthim!SuddenlyGrover’svoicewasinsidemymind—theempathylink.Icouldfeelhisemotions.Hewasonthevergeofpanic.I’mlosingBessie.Blockthethoughts!

Itriedtomakemymindgoblank.Itriedtothinkaboutbasketballplayers,skateboards,thedifferentkindsofcandyinmymom’sshop.AnythingbutBessie.

“Thalia,calltheOphiotaurus,”Lukepersisted.“Andyouwillbemorepowerfulthanthegods.”“Luke...”Hervoicewasfullofpain.“Whathappenedtoyou?”“Don’tyourememberallthosetimeswetalked?Allthosetimeswecursedthegods?Ourfathers

havedonenothingforus.Theyhavenorighttoruletheworld!”Thaliashookherhead.“FreeAnnabeth.Lethergo.”“Ifyoujoinme,”Lukepromised,“itcanbelikeoldtimes.Thethreeofustogether.Fightingfora

betterworld.Please,Thalia,ifyoudon’tagree...”Hisvoicefaltered.“It’smylastchance.Hewillusetheotherwayifyoudon’tagree.Please.”Ididn’tknowwhathemeant,butthefearinhisvoicesoundedrealenough.IbelievedthatLukewas

indanger.HislifedependedonThalia’sjoininghiscause.AndIwasafraidThaliamightbelieveit,too.“Donot,Thalia,”Zoëwarned.“Wemustfightthem.”Lukewavedhishandagain,andafireappeared.Abronzebrazier,justliketheoneatcamp.A

sacrificialflame.“Thalia,”Isaid.“No.”BehindLuke,thegoldensarcophagusbegantoglow.Asitdid,Isawimagesinthemistallaround

us:blackmarblewallsrising,theruinsbecomingwhole,aterribleandbeautifulpalacerisingaroundus,madeoffearandshadow.

“WewillraiseMountOthrysrighthere,”Lukepromised,inavoicesostraineditwashardlyhis.“Oncemore,itwillbestrongerandgreaterthanOlympus.Look,Thalia.Wearenotweak.”

Hepointedtowardtheocean,andmyheartfell.Marchingupthesideofthemountain,fromthebeachwherethePrincessAndromedawasdocked,wasagreatarmy.DracaenaeandLaestrygonians,monstersandhalf-bloods,hellhounds,harpies,andotherthingsIcouldn’tevenname.Thewholeshipmust’vebeenemptied,becausetherewerehundreds,manymorethanI’dseenonboardlastsummer.Andtheyweremarchingtowardus.Inafewminutes,theywouldbehere.

“Thisisonlyatasteofwhatistocome,”Lukesaid.“SoonwewillbereadytostormCampHalf-Blood.Andafterthat,Olympusitself.Allweneedisyourhelp.”

Foraterriblemoment,Thaliahesitated.ShegazedatLuke,hereyesfullofpain,asiftheonlythingshewantedintheworldwastobelievehim.Thensheleveledherspear.“Youaren’tLuke.Idon’tknowyouanymore.”

“Yes,youdo,Thalia,”hepleaded.“Please.Don’tmakeme...Don’tmakehimdestroyyou.”Therewasnotime.Ifthatarmygottothetopofthehill,wewouldbeoverwhelmed.Imet

Annabeth’seyesagain.Shenodded.IlookedatThaliaandZoë,andIdecideditwouldn’tbetheworstthingintheworldtodiefighting

withfriendslikethis.

“Now,”Isaid.Together,wecharged.ThaliawentstraightforLuke.Thepowerofhershieldwassogreatthathisdragon-women

bodyguardsfledinapanic,droppingthegoldencoffinandleavinghimalone.Butdespitehissicklyappearance,Lukewasstillquickwithhissword.Hesnarledlikeawildanimalandcounterattacked.Whenhissword,Backbiter,metThalia’sshield,aballoflightningeruptedbetweenthem,fryingtheairwithyellowtendrilsofpower.

Asforme,Ididthestupidestthinginmylife,whichissayingalot.IattackedtheTitanLordAtlas.HelaughedasIapproached.Ahugejavelinappearedinhishands.Hissilksuitmeltedintofull

Greekbattlearmor.“Goon,then!”“Percy!”Zoësaid.“Beware!”Iknewwhatshewaswarningmeabout.Chironhadtoldmelongago:Immortalsareconstrainedby

ancientrules.Butaherocangoanywhere,challengeanyone,aslongashehasthenerve.OnceIattacked,however,Atlaswasfreetoattackbackdirectly,withallhismight.

Iswungmysword,andAtlasknockedmeasidewiththeshaftofhisjavelin.Iflewthroughtheairandslammedintoablackwall.Itwasn’tMistanymore.Thepalacewasrising,brickbybrick.Itwasbecomingreal.

“Fool!”Atlasscreamedgleefully,swattingasideoneofZoë’sarrows.“Didyouthink,simplybecauseyoucouldchallengethatpettywargod,thatyoucouldstanduptome?”

ThementionofAressentajoltthroughme.Ishookoffmydazeandchargedagain.IfIcouldgettothatpoolofwater,Icoulddoublemystrength.

Thejavelin’spointslashedtowardmelikeascythe.IraisedRiptide,planningtocutoffhisweaponattheshaft,butmyarmfeltlikelead.Myswordsuddenlyweighedaton.

AndIrememberedAres’swarning,spokenonthebeachinLosAngelessolongago:Whenyouneeditmost,yourswordwillfailyou.

Notnow!Ipleaded.Butitwasnogood.Itriedtododge,butthejavelincaughtmeinthechestandsentmeflyinglikearagdoll.Islammedintotheground,myheadspinning.IlookedupandfoundIwasatthefeetofArtemis,stillstrainingundertheweightofthesky.

“Run,boy,”shetoldme.“Youmustrun!”Atlaswastakinghistimecomingtowardme.Myswordwasgone.Ithadskitteredawayoverthe

edgeofthecliff.Itmightreappearinmypocket—maybeinafewseconds—butitdidn’tmatter.I’dbedeadbythen.LukeandThaliawerefightinglikedemons,lightningcracklingaroundthem.Annabethwasontheground,desperatelystrugglingtofreeherhands.

“Die,littlehero,”Atlassaid.Heraisedhisjavelintoimpaleme.“No!”Zoëyelled,andavolleyofsilverarrowssproutedfromthearmpitchinkinAtlas’sarmor.“ARGH!”Hebellowedandturnedtowardhisdaughter.IreacheddownandfeltRiptidebackinmypocket.Icouldn’tfightAtlas,evenwithasword.And

thenachillwentdownmyback.Irememberedthewordsoftheprophecy:TheTitan’scursemustonewithstand.Icouldn’thopetobeatAtlas.Buttherewassomeoneelsewhomightstandachance.

“Thesky,”Itoldthegoddess.“Giveittome.”“No,boy,”Artemissaid.Herforeheadwasbeadedwithmetallicsweat,likequicksilver.“Youdon’t

knowwhatyou’reasking.Itwillcrushyou!”“Annabethtookit!”“Shebarelysurvived.Shehadthespiritofatruehuntress.Youwillnotlastsolong.”“I’lldieanyway,”Isaid.“Givemetheweightofthesky!”Ididn’twaitforheranswer.ItookoutRiptideandslashedthroughherchains.ThenIsteppednextto

herandbracedmyselfononeknee—holdingupmyhands—andtouchedthecold,heavyclouds.Foramoment,ArtemisandIboretheweighttogether.ItwastheheaviestthingI’deverfelt,asifIwerebeingcrushedunderathousandtrucks.Iwantedtoblackoutfromthepain,butIbreatheddeeply.Icandothis.

ThenArtemisslippedoutfromundertheburden,andIhelditalone.Afterward,Itriedmanytimestoexplainwhatitfeltlike.Icouldn’t.Everymuscleinmybodyturnedtofire.Mybonesfeltliketheyweremelting.Iwantedtoscream,

butIdidn’thavethestrengthtoopenmymouth.Ibegantosink,lowerandlowertotheground,thesky’sweightcrushingme.

Fightback!Grover’svoicesaidinsidemyhead.Don’tgiveup.Iconcentratedonbreathing.IfIcouldjustkeeptheskyaloftafewmoreseconds.Ithoughtabout

Bianca,whohadgivenherlifesowecouldgethere.Ifshecoulddothat,Icouldholdthesky.Myvisionturnedfuzzy.Everythingwastingedwithred.Icaughtglimpsesofthebattle,butIwasn’t

sureifIwasseeingclearly.TherewasAtlasinfullbattlearmor,jabbingwithhisjavelin,laughinginsanelyashefought.AndArtemis,ablurofsilver.Shehadtwowickedhuntingknives,eachaslongasherarm,andsheslashedwildlyattheTitan,dodgingandleapingwithunbelievablegrace.Sheseemedtochangeformasshemaneuvered.Shewasatiger,agazelle,abear,afalcon.Orperhapsthatwasjustmyfeveredbrain.Zoëshotarrowsatherfather,aimingforthechinksinhisarmor.Heroaredinpaineachtimeonefounditsmark,buttheyaffectedhimlikebeestings.Hejustgotmadderandkeptfighting.

ThaliaandLukewentspearonsword,lightningstillflashingaroundthem.ThaliapressedLukebackwiththeauraofhershield.Evenhewasnotimmunetoit.Heretreated,wincingandgrowlinginfrustration.

“Yield!”Thaliayelled.“Younevercouldbeatme,Luke.”Hebaredhisteeth.“We’llsee,myoldfriend.”Sweatpoureddownmyface.Myhandswereslippery.Myshoulderswould’vescreamedwithagony

iftheycould.Ifeltlikethevertebraeinmyspinewerebeingweldedtogetherbyablowtorch.Atlasadvanced,pressingArtemis.Shewasfast,buthisstrengthwasunstoppable.Hisjavelin

slammedintotheearthwhereArtemishadbeenasplitsecondbefore,andafissureopenedintherocks.Heleapedoveritandkeptpursuingher.Shewasleadinghimbacktowardme.

Getready,shespokeinmymind.Iwaslosingtheabilitytothinkthroughthepain.MyresponsewassomethinglikeAgggghh-

owwwwwwww.“Youfightwellforagirl.”Atlaslaughed.“Butyouarenomatchforme.”HefeintedwiththetipofhisjavelinandArtemisdodged.Isawthetrickcoming.Atlas’sjavelin

sweptaroundandknockedArtemis’slegsofftheground.Shefell,andAtlasbroughtuphisjavelintipforthekill.

“No!”Zoëscreamed.SheleapedbetweenherfatherandArtemisandshotanarrowstraightintotheTitan’sforehead,whereitlodgedlikeaunicorn’shorn.Atlasbellowedinrage.Hesweptasidehis

daughterwiththebackofhishand,sendingherflyingintotheblackrocks.Iwantedtoshouthername,runtoheraid,butIcouldn’tspeakormove.Icouldn’tevenseewhere

Zoëhadlanded.ThenAtlasturnedonArtemiswithalookoftriumphinhisface.Artemisseemedtobewounded.Shedidn’tgetup.

“Thefirstbloodinanewwar,”Atlasgloated.Andhestabbeddownward.Asfastasthought,Artemisgrabbedhisjavelinshaft.Ithittheearthrightnexttoherandshepulled

backward,usingthejavelinlikealever,kickingtheTitanLordandsendinghimflyingoverher.IsawhimcomingdownontopofmeandIrealizedwhatwouldhappen.Iloosenedmygriponthesky,andasAtlasslammedintomeIdidn’ttrytoholdon.IletmyselfbepushedoutofthewayandrolledforallIwasworth.

TheweightoftheskydroppedontoAtlas’sback,almostsmashinghimflatuntilhemanagedtogettohisknees,strugglingtogetoutfromunderthecrushingweightofthesky.Butitwastoolate.

