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BOOKSBYRICKRIORDAN
PercyJacksonandtheOlympians,BookOne:
TheLightningThief
PercyJacksonandtheOlympians,BookTwo:
TheSeaofMonsters
PercyJacksonandtheOlympians,BookThree:
TheTitan’sCurse
PercyJacksonandtheOlympians,BookFour:
TheBattleoftheLabyrinth
PercyJacksonandtheOlympians,BookFive:
TheLastOlympian
PercyJacksonandtheOlympians:
TheDemigodFiles
PercyJacksonandtheOlympians,BookOne:
TheLightningThief,TheGraphicNovel
PercyJacksonandtheOlympians,BookTwo:
TheSeaofMonsters,TheGraphicNovel
PercyJacksonandtheOlympians,BookThree:
TheTitan’sCurse,TheGraphicNovel
TheKaneChronicles,BookOne:
TheRedPyramid
TheKaneChronicles,BookTwo:
TheThroneofFire
TheKaneChronicles,BookThree:
TheSerpent’sShadow
TheKaneChronicles:
TheKaneChroniclesSurvivalGuide
TheKaneChronicles,BookOne
TheRedPyramid,TheGraphicNovel
TheHeroesofOlympus,BookOne:
TheLostHero
TheHeroesofOlympus,BookTwo:
TheSonofNeptune
TheHeroesofOlympus,BookThree:
TheMarkofAthena
TheHeroesofOlympus,BookFour:
TheHouseofHades
TheHeroesofOlympus:
TheDemigodDiaries
TheSonofSobek
ACarterKane/PercyJacksonShortStory
Copyright©2013byRickRiordan
CoverdesignbyJoannHill
Coverphoto©2013byJohnRocco
ExcerptfromTheRedPyramidcopyright©2010byRickRiordan.
Allrightsreserved.PublishedbyDisney•HyperionBooks,animprintofDisneyBookGroup.Nopartofthisbookmaybereproducedortransmittedinanyformorbyanymeans,electronicormechanical,includingphotocopying,recording,orbyanyinformationstorageandretrievalsystem,withoutwrittenpermissionfromthepublisher.ForinformationaddressDisney•HyperionBooks,125WestEndAvenue,NewYork,NewYork10023.
ISBN978-1-4231-5515-7
Visitwww.disneyhyperionbooks.com
Contents
TitlePage
BooksbyRickRiordan
Copyright
Dedication
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Glossary
PreviewofTheKaneChronicles,BookOne:TheRedPyramid
Tomywonderfulreaders:
Sorryaboutthatlastcliff-hanger.
Well,no,notreally.HAHAHAHA.
Butseriously,Iloveyouguys.
DURINGTHETHIRDATTACK,Hazelalmostateaboulder.Shewaspeeringintothefog,wonderinghowitcouldbesodifficulttoflyacrossonestupidmountainrange,whentheship’salarmbellssounded.
“Hardtoport!”Nicoyelledfromtheforemastoftheflyingship.
Backatthehelm,Leoyankedthewheel.TheArgoIIveeredleft,itsaerialoarsslashingthroughthecloudslikerowsofknives.
Hazelmadethemistakeoflookingovertherail.Adarksphericalshapehurtledtowardher.Shethought:Whyisthemooncomingatus?Thensheyelpedandhitthedeck.Thehugerockpassedsocloseoverheaditblewherhairoutofherface.
CRACK!
Theforemastcollapsed—sail,spars,andNicoallcrashingtothedeck.Theboulder,
roughlythesizeofapickuptruck,tumbledoffintothefoglikeithadimportantbusinesselsewhere.
“Nico!”HazelscrambledovertohimasLeobroughttheshiplevel.
“I’mfine,”Nicomuttered,kickingfoldsofcanvasoffhislegs.
Shehelpedhimup,andtheystumbledtothebow.Hazelpeekedovermorecarefullythistime.
Thecloudspartedjustlongenoughtorevealthetopofthemountainbelowthem:aspearheadofblackrockjuttingfrommossygreenslopes.Standingatthesummitwasamountaingod—oneofthenuminamontanum,Jasonhadcalledthem.Orourae,inGreek.Whateveryoucalledthem,theywerenasty.
Liketheotherstheyhadfaced,thisoneworeasimplewhitetunicoverskinasroughanddarkasbasalt.Hewasabouttwentyfeettallandextremelymuscular,withaflowingwhitebeard,scragglyhair,andawildlookinhiseyes,likeacrazyhermit.HebellowedsomethingHazeldidn’tunderstand,butitobviouslywasn’twelcoming.Withhisbarehands,hepriedanotherchunkofrockfromhismountainandbeganshapingitintoaball.
Thescenedisappearedinthefog,butwhenthemountaingodbellowedagain,othernuminaansweredinthedistance,theirvoicesechoingthroughthevalleys.
“Stupidrockgods!”Leoyelledfromthehelm.“That’sthethirdtimeI’vehadtoreplacethatmast!Youthinktheygrowontrees?”
Nicofrowned.“Mastsarefromtrees.”
“That’snotthepoint!”Leosnatcheduponeofhiscontrols,riggedfromaNintendoWiistick,andspunitinacircle.Afewfeetaway,atrapdooropenedinthedeck.ACelestialbronzecannonrose.
Hazeljusthadtimetocoverherearsbeforeitdischargedintothesky,sprayingadozenmetalspheresthattrailedgreenfire.Thespheresgrewspikesinmidair,likehelicopterblades,andhurtledawayintothefog.
Amomentlater,aseriesofexplosionscrackledacrossthemountains,followedbytheoutragedroarsofmountaingods.
“Ha!”Leoyelled.
Unfortunately,Hazelguessed,judgingfromtheirlasttwoencounters,Leo’snewestweaponhadonlyannoyedthenumina.
Anotherboulderwhistledthroughtheairofftotheirstarboardside.
Nicoyelled,“Getusoutofhere!”
Leomutteredsomeunflatteringcommentsaboutnumina,butheturnedthewheel.Theengineshummed.Magicalrigginglasheditselftight,andtheshiptackedtoport.TheArgoIIpickedupspeed,retreatingnorthwest,asthey’dbeendoingforthepasttwodays.
Hazeldidn’trelaxuntiltheywereoutofthemountains.Thefogcleared.Belowthem,morningsunlightilluminatedtheItaliancountryside—rollinggreenhillsandgoldenfieldsnottoodifferentfromthoseinNorthernCalifornia.Hazelcouldalmostimagineshewas
sailinghometoCampJupiter.
Thethoughtweighedonherchest.CampJupiterhadonlybeenherhomeforninemonths,sinceNicohadbroughtherbackfromtheUnderworld.ButshemisseditmorethanherbirthplaceofNewOrleans,anddefinitelymorethanAlaska,whereshe’ddiedbackin1942.
ShemissedherbunkintheFifthCohortbarracks.Shemisseddinnersinthemesshall,withwindspiritswhiskingplattersthroughtheairandlegionnairesjokingaboutthewargames.ShewantedtowanderthestreetsofNewRome,holdinghandswithFrankZhang.Shewantedtoexperiencejustbeingaregulargirlforonce,withanactualsweet,caringboyfriend.
Mostofall,shewantedtofeelsafe.Shewastiredofbeingscaredandworriedallthetime.
ShestoodonthequarterdeckasNicopickedmastsplintersoutofhisarmsandLeopunchedbuttonsontheship’sconsole.
“Well,thatwassucktastic,”Leosaid.“ShouldIwaketheothers?”Hazelwastemptedtosayyes,buttheothercrewmembershadtakenthenightshiftandhadearnedtheirrest.Theywereexhaustedfromdefendingtheship.Everyfewhours,itseemed,someRomanmonsterhaddecidedtheArgoIIlookedlikeatastytreat.
Afewweeksago,Hazelwouldn’thavebelievedthatanyonecouldsleepthroughanuminaattack,butnowsheimaginedherfriendswerestillsnoringawaybelowdecks.Whenevershegotachancetocrash,shesleptlikeacomapatient.
“Theyneedrest,”shesaid.“We’llhavetofigureoutanotherwayonourown.”
“Huh.”Leoscowledathismonitor.Inhistatteredworkshirtandgrease-splatteredjeans,helookedlikehe’djustlostawrestlingmatchwithalocomotive.
EversincetheirfriendsPercyandAnnabethhadfallenintoTartarus,Leohadbeenworkingalmostnonstop.He’dbeenactingangrierandevenmoredriventhanusual.
Hazelworriedabouthim.Butpartofherwasrelievedbythechange.WheneverLeosmiledandjoked,helookedtoomuchlikeSammy,hisgreat-grandfather…Hazel’sfirstboyfriend,backin1942.
Ugh,whydidherlifehavetobesocomplicated?
“Anotherway,”Leomuttered.“Doyouseeone?”
OnhismonitorglowedamapofItaly.TheApennineMountainsrandownthemiddleoftheboot-shapedcountry.AgreendotfortheArgoIIblinkedonthewesternsideoftherange,afewhundredmilesnorthofRome.Theirpathshouldhavebeensimple.TheyneededtogettoaplacecalledEpirusinGreeceandfindanoldtemplecalledtheHouseofHades(orPluto,astheRomanscalledhim;orasHazellikedtothinkofhim:theWorld’sWorstAbsentFather).
ToreachEpirus,alltheyhadtodowasgostraighteast—overtheApenninesandacrosstheAdriaticSea.Butithadn’tworkedoutthatway.EachtimetheytriedtocrossthespineofItaly,themountaingodsattacked.
Forthepasttwodaysthey’dskirtednorth,hopingtofindasafepass,withnoluck.The
numinamontanumweresonsofGaea,Hazel’sleastfavoritegoddess.Thatmadethemverydeterminedenemies.TheArgoIIcouldn’tflyhighenoughtoavoidtheirattacks;andevenwithallitsdefenses,theshipcouldn’tmakeitacrosstherangewithoutbeingsmashedtopieces.
“It’sourfault,”Hazelsaid.“Nico’sandmine.Thenuminacansenseus.”Sheglancedatherhalfbrother.Sincethey’drescuedhimfromthegiants,he’dstartedtoregainhisstrength,buthewasstillpainfullythin.Hisblackshirtandjeanshungoffhisskeletalframe.Longdarkhairframedhissunkeneyes.Hisolivecomplexionhadturnedasicklygreenishwhite,likethecoloroftreesap.
Inhumanyears,hewasbarelyfourteen,justayearolderthanHazel,butthatdidn’ttellthewholestory.LikeHazel,NicodiAngelowasademigodfromanotherera.Heradiatedakindofoldenergy—
amelancholythatcamefromknowinghedidn’tbelonginthemodernworld.
Hazelhadn’tknownhimverylong,butsheunderstood,evenshared,hissadness.ThechildrenofHades(Pluto—whichever)rarelyhadhappylives.AndjudgingfromwhatNicohadtoldherthenightbefore,theirbiggestchallengewasyettocomewhentheyreachedtheHouseofHades—achallengehe’dimploredhertokeepsecretfromtheothers.
NicogrippedthehiltofhisStygianironsword.“Earthspiritsdon’tlikechildrenoftheUnderworld.That’strue.Wegetundertheirskin—literally.ButIthinkthenuminacouldsensethisshipanyway.We’recarryingtheAthenaParthenos.Thatthingislikeamagicalbeacon.”Hazelshivered,thinkingofthemassivestatuethattookupmostofthehold.They’dsacrificedsomuchsavingitfromthecavernunderRome;buttheyhadnoideawhattodowithit.Sofartheonlythingitseemedtobegoodforwasalertingmoremonsterstotheirpresence.
LeotracedhisfingerdownthemapofItaly.“Socrossingthemountainsisout.Thingis,theygoalongwayineitherdirection.”
“Wecouldgobysea,”Hazelsuggested.“SailaroundthesoutherntipofItaly.”
“That’salongway,”Nicosaid.“Plus,wedon’thave…”Hisvoicecracked.“Youknow…ourseaexpert,Percy.”
Thenamehungintheairlikeanimpendingstorm.
PercyJackson,sonofPoseidon…probablythedemigodHazeladmiredmost.He’dsavedherlifesomanytimesontheirquesttoAlaska;butwhenhehadneededHazel’shelpinRome,she’dfailedhim.She’dwatched,powerless,asheandAnnabethhadplungedintothatpit.
Hazeltookadeepbreath.PercyandAnnabethwerestillalive.Sheknewthatinherheart.ShecouldstillhelpthemifshecouldgettotheHouseofHades,ifshecouldsurvivethechallengeNicohadwarnedherabout.…
“Whataboutcontinuingnorth?”sheasked.“Therehastobeabreakinthemountains,orsomething.”
LeofiddledwiththebronzeArchimedesspherethathe’dinstalledontheconsole—hisnewestandmostdangeroustoy.EverytimeHazellookedatthething,hermouthwentdry.SheworriedthatLeowouldturnthewrongcombinationonthesphereandaccidentallyejectthemallfromthedeck,orblowuptheship,orturntheArgoIIintoagianttoaster.
Fortunately,theygotlucky.Thespheregrewacameralensandprojecteda3-DimageoftheApennineMountainsabovetheconsole.
“Idunno.”Leoexaminedthehologram.“Idon’tseeanygoodpassestothenorth.ButIlikethatideabetterthanbacktrackingsouth.I’mdonewithRome.”
Noonearguedwiththat.Romehadnotbeenagoodexperience.
“Whateverwedo,”Nicosaid,“wehavetohurry.EverydaythatAnnabethandPercyareinTartarus…”
Hedidn’tneedtofinish.TheyhadtohopePercyandAnnabethcouldsurvivelongenoughtofindtheTartarussideoftheDoorsofDeath.Then,assumingtheArgoIIcouldreachtheHouseofHades,theymightbeabletoopentheDoorsonthemortalside,savetheirfriends,andsealtheentrance,stoppingGaea’sforcesfrombeingreincarnatedinthemortalworldoverandover.
Yes…nothingcouldgowrongwiththatplan.
NicoscowledattheItaliancountrysidebelowthem.“Maybeweshouldwaketheothers.Thisdecisionaffectsusall.”
“No,”Hazelsaid.“Wecanfindasolution.”
Shewasn’tsurewhyshefeltsostronglyaboutit,butsinceleavingRome,thecrewhadstartedtoloseitscohesion.They’dbeenlearningtoworkasateam.Thenbam…theirtwomostimportantmembersfellintoTartarus.Percyhadbeentheirbackbone.He’dgiventhemconfidenceastheysailedacrosstheAtlanticandintotheMediterranean.AsforAnnabeth—she’dbeenthedefactoleaderofthequest.She’drecoveredtheAthenaParthenossingle-handedly.Shewasthesmartestoftheseven,theonewiththeanswers.
IfHazelwokeuptherestofthecreweverytimetheyhadaproblem,they’djuststartarguingagain,feelingmoreandmorehopeless.
ShehadtomakePercyandAnnabethproudofher.Shehadtotaketheinitiative.Shecouldn’tbelieveheronlyroleinthisquestwouldbewhatNicohadwarnedherof—removingtheobstaclewaitingforthemintheHouseofHades.Shepushedthethoughtaside.
“Weneedsomecreativethinking,”shesaid.“Anotherwaytocrossthosemountains,orawaytohideourselvesfromthenumina.”
Nicosighed.“IfIwasonmyown,Icouldshadow-travel.Butthatwon’tworkforanentireship.
Andhonestly,I’mnotsureIhavethestrengthtoeventransportmyselfanymore.”
“Icouldmayberigsomekindofcamouflage,”Leosaid,“likeasmokescreentohideusintheclouds.”Hedidn’tsoundveryenthusiastic.
Hazelstareddownattherollingfarmland,thinkingaboutwhatlaybeneathit—therealmofherfather,lordoftheUnderworld.She’donlymetPlutoonce,andshehadn’tevenrealizedwhohewas.
Shecertainlyhadneverexpectedhelpfromhim—notwhenshewasalivethefirsttime,notduringhertimeasaspiritintheUnderworld,notsinceNicohadbroughtherbacktotheworldoftheliving.
Herdad’sservantThanatos,godofdeath,hadsuggestedthatPlutomightbedoingHazelafavorbyignoringher.Afterall,shewasn’tsupposedtobealive.IfPlutotooknoticeofher,hemighthavetoreturnhertothelandofthedead.
WhichmeantcallingonPlutowouldbeaverybadidea.Andyet…
Please,Dad,shefoundherselfpraying.IhavetofindawaytoyourtempleinGreece—theHouseofHades.Ifyou’redownthere,showmewhattodo.
Attheedgeofthehorizon,aflickerofmovementcaughthereye—somethingsmallandbeigeracingacrossthefieldsatincrediblespeed,leavingavaportraillikeaplane’s.
Hazelcouldn’tbelieveit.Shedidn’tdarehope,butithadtobe…“Arion.”
“What?”Nicoasked.
Leoletoutahappywhoopasthedustcloudgotcloser.“It’sherhorse,man!Youmissedthatwholepart.Wehaven’tseenhimsinceKansas!”
Hazellaughed—thefirsttimeshe’dlaughedindays.Itfeltsogoodtoseeheroldfriend.
Aboutamiletothenorth,thesmallbeigedotcircledahillandstoppedatthesummit.Hewasdifficulttomakeout,butwhenthehorserearedandwhinnied,thesoundcarriedallthewaytotheArgoII.Hazelhadnodoubt—itwasArion.
“Wehavetomeethim,”shesaid.“He’sheretohelp.”
“Yeah,okay.”Leoscratchedhishead.“But,uh,wetalkedaboutnotlandingtheshiponthegroundanymore,remember?Youknow,withGaeawantingtodestroyusandall.”
“Justgetmeclose,andI’llusetheropeladder.”Hazel’sheartwaspounding.“IthinkArionwantstotellmesomething.”
HAZELHADNEVERFELTSOHAPPY.Well,exceptformaybeonthenightofthevictoryfeastatCampJupiter,whenshe’dkissedFrankforthefirsttime…butthiswasaclosesecond.
Assoonasshereachedtheground,sherantoArionandthrewherarmsaroundhim.“Imissedyou!”Shepressedherfaceintothehorse’swarmneck,whichsmelledofseasaltandapples.“Wherehaveyoubeen?”
Arionnickered.HazelwishedshecouldspeakHorselikePercycould,butshegotthegeneralidea.Arionsoundedimpatient,asifsaying,Notimeforsentiment,girl!Comeon!
“Youwantmetogowithyou?”sheguessed.
Arionbobbedhishead,trottinginplace.Hisdarkbrowneyesgleamedwithurgency.
Hazelstillcouldn’tbelievehewasactuallyhere.Hecouldrunacrossanysurface,eventhesea;butshe’dbeenafraidhewouldn’tfollowthemintotheancientlands.TheMediterraneanwastoodangerousfordemigodsandtheirallies.
Hewouldn’thavecomeunlessHazelwasindireneed.Andheseemedsoagitated.…AnythingthatcouldmakeafearlesshorseskittishshouldhaveterrifiedHazel.
Instead,shefeltelated.Shewassotiredofbeingseasickandairsick.AboardtheArgoII,shefeltaboutasusefulasaboxofballast.Shewasgladtobebackonsolidground,evenifitwasGaea’sterritory.Shewasreadytoride.
“Hazel!”Nicocalleddownfromtheship.“What’sgoingon?”
“It’sfine!”Shecroucheddownandsummonedagoldnuggetfromtheearth.Shewasgettingbetteratcontrollingherpower.Preciousstoneshardlyeverpoppeduparoundherbyaccidentanymore,andpullinggoldfromthegroundwaseasy.
ShefedArionthenugget…hisfavoritesnack.ThenshesmiledupatLeoandNico,whowerewatchingherfromthetopoftheladderahundredfeetabove.“Arionwantstotakemesomewhere.”Theboysexchangednervouslooks.
“Uh…”Leopointednorth.“Pleasetellmehe’snottakingyouintothat?”HazelhadbeensofocusedonArion,shehadn’tnoticedthedisturbance.Amileaway,onthecrestofthenexthill,astormhadgatheredoversomeoldstoneruins—maybetheremainsofaRomantempleorafortress.Afunnelcloudsnakeditswaydowntowardthehilllikeaninkyblackfinger.
Hazel’smouthtastedlikeblood.ShelookedatArion.“Youwanttogothere?”Arionwhinnied,asiftosay,Uh,duh!
Well…Hazelhadaskedforhelp.Wasthisherdad’sanswer?
Shehopedso,butshesensedsomethingbesidesPlutoatworkinthatstorm…somethingdark,powerful,andnotnecessarilyfriendly.
Still,thiswasherchancetohelpherfriends—toleadinsteadoffollow.
ShetightenedthestrapsofherImperialgoldcavalryswordandclimbedontoArion’sback.
“I’llbeokay!”shecalleduptoNicoandLeo.“Stayputandwaitforme.”
“Waitforhowlong?”Nicoasked.“Whatifyoudon’tcomeback?”
“Don’tworry,Iwill,”shepromised,hopingitwastrue.
ShespurredArion,andtheyshotacrossthecountryside,headingstraightforthegrowingtornado.
THESTORMSWALLOWEDTHEHILLinaswirlingconeofblackvapor.
Arionchargedstraightintoit.
Hazelfoundherselfatthesummit,butitfeltlikeadifferentdimension.Theworldlostitscolor.
Thewallsofthestormencircledthehillinmurkyblack.Theskychurnedgray.The
crumblingruinswerebleachedsowhite,theyalmostglowed.EvenArionhadturnedfromcaramelbrowntoadarkshadeofash.
Intheeyeofthetempest,theairwasstill.Hazel’sskintingledcoolly,asifshe’dbeenrubbedwithalcohol.Infrontofher,anarchedgatewayledthroughmossywallsintosomesortofenclosure.
Hazelcouldn’tseemuchthroughthegloom,butshefeltapresencewithin,asifshewereachunkofironclosetoalargemagnet.Itspullwasirresistible,draggingherforward.
Yetshehesitated.ShereinedinArion,andhecloppedimpatiently,thegroundcracklingunderhishooves.Whereverhestepped,thegrass,dirt,andstonesturnedwhitelikefrost.HazelrememberedtheHubbardGlacierinAlaska—howthesurfacehadcrackedundertheirfeet.SherememberedthefloorofthathorriblecaverninRomecrumblingtodust,plungingPercyandAnnabethintoTartarus.
Shehopedthisblack-and-whitehilltopwouldn’tdissolveunderher,butshedecideditwasbesttokeepmoving.
“Let’sgo,then,boy.”Hervoicesoundedmuffled,asifshewerespeakingintoapillow.
Ariontrottedthroughthestonearchway.Ruinedwallsborderedasquarecourtyardaboutthesizeofatenniscourt.Threeothergateways,oneinthemiddleofeachwall,lednorth,east,andwest.Inthecenteroftheyard,twocobblestonepathsintersected,makingacross.Misthungintheair—hazyshredsofwhitethatcoiledandundulatedasiftheywerealive.
Notmist,Hazelrealized.TheMist.
Allherlife,she’dheardabouttheMist—thesupernaturalveilthatobscuredtheworldofmythfromthesightofmortals.Itcoulddeceivehumans,evendemigods,intoseeingmonstersasharmlessanimals,orgodsasregularpeople.
Hazelhadneverthoughtofitasactualsmoke,butasshewatcheditcurlingaroundArion’slegs,floatingthroughthebrokenarchesoftheruinedcourtyard,thehairsstooduponherarms.Somehowsheknew:thiswhitestuffwaspuremagic.
Inthedistance,adoghowled.Arionwasn’tusuallyscaredofanything,buthereared,huffingnervously.
“It’sokay.”Hazelstrokedhisneck.“We’reinthistogether.I’mgoingtogetdown,allright?”SheslidoffArion’sback.Instantlyheturnedandran.
“Arion,wai—”
Buthe’dalreadydisappearedthewayhe’dcome.
Somuchforbeinginthistogether.
Anotherhowlcutthroughtheair—closerthistime.
Hazelsteppedtowardthecenterofthecourtyard.TheMistclungtoherlikefreezerfog.
“Hello?”shecalled.
“Hello,”avoiceanswered.
Thepalefigureofawomanappearedatthenortherngateway.No,wait…shestoodattheeasternentrance.No,thewestern.Threesmokyimagesofthesamewomanmovedinunisontowardthecenteroftheruins.Herformwasblurred,madefromMist,andshewastrailedbytwosmallerwispsofsmoke,dartingatherheelslikeanimals.Somesortofpets?
Shereachedthecenterofthecourtyardandherthreeformsmergedintoone.Shesolidifiedintoayoungwomaninadarksleevelessgown.Hergoldenhairwasgatheredintoahigh-setponytail,AncientGreekstyle.Herdresswassosilky,itseemedtoripple,asiftheclothwereinkspillingoffhershoulders.Shelookednomorethantwenty,butHazelknewthatmeantnothing.
“HazelLevesque,”saidthewoman.
Shewasbeautiful,butdeathlypale.Once,backinNewOrleans,Hazelhadbeenforcedtoattendawakeforadeadclassmate.Sherememberedthelifelessbodyoftheyounggirlintheopencasket.Herfacehadbeenmadeupprettily,asifshewereresting,whichHazelhadfoundterrifying.
ThiswomanremindedHazelofthatgirl—exceptthewoman’seyeswereopenandcompletelyblack.Whenshetiltedherhead,sheseemedtobreakintothreedifferentpeopleagain…mistyafterimagesblurringtogether,likeaphotographofsomeonemovingtoofasttocapture.
“Whoareyou?”Hazel’sfingerstwitchedatthehiltofhersword.“Imean…whichgoddess?”Hazelwassureofthatmuch.Thiswomanradiatedpower.Everythingaroundthem—theswirlingMist,themonochromaticstorm,theeerieglowoftheruins—wasbecauseofherpresence.
“Ah.”Thewomannodded.“Letmegiveyousomelight.”
Sheraisedherhands.Suddenlyshewasholdingtwoold-fashionedreedtorches,gutteringwithfire.TheMistrecededtotheedgesofthecourtyard.Atthewoman’ssandaledfeet,thetwowispyanimalstookonsolidform.OnewasablackLabradorretriever.Theotherwasalong,gray,furryrodentwithawhitemaskarounditsface.Aweasel,maybe?
Thewomansmiledserenely.
“IamHecate,”shesaid.“Goddessofmagic.Wehavemuchtodiscussifyou’retolivethroughtonight.”
HAZELWANTEDTORUN,butherfeetseemedstucktothewhite-glazedground.
Oneithersideofthecrossroads,twodarkmetaltorch-standseruptedfromthedirtlikeplantstalks.Hecatefixedhertorchesinthem,thenwalkedaslowcirclearoundHazel,regardingherasiftheywerepartnersinsomeeeriedance.
Theblackdogandtheweaselfollowedinherwake.
“Youarelikeyourmother,”Hecatedecided.
Hazel’sthroatconstricted.“Youknewher?”
“Ofcourse.Mariewasafortune-teller.Shedealtincharmsandcursesandgris-gris.Iamthegoddessofmagic.”
ThosepureblackeyesseemedtopullatHazel,asiftryingtoextracthersoul.DuringherfirstlifetimeinNewOrleans,HazelhadbeentormentedbythekidsatSt.AgnesSchoolbecauseofhermother.TheycalledMarieLevesqueawitch.ThenunsmutteredthatHazel’smotherwastradingwiththeDevil.
Ifthenunswerescaredofmymom,Hazelwondered,whatwouldtheymakeofthisgoddess?
“Manyfearme,”Hecatesaid,asifreadingherthoughts.“Butmagicisneithergoodnorevil.Itisatool,likeaknife.Isaknifeevil?Onlyifthewielderisevil.”
“My—mymother…”Hazelstammered.“Shedidn’tbelieveinmagic.Notreally.Shewasjustfakingit,forthemoney.”
Theweaselchitteredandbareditsteeth.Thenitmadeasqueakingsoundfromitsbackend.
Underothercircumstances,aweaselpassinggasmighthavebeenfunny,butHazeldidn’tlaugh.Therodent’sredeyesglaredatherbalefully,liketinycoals.
“Peace,Gale,”saidHecate.ShegaveHazelanapologeticshrug.“Galedoesnotlike
hearingaboutnonbelieversandconartists.Sheherselfwasonceawitch,yousee.”
“Yourweaselwasawitch?”
“She’sapolecat,actually,”Hecatesaid.“But,yes—Galewasonceadisagreeablehumanwitch.
Shehadterriblepersonalhygiene,plusextreme—ah,digestiveissues.”Hecatewavedherhandinfrontofhernose.“Itgavemyotherfollowersabadname.”
“Okay.”Hazeltriednottolookattheweasel.Shereallydidn’twanttoknowabouttherodent’sintestinalproblems.
“Atanyrate,”Hecatesaid,“Iturnedherintoapolecat.She’smuchbetterasapolecat.”Hazelswallowed.Shelookedattheblackdog,whichwasaffectionatelynuzzlingthegoddess’shand.“AndyourLabrador…?”
“Oh,she’sHecuba,theformerqueenofTroy,”Hecatesaid,asifthatshouldbeobvious.
Thedoggrunted.
“You’reright,Hecuba,”thegoddesssaid.“Wedon’thavetimeforlongintroductions.Thepointis,HazelLevesque,yourmothermayhaveclaimednottobelieve,butshehadtruemagic.Eventually,sherealizedthis.WhenshesearchedforaspelltosummonthegodPluto,Ihelpedherfindit.”
“You…?”
“Yes.”HecatecontinuedcirclingHazel.“Isawpotentialinyourmother.Iseeevenmorepotentialinyou.”
Hazel’sheadspun.Sherememberedhermother’sconfessionjustbeforeshehaddied:howshe’dsummonedPluto,howthegodhadfalleninlovewithher,andhow,becauseofhergreedywish,herdaughterHazelhadbeenbornwithacurse.Hazelcouldsummonrichesfromtheearth,butanyonewhousedthemwouldsufferanddie.
Nowthisgoddesswassayingthatshehadmadeallthathappen.
“Mymothersufferedbecauseofthatmagic.Mywholelife—”
“Yourlifewouldn’thavehappenedwithoutme,”Hecatesaidflatly.“Ihavenotimeforyouranger.Neitherdoyou.Withoutmyhelp,youwilldie.”
Theblackdogsnarled.Thepolecatsnappeditsteethandpassedgas.
Hazelfeltlikeherlungswerefillingwithhotsand.
“Whatkindofhelp?”shedemanded.
Hecateraisedherpalearms.Thethreegatewaysshe’dcomefrom—north,east,andwest—begantoswirlwithMist.Aflurryofblack-and-whiteimagesglowedandflickered,liketheoldsilentmoviesthatwerestillplayingintheaterssometimeswhenHazelwassmall.
Inthewesterndoorway,RomanandGreekdemigodsinfullarmorfoughtoneanotheronahillsideunderalargepinetree.Thegrasswasstrewnwiththewoundedandthedying.HazelsawherselfridingArion,chargingthroughthemeleeandshouting—tryingtostoptheviolence.
Inthegatewaytotheeast,HazelsawtheArgoIIplungingthroughtheskyabovetheApennines.
Itsriggingwasinflames.Abouldersmashedintothequarterdeck.Anotherpunchedthroughthehull.
Theshipburstlikearottenpumpkin,andtheengineexploded.
Theimagesinthenortherndoorwaywereevenworse.HazelsawLeo,unconscious—ordead—
fallingthroughtheclouds.ShesawFrankstaggeringalonedownadarktunnel,clutchinghisarm,hisshirtsoakedinblood.AndHazelsawherselfinavastcavernfilledwithstrandsoflightlikealuminousweb.Shewasstrugglingtobreakthroughwhile,inthedistance,PercyandAnnabethlaysprawledandunmovingatthefootoftwoblack-and-silvermetaldoors.
“Choices,”saidHecate.“Youstandatthecrossroads,HazelLevesque.AndIamthegoddessofcrossroads.”
ThegroundrumbledatHazel’sfeet.Shelookeddownandsawtheglintofsilvercoins…
thousandsofoldRomandenariibreakingthesurfaceallaroundher,asiftheentirehilltopwascomingtoaboil.She’dbeensoagitatedbythevisionsinthedoorwaysthatshemusthavesummonedeverybitofsilverinthesurroundingcountryside.
“Thepastisclosetothesurfaceinthisplace,”Hecatesaid.“Inancienttimes,twogreatRomanroadsmethere.Newswasexchanged.Marketswereheld.Friendsmet,andenemiesfought.Entirearmieshadtochooseadirection.Crossroadsarealwaysplacesofdecision.”
“Like…likeJanus.”HazelrememberedtheshrineofJanusonTempleHillbackatCampJupiter.
Demigodswouldgotheretomakedecisions.Theywouldflipacoin,headsortails,andhopethetwo-facedgodwouldguidethemwell.Hazelhadalwayshatedthatplace.She’dneverunderstoodwhyherfriendsweresowillingtoletagodtakeawaytheirresponsibilityforchoosing.AfterallHazelhadbeenthrough,shetrustedthewisdomofthegodsaboutasmuchasshetrustedaNewOrleansslotmachine.
Thegoddessofmagicmadeadisgustedhiss.“Janusandhisdoorways.Hewouldhaveyoubelievethatallchoicesareblackorwhite,yesorno,inorout.Infact,it’snotthatsimple.Wheneveryoureachthecrossroads,therearealwaysatleastthreewaystogo…four,ifyoucountgoingbackward.Youareatsuchacrossingnow,Hazel.”
Hazellookedagainateachswirlinggateway:ademigodwar,thedestructionoftheArgoII,disasterforherselfandherfriends.“Allthechoicesarebad.”
“Allchoiceshaverisks,”thegoddesscorrected.“Butwhatisyourgoal?”
“Mygoal?”Hazelwavedhelplesslyatthedoorways.“Noneofthese.”ThedogHecubasnarled.Galethepolecatskitteredaroundthegoddess’sfeet,fartingandgnashingherteeth.
“Youcouldgobackward,”Hecatesuggested,“retraceyourstepstoRome…butGaea’s
forcesareexpectingthat.Noneofyouwillsurvive.”
“So…whatareyousaying?”
Hecatesteppedtothenearesttorch.ShescoopedahandfuloffireandsculptedtheflamesuntilshewasholdingaminiaturereliefmapofItaly.
“Youcouldgowest.”Hecateletherfingerdriftawayfromherfierymap.“GobacktoAmericawithyourprize,theAthenaParthenos.Yourcomradesbackhome,GreekandRoman,areonthebrinkofwar.Leavenow,andyoumightsavemanylives.”
“Might,”Hazelrepeated.“ButGaeaissupposedtowakeinGreece.That’swherethegiantsaregathering.”
“True.GaeahassetthedateofAugustfirst,theFeastofSpes,goddessofhope,forherrisetopower.BywakingontheDayofHope,sheintendstodestroyallhopeforever.EvenifyoureachedGreecebythen,couldyoustopher?Idonotknow.”HecatetracedherfingeralongthetopsofthefieryApennines.“Youcouldgoeast,acrossthemountains,butGaeawilldoanythingtostopyoufromcrossingItaly.Shehasraisedhermountaingodsagainstyou.”
“Wenoticed,”Hazelsaid.
“AnyattempttocrosstheApennineswillmeanthedestructionofyourship.Ironically,thismightbethesafestoptionforyourcrew.Iforeseethatallofyouwouldsurvivetheexplosion.Itispossible,thoughunlikely,youcouldstillreachEpirusandclosetheDoorsofDeath.YoumightfindGaeaandpreventherrise.Butbythen,bothdemigodcampswouldbedestroyed.Youwouldhavenohometoreturnto.”Hecatesmiled.“Morelikely,thedestructionofyourshipwouldstrandyouinthemountains.Itwouldmeantheendofyourquest,butitwouldspareyouandyourfriendsmuchpainandsufferinginthedaystocome.Thewarwiththegiantswouldhavetobewonorlostwithoutyou.”Wonorlostwithoutus.
Asmall,guiltypartofHazelfoundthatappealing.She’dbeenwishingforthechancetobeanormalgirl.Shedidn’twantanymorepainorsufferingforherselfandherfriends.They’dalreadybeenthroughsomuch.
ShelookedbehindHecateatthemiddlegateway.ShesawPercyandAnnabethsprawledhelplesslybeforethoseblack-and-silverdoors.Amassivedarkshape,vaguelyhumanoid,nowloomedoverthem,itsfootraisedasiftocrushPercy.
“Whataboutthem?”Hazelasked,hervoiceragged.“PercyandAnnabeth?”Hecateshrugged.“West,east,orsouth…theydie.”
“Notanoption,”Hazelsaid.
“Thenyouhaveonlyonepath,thoughitisthemostdangerous.”Hecate’sfingercrossedherminiatureApennines,leavingaglowingwhitelineintheredflames.
“Thereisasecretpasshereinthenorth,aplacewhereIholdsway,whereHannibaloncecrossedwhenhemarchedagainstRome.”
Thegoddessmadeawideloop…tothetopofItaly,theneasttothesea,thendownalongthewesterncoastofGreece.“Oncethroughthepass,youwouldtravelnorthtoBologna,
andthentoVenice.Fromthere,sailtheAdriatictoyourgoal,here:EpirusinGreece.”Hazeldidn’tknowmuchaboutgeography.ShehadnoideawhattheAdriaticSeawaslike.She’dneverheardofBologna,andallsheknewaboutVenicewasvaguestoriesaboutcanalsandgondolas.
Butonethingwasobvious.“That’ssofaroutoftheway.”
“WhichiswhyGaeawillnotexpectyoutotakethisroute,”Hecatesaid.“Icanobscureyourprogresssomewhat,butthesuccessofyourjourneywilldependonyou,HazelLevesque.YoumustlearntousetheMist.”
“Me?”Hazel’sheartfeltlikeitwastumblingdownherribcage.“UsetheMisthow?”HecateextinguishedhermapofItaly.SheflickedherhandattheblackdogHecuba.MistcollectedaroundtheLabradoruntilshewascompletelyhiddeninacocoonofwhite.Thefogclearedwithanaudiblepoof!Wherethedoghadstoodwasadisgruntled-lookingblackkittenwithgoldeneyes.
“Mew,”itcomplained.
“IamthegoddessoftheMist,”Hecateexplained.“Iamresponsibleforkeepingtheveilthatseparatestheworldofthegodsfromtheworldofmortals.MychildrenlearntousetheMisttotheiradvantage,tocreateillusionsorinfluencethemindsofmortals.Otherdemigodscandothisaswell.
Andsomustyou,Hazel,ifyouaretohelpyourfriends.”
“But…”Hazellookedatthecat.SheknewitwasactuallyHecuba,theblackLabrador,butshecouldn’tconvinceherself.Thecatseemedsoreal.“Ican’tdothat.”
“Yourmotherhadthetalent,”Hecatesaid.“Youhaveevenmore.AsachildofPlutowhohasreturnedfromthedead,youunderstandtheveilbetweenworldsbetterthanmost.YoucancontroltheMist.Ifyoudonot…well,yourbrotherNicohasalreadywarnedyou.Thespiritshavewhisperedtohim,toldhimofyourfuture.WhenyoureachtheHouseofHades,youwillmeetaformidableenemy.
Shecannotbeovercomebystrengthorsword.Youalonecandefeather,andyouwillrequiremagic.”Hazel’slegsfeltwobbly.SherememberedNico’sgrimexpression,hisfingersdiggingintoherarm.Youcan’ttelltheothers.Notyet.Theircourageisalreadystretchedtothelimit.
“Who?”Hazelcroaked.“Whoisthisenemy?”
“Iwillnotspeakhername,”Hecatesaid.“Thatwouldalerthertoyourpresencebeforeyouarereadytofaceher.Gonorth,Hazel.Asyoutravel,practicesummoningtheMist.WhenyouarriveinBologna,seekoutthetwodwarfs.TheywillleadyoutoatreasurethatmayhelpyousurviveintheHouseofHades.”
“Idon’tunderstand.”
“Mew,”thekittencomplained.
“Yes,yes,Hecuba.”Thegoddessflickedherhandagain,andthecatdisappeared.TheblackLabradorwasbackinitsplace.
“Youwillunderstand,Hazel,”thegoddesspromised.“Fromtimetotime,IwillsendGale
tocheckonyourprogress.”
Thepolecathissed,itsbeadyredeyesfullofmalice.
“Wonderful,”Hazelmuttered.
“BeforeyoureachEpirus,youmustbeprepared,”Hecatesaid.“Ifyousucceed,thenperhapswewillmeetagain…forthefinalbattle.”
Afinalbattle,Hazelthought.Oh,joy.
HazelwonderedifshecouldpreventtherevelationsshesawintheMist—Leofallingthroughthesky;Frankstumblingthroughthedark,aloneandgravelywounded;PercyandAnnabethatthemercyofadarkgiant.
Shehatedthegods’riddlesandtheirunclearadvice.Shewasstartingtodespisecrossroads.
“Whyareyouhelpingme?”Hazeldemanded.“AtCampJupiter,theysaidyousidedwiththeTitansinthelastwar.”
Hecate’sdarkeyesglinted.“BecauseIamaTitan—daughterofPersesandAsteria.LongbeforetheOlympianscametopower,IruledtheMist.Despitethis,intheFirstTitanWar,millenniaago,IsidedwithZeusagainstKronos.IwasnotblindtoKronos’scruelty.IhopedZeuswouldproveabetterking.”
Shegaveasmall,bitterlaugh.“WhenDemeterlostherdaughterPersephone,kidnappedbyyourfather,IguidedDemeterthroughthedarkestnightwithmytorches,helpinghersearch.Andwhenthegiantsrosethefirsttime,Iagainsidedwiththegods.IfoughtmyarchenemyClytius,madebyGaeatoabsorbanddefeatallmymagic.”
“Clytius.”Hazelhadneverheardthatname—Clai-tee-us—butsayingitmadeherlimbsfeelheavy.Sheglancedattheimagesinthenortherndoorway—themassivedarkshapeloomingoverPercyandAnnabeth.“IshethethreatintheHouseofHades?”
“Oh,hewaitsforyouthere,”Hecatesaid.“Butfirstyoumustdefeatthewitch.Unlessyoumanagethat…”
Shesnappedherfingers,andallofthegatewaysturneddark.TheMistdissolved,theimagesgone.
“Weallfacechoices,”thegoddesssaid.“WhenKronosarosethesecondtime,Imadeamistake.
Isupportedhim.Ihadgrowntiredofbeingignoredbytheso-calledmajorgods.Despitemyyearsoffaithfulservice,theymistrustedme,refusedmeaseatintheirhall…”ThepolecatGalechitteredangrily.
“Itdoesnotmatteranymore.”Thegoddesssighed.“IhavemadepeaceagainwithOlympus.Evennow,whentheyarelaidlow—theirGreekandRomanpersonasfightingeachother—Iwillhelpthem.
GreekorRoman,IhavealwaysbeenonlyHecate.Iwillassistyouagainstthegiants,ifyouproveyourselfworthy.Sonowitisyourchoice,HazelLevesque.Willyoutrustme…orwillyoushunme,astheOlympiangodshavedonetoooften?”
BloodroaredinHazel’sears.Couldshetrustthisdarkgoddess,who’dgivenhermotherthemagicthatruinedherlife?Sorry,no.Shedidn’tmuchlikeHecate’sdogorhergassypolecat,either.
Butshealsoknewshecouldn’tletPercyandAnnabethdie.
“I’llgonorth,”shesaid.“We’lltakeyoursecretpassthroughthemountains.”Hecatenodded,theslightesthintofsatisfactioninherface.“Youhavechosenwell,thoughthepathwillnotbeeasy.Manymonsterswillriseagainstyou.EvensomeofmyownservantshavesidedwithGaea,hopingtodestroyyourmortalworld.”
Thegoddesstookherdoubletorchesfromtheirstands.“Prepareyourself,daughterofPluto.Ifyousucceedagainstthewitch,wewillmeetagain.”
“I’llsucceed,”Hazelpromised.“AndHecate?I’mnotchoosingoneofyourpaths.I’mmakingmyown.”
Thegoddessarchedhereyebrows.Herpolecatwrithed,andherdogsnarled.
“We’regoingtofindawaytostopGaea,”Hazelsaid.“We’regoingtorescueourfriendsfromTartarus.We’regoingkeepthecrewandtheshiptogether,andwe’regoingtostopCampJupiterandCampHalf-Bloodfromgoingtowar.We’regoingtodoitall.”Thestormhowled,theblackwallsofthefunnelcloudswirlingfaster.
“Interesting,”Hecatesaid,asifHazelwereanunexpectedresultinascienceexperiment.“Thatwouldbemagicworthseeing.”
Awaveofdarknessblottedouttheworld.WhenHazel’ssightreturned,thestorm,thegoddess,andherminionsweregone.Hazelstoodonthehillsideinthemorningsunlight,aloneintheruinsexceptforArion,whopacednexttoher,nickeringimpatiently.
“Iagree,”Hazeltoldthehorse.“Let’sgetoutofhere.”
“Whathappened?”LeoaskedasHazelclimbedaboardtheArgoII.
Hazel’shandsstillshookfromhertalkwiththegoddess.SheglancedovertherailandsawthedustofArion’swakestretchingacrossthehillsofItaly.Shehadhopedherfriendwouldstay,butcouldn’tblamehimforwantingtogetawayfromthisplaceasfastaspossible.
Thecountrysidesparkledasthesummersunhitthemorningdew.Onthehill,theoldruinsstoodwhiteandsilent—nosignofancientpaths,orgoddesses,orfartingweasels.
“Hazel?”Nicoasked.
Herkneesbuckled.NicoandLeograbbedherarmsandhelpedhertothestepsoftheforedeck.
Shefeltembarrassed,collapsinglikesomefairy-taledamsel,butherenergywasgone.Thememoryofthoseglowingscenesatthecrossroadsfilledherwithdread.
“ImetHecate,”shemanaged.
Shedidn’ttellthemeverything.SherememberedwhatNicohadsaid:Theircourageisalreadystretchedtothelimit.Butshetoldthemaboutthesecretnorthernpassthroughthemountains,andthedetourHecatedescribedthatcouldtakethemtoEpirus.
Whenshewasdone,Nicotookherhand.Hiseyeswerefullofconcern.“Hazel,youmetHecateatacrossroads.That’s…that’ssomethingmanydemigodsdon’tsurvive.Andtheoneswhodosurviveareneverthesame.Areyousureyou’re—”
“I’mfine,”sheinsisted.
Butsheknewshewasn’t.Sherememberedhowboldandangryshe’dfelt,tellingthegoddessshe’dfindherownpathandsucceedateverything.Nowherboastseemedridiculous.Hercouragehadabandonedher.
“WhatifHecateistrickingus?”Leoasked.“Thisroutecouldbeatrap.”Hazelshookherhead.“Ifitwasatrap,IthinkHecatewould’vemadethenorthernroutesoundtempting.Believeme,shedidn’t.”
Leopulledacalculatoroutofhistoolbeltandpunchedinsomenumbers.“That’s…somethinglikethreehundredmilesoutofourwaytogettoVenice.Thenwe’dhavetobacktrackdowntheAdriatic.Andyousaidsomethingaboutbaloneydwarfs?”
“DwarfsinBologna,”Hazelsaid.“IguessBolognaisacity.Butwhywehavetofinddwarfsthere…Ihavenoidea.Somesortoftreasuretohelpuswiththequest.”
“Huh,”Leosaid.“Imean,I’mallabouttreasure,but—”
“It’sourbestoption.”NicohelpedHazeltoherfeet.“Wehavetomakeupforlosttime,travelasfastaswecan.Percy’sandAnnabeth’slivesmightdependonit.”
“Fast?”Leogrinned.“Icandofast.”
Hehurriedtotheconsoleandstartedflippingswitches.
NicotookHazel’sarmandguidedheroutofearshot.“WhatelsedidHecatesay?Anythingabout
—”
“Ican’t.”Hazelcuthimoff.Theimagesshe’dseenhadalmostoverwhelmedher:PercyandAnnabethhelplessatthefeetofthoseblackmetaldoors,thedarkgiantloomingoverthem,Hazelherselftrappedinaglowingmazeoflight,unabletohelp.
Youmustdefeatthewitch,Hecatehadsaid.Youalonecandefeather.Unlessyoumanagethat…
Theend,Hazelthought.Allgatewaysclosed.Allhopeextinguished.
Nicohadwarnedher.He’dcommunedwiththedead,heardthemwhisperinghintsabouttheirfuture.TwochildrenoftheUnderworldwouldentertheHouseofHades.Theywouldfaceanimpossiblefoe.OnlyoneofthemwouldmakeittotheDoorsofDeath.
Hazelcouldn’tmeetherbrother’seyes.
“I’lltellyoulater,”shepromised,tryingtokeephervoicefromtrembling.“Rightnow,weshouldrestwhilewecan.Tonight,wecrosstheApennines.”
NINEDAYS.
Asshefell,AnnabeththoughtaboutHesiod,theoldGreekpoetwho’dspeculateditwouldtakeninedaystofallfromearthtoTartarus.
ShehopedHesiodwaswrong.She’dlosttrackofhowlongsheandPercyhadbeenfalling—
hours?Aday?Itfeltlikeaneternity.They’dbeenholdinghandseversincetheydroppedintothechasm.NowPercypulledherclose,hugginghertightastheytumbledthroughabsolutedarkness.
WindwhistledinAnnabeth’sears.Theairgrewhotteranddamper,asiftheywereplummetingintothethroatofamassivedragon.Herrecentlybrokenanklethrobbed,thoughshecouldn’ttellifitwasstillwrappedinspiderwebs.
ThatcursedmonsterArachne.Despitehavingbeentrappedinherownwebbing,smashedbyacar,andplungedintoTartarus,thespiderladyhadgottenherrevenge.SomehowhersilkhadentangledAnnabeth’sleganddraggedheroverthesideofthepit,withPercyintow.
Annabethcouldn’timaginethatArachnewasstillalive,somewherebelowtheminthedarkness.
Shedidn’twanttomeetthatmonsteragainwhentheyreachedthebottom.Onthebrightside,assumingtherewasabottom,AnnabethandPercywouldprobablybeflattenedonimpact,sogiantspidersweretheleastoftheirworries.
ShewrappedherarmsaroundPercyandtriednottosob.She’dneverexpectedherlifetobeeasy.
Mostdemigodsdiedyoungatthehandsofterriblemonsters.Thatwasthewayithadbeensinceancienttimes.TheGreeksinventedtragedy.Theyknewthegreatestheroesdidn’tgethappyendings.
Still,thiswasn’tfair.She’dgonethroughsomuchtoretrievethatstatueofAthena.Justwhenshe’dsucceeded,whenthingshadbeenlookingupandshe’dbeenreunitedwithPercy,theyhadplungedtotheirdeaths.
Eventhegodscouldn’tdeviseafatesotwisted.
ButGaeawasn’tlikeothergods.TheEarthMotherwasolder,morevicious,morebloodthirsty.
Annabethcouldimagineherlaughingastheyfellintothedepths.
AnnabethpressedherlipstoPercy’sear.“Iloveyou.”
Shewasn’tsurehecouldhearher—butiftheyweregoingtodieshewantedthosetobeherlastwords.
Shetrieddesperatelytothinkofaplantosavethem.ShewasadaughterofAthena.She’dprovenherselfinthetunnelsunderRome,beatenawholeseriesofchallengeswithonlyherwits.Butshecouldn’tthinkofanywaytoreverseorevenslowtheirfall.
Neitherofthemhadthepowertofly—notlikeJason,whocouldcontrolthewind,orFrank,whocouldturnintoawingedanimal.Iftheyreachedthebottomatterminalvelocity…well,sheknewenoughsciencetoknowitwouldbeterminal.
Shewasseriouslywonderingwhethertheycouldfashionaparachuteoutoftheirshirts—that’showdesperateshewas—whensomethingabouttheirsurroundingschanged.Thedarknesstookonagray-redtinge.SherealizedshecouldseePercy’shairasshehuggedhim.Thewhistlinginherearsturnedintomoreofaroar.Theairbecameintolerablyhot,permeatedwithasmelllikerotteneggs.
Suddenly,thechutethey’dbeenfallingthroughopenedintoavastcavern.Maybehalfamilebelowthem,Annabethcouldseethebottom.Foramomentshewastoostunnedtothinkproperly.TheentireislandofManhattancouldhavefitinsidethiscavern—andshecouldn’tevenseeitsfullextent.
Redcloudshungintheairlikevaporizedblood.Thelandscape—atleastwhatshecouldseeofit—wasrockyblackplains,punctuatedbyjaggedmountainsandfierychasms.ToAnnabeth’sleft,thegrounddroppedoffinaseriesofcliffs,likecolossalstepsleadingdeeperintotheabyss.
Thestenchofsulfurmadeithardtoconcentrate,butshefocusedonthegrounddirectlybelowthemandsawaribbonofglitteringblackliquid—ariver.
“Percy!”sheyelledinhisear.“Water!”
Shegesturedfrantically.Percy’sfacewashardtoreadinthedimredlight.Helookedshell-shockedandterrified,buthenoddedasifheunderstood.
Percycouldcontrolwater—assumingthatwaswaterbelowthem.Hemightbeabletocushiontheirfallsomehow.OfcourseAnnabethhadheardhorriblestoriesabouttheriversoftheUnderworld.
Theycouldtakeawayyourmemories,orburnyourbodyandsoultoashes.Butshedecidednottothinkaboutthat.Thiswastheironlychance.
Theriverhurtledtowardthem.Atthelastsecond,Percyyelleddefiantly.Thewatereruptedinamassivegeyserandswallowedthemwhole.
THEIMPACTDIDN’TKILLHER,butthecoldnearlydid.
Freezingwatershockedtheairrightoutofherlungs.Herlimbsturnedrigid,andshelosthergriponPercy.Shebegantosink.Strangewailingsoundsfilledherears—millionsofheartbrokenvoices,asiftheriverweremadeofdistilledsadness.Thevoiceswereworsethanthecold.Theyweighedherdownandmadehernumb.
What’sthepointofstruggling?theytoldher.You’redeadanyway.You’llneverleavethisplace.
Shecouldsinktothebottomanddrown,lettherivercarryherbodyaway.Thatwouldbeeasier.
Shecouldjustclosehereyes.…
Percygrippedherhandandjoltedherbacktoreality.Shecouldn’tseehiminthemurkywater,butsuddenlyshedidn’twanttodie.Togethertheykickedupwardandbrokethesurface.
Annabethgasped,gratefulfortheair,nomatterhowsulfurous.Thewaterswirledaroundthem,andsherealizedPercywascreatingawhirlpooltobuoythemup.
Thoughshecouldn’tmakeouttheirsurroundings,sheknewthiswasariver.Rivershadshores.
“Land,”shecroaked.“Gosideways.”
Percylookedneardeadwithexhaustion.Usuallywaterreinvigoratedhim,butnotthiswater.
Controllingitmusthavetakeneverybitofhisstrength.Thewhirlpoolbegantodissipate.Annabethhookedonearmaroundhiswaistandstruggledacrossthecurrent.Theriver
workedagainsther:thousandsofweepingvoiceswhisperinginherears,gettinginsideherbrain.
Lifeisdespair,theysaid.Everythingispointless,andthenyoudie.
“Pointless,”Percymurmured.Histeethchatteredfromthecold.Hestoppedswimmingandbegantosink.
“Percy!”sheshrieked.“Theriverismessingwithyourmind.It’stheCocytus—theRiverofLamentation.It’smadeofpuremisery!”
“Misery,”heagreed.
“Fightit!”
Shekickedandstruggled,tryingtokeepbothofthemafloat.AnothercosmicjokeforGaeatolaughat:Annabethdiestryingtokeepherboyfriend,thesonofPoseidon,fromdrowning.
Notgoingtohappen,youhag,Annabeththought.
ShehuggedPercytighterandkissedhim.“TellmeaboutNewRome,”shedemanded.“Whatwereyourplansforus?”
“NewRome…Forus…”
“Yeah,SeaweedBrain.Yousaidwecouldhaveafuturethere!Tellme!”AnnabethhadneverwantedtoleaveCampHalf-Blood.Itwastheonlyrealhomeshe’deverknown.Butdaysago,ontheArgoII,PercyhadtoldherthatheimaginedafutureforthetwoofthemamongtheRomandemigods.IntheircityofNewRome,veteransofthelegioncouldsettledownsafely,gotocollege,getmarried,evenhavekids.
“Architecture,”Percymurmured.Thefogstartedtoclearfromhiseyes.“Thoughtyou’dlikethehouses,theparks.There’sonestreetwithallthesecoolfountains.”Annabethstartedmakingprogressagainstthecurrent.Herlimbsfeltlikebagsofwetsand,butPercywashelpinghernow.Shecouldseethedarklineoftheshoreaboutastone’sthrowaway.
“College,”shegasped.“Couldwegotheretogether?”
“Y-yeah,”heagreed,alittlemoreconfidently.
“Whatwouldyoustudy,Percy?”
“Dunno,”headmitted.
“Marinescience,”shesuggested.“Oceanography?”
“Surfing?”heasked.
Shelaughed,andthesoundsentashockwavethroughthewater.Thewailingfadedtobackgroundnoise.AnnabethwonderedifanyonehadeverlaughedinTartarusbefore—justapure,simplelaughofpleasure.Shedoubtedit.
Sheusedthelastofherstrengthtoreachtheriverbank.Herfeetdugintothesandybottom.SheandPercyhauledthemselvesashore,shiveringandgasping,andcollapsedonthedarksand.
AnnabethwantedtocurlupnexttoPercyandgotosleep.Shewantedtoshuthereyes,hopeallofthiswasjustabaddream,andwakeuptofindherselfbackontheArgoII,safewithherfriends(well…assafeasademigodcaneverbe).
But,no.TheywerereallyinTartarus.Attheirfeet,theRiverCocytusroaredpast,afloodofliquidwretchedness.ThesulfurousairstungAnnabeth’slungsandprickledherskin.Whenshelookedatherarms,shesawtheywerealreadycoveredwithanangryrash.Shetriedtositupandgaspedinpain.
Thebeachwasn’tsand.Theyweresittingonafieldofjaggedblack-glasschips,someofwhichwerenowembeddedinAnnabeth’spalms.
Sotheairwasacid.Thewaterwasmisery.Thegroundwasbrokenglass.Everythingherewasdesignedtohurtandkill.AnnabethtookarattlingbreathandwonderedifthevoicesintheCocytuswereright.Maybefightingforsurvivalwaspointless.Theywouldbedeadwithinthehour.
Nexttoher,Percycoughed.“Thisplacesmellslikemyex-stepfather.”Annabethmanagedaweaksmile.She’dnevermetSmellyGabe,butshe’dheardenoughstories.
ShelovedPercyfortryingtoliftherspirits.
Ifshe’dfallenintoTartarusbyherself,Annabeththought,shewouldhavebeendoomed.Afterallshe’dbeenthroughbeneathRome,findingtheAthenaParthenos,thiswassimplytoomuch.Shewould’vecurledupandcrieduntilshebecameanotherghost,meltingintotheCocytus.
Butshewasn’talone.ShehadPercy.Andthatmeantshecouldn’tgiveup.
Sheforcedherselftotakestock.HerfootwasstillwrappedinitsmakeshiftcastofboardandBubbleWrap,stilltangledincobwebs.Butwhenshemovedit,itdidn’thurt.Theambrosiashe’deateninthetunnelsunderRomemusthavefinallymendedherbones.
Herbackpackwasgone—lostduringthefall,ormaybewashedawayintheriver.ShehatedlosingDaedalus’slaptop,withallitsfantasticprogramsanddata,butshehadworseproblems.HerCelestialbronzedaggerwasmissing—theweaponshe’dcarriedsinceshewassevenyearsold.
Therealizationalmostbrokeher,butshecouldn’tletherselfdwellonit.Timetogrievelater.
Whatelsedidtheyhave?
Nofood,nowater…basicallynosuppliesatall.
Yep.Offtoapromisingstart.
AnnabethglancedatPercy.Helookedprettybad.Hisdarkhairwasplasteredacrosshisforehead,hisT-shirtrippedtoshreds.Hisfingerswerescrapedrawfromholdingontothatledgebeforetheyfell.Mostworrisomeofall,hewasshiveringandhislipswereblue.
“Weshouldkeepmovingorwe’llgethypothermia,”Annabethsaid.“Canyoustand?”Henodded.Theybothstruggledtotheirfeet.
Annabethputherarmaroundhiswaist,thoughshewasn’tsurewhowassupporting
whom.Shescannedtheirsurroundings.Above,shesawnosignofthetunnelthey’dfallendown.Shecouldn’tevenseethecavernroof—justblood-coloredcloudsfloatinginthehazygrayair.Itwaslikestaringthroughathinmixoftomatosoupandcement.
Theblack-glassbeachstretchedinlandaboutfiftyyards,thendroppedofftheedgeofacliff.
Fromwhereshestood,Annabethcouldn’tseewhatwasbelow,buttheedgeflickeredwithredlightasifilluminatedbyhugefires.
Adistantmemorytuggedather—somethingaboutTartarusandfire.Beforeshecouldthinktoomuchaboutit,Percyinhaledsharply.
“Look.”Hepointeddownstream.
Ahundredfeetaway,afamiliar-lookingbaby-blueItaliancarhadcrashedheadfirstintothesand.
ItlookedjustliketheFiatthathadsmashedintoArachneandsentherplummetingintothepit.
Annabethhopedshewaswrong,buthowmanyItaliansportscarscouldtherebeinTartarus?Partofherdidn’twanttogoanywherenearit,butshehadtofindout.ShegrippedPercy’shand,andtheystumbledtowardthewreckage.Oneofthecar’stireshadcomeoffandwasfloatinginabackwatereddyoftheCocytus.TheFiat’swindowshadshattered,sendingbrighterglasslikefrostingacrossthedarkbeach.Underthecrushedhoodlaythetattered,glisteningremainsofagiantsilkcocoon—thetrapthatAnnabethhadtrickedArachneintoweaving.Itwasunmistakablyempty.Slashmarksinthesandmadeatraildownriver…asifsomethingheavy,withmultiplelegs,hadscuttledintothedarkness.
“She’salive.”Annabethwassohorrified,sooutragedbytheunfairnessofitall,shehadtosuppresstheurgetothrowup.
“It’sTartarus,”Percysaid.“Monsterhomecourt.Downhere,maybetheycan’tbekilled.”HegaveAnnabethanembarrassedlook,asifrealizinghewasn’thelpingteammorale.“Ormaybeshe’sbadlywounded,andshecrawledawaytodie.”
“Let’sgowiththat,”Annabethagreed.
Percywasstillshivering.Annabethwasn’tfeelinganywarmereither,despitethehot,stickyair.
Theglasscutsonherhandswerestillbleeding,whichwasunusualforher.Normally,shehealedfast.
Herbreathinggotmoreandmorelabored.
“Thisplaceiskillingus,”shesaid.“Imean,it’sliterallygoingtokillus,unless…”Tartarus.Fire.Thatdistantmemorycameintofocus.Shegazedinlandtowardthecliff,illuminatedbyflamesfrombelow.
Itwasanabsolutelycrazyidea.Butitmightbetheironlychance.
“Unlesswhat?”Percyprompted.“You’vegotabrilliantplan,haven’tyou?”
“It’saplan,”Annabethmurmured.“Idon’tknowaboutbrilliant.WeneedtofindtheRiverofFire.”
WHENTHEYREACHEDTHELEDGE,Annabethwassureshe’dsignedtheirdeathwarrants.
Thecliffdroppedmorethaneightyfeet.AtthebottomstretchedanightmarishversionoftheGrandCanyon:ariveroffirecuttingapaththroughajaggedobsidiancrevasse,theglowingredcurrentcastinghorribleshadowsacrosstheclifffaces.
Evenfromthetopofthecanyon,theheatwasintense.ThechilloftheRiverCocytushadn’tleftAnnabeth’sbones,butnowherfacefeltrawandsunburned.Everybreathtookmoreeffort,asifherchestwasfilledwithStyrofoampeanuts.Thecutsonherhandsbledmoreratherthanless.Annabeth’sfoot,whichhadbeenalmosthealed,seemedtobereinjuringitself.She’dtakenoffhermakeshiftcast,butnowsheregrettedit.Eachstepmadeherwince.
Assumingtheycouldmakeitdowntothefieryriver,whichshedoubted,herplanseemedcertifiablyinsane.
“Uh…”Percyexaminedthecliff.Hepointedtoatinyfissurerunningdiagonallyfromtheedgetothebottom.“Wecantrythatledgethere.Mightbeabletoclimbdown.”Hedidn’tsaythey’dbecrazytotry.Hemanagedtosoundhopeful.Annabethwasgratefulforthat,butshealsoworriedthatshewasleadinghimtohisdoom.
Ofcourseiftheystayedhere,theywoulddieanyway.BlistershadstartedtoformontheirarmsfromexposuretotheTartarusair.Thewholeenvironmentwasaboutashealthyasanuclearblastzone.
Percywentfirst.Theledgewasbarelywideenoughtoallowatoehold.Theirhandsclawedforanycrackintheglassyrock.EverytimeAnnabethputpressureonherbadfoot,shewantedtoyelp.
She’drippedoffthesleevesofherT-shirtandusedtheclothtowrapherbloodypalms,
butherfingerswerestillslipperyandweak.
Afewstepsbelowher,Percygruntedashereachedforanotherhandhold.“So…whatisthisfirerivercalled?”
“ThePhlegethon,”shesaid.“Youshouldconcentrateongoingdown.”
“ThePhlegethon?”Heshinniedalongtheledge.They’dmadeitroughlyathirdofthewaydownthecliff—stillhighenoughuptodieiftheyfell.“Soundslikeamarathonforhawkingspitballs.”
“Pleasedon’tmakemelaugh,”shesaid.
“Justtryingtokeepthingslight.”
“Thanks,”shegrunted,nearlymissingtheledgewithherbadfoot.“I’llhaveasmileonmyfaceasIplummettomydeath.”
Theykeptgoing,onestepatatime.Annabeth’seyesstungwithsweat.Herarmstrembled.Buttoheramazement,theyfinallymadeittothebottomofthecliff.
Whenshereachedtheground,shestumbled.Percycaughther.Shewasalarmedbyhowfeverishhisskinfelt.Redboilshaderuptedonhisface,sohelookedlikeasmallpoxvictim.
Herownvisionwasblurry.Herthroatfeltblistered,andherstomachwasclenchedtighterthanafist.
Wehavetohurry,shethought.
“Justtotheriver,”shetoldPercy,tryingtokeepthepanicoutofhervoice.“Wecandothis.”Theystaggeredoverslickglassledges,aroundmassiveboulders,avoidingstalagmitesthatwould’veimpaledthemwithanyslipofthefoot.Theirtatteredclothessteamedfromtheheatoftheriver,buttheykeptgoinguntiltheycrumpledtotheirkneesatthebanksofthePhlegethon.
“Wehavetodrink,”Annabethsaid.
Percyswayed,hiseyeshalf-closed.Ittookhimathree-counttorespond.“Uh…drinkfire?”
“ThePhlegethonflowsfromHades’srealmdownintoTartarus.”Annabethcouldbarelytalk.Herthroatwasclosingupfromtheheatandtheacidicair.“Theriverisusedtopunishthewicked.Butalso…somelegendscallittheRiverofHealing.”
“Somelegends?”
Annabethswallowed,tryingtostayconscious.“ThePhlegethonkeepsthewickedinonepiecesothattheycanendurethetormentsoftheFieldsofPunishment.Ithink…itmightbetheUnderworldequivalentofambrosiaandnectar.”
Percywincedascinderssprayedfromtheriver,curlingaroundhisface.“Butit’sfire.Howcanwe—”
“Likethis.”Annabeththrustherhandsintotheriver.
Stupid?Yes,butshewasconvincedtheyhadnochoice.Iftheywaitedanylonger,they
wouldpassoutanddie.Bettertotrysomethingfoolishandhopeitworked.
Onfirstcontact,thefirewasn’tpainful.Itfeltcold,whichprobablymeantitwassohotitwasoverloadingAnnabeth’snerves.Beforeshecouldchangehermind,shecuppedthefieryliquidinherpalmsandraisedittohermouth.
Sheexpectedatastelikegasoline.Itwassomuchworse.Once,atarestaurantbackinSanFrancisco,she’dmadethemistakeoftastingaghostchilipepperthatcamewithaplateofIndianfood.Afterbarelynibblingit,shethoughtherrespiratorysystemwasgoingtoimplode.DrinkingfromthePhlegethonwaslikegulpingdownaghostchilismoothie.Hersinusesfilledwithliquidflame.Hermouthfeltlikeitwasbeingdeep-fried.Hereyesshedboilingtears,andeveryporeonherfacepopped.Shecollapsed,gaggingandretching,herwholebodyshakingviolently.
“Annabeth!”Percygrabbedherarmsandjustmanagedtostopherfromrollingintotheriver.
Theconvulsionspassed.Shetookaraggedbreathandmanagedtositup.Shefelthorriblyweakandnauseous,buthernextbreathcamemoreeasily.Theblistersonherarmswerestartingtofade.
“Itworked,”shecroaked.“Percy,you’vegottodrink.”
“I…”Hiseyesrolledupinhishead,andheslumpedagainsther.
Desperately,shecuppedmorefireinherpalm.Ignoringthepain,shedrippedtheliquidintoPercy’smouth.Hedidn’trespond.
Shetriedagain,pouringawholehandfuldownhisthroat.Thistimehesplutteredandcoughed.
Annabethheldhimashetrembled,themagicalfirecoursingthroughhissystem.Hisfeverdisappeared.Hisboilsfaded.Hemanagedtositupandsmackhislips.
“Ugh,”hesaid.“Spicy,yetdisgusting.”
Annabethlaughedweakly.Shewassorelieved,shefeltlight-headed.“Yeah.Thatprettymuchsumsitup.”
“Yousavedus.”
“Fornow,”shesaid.“Theproblemis,we’restillinTartarus.”Percyblinked.Helookedaroundasifjustcomingtotermswithwheretheywere.“HolyHera.Ineverthought…well,I’mnotsurewhatIthought.MaybethatTartaruswasemptyspace,apitwithnobottom.Butthisisarealplace.”
Annabethrecalledthelandscapeshe’dseenwhiletheyfell—aseriesofplateausleadingeverdownwardintothegloom.
“Wehaven’tseenallofit,”shewarned.“Thiscouldbejustthefirsttinypartoftheabyss,likethefrontsteps.”
“Thewelcomemat,”Percymuttered.
Theybothgazedupattheblood-coloredcloudsswirlinginthegrayhaze.Nowaywouldtheyhavethestrengthtoclimbbackupthatcliff,eveniftheywantedto.Nowtherewere
onlytwochoices:downriverorupriver,skirtingthebanksofthePhlegethon.
“We’llfindawayout,”Percysaid.“TheDoorsofDeath.”
Annabethshuddered.SherememberedwhatPercyhadsaidjustbeforetheyfellintoTartarus.
He’dmadeNicodiAngelopromisetoleadtheArgoIItoEpirus,tothemortalsideoftheDoorsofDeath.
We’llseeyouthere,Percyhadsaid.
Thatideaseemedevencrazierthandrinkingfire.HowcouldthetwoofthemwanderthroughTartarusandfindtheDoorsofDeath?They’dbarelybeenabletostumbleahundredyardsinthispoisonousplacewithoutdying.
“Wehaveto,”Percysaid.“Notjustforus.Foreverybodywelove.TheDoorshavetobeclosedonbothsides,orthemonsterswilljustkeepcomingthrough.Gaea’sforceswilloverruntheworld.”Annabethknewhewasright.Still…whenshetriedtoimagineaplanthatcouldsucceed,thelogisticsoverwhelmedher.TheyhadnowayoflocatingtheDoors.Theydidn’tknowhowmuchtimeitwouldtake,oreveniftimeflowedatthesamespeedinTartarus.Howcouldtheypossiblysynchronizeameetingwiththeirfriends?AndNicohadmentionedalegionofGaea’sstrongestmonstersguardingtheDoorsontheTartarusside.AnnabethandPercycouldn’texactlylaunchafrontalassault.
Shedecidednottomentionanyofthat.Theybothknewtheoddswerebad.Besides,afterswimmingintheRiverCocytus,Annabethhadheardenoughwhiningandmoaningtolastalifetime.
Shepromisedherselfnevertocomplainagain.
“Well.”Shetookadeepbreath,gratefulatleastthatherlungsdidn’thurt.“Ifwestayclosetotheriver,we’llhaveawaytohealourselves.Ifwegodownstream—”Ithappenedsofast,Annabethwouldhavebeendeadifshe’dbeenonherown.
Percy’seyeslockedonsomethingbehindher.Annabethspunasamassivedarkshapehurtleddownather—asnarling,monstrousblobwithspindlybarbedlegsandglintingeyes.
Shehadtimetothink:Arachne.Butshewasfrozeninterror,hersensessmotheredbythesicklysweetsmell.
ThensheheardthefamiliarSHINKofPercy’sballpointpentransformingintoasword.Hisbladesweptoverherheadinaglowingbronzearc.Ahorriblewailechoedthroughthecanyon.
Annabethstoodthere,stunned,asyellowdust—theremainsofArachne—rainedaroundherliketreepollen.
“Youokay?”Percyscannedthecliffsandboulders,alertformoremonsters,butnothingelseappeared.Thegoldendustofthespidersettledontheobsidianrocks.
Annabethstaredatherboyfriendinamazement.Riptide’sCelestialbronzebladeglowedevenbrighterinthegloomofTartarus.Asitpassedthroughthethickhotair,itmadeadefianthisslikeariledsnake.
“She…shewould’vekilledme,”Annabethstammered.
Percykickedthedustontherocks,hisexpressiongrimanddissatisfied.“Shediedtooeasily,consideringhowmuchtorturesheputyouthrough.Shedeservedworse.”Annabethcouldn’targuewiththat,butthehardedgeinPercy’svoicemadeherunsettled.She’dneverseensomeonegetsoangryorvengefulonherbehalf.ItalmostmadehergladArachnehaddiedquickly.“Howdidyoumovesofast?”
Percyshrugged.“Gottawatcheachother’sbacks,right?Now,youweresaying…downstream?”Annabethnodded,stillinadaze.Theyellowdustdissipatedontherockyshore,turningtosteam.
AtleastnowtheyknewmonsterscouldbekilledinTartarus…thoughshehadnoideahowlongArachnewouldremaindead.Annabethdidn’tplanonstayinglongenoughtofindout.
“Yeah,downstream,”shemanaged.“IftherivercomesfromtheupperlevelsoftheUnderworld,itshouldflowdeeperintoTartarus—”
“Soitleadsintomoredangerousterritory,”Percyfinished.“WhichisprobablywheretheDoorsare.Luckyus.”
THEY’DONLYTRAVELEDafewhundredyardswhenAnnabethheardvoices.
Annabethploddedalong,halfinastupor,tryingtoformaplan.SinceshewasadaughterofAthena,plansweresupposedtobeherspecialty;butitwashardtostrategizewithherstomachgrowlingandherthroatbaking.ThefierywaterofthePhlegethonmayhavehealedherandgivenherstrength,butitdidn’tdoanythingforherhungerorthirst.Theriverwasn’taboutmakingyoufeelgood,Annabethguessed.Itjustkeptyougoingsoyoucouldexperiencemoreexcruciatingpain.
Herheadstartedtodroopwithexhaustion.Thensheheardthem—femalevoiceshavingsomesortofargument—andshewasinstantlyalert.
Shewhispered,“Percy,down!”
Shepulledhimbehindthenearestboulder,wedgingherselfsocloseagainsttheriverbankthathershoesalmosttouchedtheriver’sfire.Ontheotherside,inthenarrowpathbetweentheriverandthecliffs,voicessnarled,gettinglouderastheyapproachedfromupstream.
Annabethtriedtosteadyherbreathing.Thevoicessoundedvaguelyhuman,butthatmeantnothing.SheassumedanythinginTartaruswastheirenemy.Shedidn’tknowhowthemonsterscouldhavefailedtospotthemalready.Besides,monsterscouldsmelldemigods—especiallypowerfuloneslikePercy,sonofPoseidon.Annabethdoubtedthathidingbehindaboulderwoulddoanygoodwhenthemonsterscaughttheirscent.
Still,asthemonstersgotnearer,theirvoicesdidn’tchangeintone.Theirunevenfootsteps
—scrap,clump,scrap,clump—didn’tgetanyfaster.
“Soon?”oneofthemaskedinaraspyvoice,asifshe’dbeengarglinginthePhlegethon.
“Ohmygods!”saidanothervoice.Thisonesoundedmuchyoungerandmuchmorehuman,likeateenagedmortalgirlgettingexasperatedwithherfriendsatthemall.Forsomereason,shesoundedfamiliartoAnnabeth.“Youguysaretotallyannoying!Itoldyou,it’slikethreedaysfromhere.”PercygrippedAnnabeth’swrist.Helookedatherwithalarm,asifherecognizedthemallgirl’svoicetoo.
Therewasachorusofgrowlingandgrumbling.Thecreatures—maybehalfadozen,Annabethguessed—hadpausedjustontheothersideoftheboulder,butstilltheygavenoindicationthatthey’dcaughtthedemigods’scent.Annabethwonderedifdemigodsdidn’tsmellthesameinTartarus,oriftheotherscentshereweresopowerful,theymaskedademigod’saura.
“Iwonder,”saidathirdvoice,gravellyandancientlikethefirst,“ifperhapsyoudonotknowtheway,youngone.”
“Oh,shutyourfanghole,Serephone,”saidthemallgirl.“When’sthelasttimeyouescapedtothemortalworld?Iwasthereacoupleofyearsago.Iknowtheway!Besides,Iunderstandwhatwe’refacingupthere.Youdon’thaveaclue!”
“TheEarthMotherdidnotmakeyouboss!”shriekedafourthvoice.
Morehissing,scuffling,andferalmoans—likegiantalleycatsfighting.AtlasttheonecalledSerephoneyelled,“Enough!”
Thescufflingdieddown.
“Wewillfollowfornow,”Serephonesaid.“Butifyoudonotleaduswell,ifwefindyouhaveliedaboutthesummonsofGaea—”
“Idon’tlie!”snappedthemallgirl.“Believeme,I’vegotgoodreasontogetintothisbattle.Ihavesomeenemiestodevour,andyou’llfeastonthebloodofheroes.Justleaveonespecialmorselforme—theonenamedPercyJackson.”
Annabethfoughtdownasnarlofherown.Sheforgotaboutherfear.Shewantedtojumpovertheboulderandslashthemonsterstodustwithherknife…exceptshedidn’thaveitanymore.
“Believeme,”saidthemallgirl.“Gaeahascalledus,andwe’regoingtohavesomuchfun.
Beforethiswarisover,mortalsanddemigodswilltrembleatthesoundofmyname—Kelli!”Annabethalmostyelpedaloud.SheglancedatPercy.EvenintheredlightofthePhlegethon,hisfaceseemedwaxy.
Empousai,shemouthed.Vampires.
Percynoddedgrimly.
SherememberedKelli.Twoyearsago,atPercy’sfreshmanorientation,heandtheirfriendRachelDarehadbeenattackedbyempousaidisguisedascheerleaders.OneofthemhadbeenKelli.
Later,thesameempousahadattackedtheminDaedalus’sworkshop.Annabethhadstabbedherinthebackandsenther…here.ToTartarus.
Thecreaturesshuffledoff,theirvoicesgettingfainter.Annabethcrepttotheedgeoftheboulderandriskedaglimpse.Sureenough,fivewomenstaggeredalongonmismatchedlegs—mechanicalbronzeontheleft,shaggyandcloven-hoovedontheright.Theirhairwasmadeoffire,theirskinaswhiteasbone.MostofthemworetatteredAncientGreekdresses,exceptfortheoneinthelead,Kelli,whoworeaburnedandtornblousewithashortpleatedskirt…hercheerleader’soutfit.
Annabethgrittedherteeth.Shehadfacedalotofbadmonstersovertheyears,butshehatedempousaimorethanmost.
Inadditiontotheirnastyclawsandfangs,theyhadapowerfulabilitytomanipulatetheMist.
Theycouldchangeshapeandcharmspeak,trickingmortalsintolettingdowntheirguard.Menwereespeciallysusceptible.Theempousa’sfavoritetacticwastomakeaguyfallinlovewithher,thendrinkhisbloodanddevourhisflesh.Notagreatfirstdate.
KellihadalmostkilledPercy.ShehadmanipulatedAnnabeth’soldestfriend,Luke,urginghimtocommitdarkeranddarkerdeedsinthenameofKronos.
Annabethreallywishedshestillhadherdagger.
Percyrose.“They’reheadingfortheDoorsofDeath,”hemurmured.“Youknowwhatthatmeans?”
Annabethdidn’twanttothinkaboutit,butsadly,thissquadofflesh-eatinghorror-showwomenmightbetheclosestthingtogoodlucktheyweregoingtogetinTartarus.
“Yeah,”shesaid.“Weneedtofollowthem.”
LEOSPENTTHENIGHTWRESTLINGwithaforty-foot-tallAthena.
Eversincethey’dbroughtthestatueaboard,Leohadbeenobsessedwithfiguringouthowitworked.Hewassureithadprimopowers.Therehadtobeasecretswitchorapressureplateorsomething.
Hewassupposedtobesleeping,buthejustcouldn’t.Hespenthourscrawlingoverthestatue,whichtookupmostofthelowerdeck.Athena’sfeetstuckintosickbay,soyouhadtosqueezepastherivorytoesifyouwantedsomeAdvil.Herbodyranthelengthoftheportcorridor,heroutstretchedhandjuttingintotheengineroom,offeringthelife-sizedfigureofNikethatstoodinherpalm,like,Here,havesomeVictory!Athena’sserenefacetookupmostoftheaftpegasusstables,whichwerefortunatelyunoccupied.IfLeowereamagichorse,hewouldn’thavewantedtoliveinastallwithanoversizedgoddessofwisdomstaringathim.
Thestatuewaswedgedtightinthecorridor,soLeohadtoclimboverthetopandwriggleunderherlimbs,searchingforleversandbuttons.
Asusual,hefoundnothing.
He’ddonesomeresearchonthestatue.Heknewitwasmadefromahollowwoodenframecoveredinivoryandgold,whichexplainedwhyitwassolight.Itwasinprettygoodshape,consideringitwasmorethantwothousandyearsold,hadbeenpillagedfromAthens,totedtoRome,andsecretlystoredinaspider’scavernformostofthepasttwomillennia.Magicmust’vekeptitintact,Leofigured,combinedwithreallygoodcraftsmanship.
Annabethhadsaid…well,hetriednottothinkaboutAnnabeth.HestillfeltguiltyaboutherandPercyfallingintoTartarus.Leoknewitwashisfault.HeshouldhavegotteneveryonesafelyonboardtheArgoIIbeforehestartedsecuringthestatue.Heshouldhaverealizedthecavernfloorwasunstable.
