The Lost Hero

The Lost Hero
Rick Riordan
They didnt try very hard on the worksheet. For one thing, Jason was too distracted
by the storm and his own mixed-up feelings. For another thing, he didnt have any
idea how to name three sedimentary strata you observe or describe two examples
of erosion. Leo was no help. He was too busy building a helicopter out of pipe
cleaners
Check it out. He launched the copter. Jason figured it would plummet, but the
pipe-cleaner blades actually spun. The little copter made it halfway across the
canyon before it lost momentum and spiraled into the void.
Howd you do that? Jason asked.
Leo shrugged. Would ve been cooler if I had some rubber bands.
Seriously? Jason said, are we friends?
Last I checked.
You sure? What was the first day we met? What did we talk about?
It was, Leo_frowned. I dont recall exactly. Im ADHD, man. You cant expect me
to remember details.
But I dont remember you at all. I dont remember anyone here. What if.?
You re right and everyone else is wrong? Leo_asked. You think you just
appeared here this morning, and weve all got fake memories of you?
A_little_voice_in_Jasons_head_said,_{\i
That\u8217?s_exactly_what_I_think
But_it_sounded_crazy._Everybody_here_took_him_for_granted._Everyone_acted_like_
h
e_was_a_normal_part_of_the_class\u8212?except_for_Coach_Hedge
\u8220?Take_the_worksheet.\u8221?_Jason_handed_Leo_the_paper
Before_Leo_could_protest,_Jason_headed_across_the_skywalk
Their_school_group_had_the_place_to_themselves._Maybe_it_was_too_early_in_the_
da
y_for_tourists,_or_maybe_the_weird_weather_had_scared_them_off._The_Wilderness
_S
chool_kids_had_spread_out_in_pairs_across_the_skywalk._Most_were_joking_around_
o
r_talking._Some_of_the_guys_were_dropping_pennies_over_the_side._About_fifty_fee
t_away,_Piper_was_trying_to_fill_out_her_worksheet,_but_her_stupid_partner_Dylan
_was_hitting_on_her,_putting_his_hand_on_her_shoulder_and_giving_her_that_blindi
ng_white_smile._She_kept_pushing_him_away,_and_when_she_saw_Jason_she_gave
_him_a
_look_like,_{\i
Throttle_this_guy_for_me.}\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
Jason_motioned_for_her_to_hang_on._He_walked_up_to_Coach_Hedge,_who_was_lea
ning_
on_his_baseball_bat,_studying_the_storm_clouds._\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
\u8220?Did_you_do_this?\u8221?_the_coach_asked_him.\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
Jason_took_a_step_back._\u8220?Do_what?\u8221?
_It_sounded_like_the_coach_had_jus
t_asked_if_he\u8217?d_made_the_thunderstorm._\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
Coach_Hedge_glared_at_him,_his_beady_little_eyes_glinting_under_the_brim_of_his_
cap._\u8220?Don\u8217?
t_play_games_with_me,_kid._What_are_you_doing_here,_and_wh
y_are_you_messing_up_my_job?\u8221?\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
\u8220?You_mean...you_{\i
don\u8217?t_}know_me?\u8221?_Jason_said._\u8220?I\u8217?
m_not_one_of_your_studen
ts?\u8221?\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
Hedge_snorted._\u8220?
Never_seen_you_before_today.\u8221?\par\pard\plain\hyphpar
}{
Jason_was_so_relieved_he_almost_wanted_to_cry._At_least_he_wasn\u8217?
t_going_in
sane._He_{\i
was_}in_the_wrong_place._\u8220?Look,_sir,_I_don\u8217?
t_know_how_I_got_here._I_
just_woke_up_on_the_school_bus._All_I_know_is_I\u8217?
m_not_supposed_to_be_here.
\u8221?\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
\u8220?Got_that_right.\u8221?_Hedge\u8217?
s_gruff_voice_dropped_to_a_murmur,_lik
e_he_was_sharing_a_secret._\u8220?You_got_a_powerful_way_with_the_Mist,_kid,_if_
you_can_make_all_these_people_think_they_know_you;_but_you_can\u8217?
t_fool_me._
I\u8217?
ve_been_smelling_monster_for_days_now._I_knew_we_had_an_infiltrator,_but
_you_don\u8217?t_smell_like_a_monster._You_smell_like_a_half-blood._So\u8212?
who
_are_you,_and_where\u8217?d_you_come_from?\u8221?\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
Most_of_what_the_coach_said_didn\u8217?
t_make_sense,_but_Jason_decided_to_answer
_honestly._\u8220?I_don\u8217?t_know_who_I_am._I_don\u8217?
t_have_any_memories._
You\u8217?ve_got_to_help_me.\u8221?\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
Coach_Hedge_studied_his_face_like_was_trying_to_read_Jason\u8217?
s_thoughts.\par
\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
\u8220?Great,\u8221?_Hedge_muttered._\u8220?You\u8217?
re_being_truthful.\u8221?\
par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
\u8220?Of_course_I_am!_And_what_was_all_that_about_monsters_and_half-bloods?
_Are
_those_code_words_or_something?\u8221?_\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
Hedge_narrowed_his_eyes._Part_of_Jason_wondered_if_the_guy_was_just_nuts._But_
th
e_other_part_knew_better.\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
\u8220?Look,_kid,\u8221?_Hedge_said,_\u8220?I_don\u8217?
t_know_who_you_are._I_ju
st_know_{\i
what_}you_are,_and_it_means_trouble._Now_I_got_to_protect_three_of_you_rather_t
h
an_two._Are_you_the_special_package?_Is_that_it?\u8221?_\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}
{
\u8220?What_are_you_talking_about?\u8221?\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
Hedge_looked_at_the_storm._The_clouds_were_getting_thicker_and_darker,_hoverin
g_
right_over_the_skywalk.\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
\u8220?This_morning,\u8221?_Hedge_said,_\u8220?
I_got_a_message_from_camp._They_s
aid_an_extraction_team_is_on_the_way._They\u8217?
re_coming_to_pick_up_a_special_
package,_but_they_wouldn\u8217?
t_give_me_details._I_thought_to_myself,_Fine._The
_two_I\u8217?
m_watching_are_pretty_powerful,_older_than_most._I_know_they\u8217?
re_being_stalked._I_can_smell_a_monster_in_the_group._I_figure_that\u8217?s_why_
the_camp_is_suddenly_frantic_to_pick_them_up._But_then_{\i
you_}pop_up_out_of_nowhere._So,_are_you_the_special_package?\u8221?\par\pard\
pla
in\hyphpar}{
The_pain_behind_Jason\u8217?s_eyes_got_worse_than_ever._{\i
Half-bloods._Camp._Monsters._}He_still_didn\u8217?
t_know_what_Hedge_was_talking_
about,_but_the_words_gave_him_a_massive_brain_freeze\u8212?
like_his_mind_was_try
ing_to_access_information_that_should\u8217?ve_been_there_but_wasn\u8217?
t._\par
He_stumbled,_and_Coach_Hedge_caught_him._For_a_short_guy,_the_coach_had_ha
nds_li
ke_steel._\u8220?Whoa,_there,_cupcake._You_say_you_got_no_memories,_huh?
_Fine._I
\u8217?ll_just_have_to_watch_you,_too,_until_the_team_gets_here._We\u8217?ll_let
_the_director_figure_things_out.\u8221?\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
\u8220?What_director?\u8221?_Jason_said._\u8220?What_camp?\u8221?
_\par\pard\plai
n\hyphpar}{
\u8220?Just_sit_tight._Reinforcements_should_be_here_soon._Hopefully_nothing_hap
pens_before\u8212?\u8221?\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
Lightning_crackled_overhead._The_wind_picked_up_with_a_vengeance._Worksheets
_fle
w_into_the_Grand_Canyon,_and_the_entire_bridge_shuddered._Kids_screamed,_stu
mbli
ng_and_grabbing_the_rails.\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
\u8220?I_had_to_say_something,\u8221?
_Hedge_grumbled._He_bellowed_into_his_megap
hone:_\u8220?Everyone_inside!_The_cow_says_moo!
_Off_the_skywalk!\u8221?\par\pard
\plain\hyphpar}{
\u8220?I_thought_you_said_this_thing_was_stable!\u8221?
_Jason_shouted_over_the_w
ind._\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
\u8220?Under_normal_circumstances,\u8221?_Hedge_agreed,_\u8220?
which_these_aren\
u8217?t._Come_on!\u8221?_\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
T}{\b
HE_STORM_CHURNED_INTO_A_MINIATURE_HURRICANE._}_Funnel_clouds_snaked_to
ward_the_s
kywalk_like_the_tendrils_of_a_monster_jellyfish.\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
Kids_screamed_and_ran_for_the_building._The_wind_snatched_away_their_notebook
s,_
jackets,_hats,_and_backpacks._Jason_skidded_across_the_slick_floor._\par\pard\pl
ain\hyphpar}{
Leo_lost_his_balance_and_almost_toppled_over_the_railing,_but_Jason_grabbed_his_
jacket_and_pulled_him_back.\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
\u8220?Thanks,_man!\u8221?_Leo_yelled.\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
\u8220?Go,_go,_go!\u8221?_said_Coach_Hedge.\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
Piper_and_Dylan_were_holding_the_doors_open,_herding_the_other_kids_inside._Pip
e
r\u8217?s_snowboarding_jacket_was_flapping_wildly,_her_dark_hair_all_in_her_face
._Jason_thought_she_must\u8217?
ve_been_freezing,_but_she_looked_calm_and_confide
nt\u8212?
telling_the_others_it_would_be_okay,_encouraging_them_to_keep_moving.\p
ar\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
Jason,_Leo,_and_Coach_Hedge_ran_toward_them,_but_it_was_like_running_through_
qui
cksand._The_wind_seemed_to_fight_them,_pushing_them_back.\par\pard\plain\hyph
par
}{
Dylan_and_Piper_pushed_one_more_kid_inside,_then_lost_their_grip_on_the_doors._
T
hey_slammed_shut,_closing_off_the_skywalk.\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
Piper_tugged_at_the_handles._Inside,_the_kids_pounded_on_the_glass,_but_the_doo
r
s_seemed_to_be_stuck.\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
\u8220?Dylan,_help!\u8221?_Piper_shouted.\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
Dylan_just_stood_there_with_an_idiotic_grin,_his_Cowboys_jersey_rippling_in_the_
wind,_like_he_was_suddenly_enjoying_the_storm._\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
\u8220?Sorry,_Piper,\u8221?_he_said._\u8220?I\u8217?
m_done_helping.\u8221?\par\p
ard\plain\hyphpar}{
He_flicked_his_wrist,_and_Piper_flew_backward,_slamming_into_the_doors_and_slidi
ng_to_the_skywalk_deck.\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
\u8220?Piper!\u8221?
_Jason_tried_to_charge_forward,_but_the_wind_was_against_him
,_and_Coach_Hedge_pushed_him_back.\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
\u8220?Coach,\u8221?_Jason_said,_\u8220?
let_me_go!\u8221?\par\pard\plain\hyphpar
}{
\u8220?Jason,_Leo,_stay_behind_me,\u8221?_the_coach_ordered._\u8220?
This_is_my_f
ight._I_should\u8217?ve_known_that_was_our_monster.\u8221?
_\par\pard\plain\hyphp
ar}{
\u8220?What?\u8221?
_Leo_demanded._A_rogue_worksheet_slapped_him_in_the_face,_but
_he_swatted_it_away._\u8220?What_monster?\u8221?\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
The_coach\u8217?
s_cap_blew_off,_and_sticking_up_above_his_curly_hair_were_two_bu
mps\u8212?like_the_knots_cartoon_characters_get_when_they\u8217?
re_bonked_on_the
_head._Coach_Hedge_lifted_his_baseball_bat\u8212?but_it_wasn\u8217?
t_a_regular_b
at_anymore._Somehow_it_had_changed_into_a_crudely_shaped_treebranch_club,_with_
twigs_and_leaves_still_attached.\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
Dylan_gave_him_that_psycho_happy_smile._\u8220?Oh,_come_on,_{\i
Coach}._Let_the_boy_attack_me!_After_all,_you\u8217?re_getting_too_old_for_this.
_Isn\u8217?t_that_why_they_{\i
retired_}you_to_this_stupid_school?_I\u8217?
ve_been_on_your_team_the_entire_seas
on,_and_you_didn\u8217?t_even_know._You\u8217?
re_losing_your_nose,_grandpa.\u822
1?\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
The_coach_made_an_angry_sound_like_an_animal_bleating._\u8220?That\u8217?
s_it,_c
upcake._You\u8217?re_going_down.\u8221?\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
\u8220?You_think_you_can_protect_three_half-bloods_at_once,_old_man?\u8221?
_Dyla
n_laughed._\u8220?Good_luck.\u8221?\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
Dylan_pointed_at_Leo,_and_a_funnel_cloud_materialized_around_him._Leo_flew_off_
t
he_skywalk_like_he\u8217?
d_been_tossed._Somehow_he_managed_to_twist_in_midair,_a
nd_slammed_sideways_into_the_canyon_wall._He_skidded,_clawing_furiously_for_an
y_
handhold._Finally_he_grabbed_a_thin_ledge_about_fifty_feet_below_the_skywalk_an
d
_hung_there_by_his_fingertips.\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
\u8220?Help!\u8221?_he_yelled_up_at_them._\u8220?Rope,_please?_Bungee_cord?
_Some
thing?\u8221?\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
Coach_Hedge_cursed_and_tossed_Jason_his_club._\u8220?I_don\u8217?
t_know_who_you_
are,_kid,_but_I_hope_you\u8217?re_good._Keep_that_{\i
thing_}busy\u8221?\u8212?he_stabbed_a_thumb_at_Dylan\u8212?\u8220?
while_I_get_Le
o.\u8221?\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
\u8220?Get_him_how?\u8221?_Jason_demanded._\u8220?
You_going_to_fly?\u8221?\par\p
ard\plain\hyphpar}{
\u8220?Not_fly._Climb.\u8221?
_Hedge_kicked_off_his_shoes,_and_Jason_almost_had_a
_coronary._The_coach_didn\u8217?t_have_any_feet._He_had_hooves\u8212?
goat\u8217?
s_hooves._Which_meant_those_things_on_his_head,_Jason_realized,_weren\u8217?
t_bu
mps._They_were_horns._\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
\u8220?You\u8217?re_a_faun,\u8221?_Jason_said._\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
{\i
\u8220?Satyr!\u8221?_}Hedge_snapped._\u8220?
Fauns_are_Roman._But_we\u8217?ll_tal
k_about_that_later.\u8221?_\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
Hedge_leaped_over_the_railing._He_sailed_toward_the_canyon_wall_and_hit_hooves
_f
irst._He_bounded_down_the_cliff_with_impossible_agility,_finding_footholds_no_bi
gger_than_postage_stamps,_dodging_whirlwinds_that_tried_to_attack_him_as_he_pi
ck
ed_his_way_toward_Leo.\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
\u8220?Isn\u8217?t_that_cute!\u8221?_Dylan_turned_toward_Jason._\u8220?
Now_it\u8
217?s_your_turn,_boy.\u8221?\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
Jason_threw_the_club._It_seemed_useless_with_the_winds_so_strong,_but_the_club_f
lew_right_at_Dylan,_even_curving_when_he_tried_to_dodge,_and_smacked_him_on_
the_
head_so_hard_he_fell_to_his_knees._\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
Piper_wasn\u8217?
t_as_dazed_as_she_appeared._Her_fingers_closed_around_the_club_
when_it_rolled_next_to_her,_but_before_she_could_use_it,_Dylan_rose._Blood\u8212
?{\i
golden_}blood\u8212?trickled_from_his_forehead._\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
\u8220?Nice_try,_boy.\u8221?_He_glared_at_Jason._\u8220?But_you\u8217?
ll_have_to
_do_better.\u8221?_\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
The_skywalk_shuddered._Hairline_fractures_appeared_in_the_glass._Inside_the_mus
e
um,_kids_stopped_banging_on_the_doors._They_backed_away,_watching_in_terror.\p
ar
Dylan\u8217?
s_body_dissolved_into_smoke,_as_if_his_molecules_were_coming_unglued
.
_He_had_the_same_face,_the_same_brilliant_white_smile,_but_his_whole_form_was_
s
uddenly_composed_of_swirling_black_vapor,_his_eyes_like_electrical_sparks_in_a_l
iving_storm_cloud._He_sprouted_black_smoky_wings_and_rose_above_the_skywalk._
If_
angels_could_be_evil,_Jason_decided,_they_would_look_exactly_like_this.\par\pard
\plain\hyphpar}{
\u8220?You\u8217?re_a_{\i
ventus},\u8221?
_Jason_said,_though_he_had_no_idea_how_he_knew_that_word._\u8220?
A_storm_spirit.\u8221?\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
Dylan\u8217?s_laugh_sounded_like_a_tornado_tearing_off_a_roof._\u8220?I\u8217?
m_
glad_I_waited,_demigod._Leo_and_Piper_I\u8217?
ve_known_about_for_weeks._Could\u8
217?
ve_killed_them_at_any_time._But_my_mistress_said_a_third_was_coming\u8212?so
meone_special._She\u8217?
ll_reward_me_greatly_for_your_death!\u8221?\par\pard\pl
ain\hyphpar}{
Two_more_funnel_clouds_touched_down_on_either_side_of_Dylan_and_turned_into_{
\i
venti}\u8212?
ghostly_young_men_with_smoky_wings_and_eyes_that_flickered_with_lig
htning.\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
Piper_stayed_down,_pretending_to_be_dazed,_her_hand_still_gripping_the_club._Her
_face_was_pale,_but_she_gave_Jason_a_determined_look,_and_he_understood_the_
mess
age:_{\i
Keep_their_attention._I\u8217?ll_brain_them_from_behind._}\par\pard\plain\hyphpa
r}{
Cute,_smart,_{\i
and_}violent._Jason_wished_he_remembered_having_her_as_a_girlfriend.\par\pard\p
l
ain\hyphpar}{
He_clenched_his_fists_and_got_ready_to_charge,_but_he_never_got_a_chance.\par\p
a
rd\plain\hyphpar}{
Dylan_raised_his_hand,_arcs_of_electricity_running_between_his_fingers,_and_blas
ted_Jason_in_the_chest.\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
{\i
Bang!
_}Jason_found_himself_flat_on_his_back._His_mouth_tasted_like_burning_alumi
num_foil._He_lifted_his_head_and_saw_that_his_clothes_were_smoking._The_lightnin
g_bolt_had_gone_straight_though_his_body_and_blasted_off_his_left_shoe._His_toes
_were_black_with_soot._\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
The_storm_spirits_were_laughing._The_winds_raged._Piper_was_screaming_defiantly
,
_but_it_all_sounded_tinny_and_far_away.\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
Out_of_the_corner_of_his_eye,_Jason_saw_Coach_Hedge_climbing_the_cliff_with_Leo
_
on_his_back._Piper_was_on_her_feet,_desperately_swinging_the_club_to_fend_off_th
e_two_extra_storm_spirits,_but_they_were_just_toying_with_her._The_club_went_rig
ht_through_their_bodies_like_they_weren\u8217?
t_there._And_Dylan,_a_dark_and_win
ged_tornado_with_eyes,_loomed_over_Jason._\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
\u8220?Stop,\u8221?
_Jason_croaked._He_rose_unsteadily_to_his_feet,_and_he_wasn\u
8217?t_sure_who_was_more_surprised:_him,_or_the_storm_spirits.\par\pard\plain\hy
phpar}{
\u8220?How_are_you_alive?\u8221?_Dylan\u8217?s_form_flickered._\u8220?
That_was_e
nough_lightning_to_kill_twenty_men!\u8221?\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
\u8220?My_turn,\u8221?_Jason_said.\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
He_reached_in_his_pocket_and_pulled_out_the_gold_coin._He_let_his_instincts_take
_over,_flipping_the_coin_in_the_air_like_he\u8217?d_done_it_a_thousand_times._He
_caught_it_in_his_palm,_and_suddenly_he_was_holding_a_sword\u8212?
a_wickedly_sha
rp_double-edged_weapon._The_ridged_grip_fit_his_fingers_perfectly,_and_the_whole
_thing_was_gold\u8212?hilt,_handle,_and_blade.\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
Dylan_snarled_and_backed_up._He_looked_at_his_two_comrades_and_yelled,_\u822
0?We
ll?_Kill_him!\u8221?\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
The_other_storm_spirits_didn\u8217?t_look_happy_with_that_order,_but_they_flew_a
t_Jason,_their_fingers_crackling_with_electricity.\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
Jason_swung_at_the_first_spirit._His_blade_passed_through_it,_and_the_creature\u
8217?s_smoky_form_disintegrated._The_second_spirit_let_loose_a_bolt_of_lightning
,_but_Jason\u8217?s_blade_absorbed_the_charge._Jason_stepped_in\u8212?
one_quick_
thrust,_and_the_second_storm_spirit_dissolved_into_gold_powder.\par\pard\plain\h
yphpar}{
Dylan_wailed_in_outrage._He_looked_down_as_if_expecting_his_comrades_to_reform,
_but_their_gold_dust_remains_dispersed_in_the_wind._\u8220?Impossible!_Who_{\i
are}_you,_half-blood?\u8221?\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
Piper_was_so_stunned_she_dropped_her_club._\u8220?Jason,_how_\u8230?
_?\u8221?\pa
r\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
Then_Coach_Hedge_leaped_back_onto_the_skywalk_and_dumped_Leo_like_a_sack_o
f_flou
r.\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
\u8220?Spirits,_fear_me!\u8221?
_Hedge_bellowed,_flexing_his_short_arms._Then_he_
looked_around_and_realized_there_was_only_Dylan._\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
\u8220?Curse_it,_boy!\u8221?_he_snapped_at_Jason._\u8220?Didn\u8217?
t_you_leave_
some_for_me?_I_like_a_challenge!\u8221?\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
Leo_got_to_his_feet,_breathing_hard._He_looked_completely_humiliated,_his_hands_
bleeding_from_clawing_at_the_rocks._\u8220?
Yo,_Coach_Supergoat,_whatever_you_are
\u8212?I_just_fell_down_the_freaking_Grand_Canyon!_Stop_asking_for_challenges!\u
Dylan_hissed_at_them,_but_Jason_could_see_fear_in_his_eyes._\u8220?
You_have_no_i
dea_how_many_enemies_you\u8217?ve_awakened,_halfbloods._My_mistress_will_destro
y_{\i
all_}demigods._This_war_you_{\i
cannot_}win.\u8221?_\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
Above_them,_the_storm_exploded_into_a_fullforce_gale._Cracks_expanded_in_the_sk
ywalk._Sheets_of_rain_poured_down,_and_Jason_had_to_crouch_to_keep_his_balanc
e.\
A_hole_opened_in_the_clouds\u8212?a_swirling_vortex_of_black_and_silver._\par\pa
rd\plain\hyphpar}{
\u8220?The_mistress_calls_me_back!\u8221?_Dylan_shouted_with_glee._\u8220?
And_yo
u,_demigod,_will_come_with_me!\u8221?\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
He_lunged_at_Jason,_but_Piper_tackled_the_monster_from_behind._Even_though_he
_wa
s_made_of_smoke,_Piper_somehow_managed_to_connect._Both_of_them_went_spra
wling._
Leo,_Jason,_and_the_coach_surged_forward_to_help,_but_the_spirit_screamed_with_
r
age._He_let_loose_a_torrent_that_knocked_them_all_backward._Jason_and_Coach_H
edg
e_landed_on_their_butts._Jason\u8217?s_sword_skidded_across_the_glass._Leo_hit_t
he_back_of_his_head_and_curled_on_his_side,_dazed_and_groaning._Piper_got_the_
wo
rst_of_it._She_was_thrown_off_Dylan\u8217?s_back_and_hit_the_railing,_tumbling_o
ver_the_side_until_she_was_hanging_by_one_hand_over_the_abyss.\par\pard\plain\h
y
phpar}{
Jason_started_toward_her,_but_Dylan_screamed,_\u8220?I\u8217?ll_settle_for_this_
one!\u8221?_\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
He_grabbed_Leo\u8217?s_arm_and_began_to_rise,_towing_a_halfconscious_Leo_below_
him._The_storm_spun_faster,_pulling_them_upward_like_a_vacuum_cleaner.\par\par
d\
plain\hyphpar}{
\u8220?Help!\u8221?_Piper_yelled._\u8220?
Somebody!\u8221?\par\pard\plain\hyphpar
}{
Then_she_slipped,_screaming_as_she_fell.\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
\u8220?Jason,_go!\u8221?_Hedge_yelled._\u8220?
Save_her!\u8221?\par\pard\plain\hy
phpar}{
The_coach_launched_himself_at_the_spirit_with_some_serious_goat_fu\u8212?
lashing
_out_with_his_hooves,_knocking_Leo_free_from_the_spirit\u8217?
s_grasp._Leo_dropp
ed_safely_to_the_floor,_but_Dylan_grappled_the_coach\u8217?
s_arms_instead._Hedge
_tried_to_headbutt_him,_then_kicked_him_and_called_him_a_cupcake._They_rose_int
o_the_air,_gaining_speed.\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
Coach_Hedge_shouted_down_once_more,_\u8220?Save_her!_I_got_this!\u8221?
_Then_the
_satyr_and_the_storm_spirit_spiraled_into_the_clouds_and_disappeared.\par\pard\p
lain\hyphpar}{
{\i
Save_her?_}Jason_thought.{\i
_She\u8217?s_gone!}\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
But_again_his_instincts_won._He_ran_to_the_railing,_thinking,_{\i
I\u8217?m_a_lunatic,_}and_jumped_over_the_side._\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
Jason_wasn\u8217?
t_scared_of_heights._He_was_scared_of_being_smashed_against_the
_canyon_floor_five_hundred_feet_below._He_figured_he_hadn\u8217?
t_accomplished_a
nything_except_for_dying_along_with_Piper,_but_he_tucked_in_his_arms_and_plum
met
ed_headfirst._The_sides_of_the_canyon_raced_past_like_a_film_on_fast-forward._Hi
s_face_felt_like_it_was_peeling_off.\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
In_a_heartbeat,_he_caught_up_with_Piper,_who_was_flailing_wildly._He_tackled_her
_waist_and_closed_his_eyes,_waiting_for_death._Piper_screamed._The_wind_whistle
d
_in_Jason\u8217?
s_ears._He_wondered_what_dying_would_feel_like._He_was_thinking,
_probably_not_so_good._He_wished_somehow_they_could_never_hit_bottom._\par\p
ard\
plain\hyphpar}{
Suddenly_the_wind_died._Piper\u8217?
s_scream_turned_into_a_strangled_gasp._Jason
_thought_they_must_be_dead,_but_he_hadn\u8217?
t_felt_any_impact.\par\pard\plain\
hyphpar}{
\u8220?J-J-Jason,\u8221?_Piper_managed.\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
He_opened_his_eyes._They_weren\u8217?
t_falling._They_were_floating_in_midair,_a_
hundred_feet_above_the_river.\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
He_hugged_Piper_tight,_and_she_repositioned_herself_so_she_was_hugging_him_to
o._
They_were_nose_to_nose._Her_heart_beat_so_hard,_Jason_could_feel_it_through_her
_
clothes.\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
Her_breath_smelled_like_cinnamon._She_said,_\u8220?
How_did_you\u8212?\u8221?\par
\u8220?I_didn\u8217?t,\u8221?_he_said._\u8220?I_think_I_would_know_if_I_could_fl
y\u8230?\u8221?\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
But_then_he_thought:_{\i
I_don\u8217?t_even_know_who_I_am._}\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
He_imagined_going_up._Piper_yelped_as_they_shot_a_few_feet_higher._They_weren\
u8
217?t_exactly_floating,_Jason_decided._He_could_feel_pressure_under_his_feet_lik
e_they_were_balancing_at_the_top_of_a_geyser.\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
\u8220?The_air_is_supporting_us,\u8221?_he_said.\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
\u8220?Well,_tell_it_to_support_us_more!_Get_us_out_of_here!\u8221?\par\pard\pla
in\hyphpar}{
Jason_looked_down._The_easiest_thing_would_be_to_sink_gently_to_the_canyon_floo
r
._Then_he_looked_up._The_rain_had_stopped._The_storm_clouds_didn\u8217?
t_seem_as
_bad,_but_they_were_still_rumbling_and_flashing._There_was_no_guarantee_the_spi
r
its_were_gone_for_good._He_had_no_idea_what_had_happened_to_Coach_Hedge._A
nd_he\
u8217?d_left_Leo_up_there,_barely_conscious.\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
\u8220?We_have_to_help_them,\u8221?
_Piper_said,_as_if_reading_his_thoughts._\u82
20?Can_you\u8212?\u8221?_\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
\u8220?Let\u8217?s_see.\u8221?_Jason_thought_{\i
Up},_and_instantly_they_shot_skyward.\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
The_fact_he_was_riding_the_winds_might\u8217?
ve_been_cool_under_different_circum
stances,_but_he_was_too_much_in_shock._As_soon_as_they_landed_on_the_skywalk
,_th
ey_ran_to_Leo.\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
Piper_turned_Leo_over,_and_he_groaned._His_army_coat_was_soaked_from_the_rain
._H
is_curly_hair_glittered_gold_from_rolling_around_in_monster_dust._But_at_least_h
e_wasn\u8217?t_dead._\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
\u8220?Stupid_\u8230?_ugly_\u8230?_goat,\u8221?
_he_muttered.\par\pard\plain\hyph
par}{
\u8220?Where_did_he_go?\u8221?_Piper_asked.\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
Leo_pointed_straight_up._\u8220?
Never_came_down._Please_tell_me_he_didn\u8217?t_
actually_save_my_life.\u8221?\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
\u8220?Twice,\u8221?_Jason_said._\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
Leo_groaned_even_louder._\u8220?What_happened?
_The_tornado_guy,_the_gold_sword_\
u8230?_I_hit_my_head._That\u8217?s_it,_right?_I\u8217?
m_hallucinating?\u8221?\pa
Jason_had_forgotten_about_the_sword._He_walked_over_to_where_it_was_lying_and
_pi
cked_it_up._The_blade_was_well_balanced._On_a_hunch_he_flipped_it._Midspin,_the
_
sword_shrank_back_into_a_coin_and_landed_in_his_palm.\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
\u8220?Yep,\u8221?_Leo_said._\u8220?Definitely_hallucinating.\u8221?\par\pard\pl
ain\hyphpar}{
Piper_shivered_in_her_rain-soaked_clothes._\u8220?Jason,_those_things\u8212?\u82
{\i
\u8220?Venti,\u8221?_}he_said._\u8220?Storm_spirits.\u8221?\par\pard\plain\hyphp
ar}{
\u8220?Okay._You_acted_like_\u8230?_like_you\u8217?
d_seen_them_before._Who_{\i
are}_you?\u8221?\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
He_shook_his_head._\u8220?That\u8217?s_what_I\u8217?
ve_been_trying_to_tell_you._
I_don\u8217?t_know.\u8221?_\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
The_storm_dissipated._The_other_kids_from_the_Wilderness_School_were_staring_o
ut
_the_glass_doors_in_horror._Security_guards_were_working_on_the_locks_now,_but_t
hey_didn\u8217?t_seem_to_be_having_any_luck.\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
\u8220?Coach_Hedge_said_he_had_to_protect_three_people,\u8221?
_Jason_remembered.
_\u8220?I_think_he_meant_us.\u8221?_\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
\u8220?And_that_thing_Dylan_turned_into_\u8230?\u8221?
_Piper_shuddered._\u8220?G
od,_I_can\u8217?t_believe_it_was_{\i
hitting_}on_me._He_called_us..._what,_{\i
demigods}?\u8221?_\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
Leo_lay_on_his_back,_staring_at_the_sky._He_didn\u8217?
t_seem_anxious_to_get_up.
_\u8220?Don\u8217?t_know_what_{\i
demi_}means,\u8221?_he_said._\u8220?But_I\u8217?
m_not_feeling_too_godly._You_guy
s_feeling_godly?\u8221?\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
There_was_a_brittle_sound_like_dry_twigs_snapping,_and_the_cracks_in_the_skywal
k
_began_to_widen.\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
\u8220?We_need_to_get_off_this_thing,\u8221?_Jason_said._\u8220?
Maybe_if_we\u821
2?\u8221?_\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
\u8220?Ohhh-kay,\u8221?_Leo_interrupted._\u8220?
Look_up_there_and_tell_me_if_tho
se_are_flying_horses.\u8221?\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
At_first_Jason_thought_Leo_{\i
had_}hit_his_head_too_hard._Then_he_saw_a_dark_shape_descending_from_the_eas
t\u8
212?too_slow_for_a_plane,_too_large_for_a_bird._As_it_got_closer_he_could_see_a_
pair_of_winged_animals\u8212?gray,_four-legged,_exactly_like_horses\u8212?
except
_each_one_had_a_twentyfoot_wingspan._And_they_were_pulling_a_brightly_painted_b
ox_with_two_wheels:_a_chariot.\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
\u8220?Reinforcements,\u8221?_he_said._\u8220?
Hedge_told_me_an_extraction_squad_
was_coming_for_us.\u8221?\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
\u8220?Extraction_squad?\u8221?_Leo_struggled_to_his_feet._\u8220?
That_sounds_pa
inful.\u8221?\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
\u8220?And_where_are_they_extracting_us_{\i
to}?\u8221?_Piper_asked.\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
Jason_watched_as_the_chariot_landed_on_the_far_end_of_the_skywalk._The_flying_h
o
rses_tucked_in_their_wings_and_cantered_nervously_across_the_glass,_as_if_they_s
ensed_it_was_near_breaking._Two_teenagers_stood_in_the_chariot\u8212?
a_tall_blon
d_girl_maybe_a_little_older_than_Jason,_and_a_bulky_dude_with_a_shaved_head_an
d_
a_face_like_a_pile_of_bricks._They_both_wore_jeans_and_orange_T-shirts,_with_shi
elds_tossed_over_their_backs._The_girl_leaped_off_before_the_chariot_had_even_fi
nished_moving._She_pulled_a_knife_and_ran_toward_Jason\u8217?
s_group_while_the_b
ulky_dude_was_reining_in_the_horses.\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
\u8220?Where_is_he?\u8221?
_the_girl_demanded._Her_gray_eyes_were_fierce_and_a_li
ttle_startling.\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
\u8220?Where\u8217?s_who?\u8221?_Jason_asked._\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
She_frowned_like_his_answer_was_unacceptable._Then_she_turned_to_Leo_and_Pip
er._
\u8220?What_about_Gleeson?
_Where_is_your_protector,_Gleeson_Hedge?\u8221?\par\pa
rd\plain\hyphpar}{
The_coach\u8217?s_first_name_was_Gleeson?_Jason_might\u8217?
ve_laughed_if_the_mo
rning_hadn\u8217?
t_been_quite_so_weird_and_scary._Gleeson_Hedge:_football_coach,
_goat_man,_protector_of_demigods._Sure._Why_not?\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
Leo_cleared_his_throat._\u8220?He_got_taken_by_some_\u8230?
_tornado_things.\u822
{\i
\u8220?Venti,\u8221?_}Jason_said._\u8220?Storm_spirits.\u8221?\par\pard\plain\hy
phpar}{
The_blond_girl_arched_an_eyebrow._\u8220?You_mean_{\i
anemoi_thuellai}?_That\u8217?
s_the_Greek_term._Who_are_you,_and_what_happened?\u
Jason_did_his_best_to_explain,_though_it_was_hard_to_meet_those_intense_gray_ey
e
s._About_halfway_through_the_story,_the_other_guy_from_the_chariot_came_over._
He
_stood_there_glaring_at_them,_his_arms_crossed._He_had_a_tattoo_of_a_rainbow_o
n_
his_biceps,_which_seemed_a_little_unusual._\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
When_Jason_had_finished_his_story,_the_blond_girl_didn\u8217?t_look_satisfied._\
u8220?No,_no,_no!_She_{\i
told_}me_he_would_be_here._She_told_me_if_I_came_here,_I\u8217?
d_find_the_answer
.\u8221?_\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
\u8220?Annabeth,\u8221?_the_bald_guy_grunted._\u8220?Check_it_out.\u8221?
_He_poi
nted_at_Jason\u8217?s_feet._\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
Jason_hadn\u8217?
t_thought_much_about_it,_but_he_was_still_missing_his_left_shoe
,_which_had_been_blown_off_by_the_lightning._His_bare_foot_felt_okay,_but_it_loo
ked_like_a_lump_of_charcoal.\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
\u8220?The_guy_with_one_shoe,\u8221?_said_the_bald_dude._\u8220?He\u8217?
s_the_a
nswer.\u8221?_\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
\u8220?No,_Butch,\u8221?_the_girl_insisted._\u8220?He_can\u8217?t_be._I_was_tric
ked.\u8221?
_She_glared_at_the_sky_as_though_it_had_done_something_wrong._\u8220?
What_do_you_want_from_me?\u8221?_she_screamed._\u8220?
What_have_you_done_with_hi
m?\u8221?\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
The_skywalk_shuddered,_and_the_horses_whinnied_urgently.\par\pard\plain\hyphpar
}
{
\u8220?Annabeth,\u8221?_said_the_bald_dude,_Butch,_\u8220?
we_gotta_leave._Let\u8
217?
s_get_these_three_to_camp_and_figure_it_out_there._Those_storm_spirits_might
_come_back.\u8221?\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
She_fumed_for_a_moment._\u8220?Fine.\u8221?
_She_fixed_Jason_with_a_resentful_loo
k._\u8220?We\u8217?ll_settle_this_later.\u8221?_\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
She_turned_on_her_heel_and_marched_toward_the_chariot._\par\pard\plain\hyphpar
}{
Piper_shook_her_head._\u8220?What\u8217?s_{\i
her_}problem?_What\u8217?s_going_on?\u8221?_\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
\u8220?Seriously,\u8221?_Leo_agreed.\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
\u8220?We_have_to_get_you_out_of_here,\u8221?_Butch_said._\u8220?I\u8217?
ll_expl
ain_on_the_way.\u8221?\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
\u8220?I\u8217?m_not_going_anywhere_with_{\i
her}.\u8221?_Jason_gestured_toward_the_blonde._\u8220?
She_looks_like_she_wants_t
o_kill_me.\u8221?_\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
Butch_hesitated._\u8220?Annabeth\u8217?
s_okay._You_gotta_cut_her_some_slack._She
_had_a_vision_telling_her_to_come_here,_to_find_a_guy_with_one_shoe._That_was_s
u
pposed_to_be_the_answer_to_her_problem.\u8221?\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
\u8220?What_problem?\u8221?_Piper_asked.\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
\u8220?She\u8217?s_been_looking_for_one_of_our_campers,_who\u8217?
s_been_missing
_three_days,\u8221?_Butch_said._\u8220?She\u8217?
s_going_out_of_her_mind_with_wo
rry._She_hoped_he\u8217?d_be_here.\u8221?_\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
\u8220?Who?\u8221?_Jason_asked._\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
\u8220?Her_boyfriend,\u8221?_Butch_said._\u8220?
A_guy_named_Percy_Jackson.\u8221
?_\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
_\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
{\b
A}{\b
FTER_A_MORNING_OF_STORM_SPIRIT\u8217?S,}{\b
_}goat_men,_and_flying_boyfriends,_Piper_should\u8217?
ve_been_losing_her_mind._I
nstead,_all_she_felt_was_dread._\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
It\u8217?s_starting,_she_thought._Just_like_the_dream_said.\par\pard\plain\hyphp
ar}{
She_stood_in_back_of_the_chariot_with_Leo_and_Jason,_while_the_bald_guy,_Butch,
_
handled_the_reins,_and_the_blond_girl,_Annabeth,_adjusted_a_bronze_navigation_d
e
vice._They_rose_over_the_Grand_Canyon_and_headed_east,_icy_wind_ripping_straig
ht
_through_Piper\u8217?
s_jacket._Behind_them,_more_storm_clouds_were_gathering.\pa
The_chariot_lurched_and_bumped._It_had_no_seat_belts_and_the_back_was_wide_o
pen,
_so_Piper_wondered_if_Jason_would_catch_her_again_if_she_fell._That_had_been_th
e
_most_disturbing_part_of_the_morning\u8212?not_that_Jason_could_fly,_but_that_he
\u8217?d_held_her_in_his_arms_and_yet_didn\u8217?
t_know_who_she_was._\par\pard\p
lain\hyphpar}{
All_semester_she\u8217?d_worked_on_a_relationship,_trying_to_get_Jason_to_notice
_her_as_more_than_a_friend._Finally_she\u8217?d_gotten_the_big_dope_to_kiss_her.
_The_last_few_weeks_had_been_the_best_of_her_life._And_then,_three_nights_ago,_
t
he_dream_had_ruined_everything\u8212?
that_horrible_voice,_giving_her_horrible_ne
ws._She_hadn\u8217?
t_told_anyone_about_it,_not_even_Jason.\par\pard\plain\hyphpa
r}{
Now_she_didn\u8217?t_even_have_{\i
him}._It_was_like_someone_had_wiped_his_memory,_and_she_was_stuck_in_the_wo
rst_\
u8220?do_over\u8221?
_of_all_time._She_wanted_to_scream._Jason_stood_right_next_t
o_her:_those_sky_blue_eyes,_close-cropped_blond_hair,_that_cute_little_scar_on_h
is_upper_lip._His_face_was_kind_and_gentle,_but_always_a_little_sad._And_he_just
_stared_at_the_horizon,_not_even_noticing_her.\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
Meanwhile,_Leo_was_being_annoying,_as_usual._\u8220?This_is_so_cool!\u8221?
_He_s
pit_a_pegasus_feather_out_of_his_mouth._\u8220?
Where_are_we_going?\u8221?\par\pa
rd\plain\hyphpar}{
\u8220?A_safe_place,\u8221?_Annabeth_said._\u8220?The_{\i
only_}safe_place_for_kids_like_us._Camp_Half-Blood.\u8221?\par\pard\plain\hyphpa
r}{
\u8220?Half-Blood?\u8221?
_Piper_was_immediately_on_guard._She_hated_that_word._S
he\u8217?d_been_called_a_half-blood_too_many_times\u8212?
half_Cherokee,_half_whi
te\u8212?and_it_was_never_a_compliment._\u8220?
Is_that_some_kind_of_bad_joke?\u8
\u8220?She_means_we\u8217?re_demigods,\u8221?_Jason_said._\u8220?
Half_god,_half_
mortal.\u8221?_\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
Annabeth_looked_back._\u8220?
You_seem_to_know_a_lot,_Jason._But,_yes,_demigods._
My_mom_is_Athena,_goddess_of_wisdom._Butch_here_is_the_son_of_Iris,_the_rainbo
w_
goddess.\u8221?\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
Leo_choked._\u8220?
Your_mom_is_a_rainbow_goddess?\u8221?\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}
{
\u8220?Got_a_problem_with_that?\u8221?_Butch_said._\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
\u8220?No,_no,\u8221?_Leo_said._\u8220?
Rainbows._Very_macho.\u8221?\par\pard\pla
in\hyphpar}{
\u8220?Butch_is_our_best_equestrian,\u8221?_Annabeth_said._\u8220?
He_gets_along_
great_with_the_pegasi.\u8221?\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
\u8220?Rainbows,_ponies,\u8221?_Leo_muttered.\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
\u8220?I\u8217?m_gonna_toss_you_off_this_chariot,\u8221?
_Butch_warned.\par\pard\
plain\hyphpar}{
\u8220?Demigods,\u8221?_Piper_said._\u8220?You_mean_you_think_you\u8217?
re_\u823
0?_you_think_we\u8217?re\u8212?\u8221?_\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
Lightning_flashed._The_chariot_shuddered,_and_Jason_yelled,_\u8220?Left_wheel\u8
217?s_on_fire!\u8221?_\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
Piper_stepped_back._Sure_enough,_the_wheel_was_burning,_white_flames_lapping_
up_
the_side_of_the_chariot.\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
The_wind_roared._Piper_glanced_behind_them_and_saw_dark_shapes_forming_in_th
e_cl
ouds,_more_storm_spirits_spiraling_toward_the_chariot\u8212?
except_these_looked_
more_like_horses_than_angels.\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
She_started_to_say,_\u8220?Why_are_they\u8212?\u8221?\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}
{
\u8220?{\i
Anemoi_}come_in_different_shapes,\u8221?_Annabeth_said._\u8220?
Sometimes_human,_
sometimes_stallions,_depending_on_how_chaotic_they_are._Hold_on._This_is_going_
t
o_get_rough.\u8221?\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
Butch_flicked_the_reins._The_pegasi_put_on_a_burst_of_speed,_and_the_chariot_blu
rred._Piper\u8217?
s_stomach_crawled_into_her_throat._Her_vision_went_black,_and_
when_it_came_back_to_normal,_they_were_in_a_totally_different_place.\par\pard\pl
ain\hyphpar}{
A_cold_gray_ocean_stretched_out_to_the_left._Snow-covered_fields,_roads,_and_for
ests_spread_to_the_right._Directly_below_them_was_a_green_valley,_like_an_island
_of_springtime,_rimmed_with_snowy_hills_on_three_sides_and_water_to_the_north._
P
iper_saw_a_cluster_of_buildings_like_ancient_Greek_temples,_a_big_blue_mansion,_
ball_courts,_a_lake,_and_a_climbing_wall_that_seemed_to_be_on_fire._But_before_s
he_could_really_process_all_she_was_seeing,_their_wheels_came_off_and_the_chari
o
t_dropped_out_of_the_sky.\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
Annabeth_and_Butch_tried_to_maintain_control._The_pegasi_labored_to_hold_the_c
ha
riot_in_a_flight_pattern,_but_they_seemed_exhausted_from_their_burst_of_speed,_a
nd_bearing_the_chariot_and_the_weight_of_five_people_was_just_too_much.\par\par
d
\plain\hyphpar}{
\u8220?The_lake!\u8221?_Annabeth_yelled._\u8220?
Aim_for_the_lake!\u8221?\par\par
d\plain\hyphpar}{
Piper_remembered_something_her_dad_had_once_told_her,_about_hitting_water_fro
m_u
p_high_being_as_bad_as_hitting_cement._\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
And_then\u8212?{\i
BOOM}._\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
The_biggest_shock_was_the_cold._She_was_underwater,_so_disoriented_that_she_di
dn
\u8217?t_know_which_way_was_up.\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
She_just_had_time_to_think:_{\i
This_would_be_a_stupid_way_to_die.}Then_faces_appeared_in_the_green_murk\u82
12?g
irls_with_long_black_hair_and_glowing_yellow_eyes._They_smiled_at_her,_grabbed_h
er_shoulders,_and_hauled_her_up.\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
They_tossed_her,_gasping_and_shivering,_onto_the_shore._Nearby,_Butch_stood_in_
t
he_lake,_cutting_the_wrecked_harnesses_off_the_pegasi._Fortunately,_the_horses_l
ooked_okay,_but_they_were_flapping_their_wings_and_splashing_water_everywhere.
_J
ason,_Leo,_and_Annabeth_were_already_on_shore,_surrounded_by_kids_giving_the
m_bl
ankets_and_asking_questions._Somebody_took_Piper_by_the_arms_and_helped_her_
stan
d._Apparently_kids_fell_into_the_lake_a_lot,_because_a_detail_of_campers_ran_up_
with_big_bronze_leaf_blower\u8211?looking_things_and_blasted_Piper_with_hot_air;
_and_in_about_two_seconds_her_clothes_were_dry._\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
There_were_at_least_twenty_campers_milling_around\u8212?
the_youngest_maybe_nine,
_the_oldest_college_age,_eighteen_or_nineteen\u8212?
and_all_of_them_had_orange_T
-shirts_like_Annabeth\u8217?
s._Piper_looked_back_at_the_water_and_saw_those_stra
nge_girls_just_below_the_surface,_their_hair_floating_in_the_current._They_waved
_like,_{\i
toodleoo},_and_disappeared_into_the_depths._A_second_later_the_wreckage_of_the_
chariot_was_tossed_from_the_lake_and_landed_nearby_with_a_wet_crunch.\par\pard
\p
lain\hyphpar}{
\u8220?Annabeth!\u8221?
_A_guy_with_a_bow_and_quiver_on_his_back_pushed_through_t
he_crowd._\u8220?I_said_you_could_{\i
borrow_}the_chariot,_not_destroy_it!\u8221?\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
\u8220?Will,_I\u8217?m_sorry,\u8221?_Annabeth_sighed._\u8220?I\u8217?ll_get_it_f
ixed,_I_promise.\u8221?\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
Will_scowled_at_his_broken_chariot._Then_he_sized_up_Piper,_Leo,_and_Jason._\u82
20?These_are_the_ones?_Way_older_than_thirteen._Why_haven\u8217?
t_they_been_clai
med_already?\u8221?\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
\u8220?Claimed?\u8221?_Leo_asked._\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
Before_Annabeth_could_explain,_Will_said,_\u8220?
Any_sign_of_Percy?\u8221?\par\p
ard\plain\hyphpar}{
\u8220?No,\u8221?_Annabeth_admitted._\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
The_campers_muttered._Piper_had_no_idea_who_this_guy_Percy_was,_but_his_disap
pea
rance_seemed_to_be_a_big_deal.\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
Another_girl_stepped_forward\u8212?tall,_Asian,_dark_hair_in_ringlets,_plenty_of
_jewelry,_and_perfect_makeup._Somehow_she_managed_to_make_jeans_and_an_or
ange_Tshirt_look_glamorous._She_glanced_at_Leo,_fixed_her_eyes_on_Jason_like_he_might
_
be_worthy_of_her_attention,_then_curled_her_lip_at_Piper_as_if_she_were_a_week-o
ld_burrito_that_had_just_been_pulled_out_of_a_Dumpster._Piper_knew_this_girl\u82
17?s_type._She\u8217?d_dealt_with_a_lot_of_girls_like_this_at_Wilderness_School_
and_every_other_stupid_school_her_father_had_sent_her_to._Piper_knew_instantly_t
hey_were_going_to_be_enemies.\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
\u8220?Well,\u8221?_the_girl_said,_\u8220?I_hope_they\u8217?
re_worth_the_trouble
Leo_snorted._\u8220?
Gee,_thanks._What_are_we,_your_new_pets?\u8221?\par\pard\pla
in\hyphpar}{
\u8220?No_kidding,\u8221?_Jason_said._\u8220?
How_about_some_answers_before_you_s
tart_judging_us\u8212?
like,_what_is_this_place,_why_are_we_here,_how_long_do_we_
have_to_stay?\u8221?\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
Piper_had_the_same_questions,_but_a_wave_of_anxiety_washed_over_her._{\i
Worth_the_trouble._}If_they_only_knew_about_her_dream._They_had_no_idea\u823
0?\p
\u8220?Jason,\u8221?_Annabeth_said,_\u8220?I_promise_we\u8217?
ll_answer_your_que
stions._And_Drew\u8221?\u8212?she_frowned_at_the_glamour_girl\u8212?\u8220?
all_d
emigods_are_worth_saving._But_I\u8217?ll_admit,_the_trip_didn\u8217?
t_accomplish
_what_I_hoped.\u8221?\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
\u8220?Hey,\u8221?_Piper_said,_\u8220?we_didn\u8217?
t_ask_to_be_brought_here.\u8
Drew_sniffed._\u8220?And_nobody_{\i
wants_}you,_hon._Does_your_hair_always_look_like_a_dead_badger?\u8221?\par\pa
rd\
plain\hyphpar}{
Piper_stepped_forward,_ready_to_smack_her,_but_Annabeth_said,_\u8220?
Piper,_stop
.\u8221?\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
Piper_did._She_wasn\u8217?t_a_bit_scared_of_Drew,_but_Annabeth_didn\u8217?
t_seem
_like_somebody_she_wanted_for_an_enemy.\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
\u8220?We_need_to_make_our_new_arrivals_feel_welcome,\u8221?
_Annabeth_said,_with
_another_pointed_look_at_Drew._\u8220?We\u8217?
ll_assign_them_each_a_guide,_give
_them_a_tour_of_camp._Hopefully_by_the_campfire_tonight,_they\u8217?
ll_be_claime
d.\u8221?_\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
\u8220?Would_somebody_tell_me_what_{\i
claimed_}means?\u8221?_Piper_asked._\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
Suddenly_there_was_a_collective_gasp._The_campers_backed_away._At_first_Piper_t
h
ought_she\u8217?
d_done_something_wrong._Then_she_realized_their_faces_were_bathe
d_in_a_strange_red_light,_as_if_someone_had_lit_a_torch_behind_her._She_turned_a
nd_almost_forgot_how_to_breathe.\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
Floating_over_Leo\u8217?s_head_was_a_blazing_holographic_image_\u8212?
a_fiery_ha
mmer.\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
\u8220?That,\u8221?_Annabeth_said,_\u8220?
is_claiming.\u8221?\par\pard\plain\hyp
hpar}{
\u8220?What\u8217?d_I_do?\u8221?
_Leo_backed_toward_the_lake._Then_he_glanced_up_
and_yelped._\u8220?Is_my_hair_on_fire?\u8221?
_He_ducked,_but_the_symbol_followed
_him,_bobbing_and_weaving_so_it_looked_like_he_was_trying_to_write_something_in
_
flames_with_his_head._\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
\u8220?This_can\u8217?t_be_good,\u8221?_Butch_muttered._\u8220?
The_curse\u8212?\
u8221?\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
\u8220?Butch,_shut_up,\u8221?_Annabeth_said._\u8220?Leo,_you\u8217?
ve_just_been_
claimed\u8212?\u8221?_\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
\u8220?By_a_god,\u8221?_Jason_interrupted._\u8220?That\u8217?
s_the_symbol_of_Vul
can,_isn\u8217?t_it?\u8221?_\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
All_eyes_turned_to_him.\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
\u8220?Jason,\u8221?_Annabeth_said_carefully,_\u8220?
how_did_you_know_that?\u822
\u8220?I\u8217?m_not_sure.\u8221?_\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
\u8220?Vulcan?\u8221?_Leo_demanded._\u8220?I_don\u8217?t_even_LIKE_{\i
Star_Trek}._What_are_you_talking_about?\u8221?\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
\u8220?Vulcan_is_the_Roman_name_for_Hephaestus,\u8221?
_Annabeth_said,_\u8220?the
_god_of_blacksmiths_and_fire.\u8221?\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
The_fiery_hammer_faded,_but_Leo_kept_swatting_the_air_like_he_was_afraid_it_was
_
following_him._\u8220?The_god_of_{\i
what}?_Who?\u8221?_\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
Annabeth_turned_to_the_guy_with_the_bow._\u8220?
Will,_would_you_take_Leo,_give_h
im_a_tour?_Introduce_him_to_his_bunk-mates_in_Cabin_Nine.\u8221?
_\par\pard\plain
\hyphpar}{
\u8220?Sure,_Annabeth.\u8221?_\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
\u8220?What\u8217?s_Cabin_Nine?\u8221?_Leo_asked._\u8220?And_I\u8217?
m_not_a_Vul
can!\u8221?_\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
\u8220?Come_on,_Mr._Spock,_I\u8217?ll_explain_everything.\u8221?
_Will_put_a_hand
_on_his_shoulder_and_steered_him_off_toward_the_cabins._\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}
{
Annabeth_turned_her_attention_back_to_Jason._Usually_Piper_didn\u8217?t_like_it_
when_other_girls_checked_out_her_boyfriend,_but_Annabeth_didn\u8217?
t_seem_to_ca
re_that_he_was_a_goodlooking_guy._She_studied_him_more_like_he_was_a_complicate
d_blueprint._Finally_she_said,_\u8220?Hold_out_your_arm.\u8221?\par\pard\plain\h
yphpar}{
Piper_saw_what_she_was_looking_at,_and_her_eyes_widened.\par\pard\plain\hyphpa
r}
{
Jason_had_taken_off_his_windbreaker_after_his_dip_in_the_lake,_leaving_his_arms_
bare,_and_on_the_inside_of_his_right_forearm_was_a_tattoo._How_had_Piper_never_
n
oticed_it_before?_She\u8217?d_looked_at_Jason\u8217?
s_arms_a_million_times._The_
tattoo_couldn\u8217?t_have_just_{\i
appeared},_but_it_was_darkly_etched,_impossible_to_miss:_a_dozen_straight_lines_
like_a_bar_code,_and_over_that_an_eagle_with_the_letters_spqr.\par\pard\plain\hy
phpar}{
\u8220?I\u8217?ve_never_seen_marks_like_this,\u8221?_Annabeth_said._\u8220?
Where
_did_you_get_them?\u8221?\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
Jason_shook_his_head._\u8220?I\u8217?m_getting_really_tired_of_saying_this,_but_
I_don\u8217?t_know.\u8221?_\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
The_other_campers_pushed_forward,_trying_to_get_a_look_at_Jason\u8217?
s_tattoo._
The_marks_seemed_to_bother_them_{\i
a_lot\u8212?}almost_like_a_declaration_of_war._\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
\u8220?They_look_burned_into_your_skin,\u8221?
_Annabeth_noticed.\par\pard\plain\
hyphpar}{
\u8220?They_were,\u8221?
_Jason_said._Then_he_winced_as_if_his_head_was_aching._\
u8220?I_mean_\u8230?_I_think_so._I_don\u8217?t_remember.\u8221?
_\par\pard\plain\
hyphpar}{
No_one_said_anything._It_was_clear_the_campers_saw_Annabeth_as_the_leader._Th
ey_
were_waiting_for_her_verdict._\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
\u8220?He_needs_to_go_straight_to_Chiron,\u8221?_Annabeth_decided._\u8220?
Drew,_
would_you\u8212?\u8221?\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
\u8220?Absolutely.\u8221?_Drew_laced_her_arm_through_Jason\u8217?s._\u8220?
This_
way,_sweetie._I\u8217?ll_introduce_you_to_our_director._He\u8217?s_\u8230?_an_{\
i
interesting_}guy.\u8221?
_She_flashed_Piper_a_smug_look_and_led_Jason_toward_the_
big_blue_house_on_the_hill.\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
The_crowd_began_to_disperse,_until_only_Annabeth_and_Piper_were_left.\par\pard\
p
lain\hyphpar}{
\u8220?Who\u8217?s_Chiron?\u8221?_Piper_asked._\u8220?
Is_Jason_in_some_kind_of_t
rouble?\u8221?_\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
Annabeth_hesitated._\u8220?Good_question,_Piper._Come_on,_I\u8217?
ll_give_you_a_
tour._We_need_to_talk.\u8221?_\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
P}{\b
IPER_SOON_REALIZED_}{\b
A}{\b
NNABETH\u8217?S_HEART}{\b
_}wasn\u8217?t_in_the_tour._\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
She_talked_about_all_this_amazing_stuff_the_camp_offered\u8212?
magic_archery,_pe
gasus_riding,_the_lava_wall,_fighting_monsters_\u8212?
but_she_showed_no_exciteme
nt,_as_if_her_mind_were_elsewhere._She_pointed_out_the_open-air_dining_pavilion_
that_overlooked_Long_Island_Sound._(Yes,_Long_Island,_New_York;_they\u8217?
d_tra
veled_{\i
that_}far_on_the_chariot.)_Annabeth_explained_how_Camp_HalfBlood_was_mostly_a_s
ummer_camp,_but_some_kids_stayed_here_year-round,_and_they\u8217?
d_added_so_many
_campers_it_was_always_crowded_now,_even_in_winter.\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
Piper_wondered_who_ran_the_camp,_and_how_they\u8217?
d_known_Piper_and_her_friend
s_belonged_here._She_wondered_if_she\u8217?d_have_to_stay_fulltime,_or_if_she\u
8217?d_be_any_good_at_the_activities._Could_you_flunk_out_of_monster_fighting?
_A
_million_questions_bubbled_in_her_head,_but_given_Annabeth\u8217?
s_mood,_she_dec
ided_to_keep_quiet._\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
As_they_climbed_a_hill_at_the_edge_of_camp,_Piper_turned_and_got_an_amazing_vi
ew
_of_the_valley\u8212?a_big_stretch_of_woods_to_the_northwest,_a_beautiful_beach,
_the_creek,_the_canoe_lake,_lush_green_fields,_and_the_whole_layout_of_the_cabin
s\u8212?
a_bizarre_assortment_of_buildings_arranged_like_a_Greek_omega,_\u937?,_w
ith_a_loop_of_cabins_around_a_central_green,_and_two_wings_sticking_out_the_bott
om_on_either_side._Piper_counted_twenty_cabins_in_all._One_glowed_golden,_anot
he
r_silver._One_had_grass_on_the_roof._Another_was_bright_red_with_barbed_wire_tre
nches._One_cabin_was_black_with_fiery_green_torches_out_front.\par\pard\plain\hy
phpar}{
All_of_it_seemed_like_a_different_world_from_the_snowy_hills_and_fields_outside.
_\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
\u8220?The_valley_is_protected_from_mortal_eyes,\u8221?
_Annabeth_said._\u8220?As
_you_can_see,_the_weather_is_controlled,_too._Each_cabin_represents_a_Greek_god
\
u8212?a_place_for_that_god\u8217?s_children_to_live.\u8221?_\par\pard\plain\hyph
par}{
She_looked_at_Piper_like_she_was_trying_to_judge_how_Piper_was_handling_the_ne
ws
.\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
\u8220?You\u8217?
re_saying_Mom_was_a_goddess.\u8221?\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
Annabeth_nodded._\u8220?You\u8217?re_taking_this_awfully_calmly.\u8221?
_\par\par
d\plain\hyphpar}{
Piper_couldn\u8217?t_tell_her_why._She_couldn\u8217?t_admit_that_this_just_confi
rmed_some_weird_feelings_she\u8217?d_had_for_years,_arguments_she\u8217?
d_had_wi
th_her_father_about_why_there_were_no_photos_of_Mom_in_the_house,_and_why_D
ad_wo
uld_never_tell_her_exactly_how_or_why_her_mom_had_left_them._But_mostly,_the_
dre
am_had_warned_her_this_was_coming._{\i
Soon_they_will_find_you,_demigod,_}that_voice_had_rumbled._{\i
When_they_do,_follow_our_directions._Cooperate,_and_your_father_might_live._}\pa
Piper_took_a_shaky_breath._\u8220?I_guess_after_this_morning,_it\u8217?s_a_littl
e_easier_to_believe._So_who\u8217?s_my_mom?\u8221?\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
\u8220?We_should_know_soon,\u8221?_Annabeth_said._\u8220?You\u8217?
re_what\u8212
?fifteen?_Gods_are_supposed_to_claim_you_when_you\u8217?
re_thirteen._That_was_th
e_deal.\u8221?_\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
\u8220?The_deal?\u8221?_\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
\u8220?They_made_a_promise_last_summer_\u8230?_well,_long_story\u8230?
_but_they_
promised_not_to_ignore_their_demigod_children_anymore,_to_claim_them_by_the_ti
me
_they_turn_thirteen._Sometimes_it_takes_a_little_longer,_but_you_saw_how_fast_Le
o_was_claimed_once_he_got_here._Should_happen_for_you_soon._Tonight_at_the_ca
mpf
ire,_I_bet_we\u8217?ll_get_a_sign.\u8221?_\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
Piper_wondered_if_she\u8217?
d_have_a_big_flaming_hammer_over_her_head,_or_with_h
er_luck,_something_even_more_embarrassing._A_flaming_wombat,_maybe._Whoeve
r_her_
mother_was,_Piper_had_no_reason_to_think_she\u8217?
d_be_proud_to_claim_a_kleptom
aniac_daughter_with_massive_problems._\u8220?
Why_thirteen?\u8221?\par\pard\plain
\hyphpar}{
\u8220?The_older_you_get,\u8221?_Annabeth_said,_\u8220?
the_more_monsters_notice_
you,_try_to_kill_you._\u8217?Round_thirteen_is_usually_when_it_starts._That\u821
7?
s_why_we_send_protectors_into_the_schools_to_find_you_guys,_get_you_to_camp_b
e
fore_it\u8217?s_too_late.\u8221?_\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
\u8220?Like_Coach_Hedge?\u8221?\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
Annabeth_nodded._\u8220?He\u8217?s\u8212?
he_was_a_satyr:_half_man,_half_goat._Sa
tyrs_work_for_the_camp,_finding_demigods,_protecting_them,_bringing_them_in_wh
en
_the_time_is_right.\u8221?\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
Piper_had_no_trouble_believing_Coach_Hedge_was_half_goat._She\u8217?
d_seen_the_g
uy_eat._She\u8217?d_never_liked_the_coach_much,_but_she_couldn\u8217?
t_believe_h
e\u8217?d_sacrificed_himself_to_save_them._\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
\u8220?What_happened_to_him?\u8221?_she_asked._\u8220?
When_we_went_up_into_the_c
louds,_did_he_\u8230?_is_he_gone_for_good?\u8221?\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
\u8220?Hard_to_say.\u8221?_Annabeth\u8217?s_expression_was_pained._\u8220?
Storm_
spirits_\u8230?_difficult_to_battle._Even_our_best_weapons,_Celestial_bronze,_wi
ll_pass_right_through_them_unless_you_can_catch_them_by_surprise.\u8221?\par\p
ar
d\plain\hyphpar}{
\u8220?Jason\u8217?s_sword_just_turned_them_to_dust,\u8221?
_Piper_remembered.\pa
\u8220?He_was_lucky,_then._If_you_hit_a_monster_just_right,_you_can_dissolve_the
m,_send_their_essence_back_to_Tartarus.\u8221?_\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
\u8220?Tartarus?\u8221?_\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
\u8220?
A_huge_abyss_in_the_Underworld,_where_the_worst_monsters_come_from._Kind_
of_like_a_bottomless_pit_of_evil._Anyway,_once_monsters_dissolve,_it_usually_tak
es_months,_even_years_before_they_can_re-form_again._But_since_this_storm_spirit
_Dylan_got_away\u8212?well,_I_don\u8217?t_know_why_he\u8217?
d_keep_Hedge_alive._
Hedge_was_a_protector,_though._He_knew_the_risks._Satyrs_don\u8217?
t_have_mortal
_souls._He\u8217?
ll_be_reincarnated_as_a_tree_or_a_flower_or_something.\u8221?\p
Piper_tried_to_imagine_Coach_Hedge_as_a_clump_of_very_angry_pansies._That_ma
de_h
er_feel_even_worse.\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
She_gazed_at_the_cabins_below,_and_an_uneasy_feeling_settled_over_her._Hedge_
had
_died_to_get_her_here_safely._Her_mom\u8217?
s_cabin_was_down_there_somewhere,_wh
ich_meant_she_had_brothers_and_sisters,_more_people_she\u8217?
d_have_to_betray._
{\i
Do_what_we_tell_you,_}the_voice_had_said._{\i
Or_the_consequences_will_be_painful._}She_tucked_her_hands_under_her_arms,_try
in
g_to_stop_them_from_shaking.\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
\u8220?It\u8217?ll_be_okay,\u8221?_Annabeth_promised._\u8220?
You_have_friends_he
re._We\u8217?
ve_all_been_through_a_lot_of_weird_stuff._We_know_what_you\u8217?re
_going_through.\u8221?\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
I_doubt_that,_Piper_thought.\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
\u8220?I\u8217?ve_been_kicked_out_of_five_different_schools_the_past_five_years,
\u8221?_she_said._\u8220?My_dad\u8217?
s_running_out_of_places_to_put_me.\u8221?\
\u8220?Only_five?\u8221?_Annabeth_didn\u8217?
t_sound_like_she_was_teasing._\u822
0?Piper,_we\u8217?
ve_all_been_labeled_troublemakers._I_ran_away_from_home_when_I
_was_seven.\u8221?_\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
\u8220?Seriously?\u8221?\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
\u8220?Oh,_yeah._Most_of_us_are_diagnosed_with_attention_deficit_disorder_or_dys
lexia,_or_both\u8212?\u8221?\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
\u8220?Leo\u8217?s_ADHD,\u8221?_Piper_said.\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
\u8220?Right._It\u8217?s_because_we\u8217?
re_hardwired_for_battle._Restless,_imp
ulsive\u8212?we_don\u8217?
t_fit_in_with_regular_kids._You_should_hear_how_much_t
rouble_Percy\u8212?\u8221?_Her_face_darkened._\u8220?
Anyway,_demigods_get_a_bad_
rep._How\u8217?d_you_get_in_trouble?\u8221?\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
Usually_when_someone_asked_that_question,_Piper_started_a_fight,_or_changed_th
e_
subject,_or_caused_some_kind_of_distraction._But_for_some_reason_she_found_hers
e
lf_telling_the_truth.\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
\u8220?I_steal_stuff,\u8221?_she_said._\u8220?Well,_not_really_{\i
steal_}\u8230?\u8221?_\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
\u8220?Is_your_family_poor?\u8221?\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
Piper_laughed_bitterly._\u8220?Not_even._I_did_it_\u8230?_I_don\u8217?
t_know_why
._For_attention,_I_guess._My_dad_never_had_time_for_me_unless_I_got_in_trouble.\
Annabeth_nodded._\u8220?I_can_relate._But_you_said_you_didn\u8217?
t_really_steal
?_What_do_you_mean?\u8221?\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
\u8220?Well_\u8230?_nobody_ever_believes_me._The_police,_teachers\u8212?
even_the
_people_I_took_stuff_from:_they\u8217?re_so_embarrassed,_they\u8217?
ll_deny_what
_happened._But_the_truth_is,_I_don\u8217?t_steal_anything._I_just_ask_people_for
_things._And_they_give_me_stuff._Even_a_BMW_convertible._I_just_asked._And_the_
d
ealer_said,_\u8216?Sure._Take_it.\u8217?_Later,_he_realized_what_he\u8217?
d_done
,_I_guess._Then_the_police_came_after_me.\u8221?\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
Piper_waited._She_was_used_to_people_calling_her_a_liar,_but_when_she_looked_up
,
_Annabeth_just_nodded.\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
\u8220?Interesting._If_your_{\i
dad_}were_the_god,_I\u8217?d_say_you\u8217?
re_a_child_of_Hermes,_god_of_thieves.
_He_can_be_pretty_convincing._But_your_dad_is_mortal\u8230?\u8221?\par\pard\pl
ai
n\hyphpar}{
\u8220?Very,\u8221?_Piper_agreed.\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
Annabeth_shook_her_head,_apparently_mystified._\u8220?I_don\u8217?
t_know,_then._
With_luck,_your_mom_will_claim_you_tonight.\u8221?\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
Piper_almost_hoped_it_wouldn\u8217?
t_happen._If_her_mom_were_a_goddess,_would_sh
e_know_about_that_dream?_Would_she_know_what_Piper_had_been_asked_to_do?
_Piper_w
ondered_if_Olympian_gods_ever_blasted_their_kids_with_lightning_for_being_evil,_
or_grounded_them_in_the_Underworld.\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
Annabeth_was_studying_her._Piper_decided_she_was_going_to_have_to_be_careful_
wha
t_she_said_from_now_on._Annabeth_was_obviously_pretty_smart._If_anyone_could_
fig
ure_out_Piper\u8217?s_secret_\u8230?_\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
\u8220?Come_on,\u8221?_Annabeth_said_at_last._\u8220?There\u8217?
s_something_els
e_I_need_to_check.\u8221?_\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
They_hiked_a_little_farther_until_they_reached_a_cave_near_the_top_of_the_hill._
Bones_and_old_swords_littered_the_ground._Torches_flanked_the_entrance,_which_
wa
s_covered_in_a_velvet_curtain_embroidered_with_snakes._It_looked_like_the_set_fo
r_some_kind_of_twisted_puppet_show._\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
\u8220?What\u8217?s_in_there?\u8221?_Piper_asked.\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
Annabeth_poked_her_head_inside,_then_sighed_and_closed_the_curtains._\u8220?
Noth
ing,_right_now._A_friend\u8217?s_place._I\u8217?
ve_been_expecting_her_for_a_few_
days,_but_so_far,_nothing.\u8221?\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
\u8220?Your_friend_lives_in_a_cave?\u8221?_\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
Annabeth_almost_managed_a_smile._\u8220?
Actually,_her_family_has_a_luxury_condo_
in_Queens,_and_she_goes_to_a_finishing_school_in_Connecticut._But_when_she\u82
17
?s_here_at_camp,_yeah,_she_lives_in_the_cave._She\u8217?s_our_oracle,_tells_the_
future._I_was_hoping_she_could_help_me\u8212?\u8221?\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
\u8220?Find_Percy,\u8221?_Piper_guessed.\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
All_the_energy_drained_out_of_Annabeth,_like_she\u8217?
d_been_holding_it_togethe
r_for_as_long_as_she_could._She_sat_down_on_a_rock,_and_her_expression_was_so_
fu
ll_of_pain,_Piper_felt_like_a_voyeur.\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
She_forced_herself_to_look_away._Her_eyes_drifted_to_the_crest_of_the_hill,_wher
e_a_single_pine_tree_dominated_the_skyline._Something_glittered_in_its_lowest_br
anch\u8212?like_a_fuzzy_gold_bath_mat.\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
No_\u8230?_not_a_bath_mat._It_was_a_sheep\u8217?
s_fleece._\par\pard\plain\hyphpa
r}{
Okay,_Piper_thought._Greek_camp._They\u8217?
ve_got_a_replica_of_the_Golden_Fleec
e._\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
Then_she_noticed_the_base_of_the_tree._At_first_she_thought_it_was_wrapped_in_a
_
pile_of_massive_purple_cables._But_the_cables_had_reptilian_scales,_clawed_feet,
_and_a_snakelike_head_with_yellow_eyes_and_smoking_nostrils.\par\pard\plain\hyp
h
par}{
\u8220?That\u8217?s\u8212?a_dragon,\u8221?_she_stammered._\u8220?
That\u8217?s_th
e_{\i
actual_}Golden_Fleece?\u8221?_\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
Annabeth_nodded,_but_it_was_clear_she_wasn\u8217?
t_really_listening._Her_shoulde
rs_drooped._She_rubbed_her_face_and_took_a_shaky_breath._\u8220?
Sorry._A_little_
tired.\u8221?\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
\u8220?You_look_ready_to_drop,\u8221?_Piper_said._\u8220?
How_long_have_been_sear
ching_for_your_boyfriend?\u8221?\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
\u8220?
Three_days,_six_hours,_and_about_twelve_minutes.\u8221?\par\pard\plain\hy
phpar}{
\u8220?And_you\u8217?
ve_got_no_idea_what_happened_to_him?\u8221?\par\pard\plain\
hyphpar}{
Annabeth_shook_her_head_miserably._\u8220?
We_were_so_excited_because_we_both_sta
rted_winter_break_early._We_met_up_at_camp_on_Tuesday,_figured_we_had_three_
week
s_together._It_was_going_to_be_great._Then_after_the_campfire,_he\u8212?he_kisse
d_me_good_night,_went_back_to_his_cabin,_and_in_the_morning,_he_was_gone._We
_sea
rched_the_whole_camp._We_contacted_his_mom._We\u8217?
ve_tried_to_reach_him_every
_way_we_know_how._Nothing._He_just_disappeared.\u8221?\par\pard\plain\hyphpar
}{
Piper_was_thinking:_{\i
Three_days_ago._}The_same_night_she\u8217?d_had_her_dream._\u8220?
How_long_were_
you_guys_together?\u8221?\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
\u8220?Since_August,\u8221?_Annabeth_said._\u8220?
August_eighteenth.\u8221?\par\
pard\plain\hyphpar}{
\u8220?Almost_exactly_when_I_met_Jason,\u8221?_Piper_said._\u8220?
But_we\u8217?v
e_only_been_together_a_few_weeks.\u8221?\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
Annabeth_winced._\u8220?Piper_\u8230?
_about_that._Maybe_you_should_sit_down.\u82
21?_\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
Piper_knew_where_this_was_going._Panic_started_building_inside_her,_like_her_lun
gs_were_filling_with_water._\u8220?Look,_I_know_Jason_thought\u8212?
he_thought_h
e_just_{\i
appeared_}at_our_school_today._But_that\u8217?s_not_true._I\u8217?
ve_known_him_f
or_four_months.\u8221?_\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
\u8220?Piper,\u8221?_Annabeth_said_sadly._\u8220?It\u8217?s_the_Mist.\u8221?
_\pa
\u8220?Missed_\u8230?_what?\u8221?_\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
\u8220?M-i-s-t._It\u8217?s_a_kind_of_veil_separating_the_mortal_world_from_the_m
agic_world._Mortal_minds\u8212?they_can\u8217?
t_process_strange_stuff_like_gods_
and_monsters,_so_the_Mist_bends_reality._It_makes_mortals_see_things_in_a_way_t
h
ey_{\i
can_}understand_\u8212?like_their_eyes_might_just_skip_over_this_valley_complete
ly,_or_they_might_look_at_that_dragon_and_see_a_pile_of_cables.\u8221?\par\pard\
plain\hyphpar}{
Piper_swallowed._\u8220?No._You_said_yourself_I\u8217?m_not_a_regular_mortal._I\
u8217?m_a_demigod.\u8221?\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
\u8220?Even_demigods_can_be_affected._I\u8217?
ve_seen_it_lots_of_times._Monsters
_infiltrate_some_place_like_a_school,_pass_themselves_off_as_human,_and_everyon
e
_{\i
thinks_}they_remember_that_person._They_believe_he\u8217?
s_always_been_around._T
he_Mist_can_change_memories,_even_create_memories_of_things_that_never_happ
ened\
u8212?\u8221?\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
\u8220?But_Jason\u8217?s_not_a_monster!\u8221?_Piper_insisted._\u8220?
He\u8217?s
_a_human_guy,_or_demigod,_or_whatever_you_want_to_call_him._My_memories_are
n\u82
17?t_fake._They\u8217?re_{\i
so_}real._The_time_we_set_Coach_Hedge\u8217?
s_pants_on_fire._The_time_Jason_and_
I_watched_a_meteor_shower_on_the_dorm_roof_and_I_finally_got_the_stupid_guy_to
_k
iss_me....\u8221?_\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
She_found_herself_rambling,_telling_Annabeth_about_her_whole_semester_at_Wilde
rn
ess_School._She\u8217?d_liked_Jason_from_the_first_week_they\u8217?
d_met._He_was
_so_nice_to_her,_and_so_patient,_he_could_even_put_up_with_hyperactive_Leo_and
_h
is_stupid_jokes._He\u8217?d_accepted_her_for_herself_and_didn\u8217?
t_judge_her_
because_of_the_stupid_things_she\u8217?d_done._They\u8217?
d_spent_hours_talking,
_looking_at_the_stars,_and_eventually\u8212?{\i
finally}\u8212?holding_hands._All_that_{\i
couldn\u8217?t}_be_fake._\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
Annabeth_pursed_her_lips._\u8220?
Piper,_your_memories_are_a_lot_sharper_than_mos
t._I\u8217?ll_admit_that,_and_I_don\u8217?t_know_why_that_is._But_if_you_know_hi
m_so_well\u8212?\u8221?\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
\u8220?I_do!\u8221?_\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
\u8220?Then_where_is_he_from?\u8221?_\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
Piper_felt_like_she\u8217?d_been_hit_between_the_eyes._\u8220?
He_must_have_told_
me,_but\u8212?\u8221?_\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
\u8220?Did_you_ever_notice_his_tattoo_before_today?
_Did_he_ever_tell_you_anythin
g_about_his_parents,_or_his_friends,_or_his_last_school?\u8221?_\par\pard\plain\
hyphpar}{
\u8220?I\u8212?I_don\u8217?t_know,_but\u8212?\u8221?_\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}
{
\u8220?Piper,_what\u8217?s_his_last_name?\u8221?_\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
Her_mind_went_blank._She_didn\u8217?t_know_Jason\u8217?
s_last_name._How_could_th
at_be?_\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
She_started_to_cry._She_felt_like_a_total_fool,_but_she_sat_down_on_the_rock_nex
t_to_Annabeth_and_just_fell_to_pieces._It_was_too_much._Did_{\i
everything_}that_was_good_in_her_stupid,_miserable_life_have_to_be_taken_away?\
p
{\i
Yes,_}the_dream_had_told_her._{\i
Yes,_unless_you_do_exactly_what_we_say.}\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
\u8220?Hey,\u8221?_Annabeth_said._\u8220?We\u8217?
ll_figure_it_out._Jason\u8217?
s_here_now._Who_knows?_Maybe_it\u8217?
ll_work_out_with_you_guys_for_real.\u8221?
Not_likely,_Piper_thought._Not_if_the_dream_had_told_her_the_truth._But_she_coul
dn\u8217?t_say_that.\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
She_brushed_a_tear_from_her_cheek._\u8220?
You_brought_me_up_here_so_no_one_would
_see_me_blubbering,_huh?\u8221?\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
Annabeth_shrugged._\u8220?
I_figured_it_would_be_hard_for_you._I_know_what_it\u82
17?s_like_to_lose_your_boyfriend.\u8221?_\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
\u8220?But_I_still_can\u8217?t_believe_\u8230?_I_{\i
know_}we_had_something._And_now_it\u8217?s_just_gone,_like_he_doesn\u8217?
t_even
_recognize_me._If_he_really_did_just_show_up_today,_then_why?_How\u8217?
d_he_get
_there?_Why_can\u8217?
t_he_remember_anything?\u8221?\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
\u8220?Good_questions,\u8221?_Annabeth_said._\u8220?
Hopefully_Chiron_can_figure_
that_out._But_for_now,_we_need_to_get_you_settled._You_ready_to_go_back_down?\
u8
Piper_gazed_at_the_crazy_assortment_of_cabins_in_the_valley._Her_new_home,_a_fa
m
ily_who_supposedly_understood_her\u8212?but_soon_they\u8217?
d_be_just_another_bu
nch_of_people_she\u8217?d_disappointed,_just_another_place_she\u8217?
d_been_kick
ed_out_of._{\i
You\u8217?ll_betray_them_for_us,_}the_voice_had_warned._{\i
Or_you\u8217?ll_lose_everything.}\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
She_didn\u8217?t_have_a_choice._\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
\u8220?Yeah,\u8221?_she_lied._\u8220?I\u8217?m_ready.\u8221?
_\par\pard\plain\hyp
hpar}{
On_the_central_green,_a_group_of_campers_was_playing_basketball._They_were_inc
re
dible_shots._Nothing_bounced_off_the_rim._Three-pointers_went_in_automatically.\
\u8220?Apollo\u8217?s_cabin,\u8221?_Annabeth_explained._\u8220?
Bunch_of_showoffs
_with_missile_weapons\u8212?arrows,_basketballs.\u8221?\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}
{
They_walked_past_a_central_fire_pit,_where_two_guys_were_hacking_at_each_other
_w
ith_swords.\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
\u8220?Real_blades?\u8221?_Piper_noted._\u8220?Isn\u8217?
t_that_dangerous?\u8221
\u8220?That\u8217?s_sort_of_the_point,\u8221?_Annabeth_said._\u8220?
Uh,_sorry._B
ad_pun._That\u8217?s_my_cabin_over_there._Number_Six.\u8221?
_She_nodded_to_a_gra
y_building_with_a_carved_owl_over_the_door._Through_the_open_doorway,_Piper_co
ul
d_see_bookshelves,_weapon_displays,_and_one_of_those_computerized_SMART_Boa
rds_t
hey_have_in_classrooms._Two_girls_were_drawing_a_map_that_looked_like_a_battle_
d
iagram.\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
\u8220?Speaking_of_blades,\u8221?_Annabeth_said,_\u8220?
come_here.\u8221?\par\pa
rd\plain\hyphpar}{
She_led_Piper_around_the_side_of_the_cabin,_to_a_big_metal_shed_that_looked_like
_it_was_meant_for_gardening_tools._Annabeth_unlocked_it,_and_inside_were_{\i
not_}gardening_tools,_unless_you_wanted_to_make_war_on_your_tomato_plants._T
he_s
hed_was_lined_with_all_sorts_of_weapons\u8212?
from_swords_to_spears_to_clubs_lik
e_Coach_Hedge\u8217?s._\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
\u8220?Every_demigod_needs_a_weapon,\u8221?_Annabeth_said._\u8220?
Hephaestus_mak
es_the_best,_but_we_have_a_pretty_good_selection,_too._Athena\u8217?
s_all_about_
strategy\u8212?matching_the_right_weapon_to_the_right_person._Let\u8217?
s_see_\u
Piper_didn\u8217?
t_feel_much_like_shopping_for_deadly_objects,_but_she_knew_Anna
beth_was_trying_to_do_something_nice_for_her.\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
Annabeth_handed_her_a_massive_sword,_which_Piper_could_hardly_lift.\par\pard\pl
a
in\hyphpar}{
\u8220?No,\u8221?_they_both_said_at_once.\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
Annabeth_rummaged_a_little_farther_in_the_shed_and_brought_out_something_else
.\p
\u8220?A_shotgun?\u8221?_Piper_asked.\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
\u8220?Mossberg_500.\u8221?
_Annabeth_checked_the_pump_action_like_it_was_no_big_
deal._\u8220?Don\u8217?t_worry._It_doesn\u8217?t_hurt_humans._It\u8217?
s_modifie
d_to_shoot_Celestial_bronze,_so_it_only_kills_monsters.\u8221?\par\pard\plain\hy
phpar}{
\u8220?Um,_I_don\u8217?t_think_that\u8217?s_my_style,\u8221?
_Piper_said.\par\par
d\plain\hyphpar}{
\u8220?Mmm,_yeah,\u8221?_Annabeth_agreed._\u8220?
Too_flashy.\u8221?\par\pard\pla
in\hyphpar}{
She_put_the_shotgun_back_and_started_poking_through_a_rack_of_crossbows_when
_som
ething_in_the_corner_of_the_shed_caught_Piper\u8217?s_eye._\par\pard\plain\hyphp
ar}{
\u8220?What_is_that?\u8221?_she_said._\u8220?A_knife?\u8221?
hpar}{
Annabeth_dug_it_out_and_blew_the_dust_off_the_scabbard._It_looked_like_it_hadn\u
8217?t_seen_the_light_of_day_in_centuries._\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
\u8220?I_don\u8217?t_know,_Piper.\u8221?_Annabeth_sounded_uneasy._\u8220?
I_don\u
8217?t_think_you_want_this_one._Swords_are_usually_better.\u8221?\par\pard\plain
\hyphpar}{
\u8220?You_use_a_knife.\u8221?
_Piper_pointed_to_the_one_strapped_to_Annabeth\u82
17?s_belt._\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
\u8220?Yeah,_but_\u8230?\u8221?_Annabeth_shrugged._\u8220?
Well,_take_a_look_if_y
ou_want.\u8221?\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
The_sheath_was_worn_black_leather,_bound_in_bronze._Nothing_fancy,_nothing_fla
sh
y._The_polished_wood_handle_fit_beautifully_in_Piper\u8217?
s_hand._When_she_unsh
eathed_it,_she_found_a_triangular_blade_eighteen_inches_long\u8212?
bronze_gleami
ng_like_it_had_been_polished_yesterday._The_edges_were_deadly_sharp._Her_reflec
t
ion_in_the_blade_caught_her_by_surprise._She_looked_older,_more_serious,_not_as_
scared_as_she_felt._\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
\u8220?It_suits_you,\u8221?_Annabeth_admitted._\u8220?
That_kind_of_blade_is_call
ed_a_parazonium._It_was_mostly_ceremonial,_carried_by_high-ranking_officers_in_t
he_Greek_armies._It_showed_you_were_a_person_of_power_and_wealth,_but_in_a_fi
ght
,_it_could_protect_you_just_fine.\u8221?\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
\u8220?I_like_it,\u8221?_Piper_said._\u8220?Why_didn\u8217?t_you_think_it_was_ri
ght?\u8221?\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
Annabeth_exhaled._\u8220?
That_blade_has_a_long_story._Most_people_would_be_afrai
d_to_claim_it._Its_first_owner_\u8230?_well,_things_didn\u8217?t_turn_out_too_we
ll_for_her._Her_name_was_Helen.\u8221?_\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
Piper_let_that_sink_in._\u8220?Wait,_you_mean_{\i
the_}Helen?_Helen_of_Troy?\u8221?\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
Annabeth_nodded._\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
Suddenly_Piper_felt_like_she_should_be_handling_the_dagger_with_surgical_gloves.
_\u8220?And_it\u8217?s_just_sitting_in_your_toolshed?\u8221?_\par\pard\plain\hyp
hpar}{
\u8220?We\u8217?re_surrounded_by_Ancient_Greek_stuff,\u8221?
_Annabeth_said._\u82
20?This_isn\u8217?t_a_museum._Weapons_like_that\u8212?they\u8217?
re_meant_to_be_
used._They\u8217?
re_our_heritage_as_demigods._That_was_a_wedding_present_from_Me
nelaus,_Helen\u8217?
s_first_husband._She_named_the_dagger_Katoptris.\u8221?\par\
\u8220?Meaning?\u8221?\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
\u8220?Mirror,\u8221?_Annabeth_said._\u8220?
Looking_glass._Probably_because_that
\u8217?s_the_only_thing_Helen_used_it_for._I_don\u8217?t_think_it\u8217?s_ever_s
een_battle.\u8221?_\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
Piper_looked_at_the_blade_again._For_a_moment,_her_own_image_stared_up_at_her
,_b
ut_then_the_reflection_changed._She_saw_flames,_and_a_grotesque_face_like_some
th
ing_carved_from_bedrock._She_heard_the_same_laughter_as_in_her_dream._She_sa
w_he
r_dad_in_chains,_tied_to_a_post_in_front_of_a_roaring_bonfire._\par\pard\plain\h
yphpar}{
She_dropped_the_blade.\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
\u8220?Piper?\u8221?
_Annabeth_shouted_to_the_Apollo_kids_on_the_court,_\u8220?Me
dic!_I_need_some_help_over_here!\u8221?\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
\u8220?No,_it\u8217?s\u8212?it\u8217?s_okay,\u8221?
_Piper_managed._\par\pard\pla
in\hyphpar}{
\u8220?You_sure?\u8221?_\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
\u8220?Yeah._I_just_\u8230?\u8221?_She_had_to_control_herself._With_trembling_fi
ngers,_she_picked_up_the_dagger._\u8220?
I_just_got_overwhelmed._So_much_happenin
g_today._But_\u8230?_I_want_to_keep_the_dagger,_if_that\u8217?
s_okay.\u8221?\par
Annabeth_hesitated._Then_she_waved_off_the_Apollo_kids._\u8220?
Okay,_if_you\u821
7?re_sure._You_turned_really_pale,_there._I_thought_you_were_having_a_seizure_or
_something.\u8221?_\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
\u8220?I\u8217?m_fine,\u8221?
_Piper_promised,_though_her_heart_was_still_racing.
_\u8220?Is_there_\u8230?_um,_a_phone_at_camp?
_Can_I_call_my_dad?\u8221?\par\pard
\plain\hyphpar}{
Annabeth\u8217?
s_gray_eyes_were_almost_as_unnerving_as_the_dagger_blade._She_see
med_to_be_calculating_a_million_possibilities,_trying_to_read_Piper\u8217?s_thou
ghts._\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
\u8220?We_aren\u8217?t_allowed_phones,\u8221?_she_said._\u8220?
Most_demigods,_if
_they_use_a_cell_phone,_it\u8217?s_like_sending_up_a_signal,_letting_monsters_kn
ow_where_you_are._But_\u8230?_I\u8217?ve_got_one.\u8221?
_She_slipped_it_out_of_h
er_pocket._\u8220?Kind_of_against_the_rules,_but_if_it_can_be_our_secret_\u8230?
\u8221?_\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
Piper_took_it_gratefully,_trying_not_to_let_her_hands_shake._She_stepped_away_fr
om_Annabeth_and_turned_to_face_the_commons_area._\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
She_called_her_dad\u8217?
s_private_line,_even_though_she_knew_what_would_happen.
_Voice_mail._She\u8217?
d_been_trying_for_three_days,_ever_since_the_dream._Wilde
rness_School_only_allowed_phone_privileges_once_a_day,_but_she\u8217?
d_called_ev
ery_evening,_and_gotten_nowhere.\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
Reluctantly_she_dialed_the_other_number._Her_dad\u8217?
s_personal_assistant_answ
ered_immediately._\u8220?Mr._McLean\u8217?s_office.\u8221?
ar}{
\u8220?Jane,\u8221?_Piper_said,_gritting_her_teeth._\u8220?Where\u8217?
s_my_dad?
Jane_was_silent_for_a_moment,_probably_wondering_if_she_could_get_away_with_h
ang
ing_up._\u8220?Piper,_I_thought_you_weren\u8217?
t_supposed_to_call_from_school.\
\u8220?Maybe_I\u8217?m_not_at_school,\u8221?_Piper_said._\u8220?
Maybe_I_ran_away
_to_live_among_the_woodland_creatures.\u8221?\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
\u8220?Mmm.\u8221?_Jane_didn\u8217?t_sound_concerned._\u8220?Well,_I\u8217?
ll_te
ll_him_you_called.\u8221?\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
\u8220?Where_is_he?\u8221?_\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
\u8220?Out.\u8221?_\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
\u8220?You_don\u8217?t_know,_do_you?\u8221?
_Piper_lowered_her_voice,_hoping_Anna
beth_was_too_nice_to_eavesdrop._\u8220?
When_are_you_going_to_call_the_police,_Ja
ne?_He_could_be_in_trouble.\u8221?\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
\u8220?Piper,_we_are_not_going_to_turn_this_into_a_media_circus._I\u8217?
m_sure_
he\u8217?s_fine._He_does_take_off_occasionally._He_always_comes_back.\u8221?
_\pa
\u8220?So_it\u8217?s_true._You_{\i
don\u8217?t}_know\u8212?\u8221?_\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
\u8220?I_have_to_go,_Piper,\u8221?_Jane_snapped._\u8220?
Enjoy_school.\u8221?\par
The_line_went_dead._Piper_cursed._She_walked_back_to_Annabeth_and_handed_he
r_the
_phone.\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
\u8220?No_luck?\u8221?_Annabeth_asked._\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
Piper_didn\u8217?t_answer._She_didn\u8217?t_trust_herself_not_to_start_crying_ag
ain.\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
Annabeth_glanced_at_the_phone_display_and_hesitated._\u8220?
Your_last_name_is_Mc
Lean?_Sorry,_it\u8217?s_not_my_business._But_that_sounds_really_familiar.\u8221?
\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
\u8220?Common_name.\u8221?_\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
\u8220?Yeah,_I_guess._What_does_your_dad_do?\u8221?\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
\u8220?He\u8217?s_got_a_degree_in_the_arts,\u8221?
_Piper_said_automatically._\u8
220?He\u8217?s_a_Cherokee_artist.\u8221?_\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
Her_standard_response._Not_a_lie,_just_not_the_whole_truth._Most_people,_when_t
h
ey_heard_that,_figured_her_dad_sold_Indian_souvenirs_at_a_roadside_stand_on_a_r
e
servation._Sitting_Bull_bobbleheads,_wampum_necklaces,_Big_Chief_tablets\u8212?
that_kind_of_thing.\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
\u8220?Oh.\u8221?_Annabeth_didn\u8217?
t_look_convinced,_but_she_put_the_phone_aw
ay._\u8220?You_feeling_okay?
_Want_to_keep_going?\u8221?\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
Piper_fastened_her_new_dagger_to_her_belt_and_promised_herself_that_later,_whe
n_
she_was_alone,_she\u8217?d_figure_out_how_it_worked._\u8220?Sure,\u8221?
_she_sai
d._\u8220?I_want_to_see_everything.\u8221?_\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
All_the_cabins_were_cool,_but_none_of_them_struck_Piper_as_{\i
hers}._No_burning_signs\u8212?wombats_or_otherwise\u8212?
appeared_over_her_head.
Cabin_Eight_was_entirely_silver_and_glowed_like_moonlight.\par\pard\plain\hyphpa
r}{
\u8220?Artemis?\u8221?_Piper_guessed.\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
\u8220?You_know_Greek_mythology,\u8221?
_Annabeth_said.\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
\u8220?
I_did_some_reading_when_my_dad_was_working_on_a_project_last_year.\u8221?
\u8220?I_thought_he_did_Cherokee_art.\u8221?\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
Piper_bit_back_a_curse._\u8220?Oh,_right._But\u8212?
you_know,_he_does_other_stuf
f_too.\u8221?_\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
Piper_thought_she\u8217?
d_blown_it:_McLean,_Greek_mythology._Thankfully,_Annabet
h_didn\u8217?t_seem_to_make_the_connection._\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
\u8220?Anyway,\u8221?_Annabeth_continued,_\u8220?
Artemis_is_goddess_of_the_moon,
_goddess_of_hunting._But_no_campers._Artemis_was_an_eternal_maiden,_so_she_d
oesn
\u8217?t_have_any_kids.\u8221?\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
\u8220?Oh.\u8221?_That_kind_of_bummed_Piper_out._She\u8217?
d_always_liked_the_st
ories_of_Artemis,_and_figured_she_would_make_a_cool_mom._\par\pard\plain\hyphp
ar
}{
\u8220?Well,_there_{\i
are_}the_Hunters_of_Artemis,\u8221?_Annabeth_amended._\u8220?
They_visit_sometime
s._They\u8217?re_not_the_children_of_Artemis,_but_they\u8217?
re_her_handmaidens\
u8212?
this_band_of_immortal_teenage_girls_who_adventure_together_and_hunt_monste
rs_and_stuff.\u8221?_\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
Piper_perked_up._\u8220?That_sounds_cool._They_get_to_be_immortal?\u8221?
_\par\p
ard\plain\hyphpar}{
\u8220?
Unless_they_die_in_combat,_or_break_their_vows._Did_I_mention_they_have_t
o_swear_off_boys?_No_dating\u8212?ever._For_eternity.\u8221?\par\pard\plain\hyph
par}{
\u8220?Oh,\u8221?_Piper_said._\u8220?
Never_mind.\u8221?\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
Annabeth_laughed._For_a_moment_she_looked_almost_happy,_and_Piper_thought_s
he\u8
217?d_be_a_cool_friend_to_hang_out_with_in_better_times._\par\pard\plain\hyphpar
}{
Forget_it,_Piper_reminded_herself._You\u8217?
re_not_going_to_make_any_friends_he
re._Not_once_they_find_out.\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
They_passed_the_next_cabin,_Number_Ten,_which_was_decorated_like_a_Barbie_ho
use_
with_lace_curtains,_a_pink_door,_and_potted_carnations_in_the_windows._They_wal
k
ed_by_the_doorway,_and_the_smell_of_perfume_almost_made_Piper_gag.\par\pard\
plai
n\hyphpar}{
\u8220?
Gah,_is_that_where_supermodels_go_to_die?\u8221?\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
Annabeth_smirked._\u8220?Aphrodite\u8217?
s_cabin._Goddess_of_love._Drew_is_the_h
ead_counselor.\u8221?_\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
\u8220?Figures,\u8221?_Piper_grumbled.\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
\u8220?They\u8217?re_not_all_bad,\u8221?_Annabeth_said._\u8220?
The_last_head_cou
nselor_we_had_was_great.\u8221?\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
\u8220?What_happened_to_her?\u8221?\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
Annabeth\u8217?s_expression_darkened._\u8220?
We_should_keep_moving.\u8221?\par\p
ard\plain\hyphpar}{
They_looked_at_the_other_cabins,_but_Piper_just_got_more_depressed._She_wonder
ed
_if_she_could_be_the_daughter_of_Demeter,_the_farming_goddess._Then_again,_Pip
er
_killed_every_plant_she_ever_touched._Athena_was_cool._Or_maybe_Hecate,_the_m
agi
c_goddess._But_it_didn\u8217?
t_really_matter._Even_here,_where_everyone_was_supp
osed_to_find_a_lost_parent,_she_knew_she_would_still_end_up_the_unwanted_kid._S
h
e_was_not_looking_forward_to_the_campfire_tonight.\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
\u8220?We_started_with_the_twelve_Olympian_gods,\u8221?
_Annabeth_explained._\u82
20?
Male_gods_on_the_left,_female_on_the_right._Then_last_year,_we_added_a_whole_
bunch_of_new_cabins_for_the_other_gods_who_didn\u8217?
t_have_thrones_on_Olympus\
u8212?Hecate,_Hades,_Iris\u8212?\u8221?\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
\u8220?What_are_the_two_big_ones_on_the_end?\u8221?
_Piper_asked.\par\pard\plain\
hyphpar}{
Annabeth_frowned._\u8220?
Zeus_and_Hera._King_and_queen_of_the_gods.\u8221?\par\p
ard\plain\hyphpar}{
Piper_headed_that_way,_and_Annabeth_followed,_though_she_didn\u8217?
t_act_very_e
xcited._The_Zeus_cabin_reminded_Piper_of_a_bank._It_was_white_marble_with_big_
co
lumns_out_front_and_polished_bronze_doors_emblazoned_with_lightning_bolts.\par\
p
ard\plain\hyphpar}{
Hera\u8217?
s_cabin_was_smaller_but_done_in_the_same_style,_except_the_doors_were
_carved_with_peacock_feather_designs,_shimmering_in_different_colors.\par\pard\p
lain\hyphpar}{
Unlike_the_other_cabins,_which_were_all_noisy_and_open_and_full_of_activity,_the
_Zeus_and_Hera_cabins_looked_closed_and_silent._\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
\u8220?Are_they_empty?\u8221?_Piper_asked.\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
Annabeth_nodded._\u8220?
Zeus_went_a_long_time_without_having_any_children._Well,
_mostly._Zeus,_Poseidon,_and_Hades,_the_eldest_brothers_among_the_gods\u8212?
the
y\u8217?re_called_the_Big_Three._Their_kids_are_really_powerful,_really_dangerou
s._For_the_last_seventy_years_or_so,_they_tried_to_avoid_having_demigod_children
\u8220?{\i
Tried}_to_avoid_it?\u8221?_\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
\u8220?Sometimes_they_\u8230?_um,_cheated._I\u8217?
ve_got_a_friend,_Thalia_Grace
,_who\u8217?
s_the_daughter_of_Zeus._But_she_gave_up_camp_life_and_became_a_Hunte
r_of_Artemis._My_boyfriend,_Percy,_he\u8217?
s_a_son_of_Poseidon._And_there\u8217
?s_a_kid_who_shows_up_sometimes,_Nico\u8212?
son_of_Hades._Except_for_them,_there
_are_no_demigod_children_of_the_Big_Three_gods._At_least,_not_that_we_know_of.\
u
\u8220?And_Hera?\u8221?_Piper_looked_at_the_peacockdecorated_doors._The_cabin_b
othered_her,_though_she_wasn\u8217?t_sure_why._\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
\u8220?Goddess_of_marriage.\u8221?_Annabeth\u8217?
s_tone_was_carefully_controlle
d,_like_she_was_trying_to_avoid_cursing._\u8220?She_doesn\u8217?
t_have_kids_with
_anyone_but_Zeus._So,_yeah,_no_demigods._The_cabin\u8217?
s_just_honorary.\u8221?
\u8220?You_don\u8217?t_like_her,\u8221?_Piper_noticed.\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
\u8220?We_have_a_long_history,\u8221?_Annabeth_admitted._\u8220?
I_thought_we\u82
17?d_made_peace,_but_when_Percy_disappeared_\u8230?
_I_got_this_weird_dream_visio
n_from_her.\u8221?_\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
\u8220?Telling_you_to_come_get_us,\u8221?_Piper_said._\u8220?
But_you_thought_Per
cy_would_be_there.\u8221?\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
\u8220?It\u8217?s_probably_better_I_don\u8217?t_talk_about_it,\u8221?
_Annabeth_s
aid._\u8220?I\u8217?
ve_got_nothing_good_to_say_about_Hera_right_now.\u8221?\par\
Piper_looked_down_the_base_of_the_doors._\u8220?So_who_goes_in_here?\u8221?
_\par
\u8220?No_one._The_cabin_is_just_honorary,_like_I_said._No_one_goes_in.\u8221?\p
\u8220?Someone_does.\u8221?
_Piper_pointed_at_a_footprint_on_the_dusty_threshold.
_On_instinct,_she_pushed_the_doors_and_they_swung_open_easily.\par\pard\plain\h
y
phpar}{
Annabeth_stepped_back._\u8220?Um,_Piper,_I_don\u8217?
t_think_we_should\u8212?\u8
\u8220?We\u8217?re_supposed_to_do_dangerous_stuff,_right?\u8221?
_And_Piper_walke
d_inside._\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
Hera\u8217?
s_cabin_was_not_someplace_Piper_would_want_to_live._It_was_as_cold_as
_a_freezer,_with_a_circle_of_white_columns_around_a_central_statue_of_the_goddes
s,_ten_feet_tall,_seated_on_a_throne_in_flowing_golden_robes._Piper_had_always_t
hought_of_Greek_statues_as_white_with_blank_eyes,_but_this_one_was_brightly_pai
n
ted_so_it_looked_almost_human\u8212?except_huge._Hera\u8217?
s_piercing_eyes_seem
ed_to_follow_Piper.\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
At_the_goddess\u8217?
s_feet,_a_fire_burned_in_a_bronze_brazier._Piper_wondered_w
ho_tended_it_if_the_cabin_was_always_empty._A_stone_hawk_sat_on_Hera\u8217?
s_sho
ulder,_and_in_her_hand_was_a_staff_topped_with_a_lotus_flower._The_goddess\u82
17
?
s_hair_was_done_in_black_plaits._Her_face_smiled,_but_the_eyes_were_cold_and_ca
lculating,_as_if_she_were_saying:_{\i
Mother_knows_best._Now_don\u8217?
t_cross_me_or_I_will_have_to_step_on_you.}\par\
There_was_nothing_else_in_the_cabin\u8212?
no_beds,_no_furniture,_no_bathroom,_no
_windows,_nothing_that_anyone_could_actually_use_to_live._For_a_goddess_of_hom
e_
and_marriage,_Hera\u8217?
s_place_reminded_Piper_of_a_tomb.\par\pard\plain\hyphpa
r}{
No,_this_wasn\u8217?t_her_mom._At_least_Piper_was_sure_of_{\i
that}._She_hadn\u8217?t_come_in_here_because_she_felt_a_{\i
good_}connection,_but_because_her_sense_of_dread_was_stronger_here._Her_drea
m\u8
212?that_horrible_ultimatum_she\u8217?d_been_handed\u8212?
had_something_to_do_wi
th_this_cabin._\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
She_froze._They_weren\u8217?t_alone._Behind_the_statue,_at_a_little_altar_in_the
_back,_stood_a_figure_covered_in_a_black_shawl._Only_her_hands_were_visible,_pal
ms_up._She_seemed_to_be_chanting_something_like_a_spell_or_a_prayer.\par\pard\
pl
ain\hyphpar}{
Annabeth_gasped._\u8220?Rachel?\u8221?\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
The_other_girl_turned._She_dropped_her_shawl,_revealing_a_mane_of_curly_red_hai
r
_and_a_freckled_face_that_didn\u8217?t_go_with_the_seriousness_of_the_cabin_or_t
he_black_shawl_at_all._She_looked_about_seventeen,_a_totally_normal_teen_in_a_gr
een_blouse_and_tattered_jeans_covered_with_marker_doodles._Despite_the_cold_flo
o
r,_she_was_barefoot._\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
\u8220?Hey!\u8221?_She_ran_to_give_Annabeth_a_hug._\u8220?I\u8217?
m_so_sorry!_I_
came_as_fast_as_I_could.\u8221?_\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
They_talked_for_a_few_minutes_about_Annabeth\u8217?
s_boyfriend_and_how_there_was
_no_news,_et_cetera,_until_finally_Annabeth_remembered_Piper,_who_was_standing
_t
here_feeling_uncomfortable._\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
\u8220?I\u8217?m_being_rude,\u8221?_Annabeth_apologized._\u8220?
Rachel,_this_is_
Piper,_one_of_the_half-bloods_we_rescued_today._Piper,_this_is_Rachel_Elizabeth_
Dare,_our_oracle.\u8221?_\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
\u8220?The_friend_who_lives_in_the_cave,\u8221?_Piper_guessed.\par\pard\plain\hy
phpar}{
Rachel_grinned._\u8220?That\u8217?s_me.\u8221?_\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
\u8220?So_you\u8217?re_an_oracle?\u8221?_Piper_asked._\u8220?
You_can_tell_the_fu
ture?\u8221?\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
\u8220?More_like_the_future_mugs_me_from_time_to_time,\u8221?
_Rachel_said._\u822
0?I_speak_prophecies._The_oracle\u8217?s_spirit_kind_of_hijacks_me_every_once_in
_a_while_and_speaks_important_stuff_that_doesn\u8217?
t_make_any_sense_to_anybody
._But_yeah,_the_prophecies_tell_the_future.\u8221?_\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
\u8220?Oh.\u8221?_Piper_shifted_from_foot_to_foot._\u8220?That\u8217?
s_cool.\u82
Rachel_laughed._\u8220?Don\u8217?t_worry._Everybody_finds_it_a_little_creepy._Ev
en_me._But_usually_I\u8217?m_harmless.\u8221?_\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
\u8220?You\u8217?re_a_demigod?\u8221?\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
\u8220?Nope,\u8221?_Rachel_said._\u8220?
Just_mortal.\u8221?\par\pard\plain\hyphp
ar}{
\u8220?Then_what_are_you_\u8230?\u8221?
_Piper_waved_her_hand_around_the_room._\p
Rachel\u8217?
s_smile_faded._She_glanced_at_Annabeth,_then_back_at_Piper._\u8220?
Just_a_hunch._Something_about_this_cabin_and_Percy\u8217?
s_disappearance._They\u
8217?re_connected_somehow._I\u8217?
ve_learned_to_follow_my_hunches,_especially_t
he_last_month,_since_the_gods_went_silent.\u8221?\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
\u8220?Went_silent?\u8221?_Piper_asked.\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
Rachel_frowned_at_Annabeth._\u8220?You_haven\u8217?
t_told_her_yet?\u8221?\par\pa
rd\plain\hyphpar}{
\u8220?I_was_getting_to_that,\u8221?_Annabeth_said._\u8220?
Piper,_for_the_last_m
onth_\u8230?_well,_it\u8217?s_normal_for_the_gods_not_to_talk_to_their_children_
very_much,_but_usually_we_can_count_on_some_messages_now_and_then._Some_
of_us_ca
n_even_visit_Olympus._I_spent_practically_all_semester_at_the_Empire_State_Build
ing.\u8221?\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
\u8220?Excuse_me?\u8221?_\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
\u8220?
The_entrance_to_Mount_Olympus_these_days.\u8221?\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
\u8220?Oh,\u8221?_Piper_said._\u8220?
Sure,_why_not?\u8221?\par\pard\plain\hyphpa
r}{
\u8220?
Annabeth_was_redesigning_Olympus_after_it_was_damaged_in_the_Titan_War,\u
8221?_Rachel_explained._\u8220?She\u8217?
s_an_amazing_architect._You_should_see_
the_salad_bar\u8212?\u8221?_\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
\u8220?Anyway,\u8221?_Annabeth_said,_\u8220?
starting_about_a_month_ago,_Olympus_
fell_silent._The_entrance_closed,_and_no_one_could_get_in._Nobody_knows_why._It\
u8217?s_like_the_gods_have_sealed_themselves_off._Even_my_mom_won\u8217?
t_answer
_my_prayers,_and_our_camp_director,_Dionysus,_was_recalled.\u8221?\par\pard\pla
i
n\hyphpar}{
\u8220?Your_camp_director_was_the_god_of_\u8230?
_wine?\u8221?\par\pard\plain\hyp
hpar}{
\u8220?Yeah,_it\u8217?s_a\u8212?\u8221?_\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
\u8220?Long_story,\u8221?_Piper_guessed._\u8220?
Right._Go_on.\u8221?\par\pard\pl
ain\hyphpar}{
\u8220?That\u8217?s_it,_really,\u8221?_Annabeth_said._\u8220?
Demigods_still_get_
claimed,_but_nothing_else._No_messages._No_visits._No_sign_the_gods_are_even_li
s
tening._It\u8217?s_like_something_has_happened_\u8212?something_{\i
really_}bad._Then_Percy_disappeared.\u8221?\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
\u8220?And_Jason_showed_up_on_our_field_trip,\u8221?_Piper_supplied._\u8220?
With
_no_memory.\u8221?\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
\u8220?Who\u8217?s_Jason?\u8221?_Rachel_asked._\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
\u8220?My\u8212?\u8221?_Piper_stopped_herself_before_she_could_say_\u8220?
boyfri
end,\u8221?_but_the_effort_made_her_chest_hurt._\u8220?
My_friend._But_Annabeth,_
you_said_Hera_sent_you_a_dream_vision.\u8221?\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
\u8220?Right,\u8221?_Annabeth_said._\u8220?
The_first_communication_from_a_god_in
_a_month,_and_it\u8217?
s_Hera,_the_least_helpful_goddess,_and_she_contacts_me,_h
er_least_favorite_demigod._She_tells_me_I\u8217?
ll_find_out_what_happened_to_Per
cy_if_I_go_to_the_Grand_Canyon_skywalk_and_look_for_a_guy_with_one_shoe._Inste
ad
,_I_find_you_guys,_and_the_guy_with_one_shoe_is_Jason._It_doesn\u8217?
t_make_sen
se.\u8221?_\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
\u8220?Something_bad_is_happening,\u8221?
_Rachel_agreed._She_looked_at_Piper,_an
d_Piper_felt_an_overwhelming_desire_to_tell_them_about_her_dream,_to_confess_th
a
t_{\i
she_}knew_what_was_happening\u8212?
at_least_part_of_the_story._And_the_bad_stuff
_was_only_beginning.\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
\u8220?Guys,\u8221?_she_said._\u8220?I\u8212?
I_need_to\u8212?\u8221?\par\pard\pl
ain\hyphpar}{
Before_she_could_continue,_Rachel\u8217?
s_body_stiffened._Her_eyes_began_to_glow
_with_a_greenish_light,_and_she_grabbed_Piper_by_the_shoulders.\par\pard\plain\h
yphpar}{
Piper_tried_to_back_away,_but_Rachel\u8217?
s_hands_were_like_steel_clamps._\par\
{\i
Free_me,_}she_said._But_it_wasn\u8217?t_Rachel\u8217?
s_voice._It_sounded_like_an
_older_woman,_speaking_from_somewhere_far_away,_down_a_long,_echoing_pipe._
{\i
Free_me,_Piper_McLean,_or_the_earth_shall_swallow_us._It_must_be_by_the_solstice
._}\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
The_room_started_spinning._Annabeth_tried_to_separate_Piper_from_Rachel,_but_it
_
was_no_use._Green_smoke_enveloped_them,_and_Piper_was_no_longer_sure_if_she
_was_
awake_or_dreaming._The_giant_statue_of_the_goddess_seemed_to_rise_from_its_thr
on
e._It_leaned_over_Piper,_its_eyes_boring_into_her._The_statue\u8217?s_mouth_open
ed,_its_breath_like_horribly_thick_perfume._It_spoke_in_the_same_echoing_voice:_
{\i
Our_enemies_stir._The_fiery_one_is_only_the_first._Bow_to_his_will,_and_their_ki
ng_shall_rise,_dooming_us_all._FREE_ME!}\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
Piper\u8217?
s_knees_buckled,_and_everything_went_black._\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}
{
L}{\b
EO\u8217?S_TOUR_WAS_GOING_GREAT_UNTIL}{\b
_}he_learned_about_the_dragon.\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
The_archer_dude,_Will_Solace,_seemed_pretty_cool._Everything_he_showed_Leo_wa
s_s
o_amazing,_it_should\u8217?
ve_been_illegal._Real_Greek_warships_moored_at_the_be
ach_that_sometimes_had_practice_fights_with_flaming_arrows_and_explosives?
_Sweet
!
_Arts_&_crafts_sessions_where_you_could_make_sculptures_with_chain_saws_and_bl
o
wtorches?_Leo_was_like,_{\i
Sign_me_up!
_}The_woods_were_stocked_with_dangerous_monsters,_and_no_one_should_e
ver_go_in_there_alone?_Nice!_And_the_camp_was_overflowing_with_finelooking_girl
s._Leo_didn\u8217?t_quite_understand_the_whole_related-to-thegods_business,_but
_he_hoped_that_didn\u8217?
t_mean_he_was_cousins_with_all_these_ladies._That_woul
d_suck._At_the_very_least,_he_wanted_to_check_out_those_underwater_girls_in_the
_
lake_again._They_were_definitely_worth_drowning_for.\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
Will_showed_him_the_cabins,_the_dining_pavilion,_and_the_sword_arena._\par\pard\
plain\hyphpar}{
\u8220?Do_I_get_a_sword?\u8221?_Leo_asked.\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
Will_glanced_at_him_like_he_found_the_idea_disturbing._\u8220?You\u8217?ll_proba
bly_make_your_own,_seeing_as_how_you\u8217?re_in_Cabin_Nine.\u8221?
_\par\pard\pl
ain\hyphpar}{
\u8220?Yeah,_what\u8217?s_up_with_that?
_Vulcan?\u8221?\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
\u8220?Usually_we_don\u8217?t_call_the_gods_by_their_Roman_names,\u8221?
_Will_sa
id._\u8220?
The_original_names_are_Greek._Your_dad_is_Hephaestus.\u8221?\par\pard
\plain\hyphpar}{
\u8220?Festus?\u8221?
_Leo_had_heard_somebody_say_that_before,_but_he_was_still_d
ismayed._\u8220?
Sounds_like_the_god_of_cowboys.\u8221?\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
\u8220?{\i
He-}phaestus,\u8221?_Will_corrected._\u8220?
God_of_blacksmiths_and_fire.\u8221?_
Leo_had_heard_that_too,_but_he_was_trying_not_to_think_about_it._The_god_of_fire
_\u8230?_seriously?
_Considering_what_had_happened_to_his_mom,_that_seemed_like_a
_sick_joke.\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
\u8220?So_the_flaming_hammer_over_my_head,\u8221?_Leo_said._\u8220?
Good_thing,_o
r_bad_thing?\u8221?\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
Will_took_a_while_to_answer._\u8220?
You_were_claimed_almost_immediately._That\u8
217?s_usually_good.\u8221?\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
\u8220?But_that_Rainbow_Pony_dude,_Butch\u8212?
he_mentioned_a_curse.\u8221?_\par
\u8220?Ah_\u8230?_look,_it\u8217?s_nothing._Since_Cabin_Nine\u8217?
s_last_head_c
ounselor_died\u8212?\u8221?_\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
\u8220?Died?_Like,_painfully?\u8221?\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
\u8220?I_ought_to_let_your_bunkmates_tell_you_about_it.\u8221?\par\pard\plain\hy
phpar}{
\u8220?Yeah,_where_{\i
are_}my_home_dawgs?_Shouldn\u8217?
t_their_counselor_be_giving_me_the_VIP_tour?\u
\u8220?He,_um,_can\u8217?t._You\u8217?ll_see_why.\u8221?
_Will_forged_ahead_befor
e_Leo_could_ask_anything_else._\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
\u8220?Curses_and_death,\u8221?_Leo_said_to_himself._\u8220?
This_just_gets_bette
r_and_better.\u8221?_\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
He_was_halfway_across_the_green_when_he_spotted_his_old_babysitter._And_she_w
as_
{\i
not_}the_kind_of_person_he_expected_to_see_at_a_demigod_camp.\par\pard\plain\h
yp
hpar}{
Leo_froze_in_his_tracks._\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
\u8220?What\u8217?s_wrong?\u8221?_Will_asked.\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
T\u237?a_Callida\u8212?{\i
Auntie_}Callida._That\u8217?s_what_she\u8217?
d_called_herself,_but_Leo_hadn\u821
7?t_seen_her_since_he_was_five_years_old._She_was_just_standing_there,_in_the_sh
adow_of_a_big_white_cabin_at_the_end_of_the_green,_watching_him._She_wore_her
_bl
ack_linen_widow\u8217?
s_dress,_with_a_black_shawl_pulled_over_her_hair._Her_face
_hadn\u8217?t_changed\u8212?
leathery_skin,_piercing_dark_eyes._Her_withered_hand
s_were_like_claws._She_looked_ancient,_but_no_different_than_Leo_remembered._\p
a
\u8220?That_old_lady_\u8230?\u8221?_Leo_said._\u8220?What\u8217?
s_she_doing_here
?\u8221?\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
Will_tried_to_follow_his_gaze._\u8220?What_old_lady?\u8221?\par\pard\plain\hyphp
ar}{
\u8220?Dude,_{\i
the_}old_lady._The_one_in_black._How_many_old_ladies_do_you_see_over_there?\u8
22
Will_frowned._\u8220?I_think_you\u8217?
ve_had_a_long_day,_Leo._The_Mist_could_st
ill_be_playing_tricks_on_your_mind._How_about_we_head_straight_to_your_cabin_no
w
Leo_wanted_to_protest,_but_when_he_looked_back_toward_the_big_white_cabin,_T\
u23
7?a_Callida_was_gone._He_was_{\i
sure_}she\u8217?
d_been_there,_almost_as_if_thinking_about_his_mom_had_summoned_C
allida_back_from_the_past.\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
And_that_wasn\u8217?t_good,_because_T\u237?
a_Callida_had_tried_to_kill_him._\par
\u8220?Just_messing_with_you,_man.\u8221?
_Leo_pulled_some_gears_and_levers_from_
his_pockets_and_started_fiddling_with_them_to_calm_his_nerves._He_couldn\u8217?
t
_have_everybody_at_camp_thinking_he_was_crazy._At_least,_not_crazier_than_he_re
a
lly_was.\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
\u8220?Let\u8217?s_go_see_Cabin_Nine,\u8221?_he_said._\u8220?I\u8217?
m_in_the_mo
od_for_a_good_curse.\u8221?_\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
From_the_outside,_the_Hephaestus_cabin_looked_like_an_oversize_RV_with_shiny_m
et
al_walls_and_metal-slatted_windows._The_entrance_was_like_a_bank_vault_door,_cir
cular_and_several_feet_thick._It_opened_with_lots_of_brass_gears_turning_and_hyd
raulic_pistons_blowing_smoke.\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
Leo_whistled._\u8220?They_got_a_steampunk_theme_going_on,_huh?\u8221?
_\par\pard\
plain\hyphpar}{
Inside,_the_cabin_seemed_deserted._Steel_bunks_were_folded_against_the_walls_lik
e_high-tech_Murphy_beds._Each_had_a_digital_control_panel,_blinking_LED_lights,_
glowing_gems,_and_interlocking_gears._Leo_figured_each_camper_had_his_own_co
mbin
ation_lock_to_release_his_bed,_and_there_was_probably_an_alcove_behind_it_with_s
torage,_maybe_some_traps_to_keep_out_unwanted_visitors._At_least,_that\u8217?
s_t
he_way_Leo_would\u8217?
ve_designed_it._A_fire_pole_came_down_from_the_second_flo
or,_even_though_the_cabin_didn\u8217?t_appear_to_{\i
have_}a_second_floor_from_the_outside._A_circular_staircase_led_down_into_some_
k
ind_of_basement._The_walls_were_lined_with_every_kind_of_power_tool_Leo_could_i
m
agine,_plus_a_huge_assortment_of_knives,_swords,_and_other_implements_of_destr
uc
tion._A_large_workbench_overflowed_with_scrap_metal\u8212?
screws,_bolts,_washers
,_nails,_rivets,_and_a_million_other_machine_parts._Leo_had_a_strong_urge_to_sho
vel_them_all_into_his_coat_pockets._He_loved_that_kind_of_stuff._But_he\u8217?d_
need_a_hundred_more_coats_to_fit_it_all._\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
Looking_around,_he_could_almost_imagine_he_was_back_in_his_mom\u8217?
s_machine_s
hop._Not_the_weapons,_maybe\u8212?
but_the_tools,_the_piles_of_scrap,_the_smell_o
f_grease_and_metal_and_hot_engines._She_would\u8217?
ve_loved_this_place.\par\par
d\plain\hyphpar}{
He_pushed_that_thought_away._He_didn\u8217?t_like_painful_memories._{\i
Keep_moving\u8212?}that_was_his_motto._Don\u8217?
t_dwell_on_things._Don\u8217?t_
stay_in_one_place_too_long._It_was_the_only_way_to_stay_ahead_of_the_sadness.\p
a
He_picked_a_long_implement_from_the_wall._\u8220?A_weed_whacker?
_What\u8217?s_th
e_god_of_fire_want_with_a_weed_whacker?\u8221?\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
A_voice_in_the_shadows_said,_\u8220?You\u8217?
d_be_surprised.\u8221?\par\pard\pl
ain\hyphpar}{
At_the_back_of_the_room,_one_of_the_bunk_beds_was_occupied._A_curtain_of_dark
_ca
mouflage_material_retracted,_and_Leo_could_see_the_guy_who\u8217?
d_been_invisibl
e_a_second_before._It_was_hard_to_tell_much_about_him_because_he_was_covered
_in_
a_body_cast._His_head_was_wrapped_in_gauze_except_for_his_face,_which_was_pu
ffy_
and_bruised._He_looked_like_the_Pillsbury_Doughboy_after_a_beat-down.\par\pard\p
lain\hyphpar}{
\u8220?I\u8217?m_Jake_Mason,\u8221?_the_guy_said._\u8220?I\u8217?
d_shake_your_ha
nd,_but_\u8230?\u8221?_\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
\u8220?Yeah,\u8221?_Leo_said._\u8220?Don\u8217?
t_get_up.\u8221?\par\pard\plain\h
yphpar}{
The_guy_cracked_a_smile,_then_winced_like_it_hurt_to_move_his_face._Leo_wonder
ed
_what_had_happened_to_him,_but_he_was_afraid_to_ask._\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
\u8220?Welcome_to_Cabin_Nine,\u8221?_Jake_said._\u8220?
Been_almost_a_year_since_
we_had_any_new_kids._I\u8217?m_head_counselor_for_now.\u8221?
_\par\pard\plain\hy
phpar}{
\u8220?For_now?\u8221?_Leo_asked._\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
Will_Solace_cleared_his_throat._\u8220?So_where_is_everybody,_Jake?\u8221?_\par\
\u8220?Down_at_the_forges,\u8221?_Jake_said_wistfully._\u8220?They\u8217?
re_work
ing_on_\u8230?_you_know,_that_problem.\u8221?\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
\u8220?Oh.\u8221?_Will_changed_the_subject._\u8220?
So,_you_got_a_spare_bed_for_L
eo?\u8221?_\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
Jake_studied_Leo,_sizing_him_up._\u8220?You_believe_in_curses,_Leo?_Or_ghosts?\u
I_just_saw_my_evil_babysitter_T\u237?a_Callida,_Leo_thought._She\u8217?s_{\i
got_}to_be_dead_after_all_these_years._And_I_can\u8217?
t_go_a_day_without_rememb
ering_my_mom_in_that_machine_shop_fire._Don\u8217?
t_talk_to_me_about_ghosts,_dou
ghboy.\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
But_aloud,_he_said,_\u8220?Ghosts?_Pfft._Nah._I\u8217?m_cool._A_storm_spirit_chu
cked_me_down_the_Grand_Canyon_this_morning,_but_you_know,_all_in_a_day\u821
7?s_w
ork,_right?\u8221?\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
Jake_nodded._\u8220?That\u8217?s_good._Because_I\u8217?
ll_give_you_the_best_bed_
in_the_cabin\u8212?Beckendorf\u8217?s.\u8221?_\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
\u8220?Whoa,_Jake,\u8221?_Will_said._\u8220?You_sure?\u8221?
hpar}{
Jake_called_out:_\u8220?Bunk_1-A,_please.\u8221?\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
The_whole_cabin_rumbled._A_circular_section_of_the_floor_spiraled_open_like_a_ca
mera_lens,_and_a_full-size_bed_popped_up._The_bronze_frame_had_a_builtin_game_s
tation_at_the_footboard,_a_stereo_system_in_the_headboard,_a_glass-door_refriger
ator_mounted_into_the_base,_and_a_whole_bunch_of_control_panels_running_down
_the
_side.\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
Leo_jumped_right_in_and_lay_back_with_arms_behind_his_head._\u8220?
I_can_handle_
this.\u8221?_\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
\u8220?It_retracts_into_a_private_room_below,\u8221?_Jake_said.\par\pard\plain\h
yphpar}{
\u8220?Oh,_heck,_yes,\u8221?_Leo_said._\u8220?See_y\u8217?all._I\u8217?
ll_be_dow
n_in_the_Leo_Cave._Which_button_do_I_press?\u8221?\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
\u8220?Hold_on,\u8221?_Will_Solace_protested._\u8220?
You_guys_have_private_under
ground_rooms?\u8221?\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
Jake_probably_would\u8217?ve_smiled_if_it_didn\u8217?t_hurt_so_much._\u8220?
We_g
ot_lots_of_secrets,_Will._You_Apollo_guys_can\u8217?t_have_all_the_fun._Our_camp
ers_have_been_excavating_the_tunnel_system_under_Cabin_Nine_for_almost_a_cen
tury
._We_still_haven\u8217?t_found_the_end._Anyway,_Leo,_if_you_don\u8217?
t_mind_sle
eping_in_a_dead_man\u8217?s_bed,_it\u8217?
s_yours.\u8221?\par\pard\plain\hyphpar
}{
Suddenly_Leo_didn\u8217?t_feel_like_kicking_back._He_sat_up,_careful_not_to_touc
h_any_of_the_buttons._\u8220?The_counselor_who_died\u8212?
this_was_his_bed?\u822
\u8220?Yeah,\u8221?_Jake_said._\u8220?Charles_Beckendorf.\u8221?
_\par\pard\plain
\hyphpar}{
Leo_imagined_saw_blades_coming_through_the_mattress,_or_maybe_a_grenade_se
wn_ins
ide_the_pillows._\u8220?He_didn\u8217?t,_like,_die_{\i
in}_this_bed,_did_he?\u8221?_\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
\u8220?No,\u8221?_Jake_said._\u8220?In_the_Titan_War,_last_summer.\u8221?
_\par\p
ard\plain\hyphpar}{
\u8220?The_Titan_War,\u8221?_Leo_repeated,_\u8220?which_has_{\i
nothing_}to_do_with_this_very_fine_bed?\u8221?\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
\u8220?The_Titans,\u8221?_Will_said,_like_Leo_was_an_idiot._\u8220?
The_big_power
ful_guys_that_ruled_the_world_before_the_gods._They_tried_to_make_a_comeback_l
as
t_summer._Their_leader,_Kronos,_built_a_new_palace_on_top_of_Mount_Tam_in_Calif
o
rnia._Their_armies_came_to_New_York_and_almost_destroyed_Mount_Olympus._A_lo
t_of
_demigods_died_trying_to_stop_them.\u8221?\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
\u8220?I\u8217?m_guessing_this_wasn\u8217?t_on_the_news?\u8221?
_Leo_said._\par\p
ard\plain\hyphpar}{
It_seemed_like_a_fair_question,_but_Will_shook_his_head_in_disbelief._\u8220?You
_didn\u8217?
t_hear_about_Mount_St._Helens_erupting,_or_the_freak_storms_across_t
he_country,_or_that_building_collapsing_in_St._Louis?\u8221?\par\pard\plain\hyph
par}{
Leo_shrugged._Last_summer,_he\u8217?
d_been_on_the_run_from_another_foster_home._
Then_a_truancy_officer_caught_him_in_New_Mexico,_and_the_court_sentenced_him
_to_
the_nearest_correctional_facility\u8212?the_Wilderness_School._\u8220?Guess_I_wa
s_busy.\u8221?\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
\u8220?Doesn\u8217?t_matter,\u8221?_Jake_said._\u8220?
You_were_lucky_to_miss_it.
_The_thing_is,_Beckendorf_was_one_of_the_first_casualties,_and_ever_since_then\u
\u8220?Your_cabin\u8217?s_been_cursed,\u8221?
_Leo_guessed._\par\pard\plain\hyphp
ar}{
Jake_didn\u8217?t_answer._Then_again,_the_dude_was_in_a_body_cast._That_{\i
was_}an_answer._Leo_started_noticing_little_things_that_he_hadn\u8217?
t_seen_bef
ore\u8212?
an_explosion_mark_on_the_wall,_a_stain_on_the_floor_that_might\u8217?v
e_been_oil_\u8230?
_or_blood._Broken_swords_and_smashed_machines_kicked_into_the_
corners_of_the_room,_maybe_out_of_frustration._The_place_{\i
did}_feel_unlucky.\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
Jake_sighed_halfheartedly._\u8220?Well,_I_should_get_some_sleep._I_hope_you_like
_it_here,_Leo._It_used_to_be_\u8230?_really_nice.\u8221?\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}
{
He_closed_his_eyes,_and_the_camouflage_curtain_drew_itself_across_the_bed._\par\
\u8220?Come_on,_Leo,\u8221?_Will_said._\u8220?I\u8217?
ll_take_you_to_the_forges.
As_they_were_leaving,_Leo_looked_back_at_his_new_bed,_and_he_could_almost_im
agin
e_a_dead_counselor_sitting_there\u8212?another_ghost_who_wasn\u8217?
t_going_to_l
eave_Leo_alone._\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
\u8220?H}{\b
OW_DID_HE_DIE?\u8221?_LEO_ASKED.}{\b
_}_\u8220?I_mean_Beckendorf.\u8221?_\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
Will_Solace_trudged_ahead._\u8220?
Explosion._Beckendorf_and_Percy_Jackson_blew_u
p_a_cruise_ship_full_of_monsters._Beckendorf_didn\u8217?t_make_it_out.\u8221?_\p
There_was_that_name_again\u8212?Percy_Jackson,_Annabeth\u8217?
s_missing_boyfrien
d._That_guy_must\u8217?
ve_been_into_everything_around_here,_Leo_thought.\par\par
d\plain\hyphpar}{
\u8220?So_Beckendorf_was_pretty_popular?\u8221?_Leo_asked._\u8220?
I_mean_\u8212?
before_he_blew_up?\u8221?\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
\u8220?He_was_awesome,\u8221?_Will_agreed._\u8220?
It_was_hard_on_the_whole_camp_
when_he_died._Jake\u8212?
he_became_head_counselor_in_the_middle_of_the_war._Same
_as_I_did,_actually._Jake_did_his_best,_but_he_never_wanted_to_be_leader._He_jus
t_likes_building_stuff._Then_after_the_war,_things_started_to_go_wrong._Cabin_Ni
ne\u8217?
s_chariots_blew_up._Their_automatons_went_haywire._Their_inventions_sta
rted_to_malfunction._It_was_like_a_curse,_and_eventually_people_started_calling_
it_that\u8212?
the_Curse_of_Cabin_Nine._Then_Jake_had_his_accident\u8212?\u8221?_
\u8220?Which_had_something_to_do_with_the_problem_he_mentioned,\u8221?
_Leo_guess
ed.\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
\u8220?They\u8217?re_working_on_it,\u8221?
_Will_said_without_enthusiasm._\u8220?
And_here_we_are.\u8221?_\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
The_forge_looked_like_a_steampowered_locomotive_had_smashed_into_the_Greek_Part
henon_and_they_had_fused_together._White_marble_columns_lined_the_sootstained_w
alls._Chimneys_pumped_smoke_over_an_elaborate_gable_carved_with_a_bunch_of_
gods_
and_monsters._The_building_sat_at_the_edge_of_a_stream,_with_several_waterwhe
els
_turning_a_series_of_bronze_gears._Leo_heard_machinery_grinding_inside,_fires_ro
aring,_and_hammers_ringing_on_anvils.\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
They_stepped_through_the_doorway,_and_a_dozen_guys_and_girls_who\u8217?
d_been_wo
rking_on_various_projects_all_froze._The_noise_died_down_to_the_roar_of_the_forg
e_and_the_{\i
click-click-click_}of_gears_and_levers.\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
\u8220?\u8217?Sup,_guys,\u8221?_Will_said._\u8220?
This_is_your_new_brother,_Leo\
u8212?um,_what\u8217?s_your_last_name?\u8221?\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
\u8220?Valdez.\u8221?
_Leo_looked_around_at_the_other_campers._Was_he_really_rela
ted_to_all_of_them?_His_cousins_came_from_some_big_families,_but_he\u8217?
d_alwa
ys_just_had_his_mom\u8212?until_she_died.\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
Kids_came_up_and_started_shaking_hands_and_introducing_themselves._Their_nam
es_b
lurred_together:_Shane,_Christopher,_Nyssa,_Harley_(yeah,_like_the_motorcycle)._
Leo_knew_he\u8217?
d_never_keep_everybody_straight._Too_many_of_them._Too_overwhe
lming._\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
None_of_them_looked_like_the_others\u8212?all_different_face_types,_skin_tone,_h
air_color,_height._You\u8217?d_never_think,_{\i
Hey,_look,_it\u8217?s_the_Hephaestus_Bunch!
_}But_they_all_had_powerful_hands,_ro
ugh_with_calluses_and_stained_with_engine_grease._Even_little_Harley,_who_couldn
\u8217?
t_have_been_more_than_eight,_looked_like_he_could_go_six_rounds_with_Chuc
k_Norris_without_breaking_a_sweat.\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
And_all_the_kids_shared_a_sad_kind_of_seriousness._Their_shoulders_slumped_like_
life_had_beaten_them_down_pretty_hard._Several_looked_like_they\u8217?
d_been_phy
sically_beaten_up,_too._Leo_counted_two_arm_slings,_one_pair_of_crutches,_an_eye
_patch,_six_Ace_bandages,_and_about_seven_thousand_BandAids.\par\pard\plain\hyp
hpar}{
\u8220?Well,_all_right!\u8221?_Leo_said._\u8220?I_hear_this_is_the_party_cabin!\
Nobody_laughed._They_all_just_stared_at_him.\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
Will_Solace_patted_Leo\u8217?s_shoulder._\u8220?I\u8217?
ll_leave_you_guys_to_get
_acquainted._Somebody_show_Leo_to_dinner_when_it\u8217?s_time?\u8221?
_\par\pard\
plain\hyphpar}{
\u8220?I_got_it,\u8221?
_one_of_the_girls_said._Nyssa,_Leo_remembered._She_wore_c
amo_pants,_a_tank_top_that_showed_off_her_buffarms,_and_a_red_bandanna_over_
a_mo
p_of_dark_hair._Except_for_the_smiley-face_Band-Aid_on_her_chin,_she_looked_like
_one_of_those_female_action_heroes,_like_any_second_she_was_going_to_grab_a_m
ach
ine_gun_and_start_mowing_down_evil_aliens.\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
\u8220?Cool,\u8221?_Leo_said._\u8220?
I_always_wanted_a_sister_who_could_beat_me_
up.\u8221?\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
Nyssa_didn\u8217?t_smile._\u8220?Come_on,_joker_boy._I\u8217?
ll_show_you_around.
{\qc
*_*_*\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
Leo_was_no_stranger_to_workshops._He\u8217?
d_grown_up_around_grease_monkeys_and_
power_tools._His_mom_used_to_joke_that_his_first_pacifier_was_a_lug_wrench._But_
he\u8217?d_never_seen_any_place_like_the_camp_forge.\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
One_guy_was_working_on_a_battleax._He_kept_testing_the_blade_on_a_slab_of_concr
ete._Each_time_he_swung,_the_ax_cut_into_the_slab_like_it_was_warm_cheese,_but
_t
he_guy_looked_unsatisfied_and_went_back_to_honing_the_edge.\par\pard\plain\hyp
hp
ar}{
\u8220?What\u8217?s_he_planning_to_kill_with_that_thing?\u8221?
_Leo_asked_Nyssa.
_\u8220?A_battleship?\u8221?\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
\u8220?You_never_know._Even_with_Celestial_bronze\u8212?\u8221?
_\par\pard\plain\
hyphpar}{
\u8220?That\u8217?s_the_metal?\u8221?_\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
She_nodded._\u8220?
Mined_from_Mount_Olympus_itself._Extremely_rare._Anyway,_it_u
sually_disintegrates_monsters_on_contact,_but_big_powerful_ones_have_notoriously
_tough_hides._Drakons,_for_instances\u8212?\u8221?_\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
\u8220?You_mean_dragons?\u8221?\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
\u8220?Similar_species._You\u8217?ll_learn_the_difference_in_monster-fighting_cl
ass.\u8221?\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
\u8220?Monster-fighting_class._Yeah,_I_already_got_my_black_belt_in_that.\u8221?
She_didn\u8217?t_crack_a_smile._Leo_hoped_she_wasn\u8217?
t_this_serious_all_the_
time._His_dad\u8217?s_side_of_the_family_had_to_have_{\i
some_}sense_of_humor,_right?\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
They_passed_a_couple_of_guys_making_a_bronze_windup_toy._At_least_that\u8217?
s_w
hat_it_looked_like._It_was_a_six-inch-tall_centaur\u8212?half_man,_half_horse\u8
212?
armed_with_a_miniature_bow._One_of_the_campers_cranked_the_centaur\u8217?s_t
ail,_and_it_whirred_to_life._It_galloped_across_the_table,_yelling,_\u8220?Die,_
mosquito!_Die,_mosquito!\u8221?_and_shooting_everything_in_sight.\par\pard\plain
\hyphpar}{
Apparently_this_had_happened_before,_because_everybody_knew_to_hit_the_floor_
exc
ept_Leo._Six_needlesized_arrows_embedded_themselves_in_his_shirt_before_a_campe
r_grabbed_a_hammer_and_smashed_the_centaur_to_pieces.\par\pard\plain\hyphpar
}{
\u8220?Stupid_curse!\u8221?
_The_camper_waved_his_hammer_at_the_sky._\u8220?I_jus
t_want_a_magic_bug_killer!
_Is_that_too_much_to_ask?\u8221?\par\pard\plain\hyphpa
r}{
\u8220?Ouch,\u8221?_Leo_said._\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
Nyssa_pulled_the_needles_out_of_his_shirt._\u8220?Ah,_you\u8217?re_fine._Let\u82
17?s_move_on_before_they_rebuild_it.\u8221?\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
Leo_rubbed_his_chest_as_they_walked._\u8220?
That_sort_of_thing_happen_a_lot?\u82
\u8220?Lately,\u8221?_Nyssa_said,_\u8220?
everything_we_build_turns_to_junk.\u822
\u8220?The_curse?\u8221?_\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
Nyssa_frowned._\u8220?I_don\u8217?t_believe_in_curses._But_{\i
something\u8217?s_}wrong._And_if_we_don\u8217?
t_figure_out_the_dragon_problem,_i
t\u8217?s_gonna_get_even_worse.\u8221?\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
\u8220?The_dragon_problem?\u8221?
_Leo_hoped_she_was_talking_about_a_miniature_dr
agon,_maybe_one_that_killed_cockroaches,_but_he_got_the_feeling_he_wasn\u8217
?t_
going_to_be_so_lucky.\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
Nyssa_took_him_over_to_a_big_wall_map_that_a_couple_of_girls_were_studying._Th
e_
map_showed_the_camp\u8212?
a_semicircle_of_land_with_Long_Island_Sound_on_the_nor
th_shore,_the_woods_to_the_west,_the_cabins_to_the_east,_and_a_ring_of_hills_to_
the_south.\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
\u8220?It\u8217?s_got_to_be_in_the_hills,\u8221?_the_first_girl_said.\par\pard\p
lain\hyphpar}{
\u8220?We_{\i
looked_}in_the_hills,\u8221?_the_second_argued._\u8220?
The_woods_are_a_better_hi
ding_place.\u8221?\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
\u8220?But_we_already_set_traps\u8212?\u8221?_\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
\u8220?Hold_up,\u8221?_Leo_said._\u8220?You_guys_lost_a_dragon?_A_{\i
real_}full-size_dragon?\u8221?\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
\u8220?It\u8217?s_a_bronze_dragon,\u8221?_Nyssa_said._\u8220?
But_yes,_it\u8217?s
_a_life-size_automaton._Hephaestus_cabin_built_it_years_ago._Then_it_was_lost_in
_the_woods_until_a_few_summers_back,_when_Beckendorf_found_it_in_pieces_and_
rebu
ilt_it._It\u8217?s_been_helping_protect_the_camp,_but,_um,_it\u8217?s_a_little_u
npredictable.\u8221?\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
\u8220?Unpredictable,\u8221?_Leo_said.\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
\u8220?
It_goes_haywire_and_smashes_down_cabins,_sets_people_on_fire,_tries_to_ea
t_the_satyrs.\u8221?\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
\u8220?That\u8217?s_pretty_unpredictable.\u8221?\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
Nyssa_nodded._\u8220?
Beckendorf_was_the_only_one_who_could_control_it._Then_he_d
ied,_and_the_dragon_just_got_worse_and_worse._Finally_it_went_berserk_and_ran_o
f
f._Occasionally_it_shows_up,_demolishes_something,_and_runs_away_again._Everyo
ne
_expects_us_to_find_it_and_destroy_it\u8212?\u8221?\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
\u8220?{\i
Destroy_}it?\u8221?_Leo_was_appalled._\u8220?You\u8217?ve_got_a_lifesize_bronze
_dragon,_and_you_want_to_{\i
destroy}_it?\u8221?_\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
\u8220?It_breathes_fire,\u8221?_Nyssa_explained._\u8220?It\u8217?
s_deadly_and_ou
t_of_control.\u8221?_\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
\u8220?But_it\u8217?s_a_dragon!_Dude,_that\u8217?s_so_awesome._Can\u8217?
t_you_t
ry_talking_to_it,_controlling_it?\u8221?\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