“Noooooo!”Hebellowedsoharditshookthemountain.“Notagain!”Atlaswastrappedunderhisoldburden.Itriedtostandandfellbackagain,dazedfrompain.Mybodyfeltlikeitwasburningup.ThaliabackedLuketotheedgeofacliff,butstilltheyfoughton,nexttothegoldencoffin.Thaliahad

tearsinhereyes.Lukehadabloodyslashacrosshischestandhispalefaceglistenedwithsweat.HelungedatThaliaandsheslammedhimwithhershield.Luke’sswordspunoutofhishandsand

clatteredtotherocks.Thaliaputherspearpointtohisthroat.Foramoment,therewassilence.“Well?”Lukeasked.Hetriedtohideit,butIcouldhearfearinhisvoice.Thaliatrembledwithfury.Behindher,Annabethcamescrambling,finallyfreefromherbonds.Herfacewasbruisedand

streakedwithdirt.“Don’tkillhim!”“He’satraitor,”Thaliasaid.“Atraitor!”Inmydaze,IrealizedthatArtemiswasnolongerwithme.Shehadrunofftowardtheblackrocks

whereZoëhadfallen.“We’llbringLukeback,”Annabethpleaded.“ToOlympus.He...he’llbeuseful.”“Isthatwhatyouwant,Thalia?”Lukesneered.“TogobacktoOlympusintriumph?Topleaseyour

dad?”Thaliahesitated,andLukemadeadesperategrabforherspear.“No!”Annabethshouted.Butitwastoolate.Withoutthinking,ThaliakickedLukeaway.Helosthis

balance,terroronhisface,andthenhefell.“Luke!”Annabethscreamed.Werushedtothecliff’sedge.Belowus,thearmyfromthePrincessAndromedahadstoppedin

amazement.TheywerestaringatLuke’sbrokenformontherocks.DespitehowmuchIhatedhim,Icouldn’tstandtoseeit.Iwantedtobelievehewasstillalive,butthatwasimpossible.Thefallwasfiftyfeetatleast,andhewasn’tmoving.

Oneofthegiantslookedupandgrowled,“Killthem!”Thaliawasstiffwithgrief,tearsstreamingdownhercheeks.Ipulledherbackasawaveofjavelins

sailedoverourheads.Weranfortherocks,ignoringthecursesandthreatsofAtlasaswepassed.“Artemis!”Iyelled.

Thegoddesslookedup,herfacealmostasgrief-strickenasThalia’s.Zoëlayinthegoddess’sarms.Shewasbreathing.Hereyeswereopen.Butstill...

“Thewoundispoisoned,”Artemissaid.“Atlaspoisonedher?”Iasked.“No,”thegoddesssaid.“NotAtlas.”SheshowedusthewoundinZoë’sside.I’dalmostforgottenherscrapewithLadonthedragon.The

bitewasmuchworsethanZoëhadleton.Icouldbarelylookatthewound.Shehadchargedintobattleagainstherfatherwithahorriblecutalreadysappingherstrength.

“Thestars,”Zoëmurmured.“Icannotseethem.”“Nectarandambrosia,”Isaid.“Comeon!Wehavetogethersome.”Noonemoved.Griefhunginair.ThearmyofKronoswasjustbelowtherise.EvenArtemiswastoo

shockedtostir.Wemight’vemetourdoomrightthere,butthenIheardastrangebuzzingnoise.Justasthearmyofmonsterscameoverthehill,aSopwithCamelswoopeddownoutofthesky.“Getawayfrommydaughter!”Dr.Chasecalleddown,andhismachinegunsbursttolife,peppering

thegroundwithbulletholesandstartlingthewholegroupofmonstersintoscattering.“Dad?”yelledAnnabethindisbelief.“Run!”hecalledback,hisvoicegrowingfainterasthebiplaneswoopedby.ThisshookArtemisoutofhergrief.Shestaredupattheantiqueplane,whichwasnowbanking

aroundforanotherstrafe.“Abraveman,”Artemissaidwithgrudgingapproval.“Come.WemustgetZoëawayfromhere.”Sheraisedherhuntinghorntoherlips,anditsclearsoundechoeddownthevalleysofMarin.Zoë’s

eyeswerefluttering.“Hanginthere!”Itoldher.“It’llbeallright!”TheSopwithCamelswoopeddownagain.Afewgiantsthrewjavelins,andoneflewstraight

betweenthewingsoftheplane,butthemachinegunsblazed.IrealizedwithamazementthatsomehowDr.Chasemust’vegottenholdofcelestialbronzetofashionhisbullets.Thefirstrowofsnakewomenwailedasthemachinegun’svolleyblewthemintosulfurousyellowpowder.

“That’s...mydad!”Annabethsaidinamazement.Wedidn’thavetimetoadmirehisflying.Thegiantsandsnakewomenwerealreadyrecoveringfrom

theirsurprise.Dr.Chasewouldbeintroublesoon.Justthen,themoonlightbrightened,andasilverchariotappearedfromthesky,drawnbythemost

beautifuldeerIhadeverseen.Itlandedrightnexttous.“Getin,”Artemissaid.AnnabethhelpedmegetThaliaonboard.ThenIhelpedArtemiswithZoë.WewrappedZoëina

blanketasArtemispulledthereinsandthechariotspedawayfromthemountain,straightintotheair.“LikeSantaClaus’ssleigh,”Imurmured,stilldazedwithpain.Artemistooktimetolookbackatme.“Indeed,younghalf-blood.Andwheredoyouthinkthatlegend

camefrom?”Seeingussafelyaway,Dr.Chaseturnedhisbiplaneandfolloweduslikeanhonorguard.Itmust

havebeenoneofthestrangestsightsever,evenfortheBayArea:asilverflyingchariotpulledbydeer,escortedbyaSopwithCamel.

Behindus,thearmyofKronosroaredinangerastheygatheredonthesummitofMountTamalpais,buttheloudestsoundwasthevoiceofAtlas,bellowingcursesagainstthegodsashestruggledundertheweightofthesky.

EIGHTEEN

AFRIENDSAYSGOOD-BYE

WelandedatCrissyFieldafternightfall.AssoonasDr.ChasesteppedoutofhisSopwithCamel,Annabethrantohimandgavehimahuge

hug.“Dad!Youflew...youshot...ohmygods!ThatwasthemostamazingthingI’veeverseen!”Herfatherblushed.“Well,notbadforamiddle-agedmortal,Isuppose.”“Butthecelestialbronzebullets!Howdidyougetthose?”“Ah,well.Youdidleavequiteafewhalf-bloodweaponsinyourroominVirginia,thelasttimeyou

...left.”Annabethlookeddown,embarrassed.InoticedDr.Chasewasverycarefulnottosayranaway.“Idecidedtotrymeltingsomedowntomakebulletcasings,”hecontinued.“Justalittleexperiment.”Hesaiditlikeitwasnobigdeal,buthehadagleaminhiseye.Icouldunderstandallofasudden

whyAthena,GoddessofCraftsandWisdom,hadtakenalikingtohim.Hewasanexcellentmadscientistatheart.

“Dad...”Annabethfaltered.“Annabeth,Percy,”Thaliainterrupted.Hervoicewasurgent.SheandArtemiswerekneelingat

Zoë’sside,bindingthehuntress’swounds.AnnabethandIranovertohelp,buttherewasn’tmuchwecoulddo.Wehadnoambrosiaornectar.

Noregularmedicinewouldhelp.Itwasdark,butIcouldseethatZoëdidn’tlookgood.Shewasshivering,andthefaintglowthatusuallyhungaroundherwasfading.

“Can’tyouhealherwithmagic?”IaskedArtemis.“Imean...you’reagoddess.”Artemislookedtroubled.“Lifeisafragilething,Percy.IftheFateswillthestringtobecut,thereis

littleIcando.ButIcantry.”ShetriedtosetherhandonZoë’sside,butZoëgrippedherwrist.Shelookedintothegoddess’s

eyes,andsomekindofunderstandingpassedbetweenthem.“HaveI...servedtheewell?”Zoëwhispered.“Withgreathonor,”Artemissaidsoftly.“Thefinestofmyattendants.”Zoë’sfacerelaxed.“Rest.Atlast.”“Icantrytohealthepoison,mybraveone.”Butinthatmoment,Iknewitwasn’tjustthepoisonthatwaskillingher.Itwasherfather’sfinal

blow.ZoëhadknownallalongthattheOracle’sprophecywasabouther:shewoulddiebyaparent’shand.Andyetshe’dtakenthequestanyway.Shehadchosentosaveme,andAtlas’sfuryhadbrokenherinside.

ShesawThalia,andtookherhand.“Iamsorryweargued,”Zoësaid.“Wecouldhavebeensisters.”“It’smyfault,”Thaliasaid,blinkinghard.“YouwererightaboutLuke,aboutheroes,men—

everything.”“Perhapsnotallmen,”Zoëmurmured.Shesmiledweaklyatme.“Doyoustillhavethesword,

Percy?”Icouldn’tspeak,butIbroughtoutRiptideandputthepeninherhand.Shegraspeditcontentedly.

“Youspokethetruth,PercyJackson.Youarenothinglike...likeHercules.Iamhonoredthatyoucarrythissword.”

Ashudderranthroughherbody.“Zoë—”Isaid.“Stars,”shewhispered.“Icanseethestarsagain,mylady.”AteartrickleddownArtemis’scheek.“Yes,mybraveone.Theyarebeautifultonight.”“Stars,”Zoërepeated.Hereyesfixedonthenightsky.Andshedidnotmoveagain.Thalialoweredherhead.Annabethgulpeddownasob,andherfatherputhishandsonher

shoulders.IwatchedasArtemiscuppedherhandaboveZoë’smouthandspokeafewwordsinAncientGreek.AsilverywispofsmokeexhaledfromZoë’slipsandwascaughtinthehandofthegoddess.Zoë’sbodyshimmeredanddisappeared.

Artemisstood,saidakindofblessing,breathedintohercuppedhandandreleasedthesilverdusttothesky.Itflewup,sparkling,andvanished.

ForamomentIdidn’tseeanythingdifferent.ThenAnnabethgasped.Lookingupinthesky,Isawthatthestarswerebrighternow.TheymadeapatternIhadnevernoticedbefore—agleamingconstellationthatlookedalotlikeagirl’sfigure—agirlwithabow,runningacrossthesky.

“Lettheworldhonoryou,myHuntress,”Artemissaid.“Liveforeverinthestars.”Itwasn’teasysayingourgood-byes.ThethunderandlightningwerestillboilingoverMount

Tamalpaisinthenorth.Artemiswassoupsetsheflickeredwithsilverlight.Thismademenervous,becauseifshesuddenlylostcontrolandappearedinherfullydivineform,wewoulddisintegratebylookingather.

“ImustgotoOlympusimmediately,”Artemissaid.“Iwillnotbeabletotakeyou,butIwillsendhelp.”

ThegoddesssetherhandonAnnabeth’sshoulder.“Youarebravebeyondmeasure,mygirl.Youwilldowhatisright.”

ThenshelookedquizzicallyatThalia,asifsheweren’tsurewhattomakeofthisyoungerdaughterofZeus.Thaliaseemedreluctanttolookup,butsomethingmadeher,andsheheldthegoddess’seyes.Iwasn’tsurewhatpassedbetweenthem,butArtemis’sgazesoftenedwithsympathy.Thensheturnedtome.