Still,mopingaroundwasn’tgoingtogetPercyandAnnabethback.Hehadtoconcentrate
onfixingtheproblemshecouldfix.
Anyway,AnnabethhadsaidthestatuewasthekeytodefeatingGaea.ItcouldhealtheriftbetweenGreekandRomandemigods.Leofiguredtherehadtobemoretoitthanjustsymbolism.
MaybeAthena’seyesshotlasers,orthesnakebehindhershieldcouldspitpoison.OrmaybethesmallerfigureofNikecametolifeandbustedoutsomeninjamoves.
Leocouldthinkofallkindsoffunthingsthestatuemightdoifhehaddesignedit,butthemoreheexaminedit,themorefrustratedhegot.TheAthenaParthenosradiatedmagic.Evenhecouldfeelthat.Butitdidn’tseemtodoanythingexceptlookimpressive.
Theshipcareenedtooneside,takingevasivemaneuvers.Leoresistedtheurgetoruntothehelm.
Jason,Piper,andFrankwereondutywithHazelnow.Theycouldhandlewhateverwasgoingon.
Besides,Hazelhadinsistedontakingthewheeltoguidethemthroughthesecretpassthatthemagicgoddesshadtoldherabout.
LeohopedHazelwasrightaboutthelongdetournorth.Hedidn’ttrustthisHecatelady.Hedidn’tseewhysuchacreepygoddesswouldsuddenlydecidetobehelpful.
Ofcourse,hedidn’ttrustmagicingeneral.That’swhyhewashavingsomuchtroublewiththeAthenaParthenos.Ithadnomovingparts.Whateveritdid,itapparentlyoperatedonpuresorcery…
andLeodidn’tappreciatethat.Hewantedittomakesense,likeamachine.
Finallyhegottooexhaustedtothinkstraight.Hecurledupwithablanketintheengineroomandlistenedtothesoothinghumofthegenerators.Bufordthemechanicaltablesatinthecorneronsleepmode,makinglittlesteamysnores:Shhh,pfft,shh,pfft.
Leolikedhisquartersokay,buthefeltsafesthereintheheartoftheship—inaroomfilledwithmechanismsheknewhowtocontrol.Besides,maybeifhespentmoretimeclosetotheAthenaParthenos,hewouldeventuallysoakinitssecrets.
“It’syouorme,BigLady,”hemurmuredashepulledtheblanketuptohischin.“You’regonnacooperateeventually.”
Heclosedhiseyesandslept.Unfortunately,thatmeantdreams.
Hewasrunningforhislifethroughhismother’soldworkshop,whereshe’ddiedinafirewhenLeowaseight.
Hewasn’tsurewhatwaschasinghim,buthesenseditclosingfast—somethinglargeanddarkandfullofhate.
Hestumbledintoworkbenches,knockedovertoolboxes,andtrippedonelectricalcords.Hespottedtheexitandsprintedtowardit,butafigureloomedinfrontofhim—awomaninrobesofdryswirlingearth,herfacecoveredinaveilofdust.
Whereareyougoing,littlehero?Gaeaasked.Stay,andmeetmyfavoriteson.
Leodartedtotheleft,buttheEarthGoddess’slaughterfollowedhim.
Thenightyourmotherdied,Iwarnedyou.IsaidtheFateswouldnotallowmetokillyouthen.
Butnowyouhavechosenyourpath.Yourdeathisnear,LeoValdez.
Heranintoadraftingtable—hismother’soldworkstation.ThewallbehinditwasdecoratedwithLeo’scrayondrawings.Hesobbedindesperationandturned,butthethingpursuinghimnowstoodinhispath—acolossalbeingwrappedinshadows,itsshapevaguelyhumanoid,itsheadalmostscrapingtheceilingtwentyfeetabove.
Leo’shandsburstintoflame.Heblastedthegiant,butthedarknessconsumedhisfire.Leoreachedforhistoolbelt.Thepocketsweresewnshut.Hetriedtospeak—tosayanythingthatwouldsavehislife—buthecouldn’tmakeasound,asiftheairhadbeenstolenfromhislungs.
Mysonwillnotallowanyfirestonight,Gaeasaidfromthedepthsofthewarehouse.Heisthevoidthatconsumesallmagic,thecoldthatconsumesallfire,thesilencethatconsumesallspeech.
Leowantedtoshout:AndI’mthedudethat’salloutofhere!
Hisvoicedidn’twork,soheusedhisfeet.Hedashedtotheright,duckingundertheshadowygiant’sgraspinghands,andburstthroughthenearestdoorway.
Suddenly,hefoundhimselfatCampHalf-Blood,exceptthecampwasinruins.Thecabinswerecharredhusks.Burnedfieldssmolderedinthemoonlight.Thediningpavilionhadcollapsedintoapileofwhiterubble,andtheBigHousewasonfire,itswindowsglowinglikedemoneyes.
Leokeptrunning,suretheshadowgiantwasstillbehindhim.
HewovearoundthebodiesofGreekandRomandemigods.Hewantedtocheckiftheywerealive.Hewantedtohelpthem.Butsomehowheknewhewasrunningoutoftime.
Hejoggedtowardtheonlylivingpeoplehesaw—agroupofRomansstandingatthevolleyballpit.Twocenturionsleanedcasuallyontheirjavelins,chattingwithatallskinnyblondguyinapurpletoga.Leostumbled.ItwasthatfreakOctavian,theaugurfromCampJupiter,whowasalwaysscreamingforwar.
Octavianturnedtofacehim,butheseemedtobeinatrance.Hisfeatureswereslack,hiseyesclosed.Whenhespoke,itwasinGaea’svoice:Thiscannotbeprevented.TheRomansmoveeastfromNewYork.Theyadvanceonyourcamp,andnothingcanslowthemdown.
LeowastemptedtopunchOctavianintheface.Insteadhekeptrunning.
HeclimbedHalf-BloodHill.Atthesummit,lightninghadsplinteredthegiantpinetree.
Hefalteredtoastop.Thebackofthehillwasshornaway.Beyondit,theentireworldwasgone.
Leosawnothingbutcloudsfarbelow—arollingsilvercarpetunderthedarksky.
Asharpvoicesaid,“Well?”
Leoflinched.
Attheshatteredpinetree,awomankneltatacaveentrancethathadcrackedopenbetweenthetree’sroots.
Thewomanwasn’tGaea.ShelookedmorelikealivingAthenaParthenos,withthesamegoldenrobesandbareivoryarms.Whensherose,Leoalmoststumbledofftheedgeoftheworld.
Herfacewasregallybeautiful,withhighcheekbones,largedarkeyes,andbraidedlicorice-coloredhairpiledinafancyGreekhairdo,setwithaspiralofemeraldsanddiamondssothatitremindedLeoofaChristmastree.Herexpressionradiatedpurehatred.Herlipcurled.Hernosewrinkled.
“Thetinkerergod’schild,”shesneered.“Youarenothreat,butIsupposemyvengeancemuststartsomewhere.Makeyourchoice.”
Leotriedtospeak,buthewasabouttocrawloutofhisskinwithpanic.Betweenthishatequeenandthegiantchasinghim,hehadnoideawhattodo.
“He’llbeheresoon,”thewomanwarned.“Mydarkfriendwillnotgiveyoutheluxuryofachoice.It’stheclifforthecave,boy!”
SuddenlyLeounderstoodwhatshemeant.Hewascornered.Hecouldjumpoffthecliff,butthatwassuicide.Eveniftherewaslandunderthoseclouds,hewoulddieinthefall,ormaybehewouldjustkeepfallingforever.
Butthecave…Hestaredatthedarkopeningbetweenthetreeroots.Itsmelledofrotanddeath.
Heheardbodiesshufflinginside,voiceswhisperingintheshadows.
Thecavewasthehomeofthedead.Ifhewentdownthere,hewouldnevercomeback.
“Yes,”thewomansaid.Aroundherneckhungastrangebronze-and-emeraldpendant,likeacircularlabyrinth.Hereyesweresoangry,Leofinallyunderstoodwhymadwasawordforcrazy.Thisladyhadbeendrivennutsbyhatred.“TheHouseofHadesawaits.Youwillbethefirstpunyrodenttodieinmymaze.Youhaveonlyonechancetoescape,LeoValdez.Takeit.”Shegesturedtowardthecliff.
“You’rebonkers,”hemanaged.
Thatwasthewrongthingtosay.Sheseizedhiswrist.“PerhapsIshouldkillyounow,beforemydarkfriendarrives?”
Stepsshookthehillside.Thegiantwascoming,wrappedinshadows,hugeandheavyandbentonmurder.
“Haveyouheardofdyinginadream,boy?”thewomanasked.“Itispossible,atthehandsofasorceress!”
Leo’sarmstartedtosmoke.Thewoman’stouchwasacid.Hetriedtofreehimself,buthergripwaslikesteel.
Heopenedhismouthtoscream.Themassiveshapeofthegiantloomedoverhim,obscuredbylayersofblacksmoke.
Thegiantraisedhisfist,andavoicecutthroughthedream.
“Leo!”Jasonwasshakinghisshoulder.“Hey,man,whyareyouhuggingNike?”Leo’seyesflutteredopen.Hisarmswerewrappedaroundthehuman-sizedstatueinAthena’shand.Hemusthavebeenthrashinginhissleep.Heclungtothevictorygoddesslikeheusedtoclingtohispillowwhenhehadnightmaresasakid.(Man,thathadbeensoembarrassinginthefosterhomes.)
Hedisentangledhimselfandsatup,rubbinghisface.
“Nothing,”hemuttered.“Wewerejustcuddling.Um,what’sgoingon?”Jasondidn’tteasehim.That’sonethingLeoappreciatedabouthisfriend.Jason’sice-blueeyeswerelevelandserious.Thelittlescaronhismouthtwitchedlikeitalwaysdidwhenhehadbadnewstoshare.
“Wemadeitthroughthemountains,”hesaid.“We’realmosttoBologna.Youshouldjoinusinthemesshall.Nicohasnewinformation.”
LEOHADDESIGNEDthemesshall’swallstoshowreal-timescenesfromCampHalf-Blood.Atfirsthehadthoughtthatwasaprettyawesomeidea.Nowhewasn’tsosure.
Thescenesfrombackhome—thecampfiresing-alongs,dinnersatthepavilion,volleyballgamesoutsidetheBigHouse—justseemedtomakehisfriendssad.ThefarthertheygotfromLongIsland,theworseitgot.Thetimezoneskeptchanging,makingLeofeelthedistanceeverytimehelookedatthewalls.HereinItalythesunhadjustcomeup.BackatCampHalf-Blooditwasthemiddleofthenight.Torchessputteredatthecabindoorways.MoonlightglitteredonthewavesofLongIslandSound.Thebeachwascoveredinfootprints,asifabigcrowdhadjustleft.
Withastart,Leorealizedthatyesterday—lastnight,whatever—hadbeentheFourthofJuly.
They’dmissedCampHalf-Blood’sannualpartyatthebeachwithawesomefireworkspreparedbyLeo’ssiblingsinCabinNine.
Hedecidednottomentionthattothecrew,buthehopedtheirbuddiesbackhomehadhadagoodcelebration.Theyneededsomethingtokeeptheirspiritsup,too.
Herememberedtheimageshe’dseeninhisdream—thecampinruins,litteredwithbodies;Octavianstandingatthevolleyballpit,casuallytalkinginGaea’svoice.
Hestareddownathiseggsandbacon.Hewishedhecouldturnoffthewallvideos.
“So,”Jasonsaid,“nowthatwe’rehere…”
Hesatattheheadofthetable,kindofbydefault.Sincethey’dlostAnnabeth,Jasonhaddonehisbesttoactasthegroup’sleader.HavingbeenpraetorbackatCampJupiter,hewasprobablyusedtothat;butLeocouldtellhisfriendwasstressed.Hiseyesweremoresunkenthanusual.Hisblondhairwasuncharacteristicallymessy,likehe’dforgottentocombit.
Leoglancedattheothersaroundthetable.Hazelwasbleary-eyed,too,butofcourseshe’dbeenupallnightguidingtheshipthroughthemountains.Hercurlycinnamon-coloredhairwastiedbackinabandana,whichgaveheracommandolookthatLeofoundkindofhot—andthenimmediatelyfeltguiltyabout.
NexttohersatherboyfriendFrankZhang,dressedinblackworkoutpantsandaRomantouristT-shirtthatsaidCIAO!(wasthatevenaword?).Frank’soldcenturionbadgewaspinnedtohisshirt,despitethefactthatthedemigodsoftheArgoIIwerenowPublicEnemiesNumbers1through7backatCampJupiter.Hisgrimexpressionjustreinforcedhisunfortunateresemblancetoasumowrestler.
ThentherewasHazel’shalfbrother,NicodiAngelo.Dang,thatkidgaveLeothefreaky-deakies.Hesatbackinhisleatheraviatorjacket,hisblackT-shirtandjeans,thatwickedsilverskullringonhisfinger,andtheStygianswordathisside.Histuftsofblackhairstuckupincurlslikebabybatwings.
Hiseyesweresadandkindofempty,asifhe’dstaredintothedepthsofTartarus—whichhehad.
TheonlyabsentdemigodwasPiper,whowastakingherturnatthehelmwithCoachHedge,theirsatyrchaperone.
LeowishedPiperwerehere.ShehadawayofcalmingthingsdownwiththatAphroditecharmofhers.Afterhisdreamslastnight,Leocouldusesomecalm.
Ontheotherhand,itwasprobablygoodshewasabovedeckchaperoningtheirchaperone.Nowthattheywereintheancientlands,theyhadtobeconstantlyonguard.LeowasnervousaboutlettingCoachHedgeflysolo.Thesatyrwasalittletrigger-happy,andthehelmhadplentyofbright,dangerousbuttonsthatcouldcausethepicturesqueItalianvillagesbelowthemtogoBOOM!
Leohadzonedoutsototallyhedidn’trealizeJasonwasstilltalking.
“—theHouseofHades,”hewassaying.“Nico?”
Nicosatforward.“Icommunedwiththedeadlastnight.”
Hejusttossedthatlineoutthere,likehewassayinghegotatextfromabuddy.
“Iwasabletolearnmoreaboutwhatwe’llface,”Nicocontinued.“Inancienttimes,theHouseofHadeswasamajorsiteforGreekpilgrims.Theywouldcometospeakwiththedeadandhonortheirancestors.”
Leofrowned.“SoundslikeDíadelosMuertos.MyAuntRosatookthatstuffseriously.”HerememberedbeingdraggedbyhertothelocalcemeteryinHouston,wherethey’dcleanuptheirrelatives’gravesitesandputoutofferingsoflemonade,cookies,andfreshmarigolds.AuntRosawouldforceLeotostayforapicnic,asifhangingoutwithdeadpeopleweregoodforhisappetite.
Frankgrunted.“Chinesehavethat,too—ancestorworship,sweepingthegravesinthespringtime.”HeglancedatLeo.“YourAuntRosawould’vegottenalongwithmygrandmother.”LeohadaterrifyingimageofhisAuntRosaandsomeoldChinesewomaninwrestlers’outfits,whalingoneachotherwithspikedclubs.
“Yeah,”Leosaid.“I’msuretheywould’vebeenbestbuds.”Nicoclearedhisthroat.“Alotofcultureshaveseasonaltraditionstohonorthedead,buttheHouseofHadeswasopenyear-round.Pilgrimscouldactuallyspeaktotheghosts.InGreek,theplacewascalledtheNecromanteion,theOracleofDeath.You’dworkyourwaythroughdifferentlevelsoftunnels,leavingofferingsanddrinkingspecialpotions—”
“Specialpotions,”Leomuttered.“Yum.”
Jasonflashedhimalooklike,Dude,enough.“Nico,goon.”
“ThepilgrimsbelievedthateachlevelofthetemplebroughtyouclosertotheUnderworld,untilthedeadwouldappearbeforeyou.Iftheywerepleasedwithyourofferings,theywouldansweryourquestions,maybeeventellyouthefuture.”
Franktappedhismugofhotchocolate.“Andifthespiritsweren’tpleased?”
“Somepilgrimsfoundnothing,”Nicosaid.“Somewentinsane,ordiedafterleavingthetemple.
Otherslosttheirwayinthetunnelsandwereneverseenagain.”
“Thepointis,”Jasonsaidquickly,“Nicofoundsomeinformationthatmighthelpus.”
“Yeah.”Nicodidn’tsoundveryenthusiastic.“TheghostIspoketolastnight…hewasaformerpriestofHecate.HeconfirmedwhatthegoddesstoldHazelyesterdayatthecrossroads.Inthefirstwarwiththegiants,Hecatefoughtforthegods.Sheslewoneofthegiants—onewho’dbeendesignedastheanti-Hecate.AguynamedClytius.”
“Darkdude,”Leoguessed.“Wrappedinshadows.”
Hazelturnedtowardhim,hergoldeyesnarrowing.“Leo,howdidyouknowthat?”
“Kindofhadadream.”
Noonelookedsurprised.Mostdemigodshadvividnightmaresaboutwhatwasgoingonintheworld.
HisfriendspaidcloseattentionasLeoexplained.HetriednottolookatthewallimagesofCampHalf-Bloodashedescribedtheplaceinruins.Hetoldthemaboutthedarkgiant,andthestrangewomanonHalf-BloodHill,offeringhimamultiple-choicedeath.
Jasonpushedawayhisplateofpancakes.“SothegiantisClytius.Isupposehe’llbewaitingforus,guardingtheDoorsofDeath.”
Frankrolleduponeofthepancakesandstartedmunching—notaguytoletimpendingdeathstandinthewayofaheartybreakfast.“AndthewomaninLeo’sdream?”
“She’smyproblem.”Hazelpassedadiamondbetweenherfingersinasleightofhand.“HecatementionedaformidableenemyintheHouseofHades—awitchwhocouldn’tbedefeatedexceptbyme,usingmagic.”
“Doyouknowmagic?”Leoasked.
“Notyet.”
“Ah.”Hetriedtothinkofsomethinghopefultosay,butherecalledtheangrywoman’seyes,thewayhersteelygripmadehisskinsmoke.“Anyideawhosheis?”Hazelshookherhead.“Onlythat…”SheglancedatNico,andsomesortofsilentargumenthappenedbetweenthem.LeogotthefeelingthatthetwoofthemhadhadprivateconversationsabouttheHouseofHades,andtheyweren’tsharingallthedetails.“Onlythatshewon’tbeeasytodefeat.”
“Butthereissomegoodnews,”Nicosaid.“TheghostItalkedtoexplainedhowHecatedefeatedClytiusinthefirstwar.Sheusedhertorchestosethishaironfire.Heburnedtodeath.Inotherwords,fireishisweakness.”
EverybodylookedatLeo.
“Oh,”hesaid.“Okay.”
Jasonnoddedencouragingly,likethiswasgreatnews—likeheexpectedLeotowalkuptoatoweringmassofdarkness,shootafewfireballs,andsolvealltheirproblems.Leodidn’twanttobringhimdown,buthecouldstillhearGaea’svoice:Heisthevoidthatconsumesallmagic,thecoldthatconsumesallfire,thesilencethatconsumesallspeech.
Leowasprettysureitwouldtakemorethanafewmatchestosetthatgiantablaze.
“It’sagoodlead,”Jasoninsisted.“Atleastweknowhowtokillthegiant.Andthissorceress…
well,ifHecatebelievesHazelcandefeather,thensodoI.”Hazeldroppedhereyes.“NowwejusthavetoreachtheHouseofHades,battleourwaythroughGaea’sforces—”
“Plusabunchofghosts,”Nicoaddedgrimly.“Thespiritsinthattemplemaynotbefriendly.”
“—andfindtheDoorsofDeath,”Hazelcontinued.“AssumingwecansomehowarriveatthesametimeasPercyandAnnabethandrescuethem.”
Frankswallowedabiteofpancake.“Wecandoit.Wehaveto.”Leoadmiredthebigguy’soptimism.Hewishedhesharedit.
“So,withthisdetour,”Leosaid,“I’mestimatingfourorfivedaystoarriveatEpirus,assumingnodelaysfor,youknow,monsterattacksandstuff.”
Jasonsmiledsourly.“Yeah.Thoseneverhappen.”
LeolookedatHazel.“HecatetoldyouthatGaeawasplanningherbigWakeUppartyonAugustfirst,right?TheFeastofWhatever?”
“Spes,”Hazelsaid.“Thegoddessofhope.”
Jasonturnedhisfork.“Theoretically,thatleavesusenoughtime.It’sonlyJulyfifth.WeshouldbeabletoclosetheDoorsofDeath,thenfindthegiants’HQandstopthemfromwakingGaeabeforeAugustfirst.”
“Theoretically,”Hazelagreed.“ButI’dstillliketoknowhowwemakeourwaythroughtheHouseofHadeswithoutgoinginsaneordying.”
Nobodyvolunteeredanyideas.
Franksetdownhispancakerolllikeitsuddenlydidn’ttastesogood.“It’sJulyfifth.Oh,jeez,Ihadn’teventhoughtofthat.…”
“Hey,man,it’scool,”Leosaid.“You’reCanadian,right?Ididn’texpectyoutogetmeanIndependenceDaypresentoranything…unlessyouwantedto.”
“It’snotthat.Mygrandmother…shealwaystoldmethatsevenwasanunluckynumber.Itwasaghostnumber.Shedidn’tlikeitwhenItoldhertherewouldbesevendemigodsonourquest.AndJulyistheseventhmonth.”
“Yeah,but…”Leotappedhisfingersnervouslyonthetable.HerealizedhewasdoingtheMorsecodeforIloveyou,thewayheusedtodowithhismom,whichwouldhavebeenprettyembarrassingifhisfriendsunderstoodMorsecode.“Butthat’sjustcoincidence,right?”Frank’sexpressiondidn’treassurehim.
“BackinChina,”Franksaid,“intheolddays,peoplecalledtheseventhmonththeghostmonth.
That’swhenthespiritworldandthehumanworldwereclosest.Thelivingandthedeadcouldgobackandforth.Tellmeit’sacoincidencewe’researchingfortheDoorsofDeathduringtheghostmonth.”Noonespoke.
LeowantedtothinkthatanoldChinesebeliefcouldn’thaveanythingtodowiththeRomansandtheGreeks.Totallydifferent,right?ButFrank’sexistencewasproofthattheculturesweretiedtogether.TheZhangfamilywentallthewaybacktoAncientGreece.They’dfoundtheirwaythroughRomeandChinaandfinallytoCanada.
Also,LeokeptthinkingabouthismeetingwiththerevengegoddessNemesisattheGreatSaltLake.Nemesishadcalledhimtheseventhwheel,theoddmanoutonthequest.Shedidn’tmeanseventhasinghost,didshe?
Jasonpressedhishandsagainstthearmsofhischair.“Let’sfocusonthethingswecandealwith.
We’regettingclosetoBologna.Maybewe’llgetmoreanswersoncewefindthesedwarfsthatHecate
—”
Theshiplurchedasifithadhitaniceberg.Leo’sbreakfastplateslidacrossthetable.Nicofellbackwardoutofhischairandbangedhisheadagainstthesideboard.Hecollapsedon
thefloor,withadozenmagicgobletsandplatterscrashingdownontopofhim.
“Nico!”Hazelrantohelphim.
“What—?”Franktriedtostand,buttheshippitchedintheotherdirection.Hestumbledintothetableandwentface-firstintoLeo’splateofscrambledeggs.
“Look!”Jasonpointedatthewalls.TheimagesofCampHalf-Bloodwereflickeringandchanging.
“Notpossible,”Leomurmured.
Nowaythoseenchantmentscouldshowanythingotherthanscenesfromcamp,butsuddenlyahuge,distortedfacefilledtheentireport-sidewall:crookedyellowteeth,ascragglyredbeard,awartynose,andtwomismatchedeyes—onemuchlargerandhigherthantheother.Thefaceseemedtobetryingtoeatitswayintotheroom.
Theotherwallsflickered,showingscenesfromabovedeck.Piperstoodatthehelm,butsomethingwaswrong.Fromtheshouldersdownshewaswrappedinducttape,hermouthgaggedandherlegsboundtothecontrolconsole.
Atthemainmast,CoachHedgewassimilarlyboundandgagged,whileabizarre-lookingcreature
—asortofgnome/chimpanzeecombowithpoorfashionsense—dancedaroundhim,doingthecoach’shairintinypigtailswithpinkrubberbands.
Ontheport-sidewall,thehugeuglyfacerecededsothatLeocouldseetheentirecreature—
anothergnomechimp,inevencrazierclothes.Thisonebeganleapingaroundthedeck,stuffingthingsinaburlapbag—Piper’sdagger,Leo’sWiicontrollers.ThenhepriedtheArchimedessphereoutofthecommandconsole.
“No!”Leoyelled.
“Uhhh,”Nicogroanedfromthefloor.
“Piper!”Jasoncried.
“Monkey!”Frankyelled.
“Notmonkeys,”Hazelgrumbled.“Ithinkthosearedwarfs.”
“Stealingmystuff!”Leoyelled,andheranforthestairs.
LEOWASVAGUELYAWAREOFHAZELSHOUTING,“Go!I’lltakecareofNico!”AsifLeowasgoingtoturnback.Sure,hehopeddiAngelowasokay,buthehadheadachesofhisown.
Leoboundedupthesteps,withJasonandFrankbehindhim.
Thesituationondeckwasevenworsethanhe’dfeared.
CoachHedgeandPiperwerestrugglingagainsttheirducttapebondswhileoneofthedemonmonkeydwarfsdancedaroundthedeck,pickingupwhateverwasn’ttieddownandstickingitinhisbag.Hewasmaybefourfeettall,evenshorterthanCoachHedge,withbowedlegsandchimp-likefeet,hisclothessoloudtheygaveLeovertigo.Hisgreen-plaidpantswerepinnedatthecuffs,andheldupwithbright-redsuspendersoverastripedpink-and-blackwoman’sblouse.Heworehalfadozengoldwatchesoneacharm,andazebra-patternedcowboyhatwithapricetagdanglingfromthebrim.Hisskinwascoveredwithpatchesofscragglyredfur,thoughninetypercentofhisbodyhairseemedtobeconcentratedinhismagnificenteyebrows.
LeowasjustformingthethoughtWhere’stheotherdwarf?whenheheardaclickbehindhimandrealizedhe’dledhisfriendsintoatrap.
“Duck!”Hehitthedeckastheexplosionblastedhiseardrums.
Notetoself,Leothoughtgroggily.Donotleaveboxesofmagicgrenadeswheredwarfscanreachthem.
Atleasthewasalive.LeohadbeenexperimentingwithallsortsofweaponsbasedontheArchimedesspherethathe’drecoveredinRome.He’dbuiltgrenadesthatcouldsprayacid,fire,shrapnel,orfreshlybutteredpopcorn.(Hey,youneverknewwhenyou’dgethungryinbattle.)JudgingfromtheringinginLeo’sears,thedwarfhaddetonatedtheflash-banggrenade,whichLeohadfilledwithararevialofApollo’smusic,pureliquidextract.Itdidn’tkill,butitleftLeofeelinglikehe’djustdoneabellyflopoffthedeepend.
Hetriedtogetup.Hislimbswereuseless.Someonewastuggingathiswaist,maybeafriendtryingtohelphimup?No.Hisfriendsdidn’tsmelllikeheavilyperfumedmonkeycages.
Hemanagedtoturnover.Hisvisionwasoutoffocusandtintedpink,liketheworldhadbeensubmergedinstrawberryjelly.Agrinning,grotesquefaceloomedoverhim.Thebrown-furreddwarfwasdressedevenworsethanhisfriend,inagreenbowlerhatlikealeprechaun’s,danglydiamondearrings,andawhite-and-blackreferee’sshirt.Heshowedofftheprizehe’djuststolen—Leo’stoolbelt—thendancedaway.
Leotriedtograbhim,buthisfingerswerenumb.Thedwarffrolickedovertothenearestballista,whichhisred-furredfriendwasprimingtolaunch.
Thebrown-furreddwarfjumpedontotheprojectilelikeitwasaskateboard,andhisfriendshothimintothesky.
RedFurprancedovertoCoachHedge.Hegavethesatyrabigsmackonthecheek,thenskippedtotherail.HebowedtoLeo,doffinghiszebracowboyhat,anddidabackflipovertheside.
Leomanagedtogetup.Jasonwasalreadyonhisfeet,stumblingandrunningintothings.Frankhadturnedintoasilverbackgorilla(why,Leowasn’tsure;maybetocommunewiththemonkeydwarfs?)buttheflashgrenadehadhithimhard.Hewassprawledonthedeckwithhistonguehangingoutandhisgorillaeyesrolledupinhishead.
“Piper!”Jasonstaggeredtothehelmandcarefullypulledthegagoutofhermouth.
“Don’twasteyourtimeonme!”shesaid.“Goafterthem!”Atthemast,CoachHedgemumbled,“HHHmmmmm-hmmm!”
Leofiguredthatmeant:“KILLTHEM!”Easytranslation,sincemostofthecoach’ssentencesinvolvedthewordkill.
Leoglancedatthecontrolconsole.HisArchimedesspherewasgone.Heputhishandtohiswaist,wherehistoolbeltshouldhavebeen.Hisheadstartedtoclear,andhissenseofoutragecametoaboil.Thosedwarfshadattackedhisship.They’dstolenhismostpreciouspossessions.
BelowhimspreadthecityofBologna—ajigsawpuzzleofred-tiledbuildingsinavalleyhemmedbygreenhills.UnlessLeocouldfindthedwarfssomewhereinthatmazeofstreets…Nope.Failurewasn’tanoption.Neitherwaswaitingforhisfriendstorecover.
HeturnedtoJason.“Youfeelinggoodenoughtocontrolthewinds?Ineedalift.”Jasonfrowned.“Sure,but—”
“Good,”Leosaid.“We’vegotsomemonkeydudestocatch.”
JasonandLeotoucheddowninabigpiazzalinedwithwhitemarblegovernmentbuildingsandoutdoorcafés.BikesandVespascloggedthesurroundingstreets,butthesquareitselfwasemptyexceptforpigeonsandafewoldmendrinkingespresso.
NoneofthelocalsseemedtonoticethehugeGreekwarshiphoveringoverthepiazza,orthefactthatJasonandLeohadjustflowndown,Jasonwieldingagoldsword,andLeo…well,Leoprettymuchempty-handed.
“Whereto?”Jasonasked.
Leostaredathim.“Well,Idunno.Letmepullmydwarf-trackingGPSoutofmytoolbelt.…Oh,wait!Idon’thaveadwarf-trackingGPS—ormytoolbelt!”
“Fine,”Jasongrumbled.Heglancedupattheshipasiftogethisbearings,thenpointedacrossthepiazza.“Theballistafiredthefirstdwarfinthatdirection,Ithink.Comeon.”Theywadedthroughalakeofpigeons,thenmaneuvereddownasidestreetofclothingstoresandgelatoshops.Thesidewalkswerelinedwithwhitecolumnscoveredingraffiti.Afewpanhandlersaskedforchange(Leodidn’tknowItalian,buthegotthemessageloudandclear).
Hekeptpattinghiswaist,hopinghistoolbeltwouldmagicallyreappear.Itdidn’t.Hetriednottofreak,buthe’dcometodependonthatbeltforalmosteverything.Hefeltlikesomebodyhadstolenoneofhishands.
“We’llfindit,”Jasonpromised.
Usually,Leowouldhavefeltreassured.Jasonhadatalentforstayinglevelheadedinacrisis,andhe’dgottenLeooutofplentyofbadscrapes.Today,though,allLeocouldthinkaboutwasthestupidfortunecookiehehadopenedinRome.ThegoddessNemesishadpromisedhimhelp,andhe’dgottenit:thecodetoactivatetheArchimedessphere.Atthetime,Leohadhadnochoicebuttouseitifhewantedtosavehisfriends—butNemesishadwarnedthatherhelpcamewithaprice.
Leowonderedifthatpricewouldeverbepaid.PercyandAnnabethweregone.Theshipwashundredsofmilesoffcourse,headingtowardanimpossiblechallenge.Leo’sfriendswerecountingonhimtobeataterrifyinggiant.Andnowhedidn’tevenhavehistoolbeltorhisArchimedessphere.
Hewassoabsorbedwithfeelingsorryforhimselfthathedidn’tnoticewheretheywereuntilJasongrabbedhisarm.“Checkitout.”
Leolookedup.They’darrivedinasmallerpiazza.Loomingoverthemwasahugebronzestatueofabuck-nakedNeptune.
“Ah,jeez.”Leoavertedhiseyes.Hereallydidn’tneedtoseeagodlygrointhisearlyinthemorning.
Theseagodstoodonabigmarblecolumninthemiddleofafountainthatwasn’tworking(whichseemedkindofironic).OneithersideofNeptune,littlewingedCupiddudesweresitting,kindofchillin’,like,What’sup?Neptunehimself(avoidthegroin)wasthrowinghishiptoonesideinanElvisPresleymove.HegrippedhistridentlooselyinhisrighthandandstretchedhislefthandoutlikehewasblessingLeo,orpossiblyattemptingtolevitatehim.
“Somekindofclue?”Leowondered.
Jasonfrowned.“Maybe,maybenot.TherearestatuesofthegodsallovertheplaceinItaly.I’djustfeelbetterifweranacrossJupiter.OrMinerva.AnybodybutNeptune,really.”Leoclimbedintothedryfountain.Heputhishandonthestatue’spedestal,andarushofimpressionssurgedthroughhisfingertips.HesensedCelestialbronzegears,magicallevers,springs,andpistons.
“It’smechanical,”hesaid.“Maybeadoorwaytothedwarfs’secretlair?”
“Ooooo!”shriekedanearbyvoice.“Secretlair?”
“Iwantasecretlair!”yelledanothervoicefromabove.
Jasonsteppedback,hisswordready.Leoalmostgotwhiplashtryingtolookintwoplacesatonce.Thered-furreddwarfinthecowboyhatwassittingaboutthirtyfeetawayatthenearestcafétable,sippinganespressoheldbyhismonkey-likefoot.Thebrown-furreddwarfinthegreenbowlerwasperchedonthemarblepedestalatNeptune’sfeet,justaboveLeo’shead.
“Ifwehadasecretlair,”saidRedFur,“Iwouldwantafirehousepole.”
“Andawaterslide!”saidBrownFur,whowaspullingrandomtoolsoutofLeo’sbelt,tossingasidewrenches,hammers,andstapleguns.
“Stopthat!”Leotriedtograbthedwarf’sfeet,buthecouldn’treachthetopofthepedestal.
“Tooshort?”BrownFursympathized.
“You’recallingmeshort?”Leolookedaroundforsomethingtothrow,buttherewasnothingbutpigeons,andhedoubtedhecouldcatchone.“Givememybelt,youstupid—”
“Now,now!”saidBrownFur.“Wehaven’tevenintroducedourselves.I’mAkmon.Andmybrotheroverthere—”
“—isthehandsomeone!”Thered-furreddwarfliftedhisespresso.Judgingfromhisdilatedeyesandhismaniacalgrin,hedidn’tneedanymorecaffeine.“Passalos!Singerofsongs!Drinkerofcoffee!Stealerofshinystuff!”
“Please!”shriekedhisbrother,Akmon.“Istealmuchbetterthanyou.”Passalossnorted.“Stealingnaps,maybe!”Hetookoutaknife—Piper’sknife—andstartedpickinghisteethwithit.
“Hey!”Jasonyelled.“That’smygirlfriend’sknife!”
HelungedatPassalos,butthered-furreddwarfwastooquick.Hesprangfromhischair,bouncedoffJason’shead,didaflip,andlandednexttoLeo,hishairyarmsaroundLeo’swaist.
“Saveme?”thedwarfpleaded.
“Getoff!”Leotriedtoshovehimaway,butPassalosdidabackwardsomersaultandlandedoutofreach.Leo’spantspromptlyfellaroundhisknees.
HestaredatPassalos,whowasnowgrinningandholdingasmallzigzaggystripofmetal.
Somehow,thedwarfhadstolenthezipperrightoffLeo’spants.
“Give—stupid—zipper!”Leostuttered,tryingtoshakehisfistandhoistuphispantsatthesametime.
“Eh,notshinyenough.”Passalostosseditaway.
Jasonlungedwithhissword.Passaloslaunchedhimselfstraightupandwassuddenly
sittingonthestatue’spedestalnexttohisbrother.
“TellmeIdon’thavemoves,”Passalosboasted.
“Okay,”Akmonsaid.“Youdon’thavemoves.”
“Bah!”Passalossaid.“Givemethetoolbelt.Iwanttosee.”
“No!”Akmonelbowedhimaway.“Yougottheknifeandtheshinyball.”
“Yes,theshinyballisnice.”Passalostookoffhiscowboyhat.Likeamagicianproducingarabbit,hepulledouttheArchimedessphereandbegantinkeringwiththeancientbronzedials.
“Stop!”Leoyelled.“That’sadelicatemachine.”
Jasoncametohissideandglaredupatthedwarfs.“Whoareyoutwo,anyway?”
“TheKerkopes!”AkmonnarrowedhiseyesatJason.“Ibetyou’reasonofJupiter,eh?Icanalwaystell.”
“JustlikeBlackBottom,”Passalosagreed.
“BlackBottom?”Leoresistedtheurgetojumpatthedwarfs’feetagain.HewassurePassaloswasgoingtoruintheArchimedessphereanysecondnow.
“Yes,youknow.”Akmongrinned.“Hercules.WecalledhimBlackBottombecauseheusedtogoaroundwithoutclothes.Hegotsotanthathisbackside,well—”
“Atleasthehadasenseofhumor!”Passalossaid.“Hewasgoingtokilluswhenwestolefromhim,butheletusgobecausehelikedourjokes.Notlikeyoutwo.Grumpy,grumpy!”
“Hey,I’vegotasenseofhumor,”Leosnarled.“Givemebackourstuff,andI’lltellyouajokewithagoodpunchline.”
“Nicetry!”Akmonpulledaratchetwrenchfromthetoolbeltandspunitlikeanoisemaker.“Oh,verynice!I’mdefinitelykeepingthis!Thanks,BlueBottom!”BlueBottom?
Leoglanceddown.Hispantshadslippedaroundhisanklesagain,revealinghisblueundershorts.
“That’sit!”heshouted.“Mystuff.Now.OrI’llshowyouhowfunnyaflamingdwarfis.”Hishandscaughtfire.
“Nowwe’retalking.”Jasonthrusthisswordintothesky.Darkcloudsbegantogatheroverthepiazza.Thunderboomed.
“Oh,scary!”Akmonshrieked.
“Yes,”Passalosagreed.“Ifonlywehadasecretlairtohidein.”
“Alas,thisstatueisn’tthedoorwaytoasecretlair,”Akmonsaid.“Ithasadifferentpurpose.”Leo’sguttwisted.Thefiresdiedinhishands,andherealizedsomethingwasverywrong.Heyelled,“Trap!”anddoveoutofthefountain.Unfortunately,Jasonwastoobusysummoninghisstorm.
LeorolledonhisbackasfivegoldencordsshotfromtheNeptunestatue’sfingers.OnebarelymissedLeo’sfeet.TheresthomedinonJason,wrappinghimlikearodeocalfandyankinghimupsidedown.
AboltoflightningblastedthetinesofNeptune’strident,sendingarcsofelectricityupanddownthestatue,buttheKerkopeshadalreadydisappeared.
“Bravo!”Akmonapplaudedfromanearbycafétable.“Youmakeawonderfulpiñata,sonofJupiter!”
“Yes!”Passalosagreed.“Herculeshungusupsidedownonce,youknow.Oh,revengeissweet!”Leosummonedafireball.HelobbeditatPassalos,whowastryingtojuggletwopigeonsandtheArchimedessphere.
“Eek!”Thedwarfjumpedfreeoftheexplosion,droppingthesphereandlettingthepigeonsfly.
“Timetoleave!”Akmondecided.
Hetippedhisbowlerandsprangaway,jumpingfromtabletotable.PassalosglancedattheArchimedessphere,whichhadrolledbetweenLeo’sfeet.
Leosummonedanotherfireball.“Tryme,”hesnarled.
“Bye!”Passalosdidabackflipandranafterhisbrother.
LeoscoopeduptheArchimedessphereandranovertoJason,whowasstillhangingupsidedown,thoroughlyhog-tiedexceptforhisswordarm.Hewastryingtocutthecordswithhisgoldbladebuthavingnoluck.
“Holdon,”Leosaid.“IfIcanfindareleaseswitch—”
“Justgo!”Jasongrowled.“I’llfollowyouwhenIgetoutofthis.”
“But—”
“Don’tlosethem!”
ThelastthingLeowantedwassomealonetimewiththemonkeydwarfs,buttheKerkopeswerealreadydisappearingaroundthefarcornerofthepiazza.LeoleftJasonhangingandranafterthem.
THEDWARFSDIDN’TTRYVERYHARDTOLOSEHIM,whichmadeLeosuspicious.Theystayedjustattheedgeofhisvision,scamperingoverred-tiledrooftops,knockingoverwindowboxes,whoopingandholleringandleavingatrailofscrewsandnailsfromLeo’stoolbelt—almostasiftheywantedLeotofollow.
Hejoggedafterthem,cursingeverytimehispantsfelldown.Heturnedacornerandsawtwoancientstonetowersjuttingintothesky,sidebyside,muchtallerthananythingelseintheneighborhood—maybemedievalwatchtowers?Theyleanedindifferentdirectionslikegearshiftsonaracecar.
TheKerkopesscaledthetowerontheright.Whentheyreachedthetop,theyclimbedaroundthebackanddisappeared.
Hadtheygoneinside?Leocouldseesometinywindowsatthetop,coveredwithmetalgrates;buthedoubtedthosewouldstopthedwarfs.Hewatchedforaminute,buttheKerkopesdidn’treappear.WhichmeantLeohadtogetupthereandlookforthem.
“Great,”hemuttered.Noflyingfriendtocarryhimup.Theshipwastoofarawaytocallforhelp.
Hecouldjury-rigtheArchimedessphereintosomesortofflyingdevice,maybe,butonlyifhehadhistoolbelt—whichhedidn’t.Hescannedtheneighborhood,tryingtothink.Halfablockdown,asetofdoubleglassdoorsopenedandanoldladyhobbledout,carryingplasticshoppingbags.
Agrocerystore?Hmm…
Leopattedhispockets.Tohisamazement,hestillhadsomeeuronotesfromhistimeinRome.
Thosestupiddwarfshadtakeneverythingexcepthismoney.
Heranforthestoreasfastashiszipperlesspantsallowed.
Leoscouredtheaisles,lookingforthingshecoulduse.Hedidn’tknowtheItalianfor
Hello,whereareyourdangerouschemicals,please?Butthatwasprobablyjustaswell.Hedidn’twanttoendupinanItalianjail.
Fortunately,hedidn’tneedtoreadlabels.Hecouldtelljustfrompickingupatoothpastetubewhetheritcontainedpotassiumnitrate.Hefoundcharcoal.Hefoundsugarandbakingsoda.Thestoresoldmatches,andbugspray,andaluminumfoil.Prettymucheverythingheneeded,plusalaundrycordhecoulduseasabelt.HeaddedsomeItalianjunkfoodtothebasket,justtosortofdisguisehismoresuspiciouspurchases,thendumpedhisstuffattheregister.Awide-eyedcheckoutladyaskedhimsomequestionshedidn’tunderstand,buthemanagedtopay,getabag,andraceout.
Heduckedintothenearestdoorwaywherehecouldkeepaneyeonthetowers.Hestartedtowork,summoningfiretodryoutmaterialsanddoalittlecookingthatotherwisewouldhavetakendaystocomplete.
Everyonceinawhilehesneakedalookatthetower,buttherewasnosignofthedwarfs.Leocouldonlyhopetheywerestillupthere.Makinghisarsenaltookjustafewminutes—hewasthatgood—butitfeltlikehours.
Jasondidn’tshow.MaybehewasstilltangledattheNeptunefountain,orscouringthestreetslookingforLeo.Nooneelsefromtheshipcametohelp.ProbablyitwastakingthemalongtimetogetallthosepinkrubberbandsoutofCoachHedge’shair.
ThatmeantLeohadonlyhimself,hisbagofjunkfood,andafewhighlyimprovisedweaponsmadefromsugarandtoothpaste.Oh,andtheArchimedessphere.Thatwaskindofimportant.Hehopedhehadn’truineditbyfillingitwithchemicalpowder.
Herantothetowerandfoundtheentrance.Hestartedupthewindingstairsinside,onlytobestoppedataticketboothbysomecaretakerwhoyelledathiminItalian.
“Seriously?”Leoasked.“Look,man,you’vegotdwarfsinyourbelfry.I’mtheexterminator.”Hehelduphiscanofbugspray.“See?ExterminatorMoltoBuono.Squirt,squirt.Ahhh!”Hepantomimedadwarfmeltinginterror,whichforsomereasontheItaliandidn’tseemtounderstand.
Theguyjustheldouthispalmformoney.
“Dang,man,”Leogrumbled,“Ijustspentallmycashonhomemadeexplosivesandwhatnot.”Hedugaroundinhisgrocerybag.“Don’tsupposeyou’daccept…uh…whatevertheseare?”Leoheldupayellow-and-redbagofjunkfoodcalledFonzies.Heassumedtheyweresomekindofchips.Tohissurprise,thecaretakershruggedandtookthebag.“Avanti!”Leokeptclimbing,buthemadeamentalnotetostockuponFonzies.ApparentlytheywerebetterthancashinItaly.
Thestairswenton,andon,andon.Thewholetowerseemedtobenothingbutanexcusetobuildastaircase.
Hestoppedonalandingandslumpedagainstanarrowbarredwindow,tryingtocatchhisbreath.
Hewassweatinglikecrazy,andhisheartthumpedagainsthisribs.StupidKerkopes.Leofiguredthatassoonashereachedthetop,theywouldjumpawaybeforehecouldusehisweapons;buthehadtotry.
Hekeptclimbing.
Finally,hislegsfeelinglikeovercookednoodles,hereachedthesummit.
Theroomwasaboutthesizeofabroomcloset,withbarredwindowsonallfourwalls.Shovedinthecornersweresacksoftreasure,shinygoodiesspillingalloverthefloor.LeospottedPiper’sknife,anoldleather-boundbook,afewinteresting-lookingmechanicaldevices,andenoughgoldtogiveHazel’shorseastomachache.
Atfirst,hethoughtthedwarfshadleft.Thenhelookedup.AkmonandPassaloswerehangingupsidedownfromtheraftersbytheirchimpfeet,playingantigravitypoker.WhentheysawLeo,theythrewtheircardslikeconfettiandbrokeoutinapplause.
“Itoldyouhe’ddoit!”Akmonshriekedindelight.
Passalosshruggedandtookoffoneofhisgoldwatchesandhandedittohisbrother.“Youwin.Ididn’tthinkhewasthatdumb.”
Theybothdroppedtothefloor.AkmonwaswearingLeo’stoolbelt—hewassoclosethatLeohadtoresisttheurgetolungeforit.
Passalosstraightenedhiscowboyhatandkickedopenthegrateonthenearestwindow.“Whatshouldwemakehimclimbnext,brother?ThedomeofSanLuca?”Leowantedtothrottlethedwarfs,butheforcedasmile.“Oh,thatsoundsfun!Butbeforeyouguysgo,youforgotsomethingshiny.”
“Impossible!”Akmonscowled.“Wewereverythorough.”
“Yousure?”Leohelduphisgrocerybag.
Thedwarfsinchedcloser.AsLeohadhoped,theircuriositywassostrongthattheycouldn’tresist.
“Look.”Leobroughtouthisfirstweapon—alumpofdriedchemicalswrappedinaluminumfoil
—andlititwithhishand.
Heknewenoughtoturnawaywhenitpopped,butthedwarfswerestaringrightatit.Toothpaste,sugar,andbugsprayweren’tasgoodasApollo’smusic,buttheymadeforaprettydecentflash-bang.
TheKerkopeswailed,clawingattheireyes.Theystumbledtowardthewindow,butLeosetoffhishomemadefirecrackers—snappingthemaroundthedwarfs’barefeettokeepthemoffbalance.
Then,forgoodmeasure,LeoturnedthedialonhisArchimedessphere,whichunleashedaplumeoffoulwhitefogthatfilledtheroom.
Leowasn’tbotheredbysmoke.Beingimmunetofire,he’dstoodinsmokybonfires,endureddragonbreath,andcleanedoutblazingforgesplentyoftimes.Whilethedwarfswerehackingandwheezing,hegrabbedhistoolbeltfromAkmon,calmlysummonedsomebungeecords,andtiedupthedwarfs.
“Myeyes!”Akmoncoughed.“Mytoolbelt!”
“Myfeetareonfire!”Passaloswailed.“Notshiny!Notshinyatall!”Aftermakingsuretheyweresecurelybound,LeodraggedtheKerkopesintoonecornerandbeganriflingthroughtheirtreasures.HeretrievedPiper’sdagger,afewofhisprototypegrenades,andadozenotheroddsandendsthedwarfshadtakenfromtheArgoII.
“Please!”Akmonwailed.“Don’ttakeourshinies!”
“We’llmakeyouadeal!”Passalossuggested.“We’llcutyouinfortenpercentifyouletusgo!”
“Afraidnot,”Leomuttered.“It’sallminenow.”
“Twentypercent!”
Justthen,thunderboomedoverhead.Lightningflashed,andthebarsonthenearestwindowburstintosizzling,meltedstubsofiron.
JasonflewinlikePeterPan,electricitysparkingaroundhimandhisgoldswordsteaming.
Leowhistledappreciatively.“Man,youjustwastedanawesomeentrance.”Jasonfrowned.Henoticedthehog-tiedKerkopes.“Whatthe—”
“Allbymyself,”Leosaid.“I’mspecialthatway.Howdidyoufindme?”
“Uh,thesmoke,”Jasonmanaged.“AndIheardpoppingnoises.Wereyouhavingagunfightinhere?”
“Somethinglikethat.”LeotossedhimPiper’sdagger,thenkeptrummagingthroughthebagsofdwarfshinies.HerememberedwhatHazelhadsaidaboutfindingatreasurethatwouldhelpthemwiththequest,buthewasn’tsurewhathewaslookingfor.Therewerecoins,goldnuggets,jewelry,paperclips,foilwrappers,cufflinks.
Hekeptcomingbacktoacoupleofthingsthatdidn’tseemtobelong.Onewasanoldbronzenavigationdevice,likeanastrolabefromaship.Itwasbadlydamagedandseemedtobemissingsomepieces,butLeostillfounditfascinating.
“Takeit!”Passalosoffered.“Odysseusmadeit,youknow!Takeitandletusgo.”
“Odysseus?”Jasonasked.“Like,theOdysseus?”
“Yes!”Passalossqueaked.“MadeitwhenhewasanoldmaninIthaca.Oneofhislastinventions,andwestoleit!”
“Howdoesitwork?”Leoasked.
“Oh,itdoesn’t,”Akmonsaid.“Somethingaboutamissingcrystal?”Heglancedathisbrotherforhelp.
“‘Mybiggestwhat-if,’”Passalossaid.“‘Should’vetakenacrystal.’That’swhathekeptmutteringinhissleep,thenightwestoleit.”Passalosshrugged.“Noideawhathemeant.Buttheshinyisyours!Canwegonow?”
Leowasn’tsurewhyhewantedtheastrolabe.Itwasobviouslybroken,andhedidn’tgetthesensethatthiswaswhatHecatemeantforthemtofind.Still,heslippeditintooneofhistoolbelt’smagicpockets.
Heturnedhisattentiontotheotherstrangepieceofloot—theleather-boundbook.Itstitle
wasingoldleaf,inalanguageLeocouldn’tunderstand,butnothingelseaboutthebookseemedshiny.Hedidn’tfiguretheKerkopesforbigreaders.
“What’sthis?”Hewaggeditatthedwarfs,whowerestillteary-eyedfromthesmoke.
“Nothing!”Akmonsaid.“Justabook.Ithadaprettygoldcover,sowetookitfromhim.”
“Him?”Leoasked.
AkmonandPassalosexchangedanervouslook.
“Minorgod,”Passalossaid.“InVenice.Really,it’snothing.”
“Venice.”JasonfrownedatLeo.“Isn’tthatwherewe’resupposedtogonext?”
“Yeah.”Leoexaminedthebook.Hecouldn’treadthetext,butithadlotsofillustrations:scythes,differentplants,apictureofthesun,ateamofoxenpullingacart.Hedidn’tseehowanyofthatwasimportant,butifthebookhadbeenstolenfromaminorgodinVenice—thenextplaceHecatehadtoldthemtovisit—thenthishadtobewhattheywerelookingfor.
“Whereexactlycanwefindthisminorgod?”Leoasked.
“No!”Akmonshrieked.“Youcan’ttakeitbacktohim!Ifhefindsoutwestoleit—”
“He’lldestroyyou,”Jasonguessed.“Whichiswhatwe’lldoifyoudon’ttellus,andwe’realotcloser.”HepressedthepointofhisswordagainstAkmon’sfurrythroat.
“Okay,okay!”thedwarfshrieked.“LaCasaNera!CalleFrezzeria!”
“Isthatanaddress?”Leoasked.
Thedwarfsbothnoddedvigorously.
“Pleasedon’ttellhimwestoleit,”Passalosbegged.“Heisn’tniceatall!”
“Whoishe?”Jasonasked.“Whatgod?”
“I—Ican’tsay,”Passalosstammered.
“You’dbetter,”Leowarned.
“No,”Passalossaidmiserably.“Imean,Ireallycan’tsay.Ican’tpronounceit!Tr—tri—It’stoohard!”
“Truh,”Akmonsaid.“Tru-toh—Toomanysyllables!”
Theybothburstintotears.
Leodidn’tknowiftheKerkopesweretellingthemthetruth,butitwashardtostaymadatweepingdwarfs,nomatterhowannoyingandbadlydressedtheywere.
Jasonloweredhissword.“Whatdoyouwanttodowiththem,Leo?SendthemtoTartarus?”
“Please,no!”Akmonwailed.“Itmighttakeusweekstocomeback.”
“AssumingGaeaevenletsus!”Passalossniffled.“ShecontrolstheDoorsofDeathnow.She’llbeverycrosswithus.”
Leolookedatthedwarfs.He’dfoughtlotsofmonstersbeforeandneverfeltbadaboutdissolvingthem,butthiswasdifferent.Hehadtoadmithesortofadmiredtheselittleguys.Theyplayedcoolpranksandlikedshinythings.Leocouldrelate.Besides,PercyandAnnabethwereinTartarusrightnow,hopefullystillalive,trudgingtowardtheDoorsofDeath.Theideaofsendingthesetwinmonkeyboystheretofacethesamenightmarishproblem…well,itdidn’tseemright.
HeimaginedGaealaughingathisweakness—ademigodtoosoftheartedtokillmonsters.HerememberedhisdreamaboutCampHalf-Bloodinruins,GreekandRomanbodieslitteringthefields.
HerememberedOctavianspeakingwiththeEarthGoddess’svoice:TheRomansmoveeastfromNewYork.Theyadvanceonyourcamp,andnothingcanslowthemdown.
“Nothingcanslowthemdown,”Leomused.“Iwonder…”
“What?”Jasonasked.
Leolookedatthedwarfs.“I’llmakeyouadeal.”
Akmon’seyeslitup.“Thirtypercent?”
“We’llleaveyouallyourtreasure,”Leosaid,“exceptthestuffthatbelongstous,andtheastrolabe,andthisbook,whichwe’lltakebacktothedudeinVenice.”
“Buthe’lldestroyus!”Passaloswailed.
“Wewon’tsaywherewegotit,”Leopromised.“Andwewon’tkillyou.We’llletyougofree.”
“Uh,Leo…?”Jasonaskednervously.
Akmonsquealedwithdelight.“IknewyouwereassmartasHercules!IwillcallyouBlackBottom,theSequel!”
“Yeah,nothanks,”Leosaid.“Butinreturnforussparingyourlives,youhavetodosomethingforus.I’mgoingtosendyousomewheretostealfromsomepeople,harassthem,makelifehardforthemanywayyoucan.Youhavetofollowmydirectionsexactly.YouhavetoswearontheRiverStyx.”
“Weswear!”Passalossaid.“Stealingfrompeopleisourspecialty!”
“Iloveharassment!”Akmonagreed.“Wherearewegoing?”
Leogrinned.“EverheardofNewYork?”
PERCYHADTAKENHISGIRLFRIENDonsomeromanticwalksbefore.Thiswasn’toneofthem.
TheyfollowedtheRiverPhlegethon,stumblingovertheglassyblackterrain,jumpingcrevices,andhidingbehindrockswheneverthevampiregirlsslowedinfrontofthem.
ItwastrickytostayfarenoughbacktoavoidgettingspottedbutcloseenoughtokeepKelliandhercomradesinviewthroughthedarkhazyair.TheheatfromtheriverbakedPercy’sskin.Everybreathwaslikeinhalingsulfur-scentedfiberglass.Whentheyneededadrink,thebesttheycoulddowassipsomerefreshingliquidfire.
Yep.Percydefinitelyknewhowtoshowagirlagoodtime.
AtleastAnnabeth’sankleseemedtohavehealed.Shewashardlylimpingatall.Hervariouscutsandscrapeshadfaded.She’dtiedherblondhairbackwithastripofdenimtornfromherpantsleg,andinthefierylightoftheriver,hergrayeyesflickered.Despitebeingbeat-up,sooty,anddressedlikeahomelessperson,shelookedgreattoPercy.
SowhatiftheywereinTartarus?Sowhatiftheystoodaslimchanceofsurviving?Hewassogladthattheyweretogether,hehadtheridiculousurgetosmile.
Physically,Percyfeltbettertoo,thoughhisclotheslookedlikehe’dbeenthroughahurricaneofbrokenglass.Hewasthirsty,hungry,andscaredoutofhismind(thoughhewasn’tgoingtotellAnnabeththat),buthe’dshakenoffthehopelesscoldoftheRiverCocytus.Andasnastyasthefirewatertasted,itseemedtokeephimgoing.
Timewasimpossibletojudge.Theytrudgedalong,followingtheriverasitcutthroughtheharshlandscape.Fortunatelytheempousaiweren’texactlyspeedwalkers.Theyshuffledontheirmismatchedbronzeanddonkeylegs,hissingandfightingwitheachother,apparentlyinnohurrytoreachtheDoorsofDeath.
Once,thedemonsspedupinexcitementandswarmedsomethingthatlookedlikeabeachedcarcassontheriverbank.Percycouldn’ttellwhatitwas—afallenmonster?Ananimalofsomekind?
Theempousaiattackeditwithrelish.
Whenthedemonsmovedon,PercyandAnnabethreachedthespotandfoundnothingleftexceptafewsplinteredbonesandglisteningstainsdryingintheheatoftheriver.Percyhadnodoubttheempousaiwoulddevourdemigodswiththesamegusto.
“Comeon.”HeledAnnabethgentlyawayfromthescene.“Wedon’twanttolosethem.”Astheywalked,Percythoughtaboutthefirsttimehe’dfoughttheempousaKelliatGoodeHighSchool’sfreshmanorientation,whenheandRachelElizabethDaregottrappedinthebandhall.Atthetime,itseemedlikeahopelesssituation.Now,he’dgiveanythingtohaveaproblemthatsimple.Atleasthe’dbeeninthemortalworldthen.Here,therewasnowheretorun.
Wow.WhenhestartedlookingbackonthewarwithKronosasthegoodolddays—thatwassad.
HekepthopingthingswouldgetbetterforAnnabethandhim,buttheirlivesjustgotmoreandmoredangerous,asiftheThreeFateswereuptherespinningtheirfutureswithbarbedwireinsteadofthreadjusttoseehowmuchtwodemigodscouldtolerate.
Afterafewmoremiles,theempousaidisappearedoveraridge.WhenPercyandAnnabethcaughtup,theyfoundthemselvesattheedgeofanothermassivecliff.TheRiverPhlegethonspilledoverthesideinjaggedtiersoffierywaterfalls.Thedemonladieswerepickingtheirwaydownthecliff,jumpingfromledgetoledgelikemountaingoats.
Percy’sheartcreptintohisthroat.EvenifheandAnnabethreachedthebottomofthecliffalive,theydidn’thavemuchtolookforwardto.Thelandscapebelowthemwasableak,ash-grayplainbristlingwithblacktrees,likeinsecthair.Thegroundwaspockedwithblisters.Everyonceinawhile,abubblewouldswellandburst,disgorgingamonsterlikealarvafromanegg.
SuddenlyPercywasn’thungryanymore.
Allthenewlyformedmonsterswerecrawlingandhobblinginthesamedirection—towardabankofblackfogthatswallowedthehorizonlikeastormfront.ThePhlegethonflowedinthesamedirectionuntilabouthalfwayacrosstheplain,whereitmetanotherriverofblackwater—maybetheCocytus?Thetwofloodscombinedinasteaming,boilingcataractandflowedonasonetowardtheblackfog.
ThelongerPercylookedintothatstormofdarkness,thelesshewantedtogothere.Itcouldbehidinganything—anocean,abottomlesspit,anarmyofmonsters.ButiftheDoorsofDeathwereinthatdirection,itwastheironlychancetogethome.
Hepeeredovertheedgeofthecliff.
“Wishwecouldfly,”hemuttered.
Annabethrubbedherarms.“RememberLuke’swingedshoes?Iwonderifthey’restilldownheresomewhere.”
Percyremembered.ThoseshoeshadbeencursedtodragtheirwearerintoTartarus.They’dalmosttakenhisbestfriend,Grover.“I’dsettleforahangglider.”
“Maybenotagoodidea.”Annabethpointed.Abovethem,darkwingedshapesspiraledin
andoutofthebloodredclouds.
“Furies?”Percywondered.
“Orsomeotherkindofdemon,”Annabethsaid.“Tartarushasthousands.”
“Includingthekindthateatshanggliders,”Percyguessed.“Okay,soweclimb.”Hecouldn’tseetheempousaibelowthemanymore.They’ddisappearedbehindoneoftheridges,butthatdidn’tmatter.ItwasclearwhereheandAnnabethneededtogo.LikeallthemaggotmonsterscrawlingovertheplainsofTartarus,theyshouldheadtowardthedarkhorizon.Percywasjustbrimmingwithenthusiasmforthat.
ASTHEYSTARTEDDOWNTHECLIFF,Percyconcentratedonthechallengesathand:keepinghisfooting,avoidingrockslidesthatwouldalerttheempousaitotheirpresence,andofcoursemakingsureheandAnnabethdidn’tplummettotheirdeaths.
Abouthalfwaydowntheprecipice,Annabethsaid,“Stop,okay?Justaquickbreak.”Herlegswobbledsobadly,Percycursedhimselffornotcallingarestearlier.
Theysattogetheronaledgenexttoaroaringfierywaterfall.PercyputhisarmaroundAnnabeth,andsheleanedagainsthim,shakingfromexhaustion.
Hewasn’tmuchbetter.Hisstomachfeltlikeithadshrunktothesizeofagumdrop.Iftheycameacrossanymoremonstercarcasses,hewasafraidhemightpullanempousaandtrytodevourit.
AtleasthehadAnnabeth.TheywouldfindawayoutofTartarus.Theyhadto.Hedidn’tthinkmuchoffatesandprophecies,buthedidbelieveinonething:Annabethandheweresupposedtobetogether.Theyhadn’tsurvivedsomuchjusttogetkillednow.
“Thingscouldbeworse,”Annabethventured.
“Yeah?”Percydidn’tseehow,buthetriedtosoundupbeat.
Shesnuggledagainsthim.Herhairsmelledofsmoke,andifheclosedhiseyes,hecould
almostimaginetheywereatthecampfireatCampHalf-Blood.
“Wecould’vefallenintotheRiverLethe,”shesaid.“Lostallourmemories.”Percy’sskincrawledjustthinkingaboutit.He’dhadenoughtroublewithamnesiaforonelifetime.Onlylastmonth,HerahaderasedhismemoriestoputhimamongtheRomandemigods.
PercyhadstumbledintoCampJupiterwithnoideawhohewasorwherehecamefrom.Andafewyearsbeforethat,he’dfoughtaTitanonthebanksoftheLethe,nearHades’spalace.He’dblastedtheTitanwithwaterfromthatriverandcompletelywipedhismemoryclean.“Yeah,theLethe,”hemuttered.“Notmyfavorite.”
“WhatwastheTitan’sname?”Annabethasked.
“Uh…Iapetus.HesaiditmeanttheImpalerorsomething.”
“No,thenameyougavehimafterhelosthismemory.Steve?”
“Bob,”Percysaid.
Annabethmanagedaweaklaugh.“BobtheTitan.”
Percy’slipsweresoparched,ithurttosmile.HewonderedwhathadhappenedtoIapetusafterthey’dlefthiminHades’spalace…ifhewasstillcontentbeingBob,friendly,happy,andclueless.
Percyhopedso,buttheUnderworldseemedtobringouttheworstineveryone—monsters,heroes,andgods.
Hegazedacrosstheashenplains.TheotherTitansweresupposedtobehereinTartarus—maybeboundinchains,orroamingaimlessly,orhidinginsomeofthosedarkcrevices.PercyandhisallieshaddestroyedtheworstTitan,Kronos,butevenhisremainsmightbedownheresomewhere—abillionangryTitanparticlesfloatingthroughtheblood-coloredcloudsorlurkinginthatdarkfog.
Percydecidednottothinkaboutthat.HekissedAnnabeth’sforehead.“Weshouldkeepmoving.
Youwantsomemorefiretodrink?”
“Ugh.I’llpass.”
Theystruggledtotheirfeet.Therestoftheclifflookedimpossibletodescend—nothingmorethanacrosshatchingoftinyledges—buttheykeptclimbingdown.
Percy’sbodywentonautopilot.Hisfingerscramped.Hefeltblisterspoppinguponhisankles.
Hegotshakyfromhunger.
Hewonderediftheywoulddieofstarvation,orifthefirewaterwouldkeepthemgoing.HerememberedthepunishmentofTantalus,who’dbeenpermanentlystuckinapoolofwaterunderafruittreebutcouldn’treacheitherfoodordrink.
Jeez,Percyhadn’tthoughtaboutTantalusinyears.ThatstupidguyhadbeenparoledbrieflytoserveasdirectoratCampHalf-Blood.ProbablyhewasbackintheFieldsofPunishment.Percyhadneverfeltsorryforthejerkbefore,butnowhewasstartingto
sympathize.Hecouldimaginewhatitwouldbelike,gettinghungrierandhungrierforeternitybutneverbeingabletoeat.
Keepclimbing,hetoldhimself.
Cheeseburgers,hisstomachreplied.
Shutup,hethought.
Withfries,hisstomachcomplained.
Abillionyearslater,withadozennewblistersonhisfeet,Percyreachedthebottom.HehelpedAnnabethdown,andtheycollapsedontheground.
Aheadofthemstretchedmilesofwasteland,bubblingwithmonstrouslarvaeandbiginsect-hairtrees.Totheirright,thePhlegethonsplitintobranchesthatetchedtheplain,wideningintoadeltaofsmokeandfire.Tothenorth,alongthemainrouteoftheriver,thegroundwasriddledwithcaveentrances.Hereandthere,spiresofrockjutteduplikeexclamationpoints.
UnderPercy’shand,thesoilfeltalarminglywarmandsmooth.Hetriedtograbahandful,thenrealizedthatunderathinlayerofdirtanddebris,thegroundwasasinglevastmembrane…likeskin.
Healmostthrewup,butforcedhimselfnotto.Therewasnothinginhisstomachbutfire.
Hedidn’tmentionittoAnnabeth,buthestartedtofeellikesomethingwaswatchingthem—
somethingvastandmalevolent.Hecouldn’tzeroinonit,becausethepresencewasallaroundthem.
Watchingwasthewrongword,too.Thatimpliedeyes,andthisthingwassimplyawareofthem.Theridgesabovethemnowlookedlesslikestepsandmorelikerowsofmassiveteeth.Thespiresofrocklookedlikebrokenribs.Andifthegroundwasskin…
Percyforcedthosethoughtsaside.Thisplacewasjustfreakinghimout.Thatwasall.
Annabethstood,wipingsootfromherface.Shegazedtowardthedarknessonthehorizon.
“We’regoingtobecompletelyexposed,crossingthisplain.”Aboutahundredyardsaheadofthem,ablisterburstontheground.Amonsterclaweditswayout…aglisteningtelkhinewithslickfur,aseal-likebody,andstuntedhumanlimbs.Itmanagedtocrawlafewyardsbeforesomethingshotoutofthenearestcave,sofastthatPercycouldonlyregisteradarkgreenreptilianhead.Themonstersnatchedthesquealingtelkhineinitsjawsanddraggeditintothedarkness.
ReborninTartarusfortwoseconds,onlytobeeaten.PercywonderedifthattelkhinewouldpopupsomeotherplaceinTartarus,andhowlongitwouldtaketore-form.
Heswalloweddownthesourtasteoffirewater.“Oh,yeah.This’llbefun.”Annabethhelpedhimtohisfeet.Hetookonelastlookatthecliffs,buttherewasnogoingback.
Hewould’vegivenathousandgoldendrachmastohaveFrankZhangwiththemrightnow—goodoldFrank,whoalwaysseemedtoshowupwhenneededandcouldturnintoaneagleoradragontoflythemacrossthisstupidwasteland.
Theystartedwalking,tryingtoavoidthecaveentrances,stickingclosetothebankoftheriver.
TheywerejustskirtingoneofthespireswhenaglintofmovementcaughtPercy’seye—
somethingdartingbetweentherockstotheirright.
Amonsterfollowingthem?Ormaybeitwasjustsomerandombaddie,headingfortheDoorsofDeath.
Suddenlyherememberedwhythey’dstartedfollowingthisroute,andhefrozeinhistracks.
“Theempousai.”HegrabbedAnnabeth’sarm.“Wherearethey?”Annabethscannedathree-sixty,hergrayeyesbrightwithalarm.
Maybethedemonladieshadbeensnappedupbythatreptileinthecave.Iftheempousaiwerestillaheadofthem,theyshould’vebeenvisiblesomewhereontheplains.
Unlesstheywerehiding…
Toolate,Percydrewhissword.
Theempousaiemergedfromtherocksallaroundthem—fiveofthemformingaring.Aperfecttrap.
Kellilimpedforwardonhermismatchedlegs.HerfieryhairburnedacrosshershoulderslikeaminiaturePhlegethonwaterfall.Hertatteredcheerleaderoutfitwassplatteredwithrusty-brownstains,andPercywasprettysuretheyweren’tketchup.Shefixedhimwithherglowingredeyesandbaredherfangs.
“PercyJackson,”shecooed.“Howawesome!Idon’tevenhavetoreturntothemortalworldtodestroyyou!”
PERCYRECALLEDHOWDANGEROUSKellihadbeenthelasttimethey’dfoughtintheLabyrinth.
Despitethosemismatchedlegs,shecouldmovefastwhenshewantedto.She’ddodgedhisswordstrikesandwouldhaveeatenhisfaceifAnnabethhadn’tstabbedherfrombehind.
Nowshehadfourfriendswithher.
“AndyourfriendAnnabethiswithyou!”Kellihissedwithlaughter.“Oh,yeah,Itotallyrememberher.”
Kellitouchedherownsternum,wherethetipoftheknifehadexitedwhenAnnabethstabbedherintheback.“What’sthematter,daughterofAthena?Don’thaveyourweapon?Bummer.I’duseittokillyou.”
Percytriedtothink.HeandAnnabethstoodshouldertoshoulderastheyhadmanytimesbefore,readytofight.Butneitherofthemwasingoodshapeforbattle.Annabethwasempty-handed.Theywerehopelesslyoutnumbered.Therewasnowheretorun.Nohelpcoming.
BrieflyPercyconsideredcallingforMrs.O’Leary,hishellhoundfriendwhocouldshadow-travel.
Evenifsheheardhim,couldshemakeitintoTartarus?Thiswaswheremonsterswentwhentheydied.Callingherheremightkillher,orturnherbacktohernaturalstateasafiercemonster.No…hecouldn’tdothattohisdog.
So,nohelp.Fightingwasalongshot.
ThatleftAnnabeth’sfavoritetactics:trickery,talk,delay.
“So…”hestarted,“Iguessyou’rewonderingwhatwe’redoinginTartarus.”Kellisnickered.“Notreally.Ijustwanttokillyou.”
Thatwould’vebeenit,butAnnabethchimedin.
“Toobad,”shesaid.“Becauseyouhavenoideawhat’sgoingoninthemortalworld.”Theotherempousaicircled,watchingKelliforacuetoattack;buttheex-cheerleaderonlysnarled,crouchingoutofreachofPercy’ssword.
“Weknowenough,”Kellisaid.“Gaeahasspoken.”
“You’reheadingtowardamajordefeat.”Annabethsoundedsoconfident,evenPercywasimpressed.Sheglancedattheotherempousai,onebyone,thenpointedaccusinglyatKelli.“Thisoneclaimsshe’sleadingyoutoavictory.She’slying.Thelasttimeshewasinthemortalworld,KelliwasinchargeofkeepingmyfriendLukeCastellanfaithfultoKronos.Intheend,Lukerejectedhim.HegavehislifetoexpelKronos.TheTitanslostbecauseKellifailed.NowKelliwantstoleadyoutoanotherdisaster.”
Theotherempousaimutteredandshifteduneasily.
“Enough!”Kelli’sfingernailsgrewintolongblacktalons.SheglaredatAnnabethasifimaginingherslicedintosmallpieces.
PercywasprettysureKellihadhadathingforLukeCastellan.Lukehadthateffectongirls—
evendonkey-leggedvampires—andPercywasn’tsurebringinguphisnamewassucha
goodidea.
“Thegirllies,”Kellisaid.“SotheTitanslost.Fine!ThatwaspartoftheplantowakeGaea!NowtheEarthMotherandhergiantswilldestroythemortalworld,andwewilltotallyfeastondemigods!”Theothervampiresgnashedtheirteethinafrenzyofexcitement.Percyhadbeeninthemiddleofaschoolofsharkswhenthewaterwasfullofblood.Thatwasn’tnearlyasscaryasempousaireadytofeed.
Hepreparedtoattack,buthowmanycouldhedispatchbeforetheyoverwhelmedhim?Itwouldn’tbeenough.
“Thedemigodshaveunited!”Annabethyelled.“You’dbetterthinktwicebeforeyouattackus.
RomansandGreekswillfightyoutogether.Youdon’tstandachance!”Theempousaibackedupnervously,hissing,“Romani.”Percyguessedthey’dhadexperiencewiththeTwelfthLegionbefore,andithadn’tworkedoutwellforthem.
“Yeah,youbetRomani.”Percybaredhisforearmandshowedthemthebrandhe’dgottenatCampJupiter—theSPQRmark,withthetridentofNeptune.“YoumixGreekandRoman,andyouknowwhatyouget?YougetBAM!”
Hestompedhisfoot,andtheempousaiscrambledback.Onefellofftheboulderwhereshe’dbeenperched.
ThatmadePercyfeelgood,buttheyrecoveredquicklyandclosedinagain.
“Boldtalk,”Kellisaid,“fortwodemigodslostinTartarus.Loweryoursword,PercyJackson,andI’llkillyouquickly.Believeme,thereareworsewaystodiedownhere.”
“Wait!”Annabethtriedagain.“Aren’tempousaitheservantsofHecate?”Kellicurledherlip.“So?”
“SoHecateisonoursidenow,”Annabethsaid.“ShehasacabinatCampHalf-Blood.Someofherdemigodchildrenaremyfriends.Ifyoufightus,she’llbeangry.”PercywantedtohugAnnabeth,shewassobrilliant.
Oneoftheotherempousaigrowled.“Isthistrue,Kelli?HasourmistressmadepeacewithOlympus?”
“Shutup,Serephone!”Kelliscreeched.“Gods,you’reannoying!”
“IwillnotcrosstheDarkLady.”
Annabethtooktheopening.“You’dallbebetterfollowingSerephone.She’solderandwiser.”
“Yes!”Serephoneshrieked.“Followme!”
Kellistrucksofast,Percydidn’thavethechancetoraisehissword.Fortunately,shedidn’tattackhim.KellilashedoutatSerephone.Forhalfasecond,thetwodemonswereablurofslashingclawsandfangs.
Thenitwasover.Kellistoodtriumphantoverapileofdust.FromherclawshungthetatteredremainsofSerephone’sdress.
“Anymoreissues?”Kellisnappedathersisters.“HecateisthegoddessoftheMist!Herwaysaremysterious.Whoknowswhichsideshetrulyfavors?Sheisalsothegoddessofthecrossroads,andsheexpectsustomakeourownchoices.Ichoosethepaththatwillbringusthemostdemigodblood!IchooseGaea!”
Herfriendshissedinapproval.
AnnabethglancedatPercy,andhesawthatshewasoutofideas.She’ddonewhatshecould.
She’dgottenKellitoeliminateoneofherown.Nowtherewasnothingleftbuttofight.
“FortwoyearsIchurnedinthevoid,”Kellisaid.“Doyouknowhowcompletelyannoyingitistobevaporized,AnnabethChase?Slowlyre-forming,fullyconscious,insearingpainformonthsandyearsasyourbodyregrows,thenfinallybreakingthecrustofthishellishplaceandclawingyourwaybacktodaylight?Allbecausesomelittlegirlstabbedyouintheback?”HerbalefuleyesheldAnnabeth’s.“IwonderwhathappensifademigodiskilledinTartarus.Idoubtit’severhappenedbefore.Let’sfindout.”
Percysprang,slashingRiptideinahugearc.Hecutoneofthedemonsinhalf,butKellidodgedandchargedAnnabeth.TheothertwoempousailaunchedthemselvesatPercy.Onegrabbedhisswordarm.Herfriendjumpedonhisback.
PercytriedtoignorethemandstaggeredtowardAnnabeth,determinedtogodowndefendingherifhehadto;butAnnabethwasdoingprettywell.Shetumbledtooneside,evadingKelli’sclaws,andcameupwitharockinherhand,whichshesmackedintoKelli’snose.
Kelliwailed.Annabethscoopedupgravelandflungitintheempousa’seyes.
MeanwhilePercythrashedfromsidetoside,tryingtothrowoffhisempousahitchhiker,butherclawssankdeeperintohisshoulders.Thesecondempousaheldhisarm,preventinghimfromusingRiptide.
Outofthecornerofhiseye,hesawKellilunge,rakinghertalonsacrossAnnabeth’sarm.
Annabethscreamedandfell.
Percystumbledinherdirection.Thevampireonhisbacksankherteethintohisneck.Searingpaincoursedthroughhisbody.Hiskneesbuckled.
Stayonyourfeet,hetoldhimself.Youhavetobeatthem.
Thentheothervampirebithisswordarm,andRiptideclatteredtotheground.
Thatwasit.Hisluckhadfinallyrunout.KelliloomedoverAnnabeth,savoringhermomentoftriumph.TheothertwoempousaicircledPercy,theirmouthsslavering,readyforanothertaste.
ThenashadowfellacrossPercy.Adeepwarcrybellowedfromsomewhereabove,echoingacrosstheplainsofTartarus,andaTitandroppedontothebattlefield.
PERCYTHOUGHTHEWASHALLUCINATING.Itjustwasn’tpossiblethatahuge,silveryfigurecoulddropoutoftheskyandstompKelliflat,tramplingherintoamoundofmonsterdust.
Butthat’sexactlywhathappened.TheTitanwastenfeettall,withwildsilverEinsteinhair,puresilvereyes,andmusculararmsprotrudingfromaripped-upbluejanitor’suniform.Inhishandwasamassivepushbroom.Hisnametag,incredibly,readBOB.
Annabethyelpedandtriedtocrawlaway,butthegiantjanitorwasn’tinterestedinher.Heturnedtothetworemainingempousai,whostoodoverPercy.
Onewasfoolishenoughtoattack.Shelungedwiththespeedofatiger,butsheneverstoodachance.AspearheadjuttedfromtheendofBob’sbroom.Withasingledeadlyswipe,hecuthertodust.Thelastvampiretriedtorun.Bobthrewhisbroomlikeamassiveboomerang(wastheresuchathingasabroomerang?).ItslicedthroughthevampireandreturnedtoBob’shand.
“SWEEP!”TheTitangrinnedwithdelightanddidavictorydance.“Sweep,sweep,sweep!”Percycouldn’tspeak.Hecouldn’tbringhimselftobelievethatsomethinggoodhadactuallyhappened.Annabethlookedjustasshocked.
“H-how…?”shestammered.
“Percycalledme!”thejanitorsaidhappily.“Yes,hedid.”Annabethcrawledalittlefartheraway.Herarmwasbleedingbadly.“Calledyou?He—wait.
You’reBob?TheBob?”
ThejanitorfrownedwhenhenoticedAnnabeth’swounds.“Owie.”Annabethflinchedashekneltnexttoher.
“It’sokay,”Percysaid,stillwoozywithpain.“He’sfriendly.”Herememberedwhenhe’dfirstmetBob.TheTitanhadhealedabadwoundonPercy’sshoulderjustbytouchingit.Sureenough,thejanitortappedAnnabeth’sforearmanditmendedinstantly.
Bobchuckled,pleasedwithhimself,thenboundedovertoPercyandhealedhisbleedingneckandarm.TheTitan’shandsweresurprisinglywarmandgentle.
“Allbetter!”Bobdeclared,hiseeriesilvereyescrinklingwithpleasure.“IamBob,Percy’sfriend!”
“Uh…yeah,”Percymanaged.“Thanksforthehelp,Bob.It’sreallygoodtoseeyouagain.”
“Yes!”thejanitoragreed.“Bob.That’sme.Bob,Bob,Bob.”Heshuffledaround,obviouslypleasedwithhisname.“Iamhelping.Iheardmyname.UpstairsinHades’spalace,nobodycallsforBobunlessthereisamess.Bob,sweepupthesebones.Bob,mopupthesetorturedsouls.Bob,azombieexplodedinthediningroom.”
AnnabethgavePercyapuzzledlook,buthehadnoexplanation.
“ThenIheardmyfriendcall!”TheTitanbeamed.“Percysaid,Bob!”HegrabbedPercy’sarmandhoistedhimtohisfeet.
“That’sawesome,”Percysaid.“Seriously.Buthowdidyou—”
“Oh,timetotalklater.”Bob’sexpressionturnedserious.“Wemustgobeforetheyfindyou.Theyarecoming.Yes,indeed.”
“They?”Annabethasked.