\u8220?We_tried._Jake_Mason_tried._You_saw_how_well_that_worked.\u8221?
_\par\par
d\plain\hyphpar}{
Leo_thought_about_Jake,_wrapped_in_a_body_cast,_lying_alone_on_his_bunk._\u822
0?
Still\u8212?\u8221?_\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
\u8220?There\u8217?s_no_other_option.\u8221?
_Nyssa_turned_to_the_other_girls._\u
8220?Let\u8217?s_try_more_traps_in_the_woods\u8212?
here,_here,_and_here._Bait_th
em_with_thirty-weight_motor_oil.\u8221?_\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
\u8220?The_dragon_drinks_that?\u8221?_Leo_asked.\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
\u8220?Yeah.\u8221?_Nyssa_sighed_regretfully._\u8220?He_used_to_like_it_with_a_l
ittle_Tabasco_sauce,_right_before_bed._If_he_springs_a_trap,_we_can_come_in_with
_acid_sprayers\u8212?
should_melt_through_his_hide._Then_we_get_metal_cutters_and
_\u8230?_and_finish_the_job.\u8221?\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
They_all_looked_sad._Leo_realized_they_didn\u8217?t_want_to_kill_the_dragon_any_
more_than_he_did.\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
\u8220?Guys,\u8221?_he_said._\u8220?
There_has_to_be_another_way.\u8221?\par\pard
\plain\hyphpar}{
Nyssa_looked_doubtful,_but_a_few_other_campers_stopped_what_they_were_workin
g_on
_and_drifted_over_to_hear_the_conversation._\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
\u8220?Like_what?\u8221?_one_asked._\u8220?
The_thing_breathes_fire._We_can\u8217
?t_even_get_close.\u8221?\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
Fire,_Leo_thought._Oh,_man,_the_things_he_could_tell_them_about_fire\u8230?
_But_
he_had_to_be_careful,_even_if_these_were_his_brothers_and_sisters._{\i
Especially}_if_he_had_to_live_with_them._\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
\u8220?Well_\u8230?\u8221?_He_hesitated._\u8220?
Hephaestus_is_the_god_of_fire,_r
ight?_So_don\u8217?
t_any_of_you_have_like_fire_resistance_or_something?\u8221?\p
Nobody_acted_as_if_it_was_a_crazy_question,_which_was_a_relief,_but_Nyssa_shook
_
her_head_gravely.\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
\u8220?That\u8217?
s_a_Cyclops_ability,_Leo._Demigod_children_of_Hephaestus_\u823
0?_we\u8217?re_just_good_with_our_hands._We\u8217?
re_builders,_craftsmen,_weapon
smiths\u8212?stuff_like_that.\u8221?\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
Leo\u8217?s_shoulders_slumped._\u8220?Oh.\u8221?\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
A_guy_in_back_said,_\u8220?Well,_a_long_{\i
time}_ago\u8212?\u8221?\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
\u8220?Yeah,_okay,\u8221?_Nyssa_conceded._\u8220?
A_long_time_ago_some_children_o
f_Hephaestus_were_born_with_power_over_fire._But_that_ability_was_very,_very_rar
e._And_always_dangerous._No_demigod_like_that_has_been_born_in_centuries._The
_la
st_one_\u8230?\u8221?_She_looked_at_one_of_the_other_kids_for_help.\par\pard\pla
in\hyphpar}{
\u8220?Sixteen_sixty-six,\u8221?_the_girl_offered._\u8220?
Guy_named_Thomas_Fayno
r._He_started_the_Great_Fire_of_London,_destroyed_most_of_the_city.\u8221?\par\p
ard\plain\hyphpar}{
\u8220?Right,\u8221?_Nyssa_said._\u8220?
When_a_child_of_Hephaestus_like_that_app
ears,_it_usually_means_something_catastrophic_is_about_to_happen._And_we_don\
u82
17?t_need_any_more_catastrophes.\u8221?\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
Leo_tried_to_keep_his_face_clear_of_emotion,_which_wasn\u8217?t_his_strong_suit.
_\u8220?I_guess_I_see_your_point._Too_bad,_though._If_you_could_resist_flames,_y
ou_could_get_close_to_the_dragon.\u8221?\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
\u8220?Then_it_would_kill_you_with_its_claws_and_fangs,\u8221?
_Nyssa_said._\u822
0?Or_simply_step_on_you._No,_we\u8217?
ve_got_to_destroy_it._Trust_me,_if_anyone_
{\i
could}_figure_out_another_answer_\u8230?\u8221?_\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
She_didn\u8217?t_finish,_but_Leo_got_the_message._This_was_the_cabin\u8217?
s_big
_test._If_they_could_do_something_only_Beckendorf_could_do,_if_they_could_subdu
e
_the_dragon_without_killing_it,_then_maybe_their_curse_would_be_lifted._But_they
_were_stumped_for_ideas._Any_camper_who_figured_out_how_would_be_a_hero._\p
ar\pa
rd\plain\hyphpar}{
A_conch_horn_blew_in_the_distance._Campers_started_putting_up_their_tools_and_
pr
ojects._Leo_hadn\u8217?t_realized_it_was_getting_so_late,_but_he_looked_through_
the_windows_and_saw_the_sun_going_down._His_ADHD_did_that_to_him_sometimes
._If_h
e_was_bored,_a_fifty-minute_class_seemed_like_six_hours._If_he_was_interested_in
_something,_like_touring_a_demigod_camp,_hours_slipped_away_and_{\i
bam\u8212?}the_day_was_over.\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
\u8220?Dinner,\u8221?_Nyssa_said._\u8220?
Come_on,_Leo.\u8221?\par\pard\plain\hyp
hpar}{
\u8220?Up_at_the_pavilion,_right?\u8221?_he_asked._\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
She_nodded._\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
\u8220?You_guys_go_ahead,\u8221?_Leo_said._\u8220?Can_you_\u8230?
_give_me_a_seco
nd?\u8221?_\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
Nyssa_hesitated._Then_her_expression_softened._\u8220?Sure._It\u8217?s_a_lot_to_
process._I_remember_my_first_day._Come_up_when_you\u8217?
re_ready._Just_don\u821
7?t_touch_anything._Almost_every_project_in_here_can_kill_you_if_you\u8217?re_no
t_careful.\u8221?_\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
\u8220?No_touching,\u8221?_Leo_promised.\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
His_cabinmates_filed_out_of_the_forge._Soon_Leo_was_alone_with_the_sounds_of_th
e
_bellows,_the_waterwheels,_and_small_machines_clicking_and_whirring.\par\pard\pl
ain\hyphpar}{
He_stared_at_the_map_of_camp\u8212?
the_locations_where_his_newfound_siblings_wer
e_going_to_put_traps_to_catch_a_dragon._It_was_wrong._Plain_wrong.\par\pard\plai
n\hyphpar}{
Very_rare,_he_thought._And_always_dangerous.\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
He_held_out_his_hand_and_studied_his_fingers._They_were_long_and_thin,_not_call
u
sed_like_the_other_Hephaestus_campers\u8217?._Leo_had_never_been_the_biggest
_or_
the_strongest_kid._He\u8217?
d_survived_in_tough_neighborhoods,_tough_schools,_to
ugh_foster_homes_by_using_his_wits._He_was_the_class_clown,_the_court_jester,_b
e
cause_he\u8217?
d_learned_early_that_if_you_cracked_jokes_and_pretended_you_weren
\u8217?t_scared,_you_usually_didn\u8217?
t_get_beat_up._Even_the_baddest_gangster
_kids_would_tolerate_you,_keep_you_around_for_laughs._Plus,_humor_was_a_good_
way
_to_hide_the_pain._And_if_that_didn\u8217?
t_work,_there_was_always_Plan_B._Run_a
way._Over_and_over.\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
There_{\i
was_}a_Plan_C,_but_he\u8217?
d_promised_himself_never_to_use_it_again._\par\pard\
plain\hyphpar}{
He_felt_an_urge_to_try_it_now\u8212?something_he_hadn\u8217?
t_done_since_the_acc
ident,_since_his_mom\u8217?s_death._\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
He_extended_his_fingers_and_felt_them_tingle,_like_they_were_waking_up\u8212?
pin
s_and_needles._Then_flames_flickered_to_life,_curls_of_red-hot_fire_dancing_acro
ss_his_palm._\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
A}{\b
S_SOON_AS_}{\b
J}{\b
ASON_SAW_THE_HOUSE,}{\b
_}he_knew_he_was_a_dead_man._\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
\u8220?Here_we_are!\u8221?_Drew_said_cheerfully._\u8220?
The_Big_House,_camp_head
quarters.\u8221?\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
It_didn\u8217?t_look_threatening,_just_a_four-story_manor_painted_baby_blue_with
_white_trim._The_wraparound_porch_had_lounge_chairs,_a_card_table,_and_an_emp
ty_
wheelchair._Wind_chimes_shaped_like_nymphs_turned_into_trees_as_they_spun._Jas
on
_could_imagine_old_people_coming_here_for_summer_vacation,_sitting_on_the_porc
h_
and_sipping_prune_juice_while_they_watched_the_sunset._Still,_the_windows_seem
ed
_to_glare_down_at_him_like_angry_eyes._The_wideopen_doorway_looked_ready_to_swa
llow_him._On_the_highest_gable,_a_bronze_eagle_weathervane_spun_in_the_wind_a
nd_
pointed_straight_in_his_direction,_as_if_telling_him_to_turn_around._\par\pard\p
lain\hyphpar}{
Every_molecule_in_Jason\u8217?
s_body_told_him_he_was_on_enemy_ground._\par\pard\
plain\hyphpar}{
\u8220?I_am_{\i
not}_supposed_to_be_here,\u8221?_he_said.\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
Drew_circled_her_arm_through_his._\u8220?Oh,_please._You\u8217?re_{\i
perfect}_here,_sweetie._Believe_me,_I\u8217?ve_seen_a_lot_of_heroes.\u8221?
_\par
Drew_smelled_like_Christmas\u8212?
a_strange_combination_of_pine_and_nutmeg._Jaso
n_wondered_if_she_always_smelled_like_that,_or_if_it_was_some_kind_of_special_pe
rfume_for_the_holidays._Her_pink_eyeliner_was_really_distracting._Every_time_she
_blinked,_he_felt_compelled_to_look_at_her._Maybe_that_was_the_point,_to_show_of
f_her_warm_brown_eyes._She_was_pretty._No_doubt_about_that._But_she_made_Jas
on_f
eel_uncomfortable._\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
He_slipped_his_arm_away_as_gently_as_he_could._\u8220?
Look,_I_appreciate\u8212?\
\u8220?Is_it_that_girl?\u8221?_Drew_pouted._\u8220?
Oh,_please,_tell_me_you_are_{
\i
not}_dating_the_Dumpster_Queen.\u8221?\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
\u8220?You_mean_Piper?_Um_\u8230?\u8221?\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
Jason_wasn\u8217?t_sure_how_to_answer._He_didn\u8217?t_think_he\u8217?
d_ever_see
n_Piper_before_today,_but_he_felt_strangely_guilty_about_it._He_knew_he_shouldn\
u8217?t_be_in_this_place._He_shouldn\u8217?
t_befriend_these_people,_and_certainl
y_he_shouldn\u8217?t_date_one_of_them._Still_\u8230?
_Piper_had_been_holding_his_
hand_when_he_woke_up_on_that_bus._She_believed_she_was_his_girlfriend._She\u8
217
?d_been_brave_on_the_skywalk,_fighting_those_{\i
venti},_and_when_Jason_had_caught_her_in_midair_and_they\u8217?
d_held_each_other
_face-to-face,_he_couldn\u8217?t_pretend_he_wasn\u8217?t_a_little_tempted_to_kis
s_her._But_that_wasn\u8217?t_right._He_didn\u8217?
t_even_know_his_own_story._He_
couldn\u8217?t_play_with_her_emotions_like_that.\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
Drew_rolled_her_eyes._\u8220?
Let_me_help_you_decide,_sweetie._You_can_do_better.
_A_guy_with_your_looks_and_obvious_talent?\u8221?_\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
She_wasn\u8217?
t_looking_at_him,_though._She_was_staring_at_a_spot_right_above_h
is_head.\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
\u8220?You\u8217?re_waiting_for_a_sign,\u8221?_he_guessed._\u8220?
Like_what_popp
ed_over_Leo\u8217?s_head.\u8221?_\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
\u8220?What?_No!_Well_\u8230?_yes._I_mean,_from_what_I_heard,_you\u8217?
re_prett
y_powerful,_right?_You\u8217?
re_going_to_be_important_at_camp,_so_I_figure_your_
parent_will_claim_you_right_away._And_I\u8217?
d_love_to_see_that._I_wanna_be_wit
h_you_every_step_of_the_way!_So_is_your_dad_or_mom_the_god?
_Please_tell_me_it\u8
217?s_not_your_mom._I_would_hate_it_if_you_were_an_{\i
Aphrodite_}kid.\u8221?_\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
\u8220?Why?\u8221?\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
\u8220?Then_you\u8217?d_be_my_half_brother,_silly._You_can\u8217?
t_date_somebody
_from_your_own_cabin._Yuck!\u8221?\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
\u8220?But_aren\u8217?t_all_the_gods_related?\u8221?_Jason_asked._\u8220?
So_isn\
u8217?
t_everyone_here_your_cousin_or_something?\u8221?\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
\u8220?Aren\u8217?t_you_cute!
_Sweetie,_the_godly_side_of_your_family_doesn\u8217
?t_count_except_for_your_parent._So_anybody_from_another_cabin\u8212?
they\u8217?
re_fair_game._So_who\u8217?s_your_godly_parent\u8212?mom_or_dad?\u8221?
_\par\par
d\plain\hyphpar}{
As_usual,_Jason_didn\u8217?
t_have_an_answer._He_looked_up,_but_no_glowing_sign_p
opped_above_his_head._At_the_top_of_the_Big_House,_the_weathervane_was_still_p
oi
nting_his_direction,_that_bronze_eagle_glaring_as_if_to_say,_{\i
Turn_around,_kid,_while_you_still_can.}\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
Then_he_heard_footsteps_on_the_front_porch._No\u8212?not_footsteps\u8212?{\i
hooves}._\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
\u8220?Chiron!\u8221?_Drew_called._\u8220?This_is_Jason._He\u8217?
s_totally_awes
ome!\u8221?_\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
Jason_backed_up_so_fast_he_almost_tripped._Rounding_the_corner_of_the_porch_wa
s_
a_man_on_horseback._Except_he_wasn\u8217?t_on_horseback\u8212?
he_was_part_of_the
_horse._From_the_waist_up_he_was_human,_with_curly_brown_hair_and_a_welltrimmed
_beard._He_wore_a_T-shirt_that_said_{\i
World\u8217?
s_Best_Centaur},_and_had_a_quiver_and_bow_strapped_to_his_back._His_
head_was_so_high_up_he_had_to_duck_to_avoid_the_porch_lights,_because_from_th
e_w
aist_down,_he_was_a_white_stallion._\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
Chiron_started_to_smile_at_Jason._Then_the_color_drained_from_his_face._\par\par
d\plain\hyphpar}{
\u8220?You_\u8230?\u8221?_The_centaur\u8217?
s_eyes_flared_like_a_cornered_animal
\u8217?s._\u8220?You_should_be_dead.\u8221?_\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
Chiron_ordered_Jason\u8212?well,_{\i
invited},_but_it_sounded_like_an_order\u8212?
to_come_inside_the_house._He_told_D
rew_to_go_back_to_her_cabin,_which_Drew_didn\u8217?
t_look_happy_about.\par\pard\
plain\hyphpar}{
The_centaur_trotted_over_to_the_empty_wheelchair_on_the_porch._He_slipped_off_
hi
s_quiver_and_bow_and_backed_up_to_the_chair,_which_opened_like_a_magician\u8
217?
s_box._Chiron_gingerly_stepped_into_it_with_his_back_legs_and_began_scrunching_
h
imself_into_a_space_that_should\u8217?
ve_been_much_too_small._Jason_imagined_a_t
ruck\u8217?s_reversing_noises\u8212?{\i
beep,_beep,_beep\u8212?}as_the_centaur\u8217?
s_lower_half_disappeared_and_the_ch
air_folded_up,_popping_out_a_set_of_fake_human_legs_covered_in_a_blanket,_so_Ch
i
ron_appeared_to_be_a_regular_mortal_guy_in_a_wheelchair.\par\pard\plain\hyphpar
}
{
\u8220?Follow_me,\u8221?_he_ordered._\u8220?We_have_lemonade.\u8221?
_\par\pard\p
lain\hyphpar}{
The_living_room_looked_like_it_had_been_swallowed_by_a_rain_forest._Grapevines_
c
urved_up_the_walls_and_across_the_ceiling,_which_Jason_found_a_little_strange._H
e_didn\u8217?t_think_plants_grew_like_that_inside,_especially_in_the_winter,_but
_these_were_leafy_green_and_bursting_with_bunches_of_red_grapes.\par\pard\plain\
hyphpar}{
Leather_couches_faced_a_stone_fireplace_with_a_crackling_fire._Wedged_in_one_cor
ner,_an_old-style_PacMan_arcade_game_beeped_and_blinked._Mounted_on_the_walls_w
as_an_assortment_of_masks\u8212?
smiley/frowny_Greek_theater_types,_feathered_Mar
di_Gras_masks,_Venetian_{\i
Carnevale_}masks_with_big_beaklike_noses,_carved_wooden_masks_from_Africa._G
rape
vines_grew_through_their_mouths_so_they_seemed_to_have_leafy_tongues._Some_
had_r
ed_grapes_bulging_through_their_eyeholes.\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
But_the_weirdest_thing_was_the_stuffed_leopard\u8217?
s_head_above_the_fireplace.
_It_looked_so_real,_its_eyes_seemed_to_follow_Jason._Then_it_snarled,_and_Jason_
nearly_leaped_out_of_his_skin.\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
\u8220?Now,_Seymour,\u8221?_Chiron_chided._\u8220?
Jason_is_a_friend._Behave_your
self.\u8221?\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
\u8220?That_thing_is_alive!\u8221?_Jason_said.\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
Chiron_rummaged_through_the_side_pocket_of_his_wheelchair_and_brought_out_a_
pack
age_of_Snausages._He_threw_one_to_the_leopard,_who_snapped_it_up_and_licked_
his_
lips.\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
\u8220?You_must_excuse_the_d\u233?cor,\u8221?_Chiron_said._\u8220?
All_this_was_a
_parting_gift_from_our_old_director_before_he_was_recalled_to_Mount_Olympus._He
_
thought_it_would_help_us_to_remember_him._Mr._D_has_a_strange_sense_of_humor
.\u8
\u8220?Mr._D,\u8221?_Jason_said._\u8220?
Dionysus?\u8221?\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}
{
\u8220?Mmm_hmm.\u8221?
_Chiron_poured_lemonade,_though_his_hands_were_trembling_a
_little._\u8220?As_for_Seymour,_well,_Mr._D_liberated_him_from_a_Long_Island_gar
age_sale._The_leopard_is_Mr._D\u8217?
s_sacred_animal,_you_see,_and_Mr._D_was_app
alled_that_someone_would_stuff_such_a_noble_creature._He_decided_to_grant_it_lif
e,_on_the_assumption_that_life_as_a_mounted_head_was_better_than_no_life_at_all.
_I_must_say_it\u8217?s_a_kinder_fate_than_Seymour\u8217?
s_previous_owner_got.\u8
Seymour_bared_his_fangs_and_sniffed_the_air,_as_if_hunting_for_more_Snausages.\
p
\u8220?If_he\u8217?s_only_a_head,\u8221?_Jason_said,_\u8220?
where_does_the_food_
go_when_he_eats?\u8221?_\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
\u8220?Better_not_to_ask,\u8221?_Chiron_said._\u8220?Please,_sit.\u8221?_\par\pa
rd\plain\hyphpar}{
Jason_took_some_lemonade,_though_his_stomach_was_fluttering._Chiron_sat_back_i
n_
his_wheelchair_and_tried_for_a_smile,_but_Jason_could_tell_it_was_forced._The_ol
d_man\u8217?s_eyes_were_as_deep_and_dark_as_wells.\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
\u8220?So,_Jason,\u8221?_he_said,_\u8220?would_you_mind_telling_me\u8212?
ah\u821
2?where_you\u8217?re_from?\u8221?_\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
\u8220?I_wish_I_knew.\u8221?
_Jason_told_him_the_whole_story,_from_waking_up_on_t
he_bus_to_crash-landing_at_Camp_Half-Blood._He_didn\u8217?
t_see_any_point_in_hid
ing_the_details,_and_Chiron_was_a_good_listener._He_didn\u8217?t_react_to_the_st
ory,_other_than_to_nod_encouragingly_for_more.\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
When_Jason_was_done,_the_old_man_sipped_his_lemonade.\par\pard\plain\hyphpar
}{
\u8220?I_see,\u8221?_Chiron_said._\u8220?
And_you_must_have_questions_for_me.\u82
\u8220?Only_one,\u8221?_Jason_admitted._\u8220?
What_did_you_mean_when_you_said_t
hat_I_should_be_dead?\u8221?\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
Chiron_studied_him_with_concern,_as_if_he_expected_Jason_to_burst_into_flames._\
u8220?My_boy,_do_you_know_what_those_marks_on_your_arm_mean?
_The_color_of_your_s
hirt?_Do_you_remember_anything?\u8221?_\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
Jason_looked_at_the_tattoo_on_his_forearm:_SPQR,_the_eagle,_twelve_straight_line
s.\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
\u8220?No,\u8221?_he_said._\u8220?Nothing.\u8221?\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
\u8220?Do_you_know_where_you_are?\u8221?_Chiron_asked._\u8220?
Do_you_understand_
what_this_place_is,_and_who_I_am?\u8221?\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
\u8220?You\u8217?re_Chiron_the_centaur,\u8221?_Jason_said._\u8220?I\u8217?
m_gues
sing_you\u8217?
re_the_same_one_from_the_old_stories,_who_used_to_train_the_Greek
_heroes_like_Heracles._This_is_a_camp_for_demigods,_children_of_the_Olympian_go
d
s.\u8221?\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
\u8220?So_you_believe_those_gods_still_exist?\u8221?\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
\u8220?Yes,\u8221?_Jason_said_immediately._\u8220?I_mean,_I_don\u8217?
t_think_we
_should_{\i
worship_}them_or_sacrifice_chickens_to_them_or_anything,_but_they\u8217?re_still
_around_because_they\u8217?
re_a_powerful_part_of_civilization._They_move_from_co
untry_to_country_as_the_center_of_power_shifts\u8212?
like_they_moved_from_Ancien
t_Greece_to_Rome.\u8221?_\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
{\i
\u8220?I_couldn\u8217?t_have_said_it_better.\u8221?
_}Something_about_Chiron\u821
7?s_voice_had_changed._{\i
\u8220?
So_you_already_know_the_gods_are_real._You_have_already_been_claimed,_hav
en\u8217?t_you?\u8221?_}\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
{\i
\u8220?Maybe,\u8221?_}Jason_answered._{\i
\u8220?I\u8217?m_not_really_sure.\u8221?}\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
Seymour_the_leopard_snarled.\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
Chiron_waited,_and_Jason_realized_what_had_just_happened._The_centaur_had_swit
ch
ed_to_another_language_and_Jason_had_understood,_automatically_answering_in_t
he_
same_tongue.\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
{\i
\u8220?Quis_erat\u8212?\u8221?
_}Jason_faltered,_then_made_a_conscious_effort_to_
speak_English._\u8220?What_was_that?\u8221?\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
\u8220?You_know_Latin,\u8221?_Chiron_observed._\u8220?
Most_demigods_recognize_a_
few_phrases,_of_course._It\u8217?
s_in_their_blood,_but_not_as_much_as_Ancient_Gr
eek._None_can_speak_Latin_fluently_without_practice.\u8221?\par\pard\plain\hyphp
ar}{
Jason_tried_to_wrap_his_mind_around_what_that_meant,_but_too_many_pieces_wer
e_mi
ssing_from_his_memory._He_still_had_the_feeling_that_he_shouldn\u8217?
t_be_here.
_It_was_wrong\u8212?and_dangerous._But_at_least_Chiron_wasn\u8217?
t_threatening.
_In_fact_the_centaur_seemed_concerned_for_him,_afraid_for_his_safety.\par\pard\p
lain\hyphpar}{
The_fire_reflected_in_Chiron\u8217?s_eyes,_making_them_dance_fretfully._\u8220?I
_taught_your_namesake,_you_know,_the_original_Jason._He_had_a_hard_path._I\u82
17
?
ve_seen_many_heroes_come_and_go._Occasionally,_they_have_happy_endings._Mo
stly,
_they_don\u8217?
t._It_breaks_my_heart,_like_losing_a_child_each_time_one_of_my_p
upils_dies._But_you\u8212?you_are_not_like_any_pupil_I\u8217?ve_ever_taught._You
r_presence_here_could_be_a_disaster.\u8221?\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
\u8220?Thanks,\u8221?_Jason_said._\u8220?
You_must_be_an_inspiring_teacher.\u8221
?\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
\u8220?I_am_sorry,_my_boy._But_it\u8217?
s_true._I_had_hoped_that_after_Percy\u82
17?s_success\u8212?\u8221?_\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
\u8220?Percy_Jackson,_you_mean._Annabeth\u8217?
s_boyfriend,_the_one_who\u8217?s_
missing.\u8221?\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
Chiron_nodded._\u8220?
I_hoped_that_after_he_succeeded_in_the_Titan_War_and_saved
_Mount_Olympus,_we_might_have_some_peace._I_might_be_able_to_enjoy_one_fina
l_tri
umph,_a_happy_ending,_and_perhaps_retire_quietly._I_should_have_known_better._
Th
e_last_chapter_approaches,_just_as_it_did_before._The_worst_is_yet_to_come.\u822
In_the_corner,_the_arcade_game_made_a_sad_{\i
pew-pew-pew-pew}_sound,_like_a_Pac-Man_had_just_died.\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}
{
\u8220?Ohh-kay,\u8221?_Jason_said._\u8220?So\u8212?
last_chapter,_happened_before
,
_worst_yet_to_come._Sounds_fun,_but_can_we_go_back_to_the_part_where_I\u8217
?m_
supposed_to_be_dead?_I_don\u8217?t_like_that_part.\u8221?
_\par\pard\plain\hyphpa
r}{
\u8220?I\u8217?m_afraid_I_can\u8217?
t_explain,_my_boy._I_swore_on_the_River_Styx
_and_on_all_things_sacred_that_I_would_never_\u8230?\u8221?
_Chiron_frowned._\u82
20?But_you\u8217?
re_here,_in_violation_of_the_same_oath._That_too,_should_not_be
_possible._I_don\u8217?t_understand._Who_would\u8217?ve_done_such_a_thing?
_Who\u
8212?\u8221?\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
Seymour_the_leopard_howled._His_mouth_froze,_half_open._The_arcade_game_stop
ped_
beeping._The_fire_stopped_crackling,_its_flames_hardening_like_red_glass._The_ma
sks_stared_down_silently_at_Jason_with_their_grotesque_grape_eyes_and_leafy_ton
g
ues.\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
\u8220?Chiron?\u8221?_Jason_asked._\u8220?What\u8217?
s_going\u8212?\u8221?\par\p
ard\plain\hyphpar}{
The_old_centaur_had_frozen,_too._Jason_jumped_off_the_couch,_but_Chiron_kept_st
a
ring_at_the_same_spot,_his_mouth_open_mid-sentence._His_eyes_didn\u8217?
t_blink.
_His_chest_didn\u8217?t_move._\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
{\i
Jason},_a_voice_said._\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
For_a_horrible_moment,_he_thought_the_leopard_had_spoken._Then_dark_mist_boil
ed_
out_of_Seymour\u8217?
s_mouth,_and_an_even_worse_thought_occurred_to_Jason:_{\i
storm_spirits}._\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
He_grabbed_the_golden_coin_from_his_pocket._With_a_quick_flip,_it_changed_into_a
_sword.\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
The_mist_took_the_form_of_a_woman_in_black_robes._Her_face_was_hooded,_but_h
er_e
yes_glowed_in_the_darkness._Over_her_shoulders_she_wore_a_goatskin_cloak._Jaso
n_
wasn\u8217?
t_sure_how_he_knew_it_was_goatskin,_but_he_recognized_it_and_knew_it_
was_important._\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
{\i
Would_you_attack_your_patron?
_}the_woman_chided._Her_voice_echoed_in_Jason\u8217
?s_head._{\i
Lower_your_sword.}\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
\u8220?Who_are_you?\u8221?_he_demanded._\u8220?
How_did_you\u8212?\u8221?\par\par
d\plain\hyphpar}{
{\i
Our_time_is_limited,_Jason._My_prison_grows_stronger_by_the_hour._It_took_me_a_f
ull_month_to_gather_enough_energy_to_work_even_the_smallest_magic_through_its
_bo
nds._I\u8217?
ve_managed_to_bring_you_here,_but_now_I_have_little_time_left,_and_
even_less_power._This_may_be_the_last_time_I_can_speak_to_you.}\par\pard\plain\
h
yphpar}{
\u8220?You\u8217?re_in_prison?\u8221?_Jason_decided_maybe_he_wouldn\u8217?
t_lowe
r_his_sword._\u8220?Look,_I_don\u8217?t_know_you,_and_you\u8217?
re_not_my_patron
{\i
You_know_me},_she_insisted._{\i
I_have_known_you_since_your_birth._}\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
\u8220?I_don\u8217?t_remember._I_don\u8217?t_remember_anything.\u8221?
_\par\pard
\plain\hyphpar}{
{\i
No,_you_don\u8217?t,_}she_agreed._{\i
That_also_was_necessary._Long_ago,_your_father_gave_me_your_life_as_a_gift_to_pl
acate_my_anger._He_named_you_Jason,_after_my_favorite_mortal._You_belong_to_
me.}
\u8220?Whoa,\u8221?_Jason_said._\u8220?I_don\u8217?
t_belong_to_anyone.\u8221?\pa
{\i
Now_is_the_time_to_pay_your_debt,_}she_said._{\i
Find_my_prison._Free_me},_{\i
or_their_king_will_rise_from_the_earth,_and_I_will_be_destroyed._You_will_never_
retrieve_your_memory.}\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
\u8220?Is_that_a_threat?_You_{\i
took}_my_memories?\u8221?\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
{\i
You_have_until_sunset_on_the_solstice,_Jason._Four_short_days._Do_not_fail_me._}
The_dark_woman_dissolved,_and_the_mist_curled_into_the_leopard\u8217?
s_mouth._\p
Time_unfroze._Seymour\u8217?s_howl_turned_into_a_cough_like_he\u8217?
d_sucked_in
_a_hair_ball._The_fire_crackled_to_life,_the_arcade_machine_beeped,_and_Chiron_s
aid,_\u8220?\u8212?would_dare_to_bring_you_here?\u8221?
_\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}
{
\u8220?Probably_the_lady_in_the_mist,\u8221?_Jason_offered.\par\pard\plain\hyphp
ar}{
Chiron_looked_up_in_surprise._\u8220?Weren\u8217?t_you_just_sitting_\u8230?
_why_
do_you_have_a_sword_drawn?\u8221?\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
\u8220?I_hate_to_tell_you_this,\u8221?_Jason_said,_\u8220?but_I_think_your_leopa
rd_just_ate_a_goddess.\u8221?\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
He_told_Chiron_about_the_frozen-in-time_visit,_the_dark_misty_figure_that_disapp
eared_into_Seymour\u8217?s_mouth._\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
\u8220?Oh,_dear,\u8221?_Chiron_murmured._\u8220?
That_does_explain_a_lot.\u8221?\
\u8220?Then_why_don\u8217?t_you_explain_a_lot_to_me?\u8221?
_Jason_said._\u8220?P
lease.\u8221?_\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
Before_Chiron_could_say_anything,_footsteps_reverberated_on_the_porch_outside._
T
he_front_door_blew_open,_and_Annabeth_and_another_girl,_a_redhead,_burst_in,_dr
a
gging_Piper_between_them._Piper\u8217?
s_head_lolled_like_she_was_unconscious._\p
\u8220?What_happened?\u8221?_Jason_rushed_over._\u8220?What\u8217?
s_wrong_with_h
er?\u8221?_\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
\u8220?Hera\u8217?s_cabin,\u8221?_Annabeth_gasped,_like_they\u8217?
d_run_all_the
_way._\u8220?Vision._Bad.\u8221?\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
The_redheaded_girl_looked_up,_and_Jason_saw_that_she\u8217?
d_been_crying.\par\pa
rd\plain\hyphpar}{
\u8220?I_think_\u8230?\u8221?_The_redheaded_girl_gulped._\u8220?
I_think_I_may_ha
ve_killed_her.\u8221?_\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
J}{\b
ASON_AND_THE_REDHEAD,_WHO_INTRODUCED}{\b
_}herself_as_Rachel,_put_Piper_on_the_couch_while_Annabeth_rushed_down_the_ha
ll_
to_get_a_med_kit._Piper_was_still_breathing,_but_she_wouldn\u8217?
t_wake_up._She
_seemed_to_be_in_some_kind_of_coma.\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
\u8220?We\u8217?ve_got_to_heal_her,\u8221?_Jason_insisted._\u8220?
There\u8217?s_
a_way,_right?\u8221?\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
Seeing_her_so_pale,_barely_breathing,_Jason_felt_a_surge_of_protectiveness._Mayb
e_he_didn\u8217?t_really_know_her._Maybe_she_wasn\u8217?
t_his_girlfriend._But_th
ey\u8217?d_survived_the_Grand_Canyon_together._They\u8217?
d_come_all_this_way._H
e\u8217?d_left_her_side_for_a_little_while,_and_{\i
this}_had_happened.\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
Chiron_put_his_hand_on_her_forehead_and_grimaced._\u8220?
Her_mind_is_in_a_fragil
e_state._Rachel,_what_happened?\u8221?\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
\u8220?I_wish_I_knew,\u8221?_she_said._\u8220?
As_soon_as_I_got_to_camp,_I_had_a_
premonition_about_Hera\u8217?
s_cabin._I_went_inside._Annabeth_and_Piper_came_in_
while_I_was_there._We_talked,_and_then\u8212?
I_just_blanked_out._Annabeth_said_I
_spoke_in_a_different_voice.\u8221?_\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
\u8220?A_prophecy?\u8221?_Chiron_asked.\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
\u8220?
No._The_spirit_of_Delphi_comes_from_within._I_know_how_that_feels._This_w
as_like_long_distance,_a_power_trying_to_speak_through_me.\u8221?\par\pard\plain
\hyphpar}{
Annabeth_ran_in_with_a_leather_pouch._She_knelt_next_to_Piper._\u8220?
Chiron,_wh
at_happened_back_there\u8212?I\u8217?ve_never_seen_anything_like_it._I\u8217?
ve_
heard_Rachel\u8217?
s_prophecy_voice._This_was_different._She_sounded_like_an_old
er_woman._She_grabbed_Piper\u8217?s_shoulders_and_told_her\u8212?\u8221?
_\par\pa
rd\plain\hyphpar}{
\u8220?To_free_her_from_a_prison?\u8221?_Jason_guessed.\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}
{
Annabeth_stared_at_him._\u8220?
How_did_you_know_that?\u8221?\par\pard\plain\hyph
par}{
Chiron_made_a_three-fingered_gesture_over_his_heart,_like_a_ward_against_evil.\p
\u8220?
Jason,_tell_them._Annabeth,_the_medicine_bag,_please.\u8221?\par\pard\pla
in\hyphpar}{
Chiron_trickled_drops_from_a_medicine_vial_into_Piper\u8217?
s_mouth_while_Jason_
explained_what_had_happened_when_the_room_froze\u8212?
the_dark_misty_woman_who_h
ad_claimed_to_be_Jason\u8217?s_patron.\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
When_he_was_done,_no_one_spoke,_which_made_him_more_anxious._\par\pard\plai
n\hyp
hpar}{
\u8220?So_does_this_happen_often?\u8221?_he_asked._\u8220?
Supernatural_phone_cal
ls_from_convicts_demanding_you_bust_them_out_of_jail?\u8221?\par\pard\plain\hyp
h
par}{
\u8220?Your_patron,\u8221?_Annabeth_said._\u8220?
Not_your_godly_parent?\u8221?\p
\u8220?No,_she_said_{\i
patron}._She_also_said_my_dad_had_given_her_my_life.\u8221?\par\pard\plain\hyp
hp
ar}{
Annabeth_frowned._\u8220?I\u8217?
ve_never_of_heard_anything_like_that_before._Yo
u_said_the_storm_spirit_on_the_skywalk\u8212?
he_claimed_to_be_working_for_some_m
istress_who_was_giving_him_orders,_right?
_Could_it_be_this_woman_you_saw,_messin
g_with_your_mind?\u8221?_\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
\u8220?I_don\u8217?t_think_so,\u8221?_Jason_said._\u8220?
If_she_were_my_enemy,_w
hy_would_she_be_asking_for_my_help?_She\u8217?s_imprisoned._She\u8217?
s_worried_
about_some_enemy_getting_more_powerful._Something_about_a_king_rising_from_t
he_e
arth_on_the_solstice\u8212?\u8221?\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
Annabeth_turned_to_Chiron._\u8220?Not_Kronos._Please_tell_me_it\u8217?
s_not_that
The_centaur_looked_miserable._He_held_Piper\u8217?
s_wrist,_checking_her_pulse.\p
At_last_he_said,_\u8220?It_is_not_Kronos._That_threat_is_ended._But_\u8230?\u822
\u8220?But_what?\u8221?_Annabeth_asked._\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
Chiron_closed_the_medicine_bag._\u8220?
Piper_needs_rest._We_should_discuss_this_
later.\u8221?_\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
\u8220?Or_now,\u8221?_Jason_said._\u8220?
Sir,_Mr._Chiron,_you_told_me_the_greate
st_threat_was_coming._The_last_chapter._You_can\u8217?
t_possibly_mean_something_
worse_than_an_army_of_Titans,_right?\u8221?\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
\u8220?Oh,\u8221?_Rachel_said_in_a_small_voice._\u8220?
Oh,_dear._The_woman_was_H
era._Of_course._Her_cabin,_her_voice._She_showed_herself_to_Jason_at_the_same_
mo
ment.\u8221?_\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
\u8220?Hera?\u8221?_Annabeth\u8217?
s_snarl_was_even_fiercer_than_Seymour\u8217?s
._{\i
\u8220?She}_took_you_over?
_She_did_this_to_Piper?\u8221?\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}
{
\u8220?I_think_Rachel\u8217?s_right,\u8221?_Jason_said._\u8220?
The_woman_did_see
m_like_a_goddess._And_she_wore_this\u8212?this_goatskin_cloak._That\u8217?
s_a_sy
mbol_of_Juno,_isn\u8217?t_it?\u8221?_\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
\u8220?It_is?\u8221?_Annabeth_scowled._\u8220?I\u8217?
ve_never_heard_that.\u8221
Chiron_nodded_reluctantly._\u8220?Of_Juno,_Hera\u8217?
s_Roman_aspect,_in_her_mos
t_warlike_state._The_goatskin_cloak_was_a_symbol_of_the_Roman_soldier.\u8221?\p
a
\u8220?So_Hera_is_imprisoned?\u8221?_Rachel_asked._\u8220?
Who_could_do_that_to_t
he_queen_of_the_gods?\u8221?\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
Annabeth_crossed_her_arms._\u8220?
Well,_whoever_they_are,_maybe_we_should_thank_
them._If_they_can_shut_up_Hera\u8212?\u8221?\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
\u8220?Annabeth,\u8221?_Chiron_warned,_\u8220?
she_is_still_one_of_the_Olympians.
_In_many_ways,_she_is_the_glue_that_holds_the_gods\u8217?
_family_together._If_sh
e_truly_has_been_imprisoned_and_is_in_danger_of_destruction,_this_could_shake_th
e_foundations_of_the_world._It_could_unravel_the_stability_of_Olympus,_which_is_
never_great_even_in_the_best_of_times._And_if_Hera_has_asked_Jason_for_help\u82
1
\u8220?Fine,\u8221?_Annabeth_grumbled._\u8220?
Well,_we_know_Titans_can_capture_a
_god,_right?_Atlas_captured_Artemis_a_few_years_ago._And_in_the_old_stories,_the
_gods_captured_each_other_in_traps_all_the_time._But_something_worse_than_a_Tit
a
n_\u8230?_?\u8221?\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
Jason_looked_at_the_leopard\u8217?
s_head._Seymour_was_smacking_his_lips_like_the
_goddess_had_tasted_much_better_than_a_Snausage._\u8220?
Hera_said_she\u8217?d_be
en_trying_to_break_through_her_prison_bonds_for_a_month.\u8221?\par\pard\plain\
h
yphpar}{
\u8220?Which_is_how_long_Olympus_has_been_closed,\u8221?
_Annabeth_said._\u8220?S
o_the_gods_must_know_something_bad_is_going_on.\u8221?\par\pard\plain\hyphpa
r}{
\u8220?But_why_use_her_energy_to_send_me_here?\u8221?_Jason_asked._\u8220?
She_wi
ped_my_memory,_plopped_me_into_the_Wilderness_School_field_trip,_and_sent_you
_a_
dream_vision_to_come_pick_me_up._Why_am_I_so_important?
_Why_not_just_send_up_an_
emergency_flare_to_the_other_gods\u8212?
let_them_know_where_she_is_so_they_bust_
her_out?\u8221?_\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
\u8220?The_gods_need_heroes_to_do_their_will_down_here_on_earth,\u8221?
_Rachel_s
aid._\u8220?That\u8217?s_right,_isn\u8217?t_it?_Their_fates_are_always_intertwin
ed_with_demigods.\u8221?\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
\u8220?That\u8217?s_true,\u8221?_Annabeth_said,_\u8220?but_Jason\u8217?
s_got_a_p
oint._Why_him?_Why_take_his_memory?\u8221?\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
\u8220?And_Piper\u8217?s_involved_somehow,\u8221?_Rachel_said._\u8220?
Hera_sent_
her_the_same_message\u8212?{\i
Free_me}._And,_Annabeth,_this_must_have_something_to_do_with_Percy\u8217?
s_disap
pearing.\u8221?\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
Annabeth_fixed_her_eyes_on_Chiron._\u8220?Why_are_you_so_quiet,_Chiron?
_What_is_
it_we\u8217?re_facing?\u8221?_\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
The_old_centaur\u8217?
s_face_looked_like_it_had_aged_ten_years_in_a_matter_of_mi
nutes._The_lines_around_his_eyes_were_deeply_etched._\u8220?
My_dear,_in_this,_I_
cannot_help_you._I_am_so_sorry.\u8221?\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
Annabeth_blinked._\u8220?You\u8217?ve_never_\u8230?_you\u8217?ve_{\i
never_}kept_information_from_me._Even_the_last_great_prophecy\u8212?\u8221?\p
ar\
\u8220?I_will_be_in_my_office.\u8221?_His_voice_was_heavy._\u8220?
I_need_some_ti
me_to_think_before_dinner._Rachel,_will_you_watch_the_girl?_Call_Argus_to_bring_
her_to_the_infirmary,_if_you\u8217?d_like._And_Annabeth,_you_should_speak_with_J
ason._Tell_him_about\u8212?
about_the_Greek_and_Roman_gods.\u8221?\par\pard\plain
\hyphpar}{
\u8220?But_\u8230?\u8221?_\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
The_centaur_turned_his_wheelchair_and_rolled_off_down_the_hallway._Annabeth\u8
21
7?
s_eyes_turned_stormy._She_muttered_something_in_Greek,_and_Jason_got_the_feeli
ng_it_wasn\u8217?t_complimentary_toward_centaurs.\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
\u8220?I\u8217?m_sorry,\u8221?_Jason_said._\u8220?
I_think_my_being_here\u8212?I_
don\u8217?t_know._I\u8217?
ve_messed_things_up_coming_to_the_camp,_somehow._Chiro
n_said_he\u8217?d_sworn_an_oath_and_couldn\u8217?t_talk_about_it.\u8221?
_\par\pa
rd\plain\hyphpar}{
\u8220?What_oath?\u8221?_Annabeth_demanded._\u8220?I\u8217?
ve_never_seen_him_act
_this_way._And_why_would_he_tell_me_to_talk_to_you_about_the_gods...\u8221?\par
\
Her_voice_trailed_off._Apparently_she\u8217?d_just_noticed_Jason\u8217?s_sword_s
itting_on_the_coffee_table._She_touched_the_blade_gingerly,_like_it_might_be_hot
\u8220?Is_this_gold?\u8221?_she_said._\u8220?
Do_you_remember_where_you_got_it?\u
\u8220?No,\u8221?_Jason_said._\u8220?Like_I_said,_I_don\u8217?
t_remember_anythin
g.\u8221?_\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
Annabeth_nodded,_like_she\u8217?
d_just_come_up_with_a_rather_desperate_plan._\u8
220?If_Chiron_won\u8217?t_help,_we\u8217?
ll_need_to_figure_things_out_ourselves.
_Which_means_\u8230?_Cabin_Fifteen._Rachel,_you\u8217?
ll_keep_an_eye_on_Piper?\u
\u8220?Sure,\u8221?_Rachel_promised._\u8220?
Good_luck,_you_two.\u8221?\par\pard\
plain\hyphpar}{
\u8220?Hold_on,\u8221?_Jason_said._\u8220?What\u8217?
s_in_Cabin_Fifteen?\u8221?_
Annabeth_stood._\u8220?Maybe_a_way_to_get_your_memory_back.\u8221?
_\par\pard\pla
in\hyphpar}{
They_headed_toward_a_newer_wing_of_cabins_in_the_southwest_corner_of_the_gre
en._
Some_were_fancy,_with_glowing_walls_or_blazing_torches,_but_Cabin_Fifteen_was_n
o
t_so_dramatic._It_looked_like_an_old-fashioned_prairie_house_with_mud_walls_and_
a_rush_roof._On_the_door_hung_a_wreath_of_crimson_flowers\u8212?
red_poppies,_Jas
on_thought,_though_he_wasn\u8217?
t_sure_how_he_knew._\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
\u8220?You_think_this_is_my_parent\u8217?s_cabin?\u8221?
_he_asked._\par\pard\pla
in\hyphpar}{
\u8220?No,\u8221?_Annabeth_said._\u8220?
This_is_the_cabin_for_Hypnos,_the_god_of
_sleep.\u8221?\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
\u8220?Then_why\u8212?\u8221?\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
\u8220?You\u8217?ve_forgotten_everything,\u8221?_she_said._\u8220?
If_there\u8217
?s_any_god_who_can_help_us_figure_out_memory_loss,_it\u8217?
s_Hypnos.\u8221?\par
Inside,_even_though_it_was_almost_dinnertime,_three_kids_were_sound_asleep_und
er
_piles_of_covers._A_warm_fire_crackled_in_the_hearth._Above_the_mantel_hung_a_t
r
ee_branch,_each_twig_dripping_white_liquid_into_a_collection_of_tin_bowls._Jason
_was_tempted_to_catch_a_drop_on_his_finger_just_to_see_what_it_was,_but_he_held
_
himself_back._\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
Soft_violin_music_played_from_somewhere._The_air_smelled_like_fresh_laundry._Th
e
_cabin_was_so_cozy_and_peaceful_that_Jason\u8217?
s_eyelids_started_to_feel_heavy
.
_A_nap_sounded_like_a_great_idea._He_was_exhausted._There_were_plenty_of_emp
ty_
beds,_all_with_feather_pillows_and_fresh_sheets_and_fluffy_quilts_and\u8212?Anna
beth_nudged_him._\u8220?Snap_out_of_it.\u8221?\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
Jason_blinked._He_realized_his_knees_had_been_starting_to_buckle._\par\pard\plai
n\hyphpar}{
\u8220?Cabin_Fifteen_does_that_to_everyone,\u8221?_Annabeth_warned._\u8220?
If_yo
u_ask_me,_this_place_is_even_more_dangerous_than_the_Ares_cabin._At_least_with
_A
res,_you_can_learn_where_the_land_mines_are.\u8221?_\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
\u8220?Land_mines?\u8221?_\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
She_walked_up_to_the_nearest_snoring_kid_and_shook_his_shoulder._\u8220?
Clovis!_
Wake_up!\u8221?\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
The_kid_looked_like_a_baby_cow._He_had_a_blond_tuft_of_hair_on_a_wedgeshaped_he
ad,_with_thick_features_and_a_thick_neck._His_body_was_stocky,_but_he_had_spind
l
y_little_arms_like_he\u8217?d_never_lifted_anything_heavier_than_a_pillow.\par\p
ard\plain\hyphpar}{
\u8220?Clovis!\u8221?
_Annabeth_shook_harder,_then_finally_knocked_on_his_forehea
d_about_six_times._\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
\u8220?Wh-wh-what?\u8221?
_Clovis_complained,_sitting_up_and_squinting._He_yawned
_hugely,_and_both_Annabeth_and_Jason_yawned_too._\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
\u8220?Stop_that!\u8221?_Annabeth_said._\u8220?We_need_your_help.\u8221?
_\par\pa
rd\plain\hyphpar}{
\u8220?I_was_sleeping.\u8221?\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
\u8220?You\u8217?re{\i
_always}_sleeping.\u8221?_\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
\u8220?Good_night.\u8221?\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
Before_he_could_pass_out,_Annabeth_yanked_his_pillow_offthe_bed._\par\pard\plain
\hyphpar}{
\u8220?That\u8217?s_not_fair,\u8221?_Clovis_complained_meekly._\u8220?
Give_it_ba
ck.\u8221?\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
\u8220?First_help,\u8221?_Annabeth_said._\u8220?
Then_sleep.\u8221?\par\pard\plai
n\hyphpar}{
Clovis_sighed._His_breath_smelled_like_warm_milk._\u8220?Fine._What?\u8221?
_\par
Annabeth_explained_about_Jason\u8217?
s_problem._Every_once_in_a_while_she\u8217?
d_snap_her_fingers_under_Clovis\u8217?
s_nose_to_keep_him_awake._\par\pard\plain\
hyphpar}{
Clovis_must_have_been_really_excited,_because_when_Annabeth_was_done,_he_did
n\u8
217?t_pass_out._He_actually_stood_and_stretched,_then_blinked_at_Jason._\u8220?
S
o_you_don\u8217?t_remember_anything,_huh?\u8221?\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
\u8220?Just_impressions,\u8221?_Jason_said._\u8220?
Feelings,_like_\u8230?\u8221?
\u8220?Yes?\u8221?_Clovis_said._\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
\u8220?Like_I_know_I_shouldn\u8217?t_be_here._At_this_camp._I\u8217?
m_in_danger.
\u8220?Hmm._Close_your_eyes.\u8221?\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
Jason_glanced_at_Annabeth,_but_she_nodded_reassuringly.\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}
{
Jason_was_afraid_he\u8217?
d_end_up_snoring_in_one_of_the_bunks_forever,_but_he_c
losed_his_eyes._His_thoughts_became_murky,_as_if_he_were_sinking_into_a_dark_la
k
e.\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
The_next_thing_he_knew,_his_eyes_snapped_open._He_was_sitting_in_a_chair_by_th
e_
fire._Clovis_and_Annabeth_knelt_next_to_him._\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
\u8220?\u8212?serious,_all_right,\u8221?_Clovis_was_saying._\par\pard\plain\hyph
par}{
\u8220?What_happened?\u8221?_Jason_said._\u8220?
How_long\u8212?\u8221?\par\pard\
plain\hyphpar}{
\u8220?Just_a_few_minutes,\u8221?_Annabeth_said._\u8220?
But_it_was_tense._You_al
most_dissolved.\u8221?_\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
Jason_hoped_she_didn\u8217?t_mean_{\i
literally},_but_her_expression_was_solemn._\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
\u8220?Usually,\u8221?_Clovis_said,_\u8220?
memories_are_lost_for_a_good_reason._
They_sink_under_the_surface_like_dreams,_and_with_a_good_sleep,_I_can_bring_the
m
_back._But_this_\u8230?\u8221?\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
\u8220?Lethe?\u8221?_Annabeth_asked._\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
\u8220?No,\u8221?_Clovis_said._\u8220?Not_even_Lethe.\u8221?
hpar}{
\u8220?Lethe?\u8221?_Jason_asked._\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
Clovis_pointed_to_the_tree_branch_dripping_milky_drops_above_the_fireplace._\u82
20?
The_River_Lethe_in_the_Underworld._It_dissolves_your_memories,_wipes_your_min
d_clean_permanently._That\u8217?
s_the_branch_of_a_poplar_tree_from_the_Underworl
d,_dipped_into_the_Lethe._It\u8217?
s_the_symbol_of_my_father,_Hypnos._Lethe_is_n
ot_a_place_you_want_to_go_swimming.\u8221?\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
Percy_went_there_once._He_told_me_it_was_powerful_enough
_to_wipe_the_mind_of_a_Titan.\u8221?\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
Jason_was_suddenly_glad_he_hadn\u8217?t_touched_the_branch._\u8220?
But_\u8230?_t
hat\u8217?s_not_my_problem?\u8221?\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
\u8220?No,\u8221?_Clovis_agreed._\u8220?Your_mind_wasn\u8217?
t_wiped,_and_your_m
emories_weren\u8217?t_buried._They\u8217?ve_been_stolen.\u8221?
_\par\pard\plain\
hyphpar}{
The_fire_crackled._Drops_of_Lethe_water_plinked_into_the_tin_cups_on_the_mantel.
_One_of_the_other_Hypnos_campers_muttered_in_his_sleep\u8212?
something_about_a_d
uck.\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
\u8220?Stolen,\u8221?_Jason_said._\u8220?How?\u8221?_\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}
{
\u8220?A_god,\u8221?_Clovis_said._\u8220?
Only_a_god_would_have_that_kind_of_powe
r.\u8221?_\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
\u8220?We_know_that,\u8221?_said_Jason._\u8220?
It_was_Juno._But_how_did_she_do_i
t,_and_why?\u8221?\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
Clovis_scratched_his_neck._\u8220?Juno?\u8221?_\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
\u8220?He_means_Hera,\u8221?_Annabeth_said._\u8220?
For_some_reason,_Jason_likes_
the_Roman_names.\u8221?_\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
\u8220?Hmm,\u8221?_Clovis_said._\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
\u8220?What?\u8221?_Jason_asked._\u8220?
Does_that_mean_something?\u8221?\par\par
d\plain\hyphpar}{
\u8220?Hmm,\u8221?
_Clovis_said_again,_and_this_time_Jason_realized_he_was_snorin
g.\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
\u8220?Clovis!\u8221?_he_yelled.\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
\u8220?What?_What?\u8221?_His_eyes_fluttered_open._\u8220?
We_were_talking_about_
pillows,_right?
_No,_gods._I_remember._Greek_and_Roman._Sure,_could_be_important.
\u8220?But_they\u8217?re_the_same_gods,\u8221?_Annabeth_said._\u8220?
Just_differ
ent_names.\u8221?_\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
\u8220?Not_exactly,\u8221?_Clovis_said.\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
Jason_sat_forward,_now_very_much_awake._\u8220?
What_do_you_mean,_not_exactly?\u8
\u8220?Well_\u8230?\u8221?_Clovis_yawned._\u8220?
Some_gods_are_only_Roman._Like_
Janus,_or_Pompona._But_even_the_major_Greek_gods\u8212?it\u8217?
s_not_just_their
_names_that_changed_when_they_moved_to_Rome._Their_appearances_changed._T
heir_at
tributes_changed._They_even_had_slightly_different_personalities.\u8221?\par\par
d\plain\hyphpar}{
\u8220?But_\u8230?\u8221?_Annabeth_faltered._\u8220?
Okay,_so_maybe_people_saw_th
em_differently_through_the_centuries._That_doesn\u8217?
t_change_who_they_are.\u8
\u8220?Sure_it_does.\u8221?
_Clovis_began_to_nod_off,_and_Jason_snapped_his_finge
rs_under_his_nose.\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
\u8220?Coming,_Mother!\u8221?_he_yelped._\u8220?I_mean_\u8230?
_Yeah,_I\u8217?m_a
wake._So,_um,_personalities._The_gods_change_to_reflect_their_host_cultures._You
_know_that,_Annabeth._I_mean,_these_days,_Zeus_likes_tailored_suits,_reality_tel
evision,_and_that_Chinese_food_place_on_East_Twenty-eighth_Street,_right?_It_was
_the_same_in_Roman_times,_and_the_gods_were_Roman_almost_as_long_as_they_
were_Gr
eek._It_was_a_big_empire,_lasted_for_centuries._So_of_course_their_Roman_aspects
_are_still_a_big_part_of_their_character.\u8221?_\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
\u8220?Makes_sense,\u8221?_Jason_said._\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
Annabeth_shook_her_head,_mystified._\u8220?
But_how_do_you_know_all_this,_Clovis?
\u8220?
Oh,_I_spend_a_lot_of_time_dreaming._I_see_the_gods_there_all_the_time\u82
12?always_shifting_forms._Dreams_are_fluid,_you_know._You_can_be_in_different_pl
aces_at_once,_always_changing_identities._It\u8217?s_a_lot_like_being_a_god,_act
ually._Like_recently,_I_dreamed_I_was_watching_a_Michael_Jackson_concert,_and_th
en_I_was_onstage_{\i
with_}Michael_Jackson,_and_we_were_singing_this_duet,_and_I_could_{\i
not_}remember_the_words_for_\u8216?The_Girl_Is_Mine.\u8217?
_Oh,_man,_it_was_so_e
mbarrassing,_I\u8212?\u8221?\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
\u8220?Clovis,\u8221?_Annabeth_interrupted._\u8220?
Back_to_Rome?\u8221?\par\pard
\plain\hyphpar}{
\u8220?Right,_Rome,\u8221?_Clovis_said._\u8220?
So_we_call_the_gods_by_their_Gree
k_names_because_that\u8217?
s_their_original_form._But_saying_their_Roman_aspects
_are_exactly_the_same\u8212?that\u8217?
s_not_true._In_Rome,_they_became_more_war
like._They_didn\u8217?
t_mingle_with_mortals_as_much._They_were_harsher,_more_pow
erful\u8212?the_gods_of_an_empire.\u8221?\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
\u8220?Like_the_dark_side_of_the_gods?\u8221?
_Annabeth_asked.\par\pard\plain\hyp
hpar}{
\u8220?Not_exactly,\u8221?_Clovis_said._\u8220?They_stood_for_discipline,_honor,
_strength\u8212?\u8221?_\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
\u8220?Good_things,_then,\u8221?
_Jason_said._For_some_reason,_he_felt_the_need_t
o_speak_up_for_the_Roman_gods,_though_wasn\u8217?
t_sure_why_it_mattered_to_him._
\u8220?I_mean,_discipline_is_important,_right?_That\u8217?
s_what_made_Rome_last_
so_long.\u8221?\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
Clovis_gave_him_a_curious_look._\u8220?That\u8217?
s_true._But_the_Roman_gods_wer
en\u8217?t_very_friendly._For_instance,_my_dad,_Hypnos_\u8230?_he_didn\u8217?
t_d
o_much_except_sleep_in_Greek_times._In_Roman_times,_they_called_him_Somnus._
He_l
iked_killing_people_who_didn\u8217?t_stay_alert_at_their_jobs._If_they_nodded_of
fat_the_wrong_time,_{\i
boom\u8212?}they_never_woke_up._He_killed_the_helmsman_of_Aeneas_when_the
y_were_
sailing_from_Troy.\u8221?\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
\u8220?Nice_guy,\u8221?_Annabeth_said._\u8220?But_I_still_don\u8217?
t_understand
_what_it_has_to_do_with_Jason.\u8221?_\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
\u8220?Neither_do_I,\u8221?_Clovis_said._\u8220?
But_if_Hera_took_your_memory,_on
ly_she_can_give_it_back._And_if_I_had_to_meet_the_queen_of_the_gods,_I\u8217?
d_h
ope_she_was_more_in_a_Hera_mood_than_a_Juno_mood._Can_I_go_back_to_sleep_n
ow?\u8
Annabeth_stared_at_the_branch_above_the_fire,_dripping_Lethe_water_into_the_cup
s
.
_She_looked_so_worried,_Jason_wondered_if_she_was_considering_a_drink_to_forget
_her_troubles._Then_she_stood_and_tossed_Clovis_his_pillow._\u8220?Thanks,_Clovi
s._We\u8217?ll_see_you_at_dinner.\u8221?\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
\u8220?Can_I_get_room_service?\u8221?
_Clovis_yawned_and_stumbled_to_his_bunk._\u
8220?I_feel_like_\u8230?_zzzz_\u8230?\u8221?
_He_collapsed_with_his_butt_in_the_a
ir_and_his_face_buried_in_pillow.\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
\u8220?Won\u8217?t_he_suffocate?\u8221?_Jason_asked._\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}
{
\u8220?He\u8217?ll_be_fine,\u8221?_Annabeth_said._\u8220?But_I\u8217?
m_beginning
_to_think_that_you_are_in_serious_trouble.\u8221?_\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
P}{\b
IPER_DREAMED_ABOUT_HER_LAST_DAY}{\b
_}_with_her_dad._\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
They_were_on_the_beach_near_Big_Sur,_taking_a_break_from_surfing._The_morning
_ha
d_been_so_perfect,_Piper_knew_something_had_to_go_wrong_soon\u8212?
a_rabid_horde
_of_paparazzi,_or_maybe_a_great_white_shark_attack._No_way_her_luck_could_hold
.\
But_so_far,_they\u8217?
d_had_excellent_waves,_an_overcast_sky,_and_a_mile_of_oce
anfront_completely_to_themselves._Dad_had_found_this_out-of-theway_spot,_rented
_a_beachfront_villa_{\i
and_}the_properties_on_either_side,_and_somehow_managed_to_keep_it_secret._If_
he
_stayed_there_too_long,_Piper_knew_the_photographers_would_find_him._They_alw
ays
_did.\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
\u8220?Nice_job_out_there,_Pipes.\u8221?
_He_gave_her_the_smile_he_was_famous_for
:
_perfect_teeth,_dimpled_chin,_a_twinkle_in_his_dark_eyes_that_always_made_grown
_women_scream_and_ask_him_to_sign_their_bodies_in_permanent_marker._({\i
Seriously},_Piper_thought,_{\i
get_a_life}.)_His_close-cropped_black_hair_gleamed_with_salt_water._\u8220?You\u
8217?re_getting_better_at_hanging_ten.\u8221?_\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
Piper_flushed_with_pride,_though_she_suspected_Dad_was_just_being_nice._She_stil
l_spent_most_of_her_time_wiping_out._It_took_special_talent_to_run_over_yourself
_with_a_surfboard._Her_{\i
dad}_was_the_natural_surfer\u8212?which_made_no_sense_since_he\u8217?
d_been_rais
ed_a_poor_kid_in_Oklahoma,_hundreds_of_miles_from_the_ocean\u8212?
but_he_was_ama
zing_on_the_curls._Piper_would\u8217?
ve_given_up_surfing_a_long_time_ago_except_
it_let_her_spend_time_with_him._There_weren\u8217?
t_many_ways_she_could_do_that.
\u8220?Sandwich?\u8221?
_Dad_dug_into_the_picnic_basket_his_chef,_Arno,_had_made.
_\u8220?Let\u8217?s_see:_turkey_pesto,_crabcake_wasabi\u8212?
ah,_a_Piper_special
._Peanut_butter_and_jelly.\u8221?\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
She_took_the_sandwich,_though_her_stomach_was_too_upset_to_eat._She_always_a
sked
_for_PB&J._Piper_was_vegetarian,_for_one_thing._She_had_been_ever_since_they\u8
2
17?
d_driven_past_that_slaughterhouse_in_Chino_and_the_smell_had_made_her_insides
_want_to_come_outside._But_it_was_more_than_that._PB&J_was_simple_food,_like_a
_r
egular_kid_would_have_for_lunch._Sometimes_she_pretended_her_dad_had_actually
_ma
de_it_for_her,_not_a_personal_chef_from_France_who_liked_to_wrap_the_sandwich_i
n
_gold_leaf_paper_with_a_light-up_sparkler_instead_of_a_toothpick.\par\pard\plain
\hyphpar}{
Couldn\u8217?t_anything_be_simple?_That\u8217?
s_why_she_turned_down_the_fancy_cl
othes_Dad_always_offered,_the_designer_shoes,_the_trips_to_the_salon._She_cut_he
r_own_hair_with_a_pair_of_plastic_Garfield_safety_scissors,_deliberately_making_
it_uneven._She_preferred_to_wear_beat-up_running_shoes,_jeans,_a_T-shirt,_and_he
r_old_Polartec_jacket_from_the_time_they_went_snowboarding.\par\pard\plain\hyph
p
ar}{
And_she_hated_the_snobby_private_schools_Dad_thought_were_good_for_her._She_
kept
_getting_herself_kicked_out._He_kept_finding_more_schools._\par\pard\plain\hyphp
ar}{
Yesterday,_she\u8217?d_pulled_her_biggest_heist_yet\u8212?driving_that_\u8220?
bo
rrowed\u8221?_BMW_out_of_the_dealership._She_{\i
had_}to_pull_a_bigger_stunt_each_time,_because_it_took_more_and_more_to_get_D
ad\
u8217?s_attention._\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
Now_she_regretted_it._Dad_didn\u8217?t_know_yet._\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
She\u8217?d_meant_to_tell_him_that_morning._Then_he\u8217?
d_surprised_her_with_t
his_trip,_and_she_couldn\u8217?t_ruin_it._It_was_the_first_time_they\u8217?d_had
_a_day_together_in_what\u8212?three_months?\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
\u8220?What\u8217?s_wrong?\u8221?
_He_passed_her_a_soda.\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
\u8220?Dad,_there\u8217?s_something\u8212?\u8221?\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
\u8220?Hold_on,_Pipes._That\u8217?
s_a_serious_face._Ready_for_Any_Three_Question
s?\u8221?_\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
They\u8217?d_been_playing_that_game_for_years\u8212?her_dad\u8217?
s_way_of_stayi
ng_connected_in_the_shortest_possible_amount_of_time._They_could_ask_each_oth
er_
any_three_questions._Nothing_off-limits,_and_you_had_to_answer_honestly._The_res
t_of_the_time,_Dad_promised_to_stay_out_of_her_business\u8212?
which_was_easy,_si
nce_he_was_never_around._\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
Piper_knew_most_kids_would_find_a_Q&A_like_this_with_their_parents_totally_morti
fying._But_she_looked_forward_to_it._It_was_like_surfing\u8212?not_easy,_but_a_w
ay_to_feel_like_she_actually_had_a_father.\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
\u8220?First_question,\u8221?_she_said._\u8220?
Mom.\u8221?\par\pard\plain\hyphpa
r}{
No_surprise._That_was_always_one_of_her_topics.\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
Her_dad_shrugged_with_resignation._\u8220?What_do_you_want_to_know,_Piper?
_I\u82
17?ve_already_told_you\u8212?she_disappeared._I_don\u8217?
t_know_why,_or_where_s
he_went._After_you_were_born,_she_simply_left._I_never_heard_from_her_again.\u8
2
\u8220?Do_you_think_she\u8217?s_still_alive?\u8221?_\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
It_wasn\u8217?t_a_real_question._Dad_was_allowed_to_say_he_didn\u8217?
t_know._Bu
t_she_wanted_to_hear_how_he\u8217?d_answer._\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
He_stared_at_the_waves._\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
\u8220?Your_Grandpa_Tom,\u8221?_he_said_at_last,_\u8220?
he_used_to_tell_me_that_
if_you_walked_far_enough_toward_the_sunset,_you\u8217?
d_come_to_Ghost_Country,_w
here_you_could_talk_to_the_dead._He_said_a_long_time_ago,_you_could_bring_the_
de
ad_back;_but_then_mankind_messed_up._Well,_it\u8217?
s_a_long_story.\u8221?\par\p
ard\plain\hyphpar}{
\u8220?Like_the_Land_of_the_Dead_for_the_Greeks,\u8221?
_Piper_remembered._\u8220
?It_was_in_the_west,_too._And_Orpheus\u8212?
he_tried_to_bring_his_wife_back.\u82
Dad_nodded._A_year_before,_he\u8217?
d_had_his_biggest_role_as_an_Ancient_Greek_k
ing._Piper_had_helped_him_research_the_myths\u8212?
all_those_old_stories_about_p
eople_getting_turned_to_stone_and_boiled_in_lakes_of_lava._They\u8217?
d_had_a_fu
n_time_reading_together,_and_it_made_Piper\u8217?
s_life_seem_not_so_bad._For_a_w
hile_she\u8217?d_felt_closer_to_her_dad,_but_like_everything,_it_didn\u8217?t_la
st._\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
\u8220?Lot_of_similarities_between_Greek_and_Cherokee,\u8221?
_Dad_agreed._\u8220
?
Wonder_what_your_grandpa_would_think_if_he_saw_us_now,_sitting_at_the_end_of_
th
e_western_land._He\u8217?d_probably_think_we\u8217?
re_ghosts.\u8221?\par\pard\pl
ain\hyphpar}{
\u8220?So_you\u8217?re_saying_you_believe_those_stories?
_You_think_Mom_is_dead?\
u8221?_\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
His_eyes_watered,_and_Piper_saw_the_sadness_behind_them._She_figured_that\u82
17?
s_why_women_were_so_attracted_to_him._On_the_surface,_he_seemed_confident_a
nd_ru
gged,_but_his_eyes_held_so_much_sadness._Women_wanted_to_find_out_why._They
_want
ed_to_comfort_him,_and_they_never_could._Dad_told_Piper_it_was_a_Cherokee_thin
g\
u8212?
they_all_had_that_darkness_inside_them_from_generations_of_pain_and_suffer
ing._But_Piper_thought_it_was_more_than_that.\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
\u8220?I_don\u8217?t_believe_the_stories,\u8221?_he_said._\u8220?They\u8217?
re_f
un_to_tell,_but_if_I_really_believed_in_Ghost_Country,_or_animal_spirits,_or_Gre
ek_gods_\u8230?_I_don\u8217?t_think_I_could_sleep_at_night._I\u8217?
d_always_be_
looking_for_somebody_to_blame.\u8221?\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
Somebody_to_blame_for_Grandpa_Tom_dying_of_lung_cancer,_Piper_thought,_befor
e_Da
d_got_famous_and_had_the_money_to_help._For_Mom\u8212?
the_only_woman_he\u8217?d_
ever_loved_\u8212?abandoning_him_without_even_a_goodbye_note,_leaving_him_with_
a_newborn_girl_he_wasn\u8217?t_ready_to_care_for._For_his_being_so_successful,_a
nd_yet_still_not_happy.\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
\u8220?I_don\u8217?t_know_if_she\u8217?s_alive,\u8221?_he_said._\u8220?
But_I_do_
think_she_might_as_well_be_in_Ghost_Country,_Piper._There\u8217?
s_no_getting_her
_back._If_I_believed_otherwise_\u8230?_I_don\u8217?t_think_I_could_stand_that,_e
ither.\u8221?_\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
Behind_them,_a_car_door_opened._Piper_turned,_and_her_heart_sank._Jane_was_m
arch
ing_toward_them_in_her_business_suit,_wobbling_over_the_sand_in_her_high_heels,
_
her_PDA_in_hand._The_look_on_her_face_was_partly_annoyed,_partly_triumphant,_a
nd
_Piper_knew_she\u8217?d_been_in_touch_with_the_police._\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}
{
{\i
Please_fall_down,_}Piper_prayed._{\i
If_there\u8217?
s_any_animal_spirit_or_Greek_god_that_can_help,_make_Jane_take_a_
header._I\u8217?
m_not_asking_for_permanent_damage,_just_knock_her_out_for_the_re
st_of_the_day,_please?}\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
But_Jane_kept_advancing.\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
\u8220?Dad,\u8221?_Piper_said_quickly._\u8220?
Something_happened_yesterday\u8230
?\u8221?_\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
But_he\u8217?
d_seen_Jane,_too._He_was_already_reconstructing_his_business_face._
Jane_wouldn\u8217?t_be_here_if_it_wasn\u8217?
t_serious._A_studio_head_called\u82
12?a_project_fell_through\u8212?
or_Piper_had_messed_up_again.\par\pard\plain\hyp
hpar}{
\u8220?We\u8217?ll_get_back_to_that,_Pipes,\u8221?_he_promised._\u8220?
I\u8217?d
_better_see_what_Jane_wants._You_know_how_she_is.\u8221?
_\par\pard\plain\hyphpar
}{
Yes\u8212?
Piper_knew._Dad_trudged_across_the_sand_to_meet_her._Piper_couldn\u821
7?t_hear_them_talking,_but_she_didn\u8217?
t_need_to._She_was_good_at_reading_fac
es._Jane_gave_him_the_facts_about_the_stolen_car,_occasionally_pointing_at_Piper
_like_she_was_a_disgusting_pet_that_had_whizzed_on_the_carpet.\par\pard\plain\hy
phpar}{
Dad\u8217?
s_energy_and_enthusiasm_drained_away._He_gestured_for_Jane_to_wait._Th
en_he_walked_back_to_Piper._She_couldn\u8217?
t_stand_that_look_in_his_eyes\u8212
?like_she\u8217?d_betrayed_his_trust.\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
\u8220?You_told_me_you_would_try,_Piper,\u8221?
_he_said.\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}
{
\u8220?Dad,_I_hate_that_school._I_can\u8217?t_do_it._I_wanted_to_tell_you_about_
the_BMW,_but\u8212?\u8221?_\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
\u8220?They\u8217?ve_expelled_you,\u8221?_he_said._\u8220?A_car,_Piper?
_You\u821
7?
re_sixteen_next_year._I_would_buy_you_any_car_you_want._How_could_you\u8212?\
u
\u8220?You_mean_{\i
Jane_}would_buy_me_a_car?\u8221?_Piper_demanded._She_couldn\u8217?
t_help_it._The
_anger_just_welled_up_and_spilled_out_of_her._\u8220?Dad,_just_listen_for_once._
Don\u8217?
t_make_me_wait_for_you_to_ask_your_stupid_three_questions._I_want_to_g
o_to_regular_school._I_want_{\i
you_}to_take_me_to_parents\u8217?_night,_not_Jane._Or_homeschool_me!
_I_learned_s
o_much_when_we_read_about_Greece_together._We_could_do_that_all_the_time!
_We_cou
ld\u8212?\u8221?\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
\u8220?Don\u8217?t_make_this_about_me,\u8221?_her_dad_said._\u8220?
I_do_the_best
_I_can,_Piper._We\u8217?ve_had_this_conversation.\u8221?_\par\pard\plain\hyphpar
}{
{\i
No,}_she_thought._{\i
You\u8217?ve_cut_off_this_conversation._For_years.}\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
Her_dad_sighed._\u8220?Jane\u8217?
s_talked_to_the_police,_brokered_a_deal._The_d
ealership_won\u8217?
t_press_charges,_but_you_have_to_agree_to_go_to_a_boarding_s
chool_in_Nevada._They_specialize_in_problems_\u8230?_in_kids_with_tough_issues.\
\u8220?That\u8217?s_what_I_am.\u8221?_Her_voice_trembled._\u8220?
A_problem.\u822
\u8220?Piper_\u8230?_you_said_you\u8217?d_try._You_let_me_down._I_don\u8217?
t_kn
ow_what_else_to_do.\u8221?_\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
\u8220?Do_anything,\u8221?_she_said._\u8220?But_do_it_yourself!_Don\u8217?
t_let_
Jane_handle_it_for_you._You_can\u8217?
t_just_send_me_away.\u8221?\par\pard\plain
\hyphpar}{
Dad_looked_down_at_the_picnic_basket._His_sandwich_sat_uneaten_on_a_piece_of_
gol
d_leaf_paper._They\u8217?
d_planned_for_a_whole_afternoon_in_the_surf._Now_that_w
as_ruined._\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
Piper_couldn\u8217?t_believe_he\u8217?d_really_give_in_to_Jane\u8217?
s_wishes._N
ot_this_time._Not_on_something_as_huge_as_boarding_school.\par\pard\plain\hyphp
a
r}{
\u8220?Go_see_her,\u8221?_Dad_said._\u8220?She\u8217?
s_got_the_details.\u8221?_\
\u8220?Dad_\u8230?\u8221?_\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
He_looked_away,_gazing_at_the_ocean_like_he_could_see_all_the_way_to_Ghost_Co
unt
ry._Piper_promised_herself_she_wouldn\u8217?
t_cry._She_headed_up_the_beach_towar
d_Jane,_who_smiled_coldly_and_held_up_a_plane_ticket._As_usual,_she\u8217?
d_alre
ady_arranged_everything._Piper_was_just_another_problem_of_the_day_that_Jane_c
ou
ld_now_check_off_her_list._\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
Piper\u8217?s_dream_changed.\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
She_stood_on_a_mountaintop_at_night,_city_lights_glimmering_below._In_front_of_h
er,_a_bonfire_blazed._Purplish_flames_seemed_to_cast_more_shadows_than_light,_b
u
t_the_heat_was_so_intense,_her_clothes_steamed._\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
\u8220?This_is_your_second_warning,\u8221?
_a_voice_rumbled,_so_powerful_it_shook
_the_earth._Piper_had_heard_that_voice_before_in_her_dreams._She\u8217?
d_tried_t
o_convince_herself_it_wasn\u8217?
t_as_scary_as_she_remembered,_but_it_was_worse.
Behind_the_bonfire,_a_huge_face_loomed_out_of_the_darkness._It_seemed_to_float_
a
bove_the_flames,_but_Piper_knew_it_must_be_connected_to_an_enormous_body._Th
e_cr
ude_features_might\u8217?
ve_been_chiseled_out_of_rock._The_face_hardly_seemed_al
ive_except_for_its_piercing_white_eyes,_like_raw_diamonds,_and_its_horrible_fram
e_of_dreadlocks,_braided_with_human_bones._It_smiled,_and_Piper_shivered.\par\pa
rd\plain\hyphpar}{
\u8220?You\u8217?ll_do_what_you\u8217?re_told,\u8221?_the_giant_said._\u8220?
You
\u8217?
ll_go_on_the_quest._Do_our_bidding,_and_you_may_walk_away_alive._Otherwis
e\u8212?\u8221?_\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
He_gestured_to_one_side_of_the_fire._Piper\u8217?
s_father_was_hanging_unconsciou
s,_tied_to_a_stake.\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
She_tried_to_cry_out._She_wanted_to_call_to_her_dad,_and_demand_the_giant_let_h
i
m_go,_but_her_voice_wouldn\u8217?t_work._\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
\u8220?I\u8217?ll_be_watching,\u8221?_the_giant_said._\u8220?
Serve_me,_and_you_b
oth_live._You_have_the_word_of_Enceladus._Fail_me_\u8230?_well,_I\u8217?ve_slept
_for_millennia,_young_demigod._I_am_{\i
very_}hungry._Fail,_and_I\u8217?ll_eat_well.\u8221?_\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
The_giant_roared_with_laughter._The_earth_trembled._A_crevice_opened_at_Piper\u
8
217?s_feet,_and_she_tumbled_into_darkness._\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
She_woke_feeling_like_she\u8217?d_been_trampled_by_an_Irish_stepdancing_troupe.
_Her_chest_hurt,_and_she_could_barely_breathe._She_reached_down_and_closed_h
er_h
and_around_the_hilt_of_the_dagger_Annabeth_had_given_her\u8212?
Katoptris,_Helen_
of_Troy\u8217?s_weapon.\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
So_Camp_Half-Blood_hadn\u8217?t_been_a_dream._\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
\u8220?How_are_you_feeling?\u8221?_someone_asked.\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
Piper_tried_to_focus._She_was_lying_in_a_bed_with_a_white_curtain_on_one_side,_l
ike_in_a_nurse\u8217?s_office._That_redheaded_girl,_Rachel_Dare,_sat_next_to_her
.
_On_the_wall_was_a_poster_of_a_cartoon_satyr_who_looked_disturbingly_like_Coach
_Hedge_with_a_thermometer_sticking_out_of_his_mouth._The_caption_read:_{\i
Don\u8217?t_let_sickness_get_your_goat!}\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
\u8220?Where\u8212?\u8221?_Piper\u8217?
s_voice_died_when_she_saw_the_guy_at_the_
door._\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
He_looked_like_a_typical_California_surfer_dude\u8212?buff_and_tan,_blond_hair,_
dressed_in_shorts_and_a_T-shirt._But_he_had_hundreds_of_blue_eyes_all_over_his_b
ody\u8212?
along_his_arms,_down_his_legs,_and_all_over_his_face._Even_his_feet_ha
d_eyes,_peering_up_at_her_from_between_the_straps_of_his_sandals.\par\pard\plain
\hyphpar}{
\u8220?That\u8217?s_Argus,\u8221?_Rachel_said,_\u8220?
our_head_of_security._He\u
8217?s_just_keeping_an_eye_on_things_\u8230?
_so_to_speak.\u8221?\par\pard\plain\
hyphpar}{
Argus_nodded._The_eye_on_his_chin_winked.\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
\u8220?Where\u8212??\u8221?
_Piper_tried_again,_but_she_felt_like_she_was_talking
_through_a_mouthful_of_cotton.\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
\u8220?You\u8217?re_in_the_Big_House,\u8221?_Rachel_said._\u8220?
Camp_offices._W
e_brought_you_here_when_you_collapsed.\u8221?\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
\u8220?You_grabbed_me,\u8221?_Piper_remembered._\u8220?Hera\u8217?
s_voice\u8212?
\u8220?I\u8217?m_so_sorry_about_that,\u8221?_Rachel_said._\u8220?
Believe_me,_it_
was_{\i
not_}my_idea_to_get_possessed._Chiron_healed_you_with_some_nectar\u8212?\u82
21?_
\u8220?Nectar?\u8221?_\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
\u8220?The_drink_of_the_gods._In_small_amounts,_it_heals_demigods,_if_it_doesn\u
8217?t\u8212?ah\u8212?burn_you_to_ashes.\u8221?_\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
\u8220?Oh._Fun.\u8221?_\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
Rachel_sat_forward._\u8220?
Do_you_remember_your_vision?\u8221?\par\pard\plain\hy
phpar}{
Piper_had_a_moment_of_dread,_thinking_she_meant_the_dream_about_the_giant._T
hen_
she_realized_Rachel_was_talking_about_what_happened_in_Hera\u8217?
s_cabin._\par\
\u8220?Something\u8217?s_wrong_with_the_goddess,\u8221?_Piper_said._\u8220?
She_t
old_me_to_free_her,_like_she\u8217?
s_trapped._She_mentioned_the_earth_swallowing
_us,_and_a_fiery_one,_and_something_about_the_solstice.\u8221?_\par\pard\plain\h
yphpar}{
In_the_corner,_Argus_made_a_rumbling_sound_in_his_chest._His_eyes_all_fluttered_
at_once.\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
\u8220?Hera_created_Argus,\u8221?_Rachel_explained._\u8220?He\u8217?
s_actually_v
ery_sensitive_when_it_comes_to_her_safety._We\u8217?
re_trying_to_keep_him_from_c
rying,_because_last_time_that_happened_\u8230?well,_it_caused_quite_a_flood.\u82
Argus_sniffled._He_grabbed_a_fistful_of_Kleenex_from_the_bedside_table_and_start
ed_dabbing_eyes_all_over_his_body.\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
\u8220?So_\u8230?\u8221?
_Piper_tried_not_to_stare_as_Argus_wiped_the_tears_from_
his_elbows._\u8220?What\u8217?s_happened_to_Hera?\u8221?
}{
\u8220?We\u8217?re_not_sure,\u8221?_Rachel_said._\u8220?
Annabeth_and_Jason_were_
here_for_you,_by_the_way._Jason_didn\u8217?
t_want_to_leave_you,_but_Annabeth_had
_an_idea\u8212?something_that_might_restore_his_memories.\u8221?
_\par\pard\plain
\hyphpar}{
\u8220?That\u8217?s_\u8230?_that\u8217?s_great.\u8221?\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}
{
Jason_had_been_here_for_her?_She_wished_she\u8217?
d_been_conscious_for_that._But
_if_he_got_his_memories_back,_would_that_be_a_good_thing?
_She_was_still_holding_
out_hope_that_they_really_did_know_each_other._She_didn\u8217?
t_want_their_relat
ionship_to_be_just_a_trick_of_the_Mist.\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
Get_over_yourself,_she_thought._If_she_was_going_to_save_her_dad,_it_didn\u8217
?
t_matter_whether_Jason_liked_her_or_not._He_would_hate_her_eventually._Everyone
_
here_would.\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
She_looked_down_at_the_ceremonial_dagger_strapped_to_her_side._Annabeth_had_
said
_it_was_a_sign_of_power_and_status,_but_not_normally_used_in_battle._All_show_an
d_no_substance._A_fake,_just_like_Piper._And_its_name_was_Katoptris,_looking_gla
ss._She_didn\u8217?t_dare_unsheathe_it_again,_because_she_couldn\u8217?
t_bear_to
_see_her_own_reflection._\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
\u8220?Don\u8217?t_worry.\u8221?_Rachel_squeezed_her_arm._\u8220?
Jason_seems_lik
e_a_good_guy._He_had_a_vision_too,_a_lot_like_yours._Whatever\u8217?
s_happening_
with_Hera\u8212?
I_think_you_two_are_meant_to_work_together.\u8221?\par\pard\plai
n\hyphpar}{
Rachel_smiled_like_this_was_good_news,_but_Piper\u8217?
s_spirits_plunged_even_fu
rther._She\u8217?d_thought_that_this_quest\u8212?whatever_it_was\u8212?
would_inv
olve_nameless_people._Now_Rachel_was_basically_telling_her:_{\i
Good_news!
_Not_only_is_your_dad_being_held_ransom_by_a_cannibal_giant,_you_also_
get_to_betray_the_guy_you_like!_How_awesome_is_that?_}\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}
{
\u8220?Hey,\u8221?_Rachel_said._\u8220?No_need_to_cry._You\u8217?
ll_figure_it_ou
t.\u8221?\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
Piper_wiped_her_eyes,_trying_to_get_control_of_herself._This_wasn\u8217?t_like_h
er._She_was_supposed_to_be_tough\u8212?
a_hardened_car_thief,_the_scourge_of_L.A.
_private_schools._Here_she_was,_crying_like_a_baby._\u8220?
How_can_you_know_what
_I\u8217?m_facing?\u8221?_\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
Rachel_shrugged._\u8220?I_know_it\u8217?
s_a_hard_choice,_and_your_options_aren\u
8217?t_great._Like_I_said,_I_get_hunches_sometimes._\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
But_you\u8217?re_going_to_be_claimed_at_the_campfire._I\u8217?
m_almost_sure._Whe
n_you_know_who_your_godly_parent_is,_things_might_be_clearer.\u8221?
_\par\pard\p
lain\hyphpar}{
Clearer,_Piper_thought._Not_necessarily_better.\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
She_sat_up_in_bed._Her_forehead_ached_like_someone_had_driven_a_spike_betwee
n_he
r_eyes._{\i
There\u8217?
s_no_getting_your_mother_back,_}her_dad_had_told_her._But_apparently
,_tonight,_her_mom_might_claim_her._For_the_first_time,_Piper_wasn\u8217?t_sure_
she_wanted_that._\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
\u8220?I_hope_it\u8217?s_Athena.\u8221?
_She_looked_up,_afraid_Rachel_might_make_
fun_of_her,_but_the_oracle_just_smiled.\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
\u8220?Piper,_I_don\u8217?t_blame_you._Truthfully?_I_think_Annabeth_is_hoping_th
at_too._You_guys_are_a_lot_alike.\u8221?\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
The_comparison_made_Piper_feel_even_guiltier._\u8220?Another_hunch?
_You_don\u821
7?t_know_anything_about_me.\u8221?_\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
\u8220?You\u8217?d_be_surprised.\u8221?_\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
\u8220?You\u8217?re_just_saying_that_because_you\u8217?
re_an_oracle,_aren\u8217?
t_you?_You\u8217?
re_supposed_to_sound_all_mysterious.\u8221?\par\pard\plain\hyph
par}{
Rachel_laughed._\u8220?Don\u8217?
t_be_giving_away_my_secrets,_Piper._And_don\u82
17?t_worry._Things_will_work_out\u8212?
just_maybe_not_the_way_you_plan.\u8221?\p
\u8220?That\u8217?s_not_making_me_feel_better.\u8221?\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}
{
Somewhere_in_the_distance,_a_conch_horn_blew._Argus_grumbled_and_opened_the
_door
\u8220?Dinner?\u8221?_Piper_guessed.\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
\u8220?You_slept_through_it,\u8221?_Rachel_said._\u8220?
Time_for_the_campfire._L
et\u8217?s_go_find_out_who_you_are.\u8221?_\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
T}{\b
HE_WHOLE_CAMPFIRE_IDEA_FREAKED}{\b
_P}{\b
IPER_OUT.}{\b
_}It_made_her_think_of_that_huge_purple_bonfire_in_the_dreams,_and_her_father_ti
ed_to_a_stake._\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
What_she_got_instead_was_almost_as_terrifying:_a_singalong._The_amphitheater_st
eps_were_carved_into_the_side_of_a_hill,_facing_a_stone-lined_fire_pit._Fifty_or
_sixty_kids_filled_the_rows,_clustered_into_groups_under_various_banners.\par\pa
rd\plain\hyphpar}{
Piper_spotted_Jason_in_the_front_next_to_Annabeth._Leo_was_nearby,_sitting_with_
a_bunch_of_burlylooking_campers_under_a_steel_gray_banner_emblazoned_with_a_ham
mer._Standing_in_front_of_the_fire,_half_a_dozen_campers_with_guitars_and_strang
e,_old-fashioned_harps\u8212?lyres?\u8212?
were_jumping_around,_leading_a_song_ab
out_pieces_of_armor,_something_about_how_their_grandma_got_dressed_for_war._E
ver
ybody_was_singing_with_them_and_making_gestures_for_the_pieces_of_armor_and_
joki
ng_around._It_was_quite_possibly_the_weirdest_thing_Piper_had_ever_seen\u8212?
on
e_of_those_campfire_songs_that_would\u8217?
ve_been_completely_embarrassing_in_da
ylight;_but_in_the_dark,_with_everybody_participating,_it_was_kind_of_corny_and_
fun._As_the_energy_level_got_higher,_the_flames_did_too,_turning_from_red_to_ora
nge_to_gold.\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
Finally_the_song_ended_with_a_lot_of_rowdy_applause._A_guy_on_a_horse_trotted_u
p
._At_least_in_the_flickering_light,_Piper_{\i
thought_}it_was_a_guy_on_a_horse._Then_she_realized_it_was_a_centaur\u8212?
his_b
ottom_half_a_white_stallion,_his_top_half_a_middle-aged_guy_with_curly_hair_and_
a_trimmed_beard._He_brandished_a_spear_impaled_with_toasted_marshmallows._\u
8220
?Very_nice!
_And_a_special_welcome_to_our_new_arrivals._I_am_Chiron,_camp_activit
ies_director,_and_I\u8217?
m_happy_you_have_all_arrived_here_alive_and_with_most_
of_your_limbs_attached._In_a_moment,_I_promise_we\u8217?ll_get_to_the_s\u8217?
mo
res,_but_first\u8212?\u8221?_\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
\u8220?What_about_capture_the_flag?\u8221?
_somebody_yelled._Grumbling_broke_out_
among_some_kids_in_armor,_sitting_under_a_red_banner_with_the_emblem_of_a_bo
ar\u
8217?s_head._\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
\u8220?Yes,\u8221?_the_centaur_said._\u8220?
I_know_the_Ares_cabin_is_anxious_to_
return_to_the_woods_for_our_regular_games.\u8221?\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
\u8220?And_kill_people!\u8221?_one_of_them_shouted.\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
\u8220?However,\u8221?_Chiron_said,_\u8220?
until_the_dragon_is_brought_under_con
trol,_that_won\u8217?t_be_possible._Cabin_Nine,_anything_to_report_on_that?\u822
He_turned_to_Leo\u8217?
s_group._Leo_winked_at_Piper_and_shot_her_with_a_finger_g
un._The_girl_next_to_him_stood_uncomfortably._She_wore_an_army_jacket_a_lot_lik
e
_Leo\u8217?s,_with_her_hair_covered_in_a_red_bandanna._\u8220?We\u8217?
re_workin
g_on_it.\u8221?_\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
More_grumbling.\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
\u8220?How,_Nyssa?\u8221?_an_Ares_kid_demanded._\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
\u8220?Really_hard,\u8221?_the_girl_said.\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
Nyssa_sat_down_to_a_lot_of_yelling_and_complaining,_which_caused_the_fire_to_sp
u
tter_chaotically._Chiron_stamped_his_hoof_against_the_fire_pit_stones\u8212?{\i
bang,_bang,_bang}\u8212?and_the_campers_fell_silent._\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
\u8220?We_will_have_to_be_patient,\u8221?_Chiron_said._\u8220?
In_the_meantime,_w
e_have_more_pressing_matters_to_discuss.\u8221?\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
\u8220?Percy?\u8221?
_someone_asked._The_fire_dimmed_even_further,_but_Piper_didn
\u8217?t_need_the_mood_flames_to_sense_the_crowd\u8217?
s_anxiety.\par\pard\plain
\hyphpar}{
Chiron_gestured_to_Annabeth._She_took_a_deep_breath_and_stood._\par\pard\plain\
h
yphpar}{
\u8220?I_didn\u8217?t_find_Percy,\u8221?
_she_announced._Her_voice_caught_a_littl
e_when_she_said_his_name._\u8220?He_wasn\u8217?
t_at_the_Grand_Canyon_like_I_thou
ght._But_we\u8217?re_not_giving_up._We\u8217?
ve_got_teams_everywhere._Grover,_Ty
son,_Nico,_the_Hunters_of_Artemis_\u8212?everyone\u8217?s_out_looking._We_{\i
will_}find_him._Chiron\u8217?s_talking_about_something_different._A_new_quest.\u
\u8220?It\u8217?s_the_Great_Prophecy,_isn\u8217?t_it?\u8221?_a_girl_called_out.\
Everyone_turned._The_voice_had_come_from_a_group_in_back,_sitting_under_a_ros
e-c
olored_banner_with_a_dove_emblem._They\u8217?
d_been_chatting_among_themselves_an
d_not_paying_much_attention_until_their_leader_stood_up:_Drew.\par\pard\plain\hy
phpar}{
Everyone_else_looked_surprised._Apparently_Drew_didn\u8217?
t_address_the_crowd_v
ery_often.\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
\u8220?Drew?\u8221?_Annabeth_said._\u8220?
What_do_you_mean?\u8221?\par\pard\plai
n\hyphpar}{
\u8220?Well,_{\i
come_on}.\u8221?_Drew_spread_her_hands_like_the_truth_was_obvious._\u8220?
Olympu
s_is_closed._Percy\u8217?
s_disappeared._Hera_sends_you_a_vision_and_you_come_bac
k_with_three_new_demigods_in_one_day._I_mean,_something_weird_is_going_on._Th
e_G
reat_Prophecy_has_started,_right?\u8221?\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
Piper_whispered_to_Rachel,_\u8220?What\u8217?s_she_talking_about\u8212?
the_Great
_Prophecy?\u8221?\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
Then_she_realized_everyone_else_was_looking_at_Rachel,_too.\par\pard\plain\hyphp
ar}{
\u8220?Well?\u8221?_Drew_called_down._\u8220?You\u8217?
re_the_oracle._Has_it_sta
rted_or_not?\u8221?_\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
Rachel\u8217?s_eyes_looked_scary_in_the_firelight._Piper_was_afraid_she_might_cl
ench_up_and_start_channeling_a_freaky_peacock_goddess_again,_but_she_stepped_
for
ward_calmly_and_addressed_the_camp.\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
\u8220?Yes,\u8221?_she_said._\u8220?
The_Great_Prophecy_has_begun.\u8221?\par\par
d\plain\hyphpar}{
Pandemonium_broke_out._\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
Piper_caught_Jason\u8217?s_eye._He_mouthed,_{\i
You_all_right?
_}She_nodded_and_managed_a_smile,_but_then_looked_away._It_was_too
_painful_seeing_him_and_not_being_with_him.\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
When_the_talking_finally_subsided,_Rachel_took_another_step_toward_the_audienc
e,
_and_fiftyplus_demigods_leaned_away_from_her,_as_if_one_skinny_redheaded_mortal
_was_more_intimidating_than_all_of_them_put_together.\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
\u8220?For_those_of_you_who_have_not_heard_it,\u8221?_Rachel_said,_\u8220?
the_Gr
eat_Prophecy_was_my_first_prediction._It_arrived_in_August._It_goes_like_this:_\
{\i
\u8220?Seven_half-bloods_shall_answer_the_call._To_storm_or_fire_the_world_must_
fall\u8212?\u8221?_}\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
Jason_shot_to_his_feet._His_eyes_looked_wild,_like_he\u8217?d_just_been_tasered.
Even_Rachel_seemed_caught_off_guard._\u8220?J-Jason?\u8221?_she_said._\u8220?
Wha
t\u8217?s\u8212?\u8221?_\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
{\i
\u8220?Ut_cum_spiritu_postrema_sacramentum_dejuremus,\u8221?
_}he_chanted._{\i
\u8220?Et_hostes_ornamenta_addent_ad_ianuam_necem.\u8221?
_}\par\pard\plain\hyphp
ar}{
An_uneasy_silence_settled_on_the_group._Piper_could_see_from_their_faces_that_se
veral_of_them_were_trying_to_translate_the_lines._She_could_tell_it_was_Latin,_b
ut_she_wasn\u8217?
t_sure_why_her_hopefully_future_boyfriend_was_suddenly_chantin
g_like_a_Catholic_priest.\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
\u8220?You_just_\u8230?_finished_the_prophecy,\u8221?
_Rachel_stammered._\u8220?\
u8212?{\i
An_oath_to_keep_with_a_final_breath/And_foes_bear_arms_to_the_Doors_of_Death.}
_H
ow_did_you\u8212?\u8221?\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
\u8220?I_know_those_lines.\u8221?
_Jason_winced_and_put_his_hands_to_his_temples.
_\u8220?I_don\u8217?t_know_how,_but_I_{\i
know}_that_prophecy.\u8221?_\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
\u8220?In_Latin,_no_less,\u8221?_Drew_called_out._\u8220?Handsome_{\i
and_}smart.\u8221?_\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
There_was_some_giggling_from_the_Aphrodite_cabin._God,_what_a_bunch_of_losers
,_P
iper_thought._But_it_didn\u8217?
t_do_much_to_break_the_tension._The_campfire_was
_burning_a_chaotic,_nervous_shade_of_green.\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
Jason_sat_down,_looking_embarrassed,_but_Annabeth_put_a_hand_on_his_shoulder_
and
_muttered_something_reassuring._Piper_felt_a_pang_of_jealousy._It_should_have_be
en_{\i
her_}next_to_him,_comforting_him.\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
Rachel_Dare_still_looked_a_little_shaken._She_glanced_back_at_Chiron_for_guidanc
e,_but_the_centaur_stood_grim_and_silent,_as_if_he_were_watching_a_play_he_coul
d
n\u8217?t_interrupt\u8212?
a_tragedy_that_ended_with_a_lot_of_people_dead_onstage
\u8220?Well,\u8221?_Rachel_said,_trying_to_regain_her_composure._\u8220?
So,_yeah
,_that\u8217?
s_the_Great_Prophecy._We_hoped_it_might_not_happen_for_years,_but_I
_fear_it\u8217?s_starting_now._I_can\u8217?t_give_you_proof._It\u8217?s_just_a_f
eeling._And_like_Drew_said,_some_weird_stuff_is_happening._The_seven_demigods,
_w
hoever_they_are,_have_not_been_gathered_yet._I_get_the_feeling_some_are_here_t
on
ight._Some_are_not_here.\u8221?_\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
The_campers_began_to_stir_and_mutter,_looking_at_each_other_nervously,_until_a_
d
rowsy_voice_in_the_crowd_called_out,_\u8220?I\u8217?m_here!_Oh_\u8230?
_were_you_
calling_roll?\u8221?\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
\u8220?Go_back_to_sleep,_Clovis,\u8221?
_someone_yelled,_and_a_lot_of_people_laug
hed.\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
\u8220?Anyway,\u8221?_Rachel_continued,_\u8220?we_don\u8217?
t_know_what_the_Grea
t_Prophecy_means._We_don\u8217?
t_know_what_challenge_the_demigods_will_face,_but
_since_the_{\i
first_}Great_Prophecy_predicted_the_Titan_War,_we_can_guess_the_{\i
second_}Great_Prophecy_will_predict_something_at_least_that_bad.\u8221?\par\par
d
\plain\hyphpar}{
\u8220?Or_worse,\u8221?_Chiron_murmured._\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
Maybe_he_didn\u8217?
t_mean_everyone_to_overhear,_but_they_did._The_campfire_imme
diately_turned_dark_purple,_the_same_color_as_Piper\u8217?s_dream._\par\pard\pla
in\hyphpar}{
\u8220?What_we_{\i
do_}know,\u8221?_Rachel_said,_\u8220?
is_that_the_first_phase_has_begun._A_major_
problem_has_arisen,_and_we_need_a_quest_to_solve_it._Hera,_the_queen_of_the_go
ds
,_has_been_taken.\u8221?\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
Shocked_silence._Then_fifty_demigods_started_talking_at_once._\par\pard\plain\hy
phpar}{
Chiron_pounded_his_hoof_again,_but_Rachel_still_had_to_wait_before_she_could_get
_back_their_attention.\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
She_told_them_about_the_incident_on_the_Grand_Canyon_skywalk\u8212?
how_Gleeson_H
edge_had_sacrificed_himself_when_the_storm_spirits_attacked,_and_the_spirits_had
_warned_it_was_only_the_beginning._They_apparently_served_some_great_mistress
_wh
o_would_destroy_all_demigods.\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
Then_Rachel_told_them_about_Piper_passing_out_in_Hera\u8217?
s_cabin._Piper_tried
_to_keep_a_calm_expression,_even_when_she_noticed_Drew_in_the_back_row,_pant
omim
ing_a_faint,_and_her_friends_giggling._Finally_Rachel_told_them_about_Jason\u821
7?
s_vision_in_the_living_room_of_the_Big_House._The_message_Hera_had_delivered_t
here_was_so_similar_that_Piper_got_a_chill._The_only_difference:_Hera_had_warned
_Piper_not_to_betray_her:_{\i
Bow_to_his_will,_and_their_king_shall_rise,_dooming_us_all._}Hera_{\i
knew_}about_the_giant\u8217?s_threat._But_if_that_was_true,_why_hadn\u8217?
t_she
_warned_Jason,_and_exposed_Piper_as_an_enemy_agent?\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
\u8220?Jason,\u8221?_Rachel_said._\u8220?Um_\u8230?
_do_you_remember_your_last_na
me?\u8221?_\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
He_looked_self-conscious,_but_he_shook_his_head._\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
\u8220?We\u8217?ll_just_call_you_Jason,_then,\u8221?_Rachel_said._\u8220?
It\u821
7?s_clear_Hera_herself_has_issued_you_a_quest.\u8221?\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
Rachel_paused,_as_if_giving_Jason_a_chance_to_protest_his_destiny._Everyone\u821
7?
s_eyes_were_on_him;_there_was_so_much_pressure,_Piper_thought_she_would\u821
7?
ve_buckled_in_his_position._Yet_he_looked_brave_and_determined._He_set_his_jaw_
a
nd_nodded._\u8220?I_agree.\u8221?\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
\u8220?You_must_save_Hera_to_prevent_a_great_evil,\u8221?
_Rachel_continued._\u82
20?Some_sort_of_king_from_rising._For_reasons_we_don\u8217?
t_yet_understand,_it_
must_happen_by_the_winter_solstice,_only_four_days_from_now.\u8221?\par\pard\pl
a
in\hyphpar}{
\u8220?That\u8217?s_the_council_day_of_the_gods,\u8221?
_Annabeth_said._\u8220?If
_the_gods_don\u8217?t_{\i
already_}know_Hera\u8217?
s_gone,_they_will_definitely_notice_her_absence_by_then
._They\u8217?ll_probably_break_out_fighting,_accusing_each_other_of_taking_her._
That\u8217?s_what_they_usually_do.\u8221?\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
\u8220?The_winter_solstice,\u8221?_Chiron_spoke_up,_\u8220?
is_also_the_time_of_g
reatest_darkness._The_gods_gather_that_day,_as_mortals_always_have,_because_th
er
e_is_strength_in_numbers._The_solstice_is_a_day_when_evil_magic_is_strong._{\i
Ancient_}magic,_older_than_the_gods._It_is_a_day_when_things_\u8230?
_stir.\u8221
The_way_he_said_it,_stirring_sounded_absolutely_sinister\u8212?like_it_should_be
_a_first-degree_felony,_not_something_you_did_to_cookie_dough.\par\pard\plain\hy
phpar}{
\u8220?Okay,\u8221?_Annabeth_said,_glaring_at_the_centaur._\u8220?
Thank_you,_Cap
tain_Sunshine._Whatever\u8217?
s_going_on,_I_agree_with_Rachel._Jason_has_been_ch
osen_to_lead_this_quest,_so\u8212?\u8221?\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
\u8220?Why_hasn\u8217?t_he_been_claimed?\u8221?
_somebody_yelled_from_the_Ares_ca
bin._\u8220?If_he\u8217?s_so_important\u8212?\u8221?\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
\u8220?He_has_been_claimed,\u8221?_Chiron_announced._\u8220?
Long_ago._Jason,_giv
e_them_a_demonstration.\u8221?\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
At_first,_Jason_didn\u8217?
t_seem_to_understand._He_stepped_forward_nervously,_b
ut_Piper_couldn\u8217?
t_help_thinking_how_amazing_he_looked_with_his_blond_hair_
glowing_in_the_firelight,_his_regal_features_like_a_Roman_statue\u8217?s._He_gla
nced_at_Piper,_and_she_nodded_encouragingly._She_mimicked_flipping_a_coin.\par\
p
ard\plain\hyphpar}{
Jason_reached_into_his_pocket._His_coin_flashed_in_the_air,_and_when_he_caught_i
t_in_his_hand,_he_was_holding_a_lance\u8212?
a_rod_of_gold_about_seven_feet_long,
_with_a_spear_tip_at_one_end.\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
The_other_demigods_gasped._Rachel_and_Annabeth_stepped_back_to_avoid_the_po
int,_
which_looked_sharp_as_an_ice_pick._\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
\u8220?Wasn\u8217?t_that_\u8230?\u8221?_Annabeth_hesitated._\u8220?
I_thought_you
_had_a_sword.\u8221?_\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
\u8220?Um,_it_came_up_tails,_I_think,\u8221?_Jason_said._\u8220?
Same_coin,_longrange_weapon_form.\u8221?\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
\u8220?Dude,_I_want_one!\u8221?
_yelled_somebody_from_Ares_cabin.\par\pard\plain\
hyphpar}{
\u8220?Better_than_Clarisse\u8217?s_electric_spear,_Lamer!\u8221?
_one_of_his_bro
thers_agreed.\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
\u8220?Electric,\u8221?_Jason_murmured,_like_that_was_a_good_idea._\u8220?
Back_a
way.\u8221?\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
Annabeth_and_Rachel_got_the_message._Jason_raised_his_javelin,_and_thunder_bro
ke
_open_the_sky._Every_hair_on_Piper\u8217?
s_arms_stood_straight_up._Lightning_arc
ed_down_through_the_golden_spear_point_and_hit_the_campfire_with_the_force_of_
an
_artillery_shell.\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
When_the_smoke_cleared,_and_the_ringing_in_Piper\u8217?
s_ears_subsided,_the_enti
re_camp_sat_frozen_in_shock,_half_blind,_covered_in_ashes,_staring_at_the_place_
where_the_fire_had_been._Cinders_rained_down_everywhere._A_burning_log_had_i
mpal
ed_itself_a_few_inches_from_the_sleeping_kid_Clovis,_who_hadn\u8217?t_even_stirr
ed._\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
Jason_lowered_his_lance._\u8220?Um_\u8230?
_sorry.\u8221?\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}
{
Chiron_brushed_some_burning_coals_out_of_his_beard._He_grimaced_as_if_his_wors
t_
fears_had_been_confirmed._\u8220?A_little_overkill,_perhaps,_but_you\u8217?
ve_ma
de_your_point._And_I_believe_we_know_who_your_father_is.\u8221?\par\pard\plain\
h
yphpar}{
\u8220?Jupiter,\u8221?_Jason_said._\u8220?
I_mean_Zeus._Lord_of_the_Sky.\u8221?\p
Piper_couldn\u8217?
t_help_smiling._It_made_perfect_sense._The_most_powerful_god,
_the_father_of_all_the_greatest_heroes_in_the_ancient_myths\u8212?
no_one_else_co
uld_possibly_be_Jason\u8217?s_dad._\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
Apparently,_the_rest_of_the_camp_wasn\u8217?
t_so_sure._Everything_broke_into_cha
os,_with_dozens_of_people_asking_questions_until_Annabeth_raised_her_arms._\par\
\u8220?Hold_it!\u8221?_she_said._\u8220?How_can_he_be_the_son_of_Zeus?
_The_Big_T
hree_\u8230?_their_pact_not_to_have_mortal_kids_\u8230?
_how_could_we_not_have_kn
own_about_him_sooner?\u8221?_\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
Chiron_didn\u8217?
t_answer,_but_Piper_got_the_feeling_he_knew._And_the_truth_was
_not_good.\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
\u8220?The_important_thing,\u8221?_Rachel_said,_\u8220?is_that_Jason\u8217?
s_her
e_now._He_has_a_quest_to_fulfill,_which_means_he_will_need_his_own_prophecy.\u8
2
She_closed_her_eyes_and_swooned._Two_campers_rushed_forward_and_caught_her.
_A_th
ird_ran_to_the_side_of_the_amphitheater_and_grabbed_a_bronze_threelegged_stool,
_like_they\u8217?d_been_trained_for_this_duty._They_eased_Rachel_onto_the_stool_
in_front_of_the_ruined_hearth._Without_the_fire,_the_night_was_dark,_but_green_m
ist_started_swirling_around_Rachel\u8217?
s_feet._When_she_opened_her_eyes,_they_
were_glowing._Emerald_smoke_issued_from_her_mouth._The_voice_that_came_out_
was_r
aspy_and_ancient\u8212?
the_sound_a_snake_would_make_if_it_could_talk:_\par\pard\
plain\hyphpar}{
{\i
\u8220?Child_of_lightning,_beware_the_earth,_The_giants\u8217?
_revenge_the_seven
_shall_birth,_The_forge_and_dove_shall_break_the_cage,_And_death_unleash_throug
h
_Hera\u8217?s_rage.\u8221?_}\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
On_the_last_word,_Rachel_collapsed,_but_her_helpers_were_waiting_to_catch_her._T
hey_carried_her_away_from_the_hearth_and_laid_her_in_the_corner_to_rest._\par\pa
rd\plain\hyphpar}{
\u8220?Is_that_normal?\u8221?_Piper_asked._Then_she_realized_she\u8217?
d_spoken_
into_the_silence,_and_everyone_was_looking_at_her._\u8220?I_mean\u8230?
_does_she
_spew_green_smoke_a_lot?\u8221?\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
\u8220?Gods,_you\u8217?re_dense!\u8221?_Drew_sneered._\u8220?
She_just_issued_a_p
rophecy\u8212?Jason\u8217?s_prophecy_to_save_Hera!_Why_don\u8217?
t_you_just\u821
\u8220?Drew,\u8221?_Annabeth_snapped._\u8220?
Piper_asked_a_fair_question._Someth
ing_about_that_prophecy_{\i
definitely_}isn\u8217?t_normal._If_breaking_Hera\u8217?
s_cage_unleashes_her_rage
_and_causes_a_bunch_of_death_\u8230?_why_would_we_free_her?
_It_might_be_a_trap,_
or\u8212?or_maybe_Hera_will_turn_on_her_rescuers._She\u8217?
s_never_been_kind_to
_heroes.\u8221?_\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
Jason_rose._\u8220?I_don\u8217?
t_have_much_choice._Hera_took_my_memory._I_need_i
t_back._Besides,_we_can\u8217?t_just_{\i
not_}help_the_queen_of_the_heavens_if_she\u8217?s_in_trouble.\u8221?
_\par\pard\p
lain\hyphpar}{
A_girl_from_Hephaestus_cabin_stood_up\u8212?
Nyssa,_the_one_with_the_red_bandanna
._\u8220?
Maybe._But_you_should_listen_to_Annabeth._Hera_can_be_vengeful._She_thr
ew_her_own_son\u8212?our_dad\u8212?
down_a_mountain_just_because_he_was_ugly.\u82
\u8220?{\i
Real}_ugly,\u8221?_snickered_someone_from_Aphrodite.\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
\u8220?Shut_up!\u8221?_Nyssa_growled._\u8220?Anyway,_we\u8217?
ve_also_got_to_thi
nk_\u8212?why_beware_the_earth?_And_what\u8217?s_the_giants\u8217?
_revenge?_What
_are_we_dealing_with_here_that\u8217?
s_powerful_enough_to_kidnap_the_queen_of_th
e_heavens?\u8221?\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
No_one_answered,_but_Piper_noticed_Annabeth_and_Chiron_having_a_silent_excha
nge.
_Piper_thought_it_went_something_like:_\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
Annabeth:_{\i
The_giants\u8217?_revenge_\u8230?_no,_it_can\u8217?
t_be._}\par\pard\plain\hyphpa
r}{
Chiron:_{\i
Don\u8217?t_speak_of_it_here._Don\u8217?
t_scare_them._}\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
Annabeth:_{\i
You\u8217?re_kidding_me!_We_can\u8217?t_be_}that{\i
_unlucky._}\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
Chiron:_{\i
Later,_child._If_you_told_them_everything,_they_would_be_too_terrified_to_procee
d.}\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
Piper_knew_it_was_crazy_to_think_she_could_read_their_expressions_so_well\u8212
?
two_people_she_barely_knew._But_she_was_absolutely_positive_she_understood_th
em,
_and_it_scared_the_jujubes_out_of_her.\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
Annabeth_took_a_deep_breath._\u8220?It\u8217?s_Jason\u8217?s_quest,\u8221?
_she_a
nnounced,_\u8220?so_it\u8217?s_Jason\u8217?s_choice._Obviously,_he\u8217?
s_the_c
hild_of_lightning._According_to_tradition,_he_may_choose_any_two_companions.\u8
2
Someone_from_the_Hermes_cabin_yelled,_\u8220?
Well,_you,_obviously,_Annabeth._You
\u8217?ve_got_the_most_experience.\u8221?\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
\u8220?No,_Travis,\u8221?_Annabeth_said._\u8220?First_off,_I\u8217?m_{\i
not_}helping_Hera._Every_time_I\u8217?ve_tried,_she\u8217?
s_deceived_me,_or_it\u
8217?s_come_back_to_bite_me_later._Forget_it._No_way._Secondly,_I\u8217?
m_leavin
g_first_thing_in_the_morning_to_find_Percy.\u8221?\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
\u8220?It\u8217?s_connected,\u8221?
_Piper_blurted_out,_not_sure_how_she_got_the_
courage._\u8220?You_know_that\u8217?s_true,_don\u8217?t_you?
_This_whole_business
,_your_boyfriend\u8217?s_disappearance\u8212?it\u8217?s_all_connected.\u8221?
_\p
\u8220?How?\u8221?_demanded_Drew._\u8220?If_you\u8217?
re_so_smart,_how?\u8221?_\
Piper_tried_to_form_an_answer,_but_she_couldn\u8217?t._\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}
{
Annabeth_saved_her._\u8220?You_may_be_right,_Piper._If_this_is_connected,_I\u821
7?ll_find_out_from_the_other_end\u8212?by_searching_for_Percy._As_I_said,_I\u821
7?
m_not_about_to_rush_off_to_rescue_Hera,_even_if_her_disappearance_sets_the_res
t_of_the_Olympians_fighting_again._But_there\u8217?
s_another_reason_I_can\u8217?
t_go._The_prophecy_says_otherwise.\u8221?_\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
\u8220?It_says_who_{\i
I_}pick,\u8221?_Jason_agreed._\u8220?{\i
The_forge_and_dove_shall_break_the_cage}._The_forge_is_the_symbol_of_Vul\u8212
?H
ephaestus.\u8221?\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
Under_the_Cabin_Nine_banner,_Nyssa\u8217?
s_shoulders_slumped,_like_she\u8217?d_j
ust_been_given_a_heavy_anvil_to_carry._\u8220?
If_you_have_to_beware_the_earth,\u
8221?_she_said,_\u8220?you_should_avoid_traveling_overland._You\u8217?
ll_need_ai
r_transport.\u8221?\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
Piper_was_about_to_call_out_that_Jason_could_fly._But_then_she_thought_better_of
_it._That_was_for_Jason_to_tell_them,_and_he_wasn\u8217?t_volunteering_the_infor
mation._Maybe_he_figured_he\u8217?
d_freaked_them_out_enough_for_one_night.\par\p
ard\plain\hyphpar}{
\u8220?The_flying_chariot\u8217?s_broken,\u8221?_Nyssa_continued,_\u8220?
and_the
_pegasi,_we\u8217?
re_using_them_to_search_for_Percy._But_maybe_Hephaestus_cabin_
can_help_figure_out_something_else_to_help._With_Jake_incapacitated,_I\u8217?
m_s
enior_camper._I_can_volunteer_for_the_quest.\u8221?\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
She_didn\u8217?t_sound_enthusiastic._\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
Then_Leo_stood_up._He\u8217?
d_been_so_quiet,_Piper_had_almost_forgotten_he_was_t
here,_which_was_totally_{\i
not}_like_Leo._\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
\u8220?It\u8217?s_me,\u8221?_he_said._\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
His_cabinmates_stirred._Several_tried_to_pull_him_back_to_his_seat,_but_Leo_resi
sted._\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
\u8220?No,_it\u8217?s_me._I_know_it_is._I\u8217?ve_got_an_idea_for_the_transport
ation_problem._Let_me_try._I_can_fix_this!\u8221?\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
Jason_studied_him_for_a_moment._Piper_was_sure_he_was_going_to_tell_Leo_no._Th
en
_he_smiled._\u8220?
We_started_this_together,_Leo._Seems_only_right_you_come_alon
g._You_find_us_a_ride,_you\u8217?re_in.\u8221?_\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
\u8220?Yes!\u8221?_Leo_pumped_his_fist._\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
\u8220?It\u8217?ll_be_dangerous,\u8221?_Nyssa_warned_him._\u8220?
Hardship,_monst
ers,_terrible_suffering._Possibly_none_of_you_will_come_back_alive.\u8221?_\par\
\u8220?Oh.\u8221?_Suddenly_Leo_didn\u8217?
t_look_so_excited._Then_he_remembered_
everyone_was_watching._\u8220?I_mean_\u8230?_Oh,_cool!_Suffering?
_I_love_sufferi
ng!_Let\u8217?s_do_this.\u8221?_\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
Then,_Jason,_you_only_need_to_choose_the_third_quest_mem
ber._The_dove\u8212?\u8221?\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
\u8220?Oh,_absolutely!\u8221?
_Drew_was_on_her_feet_and_flashing_Jason_a_smile._\
u8220?The_dove_is_Aphrodite._Everybody_knows_that._I_am_{\i
totally_}yours.\u8221?\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
Piper\u8217?s_hands_clenched._She_stepped_forward._\u8220?
No.\u8221?\par\pard\pl
ain\hyphpar}{
Drew_rolled_her_eyes._\u8220?Oh,_please,_Dumpster_girl._Back_off.\u8221?
_\par\pa
rd\plain\hyphpar}{
{\i
\u8220?I}_had_the_vision_of_Hera;_not_you._I_have_to_do_this.\u8221?\par\pard\pl
ain\hyphpar}{
\u8220?Anyone_can_have_a_vision,\u8221?_Drew_said._\u8220?
You_were_just_at_the_r
ight_place_at_the_right_time.\u8221?_She_turned_to_Jason._\u8220?Look,_fighting_
is_all_fine,_I_suppose._And_people_who_build_things_\u8230?\u8221?
_She_looked_at
_Leo_in_disdain._\u8220?
Well,_I_suppose_someone_has_to_get_their_hands_dirty._Bu
t_you_need_{\i
charm_}on_your_side._I_can_be_very_persuasive._I_could_help_a_lot.\u8221?\par\pa
rd\plain\hyphpar}{
The_campers_started_murmuring_about_how_Drew_{\i
was_}pretty_persuasive._Piper_could_see_Drew_winning_them_over._Even_Chiron_w
as_
scratching_his_beard,_like_Drew\u8217?
s_participation_suddenly_made_sense_to_him
\u8220?Well_\u8230?\u8221?_Annabeth_said._\u8220?
Given_the_wording_of_the_prophe
cy\u8212?\u8221?\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
\u8220?No!\u8221?_Piper\u8217?
s_own_voice_sounded_strange_in_her_ears\u8212?more
_insistent,_richer_in_tone._\u8220?I\u8217?m_supposed_to_go.\u8221?_\par\pard\pl
ain\hyphpar}{
Then_the_weirdest_thing_happened._Everyone_started_nodding,_muttering_that_h
mm,_
Piper\u8217?
s_point_of_view_made_sense_too._Drew_looked_around,_incredulous._Eve
n_some_of_her_own_campers_were_nodding.\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
\u8220?Get_over_it!\u8221?_Drew_snapped_at_the_crowd._\u8220?
What_can_Piper_do?\
Piper_tried_to_respond,_but_her_confidence_started_to_wane._What_{\i
could_}she_offer?_She_wasn\u8217?t_a_fighter,_or_a_planner,_or_a_fixer._She_had_
no_skills_except_getting_into_trouble_and_occasionally_convincing_people_to_do_s
tupid_things.\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
Plus,_she_was_a_liar._She_needed_to_go_on_this_quest_for_reasons_that_went_way
_b
eyond_Jason\u8212?and_if_she_did_go,_she\u8217?
d_end_up_betraying_everyone_there
._She_heard_that_voice_from_the_dream:_{\i
Do_our_bidding,_and_you_may_walk_away_alive._}How_could_she_make_a_choice_l
ike_t
hat\u8212?
between_helping_her_father_and_helping_Jason?\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
\u8220?Well,\u8221?_Drew_said_smugly,_\u8220?
I_guess_that_settles_it.\u8221?\par
Suddenly_there_was_collective_gasp._Everyone_stared_at_Piper_like_she\u8217?
d_ju
st_exploded._She_wondered_what_she\u8217?
d_done_wrong._Then_she_realized_there_w
as_a_reddish_glow_around_her.\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
\u8220?What?\u8221?_she_demanded._\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
She_looked_above_her,_but_there_was_no_burning_symbol_like_the_one_that_appea
red
_over_Leo._Then_she_looked_down_and_yelped.\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
Her_clothes_\u8230?_what_in_the_world_was_she_{\i
wearing}?_She_despised_dresses._She_didn\u8217?t_{\i
own_}a_dress._But_now_she_was_adorned_in_a_beautiful_white_sleeveless_gown_th
at_
went_down_to_her_ankles,_with_a_Vneck_so_low_it_was_totally_embarrassing._Delic
ate_gold_armbands_circled_her_biceps._An_intricate_necklace_of_amber,_coral,_and
_gold_flowers_glittered_on_her_chest,_and_her_hair_\u8230?_\par\pard\plain\hyphp
ar}{
\u8220?Oh,_god,\u8221?_she_said._\u8220?What\u8217?
s_happened?\u8221?\par\pard\p
lain\hyphpar}{
A_stunned_Annabeth_pointed_at_Piper\u8217?
s_dagger,_which_was_now_oiled_and_glea
ming,_hanging_at_her_side_on_a_golden_cord._Piper_didn\u8217?
t_want_to_draw_it._
She_was_afraid_of_what_she_would_see._But_her_curiosity_won_out._She_unsheath
ed_
Katoptris_and_stared_at_her_reflection_in_the_polished_metal_blade._Her_hair_was
_perfect:_lush_and_long_and_chocolate_brown,_braided_with_gold_ribbons_down_on
e_
side_so_it_fell_across_her_shoulder._She_even_wore_makeup,_better_than_Piper_wo
u
ld_ever_know_how_to_do_herself\u8212?
subtle_touches_that_made_her_lips_cherry_re
d_and_brought_out_all_the_different_colors_in_her_eyes.\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
She_was...she_was..._\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
\u8220?Beautiful,\u8221?_Jason_exclaimed._\u8220?Piper,_you_\u8230?
_you\u8217?re
_a_knockout.\u8221?_\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
Under_different_circumstances,_that_would\u8217?
ve_been_the_happiest_moment_of_h
er_life._But_now_everyone_was_staring_at_her_like_she_was_a_freak._Drew\u8217?
s_
face_was_full_of_horror_and_revulsion._\u8220?No!\u8221?_she_cried._\u8220?
Not_p
ossible!\u8221?\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
\u8220?This_isn\u8217?t_me,\u8221?_Piper_protested._\u8220?I\u8212?don\u8217?
t_u
nderstand.\u8221?_\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
Chiron_the_centaur_folded_his_front_legs_and_bowed_to_her,_and_all_the_campers_
f
ollowed_his_example.\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
\u8220?Hail,_Piper_McLean,\u8221?
_Chiron_announced_gravely,_as_if_he_were_speaki
ng_at_her_funeral._\u8220?
Daughter_of_Aphrodite,_lady_of_the_doves,_goddess_of_l
ove.\u8221?_\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
L}{\b
EO_DIDN\u8217?T_STICK_AROUND_AFTER}{\b
_P}{\b
IPER}{\b
_}turned_beautiful._Sure,_it_was_amazing_and_all\u8212?{\i
She\u8217?s_got_makeup!_It\u8217?s_a_miracle!_}\u8212?
but_Leo_had_problems_to_de
al_with._He_ducked_out_of_the_amphitheater_and_ran_into_the_darkness,_wonderin
g_
what_he\u8217?d_gotten_himself_into.\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
He\u8217?
d_stood_up_in_front_of_a_bunch_of_stronger,_braver_demigods_and_volunte
ered\u8212?{\i
volunteered}\u8212?for_a_mission_that_would_probably_get_him_killed.\par\pard\pl
ain\hyphpar}{
He_hadn\u8217?t_mentioned_seeing_T\u237?
a_Callida,_his_old_babysitter,_but_as_so
on_as_he\u8217?d_heard_about_Jason\u8217?s_vision\u8212?
the_lady_in_the_black_dr
ess_and_shawl\u8212?Leo_knew_it_was_the_same_woman._T\u237?
a_Callida_was_Hera._H
is_evil_babysitter_was_the_queen_of_the_gods._Stuff_like_that_could_really_deepfry_your_brain.\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
He_trudged_toward_the_woods_and_tried_not_to_think_about_his_childhood\u8212?
all
_the_messed-up_things_that_had_led_to_his_mother\u8217?
s_death._But_he_couldn\u8
217?t_help_it.\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
{\qc
The_first_time_T\u237?a_Callida_tried_to_kill_him,_he_must\u8217?ve_been_about_t
wo._T\u237?
a_Callida_was_looking_after_him_while_his_mother_was_at_the_machine_s
hop._She_wasn\u8217?t_really_his_aunt,_of_course\u8212?
just_one_of_the_old_women
_in_the_community,_a_generic_{\i
t\u237?a_}who_helped_watch_the_kids._She_smelled_like_a_honeybaked_ham,_and_alw
ays_wore_a_widow\u8217?s_dress_with_a_black_shawl._\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
\u8220?Let\u8217?s_set_you_down_for_a_nap,\u8221?_she_said._\u8220?
Let\u8217?s_s
ee_if_you_are_my_brave_little_hero,_eh?\u8221?\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
Leo_was_sleepy._She_nestled_him_into_his_blankets_in_a_warm_mound_of_red_and_
yel
low\u8212?pillows?
_The_bed_was_like_a_cubbyhole_in_the_wall,_made_of_blackened_b
ricks,_with_a_metal_slot_over_his_head_and_a_square_hole_far_above,_where_he_co
u
ld_see_the_stars._He_remembered_resting_comfortably,_grabbing_at_sparks_like_fir
eflies._He_dozed,_and_dreamed_of_a_boat_made_of_fire,_sailing_through_the_cinde
r
s._He_imagined_himself_on_board,_navigating_the_sky._Somewhere_nearby,_T\u237
?a_
Callida_sat_in_her_rocking_chair\u8212?{\i
creak,_creak,_creak}\u8212?
and_sang_a_lullaby._Even_at_two,_Leo_knew_the_differe
nce_between_English_and_Spanish,_and_he_remembered_being_puzzled_because_T
\u237?
a_Callida_was_singing_in_a_language_that_was_neither.\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
Everything_was_fine_until_his_mother_came_home._She_screamed_and_raced_over
_to_s
natch_him_up,_yelling_at_T\u237?a_Callida,_\u8220?How_could_you?\u8221?
_But_the_
old_lady_had_disappeared.\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
Leo_remembered_looking_over_his_mother\u8217?
s_shoulder_at_the_flames_curling_ar
ound_his_blankets._Only_years_later_had_he_realized_he\u8217?
d_been_sleeping_in_
a_blazing_fireplace.\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
The_weirdest_thing?_T\u237?a_Callida_hadn\u8217?
t_been_arrested_or_even_banished
_from_their_house._She_appeared_again_several_times_over_the_next_few_years._
Onc
e_when_Leo_was_three,_she_let_him_play_with_knives._\u8220?
You_must_learn_your_b
lades_early,\u8221?_she_insisted,_\u8220?
if_you_are_to_be_my_hero_someday.\u8221
?_Leo_managed_not_to_kill_himself,_but_he_got_the_feeling_T\u237?
a_Callida_would
n\u8217?t_have_cared_one_way_or_the_other.\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
When_Leo_was_four,_T\u237?
a_found_a_rattlesnake_for_him_in_a_nearby_cow_pasture.
_She_gave_him_a_stick_and_encouraged_him_to_poke_the_animal._\u8220?
Where_is_you
r_bravery,_little_hero?_Show_me_the_Fates_were_right_to_choose_you.\u8221?
_Leo_s
tared_down_at_those_amber_eyes,_hearing_the_dry_{\i
shh-shh-ssh_}of_the_snake\u8217?s_rattle._He_couldn\u8217?
t_bring_himself_to_pok
e_the_snake._It_didn\u8217?
t_seem_fair._Apparently_the_snake_felt_the_same_way_a
bout_biting_a_little_kid._Leo_could\u8217?ve_sworn_it_looked_at_T\u237?a_Callida
_like,_{\i
Are_you_nuts,_lady?_}Then_it_disappeared_into_the_tall_grass.\par\pard\plain\hyp
hpar}{
The_last_time_she_babysat_him,_Leo_was_five._She_brought_him_a_pack_of_crayon
s_a
nd_a_pad_of_paper._They_sat_together_at_the_picnic_table_in_back_of_the_apartme
n
t_complex,_under_an_old_pecan_tree._While_T\u237?
a_Callida_sang_her_strange_song
s,_Leo_drew_a_picture_of_the_boat_he\u8217?d_seen_in_the_flames,_with_colorful_s
ails_and_rows_of_oars,_a_curved_stern,_and_an_awesome_masthead._When_he_wa
s_almo
st_done,_about_to_sign_his_name_the_way_he\u8217?
d_learned_in_kindergarten,_a_wi
nd_snatched_the_picture_away._It_flew_into_the_sky_and_disappeared.\par\pard\pla
in\hyphpar}{
Leo_wanted_to_cry._He\u8217?d_spent_so_much_time_on_that_picture\u8212?
but_T\u23
7?a_Callida_just_clucked_with_disappointment.\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
\u8220?It_isn\u8217?t_time_yet,_little_hero._Someday,_you\u8217?
ll_have_your_que
st._You\u8217?ll_find_your_destiny,_and_your_hard_journey_will_finally_make_sens
e._But_first_you_must_face_many_sorrows._I_regret_that,_but_heroes_cannot_be_sh
a
ped_any_other_way._Now,_make_me_a_fire,_eh?_Warm_these_old_bones.\u8221?
_\par\pa
rd\plain\hyphpar}{
A_few_minutes_later,_Leo\u8217?
s_mom_came_out_and_shrieked_with_horror._T\u237?a
_Callida_was_gone,_but_Leo_sat_in_the_middle_of_a_smoking_fire._The_pad_of_pap
er
_was_reduced_to_ashes._Crayons_had_melted_into_a_bubbling_puddle_of_multicolor
ed
_goo,_and_Leo\u8217?
s_hands_were_ablaze,_slowly_burning_through_the_picnic_table
.
_For_years_afterward,_people_in_the_apartment_complex_would_wonder_how_some
one_
had_seared_the_impressions_of_a_five-year-old\u8217?
s_hands_an_inch_deep_into_so
lid_wood._\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
Now_Leo_was_sure_that_T\u237?
a_Callida,_his_psychotic_babysitter,_had_been_Hera_
all_along._That_made_her,_what\u8212?his_godly_grandmother?
_His_family_was_even_
more_messed_up_than_he_realized._\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
He_wondered_if_his_mother_had_known_the_truth._Leo_remembered_after_that_last
_vi
sit,_his_mom_took_him_inside_and_had_a_long_talk_with_him,_but_he_only_underst
oo
d_some_of_it.\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
\u8220?She_can\u8217?t_come_back_again.\u8221?
_His_mom_had_a_beautiful_face_with
_kind_eyes,_and_curly_dark_hair,_but_she_looked_older_than_she_was_because_of_
ha
rd_work._The_lines_around_her_eyes_were_deeply_etched._Her_hands_were_calluse
d._
She_was_the_first_person_from_their_family_to_graduate_from_college._She_had_a_
d
egree_in_mechanical_engineering_and_could_design_anything,_fix_anything,_build_
a
nything.\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
No_one_would_hire_her._No_company_would_take_her_seriously,_so_she_ended_up_
in_t
he_machine_shop,_trying_to_make_enough_money_to_support_the_two_of_them._S
he_alw
ays_smelled_of_machine_oil,_and_when_she_talked_with_Leo,_she_switched_from_S
pan
ish_to_English_constantly\u8212?
using_them_like_complementary_tools._It_took_Leo
_years_to_realize_that_not_everyone_spoke_that_way._She\u8217?
d_even_taught_him_
Morse_code_as_a_kind_of_game,_so_they_could_tap_messages_to_each_other_when
_they
_were_in_different_rooms:_{\i
I_love_you._You_okay?_}Simple_things_like_that.\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
\u8220?I_don\u8217?t_care_what_Callida_says,\u8221?_his_mom_told_him._\u8220?
I_d
on\u8217?t_care_about_destiny_and_the_Fates._You\u8217?
re_too_young_for_that._Yo
u\u8217?re_still_my_baby.\u8221?\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
She_took_his_hands,_looking_for_burn_marks,_but_of_course_there_weren\u8217?
t_an
y._\u8220?Leo,_listen_to_me._Fire_is_a_tool,_like_anything_else,_but_it\u8217?s_
more_dangerous_than_most._You_don\u8217?
t_know_your_limits._Please,_promise_me\u
8212?no_more_fire_until_you_meet_your_father._Someday,_{\i
mijo},_you_{\i
will_}meet_him._He\u8217?ll_explain_everything.\u8221?\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
Leo_had_heard_that_since_he_could_remember._Someday_he_would_meet_his_dad.
_His_m
om_wouldn\u8217?
t_answer_any_questions_about_him._Leo_had_never_met_him,_never_e
ven_seen_pictures,_but_she_talked_like_he\u8217?
d_just_gone_to_the_store_for_som
e_milk_and_he\u8217?
d_be_back_any_minute._Leo_tried_to_believe_her._Someday,_eve
rything_would_make_sense.\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
For_the_next_couple_of_years,_they_were_happy._Leo_almost_forgot_about_T\u237?
a_
Callida._He_still_dreamed_of_the_flying_boat,_but_the_other_strange_events_seeme
d_like_a_dream_too.\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
It_all_came_apart_when_he_was_eight._By_then,_he_was_spending_every_free_hour
_at
_the_shop_with_his_mom._He_knew_how_to_use_the_machines._He_could_measure
_and_do
_math_better_than_most_adults._He\u8217?d_learned_to_think_threedimensionally,_
solving_mechanical_problems_in_his_head_the_way_his_mom_did._\par\pard\plain\h
yp
hpar}{
One_night,_they_stayed_late_because_his_mom_was_finishing_a_drill_bit_design_sh
e
_hoped_to_patent._If_she_could_sell_the_prototype,_it_might_change_their_lives._
She\u8217?d_finally_get_a_break._\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
As_she_worked,_Leo_passed_her_supplies_and_told_her_corny_jokes,_trying_to_keep
_
her_spirits_up._He_loved_it_when_he_could_make_her_laugh._She\u8217?
d_smile_and_
say,_\u8220?Your_father_would_be_proud_of_you,_{\i
mijo}._You\u8217?ll_meet_him_soon,_I\u8217?m_sure.\u8221?
r}{
Mom\u8217?
s_workspace_was_at_the_very_back_of_the_shop._It_was_kind_of_creepy_at
_night,_because_they_were_the_only_ones_there._Every_sound_echoed_through_the
_da
rk_warehouse,_but_Leo_didn\u8217?
t_mind_as_long_as_he_was_with_his_mom._If_he_di
d_wander_the_shop,_they_could_always_keep_in_touch_with_Morse_code_taps._Whe
neve
r_they_were_ready_to_leave,_they_had_to_walk_through_the_entire_shop,_through_t
h
e_break_room,_and_out_to_the_parking_lot,_locking_the_doors_behind_them.\par\pa
r
d\plain\hyphpar}{
That_night_after_finishing_up,_they\u8217?
d_just_gotten_to_the_break_room_when_h
is_mom_realized_she_didn\u8217?t_have_her_keys._\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
\u8220?That\u8217?s_funny.\u8221?_She_frowned._\u8220?
I_know_I_had_them._Wait_he
re,_{\i
mijo}._I\u8217?ll_only_be_a_minute.\u8221?\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
She_gave_him_one_more_smile\u8212?the_last_one_he\u8217?d_ever_get_\u8212?
and_sh
e_went_back_into_the_warehouse._\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
She\u8217?
d_only_been_gone_a_few_heartbeats_when_the_interior_door_slammed_shut.
_Then_the_exterior_door_locked_itself._\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
\u8220?Mom?\u8221?_Leo\u8217?
s_heart_pounded._Something_heavy_crashed_inside_the
_warehouse._He_ran_to_the_door,_but_no_matter_how_hard_he_pulled_or_kicked,_it
_w
ouldn\u8217?t_open._\u8220?Mom!\u8221?
_Frantically,_he_tapped_a_message_on_the_w
all:_{\i
You_okay?_}\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
\u8220?She_can\u8217?t_hear_you,\u8221?_a_voice_said.\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
Leo_turned_and_found_himself_facing_a_strange_woman._At_first_he_thought_it_wa
s_
T\u237?
a_Callida._She_was_wrapped_in_black_robes,_with_a_veil_covering_her_face.
\u8220?T\u237?a?\u8221?_he_said._\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
The_woman_chuckled,_a_slow_gentle_sound,_as_if_she_were_half_asleep._\u8220?
I_am
_not_your_guardian._Merely_a_family_resemblance.\u8221?
{
\u8220?What\u8212?what_do_you_want?_Where\u8217?
s_my_mom?\u8221?\par\pard\plain\
hyphpar}{
\u8220?Ah_\u8230?
_loyal_to_your_mother._How_nice._But_you_see,_I_have_children_t
oo_\u8230?
_and_I_understand_you_will_fight_them_someday._When_they_try_to_wake_m
e,_you_will_prevent_them._I_cannot_allow_that.\u8221?_\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
\u8220?I_don\u8217?t_know_you._I_don\u8217?
t_want_to_fight_anybody.\u8221?\par\p
ard\plain\hyphpar}{
She_muttered_like_a_sleepwalker_in_a_trance,_\u8220?A_wise_choice.\u8221?
_\par\p
ard\plain\hyphpar}{
With_a_chill,_Leo_realized_the_woman_was,_in_fact,_asleep._Behind_the_veil,_her_
eyes_were_closed._But_even_stranger:_her_clothes_were_not_made_of_cloth._They_
we
re_made_of_{\i
earth}\u8212?dry_black_dirt,_churning_and_shifting_around_her._Her_pale,_sleepin
g_face_was_barely_visible_behind_a_curtain_of_dust,_and_he_had_the_horrible_sens
e_that_she\u8217?
d_had_just_risen_from_the_grave._If_the_woman_was_asleep,_Leo_w
anted_her_to_stay_that_way._He_knew_that_fully_awake,_she_would_be_even_more
_ter
rible.\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
\u8220?I_cannot_destroy_you_yet,\u8221?_the_woman_murmured._\u8220?
The_Fates_wil
l_not_allow_it._But_they_not_do_protect_your_mother,_and_they_cannot_stop_me_fr
o
m_breaking_your_spirit._Remember_this_night,_little_hero,_when_they_ask_you_to_
o
ppose_me.\u8221?\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
\u8220?Leave_my_mother_alone!\u8221?
_Fear_rose_in_his_throat_as_the_woman_shuffl
ed_forward._She_moved_more_like_an_avalanche_than_a_person,_a_dark_wall_of_e
arth
_shifting_toward_him._\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
\u8220?How_will_you_stop_me?\u8221?_she_whispered.\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
She_walked_straight_through_a_table,_the_particles_of_her_body_reassembling_on_t
he_other_side.\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
She_loomed_over_Leo,_and_he_knew_she_would_pass_right_through_him,_too._He_
was_t
he_only_thing_between_her_and_his_mother._\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
His_hands_caught_fire.\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
A_sleepy_smile_spread_across_the_woman\u8217?s_face,_as_if_she\u8217?
d_already_w
on._Leo_screamed_with_desperation._His_vision_turned_red._Flames_washed_over_t
he
_earthen_woman,_the_walls,_the_locked_doors._And_Leo_lost_consciousness._\par\p
a
rd\plain\hyphpar}{
When_he_woke,_he_was_in_an_ambulance._\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
The_paramedic_tried_to_be_kind._She_told_him_the_warehouse_had_burned_down._
His_
mother_hadn\u8217?
t_made_it_out._The_paramedic_said_she_was_sorry,_but_Leo_felt_
hollow._He\u8217?
d_lost_control,_just_like_his_mother_had_warned._Her_death_was_
his_fault._\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
Soon_the_police_came_to_get_him,_and_they_weren\u8217?
t_as_nice._The_fire_had_st
arted_in_the_break_room,_they_said,_right_where_Leo_was_standing._He\u8217?
d_sur
vived_by_some_miracle,_but_what_kind_of_child_locked_the_doors_of_his_mother\u
82
17?s_workplace,_knowing_she_was_inside,_and_started_a_fire?\par\pard\plain\hyphp
ar}{
Later,_his_neighbors_at_the_apartment_complex_told_the_police_what_a_strange_b
oy
_he_was._They_talked_about_the_burned_handprints_on_the_picnic_table._They\u82
17
?d_always_known_something_was_wrong_with_Esperanza_Valdez\u8217?
s_son._\par\pard
\plain\hyphpar}{
His_relatives_wouldn\u8217?t_take_him_in._His_Aunt_Rosa_called_him_a_{\i
diablo_}and_shouted_at_the_social_workers_to_take_him_away._So_Leo_went_to_his
_f
irst_foster_home._A_few_days_later,_he_ran_away._Some_foster_homes_lasted_long
er
_than_others._He_would_joke_around,_make_a_few_friends,_pretend_that_nothing_b
ot
hered_him,_but_he_always_ended_up_running_sooner_or_later._It_was_the_only_thin
g
_that_made_the_pain_better\u8212?
feeling_like_he_was_moving,_getting_farther_and
_farther_away_from_the_ashes_of_that_machine_shop.\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
He\u8217?
d_promised_himself_he_would_never_play_with_fire_again._He_hadn\u8217?t
_thought_about_T\u237?
a_Callida,_or_the_sleeping_woman_wrapped_in_earthen_robes,
_for_a_long_time._\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
He_was_almost_to_the_woods_when_he_imagined_T\u237?a_Callida\u8217?
s_voice:_{\i
It_wasn\u8217?t_your_fault,_little_hero._Our_enemy_wakes._It\u8217?s_time_to_sto
p_running.}\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
\u8220?Hera,\u8221?_Leo_muttered,_\u8220?you\u8217?
re_not_even_here,_are_you?_Yo
u\u8217?re_in_a_cage_somewhere.\u8221?\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
There_was_no_answer._\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
But_now,_at_least,_Leo_understood_something._Hera_had_been_watching_him_his_
enti
re_life._Somehow,_she\u8217?
d_known_that_one_day_she_would_need_him._Maybe_those
_Fates_she_mentioned_could_tell_the_future._Leo_wasn\u8217?
t_sure._But_he_knew_h
e_was_{\i
meant_}to_go_on_this_quest._Jason\u8217?
s_prophecy_warned_them_to_beware_the_ear
th,_and_Leo_knew_it_had_something_to_do_with_that_sleeping_woman_in_the_shop,
_wr
apped_in_robes_of_shifting_dirt.\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
{\i
You\u8217?ll_find_your_destiny,_}T\u237?a_Callida_had_promised,_{\i
and_your_hard_journey_will_finally_make_sense.}\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
Leo_might_find_out_what_that_flying_boat_in_his_dreams_meant._He_might_meet_h
is_
father,_or_even_get_to_avenge_his_mother\u8217?
s_death._\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}
{
But_first_things_first._He\u8217?d_promised_Jason_a_flying_ride.\par\pard\plain\
hyphpar}{
Not_the_boat_from_his_dreams\u8212?not_yet._There_wasn\u8217?
t_time_to_build_som
ething_that_complicated._He_needed_a_quicker_solution._He_needed_a_dragon.\par
\p
ard\plain\hyphpar}{
He_hesitated_at_the_edge_of_the_woods,_peering_into_absolute_blackness._Owls_h
oo
ted,_and_something_far_away_hissed_like_a_chorus_of_snakes._\par\pard\plain\hyph
par}{
Leo_remembered_what_Will_Solace_had_told_him:_No_one_should_go_in_the_woods
_alon
e,_definitely_not_unarmed._Leo_had_nothing\u8212?
no_sword,_no_flashlight,_no_hel
p.\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
He_glanced_back_at_the_lights_of_the_cabins._He_could_turn_around_now_and_tell_
e
veryone_he\u8217?d_been_joking._{\i
Psych!
_}Nyssa_could_go_on_the_quest_instead._He_could_stay_at_camp_and_learn_to_
be_part_of_the_Hephaestus_cabin,_but_he_wondered_how_long_it_would_be_before
_he_
looked_like_his_bunkmates\u8212?
sad,_dejected,_convinced_of_his_own_bad_luck.\pa
{\i
They_cannot_stop_me_from_breaking_your_spirit},_the_sleeping_woman_had_said._
{\i
Remember_this_night,_little_hero,_when_they_ask_you_to_oppose_me.}\par\pard\pl
ai
n\hyphpar}{
\u8220?Believe_me,_lady,\u8221?_Leo_muttered,_\u8220?
I_remember._And_whoever_you