“Youdidwell,”shesaid.“Foraman.”Iwantedtoprotest.ButthenIrealizeditwasthefirsttimeshehadn’tcalledmeaboy.Shemountedherchariot,whichbegantoglow.Weavertedoureyes.Therewasaflashofsilver,and

thegoddesswasgone.“Well,”Dr.Chasesighed.“Shewasimpressive;thoughImustsayIstillpreferAthena.”Annabethturnedtowardhim.“Dad,I...I’msorrythat—”“Shh.”Hehuggedher.“Dowhatyoumust,mydear.Iknowthisisn’teasyforyou.”Hisvoicewasalittleshaky,buthegaveAnnabethabravesmile.ThenIheardthewhooshoflargewings.Threepegasidescendedthroughthefog:twowhitewinged

horsesandonepureblackone.“Blackjack!”Icalled.Yo,boss!hecalled.Youmanagetostayaliveokaywithoutme?“Itwasrough,”Iadmitted.IbroughtGuidoandPorkpiewithme.Howyadoin?Theothertwopegasispokeinmymind.Blackjacklookedmeoverwithconcern,thencheckedoutDr.Chase,Thalia,andAnnabeth.Anyof

thesegoonsyouwantustostampede?“Nah,”Isaidaloud.“Thesearemyfriends.WeneedtogettoOlympusprettyfast.”Noproblem,Blackjacksaid.Exceptforthemortaloverthere.Hopehe’snotgoing.IassuredhimDr.Chasewasnot.Theprofessorwasstaringopenmouthedatthepegasi.“Fascinating,”hesaid.“Suchmaneuverability!Howdoesthewingspancompensatefortheweightof

thehorse’sbody,Iwonder?”Blackjackcockedhishead.Whaaaat?“Why,iftheBritishhadhadthesepegasiinthecavalrychargesontheCrimea,”Dr.Chasesaid,“the

chargeofthelightbrigade—”“Dad!”Annabethinterrupted.Dr.Chaseblinked.Helookedathisdaughterandmanagedasmile.“I’msorry,mydear.Iknowyou

mustgo.”Hegaveheronelastawkward,well-meaninghug.AssheturnedtoclimbaboardthepegasusGuido,

Dr.Chasecalled,“Annabeth.Iknow...IknowSanFranciscoisadangerousplaceforyou.Butpleaseremember,youalwayshaveahomewithus.Wewillkeepyousafe.”

Annabethdidn’tanswer,buthereyeswereredassheturnedaway.Dr.Chasestartedtosaymore,thenapparentlythoughtbetterofit.Heraisedhishandinasadfarewellandtrudgedawayacrossthedarkfield.

ThaliaandAnnabethandImountedourpegasi.Togetherwesoaredoverthebayandflewtowardtheeasternhills.SoonSanFranciscowasonlyaglitteringcrescentbehindus,withanoccasionalflickeroflightninginthenorth.

ThaliawassoexhaustedshefellasleeponPorkpie’sback.Iknewshehadtobereallytiredtosleepintheair,despiteherfearofheights,butshedidn’thavemuchtoworryabout.Herpegasusflewwithease,adjustinghimselfeveryonceinawhilesoThaliastayedsafelyonhisback.

AnnabethandIflewalongsidebyside.“Yourdadseemscool,”Itoldher.Itwastoodarktoseeherexpression.Shelookedback,eventhoughCaliforniawasfarbehindus

now.“Iguessso,”shesaid.“We’vebeenarguingforsomanyyears.”“Yeah,yousaid.”“YouthinkIwaslyingaboutthat?”Itsoundedlikeachallenge,butaprettyhalfheartedone,likeshe

wasaskingitofherself.“Ididn’tsayyouwerelying.It’sjust...heseemsokay.Yourstepmom,too.Maybethey’ve,uh,

gottencoolersinceyousawthemlast.”

Shehesitated.“They’restillinSanFrancisco,Percy.Ican’tlivesofarfromcamp.”Ididn’twanttoaskmynextquestion.Iwasscaredtoknowtheanswer.ButIaskeditanyway.“So

whatareyougoingtodonow?”Weflewoveratown,anislandoflightsinthemiddleofthedark.Itwhiskedbysofastwemight’ve

beeninanairplane.“Idon’tknow,”sheadmitted.“Butthankyouforrescuingme.”“Hey,nobigdeal.We’refriends.”“Youdidn’tbelieveIwasdead?”“Never.”Shehesitated.“NeitherisLuke,youknow.Imean...heisn’tdead.”Istaredather.Ididn’tknowifshewascrackingunderthestressorwhat.“Annabeth,thatfallwas

prettybad.There’snoway—”“Heisn’tdead,”sheinsisted.“Iknowit.Thesamewayyouknewaboutme.”Thatcomparisondidn’tmakemetoohappy.Thetownswerezippingbyfasternow,islandsoflightthickertogether,untilthewholelandscape

belowwasaglitteringcarpet.Dawnwasclose.Theeasternskywasturninggray.Andupahead,ahugewhite-and-yellowglowspreadoutbeforeus—thelightsofNewYork.

How’sthatforspeedy,boss?Blackjackbragged.Wegetextrahayforbreakfastorwhat?“You’retheman,Blackjack,”Itoldhim.“Er,thehorse,Imean.”“Youdon’tbelievemeaboutLuke,”Annabethsaid,“butwe’llseehimagain.He’sintrouble,Percy.

He’sunderKronos’sspell.”Ididn’tfeellikearguing,thoughitmadememad.Howcouldshestillhaveanyfeelingsforthat

creep?Howcouldshepossiblymakeexcusesforhim?Hedeservedthatfall.Hedeserved...okay,I’llsayit.Hedeservedtodie.UnlikeBianca.UnlikeZoë.Lukecouldn’tbealive.Itwouldn’tbefair.

“Thereitis.”Thalia’svoice;she’dwokenup.ShewaspointingtowardManhattan,whichwasquicklyzoomingintoview.“It’sstarted.”

“What’sstarted?”Iasked.ThenIlookedwhereshewaspointing.HighabovetheEmpireStateBuilding,Olympuswasitsown

islandoflight,afloatingmountainablazewithtorchesandbraziers,whitemarblepalacesgleamingintheearlymorningair.

“Thewintersolstice,”Thaliasaid.“TheCounciloftheGods.”

NINETEEN

THEGODSVOTEHOWTOKILLUS

FlyingwasbadenoughforasonofPoseidon,butflyingstraightuptoZeus’spalace,withthunderandlightningswirlingaroundit,wasevenworse.

WecircledovermidtownManhattan,makingonecompleteorbitaroundMountOlympus.I’donlybeenthereoncebefore,travelingbyelevatoruptothesecretsixhundredthflooroftheEmpireStateBuilding.Thistime,ifitwaspossible,Olympusamazedmeevenmore.

Intheearly-morningdarkness,torchesandfiresmadethemountainsidepalacesglowtwentydifferentcolors,frombloodredtoindigo.ApparentlynooneeversleptonOlympus.Thetwistingstreetswerefullofdemigodsandnaturespiritsandminorgodlingsbustlingabout,ridingchariotsorsedanchairscarriedbyCyclopes.Winterdidn’tseemtoexisthere.Icaughtthescentofthegardensinfullbloom,jasmineandrosesandevensweeterthingsIcouldn’tname.Musicdriftedupfrommanywindows,thesoftsoundsoflyresandreedpipes.

Toweringatthepeakofthemountainwasthegreatestpalaceofall,theglowingwhitehallofthegods.

Ourpegasisetusdownintheoutercourtyard,infrontofhugesilvergates.BeforeIcouldeventhinktoknock,thegatesopenedbythemselves.

Goodluck,boss,Blackjacksaid.“Yeah.”Ididn’tknowwhy,butIhadasenseofdoom.I’dneverseenallthegodstogether.Iknew

anyoneofthemcouldblastmetodust,andafewofthemwouldliketo.Hey,ifyadon’tcomeback,canIhaveyourcabinformystable?Ilookedatthepegasus.Justathought,hesaid.Sorry.Blackjackandhisfriendsflewoff,leavingThalia,Annabeth,andmealone.Foraminutewestood

thereregardingthepalace,thewaywe’dstoodtogetherinfrontofWestoverHall,whatseemedlikeamillionyearsago.

Andthen,sidebyside,wewalkedintothethroneroom.TwelveenormousthronesmadeaUaroundacentralhearth,justliketheplacementofthecabinsat

camp.Theceilingaboveglitteredwithconstellations—eventhenewestone,ZoëtheHuntress,makingherwayacrosstheheavenswithherbowdrawn.

Alloftheseatswereoccupied.Eachgodandgoddesswasaboutfifteenfeettall,andI’mtellingyou,ifyou’veeverhadadozenall-powerfulsuper-hugebeingsturntheireyesonyouatonce...Well,suddenly,facingmonstersseemedlikeapicnic.

“Welcome,heroes,”Artemissaid.“Mooo!”That’swhenInoticedBessieandGrover.Asphereofwaterwashoveringinthecenteroftheroom,nexttothehearthfire.Bessiewas

swimminghappilyaround,swishinghisserpenttailandpokinghisheadoutthesidesandbottomofthesphere.Heseemedtobeenjoyingthenoveltyofswimminginamagicbubble.GroverwaskneelingatZeus’sthrone,asifhe’djustbeengivingareport,butwhenhesawus,hecried,“Youmadeit!”

Hestartedtoruntowardme,thenrememberedhewasturninghisbackonZeus,andlookedforpermission.

“Goon,”Zeussaid.Buthewasn’treallypayingattentiontoGrover.ThelordoftheskywasstaringintentlyatThalia.

Grovertrottedover.Noneofthegodsspoke.EveryclopofGrover’shoovesechoedonthemarblefloor.Bessiesplashedinhisbubbleofwater.Thehearthfirecrackled.

Ilookednervouslyatmyfather,Poseidon.HewasdressedsimilartothelasttimeI’dseenhim:beachshorts,aHawaiianshirt,andsandals.Hehadaweathered,suntannedfacewithadarkbeardanddeepgreeneyes.Iwasn’tsurehowhewouldfeelaboutseeingmeagain,butthecornersofhiseyescrinkledwithsmilelines.HenoddedasiftosayIt’sokay.

GrovergaveAnnabethandThaliabighugs.Thenhegraspedmyarms.“Percy,BessieandImadeit!Butyouhavetoconvincethem!Theycan’tdoit!”

“Dowhat?”Iasked.“Heroes,”Artemiscalled.Thegoddesssliddownfromherthroneandturnedtohumansize,ayoungauburn-hairedgirl,

perfectlyateaseinthemidstofthegiantOlympians.Shewalkedtowardus,hersilverrobesshimmering.Therewasnoemotioninherface.Sheseemedtowalkinacolumnofmoonlight.

“TheCouncilhasbeeninformedofyourdeeds,”Artemistoldus.“TheyknowthatMountOthrysisrisingintheWest.TheyknowofAtlas’sattemptforfreedom,andthegatheringarmiesofKronos.Wehavevotedtoact.”

Therewassomemumblingandshufflingamongthegods,asiftheyweren’tallhappywiththisplan,butnobodyprotested.

“AtmyLordZeus’scommand,”Artemissaid,“mybrotherApolloandIshallhuntthemostpowerfulmonsters,seekingtostrikethemdownbeforetheycanjointheTitans’cause.LadyAthenashallpersonallycheckontheotherTitanstomakesuretheydonotescapetheirvariousprisons.LordPoseidonhasbeengivenpermissiontounleashhisfullfuryonthecruiseshipPrincessAndromedaandsendittothebottomofthesea.Andasforyou,myheroes...”

Sheturnedtofacetheotherimmortals.“Thesehalf-bloodshavedoneOlympusagreatservice.Wouldanyheredenythat?”

Shelookedaroundattheassembledgods,meetingtheirfacesindividually.Zeusinhisdarkpin-stripedsuit,hisblackbeardneatlytrimmed,andhiseyessparkingwithenergy.Nexttohimsatabeautifulwomanwithsilverhairbraidedoveroneshoulderandadressthatshimmeredcolorslikepeacockfeathers.TheLadyHera.

OnZeus’sright,myfatherPoseidon.Nexttohim,ahugelumpofamanwithaleginasteelbrace,amisshapenhead,andawildbrownbeard,fireflickeringthroughhiswhiskers.TheLordoftheForges,Hephaestus.

Hermeswinkedatme.Hewaswearingabusinesssuittoday,checkingmessagesonhiscaduceusmobilephone.Apolloleanedbackinhisgoldenthronewithhisshadeson.HehadiPodheadphoneson,soIwasn’tsurehewasevenlistening,buthegavemeathumbs-up.Dionysuslookedbored,twirlingagrapevinebetweenhisfingers.AndAres,well,hesatonhischrome-and-leatherthrone,gloweringatmewhilehesharpenedaknife.

Ontheladies’sideofthethroneroom,adark-hairedgoddessingreenrobessatnexttoHeraonathronewovenofapple-treebranches.Demeter,GoddessoftheHarvest.Nexttohersatabeautifulgray-eyedwomaninanelegantwhitedress.ShecouldonlybeAnnabeth’smother,Athena.ThentherewasAphrodite,whosmiledatmeknowinglyandmademeblushinspiteofmyself.