Percyscannedthehorizon.Hesawnoapproachingmonsters—nothingbutthestarkgraywasteland.
“Yes,”Bobagreed.“ButBobknowsaway.Comeon,friends!Wewillhavefun!”
FRANKWOKEUPASAPYTHON,whichpuzzledhim.
Changingintoananimalwasn’tconfusing.Hedidthatallthetime.Buthehadneverchangedfromoneanimaltoanotherinhissleepbefore.Hewasprettysurehehadn’tdozedoffasasnake.
Usually,hesleptlikeadog.
He’ddiscoveredthathegotthroughthenightmuchbetterifhecurleduponhisbunkintheshapeofabulldog.Forwhateverreason,hisnightmaresdidn’tbotherhimasmuch.Theconstantscreaminginhisheadalmostdisappeared.
Hehadnoideawhyhe’dbecomeareticulatedpython,butitdidexplainhisdreamaboutslowlyswallowingacow.Hisjawwasstillsore.
Hebracedhimselfandchangedbacktohumanform.Immediately,hissplittingheadachereturned,alongwiththevoices.
Fightthem!yelledMars.Takethisship!DefendRome!
ThevoiceofAresshoutedback:KilltheRomans!Bloodanddeath!Largeguns!
Hisfather’sRomanandGreekpersonalitiesscreamedbackandforthinFrank’smindwiththeusualsoundtrackofbattlenoises—explosions,assaultrifles,roaringjetengines—allthrobbinglikeasubwooferbehindFrank’seyes.
Hesatuponhisberth,dizzywithpain.Ashedideverymorning,hetookadeepbreathandstaredatthelamponhisdesk—atinyflamethatburnednightandday,fueledbymagicoliveoillfromthesupplyroom.
Fire…Frank’sbiggestfear.Keepinganopenflameinhisroomterrifiedhim,butitalsohelpedhimfocus.Thenoiseinhisheadfadedtothebackground,allowinghimtothink.
He’dgottenbetteratthis,butfordayshe’dbeenalmostworthless.AssoonasthefightingbrokeoutatCampJupiter,thewargod’stwovoiceshadstartedscreamingnonstop.Eversince,Frankhadbeenstumblingaroundinadaze,barelyabletofunction.He’dactedlikeafool,andhewassurehisfriendsthoughthe’dlosthismarbles.
Hecouldn’ttellthemwhatwaswrong.Therewasnothingtheycoulddo,andfromlisteningtothemtalk,Frankwasprettysuretheydidn’thavethesameproblemwiththeirgodlyparentsyellingintheirears.
JustFrank’sluck,buthehadtopullittogether.Hisfriendsneededhim—especiallynow,withAnnabethgone.
Annabethhadbeenkindtohim.Evenwhenhewassodistractedhe’dactedlikeabuffoon,Annabethhadbeenpatientandhelpful.WhileAresscreamedthatAthena’schildrencouldn’tbetrusted,andMarsbellowedathimtokillalltheGreeks,FrankhadgrowntorespectAnnabeth.
Nowthattheywerewithouther,Frankwasthenextbestthingthegrouphadtoamilitarystrategist.Theywouldneedhimforthetripahead.
Heroseandgotdressed.Fortunatelyhe’dmanagedtobuysomenewclothesinSienaacoupleofdaysago,replacingthelaundrythatLeohadsentflyingawayonBufordthetable.(Longstory.)HetuggedonsomeLevi’sandanarmy-greenT-shirt,thenreachedforhisfavoritepulloverbeforerememberinghedidn’tneedit.Theweatherwastoowarm.Moreimportant,hedidn’tneedthepocketsanymoretoprotectthemagicalpieceoffirewoodthatcontrolledhislifespan.Hazelwaskeepingitsafeforhim.
Maybethatshouldhavemadehimnervous.Ifthefirewoodburned,Frankdied:endof
story.ButhetrustedHazelmorethanhetrustedhimself.Knowingshewassafeguardinghisbigweaknessmadehimfeelbetter—likehe’dfastenedhisseatbeltforahigh-speedchase.
Heslunghisbowandquiveroverhisshoulder.Immediatelytheymorphedintoaregularbackpack.Franklovedthat.Heneverwould’veknownaboutthequiver’scamouflagepowerifLeohadn’tfigureditoutforhim.
Leo!Marsraged.Hemustdie!
Throttlehim!Arescried.Throttleeveryone!Whoarewetalkingaboutagain?
Thetwobeganshoutingateachotheragain,overthesoundofbombsexplodinginFrank’sskull.
Hesteadiedhimselfagainstthewall.Fordays,FrankhadlistenedtothosevoicesdemandingLeoValdez’sdeath.
Afterall,LeohadstartedthewarwithCampJupiterbyfiringaballistaintotheForum.Sure,he’dbeenpossessedatthetime;butstillMarsdemandedvengeance.LeomadethingsharderbyconstantlyteasingFrank,andAresdemandedthatFrankretaliateforeveryinsult.
Frankkeptthevoicesatbay,butitwasn’teasy.
OntheirtripacrosstheAtlantic,LeohadsaidsomethingthatstillstuckinFrank’smind.Whenthey’dlearnedthatGaeatheevilearthgoddesshadputabountyontheirheads,Leohadwantedtoknowforhowmuch.
IcanunderstandnotbeingaspriceyasJasonorPercy,he’dsaid,butamIworth,like,twoorthreeFranks?
JustanotheroneofLeo’sstupidjokes,butthecommenthitalittletooclosetohome.OntheArgoII,FrankdefinitelyfeltliketheLVP—LeastValuablePlayer.Sure,hecouldturnintoanimals.
Sowhat?Hisbiggestclaimtohelpfulnesssofarhadbeenchangingintoaweaseltoescapefromanundergroundworkshop,andeventhathadbeenLeo’sidea.FrankwasbetterknownfortheGiantGoldfishFiascoinAtlanta,and,justyesterday,forturningintoatwo-hundred-kilogorillaonlytogetknockedsenselessbyaflash-banggrenade.
Leohadn’tmadeanygorillajokesathisexpenseyet.Butitwasonlyamatteroftime.
Killhim!
Torturehim!Thenkillhim!
ThetwosidesofthewargodseemedtobekickingandpunchingeachotherinsideFrank’shead,usinghissinusesasawrestlingmat.
Blood!Guns!
Rome!War!
Quietdown,Frankordered.
Amazingly,thevoicesobeyed.
Okay,then,Frankthought.
Maybehecouldfinallygetthoseannoyingscreamingmini-godsundercontrol.Maybetodaywouldbeagoodday.
Thathopewasshatteredassoonasheclimbedabovedeck.
“Whatarethey?”Hazelasked.
TheArgoIIwasdockedatabusywharf.Ononesidestretchedashippingchannelabouthalfakilometerwide.OntheotherspreadthecityofVenice—red-tiledroofs,metalchurchdomes,steepledtowers,andsun-bleachedbuildingsinallthecolorsofValentinecandyhearts—red,white,ochre,pink,andorange.
Everywheretherewerestatuesoflions—ontopofpedestals,overdoorways,ontheporticoesofthelargestbuildings.Thereweresomany,Frankfiguredthelionmustbethecity’smascot.
Wherestreetsshouldhavebeen,greencanalsetchedtheirwaythroughtheneighborhoods,eachonejammedwithmotorboats.Alongthedocks,thesidewalksweremobbedwithtouristsshoppingattheT-shirtkiosks,overflowingfromstores,andloungingacrossacresofoutdoorcafétables,likepodsofsealions.FrankhadthoughtRomewasfulloftourists.Thisplacewasinsane.
Hazelandtherestofhisfriendsweren’tpayingattentiontoanyofthat,though.Theyhadgatheredatthestarboardrailtostareatthedozensofweirdshaggymonstersmillingthroughthecrowds.
Eachmonsterwasaboutthesizeofacow,withabowedbacklikeabroken-downhorse,mattedgrayfur,skinnylegs,andblackclovenhooves.Thecreatures’headsseemedmuchtooheavyfortheirnecks.Theirlong,anteater-likesnoutsdroopedtotheground.Theirovergrowngraymanescompletelycoveredtheireyes.
Frankwatchedasoneofthecreatureslumberedacrossthepromenade,snufflingandlickingthepavementwithitslongtongue.Thetouristspartedaroundit,unconcerned.Afewevenpettedit.Frankwonderedhowthemortalscouldbesocalm.Thenthemonster’sappearanceflickered.Foramomentitturnedintoanold,fatbeagle.
Jasongrunted.“Themortalsthinkthey’restraydogs.”
“Orpetsroamingaround,”Pipersaid.“MydadshotafilminVeniceonce.Irememberhimtellingmethereweredogseverywhere.Venetianslovedogs.”Frankfrowned.HekeptforgettingthatPiper’sdadwasTristanMcLean,A-listmoviestar.Shedidn’ttalkabouthimmuch.Sheseemedprettydown-to-earthforakidraisedinHollywood.ThatwasfinewithFrank.ThelastthingtheyneededonthisquestwaspaparazzitakingpicturesofallFrank’sepicfails.
“Butwhatarethey?”heasked,repeatingHazel’squestion.“Theylooklike…starving,shaggycowswithsheepdoghair.”
Hewaitedforsomeonetoenlightenhim.Nobodyvolunteeredanyinformation.
“Maybethey’reharmless,”Leosuggested.“They’reignoringthemortals.”
“Harmless!”GleesonHedgelaughed.Thesatyrworehisusualgymshorts,sportsshirt,
andcoach’swhistle.Hisexpressionwasasgruffasever,buthestillhadonepinkrubberbandstuckinhishairfromthepranksterdwarfsinBologna.Frankwaskindofscaredtomentionittohim.“Valdez,howmanyharmlessmonstershavewemet?Weshouldjustaimtheballistaeandseewhathappens!”
“Uh,no,”Leosaid.
Foronce,FrankagreedwithLeo.Thereweretoomanymonsters.Itwouldbeimpossibletotargetonewithoutcausingcollateraldamageinthecrowdsoftourists.Besides,ifthosecreaturespanickedandstampeded…
“We’llhavetowalkthroughthemandhopethey’repeaceful,”Franksaid,hatingtheideaalready.“It’stheonlywaywe’regoingtotrackdowntheownerofthatbook.”Leopulledtheleather-boundmanualfromunderneathhisarm.He’dslappedastickynoteonthecoverwiththeaddressthedwarfsinBolognahadgivenhim.
“LaCasaNera,”heread.“CalleFrezzeria.”
“TheBlackHouse,”NicodiAngelotranslated.“CalleFrezzeriaisthestreet.”FranktriednottoflinchwhenherealizedNicowasathisshoulder.Theguywassoquietandbrooding,healmostseemedtodematerializewhenhewasn’tspeaking.Hazelmighthavebeentheonewhocamebackfromthedead,butNicowaswaymoreghostlike.
“YouspeakItalian?”Frankasked.
Nicoshothimawarninglook,like:Watchthequestions.Hespokecalmly,though.“Frankisright.Wehavetofindthataddress.Theonlywaytodoitistowalkthecity.Veniceisamaze.We’llhavetoriskthecrowdsandthose…whatevertheyare.”
Thunderrumbledintheclearsummersky.They’dpassedthroughsomestormsthenightbefore.
Frankhadthoughttheywereover,butnowhewasn’tsure.Theairfeltasthickandwarmassaunasteam.
Jasonfrownedatthehorizon.“MaybeIshouldstayonboard.Lotsofventiinthatstormlastnight.Iftheydecidetoattacktheshipagain…”
Hedidn’tneedtofinish.They’dallhadexperienceswithangrywindspirits.Jasonwastheonlyonewhohadmuchluckfightingthem.
CoachHedgegrunted.“Well,I’mout,too.IfyousoftheartedcupcakesaregoingtostrollthroughVenicewithoutevenwhackingthosefurryanimalsonthehead,forgetit.Idon’tlikeboringexpeditions.”
“It’sokay,Coach.”Leogrinned.“Westillhavetorepairtheforemast.ThenIneedyourhelpintheengineroom.I’vegotanideaforanewinstallation.”Frankdidn’tlikethegleaminLeo’seye.SinceLeohadfoundthatArchimedessphere,he’dbeentryingoutalotof“newinstallations.”Usually,theyexplodedorsentsmokebillowingupstairsintoFrank’scabin.
“Well…”Pipershiftedherfeet.“Whoevergoesshouldbegoodwithanimals.I,uh…I’lladmitI’mnotgreatwithcows.”
Frankfiguredtherewasastorybehindthatcomment,buthedecidednottoask.
“I’llgo,”hesaid.
Hewasn’tsurewhyhevolunteered—maybebecausehewasanxioustobeusefulforachange.Ormaybehedidn’twantanyonebeatinghimtothepunch.Animals?Frankcanturnintoanimals!Sendhim!
Leopattedhimonshoulderandhandedhimtheleather-boundbook.“Awesome.Ifyoupassahardwarestore,couldyougetmesometwo-by-foursandagallonoftar?”
“Leo,”Hazelchided,“it’snotashoppingtrip.”
“I’llgowithFrank,”Nicooffered.
Frank’seyestartedtwitching.Thewargods’voicesrosetoacrescendoinhishead:Killhim!
Graecusscum!
No!IloveGraecusscum!
“Uh…you’regoodwithanimals?”heasked.
Nicosmiledwithouthumor.“Actually,mostanimalshateme.Theycansensedeath.Butthere’ssomethingaboutthiscity.…”Hisexpressionturnedgrim.“Lotsofdeath.Restlessspirits.IfIgo,Imaybeabletokeepthematbay.Besides,asyounoticed,IspeakItalian.”Leoscratchedhishead.“Lotsofdeath,huh?Personally,I’mtryingtoavoidlotsofdeath,butyouguyshavefun!”
Frankwasn’tsurewhatscaredhimmore:shaggy-cowmonsters,hordesofrestlessghosts,orgoingsomewherealonewithNicodiAngelo.
“I’llgotoo.”HazelslippedherarmthroughFrank’s.“Threeisthebestnumberforademigodquest,right?”
Franktriednottolooktoorelieved.Hedidn’twanttooffendNico.ButheglancedatHazelandtoldherwithhiseyes:Thankyouthankyouthankyou.
Nicostaredatthecanals,asifwonderingwhatnewandinterestingformsofevilspiritsmightbelurkingthere.“Allright,then.Let’sgofindtheownerofthatbook.”
FRANKMIGHTHAVELIKEDVENICEifithadn’tbeensummertimeandtouristseason,andifthecitywasn’toverrunwithlargehairycreatures.Betweentherowsofoldhousesandthecanals,thesidewalkswerealreadytoonarrowforthecrowdsjostlingoneanotherandstoppingtotakepictures.
Themonstersmadethingsworse.Theyshuffledaroundwiththeirheadsdown,bumpingintomortalsandsniffingthepavement.
Oneseemedtofindsomethingitlikedattheedgeofacanal.Itnibbledandlickedatacrackbetweenthestonesuntilitdislodgedsomesortofgreenishroot.Themonstersuckedituphappilyandshambledalong.
“Well,they’replant-eaters,”Franksaid.“That’sgoodnews.”Hazelslippedherhandintohis.“Unlesstheysupplementtheirdietwithdemigods.Let’shopenot.”
Frankwassopleasedtobeholdingherhand,thecrowdsandtheheatandthemonsterssuddenlydidn’tseemsobad.Hefeltneeded—useful.
NotthatHazelrequiredhisprotection.Anybodywho’dseenherchargingonArionwithhersworddrawnwouldknowshecouldtakecareofherself.Still,Franklikedbeingnexttoher,imagininghewasherbodyguard.Ifanyofthesemonsterstriedtohurther,Frankwouldgladlyturnintoarhinocerosandpushthemintothecanal.
Couldhedoarhino?Frankhadnevertriedthatbefore.
Nicostopped.“There.”
They’dturnedontoasmallerstreet,leavingthecanalbehind.Aheadofthemwasasmallplazalinedwithfive-storybuildings.Theareawasstrangelydeserted—asifthemortalscouldsenseitwasn’tsafe.Inthemiddleofthecobblestonecourtyard,adozenshaggycowcreaturesweresniffingaroundthemossybaseofanoldstonewell.
“Alotofcowsinoneplace,”Franksaid.
“Yeah,butlook,”Nicosaid.“Pastthatarchway.”
Nico’seyesmust’vebeenbetterthanhis.Franksquinted.Atthefarendoftheplaza,astonearchwaycarvedwithlionsledintoanarrowstreet.Justpastthearch,oneofthetownhouseswaspaintedblack—theonlyblackbuildingFrankhadseensofarinVenice.
“LaCasaNera,”heguessed.
Hazel’sgriptightenedonhisfingers.“Idon’tlikethatplaza.Itfeels…cold.”Frankwasn’tsurewhatshemeant.Hewasstillsweatinglikecrazy.
ButNiconodded.Hestudiedthetown-housewindows,mostofwhichwerecoveredwithwoodenshutters.“You’reright,Hazel.Thisneighborhoodisfilledwithlemures.”
“Lemurs?”Frankaskednervously.“I’mguessingyoudon’tmeanthefurrylittleguysfromMadagascar?”
“Angryghosts,”Nicosaid.“LemuresgobacktoRomantimes.TheyhangaroundalotofItaliancities,butI’veneverfeltsomanyinoneplace.Mymomtoldme…”Hehesitated.“SheusedtotellmestoriesabouttheghostsofVenice.”
AgainFrankwonderedaboutNico’spast,buthewasafraidtoask.HecaughtHazel’seye.
Goahead,sheseemedtobesaying.Niconeedspracticetalkingtopeople.
ThesoundsofassaultriflesandatombombsgotlouderinFrank’shead.MarsandAresweretryingtooutsingeachotherwith“Dixie”and“TheBattleHymnoftheRepublic.”Frankdidhisbesttopushthataside.
“Nico,yourmomwasItalian?”heguessed.“ShewasfromVenice?”Niconoddedreluctantly.“ShemetHadeshere,backinthe1930s.AsWorldWarTwogotcloser,shefledtotheU.S.withmysisterandme.Imean…Bianca,myothersister.Idon’tremembermuchaboutItaly,butIcanstillspeakthelanguage.”
Franktriedtothinkofaresponse.Oh,that’snicedidn’tseemtocutit.
Hewashangingoutwithnotonebuttwodemigodswho’dbeenpulledoutoftime.Theywereboth,technically,aboutseventyyearsolderthanhewas.
“Must’vebeenhardonyourmom,”Franksaid.“Iguesswe’lldoanythingforsomeonewelove.”Hazelsqueezedhishandappreciatively.Nicostaredatthecobblestones.“Yeah,”hesaidbitterly.
“Iguesswewill.”
Frankwasn’tsurewhatNicowasthinking.HehadahardtimeimaginingNicodiAngeloactingoutofloveforanybody,exceptmaybeHazel.ButFrankdecidedhe’dgoneasfarashedaredwiththepersonalquestions.
“So,thelemures…”Heswallowed.“Howdoweavoidthem?”
“I’malreadyonit,”Nicosaid.“I’msendingoutthemessagethattheyshouldstayawayandignoreus.Hopefullythat’senough.Otherwise…thingscouldgetmessy.”Hazelpursedherlips.“Let’sgetgoing,”shesuggested.
Halfwayacrossthepiazza,everythingwentwrong;butithadnothingtodowithghosts.
Theywereskirtingthewellinthemiddleofthesquare,tryingtogivethecowmonsters
somedistance,whenHazelstumbledonaloosepieceofcobblestone.Frankcaughther.Sixorsevenofthebiggraybeaststurnedtolookatthem.Frankglimpsedaglowinggreeneyeunderone’smane,andinstantlyhewashitwithawaveofnausea,thewayhefeltwhenheatetoomuchcheeseoricecream.
Thecreaturesmadedeepthrobbingsoundsintheirthroatslikeangryfoghorns.
“Nicecows,”Frankmurmured.Heputhimselfbetweenhisfriendsandthemonsters.“Guys,I’mthinkingweshouldbackoutofhereslowly.”
“I’msuchaklutz,”Hazelwhispered.“Sorry.”
“It’snotyourfault,”Nicosaid.“Lookatyourfeet.”
Frankglanceddownandcaughthisbreath.
Undertheirshoes,thepavingstonesweremoving—spikyplanttendrilswerepushingupfromthecracks.
Nicosteppedback.Therootssnakedoutinhisdirection,tryingtofollow.Thetendrilsgotthicker,exudingasteamygreenvaporthatsmelledofboiledcabbage.
“Theserootsseemtolikedemigods,”Franknoted.
Hazel’shanddriftedtoherswordhilt.“Andthecowcreaturesliketheroots.”Theentireherdwasnowlookingtheirdirection,makingfoghorngrowlsandstampingtheirhooves.Frankunderstoodanimalbehaviorwellenoughtogetthemessage:Youarestandingonourfood.Thatmakesyouenemies.
Franktriedtothink.Thereweretoomanymonsterstofight.Somethingabouttheireyeshiddenunderthoseshaggymanes…Frankhadgottensickfromthebarestglimpse.Hehadabadfeelingthatifthosemonstersmadedirecteyecontact,hemightgetalotworsethannauseous.
“Don’tmeettheireyes,”Frankwarned.“I’lldistractthem.Youtwobackupslowlytowardthatblackhouse.”
Thecreaturestensed,readytoattack.
“Nevermind,”Franksaid.“Run!”
Asitturnedout,Frankcouldnotturnintoarhino,andhelostvaluabletimetrying.
NicoandHazelboltedforthesidestreet.Franksteppedinfrontofthemonsters,hopingtokeeptheirattention.Heyelledatthetopofhislungs,imagininghimselfasafearsomerhinoceros,butwithAresandMarsscreaminginhishead,hecouldn’tconcentrate.Heremainedregular-oldFrank.
TwoofthecowmonsterspeeledofffromtheherdtochaseNicoandHazel.
“No!”Frankyelledafterthem.“Me!I’mtherhino!”
TherestoftheherdsurroundedFrank.Theygrowled,emerald-greengasbillowingfromtheirnostrils.Franksteppedbacktoavoidthestuff,butthestenchnearlyknockedhimover.
Okay,sonotarhino.Somethingelse.Frankknewhehadonlysecondsbeforethe
monsterstrampledorpoisonedhim,buthecouldn’tthink.Hecouldn’tholdtheimageofanyanimallongenoughtochangeform.
Thenheglancedupatoneofthetown-housebalconiesandsawastonecarving—thesymbolofVenice.
Thenextinstant,Frankwasafull-grownlion.Heroaredinchallenge,thensprangfromthemiddleofthemonsterherdandlandedeightmetersaway,ontopoftheoldstonewell.
Themonstersgrowledinreply.Threeofthemsprangatonce,butFrankwasready.Hislionreflexeswerebuiltforspeedincombat.
Heslashedthefirsttwomonstersintodustwithhisclaws,thensankhisfangsintothethirdone’sthroatandtosseditaside.
Thereweresevenleft,plusthetwochasinghisfriends.Notgreatodds,butFrankhadtokeepthebulkofherdfocusedonhim.Heroaredatthemonsters,andtheyedgedaway.
Theyoutnumberedhim,yes.ButFrankwasatop-of-the-chainpredator.Theherdmonstersknewit.TheyhadalsojustwatchedhimsendthreeoftheirfriendstoTartarus.
Hepressedhisadvantageandleapedoffthewell,stillbaringhisfangs.Theherdbackedoff.
Ifhecouldjustmaneuveraroundthem,thenturnandrunafterhisfriends…
Hewasdoingallright,untilhetookhisfirstbackwardsteptowardthearch.Oneofcows,eitherthebravestorthestupidest,tookthatasasignofweakness.ItchargedandblastedFrankinthefacewithgreengas.
Heslashedthemonstertodust,butthedamagewasalreadydone.Heforcedhimselfnottobreathe.Regardless,hecouldfeelthefurburningoffhissnout.Hiseyesstung.Hestaggeredback,half-blindanddizzy,dimlyawareofNicoscreaminghisname.
“Frank!Frank!”
Hetriedtofocus.Hewasbackinhumanform,retchingandstumbling.Hisfacefeltlikeitwaspeelingoff.Infrontofhim,thegreencloudofgasfloatedbetweenhimandtheherd.Theremainingcowmonsterseyedhimwarily,probablywonderingifFrankhadanymoretricksuphissleeve.
Heglancedbehindhim.Underthestonearch,NicodiAngelowasholdinghisblackStygianironsword,gesturingatFranktohurry.AtNico’sfeet,twopuddlesofdarknessstainedthepavement—nodoubttheremainsofthecowmonstersthathadchasedthem.
AndHazel…shewasproppedagainstthewallbehindherbrother.Shewasn’tmoving.
Frankrantowardthem,forgettingaboutthemonsterherd.HerushedpastNicoandgrabbedHazel’sshoulders.Herheadslumpedagainstherchest.
“Shegotablastofgreengasrightintheface,”Nicosaidmiserably.“I—Iwasn’tfastenough.”Frankcouldn’ttellifshewasbreathing.Rageanddespairbattledinsidehim.He’dalwaysbeenscaredofNico.Nowhewantedtodrop-kickthesonofHadesintothenearestcanal.Maybethatwasn’tfair,butFrankdidn’tcare.Neitherdidthewargodsscreaminginhishead.
“Weneedtogetherbacktotheship,”Franksaid.
Thecowmonsterherdprowledcautiouslyjustbeyondthearchway.Theybellowedtheirfoghorncries.Fromnearbystreets,moremonstersanswered.Reinforcementswouldsoonhavethedemigodssurrounded.
“We’llnevermakeitonfoot,”Nicosaid.“Frank,turnintoagianteagle.Don’tworryaboutme.
GetherbacktotheArgoII!”
Withhisfaceburningandthevoicesscreaminginhismind,Frankwasn’tsurehecouldchangeshape;buthewasabouttotrywhenavoicebehindthemsaid,“Yourfriendscan’thelpyou.Theydon’tknowthecure.”
Frankspun.StandinginthethresholdoftheBlackHousewasayoungmaninjeansandadenimshirt.Hehadcurlyblackhairandafriendlysmile,thoughFrankdoubtedhewasfriendly.Probablyhewasn’tevenhuman.
Atthemoment,Frankdidn’tcare.
“Canyoucureher?”heasked.
“Ofcourse,”themansaid.“Butyou’dbetterhurryinside.Ithinkyou’veangeredeverykatoblepsinVenice.”
THEYBARELYMADEITINSIDE.
Assoonastheirhostthrewthebolts,thecowmonstersbellowedandslammedintothedoor,makingitshudderonitshinges.
“Oh,theycan’tgetin,”themanindenimpromised.“You’resafenow!”
“Safe?”Frankdemanded.“Hazelisdying!”
Theirhostfrownedasifhedidn’tappreciateFrankruininghisgoodmood.“Yes,yes.
Bringherthisway.”
FrankcarriedHazelastheyfollowedthemanfartherintothebuilding.Nicoofferedtohelp,butFrankdidn’tneedit.Hazelweighednothing,andFrank’sbodyhummedwithadrenaline.HecouldfeelHazelshivering,soatleastheknewshewasalive;butherskinwascold.Herlipshadtakenonagreenishtinge—orwasthatjustFrank’sblurryvision?
Hiseyesstillburnedfromthemonster’sbreath.Hislungsfeltlikehe’dinhaledaflamingcabbage.Hedidn’tknowwhythegashadaffectedhimlessthanithadHazel.Maybeshe’dgottenmoreofitinherlungs.Hewouldhavegivenanythingtochangeplacesifitmeantsavingher.
ThevoicesofMarsandAresyelledinhishead,urginghimtokillNicoandthemanindenimandanyoneelsehecouldfind,butFrankforceddownthenoise.
Thehouse’sfrontroomwassomesortofgreenhouse.Thewallswerelinedwithtablesofplanttraysunderfluorescentlights.Theairsmelledoffertilizersolution.MaybeVenetiansdidtheirgardeninginside,sincetheyweresurroundedbywaterinsteadofsoil?Frankwasn’tsure,buthedidn’tspendmuchtimeworryingaboutit.
Thebackroomlookedlikeacombinationgarage,collegedorm,andcomputerlab.Againsttheleftwallglowedabankofserversandlaptops,theirscreensaversflashingpicturesofplowedfieldsandtractors.Againsttherightwallsatasinglebed,amessydesk,andanopenwardrobefilledwithextradenimclothesandastackoffarmimplements,likepitchforksandrakes.
Thebackwallwasahugegaragedoor.Parkednexttoitwasared-and-goldchariotwithanopencarriageandasingleaxle,likethechariotsFrankhadracedatCampJupiter.Sproutingfromthesidesofthedriver’sboxweregiantfeatherywings.Wrappedaroundtherimoftheleftwheel,aspottedpythonsnoredloudly.
Frankhadn’tknownthatpythonscouldsnore.Hehopedhehadn’tdonethathimselfinpythonformlastnight.
“Setyourfriendhere,”saidthemanindenim.
FrankplacedHazelgentlyonthebed.Heremovedherswordandtriedtomakehercomfortable,butshewasaslimpasascarecrow.Hercomplexiondefinitelyhadagreenishtint.
“Whatwerethosecowthings?”Frankdemanded.“Whatdidtheydotoher?”
“Katoblepones,”saidtheirhost.“Singular:katobleps.InEnglish,itmeansdown-looker.Calledthatbecause—”
“They’realwayslookingdown.”Nicosmackedhisforehead.“Right.Irememberreadingaboutthem.”
Frankglaredathim.“Nowyouremember?”
Nicohunghisheadalmostaslowasakatobleps.“I,uh…usedtoplaythisstupidcardgamewhenIwasyounger.Mythomagic.Thekatoblepswasoneofthemonstercards.”Frankblinked.“IplayedMythomagic.Ineversawthatcard.”
“ItwasintheAfricanusExtremeexpansiondeck.”
“Oh.”
Theirhostclearedhisthroat.“Areyoutwodone,ah,geekingout,astheysay?”
“Right,sorry,”Nicomuttered.“Anyway,katobleponeshavepoisonbreathandapoisongaze.IthoughttheyonlylivedinAfrica.”
Themanindenimshrugged.“That’stheirnativeland.TheywereaccidentallyimportedtoVenicehundredsofyearsago.You’veheardofSaintMark?”Frankwantedtoscreamwithfrustration.Hedidn’tseehowanyofthiswasrelevant,butiftheirhostcouldhealHazel,Frankdecidedmaybeitwouldbebestnottomakehimangry.“Saints?They’renotpartofGreekmythology.”
Themanindenimchuckled.“No,butSaintMarkisthepatronsaintofthiscity.HediedinEgypt,oh,alongtimeago.WhentheVenetiansbecamepowerful…well,therelicsofsaintswereabigtouristattractionbackintheMiddleAges.TheVenetiansdecidedtostealSaintMark’sremainsandbringthemtotheirbigchurchofSanMarco.Theysmuggledouthisbodyinabarrelofpickledpigparts.”
“That’s…disgusting,”Franksaid.
“Yes,”themanagreedwithasmile.“Thepointis,youcan’tdosomethinglikethatandnothaveconsequences.TheVenetiansunintentionallysmuggledsomethingelseoutofEgypt—thekatoblepones.Theycamehereaboardthatshipandhavebeenbreedinglikeratseversince.Theylovethemagicalpoisonrootsthatgrowhere—swampy,foul-smellingplantsthatcreepupfromthecanals.
Itmakestheirbreathevenmorepoisonous!Usuallythemonstersignoremortals,butdemigods…
especiallydemigodswhogetintheirway—”
“Gotit,”Franksnapped.“Canyoucureher?”
Themanshrugged.“Possibly.”
“Possibly?”Frankhadtouseallhiswillpowernottothrottletheguy.
HeputhishandunderHazel’snose.Hecouldn’tfeelherbreath.“Nico,pleasetellmeshe’sdoingthatdeath-trancething,likeyoudidinthebronzejar.”
Nicogrimaced.“Idon’tknowifHazelcandothat.HerdadistechnicallyPluto,notHades,so—”
“Hades!”criedtheirhost.Hebackedaway,staringatNicowithdistaste.“Sothat’swhatIsmell.
ChildrenoftheUnderworld?IfI’dknownthat,Iwouldneverhaveletyouin!”Frankrose.“Hazel’sagoodperson.Youpromisedyouwouldhelpher!”
“Ididnotpromise.”
Nicodrewhissword.“She’smysister,”hegrowled.“Idon’tknowwhoyouare,butifyoucancureher,youhaveto,orsohelpmebytheRiverStyx—”
“Oh,blah,blah,blah!”Themanwavedhishand.SuddenlywhereNicodiAngelohad
beenstandingwasapottedplantaboutfivefeettall,withdroopinggreenleaves,tuftsofsilk,andhalfadozenripeyellowearsofcorn.
“There,”themanhuffed,wagginghisfingeratthecornplant.“ChildrenofHadescan’tordermearound!Youshouldtalklessandlistenmore.Nowatleastyouhaveears.”Frankstumbledagainstthebed.“Whatdidyou—why—?”
Themanraisedaneyebrow.Frankmadeasqueakynoisethatwasn’tverycourageous.He’dbeensofocusedonHazel,he’dforgottenwhatLeohadtoldthemabouttheguytheywerelookingfor.
“You’reagod,”heremembered.
“Triptolemus.”Themanbowed.“MyfriendscallmeTrip,sodon’tcallmethat.Andifyou’reanotherchildofHades—”
“Mars!”Franksaidquickly.“ChildofMars!”
Triptolemussniffed.“Well…notmuchbetter.Butperhapsyoudeservetobesomethingbetterthanacornplant.Sorghum?Sorghumisverynice.”
“Wait!”Frankpleaded.“We’rehereonafriendlymission.Webroughtagift.”Veryslowly,hereachedintohisbackpackandbroughtouttheleather-boundbook.“Thisbelongstoyou?”
“Myalmanac!”Triptolemusgrinnedandseizedthebook.Hethumbedthroughthepagesandstartedbouncingontheballsofhisfeet.“Oh,thisisfabulous!Wheredidyoufindit?”
“Um,Bologna.Therewerethese”—Frankrememberedthathewasn’tsupposedtomentionthedwarfs—“terriblemonsters.Weriskedourlives,butweknewthiswasimportanttoyou.Socouldyoumaybe,youknow,turnNicobacktonormalandhealHazel?”
“Hmm?”Triplookedupfromhisbook.He’dbeenhappilyrecitinglinestohimself—somethingaboutturnip-plantingschedules.FrankwishedthatEllatheharpywerehere.Shewouldgetalonggreatwiththisguy.
“Oh,healthem?”Triptolemuscluckeddisapprovingly.“I’mgratefulforthebook,ofcourse.Icandefinitelyletyougofree,sonofMars.ButIhavealong-standingproblemwithHades.Afterall,IowemygodlypowerstoDemeter!”
Frankrackedhisbrain,butitwashardwiththevoicesscreaminginhisheadandthekatoblepspoisonmakinghimdizzy.
“Uh,Demeter,”hesaid,“theplantgoddess.She—shedidn’tlikeHadesbecause…”Suddenlyherecalledanoldstoryhe’dheardatCampJupiter.“Herdaughter,Proserpine—”
“Persephone,”Tripcorrected.“IprefertheGreek,ifyoudon’tmind.”Killhim!Marsscreamed.
Ilovethisguy!Aresyelledback.Killhimanyway!
Frankdecidednottotakeoffense.Hedidn’twanttogetturnedintoasorghumplant.“Okay.
HadeskidnappedPersephone.”
“Exactly!”Tripsaid.
“So…Persephonewasafriendofyours?”
Tripsnorted.“Iwasjustamortalprincebackthen.Persephonewouldn’thavenoticedme.Butwhenhermother,Demeter,wentsearchingforher,scouringthewholeearth,notmanypeoplewouldhelpher.Hecatelitherwayatnightwithhertorches.AndI…well,whenDemetercametomypartofGreece,Igaveheraplacetostay.Icomfortedher,gaveherameal,andofferedmyassistance.Ididn’tknowshewasagoddessatthetime,butmygooddeedpaidoff.Later,Demeterrewardedmebymakingmeagodoffarming!”
“Wow,”Franksaid.“Farming.Congratulations.”
“Iknow!Prettyawesome,right?Anyway,DemeternevergotalongwithHades.Sonaturally,youknow,Ihavetosidewithmypatrongoddess.ChildrenofHades—forgetit!Infact,oneofthem—thisScythiankingnamedLynkos?WhenItriedtoteachhiscountrymenaboutfarming,hekilledmyrightpython!”
“Your…rightpython?”
Tripmarchedovertohiswingedchariotandhoppedin.Hepulledalever,andthewingsbegantoflap.Thespottedpythonontheleftwheelopenedhiseyes.Hestartedtowrithe,coilingaroundtheaxlelikeaspring.Thechariotwhirredintomotion,buttherightwheelstayedinplace,soTriptolemusspunincircles,thechariotbeatingitswingsandbouncingupanddownlikeadefectivemerry-go-round.
“Yousee?”hesaidashespun.“Nogood!EversinceIlostmyrightpython,Ihaven’tbeenabletospreadthewordaboutfarming—atleastnotinperson.NowIhavetoresorttogivingonlinecourses.”
“What?”Assoonashesaidit,Frankwassorryhe’dasked.
Triphoppedoffthechariotwhileitwasstillspinning.Thepythonslowedtoastopandwentbacktosnoring.Tripjoggedovertothelineofcomputers.Hetappedthekeyboardsandthescreenswokeup,displayingaWebsiteinmaroonandgold,withapictureofahappyfarmerinatogaandaJohnDeerecap,standingwithhisbronzescytheinafieldofwheat.
“TriptolemusFarmingUniversity!”heannouncedproudly.“Injustsixweeks,youcangetyourbachelor’sdegreeintheexcitingandvibrantcareerofthefuture—farming!”Frankfeltabeadofsweattrickledownhischeek.Hedidn’tcareaboutthiscrazygodorhissnake-poweredchariotorhisonlinedegreeprogram.ButHazelwasturninggreenerbythemoment.
Nicowasacornplant.Andhewasalone.
“Look,”hesaid.“Wedidbringyouthealmanac.Andmyfriendsarereallynice.They’renotlikethoseotherchildrenofHadesyou’vemet.Soifthere’sanyway—”
“Oh!”Tripsnappedhisfingers.“Iseewhereyou’regoing!”
“Uh…youdo?”
“Absolutely!IfIcureyourfriendHazelandreturntheotherone,Nicholas—”
“Nico.”
“—ifIreturnhimtonormal…”
Frankhesitated.“Yes?”
“Theninexchange,youstaywithmeandtakeupfarming!AchildofMarsasmyapprentice?It’sperfect!Whataspokesmanyou’llbe.Wecanbeatswordsintoplowsharesandhavesomuchfun!”
“Actually…”Franktriedfranticallytocomeupwithaplan.AresandMarsscreamedinhishead,Swords!Guns!Massiveka-booms!
IfhedeclinedTrip’soffer,Frankfiguredhewouldoffendtheguyandendupassorghumorwheatorsomeothercashcrop.
IfitwastheonlywaytosaveHazel,thensure,hecouldagreetoTrip’sdemandsandbecomeafarmer.Butthatcouldn’tbetheonlyway.Frankrefusedtobelievehe’dbeenchosenbytheFatestogoonthisquestjustsohecouldtakeonlinecoursesinturnipcultivation.
Frank’seyeswanderedtothebrokenchariot.“Ihaveabetteroffer,”heblurtedout.“Icanfixthat.”
Trip’ssmilemelted.“Fix…mychariot?”
Frankwantedtokickhimself.Whatwashethinking?Hewasn’tLeo.Hecouldn’tevenfigureoutastupidpairofChinesehandcuffs.HecouldbarelychangethebatteriesinaTVremote.Hecouldn’tfixamagicalchariot!
Butsomethingtoldhimitwashisonlychance.ThatchariotwastheonethingTriptolemusmightreallywant.
“I’llgofindawaytofixthechariot,”hesaid.“Inreturn,youfixNicoandHazel.Letusgoinpeace.And—andgiveuswhateveraidyoucantodefeatGaea’sforces.”Triptolemuslaughed.“WhatmakesyouthinkIcanaidyouwiththat?”
“Hecatetoldusso,”Franksaid.“Shesentushere.She—shedecidedHazelisoneofherfavorites.”
ThecolordrainedfromTrip’sface.“Hecate?”
Frankhopedhewasn’toverstatingthings.Hedidn’tneedHecatemadathimtoo.ButifTriptolemusandHecatewerebothfriendsofDemeter,maybethatwouldconvinceTriptohelp.
“ThegoddessguidedustoyouralmanacinBologna,”Franksaid.“Shewantedustoreturnittoyou,because…well,shemust’veknownyouhadsomeknowledgethatwouldhelpusgetthroughtheHouseofHadesinEpirus.”
Tripnoddedslowly.“Yes.Isee.IknowwhyHecatesentyoutome.Verywell,sonofMars.Gofindawaytofixmychariot.Ifyousucceed,Iwilldoallyouask.Ifnot—”
“Iknow,”Frankgrumbled.“Myfriendsdie.”
“Yes,”Tripsaidcheerfully.“Andyou’llmakealovelypatchofsorghum!”
FRANKSTUMBLEDOUTOFTHEBLACKHOUSE.Thedoorshutbehindhim,andhecollapsedagainstthewall,overcomewithguilt.Fortunatelythekatobleponeshadclearedoff,orhemighthavejustsatthereandletthemtramplehim.Hedeservednothingbetter.He’dleftHazelinside,dyinganddefenseless,atthemercyofacrazyfarmergod.
Killfarmers!Aresscreamedinhishead.
ReturntothelegionandfightGreeks!Marssaid.Whatarewedoinghere?
Killingfarmers!Aresscreamedback.
“Shutup!”Frankyelledaloud.“Bothofyou!”
Acoupleofoldladieswithshoppingbagsshuffledpast.TheygaveFrankastrangelook,mutteredsomethinginItalian,andkeptgoing.
FrankstaredmiserablyatHazel’scavalrysword,lyingathisfeetnexttohisbackpack.HecouldrunbacktotheArgoIIandgetLeo.MaybeLeocouldfixthechariot.
ButFranksomehowknewthiswasn’taproblemforLeo.ItwasFrank’stask.Hehadtoprovehimself.Besides,thechariotwasn’texactlybroken.Therewasnomechanicalproblem.Itwasmissingaserpent.
Frankcouldturnhimselfintoapython.Whenhe’dwokenupthatmorningasagiantsnake,perhapsithadbeenasignfromthegods.Hedidn’twanttospendtherestofhislifeturningthewheelofafarmer’schariot,butifitmeantsavingHazel…
No.Therehadtobeanotherway.
Serpents,Frankthought.Mars.
Didhisfatherhavesomeconnectiontosnakes?Mars’ssacredanimalwasthewildboar,nottheserpent.Still,Frankwassurehe’dheardsomethingonce.…
Hecouldthinkofonlyonepersontoask.Reluctantly,heopenedhismindtothevoicesofthewargod.
Ineedasnake,hetoldthem.How?
Ha,ha!Aresscreamed.Yes,theserpent!
LikethatvileCadmus,Marssaid.Wepunishedhimforkillingourdragon!
Theybothstartedyelling,untilFrankthoughthisbrainwouldsplitinhalf.
“Okay!Stop!”
Thevoicesquieted.
“Cadmus,”Frankmuttered.“Cadmus…”
Thestorycamebacktohim.ThedemigodCadmushadslainadragonthathappenedtobeachildofAres.HowAreshadendedupwithadragonforason,Frankdidn’twanttoknow;butaspunishmentforthedragon’sdeath,AresturnedCadmusintoasnake.
“Soyoucanturnyourenemiesintosnakes,”Franksaid.“That’swhatIneed.Ineedtofindanenemy.ThenIneedyoutoturnhimintoasnake.”
YouthinkIwoulddothatforyou?Aresroared.Youhavenotprovenyourworth!
Onlythegreatestherocouldasksuchaboon,Marssaid.AherolikeRomulus!
TooRoman!Aresshouted.Diomedes!
Never!Marsshoutedback.ThatcowardfelltoHeracles!
Horatius,then,Aressuggested.
Marswentsilent.Franksensedagrudgingagreement.
“Horatius,”Franksaid.“Fine.Ifthat’swhatittakes,I’llproveI’masgoodasHoratius.Uh…
whatdidhedo?”
ImagesfloodedintoFrank’smind.Hesawalonewarriorstandingonastonebridge,facinganentirearmymassedonthefarsideoftheTiberRiver.
Frankrememberedthelegend.Horatius,theRomangeneral,hadsingle-handedlyheldoffahordeofinvaders,sacrificinghimselfonthatbridgetokeepthebarbariansfromcrossingtheTiber.BygivinghisfellowRomanstimetofinishtheirdefenses,he’dsavedtheRepublic.
Veniceisoverrun,Marssaid,asRomewasabouttobe.Cleanseit!
Destroythemall!Aressaid.Putthemtothesword!
Frankpushedthevoicestothebackofhismind.Helookedathishandsandwasamazedtheyweren’ttrembling.
Forthefirsttimeindays,histhoughtswereclear.Heknewexactlywhatheneededtodo.Hedidn’tknowhowhewouldpullitoff.Theoddsofdyingwereexcellent,buthehadtotry.Hazel’slifedependedonhim.
HestrappedHazel’sswordtohisbelt,morphedhisbackpackintoaquiverandbow,andracedtowardthepiazzawherehe’dfoughtthecowmonsters.
Theplanhadthreephases:dangerous,reallydangerous,andinsanelydangerous.
Frankstoppedattheoldstonewell.Nokatobleponesinsight.HedrewHazel’sswordandusedittopryupsomecobblestones,unearthingabigtangleofspikyroots.Thetendrilsunfurled,exudingtheirstinkygreenfumesastheycrepttowardFrank’sfeet.
Inthedistance,akatobleps’sfoghornmoanfilledtheair.Othersjoinedinfromalldifferentdirections.Frankwasn’tsurehowthemonsterscouldtellhewasharvestingtheirfavoritefood—
maybetheyjusthadanexcellentsenseofsmell.
Hehadtomovefastnow.Heslicedoffalongclusterofvinesandlacedthemthroughoneofhisbeltloops,tryingtoignoretheburninganditchinginhishands.Soonhehadaglowing,stinkinglassoofpoisonousweeds.Hooray.
Thefirstfewkatobleponeslumberedintothepiazza,bellowinginanger.Greeneyesglowedundertheirmanes.Theirlongsnoutsblewcloudsofgas,likefurrysteamengines.
Franknockedanarrow.Hehadamomentarypangofguilt.Thesewerenottheworstmonstershe’dmet.Theywerebasicallygrazinganimalsthathappenedtobepoisonous.
Hazelisdyingbecauseofthem,heremindedhimself.
Heletthearrowfly.Thenearestkatoblepscollapsed,crumblingtodust.Henockedasecondarrow,buttherestoftheherdwasalmostontopofhim.Morewerechargingintothesquarefromtheoppositedirection.
Frankturnedintoalion.Heroareddefiantlyandleapedtowardthearchway,straightovertheheadsofthesecondherd.Thetwogroupsofkatobleponesslammedintoeachother,butquicklyrecoveredandranafterhim.
Frankhadn’tbeensuretherootswouldstillsmellwhenhechangedform.Usuallyhisclothesandpossessionsjustsortofmeltedintohisanimalshape,butapparentlyhestillsmelledlikeayummypoisondinner.Eachtimeheracedpastakatobleps,itroaredwithoutrageandjoinedtheKillFrank!
Parade.
Heturnedontoalargerstreetandpushedthroughthecrowdsoftourists.Whatthemortalssaw,hehadnoidea—acatbeingchasedbyapackofdogs?PeoplecursedatFrankinabouttwelvedifferentlanguages.Gelatoconeswentflying.Awomanspilledastackofcarnivalmasks.Onedudetoppledintothecanal.
WhenFrankglancedback,hehadatleasttwodozenmonstersonhistail,butheneededmore.HeneededallthemonstersinVenice,andhehadtokeeptheonesbehindhimenraged.
Hefoundanopenspotinthecrowdandturnedbackintoahuman.HedrewHazel’sspatha—
neverhispreferredweapon,buthewasbigenoughandstrongenoughthattheheavycavalrysworddidn’tbotherhim.Infacthewasgladfortheextrareach.Heslashedthegoldenblade,destroyingthefirstkatoblepsandlettingtheothersbunchupinfrontofhim.
Hetriedtoavoidtheireyes,buthecouldfeeltheirgazeburningintohim.Hefiguredthatifallthesemonstersbreathedonhimatonce,theircombinednoxiouscloudwouldbeenoughtomelthimintoapuddle.Themonsterscrowdedforwardandslammedintooneanother.
Frankyelled,“Youwantmypoisonroots?Comeandgetthem!”Heturnedintoadolphinandjumpedintothecanal.Hehopedkatobleponescouldn’tswim.Attheveryleast,theyseemedreluctanttofollowhimin,andhecouldn’tblamethem.Thecanalwasdisgusting—smellyandsaltyandaswarmassoup—butFrankforgedthroughit,dodginggondolasandspeedboats,pausingoccasionallytochitterdolphininsultsatthemonsterswhofollowedhimonthesidewalks.Whenhereachedthenearestgondoladock,Frankturnedbackintoahumanagain,stabbedafewmorekatobleponestokeepthemangry,andtookoffrunning.
Soitwent.
Afterawhile,Frankfellintoakindofdaze.Heattractedmoremonsters,scatteredmorecrowdsoftourists,andledhisnowmassivefollowingofkatobleponesthroughthewindingstreetsoftheoldcity.Wheneverheneededaquickescape,hedoveintoacanalasadolphin,orturnedintoaneagleandsoaredoverhead,buthenevergottoofaraheadofhispursuers.
Wheneverhefeltlikethemonstersmightbelosinginterest,hestoppedonarooftopanddrewhisbow,pickingoffafewofthekatobleponesinthecenteroftheherd.Heshookhislassoofpoisonvinesandinsultedthemonsters’badbreath,stirringthemintoafury.Thenhecontinuedtherace.
Hebacktracked.Helosthisway.Onceheturnedacornerandranintothetailendofhisownmonstermob.Heshouldhavebeenexhausted,yetsomehowhefoundthestrengthtokeepgoing—
whichwasgood.Thehardestpartwasyettocome.
Hespottedacoupleofbridges,buttheydidn’tlookright.Onewaselevatedandcompletelycovered;nowaycouldhegetthemonsterstofunnelthroughit.Anotherwastoocrowdedwithtourists.Evenifthemonstersignoredthemortals,thatnoxiousgascouldn’tbegoodforanyonetobreathe.Thebiggerthemonsterherdgot,themoremortalswouldgetpushedaside,knockedintothewater,ortrampled.
FinallyFranksawsomethingthatwouldwork.Justahead,pastabigpiazza,awoodenbridgespannedoneofthewidestcanals.Thebridgeitselfwasalatticedarcoftimber,likeanold-fashionedrollercoaster,aboutfiftymeterslong.
Fromabove,ineagleform,Franksawnomonstersonthefarside.EverykatoblepsinVeniceseemedtohavejoinedtheherdandwaspushingthroughthestreetsbehindhimastouristsscreamedandscattered,maybethinkingtheywerecaughtinthemidstofastraydogstampede.
Thebridgewasemptyoffoottraffic.Itwasperfect.
Frankdroppedlikeastoneandturnedbacktohumanform.Herantothemiddleofthebridge—anaturalchokepoint—andthrewhisbaitofpoisonousrootsonthedeckbehindhim.
Asthefrontofthekatoblepsherdreachedthebaseofthebridge,FrankdrewHazel’sgoldenspatha.
“Comeon!”heyelled.“YouwanttoknowwhatFrankZhangisworth?Comeon!”Herealizedhewasn’tjustshoutingatthemonsters.Hewasventingweeksoffear,rage,andresentment.ThevoicesofMarsandAresscreamedrightalongwithhim.
Themonsterscharged.Frank’svisionturnedred.
Later,hecouldn’trememberthedetailsclearly.Heslicedthroughmonstersuntilhewasankle-deepinyellowdust.Wheneverhegotoverwhelmedandthecloudsofgasbegantochokehim,hechangedshape—becameanelephant,adragon,alion—andeachtransformationseemedtoclearhislungs,givinghimafreshburstofenergy.Hisshape-shiftingbecamesofluid,hecouldstartanattackinhumanformwithhisswordandfinishasalion,rakinghisclawsacrossakatobleps’ssnout.
Themonsterskickedwiththeirhooves.TheybreathednoxiousgasandglaredstraightatFrankwiththeirpoisonouseyes.Heshouldhavedied.Heshouldhavebeentrampled.Butsomehow,hestayedonhisfeet,unharmed,andunleashedahurricaneofviolence.
Hedidn’tfeelanysortofpleasureinthis,buthedidn’thesitate,either.Hestabbedone
monsterandbeheadedanother.Heturnedintoadragonandbitakatoblepsinhalf,thenchangedintoanelephantandtrampledthreeatonceunderhisfeet.Hisvisionwasstilltintedred,andherealizedhiseyesweren’tplayingtricksonhim.Hewasactuallyglowing—surroundedbyarosyaura.
Hedidn’tunderstandwhy,buthekeptfightinguntiltherewasonlyonemonsterleft.
Frankfaceditwithhissworddrawn.Hewasoutofbreath,sweaty,andcakedinmonsterdust,buthewasunharmed.
Thekatoblepssnarled.Itmustnothavebeenthesmartestmonster.Despitethefactthatseveralhundredofitsbrethrenhadjustdied,itdidnotbackdown.
“Mars!”Frankyelled.“I’veprovenmyself.NowIneedasnake!”Frankdoubtedanyonehadevershoutedthosewordsbefore.Itwaskindofaweirdrequest.Hegotnoanswerfromtheskies.Foronce,thevoicesinhisheadweresilent.
Thekatoblepslostpatience.ItlauncheditselfatFrankandlefthimnochoice.Heslashedupward.Assoonashisbladehitthemonster,thekatoblepsdisappearedinaflashofblood-redlight.
WhenFrank’svisioncleared,amottledbrownBurmesepythonwascoiledathisfeet.
“Welldone,”saidafamiliarvoice.
Standingafewfeetawaywashisdad,Mars,wearingaredberetandolivefatigueswiththeinsigniaoftheItalianSpecialForces,anassaultrifleslungoverhisshoulder.Hisfacewashardandangular,hiseyescoveredwithdarksunglasses.
“Father,”Frankmanaged.
Hecouldn’tbelievewhathe’djustdone.Theterrorstartedtocatchuptohim.Hefeltlikesobbing,butheguessedthatwouldnotbeagoodideainfrontofMars.
“It’snaturaltofeelfear.”Thewargod’svoicewassurprisinglywarm,fullofpride.“Allgreatwarriorsareafraid.Onlythestupidandthedelusionalarenot.Butyoufacedyourfear,myson.Youdidwhatyouhadtodo,likeHoratius.Thiswasyourbridge,andyoudefendedit.”
“I—”Frankwasn’tsurewhattosay.“I…Ijustneededasnake.”AtinysmiletuggedatMars’smouth.“Yes.Andnowyouhaveone.Yourbraveryhasunitedmyforms,GreekandRoman,ifonlyforamoment.Go.Saveyourfriends.Buthearme,Frank.Yourgreatesttestisyettocome.WhenyoufacethearmiesofGaeaatEpirus,yourleadership—”Suddenlythegoddoubledover,clutchinghishead.Hisformflickered.Hisfatiguesturnedintoatoga,thenabiker’sjacketandjeans.Hisriflechangedintoaswordandthenarocketlauncher.
“Agony!”Marsbellowed.“Go!Hurry!”
Frankdidn’taskquestions.Despitehisexhaustion,heturnedintoagianteagle,snatchedupthepythoninhismassiveclaws,andlaunchedhimselfintotheair.
Whenheglancedback,aminiaturemushroomclouderuptedfromthemiddleofthebridge,ringsoffirewashingoutward,andapairofvoices—MarsandAres—screamed,“Noooo!”Frankwasn’tsurewhathadjusthappened,buthehadnotimetothinkaboutit.
Heflewoverthecity—nowcompletelyemptyofmonsters—andheadedforthehouseofTriptolemus.
“Youfoundone!”thefarmergodexclaimed.
Frankignoredhim.HestormedintoLaCasaNera,draggingthepythonbyitstaillikeaverystrangeSantaClausbag,anddroppeditnexttothebed.
HekneltatHazel’sside.
Shewasstillalive—greenandshivering,barelybreathing,butalive.AsforNico,hewasstillacornplant.
“Healthem,”Franksaid.“Now.”
Triptolemuscrossedhisarms.“HowdoIknowthesnakewillwork?”Frankgrittedhisteeth.Sincetheexplosiononthebridge,thevoicesofthewargodhadgonesilentinhishead,buthestillfelttheircombinedangerchurninginsidehim.Hefeltphysicallydifferent,too.HadTriptolemusgottenshorter?
“ThesnakeisagiftfromMars,”Frankgrowled.“Itwillwork.”Asifoncue,theBurmesepythonslitheredovertothechariotandwrappeditselfaroundtherightwheel.Theothersnakewokeup.Thetwoserpentscheckedeachotherout,touchingnoses,thenturnedtheirwheelsinunison.Thechariotinchedforward,itswingsflapping.
“Yousee?”Franksaid.“Now,healmyfriends!”
Triptolemustappedhischin.“Well,thankyouforthesnake,butI’mnotsureIlikeyourtone,demigod.PerhapsI’llturnyouinto—”
Frankwasfaster.HelungedatTripandslammedhimintothewall,hisfingerslockedaroundthegod’sthroat.
“Thinkaboutyournextwords,”Frankwarned,deadlycalm.“Orinsteadofbeatingmyswordintoaplowshare,Iwillbeatitintoyourhead.”
Triptolemusgulped.“Youknow…IthinkI’llhealyourfriends.”
“SwearitontheRiverStyx.”
“IswearitontheRiverStyx.”
Frankreleasedhim.Triptolemustouchedhisthroat,asifmakingsureitwasstillthere.HegaveFrankanervoussmile,edgedaroundhim,andscurriedofftothefrontroom.“Just—justgatheringherbs!”
Frankwatchedasthegodpickedleavesandrootsandcrushedtheminamortar.Herolledapill-sizedballofgreengoopandjoggedtoHazel’sside.HeplacedthegunkballunderHazel’stongue.
Instantly,sheshudderedandsatup,coughing.Hereyesflewopen.Thegreenishtintinherskindisappeared.
Shelookedaround,bewildered,untilshesawFrank.“What—?”Franktackledherinahug.“You’regoingtobefine,”hesaidfiercely.“Everythingisfine.”
“But…”Hazelgrippedhisshouldersandstaredathiminamazement.“Frank,what
happenedtoyou?”
“Tome?”Hestood,suddenlyself-conscious.“Idon’t…”Helookeddownandrealizedwhatshemeant.Triptolemushadn’tgottenshorter.Frankwastaller.Hisguthadshrunk.Hischestseemedbulkier.
Frankhadhadgrowthspurtsbefore.Oncehe’dwokenuptwocentimeterstallerthanwhenhe’dgonetosleep.Butthiswasnuts.Itwasasifsomeofthedragonandlionhadstayedwithhimwhenhe’dturnedbacktohuman.
“Uh…Idon’t…MaybeIcanfixit.”
Hazellaughedwithdelight.“Why?Youlookamazing!”
“I—Ido?”
“Imean,youwerehandsomebefore!Butyoulookolder,andtaller,andsodistinguished—”Triptolemusheavedadramaticsigh.“Yes,obviouslysomesortofblessingfromMars.
Congratulations,blah,blah,blah.Now,ifwe’redonehere…?”Frankglaredathim.“We’renotdone.HealNico.”
Thefarmgodrolledhiseyes.Hepointedatthecornplant,andBAM!NicodiAngeloappearedinanexplosionofcornsilk.
Nicolookedaroundinapanic.“I—Ihadtheweirdestnightmareaboutpopcorn.”HefrownedatFrank.“Whyareyoutaller?”
“Everything’sfine,”Frankpromised.“TriptolemuswasabouttotellushowtosurvivetheHouseofHades.Weren’tyou,Trip?”
Thefarmgodraisedhiseyestotheceiling,like,Whyme,Demeter?
“Fine,”Tripsaid.“WhenyouarriveatEpirus,youwillbeofferedachalicetodrinkfrom.”
“Offeredbywhom?”Nicoasked.
“Doesn’tmatter,”Tripsnapped.“Justknowthatitisfilledwithdeadlypoison.”Hazelshuddered.“Soyou’resayingthatweshouldn’tdrinkit.”
“No!”Tripsaid.“Youmustdrinkit,oryou’llneverbeabletomakeitthroughthetemple.Thepoisonconnectsyoutotheworldofthedead,letsyoupassintothelowerlevels.Thesecrettosurvivingis”—hiseyestwinkled—“barley.”
Frankstaredathim.“Barley.”
“Inthefrontroom,takesomeofmyspecialbarley.Makeitintolittlecakes.EatthesebeforeyoustepintotheHouseofHades.Thebarleywillabsorbtheworstofthepoison,soitwillaffectyou,butnotkillyou.”
“That’sit?”Nicodemanded.“HecatesentushalfwayacrossItalysoyoucouldtellustoeatbarley?”
“Goodluck!”Triptolemussprintedacrosstheroomandhoppedinhischariot.“And,FrankZhang,Iforgiveyou!You’vegotspunk.Ifyoueverchangeyourmind,myofferisopen.I’dlovetoseeyougetadegreeinfarming!”
“Yeah,”Frankmuttered.“Thanks.”
Thegodpulledaleveronhischariot.Thesnake-wheelsturned.Thewingsflapped.Atthebackoftheroom,thegaragedoorsrolledopen.
“Oh,tobemobileagain!”Tripcried.“Somanyignorantlandsinneedofmyknowledge.Iwillteachthemthegloriesoftilling,irrigation,fertilizing!”Thechariotliftedoffandzippedoutofthehouse,Triptolemusshoutingtothesky,“Away,myserpents!Away!”
“That,”Hazelsaid,“wasverystrange.”
“Thegloriesoffertilizing.”Nicobrushedsomecornsilkoffhisshoulder.“Canwegetoutofherenow?”
HazelputherhandonFrank’sshoulder.“Areyouokay,really?Youbarteredforourlives.WhatdidTriptolemusmakeyoudo?”
Franktriedtoholdittogether.Hescoldedhimselfforfeelingsoweak.Hecouldfaceanarmyofmonsters,butassoonasHazelshowedhimkindness,hewantedtobreakdownandcry.“Thosecowmonsters…thekatobleponesthatpoisonedyou…Ihadtodestroythem.”
“Thatwasbrave,”Nicosaid.“Theremusthavebeen,what,sixorsevenleftinthatherd.”
“No.”Frankclearedhisthroat.“Allofthem.Ikilledalloftheminthecity.”NicoandHazelstaredathiminstunnedsilence.Frankwasafraidtheymightdoubthim,orstarttolaugh.Howmanymonstershadhekilledonthatbridge—twohundred?Threehundred?
Buthesawintheireyesthattheybelievedhim.TheywerechildrenoftheUnderworld.Maybetheycouldsensethedeathandcarnagehe’dunleashed.
Hazelkissedhischeek.Shehadtostandonhertiptoestodoitnow.Hereyeswereincrediblysad,asifsherealizedsomethinghadchangedinFrank—somethingmuchmoreimportantthanthephysicalgrowthspurt.
Frankknewittoo.Hewouldneverbethesame.Hejustwasn’tsureifthatwasagoodthing.
“Well,”Nicosaid,breakingthetension,“doesanyoneknowwhatbarleylookslike?”
ANNABETHDECIDEDTHEMONSTERSwouldn’tkillher.Neitherwouldthepoisonousatmosphere,northetreacherouslandscapewithitspits,cliffs,andjaggedrocks.
Nope.Mostlikelyshewoulddiefromanoverloadofweirdnessthatwouldmakeherbrainexplode.
First,sheandPercyhadhadtodrinkfiretostayalive.Thentheywereattackedbyagaggleofvampires,ledbyacheerleaderAnnabethhadkilledtwoyearsago.Finally,theywererescuedbyaTitanjanitornamedBobwhohadEinsteinhair,silvereyes,andwickedbroomskills.
Sure.Whynot?
TheyfollowedBobthroughthewasteland,tracingtherouteofthePhlegethonastheyapproachedthestormfrontofdarkness.Everysooftentheystoppedtodrinkfirewater,whichkeptthemalive,butAnnabethwasn’thappyaboutit.Herthroatfeltlikeshewasconstantlygarglingwithbatteryacid.
HeronlycomfortwasPercy.Everysooftenhewouldglanceoverandsmile,orsqueezeherhand.
Hehadtobejustasscaredandmiserableasshewas,andshelovedhimfortryingtomakeherfeelbetter.
“Bobknowswhathe’sdoing,”Percypromised.
“Youhaveinterestingfriends,”Annabethmurmured.
“Bobisinteresting!”TheTitanturnedandgrinned.“Yes,thankyou!”Thebigguyhadgoodears.Annabethwouldhavetorememberthat.
“So,Bob…”Shetriedtosoundcasualandfriendly,whichwasn’teasywithathroatscorchedbyfirewater.“HowdidyougettoTartarus?”
“Ijumped,”hesaid,likeitwasobvious.
“YoujumpedintoTartarus,”shesaid,“becausePercysaidyourname?”
“Heneededme.”Thosesilvereyesgleamedinthedarkness.“Itisokay.Iwastiredofsweepingthepalace.Comealong!Wearealmostatareststop.”
Areststop.
Annabethcouldn’timaginewhatthosewordsmeantinTartarus.Sherememberedallthetimesshe,Luke,andThaliahadreliedonhighwayreststopswhentheywerehomelessdemigods,tryingtosurvive.
WhereverBobwastakingthem,shehopedithadcleanrestroomsandasnackmachine.Sherepressedthegiggles.Yes,shewasdefinitelylosingit.
Annabethhobbledalong,tryingtoignoretherumbleinherstomach.ShestaredatBob’sbackasheledthemtowardthewallofdarkness,nowonlyafewhundredyardsaway.Hisbluejanitor’scoverallswererippedbetweentheshoulderblades,asifsomeonehadtriedtostabhim.Cleaningragsstuckoutofhispocket.Asquirtbottleswungfromhisbelt,theblueliquidinsidesloshinghypnotically.
AnnabethrememberedPercy’sstoryaboutmeetingtheTitan.ThaliaGrace,NicodiAngelo,andPercyhadworkedtogethertodefeatBobonthebanksoftheLethe.Afterwipinghismemory,theydidn’thavethehearttokillhim.HebecamesogentleandsweetandcooperativethattheylefthimatthepalaceofHades,wherePersephonepromisedhewouldbelookedafter.
Apparently,theUnderworldkingandqueenthought“lookingafter”someonemeantgivinghimabroomandhavinghimsweepuptheirmesses.AnnabethwonderedhowevenHadescouldbesocallous.She’dneverfeltsorryforaTitanbefore,butitdidn’tseemrighttakingabrainwashedimmortalandturninghimintoanunpaidjanitor.
He’snotyourfriend,sheremindedherself.
ShewasterrifiedthatBobwouldsuddenlyrememberhimself.Tartaruswaswheremonsterscametoregenerate.Whatifithealedhismemory?IfhebecameIapetusagain…well,Annabethhadseenthewayhehaddealtwiththoseempousai.Annabethhadnoweapon.SheandPercywereinnoconditiontofightaTitan.
SheglancednervouslyatBob’sbroomhandle,wonderinghowlongitwouldbebeforethathiddenspearheadjuttedoutandgotpointedather.
FollowingBobthroughTartaruswasacrazyrisk.Unfortunately,shecouldn’tthinkofabetterplan.
Theypickedtheirwayacrosstheashenwastelandasredlightningflashedoverheadinthepoisonousclouds.Justanotherlovelydayinthedungeonofcreation.Annabethcouldn’tseefarinthehazyair,butthelongertheywalked,themorecertainshebecamethattheentirelandscapewasadownwardcurve.
She’dheardconflictingdescriptionsofTartarus.Itwasabottomlesspit.Itwasafortresssurroundedbybrasswalls.Itwasnothingbutanendlessvoid.
Onestorydescribeditastheinverseofthesky—ahuge,hollow,upside-downdomeofrock.Thatseemedthemostaccurate,thoughifTartaruswasadome,Annabethguessedit
waslikethesky—withnorealbottombutmadeofmultiplelayers,eachonedarkerandlesshospitablethanthelast.
Andeventhatwasn’tthefull,horribletruth.…
Theypassedablisterintheground—awrithing,translucentbubblethesizeofaminivan.Curledinsidewasthehalf-formedbodyofadrakon.Bobspearedtheblisterwithoutasecondthought.Itburstinageyserofsteamingyellowslime,andthedrakondissolvedintonothing.
Bobkeptwalking.
MonstersarezitsontheskinofTartarus,Annabeththought.Sheshuddered.Sometimesshewishedshedidn’thavesuchagoodimagination,becausenowshewascertaintheywerewalkingacrossalivingthing.Thiswholetwistedlandscape—thedome,pit,orwhateveryoucalledit—wasthebodyofthegodTartarus—themostancientincarnationofevil.JustasGaeainhabitedthesurfaceoftheearth,Tartarusinhabitedthepit.
Ifthatgodnoticedthemwalkingacrosshisskin,likefleasonadog…Enough.Nomorethinking.
“Here,”Bobsaid.
Theystoppedatthetopofaridge.Belowthem,inasheltereddepressionlikeamooncrater,stoodaringofbrokenblackmarblecolumnssurroundingadarkstonealtar.
“Hermes’sshrine,”Bobexplained.
Percyfrowned.“AHermesshrineinTartarus?”
Boblaughedindelight.“Yes.Itfellfromsomewherelongago.Maybemortalworld.MaybeOlympus.Anyway,monsterssteerclear.Mostly.”
“Howdidyouknowitwashere?”Annabethasked.
Bob’ssmilefaded.Hegotavacantlookinhiseyes.“Can’tremember.”
“That’sokay,”Percysaidquickly.
Annabethfeltlikekickingherself.BeforeBobbecameBob,hehadbeenIapetustheTitan.Likeallhisbrethren,he’dbeenimprisonedinTartarusforeons.Ofcourseheknewhiswayaround.Ifherememberedthisshrine,hemightstartrecallingotherdetailsofhisoldprisonandhisoldlife.Thatwouldnotbegood.
Theyclimbedintothecraterandenteredthecircleofcolumns.Annabethcollapsedonabrokenslabofmarble,tooexhaustedtotakeanotherstep.Percystoodoverherprotectively,scanningtheirsurroundings.Theinkystormfrontwaslessthanahundredfeetawaynow,obscuringeverythingaheadofthem.Thecrater’srimblockedtheirviewofthewastelandbehind.They’dbewellhiddenhere,butifmonstersdidstumbleacrossthem,theywouldhavenowarning.
“Yousaidsomeonewaschasingus,”Annabethsaid.“Who?”
Bobswepthisbroomaroundthebaseofthealtar,occasionallycrouchingtostudythegroundasiflookingforsomething.“Theyarefollowing,yes.Theyknowyouarehere.GiantsandTitans.Thedefeatedones.Theyknow.”
Thedefeatedones…
Annabethtriedtocontrolherfear.HowmanyTitansandgiantshadsheandPercyfoughtovertheyears?Eachonehadseemedlikeanimpossiblechallenge.IfallofthemweredownhereinTartarus,andiftheywereactivelyhuntingPercyandAnnabeth…
“Whyarewestopping,then?”shesaid.“Weshouldkeepmoving.”
“Soon,”Bobsaid.“Butmortalsneedrest.Goodplacehere.Bestplacefor…oh,long,longway.Iwillguardyou.”
AnnabethglancedatPercy,sendinghimthesilentmessage:Uh,no.HangingoutwithaTitanwasbadenough.GoingtosleepwhiletheTitanguardedyou…shedidn’tneedtobeadaughterofAthenatoknowthatwasonehundredpercentunwise.
“Yousleep,”Percytoldher.“I’llkeepthefirstwatchwithBob.”Bobrumbledinagreement.“Yes,good.Whenyouwake,foodshouldbehere!”Annabeth’sstomachdidarolloveratthementionoffood.Shedidn’tseehowBobcouldsummonfoodinthemidstofTartarus.Maybehewasacatereraswellasajanitor.
Shedidn’twanttosleep,butherbodybetrayedher.Hereyelidsturnedtolead.“Percy,wakemeforsecondwatch.Don’tbeahero.”
Hegaveherthatsmirkshe’dcometolove.“Who,me?”
Hekissedher,hislipsparchedandfeverishlywarm.“Sleep.”AnnabethfeltlikeshewasbackintheHypnoscabinatCampHalf-Blood,overcomewithdrowsiness.Shecurleduponthehardgroundandclosedhereyes.
LATER,SHEMADEARESOLUTION:NeverEVERsleepinTartarus.
Demigoddreamswerealwaysbad.Eveninthesafetyofherbunkatcamp,she’dhadhorriblenightmares.InTartarus,theywereathousandtimesmorevivid.
First,shewasalittlegirlagain,strugglingtoclimbHalf-BloodHill.LukeCastellanheld
herhand,pullingheralong.TheirsatyrguideGroverUnderwoodprancednervouslyatthesummit,yelling,“Hurry!Hurry!”
ThaliaGracestoodbehindthem,holdingbackanarmyofhellhoundswithherterror-invokingshield,Aegis.
Fromthetopofthehill,Annabethcouldseethecampinthevalleybelow—thewarmlightsofthecabins,thepossibilityofsanctuary.Shestumbled,twistingherankle,andLukescoopedheruptocarryher.Whentheylookedback,themonsterswereonlyafewyardsaway—dozensofthemsurroundingThalia.
“Go!”Thaliayelled.“I’llholdthemoff.”
Shebrandishedherspear,andforkedlightningslashedthroughthemonsters’ranks;butasthehellhoundsfell,moretooktheirplace.
“Wehavetorun!”Grovercried.
Heledthewayintocamp.Lukefollowed,withAnnabethcrying,beatingathischest,andscreamingthattheycouldn’tleaveThaliaalone.Butitwastoolate.
Thesceneshifted.
Annabethwasolder,climbingtothesummitofHalf-BloodHill.WhereThaliahadmadeherlaststand,atallpinetreenowrose.Overheadastormwasraging.
Thundershookthevalley.Ablastoflightningsplitthetreedowntoitsroots,openingasmokingcrevice.InthedarknessbelowstoodReyna,thepraetorofNewRome.Hercloakwasthecolorofbloodfreshfromavein.Hergoldarmorglinted.Shestaredup,herfaceregalanddistant,andspokedirectlyintoAnnabeth’smind.
Youhavedonewell,Reynasaid,butthevoicewasAthena’s.TherestofmyjourneymustbeonthewingsofRome.
Thepraetor’sdarkeyesturnedasgrayasstormclouds.
Imuststandhere,Reynatoldher.TheRomanmustbringme.
Thehillshook.Thegroundrippledasthegrassbecamefoldsofsilk—thedressofamassivegoddess.GaearoseoverCampHalf-Blood—hersleepingfaceaslargeasamountain.
Hellhoundspouredoverthehills.Giants,six-armedEarthborn,andwildCyclopeschargedfromthebeach,tearingdownthediningpavilion,settingfiretothecabinsandtheBigHouse.
Hurry,saidthevoiceofAthena.Themessagemustbesent.
ThegroundsplitatAnnabeth’sfeetandshefellintodarkness.
Hereyesflewopen.Shecriedout,graspingPercy’sarms.ShewasstillinTartarus,attheshrineofHermes.
“It’sokay,”Percypromised.“Baddreams?”
Herbodytingledwithdread.“Isit—isitmyturntowatch?”
“No,no.We’regood.Iletyousleep.”
“Percy!”
“Hey,it’sfine.Besides,Iwastooexcitedtosleep.Look.”BobtheTitansatcross-leggedbythealtar,happilymunchingapieceofpizza.
Annabethrubbedhereyes,wonderingifshewasstilldreaming.“Isthat…pepperoni?”
“Burntofferings,”Percysaid.“SacrificestoHermesfromthemortalworld,Iguess.Theyappearedinacloudofsmoke.We’vegothalfahotdog,somegrapes,aplateofroastbeef,andapackageofpeanutM&M’s.”
“M&M’sforBob!”Bobsaidhappily.“Uh,thatokay?”
Annabethdidn’tprotest.Percybroughthertheplateofroastbeef,andshewolfeditdown.She’dnevertastedanythingsogood.Thebrisketwasstillhot,withexactlythesamespicysweetglazeasthebarbecueatCampHalf-Blood.
“Iknow,”saidPercy,readingherexpression.“IthinkitisfromCampHalf-Blood.”TheideamadeAnnabethgiddywithhomesickness.Ateverymeal,thecamperswouldburnaportionoftheirfoodtohonortheirgodlyparents.Thesmokesupposedlypleasedthegods,butAnnabethhadneverthoughtaboutwherethefoodwentwhenitwasburned.Maybetheofferingsreappearedonthegods’altarsinOlympus…orevenhere,inthemiddleofTartarus.
“PeanutM&M’s,”Annabethsaid.“ConnorStollalwaysburnedapackforhisdadatdinner.”Shethoughtaboutsittinginthediningpavilion,watchingthesunsetoverLongIslandSound.
ThatwasthefirstplacesheandPercyhadtrulykissed.Hereyessmarted.
Percyputhishandonhershoulder.“Hey,thisisgood.Actualfoodfromhome,right?”Shenodded.Theyfinishedeatinginsilence.
BobchompeddownthelastofhisM&M’s.“Shouldgonow.Theywillbehereinafewminutes.”
“Afewminutes?”Annabethreachedforherdagger,thenrememberedshedidn’thaveit.
“Yes…well,Ithinkminutes…”Bobscratchedhissilveryhair.“TimeishardinTartarus.Notthesame.”
Percycrepttotheedgeofthecrater.Hepeeredbackthewaythey’dcome.“Idon’tseeanything,butthatdoesn’tmeanmuch.Bob,whichgiantsarewetalkingabout?WhichTitans?”Bobgrunted.“Notsureofnames.Six,maybeseven.Icansensethem.”
“Sixorseven?”Annabethwasn’tsureherbarbecuewouldstaydown.“Andcantheysenseyou?”
“Don’tknow.”Bobsmiled.“Bobisdifferent!Buttheycansmelldemigods,yes.Youtwosmellverystrong.Goodstrong.Like…hmm.Likebutterybread!”
“Butterybread,”Annabethsaid.“Well,that’sgreat.”
Percyclimbedbacktothealtar.“IsitpossibletokillagiantinTartarus?Imean,sincewe
don’thaveagodtohelpus?”
HelookedatAnnabethasifsheactuallyhadananswer.
“Percy,Idon’tknow.TravelinginTartarus,fightingmonstershere…it’sneverbeendonebefore.
MaybeBobcouldhelpuskillagiant?MaybeaTitanwouldcountasagod?Ijustdon’tknow.”
“Yeah,”Percysaid.“Okay.”
Shecouldseetheworryinhiseyes.Foryears,he’ddependedonherforanswers.Now,whenheneededhermost,shecouldn’thelp.Shehatedbeingsoclueless,butnothingshe’deverlearnedatcamphadpreparedherforTartarus.Therewasonlyonethingshewassureof:theyhadtokeepmoving.Theycouldn’tbecaughtbysixorsevenhostileimmortals.
Shestood,stilldisorientedfromhernightmares.Bobstartedcleaningup,collectingtheirtrashinalittlepile,usinghissquirtbottletowipeoffthealtar.
“Wheretonow?”Annabethasked.
Percypointedatthestormywallofdarkness.“Bobsaysthatway.ApparentlytheDoorsofDeath
—”
“Youtoldhim?”Annabethdidn’tmeanittocomeoutsoharsh,butPercywinced.
“Whileyouwereasleep,”headmitted.“Annabeth,Bobcanhelp.Weneedaguide.”
“Bobhelps!”Bobagreed.“IntotheDarkLands.TheDoorsofDeath…hmm,walkingstraighttothemwouldbebad.Toomanymonstersgatheredthere.EvenBobcouldnotsweepthatmany.TheywouldkillPercyandAnnabethinabouttwoseconds.”TheTitanfrowned.“Ithinkseconds.TimeishardinTartarus.”
“Right,”Annabethgrumbled.“Soisthereanotherway?”
“Hiding,”saidBob.“TheDeathMistcouldhideyou.”
“Oh…”AnnabethsuddenlyfeltverysmallintheshadowoftheTitan.“Uh,whatisDeathMist?”
“Itisdangerous,”Bobsaid.“ButiftheladywillgiveyouDeathMist,itmighthideyou.IfwecanavoidNight.TheladyisveryclosetoNight.Thatisbad.”
“Thelady,”Percyrepeated.
“Yes.”Bobpointedaheadofthemintotheinkyblackness.“Weshouldgo.”PercyglancedatAnnabeth,obviouslyhopingforguidance,butshehadnone.Shewasthinkingabouthernightmare—Thalia’streesplinteredbylightning,GaearisingonthehillsideandunleashinghermonstersonCampHalf-Blood.
“Okay,then,”Percysaid.“Iguesswe’llseealadyaboutsomeDeathMist.”
“Wait,”Annabethsaid.
Hermindwasbuzzing.ShethoughtofherdreamaboutLukeandThalia.SherecalledthestoriesLukehadtoldherabouthisfather,Hermes—godoftravelers,guidetothespiritsofthedead,godofcommunication.
Shestaredattheblackaltar.
“Annabeth?”Percysoundedconcerned.
Shewalkedtothepileoftrashandpickedoutareasonablycleanpapernapkin.
SherememberedhervisionofReyna,standinginthesmokingcrevicebeneaththeruinsofThalia’spinetree,speakingwiththevoiceofAthena:
Imuststandhere.TheRomanmustbringme.
Hurry.Themessagemustbesent.
“Bob,”shesaid,“offeringsburnedinthemortalworldappearonthisaltar,right?”Bobfrowneduncomfortably,likehewasn’treadyforapopquiz.“Yes?”
“SowhathappensifIburnsomethingonthealtarhere?”
“Uh…”
“That’sallright,”Annabethsaid.“Youdon’tknow.Nobodyknows,becauseit’sneverbeendone.”
Therewasachance,shethought,justtheslimmestchancethatanofferingburnedonthisaltarmightappearatCampHalf-Blood.
Doubtful,butifitdidwork…
“Annabeth?”Percysaidagain.“You’replanningsomething.You’vegotthatI’m-planning-somethinglook.”
“Idon’thaveanI’m-planning-somethinglook.”
“Yeah,youtotallydo.Youreyebrowsknitandyourlipspresstogetherand—”
“Doyouhaveapen?”sheaskedhim.