_are,_I\u8217?m_gonna_face-plant_you_hard,_Leo-style.\u8221?\par\pard\plain\hyph
par}{
He_took_a_deep_breath_and_plunged_into_the_forest._\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
T}{\b
HE_WOODS_WEREN\u8217?T_LIKE_ANYPLACE}{\b
_}he\u8217?
d_been_before._Leo_had_been_raised_in_a_north_Houston_apartment_compl
ex._The_wildest_things_he\u8217?
d_ever_seen_were_that_rattlesnake_in_the_cow_pas
ture_and_his_Aunt_Rosa_in_her_nightgown,_until_he_was_sent_to_Wilderness_Schoo
l.
Even_there,_the_school_had_been_in_the_desert._No_trees_with_gnarled_roots_to_tr
ip_over._No_streams_to_fall_into._No_branches_casting_dark,_creepy_shadows_and_
o
wls_looking_down_at_him_with_their_big_reflective_eyes._This_was_the_Twilight_Zo
ne._\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
He_stumbled_along_until_he_was_sure_no_one_back_at_the_cabins_could_possibly_
see
_him._Then_he_summoned_fire._Flames_danced_along_his_fingertips,_casting_enou
gh_
light_to_see._He_hadn\u8217?
t_tried_to_keep_a_sustained_burn_going_since_he_was_
five,_at_that_picnic_table._Since_his_mom\u8217?s_death,_he\u8217?
d_been_too_afr
aid_to_try_anything._Even_this_tiny_fire_made_him_feel_guilty.\par\pard\plain\hy
phpar}{
He_kept_walking,_looking_for_dragon-type_clues\u8212?giant_footprints,_trampled_
trees,_swaths_of_burning_forest._Something_that_big_couldn\u8217?
t_exactly_sneak
_around,_right?_But_he_saw_{\i
nada}._Once_he_glimpsed_a_large,_furry_shape_like_a_wolf_or_a_bear,_but_it_staye
d_away_from_his_fire,_which_was_fine_by_Leo.\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
Then,_at_the_bottom_of_a_clearing,_he_saw_the_first_trap\u8212?a_hundred-foot-wi
de_crater_ringed_with_boulders.\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
Leo_had_to_admit_it_was_pretty_ingenious._In_the_center_of_the_depression,_a_me
t
al_vat_the_size_of_a_hot_tub_had_been_filled_with_bubbly_dark_liquid\u8212?Tabas
co_sauce_and_motor_oil._On_a_pedestal_suspended_over_the_vat,_an_electric_fan_r
o
tated_in_a_circle,_spreading_the_fumes_across_the_forest._Could_metal_dragons_s
m
ell?\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
The_vat_seemed_to_be_unguarded._But_Leo_looked_closely,_and_in_the_dim_light_
of_
the_stars_and_his_handheld_fire,_he_could_see_the_glint_of_metal_beneath_the_dir
t_and_leaves\u8212?a_bronze_net_lining_the_entire_crater._Or_maybe_{\i
see_}wasn\u8217?t_the_right_word\u8212?
he_could_sense_it_there,_as_if_the_mechan
ism_was_emitting_heat,_revealing_itself_to_him._Six_large_strips_of_bronze_stret
ched_out_from_the_vat_like_the_spokes_of_a_wheel._They_would_be_pressure_sensi
ti
ve,_Leo_guessed._As_soon_as_the_dragon_stepped_on_one,_the_net_would_spring_
clos
ed,_and_{\i
voil\u224?}\u8212?one_gift-wrapped_monster.\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
Leo_edged_closer._He_put_his_foot_on_the_nearest_trigger_strip._As_he_expected,_
nothing_happened._They_had_to_have_set_the_net_for_something_really_heavy._Ot
her
wise_they_could_catch_an_animal,_human,_smaller_monster,_whatever._He_doubte
d_th
ere_was_anything_else_as_heavy_as_a_metal_dragon_in_these_woods._At_least,_he
_ho
ped_there_wasn\u8217?t._\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
He_picked_his_way_down_the_crater_and_approached_the_vat._The_fumes_were_al
most_
overpowering,_and_his_eyes_started_watering._He_remembered_a_time_when_T\u2
37?a_
Callida_(Hera,_whatever)_had_made_him_chop_jalape\u241?
os_in_the_kitchen_and_he\
u8217?d_gotten_the_juice_in_his_eyes._Serious_pain._But_of_course_she\u8217?
d_be
en_like,_\u8220?Endure_it,_little_hero._The_Aztecs_of_your_mother\u8217?s_homela
nd_used_to_punish_bad_children_by_holding_them_over_a_fire_filled_with_chili_pep
pers._They_raised_many_heroes_that_way.\u8221?\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
A_total_psycho,_that_lady._Leo_was_so_glad_he_was_on_a_quest_to_rescue_her.\par
\
T\u237?a_Callida_would\u8217?ve_loved_this_vat,_because_it_was_{\i
way_}worse_than_jalape\u241?o_juice._Leo_looked_for_a_trigger\u8212?
something_th
at_would_disable_the_net._He_didn\u8217?t_see_anything.\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}
{
He_had_a_moment_of_panic._Nyssa_had_said_there_were_several_traps_like_this_in
_t
he_woods,_and_they_were_planning_more._What_if_the_dragon_had_already_steppe
d_in
to_another_one?_How_could_Leo_possibly_find_them_all?\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
He_continued_to_search,_but_he_didn\u8217?
t_see_any_release_mechanism._No_large_
button_labeled_off._It_occurred_to_him_that_there_might_not_{\i
be_}one._He_started_to_despair\u8212?
and_then_he_heard_the_sound._\par\pard\plai
n\hyphpar}{
It_was_more_of_a_tremor\u8212?
the_deep_sort_of_rumbling_you_hear_in_your_gut_rat
her_than_your_ears._It_gave_him_the_jitters,_but_he_didn\u8217?t_look_around_for
_the_source._He_just_kept_examining_the_trap,_thinking,_{\i
Must_be_a_long_way_off._It\u8217?
s_pounding_its_way_through_the_woods._I_gotta_h
urry.}\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
Then_he_heard_a_grinding_snort,_like_steam_forced_out_of_a_metal_barrel._\par\pa
rd\plain\hyphpar}{
His_neck_tingled._He_turned_slowly._At_the_edge_of_the_pit,_fifty_feet_away,_two
_glowing_red_eyes_were_staring_at_him._The_creature_gleamed_in_the_moonlight,_
an
d_Leo_couldn\u8217?
t_believe_something_that_huge_had_sneaked_up_on_him_so_fast._
Too_late,_he_realized_its_gaze_was_fixed_on_the_fire_in_his_hand,_and_he_extingu
ished_the_flames.\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
He_could_still_see_the_dragon_just_fine._It_was_about_sixty_feet_long,_snout_to_
tail,_its_body_made_of_interlocking_bronze_plates._Its_claws_were_the_size_of_bu
tcher_knives,_and_its_mouth_was_lined_with_hundreds_of_daggersharp_metal_teeth.
_Steam_came_out_of_its_nostrils._It_snarled_like_a_chain_saw_cutting_through_a_t
ree._It_could\u8217?ve_bitten_Leo_in_half,_easy,_or_stomped_him_flat._It_was_the
_most_beautiful_thing_he\u8217?
d_ever_seen,_except_for_one_problem_that_complete
ly_ruined_Leo\u8217?s_plan._\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
\u8220?You_don\u8217?t_have_wings,\u8221?_Leo_said.\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
The_dragon\u8217?s_snarl_died._It_tilted_its_head_as_if_to_say,_{\i
Why_aren\u8217?t_you_running_away_in_terror?}\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
\u8220?Hey,_no_offense,\u8221?_Leo_said._\u8220?You\u8217?re_amazing!
_Good_god,_
who_{\i
made_}you?_Are_you_hydraulic_or_nuclear-powered_or_what?
_But_if_it_was_me,_I_wou
ld\u8217?ve_put_wings_on_you._What_kind_of_dragon_doesn\u8217?t_have_wings?
_I_gu
ess_maybe_you\u8217?re_too_heavy_to_fly?_I_should\u8217?
ve_thought_of_that.\u822
The_dragon_snorted,_more_confused_now._It_was_supposed_to_trample_Leo._This_c
onv
ersation_thing_wasn\u8217?t_part_of_the_plan._It_took_a_step_forward,_and_Leo_sh
outed,_\u8220?No!\u8221?\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
The_dragon_snarled_again.\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
\u8220?It\u8217?s_a_trap,_bronze_brain,\u8221?_Leo_said._\u8220?They\u8217?
re_tr
ying_to_catch_you.\u8221?\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
The_dragon_opened_its_mouth_and_blew_fire._A_column_of_whitehot_flames_billowed
_over_Leo,_more_than_he\u8217?
d_ever_tried_to_endure_before._He_felt_as_if_he_we
re_being_hosed_down_with_a_powerful,_very_hot_fire_hose._It_stung_a_little,_but_
he_stood_his_ground._When_the_flames_died,_he_was_perfectly_fine._Even_his_clot
h
es_were_okay,_which_Leo_didn\u8217?
t_understand,_but_for_which_he_was_grateful._
He_liked_his_army_jacket,_and_having_his_pants_seared_off_would\u8217?
ve_been_pr
etty_embarrassing.\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
The_dragon_stared_at_Leo._Its_face_didn\u8217?
t_actually_change,_being_made_of_m
etal_and_all,_but_Leo_thought_he_could_read_its_expression:_{\i
Why_no_crispy_critter?_}A_spark_flew_out_of_its_neck_like_it_was_about_to_short-
circuit._\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
\u8220?You_can\u8217?t_burn_me,\u8221?
_Leo_said,_trying_to_sound_stern_and_calm.
_He\u8217?
d_never_had_a_dog_before,_but_he_talked_to_the_dragon_the_way_he_thoug
ht_you\u8217?d_talk_to_a_dog._\u8220?Stay,_boy._Don\u8217?
t_come_any_closer._I_d
on\u8217?t_want_you_to_get_caught._See,_they_think_you\u8217?
re_broken_and_have_
to_be_scrapped._But_I_don\u8217?t_believe_that._I_can_fix_you_if_you\u8217?ll_le
t_me\u8212?\u8221?_\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
The_dragon_creaked,_roared,_and_charged._The_trap_sprang._The_floor_of_the_crat
e
r_erupted_with_a_sound_like_a_thousand_trash_can_lids_banging_together._Dirt_and
_leaves_flew,_metal_net_flashing._Leo_was_knocked_off_his_feet,_turned_upside_do
wn,_and_doused_in_Tabasco_sauce_and_oil._He_found_himself_sandwiched_betwee
n_the
_vat_and_the_dragon_as_it_thrashed,_trying_to_free_itself_from_the_net_that_had_
wrapped_around_them_both._\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
The_dragon_blew_flames_in_every_direction,_lighting_up_the_sky_and_setting_trees
_on_fire._Oil_and_sauce_burned_all_over_them._It_didn\u8217?t_hurt_Leo,_but_it_l
eft_a_nasty_taste_in_his_mouth.\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
\u8220?Will_you_stop_that!\u8221?_he_yelled.\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
The_dragon_kept_squirming._Leo_realized_he_would_get_crushed_if_he_didn\u8217
?t_
move._It_wasn\u8217?
t_easy,_but_he_managed_to_wriggle_out_from_between_the_drago
n_and_the_vat._He_squirmed_his_way_through_the_net._Fortunately_the_holes_wer
e_p
lenty_big_enough_for_a_skinny_kid.\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
He_ran_to_the_dragon\u8217?
s_head._It_tried_to_snap_at_him,_but_its_teeth_were_t
angled_in_the_mesh._It_blew_fire_again,_but_seemed_to_be_running_out_of_energy.
_
This_time_the_flames_were_only_orange._They_sputtered_before_they_even_reache
d_L
eo\u8217?s_face._\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
\u8220?Listen,_man,\u8221?_Leo_said,_\u8220?you\u8217?
re_just_going_to_show_them
_where_you_are._Then_they\u8217?
ll_come_and_break_out_the_acid_and_the_metal_cut
ters._Is_that_what_you_want?\u8221?\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
The_dragon\u8217?
s_jaw_made_a_creaking_sound,_like_it_was_trying_to_talk.\par\pa
rd\plain\hyphpar}{
\u8220?Okay,_then,\u8221?_Leo_said._\u8220?You\u8217?
ll_have_to_trust_me.\u8221?
And_Leo_set_to_work._\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
It_took_him_almost_an_hour_to_find_the_control_panel._It_was_right_behind_the_dr
agon\u8217?s_head,_which_made_sense._He\u8217?
d_elected_to_keep_the_dragon_in_th
e_net,_because_it_was_easier_to_work_with_the_dragon_constrained,_but_the_drag
on
_didn\u8217?t_like_it._\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
\u8220?Hold_still!\u8221?_Leo_scolded._\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
The_dragon_made_another_creaking_sound_that_might\u8217?
ve_been_a_whimper.\par\p
ard\plain\hyphpar}{
Leo_examined_the_wires_inside_the_dragon\u8217?
s_head._He_was_distracted_by_a_so
und_in_the_woods,_but_when_he_looked_up_it_was_just_a_tree_spirit\u8212?
a_dryad,
_Leo_thought_they_were_called\u8212?
putting_out_the_flames_in_her_branches._Fort
unately,_the_dragon_hadn\u8217?t_started_an_all-out_forest_fire,_but_still_the_d
ryad_wasn\u8217?t_too_pleased._The_girl\u8217?
s_dress_was_smoking._She_smothered
_the_flames_with_a_silky_blanket,_and_when_she_saw_Leo_looking_at_her,_she_ma
de_
a_gesture_that_was_probably_very_rude_in_Dryad._Then_she_disappeared_in_a_gre
en_
poof_of_mist.\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
Leo_returned_his_attention_to_the_wiring._It_was_ingenious,_definitely,_and_it_m
ade_sense_to_him._This_was_the_motor_control_relay._This_processed_sensory_inpu
t
_from_the_eyes._This_disk_\u8230?_\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
\u8220?Ha,\u8221?_he_said._\u8220?Well,_no_wonder.\u8221?
r}{
{\i
Creak?}_the_dragon_asked_with_its_jaw._\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
\u8220?You\u8217?
ve_got_a_corroded_control_disk._Probably_regulates_your_higher_
reasoning_circuits,_right?_Rusty_brain,_man._No_wonder_you\u8217?re_a_little_\u8
230?_confused.\u8221?_He_almost_said_{\i
crazy},_but_he_caught_himself._\u8220?
I_wish_I_had_a_replacement_disk,_but_\u823
0?this_is_a_complicated_piece_of_circuitry._I\u8217?m_gonna_have_to_take_it_out_
and_clean_it._Only_be_a_minute.\u8221?
_He_pulled_out_the_disk,_and_the_dragon_we
nt_absolutely_still._The_glow_died_in_its_eyes._Leo_slid_off_its_back_and_began_
polishing_the_disk._He_mopped_up_some_oil_and_Tabasco_sauce_with_his_sleeve,_
whi
ch_helped_cut_through_the_grime,_but_the_more_he_cleaned,_the_more_concerned
_he_
got._Some_of_the_circuits_were_beyond_repair._He_could_make_it_better,_but_not_
p
erfect._For_that,_he\u8217?
d_need_a_completely_new_disk,_and_he_had_no_idea_how_
to_build_one.\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
He_tried_to_work_quickly._He_wasn\u8217?t_sure_how_long_the_dragon\u8217?
s_contr
ol_disk_could_be_off_without_damaging_it\u8212?maybe_forever\u8212?
but_he_didn\u
8217?t_want_to_take_chances._Once_he\u8217?
d_done_the_best_he_could,_he_climbed_
back_up_to_the_dragon\u8217?
s_head_and_started_cleaning_the_wiring_and_gearboxes
,_getting_himself_filthy_in_the_process.\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
\u8220?Clean_hands,_dirty_equipment,\u8221?
_he_muttered,_something_his_mother_us
ed_to_say._By_the_time_he_was_through,_his_hands_were_black_with_grease_and_h
is_
clothes_looked_like_he\u8217?d_just_lost_a_mudwrestling_contest,_but_the_mechan
isms_looked_a_lot_better._He_slipped_in_the_disk,_connected_the_last_wire,_and_s
parks_flew._The_dragon_shuddered._Its_eyes_began_to_glow.\par\pard\plain\hyphpa
r
}{
\u8220?Better?\u8221?_Leo_asked._\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
The_dragon_made_a_sound_like_a_highspeed_drill._It_opened_its_mouth_and_all_its
_teeth_rotated._\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
\u8220?I_guess_that\u8217?s_a_{\i
yes}._Hold_on,_I\u8217?ll_free_you.\u8221?\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
Another_thirty_minutes_to_find_the_release_clamps_for_the_net_and_untangle_the_
d
ragon,_but_finally_it_stood_and_shook_the_last_bit_of_netting_off_its_back._It_r
oared_triumphantly_and_shot_fire_at_the_sky.\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
\u8220?Seriously,\u8221?_Leo_said._\u8220?
Could_you_not_show_off?\u8221?\par\par
d\plain\hyphpar}{
{\i
Creak?_}the_dragon_asked.\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
\u8220?You_need_a_name,\u8221?_Leo_decided._\u8220?I\u8217?
m_calling_you_Festus.
The_dragon_whirred_its_teeth_and_grinned._At_least_Leo_hoped_it_was_a_grin.\par\
\u8220?Cool,\u8221?_Leo_said._\u8220?
But_we_still_have_a_problem,_because_you_do
n\u8217?t_have_wings.\u8221?\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
Festus_tilted_his_head_and_snorted_steam._Then_he_lowered_his_back_in_an_unmi
sta
kable_gesture._He_wanted_Leo_to_climb_on._\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
\u8220?Where_we_going?\u8221?_Leo_asked.\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
But_he_was_too_excited_to_wait_for_an_answer._He_climbed_onto_the_dragon\u821
7?s
_back,_and_Festus_bounded_off_into_the_woods._\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
{\qc
Leo_lost_track_of_time_and_all_sense_of_direction._It_seemed_impossible_the_wood
s_could_be_so_deep_and_wild,_but_the_dragon_traveled_until_the_trees_were_like_s
kyscrapers_and_the_canopy_of_leaves_completely_blotted_out_the_stars._Even_the_
f
ire_in_Leo\u8217?s_hand_couldn\u8217?
t_have_lit_the_way,_but_the_dragon\u8217?s_
glowing_red_eyes_acted_like_headlights.\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
Finally_they_crossed_a_stream_and_came_to_a_dead_end,_a_limestone_cliff_a_hund
re
d_feet_tall\u8212?a_solid,_sheer_mass_the_dragon_couldn\u8217?t_possibly_climb.\
Festus_stopped_at_the_base_and_lifted_one_leg_like_a_dog_pointing.\par\pard\plai
n\hyphpar}{
\u8220?What_is_it?\u8221?
_Leo_slid_to_the_ground._He_walked_up_to_the_cliff\u821
2?nothing_but_solid_rock._The_dragon_kept_pointing.\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
\u8220?It\u8217?s_not_going_to_move_out_of_your_way,\u8221?
_Leo_told_him.\par\pa
rd\plain\hyphpar}{
The_loose_wire_in_the_dragon\u8217?
s_neck_sparked,_but_otherwise_he_stayed_still
._Leo_put_his_hand_on_the_cliff._Suddenly_his_fingers_smoldered._Lines_of_fire_s
pread_from_his_fingertips_like_ignited_gunpowder,_sizzling_across_the_limestone.
_The_burning_lines_raced_across_the_cliff_face_until_they_had_outlined_a_glowing
_red_door_five_times_as_tall_as_Leo._He_backed_up_and_the_door_swung_open,_dis
tu
rbingly_silently_for_such_a_big_slab_of_rock._\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
\u8220?Perfectly_balanced,\u8221?_he_muttered._\u8220?That\u8217?s_some_firstra
te_engineering.\u8221?\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
The_dragon_unfroze_and_marched_inside,_as_if_he_were_coming_home.\par\pard\pl
ain
\hyphpar}{
Leo_stepped_through,_and_the_door_began_to_close._He_had_a_moment_of_panic,_
reme
mbering_that_night_in_the_machine_shop_long_ago,_when_he\u8217?
d_been_locked_in.
_What_if_he_got_stuck_in_here?_But_then_lights_flickered_on\u8212?
a_combination_
of_electric_fluorescents_and_wallmounted_torches._When_Leo_saw_the_cavern,_he_f
orgot_about_leaving.\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
\u8220?Festus,\u8221?_he_muttered._\u8220?What_{\i
is}_this_place?\u8221?\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
The_dragon_stomped_to_the_center_of_the_room,_leaving_tracks_in_the_thick_dust,
_
and_curled_up_on_a_large_circular_platform.\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
The_cave_was_the_size_of_an_airplane_hangar,_with_endless_worktables_and_stora
ge
_cages,_rows_of_garage-sized_doors_along_either_wall,_and_staircases_that_led_up
_to_a_network_of_catwalks_high_above._Equipment_was_everywhere\u8212?
hydraulic_l
ifts,_welding_torches,_hazard_suits,_air-spades,_forklifts,_plus_something_that_
looked_suspiciously_like_a_nuclear_reaction_chamber._Bulletin_boards_were_covere
d_with_tattered,_faded_blueprints._And_weapons,_armor,_shields\u8212?
war_supplie
s_all_over_the_place,_a_lot_of_them_only_partially_finished.\par\pard\plain\hyph
par}{
Hanging_from_chains_far_above_the_dragon\u8217?
s_platform_was_an_old_tattered_ba
nner_almost_too_faded_to_read._The_letters_were_Greek,_but_Leo_somehow_knew_
what
_they_said:_bunker_9._\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
Did_that_mean_nine_as_in_the_Hephaestus_cabin,_or_nine_as_in_there_were_eight_
ot
hers?_Leo_looked_at_Festus,_still_curled_up_on_the_platform,_and_it_occurred_to_
him_that_the_dragon_looked_so_content_because_it_{\i
was_}home._It_had_probably_been_built_on_that_pad.\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
\u8220?Do_the_other_kids_know_\u8230?_?\u8221?_Leo\u8217?
s_question_died_as_he_a
sked_it._Clearly,_this_place_had_been_abandoned_for_decades._Cobwebs_and_dust
_co
vered_everything._The_floor_revealed_no_footprints_except_for_his,_and_the_huge_
paw_prints_of_the_dragon._He_was_the_first_one_in_this_bunker_since_\u8230?_sinc
e_a_long_time_ago._Bunker_9_had_been_abandoned_with_a_lot_of_projects_half_fini
s
hed_on_the_tables._Locked_up_and_forgotten,_but_why?\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
Leo_looked_at_a_map_on_the_wall\u8212?
a_battle_map_of_camp,_but_the_paper_was_as
_cracked_and_yellow_as_onionskin._A_date_at_the_bottom_read,_1864._\par\pard\pl
a
in\hyphpar}{
\u8220?No_way,\u8221?_he_muttered.\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
Then_he_spotted_a_blueprint_on_a_nearby_bulletin_board,_and_his_heart_almost_le
a
ped_out_of_his_throat._He_ran_to_the_worktable_and_stared_up_at_a_white-line_dra
wing_almost_faded_beyond_recognition:_a_Greek_ship_from_several_different_angle
s
._Faintly_scrawled_words_underneath_it_read:_prophecy?_unclear._flight?\par\pard
\plain\hyphpar}{
It_was_the_ship_he\u8217?d_seen_in_his_dreams\u8212?
the_flying_ship._Someone_had
_tried_to_build_it_here,_or_at_least_sketched_out_the_idea._Then_it_was_left,_fo
rgotten_\u8230?_a_prophecy_yet_to_come._And_weirdest_of_all,_the_ship\u8217?
s_ma
sthead_was_exactly_like_the_one_Leo_had_drawn_when_he_was_five\u8212?
the_head_of
_a_dragon._\u8220?Looks_like_you,_Festus,\u8221?_he_murmured._\u8220?
That\u8217?
s_creepy.\u8221?\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
The_masthead_gave_him_an_uneasy_feeling,_but_Leo\u8217?
s_mind_spun_with_too_many
_other_questions_to_think_about_it_for_long._He_touched_the_blueprint,_hoping_he
_could_take_it_down_to_study,_but_the_paper_crackled_at_his_touch,_so_he_left_it
_alone._He_looked_around_for_other_clues._No_boats._No_pieces_that_looked_like_p
arts_of_this_project,_but_there_were_so_many_doors_and_storerooms_to_explore.\p
a
Festus_snorted_like_he_was_trying_to_get_Leo\u8217?
s_attention,_reminding_him_th
ey_didn\u8217?t_have_all_night._It_was_true._Leo_figured_it_would_be_morning_in_
a_few_hours,_and_he\u8217?d_gotten_completely_sidetracked._He\u8217?
d_saved_the_
dragon,_but_it_wasn\u8217?
t_going_to_help_him_on_the_quest._He_needed_something_
that_would_fly.\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
Festus_nudged_something_toward_him\u8212?
a_leather_tool_belt_that_had_been_left_
next_to_his_construction_pad._Then_the_dragon_switched_on_his_glowing_red_eye_
be
ams_and_turned_them_toward_the_ceiling._Leo_looked_up_to_where_the_spotlights
_we
re_pointing,_and_yelped_when_he_recognized_the_shapes_hanging_above_them_in_
the_
darkness.\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
\u8220?Festus,\u8221?_he_said_in_a_small_voice._\u8220?We\u8217?
ve_got_work_to_d
o.\u8221?_\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
J}{\b
ASON_DREAMED_OF_WOLVES.}{\b
_}\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
He_stood_in_a_clearing_in_the_middle_of_a_redwood_forest._In_front_of_him_rose_t
he_ruins_of_a_stone_mansion._Low_gray_clouds_blended_with_the_ground_fog,_and
_co
ld_rain_hung_in_the_air._A_pack_of_large_gray_beasts_milled_around_him,_brushing
_against_his_legs,_snarling_and_baring_their_teeth._They_gently_nudged_him_towar
d_the_ruins.\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
Jason_had_no_desire_to_become_the_world\u8217?
s_largest_dog_biscuit,_so_he_decid
ed_to_do_what_they_wanted.\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
The_ground_squelched_under_his_boots_as_he_walked._Stone_spires_of_chimneys,_
no_
longer_attached_to_anything,_rose_up_like_totem_poles._The_house_must\u8217?
ve_b
een_enormous_once,_multistoried_with_massive_log_walls_and_a_soaring_gabled_roo
f,_but_now_nothing_remained_but_its_stone_skeleton._Jason_passed_under_a_crum
bli
ng_doorway_and_found_himself_in_a_kind_of_courtyard.\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
Before_him_was_a_drained_reflecting_pool,_long_and_rectangular._Jason_couldn\u82
17?t_tell_how_deep_it_was,_because_the_bottom_was_filled_with_mist._A_dirt_path_
led_all_the_way_around,_and_the_house\u8217?
s_uneven_walls_rose_on_either_side._
Wolves_paced_under_the_archways_of_rough_red_volcanic_stone.\par\pard\plain\hy
ph
par}{
At_the_far_end_of_the_pool_sat_a_giant_she-wolf,_several_feet_taller_than_Jason.
_Her_eyes_glowed_silver_in_the_fog,_and_her_coat_was_the_same_color_as_the_roc
ks
\u8212?warm_chocolaty_red.\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
\u8220?I_know_this_place,\u8221?_Jason_said.\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
The_wolf_regarded_him._She_didn\u8217?
t_exactly_speak,_but_Jason_could_understan
d_her._The_movements_of_her_ears_and_whiskers,_the_flash_of_her_eyes,_the_way
_sh
e_curled_her_lips\u8212?all_of_these_were_part_of_her_language.\par\pard\plain\h
yphpar}{
{\i
Of_course,_}the_she-wolf_said._{\i
You_began_your_journey_here_as_a_pup._Now_you_must_find_your_way_back._A_ne
w_que
st,_a_new_start.}\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
\u8220?That_isn\u8217?t_fair,\u8221?
_Jason_said._But_as_soon_as_he_spoke,_he_kne
w_there_was_no_point_complaining_to_the_she-wolf.\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
Wolves_didn\u8217?
t_feel_sympathy._They_never_expected_fairness._The_wolf_said:_
{\i
Conquer_or_die._This_is_always_our_way.}\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
Jason_wanted_to_protest_that_he_couldn\u8217?t_conquer_if_he_didn\u8217?
t_know_w
ho_he_was,_or_where_he_was_supposed_to_go._But_he_knew_this_wolf._Her_name_
was_s
imply_Lupa,_the_Mother_Wolf,_the_greatest_of_her_kind._Long_ago_she\u8217?
d_foun
d_him_in_this_place,_protected_him,_nurtured_him,_{\i
chosen_}him,_but_if_Jason_showed_weakness,_she_would_tear_him_to_shreds._Rat
her_
than_being_her_pup,_he_would_become_her_dinner._In_the_wolf_pack,_weakness_w
as_n
ot_an_option.\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
\u8220?Can_you_guide_me?\u8221?_Jason_asked.\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
Lupa_made_a_rumbling_noise_deep_in_her_throat,_and_the_mist_in_the_pool_dissol
ve
d._\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
At_first_Jason_wasn\u8217?
t_sure_what_he_was_seeing._At_opposite_ends_of_the_poo
l,_two_dark_spires_had_erupted_from_the_cement_floor_like_the_drill_bits_of_some
_massive_tunneling_machines_boring_through_the_surface._Jason_couldn\u8217?
t_tel
l_if_the_spires_were_made_of_rock_or_petrified_vines,_but_they_were_formed_of_th
ick_tendrils_that_came_together_in_a_point_at_the_top._Each_spire_was_about_five
_feet_tall,_but_they_weren\u8217?t_identical._The_one_closest_to_Jason_was_darke
r_and_seemed_like_a_solid_mass,_its_tendrils_fused_together._As_he_watched,_it_p
ushed_a_little_farther_out_of_the_earth_and_expanded_a_little_wider.\par\pard\pl
ain\hyphpar}{
On_Lupa\u8217?s_end_of_the_pool,_the_second_spire\u8217?
s_tendrils_were_more_ope
n,_like_the_bars_of_a_cage._Inside,_Jason_could_vaguely_see_a_misty_figure_strug
gling,_shifting_within_its_confines.\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
\u8220?Hera,\u8221?_Jason_said._\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
The_she-wolf_growled_in_agreement._The_other_wolves_circled_the_pool,_their_fur_
standing_up_on_their_backs_as_they_snarled_at_the_spires.\par\pard\plain\hyphpar
}{
{\i
The_enemy_has_chosen_this_place_to_awaken_her_most_powerful_son,_the_giant_k
ing,
_}Lupa_said._{\i
Our_sacred_place,_where_demigods_are_claimed\u8212?
the_place_of_death_or_life._T
he_burned_house._The_house_of_the_wolf._It_is_an_abomination._You_must_stop_he
r.
}\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
\u8220?Her?\u8221?_Jason_was_confused._\u8220?You_mean,_Hera?\u8221?
_\par\pard\p
lain\hyphpar}{
The_she-wolf_gnashed_her_teeth_impatiently._{\i
Use_your_senses,_pup._I_care_nothing_for_Juno,_but_if_she_falls,_our_enemy_wakes
._And_that_will_be_the_end_for_all_of_us._You_know_this_place._You_can_find_it_a
gain._Cleanse_our_house._Stop_this_before_it_is_too_late.}\par\pard\plain\hyphpa
r}{
The_dark_spire_grew_slowly_larger,_like_the_bulb_of_some_horrible_flower._Jason_
sensed_that_if_it_ever_opened,_it_would_release_something_he_did_{\i
not}_want_to_meet._\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
\u8220?Who_am_I?\u8221?_Jason_asked_the_she-wolf._\u8220?
At_least_tell_me_that.\
Wolves_don\u8217?
t_have_much_of_a_sense_of_humor,_but_Jason_could_tell_the_quest
ion_amused_Lupa,_as_if_Jason_were_a_cub_just_trying_out_his_claws,_practicing_to
_be_the_alpha_male.\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
{\i
You_are_our_saving_grace,_as_always._}The_she-wolf_curled_her_lip,_as_if_she_had
_just_made_a_clever_joke._{\i
Do_not_fail,_son_of_Jupiter._}\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
J}{\b
ASON_WOKE_TO_THE_SOUND_OF_THUNDER.}{\b
_}Then_he_remembered_where_he_was._It_was_always_thundering_in_Cabin_One.\
par\pa
rd\plain\hyphpar}{
Above_his_cot,_the_domed_ceiling_was_decorated_with_a_blue-andwhite_mosaic_like
_a_cloudy_sky._The_cloud_tiles_shifted_across_the_ceiling,_changing_from_white_t
o_black._Thunder_rumbled_through_the_room,_and_gold_tiles_flashed_like_veins_of_
lightning.\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
Except_for_the_cot_that_the_other_campers_had_brought_him,_the_cabin_had_no_r
egu
lar_furniture\u8212?no_chairs,_tables,_or_dressers._As_far_as_Jason_could_tell,_
it_didn\u8217?
t_even_have_a_bathroom._The_walls_were_carved_with_alcoves,_each_h
olding_a_bronze_brazier_or_a_golden_eagle_statue_on_a_marble_pedestal._In_the_c
e
nter_of_the_room,_a_twenty-foot-tall,_full-color_statue_of_Zeus_in_classic_Greek
_robes_stood_with_a_shield_at_his_side_and_a_lightning_bolt_raised,_ready_to_smi
te_somebody.\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
Jason_studied_the_statue,_looking_for_anything_he_had_in_common_with_the_Lord_
of
_the_Sky._Black_hair?_Nope._Grumbly_expression?_Well,_maybe._Beard?
_No_thanks._I
n_his_robes_and_sandals,_Zeus_looked_like_a_really_buff,_really_angry_hippie.\pa
Yeah,_Cabin_One._A_big_honor,_the_other_campers_had_told_him._Sure,_if_you_like
d
_sleeping_in_a_cold_temple_by_yourself_with_Hippie_Zeus_frowning_down_at_you_a
ll
_night.\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
Jason_got_up_and_rubbed_his_neck._His_whole_body_was_stifffrom_bad_sleep_and_
sum
moning_lightning._That_little_trick_last_night_hadn\u8217?t_been_as_easy_as_he_h
ad_let_on._It_had_almost_made_him_pass_out.\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
Next_to_the_cot,_new_clothes_were_laid_out_for_him:_jeans,_sneakers,_and_an_ora
n
ge_Camp_HalfBlood_shirt._He_definitely_needed_a_change_of_clothes,_but_looking_
down_at_his_tattered_purple_shirt,_he_was_reluctant_to_change._It_felt_wrong_som
ehow,_putting_on_the_camp_shirt._He_still_couldn\u8217?
t_believe_he_belonged_her
e,_despite_everything_they\u8217?d_told_him._\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
He_thought_about_his_dream,_hoping_more_memories_would_come_back_to_him_a
bout_Lu
pa,_or_that_ruined_house_in_the_redwoods._He_knew_he\u8217?
d_been_there_before._
The_wolf_was_real._But_his_head_ached_when_he_tried_to_remember._The_marks_
on_hi
s_forearm_seemed_to_burn._\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
If_he_could_find_those_ruins,_he_could_find_his_past._Whatever_was_growing_insid
e_that_rock_spire,_Jason_had_to_stop_it.\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
He_looked_at_Hippie_Zeus._\u8220?You\u8217?re_welcome_to_help.\u8221?
_\par\pard\
plain\hyphpar}{
The_statue_said_nothing.\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
\u8220?Thanks,_Pops,\u8221?_Jason_muttered.\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
He_changed_clothes_and_checked_his_reflection_in_Zeus\u8217?
s_shield._His_face_l
ooked_watery_and_strange_in_the_metal,_like_he_was_dissolving_in_a_pool_of_gold.
_Definitely_he_didn\u8217?t_look_as_good_as_Piper_had_last_night_after_she\u8217
?d_suddenly_been_transformed._\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
Jason_still_wasn\u8217?t_sure_how_he_felt_about_that._He\u8217?d_acted_like_an_i
diot,_announcing_in_front_of_everyone_that_she_was_a_knockout._Not_like_there\u8
217?d_been_anything_wrong_with_her_{\i
before}._Sure,_she_looked_great_after_Aphrodite_zapped_her,_but_she_also_didn\u
8
217?t_look_like_herself,_not_comfortable_with_the_attention._\par\pard\plain\hyp
hpar}{
Jason_had_felt_bad_for_her._Maybe_that_was_crazy,_considering_she\u8217?
d_just_b
een_claimed_by_a_goddess_and_turned_into_the_most_gorgeous_girl_at_camp._Eve
rybo
dy_had_started_fawning_over_her,_telling_her_how_amazing_she_was_and_how_obv
ious
ly_{\i
she_}should_be_the_one_who_went_on_the_quest\u8212?
but_that_attention_had_nothin
g_to_do_with_who_she_was._New_dress,_new_makeup,_glowing_pink_aura,_and_{\i
boom}:_suddenly_people_liked_her._Jason_felt_like_he_understood_that._\par\pard\
plain\hyphpar}{
Last_night_when_he\u8217?d_called_down_lightning,_the_other_campers\u8217?
_react
ions_had_seemed_familiar_to_him._He_was_pretty_sure_he\u8217?
d_been_dealing_with
_that_for_a_long_time\u8212?
people_looking_at_him_in_awe_just_because_he_was_the
_son_of_Zeus,_treating_him_special,_but_it_didn\u8217?t_have_anything_to_do_with
_{\i
him}._Nobody_cared_about_{\i
him},_just_his_big_scary_daddy_standing_behind_him_with_the_doomsday_bolt,_as_
if
_to_say,_{\i
Respect_this_kid_or_eat_voltage!_}\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
After_the_campfire,_when_people_started_heading_back_to_their_cabins,_Jason_had
_
gone_up_to_Piper_and_formally_asked_her_to_come_with_him_on_the_quest.\par\pa
rd\
plain\hyphpar}{
She\u8217?
d_still_been_in_a_state_of_shock,_but_she_nodded,_rubbing_her_arms,_wh
ich_must\u8217?ve_been_cold_in_that_sleeveless_dress._\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
\u8220?Aphrodite_took_my_snowboarding_jacket,\u8221?_she_muttered._\u8220?
Mugged
_by_my_own_mom.\u8221?\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
In_the_first_row_of_the_amphitheater,_Jason_found_a_blanket_and_wrapped_it_arou
n
d_her_shoulders._\u8220?We\u8217?ll_get_you_a_new_jacket,\u8221?
_he_promised.\pa
She_managed_a_smile._He_wanted_to_wrap_his_arms_around_her,_but_he_restrain
ed_hi
mself._He_didn\u8217?
t_want_her_to_think_he_was_as_shallow_as_everyone_else\u821
2?trying_to_make_a_move_on_her_because_she\u8217?
d_turned_all_beautiful._\par\pa
rd\plain\hyphpar}{
He_was_glad_Piper_was_going_with_him_on_the_quest._Jason_had_tried_to_act_brav
e_
at_the_campfire,_but_it_was_just_that\u8212?an_act._The_idea_of_going_up_against
_an_evil_force_powerful_enough_to_kidnap_Hera_scared_him_witless,_especially_sin
ce_he_didn\u8217?t_even_know_his_own_past._He\u8217?
d_need_help,_and_it_felt_rig
ht:_Piper_should_be_with_him._But_things_were_already_complicated_without_figuri
ng_out_how_much_he_liked_her,_and_why._He\u8217?
d_already_messed_with_her_head_e
nough.\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
He_slipped_on_his_new_shoes,_ready_to_get_out_of_that_cold,_empty_cabin._Then_
he
_spotted_something_he_hadn\u8217?
t_noticed_the_night_before._A_brazier_had_been_
moved_out_of_one_of_the_alcoves_to_create_a_sleeping_niche,_with_a_bedroll,_a_b
a
ckpack,_even_some_pictures_taped_to_the_wall.\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
Jason_walked_over._Whoever_had_slept_there,_it_had_been_a_long_time_ago._The_
bed
roll_smelled_musty._The_backpack_was_covered_with_a_thin_film_of_dust._Some_of
_t
he_photos_once_taped_to_the_wall_had_lost_their_stickiness_and_fallen_to_the_flo
or._\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
One_picture_showed_Annabeth\u8212?
much_younger,_maybe_eight,_but_Jason_could_tel
l_it_was_she:_same_blond_hair_and_gray_eyes,_same_distracted_look_like_she_was_
t
hinking_a_million_things_at_once._She_stood_next_to_a_sandyhaired_guy_about_fou
rteen_or_fifteen,_with_a_mischievous_smile_and_ragged_leather_armor_over_a_T-shi
rt._He_was_pointing_to_an_alley_behind_them,_like_he_was_telling_the_photograph
e
r,_{\i
Let\u8217?s_go_meet_things_in_a_dark_alley_and_kill_them!
_}A_second_photo_showed
_Annabeth_and_the_same_guy_sitting_at_a_campfire,_laughing_hysterically.\par\par
d\plain\hyphpar}{
Finally_Jason_picked_up_one_of_the_photos_that_had_fallen._It_was_a_strip_of_pic
tures_like_you\u8217?d_take_in_a_do-ityourself_photo_booth:_Annabeth_and_the_sa
ndyhaired_guy,_but_with_another_girl_between_them._She_was_maybe_fifteen,_with_
black_hair\u8212?choppy_like_Piper\u8217?s\u8212?a_black_leather_jacket,_and_sil
ver_jewelry,_so_she_looked_kind_of_goth;_but_she_was_caught_midlaugh,_and_it_wa
s_clear_she_was_with_her_two_best_friends.\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
\u8220?That\u8217?s_Thalia,\u8221?_someone_said._\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
Jason_turned._\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
Annabeth_was_peering_over_his_shoulder._Her_expression_was_sad,_like_the_pictur
e
_bought_back_hard_memories._\u8220?She\u8217?
s_the_other_child_of_Zeus_who_lived
_here\u8212?but_not_for_long._Sorry,_I_should\u8217?ve_knocked.\u8221?
_\par\pard
\plain\hyphpar}{
\u8220?It\u8217?s_fine,\u8221?_Jason_said._\u8220?Not_like_I_think_of_this_place
_as_home.\u8221?_\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
Annabeth_was_dressed_for_travel,_with_a_winter_coat_over_her_camp_clothes,_her
_k
nife_at_her_belt,_and_a_backpack_across_her_shoulder._\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
Jason_said,_\u8220?Don\u8217?t_suppose_you\u8217?
ve_changed_your_mind_about_comi
ng_with_us?\u8221?\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
She_shook_her_head._\u8220?You_got_a_good_team_already._I\u8217?
m_off_to_look_fo
r_Percy.\u8221?_\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
Jason_was_a_little_disappointed._He_would\u8217?
ve_appreciated_having_somebody_o
n_the_trip_who_knew_what_they_were_doing,_so_he_wouldn\u8217?
t_feel_like_he_was_
leading_Piper_and_Leo_off_a_cliff._\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
\u8220?Hey,_you\u8217?ll_do_fine,\u8221?_Annabeth_promised._\u8220?
Something_tel
ls_me_this_isn\u8217?t_your_first_quest.\u8221?\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
Jason_had_a_vague_suspicion_she_was_right,_but_that_didn\u8217?
t_make_him_feel_a
ny_better._Everyone_seemed_to_think_he_was_so_brave_and_confident,_but_they_d
idn
\u8217?
t_see_how_lost_he_really_felt._How_could_they_trust_him_when_he_didn\u821
7?t_even_know_who_he_was?_\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
He_looked_at_the_pictures_of_Annabeth_smiling._He_wondered_how_long_it_had_be
en_
since_she\u8217?d_smiled._She_must_really_like_this_Percy_guy_to_search_for_him_
so_hard,_and_that_made_Jason_a_little_envious._Was_anyone_searching_for_{\i
him_}right_now?_What_if_somebody_cared_for_{\i
him_}that_much_and_was_going_out_of_her_mind_with_worry,_and_he_couldn\u821
7?t_e
ven_remember_his_old_life?_\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
\u8220?You_know_who_I_am,\u8221?_he_guessed._\u8220?Don\u8217?
t_you?\u8221?\par\
Annabeth_gripped_the_hilt_of_her_dagger._She_looked_for_a_chair_to_sit_on,_but_o
f_course_there_weren\u8217?t_any._\u8220?Honestly,_Jason_\u8230?_I\u8217?
m_not_s
ure._My_best_guess,_you\u8217?
re_a_loner._It_happens_sometimes._For_one_reason_o
r_another,_the_camp_never_found_you,_but_you_survived_anyway_by_constantly_m
ovin
g_around._Trained_yourself_to_fight._Handled_the_monsters_on_your_own._You_bea
t_
the_odds.\u8221?_\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
\u8220?The_first_thing_Chiron_said_to_me,\u8221?_Jason_remembered,_\u8220?
was_{\
i
you_should_be_dead.}\u8221?_\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
\u8220?That_could_be_why,\u8221?_Annabeth_said._\u8220?
Most_demigods_would_never
_make_it_on_their_own._And_a_child_of_Zeus\u8212?I_mean,_it_doesn\u8217?
t_get_an
y_more_dangerous_than_that._The_chances_of_your_reaching_age_fifteen_without_
fin
ding_Camp_Half-Blood_or_dying\u8212?
microscopic._But_like_I_said,_it_does_happen
.
_Thalia_ran_away_when_she_was_young._She_survived_on_her_own_for_years._Eve
n_to
ok_care_of_me_for_a_while._So_maybe_you_were_a_loner_too.\u8221?\par\pard\plai
n\
hyphpar}{
Jason_held_out_his_arm._\u8220?And_these_marks?\u8221?
Annabeth_glanced_at_the_tattoos._Clearly,_they_bothered_her._\u8220?
Well,_the_ea
gle_is_the_symbol_of_Zeus,_so_that_makes_sense._The_twelve_lines\u8212?
maybe_the
y_stand_for_years,_if_you\u8217?
d_been_making_them_since_you_were_three_years_ol
d._SPQR\u8212?that\u8217?s_the_motto_of_the_old_Roman_Empire:_{\i
Senatus_Populusque_Romanus},_the_Senate_and_the_People_of_Rome._Though_wh
y_you_w
ould_burn_that_on_your_own_arm,_I_don\u8217?t_know._Unless_you_had_a_{\i
really}_harsh_Latin_teacher_\u8230?\u8221?_\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
Jason_was_pretty_sure_that_wasn\u8217?t_the_reason._It_also_didn\u8217?
t_seem_po
ssible_he\u8217?d_been_on_his_own_his_whole_life._But_what_else_made_sense?
_Anna
beth_had_been_pretty_clear\u8212?Camp_HalfBlood_was_the_only_safe_place_in_the_
world_for_demigods.\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
\u8220?I,_um_\u8230?_had_a_weird_dream_last_night,\u8221?
_he_said._It_seemed_lik
e_a_stupid_thing_to_confide,_but_Annabeth_didn\u8217?t_look_surprised.\par\pard\
plain\hyphpar}{
\u8220?Happens_all_the_time_to_demigods,\u8221?_she_said._\u8220?
What_did_you_se
e?\u8221?\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
He_told_her_about_the_wolves_and_the_ruined_house_and_the_two_rock_spires._As
_he
_talked,_Annabeth_started_pacing,_looking_more_and_more_agitated.\par\pard\plai
n
\hyphpar}{
\u8220?You_don\u8217?t_remember_where_this_house_is?\u8221?
_she_asked._\par\pard
\plain\hyphpar}{
Jason_shook_his_head._\u8220?But_I\u8217?m_sure_I\u8217?
ve_been_there_before.\u8
\u8220?Redwoods,\u8221?_she_mused._\u8220?
Could_be_northern_California._And_the_
she-wolf_\u8230?_I\u8217?
ve_studied_goddesses,_spirits,_and_monsters_my_whole_li
fe._I\u8217?ve_never_heard_of_Lupa.\u8221?\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
\u8220?She_said_the_enemy_was_a_\u8216?her.\u8217?
_I_thought_maybe_it_was_Hera,_
but\u8212?\u8221?_\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
\u8220?I_wouldn\u8217?t_trust_Hera,_but_I_don\u8217?t_think_she\u8217?
s_the_enem
y._And_that_thing_rising_out_of_the_earth\u8212?\u8221?_Annabeth\u8217?
s_express
ion_darkened._\u8220?You\u8217?
ve_got_to_stop_it.\u8221?\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}
{
\u8220?You_know_what_it_is,_don\u8217?t_you?\u8221?_he_asked._\u8220?
Or_at_least
,_you\u8217?
ve_got_a_guess._I_saw_your_face_last_night_at_the_campfire._You_look
ed_at_Chiron_like_it_was_suddenly_dawning_on_you,_but_you_didn\u8217?
t_want_to_s
care_us.\u8221?_\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
Annabeth_hesitated._\u8220?Jason,_the_thing_about_prophecies_\u8230?
the_more_you
_know,_the_more_you_try_to_change_them,_and_that_can_be_disastrous._Chiron_be
lie
ves_it\u8217?s_better_that_you_find_your_own_path,_find_out_things_in_your_own_t
ime._If_he\u8217?
d_told_me_everything_he_knew_before_my_first_quest_with_Percy\u
8230?_I\u8217?ve_got_to_admit,_I\u8217?m_not_sure_I_would\u8217?
ve_been_able_to_
go_through_with_it._For_your_quest,_it\u8217?s_even_more_important.\u8221?
_\par\
\u8220?That_bad,_huh?\u8221?_\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
\u8220?Not_if_you_succeed._At_least_\u8230?_I_hope_not.\u8221?\par\pard\plain\hy
phpar}{
\u8220?But_I_don\u8217?
t_even_know_where_to_start._Where_am_I_supposed_to_go?\u8
\u8220?Follow_the_monsters,\u8221?
_Annabeth_suggested.\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
Jason_thought_about_that._The_storm_spirit_who\u8217?
d_attacked_him_at_the_Grand
_Canyon_had_said_he_was_being_recalled_to_his_boss._If_Jason_could_track_the_sto
rm_spirits,_he_might_be_able_to_find_the_person_controlling_them._And_maybe_tha
t
_would_lead_him_to_Hera\u8217?s_prison.\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
\u8220?Okay,\u8221?_he_said._\u8220?
How_do_I_find_storm_winds?\u8221?\par\pard\p
lain\hyphpar}{
\u8220?Personally,_I\u8217?d_ask_a_wind_god,\u8221?_Annabeth_said._\u8220?
Aeolus
_is_the_master_of_all_the_winds,_but_he\u8217?s_a_little_\u8230?_unpredictable._
No_one_finds_him_unless_he_wants_to_be_found._I\u8217?
d_try_one_of_the_four_seas
onal_wind_gods_that_work_for_Aeolus._The_nearest_one,_the_one_who_has_the_mo
st_d
ealings_with_heroes,_is_Boreas,_the_North_Wind.\u8221?_\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
\u8220?
So_if_I_looked_him_up_on_Google_maps\u8212?\u8221?\par\pard\plain\hyphpar
}{
\u8220?Oh,_he\u8217?s_not_hard_to_find,\u8221?_Annabeth_promised._\u8220?
He_sett
led_in_North_America_like_all_the_other_gods._So_of_course_he_picked_the_oldest_
northern_settlement,_about_as_far_north_as_you_can_go.\u8221?\par\pard\plain\hy
p
hpar}{
\u8220?Maine?\u8221?_Jason_guessed.\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
\u8220?Farther.\u8221?_\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
Jason_tried_to_envision_a_map._What_was_farther_north_than_Maine?
_The_oldest_nor
thern_settlement_\u8230?_\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
\u8220?Canada,\u8221?_he_decided._\u8220?Quebec.\u8221?
{
Annabeth_smiled._\u8220?
I_hope_you_speak_French.\u8221?\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
Jason_actually_felt_a_spark_of_excitement._Quebec\u8212?
at_least_now_he_had_a_go
al._Find_the_North_Wind,_track_down_the_storm_spirits,_find_out_who_they_worked
_
for_and_where_that_ruined_house_was._Free_Hera._All_in_four_days._Cake.\par\pard
\plain\hyphpar}{
\u8220?Thanks,_Annabeth.\u8221?
_He_looked_at_the_photo_booth_pictures_still_in_h
is_hand._\u8220?So,_um_\u8230?
_you_said_it_was_dangerous_being_a_child_of_Zeus._
What_ever_happened_to_Thalia?\u8221?\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
\u8220?Oh,_she\u8217?s_fine,\u8221?_Annabeth_said._\u8220?
She_became_a_Hunter_of
_Artemis\u8212?
one_of_the_handmaidens_of_the_goddess._They_roam_around_the_count
ry_killing_monsters._We_don\u8217?
t_see_them_at_camp_very_often.\u8221?\par\pard
\plain\hyphpar}{
Jason_glanced_over_at_the_huge_statue_of_Zeus._He_understood_why_Thalia_had_s
lep
t_in_this_alcove._It_was_the_only_place_in_the_cabin_not_in_Hippie_Zeus\u8217?s_
line_of_sight._And_even_that_hadn\u8217?t_been_enough._She\u8217?
d_chosen_to_fol
low_Artemis_and_be_part_of_a_group_rather_than_stay_in_this_cold_drafty_temple_
a
lone_with_her_twenty-foot-tall_dad\u8212?{\i
Jason\u8217?s_dad}\u8212?glowering_down_at_her._{\i
Eat_voltage!_}Jason_didn\u8217?t_have_any_trouble_understanding_Thalia\u8217?
s_f
eelings._He_wondered_if_there_was_a_Hunters_group_for_guys.\par\pard\plain\hyph
p
ar}{
\u8220?Who\u8217?s_the_other_kid_in_the_photo?\u8221?_he_asked._\u8220?
The_sandy
-haired_guy.\u8221?\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
Annabeth\u8217?s_expression_tightened._Touchy_subject._\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}
{
\u8220?That\u8217?s_Luke,\u8221?_she_said._\u8220?He\u8217?
s_dead_now.\u8221?_\p
Jason_decided_it_was_best_not_to_ask_more,_but_the_way_Annabeth_said_Luke\u82
17?
s_name,_he_wondered_if_maybe_Percy_Jackson_wasn\u8217?
t_the_only_boy_Annabeth_ha
d_ever_liked.\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
He_focused_again_on_Thalia\u8217?
s_face._He_kept_thinking_this_photo_of_her_was_
important._He_was_missing_something.\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
Jason_felt_a_strange_sense_of_connection_to_this_other_child_of_Zeus\u8212?
someo
ne_who_might_understand_his_confusion,_maybe_even_answer_some_questions._B
ut_ano
ther_voice_inside_him,_an_insistent_whisper,_said:{\i
_Dangerous._Stay_away.}\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
\u8220?How_old_is_she_now?\u8221?_he_asked._\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
\u8220?Hard_to_say._She_was_a_tree_for_a_while._Now_she\u8217?
s_immortal.\u8221?
\u8220?What?\u8221?_\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
His_expression_must\u8217?
ve_been_pretty_good,_because_Annabeth_laughed._\u8220?
Don\u8217?t_worry._It\u8217?s_not_something_all_children_of_Zeus_go_through._It\
u8217?s_a_long_story,_but_\u8230?
_well,_she_was_out_of_commission_for_a_long_tim
e._If_she\u8217?d_aged_regularly,_she\u8217?
d_be_in_her_twenties_now,_but_she_st
ill_looks_the_same_as_in_that_picture,_like_she\u8217?s_about_\u8230?_well,_abou
t_your_age._Fifteen_or_sixteen?\u8221?_\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
Something_the_shewolf_had_said_in_his_dream_nagged_at_Jason._He_found_himself_a
sking,_\u8220?What\u8217?s_her_last_name?\u8221?_\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
Annabeth_looked_uneasy._\u8220?She_didn\u8217?
t_use_a_last_name,_really._If_she_
had_to,_she\u8217?d_use_her_mom\u8217?s,_but_they_didn\u8217?
t_get_along._Thalia
_ran_away_when_she_was_pretty_young.\u8221?\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
Jason_waited._\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
\u8220?Grace,\u8221?_Annabeth_said._\u8220?Thalia_Grace.\u8221?
_\par\pard\plain\
hyphpar}{
Jason\u8217?s_fingers_went_numb._The_picture_fluttered_to_the_floor._\par\pard\p
lain\hyphpar}{
\u8220?You_okay?\u8221?_Annabeth_asked.\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
A_shred_of_memory_had_ignited\u8212?
maybe_a_tiny_piece_that_Hera_had_forgotten_t
o_steal._Or_maybe_she\u8217?d_left_it_there_on_purpose\u8212?
just_enough_for_him
_to_remember_that_name,_and_know_that_digging_up_his_past_was_terribly,_terribl
y
_dangerous.\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
{\i
You_should_be_dead,_}Chiron_had_said._It_wasn\u8217?
t_a_comment_about_Jason_beat
ing_the_odds_as_a_loner._Chiron_knew_something_specific\u8212?
something_about_Ja
son\u8217?s_family._\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
The_she-wolf_\u8217?
s_words_in_his_dream_finally_made_sense_to_him,_her_clever_j
oke_at_his_expense._He_could_imagine_Lupa_growling_a_wolfish_laugh.\par\pard\pl
a
in\hyphpar}{
\u8220?What_is_it?\u8221?_Annabeth_pressed.\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
Jason_couldn\u8217?t_keep_this_to_himself._It_would_kill_him,_and_he_had_to_get_
Annabeth\u8217?
s_help._If_she_knew_Thalia,_maybe_she_could_advise_him._\par\pard
\plain\hyphpar}{
\u8220?You_have_to_swear_not_to_tell_anyone_else,\u8221?_he_said.\par\pard\plain
\hyphpar}{
\u8220?Jason\u8212?\u8221?_\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
\u8220?Swear_it,\u8221?_he_urged._\u8220?Until_I_figure_out_what\u8217?
s_going_o
n,_what_this_all_means\u8212?\u8221?
_He_rubbed_the_burned_tattoos_on_his_forearm
._\u8220?You_have_to_keep_a_secret.\u8221?\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
Annabeth_hesitated,_but_her_curiosity_won_out._\u8220?All_right._Until_you_tell_
me_it\u8217?s_okay,_I_won\u8217?
t_share_what_you_say_with_anyone_else._I_swear_o
n_the_River_Styx.\u8221?\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
Thunder_rumbled,_even_louder_than_usual_for_the_cabin._{\i
You_are_our_saving_Grace,}_the_wolf_had_snarled._Jason_picked_up_the_photo_fro
m_
the_floor._\u8220?My_last_name_is_Grace,\u8221?_he_said._\u8220?
This_is_my_siste
r.\u8221?
_Annabeth_turned_pale._Jason_could_see_her_wrestling_with_dismay,_disbe
lief,_anger._She_thought_he_was_lying._His_claim_was_impossible._And_part_of_him
_felt_the_same_way,_but_as_soon_as_he_spoke_the_words,_he_knew_they_were_tru
e.\p
Then_the_doors_of_the_cabin_burst_open._Half_a_dozen_campers_spilled_in,_led_by
_
the_bald_guy_from_Iris,_Butch._\u8220?Hurry!\u8221?
_he_said,_and_Jason_couldn\u8
217?t_tell_if_his_expression_was_excitement_or_fear._\u8220?The_dragon_is_back.\
P}{\b
IPER_WOKE_UP_AND_IMMEDIATELY_GRABBED}{\b
_}a_mirror._There_were_plenty_of_those_in_the_Aphrodite_cabin._She_sat_on_her_b
u
nk,_looked_at_her_reflection_and_groaned.\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
She_was_{\i
still}_gorgeous.\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
Last_night_after_the_campfire,_she\u8217?
d_tried_everything._She_messed_up_her_h
air,_washed_the_makeup_off_her_face,_cried_to_make_her_eyes_red._Nothing_work
ed.
_Her_hair_popped_back_to_perfection._The_magic_makeup_reapplied_itself._Her_ey
es
_refused_to_get_puffy_or_bloodshot.\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
She_would\u8217?
ve_changed_clothes,_but_she_had_nothing_to_change_into._The_othe
r_Aphrodite_campers_offered_her_some_(laughing_behind_her_back,_she_was_sure)
,_b
ut_each_outfit_was_even_more_fashionable_and_ridiculous_than_what_she_had_on.
_\p
Now,_after_a_horrible_night\u8217?s_sleep,_still_no_change._Piper_normally_looke
d_like_a_zombie_in_the_morning,_but_her_hair_was_styled_like_a_supermodel\u821
7?
s_and_her_skin_was_perfect._Even_that_horrible_zit_at_the_base_of_her_nose,_whic
h_she\u8217?d_had_for_so_many_days_she\u8217?
d_started_to_call_it_Bob,_had_disap
peared.\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
She_growled_in_frustration_and_raked_her_fingers_through_her_hair._No_use._The_d
o_just_popped_back_into_place._She_looked_like_Cherokee_Barbie._\par\pard\plain\
hyphpar}{
From_across_the_cabin,_Drew_called,_\u8220?Oh,_honey,_it_won\u8217?
t_go_away.\u8
221?_Her_voice_dripped_with_false_sympathy._\u8220?Mom\u8217?
s_blessing_will_las
t_{\i
at_least_}another_day._Maybe_a_week_if_you\u8217?
re_lucky.\u8221?\par\pard\plain
\hyphpar}{
Piper_gritted_her_teeth._\u8220?A_{\i
week}?\u8221?_\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
The_other_Aphrodite_kids\u8212?about_dozen_girls_and_five_guys\u8212?
smirked_and
_snickered_at_her_discomfort._Piper_knew_she_should_play_cool,_not_let_them_get_
under_her_skin._She\u8217?
d_dealt_with_shallow,_popular_kids_plenty_of_times._Bu
t_this_was_different._These_were_her_brothers_and_sisters,_even_if_she_had_{\i
nothing_}in_common_with_them,_and_how_Aphrodite_had_managed_to_have_so_m
any_kids
_so_close_in_age_\u8230?_Never_mind._She_didn\u8217?
t_want_to_know._\par\pard\pl
ain\hyphpar}{
\u8220?Don\u8217?t_worry,_hon.\u8221?
_Drew_blotted_her_fluorescent_lipstick._\u8
220?You\u8217?re_thinking_you_don\u8217?t_belong_here?_We_couldn\u8217?
t_agree_m
ore._Isn\u8217?t_that_right,_{\i
Mitchell_}?\u8221?_\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
One_of_the_guys_flinched._\u8220?
Um,_yeah._Sure.\u8221?\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
\u8220?Mmm-hmm.\u8221?
_Drew_took_out_her_mascara_and_checked_her_lashes._Everyon
e_else_watched,_not_daring_to_speak._\u8220?
So_anyways,_people,_fifteen_minutes_
until_breakfast._The_cabin\u8217?s_not_going_to_clean_itself!_And_Mitchell,_I_th
ink_you\u8217?ve_learned_your_lesson._Right,_sweetie?_So_you\u8217?
re_on_garbage
_patrol_just_for_today,_mm-kay?_Show_Piper_how_it\u8217?s_done,_\u8217?
cause_I_h
ave_a_feeling_she\u8217?ll_have_that_job_soon\u8212?{\i
if_}she_survives_her_{\i
quest}._Now,_get_to_work,_everybody!_It\u8217?
s_my_bathroom_time!\u8221?\par\par
d\plain\hyphpar}{
Everybody_started_rushing_around,_making_beds_and_folding_clothes,_while_Drew_
sc
ooped_up_her_makeup_kit,_hair_dryer,_and_brush_and_marched_into_the_bathroom
.\pa
Someone_inside_yelped,_and_a_girl_about_eleven_was_kicked_out,_hastily_wrapped
_i
n_towels_with_shampoo_still_in_her_hair.\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
The_door_slammed_shut,_and_the_girl_started_to_cry._A_couple_of_older_campers_
co
mforted_her_and_wiped_the_bubbles_out_of_her_hair._\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
\u8220?Seriously?\u8221?_Piper_said_to_no_one_in_particular._\u8220?You_let_Drew
_treat_you_like_this?\u8221?\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
A_few_kids_shot_Piper_nervous_looks,_like_they_might_actually_agree,_but_they_sa
id_nothing.\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
The_campers_kept_working,_though_Piper_couldn\u8217?
t_see_why_the_cabin_needed_m
uch_cleaning._It_was_a_life-size_dollhouse,_with_pink_walls_and_white_window_tri
m._The_lace_curtains_were_pastel_blue_and_green,_which_of_course_matched_the_
she
ets_and_feather_comforters_on_all_the_beds._\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
The_guys_had_one_row_of_bunks_separated_by_a_curtain,_but_their_section_of_the
_c
abin_was_just_as_neat_and_orderly_as_the_girls\u8217?._Something_was_{\i
definitely_}unnatural_about_that._Every_camper_had_a_wooden_camp_chest_at_th
e_fo
ot_of_their_bunk_with_their_name_painted_on_it,_and_Piper_guessed_that_the_cloth
es_in_each_chest_were_neatly_folded_and_color_coordinated._The_only_bit_of_indiv
idualism_was_how_the_campers_decorated_their_private_bunk_spaces._Each_had_sl
igh
tly_different_pictures_tacked_up_of_whatever_celebrities_they_thought_were_hot._
A_few_had_personal_photos,_too,_but_most_were_actors_or_singers_or_whatever._\
pa
Piper_hoped_she_might_not_see_{\i
The_Poster}._It_had_been_almost_a_year_since_the_movie,_and_she_thought_by_no
w_s
urely_everyone_had_torn_down_those_old_tattered_advertisements_and_tacked_up_
som
ething_newer._But_no_such_luck._She_spotted_one_on_the_wall_by_the_storage_clo
se
t,_in_the_middle_of_a_collage_of_famous_heartthrobs.\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
The_title_was_lurid_red:_{\i
king_of_sparta}._Under_that,_the_poster_showed_the_leading_man\u8212?a_threequa
rters_shot_of_bare-chested_bronze_flesh,_with_ripped_pectorals_and_six-pack_abs.
_He_was_clad_in_only_a_Greek_war_kilt_and_a_purple_cape,_sword_in_hand._He_loo
ke
d_like_he\u8217?d_just_been_rubbed_in_oil,_his_short_black_hair_gleaming_and_riv
ulets_of_sweat_pouring_off_his_rugged_face,_those_dark_sad_eyes_facing_the_came
r
a_as_if_to_say,_{\i
I_will_kill_your_men_and_steal_your_women!_Ha-ha!}\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
It_was_the_most_ridiculous_poster_of_all_time._Piper_and_her_dad_had_had_a_good
_
laugh_over_it_the_first_time_they_saw_it._Then_the_movie_made_a_bajillion_dollar
s._The_poster_graphic_popped_up_everywhere._Piper_couldn\u8217?
t_get_away_from_i
t_at_school,_walking_down_the_street,_even_online._It_became_{\i
The_Poster},_the_most_embarrassing_thing_in_her_life._And_yeah,_it_was_a_picture
_of_her_dad.\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
She_turned_away_so_no_one_would_think_she_was_staring_at_it._Maybe_when_ever
yone
_went_to_breakfast_she_could_tear_it_down_and_they_wouldn\u8217?
t_notice._\par\p
ard\plain\hyphpar}{
She_tried_to_look_busy,_but_she_didn\u8217?
t_have_any_extra_clothes_to_fold._She
_straightened_her_bed,_then_realized_the_top_blanket_was_the_one_Jason_had_wra
pp
ed_around_her_shoulders_last_night._She_picked_it_up_and_pressed_it_to_her_face.
_It_smelled_of_wood_smoke,_but_unfortunately_not_of_Jason._He_was_the_{\i
only_}person_who\u8217?
d_been_genuinely_nice_to_her_after_the_claiming,_like_he_
cared_about_how_she_felt,_not_just_about_her_stupid_new_clothes._God,_she\u821
7?
d_wanted_to_kiss_him,_but_he\u8217?
d_seemed_so_uncomfortable,_almost_scared_of_h
er._She_couldn\u8217?t_really_blame_him._She\u8217?
d_been_glowing_pink._\par\par
d\plain\hyphpar}{
\u8220?\u8217?Scuse_me,\u8221?
_said_a_voice_by_her_feet._The_garbage_patrol_guy,
_Mitchell,_was_crawling_around_on_all_fours,_picking_up_chocolate_wrappers_and_c
rumpled_notes_from_under_the_bunk_beds._Apparently_the_Aphrodite_kids_weren\
u821
7?t_one_hundred_percent_neat_freaks_after_all.\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
She_moved_out_of_his_way._\u8220?What\u8217?
d_you_do_to_make_Drew_mad?\u8221?_\p
He_glanced_over_at_the_bathroom_door_to_make_sure_it_was_still_closed._\u8220?
La
st_night,_after_you_were_claimed,_I_said_you_might_not_be_so_bad.\u8221?\par\pa
r
d\plain\hyphpar}{
It_wasn\u8217?
t_much_of_a_compliment,_but_Piper_was_stunned._An_Aphrodite_kid_ha
d_actually_stood_up_for_her?\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
\u8220?Thanks,\u8221?_she_said._\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
Mitchell_shrugged._\u8220?
Yeah,_well._See_where_it_got_me._But_for_what_it\u8217
?s_worth,_welcome_to_Cabin_Ten.\u8221?_\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
A_girl_with_blond_pigtails_and_braces_raced_up_with_a_pile_of_clothes_in_her_arm
s._She_looked_around_furtively_like_she_was_delivering_nuclear_materials.\par\pa
rd\plain\hyphpar}{
\u8220?I_brought_you_these,\u8221?_she_whispered.\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
\u8220?Piper,_meet_Lacy,\u8221?_Mitchell_said,_still_crawling_around_on_the_floo
r._\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
\u8220?Hi,\u8221?_Lacy_said_breathlessly._\u8220?You_{\i
can_}change_clothes._The_blessing_won\u8217?
t_stop_you._This_is_just,_you_know,_
a_backpack,_some_rations,_ambrosia_and_nectar_for_emergencies,_some_jeans,_a_
few
_extra_shirts,_and_a_warm_jacket._The_boots_might_be_a_little_snug._But\u8212?
we
ll\u8212?we_took_up_a_collection._Good_luck_on_your_quest!\u8221?\par\pard\plain
\hyphpar}{
Lacy_dumped_the_things_on_the_bed_and_started_to_hurry_away,_but_Piper_caugh
t_he
r_arm._\u8220?Hold_on._At_least_let_me_thank_you!
_Why_are_you_rushing_off?\u8221
Lacy_looked_like_she_might_shake_apart_from_nervousness._\u8220?
Oh,_well\u8212?\
\u8220?Drew_might_find_out,\u8221?_Mitchell_explained.\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
\u8220?I_might_have_to_wear_the_shoes_of_shame!\u8221?
_Lacy_gulped.\par\pard\pla
in\hyphpar}{
\u8220?The_what?\u8221?_Piper_asked.\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
Lacy_and_Mitchell_both_pointed_to_a_black_shelf_mounted_in_the_corner_of_the_ro
o
m,_like_an_altar._Displayed_on_it_were_a_hideous_pair_of_orthopedic_nurse\u8217?
s_shoes,_bright_white_with_thick_soles._\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
\u8220?I_had_to_wear_them_for_a_week_once,\u8221?_Lacy_whimpered._\u8220?
They_do
n\u8217?t_go_with{\i
_anything}!\u8221?_\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
\u8220?And_there\u8217?re_worse_punishments,\u8221?_Mitchell_warned._\u8220?
Drew
_can_charmspeak,_see?
_Not_many_Aphrodite_kids_have_that_power;_but_if_she_tries_
hard_enough,_she_can_get_you_to_do_some_pretty_embarrassing_things._Piper,_yo
u\u
8217?re_the_first_person_I\u8217?ve_seen_in_a_long_time_who_is_able_to_resist_he
r.\u8221?\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
\u8220?Charmspeak_\u8230?\u8221?
_Piper_remembered_last_night,_the_way_the_crowd_
at_the_campfire_had_swayed_back_and_forth_between_Drew\u8217?
s_opinion_and_hers.
_\u8220?You_mean,_like,_you_could_talk_someone_into_doing_things._Or_\u8230?
_giv
ing_you_things._Like_a_car?\u8221?_\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
\u8220?Oh,_don\u8217?t_give_Drew_any_ideas!\u8221?
_Lacy_gasped.\par\pard\plain\h
yphpar}{
\u8220?But_yeah,\u8221?_Mitchell_said._\u8220?
She_could_do_that.\u8221?\par\pard
\plain\hyphpar}{
\u8220?So_that\u8217?s_why_she\u8217?s_head_counselor,\u8221?
_Piper_said._\u8220
?She_convinced_you_all?\u8221?\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
Mitchell_picked_a_nasty_wad_of_gum_from_under_Piper\u8217?s_bed._\u8220?
Nah,_she
_inherited_the_post_when_Silena_Beauregard_died_in_the_war._Drew_was_second_o
lde
st._Oldest_camper_automatically_gets_the_post,_unless_somebody_with_more_year
s_o
r_more_completed_quests_wants_to_challenge,_in_which_case_there\u8217?
s_a_duel,_
but_that_hardly_ever_happens._Anyway,_we\u8217?
ve_been_stuck_with_Drew_in_charge
_since_August._She_decided_to_make_some,_ah,_{\i
changes}_in_the_way_the_cabin_is_run.\u8221?\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
\u8220?Yes,_I_did!\u8221?
_Suddenly_Drew_was_there,_leaning_against_the_bunk._Lac
y_squeaked_like_a_guinea_pig_and_tried_to_run,_but_Drew_put_an_arm_out_to_stop
_h
er._She_looked_down_at_Mitchell._\u8220?
I_think_you_missed_some_trash,_sweetie._
You\u8217?d_better_make_another_pass.\u8221?\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
Piper_glanced_toward_the_bathroom_and_saw_that_Drew_had_dumped_everything_
from_t
he_bathroom_waste_bin\u8212?some_pretty_{\i
nasty}_things\u8212?all_over_the_floor.\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
Mitchell_sat_up_on_his_haunches._He_glared_at_Drew_like_he_was_about_to_attack
_(
which_Piper_would\u8217?
ve_paid_money_to_see),_but_finally_he_snapped,_\u8220?Fi
ne.\u8221?\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
Drew_smiled._\u8220?See,_Piper,_hon,_we\u8217?
re_a_good_cabin_here._A_good_famil
y!_Silena_Beauregard,_though_\u8230?
_you_could_take_a_warning_from_her._She_was_
secretly_passing_information_to_Kronos_in_the_Titan_War,_helping_the_{\i
enemy}.\u8221?_\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
Drew_smiled_all_sweet_and_innocent,_with_her_glittery_pink_makeup_and_her_blow
-d
ried_hair_lush_and_smelling_like_nutmeg._She_looked_like_any_popular_teenage_gir
l_from_any_high_school._But_her_eyes_were_as_cold_as_steel._Piper_got_the_feelin
g_Drew_was_looking_straight_into_her_soul,_pulling_out_her_secrets._\par\pard\pl
ain\hyphpar}{
{\i
Helping_the_enemy.}\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
\u8220?Oh,_none_of_the_other_cabins_talk_about_it,\u8221?
_Drew_confided._\u8220?
They_act_like_Silena_Beauregard_was_a_hero.\u8221?\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
\u8220?She_sacrificed_her_life_to_make_things_right,\u8221?_Mitchell_grumbled._\
u8220?She_{\i
was}_a_hero.\u8221?_\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
\u8220?Mmm-hmm,\u8221?_Drew_said._\u8220?
Another_day_on_garbage_patrol,_Mitchell
._But_{\i
anyways},_Silena_lost_track_of_what_this_cabin_is_about._We_match_up_cute_coup
le
s_at_camp!_Then_we_break_them_apart_and_start_over!_It\u8217?
s_the_best_fun_ever
._We_don\u8217?
t_have_any_business_getting_involved_in_other_stuff_like_wars_and
_quests._{\i
I_}certainly_haven\u8217?t_been_on_any_quests._They\u8217?
re_a_waste_of_time!\u8
Lacy_raised_her_hand_nervously._\u8220?
But_last_night_you_said_you_wanted_to_go_
on_a\u8212?\u8221?\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
Drew_glared_at_her,_and_Lacy\u8217?s_voice_died._\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
\u8220?Most_of_all,\u8221?_Drew_continued,_\u8220?we_certainly_don\u8217?
t_need_
our_image_tarnished_by_spies,_do_we,_{\i
Piper}?\u8221?_\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
Piper_tried_to_answer,_but_she_couldn\u8217?
t._There_was_no_way_Drew_could_know_
about_her_dreams_or_her_dad\u8217?s_kidnapping,_was_there?
ar}{
\u8220?It\u8217?s_too_bad_you_won\u8217?t_be_around,\u8221?
_Drew_sighed._\u8220?
But_if_you_survive_your_little_quest,_don\u8217?t_worry,_I\u8217?ll_find_{\i
somebody}to_match_up_with_you._Maybe_one_of_those_gross_Hephaestus_guys._
Or_Clov
is?_He\u8217?s_pretty_repulsive.\u8221?
_Drew_looked_her_over_with_a_mix_of_pity_
and_disgust._\u8220?Honestly,_I_didn\u8217?t_think_it_was_{\i
possible_}for_Aphrodite_to_have_an_ugly_child,_but_\u8230?_who_{\i
was_}your_father?
_Was_he_some_sort_of_mutant,_or\u8212?\u8221?\par\pard\plain\hy
phpar}{
\u8220?Tristan_McLean,\u8221?_Piper_snapped.\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
As_soon_as_she_said_it,_she_hated_herself._She_never,_{\i
ever_}played_the_\u8220?famous_dad\u8221?
_card._But_Drew_had_driven_her_over_the
_edge._\u8220?My_dad\u8217?s_Tristan_McLean.\u8221?_\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
The_stunned_silence_was_gratifying_for_a_few_seconds,_but_Piper_felt_ashamed_of
_
herself._Everybody_turned_and_looked_at_{\i
The_Poster},_her_dad_flexing_his_muscles_for_the_whole_world_to_see._\par\pard\p
lain\hyphpar}{
\u8220?Oh_my_god!\u8221?
_half_the_girls_screamed_at_once.\par\pard\plain\hyphpar
}{
\u8220?Sweet!\u8221?_a_guy_said._\u8220?
The_dude_with_the_sword_who_killed_that_
other_dude_in_that_movie?\u8221?_\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
\u8220?He_is_{\i
so_}hot_for_an_old_guy,\u8221?_a_girl_said,_and_then_she_blushed._\u8220?
I_mean_
I\u8217?m_sorry._I_know_he\u8217?s_your_{\i
dad}._That\u8217?s_{\i
so_}weird!\u8221?_\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
\u8220?It\u8217?s_weird,_all_right,\u8221?_Piper_agreed.\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}
{
\u8220?Do_you_think_you_could_get_me_his_autograph?\u8221?
_another_girl_asked.\p
Piper_forced_a_smile._She_couldn\u8217?t_say,_{\i
If_my_dad_survives}...._\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
\u8220?Yeah,_no_problem,\u8221?_she_managed.\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
The_girl_squealed_in_excitement,_and_more_kids_surged_forward,_asking_a_dozen_
qu
estions_at_once.\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
\u8220?Have_you_ever_been_on_the_set?\u8221?\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
\u8220?Do_you_live_in_a_mansion?\u8221?\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
\u8220?Do_you_have_lunch_with_movie_stars?\u8221?\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
\u8220?Have_you_had_your_rite_of_passage?\u8221?\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
That_one_caught_Piper_off_guard._\u8220?Rite_of_what?\u8221?
_she_asked._\par\par
d\plain\hyphpar}{
The_girls_and_guys_giggled_and_shoved_each_other_around_like_this_was_an_emb
arra
ssing_topic.\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
\u8220?The_rite_of_passage_for_an_Aphrodite_child,\u8221?
_one_explained._\u8220?
You_get_someone_to_fall_in_love_with_you._Then_you_break_their_heart._Dump_the
m.
_Once_you_do_that,_you\u8217?
ve_proven_yourself_worthy_of_Aphrodite.\u8221?\par\
Piper_stared_at_the_crowd_to_see_if_they_were_joking._\u8220?
Break_someone\u8217
?s_heart_on_purpose?_That\u8217?s_terrible!\u8221?_\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
The_others_looked_confused._\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
\u8220?Why?\u8221?_a_guy_asked.\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
\u8220?Oh_my_god!\u8221?_a_girl_said._\u8220?I_bet_Aphrodite_broke_your_{\i
dad\u8217?s_}heart!_I_bet_he_never_loved_anyone_again,_did_he?_That\u8217?
s_so_r
omantic!
_When_you_have_your_rite_of_passage,_you_can_be_just_like_Mom!\u8221?\pa
\u8220?Forget_it!\u8221?_Piper_yelled,_a_little_louder_than_she\u8217?d_intended
._The_other_kids_backed_away._\u8220?I\u8217?m_{\i
not_}breaking_somebody\u8217?
s_heart_just_for_a_stupid_rite_of_passage!\u8221?\p
Which_of_course_gave_Drew_a_chance_to_take_back_control._\u8220?
Well,_there_you_
go!\u8221?_she_cut_in._\u8220?
Silena_said_the_same_thing._She_broke_the_traditio
n,_fell_in_love_with_that_Beckendorf_boy,_and_{\i
stayed_}in_love._If_you_ask_me,_that\u8217?s_why_things_ended_tragically_for_her
\u8220?That\u8217?s_not_true!\u8221?
_Lacy_squeaked,_but_Drew_glared_at_her,_and_
she_immediately_melted_back_into_the_crowd.\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
\u8220?Hardly_matters,\u8221?_Drew_continued,_\u8220?
because,_Piper,_hon,_you_co
uldn\u8217?t_break_anyone\u8217?
s_heart_anyway._And_this_nonsense_about_your_dad
_being_Tristan_McLean\u8212?that\u8217?s_{\i
so_}begging_for_attention.\u8221?_\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
Several_of_the_kids_blinked_uncertainly._\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
\u8220?You_mean_he\u8217?s_{\i
not_}her_dad?\u8221?_one_asked._\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
Drew_rolled_her_eyes._\u8220?Please._Now,_it\u8217?s_time_for_breakfast,_people,
_and_Piper_here_has_to_start_that_little_quest._So_let\u8217?s_get_her_packed_an
d_get_her_out_of_here!\u8221?\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
Drew_broke_up_the_crowd_and_got_everyone_moving._She_called_them_\u8220?
hon\u822
1?_and_\u8220?dear,\u8221?
_but_her_tone_made_it_clear_she_expected_to_be_obeyed.
_Mitchell_and_Lacy_helped_Piper_pack._They_even_guarded_the_bathroom_while_Pi
per
_went_in_and_changed_into_a_better_traveling_outfit._The_hand-medowns_weren\u82
17?t_fancy\u8212?thank_god\u8212?just_well-worn_jeans,_a_Tshirt,_a_comfortable_
winter_coat,_and_hiking_boots_that_fit_perfectly._She_strapped_her_dagger,_Katop
tris,_to_her_belt.\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
When_Piper_came_out,_she_felt_almost_normal_again._The_other_campers_were_st
andi
ng_at_their_bunks_while_Drew_came_around_and_inspected._Piper_turned_to_Mitch
ell
_and_Lacy_and_mouthed,_{\i
Thank_you}._Mitchell_nodded_grimly._Lacy_flashed_a_full-braces_smile._Piper_doub
ted_Drew_had_ever_thanked_them_for_anything._She_also_noticed_that_the_{\i
King_of_Sparta_}poster_had_been_wadded_up_and_thrown_in_the_trash._Drew\u82
17?s_
orders,_no_doubt._Even_though_Piper_had_wanted_to_take_the_poster_down_hersel
f,_
now_she_was_totally_steamed.\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
When_Drew_spotted_her,_she_clapped_in_mock_applause._\u8220?Very_nice!
_Our_littl
e_quest_girl_all_dressed_in_Dumpster_clothes_again._Now,_off_you_go!
_No_need_to_
eat_breakfast_with_us._Good_luck_with_\u8230?
_whatever._Bye!\u8221?\par\pard\pla
in\hyphpar}{
Piper_shouldered_her_bag._She_could_feel_everyone_else\u8217?
s_eyes_on_her_as_sh
e_walked_to_the_door._She_could_just_leave_and_forget_about_it._That_would\u821
7
?
ve_been_the_easy_thing._What_did_she_care_about_this_cabin,_these_shallow_kids?
Except_that_some_of_them_had_tried_to_help_her._Some_of_them_had_even_stood_
up_t
o_Drew_for_her.\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
She_turned_at_the_door._\u8220?You_know,_you_all_don\u8217?
t_have_to_follow_Drew
\u8217?s_orders.\u8221?_\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
The_other_kids_shifted._Several_glanced_at_Drew,_but_she_looked_too_stunned_to_
r
espond.\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
\u8220?Umm,\u8221?_one_managed,_\u8220?she\u8217?
s_our_head_counselor.\u8221?_\p
\u8220?She\u8217?s_a_tyrant,\u8221?_Piper_corrected._\u8220?
You_can_think_for_yo
urselves._There\u8217?s_got_to_be_more_to_Aphrodite_than_{\i
this}.\u8221?_\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
\u8220?More_than_this,\u8221?_one_kid_echoed._\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
\u8220?Think_for_ourselves,\u8221?_a_second_muttered._\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}
{
\u8220?People!\u8221?_Drew_screeched._\u8220?Don\u8217?t_be_stupid!
_She\u8217?s_
charm-speaking_you.\u8221?\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
\u8220?No,\u8221?_Piper_said._\u8220?I\u8217?m_just_telling_the_truth.\u8221?\pa
At_least,_Piper_thought_that_was_the_case._She_didn\u8217?
t_understand_exactly_h
ow_this_charmspeaking_business_worked,_but_she_didn\u8217?
t_feel_like_she_was_pu
tting_any_special_power_into_her_words._She_didn\u8217?
t_want_to_win_an_argument
_by_tricking_people._That_would_make_her_no_better_than_Drew._Piper_simply_me
ant
_what_she_said._Besides,_even_if_she_tried_charmspeaking,_she_had_a_feeling_it_
w
ouldn\u8217?
t_work_very_well_on_another_charmspeaker_like_Drew.\par\pard\plain\h
yphpar}{
Drew_sneered_at_her._\u8220?
You_may_have_a_little_power,_Miss_Movie_Star._But_yo
u_don\u8217?t_know_the_first_thing_about_Aphrodite._You_have_such_great_ideas?
_W
hat_do_you_think_this_cabin_is_about,_then?_Tell_them._Then_maybe_I\u8217?ll_tel
l_them_a_few_things_about_{\i
you},_huh?\u8221?_\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
Piper_wanted_to_make_a_withering_retort,_but_her_anger_turned_to_panic._She_wa
s_
a_spy_for_the_enemy,_just_like_Silena_Beauregard._An_Aphrodite_traitor._Did_Drew
_know_about_that,_or_was_she_bluffing?_Under_Drew\u8217?
s_glare,_her_confidence_
began_to_crumble.\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
\u8220?Not_this,\u8221?_Piper_managed._\u8220?
Aphrodite_is_not_about_this.\u8221
Then_she_turned_and_stormed_out_before_the_others_could_see_her_blushing.\par\
pa
rd\plain\hyphpar}{
Behind_her,_Drew_started_laughing._\u8220?{\i
Not_this}?_Hear_that,_people?_She_doesn\u8217?t_have_a_clue!\u8221?
_\par\pard\pl
ain\hyphpar}{
Piper_promised_herself_she_would_never_{\i
ever_}go_back_to_that_cabin._She_blinked_away_her_tears_and_stormed_across_th
e_g
reen,_not_sure_where_she_was_going\u8212?
until_she_saw_the_dragon_swooping_down_
from_the_sky._\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
\u8220?L}{\b
EO?\u8221?_SHE_YELLED.}{\b
Sure_enough,_there_he_was,_sitting_atop_a_giant_bronze_death_machine_and_grin
nin
g_like_a_lunatic._Even_before_he_landed,_the_camp_alarm_went_up._A_conch_horn
_bl
ew._All_the_satyrs_started_screaming,_\u8220?Don\u8217?t_kill_me!\u8221?
_Half_th
e_camp_ran_outside_in_a_mixture_of_pajamas_and_armor._The_dragon_set_down_ri
ght_
in_the_middle_of_the_green,_and_Leo_yelled,_\u8220?It\u8217?s_cool!_Don\u8217?
t_
shoot!\u8221?_\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
Hesitantly,_the_archers_lowered_their_bows._The_warriors_backed_away,_keeping_t
h
eir_spears_and_swords_ready._They_made_a_loose_wide_ring_around_the_metal_mo
nste
r._Other_demigods_hid_behind_their_cabin_doors_or_peeped_out_the_windows._Nob
ody
_seemed_anxious_to_get_close.\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
Piper_couldn\u8217?
t_blame_them._The_dragon_was_huge._It_glistened_in_the_mornin
g_sun_like_a_living_penny_sculpture_\u8212?
different_shades_of_copper_and_bronze
\u8212?a_sixty-foot-long_serpent_with_steel_talons_and_drill-bit_teeth_and_glowi
ng_ruby_eyes._It_had_bat-shaped_wings_twice_its_length_that_unfurled_like_metall
ic_sails,_making_a_sound_like_coins_cascading_out_of_a_slot_machine_every_time_t
hey_flapped.\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
\u8220?It\u8217?s_beautiful,\u8221?
_Piper_muttered._The_other_demigods_stared_at
_her_like_she_was_insane._\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
The_dragon_reared_its_head_and_shot_a_column_of_fire_into_the_sky._Campers_scr
am
bled_away_and_hefted_their_weapons,_but_Leo_slid_calmly_off_the_dragon\u8217?
s_b
ack._He_held_up_his_hands_like_he_was_surrendering,_except_he_still_had_that_cra
zy_grin_on_his_face.\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
\u8220?People_of_Earth,_I_come_in_peace!\u8221?
_he_shouted._He_looked_like_he\u8
217?
d_been_rolling_around_in_the_campfire._His_army_coat_and_his_face_were_smear
ed_with_soot._His_hands_were_greasestained,_and_he_wore_a_new_tool_belt_around_
his_waist._His_eyes_were_bloodshot._His_curly_hair_was_so_oily_it_stuck_up_in_po
rcupine_quills,_and_he_smelled_strangely_of_Tabasco_sauce._But_he_looked_absolu
t
ely_delighted._\u8220?Festus_is_just_saying_hello!\u8221?_\par\pard\plain\hyphpa
r}{
\u8220?That_thing_is_dangerous!\u8221?
_an_Ares_girl_shouted,_brandishing_her_spe
ar._\u8220?Kill_it_now!\u8221?\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
\u8220?Stand_down!\u8221?_someone_ordered._\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
To_Piper\u8217?
s_surprise,_it_was_Jason._He_pushed_through_the_crowd,_flanked_by
_Annabeth_and_that_girl_from_the_Hephaestus_cabin,_Nyssa.\par\pard\plain\hyphp
ar
}{
Jason_gazed_up_at_the_dragon_and_shook_his_head_in_amazement._\u8220?
Leo,_what_h
ave_you_done?\u8221?\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
\u8220?Found_a_ride!\u8221?_Leo_beamed._\u8220?
You_said_I_could_go_on_the_quest_
if_I_got_you_a_ride._Well,_I_got_you_a_class-A_metallic_flying_bad_boy!_Festus_c
an_take_us_anywhere!\u8221?_\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
\u8220?It\u8212?has_wings,\u8221?
_Nyssa_stammered._Her_jaw_looked_like_it_might_
drop_off_her_face.\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
\u8220?Yeah!\u8221?_Leo_said._\u8220?
I_found_them_and_reattached_them.\u8221?_\p
\u8220?
But_it_never_had_wings._Where_did_you_find_them?\u8221?\par\pard\plain\hy
phpar}{
Leo_hesitated,_and_Piper_could_tell_he_was_hiding_something.\par\pard\plain\hyph
par}{
\u8220?In_\u8230?_the_woods,\u8221?_he_said._\u8220?
Repaired_his_circuits,_too,_
mostly,_so_no_more_problems_with_him_going_haywire.\u8221?\par\pard\plain\hyp
hpa
r}{
\u8220?Mostly?\u8221?_Nyssa_asked.\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
The_dragon\u8217?s_head_twitched._It_tilted_to_one_side_and_a_stream_of_black_li
quid\u8212?maybe_oil,_{\i
hopefully_}just_oil\u8212?poured_out_of_its_ear,_all_over_Leo._\par\pard\plain\h
yphpar}{
\u8220?Just_a_few_kinks_to_work_out,\u8221?_Leo_said._\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
\u8220?But_how_did_you_survive_\u8230?_?\u8221?
_Nyssa_was_still_staring_at_the_c
reature_in_awe._\u8220?I_mean,_the_fire_breath_\u8230?\u8221?_\par\pard\plain\hy
phpar}{
\u8220?I\u8217?m_quick,\u8221?_Leo_said._\u8220?
And_lucky._Now,_am_I_on_this_que
st,_or_what?\u8221?_\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
Jason_scratched_his_head._\u8220?You_named_him_Festus?
_You_know_that_in_Latin,_\
u8216?festus\u8217?_means_\u8216?happy\u8217??
_You_want_us_to_ride_off_to_save_t
he_world_on_Happy_the_Dragon?\u8221?\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
The_dragon_twitched_and_shuddered_and_flapped_his_wings.\par\pard\plain\hyphp
ar}
{
\u8220?That\u8217?s_a_yes,_bro!\u8221?_Leo_said._\u8220?Now,_um,_I\u8217?
d_reall
y_suggest_we_get_going,_guys._I_already_picked_up_some_supplies_in_the\u8212?
um,
_in_the_woods._And_all_these_people_with_weapons_are_making_Festus_nervous.\u
822
Jason_frowned._\u8220?But_we_haven\u8217?
t_planned_anything_yet._We_can\u8217?t_
just\u8212?\u8221?\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
\u8220?Go,\u8221?_Annabeth_said._She_was_the_only_one_who_didn\u8217?
t_look_nerv
ous_at_all._Her_expression_was_sad_and_wistful,_like_this_reminded_her_of_better
_times._\u8220?Jason,_you\u8217?
ve_only_got_three_days_until_the_solstice_now,_a
nd_you_should_never_keep_a_nervous_dragon_waiting._This_is_certainly_a_good_o
men
._Go!\u8221?\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
Jason_nodded._Then_he_smiled_at_Piper._\u8220?You_ready,_partner?\u8221?
_\par\pa
rd\plain\hyphpar}{
Piper_looked_at_the_bronze_dragon_wings_shining_against_the_sky,_and_those_talo
n
s_that_could\u8217?ve_shredded_her_to_pieces._\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
\u8220?You_bet,\u8221?_she_said._\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
Flying_on_the_dragon_was_the_most_amazing_experience_ever,_Piper_thought.\par\
pa
rd\plain\hyphpar}{
Up_high,_the_air_was_freezing_cold;_but_the_dragon\u8217?
s_metal_hide_generated_
so_much_heat,_it_was_like_they_were_flying_in_a_protective_bubble._Talk_about_se
at_warmers!_And_the_grooves_in_the_dragon\u8217?
s_back_were_designed_like_high-t
ech_saddles,_so_they_weren\u8217?
t_uncomfortable_at_all._Leo_showed_them_how_to_
hook_their_feet_in_the_chinks_of_the_armor,_like_in_stirrups,_and_use_the_leathe
r_safety_harnesses_cleverly_concealed_under_the_exterior_plating._They_sat_singl
e_file:_Leo_in_front,_then_Piper,_then_Jason,_and_Piper_was_very_aware_of_Jason_
right_behind_her._She_wished_he_would_hold_on_to_her,_maybe_wrap_his_arms_ar
ound
_her_waist;_but_sadly,_he_didn\u8217?t._\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
Leo_used_the_reins_to_steer_the_dragon_into_the_sky_like_he\u8217?
d_been_doing_i
t_all_his_life._The_metal_wings_worked_perfectly,_and_soon_the_coast_of_Long_Isl
and_was_just_a_hazy_line_behind_them._They_shot_over_Connecticut_and_climbed_
int
o_the_gray_winter_clouds._\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
Leo_grinned_back_at_them._\u8220?Cool,_right?\u8221?\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
\u8220?What_if_we_get_spotted?\u8221?_Piper_asked._\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
\u8220?The_Mist,\u8221?_Jason_said._\u8220?
It_keeps_mortals_from_seeing_magic_th
ings._If_they_spot_us,_they\u8217?ll_probably_mistake_us_for_a_small_plane_or_so
mething.\u8221?\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
Piper_glanced_over_her_shoulder._\u8220?
You_sure_about_that?\u8221?\par\pard\pla
in\hyphpar}{
\u8220?No,\u8221?
_he_admitted._Then_Piper_saw_he_was_clutching_a_photo_in_his_ha
nd\u8212?a_picture_of_a_girl_with_dark_hair.\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
She_gave_Jason_a_quizzical_look,_but_he_blushed_and_put_the_photo_in_his_pocket
.
_\u8220?We\u8217?
re_making_good_time._Probably_get_there_by_tonight.\u8221?\par\
Piper_wondered_who_the_girl_in_the_picture_was,_but_she_didn\u8217?
t_want_to_ask
;_and_if_Jason_didn\u8217?t_volunteer_the_information,_that_wasn\u8217?
t_a_good_
sign._Had_he_remembered_something_about_his_life_before?
_Was_that_a_photo_of_his
_real_girlfriend?\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
Stop_it,_she_thought._You\u8217?ll_just_torture_yourself.\par\pard\plain\hyphpar
}{
She_asked_a_safer_question._\u8220?
Where_are_we_heading?\u8221?\par\pard\plain\h
yphpar}{
\u8220?To_find_the_god_of_the_North_Wind,\u8221?_Jason_said._\u8220?
And_chase_so
me_storm_spirits.\u8221?_\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
L}{\b
EO_WAS_TOTALLY_BUZZING.}{\b
The_expression_on_everyone\u8217?s_faces_when_he_flew_the_dragon_into_camp?
_Pric
eless!_He_thought_his_cabinmates_were_going_to_bust_a_lug_nut.\par\pard\plain\hy
phpar}{
Festus_had_been_awesome_too._He_hadn\u8217?
t_blowtorched_a_single_cabin_or_eaten
_any_satyrs,_even_if_he_did_dribble_a_little_oil_from_his_ear._Okay,_a_{\i
lot_}of_oil._Leo_could_work_on_that_later._\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
So_maybe_Leo_didn\u8217?
t_seize_the_chance_to_tell_everybody_about_Bunker_9_or_t
he_flying_boat_design._He_needed_some_time_to_think_about_all_that._He_could_te
l
l_them_when_he_came_back._\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
{\i
If_}I_come_back,_part_of_him_thought.\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
Nah,_he\u8217?d_come_back._He\u8217?
d_scored_a_sweet_magic_tool_belt_from_the_bu
nker,_plus_a_lot_of_cool_supplies_now_safely_stowed_in_his_backpack._Besides,_he
_had_a_fire-breathing,_only_slightly_leaky_dragon_on_his_side._What_could_go_wro
ng?_\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
{\i
Well,_the_control_disk_could_bust,_}the_bad_part_of_him_suggested._{\i
Festus_could_eat_you.}\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
Okay,_so_the_dragon_wasn\u8217?t_{\i
quite_}as_fixed_as_Leo_might\u8217?ve_let_on._He\u8217?
d_worked_all_night_attach
ing_those_wings,_but_he_hadn\u8217?
t_found_an_extra_dragon_brain_anywhere_in_the
_bunker._Hey,_they_were_under_a_time_limit!_Three_days_until_the_solstice._They_
had_to_get_going._Besides,_Leo_had_cleaned_the_disk_pretty_well._Most_of_the_cir
cuits_were_still_good._It_would_just_have_to_hold_together.\par\pard\plain\hyphp
ar}{
His_bad_side_started_to_think,_{\i
Yeah,_but_what_if\u8212?}\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
\u8220?Shut_up,_me,\u8221?_Leo_said_aloud.\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
\u8220?What?\u8221?_Piper_asked.\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
\u8220?Nothing,\u8221?_he_said._\u8220?Long_night._I_think_I\u8217?
m_hallucinati
ng._It\u8217?s_cool.\u8221?_\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
Sitting_in_front,_Leo_couldn\u8217?t_see_their_faces,_but_he_assumed_from_their_
silence_that_his_friends_were_not_pleased_to_have_a_sleepless,_hallucinating_dra
gon_driver.\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
\u8220?Just_joking.\u8221?
_Leo_decided_it_might_be_good_to_change_the_subject._\
u8220?So_what\u8217?s_the_plan,_bro?
_You_said_something_about_catching_wind,_or_
breaking_wind,_or_something?\u8221?\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
As_they_flew_over_New_England,_Jason_laid_out_the_game_plan:_First,_find_some_
gu
y_named_Boreas_and_grill_him_for_information\u8212?\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
\u8220?His_name_is_{\i
Boreas}?\u8221?_Leo_had_to_ask._\u8220?
What_is_he,_the_God_of_Boring?\u8221?\par
Second,_Jason_continued,_they_had_to_find_those_{\i
venti_}that_had_attacked_them_at_the_Grand_Canyon\u8212?\par\pard\plain\hyphp
ar}
{
\u8220?Can_we_just_call_them_storm_spirits?\u8221?_Leo_asked._\u8220?{\i
Venti_}makes_them_sound_like_evil_espresso_drinks.\u8221?
r}{
And_third,_Jason_finished,_they_had_to_find_out_who_the_storm_spirits_worked_for
,_so_they_could_find_Hera_and_free_her.\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
\u8220?So_you_want_to_look_for_Dylan,_the_nasty_storm_dude,_{\i
on_purpose},\u8221?_Leo_said._\u8220?
The_guy_who_threw_me_off_the_skywalk_and_su
cked_Coach_Hedge_into_the_clouds.\u8221?\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
\u8220?That\u8217?s_about_it,\u8221?_Jason_said._\u8220?Well_\u8230?
_there_may_b
e_a_wolf_involved,_too._But_I_think_she\u8217?s_friendly._She_probably_won\u8217
?t_eat_us,_unless_we_show_weakness.\u8221?_\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
Jason_told_them_about_his_dream\u8212?
the_big_nasty_mother_wolf_and_a_burned-out
_house_with_stone_spires_growing_out_of_the_swimming_pool.\par\pard\plain\hyphp
a
r}{
\u8220?Uh-huh,\u8221?_Leo_said._\u8220?But_you_don\u8217?
t_know_where_this_place
_is.\u8221?\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
\u8220?Nope,\u8221?_Jason_admitted.\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
\u8220?There\u8217?s_also_giants,\u8221?_Piper_added._\u8220?
The_prophecy_said_{
\i
the_giants\u8217?_revenge}.\u8221?_\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
\u8220?Hold_on,\u8221?_Leo_said._\u8220?Giants\u8212?like_more_than_one?
_Why_can
\u8217?
t_it_be_just_one_giant_who_wants_revenge?\u8221?\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
\u8220?I_don\u8217?t_think_so,\u8221?_Piper_said._\u8220?
I_remember_in_some_of_t
he_old_Greek_stories,_there_was_something_about_an_army_of_giants.\u8221?\par\
pa
rd\plain\hyphpar}{
\u8220?Great,\u8221?_Leo_muttered._\u8220?Of_course,_with_our_luck,_it\u8217?
s_a
n_army._So_you_know_anything_else_about_these_giants?_Didn\u8217?
t_you_do_a_bunc
h_of_myth_research_for_that_movie_with_your_dad?\u8221?
{
\u8220?Your_dad\u8217?s_an_actor?\u8221?_Jason_asked._\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}
{
Leo_laughed._\u8220?
I_keep_forgetting_about_your_amnesia._Heh._Forgetting_about_
amnesia._That\u8217?s_funny._But_yeah,_her_dad\u8217?s_Tristan_McLean.\u8221?
_\p
\u8220?Uh\u8212?Sorry,_what_was_he_in?\u8221?\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
\u8220?It_doesn\u8217?t_matter,\u8221?_Piper_said_quickly._\u8220?
The_giants\u82
12?well,_there_were_lots_of_giants_in_Greek_mythology._But_if_I\u8217?m_thinking
_of_the_right_ones,_they_were_bad_news._Huge,_almost_impossible_to_kill._They_c
o
uld_throw_mountains_and_stuff._I_think_they_were_related_to_the_Titans._They_ros
e_from_the_earth_after_Kronos_lost_the_war\u8212?I_mean_the_{\i
first_}Titan_war,_thousands_of_years_ago\u8212?
and_they_tried_to_destroy_Olympus
._If_we\u8217?
re_talking_about_the_same_giants\u8212?\u8221?\par\pard\plain\hyph
par}{
\u8220?Chiron_said_it_was_happening_again,\u8221?_Jason_remembered._\u8220?
The_l
ast_chapter._That\u8217?s_what_he_meant._No_wonder_he_didn\u8217?
t_want_us_to_kn
ow_all_the_details.\u8221?_\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
Leo_whistled._\u8220?So_\u8230?
_giants_who_can_throw_mountains._Friendly_wolves_
that_will_eat_us_if_we_show_weakness._Evil_espresso_drinks._Gotcha._Maybe_this_i
sn\u8217?
t_the_time_to_bring_up_my_psycho_babysitter.\u8221?\par\pard\plain\hyph
par}{
\u8220?Is_that_another_joke?\u8221?_Piper_asked.\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
Leo_told_them_about_T\u237?
a_Callida,_who_was_really_Hera,_and_how_she\u8217?d_a
ppeared_to_him_at_camp._He_didn\u8217?t_tell_them_about_his_fire_abilities._That
_was_still_a_touchy_subject,_especially_after_Nyssa_had_told_him_fire_demigods_t
ended_to_destroy_cities_and_stuff._Besides,_then_Leo_would_have_to_get_into_how
_
he\u8217?d_caused_his_mom\u8217?s_death,_and_\u8230?_No._He_wasn\u8217?
t_ready_t
o_go_there._He_did_manage_to_tell_about_the_night_she_died,_not_mentioning_the
_f
ire,_just_saying_the_machine_shop_collapsed._It_was_easier_without_having_to_loo
k_at_his_friends,_just_keeping_his_eyes_straight_ahead_as_they_flew.\par\pard\pl
ain\hyphpar}{
And_he_told_them_about_the_strange_woman_in_earthen_robes_who_seemed_to_b
e_aslee
p,_and_seemed_to_know_the_future._\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
Leo_estimated_the_whole_state_of_Massachusetts_passed_below_them_before_his_f
rie
nds_spoke.\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
\u8220?That\u8217?s_\u8230?_disturbing,\u8221?
_Piper_said._\par\pard\plain\hyphp
ar}{
\u8220?\u8217?Bout_sums_it_up,\u8221?_Leo_agreed._\u8220?
Thing_is,_everybody_say
s_don\u8217?
t_trust_Hera._She_hates_demigods._And_the_prophecy_said_we\u8217?d_c
ause_death_if_we_unleash_her_rage._So_I\u8217?m_wondering_\u8230?
_why_are_we_doi
ng_this?\u8221?\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
\u8220?She_chose_us,\u8221?_Jason_said._\u8220?All_three_of_us._We\u8217?
re_the_
first_of_the_seven_who_have_to_gather_for_the_Great_Prophecy._This_quest_is_the_
beginning_of_something_much_bigger.\u8221?\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
That_didn\u8217?t_make_Leo_feel_any_better,_but_he_couldn\u8217?
t_argue_with_Jas
on\u8217?s_point._It_{\i
did_}feel_like_this_was_the_start_of_something_huge._He_just_wished_that_if_ther
e_were_four_more_demigods_destined_to_help_them,_they\u8217?
d_show_up_quick._Leo
_didn\u8217?t_want_to_hog_all_the_terrifying_life-threatening_adventures.\par\pa
rd\plain\hyphpar}{
\u8220?Besides,\u8221?_Jason_continued,_\u8220?
helping_Hera_is_the_only_way_I_ca
n_get_back_my_memory._And_that_dark_spire_in_my_dream_seemed_to_be_feeding
_on_He
ra\u8217?s_energy._If_that_thing_unleashes_a_king_of_the_giants_by_destroying_He
ra\u8212?\u8221?\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
\u8220?Not_a_good_trade-off,\u8221?_Piper_agreed._\u8220?
At_least_Hera_is_on_our
_side\u8212?mostly._Losing_her_would_throw_the_gods_into_chaos._She\u8217?
s_the_
main_one_who_keeps_peace_in_the_family._And_a_war_with_the_giants_could_be_e
ven_
more_destructive_than_the_Titan_War.\u8221?_\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
Jason_nodded._\u8220?Chiron_also_talked_about_worse_forces_stirring_on_the_solst
ice,_with_it_being_a_good_time_for_dark_magic,_and_all\u8212?
something_that_coul
d_awaken_if_Hera_were_sacrificed_on_that_day._And_this_mistress_who\u8217?
s_cont
rolling_the_storm_spirits,_the_one_who_wants_to_kill_all_the_demigods\u8212?\u82
\u8220?Might_be_that_weird_sleeping_lady,\u8221?_Leo_finished._\u8220?
Dirt_Woman
_fully_awake?_Not_something_I_want_to_see.\u8221?\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
\u8220?But_who_is_she?\u8221?_Jason_asked._\u8220?
And_what_does_she_have_to_do_w
ith_giants?\u8221?\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
Good_questions,_but_none_of_them_had_answers._They_flew_in_silence_while_Leo_
won
dered_if_he\u8217?d_done_the_right_thing,_sharing_so_much._He\u8217?
d_never_told
_anyone_about_that_night_at_the_warehouse._Even_if_he_hadn\u8217?
t_give_them_the
_whole_story,_it_still_felt_strange,_like_he\u8217?d_opened_up_his_chest_and_tak
en_out_all_the_gears_that_made_him_tick._His_body_was_shaking,_and_not_from_th
e_
cold._He_hoped_Piper,_sitting_behind_him,_couldn\u8217?t_tell._\par\pard\plain\h
yphpar}{
{\i
The_forge_and_dove_shall_break_the_cage._}Wasn\u8217?
t_that_the_prophecy_line?_T
hat_meant_Piper_and_he_would_have_to_figure_out_how_to_break_into_that_magic_
roc
k_prison,_assuming_they_could_find_it._Then_they\u8217?d_unleash_Hera\u8217?
s_ra
ge,_causing_a_lot_of_death._Well,_that_sounded_fun!_Leo_had_seen_T\u237?
a_Callid
a_in_action;_she_liked_knives,_snakes,_and_putting_babies_in_roaring_fires._Yeah
,_definitely_let\u8217?s_unleash_her_rage._Great_idea.\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
Festus_kept_flying._The_wind_got_colder,_and_below_them_snowy_forests_seemed_
to_
go_on_forever._Leo_didn\u8217?t_know_exactly_where_Quebec_was._He\u8217?
d_told_F
estus_to_take_them_to_the_palace_of_Boreas,_and_Festus_kept_going_north._Hopef
ul
ly,_the_dragon_knew_the_way,_and_they_wouldn\u8217?
t_end_up_at_the_North_Pole._\
\u8220?Why_don\u8217?t_you_get_some_sleep?\u8221?
_Piper_said_in_his_ear._\u8220?
You_were_up_all_night.\u8221?\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
Leo_wanted_to_protest,_but_the_word_{\i
sleep_}sounded_really_good._\u8220?You_won\u8217?t_let_me_fall_off?\u8221?
_\par\
Piper_patted_his_shoulder._\u8220?Trust_me,_Valdez._Beautiful_people_never_lie.\
\u8220?Right,\u8221?
_he_muttered._He_leaned_forward_against_the_warm_bronze_of_t
he_dragon\u8217?s_neck,_and_closed_his_eyes._\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
{\b
I}{\b
T_SEEMED_HE_SLEPT_ONLY_FOR_SECONDS,}{\b
_}but_when_Piper_shook_him_awake,_the_daylight_was_fading.\par\pard\plain\hyph
pa
r}{
\u8220?We\u8217?re_here,\u8221?_she_said._\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
Leo_rubbed_the_sleep_out_of_his_eyes._Below_them,_a_city_sat_on_a_cliff_overlook
ing_a_river._The_plains_around_it_were_dusted_with_snow,_but_the_city_itself_glo
wed_warmly_in_the_winter_sunset._Buildings_crowded_together_inside_high_walls_li
ke_a_medieval_town,_way_older_than_any_place_Leo_had_seen_before._In_the_cent
er_
was_an_actual_castle\u8212?at_least_Leo_assumed_it_was_a_castle\u8212?
with_massi
ve_red_brick_walls_and_a_square_tower_with_a_peaked,_green_gabled_roof.\par\par
d
\plain\hyphpar}{
\u8220?Tell_me_that\u8217?s_Quebec_and_not_Santa\u8217?s_workshop,\u8221?
_Leo_sa
id._\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
\u8220?Yeah,_Quebec_City,\u8221?_Piper_confirmed._\u8220?
One_of_the_oldest_citie
s_in_North_America._Founded_around_sixteen_hundred_or_so?\u8221?
_\par\pard\plain
\hyphpar}{
Leo_raised_an_eyebrow._\u8220?Your_dad_do_a_movie_about_that_too?\u8221?
_\par\pa
rd\plain\hyphpar}{
She_made_a_face_at_him,_which_Leo_was_used_to,_but_it_didn\u8217?
t_quite_work_wi
th_her_new_glamorous_makeup._\u8220?I_{\i
read_}sometimes,_okay?_Just_because_Aphrodite_claimed_me,_doesn\u8217?
t_mean_I_h
ave_to_be_an_airhead.\u8221?_\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
\u8220?Feisty!\u8221?_Leo_said._\u8220?So_you_know_so_much,_what\u8217?
s_that_ca
stle?\u8221?_\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
\u8220?A_hotel,_I_think.\u8221?_\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
Leo_laughed._\u8220?No_way.\u8221?\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
But_as_they_got_closer,_Leo_saw_she_was_right._The_grand_entrance_was_bustling
_w
ith_doormen,_valets,_and_porters_taking_bags._Sleek_black_luxury_cars_idled_in_t
he_drive._People_in_elegant_suits_and_winter_cloaks_hurried_to_get_out_of_the_co
ld.\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
\u8220?The_North_Wind_is_staying_in_a_hotel?\u8221?_Leo_said._\u8220?
That_can\u8
217?t_be\u8212?\u8221?_\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
\u8220?Heads_up,_guys,\u8221?_Jason_interrupted._\u8220?
We_got_company!\u8221?\p
Leo_looked_below_and_saw_what_Jason_meant._Rising_from_the_top_of_the_tower_
were
_two_winged_figures\u8212?angry_angels,_with_nastylooking_swords._\par\pard\pla
in\hyphpar}{
Festus_didn\u8217?
t_like_the_angel_guys._He_swooped_to_a_halt_in_midair,_wings_b
eating_and_talons_bared,_and_made_a_rumbling_sound_in_his_throat_that_Leo_reco
gn
ized._He_was_getting_ready_to_blow_fire._\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
\u8220?Steady,_boy,\u8221?
_Leo_muttered._Something_told_him_the_angels_would_not
_take_kindly_to_getting_torched.\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
\u8220?I_don\u8217?t_like_this,\u8221?_Jason_said._\u8220?They_look_like_storm_s
pirits.\u8221?_\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
At_first_Leo_thought_he_was_right,_but_as_the_angels_got_closer,_he_could_see_th
ey_were_much_more_solid_than_{\i
venti}._They_looked_like_regular_teenagers_except_for_their_icy_white_hair_and_f
eathery_purple_wings._Their_bronze_swords_were_jagged,_like_icicles._Their_faces
_looked_similar_enough_that_they_might\u8217?
ve_been_brothers,_but_they_definite
ly_weren\u8217?t_twins._\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
One_was_the_size_of_an_ox,_with_a_bright_red_hockey_jersey,_baggy_sweatpants,_
an
d_black_leather_cleats._The_guy_clearly_had_been_in_too_many_fights,_because_bo
t
h_his_eyes_were_black,_and_when_he_bared_his_teeth,_several_of_them_were_miss
ing
The_other_guy_looked_like_he\u8217?d_just_stepped_off_one_of_Leo\u8217?
s_mom\u82
17?s_1980s_rock_album_covers\u8212?
Journey,_maybe,_or_Hall_&_Oates,_or_something
_even_lamer._His_icewhite_hair_was_long_and_feathered_into_a_mullet._He_wore_po
inty-toed_leather_shoes,_designer_pants_that_were_way_too_tight,_and_a_godawful
_silk_shirt_with_the_top_three_buttons_open._Maybe_he_thought_he_looked_like_a_
g
roovy_love_god{\i
,_}but_the_guy_couldn\u8217?
t_have_weighed_more_than_ninety_pounds,_and_he_had_a
_bad_case_of_acne._\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
The_angels_pulled_up_in_front_of_the_dragon_and_hovered_there,_swords_at_the_re
a
dy.\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
The_hockey_ox_grunted._\u8220?No_clearance.\u8221?\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
\u8220?\u8217?Scuse_me?\u8221?_Leo_said._\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
\u8220?You_have_no_flight_plan_on_file,\u8221?
_explained_the_groovy_love_god._On
_top_of_his_other_problems,_he_had_a_French_accent_so_bad_Leo_was_sure_it_was
_fa
ke._\u8220?This_is_restricted_airspace.\u8221?\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
\u8220?Destroy_them?\u8221?_The_ox_showed_off_his_gaptoothed_grin.\par\pard\pla
in\hyphpar}{
The_dragon_began_to_hiss_steam,_ready_to_defend_them._Jason_summoned_his_g
olden_
sword,_but_Leo_cried,_\u8220?Hold_on!_\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
Let\u8217?
s_have_some_manners_here,_boys._Can_I_at_least_find_out_who_has_the_ho
nor_of_destroying_me?\u8221?\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
\u8220?I_am_Cal!\u8221?
_the_ox_grunted._He_looked_very_proud_of_himself,_like_he
\u8217?d_taken_a_long_time_to_memorize_that_sentence._\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}
{
\u8220?That\u8217?s_short_for_Calais,\u8221?_the_love_god_said._\u8220?
Sadly,_my
_brother_cannot_say_words_with_more_than_two_syllables\u8212?\u8221?\par\pard\
pl
ain\hyphpar}{
\u8220?Pizza!_Hockey!_Destroy!\u8221?_Cal_offered.\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
\u8220?\u8212?which_includes_his_own_name,\u8221?
_the_love_god_finished.\par\par
d\plain\hyphpar}{
\u8220?I_am_Cal,\u8221?_Cal_repeated._\u8220?And_this_is_Zethes!
_My_brother!\u82
\u8220?Wow,\u8221?_Leo_said._\u8220?That_was_almost_three_sentences,_man!
_Way_to
_go.\u8221?\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
Cal_grunted,_obviously_pleased_with_himself.\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
\u8220?Stupid_buffoon,\u8221?_his_brother_grumbled._\u8220?
They_make_fun_of_you.
_But_no_matter._I_am_Zethes,_which_is_short_for_Zethes._And_the_lady_there\u821
2
?\u8221?
_He_winked_at_Piper,_but_the_wink_was_more_like_a_facial_seizure._\u8220
?
She_can_call_me_anything_she_likes._Perhaps_she_would_like_to_have_dinner_with_
a_famous_demigod_before_we_must_destroy_you?\u8221?\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}
{
Piper_made_a_sound_like_gagging_on_a_cough_drop._\u8220?That\u8217?
s_\u8230?_a_t
ruly_horrifying_offer.\u8221?\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
\u8220?It_is_no_problem.\u8221?_Zethes_wiggled_his_eyebrows._\u8220?
We_are_a_ver
y_romantic_people,_we_Boreads.\u8221?\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
\u8220?Boreads?\u8221?_Jason_cut_in._\u8220?
Do_you_mean,_like,_the_sons_of_Borea
s?\u8221?_\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
\u8220?Ah,_so_you\u8217?ve_heard_of_us!\u8221?
_Zethes_looked_pleased._\u8220?We_
are_our_father\u8217?
s_gatekeepers._So_you_understand,_we_cannot_have_unauthoriz
ed_people_flying_in_his_airspace_on_creaky_dragons,_scaring_the_silly_mortal_peo
ples.\u8221?\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
He_pointed_below,_and_Leo_saw_that_the_mortals_were_starting_to_take_notice._S
ev
eral_were_pointing_up\u8212?not_with_alarm,_yet\u8212?
more_with_confusion_and_an
noyance,_like_the_dragon_was_a_traffic_helicopter_flying_too_low.\par\pard\plain
\hyphpar}{
\u8220?Which_is_sadly_why,_unless_this_is_an_emergency_landing,\u8221?
_Zethes_sa
id,_brushing_his_hair_out_of_his_acne-covered_face,_\u8220?we_will_have_to_destr
oy_you_painfully.\u8221?\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
\u8220?Destroy!\u8221?
_Cal_agreed,_with_a_little_more_enthusiasm_than_Leo_though
t_necessary.\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
\u8220?Wait!\u8221?_Piper_said._\u8220?This_{\i
is_}an_emergency_landing.\u8221?\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
\u8220?Awww!\u8221?
_Cal_looked_so_disappointed,_Leo_almost_felt_sorry_for_him.\p
Zethes_studied_Piper,_which_of_course_he\u8217?d_already_been_doing._\u8220?
How_
does_the_pretty_girl_decide_this_is_an_emergency,_then?\u8221?_\par\pard\plain\h
yphpar}{
\u8220?We_have_to_see_Boreas._It\u8217?s_totally_urgent!_Please?\u8221?
_She_forc
ed_a_smile,_which_Leo_figured_must\u8217?ve_been_killing_her;_but_she_still_had_
that_blessing_of_Aphrodite_thing_going_on,_and_she_looked_great._Something_abo
ut
_her_voice,_too\u8212?
Leo_found_himself_believing_every_word._Jason_was_nodding,
_looking_absolutely_convinced.\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
Zethes_picked_at_his_silk_shirt,_probably_making_sure_it_was_still_open_wide_eno
ugh._\u8220?Well_\u8230?
_I_hate_to_disappoint_a_lovely_lady,_but_you_see,_my_sis
ter,_she_would_have_an_avalanche_if_we_allowed_you\u8212?\u8221?\par\pard\plai
n\
hyphpar}{
\u8220?And_our_dragon_is_malfunctioning!\u8221?_Piper_added._\u8220?
It_could_cra
sh_any_minute!\u8221?\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
Festus_shuddered_helpfully,_then_turned_his_head_and_spilled_gunk_out_of_his_ear
,_splattering_a_black_Mercedes_in_the_parking_lot_below._\par\pard\plain\hyphpar
}{
\u8220?No_destroy?\u8221?_Cal_whimpered.\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
Zethes_pondered_the_problem._Then_he_gave_Piper_another_spasmodic_wink._\u8
220?W
ell,_you_are_pretty._I_mean,_you\u8217?re_{\i
right}._A_malfunctioning_dragon\u8212?
this_could_be_an_emergency.\u8221?\par\par
d\plain\hyphpar}{
\u8220?Destroy_them_later?\u8221?
_Cal_offered,_which_was_probably_as_close_to_fr
iendly_as_he_ever_got.\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
\u8220?It_will_take_some_explaining,\u8221?_Zethes_decided._\u8220?
Father_has_no
t_been_kind_to_visitors_lately._But,_yes._Come,_faulty_dragon_people._Follow_us.
The_Boreads_sheathed_their_swords_and_pulled_smaller_weapons_from_their_belts\
u8
212?
or_at_least_Leo_thought_they_were_weapons._Then_the_Boreads_switched_them_o
n
,_and_Leo_realized_they_were_flashlights_with_orange_cones,_like_the_ones_traffi
c_controller_guys_use_on_a_runway._Cal_and_Zethes_turned_and_swooped_toward_
the_
hotel\u8217?s_tower._\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
Leo_turned_to_his_friends._\u8220?I_love_these_guys._Follow_them?\u8221?\par\par
d\plain\hyphpar}{
Jason_and_Piper_didn\u8217?t_look_eager.\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
\u8220?I_guess,\u8221?_Jason_decided._\u8220?We\u8217?
re_here_now._But_I_wonder_
why_Boreas_hasn\u8217?t_been_kind_to_visitors.\u8221?_\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}
{
\u8220?Pfft,_he_just_hasn\u8217?t_met_us.\u8221?_Leo_whistled._\u8220?
Festus,_af
ter_those_flashlights!\u8221?_\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
As_they_got_closer,_Leo_worried_they\u8217?
d_crash_into_the_tower._The_Boreads_m
ade_right_for_the_green_gabled_peak_and_didn\u8217?
t_slow_down._Then_a_section_o
f_the_slanted_roof_slid_open,_revealing_an_entrance_easily_wide_enough_for_Festu
s._The_top_and_bottom_were_lined_with_icicles_like_jagged_teeth.\par\pard\plain\
hyphpar}{
\u8220?This_cannot_be_good,\u8221?
_Jason_muttered,_but_Leo_spurred_the_dragon_do
wnward,_and_they_swooped_in_after_the_Boreads._\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
They_landed_in_what_must_have_been_the_penthouse_suite;_but_the_place_had_be
en_h
it_by_a_flash_freeze._The_entry_hall_had_vaulted_ceilings_forty_feet_high,_huge_
draped_windows,_and_lush_oriental_carpets._A_staircase_at_the_back_of_the_room_
l
ed_up_to_another_equally_massive_hall,_and_more_corridors_branched_off_to_the_l
e
ft_and_right._But_the_ice_made_the_room\u8217?
s_beauty_a_little_frightening._Whe
n_Leo_slid_off_the_dragon,_the_carpet_crunched_under_his_feet._A_fine_layer_of_f
rost_covered_the_furniture._The_curtains_didn\u8217?
t_budge_because_they_were_fr
ozen_solid,_and_the_ice-coated_windows_let_in_weird_watery_light_from_the_sunset
._Even_the_ceiling_was_furry_with_icicles._As_for_the_stairs,_Leo_was_sure_he\u8
217?d_slip_and_break_his_neck_if_he_tried_to_climb_them._\par\pard\plain\hyphpar
}{
\u8220?Guys,\u8221?_Leo_said,_\u8220?
fix_the_thermostat_in_here,_and_I_would_tot
ally_move_in.\u8221?\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
\u8220?Not_me.\u8221?_Jason_looked_uneasily_at_the_staircase._\u8220?
Something_f
eels_wrong._Something_up_there_\u8230?\u8221?\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
Festus_shuddered_and_snorted_flames._Frost_started_to_form_on_his_scales._\par\p
ard\plain\hyphpar}{
\u8220?No,_no,_no.\u8221?
_Zethes_marched_over,_though_how_he_could_walk_in_those
_pointy_leather_shoes,_Leo_had_no_idea._\u8220?
The_dragon_must_be_deactivated._W
e_can\u8217?t_have_fire_in_here._The_heat_ruins_my_hair.\u8221?\par\pard\plain\h
yphpar}{
Festus_growled_and_spun_his_drill-bit_teeth.\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
\u8220?\u8217?S\u8217?okay,_boy.\u8221?_Leo_turned_to_Zethes._\u8220?
The_dragon\
u8217?s_a_little_touchy_about_the_whole_{\i
deactivation_}concept._But_I\u8217?ve_got_a_better_solution.\u8221?_\par\pard\pl
ain\hyphpar}{
\u8220?Destroy?\u8221?_Cal_suggested.\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
\u8220?No,_man._You_gotta_stop_with_the_{\i
destroy_}talk._Just_wait.\u8221?_\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
\u8220?Leo,\u8221?_Piper_said_nervously,_\u8220?
what_are_you\u8212?\u8221?\par\p
ard\plain\hyphpar}{
\u8220?
Watch_and_learn,_beauty_queen._When_I_was_repairing_Festus_last_night,_I_
found_all_kinds_of_buttons._Some,_you_do_{\i
not_}want_to_know_what_they_do._But_others_\u8230?
_Ah,_here_we_go.\u8221?\par\pa
rd\plain\hyphpar}{
Leo_hooked_his_fingers_behind_the_dragon\u8217?s_left_foreleg._He_pulled_a_switc
h,_and_the_dragon_shuddered_from_head_to_toe._Everyone_backed_away_as_Festu
s_fol
ded_like_origami._His_bronze_plating_stacked_together._His_neck_and_tail_contrac
ted_into_his_body._His_wings_collapsed_and_his_trunk_compacted_until_he_was_a_r
e
ctangular_metal_wedge_the_size_of_a_suitcase.\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
Leo_tried_to_lift_it,_but_the_thing_weighed_about_six_billion_pounds._\u8220?Um_
\u8230?_yeah._Hold_on._I_think\u8212?aha.\u8221?\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
He_pushed_another_button._A_handle_flipped_up_on_the_top,_and_wheels_clicked_
out
_on_the_bottom.\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
\u8220?Ta-da!\u8221?_he_announced._\u8220?The_world\u8217?s_heaviest_carryon_ba
g!\u8221?\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
\u8220?That\u8217?s_impossible,\u8221?_Jason_said._\u8220?
Something_that_big_cou
ldn\u8217?t\u8212?\u8221?_\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
\u8220?Stop!\u8221?
_Zethes_ordered._He_and_Cal_both_drew_their_swords_and_glared
_at_Leo.\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
Leo_raised_his_hands._\u8220?Okay_\u8230?_what\u8217?d_I_do?
_Stay_calm,_guys._If
_it_bothers_you_that_much,_I_don\u8217?t_{\i
have_}to_take_the_dragon_as_carry-on\u8212?\u8221?\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
\u8220?Who_are_you?\u8221?
_Zethes_shoved_the_point_of_his_sword_against_Leo\u821
7?s_chest._\u8220?A_child_of_the_South_Wind,_spying_on_us?\u8221?
_\par\pard\plai
n\hyphpar}{
\u8220?What?_No!\u8221?_Leo_said._\u8220?
Son_of_Hephaestus._Friendly_blacksmith,
_no_harm_to_anyone!\u8221?\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
Cal_growled._He_put_his_face_up_to_Leo\u8217?s,_and_he_definitely_wasn\u8217?
t_a
ny_prettier_at_point-blank,_with_his_bruised_eyes_and_bashed-in_mouth._\u8220?
Sm
ell_fire,\u8221?_he_said._\u8220?Fire_is_bad.\u8221?_\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
\u8220?Oh.\u8221?_Leo\u8217?s_heart_raced._\u8220?Yeah,_well_\u8230?
_my_clothes_
are_kind_of_singed,_and_I\u8217?
ve_been_working_with_oil,_and\u8212?\u8221?\par\
\u8220?No!\u8221?_Zethes_pushed_Leo_back_at_sword_point._\u8220?We_can_{\i
smell_}fire,_demigod._We_assumed_it_was_from_the_creaky_dragon,_but_now_the_
drag
on_is_a_suitcase._And_I_still_smell_fire_\u8230?_on_{\i
you}.\u8221?_\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
If_it_hadn\u8217?t_been_like_three_degrees_in_the_penthouse,_Leo_would\u8217?
ve_
started_sweating._\u8220?Hey_\u8230?_look_\u8230?_I_don\u8217?
t_know\u8212?\u822
1?_He_glanced_at_his_friends_desperately._\u8220?Guys,_a_little_help?\u8221?\par
Jason_already_had_his_gold_coin_in_his_hand._He_stepped_forward,_his_eyes_on_Ze
t
hes._\u8220?Look,_there\u8217?s_been_a_mistake._Leo_isn\u8217?t_a_fire_guy._Tell
_them,_Leo._Tell_them_you\u8217?re_not_a_fire_guy.\u8221?\par\pard\plain\hyphpar
}{
\u8220?Um_\u8230?\u8221?_\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
\u8220?Zethes?\u8221?
_Piper_tried_her_dazzling_smile_again,_though_she_looked_a_
little_too_nervous_and_cold_to_pull_it_off._\u8220?We\u8217?re_all_friends_here.
_Put_down_your_swords_and_let\u8217?s_talk.\u8221?_\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
\u8220?The_girl_is_pretty,\u8221?_Zethes_admitted,_\u8220?
and_of_course_she_cann
ot_help_being_attracted_to_my_amazingness;_but_sadly,_I_cannot_romance_her_at_
th
is_time.\u8221?_He_poked_his_sword_point_farther_into_Leo\u8217?
s_chest,_and_Leo
_could_feel_the_frost_spreading_across_his_shirt,_turning_his_skin_numb.\par\par
d\plain\hyphpar}{
He_wished_he_could_reactivate_Festus._He_needed_some_backup._But_it_would\u8
217?
ve_taken_several_minutes,_even_if_he_could_reach_the_button,_with_two_purplewin
ged_crazy_guys_in_his_path._\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
\u8220?Destroy_him_now?\u8221?_Cal_asked_his_brother.\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
Zethes_nodded._\u8220?Sadly,_I_think\u8212?\u8221?\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
\u8220?No,\u8221?
_Jason_insisted._He_sounded_calm_enough,_but_Leo_figured_he_was
_about_two_seconds_away_from_flipping_that_coin_and_going_into_full_gladiator_m
o
de._\u8220?Leo\u8217?s_just_a_son_of_Hephaestus._He\u8217?
s_no_threat._Piper_her
e_is_a_daughter_of_Aphrodite._I\u8217?m_the_son_of_Zeus._We\u8217?
re_on_a_peacef
ul_\u8230?\u8221?_\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
Jason\u8217?
s_voice_faltered,_because_both_Boreads_had_suddenly_turned_on_him._\
\u8220?What_did_you_say?\u8221?_Zethes_demanded._\u8220?
You_are_the_son_of_Zeus?
\u8220?Um_\u8230?_yeah,\u8221?_Jason_said._\u8220?That\u8217?
s_a_good_thing,_rig
ht?_My_name_is_Jason.\u8221?_\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
Cal_looked_so_surprised,_he_almost_dropped_his_sword._\u8220?Can\u8217?
t_be_Jaso
n,\u8221?_he_said._\u8220?Doesn\u8217?t_look_the_same.\u8221?
_\par\pard\plain\hy
phpar}{
Zethes_stepped_forward_and_squinted_at_Jason\u8217?s_face._\u8220?
No,_he_is_not_
{\i
our_}Jason._Our_Jason_was_more_stylish._Not_as_much_as_me\u8212?
but_stylish._Bes
ides,_our_Jason_died_millennia_ago.\u8221?\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
\u8220?Wait,\u8221?_Jason_said._\u8220?{\i
Your_}Jason_\u8230?_you_mean_the_original_Jason?
_The_Golden_Fleece_guy?\u8221?\p
\u8220?Of_course,\u8221?_Zethes_said._\u8220?
We_were_his_crewmates_aboard_his_sh
ip,_the_{\i
Argo},_in_the_old_times,_when_we_were_mortal_demigods._Then_we_accepted_im
mortal
ity_to_serve_our_father,_so_I_could_look_this_good_for_all_time,_and_my_silly_br
other_could_enjoy_pizza_and_hockey.\u8221?\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
\u8220?Hockey!\u8221?_Cal_agreed.\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
\u8220?But_Jason\u8212?{\i
our_}Jason\u8212?he_died_a_mortal_death,\u8221?_Zethes_said._\u8220?
You_can\u821
7?t_be_him.\u8221?_\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
\u8220?I\u8217?m_not,\u8221?_Jason_agreed.\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
\u8220?So,_destroy?\u8221?
_Cal_asked._Clearly_the_conversation_was_giving_his_tw
o_brain_cells_a_serious_workout.\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
\u8220?No,\u8221?_Zethes_said_regretfully._\u8220?If_he_is_a_son_of_Zeus,_he_cou
ld_be_the_one_we\u8217?ve_been_watching_for.\u8221?\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
\u8220?Watching_for?\u8221?_Leo_asked._\u8220?
You_mean_like_in_a_good_way:_you\u
8217?ll_shower_him_with_fabulous_prizes?_Or_watching_for_like_in_a_{\i
bad}_way:_he\u8217?s_in_trouble?\u8221?_\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
A_girl\u8217?s_voice_said,_\u8220?That_depends_on_my_father\u8217?
s_will.\u8221?
Leo_looked_up_the_staircase._His_heart_nearly_stopped._At_the_top_stood_a_girl_i
n_a_white_silk_dress._Her_skin_was_unnaturally_pale,_the_color_of_snow,_but_her_
hair_was_a_lush_mane_of_black,_and_her_eyes_were_coffee_brown._She_focused_o
n_Le
o_with_no_expression,_no_smile,_no_friendliness._But_it_didn\u8217?t_matter._Leo
_was_in_love._She_was_the_most_dazzling_girl_he\u8217?
d_ever_seen._\par\pard\pla
in\hyphpar}{
Then_she_looked_at_Jason_and_Piper,_and_seemed_to_understand_the_situation_im
med
iately.\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
\u8220?Father_will_want_to_see_the_one_called_Jason,\u8221?_the_girl_said.\par\p
ard\plain\hyphpar}{
\u8220?Then_it_{\i
is_}him?\u8221?_Zethes_asked_excitedly._\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
\u8220?We\u8217?ll_see,\u8221?_the_girl_said._\u8220?
Zethes,_bring_our_guests.\u
Leo_grabbed_the_handle_of_his_bronze_dragon_suitcase._He_wasn\u8217?
t_sure_how_h
e\u8217?d_lug_it_up_the_stairs,_but_he_{\i
had_}to_get_next_to_that_girl_and_ask_her_some_important_questions\u8212?
like_he
r_e-mail_address_and_phone_number.\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
Before_he_could_take_a_step,_she_froze_him_with_a_look._Not_{\i
literally}_froze,_but_she_might_as_well_have.\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
\u8220?Not_you,_Leo_Valdez,\u8221?_she_said.\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
In_the_back_of_his_mind,_Leo_wondered_how_she_knew_his_name;_but_mostly_he_
was_j
ust_concentrating_on_how_crushed_he_felt._\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
\u8220?Why_not?\u8221?
_He_probably_sounded_like_a_whiny_kindergartner,_but_he_co
uldn\u8217?t_help_it.\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
\u8220?You_cannot_be_in_the_presence_of_my_father,\u8221?
_the_girl_said._\u8220?
Fire_and_ice\u8212?it_would_not_be_wise.\u8221?_\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
\u8220?We\u8217?re_going_together,\u8221?
_Jason_insisted,_putting_his_hand_on_Le
o\u8217?s_shoulder,_\u8220?or_not_at_all.\u8221?_\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
The_girl_tilted_her_head,_like_she_wasn\u8217?t_used_to_people_refusing_her_orde
rs._\u8220?
He_will_not_be_harmed,_Jason_Grace,_unless_you_make_trouble._Calais,_
keep_Leo_Valdez_here._Guard_him,_but_do_not_kill_him.\u8221?
hpar}{
Cal_pouted._\u8220?Just_a_little?\u8221?\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
\u8220?No,\u8221?_the_girl_insisted._\u8220?And_take_care_of_his_interesting_sui
tcase,_until_Father_passes_judgment.\u8221?\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
Jason_and_Piper_looked_at_Leo,_their_expressions_asking_him_a_silent_question:_{
\i
How_do_you_want_to_play_this?}\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
Leo_felt_a_surge_of_gratitude._They_were_ready_to_fight_for_him._They_wouldn\u8
2
17?
t_leave_him_alone_with_the_hockey_ox._Part_of_him_wanted_to_go_for_it,_bust_o
ut_his_new_tool_belt_and_see_what_he_could_do,_maybe_even_summon_a_fireball_
or_t
wo_and_warm_this_place_up._But_the_Boread_guys_scared_him._And_that_gorgeou
s_gir
l_scared_him_more,_even_if_he_still_wanted_her_number._\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}
{
\u8220?It\u8217?s_fine,_guys,\u8221?_he_said._\u8220?
No_sense_causing_trouble_if
_we_don\u8217?t_have_to._You_go_ahead.\u8221?\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
\u8220?Listen_to_your_friend,\u8221?_the_pale_girl_said._\u8220?Leo_Valdez_will_
be_perfectly_safe._I_wish_I_could_say_the_same_for_you,_son_of_Zeus._Now_come,_
K
ing_Boreas_is_waiting.\u8221?_\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
J}{\b
ASON_DIDN\u8217?T_WANT_TO_LEAVE_}{\b
L}{\b
EO,}{\b
_}but_he_was_starting_to_think_that_hanging_out_with_Cal_the_hockey_jock_might_
b
e_the_{\i
least}_dangerous_option_in_this_place.\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
As_they_climbed_the_icy_staircase,_Zethes_stayed_behind_them,_his_blade_drawn.
_T
he_guy_might\u8217?ve_looked_like_a_discoera_reject,_but_there_was_nothing_funn
y_about_his_sword._Jason_figured_one_hit_from_that_thing_would_probably_turn_hi
m
_into_a_Popsicle.\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
Then_there_was_the_ice_princess._Every_once_in_a_while_she\u8217?
d_turn_and_give
_Jason_a_smile,_but_there_was_no_warmth_in_her_expression._She_regarded_Jason_
li
ke_he_was_an_especially_interesting_science_specimen\u8212?
one_she_couldn\u8217?
t_wait_to_dissect._\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
If_these_were_Boreas\u8217?s_kids,_Jason_wasn\u8217?
t_sure_he_wanted_to_meet_Dad
dy._Annabeth_had_told_him_Boreas_was_the_friendliest_of_the_wind_gods._Apparen
tl
y_that_meant_he_didn\u8217?t_kill_heroes_quite_as_fast_as_the_others_did.\par\pa
rd\plain\hyphpar}{
Jason_worried_that_he\u8217?d_led_his_friends_into_a_trap._If_things_went_bad,_h
e_wasn\u8217?
t_sure_he_could_get_them_out_alive._Without_thinking_about_it,_he_t
ook_Piper\u8217?s_hand_for_reassurance._\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
She_raised_her_eyebrows,_but_she_didn\u8217?t_let_go._\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
\u8220?It\u8217?ll_be_fine,\u8221?_she_promised._\u8220?Just_a_talk,_right?\u822
At_the_top_of_the_stairs,_the_ice_princess_looked_back_and_noticed_them_holding_
hands._Her_smile_faded._Suddenly_Jason\u8217?s_hand_in_Piper\u8217?
s_turned_ice_
cold\u8212?{\i
burning_}cold._He_let_go,_and_his_fingers_were_smoking_with_frost._So_were_Piper
\u8217?s._\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
\u8220?Warmth_is_not_a_good_idea_here,\u8221?_the_princess_advised,_\u8220?
espec
ially_when_{\i
I_}am_your_best_chance_of_staying_alive._Please,_this_way.\u8221?\par\pard\plain
\hyphpar}{
Piper_gave_him_a_nervous_frown_like,_{\i
What_was_that_about?_}\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
Jason_didn\u8217?
t_have_an_answer._Zethes_poked_him_in_the_back_with_his_icicle_
sword,_and_they_followed_the_princess_down_a_massive_hallway_decked_in_frosty_
ta
pestries.\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
Freezing_winds_blew_back_and_forth,_and_Jason\u8217?
s_thoughts_moved_almost_as_f
ast._He\u8217?
d_had_a_lot_of_time_to_think_while_they_rode_the_dragon_north,_but
_he_felt_as_confused_as_ever.\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
Thalia\u8217?s_picture_was_still_in_his_pocket,_though_he_didn\u8217?t_need_to_l
ook_at_it_anymore._Her_image_had_burned_itself_into_his_mind._It_was_bad_enoug
h_
not_remembering_his_past,_but_to_know_he_had_a_sister_out_there_somewhere_w
ho_mi
ght_have_answers_and_to_have_no_way_of_finding_her\u8212?
that_just_drove_him_up_
the_wall.\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
In_the_picture,_Thalia_looked_nothing_like_him._They_both_had_blue_eyes,_but_tha
t_was_it._Her_hair_was_black._Her_complexion_was_more_Mediterranean._Her_facia
l_
features_were_sharper\u8212?like_a_hawk\u8217?s._\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
Still,_Thalia_looked_{\i
so_}familiar._Hera_had_left_him_just_enough_memory_that_he_could_be_certain_Th
al
ia_was_his_sister._But_Annabeth_had_acted_completely_surprised_when_he\u8217?
d_t
old_her,_like_she\u8217?d_never_heard_of_Thalia\u8217?
s_having_a_brother._Did_Th
alia_even_know_about_him?
_How_had_they_been_separated?\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
Hera_had_taken_those_memories._She\u8217?
d_stolen_everything_from_Jason\u8217?s_
past,_plopped_him_into_a_new_life,_and_now_she_expected_him_to_save_her_from_
som
e_prison_just_so_he_could_get_back_what_she\u8217?
d_taken._It_made_Jason_so_angr
y,_he_wanted_to_walk_away,_let_Hera_rot_in_that_cage:_but_he_couldn\u8217?
t._He_
was_hooked._He_had_to_know_more,_and_that_made_him_even_more_resentful._\p
ar\par
d\plain\hyphpar}{
\u8220?Hey.\u8221?_Piper_touched_his_arm._\u8220?
You_still_with_me?\u8221?\par\p
ard\plain\hyphpar}{
\u8220?Yeah_\u8230?_yeah,_sorry.\u8221?\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
He_was_grateful_for_Piper._He_needed_a_friend,_and_he_was_glad_she\u8217?
d_start
ed_losing_the_Aphrodite_blessing._The_makeup_was_fading._Her_hair_was_slowly_g
oi
ng_back_to_its_old_choppy_style_with_the_little_braids_down_the_sides._It_made_h
er_look_more_real,_and_as_far_as_Jason_was_concerned,_more_beautiful._\par\pard\
plain\hyphpar}{
He_was_sure_now_that_they\u8217?
d_never_known_each_other_before_the_Grand_Canyon
._Their_relationship_was_just_a_trick_of_the_Mist_in_Piper\u8217?s_mind._But_the
_longer_he_spent_with_her,_the_more_he_wished_it_had_been_real._\par\pard\plain\
hyphpar}{
{\i
Stop_that},_he_told_himself._It_wasn\u8217?t_fair_to_Piper,_thinking_that_way._J
ason_had_no_idea_what_was_waiting_for_him_back_in_his_old_life\u8212?or_{\i
who_}might_be_waiting._But_he_was_pretty_sure_his_past_wouldn\u8217?
t_mix_with_C
amp_Half-Blood._After_this_quest,_who_knew_what_would_happen?
_Assuming_they_even
_survived._\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
At_the_end_of_the_hallway_they_found_themselves_in_front_of_a_set_of_oaken_door
s
_carved_with_a_map_of_the_world._In_each_corner_was_a_man\u8217?
s_bearded_face,_
blowing_wind._Jason_was_pretty_sure_he\u8217?
d_seen_maps_like_this_before._But_i
n_this_version,_all_the_wind_guys_were_Winter,_blowing_ice_and_snow_from_every_
c
orner_of_the_world.\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
The_princess_turned._Her_brown_eyes_glittered,_and_Jason_felt_like_he_was_a_Chri
stmas_present_she_was_hoping_to_open.\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
\u8220?This_is_the_throne_room,\u8221?_she_said._\u8220?
Be_on_your_best_behavior
,_Jason_Grace._My_father_can_be_\u8230?_chilly._I_will_translate_for_you,_and_tr
y_to_encourage_him_to_hear_you_out._I_do_hope_he_spares_you._We_could_have_s
uch_
fun.\u8221?\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
Jason_guessed_this_girl\u8217?s_definition_of_fun_was_not_the_same_as_his._\par\
\u8220?Um,_okay,\u8221?_he_managed._\u8220?But_really,_we\u8217?
re_just_here_for
_a_little_talk._We\u8217?ll_be_leaving_right_afterward.\u8221?\par\pard\plain\hy
phpar}{
The_girl_smiled._\u8220?I_love_heroes._So_blissfully_ignorant.\u8221?\par\pard\p
lain\hyphpar}{
Piper_rested_her_hand_on_her_dagger._\u8220?Well,_how_about_you_enlighten_us?