AlltheOlympiansinoneplace.Somuchpowerinthisroomitwasamiraclethewholepalacedidn’tblowapart.

“Igottasay”—Apollobrokethesilence—“thesekidsdidokay.”Heclearedhisthroatandbegantorecite:“Heroeswinlaurels—”

“Um,yes,firstclass,”Hermesinterrupted,likehewasanxioustoavoidApollo’spoetry.“Allinfavorofnotdisintegratingthem?”

Afewtentativehandswentup—Demeter,Aphrodite.“Waitjustaminute,”Aresgrowled.HepointedatThaliaandme.“Thesetwoaredangerous.It’dbe

muchsafer,whilewe’vegotthemhere—”“Ares,”Poseidoninterrupted,“theyareworthyheroes.Wewillnotblastmysontobits.”“Normydaughter,”Zeusgrumbled.“Shehasdonewell.”Thaliablushed.Shestudiedthefloor.Iknewhowshefelt.I’dhardlyevertalkedtomyfather,much

lessgottenacompliment.ThegoddessAthenaclearedherthroatandsatforward.“Iamproudofmydaughteraswell.But

thereisasecurityriskherewiththeothertwo.”“Mother!”Annabethsaid.“Howcanyou—”Athenacutheroffwithacalmbutfirmlook.“Itisunfortunatethatmyfather,Zeus,andmyuncle,

Poseidon,chosetobreaktheiroathnottohavemorechildren.OnlyHadeskepthisword,afactthatIfindironic.AsweknowfromtheGreatProphecy,childrenofthethreeeldergods...suchasThaliaandPercy...aredangerous.Asthickheadedasheis,Areshasapoint.”

“Right!”Aressaid.“Hey,waitaminute.Whoyoucallin’—”Hestartedtogetup,butagrapevinegrewaroundhiswaistlikeaseatbeltandpulledhimback

down.“Oh,please,Ares,”Dionysussighed.“Savethefightingforlater.”Arescursedandrippedawaythevine.“You’reonetotalk,youolddrunk.Youseriouslywantto

protectthesebrats?”Dionysusgazeddownatuswearily.“Ihavenoloveforthem.Athena,doyoutrulythinkitsafestto

destroythem?”“Idonotpassjudgment,”Athenasaid.“Ionlypointouttherisk.Whatwedo,theCouncilmust

decide.”“Iwillnothavethempunished,”Artemissaid.“Iwillhavethemrewarded.Ifwedestroyheroes

whodousagreatfavor,thenwearenobetterthantheTitans.IfthisisOlympianjustice,Iwillhavenoneofit.”

“Calmdown,sis,”Apollosaid.“Jeez,youneedtolightenup.”“Don’tcallmesis!Iwillrewardthem.”“Well,”Zeusgrumbled.“Perhaps.Butthemonsteratleastmustbedestroyed.Wehaveagreementon

that?”Alotofnoddingheads.

Ittookmeasecondtorealizewhattheyweresaying.Thenmyheartturnedtolead.“Bessie?YouwanttodestroyBessie?”

“Mooooooo!”Bessieprotested.Myfatherfrowned.“YouhavenamedtheOphiotaurusBessie?”“Dad,”Isaid,“he’sjustaseacreature.Areallyniceseacreature.Youcan’tdestroyhim.”Poseidonshifteduncomfortably.“Percy,themonster’spowerisconsiderable.IftheTitanswereto

stealit,or—”“Youcan’t,”Iinsisted.IlookedatZeus.Iprobablyshouldhavebeenafraidofhim,butIstaredhim

rightintheeye.“Controllingthepropheciesneverworks.Isn’tthattrue?Besides,Bess—theOphiotaurusisinnocent.Killingsomethinglikethatiswrong.It’sjustaswrongas...asKronoseatinghischildren,justbecauseofsomethingtheymightdo.It’swrong!”

Zeusseemedtoconsiderthis.HiseyesdriftedtohisdaughterThalia.“Andwhatoftherisk?Kronosknowsfullwell,ifoneofyouweretosacrificethebeast’sentrails,youwouldhavethepowertodestroyus.Doyouthinkwecanletthatpossibilityremain?You,mydaughter,willturnsixteenonthemorrow,justastheprophecysays.”

“Youhavetotrustthem,”Annabethspokeup.“Sir,youhavetotrustthem.”Zeusscowled.“Trustahero?”“Annabethisright,”Artemissaid.“WhichiswhyImustfirstmakeareward.Myfaithfulcompanion,

ZoëNightshade,haspassedintothestars.Imusthaveanewlieutenant.AndIintendtochooseone.Butfirst,FatherZeus,Imustspeaktoyouprivately.”

ZeusbeckonedArtemisforward.Heleaneddownandlistenedasshespokeinhisear.Afeelingofpanicseizedme.“Annabeth,”Isaidundermybreath.“Don’t.”Shefrownedatme.“What?”“Look,Ineedtotellyousomething,”Icontinued.Thewordscamestumblingoutofme.“Icouldn’t

standitif...Idon’twantyouto—”“Percy?”shesaid.“Youlooklikeyou’regoingtobesick.”Andthat’showIfelt.Iwantedtosaymore,butmytonguebetrayedme.Itwouldn’tmovebecauseof

thefearinmystomach.AndthenArtemisturned.“Ishallhaveanewlieutenant,”sheannounced.“Ifshewillacceptit.”“No,”Imurmured.“Thalia,”Artemissaid.“DaughterofZeus.WillyoujointheHunt?”Stunnedsilencefilledtheroom.IstaredatThalia,unabletobelievewhatIwashearing.Annabeth

smiled.ShesqueezedThalia’shandandletitgo,asifshe’dbeenexpectingthisallalong.“Iwill,”Thaliasaidfirmly.Zeusrose,hiseyesfullofconcern.“Mydaughter,considerwell—”“Father,”shesaid.“Iwillnotturnsixteentomorrow.Iwillneverturnsixteen.Iwon’tletthis

prophecybemine.IstandwithmysisterArtemis.Kronoswillnevertemptmeagain.”ShekneltbeforethegoddessandbeganthewordsIrememberedfromBianca’soath,whatseemed

likesolongago.“IpledgemyselftothegoddessArtemis.Iturnmybackonthecompanyofmen...”Afterward,Thaliadidsomethingthatsurprisedmealmostasmuchasthepledge.Shecameoverto

me,smiled,andinfrontofthewholeassembly,shegavemeabighug.

Iblushed.Whenshepulledawayandgrippedmyshoulders,Isaid,“Um...aren’tyousupposedtonotdothat

anymore?Hugboys,Imean?”“I’mhonoringafriend,”shecorrected.“ImustjointheHunt,Percy.Ihaven’tknownpeacesince...

sinceHalf-BloodHill.IfinallyfeellikeIhaveahome.Butyou’reahero.Youwillbetheoneoftheprophecy.”

“Great,”Imuttered.“I’mproudtobeyourfriend.”ShehuggedAnnabeth,whowastryinghardnottocry.ThensheevenhuggedGrover,wholooked

readytopassout,likesomebodyhadjustgivenhimanall-you-can-eatenchiladacoupon.ThenThaliawenttostandbyArtemis’sside.“NowfortheOphiotaurus,”Artemissaid.“Thisboyisstilldangerous,”Dionysuswarned.“Thebeastisatemptationtogreatpower.Evenif

wesparetheboy—”“No.”Ilookedaroundatallthegods.“Please.KeeptheOphiotaurussafe.Mydadcanhidehim

undertheseasomewhere,orkeephiminanaquariumhereinOlympus.Butyouhavetoprotecthim.”“Andwhyshouldwetrustyou?”rumbledHephaestus.“I’monlyfourteen,”Isaid.“Ifthisprophecyisaboutme,that’stwomoreyears.”“TwoyearsforKronostodeceiveyou,”Athenasaid.“Muchcanchangeintwoyears,myyoung

hero.”“Mother!”Annabethsaid,exasperated.“Itisonlythetruth,child.Itisbadstrategytokeeptheanimalalive.Ortheboy.”Myfatherstood.“Iwillnothaveaseacreaturedestroyed,ifIcanhelpit.AndIcanhelpit.”Heheldouthishand,andatridentappearedinit:atwentyfootlongbronzeshaftwiththreespear

tipsthatshimmeredwithblue,waterylight.“IwillvouchfortheboyandthesafetyoftheOphiotaurus.”“Youwon’ttakeitunderthesea!”Zeusstoodsuddenly.“Iwon’thavethatkindofbargainingchipin

yourpossession.”“Brother,please,”Poseidonsighed.Zeus’slightningboltappearedinhishand,ashaftofelectricitythatfilledthewholeroomwiththe

smellofozone.“Fine,”Poseidonsaid.“Iwillbuildanaquariumforthecreaturehere.Hephaestuscanhelpme.The

creaturewillbesafe.Weshallprotectitwithallourpowers.Theboywillnotbetrayus.Ivouchforthisonmyhonor.”

Zeusthoughtaboutthis.“Allinfavor?”Tomysurprise,alotofhandswentup.Dionysusabstained.SodidAresandAthena.Buteverybody

else...“Wehaveamajority,”Zeusdecreed.“Andso,sincewewillnotbedestroyingtheseheroes...I

imagineweshouldhonorthem.Letthetriumphcelebrationbegin!”Thereareparties,andthentherearehuge,major,blowoutparties.AndthenthereareOlympian

parties.Ifyouevergetachoice,gofortheOlympian.TheNineMusescrankedupthetunes,andIrealizedthemusicwaswhateveryouwantedittobe:the

godscouldlistentoclassicalandtheyoungerdemigodsheardhip-hoporwhatever,anditwasallthesamesoundtrack.Noarguments.Nofightstochangetheradiostation.Justrequeststocrankitup.

Dionysuswentaroundgrowingrefreshmentstandsoutoftheground,andabeautifulwomanwalkedwithhimarminarm—hiswife,Ariadne.Dionysuslookedhappyforthefirsttime.Nectarandambrosiaoverflowedfromgoldenfountains,andplattersofmortalsnackfoodcrowdedthebanquettables.Goldengobletsfilledwithwhateverdrinkyouwanted.Grovertrottedaroundwithafullplateoftincansandenchiladas,andhisgobletwasfullofdouble-espressolatte,whichhekeptmutteringoverlikeanincantation:“Pan!Pan!”

Godskeptcomingovertocongratulateme.Thankfully,theyhadreducedthemselvestohumansize,sotheydidn’taccidentallytramplepartygoersundertheirfeet.Hermesstartedchattingwithme,andhewassocheerfulIhatedtotellhimwhathadhappenedtohisleast-favoriteson,Luke,butbeforeIcouldevengetupthecourage,Hermesgotacallonhiscaduceusandwalkedaway.

ApollotoldmeIcoulddrivehissunchariotanytime,andifIeverwantedarcherylessons—“Thanks,”Itoldhim.“Butseriously,I’mnogoodatarchery.”“Ah,nonsense,”hesaid.“TargetpracticefromthechariotasweflyovertheU.S.?Bestfunthere

is!”Imadesomeexcusesandwovethroughthecrowdsthatweredancinginthepalacecourtyards.Iwas

lookingforAnnabeth.LastIsawher,she’dbeendancingwithsomeminorgodling.Thenaman’svoicebehindmesaid,“Youwon’tletmedown,Ihope.”IturnedandfoundPoseidonsmilingatme.“Dad...hi.”“Hello,Percy.You’vedonewell.”Hispraisemademeuneasy.Imean,itfeltgood,butIknewjusthowmuchhe’dputhimselfonthe

line,vouchingforme.Itwould’vebeenaloteasiertolettheothersdisintegrateme.“Iwon’tletyoudown,”Ipromised.Henodded.Ihadtroublereadinggods’emotions,butIwonderedifhehadsomedoubts.“YourfriendLuke—”“He’snotmyfriend,”Iblurtedout.ThenIrealizeditwasprobablyrudetointerrupt.“Sorry.”“YourformerfriendLuke,”Poseidoncorrected.“Heoncepromisedthingslikethat.Hewas

Hermes’sprideandjoy.Justbearthatinmind,Percy.Eventhebravestcanfall.”“Lukefellprettyhard,”Iagreed.“He’sdead.”Poseidonshookhishead.“No,Percy.Heisnot.”Istaredathim.“What?”“IbelieveAnnabethtoldyouthis.Lukestilllives.Ihaveseenit.HisboatsailsfromSanFrancisco

withtheremainsofKronosevennow.Hewillretreatandregroupbeforeassaultingyouagain.Iwilldomybesttodestroyhisboatwithstorms,butheismakingallianceswithmyenemies,theolderspiritsoftheocean.Theywillfighttoprotecthim.”