“You’rekidding,right?”HebroughtoutRiptide.
“Yes,butcanyouactuallywritewithit?”
“I—Idon’tknow,”headmitted.“Nevertried.”
Heuncappedthepen.Asusual,itsprangintoafull-sizedsword.Annabethhadwatchedhimdothishundredsoftimes.Normallywhenhefought,Percysimplydiscardedthecap.Italwaysappearedinhispocketlater,asneeded.Whenhetouchedthecaptothepointofthesword,itwouldturnbackintoaballpointpen.
“Whatifyoutouchthecaptotheotherendofthesword?”Annabethsaid.“Likewhereyou’dputthecapifyouwereactuallygoingtowritewiththepen.”
“Uh…”Percylookeddoubtful,buthetouchedthecaptothehiltofthesword.Riptideshrankbackintoaballpointpen,butnowthewritingpointwasexposed.
“MayI?”Annabethpluckeditfromhishand.Sheflattenedthenapkinagainstthealtar
andbegantowrite.Riptide’sinkglowedCelestialbronze.
“Whatareyoudoing?”Percyasked.
“Sendingamessage,”Annabethsaid.“IjusthopeRachelgetsit.”
“Rachel?”Percyasked.“YoumeanourRachel?OracleofDelphiRachel?”
“That’stheone.”Annabethsuppressedasmile.
WhenevershebroughtupRachel’sname,Percygotnervous.Atonepoint,RachelhadbeeninterestedindatingPercy.Thatwasancienthistory.RachelandAnnabethweregoodfriendsnow.ButAnnabethdidn’tmindmakingPercyalittleuneasy.Youhadtokeepyourboyfriendonhistoes.
Annabethfinishedhernoteandfoldedthenapkin.Ontheoutside,shewrote:Connor,
GivethistoRachel.Notaprank.Don’tbeamoron.
Love,
Annabeth
Shetookadeepbreath.ShewasaskingRachelDaretodosomethingridiculouslydangerous,butitwastheonlywayshecouldthinkoftocommunicatewiththeRomans—theonlywaythatmightavoidbloodshed.
“NowIjustneedtoburnit,”shesaid.“Anybodygotamatch?”ThepointofBob’sspearshotfromhisbroomhandle.Itsparkedagainstthealtaranderuptedinsilveryfire.
“Uh,thanks.”Annabethlitthenapkinandsetitonthealtar.Shewatcheditcrumbletoashandwonderedifshewascrazy.CouldthesmokereallymakeitoutofTartarus?
“Weshouldgonow,”Bobadvised.“Really,reallygo.Beforewearekilled.”Annabethstaredatthewallofblacknessinfrontofthem.SomewhereintherewasaladywhodispensedaDeathMistthatmighthidethemfrommonsters—aplanrecommendedbyaTitan,oneoftheirbitterestenemies.Anotherdoseofweirdnesstoexplodeherbrain.
“Right,”shesaid.“I’mready.”
ANNABETHLITERALLYSTUMBLEDoverthesecondTitan.
Afterenteringthestormfront,theyploddedonforwhatseemedlikehours,relyingonthelightofPercy’sCelestialbronzeblade,andonBob,whoglowedfaintlyinthedarklikesomesortofcrazyjanitorangel.
Annabethcouldonlyseeaboutfivefeetinfrontofher.Inastrangeway,theDarkLandsremindedherofSanFrancisco,whereherdadlived—onthosesummerafternoonswhenthefogbankrolledinlikecold,wetpackingmaterialandswallowedPacificHeights.ExcepthereinTartarus,thefogwasmadeofink.
Rocksloomedoutofnowhere.Pitsappearedattheirfeet,andAnnabethbarelyavoidedfallingin.
Monstrousroarsechoedinthegloom,butAnnabethcouldn’ttellwheretheycamefrom.Allshecouldbecertainofwasthattheterrainwasstillslopingdown.
DownseemedtobetheonlydirectionallowedinTartarus.IfAnnabethbacktrackedevenastep,shefelttiredandheavy,asifgravitywereincreasingtodiscourageher.AssumingthattheentirepitwasthebodyofTartarus,Annabethhadanastyfeelingtheyweremarchingstraightdownhisthroat.
Shewassopreoccupiedwiththatthought,shedidn’tnoticetheledgeuntilitwastoolate.
Percyyelled,“Whoa!”Hegrabbedforherarm,butshewasalreadyfalling.
Fortunately,itwasonlyashallowdepression.Mostofitwasfilledwithamonsterblister.Shehadasoftlandingonawarmbouncysurfaceandwasfeelinglucky—untilsheopenedhereyesandfoundherselfstaringthroughaglowinggoldmembraneatanother,muchlargerface.
Shescreamedandflailed,topplingsidewaysoffthemound.Herheartdidahundredjumpingjacks.
Percyhelpedhertoherfeet.“Youokay?”
Shedidn’ttrustherselftoanswer.Ifsheopenedhermouth,shemightscreamagain,andthatwouldbeundignified.ShewasadaughterofAthena,notsomeshrillgirlievictiminahorrormovie.
ButgodsofOlympus…CurledinthemembranebubbleinfrontofherwasafullyformedTitaningoldenarmor,hisskinthecolorofpolishedpennies.Hiseyeswereclosed,buthescowledsodeeplyheappearedtobeonthevergeofabloodcurdlingwarcry.Eventhroughtheblister,Annabethcouldfeeltheheatradiatingfromhisbody.
“Hyperion,”Percysaid.“Ihatethatguy.”
Annabeth’sshouldersuddenlyachedfromanoldwound.DuringtheBattleofManhattan,PercyhadfoughtthisTitanattheReservoir—wateragainstfire.IthadbeenthefirsttimePercyhadsummonedahurricane—whichwasn’tsomethingAnnabethwouldeverforget.“IthoughtGroverturnedthisguyintoamapletree.”
“Yeah,”Percyagreed.“Maybethemapletreedied,andhewoundupbackhere?”AnnabethrememberedhowHyperionhadsummonedfieryexplosions,andhowmanysatyrsandnymphshe’ddestroyedbeforePercyandGroverstoppedhim.
ShewasabouttosuggestthattheyburstHyperion’sbubblebeforehewokeup.Helookedreadytopopoutatanymomentandstartcharbroilingeverythinginhispath.
ThensheglancedatBob.ThesilveryTitanwasstudyingHyperionwithafrownofconcentration
—mayberecognition.Theirfaceslookedsomuchalike.…
Annabethbitbackacurse.Ofcoursetheylookedalike.Hyperionwashisbrother.HyperionwastheTitanlordoftheeast.Iapetus,Bob,wasthelordofthewest.TakeawayBob’sbroomandhisjanitor’sclothes,puthiminarmorandcuthishair,changehiscolorschemefromsilvertogold,andIapetuswouldhavebeenalmostindistinguishablefromHyperion.
“Bob,”shesaid,“weshouldgo.”
“Gold,notsilver,”Bobmurmured.“Buthelookslikeme.”
“Bob,”Percysaid.“Hey,buddy,overhere.”
TheTitanreluctantlyturned.
“AmIyourfriend?”Percyasked.
“Yes.”Bobsoundeddangerouslyuncertain.“Wearefriends.”
“Youknowthatsomemonstersaregood,”Percysaid.“Andsomearebad.”
“Hmm,”Bobsaid.“Like…theprettyghostladieswhoservePersephonearegood.Explodingzombiesarebad.”
“Right,”Percysaid.“Andsomemortalsaregood,andsomearebad.Well,thesamethingistrueforTitans.”
“Titans…”Bobloomedoverthem,glowering.Annabethwasprettysureherboyfriendhadjustmadeabigmistake.
“That’swhatyouare,”Percysaidcalmly.“BobtheTitan.You’regood.You’reawesome,infact.
ButsomeTitansarenot.Thisguyhere,Hyperion,isfull-onbad.Hetriedtokillme…triedtokillalotofpeople.”
Bobblinkedhissilvereyes.“Buthelooks…hisfaceisso—”
“Helookslikeyou,”Percyagreed.“He’saTitan,likeyou.Buthe’snotgoodlikeyouare.”
“Bobisgood.”Hisfingerstightenedonhisbroomhandle.“Yes.Thereisalwaysatleastonegoodone—monsters,Titans,giants.”
“Uh…”Percygrimaced.“Well,I’mnotsureaboutthegiants.”
“Oh,yes.”Bobnoddedearnestly.
Annabethsensedthey’dalreadybeeninthisplacetoolong.Theirpursuerswouldbeclosingin.
“Weshouldgo,”sheurged.“Whatdowedoabout…?”
“Bob,”Percysaid,“it’syourcall.Hyperionisyourkind.Wecouldleavehimalone,butifhewakesup—”
Bob’sbroom-spearsweptintomotion.Ifhe’dbeenaimingatAnnabethorPercy,theywould’vebeencutinhalf.Instead,Bobslashedthroughthemonstrousblister,whichburstinageyserofhotgoldenmud.
AnnabethwipedtheTitansludgeoutofhereyes.WhereHyperionhadbeen,therewasnothingbutasmokingcrater.
“HyperionisabadTitan,”Bobannounced,hisexpressiongrim.“Nowhecan’thurtmyfriends.
Hewillhavetore-formsomewhereelseinTartarus.Hopefullyitwilltakealongtime.”TheTitan’seyesseemedbrighterthanusual,asifhewereabouttocryquicksilver.
“Thankyou,Bob,”Percysaid.
Howwashekeepinghiscool?ThewayhetalkedtoBobleftAnnabethawestruck…andmaybealittleuneasy,too.IfPercyhadbeenseriousaboutleavingthechoicetoBob,thenshedidn’tlikehowmuchhetrustedtheTitan.Ifhe’dbeenmanipulatingBobintomakingthatchoice…well,then,AnnabethwasstunnedthatPercycouldbesocalculating.
Hemethereyes,butshecouldn’treadhisexpression.Thatbotheredhertoo.
“We’dbetterkeepgoing,”hesaid.
SheandPercyfollowedBob,thegoldenmudflecksfromHyperion’sburstbubbleglowingonhisjanitor’suniform.
AFTERAWHILE,Annabeth’sfeetfeltlikeTitanmush.Shemarchedalong,followingBob,listeningtothemonotonoussloshofliquidinhiscleaningbottle.
Stayalert,shetoldherself,butitwashard.Herthoughtswereasnumbasherlegs.Fromtimetotime,Percytookherhandormadeanencouragingcomment;butshecouldtellthedarklandscapewasgettingtohimaswell.Hiseyeshadadullsheen—likehisspiritwasbeingslowlyextinguished.
HefellintoTartarustobewithyou,saidavoiceinherhead.Ifhedies,itwillbeyourfault.
“Stopit,”shesaidaloud.
Percyfrowned.“What?”
“No,notyou.”Shetriedforareassuringsmile,butshecouldn’tquitemusterone.“Talkingtomyself.Thisplace…it’smessingwithmymind.Givingmedarkthoughts.”TheworrylinesdeepenedaroundPercy’ssea-greeneyes.“Hey,Bob,whereexactlyareweheading?”
“Thelady,”Bobsaid.“DeathMist.”
Annabethfoughtdownherirritation.“Butwhatdoesthatmean?Whoisthislady?”
“Namingher?”Bobglancedback.“Notagoodidea.”
Annabethsighed.TheTitanwasright.Nameshadpower,andspeakingthemhereinTartaruswasprobablyverydangerous.
“Canyouatleasttellushowfar?”sheasked.
“Idonotknow,”Bobadmitted.“Icanonlyfeelit.Wewaitforthedarknesstogetdarker.Thenwegosideways.”
“Sideways,”Annabethmuttered.“Naturally.”
Shewastemptedtoaskforarest,butshedidn’twanttostop.Nothereinthiscold,darkplace.
Theblackfogseepedintoherbody,turningherbonesintomoistStyrofoam.
ShewonderedifhermessagewouldgettoRachelDare.IfRachelcouldsomehowcarryherproposaltoReynawithoutgettingkilledintheprocess…
Aridiculoushope,saidthevoiceinherhead.YouhaveonlyputRachelindanger.EvenifshefindstheRomans,whyshouldReynatrustyouafterallthathashappened?
Annabethwastemptedtoshoutbackatthevoice,butsheresisted.Evenifsheweregoingcrazy,shedidn’twanttolooklikeshewasgoingcrazy.
Shedesperatelyneededsomethingtoliftherspirits.Adrinkofactualwater.Amomentofsunlight.Awarmbed.Akindwordfromhermother.
SuddenlyBobstopped.Heraisedhishand:Wait.
“What?”Percywhispered.
“Shh,”Bobwarned.“Ahead.Somethingmoves.”
Annabethstrainedherears.Fromsomewhereinthefogcameadeepthrummingnoise,liketheidlingengineofalargeconstructionvehicle.Shecouldfeelthevibrationsthroughhershoes.
“Wewillsurroundit,”Bobwhispered.“Eachofyou,takeaflank.”Forthemillionthtime,Annabethwishedshehadherdagger.Shepickedupachunkofjaggedblackobsidianandcrepttotheleft.Percywentright,hisswordready.
Bobtookthemiddle,hisspearheadglowinginthefog.
Thehumminggotlouder,shakingthegravelatAnnabeth’sfeet.Thenoiseseemedtobecomingfromimmediatelyinfrontofthem.
“Ready?”Bobmurmured.
Annabethcrouched,preparingtospring.“Onthree?”
“One,”Percywhispered.“Two—”
Afigureappearedinthefog.Bobraisedhisspear.
“Wait!”Annabethshrieked.
Bobfrozejustintime,thepointofhisspearhoveringaninchabovetheheadofatinycalicokitten.
“Rrow?”saidthekitten,clearlyunimpressedbytheirattackplan.ItbutteditsheadagainstBob’sfootandpurredloudly.
Itseemedimpossible,butthedeeprumblingsoundwascomingfromthekitten.Asitpurred,thegroundvibratedandpebblesdanced.Thekittenfixeditsyellow,lamp-likeeyesononeparticularrock,rightbetweenAnnabeth’sfeet,andpounced.
Thecatcould’vebeenademonorahorribleUnderworldmonsterindisguise.ButAnnabethcouldn’thelpit.Shepickeditupandcuddledit.Thelittlethingwasbonyunder
itsfur,butotherwiseitseemedperfectlynormal.
“Howdid…?”Shecouldn’tevenformthequestion.“Whatisakittendoing…?”Thecatgrewimpatientandsquirmedoutofherarms.Itlandedwithathump,paddedovertoBob,andstartedpurringagainasitrubbedagainsthisboots.
Percylaughed.“Somebodylikesyou,Bob.”
“Itmustbeagoodmonster.”Boblookedupnervously.“Isn’tit?”Annabethfeltalumpinherthroat.SeeingthehugeTitanandthistinykittentogether,shesuddenlyfeltinsignificantcomparedtothevastnessofTartarus.Thisplacehadnorespectforanything—goodorbad,smallorlarge,wiseorunwise.TartarusswallowedTitansanddemigodsandkittensindiscriminately.
Bobkneltdownandscoopedupthecat.ItfitperfectlyinBob’spalm,butitdecidedtoexplore.ItclimbedtheTitan’sarm,madeitselfathomeonhisshoulder,andcloseditseyes,purringlikeanearthmover.Suddenlyitsfurshimmered.Inaflash,thekittenbecameaghostlyskeleton,asifithadsteppedbehindanX-raymachine.Thenitwasaregularkittenagain.
Annabethblinked.“Didyousee—?”
“Yeah.”Percyknithiseyebrows.“Oh,man…Iknowthatkitten.It’soneoftheonesfromtheSmithsonian.”
Annabethtriedtomakesenseofthat.She’dneverbeentotheSmithsonianwithPercy.…Thensherecalledseveralyearsago,whentheTitanAtlashadcapturedher.PercyandThaliahadledaquesttorescueher.Alongtheway,they’dwatchedAtlasraisesomeskeletonwarriorsfromdragonteethintheSmithsonianMuseum.
AccordingtoPercy,theTitan’sfirstattemptwentwrong.He’dplantedsaber-toothedtigerteethbymistake,andraisedabatchofskeletonkittensfromthesoil.
“That’soneofthem?”Annabethasked.“Howdiditgethere?”Percyspreadhishandshelplessly.“Atlastoldhisservantstotakethekittensaway.MaybetheydestroyedthecatsandtheywerereborninTartarus?Idon’tknow.”
“It’scute,”Bobsaid,asthekittensniffedhisear.
“Butisitsafe?”Annabethasked.
TheTitanscratchedthekitten’schin.Annabethdidn’tknowifitwasagoodidea,carryingaroundacatgrownfromaprehistorictooth;butobviouslyitdidn’tmatternow.TheTitanandthecathadbonded.
“IwillcallhimSmallBob,”saidBob.“Heisagoodmonster.”Endofdiscussion.TheTitanheftedhisspearandtheycontinuedmarchingintothegloom.
Annabethwalkedinadaze,tryingnottothinkaboutpizza.Tokeepherselfdistracted,shewatchedSmallBobthekittenpacingacrossBob’sshouldersandpurring,occasionallyturningintoaglowingkittyskeletonandthenbacktoacalicofuzz-ball.
“Here,”Bobannounced.
Hestoppedsosuddenly,Annabethalmostranintohim.
Bobstaredofftotheirleft,asifdeepinthought.
“Isthistheplace?”Annabethasked.“Wherewegosideways?”
“Yes,”Bobagreed.“Darker,thensideways.”
Annabethcouldn’ttellifitwasactuallydarker,buttheairdidseemcolderandthicker,asifthey’dsteppedintoadifferentmicroclimate.AgainshewasremindedofSanFrancisco,whereyoucouldwalkfromoneneighborhoodtothenextandthetemperaturemightdroptendegrees.ShewonderediftheTitanshadbuilttheirpalaceonMountTamalpaisbecausetheBayArearemindedthemofTartarus.
Whatadepressingthought.OnlyTitanswouldseesuchabeautifulplaceasapotentialoutpostoftheabyss—ahellishhomeawayfromhome.
Bobstruckofftotheleft.Theyfollowed.Theairdefinitelygotcolder.AnnabethpressedagainstPercyforwarmth.Heputhisarmaroundher.Itfeltgoodbeingclosetohim,butshecouldn’trelax.
They’denteredsomesortofforest.Toweringblacktreessoaredintothegloom,perfectlyroundandbareofbranches,likemonstroushairfollicles.Thegroundwassmoothandpale.
Withourluck,Annabeththought,we’remarchingthroughthearmpitofTartarus.
Suddenlyhersenseswereonhighalert,asifsomebodyhadsnappedarubberbandagainstthebaseofherneck.Sherestedherhandonthetrunkofthenearesttree.
“Whatisit?”Percyraisedhissword.
Bobturnedandlookedback,confused.“Wearestopping?”
Annabethheldupherhandforsilence.Shewasn’tsurewhathadsetheroff.Nothinglookeddifferent.Thensherealizedthetreetrunkwasquivering.Shewonderedmomentarilyifitwasthekitten’spurr;butSmallBobhadfallenasleeponLargeBob’sshoulder.
Afewyardsaway,anothertreeshuddered.
“Something’smovingaboveus,”Annabethwhispered.“Gatherup.”BobandPercyclosedrankswithher,standingbacktoback.
Annabethstrainedhereyes,tryingtoseeabovetheminthedark,butnothingmoved.
Shehadalmostdecidedshewasbeingparanoidwhenthefirstmonsterdroppedtothegroundonlyfivefeetaway.
Annabeth’sfirstthought:TheFuries.
Thecreaturelookedalmostexactlylikeone:awrinkledhagwithbatlikewings,brasstalons,andglowingredeyes.Sheworeatattereddressofblacksilk,andherfacewastwistedandravenous,likeademonicgrandmotherinthemoodtokill.
Bobgruntedasanotheronedroppedinfrontofhim,andthenanotherinfrontofPercy.Soontherewerehalfadozensurroundingthem.Morehissedinthetreesabove.
Theycouldn’tbeFuries,then.Therewereonlythreeofthose,andthesewingedhags
didn’tcarrywhips.Thatdidn’tcomfortAnnabeth.Themonsters’talonslookedplentydangerous.
“Whatareyou?”shedemanded.
Thearai,hissedavoice.Thecurses!
Annabethtriedtolocatethespeaker,butnoneofthedemonshadmovedtheirmouths.Theireyeslookeddead;theirexpressionswerefrozen,likeapuppet’s.Thevoicesimplyfloatedoverheadlikeamovienarrator’s,asifasinglemindcontrolledallthecreatures.
“What—whatdoyouwant?”Annabethasked,tryingtomaintainatoneofconfidence.
Thevoicecackledmaliciously.Tocurseyou,ofcourse!TodestroyyouathousandtimesinthenameofMotherNight!
“Onlyathousandtimes?”Percymurmured.“Oh,good…Ithoughtwewereintrouble.”Thecircleofdemonladiesclosedin.
EVERYTHINGSMELLEDLIKEPOISON.TwodaysafterleavingVenice,Hazelstillcouldn’tgetthenoxiousscentofeaudecowmonsteroutofhernose.
Theseasicknessdidn’thelp.TheArgoIIsaileddowntheAdriatic,abeautifulglitteringexpanseofblue;butHazelcouldn’tappreciateit,thankstotheconstantrollingoftheship.Abovedeck,shetriedtokeephereyesfixedonthehorizon—thewhitecliffsthatalwaysseemedjustamileorsototheeast.Whatcountrywasthat,Croatia?Shewasn’tsure.Shejustwishedshewereonsolidgroundagain.
Thethingthatnauseatedhermostwastheweasel.
Lastnight,Hecate’spetGalehadappearedinhercabin.Hazelwokefromanightmare,thinking,Whatisthatsmell?Shefoundafurryrodentproppedonherchest,staringatherwithitsbeadyblackeyes.
Nothinglikewakingupscreaming,kickingoffyourcovers,anddancingaroundyour
cabinwhileaweaselscampersbetweenyourfeet,screechingandfarting.
Herfriendsrushedtoherroomtoseeifshewasokay.Theweaselwasdifficulttoexplain.HazelcouldtellthatLeowastryinghardnottomakeajoke.
Inthemorning,oncetheexcitementdieddown,HazeldecidedtovisitCoachHedge,sincehecouldtalktoanimals.
She’dfoundhiscabindoorajarandheardthecoachinside,talkingasifhewereonthephonewithsomeone—excepttheyhadnophonesonboard.MaybehewassendingamagicalIris-message?
HazelhadheardthattheGreeksusedthosealot.
“Sure,hon,”Hedgewassaying.“Yeah,Iknow,baby.No,it’sgreatnews,but—”Hisvoicebrokewithemotion.Hazelsuddenlyfelthorribleforeavesdropping.
Shewould’vebackedaway,butGalesqueakedatherheels.Hazelknockedonthecoach’sdoor.
Hedgepokedhisheadout,scowlingasusual,buthiseyeswerered.
“What?”hegrowled.
“Um…sorry,”Hazelsaid.“Areyouokay?”
Thecoachsnortedandopenedhisdoorwide.“Kindaquestionisthat?”Therewasnooneelseintheroom.
“I—”Hazeltriedtorememberwhyshewasthere.“Iwonderedifyoucouldtalktomyweasel.”Thecoach’seyesnarrowed.Heloweredhisvoice.“Arewespeakingincode?Isthereanintruderaboard?”
“Well,sortof.”
GalepeekedoutfrombehindHazel’sfeetandstartedchattering.
Thecoachlookedoffended.Hechatteredbackattheweasel.Theyhadwhatsoundedlikeaveryintenseargument.
“Whatdidshesay?”Hazelasked.
“Alotofrudethings,”grumbledthesatyr.“Thegistofit:she’sheretoseehowitgoes.”
“Howwhatgoes?”
CoachHedgestompedhishoof.“HowamIsupposedtoknow?She’sapolecat!Theynevergiveastraightanswer.Now,ifyou’llexcuseme,I’vegot,uh,stuff…”Heclosedthedoorinherface.
Afterbreakfast,Hazelstoodattheportrail,tryingtosettleherstomach.Nexttoher,Galeranupanddowntherailing,passinggas;butthestrongwindofftheAdriatichelpedwhiskitaway.
HazelwonderedwhatwaswrongwithCoachHedge.HemusthavebeenusinganIris-messagetotalkwithsomeone,butifhe’dgottengreatnews,whyhadhelookedsodevastated?She’dneverseenhimsoshakenup.Unfortunately,shedoubtedthecoach
wouldaskforhelpifheneededit.Hewasn’texactlythewarmandopentype.
ShestaredatthewhitecliffsinthedistanceandthoughtaboutwhyHecatehadsentGalethepolecat.
She’sheretoseehowitgoes.
Somethingwasabouttohappen.Hazelwouldbetested.
Shedidn’tunderstandhowshewassupposedtolearnmagicwithnotraining.Hecateexpectedhertodefeatsomesuper-powerfulsorceress—theladyinthegolddress,whomLeohaddescribedfromhisdream.Buthow?
Hazelhadspentallherfreetimetryingtofigurethatout.She’dstaredatherspatha,tryingtomakeitlooklikeawalkingstick.She’dtriedtosummonacloudtohidethefullmoon.She’dconcentrateduntilhereyescrossedandherearspopped,butnothinghappened.Shecouldn’tmanipulatetheMist.
Thelastfewnights,herdreamshadgottenworse.ShefoundherselfbackintheFieldsofAsphodel,driftingaimlesslyamongtheghosts.ThenshewasinGaea’scaveinAlaska,whereHazelandhermotherhaddiedastheceilingcollapsedandthevoiceoftheEarthGoddesswailedinanger.
Shewasonthestairsofhermother’sapartmentbuildinginNewOrleans,face-to-facewithherfather,Pluto.Hiscoldfingersgrippedherarm.Thefabricofhisblackwoolsuitwrithedwithimprisonedsouls.Hefixedherwithhisdarkangryeyesandsaid:Thedeadseewhattheybelievetheywillsee.Sodotheliving.Thatisthesecret.
He’dneversaidthattoherinreallife.Shehadnoideawhatitmeant.
Theworstnightmaresseemedlikeglimpsesofthefuture.Hazelwasstumblingthroughadarktunnelwhileawoman’slaughterechoedaroundher.
Controlthisifyoucan,childofPluto,thewomantaunted.
Andalways,Hazeldreamedabouttheimagesshe’dseenatHecate’scrossroads:Leofallingthroughthesky;PercyandAnnabethlyingunconscious,possiblydead,infrontofblackmetaldoors;andashroudedfigureloomingabovethem—thegiantClytiuswrappedindarkness.
Nexttoherontherail,Galetheweaselchitteredimpatiently.Hazelwastemptedtopushthestupidrodentintothesea.
Ican’tevencontrolmyowndreams,shewantedtoscream.HowamIsupposedtocontroltheMist?
Shewassomiserable,shedidn’tnoticeFrankuntilhewasstandingatherside.
“Feelinganybetter?”heasked.
Hetookherhand,hisfingerscompletelycoveringhers.Shecouldn’tbelievehowmuchtallerhe’dgotten.Hehadchangedintosomanyanimals,shewasn’tsurewhyonemoretransformationshouldamazeher…butsuddenlyhe’dgrownintohisweight.Noonecouldcallhimpudgyorcuddlyanymore.Helookedlikeafootballplayer,solidandstrong,withanewcenterofgravity.Hisshouldershadbroadened.Hewalkedwithmoreconfidence.
WhatFrankhaddoneonthatbridgeinVenice…Hazelwasstillinawe.Noneofthemhadactuallyseenthebattle,butnoonedoubtedit.Frank’swholebearinghadchanged.EvenLeohadstoppedmakingjokesathisexpense.
“I’m—I’mallright,”Hazelmanaged.“You?”
Hesmiled,thecornersofhiseyescrinkling.“I’m,uh,taller.Otherwise,yeah.I’mgood.Ihaven’treally,youknow,changedinside.…”
Hisvoiceheldalittleoftheolddoubtandawkwardness—thevoiceofherFrank,whoalwaysworriedaboutbeingaklutzandmessingup.
Hazelfeltrelieved.Shelikedthatpartofhim.Atfirst,hisnewappearancehadshockedher.
She’dbeenworriedthathispersonalityhadchangedaswell.
Nowshewasstartingtorelaxaboutthat.Despiteallhisstrength,Frankwasthesamesweetguy.
Hewasstillvulnerable.Hestilltrustedherwithhisbiggestweakness—thepieceofmagicalfirewoodshecarriedinhercoatpocket,nexttoherheart.
“Iknow,andI’mglad.”Shesqueezedhishand.“It’s…it’sactuallynotyouI’mworriedabout.”Frankgrunted.“How’sNicodoing?”
She’dbeenthinkingaboutherself,notNico,butshefollowedFrank’sgazetothetopoftheforemast,whereNicowasperchedontheyardarm.
Nicoclaimedthathelikedtokeepwatchbecausehehadgoodeyes.Hazelknewthatwasn’tthereason.ThetopofthemastwasoneofthefewplacesonboardwhereNicocouldbealone.TheothershadofferedhimtheuseofPercy’scabin,sincePercywas…well,absent.Nicoadamantlyrefused.Hespentmostofhistimeupintherigging,wherehedidn’thavetotalkwiththerestofthecrew.
Sincehe’dbeenturnedintoacornplantinVenice,he’donlygottenmorereclusiveandmorose.
“Idon’tknow,”Hazeladmitted.“He’sbeenthroughalot.GettingcapturedinTartarus,beingheldprisonerinthatbronzejar,watchingPercyandAnnabethfall…”
“AndpromisingtoleadustoEpirus.”Franknodded.“IgetthefeelingNicodoesn’tplaywellwithothers.”
Frankstoodupstraight.HewaswearingabeigeT-shirtwithapictureofahorseandthewordsPALIODISIENA.He’donlyboughtitacoupleofdaysago,butnowitwastoosmall.Whenhestretched,hismidriffwasexposed.
Hazelrealizedshewasstaring.Shequicklylookedaway,herfaceflushed.
“Nicoismyonlyrelative,”shesaid.“He’snoteasytolike,but…thanksforbeingkindtohim.”Franksmiled.“Hey,youputupwithmygrandmotherinVancouver.Talkaboutnoteasytolike.”
“Ilovedyourgrandmother!”
Galethepolecatscampereduptothem,farted,andranaway.
“Ugh.”Frankwavedawaythesmell.“Whyisthatthinghere,anyway?”Hazelwasalmostgladshewasn’tondryland.Asagitatedasshefelt,goldandgemswouldprobablybepoppingupallaroundherfeet.
“HecatesentGaletoobserve,”shesaid.
“Observewhat?”
HazeltriedtotakecomfortinFrank’spresence,hisnewauraofsolidityandstrength.
“Idon’tknow,”shesaidatlast.“Somekindoftest.”
Suddenlytheboatlurchedforward.
HAZELANDFRANKTUMBLEDOVEREACHOTHER.HazelaccidentallygaveherselftheHeimlichmaneuverwiththepommelofherswordandcurledonthedeck,moaningandcoughingupthetasteofkatoblepspoison.
Throughafogofpain,sheheardtheship’sfigurehead,Festusthebronzedragon,creakinginalarmandshootingfire.
Dimly,Hazelwonderedifthey’dhitaniceberg—butintheAdriatic,inthemiddleofsummer?
Theshiprockedtoportwithamassivecommotion,liketelephonepolessnappinginhalf.
“Gahh!”Leoyelledsomewherebehindher.“It’seatingtheoars!”Whatis?Hazelwondered.Shetriedtostand,butsomethinglargeandheavywaspinningherlegs.
SherealizeditwasFrank,grumblingashetriedtoextracthimselffromapileoflooserope.
Everyoneelsewasscrambling.Jasonjumpedoverthem,hissworddrawn,andracedtowardthestern.Piperwasalreadyonthequarterdeck,shootingfoodfromhercornucopia
andyelling,“Hey!
HEY!Eatthis,yastupidturtle!”
Turtle?
FrankhelpedHazeltoherfeet.“Youokay?”
“Yeah,”Hazellied,clutchingherstomach.“Go!”
Franksprintedupthesteps,slingingoffhisbackpack,whichinstantlytransformedintoabowandquiver.Bythetimehereachedthehelm,hehadalreadyfiredonearrowandwasnockingthesecond.
Leofranticallyworkedtheship’scontrols.“Oarswon’tretract.Getitaway!Getitaway!”Upintherigging,Nico’sfacewasslackwithshock.
“Styx—it’shuge!”heyelled.“Port!Goport!”
CoachHedgewasthelastoneondeck.Hecompensatedforthatwithenthusiasm.Heboundedupthesteps,wavinghisbaseballbat,andwithouthesitationgoat-gallopedtothesternandleapedovertherailwithagleeful“Ha-HA!”
Hazelstaggeredtowardthequarterdecktojoinherfriends.Theboatshuddered.Moreoarssnapped,andLeoyelled,“No,no,no!Dangslimy-shelledsonofamother!”Hazelreachedthesternandcouldn’tbelievewhatshesaw.
Whensheheardthewordturtle,shethoughtofacutelittlethingthesizeofajewelrybox,sittingonarockinthemiddleofafishpond.Whensheheardhuge,hermindtriedtoadjust—okay,perhapsitwasliketheGalapagostortoiseshe’dseeninthezooonce,withashellbigenoughtorideon.
Shedidnotenvisionacreaturethesizeofanisland.Whenshesawthemassivedomeofcraggyblackandbrownsquares,thewordturtlesimplydidnotcompute.Itsshellwasmorelikealandmass
—hillsofbone,shinypearlvalleys,kelpandmossforests,riversofseawatertricklingdownthegroovesofitscarapace.
Ontheship’sstarboardside,anotherpartofthemonsterrosefromthewaterlikeasubmarine.
LaresofRome…wasthatitshead?
Itsgoldeyeswerethesizeofwadingpools,withdarksidewaysslitsforpupils.Itsskinglistenedlikewetarmycamouflage—brownfleckedwithgreenandyellow.Itsred,toothlessmouthcould’veswallowedtheAthenaParthenosinonebite.
Hazelwatchedasitsnappedoffhalfadozenoars.
“Stopthat!”Leowailed.
CoachHedgeclamberedaroundtheturtle’sshell,whackingatituselesslywithhisbaseballbatandyelling,“Takethat!Andthat!”
Jasonflewfromthesternandlandedonthecreature’shead.Hestabbedhisgoldenswordstraightbetweenitseyes,butthebladeslippedsideways,asiftheturtle’sskinwere
greasedsteel.Frankshotarrowsatthemonster’seyeswithnosuccess.Theturtle’sfilmyinnereyelidsblinkedwithuncannyprecision,deflectingeachshot.Pipershotcantaloupesintothewater,yelling,“Fetch,yastupidturtle!”ButtheturtleseemedfixatedoneatingtheArgoII.
“Howdiditgetsoclose?”Hazeldemanded.
Leothrewhishandsupinexasperation.“Mustbethatshell.Guessit’sinvisibletosonar.It’safreakingstealthturtle!”
“Cantheshipfly?”Piperasked.
“Withhalfouroarsbrokenoff?”LeopunchedsomebuttonsandspunhisArchimedessphere.
“I’llhavetotrysomethingelse.”
“There!”Nicoyelledfromabove.“Canyougetustothosestraits?”Hazellookedwherehewaspointing.Abouthalfamiletotheeast,alongstripoflandranparalleltothecoastalcliffs.Itwashardtobesurefromadistance,butthestretchofwaterbetweenthemlookedtobeonlytwentyorthirtyyardsacross—possiblywideenoughfortheArgoIItoslipthrough,butdefinitelynotwideenoughforthegiantturtle’sshell.
“Yeah.Yeah.”Leoapparentlyunderstood.HeturnedtheArchimedessphere.“Jason,getawayfromthatthing’shead!Ihaveanidea!”
Jasonwasstillhackingawayattheturtle’sface,butwhenheheardLeosayIhaveanidea,hemadetheonlysmartchoice.Heflewawayasfastaspossible.
“Coach,comeon!”Jasonsaid.
“No,Igotthis!”Hedgesaid,butJasongrabbedhimaroundthewaistandtookoff.Unfortunately,thecoachstruggledsomuchthatJason’sswordfelloutofhishandandsplashedintothesea.
“Coach!”Jasoncomplained.
“What?”Hedgesaid.“Iwassofteninghimup!”
Theturtlehead-buttedthehull,almosttossingthewholecrewofftheportside.Hazelheardacrackingsound,likethekeelhadsplintered.
“Justanotherminute,”Leosaid,hishandsflyingovertheconsole.
“Wemightnotbehereinanotherminute!”Frankfiredhislastarrow.
Piperyelledattheturtle,“Goaway!”
Foramoment,itactuallyworked.Theturtleturnedfromtheshipanddippeditsheadunderwater.
Butthenitcamerightbackandrammedthemevenharder.
JasonandCoachHedgelandedonthedeck.
“Youallright?”Piperasked.
“Fine,”Jasonmuttered.“Withoutaweapon,butfine.”
“Fireintheshell!”Leocried,spinninghisWiicontroller.
Hazelthoughtthesternhadexploded.Jetsoffireblastedoutbehindthem,washingovertheturtle’shead.TheshipshotforwardandthrewHazeltothedeckagain.
Shehauledherselfupandsawthattheshipwasbouncingoverthewavesatincrediblespeed,trailingfirelikearocket.Theturtlewasalreadyahundredyardsbehindthem,itsheadcharredandsmoking.
Themonsterbellowedinfrustrationandstartedafterthem,itspaddlefeetscoopingthroughthewaterwithsuchpowerthatitactuallystartedtogainonthem.Theentrancetothestraitswasstillaquartermileahead.
“Adistraction,”Leomuttered.“We’llnevermakeitunlesswegetadistraction.”
“Adistraction,”Hazelrepeated.
Sheconcentratedandthought:Arion!
Shehadnoideawhetheritwouldwork.Butinstantly,Hazelspottedsomethingonthehorizon—aflashoflightandsteam.ItstreakedacrossthesurfaceoftheAdriatic.Inaheartbeat,Arionstoodonthequarterdeck.
GodsofOlympus,Hazelthought.Ilovethishorse.
Arionsnortedasiftosay,Ofcourseyoudo.You’renotstupid.
Hazelclimbedonhisback.“Piper,Icouldusethatcharmspeakofyours.”
“Onceuponatime,Ilikedturtles,”Pipermuttered,acceptingahandup.“Notanymore!”HazelspurredArion.Heleapedoverthesideoftheboat,hittingthewateratafullgallop.
Theturtlewasafastswimmer,butitcouldn’tmatchArion’sspeed.HazelandPiperzippedaroundthemonster’shead,Hazelslicingwithhersword,Pipershoutingrandomcommandslike,
“Dive!Turnleft!Lookbehindyou!”
Thesworddidnodamage.Eachcommandonlyworkedforamoment,buttheyweremakingtheturtleveryannoyed.Arionwhinniedderisivelyastheturtlesnappedathim,onlytogetamouthfulofhorsevapor.
SoonthemonsterhadcompletelyforgottentheArgoII.Hazelkeptstabbingatitshead.Piperkeptyellingcommandsandusinghercornucopiatobouncecoconutsandroastedchickensofftheturtle’seyeballs.
AssoonastheArgoIIhadpassedintothestraits,Arionbrokeoffhisharassment.Theyspedaftertheship,andamomentlaterwerebackondeck.
Therocketfirehadextinguished,thoughsmokingbronzeexhaustventsstilljuttedfromthestern.
TheArgoIIlimpedforwardundersailpower,buttheirplanhadpaidoff.Theyweresafelyharboredinthenarrowwaters,withalong,rockyislandtostarboardandthesheerwhitecliffsofthemainlandtoport.Theturtlestoppedattheentrancetothestraitsandglaredatthembalefully,butitmadenoattempttofollow.Itsshellwasobviouslymuchtoowide.
HazeldismountedandgotabighugfromFrank.“Niceworkoutthere!”hesaid.
Herfaceflushed.“Thanks.”
Pipersliddownnexttoher.“Leo,sincewhendowehavejetpropulsion?”
“Aw,youknow…”Leotriedtolookmodestandfailed.“JustalittlesomethingIwhippedupinmysparetime.WishIcouldgiveyoumorethanafewsecondsofburn,butatleastitgotusoutofthere.”
“Androastedtheturtle’shead,”Jasonsaidappreciatively.“Sowhatnow?”
“Killit!”Coachsaid.“Youevenhavetoask?Wegotenoughdistance.Wegotballistae.Lockandload,demigods!”
Jasonfrowned.“Coach,firstofall,youmademelosemysword.”
“Hey!Ididn’taskforanevac!”
“Second,Idon’tthinktheballistaewilldoanygood.ThatshellislikeNemeanLionskin.Itsheadisn’tanysofter.”
“Sowechuckonerightdownitsthroat,”Coachsaid,“likeyouguysdidwiththatshrimpmonsterthingintheAtlantic.Lightitupfromtheinside.”
Frankscratchedhishead.“Mightwork.Butthenyou’vegotafive-million-kiloturtlecarcassblockingtheentrancetothestraits.Ifwecan’tflywiththeoarsbroken,howdowegettheshipout?”
“Youwaitandfixtheoars!”Coachsaid.“Orjustsailtheotherdirection,youbiggaloot.”Franklookedconfused.“What’sagaloot?”
“Guys!”Nicocalleddownfromthemast.“Aboutsailingtheotherdirection?Idon’tthinkthat’sgoingtowork.”
Hepointedpasttheprow.
Aquartermileaheadofthem,thelongrockystripoflandcurvedinandmetthecliffs.ThechannelendedinanarrowV.
“We’renotinastrait,”Jasonsaid.“We’reinadeadend.”Hazelgotacoldfeelinginherfingersandtoes.Ontheportrail,Galetheweaselsatuponherhaunches,staringatHazelexpectantly.
“Thisisatrap,”Hazelsaid.
Theotherslookedather.
“Nah,it’sfine,”Leosaid.“Worsethathappens,wemakerepairs.Mighttakeovernight,butIcangettheshipflyingagain.”
Atthemouthoftheinlet,theturtleroared.Itdidn’tappearinterestedinleaving.
“Well…”Pipershrugged.“Atleasttheturtlecan’tgetus.We’resafehere.”Thatwassomethingnodemigodshouldeversay.ThewordshadbarelyleftPiper’smouthwhenanarrowsankintothemainmast,sixinchesfromherface.
Thecrewscatteredforcover,exceptforPiper,whostoodfrozeninplace,gapingatthe
arrowthathadalmostpiercedhernosethehardway.
“Piper,duck!”Jasonwhisperedharshly.
Butnoothermissilesraineddown.
Frankstudiedtheangleoftheboltinthemastandpointedtowardthetopofthecliffs.
“Upthere,”hesaid.“Singleshooter.Seehim?”
Thesunwasinhereyes,butHazelspottedatinyfigurestandingatthetopoftheledge.Hisbronzearmorglinted.
“Whotheheckishe?”Leodemanded.“Whyishefiringatus?”
“Guys?”Piper’svoicewasthinandwatery.“There’sanote.”Hazelhadn’tseenitbefore,butaparchmentscrollwastiedtothearrowshaft.Shewasn’tsurewhy,butthatmadeherangry.Shestormedoveranduntiedit.
“Uh,Hazel?”Leosaid.“Yousurethat’ssafe?”
Shereadthenoteoutloud.“Firstline:Standanddeliver.”
“Whatdoesthatmean?”CoachHedgecomplained.“Wearestanding.Well,crouching,anyway.
Andifthatguyisexpectingapizzadelivery,forgetit!”
“There’smore,”Hazelsaid.“Thisisarobbery.Sendtwoofyourpartytothetopofthecliffwithallyourvaluables.Nomorethantwo.Leavethemagichorse.Noflying.Notricks.Justclimb.”
“Climbwhat?”Piperasked.
Nicopointed.“There.”
Anarrowsetofstepswascarvedintothecliff,leadingtothetop.Theturtle,thedead-endchannel,thecliff…Hazelgotthefeelingthiswasnotthefirsttimetheletterwriterhadambushedashiphere.
Sheclearedherthroatandkeptreadingaloud:“Idomeanallyourvaluables.OtherwisemyturtleandIwilldestroyyou.Youhavefiveminutes.”
“Usethecatapults!”criedthecoach.
“P.S.,”Hazelread,“Don’teventhinkaboutusingyourcatapults.”
“Curseit!”saidthecoach.“Thisguyisgood.”
“Isthenotesigned?”Nicoasked.
Hazelshookherhead.She’dheardastorybackatCampJupiter,somethingaboutarobberwhoworkedwithagiantturtle;butasusual,assoonassheneededtheinformation,itsatannoyinglyinthebackofhermemory,justoutofreach.
TheweaselGalewatchedher,waitingtoseewhatshewoulddo.
Thetesthasn’thappenedyet,Hazelthought.
Distractingtheturtlehadn’tbeenenough.Hazelhadn’tprovenanythingabouthowshe
couldmanipulatetheMist…mostlybecauseshecouldn’tmanipulatetheMist.
Leostudiedtheclifftopandmutteredunderhisbreath.“That’snotagoodtrajectory.EvenifIcouldarmthecatapultbeforethatguypincushioneduswitharrows,Idon’tthinkIcouldmaketheshot.That’shundredsoffeet,almoststraightup.”
“Yeah,”Frankgrumbled.“Mybowisuselesstoo.He’sgotahugeadvantage,beingaboveuslikethat.Icouldn’treachhim.”
“And,um…”Pipernudgedthearrowthatwasstuckinthemast.“Ihaveafeelinghe’sagoodshot.Idon’tthinkhemeanttohitme.Butifhedid…”Shedidn’tneedtoelaborate.Whoeverthatrobberwas,hecouldhitatargetfromhundredsoffeetaway.Hecouldshootthemallbeforetheycouldreact.
“I’llgo,”Hazelsaid.
Shehatedtheidea,butshewassureHecatehadsetthisupassomesortoftwistedchallenge.ThiswasHazel’stest—herturntosavetheship.Asifsheneededconfirmation,Galescamperedalongtherailingandjumpedonhershoulder,readytohitcharide.
Theothersstaredather.
Frankgrippedhisbow.“Hazel—”
“No,listen,”shesaid,“thisrobberwantsvaluables.Icangoupthere,summongold,jewels,whateverhewants.”
Leoraisedaneyebrow.“Ifwepayhimoff,youthinkhe’llactuallyletusgo?”
“Wedon’thavemuchchoice,”Nicosaid.“Betweenthatguyandtheturtle…”Jasonraisedhishand.Theothersfellsilent.
“I’llgotoo,”hesaid.“Thelettersaystwopeople.I’lltakeHazelupthereandwatchherback.
Besides,Idon’tlikethelookofthosesteps.IfHazelfalls…well,Icanusethewindstokeepusbothfromcomingdownthehardway.”
Arionwhinniedinprotest,asiftosay,You’regoingwithoutme?You’rekidding,right?
“Ihaveto,Arion,”Hazelsaid.“Jason…yes.Ithinkyou’reright.It’sthebestplan.”
“OnlywishIhadmysword.”Jasonglaredatthecoach.“It’sbackthereatthebottomofthesea,andwedon’thavePercytoretrieveit.”
ThenamePercypassedoverthemlikeacloud.Themoodondeckgotevendarker.
Hazelstretchedoutherarm.Shedidn’tthinkaboutit.ShejustconcentratedonthewaterandcalledforImperialgold.
Astupididea.Theswordwasmuchtoofaraway,probablyhundredsoffeetunderwater.Butshefeltaquicktuginherfingers,likeabiteonafishingline,andJason’sbladeflewoutofthewaterandintoherhand.
“Here,”shesaid,handingitover.
Jason’seyeswidened.“How…Thatwaslikehalfamile!”
“I’vebeenpracticing,”shesaid,thoughitwasn’ttrue.
Shehopedshehadn’taccidentallycursedJason’sswordbysummoningit,thewayshecursedjewelsandpreciousmetals.
Somehow,though,shethought,weaponsweredifferent.Afterall,she’draisedabunchofImperialgoldequipmentfromGlacierBayanddistributedittotheFifthCohort.Thathadworkedoutokay.
Shedecidednottoworryaboutit.ShefeltsoangryatHecateandsotiredofbeingmanipulatedbythegodsthatshewasn’tgoingtoletanytriflingproblemsstandinherway.“Now,iftherearenootherobjections,wehavearobbertomeet.”
HAZELLIKEDTHEGREATOUTDOORS—butclimbingatwo-hundred-footcliffonastairwaywithoutrails,withabad-temperedweaselonhershoulder?Notsomuch.EspeciallywhenshecouldhaveriddenAriontothetopinamatterofseconds.
Jasonwalkedbehindhersohecouldcatchherifshefell.Hazelappreciatedthat,butitdidn’tmakethesheerdropanylessscary.
Sheglancedtoherright,whichwasamistake.Herfootalmostslipped,sendingasprayofgravelovertheedge.Galesqueakedinalarm.
“Youallright?”Jasonasked.
“Yes.”Hazel’sheartjackhammeredatherribs.“Fine.”
Shehadnoroomtoturnandlookathim.Shejusthadtotrusthewouldn’tletherplummettoherdeath.Sincehecouldfly,hewastheonlylogicalbackup.Still,shewisheditwasFrankatherback,orNico,orPiper,orLeo.Oreven…well,okay,maybenotCoachHedge.Butstill,Hazelcouldn’tgetareadonJasonGrace.
Eversinceshe’darrivedatCampJupiter,she’dheardstoriesabouthim.Thecampers
spokewithreverenceaboutthesonofJupiterwho’drisenfromthelowlyranksoftheFifthCohorttobecomepraetor,ledthemtovictoryintheBattleofMountTam,thendisappeared.Evennow,afteralltheeventsofthepastcoupleofweeks,Jasonseemedmorelikealegendthanaperson.Shehadahardtimewarminguptohim,withthoseicyblueeyesandthatcarefulreserve,likehewascalculatingeverywordbeforehesaidit.Also,shecouldn’tforgethowhehadbeenreadytowriteoffherbrother,Nico,whenthey’dlearnedhewasacaptiveinRome.
JasonhadthoughtNicowasbaitforatrap.Hehadbeenright.Andmaybe,nowthatNicowassafe,HazelcouldseewhyJason’scautionwasagoodidea.Still,shedidn’tquiteknowwhattothinkoftheguy.Whatiftheygotthemselvesintroubleatthetopofthiscliff,andJasondecidedthatsavingHazelwasn’tinthebestinterestofthequest?
Sheglancedup.Shecouldn’tseethethieffromhere,butshesensedhewaswaiting.Hazelwasconfidentshecouldproduceenoughgemsandgoldtoimpresseventhegreediestrobber.Shewonderedifthetreasuresshesummonedwouldstillbringbadluck.She’dneverbeensurewhetherthatcursehadbeenbrokenwhenshehaddiedthefirsttime.Thisseemedlikeagoodopportunitytofindout.Anybodywhorobbedinnocentdemigodswithagiantturtledeservedafewnastycurses.
Galetheweaseljumpedoffhershoulderandscamperedahead.Sheglancedbackandbarkedeagerly.
“GoingasfastasIcan,”Hazelmuttered.
Shecouldn’tshakethefeelingthattheweaselwasanxioustowatchherfail.
“This,uh,controllingtheMist,”Jasonsaid.“Haveyouhadanyluck?”
“No,”Hazeladmitted.
Shedidn’tliketothinkaboutherfailures—theseagullshecouldn’tturnintoadragon,CoachHedge’sbaseballbatstubbornlyrefusingtoturnintoahotdog.Shejustcouldn’tmakeherselfbelieveanyofitwaspossible.
“You’llgetit,”Jasonsaid.
Histonesurprisedher.Itwasn’tathrowawaycommentjusttobenice.Hesoundedtrulyconvinced.Shekeptclimbing,butsheimaginedhimwatchingherwiththosepiercingblueeyes,hisjawsetwithconfidence.
“Howcanyoubesure?”sheasked.
“Justam.I’vegotagoodinstinctforwhatpeoplecando—demigods,anyway.Hecatewouldn’thavepickedyouifshedidn’tbelieveyouhadpower.”
MaybethatshouldhavemadeHazelfeelbetter.Itdidn’t.
Shehadagoodinstinctforpeopletoo.Sheunderstoodwhatmotivatedmostofherfriends—evenherbrother,Nico,whowasn’teasytoread.
ButJason?Shedidn’thaveaclue.Everybodysaidhewasanaturalleader.Shebelievedit.Herehewas,makingherfeellikeavaluedmemberoftheteam,tellinghershewascapableofanything.
ButwhatwasJasoncapableof?
Shecouldn’ttalktoanyoneaboutherdoubts.Frankwasinaweoftheguy.Piper,ofcourse,washead-over-heels.Leowashisbestfriend.EvenNicoseemedtofollowhisleadwithoutquestion.
ButHazelcouldn’tforgetthatJasonhadbeenHera’sfirstmoveinthewaragainstthegiants.TheQueenofOlympushaddroppedJasonintoCampHalf-Blood,whichhadstartedthisentirechainofeventstostopGaea.WhyJasonfirst?SomethingtoldHazelhewasthelinchpin.Jasonwouldbethefinalplay,too.
Tostormorfiretheworldmustfall.That’swhattheprophecysaid.AsmuchasHazelfearedfire,shefearedstormsmore.JasonGracecouldcausesomeprettyhugestorms.
Sheglancedupandsawtherimofthecliffonlyafewyardsaboveher.
Shereachedthetop,breathlessandsweaty.Alongslopingvalleymarchedinland,dottedwithscragglyolivetreesandlimestoneboulders.Therewerenosignsofcivilization.
Hazel’slegstrembledfromtheclimb.Galeseemedanxioustoexplore.Theweaselbarkedandfartedandscamperedintothenearestbushes.Farbelow,theArgoIIlookedlikeatoyboatinthechannel.Hazeldidn’tunderstandhowanyonecouldshootanarrowaccuratelyfromthishighup,accountingforthewindandtheglareofthesunoffthewater.Atthemouthoftheinlet,themassiveshapeoftheturtle’sshellglintedlikeaburnishedcoin.
Jasonjoinedheratthetop,lookingnoworsefortheclimb.
Hestartedtosay,“Where—”
“Here!”saidavoice.
Hazelflinched.Onlytenfeetaway,amanhadappeared,abowandquiveroverhisshoulderandtwoold-fashionedflintlockduelingpistolsinhishands.Heworehighleatherboots,leatherbreeches,andapirate-styleshirt.Hiscurlyblackhairlookedlikealittlekid’sdoandhissparklygreeneyeswerefriendlyenough,butaredbandanacoveredthelowerhalfofhisface.
“Welcome!”thebanditcried,pointinghisgunsatthem.“Yourmoneyoryourlife!”Hazelwascertainthathehadn’tbeenthereasecondago.He’dsimplymaterialized,asifhe’dsteppedoutfrombehindaninvisiblecurtain.
“Whoareyou?”Hazelasked.
Thebanditlaughed.“Sciron,ofcourse!”
“Chiron?”Jasonasked.“Likethecentaur?”
Thebanditrolledhiseyes.“Sky-ron,myfriend.SonofPoseidon!Thiefextraordinaire!All-aroundawesomeguy!Butthat’snotimportant.I’mnotseeinganyvaluables!”hecried,asifthiswereexcellentnews.“Iguessthatmeansyouwanttodie?”
“Wait,”Hazelsaid.“We’vegotvaluables.Butifwegivethemup,howcanwebesureyou’llletusgo?”
“Oh,theyalwaysaskthat,”Scironsaid.“Ipromiseyou,ontheRiverStyx,thatassoonasyousurrenderwhatIwant,Iwillnotshootyou.Iwillsendyourightbackdownthat
cliff.”HazelgaveJasonawarylook.RiverStyxorno,thewayScironphrasedhispromisedidn’treassureher.
“Whatifwefoughtyou?”Jasonasked.“Youcan’tattackusandholdourshiphostageatthesame—”
BANG!BANG!
Ithappenedsofast,Hazel’sbrainneededamomenttocatchup.
SmokecurledfromthesideofJason’shead.Justabovehisleftear,agroovecutthroughhishairlikearacingstripe.OneofSciron’sflintlockswasstillpointedathisface.Theotherflintlockwaspointeddown,overthesideofthecliff,asifSciron’ssecondshothadbeenfiredattheArgoII.
Hazelchokedfromdelayedshock.“Whatdidyoudo?”
“Oh,don’tworry!”Scironlaughed.“Ifyoucouldseethatfar—whichyoucan’t—you’dseeaholeinthedeckbetweentheshoesofthebigyoungman,theonewiththebow.”
“Frank!”
Scironshrugged.“Ifyousayso.Thatwasjustademonstration.I’mafraiditcouldhavebeenmuchmoreserious.”
Hespunhisflintlocks.Thehammersreset,andHazelhadafeelingthegunshadjustmagicallyreloaded.
ScironwaggledhiseyebrowsatJason.“So!Toansweryourquestion—yes,Icanattackyouandholdyourshiphostageatthesametime.Celestialbronzeammunition.Quitedeadlytodemigods.Youtwowoulddiefirst—bang,bang.ThenIcouldtakemytimepickingoffyourfriendsonthatship.
Targetpracticeissomuchmorefunwithlivetargetsrunningaroundscreaming!”Jasontouchedthenewfurrowthatthebullethadplowedthroughhishair.Foronce,hedidn’tlookveryconfident.
Hazel’sankleswobbled.Frankwasthebestshotsheknewwithabow,butthisbanditScironwasinhumanlygood.
“You’reasonofPoseidon?”shemanaged.“Iwould’vethoughtApollo,thewayyoushoot.”Thesmilelinesdeepenedaroundhiseyes.“Why,thankyou!It’sjustfrompractice,though.Thegiantturtle—that’sduetomyparentage.Youcan’tgoaroundtaminggiantturtleswithoutbeingasonofPoseidon!Icouldoverwhelmyourshipwithatidalwave,ofcourse,butit’sterriblydifficultwork.
Notnearlyasfunasambushingandshootingpeople.”
Hazeltriedtocollectherthoughts,stallfortime,butitwasdifficultwhilestaringdownthesmokingbarrelsofthoseflintlocks.“Uh…what’sthebandanafor?”
“Sonoonerecognizesme!”Scironsaid.
“Butyouintroducedyourself,”Jasonsaid.“You’reSciron.”Thebandit’seyeswidened.“Howdidyou—Oh.Yes,IsupposeIdid.”Heloweredoneflintlockandscratchedthesideofhisheadwiththeother.“Terriblysloppyofme.Sorry.I’mafraidI’malittlerusty.
Backfromthedead,andallthat.Letmetryagain.”Heleveledhispistols.“Standanddeliver!Iamananonymousbandit,andyoudonotneedtoknowmyname!”
Ananonymousbandit.SomethingclickedinHazel’smemory.“Theseus.Hekilledyouonce.”Sciron’sshouldersslumped.“Now,whydidyouhavetomentionhim?Weweregettingalongsowell!”
Jasonfrowned.“Hazel,youknowthisguy’sstory?”
Shenodded,thoughthedetailsweremurky.“TheseusmethimontheroadtoAthens.Scironwouldkillhisvictimsby,um…”
Somethingabouttheturtle.Hazelcouldn’tremember.
“Theseuswassuchacheater!”Scironcomplained.“Idon’twanttotalkabouthim.I’mbackfromthedeadnow.GaeapromisedmeIcouldstayonthecoastlineandroballthedemigodsIwanted,andthat’swhatI’mgoingtodo!Now…wherewerewe?”
“Youwereabouttoletusgo,”Hazelventured.
“Hmm…”Scironsaid.“No,I’mprettysurethatwasn’tit.Ah,right!Moneyoryourlife.Whereareyourvaluables?Novaluables?ThenI’llhaveto—”
“Wait,”Hazelsaid.“Ihaveourvaluables.Atleast,Icangetthem.”ScironpointedaflintlockatJason’shead.“Well,then,mydear,hoptoit,ormynextshotwillcutoffmorethanyourfriend’shair!”
Hazelhardlyneededtoconcentrate.Shewassoanxious,thegroundrumbledbeneathherandimmediatelyyieldedabumpercrop—preciousmetalspoppingtothesurfaceasthoughthedirtwasanxioustoexpelthem.
Shefoundherselfsurroundedbyaknee-highmoundoftreasure—Romandenarii,silverdrachmas,ancientgoldjewelry,glitteringdiamondsandtopazandrubies—enoughtofillseverallawnbags.
Scironlaughedwithdelight.“Howintheworlddidyoudothat?”Hazeldidn’tanswer.ShethoughtaboutallthecoinsthathadappearedatthecrossroadswithHecate.Herewereevenmore—centuries’worthofhiddenwealthfromeveryempirethathadeverclaimedthisland—Greek,Roman,Byzantine,andsomanyothers.Thoseempiresweregone,leavingonlyabarrencoastlineforScironthebandit.
Thatthoughtmadeherfeelsmallandpowerless.
“Justtakethetreasure,”shesaid.“Letusgo.”
Scironchuckled.“Oh,butIdidsayallyourvaluables.Iunderstandyou’reholdingsomethingveryspecialonthatship…acertainivory-and-goldstatueabout,say,fortyfeettall?”ThesweatstartedtodryonHazel’sneck,sendingashiverdownherback.
Jasonsteppedforward.Despitethegunpointedathisface,hiseyeswereashardassapphires.
“Thestatueisn’tnegotiable.”
“You’reright,it’snot!”Scironagreed.“Imusthaveit!”
“Gaeatoldyouaboutit,”Hazelguessed.“Sheorderedyoutotakeit.”Scironshrugged.“Maybe.ButshetoldmeIcouldkeepitformyself.Hardtopassupthatoffer!Idon’tintendtodieagain,myfriends.Iintendtolivealonglifeasaverywealthyman!”
“Thestatuewon’tdoyouanygood,”Hazelsaid.“NotifGaeadestroystheworld.”ThemuzzlesofSciron’spistolswavered.“Pardon?”
“Gaeaisusingyou,”Hazelsaid.“Ifyoutakethatstatue,wewon’tbeabletodefeather.She’splanningonwipingallmortalsanddemigodsoffthefaceoftheearth,lettinghergiantsandmonsterstakeover.Sowherewillyouspendyourgold,Sciron?AssumingGaeaevenletsyoulive.”Hazelletthatsinkin.ShefiguredScironwouldhavenotroublebelievingindouble-crosses,beingabanditandall.
Hewassilentforacountoften.
Finallyhissmilelinesreturned.
“Allright!”hesaid.“I’mnotunreasonable.Keepthestatue.”Jasonblinked.“Wecango?”
“Justonemorething,”Scironsaid.“Ialwaysdemandashowofrespect.BeforeIletmyvictimsleave,Iinsistthattheywashmyfeet.”
Hazelwasn’tsureshe’dheardhimright.ThenScironkickedoffhisleatherboots,oneaftertheother.HisbarefeetwerethemostdisgustingthingsHazelhadeverseen…andshehadseensomeverydisgustingthings.
Theywerepuffy,wrinkled,andwhiteasdough,asifthey’dbeensoakinginformaldehydeforafewcenturies.Tuftsofbrownhairsproutedfromeachmisshapentoe.Hisjaggedtoenailsweregreenandyellow,likeatortoise’sshell.
Thenthesmellhither.Hazeldidn’tknowifherfather’sUnderworldpalacehadacafeteriaforzombies,butifitdid,thatcafeteriawouldsmelllikeSciron’sfeet.
“So!”Scironwriggledhisdisgustingtoes.“Whowantstheleft,andwhowantstheright?”Jason’sfaceturnedalmostaswhiteasthosefeet.“You’ve…gottobekidding.”
“Notatall!”Scironsaid.“Washmyfeet,andwe’redone.I’llsendyoubackdownthecliff.IpromiseontheRiverStyx.”
Hemadethatpromisesoeasily,alarmbellsranginHazel’smind.Feet.Sendyoubackdownthecliff.Tortoiseshell.
Thestorycamebacktoher,allthemissingpiecesfittingintoplace.SherememberedhowScironkilledhisvictims.
“Couldwehaveamoment?”Hazelaskedthebandit.
Sciron’seyesnarrowed.“Whatfor?”
“Well,it’sabigdecision,”shesaid.“Leftfoot,rightfoot.Weneedtodiscuss.”Shecouldtellhewassmilingunderthemask.
“Ofcourse,”hesaid.“I’msogenerous,youcanhavetwominutes.”Hazelclimbedoutofherpileoftreasure.SheledJasonasfarawayasshedared—aboutfiftyfeetdownthecliff,whichshehopedwasoutofearshot.
“Scironkickshisvictimsoffthecliff,”shewhispered.
Jasonscowled.“What?”
“Whenyoukneeldowntowashhisfeet,”Hazelsaid.“That’showhekillsyou.Whenyou’reoff-balance,woozyfromthesmellofhisfeet,he’llkickyouovertheedge.You’llfallrightintothemouthofhisgiantturtle.”
Jasontookamomenttodigestthat,sotospeak.Heglancedoverthecliff,wheretheturtle’smassiveshellglintedjustunderthewater.
“Sowehavetofight,”Jasonsaid.
“Sciron’stoofast,”Hazelsaid.“He’llkillusboth.”
“ThenI’llbereadytofly.Whenhekicksmeover,I’llfloathalfwaydownthecliff.Thenwhenhekicksyou,I’llcatchyou.”
Hazelshookherhead.“Ifhekicksyouhardandfastenough,you’llbetoodazedtofly.Andevenifyoucan,Sciron’sgottheeyesofamarksman.He’llwatchyoufall.Ifyouhover,he’lljustshootyououtoftheair.”
“Then…”Jasonclenchedhisswordhilt.“Ihopeyouhaveanotheridea?”Afewfeetaway,Galetheweaselappearedfromthebushes.ShegnashedherteethandpeeredatHazelasiftosay,Well?Doyou?
Hazelcalmedhernerves,tryingtoavoidpullingmoregoldfromtheground.Sherememberedthedreamshe’dhadofherfatherPluto’svoice:Thedeadseewhattheybelievetheywillsee.Sodotheliving.Thatisthesecret.
Sheunderstoodwhatshehadtodo.Shehatedtheideaworsethanshehatedthatfartingweasel,worsethanshehatedSciron’sfeet.
“Unfortunately,yes,”Hazelsaid.“WehavetoletScironwin.”
“What?”Jasondemanded.
Hazeltoldhimtheplan.
“FINALLY!”SCIRONCRIED.“Thatwasmuchlongerthantwominutes!”
“Sorry,”Jasonsaid.“Itwasabigdecision…whichfoot.”
HazeltriedtoclearhermindandimaginethescenethroughSciron’seyes—whathedesired,whatheexpected.
ThatwasthekeytousingtheMist.Shecouldn’tforcesomeonetoseetheworldherway.Shecouldn’tmakeSciron’srealityappearlessbelievable.Butifsheshowedhimwhathewantedtosee…
well,shewasachildofPluto.She’dspentdecadeswiththedead,listeningtothemyearnforpastlivesthatwereonlyhalf-remembered,distortedbynostalgia.
Thedeadsawwhattheybelievedtheywouldsee.Sodidtheliving.
PlutowasthegodoftheUnderworld,thegodofwealth.MaybethosetwospheresofinfluenceweremoreconnectedthanHazelhadrealized.Therewasn’tmuchdifferencebetweenlongingandgreed.
Ifshecouldsummongoldanddiamonds,whynotsummonanotherkindoftreasure—avisionoftheworldpeoplewantedtosee?
Ofcourseshecouldbewrong,inwhichcasesheandJasonwereabouttobeturtlefood.
Sherestedherhandonherjacketpocket,whereFrank’smagicalfirewoodseemedheavierthanusual.Shewasn’tjustcarryinghislifelinenow.Shewascarryingthelivesoftheentirecrew.
Jasonsteppedforward,hishandsopeninsurrender.“I’llgofirst,Sciron.I’llwashyourleftfoot.”
“Excellentchoice!”Scironwriggledhishairy,corpse-liketoes.“Imayhavesteppedonsomethingwiththatfoot.Itfeltalittlesquishyinsidemyboot.ButI’msureyou’llcleanitproperly.”Jason’searsreddened.Fromthetensioninhisneck,Hazelcouldtellthathe
wastemptedtodropthecharadeandattack—onequickslashwithhisImperialgoldblade.ButHazelknewifhetried,hewouldfail.
“Sciron,”shebrokein,“doyouhavewater?Soap?Howarewesupposedtowash—”
“Likethis!”Scironspunhisleftflintlock.Suddenlyitbecameasquirtbottlewitharag.HetossedittoJason.
Jasonsquintedatthelabel.“Youwantmetowashyourfeetwithglasscleaner?”
“Ofcoursenot!”Scironknithiseyebrows.“Itsaysmulti-surfacecleanser.Myfeetdefinitelyqualifyasmulti-surface.Besides,it’santibacterial.Ineedthat.Believeme,waterwon’tdothetrickonthesebabies.”
Scironwiggledhistoes,andmorezombiecaféodorwaftedacrossthecliffs.
Jasongagged.“Oh,gods,no…”
Scironshrugged.“Youcanalwayschoosewhat’sinmyotherhand.”Heheftedhisrightflintlock.
“He’lldoit,”Hazelsaid.
Jasonglaredather,butHazelwonthestaringcontest.
“Fine,”hemuttered.
“Excellent!Now…”Scironhoppedtothenearestchunkoflimestonethatwastherightsizeforafootstool.Hefacedthewaterandplantedhisfoot,sohelookedlikesomeexplorerwho’djustclaimedanewcountry.“I’llwatchthehorizonwhileyouscrubmybunions.It’llbemuchmoreenjoyable.”
“Yeah,”Jasonsaid.“Ibet.”
Jasonkneltinfrontofthebandit,attheedgeofthecliff,wherehewasaneasytarget.Onekick,andhe’dtoppleover.
Hazelconcentrated.SheimaginedshewasSciron,thelordofbandits.Shewaslookingdownatapatheticblond-hairedkidwhowasnothreatatall—justanotherdefeateddemigodabouttobecomehisvictim.
Inhermind,shesawwhatwouldhappen.ShesummonedtheMist,callingitfromthedepthsoftheearththewayshedidwithgoldorsilverorrubies.
Jasonsquirtedthecleaningfluid.Hiseyeswatered.HewipedSciron’sbigtoewithhisragandturnedasidetogag.Hazelcouldbarelywatch.Whenthekickhappened,shealmostmissedit.
ScironslammedhisfootintoJason’schest.Jasontumbledbackwardovertheedge,hisarmsflailing,screamingashefell.Whenhewasabouttohitthewater,theturtleroseupandswallowedhiminonebite,thensankbelowthesurface.
AlarmbellssoundedontheArgoII.Hazel’sfriendsscrambledondeck,manningthecatapults.
HazelheardPiperwailingallthewayfromtheship.
Itwassodisturbing,Hazelalmostlostherfocus.Sheforcedhermindtosplitintotwoparts—oneintenselyfocusedonhertask,oneplayingtheroleScironneededtosee.
Shescreamedinoutrage.“Whatdidyoudo?”
“Oh,dear…”Scironsoundedsad,butHazelgottheimpressionhewashidingagrinunderhisbandana.“Thatwasanaccident,Iassureyou.”
“Myfriendswillkillyounow!”
“Theycantry,”Scironsaid.“Butinthemeantime,Ithinkyouhavetimetowashmyotherfoot!
Believeme,mydear.Myturtleisfullnow.Hedoesn’twantyoutoo.You’llbequitesafe,unlessyourefuse.”
Heleveledtheflintlockpistolatherhead.
Shehesitated,lettinghimseeheranguish.Shecouldn’tagreetooeasily,orhewouldn’tthinkshewasbeaten.
“Don’tkickme,”shesaid,half-sobbing.
Hiseyestwinkled.Thiswasexactlywhatheexpected.Shewasbrokenandhelpless.Sciron,thesonofPoseidon,hadwonagain.
HazelcouldhardlybelievethisguyhadthesamefatherasPercyJackson.ThensherememberedthatPoseidonhadachangeablepersonality,likethesea.Maybehischildrenreflectedthat.PercywasachildofPoseidon’sbetternature—powerful,butgentleandhelpful,thekindofseathatspedshipssafelytodistantlands.ScironwasachildofPoseidon’sotherside—thekindofseathatbatteredrelentlesslyatthecoastlineuntilitcrumbledaway,orcarriedtheinnocentsfromshoreandletthemdrown,orsmashedshipsandkilledentirecrewswithoutmercy.
ShesnatchedupthespraybottleJasonhaddropped.
“Sciron,”shegrowled,“yourfeetaretheleastdisgustingthingaboutyou.”Hisgreeneyeshardened.“Justclean.”
Sheknelt,tryingtoignorethesmell.Sheshuffledtooneside,forcingScirontoadjusthisstance,butsheimaginedthattheseawasstillatherback.Sheheldthatvisioninhermindassheshuffledsidewaysagain.
“Justgetonwithit!”Scironsaid.
Hazelsuppressedasmile.She’dmanagedtoturnScirononehundredandeightydegrees,buthestillsawthewaterinfrontofhim,therollingcountrysideathisback.
Shestartedtoclean.
Hazelhaddoneplentyofuglyworkbefore.She’dcleanedtheunicornstablesatCampJupiter.
She’dfilledandduglatrinesforthelegion.
Thisisnothing,shetoldherself.ButitwashardnottoretchwhenshelookedatSciron’stoes.
Whenthekickcame,sheflewbackward,butshedidn’tgofar.Shelandedonherbuttinthegrassafewyardsaway.
Scironstaredather.“But…”
Suddenlytheworldshifted.Theillusionmelted,leavingScirontotallyconfused.Theseawasathisback.He’donlysucceededinkickingHazelawayfromtheledge.
Heloweredhisflintlock.“How—”
“Standanddeliver,”Hazeltoldhim.
Jasonswoopedoutofthesky,rightoverherhead,andbody-slammedthebanditoverthecliff.
Scironscreamedashefell,firinghisflintlockwildly,butforoncehittingnothing.Hazelgottoherfeet.Shereachedthecliff’sedgeintimetoseetheturtlelungeandsnapScironoutoftheair.
Jasongrinned.“Hazel,thatwasamazing.Seriously…Hazel?Hey,Hazel?”Hazelcollapsedtoherknees,suddenlydizzy.
Distantly,shecouldhearherfriendscheeringfromtheshipbelow.Jasonstoodoverher,buthewasmovinginslowmotion,hisoutlineblurry,hisvoicenothingbutstatic.
Frostcreptacrosstherocksandgrassaroundher.Themoundofrichesshe’dsummonedsankbackintotheearth.TheMistswirled.
WhathaveIdone?shethoughtinapanic.Somethingwentwrong.
“No,Hazel,”saidadeepvoicebehindher.“Youhavedonewell.”Shehardlydaredtobreathe.She’donlyheardthatvoiceoncebefore,butshehadreplayeditinhermindthousandsoftimes.
Sheturnedandfoundherselflookingupatherfather.
HewasdressedinRomanstyle—hisdarkhairclose-cropped,hispale,angularfaceclean-shaven.
Histunicandtogawereofblackwool,embroideredwiththreadsofgold.Thefacesoftormentedsoulsshiftedinthefabric.Theedgeofhistogawaslinedwiththecrimsonofasenatororapraetor,butthestriperippledlikeariverofblood.OnPluto’sringfingerwasamassiveopal,likeachunkofpolishedfrozenMist.
Hisweddingring,Hazelthought.ButPlutohadnevermarriedHazel’smother.Godsdidnotmarrymortals.ThatringwouldsignifyhismarriagetoPersephone.
ThethoughtmadeHazelsoangry,sheshookoffherdizzinessandstood.
“Whatdoyouwant?”shedemanded.
Shehopedhertonewouldhurthim—jabhimforallthepainhe’dcausedher.Butafaintsmileplayedacrosshismouth.
“Mydaughter,”hesaid.“Iamimpressed.Youhavegrownstrong.”Nothankstoyou,shewantedtosay.Shedidn’twanttotakeanypleasureinhiscompliment,buthereyesstillprickled.
“Ithoughtyoumajorgodswereincapacitated,”shemanaged.“YourGreekandRomanpersonalitiesfightingagainstoneanother.”
“Weare,”Plutoagreed.“Butyouinvokedmesostronglythatyouallowedmetoappear…ifonlyforamoment.”
“Ididn’tinvokeyou.”
Butevenasshesaidit,sheknewitwasn’ttrue.Forthefirsttime,willingly,she’dembracedherlineageasachildofPluto.She’dtriedtounderstandherfather’spowersandusethemtothefullest.
“WhenyoucometomyhouseinEpirus,”Plutosaid,“youmustbeprepared.Thedeadwillnotwelcomeyou.AndthesorceressPasiphaë—”
“Pacify?”Hazelasked.Thensherealizedthatmustbethewoman’sname.
“ShewillnotbefooledaseasilyasSciron.”Pluto’seyesglitteredlikevolcanicstone.“Yousucceededinyourfirsttest,butPasiphaëintendstorebuildherdomain,whichwillendangeralldemigods.UnlessyoustopherattheHouseofHades…”
Hisformflickered.Foramomenthewasbearded,inGreekrobeswithagoldenlaurelwreathinhishair.Aroundhisfeet,skeletalhandsbrokethroughtheearth.
Thegodgrittedhisteethandscowled.
HisRomanformstabilized.Theskeletalhandsdissolvedbackintotheearth.
“Wedonothavemuchtime.”Helookedlikeamanwho’djustbeenviolentlyill.“KnowthattheDoorsofDeathareatthelowestleveloftheNecromanteion.YoumustmakePasiphaëseewhatshewantstosee.Youareright.Thatisthesecrettoallmagic.Butitwillnotbeeasywhenyouareinhermaze.”
“Whatdoyoumean?Whatmaze?”
“Youwillunderstand,”hepromised.“And,HazelLevesque…youwillnotbelieveme,butIamproudofyourstrength.Sometimes…sometimestheonlywayIcancareformychildrenistokeepmydistance.”
Hazelbitbackaninsult.Plutowasjustanotherdeadbeatgodlydadmakingweakexcuses.Butherheartpoundedasshereplayedhiswords:Iamproudofyourstrength.
“Gotoyourfriends,”Plutosaid.“Theywillbeworried.ThejourneytoEpirusstillholdsmanyperils.”
“Wait,”Hazelsaid.
Plutoraisedaneyebrow.
“WhenImetThanatos,”shesaid,“youknow…Death…hetoldmeIwasn’tonyourlistofroguespiritstocapture.Hesaidmaybethat’swhyyouwerekeepingyourdistance.Ifyouacknowledgedme,you’dhavetotakemebacktotheUnderworld.”
Plutowaited.“Whatisyourquestion?”
“You’rehere.Whydon’tyoutakemetotheUnderworld?Returnmetothedead?”Pluto’sformstartedtofade.Hesmiled,butHazelcouldn’ttellifhewassadorpleased.“Perhaps
thatisnotwhatIwanttosee,Hazel.PerhapsIwasneverhere.”
PERCYWASRELIEVEDwhenthedemongrandmothersclosedinforthekill.
Sure,hewasterrified.Hedidn’tliketheoddsofthreeagainstseveraldozen.Butatleastheunderstoodfighting.Wanderingthroughthedarkness,waitingtobeattacked—thathadbeendrivinghimcrazy.
Besides,heandAnnabethhadfoughttogethermanytimes.AndnowtheyhadaTitanontheirside.
“Backoff.”PercyjabbedRiptideatthenearestshriveledhag,butsheonlysneered.
Wearethearai,saidthatweirdvoice-over,liketheentireforestwasspeaking.Youcannotdestroyus.
Annabethpressedagainsthisshoulder.“Don’ttouchthem,”shewarned.“They’rethespiritsofcurses.”
“Bobdoesn’tlikecurses,”Bobdecided.TheskeletonkittenSmallBobdisappearedinsidehiscoveralls.Smartcat.
TheTitanswepthisbroominawidearc,forcingthespiritsback,buttheycameinagainlikethetide.
Weservethebitterandthedefeated,saidthearai.Weservetheslainwhoprayedforvengeancewiththeirfinalbreath.Wehavemanycursestosharewithyou.
ThefirewaterinPercy’sstomachstartedcrawlinguphisthroat.HewishedTartarushadbetterbeverageoptions,ormaybeatreethatdispensedantacidfruit.
“Iappreciatetheoffer,”hesaid.“Butmymomtoldmenottoacceptcursesfromstrangers.”Thenearestdemonlunged.Herclawsextendedlikebonyswitchblades.Percycutherintwo,butassoonasshevaporized,thesidesofhischestflaredwithpain.Hestumbledback,clampinghishandtohisribcage.Hisfingerscameawaywetandred.
“Percy,you’rebleeding!”Annabethcried,whichwaskindofobvioustohimatthatpoint.“Oh,gods,onbothsides.”
Itwastrue.Theleftandrighthemsofhistatteredshirtwerestickywithblood,asifajavelinhadrunhimthrough.
Oranarrow…
Queasinessalmostknockedhimover.Vengeance.Acursefromtheslain.
HeflashedbacktoanencounterinTexastwoyearsago—afightwithamonstrousrancherwhocouldonlybekilledifeachofhisthreebodieswascutthroughsimultaneously.
“Geryon,”Percysaid.“ThisishowIkilledhim.…”
Thespiritsbaredtheirfangs.Morearaileapedfromtheblacktrees,flappingtheirleatherywings.
Yes,theyagreed.FeelthepainyouinflicteduponGeryon.Somanycurseshavebeenleveledatyou,PercyJackson.Whichwillyoudiefrom?Choose,orwewillripyouapart!
Somehowhestayedonhisfeet.Thebloodstoppedspreading,buthestillfeltlikehehadahotmetalcurtainrodstickingthroughhisribs.Hisswordarmwasheavyandweak.
“Idon’tunderstand,”hemuttered.
Bob’svoiceseemedtoechofromtheendofalongtunnel:“Ifyoukillone,itgivesyouacurse.”
“Butifwedon’tkillthem…”Annabethsaid.
“They’llkillusanyway,”Percyguessed.
Choose!thearaicried.WillyoubecrushedlikeKampê?OrdisintegratedliketheyoungtelkhinesyouslaughteredunderMountSt.Helens?Youhavespreadsomuchdeathandsuffering,PercyJackson.Letusrepayyou!
Thewingedhagspressedin,theirbreathsour,theireyesburningwithhatred.TheylookedlikeFuries,butPercydecidedthesethingswereevenworse.AtleastthethreeFurieswereunderthecontrolofHades.Thesethingswerewild,andtheyjustkeptmultiplying.
IftheyreallyembodiedthedyingcursesofeveryenemyPercyhadeverdestroyed…thenPercywasinserioustrouble.He’dfacedalotofenemies.