_Yo
u_say_you\u8217?re_going_to_translate_for_us,_and_we_don\u8217?
t_even_know_who_y
ou_are._What\u8217?s_your_name?\u8221?\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
The_girl_sniffed_with_distaste._\u8220?I_suppose_I_shouldn\u8217?t_be_surprised_
you_don\u8217?
t_recognize_me._Even_in_the_ancient_times_the_Greeks_did_not_know_
me_well._Their_island_homes_were_too_warm,_too_far_from_my_domain._I_am_Khio
ne,_
daughter_of_Boreas,_goddess_of_snow.\u8221?\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
She_stirred_the_air_with_her_finger,_and_a_miniature_blizzard_swirled_around_her
\u8212?big,_fluffy_flakes_as_soft_as_cotton.\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
\u8220?Now,_come,\u8221?
_Khione_said._The_oaken_doors_blew_open,_and_cold_blue_l
ight_spilled_out_of_the_room._\u8220?Hopefully_you_will_survive_your_little_talk
I}{\b
F_THE_ENTRY_HALL_HAD_BEEN_COLD,}{\b
_}the_throne_room_was_like_a_meat_locker._\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
Mist_hung_in_the_air._Jason_shivered,_and_his_breath_steamed._Along_the_walls,_p
urple_tapestries_showed_scenes_of_snowy_forests,_barren_mountains,_and_glaciers
.
_High_above,_ribbons_of_colored_light\u8212?the_aurora_borealis\u8212?
pulsed_alo
ng_the_ceiling._A_layer_of_snow_covered_the_floor,_so_Jason_had_to_step_carefull
y._All_around_the_room_stood_life-size_ice_sculpture_warriors\u8212?some_in_Gree
k_armor,_some_medieval,_some_in_modern_camouflage\u8212?
all_frozen_in_various_at
tack_positions,_swords_raised,_guns_locked_and_loaded.\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
At_least_Jason_{\i
thought_}they_were_sculptures._Then_he_tried_to_step_between_two_Greek_spear
men,
_and_they_moved_with_surprising_speed,_their_joints_cracking_and_spraying_ice_cr
ystals_as_they_crossed_their_javelins_to_block_Jason\u8217?s_path._\par\pard\pla
in\hyphpar}{
From_the_far_end_of_the_hall,_a_man\u8217?
s_voice_rang_out_in_a_language_that_so
unded_like_French._The_room_was_so_long_and_misty,_Jason_couldn\u8217?
t_see_the_
other_end;_but_whatever_the_man_said,_the_ice_guards_uncrossed_their_javelins.\p
\u8220?It\u8217?s_fine,\u8221?_Khione_said._\u8220?
My_father_has_ordered_them_no
t_to_kill_you_just_yet.\u8221?\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
\u8220?Super,\u8221?_Jason_said.\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
Zethes_prodded_him_in_the_back_with_his_sword._\u8220?
Keep_moving,_Jason_Junior.
\u8220?Please_don\u8217?t_call_me_that.\u8221?_\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
\u8220?My_father_is_not_a_patient_man,\u8221?_Zethes_warned,_\u8220?
and_the_beau
tiful_Piper,_sadly,_is_losing_her_magic_hairdo_very_fast._Later,_perhaps,_I_can_
lend_her_something_from_my_wide_assortment_of_hair_products.\u8221?\par\pard\
pla
in\hyphpar}{
\u8220?Thanks,\u8221?_Piper_grumbled.\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
They_kept_walking,_and_the_mist_parted_to_reveal_a_man_on_an_ice_throne._He_w
as_
sturdily_built,_dressed_in_a_stylish_white_suit_that_seemed_woven_from_snow,_wit
h_dark_purple_wings_that_spread_out_to_either_side._His_long_hair_and_shaggy_be
a
rd_were_encrusted_with_icicles,_so_Jason_couldn\u8217?t_tell_if_his_hair_was_gra
y_or_just_white_with_frost._His_arched_eyebrows_made_him_look_angry,_but_his_ey
e
s_twinkled_more_warmly_than_his_daughter\u8217?s\u8212?
as_if_he_might_have_a_sen
se_of_humor_buried_somewhere_under_that_permafrost._Jason_hoped_so.\par\pard\
pla
in\hyphpar}{
{\i
\u8220?Bienvenu},{\i
\u8221?}_the_king_said._\u8220?{\i
Je_suis_Boreas_le_Roi._Et_vous?\u8221?_}\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
Khione_the_snow_goddess_was_about_to_speak,_but_Piper_stepped_forward_and_c
urtsi
ed.\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
{\i
\u8220?Votre_Majest\u233?,\u8221?_}she_said,_{\i
\u8220?_je_suis_Piper_McLean._Et_c}\u8217?{\i
est_Jason,_fils_de_Zeus.\u8221?_}\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
The_king_smiled_with_pleasant_surprise._{\i
\u8220?Vous_parlez_fran\u231?ais?_Tr\u232?s_bien!\u8221?
_}\par\pard\plain\hyphpa
r}{
\u8220?Piper,_you_speak_French?\u8221?_Jason_asked._Piper_frowned._\u8220?
No._Wh
y?\u8221?_\u8220?You_just_spoke_French.\u8221?_Piper_blinked._\u8220?
I_did?\u822
1?_The_king_said_something_else,_and_Piper_nodded._{\i
\u8220?Oui,_}\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
{\i
Votre_Majest\u233?.\u8221?}\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
The_king_laughed_and_clapped_his_hands,_obviously_delighted._He_said_a_few_mo
re_
sentences_then_swept_his_hand_toward_his_daughter_as_if_shooing_her_away.\par\
pa
rd\plain\hyphpar}{
Khione_looked_miffed._\u8220?
The_king_says\u8212?\u8221?\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}
{
\u8220?He_says_I\u8217?m_a_daughter_of_Aphrodite,\u8221?
_Piper_interrupted,_\u82
20?so_naturally_I_can_speak_French,_which_is_the_language_of_love._I_had_no_idea
._His_Majesty_says_Khione_won\u8217?t_have_to_translate_now.\u8221?
_\par\pard\pl
ain\hyphpar}{
Behind_them,_Zethes_snorted,_and_Khione_shot_him_a_murderous_look._She_bowe
d_sti
ffly_to_her_father_and_took_a_step_back.\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
The_king_sized_up_Jason,_and_Jason_decided_it_would_be_a_good_idea_to_bow._\u8
22
0?Your_Majesty,_I\u8217?
m_Jason_Grace._Thank_you_for,_um,_not_killing_us._May_I_
ask_\u8230?
_why_does_a_Greek_god_speak_French?\u8221?\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
Piper_had_another_exchange_with_the_king.\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
\u8220?He_speaks_the_language_of_his_host_country,\u8221?
_Piper_translated._\u82
20?
He_says_all_gods_do_this._Most_Greek_gods_speak_English,_as_they_now_reside_i
n_the_United_States,_but_Boreas_was_never_welcomed_in_their_realm._His_domain
_wa
s_always_far_to_the_north._These_days_he_likes_Quebec,_so_he_speaks_French.\u8
22
The_king_said_something_else,_and_Piper_turned_pale.\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
\u8220?The_king_says_\u8230?\u8221?_She_faltered._\u8220?
He_says\u8212?\u8221?_\
\u8220?Oh,_allow_me,\u8221?_Khione_said._\u8220?
My_father_says_he_has_orders_to_
kill_you._Did_I_not_mention_that_earlier?\u8221?\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
Jason_tensed._The_king_was_still_smiling_amiably,_like_he\u8217?d_just_delivered
_great_news.\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
\u8220?Kill_us?\u8221?_Jason_said._\u8220?Why?\u8221?\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
\u8220?Because,\u8221?_the_king_said,_in_heavily_accented_English,_\u8220?
my_lor
d_Aeolus_has_commanded_it.\u8221?_\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
Boreas_rose._He_stepped_down_from_his_throne_and_furled_his_wings_against_his_
ba
ck._As_he_approached,_Khione_and_Zethes_bowed._Jason_and_Piper_followed_their
_ex
ample.\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
\u8220?I_shall_deign_to_speak_your_language,\u8221?_Boreas_said,_\u8220?
as_Piper
_McLean_has_honored_me_in_mine._{\i
Toujours},_I_have_had_a_fondness_for_the_children_of_Aphrodite._As_for_you,_Jaso
n_Grace,_my_master_Aeolus_would_not_expect_me_to_kill_a_son_of_Lord_Zeus_\u8
230?
_without_first_hearing_you_out.\u8221?\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
Jason\u8217?
s_gold_coin_seemed_to_grow_heavy_in_his_pocket._If_he_were_forced_to
_fight,_he_didn\u8217?
t_like_his_chances._Two_seconds_at_least_to_summon_his_bla
de._Then_he\u8217?
d_be_facing_a_god,_two_of_his_children,_and_an_army_of_freezedried_warriors.\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
\u8220?Aeolus_is_the_master_of_the_winds,_right?\u8221?_Jason_asked._\u8220?
Why_
would_he_want_us_dead?\u8221?\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
\u8220?You_are_demigods,\u8221?
_Boreas_said,_as_if_this_explained_everything._\u
8220?Aeolus\u8217?
s_job_is_to_contain_the_winds,_and_demigods_have_always_caused
_him_many_headaches._They_ask_him_for_favors._They_unleash_winds_and_cause_
chaos
.
_But_the_final_insult_was_the_battle_with_Typhon_last_summer\u8230?\u8221?\par\
Boreas_waved_his_hand,_and_a_sheet_of_ice_like_a_flatscreen_TV_appeared_in_the_
air._Images_of_a_battle_flickered_across_the_surface\u8212?a_giant_wrapped_in_st
orm_clouds,_wading_across_a_river_toward_the_Manhattan_skyline._Tiny,_glowing_fi
gures\u8212?the_gods,_Jason_guessed\u8212?
swarmed_around_him_like_angry_wasps,_p
ounding_the_monster_with_lightning_and_fire._Finally_the_river_erupted_in_a_mass
ive_whirlpool,_and_the_smoky_form_sank_beneath_the_waves_and_disappeared.\pa
r\pa
rd\plain\hyphpar}{
\u8220?The_storm_giant,_Typhon,\u8221?_Boreas_explained._\u8220?
The_first_time_t
he_gods_defeated_him,_eons_ago,_he_did_not_die_quietly._His_death_released_a_ho
s
t_of_storm_spirits\u8212?
wild_winds_that_answered_to_no_one._It_was_Aeolus\u8217
?
s_job_to_track_them_all_down_and_imprison_them_in_his_fortress._The_other_gods\
u8212?
they_did_not_help._They_did_not_even_apologize_for_the_inconvenience._It_t
ook_Aeolus_centuries_to_track_down_all_the_storm_spirits,_and_naturally_this_irr
itated_him._Then,_last_summer,_Typhon_was_defeated_again\u8212?\u8221?\par\p
ard\
plain\hyphpar}{
\u8220?And_his_death_released_another_wave_of_{\i
venti},\u8221?_Jason_guessed._\u8220?
Which_made_Aeolus_even_angrier.\u8221?\par\
{\i
\u8220?C}\u8217?{\i
est_vrai,\u8221?}_Boreas_agreed.\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
\u8220?But,_Your_Majesty,\u8221?_Piper_said,_\u8220?
the_gods_had_no_choice_but_t
o_battle_Typhon._He_was_going_to_destroy_Olympus!
_Besides,_why_punish_demigods_f
or_that?\u8221?\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
The_king_shrugged._\u8220?
Aeolus_cannot_take_out_his_anger_on_the_gods._They_are
_his_bosses,_and_very_powerful._So_he_gets_even_with_the_demigods_who_helped
_the
m_in_the_war._He_issued_orders_to_us:_demigods_who_come_to_us_for_aid_are_no_
lon
ger_to_be_tolerated._We_are_to_crush_your_little_mortal_faces.\u8221?_\par\pard\
plain\hyphpar}{
There_was_an_uncomfortable_silence._\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
\u8220?That_sounds_\u8230?_extreme,\u8221?_Jason_ventured._\u8220?
But_you\u8217?
re_not_going_to_crush_our_faces_yet,_right?_You\u8217?re_going_to_listen_to_us_f
irst,_\u8217?
cause_once_you_hear_about_our_quest\u8212?\u8221?\par\pard\plain\hy
phpar}{
\u8220?Yes,_yes,\u8221?_the_king_agreed._\u8220?
You_see,_Aeolus_also_said_that_a
_son_of_Zeus_might_seek_my_aid,_and_if_this_happened,_I_should_listen_to_you_be
f
ore_destroying_you,_as_you_might\u8212?how_did_he_put_it?\u8212?
make_all_our_liv
es_very_interesting._I_am_only_obligated_to_{\i
listen,_}however._After_that,_I_am_free_to_pass_judgment_as_I_see_fit._But_I_{\i
will_}listen_first._Khione_wishes_this_also._It_may_be_that_we_will_not_kill_you
Jason_felt_like_he_could_almost_breathe_again._\u8220?Great._Thanks.\u8221?_\par
\u8220?Do_not_thank_me.\u8221?_Boreas_smiled._\u8220?
There_are_many_ways_you_cou
ld_make_our_lives_interesting._Sometimes_we_keep_demigods_for_our_amusement,
_as_
you_can_see.\u8221?\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
He_gestured_around_the_room_to_the_various_ice_statues.\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}
{
Piper_made_a_strangled_noise._\u8220?You_mean\u8212?they\u8217?
re_all_demigods?_
Frozen_demigods?_They\u8217?re_alive?\u8221?_\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
\u8220?An_interesting_question,\u8221?
_Boreas_conceded,_as_if_it_had_never_occur
red_to_him_before._\u8220?
They_do_not_move_unless_they_are_obeying_my_orders._Th
e_rest_of_the_time,_they_are_merely_frozen._Unless_they_were_to_melt,_I_suppose,
_which_would_be_very_messy.\u8221?\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
Khione_stepped_behind_Jason_and_put_her_cold_fingers_on_his_neck._\u8220?
My_fath
er_gives_me_such_lovely_presents,\u8221?_she_murmured_in_his_ear._\u8220?
Join_ou
r_court._Perhaps_I\u8217?ll_let_your_friends_go.\u8221?\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
\u8220?What?\u8221?_Zethes_broke_in._\u8220?
If_Khione_gets_this_one,_then_I_dese
rve_the_girl._Khione_always_gets_more_presents!\u8221?_\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}
{
\u8220?Now,_children,\u8221?_Boreas_said_sternly._\u8220?Our_guests_will_think_y
ou_are_spoiled!
_Besides,_you_moved_too_fast._We_have_not_even_heard_the_demigod\
u8217?
s_story_yet._Then_we_will_decide_what_to_do_with_them._Please,_Jason_Grace
,_entertain_us.\u8221?_\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
Jason_felt_his_brain_shutting_down._He_didn\u8217?t_look_at_Piper_for_fear_he\u8
217?d_completely_lose_it._He\u8217?
d_gotten_them_into_this,_and_now_they_were_go
ing_die\u8212?or_worse,_they\u8217?d_be_amusements_for_Boreas\u8217?
s_children_a
nd_end_up_frozen_forever_in_this_throne_room,_slowly_corroding_from_freezer_burn
Khione_purred_and_stroked_his_neck._Jason_didn\u8217?t_plan_it,_but_electricity_
sparked_along_his_skin._There_was_loud_{\i
pop},_and_Khione_flew_backward,_skidding_across_the_floor.\par\pard\plain\hyphpa
r}{
Zethes_laughed._\u8220?That_is_good!_I\u8217?
m_glad_you_did_that,_even_though_I_
have_to_kill_you_now.\u8221?\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
For_a_moment,_Khione_was_too_stunned_to_react._Then_the_air_around_her_began
_to_
swirl_with_a_micro-blizzard._\u8220?You_dare\u8212?\u8221?_\par\pard\plain\hyphp
ar}{
\u8220?Stop,\u8221?
_Jason_ordered,_with_as_much_force_as_he_could_muster._\u8220
?You\u8217?re_not_going_to_kill_us._And_you\u8217?
re_not_going_to_keep_us._We\u8
217?
re_on_a_quest_for_the_queen_of_the_gods_herself,_so_unless_you_want_Hera_bus
ting_down_your_doors,_you\u8217?
re_going_to_let_us_go.\u8221?\par\pard\plain\hyp
hpar}{
He_sounded_a_lot_more_confident_than_he_felt,_but_it_got_their_attention._Khione
\u8217?
s_blizzard_swirled_to_a_stop._Zethes_lowered_his_sword._They_both_looked_
uncertainly_at_their_father._\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
\u8220?Hmm,\u8221?_Boreas_said._His_eyes_twinkled,_but_Jason_couldn\u8217?
t_tell
_if_it_was_with_anger_or_amusement._\u8220?A_son_of_Zeus,_favored_by_Hera?
_This_
is_definitely_a_first._Tell_us_your_story.\u8221?_\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
Jason_would\u8217?ve_botched_it_right_there._He_hadn\u8217?
t_been_expecting_to_g
et_the_chance_to_talk,_and_now_that_he_could,_his_voice_abandoned_him._\par\pa
rd
\plain\hyphpar}{
Piper_saved_him._\u8220?Your_Majesty.\u8221?
_She_curtsied_again_with_incredible_
poise,_considering_her_life_was_on_the_line._She_told_Boreas_the_whole_story,_fr
om_the_Grand_Canyon_to_the_prophecy,_much_better_and_faster_than_Jason_could
_hav
e.\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
\u8220?All_we_ask_for_is_guidance,\u8221?_Piper_concluded._\u8220?
These_storm_sp
irits_attacked_us,_and_they\u8217?re_working_for_some_evil_mistress._If_we_find_
them,_maybe_we_can_find_Hera.\u8221?\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
The_king_stroked_the_icicles_in_his_beard._Out_the_windows,_night_had_fallen,_an
d_the_only_light_came_from_the_aurora_borealis_overhead,_washing_everything_in_
r
ed_and_blue.\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
\u8220?I_know_of_these_storm_spirits,\u8221?_Boreas_said._\u8220?
I_know_where_th
ey_are_kept,_and_of_the_prisoner_they_took.\u8221?\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
\u8220?You_mean_Coach_Hedge?\u8221?_Jason_asked._\u8220?He\u8217?
s_alive?\u8221?
Boreas_waved_aside_the_question._\u8220?
For_now._But_the_one_who_controls_these_
storm_winds_\u8230?
_It_would_be_madness_to_oppose_her._You_would_be_better_stayi
ng_here_as_frozen_statues.\u8221?_\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
\u8220?Hera\u8217?s_in_trouble,\u8221?_Jason_said._\u8220?
In_three_days_she\u821
7?s_going_to_be\u8212?I_don\u8217?t_know\u8212?
consumed,_destroyed,_something._A
nd_a_giant_is_going_to_rise.\u8221?\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
\u8220?Yes,\u8221?_Boreas_agreed._Was_it_Jason\u8217?
s_imagination,_or_did_he_sh
oot_Khione_an_angry_look?_\u8220?
Many_horrible_things_are_waking._Even_my_childr
en_do_not_tell_me_all_the_news_they_should._The_Great_Stirring_of_monsters_that_
began_with_Kronos\u8212?
your_father_Zeus_foolishly_believed_it_would_end_when_th
e_Titans_were_defeated._But_just_as_it_was_before,_so_it_is_now._The_final_battl
e_is_yet_to_come,_and_the_one_who_will_wake_is_more_terrible_than_any_Titan._St
o
rm_spirits\u8212?
these_are_only_beginning._The_earth_has_many_more_horrors_to_yi
eld_up._When_monsters_no_longer_stay_in_Tartarus,_and_souls_are_no_longer_confi
n
ed_to_Hades_\u8230?
_Olympus_has_good_reason_to_fear.\u8221?\par\pard\plain\hyphp
ar}{
Jason_wasn\u8217?t_sure_what_all_this_meant,_but_he_didn\u8217?
t_like_the_way_Kh
ione_was_smiling\u8212?like_{\i
this_}was_her_definition_of_fun._\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
\u8220?So_you\u8217?ll_help_us?\u8221?
_Jason_asked_the_king.\par\pard\plain\hyph
par}{
Boreas_scowled._\u8220?I_did_not_say_that.\u8221?\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
\u8220?Please,_Your_Majesty,\u8221?_Piper_said.\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
Everyone\u8217?
s_eyes_turned_toward_her._She_had_to_be_scared_out_of_her_mind,_b
ut_she_looked_beautiful_and_confident\u8212?
and_it_had_nothing_to_do_with_the_bl
essing_of_Aphrodite._She_looked_herself_again,_in_day-old_traveling_clothes_with
_choppy_hair_and_no_makeup._But_she_almost_glowed_with_warmth_in_that_cold_t
hron
e_room._\u8220?
If_you_tell_us_where_the_storm_spirits_are,_we_can_capture_them_a
nd_bring_them_to_Aeolus._You\u8217?
d_look_good_in_front_of_your_boss._Aeolus_mig
ht_pardon_us_and_the_other_demigods._We_could_even_rescue_Gleeson_Hedge._Ev
eryon
e_wins.\u8221?\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
\u8220?She\u8217?s_pretty,\u8221?_Zethes_mumbled._\u8220?
I_mean,_she\u8217?s_rig
ht.\u8221?_\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
\u8220?Father,_don\u8217?t_listen_to_her,\u8221?_Khione_said._\u8220?
She\u8217?s
_a_child_of_Aphrodite._She_dares_to_charmspeak_a_god?
_Freeze_her_now!\u8221?\par
Boreas_considered_this._Jason_slipped_his_hand_in_his_pocket_and_got_ready_to_br
ing_out_the_gold_coin._If_things_went_wrong,_he\u8217?
d_have_to_move_fast._\par\
The_movement_caught_Boreas\u8217?s_eye._\u8220?
What_is_that_on_your_forearm,_dem
igod?\u8221?\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
Jason_hadn\u8217?
t_realized_his_coat_sleeve_had_gotten_pushed_up,_revealing_the_
edge_of_his_tattoo._Reluctantly,_he_showed_Boreas_his_marks._\par\pard\plain\hyp
hpar}{
The_god\u8217?
s_eyes_widened._Khione_actually_hissed_and_stepped_away.\par\pard\
plain\hyphpar}{
Then_Boreas_did_something_unexpected._He_laughed_so_loudly,_an_icicle_cracked
_fr
om_the_ceiling_and_crashed_next_to_his_throne._The_god\u8217?
s_form_began_to_fli
cker._His_beard_disappeared._He_grew_taller_and_thinner,_and_his_clothes_change
d
_into_a_Roman_toga,_lined_with_purple._His_head_was_crowned_with_a_frosty_laur
el
_wreath,_and_a_gladius\u8212?a_Roman_sword_like_Jason\u8217?s\u8212?
hung_at_his_
side.\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
\u8220?Aquilon,\u8221?_Jason_said,_though_where_he_got_the_god\u8217?
s_Roman_nam
e_from,_he_had_no_idea._\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
The_god_inclined_his_head._\u8220?You_recognize_me_better_in_this_form,_yes?
_And
_yet_you_said_you_came_from_Camp_Half-Blood?\u8221?_\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}
{
Jason_shifted_his_feet._\u8220?Uh_\u8230?_yes,_Your_Majesty.\u8221?\par\pard\pla
in\hyphpar}{
\u8220?And_Hera_sent_you_there\u8230?\u8221?_The_winter_god\u8217?
s_eyes_were_fu
ll_of_mirth._\u8220?
I_understand_now._Oh,_she_plays_a_dangerous_game._Bold,_but_
dangerous!
_No_wonder_Olympus_is_closed._They_must_be_trembling_at_the_gamble_she
_has_taken.\u8221?\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
\u8220?Jason,\u8221?_Piper_said_nervously,_\u8220?
why_did_Boreas_change_shape?_T
he_toga,_the_wreath._What\u8217?s_going_on?\u8221?_\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
\u8220?It\u8217?s_his_Roman_form,\u8221?_Jason_said._\u8220?But_what\u8217?
s_goi
ng_on\u8212?I_don\u8217?t_know.\u8221?_\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
The_god_laughed._\u8220?No,_I\u8217?m_sure_you_don\u8217?
t._This_should_be_very_
interesting_to_watch.\u8221?\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
\u8220?Does_that_mean_you\u8217?ll_let_us_go?\u8221?
_Piper_asked.\par\pard\plain
\hyphpar}{
\u8220?My_dear,\u8221?_Boreas_said,_\u8220?
there_is_no_reason_for_me_to_kill_you
._If_Hera\u8217?s_plan_fails,_which_I_think_it_will,_you_will_tear_each_other_ap
art._Aeolus_will_never_have_to_worry_about_demigods_again.\u8221?\par\pard\plai
n
\hyphpar}{
Jason_felt_as_if_Khione\u8217?s_cold_fingers_were_on_his_neck_again,_but_it_wasn
\u8217?t_her\u8212?it_was_just_the_feeling_that_Boreas_was_right._That_sense_of_
wrongness_which_had_bothered_Jason_since_he_got_to_Camp_HalfBlood,_and_Chiron\u
8217?s_comment_about_his_arrival_being_disastrous\u8212?
Boreas_knew_what_they_me
ant.\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
\u8220?I_don\u8217?t_suppose_you_could_explain?\u8221?
_Jason_asked.\par\pard\pla
in\hyphpar}{
\u8220?Oh,_perish_the_thought!_It_is_not_for_me_to_interfere_in_Hera\u8217?s_pla
n._No_wonder_she_took_your_memory.\u8221?
_Boreas_chuckled,_apparently_still_havi
ng_a_great_time_imagining_demigods_tearing_each_other_apart._\u8220?
You_know,_I_
have_a_reputation_as_a_helpful_wind_god._Unlike_my_brethren,_I\u8217?
ve_been_kno
wn_to_fall_in_love_with_mortals._Why,_my_sons_Zethes_and_Calais_started_as_dem
ig
ods\u8212?\u8221?\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
\u8220?Which_explains_why_they_are_idiots,\u8221?
_Khione_growled.\par\pard\plain
\hyphpar}{
\u8220?Stop_it!\u8221?_Zethes_snapped_back._\u8220?
Just_because_you_were_born_a_
full_goddess\u8212?\u8221?\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
\u8220?Both_of_you,_freeze,\u8221?
_Boreas_ordered._Apparently,_that_word_carried
_a_lot_of_weight_in_the_household,_because_the_two_siblings_went_absolutely_stil
l._\u8220?Now,_as_I_was_saying,_I_have_a_good_reputation,_but_it_is_rare_that_Bo
reas_plays_an_important_role_in_the_affairs_of_gods._I_sit_here_in_my_palace,_at
_the_edge_of_civilization,_and_so_rarely_have_amusements._Why,_even_that_fool_N
o
tus,_the_South_Wind,_gets_spring_break_in_Canc\u250?n._What_do_I_get?
_A_winter_f
estival_with_naked_Qu\u233?b\u233?cois_rolling_around_in_the_snow!\u8221?
_\par\p
ard\plain\hyphpar}{
\u8220?I_like_the_winter_festival,\u8221?_Zethes_muttered._\par\pard\plain\hyphp
ar}{
\u8220?My_point,\u8221?_Boreas_snapped,_\u8220?
is_that_I_now_have_a_chance_to_be
_the_center._Oh,_yes,_I_will_let_you_go_on_this_quest._You_will_find_your_storm_
spirits_in_the_windy_city,_of_course._Chicago\u8212?\u8221?\par\pard\plain\hyphp
ar}{
\u8220?Father!\u8221?_Khione_protested.\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
Boreas_ignored_his_daughter._\u8220?
If_you_can_capture_the_winds,_you_may_be_abl
e_to_gain_safe_entrance_to_the_court_of_Aeolus._If_by_some_miracle_you_succeed,
_
be_sure_to_tell_him_you_captured_the_winds_on_my_orders.\u8221?\par\pard\plain\
h
yphpar}{
\u8220?Okay,_sure,\u8221?_Jason_said._\u8220?So_Chicago_is_where_we\u8217?
ll_fin
d_this_lady_who\u8217?s_controlling_the_winds?_She\u8217?
s_the_one_who\u8217?s_t
rapped_Hera?\u8221?\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
\u8220?Ah.\u8221?_Boreas_grinned._\u8220?
Those_are_two_different_questions,_son_
of_Jupiter.\u8221?\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
{\i
Jupiter,}_Jason_noticed._{\i
Before,_he_called_me_son_of_Zeus._}\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
\u8220?The_one_who_controls_the_winds,\u8221?_Boreas_continued,_\u8220?
yes,_you_
will_find_her_in_Chicago._But_{\i
she_}is_only_a_servant\u8212?a_servant_who_is_very_likely_to_destroy_you._If_you
_succeed_against_her_and_take_the_winds,_then_you_may_go_to_Aeolus._Only_he_
has_
knowledge_of_all_the_winds_on_the_earth._All_secrets_come_to_his_fortress_eventu
ally._If_anyone_can_tell_you_where_Hera_is_imprisoned,_it_is_Aeolus._As_for_who_
you_will_meet_when_you_finally_find_Hera\u8217?s_cage\u8212?truly,_if_I_told_you
_that,_you_would_beg_me_to_freeze_you.\u8221?\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
\u8220?Father,\u8221?_Khione_protested,_\u8220?you_can\u8217?
t_simply_let_them\u
\u8220?I_can_do_what_I_like,\u8221?_he_said,_his_voice_hardening._\u8220?
I_am_st
ill_master_here,_am_I_not?\u8221?_\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
The_way_Boreas_glared_at_his_daughter,_it_was_obvious_they_had_some_ongoing_
argu
ment._Khione\u8217?
s_eyes_flashed_with_anger,_but_she_clenched_her_teeth._\u8220
?As_you_wish,_Father.\u8221?\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
\u8220?Now_go,_demigods,\u8221?_Boreas_said,_\u8220?
before_I_change_my_mind._Zet
hes,_escort_them_out_safely.\u8221?\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
They_all_bowed,_and_the_god_of_the_North_Wind_dissolved_into_mist._\par\pard\pl
a
in\hyphpar}{
Back_in_the_entry_hall,_Cal_and_Leo_were_waiting_for_them._Leo_looked_cold_but_
u
nharmed._He\u8217?
d_even_gotten_cleaned_up,_and_his_clothes_looked_newly_washed,
_like_he\u8217?d_used_the_hotel\u8217?
s_valet_service._Festus_the_dragon_was_bac
k_in_normal_form,_snorting_fire_over_his_scales_to_keep_himself_defrosted.\par\p
ard\plain\hyphpar}{
As_Khione_led_them_down_the_stairs,_Jason_noticed_that_Leo\u8217?
s_eyes_followed
_her._Leo_started_combing_his_hair_back_with_his_hands._Uhoh,_Jason_thought._He
_made_a_mental_note_to_warn_Leo_about_the_snow_goddess_later._She_was_not_s
omeon
e_to_get_a_crush_on.\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
At_the_bottom_step,_Khione_turned_to_Piper._\u8220?
You_have_fooled_my_father,_gi
rl._But_you_have_not_fooled_me._We_are_not_done._And_you,_Jason_Grace,_I_will_s
e
e_you_as_a_statue_in_the_throne_room_soon_enough.\u8221?\par\pard\plain\hyphp
ar}
{
\u8220?Boreas_is_right,\u8221?_Jason_said._\u8220?You\u8217?
re_a_spoiled_kid._Se
e_you_around,_ice_princess.\u8221?\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
Khione\u8217?
s_eyes_flared_pure_white._For_once,_she_seemed_at_a_loss_for_words.
_She_stormed_back_up_the_stairs\u8212?literally._Halfway_up,_she_turned_into_a_b
lizzard_and_disappeared.\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
\u8220?Be_careful,\u8221?_Zethes_warned._\u8220?
She_never_forgets_an_insult.\u82
Cal_grunted_in_agreement._\u8220?Bad_sister.\u8221?_\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
\u8220?She\u8217?s_the_goddess_of_snow,\u8221?_Jason_said._\u8220?
What\u8217?s_s
he_going_to_do,_throw_snowballs_at_us?\u8221?
_But_as_he_said_it,_Jason_had_a_fee
ling_Khione_could_do_a_whole_lot_worse.\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
Leo_looked_devastated._\u8220?What_happened_up_there?_You_made_her_mad?
_Is_she_m
ad_at_me_too?_Guys,_that_was_my_prom_date!\u8221?\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
\u8220?We\u8217?ll_explain_later,\u8221?
_Piper_promised,_but_when_she_glanced_at
_Jason,_he_realized_she_expected_{\i
him}_to_explain._\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
What_{\i
had_}happened_up_there?_Jason_wasn\u8217?
t_sure._Boreas_had_turned_into_Aquilon,
_his_Roman_form,_as_if_Jason\u8217?
s_presence_caused_him_to_go_schizophrenic.\pa
The_idea_that_Jason_had_been_sent_to_Camp_HalfBlood_seemed_to_amuse_the_god,_bu
t_Boreas/Aquilon_hadn\u8217?
t_let_them_go_out_of_kindness._Cruel_excitement_had_
danced_in_his_eyes,_as_if_he\u8217?d_just_placed_a_bet_on_a_dogfight.\par\pard\p
lain\hyphpar}{
{\i
You_will_tear_each_other_apart},_he\u8217?d_said_with_delight._{\i
Aeolus_will_never_have_to_worry_about_demigods_again.}\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}
{
Jason_looked_away_from_Piper,_trying_not_to_show_how_unnerved_he_was._\u8220
?Yea
h,\u8221?_he_agreed,_\u8220?we\u8217?ll_explain_later.\u8221?\par\pard\plain\hyp
hpar}{
\u8220?Be_careful,_pretty_girl,\u8221?_Zethes_said._\u8220?
The_winds_between_her
e_and_Chicago_are_badtempered._Many_other_evil_things_are_stirring._I_am_sorry_
you_will_not_be_staying._You_would_make_a_lovely_ice_statue,_in_which_I_could_ch
eck_my_reflection.\u8221?_\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
\u8220?Thanks,\u8221?_Piper_said._\u8220?But_I\u8217?
d_sooner_play_hockey_with_C
al.\u8221?_\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
\u8220?Hockey?\u8221?_Cal\u8217?s_eyes_lit_up.\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
\u8220?Joking,\u8221?_Piper_said._\u8220?And_the_storm_winds_aren\u8217?
t_our_wo
rst_problem,_are_they?\u8221?_\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
\u8220?Oh,_no,\u8221?_Zethes_agreed._\u8220?
Something_else._Something_worse.\u82
\u8220?Worse,\u8221?_Cal_echoed._\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
\u8220?Can_you_tell_me?\u8221?
_Piper_gave_them_a_smile.\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
This_time,_the_charm_didn\u8217?t_work._The_purplewinged_Boreads_shook_their_he
ads_in_unison._The_hangar_doors_opened_onto_a_freezing_starry_night,_and_Festu
s_
the_dragon_stomped_his_feet,_anxious_to_fly.\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
\u8220?Ask_Aeolus_what_is_worse,\u8221?_Zethes_said_darkly._\u8220?
He_knows._Goo
d_luck.\u8221?_\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
He_almost_sounded_like_he_cared_what_happened_to_them,_even_though_a_few_
minutes
_ago_he\u8217?
d_wanted_to_make_Piper_into_an_ice_sculpture.\par\pard\plain\hyphp
ar}{
Cal_patted_Leo_on_the_shoulder._\u8220?Don\u8217?t_get_destroyed,\u8221?
_he_said
,_which_was_probably_the_longest_sentence_he\u8217?d_ever_attempted._\u8220?
Next
_time\u8212?hockey._Pizza.\u8221?\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
\u8220?Come_on,_guys.\u8221?
_Jason_stared_out_at_the_dark._He_was_anxious_to_get
_out_of_that_cold_penthouse,_but_he_had_a_feeling_it_was_the_most_hospitable_pl
a
ce_they\u8217?d_see_for_a_while._\u8220?Let\u8217?
s_go_to_Chicago_and_try_not_to
_get_destroyed.\u8221?_\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
P}{\b
IPER_DIDN\u8217?T_RELAX_UNTIL_THE_GLOW_OF}{\b
_}Quebec_City_faded_behind_them._\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
\u8220?You_were_amazing,\u8221?_Jason_told_her.\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
The_compliment_should\u8217?
ve_made_her_day._But_all_she_could_think_about_was_t
he_trouble_ahead._{\i
Evil_things_are_stirring,}Zethes_had_warned_them._She_knew_that_firsthand._The_
c
loser_they_got_to_the_solstice,_the_less_time_Piper_had_to_make_her_decision._\p
She_told_Jason_in_French:_\u8220?
If_you_knew_the_truth_about_me,_you_wouldn\u821
7?t_think_I_was_so_amazing.\u8221?_\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
\u8220?What\u8217?d_you_say?\u8221?_he_asked.\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
\u8220?I_said_I_only_talked_to_Boreas._It_wasn\u8217?t_so_amazing.\u8221?
_\par\p
ard\plain\hyphpar}{
She_didn\u8217?
t_turn_to_look,_but_she_imagined_him_smiling.\par\pard\plain\hyph
par}{
\u8220?Hey,\u8221?_he_said,_\u8220?you_saved_me_from_joining_Khione\u8217?
s_subz
ero_hero_collection._I_owe_you_one.\u8221?\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
That_was_definitely_the_easy_part,_she_thought._There_was_no_way_Piper_would\u
82
17?
ve_let_that_ice_witch_keep_Jason._What_bothered_Piper_more_was_the_way_Boreas
_had_changed_form,_and_why_he\u8217?
d_let_them_go._It_had_something_to_do_with_J
ason\u8217?
s_past,_those_tattoos_on_his_arm._Boreas_assumed_Jason_was_some_sort_
of_Roman,_and_Romans_didn\u8217?
t_mix_with_Greeks._She_kept_waiting_for_Jason_to
_offer_an_explanation,_but_he_clearly_didn\u8217?t_want_to_talk_about_it._\par\p
ard\plain\hyphpar}{
Until_now,_Piper_had_been_able_to_dismiss_Jason\u8217?
s_feeling_that_he_didn\u82
17?t_belong_at_Camp_HalfBlood._Obviously_he_was_a_demigod._Of_course_he_belonge
d._But_now_\u8230?_what_if_he_was_something_else?
_What_if_he_really_was_an_enemy
?_She_couldn\u8217?
t_stand_that_idea_any_more_than_she_could_stand_Khione.\par\p
ard\plain\hyphpar}{
Leo_passed_them_some_sandwiches_from_his_pack._He\u8217?
d_been_quiet_ever_since_
they\u8217?d_told_him_what_happened_in_the_throne_room._\u8220?
I_still_can\u8217
?t_believe_Khione,\u8221?_he_said._\u8220?She_looked_so_nice.\u8221?
_\par\pard\p
lain\hyphpar}{
\u8220?Trust_me,_man,\u8221?_Jason_said._\u8220?
Snow_may_be_pretty,_but_up_close
_it\u8217?s_cold_and_nasty._We\u8217?
ll_find_you_a_better_prom_date.\u8221?\par\
Piper_smiled,_but_Leo_didn\u8217?t_look_pleased._He_hadn\u8217?
t_said_much_about
_his_time_in_the_palace,_or_why_the_Boreads_had_singled_him_out_for_smelling_lik
e_fire._Piper_got_the_feeling_he_was_hiding_something._Whatever_it_was,_his_moo
d
_seemed_to_be_affecting_Festus,_who_grumbled_and_steamed_as_he_tried_to_keep
_him
self_warm_in_the_cold_Canadian_air._Happy_the_Dragon_was_not_so_happy.\par\par
d\
plain\hyphpar}{
They_ate_their_sandwiches_as_they_flew._Piper_had_no_idea_how_Leo_had_stocked
_up
_on_supplies,_but_he\u8217?
d_even_remembered_to_bring_veggie_rations_for_her._Th
e_cheese_and_avocado_sandwich_was_awesome._\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
Nobody_talked._Whatever_they_might_find_in_Chicago,_they_all_knew_Boreas_had_
onl
y_let_them_go_because_he_figured_they_were_already_on_a_suicide_mission.\par\p
ar
d\plain\hyphpar}{
The_moon_rose_and_stars_turned_overhead._Piper\u8217?
s_eyes_started_to_feel_heav
y._The_encounter_with_Boreas_and_his_children_had_scared_her_more_than_she_wa
nte
d_to_admit._Now_that_she_had_a_full_stomach,_her_adrenaline_was_fading.\par\par
d
\plain\hyphpar}{
{\i
Suck_it_up,_cupcake!_}Coach_Hedge_would\u8217?ve_yelled_at_her._{\i
Don\u8217?t_be_a_wimp!}\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
Piper_had_been_thinking_about_the_coach_ever_since_Boreas_mentioned_he_was_s
till
_alive._She\u8217?d_never_liked_Hedge,_but_he\u8217?
d_leaped_off_a_cliff_to_save
_Leo,_and_he\u8217?
d_sacrificed_himself_to_protect_them_on_the_skywalk._She_now_
realized_that_all_the_times_at_school_the_coach_had_pushed_her,_yelled_at_her_to
_run_faster_or_do_more_push-ups,_or_even_when_he\u8217?
d_turned_his_back_and_let
_her_fight_her_own_battles_with_the_mean_girls,_the_old_goat_man_had_been_tryin
g
_to_help_her_in_his_own_irritating_way\u8212?trying_to_prepare_her_for_life_as_a
_demigod.\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
On_the_skywalk,_Dylan_the_storm_spirit_had_said_something_about_the_coach,_too
:_
how_he\u8217?
d_been_retired_to_Wilderness_School_because_he_was_getting_too_old,
_like_it_was_some_sort_of_punishment._Piper_wondered_what_that_was_about,_and
_if
_it_explained_why_the_coach_was_always_so_grumpy._Whatever_the_truth,_now_th
at_P
iper_knew_Hedge_was_alive,_she_had_a_strong_compulsion_to_save_him.\par\pard\
pla
in\hyphpar}{
Don\u8217?t_get_ahead_of_yourself,_she_chided._You\u8217?
ve_got_bigger_problems.
_This_trip_won\u8217?t_have_a_happy_ending.\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
She_was_a_traitor,_just_like_Silena_Beauregard._It_was_only_a_matter_of_time_bef
ore_her_friends_found_out._\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
She_looked_up_at_the_stars_and_thought_about_a_night_long_ago_when_she_and_h
er_d
ad_had_camped_out_in_front_of_Grandpa_Tom\u8217?
s_house._Grandpa_Tom_had_died_ye
ars_before,_but_Dad_had_kept_his_house_in_Oklahoma_because_it_was_where_he_g
rew_
up.\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
They\u8217?
d_gone_back_for_a_few_days,_with_the_idea_of_getting_the_place_fixed_
up_to_sell,_although_Piper_wasn\u8217?t_sure_who\u8217?d_want_to_buy_a_rundown_
cabin_with_shutters_instead_of_windows_and_two_tiny_rooms_that_smelled_like_cig
a
rs._The_first_night_had_been_so_stifling_hot\u8212?no_air_conditioning_in_the_mi
ddle_of_August\u8212?
that_Dad_suggested_they_sleep_outside.\par\pard\plain\hyphp
ar}{
They\u8217?
d_spread_their_sleeping_bags_and_listened_to_the_cicadas_buzzing_in_t
he_trees._Piper_pointed_out_the_constellations_she\u8217?
d_been_reading_about\u8
212?Hercules,_Apollo\u8217?s_lyre,_Sagittarius_the_centaur._\par\pard\plain\hyph
par}{
Her_dad_crossed_his_arms_behind_his_head._In_his_old_Tshirt_and_jeans_he_looked
_like_just_another_guy_from_Tahlequah,_Oklahoma,_a_Cherokee_who_might\u8217?
ve_n
ever_left_tribal_lands._\u8220?
Your_grandpa_would_say_those_Greek_patterns_are_a
_bunch_of_bull._He_told_me_the_stars_were_creatures_with_glowing_fur,_like_magic
_hedgehogs._Once,_long_ago,_some_hunters_even_captured_a_few_in_the_forest._T
hey
_didn\u8217?t_know_what_they\u8217?
d_done_until_nighttime,_when_the_star_creatur
es_began_to_glow._Golden_sparks_flew_from_their_fur,_so_the_Cherokee_released_t
h
em_back_into_the_sky.\u8221?\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
\u8220?You_believe_in_magic_hedgehogs?\u8221?
_Piper_asked.\par\pard\plain\hyphpa
r}{
Her_dad_laughed._\u8220?I_think_Grandpa_Tom_was_full_of_bull,_too,_just_like_the
_Greeks._But_it\u8217?s_a_big_sky._I_suppose_there\u8217?
s_room_for_Hercules_and
_hedgehogs.\u8221?\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
They_sat_for_a_while,_until_Piper_got_the_nerve_to_ask_a_question_that_had_been_
bugging_her._\u8220?Dad,_why_don\u8217?
t_you_ever_play_Native_American_parts?\u8
The_week_before,_he\u8217?
d_turned_down_several_million_dollars_to_play_Tonto_in
_a_remake_of_{\i
The_Lone_Ranger}._Piper_was_still_trying_to_figure_out_why._He\u8217?d_played_al
l_kinds_of_roles\u8212?a_Latino_teacher_in_a_tough_L.A._school,_a_dashing_Israel
i_spy_in_an_action-adventure_blockbuster,_even_a_Syrian_terrorist_in_a_James_Bon
d_movie._And,_of_course,_he_would_always_be_known_as_the_King_of_Sparta._But_
if_
the_part_was_Native_American\u8212?it_didn\u8217?t_matter_what_{\i
kind_}of_role_it_was\u8212?Dad_turned_it_down._\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
He_winked_at_her._\u8220?Too_close_to_home,_Pipes._Easier_to_pretend_I\u8217?
m_s
omething_I\u8217?m_not.\u8221?_\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
\u8220?Doesn\u8217?t_that_get_old?_Aren\u8217?
t_you_ever_tempted,_like,_if_you_f
ound_the_perfect_part_that_could_change_people\u8217?s_opinions?\u8221?
_\par\par
d\plain\hyphpar}{
\u8220?If_there\u8217?s_a_part_like_that,_Pipes,\u8221?_he_said_sadly,_\u8220?I_
haven\u8217?t_found_it.\u8221?_\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
She_looked_at_the_stars,_trying_to_imagine_them_as_glowing_hedgehogs._All_she_
sa
w_were_the_stick_figures_she_knew\u8212?
Hercules_running_across_the_sky,_on_his_
way_to_kill_monsters._Dad_was_probably_right._The_Greeks_and_the_Cherokee_wer
e_e
qually_crazy._The_stars_were_just_balls_of_fire.\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
\u8220?Dad,\u8221?_she_said,_\u8220?if_you_don\u8217?
t_like_being_close_to_home,
_why_are_we_sleeping_in_Grandpa_Tom\u8217?
s_yard?\u8221?\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}
{
His_laughter_echoed_in_the_quiet_Oklahoma_night._\u8220?
I_think_you_know_me_too_
well,_Pipes.\u8221?\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
\u8220?You\u8217?re_not_really_going_to_sell_this_place,_are_you?\u8221?\par\par
d\plain\hyphpar}{
\u8220?Nope,\u8221?_he_sighed._\u8220?I\u8217?
m_probably_not.\u8221?\par\pard\pl
ain\hyphpar}{
Piper_blinked,_shaking_herself_out_of_the_memory._She_realized_she\u8217?
d_been_
falling_asleep_on_the_dragon\u8217?
s_back._How_could_her_dad_pretend_to_be_so_ma
ny_things_he_wasn\u8217?t?
_She_was_trying_to_do_that_now,_and_it_was_tearing_her
_apart.\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
Maybe_she_could_pretend_for_a_little_while_longer._She_could_dream_of_finding_a_
way_to_save_her_father_without_betraying_her_friends\u8212?
even_if_right_now_a_h
appy_ending_seemed_about_as_likely_as_magic_hedgehogs.\par\pard\plain\hyphpar
}{
She_leaned_back_against_Jason\u8217?s_warm_chest._He_didn\u8217?
t_complain._As_s
oon_she_closed_her_eyes,_she_drifted_off_to_sleep._\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
In_her_dream,_she_was_back_on_the_mountaintop._The_ghostly_purple_bonfire_cas
t_s
hadows_across_the_trees._Piper\u8217?
s_eyes_stung_from_smoke,_and_the_ground_was
_so_warm,_the_soles_of_her_boots_felt_sticky.\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
A_voice_from_the_dark_rumbled,_\u8220?
You_forget_your_duty.\u8221?\par\pard\plai
n\hyphpar}{
Piper_couldn\u8217?t_see_him,_but_it_was_definitely_her_least_favorite_giant\u82
12?
the_one_who_called_himself_Enceladus._She_looked_around_for_any_sign_of_her_f
ather,_but_the_pole_where_he\u8217?
d_been_chained_was_no_longer_there.\par\pard\
plain\hyphpar}{
\u8220?Where_is_he?\u8221?_she_demanded._\u8220?What\u8217?
ve_you_done_with_him?
The_giant\u8217?s_laugh_was_like_lava_hissing_down_a_volcano._\u8220?
His_body_is
_safe_enough,_though_I_fear_the_poor_man\u8217?s_mind_can\u8217?
t_take_much_more
_of_my_company._For_some_reason_he_finds_me\u8212?
disturbing._You_must_hurry,_gi
rl,_or_I_fear_there_will_be_little_left_of_him_to_save.\u8221?_\par\pard\plain\h
yphpar}{
\u8220?Let_him_go!\u8221?_she_screamed._\u8220?Take_me_instead._He\u8217?
s_just_
a_mortal!\u8221?_\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
\u8220?But,_my_dear,\u8221?_the_giant_rumbled,_\u8220?
we_must_prove_our_love_for
_our_parents._That\u8217?s_what_{\i
I\u8217?m_}doing._Show_me_you_value_your_father\u8217?
s_life_by_doing_what_I_ask
._Who\u8217?s_more_important\u8212?
your_father,_or_a_deceitful_goddess_who_used_
you,_toyed_with_your_emotions,_manipulated_your_memories,_eh?
_What_is_Hera_to_yo
u?\u8221?\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
Piper_began_to_tremble._So_much_anger_and_fear_boiled_inside_her,_she_could_ha
rd
ly_talk._\u8220?You\u8217?
re_asking_me_to_betray_my_friends.\u8221?\par\pard\pla
in\hyphpar}{
\u8220?Sadly,_my_dear,_your_friends_are_destined_to_die._Their_quest_is_impossib
le._Even_if_you_succeeded,_you_heard_the_prophecy:_unleashing_Hera\u8217?
s_rage_
would_mean_your_destruction._The_only_question_now\u8212?
will_you_die_with_your_
friends,_or_live_with_your_father?\u8221?\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
The_bonfire_roared._Piper_tried_to_step_back,_but_her_feet_were_heavy._She_reali
zed_the_ground_was_pulling_her_down,_clinging_to_her_boots_like_wet_sand._When
_s
he_looked_up,_a_shower_of_purple_sparks_had_spread_across_the_sky,_and_the_su
n_w
as_rising_in_the_east._A_patchwork_of_cities_glowed_in_the_valley_below,_and_far
_to_the_west,_over_a_line_of_rolling_hills,_she_saw_a_familiar_landmark_rising_f
rom_a_sea_of_fog.\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
\u8220?Why_are_you_showing_me_this?\u8221?_Piper_asked._\u8220?You\u8217?
re_reve
aling_where_you_are.\u8221?\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
\u8220?Yes,_you_know_this_place,\u8221?_the_giant_said._\u8220?
Lead_your_friends
_here_instead_of_their_true_destination,_and_I_will_deal_with_them._Or_even_bett
er,_arrange_their_deaths_before_you_arrive._I_don\u8217?t_care_which._Just_be_at
_the_summit_by_noon_on_the_solstice,_and_you_may_collect_your_father_and_go_i
n_p
eace.\u8221?\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
\u8220?I_can\u8217?t,\u8221?_Piper_said._\u8220?You_can\u8217?
t_ask_me\u8212?\u8
\u8220?
To_betray_that_foolish_boy_Valdez,_who_always_irritated_you_and_is_now_hi
ding_secrets_from_you?_To_give_up_a_boyfriend_you_never_really_had?
_Is_that_more
_important_than_your_own_father?\u8221?_\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
\u8220?I\u8217?ll_find_a_way_to_defeat_you,\u8221?_Piper_said._\u8220?I\u8217?ll
_save_my_father_{\i
and}_my_friends.\u8221?\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
The_giant_growled_in_the_shadows._\u8220?
I_was_once_proud_too._I_thought_the_god
s_could_never_defeat_me._Then_they_hurled_a_mountain_on_top_of_me,_crushed_
me_in
to_the_ground,_where_I_struggled_for_eons,_half-conscious_in_pain._That_taught_m
e_patience,_girl._It_taught_me_not_to_act_rashly._Now_I\u8217?
ve_clawed_my_way_b
ack_with_the_help_of_the_waking_earth._I_am_only_the_first._My_brethren_will_fol
low._We_will_not_be_denied_our_vengeance\u8212?
not_this_time._And_you,_Piper_McL
ean,_need_a_lesson_in_humility._I\u8217?ll_show_you_how_easily_your_rebellious_s
pirit_can_be_brought_to_earth.\u8221?\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
The_dream_dissolved._And_Piper_woke_up_screaming,_free-falling_through_the_air._
P}{\b
IPER_THUMBLED_THROUGH_THE_SKY.}{\b
_}Far_below_she_saw_city_lights_glimmering_in_the_early_dawn,_and_several_hund
re
d_yards_away_the_body_of_the_bronze_dragon_spinning_out_of_control,_its_wings_li
mp,_fire_flickering_in_its_mouth_like_a_badly_wired_lightbulb.\par\pard\plain\hy
phpar}{
A_body_shot_past_her\u8212?
Leo,_screaming_and_frantically_grabbing_at_the_clouds
._\u8220?Not_coooooool!\u8221?\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
She_tried_to_call_to_him,_but_he_was_already_too_far_below.\par\pard\plain\hyphp
ar}{
Somewhere_above_her,_Jason_yelled,_\u8220?Piper,_level_out!
_Extend_your_arms_and
_legs!\u8221?\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
It_was_hard_to_control_her_fear,_but_she_did_what_he_said_and_regained_some_ba
la
nce._She_fell_spread-eagle_like_a_skydiver,_the_wind_underneath_her_like_a_solid
_block_of_ice._Then_Jason_was_there,_wrapping_his_arms_around_her_waist.\par\pa
r
d\plain\hyphpar}{
Thank_god,_Piper_thought._But_part_of_her_also_thought:_Great._Second_time_this
_
week_he\u8217?s_hugged_me,_and_both_times_it\u8217?s_because_I\u8217?
m_plummetin
g_to_my_death._\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
\u8220?We_have_to_get_Leo!\u8221?_she_shouted.\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
Their_fall_slowed_as_Jason_controlled_the_winds,_but_they_still_lurched_up_and_d
own_like_the_winds_didn\u8217?t_want_to_cooperate.\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
\u8220?Gonna_get_rough,\u8221?_Jason_warned._\u8220?
Hold_on!\u8221?\par\pard\pla
in\hyphpar}{
Piper_locked_her_arms_around_him,_and_Jason_shot_toward_the_ground._Piper_pro
bab
ly_screamed,_but_the_sound_was_ripped_from_her_mouth._Her_vision_blurred.\par\
pa
rd\plain\hyphpar}{
And_then,_{\i
thump!_}They_slammed_into_another_warm_body\u8212?
Leo,_still_wriggling_and_cursi
ng.\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
\u8220?Stop_fighting!\u8221?_Jason_said._\u8220?It\u8217?s_me!\u8221?
_\par\pard\
plain\hyphpar}{
\u8220?My_dragon!\u8221?_Leo_yelled._\u8220?
You_gotta_save_Festus!\u8221?\par\pa
rd\plain\hyphpar}{
Jason_was_already_struggling_to_keep_the_three_of_them_aloft,_and_Piper_knew_th
e
re_was_no_way_he_could_help_a_fiftyton_metal_dragon._But_before_she_could_try_t
o_reason_with_Leo,_she_heard_an_explosion_below_them._A_fireball_rolled_into_the
_sky_from_behind_a_warehouse_complex,_and_Leo_sobbed,_\u8220?Festus!\u8221?
_\par
Jason\u8217?
s_face_reddened_with_strain_as_he_tried_to_maintain_an_air_cushion_b
eneath_them,_but_intermittent_slowdowns_were_the_best_he_could_manage._Rather_t
han_free-falling,_it_felt_like_they_were_bouncing_down_a_giant_staircase,_a_hund
red_feet_at_a_time,_which_wasn\u8217?t_doing_Piper\u8217?
s_stomach_any_favors.\p
As_they_wobbled_and_zigzagged,_Piper_could_make_out_details_of_the_factory_co
mpl
ex_below\u8212?warehouses,_smokestacks,_barbedwire_fences,_and_parking_lots_lin
ed_with_snow-covered_vehicles._They_were_still_high_enough_so_that_hitting_the_g
round_would_flatten_them_into_roadkill\u8212?or_skykill\u8212?
when_Jason_groaned
,_\u8220?I_can\u8217?t\u8212?\u8221?_\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
And_they_dropped_like_stones.\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
They_hit_the_roof_of_the_largest_warehouse_and_crashed_through_into_darkness.\p
a
Unfortunately,_Piper_tried_to_land_on_her_feet._Her_feet_didn\u8217?t_like_that.
_Pain_flared_in_her_left_ankle_as_she_crumpled_against_a_cold_metal_surface.\par
For_a_few_seconds_she_wasn\u8217?t_conscious_of_anything_but_pain\u8212?
pain_so_
bad_that_her_ears_rang_and_her_vision_went_red.\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
Then_she_heard_Jason\u8217?
s_voice_somewhere_below,_echoing_through_the_building
._\u8220?Piper!_Where\u8217?s_Piper?\u8221?_\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
\u8220?Ow,_bro!\u8221?_Leo_groaned._\u8220?That\u8217?s_my_back!_I\u8217?
m_not_a
_sofa!_Piper,_where\u8217?d_you_go?\u8221?\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
\u8220?Here,\u8221?
_she_managed,_her_voice_a_whimper.\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
She_heard_shuffling_and_grunting,_then_feet_pounding_on_metal_steps.\par\pard\pl
ain\hyphpar}{
Her_vision_began_to_clear._She_was_on_a_metal_catwalk_that_ringed_the_warehou
se_
interior._Leo_and_Jason_had_landed_on_ground_level,_and_were_now_coming_up_th
e_s
tairs_toward_her._She_looked_at_her_foot,_and_wave_of_nausea_swept_over_her._H
er
_toes_weren\u8217?
t_supposed_to_point_that_way,_were_they?\par\pard\plain\hyphpa
r}{
Oh,_god._She_forced_herself_to_look_away_before_she_threw_up._Focus_on_someth
ing
_else._Anything_else.\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
The_hole_they\u8217?
d_made_in_the_roof_was_a_ragged_starburst_twenty_feet_above.
_How_they\u8217?
d_even_survived_that_drop,_she_had_no_idea._Hanging_from_the_cei
ling,_a_few_electric_bulbs_flickered_dimly,_but_they_didn\u8217?t_do_much_to_lig
ht_the_enormous_space._Next_to_Piper,_the_corrugated_metal_wall_was_emblazone
d_w
ith_a_company_logo,_but_it_was_almost_completely_spray-painted_over_with_graffit
i._Down_in_the_shadowy_warehouse,_she_could_make_out_huge_machines,_robotic
_arms
,_half-finished_trucks_on_an_assembly_line._The_place_looked_like_it_had_been_ab
andoned_for_years.\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
Jason_and_Leo_reached_her_side._\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
Leo_started_to_ask,_\u8220?You_okay_\u8230?_?\u8221?
_Then_he_saw_her_foot._\u822
0?Oh_no,_you\u8217?re_not.\u8221?_\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
\u8220?Thanks_for_the_reassurance,\u8221?
_Piper_groaned.\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}
{
\u8220?You\u8217?ll_be_fine,\u8221?
_Jason_said,_though_Piper_could_hear_the_worr
y_in_his_voice._\u8220?Leo,_you_got_any_first_aid_supplies?\u8221?\par\pard\plai
n\hyphpar}{
\u8220?Yeah\u8212?yeah,_sure.\u8221?
_He_dug_around_in_his_tool_belt_and_pulled_o
ut_a_wad_of_gauze_and_a_roll_of_duct_tape\u8212?
both_of_which_seemed_too_big_for
_the_belt\u8217?
s_pockets._Piper_had_noticed_the_tool_belt_yesterday_morning,_bu
t_she_hadn\u8217?t_thought_to_ask_Leo_about_it._It_didn\u8217?t_look_like_anythi
ng_special\u8212?
just_one_of_those_wraparound_leather_aprons_with_a_bunch_of_poc
kets,_like_a_blacksmith_or_a_carpenter_might_wear._And_it_seemed_to_be_empty.\p
a
\u8220?How_did_you\u8212?\u8221?_Piper_tried_to_sit_up,_and_winced._\u8220?
How_d
id_pull_that_stuff_from_an_empty_belt?\u8221?\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
\u8220?Magic,\u8221?_Leo_said._\u8220?Haven\u8217?
t_figure_it_out_completely,_bu
t_I_can_summon_just_about_any_regular_tool_out_of_the_pockets,_plus_some_other
_h
elpful_stuff.\u8221?_He_reached_into_another_pocket_and_pulled_out_a_little_tin_
box._\u8220?Breath_mint?\u8221?\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
Jason_snatched_away_the_mints._\u8220?That\u8217?
s_great,_Leo._Now,_can_you_fix_
her_foot?\u8221?\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
\u8220?I\u8217?m_a_mechanic,_man._Maybe_if_she_was_a_car_\u8230?\u8221?
_He_snapp
ed_his_fingers._\u8220?Wait,_what_was_that_godly_healing_stuffthey_fed_you_at_ca
mp\u8212?Rambo_food?\u8221?_\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
\u8220?Ambrosia,_dummy,\u8221?_Piper_said_through_gritted_teeth._\u8220?
There_sh
ould_be_some_in_my_bag,_if_it\u8217?s_not_crushed.\u8221?
r}{
Jason_carefully_pulled_her_backpack_off_her_shoulders._He_rummaged_through_the
_s
upplies_the_Aphrodite_kids_had_packed_for_her,_and_found_a_Ziploc_full_of_smash
e
d_pastry_squares_like_lemon_bars._He_broke_off_a_piece_and_fed_it_to_her._\par\p
ard\plain\hyphpar}{
The_taste_was_nothing_like_she_expected._It_reminded_her_of_Dad\u8217?
s_black_be
an_soup_from_when_she_was_a_little_girl._He_used_to_feed_it_to_her_whenever_sh
e_
got_sick._The_memory_relaxed_her,_though_it_made_her_sad._The_pain_in_her_ank
le_
subsided.\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
\u8220?More,\u8221?_she_said._\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
Jason_frowned._\u8220?Piper,_we_shouldn\u8217?
t_risk_it._They_said_too_much_coul
d_burn_you_up._I_think_I_should_try_to_set_your_foot.\u8221?\par\pard\plain\hyph
par}{
Piper\u8217?s_stomach_fluttered._\u8220?
Have_you_ever_done_that_before?\u8221?\p
\u8220?Yeah_\u8230?_I_think_so.\u8221?_\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
Leo_found_an_old_piece_of_wood_and_broke_it_in_half_for_a_splint._Then_he_got_th
e_gauze_and_duct_tape_ready.\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
\u8220?Hold_her_leg_still,\u8221?_Jason_told_him._\u8220?Piper,_this_is_going_to
_hurt.\u8221?_\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
When_Jason_set_the_foot,_Piper_flinched_so_hard_she_punched_Leo_in_the_arm,_an
d_
he_yelled_almost_as_much_as_she_did._When_her_vision_cleared_and_she_could_br
eat
he_normally_again,_she_found_that_her_foot_was_pointing_the_right_way,_her_ankl
e
_splinted_with_plywood,_gauze,_and_duct_tape.\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
\u8220?Ow,\u8221?_she_said._\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
\u8220?Jeez,_beauty_queen!\u8221?_Leo_rubbed_his_arm._\u8220?
Glad_my_face_wasn\u
8217?t_there.\u8221?_\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
\u8220?Sorry,\u8221?_she_said._\u8220?And_don\u8217?t_call_me_\u8216?
beauty_quee
n,\u8217?_or_I\u8217?ll_punch_you_again.\u8221?\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
\u8220?You_both_did_great.\u8221?_Jason_found_a_canteen_in_Piper\u8217?
s_pack_an
d_gave_her_some_water._After_a_few_minutes,_her_stomach_began_to_calm_down.
\par\
Once_she_wasn\u8217?
t_screaming_in_pain,_she_could_hear_the_wind_howling_outside
._Snowflakes_fluttered_through_the_hole_in_the_roof,_and_after_their_meeting_wit
h_Khione,_snow_was_the_last_thing_Piper_wanted_to_see.\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
\u8220?What_happened_to_the_dragon?\u8221?_she_asked._\u8220?
Where_are_we?\u8221
Leo\u8217?s_expression_turned_sullen._\u8220?I_don\u8217?
t_know_with_Festus._He_
just_jerked_sideways_like_he_hit_an_invisible_wall_and_started_to_fall.\u8221?_\
Piper_remembered_Enceladus\u8217?s_warning:_{\i
I\u8217?ll_show_you_how_easily_your_rebellious_spirit_can_be_brought_to_earth._}
Had_he_managed_to_strike_them_down_from_so_far_away?
_It_seemed_impossible._If_he
_were_that_powerful,_why_would_he_need_her_to_betray_her_friends_when_he_coul
d_j
ust_kill_them_himself?
_And_how_could_the_giant_be_keeping_an_eye_on_her_in_a_sno
wstorm_thousands_of_miles_away?\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
Leo_pointed_to_the_logo_on_the_wall._\u8220?
As_far_as_where_we_are_\u8230?\u8221
?_It_was_hard_to_see_through_the_graffiti,_but_Piper_could_make_out_a_large_red_
eye_with_the_stenciled_words:_monocle_motors,_assembly_plant_1.\par\pard\plain\
h
yphpar}{
\u8220?Closed_car_plant,\u8221?_Leo_said._\u8220?I\u8217?m_guessing_we_crashlan
ded_in_Detroit.\u8221?_\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
Piper_had_heard_about_closed_car_plants_in_Detroit,_so_that_made_sense._But_it_s
eemed_like_a_pretty_depressing_place_to_land._\u8220?
How_far_is_that_from_Chicag
o?\u8221?\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
Jason_handed_her_the_canteen._\u8220?Maybe_threefourths_of_the_way_from_Quebec?
_The_thing_is,_without_the_dragon,_we\u8217?re_stuck_traveling_overland.\u8221?\
\u8220?No_way,\u8221?_Leo_said._\u8220?It_isn\u8217?t_safe.\u8221?
_\par\pard\pla
in\hyphpar}{
Piper_thought_about_the_way_the_ground_had_pulled_at_her_feet_in_the_dream,_a
nd_
what_King_Boreas_had_said_about_the_earth_yielding_up_more_horrors._\u8220?
He\u8
217?s_right._Besides,_I_don\u8217?t_know_if_I_can_walk._And_three_people\u8212?
J
ason,_you_can\u8217?
t_fly_that_many_across_country_by_yourself.\u8221?\par\pard\
plain\hyphpar}{
\u8220?No_way,\u8221?_Jason_said._\u8220?
Leo,_are_you_sure_the_dragon_didn\u8217
?t_malfunction?_I_mean,_Festus_is_old,_and\u8212?\u8221?
}{
\u8220?And_I_might_not_have_repaired_him_right?\u8221?\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}
{
\u8220?I_didn\u8217?t_say_that,\u8221?_Jason_protested._\u8220?It\u8217?s_just\u
8212?maybe_you_could_fix_it.\u8221?_\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
\u8220?I_don\u8217?t_know.\u8221?
_Leo_sounded_crestfallen._He_pulled_a_few_screw
s_out_of_his_pockets_and_started_fiddling_with_them._\u8220?I\u8217?d_have_to_fi
nd_where_he_landed,_if_he\u8217?
s_even_in_one_piece.\u8221?\par\pard\plain\hyphp
ar}{
\u8220?It_was_my_fault.\u8221?_Piper_said_without_thinking._She_just_couldn\u821
7?
t_stand_it_anymore._The_secret_about_her_father_was_heating_up_inside_her_like
_too_much_ambrosia._If_she_kept_lying_to_her_friends,_she_felt_like_she\u8217?d_
burn_to_ashes._\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
\u8220?Piper,\u8221?_Jason_said_gently,_\u8220?
you_were_asleep_when_Festus_conke
d_out._It_couldn\u8217?t_be_your_fault.\u8221?_\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
\u8220?Yeah,_you\u8217?re_just_shaken_up,\u8221?_Leo_agreed._He_didn\u8217?
t_eve
n_try_to_make_a_joke_at_her_expense._\u8220?You\u8217?
re_in_pain._Just_rest.\u82
She_wanted_to_tell_them_everything,_but_the_words_stuck_in_her_throat._They_we
re
_both_being_so_kind_to_her._Yet_if_Enceladus_was_watching_her_somehow,_saying_
th
e_wrong_thing_could_get_her_father_killed.\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
Leo_stood._\u8220?Look,_um,_Jason,_why_don\u8217?t_you_stay_with_her,_bro?
_I\u82
17?ll_scout_around_for_Festus._I_think_he_fell_outside_the_warehouse_somewhere._
If_I_can_find_him,_maybe_I_can_figure_out_what_happened_and_fix_him.\u8221?\pa
r\
\u8220?It\u8217?s_too_dangerous,\u8221?_Jason_said._\u8220?You_shouldn\u8217?
t_g
o_by_yourself.\u8221?\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
\u8220?Ah,_I_got_duct_tape_and_breath_mints._I\u8217?ll_be_fine,\u8221?
_Leo_said
,_a_little_too_quickly,_and_Piper_realized_he_was_a_lot_more_shaken_up_than_he_w
as_letting_on._\u8220?You_guys_just_don\u8217?t_run_off_without_me.\u8221?
_\par\
Leo_reached_into_his_magic_tool_belt,_pulled_out_a_flashlight,_and_headed_down_t
he_stairs,_leaving_Piper_and_Jason_alone.\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
Jason_gave_her_a_smile,_though_he_looked_kind_of_nervous._It_was_the_exact_exp
re
ssion_he\u8217?d_had_on_his_face_after_he\u8217?
d_kissed_her_the_first_time,_up_
on_the_Wilderness_School_dorm_roof\u8212?that_cute_little_scar_on_his_lip_curvin
g_into_a_crescent._The_memory_gave_her_a_warm_feeling._Then_she_remembered
_that_
the_kiss_had_never_really_happened.\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
\u8220?You_look_better,\u8221?_Jason_offered._\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
Piper_wasn\u8217?t_sure_if_he_meant_her_foot,_or_the_fact_that_she_wasn\u8217?
t_
magically_beautified_anymore._Her_jeans_were_tattered_from_the_fall_through_the
_
roof._Her_boots_were_splattered_with_melted_dirty_snow._She_didn\u8217?
t_know_wh
at_her_face_looked_like,_but_probably_horrible.\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
Why_did_it_matter?_She\u8217?
d_never_cared_about_things_like_that_before._She_wo
ndered_if_it_was_her_stupid_mother,_the_goddess_of_love,_messing_with_her_thou
gh
ts._If_Piper_started_getting_urges_to_read_fashion_magazines,_she_was_going_to_h
ave_to_find_Aphrodite_and_smack_her.\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
She_decided_to_focus_on_her_ankle_instead._As_long_as_she_didn\u8217?
t_move_it,_
the_pain_wasn\u8217?t_bad._\u8220?You_did_a_good_job,\u8221?
_she_told_Jason._\u8
220?Where\u8217?d_you_learn_first_aid?\u8221?\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
He_shrugged._\u8220?Same_answer_as_always._I_don\u8217?t_know.\u8221?
_\par\pard\
plain\hyphpar}{
\u8220?But_you\u8217?re_starting_to_have_some_memories,_aren\u8217?t_you?
_Like_t
hat_prophecy_in_Latin_back_at_camp,_or_that_dream_about_the_wolf.\u8221?
_\par\pa
rd\plain\hyphpar}{
\u8220?It\u8217?s_fuzzy,\u8221?_he_said._\u8220?Like_d\u233?j\u224?
_vu._Ever_for
gotten_a_word_or_a_name,_and_you_know_it_should_be_on_the_tip_of_your_tongue,
_bu
t_it_isn\u8217?t?_It\u8217?s_like_that\u8212?only_with_my_whole_life.\u8221?\par
Piper_sort_of_knew_what_he_meant._The_last_three_months\u8212?
a_life_she_thought
_she\u8217?d_had,_a_relationship_with_Jason\u8212?
had_turned_out_to_be_Mist._\pa
{\i
A_boyfriend_you_never_really_had},_Enceladus_had_said._{\i
Is_that_more_important_than_your_own_father?}\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
She_should\u8217?
ve_kept_her_mouth_shut,_but_she_voiced_the_question_that_had_be
en_on_her_mind_since_yesterday.\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
\u8220?That_photo_in_your_pocket,\u8221?_she_said._\u8220?
Is_that_someone_from_y
our_past?\u8221?\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
Jason_pulled_back.\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
\u8220?I\u8217?m_sorry,\u8221?_she_said._\u8220?
None_of_my_business._Forget_it.\
\u8220?No\u8212?it\u8217?s_okay.\u8221?_His_features_relaxed._\u8220?
Just,_I\u82
17?m_trying_to_figure_things_out._Her_name\u8217?s_Thalia._She\u8217?
s_my_sister
._I_don\u8217?t_remember_any_details._I\u8217?
m_not_even_sure_how_I_know,_but\u8
212?um,_why_are_you_smiling?\u8221?\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
\u8220?Nothing.\u8221?_Piper_tried_to_kill_the_smile._{\i
Not_}an_old_girlfriend._She_felt_ridiculously_happy._\u8220?Um,_it\u8217?s_just\
u8212?that\u8217?
s_great_you_remembered._Annabeth_told_me_she_became_a_Hunter_of
_Artemis,_right?\u8221?\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
Jason_nodded._\u8220?I_get_the_feeling_I\u8217?
m_supposed_to_find_her._Hera_left
_me_that_memory_for_a_reason._It\u8217?
s_got_something_to_do_with_this_quest._Bu
t_\u8230?_I_also_have_the_feeling_it_could_be_dangerous._I\u8217?m_not_sure_I_{\
i
want_}to_find_out_the_truth._Is_that_crazy?\u8221?\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
\u8220?No,\u8221?_Piper_said._\u8220?Not_at_all.\u8221?\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}
{
She_stared_at_the_logo_on_the_wall:_monocle_motors,_the_single_red_eye._Someth
in
g_about_that_logo_bothered_her.\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
Maybe_it_was_the_idea_Enceladus_was_watching_her,_holding_her_father_for_lever
ag
e._She_had_to_save_him,_but_how_could_she_betray_her_friends?\par\pard\plain\hy
p
hpar}{
\u8220?Jason,\u8221?_she_said._\u8220?Speaking_of_the_truth,_I_need_to_tell_you_
something\u8212?
something_about_my_dad\u8212?\u8221?\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
She_didn\u8217?
t_get_the_chance._Somewhere_below,_metal_clanged_against_metal,_l
ike_a_door_slamming_shut._The_sound_echoed_through_the_warehouse.\par\pard\pl
ain
\hyphpar}{
Jason_stood._He_took_out_his_coin_and_flipped_it,_snatching_his_golden_sword_out
_of_the_air._He_peered_over_the_railing._\u8220?Leo?\u8221?_he_called._\par\pard
\plain\hyphpar}{
No_answer._\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
He_crouched_next_to_Piper._\u8220?I_don\u8217?t_like_this.\u8221?_\par\pard\plai
n\hyphpar}{
\u8220?He_could_be_in_trouble,\u8221?_Piper_said._\u8220?
Go_check.\u8221?\par\pa
rd\plain\hyphpar}{
\u8220?I_can\u8217?t_leave_you_alone.\u8221?_\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
\u8220?I\u8217?ll_be_fine.\u8221?_She_felt_terrified,_but_she_wasn\u8217?t_about
_to_admit_it._She_drew_her_dagger_Katoptris_and_tried_to_look_confident._\u8220?
Anyone_gets_close,_I\u8217?ll_skewer_them.\u8221?_\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
Jason_hesitated._\u8220?I\u8217?ll_leave_you_the_pack._If_I\u8217?m_not_back_in_
five_minutes\u8212?\u8221?_\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
\u8220?Panic?\u8221?_she_suggested.\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
He_managed_a_smile._\u8220?Glad_you\u8217?
re_back_to_normal._The_makeup_and_the_
dress_were_a_lot_more_intimidating_than_the_dagger.\u8221?\par\pard\plain\hyphp
a
r}{
\u8220?Get_going,_Sparky,_before_I_skewer_{\i
\u8220?Sparky?\u8221?\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
Even_offended,_Jason_looked_hot._It_wasn\u8217?
t_fair._Then_he_made_his_way_to_t
he_stairs_and_disappeared_into_the_dark.\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
Piper_counted_her_breaths,_trying_to_gauge_how_much_time_had_passed._She_lost
_tr
ack_at_around_forty-three._Then_something_in_the_warehouse_went_{\i
bang!_}\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
The_echo_died._Piper\u8217?s_heart_pounded,_but_she_didn\u8217?
t_call_out._Her_i
nstincts_told_her_it_might_not_be_a_good_idea.\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
She_stared_at_her_splinted_ankle._{\i
It\u8217?
s_not_like_I_can_run._}Then_she_looked_up_again_at_the_Monocle_Motors_s
ign._A_little_voice_in_her_head_pestered_her,_warning_of_danger._Something_from_
Greek_mythology_\u8230?\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
Her_hand_went_to_her_backpack._She_took_out_the_ambrosia_squares._Too_much_
would
_burn_her_up,_but_would_a_little_more_fix_her_ankle?_\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
{\i
Boom._}The_sound_was_closer_this_time,_directly_below_her._She_dug_out_a_whol
e_s
quare_of_ambrosia_and_stuffed_it_in_her_mouth._Her_heart_raced_faster._Her_skin_
felt_feverish._\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
Hesitantly,_she_flexed_her_ankle_against_the_splint._No_pain,_no_stiffness_at_al
l._She_cut_through_the_duct_tape_with_her_dagger_and_heard_heavy_steps_on_the
_st
airs\u8212?like_metal_boots.\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
Had_it_been_five_minutes?_Longer?_The_steps_didn\u8217?
t_sound_like_Jason,_but_m
aybe_he_was_carrying_Leo._Finally_she_couldn\u8217?
t_stand_it._Gripping_her_dagg
er,_she_called_out,_\u8220?Jason?\u8221?\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
\u8220?Yeah,\u8221?_he_said_from_the_darkness._\u8220?
On_my_way_up.\u8221?\par\p
ard\plain\hyphpar}{
Definitely_Jason\u8217?s_voice._So_why_did_all_her_instincts_say_{\i
Run}?_\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
With_effort,_she_got_to_her_feet.\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
The_steps_came_closer.\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
\u8220?It\u8217?s_okay,\u8221?_Jason\u8217?
s_voice_promised.\par\pard\plain\hyph
par}{
At_the_top_of_the_stairs,_a_face_appeared_out_of_the_darkness\u8212?
a_hideous_bl
ack_grin,_a_smashed_nose,_and_a_single_bloodshot_eye_in_the_middle_of_his_foreh
e
ad.\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
\u8220?It\u8217?s_fine,\u8221?_the_Cyclops_said,_in_a_perfect_imitation_of_Jason
\u8217?s_voice._\u8220?You\u8217?re_just_in_time_for_dinner.\u8221?_\par\pard\pl
ain\hyphpar}{
L}{\b
EO_WISHED_THE_DRAGON_HADN\u8217?T_LANDED}{\b
_}_on_the_toilets._\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
Of_all_the_places_to_crash,_a_line_of_Porta-Potties_would_not_have_been_his_firs
t_choice._A_dozen_of_the_blue_plastic_boxes_had_been_set_up_in_the_factory_yard,
_and_Festus_had_flattened_them_all._Fortunately,_they_hadn\u8217?
t_been_used_in_
a_long_time,_and_the_fireball_from_the_crash_incinerated_most_of_the_contents;_b
ut_still,_there_were_some_pretty_gross_chemicals_leaking_out_of_the_wreckage._Le
o_had_to_pick_his_way_through_and_try_not_to_breathe_through_his_nose._Heavy_s
no
w_was_coming_down,_but_the_dragon\u8217?
s_hide_was_still_steaming_hot._Of_course
,_that_didn\u8217?t_bother_Leo._\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
After_a_few_minutes_climbing_over_Festus\u8217?
s_inanimate_body,_Leo_started_to_
get_irritated._The_dragon_looked_perfectly_fine._Yes,_it_had_fallen_out_of_the_s
ky_and_landed_with_a_big_{\i
ka-boom},_but_its_body_wasn\u8217?
t_even_dented._The_fireball_had_apparently_com
e_from_built_up_gasses_inside_the_toilet_units,_not_from_the_dragon_itself._Fest
us\u8217?
s_wings_were_intact._Nothing_seemed_broken._There_was_no_reason_it_shou
ld_have_stopped.\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
\u8220?Not_my_fault,\u8221?_he_muttered._\u8220?Festus,_you\u8217?
re_making_me_l
ook_bad.\u8221?_\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
Then_he_opened_the_control_panel_on_the_dragon\u8217?s_head,_and_Leo\u8217?
s_hea
rt_sank._\u8220?Oh,_Festus,_what_the_heck?\u8221?_\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
The_wiring_had_frozen_over._Leo_knew_it_had_been_okay_yesterday._He\u8217?
d_work
ed_so_hard_to_repair_the_corroded_lines,_but_something_had_caused_a_flash_freez
e
_inside_the_dragon\u8217?s_skull,_where_it_should\u8217?
ve_been_too_hot_for_ice_
to_form._The_ice_had_caused_the_wiring_to_overload_and_char_the_control_disk._L
e
o_couldn\u8217?t_see_any_reason_that_would\u8217?
ve_happened._Sure,_the_dragon_w
as_old,_but_still,_it_didn\u8217?t_make_sense._\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
He_could_replace_the_wires._That_wasn\u8217?
t_the_problem._But_the_charred_contr
ol_disk_was_not_good._The_Greek_letters_and_pictures_carved_around_the_edges,_
wh
ich_probably_held_all_kinds_of_magic,_were_blurred_and_blackened.\par\pard\plain
\hyphpar}{
The_one_piece_of_hardware_Leo_couldn\u8217?t_replace\u8212?
and_it_was_damaged._{
\i
Again}._\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
He_imagined_his_mom\u8217?s_voice:_{\i
Most_problems_look_worse_than_they_are,_}mijo{\i
._Nothing_is_unfixable.}\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
His_mom_could_repair_just_about_anything,_but_Leo_was_pretty_sure_she\u8217?
d_ne
ver_worked_on_a_fifty-year-old_magic_metal_dragon.\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
He_clenched_his_teeth_and_decided_he_had_to_try._He_wasn\u8217?
t_walking_from_De
troit_to_Chicago_in_a_snowstorm,_and_he_wasn\u8217?
t_going_to_be_responsible_for
_stranding_his_friends.\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
\u8220?Right,\u8221?
_he_muttered,_brushing_the_snow_off_his_shoulders._\par\pard
\plain\hyphpar}{
\u8220?
Gimme_a_nylon_bristle_detail_brush,_some_nitrile_gloves,_and_maybe_a_can_
of_that_aerosol_cleaning_solvent.\u8221?\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
The_tool_belt_obliged._Leo_couldn\u8217?
t_help_smiling_as_he_pulled_out_the_supp
lies._The_belt\u8217?s_pockets_did_have_limits._They_wouldn\u8217?
t_give_him_any
thing_magic,_like_Jason\u8217?
s_sword,_or_anything_huge,_like_a_chain_saw._He\u8
217?
d_tried_asking_for_both._And_if_he_asked_for_too_many_things_at_once,_the_be
lt_needed_a_cooldown_time_before_it_could_work_again._The_more_complicated_th
e_r
equest,_the_longer_the_cooldown._But_anything_small_and_simple_like_you_might_
fi
nd_around_a_workshop\u8212?
all_Leo_had_to_do_was_ask._\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
He_began_cleaning_off_the_control_disk._While_he_worked,_snow_collected_on_the_
c
ooling_dragon._Leo_had_to_stop_from_time_to_time_to_summon_fire_and_melt_it_a
way
,
_but_mostly_he_went_into_autopilot_mode,_his_hands_working_by_themselves_as_h
is
_thoughts_wandered.\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
Leo_couldn\u8217?t_believe_how_stupid_he\u8217?d_acted_back_at_Boreas\u8217?
s_pa
lace._He_should\u8217?
ve_figured_a_family_of_winter_gods_would_hate_him_on_sight
._Son_of_the_fire_god_flying_a_fire-breathing_dragon_into_an_ice_penthouse\u8212
?yeah,_maybe_not_the_best_move._Still,_he_hated_feeling_like_a_reject._Jason_and
_Piper_got_to_visit_the_throne_room._Leo_got_to_wait_in_the_lobby_with_Cal,_the_
demigod_of_hockey_and_major_head_injuries.\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
{\i
Fire_is_bad,}_Cal_had_told_him._\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
That_pretty_much_summed_it_up._Leo_knew_he_couldn\u8217?
t_keep_the_truth_from_hi
s_friends_much_longer._Ever_since_Camp_HalfBlood,_one_line_of_that_Great_Prophe
cy_kept_coming_back_to_him:_{\i
To_storm_or_fire_the_world_must_fall._}\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
And_Leo_was_the_fire_guy,_the_first_one_since_1666_when_London_had_burned_do
wn._
If_he_told_his_friends_what_he_could_really_do\u8212?{\i
Hey,_guess_what,_guys?_I_might_destroy_the_world!}\u8212?
why_would_anyone_welcom
e_him_back_at_camp?
_Leo_would_have_to_go_on_the_run_again._Even_though_he_knew_t
hat_drill,_the_idea_depressed_him.\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
Then_there_was_Khione._Dang,_that_girl_was_fine._Leo_knew_he\u8217?
d_acted_like_
a_total_fool,_but_he_couldn\u8217?t_help_himself._He\u8217?d_had_his_clothes_cle
aned_with_the_one-hour_valet_service_\u8212?
which_had_been_totally_sweet,_by_the
_way._He\u8217?d_combed_his_hair\u8212?never_an_easy_job\u8212?
and_even_discover
ed_the_tool_bag_could_make_breath_mints,_all_in_hopes_that_he_could_get_close_t
o
_her._Naturally,_no_such_luck.\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
Getting_frozen_out\u8212?story_of_his_life\u8212?by_his_relatives,_foster_homes,
_you_name_it._Even_at_Wilderness_School,_Leo_had_spent_the_last_few_weeks_feel
in
g_like_a_third_wheel_as_Jason_and_Piper,_his_only_friends,_became_a_couple._He_w
as_happy_for_them_and_all,_but_still_it_made_him_feel_like_they_didn\u8217?t_nee
d_him_anymore.\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
When_he\u8217?d_found_out_that_Jason\u8217?
s_whole_time_at_school_had_been_an_il
lusion\u8212?a_kind_of_a_memory_burp\u8212?
Leo_had_been_secretly_excited._It_was
_a_chance_for_a_reset._Now_Jason_and_Piper_were_heading_toward_being_a_couple
_ag
ain\u8212?that_was_obvious_from_the_way_they\u8217?
d_acted_in_the_warehouse_just
_now,_like_they_wanted_to_talk_in_private_without_Leo_around._What_had_he_expe
ct
ed?_He\u8217?
d_wind_up_the_odd_man_out_again._Khione_had_just_given_him_the_cold
_shoulder_a_little_quicker_than_most.\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
\u8220?Enough,_Valdez,\u8221?_he_scolded_himself._\u8220?Nobody\u8217?
s_going_to
_play_any_violins_for_you_just_because_you\u8217?re_not_important._Fix_the_stupi
d_dragon.\u8221?\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
He_got_so_involved_with_his_work,_he_wasn\u8217?
t_sure_how_much_time_had_passed_
before_he_heard_the_voice.\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
{\i
You\u8217?re_wrong,_Leo,}_it_said._\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
He_fumbled_his_brush_and_dropped_it_into_the_dragon\u8217?
s_head._He_stood,_but_
he_couldn\u8217?t_see_who\u8217?
d_spoken._Then_he_looked_at_the_ground._Snow_and
_chemical_sludge_from_the_toilets,_even_the_asphalt_itself_was_shifting_like_it_
was_turning_to_liquid._A_ten-footwide_area_formed_eyes,_a_nose,_and_a_mouth\u82
12?the_giant_face_of_a_sleeping_woman.\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
She_didn\u8217?t_exactly_speak._Her_lips_didn\u8217?
t_move._But_Leo_could_hear_h
er_voice_in_his_head,_as_if_the_vibrations_were_coming_through_the_ground,_strai
ght_into_his_feet_and_resonating_up_his_skeleton.\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
{\i
They_need_you_desperately},_she_said._{\i
In_some_ways,_you_are_the_most_important_of_the_seven\u8212?
like_the_control_dis
k_in_the_dragon\u8217?
s_brain._Without_you,_the_power_of_the_others_means_nothin
g._They_will_never_reach_me,_never_stop_me._And_I_will_fully_wake.}\par\pard\pla
in\hyphpar}{
\u8220?You.\u8221?_Leo_was_shaking_so_badly_he_wasn\u8217?t_sure_he\u8217?
d_spok
en_aloud._He_hadn\u8217?
t_heard_that_voice_since_he_was_eight,_but_it_was_her:_t
he_earthen_woman_from_the_machine_shop._\u8220?
You_killed_my_mom.\u8221?\par\par
d\plain\hyphpar}{
The_face_shifted._The_mouth_formed_a_sleepy_smile_like_it_was_having_a_pleasan
t_
dream._{\i
Ah,_but_Leo._I_am_your_mother_too\u8212?
the_First_Mother._Do_not_oppose_me._Walk
_away_now._Let_my_son_Porphyrion_rise_and_become_king,_and_I_will_ease_your_b
urd
ens._You_will_tread_lightly_on_the_earth._}\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
Leo_grabbed_the_nearest_thing_he_could_find\u8212?a_Porta-Potty_seat\u8212?
and_t
hrew_it_at_the_face._\u8220?Leave_me_alone!\u8221?\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
The_toilet_seat_sank_into_the_liquid_earth._Snow_and_sludge_rippled,_and_the_fac
e_dissolved.\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
Leo_stared_at_the_ground,_waiting_for_the_face_to_reappear._But_it_didn\u8217?t.
_Leo_wanted_to_think_he\u8217?d_imagined_it.\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
Then_from_the_direction_of_the_factory,_he_heard_a_crash\u8212?
like_two_dump_tru
cks_slamming_together._Metal_crumpled_and_groaned,_and_the_noise_echoed_acro
ss_t
he_yard._Instantly_Leo_knew_that_Jason_and_Piper_were_in_trouble.\par\pard\plain
\hyphpar}{
{\i
Walk_away_now,}_the_voice_had_urged.\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
\u8220?Not_likely,\u8221?_Leo_growled._\u8220?
Gimme_the_biggest_hammer_you_got.\
He_reached_into_his_tool_belt_and_pulled_out_a_threepound_club_hammer_with_a_do
ublefaced_head_the_size_of_a_baked_potato._Then_he_jumped_off_the_dragon\u8217?
s_back_and_ran_toward_the_warehouse._\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
L}{\b
EO_STOPPED_AT_THE_DOORS_AND_TRIED}{\b
_}to_control_his_breathing._The_voice_of_the_earth_woman_still_rang_in_his_ears,
_reminding_him_of_his_mother\u8217?
s_death._The_last_thing_he_wanted_to_do_was_p
lunge_into_another_dark_warehouse._Suddenly_he_felt_eight_years_old_again,_alon
e
_and_helpless_as_someone_he_cared_about_was_trapped_and_in_trouble.\par\pard\
pla
in\hyphpar}{
Stop_it,_he_told_himself._That\u8217?s_how_she_wants_you_to_feel._\par\pard\plai
n\hyphpar}{
But_that_didn\u8217?
t_make_him_any_less_scared._He_took_a_deep_breath_and_peered
_inside._Nothing_looked_different._Gray_morning_light_filtered_through_the_hole_
in_the_roof._A_few_lightbulbs_flickered,_but_most_of_the_factory_floor_was_still
_lost_in_shadows._He_could_make_out_the_catwalk_above,_the_dim_shapes_of_hea
vy_m
achinery_along_the_assembly_line,_but_no_movement._No_sign_of_his_friends.\par\
p
ard\plain\hyphpar}{
He_almost_called_out,_but_something_stopped_him\u8212?
a_sense_he_couldn\u8217?t_
identify._Then_he_realized_it_was_{\i
smell}._Something_smelled_wrong\u8212?
like_burning_motor_oil_and_sour_breath._\p
Something_not_human_was_inside_the_factory._Leo_was_certain._His_body_shifted_i
n
to_high_gear,_all_his_nerves_tingling.\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
Somewhere_on_the_factory_floor,_Piper\u8217?s_voice_cried_out:_\u8220?
Leo,_help!
But_Leo_held_his_tongue._How_could_Piper_have_gotten_offthe_catwalk_with_her_b
ro
ken_ankle?_\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
He_slipped_inside_and_ducked_behind_a_cargo_container._Slowly,_gripping_his_ha
mm
er,_he_worked_his_way_toward_the_center_of_the_room,_hiding_behind_boxes_and_
hol
low_truck_chassis._Finally_he_reached_the_assembly_line._He_crouched_behind_the
_
nearest_piece_of_machinery\u8212?
a_crane_with_a_robotic_arm._\par\pard\plain\hyp
hpar}{
Piper\u8217?s_voice_called_out_again:_\u8220?Leo?\u8221?_Less_certain_this_time,
_but_very_close.\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
Leo_peeked_around_the_machinery._Hanging_directly_above_the_assembly_line,_su
spe
nded_by_a_chain_from_a_crane_on_the_opposite_side,_was_a_massive_truck_engine
\u8
212?just_dangling_thirty_feet_up,_as_if_it_had_been_left_there_when_the_factory_
was_abandoned._Below_it_on_the_conveyor_belt_sat_a_truck_chassis,_and_clustere
d_
around_it_were_three_dark_shapes_the_size_of_forklifts._Nearby,_dangling_from_ch
ains_on_two_other_robotic_arms,_were_two_smaller_shapes\u8212?
maybe_more_engines
,_but_one_of_them_was_twisting_around_as_if_it_were_alive.\par\pard\plain\hyphpa
r}{
Then_one_of_the_forklift_shapes_rose,_and_Leo_realized_it_was_a_humanoid_of_ma
ss
ive_size._\u8220?Told_you_it_was_nothing,\u8221?_the_thing_rumbled._Its_voice_wa
s_too_deep_and_feral_to_be_human.\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
One_of_the_other_forklift-sized_lumps_shifted,_and_called_out_in_Piper\u8217?s_v
oice:_\u8220?Leo,_help_me!_Help\u8212?\u8221?
_Then_the_voice_changed,_becoming_a
_masculine_snarl._\u8220?Bah,_there\u8217?
s_nobody_out_there._No_demigod_could_b
e_that_quiet,_eh?\u8221?\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
The_first_monster_chuckled._\u8220?Probably_ran_away,_if_he_knows_what\u8217?
s_g
ood_for_him._Or_the_girl_was_lying_about_a_third_demigod._Let\u8217?
s_get_cookin
g.\u8221?_\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
{\i
Snap._}A_bright_orange_light_sizzled_to_life\u8212?an_emergency_flare\u8212?
and_
Leo_was_temporarily_blinded._He_ducked_behind_the_crane_until_the_spots_cleare
d_
from_his_eyes._Then_he_took_another_peep_and_saw_a_nightmare_scene_even_T\u
237?a
_Callida_couldn\u8217?t_have_dreamed_up.\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
The_two_smaller_things_dangling_from_crane_arms_weren\u8217?
t_engines._They_were
_Jason_and_Piper._Both_hung_upside_down,_tied_by_their_ankles_and_cocooned_wit
h_
chains_up_to_their_necks._Piper_was_flailing_around,_trying_to_free_herself._Her
_mouth_was_gagged,_but_at_least_she_was_alive._Jason_didn\u8217?
t_look_so_good._
He_hung_limply,_his_eyes_rolled_up_in_his_head._A_red_welt_the_size_of_an_apple_
had_swollen_over_his_left_eyebrow.\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
On_the_conveyor_belt,_the_bed_of_the_unfinished_pickup_truck_was_being_used_as
_a
_fire_pit._The_emergency_flare_had_ignited_a_mixture_of_tires_and_wood,_which,_f
rom_the_smell_of_it,_had_been_doused_in_kerosene._A_big_metal_pole_was_suspen
ded
_over_the_flames\u8212?
a_spit,_Leo_realized,_which_meant_this_was_a_cooking_fire
But_most_terrifying_of_all_were_the_cooks.\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
{\i
Monocle_Motors}:_that_single_red_eye_logo._Why_hadn\u8217?t_Leo_realized?
_\par\p
ard\plain\hyphpar}{
Three_massive_humanoids_gathered_around_the_fire._Two_were_standing,_stoking_
the
_flames._The_largest_one_crouched_with_his_back_to_Leo._The_two_facing_him_wer
e_
each_ten_feet_tall,_with_hairy_muscular_bodies_and_skin_that_glowed_red_in_the_f
irelight._One_of_the_monsters_wore_a_chain_mail_loincloth_that_looked_really_unc
omfortable._The_other_wore_a_ragged_fuzzy_toga_made_of_fiberglass_insulation,_w
h
ich_also_would_not_have_made_Leo\u8217?
s_top_ten_wardrobe_ideas._Other_than_that
,_the_two_monsters_could\u8217?
ve_been_twins._Each_had_a_brutish_face_with_a_sin
gle_eye_in_the_center_of_his_forehead._The_cooks_were_Cyclopes.\par\pard\plain\h
yphpar}{
Leo\u8217?s_legs_started_quaking._He\u8217?
d_seen_some_weird_things_so_far\u8212
?
storm_spirits_and_winged_gods_and_a_metal_dragon_that_liked_Tabasco_sauce._Bu
t_
this_was_different._These_were_actual,_flesh-and-blood,_ten-foot-tall_living_mon
sters_who_wanted_to_eat_his_friends_for_dinner._\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
He_was_so_terrified_he_could_hardly_think._If_only_he_had_Festus._He_could_use_a
_fire-breathing_sixty-foot-long_tank_about_now._But_all_he_had_was_a_tool_belt_a
nd_a_backpack._His_threepound_club_hammer_looked_awfully_small_compared_to_thos
e_Cyclopes.\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
{\i
This_}is_what_the_sleeping_earth_lady_had_been_talking_about._She_wanted_Leo_t
o_
walk_away_and_leave_his_friends_to_die.\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
That_decided_it._No_way_was_Leo_going_to_let_that_earth_lady_make_him_feel_po
wer
less\u8212?never_again._Leo_slipped_offhis_backpack_and_quietly_started_to_unzip
_it.\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
The_Cyclops_in_the_chain_mail_loincloth_walked_over_to_Piper,_who_squirmed_and
_t
ried_to_head-butt_him_in_the_eye._\u8220?Can_I_take_her_gag_off_now?_I_like_it_w
hen_they_scream.\u8221?\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
The_question_was_directed_at_the_third_Cyclops,_apparently_the_leader._The_crouc
hing_figure_grunted,_and_Loincloth_ripped_the_gag_off_Piper\u8217?s_mouth._\par\
She_didn\u8217?
t_scream._She_took_a_shaky_breath_like_she_was_trying_to_keep_her
self_calm.\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
Meanwhile,_Leo_found_what_he_wanted_in_the_pack:_a_stack_of_tiny_remote_contr
ol_
units_he\u8217?d_picked_up_in_Bunker_9._At_least_he_{\i
hoped_}that\u8217?s_what_they_were._The_robotic_crane\u8217?
s_maintenance_panel_
was_easy_to_find._He_slipped_a_screwdriver_from_his_tool_belt_and_went_to_work,
_
but_he_had_to_go_slowly._The_leader_Cyclops_was_only_twenty_feet_in_front_of_hi
m
._The_monsters_obviously_had_excellent_senses._Pulling_off_his_plan_without_maki
ng_noise_seemed_impossible,_but_he_didn\u8217?
t_have_much_choice._\par\pard\plai
n\hyphpar}{
The_Cyclops_in_the_toga_poked_at_the_fire,_which_was_now_blazing_away_and_bill
ow
ing_noxious_black_smoke_toward_the_ceiling._His_buddy_Loincloth_glowered_at_Pip
e
r,_waiting_for_her_to_do_something_entertaining._\u8220?Scream,_girl!_I_like_fun
ny_screaming!\u8221?\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
When_Piper_finally_spoke,_her_tone_was_calm_and_reasonable,_like_she_was_corre
ct
ing_a_naughty_puppy._\u8220?Oh,_Mr._Cyclops,_you_don\u8217?
t_want_to_kill_us._It
_would_be_much_better_if_you_let_us_go.\u8221?\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
Loincloth_scratched_his_ugly_head._He_turned_to_his_friend_in_the_fiberglass_tog
a._\u8220?She\u8217?
s_kind_of_pretty,_Torque._Maybe_I_should_let_her_go.\u8221?\
Torque,_the_dude_in_the_toga,_growled._\u8220?I_saw_her_first,_Sump._{\i
I\u8217?ll_}let_her_go!\u8221?
_Sump_and_Torque_started_to_argue,_but_the_third_C
yclops_rose_and_shouted,_\u8220?Fools!\u8221?_\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
Leo_almost_dropped_his_screwdriver._The_third_Cyclops_was_a_{\i
female}._She_was_several_feet_taller_than_Torque_or_Sump,_and_even_beefier._Sh
e_
wore_a_tent_of_chain_mail_cut_like_one_of_those_sack_dresses_Leo\u8217?
s_mean_Au
nt_Rosa_used_to_wear._What\u8217?d_they_call_that\u8212?a_muumuu?
_Yeah,_the_Cycl
ops_lady_had_a_chain_mail_muumuu._Her_greasy_black_hair_was_matted_in_pigtail
s,_
woven_with_copper_wires_and_metal_washers._Her_nose_and_mouth_were_thick_a
nd_sma
shed_together,_like_she_spent_her_free_time_ramming_her_face_into_walls;_but_he
r
_single_red_eye_glittered_with_evil_intelligence.\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
The_woman_Cyclops_stalked_over_to_Sump_and_pushed_him_aside,_knocking_him_
over_t
he_conveyor_belt._Torque_backed_up_quickly.\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
\u8220?The_girl_is_Venus_spawn,\u8221?_the_lady_Cyclops_snarled._\u8220?
She\u821
7?s_using_charmspeak_on_you.\u8221?\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
Piper_started_to_say,_\u8220?Please,_ma\u8217?am\u8212?\u8221?
_\par\pard\plain\h
yphpar}{
\u8220?Rarr!\u8221?_The_lady_Cyclops_grabbed_Piper_around_the_waist._\u8220?
Don\
u8217?t_try_your_pretty_talk_on_me,_girl!_I\u8217?m_Ma_Gasket!_I\u8217?
ve_eaten_
heroes_tougher_than_you_for_lunch!\u8221?\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
Leo_feared_Piper_would_get_crushed,_but_Ma_Gasket_just_dropped_her_and_let_her
_d
angle_from_her_chain._Then_she_started_yelling_at_Sump_about_how_stupid_he_w
as.\
Leo\u8217?
s_hands_worked_furiously._He_twisted_wires_and_turned_switches,_hardly
_thinking_about_what_he_was_doing._He_finished_attaching_the_remote._Then_he_
cre
pt_over_to_the_next_robotic_arm_while_the_Cyclopes_were_talking.\par\pard\plain\
hyphpar}{
\u8220?\u8212?eat_her_last,_Ma?\u8221?
_Sump_was_saying.\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
\u8220?Idiot!\u8221?
_Ma_Gasket_yelled,_and_Leo_realized_Sump_and_Torque_must_be_
her_sons._If_so,_ugly_definitely_ran_in_the_family._\u8220?I_should\u8217?ve_thr
own_you_out_on_the_streets_when_you_were_babies,_like_{\i
proper_}Cyclops_children._You_might_have_learned_some_useful_skills._Curse_my_s
o
ft_heart_that_I_kept_you!\u8221?\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
\u8220?Soft_heart?\u8221?_Torque_muttered.\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
\u8220?What_was_that,_you_ingrate?\u8221?\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
\u8220?
Nothing,_Ma._I_said_you_got_a_soft_heart._We_get_to_work_for_you,_feed_yo
u,_file_your_toenails\u8212?\u8221?\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
\u8220?And_you_should_be_grateful!\u8221?_Ma_Gasket_bellowed._\u8220?
Now,_stoke_
the_fire,_Torque!
_And_Sump,_you_idiot,_my_case_of_salsa_is_in_the_other_warehous
e._Don\u8217?
t_tell_me_you_expect_me_to_eat_these_demigods_without_salsa!\u8221?
\u8220?Yes,_Ma,\u8221?_Sump_said._\u8220?
I_mean_no,_Ma._I_mean\u8212?\u8221?\par
\u8220?Go_get_it!\u8221?
_Ma_Gasket_picked_up_a_nearby_truck_chassis_and_slammed_
it_over_Sump\u8217?
s_head._Sump_crumpled_to_his_knees._Leo_was_sure_a_hit_like_t
hat_would_kill_him,_but_Sump_apparently_got_hit_by_trucks_a_lot._He_managed_to
_p
ush_the_chassis_off_his_head._Then_he_staggered_to_his_feet_and_ran_offto_fetch_
the_salsa._\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
Now\u8217?s_the_time,_Leo_thought._While_they\u8217?
re_separated.\par\pard\plain
\hyphpar}{
He_finished_wiring_the_second_machine_and_moved_toward_a_third._As_he_dashed
_bet
ween_robotic_arms,_the_Cyclopes_didn\u8217?
t_see_him,_but_Piper_did._Her_express
ion_turned_from_terror_to_disbelief,_and_she_gasped.\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
Ma_Gasket_turned_to_her._\u8220?What\u8217?s_the_matter,_girl?
_So_fragile_I_brok
e_you?\u8221?\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
Thankfully,_Piper_was_a_quick_thinker._She_looked_away_from_Leo_and_said,_\u82
20
?I_think_it\u8217?s_my_ribs,_ma\u8217?am._If_I\u8217?
m_busted_up_inside,_I\u8217
?ll_taste_terrible.\u8221?_\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
Ma_Gasket_bellowed_with_laughter._\u8220?
Good_one._The_last_hero_we_ate\u8212?re
member_him,_Torque?_Son_of_Mercury,_wasn\u8217?t_he?\u8221?
_\par\pard\plain\hyph
par}{
\u8220?Yes,_Ma,\u8221?_Torque_said._\u8220?Tasty._Little_bit_stringy.\u8221?\par
\u8220?He_tried_a_trick_like_that._Said_he_was_on_medication._But_he_tasted_fine
!\u8221?_\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
\u8220?Tasted_like_mutton,\u8221?_Torque_recalled._\u8220?Purple_shirt._Talked_i
n_Latin._Yes,_a_bit_stringy,_but_good.\u8221?\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
Leo\u8217?
s_fingers_froze_on_the_maintenance_panel._Apparently,_Piper_was_having
_the_same_thought_he_was,_because_she_asked,_\u8220?Purple_shirt?
_Latin?\u8221?\
\u8220?Good_eating,\u8221?_Ma_Gasket_said_fondly._\u8220?
Point_is,_girl,_we\u821
7?re_not_as_dumb_as_people_think!_We\u8217?re_not_falling_for_those_stupid_trick
s_and_riddles,_not_us_northern_Cyclopes.\u8221?\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
Leo_forced_himself_back_to_work,_but_his_mind_was_racing._A_kid_who_spoke_Lati
n_
had_been_caught_here\u8212?in_a_purple_shirt_like_Jason\u8217?s?
_He_didn\u8217?t
_know_what_that_meant,_but_he_had_to_leave_the_interrogation_to_Piper._If_he_wa
s
_going_to_have_any_chance_of_defeating_these_monsters,_he_had_to_move_fast_b
efor
e_Sump_came_back_with_the_salsa.\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
He_looked_up_at_the_engine_block_suspended_right_above_the_Cyclopes\u8217?
_camps
ite._He_wished_he_could_use_that\u8212?
it_would_make_a_great_weapon._But_the_cra
ne_holding_it_was_on_the_opposite_side_of_the_conveyor_belt._There_was_no_way_
Le
o_could_get_over_there_without_being_seen,_and_besides,_he_was_running_short_o
n_
time.\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
The_last_part_of_his_plan_was_the_trickiest._From_his_tool_belt_he_summoned_som
e
_wires,_a_radio_adapter,_and_a_smaller_screwdriver_and_started_to_build_a_univer
sal_remote._For_the_first_time,_he_said_a_silent_thank-you_to_his_dad\u8212?Heph
aestus\u8212?for_the_magic_tool_belt._{\i
Get_me_out_of_here,_}he_prayed,_{\i
and_maybe_you\u8217?re_not_such_a_jerk.}\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
Piper_kept_talking,_laying_on_the_praise._\u8220?Oh,_I\u8217?ve_heard_about_the_
northern_Cyclopes!\u8221?
_Which_Leo_figured_was_bull,_but_she_sounded_convincing
._\u8220?I_never_knew_you_were_so_big_and_clever!\u8221?
}{
\u8220?Flattery_won\u8217?t_work_either,\u8221?
_Ma_Gasket_said,_though_she_sound
ed_pleased._\u8220?It\u8217?s_true,_you\u8217?ll_be_breakfast_for_the_best_Cyclo
pes_around.\u8221?\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
\u8220?But_aren\u8217?t_Cyclopes_good?\u8221?_Piper_asked._\u8220?
I_thought_you_
made_weapons_for_the_gods.\u8221?\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
\u8220?Bah!_I\u8217?
m_very_good._Good_at_eating_people._Good_at_smashing._And_go
od_at_building_things,_yes,_but_not_for_the_gods._Our_cousins,_the_elder_Cyclope
s,_they_do_this,_yes._Thinking_they\u8217?re_so_high_and_mighty_\u8217?
cause_the
y\u8217?re_a_few_thousand_years_older._Then_there\u8217?
s_our_southern_cousins,_
living_on_islands_and_tending_sheep._Morons!
_But_we_Hyperborean_Cyclopes,_the_no
rthern_clan,_we\u8217?re_the_best!
_Founded_Monocle_Motors_in_this_old_factory\u8
212?the_best_weapons,_armor,_chariots,_fuel-efficient_SUVs!_And_yet\u8212?bah!
_F
orced_to_shut_down._Laid_off_most_of_our_tribe._The_war_was_too_quick._Titans_lo
st._No_good!_No_more_need_for_Cyclops_weapons.\u8221?\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}
{
\u8220?Oh,_no,\u8221?_Piper_sympathized._\u8220?I\u8217?
m_sure_you_made_some_ama
zing_weapons.\u8221?\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
Torque_grinned._\u8220?Squeaky_war_hammer!\u8221?
_He_picked_up_a_large_pole_with
_an_accordion-looking_metal_box_on_the_end._\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
He_slammed_it_against_the_floor_and_the_cement_cracked,_but_there_was_also_a_
sou
nd_like_the_world\u8217?s_largest_rubber_ducky_getting_stomped.\par\pard\plain\h
yphpar}{
\u8220?Terrifying,\u8221?_Piper_said.\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
Torque_looked_pleased._\u8220?
Not_as_good_as_the_exploding_ax,_but_this_one_can_
be_used_more_than_once.\u8221?_\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
\u8220?Can_I_see_it?\u8221?_Piper_asked._\u8220?
If_you_could_just_free_my_hands\
u8212?\u8221?_\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
Torque_stepped_forward_eagerly,_but_Ma_Gasket_said,_\u8220?Stupid!_She\u8217?
s_t
ricking_you_again._Enough_talk!_Slay_the_boy_first_before_he_dies_on_his_own._I_
like_my_meat_fresh.\u8221?\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
{\i
No!_}Leo\u8217?s_fingers_flew,_connecting_the_wires_for_the_remote._{\i
Just_a_few_more_minutes!_}\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
\u8220?Hey,_wait,\u8221?_Piper_said,_trying_to_get_the_Cyclopes\u8217?_attention
._\u8220?Hey,_can_I_just_ask\u8212?\u8221?\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
The_wires_sparked_in_Leo\u8217?
s_hand._The_Cyclopes_froze_and_turned_in_his_dire
ction._Then_Torque_picked_up_a_truck_and_threw_it_at_him._\par\pard\plain\hyphpa
r}{
Leo_rolled_as_the_truck_steamrolled_over_the_machinery._If_he\u8217?
d_been_a_hal
f-second_slower,_he_would\u8217?ve_been_smashed._\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
He_got_to_his_feet,_and_Ma_Gasket_spotted_him._She_yelled,_\u8220?
Torque,_you_pa
thetic_excuse_for_a_Cyclops,_get_him!\u8221?\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
Torque_barreled_toward_him._Leo_frantically_gunned_the_toggle_on_his_makeshift_r
emote.\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
Torque_was_fifty_feet_away._Twenty_feet.\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
Then_the_first_robotic_arm_whirred_to_life._A_three-ton_yellow_metal_claw_slamme
d_the_Cyclops_in_the_back_so_hard,_he_landed_flat_on_his_face._Before_Torque_co
u
ld_recover,_the_robotic_hand_grabbed_him_by_one_leg_and_hurled_him_straight_up
.\
\u8220?AHHHHH!\u8221?
_Torque_rocketed_into_the_gloom._The_ceiling_was_too_dark_a
nd_too_high_up_to_see_exactly_what_happened,_but_judging_from_the_harsh_metal
_{\
i
clang},_Leo_guessed_the_Cyclops_had_hit_one_of_the_support_girders.\par\pard\pla
in\hyphpar}{
Torque_never_came_down._Instead,_yellow_dust_rained_to_the_floor._Torque_had_di
s
integrated.\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
Ma_Gasket_stared_at_Leo_in_shock._\u8220?My_son_\u8230?_You_\u8230?
_You_\u8230?\
As_if_on_cue,_Sump_lumbered_into_the_firelight_with_a_case_of_salsa._\u8220?Ma,_
I_got_the_extra-spicy\u8212?\u8221?\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
He_never_finished_his_sentence._Leo_spun_the_remote\u8217?
s_toggle,_and_the_seco
nd_robotic_arm_whacked_Sump_in_the_chest._The_salsa_case_exploded_like_a_pi\u
241
?ata_and_Sump_flew_backward,_right_into_the_base_of_Leo\u8217?
s_third_machine._S
ump_may_have_been_immune_to_getting_hit_with_truck_chasses,_but_he_wasn\u8
217?t_
immune_to_robotic_arms_that_could_deliver_ten_thousand_pounds_of_force._The_th
ir
d_crane_arm_slammed_him_against_the_floor_so_hard,_he_exploded_into_dust_like_
a_
broken_flour_sack._\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
Two_Cyclopes_down._Leo_was_beginning_to_feel_like_Commander_Tool_Belt_when_
Ma_Ga
sket_locked_her_eye_on_him._She_grabbed_the_nearest_crane_arm_and_ripped_it_o
ff_
its_pedestal_with_a_savage_roar._\u8220?You_busted_my_boys!_Only_{\i
I_}get_to_bust_my_boys!\u8221?\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
Leo_punched_a_button,_and_the_two_remaining_arms_swung_into_action._Ma_Gask
et_ca
ught_the_first_one_and_tore_it_in_half._The_second_arm_smacked_her_in_the_head,
_
but_that_only_seemed_to_make_her_mad._She_grabbed_it_by_the_clamps,_ripped_i
t_fr
ee,_and_swung_it_like_a_baseball_bat._It_missed_Piper_and_Jason_by_an_inch._Then
_Ma_Gasket_let_it_go\u8212?
spinning_it_toward_Leo._He_yelped_and_rolled_to_one_s
ide_as_it_demolished_the_machine_next_to_him._\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
Leo_started_to_realize_that_an_angry_Cyclops_mother_was_not_something_you_wa
nted
_to_fight_with_a_universal_remote_and_a_screwdriver._The_future_for_Commander_
To
ol_Belt_was_not_looking_so_hot.\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
She_stood_about_twenty_feet_from_him_now,_next_to_the_cooking_fire._Her_fists_w
e
re_clenched,_her_teeth_bared._She_looked_ridiculous_in_her_chain_mail_muumuu_a
nd
_her_greasy_pigtails\u8212?
but_given_the_murderous_glare_in_her_huge_red_eye_and
_the_fact_that_she_was_twelve_feet_tall,_Leo_wasn\u8217?t_laughing.\par\pard\pla
in\hyphpar}{
\u8220?Any_more_tricks,_demigod?\u8221?
_Ma_Gasket_demanded.\par\pard\plain\hyphp
ar}{
Leo_glanced_up._The_engine_block_suspended_on_the_chain\u8212?
if_only_he\u8217?d
_had_time_to_rig_it._If_only_he_could_get_Ma_Gasket_to_take_one_step_forward._Th
e_chain_itself_\u8230?_that_one_link_\u8230?_Leo_shouldn\u8217?
t_have_been_able_
to_see_it,_especially_from_so_far_down,_but_his_senses_told_him_there_was_metal_
fatigue.\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
\u8220?Heck,_yeah,_I_got_tricks!\u8221?_Leo_raised_his_remote_control._\u8220?Ta
ke_one_more_step,_and_I\u8217?ll_destroy_you_with_fire!\u8221?\par\pard\plain\hy
phpar}{
Ma_Gasket_laughed._\u8220?Would_you?
_Cyclopes_are_immune_to_fire,_you_idiot._But
_if_you_wish_to_play_with_flames,_let_me_help!\u8221?\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
She_scooped_redhot_coals_into_her_bare_hands_and_flung_them_at_Leo._They_landed
_all_around_his_feet.\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
\u8220?You_missed,\u8221?
_he_said_incredulously._Then_Ma_Gasket_grinned_and_pick
ed_up_a_barrel_next_to_the_truck._Leo_just_had_time_to_read_the_stenciled_word_o
n_the_side\u8212?kerosene_\u8212?
before_Ma_Gasket_threw_it._The_barrel_split_on_
the_floor_in_front_of_him,_spilling_lighter_fluid_everywhere.\par\pard\plain\hyp
hpar}{
Coals_sparked._Leo_closed_his_eyes,_and_Piper_screamed,_\u8220?No!\u8221?
_\par\p
ard\plain\hyphpar}{
A_firestorm_erupted_around_him._When_Leo_opened_his_eyes_he_was_bathed_in_fl
ames
_swirling_twenty_feet_into_the_air.\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
Ma_Gasket_shrieked_with_delight,_but_Leo_didn\u8217?
t_offer_the_fire_any_good_fu
el._The_kerosene_burned_off,_dying_down_to_small_fiery_patches_on_the_floor.\par
Piper_gasped._\u8220?Leo?\u8221?\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
Ma_Gasket_looked_astonished._\u8220?You_live?\u8221?
_Then_she_took_that_extra_st
ep_forward,_which_put_her_right_where_Leo_wanted._\u8220?
What_are_you?\u8221?\pa
\u8220?The_son_of_Hephaestus,\u8221?_Leo_said._\u8220?
And_I_warned_you_I\u8217?d
_destroy_you_with_fire.\u8221?\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
He_pointed_one_finger_in_the_air_and_summoned_all_his_will._He\u8217?
d_never_tri
ed_to_do_anything_so_focused_and_intense\u8212?but_he_shot_a_bolt_of_whitehot_f
lames_at_the_chain_suspending_the_engine_block_above_the_Cyclops\u8217?
s_head\u8
212?aiming_for_the_link_that_looked_weaker_than_rest._\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
The_flames_died._Nothing_happened._Ma_Gasket_laughed._\u8220?
An_impressive_try,_
son_of_Hephaestus._It\u8217?
s_been_many_centuries_since_I_saw_a_fire_user._You\u
8217?ll_make_a_spicy_appetizer!\u8221?\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
The_chain_snapped\u8212?
that_single_link_heated_beyond_its_tolerance_point\u8212
?and_the_engine_block_fell,_deadly_and_silent.\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
\u8220?I_don\u8217?t_think_so,\u8221?_Leo_said._\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
Ma_Gasket_didn\u8217?t_even_have_time_to_look_up._\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
{\i
Smash!_}No_more_Cyclops\u8212?just_a_pile_of_dust_under_a_fiveton_engine_block.
\u8220?Not_immune_to_engines,_huh?\u8221?_Leo_said._\u8220?Booyah!\u8221?\par\p
ard\plain\hyphpar}{
Then_he_fell_to_his_knees,_his_head_buzzing._After_a_few_minutes_he_realized_Pip
er_was_calling_his_name.\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
\u8220?Leo!_Are_you_all_right?_Can_you_move?\u8221?\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
He_stumbled_to_his_feet._He\u8217?
d_never_tried_to_summon_such_an_intense_fire_b
efore,_and_it_had_left_him_completely_drained.\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
It_took_him_a_long_time_to_get_Piper_down_from_her_chains._Then_together_they_l
o
wered_Jason,_who_was_still_unconscious._Piper_managed_to_trickle_a_little_nectar
_into_his_mouth,_and_he_groaned._The_welt_on_his_head_started_to_shrink._His_co
l
or_came_back_a_little._\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
\u8220?Yeah,_he\u8217?s_got_a_nice_thick_skull,\u8221?_Leo_said._\u8220?I_think_
he\u8217?s_gonna_be_fine.\u8221?\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
\u8220?Thank_god,\u8221?
_Piper_sighed._Then_she_looked_at_Leo_with_something_lik
e_fear._\u8220?How_did_you\u8212?the_fire\u8212?have_you_always_\u8230?
_?\u8221?
Leo_looked_down._\u8220?Always,\u8221?_he_said._\u8220?I\u8217?
m_a_freaking_mena
ce._Sorry,_I_should\u8217?
ve_told_you_guys_sooner_but\u8212?\u8221?\par\pard\pla
in\hyphpar}{
\u8220?Sorry?\u8221?
_Piper_punched_his_arm._When_he_looked_up,_she_was_grinning.
_\u8220?That_was_amazing,_Valdez!
_You_saved_our_lives._What_are_you_sorry_about?
Leo_blinked._He_started_to_smile,_but_his_sense_of_relief_was_ruined_when_he_not
iced_something_next_to_Piper\u8217?s_foot._\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
Yellow_dust\u8212?
the_powdered_remains_of_one_of_the_Cyclopes,_maybe_Torque\u821
2?was_shifting_across_the_floor_like_an_invisible_wind_was_pushing_it_back_toget
her._\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
\u8220?They\u8217?re_forming_again,\u8221?_Leo_said._\u8220?
Look.\u8221?\par\par
d\plain\hyphpar}{
Piper_stepped_away_from_the_dust._\u8220?That\u8217?
s_not_possible._Annabeth_tol
d_me_monsters_dissipate_when_they\u8217?
re_killed._They_go_back_to_Tartarus_and_
can\u8217?t_return_for_a_long_time.\u8221?\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
\u8220?Well,_nobody_told_the_dust_that.\u8221?
_Leo_watched_as_it_collected_into_
a_pile,_then_very_slowly_spread_out,_forming_a_shape_with_arms_and_legs.\par\pa
r
d\plain\hyphpar}{
\u8220?Oh,_god.\u8221?_Piper_turned_pale._\u8220?
Boreas_said_something_about_thi
s\u8212?the_earth_yielding_up_horrors._\u8216?
When_monsters_no_longer_stay_in_Ta
rtarus,_and_souls_are_no_longer_confined_to_Hades.\u8217?
_How_long_do_you_think_
we_have?\u8221?\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
Leo_thought_about_the_face_that_had_formed_in_the_ground_outside\u8212?
the_sleep
ing_woman_who_was_{\i
definitely_}a_horror_from_the_earth._\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
\u8220?I_don\u8217?t_know,\u8221?_he_said._\u8220?
But_we_need_to_get_out_of_here
J}{\b
ASON_DREAMED_HE_WAS_WRAPPED}{\b
_}in_chains,_hanging_upside_down_like_a_hunk_of_meat._Everything_hurt\u8212?
his_
arms,_his_legs,_his_chest,_his_head._Especially_his_head._It_felt_like_an_overin
flated_water_balloon._\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
\u8220?If_I\u8217?m_dead,\u8221?_he_murmured,_\u8220?
why_does_it_hurt_so_much?\u
\u8220?You\u8217?re_not_dead,_my_hero,\u8221?_said_a_woman\u8217?
s_voice._\u8220
?It_is_not_your_time._Come,_speak_with_me.\u8221?\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
Jason\u8217?
s_thoughts_floated_away_from_his_body._He_heard_monsters_yelling,_hi
s_friends_screaming,_fiery_explosions,_but_it_all_seemed_to_be_happening_on_anot
her_plane_of_existence_\u8212?getting_farther_and_farther_away.\par\pard\plain\h
yphpar}{
He_found_himself_standing_in_an_earthen_cage._Tendrils_of_tree_roots_and_stone_
w
hirled_together,_confining_him._Outside_the_bars,_he_could_see_the_floor_of_a_dr
y_reflecting_pool,_another_earthen_spire_growing_at_the_far_end,_and_above_them
,
_the_ruined_red_stones_of_a_burned-out_house._\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
Next_to_him_in_the_cage,_a_woman_sat_crosslegged_in_black_robes,_her_head_cover
ed_by_a_shroud._She_pushed_aside_her_veil,_revealing_a_face_that_was_proud_and
_b
eautiful\u8212?but_also_hardened_with_suffering.\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
\u8220?Hera,\u8221?_Jason_said._\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
\u8220?Welcome_to_my_prison,\u8221?_said_the_goddess._\u8220?
You_will_not_die_to
day,_Jason._Your_friends_will_see_you_through\u8212?for_now.\u8221?\par\pard\pla
in\hyphpar}{
\u8220?For_now?\u8221?_he_asked._\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
Hera_gestured_at_the_tendrils_of_her_cage._\u8220?
There_are_worse_trials_to_come
._The_very_earth_stirs_against_us.\u8221?\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
\u8220?You\u8217?re_a_goddess,\u8221?_Jason_said._\u8220?Why_can\u8217?
t_you_jus
t_escape?\u8221?\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
Hera_smiled_sadly._Her_form_began_to_glow,_until_her_brilliance_filled_the_cage_
with_painful_light._The_air_hummed_with_power,_molecules_splitting_apart_like_a_
nuclear_explosion._Jason_suspected_if_he_were_actually_there_in_the_flesh,_he_wo
uld\u8217?ve_been_vaporized.\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
The_cage_should\u8217?ve_been_blasted_to_rubble._The_ground_should\u8217?
ve_spli
t_and_the_ruined_house_should\u8217?
ve_been_leveled._But_when_the_glow_died,_the
_cage_hadn\u8217?
t_budged._Nothing_outside_the_bars_had_changed._Only_Hera_looke
d_different\u8212?a_little_more_stooped_and_tired.\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
\u8220?Some_powers_are_even_greater_than_the_gods,\u8221?_she_said._\u8220?
I_am_
not_easily_contained._I_can_be_in_many_places_at_once._But_when_the_greater_pa
rt
_of_my_essence_is_caught,_it_is_like_a_foot_in_a_bear_trap,_you_might_say._I_can
\u8217?
t_escape,_and_I_am_concealed_from_the_eyes_of_the_other_gods._Only_you_ca
n_find_me,_and_I_grow_weaker_by_the_day.\u8221?\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
\u8220?Then_why_did_you_come_here?\u8221?_Jason_asked._\u8220?
How_were_you_caugh
t?\u8221?\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
The_goddess_sighed._\u8220?I_could_not_stay_idle._Your_father_Jupiter_believes_h
e_can_withdraw_from_the_world,_and_thus_lull_our_enemies_back_to_sleep._He_beli
e
ves_we_Olympians_have_become_too_involved_in_the_affairs_of_mortals,_in_the_fat
e
s_of_our_demigod_children,_especially_since_we_agreed_to_claim_them_all_after_th
e_war._He_believes_this_is_what_has_caused_our_enemies_to_stir._That_is_why_he_
c
losed_Olympus.\u8221?\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
\u8220?But_you_don\u8217?t_agree.\u8221?\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
\u8220?No,\u8221?_she_said._\u8220?
Often_I_do_not_understand_my_husband\u8217?s_
moods_or_his_decisions,_but_even_for_Zeus,_this_seemed_paranoid._I_cannot_fatho
m
_why_he_was_so_insistent_and_so_convinced._It_was_\u8230?
_unlike_him._As_Hera,_I
_might_have_been_content_to_follow_my_lord\u8217?
s_wishes._But_I_am_also_Juno.\u
8221?
_Her_image_flickered,_and_Jason_saw_armor_under_her_simple_black_robes,_a_g
oatskin_cloak\u8212?the_symbol_of_a_Roman_warrior\u8212?
across_her_bronze_mantle
._\u8220?Juno_Moneta_they_once_called_me\u8212?
Juno,_the_One_Who_Warns._I_was_gu
ardian_of_the_state,_patron_of_Eternal_Rome._I_could_not_sit_by_while_the_descen
dants_of_my_people_were_attacked._I_sensed_danger_at_this_sacred_spot._A_voice\
u
8212?\u8221?_She_hesitated._\u8220?
A_voice_told_me_I_should_come_here._Gods_do_n
ot_have_what_you_might_call_a_conscience,_nor_do_we_have_dreams;_but_the_voi
ce_w
as_like_that\u8212?
soft_and_persistent,_warning_me_to_come_here._And_so_the_same
_day_Zeus_closed_Olympus,_I_slipped_away_without_telling_him_my_plans,_so_he_c
ou
ld_not_stop_me._And_I_came_here_to_investigate.\u8221?\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
\u8220?It_was_a_trap,\u8221?_Jason_guessed.\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
The_goddess_nodded._\u8220?
Only_too_late_did_I_realize_how_quickly_the_earth_was
_stirring._I_was_even_more_foolish_than_Jupiter\u8212?
a_slave_to_my_own_impulses
._This_is_exactly_how_it_happened_the_first_time._I_was_taken_captive_by_the_gia
nts,_and_my_imprisonment_started_a_war._Now_our_enemies_rise_again._The_gods
_can
_only_defeat_them_with_the_help_of_the_greatest_living_heroes._And_the_one_who
m_
the_giants_serve_\u8230?{\i
she_}cannot_be_defeated_at_all\u8212?
only_kept_asleep.\u8221?\par\pard\plain\hyp
hpar}{
\u8220?I_don\u8217?t_understand.\u8221?_\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
\u8220?You_will_soon,\u8221?_Hera_said._\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
The_cage_began_to_constrict,_the_tendrils_spiraling_tighter._Hera\u8217?s_form_s
hivered_like_a_candle_flame_in_the_breeze._Outside_the_cage,_Jason_could_see_sh
a
pes_gathering_at_the_edge_of_the_pool\u8212?
lumbering_humanoids_with_hunched_bac
ks_and_bald_heads._Unless_Jason\u8217?s_eyes_were_tricking_him\u8212?
they_had_mo
re_than_one_set_of_arms._He_heard_wolves_too,_but_not_the_wolves_he\u8217?
d_seen
_with_Lupa._He_could_tell_from_their_howls_this_was_a_different_pack\u8212?hungr
ier,_more_aggressive,_out_for_blood._\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
\u8220?Hurry,_Jason,\u8221?_Hera_said._\u8220?
My_keepers_approach,_and_you_begin
_to_wake._I_will_not_be_strong_enough_to_appear_to_you_again,_even_in_dreams.\
u8
\u8220?Wait,\u8221?_he_said._\u8220?Boreas_told_us_you\u8217?
d_made_a_dangerous_
gamble._What_did_he_mean?\u8221?\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
Hera\u8217?s_eyes_looked_wild,_and_Jason_wondered_if_she_really_{\i
had}_done_something_crazy.\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
\u8220?An_exchange,\u8221?_she_said._\u8220?
The_only_way_to_bring_peace._The_ene
my_counts_on_our_divisions,_and_if_we_are_divided,_we_{\i
will_}be_destroyed._You_are_my_peace_offering,_Jason\u8212?
a_bridge_to_overcome_
millennia_of_hatred.\u8221?_\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
\u8220?What?_I_don\u8217?t\u8212?\u8221?_\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
\u8220?I_cannot_tell_you_more,\u8221?_Hera_said._\u8220?
You_have_only_lived_this
_long_because_I_have_taken_your_memory._Find_this_place._\par\pard\plain\hyphpa
r
}{
Return_to_your_starting_point._Your_sister_will_help.\u8221?\par\pard\plain\hyph
par}{
\u8220?Thalia?\u8221?_\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
The_scene_began_to_dissolve._\u8220?Goodbye,_Jason._Beware_Chicago._Your_most_d
angerous_mortal_enemy_waits_there._If_you_are_to_die,_it_will_be_by_her_hand.\u8
\u8220?Who?\u8221?_he_demanded._\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
But_Hera\u8217?s_image_faded,_and_Jason_awoke._\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
His_eyes_snapped_open._\u8220?Cyclops!\u8221?\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
\u8220?Whoa,_sleepyhead.\u8221?
_Piper_sat_behind_him_on_the_bronze_dragon,_holdi
ng_his_waist_to_keep_him_balanced._Leo_sat_in_front,_driving._They_flew_peaceful
ly_through_the_winter_sky_as_if_nothing_had_happened.\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
\u8220?D-Detroit,\u8221?_Jason_stammered._\u8220?Didn\u8217?t_we_crash-land?
_I_t
hought\u8212?\u8221?\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
\u8220?It\u8217?s_okay,\u8221?_Leo_said._\u8220?
We_got_away,_but_you_got_a_nasty
_concussion._How_you_feeling?\u8221?\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
Jason\u8217?
s_head_throbbed._He_remembered_the_factory,_then_walking_down_the_ca
twalk,_then_a_creature_looming_over_him\u8212?
a_face_with_one_eye,_a_massive_fis
t\u8212?and_everything_went_black._\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
\u8220?How_did_you\u8212?the_Cyclops\u8212?\u8221?\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
\u8220?Leo_ripped_them_apart,\u8221?_Piper_said._\u8220?
He_was_amazing._He_can_s
ummon_fire\u8212?\u8221?_\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
\u8220?It_was_nothing,\u8221?_Leo_said_quickly.\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
Piper_laughed._\u8220?Shut_up,_Valdez._I\u8217?m_going_to_tell_him._Get_over_it.
And_she_did\u8212?how_Leo_singlehandedly_defeated_the_Cyclopes_family;_how_they
_freed_Jason,_then_noticed_the_Cyclopes_starting_to_reform;_how_Leo_had_replace
d_the_dragon\u8217?
s_wiring_and_gotten_them_back_in_the_air_just_as_they\u8217?d
_started_to_hear_the_Cyclopes_roaring_for_vengeance_inside_the_factory.\par\pard
\plain\hyphpar}{
Jason_was_impressed._Taking_out_three_Cyclopes_with_nothing_but_a_tool_kit?
_Not_
bad._It_didn\u8217?t_exactly_scare_him_to_hear_how_close_he\u8217?
d_come_to_deat
h,_but_it_did_make_him_feel_horrible._He\u8217?
d_stepped_right_into_an_ambush_an
d_spent_the_whole_fight_knocked_out_while_his_friends_fended_for_themselves._W
ha
t_kind_of_quest_leader_was_he?\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
When_Piper_told_him_about_the_other_kid_the_Cyclopes_claimed_to_have_eaten,_t
he_
one_in_the_purple_shirt_who_spoke_Latin,_Jason_felt_like_his_head_was_going_to_e
xplode._A_son_of_Mercury_\u8230?_Jason_felt_like_he_should_know_that_kid,_but_th
e_name_was_missing_from_his_mind.\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
\u8220?I\u8217?m_not_alone,_then,\u8221?_he_said._\u8220?
There_are_others_like_m
e.\u8221?_\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
\u8220?Jason,\u8221?_Piper_said,_\u8220?you_were_never_alone._You\u8217?
ve_got_u
s.\u8221?\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
\u8220?I\u8212?I_know_\u8230?
_but_something_Hera_said._I_was_having_a_dream\u823
He_told_them_what_he\u8217?
d_seen,_and_what_the_goddess_had_said_inside_her_cage
\u8220?An_exchange?\u8221?_Piper_asked._\u8220?
What_does_that_mean?\u8221?\par\p
ard\plain\hyphpar}{
Jason_shook_his_head._\u8220?But_Hera\u8217?s_gamble_is_{\i
me}._Just_by_sending_me_to_Camp_HalfBlood,_I_have_a_feeling_she_broke_some_kind
_of_rule,_something_that_could_blow_up_in_a_big_way\u8212?\u8221?
_\par\pard\plai
n\hyphpar}{
\u8220?Or_save_us,\u8221?_Piper_said_hopefully._\u8220?
That_bit_about_the_sleepi
ng_enemy\u8212?
that_sounds_like_the_lady_Leo_told_us_about.\u8221?\par\pard\plai
n\hyphpar}{
Leo_cleared_his_throat._\u8220?About_that_\u8230?
_she_kind_of_appeared_to_me_bac
k_in_Detroit,_in_a_pool_of_Porta-Potty_sludge.\u8221?\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
Jason_wasn\u8217?t_sure_he\u8217?d_heard_that_right._\u8220?
Did_you_say_\u8230?_
Porta-Potty?\u8221?\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
Leo_told_them_about_the_big_face_in_the_factory_yard._\u8220?I_don\u8217?
t_know_
if_she\u8217?s_completely_unkillable,\u8221?_he_said,_\u8220?
but_she_cannot_be_d
efeated_by_toilet_seats._I_can_vouch_for_that._She_wanted_me_to_betray_you_guy
s,
_and_I_was_like,_\u8216?Pfft,_right,_I\u8217?m_gonna_listen_to_a_face_in_the_pot
ty_sludge.\u8217?\u8221?_\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
\u8220?She\u8217?s_trying_to_divide_us.\u8221?
_Piper_slipped_her_arms_from_aroun
d_Jason\u8217?
s_waist._He_could_sense_her_tension_without_even_looking_at_her.\p
\u8220?What\u8217?s_wrong?\u8221?_he_asked.\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
\u8220?I_just_\u8230?_Why_are_they_toying_with_us?
_Who_is_this_lady,_and_how_is_
she_connected_to_Enceladus?\u8221?_\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
\u8220?Enceladus?\u8221?_Jason_didn\u8217?t_think_he\u8217?
d_heard_that_name_bef
ore._\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
\u8220?I_mean_\u8230?\u8221?_Piper\u8217?s_voice_quavered._\u8220?
That\u8217?s_o
ne_of_the_giants._Just_one_of_the_names_I_could_remember.\u8221?\par\pard\plain
\
hyphpar}{
Jason_got_the_feeling_there_was_a_lot_more_bothering_her,_but_he_decided_he_not
_
to_press_her._She\u8217?d_had_a_rough_morning.\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
Leo_scratched_his_head._\u8220?Well,_I_dunno_about_Enchiladas\u8212?\u8221?
_\par
\u8220?Enceladus,\u8221?_Piper_corrected.\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
\u8220?
Whatever._But_Old_Potty_Face_mentioned_another_name._Porpoise_Fear,_or_so
mething?\u8221?\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
\u8220?Porphyrion?\u8221?_Piper_asked._\u8220?
He_was_the_giant_king,_I_think.\u8
Jason_envisioned_that_dark_spire_in_the_old_reflecting_pool\u8212?growing_larger
_as_Hera_got_weaker._\u8220?I\u8217?m_going_to_take_wild_guess,\u8221?
_he_said._
\u8220?In_the_old_stories,_Porphyrion_kidnapped_Hera._That_was_the_first_shot_in
_the_war_between_the_giants_and_the_gods.\u8221?\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
\u8220?I_think_so,\u8221?_Piper_agreed._\u8220?
But_those_myths_are_really_garble
d_and_conflicted._It\u8217?s_almost_like_nobody_wanted_that_story_to_survive._I_
just_remember_there_was_a_war,_and_the_giants_were_almost_impossible_to_kill.\u
8
\u8220?Heroes_and_gods_had_to_work_together,\u8221?_Jason_said._\u8220?
That\u821
7?s_what_Hera_told_me.\u8221?_\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
\u8220?Kind_of_hard_to_do,\u8221?_Leo_grumbled,_\u8220?
if_the_gods_won\u8217?t_e
ven_talk_to_us.\u8221?_\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
They_flew_west,_and_Jason_became_lost_in_his_thoughts\u8212?
all_of_them_bad._He_
wasn\u8217?
t_sure_how_much_time_passed_before_the_dragon_dove_through_a_break_in
_the_clouds,_and_below_them,_glittering_in_the_winter_sun,_was_a_city_at_the_edg
e_of_a_massive_lake._A_crescent_of_skyscrapers_lined_the_shore._Behind_them,_str
etching_out_to_the_western_horizon,_was_a_vast_grid_of_snowcovered_neighborhood
s_and_roads.\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
\u8220?Chicago,\u8221?_Jason_said.\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
He_thought_about_what_Hera_had_said_in_his_dream._His_worst_mortal_enemy_wo
uld_b
e_waiting_here._If_he_was_going_to_die,_it_would_be_by_her_hand.\par\pard\plain\
hyphpar}{
\u8220?One_problem_down,\u8221?_Leo_said._\u8220?
We_got_here_alive._Now,_how_do_
we_find_the_storm_spirits?\u8221?\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
Jason_saw_a_flash_of_movement_below_them._At_first_he_thought_it_was_a_small_
pla
ne,_but_it_was_too_small,_too_dark_and_fast._The_thing_spiraled_toward_the_skysc
rapers,_weaving_and_changing_shape\u8212?
and,_just_for_a_moment_it_became_the_sm
oky_figure_of_a_horse.\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
\u8220?How_about_we_follow_that_one,\u8221?_Jason_suggested,_\u8220?
and_see_wher
e_it_goes?\u8221?_\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
J}{\b
ASON_WAS_AFRAID_THEY\u8217?D_LOSE_THEIR_TARGET.}{\b
_}The_{\i
ventus_}moved_like_\u8230?_well,_like_the_wind._\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
\u8220?Speed_up!\u8221?_he_urged.\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
\u8220?Bro,\u8221?_Leo_said,_\u8220?if_I_get_any_closer,_he\u8217?ll_spot_us._Br
onze_dragon_ain\u8217?t_exactly_a_stealth_plane.\u8221?\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}
{
\u8220?Slow_down!\u8221?_Piper_yelped.\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
The_storm_spirit_dove_into_the_grid_of_downtown_streets._Festus_tried_to_follow,
_but_his_wingspan_was_way_too_wide._His_left_wing_clipped_the_edge_of_a_buildin
g
,_slicing_off_a_stone_gargoyle_before_Leo_pulled_up.\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
\u8220?Get_above_the_buildings,\u8221?_Jason_suggested._\u8220?We\u8217?
ll_track
_him_from_there.\u8221?_\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
\u8220?You_want_to_drive_this_thing?\u8221?
_Leo_grumbled,_but_he_did_what_Jason_
asked._\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
After_a_few_minutes,_Jason_spotted_the_storm_spirit_again,_zipping_through_the_s
treets_with_no_apparent_purpose\u8212?blowing_over_pedestrians,_ruffling_flags,_
making_cars_swerve._\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
\u8220?Oh_great,\u8221?_Piper_said._\u8220?There\u8217?re_two.\u8221?
_\par\pard\
plain\hyphpar}{
She_was_right._A_second_{\i
ventus_}blasted_around_the_corner_of_the_Renaissance_Hotel_and_linked_up_with_
th
e_first._They_wove_together_in_a_chaotic_dance,_shooting_to_the_top_of_a_skyscra
per,_bending_a_radio_tower,_and_diving_back_down_toward_the_street._\par\pard\p
l
ain\hyphpar}{
\u8220?Those_guys_do_{\i
not_}need_any_more_caffeine,\u8221?_Leo_said._\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
\u8220?I_guess_Chicago\u8217?s_a_good_place_to_hang_out,\u8221?
_Piper_said._\u82
20?Nobody\u8217?
s_going_to_question_a_couple_more_evil_winds.\u8221?\par\pard\pl
ain\hyphpar}{
\u8220?More_than_a_couple,\u8221?_Jason_said._\u8220?
Look.\u8221?\par\pard\plain
\hyphpar}{
The_dragon_circled_over_a_wide_avenue_next_to_a_lakeside_park._Storm_spirits_we
re_converging\u8212?at_least_a_dozen_of_them,_whirling_around_a_big_public_art_i
nstallation.\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
\u8220?Which_one_do_you_think_is_Dylan?\u8221?_Leo_asked._\u8220?
I_wanna_throw_s
omething_at_him.\u8221?\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
But_Jason_focused_on_the_art_installation._The_closer_they_got_to_it,_the_faster
_his_heart_beat._It_was_just_a_public_fountain,_but_it_was_unpleasantly_familiar
._Two_five-story_monoliths_rose_from_either_end_of_a_long_granite_reflecting_poo
l._The_monoliths_seemed_to_be_built_of_video_screens,_flashing_the_combined_im
ag
e_of_a_giant_face_that_spewed_water_into_the_pool.\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
Maybe_it_was_just_a_coincidence,_but_it_looked_like_a_high-tech,_super-size_vers
ion_of_that_ruined_reflecting_pool_he\u8217?
d_seen_in_his_dreams,_with_those_two
_dark_masses_jutting_from_either_end._As_Jason_watched,_the_image_on_the_scree
ns
_changed_to_a_woman\u8217?
s_face_with_her_eyes_closed.\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
\u8220?Leo_\u8230?\u8221?_he_said_nervously.\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
\u8220?I_see_her,\u8221?_Leo_said._\u8220?I_don\u8217?t_like_her,_but_I_see_her.
Then_the_screens_went_dark._The_{\i
venti_}swirled_together_into_a_single_funnel_cloud_and_skittered_across_the_foun
tain,_kicking_up_a_waterspout_almost_as_high_as_the_monoliths._They_got_to_its_c
enter,_popped_off_a_drain_cover,_and_disappeared_underground.\par\pard\plain\hy
p
hpar}{
\u8220?Did_they_just_go_down_a_drain?\u8221?_Piper_asked._\u8220?
How_are_we_supp
osed_to_follow_them?\u8221?\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
\u8220?Maybe_we_shouldn\u8217?t,\u8221?_Leo_said._\u8220?
That_fountain_thing_is_
giving_me_seriously_bad_vibes._And_aren\u8217?
t_we_supposed_to,_like,_beware_the
_earth?\u8221?_\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
Jason_felt_the_same_way,_but_they_had_to_follow._It_was_their_only_way_forward._
They_had_to_find_Hera,_and_they_now_had_only_two_days_until_the_solstice.\par\p
a
rd\plain\hyphpar}{
\u8220?Put_us_down_in_that_park,\u8221?_he_suggested._\u8220?We\u8217?
ll_check_i
t_out_on_foot.\u8221?_\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
Festus_landed_in_an_open_area_between_the_lake_and_the_skyline._The_signs_said
_G
rant_Park,_and_Jason_imagined_it_would\u8217?
ve_been_a_nice_place_in_the_summer;
_but_now_it_was_a_field_of_ice,_snow,_and_salted_walkways._The_dragon\u8217?
s_ho
t_metal_feet_hissed_as_they_touched_down._Festus_flapped_his_wings_unhappily_a
nd
_shot_fire_into_the_sky,_but_there_was_no_one_around_to_notice._The_wind_coming
_
off_the_lake_was_bitter_cold._Anyone_with_sense_would_be_inside._Jason\u8217?
s_e
yes_stung_so_badly,_he_could_barely_see.\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
They_dismounted,_and_Festus_the_dragon_stomped_his_feet._One_of_his_ruby_eye
s_fl