“Howcanhebealive?”Isaid.“Thatfallshould’vekilledhim!”Poseidonlookedtroubled.“Idon’tknow,Percy,butbewareofhim.Heismoredangerousthanever.

Andthegoldencoffinisstillwithhim,stillgrowinginstrength.”“WhataboutAtlas?”Isaid.“What’stopreventhimfromescapingagain?Couldn’thejustforce

somegiantorsomethingtotaketheskyforhim?”

Myfathersnortedinderision.“Ifitweresoeasy,hewouldhaveescapedlongago.No,myson.ThecurseoftheskycanonlybeforceduponaTitan,oneofthechildrenofGaiaandOuranous.Anyoneelsemustchoosetotaketheburdenoftheirownfreewill.Onlyahero,someonewithstrength,atrueheart,andgreatcourage,woulddosuchathing.NooneinKronos’sarmywoulddaretrytobearthatweight,evenuponpainofdeath.”

“Lukedidit,”Isaid.“HeletAtlasgo.ThenhetrickedAnnabethintosavinghimandusedhertoconvinceArtemistotakethesky.”

“Yes,”Poseidonsaid.“Lukeis...aninterestingcase.”Ithinkhewantedtosaymore,butjustthen,Bessiestartedmooingfromacrossthecourtyard.Some

demigodswereplayingwithhiswatersphere,joyouslypushingitbackandforthoverthetopofthecrowd.

“I’dbettertakecareofthat,”Poseidongrumbled.“Wecan’thavetheOphiotaurustossedaroundlikeabeachball.Begood,myson.Wemaynotspeakagainforsometime.”

Andjustlikethathewasgone.Iwasabouttokeepsearchingthecrowdwhenanothervoicespoke.“Yourfathertakesagreatrisk,

youknow.”Ifoundmyselfface-to-facewithagray-eyedwomanwholookedsomuchlikeAnnabethIalmost

calledherthat.“Athena.”Itriednottosoundresentful,afterthewayshe’dwrittenmeoffinthecouncil,butIguessI

didn’thideitverywell.Shesmileddryly.“Donotjudgemetooharshly,half-blood.Wisecounselisnotalwayspopular,but

Ispokethetruth.Youaredangerous.”“Younevertakerisks?”Shenodded.“Iconcedethepoint.Youmayperhapsbeuseful.Andyet...yourfatalflawmay

destroyusaswellasyourself.”Myheartcreptintomythroat.Ayearago,AnnabethandIhadhadatalkaboutfatalflaws.Every

herohadone.Hers,shesaid,waspride.Shebelievedshecoulddoanything...likeholdinguptheworld,forinstance.OrsavingLuke.ButIdidn’treallyknowwhatminewas.

Athenalookedalmostsorryforme.“Kronosknowsyourflaw,evenifyoudonot.Heknowshowtostudyhisenemies.Think,Percy.Howhashemanipulatedyou?First,yourmotherwastakenfromyou.Thenyourbestfriend,Grover.Nowmydaughter,Annabeth.”Shepaused,disapproving.“Ineachcase,yourlovedoneshavebeenusedtolureyouintoKronos’straps.Yourfatalflawispersonalloyalty,Percy.Youdonotknowwhenitistimetocutyourlosses.Tosaveafriend,youwouldsacrificetheworld.Inaherooftheprophecy,thatisvery,verydangerous.”

Iballedmyfists.“That’snotaflaw.JustbecauseIwanttohelpmyfriends—”“Themostdangerousflawsarethosewhicharegoodinmoderation,”shesaid.“Eviliseasytofight.

Lackofwisdom...thatisveryhardindeed.”Iwantedtoargue,butIfoundIcouldn’t.Athenawasprettydarnsmart.“IhopetheCouncil’sdecisionsprovewise,”Athenasaid.“ButIwillbewatching,PercyJackson.I

donotapproveofyourfriendshipwithmydaughter.Idonotthinkitwiseforeitherofyou.Andshouldyoubegintowaverinyourloyalties...”

Shefixedmewithhercoldgraystare,andIrealizedwhataterribleenemyAthenawouldmake,tentimesworsethanAresorDionysusormaybeevenmyfather.Athenawouldnevergiveup.Shewould

neverdosomethingrashorstupidjustbecauseshehatedyou,andifshemadeaplantodestroyyou,itwouldnotfail.

“Percy!”Annabethsaid,runningthroughthecrowd.ShestoppedshortwhenshesawwhoIwastalkingto.“Oh...Mom.”

“Iwillleaveyou,”Athenasaid.“Fornow.”Sheturnedandstrodethroughthecrowds,whichpartedbeforeherasifshewerecarryingAegis.“Wasshegivingyouahardtime?”Annabethasked.“No,”Isaid.“It’s...fine.”Shestudiedmewithconcern.Shetouchedthenewstreakofgrayinmyhairthatmatchedhersexactly

—ourpainfulsouvenirfromholdingAtlas’sburden.TherewasalotI’dwantedtosaytoAnnabeth,butAthenahadtakentheconfidenceoutofme.IfeltlikeI’dbeenpunchedinthegut.

Idonotapproveofyourfriendshipwithmydaughter.“So,”Annabethsaid.“Whatdidyouwanttotellmeearlier?”Themusicwasplaying.Peopleweredancinginthestreets.Isaid,“I,uh,wasthinkingwegot

interruptedatWestoverHall.And...IthinkIoweyouadance.”Shesmiledslowly.“Allright,SeaweedBrain.”SoItookherhand,andIdon’tknowwhateverybodyelseheard,buttomeitsoundedlikeaslow

dance:alittlesad,butmaybealittlehopeful,too.

TWENTY

IGETANEWENEMYFORCHRISTMAS

BeforeIleftOlympus,Idecidedtomakeafewcalls.Itwasn’teasy,butIfinallyfoundaquietfountaininacornergardenandsentanIris-messagetomybrother,Tyson,underthesea.Itoldhimaboutouradventures,andBessie—hewantedtoheareverydetailaboutthecutebabycowserpent—andIassuredhimthatAnnabethwassafe.FinallyIgotaroundtoexplaininghowtheshieldhe’dmademelastsummerhadbeendamagedinthemanticoreattack.

“Yay!”Tysonsaid.“Thatmeansitwasgood!Itsavedyourlife!”“Itsuredid,bigguy,”Isaid.“Butnowit’sruined.”“Notruined!”Tysonpromised.“Iwillvisitandfixitnextsummer.”Theideapickedmeupinstantly.IguessIhadn’trealizedhowmuchImissedhavingTysonaround.“Seriously?”Iasked.“They’llletyoutaketimeoff?”“Yes!Ihavemadetwothousandsevenhundredandforty-onemagicswords,”Tysonsaidproudly,

showingmethenewestblade.“Thebosssays‘goodwork’!Hewillletmetakethewholesummeroff.Iwillvisitcamp!”

Wetalkedforawhileaboutwarpreparationsandourdad’sfightwiththeoldseagods,andallthecoolthingswecoulddotogethernextsummer,butthenTyson’sbossstartedyellingathimandhehadtogetbacktowork.

IdugoutmylastgoldendrachmaandmadeonemoreIris-message.“SallyJackson,”Isaid.“UpperEastSide,Manhattan.”Themistshimmered,andtherewasmymomatourkitchentable,laughingandholdinghandswith

herfriendMr.Blowfish.Ifeltsoembarrassed,Iwasabouttowavemyhandthroughthemistandcuttheconnection,but

beforeIcould,mymomsawme.Hereyesgotwide.SheletgoofMr.Blowfish’shandrealquick.“Oh,Paul!Youknowwhat?Ileft

mywritingjournalinthelivingroom.Wouldyoumindgettingitforme?”“Sure,Sally.Noproblem.”Helefttheroom,andinstantlymymomleanedtowardtheIris-message.“Percy!Areyouallright?”“I’m,uh,fine.How’sthatwritingseminargoing?”Shepursedherlips.“It’sfine.Butthat’snotimportant.Tellmewhat’shappened!”IfilledherinasquicklyasIcould.ShesighedwithreliefwhensheheardthatAnnabethwassafe.“Iknewyoucoulddoit!”shesaid.“I’msoproud.”“Yeah,well,I’dbetterletyougetbacktoyourhomework.”“Percy,I...PaulandI—”“Mom,areyouhappy?”Thequestionseemedtotakeherbysurprise.Shethoughtforamoment.“Yes.Ireallyam,Percy.

Beingaroundhimmakesmehappy.”“Thenit’scool.Seriously.Don’tworryaboutme.”Thefunnythingwas,Imeantit.ConsideringthequestI’djusthad,maybeIshouldhavebeenworried

formymom.I’dseenjusthowmeanpeoplecouldbetoeachother,likeHerculeswastoZoëNightshade,likeLukewastoThalia.I’dmetAphrodite,GoddessofLove,inperson,andherpowershadscaredmeworsethanAres.Butseeingmymotherlaughingandsmiling,afteralltheyearsshe’dsufferedwithmynastyex-stepfather,GabeUgliano,Icouldn’thelpfeelinghappyforher.

“YoupromisenottocallhimMr.Blowfish?”sheasked.Ishrugged.“Well,maybenottohisface,anyway.”“Sally?”Mr.Blofiscalledfromourlivingroom.“Youneedthegreenbinderortheredone?”“I’dbettergo,”shetoldme.“SeeyouforChristmas?”“Areyouputtingbluecandyinmystocking?”Shesmiled.“Ifyou’renottoooldforthat.”“I’mnevertoooldforcandy.”“I’llseeyouthen.”Shewavedherhandacrossthemist.Herimagedisappeared,andIthoughttomyselfthatThaliahad

beenright,somanydaysagoatWestoverHall:mymomreallywasprettycool.ComparedtoMountOlympus,Manhattanwasquiet.FridaybeforeChristmas,butitwasearlyinthe

morning,andhardlyanyonewasonFifthAvenue.Argus,themany-eyedsecuritychief,pickedupAnnabeth,Grover,andmeattheEmpireStateBuildingandferriedusbacktocampthroughalightsnowstorm.TheLongIslandExpresswaywasalmostdeserted.

AswetrudgedbackupHalf-BloodHilltothepinetreewheretheGoldenFleeceglittered,IhalfexpectedtoseeThaliathere,waitingforus.Butshewasn’t.ShewaslonggonewithArtemisandtherestoftheHunters,offontheirnextadventure.

ChirongreetedusattheBigHousewithhotchocolateandtoastedcheesesandwiches.GroverwentoffwithhissatyrfriendstospreadthewordaboutourstrangeencounterwiththemagicofPan.Withinanhour,thesatyrswereallrunningaroundagitated,askingwherethenearestespressobarwas.

AnnabethandIsatwithChironandsomeoftheotherseniorcampers—Beckendorf,SilenaBeauregard,andtheStollbrothers.EvenClarissefromtheArescabinwasthere,backfromhersecretivescoutingmission.Iknewshemust’vehadadifficultquest,becauseshedidn’teventrytopulverizeme.Shehadanewscaronherchin,andherdirtyblondhairhadbeencutshortandragged,likesomeonehadattackeditwithapairofsafetyscissors.

“Igotnews,”shemumbleduneasily.“Badnews.”“I’llfillyouinlater,”Chironsaidwithforcedcheerfulness.“Theimportantthingisyouhave

prevailed.AndyousavedAnnabeth!”Annabethsmiledatmegratefully,whichmademelookaway.Forsomestrangereason,IfoundmyselfthinkingaboutHooverDam,andtheoddmortalgirlI’drun

intothere,RachelElizabethDare.Ididn’tknowwhy,butherannoyingcommentskeptcomingbacktome.Doyoualwayskillpeoplewhentheyblowtheirnose?Iwasonlyalivebecausesomanypeoplehadhelpedme,evenarandommortalgirllikethat.I’dneverevenexplainedtoherwhoIwas.