OneofthedemonslungedatAnnabeth.Instinctively,shedodged.Shebroughtherrockdownontheoldlady’sheadandbrokeherintodust.
Itwasn’tlikeAnnabethhadachoice.Percywould’vedonethesamething.ButinstantlyAnnabethdroppedherrockandcriedinalarm.
“Ican’tsee!”Shetouchedherface,lookingaroundwildly.Hereyeswerepurewhite.
Percyrantohersideasthearaicackled.
PolyphemuscursedyouwhenyoutrickedhimwithyourinvisibilityintheSeaofMonsters.YoucalledyourselfNobody.Hecouldnotseeyou.Nowyouwillnotseeyourattackers.
“I’vegotyou,”Percypromised.HeputhisarmaroundAnnabeth,butasthearai
advanced,hedidn’tknowhowhecouldprotecteitherofthem.
Adozendemonsleapedfromeverydirection,butBobyelled,“SWEEP!”HisbroomwhooshedoverPercy’shead.Theentirearaioffensivelinetoppledbackwardlikebowlingpins.
Moresurgedforward.Bobwhackedoneovertheheadandspearedanother,blastingthemtodust.
Theothersbackedaway.
Percyheldhisbreath,waitingfortheirTitanfriendtobelaidlowwithsometerriblecurse,butBobseemedfine—amassivesilverybodyguardkeepingdeathatbaywiththeworld’smostterrifyingcleaningimplement.
“Bob,youokay?”Percyasked.“Nocurses?”
“NocursesforBob!”Bobagreed.
Thearaisnarledandcircled,eyingthebroom.TheTitanisalreadycursed.Whyshouldwetorturehimfurther?You,PercyJackson,havealreadydestroyedhismemory.
Bob’sspearheaddipped.
“Bob,don’tlistentothem,”Annabethsaid.“They’reevil!”Timeslowed.PercywonderedifthespiritofKronoswassomewherenearby,swirlinginthedarkness,enjoyingthismomentsomuchthathewantedittolastforever.Percyfeltexactlylikehehadattwelveyearsold,battlingAresonthatbeachinLosAngeles,whentheshadowoftheTitanlordhadfirstpassedoverhim.
Bobturned.Hiswildwhitehairlookedlikeanexplodedhalo.“Mymemory…Itwasyou?”Cursehim,Titan!thearaiurged,theirredeyesgleaming.Addtoournumbers!
Percy’sheartpressedagainsthisspine.“Bob,it’salongstory.Ididn’twantyoutobemyenemy.
Itriedtomakeyouafriend.”
Bystealingyourlife,thearaisaid.LeavingyouinthepalaceofHadestoscrubfloors!
AnnabethgrippedPercy’shand.“Whichway?”shewhispered.“Ifwehavetorun?”Heunderstood.IfBobwouldn’tprotectthem,theironlychancewastorun—butthatwasn’tanychanceatall.
“Bob,listen,”hetriedagain,“thearaiwantyoutogetangry.Theyspawnfrombitterthoughts.
Don’tgivethemwhattheywant.Weareyourfriends.”Evenashesaidit,Percyfeltlikealiar.He’dleftBobintheUnderworldandhadn’tgivenhimathoughtsince.Whatmadethemfriends?ThefactthatPercyneededhimnow?Percyalwayshateditwhenthegodsusedhimfortheirerrands.NowPercywastreatingBobthesameway.
Youseehisface?thearaigrowled.Theboycannotevenconvincehimself.Didhevisityou,afterhestoleyourmemory?
“No,”Bobmurmured.Hislowerlipquivered.“Theotheronedid.”Percy’sthoughts
movedsluggishly.“Theotherone?”
“Nico.”Bobscowledathim,hiseyesfullofhurt.“Nicovisited.ToldmeaboutPercy.SaidPercywasgood.Saidhewasafriend.ThatiswhyBobhelped.”
“But…”Percy’svoicedisintegratedlikesomeonehadhititwithaCelestialbronzeblade.He’dneverfeltsolowanddishonorable,sounworthyofhavingafriend.
Thearaiattacked,andthistimeBobdidnotstopthem.
“LEFT!”PERCYDRAGGEDANNABETH,slicingthroughthearaitoclearapath.Heprobablybroughtdownadozencursesonhimself,buthedidn’tfeelthemrightaway,sohekeptrunning.
Thepaininhischestflaredwitheverystep.Hewovebetweenthetrees,leadingAnnabethatafullsprintdespiteherblindness.
Percyrealizedhowmuchshetrustedhimtogetheroutofthis.Hecouldn’tletherdown,yethowcouldhesaveher?Andifshewaspermanentlyblind…No.Hesuppressedasurgeofpanic.Hewouldfigureouthowtocureherlater.Firsttheyhadtoescape.
Leatherywingsbeattheairabovethem.Angryhissingandthescuttlingofclawedfeettoldhimthedemonswereattheirbacks.
Astheyranpastoneoftheblacktrees,heslashedhisswordacrossthetrunk.Heheardittopple,followedbythesatisfyingcrunchofseveraldozenaraiastheyweresmashedflat.
Ifatreefallsintheforestandcrushesademon,doesthetreegetcursed?
Percyslasheddownanothertrunk,thenanother.Itboughtthemafewseconds,butnotenough.
Suddenlythedarknessinfrontofthembecamethicker.Percyrealizedwhatitmeantjustintime.
HegrabbedAnnabethrightbeforetheybothchargedoffthesideofthecliff.
“What?”shecried.“Whatisit?”
“Cliff,”hegasped.“Bigcliff.”
“Whichway,then?”
Percycouldn’tseehowfarthecliffdropped.Itcouldbetenfeetorathousand.Therewasnotellingwhatwasatthebottom.Theycouldjumpandhopeforthebest,buthedoubted“thebest”everhappenedinTartarus.
So,twooptions:rightorleft,followingtheedge.
Hewasabouttochooserandomlywhenawingeddemondescendedinfrontofhim,hoveringoverthevoidonherbatwings,justoutofswordreach.
Didyouhaveanicewalk?askedthecollectivevoice,echoingallaroundthem.
Percyturned.Thearaipouredoutofthewoods,makingacrescentaroundthem.OnegrabbedAnnabeth’sarm.Annabethwailedinrage,judo-flippingthemonsteranddroppingonitsneck,puttingherwholebodyweightintoanelbowstrikethatwould’vemadeanyprowrestlerproud.
Thedemondissolved,butwhenAnnabethgottoherfeet,shelookedstunnedandafraidaswellasblind.
“Percy?”shecalled,paniccreepingintohervoice.
“I’mrighthere.”
Hetriedtoputhishandonhershoulder,butshewasn’tstandingwherehethought.Hetriedagain,onlytofindshewasseveralfeetfartheraway.Itwasliketryingtograbsomethinginatankofwater,withthelightshiftingtheimageaway.
“Percy!”Annabeth’svoicecracked.“Whydidyouleaveme?”
“Ididn’t!”Heturnedonthearai,hisarmsshakingwithanger.“Whatdidyoudotoher?”Wedidnothing,thedemonssaid.Yourbelovedhasunleashedaspecialcurse—abitterthoughtfromsomeoneyouabandoned.Youpunishedaninnocentsoulbyleavingherinhersolitude.Nowhermosthatefulwishhascometopass:Annabethfeelsherdespair.She,too,willperishaloneandabandoned.
“Percy?”Annabethspreadherarms,tryingtofindhim.Thearaibackedup,lettingherstumbleblindlythroughtheirranks.
“WhodidIabandon?”Percydemanded.“Inever—”
Suddenlyhisstomachfeltlikeithaddroppedoffthecliff.
Thewordsranginhishead:Aninnocentsoul.Aloneandabandoned.Herememberedanisland,acavelitwithsoftglowingcrystals,adinnertableonthebeachtendedbyinvisibleairspirits.
“Shewouldn’t,”hemumbled.“She’dnevercurseme.”
Theeyesofthedemonsblurredtogetherliketheirvoices.Percy’ssidesthrobbed.Thepaininhischestwasworse,asifsomeonewereslowlytwistingadagger.
Annabethwanderedamongthedemons,desperatelycallinghisname.Percylongedtoruntoher,butheknewthearaiwouldn’tallowit.Theonlyreasontheyhadn’tkilledheryetwasthattheywereenjoyinghermisery.
Percyclenchedhisjaw.Hedidn’tcarehowmanycurseshesuffered.HehadtokeeptheseleatheryoldhagsfocusedonhimandprotectAnnabethaslongashecould.
Heyelledinfuryandattackedthemall.
FORONEEXCITINGMINUTE,Percyfeltlikehewaswinning.Riptidecutthroughthearaiasthoughtheyweremadeofpowderedsugar.Onepanickedandranface-firstintoatree.Anotherscreechedandtriedtoflyaway,butPercyslicedoffherwingsandsentherspiralingintothechasm.
Eachtimeademondisintegrated,Percyfeltaheaviersenseofdreadasanothercursesettledonhim.Somewereharshandpainful:astabbinginthegut,aburningsensationlikehewasbeingblastedbyablowtorch.Someweresubtle:achillintheblood,anuncontrollableticinhisrighteye.
Seriously,whocursesyouwiththeirdyingbreathandsays:Ihopeyoureyetwitches!
Percyknewthathe’dkilledalotofmonsters,buthe’dneverreallythoughtaboutitfromthemonsters’pointofview.Nowalltheirpainandangerandbitternesspouredoverhim,sappinghisstrength.
Thearaijustkeptcoming.Foreveryonehecutdown,sixmoreseemedtoappear.
Hisswordarmgrewtired.Hisbodyached,andhisvisionblurred.HetriedtomakehiswaytowardAnnabeth,butshewasjustoutofreach,callinghisnameasshewanderedamongthedemons.
AsPercyblunderedtowardher,ademonpouncedandsankitsteethintohisthigh.Percyroared.
Heslicedthedemontodust,butimmediatelyfelltohisknees.
HismouthburnedworsethanwhenhehadswallowedthefirewaterofthePhlegethon.Hedoubledover,shudderingandretching,asadozenfierysnakesseemedtoworktheirwaydownhisesophagus.
Youhavechosen,saidthevoiceofthearai,thecurseofPhineas…anexcellentpainfuldeath.
Percytriedtospeak.Histonguefeltlikeitwasbeingmicrowaved.HerememberedtheoldblindkingwhohadchasedharpiesthroughPortlandwithaWeedWacker.Percyhadchallengedhimtoacontest,andtheloserhaddrunkadeadlyvialofgorgon’sblood.Percydidn’tremembertheoldblindmanmutteringafinalcurse,butasPhineasdissolvedandreturnedtotheUnderworld,heprobablyhadn’twishedPercyalongandhappylife.
AfterPercy’svictorythen,Gaeahadwarnedhim:Donotpressyourluck.Whenyourdeathcomes,Ipromiseitwillbemuchmorepainfulthangorgon’sblood.
NowhewasinTartarus,dyingfromgorgon’sbloodplusadozenotheragonizingcurses,whilehewatchedhisgirlfriendstumblearound,helplessandblindandbelievinghe’dabandonedher.Heclutchedhissword.Hisknucklesstartedtosteam.Whitesmokecurledoffhisforearms.
Iwon’tdielikethis,hethought.
Notonlybecauseitwaspainfulandinsultinglylame,butbecauseAnnabethneededhim.Oncehewasdead,thedemonswouldturntheirattentiontoher.Hecouldn’tleaveheralone.
Thearaiclusteredaroundhim,snickeringandhissing.
Hisheadwilleruptfirst,thevoicespeculated.
No,thevoiceanswereditselffromanotherdirection.Hewillcombustallatonce.
Theywereplacingbetsonhowhewoulddie…whatsortofscorchmarkhewouldleaveontheground.
“Bob,”hecroaked.“Ineedyou.”
Ahopelessplea.Hecouldbarelyhearhimself.WhyshouldBobanswerhiscalltwice?TheTitanknewthetruthnow.Percywasnofriend.
Heraisedhiseyesonelasttime.Hissurroundingsseemedtoflicker.Theskyboiledandthegroundblistered.
PercyrealizedthatwhathesawofTartaruswasonlyawatered-downversionofitstruehorror—
onlywhathisdemigodbraincouldhandle.Theworstofitwasveiled,thesamewaytheMistveiledmonstersfrommortalsight.NowasPercydied,hebegantoseethetruth.
TheairwasthebreathofTartarus.Allthesemonsterswerejustbloodcellscirculatingthroughhisbody.EverythingPercysawwasadreaminthemindofthedarkgodofthepit.
ThismusthavebeenthewayNicohadseenTartarus,andithadalmostdestroyedhissanity.
Nico…oneofthemanypeoplePercyhadn’ttreatedwellenough.HeandAnnabethhadonlymadeitthisfarthroughTartarusbecauseNicodiAngelohadbehavedlikeBob’struefriend.
Youseethehorrorofthepit?thearaisaidsoothingly.Giveup,PercyJackson.Isn’tdeathbetterthanenduringthisplace?
“I’msorry,”Percymurmured.
Heapologizes!Thearaishriekedwithdelight.Heregretshisfailedlife,hiscrimesagainstthechildrenofTartarus!
“No,”Percysaid.“I’msorry,Bob.Ishould’vebeenhonestwithyou.Please…forgiveme.ProtectAnnabeth.”
Hedidn’texpectBobtohearhimorcare,butitfeltrighttoclearhisconscience.Hecouldn’tblameanyoneelseforhistroubles.Notthegods.NotBob.Hecouldn’tevenblameCalypso,thegirlhe’dleftaloneonthatisland.Maybeshe’dturnedbitterandcursedPercy’sgirlfriendoutofdespair.
Still…PercyshouldhavefollowedupwithCalypso,madesurethegodssprangherfromherexileonOgygialikethey’dpromised.Hehadn’ttreatedheranybetterthanhe’dtreatedBob.Hehadn’teventhoughtmuchabouther,thoughhermoonlaceplantstillbloomedinhismom’swindowbox.
Ittookallhisremainingeffort,buthegottohisfeet.Steamrosefromhiswholebody.Hislegsshook.Hisinsideschurnedlikeavolcano.
AtleastPercycouldgooutfighting.HeraisedRiptide.
Butbeforehecouldstrike,allthearaiinfrontofhimexplodedintodust.
BOBSERIOUSLYKNEWHOWTOUSEABROOM.
Heslashedbackandforth,destroyingthedemonsoneaftertheotherwhileSmallBobthe
kittensatonhisshoulder,archinghisbackandhissing.
Inamatterofseconds,thearaiweregone.Mosthadbeenvaporized.Thesmartoneshadflownoffintothedarkness,shriekinginterror.
PercywantedtothanktheTitan,buthisvoicewouldn’twork.Hislegsbuckled.Hisearsrang.
Througharedglowofpain,hesawAnnabethafewyardsaway,wanderingblindlytowardtheedgeofthecliff.
“Uh!”Percygrunted.
Bobfollowedhisgaze.HeboundedtowardAnnabethandscoopedherup.Sheyelledandkicked,pummelingBob’sgut,butBobdidn’tseemtocare.HecarriedherovertoPercyandputherdowngently.
TheTitantouchedherforehead.“Owie.”
Annabethstoppedfighting.Hereyescleared.“Where—what—?”ShesawPercy,andaseriesofexpressionsflashedacrossherface—relief,joy,shock,horror.
“What’swrongwithhim?”shecried.“Whathappened?”
Shecradledhisshouldersandweptintohisscalp.
Percywantedtotellheritwasokay,butofcourseitwasn’t.Hecouldn’tevenfeelhisbodyanymore.Hisconsciousnesswaslikeasmallheliumballoon,looselytiedtothetopofhishead.Ithadnoweight,nostrength.Itjustkeptexpanding,gettinglighterandlighter.Heknewthatsoonitwouldeitherburstorthestringwouldbreak,andhislifewouldfloataway.
Annabethtookhisfaceinherhands.Shekissedhimandtriedtowipethedustandsweatfromhiseyes.
Bobloomedoverthem,hisbroomplantedlikeaflag.Hisfacewasunreadable,luminouslywhiteinthedark.
“Lotsofcurses,”Bobsaid.“Percyhasdonebadthingstomonsters.”
“Canyoufixhim?”Annabethpleaded.“Likeyoudidwithmyblindness?FixPercy!”Bobfrowned.Hepickedatthenametagonhisuniformlikeitwasascab.
Annabethtriedagain.“Bob—”
“Iapetus,”Bobsaid,hisvoicealowrumble.“BeforeBob.ItwasIapetus.”Theairwasabsolutelystill.Percyfelthelpless,barelyconnectedtotheworld.
“IlikeBobbetter.”Annabeth’svoicewassurprisinglycalm.“Whichdoyoulike?”TheTitanregardedherwithhispuresilvereyes.“Idonotknowanymore.”HecrouchednexttoherandstudiedPercy.Bob’sfacelookedhaggardandcareworn,asifhesuddenlyfelttheweightofallhiscenturies.
“Ipromised,”hemurmured.“Nicoaskedmetohelp.IdonotthinkIapetusorBoblikesbreakingpromises.”HetouchedPercy’sforehead.
“Owie,”theTitanmurmured.“Verybigowie.”
Percysankbackintohisbody.Theringinginhisearsfaded.Hisvisioncleared.Hestillfeltlikehehadswallowedadeepfryer.Hisinsidesbubbled.Hecouldsensethatthepoisonhadonlybeenslowed,notremoved.
Buthewasalive.
HetriedtomeetBob’seyes,toexpresshisgratitude.Hisheadlolledagainsthischest.
“Bobcannotcurethis,”Bobsaid.“Toomuchpoison.Toomanycursespiledup.”AnnabethhuggedPercy’sshoulders.Hewantedtosay:Icanfeelthatnow.Ow.Tootight.
“Whatcanwedo,Bob?”Annabethasked.“Istherewateranywhere?Watermighthealhim.”
“Nowater,”Bobsaid.“Tartarusisbad.”
Inoticed,Percywantedtoyell.
AtleasttheTitancalledhimselfBob.EvenifheblamedPercyfortakinghismemory,maybehewouldhelpAnnabethifPercydidn’tmakeit.
“No,”Annabethinsisted.“No,therehastobeaway.Somethingtohealhim.”BobplacedhishandonPercy’schest.Acoldtinglelikeeucalyptusoillspreadacrosshissternum,butassoonasBobliftedhishand,thereliefstopped.Percy’slungsfeltashotaslavaagain.
“Tartaruskillsdemigods,”Bobsaid.“Ithealsmonsters,butyoudonotbelong.TartaruswillnothealPercy.Thepithatesyourkind.”
“Idon’tcare,”Annabethsaid.“Evenhere,therehastobesomeplacehecanrest,somekindofcurehecantake.MaybebackatthealtarofHermes,or—”
Inthedistance,adeepvoicebellowed—avoicethatPercyrecognized,unfortunately.
“ISMELLHIM!”roaredthegiant.“BEWARE,SONOFPOSEIDON!ICOMEFORYOU!”
“Polybotes,”Bobsaid.“HehatesPoseidonandhischildren.Heisveryclosenow.”AnnabethstruggledtogetPercytohisfeet.Hehatedmakingherworksohard,buthefeltlikeasackofbilliardballs.EvenwithAnnabethsupportingalmostallhisweight,hecouldbarelystand.
“Bob,I’mgoingon,withorwithoutyou,”shesaid.“Willyouhelp?”ThekittenSmallBobmewedandbegantopurr,rubbingagainstBob’schin.
BoblookedatPercy,andPercywishedhecouldreadtheTitan’sexpression.Washeangry,orjustthoughtful?Washeplanningrevenge,orwashejustfeelinghurtbecausePercyhadliedaboutbeinghisfriend?
“Thereisoneplace,”Bobsaidatlast.“Thereisagiantwhomightknowwhattodo.”AnnabethalmostdroppedPercy.“Agiant.Uh,Bob,giantsarebad.”
“Oneisgood,”Bobinsisted.“Trustme,andIwilltakeyou…unlessPolybotesandtheotherscatchusfirst.”
JASONFELLASLEEPONTHEJOB.Whichwasbad,sincehewasathousandfeetintheair.
Heshouldhaveknownbetter.ItwasthemorningaftertheirencounterwithScironthebandit,andJasonwasonduty,fightingsomewildventiwhowerethreateningtheship.Whenheslashedthroughthelastone,heforgottoholdhisbreath.
Astupidmistake.Whenawindspiritdisintegrates,itcreatesavacuum.Unlessyou’reholdingyourbreath,theairgetssuckedrightoutofyourlungs.Thepressureinyourinnerearsdropssofast,youblackout.
That’swhathappenedtoJason.
Evenworse,heinstantlyplungedintoadream.Inthebackofhissubconscious,hethought:Really?Now?
Heneededtowakeup,orhewoulddie;buthewasn’tabletoholdontothatthought.Inthedream,hefoundhimselfontheroofofatallbuilding,thenighttimeskylineofManhattanspreadaroundhim.Acoldwindwhippedthroughhisclothes.
Afewblocksaway,cloudsgatheredabovetheEmpireStateBuilding—theentrancetoMountOlympusitself.Lightningflashed.Theairwasmetallicwiththesmellofoncomingrain.Thetopoftheskyscraperwaslitupasusual,butthelightsseemedtobemalfunctioning.Theyflickeredfrompurpletoorangeasifthecolorswerefightingfordominance.
OntheroofofJason’sbuildingstoodhisoldcomradesfromCampJupiter:anarrayofdemigodsincombatarmor,theirImperialgoldweaponsandshieldsglintinginthedark.HesawDakotaandNathan,LeilaandMarcus.Octavianstoodtooneside,thinandpale,hiseyesred-rimmedfromsleeplessnessoranger,astringofsacrificialstuffedanimalsaroundhiswaist.Hisaugur’swhiterobewasdrapedoverapurpleT-shirtandcargopants.
InthecenterofthelinestoodReyna,hermetaldogsAurumandArgentumatherside.Uponseeingher,Jasonfeltanincrediblepangofguilt.He’dletherbelievetheyhada
futuretogether.Hehadneverbeeninlovewithher,andhehadn’tledheron,exactly…buthealsohadn’tshutherdown.
He’ddisappeared,leavinghertorunthecamponherown.(Okay,thathadn’texactlybeenJason’sidea,butstill…)ThenhehadreturnedtoCampJupiterwithhisnewgirlfriendPiperandawholebunchofGreekfriendsinawarship.They’dfiredontheForumandrunaway,leavingReynawithawaronherhands.
Inhisdreamshelookedtired.Othersmightnotnotice,buthe’dworkedwithherlongenoughtorecognizethewearinessinhereyes,thetightnessinhershouldersunderthestrapsofherarmor.Herdarkhairwaswet,likeshe’dtakenahastyshower.
TheRomansstaredattheroof-accessdoorasiftheywerewaitingforsomeone.
Whenthedooropened,twopeopleemerged.Onewasafaun—no,Jasonthought—asatyr.He’dlearnedthedifferenceatCampHalf-Blood,andCoachHedgewasalwayscorrectinghimifhemadethatmistake.Romanfaunstendedtohangaroundandbegandeat.Satyrsweremorehelpful,moreengagedwithdemigodaffairs.Jasondidn’tthinkhe’dseenthisparticularsatyrbefore,buthewassuretheguywasfromtheGreekside.NofaunwouldlooksopurposefulwalkinguptoanarmedgroupofRomansinthemiddleofthenight.
HeworeagreenNatureConservancyT-shirtwithpicturesofendangeredwhalesandtigersandstuff.Nothingcoveredhisshaggylegsandhooves.Hehadabushygoatee,curlybrownhairtuckedintoaRasta-stylecap,andasetofreedpipesaroundhisneck.Hishandsfidgetedwiththehemofhisshirt,butconsideringthewayhestudiedtheRomans,notingtheirpositionsandtheirweapons,Jasonfiguredthissatyrhadbeenincombatbefore.
AthissidewasaredheadedgirlJasonrecognizedfromCampHalf-Blood—theiroracle,RachelElizabethDare.Shehadlongfrizzyhair,aplainwhiteblouse,andjeanscoveredwithhand-drawninkdesigns.Sheheldablueplastichairbrushthatshetappednervouslyagainstherthighlikeagoodlucktalisman.
Jasonrememberedheratthecampfire,recitinglinesofprophecythatsentJason,Piper,andLeoontheirfirstquesttogether.Shewasaregularmortalteenager—notademigod—butforreasonsJasonneverunderstood,thespiritofDelphihadchosenherasitshost.
Therealquestion:WhatwasshedoingwiththeRomans?
Shesteppedforward,hereyesfixedonReyna.“Yougotmymessage.”Octaviansnorted.“That’stheonlyreasonyoumadeitthisfaralive,Graecus.Ihopeyou’vecometodiscusssurrenderterms.”
“Octavian…”Reynawarned.
“Atleastsearchthem!”Octavianprotested.
“Noneed,”Reynasaid,studyingRachelDare.“Doyoubringweapons?”Rachelshrugged.“IhitKronosintheeyewiththishairbrushonce.Otherwise,no.”TheRomansdidn’tseemtoknowwhattomakeofthat.Themortaldidn’tsoundlikeshewaskidding.
“Andyourfriend?”Reynanoddedtothesatyr.“Ithoughtyouwerecomingalone.”
“ThisisGroverUnderwood,”Rachelsaid.“He’saleaderoftheCouncil.”
“Whatcouncil?”Octaviandemanded.
“ClovenElders,man.”Grover’svoicewashighandreedy,asifhewereterrified,butJasonsuspectedthesatyrhadmoresteelthanheleton.“Seriously,don’tyouRomanshavenatureandtreesandstuff?I’vegotsomenewsyouneedtohear.Plus,I’macard-carryingprotector.I’mhereto,youknow,protectRachel.”
Reynalookedlikeshewastryingnottosmile.“Butnoweapons?”
“Justthepipes.”Grover’sexpressionbecamewistful.“Percyalwayssaidmycoverof‘BorntobeWild’shouldcountasadangerousweapon,butIdon’tthinkit’sthatbad.”Octaviansneered.“AnotherfriendofPercyJackson.That’sallIneedtohear.”Reynaheldupherhandforsilence.Hergoldandsilverdogssniffedtheair,buttheyremainedcalmandattentiveatherside.
“Sofar,ourguestsspeakthetruth,”Reynasaid.“Bewarned,RachelandGrover,ifyoustarttolie,thisconversationwillnotgowellforyou.Saywhatyoucametosay.”Fromherjeanspocket,Racheldugoutapieceofpaperlikeanapkin.“Amessage.FromAnnabeth.”
Jasonwasn’tsurehe’dheardherright.AnnabethwasinTartarus.Shecouldn’tsendanyoneanoteonanapkin.
MaybeI’vehitthewateranddied,hissubconscioussaid.Thisisn’tarealvision.It’ssomesortofafter-deathhallucination.
Butthedreamseemedveryreal.Hecouldfeelthewindsweepingacrosstheroof.Hecouldsmellthestorm.LightningflickeredovertheEmpireStateBuilding,makingtheRomans’armorflash.
Reynatookthenote.Asshereadit,hereyebrowscrepthigher.Hermouthpartedinshock.
Finally,shelookedupatRachel.“Isthisajoke?”
“Iwish,”Rachelsaid.“They’rereallyinTartarus.”
“Buthow—”
“Idon’tknow,”Rachelsaid.“Thenoteappearedinthesacrificialfireatourdiningpavilion.
That’sAnnabeth’shandwriting.Sheasksforyoubyname.”
Octavianstirred.“Tartarus?Whatdoyoumean?”
Reynahandedhimtheletter.
Octavianmutteredasheread:“Rome,Arachne,Athena—AthenaParthenos?”Helookedaroundinoutrage,asifwaitingforsomeonetocontradictwhathewasreading.“AGreektrick!Greeksareinfamousfortheirtricks!”
Reynatookbackthenote.“Whyaskthisofme?”
Rachelsmiled.“BecauseAnnabethiswise.Shebelievesyoucandothis,ReynaAvilaRamírez-Arellano.”
Jasonfeltlikehe’dbeenslapped.NobodyeverusedReyna’sfullname.Shehatedtelling
anyonewhatitwas.TheonlytimeJasonhadeversaiditaloud,justtryingtopronounceitcorrectly,she’dgivenhimamurderouslook.ThatwasthenameofalittlegirlinSanJuan,shetoldhim.IleftitbehindwhenIleftPuertoRico.
Reynascowled.“Howdidyou—”
“Uh,”GroverUnderwoodinterrupted.“YoumeanyourinitialsareRA-RA?”Reyna’shanddriftedtowardherdagger.
“Butthat’snotimportant!”thesatyrsaidquickly.“Look,wewouldn’thaveriskedcominghereifwedidn’ttrustAnnabeth’sinstincts.ARomanleaderreturningthemostimportantGreekstatuetoCampHalf-Blood—sheknowsthatcouldpreventawar.”
“Thisisn’tatrick,”Racheladded.“We’renotlying.Askyourdogs.”Themetallicgreyhoundsdidn’treact.ReynastrokedAurum’sheadthoughtfully.“TheAthenaParthenos…sothelegendistrue.”
“Reyna!”Octaviancried.“Youcan’tseriouslybeconsideringthis!Evenifthestatuestillexists,youseewhatthey’redoing.We’reonthevergeofattackingthem—destroyingthestupidGreeksonceandforall—andtheyconcoctthisstupiderrandtodivertyourattention.Theywanttosendyoutoyourdeath!”
TheotherRomansmuttered,glaringattheirvisitors.JasonrememberedhowpersuasiveOctaviancouldbe,andhewaswinningtheofficerstohisside.
RachelDarefacedtheaugur.“Octavian,sonofApollo,youshouldtakethismoreseriously.EvenRomansrespectedyourfather’sOracleofDelphi.”
“Ha!”Octaviansaid.“You’retheOracleofDelphi?Right.AndI’mtheEmperorNero!”
“AtleastNerocouldplaymusic,”Grovermuttered.
Octavianballedhisfists.
Suddenlythewindshifted.ItswirledaroundtheRomanswithahissingsound,likeanestofsnakes.RachelDareglowedinagreenaura,asifhitbyasoftemeraldspotlight.Thenthewindfadedandtheaurawasgone.
ThesneermeltedfromOctavian’sface.TheRomansrustleduneasily.
“It’syourdecision,”Rachelsaid,asifnothinghadhappened.“Ihavenospecificprophecytoofferyou,butIcanseeglimpsesofthefuture.IseetheAthenaParthenosonHalf-BloodHill.Iseeherbringingit.”ShepointedatReyna.“Also,EllahasbeenmurmuringlinesfromyourSibyllineBooks—”
“What?”Reynainterrupted.“TheSibyllineBooksweredestroyedcenturiesago.”
“Iknewit!”Octavianpoundedhisfistintohispalm.“Thatharpytheybroughtbackfromthequest—Ella.Iknewshewasspoutingprophecies!NowIunderstand.She—shesomehowmemorizedacopyoftheSibyllineBooks.”
Reynashookherheadindisbelief.“Howisthatpossible?”
“Wedon’tknow,”Racheladmitted.“But,yes,thatseemstobethecase.Ellahasaperfectmemory.Shelovesbooks.Somewhere,somehow,shereadyourRomanbookofprophecies.Nowshe’stheonlysourceforthem.”
“Yourfriendslied,”Octaviansaid.“Theytoldustheharpywasjustmutteringgibberish.Theystoleher!”
Groverhuffedindignantly.“Ellaisn’tyourproperty!She’safreecreature.Besides,shewantstobeatCampHalf-Blood.She’sdatingoneofmyfriends,Tyson.”
“TheCyclops,”Reynaremembered.“AharpydatingaCyclops…”
“That’snotrelevant!”Octaviansaid.“TheharpyhasvaluableRomanprophecies.IftheGreekswon’treturnher,weshouldtaketheirOraclehostage!Guards!”Twocenturionsadvanced,theirpilaleveled.Groverbroughthispipestohislips,playedaquickjig,andtheirspearsturnedintoChristmastrees.Theguardsdroppedtheminsurprise.
“Enough!”Reynashouted.
Shedidn’toftenraisehervoice.Whenshedid,everyonelistened.
“We’vestrayedfromthepoint,”shesaid.“RachelDare,you’retellingmeAnnabethisinTartarus,yetshe’sfoundawaytosendthismessage.Shewantsmetobringthisstatuefromtheancientlandstoyourcamp.”
Rachelnodded.“OnlyaRomancanreturnitandrestorepeace.”
“AndwhywouldtheRomanswantpeace,”Reynaasked,“afteryourshipattackedourcity?”
“Youknowwhy,”Rachelsaid.“Toavoidthiswar.Toreconcilethegods’GreekandRomansides.WehavetoworktogethertodefeatGaea.”
Octaviansteppedforwardtospeak,butReynashothimawitheringlook.
“AccordingtoPercyJackson,”Reynasaid,“thebattlewithGaeawillbefoughtintheancientlands.InGreece.”
“That’swherethegiantsare,”Rachelagreed.“Whatevermagic,whateverritualthegiantsareplanningtowaketheEarthMother,IsenseitwillhappeninGreece.But…well,ourproblemsaren’tlimitedtotheancientlands.That’swhyIbroughtGrovertotalktoyou.”Thesatyrtuggedhisgoatee.“Yeah…see,overthelastfewmonths,I’vebeentalkingtosatyrsandnaturespiritsacrossthecontinent.They’reallsayingthesamething.Gaeaisstirring—Imean,she’srightontheedgeofconsciousness.She’swhisperinginthemindsofnaiads,tryingtoturnthem.She’scausingearthquakes,uprootingthedryads’trees.Lastweekalone,sheappearedinhumanforminadozendifferentplaces,scaringthehornsoffsomeofmyfriends.InColorado,agiantstonefistroseoutofamountainandswattedsomePartyPonieslikeflies.”Reynafrowned.“PartyPonies?”
“Longstory,”Rachelsaid.“Thepointis:Gaeawillriseeverywhere.She’salreadystirring.Noplacewillbesafefromthebattle.Andweknowthatherfirsttargetsaregoingtobethedemigodcamps.Shewantsusdestroyed.”
“Speculation,”Octaviansaid.“Adistraction.TheGreeksfearourattack.They’retryingtoconfuseus.It’stheTrojanHorsealloveragain!”
Reynatwistedthesilverringshealwayswore,withtheswordandtorchsymbolsofhermother,Bellona.
“Marcus,”shesaid,“bringScipiofromthestables.”
“Reyna,no!”Octavianprotested.
ShefacedtheGreeks.“IwilldothisforAnnabeth,forthehopeofpeacebetweenourcamps,butdonotthinkIhaveforgottentheinsultstoCampJupiter.Yourshipfiredonourcity.Youdeclaredwar
—notus.Now,leave.”
Groverstampedhishoof.“Percywouldnever—”
“Grover,”Rachelsaid,“weshouldgo.”
Hertonesaid:Beforeit’stoolate.
Aftertheyhadretreatedbackdownthestairs,OctavianwheeledonReyna.“Areyoumad?”
“Iampraetorofthelegion,”Reynasaid.“IjudgethistobeinthebestinterestofRome.”
“Togetyourselfkilled?Tobreakouroldestlawsandtraveltotheancientlands?Howwillyouevenfindtheirship,assumingyousurvivethejourney?”
“Iwillfindthem,”Reynasaid.“IftheyaresailingforGreece,IknowaplaceJasonwillstop.TofacetheghostsintheHouseofHades,hewillneedanarmy.Thereisonlyoneplacewherehecanfindthatsortofhelp.”
InJason’sdream,thebuildingseemedtotiltunderhisfeet.Herememberedaconversationhe’dhadwithReynayearsago,apromisetheyhadmadetoeachother.Heknewwhatshewastalkingabout.
“Thisisinsanity,”Octavianmuttered.“We’realreadyunderattack.Wemusttaketheoffensive!
Thosehairydwarfshavebeenstealingoursupplies,sabotagingourscoutingparties—youknowtheGreekssentthem.”
“Perhaps,”Reynasaid.“Butyouwillnotlaunchanattackwithoutmyorders.Continuescoutingtheenemycamp.Secureyourpositions.Gatherallthealliesyoucan,andifyoucatchthosedwarfs,youhavemyblessingtosendthembacktoTartarus.ButdonotattackCampHalf-BlooduntilIreturn.”
Octaviannarrowedhiseyes.“Whileyou’regone,theauguristheseniorofficer.Iwillbeincharge.”
“Iknow.”Reynadidn’tsoundhappyaboutit.“Butyouhavemyorders.Youallheardthem.”Shescannedthefacesofthecenturions,daringthemtoquestionher.
Shestormedoff,herpurplecloakbillowingandherdogsatherheels.
Onceshewasgone,Octavianturnedtothecenturions.“Gatheralltheseniorofficers.IwantameetingassoonasReynahasleftonherfool’squest.Therewillbeafewchangesinthelegion’splans.”
Oneofthecenturionsopenedhismouthtorespond,butforsomereasonhespokeinPiper’svoice:“WAKEUP!”
Jason’seyessnappedopen,andhesawtheocean’ssurfacehurtlingtowardhim.
JASONSURVIVED—BARELY.
Later,hisfriendsexplainedthattheyhadn’tseenhimfallingfromtheskyuntilthelastsecond.
TherewasnotimeforFranktoturnintoaneagleandcatchhim;notimetoformulatearescueplan.
OnlyPiper’squickthinkingandcharmspeakhadsavedhislife.She’dyelledWAKEUP!withsomuchforcethatJasonfeltlikehe’dbeenhitwithdefibrillatorpaddles.Withamillisecondtospare,he’dsummonedthewindsandavoidedbecomingafloatingpatchofdemigodgreaseonthesurfaceoftheAdriatic.
Backonboard,hehadpulledLeoasideandsuggestedacoursecorrection.Fortunately,Leotrustedhimenoughnottoaskwhy.
“Weirdvacationspot.”Leogrinned.“But,hey,you’retheboss!”Now,sittingwithhisfriendsinthemesshall,Jasonfeltsoawake,hedoubtedhewouldsleepforaweek.Hishandswerejittery.Hecouldn’tstoptappinghisfeet.HeguessedthatthiswashowLeofeltallthetime,exceptthatLeohadasenseofhumor.
AfterwhatJasonhadseeninhisdream,hedidn’tfeelmuchlikejoking.
Whiletheyatelunch,Jasonreportedonhismidairvision.HisfriendswerequietlongenoughforCoachHedgetofinishapeanutbutterandbananasandwich,alongwiththeceramicplate.
TheshipcreakedasitsailedthroughtheAdriatic,itsremainingoarsstilloutofalignmentfromthegiantturtleattack.EveryonceinawhileFestusthefigureheadcreakedandsqueakedthroughthespeakers,reportingtheautopilotstatusinthatweirdmachinelanguagethatonlyLeocouldunderstand.
“AnotefromAnnabeth.”Pipershookherheadinamazement.“Idon’tseehowthat’s
possible,butifitis—”
“She’salive,”Leosaid.“Thankthegodsandpassthehotsauce.”Frankfrowned.“Whatdoesthatmean?”
Leowipedthechipcrumbsoffhisface.“Itmeanspassthehotsauce,Zhang.I’mstillhungry.”Frankslidoverajarofsalsa.“Ican’tbelieveReynawouldtrytofindus.It’staboo,comingtotheancientlands.She’llbestrippedofherpraetorship.”
“Ifshelives,”Hazelsaid.“Itwashardenoughforustomakeitthisfarwithsevendemigodsandawarship.”
“Andme.”CoachHedgebelched.“Don’tforget,cupcake,yougotthesatyradvantage.”Jasonhadtosmile.CoachHedgecouldbeprettyridiculous,butJasonwasgladhe’dcomealong.
Hethoughtaboutthesatyrhe’dseeninhisdream—GroverUnderwood.Hecouldn’timagineasatyrmoredifferentfromCoachHedge,buttheybothseemedbraveintheirownway.
ItmadeJasonwonderaboutthefaunsbackatCampJupiter—whethertheycouldbelikethatiftheRomandemigodsexpectedmorefromthem.Anotherthingtoaddtohislist.…
Hislist.Hehadn’trealizedthathehadoneuntilthatmoment,buteversinceleavingCampHalf-Blood,he’dbeenthinkingofwaystomakeCampJupitermore…Greek.
HehadgrownupatCampJupiter.He’ddonewellthere.Buthehadalwaysbeenalittleunconventional.Hechafedundertherules.
HehadjoinedtheFifthCohortbecauseeveryonetoldhimnotto.Theywarnedhimitwastheworstunit.Sohe’dthought,Fine,I’llmakeitthebest.
Oncehebecamepraetor,he’dcampaignedtorenamethelegiontheFirstLegionratherthantheTwelfthLegion,tosymbolizeanewstartforRome.Theideahadalmostcausedamutiny.NewRomewasallabouttraditionandlegacies;therulesdidn’tchangeeasily.Jasonhadlearnedtolivewiththatandevenrosetothetop.
Butnowthathehadseenbothcamps,hecouldn’tshakethefeelingthatCampHalf-Bloodmighthavetaughthimmoreabouthimself.IfhesurvivedthiswarwithGaeaandreturnedtoCampJupiterasapraetor,couldhechangethingsforthebetter?
Thatwashisduty.
Sowhydidtheideafillhimwithdread?HefeltguiltyaboutleavingReynatorulewithouthim,butstill…partofhimwantedtogobacktoCampHalf-BloodwithPiperandLeo.Heguessedthatthatmadehimaprettyterribleleader.
“Jason?”Leoasked.“ArgoIItoJason.Comein.”
Herealizedhisfriendswerelookingathimexpectantly.Theyneededreassurance.WhetherornothemadeitbacktoNewRomeafterthewar,Jasonhadtostepupnowandactlikeapraetor.
“Yeah,sorry.”HetouchedthegroovethatScironthebandithadcutinhishair.“CrossingtheAtlanticisahardjourney,nodoubt.ButI’dneverbetagainstReyna.Ifanyonecan
makeit,shewill.”Pipercircledherspoonthroughhersoup.JasonwasstillalittlenervousabouthergettingjealousofReyna,butwhenshelookedup,shegavehimadrysmilethatseemedmoreteasingthaninsecure.
“Well,I’dlovetoseeReynaagain,”shesaid.“Buthowisshesupposedtofindus?”Frankraisedhishand.“Can’tyoujustsendheranIris-message?”
“They’renotworkingverywell,”CoachHedgeputin.“Horriblereception.Everynight,Iswear,Icouldkickthatrainbowgoddess.…”
Hefaltered.Hisfaceturnedbrightred.
“Coach?”Leogrinned.“Whohaveyoubeencallingeverynight,youoldgoat?”
“Noone!”Hedgesnapped.“Nothing!Ijustmeant—”
“Hemeanswe’vealreadytried,”Hazelintervened,andthecoachgaveheragratefullook.“Somemagicisinterfering…maybeGaea.ContactingtheRomansisevenharder.Ithinkthey’reshieldingthemselves.”
JasonlookedfromHazeltothecoach,wonderingwhatwasgoingonwiththesatyr,andhowHazelknewaboutit.NowthatJasonthoughtaboutit,thecoachhadn’tmentionedhiscloudnymphgirlfriendMellieinalongtime.…
Frankdrummedhisfingersonthetable.“Idon’tsupposeReynahasacellphone…?Nah.Nevermind.She’dprobablyhavebadreceptiononapegasusflyingovertheAtlantic.”JasonthoughtabouttheArgoII’sjourneyacrosstheocean,thedozensofencountersthathadnearlykilledthem.ThinkingaboutReynamakingthatjourneyalone—hecouldn’tdecidewhetheritwasterrifyingorawe-inspiring.
“She’llfindus,”hesaid.“Shementionedsomethinginthedream—she’sexpectingmetogotoacertainplaceonourwaytotheHouseofHades.I—I’dforgottenaboutit,actually,butshe’sright.It’saplaceIneedtovisit.”
Piperleanedtowardhim,hercaramelbraidfallingoverhershoulder.Hermulticoloredeyesmadeithardforhimtothinkstraight.
“Andwhereisthisplace?”sheasked.
“A…uh,atowncalledSplit.”
“Split.”Shesmelledreallygood—likebloominghoneysuckle.
“Um,yeah.”JasonwonderedifPiperwasworkingsomesortofAphroditemagiconhim—likemaybeeverytimehementionedReyna’sname,shewouldbefuddlehimsomuchhecouldn’tthinkaboutanythingbutPiper.Hesupposeditwasn’ttheworstsortofrevenge.“Infact,weshouldbegettingclose.Leo?”
Leopunchedtheintercombutton.“How’sitgoingupthere,buddy?”Festusthefigureheadcreakedandsteamed.
“Hesaysmaybetenminutestotheharbor,”Leoreported.“ThoughIstilldon’tgetwhyyouwanttogotoCroatia,especiallyatowncalledSplit.Imean,younameyourcitySplit,yougottafigureit’sawarningto,youknow,split.KindoflikenamingyourcityGetOut!”
“Wait,”Hazelsaid.“WhyarewegoingtoCroatia?”
Jasonnoticedthattheotherswerereluctanttomeethereyes.SincehertrickwiththeMistagainstScironthebandit,evenJasonfeltalittlenervousaroundher.Heknewthatwasn’tfairtoHazel.ItwashardenoughbeingachildofPluto,butshe’dpulledoffsomeseriousmagiconthatcliff.Andafterward,accordingtoHazel,Plutohimselfhadappearedtoher.ThatwassomethingRomanstypicallycalledabadomen.
Leopushedhischipsandhotsauceaside.“Well,technicallywe’vebeeninCroatianterritoryforthepastdayorso.Allthatcoastlinewe’vebeensailingpastisit,butIguessbackintheRomantimesitwascalled…what’dyousay,Jason?Bodacious?”
“Dalmatia,”Nicosaid,makingJasonjump.
HolyRomulus…JasonwishedhecouldputabellaroundNicodiAngelo’snecktoremindhimtheguywasthere.Nicohadthisdisturbinghabitofstandingsilentlyinthecorner,blendingintotheshadows.
Hesteppedforward,hisdarkeyesfixedonJason.Sincethey’drescuedhimfromthebronzejarinRome,Nicohadsleptverylittleandeatenevenless,asifhewerestillsubsistingonthoseemergencypomegranateseedsfromtheUnderworld.HeremindedJasonalittletoomuchofaflesh-eatingghoulhe’doncefoughtinSanBernardino.
“CroatiausedtobeDalmatia,”Nicosaid.“AmajorRomanprovince.YouwanttovisitDiocletian’sPalace,don’tyou?”
CoachHedgemanagedanotherheroicbelch.“Whosepalace?AndisDalmatiawherethoseDalmatiandogscomefrom?That101Dalmatiansmovie—Istillhavenightmares.”Frankscratchedhishead.“Whywouldyouhavenightmaresaboutthat?”CoachHedgelookedlikehewasabouttolaunchintoamajorspeechabouttheevilsofcartoonDalmatians,butJasondecidedhedidn’twanttoknow.
“Nicoisright,”hesaid.“IneedtogotoDiocletian’sPalace.It’swhereReynawillgofirst,becausesheknowsIwouldgothere.”
Piperraisedaneyebrow.“AndwhywouldReynathinkthat?Becauseyou’vealwayshadamadfascinationwithCroatianculture?”
Jasonstaredathisuneatensandwich.ItwashardtotalkabouthislifebeforeJunowipedhismemory.HisyearsatCampJupiterseemedmadeup,likeamoviehe’dactedindecadesbefore.
“ReynaandIusedtotalkaboutDiocletian,”hesaid.“Webothkindofidolizedtheguyasaleader.Wetalkedabouthowwe’dliketovisitDiocletian’sPalace.Ofcourseweknewthatwasimpossible.Noonecouldtraveltotheancientlands.Butstill,wemadethispactthatifweeverdid,that’swherewe’dgo.”
“Diocletian…”Leoconsideredthename,thenshookhishead.“Igotnothing.Whywashesoimportant?”
Franklookedoffended.“Hewasthelastgreatpaganemperor!”Leorolledhiseyes.“WhyamInotsurprisedyouknowthat,Zhang?”
“Whywouldn’tI?HewasthelastonewhoworshippedtheOlympiangods,before
ConstantinecamealongandadoptedChristianity.”
Hazelnodded.“Iremembersomethingaboutthat.ThenunsatSt.AgnestaughtusthatDiocletianwasahugevillain,rightalongwithNeroandCaligula.”ShelookedaskanceatJason.“Whywouldyouidolizehim?”
“Hewasn’tatotalvillain,”Jasonsaid.“Yeah,hepersecutedChristians,butotherwisehewasagoodruler.Heworkedhiswayupfromnothingbyjoiningthelegion.Hisparentswereformerslaves…oratleasthismomwas.DemigodsknowhewasasonofJupiter—thelastdemigodtoruleRome.Hewasalsothefirstemperorevertoretire,like,peacefully,andgiveuphispower.HewasfromDalmatia,sohemovedbackthereandbuiltaretirementpalace.ThetownofSplitgrewuparound…”
HefalteredwhenhelookedatLeo,whowasmimickingtakingnoteswithanairpencil.
“Goon,ProfessorGrace!”hesaid,wide-eyed.“IwannagetanAonthetest.”
“Shutup,Leo.”
Pipersippedanotherspoonfulofsoup.“SowhyisDiocletian’sPalacesospecial?”Nicoleanedoverandpluckedagrape.Probablythatwastheguy’sentiredietfortheday.“It’ssaidtobehauntedbytheghostofDiocletian.”
“WhowasasonofJupiter,likeme,”Jasonsaid.“Histombwasdestroyedcenturiesago,butReynaandIusedtowonderifwecouldfindDiocletian’sghostandaskwherehewasburied…well,accordingtothelegends,hisscepterwasburiedwithhim.”Nicogavehimathin,creepysmile.“Ah…thatlegend.”
“Whatlegend?”Hazelasked.
Nicoturnedtohissister.“SupposedlyDiocletian’ssceptercouldsummontheghostsoftheRomanlegions,anyofthemwhoworshippedtheoldgods.”
Leowhistled.“Okay,nowI’minterested.Benicetohaveabooty-kickingarmyofpaganzombiesonoursidewhenweentertheHouseofHades.”
“NotsureIwould’veputitthatway,”Jasonmuttered,“butyeah.”
“Wedon’thavemuchtime,”Frankwarned.“It’salreadyJulyninth.WehavetogettoEpirus,closetheDoorsofDeath—”
“Whichareguarded,”Hazelmurmured,“byasmokygiantandasorceresswhowants…”Shehesitated.“Well,I’mnotsure.ButaccordingtoPluto,sheplansto‘rebuildherdomain.’Whateverthatmeans,it’sbadenoughthatmydadfeltlikewarningmepersonally.”Frankgrunted.“Andifwesurviveallthat,westillhavetofindoutwherethegiantsarewakingGaeaandgettherebeforethefirstofAugust.Besides,thelongerPercyandAnnabethareinTartarus
—”
“Iknow,”Jasonsaid.“Wewon’ttakelonginSplit.Butlookingforthescepterisworthatry.
Whilewe’reatthepalace,IcanleaveamessageforReyna,lettingherknowtheroutewe’retakingforEpirus.”
Niconodded.“ThescepterofDiocletiancouldmakeahugedifference.You’llneedmyhelp.”Jasontriednottoshowhisdiscomfort,buthisskinprickledatthethoughtofgoinganywherewithNicodiAngelo.
PercyhadsharedsomedisturbingstoriesaboutNico.Hisloyaltiesweren’talwaysclear.Hespentmoretimewiththedeadthantheliving.Once,he’dluredPercyintoatrapinthepalaceofHades.
MaybeNicohadmadeupforthatbyhelpingtheGreeksagainsttheTitans,butstill…
Pipersqueezedhishand.“Hey,soundsfun.I’llgo,too.”
Jasonwantedtoyell:Thankthegods!
ButNicoshookhishead.“Youcan’t,Piper.ItshouldonlybeJasonandme.Diocletian’sghostmightappearforasonofJupiter,butanyotherdemigodswouldmostlikely…ah,spookhim.AndI’mtheonlyonewhocantalktohisspirit.EvenHazelwon’tbeabletodothat.”Nico’seyesheldagleamofchallenge.HeseemedcuriousastowhetherornotJasonwouldprotest.
Theship’sbellsounded.Festuscreakedandwhirredovertheloudspeaker.
“We’vearrived,”Leoannounced.“TimetoSplit.”
Frankgroaned.“CanweleaveValdezinCroatia?”
Jasonstood.“Frank,you’reinchargeofdefendingtheship.Leo,you’vegotrepairstodo.Therestofyou,helpoutwhereveryoucan.NicoandI…”HefacedthesonofHades.“Wehaveaghosttofind.”
JASONFIRSTSAWTHEANGELATTHEICECREAMCART.
TheArgoIIhadanchoredinthebayalongwithsixorsevencruiseships.Asusual,themortalsdidn’tpaythetriremeanyattention;butjusttobesafe,JasonandNicohoppedonaskifffromoneofthetouristboatssotheywouldlooklikepartofthecrowdwhenthey
cameashore.
Atfirstglance,Splitseemedlikeacoolplace.Curvingaroundtheharborwasalongesplanadelinedwithpalmtrees.Atthesidewalkcafés,Europeanteenagerswerehangingout,speakingadozendifferentlanguagesandenjoyingthesunnyafternoon.Theairsmelledofgrilledmeatandfresh-cutflowers.
Beyondthemainboulevard,thecitywasahodgepodgeofmedievalcastletowers,Romanwalls,limestonetownhouseswithred-tiledroofs,andmodernofficebuildingsallcrammedtogether.Inthedistance,gray-greenhillsmarchedtowardamountainridge,whichmadeJasonalittlenervous.Hekeptglancingatthatrockyescarpment,expectingthefaceofGaeatoappearinitsshadows.
NicoandhewerewanderingalongtheesplanadewhenJasonspottedtheguywithwingsbuyinganicecreambarfromastreetcart.Thevendorladylookedboredasshecountedtheguy’schange.
Touristsnavigatedaroundtheangel’shugewingswithoutasecondglance.
JasonnudgedNico.“Areyouseeingthis?”
“Yeah,”Nicoagreed.“Maybeweshouldbuysomeicecream.”Astheymadetheirwaytowardthestreetcart,JasonworriedthatthiswingeddudemightbeasonofBoreastheNorthWind.Athisside,theangelcarriedthesamekindofjaggedbronzeswordtheBoreadshad,andJason’slastencounterwiththemhadn’tgonesowell.
Butthisguyseemedmorechillthanchilly.Heworearedtanktop,Bermudashorts,andhuarachesandals.Hiswingswereacombinationofrussetcolors,likeabantamroosteroralazysunset.HehadadeeptanandblackhairalmostascurlyasLeo’s.
“He’snotareturnedspirit,”Nicomurmured.“OracreatureoftheUnderworld.”
“No,”Jasonagreed.“Idoubttheywouldeatchocolate-coveredicecreambars.”
“Sowhatishe?”Nicowondered.
Theygotwithinthirtyfeet,andthewingeddudelookeddirectlyatthem.Hesmiled,gesturedoverhisshoulderwithhisicecreambar,anddissolvedintotheair.
Jasoncouldn’texactlyseehim,buthe’dhadenoughexperiencecontrollingthewindthathecouldtracktheangel’spath—awarmwispofredandgoldzippingacrossthestreet,spiralingdownthesidewalk,andblowingpostcardsfromthecarouselsinfrontofthetouristshops.Thewindheadedtowardtheendofthepromenade,whereabigfortresslikestructureloomed.
“I’mbettingthat’sthepalace,”Jasonsaid.“Comeon.”
Evenaftertwomillennia,Diocletian’sPalacewasstillimpressive.Theouterwallwasonlyapinkgraniteshell,withcrumblingcolumnsandarchedwindowsopentothesky,butitwasmostlyintact,aquartermilelongandseventyoreightyfeettall,dwarfingthemodernshopsandhousesthathuddledbeneathit.Jasonimaginedwhatthepalacemusthavelookedlikewhenitwasnewlybuilt,withImperialguardswalkingtherampartsandthegoldeneaglesofRomeglintingontheparapets.
Thewindangel—orwhateverhewas—whiskedinandoutofthepinkgranitewindows,
thendisappearedontheotherside.Jasonscannedthepalace’sfacadeforanentrance.Theonlyonehesawwasseveralblocksaway,withtouristslineduptobuytickets.Notimeforthat.
“We’vegottocatchhim,”Jasonsaid.“Holdon.”
“But—”
JasongrabbedNicoandliftedthembothintotheair.
Nicomadeamuffledsoundofprotestastheysoaredoverthewallsandintoacourtyardwheremoretouristsweremillingaround,takingpictures.
Alittlekiddidadoubletakewhentheylanded.Thenhiseyesglazedoverandheshookhishead,likehewasdismissingajuice-box-inducedhallucination.Nooneelsepaidthemanyattention.
Ontheleftsideofthecourtyardstoodalineofcolumnsholdingupweatheredgrayarches.Ontherightsidewasawhitemarblebuildingwithrowsoftallwindows.
“Theperistyle,”Nicosaid.“ThiswastheentrancetoDiocletian’sprivateresidence.”HescowledatJason.“Andplease,Idon’tlikebeingtouched.Don’tevergrabmeagain.”Jason’sshoulderbladestensed.Hethoughtheheardtheundertoneofathreat,like:unlessyouwanttogetaStygianswordupyournose.“Uh,okay.Sorry.Howdoyouknowwhatthisplaceiscalled?”
Nicoscannedtheatrium.Hefocusedonsomestepsinthefarcorner,leadingdown.
“I’vebeenherebefore.”Hiseyeswereasdarkashisblade.“WithmymotherandBianca.AweekendtripfromVenice.Iwasmaybe…six?”
“Thatwaswhen…the1930s?”
“’Thirty-eightorso,”Nicosaidabsently.“Whydoyoucare?Doyouseethatwingedguyanywhere?”
“No…”JasonwasstilltryingtowraphismindaroundNico’spast.
Jasonalwaystriedtobuildagoodrelationshipwiththepeopleonhisteam.He’dlearnedthehardwaythatifsomebodywasgoingtohaveyourbackinafight,itwasbetterifyoufoundsomecommongroundandtrustedeachother.ButNicowasn’teasytofigureout.“Ijust…Ican’timaginehowweirdthatmustbe,comingfromanothertime.”
“No,youcan’t.”Nicostaredatthestonefloor.Hetookadeepbreath.
“Look…Idon’tliketalkingaboutit.Honestly,IthinkHazelhasitworse.Sheremembersmoreaboutwhenshewasyoung.Shehadtocomebackfromthedeadandadjusttothemodernworld.Me…
meandBianca,wewerestuckattheLotusHotel.Timepassedsoquickly.Inaweirdway,thatmadethetransitioneasier.”
“Percytoldmeaboutthatplace,”Jasonsaid.“Seventyyears,butitonlyfeltlikeamonth?”Nicoclenchedhisfistuntilhisfingersturnedwhite.“Yeah.I’msurePercytoldyouallaboutme.”
Hisvoicewasheavywithbitterness—morethanJasoncouldunderstand.HeknewthatNicohadblamedPercyforgettinghissisterBiancakilled,butthey’dsupposedlygottenpastthat,atleastaccordingtoPercy.PiperhadalsomentionedarumorthatNicohadacrushonAnnabeth.Maybethatwaspartofit.
Still…Jasondidn’tgetwhyNicopushedpeopleaway,whyheneverspentmuchtimeateithercamp,whyhepreferredthedeadtotheliving.Hereallydidn’tgetwhyNicohadpromisedtoleadtheArgoIItoEpirusifhehatedPercyJacksonsomuch.
Nico’seyessweptthewindowsabovethem.“Romandeadareeverywherehere…Lares.Lemures.
They’rewatching.They’reangry.”
“Atus?”Jason’shandwenttohissword.
“Ateverything.”Nicopointedtoasmallstonebuildingonthewestendofthecourtyard.“ThatusedtobeatempletoJupiter.TheChristianschangedittoabaptistery.TheRomanghostsdon’tlikethat.”
Jasonstaredatthedarkdoorway.
He’dnevermetJupiter,buthethoughtofhisfatherasalivingperson—theguywho’dfalleninlovewithhismom.Ofcourseheknewhisdadwasimmortal,butsomehowthefullmeaningofthathadneverreallysunkinuntilnow,ashestaredatadoorwayRomanshadwalkedthrough,thousandsofyearsago,toworshiphisdad.TheideagaveJasonasplittingheadache.
“Andoverthere…”Nicopointedeasttoahexagonalbuildingringedwithfreestandingcolumns.
“Thatwasthemausoleumoftheemperor.”
“Buthistombisn’tthereanymore,”Jasonguessed.
“Notforcenturies,”Nicosaid.“Whentheempirecollapsed,thebuildingwasturnedintoaChristiancathedral.”
Jasonswallowed.“SoifDiocletian’sghostisstillaroundhere—”
“He’sprobablynothappy.”
Thewindrustled,pushingleavesandfoodwrappersacrosstheperistyle.Inthecornerofhiseye,Jasoncaughtaglimpseofmovement—ablurofredandgold.
Whenheturned,asinglerust-coloredfeatherwassettlingonthestepsthatleddown.
“Thatway.”Jasonpointed.“Thewingedguy.Wheredoyouthinkthosestairslead?”Nicodrewhissword.Hissmilewasevenmoreunsettlingthanhisscowl.“Underground,”hesaid.
“Myfavoriteplace.”
UndergroundwasnotJason’sfavoriteplace.
EversincehistripbeneathRomewithPiperandPercy,fightingthosetwingiantsinthehypogeumundertheColosseum,mostofhisnightmareswereaboutbasements,trapdoors,
andlargehamsterwheels.
HavingNicoalongwasnotreassuring.HisStygianironbladeseemedtomaketheshadowsevengloomier,asiftheinfernalmetalwasdrawingthelightandheatoutoftheair.
Theycreptthroughavastcellarwiththicksupportcolumnsholdingupavaultedceiling.Thelimestoneblocksweresoold,theyhadfusedtogetherfromcenturiesofmoisture,makingtheplacelookalmostlikeanaturallyformedcave.
Noneofthetouristshadventureddownhere.Obviously,theyweresmarterthandemigods.
Jasondrewhisgladius.Theymadetheirwayunderthelowarchways,theirstepsechoingonthestonefloor.Barredwindowslinedthetopofonewall,facingthestreetlevel,butthatjustmadethecellarfeelmoreclaustrophobic.Theshaftsofsunlightlookedlikeslantedprisonbars,swirlingwithancientdust.
Jasonpassedasupportbeam,lookedtohisleft,andalmosthadaheartattack.StaringrightathimwasamarblebustofDiocletian,hislimestonefacegloweringwithdisapproval.
Jasonsteadiedhisbreathing.Thisseemedlikeagoodplacetoleavethenotehe’dwrittenforReyna,tellingheroftheirroutetoEpirus.Itwasawayfromthecrowds,buthetrustedReynawouldfindit.Shehadtheinstinctsofahunter.Heslippedthenotebetweenthebustanditspedestal,andsteppedback.
Diocletian’smarbleeyesmadehimjumpy.Jasoncouldn’thelpthinkingofTerminus,thetalkingstatue-godbackatNewRome.HehopedDiocletiandidn’tbarkathimorsuddenlyburstintosong.
“Hello!”
BeforeJasoncouldregisterthatthevoicehadcomefromsomewhereelse,heslicedofftheemperor’shead.Thebusttoppledandshatteredagainstthefloor.
“Thatwasn’tverynice,”saidthevoicebehindthem.
Jasonturned.Thewingedmanfromtheicecreamstandwasleaningagainstanearbycolumn,casuallytossingasmallbronzehoopintheair.Athisfeetsatawickerpicnicbasketfulloffruit.
“Imean,”themansaid,“whatdidDiocletianeverdotoyou?”TheairswirledaroundJason’sfeet.Theshardsofmarblegatheredintoaminiaturetornado,spiraledbacktothepedestal,andreassembledintoacompletebust,thenotestilltuckedunderneath.
“Uh—”Jasonloweredhissword.“Itwasanaccident.Youstartledme.”Thewingeddudechuckled.“JasonGrace,theWestWindhasbeencalledmanythings…warm,gentle,life-giving,anddevilishlyhandsome.ButIhaveneverbeencalledstartling.Ileavethatcrassbehaviortomygustybrethreninthenorth.”
Nicoinchedbackward.“TheWestWind?Youmeanyou’re—”
“Favonius,”Jasonrealized.“GodoftheWestWind.”
Favoniussmiledandbowed,obviouslypleasedtoberecognized.“YoucancallmebymyRomanname,certainly,orZephyros,ifyou’reGreek.I’mnothungupaboutit.”Nicolookedprettyhungupaboutit.“Whyaren’tyourGreekandRomansidesinconflict,liketheothergods?”
“Oh,Ihavetheoccasionalheadache.”Favoniusshrugged.“SomemorningsI’llwakeupinaGreekchitonwhenI’msureIwenttosleepinmySPQRpajamas.Butmostlythewardoesn’tbotherme.I’maminorgod,youknow—neverreallybeenmuchinthelimelight.Theto-and-frobattlesamongyoudemigodsdon’taffectmeasgreatly.”
“So…”Jasonwasn’tquitesurewhethertosheathehissword.“Whatareyoudoinghere?”
“Severalthings!”Favoniussaid.“Hangingoutwithmybasketoffruit.Ialwayscarryabasketoffruit.Wouldyoulikeapear?”
“I’mgood.Thanks.”
“Let’ssee…earlierIwaseatingicecream.RightnowI’mtossingthisquoitring.”Favoniusspunthebronzehooponhisindexfinger.
Jasonhadnoideawhataquoitwas,buthetriedtostayfocused.“Imeanwhydidyouappeartous?Whydidyouleadustothiscellar?”
“Oh!”Favoniusnodded.“ThesarcophagusofDiocletian.Yes.Thiswasitsfinalrestingplace.
TheChristiansmoveditoutofthemausoleum.Thensomebarbariansdestroyedthecoffin.Ijustwantedtoshowyou”—hespreadhishandssadly—“thatwhatyou’relookingforisn’there.Mymasterhastakenit.”
“Yourmaster?”JasonhadaflashbacktoafloatingpalaceabovePikesPeakinColorado,wherehe’dvisited(andbarelysurvived)thestudioofacrazyweathermanwhoclaimedhewasthegodofallthewinds.“Pleasetellmeyourmasterisn’tAeolus.”
“Thatairhead?”Favoniussnorted.“No,ofcoursenot.”
“HemeansEros.”Nico’svoiceturnededgy.“Cupid,inLatin.”Favoniussmiled.“Verygood,NicodiAngelo.I’mgladtoseeyouagain,bytheway.It’sbeenalongtime.”
Nicoknithiseyebrows.“I’venevermetyou.”
“You’veneverseenme,”thegodcorrected.“ButI’vebeenwatchingyou.Whenyoucamehereasasmallboy,andseveraltimessince.Ikneweventuallyyouwouldreturntolookuponmymaster’sface.”
Nicoturnedevenpalerthanusual.Hiseyesdartedaroundthecavernousroomasifhewasstartingtofeeltrapped.
“Nico?”Jasonsaid.“What’shetalkingabout?”
“Idon’tknow.Nothing.”
“Nothing?”Favoniuscried.“Theoneyoucareformost…plungedintoTartarus,andstillyouwillnotallowthetruth?”
SuddenlyJasonfeltlikehewaseavesdropping.
Theoneyoucareformost.
HerememberedwhatPiperhadtoldhimaboutNico’scrushonAnnabeth.ApparentlyNico’sfeelingswentwaydeeperthanasimplecrush.
“We’veonlycomeforDiocletian’sscepter,”Nicosaid,clearlyanxioustochangethesubject.
“Whereisit?”
“Ah…”Favoniusnoddedsadly.“YouthoughtitwouldbeaseasyasfacingDiocletian’sghost?
I’mafraidnot,Nico.Yourtrialswillbemuchmoredifficult.Youknow,longbeforethiswasDiocletian’sPalace,itwasthegatewaytomymaster’scourt.I’vedwelthereforeons,bringingthosewhosoughtloveintothepresenceofCupid.”
Jasondidn’tlikethementionofdifficulttrials.Hedidn’ttrustthisweirdgodwiththehoopandthewingsandthebasketoffruit.Butanoldstorysurfacedinhismind—somethinghe’dheardatCampJupiter.“LikePsyche,Cupid’swife.Youcarriedhertohispalace.”Favonius’seyestwinkled.“Verygood,JasonGrace.Fromthisexactspot,IcarriedPsycheonthewindsandbroughthertothechambersofmymaster.Infact,thatiswhyDiocletianbuilthispalacehere.ThisplacehasalwaysbeengracedbythegentleWestWind.”Hespreadhisarms.“Itisaspotoftranquilityandloveinaturbulentworld.WhenDiocletian’sPalacewasransacked—”
“Youtookthescepter,”Jasonguessed.
“Forsafekeeping,”Favoniusagreed.“ItisoneofCupid’smanytreasures,areminderofbettertimes.Ifyouwantit…”FavoniusturnedtoNico.“Youmustfacethegodoflove.”Nicostaredatthesunlightcomingthroughthewindows,asifwishinghecouldescapethroughthosenarrowopenings.
Jasonwasn’tsurewhatFavoniuswanted,butiffacingthegodoflovemeantforcingNicointosomesortofconfessionaboutwhichgirlheliked,thatdidn’tseemsobad.
“Nico,youcandothis,”Jasonsaid.“Itmightbeembarrassing,butit’sforthescepter.”Nicodidn’tlookconvinced.Infacthelookedlikehewasgoingtobesick.Buthesquaredhisshouldersandnodded.“You’reright.I—I’mnotafraidofalovegod.”Favoniusbeamed.“Excellent!Wouldyoulikeasnackbeforeyougo?”Hepluckedagreenapplefromhisbasketandfrownedatit.“Oh,bluster.Ikeepforgettingmysymbolisabasketofunripefruit.
Whydoesn’tthespringwindgetmorecredit?Summerhasallthefun.”
“That’sokay,”Nicosaidquickly.“JusttakeustoCupid.”Favoniusspunthehooponhisfinger,andJason’sbodydissolvedintoair.
JASONHADRIDDENTHEWINDMANYTIMES.Beingthewindwasnotthesame.
Hefeltoutofcontrol,histhoughtsscattered,noboundariesbetweenhisbodyandtherestoftheworld.Hewonderedifthiswashowmonstersfeltwhentheyweredefeated—burstingintodust,helplessandformless.
JasoncouldsenseNico’spresencenearby.TheWestWindcarriedthemintotheskyaboveSplit.
Togethertheyracedoverthehills,pastRomanaqueducts,highways,andvineyards.Astheyapproachedthemountains,JasonsawtheruinsofaRomantownspreadoutinavalleybelow—
crumblingwalls,squarefoundations,andcrackedroads,allovergrownwithgrass—soitlookedlikeagiant,mossygameboard.
Favoniussetthemdowninthemiddleoftheruins,nexttoabrokencolumnthesizeofaredwood.
Jason’sbodyre-formed.Foramomentitfeltevenworsethanbeingthewind,likehe’dsuddenlybeenwrappedinaleadovercoat.
“Yes,mortalbodiesareterriblybulky,”Favoniussaid,asifreadinghisthoughts.Thewindgodsettledonanearbywallwithhisbasketoffruitandspreadhisrussetwingsinthesun.“Honestly,Idon’tknowhowyoustandit,dayinanddayout.”
Jasonscannedtheirsurroundings.Thetownmusthavebeenhugeonce.Hecouldmakeouttheshellsoftemplesandbathhouses,ahalf-buriedamphitheater,andemptypedestalsthatmusthaveonceheldstatues.Rowsofcolumnsmarchedofftonowhere.Theoldcitywallswoveinandoutofthehillsidelikestonethreadthroughagreencloth.
Someareaslookedlikethey’dbeenexcavated,butmostofthecityjustseemedabandoned,asifithadbeenlefttotheelementsforthelasttwothousandyears.
“WelcometoSalona,”Favoniussaid.“CapitalofDalmatia!BirthplaceofDiocletian!But
beforethat,longbeforethat,itwasthehomeofCupid.”Thenameechoed,asifvoiceswerewhisperingitthroughtheruins.
SomethingaboutthisplaceseemedevencreepierthanthepalacebasementinSplit.JasonhadneverthoughtmuchaboutCupid.He’dcertainlyneverthoughtofCupidasscary.EvenforRomandemigods,thenameconjuredupanimageofasillywingedbabywithatoybowandarrow,flyingaroundinhisdiapersonValentine’sDay.
“Oh,he’snotlikethat,”saidFavonius.
Jasonflinched.“Youcanreadmymind?”
“Idon’tneedto.”Favoniustossedhisbronzehoopintheair.“EveryonehasthewrongimpressionofCupid…untiltheymeethim.”
Nicobracedhimselfagainstacolumn,hislegstremblingvisibly.
“Hey,man…”Jasonsteppedtowardhim,butNicowavedhimoff.
AtNico’sfeet,thegrassturnedbrownandwilted.Thedeadpatchspreadoutward,asifpoisonwereseepingfromthesolesofhisshoes.
“Ah…”Favoniusnoddedsympathetically.“Idon’tblameyouforbeingnervous,NicodiAngelo.
DoyouknowhowIendedupservingCupid?”
“Idon’tserveanyone,”Nicomuttered.“EspeciallynotCupid.”Favoniuscontinuedasifhehadn’theard.“IfellinlovewithamortalnamedHyacinthus.Hewasquiteextraordinary.”
“He…?”Jason’sbrainwasstillfuzzyfromhiswindtrip,soittookhimasecondtoprocessthat.
“Oh…”
“Yes,JasonGrace.”Favoniusarchedaneyebrow.“Ifellinlovewithadude.Doesthatshockyou?”
Honestly,Jasonwasn’tsure.Hetriednottothinkaboutthedetailsofgodlylovelives,nomatterwhotheyfellinlovewith.Afterall,hisdad,Jupiter,wasn’texactlyamodelofgoodbehavior.
ComparedtosomeoftheOlympianlovescandalshe’dheardabout,theWestWindfallinginlovewithamortalguydidn’tseemveryshocking.“Iguessnot.So…Cupidstruckyouwithhisarrow,andyoufellinlove.”
Favoniussnorted.“Youmakeitsoundsosimple.Alas,loveisneversimple.Yousee,thegodApolloalsolikedHyacinthus.Heclaimedtheywerejustfriends.Idon’tknow.ButonedayIcameacrossthemtogether,playingagameofquoits—”
Therewasthatweirdwordagain.“Quoits?”
“Agamewiththosehoops,”Nicoexplained,thoughhisvoicewasbrittle.“Likehorseshoes.”
“Sortof,”Favoniussaid.“Atanyrate,Iwasjealous.Insteadofconfrontingthemand
findingoutthetruth,IshiftedthewindandsentaheavymetalringrightatHyacinthus’sheadand…well.”Thewindgodsighed.“AsHyacinthusdied,Apolloturnedhimintoaflower,thehyacinth.I’msureApollowould’vetakenhorriblevengeanceonme,butCupidofferedmehisprotection.I’ddoneaterriblething,butI’dbeendrivenmadbylove,sohesparedme,ontheconditionthatIworkforhimforever.”CUPID.
Thenameechoedthroughtheruinsagain.
“Thatwouldbemycue.”Favoniusstood.“Thinklongandhardabouthowyouproceed,NicodiAngelo.YoucannotlietoCupid.Ifyouletyourangerruleyou…well,yourfatewillbeevensadderthanmine.”
Jasonfeltlikehisbrainwasturningbackintowind.Hedidn’tunderstandwhatFavoniuswastalkingabout,orwhyNicoseemedsoshaken,buthehadnotimetothinkaboutit.Thewindgoddisappearedinaswirlofredandgold.Thesummerairsuddenlyfeltoppressive.Thegroundshook,andJasonandNicodrewtheirswords.
So.
ThevoicerushedpastJason’searlikeabullet.Whenheturned,noonewasthere.
Youcometoclaimthescepter.
Nicostoodathisback,andforonceJasonwasgladtohavetheguy’scompany.
“Cupid,”Jasoncalled,“whereareyou?”
Thevoicelaughed.Itdefinitelydidn’tsoundlikeacutebabyangel’s.Itsoundeddeepandrich,butalsothreatening—likeatremorbeforeamajorearthquake.
Whereyouleastexpectme,Cupidanswered.AsLovealwaysis.
SomethingslammedintoJasonandhurledhimacrossthestreet.HetoppleddownasetofstepsandsprawledonthefloorofanexcavatedRomanbasement.
Iwouldthinkyou’dknowbetter,JasonGrace.Cupid’svoicewhirledaroundhim.You’vefoundtruelove,afterall.Ordoyoustilldoubtyourself?
Nicoscrambleddownthesteps.“Youokay?”
Jasonacceptedhishandandgottohisfeet.“Yeah.Justsuckerpunched.”Oh,didyouexpectmetoplayfair?Cupidlaughed.Iamthegodoflove.Iamneverfair.
Thistime,Jason’ssenseswereonhighalert.Hefelttheairripplejustasanarrowmaterialized,racingtowardNico’schest.
Jasonintercepteditwithhisswordanddeflecteditsideways.Thearrowexplodedagainstthenearestwall,pepperingthemwithlimestoneshrapnel.
Theyranupthesteps.JasonpulledNicotoonesideasanothergustofwindtoppledacolumnthatwouldhavecrushedhimflat.
“IsthisguyLoveorDeath?”Jasongrowled.
Askyourfriends,Cupidsaid.Frank,Hazel,andPercymetmycounterpart,Thanatos.Wearenotsodifferent.ExceptDeathissometimeskinder.
“Wejustwantthescepter!”Nicoshouted.“We’retryingtostopGaea.Areyouonthegods’sideornot?”
AsecondarrowhitthegroundbetweenNico’sfeetandglowedwhite-hot.Nicostumbledbackasthearrowburstintoageyserofflame.
Loveisoneveryside,Cupidsaid.Andnoone’sside.Don’taskwhatLovecandoforyou.
“Great,”Jasonsaid.“Nowhe’sspoutinggreetingcardmessages.”Movementbehindhim:Jasonspun,slicinghisswordthroughtheair.Hisbladebitintosomethingsolid.Heheardagruntandheswungagain,buttheinvisiblegodwasgone.Onthepavingstones,atrailofgoldenichorshimmered—thebloodofthegods.
Verygood,Jason,Cupidsaid.Atleastyoucansensemypresence.Evenaglancinghitattrueloveismorethanmostheroesmanage.
“SonowIgetthescepter?”Jasonasked.
Cupidlaughed.Unfortunately,youcouldnotwieldit.OnlyachildoftheUnderworldcansummonthedeadlegions.AndonlyanofficerofRomecanleadthem.
“But…”Jasonwavered.Hewasanofficer.Hewaspraetor.Thenherememberedallhissecondthoughtsaboutwherehebelonged.InNewRome,he’dofferedtogiveuphispositiontoPercyJackson.DidthatmakehimunworthytoleadalegionofRomanghosts?
Hedecidedtofacethatproblemwhenthetimecame.
“Justleavethattous,”hesaid.“Nicocansummon—”
ThethirdarrowzippedbyJason’sshoulder.Hecouldn’tstopitintime.Nicogaspedasitsunkintohisswordarm.
“Nico!”
ThesonofHadesstumbled.Thearrowdissolved,leavingnobloodandnovisiblewound,butNico’sfacewastightwithrageandpain.
“Enoughgames!”Nicoshouted.“Showyourself!”
Itisacostlything,Cupidsaid,lookingonthetruefaceofLove.
Anothercolumntoppled.Jasonscrambledoutofitsway.
MywifePsychelearnedthatlesson,Cupidsaid.Shewasbroughthereeonsago,whenthiswasthesiteofmypalace.Wemetonlyinthedark.Shewaswarnednevertolookuponme,andyetshecouldnotstandthemystery.ShefearedIwasamonster.Onenight,shelitacandle,andbeheldmyfaceasIslept.
“Wereyouthatugly?”JasonthoughthehadzeroedinonCupid’svoice—attheedgeoftheamphitheaterabouttwentyyardsaway—buthewantedtomakesure.
Thegodlaughed.Iwastoohandsome,I’mafraid.Amortalcannotgazeuponthetrueappearanceofagodwithoutsufferingconsequences.Mymother,Aphrodite,cursedPsycheforherdistrust.Mypoorloverwastormented,forcedintoexile,givenhorribletaskstoproveherworth.ShewasevensenttotheUnderworldonaquesttoshowherdedication.Sheearnedherwaybacktomyside,butshesufferedgreatly.
NowI’vegotyou,Jasonthought.
Hethrusthisswordintheskyandthundershookthevalley.Lightningblastedacraterwherethevoicehadbeenspeaking.
Silence.Jasonwasjustthinking,Dang,itactuallyworked,whenaninvisibleforceknockedhimtotheground.Hisswordskitteredacrosstheroad.
Agoodtry,Cupidsaid,hisvoicealreadydistant.ButLovecannotbepinneddownsoeasily.
Nexttohim,awallcollapsed.Jasonbarelymanagedtorollaside.
“Stopit!”Nicoyelled.“It’smeyouwant.Leavehimalone!”Jason’searsrang.Hewasdizzyfromgettingsmackedaround.Hismouthtastedlikelimestonedust.Hedidn’tunderstandwhyNicowouldthinkofhimselfasthemaintarget,butCupidseemedtoagree.
PoorNicodiAngelo.Thegod’svoicewastingedwithdisappointment.Doyouknowwhatyouwant,muchlesswhatIwant?MybelovedPsycheriskedeverythinginthenameofLove.Itwastheonlywaytoatoneforherlackoffaith.Andyou—whathaveyouriskedinmyname?
“I’vebeentoTartarusandback,”Nicosnarled.“Youdon’tscareme.”Iscareyouvery,verymuch.Faceme.Behonest.
Jasonpulledhimselfup.
AllaroundNico,thegroundshifted.Thegrasswithered,andthestonescrackedasifsomethingwasmovingintheearthbeneath,tryingtopushitswaythrough.
“GiveusDiocletian’sscepter,”Nicosaid.“Wedon’thavetimeforgames.”Games?Cupidstruck,slappingNicosidewaysintoagranitepedestal.Loveisnogame!Itisnoflowerysoftness!Itishardwork—aquestthatneverends.Itdemandseverythingfromyou—especiallythetruth.Onlythendoesityieldrewards.
Jasonretrievedhissword.IfthisinvisibleguywasLove,JasonwasbeginningtothinkLovewasoverrated.HelikedPiper’sversionbetter—considerate,kind,andbeautiful.Aphroditehecouldunderstand.Cupidseemedmorelikeathug,anenforcer.