ickered,_so_it_looked_like_he_was_blinking.\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
\u8220?Is_that_normal?\u8221?_Jason_asked._\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
Leo_pulled_a_rubber_mallet_from_his_tool_bag._He_whacked_the_dragon\u8217?
s_bad_
eye,_and_the_light_went_back_to_normal._\u8220?Yes,\u8221?_Leo_said._\u8220?
Fest
us_can\u8217?
t_hang_around_here,_though,_in_the_middle_of_the_park._They\u8217?l
l_arrest_him_for_loitering._Maybe_if_I_had_a_dog_whistle_\u8230?\u8221?\par\pard
\plain\hyphpar}{
He_rummaged_in_his_tool_belt,_but_came_up_with_nothing.\par\pard\plain\hyphpar
}{
\u8220?Too_specialized?\u8221?_he_guessed._\u8220?
Okay,_give_me_a_safety_whistle
._They_got_that_in_lots_of_machine_shops.\u8221?\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
This_time,_Leo_pulled_out_a_big_plastic_orange_whistle._\u8220?
Coach_Hedge_would
_be_jealous!_Okay,_Festus,_listen.\u8221?_Leo_blew_the_whistle._The_shrill_sound
_probably_rolled_all_the_way_across_Lake_Michigan._\u8220?
You_hear_that,_come_fi
nd_me,_okay?
_Until_then,_you_fly_wherever_you_want._Just_try_not_to_barbecue_any
_pedestrians.\u8221?\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
The_dragon_snorted\u8212?
hopefully_in_agreement._Then_he_spread_his_wings_and_la
unched_into_the_air.\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
Piper_took_one_step_and_winced._\u8220?Ah!\u8221?\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
\u8220?Your_ankle?\u8221?_Jason_felt_bad_he\u8217?
d_forgotten_about_her_injury_b
ack_in_the_Cyclops_factory._\u8220?
That_nectar_we_gave_you_might_be_wearing_off.
\u8220?It\u8217?s_fine.\u8221?
_She_shivered,_and_Jason_remembered_his_promise_to
_get_her_a_new_snowboarding_coat._He_hoped_he_lived_long_enough_to_find_her_
one.
_She_took_a_few_more_steps_with_only_a_slight_limp,_but_Jason_could_tell_she_wa
s
_trying_not_to_grimace.\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
\u8220?Let\u8217?s_get_out_of_the_wind,\u8221?
_he_suggested.\par\pard\plain\hyph
par}{
\u8220?Down_a_drain?\u8221?_Piper_shuddered._\u8220?
Sounds_cozy.\u8221?\par\pard
\plain\hyphpar}{
They_wrapped_themselves_up_as_best_they_could_and_headed_toward_the_fountai
n._\p
{\qc
According_to_the_plaque,_it_was_called_Crown_Fountain._All_the_water_had_emptie
d
_out_except_for_a_few_patches_that_were_starting_to_freeze._It_didn\u8217?
t_seem
_right_to_Jason_that_the_fountain_would_have_water_in_it_in_the_winter_anyway._T
hen_again,_those_big_monitors_had_flashed_the_face_of_their_mysterious_enemy_
Dir
t_Woman._Nothing_about_this_place_was_right.\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
They_stepped_to_the_center_of_the_pool._No_spirits_tried_to_stop_them._The_giant
_monitor_walls_stayed_dark._The_drain_hole_was_easily_big_enough_for_a_person,_
a
nd_a_maintenance_ladder_led_down_into_the_gloom.\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
Jason_went_first._As_he_climbed,_he_braced_himself_for_horrible_sewer_smells,_bu
t_it_wasn\u8217?
t_that_bad._The_ladder_dropped_into_a_brickwork_tunnel_running_n
orth_to_south._The_air_was_warm_and_dry,_with_only_a_trickle_of_water_on_the_flo
or.\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
Piper_and_Leo_climbed_down_after_him.\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
\u8220?Are_all_sewers_this_nice?\u8221?_Piper_wondered.\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}
{
\u8220?No,\u8221?_Leo_said._\u8220?Trust_me.\u8221?_\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
Jason_frowned._\u8220?How_do_you_know\u8212?\u8221?\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}
{
\u8220?Hey,_man,_I_ran_away_six_times._I\u8217?
ve_slept_in_some_weird_places,_ok
ay?_Now,_which_way_do_we_go?\u8221?\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
Jason_tilted_his_head,_listening,_then_pointed_south._\u8220?That_way.\u8221?\pa
\u8220?How_can_you_be_sure?\u8221?_Piper_asked.\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
\u8220?There\u8217?s_a_draft_blowing_south,\u8221?_Jason_said._\u8220?
Maybe_the_
{\i
venti}_went_with_the_flow.\u8221?_\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
It_wasn\u8217?t_much_of_a_lead,_but_nobody_offered_anything_better._\par\pard\pl
ain\hyphpar}{
Unfortunately,_as_soon_as_they_started_walking,_Piper_stumbled._Jason_had_to_cat
ch_her._\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
\u8220?Stupid_ankle,\u8221?_she_cursed.\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
\u8220?Let\u8217?s_rest,\u8221?_Jason_decided._\u8220?
We_could_all_use_it._We\u8
217?
ve_been_going_nonstop_for_over_a_day._Leo,_can_you_pull_any_food_from_that_t
ool_belt_besides_breath_mints?\u8221?_\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
\u8220?Thought_you\u8217?d_never_ask._Chef_Leo_is_on_it!\u8221?
_\par\pard\plain\
hyphpar}{
Piper_and_Jason_sat_on_a_brick_ledge_while_Leo_shuffled_through_his_pack.\par\pa
rd\plain\hyphpar}{
Jason_was_glad_to_rest._He_was_still_tired_and_dizzy,_and_hungry,_too._But_mostl
y,_he_wasn\u8217?
t_eager_to_face_whatever_lay_ahead._He_turned_his_gold_coin_in_
his_fingers.\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
{\i
If_you_are_to_die,}_Hera_had_warned,{\i
_it_will_be_by_her_hand.}\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
Whoever_\u8220?her\u8221?
_was._After_Khione,_the_Cyclops_mother,_and_the_weird_s
leeping_lady,_the_last_thing_Jason_needed_was_another_psycho_villainess_in_his_l
ife.\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
\u8220?It_wasn\u8217?t_your_fault,\u8221?_Piper_said.\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
He_looked_at_her_blankly._\u8220?What?\u8221?\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
\u8220?Getting_jumped_by_the_Cyclopes,\u8221?_she_said._\u8220?
It_wasn\u8217?t_y
our_fault.\u8221?\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
He_looked_down_at_the_coin_in_his_palm._\u8220?
I_was_stupid._I_left_you_alone_an
d_walked_into_a_trap._I_should\u8217?ve_known\u8230?\u8221?
par}{
He_didn\u8217?
t_finish._There_were_too_many_things_he_should_have_known\u8212?wh
o_he_was,_how_to_fight_monsters,_how_Cyclopes_lured_their_victims_by_mimicking
_v
oices_and_hiding_in_shadows_and_a_hundred_other_tricks._All_that_information_wa
s
_supposed_to_be_in_his_head._He_could_feel_the_places_it_should_be\u8212?
like_em
pty_pockets._If_Hera_wanted_him_to_succeed,_why_had_she_stolen_the_memories_
that
_could_help_him?
_She_claimed_his_amnesia_had_kept_him_alive,_but_that_made_no_se
nse._He_was_starting_to_understand_why_Annabeth_had_wanted_to_leave_the_god
dess_
in_her_cage.\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
\u8220?Hey.\u8221?_Piper_nudged_his_arm._\u8220?
Cut_yourself_some_slack._Just_be
cause_you\u8217?re_the_son_of_Zeus_doesn\u8217?t_mean_you\u8217?re_a_oneman_arm
y.\u8221?\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
A_few_feet_away,_Leo_lit_a_small_cooking_fire._He_hummed_as_he_pulled_supplies
_o
ut_of_his_pack_and_his_tool_belt.\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
In_the_firelight,_Piper\u8217?
s_eyes_seemed_to_dance._Jason_had_been_studying_th
em_for_days_now,_and_he_still_couldn\u8217?
t_decide_what_color_they_were.\par\pa
rd\plain\hyphpar}{
\u8220?I_know_this_must_suck_for_you,\u8221?_he_said._\u8220?
Not_just_the_quest,
_I_mean._The_way_I_appeared_on_the_bus,_the_Mist_messing_with_your_mind,_and
_mak
ing_you_think_I_was_\u8230?you_know.\u8221?\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
She_dropped_her_gaze._\u8220?Yeah,_well._None_of_us_asked_for_this._It\u8217?
s_n
ot_your_fault.\u8221?\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
She_tugged_at_the_little_braids_on_each_side_of_her_head._Again,_Jason_thought_h
ow_glad_he_was_that_she\u8217?
d_lost_the_Aphrodite_blessing._With_the_makeup_and
_the_dress_and_the_perfect_hair,_she\u8217?d_looked_about_twentyfive,_glamorous
,_and_completely_out_of_his_league._He\u8217?
d_never_thought_of_beauty_as_a_form
_of_power,_but_that\u8217?s_the_way_Piper_had_seemed\u8212?{\i
powerful}._\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
He_liked_regular_Piper_better\u8212?
someone_he_could_hang_out_with._But_the_weir
d_thing_was,_he_couldn\u8217?
t_quite_get_that_other_image_out_of_his_head._It_ha
dn\u8217?t_been_an_illusion._That_side_of_Piper_was_there_too._She_just_did_her_
best_to_hide_it.\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
\u8220?Back_in_the_factory,\u8221?_Jason_said,_\u8220?
you_were_you_going_to_say_
something_about_your_dad.\u8221?_\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
She_traced_her_finger_over_the_bricks,_almost_like_she_was_writing_out_a_scream_
she_didn\u8217?t_want_to_vocalize._\u8220?Was_I?\u8221?
{
\u8220?Piper,\u8221?_he_said,_\u8220?he\u8217?
s_in_some_kind_of_trouble,_isn\u82
17?t_it?\u8221?_\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
Over_at_the_fire,_Leo_stirred_some_sizzling_bell_peppers_and_meat_in_a_pan._\u82
20?Yeah,_baby!_Almost_there.\u8221?\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
Piper_looked_on_the_verge_of_tears._\u8220?Jason_\u8230?_I_can\u8217?
t_talk_abou
t_it.\u8221?_\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
\u8220?We\u8217?re_your_friends._Let_us_help.\u8221?\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
That_seemed_to_make_her_feel_worse._She_took_a_shaky_breath._\u8220?
I_wish_I_cou
ld,_but\u8212?\u8221?_\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
\u8220?And_bingo!\u8221?_Leo_announced.\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
He_came_over_with_three_plates_stacked_on_his_arms_like_a_waiter._Jason_had_no
_i
dea_where_he\u8217?d_gotten_all_the_food,_or_how_he\u8217?
d_put_it_together_so_f
ast,_but_it_looked_amazing:_pepper_and_beef_tacos_with_chips_and_salsa.\par\pard
\plain\hyphpar}{
\u8220?Leo,\u8221?_Piper_said_in_amazement._\u8220?
How_did_you\u8212??\u8221?\pa
\u8220?Chef_Leo\u8217?s_Taco_Garage_is_fixing_you_up!\u8221?
_he_said_proudly._\u
8220?And_by_the_way,_it\u8217?s_tofu,_not_beef,_beauty_queen,_so_don\u8217?
t_fre
ak._Just_dig_in!\u8221?_\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
Jason_wasn\u8217?
t_sure_about_tofu,_but_the_tacos_tasted_as_good_as_they_smelled
.
_While_they_ate,_Leo_tried_to_lighten_the_mood_and_joke_around._Jason_was_grat
e
ful_Leo_was_with_them._It_made_being_with_Piper_a_little_less_intense_and_uncom
f
ortable._At_the_same_time,_he_kind_of_wished_he_{\i
was_}alone_with_her;_but_he_chided_himself_for_feeling_that_way.\par\pard\plain\
hyphpar}{
After_Piper_ate,_Jason_encouraged_her_to_get_some_sleep._Without_another_word,
_s
he_curled_up_and_put_her_head_in_his_lap._In_two_seconds_she_was_snoring._\par\
p
ard\plain\hyphpar}{
Jason_looked_up_at_Leo,_who_was_obviously_trying_not_to_laugh.\par\pard\plain\hy
phpar}{
They_sat_in_silence_for_a_few_minutes,_drinking_lemonade_Leo_had_made_from_c
ante
en_water_and_powdered_mix.\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
\u8220?Good,_huh?\u8221?_Leo_grinned.\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
\u8220?You_should_start_a_stand,\u8221?_Jason_said._\u8220?
Make_some_serious_coi
n.\u8221?_\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
But_as_he_stared_at_the_embers_of_the_fire,_something_began_to_bother_him._\u8
22
0?Leo_\u8230?_about_this_fire_stuff_you_can_do_\u8230?_is_it_true?\u8221?_\par\p
ard\plain\hyphpar}{
Leo\u8217?s_smile_faltered._\u8220?Yeah,_well_\u8230?\u8221?
_He_opened_his_hand.
_A_small_ball_of_flame_burst_to_life,_dancing_across_his_palm.\par\pard\plain\hy
phpar}{
\u8220?That_is_so_cool,\u8221?_Jason_said._\u8220?Why_didn\u8217?
t_you_say_anyth
ing?\u8221?\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
Leo_closed_his_hand_and_the_fire_went_out._\u8220?Didn\u8217?
t_want_to_look_like
_a_freak.\u8221?_\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
\u8220?I_have_lightning_and_wind_powers,\u8221?_Jason_reminded_him._\u8220?
Piper
_can_turn_beautiful_and_charm_people_into_giving_her_BMWs._You\u8217?
re_no_more_
a_freak_than_we_are._And,_hey,_maybe_you_can_fly,_too._Like_jump_off_a_building
_
and_yell,_\u8216?Flame_on!\u8217?\u8221?_\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
Leo_snorted._\u8220?If_I_did_that,_you_would_see_a_flaming_kid_falling_to_his_de
ath,_and_I_would_be_yelling_something_a_little_stronger_than_\u8216?
Flame_on!\u8
217?_Trust_me,_Hephaestus_cabin_doesn\u8217?
t_see_fire_powers_as_cool._Nyssa_tol
d_me_they\u8217?
re_super_rare._When_a_demigod_like_me_comes_around,_bad_things_h
appen._{\i
Really}_bad.\u8221?_\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
\u8220?Maybe_it\u8217?s_the_other_way_around,\u8221?
_Jason_suggested._\u8220?May
be_people_with_special_gifts_show_up_when_bad_things_are_happening_because_t
hat\
u8217?s_when_they\u8217?re_needed_most.\u8221?_\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
Leo_cleared_away_the_plates._\u8220?Maybe._But_I\u8217?m_telling_you_\u8230?
_it\
u8217?s_not_always_a_gift.\u8221?\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
Jason_fell_silent._\u8220?You\u8217?re_talking_about_your_mom,_aren\u8217?
t_you?
_The_night_she_died.\u8221?\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
Leo_didn\u8217?t_answer._He_didn\u8217?
t_have_to._The_fact_that_he_was_quiet,_no
t_joking_around\u8212?that_told_Jason_enough.\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
\u8220?Leo,_her_death_wasn\u8217?
t_your_fault._Whatever_happened_that_night\u821
2?it_wasn\u8217?
t_because_you_could_summon_fire._This_Dirt_Woman,_whoever_she_is
,
_has_been_trying_to_ruin_you_for_years,_mess_up_your_confidence,_take_away_eve
r
ything_you_care_about._She\u8217?s_trying_to_make_you_feel_like_a_failure._You\u
8217?re_not._You\u8217?re_important.\u8221?\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
\u8220?That\u8217?s_what_she_said.\u8221?
_Leo_looked_up,_his_eyes_full_of_pain._
\u8220?She_said_I_was_meant_to_do_something_important\u8212?
something_that_would
_make_or_break_that_big_prophecy_about_the_seven_demigods._That\u8217?
s_what_sca
res_me._I_don\u8217?t_know_if_I\u8217?
m_up_to_it.\u8221?\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}
{
Jason_wanted_to_tell_him_everything_would_be_all_right,_but_it_would\u8217?ve_so
unded_fake._Jason_didn\u8217?t_know_{\i
what_}would_happen._They_were_demigods,_which_meant_sometimes_things_didn\
u8217?
t_end_okay._Sometimes_you_got_eaten_by_the_Cyclops.\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
If_you_asked_most_kids,_\u8220?
Hey,_you_want_to_summon_fire_or_lightning_or_magi
cal_makeup?\u8221?_they\u8217?
d_think_it_sounded_pretty_cool._But_those_powers_w
ent_along_with_hard_stuff,_like_sitting_in_a_sewer_in_the_middle_of_winter,_runn
ing_from_monsters,_losing_your_memory,_watching_your_friends_almost_get_cooke
d,_
and_having_dreams_that_warned_you_of_your_own_death.\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}
{
Leo_poked_at_the_remnants_of_his_fire,_turning_over_red-hot_coals_with_his_bare_
hand._\u8220?You_ever_wonder_about_the_other_four_demigods?_I_mean_\u8230?
_if_we
\u8217?re_three_of_the_ones_from_the_Great_Prophecy,_who_are_the_others?
_Where_a
re_they?\u8221?\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
Jason_had_thought_about_it,_all_right,_but_he_tried_to_push_it_out_of_his_mind._
He_had_a_horrible_suspicion_that_{\i
he_}would_be_expected_to_lead_those_other_demigods,_and_he_was_afraid_he_wo
uld_f
ail._\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
{\i
You\u8217?
ll_tear_each_other_apart,}_Boreas_had_promised.\par\pard\plain\hyphpar
}{
Jason_had_been_trained_never_to_show_fear._He_was_sure_of_that_from_his_dream
_wi
th_the_wolves._He_was_supposed_to_act_confident,_even_if_he_didn\u8217?
t_feel_it
.
_But_Leo_and_Piper_were_depending_on_him,_and_he_was_terrified_of_failing_them
.
_If_he_had_to_lead_a_group_of_six\u8212?six_who_might_not_get_along\u8212?
that_w
ould_be_even_worse._\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
\u8220?I_don\u8217?t_know,\u8221?_he_said_at_last._\u8220?
I_guess_the_other_four
_will_show_up_when_the_time_is_right._Who_knows?_Maybe_they\u8217?
re_on_some_oth
er_quest_right_now.\u8221?\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
Leo_grunted._\u8220?I_bet_their_sewer_is_nicer_than_ours.\u8221?\par\pard\plain\
hyphpar}{
The_draft_picked_up,_blowing_toward_the_south_end_of_the_tunnel._\par\pard\plain
\hyphpar}{
\u8220?Get_some_rest,_Leo,\u8221?_Jason_said._\u8220?I\u8217?ll_take_first_watch
It_was_hard_to_measure_time,_but_Jason_figured_his_friends_slept_about_four_hour
s._Jason_didn\u8217?t_mind._Now_that_he_was_resting,_he_didn\u8217?
t_really_feel
_the_need_for_more_sleep._He\u8217?
d_been_conked_out_long_enough_on_the_dragon._
Plus,_he_needed_time_to_think_about_the_quest,_his_sister_Thalia,_and_Hera\u821
7
?s_warnings._He_also_didn\u8217?t_mind_Piper\u8217?
s_using_him_for_a_pillow._She
_had_a_cute_way_of_breathing_when_she_slept\u8212?
inhaling_through_the_nose,_exh
aling_with_a_little_puff_through_the_mouth._He_was_almost_disappointed_when_sh
e_
woke_up.\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
Finally_they_broke_camp_and_started_down_the_tunnel.\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
It_twisted_and_turned_and_seemed_to_go_on_forever._Jason_wasn\u8217?
t_sure_what_
to_expect_at_the_end\u8212?a_dungeon,_a_mad_scientist\u8217?
s_lab,_or_maybe_a_se
wer_reservoir_where_all_Porta-Potty_sludge_ends_up,_forming_an_evil_toilet_face_
large_enough_to_swallow_the_world._\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
Instead,_they_found_polished_steel_elevator_doors,_each_one_engraved_with_a_cur
s
ive_letter_{\i
M}._Next_to_the_elevator_was_a_directory,_like_for_a_department_store.\par\pard\
plain\hyphpar}{
\u8220?M_for_Macy\u8217?s?\u8221?_Piper_guessed._\u8220?
I_think_they_have_one_in
_downtown_Chicago.\u8221?\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
\u8220?Or_Monocle_Motors_still?\u8221?_Leo_said._\u8220?
Guys,_read_the_directory
._It\u8217?s_messed_up.\u8221?\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
Parking,_Kennels,_Main_Entrance:_Sewer_Level\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
Furnishings_and_Caf\u233?_M:_1\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
Women\u8217?s_Fashion_and_Magical_Appliances:_2\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
Men\u8217?s_Wear_and_Weaponry:_3\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
Cosmetics,_Potions,_Poisons_&_Sundries:_4\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
\u8220?Kennels_for_what?\u8221?_Piper_said._\u8220?
And_what_kind_of_department_s
tore_has_its_entrance_in_a_sewer?\u8221?_\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
\u8220?Or_sells_poisons,\u8221?_Leo_said._\u8220?Man,_what_does_\u8216?
sundries\
u8217?_even_mean?_Is_that_like_underwear?\u8221?_\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
Jason_took_a_deep_breath._\u8220?
When_in_doubt,_start_at_the_top.\u8221?\par\par
d\plain\hyphpar}{
{\qc
The_doors_slid_open_on_the_fourth_floor,_and_the_scent_of_perfume_wafted_into_t
h
e_elevator._Jason_stepped_out_first,_sword_ready.\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
\u8220?Guys,\u8221?_he_said._\u8220?You\u8217?
ve_got_to_see_this.\u8221?\par\par
d\plain\hyphpar}{
Piper_joined_him_and_caught_her_breath._\u8220?This_is_{\i
not_}Macy\u8217?s.\u8221?_\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
The_department_store_looked_like_the_inside_of_a_kaleidoscope._The_entire_ceilin
g_was_a_stained_glass_mosaic_with_astrological_signs_around_a_giant_sun._The_da
y
light_streaming_through_it_washed_everything_in_a_thousand_different_colors._The
_upper_floors_made_a_ring_of_balconies_around_a_huge_central_atrium,_so_they_c
ou
ld_see_all_the_way_down_to_the_ground_floor._Gold_railings_glittered_so_brightly
,_they_were_hard_to_look_at._\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
Aside_from_the_stained_glass_ceiling_and_the_elevator,_Jason_couldn\u8217?t_see_
any_other_windows_or_doors,_but_two_sets_of_glass_escalators_ran_between_the_l
ev
els._The_carpeting_was_a_riot_of_oriental_patterns_and_colors,_and_the_racks_of_
merchandise_were_just_as_bizarre._There_was_too_much_to_take_it_at_once,_but_Ja
s
on_saw_normal_stuff_like_shirt_racks_and_shoe_trees_mixed_in_with_armored_mani
ki
ns,_beds_of_nails,_and_fur_coats_that_seemed_to_be_moving.\par\pard\plain\hyphp
a
r}{
Leo_stepped_to_the_railing_and_looked_down._\u8220?Check_it_out.\u8221?
_\par\par
d\plain\hyphpar}{
In_the_middle_of_the_atrium_a_fountain_sprayed_water_twenty_feet_into_the_air,_c
hanging_color_from_red_to_yellow_to_blue._The_pool_glittered_with_gold_coins,_an
d_on_either_side_of_the_fountain_stood_a_gilded_cage\u8212?
like_an_oversize_cana
ry_cage._\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
Inside_one,_a_miniature_hurricane_swirled,_and_lightning_flashed._Somebody_had_i
mprisoned_the_storm_spirits,_and_the_cage_shuddered_as_they_tried_to_get_out._I
n
_the_other,_frozen_like_a_statue,_was_a_short,_buff_satyr,_holding_a_tree-branch
_club._\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
\u8220?Coach_Hedge!\u8221?_Piper_said._\u8220?We\u8217?
ve_got_to_get_down_there.
A_voice_said,_\u8220?
May_I_help_you_find_something?\u8221?\par\pard\plain\hyphpa
r}{
All_three_of_them_jumped_back.\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
A_woman_had_just_{\i
appeared_}in_front_of_them._She_wore_an_elegant_black_dress_with_diamond_jew
elry
,_and_she_looked_like_a_retired_fashion_model\u8212?
maybe_fifty_years_old,_thoug
h_it_was_hard_for_Jason_to_judge._Her_long_dark_hair_swept_over_one_shoulder,_a
n
d_her_face_was_gorgeous_in_that_surreal_super-model_way\u8212?
thin_and_haughty_a
nd_cold,_not_quite_human._With_their_long_red-painted_nails,_her_fingers_looked_
more_like_talons._\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
She_smiled._\u8220?I\u8217?
m_so_happy_to_see_new_customers._How_may_I_help_you?\
Leo_glanced_at_Jason_like,_{\i
All_yours.}\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
\u8220?Um,\u8221?_Jason_started,_\u8220?is_this_your_store?\u8221?\par\pard\plai
n\hyphpar}{
The_woman_nodded._\u8220?
I_found_it_abandoned,_you_know._I_understand_so_many_st
ores_are,_these_days._I_decided_it_would_make_the_perfect_place._I_love_collecti
ng_tasteful_objects,_helping_people,_and_offering_quality_goods_at_a_reasonable_
price._So_this_seemed_a_good_\u8230?_how_do_you_say_\u8230?
_first_acquisition_in
_this_country.\u8221?\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
She_spoke_with_a_pleasing_accent,_but_Jason_couldn\u8217?
t_guess_where_from._Cle
arly_she_wasn\u8217?t_hostile,_though._Jason_started_to_relax._Her_voice_was_ric
h_and_exotic._Jason_wanted_to_hear_more._\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
\u8220?So_you\u8217?re_new_to_America?\u8221?
_he_asked._\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}
{
\u8220?I_am_\u8230?_new,\u8221?_the_woman_agreed._\u8220?
I_am_the_Princess_of_Co
lchis._My_friends_call_me_Your_Highness._Now,_what_are_you_looking_for?\u8221?\
p
Jason_had_heard_of_rich_foreigners_buying_American_department_stores._Of_cours
e_
most_of_the_time_they_didn\u8217?t_sell_poisons,_living_fur_coats,_storm_spirits
,_or_satyrs,_but_still\u8212?with_a_nice_voice_like_that,_the_Princess_of_Colchi
s_couldn\u8217?t_be_all_bad._\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
Piper_poked_him_in_the_ribs._\u8220?
Jason_\u8230?\u8221?\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}
{
\u8220?Um,_right._Actually,_Your_Highness_\u8230?\u8221?
_He_pointed_to_the_gilde
d_cage_on_the_first_floor._\u8220?That\u8217?
s_our_friend_down_there,_Gleeson_He
dge._The_satyr._Could_we_\u8230?
_have_him_back,_please?\u8221?\par\pard\plain\hy
phpar}{
\u8220?Of_course!\u8221?_the_princess_agreed_immediately._\u8220?
I_would_love_to
_show_you_my_inventory._First,_may_I_know_your_names?\u8221?\par\pard\plain\h
yph
par}{
Jason_hesitated._It_seemed_like_a_bad_idea_to_give_out_their_names._A_memory_t
ug
ged_at_the_back_of_his_mind\u8212?
something_Hera_had_warned_him_about,_but_it_se
emed_fuzzy.\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
On_the_other_hand,_Her_Highness_was_on_the_verge_of_cooperating._If_they_could
_g
et_what_they_wanted_without_a_fight,_that_would_be_better._Besides,_this_lady_di
dn\u8217?t_seem_like_an_enemy.\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
Piper_started_to_say,_\u8220?Jason,_I_wouldn\u8217?t\u8212?\u8221?
_\par\pard\pla
in\hyphpar}{
\u8220?This_is_Piper,\u8221?_he_said._\u8220?This_is_Leo._I\u8217?
m_Jason.\u8221
The_princess_fixed_her_eyes_on_him_and,_just_for_a_moment,_her_face_literally_gl
owed,_blazing_with_so_much_anger,_Jason_could_see_her_skull_beneath_her_skin._J
a
son\u8217?s_mind_was_getting_blurrier,_but_he_knew_something_didn\u8217?
t_seem_r
ight._Then_the_moment_passed,_and_Her_Highness_looked_like_a_normal_elegant_
woma
n_again,_with_a_cordial_smile_and_a_soothing_voice._\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
\u8220?Jason._What_an_interesting_name,\u8221?
_she_said,_her_eyes_as_cold_as_the
_Chicago_wind._\u8220?I_think_we\u8217?
ll_have_to_make_a_special_deal_for_you._C
ome,_children._Let\u8217?s_go_shopping.\u8221?_\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
P}{\b
IPER_WANTED_TO_RUN_FOR_THE_ELEVATOR.}_\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
Her_second_choice:_attack_the_weird_princess_now,_because_she_was_sure_a_fight
_w
as_coming._The_way_the_lady\u8217?s_face_glowed_when_she\u8217?
d_heard_Jason\u82
17?
s_name_had_been_bad_enough._Now_Her_Highness_was_smiling_like_nothing_had_
hap
pened,_and_Jason_and_Leo_didn\u8217?
t_seem_to_think_anything_was_wrong.\par\pard
\plain\hyphpar}{
The_princess_gestured_toward_the_cosmetics_counter._\u8220?
Shall_we_start_with_t
he_potions?\u8221?\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
\u8220?Cool,\u8221?_Jason_said._\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
\u8220?Guys,\u8221?_Piper_interrupted,_\u8220?we\u8217?
re_here_to_get_the_storm_
spirits_and_Coach_Hedge._If_this\u8212?{\i
princess}\u8212?is_really_our_friend\u8212?\u8221?_\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
\u8220?Oh,_I\u8217?m_better_than_a_friend,_my_dear,\u8221?
_Her_Highness_said._\u
8220?I\u8217?m_a_saleswoman.\u8221?
_Her_diamonds_sparkled,_and_her_eyes_glittere
d_like_a_snake\u8217?s\u8212?cold_and_dark._\u8220?Don\u8217?
t_worry._We\u8217?l
l_work_our_way_down_to_the_first_floor,_eh?\u8221?_\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
Leo_nodded_eagerly._\u8220?Sure,_yeah!
_That_sounds_okay._Right,_Piper?\u8221?\pa
Piper_did_her_best_to_stare_daggers_at_him:_{\i
No,_it_is_not_okay!_}\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
\u8220?Of_course_it\u8217?s_okay.\u8221?
_Her_Highness_put_her_hands_on_Leo\u8217
?s_and_Jason\u8217?
s_shoulders_and_steered_them_toward_the_cosmetics._\u8220?Com
e_along,_boys.\u8221?\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
Piper_didn\u8217?t_have_much_choice_except_to_follow.\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
She_hated_department_stores\u8212?mostly_because_she\u8217?
d_gotten_caught_steal
ing_from_several_of_them._Well,_not_exactly_{\i
caught},_and_not_exactly_{\i
stealing}._She\u8217?
d_talked_salesmen_into_giving_her_computers,_new_boots,_a_g
old_ring,_once_even_a_lawn_mower,_though_she_had_no_idea_why_she_wanted_on
e._She
_never_kept_the_stuff._She_just_did_it_to_get_her_dad\u8217?s_attention._Usually
_she_talked_her_neighborhood_UPS_guy_into_taking_the_stuff_back._But_of_course_
t
he_salesmen_she_duped_always_came_to_their_senses_and_called_the_police,_who
_eve
ntually_tracked_her_down.\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
Anyway,_she_wasn\u8217?t_thrilled_to_be_back_in_a_department_store\u8212?
especia
lly_one_run_by_a_crazy_princess_who_glowed_in_the_dark._\par\pard\plain\hyphpar
}
{
\u8220?And_here,\u8221?_the_princess_said,_\u8220?
is_the_finest_assortment_of_ma
gical_mixtures_anywhere.\u8221?\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
The_counter_was_crammed_with_bubbling_beakers_and_smoking_vials_on_tripods._
Lini
ng_the_display_shelves_were_crystal_flasks\u8212?
some_shaped_like_swans_or_honey
_bear_dispensers._The_liquids_inside_were_every_color,_from_glowing_white_to_pol
ka-dotted._And_the_smells\u8212?ugh!_Some_were_pleasant,_like_freshbaked_cookie
s_or_roses,_but_they_were_mixed_with_the_scents_of_burning_tires,_skunk_spray,_a
nd_gym_lockers.\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
The_princess_pointed_to_a_bloodred_vial\u8212?
a_simple_test_tube_with_a_cork_sto
pper._\u8220?This_one_will_heal_any_disease.\u8221?\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
\u8220?Even_cancer?\u8221?_Leo_asked._\u8220?Leprosy?
_Hangnails?\u8221?\par\pard
\plain\hyphpar}{
\u8220?Any_disease,_sweet_boy._And_this_vial\u8221?\u8212?
she_pointed_to_a_swanshaped_container_with_blue_liquid_inside\u8212?\u8220?will_kill_you_very_painful
ly.\u8221?\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
\u8220?Awesome,\u8221?
_Jason_said._His_voice_sounded_dazed_and_sleepy.\par\pard\
plain\hyphpar}{
\u8220?Jason,\u8221?_Piper_said._\u8220?We\u8217?
ve_got_a_job_to_do._Remember?\u
8221?
_She_tried_to_put_power_into_her_words,_to_snap_him_out_of_his_trance_with_
charmspeak,_but_her_voice_sounded_shaky_even_to_her._This_princess_woman_sca
red_
her_too_much,_made_her_confidence_crumble,_just_the_way_she\u8217?
d_felt_back_in
_the_Aphrodite_cabin_with_Drew.\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
\u8220?Job_to_do,\u8221?_Jason_muttered._\u8220?
Sure._But_shopping_first,_okay?\
The_princess_beamed_at_him._\u8220?
Then_we_have_potions_for_resisting_fire\u8212
\u8220?Got_that_covered,\u8221?_Leo_said._\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
\u8220?Indeed?\u8221?_The_princess_studied_Leo\u8217?
s_face_more_closely._\u8220
?You_don\u8217?t_appear_to_be_wearing_my_trademark_sunscreen_\u8230?
but_no_matte
r._We_also_have_potions_that_cause_blindness,_insanity,_sleep,_or\u8212?\u8221?\
\u8220?Wait.\u8221?_Piper_was_still_staring_at_the_red_vial._\u8220?Could_that_p
otion_cure_lost_memory?\u8221?\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
The_princess_narrowed_her_eyes._\u8220?
Possibly._Yes._Quite_possibly._Why,_my_de
ar?_Have_you_forgotten_something_important?\u8221?\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
Piper_tried_to_keep_her_expression_neutral,_but_if_that_vial_could_cure_Jason\u8
217?s_memory_\u8230?\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
Do_I_really_want_that?_she_wondered.\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
If_Jason_found_out_who_he_was,_he_might_not_even_be_her_friend._Hera_had_take
n_a
way_his_memories_for_a_reason._She\u8217?
d_told_him_it_was_the_only_way_he\u8217
?d_survive_at_Camp_HalfBlood._What_if_Jason_found_out_that_he_was_their_enemy,_
or_something?
_He_might_come_out_of_his_amnesia_and_decide_he_hated_Piper._He_mig
ht_have_a_girlfriend_wherever_he_came_from._\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
It_doesn\u8217?t_matter,_she_decided,_which_kind_of_surprised_her.\par\pard\plai
n\hyphpar}{
Jason_always_looked_so_anguished_when_he_tried_to_remember_things._Piper_hate
d_s
eeing_him_that_way._She_wanted_to_help_him_because_she_cared_about_him,_eve
n_if_
that_meant_losing_him._And_maybe_it_would_make_this_trip_through_Her_Crazines
s\u
8217?s_department_store_worthwhile.\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
\u8220?How_much?\u8221?_Piper_asked.\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
The_princess_got_a_faraway_look_in_her_eyes._\u8220?Well,_now_\u8230?
_The_price_
is_always_tricky._I_love_helping_people._Honestly,_I_do._And_I_always_keep_my_ba
rgains,_but_sometimes_people_try_to_cheat_me.\u8221?
_Her_gaze_drifted_to_Jason._
\u8220?
Once,_for_instance,_I_met_a_handsome_young_man_who_wanted_a_treasure_from
_my_father\u8217?
s_kingdom._We_made_a_bargain,_and_I_promised_to_help_him_steal_
it.\u8221?\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
\u8220?From_your_own_dad?\u8221?
_Jason_still_looked_half_in_a_trance,_but_the_id
ea_seemed_to_bother_him._\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
\u8220?Oh,_don\u8217?t_worry,\u8221?_the_princess_said._\u8220?
I_demanded_a_high
_price._The_young_man_had_to_take_me_away_with_him._He_was_quite_goodlooking,_d
ashing,_strong_\u8230?\u8221?_She_looked_at_Piper._\u8220?I\u8217?
m_sure,_my_dea
r,_you_understand_how_one_might_be_attracted_to_such_a_hero,_and_want_to_help
_hi
m.\u8221?\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
Piper_tried_to_control_her_emotions,_but_she_probably_blushed._She_got_the_creep
iest_feeling_the_princess_could_read_her_thoughts.\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
She_also_found_the_princess\u8217?s_story_disturbingly_familiar._Pieces_of_old_m
yths_she\u8217?
d_read_with_her_dad_started_coming_together,_but_this_woman_could
n\u8217?t_be_the_one_she_was_thinking_of.\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
\u8220?At_any_rate,\u8221?_Her_Highness_continued,_\u8220?
my_hero_had_to_do_many
_impossible_tasks,_and_I\u8217?m_not_bragging_when_I_say_he_couldn\u8217?
t_have_
done_them_without_me._I_betrayed_my_own_family_to_win_the_hero_his_prize._An
d_st
ill_he_cheated_me_of_my_payment.\u8221?\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
\u8220?Cheated?\u8221?
_Jason_frowned,_as_if_trying_to_remember_something_importa
nt.\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
\u8220?That\u8217?s_messed_up,\u8221?_Leo_said.\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
Her_Highness_patted_his_cheek_affectionately._\u8220?I\u8217?
m_sure_you_don\u821
7?
t_need_to_worry,_Leo._You_seem_honest._You_would_always_pay_a_fair_price,_woul
dn\u8217?t_you?\u8221?\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
Leo_nodded._\u8220?What_were_we_buying_again?_I\u8217?ll_take_two.\u8221?
_\par\p
ard\plain\hyphpar}{
Piper_broke_in:_\u8220?So,_the_vial,_Your_Highness\u8212?
how_much?\u8221?\par\pa
rd\plain\hyphpar}{
The_princess_assessed_Piper\u8217?s_clothes,_her_face,_her_posture,_as_if_puttin
g_a_price_tag_on_one_slightly_used_demigod.\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
\u8220?Would_you_give_anything_for_it,_my_dear?\u8221?
_the_princess_asked._\u822
0?I_sense_that_you_would.\u8221?\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
The_words_washed_over_Piper_as_powerfully_as_a_good_surfing_wave._The_force_o
f_t
he_suggestion_nearly_lifted_her_offher_feet._She_wanted_to_pay_any_price._She_w
a
nted_to_say_yes.\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
Then_her_stomach_twisted._Piper_realized_she_was_being_charmspoken._She\u821
7?d_
sensed_something_like_it_before,_when_Drew_spoke_at_the_campfire,_but_this_was
_a
_thousand_times_more_potent._No_wonder_her_friends_were_dazed._Was_{\i
this_}was_what_people_felt_when_Piper_used_charmspeak?
_A_feeling_of_guilt_settle
d_over_her.\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
She_summoned_all_her_willpower._\u8220?No,_I_won\u8217?t_pay_{\i
any_}price._But_a_fair_price,_maybe._After_that,_we_need_to_leave._Right,_guys?\
Just_for_a_moment,_her_words_seemed_to_have_some_effect._The_boys_looked_co
nfuse
d.\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
\u8220?Leave?\u8221?_Jason_said._\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
\u8220?You_mean_\u8230?_after_shopping?\u8221?
_Leo_asked.\par\pard\plain\hyphpar
}{
Piper_wanted_to_scream,_but_the_princess_tilted_her_head,_examining_Piper_with_
n
ewfound_respect.\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
\u8220?Impressive,\u8221?_the_princess_said._\u8220?
Not_many_people_could_resist
_my_suggestions._Are_you_a_child_of_Aphrodite,_my_dear?_Ah,_yes\u8212?
I_should_h
ave_seen_it._No_matter._Perhaps_we_should_shop_a_while_longer_before_you_decid
e_
what_to_buy,_eh?\u8221?\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
\u8220?But_the_vial\u8212?\u8221?_\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
\u8220?Now,_boys.\u8221?
_She_turned_to_Jason_and_Leo._Her_voice_was_so_much_more
_powerful_than_Piper\u8217?s,_so_full_of_confidence,_Piper_didn\u8217?t_stand_a_
chance._\u8220?Would_you_like_to_see_more?\u8221?\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
\u8220?Sure,\u8221?_Jason_said._\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
\u8220?Okay,\u8221?_Leo_said.\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
\u8220?Excellent,\u8221?_the_princess_said._\u8220?You\u8217?ll_need_all_the_hel
p_you_can_get_if_you\u8217?re_to_make_it_to_the_Bay_Area.\u8221?
_\par\pard\plain
\hyphpar}{
Piper\u8217?
s_hand_moved_to_her_dagger._She_thought_about_her_dream_of_the_mount
aintop\u8212?
the_scene_Enceladus_had_shown_her,_a_place_she_knew,_where_she_was_
supposed_to_betray_her_friends_in_two_days.\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
\u8220?The_Bay_Area?\u8221?_Piper_said._\u8220?
Why_the_Bay_Area?\u8221?\par\pard
\plain\hyphpar}{
The_princess_smiled._\u8220?Well,_that\u8217?s_where_they\u8217?
ll_die,_isn\u821
7?t_it?\u8221?_\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
Then_she_led_them_toward_the_escalators,_Jason_and_Leo_still_looking_excited_to_
shop._\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
P}{\b
IPER_CORNERED_THE_PRINCESS}{\b
_}as_Jason_and_Leo_went_off_to_check_out_the_living_fur_coats.\par\pard\plain\hy
phpar}{
\u8220?You_want_them_shopping_for_their_deaths?\u8221?
_Piper_demanded._\par\pard
\plain\hyphpar}{
\u8220?Mmm.\u8221?
_The_princess_blew_dust_off_a_display_case_of_swords._\u8220?I
\u8217?m_a_seer,_my_dear._I_know_your_little_secret._But_we_don\u8217?
t_want_to_
dwell_on_that,_do_we?_The_boys_are_having_such_fun.\u8221?
ar}{
Leo_laughed_as_he_tried_on_a_hat_that_seemed_to_be_made_from_enchanted_racc
oon_f
ur._Its_ringed_tail_twitched,_and_its_little_legs_wiggled_frantically_as_Leo_wal
ked._Jason_was_ogling_the_men\u8217?
s_sportswear._Boys_interested_in_shopping_fo
r_clothes?_A_definite_sign_they_were_under_an_evil_spell.\par\pard\plain\hyphpar
}{
Piper_glared_at_the_princess._\u8220?
Who_are_you?\u8221?\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}
{
\u8220?I_told_you,_my_dear._I\u8217?m_the_Princess_of_Colchis.\u8221?_\par\pard\
plain\hyphpar}{
\u8220?Where\u8217?s_Colchis?\u8221?_\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
The_princess\u8217?s_expression_turned_a_little_sad._\u8220?Where_{\i
was_}Colchis,_you_mean._My_father_ruled_the_far_shores_of_the_Black_Sea,_as_far
_
to_the_east_as_a_Greek_ship_could_sail_in_those_days._But_Colchis_is_no_more\u82
12?lost_eons_ago.\u8221?\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
\u8220?Eons?\u8221?
_Piper_asked._The_princess_looked_no_more_than_fifty,_but_a_b
ad_feeling_started_settling_over_Piper\u8212?
something_King_Boreas_had_mentioned
_back_in_Quebec._\u8220?How_old_are_you?\u8221?\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
The_princess_laughed._\u8220?
A_lady_should_avoid_asking_or_answering_that_questi
on._Let\u8217?
s_just_say_the,_ah,_immigration_process_to_enter_your_country_took
_quite_a_while._My_patron_finally_brought_me_through._She_made_all_this_possible
.\u8221?
_The_princess_swept_her_hand_around_the_department_store.\par\pard\plain
\hyphpar}{
Piper\u8217?s_mouth_tasted_like_metal._\u8220?
Your_patron_\u8230?\u8221?\par\par
d\plain\hyphpar}{
\u8220?Oh,_yes._She_doesn\u8217?t_bring_just_anyone_through,_mind_you\u8212?
only
_those_who_have_special_talents,_such_as_me._And_really,_she_insists_on_so_littl
e\u8212?
a_store_entrance_that_must_be_underground_so_she_can,_ah,_monitor_my_cli
entele;_and_a_favor_now_and_then._In_exchange_for_a_new_life?
_Really,_it_was_the
_best_bargain_I\u8217?d_made_in_centuries.\u8221?_\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
{\i
Run,}_Piper_thought._{\i
We_have_to_get_out_of_here.}\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
But_before_she_could_even_turn_her_thoughts_into_words,_Jason_called,_\u8220?
Hey
,_check_it_out!\u8221?\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
From_a_rack_labeled_distressed_clothing,_he_held_up_a_purple_T-shirt_like_the_on
e_he\u8217?d_worn_on_the_school_field_trip\u8212?except_this_shirt_looked_as_if_
it_had_been_clawed_by_tigers.\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
Jason_frowned._\u8220?
Why_does_this_look_so_familiar?\u8221?\par\pard\plain\hyph
par}{
\u8220?Jason,_it\u8217?s_like_{\i
yours},\u8221?_Piper_said._\u8220?Now_we_really_have_to_leave.\u8221?
_But_she_wa
sn\u8217?t_sure_he_could_even_hear_her_anymore_through_the_princess\u8217?
s_ench
antment._\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
\u8220?Nonsense,\u8221?_the_princess_said._\u8220?The_boys_aren\u8217?
t_done,_ar
e_they?_And_yes,_my_dear._Those_shirts_are_very_popular\u8212?
tradeins_from_prev
ious_customers._It_suits_you.\u8221?\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
Leo_picked_up_an_orange_Camp_HalfBlood_tee_with_a_hole_through_the_middle,_as_i
f_it_had_been_hit_by_a_javelin._Next_to_that_was_a_dented_bronze_breastplate_pit
ted_with_corrosion\u8212?acid,_maybe?\u8212?
and_a_Roman_toga_slashed_to_pieces_a
nd_stained_with_something_that_looked_disturbingly_like_dried_blood._\par\pard\p
lain\hyphpar}{
\u8220?Your_Highness,\u8221?_Piper_said,_trying_to_control_her_nerves._\u8220?
Wh
y_don\u8217?t_you_tell_the_boys_how_you_betrayed_your_family?_I\u8217?
m_sure_the
y\u8217?d_like_to_hear_that_story.\u8221?\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
Her_words_didn\u8217?
t_have_any_effect_on_the_princess,_but_the_boys_turned,_sud
denly_interested.\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
\u8220?More_story?\u8221?_Leo_asked.\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
\u8220?I_like_more_story!\u8221?_Jason_agreed.\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
The_princess_flashed_Piper_an_irritated_look._\u8220?Oh,_one_will_do_strange_thi
ngs_for_love,_Piper._You_should_know_that._I_fell_for_that_young_hero,_in_fact,_
because_your_mother_Aphrodite_had_me_under_a_spell._If_it_wasn\u8217?
t_for_her\u
8212?but_I_can\u8217?
t_hold_a_grudge_against_a_goddess,_can_I?\u8221?\par\pard\p
lain\hyphpar}{
The_princess\u8217?s_tone_made_her_meaning_clear:_{\i
I_}can_{\i
take_it_out_on_you.}\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
\u8220?But_that_hero_took_you_with_him_when_he_fled_Colchis,\u8221?
_Piper_rememb
ered._\u8220?Didn\u8217?t_he,_Your_Highness?
_He_married_you_just_as_he_promised.
The_look_in_the_princess\u8217?
s_eyes_made_Piper_want_to_apologize,_but_she_didn
\u8217?t_back_down._\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
\u8220?At_first,\u8221?_Her_Highness_admitted,_\u8220?
it_seemed_he_would_keep_hi
s_word._But_even_after_I_helped_him_steal_my_father\u8217?s_treasure,_he_{\i
still_}needed_my_help._As_we_fled,_my_brother\u8217?
s_fleet_came_after_us._His_w
arships_overtook_us._He_would_have_destroyed_us,_but_I_convinced_my_brother_t
o_c
ome_aboard_our_ship_first_and_talk_under_a_flag_of_truce._He_trusted_me.\u8221?
\
\u8220?And_you_killed_your_own_brother,\u8221?_Piper_said,_the_horrible_story_al
l_coming_back_to_her,_along_with_a_name\u8212?
an_infamous_name_that_began_with_t
he_letter_{\i
M}._\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
\u8220?What?\u8221?
_Jason_stirred._For_a_moment_he_looked_almost_like_himself._\
u8220?Killed_your_own\u8212?\u8221?\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
\u8220?No,\u8221?_the_princess_snapped._\u8220?
Those_stories_are_lies._It_was_my
_new_husband_and_his_men_who_killed_my_brother,_though_they_couldn\u8217?
t_have_
done_it_without_my_deception._They_threw_his_body_into_the_sea,_and_the_pursui
ng
_fleet_had_to_stop_and_search_for_it_so_they_could_give_my_brother_a_proper_buri
al._This_gave_us_time_to_get_away._All_this,_I_did_for_my_husband._And_he_forgot
_our_bargain._He_betrayed_me_in_the_end.\u8221?\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
Jason_still_looked_uncomfortable._\u8220?What_did_he_do?\u8221?_\par\pard\plain\
hyphpar}{
The_princess_held_the_sliced-up_toga_against_Jason\u8217?s_chest,_as_if_measurin
g_him_for_an_assassination._\u8220?Don\u8217?t_you_know_the_story,_my_boy?
_You_o
f_all_people_should._You_were_named_for_him.\u8221?_\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
\u8220?Jason,\u8221?_Piper_said._\u8220?The_{\i
original_}Jason._But_then_you\u8217?re_\u8212?
you_should_be_dead!\u8221?\par\par
d\plain\hyphpar}{
The_princess_smiled._\u8220?As_I_said,_a_new_life_in_a_new_country._Certainly_I_
made_mistakes._I_turned_my_back_on_my_own_people._I_was_called_a_traitor,_a_t
hie
f,_a_liar,_a_murderess._But_I_acted_out_of_love.\u8221?_She_turned_to_the_boys_a
nd_gave_them_a_pitiful_look,_batting_her_eyelashes._Piper_could_feel_the_sorcery
_washing_over_them,_taking_control_more_firmly_than_ever._\par\pard\plain\hyphp
a
r}{
\u8220?Wouldn\u8217?
t_you_do_the_same_for_someone_you_loved,_my_dears?\u8221?\pa
\u8220?Oh,_sure,\u8221?_Jason_said._\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
\u8220?Okay,\u8221?_Leo_said.\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
\u8220?Guys!\u8221?_Piper_ground_her_teeth_in_frustration._\u8220?Don\u8217?
t_yo
u_see_who_she_is?_Don\u8217?t_you\u8212?\u8221?_\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
\u8220?Let\u8217?s_continue,_shall_we?\u8221?
_the_princess_said_breezily._\u8220
?I_believe_you_wanted_to_talk_about_a_price_for_the_storm_spirits\u8212?and_your
_satyr.\u8221?_\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
Leo_got_distracted_on_the_second_floor_with_the_appliances.\par\pard\plain\hyphp
ar}{
\u8220?No_way,\u8221?_he_said._\u8220?
Is_that_an_armored_forge?\u8221?\par\pard\
plain\hyphpar}{
Before_Piper_could_stop_him,_he_hopped_off_the_escalator_and_ran_over_to_a_big_
o
val_oven_that_looked_like_a_barbecue_on_steroids._\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
When_they_caught_up_with_him,_the_princess_said,_\u8220?
You_have_good_taste._Thi
s_is_the_H2000,_designed_by_Hephaestus_himself._Hot_enough_to_melt_Celestial_br
onze_or_Imperial_gold.\u8221?\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
Jason_flinched_as_if_he_recognized_that_term._\u8220?Imperial_gold?\u8221?\par\p
ard\plain\hyphpar}{
The_princess_nodded._\u8220?
Yes,_my_dear._Like_that_weapon_so_cleverly_concealed
_in_your_pocket._To_be_properly_forged,_Imperial_gold_had_to_be_consecrated_in_t
he_Temple_of_Jupiter_on_Capitoline_Hill_in_Rome._Quite_a_powerful_and_rare_metal
,_but_like_the_Roman_emperors,_quite_volatile._Be_sure_never_to_break_that_blade
\u8230?\u8221?_She_smiled_pleasantly._\u8220?Rome_was_{\i
after_}my_time,_of_course,_but_I_do_hear_stories._And_now_over_here\u8212?
this_g
olden_throne_is_one_of_my_finest_luxury_items._\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
Hephaestus_made_it_as_a_punishment_for_his_mother,_Hera._Sit_in_it_and_you\u82
17
?ll_be_immediately_trapped.\u8221?\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
Leo_apparently_took_this_as_an_order._He_began_walking_toward_it_in_a_trance._\p
\u8220?Leo,_don\u8217?t!\u8221?_Piper_warned.\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
He_blinked._\u8220?How_much_for_both?\u8221?_\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
\u8220?
Oh,_the_seat_I_could_let_you_have_for_five_great_deeds._The_forge,_seven_
years_of_servitude._And_for_only_a_bit_of_your_strength\u8212?\u8221?
_She_led_Le
o_into_the_appliance_section,_giving_him_prices_on_various_items.\par\pard\plain
\hyphpar}{
Piper_didn\u8217?
t_want_to_leave_him_alone_with_her,_but_she_had_to_try_reasonin
g_with_Jason._She_pulled_him_aside_and_slapped_him_across_the_face._\par\pard\p
l
ain\hyphpar}{
\u8220?Ow,\u8221?_he_muttered_sleepily._\u8220?
What_was_that_for?\u8221?\par\par
d\plain\hyphpar}{
\u8220?Snap_out_of_it!\u8221?_Piper_hissed.\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
\u8220?What_do_you_mean?\u8221?\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
\u8220?She\u8217?s_charmspeaking_you._Can\u8217?
t_you_feel_it?\u8221?\par\pard\p
lain\hyphpar}{
He_knit_his_eyebrows._\u8220?She_seems_okay.\u8221?\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
\u8220?She\u8217?s_not_okay!_She_shouldn\u8217?t_even_be_alive!
_She_was_married_
to_Jason\u8212?the_{\i
other_}Jason\u8212?
three_thousand_years_ago._Remember_what_Boreas_said\u8212?som
ething_about_the_souls_no_longer_being_confined_to_Hades?_It\u8217?
s_not_just_mo
nsters_who_can\u8217?t_stay_dead._She\u8217?
s_come_back_from_the_Underworld!\u82
Jason_shook_his_head_uneasily._\u8220?She\u8217?s_not_a_ghost.\u8221?
_\par\pard\
plain\hyphpar}{
\u8220?No,_she\u8217?s_worse!_She\u8217?s\u8212?\u8221?
{
\u8220?Children.\u8221?_The_princess_was_back_with_Leo_in_tow._\u8220?
If_you_ple
ase,_we_will_now_see_what_you_came_for._That_is_what_you_want,_yes?\u8221?\p
ar\p
ard\plain\hyphpar}{
Piper_had_to_choke_back_a_scream._She_was_tempted_to_pull_out_her_dagger_and
_tak
e_on_this_witch_herself,_but_she_didn\u8217?t_like_her_chances\u8212?not_in_the_
middle_of_Her_Highness\u8217?
s_department_store_while_her_friends_were_under_a_s
pell._Piper_couldn\u8217?t_even_be_sure_they\u8217?d_take_her_side_in_a_fight._S
he_had_to_figure_out_a_better_plan.\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
They_took_the_escalator_down_to_the_base_of_the_fountain._For_the_first_time,_Pi
per_noticed_two_large_bronze_sundials\u8212?
each_about_the_size_of_a_trampoline\
u8212?inlaid_on_the_marble_tile_floor_to_the_north_and_south_of_the_fountain._Th
e_gilded_oversize_canary_cages_stood_to_the_east_and_west,_and_the_farthest_on
e_
held_the_storm_spirits._They_were_so_densely_packed,_spinning_around_like_a_sup
e
r-concentrated_tornado,_that_Piper_couldn\u8217?
t_tell_how_many_there_were\u8212
?dozens,_at_least.\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
\u8220?Hey,\u8221?_Leo_said,_\u8220?
Coach_Hedge_looks_okay!\u8221?\par\pard\plai
n\hyphpar}{
They_ran_to_the_nearest_canary_cage._The_old_satyr_seemed_to_have_been_petrifi
ed
_at_the_moment_he_was_sucked_into_the_sky_above_the_Grand_Canyon._He_was_f
rozen_
midshout,_his_club_raised_over_his_head_like_he_was_ordering_the_gym_class_to_d
rop_and_give_him_fifty._His_curly_hair_stuck_up_at_odd_angles._If_Piper_just_con
centrated_on_certain_details\u8212?the_bright_orange_polo_shirt,_the_wispy_goate
e,_the_whistle_around_his_neck\u8212?
she_could_imagine_Coach_Hedge_as_his_good_o
ld_annoying_self._But_it_was_hard_to_ignore_the_stubby_horns_on_his_head,_and_t
h
e_fact_that_he_had_furry_goat_legs_and_hooves_instead_of_workout_pants_and_Nik
es
\u8220?Yes,\u8221?_the_princess_said._\u8220?
I_always_keep_my_wares_in_good_cond
ition._We_can_certainly_barter_for_the_storm_spirits_and_the_satyr._A_package_de
al._If_we_come_to_terms,_I\u8217?ll_even_throw_in_the_vial_of_healing_potion,_an
d_you_can_go_in_peace.\u8221?_She_gave_Piper_a_shrewd_look._\u8220?
That\u8217?s_
better_than_starting_unpleasantness,_isn\u8217?t_it,_dear?\u8221?_\par\pard\plai
n\hyphpar}{
{\i
Don\u8217?t_trust_her,_}warned_a_voice_in_her_head._If_Piper_was_right_about_thi
s_lady\u8217?
s_identity,_nobody_would_be_leaving_in_peace._A_fair_deal_wasn\u821
7?t_possible._It_was_all_a_trick._But_her_friends_were_looking_at_her,_nodding_u
rgently_and_mouthing,_{\i
Say_yes!_}Piper_needed_more_to_time_to_think.\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
\u8220?We_can_negotiate,\u8221?_she_said.\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
\u8220?Totally!\u8221?_Leo_agreed._\u8220?
Name_your_price.\u8221?\par\pard\plain
\hyphpar}{
\u8220?Leo!\u8221?_Piper_snapped.\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
The_princess_chuckled._\u8220?Name_my_price?
_Perhaps_not_the_best_haggling_strat
egy,_my_boy,_but_at_least_you_know_a_thing\u8217?
s_value._Freedom_is_very_valuab
le_indeed._You_would_ask_me_to_release_this_satyr,_who_attacked_my_storm_wind
s\u
\u8220?Who_attacked_us,\u8221?_Piper_interjected.\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
Her_Highness_shrugged._\u8220?
As_I_said,_my_patron_asks_me_for_small_favors_from
_time_to_time._Sending_the_storm_spirits_to_abduct_you\u8212?
that_was_one._I_ass
ure_you_it_was_nothing_personal._And_no_harm_done,_as_you_came_here,_in_the_
end,
_of_your_own_free_will!
_At_any_rate,_you_want_the_satyr_freed,_and_you_want_my_s
torm_spirits\u8212?who_are_very_valuable_servants,_by_the_way\u8212?
so_you_can_h
and_them_over_to_that_tyrant_Aeolus._Doesn\u8217?t_seem_quite_fair,_does_it?
_The
_price_will_be_high.\u8221?\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
Piper_could_see_that_her_friends_were_ready_to_offer_anything,_promise_anything.
_Before_they_could_speak,_she_played_her_last_card._\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
\u8220?You\u8217?re_Medea,\u8221?_she_said._\u8220?
You_helped_the_original_Jason
_steal_the_Golden_Fleece._You\u8217?
re_one_of_the_most_evil_villains_in_Greek_my
thology._Jason,_Leo\u8212?don\u8217?t_trust_her.\u8221?_\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}
{
Piper_put_all_the_intensity_she_could_gather_into_those_words._She_was_utterly_s
incere,_and_it_seemed_to_have_some_effect._Jason_stepped_away_from_the_sorcer
ess
Leo_scratched_his_head_and_looked_around_like_he_was_coming_out_of_a_dream.\
par\
\u8220?What_are_we_doing,_again?\u8221?\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
\u8220?Boys!\u8221?
_The_princess_spread_her_hands_in_a_welcoming_gesture._Her_di
amond_jewelry_glittered,_and_her_painted_fingers_curled_like_blood-tipped_claws.
_\u8220?It\u8217?s_true,_I\u8217?m_Medea._But_I\u8217?
m_so_misunderstood._Oh,_Pi
per,_my_dear,_you_don\u8217?
t_know_what_it_was_like_for_women_in_the_old_days._W
e_had_no_power,_no_leverage._Often_we_couldn\u8217?
t_even_choose_our_own_husband
s._But_{\i
I_}was_different._I_chose_my_own_destiny_by_becoming_a_sorceress._Is_that_so_wr
o
ng?
_I_made_a_pact_with_Jason:_my_help_to_win_the_fleece,_in_exchange_for_his_lov
e._A_fair_deal._He_became_a_famous_hero!_Without_me,_he_would\u8217?
ve_died_unkn
own_on_the_shores_of_Colchis.\u8221?_\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
Jason\u8212?Piper\u8217?s_Jason\u8212?scowled._\u8220?Then_\u8230?
_you_really_di
d_die_three_thousand_years_ago?_You_came_back_from_the_Underworld?\u8221?
_\par\p
ard\plain\hyphpar}{
\u8220?Death_no_longer_holds_me,_young_hero,\u8221?_Medea_said._\u8220?
Thanks_to
_my_patron,_I_am_flesh_and_blood_again.\u8221?\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
\u8220?You_\u8230?_re-formed?\u8221?_Leo_blinked._\u8220?
Like_a_monster?\u8221?_
Medea_spread_her_fingers,_and_steam_hissed_from_her_nails,_like_water_splashed_
o
n_hot_iron._\u8220?You_have_no_idea_what\u8217?
s_happening,_do_you,_my_dears?_It
_is_so_much_worse_than_a_stirring_of_monsters_from_Tartarus._My_patron_knows_t
ha
t_giants_and_monsters_are_not_her_greatest_servants._{\i
I_}am_mortal._I_learn_from_my_mistakes._And_now_that_I_have_returned_to_the_liv
i
ng,_I_will_not_be_cheated_again._Now,_here_is_my_price_for_what_you_ask.\u8221?
\
\u8220?Guys,\u8221?_Piper_said._\u8220?
The_original_Jason_left_Medea_because_she
_was_crazy_and_bloodthirsty.\u8221?\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
\u8220?Lies!\u8221?_Medea_said._\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
\u8220?On_the_way_back_from_Colchis,_Jason\u8217?
s_ship_landed_at_another_kingdo
m,_and_Jason_agreed_to_dump_Medea_and_marry_the_king\u8217?
s_daughter.\u8221?\pa
\u8220?After_I_bore_him_two_children!\u8221?_Medea_said._\u8220?
Still_he_broke_h
is_promise!_I_ask_you,_was_that_right?\u8221?\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
Jason_and_Leo_dutifully_shook_their_heads,_but_Piper_wasn\u8217?t_through.\par\p
ard\plain\hyphpar}{
\u8220?It_may_not_have_been_right,\u8221?_she_said,_\u8220?
but_neither_was_Medea
\u8217?
s_revenge._She_murdered_her_own_children_to_get_back_at_Jason._She_poison
ed_his_new_wife_and_fled_the_kingdom.\u8221?\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
Medea_snarled._\u8220?An_invention_to_ruin_my_reputation!
_The_people_of_the_Cori
nth\u8212?that_unruly_mob\u8212?
killed_my_children_and_drove_me_out._Jason_did_n
othing_to_protect_me._He_robbed_me_of_everything._So_yes,_I_sneaked_back_into_
th
e_palace_and_poisoned_his_lovely_new_bride._It_was_only_fair\u8212?a_suitable_pr
ice.\u8221?\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
\u8220?You\u8217?re_insane,\u8221?_Piper_said.\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
\u8220?I_am_the_victim!\u8221?_Medea_wailed._\u8220?
I_died_with_my_dreams_shatte
red,_but_no_longer._I_know_now_not_to_trust_heroes._When_they_come_asking_for_
tr
easures,_they_will_pay_a_heavy_price._Especially_when_the_one_asking_has_the_na
m
e_of_Jason!\u8221?\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
The_fountain_turned_bright_red._Piper_drew_her_dagger,_but_her_hand_was_shakin
g_
almost_too_badly_to_hold_it._\u8220?Jason,_Leo\u8212?it\u8217?s_time_to_go._{\i
Now}.\u8221?_\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
\u8220?Before_you\u8217?ve_closed_the_deal?\u8221?_Medea_asked._\u8220?
What_of_y
our_quest,_boys?_And_my_price_is_so_easy._Did_you_know_this_fountain_is_magic?
_I
f_a_dead_man_were_to_be_thrown_into_it,_even_if_he_was_chopped_to_pieces,_he_
wou
ld_pop_back_out_fully_formed\u8212?
stronger_and_more_powerful_than_ever.\u8221?\
\u8220?Seriously?\u8221?_Leo_asked.\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
\u8220?Leo,_she\u8217?s_lying,\u8221?_Piper_said._\u8220?She_did_that_trick_with
_somebody_before\u8212?
a_king,_I_think._She_convinced_his_daughters_to_cut_him_t
o_pieces_so_he_could_come_out_of_the_water_young_and_healthy_again,_but_it_jus
t_
killed_him!\u8221?\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
\u8220?Ridiculous,\u8221?
_Medea_said,_and_Piper_could_hear_the_power_charged_in_
every_syllable._\u8220?Leo,_Jason\u8212?my_price_is_so_simple._Why_don\u8217?
t_y
ou_two_fight?_If_you_get_injured,_or_even_killed,_no_problem._We\u8217?ll_just_t
hrow_you_into_the_fountain_and_you\u8217?ll_be_better_than_ever._You_{\i
do_}want_to_fight,_don\u8217?t_you?_You_resent_each_other!\u8221?
_\par\pard\plai
n\hyphpar}{
\u8220?Guys,_no!\u8221?
_Piper_said._But_they_were_already_glaring_at_each_other,
_as_if_it_was_just_dawning_on_them_how_they_really_felt._\par\pard\plain\hyphpar
}{
Piper_had_never_felt_more_helpless._Now_she_understood_what_real_sorcery_looke
d_
like._She\u8217?
d_always_thought_magic_meant_wands_and_fireballs,_but_this_was_w
orse._Medea_didn\u8217?
t_just_rely_on_poisons_and_potions._Her_most_potent_weapo
n_was_her_voice._\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
Leo_scowled._\u8220?Jason\u8217?
s_always_the_star._He_always_gets_the_attention_
and_takes_me_for_granted.\u8221?\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
\u8220?You\u8217?re_annoying,_Leo,\u8221?_Jason_said._\u8220?
You_never_take_anyt
hing_seriously._You_can\u8217?t_even_fix_a_dragon.\u8221?_\par\pard\plain\hyphpa
r}{
\u8220?Stop!\u8221?_Piper_pleaded,_but_both_drew_weapons\u8212?
Jason_his_gold_sw
ord,_and_Leo_a_hammer_from_his_tool_belt.\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
\u8220?Let_them_go,_Piper,\u8221?_Medea_urged._\u8220?I\u8217?
m_doing_you_a_favo
r._Let_it_happen_now,_and_it_will_make_your_choice_so_much_easier._Enceladus_wi
l
l_be_pleased._You_could_have_your_father_back_today!\u8221?\par\pard\plain\hyph
p
ar}{
Medea\u8217?s_charmspeak_didn\u8217?
t_work_on_her,_but_the_sorceress_still_had_a
_persuasive_voice._{\i
Her_father_back_today?
_}Despite_her_best_intentions,_Piper_wanted_that._She_want
ed_her_father_back_so_much,_it_hurt._\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
\u8220?You_work_for_Enceladus,\u8221?_she_said._\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
Medea_laughed._\u8220?Serve_a_giant?
_No._But_we_all_serve_the_same_greater_cause
\u8212?
a_patron_you_cannot_begin_to_challenge._Walk_away,_child_of_Aphrodite._Th
is_does_not_have_to_be_your_death,_too._Save_yourself,_and_your_father_can_go_f
r
ee.\u8221?\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
Leo_and_Jason_were_still_facing_off,_ready_to_fight,_but_they_looked_unsteady_an
d_confused\u8212?waiting_for_another_order._Part_of_them_had_to_be_resisting,_Pi
per_hoped._This_went_completely_against_their_nature.\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
\u8220?Listen_to_me,_girl.\u8221?
_Medea_plucked_a_diamond_off_her_bracelet_and_t
hrew_it_into_a_spray_of_water_from_the_fountain._As_it_passed_through_the_multic
olored_light,_Medea_said,_\u8220?
O_Iris,_goddess_of_the_rainbow,_show_me_the_off
ice_of_Tristan_McLean.\u8221?_\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
The_mist_shimmered,_and_Piper_saw_her_father\u8217?
s_study._Sitting_behind_his_d
esk,_talking_on_the_phone,_was_her_dad\u8217?s_assistant,_Jane,_in_her_dark_busi
ness_suit,_her_hair_swirled_in_a_tight_bun._\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
\u8220?Hello,_Jane,\u8221?_Medea_said._\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
Jane_hung_up_the_phone_calmly._\u8220?How_can_I_help_you,_ma\u8217?am?
_Hello,_Pi
per.\u8221?\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
\u8220?You\u8212?\u8221?
_Piper_was_so_angry_she_could_hardly_talk.\par\pard\plai
n\hyphpar}{
\u8220?Yes,_child,\u8221?_Medea_said._\u8220?Your_father\u8217?
s_assistant._Quit
e_easy_to_manipulate._An_organized_mind_for_a_mortal,_but_incredibly_weak.\u82
21
\u8220?Thank_you,_ma\u8217?am,\u8221?_Jane_said._\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
\u8220?Don\u8217?t_mention_it,\u8221?_Medea_said._\u8220?
I_just_wanted_to_congra
tulate_you,_Jane._Getting_Mr._McLean_to_leave_town_so_suddenly,_take_his_jet_to_
Oakland_without_alerting_the_press_or_the_police\u8212?well_done!
_No_one_seems_t
o_know_where_he\u8217?s_gone._And_telling_him_his_daughter\u8217?
s_life_was_on_t
he_line\u8212?that_was_a_nice_touch_to_get_his_cooperation.\u8221?\par\pard\plai
n\hyphpar}{
\u8220?Yes,\u8221?
_Jane_agreed_in_a_bland_tone,_as_if_she_were_sleepwalking._\u8
220?
He_was_quite_cooperative_when_he_believed_Piper_was_in_danger.\u8221?\par\pa
rd\plain\hyphpar}{
Piper_looked_down_at_her_dagger._The_blade_trembled_in_her_hand._She_couldn\u
821
7?t_use_it_for_a_weapon_any_better_than_Helen_of_Troy_could,_but_it_was_still_a_
looking_glass,_and_what_she_saw_in_it_was_a_scared_girl_with_no_chance_of_winni
n
g.\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
\u8220?I_may_have_new_orders_for_you,_Jane,\u8221?_Medea_said._\u8220?
If_the_gir
l_cooperates,_it_may_be_time_for_Mr._McLean_to_come_home._Would_you_arrange_
a_su
itable_cover_story_for_his_absence,_just_in_case?_And_I_imagine_the_poor_man_wil
l_need_some_time_in_a_psychiatric_hospital.\u8221?\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
\u8220?Yes,_ma\u8217?am._I_will_stand_by.\u8221?\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
The_image_faded,_and_Medea_turned_to_Piper._\u8220?There,_you_see?\u8221?
_\par\p
ard\plain\hyphpar}{
\u8220?You_lured_my_dad_into_a_trap,\u8221?_Piper_said._\u8220?
You_helped_the_gi
ant\u8212?\u8221?\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
\u8220?Oh,_please,_dear._You\u8217?ll_work_yourself_into_a_fit!_I\u8217?ve_been_
preparing_for_this_war_for_years,_even_before_I_was_brought_back_to_life._I\u821
7?m_a_seer,_as_I_said._I_can_tell_the_future_as_well_as_your_little_oracle._Year
s_ago,_still_suffering_in_the_Fields_of_Punishment,_I_had_a_vision_of_the_seven_
in_your_socalled_Great_Prophecy._I_saw_your_friend_Leo_here,_and_saw_that_he_wo
uld_be_an_important_enemy_someday._I_stirred_the_consciousness_of_my_patron,_
gav
e_her_this_information,_and_she_managed_to_wake_just_a_little\u8212?
just_enough_
to_visit_him.\u8221?\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
\u8220?Leo\u8217?s_mother,\u8221?_Piper_said._\u8220?Leo,_listen_to_this!
_She_he
lped_get_your_mother_killed!\u8221?\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
\u8220?Uh-huh,\u8221?
_Leo_mumbled,_in_a_daze._He_frowned_at_his_hammer._\u8220?S
o_\u8230?_I_just_attack_Jason?_That\u8217?
s_okay?\u8221?\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}
{
\u8220?Perfectly_safe,\u8221?_Medea_promised._\u8220?
And_Jason,_strike_him_hard.
_Show_me_you_are_worthy_of_your_namesake.\u8221?\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
\u8220?No!\u8221?_Piper_ordered._She_knew_it_was_her_last_chance._\u8220?
Jason,_
Leo\u8212?she\u8217?
s_tricking_you._Put_down_your_weapons.\u8221?\par\pard\plain
\hyphpar}{
The_sorceress_rolled_her_eyes._\u8220?Please,_girl._You\u8217?
re_no_match_for_me
.
_I_trained_with_my_aunt,_the_immortal_Circe._I_can_drive_men_mad_or_heal_them_
w
ith_my_voice._What_hope_do_these_puny_young_heroes_have_against_me?
_Now,_boys,_k
ill_each_other!\u8221?_\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
\u8220?Jason,_Leo,_listen_to_me.\u8221?_Piper_put_all_of_her_emotion_into_her_vo
ice._For_years_she\u8217?
d_been_trying_to_control_herself_and_not_show_weakness,
_but_now_she_poured_everything_into_her_words\u8212?
her_fear,_her_desperation,_h
er_anger._She_knew_she_might_be_signing_her_dad\u8217?
s_death_warrant,_but_she_c
ared_too_much_about_her_friends_to_let_them_hurt_each_other._\u8220?
Medea_is_cha
rming_you._It\u8217?s_part_of_her_magic._You_are_best_friends._Don\u8217?t_fight
_each_other._Fight_{\i
her}!\u8221?_\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
They_hesitated,_and_Piper_could_feel_the_spell_shatter.\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
Jason_blinked._\u8220?Leo,_was_I_just_about_to_stab_you?\u8221?\par\pard\plain\h
yphpar}{
\u8220?Something_about_my_mother_\u8230?_?\u8221?
_Leo_frowned,_then_turned_towar
d_Medea._\u8220?You_\u8230?_you\u8217?
re_working_for_Dirt_Woman._You_sent_her_to
_the_machine_shop.\u8221?_He_lifted_his_arm._\u8220?Lady,_I_got_a_threepound_ha
mmer_with_your_name_on_it.\u8221?_\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
\u8220?Bah!\u8221?_Medea_sneered._\u8220?I\u8217?
ll_simply_collect_payment_anoth
er_way.\u8221?\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
She_pressed_one_of_the_mosaic_tiles_on_the_floor,_and_the_building_rumbled._Jaso
n_swung_his_sword_at_Medea,_but_she_dissolved_into_smoke_and_reappeared_at_t
he_b
ase_of_the_escalator._\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
\u8220?You\u8217?re_slow,_hero!\u8221?_She_laughed._\u8220?
Take_your_frustration
_out_on_my_pets!\u8221?\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
Before_Jason_could_go_after_her,_the_giant_bronze_sundials_at_either_end_of_the_
fountain_swung_open._Two_snarling_gold_beasts\u8212?flesh-andblood_winged_drago
ns\u8212?
crawled_out_from_the_pits_below._Each_was_the_size_of_a_camper_van,_may
be_not_large_compared_to_Festus,_but_large_enough.\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
\u8220?So_that\u8217?s_what\u8217?s_in_the_kennels,\u8221?
_Leo_said_meekly.\par\
The_dragons_spread_their_wings_and_hissed._Piper_could_feel_the_heat_coming_off
_
their_glittering_skin._One_turned_his_angry_orange_eyes_on_her.\par\pard\plain\h
yphpar}{
\u8220?Don\u8217?t_look_them_in_the_eye!\u8221?_Jason_warned._\u8220?
They\u8217?
ll_paralyze_you.\u8221?_\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
\u8220?Indeed!\u8221?
_Medea_was_leisurely_riding_the_escalator_up,_leaning_again
st_the_handrail_as_she_watched_the_fun._\u8220?
These_two_dears_have_been_with_me
_a_long_time\u8212?
sun_dragons,_you_know,_gifts_from_my_grandfather_Helios._They
_pulled_my_chariot_when_I_left_Corinth,_and_now_they_will_be_your_destruction._T
a-ta!\u8221?_\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
The_dragons_lunged._Leo_and_Jason_charged_to_intercept._Piper_was_amazed_how
_fea
rlessly_the_boys_attacked\u8212?
working_like_a_team_who_had_trained_together_for
_years.\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
Medea_was_almost_to_the_second_floor,_where_she\u8217?
d_be_able_to_choose_from_a
_wide_assortment_of_deadly_appliances.\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
\u8220?Oh,_no,_you_don\u8217?t,\u8221?
_Piper_growled,_and_took_off_after_her.\pa
When_Medea_spotted_Piper,_she_started_climbing_in_earnest._She_was_quick_for_a
_t
hree-thousand-year-old_lady._Piper_climbed_at_top_speed,_taking_the_steps_three_
at_a_time,_and_still_she_couldn\u8217?t_catch_her._Medea_didn\u8217?t_stop_at_fl
oor_two._She_hopped_the_next_escalator_and_continued_to_ascend.\par\pard\plain\
h
yphpar}{
The_potions,_Piper_thought._Of_course_that\u8217?
s_what_she_would_go_for._She_wa
s_famous_for_potions.\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
Down_below,_Piper_heard_the_battle_raging._Leo_was_blowing_his_safety_whistle,_
a
nd_Jason_was_yelling_to_keep_the_dragons\u8217?_attention._Piper_didn\u8217?
t_da
re_look\u8212?
not_while_she_was_running_with_a_dagger_in_her_hand._She_could_jus
t_see_herself_tripping_and_stabbing_herself_in_the_nose._That_would_be_super_her
oic._\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
She_grabbed_a_shield_from_an_armored_manikin_on_floor_three_and_continued_to_
cli
mb._She_imagined_Coach_Hedge_yelling_in_her_mind,_just_like_back_in_gym_class
_at
_Wilderness_School:_{\i
Move_it,_McLean!_You_call_that_escalator-climbing?_}\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
She_reached_the_top_floor,_breathing_hard,_but_she_was_too_late._Medea_had_rea
ch
ed_the_potions_counter.\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
The_sorceress_grabbed_a_swan-shaped_vial\u8212?
the_blue_one_that_caused_painful_
death\u8212?
and_Piper_did_the_only_thing_that_came_to_mind._She_threw_her_shield
._\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
Medea_turned_triumphantly_just_in_time_to_get_hit_in_the_chest_by_a_fifty-pound_
metal_Frisbee._She_stumbled_backward,_crashing_over_the_counter,_breaking_vials
_
and_knocking_down_shelves._When_the_sorceress_stood_from_the_wreckage,_her_
dress
_was_stained_a_dozen_different_colors._Many_of_the_stains_were_smoldering_and_
gl
owing.\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
\u8220?Fool!\u8221?_Medea_wailed._\u8220?
Do_you_have_any_idea_what_so_many_potio
ns_will_do_when_mixed?\u8221?\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
\u8220?Kill_you?\u8221?_Piper_said_hopefully.\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
The_carpet_began_to_steam_around_Medea\u8217?
s_feet._She_coughed,_and_her_face_c
ontorted_in_pain\u8212?or_was_she_faking?\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
Below,_Leo_called,_\u8220?Jason,_help!\u8221?\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
Piper_risked_a_quick_look,_and_almost_sobbed_in_despair._One_of_the_dragons_ha
d_
Leo_pinned_to_the_floor._It_was_baring_its_fangs,_ready_to_snap._Jason_was_all_t
he_way_across_the_room_battling_the_other_dragon,_much_too_far_away_to_assist.
\p
\u8220?You\u8217?ve_doomed_us_all!\u8221?
_Medea_screamed._Smoke_was_rolling_acro
ss_the_carpet_as_the_stain_spread,_throwing_sparks_and_setting_fires_in_the_clot
hing_racks._\u8220?
You_have_only_seconds_before_this_concoction_consumes_everyth
ing_and_destroys_the_building._There\u8217?s_no_time\u8212?\u8221?
_\par\pard\pla
in\hyphpar}{
{\i
CRASH!_}The_stained_glass_ceiling_splintered_in_a_rain_of_multicolored_shards,_a
nd_Festus_the_bronze_dragon_dropped_into_the_department_store._\par\pard\plain\
h
yphpar}{
He_hurtled_into_the_fray,_snatching_up_a_sun_dragon_in_each_claw._Only_now_did
_P
iper_appreciate_just_how_big_and_strong_their_metal_friend_was._\par\pard\plain\
hyphpar}{
\u8220?That\u8217?s_my_boy!\u8221?_Leo_yelled.\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
Festus_flew_halfway_up_the_atrium,_then_hurled_the_sun_dragons_into_the_pits_th
e
y\u8217?
d_come_from._Leo_raced_to_the_fountain_and_pressed_the_marble_tile,_clos
ing_the_sundials._They_shuddered_as_the_dragons_banged_against_them,_trying_t
o_g
et_out,_but_for_the_moment_they_were_contained.\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
Medea_cursed_in_some_ancient_language._The_whole_fourth_floor_was_on_fire_now
._T
he_air_filled_with_noxious_gas._Even_with_the_roof_open,_Piper_could_feel_the_he
at_intensifying._She_backed_up_to_the_edge_of_the_railing,_keeping_her_dagger_po
inted_toward_Medea.\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
\u8220?I_will_not_be_abandoned_again!\u8221?
_The_sorceress_knelt_and_snatched_up
_the_red_healing_potion,_which_had_somehow_survived_the_crash._\u8220?
You_want_y
our_boyfriend\u8217?s_memory_restored?
_Take_me_with_you!\u8221?\par\pard\plain\h
yphpar}{
Piper_glanced_behind_her._Leo_and_Jason_were_on_board_Festus\u8217?
s_back._The_b
ronze_dragon_flapped_his_mighty_wings,_snatched_the_two_cages_with_the_satyr_
and
_the_storm_spirits_in_his_claws,_and_began_to_ascend.\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
The_building_rumbled._Fire_and_the_smoke_curled_up_the_walls,_melting_the_railin
gs,_turning_the_air_to_acid.\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
\u8220?You\u8217?ll_never_survive_your_quest_without_me!\u8221?
_Medea_growled._\
u8220?Your_boy_hero_will_stay_ignorant_forever,_and_your_father_will_die._Take_m
e_with_you!\u8221?\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
For_one_heartbeat,_Piper_was_tempted._Then_she_saw_Medea\u8217?
s_grim_smile._The
_sorceress_was_confident_in_her_powers_of_persuasion,_confident_that_she_could_
a
lways_make_a_deal,_always_escape_and_win_in_the_end.\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
\u8220?Not_today,_witch.\u8221?
_Piper_jumped_over_the_side._She_plummeted_for_on
ly_a_second_before_Leo_and_Jason_caught_her,_hauling_her_aboard_the_dragon.\pa
r\
She_heard_Medea_screaming_in_rage_as_they_soared_through_the_broken_roof_an
d_ove
r_downtown_Chicago._Then_the_department_store_exploded_behind_them._\par\par
d\pl
ain\hyphpar}{
L}{\b
EO_KEPT_LOOKING_BACK.}{\b
_H}{\b
E_HALF_EXPECTED}{\b
_}to_see_those_nasty_sun_dragons_toting_a_flying_chariot_with_a_screaming_magi
ca
l_saleswoman_throwing_potions,_but_nothing_followed_them._\par\pard\plain\hyphp
a
r}{
He_steered_the_dragon_toward_the_southwest._Eventually,_the_smoke_from_the_b
urni
ng_department_store_faded_in_the_distance,_but_Leo_didn\u8217?
t_relax_until_the_
suburbs_of_Chicago_gave_way_to_snowy_fields,_and_the_sun_began_to_set.\par\par
d\
plain\hyphpar}{
\u8220?Good_job,_Festus.\u8221?_He_patted_the_dragon\u8217?
s_metal_hide._\u8220?
You_did_awesome.\u8221?_\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
The_dragon_shuddered._Gears_popped_and_clicked_in_his_neck._\par\pard\plain\hy
ph
par}{
Leo_frowned._He_didn\u8217?t_like_those_noises._If_the_control_disk_was_failing_
again\u8212?
No,_hopefully_it_was_something_minor._Something_he_could_fix.\par\pa
rd\plain\hyphpar}{
\u8220?I\u8217?ll_give_you_a_tune-up_next_time_we_land,\u8221?
_Leo_promised._\u8
220?You\u8217?ve_earned_some_motor_oil_and_Tabasco_sauce.\u8221?
_\par\pard\plain
\hyphpar}{
Festus_whirled_his_teeth,_but_even_that_sounded_weak._He_flew_at_a_steady_pace
,_
his_great_wings_angling_to_catch_the_wind,_but_he_was_carrying_a_heavy_load._T
wo
_cages_in_his_claws_plus_three_people_on_his_back\u8212?
the_more_Leo_thought_abo
ut_it,_the_more_worried_he_got._Even_metal_dragons_had_limits.\par\pard\plain\hy
phpar}{
\u8220?Leo.\u8221?_Piper_patted_his_shoulder._\u8220?
You_feeling_okay?\u8221?\pa
\u8220?Yeah_\u8230?_not_bad_for_a_brainwashed_zombie.\u8221?
_He_hoped_he_didn\u8
217?t_look_as_embarrassed_as_he_felt._\u8220?
Thanks_for_saving_us_back_there,_be
auty_queen._If_you_hadn\u8217?
t_talked_me_out_of_that_spell\u8212?\u8221?\par\pa
rd\plain\hyphpar}{
\u8220?Don\u8217?t_worry_about_it,\u8221?_Piper_said.\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
But_Leo_worried_a_lot._He_felt_terrible_about_how_easily_Medea_had_set_him_agai
n
st_his_best_friend._And_those_feelings_hadn\u8217?t_come_from_nowhere\u8212?
his_
resentment_of_the_way_Jason_always_got_the_spotlight_and_didn\u8217?
t_really_see
m_to_need_him._Leo_did_feel_that_way_sometimes,_even_if_he_wasn\u8217?
t_proud_of
_it.\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
What_bothered_him_more_was_the_news_about_his_mom._Medea_had_seen_the_fu
ture_dow
n_in_the_Underworld._That_was_how_her_patron,_the_woman_in_the_black_earthen
_rob
es,_had_come_to_the_machine_shop_seven_years_ago_to_scare_him,_ruin_his_life._
Th
at\u8217?s_how_his_mother_had_died\u8212?
because_of_something_Leo_might_do_somed
ay._So_in_a_weird_way,_even_if_his_fire_powers_weren\u8217?
t_to_blame,_Mom\u8217
?s_death_was_{\i
still_}his_fault._\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
When_they_had_left_Medea_in_that_exploding_store,_Leo_had_felt_a_little_too_good
._He_hoped_she_wouldn\u8217?
t_make_it_out,_and_would_go_right_back_to_the_Fields
_of_Punishment,_where_she_belonged._Those_feelings_didn\u8217?
t_make_him_proud,_
either.\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
And_if_souls_were_coming_back_from_the_Underworld_\u8230?
was_it_possible_Leo\u82
17?s_mom_could_be_brought_back?_\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
He_tried_to_put_the_idea_aside._That_was_Frankenstein_thinking._It_wasn\u8217?t_
natural._It_wasn\u8217?t_right._Medea_might\u8217?
ve_been_brought_back_to_life,_
but_she_hadn\u8217?
t_seemed_quite_human,_with_the_hissing_nails_and_the_glowing_
head_and_whatnot.\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
No,_Leo\u8217?
s_mom_had_passed_on._Thinking_any_other_way_would_just_drive_Leo_n
uts._Still,_the_thought_kept_poking_at_him,_like_an_echo_of_Medea\u8217?s_voice.
\u8220?We\u8217?re_going_to_have_to_put_down_soon,\u8221?
_he_warned_his_friends.
_\u8220?Couple_more_hours,_maybe,_to_make_sure_Medea\u8217?
s_not_following_us._I
_don\u8217?t_think_Festus_can_fly_much_longer_than_that.\u8221?_\par\pard\plain\
hyphpar}{
\u8220?Yeah,\u8221?_Piper_agreed._\u8220?
Coach_Hedge_probably_wants_to_get_out_o
f_his_canary_cage,_too._Question_is\u8212?
where_are_we_going?\u8221?\par\pard\pl
ain\hyphpar}{
\u8220?The_Bay_Area,\u8221?
_Leo_guessed._His_memories_of_the_department_store_we
re_fuzzy,_but_he_seemed_to_remember_hearing_that._\u8220?Didn\u8217?
t_Medea_say_
something_about_Oakland?\u8221?\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
Piper_didn\u8217?t_respond_for_so_long,_Leo_wondered_if_he\u8217?
d_said_somethin
g_wrong.\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
\u8220?Piper\u8217?s_dad,\u8221?_Jason_put_in._\u8220?Something\u8217?
s_happened
_to_your_dad,_right?_He_got_lured_into_some_kind_of_trap.\u8221?\par\pard\plain\
hyphpar}{
Piper_let_out_a_shaky_breath._\u8220?Look,_Medea_said_you_would_both_{\i
die_}in_the_Bay_Area._And_besides_\u8230?
_even_if_we_went_there,_the_Bay_Area_is
_huge!_First_we_need_to_find_Aeolus_and_drop_off_the_storm_spirits._Boreas_said_
Aeolus_was_the_only_one_who_could_tell_us_exactly_where_to_go.\u8221?\par\pard
\p
lain\hyphpar}{
Leo_grunted._\u8220?So_how_do_we_find_Aeolus?\u8221?\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
Jason_leaned_forward._\u8220?You_mean_you_don\u8217?t_see_it?\u8221?
_He_pointed_
ahead_of_them,_but_Leo_didn\u8217?
t_see_anything_except_clouds_and_the_lights_of
_a_few_towns_glowing_in_the_dusk._\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
\u8220?What?\u8221?_Leo_asked._\u8220?That_\u8230?_whatever_it_is,\u8221?
_Jason_
said._\u8220?In_the_air.\u8221?_\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
Leo_glanced_back._Piper_looked_just_as_confused_as_he_was.\par\pard\plain\hyphp
a
r}{
\u8220?Right,\u8221?_Leo_said._\u8220?
Could_you_be_more_specific_on_the_\u8216?w
hatever-it-is\u8217?_part?\u8221?\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
\u8220?Like_a_vapor_trail,\u8221?_Jason_said._\u8220?Except_it\u8217?s_glowing._
Really_faint,_but_it\u8217?s_definitely_there._We\u8217?ve_been_following_it_sin
ce_Chicago,_so_I_figured_you_saw_it.\u8221?\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
Leo_shook_his_head._\u8220?
Maybe_Festus_can_sense_it._You_think_Aeolus_made_it?\
\u8220?Well,_it\u8217?s_a_magic_trail_in_the_wind,\u8221?_Jason_said._\u8220?
Aeo
lus_is_the_wind_god._I_think_he_knows_we\u8217?
ve_got_prisoners_for_him._He\u821
7?s_telling_us_where_to_fly.\u8221?\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
\u8220?Or_it\u8217?s_another_trap,\u8221?_Piper_said.\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
Her_tone_worried_Leo._She_didn\u8217?
t_just_sound_nervous._She_sounded_broken_wi
th_despair,_like_they\u8217?d_already_sealed_their_fate,_and_like_it_was_her_fau
lt._\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
\u8220?Pipes,_you_all_right?\u8221?_he_asked.\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
\u8220?Don\u8217?t_call_me_that.\u8221?_\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
\u8220?Okay,_fine._You_don\u8217?
t_like_any_of_the_names_I_make_up_for_you._But_
if_your_dad\u8217?s_in_trouble_and_we_can_help\u8212?\u8221?
hpar}{
\u8220?You_can\u8217?t,\u8221?_she_said,_her_voice_getting_shakier._\u8220?
Look,
_I\u8217?m_tired._If_you_don\u8217?t_mind_\u8230?\u8221?
}{
She_leaned_back_against_Jason_and_closed_her_eyes.\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
All_right,_Leo_thought\u8212?pretty_clear_signal_she_didn\u8217?t_want_to_talk._
They_flew_in_silence_for_a_while._Festus_seemed_to_know_where_he_was_going._H
e_k
ept_his_course,_gently_curving_toward_the_southwest_and_hopefully_Aeolus\u8217
?s
_fortress._Another_wind_god_to_visit,_a_whole_new_flavor_of_crazy\u8212?Oh,_boy,
_Leo_couldn\u8217?t_wait._\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
He_had_way_too_much_on_his_mind_to_sleep,_but_now_that_he_was_out_danger,_h
is_bo
dy_had_different_ideas._His_energy_level_was_crashing._The_monotonous_beat_of_t
h
e_dragon\u8217?
s_wings_made_his_eyes_feel_heavy._His_head_started_to_nod.\par\pa
rd\plain\hyphpar}{
\u8220?Catch_a_few_Z\u8217?s,\u8221?_Jason_said._\u8220?It\u8217?
s_cool._Hand_me
_the_reins.\u8221?_\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
\u8220?Nah,_I\u8217?m_okay\u8212?\u8221?\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
\u8220?Leo,\u8221?_Jason_said,_\u8220?you\u8217?
re_not_a_machine._Besides,_I\u82
17?m_the_only_one_who_can_see_the_vapor_trail._I\u8217?
ll_make_sure_we_stay_on_c
ourse.\u8221?_\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
Leo\u8217?s_eyes_started_to_close_on_their_own._\u8220?All_right._Maybe_just_\u8
He_didn\u8217?
t_finish_the_sentence_before_slumping_forward_against_the_dragon\u
8217?s_warm_neck._\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
In_his_dream,_he_heard_a_voice_full_of_static,_like_a_bad_AM_radio:_\u8220?Hello
?_Is_this_thing_working?\u8221?\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
Leo\u8217?s_vision_came_into_focus\u8212?
sort_of._Everything_was_hazy_and_gray,_
with_bands_of_interference_running_across_his_sight._He\u8217?
d_never_dreamed_wi
th_a_bad_connection_before._\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
He_seemed_to_be_in_a_workshop._Out_of_the_corners_of_his_eyes_he_saw_bench_s
aws,
_metal_lathes,_and_tool_cages._A_forge_glowed_cheerfully_against_one_wall.\par\p
ard\plain\hyphpar}{
It_wasn\u8217?t_the_camp_forge\u8212?too_big._Not_Bunker_9\u8212?
much_warmer_and
_more_comfortable,_obviously_not_abandoned.\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
Then_Leo_realized_something_was_blocking_the_middle_of_his_view\u8212?
something_
large_and_fuzzy,_and_so_close,_Leo_had_to_cross_his_eyes_to_see_it_properly._It_
was_a_large_ugly_face._\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
\u8220?Holy_mother!\u8221?_he_yelped.\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
The_face_backed_away_and_came_into_focus._Staring_down_at_him_was_a_bearde
d_man_
in_grimy_blue_coveralls._His_face_was_lumpy_and_covered_with_welts,_as_if_he\u8
2
17?d_been_bitten_by_a_million_bees,_or_dragged_across_gravel._Possibly_both.\par
\u8220?Humph,\u8221?_the_man_said._\u8220?Holy_{\i
father},_boy._I_should_think_you\u8217?d_know_the_difference.\u8221?_\par\pard\p
lain\hyphpar}{
Leo_blinked._\u8220?Hephaestus?\u8221?\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
Being_in_the_presence_of_his_father_for_the_first_time,_Leo_probably_should\u821
7?ve_been_speechless_or_awestruck_or_something._But_after_what_he\u8217?
d_been_t
hrough_the_last_couple_of_days,_with_Cyclopes_and_a_sorceress_and_a_face_in_the
_
potty_sludge,_all_Leo_felt_was_a_surge_of_complete_annoyance.\par\pard\plain\hyp
hpar}{
\u8220?Now_you_show_up?\u8221?_he_demanded._\u8220?After_fifteen_years?
_Great_pa
renting,_Fur_Face._Where_do_you_get_off_sticking_your_ugly_nose_into_my_dreams
?\
The_god_raised_an_eyebrow._A_little_spark_caught_fire_in_his_beard._Then_he_thre
w_back_his_head_and_laughed_so_loudly,_the_tools_rattled_on_the_workbenches._\
pa
\u8220?You_sound_just_like_your_mother,\u8221?_Hephaestus_said._\u8220?
I_miss_Es
peranza.\u8221?\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
\u8220?She\u8217?s_been_dead_seven_years.\u8221?_Leo\u8217?
s_voice_trembled._\u8
220?Not_that_you\u8217?d_care.\u8221?_\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
\u8220?But_I_do_care,_boy._About_both_of_you.\u8221?\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
\u8220?Uhhuh._Which_is_why_I_never_saw_you_before_today.\u8221?\par\pard\plain\
hyphpar}{
The_god_made_a_rumbling_sound_in_his_throat,_but_he_looked_more_uncomfortabl
e_th
an_angry._He_pulled_a_miniature_motor_from_his_pocket_and_began_fiddling_absen
tl
y_with_the_pistons\u8212?
just_the_way_Leo_did_when_he_was_nervous._\par\pard\pla
in\hyphpar}{
\u8220?I\u8217?m_not_good_with_children,\u8221?_the_god_confessed._\u8220?
Or_peo
ple._Well,_any_organic_life_forms,_really._I_thought_about_speaking_to_you_at_yo
ur_mom\u8217?s_funeral._Then_again_when_you_were_in_fifth_grade_\u8230?
_that_sci
ence_project_you_made,_steampowered_chicken_chucker._Very_impressive.\u8221?\pa
\u8220?You_saw_that?\u8221?_\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
Hephaestus_pointed_to_the_nearest_worktable,_where_a_shiny_bronze_mirror_show
ed_
a_hazy_image_of_Leo_asleep_on_the_dragon\u8217?
s_back._\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
\u8220?Is_that_me?\u8221?_Leo_asked._\u8220?Like\u8212?
me_right_now,_having_this
_dream\u8212?looking_at_me_having_a_dream?\u8221?\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
Hephaestus_scratched_his_beard._\u8220?Now_you\u8217?
ve_confused_me._But_yes\u82
12?it\u8217?s_you._I\u8217?
m_always_keeping_an_eye_on_you,_Leo._But_talking_to_y
ou_is,_um_\u8230?_different.\u8221?\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
\u8220?You\u8217?re_scared,\u8221?_Leo_said._\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
\u8220?Grommets_and_gears!\u8221?_the_god_yelled._\u8220?
Of_course_not!\u8221?\p
\u8220?Yeah,_you\u8217?re_scared.\u8221?_But_Leo\u8217?
s_anger_seeped_away._He\u
8217?d_spent_years_thinking_about_what_he\u8217?
d_say_to_his_dad_if_they_ever_me
t\u8212?
how_Leo_would_chew_him_out_for_being_a_deadbeat._Now,_looking_at_that_br
onze_mirror,_Leo_thought_about_his_dad_watching_his_progress_over_the_years,_e
ve
n_his_stupid_science_experiments.\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
Maybe_Hephaestus_was_still_a_jerk,_but_Leo_kind_of_understood_where_he_was_co
min
g_from._Leo_knew_about_running_away_from_people,_not_fitting_in._He_knew_abou
t_h
iding_out_in_a_workshop_rather_than_trying_to_deal_with_organic_life_forms.\par\
\u8220?So,\u8221?_Leo_grumbled,_\u8220?you_keep_track_of_all_your_kids?
_You_got_
like_twelve_back_at_camp._How\u8217?d_you_even\u8212?
Never_mind._I_don\u8217?t_w
ant_to_know.\u8221?_\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
Hephaestus_might\u8217?
ve_blushed,_but_his_face_was_so_beat_up_and_red,_it_was_h
ard_to_tell._\u8220?Gods_are_different_from_mortals,_boy._We_can_exist_in_many_p
laces_at_once\u8212?
wherever_people_call_on_us,_wherever_our_sphere_of_influence
_is_strong._In_fact,_it\u8217?s_rare_our_entire_essence_is_ever_together_in_one_
place\u8212?our_true_form._It\u8217?
s_dangerous,_powerful_enough_to_destroy_any_
mortal_who_looks_upon_us._So,_yes_\u8230?_lots_of_children._Add_to_that_our_diff
erent_aspects,_Greek_and_Roman\u8212?\u8221?_The_god\u8217?
s_fingers_froze_on_hi
s_engine_project._\u8220?Er,_that_is_to_say,_being_a_god_is_complicated._And_yes
,_I_try_to_keep_an_eye_on_all_my_children,_but_you_especially.\u8221?\par\pard\p
lain\hyphpar}{
Leo_was_pretty_sure_Hephaestus_had_almost_slipped_and_said_something_importa
nt,_
but_he_wasn\u8217?t_sure_what._\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
\u8220?Why_contact_me_now?\u8221?_Leo_asked._\u8220?
I_thought_the_gods_had_gone_
silent.\u8221?\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
\u8220?We_have,\u8221?_Hephaestus_grumped._\u8220?Zeus\u8217?
s_orders\u8212?very
_strange,_even_for_him._He\u8217?s_blocked_all_visions,_dreams,_and_Irismessage
s_to_and_from_Olympus._Hermes_is_sitting_around_bored_out_of_his_mind_because
_he
_can\u8217?t_deliver_the_mail._Fortunately,_I_kept_my_old_pirate_broadcasting_eq
uipment.\u8221?\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
Hephaestus_patted_a_machine_on_the_table._It_looked_like_a_combination_satellite
_dish,_V6_engine,_and_espresso_maker._Each_time_Hephaestus_jostled_the_machine,
_Leo\u8217?s_dream_flickered_and_changed_color.\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
\u8220?Used_this_in_the_Cold_War,\u8221?_the_god_said_fondly._\u8220?
Radio_Free_
Hephaestus._Those_were_the_days._I_keep_it_around_for_pay-forview,_mostly,_or_m
aking_viral_brain_videos\u8212?\u8221?\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
\u8220?Viral_brain_videos?\u8221?_\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
\u8220?But_now_it\u8217?
s_come_in_handy_again._If_Zeus_knew_I_was_contacting_you
,_he\u8217?d_have_my_hide.\u8221?\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
\u8220?Why_is_Zeus_being_such_a_jerk?\u8221?\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
\u8220?Hrumph._He_excels_at_that,_boy.\u8221?_Hephaestus_called_him_{\i
boy_}as_if_Leo_were_an_annoying_machine_part\u8212?
an_extra_washer,_maybe,_that_
had_no_clear_purpose,_but_that_Hephaestus_didn\u8217?
t_want_to_throw_away_for_fe
ar_he_might_need_it_someday.\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
Not_exactly_heartwarming._Then_again,_Leo_wasn\u8217?
t_sure_he_wanted_to_be_call
ed_\u8220?son.\u8221?_Leo_wasn\u8217?
t_about_to_start_calling_this_big_awkward_u
gly_guy_\u8220?Dad.\u8221?\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
Hephaestus_got_tired_of_his_engine_and_tossed_it_over_his_shoulder._Before_it_co
uld_hit_the_floor,_it_sprouted_helicopter_wings_and_flew_itself_into_a_recycling
_bin.\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
\u8220?It_was_the_second_Titan_War,_I_suppose,\u8221?
_Hephaestus_said._\u8220?Th
at\u8217?s_what_got_Zeus_upset._We_gods_were_\u8230?
_well,_embarrassed._Don\u821
7?t_think_there\u8217?s_any_other_way_to_say_it.\u8221?\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}
{
\u8220?But_you_won,\u8221?_Leo_said.\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
The_god_grunted._\u8220?We_won_because_the_demigods_of\u8221?\u8212?
again_he_hes
itated,_as_if_he\u8217?d_almost_made_a_slip\u8212?\u8220?of_Camp_HalfBlood_took
_the_lead._We_won_because_our_children_fought_our_battles_for_us,_smarter_than_
w
e_did._If_we\u8217?d_relied_on_Zeus\u8217?s_plan,_we_would\u8217?
ve_all_gone_dow
n_to_Tartarus_fighting_the_storm_giant_Typhon,_and_Kronos_would\u8217?
ve_won._Ba
d_enough_mortals_won_our_war_for_us,_but_then_that_young_upstart,_Percy_Jackso
n\
u8212?\u8221?\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
\u8220?The_guy_who\u8217?s_missing.\u8221?\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
\u8220?
Hmph._Yes._Him._He_had_the_nerve_to_turn_down_our_offer_of_immortality_an
d_tell_us_to_pay_better_attention_to_our_children._Er,_no_offense.\u8221?_\par\p
ard\plain\hyphpar}{
\u8220?Oh,_how_could_I_take_offense?
_Please,_go_on_ignoring_me.\u8221?\par\pard\
plain\hyphpar}{
\u8220?Mighty_understanding_of_you_\u8230?\u8221?
_Hephaestus_frowned,_then_sighe
d_wearily._\u8220?That_was_sarcasm,_wasn\u8217?t_it?_Machines_don\u8217?
t_have_s
arcasm,_usually._But_as_I_was_saying,_the_gods_felt_ashamed,_shown_up_by_mort
als
._At_first,_of_course,_we_were_grateful._But_after_a_few_months,_those_feelings_
turned_bitter._We\u8217?
re_gods,_after_all._We_need_to_be_admired,_looked_up_to,
_held_in_awe_and_admiration.\u8221?_\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
\u8220?Even_if_you\u8217?re_wrong?\u8221?\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
\u8220?Especially_then!_And_to_have_Jackson_refuse_our_gift,_as_if_being_mortal_
were_somehow_{\i
better_}than_being_a_god..._well,_that_stuck_in_Zeus\u8217?s_craw._He_decided_it
_was_high_time_we_got_back_to_traditional_values._Gods_were_to_be_respected._O
ur
_children_were_to_be_seen_and_not_visited._Olympus_was_closed._At_least_that_w
as
_{\i
part_}of_his_reasoning._And,_of_course,_we_started_hearing_of_bad_things_stirrin
g_under_the_earth.\u8221?\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
\u8220?The_giants,_you_mean._Monsters_reforming_instantly._The_dead_rising_agai
n._Little_stuff_like_that?\u8221?\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
\u8220?Aye,_boy.\u8221?
_Hephaestus_turned_a_knob_on_his_pirate_broadcasting_mach
ine._Leo\u8217?s_dream_sharpened_to_full_color,_but_the_god\u8217?
s_face_was_suc
h_a_riot_of_red_welts_and_yellow_and_black_bruises,_Leo_wished_it_would_go_back
_
to_black_and_white.\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
\u8220?Zeus_thinks_he_can_reverse_the_tide,\u8221?_the_god_said,_\u8220?
lull_the
_earth_back_to_sleep_as_long_as_we_stay_quiet._None_of_us_really_believes_that._
And_I_don\u8217?t_mind_saying,_we\u8217?
re_in_no_shape_to_fight_another_war._We_
barely_survived_the_Titans._If_we\u8217?
re_repeating_the_old_pattern,_what_comes
_next_is_even_worse.\u8221?_\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
\u8220?The_giants,\u8221?_Leo_said._\u8220?
Hera_said_demigods_and_gods_had_to_jo
in_forces_to_defeat_them._Is_that_true?\u8221?\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
\u8220?
Mmm._I_hate_to_agree_with_my_mother_about_anything,_but_yes._Those_giants
_are_tough_to_kill,_boy._They\u8217?re_a_different_breed.\u8221?_\par\pard\plain
\hyphpar}{
\u8220?Breed?_You_make_them_sound_like_racehorses.\u8221?
r}{
\u8220?Ha!\u8221?_the_god_said._\u8220?
More_like_war_dogs._Back_in_the_beginning
,_y\u8217?see,_everything_in_creation_came_from_the_same_parents\u8212?
Gaea_and_
Ouranos,_Earth_and_Sky._They_had_their_different_batches_of_children\u8212?
your_
Titans,_your_Elder_Cyclopes,_and_so_forth._Then_Kronos,_the_head_Titan\u8212?
wel
l,_you\u8217?
ve_probably_heard_how_he_chopped_up_his_father_Ouranos_with_a_scyth
e_and_took_over_the_world._Then_we_gods_came_along,_children_of_the_Titans,_an
d_
defeated_{\i
them}._But_that_wasn\u8217?
t_the_end_of_it._The_earth_bore_a_new_batch_of_childr
en,_except_they_were_sired_by_Tartarus,_the_spirit_of_the_eternal_abyss\u8212?th
e_darkest,_most_evil_place_in_the_Underworld._Those_children,_the_giants,_were_b
red_for_one_purpose\u8212?revenge_on_{\i
us_}for_the_fall_of_the_Titans._They_rose_up_to_destroy_Olympus,_and_they_came_
a
wfully_close.\u8221?\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
Hephaestus\u8217?
s_beard_began_to_smolder._He_absently_swatted_out_the_flames._\
u8220?What_my_blasted_mother_Hera_is_doing_now\u8212?she\u8217?
s_a_meddling_fool
_playing_a_dangerous_game,_but_she\u8217?
s_right_about_one_thing:_you_demigods_h
ave_to_unite._That\u8217?s_the_only_way_to_open_Zeus\u8217?
s_eyes,_convince_the_
Olympians_they_must_accept_your_help._And_that\u8217?
s_the_only_way_to_defeat_wh
at\u8217?s_coming._You\u8217?re_a_big_part_of_that,_Leo._\u8221?_\par\pard\plain
\hyphpar}{
The_god\u8217?
s_gaze_seemed_far_away._Leo_wondered_if_really_could_split_himself
_into_different_parts\u8212?where_else_was_he_right_now?
_Maybe_his_Greek_side_wa
s_fixing_a_car_or_going_on_a_date,_while_his_Roman_side_was_watching_a_ball_ga
me
_and_ordering_pizza._Leo_tried_to_imagine_what_it_would_feel_like_to_have_multip
le_personalities._He_hoped_it_wasn\u8217?t_hereditary.\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
\u8220?Why_me?\u8221?
_he_asked,_and_as_soon_as_he_said_it,_more_questions_floode
d_out._\u8220?Why_claim_me_now?
_Why_not_when_I_was_thirteen,_like_you\u8217?re_s
upposed_to?_Or_you_could\u8217?
ve_claimed_me_at_seven,_before_my_mom_died!_Why_d
idn\u8217?t_you_find_me_earlier?_Why_didn\u8217?t_you_warn_me_about_{\i
this}?\u8221?_\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
Leo\u8217?s_hand_burst_into_flames._\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
Hephaestus_regarded_him_sadly._\u8220?
Hardest_part,_boy._Letting_my_children_wal
k_their_own_paths._Interfering_doesn\u8217?
t_work._The_Fates_make_sure_of_that._
As_for_the_claiming,_you_were_a_special_case,_boy._The_timing_had_to_be_right._I
_can\u8217?t_explain_it_much_more,_but\u8212?\u8221?\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
Leo\u8217?s_dream_went_fuzzy._Just_for_a_moment,_it_turned_into_a_rerun_of_{\i
Wheel_of_Fortune}._Then_Hephaestus_came_back_into_focus._\par\pard\plain\hyph
par
}{
\u8220?Blast,\u8221?_he_said._\u8220?I_can\u8217?
t_talk_much_longer._Zeus_is_sen
sing_an_illegal_dream._He_is_lord_of_the_air,_after_all,_including_the_airwaves.
_Just_listen,_boy:_you_have_a_role_to_play._Your_friend_Jason_is_right\u8212?fir
e_is_a_gift,_not_a_curse._I_don\u8217?t_give_that_blessing_to_just_anyone._They\
u8217?
ll_never_defeat_the_giants_without_you,_much_less_the_mistress_they_serve.
_She\u8217?s_worse_than_any_god_or_Titan.\u8221?\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
\u8220?Who?\u8221?_Leo_demanded._\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
Hephaestus_frowned,_his_image_becoming_fuzzier._\u8220?
I_told_you._Yes,_I\u8217?
m_pretty_sure_I_told_you._Just_be_warned:_along_the_way,_you\u8217?
re_going_to_l
ose_some_friends_and_some_valuable_tools._\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
But_that_isn\u8217?t_your_fault,_Leo._Nothing_lasts_forever,_not_even_the_best_m
achines._And_everything_can_be_reused.\u8221?\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
\u8220?What_do_you_mean?_I_don\u8217?t_like_the_sound_of_that.\u8221?
_\par\pard\
plain\hyphpar}{
\u8220?No,_you_shouldn\u8217?t.\u8221?_Hephaestus\u8217?
s_image_was_barely_visib
le_now,_just_a_blob_in_the_static._\u8220?Just_watch_out_for\u8212?\u8221?\par\p
ard\plain\hyphpar}{
Leo\u8217?s_dream_switched_to_{\i
Wheel_of_Fortune_}just_as_the_wheel_hit_Bankrupt_and_the_audience_said,_\u8220
?A
wwww!\u8221?\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
Then_Leo_snapped_awake_to_Jason_and_Piper_screaming._\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}
{
T}{\b
HEY_SPIRALED_THROUGH_THE_DARK}{\b
_}in_a_free_fall,_still_on_the_dragon\u8217?s_back,_but_Festus\u8217?s_hide_was_
cold._His_ruby_eyes_were_dim._\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
\u8220?Not_again!\u8221?_Leo_yelled._\u8220?You_can\u8217?
t_fall_again!\u8221?\p
He_could_barely_hold_on._The_wind_stung_his_eyes,_but_he_managed_to_pull_open
_th
e_panel_on_the_dragon\u8217?
s_neck._He_toggled_the_switches._He_tugged_the_wires
._The_dragon\u8217?
s_wings_flapped_once,_but_Leo_caught_a_whiff_of_burning_bronz
e._The_drive_system_was_overloaded._Festus_didn\u8217?
t_have_the_strength_to_kee
p_flying,_and_Leo_couldn\u8217?
t_get_to_the_main_control_panel_on_the_dragon\u82
17?s_head\u8212?not_in_midair._He_saw_the_lights_of_a_city_below_them\u8212?
just
_flashes_in_the_dark_as_they_plummeted_in_circles._They_had_only_seconds_befor
e_
they_crashed.\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
\u8220?Jason!\u8221?_he_screamed._\u8220?
Take_Piper_and_fly_out_of_here!\u8221?\
\u8220?What?\u8221?_\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
\u8220?We_need_to_lighten_the_load!
_I_might_be_able_to_reboot_Festus,_but_he\u82
17?s_carrying_too_much_weight!\u8221?_\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
\u8220?What_about_you?\u8221?_Piper_cried._\u8220?If_you_can\u8217?
t_reboot_him\
\u8220?I\u8217?ll_be_fine,\u8221?_Leo_yelled._\u8220?Just_follow_me_to_the_groun
d._Go!\u8221?_\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
Jason_grabbed_Piper_around_the_waist._They_both_unbuckled_their_harnesses,_and
_i
n_a_flash_they_were_gone\u8212?shooting_into_the_air._\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
\u8220?Now,\u8221?_Leo_said._\u8220?Just_you_and_me,_Festus\u8212?
and_two_heavy_
cages._You_can_do_it,_boy!\u8221?\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
Leo_talked_to_the_dragon_while_he_worked,_falling_at_terminal_velocity._He_could
_see_the_city_lights_below_him,_getting_closer_and_closer._He_summoned_fire_in_h
is_hand_so_he_could_see_what_he_was_doing,_but_the_wind_kept_extinguishing_it.\
p
He_pulled_a_wire_that_he_thought_connected_the_dragon\u8217?
s_nerve_center_to_it
s_head,_hoping_for_a_little_wake-up_jolt.\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
Festus_groaned\u8212?
metal_creaking_inside_his_neck._His_eyes_flickered_weakly_t
o_life,_and_he_spread_his_wings._Their_fall_turned_into_a_steep_glide.\par\pard\
plain\hyphpar}{
\u8220?Good!\u8221?_Leo_said._\u8220?
Come_on,_big_boy._Come_on!\u8221?\par\pard\
plain\hyphpar}{
They_were_still_flying_in_way_too_hot,_and_the_ground_was_too_close._Leo_needed
_
a_place_to_land\u8212?fast.\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
There_was_a_big_river\u8212?no._Not_good_for_a_firebreathing_dragon._He\u8217?d
_never_get_Festus_out_from_the_bottom_if_he_sank,_especially_in_freezing_temper
a
tures._Then,_on_the_riverbanks,_Leo_spotted_a_white_mansion_with_a_huge_snowy
_la
wn_inside_a_tall_brick_perimeter_fence\u8212?like_some_rich_person\u8217?
s_priva
te_compound,_all_of_it_blazing_with_light._A_perfect_landing_field._He_did_his_b
est_to_steer_the_dragon_toward_it,_and_Festus_seemed_to_come_back_to_life._The
y_
could_make_this!\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
Then_everything_went_wrong._As_they_approached_the_lawn,_spotlights_along_the
_fe
nce_fixed_on_them,_blinding_Leo._He_heard_bursts_like_tracer_fire,_the_sound_of_
metal_being_cut_to_shreds\u8212?and_{\i
BOOM}._\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
Leo_blacked_out._\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
When_Leo_came_to_his_senses,_Jason_and_Piper_were_leaning_over_him._He_was_l
ying
_in_the_snow,_covered_in_mud_and_grease._He_spit_a_clump_of_frozen_grass_out_
of_
his_mouth.\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
\u8220?Where\u8212?\u8221?_\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
\u8220?Lie_still.\u8221?_Piper_had_tears_in_her_eyes._\u8220?You_rolled_pretty_h
ard_when\u8212?when_Festus\u8212?\u8221?_\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
\u8220?Where_is_he?\u8221?_Leo_sat_up,_but_his_head_felt_like_it_was_floating._T
hey\u8217?
d_landed_inside_the_compound._Something_had_happened_on_the_way_in\u82
12?gunfire?\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
\u8220?Seriously,_Leo,\u8221?_Jason_said._\u8220?
You_could_be_hurt._You_shouldn\
u8217?t\u8212?\u8221?_\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
Leo_pushed_himself_to_his_feet._Then_he_saw_the_wreckage._Festus_must_have_dr
opp
ed_the_big_canary_cages_as_he_came_over_the_fence,_because_they\u8217?
d_rolled_i
n_different_directions_and_landed_on_their_sides,_perfectly_undamaged.\par\pard\
plain\hyphpar}{
Festus_hadn\u8217?t_been_so_lucky.\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
The_dragon_had_disintegrated._His_limbs_were_scattered_across_the_lawn._His_tail
_hung_on_the_fence._The_main_section_of_his_body_had_plowed_a_trench_twenty_f
eet
_wide_and_fifty_feet_long_across_the_mansion\u8217?
s_yard_before_breaking_apart.
_What_remained_of_his_hide_was_a_charred,_smoking_pile_of_scraps._Only_his_nec
k_
and_head_were_somewhat_intact,_resting_across_a_row_of_frozen_rosebushes_like_
a_
pillow.\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
\u8220?No,\u8221?_Leo_sobbed._He_ran_to_the_dragon\u8217?
s_head_and_stroked_its_
snout._The_dragon\u8217?s_eyes_flickered_weakly._Oil_leaked_out_of_his_ear._\par
\u8220?You_can\u8217?t_go,\u8221?_Leo_pleaded._\u8220?You\u8217?
re_the_best_thin
g_I_ever_fixed.\u8221?_\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
The_dragon\u8217?s_head_whirred_its_gears,_as_if_it_were_purring._Jason_and_Pipe
r_stood_next_to_him,_but_Leo_kept_his_eyes_fixed_on_the_dragon.\par\pard\plain\h
yphpar}{
He_remembered_what_Hephaestus_had_said:_{\i
That_isn\u8217?t_your_fault,_Leo._Nothing_lasts_forever,_not_even_the_best_machi
nes._}\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
His_dad_had_been_trying_to_warn_him.\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
\u8220?It\u8217?s_not_fair,\u8221?_he_said._\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
The_dragon_clicked._Long_{\i
creak}._Two_short_{\i
clicks}._{\i
Creak}._{\i
Creak}._Almost_like_a_pattern_\u8230?_triggering_an_old_memory_in_Leo\u8217?
s_mi
nd._Leo_realized_Festus_was_trying_to_say_something._He_was_using_Morse_code\
u82
12?just_like_Leo\u8217?
s_mom_had_taught_him_years_ago._Leo_listened_more_intentl
y,_translating_the_clicks_into_letters:_a_simple_message_repeating_over_and_over
\u8220?Yeah,\u8221?_Leo_said._\u8220?I_understand._I_will._I_promise.\u8221?\par
The_dragon\u8217?s_eyes_went_dark._Festus_was_gone.\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
Leo_cried._He_wasn\u8217?
t_even_embarrassed._His_friends_stood_on_either_side,_p
atting_his_shoulders,_saying_comforting_things;_but_the_buzzing_in_Leo\u8217?s_e
ars_drowned_out_their_words._\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
Finally_Jason_said,_\u8220?I\u8217?
m_so_sorry,_man._What_did_you_promise_Festus?
Leo_sniffled._He_opened_the_dragon\u8217?
s_head_panel,_just_to_be_sure,_but_the_
control_disk_was_cracked_and_burned_beyond_repair.\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
\u8220?Something_my_dad_told_me,\u8221?_Leo_said._\u8220?
Everything_can_be_reuse
d.\u8221?_\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
\u8220?Your_dad_talked_to_you?\u8221?_Jason_asked._\u8220?
When_was_this?\u8221?\
Leo_didn\u8217?t_answer._He_worked_at_the_dragon\u8217?
s_neck_hinges_until_the_h
ead_was_detached._It_weighed_about_a_hundred_pounds,_but_Leo_managed_to_ho
ld_it_
in_his_arms._He_looked_up_at_the_starry_sky_and_said,_\u8220?
Take_him_back_to_th
e_bunker,_Dad._Please,_until_I_can_reuse_him._I\u8217?
ve_never_asked_you_for_any
thing.\u8221?\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
The_wind_picked_up,_and_the_dragon\u8217?s_head_floated_out_of_Leo\u8217?
s_arms_
like_it_weighed_nothing._It_flew_into_the_sky_and_disappeared.\par\pard\plain\hy
phpar}{
Piper_looked_at_him_in_amazement._\u8220?He{\i
_answered_}you?\u8221?_\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
\u8220?I_had_a_dream,\u8221?_Leo_managed._\u8220?
Tell_you_later.\u8221?\par\pard
\plain\hyphpar}{
He_knew_he_owed_his_friends_a_better_explanation,_but_Leo_could_barely_speak._
He
_felt_like_a_broken_machine_himself\u8212?
like_someone_had_removed_one_little_pa
rt_of_him,_and_now_he\u8217?
d_never_be_complete._He_might_move,_he_might_talk,_h
e_might_keep_going_and_do_his_job._But_he\u8217?
d_always_be_off_balance,_never_c
alibrated_exactly_right.\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
Still,_he_couldn\u8217?t_afford_to_break_down_completely._Otherwise,_Festus_had_
died_for_nothing._He_had_to_finish_this_quest\u8212?for_his_friends,_for_his_mom
,_for_his_dragon.\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
He_looked_around._The_large_white_mansion_glowed_in_the_center_of_the_grounds
._T
all_brick_walls_with_lights_and_security_cameras_surrounded_the_perimeter,_but_n
ow_Leo_could_see\u8212?or_rather_{\i
sense}\u8212?just_how_well_those_walls_were_defended.\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
\u8220?Where_are_we?\u8221?_he_asked._\u8220?
I_mean,_what_city?\u8221?\par\pard\
plain\hyphpar}{
\u8220?Omaha,_Nebraska,\u8221?_Piper_said._\u8220?
I_saw_a_billboard_as_we_flew_i
n._But_I_don\u8217?
t_know_what_this_mansion_is._We_came_in_right_behind_you,_but
_as_you_were_landing,_Leo,_I_swear_it_looked_like\u8212?I_don\u8217?
t_know\u8212
\u8220?Lasers,\u8221?
_Leo_said._He_picked_up_a_piece_of_dragon_wreckage_and_thre
w_it_toward_the_top_of_the_fence._Immediately_a_turret_popped_up_from_the_bric
k_
wall_and_a_beam_of_pure_heat_incinerated_the_bronze_plating_to_ashes.\par\pard\
p
lain\hyphpar}{
Jason_whistled._\u8220?Some_defense_system._How_are_we_even_alive?\u8221?
_\par\p
ard\plain\hyphpar}{
\u8220?Festus,\u8221?_Leo_said_miserably._\u8220?He_took_the_fire._The_lasers_sl
iced_him_to_bits_as_he_came_in_so_they_didn\u8217?
t_focus_on_you._I_led_him_into
_a_death_trap.\u8221?\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
\u8220?You_couldn\u8217?t_have_known,\u8221?_Piper_said._\u8220?
He_saved_our_liv
es_again.\u8221?\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
\u8220?But_what_now?\u8221?_Jason_said._\u8220?
The_main_gates_are_locked,_and_I\
u8217?m_guessing_I_can\u8217?
t_fly_us_out_of_here_without_getting_shot_down.\u82
Leo_looked_up_the_walkway_at_the_big_white_mansion._\u8220?
Since_we_can\u8217?t_
go_out,_we\u8217?ll_have_to_go_in.\u8221?_\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
J}{\b
ASON_WOULD\u8217?VE_DIED_FIVE_TIMES}{\b
_}on_the_way_to_the_front_door_if_not_for_Leo._\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
First_it_was_the_motion-activated_trapdoor_on_the_sidewalk,_then_the_lasers_on_t
he_steps,_then_the_nerve_gas_dispenser_on_the_porch_railing,_the_pressure-sensit
ive_poison_spikes_in_the_welcome_mat,_and_of_course_the_exploding_doorbell.\par
\
Leo_deactivated_all_of_them._It_was_like_he_could_smell_the_traps,_and_he_picked
_just_the_right_tool_out_of_his_belt_to_disable_them._\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
\u8220?You\u8217?re_amazing,_man,\u8221?_Jason_said.\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
Leo_scowled_as_he_examined_the_front_door_lock._\u8220?Yeah,_amazing,\u8221?
_he_
said._\u8220?Can\u8217?t_fix_a_dragon_right,_but_I\u8217?m_amazing.\u8221?
_\par\
\u8220?Hey,_that_wasn\u8217?t_your\u8212?\u8221?_\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
\u8220?Front_door\u8217?s_already_unlocked,\u8221?
_Leo_announced.\par\pard\plain
\hyphpar}{
Piper_stared_at_the_door_in_disbelief._\u8220?It_is?_All_those_traps,_and_the_{\
i
door\u8217?s}_unlocked?\u8221?_\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
Leo_turned_the_knob._The_door_swung_open_easily._He_stepped_inside_without_he
sit
ation.\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
Before_Jason_could_follow,_Piper_caught_his_arm._\u8220?He\u8217?
s_going_to_need
_some_time_to_get_over_Festus._Don\u8217?
t_take_it_personally.\u8221?\par\pard\p
lain\hyphpar}{
\u8220?Yeah,\u8221?_Jason_said._\u8220?
Yeah,_okay.\u8221?\par\pard\plain\hyphpar
}{
But_still_he_felt_terrible._Back_in_Medea\u8217?s_store,_he\u8217?d_said_some_pr
etty_harsh_stuff_to_Leo\u8212?stuff_a_friend_shouldn\u8217?t_say,_not_to_mention
_the_fact_he\u8217?d_almost_skewered_Leo_with_a_sword._If_it_hadn\u8217?
t_been_f
or_Piper,_they\u8217?d_both_be_dead._And_Piper_hadn\u8217?
t_gotten_out_of_that_e
ncounter_easily,_either.\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
\u8220?Piper,\u8221?_he_said,_\u8220?
I_know_I_was_in_a_daze_back_in_Chicago,_but
_that_stuff_about_your_dad\u8212?if_he\u8217?s_in_trouble,_I_want_to_help._I_don
\u8217?t_care_if_it\u8217?s_a_trap_or_not.\u8221?\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
Her_eyes_were_always_different_colors,_but_now_they_looked_shattered,_as_if_she\
u8217?d_seen_something_she_just_couldn\u8217?t_cope_with._\u8220?
Jason,_you_don\
u8217?t_know_what_you\u8217?re_saying._Please\u8212?don\u8217?
t_make_me_feel_wor
se._Come_on._We_should_stick_together.\u8221?\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
She_ducked_inside._\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
\u8220?Together,\u8221?_Jason_said_to_himself._\u8220?Yeah,_we\u8217?
re_doing_gr
eat_with_that.\u8221?_\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
Jason\u8217?s_first_impression_of_the_house:_Dark.\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
From_the_echo_of_his_footsteps_he_could_tell_the_entry_hall_was_enormous,_even_
b
igger_than_Boreas\u8217?
s_penthouse;_but_the_only_illumination_came_from_the_yar
d_lights_outside._A_faint_glow_peeked_through_the_breaks_in_the_thick_velvet_cur
tains._The_windows_rose_about_ten_feet_tall._Spaced_between_them_along_the_wa
lls
_were_life-size_metal_statues._As_Jason\u8217?s_eyes_adjusted,_he_saw_sofas_arra
nged_in_a_U_in_the_middle_of_the_room,_with_a_central_coffee_table_and_one_larg
e
_chair_at_the_far_end._A_massive_chandelier_glinted_overhead._Along_the_back_w
al
l_stood_a_row_of_closed_doors._\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
\u8220?Where\u8217?s_the_light_switch?\u8221?
_His_voice_echoed_alarmingly_throug
h_the_room.\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
\u8220?Don\u8217?t_see_one,\u8221?_Leo_said._\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
\u8220?Fire?\u8221?_Piper_suggested.\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
Leo_held_out_his_hand,_but_nothing_happened._\u8220?It\u8217?
s_not_working.\u822
\u8220?Your_fire_is_out?_Why?\u8221?_Piper_asked.\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
\u8220?Well,_if_I_knew_that\u8212?\u8221?_\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
\u8220?Okay,_okay,\u8221?_she_said._\u8220?What_do_we_do\u8212?
explore?\u8221?\p
Leo_shook_his_head._\u8220?After_all_those_traps_outside?_Bad_idea.\u8221?_\par\
Jason\u8217?
s_skin_tingled._He_hated_being_a_demigod._Looking_around,_he_didn\u8
217?
t_see_a_comfortable_room_to_hang_out_in._He_imagined_vicious_storm_spirits_l
urking_in_the_curtains,_dragons_under_the_carpet,_a_chandelier_made_of_lethal_ic
e_shards,_ready_to_impale_them.\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
\u8220?Leo\u8217?s_right,\u8221?_he_said._\u8220?We\u8217?
re_not_separating_agai
n\u8212?not_like_in_Detroit.\u8221?_\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
\u8220?Oh,_thank_you_for_reminding_me_of_the_Cyclopes.\u8221?_Piper\u8217?
s_voic
e_quavered._\u8220?I_needed_that.\u8221?\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
\u8220?It\u8217?s_a_few_hours_until_dawn,\u8221?_Jason_guessed._\u8220?
Too_cold_
to_wait_outside._Let\u8217?
s_bring_the_cages_in_and_make_camp_in_this_room._Wait
_for_daylight;_then_we_can_decide_what_to_do.\u8221?\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
Nobody_offered_a_better_idea,_so_they_rolled_in_the_cages_with_Coach_Hedge_an
d_t
he_storm_spirits,_then_settled_in._Thankfully,_Leo_didn\u8217?t_find_any_poison_
throw_pillows_or_electric_whoopee_cushions_on_the_sofas.\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}
{
Leo_didn\u8217?
t_seem_in_the_mood_to_make_more_tacos._Besides,_they_had_no_fire,
_so_they_settled_for_cold_rations.\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
As_Jason_ate,_he_studied_the_metal_statues_along_the_walls._They_looked_like_Gre
ek_gods_or_heroes._Maybe_that_was_a_good_sign._Or_maybe_they_were_used_for_
targe
t_practice._On_the_coffee_table_sat_a_tea_service_and_a_stack_of_glossy_brochure
s,_but_Jason_couldn\u8217?
t_make_out_the_words._The_big_chair_at_the_other_end_o
f_the_table_looked_like_a_throne._None_of_them_tried_to_sit_in_it._\par\pard\pla
in\hyphpar}{
The_canary_cages_didn\u8217?t_make_the_place_any_less_creepy._The_{\i
venti_}kept_churning_in_their_prison,_hissing_and_spinning,_and_Jason_got_the_un
comfortable_feeling_they_were_watching_him._He_could_sense_their_hatred_for_the
_
children_of_Zeus\u8212?the_lord_of_the_sky_who\u8217?
d_ordered_Aeolus_to_impriso
n_their_kind._The_{\i
venti_}would_like_nothing_better_than_to_tear_Jason_apart.\par\pard\plain\hyphpa
r}{
As_for_Coach_Hedge,_he_was_still_frozen_midshout,_his_cudgel_raised._Leo_was_wo
rking_on_the_cage,_trying_to_open_it_with_various_tools,_but_the_lock_seemed_to_
be_giving_him_a_hard_time._Jason_decided_not_to_sit_next_to_him_in_case_Hedge_
su
ddenly_unfroze_and_went_into_ninja_goat_mode.\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
Despite_how_wired_he_felt,_once_his_stomach_was_full,_Jason_started_to_nod_off._
The_couches_were_a_little_too_comfortable_\u8212?
a_lot_better_than_a_dragon\u821
7?s_back\u8212?and_he\u8217?
d_taken_the_last_two_watches_while_his_friends_slept
._He_was_exhausted.\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
Piper_had_already_curled_up_on_the_other_sofa._Jason_wondered_if_she_was_really
_
asleep_or_dodging_a_conversation_about_her_dad._Whatever_Medea_had_meant_in
_Chic
ago,_about_Piper_getting_her_dad_back_if_she_cooperated\u8212?it_didn\u8217?
t_so
und_good._If_Piper_had_risked_her_own_dad_to_save_them,_that_made_Jason_feel_
eve
n_guiltier.\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
And_they_were_running_out_of_time._If_Jason_had_his_days_straight,_this_was_earl
y_morning_of_December_20._Which_meant_tomorrow_was_the_winter_solstice._\par
\par
d\plain\hyphpar}{
\u8220?Get_some_sleep,\u8221?
_Leo_said,_still_working_on_the_locked_cage._\u8220
?It\u8217?s_your_turn.\u8221?\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
Jason_took_a_deep_breath._\u8220?Leo,_I\u8217?m_sorry_about_that_stuff_I_said_in
_Chicago._That_wasn\u8217?t_me._You\u8217?re_not_annoying_and_you_{\i
do_}take_stuff_seriously\u8212?especially_your_work._I_wish_I_could_do_half_the_
things_you_can_do.\u8221?\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
Leo_lowered_his_screwdriver._He_looked_at_the_ceiling_and_shook_his_head_like,_{
\i
What_am_I_gonna_do_with_this_guy?_}\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
\u8220?I_try_very_hard_to_be_annoying,\u8221?_Leo_said._\u8220?Don\u8217?
t_insul
t_my_ability_to_{\i
annoy}._And_how_am_I_supposed_to_resent_you_if_you_go_apologizing?_I\u8217?
m_a_l
owly_mechanic._You\u8217?
re_like_the_prince_of_the_sky,_son_of_the_Lord_of_the_U
niverse._I\u8217?m_{\i
supposed}_to_resent_you.\u8221?\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
\u8220?Lord_of_the_Universe?\u8221?_\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
\u8220?Sure,_you\u8217?re_all\u8212?{\i
bam!_}Lightning_man._And_\u8216?
Watch_me_fly._I_am_the_eagle_that_soars\u8212?\u
\u8220?Shut_up,_Valdez.\u8221?\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
Leo_managed_a_little_smile._\u8220?Yeah,_see._I_{\i
do_}annoy_you.\u8221?_\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
\u8220?I_apologize_for_apologizing.\u8221?\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
\u8220?Thank_you.\u8221?
_He_went_back_to_work,_but_the_tension_had_eased_between
_them._Leo_still_looked_sad_and_exhausted\u8212?just_not_quite_so_angry._\par\pa
rd\plain\hyphpar}{
\u8220?Go_to_sleep,_Jason,\u8221?_he_ordered._\u8220?It\u8217?
s_gonna_take_a_few
_hours_to_get_this_goat_man_free._Then_I_still_got_to_figure_out_how_to_make_the
_winds_a_smaller_holding_cell,_\u8217?cause_I_am_{\i
not_}lugging_that_canary_cage_to_California.\u8221?\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
\u8220?You_did_fix_Festus,_you_know,\u8221?_Jason_said._\u8220?
You_gave_him_a_pu
rpose_again._I_think_this_quest_was_the_high_point_of_his_life.\u8221?_\par\pard
\plain\hyphpar}{
Jason_was_afraid_he\u8217?
d_blown_it_and_made_Leo_mad_again,_but_Leo_just_sighed
\u8220?I_hope,\u8221?_he_said._\u8220?
Now,_sleep,_man._I_want_some_time_without_
you_organic_life_forms.\u8221?\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
Jason_wasn\u8217?t_quite_sure_what_that_meant,_but_he_didn\u8217?
t_argue._He_clo
sed_his_eyes_and_had_a_long,_blissfully_dreamless_sleep.\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}
{
He_only_woke_when_the_yelling_started._\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
\u8220?Ahhhggggggh!\u8221?\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
Jason_leaped_to_his_feet._He_wasn\u8217?t_sure_what_was_more_jarring\u8212?
the_f
ull_sunlight_that_now_bathed_the_room,_or_the_screaming_satyr.\par\pard\plain\hy
phpar}{
\u8220?Coach_is_awake,\u8221?
_Leo_said,_which_was_kind_of_unnecessary._Gleeson_H
edge_was_capering_around_on_his_furry_hindquarters,_swinging_his_club_and_yelli
n
g,_\u8220?Die!\u8221?
_as_he_smashed_the_tea_set,_whacked_the_sofas,_and_charged_
at_the_throne.\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
\u8220?Coach!\u8221?_Jason_yelled.\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
Hedge_turned,_breathing_hard._His_eyes_were_so_wild,_Jason_was_afraid_he_might
_a
ttack._The_satyr_was_still_wearing_his_orange_polo_shirt_and_his_coach\u8217?s_w
histle,_but_his_horns_were_clearly_visible_above_his_curly_hair,_and_his_beefy_h
indquarters_were_definitely_all_goat._Could_you_call_a_goat_{\i
beefy}?_Jason_put_the_thought_aside.\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
\u8220?You\u8217?re_the_new_kid,\u8221?
_Hedge_said,_lowering_his_club._\u8220?Ja
son.\u8221?_He_looked_at_Leo,_then_Piper,_who\u8217?
d_apparently_also_just_woken
_up._Her_hair_looked_like_it_had_become_a_nest_for_a_friendly_hamster.\par\pard\
plain\hyphpar}{
\u8220?Valdez,_McLean,\u8221?_the_coach_said._\u8220?What\u8217?s_going_on?
_We_w
ere_at_the_Grand_Canyon._The_{\i
anemoi_thuellai_}were_attacking_and\u8212?\u8221?
_He_zeroed_in_on_the_storm_spir
it_cage,_and_his_eyes_went_back_to_DEFCON_1._\u8220?Die!\u8221?
_\par\pard\plain\
hyphpar}{
\u8220?Whoa,_Coach!\u8221?
_Leo_stepped_in_his_path,_which_was_pretty_brave,_even
_though_Hedge_was_six_inches_shorter._\u8220?It\u8217?s_okay._They\u8217?
re_lock
ed_up._We_just_sprang_you_from_the_other_cage.\u8221?\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}
{
\u8220?Cage?_Cage?_What\u8217?s_going_on?_Just_because_I\u8217?
m_a_satyr_doesn\u
8217?t_mean_I_can\u8217?t_have_you_doing_plank_pushups,_Valdez!\u8221?\par\pard
\plain\hyphpar}{
Jason_cleared_his_throat._\u8220?Coach\u8212?Gleeson\u8212?
um,_whatever_you_want
_us_to_call_you._You_saved_us_at_the_Grand_Canyon._You_were_totally_brave.\u82
21
\u8220?Of_course_I_was!\u8221?_\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
\u8220?The_extraction_team_came_and_took_us_to_Camp_HalfBlood._We_thought_we\u8
217?
d_lost_you._Then_we_got_word_the_storm_spirits_had_taken_you_back_to_their\u
8212?um,_operator,_Medea.\u8221?\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
\u8220?That_witch!_Wait\u8212?that\u8217?s_impossible._She\u8217?
s_mortal._She\u
8217?s_dead.\u8221?_\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
\u8220?Yeah,_well,\u8221?_Leo_said,_\u8220?
somehow_she_got_not_dead_anymore.\u82
Hedge_nodded,_his_eyes_narrowing._\u8220?So!
_You_were_sent_on_a_dangerous_quest_
to_rescue_me._Excellent!\u8221?_\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
\u8220?Um.\u8221?
_Piper_got_to_her_feet,_holding_out_her_hands_so_Coach_Hedge_wo
uldn\u8217?t_attack_her._\u8220?Actually,_Glee\u8212?can_I_still_call_you_Coach_
Hedge?_Gleeson_seems_{\i
wrong}._We\u8217?
re_on_a_quest_for_something_else._We_kind_of_found_you_by_accid
ent.\u8221?\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
\u8220?Oh.\u8221?_The_coach\u8217?
s_spirits_seemed_to_deflate,_but_only_for_a_se
cond._Then_his_eyes_lit_up_again._\u8220?But_there_are_no_accidents!
_Not_on_ques
ts._This_was_{\i
meant_}to_happen!_So,_this_is_the_witch\u8217?s_lair,_eh?
_Why_is_everything_gold
\u8220?Gold?\u8221?
_Jason_looked_around._From_the_way_Leo_and_Piper_caught_their
_breath,_he_guessed_they_hadn\u8217?
t_noticed_yet_either.\par\pard\plain\hyphpar
}{
The_room_was_full_of_gold\u8212?
the_statues,_the_tea_set_Hedge_had_smashed,_the_
chair_that_was_definitely_a_throne._Even_the_curtains\u8212?
which_seemed_to_have
_opened_by_themselves_at_daybreak\u8212?
appeared_to_be_woven_of_gold_fiber.\par\
\u8220?Nice,\u8221?_Leo_said._\u8220?
No_wonder_they_got_so_much_security.\u8221?
\u8220?This_isn\u8217?t\u8212?\u8221?_Piper_stammered._\u8220?
This_isn\u8217?t_M
edea\u8217?s_place,_Coach._It\u8217?s_some_rich_person\u8217?
s_mansion_in_Omaha.
_We_got_away_from_Medea_and_crashlanded_here.\u8221?\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
\u8220?It\u8217?s_destiny,_cupcakes!\u8221?_Hedge_insisted._\u8220?I\u8217?
m_mea
nt_to_protect_you._What\u8217?s_the_quest?\u8221?\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
Before_Jason_could_decide_if_he_wanted_to_explain_or_just_shove_Coach_Hedge_b
ack
_into_his_cage,_a_door_opened_at_the_far_end_of_the_room._\par\pard\plain\hyphp
a
r}{
A_pudgy_man_in_a_white_bathrobe_stepped_out_with_a_golden_toothbrush_in_his_
mout
h._He_had_a_white_beard_and_one_of_those_long,_oldfashioned_sleeping_caps_press
ed_down_over_his_white_hair._He_froze_when_he_saw_them,_and_the_toothbrush_f
ell_
out_of_his_mouth._\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
He_glanced_into_the_room_behind_him_and_called,_\u8220?Son?
_Lit,_come_out_here,_
please._There_are_strange_people_in_the_throne_room.\u8221?
par}{
Coach_Hedge_did_the_obvious_thing._He_raised_his_club_and_shouted,_\u8220?
Die!\u
I}{\b
T_TOOK_ALL_THREE_OF_THEM}{\b
_}_to_hold_back_the_satyr._\u8220?Whoa,_Coach!\u8221?_Jason_said._\u8220?
Bring_i
t_down_a_few_notches.\u8221?
_A_younger_man_charged_into_the_room._Jason_guessed_
he_must_be_Lit,_the_old_guy\u8217?
s_son._He_was_dressed_in_pajama_pants_with_a_s
leeveless_T-shirt_that_said_cornhuskers,_and_he_held_a_sword_that_looked_like_it
_could_husk_a_lot_of_things_besides_corn._His_ripped_arms_were_covered_in_scars,
_and_his_face,_framed_by_curly_dark_hair,_would\u8217?
ve_been_handsome_if_it_was
n\u8217?t_also_sliced_up.\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
Lit_immediately_zeroed_in_on_Jason_like_he_was_the_biggest_threat,_and_stalked_t
oward_him,_swinging_his_sword_overhead._\u8220?Hold_on!\u8221?
_Piper_stepped_for
ward,_trying_for_her_best_calming_voice._\u8220?This_is_just_a_misunderstanding!
_Everything\u8217?s_fine.\u8221?_Lit_stopped_in_his_tracks,_but_he_still_looked_
wary._It_didn\u8217?t_help_that_Hedge_was_screaming,_\u8220?I\u8217?
ll_get_them!
Don\u8217?t_worry!\u8221?_\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