“Lukeisalive,”Isaid.“Annabethwasright.”Annabethsatup.“Howdoyouknow?”

Itriednottofeelannoyedbyherinterest.ItoldherwhatmydadhadsaidaboutthePrincessAndromeda.

“Well.”Annabethshifteduncomfortablyinherchair.“IfthefinalbattledoescomewhenPercyissixteen,atleastwehavetwomoreyearstofiguresomethingout.”

Ihadafeelingthatwhenshesaid“figuresomethingout,”shemeant“getLuketochangehisways,”whichannoyedmeevenmore.

Chiron’sexpressionwasgloomy.Sittingbythefireinhiswheelchair,helookedreallyold.Imean...hewasreallyold,butheusuallydidn’tlookit.

“Twoyearsmayseemlikealongtime,”hesaid.“Butitistheblinkofaneye.Istillhopeyouarenotthechildoftheprophecy,Percy.Butifyouare,thenthesecondTitanwarisalmostuponus.Kronos’sfirststrikewillbehere.”

“Howdoyouknow?”Iasked.“Whywouldhecareaboutcamp?”“Becausethegodsuseheroesastheirtools,”Chironsaidsimply.“Destroythetools,andthegods

willbecrippled.Luke’sforceswillcomehere.Mortal,demigod,monstrous...Wemustbeprepared.Clarisse’snewsmaygiveusaclueastohowtheywillattack,but—”

Therewasaknockonthedoor,andNicodiAngelocamehuffingintotheparlor,hischeeksbrightredfromthecold.

Hewassmiling,buthelookedaroundanxiously.“Hey!Where’s...where’smysister?”Deadsilence.IstaredatChiron.Icouldn’tbelievenobodyhadtoldhimyet.AndthenIrealizedwhy.

They’dbeenwaitingforustoappear,totellNicoinperson.ThatwasthelastthingIwantedtodo.ButIowedittoBianca.“Hey,Nico.”Igotupfrommycomfortablechair.“Let’stakeawalk,okay?Weneedtotalk.”Hetookthenewsinsilence,whichsomehowmadeitworse.Ikepttalking,tryingtoexplainhowit

hadhappened,howBiancahadsacrificedherselftosavethequest.ButIfeltlikeIwasonlymakingthingsworse.

“Shewantedyoutohavethis.”IbroughtoutthelittlegodfigurineBiancahadfoundinthejunkyard.Nicohelditinhispalmandstaredatit.

Wewerestandingatthediningpavilion,justwherewe’dlastspokenbeforeIwentonthequest.Thewindwasbittercold,evenwiththecamp’smagicalweatherprotection.Snowfelllightlyagainstthemarblesteps.Ifiguredoutsidethecampborders,theremustbeablizzardhappening.

“Youpromisedyouwouldprotecther,”Nicosaid.Hemightaswellhavestabbedmewitharustydagger.Itwould’vehurtlessthanremindingmeofmypromise.“Nico,”Isaid.“Itried.ButBiancagaveherselfuptosavetherestofus.Itoldhernotto.Butshe—”“Youpromised!”Heglaredatme,hiseyesrimmedwithred.Heclosedhissmallfistaroundthegodstatue.“Ishouldn’thavetrustedyou.”Hisvoicebroke.“Youliedtome.Mynightmareswereright!”“Wait.Whatnightmares?”Heflungthegodstatuetotheground.Itclatteredacrosstheicymarble.“Ihateyou!”“Shemightbealive,”Isaiddesperately.“Idon’tknowforsure—”“She’sdead.”Heclosedhiseyes.Hiswholebodytrembledwithrage.“Ishould’veknownitearlier.

She’sintheFieldsofAsphodel,standingbeforethejudgesrightnow,beingevaluated.Icanfeelit.”“Whatdoyoumean,youcanfeelit?”Beforehecouldanswer,Iheardanewsoundbehindme.Ahissing,clatteringnoiseIrecognizedall

toowell.IdrewmyswordandNicogasped.Iwhirledandfoundmyselffacingfourskeletonwarriors.They

grinnedfleshlessgrinsandadvancedwithswordsdrawn.Iwasn’tsurehowthey’dmadeitinsidethecamp,butitdidn’tmatter.I’dnevergethelpintime.

“You’retryingtokillme!”Nicoscreamed.“Youbroughtthese...thesethings?”“No!Imean,yes,theyfollowedme,butno!Nico,run.Theycan’tbedestroyed.”“Idon’ttrustyou!”Thefirstskeletoncharged.Iknockedasideitsblade,buttheotherthreekeptcoming.Islicedonein

half,butimmediatelyitbegantoknitbacktogether.Iknockedanother’sheadoffbutitjustkeptfighting.“Run,Nico!”Iyelled.“Gethelp!”“No!”Hepressedhishandstohisears.Icouldn’tfightfouratonce,notiftheywouldn’tdie.Islashed,whirled,blocked,jabbed,butthey

justkeptadvancing.Itwasonlyamatterofsecondsbeforethezombiesoverpoweredme.“No!”Nicoshoutedlouder.“Goaway!”Thegroundrumbledbeneathme.Theskeletonsfroze.Irolledoutofthewayjustasacrackopened

atthefeetofthefourwarriors.Thegroundrippedapartlikeasnappingmouth.Flameseruptedfromthefissure,andtheearthswallowedtheskeletonsinoneloudCRUNCH!

Silence.Intheplacewheretheskeletonshadstood,atwenty-foot-longscarwoveacrossthemarblefloorof

thepavilion.Otherwisetherewasnosignofthewarriors.Awestruck,IlookedtoNico.“Howdidyou—”“Goaway!”heyelled.“Ihateyou!Iwishyouweredead!”Thegrounddidn’tswallowmeup,butNicorandownthesteps,headingtowardthewoods.Istarted

tofollowbutslippedandfelltotheicysteps.WhenIgotup,InoticedwhatI’dslippedon.IpickedupthegodstatueBiancahadretrievedfromthejunkyardforNico.Theonlystatuehedidn’t

have,she’dsaid.Alastgiftfromhissister.Istaredatitwithdread,becausenowIunderstoodwhythefacelookedfamiliar.I’dseenitbefore.ItwasastatueofHades,LordoftheDead.AnnabethandGroverhelpedmesearchthewoodsforhours,buttherewasnosignofNicodi

Angelo.“WehavetotellChiron,”Annabethsaid,outofbreath.“No,”Isaid.SheandGroverbothstaredatme.“Um,”Groversaidnervously,“whatdoyoumean...no?”IwasstilltryingtofigureoutwhyI’dsaidthat,butthewordsspilledoutofme.“Wecan’tletanyone

know.Idon’tthinkanyonerealizesthatNicoisa—”“AsonofHades,”Annabethsaid.“Percy,doyouhaveanyideahowseriousthisis?EvenHades

broketheoath!Thisishorrible!”

“Idon’tthinkso,”Isaid.“Idon’tthinkHadesbroketheoath.”“What?”“He’stheirdad,”Isaid,“butBiancaandNicohavebeenoutofcommissionforalongtime,since

evenbeforeWorldWarII.”“TheLotusCasino!”Groversaid,andhetoldAnnabethabouttheconversationswe’dhadwith

Biancaonthequest.“SheandNicowerestucktherefordecades.Theywerebornbeforetheoathwasmade.”

Inodded.“Buthowdidtheygetout?”Annabethprotested.“Idon’tknow,”Iadmitted.“BiancasaidalawyercameandgotthemanddrovethemtoWestover

Hall.Idon’tknowwhothatcould’vebeen,orwhy.Maybeit’spartofthisGreatStirringthing.Idon’tthinkNicounderstandswhoheis.Butwecan’tgotellinganyone.NotevenChiron.IftheOlympiansfindout—”

“Itmightstartthemfightingamongeachotheragain,”Annabethsaid.“That’sthelastthingweneed.”Groverlookedworried.“Butyoucan’thidethingsfromthegods.Notforever.”“Idon’tneedforever,”Isaid.“Justtwoyears.UntilI’msixteen.”Annabethpaled.“But,Percy,thismeanstheprophecymightnotbeaboutyou.ItmightbeaboutNico.

Wehaveto—”“No,”Isaid.“Ichoosetheprophecy.Itwillbeaboutme.”“Whyareyousayingthat?”shecried.“Youwanttoberesponsibleforthewholeworld?”ItwasthelastthingIwanted,butIdidn’tsaythat.IknewIhadtostepupandclaimit.“Ican’tletNicobeinanymoredanger,”Isaid.“Iowethatmuchtohissister.I...letthemboth

down.I’mnotgoingtoletthatpoorkidsufferanymore.”“Thepoorkidwhohatesyouandwantstoseeyoudead,”Groverremindedme.“Maybewecanfindhim,”Isaid.“Wecanconvincehimit’sokay,hidehimsomeplacesafe.”Annabethshivered.“IfLukegetsholdofhim—”“Lukewon’t,”Isaid.“I’llmakesurehe’sgototherthingstoworryabout.Namely,me.”Iwasn’tsureChironbelievedthestoryAnnabethandItoldhim.IthinkhecouldtellIwasholding

somethingbackaboutNico’sdisappearance,butintheend,heacceptedit.Unfortunately,Nicowasn’tthefirsthalf-bloodtodisappear.

“Soyoung,”Chironsighed,hishandsontherailofthefrontporch.“Alas,Ihopehewaseatenbymonsters.MuchbetterthanbeingrecruitedintotheTitans’army.”

Thatideamademereallyuneasy.IalmostchangedmymindabouttellingChiron,butIdidn’t.“Youreallythinkthefirstattackwillbehere?”Iasked.Chironstaredatthesnowfallingonthehills.Icouldseesmokefromthedragonguardianatthepine

tree,theglitterofthedistantFleece.“Itwillnotbeuntilsummer,atleast,”Chironsaid.“Thiswinterwillbehard...thehardestfor

manycenturies.It’sbestthatyougohometothecity,Percy;trytokeepyourmindonschool.Andrest.Youwillneedrest.”

IlookedatAnnabeth.“Whataboutyou?”Hercheeksflushed.“I’mgoingtotrySanFranciscoafterall.MaybeIcankeepaneyeonMount

Tam,makesuretheTitansdon’ttryanythingelse.”“You’llsendanIris-messageifanythinggoeswrong?”Shenodded.“ButIthinkChiron’sright.Itwon’tbeuntilthesummer.Lukewillneedtimetoregain

hisstrength.”Ididn’tliketheideaofwaiting.Thenagain,nextAugustIwouldbeturningfifteen.Socloseto

sixteenIdidn’twanttothinkaboutit.“Allright,”Isaid.“Justtakecareofyourself.AndnocrazystuntsintheSopwithCamel.”Shesmiledtentatively.“Deal.And,Percy—”WhatevershewasgoingtosaywasinterruptedbyGrover,whostumbledoutoftheBigHouse,

trippingovertincans.Hisfacewashaggardandpale,likehe’dseenaspecter.“Hespoke!”Grovercried.“Calmdown,myyoungsatyr,”Chironsaid,frowning.“Whatisthematter?”“I...Iwasplayingmusicintheparlor,”hestammered,“anddrinkingcoffee.Lotsandlotsof

coffee!Andhespokeinmymind!”“Who?”Annabethdemanded.“Pan!”Groverwailed.“TheLordoftheWildhimself.Iheardhim!Ihaveto...Ihavetofinda

suitcase.”“Whoa,whoa,whoa,”Isaid.“Whatdidhesay?”Groverstaredatme.“Justthreewords.Hesaid,‘Iawaityou.’”

Don'tmisstheexcitingnewseriesTheKaneChronicles,byRickRiordan

Weonlyhaveafewhours,solistencarefully.Ifyou’rehearingthisstory,you’realreadyindanger.SadieandImightbeyouronlychance.Gototheschool.Findthelocker.Iwon’ttellyouwhichschoolorwhichlocker,becauseifyou’re

therightperson,you’llfindit.Thecombinationis13/32/33.Bythetimeyoufinishlistening,you’llknowwhatthosenumbersmean.Justrememberthestorywe’reabouttotellyouisn’tcompleteyet.Howitendswilldependonyou.