“Nico,”hecalled,“whatdoesthisguywantfromyou?”Tellhim,NicodiAngelo,Cupidsaid.Tellhimyouareacoward,afraidofyourselfandyourfeelings.TellhimtherealreasonyouranfromCampHalf-Blood,andwhyyouarealwaysalone.
Nicoletlooseagutturalscream.Thegroundathisfeetsplitopenandskeletonscrawledforth—
deadRomanswithmissinghandsandcaved-inskulls,crackedribs,andjawsunhinged.Someweredressedintheremnantsoftogas.Othershadglintingpiecesofarmorhangingofftheirchests.
Willyouhideamongthedead,asyoualwaysdo?Cupidtaunted.
WavesofdarknessrolledoffthesonofHades.WhentheyhitJason,healmostlostconsciousness
—overwhelmedbyhatredandfearandshame…
Imagesflashedthroughhismind.HesawNicoandhissisteronasnowycliffinMaine,PercyJacksonprotectingthemfromamanticore.Percy’sswordgleamedinthedark.He’dbeenthefirstdemigodNicohadeverseeninaction.
Later,atCampHalf-Blood,PercytookNicobythearm,promisingtokeephissisterBiancasafe.
Nicobelievedhim.Nicolookedintohissea-greeneyesandthought,Howcanhepossiblyfail?Thisisarealhero.HewasNico’sfavoritegame,Mythomagic,broughttolife.
JasonsawthemomentwhenPercyreturnedandtoldNicothatBiancawasdead.Nicohadscreamedandcalledhimaliar.He’dfeltbetrayed,butstill…whentheskeletonwarriorsattacked,hecouldn’tletthemharmPercy.Nicohadcalledontheearthtoswallowthemup,andthenhe’drunaway—terrifiedofhisownpowers,andhisownemotions.
JasonsawadozenmoresceneslikethisfromNico’spointofview.…Andtheylefthimstunned,unabletomoveorspeak.
Meanwhile,Nico’sRomanskeletonssurgedforwardandgrappledwithsomethinginvisible.Thegodstruggled,flingingthedeadaside,breakingoffribsandskulls,buttheskeletonskeptcoming,pinningthegod’sarms.
Interesting!Cupidsaid.Doyouhavethestrength,afterall?
“IleftCampHalf-Bloodbecauseoflove,”Nicosaid.“Annabeth…she—”Stillhiding,Cupidsaid,smashinganotherskeletontopieces.Youdonothavethestrength.
“Nico,”Jasonmanagedtosay,“it’sokay.Igetit.”
Nicoglancedover,painandmiserywashingacrosshisface.
“No,youdon’t,”hesaid.“There’snowayyoucanunderstand.”Andsoyourunawayagain,Cupidchided.Fromyourfriends,fromyourself.
“Idon’thavefriends!”Nicoyelled.“IleftCampHalf-BloodbecauseIdon’tbelong!I’llneverbelong!”
TheskeletonshadCupidpinnednow,buttheinvisiblegodlaughedsocruellythatJasonwantedtosummonanotherboltoflightning.Unfortunately,hedoubtedhehadthestrength.
“Leavehimalone,Cupid,”Jasoncroaked.“Thisisn’t…”
Hisvoicefailed.Hewantedtosayitwasn’tCupid’sbusiness,butherealizedthiswasexactlyCupid’sbusiness.SomethingFavoniussaidkeptbuzzinginhisears:Areyoushocked?
ThestoryofPsychefinallymadesensetohim—whyamortalgirlwouldbesoafraid.Whyshewouldriskbreakingtherulestolookthegodofloveintheface,becauseshefearedhemightbeamonster.
Psychehadbeenright.Cupidwasamonster.Lovewasthemostsavagemonsterofall.
Nico’svoicewaslikebrokenglass.“I—Iwasn’tinlovewithAnnabeth.”
“Youwerejealousofher,”Jasonsaid.“That’swhyyoudidn’twanttobearoundher.Especiallywhyyoudidn’twanttobearound…him.Itmakestotalsense.”AllthefightanddenialseemedtogooutofNicoatonce.Thedarknesssubsided.TheRomandeadcollapsedintobonesandcrumbledtodust.
“Ihatedmyself,”Nicosaid.“IhatedPercyJackson.”
Cupidbecamevisible—alean,muscularyoungmanwithsnowywhitewings,straightblackhair,asimplewhitefrockandjeans.Thebowandquiverslungoverhisshoulderwerenotoys—theywereweaponsofwar.Hiseyeswereasredasblood,asifeveryValentineintheworldhadbeensqueezeddry,distilledintoonepoisonousmixture.Hisfacewashandsome,butalsoharsh—asdifficulttolookatasaspotlight.HewatchedNicowithsatisfaction,asifhe’didentifiedtheexactspotforhisnextarrowtomakeacleankill.
“IhadacrushonPercy,”Nicospat.“That’sthetruth.That’sthebigsecret.”HeglaredatCupid.“Happynow?”
Forthefirsttime,Cupid’sgazeseemedsympathetic.“Oh,Iwouldn’tsayLovealwaysmakesyouhappy.”Hisvoicesoundedsmaller,muchmorehuman.“Sometimesitmakesyouincrediblysad.Butatleastyou’vefaceditnow.That’stheonlywaytoconquerme.”Cupiddissolvedintothewind.
Onthegroundwherehe’dstoodlayanivorystaffthreefeetlong,toppedwithadarkglobeofpolishedmarbleaboutthesizeofabaseball,nestledonthebacksofthreegoldRomaneagles.ThescepterofDiocletian.
Nicokneltandpickeditup.HeregardedJason,asifwaitingforanattack.“Iftheothersfoundout—”
“Iftheothersfoundout,”Jasonsaid,“you’dhavethatmanymorepeopletobackyouup,andtounleashthefuryofthegodsonanybodywhogivesyoutrouble.”Nicoscowled.Jasonstillfelttheresentmentandangerripplingoffhim.
“Butit’syourcall,”Jasonadded.“Yourdecisiontoshareornot.Icanonlytellyou—”
“Idon’tfeelthatwayanymore,”Nicomuttered.“Imean…IgaveuponPercy.Iwasyoungandimpressionable,andI—Idon’t…”
Hisvoicecracked,andJasoncouldtelltheguywasabouttogetteary-eyed.WhetherNicohadreallygivenuponPercyornot,Jasoncouldn’timaginewhatithadbeenlikeforNicoallthoseyears,keepingasecretthatwould’vebeenunthinkabletoshareinthe1940s,denyingwhohewas,feelingcompletelyalone—evenmoreisolatedthanotherdemigods.
“Nico,”hesaidgently,“I’veseenalotofbravethings.Butwhatyoujustdid?Thatwasmaybethebravest.”
Nicolookedupuncertainly.“Weshouldgetbacktotheship.”
“Yeah.Icanflyus—”
“No,”Nicoannounced.“Thistimewe’reshadow-traveling.I’vehadenoughofthewindsforawhile.”
LOSINGHERSIGHTHADBEENBADENOUGH.BeingisolatedfromPercyhadbeenhorrible.
Butnowthatshecouldseeagain,watchinghimdieslowlyfromgorgon’sbloodpoisonandbeingunabletodoanythingaboutit—thatwastheworstcurseofall.
BobslungPercyoverhisshoulderlikeabagofsportsequipmentwhiletheskeletonkittenSmallBobcurleduponPercy’sbackandpurred.Boblumberedalongatafastpace,evenforaTitan,whichmadeitalmostimpossibleforAnnabethtokeepup.
Herlungsrattled.Herskinhadstartedtoblisteragain.Sheprobablyneededanotherdrinkoffirewater,butthey’dlefttheRiverPhlegethonbehind.Herbodywassosoreandbatteredthatshe’dforgottenwhatitwaslikenottobeinpain.
“Howmuchlonger?”shewheezed.
“Almosttoolong,”Bobcalledback.“Butmaybenot.”
Veryhelpful,Annabeththought,butshewastoowindedtosayit.
Thelandscapechangedagain.Theywerestillgoingdownhill,whichshouldhavemadetravelingeasier;butthegroundslopedatjustthewrongangle—toosteeptojog,tootreacheroustoletherguarddownevenforamoment.Thesurfacewassometimesloosegravel,sometimespatchesofslime.
Annabethsteppedaroundrandombristlessharpenoughtoimpaleherfoot,andclustersof…well,notrocksexactly.Morelikewartsthesizeofwatermelons.IfAnnabethhadtoguess(andshedidn’twantto)shesupposedBobwasleadingherdownthelengthofTartarus’slargeintestine.
Theairgotthickerandstankofsewage.Thedarknessmaybewasn’tquiteasintense,butshecouldonlyseeBobbecauseoftheglintofhiswhitehairandthepointofhisspear.Shenoticedhehadn’tretractedthespearheadonhisbroomsincetheirfightwiththearai.Thatdidn’treassureher.
Percyfloppedaround,causingthekittentoreadjusthisnestinthesmallofPercy’sback.
OccasionallyPercywouldgroaninpain,andAnnabethfeltlikeafistwassqueezingherheart.
SheflashedbacktoherteapartywithPiper,Hazel,andAphroditeinCharleston.Gods,thatseemedsolongago.AphroditehadsighedandwaxednostalgicaboutthegoodolddaysoftheCivilWar—howloveandwaralwayswenthandinhand.
AphroditehadgesturedproudlytoAnnabeth,usingherasanexamplefortheothergirls:Ioncepromisedtomakeherlovelifeinteresting.Anddidn’tI?
Annabethhadwantedtothrottlethegoddessoflove.She’dhadmorethanhershareofinteresting.NowAnnabethwasholdingoutforahappyending.Surelythatwaspossible,nomatterwhatthelegendssaidabouttragicheroes.Therehadtobeexceptions,right?Ifsufferingledtoreward,thenPercyandshedeservedthegrandprize.
ShethoughtaboutPercy’sdaydreamofNewRome—thetwoofthemsettlingdownthere,goingtocollegetogether.Atfirst,theideaoflivingamongtheRomanshadappalledher.ShehadresentedthemfortakingPercyawayfromher.
Nowshewouldacceptthatoffergladly.
Ifonlytheysurvivedthis.IfonlyReynahadgottenhermessage.Ifonlyamillionotherlongshotspaidoff.
Stopit,shechidedherself.
Shehadtoconcentrateonthepresent,puttingonefootinfrontoftheother,takingthisdownhillintestinalhikeonegiantwartatatime.
Herkneesfeltwarmandwobbly,likewirehangersbenttothepointofsnapping.Percygroanedandmutteredsomethingshecouldn’tmakeout.
Bobstoppedsuddenly.“Look.”
Aheadinthegloom,theterrainleveledoutintoablackswamp.Sulfur-yellowmisthungintheair.Evenwithoutsunlight,therewereactualplants—clumpsofreeds,scrawnyleaflesstrees,evenafewsickly-lookingflowersbloominginthemuck.Mossytrailswoundbetweenbubblingtarpits.
DirectlyinfrontofAnnabeth,sunkintothebog,werefootprintsthesizeoftrash-canlids,withlong,pointedtoes.
Sadly,Annabethwasprettysuresheknewwhathadmadethem.“Drakon?”
“Yes.”Bobgrinnedather.“Thatisgood!”
“Uh…why?”
“Becauseweareclose.”
Bobmarchedintotheswamp.
Annabethwantedtoscream.ShehatedbeingatthemercyofaTitan—especiallyonewhowasslowlyrecoveringhismemoryandbringingthemtoseea“good”giant.Shehatedforgingthroughaswampthatwasobviouslythestompinggroundofadrakon.
ButBobhadPercy.Ifshehesitated,shewouldlosetheminthedark.Shehurriedafterhim,hoppingfrommosspatchtomosspatchandprayingtoAthenathatshedidn’tfallinasinkhole.
AtleasttheterrainforcedBobtogoslower.OnceAnnabethcaughtup,shecouldwalkrightbehindhimandkeepaneyeonPercy,whowasmumblingdeliriously,hisforeheaddangerouslyhot.
SeveraltimeshemutteredAnnabeth,andshefoughtbackasob.Thekittenjustpurredlouderandsnuggledup.
Finallytheyellowmistparted,revealingamuddyclearinglikeanislandinthemuck.Thegroundwasdottedwithstuntedtreesandwartmounds.Inthecenterloomedalarge,domedhutmadeofbonesandgreenishleather.Smokerosefromaholeinthetop.Theentrancewascoveredwithcurtainsofscalyreptileskin,andflankingtheentrance,twotorchesmadefromcolossalfemurbonesburnedbrightyellow.
WhatreallycaughtAnnabeth’sattentionwasthedrakonskull.Fiftyyardsintotheclearing,abouthalfwaytothehut,amassiveoaktreejuttedfromthegroundataforty-five-degreeangle.Thejawsofadrakonskullencircledthetrunk,asiftheoaktreewerethedeadmonster’stongue.
“Yes,”Bobmurmured.“Thisisverygood.”
NothingaboutthisplacefeltgoodtoAnnabeth.
Beforeshecouldprotest,SmallBobarchedhisbackandhissed.Behindthem,amightyroarechoedthroughtheswamp—asoundAnnabethhadlastheardintheBattleofManhattan.
Sheturnedandsawthedrakonchargingtowardthem.
THEMOSTINSULTINGPART?
ThedrakonwaseasilythemostbeautifulthingAnnabethhadseensinceshehadfallen
intoTartarus.Itshidewasdappledgreenandyellow,likesunlightthroughaforestcanopy.ItsreptilianeyeswereAnnabeth’sfavoriteshadeofseagreen(justlikePercy’s).Whenitsfrillsunfurledarounditshead,Annabethcouldn’thelpbutthinkwhataregalandamazingmonsteritwasthatwasabouttokillher.
Itwaseasilyaslongasasubwaytrain.Itsmassivetalonsdugintothemudasitpulleditselfforward,itstailwhippingfromsidetoside.Thedrakonhissed,spittingjetsofgreenpoisonthatsmokedonthemossygroundandsettarpitsonfire,fillingtheairwiththescentoffreshpineandginger.Themonsterevensmelledgood.Likemostdrakons,itwaswingless,longer,andmoresnakelikethanadragon,anditlookedhungry.
“Bob,”Annabethsaid,“whatarewefacinghere?”
“Maeoniandrakon,”Bobsaid.“FromMaeonia.”
Morehelpfulinformation.Annabethwould’vesmackedBobupsidetheheadwithhisownbroomifshecouldliftit.“Anywaywecankillit?”
“Us?”Bobsaid.“No.”
Thedrakonroaredasiftoaccentuatethepoint,fillingtheairwithmorepine-gingerpoison,whichwouldhavemadeanexcellentcar-freshenerscent.
“GetPercytosafety,”Annabethsaid.“I’lldistractit.”
Shehadnoideahowshewoulddothat,butitwasheronlychoice.Shecouldn’tletPercydie—
notifshestillhadthestrengthtostand.
“Youdon’thaveto,”Bobsaid.“Anyminute—”
“ROOOOOAAAR!”
Annabethturnedasthegiantemergedfromhishut.
Hewasabouttwentyfeettall—typicalgiantheight—withahumanoidupperbody,andscalyreptilianlegs,likeabipedaldinosaur.Heheldnoweapon.Insteadofarmor,heworeonlyashirtstitchedtogetherfromsheephidesandgreen-spottedleather.Hisskinwascherryred;hisbeardandhairthecolorofironrust,braidedwithtuftsofgrass,leaves,andswampflowers.
Heshoutedinchallenge,butthankfullyhewasn’tlookingatAnnabeth.Bobpulledheroutofthewayasthegiantstormedtowardthedrakon.
TheyclashedlikesomesortofweirdChristmascombatscene—theredversusthegreen.Thedrakonspewedpoison.Thegiantlungedtooneside.Hegrabbedtheoaktreeandpulleditfromtheground,rootsandall.Theoldskullcrumbledtodustasthegiantheftedthetreelikeabaseballbat.
Thedrakon’staillashedaroundthegiant’swaist,dragginghimclosertoitsgnashingteeth.Butassoonasthegiantwasinrange,heshovedthetreestraightdownthemonster’sthroat.
Annabethhopedsheneverhadtoseesuchagruesomesceneagain.Thetreepiercedthedrakon’sgulletandimpaledittotheground.Therootsbegantomove,diggingdeeperas
theytouchedtheearth,anchoringtheoakuntilitlookedlikeithadstoodinthatspotforcenturies.Thedrakonshookandthrashed,butitwaspinnedfast.
Thegiantbroughthisfistdownonthedrakon’sneck.CRACK.Themonsterwentlimp.Itbegantodissolve,leavingonlyscrapsofbone,meat,hide,andanewdrakonskullwhoseopenjawsringedtheoaktree.
Bobgrunted.“Goodone.”
Thekittenpurredinagreementandstartedcleaninghispaws.
Thegiantkickedatthedrakon’sremains,examiningthemcritically.“Nogoodbones,”hecomplained.“Iwantedanewwalkingstick.Hmpf.Somegoodskinfortheouthouse,though.”Herippedsomesofthidefromthedrakon’sfrillsandtuckeditinhisbelt.
“Uh…”Annabethwantedtoaskifthegiantreallyuseddrakonhidefortoiletpaper,butshedecidedagainstit.“Bob,doyouwanttointroduceus?”
“Annabeth…”BobpattedPercy’slegs.“ThisisPercy.”
AnnabethhopedtheTitanwasjustmessingwithher,thoughBob’sfacerevealednothing.
Shegrittedherteeth.“Imeantthegiant.Youpromisedhecouldhelp.”
“Promise?”Thegiantglancedoverfromhiswork.Hiseyesnarrowedunderhisbushyredbrows.
“Abigthing,apromise.WhywouldBobpromisemyhelp?”
Bobshiftedhisweight.Titanswerescary,butAnnabethhadneverseenonenexttoagiantbefore.Comparedtothedrakon-killer,Boblookeddownrightrunty.
“Damasenisagoodgiant,”Bobsaid.“Heispeaceful.Hecancurepoisons.”AnnabethwatchedthegiantDamasen,whowasnowrippingchunksofbloodymeatfromthedrakoncarcasswithhisbarehands.
“Peaceful,”shesaid.“Yes,Icanseethat.”
“Goodmeatfordinner.”DamasenstoodupstraightandstudiedAnnabeth,asifshewereanotherpotentialsourceofprotein.“Comeinside.Wewillhavestew.Thenwewillseeaboutthispromise.”
COZY.
AnnabethneverthoughtshewoulddescribeanythinginTartarusthatway,butdespitethefactthatthegiant’shutwasasbigasaplanetariumandconstructedofbones,mud,anddrakonskin,itdefinitelyfeltcozy.
Inthecenterblazedabonfiremadeofpitchandbone;yetthesmokewaswhiteandodorless,risingthroughtheholeinthemiddleoftheceiling.Thefloorwascoveredwithdrymarshgrassandgraywoolrugs.Atoneendlayamassivebedofsheepskinsanddrakonleather.Attheotherend,freestandingrackswerehungwithdryingplants,curedleather,andwhatlookedlikestripsofdrakonjerky.Thewholeplacesmelledofstew,smoke,basil,andthyme.
TheonlythingthatworriedAnnabethwastheflockofsheephuddledinapenatthebackofthehut.
AnnabethrememberedthecaveofPolyphemustheCyclops,whoatedemigodsandsheepindiscriminately.Shewonderedifgiantshadsimilartastes.
Partofherwastemptedtorun,butBobhadalreadyplacedPercyinthegiant’sbed,wherehenearlydisappearedinthewoolandleather.SmallBobhoppedoffPercyandkneadedtheblankets,purringsostronglythebedrattledlikeaThousand-FingerMassage.
Damasenploddedtothebonfire.Hetossedhisdrakonmeatintoahangingpotthatseemedtobemadefromanoldmonsterskull,thenpickedupaladleandbegantostir.
Annabethdidn’twanttobethenextingredientinhisstew,butshe’dcomehereforareason.ShetookadeepbreathandmarcheduptoDamasen.“Myfriendisdying.Canyoucurehimornot?”Hervoicecaughtonthewordfriend.Percywasalotmorethanthat.Evenboyfriendreallydidn’tcoverit.They’dbeenthroughsomuchtogether,atthispointPercywaspartofher—asometimesannoyingpart,sure,butdefinitelyapartshecouldnotlivewithout.
Damasenlookeddownather,gloweringunderhisbushyredeyebrows.Annabethhadmetlargescaryhumanoidsbefore,butDamasenunsettledherinadifferentway.Hedidn’tseemhostile.Heradiatedsorrowandbitterness,asifheweresowrappedupinhisownmiserythatheresentedAnnabethfortryingtomakehimfocusonanythingelse.
“Idon’thearwordslikethoseinTartarus,”thegiantgrumbled.“Friend.Promise.”Annabethcrossedherarms.“Howaboutgorgon’sblood?Canyoucurethat,ordidBoboverstateyourtalents?”
Angeringatwenty-foot-talldrakonslayerprobablywasn’tawisestrategy,butPercywasdying.
Shedidn’thavetimefordiplomacy.
Damasenscowledather.“Youquestionmytalents?Ahalf-deadmortalstragglesintomyswampandquestionsmytalents?”
“Yep,”shesaid.
“Hmph.”DamasenhandedBobtheladle.“Stir.”
AsBobtendedthestew,Damasenperusedhisdryingracks,pluckingvariousleavesandroots.Hepoppedafistfulofplantmaterialintohismouth,cheweditup,thenspatitintoaclumpofwool.
“Cupofbroth,”Damasenordered.
Bobladledsomestewjuiceintoahollowgourd.HehandedittoDamasen,whodunkedthechewed-upgunkballandstirreditwithhisfinger.
“Gorgon’sblood,”hemuttered.“Hardlyachallengeformytalents.”HelumberedtothebedsideandproppedupPercywithonehand.SmallBobthekittensniffedthebrothandhissed.Hescratchedthesheetswithhispawslikehewantedtoburyit.
“You’regoingtofeedhimthat?”Annabethasked.
Thegiantglaredather.“Whoisthehealerhere?You?”
Annabethshuthermouth.ShewatchedasthegiantmadePercysipthebroth.Damasenhandledhimwithsurprisinggentleness,murmuringwordsofencouragementthatshecouldn’tquitecatch.
Witheachsip,Percy’scolorimproved.Hedrainedthecup,andhiseyesflutteredopen.Helookedaroundwithadazedexpression,spottedAnnabeth,andgaveheradrunkengrin.“Feelgreat.”Hiseyesrolledupinhishead.Hefellbackinthebedandbegantosnore.
“Afewhoursofsleep,”Damasenpronounced.“He’llbegoodasnew.”Annabethsobbedwithrelief.
“Thankyou,”shesaid.
Damasenstaredathermournfully.“Oh,don’tthankme.You’restilldoomed.AndIrequirepaymentformyservices.”
Annabeth’smouthwentdry.“Uh…whatsortofpayment?”
“Astory.”Thegiant’seyesglittered.“ItgetsboringinTartarus.Youcantellmeyourstory
whileweeat,eh?”
Annabethfeltuneasytellingagiantabouttheirplans.
Still,Damasenwasagoodhost.He’dsavedPercy.Hisdrakon-meatstewwasexcellent(especiallycomparedtofirewater).Hishutwaswarmandcomfortable,andforthefirsttimesinceplungingintoTartarus,Annabethfeltlikeshecouldrelax.Whichwasironic,sinceshewashavingdinnerwithaTitanandagiant.
ShetoldDamasenaboutherlifeandheradventureswithPercy.SheexplainedhowPercyhadmetBob,wipedhismemoryintheRiverLethe,andlefthiminthecareofHades.
“Percywastryingtodosomethinggood,”shepromisedBob.“Hedidn’tknowHadeswouldbesuchacreep.”
Eventoher,itdidn’tsoundconvincing.Hadeswasalwaysacreep.
Shethoughtaboutwhatthearaihadsaid—howNicodiAngelohadbeentheonlypersontovisitBobinthepalaceoftheUnderworld.Nicowasoneoftheleastoutgoing,leastfriendlydemigodsAnnabethknew.Yethe’dbeenkindtoBob.ByconvincingBobthatPercywasafriend,Nicohadinadvertentlysavedtheirlives.Annabethwonderedifshewouldeverfigurethatguyout.
Bobwashedhisbowlwithhissquirtbottleandrag.
Damasenmadearollinggesturewithhisspoon.“Continueyourstory,AnnabethChase.”SheexplainedabouttheirquestintheArgoII.WhenshegottothepartaboutstoppingGaeafromwaking,shefaltered.“She’s,um…she’syourmom,right?”
Damasenscrapedhisbowl.Hisfacewascoveredwitholdpoisonburns,gouges,andscartissue,soitlookedlikethesurfaceofanasteroid.
“Yes,”hesaid.“AndTartarusismyfather.”Hegesturedaroundthehut.“Asyoucansee,Iwasadisappointmenttomyparents.Theyexpected…morefromme.”Annabethcouldn’tquitewraphermindaroundthefactthatshewassharingsoupwithatwenty-foot-talllizard-leggedmanwhoseparentswereEarthandthePitofDarkness.
Olympiangodswerehardenoughtoimagineasparents,butatleasttheyresembledhumans.TheoldprimordialgodslikeGaeaandTartarus…Howcouldyouleavehomeandeverbeindependentofyourparents,whentheyliterallyencompassedtheentireworld?
“So…”shesaid.“Youdon’tmindusfightingyourmom?”
Damasensnortedlikeabull.“Bestofluck.Atpresent,it’smyfatheryoushouldworryabout.
Withhimopposingyou,youhavenochancetosurvive.”
SuddenlyAnnabethdidn’tfeelsohungry.Sheputherbowlonthefloor.SmallBobcameovertocheckitout.
“Opposingushow?”sheasked.
“Allofthis.”Damasencrackedadrakonboneandusedasplinterasatoothpick.“AllthatyouseeisthebodyofTartarus,oratleastonemanifestationofit.Heknowsyouarehere.
Hetriestothwartyourprogressateverystep.Mybrethrenhuntyou.Itisremarkableyouhavelivedthislong,evenwiththehelpofIapetus.”
Bobscowledwhenheheardhisname.“Thedefeatedoneshuntus,yes.Theywillbeclosebehindnow.”
Damasenspatouthistoothpick.“Icanobscureyourpathforawhile,longenoughforyoutorest.
Ihavepowerinthisswamp.Buteventually,theywillcatchyou.”
“MyfriendsmustreachtheDoorsofDeath,”Bobsaid.“Thatisthewayout.”
“Impossible,”Damasenmuttered.“TheDoorsaretoowellguarded.”Annabethsatforward.“Butyouknowwheretheyare?”
“Ofcourse.AllofTartarusflowsdowntooneplace:hisheart.TheDoorsofDeatharethere.ButyoucannotmakeittherealivewithonlyIapetus.”
“Thencomewithus,”Annabethsaid.“Helpus.”
“HA!”
Annabethjumped.Inthebed,Percymuttereddeliriouslyinhissleep,“Ha,ha,ha.”
“ChildofAthena,”thegiantsaid,“Iamnotyourfriend.Ihelpedmortalsonce,andyouseewhereitgotme.”
“Youhelpedmortals?”AnnabethknewalotaboutGreeklegends,butshedrewatotalblankonthenameDamasen.“I—Idon’tunderstand.”
“Badstory,”Bobexplained.“Goodgiantshavebadstories.DamasenwascreatedtoopposeAres.”
“Yes,”thegiantagreed.“Likeallmybrethren,Iwasborntoansweracertaingod.MyfoewasAres.ButAreswasthegodofwar.Andso,whenIwasborn—”
“Youwerehisopposite,”Annabethguessed.“Youwerepeaceful.”
“Peacefulforagiant,atleast.”Damasensighed.“IwanderedthefieldsofMaeonia,inthelandyounowcallTurkey.Itendedmysheepandcollectedmyherbs.Itwasagoodlife.ButIwouldnotfightthegods.Mymotherandfathercursedmeforthat.Thefinalinsult:OnedaytheMaeoniandrakonkilledahumanshepherd,afriendofmine,soIhuntedthecreaturedownandslewit,thrustingatreestraightthroughitsmouth.Iusedthepoweroftheearthtoregrowthetree’sroots,plantingthedrakonfirmlyintheground.Imadesureitwouldterrorizemortalsnomore.ThatwasadeedGaeacouldnotforgive.”
“Becauseyouhelpedsomeone?”
“Yes.”Damasenlookedashamed.“Gaeaopenedtheearth,andIwasconsumed,exiledhereinthebellyofmyfatherTartarus,wherealltheuselessflotsamcollects—allthebitsofcreationhedoesnotcarefor.”Thegiantpluckedafloweroutofhishairandregardeditabsently.“Theyletmelive,tendingmysheep,collectingmyherbs,soImightknowtheuselessnessofthelifeIchose.Everyday
—orwhatpassesfordayinthislightlessplace—theMaeoniandrakonre-formsand
attacksme.
Killingitismyendlesstask.”
Annabethgazedaroundthehut,tryingtoimaginehowmanyeonsDamasenhadbeenexiledhere
—slayingthedrakon,collectingitsbonesandhideandmeat,knowingitwouldattackagainthenextday.ShecouldbarelyimaginesurvivingaweekinTartarus.Exilingyourownsonhereforcenturies—
thatwasbeyondcruel.
“Breakthecurse,”sheblurtedout.“Comewithus.”
Damasenchuckledsourly.“Assimpleasthat.Don’tyouthinkIhavetriedtoleavethisplace?Itisimpossible.NomatterwhichdirectionItravel,Ienduphereagain.TheswampistheonlythingIknow—theonlydestinationIcanimagine.No,littledemigod.Mycursehasovertakenme.Ihavenohopeleft.”
“Nohope,”Bobechoed.
“Theremustbeaway.”Annabethcouldn’tstandtheexpressiononthegiant’sface.Itremindedherofherownfather,thefewtimeshe’dconfessedtoherthathestilllovedAthena.Hehadlookedsosadanddefeated,wishingforsomethingheknewwasimpossible.
“BobhasaplantoreachtheDoorsofDeath,”sheinsisted.“HesaidwecouldhideinsomesortofDeathMist.”
“DeathMist?”DamasenscowledatBob.“YouwouldtakethemtoAkhlys?”
“Itistheonlyway,”Bobsaid.
“Youwilldie,”Damasensaid.“Painfully.Indarkness.Akhlystrustsnooneandhelpsnoone.”Boblookedlikehewantedtoargue,buthepressedhislipstogetherandremainedsilent.
“Isthereanotherway?”Annabethasked.
“No,”Damasensaid.“TheDeathMist…thatisthebestplan.Unfortunately,itisaterribleplan.”Annabethfeltlikeshewashangingoverthepitagain,unabletopullherselfup,unabletomaintainhergrip—leftwithnogoodoptions.
“Butisn’titworthtrying?”sheasked.“Youcouldreturntothemortalworld.Youcouldseethesunagain.”
Damasen’seyeswerelikethesocketsofthedrakon’sskull—darkandhollow,devoidofhope.Heflickedabrokenboneintothefireandrosetohisfullheight—amassiveredwarriorinsheepskinanddrakonleather,withdriedflowersandherbsinhishair.Annabethcouldseehowhewastheanti-Ares.
Areswastheworstgod,blusteryandviolent.Damasenwasthebestgiant,kindandhelpful…andforthat,he’dbeencursedtoeternaltorment.
“Getsomesleep,”thegiantsaid.“Iwillpreparesuppliesforyourjourney.Iamsorry,butI
cannotdomore.”
Annabethwantedtoargue,butassoonashesaidsleep,herbodybetrayedher,despiteherresolutionnevertosleepinTartarusagain.Herbellywasfull.Thefiremadeapleasantcracklingsound.TheherbsintheairremindedherofthehillsaroundCampHalf-Bloodinthesummer,whenthesatyrsandnaiadsgatheredwildplantsinthelazyafternoons.
“Maybealittlesleep,”sheagreed.
Bobscoopedheruplikearagdoll.Shedidn’tprotest.HesethernexttoPercyonthegiant’sbed,andsheclosedhereyes.
ANNABETHWOKESTARINGattheshadowsdancingacrossthehut’sceiling.Shehadn’thadasingledream.Thatwassounusual,shewasn’tsureifshe’dactuallywokenup.
Asshelaythere,PercysnoringnexttoherandSmallBobpurringonherbelly,sheheardBobandDamasendeepinconversation.
“Youhaven’ttoldher,”Damasensaid.
“No,”Bobadmitted.“Sheisalreadyscared.”
Thegiantgrumbled.“Sheshouldbe.AndifyoucannotguidethempastNight?”DamasensaidNightlikeitwasapropername—anevilname.
“Ihaveto,”Bobsaid.
“Why?”Damasenwondered.“Whathavethedemigodsgivenyou?Theyhaveerasedyouroldself,everythingyouwere.Titansandgiants…wearemeanttobethefoesofthegodsandtheirchildren.Arewenot?”
“Thenwhydidyouhealtheboy?”
Damasenexhaled.“Ihavebeenwonderingthatmyself.Perhapsbecausethegirlgoadedme,orperhaps…Ifindthesetwodemigodsintriguing.Theyareresilienttohavemadeit
sofar.Thatisadmirable.Still,howcanwehelpthemanyfurther?Itisnotourfate.”
“Perhaps,”Bobsaid,uncomfortably.“But…doyoulikeourfate?”
“Whataquestion.Doesanyonelikehisfate?”
“IlikedbeingBob,”Bobmurmured.“BeforeIstartedtoremember…”
“Huh.”Therewasashufflingsound,asifDamasenwasstuffingaleatherbag.
“Damasen,”theTitanasked,“doyourememberthesun?”
Theshufflingstopped.Annabethheardthegiantexhalethroughhisnostrils.“Yes.Itwasyellow.
Whenittouchedthehorizon,itturnedtheskybeautifulcolors.”
“Imissthesun,”Bobsaid.“Thestars,too.Iwouldliketosayhellotothestarsagain.”
“Stars…”Damasensaidthewordasifhe’dforgottenitsmeaning.“Yes.Theymadesilverpatternsinthenightsky.”Hethrewsomethingtothefloorwithathump.“Bah.Thisisuselesstalk.
Wecannot—”
Inthedistance,theMaeoniandrakonroared.
Percysatboltupright.“What?What—where—what?”
“It’sokay.”Annabethtookhisarm.
Whenheregisteredthattheyweretogetherinagiant’sbedwithaskeletoncat,helookedmoreconfusedthanever.“Thatnoise…wherearewe?”
“Howmuchdoyouremember?”sheasked.
Percyfrowned.Hiseyesseemedalert.Allhiswoundshadvanished.Exceptforhistatteredclothesandafewlayersofdirtandgrime,helookedasifhe’dneverfallenintoTartarus.
“I—thedemongrandmothers—andthen…notmuch.”
Damasenloomedoverthebed.“Thereisnotime,littlemortals.Thedrakonisreturning.Ifearitsroarwilldrawtheothers—mybrethren,huntingyou.Theywillbeherewithinminutes.”Annabeth’spulsequickened.“Whatwillyoutellthemwhentheygethere?”Damasen’smouthtwitched.“Whatistheretotell?Nothingofsignificance,aslongasyouaregone.”
Hetossedthemtwodrakon-leathersatchels.“Clothes,food,drink.”Bobwaswearingasimilarbutlargerpack.Heleanedonhisbroom,gazingatAnnabethasifstillponderingDamasen’swords:Whathavethedemigodsgivenyou?Wearemeanttobethefoesofthegodsandtheirchildren.
SuddenlyAnnabethwasstruckbyathoughtsosharpandclear,itwaslikeabladefromAthenaherself.
“TheProphecyofSeven,”shesaid.
Percyhadalreadyclimbedoutofthebedandwasshoulderinghispack.Hefrownedat
her.“Whataboutit?”
AnnabethgrabbedDamasen’shand,startlingthegiant.Hisbrowfurrowed.Hisskinwasasroughassandstone.
“Youhavetocomewithus,”shepleaded.“TheprophecysaysfoesbeararmstotheDoorsofDeath.IthoughtitmeantRomansandGreeks,butthat’snotit.Thelinemeansus—demigods,aTitan,agiant.WeneedyoutoclosetheDoors!”
Thedrakonroaredoutside,closerthistime.Damasengentlypulledhishandaway.
“No,child,”hemurmured.“Mycurseishere.Icannotescapeit.”
“Yes,youcan,”Annabethsaid.“Don’tfightthedrakon.Figureoutawaytobreakthecycle!Findanotherfate.”
Damasenshookhishead.“EvenifIcould,Icannotleavethisswamp.ItistheonlydestinationIcanpicture.”
Annabeth’smindraced.“Thereisanotherdestination.Lookatme!Remembermyface.Whenyou’reready,comefindme.We’lltakeyoutothemortalworldwithus.Youcanseethesunlightandstars.”
Thegroundshook.Thedrakonwasclosenow,stompingthroughthemarsh,blastingtreesandmosswithitspoisonspray.Fartheraway,AnnabethheardthevoiceofthegiantPolybotes,urginghisfollowersforward.“THESEAGOD’SSON!HEISCLOSE!”
“Annabeth,”Percysaidurgently,“that’sourcuetoleave.”Damasentooksomethingfromhisbelt.Inhismassivehand,thewhiteshardlookedlikeanothertoothpick;butwhenheofferedittoAnnabeth,sherealizeditwasasword—abladeofdragonbone,honedtoadeadlyedge,withasimplegripofleather.
“OnelastgiftforthechildofAthena,”rumbledthegiant.“Icannothaveyouwalkingtoyourdeathunarmed.Now,go!Beforeitistoolate.”
Annabethwantedtosob.Shetookthesword,butshecouldn’tevenmakeherselfsaythankyou.
Sheknewthegiantwasmeanttofightattheirside.Thatwastheanswer—butDamasenturnedaway.
“Wemustleave,”Boburgedashiskittenclimbedontohisshoulder.
“He’sright,Annabeth,”Percysaid.
Theyranfortheentrance.Annabethdidn’tlookbackasshefollowedPercyandBobintotheswamp,butsheheardDamasenbehindthem,shoutinghisbattlecryattheadvancingdrakon,hisvoicecrackingwithdespairashefacedhisoldenemyyetagain.
PIPERDIDN’TKNOWMUCHabouttheMediterranean,butshewasprettysureitwasn’tsupposedtofreezeinJuly.
TwodaysouttoseafromSplit,graycloudsswallowedthesky.Thewavesturnedchoppy.Colddrizzlesprayedacrossthedeck,formingiceontherailsandtheropes.
“It’sthescepter,”Nicomurmured,heftingtheancientstaff.“Ithastobe.”Piperwondered.EversinceJasonandNicohadreturnedfromDiocletian’sPalace,they’dbeenactingnervousandcagey.Somethingmajorhadhappenedthere—somethingJasonwouldn’tsharewithher.
Itmadesensethatthesceptermighthavecausedthisweatherchange.Theblackorbontopseemedtoleachthecolorrightoutoftheair.Thegoldeneaglesatitsbaseglintedcoldly.Thesceptercouldsupposedlycontrolthedead,anditdefinitelygaveoffbadvibes.CoachHedgehadtakenonelookatthething,turnedpale,andannouncedthathewasgoingtohisroomtoconsolehimselfwithChuckNorrisvideos.(AlthoughPipersuspectedthathewasactuallymakingIris-messagesbackhometohisgirlfriendMellie;thecoachhadbeenactingveryagitatedaboutherlately,thoughhewouldn’ttellPiperwhatwasgoingon.)
So,yes…maybethesceptercouldcauseafreakicestorm.ButPiperdidn’tthinkthatwasit.Shefearedsomethingelsewashappening—somethingevenworse.
“Wecan’ttalkuphere,”Jasondecided.“Let’spostponethemeeting.”They’dallgatheredonthequarterdecktodiscussstrategyastheygotclosertoEpirus.Nowitwasclearlynotagoodplacetohangout.Windsweptfrostacrossthedeck.Theseachurnedbeneaththem.
Piperdidn’tmindthewavessomuch.TherockingandpitchingremindedherofsurfingwithherdadofftheCaliforniacoast.ButshecouldtellHazelwasn’tdoingwell.Thepoorgirlgotseasickevenincalmwaters.Shelookedlikeshewastryingtoswallowabilliardball.
“Needto—”Hazelgaggedandpointedbelow.
“Yeah,go.”Nicokissedhercheek,whichPiperfoundsurprising.Hehardlyevermadegesturesofaffection,eventohissister.Heseemedtohatephysicalcontact.KissingHazel…itwasalmostlikehewassayinggood-bye.
“I’llwalkyoudown.”FrankputhisarmaroundHazel’swaistandhelpedhertothestairs.
PiperhopedHazelwouldbeokay.Thelastfewnights,sincethatfightwithSciron,they’dhadsomegoodtalkstogether.Beingtheonlytwogirlsonboardwaskindofrough.They’dsharedstories,complainedabouttheguys’grosshabits,andshedsometearstogetheraboutAnnabeth.HazelhadtoldherwhatitwasliketocontroltheMist,andPiperhadbeensurprisedbyhowmuchitsoundedlikeusingcharmspeak.Piperhadofferedtohelpherifshecould.Inreturn,Hazelhadpromisedtocoachherinswordfighting—askillatwhichPiperepicallysucked.Piperfeltlikeshehadanewfriend,whichwasgreat…assumingtheylivedlongenoughtoenjoythefriendship.
Nicobrushedsomeicefromhishair.HefrownedatthescepterofDiocletian.“Ishouldputthisthingaway.Ifit’sreallycausingtheweather,maybetakingitbelowdeckwillhelp…”
“Sure,”Jasonsaid.
NicoglancedatPiperandLeo,asifworriedwhattheymightsaywhenhewasgone.Piperfelthisdefensesgoingup,likehewascurlingintoapsychologicalball,thewayhe’dgoneintoadeathtranceinthatbronzejar.
Onceheheadedbelow,PiperstudiedJason’sface.Hiseyeswerefullofconcern.WhathadhappenedinCroatia?
Leopulledascrewdriverfromhisbelt.“Somuchforthebigteammeeting.Lookslikeit’sjustusagain.”
Justusagain.
PiperrememberedawintrydayinChicagolastDecember,whenthethreeofthemhadlandedinMillennialParkontheirfirstquest.
Leohadn’tchangedmuchsincethen,exceptheseemedmorecomfortableinhisroleasachildofHephaestus.He’dalwayshadtoomuchnervousenergy.Nowheknewhowtouseit.Hishandswereconstantlyinmotion,pullingtoolsfromhisbelt,workingcontrols,tinkeringwithhisbelovedArchimedessphere.Todayhe’dremoveditfromthecontrolpanelandshutdownFestusthefigureheadformaintenance—somethingaboutrewiringhisprocessorforamotor-controlupgradewiththesphere,whatevertheheckthatmeant.
AsforJason,helookedthinner,taller,andmorecareworn.Hishairhadgonefromclose-croppedRomanstyletolongerandshaggier.ThegrooveScironhadshotacrosstheleftsideofhisscalpwasinterestingtoo—almostlikearebelliousstreak.Hisicyblueeyeslookedolder,somehow—fullofworryandresponsibility.
PiperknewwhatherfriendswhisperedaboutJason—hewastooperfect,toostraitlaced.Ifthathadeverbeentrue,itwasn’tanymore.He’dbeenbatteredonthisjourney,andnotjustphysically.Hishardshipshadn’tweakenedhim,buthe’dbeenweatheredandsoftenedlike
leather—asifhewerebecomingamorecomfortableversionofhimself.
AndPiper?ShecouldonlyimaginewhatLeoandJasonthoughtwhentheylookedather.Shedefinitelydidn’tfeellikethesamepersonshe’dbeenlastwinter.
ThatfirstquesttorescueHeraseemedlikecenturiesago.Somuchhadchangedinsevenmonths…shewonderedhowthegodscouldstandbeingaliveforthousandsofyears.Howmuchchangehadtheyseen?Maybeitwasn’tsurprisingthattheOlympiansseemedalittlecrazy.IfPiperhadlivedthroughthreemillennia,shewouldhavegoneloopy.
Shegazedintothecoldrain.ShewouldhavegivenanythingtobebackatCampHalf-Blood,wheretheweatherwascontrolledeveninthewinter.Theimagesshe’dseeninherkniferecently…
well,theydidn’tgivehermuchtolookforwardto.
Jasonsqueezedhershoulder.“Hey,it’llbefine.We’reclosetoEpirusnow.Anotherdayorso,ifNico’sdirectionsareright.”
“Yep.”Leotinkeredwithhissphere,tappingandnudgingoneofthejewelsonitssurface.“Bytomorrowmorning,we’llreachthewesterncoastofGreece.Thenanotherhourinland,andbang—
HouseofHades!I’magetmetheT-shirt!”
“Yay,”Pipermuttered.
Shewasn’tanxioustoplungeintothedarknessagain.ShestillhadnightmaresaboutthenymphaeumandthehypogeumunderRome.InthebladeofKatoptris,she’dseenimagessimilartowhatLeoandHazelhaddescribedfromtheirdreams—apalesorceressinagolddress,herhandsweavinggoldenlightintheairlikesilkonaloom;agiantwrappedinshadows,marchingdownalongcorridorlinedwithtorches.Ashepassedeachone,theflamesdied.Shesawahugecavernfilledwithmonsters—Cyclopes,Earthborn,andstrangerthings—surroundingherandherfriends,hopelesslyoutnumberingthem.
Everytimeshesawthoseimages,avoiceinherheadkeptrepeatingonelineoverandover.
“Guys,”shesaid,“I’vebeenthinkingabouttheProphecyofSeven.”IttookalottogetLeo’sattentionawayfromhiswork,butthatdidthetrick.
“Whataboutit?”heasked.“Like…goodstuff,Ihope?”
Shereadjustedhercornucopia’sshoulderstrap.Sometimesthehornofplentyseemedsolightsheforgotaboutit.Othertimesitfeltlikeananvil,asiftherivergodAchelouswassendingoutbadthoughts,tryingtopunishherfortakinghishorn.
“InKatoptris,”shestarted,“IkeepseeingthatgiantClytius—theguywho’swrappedinshadows.
Iknowhisweaknessisfire,butinmyvisions,hesnuffsoutflameswhereverhegoes.Anykindoflightjustgetssuckedintohiscloudofdarkness.”
“SoundslikeNico,”Leosaid.“Youthinkthey’rerelated?”Jasonscowled.“Hey,man,cutNicosomeslack.So,Piper,whataboutthisgiant?Whatareyouthinking?”
SheandLeoexchangedaquizzicallook,like:SincewhendoesJasondefendNicodiAngelo?Shedecidednottocomment.
“Ikeepthinkingaboutfire,”Pipersaid.“HowweexpectLeotobeatthisgiantbecausehe’s…”
“Hot?”Leosuggestedwithagrin.
“Um,let’sgowithflammable.Anyway,thatlinefromtheprophecybothersme:Tostormorfiretheworldmustfall.”
“Yeah,weknowallaboutit,”Leopromised.“You’regonnasayI’mfire.AndJasonhereisstorm.”
Pipernoddedreluctantly.Sheknewthatnoneofthemlikedtalkingaboutthis,buttheyallmusthavefeltitwasthetruth.
Theshippitchedtostarboard.Jasongrabbedtheicyrailing.“Soyou’reworriedoneofuswillendangerthequest,maybeaccidentallydestroytheworld?”
“No,”Pipersaid.“Ithinkwe’vebeenreadingthatlinethewrongway.Theworld…theEarth.InGreek,thewordforthatwouldbe…”
Shehesitated,notwantingtosaythenamealoud,evenatsea.
“Gaea.”Jason’seyesgleamedwithsuddeninterest.“Youmean,tostormorfireGaeamustfall?”
“Oh…”Leogrinnedevenwider.“Youknow,Ilikeyourversionalotbetter.’CauseifGaeafallstome,Mr.Fire,thatisabsolutelycopacetic.”
“Ortome…storm.”Jasonkissedher.“Piper,that’sbrilliant!Ifyou’reright,thisisgreatnews.
WejusthavetofigureoutwhichofusdestroysGaea.”
“Maybe.”Shefeltuneasygettingtheirhopesup.“But,see,it’sstormorfire…”SheunsheathedKatoptrisandsetitontheconsole.Immediately,thebladeflickered,showingthedarkshapeofthegiantClytiusmovingthroughacorridor,snuffingouttorches.
“I’mworriedaboutLeoandthisfightwithClytius,”shesaid.“Thatlineintheprophecymakesitsoundlikeonlyoneofyoucansucceed.Andifthestormorfirepartisconnectedtothethirdline,anoathtokeepwithafinalbreath…”
Shedidn’tfinishthethought,butfromJason’sandLeo’sexpressions,shesawthattheyunderstood.Ifshewasreadingtheprophecyright,eitherLeoorJasonwoulddefeatGaea.Theotheronewoulddie.
LEOSTAREDATTHEDAGGER.“Okay…soIdon’tlikeyourideaasmuchasIthought.YouthinkoneofusdefeatsGaeaandtheotheronedies?Ormaybeoneofusdieswhiledefeatingher?Or—”
“Guys,”Jasonsaid,“we’lldriveourselvescrazyoverthinkingit.Youknowhowpropheciesare.
Heroesalwaysgetintroubletryingtothwartthem.”
“Yeah,”Leomuttered.“We’dhatetogetintrouble.We’vegotitsogoodrightnow.”
“YouknowwhatImean,”Jasonsaid.“Thefinalbreathlinemightnotbeconnectedtothestormandfirepart.Forallweknow,thetwoofusaren’tevenstormandfire.Percycanraisehurricanes.”
“AndIcouldalwayssetCoachHedgeonfire,”Leovolunteered.“Thenhecanbefire.”Thethoughtofablazingsatyrscreaming,“Die,scumbag!”asheattackedGaeawasalmostenoughtomakePiperlaugh—almost.
“IhopeI’mwrong,”shesaidcautiously.“ButthewholequeststartedwithusfindingHeraandwakingthatgiantkingPorphyrion.Ihaveafeelingthewarwillendwithustoo.Forbetterorworse.”
“Hey,”Jasonsaid,“personally,Ilikeus.”
“Agreed,”Leosaid.“Usismyfavoritepeople.”
Pipermanagedasmile.Shereallydidlovetheseguys.ShewishedshecouldusehercharmspeakontheFates,describeahappyending,andforcethemtomakeitcometrue.
Unfortunately,itwashardtoimagineahappyendingwithallthedarkthoughtsinherhead.SheworriedthatthegiantClytiushadbeenputintheirpathtoeliminateLeoasathreat.Ifso,thatmeantGaeawouldalsotrytoeliminateJason.Withoutstormorfire,theirquestcouldn’tsucceed.
Andthiswintryweatherbotheredhertoo.…ShefeltcertainitwasbeingcausedbysomethingmorethanjustDiocletian’sscepter.Thecoldwind,themixoficeandrainseemedactivelyhostile,andsomehowfamiliar.
Thatsmellintheair,thethicksmellof…
Pipershouldhaveunderstoodwhatwashappeningsooner,butshe’dspentmostofherlifeinSouthernCaliforniawithnomajorchangesofseason.Shehadn’tgrownupwiththatsmell…thesmellofimpendingsnow.
Everymuscleinherbodytensed.“Leo,soundthealarm.”
Piperhadn’trealizedshewascharmspeaking,butLeoimmediatelydroppedhisscrewdriverandpunchedthealarmbutton.Hefrownedwhennothinghappened.
“Uh,it’sdisconnected,”heremembered.“Festusisshutdown.Gimmeaminutetogetthesystembackonline.”
“Wedon’thaveaminute!Fires—weneedvialsofGreekfire.Jason,callthewinds.Warm,southerlywinds.”
“Wait,what?”Jasonstaredatherinconfusion.“Piper,what’swrong?”
“It’sher!”Pipersnatchedupherdagger.“She’sback!Wehaveto—”Beforeshecouldfinish,theboatlistedtoport.Thetemperaturedroppedsofast,thesailscrackledwithice.Thebronzeshieldsalongtherailspoppedlikeover-pressurizedsodacans.
Jasondrewhissword,butitwastoolate.Awaveoficeparticlessweptoverhim,coatinghimlikeaglazeddonutandfreezinghiminplace.Underalayerofice,hiseyeswerewidewithamazement.
“Leo!Flames!Now!”Piperyelled.
Leo’srighthandblazed,butthewindswirledaroundhimanddousedthefire.LeoclutchedhisArchimedessphereasafunnelcloudofsleetliftedhimoffhisfeet.
“Hey!”heyelled.“Hey!Letmego!”
Piperrantowardhim,butavoiceinthestormsaid,“Oh,yes,LeoValdez.Iwillletyougopermanently.”
Leoshotskyward,likehe’dbeenlaunchedfromacatapult.Hedisappearedintotheclouds.
“No!”Piperraisedherknife,buttherewasnothingtoattack.Shelookeddesperatelyatthestairwell,hopingtoseeherfriendschargingtotherescue,butablockoficehadsealedthehatch.Thewholelowerdeckmighthavebeenfrozensolid.
Sheneededabetterweapontofightwith—somethingmorethanhervoice,astupidfortune-tellingdagger,andacornucopiathatshothamandfreshfruit.
Shewonderedwhethershecouldmakeittotheballista.
Thenherenemiesappeared,andsherealizedthatnoweaponwouldbeenough.
Standingamidshipswasagirlinaflowingdressofwhitesilk,hermaneofblackhairpinnedbackwithacircletofdiamonds.Hereyeswerethecolorofcoffee,butwithoutthe
warmth.
Behindherstoodherbrothers—twoyoungmenwithpurple-featheredwings,starkwhitehair,andjaggedswordsofCelestialbronze.
“Sogoodtoseeyouagain,machère,”saidKhione,thegoddessofsnow.“It’stimewehadaverycoldreunion.”
PIPERDIDN’TPLANTOSHOOTBLUEBERRYMUFFINS.Thecornucopiamusthavesensedherdistressandthoughtsheandhervisitorscouldusesomewarmbakedgoods.
Halfadozensteamymuffinsflewfromthehornofplentylikebuckshot.Itwasn’tthemosteffectiveopeningattack.
Khionesimplyleanedtooneside.Mostofthemuffinssailedpastherovertherail.Herbrothers,theBoreads,eachcaughtoneandbegantoeat.
“Muffins,”saidthebiggerone.Cal,Piperremembered:shortforCalais.HewasdressedexactlyashehadbeeninQuebec—incleats,sweatpants,andaredhockeyjersey—andhadtwoblackeyesandseveralbrokenteeth.“Muffinsaregood.”
“Ah,merci,”saidthescrawnybrother—Zethes,sherecalled—whostoodonthecatapultplatform,hispurplewingsspread.HiswhitehairwasstillfeatheredinahorribleDiscoAgemullet.
Thecollarofhissilkshirtstuckoutoverhisbreastplate.Hischartreusepolyesterpantsweregrotesquelytight,andhisacnehadonlygottenworse.Despitethat,hewriggledhiseyebrowsandsmiledlikehewasthedemigodofpickupartists.
“Iknewtheprettygirlwouldmissme.”HespokeQuébécoisFrench,whichPipertranslatedeffortlessly.Thankstohermom,Aphrodite,thelanguageoflovewashardwiredintoher,thoughshedidn’twanttospeakitwithZethes.
“Whatareyoudoing?”Piperdemanded.Then,incharmspeak:“Letmyfriendsgo.”
Zethesblinked.“Weshouldletyourfriendsgo.”
“Yes,”Callagreed.
“No,youidiots!”Khionesnapped.“Sheischarmspeaking.Useyourwits.”
“Wits…”Callfrownedasifhewasn’tsurewhatwitswere.“Muffinsarebetter.”Hestuffedthewholethinginhismouthandbegantochew.
Zethespickedablueberryoffthetopofhisandnibbleditdelicately.“Ah,mybeautifulPiper…solongIhavewaitedtoseeyouagain.Sadly,mysisterisright.Wecannotletyourfriendsgo.InfactwemusttakethemtoQuebec,wheretheyshallbelaughedateternally.Iamsosorry,buttheseareourorders.”
“Orders…?”
Eversincelastwinter,PiperhadexpectedKhionetoshowherfrostyfacesoonerorlater.Whenthey’ddefeatedherattheWolfHouseinSonoma,thesnowgoddesshadvowedrevenge.ButwhywereZethesandCallhere?InQuebec,theBoreadshadseemedalmostfriendly—atleastcomparedtotheirsubzerosister.
“Guys,listen,”Pipersaid.“YoursisterdisobeyedBoreas.She’sworkingwiththegiants,tryingtoraiseGaea.She’splanningtotakeoveryourfather’sthrone.”Khionelaughed,softandcold.“DearPiperMcLean.Youwouldmanipulatemyweak-willedbrotherswithyourcharms,likeatruedaughterofthelovegoddess.Suchaskillfulliar.”
“Liar?”Pipercried.“Youtriedtokillus!Zethes,she’sworkingforGaea!”Zetheswinced.“Alas,beautifulgirl.WeallareworkingforGaeanow.Ifeartheseordersarefromourfather,Boreashimself.”
“What?”Piperdidn’twanttobelieveit,butKhione’ssmugsmiletoldheritwastrue.
“Atlastmyfathersawthewisdomofmycounsel,”Khionepurred,“oratleasthedidbeforehisRomansidebeganwarringwithhisGreekside.Ifearheisquiteincapacitatednow,butheleftmeincharge.HehasorderedthattheforcesoftheNorthWindbeusedintheserviceofKingPorphyrion,andofcourse…theEarthMother.”
Pipergulped.“Howareyouevenhere?”Shegesturedattheiceallovertheship.“It’ssummer!”Khioneshrugged.“Ourpowersgrow.Therulesofnatureareturnedupsidedown.OncetheEarthMotherwakes,weshallremaketheworldaswechoose!”
“Withhockey,”Callsaid,hismouthstillfull.“Andpizza.Andmuffins.”
“Yes,yes,”Khionesneered.“Ihadtopromiseafewthingstothebigsimpleton.AndtoZethes
—”
“Oh,myneedsaresimple.”ZethesslickedbackhishairandwinkedatPiper.“Ishouldhavekeptyouatourpalacewhenwefirstmet,mydearPiper.Butsoonwewillgothereagain,together,andIshallromanceyoumostincredibly.”
“Thanks,butnothanks,”Pipersaid.“Now,letJasongo.”Sheputallherpowerintothewords,andZethesobeyed.Hesnappedhisfingers.Jasoninstantlydefrosted.Hecrumpledtothefloor,gaspingandsteaming;butatleasthewasalive.
“Youimbecile!”Khionethrustoutherhand,andJasonrefroze,nowflatonthedecklikeabearskinrug.ShewheeledonZethes.“Ifyouwishthegirlasyourprize,youmustproveyoucancontrolher.Nottheotherwayaround!”
“Yes,ofcourse.”Zetheslookedchagrined.
“AsforJasonGrace…”Khione’sbrowneyesgleamed.“HeandtherestofyourfriendswilljoinourcourtoficestatuesinQuebec.Jasonwillgracemythroneroom.”
“Clever,”Pipermuttered.“Takeyoualldaytothinkupthatline?”AtleastsheknewJasonwasstillalive,whichmadePiperalittlelesspanicky.Thedeepfreezecouldbereversed.Thatmeantherotherfriendswereprobablystillalivebelowdeck.Shejustneededaplantofreethem.
Unfortunately,shewasn’tAnnabeth.Shewasn’tsogoodatdevisingplansonthefly.Sheneededtimetothink.
“WhataboutLeo?”sheblurted.“Wheredidyousendhim?”
ThesnowgoddesssteppedlightlyaroundJason,examininghimasifheweresidewalkart.
“LeoValdezdeservedaspecialpunishment,”shesaid.“Ihavesenthimtoaplacefromwhichhecanneverreturn.”
Pipercouldn’tbreathe.PoorLeo.Theideaofneverseeinghimagainalmostdestroyedher.
Khionemust’veseenitinherface.
“Alas,mydearPiper!”Shesmiledintriumph.“Butitisforthebest.Leocouldnotbetolerated,evenasanicestatue…notafterheinsultedme.Thefoolrefusedtoruleatmyside!Andhispoweroverfire…”Sheshookherhead.“HecouldnotbeallowedtoreachtheHouseofHades.I’mafraidLordClytiuslikesfireevenlessthanIdo.”
Pipergrippedherdagger.
Fire,shethought.Thanksforremindingme,youwitch.
Shescannedthedeck.Howtomakefire?AboxofGreekfirevialswassecuredbytheforwardballista,butthatwastoofaraway.Evenifshemadeitwithoutgettingfrozen,Greekfirewouldburneverything,includingtheshipandallherfriends.Therehadtobeanotherway.Hereyesstrayedtotheprow.
Oh.
Festusthefigureheadcouldblowsomeseriousflames.Unfortunately,Leohadswitchedhimoff.
Piperhadnoideahowtoreactivatehim.Shewouldneverhavetimetofigureouttherightcontrolsattheship’sconsole.ShehadvaguememoriesofLeotinkeringaroundinsidethedragon’sbronzeskull,mumblingaboutacontroldisk;butevenifPipercouldmakeittotheprow,shewouldhavenoideawhatshewasdoing.
Still,someinstincttoldherFestuswasherbestchance,ifonlyshecouldfigureouthowtoconvincehercaptorstolethergetcloseenough…
“Well!”Khioneinterruptedherthoughts.“Ifearourtimetogetherisataclose.Zethes,ifyouwould—”
“Wait!”Pipersaid.
Asimplecommand,anditworked.TheBoreadsandKhionefrownedather,waiting.
Piperwasfairlysureshecouldcontrolthebrotherswithcharmspeak,butKhionewasaproblem.
Charmspeakworkedpoorlyifthepersonwasn’tattractedtoyou.Itworkedpoorlyonapowerfulbeinglikeagod.Anditworkedpoorlywhenyourvictimknewaboutcharmspeakandwasactivelyonguardagainstit.AlloftheaboveappliedtoKhione.
WhatwouldAnnabethdo?
Delay,Piperthought.Whenindoubt,talksomemore.
“You’reafraidofmyfriends,”shesaid.“Sowhynotjustkillthem?”Khionelaughed.“Youarenotagod,oryouwouldunderstand.Deathissoshort,so…
unsatisfying.YourpunymortalsoulsflitofftotheUnderworld,andwhathappensthen?ThebestIcanhopeforisthatyougototheFieldsofPunishmentorAsphodel,butyoudemigodsareinsufferablynoble.MorelikelyyouwillgotoElysium—orgetreborninanewlife.WhywouldIwanttorewardyourfriendsthatway?Why…whenIcanpunishthemeternally?”
“Andme?”Piperhatedtoask.“WhyamIstillaliveandunfrozen?”Khioneglancedatherbrotherswithannoyance.“Zetheshasclaimedyou,foronething.”
“Ikissmagnificently,”Zethespromised.“Youwillsee,beautifulone.”TheideamadePiper’sstomachchurn.
“Butthatisnottheonlyreason,”Khionesaid.“ItisbecauseIhateyou,Piper.Deeplyandtruly.
Withoutyou,JasonwouldhavestayedwithmeinQuebec.”
“Delusional,much?”
Khione’seyesturnedashardasthediamondsinhercirclet.“Youareameddler,thedaughterofauselessgoddess.Whatcanyoudoalone?Nothing.Ofallthesevendemigods,youhavenopurpose,nopower.Iwishyoutostayonthisship,adriftandhelpless,whileGaearisesandtheworldends.Andjusttobesureyouarewelloutoftheway…”
ShegesturedtoZethes,whopluckedsomethingfromtheair—afrozenspherethesizeofasoftball,coveredinicyspikes.
“Abomb,”Zethesexplained,“especiallyforyou,mylove.”
“Bombs!”Calllaughed.“Agoodday!Bombsandmuffins!”
“Uh…”Piperloweredherdagger,whichseemedevenmoreuselessthanusual.“Flowerswould’vebeenfine.”
“Oh,itwillnotkilltheprettygirl.”Zethesfrowned.“Well…Iamfairlysureofthis.But
whenthefragilecontainercracks,in…ah,roughlynotverylong…itwillunleashthefullforceofthenorthernwinds.Thisshipwillbeblownveryfaroffcourse.Very,veryfar.”
“Indeed.”Khione’svoiceprickledwithfalsesympathy.“Wewilltakeyourfriendsforourstatuecollection,thenunleashthewindsandbidyougood-bye!Youcanwatchtheendoftheworldfrom…
well,theendoftheworld!Perhapsyoucancharmspeakthefish,andfeedyourselfwithyoursillycornucopia.Youcanpacethedeckofthisemptyshipandwatchourvictoryinthebladeofyourdagger.WhenGaeahasarisenandtheworldyouknewisdead,thenZethescancomebackandretrieveyouforhisbride.Whatwillyoudotostopus,Piper?Ahero?Ha!Youareajoke.”Herwordsstunglikesleet,mostlybecausePiperhadhadthesamethoughtsherself.Whatcouldshedo?Howcouldshesaveherfriendswithwhatshehad?
Shecameclosetosnapping—flyingatherenemiesinarageandgettingherselfkilled.
ShelookedatKhione’ssmugexpressionandsherealizedthegoddesswashopingforthat.ShewantedPipertobreak.Shewantedentertainment.
Piper’sspineturnedtosteel.SherememberedthegirlswhousedtomakefunofherattheWildernessSchool.SherememberedDrew,thecruelheadcounselorshehadreplacedinAphrodite’scabin;andMedea,whohadcharmedJasonandLeoinChicago;andJessica,herdad’soldassistant,whohadalwaystreatedherlikeauselessbrat.Allherlife,Piperhadbeenlookeddownupon,toldshewasuseless.
Ithasneverbeentrue,anothervoicewhispered—avoicethatsoundedlikehermother’s.Eachofthemberatedyoubecausetheyfearedyouandenviedyou.SodoesKhione.Usethat!
Piperdidn’tfeellikeit,butshemanagedalaugh.Shetrieditagain,andthelaughtercamemoreeasily.Soonshewasdoubledover,gigglingandsnorting.
Calaisjoinedin,untilZetheselbowedhim.
Khione’ssmilewavered.“What?Whatissofunny?Ihavedoomedyou!”
“Doomedme!”Piperlaughedagain.“Oh,gods…sorry.”Shetookashakybreathandtriedtostopgiggling.“Oh,boy…okay.YoureallythinkI’mpowerless?YoureallythinkI’museless?GodsofOlympus,yourbrainmusthavefreezerburn.Youdon’tknowmysecret,doyou?”Khione’seyesnarrowed.
“Youhavenosecret,”shesaid.“Youarelying.”
“Okay,whatever,”Pipersaid.“Yeah,goaheadandtakemyfriends.Leavemehere…useless.”Shesnorted.“Yeah.Gaeawillbereallypleasedwithyou.”Snowswirledaroundthegoddess.ZethesandCalaisglancedateachothernervously.
“Sister,”Zethessaid,“ifshereallyhassomesecret—”
“Pizza?”Callspeculated.“Hockey?”
“—thenwemustknow,”Zethescontinued.
Khioneobviouslydidn’tbuyit.Pipertriedtokeepastraightface,butshemadehereyes
dancewithmischiefandhumor.
Goahead,shedared.Callmybluff.
“Whatsecret?”Khionedemanded.“Revealittous!”
Pipershrugged.“Suityourself.”Shepointedcasuallytowardtheprow.“Followme,icepeople.”
SHEPUSHEDBETWEENTHEBOREADS,whichwaslikewalkingthroughameatfreezer.Theairaroundthemwassocold,itburnedherface.Shefeltlikeshewasbreathingpuresnow.
PipertriednottolookdownatJason’sfrozenbodyasshepassed.Shetriednottothinkaboutherfriendsbelow,orLeoshotintotheskytoaplaceofnoreturn.ShedefinitelytriednottothinkabouttheBoreadsandthesnowgoddesswhowerefollowingher.
Shefixedhereyesonthefigurehead.
Theshiprockedunderherfeet.Asinglegustofsummerairmadeitthroughthechill,andPiperbreatheditin,takingitasagoodomen.Itwasstillsummeroutthere.Khioneandherbrothersdidnotbelonghere.
Piperknewshecouldn’twinastraightfightagainstKhioneandtwowingedguyswithswords.
Shewasn’tascleverasAnnabeth,orasgoodatproblemsolvingasLeo.Butshedidhavepower.Andsheintendedtouseit.
Lastnight,duringhertalkwithHazel,PiperhadrealizedthatthesecretofcharmspeakwasalotlikeusingtheMist.Inthepast,Piperhadhadalotoftroublemakinghercharmswork,becauseshealwaysorderedherenemiestodowhatshewanted.ShewouldyellDon’tkilluswhenthemonster’sfondestwishwastokillthem.Shewouldputallherpowerintohervoiceandhopeitwasenoughtooverwhelmherenemy’swill.
Sometimesitworked,butitwasexhaustingandunreliable.Aphroditewasn’tabouthead-onconfrontation.Aphroditewasaboutsubtletyandguileandcharm.Piperdecidedsheshouldn’tfocusonmakingpeopledowhatshewanted.Sheneededtopushthemtodothethingstheywanted.
Agreattheory,ifshecouldmakeitwork.…
ShestoppedattheforemastandfacedKhione.“Wow,Ijustrealizedwhyyouhateussomuch,”shesaid,fillinghervoicewithpity.“WehumiliatedyouprettybadlyinSonoma.”Khione’seyesglintedlikeicedespresso.Sheshotanuneasylookatherbrothers.
Piperlaughed.“Oh,youdidn’ttellthem!”sheguessed.“Idon’tblameyou.Youhadagiantkingonyourside,plusanarmyofwolvesandEarthborn,andyoustillcouldn’tbeatus.”
“Silence!”thegoddesshissed.
Theairturnedmisty.Piperfeltfrostgatheringonhereyebrowsandfreezingherearcanals,butshefeignedasmile.
“Whatever.”ShewinkedatZethes.“Butitwasprettyfunny.”
“Thebeautifulgirlmustbelying,”Zethessaid.“KhionewasnotbeatenattheWolfHouse.Shesaiditwasa…ah,whatistheterm?Atacticalretreat.”
“Treats?”Callasked.“Treatsaregood.”
Piperpushedthebigguy’schestplayfully.“No,Cal.Hemeansthatyoursisterranaway.”
“Ididnot!”Khioneshrieked.
“WhatdidHeracallyou?”Pipermused.“Right—aD-listgoddess!”Sheburstoutlaughingagain,andheramusementwassogenuine,ZethesandCallstartedlaughingtoo.
“Thatistrèsbon!”Zethessaid.“AD-listgoddess.Ha!”
“Ha!”Callsaid.“Sisterranaway!Ha!”
Khione’swhitedressbegantosteam.IceformedoverZethes’sandCal’smouths,pluggingthemup.
“Showusthissecretofyours,PiperMcLean,”Khionegrowled.“ThenprayIleaveyouonthisshipintact.Ifyouaretoyingwithus,Iwillshowyouthehorrorsoffrostbite.IdoubtZetheswillstillwantyouifyouhavenofingersortoes…perhapsnonoseorears.”ZethesandCallspattheiceplugsoutoftheirmouths.
“Theprettygirlwouldlooklessprettywithoutanose,”Zethesadmitted.
Piperhadseenpicturesoffrostbitevictims.Thethreatterrifiedher,butshedidn’tletitshow.
“Comeon,then.”Sheledthewaytotheprow,hummingoneofherdad’sfavoritesongs
—“Summertime.”
Whenshegottothefigurehead,sheputherhandonFestus’sneck.Hisbronzescaleswerecold.
Therewasnohumofmachinery.Hisrubyeyesweredullanddark.
“Yourememberourdragon?”Piperasked.
Khionescoffed.“Thiscannotbeyoursecret.Thedragonisbroken.Itsfireisgone.”
“Well,yes…”Piperstrokedthedragon’ssnout.
Shedidn’thaveLeo’spowertomakegearsturnorcircuitsspark.Shecouldn’tsenseanythingabouttheworkingsofamachine.Allshecoulddowasspeakherheartandtellthedragonwhathemostwantedtohear.“ButFestusismorethanamachine.He’salivingcreature.”
“Ridiculous,”thegoddessspat.“Zethes,Cal—gatherthefrozendemigodsfrombelow.Thenweshallbreakopenthesphereofwinds.”
“Youcoulddothat,boys,”Piperagreed.“Butthenyouwouldn’tseeKhionehumiliated.Iknowyou’dlikethat.”
TheBoreadshesitated.
“Hockey?”Callasked.
“Almostasgood,”Piperpromised.“YoufoughtatthesideofJasonandtheArgonauts,didn’tyou?Onashiplikethis,thefirstArgo.”
“Yes,”Zethesagreed.“TheArgo.Muchlikethis,butwedidnothaveadragon.”
“Don’tlistentoher!”Khionesnapped.
Piperfelticeformingonherlips.
“Youcouldshutmeup,”shesaidquickly.“Butyouwanttoknowmysecretpower—howIwilldestroyyou,andGaea,andthegiants.”
HatredseethedinKhione’seyes,butshewithheldherfrost.
“You—have—no—power,”sheinsisted.
“SpokenlikeaD-listgoddess,”Pipersaid.“Onewhonevergetstakenseriously,whoalwayswantsmorepower.”
SheturnedtoFestusandranherhandbehindhismetalears.“You’reagoodfriend,Festus.Noonecantrulydeactivateyou.You’remorethanamachine.Khionedoesn’tunderstandthat.”SheturnedtotheBoreads.“Shedoesn’tvalueyou,either,youknow.Shethinksshecanbossyouaroundbecauseyou’redemigods,notfull-fledgedgods.Shedoesn’tunderstandthatyou’reapowerfulteam.”
“Ateam,”Callgrunted.“LiketheCa-na-di-ens.”
Hehadtostrugglewiththewordsinceitwasmorethantwosyllables.Hegrinnedandlookedverypleasedwithhimself.
“Exactly,”Pipersaid.“Justlikeahockeyteam.Thewholeisgreaterthantheparts.”
“Likeapizza,”Calladded.
Piperlaughed.“Youaresmart,Cal!EvenIunderestimatedyou.”
“Wait,now,”Zethesprotested.“Iamsmartalso.Andgood-looking.”
“Verysmart,”Piperagreed,ignoringthegood-lookingpart.“Soputdownthewindbomb,andwatchKhionegethumiliated.”
Zethesgrinned.Hecrouchedandrolledtheicesphereacrossthedeck.
“Youfool!”Khioneyelled.
Beforethegoddesscouldgoafterthesphere,Pipercried,“Oursecretweapon,Khione!We’renotjustabunchofdemigods.We’reateam.JustlikeFestusisn’tonlyacollectionofparts.He’salive.
He’smyfriend.Andwhenhisfriendsareintrouble,especiallyLeo,hecanwakeuponhisown.”Shewilledallherconfidenceintohervoice—allherloveforthemetaldragonandeverythinghe’ddoneforthem.
Therationalpartofherknewthiswashopeless.Howcouldyoustartamachinewithemotions?
ButAphroditewasn’trational.Sheruledthroughemotions.ShewastheoldestandmostprimordialoftheOlympians,bornfromthebloodofOuranoschurninginthesea.HerpowerwasmoreancientthanthatofHephaestus,orAthena,orevenZeus.
Foraterriblemoment,nothinghappened.Khioneglaredather.TheBoreadsbegantocomeoutoftheirdaze,lookingdisappointed.
“Nevermindourplan,”Khionesnarled.“Killher!”
AstheBoreadsraisedtheirswords,thedragon’smetalskingrewwarmunderPiper’shand.Shedoveoutoftheway,tacklingthesnowgoddess,asFestusturnedhisheadonehundredandeightydegreesandblastedtheBoreads,vaporizingthemonthespot.Forsomereason,Zethes’sswordwasspared.Itclunkedtothedeck,stillsteaming.
Piperscrambledtoherfeet.Shespottedthesphereofwindsatthebaseoftheforemast.Sheranforit,butbeforeshecouldgetclose,Khionematerializedinfrontofherinaswirloffrost.Herskinglowedbrightenoughtocausesnowblindness.
“Youmiserablegirl,”shehissed.“Youthinkyoucandefeatme—agoddess?”AtPiper’sback,Festusroaredandblewsteam,butPiperknewhecouldn’tbreathefireagainwithouthittinghertoo.
Abouttwentyfeetbehindthegoddess,theicespherebegantocrackandhiss.
Piperwasoutoftimeforsubtlety.Sheyelledandraisedherdagger,chargingthegoddess.
Khionegrabbedherwrist.IcespreadoverPiper’sarm.ThebladeofKatoptristurnedwhite.
Thegoddess’sfacewasonlysixinchesfromhers.Khionesmiled,knowingshehadwon.
“AchildofAphrodite,”shechided.“Youarenothing.”Festuscreakedagain.Pipercouldswearhewastryingtoshoutencouragement.
Suddenlyherchestgrewwarm—notwithangerorfear,butwithloveforthatdragon;andJason,whowasdependingonher;andherfriendstrappedbelow;andLeo,whowaslost
andwouldneedherhelp.
Maybelovewasnomatchforice…butPiperhadusedittowakeametaldragon.Mortalsdidsuperhumanfeatsinthenameofloveallthetime.Mothersliftedcarstosavetheirchildren.AndPiperwasmorethanjustmortal.Shewasademigod.Ahero.
Theicemeltedonherblade.HerarmsteamedunderKhione’sgrip.
“Stillunderestimatingme,”Pipertoldthegoddess.“Youreallyneedtoworkonthat.”Khione’ssmugexpressionfalteredasPiperdroveherdaggerstraightdown.
ThebladetouchedKhione’schest,andthegoddessexplodedinaminiatureblizzard.Pipercollapsed,dazedfromthecold.SheheardFestusclackingandwhirring,thereactivatedalarmbellsringing.
Thebomb.
Piperstruggledtorise.Thespherewastenfeetaway,hissingandspinningasthewindsinsidebegantostir.
Piperdoveforit.
Herfingersclosedaroundthebombjustastheiceshatteredandthewindsexploded.
PERCYFELTHOMESICKFORTHESWAMP.
Heneverthoughthe’dmisssleepinginagiant’sleatherbedinadrakon-bonehutinafesteringcesspool,butrightnowthatsoundedlikeElysium.
HeandAnnabethandBobstumbledalonginthedarkness,theairthickandcold,thegroundalternatingpatchesofpointyrocksandpoolsofmuck.TheterrainseemedtobedesignedsothatPercycouldneverlethisguarddown.Evenwalkingtenfeetwasexhausting.
Percyhadstartedoutfromthegiant’shutfeelingstrongagain,hisheadclear,hisbellyfullofdrakonjerkyfromtheirpacksofprovisions.Nowhislegsweresore.Everymuscle
ached.HepulledamakeshifttunicofdrakonleatheroverhisshreddedT-shirt,butitdidnothingtokeepoutthechill.
Hisfocusnarrowedtothegroundinfrontofhim.NothingexistedexceptforthatandAnnabethathisside.
Wheneverhefeltlikegivingup,ploppinghimselfdown,anddying(whichwas,like,everytenminutes),hereachedoverandtookherhand,justtoremembertherewaswarmthintheworld.
AfterAnnabeth’stalkwithDamasen,Percywasworriedabouther.Annabethdidn’tgiveintodespaireasily,butastheywalked,shewipedtearsfromhereyes,tryingnottoletPercysee.Heknewshehateditwhenherplansdidn’tworkout.ShewasconvincedtheyneededDamasen’shelp,butthegianthadturnedthemdown.
PartofPercywasrelieved.HewasconcernedenoughaboutBob’sstayingontheirsideoncetheyreachedtheDoorsofDeath.Hewasn’tsurehewantedagiantashiswingman,evenifthatgiantcouldcookameanbowlofstew.
HewonderedwhathadhappenedaftertheyleftDamasen’shut.Hehadn’theardtheirpursuersinhours,buthecouldsensetheirhatred…especiallyPolybotes’s.Thatgiantwasbacktheresomewhere,following,pushingthemdeeperintoTartarus.
Percytriedtothinkofgoodthingstokeephisspiritsup—thelakeatCampHalf-Blood,thetimehe’dkissedAnnabethunderwater.HetriedtoimaginethetwoofthematNewRometogether,walkingthroughthehillsandholdinghands.ButCampJupiterandCampHalf-Bloodbothseemedlikedreams.
HefeltasifonlyTartarusexisted.Thiswastherealworld—death,darkness,cold,pain.He’dbeenimaginingalltherest.
Heshivered.No.Thatwasthepitspeakingtohim,sappinghisresolve.HewonderedhowNicohadsurviveddownherealonewithoutgoinginsane.ThatkidhadmorestrengththanPercyhadgivenhimcreditfor.Thedeepertheytraveled,theharderitbecametostayfocused.
“ThisplaceisworsethantheRiverCocytus,”hemuttered.
“Yes,”Bobcalledbackhappily.“Muchworse!Itmeansweareclose.”Closetowhat?Percywondered.Buthedidn’thavethestrengthtoask.HenoticedSmallBobthecathadhiddenhimselfinBob’scoverallsagain,whichreinforcedPercy’sopinionthatthekittenwasthesmartestoneintheirgroup.
Annabethlacedherfingersthroughhis.Inthelightofhisbronzesword,herfacewasbeautiful.
“We’retogether,”sheremindedhim.“We’llgetthroughthis.”He’dbeensoworriedaboutliftingherspirits,andhereshewasreassuringhim.
“Yeah,”heagreed.“Pieceofcake.”
“Butnexttime,”shesaid,“Iwanttogosomewheredifferentonadate.”
“Pariswasnice,”herecalled.
Shemanagedasmile.Monthsago,beforePercygotamnesia,they’dhaddinnerinParisonenight,complimentsofHermes.Thatseemedlikeanotherlifetime.
“I’dsettleforNewRome,”sheoffered.“Aslongasyou’retherewithme.”Man,Annabethwasawesome.Foramoment,Percyactuallyrememberedwhatitwasliketofeelhappy.Hehadanamazinggirlfriend.Theycouldhaveafuturetogether.
Thenthedarknessdispersedwithamassivesigh,likethelastbreathofadyinggod.Infrontofthemwasaclearing—abarrenfieldofdustandstones.Inthecenter,abouttwentyyardsaway,kneltthegruesomefigureofawoman,herclothestattered,herlimbsemaciated,herskinleatherygreen.
Herheadwasbentasshesobbedquietly,andthesoundshatteredallPercy’shopes.
Herealizedthatlifewaspointless.Hisstruggleswerefornothing.Thiswomancriedasifmourningthedeathoftheentireworld.
“We’rehere,”Bobannounced.“Akhlyscanhelp.”
IFTHESOBBINGGHOULWASBOB’SIDEAOFHELP,Percywasprettysurehedidn’twantit.
Nevertheless,Bobtrudgedforward.Percyfeltobligedtofollow.Ifnothingelse,thisareawaslessdark—notexactlylight,butwithmoreofasoupywhitefog.