\u8220?Coach,\u8221?_Jason_pleaded,_\u8220?
they_may_be_friendly._Besides,_we\u82
17?re_trespassing_in_their_house.\u8221?\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
\u8220?Thank_you!\u8221?_said_the_old_man_in_the_bathrobe._\u8220?
Now,_who_are_y
ou,_and_why_are_you_here?\u8221?\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
\u8220?Let\u8217?s_all_put_our_weapons_down,\u8221?_Piper_said._\u8220?
Coach,_yo
u_first.\u8221?_\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
Hedge_clenched_his_jaw._\u8220?
Just_one_thwack?\u8221?\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
\u8220?No,\u8221?_Piper_said.\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
\u8220?What_about_a_compromise?_I\u8217?ll_kill_them_first,_and_if_it_turns_out_
they_were_friendly,_I\u8217?ll_apologize.\u8221?_\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
\u8220?No!\u8221?_Piper_insisted.\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
\u8220?Meh.\u8221?_Coach_Hedge_lowered_his_club.\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
Piper_gave_Lit_a_friendly_{\i
sorry-about-that_}smile._Even_with_her_hair_messed_up_and_wearing_two-dayold_cl
othes,_she_looked_extremely_cute,_and_Jason_felt_a_little_jealous_she_was_giving
_Lit_that_smile.\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
Lit_huffed_and_sheathed_his_sword._\u8220?You_speak_well,_girl\u8212?fortunately
_for_your_friends,_or_I_would\u8217?ve_run_them_through.\u8221?\par\pard\plain\h
yphpar}{
\u8220?Appreciate_it,\u8221?_Leo_said._\u8220?I_try_not_to_get_run_through_befor
e_lunchtime.\u8221?_\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
The_old_man_in_the_bathrobe_sighed,_kicking_the_teapot_that_Coach_Hedge_had_
smas
hed._\u8220?Well,_since_you\u8217?re_here._Please,_sit_down.\u8221?_\par\pard\pl
ain\hyphpar}{
Lit_frowned._\u8220?Your_Majesty\u8212?\u8221?\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
\u8220?No,_no,_it\u8217?s_fine,_Lit,\u8221?_the_old_man_said._\u8220?
New_land,_n
ew_customs._They_may_sit_in_my_presence._After_all,_they\u8217?
ve_seen_me_in_my_
nightclothes._No_sense_observing_formalities.\u8221?_He_did_his_best_to_smile,_t
hough_it_looked_a_little_forced._\u8220?
Welcome_to_my_humble_home._I_am_King_Mid
as.\u8221?_\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
\u8220?Midas?_Impossible,\u8221?_said_Coach_Hedge._\u8220?
He_died.\u8221?\par\pa
rd\plain\hyphpar}{
They_were_sitting_on_the_sofas_now,_while_the_king_reclined_on_his_throne._Trick
y_to_do_that_in_a_bathrobe,_and_Jason_kept_worrying_the_old_guy_would_forget_a
nd
_uncross_his_legs._Hopefully_he_was_wearing_golden_boxers_under_there.\par\pard
\
plain\hyphpar}{
Lit_stood_behind_the_throne,_both_hands_on_his_sword,_glancing_at_Piper_and_flex
ing_his_muscular_arms_just_to_be_annoying._Jason_wondered_if_{\i
he_}looked_that_ripped_holding_a_sword._Sadly,_he_doubted_it.\par\pard\plain\hyp
hpar}{
Piper_sat_forward._\u8220?
What_our_satyr_friend_means,_Your_Majesty,_is_that_you
\u8217?re_the_second_mortal_we\u8217?ve_met_who_should_be\u8212?
sorry\u8212?dead
._King_Midas_lived_thousands_of_years_ago.\u8221?\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
\u8220?Interesting.\u8221?_The_king_gazed_out_the_windows_at_the_brilliant_blue_
skies_and_the_winter_sunlight._In_the_distance,_downtown_Omaha_looked_like_a_cl
u
ster_of_children\u8217?s_blocks_\u8212?way_too_clean_and_small_for_a_regular_cit
y.\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
\u8220?You_know,\u8221?_the_king_said,_\u8220?I_think_I_{\i
was_}a_bit_dead_for_a_while._It\u8217?
s_strange._Seems_like_a_dream,_doesn\u8217
?t_it,_Lit?\u8221?_\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
\u8220?A_very_long_dream,_Your_Majesty.\u8221?\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
\u8220?And_yet,_now_we\u8217?re_here._I\u8217?
m_enjoying_myself_very_much._I_lik
e_being_alive_better.\u8221?\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
\u8220?But_how?\u8221?_Piper_asked._\u8220?You_didn\u8217?
t_happen_to_have_a_\u8
230?_patron?\u8221?\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
Midas_hesitated,_but_there_was_a_sly_twinkle_in_his_eyes._\u8220?Does_it_matter,
_my_dear?\u8221?\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
\u8220?We_could_kill_them_again,\u8221?
_Hedge_suggested.\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}
{
\u8220?Coach,_not_helping,\u8221?_Jason_said._\u8220?Why_don\u8217?
t_you_go_outs
ide_and_stand_guard?\u8221?_\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
Leo_coughed._\u8220?Is_that_safe?_They\u8217?
ve_got_some_serious_security.\u8221
\u8220?Oh,_yes,\u8221?_the_king_said._\u8220?Sorry_about_that._But_it\u8217?
s_lo
vely_stuff,_isn\u8217?t_it?_Amazing_what_gold_can_still_buy._Such_excellent_toys
_you_have_in_this_country!\u8221?\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
He_fished_a_remote_control_out_of_his_bathrobe_pocket_and_pressed_a_few_button
s\
u8212?a_pass_code,_Jason_guessed.\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
\u8220?There,\u8221?_Midas_said._\u8220?
Safe_to_go_out_now.\u8221?\par\pard\plai
n\hyphpar}{
Coach_Hedge_grunted._\u8220?Fine._But_if_you_need_me_\u8230?\u8221?
_He_winked_at
_Jason_meaningfully._Then_he_pointed_at_himself,_pointed_two_fingers_at_their_ho
sts,_and_sliced_a_finger_across_his_throat._Very_subtle_sign_language.\par\pard\
plain\hyphpar}{
\u8220?Yeah,_thanks,\u8221?_Jason_said._\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
After_the_satyr_left,_Piper_tried_another_diplomatic_smile._\u8220?So_\u8230?_yo
u_don\u8217?t_know_how_you_got_here?\u8221?\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
\u8220?Oh,_well,_yes._Sort_of,\u8221?_the_king_said._He_frowned_at_Lit._\u8220?
W
hy_did_we_pick_Omaha,_again?_I_know_it_wasn\u8217?t_the_weather.\u8221?
_\par\par
d\plain\hyphpar}{
\u8220?The_oracle,\u8221?_Lit_said._\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
\u8220?Yes!_I_was_told_there_was_an_oracle_in_Omaha.\u8221?
_The_king_shrugged._\
u8220?Apparently_I_was_mistaken._But_this_is_a_rather_nice_house,_isn\u8217?t_it
?_Lit\u8212?it\u8217?s_short_for_Lityerses,_by_the_way\u8212?horrible_name,_but_
his_mother_insisted\u8212?Lit_has_plenty_of_wideopen_space_to_practice_his_swor
dplay._He_has_quite_a_reputation_for_that._They_called_him_the_Reaper_of_Men_ba
c
k_in_the_old_days.\u8221?\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
\u8220?Oh.\u8221?_Piper_tried_to_sound_enthusiastic._\u8220?
How_nice.\u8221?\par
Lit\u8217?
s_smile_was_more_of_a_cruel_sneer._Jason_was_now_one_hundred_percent_s
ure_he_didn\u8217?
t_like_this_guy,_and_he_was_starting_to_regret_sending_Hedge_o
utside._\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
\u8220?So,\u8221?_Jason_said._\u8220?All_this_gold\u8212?\u8221?\par\pard\plain\
hyphpar}{
The_king\u8217?s_eyes_lit_up._\u8220?Are_you_here_for_gold,_my_boy?
_Please,_take
_a_brochure!\u8221?_\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
Jason_looked_at_the_brochures_on_the_coffee_table._The_title_said_{\i
GOLD:_Invest_for_Eternity.}_\u8220?Um,_you_sell_gold?\u8221?_\par\pard\plain\hyp
hpar}{
\u8220?No,_no,\u8221?_the_king_said._\u8220?I_{\i
make_}it._In_uncertain_times_like_these,_gold_is_the_wisest_investment,_don\u821
7?t_you_think?
_Governments_fall._The_dead_rise._Giants_attack_Olympus._But_gold_
retains_its_value!\u8221?_\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
Leo_frowned._\u8220?I\u8217?ve_seen_that_commercial.\u8221?
par}{
\u8220?Oh,_don\u8217?t_be_fooled_by_cheap_imitators!\u8221?
_the_king_said._\u822
0?I_assure_you,_I_can_beat_any_price_for_a_serious_investor._I_can_make_a_wide_a
ssortment_of_gold_items_at_a_moment\u8217?s_notice.\u8221?
ar}{
\u8220?But_\u8230?\u8221?_Piper_shook_her_head_in_confusion._\u8220?
Your_Majesty
,_you_gave_up_the_golden_touch,_didn\u8217?
t_you?\u8221?\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}
{
The_king_looked_astonished._\u8220?Gave_it_up?\u8221?\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
\u8220?Yes,\u8221?_Piper_said._\u8220?
You_got_it_from_some_god\u8212?\u8221?\par
\u8220?Dionysus,\u8221?_the_king_agreed._\u8220?I\u8217?
d_rescued_one_of_his_sat
yrs,_and_in_return,_the_god_granted_me_one_wish._I_chose_the_golden_touch.\u82
21
\u8220?But_you_accidentally_turned_your_own_daughter_to_gold,\u8221?
_Piper_remem
bered._\u8220?And_you_realized_how_greedy_you\u8217?
d_been._So_you_repented.\u82
\u8220?Repented!\u8221?_King_Midas_looked_at_Lit_incredulously._\u8220?
You_see,_
son?_You\u8217?
re_away_for_a_few_thousand_years,_and_the_story_gets_twisted_all_
around._My_dear_girl,_did_those_stories_ever_{\i
say}_I\u8217?d_lost_my_magic_touch?\u8221?\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
\u8220?Well,_I_guess_not._They_just_said_you_learned_how_to_reverse_it_with_runn
ing_water,_and_you_brought_your_daughter_back_to_life.\u8221?_\par\pard\plain\hy
phpar}{
\u8220?That\u8217?
s_all_true._Sometimes_I_still_have_to_reverse_my_touch._There\
u8217?s_no_running_water_in_the_house_because_I_don\u8217?
t_want_accidents\u8221
?\u8212?he_gestured_to_his_statues\u8212?\u8220?
but_we_chose_to_live_next_to_a_r
iver_just_in_case._Occasionally,_I\u8217?ll_forget_and_pat_Lit_on_the_back\u8212
Lit_retreated_a_few_steps._\u8220?I_hate_that.\u8221?\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
\u8220?I_{\i
told_}you_I_was_sorry,_son._At_any_rate,_gold_is_wonderful._Why_would_I_give_it_
up?\u8221?\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
\u8220?Well_\u8230?\u8221?_Piper_looked_truly_lost_now._\u8220?Isn\u8217?
t_that_
the_point_of_the_story?_That_you_learned_your_lesson?\u8221?\par\pard\plain\hyph
par}{
Midas_laughed._\u8220?My_dear,_may_I_see_your_backpack_for_a_moment?
_Toss_it_her
e.\u8221?_\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
Piper_hesitated,_but_she_wasn\u8217?
t_eager_to_offend_the_king._She_dumped_every
thing_out_of_the_pack_and_tossed_it_to_Midas._As_soon_as_he_caught_it,_the_pack
_
turned_to_gold,_like_frost_spreading_across_the_fabric._It_still_looked_flexible
_and_soft,_but_definitely_gold._The_king_tossed_it_back.\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}
{
\u8220?As_you_see,_I_can_still_turn_anything_to_gold,\u8221?_Midas_said._\u8220?
That_pack_is_magic_now,_as_well._Go_ahead\u8212?
put_your_little_storm_spirit_ene
mies_in_there.\u8221?\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
\u8220?Seriously?\u8221?
_Leo_was_suddenly_interested._He_took_the_bag_from_Piper
_and_held_it_up_to_the_cage._As_soon_as_he_unzipped_the_backpack,_the_winds_s
tir
red_and_howled_in_protest._The_cage_bars_shuddered._The_door_of_the_prison_fle
w_
open_and_the_winds_got_vacuumed_straight_into_the_pack._Leo_zipped_it_shut_an
d_g
rinned._\u8220?Gotta_admit._That\u8217?s_cool.\u8221?_\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
\u8220?You_see?\u8221?_Midas_said._\u8220?My_golden_touch_a_{\i
curse}?_Please._I_didn\u8217?t_learn_any_lesson,_and_life_isn\u8217?t_a_story,_g
irl._Honestly,_my_daughter_Zoe_was_much_more_pleasant_as_a_gold_statue.\u822
1?\p
\u8220?She_talked_a_lot,\u8221?_Lit_offered._\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
\u8220?Exactly!_And_so_I_turned_her_back_to_gold.\u8221?
_Midas_pointed._There_in
_the_corner_was_a_golden_statue_of_a_girl_with_a_shocked_expression,_as_if_she_
w
ere_thinking,_{\i
Dad!_}\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
\u8220?That\u8217?s_horrible!\u8221?_Piper_said.\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
\u8220?Nonsense._She_doesn\u8217?t_mind._Besides,_if_I\u8217?
d_learned_my_lesson
,_would_I_have_gotten_these?\u8221?\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
Midas_pulled_off_his_oversize_sleeping_cap,_and_Jason_didn\u8217?
t_know_whether_
to_laugh_or_get_sick._Midas_had_long_fuzzy_gray_ears_sticking_up_from_his_white_
hair\u8212?like_Bugs_Bunny\u8217?s,_but_they_weren\u8217?
t_rabbit_ears._They_wer
e_donkey_ears.\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
\u8220?Oh,_wow,\u8221?_Leo_said._\u8220?I_didn\u8217?
t_need_to_see_that.\u8221?_
\u8220?Terrible,_isn\u8217?t_it?\u8221?_Midas_sighed._\u8220?A_few_years_after_t
he_golden_touch_incident,_I_judged_a_music_contest_between_Apollo_and_Pan,_an
d_I
_declared_Pan_the_winner._Apollo,_sore_loser,_said_I_must_have_the_ears_of_an_as
s,_and_{\i
voil\u224?._}This_was_my_reward_for_being_truthful._I_tried_to_keep_them_a_secre
t._Only_my_barber_knew,_but_he_couldn\u8217?t_help_blabbing.\u8221?
_Midas_pointe
d_out_another_golden_statue\u8212?
a_bald_man_in_a_toga,_holding_a_pair_of_shears
._\u8220?That\u8217?s_him._He_won\u8217?t_be_telling_anyone\u8217?
s_secrets_agai
n.\u8221?_\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
The_king_smiled._Suddenly_he_didn\u8217?
t_strike_Jason_as_a_harmless_old_man_in_
a_bathrobe._His_eyes_had_a_merry_glow_to_them\u8212?
the_look_of_a_madman_who_kne
w_he_was_mad,_accepted_his_madness,_and_enjoyed_it._\u8220?
Yes,_gold_has_many_us
es._I_think_that_{\i
must_}be_why_I_was_brought_back,_eh_Lit?
_To_bankroll_our_patron.\u8221?\par\pard
\plain\hyphpar}{
Lit_nodded._\u8220?
That_and_my_good_sword_arm.\u8221?\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
Jason_glanced_at_his_friends._Suddenly_the_air_in_the_room_seemed_much_colder.
_\
\u8220?So_you_do_have_a_patron,\u8221?_Jason_said._\u8220?
You_work_for_the_giant
s.\u8221?_\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
King_Midas_waved_his_hand_dismissively._\u8220?Well,_I_don\u8217?
t_care_for_gian
ts_myself,_of_course._But_even_supernatural_armies_need_to_get_paid._I_do_owe_
my
_patron_a_great_debt._I_tried_to_explain_that_to_the_last_group_that_came_throug
h,_but_they_were_very_unfriendly._Wouldn\u8217?
t_cooperate_at_all.\u8221?\par\pa
rd\plain\hyphpar}{
Jason_slipped_his_hand_into_his_pocket_and_grabbed_his_gold_coin._\u8220?
The_las
t_group?\u8221?\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
\u8220?Hunters,\u8221?_Lit_snarled._\u8220?
Blasted_girls_from_Artemis.\u8221?\pa
Jason_felt_a_spark_of_electricity\u8212?a_{\i
literal_}spark\u8212?travel_down_his_spine._He_caught_a_whiff_of_electrical_fire
_like_he\u8217?d_just_melted_some_of_the_springs_in_the_sofa.\par\pard\plain\hyp
hpar}{
His_{\i
sister}_had_been_here._\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
\u8220?When?\u8221?_he_demanded._\u8220?
What_happened?\u8221?\par\pard\plain\hyp
hpar}{
Lit_shrugged._\u8220?Few_days_ago?_I_didn\u8217?
t_get_to_kill_them,_unfortunatel
y._They_were_looking_for_some_evil_wolves,_or_something._Said_they_were_followi
n
g_a_trail,_heading_west._Missing_demigod\u8212?I_don\u8217?t_recall.\u8221?
_\par
Percy_Jackson,_Jason_thought._Annabeth_had_mentioned_the_Hunters_were_looking
_fo
r_him._And_in_Jason\u8217?s_dream_of_the_burnedout_house_in_the_redwoods,_he\u8
217?
d_heard_enemy_wolves_baying._Hera_had_called_them_her_keepers._It_had_to_be_
connected_somehow._\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
Midas_scratched_his_donkey_ears._\u8220?
Very_unpleasant_young_ladies,_those_Hunt
ers,\u8221?_he_recalled._\u8220?They_absolutely_refused_to_be_turned_into_gold._
Much_of_the_security_system_outside_I_installed_to_keep_that_sort_of_thing_from_
happening_again,_you_know._I_don\u8217?t_have_time_for_those_who_aren\u8217?
t_se
rious_investors.\u8221?_\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
Jason_stood_warily_and_glanced_at_his_friends._They_got_the_message._\par\pard\
p
lain\hyphpar}{
\u8220?Well,\u8221?_Piper_said,_managing_a_smile._\u8220?It\u8217?
s_been_a_great
_visit._Welcome_back_to_life._Thanks_for_the_gold_bag.\u8221?\par\pard\plain\hyp
hpar}{
\u8220?Oh,_but_you_can\u8217?t_leave!\u8221?_Midas_said._\u8220?
I_know_you\u8217
?re_not_serious_investors,_but_that\u8217?s_all_right!_I_have_to_rebuild_my_coll
ection.\u8221?_\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
Lit_was_smiling_cruelly._The_king_rose,_and_Leo_and_Piper_moved_away_from_him.
\p
\u8220?Don\u8217?t_worry,\u8221?_the_king_assured_them._\u8220?
You_don\u8217?t_{
\i
have_}to_be_turned_to_gold._I_give_all_my_guests_a_choice\u8212?join_my_collecti
on,_or_die_at_the_hands_of_Lityerses._Really,_it\u8217?s_good_either_way.\u8221?
Piper_tried_to_use_her_charmspeak._\u8220?Your_Majesty,_you_can\u8217?
t\u8212?\u
Quicker_than_any_old_man_should\u8217?
ve_been_able_to_move,_Midas_lashed_out_and
_grabbed_her_wrist.\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
\u8220?No!\u8221?_Jason_yelled.\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
But_a_frost_of_gold_spread_over_Piper,_and_in_a_heartbeat_she_was_a_glittering_s
tatue._Leo_tried_to_summon_fire,_but_he\u8217?
d_forgotten_his_power_wasn\u8217?t
_working._Midas_touched_his_hand,_and_Leo_transformed_into_solid_metal._\par\pa
r
d\plain\hyphpar}{
Jason_was_so_horrified_he_couldn\u8217?t_move._His_friends\u8212?just_{\i
gone}._And_he_hadn\u8217?t_been_able_to_stop_it.\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
Midas_smiled_apologetically._\u8220?Gold_trumps_fire,_I\u8217?m_afraid.\u8221?
_H
e_waved_around_him_at_all_the_gold_curtains_and_furniture._\u8220?In_this_room,_
my_power_dampens_all_others:_fire\u8230?
_even_charmspeak._Which_leaves_me_only_o
ne_more_trophy_to_collect.\u8221?_\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
\u8220?Hedge!\u8221?_Jason_yelled._\u8220?
Need_help_in_here!\u8221?\par\pard\pla
in\hyphpar}{
For_once,_the_satyr_didn\u8217?
t_charge_in._Jason_wondered_if_the_lasers_had_got
ten_him,_or_if_he_was_sitting_at_the_bottom_of_a_trap_pit.\par\pard\plain\hyphpa
r}{
Midas_chuckled._\u8220?No_goat_to_the_rescue?_Sad._But_don\u8217?
t_worry,_my_boy
._It\u8217?s_really_not_painful._Lit_can_tell_you.\u8221?\par\pard\plain\hyphpar
}{
Jason_fixed_on_an_idea._\u8220?
I_choose_combat._You_said_I_could_choose_to_fight
_Lit_instead.\u8221?\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
Midas_looked_mildly_disappointed,_but_he_shrugged._\u8220?I_said_you_could_{\i
die}_fighting_Lit._But_of_course,_if_you_wish.\u8221?\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
The_king_backed_away,_and_Lit_raised_his_sword.\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
\u8220?I\u8217?m_going_to_enjoy_this,\u8221?_Lit_said._\u8220?
I_am_the_Reaper_of
_Men!\u8221?\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
\u8220?Come_on,_Cornhusker.\u8221?
_Jason_summoned_his_own_weapon._This_time_it_c
ame_up_as_a_javelin,_and_Jason_was_glad_for_the_extra_length.\par\pard\plain\hyp
hpar}{
\u8220?Oh,_gold_weapon!\u8221?_Midas_said._\u8220?
Very_nice.\u8221?\par\pard\pla
in\hyphpar}{
Lit_charged.\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
The_guy_was_fast._He_slashed_and_sliced,_and_Jason_could_barely_dodge_the_strik
e
s,_but_his_mind_went_into_a_different_mode\u8212?analyzing_patterns,_learning_Li
t\u8217?s_style,_which_was_all_offense,_no_defense._\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
Jason_countered,_sidestepped,_and_blocked._Lit_seemed_surprised_to_find_him_stil
l_alive.\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
\u8220?What_is_that_style?\u8221?_Lit_growled._\u8220?You_don\u8217?
t_fight_like
_a_Greek.\u8221?_\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
\u8220?Legion_training,\u8221?_Jason_said,_though_he_wasn\u8217?
t_sure_how_he_kn
ew_that._\u8220?It\u8217?s_Roman.\u8221?_\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
\u8220?Roman?\u8221?_Lit_struck_again,_and_Jason_deflected_his_blade._\u8220?
Wha
t_is_{\i
Roman}?\u8221?_\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
\u8220?News_flash,\u8221?_Jason_said._\u8220?
While_you_were_dead,_Rome_defeated_
Greece._Created_the_greatest_empire_of_all_time.\u8221?_\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}
{
\u8220?Impossible,\u8221?_Lit_said._\u8220?
Never_even_heard_of_them.\u8221?\par\
Jason_spun_on_one_heel,_smacked_Lit_in_the_chest_with_the_butt_of_his_javelin,_a
nd_sent_him_toppling_into_Midas\u8217?s_throne._\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
\u8220?Oh,_dear,\u8221?_Midas_said._\u8220?Lit?\u8221?
\u8220?I\u8217?m_fine,\u8221?_Lit_growled.\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
\u8220?You\u8217?d_better_help_him_up,\u8221?
_Jason_said.\par\pard\plain\hyphpar
}{
Lit_cried,_\u8220?Dad,_no!\u8221?_\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
Too_late._Midas_put_his_hand_on_his_son\u8217?
s_shoulder,_and_suddenly_a_very_an
gry-looking_gold_statue_was_sitting_on_Midas\u8217?s_throne._\par\pard\plain\hyp
hpar}{
\u8220?Curses!\u8221?_Midas_wailed._\u8220?
That_was_a_naughty_trick,_demigod._I\
u8217?ll_get_you_for_that.\u8221?_He_patted_Lit\u8217?
s_golden_shoulder._\u8220?
Don\u8217?t_worry,_son._I\u8217?ll_get_you_down_to_the_river_right_after_I_colle
ct_this_prize.\u8221?\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
Midas_raced_forward._Jason_dodged,_but_the_old_man_was_fast,_too._Jason_kicked
_t
he_coffee_table_into_the_old_man\u8217?
s_legs_and_knocked_him_over,_but_Midas_wo
uldn\u8217?t_stay_down_for_long.\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
Then_Jason_glanced_at_Piper\u8217?
s_golden_statue._Anger_washed_over_him._He_was
_the_son_of_Zeus._He_could_{\i
not_}fail_his_friends._\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
He_felt_a_tugging_sensation_in_his_gut,_and_the_air_pressure_dropped_so_rapidly_
that_his_ears_popped._Midas_must\u8217?
ve_felt_it_too,_because_he_stumbled_to_hi
s_feet_and_grabbed_his_donkey_ears.\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
\u8220?Ow!_What_are_you_doing?\u8221?_he_demanded._\u8220?
My_power_is_supreme_he
re!\u8221?\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
Thunder_rumbled._Outside,_the_sky_turned_black.\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
\u8220?You_know_another_good_use_for_gold?\u8221?
_Jason_said._\par\pard\plain\hy
phpar}{
Midas_raised_his_eyebrows,_suddenly_excited._\u8220?
Yes?\u8221?\par\pard\plain\h
yphpar}{
\u8220?It\u8217?s_an_excellent_conductor_of_electricity.\u8221?\par\pard\plain\h
yphpar}{
Jason_raised_his_javelin,_and_the_ceiling_exploded._A_lightning_bolt_ripped_thro
ugh_the_roof_like_it_was_an_eggshell,_connected_with_the_tip_of_Jason\u8217?s_sp
ear,_and_sent_out_arcs_of_energy_that_blasted_the_sofas_to_shreds._Chunks_of_cei
ling_plaster_crashed_down._The_chandelier_groaned_and_snapped_offits_chain,_an
d_
Midas_screamed_as_it_pinned_him_to_the_floor._The_glass_immediately_turned_into
_
gold.\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
When_the_rumbling_stopped,_freezing_rain_poured_into_the_building._Midas_cursed
_
in_Ancient_Greek,_thoroughly_pinned_under_his_chandelier._The_rain_soaked_every
t
hing,_turning_the_gold_chandelier_back_to_glass._Piper_and_Leo_were_slowly_chan
g
ing_too,_along_with_the_other_statues_in_the_room.\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
Then_the_front_door_burst_open,_and_Coach_Hedge_charged_in,_club_ready._His_m
out
h_was_covered_with_dirt,_snow,_and_grass.\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
\u8220?What\u8217?d_I_miss?\u8221?_he_asked._\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
\u8220?Where_were_you?\u8221?
_Jason_demanded._His_head_was_spinning_from_summoni
ng_the_lightning_bolt,_and_it_was_all_he_could_do_to_keep_from_passing_out._\u82
20?I_was_screaming_for_help.\u8221?\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
Hedge_belched._\u8220?
Getting_a_snack._Sorry._Who_needs_killing?\u8221?\par\pard
\plain\hyphpar}{
\u8220?No_one,_now!\u8221?_Jason_said._\u8220?Just_grab_Leo._I\u8217?
ll_get_Pipe
r.\u8221?_\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
\u8220?Don\u8217?t_leave_me_like_this!\u8221?
_Midas_wailed._\par\pard\plain\hyph
par}{
All_around_him_the_statues_of_his_victims_were_turning_to_flesh\u8212?his_daught
er,_his_barber,_and_a_whole_lot_of_angry-looking_guys_with_swords.\par\pard\plai
n\hyphpar}{
Jason_grabbed_Piper\u8217?
s_golden_bag_and_his_own_supplies._\par\pard\plain\hyp
hpar}{
Then_he_threw_a_rug_over_the_golden_statue_of_Lit_on_the_throne._Hopefully_that
_
would_keep_the_Reaper_of_Men_from_turning_back_to_flesh\u8212?
at_least_until_aft
er_Midas\u8217?s_victims_did._\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
\u8220?Let\u8217?s_get_out_of_here,\u8221?_Jason_told_Hedge._\u8220?
I_think_thes
e_guys_will_want_some_quality_time_with_Midas.\u8221?_\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}
{
P}{\b
IPER_WOKE_UP_COLD_AND_SHIVERING}{\b
.}_\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
She\u8217?
d_had_the_worst_dream_about_an_old_guy_with_donkey_ears_chasing_her_ar
ound_and_shouting,_{\i
You\u8217?re_it!_}\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
\u8220?Oh,_god.\u8221?_Her_teeth_chattered._\u8220?
He_turned_me_to_gold!\u8221?\
\u8220?You\u8217?re_okay_now.\u8221?
_Jason_leaned_over_and_tucked_a_warm_blanket
_around_her,_but_she_still_felt_as_cold_as_a_Boread._\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
She_blinked,_trying_to_figure_out_where_they_were._Next_to_her,_a_campfire_blaze
d,_turning_the_air_sharp_with_smoke._Firelight_flickered_against_rock_walls._The
y_were_in_a_shallow_cave,_but_it_didn\u8217?t_offer_much_protection._Outside,_th
e_wind_howled._Snow_blew_sideways._It_might\u8217?
ve_been_day_or_night._The_stor
m_made_it_too_dark_to_tell._\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
\u8220?L-L-Leo?\u8221?_Piper_managed.\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
\u8220?Present_and_un-gold-ified.\u8221?
_Leo_was_also_wrapped_in_blankets._He_di
dn\u8217?t_look_great,_but_better_than_Piper_felt._\u8220?I_got_the_precious_met
al_treatment_too,\u8221?_he_said._\u8220?
But_I_came_out_of_it_faster._Dunno_why.
_We_had_to_dunk_you_in_the_river_to_get_you_back_completely._Tried_to_dry_you_
of
f,_but_\u8230?_it\u8217?s_really,_really_cold.\u8221?\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
\u8220?You\u8217?ve_got_hypothermia,\u8221?_Jason_said._\u8220?
We_risked_as_much
_nectar_as_we_could._Coach_Hedge_did_a_little_nature_magic\u8212?\u8221?\par\p
ar
d\plain\hyphpar}{
\u8220?Sports_medicine.\u8221?_The_coach\u8217?
s_ugly_face_loomed_over_her._\u82
20?
Kind_of_a_hobby_of_mine._Your_breath_might_smell_like_wild_mushrooms_and_Gato
rade_for_a_few_days,_but_it\u8217?ll_pass._You_probably_won\u8217?t_die._Probabl
y.\u8221?\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
\u8220?Thanks,\u8221?_Piper_said_weakly._\u8220?
How_did_you_beat_Midas?\u8221?\p
Jason_told_her_the_story,_putting_most_of_it_down_to_luck.\par\pard\plain\hyphpa
r}{
The_coach_snorted._\u8220?Kid\u8217?s_being_modest._You_should\u8217?
ve_seen_him
._Hi-yah!_Slice!_Boom_with_the_lightning!\u8221?\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
\u8220?Coach,_you_didn\u8217?t_even_see_it,\u8221?_Jason_said._\u8220?
You_were_o
utside_eating_the_lawn.\u8221?\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
But_the_satyr_was_just_warming_up._\u8220?
Then_I_came_in_with_my_club,_and_we_do
minated_that_room._Afterward,_I_told_him,_\u8216?Kid,_I\u8217?m_proud_of_you!
_If
_you_could_just_work_on_your_upper_body_strength\u8212?\u8217?\u8221?
_\par\pard\
plain\hyphpar}{
\u8220?Coach,\u8221?_said_Jason._\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
\u8220?Yeah?\u8221?_\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
\u8220?Shut_up,_please.\u8221?\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
\u8220?Sure.\u8221?
_The_coach_sat_down_at_the_fire_and_started_chewing_his_cudge
l.\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
Jason_put_his_hand_on_Piper\u8217?
s_forehead_and_checked_her_temperature._\u8220
?Leo,_can_you_stoke_the_fire?\u8221?\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
\u8220?On_it.\u8221?_Leo_summoned_a_baseballsized_clump_of_flames_and_lobbed_it
_into_the_campfire._\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
\u8220?Do_I_look_that_bad?\u8221?_Piper_shivered.\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
\u8220?Nah,\u8221?_Jason_said._\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
\u8220?You\u8217?re_a_terrible_liar,\u8221?_she_said._\u8220?
Where_are_we?\u8221
\u8220?Pikes_Peak,\u8221?_Jason_said._\u8220?Colorado.\u8221?
_\par\pard\plain\hy
phpar}{
\u8220?But_that\u8217?s,_what\u8212?five_hundred_miles_from_Omaha?\u8221?
_\par\p
ard\plain\hyphpar}{
\u8220?Something_like_that,\u8221?_Jason_agreed._\u8220?
I_harnessed_the_storm_sp
irits_to_bring_us_this_far._They_didn\u8217?t_like_it\u8212?went_a_little_faster
_than_I_wanted,_almost_crashed_us_into_the_mountainside_before_I_could_get_the
m_
back_in_the_bag._I\u8217?
m_not_going_to_be_trying_that_again.\u8221?\par\pard\pl
ain\hyphpar}{
\u8220?Why_are_we_here?\u8221?\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
Leo_sniffed._\u8220?That\u8217?s_what_{\i
I}_asked_him.\u8221?_\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
Jason_gazed_into_the_storm_as_if_watching_for_something._\u8220?That_glittery_wi
nd_trail_we_saw_yesterday?_It_was_still_in_the_sky,_though_it_had_faded_a_lot._I
_followed_it_until_I_couldn\u8217?t_see_it_anymore._Then\u8212?honestly_I\u8217?
m_not_sure._I_just_felt_like_this_was_the_right_place_to_stop.\u8221?\par\pard\p
lain\hyphpar}{
\u8220?\u8217?Course_it_is.\u8221?
_Coach_Hedge_spit_out_some_cudgel_splinters._\
u8220?Aeolus\u8217?
s_floating_palace_should_be_anchored_above_us,_right_at_the_p
eak._This_is_one_of_his_favorite_spots_to_dock.\u8221?\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
\u8220?Maybe_that_was_it.\u8221?_Jason_knit_his_eyebrows._\u8220?I_don\u8217?
t_k
now._Something_else,_too_\u8230?\u8221?\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
\u8220?The_Hunters_were_heading_west,\u8221?_Piper_remembered._\u8220?
Do_you_thi
nk_they\u8217?re_around_here?\u8221?_\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
Jason_rubbed_his_forearm_as_if_the_tattoos_were_bothering_him._\u8220?
I_don\u821
7?t_see_how_anyone_could_survive_on_the_mountain_right_now._The_storm\u8217?
s_pr
etty_bad._It\u8217?
s_already_the_evening_before_the_solstice,_but_we_didn\u8217?
t_have_much_choice_except_to_wait_out_the_storm_here._We_had_to_give_you_so
me_ti
me_to_rest_before_we_tried_moving.\u8221?\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
He_didn\u8217?
t_need_to_convince_her._The_wind_howling_outside_the_cave_scared_h
er,_and_she_couldn\u8217?t_stop_shivering.\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
\u8220?We_have_to_get_you_warm.\u8221?
_Jason_sat_next_to_her_and_held_out_his_ar
ms_a_little_awkwardly._\u8220?Uh,_you_mind_if_I_\u8230?\u8221?\par\pard\plain\hy
phpar}{
\u8220?I_suppose.\u8221?
_She_tried_to_sound_nonchalant.\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
He_put_his_arms_around_her_and_held_her._They_scooted_closer_to_the_fire._Coac
h_
Hedge_chewed_on_his_club_and_spit_splinters_into_the_fire.\par\pard\plain\hyphpa
r}{
Leo_broke_out_some_cooking_supplies_and_started_frying_burger_patties_on_an_iro
n
_skillet._\u8220?So,_guys,_long_as_you\u8217?
re_cuddled_up_for_story_time_\u8230
?_something_I\u8217?
ve_been_meaning_to_tell_you._On_the_way_to_Omaha,_I_had_this
_dream._Kinda_hard_to_understand_with_the_static_and_the_{\i
Wheel_of_Fortune_}breaking_in\u8212?\u8221?\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
\u8220?{\i
Wheel_of_Fortune}?\u8221?
_Piper_assumed_Leo_was_kidding,_but_when_he_looked_up_f
rom_his_burgers,_his_expression_was_deadly_serious.\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
\u8220?The_thing_is,\u8221?_he_said,_\u8220?
my_dad_Hephaestus_talked_to_me.\u822
Leo_told_them_about_his_dream._In_the_firelight,_with_the_wind_howling,_the_stor
y_was_even_creepier._Piper_could_imagine_the_static-filled_voice_of_the_god_warn
ing_about_giants_who_were_the_sons_of_Tartarus,_and_about_Leo_losing_some_frie
nd
s_along_the_way.\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
She_tried_to_concentrate_on_something_good:_Jason\u8217?
s_arms_around_her,_the_w
armth_slowly_spreading_into_her_body,_but_she_was_terrified._\u8220?
I_don\u8217?
t_understand._If_demigods_and_gods_have_to_work_together_to_kill_the_giants,_wh
y
_would_the_gods_stay_silent?
_If_they_need_us\u8212?\u8221?\par\pard\plain\hyphpa
r}{
\u8220?Ha,\u8221?_said_Coach_Hedge._\u8220?The_gods_{\i
hate_}needing_humans._They_like_to_be_needed_{\i
by_}humans,_but_not_the_other_way_around._Things_will_have_to_get_a_whole_lot
_wo
rse_before_Zeus_admits_he_made_a_mistake_closing_Olympus.\u8221?\par\pard\pla
in\
hyphpar}{
\u8220?Coach,\u8221?_Piper_said,_\u8220?
that_was_almost_an_intelligent_comment.\
Hedge_huffed._\u8220?What?_I\u8217?m_intelligent!_I\u8217?
m_not_surprised_you_cu
pcakes_haven\u8217?t_heard_of_the_Giant_War._The_gods_don\u8217?
t_like_to_talk_a
bout_it._Bad_PR_to_admit_you_needed_mortals_to_help_beat_an_enemy._That\u821
7?s_
just_embarrassing.\u8221?_\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
\u8220?There\u8217?s_more,_though,\u8221?_Jason_said._\u8220?
When_I_dreamed_abou
t_Hera_in_her_cage,_she_said_Zeus_was_acting_unusually_paranoid._And_Hera\u82
12?
she_said_she_went_to_those_ruins_because_a_voice_had_been_speaking_in_her_he
ad._
What_if_someone\u8217?
s_influencing_the_gods,_like_Medea_influenced_us?\u8221?\p
Piper_shuddered._She\u8217?d_had_a_similar_thought\u8212?
that_some_force_they_co
uldn\u8217?
t_see_was_manipulating_things_behind_the_scenes,_helping_the_giants._
Maybe_the_same_force_was_keeping_Enceladus_informed_about_their_movements,
_and_h
ad_even_knocked_their_dragon_out_of_the_sky_over_Detroit._Perhaps_Leo\u8217?
s_sl
eeping_Dirt_Woman,_or_another_servant_of_hers_\u8230?\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
Leo_set_hamburger_buns_on_the_skillet_to_toast._\u8220?
Yeah,_Hephaestus_said_som
ething_similar,_like_Zeus_was_acting_weirder_than_usual._But_what_bothered_me_
wa
s_the_stuff_my_dad_{\i
didn\u8217?
t_}say._Like_a_couple_of_times_he_was_talking_about_the_demigods,_and
_how_he_had_so_many_kids_and_all._I_don\u8217?
t_know._He_acted_like_getting_the_
greatest_demigods_together_was_going_to_be_almost_impossible\u8212?
like_Hera_was
_trying,_but_it_was_a_really_stupid_thing_to_do,_and_there_was_some_secret_Heph
a
estus_wasn\u8217?t_supposed_to_tell_me.\u8221?\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
Jason_shifted._Piper_could_feel_the_tension_in_his_arms.\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}
{
\u8220?Chiron_was_the_same_way_back_at_camp,\u8221?_he_said._\u8220?
He_mentioned
_a_sacred_oath_not_to_discuss\u8212?
something._Coach,_you_know_anything_about_th
at?\u8221?\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
\u8220?Nah._I\u8217?m_just_a_satyr._They_don\u8217?t_tell_us_the_juicy_stuff._Es
pecially_an_old\u8212?\u8221?_He_stopped_himself.\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
\u8220?An_old_guy_like_you?\u8221?_Piper_asked._\u8220?But_you\u8217?
re_not_that
_old,_are_you?\u8221?\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
\u8220?Hundred_and_six,\u8221?_the_coach_muttered._\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
Leo_coughed._\u8220?Say_what?\u8221?\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
\u8220?Don\u8217?t_catch_your_panties_on_fire,_Valdez._That\u8217?s_just_fifty-t
hree_in_human_years._Still,_yeah,_I_made_some_enemies_on_the_Council_of_Clove
n_E
lders._I\u8217?ve_been_a_protector_a_{\i
long}time._But_they_started_saying_I_was_getting_unpredictable._Too_violent._Can
_you_imagine?\u8221?\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
\u8220?Wow.\u8221?_Piper_tried_not_to_look_at_her_friends._\u8220?That\u8217?
s_h
ard_to_believe.\u8221?_\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
Coach_scowled._\u8220?
Yeah,_then_finally_we_get_a_good_war_going_with_the_Titans
,_and_do_they_put_me_on_the_front_lines?_No!
_They_send_me_as_far_away_as_possibl
e\u8212?the_Canadian_frontier,_can_you_believe_it?
_Then_after_the_war,_they_put_
me_out_to_pasture._The_Wilderness_School._Bah!_Like_I\u8217?
m_too_old_to_be_help
ful_just_because_I_like_playing_offense._All_those_flower-pickers_on_the_Council
\u8212?talking_about_nature.\u8221?\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
\u8220?I_thought_satyrs_liked_nature,\u8221?_Piper_ventured.\par\pard\plain\hyph
par}{
\u8220?Shoot,_I_love_nature,\u8221?_Hedge_said._\u8220?
Nature_means_big_things_k
illing_and_eating_little_things!_And_when_you\u8217?re_a_\u8212?
you_know\u8212?v
ertically_challenged_satyr_like_me,_you_get_in_good_shape,_you_carry_a_big_stick
,_and_you_don\u8217?t_take_nothing_from_no_one!_That\u8217?s_nature.\u8221?
_Hedg
e_snorted_indignantly._\u8220?Flowerpickers._Anyway,_I_hope_you_got_something_v
egetarian_cooking,_Valdez._I_don\u8217?t_do_flesh.\u8221?_\par\pard\plain\hyphpa
r}{
\u8220?Yeah,_Coach._Don\u8217?
t_eat_your_cudgel._I_got_some_tofu_patties_here._P
iper\u8217?s_a_vegetarian_too._I\u8217?ll_throw_them_on_in_a_second.\u8221?
_\par
The_smell_of_frying_burgers_filled_the_air._Piper_usually_hated_the_smell_of_coo
king_meat,_but_her_stomach_rumbled_like_it_wanted_to_mutiny.\par\pard\plain\hyp
h
par}{
I\u8217?m_losing_it,_she_thought._Think_broccoli._Carrots._Lentils.\par\pard\pla
in\hyphpar}{
Her_stomach_wasn\u8217?t_the_only_thing_rebelling._Lying_by_the_fire,_with_Jason
_holding_her,_Piper\u8217?s_conscience_felt_like_a_hot_bullet_slowing_working_it
s_way_toward_her_heart._All_the_guilt_she\u8217?d_been_holding_in_for_the_last_w
eek,_since_the_giant_Enceladus_had_first_sent_her_a_dream,_was_about_to_kill_her
Her_friends_wanted_to_help_her._Jason_even_said_he\u8217?
d_walk_into_a_trap_to_s
ave_her_dad._And_Piper_had_shut_them_out.\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
For_all_she_knew,_she\u8217?
d_already_doomed_her_father_when_she_attacked_Medea.
She_choked_back_a_sob._Maybe_she\u8217?
d_done_the_right_thing_in_Chicago_by_savi
ng_her_friends,_but_she\u8217?
d_only_delayed_her_problem._She_could_never_betray
_her_friends,_but_the_tiniest_part_of_her_was_desperate_enough_to_think,_{\i
What_if_I_did?_}\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
She_tried_to_imagine_what_her_dad_would_say._{\i
Hey,_Dad,_if_you_were_ever_chained_up_by_a_cannibal_giant_and_I_had_to_betray_
a_
couple_of_friends_to_save_you,_what_should_I_do?_}\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
Funny,_that_had_never_come_up_when_they_did_Any_Three_Questions._Her_dad_w
ould_n
ever_take_the_question_seriously,_of_course._He\u8217?d_probably_tell_her_one_of
_Grandpa_Tom\u8217?s_old_stories\u8212?
something_with_glowing_hedgehogs_and_talk
ing_birds\u8212?and_then_laugh_about_it_as_if_the_advice_was_silly.\par\pard\pla
in\hyphpar}{
Piper_wished_she_remembered_her_grandpa_better._Sometimes_she_dreamed_abo
ut_that
_little_two-room_house_in_Oklahoma._She_wondered_what_it_would\u8217?
ve_been_lik
e_to_grow_up_there.\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
Her_dad_would_think_that_was_nuts._He\u8217?
d_had_spent_his_whole_life_running_a
way_from_that_place,_distancing_himself_from_the_rez,_playing_any_role_except_N
a
tive_American._He\u8217?
d_always_told_Piper_how_lucky_she_was_to_grow_up_rich_an
d_well_cared-for,_in_a_nice_house_in_California._\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
She\u8217?d_learned_to_be_vaguely_uncomfortable_about_her_ancestry\u8212?
like_Da
d\u8217?
s_old_pictures_from_the_eighties,_when_he_had_feathered_hair_and_crazy_c
lothes._{\i
Can_you_believe_I_ever_looked_like_that?_}he\u8217?
d_say._Being_Cherokee_was_the
_same_way_for_him\u8212?
something_funny_and_mildly_embarrassing.\par\pard\plain\
hyphpar}{
But_what_else_were_they?_Dad_didn\u8217?t_seem_to_know._Maybe_that\u8217?
s_why_h
e_was_always_so_unhappy,_changing_roles._Maybe_that\u8217?
s_why_Piper_started_st
ealing_things,_looking_for_something_her_dad_couldn\u8217?t_give_her.\par\pard\p
lain\hyphpar}{
Leo_put_tofu_patties_on_the_skillet._The_wind_kept_raging._Piper_thought_of_an_o
ld_story_her_dad_had_told_her_\u8230?_one_that_maybe_{\i
did}_answer_some_of_her_questions._\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
One_day_in_second_grade_she\u8217?
d_come_home_in_tears_and_demanded_why_her_fath
er_had_named_her_Piper._The_kids_were_making_fun_of_her_because_Piper_Cherok
ee_w
as_a_kind_of_airplane.\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
Her_dad_laughed,_as_if_that_had_never_occurred_to_him._\u8220?
No,_Pipes._Fine_ai
rplane._That\u8217?
s_not_how_I_named_you._Grandpa_Tom_picked_out_your_name._Firs
t_time_he_heard_you_cry,_he_said_you_had_a_powerful_voice\u8212?
better_than_any_
reed_flute_piper._He_said_you\u8217?
d_learn_to_sing_the_hardest_Cherokee_songs,_
even_the_snake_song.\u8221?\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
\u8220?The_snake_song?\u8221?\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
Dad_told_her_the_legend\u8212?
how_one_day_a_Cherokee_woman_had_seen_a_snake_play
ing_too_near_her_children_and_killed_it_with_a_rock,_not_realizing_it_was_the_ki
ng_of_rattlesnakes._The_snakes_prepared_for_war_on_the_humans,_but_the_woman
\u82
17?s_husband_tried_to_make_peace._He_promised_he\u8217?
d_do_anything_to_repay_th
e_rattlesnakes._The_snakes_held_him_to_his_word._They_told_him_to_send_his_wife
_
to_the_well_so_the_snakes_could_bite_her_and_take_her_life_in_exchange._The_man
_
was_heartbroken,_but_he_did_what_they_asked._Afterward,_the_snakes_were_impre
sse
d_that_the_man_had_given_up_so_much_and_kept_his_promise._They_taught_him_t
he_sn
ake_song_for_all_the_Cherokee_to_use._From_that_point_on,_if_any_Cherokee_met_
a_
snake_and_sang_that_song,_the_snake_would_recognize_the_Cherokee_as_a_friend,
_an
d_would_not_bite._\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
\u8220?That\u8217?s_awful!\u8221?_Piper_had_said._\u8220?
He_let_his_wife_die?\u8
Her_dad_spread_his_hands._\u8220?
It_was_a_hard_sacrifice._But_one_life_brought_g
enerations_of_peace_between_snakes_and_Cherokee._Grandpa_Tom_believed_that_
Chero
kee_music_could_solve_almost_any_problem._He_thought_you\u8217?
d_know_lots_of_so
ngs,_and_be_the_greatest_musician_of_the_family._That\u8217?
s_why_we_named_you_P
iper.\u8221?\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
{\i
A_hard_sacrifice._}Had_her_grandfather_foreseen_something_about_her,_even_whe
n_s
he_was_a_baby?_Had_he_sensed_she_was_a_child_of_Aphrodite?
_Her_dad_would_probabl
y_tell_her_that_was_crazy._Grandpa_Tom_was_no_oracle.\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
But_still_\u8230?_she\u8217?
d_made_a_promise_to_help_on_this_quest._Her_friends_
were_counting_on_her._They\u8217?
d_saved_her_when_Midas_had_turned_her_to_gold._
They\u8217?d_brought_her_back_to_life._She_couldn\u8217?
t_repay_them_with_lies._
Gradually,_she_started_to_feel_warmer._She_stopped_shivering_and_settled_against
_Jason\u8217?s_chest._Leo_handed_out_the_food._Piper_didn\u8217?
t_want_to_move,_
talk,_or_do_anything_to_disrupt_the_moment._But_she_had_to._\par\pard\plain\hyph
par}{
\u8220?We_need_to_talk.\u8221?_She_sat_up_so_she_could_face_Jason._\u8220?
I_don\
u8217?
t_want_to_hide_anything_from_you_guys_anymore.\u8221?\par\pard\plain\hyphp
ar}{
They_looked_at_her_with_their_mouths_full_of_burger._Too_late_to_change_her_min
d
_now.\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
\u8220?Three_nights_before_the_Grand_Canyon_trip,\u8221?_she_said,_\u8220?
I_had_
a_dream_vision\u8212?
a_giant,_telling_me_my_father_had_been_taken_hostage._He_to
ld_me_I_had_to_cooperate,_or_my_dad_would_be_killed.\u8221?
par}{
The_flames_crackled._\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
Finally_Jason_said,_\u8220?Enceladus?_You_mentioned_that_name_before.\u8221?
_\pa
Coach_Hedge_whistled._\u8220?Big_giant._Breathes_fire._Not_somebody_I\u8217?
d_wa
nt_barbecuing_my_daddy_goat.\u8221?_\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
Jason_gave_him_a_{\i
shut_up_}look._\u8220?
Piper,_go_on._What_happened_next?\u8221?\par\pard\plain\hy
phpar}{
\u8220?I\u8212?I_tried_to_reach_my_dad,_but_all_I_got_was_his_personal_assistant
,_and_she_told_me_not_to_worry.\u8221?\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
\u8220?Jane?\u8221?_Leo_remembered._\u8220?Didn\u8217?
t_Medea_say_something_abou
t_controlling_her?\u8221?\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
Piper_nodded._\u8220?
To_get_my_dad_back,_I_had_to_sabotage_this_quest._I_didn\u8
217?t_realize_it_would_be_the_three_of_us._Then_after_we_started_the_quest,_Ence
ladus_sent_me_another_warning:_He_told_me_he_wanted_you_two_dead._He_wants
_me_to
_lead_you_to_a_mountain._I_don\u8217?t_know_exactly_which_one,_but_it\u8217?
s_in
_the_Bay_Area\u8212?
I_could_see_the_Golden_Gate_Bridge_from_the_summit._I_have_t
o_be_there_by_noon_on_the_solstice,_tomorrow._An_exchange.\u8221?\par\pard\plai
n
\hyphpar}{
She_couldn\u8217?t_meet_her_friends\u8217?
_eyes._She_waited_for_them_to_yell_at_
her,_or_turn_their_backs,_or_kick_her_out_into_the_snowstorm._\par\pard\plain\hy
phpar}{
Instead,_Jason_scooted_next_to_her_and_put_his_arm_around_her_again._\u8220?
God,
_Piper._I\u8217?m_so_sorry.\u8221?_\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
Leo_nodded._\u8220?No_kidding._You\u8217?
ve_been_carrying_this_around_for_a_week
?_Piper,_we_could_{\i
help_}you.\u8221?_\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
She_glared_at_them._\u8220?Why_don\u8217?t_you_yell_at_me_or_something?
_I_was_or
dered_to_kill_you!\u8221?\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
\u8220?Aw,_come_on,\u8221?_Jason_said._\u8220?You\u8217?
ve_saved_us_both_on_this
_quest._I\u8217?
d_put_my_life_in_your_hands_any_day.\u8221?\par\pard\plain\hyphp
ar}{
\u8220?Same,\u8221?_Leo_said._\u8220?
Can_I_have_a_hug_too?\u8221?\par\pard\plain
\hyphpar}{
\u8220?You_don\u8217?t_get_it!\u8221?_Piper_said._\u8220?I\u8217?
ve_probably_jus
t_killed_my_dad,_telling_you_this.\u8221?\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
\u8220?I_doubt_it.\u8221?
_Coach_Hedge_belched._He_was_eating_his_tofu_burger_fol
ded_inside_the_paper_plate,_chewing_it_all_like_a_taco._\u8220?Giant_hasn\u8217?
t_gotten_what_he_wants_yet,_so_he_still_needs_your_dad_for_leverage._He\u8217?
ll
_wait_until_the_deadline_passes,_see_if_you_show_up._He_wants_you_to_divert_the
_
quest_to_this_mountain,_right?\u8221?\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
Piper_nodded_uncertainly.\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
\u8220?So_that_means_Hera_is_being_kept_somewhere_else,\u8221?
_Hedge_reasoned._\
u8220?
And_she_has_to_be_saved_by_the_same_day._So_you_have_to_choose\u8212?rescu
e_your_dad,_or_rescue_Hera._If_you_go_after_Hera,_{\i
then_}Enceladus_takes_care_of_your_dad._Besides,_Enceladus_would_never_let_yo
u_g
o_even_if_you_cooperated._You\u8217?
re_obviously_one_of_the_seven_in_the_Great_P
rophecy.\u8221?\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
{\i
One_of_the_seven._}She\u8217?
d_talked_about_this_before_with_Jason_and_Leo,_and_
she_supposed_it_must_be_true,_but_she_still_had_trouble_believing_it._She_didn\u
8217?t_feel_that_important._She_was_just_a_stupid_child_of_Aphrodite._How_could_
she_be_worth_deceiving_and_killing?\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
\u8220?So_we_have_no_choice,\u8221?_she_said_miserably._\u8220?
We_have_to_save_H
era,_or_the_giant_king_gets_unleashed._That\u8217?
s_our_quest._The_world_depends
_on_it._And_Enceladus_seems_to_have_ways_of_watching_me._He_isn\u8217?
t_stupid._
He\u8217?ll_know_if_we_change_course_and_go_the_wrong_way._He\u8217?
ll_kill_my_d
ad.\u8221?_\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
\u8220?He\u8217?s_not_going_to_kill_your_dad,\u8221?_Leo_said._\u8220?
We\u8217?l
l_save_him.\u8221?_\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
\u8220?We_don\u8217?t_have_time!\u8221?_Piper_cried._\u8220?
Besides,_it\u8217?s_
a_trap.\u8221?_\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
\u8220?We\u8217?re_your_friends,_beauty_queen,\u8221?_Leo_said._\u8220?
We\u8217?
re_not_going_to_let_your_dad_die._We_just_gotta_figure_out_a_plan.\u8221?\par\pa
rd\plain\hyphpar}{
Coach_Hedge_grumbled._\u8220?
Would_help_if_we_knew_where_this_mountain_was._Mayb
e_Aeolus_can_tell_you_that._The_Bay_Area_has_a_bad_reputation_for_demigods._Ol
d_
home_of_the_Titans,_Mount_Othrys,_sits_over_Mount_Tam,_where_Atlas_holds_up_th
e_
sky._I_hope_that\u8217?
s_not_the_mountain_you_saw.\u8221?\par\pard\plain\hyphpar
}{
Piper_tried_to_remember_the_vista_in_her_dreams._\u8220?I_don\u8217?
t_think_so._
This_was_inland.\u8221?_\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
Jason_frowned_at_the_fire,_like_he_was_trying_to_remember_something.\par\pard\pl
ain\hyphpar}{
\u8220?Bad_reputation_\u8230?_that_doesn\u8217?
t_seem_right._The_Bay_Area_\u8230
\u8220?You_think_you\u8217?ve_been_there?\u8221?
_Piper_asked.\par\pard\plain\hyp
hpar}{
\u8220?I_\u8230?\u8221?
_He_looked_like_he_was_almost_on_the_edge_of_a_breakthrou
gh._Then_the_anguish_came_back_into_his_eyes._\u8220?I_don\u8217?
t_know._Hedge,_
what_happened_to_Mount_Othrys?\u8221?\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
Hedge_took_another_bite_of_paper_and_burger._\u8220?
Well,_Kronos_built_a_new_pal
ace_there_last_summer._Big_nasty_place,_was_going_to_be_the_headquarters_for_h
is
_new_kingdom_and_all._Weren\u8217?
t_any_battles_there,_though._Kronos_marched_on
_Manhattan,_tried_to_take_Olympus._If_I_remember_right,_he_left_some_other_Titan
s_in_charge_of_his_palace,_but_after_Kronos_got_defeated_in_Manhattan,_the_whol
e
_palace_just_crumbled_on_its_own.\u8221?_\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
\u8220?No,\u8221?_Jason_said._\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
Everyone_looked_at_him.\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
\u8220?What_do_you_mean,_\u8216?No\u8217??\u8221?
_Leo_asked._\par\pard\plain\hyp
hpar}{
\u8220?That\u8217?s_not_what_happened._I\u8212?\u8221?
_He_tensed,_looking_toward
_the_cave_entrance._\u8220?Did_you_hear_that?\u8221?\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
For_a_second,_nothing._Then_Piper_heard_it:_howls_piercing_the_night._\par\pard\
plain\hyphpar}{
{\b
\u8220?W}{\b
OLVES,\u8221?}{\b
_P}{\b
IPER_SAID}{\b
._\u8220?T}{\b
HEY_SOUND_CLOSE.\u8221?}{\b
Jason_rose_and_summoned_his_sword._Leo_and_Coach_Hedge_got_to_their_feet_to
o._Pi
per_tried,_but_black_spots_danced_before_her_eyes.\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
\u8220?Stay_there,\u8221?_Jason_told_her._\u8220?We\u8217?
ll_protect_you.\u8221?
She_gritted_her_teeth._She_hated_feeling_helpless._She_didn\u8217?t_{\i
want_}anyone_to_protect_her._First_the_stupid_ankle._Now_stupid_hypothermia._Sh
e
_wanted_to_be_on_her_feet,_with_her_dagger_in_her_hand._\par\pard\plain\hyphpar
}
{
Then,_just_outside_the_firelight_at_the_entrance_of_the_cave,_she_saw_a_pair_of_
red_eyes_glowing_in_dark.\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
Okay,_she_thought._Maybe_a_little_protection_is_fine.\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
More_wolves_edged_into_the_firelight\u8212?
black_beasts_bigger_than_Great_Danes,
_with_ice_and_snow_caked_on_their_fur._Their_fangs_gleamed,_and_their_glowing_r
e
d_eyes_looked_disturbingly_intelligent._The_wolf_in_front_was_almost_as_tall_as_
a_horse,_his_mouth_stained_as_if_he\u8217?d_just_made_a_fresh_kill._\par\pard\pl
ain\hyphpar}{
Piper_pulled_her_dagger_out_of_its_sheath.\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
Then_Jason_stepped_forward_and_said_something_in_Latin.\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}
{
Piper_didn\u8217?
t_think_a_dead_language_would_have_much_effect_on_wild_animals,
_but_the_alpha_wolf_curled_his_lip._The_fur_stood_up_along_his_spine._One_of_his
_lieutenants_tried_to_advance,_but_the_alpha_wolf_snapped_at_his_ear._Then_all_o
f_the_wolves_backed_into_the_dark._\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
\u8220?Dude,_I_gotta_study_Latin.\u8221?_Leo\u8217?
s_hammer_shook_in_his_hand._\
u8220?What\u8217?d_you_say,_Jason?\u8221?\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
Hedge_cursed._\u8220?Whatever_it_was,_it_wasn\u8217?
t_enough._Look.\u8221?\par\p
ard\plain\hyphpar}{
The_wolves_were_coming_back,_but_the_alpha_wolf_wasn\u8217?
t_with_them._They_did
n\u8217?t_attack._They_waited\u8212?
at_least_a_dozen_now,_in_a_rough_semicircle_
just_outside_the_firelight,_blocking_the_cave_exit._\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
The_coach_hefted_his_club._\u8220?Here\u8217?s_the_plan._I\u8217?ll_kill_them_al
l,_and_you_guys_escape.\u8221?\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
\u8220?Coach,_they\u8217?ll_rip_you_apart,\u8221?_Piper_said._\par\pard\plain\hy
phpar}{
\u8220?Nah,_I\u8217?m_good.\u8221?\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
Then_Piper_saw_the_silhouette_of_a_man_coming_through_the_storm,_wading_thro
ugh_
the_wolf_pack.\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
\u8220?Stick_together,\u8221?_Jason_said._\u8220?
They_respect_a_pack._And_Hedge,
_no_crazy_stuff._We\u8217?re_not_leaving_you_or_anyone_else_behind.\u8221?
_\par\
Piper_got_a_lump_in_her_throat._She_was_the_weak_link_in_their_\u8220?
pack\u8221
?
_right_now._No_doubt_the_wolves_could_smell_her_fear._She_might_as_well_be_wea
r
ing_a_sign_that_said_free_lunch._\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
The_wolves_parted,_and_the_man_stepped_into_the_firelight._His_hair_was_greasy_
a
nd_ragged,_the_color_of_fireplace_soot,_topped_with_a_crown_of_what_looked_like_
finger_bones._His_robes_were_tattered_fur\u8212?wolf,_rabbit,_raccoon,_deer,_and
_several_others_Piper_couldn\u8217?t_identify._The_furs_didn\u8217?t_look_cured,
_and_from_the_smell,_they_weren\u8217?
t_very_fresh._His_frame_was_lithe_and_musc
ular,_like_a_distance_runner\u8217?s._But_the_most_horrible_thing_was_his_face._
His_thin_pale_skin_was_pulled_tight_over_his_skull._His_teeth_were_sharpened_lik
e_fangs._His_eyes_glowed_bright_red_like_his_wolves\u8217?\u8212?
and_they_fixed_
on_Jason_with_absolute_hatred._\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
{\i
\u8220?Ecce,\u8221?}_he_said,_{\i
\u8220?filli_Romani.\u8221?_}\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
\u8220?Speak_English,_wolf_man!\u8221?
_Hedge_bellowed.\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
The_wolf_man_snarled._\u8220?
Tell_your_faun_to_mind_his_tongue,_son_of_Rome._Or_
he\u8217?ll_be_my_first_snack.\u8221?\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
Piper_remembered_that_{\i
faun_}was_the_Roman_name_for_{\i
satyr.}Not_exactly_helpful_information._Now,_if_she_could_remember_who_this_wol
f
_guy_was_in_Greek_mythology,_and_how_to_defeat_him,_{\i
that}_she_could_use._\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
The_wolf_man_studied_their_little_group._His_nostrils_twitched._\u8220?So_it\u82
17?s_true,\u8221?_he_mused._\u8220?
A_child_of_Aphrodite._A_son_of_Hephaestus._A_
faun._And_a_child_of_Rome,_of_Lord_Jupiter,_no_less._All_together,_without_killi
ng_each_other._How_interesting.\u8221?\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
\u8220?You_were_told_about_us?\u8221?_Jason_asked._\u8220?
By_whom?\u8221?\par\pa
rd\plain\hyphpar}{
The_man_snarled\u8212?perhaps_a_laugh,_perhaps_a_challenge._\u8220?
Oh,_we\u8217?
ve_been_patrolling_for_you_all_across_the_west,_demigod,_hoping_we\u8217?
d_be_th
e_first_to_find_you._The_giant_king_will_reward_me_well_when_he_rises._I_am_Lyca
on,_king_of_the_wolves._And_my_pack_is_hungry.\u8221?\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
The_wolves_snarled_in_the_darkness._\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
Out_of_the_corner_of_her_eye,_Piper_saw_Leo_put_up_his_hammer_and_slip_somet
hing
_else_from_his_tool_belt\u8212?a_glass_bottle_full_of_clear_liquid.\par\pard\pla
in\hyphpar}{
Piper_racked_her_brain_trying_to_place_the_wolf_guy\u8217?
s_name._She_knew_she\u
8217?d_heard_it_before,_but_she_couldn\u8217?
t_remember_details._\par\pard\plain
\hyphpar}{
Lycaon_glared_at_Jason\u8217?
s_sword._He_moved_to_each_side_as_if_looking_for_an
_opening,_but_Jason\u8217?s_blade_moved_with_him._\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
\u8220?Leave,\u8221?_Jason_ordered._\u8220?There\u8217?
s_no_food_for_you_here.\u
\u8220?Unless_you_want_tofu_burgers,\u8221?
_Leo_offered.\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}
{
Lycaon_bared_his_fangs._Apparently_he_wasn\u8217?t_a_tofu_fan._\par\pard\plain\h
yphpar}{
\u8220?If_I_had_my_way,\u8221?_Lycaon_said_with_regret,_\u8220?I\u8217?
d_kill_yo
u_first,_son_of_Jupiter._Your_father_made_me_what_I_am._I_was_the_powerful_mort
a
l_king_of_Arcadia,_with_fifty_fine_sons,_and_Zeus_slew_them_all_with_his_lightni
ng_bolts.\u8221?\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
\u8220?Ha,\u8221?_Coach_Hedge_said._\u8220?
For_good_reason!\u8221?\par\pard\plai
n\hyphpar}{
Jason_glanced_over_his_shoulder._\u8220?Coach,_you_know_this_clown?\u8221?
_\par\
\u8220?{\i
I_}do,\u8221?_Piper_answered._The_details_of_the_myth_came_back_to_her\u8212?
a_s
hort,_horrible_story_she_and_her_father_had_laughed_at_over_breakfast._She_wasn
\
u8217?t_laughing_now.\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
\u8220?Lycaon_invited_Zeus_to_dinner,\u8221?_she_said._\u8220?
But_the_king_wasn\
u8217?t_sure_it_was_really_Zeus._So_to_test_his_powers,_Lycaon_tried_to_feed_him
_human_flesh._Zeus_got_outraged\u8212?\u8221?\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
\u8220?And_killed_my_sons!\u8221?
_Lycaon_howled._The_wolves_behind_him_howled_to
o._\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
\u8220?So_Zeus_turned_him_into_a_wolf,\u8221?_Piper_said._\u8220?
They_call\u8230
?_they_call_werewolves_{\i
lycanthropes},_named_after_him,_the_first_werewolf.\u8221?_\par\pard\plain\hyphp
ar}{
\u8220?The_king_of_wolves,\u8221?_Coach_Hedge_finished._\u8220?
An_immortal,_smel
ly,_vicious_mutt.\u8221?\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
Lycaon_growled._\u8220?I_will_tear_you_apart,_faun!\u8221?\par\pard\plain\hyphpa
r}{
\u8220?Oh,_you_want_some_goat,_buddy?_\u8217?Cause_I\u8217?
ll_give_you_goat.\u82
\u8220?Stop_it,\u8221?_Jason_said._\u8220?Lycaon,_you_said_you_{\i
wanted_}to_kill_me_first,_but...?\u8221?_\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
\u8220?Sadly,_Child_of_Rome,_you_are_spoken_for._Since_this_one\u8221?\u8212?
he_
waggled_his_claws_at_Piper\u8212?\u8220?
has_failed_to_kill_you,_you_are_to_be_de
livered_alive_to_the_Wolf_House._One_of_my_compatriots_has_asked_for_the_honor
_o
f_killing_you_herself.\u8221?\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
\u8220?Who?\u8221?_Jason_said._\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
The_wolf_king_snickered._\u8220?
Oh,_a_great_admirer_of_yours._Apparently,_you_ma
de_quite_an_impression_on_her._She_will_take_care_of_you_soon_enough,_and_reall
y
_I_cannot_complain._Spilling_your_blood_at_the_Wolf_House_should_mark_my_new_
ter
ritory_quite_well._Lupa_will_think_twice_about_challenging_my_pack.\u8221?\par\p
ard\plain\hyphpar}{
Piper\u8217?s_heart_tried_to_jump_out_of_her_chest._She_didn\u8217?
t_understand_
everything_Lycaon_had_said,_but_a_woman_who_wanted_to_kill_Jason?
_Medea,_she_tho
ught._Somehow,_she_must\u8217?
ve_survived_the_explosion.\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}
{
Piper_struggled_to_her_feet._Spots_danced_before_her_eyes_again._The_cave_seem
ed
_to_spin.\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
\u8220?You\u8217?re_going_to_leave_now,\u8221?_Piper_said,_\u8220?
before_we_dest
roy_you.\u8221?\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
She_tried_to_put_power_into_the_words,_but_she_was_too_weak._Shivering_in_her_
bl
ankets,_pale_and_sweaty_and_barely_able_to_hold_a_knife,_she_couldn\u8217?
t_have
_looked_very_threatening._\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
Lycaon\u8217?s_red_eyes_crinkled_with_humor._\u8220?A_brave_try,_girl._\par\pard
\plain\hyphpar}{
I_admire_that._Perhaps_I\u8217?ll_make_your_end_quick._Only_the_son_of_Jupiter_i
s_needed_alive._The_rest_of_you,_I\u8217?m_afraid,_are_dinner.\u8221?_\par\pard\
plain\hyphpar}{
At_that_moment,_Piper_knew_she_was_going_to_die._But_at_least_she\u8217?
d_die_on
_her_feet,_fighting_next_to_Jason.\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
Jason_took_a_step_forward._\u8220?You\u8217?
re_not_killing_anyone,_wolf_man._Not
_without_going_through_me.\u8221?\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
Lycaon_howled_and_extended_his_claws._Jason_slashed_at_him,_but_his_golden_sw
ord
_passed_straight_through_as_if_the_wolf_king_wasn\u8217?t_there._\par\pard\plain
\hyphpar}{
Lycaon_laughed._\u8220?Gold,_bronze,_steel\u8212?
none_of_these_are_any_good_agai
nst_my_wolves,_son_of_Jupiter.\u8221?\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
\u8220?Silver!\u8221?_Piper_cried._\u8220?Aren\u8217?
t_werewolves_hurt_by_silver
\u8220?We_don\u8217?t_have_any_silver!\u8221?
}{
Wolves_leaped_into_the_firelight._Hedge_charged_forward_with_an_elated_\u8220?
Wo
ot!\u8221?_\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
But_Leo_struck_first._He_threw_his_glass_bottle_and_it_shattered_on_the_ground,_
splattering_liquid_all_over_the_wolves\u8212?the_unmistakable_smell_of_gasoline.
_He_shot_a_burst_of_fire_at_the_puddle,_and_a_wall_of_flames_erupted.\par\pard\p
lain\hyphpar}{
Wolves_yelped_and_retreated._Several_caught_fire_and_had_to_run_back_into_the_s
n
ow._Even_Lycaon_looked_uneasily_at_the_barrier_of_flames_now_separating_his_wol
v
es_from_the_demigods.\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
\u8220?Aw,_c\u8217?mon,\u8221?_Coach_Hedge_complained._\u8220?
I_can\u8217?t_hit_
them_if_they\u8217?re_way_over_there.\u8221?\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
Every_time_a_wolf_came_closer,_Leo_shot_a_new_wave_of_fire_from_his_hands,_but
_e
ach_effort_seemed_to_make_him_a_little_more_tired,_and_the_gasoline_was_alread
y_
dying_down._\u8220?I_can\u8217?t_summon_any_more_gas!\u8221?
_Leo_warned._Then_hi
s_face_turned_red._\u8220?Wow,_that_came_out_wrong._I_mean_the_{\i
burning}kind._Gonna_take_the_tool_belt_a_while_to_recharge._What_you_got,_man?
\u
\u8220?Nothing,\u8221?_Jason_said._\u8220?
Not_even_a_weapon_that_works.\u8221?\p
\u8220?Lightning?\u8221?_Piper_asked.\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
Jason_concentrated,_but_nothing_happened._\u8220?
I_think_the_snowstorm_is_interf
ering,_or_something.\u8221?\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
\u8220?Unleash_the_{\i
venti}!\u8221?_Piper_said._\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
\u8220?Then_we\u8217?ll_have_nothing_to_give_Aeolus,\u8221?
_Jason_said._\u8220?W
e\u8217?ll_have_come_all_this_way_for_nothing.\u8221?\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
Lycaon_laughed._\u8220?
I_can_smell_your_fear._A_few_more_minutes_of_life,_heroes
.
_Pray_to_whatever_gods_you_wish._Zeus_did_not_grant_me_mercy,_and_you_will_h
ave
_none_from_me.\u8221?\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
The_flames_began_to_sputter_out._Jason_cursed_and_dropped_his_sword._He_crouc
hed
_like_he_was_ready_to_go_hand-tohand._Leo_pulled_his_hammer_out_of_his_pack._Pi
per_raised_her_dagger\u8212?
not_much,_but_it_was_all_she_had._Coach_Hedge_hefted
_his_club,_and_he_was_the_only_one_who_looked_excited_about_dying.\par\pard\pla
i
n\hyphpar}{
Then_a_ripping_sound_cut_through_the_wind\u8212?
like_a_piece_of_tearing_cardboar
d._A_long_stick_sprouted_from_the_neck_of_the_nearest_wolf\u8212?
the_shaft_of_a_
silver_arrow._The_wolf_writhed_and_fell,_melting_into_a_puddle_of_shadow.\par\pa
rd\plain\hyphpar}{
More_arrows._More_wolves_fell._The_pack_broke_in_confusion._An_arrow_flashed_to
w
ard_Lycaon,_but_the_wolf_king_caught_it_in_midair._Then_he_yelled_in_pain._When_
he_dropped_the_arrow,_it_left_a_charred,_smoking_gash_across_his_palm._Another_
a
rrow_caught_him_in_the_shoulder,_and_the_wolf_king_staggered.\par\pard\plain\hyp
hpar}{
\u8220?Curse_them!\u8221?
_Lycaon_yelled._He_growled_at_his_pack,_and_the_wolves_
turned_and_ran._Lycaon_fixed_Jason_with_those_glowing_red_eyes._\u8220?
This_isn\
u8217?t_over,_boy.\u8221?\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
The_wolf_king_disappeared_into_the_night.\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
Seconds_later,_Piper_heard_more_wolves_baying,_but_the_sound_was_different\u82
12
?less_threatening,_more_like_hunting_dogs_on_the_scent._A_smaller_white_wolf_bur
st_into_the_cave,_followed_by_two_more.\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
Hedge_said,_\u8220?Kill_it?\u8221?\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
\u8220?No!\u8221?_Piper_said._\u8220?Wait.\u8221?\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
The_wolves_tilted_their_heads_and_studied_the_campers_with_huge_golden_eyes.\p
ar
A_heartbeat_later,_their_masters_appeared:_a_troop_of_hunters_in_white-and-gray_
winter_camouflage,_at_least_half_a_dozen._All_of_them_carried_bows,_with_quivers
_of_glowing_silver_arrows_on_their_backs._\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
Their_faces_were_covered_with_parka_hoods,_but_clearly_they_were_all_girls._One,
_a_little_taller_than_the_rest,_crouched_in_the_firelight_and_snatched_up_the_ar
row_that_had_wounded_Lycaon\u8217?s_hand._\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
\u8220?So_close.\u8221?_She_turned_to_her_companions._\u8220?
Phoebe,_stay_with_m
e._Watch_the_entrance._The_rest_of_you,_follow_Lycaon._We_can\u8217?
t_lose_him_n
ow._I\u8217?ll_catch_up_with_you.\u8221?\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
The_other_hunters_mumbled_agreement_and_disappeared,_heading_after_Lycaon\u
8217?
s_pack.\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
The_girl_in_white_turned_toward_them,_her_face_still_hidden_in_her_parka_hood._\
u8220?We\u8217?ve_been_following_that_demon\u8217?
s_trail_for_over_a_week._Is_ev
eryone_all_right?_No_one_got_bit?\u8221?\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
Jason_stood_frozen,_staring_at_the_girl._Piper_realized_something_about_her_voic
e_sounded_familiar._It_was_hard_to_pin_down,_but_the_way_she_spoke,_the_way_s
he_
formed_her_words,_reminded_her_of_Jason._\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
\u8220?You\u8217?re_her,\u8221?_Piper_guessed._\u8220?You\u8217?
re_Thalia.\u8221
The_girl_tensed._Piper_was_afraid_she_might_draw_her_bow,_but_instead_she_pulle
d
_down_her_parka_hood._Her_hair_was_spiky_black,_with_a_silver_tiara_across_her_b
row._Her_face_had_a_super-healthy_glow_to_it,_as_if_she_were_a_little_more_than_
human,_and_her_eyes_were_brilliant_blue._She_was_the_girl_from_Jason\u8217?
s_pho
tograph.\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
\u8220?Do_I_know_you?\u8221?_Thalia_asked.\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
Piper_took_a_breath._\u8220?
This_might_be_a_shock,_but\u8212?\u8221?\par\pard\pl
ain\hyphpar}{
\u8220?Thalia.\u8221?_Jason_stepped_forward,_his_voice_trembling._\u8220?
I\u8217
?m_Jason,_your_brother.\u8221?_\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
par\pard\plain\hyphpar}\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
{\b
L}{\b
EO_FIGURED_HE_HAD_THE_WORST_LUCK}{\b
_}in_the_group,_and_that_was_saying_a_lot._Why_didn\u8217?t_{\i
he_}get_to_have_the_longlost_sister_or_the_movie_star_dad_who_needed_rescuing?_
All_he_got_was_a_tool_belt_and_a_dragon_that_broke_down_halfway_through_the_q
ues
t._Maybe_it_was_the_stupid_curse_of_the_Hephaestus_cabin,_but_Leo_didn\u8217?
t_t
hink_so._His_life_had_been_unlucky_way_before_he_got_to_camp.\par\pard\plain\hy
p
hpar}{
A_thousand_years_from_now,_when_this_quest_was_being_told_around_a_campfire,
_he_
figured_people_would_talk_about_brave_Jason,_beautiful_Piper,_and_their_sidekick
_Flaming_Valdez,_who_accompanied_them_with_a_bag_of_magic_screwdrivers_and_
occas
ionally_fixed_tofu_burgers.\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
If_that_wasn\u8217?t_bad_enough,_Leo_fell_in_love_with_every_girl_he_saw\u8212?
a
s_long_as_she_was_totally_out_of_his_league.\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
When_he_first_saw_Thalia,_Leo_immediately_thought_she_was_{\i
way_}too_pretty_to_be_Jason\u8217?s_sister._Then_he_thought_he\u8217?
d_better_no
t_say_that_or_he\u8217?d_get_in_trouble._He_liked_her_dark_hair,_her_blue_eyes,_
and_her_confident_attitude._She_looked_like_the_kind_of_girl_who_could_stomp_any
body_on_the_ball_court_or_the_battlefield,_and_wouldn\u8217?
t_give_Leo_the_time_
of_day\u8212?just_Leo\u8217?s_type!\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
For_a_minute,_Jason_and_Thalia_faced_each_other,_stunned._Then_Thalia_rushed_f
or
ward_and_hugged_him.\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
\u8220?My_gods!_She_told_me_you_were_dead!\u8221?_She_gripped_Jason\u8217?
s_face
_and_seemed_to_be_examining_everything_about_it._\u8220?Thank_Artemis,_it_{\i
is_}you._That_little_scar_on_your_lip\u8212?you_tried_to_eat_a_stapler_when_you_
were_two!\u8221?\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
Leo_laughed._\u8220?Seriously?\u8221?\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
Hedge_nodded_like_he_approved_of_Jason\u8217?s_taste._\u8220?Staplers_\u8212?
exc
ellent_source_of_iron.\u8221?_\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
\u8220?W-wait,\u8221?_Jason_stammered._\u8220?Who_told_you_I_was_dead?
_What_happ
ened?\u8221?\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
At_the_cave_entrance,_one_of_the_white_wolves_barked._Thalia_looked_back_at_th
e_
wolf_and_nodded,_but_she_kept_her_hands_on_Jason\u8217?
s_face,_like_she_was_afra
id_he_might_vanish._\u8220?My_wolf_is_telling_me_I_don\u8217?
t_have_much_time,_a
nd_she\u8217?s_right._But_we_{\i
have_}to_talk._Let\u8217?s_sit.\u8221?_\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
Piper_did_better_than_that._She_collapsed._She_would\u8217?
ve_cracked_her_head_o
n_the_cave_floor_if_Hedge_hadn\u8217?t_caught_her._\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
Thalia_rushed_over._\u8220?What\u8217?s_wrong_with_her?_Ah\u8212?
never_mind._I_s
ee._Hypothermia._Ankle.\u8221?_She_frowned_at_the_satyr._\u8220?Don\u8217?
t_you_
know_nature_healing?\u8221?\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
Hedge_scoffed._\u8220?Why_do_you_think_she_looks_{\i
this_}good?_Can\u8217?t_you_smell_the_Gatorade?\u8221?
Thalia_looked_at_Leo_for_the_first_time,_and_of_course_it_was_an_accusatory_glar
e,_like_{\i
Why_did_you_let_the_goat_be_a_doctor?_}As_if_that_was_Leo\u8217?
s_fault._\par\pa
rd\plain\hyphpar}{
\u8220?You_and_the_satyr,\u8221?_Thalia_ordered,_\u8220?take_this_girl_to_my_fri
end_at_the_entrance._Phoebe\u8217?s_an_excellent_healer.\u8221?_\par\pard\plain\
hyphpar}{
\u8220?It\u8217?s_cold_out_there!\u8221?_Hedge_said._\u8220?I\u8217?
ll_freeze_my
_horns_off.\u8221?_\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
But_Leo_knew_when_they_weren\u8217?t_wanted._\u8220?
Come_on,_Hedge._These_two_ne
ed_time_to_talk.\u8221?\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
\u8220?Humph._Fine,\u8221?_the_satyr_muttered._\u8220?Didn\u8217?
t_even_get_to_b
rain_anybody.\u8221?\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
Hedge_carried_Piper_toward_the_entrance._Leo_was_about_to_follow_when_Jason_c
all
ed,_\u8220?Actually,_man,_could_you,_um,_stick_around?\u8221?
_\par\pard\plain\hy
phpar}{
Leo_saw_something_in_Jason\u8217?s_eyes_he_didn\u8217?
t_expect:_Jason_was_asking
_for_support._He_wanted_somebody_else_there._He_was_scared._\par\pard\plain\hy
ph
par}{
Leo_grinned._\u8220?Sticking_around_is_my_specialty.\u8221?\par\pard\plain\hyphp
ar}{
Thalia_didn\u8217?t_look_too_happy_about_it,_but_the_three_of_them_sat_at_the_fi
re._For_a_few_minutes,_nobody_spoke._Jason_studied_his_sister_like_she_was_a_sca
ry_device\u8212?
one_that_might_explode_if_handled_incorrectly._Thalia_seemed_mor
e_at_ease,_as_if_she_was_used_to_stumbling_across_stranger_things_than_long-lost
_relatives._But_still_she_regarded_Jason_in_a_kind_of_amazed_trance,_maybe_reme
m
bering_a_little_two-year-old_who_tried_to_eat_a_stapler._Leo_took_a_few_pieces_o
f_copper_wire_out_of_his_pockets_and_twisted_them_together.\par\pard\plain\hyphp
ar}{
Finally_he_couldn\u8217?t_stand_the_silence._\u8220?So_\u8230?
_the_Hunters_of_Ar
temis._This_whole_\u8216?not_dating\u8217?_thing\u8212?is_that_like_{\i
always},_or_more_of_a_seasonal_thing,_or_what?\u8221?_\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}
{
Thalia_stared_at_him_as_if_he\u8217?
d_just_evolved_from_pond_scum._Yeah,_he_was_
{\i
definitely}_liking_this_girl.\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
Jason_kicked_him_in_the_shin._\u8220?Don\u8217?t_mind_Leo._He\u8217?
s_just_tryin
g_to_break_the_ice._But,_Thalia_\u8230?_what_happened_to_our_family?
_Who_told_yo
u_I_was_dead?\u8221?\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
Thalia_tugged_at_a_silver_bracelet_on_her_wrist._In_the_firelight,_in_her_winter
_camouflage,_she_almost_looked_like_Khione_the_snow_princess\u8212?
just_as_cold_
and_beautiful.\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
\u8220?Do_you_remember_anything?\u8221?_she_asked.\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
Jason_shook_his_head._\u8220?
I_woke_up_three_days_ago_on_a_bus_with_Leo_and_Pipe
\u8220?Which_wasn\u8217?t_our_fault,\u8221?_Leo_added_hastily._\u8220?
Hera_stole
_his_memories.\u8221?_\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
Thalia_tensed._\u8220?Hera?
_How_do_you_know_that?\u8221?\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}
{
Jason_explained_about_their_quest\u8212?
the_prophecy_at_camp,_Hera_getting_impri
soned,_the_giant_taking_Piper\u8217?s_dad,_and_the_winter_solstice_deadline._Leo
_chimed_in_to_add_the_important_stuff:_how_he\u8217?
d_fixed_the_bronze_dragon,_c
ould_throw_fireballs,_and_made_excellent_tacos._\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
Thalia_was_a_good_listener._Nothing_seemed_to_surprise_her\u8212?
the_monsters,_t
he_prophecies,_the_dead_rising._But_when_Jason_mentioned_King_Midas,_she_curs
ed_
in_Ancient_Greek.\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
\u8220?I_knew_we_should\u8217?ve_burned_down_his_mansion,\u8221?
_she_said._\u822
0?That_man\u8217?
s_a_menace._But_we_were_so_intent_on_following_Lycaon\u8212?Wel
l,_I\u8217?m_glad_you_got_away._So_Hera\u8217?s_been_\u8230?
_what,_hiding_you_al
l_these_years?\u8221?\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
\u8220?I_don\u8217?t_know.\u8221?
_Jason_brought_out_the_photo_from_his_pocket._\
u8220?She_left_me_just_enough_memory_to_recognize_your_face.\u8221?
_\par\pard\pl
ain\hyphpar}{
Thalia_looked_at_the_picture,_and_her_expression_softened._\u8220?I\u8217?d_forg
otten_about_that._I_left_it_in_Cabin_One,_didn\u8217?t_I?\u8221?_\par\pard\plain
\hyphpar}{
Jason_nodded._\u8220?
I_think_Hera_wanted_for_us_to_meet._When_we_landed_here,_at
_this_cave_\u8230?
_I_had_a_feeling_it_was_important._Like_I_knew_you_were_close_
by._Is_that_crazy?\u8221?\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
\u8220?Nah,\u8221?_Leo_assured_him._\u8220?
We_were_absolutely_destined_to_meet_y
our_hot_sister.\u8221?\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
Thalia_ignored_him._Probably_she_just_didn\u8217?
t_want_to_let_on_how_much_Leo_i
mpressed_her.\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
\u8220?Jason,\u8221?_she_said,_\u8220?when_you\u8217?
re_dealing_with_the_gods,_{
\i
nothing_}is_too_crazy._But_you_can\u8217?
t_trust_Hera,_especially_since_we\u8217
?re_children_of_Zeus._She_{\i
hates}_all_children_of_Zeus.\u8221?_\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
\u8220?
But_she_said_something_about_Zeus_giving_her_my_life_as_a_peace_offering.
_Does_that_make_any_sense?\u8221?\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
The_color_drained_from_Thalia\u8217?s_face._\u8220?
Oh,_gods._Mother_wouldn\u8217
?t_have_\u8230?_You_don\u8217?t_remember\u8212?
No,_of_course_you_don\u8217?t.\u8
\u8220?What?\u8221?_Jason_asked._\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
Thalia\u8217?s_features_seemed_to_grow_older_in_the_firelight,_like_her_immortal
ity_wasn\u8217?t_working_so_well._\u8220?Jason_\u8230?_I\u8217?
m_not_sure_how_to
_say_this._Our_mom_wasn\u8217?t_exactly_stable._She_caught_Zeus\u8217?
s_eye_beca
use_she_was_a_television_actress,_and_she_{\i
was_}beautiful,_but_she_didn\u8217?
t_handle_the_fame_well._She_drank,_pulled_stu
pid_stunts._She_was_always_in_the_tabloids._She_could_never_get_enough_attentio
n
._Even_before_you_were_born,_she_and_I_argued_all_the_time._She_\u8230?
_she_knew
_Dad_was_Zeus,_and_I_think_that_was_too_much_for_her_to_take._It_was_like_the_u
l
timate_achievement_for_her_to_attract_the_lord_of_the_sky,_and_she_couldn\u8217
?
t_accept_it_when_he_left._The_thing_about_the_gods\u8230?
_well,_they_don\u8217?t
_hang_around.\u8221?\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
Leo_remembered_his_own_mom,_the_way_she\u8217?
d_assured_him_over_and_over_that_h
is_dad_would_be_back_someday._But_she\u8217?
d_never_acted_mad_about_it._She_didn
\u8217?t_seem_to_want_Hephaestus_for_herself\u8212?
only_so_Leo_could_know_his_fa
ther._She\u8217?d_dealt_with_working_a_dead-end_job,_living_in_a_tiny_apartment,
_never_having_enough_money\u8212?and_she\u8217?
d_seemed_fine_with_it._As_long_as
_she_had_Leo,_she_always_said,_life_would_be_okay.\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
He_watched_Jason\u8217?s_face\u8212?
looking_more_and_more_devastated_as_Thalia_d
escribed_their_mom\u8212?and_for_once,_Leo_didn\u8217?t_feel_jealous_of_his_frie
nd._Leo_might_have_lost_his_mom._He_might_have_had_some_hard_times._But_at_
least
_he_remembered_her._He_found_himself_tapping_out_a_Morse_code_message_on_h
is_kne
e:_{\i
Love_you._}He_felt_bad_for_Jason,_not_having_memories_like_that\u8212?
not_having
_anything_to_fall_back_on.\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
\u8220?So_\u8230?\u8221?_Jason_didn\u8217?
t_seem_able_to_finish_the_question.\pa
\u8220?Jason,_you_got_friends,\u8221?_Leo_told_him._\u8220?
Now_you_got_a_sister.
_You\u8217?re_not_alone.\u8221?_\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
Thalia_offered_her_hand,_and_Jason_took_it._\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
\u8220?When_I_was_about_seven,\u8221?_she_said,_\u8220?
Zeus_started_visiting_Mom
_again._I_think_he_felt_bad_about_wrecking_her_life,_and_he_seemed\u8212?differe
nt_somehow._A_little_older_and_sterner,_more_fatherly_toward_me._For_a_while,_M
o
m_improved._She_loved_having_Zeus_around,_bringing_her_presents,_causing_the_
sky
_to_rumble._She_always_wanted_more_attention._That\u8217?
s_the_year_you_were_bor
n._Mom_\u8230?
_well,_I_never_got_along_with_her,_but_you_gave_me_a_reason_to_han
g_around._You_were_so_cute._\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
And_I_didn\u8217?
t_trust_Mom_to_look_after_you._Of_course,_Zeus_eventually_stopp
ed_coming_by_again._He_probably_couldn\u8217?t_stand_Mom\u8217?
s_demands_anymore
,
_always_pestering_him_to_let_her_visit_Olympus,_or_to_make_her_immortal_or_eter
nally_beautiful._When_he_left_for_good,_Mom_got_more_and_more_unstable._That_
was
_about_the_time_the_monsters_started_attacking_me._Mom_blamed_Hera._She_clai
med_
the_goddess_was_coming_after_you_too\u8212?
that_Hera_had_barely_tolerated_my_bir
th,_but_{\i
two_}demigod_children_from_the_same_family_was_too_big_an_insult._Mom_even_s
aid_
she_hadn\u8217?
t_wanted_to_name_you_Jason,_but_Zeus_insisted,_as_a_way_to_appeas
e_Hera_because_the_goddess_liked_that_name._I_didn\u8217?
t_know_what_to_believe.
Leo_fiddled_with_his_copper_wires._He_felt_like_an_intruder._He_shouldn\u8217?t_
be_listening_to_this,_but_it_also_made_him_feel_like_he_was_getting_to_know_Jaso
n_for_the_first_time\u8212?
like_maybe_being_here_now_made_up_for_those_four_mont
hs_at_Wilderness_School,_when_Leo_had_just_imagined_they\u8217?
d_had_a_friendshi
\u8220?How_did_you_guys_get_separated?\u8221?
_he_asked.\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
Thalia_squeezed_her_brother\u8217?s_hand._\u8220?If_I\u8217?
d_known_you_were_ali
ve_\u8230?_gods,_things_would\u8217?
ve_been_so_different._But_when_you_were_two,
_Mom_packed_us_in_the_car_for_a_family_vacation._We_drove_up_north,_toward_th
e_w
ine_country,_to_this_park_she_wanted_to_show_us._I_remember_thinking_it_was_str
a
nge_because_Mom_never_took_us_anywhere,_and_she_was_acting_super_nervous._
I_was_
holding_your_hand,_walking_you_toward_this_big_building_in_the_middle_of_the_par
k,_and_\u8230?\u8221?_She_took_a_shaky_breath._\u8220?
Mom_told_me_to_go_back_to_
the_car_and_get_the_picnic_basket._I_didn\u8217?
t_want_to_leave_you_alone_with_h
er,_but_it_was_only_for_a_few_minutes._When_I_came_back_\u8230?
_Mom_was_kneeling
_on_the_stone_steps,_hugging_herself_and_crying._She_said\u8212?
she_said_you_wer
e_gone._She_said_Hera_claimed_you_and_you_were_as_good_as_dead._I_didn\u821
7?t_k
now_what_she\u8217?d_done._I_was_afraid_she\u8217?
d_completely_lost_her_mind._I_
ran_all_over_the_place_looking_for_you,_but_you\u8217?
d_just_vanished._She_had_t
o_drag_me_away,_kicking_and_screaming._For_the_next_few_days_I_was_hysterical.
_I
_don\u8217?
t_remember_everything,_but_I_called_the_police_on_Mom_and_they_questi
oned_her_for_a_long_time._Afterward,_we_fought._She_told_me_I\u8217?
d_betrayed_h
er,_that_I_should_support_her,_like_{\i
she_}was_the_only_one_who_mattered._Finally_I_couldn\u8217?
t_stand_it._Your_disa
ppearance_was_the_last_straw._I_ran_away_from_home,_and_I_never_went_back,_n
ot_e
ven_when_Mom_died_a_few_years_ago._I_thought_you_were_gone_forever._I_never_
told
_anyone_about_you\u8212?
not_even_Annabeth_or_Luke,_my_two_best_friends._It_was_j
ust_too_painful.\u8221?\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
\u8220?Chiron_knew.\u8221?_Jason\u8217?s_voice_sounded_far_away._\u8220?
When_I_g
ot_to_camp,_he_took_one_look_at_me_and_said,_\u8216?
You_should_be_dead.\u8217?\u
\u8220?That_doesn\u8217?t_make_sense,\u8221?_Thalia_insisted._\u8220?
I_never_tol
d_him.\u8221?_\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
\u8220?Hey,\u8221?_Leo_said._\u8220?Important_thing_is_you\u8217?
ve_got_each_oth
er_now,_right?_You_two_are_lucky.\u8221?\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
Thalia_nodded._\u8220?Leo\u8217?s_right._Look_at_you._You\u8217?re_{\i
my_}age._You\u8217?ve_grown_up.\u8221?\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
\u8220?But_where_have_I_been?\u8221?_Jason_said._\u8220?
How_could_I_be_missing_a
ll_that_time?_And_the_Roman_stuff_\u8230?\u8221?\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
Thalia_frowned._\u8220?The_Roman_stuff?\u8221?_\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
\u8220?Your_brother_speaks_Latin,\u8221?_Leo_said._\u8220?
He_calls_gods_by_their
_Roman_names,_and_he\u8217?s_got_tattoos.\u8221?
_Leo_pointed_out_the_marks_on_Ja
son\u8217?
s_arm._Then_he_gave_Thalia_the_rundown_about_the_other_weird_stuff_tha
t_had_happened:_Boreas_turning_into_Aquilon,_Lycaon_calling_Jason_a_\u8220?
child
_of_Rome,\u8221?
_and_the_wolves_backing_off_when_Jason_spoke_Latin_to_them.\par\
Thalia_plucked_her_bowstring._\u8220?
Latin._Zeus_sometimes_spoke_Latin,_the_seco
nd_time_he_stayed_with_Mom._Like_I_said,_he_seemed_different,_more_formal.\u82
21
\u8220?You_think_he_was_in_his_Roman_aspect?\u8221?_Jason_asked._\u8220?
And_that
\u8217?s_why_I_think_of_myself_as_a_child_of_Jupiter?\u8221?\par\pard\plain\hyph
par}{
\u8220?Possibly,\u8221?_Thalia_said._\u8220?I\u8217?
ve_never_heard_of_something_
like_that_happening,_but_it_might_explain_why_you_think_in_Roman_terms,_why_yo
u_
can_speak_Latin_rather_than_Ancient_Greek._That_would_make_you_unique._Still,_i
t
_doesn\u8217?t_explain_how_you\u8217?ve_survived_without_Camp_HalfBlood._A_chil
d_of_Zeus,_or_Jupiter,_or_whatever_you_want_to_call_him\u8212?you_would\u8217?
ve
_been_hounded_by_monsters._If_you_were_on_your_own,_you_should\u8217?
ve_died_yea
rs_ago._I_know_{\i
I_}wouldn\u8217?t_have_been_able_to_survive_without_friends._You_would\u8217?
ve_
needed_training,_a_safe_haven\u8212?\u8221?_\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
\u8220?He_wasn\u8217?t_alone,\u8221?_Leo_blurted_out._\u8220?We\u8217?
ve_heard_a
bout_others_like_him.\u8221?_\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
Thalia_looked_at_him_strangely._\u8220?
What_do_you_mean?\u8221?\par\pard\plain\h
yphpar}{
Leo_told_her_about_the_slashed-up_purple_shirt_in_Medea\u8217?
s_department_store
,
_and_the_story_the_Cyclopes_told_about_the_child_of_Mercury_who_spoke_Latin.\pa
\u8220?Isn\u8217?t_there_anywhere_else_for_demigods?\u8221?
_Leo_asked._\u8220?I_
mean_besides_Camp_Half-Blood?
_Maybe_some_crazy_Latin_teacher_has_been_abducting_
children_of_the_gods_or_something,_making_them_think_like_Romans.\u8221?
_\par\pa
rd\plain\hyphpar}{
As_soon_as_he_said_it,_Leo_realized_how_stupid_the_idea_sounded._Thalia\u8217?
s_
dazzling_blue_eyes_studied_him_intently,_making_him_feel_like_a_suspect_in_a_lin
eup.\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
\u8220?I\u8217?ve_been_all_over_the_country,\u8221?_Thalia_mused._\u8220?
I\u8217
?ve_never_seen_evidence_of_a_crazy_Latin_teacher,_or_demigods_in_purple_shirts._
Still_\u8230?\u8221?_Her_voice_trailed_off,_like_she\u8217?d_just_had_a_troublin
g_thought.\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
\u8220?What?\u8221?_Jason_asked._\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
Thalia_shook_her_head._\u8220?I\u8217?
ll_have_to_talk_to_the_goddess._Maybe_Arte
mis_will_guide_us.\u8221?\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
\u8220?She\u8217?s_still_talking_to_you?\u8221?_Jason_asked._\u8220?
Most_of_the_
gods_have_gone_silent.\u8221?\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
\u8220?Artemis_follows_her_own_rules,\u8221?_Thalia_said._\u8220?
She_has_to_be_c
areful_not_to_let_Zeus_know,_but_she_thinks_Zeus_is_being_ridiculous_closing_Oly
mpus._She\u8217?
s_the_one_who_set_us_on_the_trail_of_Lycaon._She_said_we\u8217?d
_find_a_lead_to_a_missing_friend_of_ours.\u8221?_\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
\u8220?Percy_Jackson,\u8221?_Leo_guessed._\u8220?
The_guy_Annabeth_is_looking_for
Thalia_nodded,_her_face_full_of_concern._\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
Leo_wondered_if_anyone_had_ever_looked_that_worried_all_the_times_{\i
he\u8217?d}_disappeared._He_kind_of_doubted_it.\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
\u8220?So_what_would_Lycaon_have_to_do_with_it?\u8221?_Leo_asked._\u8220?
And_how
_does_it_connect_to_us?\u8221?_\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
\u8220?We_need_to_find_out_soon,\u8221?_Thalia_admitted._\u8220?
If_your_deadline
_is_tomorrow,_we\u8217?
re_wasting_time._Aeolus_could_tell_you\u8212?\u8221?\par\
The_white_wolf_appeared_again_at_the_doorway_and_yipped_insistently._\par\pard\
p
lain\hyphpar}{
\u8220?I_have_to_get_moving.\u8221?_Thalia_stood._\u8220?Otherwise_I\u8217?
ll_lo
se_the_other_Hunters\u8217?_trail._First,_though,_I\u8217?ll_take_you_to_Aeolus\
u8217?s_palace.\u8221?\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
\u8220?If_you_can\u8217?t,_it\u8217?s_okay,\u8221?
_Jason_said,_though_he_sounded
_kind_of_distressed._\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
\u8220?Oh,_please.\u8221?_Thalia_smiled_and_helped_him_up._\u8220?
I_haven\u8217?
t_had_a_brother_in_years._I_think_I_can_stand_a_few_minutes_with_you_before_you
_
get_annoying._Now,_let\u8217?s_go!\u8221?_\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
W}{\b
HEN}{\b
_L}{\b
EO_SAW_HOW_WELL}{\b
_P}{\b
IPER_AND}{\b
_H}{\b
EDGE}{\b
_}were_being_treated,_he_was_thoroughly_offended.\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
He\u8217?
d_imagined_them_freezing_their_hindquarters_off_in_the_snow,_but_the_Hu
nter_Phoebe_had_set_up_this_silver_tent_pavilion_thing_right_outside_the_cave._H
ow_she\u8217?
d_done_it_so_fast,_Leo_had_no_idea,_but_inside_was_a_kerosene_heate
r_keeping_them_toasty_warm_and_a_bunch_of_comfy_throw_pillows._Piper_looked_
back
_to_normal,_decked_out_in_a_new_parka,_gloves,_and_camo_pants_like_a_Hunter._S
he
_and_Hedge_and_Phoebe_were_kicking_back,_drinking_hot_chocolate.\par\pard\plai
n\
hyphpar}{
\u8220?Oh,_no_way,\u8221?_Leo_said._\u8220?We\u8217?ve_been_sitting_in_a_{\i
cave_}and_you_get_the_luxury_tent?
_Somebody_give_me_hypothermia._I_want_hot_choc
olate_and_a_parka!\u8221?\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
Phoebe_sniffed._\u8220?Boys,\u8221?_she_said,_like_it_was_the_worst_insult_she_c
ould_think_of._\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
\u8220?It\u8217?s_all_right,_Phoebe,\u8221?_Thalia_said._\u8220?They\u8217?ll_ne
ed_extra_coats._And_I_think_we_can_spare_some_chocolate.\u8221?
_\par\pard\plain\
hyphpar}{
Phoebe_grumbled,_but_soon_Leo_and_Jason_were_also_dressed_in_silvery_winter_cl
ot
hes_that_were_incredibly_lightweight_and_warm._The_hot_chocolate_was_first-rate.
\u8220?Cheers!\u8221?
_said_Coach_Hedge._He_crunched_down_his_plastic_thermos_cup
\u8220?That_cannot_be_good_for_your_intestines,\u8221?_Leo_said.\par\pard\plain\
hyphpar}{
Thalia_patted_Piper_on_the_back._\u8220?
You_up_for_moving?\u8221?\par\pard\plain
\hyphpar}{
Piper_nodded._\u8220?
Thanks_to_Phoebe,_yeah._You_guys_are_really_good_at_this_wi
lderness_survival_thing._I_feel_like_I_could_run_ten_miles.\u8221?_\par\pard\pla
in\hyphpar}{
Thalia_winked_at_Jason._\u8220?She\u8217?s_tough_for_a_child_of_Aphrodite._I_lik
e_this_one.\u8221?\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
\u8220?Hey,_I_could_run_ten_miles_too,\u8221?_Leo_volunteered._\u8220?
Tough_Heph
aestus_kid_here._Let\u8217?s_hit_it.\u8221?_\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
Naturally,_Thalia_ignored_him.\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
It_took_Phoebe_exactly_six_seconds_to_break_camp,_which_Leo_could_not_believe.
_T
he_tent_selfcollapsed_into_a_square_the_size_of_a_pack_of_chewing_gum._Leo_want
ed_to_ask_her_for_the_blueprints,_but_they_didn\u8217?t_have_time._\par\pard\pla
in\hyphpar}{
Thalia_ran_uphill_through_the_snow,_hugging_a_tiny_little_path_on_the_side_of_th
e_mountain,_and_soon_Leo_was_regretting_trying_to_look_macho,_because_the_Hu
nter
s_left_him_in_the_dust._\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
Coach_Hedge_leaped_around_like_a_happy_mountain_goat,_coaxing_them_on_like_
he_us
ed_to_do_on_track_days_at_school._\u8220?Come_on,_Valdez!_Pick_up_the_pace!
_Let\
u8217?s_chant._{\i
I\u8217?ve_got_a_girl_in_Kalamazoo\u8212?}\u8221?_\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
\u8220?Let\u8217?s_not,\u8221?_Thalia_snapped.\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
So_they_ran_in_silence._\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
Leo_fell_in_next_to_Jason_at_the_back_of_the_group._\u8220?
How_you_doing,_man?\u
Jason\u8217?s_expression_was_enough_of_an_answer:_{\i
Not_good.}\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
\u8220?Thalia_takes_it_so_calmly,\u8221?_Jason_said._\u8220?Like_it\u8217?s_no_b
ig_deal_that_I_appeared._I_didn\u8217?t_know_what_I_was_expecting,_but_\u8230?
_s
he\u8217?s_not_like_me._She_seems_so_much_more_{\i
together}.\u8221?_\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
\u8220?Hey,_she\u8217?s_not_fighting_amnesia,\u8221?_Leo_said._\u8220?
Plus,_she\
u8217?
s_had_more_time_to_get_used_to_this_whole_demigod_thing._You_fight_monster
s_and_talk_to_gods_for_a_while,_you_probably_get_used_to_surprises.\u8221?\par\p
ard\plain\hyphpar}{
\u8220?Maybe,\u8221?_Jason_said._\u8220?
I_just_wish_I_understood_what_happened_w
hen_I_was_two,_why_my_mom_got_rid_of_me._Thalia_ran_away_because_of_{\i
me}.\u8221?_\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
\u8220?Hey,_whatever\u8217?s_happened,_it_wasn\u8217?
t_your_fault._And_your_sist
er_is_pretty_cool._She\u8217?s_a_{\i
lot}_like_you.\u8221?\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
Jason_took_that_in_silence._Leo_wondered_if_he\u8217?d_said_the_right_things._He
_wanted_to_make_Jason_feel_better,_but_this_was_way_outside_his_comfort_zone.\p
a
Leo_wished_he_could_reach_inside_his_tool_belt_and_pick_just_the_right_wrench_to
_fix_Jason\u8217?s_memory\u8212?maybe_a_little_hammer\u8212?
bonk_the_sticking_sp
ot_and_make_everything_run_right._That_would_be_a_lot_easier_than_trying_to_talk
_it_through._{\i
Not_good_with_organic_life_forms._}Thanks_for_those_inherited_traits,_Dad._\par\
He_was_so_lost_in_thought,_he_didn\u8217?
t_realize_the_Hunters_had_stopped._He_s
lammed_into_Thalia_and_nearly_sent_them_both_down_the_side_of_the_mountain_t
he_h
ard_way._Fortunately,_the_Hunter_was_light_on_her_feet._She_steadied_them_both,
_
then_pointed_up.\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
\u8220?That,\u8221?_Leo_choked,_\u8220?is_a_really_large_rock.\u8221?_\par\pard\
plain\hyphpar}{
They_stood_near_the_summit_of_Pikes_Peak._Below_them_the_world_was_blanketed
_in_
clouds._The_air_was_so_thin,_Leo_could_hardly_breathe._Night_had_set_in,_but_a_f
ull_moon_shone_and_the_stars_were_incredible._Stretching_out_to_the_north_and_s
o
uth,_peaks_of_other_mountains_rose_from_the_clouds_like_islands\u8212?or_teeth._
But_the_real_show_was_above_them._Hovering_in_the_sky,_about_a_quarter_mile_a
way
,_was_a_massive_free-floating_island_of_glowing_purple_stone._It_was_hard_to_jud
ge_its_size,_but_Leo_figured_it_was_at_least_as_wide_as_a_football_stadium_and_j
ust_as_tall._The_sides_were_rugged_cliffs,_riddled_with_caves,_and_every_once_in
_a_while_a_gust_of_wind_burst_out_with_a_sound_like_a_pipe_organ_blast._At_the_t
op_of_the_rock,_brass_walls_ringed_some_kind_of_a_fortress.\par\pard\plain\hyphp
ar}{
The_only_thing_connecting_Pikes_Peak_to_the_floating_island_was_a_narrow_bridge
_
of_ice_that_glistened_in_the_moonlight.\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
Then_Leo_realized_the_bridge_wasn\u8217?t_exactly_ice,_because_it_wasn\u8217?
t_s
olid._As_the_winds_changed_direction,_the_bridge_snaked_around\u8212?
blurring_an
d_thinning,_in_some_places_even_breaking_into_a_dotted_line_like_the_vapor_trail
_of_a_plane.\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
\u8220?We\u8217?re_not_seriously_crossing_that,\u8221?_Leo_said.\par\pard\plain\
hyphpar}{
Thalia_shrugged._\u8220?I\u8217?m_not_a_big_fan_of_heights,_I\u8217?
ll_admit._Bu
t_if_you_want_to_get_to_Aeolus\u8217?s_fortress,_this_is_the_only_way.\u8221?\pa
\u8220?Is_the_fortress_always_hanging_there?\u8221?_Piper_asked._\u8220?
How_can_
people_not_notice_it_sitting_on_top_of_Pikes_Peak?\u8221?\par\pard\plain\hyphpar
}{
\u8220?The_Mist,\u8221?_Thalia_said._\u8220?Still,_mortals_do_notice_it_indirect
ly._Some_days,_Pikes_Peak_looks_purple._People_say_it\u8217?s_a_trick_of_the_lig
ht,_but_actually_it\u8217?s_the_color_of_Aeolus\u8217?s_palace,_reflecting_off_t
he_mountain_face.\u8221?_\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
\u8220?It\u8217?s_enormous,\u8221?_Jason_said._\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
Thalia_laughed._\u8220?You_should_see_Olympus,_little_brother.\u8221?\par\pard\p
lain\hyphpar}{
\u8220?You\u8217?re_serious?_You\u8217?ve_been_there?\u8221?
hpar}{
Thalia_grimaced_as_if_it_wasn\u8217?t_a_good_memory._\u8220?
We_should_go_across_
in_two_different_groups._The_bridge_is_fragile.\u8221?\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
\u8220?That\u8217?s_reassuring,\u8221?_Leo_said._\u8220?Jason,_can\u8217?
t_you_j
ust_fly_us_up_there?\u8221?\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
Thalia_laughed._Then_she_seemed_to_realize_Leo\u8217?s_question_wasn\u8217?
t_a_j
oke._\u8220?Wait_\u8230?_Jason,_you_can_{\i
fly}?\u8221?_\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
Jason_gazed_up_at_the_floating_fortress._\u8220?Well,_sort_of._More_like_I_can_c
ontrol_the_winds._But_the_winds_up_here_are_so_strong,_I\u8217?
m_not_sure_I\u821
7?d_want_to_try._Thalia,_you_mean_\u8230?_you_can\u8217?
t_fly?\u8221?\par\pard\p
lain\hyphpar}{
For_a_second,_Thalia_looked_genuinely_afraid._Then_she_got_her_expression_under
_
control._Leo_realized_she_was_a_lot_more_scared_of_heights_than_she_was_letting_
on.\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
\u8220?Truthfully,\u8221?_she_said,_\u8220?I\u8217?ve_never_tried._Might_be_bett
er_if_we_stuck_to_the_bridge.\u8221?\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
Coach_Hedge_tapped_the_ice_vapor_trail_with_his_hoof,_then_jumped_onto_the_bri
dg
e._Amazingly,_it_held_his_weight._\u8220?Easy!_I\u8217?ll_go_first._Piper,_come_
on,_girl._I\u8217?ll_give_you_a_hand.\u8221?_\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
\u8220?No,_that\u8217?s_okay,\u8221?
_Piper_started_to_say,_but_the_coach_grabbed
_her_hand_and_dragged_her_up_the_bridge.\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
When_they_were_about_halfway,_the_bridge_still_seemed_to_be_holding_them_just
_fi
ne.\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
Thalia_turned_to_her_Hunter_friend._\u8220?Phoebe,_I\u8217?
ll_be_back_soon._Go_f
ind_the_others._Tell_them_I\u8217?m_on_my_way.\u8221?\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
\u8220?You_sure?\u8221?
_Phoebe_narrowed_her_eyes_at_Leo_and_Jason,_like_they_mig
ht_kidnap_Thalia_or_something._\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
\u8220?It\u8217?s_fine,\u8221?_Thalia_promised.\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
Phoebe_nodded_reluctantly,_then_raced_down_the_mountain_path,_the_white_wolv
es_a
t_her_heels.\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
\u8220?Jason,_Leo,_just_be_careful_where_you_step,\u8221?_Thalia_said._\u8220?It
_hardly_ever_breaks.\u8221?\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
\u8220?It_hasn\u8217?t_met_me_yet,\u8221?
_Leo_muttered,_but_he_and_Jason_led_the
_way_up_the_bridge._\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
Halfway_up,_things_went_wrong,_and_of_course_it_was_Leo\u8217?
s_fault._Piper_and
_Hedge_had_already_made_it_safely_to_the_top_and_were_waving_at_them,_encour
agin
g_them_to_keep_climbing,_but_Leo_got_distracted._He_was_thinking_about_bridges\
u
8212?
how_he_would_design_something_way_more_stable_than_this_shifting_ice_vapor_
business_if_this_were_his_palace._He_was_pondering_braces_and_support_columns.
_T
hen_a_sudden_revelation_stopped_him_in_his_tracks.\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
\u8220?Why_do_they_have_a_bridge?\u8221?_he_asked.\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
Thalia_frowned._\u8220?Leo,_this_isn\u8217?
t_a_good_place_to_stop._What_do_you_m
ean?\u8221?\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
\u8220?They\u8217?re_wind_spirits,\u8221?_Leo_said._\u8220?Can\u8217?
t_they_fly?
\u8220?
Yes,_but_sometimes_they_need_a_way_to_connect_to_the_world_below.\u8221?_
\u8220?So_the_bridge_isn\u8217?t_always_here?\u8221?
_Leo_asked.\par\pard\plain\h
yphpar}{
Thalia_shook_her_head._\u8220?The_wind_spirits_don\u8217?
t_like_to_anchor_to_the
_earth,_but_sometimes_it\u8217?s_necessary._Like_now._They_know_you\u8217?
re_com
ing.\u8221?_\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
Leo\u8217?
s_mind_was_racing._He_was_so_excited_he_could_almost_feel_his_body\u82
17?s_temperature_rising._He_couldn\u8217?
t_quite_put_his_thoughts_into_words,_bu
t_he_knew_he_was_on_to_something_important.\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
\u8220?Leo?\u8221?_Jason_said._\u8220?
What_are_you_thinking?\u8221?\par\pard\pla
in\hyphpar}{
\u8220?Oh,_gods,\u8221?_Thalia_said._\u8220?
Keep_moving._Look_at_your_feet.\u822
Leo_shuffled_backward._With_horror,_he_realized_his_body_temperature_really_{\i
was_}rising,_just_as_it_had_years_ago_at_that_picnic_table_under_the_pecan_tree,
_when_his_anger_had_gotten_away_from_him._Now,_excitement_was_causing_the_r
eacti
on._His_pants_steamed_in_the_cold_air._His_shoes_were_literally_smoking,_and_the
_bridge_didn\u8217?t_like_it._The_ice_was_thinning.\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
\u8220?Leo,_stop_it,\u8221?_Jason_warned._\u8220?You\u8217?
re_going_to_melt_it.\
\u8220?I\u8217?ll_try,\u8221?
_Leo_said._But_his_body_was_overheating_on_its_own,
_running_as_fast_as_his_thoughts._\u8220?Listen,_Jason,_what_did_Hera_call_you_i
n_that_dream?_She_called_you_a_{\i
bridge}.\u8221?_\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
\u8220?Leo,_seriously,_cool_down,\u8221?_Thalia_said._\u8220?I_don\u8217?
t_what_
you\u8217?
re_talking_about,_but_the_bridge_is\u8212?\u8221?\par\pard\plain\hyphp
ar}{
\u8220?Just_listen,\u8221?_Leo_insisted._\u8220?If_Jason_is_a_bridge,_what\u8217
?s_he_connecting?_Maybe_two_different_places_that_normally_don\u8217?
t_get_along
\u8212?
like_the_air_palace_and_the_ground._You_had_to_be_somewhere_before_this,_
right?_And_Hera_said_you_were_an_exchange.\u8221?\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
\u8220?An_exchange.\u8221?_Thalia\u8217?s_eyes_widened._\u8220?
Oh,_gods.\u8221?\
Jason_frowned._\u8220?
What_are_you_two_talking_about?\u8221?\par\pard\plain\hyph
par}{
Thalia_murmured_something_like_a_prayer._\u8220?
I_understand_now_why_Artemis_sen
t_me_here._Jason\u8212?
she_told_me_to_hunt_for_Lycaon_and_I_would_find_a_clue_ab
out_Percy._{\i
You_}are_the_clue._Artemis_wanted_us_to_meet_so_I_could_hear_your_story.\u8221
?\
\u8220?I_don\u8217?t_understand,\u8221?_he_protested._\u8220?I_don\u8217?
t_have_
a_story._I_don\u8217?t_remember_anything.\u8221?_\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
\u8220?But_Leo\u8217?s_right,\u8221?_Thalia_said._\u8220?It\u8217?
s_all_connecte
d._If_we_just_knew_where\u8212?\u8221?_\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
Leo_snapped_his_fingers._\u8220?Jason,_what_did_you_call_that_place_in_your_drea
m?_That_ruined_house._The_Wolf_House?\u8221?\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
Thalia_nearly_choked._\u8220?The_Wolf_House?_Jason,_why_didn\u8217?
t_you_tell_me
_that!_{\i
That\u8217?s_}where_they\u8217?
re_keeping_Hera?\u8221?\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
\u8220?You_know_where_it_is?\u8221?_Jason_asked._\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
Then_the_bridge_dissolved._Leo_would\u8217?
ve_fallen_to_his_death,_but_Jason_gra
bbed_his_coat_and_pulled_him_to_safety._The_two_of_them_scrambled_up_the_brid
ge,
_and_when_they_turned,_Thalia_was_on_the_other_side_of_a_thirtyfoot_chasm._The_
bridge_was_continuing_to_melt.\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
\u8220?Go!\u8221?
_Thalia_shouted,_backing_down_the_bridge_as_it_crumbled._\u8220
?Find_out_where_the_giant_is_keeping_Piper\u8217?s_dad._Save_him!_I\u8217?
ll_tak
e_the_Hunters_to_the_Wolf_House_and_hold_it_until_you_can_get_there._We_can_do
_b
oth!\u8221?\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
\u8220?But_where_{\i
is}_the_Wolf_House?\u8221?_Jason_shouted._\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
\u8220?You_know_where_it_is,_little_brother!\u8221?
_She_was_so_far_away_now_that
_they_could_barely_hear_her_voice_over_the_wind._Leo_was_pretty_sure_she_said:_
\
u8220?I\u8217?ll_see_you_there._I_promise.\u8221?\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
Then_she_turned_and_raced_down_the_dissolving_bridge.\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
Leo_and_Jason_had_no_time_to_stand_around._They_climbed_for_their_lives,_the_ic
e
_vapor_thinning_under_their_feet._Several_times,_Jason_grabbed_Leo_and_used_the
_
winds_to_keep_them_aloft,_but_it_was_more_like_bungee_jumping_than_flying.\par\
p
ard\plain\hyphpar}{
When_they_reached_the_floating_island,_Piper_and_Coach_Hedge_pulled_them_abo
ard_
just_as_the_last_of_the_vapor_bridge_vanished._They_stood_gasping_for_breath_at_
the_base_of_a_stone_stairway_chiseled_into_the_side_of_the_cliff,_leading_up_to_
the_fortress._\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
Leo_looked_back_down._The_top_of_Pikes_Peak_floated_below_them_in_a_sea_of_cl
oud
s,_but_there_was_no_sign_of_Thalia._And_Leo_had_just_burned_their_only_exit.\par
\u8220?What_happened?\u8221?_Piper_demanded._\u8220?
Leo,_why_are_your_clothes_sm
oking?\u8221?\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
\u8220?I_got_a_little_heated,\u8221?_he_gasped._\u8220?Sorry,_Jason._Honest._I_d
idn\u8217?t\u8212?\u8221?_\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
\u8220?It\u8217?s_all_right,\u8221?_Jason_said,_but_his_expression_was_grim._\u8
220?We\u8217?ve_got_less_than_twentyfour_hours_to_rescue_a_goddess_and_Piper\u8
217?s_dad._Let\u8217?s_go_see_the_king_of_the_winds.\u8221?
par}{
J}{\b
ASON_HAD_FOUND_HIS_SISTER_AND}{\b
_}lost_her_in_less_than_an_hour._As_they_climbed_the_cliffs_of_the_floating_isla
nd,_he_kept_looking_back,_but_Thalia_was_gone.\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
Despite_what_she\u8217?
d_said_about_meeting_him_again,_Jason_wondered._She\u8217
?
d_found_a_new_family_with_the_Hunters,_and_a_new_mother_in_Artemis._She_see
med_
so_confident_and_comfortable_with_her_life,_Jason_wasn\u8217?
t_sure_if_he\u8217?
d_ever_be_part_of_it._And_she_seemed_so_set_on_finding_her_friend_Percy._Had_sh
e
_ever_searched_for_Jason_that_way?\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
{\i
Not_fair,}_he_told_himself._{\i
She_thought_you_were_dead.}\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
He_could_barely_tolerate_what_she\u8217?
d_said_about_their_mom._It_was_almost_li
ke_Thalia_had_handed_him_a_baby\u8212?a_really_loud,_ugly_baby\u8212?
and_said,_{
\i
Here,_this_is_yours._Carry_it._}He_didn\u8217?t_want_to_carry_it._He_didn\u8217?
t_want_to_look_at_it_or_claim_it._He_didn\u8217?
t_want_to_know_that_he_had_an_un
stable_mother_who\u8217?
d_gotten_rid_of_him_to_appease_a_goddess._No_wonder_Thal
ia_had_run_away._\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
Then_he_remembered_the_Zeus_cabin_at_Camp_Half-Blood\u8212?
that_tiny_little_alco
ve_Thalia_had_used_as_a_bunk,_out_of_sight_from_the_glowering_statue_of_the_sky
_
god._Their_dad_wasn\u8217?
t_much_of_a_bargain,_either._Jason_understood_why_Thal
ia_had_renounced_that_part_of_her_life_too,_but_he_was_still_resentful._He_could
n\u8217?t_be_so_lucky._He_was_left_holding_the_bag_\u8212?literally.\par\pard\pl
ain\hyphpar}{
The_golden_backpack_of_winds_was_strapped_over_his_shoulders._The_closer_they
_go
t_to_Aeolus\u8217?
s_palace,_the_heavier_the_bag_got._The_winds_struggled,_rumbli
ng_and_bumping_around.\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
The_only_one_who_seemed_in_a_good_mood_was_Coach_Hedge._He_kept_boundin
g_up_the_
slippery_staircase_and_trotting_back_down._\u8220?Come_on,_cupcakes!
_Only_a_few_
thousand_more_steps!\u8221?\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
As_they_climbed,_Leo_and_Piper_left_Jason_in_his_silence._Maybe_they_could_sense
_his_bad_mood._Piper_kept_glancing_back,_worried,_as_if_he_were_the_one_who\u8
21
7?
d_almost_died_of_hypothermia_rather_than_she._Or_maybe_she_was_thinking_abou
t_
Thalia\u8217?s_idea._They\u8217?
d_told_her_what_Thalia_had_said_on_the_bridge\u8
212?how_they_could_save_both_her_dad_and_Hera\u8212?but_Jason_didn\u8217?
t_reall
y_understand_how_they_were_going_to_do_that,_and_he_wasn\u8217?
t_sure_if_the_pos
sibility_had_made_Piper_more_hopeful_or_just_more_anxious.\par\pard\plain\hyphpa
r}{
Leo_kept_swatting_his_own_legs,_checking_for_signs_that_his_pants_were_on_fire._
He_wasn\u8217?
t_steaming_anymore,_but_the_incident_on_the_ice_bridge_had_really_
freaked_Jason_out._Leo_hadn\u8217?
t_seemed_to_realize_that_he_had_smoke_coming_o
ut_his_ears_and_flames_dancing_through_his_hair._If_Leo_started_spontaneously_co
mbusting_every_time_he_got_excited,_they_were_going_to_have_a_tough_time_taki
ng_
him_anywhere._Jason_imagined_trying_to_get_food_at_a_restaurant._{\i
I\u8217?ll_have_a_cheeseburger_and\u8212?Ahhh!_My_friend\u8217?s_on_fire!
_Get_me
_a_bucket!_}\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
Mostly,_though,_Jason_worried_about_what_Leo_had_said._Jason_didn\u8217?
t_want_t
o_be_a_bridge,_or_an_exchange,_or_anything_else._He_just_wanted_to_know_where
_he
\u8217?
d_come_from._And_Thalia_had_looked_so_unnerved_when_Leo_mentioned_the_bur
ned-out_house_in_his_dreams\u8212?
the_place_the_wolf_Lupa_had_told_him_was_his_s
tarting_point._How_did_Thalia_know_that_place,_and_why_did_she_assume_Jason_c
oul
d_find_it?\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
The_answer_seemed_close._But_the_nearer_Jason_got_to_it,_the_less_it_cooperated,
_like_the_winds_on_his_back.\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
Finally_they_arrived_at_the_top_of_the_island._Bronze_walls_marched_all_the_way_
around_the_fortress_grounds,_though_Jason_couldn\u8217?
t_imagine_who_would_possi
bly_attack_this_place._Twenty-foot-high_gates_opened_for_them,_and_a_road_of_pol
ished_purple_stone_led_up_to_the_main_citadel\u8212?a_whitecolumned_rotunda,_Gr
eek_style,_like_one_of_the_monuments_in_Washington,_D.C.\u8212?
except_for_the_cl
uster_of_satellite_dishes_and_radio_towers_on_the_roof._\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}
{
\u8220?That\u8217?s_bizarre,\u8221?_Piper_said.\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
\u8220?Guess_you_can\u8217?t_get_cable_on_a_floating_island,\u8221?
_Leo_said._\u
8220?Dang,_check_this_guy\u8217?s_front_yard.\u8221?\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
The_rotunda_sat_in_the_center_of_a_quartermile_circle._The_grounds_were_amazing
_in_a_scary_way._They_were_divided_into_four_sections_like_big_pizza_slices,_eac
h_one_representing_a_season._\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
The_section_on_their_right_was_an_icy_waste,_with_bare_trees_and_a_frozen_lake._
Snowmen_rolled_across_the_landscape_as_the_wind_blew,_so_Jason_wasn\u8217?
t_sure
_if_they_were_decorations_or_alive._\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
To_their_left_was_an_autumn_park_with_gold_and_red_trees._Mounds_of_leaves_ble
w_
into_patterns\u8212?gods,_people,_animals_that_ran_after_each_other_before_scatt
ering_back_into_leaves.\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
In_the_distance,_Jason_could_see_two_more_areas_behind_the_rotunda._One_looke
d_l
ike_a_green_pasture_with_sheep_made_out_of_clouds._The_last_section_was_a_des
ert
_where_tumbleweeds_scratched_strange_patterns_in_the_sand_like_Greek_letters,_s
m
iley_faces,_and_a_huge_advertisement_that_read:_{\i
watch_aeolus_nightly!_}\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
\u8220?One_section_for_each_of_the_four_wind_gods,\u8221?
_Jason_guessed._\u8220?
Four_cardinal_directions.\u8221?\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
\u8220?I\u8217?m_loving_that_pasture.\u8221?
_Coach_Hedge_licked_his_lips._\u8220
?You_guys_mind\u8212?\u8221?\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
\u8220?Go_ahead,\u8221?
_Jason_said._He_was_actually_relieved_to_send_the_satyr_o
ff._It_would_be_hard_enough_getting_on_Aeolus\u8217?
s_good_side_without_Coach_He
dge_waving_his_club_and_screaming,_\u8220?Die!\u8221?\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}
{
While_the_satyr_ran_off_to_attack_springtime,_Jason,_Leo,_and_Piper_walked_down_
the_road_to_the_steps_of_the_palace._They_passed_through_the_front_doors_into_a
_
white_marble_foyer_decorated_with_purple_banners_that_read_olympian_weather_c
han
nel,_and_some_that_just_read_ow!\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
\u8220?Hello!\u8221?_A_woman_floated_up_to_them._{\i
Literally_}floated._She_was_pretty_in_that_elfish_way_Jason_associated_with_natu
re_spirits_at_Camp_Half-Blood\u8212?petite,_slightly_pointy_ears,_and_an_ageless
_face_that_could\u8217?
ve_been_sixteen_or_thirty._Her_brown_eyes_twinkled_cheerf
ully._Even_though_there_was_no_wind,_her_dark_hair_blew_in_slow_motion,_shamp
oocommercial_style._Her_white_gown_billowed_around_her_like_parachute_material._J
a
son_couldn\u8217?t_tell_if_she_had_feet,_but_if_so,_they_didn\u8217?t_touch_the_
floor._She_had_a_white_tablet_computer_in_her_hand._\u8220?
Are_you_from_Lord_Zeu
s?\u8221?_she_asked._\u8220?We\u8217?
ve_been_expecting_you.\u8221?\par\pard\plai
n\hyphpar}{
Jason_tried_to_respond,_but_it_was_a_little_hard_to_think_straight,_because_he\u
8217?d_realized_the_woman_was_seethrough._Her_shape_faded_in_and_out_like_she_w
as_made_of_fog.\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
\u8220?Are_you_a_ghost?\u8221?_he_asked.\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
Right_away_he_knew_he\u8217?
d_insulted_her._The_smile_turned_into_a_pout._\u8220
?I\u8217?m_an_{\i
aura},_sir{\i
.
_}A_wind_nymph,_as_you_might_expect,_working_for_the_lord_of_the_winds._My_na
me
_is_Mellie._We_don\u8217?t_have_{\i
ghosts}.\u8221?_\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
Piper_came_to_the_rescue._\u8220?No,_of_course_you_don\u8217?t!
_My_friend_simply
_mistook_you_for_Helen_of_Troy,_the_most_beautiful_mortal_of_all_time._It\u8217?
s_an_easy_mistake.\u8221?\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
Wow,_she_was_good._The_compliment_seemed_a_little_over_the_top,_but_Mellie_th
e_a
ura_blushed._\u8220?Oh_\u8230?_well,_then._So_you_{\i
are_}from_Zeus?\u8221?_\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
\u8220?Er,\u8221?_Jason_said,_\u8220?I\u8217?
m_the_son_of_Zeus,_yeah.\u8221?\par
\u8220?Excellent!_Please,_right_this_way.\u8221?
_She_led_them_through_some_secur
ity_doors_into_another_lobby,_consulting_her_tablet_as_she_floated._She_didn\u82
17?t_look_where_she_was_going,_but_apparently_it_didn\u8217?
t_matter_as_she_drif
ted_straight_through_a_marble_column_with_no_problem._\u8220?We\u8217?
re_out_of_
prime_time_now,_so_that\u8217?s_good,\u8221?_she_mused._\u8220?
I_can_fit_you_in_
right_before_his_11:12_spot.\u8221?\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
\u8220?Um,_okay,\u8221?_Jason_said.\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
The_lobby_was_a_pretty_distracting_place._Winds_blasted_around_them,_so_Jason_f
e
lt_like_he_was_pushing_through_an_invisible_crowd._Doors_blew_open_and_slamme
d_b
y_themselves.\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
The_things_Jason_{\i
could_}see_were_just_as_bizarre._Paper_airplanes_of_all_different_sizes_and_shap
es_sped_around,_and_other_wind_nymphs,_{\i
aurai},_would_occasionally_pluck_them_out_of_the_air,_unfold_and_read_them,_the
n
_toss_them_back_into_the_air,_where_the_planes_would_refold_themselves_and_kee
p_
flying.\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
An_ugly_creature_fluttered_past._She_looked_like_a_mix_between_an_old_lady_and_
a
_chicken_on_steroids._She_had_a_wrinkled_face_with_black_hair_tied_in_a_hairnet,
_arms_like_a_human_plus_wings_like_a_chicken,_and_a_fat,_feathered_body_with_ta
l
ons_for_feet._It_was_amazing_she_could_fly_at_all._She_kept_drifting_around_and_
bumping_into_things_like_a_parade_balloon._\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
\u8220?Not_an_{\i
aura}?\u8221?
_Jason_asked_Mellie_as_the_creature_wobbled_by.\par\pard\plain\hyph
par}{
Mellie_laughed._\u8220?That\u8217?s_a_harpy,_of_course._Our,_ah,_ugly_stepsister
s,_I_suppose_you_would_say._Don\u8217?t_you_have_harpies_on_Olympus?
_They\u8217?
re_spirits_of_violent_gusts,_unlike_us_{\i
aurai}._We\u8217?re_all_gentle_breezes.\u8221?\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
She_batted_her_eyes_at_Jason.\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
\u8220?\u8217?Course_you_are,\u8221?_he_said.\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
\u8220?So,\u8221?_Piper_prompted,_\u8220?
you_were_taking_us_to_see_Aeolus?\u8221
Mellie_led_them_through_a_set_of_doors_like_an_airlock._Above_the_interior_door,
_a_green_light_blinked.\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
\u8220?We_have_a_few_minutes_before_he_starts,\u8221?
_Mellie_said_cheerfully._\u
8220?He_probably_won\u8217?t_kill_you_if_we_go_in_now._Come_along!\u8221?
_\par\p
ard\plain\hyphpar}{
J}{\b
ASON\u8217?S_JAW_DROPPED.}{\b
_T}{\b
HE_CENTRAL_SECTION}{\b
_}of_Aeolus\u8217?
s_fortress_was_as_big_as_a_cathedral,_with_a_soaring_domed_roo
f_covered_in_silver._Television_equipment_floated_randomly_through_the_air\u8212
?cameras,_spotlights,_set_pieces,_potted_plants._And_there_was_no_floor._Leo_alm
ost_fell_into_the_chasm_before_Jason_pulled_him_back.\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
\u8220?Holy\u8212?!\u8221?_Leo_gulped._\u8220?
Hey,_Mellie._A_little_warning_next
_time!\u8221?_\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
An_enormous_circular_pit_plunged_into_the_heart_of_the_mountain._It_was_probabl
y
_half_a_mile_deep,_honeycombed_with_caves._Some_of_the_tunnels_probably_led_s
tra
ight_outside._Jason_remembered_seeing_winds_blast_out_of_them_when_they\u821
7?d_
been_on_Pikes_Peak._Other_caves_were_sealed_with_some_glistening_material_like
_g
lass_or_wax._The_whole_cavern_bustled_with_harpies,_{\i
aurai},_and_paper_airplanes,_but_for_someone_who_couldn\u8217?
t_fly,_it_would_be
_a_very_long,_very_fatal_fall._\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
\u8220?Oh,_my,\u8221?_Mellie_gasped._\u8220?I\u8217?m_so_sorry.\u8221?
_She_uncli
pped_a_walkietalkie_from_somewhere_inside_her_robes_and_spoke_into_it:_\u8220?H
ello,_sets?_Is_that_Nuggets?_Hi,_Nuggets._Could_we_get_a_floor_in_the_main_studi
o,_please?_Yes,_a_solid_one._Thanks.\u8221?\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
A_few_seconds_later,_an_army_of_harpies_rose_from_the_pit\u8212?
three_dozen_or_s
o_demon_chicken_ladies,_all_carrying_squares_of_various_building_material._They_
went_to_work_hammering_and_gluing\u8212?
and_using_large_quantities_of_duct_tape,
_which_didn\u8217?
t_reassure_Jason._In_no_time_there_was_a_makeshift_floor_snaki
ng_out_over_the_chasm._It_was_made_of_plywood,_marble_blocks,_carpet_squares,
_we
dges_of_grass_sod\u8212?just_about_anything.\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
\u8220?That_can\u8217?t_be_safe,\u8221?_Jason_said._\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
\u8220?Oh,_it_is!\u8221?_Mellie_assured_him._\u8220?
The_harpies_are_very_good.\u
Easy_for_her_to_say._She_just_drifted_across_without_touching_the_floor,_but_Jas
on_decided_he_had_the_best_chance_at_surviving,_since_he_could_fly,_so_he_stepp
e
d_out_first._Amazingly,_the_floor_held.\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
Piper_gripped_his_hand_and_followed_him._\u8220?If_I_fall,_you\u8217?re_catching
_me.\u8221?\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
\u8220?Uh,_sure.\u8221?_Jason_hoped_he_wasn\u8217?
t_blushing._\par\pard\plain\hy
phpar}{
Leo_stepped_out_next._\u8220?You\u8217?
re_catching_me,_too,_Superman._But_I_ain\
u8217?t_holding_your_hand.\u8221?\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
Mellie_led_them_toward_the_middle_of_the_chamber,_where_a_loose_sphere_of_flat
-p
anel_video_screens_floated_around_a_kind_of_control_center._A_man_hovered_insid
e
,
_checking_monitors_and_reading_paper_airplane_messages._\par\pard\plain\hyphpa
r
}{
The_man_paid_them_no_attention_as_Mellie_brought_them_forward._She_pushed_a
_fort
y-two-inch_Sony_out_of_their_way_and_led_them_into_the_control_area._\par\pard\p
lain\hyphpar}{
Leo_whistled._\u8220?I_{\i
got}_to_get_a_room_like_this.\u8221?\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
The_floating_screens_showed_all_sorts_of_television_programs._Some_Jason_recogn
i
zed\u8212?news_broadcasts,_mostly\u8212?
but_some_programs_looked_a_little_strang
e:_gladiators_fighting,_demigods_battling_monsters._Maybe_they_were_movies,_but
_
they_looked_more_like_reality_shows.\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
At_the_far_end_of_the_sphere_was_a_silky_blue_backdrop_like_a_cinema_screen,_wi
t
h_cameras_and_studio_lights_floating_around_it._\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
The_man_in_the_center_was_talking_into_an_earpiece_phone._He_had_a_remote_co
ntro
l_in_each_hand_and_was_pointing_them_at_various_screens,_seemingly_at_random.
\pa
He_wore_a_business_suit_that_looked_like_the_sky\u8212?
blue_mostly,_but_dappled_
with_clouds_that_changed_and_darkened_and_moved_across_the_fabric._He_looked
_lik
e_he_was_in_his_sixties,_with_a_shock_of_white_hair,_but_he_had_a_ton_of_stage_m
akeup_on,_and_that_smooth_plasticsurgery_look_to_his_face,_so_he_appeared_not_r
eally_young,_not_really_old,_just_{\i
wrong}\u8212?
like_a_Ken_doll_someone_had_halfway_melted_in_a_microwave._His_eyes
_darted_back_and_forth_from_screen_to_screen,_like_he_was_trying_to_absorb_ever
y
thing_at_once._He_muttered_things_into_his_phone,_and_his_mouth_kept_twitching.
_
He_was_either_amused,_or_crazy,_or_both.\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
Mellie_floated_toward_him._\u8220?
Ah,_sir,_Mr._Aeolus,_these_demigods\u8212?\u82
\u8220?Hold_it!\u8221?
_He_held_up_a_hand_to_silence_her,_then_pointed_at_one_of_
the_screens._\u8220?Watch!\u8221?_\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
It_was_one_of_those_storm-chaser_programs,_where_insane_thrill-seekers_drive_aft
er_tornados._As_Jason_watched,_a_Jeep_plowed_straight_into_a_funnel_cloud_and_g
o
t_tossed_into_the_sky.\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
Aeolus_shrieked_with_delight._\u8220?The_Disaster_Channel._People_do_that_{\i
on_purpose}!\u8221?_He_turned_toward_Jason_with_a_mad_grin._\u8220?
Isn\u8217?t_t
hat_amazing?_Let\u8217?s_watch_it_again.\u8221?\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
\u8220?Um,_sir,\u8221?_Mellie_said,_\u8220?this_is_Jason,_son_of\u8212?\u8221?_\
\u8220?Yes,_yes,_I_remember,\u8221?_Aeolus_said._\u8220?You\u8217?
re_back._How_d
id_it_go?\u8221?\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
Jason_hesitated._\u8220?Sorry?_I_think_you\u8217?
ve_mistaken_me\u8212?\u8221?_\p
\u8220?No,_no,_Jason_Grace,_aren\u8217?t_you?_It_was\u8212?what\u8212?
last_year?
_You_were_on_your_way_to_fight_a_sea_monster,_I_believe.\u8221?\par\pard\plain\h
yphpar}{
\u8220?I\u8212?I_don\u8217?t_remember.\u8221?_\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
Aelous_laughed._\u8220?Must_not_have_been_a_very_good_sea_monster!
_No,_I_remembe
r_every_hero_who\u8217?s_ever_come_to_me_for_aid._Odysseus\u8212?
gods,_he_docked
_at_my_island_for_a_month!
_At_least_you_only_stayed_a_few_days._Now,_watch_this_
video._These_ducks_get_sucked_straight_into\u8212?\u8221?\par\pard\plain\hyphpa
r
}{
\u8220?Sir,\u8221?_Mellie_interrupted._\u8220?Two_minutes_to_air.\u8221?\par\par
d\plain\hyphpar}{
\u8220?Air!\u8221?_Aeolus_exclaimed._\u8220?I_love_air._How_do_I_look?
_Makeup!\u
Immediately_a_small_tornado_of_brushes,_blotters,_and_cotton_balls_descended_on
_
Aeolus._They_blurred_across_his_face_in_a_cloud_of_flesh-tone_smoke_until_his_co
loration_was_even_more_gruesome_than_before._Wind_swirled_through_his_hair_an
d_l
eft_it_sticking_up_like_a_frosted_Christmas_tree._\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
\u8220?Mr._Aeolus.\u8221?_Jason_slipped_off_the_golden_backpack._\u8220?
We_broug
ht_you_these_rogue_storm_spirits.\u8221?\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
\u8220?Did_you!\u8221?
_Aeolus_looked_at_the_bag_like_it_was_a_gift_from_a_fan\u8
212?something_he_really_didn\u8217?t_want._\u8220?Well,_how_nice.\u8221?
_\par\pa
rd\plain\hyphpar}{
Leo_nudged_him,_and_Jason_offered_the_bag._\u8220?
Boreas_sent_us_to_capture_them
_for_you._We_hope_you\u8217?ll_accept_them_and_stop\u8212?you_know\u8212?
orderin
g_demigods_to_be_killed.\u8221?\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
Aeolus_laughed,_and_looked_incredulously_at_Mellie._\u8220?
Demigods_be_killed\u8
212?did_I_order_that?\u8221?\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
Mellie_checked_her_computer_tablet._\u8220?Yes,_sir,_fifteenth_of_September._\u8
216?
Storm_spirits_released_by_the_death_of_Typhon,_demigods_to_be_held_responsib
le,\u8217?_etc\u8230?_yes,_a_general_order_for_them_all_to_be_killed.\u8221?_\pa
\u8220?Oh,_pish,\u8221?_Aeolus_said._\u8220?
I_was_just_grumpy._Rescind_that_orde
r,_Mellie,_and_um,_who\u8217?s_on_guard_duty\u8212?Teriyaki?\u8212?
Teri,_take_th
ese_storm_spirits_down_to_cell_block_Fourteen_E,_will_you?\u8221?\par\pard\plain
\hyphpar}{
A_harpy_swooped_out_of_nowhere,_snatched_the_golden_bag,_and_spiraled_into_th
e_a
byss.\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
Aeolus_grinned_at_Jason._\u8220?Now,_sorry_about_that_kill-on-sight_business._Bu
t_gods,_I_really_was_mad,_wasn\u8217?t_I?\u8221?
_His_face_suddenly_darkened,_and
_his_suit_did_the_same,_the_lapels_flashing_with_lightning._\u8220?You_know_\u82
30?
_I_remember_now._Almost_seemed_like_a_voice_was_telling_me_to_give_that_order
._A_little_cold_tingle_on_the_back_of_my_neck.\u8221?\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
Jason_tensed._A_cold_tingle_on_the_back_of_his_neck_\u8230?
_Why_did_that_sound_s
o_familiar?_\u8220?A_\u8230?_um,_voice_in_your_head,_sir?\u8221?\par\pard\plain\
hyphpar}{
\u8220?Yes._How_odd._Mellie,_{\i
should}_we_kill_them?\u8221?_\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
\u8220?No,_sir,\u8221?_she_said_patiently._\u8220?
They_just_brought_us_the_storm
_spirits,_which_makes_everything_all_right.\u8221?\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
\u8220?Of_course.\u8221?_Aeolus_laughed._\u8220?Sorry._Mellie,_let\u8217?
s_send_
the_demigods_something_nice._A_box_of_chocolates,_perhaps.\u8221?\par\pard\pla
in
\hyphpar}{
\u8220?A_box_of_chocolates_to_{\i
every}_demigod_in_the_world,_sir?\u8221?\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
\u8220?No,_too_expensive._Never_mind._Wait,_it\u8217?s_time!_I\u8217?
m_on!\u8221
Aeolus_flew_off_toward_the_blue_screen_as_newscast_music_started_to_play.\par\pa
rd\plain\hyphpar}{
Jason_looked_at_Piper_and_Leo,_who_seemed_just_as_confused_as_he_was.\par\par
d\p
lain\hyphpar}{
\u8220?Mellie,\u8221?_he_said,_\u8220?is_he_\u8230?
_always_like_that?\u8221?\par
She_smiled_sheepishly._\u8220?Well,_you_know_what_they_say._If_you_don\u8217?
t_l
ike_his_mood,_wait_five_minutes._That_expression_\u8216?
whichever_way_the_wind_b
lows\u8217?\u8212?that_was_based_on_him.\u8221?\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
\u8220?And_that_thing_about_the_sea_monster,\u8221?_Jason_said._\u8220?{\i
Was_}I_here_before?\u8221?_\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
Mellie_blushed._\u8220?I\u8217?m_sorry,_I_don\u8217?t_remember._I\u8217?
m_Mr._Ae
olus\u8217?s_new_assistant._I\u8217?
ve_been_with_him_longer_than_most,_but_still
\u8212?not_that_long.\u8221?\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
\u8220?How_long_do_his_assistants_usually_last?\u8221?
_Piper_asked._\u8220?\par\
Oh_\u8230?\u8221?_Mellie_thought_for_a_moment._\u8220?I\u8217?
ve_been_doing_this
_for_\u8230?_twelve_hours?\u8221?_\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
A_voice_blared_from_floating_speakers:_\u8220?