Themostimportantthing:whenyouopenthepackageandfindwhat’sinside,don’tkeepitlongerthanaweek.Sure,it’llbetempting.Imean,itwillgrantyoualmostunlimitedpower.Butifyoupossessittoolong,itwillconsumeyou.Learnitssecretsquicklyandpassiton.Hideitforthenextperson,thewaySadieandIdidforyou.Thenbepreparedforyourlifetogetveryinteresting.

Okay,Sadieistellingmetostopstallingandgetonwiththestory.Fine.IguessitstartedinLondon,thenightourdadblewuptheBritishMuseum.

MynameisCarterKane.I’mfourteenandmyhomeisasuitcase.

YouthinkI’mkidding?SinceIwaseightyearsold,mydadandIhavetraveledtheworld.IwasborninL.A.butmydad’sanarchaeologist,sohisworktakeshimallover.MostlywegotoEgypt,sincethat’shisspecialty.Gointoabookstore,findabookaboutEgypt,there’saprettygoodchanceitwaswrittenbyDr.JuliusKane.YouwanttoknowhowEgyptianspulledthebrainsoutofmummies,orbuiltthe

pyramids,orcursedKingTut’stomb?Mydadisyourman.Ofcourse,thereareotherreasonsmydadmovedaroundsomuch,butIdidn’tknowhissecretbackthen.

Ididn’tgotoschool.Mydadhomeschooledme,ifyoucancallit“home”schoolingwhenyoudon’thaveahome.Hesortoftaughtmewhateverhethoughtwasimportant,soIlearnedalotaboutEgyptandbasketballstatsandmydad’sfavoritemusicians.Ireadalot,too—prettymuchanythingIcouldgetmyhandson,fromdad’shistorybookstofantasynovels—becauseIspentalotoftimesittingaroundinhotelsandairportsanddigsitesinforeigncountrieswhereIdidn’tknowanybody.Mydadwasalwaystellingmetoputthebookdownandplaysomeball.Youevertrytostartagameofpick-upbasketballinAswan,Egypt?It’snoteasy.

Anyway,mydadtrainedmeearlytokeepallmypossessionsinasinglesuitcasethatfitsinanairplane’soverheadcompartment.Mydadpackedthesameway,excepthewasallowedanextraworkbagforhisarchaeologytools.Rulenumberone:Iwasnotallowedtolookinhisworkbag.That’saruleIneverbrokeuntilthedayoftheexplosion.

IthappenedonChristmasEve.WewereinLondonforvisitationdaywithmysister,Sadie.

See,Dad’sonlyallowedtwodaysayearwithher—oneinthewinter,oneinthesummer—becauseourgrandparentshatehim.Afterourmomdied,herparents(ourgrandparents)hadthisbigcourtbattlewithDad.Aftersixlawyers,twofistfights,andanearfatalattackwithaspatula(don’task),theywontherighttokeepSadiewiththeminEngland.Shewasonlysix,twoyearsyoungerthanme,andtheycouldn’tkeepusboth—atleastthatwastheirexcusefornottakingme.SoSadiewasraisedasaBritishschoolkid,andItraveledaroundwithmydad.WeonlysawSadietwiceayear,whichwasfinewithme.

[Shutup,Sadie.Yes—I’mgettingtothatpart.]Soanyway,mydadandIhadjustflownintoHeathrowafteracoupleofdelays.Itwasadrizzly,cold

afternoon.Thewholetaxirideintothecity,mydadseemedkindofnervous.Now,mydadisabigguy.Youwouldn’tthinkanythingcouldmakehimnervous.Hehasdarkbrown

skinlikemine,piercingbrowneyes,abaldhead,andagoatee,sohelookslikeabuffevilscientist.Thatafternoonheworehiscashmerewintercoatandhisbestbrownsuit,theoneheusedforpubliclectures.Usuallyheexudessomuchconfidencethathedominatesanyroomhewalksinto,butsometimes—likethatafternoon—IsawanothersidetohimthatIdidn’treallyunderstand.Hekeptlookingoverhisshoulderlikewewerebeinghunted.

“Dad?”IsaidasweweregettingofftheA-40.“What’swrong?”“Nosignofthem,”hemuttered.Thenhemust’verealizedhe’dspokenaloud,becausehelookedat

mekindofstartled.“Nothing,Carter.Everything’sfine.”Whichbotheredmebecausemydad’saterribleliar.Ialwaysknewwhenhewashidingsomething,

butIalsoknewnoamountofpesteringwouldgetthetruthoutofhim.Hewasprobablytryingtoprotectme,thoughfromwhatIdidn’tknow.SometimesIwonderedifhehadsomedarksecretinhispast,someoldenemyfollowinghim,maybe;buttheideaseemedridiculous.Dadwasjustanarchaeologist.

Theotherthingthattroubledme:Dadwasclutchinghisworkbag.Usuallywhenhedoesthat,itmeanswe’reindanger.LikethetimegunmenstormedourhotelinCairo.Iheardshotscomingfromthelobbyandrandownstairstocheckonmydad.BythetimeIgotthere,hewasjustcalmlyzippinguphisworkbagwhilethreeunconsciousgunmenhungbytheirfeetfromthechandelier,theirrobesfallingovertheirheadssoyoucouldseetheirboxershorts.Dadclaimednottohavewitnessedanything,andintheendthepoliceblamedafreakchandeliermalfunction.

Anothertime,wegotcaughtinariotinParis.Mydadfoundthenearestparkedcar,pushedmeinto

thebackseat,andtoldmetostaydown.Ipressedmyselfagainstthefloorboardsandkeptmyeyesshuttight.IcouldhearDadinthedriver’sseat,rummaginginhisbag,mumblingsomethingtohimselfwhilethemobyelledanddestroyedthingsoutside.Afewminuteslaterhetoldmeitwassafetogetup.Everyothercarontheblockhadbeenoverturnedandsetonfire.Ourcarhadbeenfreshlywashedandpolished,andseveraltwenty-euronoteshadbeentuckedunderthewindshieldwipers.

Anyway,I’dcometorespectthebag.Itwasourgoodluckcharm.Butwhenmydadkeptitclose,itmeantweweregoingtoneedgoodluck.

Wedrovethroughthecitycenter,headingeasttowardmygrandparents’flat.WepassedthegoldengatesofBuckinghamPalace,thebigstonecolumninTrafalgarSquare.Londonisaprettycoolplace,butafteryou’vetraveledforsolong,allcitiesstarttoblendtogether.OtherkidsImeetsometimessay,“Wow,you’resoluckyyougettotravelsomuch.”Butit’snotlikewespendourtimesightseeingorhavealotofmoneytotravelinstyle.We’vestayedinsomeprettyroughplaces,andwehardlyeverstayanywherelongerthanafewdays.Mostofthetimeitfeelslikewe’refugitivesratherthantourists.

Imean,youwouldn’tthinkmydad’sworkwasdangerous.Hedoeslecturesontopicslike“CanEgyptianMagicReallyKillYou?”and“FavoritePunishmentsintheEgyptianUnderworld”andotherstuffmostpeoplewouldn’tcareabout.ButlikeIsaid,there’sthatothersidetohim.He’salwaysverycautious,checkingeveryhotelroombeforeheletsmewalkintoit.He’lldartintoamuseumtoseesomeartifacts,takeafewnotes,andrushoutagainlikehe’safraidtobecaughtonsecuritycameras.

OnetimewhenIwasyounger,weracedacrosstheCharlesdeGaulleairporttocatchalast-minuteflight,andDaddidn’trelaxuntiltheplanewasofftheground,Iaskedhimpointblankwhathewasrunningfrom,andhelookedatmelikeI’djustpulledthepinoutofagrenade.ForasecondIwasscaredhemightactuallytellmethetruth.Thenhesaid,“Carter,it’snothing.”Asif“nothing”werethemostterriblethingintheworld.

Afterthat,Idecidedmaybeitwasbetternottoaskquestions.

Mygrandparents,theFausts,livedinahousingdevelopmentnearCanaryWharf,rightonthebanksoftheRiverThames.Thetaxiletusoffatthecurb,andmydadaskedthedrivertowait.

WewerehalfwayupthewalkwhenDadfroze.Heturnedandlookedbehindus.“What?”Iasked.ThenIsawthemaninthetrenchcoat.Hewasacrossthestreet,leaningagainstabigdeadtree.He

wasbarrelshaped,withskinthecolorofroastedcoffee.Hiscoatandblackpinstripedsuitlookedexpensive.Hehadlongbraidedhairandworeablackfedorapulleddownlowoverhisdarkroundglasses.Heremindedmeofajazzmusician,thekindmydadwouldalwaysdragmetoseeinconcert.EventhoughIcouldn’tseehiseyes,Igottheimpressionhewaswatchingus.Hemight’vebeenanoldfriendorcolleagueofDad’s.Nomatterwherewewent,Dadwasalwaysrunningintopeopleheknew.Butitdidseemstrangethattheguywaswaitinghere,outsidemygrandparents’.Andhedidn’tlookhappy.

“Carter,”mydadsaid,“goonahead.”“But—”“Getyoursister.I’llmeetyoubackatthetaxi.”Hecrossedthestreettowardthemaninthetrenchcoat,whichleftmewithtwochoices:followmy

dadandseewhatwasgoingon,ordowhatIwastold.Idecidedontheslightlylessdangerouspath.Iwenttoretrievemysister.

BeforeIcouldevenknock,Sadieopenedthedoor.“Lateasusual,”shesaid.Shewasholdinghercat,Muffin,who’dbeena“goingaway”giftfromDadsixyearsbefore.Muffin

neverseemedtogetolderorbigger.Shehadfuzzyyellow-and-blackfurlikeaminiatureleopard,alertyelloweyes,andpointyearsthatweretootallforherhead.AsilverEgyptianpendantdangledfromhercollar.Shedidn’tlookanythinglikeamuffin,butSadiehadbeenlittlewhenshenamedher,soIguessyouhavetocuthersomeslack.

Sadiehadn’tchangedmucheithersincelastsummer.[AsI’mrecordingthis,she’sstandingnexttome,glaring,soIguessI’dbetterbecarefulhowI

describeher.]Youwouldneverguessshe’smysister.Firstofall,she’dbeenlivinginEnglandsolong,shehasa

Britishaccent.Second,shetakesafterourmom,whowaswhite,soSadie’sskinismuchlighterthanmine.Shehasstraightcaramel-coloredhair,notexactlyblondbutnotbrown,whichsheusuallydyeswithstreaksofbrightcolors.Thatdayithadredstreaksdowntheleftside.Hereyesareblue.I’mserious.Blueeyes,justlikeourmom’s.She’sonlytwelve,butshe’sexactlyastallasme,whichisreallyannoying.Shewaschewinggumasusual,dressedforherdayoutwithDadinbatteredjeans,aleatherjacket,andcombatboots,likeshewasgoingtoaconcertandwashopingtostomponsomepeople.Shehadheadphonesdanglingaroundherneckincaseweboredher.

[Okay,shedidn’thitme,soIguessIdidanokayjobofdescribingher.]“Ourplanewaslate,”Itoldher.Shepoppedabubble,rubbedMuffin’shead,andtossedthecatinside.“Gran,goingout!”Fromsomewhereinthehouse,GrandmaFaustmutteredsomethingIcouldn’tmakeout,probably

“Don’tletthemin!”SadieclosedthedoorandregardedmeasifIwereadeadmousehercathadjustdraggedin.“So,

hereyouareagain.”“Yep.”“Comeon,then.”Shesighed.“Let’sgetonwithit.”That’sthewayshewas.No“Hi,howyoubeenthelastsixmonths?Sogladtoseeyou!”oranything.

Butthatwasokaywithme.Whenyouonlyseeeachothertwiceayear,it’slikeyou’redistantcousinsratherthansiblings.Wehadabsolutelynothingincommonexceptourparents.

Wetrudgeddownthesteps.Iwasthinkinghowshesmelledlikeacombinationofoldpeople’shouseandbubblegumwhenshestoppedsoabruptly,Iranintoher.