“Akhlys!”Bobcalled.
Thecreatureraisedherhead,andPercy’sstomachscreamed,Helpme!
Herbodywasbadenough.Shelookedlikethevictimofafamine—limbslikesticks,swollenkneesandknobbyelbows,ragsforclothes,brokenfingernailsandtoenails.Dustwascakedonherskinandpiledonhershouldersasifshe’dtakenashoweratthebottomofanhourglass.
Herfacewasutterdesolation.Hereyesweresunkenandrheumy,pouringouttears.Her
nosedrippedlikeawaterfall.Herstringygrayhairwasmattedtoherskullingreasytufts,andhercheekswererakedandbleedingasifshe’dbeenclawingherself.
Percycouldn’tstandtomeethereyes,soheloweredhisgaze.Acrossherkneeslayanancientshield—abatteredcircleofwoodandbronze,paintedwiththelikenessofAkhlysherselfholdingashield,sotheimageseemedtogoonforever,smallerandsmaller.
“Thatshield,”Annabethmurmured.“That’shis.Ithoughtitwasjustastory.”
“Oh,no,”theoldhagwailed.“TheshieldofHercules.Hepaintedmeonitssurface,sohisenemieswouldseemeintheirfinalmoments—thegoddessofmisery.”Shecoughedsohard,itmadePercy’schesthurt.“AsifHerculesknewtruemisery.It’snotevenagoodlikeness!”Percygulped.WhenheandhisfriendshadencounteredHerculesattheStraitsofGibraltar,ithadn’tgonewell.Theexchangehadinvolvedalotofyelling,deaththreats,andhigh-velocitypineapples.
“What’shisshielddoinghere?”Percyasked.
Thegoddessstaredathimwithherwetmilkyeyes.Hercheeksdrippedblood,makingredpolkadotsonhertattereddress.“Hedoesn’tneeditanymore,doeshe?Itcameherewhenhismortalbodywasburned.Areminder,Isuppose,thatnoshieldissufficient.Intheend,miseryovertakesallofyou.
EvenHercules.”
PercyinchedclosertoAnnabeth.Hetriedtorememberwhytheywerehere,butthesenseofdespairmadeitdifficulttothink.HearingAkhlysspeak,henolongerfounditstrangethatshehadclawedherowncheeks.Thegoddessradiatedpurepain.
“Bob,”Percysaid,“weshouldn’thavecomehere.”
FromsomewhereinsideBob’suniform,theskeletonkittenmewledinagreement.
TheTitanshiftedandwincedasifSmallBobwasclawinghisarmpit.“AkhlyscontrolstheDeathMist,”heinsisted.“Shecanhideyou.”
“Hidethem?”Akhlysmadeagurglingsound.Shewaseitherlaughingorchokingtodeath.“WhywouldIdothat?”
“TheymustreachtheDoorsofDeath,”Bobsaid.“Toreturntothemortalworld.”
“Impossible!”Akhlyssaid.“ThearmiesofTartaruswillfindyou.Theywillkillyou.”Annabethturnedthebladeofherdrakon-bonesword,whichPercyhadtoadmitmadeherlookprettyintimidatingandhotina“BarbarianPrincess”kindofway.“SoIguessyourDeathMistisprettyuseless,then,”shesaid.
Thegoddessbaredherbrokenyellowteeth.“Useless?Whoareyou?”
“AdaughterofAthena.”Annabeth’svoicesoundedbrave—thoughhowshedidit,Percydidn’tknow.“Ididn’twalkhalfwayacrossTartarustobetoldwhat’simpossiblebysomeminorgoddess.”Thedustquiveredattheirfeet.Fogswirledaroundthemwithasoundlikeagonizedwailing.
“Minorgoddess?”Akhlys’sgnarledfingernailsdugintoHercules’sshield,gougingthemetal.“IwasoldbeforetheTitanswereborn,youignorantgirl.IwasoldwhenGaeafirst
woke.Miseryiseternal.Existenceismisery.Iwasbornoftheeldestones—ofChaosandNight.Iwas—”
“Yes,yes,”Annabethsaid.“Sadnessandmisery,blahblahblah.Butyoustilldon’thaveenoughpowertohidetwodemigodswithyourDeathMist.LikeIsaid:useless.”Percyclearedhisthroat.“Uh,Annabeth—”
Sheflashedhimawarninglook:Workwithme.Herealizedhowterrifiedshewas,butshehadnochoice.Thiswastheirbestshotatstirringthegoddessintoaction.
“Imean…Annabethisright!”Percyvolunteered.“Bobbroughtusallthiswaybecausehethoughtyoucouldhelp.ButIguessyou’retoobusystaringatthatshieldandcrying.Ican’tblameyou.Itlooksjustlikeyou.”
AkhlyswailedandglaredattheTitan.“Whydidyouinflicttheseannoyingchildrenonme?”Bobmadeasoundsomewherebetweenarumbleandawhimper.“Ithought—Ithought—”
“TheDeathMistisnotforhelping!”Akhlysshrieked.“ItshroudsmortalsinmiseryastheirsoulspassintotheUnderworld.ItistheverybreathofTartarus,ofdeath,ofdespair!”
“Awesome,”Percysaid.“Couldwegettwoordersofthattogo?”Akhlyshissed.“Askmeforamoresensiblegift.Iamalsothegoddessofpoisons.Icouldgiveyoudeath—thousandsofwaystodielesspainfulthantheoneyouhavechosenbymarchingintotheheartofthepit.”
Aroundthegoddess,flowersbloomedinthedust—darkpurple,orange,andredblossomsthatsmelledsicklysweet.Percy’sheadswam.
“Nightshade,”Akhlysoffered.“Hemlock.Belladonna,henbane,orstrychnine.Icandissolveyourinnards,boilyourblood.”
“That’sveryniceofyou,”Percysaid.“ButI’vehadenoughpoisonforonetrip.Now,canyouhideusinyourDeathMist,ornot?”
“Yeah,it’llbefun,”Annabethsaid.
Thegoddess’seyesnarrowed.“Fun?”
“Sure,”Annabethpromised.“Ifwefail,thinkhowgreatitwillbeforyou,gloatingoverourspiritswhenwedieinagony.You’llgettosay‘Itoldyouso’foreternity.”
“Or,ifwesucceed,”Percyadded,“thinkofallthesufferingyou’llbringtothemonstersdownhere.WeintendtosealtheDoorsofDeath.That’sgoingtocausealotofwailingandmoaning.”Akhlysconsidered.“Ienjoysuffering.Wailingisalsogood.”
“Thenit’ssettled,”Percysaid.“Makeusinvisible.”
Akhlysstruggledtoherfeet.TheshieldofHerculesrolledawayandwobbledtoastopinapatchofpoisonflowers.“Itisnotsosimple,”thegoddesssaid.“TheDeathMistcomesatthemomentyouareclosesttoyourend.Youreyeswillbecloudedonlythen.Theworldwillfade.”Percy’smouthfeltdry.“Okay.But…we’llbeshroudedfromthemonsters?”
“Oh,yes,”Akhlyssaid.“Ifyousurvivetheprocess,youwillbeabletopassunnoticedamongthearmiesofTartarus.Itishopeless,ofcourse,butifyouaredetermined,then
come.Iwillshowyoutheway.”
“Thewaytowhere,exactly?”Annabethasked.
Thegoddesswasalreadyshufflingintothegloom.
PercyturnedtolookatBob,buttheTitanwasgone.Howdoesaten-foot-tallsilverdudewithaveryloudkittendisappear?
“Hey!”PercyyelledtoAkhlys.“Where’sourfriend?”
“Hecannottakethispath,”thegoddesscalledback.“Heisnotmortal.Come,littlefools.ComeexperiencetheDeathMist.”
Annabethexhaledandgrabbedhishand.“Well…howbadcanitbe?”ThequestionwassoridiculousPercylaughed,eventhoughithurthislungs.“Yeah.Nextdate,though—dinnerinNewRome.”
Theyfollowedthegoddess’sdustyfootprintsthroughthepoisonflowers,deeperintothefog.
PERCYMISSEDBOB.
He’dgottenusedtohavingtheTitanonhisside,lightingtheirwaywithhissilverhairandhisfearsomewarbroom.
Nowtheironlyguidewasanemaciatedcorpseladywithseriousself-esteemissues.
Astheystruggledacrossthedustyplain,thefogbecamesothickthatPercyhadtoresisttheurgetoswatitawaywithhishands.TheonlyreasonhewasabletofollowAkhlys’spathwasbecausepoisonousplantssprangupwherevershewalked.
IftheywerestillonthebodyofTartarus,Percyfiguredtheymustbeonthebottomofhisfoot—arough,callousedexpansewhereonlythemostdisgustingplantlifegrew.
Finallytheyarrivedattheendofthebigtoe.Atleastthat’swhatitlookedliketoPercy.
Thefogdissipated,andtheyfoundthemselvesonapeninsulathatjuttedoutoverapitch-blackvoid.
“Hereweare.”Akhlysturnedandleeredatthem.Bloodfromhercheeksdrippedonherdress.
Hersicklyeyeslookedmoistandswollenbutsomehowexcited.CanMiserylookexcited?
“Uh…great,”Percyasked.“Whereishere?”
“Thevergeoffinaldeath,”Akhlyssaid.“WhereNightmeetsthevoidbelowTartarus.”Annabethinchedforwardandpeeredoverthecliff.“IthoughttherewasnothingbelowTartarus.”
“Oh,certainlythereis.…”Akhlyscoughed.“EvenTartarushadtorisefromsomewhere.Thisistheedgeoftheearliestdarkness,whichwasmymother.BelowliestherealmofChaos,myfather.
Here,youareclosertonothingnessthananymortalhaseverbeen.Canyounotfeelit?”Percyknewwhatshemeant.Thevoidseemedtobepullingathim,leachingthebreathfromhislungsandtheoxygenfromhisblood.HelookedatAnnabethandsawthatherlipsweretingedblue.
“Wecan’tstayhere,”hesaid.
“No,indeed!”Akhlyssaid.“Don’tyoufeeltheDeathMist?Evennow,youpassbetween.Look!”WhitesmokegatheredaroundPercy’sfeet.Asitcoileduphislegs,herealizedthesmokewasn’tsurroundinghim.Itwascomingfromhim.Hiswholebodywasdissolving.Hehelduphishandsandfoundtheywerefuzzyandindistinct.Hecouldn’teventellhowmanyfingershehad.Hopefullystillten.
HeturnedtoAnnabethandstifledayelp.“You’re—uh—”
Hecouldn’tsayit.Shelookeddead.
Herskinwassallow,hereyesocketsdarkandsunken.Herbeautifulhairhaddriedintoaskeinofcobwebs.Shelookedlikeshe’dbeenstuckinacool,darkmausoleumfordecades,slowlywitheringintoadesiccatedhusk.Whensheturnedtolookathim,herfeaturesmomentarilyblurredintomist.
Percy’sbloodmovedlikesapinhisveins.
Foryears,hehadworriedaboutAnnabethdying.Whenyouwereademigod,thatwentwiththeterritory.Mosthalf-bloodsdidn’tlivelong.Youalwaysknewthatthenextmonsteryoufoughtcouldbeyourlast.ButseeingAnnabethlikethiswastoopainful.He’dratherstandintheRiverPhlegethon,orgetattackedbyarai,orbetrampledbygiants.
“Oh,gods,”Annabethsobbed.“Percy,thewayyoulook…”
Percystudiedhisarms.Allhesawwereblobsofwhitemist,butheguessedthattoAnnabethhelookedlikeacorpse.Hetookafewsteps,thoughitwasdifficult.Hisbodyfeltinsubstantial,likehewasmadeofheliumandcottoncandy.
“I’velookedbetter,”hedecided.“Ican’tmoveverywell.ButI’mallright.”Akhlys
clucked.“Oh,you’redefinitelynotallright.”Percyfrowned.“Butwe’llpassunseennow?WecangettotheDoorsofDeath?”
“Well,perhapsyoucould,”thegoddesssaid,“ifyoulivedthatlong,whichyouwon’t.”Akhlysspreadhergnarledfingers.Moreplantsbloomedalongtheedgeofthepit—hemlock,nightshade,andoleanderspreadingtowardPercy’sfeetlikeadeadlycarpet.“TheDeathMistisnotsimplyadisguise,yousee.Itisastateofbeing.Icouldnotbringyouthisgiftunlessdeathfollowed—
truedeath.”
“It’satrap,”Annabethsaid.
Thegoddesscackled.“Didn’tyouexpectmetobetrayyou?”
“Yes,”AnnabethandPercysaidtogether.
“Well,then,itwashardlyatrap!Moreofaninevitability.Miseryisinevitable.Painis—”
“Yeah,yeah,”Percygrowled.“Let’sgettothefighting.”
HedrewRiptide,butthebladewasmadeofsmoke.WhenheslashedatAkhlys,theswordjustfloatedacrossherlikeagentlebreeze.
Thegoddess’sruinedmouthsplitintoagrin.“DidIforgettomention?Youareonlymistnow—ashadowbeforedeath.Perhapsifyouhadtime,youcouldlearntocontrolyournewform.Butyoudonothavetime.Sinceyoucannottouchme,IfearanyfightwithMiserywillbequiteone-sided.”Herfingernailsgrewintotalons.Herjawunhinged,andheryellowteethelongatedintofangs.
AKHLYSLUNGEDATPERCY,andforasplitsecondhethought:Well,hey,I’mjustsmoke.Shecan’ttouchme,right?
HeimaginedtheFatesupinOlympus,laughingathiswishfulthinking:LOL,NOOB!
Thegoddess’sclawsrakedacrosshischestandstunglikeboilingwater.
Percystumbledbackward,buthewasn’tusedtobeingsmoky.Hislegsmovedtooslowly.Hisarmsfeltliketissuepaper.Indesperation,hethrewhisbackpackather,thinkingmaybeitwouldturnsolidwhenitlefthishand,butnosuchluck.Itfellwithasoftthud.
Akhlyssnarled,crouchingtospring.ShewouldhavebittenPercy’sfaceoffifAnnabethhadn’tchargedandscreamed,“HEY!”rightinthegoddess’sear.
Akhlysflinched,turningtowardthesound.
ShelashedoutatAnnabeth,butAnnabethwasbetteratmovingthanPercy.Maybeshewasn’tfeelingassmoky,ormaybeshe’djusthadmorecombattraining.She’dbeenatCampHalf-Bloodsinceshewasseven.Probablyshe’dhadclassesPercynevergot,likeHowtoFightWhilePartiallyMadeofSmoke.
Annabethdovestraightbetweenthegoddess’slegsandsomersaultedtoherfeet.Akhlysturnedandattacked,butAnnabethdodgedagain,likeamatador.
Percywassostunned,helostafewpreciousseconds.HestaredatcorpseAnnabeth,shroudedinmistbutmovingasfastandconfidentlyasever.Thenitoccurredtohimwhyshewasdoingthis:tobuythemtime.WhichmeantPercyneededtohelp.
Hethoughtfuriously,tryingtocomeupwithawaytodefeatMisery.Howcouldhefightwhenhecouldn’ttouchanything?
OnAkhlys’sthirdattack,Annabethwasn’tsolucky.Shetriedtoveeraside,butthegoddessgrabbedAnnabeth’swristandpulledherhard,sendinghersprawling.
Beforethegoddesscouldpounce,Percyadvanced,yellingandwavinghissword.HestillfeltaboutassolidasaKleenex,buthisangerseemedtohelphimmovefaster.
“Hey,Happy!”heyelled.
Akhlysspun,droppingAnnabeth’sarm.“Happy?”shedemanded.
“Yeah!”Heduckedassheswipedathishead.“You’redownrightcheerful!”
“Arggh!”Shelungedagain,butshewasoffbalance.Percysidesteppedandbackedaway,leadingthegoddessfartherfromAnnabeth.
“Pleasant!”hecalled.“Delightful!”
Thegoddesssnarledandwinced.ShestumbledafterPercy.Eachcomplimentseemedtohitherlikesandintheface.
“Iwillkillyouslowly!”shegrowled,hereyesandnosewatering,blooddrippingfromhercheeks.“IwillcutyouintopiecesasasacrificetoNight!”Annabethstruggledtoherfeet.Shestartedriflingthroughherpack,nodoubtlookingforsomethingthatmighthelp.
Percywantedtogivehermoretime.Shewasthebrains.Betterforhimtogetattackedwhileshecameupwithabrilliantplan.
“Cuddly!”Percyyelled.“Fuzzy,warm,andhuggable!”
Akhlysmadeagrowling,chokingnoise,likeacathavingaseizure.
“Aslowdeath!”shescreamed.“Adeathfromathousandpoisons!”Allaroundher,poisonousplantsgrewandburstlikeoverfilledballoons.Green-and-whitesaptrickledout,
collectingintopools,andbeganflowingacrossthegroundtowardPercy.Thesweet-smellingfumesmadehisheadfeelwobbly.
“Percy!”Annabeth’svoicesoundedfaraway.“Uh,hey,MissWonderful!Cheerful!Grins!Overhere!”
ButthegoddessofmiserywasnowfixatedonPercy.Hetriedtoretreatagain.Unfortunatelythepoisonichorwasflowingallaroundhimnow,makingthegroundsteamandtheairburn.Percyfoundhimselfstuckonanislandofdustnotmuchbiggerthanashield.Afewyardsaway,hisbackpacksmokedanddissolvedintoapuddleofgoo.Percyhadnowheretogo.
Hefelltooneknee.HewantedtotellAnnabethtorun,buthecouldn’tspeak.Histhroatwasasdryasdeadleaves.
HewishedtherewerewaterinTartarus—somenicepoolhecouldjumpintotohealhimself,ormaybeariverhecouldcontrol.He’dsettleforabottleofEvian.
“Youwillfeedtheeternaldarkness,”Akhlyssaid.“YouwilldieinthearmsofNight!”HewasdimlyawareofAnnabethshouting,throwingrandompiecesofdrakonjerkyatthegoddess.Thewhite-greenpoisonkeptpooling,littlestreamstricklingfromtheplantsasthevenomouslakearoundhimgotwiderandwider.
Lake,hethought.Streams.Water.
Probablyitwasjusthisbraingettingfriedfrompoisonfumes,buthecroakedoutalaugh.Poisonwasliquid.Ifitmovedlikewater,itmustbepartiallywater.
Herememberedsomesciencelectureaboutthehumanbodybeingmostlywater.HerememberedextractingwaterfromJason’slungsbackinRome.…Ifhecouldcontrolthat,thenwhynototherliquids?
Itwasacrazyidea.Poseidonwasthegodofthesea,notofeveryliquideverywhere.
Thenagain,Tartarushaditsownrules.Firewasdrinkable.Thegroundwasthebodyofadarkgod.Theairwasacid,anddemigodscouldbeturnedintosmokycorpses.
Sowhynottry?Hehadnothinglefttolose.
Heglaredatthepoisonfloodencroachingfromallsides.Heconcentratedsohardthatsomethinginsidehimcracked—asifacrystalballhadshatteredinhisstomach.
Warmthflowedthroughhim.Thepoisontidestopped.
Thefumesblewawayfromhim—backtowardthegoddess.Thelakeofpoisonrolledtowardherintinywavesandrivulets.
Akhlysshrieked.“Whatisthis?”
“Poison,”Percysaid.“That’syourspecialty,right?”
Hestood,hisangergrowinghotterinhisgut.Asthefloodofvenomrolledtowardthegoddess,thefumesbegantomakehercough.Hereyeswateredevenmore.
Oh,good,Percythought.Morewater.
Percyimaginedhernoseandthroatfillingwithherowntears.
Akhlysgagged.“I—”Thetideofvenomreachedherfeet,sizzlinglikedropletsonahotiron.Shewailedandstumbledback.
“Percy!”Annabethcalled.
She’dretreatedtotheedgeofthecliff,eventhoughthepoisonwasn’tafterher.Shesoundedterrified.IttookPercyamomenttorealizeshewasterrifiedofhim.
“Stop…”shepleaded,hervoicehoarse.
Hedidn’twanttostop.Hewantedtochokethisgoddess.Hewantedtowatchherdrowninherownpoison.HewantedtoseejusthowmuchmiseryMiserycouldtake.
“Percy,please…”Annabeth’sfacewasstillpaleandcorpse-like,buthereyeswerethesameasalways.TheanguishinthemmadePercy’sangerfade.
Heturnedtothegoddess.Hewilledthepoisontorecede,creatingasmallpathofretreatalongtheedgeofthecliff.
“Leave!”hebellowed.
Foranemaciatedghoul,Akhlyscouldrunprettyfastwhenshewantedto.Shescrambledalongthepath,fellonherface,andgotupagain,wailingasshespedintothedark.
Assoonasshewasgone,thepoolsofpoisonevaporated.Theplantswitheredtodustandblewaway.
Annabethstumbledtowardhim.Shelookedlikeacorpsewreathedinsmoke,butshefeltsolidenoughwhenshegrippedhisarms.
“Percy,pleasedon’tever…”Hervoicebrokeinasob.“Somethingsaren’tmeanttobecontrolled.Please.”
Hiswholebodytingledwithpower,buttheangerwassubsiding.Thebrokenglassinsidehimwasbeginningtosmoothattheedges.
“Yeah,”hesaid.“Yeah,okay.”
“Wehavetogetawayfromthiscliff,”Annabethsaid.“IfAkhlysbroughtushereassomekindofsacrifice…”
Percytriedtothink.HewasgettingusedtomovingwiththeDeathMistaroundhim.Hefeltmoresolid,morelikehimself.Buthismindstillfeltstuffedwithcotton.
“Shesaidsomethingaboutfeedingustothenight,”heremembered.“Whatwasthatabout?”Thetemperaturedropped.Theabyssbeforethemseemedtoexhale.
PercygrabbedAnnabethandbackedawayfromtheedgeasapresenceemergedfromthevoid—aformsovastandshadowy,hefeltlikeheunderstoodtheconceptofdarkforthefirsttime.
“Iimagine,”saidthedarkness,inafemininevoiceassoftascoffinlining,“thatshemeantNight,withacapitalN.Afterall,Iamtheonlyone.”
THEWAYLEOFIGUREDIT,hespentmoretimecrashingthanhedidflying.
Iftherewerearewardscardforfrequentcrashers,he’dbe,like,double-platinumlevel.
Heregainedconsciousnessashewasfree-fallingthroughtheclouds.HehadahazymemoryofKhionetauntinghimrightbeforehegotshotintothesky.Hehadn’tactuallyseenher,buthecouldneverforgetthatsnowwitch’svoice.Hehadnoideahowlonghe’dbeengainingaltitude,butatsomepointhemusthavepassedoutfromthecoldandthelackofoxygen.Nowhewasonhiswaydown,headingforhisbiggestcrashever.
Thecloudspartedaroundhim.Hesawtheglitteringseafar,farbelow.NosignoftheArgoII.Nosignofanycoastline,familiarorotherwise,exceptforonetinyislandatthehorizon.
Leocouldn’tfly.Hehadacoupleofminutesatmostbeforehe’dhitthewaterandgoker-splat.
Hedecidedhedidn’tlikethatendingtotheEpicBalladofLeo.
HewasstillclutchingtheArchimedessphere,whichdidn’tsurprisehim.Unconsciousornot,hewouldneverletgoofhismostvaluablepossession.Withalittlemaneuvering,hemanagedtopullsomeducttapefromhistoolbeltandstrapthespheretohischest.Thatmadehimlooklikealow-budgetIronMan,butatleasthehadbothhandsfree.Hestartedtowork,furiouslytinkeringwiththesphere,pullingoutanythinghethoughtwouldhelpfromhismagictoolbelt:adropcloth,metalextenders,somestringandgrommets.
Workingwhilefallingwasalmostimpossible.Thewindroaredinhisears.Itkeptrippingtools,screws,andcanvasoutofhishands,butfinallyheconstructedamakeshiftframe.Hepoppedopenahatchonthesphere,teasedouttwowires,andconnectedthemtohiscrossbar.
Howlonguntilhehitthewater?Maybeaminute?
Heturnedthesphere’scontroldial,anditwhirredintoaction.Morebronzewiresshot
fromtheorb,intuitivelysensingwhatLeoneeded.Cordslacedupthecanvasdropcloth.Theframebegantoexpandonitsown.Leopulledoutacanofkeroseneandarubbertubeandlashedthemtothethirstynewenginethattheorbwashelpinghimassemble.
FinallyhemadehimselfaropehalterandshiftedsothattheX-framewasattachedtohisback.
Theseagotcloserandcloser—aglitteringexpanseofslap-you-in-the-facedeath.
Heyelledindefianceandpunchedthesphere’soverrideswitch.
Theenginecoughedtolife.Themakeshiftrotorturned.Thecanvasbladesspun,butmuchtooslowly.Leo’sheadwaspointedstraightdownatthesea—maybethirtysecondstoimpact.
Atleastnobody’saround,hethoughtbitterly,orI’dbeademigodjokeforever.WhatwasthelastthingtogothroughLeo’smind?TheMediterranean.
Suddenlytheorbgotwarmagainsthischest.Thebladesturnedfaster.Theenginecoughed,andLeotiltedsideways,slicingthroughtheair.
“YES!”heyelled.
Hehadsuccessfullycreatedtheworld’smostdangerouspersonalhelicopter.
Heshottowardtheislandinthedistance,buthewasstillfallingmuchtoofast.Thebladesshuddered.Thecanvasscreamed.
Thebeachwasonlyafewhundredyardsawaywhenthesphereturnedlava-hotandthehelicopterexploded,shootingflamesineverydirection.Ifhehadn’tbeenimmunetofire,Leowouldhavebeencharcoal.Asitwas,themidairexplosionprobablysavedhislife.TheblastflungLeosidewayswhilethebulkofhisflamingcontraptionsmashedintotheshoreatfullspeedwithamassiveKA-BOOM!
Leoopenedhiseyes,amazedtobealive.Hewassittinginabathtub-sizedcraterinthesand.Afewyardsaway,acolumnofthickblacksmokeroiledintotheskyfromamuchlargercrater.Thesurroundingbeachwaspepperedwithsmallerpiecesofburningwreckage.
“Mysphere.”Leopattedhischest.Thespherewasn’tthere.Hisducttapeandropehalterhaddisintegrated.
Hestruggledtohisfeet.Noneofhisbonesseemedbroken,whichwasgood;butmostlyhewasworriedabouthisArchimedessphere.Ifhe’ddestroyedhispricelessartifacttomakeaflamingthirty-secondhelicopter,hewasgoingtotrackdownthatstupidsnowgoddessKhioneandsmackherwithamonkeywrench.
Hestaggeredacrossthebeach,wonderingwhythereweren’tanytouristsorhotelsorboatsinsight.Theislandseemedperfectforaresort,withbluewaterandsoftwhitesand.Maybeitwasuncharted.Didtheystillhaveunchartedislandsintheworld?MaybeKhionehadblastedhimoutoftheMediterraneanaltogether.Forallheknew,hewasinBoraBora.
Thelargercraterwasabouteightfeetdeep.Atthebottom,thehelicopterbladeswerestilltryingtoturn.Theenginebelchedsmoke.Therotorcroakedlikeastepped-onfrog,but
dang—prettyimpressiveforarushjob.
Thehelicopterhadapparentlycrashedontosomething.Thecraterwaslitteredwithbrokenwoodenfurniture,shatteredchinaplates,somehalf-meltedpewtergoblets,andburninglinennapkins.
Leowasn’tsurewhyallthatfancystuffhadbeenonthebeach,butatleastitmeantthatthisplacewasinhabited,afterall.
FinallyhespottedtheArchimedessphere—steamingandcharredbutstillintact,makingunhappyclickingnoisesinthecenterofthewreckage.
“Sphere!”heyelled.“CometoPapa!”
Heskiddedtothebottomofthecraterandsnatchedupthesphere.Hecollapsed,satcross-legged,andcradledthedeviceinhishands.Thebronzesurfacewassearinghot,butLeodidn’tcare.Itwasstillinonepiece,whichmeanthecoulduseit.
Now,ifhecouldjustfigureoutwherehewas,andhowtogetbacktohisfriends.…
Hewasmakingamentallistoftoolshemightneedwhenagirl’svoiceinterruptedhim:“Whatareyoudoing?Youblewupmydiningtable!”
ImmediatelyLeothought:Uh-oh.
He’dmetalotofgoddesses,butthegirlglaringdownathimfromtheedgeofthecrateractuallylookedlikeagoddess.
SheworeasleevelesswhiteGreek-styledresswithagoldbraidedbelt.Herhairwaslong,straight,andgoldenbrown—almostthesamecinnamon-toastcolorasHazel’s,butthesimilaritytoHazelendedthere.Thegirl’sfacewasmilkypale,withdark,almond-shapedeyesandpoutylips.Shelookedmaybefifteen,aboutLeo’sage,and,sure,shewaspretty;butwiththatangryexpressiononherfacesheremindedLeoofeverypopulargirlineveryschoolhe’deverattended—theoneswhomadefunofhim,gossipedalot,thoughttheyweresosuperior,andbasicallydideverythingtheycouldtomakehislifemiserable.
Leodislikedherinstantly.
“Oh,I’msorry!”hesaid.“Ijustfelloutofthesky.Iconstructedahelicopterinmidair,burstintoflameshalfwaydown,crash-landed,andbarelysurvived.Butbyallmeans—let’stalkaboutyourdiningtable!”
Hesnatchedupahalf-meltedgoblet.“Whoputsadiningtableonthebeachwhereinnocentdemigodscancrashintoit?Whodoesthat?”
Thegirlclenchedherfists.Leowasprettysureshewasgoingtomarchdownthecraterandpunchhimintheface.Insteadshelookedupatthesky.
“REALLY?”shescreamedattheemptyblue.“Youwanttomakemycurseevenworse?Zeus!
Hephaestus!Hermes!Haveyounoshame?”
“Uh…”Leonoticedthatshe’djustpickedthreegodstoblame,andoneofthemwashisdad.Hedidn’tfigurethatwasagoodsign.“Idoubtthey’relistening.Youknow,thewholesplitpersonalitything—”
“Showyourself!”thegirlyelledatthesky,completelyignoringLeo.“It’snotbadenoughIamexiled?It’snotbadenoughyoutakeawaythefewgoodheroesI’mallowedtomeet?Youthinkit’sfunnytosendmethis—thischarbroiledruntofaboytoruinmytranquility?ThisisNOTFUNNY!
Takehimback!”
“Hey,Sunshine,”Leosaid.“I’mrighthere,youknow.”
Shegrowledlikeacorneredanimal.“DonotcallmeSunshine!GetoutofthatholeandcomewithmenowsoIcangetyouoffmyisland!”
“Well,sinceyouaskedsonicely…”
Leodidn’tknowwhatthecrazygirlwassoworkedupabout,buthedidn’treallycare.Ifshecouldhelphimleavethisisland,thatwastotallyfinebyhim.Heclutchedhischarredsphereandclimbedoutofthecrater.Whenhereachedthetop,thegirlwasalreadymarchingdowntheshoreline.
Hejoggedtocatchup.
Shegesturedindisgustattheburningwreckage.“Thiswasapristinebeach!Lookatitnow.”
“Yeah,mybad,”Leomuttered.“Ishould’vecrashedononeoftheotherislands.Oh,wait—therearen’tany!”
Shesnarledandkeptwalkingalongtheedgeofthewater.Leocaughtawhiffofcinnamon—
maybeherperfume?Notthathecared.Herhairswayeddownherbackinamesmerizingkindofway,whichofcoursehedidn’tcareabouteither.
Hescannedthesea.Justlikehe’dseenduringhisfall,therewerenolandmassesorshipsallthewaytothehorizon.Lookinginland,hesawgrassyhillsdottedwithtrees.Afootpathwoundthroughagroveofcedars.Leowonderedwhereitled:probablytothegirl’ssecretlair,wheresheroastedherenemiessoshecouldeatthematherdiningtableonthebeach.
Hewassobusythinkingaboutthat,hedidn’tnoticewhenthegirlstopped.Heranintoher.
“Gah!”Sheturnedandgrabbedhisarmstokeepfromfallinginthesurf.Herhandswerestrong,asthoughsheworkedwiththemforaliving.Backatcamp,thegirlsintheHephaestuscabinhadhadstronghandslikethat,butshedidn’tlooklikeaHephaestuskid.
Sheglaredathim,herdarkalmondeyesonlyafewinchesfromhis.Hercinnamonsmellremindedhimofhisabuela’sapartment.Man,hehadn’tthoughtaboutthatplaceinyears.
Thegirlpushedhimaway.“Allright.Thisspotisgood.Nowtellmeyouwanttoleave.”
“What?”Leo’sbrainwasstillkindofmuddledfromthecrashlanding.Hewasn’tsurehehadheardherright.
“Doyouwanttoleave?”shedemanded.“Surelyyou’vegotsomewheretogo!”
“Uh…yeah.Myfriendsareintrouble.Ineedtogetbacktomyshipand—”
“Fine,”shesnapped.“Justsay,IwanttoleaveOgygia.”
“Uh,okay.”Leowasn’tsurewhy,buthertonekindofhurt…whichwasstupid,sincehedidn’tcarewhatthisgirlthought.“Iwanttoleave—whateveryousaid.”
“Oh-gee-gee-ah.”Thegirlpronounceditslowly,asifLeowerefiveyearsold.
“IwanttoleaveOh-gee-gee-ah,”hesaid.
Sheexhaled,clearlyrelieved.“Good.Inamoment,amagicalraftwillappear.Itwilltakeyouwhereveryouwanttogo.”
“Whoareyou?”
Shelookedlikeshewasabouttoanswerbutstoppedherself.“Itdoesn’tmatter.You’llbegonesoon.You’reobviouslyamistake.”
Thatwasharsh,Leothought.
He’dspentenoughtimethinkinghewasamistake—asademigod,onthisquest,inlifeingeneral.Hedidn’tneedarandomcrazygoddessreinforcingtheidea.
HerememberedaGreeklegendaboutagirlonanisland.…Maybeoneofhisfriendshadmentionedit?Itdidn’tmatter.Aslongasshelethimleave.
“Anymomentnow…”Thegirlstaredoutatthewater.
Nomagicalraftappeared.
“Maybeitgotstuckintraffic,”Leosaid.
“Thisiswrong.”Sheglaredatthesky.“Thisiscompletelywrong!”
“So…planB?”Leoasked.“Yougotaphone,or—”
“Agh!”Thegirlturnedandstormedinland.Whenshegottothefootpath,shesprintedintothegroveoftreesanddisappeared.
“Okay,”Leosaid.“Oryoucouldjustrunaway.”
Fromhistoolbeltpoucheshepulledsomeropeandasnaphook,thenfastenedtheArchimedesspheretohisbelt.
Helookedouttosea.Stillnomagicraft.
Hecouldstandhereandwait,buthewashungry,thirsty,andtired.Hewasbangedupprettybadfromhisfall.
Hedidn’twanttofollowthatcrazygirl,nomatterhowgoodshesmelled.
Ontheotherhand,hehadnoplaceelsetogo.Thegirlhadadiningtable,sosheprobablyhadfood.AndsheseemedtofindLeo’spresenceannoying.
“Annoyingherisaplus,”hedecided.
Hefollowedherintothehills.
“HOLYHEPHAESTUS,”LEOSAID.
ThepathopenedintothenicestgardenLeohadeverseen.Notthathehadspentalotoftimeingardens,butdang.Ontheleftwasanorchardandavineyard—peachtreeswithred-goldenfruitthatsmelledawesomeinthewarmsun,carefullyprunedvinesburstingwithgrapes,bowersoffloweringjasmine,andabunchofotherplantsLeocouldn’tname.
Ontherightwereneatbedsofvegetablesandherbs,arrangedlikespokesaroundabigsparklingfountainwherebronzesatyrsspewedwaterintoacentralbowl.
Atthebackofthegarden,wherethefootpathended,acaveopenedinthesideofagrassyhill.
ComparedtoBunkerNinebackatcamp,theentrancewastiny,butitwasimpressiveinitsownway.
Oneitherside,crystallinerockhadbeencarvedintoglitteringGreciancolumns.Thetopswerefittedwithabronzerodthatheldsilkywhitecurtains.
Leo’snosewasassaultedbygoodsmells—cedar,juniper,jasmine,peaches,andfreshherbs.Thearomafromthecavereallycaughthisattention—likebeefstewcooking.
Hestartedtowardtheentrance.Seriously,howcouldhenot?Hestoppedwhenhenoticedthegirl.
Shewaskneelinginhervegetablegarden,herbacktoLeo.Shemutteredtoherselfasshedugfuriouslywithatrowel.
Leoapproachedherfromonesidesoshecouldseehim.Hedidn’tfeellikesurprisingherwhenshewasarmedwithasharpgardeningimplement.
ShekeptcursinginAncientGreekandstabbingatthedirt.Shehadflecksofsoilalloverherarms,herface,andherwhitedress,butshedidn’tseemtocare.
Leocouldappreciatethat.Shelookedbetterwithalittlemud—lesslikeabeautyqueen
andmorelikeanactualget-your-hands-dirtykindofperson.
“Ithinkyou’vepunishedthatdirtenough,”heoffered.
Shescowledathim,hereyesredandwatery.“Justgoaway.”
“You’recrying,”hesaid,whichwasstupidlyobvious;butseeingherthatwaytookthewindoutofhishelicopterblades,sotospeak.Itwashardtostaymadatsomeonewhowascrying.
“Noneofyourbusiness,”shemuttered.“It’sabigisland.Just…findyourownplace.Leavemealone.”Shewavedvaguelytowardthesouth.“Gothatway,maybe.”
“So,nomagicraft,”Leosaid.“Nootherwayofftheisland?”
“Apparentlynot!”
“WhatamIsupposedtodo,then?SitinthesanddunesuntilIdie?”
“Thatwouldbefine.…”Thegirlthrewdownhertrowelandcursedatthesky.“ExceptIsupposehecan’tdiehere,canhe?Zeus!Thisisnotfunny!”Can’tdiehere?
“Holdup.”Leo’sheadspunlikeacrankshaft.Hecouldn’tquitetranslatewhatthisgirlwassaying—likewhenheheardSpaniardsorSouthAmericansspeakingSpanish.Yeah,hecouldunderstandit,sortof;butitsoundedsodifferent,itwasalmostanotherlanguage.
“I’mgoingtoneedsomemoreinformationhere,”hesaid.“Youdon’twantmeinyourface,that’scool.Idon’twanttobehereeither.ButI’mnotgoingtogodieinacorner.Ihavetogetoffthisisland.There’sgottobeaway.Everyproblemhasafix.”Shelaughedbitterly.“Youhaven’tlivedverylong,ifyoustillbelievethat.”Thewayshesaiditsentashiveruphisback.Shelookedthesameageashim,buthewonderedhowoldshereallywas.
“Yousaidsomethingaboutacurse,”heprompted.
Sheflexedherfingers,likeshewaspracticingherthroat-stranglingtechnique.“Yes.IcannotleaveOgygia.Myfather,Atlas,foughtagainstthegods,andIsupportedhim.”
“Atlas,”Leosaid.“AsintheTitanAtlas?”
Thegirlrolledhereyes.“Yes,youimpossiblelittle…”Whatevershewasgoingtosay,shebititback.“Iwasimprisonedhere,whereIcouldcausetheOlympiansnotrouble.Aboutayearago,aftertheSecondTitanWar,thegodsvowedtoforgivetheirenemiesandofferamnesty.SupposedlyPercymadethempromise—”
“Percy,”Leosaid.“PercyJackson?”
Shesqueezedhereyesshut.Ateartrickleddownhercheek.
Oh,Leothought.
“Percycamehere,”hesaid.
Shedugherfingersintothesoil.“I—IthoughtIwouldbereleased.Idaredtohope…butIamstillhere.”
Leorememberednow.Thestorywassupposedtobeasecret,butofcoursethatmeantit
hadspreadlikewildfireacrossthecamp.PercyhadtoldAnnabeth.Monthslater,whenPercyhadgonemissing,AnnabethtoldPiper.PipertoldJason…
Percyhadtalkedaboutvisitingthisisland.Hehadmetagoddesswho’dgottenamajorcrushonhimandwantedhimtostay,buteventuallyshelethimgo.
“You’rethatlady,”Leosaid.“TheonewhowasnamedafterCaribbeanmusic.”Hereyesglintedmurderously.“Caribbeanmusic.”
“Yeah.Reggae?”Leoshookhishead.“Merengue?Holdon,I’llgetit.”Hesnappedhisfingers.“Calypso!ButPercysaidyouwereawesome.Hesaidyouwereallsweetandhelpful,not,um…”
Sheshottoherfeet.“Yes?”
“Uh,nothing,”Leosaid.
“Wouldyoubesweet,”shedemanded,“ifthegodsforgottheirpromisetoletyougo?Wouldyoubesweetiftheylaughedatyoubysendinganotherhero,butaherowholookedlike—likeyou?”
“Isthatatrickquestion?”
“DiImmortales!”Sheturnedandmarchedintohercave.
“Hey!”Leoranafterher.
Whenhegotinside,helosthistrainofthought.Thewallsweremadefrommulticoloredchunksofcrystal.Whitecurtainsdividedthecaveintodifferentroomswithcomfypillowsandwovenrugsandplattersoffreshfruit.Hespottedaharpinonecorner,aloominanother,andabigcookingpotwherethestewwasbubbling,fillingthecavernwithluscioussmells.
Thestrangestthing?Thechoresweredoingthemselves.Towelsfloatedthroughtheair,foldingandstackingintoneatpiles.Spoonswashedthemselvesinacoppersink.ThesceneremindedLeooftheinvisiblewindspiritsthathadservedhimlunchatCampJupiter.
Calypsostoodatawashbasin,cleaningthedirtoffherarms.
ShescowledatLeo,butshedidn’tyellathimtoleave.Sheseemedtoberunningoutofenergyforheranger.
Leoclearedhisthroat.Ifhewasgoingtogetanyhelpfromthislady,heneededtobenice.“So…
Igetwhyyou’reangry.Youprobablyneverwanttoseeanotherdemigodagain.Iguessthatdidn’tsitrightwhen,uh,Percyleftyou—”
“Hewasonlythelatest,”shegrowled.“Beforehim,itwasthatpirateDrake.Andbeforehim,Odysseus.Theywereallthesame!Thegodssendmethegreatestheroes,theonesIcannothelpbut…”
“Youfallinlovewiththem,”Leoguessed.“Andthentheyleaveyou.”Herchintrembled.“Thatismycurse.Ihadhopedtobefreeofitbynow,buthereIam,stillstuckonOgygiaafterthreethousandyears.”
“Threethousand.”Leo’smouthfelttingly,likehe’djusteatenPopRocks.“Uh,youlookgoodforthreethousand.”
“Andnow…theworstinsultofall.Thegodsmockmebysendingyou.”AngerbubbledinLeo’sstomach.
Yeah,typical.IfJasonwerehere,Calypsowouldfallalloverhim.She’dbeghimtostay,buthe’dbeallnobleaboutreturningtohisduties,andhe’dleaveCalypsobrokenhearted.Thatmagicraftwouldtotallyarriveforhim.
ButLeo?Hewastheannoyingguestshecouldn’tgetridof.She’dneverfallforhim,becauseshewastotallyoutofhisleague.Notthathecared.Shewasn’thistypeanyway.Shewaswaytooannoying,andbeautiful,and—well,itdidn’tmatter.
“Fine,”hesaid.“I’llleaveyoualone.I’llbuildsomethingmyselfandgetoffthisstupidislandwithoutyourhelp.”
Sheshookherheadsadly.“Youdon’tunderstand,doyou?Thegodsarelaughingatbothofus.Iftheraftwillnotappear,thatmeansthey’veclosedOgygia.You’restuckherethesameasme.Youcanneverleave.”
THEFIRSTFEWDAYSWERETHEWORST.
Leosleptoutsideonabedofdropclothsunderthestars.Itgotcoldatnight,evenonthebeachinthesummer,sohebuiltfireswiththeremainsofCalypso’sdiningtable.Thatcheeredhimupalittle.
Duringthedays,hewalkedthecircumferenceoftheislandandfoundnothingofinterest—unlessyoulikedbeachesandendlessseaineverydirection.HetriedtosendanIris-messageintherainbowsthatformedintheseaspray,buthehadnoluck.Hedidn’thaveanydrachmasforanoffering,andapparentlythegoddessIriswasn’tinterestedinnutsandbolts.
Hedidn’tevendream,whichwasunusualforhim—orforanydemigod—sohehadno
ideawhatwasgoingonintheoutsideworld.HadhisfriendsgottenridofKhione?Weretheylookingforhim,orhadtheysailedontoEpirustocompletethequest?
Hewasn’tevensurewhattohopefor.
Thedreamhe’dhadbackontheArgoIIfinallymadesensetohim—whentheevilsorceressladyhadtoldhimtoeitherjumpoffacliffintothecloudsordescendintoadarktunnelwhereghostlyvoiceswhispered.ThattunnelmusthaverepresentedtheHouseofHades,whichLeowouldneverseenow.He’dtakenthecliffinstead—fallingthroughtheskytothisstupidisland.Butinthedream,Leohadbeengivenachoice.Inreallife,he’dhadnone.Khionehadsimplypluckedhimoffhisshipandshothimintoorbit.Totallyunfair.
Theworstpartofbeingstuckhere?Hewaslosingtrackofthedays.Hewokeuponemorningandcouldn’trememberifhe’dbeenonOgygiaforthreenightsorfour.
Calypsowasn’tmuchhelp.Leoconfrontedherinthegarden,butshejustshookherhead.“Timeisdifficulthere.”
Great.ForallLeoknew,acenturyhadpassedintherealworld,andthewarwithGaeawasoverforbetterorworse.Ormaybehe’donlybeenonOgygiaforfiveminutes.HiswholelifemightpasshereinthetimeittookhisfriendsontheArgoIItohavebreakfast.
Eitherway,heneededtogetoffthisisland.
Calypsotookpityonhiminsomeways.Shesentherinvisibleservantstoleavebowlsofstewandgobletsofappleciderattheedgeofthegarden.Sheevensenthimafewnewsetsofclothes—
simple,undyedcottonpantsandshirtsthatshemusthavemadeonherloom.Theyfithimsowell,Leowonderedhowshe’dgottenhismeasurements.MaybeshejustusedhergenericpatternforSCRAWNY
MALE.
Anyway,hewasgladtohavenewthreads,sincehisoldoneswereprettysmellyandburnedup.
UsuallyLeocouldkeephisclothesfromburningwhenhecaughtfire,butittookconcentration.
Sometimesbackatcamp,ifhewasn’tthinkingaboutit,he’dbeworkingonsomemetalprojectatthehotforge,lookdown,andrealizehisclotheshadburnedaway,exceptforhismagictoolbeltandasmokingpairofunderwear.Kindofembarrassing.
Despitethegifts,Calypsoobviouslydidn’twanttoseehim.Onetimehepokedhisheadinsidethecaveandshefreakedout,yellingandthrowingpotsathishead.
Yeah,shewasdefinitelyonTeamLeo.
Heendeduppitchingamorepermanentcampnearthefootpath,wherethebeachmetthehills.
Thatwayhewascloseenoughtopickuphismeals,butCalypsodidn’thavetoseehimandgointoapot-throwingrage.
Hemadehimselfalean-towithsticksandcanvas.Hedugacampfirepit.Heevenmanagedtobuildhimselfabenchandaworktablefromsomedriftwoodanddeadcedarbranches.HespenthoursfixingtheArchimedessphere,cleaningitandrepairingitscircuits.Hemadehimselfacompass,buttheneedlewouldspinallcrazynomatterwhathetried.LeoguessedaGPSwouldhavebeenuselesstoo.Thisislandwasdesignedtobeoffthecharts,impossibletoleave.
Herememberedtheoldbronzeastrolabehe’dpickedupinBologna—theonethedwarfstoldhimOdysseushadmade.HehadasneakingsuspicionOdysseushadbeenthinkingaboutthisislandwhenheconstructedit,butunfortunatelyLeohadleftitbackontheshipwithBufordtheWonderTable.
Besides,thedwarfshadtoldhimtheastrolabedidn’twork.Somethingaboutamissingcrystal…
Hewalkedthebeach,wonderingwhyKhionehadsenthimhere—assuminghislandingherewasn’tanaccident.Whynotjustkillhiminstead?MaybeKhionewantedhimtobeinlimboforever.
PerhapssheknewthegodsweretooincapacitatedtopayattentiontoOgygia,andsotheisland’smagicwasbroken.ThatcouldbewhyCalypsowasstillstuckhere,andwhythemagicraftwouldn’tappearforLeo.
Ormaybethemagicofthisplacewasworkingjustfine.ThegodspunishedCalypsobysendingherbuffcourageousdudeswholeftassoonasshefellforthem.Maybethatwastheproblem.CalypsowouldneverfallforLeo.Shewantedhimtoleave.Sotheywerestuckinaviciouscircle.IfthatwasKhione’splan…wow.Major-leaguedevious.
Thenonemorninghemadeadiscovery,andthingsgotevenmorecomplicated.
Leowaswalkinginthehills,followingalittlebrookthatranbetweentwobigcedartrees.Helikedthisarea—itwastheonlyplaceonOgygiawherehecouldn’tseethesea,sohecouldpretendhewasn’tstuckonanisland.Intheshadeofthetrees,healmostfeltlikehewasbackatCampHalf-Blood,headingthroughthewoodstowardBunkerNine.
Hejumpedoverthecreek.Insteadoflandingonsoftearth,hisfeethitsomethingmuchharder.
CLANG.
Metal.
Excited,Leodugthroughthemulchuntilhesawtheglintofbronze.
“Oh,man.”Hegiggledlikeacrazypersonasheexcavatedthescraps.
Hehadnoideawhythestuffwashere.Hephaestuswasalwaystossingbrokenpartsoutofhisgodlyworkshopandlitteringtheearthwithscrapmetal,butwhatwerethechancessomeofitwouldhitOgygia?
Leofoundahandfulofwires,afewbentgears,apistonthatmightstillwork,andseveralhammeredsheetsofCelestialbronze—thesmallestthesizeofadrinkcoaster,thelargestthesizeofawarshield.
Itwasn’talot—notcomparedtoBunkerNine,oreventohissuppliesaboardtheArgoII.
Butitwasmorethansandandrocks.
Helookedupatthesunlightwinkingthroughthecedarbranches.“Dad?Ifyousentthishereforme—thanks.Ifyoudidn’t…well,thanksanyway.”
Hegathereduphistreasuretroveandluggeditbacktohiscampsite.
Afterthat,thedayspassedmorequickly,andwithalotmorenoise.
FirstLeomadehimselfaforgeoutofmudbricks,eachonebakedwithhisownfieryhands.Hefoundalargerockhecoulduseasananvilbase,andhepullednailsfromhistoolbeltuntilhehadenoughtomeltintoaplateforahammeringsurface.
Oncethatwasdone,hebegantorecasttheCelestialbronzescraps.Eachdayhishammerrangonbronzeuntilhisrockanvilbroke,orhistongsbent,orheranoutoffirewood.
Eacheveninghecollapsed,drenchedinsweatandcoveredinsoot;buthefeltgreat.Atleasthewasworking,tryingtosolvehisproblem.
ThefirsttimeCalypsocametocheckonhim,itwastocomplainaboutthenoise.
“Smokeandfire,”shesaid.“Clangingonmetalalldaylong.You’rescaringawaythebirds!”
“Oh,no,notthebirds!”Leogrumbled.
“Whatdoyouhopetoaccomplish?”
Heglancedupandalmostsmashedhisthumbwithhishammer.He’dbeenstaringatmetalandfiresolonghe’dforgottenhowbeautifulCalypsowas.Annoyinglybeautiful.Shestoodtherewiththesunlightinherhair,herwhiteskirtflutteringaroundherlegs,abasketofgrapesandfresh-bakedbreadtuckedunderonearm.
Leotriedtoignorehisrumblingstomach.
“I’mhopingtogetoffthisisland,”hesaid.“Thatiswhatyouwant,right?”Calypsoscowled.Shesetthebasketnearhisbedroll.“Youhaven’teatenintwodays.Takeabreakandeat.”
“Twodays?”Leohadn’tevennoticed,whichsurprisedhim,sincehelikedfood.HewasevenmoresurprisedthatCalypsohadnoticed.
“Thanks,”hemuttered.“I’ll,uh,trytohammermorequietly.”
“Huh.”Shesoundedunimpressed.
Afterthat,shedidn’tcomplainaboutthenoiseorthesmoke.
Thenexttimeshevisited,Leowasputtingthefinaltouchesonhisfirstproject.Hedidn’tseeheruntilshespokerightbehindhim.
“Ibroughtyou—”
Leojumped,droppinghiswires.“Bronzebulls,girl!Don’tsneakuponmelikethat!”Shewaswearingredtoday—Leo’sfavoritecolor.Thatwascompletelyirrelevant.Shelookedreallygoodinred.Alsoirrelevant.
“Iwasn’tsneaking,”shesaid.“Iwasbringingyouthese.”Sheshowedhimtheclothesthat
werefoldedoverherarm:anewpairofjeans,awhiteT-shirt,anarmyfatiguejacket…wait,thosewerehisclothes,exceptthattheycouldn’tbe.Hisoriginalarmyjackethadburnedupmonthsago.Hehadn’tbeenwearingitwhenhelandedonOgygia.ButtheclothesCalypsoheldlookedexactlyliketheclotheshe’dbeenwearingthefirstdayhe’darrivedatCampHalf-Blood—excepttheselookedbigger,resizedtofithimbetter.
“How?”heasked.
Calypsosettheclothesathisfeetandbackedawayasifhewereadangerousbeast.“Idohavealittlemagic,youknow.YoukeepburningthroughtheclothesIgiveyou,soIthoughtIwouldweavesomethinglessflammable.”
“Thesewon’tburn?”Hepickedupthejeans,buttheyfeltjustlikenormaldenim.
“Theyarecompletelyfireproof,”Calypsopromised.“They’llstaycleanandexpandtofityou,shouldyoueverbecomelessscrawny.”
“Thanks.”Hemeantittosoundsarcastic,buthewashonestlyimpressed.Leocouldmakealotofthings,butaninflammable,self-cleaningoutfitwasn’toneofthem.“So…youmadeanexactreplicaofmyfavoriteoutfit.Didyou,like,Googlemeorsomething?”Shefrowned.“Idon’tknowthatword.”
“Youlookedmeup,”hesaid.“Almostlikeyouhadsomeinterestinme.”Shewrinkledhernose.“Ihaveaninterestinnotmakingyouanewsetofclotheseveryotherday.
Ihaveaninterestinyournotsmellingsobadandwalkingaroundmyislandinsmolderingrags.”
“Oh,yeah.”Leogrinned.“You’rereallywarminguptome.”Herfacegotevenredder.“YouarethemostinsufferablepersonIhaveevermet!Iwasonlyreturningafavor.Youfixedmyfountain.”
“That?”Leolaughed.Theproblemhadbeensosimple,he’dalmostforgottenaboutit.Oneofthebronzesatyrshadgottenturnedsidewaysandthewaterpressurewasoff,soitstartedmakinganannoyingtickingsound,jigglingupanddown,andspewingwaterovertherimofthepool.He’dpulledoutacoupleoftoolsandfixeditinabouttwominutes.“Thatwasnobigdeal.Idon’tlikeitwhenthingsdon’tworkright.”
“Andthecurtainsacrossthecaveentrance?”
“Therodwasn’tlevel.”
“Andmygardeningtools?”
“Look,Ijustsharpenedtheshears.Cuttingvineswithadullbladeisdangerous.Andtheprunersneededtobeoiledatthehinge,and—”
“Oh,yeah,”Calypsosaid,inaprettygoodimitationofhisvoice.“You’rereallywarminguptome.”
Foronce,Leowasspeechless.Calypso’seyesglittered.Heknewshewasmakingfunofhim,butsomehowitdidn’tfeelmean.
Shepointedathisworktable.“Whatareyoubuilding?”
“Oh.”Helookedatthebronzemirror,whichhe’djustfinishedwiringuptothe
Archimedessphere.Inthescreen’spolishedsurface,hisownreflectionsurprisedhim.Hishairhadgrownoutlongerandcurlier.Hisfacewasthinnerandmorechiseled,maybebecausehehadn’tbeeneating.Hiseyesweredarkandalittleferociouswhenhewasn’tsmiling—kindofaTarzanlook,ifTarzancameinextra-smallLatino.Hecouldn’tblameCalypsoforbackingawayfromhim.
“Uh,it’saseeingdevice,”hesaid.“WefoundonelikethisinRome,intheworkshopofArchimedes.IfIcanmakeitwork,maybeIcanfindoutwhat’sgoingonwithmyfriends.”Calypsoshookherhead.“That’simpossible.Thisislandishidden,cutofffromtheworldbystrongmagic.Timedoesn’tevenflowthesamehere.”
“Well,you’vegottohavesomekindofoutsidecontact.HowdidyoufindoutthatIusedtowearanarmyjacket?”
Shetwistedherhairasifthequestionmadeheruncomfortable.“Seeingthepastissimplemagic.
Seeingthepresentorthefuture—thatisnot.”
“Yeah,well,”Leosaid.“Watchandlearn,Sunshine.Ijustconnecttheselasttwowires,and—”Thebronzeplatesparked.Smokebillowedfromthesphere.AflashoffireracedupLeo’ssleeve.
Hepulledoffhisshirt,threwitdown,andstompedonit.
HecouldtellCalypsowastryingnottolaugh,butshewasshakingwiththeeffort.
“Notaword,”Leowarned.
Sheglancedathisbarechest,whichwassweaty,bony,andstreakedwitholdscarsfromweapon-makingaccidents.
“Nothingworthcommentingon,”sheassuredhim.“Ifyouwantthatdevicetowork,perhapsyoushouldtryamusicalinvocation.”
“Right,”hesaid.“Wheneveranenginemalfunctions,Iliketotap-dancearoundit.Workseverytime.”
Shetookadeepbreathandbegantosing.
Hervoicehithimlikeacoolbreeze—likethatfirstcoldfrontinTexaswhenthesummerheatfinallybreaksandyoustarttobelievethingsmightgetbetter.Leocouldn’tunderstandthewords,butthesongwasplaintiveandbittersweet,asifsheweredescribingahomeshecouldneverreturnto.
Hersingingwasmagic,nodoubt.Butitwasn’tlikeMedea’strance-inducingvoice,orevenPiper’scharmspeak.Themusicdidn’twantanythingfromhim.Itsimplyremindedhimofhisbestmemories—buildingthingswithhismominherworkshop;sittinginthesunshinewithhisfriendsatcamp.Itmadehimmisshome.
Calypsostoppedsinging.Leorealizedhewasstaringlikeanidiot.
“Anyluck?”sheasked.
“Uh…”Heforcedhiseyesbacktothebronzemirror.“Nothing.Wait…”Thescreenglowed.Intheairaboveit,holographicpicturesshimmeredtolife.
LeorecognizedthecommonsatCampHalf-Blood.
Therewasnosound,butClarisseLaRuefromtheAresCabinwasyellingordersatthecampers,formingthemintolines.Leo’sbrethrenfromCabinNinehurriedaround,fittingeveryonewitharmorandpassingoutweapons.
EvenChironthecentaurwasdressedforwar.Hetrottedupanddowntheranks,hisplumedhelmetgleaming,hislegsdeckedinbronzegreaves.Hisusualfriendlysmilewasgone,replacedwithalookofgrimdetermination.
Inthedistance,GreektriremesfloatedonLongIslandSound,preppedforwar.Alongthehills,catapultswerebeingprimed.Satyrspatrolledthefields,andridersonpegasicircledoverhead,alertforaerialattacks.
“Yourfriends?”Calypsoasked.
Leonodded.Hisfacefeltnumb.“They’repreparingforwar.”
“Againstwhom?”
“Look,”Leosaid.
Thescenechanged.AphalanxofRomandemigodsmarchedthroughamoonlitvineyard.Anilluminatedsigninthedistanceread:GOLDSMITHWINERY.
“I’veseenthatsignbefore,”Leosaid.“That’snotfarfromCampHalf-Blood.”SuddenlytheRomanranksdeterioratedintochaos.Demigodsscattered.Shieldsfell.Javelinsswungwildly,likethewholegrouphadsteppedinfireants.
Dartingthroughthemoonlightweretwosmallhairyshapesdressedinmismatchedclothesandgarishhats.Theyseemedtobeeverywhereatonce—whackingRomansonthehead,stealingtheirweapons,cuttingtheirbeltssotheirpantsfellaroundtheirankles.
Leocouldn’thelpgrinning.“Thosebeautifullittletroublemakers!Theykepttheirpromise.”Calypsoleanedin,watchingtheKerkopes.“Cousinsofyours?”
“Ha,ha,ha,no,”Leosaid.“CoupleofdwarfsImetinBologna.IsentthemtoslowdowntheRomans,andthey’redoingit.”
“Butforhowlong?”Calypsowondered.
Goodquestion.Thesceneshiftedagain.LeosawOctavian—thatno-goodblondscarecrowofanaugur.Hestoodinagasstationparkinglot,surroundedbyblackSUVsandRomandemigods.Heheldupalongpolewrappedincanvas.Whenheuncoveredit,agoldeneagleglimmeredatthetop.
“Oh,that’snotgood,”Leosaid.
“ARomanstandard,”Calypsonoted.
“Yeah.Andthisoneshootslightning,accordingtoPercy.”AssoonashesaidPercy’sname,Leoregrettedit.HeglancedatCalypso.Hecouldseeinhereyeshowmuchshewasstruggling,tryingtoMarshallheremotionsintoneatorderlyrowslikestrandsonherloom.WhatsurprisedLeomostwasthesurgeofangerhefelt.Itwasn’tjustannoyanceorjealousy.HewasmadatPercyforhurtingthisgirl.
Herefocusedontheholographicimages.Nowhesawasinglerider—Reyna,thepraetorfromCampJupiter—flyingthroughastormonthebackofalight-brownpegasus.Reyna’sdarkhairflewinthewind.Herpurplecloakfluttered,revealingtheglimmerofherarmor.Shewasbleedingfromcutsonherarmsandface.Herpegasus’seyeswerewild,hismouthslatheringfromhardriding;butReynapeeredsteadfastlyforwardintothestorm.
AsLeowatched,awildgryphondivedoutoftheclouds.Itrakeditsclawsacrossthehorse’sribs,almostthrowingReyna.Shedrewherswordandslashedthemonsterdown.Secondslater,threeventiappeared—darkairspiritsswirlinglikeminiaturetornadoeslacedwithlightning.Reynachargedthem,yellingdefiantly.
Thenthebronzemirrorwentdark.
“No!”Leoyelled.“No,notnow.Showmewhathappens!”Hebangedonthemirror.“Calypso,canyousingagainorsomething?”
Sheglaredathim.“Isupposethatisyourgirlfriend?YourPenelope?YourElizabeth?YourAnnabeth?”
“What?”Leocouldn’tfigurethisgirlout.Halfthestuffshesaidmadenosense.“That’sReyna.
She’snotmygirlfriend!Ineedtoseemore!Ineed—”
NEED,avoicerumbledinthegroundbeneathhisfeet.Leostaggered,suddenlyfeelinglikehewasstandingonthesurfaceofatrampoline.
NEEDisanoverusedword.Aswirlinghumanfigureeruptedfromthesand—Leo’sleastfavoritegoddess,theMistressofMud,thePrincessofPottySludge,Gaeaherself.
Leothrewapairofpliersather.Unfortunatelyshewasn’tsolid,andtheypassedrightthrough.
Hereyeswereclosed,butshedidn’tlookasleep,exactly.Shehadasmileonherdustdevilface,asifshewereintentlylisteningtoherfavoritesong.Hersandyrobesshiftedandfolded,remindingLeooftheundulatingfinsonthatstupidshrimpzillamonsterthey’dfoughtintheAtlantic.Forhismoney,though,Gaeawasuglier.
Youwanttolive,Gaeasaid.Youwanttojoinyourfriends.Butyoudonotneedthis,mypoorboy.
Itwouldmakenodifference.Yourfriendswilldie,regardless.
Leo’slegsshook.Hehatedit,butwheneverthiswitchappeared,hefeltlikehewaseightyearsoldagain,trappedinthelobbyofhismom’smachineshop,listeningtoGaea’ssoothingevilvoicewhilehismotherwaslockedinsidetheburningwarehouse,dyingfromheatandsmoke.
“WhatIdon’tneed,”hegrowled,“ismoreliesfromyou,DirtFace.Youtoldmemygreat-granddaddiedinthe1960s.Wrong!YoutoldmeIcouldn’tsavemyfriendsinRome.Wrong!Youtoldmealotofthings.”
Gaea’slaughterwasasoftrustlingsound,likedirttricklingdownahillinthefirstmomentsofanavalanche.
Itriedtohelpyoumakebetterchoices.Youcouldhavesavedyourself.Butyoudefiedmeateverystep.Youbuiltyourship.Youjoinedthatfoolishquest.Nowyouaretrappedhere,helpless,whilethemortalworlddies.
Leo’shandsburstintoflame.HewantedtomeltGaea’ssandyfacetoglass.ThenhefeltCalypso’shandonhisshoulder.
“Gaea.”Hervoicewassternandsteady.“Youarenotwelcome.”LeowishedhecouldsoundasconfidentasCalypso.Thenherememberedthatthisannoyingfifteen-year-oldgirlwasactuallytheimmortaldaughterofaTitan.
Ah,Calypso.Gaearaisedherarmsasifforahug.Stillhere,Isee,despitethegods’promises.
Whydoyouthinkthatis,mydeargrandchild?AretheOlympiansbeingspiteful,leavingyouwithnocompanyexceptthisundergrownfool?Orhavetheysimplyforgottenyou,becauseyouarenotworththeirtime?
CalypsostaredstraightthroughtheswirlingfaceofGaea,allthewaytothehorizon.
Yes,Gaeamurmuredsympathetically.TheOlympiansarefaithless.Theydonotgivesecondchances.Whydoyouholdouthope?Yousupportedyourfather,Atlas,inhisgreatwar.Youknewthatthegodsmustbedestroyed.Whydoyouhesitatenow?IofferyouachancethatZeuswouldnevergiveyou.
“Wherewereyoutheselastthreethousandyears?”Calypsoasked.“Ifyouaresoconcernedwithmyfate,whydoyouvisitmeonlynow?”
Gaeaturnedupherpalms.Theearthisslowtowake.Warcomesinitsowntime.ButdonotthinkitwillpassyoubyonOgygia.WhenIremaketheworld,thisprisonwillbedestroyedaswell.
“Ogygiadestroyed?”Calypsoshookherhead,asifshecouldn’timaginethosetwowordsgoingtogether.
Youdonothavetobeherewhenthathappens,Gaeapromised.Joinmenow.Killthisboy.Spillhisbloodupontheearth,andhelpmetowake.Iwillfreeyouandgrantyouanywish.Freedom.
Revengeagainstthegods.Evenaprize.WouldyoustillhavethedemigodPercyJackson?Iwillsparehimforyou.IwillraisehimfromTartarus.Hewillbeyourstopunishortolove,asyouchoose.Onlykillthistrespassingboy.Showyourloyalty.
SeveralscenarioswentthroughLeo’shead—noneofthemgood.HewaspositiveCalypsowouldstranglehimonthespot,ororderherinvisiblewindservantstochophimintoaLeopurée.
Whywouldn’tshe?Gaeawasmakinghertheultimatedeal—killoneannoyingguy,getahandsomeonefree!
CalypsothrustherhandtowardGaeainathree-fingeredgestureLeorecognizedfromCampHalf-Blood:theAncientGreekwardagainstevil.“Thisisnotjustmyprison,Grandmother.Itismyhome.
Andyouarethetrespasser.”
ThewindrippedGaea’sformintonothingness,scatteringthesandintothebluesky.
Leoswallowed.“Uh,don’ttakethisthewrongway,butyoudidn’tkillme.Areyoucrazy?”Calypso’seyessmolderedwithanger,butforonceLeodidn’tthinktheangerwasaimedathim.
“Yourfriendsmustneedyou,orelseGaeawouldnotaskforyourdeath.”
“I—uh,yeah.Iguess.”
“Thenwehaveworktodo,”shesaid.“Wemustgetyoubacktoyourship.”
LEOTHOUGHTHE’DBEENBUSYBEFORE.WhenCalypsosethermindtosomething,shewasamachine.
Withinaday,she’dgatheredenoughsuppliesforaweeklongvoyage—food,flasksofwater,herbalmedicinesfromhergarden.Shewoveasailbigenoughforasmallyachtandmadeenoughropeforalltherigging.
ShegotsomuchdonethatbytheseconddaysheaskedLeoifheneededanyhelpwithhisownproject.
Helookedupfromthecircuitboardthatwasslowlycomingtogether.“IfIdidn’tknowbetter,I’dthinkyouwereanxioustogetridofme.”
“That’sabonus,”sheadmitted.ShewasdressedforworkinapairofjeansandagrubbywhiteT-shirt.Whenheaskedheraboutthewardrobechange,sheclaimedshehadrealizedhowpracticaltheseclotheswereaftermakingsomeforLeo.
Inthebluejeans,shedidn’tlookmuchlikeagoddess.HerT-shirtwascoveredwithgrassanddirtstains,likeshe’djustrunthroughaswirlingGaea.Herfeetwerebare.Hercinnamon-toasthairwastiedback,whichmadeheralmondeyeslookevenlargerandmorestartling.Herhandswerecallousedandblisteredfromworkingwithrope.
Lookingather,Leofeltatugginginhisstomachthathecouldn’tquiteexplain.
“So?”sheprompted.
“So…what?”
Shenoddedatthecircuitry.“SocanIhelp?Howisitcoming?”
“Oh,uh,I’mgoodhere.Iguess.IfIcanwirethisthinguptotheboat,Ishouldbeabletonavigatebacktotheworld.”
“Nowallyouneedisaboat.”
Hetriedtoreadherexpression.Hewasn’tsureifshewasannoyedthathewasstillhere,orwistfulthatshewasn’tleavingtoo.Thenhelookedatallthesuppliesshe’dstackedup—easilyenoughfortwopeopleforseveraldays.
“WhatGaeasaid…”Hehesitated.“Aboutyougettingoffthisisland.Wouldyouwanttotryit?”Shescowled.“Whatdoyoumean?”
“Well…I’mnotsayingitwouldbefunhavingyoualong,alwayscomplainingandglaringatmeandstuff.ButIsupposeIcouldstandit,ifyouwantedtotry.”Herexpressionsoftenedjustalittle.
“Hownoble,”shemuttered.“Butno,Leo.IfItriedtocomewithyou,yourtinychanceofescapewouldbenochanceatall.Thegodshaveplacedancientmagiconthisislandtokeepmehere.Aherocanleave.Icannot.ThemostimportantthingisgettingyoufreesoyoucanstopGaea.NotthatIcarewhathappenstoyou,”sheaddedquickly.“Buttheworld’sfateisatstake.”
“Whywouldyoucareaboutthat?”heasked.“Imean,afterbeingawayfromtheworldforsolong?”
Shearchedhereyebrows,asifsurprisedthathe’daskedasensiblequestion.“IsupposeIdon’tlikebeingtoldwhattodo—byGaeaoranyoneelse.AsmuchasIhatethegodssometimes,overthepastthreemillenniaI’vecometoseethatthey’rebetterthantheTitans.They’redefinitelybetterthanthegiants.Atleastthegodskeptintouch.Hermeshasalwaysbeenkindtome.Andyourfather,Hephaestus,hasoftenvisited.Heisagoodperson.”
Leowasn’tsurewhattomakeofherfarawaytone.Shealmostsoundedlikeshewasponderinghisworth,nothisdad’s.
Shereachedoutandclosedhismouth.Hehadn’trealizeditwashangingopen.
“Now,”Calypsosaid,“howcanIhelp?”
“Oh.”Hestareddownathisproject,butwhenhespoke,heblurtedoutanideathathadbeenformingeversinceCalypsomadehisnewclothes.“Youknowthatflameproofcloth?Youthinkyoucouldmakemealittlebagofthatfabric?”
Hedescribedthedimensions.Calypsowavedherhandimpatiently.“Thatwillonlytakeminutes.
Willithelponyourquest?”
“Yeah.Itmightsavealife.And,um,couldyouchipoffalittlepieceofcrystalfromyourcave?Idon’tneedmuch.”
Shefrowned.“That’sanoddrequest.”
“Humorme.”
“Allright.Consideritdone.I’llmakethefireproofpouchtonightattheloom,whenI’vecleanedup.ButwhatcanIdonow,whilemyhandsaredirty?”
Shehelduphercalloused,grimyfingers.Leocouldn’thelpthinkingtherewasnothinghotterthanagirlwhodidn’tmindgettingherhandsdirty.Butofcourse,thatwasjustageneralcomment.
Didn’tapplytoCalypso.Obviously.
“Well,”hesaid,“youcouldtwistsomemorebronzecoils.Butthat’skindofspecialized—”Shepushedinnexttohimonthebenchandbegantowork,herhandsbraidingthebronzewiringfasterthanhecouldhave.“Justlikeweaving,”shesaid.“Thisisn’tsohard.”
“Huh,”Leosaid.“Well,ifyouevergetoffthisislandandwantajob,letmeknow.You’renotatotalklutz.”
Shesmirked.“Ajob,eh?Makingthingsinyourforge?”
“Nah,wecouldstartourownshop,”Leosaid,surprisinghimself.Startingamachineshophadalwaysbeenoneofhisdreams,buthe’dnevertoldanyoneaboutit.“LeoandCalypso’sGarage:AutoRepairandMechanicalMonsters.”
“Freshfruitsandvegetables,”Calypsooffered.
“Ciderandstew,”Leoadded.“Wecouldevenprovideentertainment.YoucouldsingandIcould,like,randomlyburstintoflames.”
Calypsolaughed—aclear,happysoundthatmadeLeo’sheartgoka-bump.
“See,”hesaid,“I’mfunny.”
Shemanagedtokillhersmile.“Youarenotfunny.Now,getbacktowork,ornociderandstew.”
“Yes,ma’am,”hesaid.Theyworkedinsilence,sidebyside,fortherestoftheafternoon.
Twonightslater,theguidanceconsolewasfinished.
LeoandCalypsosatonthebeach,nearthespotwhereLeohaddestroyedthediningtable,andtheyateapicnicdinnertogether.Thefullmoonturnedthewavestosilver.Theircampfiresentorangesparksintothesky.Calypsoworeafreshwhiteshirtandherjeans,whichshe’dapparentlydecidedtolivein.
Behindtheminthedunes,thesupplieswerecarefullypackedandreadytogo.
“Allweneednowisaboat,”Calypsosaid.
Leonodded.Hetriednottolingeronthewordwe.Calypsohadmadeitclearshewasn’tgoing.
“Icanstartchoppingwoodintoboardstomorrow,”Leosaid.“Fewdays,we’llhaveenoughforasmallhull.”
“You’vemadeashipbefore,”Calypsoremembered.“YourArgoII.”Leonodded.Hethoughtaboutallthosemonthshe’dspentcreatingtheArgoII.Somehow,makingaboattosailfromOgygiaseemedlikeamoredauntingtask.
“Sohowlonguntilyousail?”Calypso’stonewaslight,butshedidn’tmeethiseyes.
“Uh,notsure.Anotherweek?”Forsomereason,sayingthatmadeLeofeellessagitated.Whenhehadgottenhere,hecouldn’twaittoleave.Now,hewasgladhehadafewmoredays.Weird.
Calypsoranherfingersacrossthecompletedcircuitboard.“Thistooksolongtomake.”
“Youcan’trushperfection.”
Asmiletuggedattheedgeofhermouth.“Yes,butwillitwork?”
“Gettingout,noproblem,”Leosaid.“ButtogetbackI’llneedFestusand—”
“What?”
Leoblinked.“Festus.Mybronzedragon.OnceIfigureouthowtorebuildhim,I’ll—”
“YoutoldmeaboutFestus,”Calypsosaid.“Butwhatdoyoumeangetback?”Leogrinnednervously.“Well…togetbackhere,duh.I’msureIsaidthat.”
“Youmostdefinitelydidnot.”
“I’mnotgonnaleaveyouhere!Afteryouhelpedmeandeverything?OfcourseI’mcomingback.
OnceIrebuildFestus,he’llbeabletohandleanimprovedguidancesystem.There’sthisastrolabethatI,uh…”Hestopped,decidingitwasbestnottomentionthatithadbeenbuiltbyoneofCalypso’soldflames.“…thatIfoundinBologna.Anyway,Ithinkwiththatcrystalyougaveme—”
“Youcan’tcomeback,”Calypsoinsisted.
Leo’sheartwentclunk.“BecauseI’mnotwelcome?”
“Becauseyoucan’t.It’simpossible.NomanfindsOgygiatwice.Thatistherule.”Leorolledhiseyes.“Yeah,well,youmight’venoticedI’mnotgoodatfollowingrules.I’mcomingbackherewithmydragon,andwe’llspringyou.Takeyouwhereveryouwanttogo.It’sonlyfair.”
“Fair…”Calypso’svoicewasbarelyaudible.
Inthefirelight,hereyeslookedsosad,Leocouldn’tstandit.Didshethinkhewaslyingtoherjusttomakeherfeelbetter?Heconsidereditagiventhathewouldcomebackandfreeherfromthisisland.Howcouldhenot?
“Youdidn’treallythinkIcouldstartLeoandCalypso’sAutoRepairwithoutCalypso,didyou?”heasked.“Ican’tmakeciderandstew,andIsurecan’tsing.”Shestaredatthesand.
“Well,anyway,”Leosaid,“tomorrowI’llstartonthelumber.Andinafewdays…”Helookedoutoverthewater.Somethingwasbobbingonthewaves.Leowatchedindisbeliefasalargewoodenraftfloatedinonthetideandslidtoastoponthebeach.
Leowastoodazedtomove,butCalypsosprangtoherfeet.
“Hurry!”Shesprintedacrossthebeach,grabbedsomesupplybags,andranthemtotheraft.“Idon’tknowhowlongitwillstay!”
“But…”Leostood.Hislegsfeltlikethey’dturnedtorock.HehadjustconvincedhimselfhehadanotherweekonOgygia.Nowhedidn’thavetimetofinishdinner.“That’sthemagicraft?”
“Duh!”Calypsoyelled.“Itmightworklikeit’ssupposedtoandtakeyouwhereyouwanttogo.
Butwecan’tbesure.Theisland’smagicisobviouslyunstable.Youmustrigupyourguidancedevicetonavigate.”
Shesnatcheduptheconsoleandrantowardtheraft,whichgotLeomoving.Hehelpedherfastenittotheraftandrunwirestothesmallrudderintheback.Theraftwasalreadyfittedwithamast,soLeoandCalypsohauledtheirsailaboardandstartedontherigging.
Theyworkedsidebysideinperfectharmony.EvenamongtheHephaestuscampers,Leohadneverworkedwithanyoneasintuitiveasthisimmortalgardenergirl.Innotime,theyhadthesailinplaceandallthesuppliesaboard.LeohitthebuttonsontheArchimedessphere,mutteredaprayertohisdad,Hephaestus,andtheCelestialbronzeconsolehummedtolife.
Theriggingtightened.Thesailturned.Theraftbeganscrapingagainstthesand,strainingtoreachthewaves.
“Go,”Calypsosaid.
Leoturned.Shewassoclosehecouldn’tstandit.Shesmelledlikecinnamonandwoodsmoke,andhethoughthe’dneversmellanythingthatgoodagain.
“Theraftfinallygothere,”hesaid.
Calypsosnorted.Hereyesmighthavebeenred,butitwashardtotellinthemoonlight.“Youjustnoticed?”
“Butifitonlyshowsupforguysyoulike—”
“Don’tpushyourluck,LeoValdez,”shesaid.“Istillhateyou.”
“Okay.”
“Andyouarenotcomingbackhere,”sheinsisted.“Sodon’tgivemeanyemptypromises.”
“Howaboutafullpromise?”hesaid.“BecauseI’mdefinitely—”Shegrabbedhisfaceandpulledhimintoakiss,whicheffectivelyshuthimup.
Forallhisjokingandflirting,Leohadneverkissedagirlbefore.Well,sisterlypecksonthecheekfromPiper,butthatdidn’tcount.Thiswasareal,full-contactkiss.IfLeohadhadgearsandwiresinhisbrain,theywould’veshort-circuited.
Calypsopushedhimaway.“Thatdidn’thappen.”
“Okay.”Hisvoicesoundedanoctavehigherthanusual.
“Getoutofhere.”
“Okay.”
Sheturned,wipinghereyesfuriously,andstormedupthebeach,thebreezetouslingherhair.
Leowantedtocalltoher,butthesailcaughtthefullforceofthewind,andtheraftclearedthebeach.Hestruggledtoaligntheguidanceconsole.BythetimeLeolookedback,theislandofOgygiawasadarklineinthedistance,theircampfirepulsinglikeatinyorangeheart.
Hislipsstilltingledfromthekiss.
Thatdidn’thappen,hetoldhimself.Ican’tbeinlovewithanimmortalgirl.Shedefinitelycan’tbeinlovewithme.Notpossible.
Ashisraftskimmedoverthewater,takinghimbacktothemortalworld,heunderstoodalinefromtheProphecybetter—anoathtokeepwithafinalbreath.
Heunderstoodhowdangerousoathscouldbe.ButLeodidn’tcare.
“I’mcomingbackforyou,Calypso,”hesaidtothenightwind.“IswearitontheRiverStyx.”
ANNABETHHADNEVERBEENSCAREDOFTHEDARK.
Butnormallythedarkwasn’tfortyfeettall.Itdidn’thaveblackwings,awhipmadeoutofstars,andashadowychariotpulledbyvampirehorses.
Nyxwasalmosttoomuchtotakein.Loomingoverthechasm,shewasachurningfigureofashandsmoke,asbigastheAthenaParthenosstatue,butverymuchalive.Herdresswasvoidblack,mixedwiththecolorsofaspacenebula,asifgalaxieswerebeingborninherbodice.Herfacewashardtoseeexceptforthepinpointsofhereyes,whichshonelikequasars.Whenherwingsbeat,wavesofdarknessrolledoverthecliffs,makingAnnabeth
feelheavyandsleepy,hereyesightdim.
Thegoddess’schariotwasmadeofthesamematerialasNicodiAngelo’ssword—Stygianiron—
andpulledbytwomassivehorses,allblackexceptfortheirpointedsilverfangs.Thebeasts’legsfloatedintheabyss,turningfromsolidtosmokeastheymoved.