And_now,_weather_every_twelve_minu
tes!_Here\u8217?s_your_forecaster_for_Olympian_Weather\u8212?the_OW!
_channel\u82
12?Aeolus!\u8221?_\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
Lights_blazed_on_Aeolus,_who_was_now_standing_in_front_of_the_blue_screen._His_
s
mile_was_unnaturally_white,_and_he_looked_like_he\u8217?
d_had_so_much_caffeine_h
is_face_was_about_to_explode._\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
\u8220?Hello,_Olympus!
_Aeolus,_master_of_the_winds_here,_with_weather_every_twel
ve!_We\u8217?ll_have_a_lowpressure_system_moving_over_Florida_today,_so_expect_
milder_temperatures_since_Demeter_wishes_to_spare_the_citrus_farmers!\u8221?
_He_
gestured_at_the_blue_screen,_but_when_Jason_checked_the_monitors,_he_saw_that
_a_
digital_image_was_being_projected_behind_Aeolus,_so_it_looked_like_he_was_standi
ng_in_front_of_a_U.S._map_with_animated_smiley_suns_and_frowny_storm_clouds._\
u8
220?Along_the_eastern_seaboard\u8212?oh,_hold_on.\u8221?
_He_tapped_his_earpiece.
_\u8220?Sorry,_folks!_Poseidon_is_angry_with_Miami_today,_so_it_looks_like_that_
Florida_freeze_is_back_on!_Sorry,_Demeter._Over_in_the_Midwest,_I\u8217?
m_not_su
re_what_St._Louis_did_to_offend_Zeus,_but_you_can_expect_winter_storms!
_Boreas_h
imself_is_being_called_down_to_punish_the_area_with_ice._Bad_news,_Missouri!_No,
_wait._Hephaestus_feels_sorry_for_central_Missouri,_so_you_all_will_have_much_mo
re_moderate_temperatures_and_sunny_skies.\u8221?\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
Aeolus_kept_going_like_that\u8212?
forecasting_each_area_of_the_country_and_chang
ing_his_prediction_two_or_three_times_as_he_got_messages_over_his_earpiece\u82
12
?the_gods_apparently_putting_in_orders_for_various_winds_and_weather._\par\pard\
plain\hyphpar}{
\u8220?This_can\u8217?t_be_right,\u8221?_Jason_whispered._\u8220?
Weather_isn\u82
17?t_this_random.\u8221?_\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
Mellie_smirked._\u8220?And_how_often_are_the_mortal_weathermen_right?
_They_talk_
about_fronts_and_air_pressure_and_moisture,_but_the_weather_surprises_them_all_t
he_time._At_least_Aeolus_tells_us_{\i
why_}it\u8217?s_so_unpredictable._Very_hard_job,_trying_to_appease_all_the_gods_
at_once._It\u8217?
s_enough_to_drive_anyone_\u8230?\u8221?\par\pard\plain\hyphpar
}{
She_trailed_off,_but_Jason_knew_what_she_meant._{\i
Mad._}Aeolus_was_completely_mad._\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
\u8220?And_that\u8217?s_the_weather,\u8221?_Aeolus_concluded._\u8220?
See_you_in_
twelve_minutes,_because_I\u8217?m_sure_it\u8217?
ll_change!\u8221?\par\pard\plain
\hyphpar}{
The_lights_shut_off,_the_video_monitors_went_back_to_random_coverage,_and_just
_f
or_a_moment,_Aeolus\u8217?
s_face_sagged_with_weariness._Then_he_seemed_to_rememb
er_he_had_guests,_and_he_put_a_smile_back_on.\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
\u8220?So,_you_brought_me_some_rogue_storm_spirits,\u8221?
_Aeolus_said._\u8220?I
_suppose_\u8230?_thanks!_And_did_you_want_something_else?
_I_assume_so._Demigods_
always_do.\u8221?\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
Mellie_said,_\u8220?Um,_sir,_this_is_Zeus\u8217?s_son.\u8221?_\par\pard\plain\hy
phpar}{
\u8220?Yes,_yes._I_know_that._I_said_I_remembered_him_from_before.\u8221?
_\par\p
ard\plain\hyphpar}{
\u8220?But,_sir,_they\u8217?re_here_from_{\i
Olympus}.\u8221?_\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
Aeolus_looked_stunned._Then_he_laughed_so_abruptly,_Jason_almost_jumped_into_
the
_chasm._\u8220?You_mean_you\u8217?
re_here_on_behalf_of_your_father_this_time?_Fi
nally!_I_{\i
knew_}they_would_send_someone_to_renegotiate_my_contract!\u8221?\par\pard\pl
ain\
hyphpar}{
\u8220?Um,_what?\u8221?_Jason_asked._\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
\u8220?Oh,_thank_goodness!\u8221?_Aeolus_sighed_with_relief._\u8220?It\u8217?
s_b
een_what,_three_thousand_years_since_Zeus_made_me_master_of_the_winds._Not_
that_
I\u8217?m_ungrateful,_of_course!_But_really,_my_contract_is_so_vague._Obviously_
I\u8217?m_immortal,_but_\u8216?master_of_the_winds.\u8217?
_What_does_that_mean?_
Am_I_a_nature_spirit?_A_demigod?_A_god?_I_{\i
want_}to_be_god_of_the_winds,_because_the_benefits_are_{\i
so}_much_better._Can_we_start_with_that?\u8221?_\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
Jason_looked_at_his_friends,_mystified.\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
\u8220?Dude,\u8221?_Leo_said,_\u8220?you_think_we\u8217?
re_here_to_promote_you?\
\u8220?You_are,_then?\u8221?
_Aeolus_grinned._His_business_suit_turned_completely
_blue\u8212?not_a_cloud_in_the_fabric._\u8220?Marvelous!_I_mean,_I_think_I\u8217
?ve_shown_quite_a_bit_of_initiative_with_the_weather_channel,_eh?_And_of_course_
I\u8217?
m_in_the_press_all_the_time._So_many_books_have_been_written_about_me:_{
\i
Into_Thin_Air},_{\i
Up_in_the_Air},_{\i
Gone_with_the_Wind}\u8212?\u8221?_\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
\u8220?Er,_I_don\u8217?t_think_those_are_about_you,\u8221?
_Jason_said,_before_he
_noticed_Mellie_shaking_her_head.\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
\u8220?Nonsense,\u8221?_Aeolus_said._\u8220?Mellie,_they\u8217?
re_biographies_of
_me,_aren\u8217?t_they?\u8221?\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
\u8220?Absolutely,_sir,\u8221?_she_squeaked.\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
\u8220?There,_you_see?_I_don\u8217?t_read._Who_has_time?
_But_obviously_the_morta
ls_love_me._So,_we\u8217?ll_change_my_official_title_to_{\i
god_}of_the_winds._Then,_about_salary_and_staff\u8212?\u8221?\par\pard\plain\hy
p
hpar}{
\u8220?Sir,\u8221?_Jason_said,_\u8220?we\u8217?
re_not_from_Olympus.\u8221?\par\p
ard\plain\hyphpar}{
Aeolus_blinked._\u8220?But\u8212?\u8221?_\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
\u8220?I\u8217?m_the_son_of_Zeus,_yes,\u8221?_Jason_said,_\u8220?
but_we\u8217?re
_not_here_to_negotiate_your_contract._We\u8217?
re_on_a_quest_and_we_need_your_he
lp.\u8221?\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
Aeolus\u8217?s_expression_hardened._\u8220?Like_last_time?_Like_{\i
every_}hero_who_comes_here?_Demigods!_It\u8217?s_always_about_{\i
you},_isn\u8217?t_it?\u8221?_\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
\u8220?Sir,_please,_I_don\u8217?
t_remember_last_time,_but_if_you_helped_me_once_
before\u8212?\u8221?_\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
\u8220?I\u8217?m_always_helping!_Well,_sometimes_I\u8217?
m_destroying,_but_mostl
y_I\u8217?m_helping,_and_sometimes_I\u8217?
m_asked_to_do_both_at_the_same_time!_
Why,_Aeneas,_the_first_of_your_kind\u8212?\u8221?\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
\u8220?My_kind?\u8221?_Jason_asked._\u8220?
You_mean,_demigods?\u8221?\par\pard\p
lain\hyphpar}{
\u8220?Oh,_please!\u8221?_Aeolus_said._\u8220?I_mean_your_{\i
line_}of_demigods._You_know,_Aeneas,_son_of_Venus\u8212?
the_only_surviving_hero_
of_Troy._When_the_Greeks_burned_down_his_city,_he_escaped_to_Italy,_where_he_f
ou
nded_the_kingdom_that_would_eventually_become_Rome,_blah,_blah,_blah._{\i
That\u8217?s_}what_I_meant.\u8221?_\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
\u8220?I_don\u8217?t_get_it,\u8221?_Jason_admitted.\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
Aeolus_rolled_his_eyes._\u8220?The_point_being,_I_was_thrown_in_the_middle_of_th
at_conflict,_too!_Juno_calls_up:_\u8216?Oh,_Aeolus,_destroy_Aeneas\u8217?s_ships
_for_me._I_don\u8217?t_like_him.\u8217?_Then_Neptune_says,_\u8216?
No,_you_don\u8
217?t!_That\u8217?s_my_territory._Calm_the_winds.\u8217?
_Then_Juno_is_like,_\u82
16?No,_wreck_his_ships,_or_I\u8217?ll_tell_Jupiter_you\u8217?re_uncooperative!\u
8217?_Do_you_think_it\u8217?s_easy_juggling_requests_like_that?\u8221?
_\par\pard
\plain\hyphpar}{
\u8220?No,\u8221?_Jason_said._\u8220?
I_guess_not.\u8221?\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}
{
\u8220?And_don\u8217?t_get_me_started_on_Amelia_Earhart!_I\u8217?m_{\i
still_}getting_angry_calls_from_Olympus_about_knocking_{\i
her_}out_of_the_sky!\u8221?\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
\u8220?We_just_want_information,\u8221?
_Piper_said_in_her_most_calming_voice._\u
8220?We_hear_you_know_everything.\u8221?\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
Aeolus_straightened_his_lapels_and_looked_slightly_mollified._\u8220?Well_\u8230
?_{\i
that\u8217?s_}true,_of_course._For_instance,_I_know_that_{\i
this_}business_here\u8221?\u8212?
he_waggled_his_fingers_at_the_three_of_them\u82
12?\u8220?this_harebrained_scheme_of_Juno\u8217?
s_to_bring_you_all_together_is_l
ikely_to_end_in_bloodshed._As_for_you,_Piper_McLean,_I_know_your_father_is_in_se
rious_trouble.\u8221?_He_held_out_his_hand,_and_a_scrap_of_paper_fluttered_into_
his_grasp._It_was_a_photo_of_Piper_with_a_guy_who_must\u8217?
ve_been_her_dad._Hi
s_face_{\i
did_}look_familiar._Jason_was_pretty_sure_he\u8217?
d_seen_him_in_some_movies._\p
Piper_took_the_photo._Her_hands_were_shaking._\u8220?This\u8212?
this_is_from_his
_wallet.\u8221?_\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
\u8220?Yes,\u8221?_Aeolus_said._\u8220?All_things_lost_in_the_wind_eventually_co
me_to_me._The_photo_blew_away_when_the_Earthborn_captured_him.\u8221?
_\par\pard\
plain\hyphpar}{
\u8220?The_what?\u8221?_Piper_asked.\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
Aeolus_waved_aside_the_question_and_narrowed_his_eyes_at_Leo._\u8220?Now,_{\i
you,_}son_of_Hephaestus_\u8230?_yes,_I_see_your_future.\u8221?
_Another_paper_fel
l_into_the_wind_god\u8217?s_hands\u8212?
an_old_tattered_drawing_done_in_crayons.
Leo_took_it_as_if_it_might_be_coated_in_poison._He_staggered_backward._\par\pard
\plain\hyphpar}{
\u8220?Leo?\u8221?_Jason_said._\u8220?What_is_it?\u8221?
}{
\u8220?Something_I\u8212?I_drew_when_I_was_a_kid.\u8221?
_He_folded_it_quickly_an
d_put_it_in_his_coat._\u8220?It\u8217?s_\u8230?_yeah,_it\u8217?s_nothing.\u8221?
Aeolus_laughed._\u8220?Really?_Just_the_key_to_your_success!
_Now,_where_were_we?
_Ah,_yes,_you_wanted_information._Are_you_sure_about_that?
_Sometimes_information
_can_be_dangerous.\u8221?\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
He_smiled_at_Jason_like_he_was_issuing_a_challenge._Behind_him,_Mellie_shook_he
r
_head_in_warning.\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
\u8220?Yeah,\u8221?_Jason_said._\u8220?
We_need_to_find_the_lair_of_Enceladus.\u8
Aeolus\u8217?s_smile_melted._\u8220?The_giant?
_Why_would_you_want_to_go_there?_H
e\u8217?s_horrible!_He_doesn\u8217?
t_even_watch_my_program!\u8221?\par\pard\plai
n\hyphpar}{
Piper_held_up_the_photo._\u8220?Aeolus,_he\u8217?
s_got_my_father._We_need_to_res
cue_him_and_find_out_where_Hera_is_being_held_captive.\u8221?\par\pard\plain\hy
p
hpar}{
\u8220?Now,_{\i
that\u8217?s_}impossible,\u8221?_Aeolus_said._\u8220?Even_{\i
I_}can\u8217?t_see_that,_and_believe_me,_I\u8217?ve_tried._There\u8217?
s_a_veil_
of_magic_over_Hera\u8217?s_location\u8212?
very_strong,_impossible_to_locate.\u82
\u8220?She\u8217?s_at_a_place_called_the_Wolf_House,\u8221?
_Jason_said.\par\pard
\plain\hyphpar}{
\u8220?Hold_on!\u8221?
_Aelous_put_a_hand_to_his_forehead_and_closed_his_eyes._\u
8220?I\u8217?m_getting_something!_Yes,_she\u8217?
s_at_a_place_called_the_Wolf_Ho
use!_Sadly,_I_don\u8217?t_know_where_that_is.\u8221?_\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
\u8220?Enceladus_does,\u8221?_Piper_persisted._\u8220?
If_you_help_us_find_him,_w
e_could_get_the_location_of_the_goddess\u8212?\u8221?\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
\u8220?Yeah,\u8221?_Leo_said,_catching_on._\u8220?
And_if_we_save_her,_she\u8217?
d_be_really_grateful_to_you\u8212?\u8221?\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
\u8220?And_Zeus_might_promote_you,\u8221?
_Jason_finished.\par\pard\plain\hyphpar
}{
Aeolus\u8217?s_eyebrows_crept_up._\u8220?A_promotion\u8212?
and_all_you_want_from
_me_is_the_giant\u8217?s_location?\u8221?_\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
\u8220?Well,_if_you_could_get_us_there,_too,\u8221?_Jason_amended,_\u8220?
that_w
ould_be_great.\u8221?\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
Mellie_clapped_her_hands_in_excitement._\u8220?Oh,_he_could_do_that!
_He_often_se
nds_helpful_winds\u8212?\u8221?\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
\u8220?Mellie,_quiet!\u8221?_Aeolus_snapped._\u8220?
I_have_half_a_mind_to_fire_y
ou_for_letting_these_people_in_under_false_pretenses.\u8221?\par\pard\plain\hyph
par}{
Her_face_paled._\u8220?Yes,_sir._Sorry,_sir.\u8221?\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
\u8220?It_wasn\u8217?t_her_fault,\u8221?_Jason_said._\u8220?
But_about_that_help_
\u8230?\u8221?\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
Aelous_tilted_his_head_as_if_thinking._Then_Jason_realized_the_wind_lord_was_lis
tening_to_voices_in_his_earpiece.\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
\u8220?Well_\u8230?_Zeus_approves,\u8221?_Aeolus_muttered._\u8220?
He_says_\u8230
?_he_says_it_would_be_better_if_you_could_avoid_saving_her_until_after_the_weeke
nd,_because_he_has_a_big_party_planned\u8212?Ow!_That\u8217?
s_Aphrodite_yelling_
at_him,_reminding_him_that_the_solstice_starts_at_dawn._She_says_I_should_help_y
ou._And_Hephaestus\u8230?
_yes._Hmm._Very_rare_they_agree_on_anything._Hold_on_\u
Jason_smiled_at_his_friends._Finally,_they_were_having_some_good_luck._Their_god
ly_parents_were_standing_up_for_them.\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
Back_toward_the_entrance,_Jason_heard_a_loud_belch._Coach_Hedge_waddled_in_fr
om_
the_lobby,_grass_all_over_his_face._Mellie_saw_him_coming_across_the_makeshift_f
loor_and_caught_her_breath._\u8220?Who_is_{\i
that}?\u8221?_\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
Jason_stifled_a_cough._\u8220?That?_That\u8217?
s_just_Coach_Hedge._Uh,_Gleeson_H
edge._He\u8217?s_our_\u8230?\u8221?_Jason_wasn\u8217?
t_sure_what_to_call_him:_{\
i
teacher},_{\i
friend},_{\i
problem}?_\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
\u8220?Our_guide.\u8221?\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
\u8220?He\u8217?s_{\i
so}_goatly,\u8221?_Mellie_murmured.\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
Behind_her,_Piper_poofed_out_her_cheeks,_pretending_to_vomit._\par\pard\plain\hy
phpar}{
\u8220?What\u8217?s_up,_guys?\u8221?_Hedge_trotted_over._\u8220?
Wow,_nice_place.
_Oh!_Sod_squares.\u8221?\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
\u8220?Coach,_you_just_ate,\u8221?_Jason_said._\u8220?And_we\u8217?
re_using_the_
sod_as_a_floor._This_is,_ah,_Mellie\u8212?\u8221?_\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
\u8220?An_{\i
aura}.\u8221?_Hedge_smiled_winningly._\u8220?
Beautiful_as_a_summer_breeze.\u8221
Mellie_blushed._\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
\u8220?And_Aeolus_here_was_just_about_to_help_us,\u8221?
_Jason_said.\par\pard\pl
ain\hyphpar}{
\u8220?Yes,\u8221?_the_wind_lord_muttered._\u8220?It_seems_so._You\u8217?
ll_find
_Enceladus_on_Mount_Diablo.\u8221?_\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
\u8220?Devil_Mountain?\u8221?_Leo_asked._\u8220?That_doesn\u8217?
t_sound_good.\u
\u8220?I_remember_that_place!\u8221?_Piper_said._\u8220?
I_went_there_once_with_m
y_dad._It\u8217?s_just_east_of_San_Francisco_Bay.\u8221?\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}
{
\u8220?The_Bay_Area_again?\u8221?_The_coach_shook_his_head._\u8220?
Not_good._Not
_good_at_all.\u8221?\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
\u8220?Now_\u8230?\u8221?_Aeolus_began_to_smile._\u8220?
As_to_getting_you_there\
Suddenly_his_face_went_slack._He_bent_over_and_tapped_his_earpiece_as_if_it_wer
e
_malfunctioning._When_he_straightened_again,_his_eyes_were_wild._Despite_the_m
ak
eup,_he_looked_like_an_old_man\u8212?an_old,_very_frightened_man._\u8220?
She_has
n\u8217?t_spoke_to_me_for_centuries._I_can\u8217?t\u8212?
yes,_yes_I_understand.\
He_swallowed,_regarding_Jason_as_if_he_had_suddenly_turned_into_a_giant_cockro
ac
h._\u8220?I\u8217?m_sorry,_son_of_Jupiter._New_orders._You_all_have_to_die.\u822
Mellie_squeaked._\u8220?But\u8212?but,_sir!
_Zeus_said_to_help_them._Aphrodite,_H
ephaestus\u8212?\u8221?\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
\u8220?Mellie!\u8221?_Aeolus_snapped._\u8220?
Your_job_is_already_on_the_line._Be
sides,_there_are_some_orders_that_transcend_even_the_wishes_of_the_gods,_espec
ia
lly_when_it_comes_to_the_forces_of_nature.\u8221?_\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
\u8220?{\i
Whose_}orders?\u8221?_Jason_said._\u8220?Zeus_will_fire_you_if_you_don\u8217?
t_h
elp_us!\u8221?\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
\u8220?I_doubt_it.\u8221?_Aeolus_flicked_his_wrist,_and_far_below_them,_a_cell_d
oor_opened_in_the_pit._Jason_could_hear_storm_spirits_screaming_out_of_it,_spira
ling_up_toward_them,_howling_for_blood._\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
\u8220?Even_Zeus_understands_the_order_of_things,\u8221?_Aeolus_said._\u8220?
And
_if_{\i
she_}is_waking\u8212?by_all_the_gods\u8212?she_cannot_be_denied._Goodbye,_heroe
s._I\u8217?m_terribly_sorry,_but_I\u8217?ll_have_to_make_this_quick._I\u8217?m_b
ack_on_the_air_in_four_minutes.\u8221?_\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
Jason_summoned_his_sword._Coach_Hedge_pulled_out_his_club._Mellie_the_aura_ye
lle
d,_\u8220?No!\u8221?\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
She_dived_at_their_feet_just_as_the_storm_spirits_hit_with_hurricane_force,_blas
ting_the_floor_to_pieces,_shredding_the_carpet_samples_and_marble_and_linoleum_
i
nto_what_should\u8217?ve_been_lethal_projectiles,_had_Mellie\u8217?
s_robes_not_s
pread_out_like_a_shield_and_absorbed_the_brunt_of_the_impact._The_five_of_them_
f
ell_into_the_pit,_and_Aeolus_screamed_above_them,_\u8220?Mellie,_you_are_{\i
so}_fired!\u8221?_\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
\u8220?Quick,\u8221?_Mellie_yelled._\u8220?
Son_of_Zeus,_do_you_have_any_power_ov
er_the_air?\u8221?\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
\u8220?A_little!\u8221?_\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
\u8220?Then_help_me,_or_you\u8217?re_all_dead!\u8221?
_Mellie_grabbed_his_hand,_a
nd_an_electric_charge_went_through_Jason\u8217?
s_arm._He_understood_what_she_nee
ded._They_had_to_control_their_fall_and_head_for_one_of_the_open_tunnels._The_st
orm_spirits_were_following_them_down,_closing_rapidly,_bringing_with_them_a_clou
d_of_deadly_shrapnel.\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
Jason_grabbed_Piper\u8217?s_hand._\u8220?
Group_hug!\u8221?\par\pard\plain\hyphpa
r}{
Hedge,_Leo,_and_Piper_tried_to_huddle_together,_hanging_on_to_Jason_and_Mellie_
a
s_they_fell.\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
\u8220?This_is_NOT_GOOD!\u8221?_Leo_yelled.\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
\u8220?Bring_it_on,_gas_bags!\u8221?
_Hedge_yelled_up_at_the_storm_spirits._\u822
0?I\u8217?ll_pulverize_you!\u8221?\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
\u8220?He\u8217?s_magnificent,\u8221?_Mellie_sighed.\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
\u8220?Concentrate?\u8221?_Jason_prompted.\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
\u8220?Right!\u8221?_she_said.\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
They_channeled_the_wind_so_their_fall_became_more_of_a_tumble_into_the_neares
t_o
pen_chute._Still,_they_slammed_into_the_tunnel_at_painful_speed_and_went_rolling
_over_each_other_down_a_steep_vent_that_was_not_designed_for_people._There_w
as_n
o_way_they_could_stop.\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
Mellie\u8217?
s_robes_billowed_around_her._Jason_and_the_others_clung_to_her_desp
erately,_and_they_began_to_slow_down,_but_the_storm_spirits_were_screaming_int
o_
the_tunnel_behind_them._\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
\u8220?Can\u8217?t\u8212?hold\u8212?long,\u8221?_Mellie_warned._\u8220?
Stay_toge
ther!_When_the_winds_hit\u8212?\u8221?_\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
\u8220?You\u8217?re_doing_great,_Mellie,\u8221?_Hedge_said._\u8220?
My_own_mama_w
as_an_{\i
aura},_you_know._She_couldn\u8217?t_have_done_better_herself.\u8221?
_\par\pard\p
lain\hyphpar}{
\u8220?Iris-message_me?\u8221?_Mellie_pleaded.\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
Hedge_winked.\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
\u8220?Could_you_guys_plan_your_date_later?\u8221?_Piper_screamed._\u8220?
Look!\
Behind_them,_the_tunnel_was_turning_dark._Jason_could_feel_his_ears_pop_as_the_
p
ressure_built.\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
\u8220?Can\u8217?t_hold_them,\u8221?_Mellie_warned._\u8220?But_I\u8217?
ll_try_to
_shield_you,_do_you_one_more_favor.\u8221?\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
\u8220?Thanks,_Mellie,\u8221?_Jason_said._\u8220?
I_hope_you_get_a_new_job.\u8221
She_smiled,_and_then_dissolved,_wrapping_them_in_a_warm_gentle_breeze._Then_t
he_
real_winds_hit,_shooting_them_into_the_sky_so_fast,_Jason_blacked_out._\par\pard
\plain\hyphpar}{
P}{\b
IPER_DREAMED_SHE_WAS_ON_THE}{\b
_}Wilderness_School_dorm_roof._\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
The_desert_night_was_cold,_but_she\u8217?
d_brought_blankets,_and_with_Jason_next
_to_her,_she_didn\u8217?t_need_any_more_warmth.\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
The_air_smelled_of_sage_and_burning_mesquite._On_the_horizon,_the_Spring_Moun
tai
ns_loomed_like_jagged_black_teeth,_the_dim_glow_of_Las_Vegas_behind_them.\par\
pa
rd\plain\hyphpar}{
The_stars_were_so_bright,_Piper_had_been_afraid_they_wouldn\u8217?
t_be_able_to_s
ee_the_meteor_shower._She_didn\u8217?t_want_Jason_to_think_she\u8217?
d_dragged_h
im_up_here_on_false_pretenses._(Even_though_her_pretenses_had_been_{\i
totally_}false.)_But_the_meteors_did_not_disappoint._One_streaked_across_the_sky
_almost_every_minute\u8212?a_line_of_white,_yellow,_or_blue_fire._Piper_was_sure
_her_Grandpa_Tom_would_have_some_Cherokee_myth_to_explain_them,_but_at_the
_momen
t_she_was_busy_creating_her_own_story._\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
Jason_took_her_hand\u8212?{\i
finally}\u8212?
and_pointed_as_two_meteors_skipped_across_the_atmosphere_and_form
ed_a_cross.\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
\u8220?Wow,\u8221?_he_said._\u8220?I_can\u8217?t_believe_Leo_didn\u8217?
t_want_t
o_see_this.\u8221?_\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
\u8220?Actually,_I_didn\u8217?t_invite_him,\u8221?_Piper_said_casually.\par\pard
\plain\hyphpar}{
Jason_smiled._\u8220?Oh,_yeah?\u8221?\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
\u8220?Mm-hmm._You_ever_feel_like_three_would_be_a_crowd?\u8221?
_\par\pard\plain
\hyphpar}{
\u8220?Yeah,\u8221?_Jason_admitted._\u8220?
Like_right_now._You_know_how_much_tro
uble_we\u8217?d_get_in_if_we_got_caught_up_here?\u8221?
{
\u8220?Oh,_I\u8217?d_make_up_something,\u8221?_Piper_said._\u8220?
I_can_be_very_
persuasive._So_you_want_to_dance,_or_what?\u8221?\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
He_laughed._His_eyes_were_amazing,_and_his_smile_was_even_better_in_the_starli
gh
t._\u8220?
With_no_music._At_night._On_a_rooftop._Sounds_dangerous.\u8221?\par\pa
rd\plain\hyphpar}{
\u8220?I\u8217?m_a_dangerous_girl.\u8221?\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
\u8220?That,_I_can_believe.\u8221?_\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
He_stood_and_offered_her_his_hand._They_slow_danced_a_few_steps,_but_it_quickl
y_
turned_into_a_kiss._Piper_almost_couldn\u8217?
t_kiss_him_again,_because_she_was_
too_busy_smiling._\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
Then_her_dream_changed\u8212?
or_maybe_she_was_dead_in_the_Underworld\u8212?becau
se_she_found_herself_back_in_Medea\u8217?
s_department_store.\par\pard\plain\hyph
par}{
\u8220?Please_let_this_be_a_dream,\u8221?_she_murmured,_\u8220?
and_not_my_eterna
l_punishment.\u8221?\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
\u8220?No,_dear,\u8221?_said_a_woman\u8217?s_honey-sweet_voice._\u8220?
No_punish
ment.\u8221?\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
Piper_turned,_afraid_she\u8217?
d_see_Medea,_but_a_different_woman_stood_next_to_
her,_browsing_through_the_fifty-percent-off_rack._\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
The_woman_was_gorgeous\u8212?shoulderlength_hair,_a_graceful_neck,_perfect_feat
ures,_and_an_amazing_figure_tucked_into_jeans_and_a_snowy_white_top.\par\pard\
pl
ain\hyphpar}{
Piper_had_seen_her_share_of_actresses\u8212?most_of_her_dad\u8217?
s_dates_were_k
nockout_beautiful\u8212?but_this_lady_was_different._She_was_elegant_without_try
ing,_fashionable_without_effort,_stunning_without_makeup._After_seeing_Aeolus_wi
th_his_silly_face-lifts_and_cosmetics,_Piper_thought_this_woman_looked_even_more
_astonishing._There_was_nothing_artificial_about_her.\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
Yet_as_Piper_watched,_the_woman\u8217?
s_appearance_changed._Piper_couldn\u8217?t
_decide_the_color_of_her_eyes,_or_the_exact_color_of_her_hair._The_woman_becam
e_
more_and_more_beautiful,_as_if_her_image_were_aligning_itself_to_Piper\u8217?s_t
houghts\u8212?getting_as_close_as_possible_to_Piper\u8217?s_ideal_of_beauty.\par
\u8220?Aphrodite,\u8221?_Piper_said._\u8220?
Mom?\u8221?\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
The_goddess_smiled._\u8220?You\u8217?
re_only_dreaming,_my_sweet._If_anyone_wonde
rs,_I_wasn\u8217?t_here._Okay?\u8221?\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
\u8220?I\u8212?\u8221?
_Piper_wanted_to_ask_a_thousand_questions,_but_they_all_cr
owded_together_in_her_head.\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
Aphrodite_held_up_a_turquoise_dress._Piper_thought_it_looked_awesome,_but_the_
go
ddess_made_a_face._\u8220?This_isn\u8217?t_my_color,_is_it?_Pity,_it\u8217?s_cut
e._Medea_really_does_have_some_lovely_things_here.\u8221?\par\pard\plain\hyphp
ar
}{
\u8220?This\u8212?this_building_exploded,\u8221?_Piper_stammered._\u8220?
I_saw_i
\u8220?Yes,\u8221?_Aphrodite_agreed._\u8220?I_suppose_that\u8217?
s_why_everythin
g\u8217?s_on_sale._Just_a_memory,_now._And_I\u8217?
m_sorry_to_pull_you_out_of_yo
ur_other_dream._Much_more_pleasant,_I_know.\u8221?_\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
Piper\u8217?s_face_burned._She_didn\u8217?
t_know_whether_she_was_more_angry_or_e
mbarrassed,_but_mostly_she_felt_hollow_with_disappointment._\u8220?
It_wasn\u8217
?
t_real._It_never_even_happened._So_why_do_I_remember_it_so_vividly?\u8221?\par\
Aphrodite_smiled._\u8220?
Because_you_are_my_daughter,_Piper._You_see_possibiliti
es_much_more_vividly_than_others._You_see_what_{\i
could_}be._And_it_still_might_be\u8212?don\u8217?
t_give_up._Unfortunately\u8212?
\u8221?_The_goddess_gestured_around_the_department_store._\u8220?
You_have_other_
trials_to_face,_first._Medea_will_be_back,_along_with_many_other_enemies._The_Do
ors_of_Death_have_opened.\u8221?\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
\u8220?What_do_you_mean?\u8221?\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
Aphrodite_winked_at_her._\u8220?You\u8217?
re_a_smart_one,_Piper._You_know.\u8221
A_cold_feeling_settled_over_her._\u8220?
The_sleeping_woman,_the_one_Medea_and_Mi
das_called_their_patron._She\u8217?
s_managed_to_open_a_new_entrance_from_the_Und
erworld._She\u8217?
s_letting_the_dead_escape_back_into_the_world.\u8221?\par\par
d\plain\hyphpar}{
\u8220?Mmm._And_not_just_{\i
any_}dead._The_worst,_the_most_powerful,_the_ones_most_likely_to_hate_the_gods
.\
\u8220?The_monsters_are_coming_back_from_Tartarus_the_same_way,\u8221?
_Piper_gue
ssed._\u8220?That\u8217?s_why_they_don\u8217?t_stay_disintegrated.\u8221?
_\par\p
ard\plain\hyphpar}{
\u8220?Yes._Their_{\i
patron},_as_you_call_her,_has_a_special_relationship_with_Tartarus,_the_spirit_o
f_the_pit.\u8221?_Aphrodite_held_up_a_gold_sequined_top._\u8220?No_\u8230?
_this_
would_make_me_look_ridiculous.\u8221?\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
Piper_laughed_uneasily._\u8220?You?_You_can\u8217?
t_look_anything_but_perfect.\u
\u8220?You\u8217?re_sweet,\u8221?_Aphrodite_said._\u8220?
But_beauty_is_about_fin
ding_the_right_fit,_the_most_natural_fit._To_be_perfect,_you_have_to_feel_perfec
t_about_yourself\u8212?avoid_trying_to_be_something_you\u8217?
re_not._For_a_godd
ess,_that\u8217?s_especially_hard._We_can_change_so_easily.\u8221?\par\pard\plai
n\hyphpar}{
\u8220?My_dad_thought_you_were_perfect.\u8221?_Piper\u8217?
s_voice_quavered._\u8
220?He_never_got_over_you.\u8221?\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
Aphrodite\u8217?s_gaze_became_distant._\u8220?Yes_\u8230?
_Tristan._Oh,_he_was_am
azing._So_gentle_and_kind,_funny_and_handsome._Yet_he_had_so_much_sadness_in
side
\u8220?
Could_we_please_not_talk_about_him_in_the_past_tense?\u8221?\par\pard\pla
in\hyphpar}{
\u8220?I\u8217?m_sorry,_dear._I_didn\u8217?
t_want_to_leave_your_father,_of_cours
e._It\u8217?s_always_so_hard,_but_it_was_for_the_best._If_he_had_realized_who_I_
actually_was\u8212?\u8221?\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
\u8220?Wait\u8212?he_didn\u8217?t_{\i
know}_you_were_a_goddess?\u8221?\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
\u8220?Of_course_not.\u8221?_Aphrodite_sounded_offended._\u8220?
I_wouldn\u8217?t
_do_that_to_him._For_most_mortals,_that\u8217?s_simply_too_hard_to_accept._It_ca
n_ruin_their_lives!_Ask_your_friend_Jason\u8212?{\i
lovely}boy,_by_the_way._His_poor_mother_was_destroyed_when_she_found_out_she
\u82
17?d_fallen_in_love_with_Zeus._No,_it_was_much_better_Tristan_believed_that_I_wa
s_a_mortal_woman_who_left_him_without_explanation._Better_a_bittersweet_memo
ry_t
han_an_immortal,_unattainable_goddess._Which_brings_me_to_an_important_matte
r_\u
She_opened_her_hand_and_showed_Piper_a_glowing_glass_vial_of_pink_liquid._\u82
20
?This_is_one_of_Medea\u8217?
s_kinder_mixtures._It_erases_only_recent_memories._W
hen_you_save_your_father,_{\i
if_}you_can_save_him,_you_should_give_him_this.\u8221?\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
Piper_couldn\u8217?t_believe_what_she_was_hearing._\u8220?
You_want_me_to_dope_my
_dad?_You_want_me_to_make_him_forget_what_he\u8217?s_been_through?\u8221?
_\par\p
ard\plain\hyphpar}{
Aphrodite_held_up_the_vial._The_liquid_cast_a_pink_glow_over_her_face._\u8220?Yo
ur_father_acts_confident,_Piper,_but_he_walks_a_fine_line_between_two_worlds._He
\u8217?s_worked_his_whole_life_to_deny_the_old_stories_about_gods_and_spirits,_y
et_he_fears_those_stories_might_be_real._He_fears_that_he\u8217?s_shut_off_an_im
portant_part_of_himself,_and_someday_it_will_destroy_him._Now_he\u8217?
s_been_ca
ptured_by_a_giant._He\u8217?s_living_a_nightmare._Even_if_he_survives_\u8230?_if
_he_has_to_spend_the_rest_of_his_life_with_those_memories,_knowing_that_gods_a
nd
_spirits_walk_the_earth,_it_will_shatter_him._That\u8217?s_what_our_enemy_hopes_
for._She_will_break_him,_and_thus_break_your_spirit.\u8221?\par\pard\plain\hyphp
ar}{
Piper_wanted_to_shout_that_Aphrodite_was_wrong._Her_dad_was_the_strongest_per
son
_she_knew._Piper_would_never_take_his_memories_the_way_Hera_had_taken_Jason\
u821
7?s._\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
But_somehow_she_couldn\u8217?
t_stay_angry_with_Aphrodite._She_remembered_what_he
r_dad_had_said_months_ago,_at_the_beach_at_Big_Sur:_{\i
If_I_really_believed_in_Ghost_Country,_or_animal_spirits,_or_Greek_gods..._I_don
\u8217?t_think_I_could_sleep_at_night._I\u8217?
d_always_be_looking_for_somebody_
to_blame.}\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
Now_Piper_wanted_someone_to_blame,_too.\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
\u8220?Who_is_she?\u8221?_Piper_demanded._\u8220?
The_one_controlling_the_giants?
Aphrodite_pursed_her_lips._She_moved_to_the_next_rack,_which_held_battered_arm
or
_and_ripped_togas,_but_Aphrodite_looked_through_them_as_if_they_were_designer_
ou
tfits.\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
\u8220?You_have_a_strong_will,\u8221?_she_mused._\u8220?I\u8217?
m_never_given_mu
ch_credit_among_the_gods._My_children_are_laughed_at._They\u8217?
re_dismissed_as
_conceited_and_shallow.\u8221?_\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
\u8220?Some_of_them_are.\u8221?_\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
Aphrodite_laughed._\u8220?Granted._Perhaps_I\u8217?
m_conceited_and_shallow,_too,
_sometimes._A_girl_has_to_indulge._Oh,_this_is_nice.\u8221?_She_picked_up_a_burn
ed_and_stained_bronze_breastplate_and_held_it_up_for_Piper_to_see._\u8220?
No?\u8
\u8220?No,\u8221?_Piper_said._\u8220?
Are_you_going_to_answer_my_question?\u8221?
\u8220?Patience,_my_sweet,\u8221?_the_goddess_said._\u8220?
My_point_is_that_love
_is_the_most_powerful_motivator_in_the_world._It_spurs_mortals_to_greatness._The
ir_noblest,_bravest_acts_are_done_for_love.\u8221?\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
Piper_pulled_out_her_dagger_and_studied_its_reflective_blade._\u8220?Like_Helen_
starting_the_Trojan_War?\u8221?\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
\u8220?Ah,_Katoptris.\u8221?_Aphrodite_smiled._\u8220?I\u8217?
m_glad_you_found_i
t._I_get_so_much_flack_for_that_war,_but_honestly,_Paris_and_Helen_were_a_cute_c
ouple._And_the_heroes_of_that_war_are_immortal_now\u8212?
at_least_in_the_memorie
s_of_men._Love_is_powerful,_Piper._It_can_bring_even_the_gods_to_their_knees._I_
told_this_to_my_son_Aeneas_when_he_escaped_from_Troy._He_thought_he_had_faile
d._
He_thought_he_was_a_loser!
_But_he_traveled_to_Italy\u8212?\u8221?\par\pard\plain
\hyphpar}{
\u8220?And_became_the_forebear_of_Rome.\u8221?_\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
\u8220?Exactly._You_see,_Piper,_my_children_can_be_quite_powerful._{\i
You_}can_be_quite_powerful,_because_my_lineage_is_unique._I_am_closer_to_the_b
eg
inning_of_creation_than_any_other_Olympian.\u8221?\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
Piper_struggled_to_remember_about_Aphrodite\u8217?s_birth._\u8220?Didn\u8217?
t_y
ou_\u8230?_rise_from_the_sea?
_Standing_on_a_seashell?\u8221?\par\pard\plain\hyph
par}{
The_goddess_laughed._\u8220?That_painter_Botticelli_had_quite_an_imagination._I_
never_stood_on_a_seashell,_thank_you_very_much._But_yes,_I_rose_from_the_sea._
Th
e_first_beings_to_rise_from_Chaos_were_the_Earth_and_Sky\u8212?
Gaea_and_Ouranos.
_When_their_son_the_Titan_Kronos_killed_Ouranos\u8212?\u8221?
_\par\pard\plain\hy
phpar}{
\u8220?By_chopping_him_to_pieces_with_a_scythe,\u8221?
_Piper_remembered._\par\pa
rd\plain\hyphpar}{
Aphrodite_wrinkled_her_nose._\u8220?
Yes._The_pieces_of_Ouranos_fell_into_the_sea
._His_immortal_essence_created_sea_foam._And_from_that_foam\u8212?\u8221?
_\par\p
ard\plain\hyphpar}{
\u8220?You_were_born._I_remember_now._So_you\u8217?re\u8212?\u8221?
_\par\pard\pl
ain\hyphpar}{
\u8220?
The_last_child_of_Ouranos,_who_was_greater_than_the_gods_or_the_Titans._S
o,_in_a_strange_way,_I\u8217?
m_the_eldest_Olympian_god._As_I_said,_love_is_a_pow
erful_force._And_you,_my_daughter,_are_much_more_than_a_pretty_face._Which_is_
wh
y_you_already_know_who_is_waking_the_giants,_and_who_has_the_power_to_open_
doors
_into_the_deepest_parts_of_the_earth.\u8221?\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
Aphrodite_waited,_as_if_she_could_sense_Piper_slowly_putting_together_the_pieces
_of_a_puzzle,_which_made_a_dreadful_picture.\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
\u8220?Gaea,\u8221?_Piper_said._\u8220?The_earth_itself._That\u8217?
s_our_enemy.
She_hoped_Aphrodite_would_say_no,_but_the_goddess_kept_her_eyes_on_the_rack_
of_t
attered_armor._\u8220?
She_has_slumbered_for_eons,_but_she_is_slowly_waking._Even
_asleep,_she_is_powerful,_but_once_she_wakes_\u8230?
_we_will_be_doomed._You_must
_defeat_the_giants_before_that_happens,_and_lull_Gaea_back_into_her_slumber._Ot
h
erwise_the_rebellion_has_only_begun._The_dead_will_continue_to_rise._Monsters_wi
ll_regenerate_with_even_greater_speed._The_giants_will_lay_waste_to_the_birthpla
ce_of_the_gods._And_if_they_do_that,_all_civilization_will_burn.\u8221?\par\pard
\plain\hyphpar}{
\u8220?But_{\i
Gaea}?_Mother_Earth?\u8221?_\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
\u8220?Do_not_underestimate_her,\u8221?_Aphrodite_warned._\u8220?
She_is_a_cruel_
deity._She_orchestrated_Ouranos\u8217?s_death._{\i
She_}gave_Kronos_the_sickle_and_urged_him_to_kill_his_own_father._While_the_Tita
ns_ruled_the_world,_she_slumbered_in_peace._But_when_the_gods_overthrew_them
,_Ga
ea_woke_again_in_all_her_anger_and_gave_birth_to_a_new_race\u8212?
the_giants\u82
12?to_destroy_Olympus_once_and_for_all.\u8221?_\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
\u8220?And_it\u8217?s_happening_again,\u8221?_Piper_said._\u8220?
The_rise_of_the
_giants.\u8221?\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
Aphrodite_nodded._\u8220?
Now_you_know._What_will_you_do?\u8221?\par\pard\plain\h
yphpar}{
\u8220?Me?\u8221?_Piper_clenched_her_fists._\u8220?What_am_I_supposed_to_do?
_Put
_on_a_pretty_dress_and_sweettalk_Gaea_into_going_back_to_sleep?\u8221?\par\pard
\plain\hyphpar}{
\u8220?I_wish_that_would_work,\u8221?_Aphrodite_said._\u8220?
But_no,_you_will_ha
ve_to_find_your_own_strengths,_and_fight_for_what_you_love._Like_my_favored_one
s
,_Helen_and_Paris._Like_my_son_Aeneas.\u8221?_\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
\u8220?Helen_and_Paris_died,\u8221?_Piper_said.\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
\u8220?And_Aeneas_became_a_hero,\u8221?_the_goddess_countered._\u8220?
The_first_
great_hero_of_Rome._The_result_will_depend_on_you,_Piper,_but_I_will_tell_you_th
is:_The_seven_greatest_demigods_must_be_gathered_to_defeat_the_giants,_and_th
at_
effort_will_not_succeed_without_you._When_the_two_sides_meet_\u8230?
_you_will_be
_the_mediator._You_will_determine_whether_there_is_friendship_or_bloodshed.\u822
\u8220?What_two_sides?\u8221?_\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
Piper\u8217?s_vision_began_to_dim.\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
\u8220?You_must_wake_soon,_my_child,\u8221?_said_the_goddess._\u8220?
I_do_not_al
ways_agree_with_Hera,_but_she\u8217?
s_taken_a_bold_risk,_and_I_agree_it_must_be_
done._Zeus_has_kept_the_two_sides_apart_for_too_long._Only_together_will_you_ha
v
e_the_power_to_save_Olympus._Now,_wake,_and_I_hope_you_like_the_clothes_I_pic
ked
_out.\u8221?_\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
\u8220?What_clothes?\u8221?
_Piper_demanded,_but_the_dream_faded_to_black._\par\p
ard\plain\hyphpar}{
P}{\b
IPER_WOKE_AT_A_TABLE_AT_A_SIDEWALK_CAF\u201?.}{\b
For_a_second,_she_thought_she_was_still_dreaming._It_was_a_sunny_morning._The_
ai
r_was_brisk_but_not_unpleasant_for_sitting_outside._At_the_other_tables,_a_mix_o
f_bicyclists,_business_people,_and_college_kids_sat_chatting_and_drinking_coffee
She_could_smell_eucalyptus_trees._Lots_of_foot_traffic_passed_in_front_of_quaint
_little_shops._The_street_was_lined_with_bottle-brush_trees_and_blooming_azaleas
_as_if_winter_was_a_foreign_concept.\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
In_other_words:_she_was_in_California._\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
Her_friends_sat_in_chairs_around_her\u8212?all_of_them_with_their_hands_calmly_f
olded_across_their_chests,_dozing_pleasantly._And_they_all_had_new_clothes_on._P
iper_looked_down_at_her_own_outfit_and_gasped._\u8220?
Mother!\u8221?\par\pard\pl
ain\hyphpar}{
She_yelled_louder_than_she_meant._Jason_flinched,_bumping_the_table_with_his_kn
e
es,_and_then_all_of_them_were_awake._\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
\u8220?What?\u8221?_Hedge_demanded._\u8220?Fight_who?
_Where?\u8221?\par\pard\pla
in\hyphpar}{
\u8220?Falling!\u8221?_Leo_grabbed_the_table._\u8220?No\u8212?
not_falling._Where
_are_we?\u8221?_\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
Jason_blinked,_trying_to_get_his_bearings._He_focused_on_Piper_and_made_a_little
_choking_sound._\u8220?What_are_you_wearing?\u8221?\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
Piper_probably_blushed._She_was_wearing_the_turquoise_dress_she\u8217?
d_seen_in_
her_dream,_with_black_leggings_and_black_leather_boots._She_had_on_her_favorite
_
silver_charm_bracelet,_even_though_she\u8217?
d_left_that_back_home_in_L.A.,_and_
her_old_snowboarding_jacket_from_her_dad,_which_amazingly_went_with_the_outfit
_p
retty_well._She_pulled_out_Katoptris,_and_judging_from_the_reflection_in_the_bla
de,_she\u8217?d_gotten_her_hair_done,_too._\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
\u8220?It\u8217?s_nothing,\u8221?_she_said._\u8220?It\u8217?
s_my\u8212?\u8221?_S
he_remembered_Aphrodite\u8217?s_warning_not_to_mention_that_they\u8217?
d_talked.
_\u8220?It\u8217?s_nothing.\u8221?\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
Leo_grinned._\u8220?Aphrodite_strikes_again,_huh?_You\u8217?
re_gonna_be_the_best
-dressed_warrior_in_town,_beauty_queen.\u8221?\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
\u8220?Hey,_Leo.\u8221?_Jason_nudged_his_arm._\u8220?
You_look_at_yourself_recent
ly?\u8221?\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
\u8220?What_\u8230?_oh.\u8221?_\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
All_of_them_had_been_give_a_makeover._Leo_was_wearing_pinstriped_pants,_black
_le
ather_shoes,_a_white_collarless_shirt_with_suspenders,_and_his_tool_belt,_Ray-Ba
n_sunglasses,_and_a_porkpie_hat.\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
\u8220?God,_Leo.\u8221?_Piper_tried_not_to_laugh._\u8220?
I_think_my_dad_wore_tha
t_to_his_last_premiere,_minus_the_tool_belt.\u8221?_\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
\u8220?Hey,_shut_up!\u8221?\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
\u8220?I_think_he_looks_good,\u8221?_said_Coach_Hedge._\u8220?\u8217?
Course,_I_l
ook_better.\u8221?_\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
The_satyr_was_a_pastel_nightmare._Aphrodite_had_given_him_a_baggy_canary_yell
ow_
zoot_suit_with_twotone_shoes_that_fit_over_his_hooves._He_had_a_matching_yellow
_broad-brimmed_hat,_a_rose-colored_shirt,_a_baby_blue_tie,_and_a_blue_carnation_
in_his_lapel,_which_Hedge_sniffed_and_then_ate.\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
\u8220?Well,\u8221?_Jason_said,_\u8220?
at_least_your_mom_overlooked_me.\u8221?\p
Piper_knew_that_wasn\u8217?t_exactly_true._Looking_at_him,_her_heart_did_a_littl
e_tap_dance._Jason_was_dressed_simply_in_jeans_and_a_clean_purple_T-shirt,_like_
he\u8217?
d_worn_at_the_Grand_Canyon._He_had_new_track_shoes_on,_and_his_hair_was
_newly_trimmed._His_eyes_were_the_same_color_as_the_sky._Aphrodite\u8217?
s_messa
ge_was_clear:_{\i
This_one_needs_no_improvement._}\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
And_Piper_agreed.\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
\u8220?Anyway,\u8221?_she_said_uncomfortably,_\u8220?
how_did_we_get_here?\u8221?
\u8220?Oh,_that_would_be_Mellie,\u8221?
_Hedge_said,_chewing_happily_on_his_carna
tion._\u8220?Those_winds_shot_us_halfway_across_the_country,_I\u8217?
d_guess._We
_would\u8217?ve_been_smashed_flat_on_impact,_but_Mellie\u8217?
s_last_gift\u8212?
a_nice_soft_breeze\u8212?cushioned_our_fall.\u8221?\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
\u8220?And_she_got_fired_for_us,\u8221?_Leo_said._\u8220?
Man,_we_suck.\u8221?\pa
\u8220?Ah,_she\u8217?ll_be_fine,\u8221?_Hedge_said._\u8220?
Besides,_she_couldn\u
8217?t_help_herself._I\u8217?ve_got_that_effect_on_nymphs._I\u8217?ll_send_her_a
_message_when_we\u8217?
re_through_with_this_quest_and_help_her_figure_something_
out._That_is_one_{\i
aura_}I_could_settle_down_with_and_raise_a_herd_of_baby_goats.\u8221?\par\pard\
p
lain\hyphpar}{
\u8220?I\u8217?m_going_to_be_sick,\u8221?_Piper_said._\u8220?
Anyone_else_want_co
ffee?\u8221?_\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
\u8220?Coffee!\u8221?_Hedge\u8217?
s_grin_was_stained_blue_from_the_flower._\u822
0?I_love_coffee!\u8221?_\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
\u8220?Um,\u8221?_Jason_said,_\u8220?but\u8212?money?
_Our_packs?\u8221?\par\pard
\plain\hyphpar}{
Piper_looked_down._Their_packs_were_at_their_feet,_and_everything_seemed_to_sti
l
l_be_there._She_reached_into_her_coat_pocket_and_felt_two_things_she_hadn\u821
7?
t_expected._One_was_a_wad_of_cash._The_other_was_a_glass_vial\u8212?
the_amnesia_
potion._She_left_the_vial_in_her_pocket_and_brought_out_the_money.\par\pard\plai
n\hyphpar}{
Leo_whistled._\u8220?Allowance?
_Piper,_your_mom_rocks!\u8221?\par\pard\plain\hyp
hpar}{
\u8220?Waitress!\u8221?_Hedge_called._\u8220?
Six_double_espressos,_and_whatever_
these_guys_want._Put_it_on_the_girl\u8217?s_tab.\u8221?_\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}
{
It_didn\u8217?
t_take_them_long_to_figure_out_where_they_were._The_menus_said_\u8
220?Caf\u233?_Verve,_Walnut_Creek,_CA.\u8221?
_And_according_to_the_waitress,_it_
was_9_a.m._on_December_21,_the_winter_solstice,_which_gave_them_three_hours_
unti
l_Enceladus\u8217?s_deadline._\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
They_didn\u8217?
t_have_to_wonder_where_Mount_Diablo_was,_either._They_could_see_
it_on_the_horizon,_right_at_the_end_of_the_street._After_the_Rockies,_Mount_Diab
lo_didn\u8217?
t_look_very_large,_nor_was_it_covered_in_snow._It_seemed_downright
_peaceful,_its_golden_creases_marbled_with_graygreen_trees._But_size_was_decept
ive_with_mountains,_Piper_knew._It_was_probably_much_bigger_up_close._And_app
ear
ances_were_deceptive_too._Here_they_were\u8212?back_in_California\u8212?
supposed
ly_her_home\u8212?with_sunny_skies,_mild_weather,_laidback_people,_and_a_plate_
of_chocolate_chip_scones_with_coffee._And_only_a_few_miles_away,_somewhere_on
_th
at_peaceful_mountain,_a_superpowerful,_superevil_giant_was_about_to_have_her_fa
ther_for_lunch._\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
Leo_pulled_something_out_of_his_pocket\u8212?
the_old_crayon_drawing_Aeolus_had_g
iven_him._Aphrodite_must\u8217?ve_thought_it_was_important_if_she\u8217?
d_magica
lly_transferred_it_to_his_new_outfit._\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
\u8220?What_is_that?\u8221?_Piper_asked.\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
Leo_folded_it_up_gingerly_again_and_put_it_away._\u8220?
Nothing._You_don\u8217?t
_want_to_see_my_kindergarten_artwork.\u8221?_\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
\u8220?It\u8217?s_more_than_that,\u8221?_Jason_guessed._\u8220?
Aeolus_said_it_wa
s_the_key_to_our_success.\u8221?\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
Leo_shook_his_head._\u8220?Not_today._He_was_talking_about\u8230?
_later.\u8221?_
\u8220?How_can_you_be_sure?\u8221?_Piper_asked.\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
\u8220?Trust_me,\u8221?_Leo_said._\u8220?Now\u8212?what\u8217?
s_our_game_plan?\u
Coach_Hedge_belched._He\u8217?
d_already_had_three_espressos_and_a_plate_of_dough
nuts,_along_with_two_napkins_and_another_flower_from_the_vase_on_the_table._He
_w
ould\u8217?
ve_eaten_the_silverware,_except_Piper_had_slapped_his_hand.\par\pard\
plain\hyphpar}{
\u8220?Climb_the_mountain,\u8221?_Hedge_said._\u8220?
Kill_everything_except_Pipe
r\u8217?s_dad._Leave.\u8221?_\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
\u8220?Thank_you,_General_Eisenhower,\u8221?
_Jason_grumbled.\par\pard\plain\hyph
par}{
\u8220?Hey,_I\u8217?m_just_saying!\u8221?\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
\u8220?Guys,\u8221?_Piper_said._\u8220?There\u8217?
s_more_you_need_to_know.\u822
It_was_tricky,_because_she_couldn\u8217?
t_mention_her_mom;_but_she_told_them_she
\u8217?
d_figured_some_things_out_in_her_dreams._She_told_them_about_their_real_e
nemy:_Gaea.\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
\u8220?Gaea?\u8221?_Leo_shook_his_head._\u8220?Isn\u8217?
t_that_Mother_Nature?_S
he\u8217?s_supposed_to_have,_like,_flowers_in_her_hair_and_birds_singing_around_
her_and_deer_and_rabbits_doing_her_laundry.\u8221?\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
\u8220?Leo,_that\u8217?s_Snow_White,\u8221?
_Piper_said._\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}
{
\u8220?Okay,_but\u8212?\u8221?\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
\u8220?Listen,_cupcake.\u8221?
_Coach_Hedge_dabbed_the_espresso_out_of_his_goatee
._\u8220?Piper\u8217?s_telling_us_some_serious_stuff,_here._Gaea\u8217?s_no_soft
ie._I\u8217?m_not_even_sure_{\i
I_}could_take_her.\u8221?_\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
Leo_whistled._\u8220?Really?\u8221?\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
Hedge_nodded._\u8220?This_earth_lady\u8212?
she_and_her_old_man_the_sky_were_nast
y_customers.\u8221?\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
\u8220?Ouranos,\u8221?_Piper_said._She_couldn\u8217?
t_help_looking_up_at_the_blu
e_sky,_wondering_if_it_had_eyes.\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
\u8220?Right,\u8221?_Hedge_said._\u8220?So_Ouranos,_he\u8217?
s_not_the_best_dad.
_He_throws_their_first_kids,_the_Cyclopes,_into_Tartarus._That_makes_Gaea_mad,_b
ut_she_bides_her_time._Then_they_have_another_set_of_kids\u8212?
the_twelve_Titan
s\u8212?and_Gaea_is_afraid_they\u8217?
ll_get_thrown_into_prison_too._So_she_goes
_up_to_her_son_Kronos\u8212?\u8221?_\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
\u8220?The_big_bad_dude,\u8221?_Leo_said._\u8220?
The_one_they_defeated_last_summ
er.\u8221?_\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
\u8220?Right._And_Gaea\u8217?
s_the_one_who_gives_him_the_scythe,_and_tells_him,_
\u8216?Hey,_why_don\u8217?t_I_call_your_dad_down_here?_And_while_he\u8217?
s_talk
ing_to_me,_distracted,_you_can_cut_him_to_pieces._Then_you_can_take_over_the_w
or
ld._Wouldn\u8217?t_that_be_great?\u8217?\u8221?_\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
Nobody_said_anything._Piper\u8217?s_chocolate_chip_scone_didn\u8217?
t_look_so_ap
petizing_anymore._Even_though_she\u8217?
d_heard_the_story_before,_she_still_coul
dn\u8217?
t_quite_get_her_mind_around_it._She_tried_to_imagine_a_kid_so_messed_up
,
_he_would_kill_his_own_dad_just_for_power._Then_she_imagined_a_mom_so_messe
d_up
,_she_would_convince_her_son_to_do_it.\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
\u8220?Definitely_not_Snow_White,\u8221?_she_decided.\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
\u8220?Nah,_Kronos_was_a_bad_guy,\u8221?_Hedge_said._\u8220?
But_Gaea_is_literall
y_the_{\i
mother_}of_all_bad_guys._She\u8217?s_so_old_and_powerful,_so_{\i
huge},_that_it\u8217?s_hard_for_her_to_be_fully_conscious._Most_of_the_time,_she
_sleeps,_and_that\u8217?s_the_way_we_like_her\u8212?snoring.\u8221?\u8220?
But_sh
e_talked_to_me,\u8221?_Leo_said._\u8220?
How_can_she_be_asleep?\u8221?\par\pard\p
lain\hyphpar}{
Gleeson_brushed_crumbs_off_his_canary_yellow_lapel._He_was_on_his_sixth_espres
so
_now,_and_his_pupils_were_as_big_as_quarters._\u8220?
Even_in_her_sleep,_part_of_
her_consciousness_is_active\u8212?dreaming,_keeping_watch,_doing_little_things_l
ike_causing_volcanoes_to_explode_and_monsters_to_rise._Even_now,_she\u8217?
s_not
_fully_awake._Believe_me,_you_don\u8217?t_want_to_see_her_fully_awake.\u8221?
_\p
\u8220?But_she\u8217?s_getting_more_powerful,\u8221?_Piper_said._\u8220?
She\u821
7?s_causing_the_giants_to_rise._And_if_their_king_comes_back\u8212?
this_guy_Porp
hyrion\u8212?\u8221?\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
\u8220?He\u8217?ll_raise_an_army_to_destroy_the_gods,\u8221?
_Jason_put_in._\u822
0?Starting_with_Hera._It\u8217?ll_be_another_war._And_Gaea_will_wake_up_fully.\u
Gleeson_nodded._\u8220?Which_is_why_it\u8217?
s_a_good_idea_for_us_to_stay_off_th
e_ground_as_much_as_possible.\u8221?\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
Leo_looked_warily_at_Mount_Diablo._\u8220?So_\u8230?
_climbing_a_mountain._That_w
ould_be_bad.\u8221?_\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
Piper\u8217?s_heart_sank._First,_she\u8217?
d_been_asked_to_betray_her_friends._N
ow_they_were_trying_to_help_her_rescue_her_dad_even_though_they_knew_they_w
ere_w
alking_into_a_trap._The_idea_of_fighting_a_giant_had_been_scary_enough._But_the_
idea_that_Gaea_was_behind_it\u8212?
a_force_more_powerful_than_a_god_or_Titan_\u8
\u8220?Guys,_I_can\u8217?t_ask_you_to_do_this,\u8221?_Piper_said._\u8220?
This_is
_too_dangerous.\u8221?\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
\u8220?You_kidding?\u8221?
_Gleeson_belched_and_showed_them_his_blue_carnation_sm
ile._\u8220?Who\u8217?s_ready_to_beat_stuff_up?\u8221?_\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}
{
L}{\b
EO_HOPED_THE_TAXI_COULD_TAKE_THEM}{\b
_}all_the_way_to_the_top.\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
No_such_luck._The_cab_made_lurching,_grinding_sounds_as_it_climbed_the_mounta
in_
road,_and_halfway_up_they_found_the_ranger\u8217?
s_station_closed,_a_chain_block
ing_the_way.\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
\u8220?Far_as_I_can_go,\u8221?_the_cabbie_said._\u8220?You_sure_about_this?
_Gonn
a_be_a_long_walk_back,_and_my_car\u8217?s_acting_funny._I_can\u8217?
t_wait_for_y
ou.\u8221?\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
\u8220?We\u8217?re_sure.\u8221?
_Leo_was_the_first_one_out._He_had_a_bad_feeling_
about_what_was_wrong_with_the_cab,_and_when_he_looked_down_he_saw_he_was_
right._
The_wheels_were_sinking_into_the_road_like_it_was_made_of_quicksand._Not_fast\u
8
212?
just_enough_to_make_the_driver_think_he_had_a_transmission_problem_or_a_bad_
axle\u8212?but_Leo_knew_different._\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
The_road_was_hard-packed_dirt._No_reason_at_all_it_should_have_been_soft,_but_al
ready_Leo\u8217?
s_shoes_were_starting_to_sink._Gaea_was_messing_with_them._\par\
While_his_friends_got_out,_Leo_paid_the_cabbie._He_was_generous\u8212?
heck,_why_
not?_It_was_Aphrodite\u8217?
s_money._Plus,_he_had_a_feeling_he_might_never_be_co
ming_off_this_mountain.\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
\u8220?Keep_the_change,\u8221?_he_said._\u8220?
And_get_out_of_here._Quick.\u8221
The_driver_didn\u8217?t_argue._Soon_all_they_could_see_was_his_dust_trail._\par\
The_view_from_the_mountain_was_pretty_amazing._The_whole_inland_valley_aroun
d_Mo
unt_Diablo_was_a_patchwork_of_towns\u8212?grids_of_treelined_streets_and_nice_m
iddle-class_suburbs,_shops,_and_schools._All_these_normal_people_living_normal_l
ives\u8212?the_kind_Leo_had_never_known._\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
\u8220?That\u8217?s_Concord,\u8221?_Jason_said,_pointing_to_the_north._\u8220?
Wa
lnut_Creek_below_us._To_the_south,_Danville,_past_those_hills._And_that_way_\u82
He_pointed_west,_where_a_ridge_of_golden_hills_held_back_a_layer_of_fog,_like_th
e_rim_of_a_bowl._\u8220?That\u8217?s_the_Berkeley_Hills._The_East_Bay._Past_that
,_San_Francisco.\u8221?\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
\u8220?Jason?\u8221?_Piper_touched_his_arm._\u8220?You_remember_something?
_You\u
8217?ve_been_here?\u8221?_\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
\u8220?Yes_\u8230?_no.\u8221?_He_gave_her_an_anguished_look._\u8220?
It_just_seem
s_important.\u8221?\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
\u8220?That\u8217?s_Titan_land.\u8221?
_Coach_Hedge_nodded_toward_the_west._\u822
0?Bad_place,_Jason._Trust_me,_this_is_as_close_to_\u8217?Frisco_as_we_want_to_ge
But_Jason_looked_toward_the_foggy_basin_with_such_longing_that_Leo_felt_uneasy.
_
Why_did_Jason_seem_so_connected_with_that_place\u8212?
a_place_Hedge_said_was_evi
l,_full_of_bad_magic_and_old_enemies?_What_if_Jason_came_from_here?
_Everybody_ke
pt_hinting_Jason_was_an_enemy,_that_his_arrival_at_Camp_HalfBlood_was_a_dangero
us_mistake.\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
No,_Leo_thought._Ridiculous._Jason_was_their_friend.\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
Leo_tried_to_move_his_foot,_but_his_heels_were_now_completely_embedded_in_the
_di
rt.\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
\u8220?Hey,_guys,\u8221?_he_said._\u8220?Let\u8217?
s_keep_moving.\u8221?\par\par
d\plain\hyphpar}{
The_others_noticed_the_problem.\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
\u8220?Gaea_is_stronger_here,\u8221?
_Hedge_grumbled._He_popped_his_hooves_free_f
rom_his_shoes,_then_handed_the_shoes_to_Leo._\u8220?
Keep_those_for_me,_Valdez._T
hey\u8217?re_nice.\u8221?_\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
Leo_snorted._\u8220?
Yes,_sir,_Coach._Would_you_like_them_polished?\u8221?\par\pa
rd\plain\hyphpar}{
\u8220?That\u8217?s_varsity_thinking,_Valdez.\u8221?
_Hedge_nodded_approvingly._\
u8220?But_first,_we\u8217?d_better_hike_up_this_mountain_while_we_still_can.\u82
\u8220?How_do_we_know_where_the_giant_is?\u8221?
_Piper_asked.\par\pard\plain\hyp
hpar}{
Jason_pointed_toward_the_peak._Drifting_across_the_summit_was_a_plume_of_smok
e._
From_a_distance,_Leo_had_thought_it_was_a_cloud,_but_it_wasn\u8217?
t._Something_
was_burning.\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
\u8220?Smoke_equals_fire,\u8221?_Jason_said._\u8220?We\u8217?
d_better_hurry.\u82
The_Wilderness_School_had_taken_Leo_on_several_forced_marches._He_thought_he
_was
_in_good_shape._But_climbing_a_mountain_when_the_earth_was_trying_to_swallow_
his
_feet_was_like_jogging_on_a_flypaper_treadmill.\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
In_no_time,_Leo_had_rolled_up_the_sleeves_on_his_collarless_shirt,_even_though_t
he_wind_was_cold_and_sharp._He_wished_Aphrodite_had_given_him_walking_shorts
_and
_some_more_comfortable_shoes,_but_he_was_grateful_for_the_RayBans_that_kept_the
_sun_out_of_his_eyes._He_slipped_his_hands_into_his_tool_belt_and_started_summo
n
ing_supplies\u8212?
gears,_a_tiny_wrench,_some_strips_of_bronze._As_he_walked,_he
_built\u8212?not_really_thinking_about_it,_just_fiddling_with_pieces.\par\pard\p
lain\hyphpar}{
By_the_time_they_neared_the_crest_of_the_mountain,_Leo_was_the_most_fashionab
ly_
dressed_sweaty,_dirty_hero_ever._His_hands_were_covered_in_machine_grease.\par
\p
ard\plain\hyphpar}{
The_little_object_he\u8217?d_made_was_like_a_windup_toy\u8212?
the_kind_that_ratt
les_and_walks_across_a_coffee_table._He_wasn\u8217?
t_sure_what_it_could_do,_but_
he_slipped_it_into_his_tool_belt.\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
He_missed_his_army_coat_with_all_its_pockets._Even_more_than_that,_he_missed_F
es
tus._He_could_use_a_firebreathing_bronze_dragon_right_now._But_Leo_knew_Festus_
would_not_be_coming_back\u8212?at_least,_not_in_his_old_form.\par\pard\plain\hyp
hpar}{
He_patted_the_picture_in_his_pocket\u8212?the_crayon_drawing_he\u8217?
d_made_at_
the_picnic_table_under_the_pecan_tree_when_he_was_five_years_old._He_remembe
red_
T\u237?a_Callida_singing_as_he_worked,_and_how_upset_he\u8217?
d_been_when_the_wi
nds_had_snatched_the_picture_away._{\i
It_isn\u8217?t_time_yet,_little_hero,_}T\u237?a_Callida_had_told_him._{\i
Someday,_yes._You\u8217?
ll_have_your_quest._You_will_find_your_destiny,_and_your
_hard_journey_will_finally_make_sense._}\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
Now_Aeolus_had_returned_the_picture._Leo_knew_that_meant_his_destiny_was_gett
ing
_close;_but_the_journey_was_as_frustrating_as_this_stupid_mountain._Every_time_L
eo_thought_they\u8217?
d_reached_the_summit,_it_turned_out_to_be_just_another_rid
ge_with_an_even_higher_one_behind_it._\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
First_things_first,_Leo_told_himself._Survive_today._Figure_out_crayon_drawing_o
f_destiny_later.\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
Finally_Jason_crouched_behind_a_wall_of_rock._He_gestured_for_the_others_to_do_t
he_same._Leo_crawled_up_next_to_him._Piper_had_to_pull_Coach_Hedge_down.\par
\par
d\plain\hyphpar}{
\u8220?I_don\u8217?t_want_to_get_my_outfit_dirty!\u8221?
_Hedge_complained.\par\p
ard\plain\hyphpar}{
\u8220?Shhh!\u8221?_Piper_said.\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
Reluctantly,_the_satyr_knelt.\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
Just_over_the_ridge_where_they_were_hiding,_in_the_shadow_of_the_mountain\u82
17?
s_final_crest,_was_a_forested_depression_about_the_size_of_a_football_field,_whe
re_the_giant_Enceladus_had_set_up_camp.\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
Trees_had_been_cut_down_to_make_a_towering_purple_bonfire._The_outer_rim_of_t
he_
clearing_was_littered_with_extra_logs_and_construction_equipment\u8212?
an_earthm
over;_a_big_crane_thing_with_rotating_blades_at_the_end_like_an_electric_shaver\
u8212?must_be_a_tree_harvester,_Leo_thought\u8212?
and_a_long_metal_column_with_a
n_ax_blade,_like_a_sideways_guillotine\u8212?a_hydraulic_ax.\par\pard\plain\hyph
par}{
Why_a_giant_needed_construction_equipment,_Leo_wasn\u8217?
t_sure._He_didn\u8217?
t_see_how_the_creature_in_front_of_him_could_even_fit_in_the_driver\u8217?s_seat
._The_giant_Enceladus_was_so_large,_so_horrible,_Leo_didn\u8217?
t_want_to_look_a
t_him._\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
But_he_forced_himself_to_focus_on_the_monster._\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
To_start_with,_he_was_thirty_feet_tall\u8212?easily_as_tall_as_the_treetops._Leo
_was_sure_the_giant_could\u8217?
ve_seen_them_behind_their_ridge,_but_he_seemed_i
ntent_on_the_weird_purple_bonfire,_circling_it_and_chanting_under_his_breath._Fr
om_the_waist_up,_the_giant_appeared_humanoid,_his_muscular_chest_clad_in_bron
ze_
armor,_decorated_with_flame_designs._His_arms_were_completely_ripped._Each_of_
hi
s_biceps_was_bigger_than_Leo._His_skin_was_bronze_but_sooty_with_ash._His_face_
w
as_crudely_shaped,_like_a_half-finished_clay_figure,_but_his_eyes_glowed_white,_
and_his_hair_was_matted_in_shaggy_dreadlocks_down_to_his_shoulders,_braided_wi
th
_bones._\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
From_the_waist_down,_he_was_even_more_terrifying._His_legs_were_scaly_green,_w
it
h_claws_instead_of_feet\u8212?like_the_forelegs_of_a_dragon._In_his_hand,_Encela
dus_held_a_spear_the_size_of_a_flagpole._Every_so_often_he_dipped_its_tip_in_the
_fire,_turning_the_metal_molten_red.\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
\u8220?Okay,\u8221?_Coach_Hedge_whispered._\u8220?Here\u8217?
s_the_plan\u8212?\u
Leo_elbowed_him._\u8220?You\u8217?re_not_charging_him_alone!\u8221?
_\par\pard\pl
ain\hyphpar}{
\u8220?Aw,_c\u8217?mon.\u8221?_\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
Piper_choked_back_a_sob._\u8220?Look.\u8221?\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
Just_visible_on_the_other_side_of_the_bonfire_was_a_man_tied_to_a_post._His_head
_slumped_like_he_was_unconscious,_so_Leo_couldn\u8217?
t_make_out_his_face,_but_P
iper_didn\u8217?t_seem_to_have_any_doubts._\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
\u8220?Dad,\u8221?_she_said._\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
Leo_swallowed._He_wished_this_were_a_Tristan_McLean_movie._Then_Piper\u8217?
s_da
d_would_be_faking_unconsciousness._He\u8217?
d_untie_his_bonds_and_knock_out_the_
giant_with_some_cleverly_hidden_anti-giant_gas._Heroic_music_would_start_to_play
,
_and_Tristan_McLean_would_make_his_amazing_escape,_running_away_in_slow_mot
ion_
while_the_mountainside_exploded_behind_him._\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
But_this_wasn\u8217?
t_a_movie._Tristan_McLean_was_half_dead_and_about_to_be_eate
n._The_only_people_who_could_stop_it\u8212?
three_fashionably_dressed_teenaged_de
migods_and_a_megalomaniac_goat.\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
\u8220?There\u8217?s_four_of_us,\u8221?_Hedge_whispered_urgently._\u8220?
And_onl
y_one_of_him.\u8221?_\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
\u8220?Did_you_miss_the_fact_that_he\u8217?s_thirty_feet_tall?\u8221?
_Leo_asked.
\u8220?Okay,\u8221?_Hedge_said._\u8220?
So_you,_me,_and_Jason_distract_him._Piper
_sneaks_around_and_frees_her_dad.\u8221?\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
They_all_looked_at_Jason.\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
\u8220?What?\u8221?_Jason_asked._\u8220?I\u8217?m_not_the_leader.\u8221?
_\par\pa
rd\plain\hyphpar}{
\u8220?Yes,\u8221?_Piper_said._\u8220?You_are.\u8221?\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
They\u8217?
d_never_really_talked_about_it,_but_no_one_disagreed,_not_even_Hedge.
_Coming_this_far_had_been_a_team_effort,_but_when_it_came_to_a_life-anddeath_de
cision,_Leo_knew_Jason_was_the_one_to_ask._Even_if_he_had_no_memory,_Jason_h
ad_a
_kind_of_balance_to_him._You_could_just_tell_he\u8217?d_been_in_battles_before,_
and_he_knew_how_to_keep_his_cool._Leo_wasn\u8217?
t_exactly_the_trusting_type,_bu
t_he_trusted_Jason_with_his_life.\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
\u8220?I_hate_to_say_it,\u8221?_Jason_sighed,_\u8220?
but_Coach_Hedge_is_right._A
_distraction_is_Piper\u8217?s_best_chance.\u8221?_\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
Not_a_good_chance,_Leo_thought._Not_even_a_survivable_chance._Just_their_{\i
best}_chance._\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
They_couldn\u8217?t_sit_there_all_day_and_talk_about_it,_though._It_had_to_be_cl
ose_to_noon\u8212?the_giant\u8217?s_deadline\u8212?
and_the_ground_was_still_tryi
ng_to_pull_them_down._Leo\u8217?
s_knees_had_already_sunk_two_inches_into_the_dir
t.\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
Leo_looked_at_the_construction_equipment_and_got_a_crazy_idea._He_brought_out
_th
e_little_toy_he\u8217?
d_made_on_the_climb,_and_he_realized_what_it_could_do\u821
2?{\i
if_}he_was_lucky,_which_he_almost_never_was._\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
\u8220?Let\u8217?s_boogie,\u8221?_he_said._\u8220?
Before_I_come_to_my_senses.\u8
T}{\b
HE_PLAN_WENT_WRONG_ALMOST_IMMEDIATELY.}{\b
_}Piper_scrambled_along_the_ridge,_trying_to_keep_her_head_down,_while_Leo,_Jas
o
n,_and_Coach_Hedge_walked_straight_into_the_clearing.\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
Jason_summoned_his_golden_lance._He_brandished_it_over_his_head_and_yelled,_\
u82
20?Giant!\u8221?
_Which_sounded_pretty_good,_and_a_lot_more_confident_than_Leo_co
uld\u8217?ve_managed._He_was_thinking_more_along_the_lines_of,_\u8220?
We_are_pat
hetic_ants!_Don\u8217?t_kill_us!\u8221?_\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
Enceladus_stopped_chanting_at_the_flames._He_turned_toward_them_and_grinned,
_rev
ealing_fangs_like_a_saber-toothed_tiger\u8217?s._\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
\u8220?Well,\u8221?_the_giant_rumbled._\u8220?
What_a_nice_surprise.\u8221?\par\p
ard\plain\hyphpar}{
Leo_didn\u8217?
t_like_the_sound_of_that._His_hand_closed_on_his_windup_gadget._H
e_stepped_sideways,_edging_his_way_toward_the_bulldozer._\par\pard\plain\hyphpa
r
}{
Coach_Hedge_shouted,_\u8220?Let_the_movie_star_go,_you_big_ugly_cupcake!
_Or_I\u8
217?
m_gonna_plant_my_hoof_right_up_your\u8212?\u8221?\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
\u8220?Coach,\u8221?_Jason_said._\u8220?
Shut_up.\u8221?\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
Enceladus_roared_with_laughter._\u8220?I\u8217?
ve_forgotten_how_funny_satyrs_are
._When_we_rule_the_world,_I_think_I\u8217?
ll_keep_your_kind_around._You_can_ente
rtain_me_while_I_eat_all_the_other_mortals.\u8221?_\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
\u8220?Is_that_a_compliment?\u8221?_Hedge_frowned_at_Leo._\u8220?
I_don\u8217?t_t
hink_that_was_a_compliment.\u8221?\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
Enceladus_opened_his_mouth_wide,_and_his_teeth_began_to_glow.\par\pard\plain\h
yp
hpar}{
\u8220?Scatter!\u8221?_Leo_yelled.\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
Jason_and_Hedge_dove_to_the_left_as_the_giant_blew_fire\u8212?
a_furnace_blast_so
_hot_even_Festus_would\u8217?
ve_been_jealous._Leo_dodged_behind_the_bulldozer,_w
ound_up_his_homemade_device,_and_dropped_it_into_the_driver\u8217?
s_seat._Then_h
e_ran_to_the_right,_heading_for_the_tree_harvester.\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
Out_of_the_corner_of_his_eye,_he_saw_Jason_rise_and_charge_the_giant._Coach_He
dg
e_ripped_off_his_canary_yellow_jacket,_which_was_now_on_fire,_and_bleated_angril
y._\u8220?I_{\i
liked_}that_outfit!\u8221?_Then_he_raised_his_club_and_charged,_too.\par\pard\pl
ain\hyphpar}{
Before_they_could_get_very_far,_Enceladus_slammed_his_spear_against_the_groun
d._
The_entire_mountain_shook.\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
The_shockwave_sent_Leo_sprawling._He_blinked,_momentarily_stunned._Through_a
_haz
e_of_grassfire_and_bitter_smoke,_he_saw_Jason_staggering_to_his_feet_on_the_othe
r_side_of_the_clearing._Coach_Hedge_was_knocked_out_cold._He\u8217?
d_fallen_forw
ard_and_hit_his_head_on_a_log._His_furry_hindquarters_were_sticking_straight_up,
_with_his_canary_yellow_pants_around_his_knees\u8212?
a_view_Leo_really_didn\u821
7?t_need._\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
The_giant_bellowed,_\u8220?I_see_you,_Piper_McLean!\u8221?
_He_turned_and_blew_fi
re_at_a_line_of_bushes_to_Leo\u8217?s_right._Piper_ran_into_the_clearing_like_a_
flushed_quail,_the_underbrush_burning_behind_her._\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
Enceladus_laughed._\u8220?I\u8217?m_happy_you\u8217?
ve_arrived._And_you_brought_
me_my_prizes!\u8221?\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
Leo\u8217?
s_gut_twisted._This_was_the_moment_Piper_had_warned_them_about._They\u
8217?d_played_right_into_Enceladus\u8217?s_hands._\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
The_giant_must\u8217?ve_read_Leo\u8217?
s_expression,_because_he_laughed_even_lou
der._\u8220?That\u8217?s_right,_son_of_Hephaestus._I_didn\u8217?
t_expect_you_all
_to_stay_alive_this_long,_but_it_doesn\u8217?t_matter._By_bringing_you_here,_Pip
er_McLean_has_sealed_the_deal._If_she_betrays_you,_I\u8217?
m_as_good_as_my_word.
_She_can_take_her_father_and_go._What_do_I_care_about_a_movie_star?\u8221?\pa
r\p
ard\plain\hyphpar}{
Leo_could_see_Piper\u8217?
s_dad_more_clearly_now._He_wore_a_ragged_dress_shirt_a
nd_torn_slacks._His_bare_feet_were_caked_with_mud._He_wasn\u8217?
t_completely_un
conscious,_because_he_lifted_his_head_and_groaned\u8212?
yep,_Tristan_McLean_all_
right._Leo_had_seen_that_face_in_enough_movies._But_he_had_a_nasty_cut_down_t
he_
side_of_his_face,_and_he_looked_thin_and_sickly\u8212?not_heroic_at_all._\par\pa
rd\plain\hyphpar}{
\u8220?Dad!\u8221?_Piper_yelled.\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
Mr._McLean_blinked,_trying_to_focus._\u8220?Pipes_\u8230?_?
_Where_\u8230?\u8221?
Piper_drew_her_dagger_and_faced_Enceladus._\u8220?
Let_him_go!\u8221?\par\pard\pl
ain\hyphpar}{
\u8220?Of_course,_dear,\u8221?_the_giant_rumbled._\u8220?
Swear_your_loyalty_to_m
e,_and_we_have_no_problem._Only_these_others_must_die.\u8221?
_\par\pard\plain\hy
phpar}{
Piper_looked_back_and_forth_between_Leo_and_her_dad.\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
\u8220?He\u8217?ll_kill_you,\u8221?_Leo_warned._\u8220?Don\u8217?
t_trust_him!\u8
\u8220?Oh,_come_now,\u8221?_Enceladus_bellowed._\u8220?
You_know_I_was_born_to_fi
ght_Athena_herself?
_Mother_Gaea_made_each_of_us_giants_with_a_specific_purpose,_
designed_to_fight_and_destroy_a_particular_god._I_was_Athena\u8217?
s_nemesis,_th
e_{\i
anti-}Athena,_you_might_say._Compared_to_some_of_my_brethren\u8212?
I_am_small!_B
ut_I_am_clever._And_I_keep_my_bargain_with_you,_Piper_McLean._It\u8217?
s_part_of
_my_plan!\u8221?\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
Jason_was_on_his_feet_now,_lance_ready;_but_before_he_could_act,_Enceladus_roar
e
d\u8212?
a_call_so_loud_it_echoed_down_the_valley_and_was_probably_heard_all_the_
way_to_San_Francisco.\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
At_the_edge_the_woods,_half_a_dozen_ogre-like_creatures_rose_up._Leo_realized_wi
th_nauseating_certainty_that_they_hadn\u8217?
t_simply_been_hiding_there._They\u8
217?d_risen_straight_out_of_the_earth._\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
The_ogres_shuffled_forward._They_were_small_compared_to_Enceladus,_about_seve
n_f
eet_tall._Each_one_of_them_had_six_arms\u8212?
one_pair_in_the_regular_spot,_then
_an_extra_pair_sprouting_out_the_top_of_their_shoulders,_and_another_set_shootin
g_from_the_sides_of_their_rib_cages._They_wore_only_ragged_leather_loincloths,_a
nd_even_across_the_clearing,_Leo_could_smell_them._Six_guys_who_never_bathed,
_wi
th_six_armpits_each._Leo_decided_if_he_survived_this_day,_he\u8217?
d_have_to_tak
e_a_three-hour_shower_just_to_forget_the_stench.\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
Leo_stepped_toward_Piper._\u8220?What\u8212?
what_are_those?\u8221?\par\pard\plai
n\hyphpar}{
Her_blade_reflected_the_purple_light_of_the_bonfire._\u8220?Gegenees.\u8221?\par
\u8220?In_English?\u8221?_Leo_asked._\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
\u8220?The_Earthborn,\u8221?_she_said._\u8220?Sixarmed_giants_who_fought_Jason\
u8212?the_{\i
first}_Jason.\u8221?_\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
\u8220?Very_good,_my_dear!\u8221?_Enceladus_sounded_delighted._\u8220?
They_used_
to_live_on_a_miserable_place_in_Greece_called_Bear_Mountain._Mount_Diablo_is_m
uc
h_nicer!_They_are_lesser_children_of_Mother_Earth,_but_they_serve_their_purpose.
_They\u8217?
re_good_with_construction_equipment\u8212?\u8221?\par\pard\plain\hyp
hpar}{
\u8220?Vroom,_vroom!\u8221?
_one_of_the_Earthborn_bellowed,_and_the_others_took_u
p_the_chant,_each_moving_his_six_hands_as_though_driving_a_car,_as_if_it_were_s
o
me_kind_of_weird_religious_ritual._\u8220?Vroom,_vroom!\u8221?_\par\pard\plain\h
yphpar}{
\u8220?Yes,_thank_you,_boys,\u8221?_Encedalus_said._\u8220?
They_also_have_a_scor
e_to_settle_with_heroes._Especially_anyone_named_Jason.\u8221?\par\pard\plain\hy
phpar}{
\u8220?Yay-son!\u8221?
_the_Earthborn_screamed._They_all_picked_up_clumps_of_eart
h,_which_solidified_in_their_hands,_turning_to_nasty_pointed_stones._\u8220?Wher
e_Yay-son?_Kill_Yay-son!\u8221?\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
Enceladus_smiled._\u8220?
You_see,_Piper,_you_have_a_choice._Save_your_father,_or
_ah,_{\i
try_}to_save_your_friends_and_face_certain_death.\u8221?_\par\pard\plain\hyphpar
}{
Piper_stepped_forward._Her_eyes_blazed_with_such_rage,_even_the_Earthborn_bac
ked
_away._She_radiated_power_and_beauty,_but_it_had_nothing_to_do_with_her_clothe
s_
or_her_makeup.\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
\u8220?You_will_not_take_the_people_I_love,\u8221?_she_said._\u8220?
None_of_them
Her_words_rippled_across_the_clearing_with_such_force,_the_Earthborn_muttered,_\
u8220?Okay._Okay,_sorry,\u8221?_and_began_to_retreat._\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}
{
\u8220?Stand_your_ground,_fools!\u8221?
_Enceladus_bellowed._He_snarled_at_Piper.
_\u8220?
This_is_why_we_wanted_you_alive,_my_dear._You_could_have_been_so_useful_
to_us._But_as_you_wish._Earth-born!_I_will_show_you_Jason.\u8221?\par\pard\plain
\hyphpar}{
Leo\u8217?s_heart_sank._But_the_giant_didn\u8217?
t_point_to_Jason._He_pointed_to
_the_other_side_of_the_bonfire,_where_Tristan_McLean_hung_helpless_and_half_con
s
cious.\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
\u8220?There_is_Jason,\u8221?_Enceladus_said_with_pleasure._\u8220?
Tear_him_apar
t!\u8221?_\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
Leo\u8217?
s_biggest_surprise:_One_look_from_Jason,_and_all_three_of_them_knew_th
e_game_plan._When_had_that_happened,_that_they_could_read_each_other_so_well
?\pa
Jason_charged_Enceladus,_while_Piper_rushed_to_her_father,_and_Leo_dashed_for_t
h
e_tree_harvester,_which_stood_between_Mr._McLean_and_the_Earthborn._\par\pard\
pl
ain\hyphpar}{
The_Earthborn_were_fast,_but_Leo_ran_like_a_storm_spirit._He_leaped_toward_the_
h
arvester_from_five_feet_away_and_slammed_into_the_driver\u8217?
s_seat._His_hands
_flew_across_the_controls,_and_the_machine_responded_with_unnatural_speed\u82
12?
coming_to_life_as_if_it_knew_how_important_this_was.\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
\u8220?Ha!\u8221?
_Leo_screamed,_and_swung_the_crane_arm_through_the_bonfire,_top
pling_burning_logs_onto_the_Earthborn_and_spraying_sparks_everywhere._Two_gian
ts
_went_down_under_a_fiery_avalanche_and_melted_back_into_the_earth\u8212?
hopefull
y_to_stay_for_a_while.\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
The_other_four_ogres_stumbled_across_burning_logs_and_hot_coals_while_Leo_brou
gh
t_the_harvester_around._He_smashed_a_button,_and_on_the_end_of_the_crane_arm
_the
_wicked_rotating_blades_began_to_whir._\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
Out_of_the_corner_of_his_eye,_he_could_see_Piper_at_the_stake,_cutting_her_fathe
r_free._On_the_other_side_of_the_clearing,_Jason_fought_the_giant,_somehow_mana
g
ing_to_dodge_his_massive_spear_and_blasts_of_fire_breath._Coach_Hedge_was_still
_
heroically_passed_out_with_his_goat_tail_sticking_up_in_the_air.\par\pard\plain\
hyphpar}{
The_whole_side_of_the_mountain_would_soon_be_ablaze._The_fire_wouldn\u8217?
t_bot
her_Leo,_but_if_his_friends_got_trapped_up_here\u8212?No._He_had_to_act_quickly.
One_of_the_Earthborn\u8212?apparently_not_the_most_intelligent_one\u8212?
charged
_the_tree_harvester,_and_Leo_swung_the_crane_arm_in_his_direction._As_soon_as_t
h
e_blades_touched_the_ogre,_he_dissolved_like_wet_clay_and_splattered_all_over_th
e_clearing._Most_of_him_flew_into_Leo\u8217?s_face._\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
He_spit_clay_out_of_his_mouth_and_turned_the_harvester_toward_the_three_remain
in
g_Earthborn,_who_backed_up_quickly.\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
\u8220?Bad_vroom-vroom!\u8221?_one_yelled.\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
\u8220?Yeah,_that\u8217?s_right!\u8221?_Leo_yelled_at_them._\u8220?
You_want_some
_bad_vroom-vroom?_Come_on!\u8221?_\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
Unfortunately,_they_did._Three_ogres_with_six_arms,_each_throwing_large,_hard_ro
cks_at_super_speed\u8212?
and_Leo_knew_it_was_over._Somehow,_he_launched_himself_
in_a_backward_somersault_off_the_harvester_half_a_second_before_a_boulder_dem
oli
shed_the_driver\u8217?
s_seat._Rocks_slammed_into_metal._By_the_time_Leo_stumbled
_to_his_feet,_the_harvester_looked_like_a_crushed_soda_can,_sinking_in_the_mud.\
\u8220?Dozer!\u8221?_Leo_yelled.\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
The_ogres_were_picking_up_more_clumps_of_earth,_but_this_time_they_were_glarin
g_
in_Piper\u8217?s_direction._\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
Thirty_feet_away,_the_bulldozer_roared_to_life._Leo\u8217?s_makeshift_gadget_had
_done_its_job,_burrowing_into_the_earthmover\u8217?s_controls_and_giving_it_a_te
mporary_life_of_its_own._It_roared_toward_the_enemy.\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
Just_as_Piper_cut_her_father_free_and_caught_him_in_her_arms,_the_giants_launche
d_their_second_volley_of_stones._The_dozer_swiveled_in_the_mud,_skidding_to_inte
rcept,_and_most_of_the_rocks_slammed_into_its_shovel._The_force_was_so_great_it
_
pushed_the_dozer_back._Two_rocks_ricocheted_and_struck_their_throwers._Two_mor
e_
Earthborn_melted_into_clay._Unfortunately,_one_rock_hit_the_dozer\u8217?s_engine
,
_sending_up_a_cloud_of_oily_smoke,_and_the_dozer_groaned_to_a_stop._Another_gr
e
at_toy_broken.\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
Piper_dragged_her_father_below_the_ridge._The_last_Earth-born_charged_after_her.
Leo_was_out_of_tricks,_but_he_couldn\u8217?t_let_that_monster_get_to_Piper._He_r
an_forward,_straight_through_the_flames,_and_grabbed_something\u8212?{\i
anything}\u8212?from_his_tool_belt._\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
\u8220?Hey,_stupid!\u8221?
_he_yelled,_and_threw_a_screwdriver_at_the_Earthborn._
It_didn\u8217?t_kill_the_ogre,_but_it_sure_got_his_attention._The_screwdriver_sa
nk_hilt-deep_into_the_Earthborn\u8217?s_forehead_like_he_was_made_of_PlayDoh.\p
The_Earthborn_yelped_in_pain_and_skittered_to_a_halt._He_pulled_out_the_screwdri
ver,_turned_and_glared_at_Leo._Sadly,_this_last_ogre_looked_like_the_biggest_and
_nastiest_of_the_bunch._Gaea_had_really_gone_all_out_creating_him\u8212?
with_ext
ra_muscle_upgrades,_deluxe_ugly_face,_the_whole_package.\par\pard\plain\hyphpa
r}
{
Oh,_great,_Leo_thought._I\u8217?ve_made_a_friend._\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
\u8220?You_die!\u8221?_the_Earthborn_roared._\u8220?Friend_of_Yayson_dies!\u822
The_ogre_scooped_up_handfuls_of_dirt,_which_immediately_hardened_into_rock_ca
nno
nballs._\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
Leo\u8217?
s_mind_went_blank._He_reached_into_his_tool_belt,_but_he_couldn\u8217?
t_think_of_anything_that_would_help._He_was_supposed_to_be_clever\u8212?
but_he_c
ouldn\u8217?t_craft_or_build_or_tinker_his_way_out_of_this_one.\par\pard\plain\h
yphpar}{
Fine,_he_thought._I\u8217?ll_go_out_blaze-of-glory_style.\par\pard\plain\hyphpar
}{
He_burst_into_flames,_yelled,_\u8220?Hephaestus!\u8221?
_and_charged_at_the_ogre_
barehanded.\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
He_never_got_there.\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
A_blur_of_turquoise_and_black_flashed_behind_the_ogre._A_gleaming_bronze_blade
_s
liced_up_one_side_of_the_Earthborn_and_down_the_other._\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}
{
Six_large_arms_dropped_to_the_ground,_boulders_rolling_out_of_their_useless_hand
s._The_Earthborn_looked_down,_very_surprised._He_mumbled,_\u8220?
Arms_go_bye-bye
Then_he_melted_into_the_ground.\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
Piper_stood_there,_breathing_hard,_her_dagger_covered_with_clay._Her_dad_sat_at_
the_ridge,_dazed_and_wounded,_but_still_alive._\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
Piper\u8217?s_expression_was_ferocious\u8212?
almost_crazy,_like_a_cornered_anima
l._Leo_was_glad_she_was_on_his_side.\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
\u8220?Nobody_hurts_my_friends,\u8221?
_she_said,_and_with_a_sudden_warm_feeling,
_Leo_realized_she_was_talking_about_him._Then_she_yelled,_\u8220?
Come_on!\u8221?
Leo_saw_that_the_battle_wasn\u8217?t_over._Jason_was_still_fighting_the_giant_En
celadus\u8212?and_it_wasn\u8217?t_going_well._\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
{
W}{\b
HEN_}{\b
J}{\b
ASON\u8217?S_LANCE_BROKE,}{\b
_}_he_knew_he_was_dead._\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
The_battle_had_started_well_enough._Jason\u8217?s_instincts_kicked_in,_and_his_g
ut_told_him_he\u8217?
d_dueled_opponents_almost_this_big_before._Size_and_strengt
h_equaled_slowness,_so_Jason_just_had_to_be_quicker\u8212?
pace_himself,_wear_out
_his_opponent,_and_avoid_getting_smashed_or_flamebroiled.\par\pard\plain\hyphpa
r}{
He_rolled_away_from_the_giant\u8217?
s_first_spear_thrust_and_jabbed_Enceladus_in
_the_ankle._Jason\u8217?
s_javelin_managed_to_pierce_the_thick_dragon_hide,_and_g
olden_{\i
ichor}\u8212?the_blood_of_immortals\u8212?trickled_down_the_giant\u8217?
s_clawed
_foot._\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
Enceladus_bellowed_in_pain_and_blasted_him_with_fire._Jason_scrambled_away,_rol
l
ing_behind_the_giant,_and_struck_again_behind_his_knee.\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
It_went_on_like_that_for_seconds,_minutes\u8212?it_was_hard_to_judge._Jason_hear
d_combat_across_the_clearing\u8212?
construction_equipment_grinding,_fire_roaring
,
_monsters_shouting,_and_rocks_smashing_into_metal._He_heard_Leo_and_Piper_yell
i
ng_defiantly,_which_meant_they_were_still_alive._Jason_tried_not_to_think_about_
it._He_couldn\u8217?t_afford_to_get_distracted._\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
Enceladus\u8217?
s_spear_missed_him_by_a_millimeter._Jason_kept_dodging,_but_the_
ground_stuck_to_his_feet._Gaea_was_getting_stronger,_and_the_giant_was_getting_
f
aster._Enceladus_might_be_slow,_but_he_wasn\u8217?
t_dumb._He_began_anticipating_
Jason\u8217?s_moves,_and_Jason\u8217?
s_attacks_were_only_annoying_him,_making_hi
m_more_enraged.\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
\u8220?I\u8217?m_not_some_minor_monster,\u8221?
_Enceladus_bellowed._\u8220?I_am_
a_giant,_born_to_destroy_gods!_Your_little_gold_toothpick_can\u8217?t_kill_me,_b
oy.\u8221?\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
Jason_didn\u8217?
t_waste_energy_replying._He_was_already_tired._The_ground_clung
_to_his_feet,_making_him_feel_like_he_weighed_an_extra_hundred_pounds._The_air
_w
as_full_of_smoke_that_burned_his_lungs._Fires_roared_around_him,_stoked_by_the_
w
inds,_and_the_temperature_was_approaching_the_heat_of_an_oven._\par\pard\plain\
h
yphpar}{
Jason_raised_his_javelin_to_block_the_giant\u8217?s_next_strike\u8212?a_big_mist
ake._{\i
Don\u8217?t_fight_force_with_force,_}a_voice_chided_him\u8212?
the_wolf_Lupa,_who
\u8217?
d_told_him_that_long_ago._He_managed_to_deflect_the_spear,_but_it_grazed_
his_shoulder,_and_his_arm_went_numb._\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
He_backed_up,_almost_tripping_over_a_burning_log.\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
He_had_to_delay\u8212?to_keep_the_giant\u8217?
s_attention_fixed_on_him_while_his
_friends_dealt_with_the_Earthborn_and_rescued_Piper\u8217?
s_dad._He_couldn\u8217
?t_fail._\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
He_retreated,_trying_to_lure_the_giant_to_the_edge_of_the_clearing._Enceladus_co
uld_sense_his_weariness._The_giant_smiled,_baring_his_fangs._\par\pard\plain\hyp
hpar}{
\u8220?The_mighty_Jason_Grace,\u8221?_he_taunted._\u8220?
Yes,_we_know_about_you,
_son_of_Jupiter._The_one_who_led_the_assault_on_Mount_Othrys._The_one_who_sin
gle
-handedly_slew_the_Titan_Krios_and_toppled_the_black_throne.\u8221?\par\pard\pla
in\hyphpar}{
Jason\u8217?s_mind_reeled._He_didn\u8217?
t_know_these_names,_yet_they_made_his_s
kin_tingle,_as_if_his_body_remembered_the_pain_his_mind_didn\u8217?t._\par\pard\
plain\hyphpar}{
\u8220?What_are_you_talking_about?\u8221?
_he_asked._He_realized_his_mistake_when
_Enceladus_breathed_fire._\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
Distracted,_Jason_moved_too_slowly._The_blast_missed_him,_but_heat_blistered_his
_back._He_slammed_into_the_ground,_his_clothes_smoldering._He_was_blinded_fro
m_a
sh_and_smoke,_choking_as_he_tried_to_breathe.\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
He_scrambled_back_as_the_giant\u8217?
s_spear_cleaved_the_ground_between_his_feet
Jason_managed_to_stand.\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
If_he_could_only_summon_one_good_blast_of_lightning\u8212?
but_he_was_already_dra
ined,_and_in_this_condition,_the_effort_might_kill_him._He_didn\u8217?t_even_kno
w_if_electricity_would_harm_the_giant.\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
{\i
Death_in_battle_is_honorable,}_said_Lupa\u8217?s_voice._\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}
{
That\u8217?s_real_comforting,_Jason_thought.\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
One_last_try:_Jason_took_a_deep_breath_and_charged.\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
Enceladus_let_him_approach,_grinning_with_anticipation._At_the_last_second,_Jaso
n_faked_a_strike_and_rolled_between_the_giant\u8217?
s_legs._He_came_up_quickly,_
thrusting_with_all_his_might,_ready_to_stab_the_giant_in_the_small_of_his_back,_
but_Enceladus_anticipated_the_trick._He_stepped_aside_with_too_much_speed_and
_ag
ility_for_a_giant,_as_if_the_earth_were_helping_him_move._\par\pard\plain\hyphpa
r}{
He_swept_his_spear_sideways,_met_Jason\u8217?s_javelin\u8212?
and_with_a_snap_lik
e_a_shotgun_blast,_the_golden_weapon_shattered.\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
The_explosion_was_hotter_than_the_giant\u8217?
s_breath,_blinding_Jason_with_gold
en_light._The_force_knocked_him_off_his_feet_and_squeezed_the_breath_out_of_him
.
When_he_regained_his_focus,_he_was_sitting_at_the_rim_of_a_crater._Enceladus_sto
od_at_the_other_side,_staggering_and_confused._The_javelin\u8217?
s_destruction_h
ad_released_so_much_energy,_it_had_blasted_a_perfect_coneshaped_pit_thirty_feet
_deep,_fusing_the_dirt_and_rock_into_a_slick_glassy_substance._Jason_wasn\u8217?
t_sure_how_he\u8217?
d_survived,_but_his_clothes_were_steaming._He_was_out_of_ene
rgy._He_had_no_weapon._And_Enceladus_was_still_very_much_alive.\par\pard\plain\
h
yphpar}{
Jason_tried_to_get_up,_but_his_legs_were_like_lead._Enceladus_blinked_at_the_des
truction,_then_laughed._\u8220?Impressive!_Unfortunately,_that_was_your_last_tri
ck,_demigod.\u8221?\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
Enceladus_leaped_the_crater_in_a_single_bound,_planting_his_feet_on_either_side_
of_Jason._The_giant_raised_his_spear,_its_tip_hovering_six_feet_over_Jason\u8217
?s_chest._\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
\u8220?And_now,\u8221?_Enceladus_said,_\u8220?
my_first_sacrifice_to_Gaea!\u8221?
T}{\b
IME_SEEMED_TO_SLOW_DOWN,_WHICH_WAS}{\b
_}really_frustrating,_since_Jason_still_couldn\u8217?t_move._He_felt_himself_sin
king_into_the_earth_like_the_ground_was_a_waterbed\u8212?
comfortable,_urging_him
_to_relax_and_give_up._He_wondered_if_the_stories_of_the_Underworld_were_true._
W
ould_he_end_up_in_the_Fields_of_Punishment_or_Elysium?_If_he_couldn\u8217?
t_reme
mber_any_of_his_deeds,_would_they_still_count?
_He_wondered_if_the_judges_would_t
ake_that_into_consideration,_or_if_his_dad,_Zeus,_would_write_him_a_note:_\u8220
?Please_excuse_Jason_from_eternal_damnation._He_has_had_amnesia.\u8221?
_\par\par
d\plain\hyphpar}{
Jason_couldn\u8217?
t_feel_his_arms._He_could_see_the_tip_of_the_spear_coming_tow
ard_his_chest_in_slow_motion._He_knew_he_should_move,_but_he_couldn\u8217?
t_seem
_to_do_it._Funny,_he_thought._All_that_effort_to_stay_alive,_and_then,_{\i
boom}._You_just_lie_there_helplessly_while_a_fire-breathing_giant_impales_you.\p
Leo\u8217?s_voice_yelled,_\u8220?Heads_up!\u8221?_\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
A_large_black_metal_wedge_slammed_into_Enceladus_with_a_massive_{\i
thunk!_}The_giant_toppled_over_and_slid_into_the_pit.\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
\u8220?Jason,_get_up!\u8221?
_Piper_called._Her_voice_energized_him,_shook_him_ou
t_of_his_stupor._He_sat_up,_his_head_groggy,_while_Piper_grabbed_him_under_his_
a
rms_and_hauled_him_to_his_feet.\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
\u8220?Don\u8217?t_die_on_me,\u8221?_she_ordered._\u8220?You_are_{\i
not_}dying_on_me.\u8221?_\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
\u8220?Yes,_ma\u8217?am.\u8221?_He_felt_lightheaded,_but_she_was_about_the_most
_beautiful_thing_he\u8217?
d_ever_seen._Her_hair_was_smoldering._Her_face_was_smu
dged_with_soot._She_had_a_cut_on_her_arm,_her_dress_was_torn,_and_she_was_mi
ssin
g_a_boot._Beautiful.\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
About_a_hundred_feet_behind_her,_Leo_was_standing_over_a_piece_of_construction
_e
quipment\u8212?
a_long_cannonlike_thing_with_a_single_massive_piston,_the_edge_br
oken_clean_off.\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
Then_Jason_looked_down_in_the_crater_and_saw_where_the_other_end_of_the_hydr
auli
c_ax_had_gone._Enceladus_was_struggling_to_rise,_an_ax_blade_the_size_of_a_was
hi
ng_machine_stuck_in_his_breastplate.\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
Amazingly,_the_giant_managed_to_pull_the_ax_blade_free._He_yelled_in_pain_and_t
h
e_mountain_trembled._Golden_ichor_soaked_the_front_of_his_armor,_but_Enceladus
_s
tood._\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
Shakily,_he_bent_down_and_retrieved_his_spear.\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
\u8220?Good_try.\u8221?_The_giant_winced._\u8220?
But_I_cannot_be_beaten.\u8221?\
As_they_watched,_the_giant\u8217?
s_armor_mended_itself,_and_the_ichor_stopped_fl
owing._Even_the_cuts_on_his_dragonscale_legs,_which_Jason_had_worked_so_hard_to
_make,_were_now_just_pale_scars.\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
Leo_ran_up_to_them,_saw_the_giant,_and_cursed._\u8220?What_{\i
is_}it_with_this_guy?_Die,_already!\u8221?_\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
\u8220?My_fate_is_preordained,\u8221?_Enceladus_said._\u8220?
Giants_cannot_be_ki
lled_by_gods_or_heroes.\u8221?\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
\u8220?Only_by_both,\u8221?_Jason_said._The_giant\u8217?
s_smile_faltered,_and_Ja
son_saw_in_his_eyes_something_like_fear._\u8220?It\u8217?s_true,_isn\u8217?t_it?
_Gods_and_demigods_have_to_work_together_to_kill_you.\u8221?\par\pard\plain\hy
ph
par}{
\u8220?You_will_not_live_long_enough_to_try!\u8221?
_The_giant_started_stumbling_
up_the_crater\u8217?s_slope,_slipping_on_the_glassy_sides.\par\pard\plain\hyphpa
r}{
\u8220?Anyone_have_a_god_handy?\u8221?_Leo_asked.\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
Jason\u8217?
s_heart_filled_with_dread._He_looked_at_the_giant_below_them,_strugg
ling_to_get_out_of_the_pit,_and_he_knew_what_had_to_happen.\par\pard\plain\hyph
p
ar}{
\u8220?Leo,\u8221?_he_said,_\u8220?if_you\u8217?
ve_got_a_rope_in_that_tool_belt,
_get_it_ready.\u8221?\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
He_leaped_at_the_giant_with_no_weapon_but_his_bare_hands.\par\pard\plain\hyphp
ar
}{
\u8220?Enceladus!\u8221?_Piper_yelled._\u8220?
Look_behind_you!\u8221?\par\pard\p
lain\hyphpar}{
It_was_an_obvious_trick,_but_her_voice_was_so_compelling,_even_Jason_bought_it._
The_giant_said,_\u8220?What?\u8221?
_and_turned_like_there_was_an_enormous_spider
_on_his_back.\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
Jason_tackled_his_legs_at_just_the_right_moment._The_giant_lost_his_balance._Enc
eladus_slammed_into_the_crater_and_slid_to_the_bottom._While_he_tried_to_rise,_J
ason_put_his_arms_around_the_giant\u8217?
s_neck._When_Enceladus_struggled_to_his
_feet,_Jason_was_riding_his_shoulders.\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
\u8220?Get_off!\u8221?_Enceladus_screamed._He_tried_to_grab_Jason\u8217?
s_legs,_
but_Jason_scrabbled_around,_squirming_and_climbing_over_the_giant\u8217?
s_hair._
{\i
Father,_}Jason_thought._{\i
If_I\u8217?
ve_ever_done_anything_good,_anything_you_approved_of,_help_me_now._I_
offer_my_own_life\u8212?just_save_my_friends._}\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
Suddenly_he_could_smell_the_metallic_scent_of_a_storm._Darkness_swallowed_the_
su
n._The_giant_froze,_sensing_it_too._\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
Jason_yelled_to_his_friends,_\u8220?Hit_the_deck!\u8221?\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}
{
And_every_hair_on_his_head_stood_straight_up.\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
{\i
Crack!_}\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
Lightning_surged_through_Jason\u8217?
s_body,_straight_through_Enceladus,_and_int
o_the_ground._The_giant\u8217?
s_back_stiffened,_and_Jason_was_thrown_clear._When
_he_regained_his_bearings,_he_was_slipping_down_the_side_of_the_crater,_and_the
_
crater_was_cracking_open._The_lightning_bolt_had_split_the_mountain_itself._The_
earth_rumbled_and_tore_apart,_and_Enceladus\u8217?
s_legs_slid_into_the_chasm._He
_clawed_helplessly_at_the_glassy_sides_of_the_pit,_and_just_for_a_moment_manag
ed
_to_hold_on_to_the_edge,_his_hands_trembling.\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
He_fixed_Jason_with_a_look_of_hatred._\u8220?You\u8217?
ve_won_nothing,_boy._My_b
rothers_are_rising,_and_they_are_ten_times_as_strong_as_I._We_will_destroy_the_g
ods_at_their_roots!_You_will_die,_and_Olympus_will_die_with\u8212?\u8221?\par\pa
rd\plain\hyphpar}{
The_giant_lost_his_grip_and_fell_into_the_crevice.\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
The_earth_shook._Jason_fell_toward_the_rift._\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
\u8220?Grab_hold!\u8221?_Leo_yelled.\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
Jason\u8217?
s_feet_were_at_the_edge_of_the_chasm_when_he_grabbed_the_rope,_and_L
eo_and_Piper_pulled_him_up.\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
They_stood_together,_exhausted_and_terrified,_as_the_chasm_closed_like_an_angry
_
mouth._The_ground_stopped_pulling_at_their_feet._\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
For_now,_Gaea_was_gone.\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
The_mountainside_was_on_fire._Smoke_billowed_hundreds_of_feet_into_the_air._Jas
o
n_spotted_a_helicopter\u8212?maybe_firefighters_or_reporters\u8212?
coming_toward
_them.\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
All_around_them_was_carnage._The_Earthborn_had_melted_into_piles_of_clay,_leavi
n
g_behind_only_their_rock_missiles_and_some_nasty_bits_of_loincloth,_but_Jason_fi
gured_they_would_reform_soon_enough._Construction_equipment_lay_in_ruins._The_g
round_was_scarred_and_blackened.\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
Coach_Hedge_started_to_move._He_sat_up_with_a_groan_and_rubbed_his_head._Hi
s_can
ary_yellow_pants_were_now_the_color_of_Dijon_mustard_mixed_with_mud.\par\pard
\pl
ain\hyphpar}{
He_blinked_and_looked_around_him_at_the_battle_scene._\u8220?
Did_I_do_this?\u822
Before_Jason_could_reply,_Hedge_picked_up_his_club_and_got_shakily_to_his_feet._
\u8220?Yeah,_you_wanted_some_hoof?_I_gave_you_some_hoof,_cupcakes!
_Who\u8217?s_t
he_goat,_huh?\u8221?\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
He_did_a_little_dance,_kicking_rocks_and_making_what_were_probably_rude_satyr_
ge
stures_at_the_piles_of_clay.\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
Leo_cracked_a_smile,_and_Jason_couldn\u8217?t_help_it\u8212?
he_started_to_laugh.
_It_probably_sounded_a_little_hysterical,_but_it_was_such_a_relief_to_be_alive,_
he_didn\u8217?t_care._\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
Then_a_man_stood_up_across_the_clearing._Tristan_McLean_staggered_forward._His
_e
yes_were_hollow,_shell-shocked,_like_someone_who\u8217?
d_just_walked_through_a_n
uclear_wasteland.\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
\u8220?Piper?\u8221?_he_called._His_voice_cracked._\u8220?Pipes,_what\u8212?
what
_is\u8212?\u8221?_\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
He_couldn\u8217?
t_complete_the_thought._Piper_ran_over_to_him_and_hugged_him_tig
htly,_but_he_almost_didn\u8217?t_seem_to_know_her._\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
Jason_had_felt_a_similar_way\u8212?
that_morning_at_the_Grand_Canyon,_when_he_wok
e_with_no_memory._But_Mr._McLean_had_the_opposite_problem._He_had_too_{\i
many_}memories,_too_much_trauma_his_mind_just_couldn\u8217?
t_handle._He_was_comi
ng_apart.\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
\u8220?We_need_to_get_him_out_of_here,\u8221?
}{
\u8220?Yeah,_but_how?\u8221?_Leo_said._\u8220?He\u8217?
s_in_no_shape_to_walk.\u8
Jason_glanced_up_at_the_helicopter,_which_was_now_circling_directly_overhead._\u
8220?Can_you_make_us_a_bullhorn_or_something?\u8221?_he_asked_Leo._\u8220?
Piper_
has_some_talking_to_do.
B}{\b
ORROWING_THE_HELICOPTER_WAS_EASY.}{\b
._}Getting_her_dad_on_board_was_not._\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
Piper_needed_only_a_few_words_through_Leo\u8217?
s_improvised_bullhorn_to_convinc
e_the_pilot_to_land_on_the_mountain._The_Park_Service_copter_was_big_enough_fo
r_
medical_evacuations_or_search_and_rescue,_and_when_Piper_told_the_very_nice_ra
ng
er_pilot_lady_that_it_would_be_a_great_idea_to_fly_them_to_the_Oakland_Airport,_
she_readily_agreed.\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
\u8220?No,\u8221?
_her_dad_muttered,_as_they_picked_him_up_off_the_ground._\u8220
?Piper,_what\u8212?there_were_monsters\u8212?
there_were_monsters\u8212?\u8221?_\
She_needed_both_Leo\u8217?s_and_Jason\u8217?
s_help_to_hold_him,_while_Coach_Hedg
e_gathered_their_supplies._Fortunately_Hedge_had_put_his_pants_and_shoes_back_
on
,_so_Piper_didn\u8217?t_have_to_explain_the_goat_legs.\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
It_broke_Piper\u8217?s_heart_to_see_her_dad_like_this\u8212?
pushed_beyond_the_br
eaking_point,_crying_like_a_little_boy._She_didn\u8217?t_know_what_the_giant_had
_done_to_him_exactly,_how_the_monsters_had_shattered_his_spirit,_but_she_didn\u
8
217?t_think_she_could_stand_to_find_out._\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
\u8220?It\u8217?ll_be_okay,_Dad,\u8221?
_she_said,_making_her_voice_as_soothing_a
s_possible._She_didn\u8217?
t_want_to_charmspeak_her_own_father,_but_it_seemed_th
e_only_way._\u8220?These_people_are_my_friends._We\u8217?
re_going_to_help_you._Y
ou\u8217?re_safe_now.\u8221?_\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
He_blinked,_and_looked_up_at_helicopter_rotors._\u8220?
Blades._They_had_a_machin
e_with_so_many_blades._They_had_six_arms_\u8230?\u8221?
{
When_they_got_him_to_the_bay_doors,_the_pilot_came_over_to_help._\u8220?
What\u82
17?s_wrong_with_him?\u8221?_she_asked.\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
\u8220?Smoke_inhalation,\u8221?_Jason_suggested._\u8220?
Or_heat_exhaustion.\u822
\u8220?We_should_get_him_to_a_hospital,\u8221?_the_pilot_said.\par\pard\plain\hy
phpar}{
\u8220?It\u8217?s_okay,\u8221?_Piper_said._\u8220?
The_airport_is_good.\u8221?\pa
\u8220?Yeah,_the_airport_is_good,\u8221?
_the_pilot_agreed_immediately._Then_she_
frowned,_as_if_uncertain_why_she\u8217?d_changed_her_mind._\u8220?Isn\u8217?
t_he
_Tristan_McLean,_the_movie_star?\u8221?_\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
\u8220?No,\u8221?_Piper_said._\u8220?He_only_looks_like_him._Forget_it.\u8221?\p
\u8220?Yeah,\u8221?_the_pilot_said._\u8220?Only_looks_like_him._I\u8212?\u8221?
_
She_blinked,_confused._\u8220?I_forgot_what_I_was_saying._Let\u8217?
s_get_going.
Jason_raised_his_eyebrows_at_Piper,_obviously_impressed,_but_Piper_felt_miserabl
e._She_didn\u8217?t_want_to_twist_people\u8217?
s_minds,_convince_them_of_things_
they_didn\u8217?t_believe._It_felt_so_bossy,_so_{\i
wrong}\u8212?
like_something_Drew_would_do_back_at_camp,_or_Medea_in_her_evil_dep
artment_store._And_how_would_it_help_her_father?_She_couldn\u8217?
t_convince_him
_he_would_be_okay,_or_that_nothing_had_happened._His_trauma_was_just_too_dee
p._\
Finally_they_got_him_on_board,_and_the_helicopter_took_off._The_pilot_kept_getti
ng_questions_over_her_radio,_asking_her_where_she_was_going,_but_she_ignored_t
he
m._They_veered_away_from_the_burning_mountain_and_headed_toward_the_Berkel
ey_Hil
ls._\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
\u8220?Piper.\u8221?
_Her_dad_grasped_her_hand_and_held_on_like_he_was_afraid_he\
u8217?d_fall._\u8220?It\u8217?s_you?_They_told_me\u8212?
they_told_me_you_would_d
ie._They_said_\u8230?
_horrible_things_would_happen.\u8221?\par\pard\plain\hyphpa
r}{
\u8220?It\u8217?s_me,_Dad.\u8221?
_It_took_all_her_willpower_not_to_cry._She_had_
to_be_strong_for_him._\u8220?Everything\u8217?s_going_to_be_okay.\u8221?
_\par\pa
rd\plain\hyphpar}{
\u8220?They_were_monsters,\u8221?_he_said._\u8220?
Real_monsters._Earth_spirits,_
right_out_of_Grandpa_Tom\u8217?s_stories\u8212?
and_the_Earth_Mother_was_angry_wi
th_me._And_the_giant,_Tsul\u8217?k\u228?l\u251?,_breathing_fire\u8212?\u8221?
_He
_focused_on_Piper_again,_his_eyes_like_broken_glass,_reflecting_a_crazy_kind_of_
light._\u8220?
They_said_you_were_a_demigod._Your_mother_was_\u8230?\u8221?\par\p
ard\plain\hyphpar}{
\u8220?Aphrodite,\u8221?_Piper_said._\u8220?
Goddess_of_love.\u8221?\par\pard\pla
in\hyphpar}{
\u8220?I\u8212?I\u8212?\u8221?
_He_took_a_shaky_breath,_then_seemed_to_forget_how
_to_exhale._\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
Piper\u8217?s_friends_were_careful_not_to_watch._Leo_fiddled_with_a_lug_nut_from
_his_tool_belt._Jason_gazed_at_the_valley_below\u8212?
the_roads_backing_up_as_mo
rtals_stopped_their_cars_and_gawked_at_the_burning_mountain._Gleeson_chewed_o
n_t
he_stub_of_his_carnation,_and_for_once_the_satyr_didn\u8217?
t_look_in_the_mood_t
o_yell_or_boast.\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
Tristan_McLean_wasn\u8217?
t_supposed_to_be_seen_like_this._He_was_a_star._He_was
_confident,_stylish,_suave\u8212?always_in_control._That_was_the_public_image_he
_projected._Piper_had_seen_the_image_falter_before._But_this_was_different._Now_
it_was_broken,_gone.\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
\u8220?I_didn\u8217?t_know_about_Mom,\u8221?_Piper_told_him._\u8220?
Not_until_yo
u_were_taken._When_we_found_out_where_you_were,_we_came_right_away._My_fri
ends_h
elped_me._No_one_will_hurt_you_again.\u8221?\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
Her_dad_couldn\u8217?t_stop_shivering._\u8220?You\u8217?re_heroes\u8212?
you_and_
your_friends._I_can\u8217?t_believe_it._You\u8217?re_a_{\i
real_}hero,_not_like_me._Not_playing_a_part._I\u8217?m_so_proud_of_you,_Pipes.\u
8221?_But_the_words_were_muttered_listlessly,_in_a_semi-trance.\par\pard\plain\h
yphpar}{
He_gazed_down_on_the_valley,_and_his_grip_on_Piper\u8217?
s_hand_went_slack._\u82
20?Your_mother_never_told_me.\u8221?_\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
\u8220?She_thought_it_was_for_the_best.\u8221?
_It_sounded_lame,_even_to_Piper,_a
nd_no_amount_of_charmspeak_could_change_that._But_she_didn\u8217?
t_tell_her_dad_
what_Aphrodite_had_really_worried_about:_{\i
If_he_has_to_spend_the_rest_of_his_life_with_those_memories,_knowing_that_gods_
a
nd_spirits_walk_the_earth,_it_will_shatter_him.}\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
Piper_felt_inside_the_pocket_of_her_jacket._The_vial_was_still_there,_warm_to_he
r_touch._\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
But_how_could_she_erase_his_memories?
_Her_dad_finally_knew_who_she_was._He_was_p
roud_of_her,_and_for_once_she_was_his_hero,_not_the_other_way_around._He_woul
d_n
ever_send_her_away_now._They_shared_a_secret.\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
How_could_she_go_back_to_the_way_things_were?\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
She_held_his_hand,_speaking_to_him_about_small_things\u8212?
her_time_at_the_Wild
erness_School,_her_cabin_at_Camp_HalfBlood._She_told_him_how_Coach_Hedge_ate_ca
rnations_and_got_knocked_on_his_butt_on_Mount_Diablo,_how_Leo_had_tamed_a_dr
agon
,
_and_how_Jason_had_made_wolves_back_down_by_talking_in_Latin._Her_friends_sm
ile
d_reluctantly_as_she_recounted_their_adventures._Her_dad_seemed_to_relax_as_sh
e_
talked,_but_he_didn\u8217?t_smile._Piper_wasn\u8217?
t_even_sure_he_heard_her._\p
As_they_passed_over_the_hills_into_the_East_Bay,_Jason_tensed._He_leaned_so_far_
out_the_doorway_Piper_was_afraid_he\u8217?d_fall._\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
He_pointed._\u8220?What_is_that?\u8221?\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
Piper_looked_down,_but_she_didn\u8217?t_see_anything_interesting\u8212?just_hill
s,_woods,_houses,_little_roads_snaking_through_the_canyons._A_highway_cut_throu
g
h_a_tunnel_in_the_hills,_connecting_the_East_Bay_with_the_inland_towns.\par\pard
\plain\hyphpar}{
\u8220?Where?\u8221?_Piper_asked.\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
\u8220?That_road,\u8221?_he_said._\u8220?
The_one_that_goes_through_the_hills.\u8
Piper_picked_up_the_com_helmet_the_pilot_had_given_her_and_relayed_the_questio
n_
over_the_radio._The_answer_wasn\u8217?t_very_exciting.\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
\u8220?She_says_it\u8217?s_Highway_24,\u8221?_Piper_reported._\u8220?
That\u8217?
s_the_Caldecott_Tunnel._Why?\u8221?\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
Jason_stared_intently_at_the_tunnel_entrance,_but_he_said_nothing._It_disappeare
d_from_view_as_they_flew_over_downtown_Oakland,_but_Jason_still_stared_into_the
_
distance,_his_expression_almost_as_unsettled_as_Piper\u8217?s_dad\u8217?s._\par\
\u8220?Monsters,\u8221?_her_dad_said,_a_tear_tracing_his_cheek._\u8220?I_live_in
_a_world_of_monsters
A}{\b
IR_TRAFFIC_CONTROL_DIDN\u8217?T_WANT_TO}{\b
_}let_an_unscheduled_helicopter_land_at_the_Oakland_Airport\u8212?until_Piper_go
t_on_the_radio._Then_it_turned_out_to_be_no_problem.\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
They_unloaded_on_the_tarmac,_and_everyone_looked_at_Piper.\par\pard\plain\hyph
pa
r}{
\u8220?What_now?\u8221?_Jason_asked_her._\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
She_felt_uncomfortable._She_didn\u8217?
t_want_to_be_in_charge,_but_for_her_dad\u
8217?s_sake,_she_had_to_appear_confident._She_had_no_plan._She\u8217?
d_just_reme
mbered_that_he\u8217?
d_flown_into_Oakland,_which_meant_his_private_plane_would_s
till_be_here._But_today_was_the_solstice._They_had_to_save_Hera._They_had_no_id
e
a_where_to_go_or_if_they_were_even_too_late._And_how_could_she_leave_her_dad_
in_
this_condition?_\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
\u8220?First_thing,\u8221?_she_said._\u8220?I\u8212?
I_have_to_get_my_dad_home._I
\u8217?m_sorry,_guys.\u8221?\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
Their_faces_fell._\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
\u8220?Oh,\u8221?_Leo_said._\u8220?
I_mean,_absolutely._He_needs_you_right_now._W
e_can_take_it_from_here.\u8221?_\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
\u8220?Pipes,_no.\u8221?
_Her_dad_had_been_sitting_in_the_helicopter_doorway,_a_b
lanket_around_his_shoulders._But_he_stumbled_to_his_feet._\u8220?
You_have_a_miss
ion._A_quest._I_can\u8217?t\u8212?\u8221?_\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
\u8220?I\u8217?ll_take_care_of_him,\u8221?
_said_Coach_Hedge.\par\pard\plain\hyph
par}{
Piper_stared_at_him._The_satyr_was_the_last_person_she\u8217?
d_expected_to_offer
._\u8220?You?\u8221?_she_asked.\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
\u8220?I\u8217?m_a_protector,\u8221?_Gleeson_said._\u8220?That\u8217?
s_my_job,_n
ot_fighting.\u8221?\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
He_sounded_a_little_crestfallen,_and_Piper_realized_maybe_she_shouldn\u8217?
t_ha
ve_recounted_how_he_got_knocked_unconscious_in_the_last_battle._In_his_own_wa
y,_
maybe_the_satyr_was_as_sensitive_as_her_dad._\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
Then_Hedge_straightened,_and_set_his_jaw._\u8220?Of_course,_I\u8217?
m_good_at_fi
ghting,_too.\u8221?_He_glared_at_them_all,_daring_them_to_argue.\par\pard\plain\
hyphpar}{
\u8220?Yes,\u8221?_Jason_said._\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
\u8220?Terrifying,\u8221?_Leo_agreed.\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
The_coach_grunted._\u8220?But_I\u8217?
m_a_protector,_and_I_can_do_this._Your_dad
\u8217?s_right,_Piper._You_need_to_carry_on_with_the_quest.\u8221?\par\pard\plai
n\hyphpar}{
\u8220?But_\u8230?\u8221?_Piper\u8217?
s_eyes_stung,_as_if_she_were_back_in_the_f
orest_fire._\u8220?Dad_\u8230?\u8221?_\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
He_held_out_his_arms,_and_she_hugged_him._He_felt_frail._He_was_trembling_so_
muc
h,_it_scared_her.\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
\u8220?Let\u8217?s_give_them_a_minute,\u8221?
_Jason_said,_and_they_took_the_pilo
t_a_few_yards_down_the_tarmac.\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
\u8220?I_can\u8217?t_believe_it,\u8221?_her_dad_said._\u8220?I_failed_you.\u8221
\u8220?No,_Dad!\u8221?_\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
\u8220?
The_things_they_did,_Piper,_the_visions_they_showed_me_\u8230?\u8221?\par
\u8220?Dad,_listen.\u8221?_She_took_out_the_vial_from_her_pocket._\u8220?
Aphrodi
te_gave_me_this,_for_you._It_takes_away_your_recent_memories._It\u8217?
ll_make_i
t_like_none_of_this_ever_happened.\u8221?\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
He_gazed_at_her,_as_if_translating_her_words_from_a_foreign_language._\u8220?
But
_you\u8217?re_a_hero._I_would_forget_that?\u8221?\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
\u8220?Yes,\u8221?
_Piper_whispered._She_forced_an_assuring_tone_into_her_voice._
\u8220?Yes,_you_would._It\u8217?ll_be_like\u8212?like_before.\u8221?_\par\pard\p
lain\hyphpar}{
He_closed_his_eyes_and_took_a_shaky_breath._\u8220?
I_love_you,_Piper._I_always_h
ave._I\u8212?I_sent_you_away_because_I_didn\u8217?
t_want_you_exposed_to_my_life.
_Not_the_way_I_grew_up\u8212?
the_poverty,_the_hopelessness._Not_the_Hollywood_in
sanity_either._I_thought\u8212?I_thought_I_was_protecting_you.\u8221?
_He_managed
_a_brittle_laugh._\u8220?As_if_your_life_without_me_was_better,_or_safer.\u8221?
Piper_took_his_hand._She\u8217?
d_heard_him_talk_about_protecting_her_before,_but
_she\u8217?d_never_believed_it._She\u8217?
d_always_thought_he_was_just_rationali
zing._Her_dad_seemed_so_confident_and_easygoing,_like_his_life_was_a_joyride._Ho
w_could_he_claim_she_needed_protecting_from_that?\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
Finally_Piper_understood_he\u8217?d_been_acting_for_her_benefit,_trying_not_to_s
how_how_scared_and_insecure_he_was._He_really_{\i
had_}been_trying_to_protect_her._And_now_his_ability_to_cope_had_been_destroye
d.
She_offered_him_the_vial._\u8220?Take_it._Maybe_someday_we\u8217?
ll_be_ready_to_
talk_about_this_again._When_you\u8217?re_ready.\u8221?_\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}
{
\u8220?When_I\u8217?m_ready,\u8221?_he_murmured._\u8220?
You_make_it_sound_like\u
8212?like_I\u8217?m_the_one_growing_up._I\u8217?
m_supposed_to_be_the_parent.\u82
21?_He_took_the_vial._His_eyes_glimmered_with_a_small_desperate_hope._\u8220?
I_l
ove_you,_Pipes.\u8221?_\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
\u8220?Love_you,_too,_Dad.\u8221?\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
He_drank_the_pink_liquid._His_eyes_rolled_up_into_his_head,_and_he_slumped_forw
a
rd._Piper_caught_him,_and_her_friends_ran_up_to_help.\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
\u8220?Got_him,\u8221?
_Hedge_said._The_satyr_stumbled,_but_he_was_strong_enough_
to_hold_Tristan_McLean_upright._\u8220?I_already_asked_our_ranger_friend_to_call
_up_his_plane._It\u8217?s_on_the_way_now._Home_address?\u8221?
_\par\pard\plain\h
yphpar}{
Piper_was_about_to_tell_him._Then_a_thought_occurred_to_her._She_checked_her_d
ad
\u8217?s_pocket,_and_his_BlackBerry_was_still_there._It_seemed_bizarre_that_he\u
8217?d_still_have_something_so_normal_after_all_he\u8217?
d_been_through,_but_she
_guessed_Enceladus_hadn\u8217?
t_seen_any_reason_to_take_it.\par\pard\plain\hyphp
ar}{
\u8220?Everything\u8217?s_on_here,\u8221?_Piper_said._\u8220?
Address,_his_chauff
eur\u8217?s_number._Just_watch_out_for_Jane.\u8221?_\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
Hedge\u8217?s_eyes_lit_up,_like_he_sensed_a_possible_fight._\u8220?Who\u8217?
s_J
ane?\u8221?_\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
By_the_time_Piper_explained,_her_dad\u8217?s_sleek_white_Gulfstream_had_taxied_
next_to_the_helicopter.\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
Hedge_and_the_flight_attendant_got_Piper\u8217?
s_dad_on_board._Then_Hedge_came_d
own_one_last_time_to_say_his_goodbyes._He_gave_Piper_a_hug_and_glared_at_Jason_
and_Leo._\u8220?You_cupcakes_take_care_of_this_girl,_you_hear?_Or_I\u8217?
m_gonn
a_make_you_do_push-ups.\u8221?\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
\u8220?You_got_it,_Coach,\u8221?
_Leo_said,_a_smile_tugging_at_his_mouth.\par\par
d\plain\hyphpar}{
\u8220?No_push-ups,\u8221?_Jason_promised.\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
Piper_gave_the_old_satyr_one_more_hug._\u8220?
Thank_you,_Gleeson._Take_care_of_h
im,_please.\u8221?_\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
\u8220?I_got_this,_McLean,\u8221?_he_assured_her._\u8220?
They_got_root_beer_and_
veggie_enchiladas_on_this_flight,_and_one_hundred_percent_linen_napkins\u8212?
yu
m!_I_could_get_used_to_this.\u8221?\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
Trotting_up_the_stairs,_he_lost_one_shoe,_and_his_hoof_was_visible_for_just_a_se
cond._The_flight_attendant\u8217?
s_eyes_widened,_but_she_looked_away_and_pretend
ed_nothing_was_wrong._Piper_figured_she\u8217?
d_probably_seen_stranger_things,_w
orking_for_Tristan_McLean._\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
When_the_plane_was_heading_down_the_runaway,_Piper_started_to_cry._She\u8217
?d_b
een_holding_it_in_too_long_and_she_just_couldn\u8217?
t_anymore._Before_she_knew_
it,_Jason_was_hugging_her,_and_Leo_stood_uncomfortably_nearby,_pulling_Kleenex
_o
ut_of_his_tool_belt._\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
\u8220?Your_dad\u8217?s_in_good_hands,\u8221?_Jason_said._\u8220?
You_did_amazing
She_sobbed_into_his_shirt._She_allowed_herself_to_be_held_for_six_deep_breaths._
Seven._Then_she_couldn\u8217?
t_indulge_herself_anymore._They_needed_her._The_hel
icopter_pilot_was_already_looking_uncomfortable,_like_she_was_starting_to_wonder
_why_she\u8217?d_flown_them_here._\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
\u8220?Thank_you,_guys,\u8221?_Piper_said._\u8220?
I\u8212?\u8221?\par\pard\plain
\hyphpar}{
She_wanted_to_tell_them_how_much_they_meant_to_her._They\u8217?
d_sacrificed_ever
ything,_maybe_even_their_quest,_to_help_her._She_couldn\u8217?
t_repay_them,_coul
dn\u8217?t_even_put_her_gratitude_into_words._But_her_friends\u8217?
_expressions
_told_her_they_understood._\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
Then,_right_next_to_Jason,_the_air_began_to_shimmer._At_first_Piper_thought_it_w
as_heat_off_the_tarmac,_or_maybe_gas_fumes_from_the_helicopter,_but_she\u8217
?d_
seen_something_like_this_before_in_Medea\u8217?
s_fountain._It_was_an_Iris_messag
e._An_image_appeared_in_the_air\u8212?a_dark-haired_girl_in_silver_winter_camouf
lage,_holding_a_bow.\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
Jason_stumbled_back_in_surprise._\u8220?Thalia!\u8221?\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
\u8220?Thank_the_gods,\u8221?
_said_the_Hunter._The_scene_behind_her_was_hard_to_
make_out,_but_Piper_heard_yelling,_metal_clashing_on_metal,_and_explosions.\par\
\u8220?We\u8217?ve_found_her,\u8221?_Thalia_said._\u8220?
Where_are_you?\u8221?\p
\u8220?Oakland,\u8221?_he_said._\u8220?
Where_are_you?\u8221?\par\pard\plain\hyph
par}{
\u8220?The_Wolf_House!_Oakland_is_good;_you\u8217?re_not_too_far._We\u8217?
re_ho
lding_off_the_giant\u8217?s_minions,_but_we_can\u8217?
t_hold_them_forever._Get_h
ere_before_sunset,_or_it\u8217?s_all_over.\u8221?_\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
\u8220?Then_it\u8217?s_not_too_late?\u8221?
_Piper_cried._Hope_surged_through_her
,_but_Thalia\u8217?s_expression_quickly_dampened_it.\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
\u8220?Not_yet,\u8221?_Thalia_said._\u8220?But_Jason\u8212?it\u8217?
s_worse_than
_I_realized._Porphyrion_is_rising._Hurry.\u8221?\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
\u8220?But_where_is_the_Wolf_House?\u8221?
_he_pleaded.\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
\u8220?Our_last_trip,\u8221?_Thalia_said,_her_image_starting_to_flicker._\u8220?
The_park._Jack_London._Remember?\u8221?\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
This_made_no_sense_to_Piper,_but_Jason_looked_like_he\u8217?
d_been_shot._He_tott
ered,_his_face_pale,_and_the_Iris_message_disappeared.\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
\u8220?Bro,_you_all_right?\u8221?_Leo_asked._\u8220?
You_know_where_she_is?\u8221
\u8220?Yes,\u8221?_Jason_said._\u8220?
Sonoma_Valley._Not_far._Not_by_air.\u8221?
Piper_turned_to_the_ranger_pilot,_who\u8217?d_been_watching_all_this_with_an_inc
reasingly_puzzled_expression.\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
\u8220?Ma\u8217?am,\u8221?_Piper_said_with_her_best_smile._\u8220?
You_don\u8217?
t_mind_helping_us_one_more_time,_do_you?\u8221?\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
\u8220?I_don\u8217?t_mind,\u8221?_the_pilot_agreed._\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
\u8220?We_can\u8217?t_take_a_mortal_into_battle,\u8221?_Jason_said._\u8220?
It\u8
217?s_too_dangerous.\u8221?_He_turned_to_Leo._\u8220?
Do_you_think_you_could_fly_
this_thing?\u8221?\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
\u8220?Um_\u8230?\u8221?_Leo\u8217?s_expression_didn\u8217?
t_exactly_reassure_Pi
per._But_then_he_put_his_hand_on_the_side_of_the_helicopter,_concentrating_hard,
_as_if_listening_to_the_machine.\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
\u8220?Bell_412HP_utility_helicopter,\u8221?_Leo_said._\u8220?Composite_four-bla
de_main_rotor,_cruising_speed_twenty-two_knots,_service_ceiling_twenty-thousand_
feet._The_tank_is_near_full._Sure,_I_can_fly_it.\u8221?\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
Piper_smiled_at_the_ranger_again._\u8220?You_don\u8217?
t_have_a_problem_with_an_
under-aged_unlicensed_kid_borrowing_your_copter,_do_you?_We\u8217?
ll_return_it.\
\u8220?I\u8212?\u8221?
_The_pilot_nearly_choked_on_the_words,_but_she_got_them_ou
t:_\u8220?I_don\u8217?
t_have_a_problem_with_that.\u8221?\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}
{
Leo_grinned._\u8220?Hop_in,_kids._Uncle_Leo\u8217?
s_gonna_take_you_for_a_ride.\u
F}{\b
LY_A_HELICOPTER?}{\b
_S}{\b
URE,_WHY_NOT.}{\b
_}Leo_had_done_plenty_of_crazier_things_that_week.\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
The_sun_was_going_down_as_they_flew_north_over_the_Richmond_Bridge,_and_Leo
_coul
dn\u8217?
t_believe_the_day_had_gone_so_quickly._Once_again,_nothing_like_ADHD_an
d_a_good_fight_to_the_death_to_make_time_fly.\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
Piloting_the_chopper,_he_went_back_and_forth_between_confidence_and_panic._If_
he
_didn\u8217?t_think_about_it,_he_found_himself_automatically_flipping_the_right_
switches,_checking_the_altimeter,_easing_back_on_the_stick,_and_flying_straight.
_If_he_allowed_himself_to_consider_what_he_was_doing,_he_started_freaking_out._
H
e_imagined_his_Aunt_Rosa_yelling_at_him_in_Spanish,_telling_him_he_was_a_delinq
u
ent_lunatic_who_was_going_to_crash_and_burn._Part_of_him_suspected_she_was_ri
ght
\u8220?Going_okay?\u8221?_Piper_asked_from_the_copilot\u8217?
s_seat._She_sounded
_more_nervous_than_he_was,_so_Leo_put_on_a_brave_face._\par\pard\plain\hyphpar
}{
\u8220?Aces,\u8221?_he_said._\u8220?So_what\u8217?s_the_Wolf_House?\u8221?
_\par\
Jason_knelt_between_their_seats._\u8220?
An_abandoned_mansion_in_the_Sonoma_Valle
y._A_demigod_built_it\u8212?Jack_London.\u8221?\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
Leo_couldn\u8217?t_place_the_name._\u8220?
He_an_actor?\u8221?\par\pard\plain\hyp
hpar}{
\u8220?Writer,\u8221?_Piper_said._\u8220?Adventure_stuff,_right?_{\i
Call_of_the_Wild}?_{\i
White_Fang}?\u8221?_\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
\u8220?Yeah,\u8221?_Jason_said._\u8220?He_was_a_son_of_Mercury\u8212?
I_mean,_Her
mes._He_was_an_adventurer,_traveled_the_world._He_was_even_a_hobo_for_a_whil
e._T
hen_he_made_a_fortune_writing._He_bought_a_big_ranch_in_the_country_and_decid
ed_
to_build_this_huge_mansion\u8212?
the_Wolf_House.\u8221?\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
\u8220?Named_that_\u8217?cause_he_wrote_about_wolves?\u8221?
_Leo_guessed.\par\pa
rd\plain\hyphpar}{
\u8220?Partially,\u8221?_Jason_said._\u8220?But_the_site,_and_the_reason_he_wrot
e_about_wolves\u8212?
he_was_dropping_hints_about_his_personal_experience._There\
u8217?re_a_lot_of_holes_in_his_life_story\u8212?
how_he_was_born,_who_his_dad_was
,_why_he_wandered_around_so_much\u8212?
stuff_you_can_only_explain_if_you_know_he
_was_a_demigod.\u8221?\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
The_bay_slipped_behind_them,_and_the_helicopter_continued_north._Ahead_of_the
m,_
yellow_hills_rolled_out_as_far_as_Leo_could_see._\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
\u8220?So_Jack_London_went_to_Camp_Half-Blood,\u8221?
_Leo_guessed.\par\pard\plai
n\hyphpar}{
\u8220?No,\u8221?_Jason_said._\u8220?No,_he_didn\u8217?t.\u8221?
_\par\pard\plain
\hyphpar}{
\u8220?Bro,_you\u8217?
re_freaking_me_out_with_the_mysterious_talk._Are_you_remem
bering_your_past_or_not?\u8221?\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
\u8220?Pieces,\u8221?_Jason_said._\u8220?
Only_pieces._None_of_it_good._The_Wolf_
House_is_on_sacred_ground._It\u8217?
s_where_London_started_his_journey_as_a_chil
d\u8212?where_he_found_out_he_was_a_demigod._That\u8217?
s_why_he_returned_there.
_He_thought_he_could_live_there,_claim_that_land,_but_it_wasn\u8217?
t_meant_for_
him._The_Wolf_House_was_cursed._It_burned_in_a_fire_a_week_before_he_and_his_
wif
e_were_supposed_to_move_in._A_few_years_later,_London_died,_and_his_ashes_wer
e_b
uried_on_the_site.\u8221?_\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
\u8220?So,\u8221?_Piper_said,_\u8220?
how_do_you_know_all_this?\u8221?\par\pard\p
lain\hyphpar}{
A_shadow_crossed_Jason\u8217?
s_face._Probably_just_a_cloud,_but_Leo_could_swear_
the_shape_looked_like_an_eagle.\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
\u8220?I_started_my_journey_there_too,\u8221?_Jason_said._\u8220?It\u8217?
s_a_po
werful_place_for_demigods,_a_dangerous_place._If_Gaea_can_claim_it,_use_its_pow
e
r_to_entomb_Hera_on_the_solstice_and_raise_Porphyrion\u8212?
that_might_be_enough
_to_awaken_the_earth_goddess_fully.\u8221?\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
Leo_kept_his_hand_on_the_joystick,_guiding_the_chopper_at_full_speed\u8212?racin
g_toward_the_north._He_could_see_some_weather_ahead\u8212?
a_spot_of_darkness_lik
e_a_cloudbank_or_a_storm,_right_where_they_were_going.\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}
{
Piper\u8217?s_dad_had_called_him_a_hero_earlier._And_Leo_couldn\u8217?
t_believe_
some_of_the_things_he\u8217?d_done\u8212?
smacking_around_Cyclopes,_disarming_exp
loding_doorbells,_battling_six-armed_ogres_with_construction_equipment._They_see
med_like_they_had_happened_to_another_person._He_was_just_Leo_Valdez,_an_orp
hane
d_kid_from_Houston._He\u8217?
d_spent_his_life_running_away,_and_part_of_him_stil
l_wanted_to_run._What_was_he_thinking,_flying_toward_a_cursed_mansion_to_fight_
m
ore_evil_monsters?\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
His_mom\u8217?s_voice_echoed_in_his_head:_{\i
Nothing_is_unfixable._}\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
{\i
Except_the_fact_that_you\u8217?re_gone_forever,}_Leo_thought.\par\pard\plain\hyp
hpar}{
Seeing_Piper_and_her_dad_back_together_had_really_driven_that_home._Even_if_Le
o_
survived_this_quest_and_saved_Hera,_Leo_wouldn\u8217?
t_have_any_happy_reunions._
He_wouldn\u8217?t_be_going_back_to_a_loving_family._He_wouldn\u8217?
t_see_his_mo
m._\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
The_helicopter_shuddered._Metal_creaked,_and_Leo_could_almost_imagine_the_tap
pin
g_was_Morse_code:_{\i
Not_the_end._Not_the_end._}\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
He_leveled_out_the_chopper,_and_the_creaking_stopped._He_was_just_hearing_thin
gs
._He_couldn\u8217?
t_dwell_on_his_mom,_or_the_idea_that_kept_bugging_him\u8212?th