“Who’sthat?”sheasked.I’dalmostforgottenaboutthedudeinthetrenchcoat.Heandmydadwerestandingacrossthestreet

nexttothebigtree,havingwhatlookedlikeaseriousargument.Dad’sbackwasturnedsoIcouldn’tseehisface,buthegesturedwithhishandslikehedoeswhenhe’sagitated.Theotherguyscowledandshookhishead.

“Dunno,”Isaid.“Hewastherewhenwepulledup.”“Helooksfamiliar.”Sadiefrownedlikeshewastryingtoremember.“Comeon.”“Dadwantsustowaitinthecab,”Isaid,eventhoughIknewitwasnouse.Sadiewasalreadyonthe

move.Insteadofgoingstraightacrossthestreet,shedashedupthesidewalkforhalfablock,ducking

behindcars,thencrossedtotheoppositesideandcrouchedunderalowstonewall.Shestartedsneakingtowardourdad.Ididn’thavemuchchoicebuttofollowherexample,butitmademefeelkindofstupid.

“SixyearsinEngland,”Imuttered,“andshethinksshe’sJamesBond.”Sadieswattedmewithoutlookingbackandkeptcreepingforward.Acouplemorestepsandwewererightbehindthebigdeadtree.Icouldhearmydadontheother

side,saying,“—haveto,Amos.Youknowit’stherightthing.”“No,”saidtheotherman,whomust’vebeenAmos.Hisvoicewasdeepandeven—veryinsistent.

HisaccentwasAmerican.“IfIdon’tstopyou,Julius,theywill.ThePerAnkhisshadowingyou.”Sadieturnedtomeandmouthedthewords“Perwhat?”Ishookmyhead,justasmystified.“Let’sgetoutofhere,”Iwhispered,becauseIfiguredwe’dbe

spottedanyminuteandgetinserioustrouble.Sadie,ofcourse,ignoredme.“Theydon’tknowmyplan,”myfatherwassaying.“Bythetimetheyfigureitout—”“Andthechildren?”Amosasked.Thehairsstooduponthebackofmyneck.“Whataboutthem?”“I’vemadearrangementstoprotectthem,”mydadsaid.“Besides,ifIdon’tdothis,we’reallin

danger.Now,backoff.”“Ican’t,Julius.”“Thenit’saduelyouwant?”Dad’stoneturneddeadlyserious.“Younevercouldbeatme,Amos.”Ihadn’tseenmydadgetviolentsincetheGreatSpatulaIncident,andIwasn’tanxioustoseearepeat

ofthat,butthetwomenseemedtobeedgingtowardafight.BeforeIcouldreact,Sadiepoppedupandshouted,“Dad!”Helookedsurprisedwhenshetackle-huggedhim,butnotnearlyassurprisedastheotherguy,Amos.

Hebackedupsoquickly,hetrippedoverhisowntrenchcoat.He’dtakenoffhisglasses.Icouldn’thelpthinkingthatSadiewasright.Hedidlookfamiliar—likea

verydistantmemory.“I—Imustbegoing,”hemuttered.Hestraightenedhisfedoraandlumbereddowntheroad.Ourdadwatchedhimgo.HekeptonearmprotectivelyaroundSadieandonehandinsidethe

workbagslungoverhisshoulder.Finally,whenAmosdisappearedaroundthecorner,Dadrelaxed.HetookhishandoutofthebagandsmiledatSadie.“Hello,sweetheart.”

Sadiepushedawayfromhimandcrossedherarms.“Oh,nowit’ssweetheart,isit?You’relate.VisitationDay’snearlyover!Andwhatwasthatabout?Who’sAmos,andwhat’sthePerAnkh?”

Dadstiffened.Heglancedatmelikehewaswonderinghowmuchwe’doverheard.“It’snothing,”hesaid,tryingtosoundupbeat.“Ihaveawonderfuleveningplanned.Who’dlikea

privatetouroftheBritishMuseum?”

SadieslumpedinthebackofthetaxibetweenDadandme.“Ican’tbelieveit,”shegrumbled.“Oneeveningtogether,andyouwanttodoresearch.”Dadtriedforasmile.“Sweetheart,it’llbefun.ThecuratoroftheEgyptiancollectionpersonally

invited—”“Right,bigsurprise.”Sadieblewastrandofred-streakedhairoutofherface.“ChristmasEve,and

we’regoingtoseesomemoldyoldrelicsfromEgypt.Doyoueverthinkaboutanythingelse?”Daddidn’tgetmad.HenevergetsmadatSadie.Hejuststaredoutthewindowatthedarkeningsky

andtherain.“Yes,”hesaidquietly.“Ido.”WheneverDadgotquietlikethatandstaredoffintonowhere,Iknewhewasthinkingaboutour

mom.Thelastfewmonths,ithadbeenhappeningalot.I’dwalkintoourhotelroomandfindhimwithhiscellphoneinhishands,Mom’spicturesmilingupathimfromthescreen—herhairtuckedunderaheadscarf,herblueeyesstartlinglybrightagainstthedesertbackdrop.

Orwe’dbeatsomedigsite.I’dseeDadstaringatthehorizon,andI’dknowhewasrememberinghowhe’dmether—twoyoungscientistsintheValleyoftheKings,onadigtodiscoveralosttomb.DadwasanEgyptologist.MomwasananthropologistlookingforancientDNA.He’dtoldmethestoryathousandtimes.

OurtaxisnakeditswayalongthebanksoftheThames.JustpastWaterlooBridge,mydadtensed.“Driver,”hesaid.“Stophereamoment.”ThecabbiepulledoverontheVictoriaEmbankment.“Whatisit,Dad?”Iasked.Hegotoutofthecablikehehadn’theardme.WhenSadieandIjoinedhimonthesidewalk,hewas

staringupatCleopatra’sNeedle.Incaseyou’veneverseenit:theNeedleisanobelisk,notaneedle,anditdoesn’thaveanythingto

dowithCleopatra.IguesstheBritishjustthoughtthenamesoundedcoolwhentheybroughtittoLondon.It’saboutseventyfeettall,whichwould’vebeenreallyimpressivebackinAncientEgypt,butontheThames,withallthetallbuildingsaround,itlookssmallandsad.Youcoulddriverightbyitandnotevenrealizeyou’djustpassedsomethingthatwasathousandyearsolderthanthecityofLondon.

“God.”Sadiewalkedaroundinafrustratedcircle.“Dowehavetostopforeverymonument?”Mydadstaredatthetopoftheobelisk.“Ihadtoseeitagain,”hemurmured.“Whereithappened...”Afreezingwindblewofftheriver.Iwantedtogetbackinthecab,butmydadwasreallystartingto

worryme.I’dneverseenhimsodistracted.“What,Dad?”Iasked.“Whathappenedhere?”“ThelastplaceIsawher.”Sadiestoppedpacing.Shescowledatmeuncertainly,thenbackatDad.“Hangon.Doyoumean

Mum?”DadbrushedSadie’shairbehindherear,andshewassosurprised,shedidn’tevenpushhimaway.Ifeltliketherainhadfrozenmesolid.Mom’sdeathhadalwaysbeenaforbiddensubject.Iknew

she’ddiedinanaccidentinLondon.Iknewmygrandparentsblamedmydad.Butnoonewouldevertellusthedetails.I’dgivenupaskingmydad,partlybecauseitmadehimsosad,partlybecauseheabsolutelyrefusedtotellmeanything.“Whenyou’reolder”wasallhewouldsay,whichwasthemostfrustratingresponseever.

“You’retellingusshediedhere,”Isaid.“AtCleopatra’sNeedle?Whathappened?”Heloweredhishead.“Dad!”Sadieprotested.“Igopastthiseveryday,andyoumeantosay—allthistime—andIdidn’t

evenknow?”“Doyoustillhaveyourcat?”Dadaskedher,whichseemedlikeareallystupidquestion.“OfcourseI’vestillgotthecat!”shesaid.“Whatdoesthathavetodowithanything?”“Andyouramulet?”

Sadie’shandwenttoherneck.Whenwewerelittle,rightbeforeSadiewenttolivewithourgrandparents,DadhadgivenusbothEgyptianamulets.MinewasanEyeofHorus,whichwasapopularprotectionsymbolinAncientEgypt.

Infactmydadsaysthemodernpharmacist’ssymbol,Rx,isasimplifiedversionoftheEyeofHorus,becausemedicineissupposedtoprotectyou.

Anyway,Ialwaysworemyamuletundermyshirt,butIfiguredSadiewould’velosthersorthrownitaway.

Tomysurprise,shenodded.“’CourseIhaveit,Dad,butdon’tchangethesubject.Gran’salwaysgoingonabouthowyoucausedMum’sdeath.That’snottrue,isit?”

Wewaited.Foronce,SadieandIwantedexactlythesamething—thetruth.“Thenightyourmotherdied,”myfatherstarted,“hereattheNeedle—”Asuddenflashilluminatedtheembankment.Iturned,halfblind,andjustforamomentIglimpsed

twofigures:atallpalemanwithaforkedbeardandwearingcream-coloredrobes,andacoppery-skinnedgirlindarkbluerobesandaheadscarf—thekindofclothesI’dseenhundredsoftimesinEgypt.Theywerejuststandingtheresidebyside,nottwentyfeetaway,watchingus.Thenthelightfaded.Thefiguresmeltedintoafuzzyafterimage.Whenmyeyesreadjustedtothedarkness,theyweregone.

“Um...”Sadiesaidnervously.“Didyoujustseethat?”“Getinthecab,”mydadsaid,pushingustowardthecurb.“We’reoutoftime.”Fromthatpointon,Dadclammedup.“Thisisn’ttheplacetotalk,”hesaid,glancingbehindus.He’dpromisedthecabbieanextraten

poundsifhegotustothemuseuminunderfiveminutes,andthecabbiewasdoinghisbest.“Dad,”Itried,“thosepeopleattheriver—”“Andtheotherbloke,Amos,”Sadiesaid.“AretheyEgyptianpoliceorsomething?”“Look,bothofyou,”Dadsaid,“I’mgoingtoneedyourhelptonight.Iknowit’shard,butyouhaveto

bepatient.I’llexplaineverything,Ipromise,afterwegettothemuseum.I’mgoingtomakeeverythingrightagain.”

“Whatdoyoumean?”Sadieinsisted.“Makewhatright?”Dad’sexpressionwasmorethansad.Itwasalmostguilty.Withachill,IthoughtaboutwhatSadie

hadsaid:aboutourgrandparentsblaminghimforMom’sdeath.Thatcouldn’tbewhathewastalkingabout,couldit?

ThecabbieswervedontoGreatRussellStreetandscreechedtoahaltinfrontofthemuseum’smaingates.

“Justfollowmylead,”Dadtoldus.“Whenwemeetthecurator,actnormal.”IwasthinkingthatSadieneveractednormal,butIdecidednottosaythat.Weclimbedoutofthecab.IgotourluggagewhileDadpaidthedriverwithabigwadofcash.Then

hedidsomethingstrange.Hethrewahandfulofsmallobjectsintothebackseat—theylookedlikestones,butitwastoodarkformetobesure.“Keepdriving,”hetoldthecabbie.“TakeustoChelsea.”

Thatmadenosensesincewewerealreadyoutofthecab,butthedriverspedoff.IglancedatDad,

thenbackatthecab,andbeforeitturnedthecorneranddisappearedinthedark,Icaughtaweirdglimpseofthreepassengersinthebackseat:amanandtwokids.

Iblinked.Therewasnowaythecabcould’vepickedupanotherfaresofast.“Dad—”“Londoncabsdon’tstayemptyverylong,”hesaidmatter-of-factly.“Comealong,kids.”Hemarchedoffthroughthewroughtirongates.Forasecond,SadieandIhesitated.“Carter,whatisgoingon?”Ishookmyhead.“I’mnotsureIwanttoknow.”“Well,stayouthereinthecoldifyouwant,butI’mnotleavingwithoutanexplanation.”Sheturned

andmarchedafterourdad.Lookingbackonit,Ishould’verun.Ishould’vedraggedSadieoutofthereandgottenasfarawayas

possible.InsteadIfollowedherthroughthegates.