at_Gaea_was_bringing_souls_back_from_the_Underworld\u8212?
so_why_couldn\u8217?t_
he_make_some_good_come_out_of_it?
_Thinking_like_that_would_drive_him_crazy._He_h
ad_a_job_to_do.\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
He_let_his_instincts_take_over\u8212?just_like_flying_the_helicopter._If_he_thou
ght_about_the_quest_too_much,_or_what_might_happen_afterward,_he\u8217?
d_panic._
The_trick_was_not_to_think\u8212?just_get_through_it.\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
\u8220?Thirty_minutes_out,\u8221?_he_told_his_friends,_though_he_wasn\u8217?
t_su
re_how_he_knew._\u8220?If_you_want_to_get_some_rest,_now\u8217?
s_a_good_time.\u8
Jason_strapped_himself_into_the_back_of_the_helicopter_and_passed_out_almost_i
mm
ediately._Piper_and_Leo_stayed_wide-awake._\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
After_a_few_minutes_of_awkward_silence,_Leo_said,_\u8220?Your_dad\u8217?
ll_be_fi
ne,_you_know._Nobody\u8217?
s_gonna_mess_with_him_with_that_crazy_goat_around.\u8
Piper_glanced_over,_and_Leo_was_struck_by_how_much_she\u8217?
d_changed._Not_just
_physically._Her_presence_was_stronger._She_seemed_more_\u8230?_{\i
here}._At_Wilderness_School_she\u8217?
d_spent_the_semester_trying_not_to_be_seen
,_hiding_out_in_the_back_row_of_the_classroom,_the_back_of_the_bus,_the_corner_o
f_the_lunchroom_as_far_as_possible_from_the_loud_kids._Now_she_would_be_impos
sib
le_to_miss._It_didn\u8217?t_matter_what_she_was_wearing_\u8212?you\u8217?d{\i
_have}_to_look_at_her._\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
\u8220?My_dad,\u8221?_she_said_thoughtfully._\u8220?
Yeah,_I_know._I_was_thinking
_about_Jason._I\u8217?m_worried_about_him.\u8221?_\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
Leo_nodded._The_closer_they_got_to_that_bank_of_dark_clouds,_the_more_Leo_wor
rie
d,_too._\u8220?He\u8217?s_starting_to_remember._That\u8217?
s_got_to_make_him_a_l
ittle_edgy.\u8221?\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
\u8220?But_what_if_\u8230?_what_if_he\u8217?
s_a_different_person?\u8221?\par\par
d\plain\hyphpar}{
Leo_had_had_the_same_thought._If_the_Mist_could_affect_their_memories,_could_Ja
s
on\u8217?s_whole_personality_be_an_illusion,_too?_If_their_friend_wasn\u8217?t_t
heir_friend,_and_they_were_heading_into_a_cursed_mansion\u8212?
a_dangerous_place
_for_demigods\u8212?what_would_happen_if_Jason\u8217?
s_full_memory_came_back_in_
the_middle_of_a_battle?_\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
\u8220?Nah,\u8221?_Leo_decided._\u8220?After_all_we\u8217?ve_been_through?
_I_can
\u8217?t_see_it._We\u8217?re_a_team._Jason_can_handle_it.\u8221?
_\par\pard\plain
\hyphpar}{
Piper_smoothed_her_blue_dress,_which_was_tattered_and_burned_from_their_fight_
on
_Mount_Diablo._\u8220?I_hope_you\u8217?re_right._I_need_him_\u8230?\u8221?
_She_c
leared_her_throat._\u8220?I_mean_I_need_to_trust_him\u8230?\u8221?
_\par\pard\pla
in\hyphpar}{
\u8220?I_know,\u8221?
_Leo_said._After_seeing_her_dad_break_down,_Leo_understood_
Piper_couldn\u8217?t_afford_to_lose_Jason_as_well._She\u8217?d_just_watched_Tris
tan_McLean,_her_cool_suave_movie_star_dad,_reduced_to_near_insanity._Leo_could
_b
arely_stand_to_watch_that,_but_for_{\i
Piper}\u8212?Wow,_Leo_couldn\u8217?
t_even_imagine._He_figured_that_would_make_he
r_insecure_about_herself,_too._If_weakness_was_inherited,_she\u8217?
d_be_wonderi
ng,_could_{\i
she_}break_down_the_same_way_her_dad_did?\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
\u8220?Hey,_don\u8217?t_worry,\u8221?_Leo_said._\u8220?Piper,_you\u8217?
re_the_s
trongest,_most_powerful_beauty_queen_I\u8217?
ve_ever_met._You_can_trust_yourself
._For_what_it\u8217?
s_worth,_you_can_trust_me_too.\u8221?\par\pard\plain\hyphpar
}{
The_helicopter_dipped_in_a_wind_shear,_and_Leo_almost_jumped_out_of_his_skin._
He
_cursed_and_righted_the_chopper.\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
Piper_laughed_nervously._\u8220?Trust_you,_huh?\u8221?\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
\u8220?Ah,_shut_up,_already.\u8221?
_But_he_grinned_at_her,_and_for_a_second,_it_
felt_like_he_was_just_relaxing_comfortably_with_a_friend.\par\pard\plain\hyphpar
}{
Then_they_hit_the_storm_clouds.
AT
FIRST,
LEO
THOUGHT
ROCKS
WERE
pelting_the_windshield._Then_he_realized_it_was_sleet._Frost_built_up_around_t
he_edges_of_the_glass,_and_slushy_waves_of_ice_blotted_out_his_view.\par\pard\pl
ain\hyphpar}{
\u8220?An_ice_storm?\u8221?
_Piper_shouted_over_the_engine_and_the_wind._\u8220?I
s_it_supposed_to_be_this_cold_in_Sonoma?\u8221?\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
Leo_wasn\u8217?
t_sure,_but_something_about_this_storm_seemed_conscious,_malevole
nt\u8212?like_it_was_intentionally_slamming_them._\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
Jason_woke_up_quickly._He_crawled_forward,_grabbing_their_seats_for_balance._\u8
220?We\u8217?ve_got_to_be_getting_close.\u8221?\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
Leo_was_too_busy_wrestling_with_the_stick_to_reply._Suddenly_it_wasn\u8217?t_so_
easy_to_drive_the_chopper._Its_movements_turned_sluggish_and_jerky._The_whole_
ma
chine_shuddered_in_the_icy_wind._The_helicopter_probably_hadn\u8217?
t_been_prepp
ed_for_cold-weather_flying._The_controls_refused_to_respond,_and_they_started_to
_lose_altitude._\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
Below_them,_the_ground_was_a_dark_quilt_of_trees_and_fog._The_ridge_of_a_hill_lo
omed_in_front_of_them_and_Leo_yanked_the_stick,_just_clearing_the_treetops.\par\
\u8220?There!\u8221?_Jason_shouted._\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
A_small_valley_opened_up_before_them,_with_the_murky_shape_of_a_building_in_th
e_
middle._Leo_aimed_the_helicopter_straight_for_it._All_around_them_were_flashes_o
f_light_that_reminded_Leo_of_the_tracer_fire_at_Midas\u8217?s_compound._Trees_cr
acked_and_exploded_at_the_edges_of_the_clearing._Shapes_moved_through_the_mi
st._
Combat_seemed_to_be_everywhere.\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
He_set_down_the_helicopter_in_an_icy_field_about_fifty_yards_from_the_house_and_
killed_the_engine._He_was_about_to_relax_when_he_heard_a_whistling_sound_and_
saw
_a_dark_shape_hurtling_toward_them_out_of_the_mist.\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
\u8220?Out!\u8221?_Leo_screamed._\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
They_leaped_from_the_helicopter_and_barely_cleared_the_rotors_before_a_massive
_{
\i
BOOM_}shook_the_ground,_knocking_Leo_off_his_feet_and_splattering_ice_all_over_
h
im.\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
He_got_up_shakily_and_saw_that_the_world\u8217?s_largest_snowball\u8212?
a_chunk_
of_snow,_ice,_and_dirt_the_size_of_a_garage\u8212?
had_completely_flattened_the_B
ell_412.\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
\u8220?You_all_right?\u8221?_Jason_ran_up_to_him,_Piper_at_his_side._They_both_l
ooked_fine_except_for_being_speckled_with_snow_and_mud._\par\pard\plain\hyphpa
r}
{
\u8220?Yeah.\u8221?_Leo_shivered._\u8220?
Guess_we_owe_that_ranger_lady_a_new_hel
icopter.\u8221?\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
Piper_pointed_south._\u8220?Fighting\u8217?s_over_there.\u8221?
_Then_she_frowned
._\u8220?No_\u8230?_it\u8217?s_all_around_us.\u8221?_\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
She_was_right._The_sounds_of_combat_rang_across_the_valley._The_snow_and_mist
_ma
de_it_hard_to_tell_for_sure,_but_there_seemed_to_be_a_circle_of_fighting_all_aro
und_the_Wolf_House.\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
Behind_them_loomed_Jack_London\u8217?s_dream_home\u8212?
a_massive_ruin_of_red_an
d_gray_stones_and_roughhewn_timber_beams._Leo_could_imagine_how_it_had_looked_b
efore_it_burned_down\u8212?a_combination_log_cabin_and_castle,_like_a_billionair
e_lumberjack_might_build._But_in_the_mist_and_sleet,_the_place_had_a_lonely,_hau
nted_feel._Leo_could_totally_believe_the_ruins_were_cursed._\par\pard\plain\hyph
par}{
\u8220?Jason!\u8221?_a_girl\u8217?s_voice_called._\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
Thalia_appeared_from_the_fog,_her_parka_caked_with_snow._Her_bow_was_in_her_
hand
,
_and_her_quiver_was_almost_empty._She_ran_toward_them,_but_made_it_only_a_fe
w_s
teps_before_a_six-armed_ogre\u8212?one_of_the_Earthborn\u8212?
burst_out_of_the_s
torm_behind_her,_a_raised_club_in_each_hand._\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
\u8220?Look_out!\u8221?
_Leo_yelled._They_rushed_to_help,_but_Thalia_had_it_under
_control._She_launched_herself_into_a_flip,_notching_an_arrow_as_she_pivoted_lik
e_a_gymnast_and_landed_in_a_kneeling_position._The_ogre_got_a_silver_arrow_righ
t
_between_the_eyes_and_melted_into_a_pile_of_clay.\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
Thalia_stood_and_retrieved_her_arrow,_but_the_point_had_snapped_off._\u8220?
That
_was_my_last_one.\u8221?_She_kicked_the_pile_of_clay_resentfully._\u8220?Stupid_
ogre.\u8221?\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
\u8220?Nice_shot,_though,\u8221?_Leo_said.\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
Thalia_ignored_him_as_usual_(which_no_doubt_meant_she_thought_he_was_as_cool
_as_
ever)._She_hugged_Jason_and_nodded_to_Piper._\u8220?
Just_in_time._My_Hunters_are
_holding_a_perimeter_around_the_mansion,_but_we\u8217?
ll_be_overrun_any_minute.\
\u8220?By_Earthborn?\u8221?_Jason_asked.\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
\u8220?{\i
And_}wolves\u8212?Lycaon\u8217?s_minions.\u8221?
_Thalia_blew_a_fleck_of_ice_off_
her_nose._\u8220?Also_storm_spirits\u8212?\u8221?\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
\u8220?But_we_gave_them_to_Aeolus!\u8221?
_Piper_protested.\par\pard\plain\hyphpa
r}{
\u8220?Who_tried_to_kill_us,\u8221?_Leo_reminded_her._\u8220?Maybe_he\u8217?
s_he
lping_Gaea_again.\u8221?\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
\u8220?I_don\u8217?t_know,\u8221?_Thalia_said._\u8220?
But_the_monsters_keep_re-f
orming_almost_as_fast_as_we_can_kill_them._We_took_the_Wolf_House_with_no_pro
ble
m:_surprised_the_guards_and_sent_them_straight_to_Tartarus._But_then_this_freak_
snowstorm_blew_in._Wave_after_wave_of_monsters_started_attacking._Now_we\u82
17?r
e_surrounded._I_don\u8217?
t_know_who_or_what_is_leading_the_assault,_but_I_think
_they_planned_this._It_was_a_trap_to_kill_anyone_who_tried_to_rescue_Hera.\u8221
\u8220?Where_is_she?\u8221?_Jason_asked._\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
\u8220?Inside,\u8221?_Thalia_said._\u8220?
We_tried_to_free_her,_but_we_can\u8217
?t_figure_out_how_to_break_the_cage._It\u8217?
s_only_a_few_minutes_until_the_sun
_goes_down._Hera_thinks_that\u8217?
s_the_moment_when_Porphyrion_will_be_reborn._
Plus,_most_monsters_are_stronger_at_night._If_we_don\u8217?
t_free_Hera_soon\u821
She_didn\u8217?t_need_to_finish_the_thought.\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
Leo,_Jason,_and_Piper_followed_her_into_the_ruined_mansion._\par\pard\plain\hyph
par}{
Jason_stepped_over_the_threshold_and_immediately_collapsed.\par\pard\plain\hyph
p
ar}{
\u8220?Hey!\u8221?_Leo_caught_him._\u8220?None_of_that,_man._What\u8217?
s_wrong?
\u8220?This_place_\u8230?\u8221?_Jason_shook_his_head._\u8220?Sorry_\u8230?
_It_c
ame_rushing_back_to_me.\u8221?\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
\u8220?So_you_{\i
have}_been_here,\u8221?_Piper_said._\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
\u8220?We_both_have,\u8221?
_Thalia_said._Her_expression_was_grim,_like_she_was_r
eliving_someone\u8217?s_death._\u8220?
This_is_where_my_mom_took_us_when_Jason_wa
s_a_child._She_left_him_here,_told_me_he_was_dead._He_just_disappeared.\u8221?\
p
\u8220?She_gave_me_to_the_wolves,\u8221?_Jason_murmured._\u8220?
At_Hera\u8217?s_
insistence._She_gave_me_to_Lupa.\u8221?\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
\u8220?That_part_I_didn\u8217?t_know.\u8221?_Thalia_frowned._\u8220?
Who_is_Lupa?
An_explosion_shook_the_building._Just_outside,_a_blue_mushroom_cloud_billowed_u
p
,_raining_snowflakes_and_ice_like_a_nuclear_blast_made_of_cold_instead_of_heat._
\u8220?Maybe_this_isn\u8217?t_the_time_for_questions,\u8221?
_Leo_suggested._\u82
20?Show_us_the_goddess.\u8221?\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
Once_inside,_Jason_seemed_to_get_his_bearings._The_house_was_built_in_a_giant_{
\
b
U},_and_Jason_led_them_between_the_two_wings_to_an_outside_courtyard_with_an
_emp
ty_reflecting_pool._At_the_bottom_of_the_pool,_just_as_Jason_had_described_from_
his_dream,_two_spires_of_rock_and_root_tendrils_had_cracked_through_the_foundati
on.\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
One_of_the_spires_was_much_bigger\u8212?
a_solid_dark_mass_about_twenty_feet_high
,
_and_to_Leo_it_looked_like_a_stone_body_bag._Underneath_the_mass_of_fused_ten
dr
ils_he_could_make_out_the_shape_of_a_head,_wide_shoulders,_a_massive_chest_an
d_a
rms,_like_the_creature_was_stuck_waist_deep_in_the_earth._No,_not_stuck\u8212?
{\
i
rising}._\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
On_the_opposite_end_of_the_pool,_the_other_spire_was_smaller_and_more_loosely_
wo
ven._Each_tendril_was_as_thick_as_a_telephone_pole,_with_so_little_space_between
_them_that_Leo_doubted_he_could\u8217?
ve_gotten_his_arm_through._Still,_he_could
_see_inside._And_in_the_center_of_the_cage_stood_T\u237?a_Callida._\par\pard\pla
in\hyphpar}{
She_looked_exactly_like_Leo_remembered:_dark_hair_covered_with_a_shawl,_the_bl
ac
k_dress_of_a_widow,_a_wrinkled_face_with_glinting,_scary_eyes.\par\pard\plain\hy
phpar}{
She_didn\u8217?
t_glow_or_radiate_any_sort_of_power._She_looked_like_a_regular_mo
rtal_woman,_his_good_old_psychotic_babysitter.\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
Leo_dropped_into_the_pool_and_approached_the_cage{\i
._}\u8220?{\i
Hola,_T\u237?a.}_Little_bit_of_trouble?\u8221?_\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
She_crossed_her_arms_and_sighed_in_exasperation._\u8220?Don\u8217?
t_inspect_me_l
ike_I\u8217?m_one_of_your_machines,_Leo_Valdez._Get_me_out_of_here!\u8221?
_\par\
Thalia_stepped_next_to_him_and_looked_at_the_cage_with_distaste\u8212?
or_maybe_s
he_was_looking_at_the_goddess._\u8220?
We_tried_everything_we_could_think_of,_Leo
,_but_maybe_my_heart_wasn\u8217?t_in_it._If_it_was_up_to_me,_I\u8217?
d_just_leav
e_her_in_there.\u8221?\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
\u8220?Ohh,_Thalia_Grace,\u8221?_the_goddess_said._\u8220?
When_I_get_out_of_here
,_you\u8217?ll_be_sorry_you_were_ever_born.\u8221?\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
\u8220?Save_it!\u8221?_Thalia_snapped._\u8220?You\u8217?
ve_been_nothing_but_a_cu
rse_to_every_child_of_Zeus_for_ages._You_sent_a_bunch_of_intestinally_challenged
_cows_after_my_friend_Annabeth\u8212?\u8221?\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
\u8220?She_was_disrespectful!\u8221?\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
\u8220?You_dropped_a_statue_on_my_legs.\u8221?\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
\u8220?It_was_an_accident!\u8221?_\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
\u8220?{\i
And_}you_took_my_brother!\u8221?_Thalia\u8217?
s_voice_cracked_with_emotion._\u82
20?Here\u8212?
on_this_spot._You_ruined_our_lives._We_should_leave_you_to_Gaea!\u
\u8220?Hey,\u8221?_Jason_intervened._\u8220?Thalia\u8212?Sis\u8212?
I_know._But_t
his_isn\u8217?t_the_time._You_should_help_your_Hunters.\u8221?\par\pard\plain\hy
phpar}{
Thalia_clenched_her_jaw._\u8220?Fine._For_you,_Jason._But_if_you_ask_me,_she_isn
\u8217?t_worth_it.\u8221?_\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
Thalia_turned,_leaped_out_of_the_pool,_and_stormed_from_the_building.\par\pard\p
lain\hyphpar}{
Leo_turned_to_Hera_with_grudging_respect._\u8220?
Intestinally_challenged_cows?\u
\u8220?Focus_on_the_cage,_Leo,\u8221?_she_grumbled._\u8220?And_Jason\u8212?
you_a
re_wiser_than_your_sister._I_chose_my_champion_well.\u8221?\par\pard\plain\hyph
p
ar}{
\u8220?I\u8217?m_not_your_champion,_lady,\u8221?_Jason_said._\u8220?I\u8217?
m_on
ly_helping_you_because_you_stole_my_memories_and_you\u8217?
re_better_than_the_al
ternative._Speaking_of_which,_what\u8217?
s_going_on_with_that?\u8221?\par\pard\p
lain\hyphpar}{
He_nodded_to_the_other_spire_that_looked_like_the_kingsize_granite_body_bag._Wa
s_Leo_imagining_it,_or_had_it_grown_taller_since_they\u8217?d_gotten_here?\par\p
ard\plain\hyphpar}{
\u8220?That,_Jason,\u8221?_Hera_said,_\u8220?
is_the_king_of_the_giants_being_reb
orn.\u8221?_\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
\u8220?Gross,\u8221?_Piper_said.\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
\u8220?Indeed,\u8221?_Hera_said._\u8220?
Porphyrion,_the_strongest_of_his_kind._G
aea_needed_a_great_deal_of_power_to_raise_him_again_\u8212?{\i
my_}power._For_weeks_I\u8217?
ve_grown_weaker_as_my_essence_was_used_to_grow_him_
a_new_form.\u8221?\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
\u8220?So_you\u8217?re_like_a_heat_lamp,\u8221?_Leo_guessed._\u8220?
Or_fertilize
The_goddess_glared_at_him,_but_Leo_didn\u8217?
t_care._This_old_lady_had_been_mak
ing_his_life_miserable_since_he_was_a_baby._He_totally_had_rights_to_rag_on_her.
\u8220?Joke_all_you_wish,\u8221?_Hera_said_in_a_clipped_tone._\u8220?
But_at_sund
own,_it_will_be_too_late._The_giant_will_awake._He_will_offer_me_a_choice:_marry
_him,_or_be_consumed_by_the_earth._And_I_cannot_marry_him._We_will_all_be_des
tro
yed._And_as_we_die,_Gaea_will_awaken.\u8221?_\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
Leo_frowned_at_the_giant\u8217?s_spire._\u8220?Can\u8217?
t_we_blow_it_up_or_some
thing?\u8221?\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
\u8220?Without_me,_you_do_not_have_the_power,\u8221?_Hera_said._\u8220?
You_might
_as_well_try_to_destroy_a_mountain.\u8221?\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
\u8220?Done_that_once_today,\u8221?_Jason_said.\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
\u8220?Just_hurry_up_and_let_me_out!\u8221?
_Hera_demanded.\par\pard\plain\hyphpa
r}{
Jason_scratched_his_head._\u8220?
Leo,_can_you_do_it?\u8221?\par\pard\plain\hyphp
ar}{
\u8220?I_don\u8217?t_know.\u8221?_Leo_tried_not_to_panic._\u8220?
Besides,_if_she
\u8217?s_a_goddess,_why_hasn\u8217?t_she_busted_herself_out?\u8221?
_\par\pard\pl
ain\hyphpar}{
Hera_paced_furiously_around_her_cage,_cursing_in_Ancient_Greek._\u8220?
Use_your_
brain,_Leo_Valdez._I_{\i
picked_}you_because_you\u8217?re_intelligent._Once_trapped,_a_god\u8217?
s_power_
is_useless._Your_own_father_trapped_me_once_in_a_golden_chair._It_was_humiliatin
g!_I_had_to_beg\u8212?{\i
beg_}him_for_my_freedom_and_apologize_for_throwing_him_off_Olympus.\u8221?\p
ar\p
ard\plain\hyphpar}{
\u8220?Sounds_fair,\u8221?_Leo_said._\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
Hera_gave_him_the_godly_stink-eye._\u8220?I\u8217?
ve_watched_you_since_you_were_
a_child,_son_of_Hephaestus,_because_I_knew_you_could_aid_me_at_this_moment._I
f_a
nyone_can_find_a_way_to_destroy_this_{\i
abomination},_it_is_you.\u8221?_\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
\u8220?But_it\u8217?s_not_a_machine._It\u8217?
s_like_Gaea_thrust_her_hand_out_of
_the_ground_and_\u8230?\u8221?
_Leo_felt_dizzy._The_line_of_their_prophecy_came_b
ack_to_him:_{\i
The_forge_and_dove_shall_break_the_cage.}\u8220?
Hold_on._I_do_have_an_idea._Pipe
r,_I\u8217?m_going_to_need_your_help._And_we\u8217?
re_going_to_need_time.\u8221?
The_air_turned_brittle_with_cold._The_temperature_dropped_so_fast,_Leo\u8217?s_l
ips_cracked_and_his_breath_changed_to_mist._Frost_coated_the_walls_of_the_Wolf_
H
ouse._{\i
Venti_}rushed_in_\u8212?
but_instead_of_winged_men,_these_were_shaped_like_horses
,_with_dark_stormcloud_bodies_and_manes_that_crackled_with_lightning._Some_had_
silver_arrows_sticking_out_of_their_flanks._Behind_them_came_redeyed_wolves_and
_the_six-armed_Earthborn._\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
Piper_drew_her_dagger._Jason_grabbed_an_ice-covered_plank_off_the_pool_floor._Le
o_reached_into_his_tool_belt,_but_he_was_so_shaken_up,_all_he_produced_was_a_ti
n
_of_breath_mints._He_shoved_them_back_in,_hoping_nobody_had_noticed,_and_dre
w_a_
hammer_instead._\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
One_of_the_wolves_padded_forward._It_was_dragging_a_humansize_statue_by_the_leg
.
_At_the_edge_of_the_pool,_the_wolf_opened_its_maw_and_dropped_the_statue_for_t
h
em_to_see\u8212?an_ice_sculpture_of_a_girl,_an_archer_with_short_spiky_hair_and_
a_surprised_look_on_her_face.\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
\u8220?Thalia!\u8221?
_Jason_rushed_forward,_but_Piper_and_Leo_pulled_him_back._T
he_ground_around_Thalia\u8217?
s_statue_was_already_webbed_with_ice._Leo_feared_i
f_Jason_touched_her,_he_might_freeze_too._\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
\u8220?Who_did_this?\u8221?_Jason_yelled._His_body_crackled_with_electricity._\u
8220?I\u8217?ll_kill_you_myself!\u8221?\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
From_somewhere_behind_the_monsters,_Leo_heard_a_girl\u8217?
s_laughter,_clear_and
_cold._She_stepped_out_of_the_mist_in_her_snowy_white_dress,_a_silver_crown_ato
p
_her_long_black_hair._She_regarded_them_with_those_deep_brown_eyes_Leo_had_t
houg
ht_were_so_beautiful_in_Quebec._\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
{\i
\u8220?Bon_soir,_mes_amis,\u8221?
_}said_Khione,_the_goddess_of_snow._She_gave_Le
o_a_frosty_smile._\u8220?Alas,_son_of_Hephaestus,_you_say_you_need_time?
_I\u8217
?m_afraid_time_is_one_tool_you_do_not_have.
A FTER THE FIGHT ON MOUNT DIABLO,}{\b
_}Jason_didn\u8217?t_think_he_could_ever_feel_more_afraid_or_devastated._\par\pa
rd\plain\hyphpar}{
Now_his_sister_was_frozen_at_his_feet._He_was_surrounded_by_monsters._He\u821
7?d
_broken_his_golden_sword_and_replaced_it_with_a_piece_of_wood._He_had_approxi
mat
ely_five_minutes_until_the_king_of_the_giants_busted_out_and_destroyed_them._Jas
on_had_already_pulled_his_biggest_ace,_calling_down_Zeus\u8217?
s_lightning_when_
he\u8217?d_fought_Enceladus,_and_he_doubted_he\u8217?
d_have_the_strength_or_the_
cooperation_from_above_to_do_it_again._Which_meant_his_only_assets_were_one_w
hin
y_imprisoned_goddess,_one_sortof_girlfriend_with_a_dagger,_and_Leo,_who_apparen
tly_thought_he_could_defeat_the_armies_of_darkness_with_breath_mints._\par\pard\
plain\hyphpar}{
On_top_of_all_this,_Jason\u8217?
s_worst_memories_were_flooding_back._He_knew_for
_certain_he\u8217?d_done_many_dangerous_things_in_his_life,_but_he\u8217?
d_never
_been_closer_to_death_than_he_was_right_now._\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
The_enemy_was_beautiful._Khione_smiled,_her_dark_eyes_glittering,_as_a_dagger_
of
_ice_grew_in_her_hand.\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
\u8220?What\u8217?ve_you_done?\u8221?
_Jason_demanded.\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
\u8220?Oh,_so_many_things,\u8221?_the_snow_goddess_purred._\u8220?
Your_sister\u8
217?s_not_dead,_if_that\u8217?
s_what_you_mean._She_and_her_Hunters_will_make_fin
e_toys_for_our_wolves._I_thought_we\u8217?
d_defrost_them_one_at_a_time_and_hunt_
them_down_for_amusement._Let_{\i
them}_be_the_prey_for_once.\u8221?\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
The_wolves_snarled_appreciatively.\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
\u8220?Yes,_my_dears.\u8221?_Khione_kept_her_eyes_on_Jason._\u8220?
Your_sister_a
lmost_killed_their_king,_you_know._Lycaon\u8217?
s_off_in_a_cave_somewhere,_no_do
ubt_licking_his_wounds,_but_his_minions_have_joined_us_to_take_revenge_for_their
_master._And_soon_Porphyrion_will_arise,_and_we_shall_rule_the_world.\u8221?\par
\u8220?Traitor!\u8221?_Hera_shouted._\u8220?You_meddlesome,_D-list_goddess!
_You_
aren\u8217?t_worthy_to_pour_my_wine,_much_less_rule_the_world.\u8221?
_\par\pard\
plain\hyphpar}{
Khione_sighed._\u8220?Tiresome_as_ever,_Queen_Hera._I\u8217?
ve_been_wanting_to_s
hut_you_up_for_millennia.\u8221?\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
Khione_waved_her_hand,_and_ice_encased_the_prison,_sealing_in_the_spaces_betw
een
_the_earthen_tendrils.\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
\u8220?That\u8217?s_better,\u8221?_the_snow_goddess_said._\u8220?
Now,_demigods,_
about_your_death\u8212?\u8221?\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
\u8220?You\u8217?re_the_one_who_tricked_Hera_into_coming_here,\u8221?
_Jason_said
._\u8220?
You_gave_Zeus_the_idea_of_closing_Olympus.\u8221?\par\pard\plain\hyphpa
r}{
The_wolves_snarled,_and_the_storm_spirits_whinnied,_ready_to_attack,_but_Khione_
held_up_her_hand._\u8220?Patience,_my_loves._If_he_wants_to_talk,_what_matter?
_T
he_sun_is_setting,_and_time_is_on_our_side._Of_course,_Jason_Grace._Like_snow,_m
y_voice_is_quiet_and_gentle,_and_very_cold._It\u8217?s_easy_for_me_to_whisper_to
_the_other_gods,_especially_when_I_am_only_confirming_their_own_deepest_fears._
I
_also_whispered_in_Aeolus\u8217?
s_ear_that_he_should_issue_an_order_to_kill_demi
gods._It_is_a_small_service_for_Gaea,_but_I\u8217?m_sure_I_will_be_well_rewarded
_when_her_sons_the_giants_come_to_power.\u8221?\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
\u8220?You_could\u8217?ve_killed_us_in_Quebec,\u8221?_Jason_said._\u8220?
Why_let
_us_live?\u8221?_\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
Khione_wrinkled_her_nose._\u8220?
Messy_business,_killing_you_in_my_father\u8217?
s_house,_especially_when_he_insists_on_meeting_all_visitors._I_did_{\i
try},_you_remember._It_would\u8217?ve_been_lovely_if_he\u8217?
d_agreed_to_turn_y
ou_to_ice._But_once_he\u8217?
d_given_you_guarantee_of_safe_passage,_I_couldn\u82
17?t_openly_disobey_him._My_father_is_an_old_fool._He_lives_in_fear_of_Zeus_and_
Aeolus,_but_he\u8217?
s_still_powerful._Soon_enough,_when_my_new_masters_have_awa
kened,_I_will_depose_Boreas_and_take_the_throne_of_the_North_Wind,_but_not_just
_
yet._Besides,_my_father_did_have_a_point._Your_quest_was_suicidal._I_fully_expec
ted_you_to_fail.\u8221?\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
\u8220?And_to_help_us_with_that,\u8221?_Leo_said,_\u8220?
you_knocked_our_dragon_
out_of_the_sky_over_Detroit._Those_frozen_wires_in_his_head\u8212?that_was_{\i
your}_fault._You\u8217?re_gonna_pay_for_that.\u8221?_\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
\u8220?You\u8217?
re_also_the_one_who_kept_Enceladus_informed_about_us,\u8221?_Pi
per_added._\u8220?We\u8217?
ve_been_plagued_by_snowstorms_the_whole_trip.\u8221?\
\u8220?Yes,_I_feel_so_close_to_all_of_you_now!\u8221?_Khione_said._\u8220?
Once_y
ou_made_it_past_Omaha,_I_decided_to_asked_Lycaon_to_track_you_down_so_Jason_
coul
d_die_here,_at_the_Wolf_House.\u8221?_Khione_smiled_at_him._\u8220?
You_see,_Jaso
n,_your_blood_spilled_on_this_sacred_ground_will_taint_it_for_generations._Your_
demigod_brethren_will_be_outraged,_especially_when_they_find_the_bodies_of_thes
e
_two_from_Camp_Half-Blood._They\u8217?
ll_believe_the_Greeks_have_conspired_with_
giants._It_will_be_\u8230?_delicious.\u8221?\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
Piper_and_Leo_didn\u8217?
t_seem_to_understand_what_she_was_saying._But_Jason_kne
w._His_memories_were_returning_enough_for_him_to_realize_how_dangerously_effe
cti
ve_Khione\u8217?s_plan_could_be._\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
\u8220?You\u8217?ll_set_demigods_against_demigods,\u8221?
_he_said._\par\pard\pla
in\hyphpar}{
\u8220?It\u8217?s_so_easy!\u8221?_said_Khione._\u8220?
As_I_told_you,_I_only_enco
urage_what_you_would_do_anyway.\u8221?\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
\u8220?But_why?\u8221?_Piper_spread_her_hands._\u8220?Khione,_you\u8217?
ll_tear_
the_world_apart._The_giants_will_destroy_everything._You_don\u8217?t_want_that._
Call_off_your_monsters.\u8221?\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
Khione_hesitated,_then_laughed._\u8220?
Your_persuasive_powers_are_improving,_gir
l._But_I_am_a_goddess._You_can\u8217?t_charmspeak_me._We_wind_gods_are_creature
s_of_chaos!_I\u8217?ll_overthrow_Aeolus_and_let_the_storms_run_free._If_we_destr
oy_the_mortal_world,_all_the_better!
_They_never_honored_me,_even_in_Greek_times.
_Humans_and_their_talk_of_global_warming._Pah!_I\u8217?
ll_cool_them_down_quickly
_enough._When_we_retake_the_ancient_places,_I_will_cover_the_Acropolis_in_snow.\
\u8220?The_ancient_places.\u8221?_Leo\u8217?s_eyes_widened._\u8220?
That\u8217?s_
what_Enceladus_meant_about_destroy_the_roots_of_the_gods._He_meant_Greece.\u
8221
\u8220?You_could_join_me,_son_of_Hephaestus,\u8221?_Khione_said._\u8220?
I_know_y
ou_find_me_beautiful._It_would_be_enough_for_my_plan_if_these_other_two_were_t
o_
die._Reject_that_ridiculous_destiny_the_Fates_have_given_you._Live_and_be_my_ch
a
mpion,_instead._Your_skills_would_be_quite_useful.\u8221?_\par\pard\plain\hyphpa
r}{
Leo_looked_stunned._He_glanced_behind_him,_like_Khione_might_be_talking_to_so
meb
ody_else._For_a_second_Jason_was_worried._He_figured_Leo_didn\u8217?
t_have_beaut
iful_goddesses_make_him_offers_like_this_every_day.\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
Then_Leo_laughed_so_hard,_he_doubled_over._\u8220?
Yeah,_join_you._Right._Until_y
ou_get_bored_of_me_and_turn_me_into_a_Leosicle?
_Lady,_nobody_messes_with_my_drag
on_and_gets_away_with_it._I_can\u8217?t_believe_I_thought_you_were_hot.\u8221?
_\
Khione\u8217?s_face_turned_red._\u8220?Hot?_You_dare_insult_me?
_I_am_cold,_Leo_V
aldez._Very,_very_cold.\u8221?\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
She_shot_a_blast_of_wintry_sleet_at_the_demigods,_but_Leo_held_up_his_hand._A_
wa
ll_of_fire_roared_to_life_in_front_of_them,_and_the_snow_dissolved_in_a_steamy_c
loud.\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
Leo_grinned._\u8220?See,_lady,_that\u8217?
s_what_happens_to_snow_in_Texas._It\u8
212?freaking\u8212?melts.\u8221?\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
Khione_hissed._\u8220?Enough_of_this._Hera_is_failing._Porphyrion_is_rising._Kil
l_the_demigods._Let_them_be_our_king\u8217?s_first_meal!\u8221?_\par\pard\plain\
hyphpar}{
Jason_hefted_his_icy_wooden_plank\u8212?
a_stupid_weapon_to_die_fighting_with\u82
12?and_the_monsters_charged.
A WOLF LAUNCHED ITSELF AT JASON.}{\b
_}He_stepped_back_and_swung_his_scrap_wood_into_the_beast\u8217?
s_snout_with_a_s
atisfying_crack._Maybe_only_silver_could_kill_it,_but_a_good_old-fashioned_board
_could_still_give_it_a_Tylenol_headache.\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
He_turned_toward_the_sound_of_hooves_and_saw_a_storm_spirit_horse_bearing_do
wn_o
n_him._Jason_concentrated_and_summoned_the_wind._Just_before_the_spirit_could_
tr
ample_him,_Jason_launched_himself_into_the_air,_grabbed_the_horse\u8217?
s_smoky_
neck,_and_pirouetted_onto_its_back.\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
The_storm_spirit_reared._It_tried_to_shake_Jason,_then_tried_to_dissolve_into_mi
st_to_lose_him;_but_somehow_Jason_stayed_on._He_willed_the_horse_to_remain_in_
so
lid_form,_and_the_horse_seemed_unable_to_refuse._Jason_could_feel_it_fighting_ag
ainst_him._He_could_sense_its_raging_thoughts\u8212?
complete_chaos_straining_to_
break_free._It_took_all_Jason\u8217?s_willpower_to_impose_his_own_wishes_and_bri
ng_the_horse_under_control._He_thought_about_Aeolus,_overseeing_thousands_and
_th
ousands_of_spirits_like_this,_some_much_worse._No_wonder_the_Master_of_the_Win
ds
_had_gone_a_little_mad_after_centuries_of_that_pressure._But_Jason_had_only_one_
spirit_to_master,_and_he_{\i
had}_to_win._\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
\u8220?You\u8217?re_mine_now,\u8221?_Jason_said._\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
The_horse_bucked,_but_Jason_held_fast._Its_mane_flickered_as_it_circled_around_t
he_empty_pool,_its_hooves_causing_miniature_thunderstorms\u8212?
tempests\u8212?w
henever_they_touched.\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
\u8220?Tempest?\u8221?_Jason_said._\u8220?
Is_that_your_name?\u8221?\par\pard\pla
in\hyphpar}{
The_horse_spirit_shook_its_mane,_evidently_pleased_to_be_recognized.\par\pard\pl
ain\hyphpar}{
\u8220?Fine,\u8221?_Jason_said._\u8220?Now,_let\u8217?
s_fight.\u8221?\par\pard\p
lain\hyphpar}{
He_charged_into_battle,_swinging_his_icy_piece_of_wood,_knocking_aside_wolves_a
n
d_plunging_straight_through_other_{\i
venti}._Tempest_was_a_strong_spirit,_and_every_time_he_plowed_through_one_of_h
is
_brethren,_he_discharged_so_much_electricity,_the_other_spirit_vaporized_into_a_
harmless_cloud_of_mist.\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
Through_the_chaos,_Jason_caught_glimpses_of_his_friends._Piper_was_surrounded_
by
_Earthborn,_but_she_seemed_to_be_holding_her_own._She_was_so_impressivelooking_
as_she_fought,_almost_glowing_with_beauty,_that_the_Earthborn_stared_at_her_in_
a
we,_forgetting_that_they_were_supposed_to_kill_her._They\u8217?d_lower_their_clu
bs_and_watch_dumbfounded_as_she_smiled_and_charged_them._They\u8217?
d_smile_back
\u8212?
until_she_sliced_them_apart_with_her_dagger,_and_they_melted_into_mounds_
of_mud.\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
Leo_had_taken_on_Khione_herself._While_fighting_a_goddess_should\u8217?
ve_been_s
uicide,_Leo_was_the_right_man_for_the_job._She_kept_summoning_ice_daggers_to_t
hr
ow_at_him,_blasts_of_winter_air,_tornadoes_of_snow._Leo_burned_through_all_of_it
._His_whole_body_flickered_with_red_tongues_of_flame_like_he\u8217?
d_been_doused
_with_gasoline._He_advanced_on_the_goddess,_using_two_silver-tipped_ballpeen_ha
mmers_to_smash_any_monsters_that_got_in_his_way.\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
Jason_realized_that_Leo_was_the_only_reason_they_were_still_alive._His_fiery_aur
a_was_heating_up_the_whole_courtyard,_countering_Khione\u8217?
s_winter_magic._Wi
thout_him,_they_would\u8217?
ve_been_frozen_like_the_Hunters_long_ago._Wherever_L
eo_went,_ice_melted_off_the_stones._Even_Thalia_started_to_defrost_a_little_when
_Leo_stepped_near_her.\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
Khione_slowly_backed_away._Her_expression_went_from_enraged_to_shocked_to_sli
ght
ly_panicked_as_Leo_got_closer.\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
Jason_was_running_out_of_enemies._Wolves_lay_in_dazed_heaps._Some_slunk_awa
y_int
o_the_ruins,_yelping_from_their_wounds._Piper_stabbed_the_last_Earthborn,_who_to
ppled_to_the_ground_in_a_pile_of_sludge._Jason_rode_Tempest_through_the_last_{\i
ventus},_breaking_it_into_vapor._Then_he_wheeled_around_and_saw_Leo_bearing_d
own
_on_the_goddess_of_snow.\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
\u8220?You\u8217?re_too_late,\u8221?_Khione_snarled._\u8220?He\u8217?
s_awake!_An
d_don\u8217?t_think_you\u8217?ve_won_anything_here,_demigods._Hera\u8217?
s_plan_
will_never_work._You\u8217?ll_be_at_each_other\u8217?
s_throats_before_you_can_ev
er_stop_us.\u8221?\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
Leo_set_his_hammers_ablaze_and_threw_them_at_the_goddess,_but_she_turned_int
o_sn
ow\u8212?a_white_powdery_image_of_herself._Leo\u8217?
s_hammers_slammed_into_the_
snow_woman,_breaking_it_into_a_steaming_mound_of_mush.\par\pard\plain\hyphpa
r}{
Piper_was_breathing_hard,_but_she_smiled_up_at_Jason._\u8220?
Nice_horse.\u8221?_
Tempest_reared_on_his_hind_legs,_arcing_electricity_across_his_hooves._A_complet
e_show-off._\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
Then_Jason_heard_a_cracking_sound_behind_him._The_melting_ice_on_Hera\u8217?
s_ca
ge_sloughed_off_in_a_curtain_of_slush,_and_the_goddess_called,_\u8220?
Oh,_don\u8
217?t_mind_me!
_Just_the_queen_of_the_heavens,_dying_over_here!\u8221?\par\pard\p
lain\hyphpar}{
Jason_dismounted_and_told_Tempest_to_stay_put._The_three_demigods_jumped_int
o_th
e_pool_and_ran_to_the_spire.\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
Leo_frowned._\u8220?Uh,_T\u237?
a_Callida,_are_you_getting_shorter?\u8221?\par\pa
rd\plain\hyphpar}{
\u8220?No,_you_dolt!
_The_earth_is_claiming_me._Hurry!\u8221?\par\pard\plain\hyph
par}{
As_much_as_Jason_disliked_Hera,_what_he_saw_inside_the_cage_alarmed_him._Not
_onl
y_was_Hera_sinking,_the_ground_was_rising_around_her_like_water_in_a_tank._Liqui
d_rock_had_already_covered_her_shins._\u8220?The_giant_wakes!\u8221?
_Hera_warned
._\u8220?You_only_have_seconds!\u8221?\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
\u8220?On_it,\u8221?_Leo_said._\u8220?Piper,_I_need_your_help._Talk_to_the_cage.
\u8220?What?\u8221?_she_said._\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
\u8220?Talk_to_it._Use_everything_you\u8217?
ve_got._Convince_Gaea_to_sleep._Lull
_her_into_a_daze._Just_slow_her_down,_try_to_get_the_tendrils_to_loosen_while_I\
\u8220?Right!\u8221?_Piper_cleared_her_throat_and_said,_\u8220?
Hey,_Gaea._Nice_n
ight,_huh?_Boy,_I\u8217?m_tired._How_about_you?
_Ready_for_some_sleep?\u8221?\par
The_more_she_talked,_the_more_confident_she_sounded._Jason_felt_his_own_eyes_
get
ting_heavy,_and_he_had_to_force_himself_not_to_focus_on_her_words._It_seemed_t
o_
have_some_effect_on_the_cage._The_mud_was_rising_more_slowly._The_tendrils_se
eme
d_to_soften_just_a_little\u8212?becoming_more_like_tree_root_than_rock._Leo_pull
ed_a_circular_saw_out_of_his_tool_belt._How_it_fit_in_there,_Jason_had_no_idea._
Then_Leo_looked_at_the_cord_and_grunted_in_frustration._\u8220?I_don\u8217?
t_hav
e_anywhere_to_plug_it_in!\u8221?\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
The_spirit_horse_Tempest_jumped_into_the_pit_and_whinnied.\par\pard\plain\hyphp
a
r}{
\u8220?Really?\u8221?_Jason_asked.\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
Tempest_dipped_his_head_and_trotted_over_to_Leo._Leo_looked_dubious,_but_he_h
eld
_up_the_plug,_and_a_breeze_whisked_it_into_the_horse\u8217?s_flank._Lighting_spa
rked,_connecting_with_the_prongs_of_the_plug,_and_the_circular_saw_whirred_to_li
fe.\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
\u8220?Sweet!\u8221?_Leo_grinned._\u8220?
Your_horse_comes_with_AC_outlets!\u8221
Their_good_mood_didn\u8217?
t_last_long._On_the_other_side_of_the_pool,_the_giant
\u8217?s_spire_crumbled_with_a_sound_like_a_tree_snapping_in_half._Its_outer_she
ath_of_tendrils_exploded_from_the_top_down,_raining_stone_and_wood_shards_as_t
he
_giant_shook_himself_free_and_climbed_out_of_the_earth._\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}
{
Jason_hadn\u8217?
t_thought_anything_could_be_scarier_than_Enceladus._\par\pard\p
lain\hyphpar}{
He_was_wrong.\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
Porphyrion_was_even_taller,_and_even_more_ripped._He_didn\u8217?
t_radiate_heat,_
or_show_any_signs_of_breathing_fire,_but_there_was_something_more_terrible_abou
t
_him\u8212?
a_kind_of_strength,_even_magnetism,_as_if_the_giant_were_so_huge_and_
dense_he_had_his_own_gravitational_field.\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
Like_Enceladus,_the_giant_king_was_humanoid_from_the_waist_up,_clad_in_bronze_
ar
mor,_and_from_the_waist_down_he_had_scaly_dragon\u8217?
s_legs;_but_his_skin_was_
the_color_of_lima_beans._His_hair_was_green_as_summer_leaves,_braided_in_long_l
o
cks_and_decorated_with_weapons\u8212?daggers,_axes,_and_fullsize_swords,_some_o
f_them_bent_and_bloody\u8212?
maybe_trophies_taken_from_demigods_eons_before._Whe
n_the_giant_opened_his_eyes,_they_were_blank_white,_like_polished_marble._He_to
o
k_a_deep_breath.\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
\u8220?Alive!\u8221?_he_bellowed._\u8220?Praise_to_Gaea!\u8221?
_\par\pard\plain\
hyphpar}{
Jason_made_a_heroic_little_whimpering_sound_he_hoped_his_friends_couldn\u8217?
t_
hear._He_was_very_sure_no_demigod_could_solo_this_guy._Porphyrion_could_lift_mo
u
ntains._He_could_crush_Jason_with_one_finger.\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
\u8220?Leo,\u8221?_Jason_said._\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
\u8220?Huh?\u8221?_Leo\u8217?
s_mouth_was_wide_open._Even_Piper_seemed_dazed._\pa
\u8220?You_guys_keep_working,\u8221?_Jason_said._\u8220?
Get_Hera_free!\u8221?\pa
\u8220?What_are_you_going_to_do?\u8221?_Piper_asked._\u8220?You_can\u8217?
t_seri
ously\u8212?\u8221?\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
\u8220?Entertain_a_giant?\u8221?_Jason_said._\u8220?I\u8217?
ve_got_no_choice.\u8
\u8220?Excellent!\u8221?_the_giant_roared_as_Jason_approached._\u8220?
An_appetiz
er!_Who_are_you\u8212?Hermes?_Ares?\u8221?\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
Jason_thought_about_going_with_that_idea,_but_something_told_him_not_to._\par\p
a
rd\plain\hyphpar}{
\u8220?I\u8217?m_Jason_Grace,\u8221?_he_said._\u8220?
Son_of_Jupiter.\u8221?\par\
Those_white_eyes_bored_into_him._Behind_him,_Leo\u8217?
s_circular_saw_whirred,_a
nd_Piper_talked_to_the_cage_in_soothing_tones,_trying_to_keep_the_fear_out_of_he
r_voice.\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
Porphyrion_threw_back_his_head_and_laughed._\u8220?Outstanding!\u8221?
_He_looked
_up_at_the_cloudy_night_sky._\u8220?So,_Zeus,_you_sacrifice_a_son_to_me?
_The_ges
ture_is_appreciated,_but_it_will_not_save_you.\u8221?\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
The_sky_didn\u8217?
t_even_rumble._No_help_from_above._Jason_was_on_his_own._\par
He_dropped_his_makeshift_club._His_hands_were_covered_in_splinters,_but_that_di
d
n\u8217?
t_matter_now._He_had_to_buy_Leo_and_Piper_some_time,_and_he_couldn\u8217
?t_do_that_without_a_proper_weapon.\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
It_was_time_to_act_a_whole_lot_more_confident_than_he_felt._\par\pard\plain\hyph
par}{
\u8220?If_you_knew_who_I_was,\u8221?_Jason_yelled_up_at_the_giant,_\u8220?
you\u8
217?
d_be_worried_about_me,_not_my_father._I_hope_you_enjoyed_your_two_and_a_half
_minutes_of_rebirth,_giant,_because_I\u8217?
m_going_to_send_you_right_back_to_Ta
rtarus.\u8221?\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
The_giant\u8217?
s_eyes_narrowed._He_planted_one_foot_outside_the_pool_and_crouch
ed_to_get_a_better_look_at_his_opponent._\u8220?So_\u8230?_we\u8217?
ll_start_by_
boasting,_will_we?_Just_like_old_times!_Very_well,_demigod._I_am_Porphryion,_kin
g_of_the_giants,_son_of_Gaea._In_olden_times,_I_rose_from_Tatarus,_the_abyss_of_
my_father,_to_challenge_the_gods._To_start_the_war,_I_stole_Zeus\u8217?s_queen.\
u8221?_He_grinned_at_the_goddess\u8217?s_cage._\u8220?
Hello,_Hera.\u8221?\par\pa
rd\plain\hyphpar}{
\u8220?My_husband_destroyed_you_once,_monster!\u8221?_Hera_said._\u8220?
He\u8217
?ll_do_it_again!\u8221?\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
\u8220?But_he_didn\u8217?t,_my_dear!_Zeus_wasn\u8217?
t_powerful_enough_to_kill_m
e._He_had_to_rely_on_a_puny_demigod_to_help,_and_even_then,_we_almost_won._T
his_
time,_we_will_complete_what_we_started._Gaea_is_waking._She_has_provisioned_us
_w
ith_many_fine_servants._Our_armies_will_shake_the_earth\u8212?
and_we_will_destro
y_you_at_the_roots.\u8221?\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
\u8220?You_wouldn\u8217?t_dare,\u8221?
_Hera_said,_but_she_was_weakening._Jason_c
ould_hear_it_in_her_voice._Piper_kept_whispering_to_the_cage,_and_Leo_kept_sawin
g,_but_the_earth_was_still_rising_inside_Hera\u8217?s_prison,_covering_her_up_to
_her_waist.\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
\u8220?Oh,_yes,\u8221?_the_giant_said._\u8220?
The_Titans_sought_to_attack_your_n
ew_home_in_New_York._Bold,_but_ineffective._Gaea_is_wiser_and_more_patient._An
d_
we,_her_greatest_children,_are_much,_much_stronger_than_Kronos._We_know_how_
to_k
ill_you_Olympians_once_and_for_all._You_must_be_dug_up_completely_like_rotten_tr
ees\u8212?
your_eldest_roots_torn_out_and_burned.\u8221?\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
The_giant_frowned_at_Piper_and_Leo,_as_if_he\u8217?
d_just_noticed_them_working_a
t_the_cage._Jason_stepped_forward_and_yelled_to_get_back_Porphyrion\u8217?
s_atte
ntion._\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
\u8220?You_said_a_demigod_killed_you,\u8221?_he_shouted._\u8220?
How,_if_we\u8217
?re_so_puny?\u8221?\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
\u8220?Ha!_You_think_I_would_explain_it_to_you?
_I_was_created_to_be_Zeus\u8217?s
_replacement,_born_to_destroy_the_lord_of_the_sky._I_shall_take_his_throne._I_sh
all_take_his_wife\u8212?or,_if_she_will_not_have_me,_I_will_let_the_earth_consum
e_her_life_force._What_you_see_before_you,_child,_is_only_my_weakened_form._I_wi
ll_grow_stronger_by_the_hour,_until_I_am_invincible._But_I_am_already_quite_capa
ble_of_smashing_you_to_a_grease_spot!\u8221?\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
He_rose_to_his_full_height_and_held_out_his_hand._A_twenty-foot_spear_shot_from_
the_earth._He_grasped_it,_then_stomped_the_ground_with_his_dragon\u8217?
s_feet._
The_ruins_shook._All_around_the_courtyard,_monsters_started_to_regather\u8212?
st
orm_spirits,_wolves,_and_Earthborn,_all_answering_the_giant_king\u8217?s_call._\
\u8220?Great,\u8221?_Leo_muttered._\u8220?We_needed_more_enemies.\u8221?
_\par\pa
rd\plain\hyphpar}{
\u8220?Hurry,\u8221?_Hera_said.\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
\u8220?I_know!\u8221?_Leo_snapped.\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
\u8220?Go_to_sleep,_cage,\u8221?_Piper_said._\u8220?Nice,_sleepy_cage._Yes,_I\u8
217?m_talking_to_a_bunch_of_earthen_tendrils._This_isn\u8217?t_weird_at_all.\u82
Porphyrion_raked_his_spear_across_the_top_of_the_ruins,_destroying_a_chimney_an
d
_spraying_wood_and_stone_across_the_courtyard._\u8220?So,_child_of_Zeus!
_I_have_
finished_my_boasting._Now_it\u8217?
s_your_turn._What_were_you_saying_about_destr
oying_me?\u8221?_\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
Jason_looked_at_the_ring_of_monsters,_waiting_impatiently_for_their_master\u8217
?s_order_to_tear_them_to_shreds._Leo\u8217?s_circular_saw_kept_whirring,_and_Pip
er_kept_talking,_but_it_seemed_hopeless._Hera\u8217?
s_cage_was_almost_completely
_filled_with_earth._\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
\u8220?I\u8217?m_the_son_of_Jupiter!\u8221?
_he_shouted,_and_just_for_effect,_he_
summoned_the_winds,_rising_a_few_feet_off_the_ground._\u8220?I\u8217?
m_a_child_o
f_Rome,_consul_to_demigods,_praetor_of_the_First_Legion.\u8221?
_Jason_didn\u8217
?t_know_quite_what_he_was_saying,_but_he_rattled_off_the_words_like_he\u8217?
d_s
aid_them_many_times_before._He_held_out_his_arms,_showing_the_tattoo_of_the_e
agl
e_and_SPQR,_and_to_his_surprise_the_giant_seemed_to_recognize_it.\par\pard\plain
\hyphpar}{
For_a_moment,_Porphyrion_actually_looked_uneasy.\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
\u8220?I_slew_the_Trojan_sea_monster,\u8221?_Jason_continued._\u8220?
I_toppled_t
he_black_throne_of_Kronos,_and_destroyed_the_Titan_Krios_with_my_own_hands._A
nd_
now_I\u8217?
m_going_to_destroy_you,_Porphyrion,_and_feed_you_to_your_own_wolves.
\u8220?Wow,_dude,\u8221?_Leo_muttered._\u8220?
You_been_eating_red_meat?\u8221?\p
Jason_launched_himself_at_the_giant,_determined_to_tear_him_apart._\par\pard\pla
in\hyphpar}{
The_idea_of_fighting_a_forty-foot-tall_immortal_bare_handed_was_so_ridiculous,_e
ven_the_giant_seemed_surprised._Half_flying,_half_leaping,_Jason_landed_on_the_g
iant\u8217?s_scaly_reptilian_knee_and_climbed_up_the_giant\u8217?
s_arm_before_Po
rphyrion_even_realized_what_had_happened._\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
\u8220?You_dare?\u8221?_the_giant_bellowed.\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
Jason_reached_his_shoulders_and_ripped_a_sword_out_of_the_giant\u8217?
s_weapon-f
illed_braids._He_yelled,_\u8220?For_Rome!\u8221?
_and_drove_the_sword_into_the_ne
arest_convenient_target\u8212?the_giant\u8217?s_massive_ear._\par\pard\plain\hyp
hpar}{
Lightning_streaked_out_of_the_sky_and_blasted_the_sword,_throwing_Jason_free._H
e
_rolled_when_he_hit_the_ground._When_he_looked_up,_the_giant_was_staggering._
His
_hair_was_on_fire,_and_the_side_of_his_face_was_blackened_from_lightning._The_sw
ord_had_splintered_in_his_ear._Golden_ichor_ran_down_his_jaw._The_other_weapons
_
were_sparking_and_smoldering_in_his_braids._\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
Porphyrion_almost_fell._The_circle_of_monsters_let_out_a_collective_growl_and_mo
ved_forward\u8212?wolves_and_ogres_fixing_their_eyes_on_Jason.\par\pard\plain\hy
phpar}{
\u8220?No!\u8221?
_Porphyrion_yelled._He_regained_his_balance_and_glared_at_the_d
emigod._\u8220?I_will_kill_him_myself.\u8221?\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
The_giant_raised_his_spear_and_it_began_to_glow._\u8220?You_want_to_play_with_li
ghtning,_boy?
_You_forget._I_am_the_bane_of_Zeus._I_was_created_to_destroy_your_f
ather,_which_means_I_know_exactly_what_will_kill_{\i
Something_in_Porphyrion\u8217?s_voice_told_Jason_he_wasn\u8217?
t_bluffing.\par\p
ard\plain\hyphpar}{
Jason_and_his_friends_had_had_a_good_run._The_three_of_them_had_done_amazing
_thi
ngs._Yeah,_even_{\i
heroic_}things._But_as_the_giant_raised_his_spear,_Jason_knew_there_was_no_way_
h
e_could_deflect_this_strike._\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
This_was_the_end._\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
\u8220?Got_it!\u8221?_Leo_yelled.\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
\u8220?Sleep!\u8221?_Piper_said,_so_forcefully,_the_nearest_wolves_fell_to_the_g
round_and_began_snoring.\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
The_stone_and_wood_cage_crumbled._Leo_had_sawed_through_the_base_of_the_thi
ckest
_tendril_and_apparently_cut_off_the_cage\u8217?
s_connection_to_Gaea._The_tendril
s_turned_to_dust._The_mud_around_Hera_disintegrated._The_goddess_grew_in_size,
_g
lowing_with_power.\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
\u8220?Yes!\u8221?
_the_goddess_said._She_threw_off_her_black_robes_to_reveal_a_w
hite_gown,_her_arms_bedecked_with_golden_jewelry._Her_face_was_both_terrible_a
nd
_beautiful,_and_a_golden_crown_glowed_in_her_long_black_hair._\u8220?
Now_I_shall
_have_my_revenge!\u8221?\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
The_giant_Porphyrion_backed_away._He_said_nothing,_but_he_gave_Jason_one_last_
lo
ok_of_hatred._His_message_was_clear:_{\i
Another_time._}Then_he_slammed_his_spear_against_the_earth,_and_the_giant_dis
app
eared_into_the_ground_like_he\u8217?
d_dropped_down_a_chute._\par\pard\plain\hyph
par}{
Around_the_courtyard,_monsters_began_to_panic_and_retreat,_but_there_was_no_e
sca
pe_for_them.\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
Hera_glowed_brighter._She_shouted,_\u8220?Cover_your_eyes,_my_heroes!\u8221?
_\pa
But_Jason_was_too_much_in_shock._He_understood_too_late._\par\pard\plain\hyphp
ar
}{
He_watched_as_Hera_turned_into_a_supernova,_exploding_in_a_ring_of_force_that_v
a
porized_every_monster_instantly._Jason_fell,_light_searing_into_his_mind,_and_hi
s_last_thought_was_that_his_body_was_burning.
JASON,
Piper_kept_calling_his_name_as_she_held_him,_though_she\u8217?
d_almost_lost_hope
._He\u8217?
d_been_unconscious_for_two_minutes_now._His_body_was_steaming,_his_ey
es_rolled_back_in_his_head._She_couldn\u8217?t_tell_if_he_was_even_breathing._\p
\u8220?It\u8217?s_no_use,_child.\u8221?
_Hera_stood_over_them_in_her_simple_black
_robes_and_shawl._\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
Piper_hadn\u8217?t_seen_the_goddess_go_nuclear._Thankfully_she\u8217?
d_closed_he
r_eyes,_but_she_could_see_the_aftereffects._Every_vestige_of_winter_was_gone_fro
m_the_valley._No_signs_of_battle,_either._The_monsters_had_been_vaporized._The_r
uins_had_been_restored_to_what_they_were_before\u8212?
still_ruins,_but_with_no_e
vidence_that_they\u8217?
d_been_overrun_by_a_horde_of_wolves,_storm_spirits,_and_
six-armed_ogres.\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
Even_the_Hunters_had_been_revived._Most_waited_at_a_respectful_distance_in_the
_m
eadow,_but_Thalia_knelt_by_Piper\u8217?s_side,_her_hand_on_Jason\u8217?
s_forehea
d._\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
Thalia_glared_up_at_the_goddess._\u8220?
This_is_your_fault._Do_something!\u8221?
\u8220?
Do_not_address_me_that_way,_girl._I_am_the_queen\u8212?\u8221?\par\pard\p
lain\hyphpar}{
\u8220?Fix_him!\u8221?_\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
Hera\u8217?s_eyes_flickered_with_power._\u8220?I_{\i
did_}warn_him._I_would_never_intentionally_hurt_the_boy._He_was_to_be_my_cham
pio
n._I_told_them_to_close_their_eyes_before_I_revealed_my_true_form.\u8221?\par\pa
rd\plain\hyphpar}{
\u8220?Um_\u8230?\u8221?_Leo_frowned._\u8220?True_form_is_bad,_right?
_So_why_did
_you_do_it?\u8221?\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
\u8220?I_unleashed_my_power_to_help_you,_fool!\u8221?_Hera_cried._\u8220?
I_becam
e_pure_energy_so_I_could_disintegrate_the_monsters,_restore_this_place,_and_even
_save_these_miserable_Hunters_from_the_ice.\u8221?_\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
\u8220?But_mortals_can\u8217?t_look_upon_you_in_that_form!\u8221?
_Thalia_shouted
._\u8220?You\u8217?ve_killed_him!\u8221?_\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
Leo_shook_his_head_in_dismay._\u8220?That\u8217?
s_what_our_prophecy_meant._{\i
Death_unleash,_through_Hera\u8217?s_rage._}Come_on,_lady._You\u8217?
re_a_goddess
._Do_some_voodoo_magic_on_him!_Bring_him_back.\u8221?
Piper_half_heard_their_conversation,_but_mostly_she_was_focused_on_Jason\u8217?
s
_face._\u8220?He\u8217?s_breathing!\u8221?
_she_announced.\par\pard\plain\hyphpar
}{
\u8220?Impossible,\u8221?_Hera_said._\u8220?
I_wish_it_were_true,_child,_but_no_m
ortal_has_ever\u8212?\u8221?_\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
\u8220?Jason,\u8221?_Piper_called,_putting_every_bit_of_her_willpower_into_his_n
ame._She_could_{\i
not_}lose_him._\u8220?Listen_to_me._You_can_do_this._Come_back._You\u8217?
re_goi
ng_to_be_fine.\u8221?\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
Nothing_happened._Had_she_imagined_his_breath_stirring?\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}
{
\u8220?Healing_is_not_a_power_of_Aphrodite,\u8221?_Hera_said_regretfully._\u8220
?Even_I_cannot_fix_this,_girl._His_mortal_spirit\u8212?\u8221?_\par\pard\plain\h
yphpar}{
\u8220?Jason,\u8221?
_Piper_said_again,_and_she_imagined_her_voice_resonating_thr
ough_the_earth,_all_the_way_down_to_the_Underworld._\u8220?
Wake_up.\u8221?\par\p
ard\plain\hyphpar}{
He_gasped,_and_his_eyes_flew_open._For_a_moment_they_were_full_of_light\u8212
?gl
owing_pure_gold._Then_the_light_faded_and_his_eyes_were_normal_again._\u8220?
Wha
t\u8212?what_happened?\u8221?\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
\u8220?Impossible!\u8221?_Hera_said.\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
Piper_wrapped_him_in_a_hug_until_he_groaned,_\u8220?Crushing_me.\u8221?
_\par\par
d\plain\hyphpar}{
\u8220?Sorry,\u8221?
_she_said,_so_relieved,_she_laughed_while_wiping_a_tear_from
_her_eye.\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
Thalia_gripped_her_brother\u8217?s_hand._\u8220?
How_do_you_feel?\u8221?\par\pard
\plain\hyphpar}{
\u8220?Hot,\u8221?_he_muttered._\u8220?
Mouth_is_dry._And_I_saw_something\u8230?_
really_terrible.\u8221?\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
\u8220?That_was_Hera,\u8221?_Thalia_grumbled._\u8220?
Her_Majesty,_the_Loose_Cann
on.\u8221?_\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
\u8220?That\u8217?s_it,_Thalia_Grace,\u8221?_said_the_goddess._\u8220?I_will_tur
n_you_into_an_aardvark,_so_help_me\u8212?\u8221?\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
\u8220?Stop_it,_you_two,\u8221?
_Piper_said._Amazingly,_they_both_shut_up.\par\pa
rd\plain\hyphpar}{
Piper_helped_Jason_to_his_feet_and_gave_him_the_last_nectar_from_their_supplies.
\u8220?Now_\u8230?\u8221?_Piper_faced_Thalia_and_Hera._\u8220?Hera\u8212?
Your_Ma
jesty\u8212?we_couldn\u8217?
t_have_rescued_you_without_the_Hunters._And_Thalia,_
you_never_would\u8217?ve_seen_Jason_again\u8212?{\i
I_}wouldn\u8217?t_have_met_him\u8212?if_it_weren\u8217?
t_for_Hera._You_two_make_
nice,_because_we\u8217?ve_got_bigger_problems.\u8221?\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}
{
They_both_glared_at_her,_and_for_three_long_seconds,_Piper_wasn\u8217?
t_sure_whi
ch_one_of_them_was_going_to_kill_her_first._\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
Finally_Thalia_grunted._\u8220?You\u8217?ve_got_spirit,_Piper.\u8221?_She_pulled
_a_silver_card_from_her_parka_and_tucked_it_into_the_pocket_of_Piper\u8217?s_sno
wboarding_jacket._\u8220?
You_ever_want_to_be_a_Hunter,_call_me._We_could_use_you
Hera_crossed_her_arms._\u8220?Fortunately_for_{\i
this_}Hunter,_you_have_a_point,_daughter_of_Aphrodite.\u8221?
_She_assessed_Piper
,_as_if_seeing_her_clearly_for_the_time._\u8220?You_wondered,_Piper,_why_I_chose
_you_for_this_quest,_why_I_didn\u8217?t_reveal_your_secret_in_the_beginning,_eve
n_when_I_knew_Enceladus_was_using_you._I_must_admit,_until_this_moment_I_was
_not
_sure._Something_told_me_you_would_be_vital_to_the_quest._Now_I_see_I_was_righ
t.
_You\u8217?
re_even_stronger_than_I_realized._And_you_are_correct_about_the_dange
rs_to_come._We_must_work_together.\u8221?\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
Piper\u8217?s_face_felt_warm._She_wasn\u8217?
t_sure_how_to_respond_to_Hera\u8217
?s_compliment,_but_Leo_stepped_in.\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
\u8220?Yeah,\u8221?_he_said,_\u8220?I_don\u8217?
t_suppose_that_Porphyrion_guy_ju
st_melted_and_died,_huh?\u8221?_\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
\u8220?No,\u8221?_Hera_agreed._\u8220?
By_saving_me,_and_saving_this_place,_you_p
revented_Gaea_from_waking._You_have_bought_us_some_time._But_Porphyrion_has
_rise
n._He_simply_knew_better_than_to_stay_here,_especially_since_he_has_not_yet_reg
a
ined_his_full_power._Giants_can_only_be_killed_by_a_combination_of_god_and_demi
g
od,_working_together._Once_you_freed_me\u8212?\u8221?\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}
{
\u8220?He_ran_away,\u8221?_Jason_said._\u8220?
But_to_where?\u8221?\par\pard\plai
n\hyphpar}{
Hera_didn\u8217?
t_answer,_but_a_sense_of_dread_washed_over_Piper._She_remembered
_what_Porphyrion_had_said_about_killing_the_Olympians_by_pulling_up_their_roots.
_{\i
Greece._}She_looked_at_Thalia\u8217?
s_grim_expression,_and_guessed_the_Hunter_ha
d_come_to_the_same_conclusion._\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
\u8220?I_need_to_find_Annabeth,\u8221?_Thalia_said._\u8220?
She_has_to_know_what\
u8217?s_happened_here.\u8221?\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
\u8220?Thalia_\u8230?\u8221?_Jason_gripped_her_hand._\u8220?
We_never_got_to_talk
_about_this_place,_or\u8212?\u8221?\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
\u8220?I_know.\u8221?_Her_expression_softened._\u8220?
I_lost_you_here_once._I_do
n\u8217?t_want_to_leave_you_again._But_we\u8217?ll_meet_soon._I\u8217?
ll_rendezv
ous_with_you_back_at_Camp_Half-Blood.\u8221?_She_glanced_at_Hera._\u8220?
You\u82
17?ll_see_them_there_safely?_It\u8217?s_the_least_you_can_do.\u8221?_\par\pard\p
lain\hyphpar}{
\u8220?It\u8217?
s_not_your_place_to_tell_me\u8212?\u8221?\par\pard\plain\hyphpar
}{
\u8220?Queen_Hera,\u8221?_Piper_interceded.\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
The_goddess_sighed._\u8220?Fine._Yes._Just_off_with_you,_Hunter!\u8221?\par\pard
\plain\hyphpar}{
Thalia_gave_Jason_a_hug_and_said_her_goodbyes._When_the_Hunters_were_gone,_the_
courtyard_seemed_strangely_quiet._The_dry_reflecting_pool_showed_no_sign_of_the
_
earthen_tendrils_that_had_brought_back_the_giant_king_or_imprisoned_Hera._The_n
i
ght_sky_was_clear_and_starry._The_wind_rustled_in_the_redwoods._Piper_thought_a
b
out_that_night_in_Oklahoma_when_she_and_her_dad_had_slept_in_Grandpa_Tom\u8
217?s
_front_yard._She_thought_about_the_night_on_the_Wilderness_School_dorm_roof,_w
he
n_Jason_had_kissed_her\u8212?in_her_Mistaltered_memories,_anyway.\par\pard\plai
n\hyphpar}{
\u8220?Jason,_what_happened_to_you_here?\u8221?_she_asked._\u8220?
I_mean\u8212?I
_know_your_mom_abandoned_you_here._But_you_said_it_was_sacred_ground_for_d
emigod
s._Why?
_What_happened_after_you_were_on_your_own?\u8221?\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}
{
Jason_shook_his_head_uneasily._\u8220?It\u8217?
s_still_murky._The_wolves_\u8230?
\u8220?You_were_given_a_destiny,\u8221?_Hera_said._\u8220?
You_were_given_into_my
_service.\u8221?_\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
Jason_scowled._\u8220?
Because_you_forced_my_mom_to_do_that._You_couldn\u8217?t_s
tand_knowing_Zeus_had_two_children_with_my_mom._Knowing_that_he\u8217?
d_fallen_f
or_her_{\i
twice}._I_was_the_price_you_demanded_for_leaving_the_rest_of_my_family_alone._\
u
\u8220?It_was_the_right_choice_for_you_as_well,_Jason,\u8221?_Hera_insisted._\u8
220?The_second_time_your_mother_managed_to_snare_Zeus\u8217?
s_affections,_it_was
_because_she_imagined_him_in_a_different_aspect\u8212?
the_aspect_of_Jupiter._Nev
er_before_had_this_happened\u8212?
two_children,_Greek_and_Roman,_born_into_the_s
ame_family._You_{\i
had_}to_be_separated_from_Thalia._This_is_where_all_demigods_of_your_kind_start
_
their_journey.\u8221?\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
\u8220?Of_his_kind?\u8221?_Piper_asked.\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
\u8220?She_means_Roman,\u8221?_Jason_said._\u8220?
Demigods_are_left_here._We_mee
t_the_shewolf_goddess,_Lupa,_the_same_immortal_wolf_that_raised_Romulus_and_Rem
us.\u8221?_\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
Hera_nodded._\u8220?
And_if_you_are_strong_enough,_you_live.\u8221?\par\pard\plai
n\hyphpar}{
\u8220?But_\u8230?\u8221?_Leo_looked_mystified._\u8220?
What_happened_after_that?
_I_mean,_Jason_never_made_it_to_camp.\u8221?\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
\u8220?Not_to_Camp_Half-Blood,_no,\u8221?_Hera_agreed.\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}
{
Piper_felt_as_if_the_sky_were_spiraling_above_her,_making_her_dizzy._\u8220?You_
went_somewhere_else._That\u8217?s_where_you\u8217?
ve_been_all_these_years._Somew
here_else_for_demigods\u8212?but_where?\u8221?\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
Jason_turned_to_the_goddess._\u8220?
The_memories_are_coming_back,_but_not_the_lo
cation._You\u8217?
re_not_going_to_tell_me,_are_you?\u8221?\par\pard\plain\hyphpa
r}{
\u8220?No,\u8221?_Hera_said._\u8220?
That_is_part_of_your_destiny,_Jason._You_mus
t_find_your_own_way_back._But_when_you_do_\u8230?
_you_will_unite_two_great_power
s._You_will_give_us_hope_against_the_giants,_and_more_importantly\u8212?
against_
Gaea_herself.\u8221?_\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
\u8220?You_want_us_to_help_you,\u8221?_Jason_said,_\u8220?but_you\u8217?
re_holdi
ng_back_information.\u8221?_\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
\u8220?Giving_you_answers_would_make_those_answers_invalid,\u8221?
_Hera_said._\u
8220?
That_is_the_way_of_the_Fates._You_must_forge_your_own_path_for_it_to_mean_a
nything._Already,_you_three_have_surprised_me._I_would_not_have_thought_it_poss
i
ble_\u8230?\u8221?\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
The_goddess_shook_her_head._\u8220?
Suffice_to_say,_you_have_performed_well,_demi
gods._But_this_is_only_the_beginning._Now_you_must_return_to_Camp_HalfBlood,_wh
ere_you_will_begin_planning_for_the_next_phase.\u8221?\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
\u8220?Which_you_won\u8217?t_tell_us_about,\u8221?_Jason_grumped._\u8220?
And_I_s
uppose_you_destroyed_my_nice_storm_spirit_horse,_so_we\u8217?
ll_have_to_walk_hom
e?\u8221?_\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
Hera_waved_aside_the_question._\u8220?Storm_spirits_are_creatures_of_chaos._I_di
d_not_destroy_that_one,_though_I_have_no_idea_where_he_went,_or_whether_you\u
821
7?
ll_see_him_again._But_there_is_an_easier_way_home_for_you._As_you_have_done_
me
_a_great_service,_so_I_can_help_you\u8212?at_least_this_once._Farewell,_demigods
,_for_now.\u8221?\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
The_world_turned_upside_down,_and_Piper_almost_blacked_out._\par\pard\plain\hyp
h
par}{
When_she_could_see_straight_again,_she_was_back_at_camp,_in_the_dining_pavilio
n,
_in_the_middle_of_dinner._They_were_standing_on_the_Aphrodite_cabin\u8217?
s_tabl
e,_and_Piper_had_one_foot_in_Drew\u8217?
s_pizza._Sixty_campers_rose_at_once,_gaw
king_at_them_in_astonishment._\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
Whatever_Hera_had_done_to_shoot_them_across_the_country,_it_wasn\u8217?
t_good_fo
r_Piper\u8217?s_stomach._She_could_barely_control_her_nausea._Leo_wasn\u8217?
t_s
o_lucky._He_jumped_off_the_table,_ran_to_the_nearest_bronze_brazier,_and_threw_u
p_in_it\u8212?which_was_probably_not_a_great_burnt_offering_for_the_gods.\par\pa
rd\plain\hyphpar}{
\u8220?Jason?\u8221?
_Chiron_trotted_forward._No_doubt_the_old_centaur_had_seen_t
housands_of_years\u8217?
_worth_of_weird_stuff,_but_even_he_looked_totally_flabbe
rgasted._\u8220?What\u8212?How\u8212??\u8221?\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
The_Aphrodite_campers_stared_up_at_Piper_with_their_mouths_open._Piper_figured
_s
he_must_look_awful.\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
\u8220?Hi,\u8221?_she_said,_as_casually_as_she_could._\u8220?We\u8217?
re_back.
PIPER
DIDNT
REMEMBER
MUCH
ABOUT
the_rest_of_the_night._They_told_their_story_and_answered_a_million_questions_
from_the_other_campers,_but_finally_Chiron_saw_how_tired_they_were_and_ordered
_t
hem_to_bed._\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
It_felt_so_good_to_sleep_on_a_real_mattress,_and_Piper_was_so_exhausted,_she_cra
shed_immediately,_which_spared_her_any_worry_about_what_it_would_be_like_retur
ni
ng_to_the_Aphrodite_cabin._\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
The_next_morning_she_woke_in_her_bunk,_feeling_reinvigorated._The_sun_came_th
rou
gh_the_windows_along_with_a_pleasant_breeze._It_might\u8217?
ve_been_spring_inste
ad_of_winter._Birds_sang._Monsters_howled_in_the_woods._Breakfast_smells_wafted
_
from_the_dining_pavilion\u8212?bacon,_pancakes,_and_all_sorts_of_wonderful_thing
s.\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
Drew_and_her_gang_were_frowning_down_at_her,_their_arms_crossed._\par\pard\pl
ain
\hyphpar}{
\u8220?Morning.\u8221?_Piper_sat_up_and_smiled._\u8220?Beautiful_day.\u8221?
_\pa
\u8220?You\u8217?re_going_to_make_us_late_for_breakfast,\u8221?
_Drew_said,_\u822
0?which_means_{\i
you}_get_to_clean_the_cabin_for_inspection.\u8221?\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
A_week_ago,_Piper_would\u8217?
ve_either_punched_Drew_in_the_face,_or_hidden_back
_under_her_covers._Now_she_thought_about_the_Cyclopes_in_Detroit,_Medea_in_Ch
ica
go,_Midas_turning_her_to_gold_in_Omaha._Looking_at_Drew,_who_used_to_bother_h
er,
_Piper_laughed.\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
Drew\u8217?
s_smug_expression_crumbled._She_backed_up,_then_remembered_she_was_su
pposed_to_be_angry._\u8220?
What_are_you\u8212?\u8221?\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
\u8220?Challenging_you,\u8221?_Piper_said._\u8220?
How_about_noon_in_the_arena?_Y
ou_can_choose_the_weapons.\u8221?\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
She_got_out_of_bed,_stretched_leisurely,_and_beamed_at_her_cabinmates._She_spo
tt
ed_Mitchell_and_Lacy,_who\u8217?
d_helped_her_pack_for_the_quest._They_were_smili
ng_tentatively,_their_eyes_flitting_from_Piper_to_Drew_like_this_might_be_a_very
_interesting_tennis_game.\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
\u8220?I_missed_you_guys!\u8221?_Piper_announced._\u8220?We\u8217?
re_going_to_ha
ve_a_great_time_when_I\u8217?m_senior_counselor.\u8221?
{
Drew_turned_bug_juice_red._Even_her_closest_lieutenants_looked_a_little_nervous.
_This_wasn\u8217?t_in_their_script.\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
\u8220?You\u8212?\u8221?_Drew_spluttered._\u8220?You_ugly_little_witch!
_I\u8217?
ve_been_here_the_longest._You_can\u8217?
t_just\u8212?\u8221?\par\pard\plain\hyph
par}{
\u8220?Challenge_you?\u8221?_Piper_said._\u8220?
Sure,_I_can._Camp_rules:_I\u8217
?ve_been_claimed_by_Aphrodite._I\u8217?
ve_completed_a_quest,_which_is_one_more_t
han_{\i
you\u8217?ve_}completed._If_I_feel_I_can_do_a_better_job,_I_can_challenge_you._U
nless_you_just_want_to_step_down._Did_I_get_all_that_right,_Mitchell?\u8221?\par
\u8220?Just_right,_Piper.\u8221?
_Mitchell_was_grinning._Lacy_was_bouncing_up_and
_down_like_she_was_trying_to_achieve_liftoff._\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
A_few_of_the_other_kids_started_to_grin,_as_if_they_were_enjoying_the_different_
colors_Drew\u8217?s_face_was_turning._\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
{\i
\u8220?Step_down?\u8221?_}Drew_shrieked._\u8220?You\u8217?
re_crazy!\u8221?\par\p
ard\plain\hyphpar}{
Piper_shrugged._Then_fast_as_a_viper_she_pulled_Katoptris_from_under_her_pillow,
_unsheathed_the_dagger,_and_thrust_the_point_under_Drew\u8217?
s_chin._Everybody_
else_backed_up_fast._One_guy_crashed_into_a_makeup_table_and_sent_up_a_plum
e_of_
pink_powder.\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
\u8220?A_duel,_then,\u8221?_Piper_said_cheerfully._\u8220?If_you_don\u8217?
t_wan
t_to_wait_until_noon,_now_is_fine._You\u8217?ve_turned_this_cabin_into_a_dictato
rship,_Drew._Silena_Beauregard_knew_better_than_that._Aphrodite_is_about_love_a
n
d_beauty._{\i
Being_}loving._{\i
Spreading}beauty._Good_friends._Good_times._Good_deeds._Not_just_looking_good.
_S
ilena_made_mistakes,_but_in_the_end_she_stood_by_her_friends._That\u8217?
s_why_s
he_was_a_hero._I\u8217?m_going_to_set_things_right,_and_I\u8217?
ve_got_a_feeling
_Mom_will_be_on_my_side._Want_to_find_out?\u8221?_\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
Drew_went_cross-eyed_looking_down_the_blade_of_Piper\u8217?
s_dagger.\par\pard\pl
ain\hyphpar}{
A_second_passed._Then_two._Piper_didn\u8217?
t_care._She_was_absolutely_happy_and
_confident._It_must\u8217?ve_shown_in_her_smile._\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
\u8220?I_\u8230?_step_down,\u8221?_Drew_grumbled._\u8220?
But_if_you_think_I\u821
7?m_ever_going_to_forget_this,_McLean\u8212?\u8221?\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
\u8220?Oh,_I_hope_you_won\u8217?t,\u8221?_Piper_said._\u8220?
Now,_run_along_to_t
he_dining_pavilion,_and_explain_to_Chiron_why_we\u8217?re_late._There\u8217?
s_be
en_a_change_of_leadership.\u8221?\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
Drew_backed_to_the_door._Even_her_closest_lieutenants_didn\u8217?
t_follow_her._S
he_was_about_to_leave_when_Piper_said,_\u8220?Oh,_and_Drew,_honey?\u8221?
_\par\p
ard\plain\hyphpar}{
The_former_counselor_looked_back_reluctantly.\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
\u8220?In_case_you_think_I\u8217?m_not_a_true_daughter_of_Aphrodite,\u8221?
_Pipe
r_said,_\u8220?don\u8217?t_even_{\i
look_}at_Jason_Grace._He_may_not_know_it_yet,_but_he\u8217?s_{\i
mine}._If_you_even_try_to_make_a_move,_I_will_load_you_into_a_catapult_and_sho
ot
_you_across_Long_Island_Sound.\u8221?\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
Drew_turned_around_so_fast,_she_ran_into_the_doorframe._Then_she_was_gone.\pa
r\p
ard\plain\hyphpar}{
The_cabin_was_silent._The_other_campers_stared_at_Piper._This_was_the_part_she_
w
as_unsure_of._She_didn\u8217?t_want_to_rule_by_fear._She_wasn\u8217?
t_like_Drew,
_but_she_didn\u8217?t_know_if_they\u8217?d_accept_her.\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}
{
Then,_spontaneously,_the_Aphrodite_campers_cheered_so_loudly,_they_must\u821
7?ve
_been_heard_all_across_camp._They_herded_Piper_out_of_the_cabin,_raised_her_on
_t
heir_shoulders,_and_carried_her_all_the_way_to_the_dining_pavilion\u8212?still_i
n_her_pajamas,_her_hair_still_a_mess,_but_she_didn\u8217?t_care._She\u8217?
d_nev
er_felt_better._\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
By_afternoon,_Piper_had_changed_into_comfortable_camp_clothes_and_led_the_Aph
rod
ite_cabin_through_their_morning_activities._She_was_ready_for_free_time.\par\par
d\plain\hyphpar}{
Some_of_the_buzz_of_her_victory_had_faded_because_she_had_an_appointment_at
_the_
Big_House.\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
Chiron_met_her_on_the_front_porch_in_human_form,_compacted_into_his_wheelchai
r._
\u8220?
Come_inside,_my_dear._The_video_conference_is_ready.\u8221?\par\pard\plai
n\hyphpar}{
The_only_computer_at_camp_was_in_Chiron\u8217?
s_office,_and_the_whole_room_was_s
hielded_in_bronze_plating._\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
\u8220?Demigods_and_technology_don\u8217?t_mix,\u8221?
_Chiron_explained._\u8220?
Phone_calls,_texting,_even_browsing_the_Internet\u8212?all_these_things_can_attr
act_monsters._Why,_just_this_fall_at_a_school_in_Cincinnati,_we_had_to_rescue_a_
young_hero_who_Googled_the_gorgons_and_got_a_little_more_than_he_bargained_f
or,_
but_never_mind_that._Here_at_camp,_you\u8217?re_protected._Still_\u8230?
_we_try_
to_be_cautious._You\u8217?ll_only_be_able_to_talk_for_a_few_minutes.\u8221?\par\
\u8220?Got_it,\u8221?_Piper_said._\u8220?Thank_you,_Chiron.\u8221?\par\pard\plai
n\hyphpar}{
He_smiled_and_wheeled_himself_out_of_the_office._Piper_hesitated_before_clicking
_the_call_button._Chiron\u8217?s_office_had_a_cluttered,_cozy_feel._One_wall_was
_covered_with_T-shirts_from_different_conventions\u8212?party_ponies_\u8217?
09_v
egas,_party_ponies_\u8217?10_honolulu,_et_cetera._Piper_didn\u8217?
t_know_who_th
e_Party_Ponies_were,_but_judging_from_the_stains,_scorch_marks,_and_weapon_hol
es
_in_the_T-shirts,_they_must\u8217?
ve_had_some_pretty_wild_meetings._On_the_shelf
_over_Chiron\u8217?s_desk_sat_an_oldfashioned_boom_box_with_cassette_tapes_labe
led_\u8220?Dean_Martin\u8221?_and_\u8220?Frank_Sinatra\u8221?_and_\u8220?
Greates
t_Hits_of_the_40s.\u8221?
_Chiron_was_so_old,_Piper_wondered_if_that_meant_1940s,
_1840s,_or_maybe_just_A.D._40.\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
But_most_of_the_office\u8217?
s_wall_space_was_plastered_with_photos_of_demigods,
_like_a_hall_of_fame._One_of_the_newer_shots_showed_a_teenage_guy_with_dark_h
air
_and_green_eyes._Since_he_stood_arm_in_arm_with_Annabeth,_Piper_assumed_the_
guy_
must_be_Percy_Jackson._In_some_of_the_older_photos,_she_recognized_famous_peo
ple
:
_businessmen,_athletes,_even_some_actors_that_her_dad_knew._\par\pard\plain\hy
p
hpar}{
\u8220?Unbelievable,\u8221?_she_muttered._\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
Piper_wondered_if_her_photo_would_go_on_that_wall_someday._For_the_first_time,_
s
he_felt_like_she_was_part_of_something_bigger_than_herself._Demigods_had_been_
ar
ound_for_centuries._Whatever_she_did,_she_did_for_all_of_them._\par\pard\plain\h
yphpar}{
She_took_a_deep_breath_and_made_the_call._The_video_screen_popped_up.\par\pa
rd\p
lain\hyphpar}{
Gleeson_Hedge_grinned_at_her_from_her_dad\u8217?s_office._\u8220?
Seen_the_news?\
\u8220?Kind_of_hard_to_miss,\u8221?_Piper_said._\u8220?
I_hope_you_know_what_you\
u8217?re_doing.\u8221?\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
Chiron_had_shown_her_a_newspaper_at_lunch._Her_dad\u8217?
s_mysterious_return_fro
m_nowhere_had_made_the_front_page._His_personal_assistant_Jane_had_been_fired
_fo
r_covering_up_his_disappearance_and_failing_to_notify_the_police._A_new_staff_ha
d_been_hired_and_personally_vetted_by_Tristan_McLean\u8217?s_\u8220?
life_coach,\
u8221?
_Gleeson_Hedge._According_to_the_paper,_Mr._McLean_claimed_to_have_no_memo
ry_of_the_last_week,_and_the_media_was_totally_eating_up_the_story._Some_thoug
ht
_it_was_a_clever_marketing_ploy_for_a_movie\u8212?
maybe_McLean_was_going_to_play
_an_amnesiac?_Some_thought_he\u8217?
d_been_kidnapped_by_terrorists,_or_rabid_fan
s,_or_had_heroically_escaped_from_ransom_seekers_using_his_incredible_King_of_S
p
arta_fighting_skills._Whatever_the_truth,_Tristan_McLean_was_more_famous_than_e
v
er._\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
\u8220?It\u8217?s_going_great,\u8221?_Hedge_promised._\u8220?But_don\u8217?
t_wor
ry._We\u8217?
re_going_to_keep_him_out_of_the_public_eye_for_the_next_month_or_so
_until_things_cool_down._Your_dad\u8217?
s_got_more_important_things_to_do\u8212?
like_resting,_and_talking_to_his_daughter.\u8221?\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
\u8220?Don\u8217?
t_get_too_comfortable_out_there_in_Hollywood,_Gleeson,\u8221?_P
iper_said._\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
Hedge_snorted._\u8220?You_kidding?
_These_people_make_Aeolus_look_sane._I\u8217?l
l_be_back_as_soon_as_I_can,_but_your_dad\u8217?
s_gotta_get_back_on_his_feet_firs
t._He\u8217?
s_a_good_guy._Oh,_and_by_the_way,_I_took_care_of_that_other_little_m
atter._The_Park_Service_in_the_Bay_Area_just_got_an_anonymous_gift_of_a_new_hel
i
copter._And_that_ranger_pilot_who_helped_us?_She\u8217?
s_got_a_very_lucrative_of
fer_to_fly_for_Mr._McLean.\u8221?\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
\u8220?Thanks,_Gleeson,\u8221?_Piper_said._\u8220?
For_everything.\u8221?\par\par
d\plain\hyphpar}{
\u8220?Yeah,_well._I_don\u8217?
t_try_to_be_awesome._It_just_comes_natural._Speak
ing_of_Aeolus\u8217?s_place,_meet_your_dad\u8217?s_new_assistant.\u8221?
_\par\pa
rd\plain\hyphpar}{
Hedge_was_nudged_out_of_the_way,_and_a_pretty_young_lady_grinned_into_the_ca
mera
\u8220?Mellie?\u8221?_Piper_stared,_but_it_was_definitely_her:_the_{\i
aura_}who\u8217?d_helped_them_escape_from_Aeolus\u8217?s_fortress._\u8220?
You\u8
217?re_working_for_my_dad_now?\u8221?\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
\u8220?Isn\u8217?t_it_great?\u8221?\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
\u8220?Does_he_know_you\u8217?re_a\u8212?you_know\u8212?
wind_spirit?\u8221?\par\
\u8220?Oh,_no._But_I_love_this_job._It\u8217?s\u8212?um\u8212?a_breeze.\u8221?
_\
Piper_couldn\u8217?t_help_but_laugh._\u8220?I\u8217?m_glad._That\u8217?
s_awesome
._But_where\u8212?\u8221?_\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
\u8220?Just_a_sec.\u8221?_Mellie_kissed_Gleeson_on_the_cheek._\u8220?
Come_on,_yo
u_old_goat._Stop_hogging_the_screen.\u8221?\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
\u8220?What?\u8221?
_Hedge_demanded._But_Mellie_steered_him_away_and_called,_\u82
20?Mr._McLean?_She\u8217?s_on!\u8221?_\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
A_second_later,_Piper\u8217?s_dad_appeared.\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
He_broke_into_a_huge_grin._\u8220?Pipes!\u8221?\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
He_looked_great\u8212?back_to_normal,_with_his_sparkling_brown_eyes,_his_halfda
y_beard,_his_confident_smile,_and_his_newly_trimmed_hair_like_he_was_ready_to_s
h
oot_a_scene._Piper_was_relieved,_but_she_also_felt_a_little_sad._Back_to_normal_
wasn\u8217?t_necessarily_what_she\u8217?d_wanted._\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
In_her_mind,_she_started_the_clock._On_a_normal_call_like_this,_on_a_workday,_sh
e_hardly_ever_got_her_dad\u8217?s_attention_for_longer_than_thirty_seconds.\par\
\u8220?Hey,\u8221?_she_said_weakly._\u8220?
You_feeling_okay?\u8221?\par\pard\pla
in\hyphpar}{
\u8220?Honey,_I\u8217?
m_so_sorry_to_worry_you_with_this_disappearance_business._
I_don\u8217?t_know_\u8230?\u8221?
_His_smile_wavered,_and_she_could_tell_he_was_t
rying_to_remember\u8212?
grasping_for_a_memory_that_should_have_been_there,_but_w
asn\u8217?t._\u8220?I\u8217?m_not_sure_what_happened,_honestly._But_I\u8217?
m_fi
ne._Coach_Hedge_has_been_a_godsend.\u8221?\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
\u8220?A_godsend,\u8221?
_she_repeated._Funny_choice_of_words.\par\pard\plain\hyp
hpar}{
\u8220?He_told_me_about_your_new_school,\u8221?_Dad_said._\u8220?I\u8217?
m_sorry
_the_Wilderness_School_didn\u8217?
t_work_out,_but_you_were_right._Jane_was_wrong
._I_was_a_fool_to_listen_to_her.\u8221?\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
Ten_seconds_left,_maybe._But_at_least_her_dad_sounded_sincere,_like_he_really_di
d_feel_remorseful.\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
\u8220?You_don\u8217?t_remember_anything?\u8221?
_she_said,_a_bit_wistfully.\par\
\u8220?Of_course_I_do,\u8221?_he_said._\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
A_chill_went_down_her_neck._\u8220?You_do?\u8221?_\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
\u8220?I_remember_that_I_love_you,\u8221?_he_said._\u8220?And_I\u8217?
m_proud_of
_you._Are_you_happy_at_your_new_school?\u8221?\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
Piper_blinked._She_wasn\u8217?t_going_to_cry_now._After_all_she\u8217?
d_been_thr
ough,_that_would_be_ridiculous._\u8220?Yeah,_Dad._It\u8217?
s_more_like_a_camp,_n
ot_a_school,_but_\u8230?_Yeah,_I_think_I\u8217?ll_be_happy_here.\u8221?_\par\par
d\plain\hyphpar}{
\u8220?Call_me_as_often_as_you_can,\u8221?_he_said._\u8220?
And_come_home_for_Chr
istmas._And_Pipes_\u8230?\u8221?\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
\u8220?Yes?\u8221?_\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
He_touched_the_screen_as_if_trying_to_reach_through_with_his_hand._\u8220?
You\u8
217?re_a_wonderful_young_lady._I_don\u8217?
t_tell_you_that_often_enough._You_rem
ind_me_so_much_of_your_mother._She\u8217?
d_be_proud._And_Grandpa_Tom\u8221?\u821
2?he_chuckled\u8212?\u8220?he_always_said_you\u8217?
d_be_the_most_powerful_voice
_in_our_family._You\u8217?
re_going_to_outshine_me_some_day,_you_know._They\u8217
?re_going_to_remember_me_as_Piper_McLean\u8217?s_father,_and_that\u8217?
s_the_be
st_legacy_I_can_imagine.\u8221?\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
Piper_tried_to_answer,_but_she_was_afraid_she\u8217?
d_break_down._She_just_touch
ed_his_fingers_on_the_screen_and_nodded.\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
Mellie_said_something_in_the_background,_and_her_dad_sighed._\u8220?
Studio_calli
ng._I\u8217?m_sorry,_honey.\u8221?
_And_he_did_sound_genuinely_annoyed_to_go.\par
\u8220?It\u8217?s_okay,_Dad,\u8221?_she_managed._\u8220?
Love_you.\u8221?\par\par
d\plain\hyphpar}{
He_winked._Then_the_video_call_went_black._\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
Forty-five_seconds?_Maybe_a_full_minute.\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
Piper_smiled._A_small_improvement,_but_it_was_progress._\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}
{
At_the_commons_area,_she_found_Jason_relaxing_on_a_bench,_a_basketball_betwe
en_h
is_feet._He_was_sweaty_from_working_out,_but_he_looked_great_in_his_orange_tan
k_
top_and_shorts._His_various_scars_and_bruises_from_the_quest_were_healing,_than
k
s_to_some_medical_attention_from_the_Apollo_cabin._His_arms_and_legs_were_well
_m
uscled_and_tan\u8212?distracting_as_always._His_closecropped_blond_hair_caught_
the_afternoon_light_so_it_looked_like_it_was_turning_to_gold,_Midas_style.\par\p
ard\plain\hyphpar}{
\u8220?Hey,\u8221?_he_said._\u8220?
How_did_it_go?\u8221?\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}
{
It_took_her_a_second_to_focus_on_his_question._\u8220?Hmm?
_Oh,_yeah._Fine.\u8221
She_sat_next_to_him_and_they_watched_the_campers_going_back_and_forth._A_co
uple_
of_Demeter_girls_were_playing_tricks_on_two_of_the_Apollo_guys\u8212?
making_gras
s_grow_around_their_ankles_as_they_shot_baskets._Over_at_the_camp_store,_the_H
er
mes_kids_were_putting_up_a_sign_that_read:_flying_shoes,_slightly_used,_50%_off_
today!_Ares_kids_were_lining_their_cabin_with_fresh_barbed_wire._The_Hypnos_cabi
n_was_snoring_away._A_normal_day_at_camp.\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
Meanwhile,_the_Aphrodite_kids_were_watching_Piper_and_Jason,_and_trying_to_pret
e
nd_they_weren\u8217?
t._Piper_was_pretty_sure_she_saw_money_change_hands,_like_th
ey_were_placing_bets_on_a_kiss._\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
\u8220?Get_any_sleep?\u8221?_she_asked_him.\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
He_looked_at_her_as_if_she\u8217?d_been_reading_his_thoughts._\u8220?
Not_much._D
reams.\u8221?_\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
\u8220?About_your_past?\u8221?\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
He_nodded._\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
She_didn\u8217?
t_push_him._If_he_wanted_to_talk,_that_was_fine,_but_she_knew_him
_better_than_to_press_the_subject._She_didn\u8217?
t_even_worry_that_her_knowledg
e_of_him_was_mostly_based_on_three_months_of_false_memories._{\i
You_can_sense_possibilities,_}her_mother_had_said._And_Piper_was_determined_to_
m
ake_those_possibilities_a_reality.\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
Jason_spun_his_basketball._\u8220?It\u8217?s_not_good_news,\u8221?
_he_warned._\u
8220?My_memories_aren\u8217?t_good_for\u8212?
for_any_of_us.\u8221?\par\pard\plai
n\hyphpar}{
Piper_was_pretty_sure_he\u8217?d_been_about_to_say_{\i
for_us}\u8212?as_in_the_two_of_them,_and_she_wondered_if_he\u8217?
d_remembered_a
_girl_from_his_past._But_she_didn\u8217?t_let_it_bother_her._Not_on_a_sunny_wint
er_day_like_this,_with_Jason_next_to_her.\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
\u8220?We\u8217?ll_figure_it_out,\u8221?_she_promised._\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}
{
He_looked_at_her_hesitantly,_like_he_wanted_very_much_to_believe_her._\u8220?
Ann
abeth_and_Rachel_are_coming_in_for_the_meeting_tonight._I_should_probably_wait_
u
ntil_then_to_explain_\u8230?\u8221?\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
\u8220?Okay.\u8221?
_She_plucked_a_blade_of_grass_by_her_foot._She_knew_there_wer
e_dangerous_things_in_store_for_both_of_them._She_would_have_to_compete_with_
Jas
on\u8217?
s_past,_and_they_might_not_even_survive_their_war_against_the_giants._B
ut_right_now,_they_were_both_alive,_and_she_was_determined_to_enjoy_this_mome
nt.
Jason_studied_her_warily._His_forearm_tattoo_was_faint_blue_in_the_sunlight._\u8
220?You\u8217?
re_in_a_good_mood._How_can_you_be_so_sure_things_will_work_out?\u8
\u8220?Because_you\u8217?re_going_to_lead_us,\u8221?_she_said_simply._\u8220?
I\u
8217?d_follow_you_anywhere.\u8221?\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
Jason_blinked._Then_slowly,_he_smiled._\u8220?
Dangerous_thing_to_say.\u8221?\par
\u8220?I\u8217?m_a_dangerous_girl.\u8221?\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
\u8220?That,_I_believe.\u8221?_\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
He_got_up_and_brushed_off_his_shorts._He_offered_her_a_hand._\u8220?
Leo_says_he\
u8217?
s_got_something_to_show_us_out_in_the_woods._You_coming?\u8221?\par\pard\p
lain\hyphpar}{
\u8220?Wouldn\u8217?t_miss_it.\u8221?
_She_took_his_hand_and_stood_up.\par\pard\p
lain\hyphpar}{
For_a_moment,_they_kept_holding_hands._Jason_tilted_his_head._\u8220?
We_should_g
et_going.\u8221?\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
\u8220?Yep,\u8221?_she_said._\u8220?Just_a_sec.\u8221?\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
She_let_go_of_his_hand,_and_took_a_card_from_her_pocket\u8212?the_silver_calling
_card_that_Thalia_had_given_her_for_the_Hunters_of_Artemis._She_dropped_it_into_
a_nearby_eternal_fire_and_watched_it_burn._There_would_be_no_breaking_hearts_in
_
Aphrodite_cabin_from_now_on._That_was_one_rite_of_passage_they_didn\u8217?
t_need
Across_the_green,_her_cabinmates_looking_disappointed_that_they_hadn\u8217?
t_wit
nessed_a_kiss._They_started_cashing_in_their_bets._\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
But_that_was_all_right._Piper_was_patient,_and_she_could_see_lots_of_good_possib
ilities.\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
\u8220?Let\u8217?s_go,\u8221?_she_told_Jason._\u8220?We\u8217?
ve_got_adventures_
to_plan.
LEO HADNT FELT THIS JUMPY SINCE HE
offered_tofu_burgers_to_the_werewolves._When_he_got_to_the_limestone_cliff_in_
the_forest,_he_turned_to_the_group_and_smiled_nervously._\u8220?
Here_we_go.\u822
He_willed_his_hand_to_catch_fire,_and_set_it_against_the_door.\par\pard\plain\hy
phpar}{
His_cabinmates_gasped.\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
\u8220?Leo!\u8221?_Nyssa_cried._\u8220?You\u8217?re_a_fire_user!\u8221?
_\par\par
d\plain\hyphpar}{
\u8220?Yeah,_thanks,\u8221?_he_said._\u8220?I_know.\u8221?
ar}{
Jake_Mason,_who_was_out_of_his_body_cast_but_still_on_crutches,_said,_\u8220?
Hol
y_Hephaestus._That_means\u8212?it\u8217?s_so_rare_that\u8212?\u8221?
_\par\pard\p
lain\hyphpar}{
The_massive_stone_door_swung_open,_and_everyone\u8217?
s_mouth_dropped._Leo\u8217
?
s_flaming_hand_seemed_insignificant_now._Even_Piper_and_Jason_looked_stunned,_
a
nd_they\u8217?d_seen_enough_amazing_things_lately.\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
Only_Chiron_didn\u8217?
t_look_surprised._The_centaur_knit_his_bushy_eyebrows_and
_stroked_his_beard,_as_if_the_group_was_about_to_walk_through_a_minefield.\par\p
ard\plain\hyphpar}{
That_made_Leo_even_more_nervous,_but_he_couldn\u8217?
t_change_his_mind_now._His_
instincts_told_him_he_was_meant_to_share_this_place\u8212?
at_least_with_the_Heph
aestus_cabin\u8212?and_he_couldn\u8217?
t_hide_it_from_Chiron_or_his_two_best_fri
ends._\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
\u8220?Welcome_to_Bunker_Nine,\u8221?
_he_said,_as_confidently_as_he_could._\u822
0?C\u8217?mon_in.\u8221?_\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
The_group_was_silent_as_they_toured_the_facility._Everything_was_just_as_Leo_had
_left_it\u8212?
giant_machines,_worktables,_old_maps_and_schematics._Only_one_thi
ng_had_changed._Festus\u8217?s_head_was_sitting_on_the_central_table,_still_batt
ered_and_scorched_from_his_final_crash_in_Omaha._\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
Leo_went_over_to_it,_a_bitter_taste_in_his_mouth,_and_stroked_the_dragon\u8217?
s
_forehead._\u8220?I\u8217?m_sorry,_Festus._But_I_won\u8217?
t_forget_you.\u8221?\
Jason_put_a_hand_on_Leo\u8217?s_shoulder._\u8220?
Hephaestus_brought_it_here_for_
you?\u8221?\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
Leo_nodded._\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
\u8220?But_you_can\u8217?t_repair_him,\u8221?
_Jason_guessed.\par\pard\plain\hyph
par}{
\u8220?No_way,\u8221?_Leo_said._\u8220?
But_the_head_is_going_to_be_reused._Festu
s_will_be_going_with_us.\u8221?\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
Piper_came_over_and_frowned._\u8220?
What_do_you_mean?\u8221?\par\pard\plain\hyph
par}{
Before_Leo_could_answer,_Nyssa_cried_out,_\u8220?Guys,_look_at_this!\u8221?
_\par
She_was_standing_at_one_of_the_worktables,_flipping_through_a_sketchbook\u8212
?d
iagrams_for_hundreds_of_different_machines_and_weapons._\par\pard\plain\hyphpa
r}
{
\u8220?I\u8217?ve_never_seen_anything_like_these,\u8221?_Nyssa_said._\u8220?
Ther
e_are_more_amazing_ideas_here_than_in_Daedalus\u8217?
s_workshop._It_would_take_a
_century_just_to_prototype_them_all.\u8221?\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
\u8220?Who_built_this_place?\u8221?_Jake_Mason_said._\u8220?
And_why?\u8221?\par\
Chiron_stayed_silent,_but_Leo_focused_on_the_wall_map_he\u8217?
d_seen_during_his
_first_visit._It_showed_Camp_Half-Blood_with_a_line_of_triremes_in_the_Sound,_ca
tapults_mounted_in_the_hills_around_the_valley,_and_spots_marked_for_traps,_tren
ches,_and_ambush_sites._\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
\u8220?It\u8217?s_a_wartime_command_center,\u8221?_he_said._\u8220?
The_camp_was_
attacked_once,_wasn\u8217?t_it?\u8221?_\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
\u8220?In_the_Titan_War?\u8221?_Piper_asked.\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
Nyssa_shook_her_head._\u8220?No._Besides,_that_map_looks_{\i
really_}old._The_date_\u8230?
_does_that_say_1864?\u8221?\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}
{
They_all_turned_to_Chiron.\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
The_centaur\u8217?s_tail_swished_fretfully._\u8220?
This_camp_has_been_attacked_m
any_times,\u8221?_he_admitted._\u8220?
That_map_is_from_the_last_Civil_War.\u8221
Apparently,_Leo_wasn\u8217?
t_the_only_one_confused._The_other_Hephaestus_campers
_looked_at_each_other_and_frowned.\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
\u8220?Civil_War_\u8230?\u8221?_Piper_said._\u8220?
You_mean_the_American_Civil_W
ar,_like_a_hundred_and_fifty_years_ago?\u8221?\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
\u8220?Yes_and_no,\u8221?_Chiron_said._\u8220?The_two_conflicts\u8212?
mortal_and
_demigod\u8212?
mirrored_each_other,_as_they_usually_do_in_Western_history._Look_
at_any_civil_war_or_revolution_from_the_fall_of_Rome_onward,_and_it_marks_a_tim
e
_when_demigods_also_fought_one_another._But_{\i
that_}Civil_War_was_particularly_horrible._For_American_mortals,_it_is_still_the
ir_bloodiest_conflict_of_all_time\u8212?worse_than_their_casualties_in_the_two_W
orld_Wars._For_demigods,_it_was_equally_devastating._Even_back_then,_this_valley
_was_Camp_HalfBlood._There_was_a_horrible_battle_in_these_woods_lasting_for_day
s,_with_terrible_losses_on_both_sides.\u8221?_\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
\u8220?Both_sides,\u8221?_Leo_said._\u8220?
You_mean_the_camp_split_apart?\u8221?
\u8220?No,\u8221?_Jason_spoke_up._\u8220?
He_means_two_different_groups._Camp_Hal
f-Blood_was_one_side_in_the_war.\u8221?\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
Leo_wasn\u8217?t_sure_he_wanted_an_answer,_but_he_asked,_\u8220?
Who_was_the_othe
r?\u8221?_\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
Chiron_glanced_up_at_the_tattered_bunker_9_banner,_as_if_remembering_the_day_i
t_
was_raised.\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
\u8220?The_answer_is_dangerous,\u8221?_he_warned._\u8220?
It_is_something_I_swore
_upon_the_River_Styx_never_to_speak_of._After_the_American_Civil_War,_the_gods_
w
ere_so_horrified_by_the_toll_it_took_on_their_children,_that_they_swore_it_would
_never_happen_again._The_two_groups_were_separated._The_gods_bent_all_their_w
ill
,
_wove_the_Mist_as_tightly_as_they_could,_to_make_sure_the_enemies_never_reme
mbe
red_each_other,_never_met_on_their_quests,_so_that_bloodshed_could_be_avoided.
_T
his_map_is_from_the_final_dark_days_of_1864,_the_last_time_the_two_groups_fough
t
._We\u8217?
ve_had_several_close_calls_since_then._The_nineteen_sixties_were_part
icularly_dicey._But_we\u8217?ve_managed_to_avoid_another_civil_war\u8212?
at_leas
t_so_far._Just_as_Leo_guessed,_this_bunker_was_a_command_center_for_the_Hepha
est
us_cabin._In_the_last_century,_it_has_been_reopened_a_few_times,_usually_as_a_hi
ding_place_in_times_of_great_unrest._But_coming_here_is_dangerous._It_stirs_old_
memories,_awakens_the_old_feuds._Even_when_the_Titans_threatened_last_year,_I_
di
d_not_think_it_worth_the_risk_to_use_this_place.\u8221?_\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}
{
Suddenly_Leo\u8217?s_sense_of_triumph_turned_to_guilt._\u8220?
Hey,_look,_this_pl
ace_found_{\i
me}._It_was_meant_to_happen._It\u8217?
s_a_good_thing.\u8221?\par\pard\plain\hyph
par}{
\u8220?I_hope_you\u8217?re_right,\u8221?_Chiron_said.\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
\u8220?I_am!\u8221?
_Leo_pulled_the_old_drawing_out_of_his_pocket_and_spread_it_o
n_the_table_for_everyone_to_see.\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
\u8220?There,\u8221?_he_said_proudly._\u8220?
Aeolus_returned_that_to_me._I_drew_
it_when_I_was_five._That\u8217?s_my_destiny.\u8221?_\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
Nyssa_frowned._\u8220?Leo,_it\u8217?
s_a_crayon_drawing_of_a_boat.\u8221?\par\par
d\plain\hyphpar}{
\u8220?Look.\u8221?
_He_pointed_at_the_largest_schematic_on_the_bulletin_board\u8
212?the_blueprint_showing_a_Greek_trireme._Slowly,_his_cabinmates\u8217?
_eyes_wi
dened_as_they_compared_the_two_designs._The_number_of_masts_and_oars,_even
_the_d
ecorations_on_the_shields_and_sails_were_exactly_the_same_as_on_Leo\u8217?
s_draw
ing.\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
\u8220?That\u8217?s_impossible,\u8221?_Nyssa_said._\u8220?
That_blueprint_has_to_
be_a_century_old_at_least.\u8221?\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
{\i
\u8220?\u8216?Prophecy\u8212?Unclear\u8212?Flight,\u8217?\u8221?
_}Jake_Mason_rea
d_from_the_notes_on_the_blueprint._\u8220?It\u8217?s_a_diagram_for_a_flying_ship
._Look,_that\u8217?s_the_landing_gear._And_weaponry\u8212?
Holy_Hephaestus:_rotat
ing_ballista,_mounted_crossbows,_Celestial_bronze_plating._That_thing_would_be_o
ne_spankin\u8217?_hot_war_machine._Was_it_ever_made?\u8221?
par}{
\u8220?Not_yet,\u8221?_Leo_said._\u8220?
Look_at_the_masthead.\u8221?\par\pard\pl
ain\hyphpar}{
There_was_no_doubt\u8212?
the_figure_at_the_front_of_the_ship_was_the_head_of_a_d
ragon._A_very_particular_dragon.\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
\u8220?Festus,\u8221?
_Piper_said._Everyone_turned_and_looked_at_the_dragon\u8217
?s_head_sitting_on_the_table._\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
\u8220?He\u8217?s_meant_to_be_our_masthead,\u8221?_Leo_said._\u8220?
Our_good_luc
k_charm,_our_eyes_at_sea._I\u8217?m_supposed_to_build_this_ship._\par\pard\plain
\hyphpar}{
I\u8217?m_gonna_call_it_the_{\i
Argo_II}._And_guys,_I\u8217?ll_need_your_help.\u8221?_\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
\u8220?The_{\i
Argo_II}.\u8221?_Piper_smiled._\u8220?After_Jason\u8217?s_ship.\u8221?\par\pard\
plain\hyphpar}{
Jason_looked_a_little_uncomfortable,_but_he_nodded._\u8220?Leo\u8217?
s_right._Th
at_ship_is_just_what_we_need_for_our_journey.\u8221?\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
\u8220?What_journey?\u8221?_Nyssa_said._\u8220?
You_just_got_back!\u8221?\par\par
d\plain\hyphpar}{
Piper_ran_her_fingers_over_the_old_crayon_drawing._\u8220?We\u8217?
ve_got_to_con
front_Porphyrion,_the_giant_king._He_said_he_would_destroy_the_gods_at_their_roo
ts.\u8221?\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
\u8220?Indeed,\u8221?_Chiron_said._\u8220?Much_of_Rachel\u8217?
s_Great_Prophecy_
is_still_a_mystery_to_me,_but_one_thing_is_clear._You_three\u8212?Jason,_Piper,_
and_Leo\u8212?
are_among_the_seven_demigods_who_must_take_on_that_quest._You_must
_confront_the_giants_in_their_homeland,_where_they_are_strongest._You_must_stop
_
them_before_they_can_wake_Gaea_fully,_before_they_destroy_Mount_Olympus.\u82
21?\
\u8220?Um_\u8230?\u8221?_Nyssa_shifted._\u8220?You_don\u8217?
t_mean_Manhattan,_d
o_you?\u8221?\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
\u8220?No,\u8221?_Leo_said._\u8220?
The_original_Mount_Olympus._We_have_to_sail_t
o_Greece
T_TOOK_A_FEW_MINUTES_FOR_THAT_TO}{\b
_}settle_in._Then_the_other_Hephaestus_campers_started_asking_questions_all_at_
o
nce._Who_were_the_other_four_demigods?
_How_long_would_it_take_to_build_the_boat?
_Why_didn\u8217?t_everyone_get_to_go_to_Greece?_\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
\u8220?Heroes!\u8221?_Chiron_struck_his_hoof_on_the_floor._\u8220?All_the_detail
s_are_not_clear_yet,_but_Leo_is_correct._He_will_need_your_help_to_build_the_{\i
Argo_II}._It_is_perhaps_the_greatest_project_Cabin_Nine_has_even_undertaken,_eve
n_greater_than_the_bronze_dragon.\u8221?\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
\u8220?It\u8217?ll_take_a_year_at_least,\u8221?_Nyssa_guessed._\u8220?
Do_we_have
_that_much_time?\u8221?_\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
\u8220?You_have_six_months_at_most,\u8221?_Chiron_said._\u8220?
You_should_sail_b
y_summer_solstice,_when_the_gods\u8217?
_power_is_strongest._Besides,_we_evidentl
y_cannot_trust_the_wind_gods,_and_the_summer_winds_are_the_least_powerful_an
d_ea
siest_to_navigate._You_dare_not_sail_any_later,_or_you_may_be_too_late_to_stop_t
he_giants._You_must_avoid_ground_travel,_using_only_air_and_sea,_so_this_vehicle
_is_perfect._Jason_being_the_son_of_the_sky_god_\u8230?\u8221?\par\pard\plain\hy
phpar}{
His_voice_trailed_off,_but_Leo_figured_Chiron_was_thinking_about_his_missing_stu
dent,_Percy_Jackson,_the_son_of_Poseidon._He_would\u8217?
ve_been_good_on_this_vo
yage,_too.\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
Jake_Mason_turned_to_Leo._\u8220?Well,_one_thing\u8217?s_for_sure._{\i
You_}are_now_senior_counselor._This_is_the_biggest_honor_the_cabin_has_ever_had
.
_Anyone_object?\u8221?\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
Nobody_did._All_his_cabinmates_smiled_at_him,_and_Leo_could_almost_feel_their_c
a
bin\u8217?
s_curse_breaking,_their_sense_of_hopelessness_melting_away.\par\pard\p
lain\hyphpar}{
\u8220?It\u8217?s_official,_then,\u8221?_Jake_said._\u8220?You\u8217?re_the_man.
For_once,_Leo_was_speechless._Ever_since_his_mom_died,_he\u8217?
d_spent_his_life
_on_the_run._Now_he\u8217?d_found_a_home_and_a_family._He\u8217?
d_found_a_job_to
_do._And_as_scary_as_it_was,_Leo_wasn\u8217?t_tempted_to_run\u8212?
not_even_a_li
ttle.\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
\u8220?Well,\u8221?_he_said_at_last,_\u8220?
if_you_guys_elect_me_leader,_you_mus
t_be_even_crazier_than_I_am._So_let\u8217?s_build_a_spankin\u8217?
_hot_war_machi
ne!\u8221?_\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
ASON WAITED ALONE IN CABIN ONE.
Annabeth_and_Rachel_were_due_any_minute_for_the_head_counselors\u8217?
_meeting,_
and_Jason_needed_time_to_think.\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
His_dreams_the_night_before_had_been_worse_than_he\u8217?
d_wanted_to_share\u8212
?
even_with_Piper._His_memory_was_still_foggy,_but_bits_and_pieces_were_coming_b
a
ck._The_night_Lupa_had_tested_him_at_the_Wolf_House,_to_decide_if_he_would_be_
a_
pup_or_food._Then_the_long_trip_south_to_\u8230?_he_couldn\u8217?
t_remember,_but
_he_had_flashes_of_his_old_life._The_day_he\u8217?d_gotten_his_tattoo._The_day_h
e\u8217?d_been_raised_on_a_shield_and_proclaimed_a_praetor._His_friends\u8217?
_f
aces:_Dakota,_Gwendolyn,_Hazel,_Bobby._And_Reyna._Definitely_there\u8217?
d_been_
a_girl_named_Reyna._He_wasn\u8217?t_sure_what_she\u8217?
d_meant_to_him,_but_the_
memory_made_him_question_what_he_felt_about_Piper\u8212?
and_wonder_if_he_was_doi
ng_something_wrong._The_problem_was,_he_liked_Piper_a_lot.\par\pard\plain\hyphp
a
r}{
Jason_moved_his_stuff_to_the_corner_alcove_where_his_sister_had_once_slept._He_
p
ut_Thalia\u8217?s_photograph_back_on_the_wall_so_he_didn\u8217?
t_feel_alone._He_
stared_up_at_the_frowning_statue_of_Zeus,_mighty_and_proud,_but_the_statue_did
n\
u8217?t_scare_him_anymore._It_just_made_him_feel_sad.\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
\u8220?I_know_you_can_hear_me,\u8221?
_Jason_said_to_the_statue.\par\pard\plain\h
yphpar}{
The_statue_said_nothing._Its_painted_eyes_seemed_to_stare_at_him._\par\pard\plai
n\hyphpar}{
\u8220?I_wish_I_could_talk_with_you_in_person,\u8221?_Jason_continued,_\u8220?
bu
t_I_understand_you_can\u8217?t_do_that._The_Roman_gods_don\u8217?
t_like_to_inter
act_with_mortals_so_much,_and\u8212?well,_you\u8217?re_the_king._You\u8217?
ve_go
t_to_set_an_example.\u8221?\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
More_silence._Jason_had_hoped_for_something\u8212?
a_bigger_than_usual_rumble_of_
thunder,_a_bright_light,_a_smile._No,_never_mind._A_smile_would\u8217?
ve_been_cr
eepy.\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
\u8220?I_remember_some_things,\u8221?
_he_said._The_more_he_talked,_the_less_self
-conscious_he_felt._\u8220?I_remember_that_it\u8217?
s_hard_being_a_son_of_Jupite
r._Everyone_is_always_looking_at_me_to_be_a_leader,_but_I_always_feel_alone._I_g
uess_you_feel_the_same_way_up_on_Olympus._The_other_gods_challenge_your_dec
ision
s._Sometimes_you\u8217?
ve_got_to_make_hard_choices,_and_the_others_criticize_you
._And_you_can\u8217?t_come_to_my_aid_like_other_gods_might._You\u8217?
ve_got_to_
keep_me_at_a_distance_so_it_doesn\u8217?t_look_like_you\u8217?
re_playing_favorit
es._I_guess_I_just_wanted_to_say_\u8230?\u8221?\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
Jason_took_a_deep_breath._\u8220?I_understand_all_that._It\u8217?s_okay._I\u8217
?m_going_to_try_to_do_my_best._I\u8217?
ll_try_to_make_you_proud._But_I_could_rea
lly_use_some_guidance,_Dad._If_there\u8217?s_anything_you_can_do\u8212?
help_me_s
o_I_can_help_my_friends._I\u8217?m_afraid_I\u8217?ll_get_them_killed._I_don\u821
7?t_know_how_to_protect_them.\u8221?\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
The_back_of_his_neck_tingled._He_realized_someone_was_standing_behind_him._He
_tu
rned_and_found_a_woman_in_a_black_hooded_robe,_with_a_goatskin_cloak_over_he
r_sh
oulders_and_a_sheathed_Roman_sword\u8212?a_{\i
gladius}\u8212?in_her_hands._\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
\u8220?Hera,\u8221?_he_said._\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
She_pushed_back_her_hood._\u8220?
To_you,_I_have_always_been_Juno._And_your_fathe
r_has_already_sent_you_guidance,_Jason._He_sent_you_Piper_and_Leo._They\u8217
?re
_not_just_your_responsibility._They_are_also_your_friends._Listen_to_them,_and_y
ou_will_do_well.\u8221?_\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
\u8220?
Did_Jupiter_send_you_here_to_tell_me_that?\u8221?\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}
{
\u8220?No_one_sends_me_anywhere,_hero,\u8221?_she_said._\u8220?
I_am_not_a_messen
ger.\u8221?\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
\u8220?
But_you_got_me_into_this._Why_did_you_send_me_to_this_camp?\u8221?\par\pa
rd\plain\hyphpar}{
\u8220?I_think_you_know,\u8221?_Juno_said._\u8220?
An_exchange_of_leaders_was_nec
essary._It_was_the_only_way_to_bridge_to_gap.\u8221?\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
\u8220?I_didn\u8217?t_agree_to_it.\u8221?\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
\u8220?
No._But_Zeus_gave_your_life_to_me,_and_I_am_helping_you_fulfill_your_dest
iny.\u8221?\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
Jason_tried_to_control_his_anger._He_looked_down_at_his_orange_camp_shirt_and_t
h
e_tattoos_on_his_arm,_and_he_knew_these_things_should_not_go_together._He_had
_be
come_a_contradiction\u8212?
a_mixture_as_dangerous_as_anything_Medea_could_cook_u
\u8220?You\u8217?re_not_giving_me_all_my_memories,\u8221?_he_said._\u8220?
Even_t
hough_you_promised.\u8221?\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
\u8220?Most_will_return_in_time,\u8221?_Juno_said._\u8220?
But_you_must_find_your
_own_way_back._You_need_these_next_months_with_your_new_friends,_your_new_h
ome._
You\u8217?re_gaining_their_trust._By_the_time_you_sail_in_your_ship,_you_will_be
_a_leader_at_this_camp._And_you_will_be_ready_to_be_a_peacemaker_between_two
_gre
at_powers.\u8221?\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
\u8220?What_if_you\u8217?re_not_telling_the_truth?\u8221?_he_asked._\u8220?
What_
if_you\u8217?re_doing_this_to_cause_another_civil_war?\u8221?\par\pard\plain\hyp
hpar}{
Juno\u8217?s_expression_was_impossible_to_read\u8212?amusement?_Disdain?
_Affecti
on?
_Possibly_all_three._As_much_as_she_appeared_human,_Jason_knew_she_was_not._
H
e_could_still_see_that_blinding_light\u8212?the_true_form_of_the_goddess_that_ha
d_seared_itself_into_his_brain._She_was_Juno_and_Hera._She_existed_in_many_plac
e
s_at_once._Her_reasons_for_doing_something_were_never_simple.\par\pard\plain\hy
p
hpar}{
\u8220?I_am_the_goddess_of_family,\u8221?_she_said._\u8220?
My_family_has_been_di
vided_for_too_long.\u8221?\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
\u8220?They_divided_us_so_we_don\u8217?t_kill_each_other,\u8221?
_Jason_said._\u8
220?That_seems_like_a_pretty_good_reason.\u8221?\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
\u8220?
The_prophecy_demands_that_we_change._The_giants_will_rise._Each_can_only_
be_killed_by_a_god_and_demigod_working_together._Those_demigods_must_be_the
_seve
n_greatest_of_the_age._As_it_stands,_they_are_divided_between_two_places._If_we_
remain_divided,_we_cannot_win._Gaea_is_counting_on_this._You_must_unite_the_he
ro
es_of_Olympus_and_sail_together_to_meet_the_giants_on_the_ancient_battleground
s_
of_Greece._Only_then_will_the_gods_be_convinced_to_join_you._It_will_be_the_most
_dangerous_quest,_the_most_important_voyage,_ever_attempted_by_the_children_o
f_t
he_gods.\u8221?\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
Jason_looked_up_again_at_the_glowering_statue_of_his_father.\par\pard\plain\hyph
par}{
\u8220?It\u8217?s_not_fair,\u8221?_Jason_said._\u8220?I_could_ruin_everything.\u
\u8220?You_could,\u8221?_Juno_agreed._\u8220?
But_gods_need_heroes._We_always_hav
e.\u8221?\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
\u8220?Even_you?_I_thought_you_hated_heroes.\u8221?\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
The_goddess_gave_him_a_dry_smile._\u8220?
I_have_that_reputation._But_if_you_want
_the_truth,_Jason,_I_often_envy_other_gods_their_mortal_children._You_demigods_c
an_span_both_worlds._I_think_this_helps_your_godly_parents\u8212?even_Jupiter,_c
urse_him\u8212?to_understand_the_mortal_world_better_than_I.\u8221?
_\par\pard\pl
ain\hyphpar}{
Juno_sighed_so_unhappily_that_despite_his_anger,_Jason_almost_felt_sorry_for_her
\u8220?I_am_the_goddess_of_marriage,\u8221?_she_said._\u8220?
It_is_not_in_my_nat
ure_to_be_faithless._I_have_only_two_godly_children\u8212?
Ares_and_Hephaestus\u8
212?
both_of_whom_are_disappointments._I_have_no_mortal_heroes_to_do_my_bidding,_
which_is_why_I_am_so_often_bitter_toward_demigods\u8212?
Heracles,_Aeneas,_all_of
_them._But_it_is_also_why_I_favored_the_first_Jason,_a_pure_mortal,_who_had_no_g
odly_parent_to_guide_him._And_why_I_am_glad_Zeus_gave_you_to_me._You_will_be
_my_
champion,_Jason._You_will_be_the_greatest_of_heroes,_and_bring_unity_to_the_demi
gods,_and_thus_to_Olympus.\u8221?\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
Her_words_settled_over_him,_as_heavy_as_sandbags._Two_days_ago,_he\u8217?
d_been_
terrified_by_the_idea_of_leading_demigods_into_a_Great_Prophecy,_sailing_off_to_
battle_the_giants_and_save_the_world._\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
He_was_still_terrified,_but_something_had_changed._He_no_longer_felt_alone._He_h
ad_friends_now,_and_a_home_to_fight_for._He_even_had_a_patron_goddess_looking
_ou
t_for_him,_which_had_to_count_for_something,_even_if_she_seemed_a_little_untrust
worthy._\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
Jason_had_to_stand_up_and_accept_his_destiny,_just_as_he_had_done_when_he_fac
ed_
Porphyrion_with_his_bare_hands._Sure,_it_seemed_impossible._He_might_die._But_h
i
s_friends_were_counting_on_him.\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
\u8220?And_if_I_fail?\u8221?_he_asked._\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
\u8220?Great_victory_requires_great_risk,\u8221?_she_admitted._\u8220?Fail,_and_
there_will_be_bloodshed_like_we_have_never_seen._Demigods_will_destroy_one_an
oth
er._The_giants_will_overrun_Olympus._Gaea_will_wake,_and_the_earth_will_shake_of
f_everything_we_have_built_over_five_millennia._It_will_be_the_end_of_us_all.\u8
\u8220?Great._Just_great.\u8221?\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
Someone_pounded_on_the_cabin_doors.\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
Juno_pulled_her_hood_back_over_her_face._Then_she_handed_Jason_the_sheathed_
{\i
gladius}._\u8220?Take_this_for_the_weapon_you_lost._We_will_speak_again._Like_it
_or_not,_Jason,_I_am_your_sponsor,_and_your_link_to_Olympus._We_need_each_oth
er.
The_goddess_vanished_as_the_doors_creaked_open,_and_Piper_walked_in._\par\par
d\p
lain\hyphpar}{
\u8220?Annabeth_and_Rachel_are_here,\u8221?_she_said._\u8220?
Chiron_has_summoned
_the_council.\u8221?_\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
HE_COUNCIL_WAS_NOTHING_LIKE}{\b
_}Jason_imagined._For_one_thing,_it_was_in_the_Big_House_rec_room,_around_a_Pi
ng
Pong_table,_and_one_of_the_satyrs_was_serving_nachos_and_sodas._Somebody_ha
d_br
ought_Seymour_the_leopard_head_in_from_the_living_room_and_hung_him_on_the_
wall.
_Every_once_in_a_while,_a_counselor_would_toss_him_a_Snausage.\par\pard\plain\h
y
phpar}{
Jason_looked_around_the_room_and_tried_to_remember_everyone\u8217?
s_name._Thankf
ully,_Leo_and_Piper_were_sitting_next_to_him\u8212?it_was_their_first_meeting_as
_senior_counselors._Clarisse,_leader_of_the_Ares_cabin,_had_her_boots_on_the_tab
le,_but_nobody_seemed_to_care._Clovis_from_Hypnos_cabin_was_snoring_in_the_co
rne
r_while_Butch_from_Iris_cabin_was_seeing_how_many_pencils_he_could_fit_in_Clovis
\u8217?s_nostrils._Travis_Stoll_from_Hermes_was_holding_a_lighter_under_a_Ping-P
ong_ball_to_see_if_it_would_burn,_and_Will_Solace_from_Apollo_was_absently_wrap
p
ing_and_unwrapping_an_Ace_bandage_around_his_wrist._The_counselor_from_Hecat
e_ca
bin,_Lou_Ellen_something-or-other,_was_playing_\u8220?got-your-nose\u8221?
_with_
Miranda_Gardiner_from_Demeter,_except_that_Lou_Ellen_really_{\i
had_}magically_disconnected_Miranda\u8217?
s_nose,_and_Miranda_was_trying_to_get_
it_back.\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
Jason_had_hoped_Thalia_would_show._She\u8217?d_promised,_after_all\u8212?
but_she
_was_nowhere_to_be_seen._Chiron_had_told_him_not_to_worry_about_it._Thalia_ofte
n
_got_sidetracked_fighting_monsters_or_running_quests_for_Artemis,_and_she_would
_
probably_arrive_soon._But_still,_Jason_worried.\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
Rachel_Dare,_the_oracle,_sat_next_to_Chiron_at_the_head_of_the_table._She_was_w
e
aring_her_Clarion_Academy_school_uniform_dress,_which_seemed_a_bit_odd,_but_s
he_
smiled_at_Jason._\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
Annabeth_didn\u8217?
t_look_so_relaxed._She_wore_armor_over_her_camp_clothes,_wit
h_her_knife_at_her_side_and_her_blond_hair_pulled_back_in_a_ponytail._As_soon_as
_Jason_walked_in,_she_fixed_him_with_an_expectant_look,_as_if_she_were_trying_to
_extract_information_out_of_him_by_sheer_willpower.\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
\u8220?Let\u8217?s_come_to_order,\u8221?_Chiron_said._\u8220?
Lou_Ellen,_please_g
ive_Miranda_her_nose_back._Travis,_if_you\u8217?d_kindly_extinguish_the_flaming_
Ping-Pong_ball,_and_Butch,_I_think_twenty_pencils_is_really_too_many_for_any_hum
an_nostril._Thank_you._Now,_as_you_can_see,_Jason,_Piper,_and_Leo_have_returned
_
successfully\u8230?
_more_or_less._Some_of_you_have_heard_parts_of_their_story,_b
ut_I_will_let_them_fill_you_in.\u8221?\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
Everyone_looked_at_Jason._He_cleared_his_throat_and_began_the_story._Piper_and_
L
eo_chimed_in_from_time_to_time,_filling_in_the_details_he_forgot.\par\pard\plain
\hyphpar}{
It_only_took_a_few_minutes,_but_it_seemed_like_longer_with_everyone_watching_hi
m
.
_The_silence_was_heavy,_and_for_so_many_ADHD_demigods_to_sit_still_listening_fo
r_that_long,_Jason_knew_the_story_must_have_sounded_pretty_wild._He_ended_wit
h_H
era\u8217?s_visit_right_before_the_meeting._\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
\u8220?So_Hera_was_{\i
here},\u8221?_Annabeth_said._\u8220?
Talking_to_you.\u8221?\par\pard\plain\hyphpa
r}{
Jason_nodded._\u8220?Look,_I\u8217?m_not_saying_I_trust_her\u8212?\u8221?
_\par\p
ard\plain\hyphpar}{
\u8220?That\u8217?s_smart,\u8221?_Annabeth_said._\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
\u8220?\u8212?but_she_isn\u8217?
t_making_this_up_about_another_group_of_demigods
._That\u8217?s_where_I_came_from.\u8221?_\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
\u8220?Romans.\u8221?_Clarisse_tossed_Seymour_a_Snausage._\u8220?
You_expect_us_t
o_believe_there\u8217?
s_another_camp_with_demigods,_but_they_follow_the_Roman_fo
rms_of_the_gods._And_we\u8217?ve_never_even_heard_of_them.\u8221?
_\par\pard\plai
n\hyphpar}{
Piper_sat_forward._\u8220?
The_gods_have_kept_the_two_groups_apart,_because_every
_time_they_see_each_other,_they_try_to_kill_each_other.\u8221?_\par\pard\plain\h
yphpar}{
\u8220?I_can_respect_that,\u8221?_Clarisse_said._\u8220?Still,_why_haven\u8217?t
_we_ever_run_across_each_other_on_quests?\u8221?\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
\u8220?Oh,_yes,\u8221?_Chiron_said_sadly._\u8220?
You_have,_many_times._It\u8217?
s_always_a_tragedy,_and_always_the_gods_do_their_best_to_wipe_clean_the_memo
ries
_of_those_involved._The_rivalry_goes_all_the_way_back_to_the_Trojan_War,_Clariss
e._The_Greeks_invaded_Troy_and_burned_it_to_the_ground._The_Trojan_hero_Aenea
s_e
scaped,_and_eventually_made_his_way_to_Italy,_where_he_founded_the_race_that_
wou
ld_someday_become_Rome._The_Romans_grew_more_and_more_powerful,_worship
ping_the_
same_gods_but_under_different_names,_and_with_slightly_different_personalities.\
\u8220?More_warlike,\u8221?_Jason_said._\u8220?
More_united._More_about_expansion
,_conquest,_and_discipline.\u8221?_\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
\u8220?Yuck,\u8221?_Travis_put_in.\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
Several_of_the_others_looked_equally_uncomfortable,_though_Clarisse_shrugged_lik
e_it_sounded_okay_to_her.\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
Annabeth_twirled_her_knife_on_the_table._\u8220?
And_the_Romans_hated_the_Greeks.
_They_took_revenge_when_they_conquered_the_Greek_isles,_and_made_them_part_
of_th
e_Roman_Empire.\u8221?\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
\u8220?Not_exactly_{\i
hated_}them,\u8221?_Jason_said._\u8220?
The_Romans_admired_Greek_culture,_and_wer
e_a_little_jealous._In_return,_the_Greeks_thought_the_Romans_were_barbarians,_bu
t_they_respected_their_military_power._So_during_Roman_times,_demigods_started
_t
o_divide\u8212?either_Greek_or_Roman.\u8221?_\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
\u8220?And_it\u8217?s_been_that_way_ever_since,\u8221?
_Annabeth_guessed._\u8220?
But_this_is_crazy._Chiron,_where_were_the_Romans_during_the_Titan_War?
_Didn\u821
7?t_they_want_to_help?\u8221?\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
Chiron_tugged_at_his_beard._\u8220?They_{\i
did_}help,_Annabeth._While_you_and_Percy_were_leading_the_battle_to_save_Manh
att
an,_who_do_think_conquered_Mount_Othrys,_the_Titans\u8217?
_base_in_California?\u
\u8220?Hold_on,\u8221?_Travis_said._\u8220?
You_said_Mount_Othrys_just_crumbled_w
hen_we_beat_Kronos.\u8221?_\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
\u8220?No,\u8221?_Jason_said._He_remembered_flashes_of_the_battle\u8212?
a_giant_
in_starry_armor_and_a_helm_mounted_with_ram\u8217?
s_horns._He_remembered_his_arm
y_of_demigods_scaling_Mount_Tam,_fighting_through_hordes_of_snake_monsters._\u
82
20?It_didn\u8217?t_just_fall._We_destroyed_their_palace._I_defeated_the_Titan_Kr
ios_myself.\u8221?\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
Annabeth\u8217?s_eyes_were_as_stormy_as_a_{\i
ventus}._Jason_could_almost_see_her_thoughts_moving,_putting_the_pieces_togeth
er
._\u8220?
The_Bay_Area._We_demigods_were_always_told_to_stay_away_from_it_because
_Mount_Othrys_was_there._But_that_wasn\u8217?t_the_only_reason,_was_it?
_The_Roma
n_camp\u8212?it\u8217?
s_got_to_be_somewhere_near_San_Francisco._I_bet_it_was_put
_there_to_keep_watch_on_the_Titans\u8217?_territory._Where_is_it?\u8221?\par\par
d\plain\hyphpar}{
Chiron_shifted_in_his_wheelchair._\u8220?I_cannot_say._Honestly,_even_{\i
I_}have_never_been_trusted_with_that_information._My_counterpart,_Lupa,_is_not_
e
xactly_the_sharing_type._Jason\u8217?
s_memory,_too,_has_been_burned_away.\u8221?
\u8220?The_camp\u8217?s_heavily_veiled_with_magic,\u8221?_Jason_said._\u8220?
And
_heavily_guarded._We_could_search_for_years_and_never_find_it.\u8221?\par\pard\
p
lain\hyphpar}{
Rachel_Dare_laced_her_fingers._Of_all_the_people_in_the_room,_only_she_didn\u82
1
7?t_seem_nervous_about_the_conversation._\u8220?But_you\u8217?
ll_try,_won\u8217?
t_you?_You\u8217?ll_build_Leo\u8217?s_boat,_the_{\i
Argo_II}._And_before_you_make_for_Greece,_you\u8217?
ll_sail_for_the_Roman_camp._
You\u8217?ll_need_their_help_to_confront_the_giants.\u8221?\par\pard\plain\hyphp
ar}{
\u8220?Bad_plan,\u8221?_Clarisse_warned._\u8220?
If_those_Romans_see_a_warship_co
ming,_they\u8217?ll_assume_we\u8217?re_attacking.\u8221?
}{
\u8220?You\u8217?re_probably_right,\u8221?_Jason_agreed._\u8220?
But_we_have_to_t
ry._I_was_sent_here_to_learn_about_Camp_Half-Blood,_to_try_to_convince_you_the_t
wo_camps_don\u8217?
t_have_to_be_enemies._A_peace_offering.\u8221?\par\pard\plain
\hyphpar}{
\u8220?Hmm,\u8221?_Rachel_said._\u8220?
Because_Hera_is_convinced_we_need_both_ca
mps_to_win_the_war_with_the_giants._Seven_heroes_of_Olympus\u8212?
some_Greek,_so
me_Roman.\u8221?\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
Annabeth_nodded._\u8220?Your_Great_Prophecy\u8212?what\u8217?
s_the_last_line?\u8
{\i
\u8220?And_foes_bear_arms_to_the_Doors_of_Death.\u8221?
_}\par\pard\plain\hyphpar
}{
\u8220?Gaea_has_opened_the_Doors_of_Death,\u8221?_Annabeth_said._\u8220?
She\u821
7?s_letting_out_the_worst_villains_of_the_Underworld_to_fight_us._Medea,_Midas\u
8212?there\u8217?ll_be_more,_I\u8217?
m_sure._Maybe_the_line_means_that_the_Roman
_and_Greek_demigods_will_unite,_and_find_the_doors,_and_close_them.\u8221?
_\par\
\u8220?Or_it_could_mean_they_fight_each_other_at_the_doors_of_death,\u8221?
_Clar
isse_pointed_out._\u8220?It_doesn\u8217?t_say_we\u8217?
ll_cooperate.\u8221?\par\
There_was_silence_as_the_campers_let_that_happy_thought_sink_in._\par\pard\plain
\hyphpar}{
\u8220?I\u8217?m_going,\u8221?_Annabeth_said._\u8220?
Jason,_when_you_get_this_sh
ip_built,_let_me_go_with_you.\u8221?\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
\u8220?I_was_hoping_you\u8217?d_offer,\u8221?_Jason_said._\u8220?
You_of_all_peop
le_\u8212?we\u8217?ll_need_you.\u8221?\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
\u8220?Wait.\u8221?_Leo_frowned._\u8220?I_mean_that\u8217?
s_cool_with_me_and_all
._But_why_Annabeth_of_all_people?\u8221?\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
Annabeth_and_Jason_studied_one_another,_and_Jason_knew_she_had_put_it_togeth
er._
She_saw_the_dangerous_truth.\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
\u8220?Hera_said_my_coming_here_was_an_exchange_of_leaders,\u8221?
_Jason_said._\
u8220?A_way_for_the_two_camps_to_learn_of_each_other\u8217?
s_existence.\u8221?_\
\u8220?Yeah?\u8221?_Leo_said._\u8220?So?\u8221?_\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
\u8220?An_exchange_goes_two_ways,\u8221?_Jason_said._\u8220?
When_I_got_here,_my_
memory_was_wiped._I_didn\u8217?
t_know_who_I_was_or_where_I_belonged._Fortunately
,_you_guys_took_me_in_and_I_found_a_new_home._I_know_you\u8217?
re_not_my_enemy._
The_Roman_camp\u8212?they\u8217?
re_not_so_friendly._You_prove_your_worth_quickly
,_or_you_don\u8217?
t_survive._They_may_not_be_so_nice_to_him,_and_if_they_learn_
where_he_comes_from,_he\u8217?s_going_to_be_in_serious_trouble.\u8221?
_\par\pard
\plain\hyphpar}{
\u8220?Him?\u8221?_Leo_said._\u8220?
Who_are_you_talking_about?\u8221?\par\pard\p
lain\hyphpar}{
\u8220?My_boyfriend,\u8221?_Annabeth_said_grimly._\u8220?
He_disappeared_around_t
he_same_time_Jason_appeared._If_Jason_came_to_Camp_Half-Blood\u8212?\u8221?
_\par
\u8220?Exactly,\u8221?_Jason_agreed._\u8220?
Percy_Jackson_is_at_the_other_camp,_
and_he_probably_doesn\u8217?t_even_remember_who_he_is.\u8221?
_\par\pard\plain\hy
phpar}{
{\qc
{\b
Gods_in_}{\i
{\b
The_Lost_Hero_}}\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
{\b
Aeolus_}The_Greek_god_of_the_winds._Roman_form:_Aeolus\par\pard\plain\hyphpar
}{
{\b
Aphrodite_}The_Greek_goddess_of_love_and_beauty._She_was_marred_to_Hephaest
us,_b
ut_she_loved_Ares,_the_god_of_war._Roman_form:_Venus_\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
{\b
Apollo_}The_Greek_god_of_the_sun,_prophecy,_music,_and_healing;_the_son_of_Ze
us,
_and_the_twin_of_Artemis._Roman_form:_Apollo\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
{\b
Ares_}The_Greek_god_of_war;_the_son_of_Zeus_and_Hera,_and_half_brother_to_Ath
ena
._Roman_form:_Mars_\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
{\b
Artemis_}The_Greek_goddess_of_the_hunt_and_the_moon;_the_daughter_of_Zeus_a
nd_th
e_twin_of_Apollo._Roman_form:_Diana_\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
{\b
Boreas_}The_Greek_god_of_the_north_wind,_one_of_the_four_directional_{\i
anemoi_}
(wind_gods);_the_god_of_winter;_father_of_Khione._Roman_form:_Aquilon\pa
{\b
Demeter_}The_Greek_goddess_of_agriculture,_a_daughter_of_the_Titans_Rhea_and_
Kro
nos._Roman_form:_Ceres_\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
{\b
Dionysus_}The_Greek_god_of_wine;_the_son_of_Zeus._Roman_form:_Bacchus_\par\p
ard\
plain\hyphpar}{
{\b
Gaea_}The_Greek_personification_of_Earth._Roman_form:_Terra_\par\pard\plain\hyp
h
par}{
{\b
Hades_}According_to_Greek_mythology,_ruler_of_the_Underworld_and_god_of_the_
dead
._Roman_form:_Pluto\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
{\b
Hecate_}The_Greek_goddess_of_magic;_the_only_child_of_the_Titans_Perses_and_A
ste
ria._Roman_form:_Trivia_\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
{\b
Hephaestus_}The_Greek_god_of_fire_and_crafts_and_of_blacksmiths;_the_son_of_Ze
us
_and_Hera,_and_married_to_Aphrodite._Roman_form:_Vulcan_\par\pard\plain\hyphpa
r}
{
{\b
Hera_}The_Greek_goddess_of_marriage;_Zeus\u8217?
s_wife_and_sister._Roman_form:_J
uno_\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
{\b
Hermes_}The_Greek_god_of_travelers,_communication,_and_thieves;_son_of_Zeus._
Rom
an_form:_Mercury\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
{\b
Hypnos_}The_Greek_god_of_sleep;_the_(fatherless)_son_of_Nyx_(Night)_and_brothe
r_
of_Thanatos_(Death)._Roman_form:_Somnus_\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
{\b
Iris_}The_Greek_goddess_of_the_rainbow,_and_a_messenger_of_the_gods;_the_dau
ghte
r_of_Thaumas_and_Electra._Roman_form:_Iris_\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
{\b
Janus_}The_Roman_god_of_gates,_doors,_and_doorways,_as_well_as_beginnings_an
d_en
dings.\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
{\b
Khione_}The_Greek_goddess_of_snow;_daughter_of_Boreas_{\b
Notus_}The_Greek_god_of_the_south_wind,_one_of_the_four_directional_{\i
anemoi}_(wind_gods)._Roman_form:_Favonius_\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
{\b
Ouranos_}The_Greek_personification_of_the_sky._Roman_form:_Uranus_\par\pard\pl
ai
n\hyphpar}{
{\b
Pan_}The_Greek_god_of_the_wild;_the_son_of_Hermes._Roman_form:_Faunus_\par\p
ard\
plain\hyphpar}{
{\b
Pompona_}The_Roman_goddess_of_plenty_\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
{\b
Poseidon_}The_Greek_god_of_the_sea;_son_of_the_Titans_Kronos_and_Rhea,_and_br
oth
er_of_Zeus_and_Hades._Roman_form:_Neptune\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}{
{\b
Zeus_}The_Greek_god_of_the_sky_and_king_of_the_gods._Roman_form:_Jupiter

The Lost Hero

Uploaded by

Copyright:

Available Formats

The Lost Hero

Uploaded by

Document Information

Copyright

Available Formats

Share this document

Share or Embed Document

Sharing Options

Did you find this document useful?

Is this content inappropriate?

Copyright:

Available Formats

The Lost Hero

Uploaded by

Copyright:

Available Formats

Who are the main characters introduced?

What is Jason's situation at the beginning of the story?

The Lost Hero

You might also like