ThehorsessnarledandbaredtheirfangsatAnnabeth.Thegoddesslashedherwhip—athinstreakofstarslikediamondbarbs—andthehorsesrearedback.
“No,Shade,”thegoddesssaid.“Down,Shadow.Theselittleprizesarenotforyou.”Percyeyedthehorsesastheynickered.HewasstillshroudedinDeathMist,sohelookedlikeanout-of-focuscorpse—whichbrokeAnnabeth’shearteverytimeshesawhim.Italsomustnothavebeenverygoodcamouflage,sinceNyxcouldobviouslyseethem.
Annabethcouldn’treadtheexpressiononPercy’sghoulishfaceverywell.Apparentlyhedidn’tlikewhateverthehorsesweresaying.
“Uh,soyouwon’tletthemeatus?”heaskedthegoddess.“Theyreallywanttoeatus.”Nyx’squasareyesburned.“Ofcoursenot.Iwouldnotletmyhorseseatyou,anymorethanIwouldletAkhlyskillyou.Suchfineprizes,Iwillkillmyself!”Annabethdidn’tfeelparticularlywittyorcourageous,butherinstinctstoldhertotaketheinitiative,orthiswouldbeaveryshortconversation.
“Oh,don’tkillyourself!”shecried.“We’renotthatscary.”Thegoddessloweredherwhip.“What?No,Ididn’tmean—”
“Well,I’dhopenot!”AnnabethlookedatPercyandforcedalaugh.“Wewouldn’twanttoscareher,wouldwe?”
“Ha,ha,”Percysaidweakly.“No,wewouldn’t.”
Thevampirehorseslookedconfused.Theyrearedandsnortedandknockedtheirdarkheadstogether.Nyxpulledbackonthereins.
“DoyouknowwhoIam?”shedemanded.
“Well,you’reNight,Isuppose,”saidAnnabeth.“Imean,Icantellbecauseyou’redarkandeverything,thoughthebrochuredidn’tsaymuchaboutyou.”Nyx’seyeswinkedoutforamoment.“Whatbrochure?”
Annabethpattedherpockets.“Wehadone,didn’twe?”
Percylickedhislips.“Uh-huh.”Hewasstillwatchingthehorses,hishandtightonhisswordhilt,buthewassmartenoughtofollowAnnabeth’slead.Nowshejusthadtohopeshewasn’tmakingthingsworse…thoughhonestly,shedidn’tseehowthingscouldbeworse.
“Anyway,”shesaid,“Iguessthebrochuredidn’tsaymuch,becauseyouweren’tspotlightedonthetour.WegottoseetheRiverPhlegethon,theCocytus,thearai,thepoisongladeofAkhlys,evensomerandomTitansandgiants,butNyx…hmm,no,youweren’treallyfeatured.”
“Featured?Spotlighted?”
“Yeah,”Percysaid,warminguptotheidea.“WecamedownherefortheTartarustour—like,exoticdestinations,youknow?TheUnderworldisoverdone.MountOlympusisatouristtrap—”
“Gods,totally!”Annabethagreed.“SowebookedtheTartarusexcursion,butnooneevenmentionedwe’drunintoNyx.Huh.Oh,well.Guesstheydidn’tthinkyouwereimportant.”
“Notimportant!”Nyxcrackedherwhip.Herhorsesbuckedandsnappedtheirsilveryfangs.
Wavesofdarknessrolledoutofthechasm,turningAnnabeth’sinsidestojelly,butshecouldn’tshowherfear.
ShepusheddownPercy’sswordarm,forcinghimtolowerhisweapon.Thiswasagoddessbeyondanythingtheyhadeverfaced.NyxwasolderthananyOlympianorTitanorgiant,oldereventhanGaea.Shecouldn’tbedefeatedbytwodemigods—atleastnottwodemigodsusingforce.
Annabethmadeherselflookatthegoddess’smassivedarkface.
“Well,howmanyotherdemigodshavecometoseeyouonthetour?”sheaskedinnocently.
Nyx’shandwentslackonthereins.“None.Notone.Thisisunacceptable!”Annabethshrugged.“Maybeit’sbecauseyouhaven’treallydoneanythingtogetinthenews.Imean,IcanunderstandTartarusbeingimportant!Thiswholeplaceisnamedafterhim.Or,ifwecouldmeetDay—”
“Oh,yeah,”Percychimedin.“Day?Shewouldbeimpressive.I’dtotallywanttomeether.
Maybegetherautograph.”
“Day!”Nyxgrippedtherailofherblackchariot.Thewholevehicleshuddered.“YoumeanHemera?Sheismydaughter!NightismuchmorepowerfulthanDay!”
“Eh,”saidAnnabeth.“Ilikedthearai,orevenAkhlysbetter.”
“Theyaremychildrenaswell!”
Percystifledayawn.“Gotalotofchildren,huh?”
“Iamthemotherofallterrors!”Nyxcried.“TheFatesthemselves!Hecate!OldAge!Pain!
Sleep!Death!Andallofthecurses!BeholdhownewsworthyIam!”
NYXLASHEDHERWHIPAGAIN.Thedarknesscongealedaroundher.Oneitherside,anarmyofshadowsappeared—moredark-wingedarai,whichAnnabethwasnotthrilledtosee;awitheredmanwhomusthavebeenGeras,thegodofoldage;andayoungerwomaninablacktoga,hereyesgleamingandhersmilelikeaserialkiller’s—nodoubtEris,thegoddessofstrife.Morekeptappearing:dozensofdemonsandminorgods,eachonethespawnofNight.
Annabethwantedtorun.Shewasfacingabroodofhorrorsthatcouldsnapanyone’ssanity.Butifsheran,shewoulddie.
Nexttoher,Percy’sbreathingturnedshallow.Eventhroughhismistyghouldisguise,Annabethcouldtellhewasonthevergeofpanic.Shehadtostandhergroundforbothofthem.
IamadaughterofAthena,shethought.Icontrolmyownmind.
Sheimaginedamentalframearoundwhatshewasseeing.Shetoldherselfitwasjustamovie—ascarymovie,sure,butitcouldnothurther.Shewasincontrol.
“Yeah,notbad,”sheadmitted.“Iguesswecouldgetonepictureforthescrapbook,butIdon’tknow.Youguysareso…dark.EvenifIusedaflash,I’mnotsureitwouldcomeout.”
“Y-yeah,”Percymanaged.“Youguysaren’tphotogenic.”
“You—miserable—tourists!”Nyxhissed.“Howdareyounottremblebeforeme!Howdareyounotwhimperandbegformyautographandapictureforyourscrapbook!Youwantnewsworthy?MysonHypnosonceputZeustosleep!WhenZeuspursuedhimacrosstheearth,bentonvengeance,Hypnoshidinmypalaceforsafety,andZeusdidnotfollow.EventhekingofOlympusfearsme!”
“Uh-huh.”AnnabethturnedtoPercy.“Well,it’sgettinglate.Weshouldprobablygetlunchatoneofthoserestaurantsthetourguiderecommended.ThenwecanfindtheDoorsofDeath.”
“Aha!”Nyxcriedintriumph.Herbroodofshadowsstirredandechoed:“Aha!Aha!”
“YouwishtoseetheDoorsofDeath?”Nyxasked.“TheylieattheveryheartofTartarus.
Mortalssuchasyoucouldneverreachthem,exceptthroughthehallsofmypalace—theMansionofNight!”
Shegesturedbehindher.Floatingintheabyss,maybethreehundredfeetbelow,wasadoorwayofblackmarble,leadingintosomesortoflargeroom.
Annabeth’sheartpoundedsostronglyshefeltitinhertoes.Thatwasthewayforward—butitwassofardown,animpossiblejump.Iftheymissed,theywouldfallintoChaosandbescatteredintonothingness—afinaldeathwithnodo-over.Eveniftheycouldmakethejump,thegoddessofnightandhermostfearsomechildrenstoodintheirway.
Withajolt,Annabethrealizedwhatneededtohappen.Likeeverythingshe’deverdone,itwasalongshot.Inaway,thatcalmedherdown.Acrazyideainthefaceofdeath?
Okay,herbodyseemedtosay,relaxing.Thisisfamiliarterritory.
Shemanagedaboredsigh.“Isupposewecoulddoonepicture,butagroupshotwon’twork.Nyx,howaboutoneofyouwithyourfavoritechild?Whichoneisthat?”Thebroodrustled.DozensofhorribleglowingeyesturnedtowardNyx.
Thegoddessshifteduncomfortably,asifherchariotwereheatingupunderherfeet.Hershadowhorseshuffedandpawedatthevoid.
“Myfavoritechild?”sheasked.“Allmychildrenareterrifying!”Percysnorted.“Seriously?I’vemettheFates.I’vemetThanatos.Theyweren’tsoscary.You’vegottohavesomebodyinthiscrowdwho’sworsethanthat.”
“Thedarkest,”Annabethsaid.“Themostlikeyou.”
“Iamthedarkest,”hissedEris.“Warsandstrife!Ihavecausedallmannerofdeath!”
“Iamdarkerstill!”snarledGeras.“Idimtheeyesandaddlethebrain.Everymortalfearsoldage!”
“Yeah,yeah,”Annabethsaid,tryingtoignoreherchatteringteeth.“I’mnotseeingenoughdark.Imean,you’rethechildrenofNight!Showmedark!”
Thehordeofaraiwailed,flappingtheirleatherywingsandstirringupcloudsofblackness.Gerasspreadhiswitheredhandsanddimmedtheentireabyss.Erisbreathedashadowysprayofbuckshotacrossthevoid.
“Iamthedarkest!”hissedoneofthedemons.
“No,I!”
“No!Beholdmydarkness!”
Ifathousandgiantoctopuseshadsquirtedinkatthesametime,atthebottomofthedeepest,mostsunlessoceantrench,itcouldnothavebeenblacker.Annabethmightaswellhavebeenblind.
ShegrippedPercy’shandandsteeledhernerves.
“Wait!”Nyxcalled,suddenlypanicked.“Ican’tseeanything.”
“Yes!”shoutedoneofherchildrenproudly.“Ididthat!”
“No,Idid!”
“Fool,itwasme!”
Dozensofvoicesarguedinthedarkness.
Thehorseswhinniedinalarm.
“Stopit!”Nyxyelled.“Whosefootisthat?”
“Erisishittingme!”criedsomeone.“Mother,tellhertostophittingme!”
“Ididnot!”yelledEris.“Ouch!”
Thesoundsofscufflinggotlouder.Ifpossible,thedarknessbecameevendeeper.Annabeth’seyesdilatedsomuch,theyfeltliketheywerebeingpulledoutoftheirsockets.
ShesqueezedPercy’shand.“Ready?”
“Forwhat?”Afterapause,hegruntedunhappily.“Poseidon’sunderpants,youcan’tbeserious.”
“Somebodygivemelight!”Nyxscreamed.“Gah!Ican’tbelieveIjustsaidthat!”
“It’satrick!”Erisyelled.“Thedemigodsareescaping!”
“I’vegotthem,”screamedanarai.
“No,that’smyneck!”Gerasgagged.
“Jump!”AnnabethtoldPercy.
Theyleapedintothedarkness,aimingforthedoorwayfar,farbelow.
AFTERTHEIRFALLINTOTARTARUS,jumpingthreehundredfeettotheMansion
ofNightshouldhavefeltquick.
Instead,Annabeth’sheartseemedtoslowdown.Betweenthebeatsshehadampletimetowriteherownobituary.
AnnabethChase,diedage17.
BA-BOOM.
(Assumingherbirthday,July12,hadpassedwhileshewasinTartarus;buthonestly,shehadnoidea.)
BA-BOOM.
DiedofmassiveinjurieswhileleapinglikeanidiotintotheabyssofChaosandsplatteringontheentryhallfloorofNyx’smansion.
BA-BOOM.
Survivedbyherfather,stepmother,andtwostepbrotherswhobarelyknewher.
BA-BOOM.
Inlieuofflowers,pleasesenddonationstoCampHalf-Blood,assumingGaeahasn’talreadydestroyedit.
Herfeethitsolidfloor.Painshotupherlegs,butshestumbledforwardandbrokeintoarun,haulingPercyafterher.
Abovetheminthedark,Nyxandherchildrenscuffledandyelled,“I’vegotthem!Myfoot!Stopit!”
Annabethkeptrunning.Shecouldn’tseeanyway,sosheclosedhereyes.Sheusedherothersenses—listeningfortheechoofopenspaces,feelingforcross-breezesagainstherface,sniffingforanyscentofdanger—smoke,orpoison,orthestenchofdemons.
Itwasn’tthefirsttimeshe’dplungedthroughdarkness.SheimaginedshewasbackinthetunnelsunderRome,searchingouttheAthenaParthenos.Inretrospect,herjourneytoArachne’scavernseemedlikeatriptoDisneyland.
ThesquabblingsoundsofNyx’schildrengotfartheraway.Thatwasgood.Percywasstillrunningatherside,holdingherhand.Alsogood.
Inthedistanceaheadofthem,Annabethbegantohearathrobbingsound,likeherownheartbeatechoingback,amplifiedsopowerfully,thefloorvibratedunderfoot.Thesoundfilledherwithdread,soshefigureditmustbetherightwaytogo.Sherantowardit.
Asthebeatgotlouder,shesmelledsmokeandheardtheflickeringoftorchesoneitherside.Sheguessedtherewouldbelight,butacrawlingsensationacrossherneckwarnedheritwouldbeamistaketoopenhereyes.
“Don’tlook,”shetoldPercy.
“Wasn’tplanningonit,”hesaid.“Youcanfeelthat,right?We’restillintheMansionofNight.Idonotwanttoseeit.”
Smartboy,Annabeththought.SheusedtoteasePercyforbeingdumb,butintruthhis
instinctswereusuallyrightontarget.
WhateverhorrorslayintheMansionofNight,theyweren’tmeantformortaleyes.SeeingthemwouldbeworsethanstaringatthefaceofMedusa.Bettertorunindarkness.
Thethrobbinggotlouderstill,sendingvibrationsstraightupAnnabeth’sspine.Itfeltlikesomeonewasknockingonthebottomoftheworld,demandingtobeletin.Shesensedthewallsopeninguponeithersideofthem.Theairsmelledfresher—oratleastnotquiteassulfurous.Therewasanothersound,too,closerthanthedeeppulsing…thesoundofflowingwater.
Annabeth’sheartraced.Sheknewtheexitwasclose.IftheycouldmakeitoutoftheMansionofNight,maybetheycouldleavethedarkbroodofdemonsbehind.
Shebegantorunfaster,whichwouldhavemeantherdeathifPercyhadn’tstoppedher.
“ANNABETH!”PERCYPULLEDHERBACKjustasherfoothittheedgeofadrop-off.Shealmostpitchedforwardintowho-knew-what,butPercygrabbedherandwrappedherinhisarms.
“It’sokay,”hepromised.
Shepressedherfaceintohisshirtandkepthereyesclosedtight.Shewastrembling,butnotjustfromfear.Percy’sembracewassowarmandcomfortingshewantedtostaythereforever,safeandprotected…butthatwasn’treality.Shecouldn’taffordtorelax.Shecouldn’tleanonPercyanymorethanshehadto.Heneededher,too.
“Thanks…”Shegentlydisentangledherselffromhisarms.“Canyoutellwhat’sinfrontofus?”
“Water,”hesaid.“I’mstillnotlooking.Idon’tthinkit’ssafeyet.”
“Agreed.”
“Icansenseariver…ormaybeit’samoat.It’sblockingourpath,flowinglefttoright
throughachannelcutintherock.Theoppositesideisabouttwentyfeetaway.”Annabethmentallyscoldedherself.She’dheardtheflowingwater,butshehadneverconsideredshemightberunningheadlongintoit.
“Isthereabridge,or—?”
“Idon’tthinkso,”Percysaid.“Andthere’ssomethingwrongwiththewater.Listen.”Annabethconcentrated.Withintheroaringcurrent,thousandsofvoicescriedout—shriekinginagony,pleadingformercy.
Help!theygroaned.Itwasanaccident!
Thepain!theirvoiceswailed.Makeitstop!
Annabethdidn’tneedhereyestovisualizetheriver—ablackbrinycurrentfilledwithtorturedsoulsbeingsweptdeeperanddeeperintoTartarus.
“TheRiverAcheron,”sheguessed.“ThefifthriveroftheUnderworld.”
“IlikedthePhlegethonbetterthanthis,”Percymuttered.
“It’stheRiverofPain.Theultimatepunishmentforthesoulsofthedamned—murderers,especially.”
Murderers!theriverwailed.Yes,likeyou!
Joinus,anothervoicewhispered.Youarenobetterthanweare.
Annabeth’sheadwasfloodedwithimagesofallthemonstersshe’dkilledovertheyears.
Thatwasn’tmurder,sheprotested.Iwasdefendingmyself!
Theriverchangedcoursethroughhermind—showingherZoëNightshade,whohadbeenslainonMountTamalpaisbecauseshe’dcometorescueAnnabethfromtheTitans.
ShesawNico’ssister,BiancadiAngelo,dyinginthecollapseofthemetalgiantTalos,becauseshealsohadtriedtosaveAnnabeth.
MichaelYewandSilenaBeauregard…whohaddiedintheBattleofManhattan.
Youcouldhavepreventedit,therivertoldAnnabeth.Youshouldhaveseenabetterway.
Mostpainfulofall:LukeCastellan.AnnabethrememberedLuke’sbloodonherdaggerafterhe’dsacrificedhimselftostopKronosfromdestroyingOlympus.
Hisbloodisonyourhands!theriverwailed.Thereshouldhavebeenanotherway!
Annabethhadwrestledwiththesamethoughtmanytimes.She’dtriedtoconvinceherselfLuke’sdeathwasn’therfault.Lukehadchosenhisfate.Still…shedidn’tknowifhissoulhadfoundpeaceintheUnderworld,orifhe’dbeenreborn,orifhe’dbeenwashedintoTartarusbecauseofhiscrimes.Hemightbeoneofthetorturedvoicesflowingpastrightnow.
Youmurderedhim!therivercried.Jumpinandsharehispunishment!
Percygrippedherarm.“Don’tlisten.”
“But—”
“Iknow.”Hisvoicesoundedasbrittleasice.“They’retellingmethesamestuff.Ithink…IthinkthismoatmustbetheborderofNight’sterritory.Ifwegetacross,weshouldbeokay.We’llhavetojump.”
“Yousaiditwastwentyfeet!”
“Yeah.You’llhavetotrustme.Putyourarmsaroundmyneckandhangon.”
“Howcanyoupossibly—”
“There!”criedavoicebehindthem.“Killtheungratefultourists!”ThechildrenofNyxhadfoundthem.AnnabethwrappedherarmsaroundPercy’sneck.“Go!”Withhereyesclosed,shecouldonlyguesshowhemanagedit.Maybeheusedtheforceoftheriversomehow.Maybehewasjustscaredoutofhismindandchargedwithadrenaline.Percyleapedwithmorestrengththanshewouldhavethoughtpossible.Theysailedthroughtheairastheriverchurnedandwailedbelowthem,splashingAnnabeth’sbareankleswithstingingbrine.
Then—CLUMP.Theywereonsolidgroundagain.
“Youcanopenyoureyes,”Percysaid,breathinghard.“Butyouwon’tlikewhatyousee.”Annabethblinked.AfterthedarknessofNyx,eventhedimredglowofTartarusseemedblinding.
BeforethemstretchedavalleybigenoughtofittheSanFranciscoBay.Theboomingnoisecamefromtheentirelandscape,asifthunderwereechoingfrombeneaththeground.Underpoisonousclouds,therollingterrainglistenedpurplewithdarkredandbluescarlines.
“Itlookslike…”Annabethfoughtdownherrevulsion.“Likeagiantheart.”
“TheheartofTartarus,”Percymurmured.
Thecenterofthevalleywascoveredwithafineblackfuzzofpepperydots.Theyweresofaraway,ittookAnnabethamomenttorealizeshewaslookingatanarmy—thousands,maybetensofthousandsofmonsters,gatheredaroundacentralpinpointofdarkness.Itwastoofartoseeanydetails,butAnnabethhadnodoubtwhatthepinpointwas.Evenfromtheedgeofthevalley,Annabethcouldfeelitspowertuggingathersoul.
“TheDoorsofDeath.”
“Yeah.”Percy’svoicewashoarse.Hestillhadthepale,wastedcomplexionofacorpse…whichmeanthelookedaboutasgoodasAnnabethfelt.
Sherealizedshe’dforgottenallabouttheirpursuers.“WhathappenedtoNyx…?”Sheturned.Somehowthey’dlandedseveralhundredyardsfromthebanksofAcheron,whichflowedthroughachannelcutintoblackvolcanichills.Beyondthatwasnothingbutdarkness.
Nosignofanyonecomingafterthem.ApparentlyeventheminionsofNightdidn’tliketocrosstheAcheron.
ShewasabouttoaskPercyhowhehadjumpedsofarwhensheheardtheskitteringofarockslideinthehillstotheirleft.Shedrewherdrakon-bonesword.PercyraisedRiptide.
Apatchofglowingwhitehairappearedovertheridge,thenafamiliargrinningfacewithpuresilvereyes.
“Bob?”Annabethwassohappysheactuallyjumped.“Ohmygods!”
“Friends!”TheTitanlumberedtowardthem.Thebristlesofhisbroomhadbeenburnedoff.Hisjanitor’suniformwasslashedwithnewclawmarks,buthelookeddelighted.Onhisshoulder,SmallBobthekittenpurredalmostasloudlyasthepulsingheartofTartarus.
“Ifoundyou!”Bobgatheredthembothinarib-crushinghug.“Youlooklikesmokingdeadpeople.Thatisgood!”
“Urf,”Percysaid.“Howdidyougethere?ThroughtheMansionofNight?”
“No,no.”Bobshookhisheadadamantly.“Thatplaceistooscary.Anotherway—onlygoodforTitansandsuch.”
“Letmeguess,”Annabethsaid.“Youwentsideways.”
Bobscratchedhischin,evidentlyatalossforwords.“Hmm.No.More…diagonal.”Annabethlaughed.HeretheywereattheheartofTartarus,facinganimpossiblearmy—shewouldtakeanycomfortshecouldget.ShewasridiculouslygladtohaveBobtheTitanwiththemagain.
Shekissedhisimmortalnose,whichmadehimblink.
“Westaytogethernow?”heasked.
“Yes,”Annabethagreed.“TimetoseeifthisDeathMistworks.”
“Andifitdoesn’t…”Percystoppedhimself.
Therewasnopointinwonderingaboutthat.Theywereabouttomarchintothemiddleofanenemyarmy.Iftheywerespotted,theyweredead.
Despitethat,Annabethmanagedasmile.Theirgoalwasinsight.TheyhadaTitanwithabroomandaveryloudkittenontheirside.Thathadtocountforsomething.
“DoorsofDeath,”shesaid,“herewecome.”
JASONWASN’TSUREWHATTOHOPEFOR:stormorfire.
AshewaitedforhisdailyaudiencewiththelordoftheSouthWind,hetriedtodecidewhichofthegod’spersonalities,RomanorGreek,wasworse.Butafterfivedaysinthepalace,hewasonlycertainaboutonething:heandhiscrewwereunlikelytogetoutofherealive.
Heleanedagainstthebalconyrail.Theairwassohotanddry,itsuckedthemoisturerightoutofhislungs.Overthelastweek,hisskinhadgottendarker.Hishairhadturnedaswhiteascornsilk.
Wheneverheglancedinthemirror,hewasstartledbythewild,emptylookinhiseyes,asifhe’dgoneblindwanderinginthedesert.
Ahundredfeetbelow,thebayglitteredagainstacrescentofredsandbeach.TheyweresomewhereonthenortherncoastofAfrica.That’sasmuchasthewindspiritswouldtellhim.
Thepalaceitselfstretchedoutoneithersideofhim—ahoneycombofhallsandtunnels,balconies,colonnades,andcavernousroomscarvedintothesandstonecliffs,alldesignedforthewindtoblowthroughandmakeasmuchnoiseaspossible.Theconstantpipe-organsoundsremindedJasonofthefloatinglairofAeolus,backinColorado,exceptherethewindsseemedinnohurry.
Whichwaspartoftheproblem.
Ontheirbestdays,thesouthernventiwereslowandlazy.Ontheirworstdays,theyweregustyandangry.They’dinitiallywelcomedtheArgoII,sinceanyenemyofBoreaswasafriendoftheSouthWind,buttheyseemedtohaveforgottenthatthedemigodsweretheirguests.Theventihadquicklylostinterestinhelpingrepairtheship.Theirking’smoodgotworseeveryday.
Downatthedock,Jason’sfriendswereworkingontheArgoII.Themainsailhadbeenrepaired,theriggingreplaced.Nowtheyweremendingtheoars.WithoutLeo,theywere
unabletorepairthemorecomplicatedpartsoftheship,evenwiththehelpofBufordthetableandFestus(whowasnowpermanentlyactivatedthankstoPiper’scharmspeak—andnoneofthemunderstoodthat).Buttheykepttrying.
HazelandFrankstoodatthehelm,tinkeringwiththecontrols.PiperrelayedtheircommandstoCoachHedge,whowashangingoverthesideoftheship,bangingoutdentsintheoars.Hedgewaswellsuitedforbangingonthings.
Theydidn’tseemtobemakingmuchprogress,butconsideringwhatthey’dbeenthrough,itwasamiracletheshipwasinonepiece.
JasonshiveredwhenhethoughtaboutKhione’sattack.He’dbeenrenderedhelpless—frozensolidnotoncebuttwice,whileLeowasblastedintotheskyandPiperwasforcedtosavethemallsingle-handedly.
ThankthegodsforPiper.Sheconsideredherselfafailurefornothavingstoppedthewindbombfromexploding;butthetruthwas,she’dsavedtheentirecrewfrombecomingicesculpturesinQuebec.
She’dalsomanagedtodirecttheexplosionoftheicysphere,soeventhoughtheshiphadbeenpushedhalfwayacrosstheMediterranean,ithadsustainedrelativelyminordamage.
Downatthedock,Hedgeyelled,“Tryitnow!”
HazelandFrankpulledsomeofthelevers.Theportoarswentcrazy,choppingupanddownanddoingthewave.CoachHedgetriedtododge,butonesmackedhimintherearandlaunchedhimintotheair.Hecamedownscreamingandsplashedintothebay.
Jasonsighed.Atthisrate,they’dneverbeabletosail,evenifthesouthernventiallowedthemto.
Somewhereinthenorth,ReynawasflyingtowardEpirus,assumingshe’dgottenhisnoteatDiocletian’sPalace.Leowaslostandintrouble.PercyandAnnabeth…well,best-casescenariotheywerestillalive,makingtheirwaytotheDoorsofDeath.Jasoncouldn’tletthemdown.
Arustlingsoundmadehimturn.NicodiAngelostoodintheshadowofthenearestcolumn.He’dshedhisjacket.NowhejustworehisblackT-shirtandblackjeans.HisswordandthescepterofDiocletianhungoneithersideofhisbelt.
Daysinthehotsunhadn’ttannedhisskin.Ifanything,helookedpaler.Hisdarkhairfelloverhiseyes.Hisfacewasstillgaunt,buthewasdefinitelyinbettershapethanwhenthey’dleftCroatia.Hehadregainedenoughweightnottolookstarved.Hisarmsweresurprisinglytautwithmuscles,asifhe’dspentthepastweekswordfighting.ForallJasonknew,he’dbeenslippingofftopracticeraisingspiritswithDiocletian’sscepter,thensparringwiththem.AftertheirexpeditioninSplit,nothingwouldsurprisehim.
“Anywordfromtheking?”Nicoasked.
Jasonshookhishead.“Everyday,hecallsformelaterandlater.”
“Weneedtoleave,”Nicosaid.“Soon.”
Jasonhadbeenhavingthesamefeeling,buthearingNicosayitmadehimevenedgier.“Yousensesomething?”
“PercyisclosetotheDoors,”Nicosaid.“He’llneedusifhe’sgoingtomakeitthroughalive.”Jasonnoticedthathedidn’tmentionAnnabeth.Hedecidednottobringthatup.
“Allright,”Jasonsaid.“Butifwecan’trepairtheship—”
“IpromisedI’dleadyoutotheHouseofHades,”Nicosaid.“Onewayoranother,Iwill.”
“Youcan’tshadow-travelwithallofus.AnditwilltakeallofustoreachtheDoorsofDeath.”TheorbattheendofDiocletian’sscepterglowedpurple.Overthepastweek,itseemedtohavealigneditselftoNicodiAngelo’smoods.Jasonwasn’tsurethatwasagoodthing.
“Thenyou’vegottoconvincethekingoftheSouthWindtohelp.”Nico’svoiceseethedwithanger.“Ididn’tcomeallthisway,suffersomanyhumiliations…”Jasonhadtomakeaconsciouseffortnottoreachforhissword.WheneverNicogotangry,allofJason’sinstinctsscreamed,Danger!
“Look,Nico,”hesaid,“I’mhereifyouwanttotalkabout,youknow,whathappenedinCroatia.Igethowdifficult—”
“Youdon’tgetanything.”
“Nobody’sgoingtojudgeyou.”
Nico’smouthtwistedinasneer.“Really?Thatwouldbeafirst.I’mthesonofHades,Jason.Imightaswellbecoveredinbloodorsewage,thewaypeopletreatme.Idon’tbelonganywhere.I’mnotevenfromthiscentury.Buteventhat’snotenoughtosetmeapart.I’vegottobe—tobe—”
“Dude!It’snotlikeyou’vegotachoice.It’sjustwhoyouare.”
“JustwhoIam…”Thebalconytrembled.Patternsshiftedinthestonefloor,likebonescomingtothesurface.“Easyforyoutosay.You’reeverybody’sgoldenboy,thesonofJupiter.TheonlypersonwhoeveracceptedmewasBianca,andshedied!Ididn’tchooseanyofthis.Myfather,myfeelings…”
Jasontriedtothinkofsomethingtosay.HewantedtobeNico’sfriend.Heknewthatwastheonlywaytohelp.ButNicowasn’tmakingiteasy.
Heraisedhishandsinsubmission.“Yeah,okay.But,Nico,youdochoosehowtoliveyourlife.
Youwanttotrustsomebody?MaybetakeariskthatI’mreallyyourfriendandI’llacceptyou.It’sbetterthanhiding.”
Thefloorcrackedbetweenthem.Thecrevicehissed.TheairaroundNicoshimmeredwithspectrallight.
“Hiding?”Nico’svoicewasdeadlyquiet.
Jason’sfingersitchedtodrawhissword.He’dmetplentyofscarydemigods,buthewasstartingtorealizethatNicodiAngelo—aspaleandgauntashelooked—mightbemorethanhecouldhandle.
Nevertheless,heheldNico’sgaze.“Yes,hiding.You’verunawayfrombothcamps.You’resoafraidyou’llgetrejectedthatyouwon’teventry.Maybeit’stimeyoucomeout
oftheshadows.”Justwhenthetensionbecameunbearable,Nicodroppedhiseyes.Thefissureclosedinthebalconyfloor.Theghostlylightfaded.
“I’mgoingtohonormypromise,”Nicosaid,notmuchlouderthanawhisper.“I’lltakeyoutoEpirus.I’llhelpyouclosetheDoorsofDeath.Thenthat’sit.I’mleaving—forever.”Behindthem,thedoorsofthethroneroomblastedopenwithagustofscorchingair.
Adisembodiedvoicesaid:LordAusterwillseeyounow.
Asmuchashedreadedthismeeting,Jasonfeltrelieved.Atthemoment,arguingwithacrazywindgodseemedsaferthanbefriendinganangrysonofHades.HeturnedtotellNicogood-bye,butNicohaddisappeared—meltingbackintothedarkness.
SOITWASASTORMDAY.Auster,theRomanversionoftheSouthWind,washoldingcourt.
Thetwopreviousdays,JasonhaddealtwithNotus.Whilethegod’sGreekversionwasfieryandquicktoanger,atleasthewasquick.Auster…well,notsomuch.
Whiteandredmarblecolumnslinedthethroneroom.TheroughsandstonefloorsmokedunderJason’sshoes.Steamhungintheair,likethebathhousebackatCampJupiter,exceptbathhousesusuallydidn’thavethunderstormscracklingacrosstheceiling,lightingtheroomindisorientingflashes.
Southernventiswirledthroughthehallincloudsofreddustandsuperheatedair.Jasonwascarefultostayawayfromthem.Onhisfirstdayhere,he’daccidentallybrushedhishandthroughone.
He’dgottensomanyblisters,hisfingerslookedliketentacles.
AttheendoftheroomwasthestrangestthroneJasonhadeverseen—madeofequalpartsfireandwater.Thedaiswasabonfire.Flamesandsmokecurleduptoformaseat.Thebackofthechairwasachurningstormcloud.Thearmrestssizzledwheremoisturemet
fire.Itdidn’tlookverycomfortable,butthegodAusterloungedonitlikehewasreadyforaneasyafternoonofwatchingfootball.
Standingup,hewouldhavebeenabouttenfeettall.Acrownofsteamwreathedhisshaggywhitehair.Hisbeardwasmadeofclouds,constantlypoppingwithlightningandrainingdownonthegod’schest,soakinghissand-coloredtoga.Jasonwonderedifyoucouldshaveathundercloudbeard.Hethoughtitmightbeannoyingtorainonyourselfallthetime,butAusterdidn’tseemtocare.HeremindedJasonofasoggySantaClaus,butmorelazythanjolly.
“So…”Thegod’svoicerumbledlikeanoncomingfront.“ThesonofJupiterreturns.”AustermadeitsoundlikeJasonwaslate.Jasonwastemptedtoremindthestupidwindgodthathehadspenthoursoutsideeverydaywaitingtobecalled,buthejustbowed.
“Mylord,”hesaid.“Haveyoureceivedanynewsofmyfriend?”
“Friend?”
“LeoValdez.”Jasontriedtostaypatient.“Theonewhowastakenbythewinds.”
“Oh…yes.Orrather,no.Wehavehadnoword.Hewasnottakenbymywinds.NodoubtthiswastheworkofBoreasorhisspawn.”
“Uh,yes.Weknewthat.”
“ThatistheonlyreasonItookyouin,ofcourse.”Auster’seyebrowsroseintohiswreathofsteam.“Boreasmustbeopposed!Thenorthwindsmustbedrivenback!”
“Yes,mylord.ButtoopposeBoreas,wereallyneedtogetourshipoutoftheharbor.”
“Shipintheharbor!”Thegodleanedbackandchuckled,rainpouringoutofhisbeard.“Youknowthelasttimemortalshipscameintomyharbor?AkingofLibya…Psyolloswashisname.Heblamedmeforthescorchingwindsthatburnedhiscrops.Canyoubelieveit?”Jasongrittedhisteeth.He’dlearnedthatAustercouldn’tberushed.Inhisrainyform,hewassluggishandwarmandrandom.
“Anddidyouburnthosecrops,mylord?”
“Ofcourse!”Austersmiledgood-naturedly.“ButwhatdidPsyollosexpect,plantingcropsattheedgeoftheSahara?Thefoollaunchedhisentirefleetagainstme.Heintendedtodestroymystrongholdsothesouthwindcouldneverblowagain.Idestroyedhisfleet,ofcourse.”
“Ofcourse.”
Austernarrowedhiseyes.“Youaren’twithPsyollos,areyou?”
“No,LordAuster.I’mJasonGrace,sonof—”
“Jupiter!Yes,ofcourse.IlikesonsofJupiter.Butwhyareyoustillinmyharbor?”Jasonsuppressedasigh.“Wedon’thaveyourpermissiontoleave,mylord.Also,ourshipisdamaged.Weneedourmechanic,LeoValdez,torepairtheengine,unlessyouknowofanotherway.”
“Hmm.”Austerhelduphisfingersandletadustdevilswirlbetweenthemlikeabaton.“Youknow,peopleaccusemeofbeingfickle.SomedaysIamthescorchingwind,the
destroyerofcrops,thesiroccofromAfrica!OtherdaysIamgentle,heraldingthewarmsummerrainsandcoolingfogsofthesouthernMediterranean.Andintheoff-season,IhavealovelyplaceinCancun!Atanyrate,inancienttimes,mortalsbothfearedmeandlovedme.Foragod,unpredictabilitycanbeastrength.”
“Thenyouaretrulystrong,”Jasonsaid.
“Thankyou!Yes!Butthesameisnottrueofdemigods.”Austerleanedforward,closeenoughsothatJasoncouldsmellrain-soakedfieldsandhotsandybeaches.“Youremindmeofmyownchildren,JasonGrace.Youhaveblownfromplacetoplace.Youareundecided.Youchangedaytoday.Ifyoucouldturnthewindsock,whichwaywoulditblow?”
SweattrickledbetweenJason’sshoulderblades.“Excuseme?”
“Yousayyouneedanavigator.Youneedmypermission.Isayyouneedneither.Itistimetochooseadirection.Awindthatblowsaimlesslyisofnousetoanyone.”
“Idon’t…Idon’tunderstand.”
Evenashesaidit,hedidunderstand.Nicohadtalkedaboutnotbelonginganywhere.AtleastNicowasfreeofattachments.Hecouldgowhereverhechose.
Formonths,Jasonhadbeenwrestlingwiththequestionofwherehebelonged.He’dalwayschafedagainstthetraditionsofCampJupiter,thepowerplays,theinfighting.ButReynawasagoodperson.Sheneededhishelp.Ifheturnedhisbackonher…someonelikeOctaviancouldtakeoverandruineverythingJasondidloveaboutNewRome.Couldhebesoselfishastoleave?Theveryideacrushedhimwithguilt.
Butinhisheart,hewantedtobeatCampHalf-Blood.Themonthshe’dspenttherewithPiperandLeohadfeltmoresatisfying,morerightthanallhisyearsatCampJupiter.Besides,atCampHalf-Blood,therewasatleastachancehemightmeethisfathersomeday.ThegodshardlyeverstoppedbyCampJupitertosayhello.
Jasontookashakybreath.“Yes.IknowthedirectionIwanttotake.”
“Good!And?”
“Uh,westillneedawaytofixtheship.Isthere—?”
Austerraisedanindexfinger.“Stillexpectingguidancefromthewindlords?AsonofJupitershouldknowbetter.”
Jasonhesitated.“We’releaving,LordAuster.Today.”
Thewindgodgrinnedandspreadhishands.“Atlast,youannounceyourpurpose!Thenyouhavemypermissiontogo,thoughyoudonotneedit.Andhowwillyousailwithoutyourengineer,withoutyourenginesfixed?”
Jasonfeltthesouthwindszippingaroundhim,whinnyinginchallengelikeheadstrongmustangs,testinghiswill.
Allweekhehadbeenwaiting,hopingAusterwoulddecidetohelp.FormonthshehadworriedabouthisobligationstoCampJupiter,hopinghispathwouldbecomeclear.Now,herealized,hesimplyhadtotakewhathewanted.Hehadtocontrolthewinds,notthe
otherwayaround.
“You’regoingtohelpus,”Jasonsaid.“Yourventicantaketheformofhorses.You’llgiveusateamtopulltheArgoII.They’llleadustowhereverLeois.”
“Wonderful!”Austerbeamed,hisbeardflashingwithelectricity.“Now…canyoumakegoodonthoseboldwords?Canyoucontrolwhatyouaskfor,orwillyoubetornapart?”Thegodclappedhishands.Windsswirledaroundhisthroneandtooktheformofhorses.Theseweren’tdarkandcoldlikeJason’sfriendTempest.TheSouthWindhorsesweremadeoffire,sand,andhotthunderstorm.Fourofthemracedpast,theirheatsingeingthehairoffJason’sarms.Theygallopedaroundthemarblecolumns,spittingflames,neighingwithasoundlikesandblasters.Themoretheyran,thewildertheybecame.TheystartedtoeyeJason.
Austerstrokedhisrainybeard.“Doyouknowwhytheventicanappearashorses,myboy?Everysooften,wewindgodstraveltheearthinequineform.Onoccasion,we’vebeenknowntosirethefastestofallhorses.”
“Thanks,”Jasonmuttered,thoughhisteethwerechatteringwithfear.“Toomuchinformation.”OneoftheventichargedatJason.Heduckedaside,hisclothessmokingfromtheclosecall.
“Sometimes,”Austercontinuedcheerfully,“mortalsrecognizeourdivineblood.Theywillsay,Thathorserunslikethewind.Andforgoodreason.Likethefasteststallions,theventiareourchildren!”
ThewindhorsesbegantocircleJason.
“LikemyfriendTempest,”heventured.
“Oh,well…”Austerscowled.“IfearthatoneisachildofBoreas.Howyoutamedhim,Iwillneverknow.Thesearemyownoffspring,afineteamofsouthernwinds.Controlthem,JasonGrace,andtheywillpullyourshipfromtheharbor.”
Controlthem,Jasonthought.Yeah,right.
Theyranbackandforth,workingupafrenzy.Liketheirmaster,theSouthWind,theywereconflicted—halfhot,drysirocco,halfstormythunderhead.
Ineedspeed,Jasonthought.Ineedpurpose.
HeenvisionedNotus,theGreekversionoftheSouthWind—blisteringhot,butveryfast.
Inthatmoment,hechoseGreek.HethrewinhislotwithCampHalf-Blood—andthehorseschanged.Thestormcloudsinsideburnedaway,leavingnothingbutreddustandshimmeringheat,likemiragesontheSahara.
“Welldone,”saidthegod.
OnthethronenowsatNotus—abronze-skinnedoldmaninafieryGreekchiton,hisheadcrownedwithawreathofwithered,smokingbarley.
“Whatareyouwaitingfor?”thegodprompted.
Jasonturnedtowardthefierywindsteeds.Suddenlyhewasn’tafraidofthem.
Hethrustouthishand.Aswirlofdustshottowardthenearesthorse.Alasso—aropeofwind,moretightlywoundthananytornado—wrappedaroundthehorse’sneck.Thewindformedahalterandbroughtthebeasttoastop.
Jasonsummonedanotherwindrope.Helashedasecondhorse,bindingittohiswill.Inlessthanaminute,hehadtetheredallfourventi.Hereinedthemin,stillwhinnyingandbucking,buttheycouldn’tbreakJason’sropes.Itfeltlikeflyingfourkitesinastrongwind—hard,yes,butnotimpossible.
“Verygood,JasonGrace,”Notussaid.“YouareasonofJupiter,yetyouhavechosenyourownpath—asallthegreatestdemigodshavedonebeforeyou.Youcannotcontrolyourparentage,butyoucanchooseyourlegacy.Now,go.LashyourteamtotheprowanddirectthemtowardMalta.”
“Malta?”Jasontriedtofocus,buttheheatfromthehorseswasmakinghimlight-headed.HeknewnothingaboutMalta,exceptforsomevaguestoryaboutaMaltesefalcon.Weremaltsinventedthere?
“OnceyouarriveinthecityofValletta,”Notussaid,“youwillnolongerneedthesehorses.”
“Youmean…we’llfindLeothere?”
Thegodshimmered,slowlyfadingintowavesofheat.“Yourdestinygrowsclearer,JasonGrace.
Whenthechoicecomesagain—stormorfire—rememberme.Anddonotdespair.”Thedoorsofthethroneroomburstopen.Thehorses,smellingfreedom,boltedfortheexit.
ATSIXTEEN,MOSTKIDSWOULDSTRESSaboutparallelparkingtests,gettingadriver’slicense,andaffordingacar.
Jasonstressedaboutcontrollingateamoffieryhorseswithwindropes.
Aftermakingsurehisfriendswereaboardandsafelybelowdeck,helashedtheventito
theprowoftheArgoII(whichFestuswasnothappyabout),straddledthefigurehead,andyelled,“Giddyup!”Theventitoreacrossthewaves.Theyweren’tquiteasfastasHazel’shorse,Arion,buttheyhadalotmoreheat.TheykickeduparoostertailofsteamthatmadeitalmostimpossibleforJasontoseewheretheyweregoing.Theshipshotoutofthebay.InnotimeAfricawasahazylineonthehorizonbehindthem.
MaintainingthewindropestookallofJason’sconcentration.Thehorsesstrainedtobreakfree.
Onlyhiswillpowerkeptthemincheck.
Malta,heordered.StraighttoMalta.
Bythetimelandfinallyappearedinthedistance—ahillyislandcarpetedwithlowstonebuildings—Jasonwassoakedinsweat.Hisarmsfeltrubbery,likehe’dbeenholdingabarbellstraightoutinfrontofhim.
Hehopedthey’dreachedtherightplace,becausehecouldn’tkeepthehorsestogetheranylonger.
Hereleasedthewindreins.Theventiscatteredintoparticlesofsandandsteam.
Exhausted,Jasonclimbeddownfromtheprow.HeleanedagainstFestus’sneck.Thedragonturnedandgavehimachinhug.
“Thanks,man,”Jasonsaid.“Roughday,huh?”
Behindhim,thedeckboardscreaked.
“Jason?”Pipercalled.“Oh,gods,yourarms…”
Hehadn’tnoticed,buthisskinwasdottedwithblisters.
Piperunwrappedasquareofambrosia.“Eatthis.”
Hechewed.Hismouthwasfilledwiththetasteoffreshbrownies—hisfavoritetreatfromthebakeriesinNewRome.Theblistersfadedonhisarms.Hisstrengthreturned,butthebrownieambrosiatastedmorebitterthanusual,asifitsomehowknewthatJasonwasturninghisbackonCampJupiter.Thiswasnolongerthetasteofhome.
“Thanks,Pipes,”hemurmured.“HowlongwasI—?”
“Aboutsixhours.”
Wow,Jasonthought.Nowonderhefeltsoreandhungry.“Theothers?”
“Allfine.Tiredofbeingcoopedup.ShouldItellthemit’ssafetocomeabovedeck?”Jasonlickedhisdrylips.Despitetheambrosia,hefeltshaky.Hedidn’twanttheotherstoseehimlikethis.
“Givemeasecond,”hesaid.“…catchmybreath.”
Piperleanednexttohim.Inhergreentanktop,herbeigeshorts,andherhikingboots,shelookedlikeshewasreadytoclimbamountain—andthenfightanarmyatthetop.Herdaggerwasstrappedtoherbelt.Hercornucopiawasslungoveroneshoulder.She’dtakentowearingthejaggedbronzeswordshe’drecoveredfromZethestheBoread,whichwasonlyslightlylessintimidatingthananassaultrifle.
DuringtheirtimeatAuster’spalace,JasonhadwatchedPiperandHazelspendhoursswordfighting—somethingPiperhadneverbeeninterestedinbefore.SinceherencounterwithKhione,Piperseemedmorewired,tensedupinsidelikeaprimedcatapult,asifsheweredeterminednevertobecaughtoffguardagain.
Jasonunderstoodthefeeling,butheworriedshewasbeingtoohardonherself.Nobodycouldbereadyforanythingallthetime.Heshouldknow.He’dspentthelastfightasafreeze-driedthrowrug.
Hemusthavebeenstaring,becauseshegavehimaknowingsmirk.“Hey,I’mfine.We’refine.”Sheperchedonhertiptoesandkissedhim,whichfeltasgoodastheambrosia.HereyeswerefleckedwithsomanycolorsJasoncould’vestaredintothemallday,studyingthechangingpatterns,thewaypeoplewatchedthenorthernlights.
“I’mluckytohaveyou,”hesaid.
“Yeah,youare.”Shepushedhischestgently.“Now,howdowegetthisshiptothedocks?”Jasonfrownedacrossthewater.Theywerestillhalfamilefromtheisland.Hehadnoideawhethertheycouldgettheenginesworking,orthesails.…
Fortunately,Festushadbeenlistening.Hefacedfrontandblewaplumeoffire.Theship’sengineclatteredandhummed.Itsoundedlikeamassivebikewithabustedchain—buttheylurchedforward.
Slowly,theArgoIIheadedtowardtheshore.
“Gooddragon.”PiperpattedFestus’sneck.
Thedragon’srubyeyesglintedasifhewaspleasedwithhimself.
“Heseemsdifferentsinceyouwokehim,”Jasonsaid.“More…alive.”
“Thewayheshouldbe.”Pipersmiled.“Iguessonceinawhileweallneedawake-upcallfromsomebodywholovesus.”
Standingnexttoher,Jasonfeltsogood,hecouldalmostimaginetheirfuturetogetheratCampHalf-Blood,oncethewarwasover—assumingtheylived,assumingtherewasstillacamplefttoreturnto.
Whenthechoicecomesagain,Notushadsaid,stormorfire—rememberme.Anddonotdespair.
TheclosertheygottoGreece,themoredreadsettledinJason’schest.HewasstartingtothinkPiperwasrightaboutthestormorfirelineintheprophecy—oneofthem,JasonorLeo,wouldnotcomebackfromthisvoyagealive.
WhichwaswhytheyhadtofindLeo.AsmuchasJasonlovedhislife,hecouldn’tlethisfrienddieforhissake.Hecouldneverlivewiththeguilt.
Ofcoursehehopedhewaswrong.Hehopedtheybothcameoutofthisquestokay.Butifnot,Jasonhadtobeprepared.HewouldprotecthisfriendsandstopGaea—whateverittook.
Donotdespair.
Yeah.Easyforanimmortalwindgodtosay.
Astheislandgotcloser,Jasonsawdocksbristlingwithsails.Fromtherockyshorelinerosefortress-likeseawalls—fiftyorsixtyfeettall.Abovethatsprawledamedieval-lookingcityofchurchspires,domes,andtightlywedgedbuildings,allmadeofthesamegoldenstone.FromwhereJasonstood,itlookedasifthecitycoveredeveryinchoftheisland.
Hescannedtheboatsintheharbor.Ahundredyardsahead,tiedtotheendofthelongestdock,wasamakeshiftraftwithasimplemastandasquarecanvassail.Ontheback,therudderwaswiredtosomesortofmachine.Evenfromthisdistance,JasoncouldseetheglintofCelestialbronze.
Jasongrinned.Onlyonedemigodwouldmakeaboatlikethat,andhe’dmooreditasfaroutintheharboraspossible,wheretheArgoIIcouldn’tfailtospotit.
“Gettheothers,”JasontoldPiper.“Leoishere.”
THEYFOUNDLEOATTHETOPofthecityfortifications.Hewassittingatanopen-aircafé,overlookingthesea,drinkingacupofcoffeeanddressedin…wow.Timewarp.Leo’soutfitwasidenticaltotheonehe’dwornthedaytheyfirstarrivedatCampHalf-Blood—jeans,awhiteshirt,andanoldarmyjacket.Exceptthatjackethadburnedupmonthsago.
Pipernearlyknockedhimoutofhischairwithahug.“Leo!Gods,wherehaveyoubeen?”
“Valdez!”CoachHedgegrinned.Thenheseemedtorememberhehadareputationtoprotectandheforcedascowl.“Youeverdisappearlikethatagain,youlittlepunk,I’llknockyouintonextmonth!”
FrankpattedLeoonthebacksoharditmadehimwince.EvenNicoshookhishand.
HazelkissedLeoonthecheek.“Wethoughtyouweredead!”Leomusteredafaintsmile.“Hey,guys.Nah,nah,I’mgood.”Jasoncouldtellhewasn’tgood.Leowouldn’tmeettheireyes.Hishandswereperfectlystillonthetable.Leo’shandswereneverstill.Allthenervousenergyhaddrainedrightoutofhim,replacedbyakindofwistfulsadness.
Jasonwonderedwhyhisexpressionseemedfamiliar.ThenherealizedNicodiAngelohadlookedthesamewayafterfacingCupidintheruinsofSalona.
Leowasheartsick.
Astheothersgrabbedchairsfromthenearbytables,Jasonleanedinandsqueezedhisfriend’sshoulder.
“Hey,man,”hesaid,“whathappened?”
Leo’seyessweptaroundthegroup.Themessagewasclear:Nothere.Notinfrontofeveryone.
“Igotmarooned,”Leosaid.“Longstory.Howaboutyouguys?WhathappenedwithKhione?”CoachHedgesnorted.“Whathappened?Piperhappened!I’mtellingyou,thisgirlhasskills!”
“Coach…”Piperprotested.
Hedgebeganretellingthestory,butinhisversionPiperwasakungfuassassinandtherewerealotmoreBoreads.
Asthecoachtalked,JasonstudiedLeowithconcern.Thiscaféhadaperfectviewoftheharbor.
LeomusthaveseentheArgoIIsailin.Yethesatheredrinkingcoffee—whichhedidn’tevenlike—
waitingforthemtofindhim.Thatwasn’tlikeLeoatall.Theshipwasthemostimportantthinginhislife.Whenhesawitcomingtorescuehim,Leoshouldhaverundowntothedocks,whoopingatthetopofhislungs.
CoachHedgewasjustdescribinghowPiperhaddefeatedKhionewitharoundhousekickwhenPiperinterrupted.
“Coach!”shesaid.“Itdidn’thappenlikethatatall.Icouldn’thavedoneanythingwithoutFestus.”
Leoraisedhiseyebrows.“ButFestuswasdeactivated.”
“Um,aboutthat,”Pipersaid.“Isortofwokehimup.”
Piperexplainedherversionofevents—howshe’drebootedthemetaldragonwithcharmspeak.
Leotappedhisfingersonthetable,likesomeofhisoldenergywascomingback.
“Shouldn’tbepossible,”hemurmured.“Unlesstheupgradeslethimrespondtovoicecommands.
Butifhe’spermanentlyactivated,thatmeansthenavigationsystemandthecrystal…”
“Crystal?”Jasonasked.
Leoflinched.“Um,nothing.Anyway,whathappenedafterthewindbombwentoff?”Hazeltookupthestory.Awaitresscameoverandofferedthemmenus.Innotimetheywerechowingdownonsandwichesandsodas,enjoyingthesunnydayalmostlikeagroup
ofregularteenagers.
Frankgrabbedatouristbrochurestuckunderthenapkindispenser.Hebegantoreadit.PiperpattedLeo’sarm,likeshecouldn’tbelievehewasreallyhere.Nicostoodattheedgeofthegroup,eyeingthepassingpedestriansasiftheymightbeenemies.CoachHedgemunchedonthesaltandpeppershakers.
Despitethehappyreunion,everybodyseemedmoresubduedthanusual—liketheywerepickinguponLeo’smood.JasonhadneverreallyconsideredhowimportantLeo’ssenseofhumorwastothegroup.Evenwhenthingsweresuperserious,theycouldalwaysdependonLeotolightenthingsup.
Now,itfeltlikethewholeteamhaddroppedanchor.
“SothenJasonharnessedtheventi,”Hazelfinished.“Andhereweare.”Leowhistled.“Hot-airhorses?Dang,Jason.Sobasically,youheldabunchofgastogetherallthewaytoMalta,andthenyouletitloose.”
Jasonfrowned.“Youknow,itdoesn’tsoundsoheroicwhenyouputitthatway.”
“Yeah,well.I’manexpertonhotair.I’mstillwondering,whyMalta?Ijustkindofendeduphereontheraft,butwasthatarandomthing,or—”
“Maybebecauseofthis.”Franktappedhisbrochure.“SayshereMaltawaswhereCalypsolived.”ApintofblooddrainedfromLeo’sface.“W-whatnow?”
Frankshrugged.“Accordingtothis,heroriginalhomewasanislandcalledGozojustnorthofhere.Calypso’saGreekmyththingie,right?”
“Ah,aGreekmyththingie!”CoachHedgerubbedhishandstogether.“Maybewegettofighther!
Dowegettofighther?’CauseI’mready.”
“No,”Leomurmured.“No,wedon’thavetofighther,Coach.”Piperfrowned.“Leo,what’swrong?Youlook—”
“Nothing’swrong!”Leoshottohisfeet.“Hey,weshouldgetgoing.We’vegotworktodo!”
“But…wheredidyougo?”Hazelasked.“Wheredidyougetthoseclothes?How—”
“Jeez,ladies!”Leosaid.“Iappreciatetheconcern,butIdon’tneedtwoextramoms!”Pipersmileduncertainly.“Okay,but—”
“Shipstofix!”Leosaid.“Festustocheck!Earthgoddessestopunchintheface!Whatarewewaitingfor?Leo’sback!”
Hespreadhisarmsandgrinned.
Hewasmakingabraveattempt,butJasoncouldseethesadnesslingeringinhiseyes.Somethinghadhappenedtohim…somethingtodowithCalypso.
Jasontriedtorememberthestoryabouther.Shewasasorceressofsomesort,maybelikeMedeaorCirce.ButifLeohadescapedfromanevilsorceress’slair,whydidheseemsosad?Jasonwouldhavetotalktohimlater,makesurehisbuddywasokay.FornowLeo
clearlydidn’twanttobeinterrogated.
Jasongotupandclappedhimontheshoulder.“Leo’sright.Weshouldgetgoing.”Everybodytookthecue.Theystartedwrappinguptheirfoodandfinishingtheirdrinks.
Suddenly,Hazelgasped.“Guys…”
Shepointedtothenortheasthorizon.Atfirst,Jasonsawnothingbutthesea.Thenastreakofdarknessshotintotheairlikeblacklightning—asifpurenighthadtornthroughthedaytime.
“Idon’tseeanything,”CoachHedgegrumbled.
“Meneither,”Pipersaid.
Jasonscannedhisfriends’faces.Mostofthemjustlookedconfused.Nicowastheonlyotheronewhoseemedtohavenoticedtheblacklightning.
“Thatcan’tbe…”Nicomuttered.“Greeceisstillhundredsofmilesaway.”Thedarknessflashedagain,momentarilyleachingthecolorfromthehorizon.
“Youthinkit’sEpirus?”Jason’swholeskeletontingled,thewayhefeltwhenhegothitbyathousandvolts.Hedidn’tknowwhyhecouldseethedarkflashes.Hewasn’tachildoftheUnderworld.Butitgavehimaverybadfeeling.
Niconodded.“TheHouseofHadesisopenforbusiness.”
Afewsecondslater,arumblingsoundwashedoverthemlikedistantartillery.
“It’sbegun,”Hazelsaid.
“Whathas?”Leoasked.
Whenthenextflashhappened,Hazel’sgoldeyesdarkenedlikefoilinfire.“Gaea’sfinalpush,”shesaid.“TheDoorsofDeathareworkingovertime.Herforcesareenteringthemortalworldenmasse.”
“We’llnevermakeit,”Nicosaid.“Bythetimewearrive,there’llbetoomanymonsterstofight.”Jasonsethisjaw.“We’lldefeatthem.Andwe’llmakeittherefast.We’vegotLeoback.He’llgiveusthespeedweneed.”
Heturnedtohisfriend.“Oristhatjusthotair?”
Leomanagedacrookedgrin.Hiseyesseemedtosay:Thanks.
“Timetofly,boysandgirls,”hesaid.“UncleLeo’sstillgotafewtricksuphissleeves!”
PERCYWASN’TDEADYET,buthewasalreadytiredofbeingacorpse.
AstheytrudgedtowardtheheartofTartarus,hekeptglancingdownathisbody,wonderinghowitcouldbelongtohim.Hisarmslookedlikebleachedleatherpulledoversticks.Hisskeletallegsseemedtodissolveintosmokewitheverystep.He’dlearnedtomovenormallywithintheDeathMist,moreorless,butthemagicalshroudstillmadehimfeellikehewaswrappedinacoatofhelium.
HeworriedthattheDeathMistmightclingtohimforever,eveniftheysomehowmanagedtosurviveTartarus.Hedidn’twanttospendtherestofhislifelookinglikeanextrafromTheWalkingDead.
Percytriedtofocusonsomethingelse,buttherewasnosafedirectiontolook.
Underhisfeet,thegroundglistenedanauseatingpurple,pulsingwithwebsofveins.Inthedimredlightofthebloodclouds,DeathMistAnnabethlookedlikeafreshlyrisenzombie.
Aheadofthemwasthemostdepressingviewofall.
Spreadtothehorizonwasanarmyofmonsters—flocksofwingedarai,tribesoflumberingCyclopes,clustersoffloatingevilspirits.Thousandsofbaddies,maybetensofthousands,allmillingrestlessly,pressingagainstoneanother,growlingandfightingforspace—likethelockerareaofanovercrowdedschoolbetweenclasses,ifallthestudentswere’roid-ragingmutantswhosmelledreallybad.
Bobledthemtowardtheedgeofthearmy.Hemadenoefforttohide,notthatitwouldhavedoneanygood.Beingtenfeettallandglowingsilver,Bobdidn’tdostealthverywell.
Aboutthirtyyardsfromthenearestmonsters,BobturnedtofacePercy.
“Stayquietandstaybehindme,”headvised.“Theywillnotnoticeyou.”
“Wehope,”Percymuttered.
OntheTitan’sshoulder,SmallBobwokeupfromanap.Hepurredseismicallyandarchedhisback,turningskeletalthenbacktocalico.Atleasthedidn’tseemnervous.
Annabethexaminedherownzombiehands.“Bob,ifwe’reinvisible…howcanyouseeus?Imean,you’retechnically,youknow…”
“Yes,”Bobsaid.“Butwearefriends.”
“Nyxandherchildrencouldseeus,”Annabethsaid.
Bobshrugged.“ThatwasinNyx’srealm.Thatisdifferent.”
“Uh…right.”Annabethdidn’tsoundreassured,buttheywereherenow.Theydidn’thaveanychoicebuttotry.
Percystaredattheswarmofviciousmonsters.“Well,atleastwewon’thavetoworryaboutbumpingintoanyotherfriendsinthiscrowd.”
Bobgrinned.“Yes,thatisgoodnews!Now,let’sgo.Deathisclose.”
“TheDoorsofDeathareclose,”Annabethcorrected.“Let’swatchthephrasing.”Theyplungedintothecrowd.Percytrembledsobadly,hewasafraidtheDeathMistwouldshakerightoffhim.He’dseenlargegroupsofmonstersbefore.He’dfoughtanarmyofthemduringtheBattleofManhattan.Butthiswasdifferent.
Wheneverhe’dfoughtmonstersinthemortalworld,Percyatleastknewhewasdefendinghishome.Thatgavehimcourage,nomatterhowbadtheoddswere.Here,Percywastheinvader.Hedidn’tbelonginthismultitudeofmonstersanymorethantheMinotaurbelongedinPennStationatrushhour.
Afewfeetaway,agroupofempousaitoreintothecarcassofagryphonwhileothergryphonsflewaroundthem,squawkinginoutrage.Asix-armedEarthbornandaLaistrygoniangiantpummeledeachotherwithrocks,thoughPercywasn’tsureiftheywerefightingorjustmessingaround.Adarkwispofsmoke—Percyguesseditmustbeaneidolon—seepedintoaCyclops,madethemonsterhithimselfintheface,thendriftedofftopossessanothervictim.
Annabethwhispered,“Percy,look.”
Astone’sthrowaway,aguyinacowboyoutfitwascrackingawhipatsomefire-breathinghorses.ThewranglerworeaStetsonhatonhisgreasyhair,anextra-largesetofjeans,andapairofblackleatherboots.Fromtheside,hemighthavepassedforhuman—untilheturned,andPercysawthathisupperbodywassplitintothreedifferentchests,eachonedressedinadifferent-colorWesternshirt.
ItwasdefinitelyGeryon,whohadtriedtokillPercytwoyearsagoinTexas.Apparentlytheevilrancherwasanxioustobreakinanewherd.TheideaofthatguyridingoutoftheDoorsofDeathmadePercy’ssideshurtalloveragain.HisribsthrobbedwherethearaihadunleashedGeryon’sdyingcursebackintheforest.Hewantedtomarchuptothethree-bodiedrancher,smackhimintheface,andyell,Thanksalot,Tex!
Sadly,hecouldn’t.
Howmanyotheroldenemieswereinthiscrowd?Percybegantorealizethateverybattlehe’deverwonhadonlybeenatemporaryvictory.Nomatterhowstrongorluckyhewas,
nomatterhowmanymonstershedestroyed,Percywouldeventuallyfail.Hewasonlyonemortal.Hewouldgettooold,tooweak,ortooslow.Hewoulddie.Andthesemonsters…theylastedforever.Theyjustkeptcomingback.Maybeitwouldtakethemmonthsoryearstore-form,maybeevencenturies.Buttheywouldbereborn.
SeeingthemassembledinTartarus,PercyfeltashopelessasthespiritsintheRiverCocytus.Sowhatifhewasahero?Sowhatifhedidsomethingbrave?Evilwasalwayshere,regenerating,bubblingunderthesurface.Percywasnomorethanaminorannoyancetotheseimmortalbeings.
Theyjusthadtooutwaithim.Someday,Percy’ssonsordaughtersmighthavetofacethemalloveragain.
Sonsanddaughters.
Thethoughtjarredhim.Asquicklyashopelessnesshadovertakenhim,itdisappeared.HeglancedatAnnabeth.Shestilllookedlikeamistycorpse,butheimaginedhertrueappearance—hergrayeyesfullofdetermination,herblondhairpulledbackinabandana,herfacewearyandstreakedwithgrime,butasbeautifulasever.
Okay,maybemonsterskeptcomingbackforever.Butsodiddemigods.Generationaftergeneration,CampHalf-Bloodhadendured.AndCampJupiter.Evenseparately,thetwocampshadsurvived.Now,iftheGreeksandRomanscouldcometogether,theywouldbeevenstronger.
Therewasstillhope.HeandAnnabethhadcomethisfar.TheDoorsofDeathwerealmostwithinreach.
Sonsanddaughters.Aridiculousthought.Anawesomethought.RightthereinthemiddleofTartarus,Percygrinned.
“What’swrong?”Annabethwhispered.
WithhiszombieDeathMistdisguise,Percyprobablylookedlikehewasgrimacinginpain.
“Nothing,”hesaid.“Iwasjust—”
Somewhereinfrontofthem,adeepvoicebellowed:“IAPETUS!”
ATITANSTRODETOWARDTHEM,casuallykickinglessermonstersoutofhisway.HewasroughlythesameheightasBob,withelaborateStygianironarmor,asinglediamondblazinginthecenterofhisbreastplate.Hiseyeswereblue-white,likecoresamplesfromaglacier,andjustascold.Hishairwasthesamecolor,cutmilitarystyle.Abattlehelmetshapedlikeabear’sheadwastuckedunderhisarm.
Fromhisbelthungaswordthesizeofasurfboard.
Despitehisbattlescars,theTitan’sfacewashandsomeandstrangelyfamiliar.Percywasprettysurehe’dneverseentheguybefore,buthiseyesandhissmileremindedPercyofsomeone.…
TheTitanstoppedinfrontofBob.Heclappedhimontheshoulder.“Iapetus!Don’ttellmeyoudon’trecognizeyourownbrother!”
“No!”Bobagreednervously.“Iwon’ttellyouthat.”
TheotherTitanthrewbackhisheadandlaughed.“IheardyouwerethrownintotheLethe.
Must’vebeenterrible!Weallknewyouwouldhealeventually.It’sKoios!Koios!”
“Ofcourse,”Bobsaid.“Koios,Titanof…”
“TheNorth!”Koiossaid.
“Iknow!”Bobshouted.
Theylaughedtogetherandtookturnshittingeachotherinthearm.
Apparentlymiffedbyallthejostling,SmallBobcrawledontoBob’sheadandbeganmakinganestintheTitan’ssilverhair.
“PooroldIapetus,”saidKoios.“Theymusthavelaidyoulowindeed.Lookatyou!Abroom?Aservant’suniform?Acatinyourhair?Truly,Hadesmustpayfortheseinsults.Whowasthatdemigodwhotookyourmemory?Bah!Wemustriphimtopieces,youandI,eh?”
“Ha-ha.”Bobswallowed.“Yes,indeed.Riphimtopieces.”
Percy’sfingersclosedaroundhispen.Hedidn’tthinkmuchofBob’sbrother,evenwithouttherip-him-to-piecesthreat.ComparedtoBob’ssimplewayofspeaking,KoiossoundedlikehewasrecitingShakespeare.ThatalonewasenoughtomakePercyirritated.
HewasreadytouncapRiptideifhehadto,butsofarKoiosdidn’tseemtonoticehim.AndBobhadn’tbetrayedthemyet,thoughhe’dhadplentyofopportunities.
“Ah,it’sgoodtoseeyou.…”Koiosdrummedhisfingersonhisbear’s-headhelmet.“Yourememberwhatfunwehadintheolddays?”
“Ofcourse!”Bobchirped.“Whenwe,uh…”
“Holdingdownourfather,Ouranos,”Koiossaid.
“Yes!WelovedwrestlingwithDad.…”
“Werestrainedhim.”
“That’swhatImeant!”
“WhileKronoscuthimtopieceswithhisscythe.”
“Yes,ha-ha.”Boblookedmildlyill.“Whatfun.”
“YougrabbedFather’srightfoot,asIrecall,”Koiossaid.“AndOuranoskickedyouinthefaceashestruggled.Howweusedtoteaseyouaboutthat!”
“Sillyme,”Bobagreed.
“Sadly,ourbrotherKronoswasdissolvedbythoseimpudentdemigods.”Koiosheavedasigh.
“Bitsandpiecesofhisessenceremain,butnothingyoucouldputtogetheragain.IsupposesomeinjuriesevenTartaruscannotheal.”
“Alas!”
“Buttherestofushaveanotherchancetoshine,eh?”Heleanedforwardconspiratorially.“Thesegiantsmaythinktheywillrule.LetthembeourshocktroopsanddestroytheOlympians—allwellandgood.ButoncetheEarthMotherisawake,shewillrememberthatwearehereldestchildren.Markmywords.TheTitanswillyetrulethecosmos.”
“Hmm,”Bobsaid.“Thegiantsmaynotlikethat.”
“Spitonwhattheylike,”Koiossaid.“They’vealreadypassedthroughtheDoorsofDeath,anyway,backtothemortalworld.Polyboteswasthelastone,nothalfanhourago,stillgrumblingaboutmissinghisprey.ApparentlysomedemigodshewasaftergotswallowedbyNyx.Neverseethemagain,Iwager!”
AnnabethgrippedPercy’swrist.ThroughtheDeathMist,hecouldn’treadherexpressionverywell,buthesawthealarminhereyes.
IfthegiantshadalreadypassedthroughtheDoors,thenatleasttheywouldn’tbehuntingthroughTartarusforPercyandAnnabeth.Unfortunately,thatalsomeanttheirfriendsinthemortalworldwereinevengreaterdanger.Alloftheearlierfightswiththegiantshad
beeninvain.Theirenemieswouldberebornasstrongasever.
“Well!”Koiosdrewhismassivesword.ThebladeradiatedacolddeeperthantheHubbardGlacier.“Imustbeoff.Letoshouldhaveregeneratedbynow.Iwillconvincehertofight.”
“Ofcourse,”Bobmurmured.“Leto.”
Koioslaughed.“You’veforgottenmydaughter,aswell?Isupposeit’sbeentoolongsinceyou’veseenher.Thepeacefuloneslikeheralwaystakethelongesttore-form.Thistime,though,I’msureLetowillfightforvengeance.ThewayZeustreatedher,aftersheborehimthosefinetwins?
Outrageous!”
Percyalmostgruntedoutloud.
Thetwins.
HerememberedthenameLeto:themotherofApolloandArtemis.ThisguyKoioslookedvaguelyfamiliarbecausehehadArtemis’scoldeyesandApollo’ssmile.TheTitanwastheirgrandfather,Leto’sfather.TheideagavePercyamigraine.
“Well!I’llseeyouinthemortalworld!”Koioschest-bumpedBob,almostknockingthecatoffhishead.“Oh,andourtwootherbrothersareguardingthissideoftheDoors,soyou’llseethemsoonenough!”
“Iwill?”
“Countonit!”Koioslumberedoff,almostknockingoverPercyandAnnabethastheyscrambledoutofhisway.
Beforethecrowdofmonsterscouldfilltheemptyspace,PercymotionedforBobtoleanin.
“Youokay,bigguy?”Percywhispered.
Bobfrowned.“Idonotknow.Inallthis”—hegesturedaroundthem—“whatisthemeaningofokay?”
Fairpoint,Percythought.
AnnabethpeeredtowardtheDoorsofDeath,thoughthecrowdofmonstersblockedthemfromview.“DidIhearcorrectly?TwomoreTitansguardingourexit?That’snotgood.”PercylookedatBob.TheTitan’sdistantexpressionworriedhim.
“DoyourememberKoios?”heaskedgently.“Allthatstuffhewastalkingabout?”Bobgrippedhisbroom.“Whenhetoldit,Iremembered.Hehandedmemypastlike…likeaspear.ButIdonotknowifIshouldtakeit.Isitstillmine,ifIdonotwantit?”
“No,”Annabethsaidfirmly.“Bob,you’redifferentnow.You’rebetter.”ThekittenjumpedoffBob’shead.HecircledtheTitan’sfeet,bumpinghisheadagainsttheTitan’spantscuffs.Bobdidn’tseemtonotice.
PercywishedhecouldbeascertainasAnnabeth.HewishedhecouldtellBobwithabsoluteconfidencethatheshouldforgetabouthispast.
ButPercyunderstoodBob’sconfusion.Herememberedthedayhe’dopenedhiseyesattheWolfHouseinCalifornia,hismemorywipedcleanbyHera.IfsomebodyhadbeenwaitingforPercywhenhefirstwokeup,ifthey’dconvincedPercythathisnamewasBob,andhewasafriendoftheTitansandthegiants…wouldPercyhavebelievedit?Wouldhehavefeltbetrayedoncehefoundouthistrueidentity?
Thisisdifferent,hetoldhimself.We’rethegoodguys.
Butwerethey?PercyhadleftBobinHades’spalace,atthemercyofanewmasterwhohatedhim.Percydidn’tfeellikehehadmuchrighttotellBobwhattodonow—eveniftheirlivesdependedonit.
“Ithinkyoucanchoose,Bob,”Percyventured.“TakethepartsofIapetus’spastthatyouwanttokeep.Leavetherest.Yourfutureiswhatmatters.”
“Future…”Bobmused.“Thatisamortalconcept.Iamnotmeanttochange,PercyFriend.”Hegazedaroundhimatthehordeofmonsters.“Wearethesame…forever.”
“Ifyouwerethesame,”Percysaid,“AnnabethandIwouldbedeadalready.Maybeweweren’tmeanttobefriends,butweare.You’vebeenthebestfriendwecouldaskfor.”Bob’ssilvereyeslookeddarkerthanusual.Heheldouthishand,andSmallBobthekittenjumpedintoit.TheTitanrosetohisfullheight.“Letusgo,then,friends.Notmuchfarther.”StompingonTartarus’sheartwasn’tnearlyasmuchfunasitsounded.
Thepurplishgroundwasslipperyandconstantlypulsing.Itlookedflatfromadistance,butupcloseitwasmadeoffoldsandridgesthatgothardertonavigatethefartherthey
walked.GnarledlumpsofredarteriesandblueveinsgavePercysomefootholdswhenhehadtoclimb,butthegoingwasslow.
Andofcourse,themonsterswereeverywhere.Packsofhellhoundsprowledtheplains,bayingandsnarlingandattackinganymonsterthatdroppeditsguard.Araiwheeledoverheadonleatherywings,makingghastlydarksilhouettesinthepoisonclouds.
Percystumbled.Hishandtouchedaredartery,andatinglingsensationwentuphisarm.“There’swaterinhere,”hesaid.“Actualwater.”
Bobgrunted.“Oneofthefiverivers.Hisblood.”
“Hisblood?”Annabethsteppedawayfromthenearestclumpofveins.“IknewtheUnderworldriversallemptiedintoTartarus,but—”
“Yes,”Bobagreed.“Theyallflowthroughhisheart.”
Percytracedhishandacrossawebofcapillaries.WasthewateroftheStyxflowingbeneathhisfingers,ormaybetheLethe?Ifoneofthoseveinspoppedwhenhesteppedonit…Percyshuddered.
Herealizedhewastakingastrollacrossthemostdangerouscirculatorysystemintheuniverse.
“Weshouldhurry,”Annabethsaid.“Ifwecan’t…”
Hervoicetrailedoff.
Aheadofthem,jaggedstreaksofdarknesstorethroughtheair—likelightning,exceptpureblack.
“TheDoors,”Bobsaid.“Mustbealargegroupgoingthrough.”Percy’smouthtastedlikegorgon’sblood.EvenifhisfriendsfromtheArgoIImanagedtofindtheothersideoftheDoorsofDeath,howcouldtheypossiblyfightthewavesofmonstersthatwerecomingthrough,especiallyifallthegiantswerealreadywaitingforthem?
“DoallthemonstersgothroughtheHouseofHades?”heasked.“Howbigisthatplace?”Bobshrugged.“Perhapstheyaresentelsewherewhentheystepthrough.TheHouseofHadesisintheearth,yes?ThatisGaea’srealm.Shecouldsendherminionswherevershewishes.”Percy’sspiritssank.MonsterscomingthroughtheDoorsofDeathtothreatenhisfriendsatEpirus—thatwasbadenough.Nowheimaginedthegroundonthemortalsideasonebigsubwaysystem,depositinggiantsandothernastiesanywhereGaeawantedthemtogo—CampHalf-Blood,CampJupiter,orinthepathoftheArgoIIbeforeitcouldevenreachEpirus.
“IfGaeahasthatmuchpower,”Annabethasked,“couldn’tshecontrolwhereweendup?”Percyreallyhatedthatquestion.SometimeshewishedAnnabethweren’tsosmart.
Bobscratchedhischin.“Youarenotmonsters.Itmaybedifferentforyou.”Great,Percythought.
Hedidn’trelishtheideaofGaeawaitingforthemontheotherside,readytoteleportthemintothemiddleofamountain;butatleasttheDoorswereachancetogetoutofTartarus.Itwasn’tliketheyhadabetteroption.
Bobhelpedthemoverthetopofanotherridge.SuddenlytheDoorsofDeathwereinplainview—
afreestandingrectangleofdarknessatthetopofthenextheart-musclehill,aboutaquartermileaway,surroundedbyahordeofmonsterssothickPercycould’vewalkedontheirheadsallthewayacross.
TheDoorswerestilltoofarawaytomakeoutmuchdetail,buttheTitansflankingeithersidewerefamiliarenough.Theoneontheleftworeshininggoldenarmorthatshimmeredwithheat.
“Hyperion,”Percymuttered.“Thatguyjustwon’tstaydead.”Theoneontherightworedark-bluearmor,withram’shornscurlingfromthesidesofhishelmet.
Percyhadonlyseenhimindreamsbefore,butitwasdefinitelyKrios,theTitanthatJasonhadkilledinthebattleforMountTam.
“Bob’sotherbrothers,”Annabethsaid.TheDeathMistshimmeredaroundher,temporarilyturningherfaceintoagrinningskull.“Bob,ifyouhavetofightthem,canyou?”Bobheftedhisbroom,likehewasreadyforamessycleaningjob.“Wemusthurry,”hesaid,whichPercynoticedwasn’treallyananswer.“Followme.”
SOFAR,THEIRDEATHMISTcamouflageplanseemedtobeworking.So,naturally,Percyexpectedamassivelast-minutefail.
FiftyfeetfromtheDoorsofDeath,heandAnnabethfroze.
“Oh,gods,”Annabethmurmured.“They’rethesame.”Percyknewwhatshemeant.FramedinStygianiron,themagicalportalwasasetofelevatordoors—twopanelsofsilverandblacketchedwithartdecodesigns.Exceptforthefactthatthecolorswereinverted,theylookedexactlyliketheelevatorsintheEmpireStateBuilding,theentrancetoOlympus.
Seeingthem,Percyfeltsohomesick,hecouldn’tbreathe.Hedidn’tjustmissMount
Olympus.
Hemissedeverythinghe’dleftbehind:NewYorkCity,CampHalf-Blood,hismomandstepdad.Hiseyesstung.Hedidn’ttrusthimselftotalk.
TheDoorsofDeathseemedlikeapersonalinsult,designedtoremindhimofeverythinghecouldn’thave.
Ashegotoverhisinitialshock,henoticedotherdetails:thefrostspreadingfromthebaseoftheDoors,thepurplishglowintheairaroundthem,andthechainsthatheldthemfast.
Cordsofblackironrandowneithersideoftheframe,likerigginglinesonasuspensionbridge.
Theyweretetheredtohooksembeddedinthefleshyground.ThetwoTitans,KriosandHyperion,stoodguardattheanchorpoints.
AsPercywatched,theentireframeshuddered.Blacklightningflashedintothesky.Thechainsshook,andtheTitansplantedtheirfeetonthehookstokeepthemsecure.TheDoorsslidopen,revealingthegildedinteriorofanelevatorcar.
Percytensed,readytochargeforward,butBobplantedahandonhisshoulder.“Wait,”hecautioned.
Hyperionyelledtothesurroundingcrowd:“GroupA-22!Hurryup,yousluggards!”AdozenCyclopesrushedforward,wavinglittleredticketsandshoutingexcitedly.Theyshouldn’thavebeenabletofitinsidethosehuman-sizeddoors,butastheCyclopesgotclose,theirbodiesdistortedandshrank,theDoorsofDeathsuckingtheminside.
TheTitanKriosjabbedhisthumbagainsttheupbuttonontheelevator’srightside.TheDoorsslidclosed.
Theframeshudderedagain.Darklightningfaded.
“Youmustunderstandhowitworks,”Bobmuttered.Headdressedthekitteninhispalm,maybesotheothermonsterswouldn’twonderwhohewastalkingto.“EachtimetheDoorsopen,theytrytoteleporttoanewlocation.Thanatosmadethemthisway,soonlyhecouldfindthem.Butnowtheyarechained.TheDoorscannotrelocate.”
“Thenwecutthechains,”Annabethwhispered.
PercylookedattheblazingformofHyperion.Thelasttimehe’dfoughttheTitan,ithadtakeneveryounceofhisstrength.EventhenPercyhadalmostdied.NowthereweretwoTitans,withseveralthousandmonstersforbackup.
“Ourcamouflage,”hesaid.“Willitdisappearifwedosomethingaggressive,likecuttingthechains?”
“Idonotknow,”Bobtoldhiskitten.
“Mrow,”saidSmallBob.
“Bob,you’llhavetodistractthem,”Annabethsaid.“PercyandIwillsneakaroundthetwoTitansandcutthechainsfrombehind.”
“Yes,fine,”Bobsaid.“Butthatisonlyoneproblem.OnceyouareinsidetheDoors,
someonemuststayoutsidetopushthebuttonanddefendit.”
Percytriedtoswallow.“Uh…defendthebutton?”
Bobnodded,scratchinghiskittenunderthechin.“SomeonemustkeeppressingtheUPbuttonfortwelveminutes,orthejourneywillnotfinish.”
PercyglancedattheDoors.Sureenough,KriosstillhadhisthumbjammedontheUPbutton.
Twelveminutes…Somehow,theywouldhavetogettheTitansawayfromthosedoors.ThenBob,Percy,orAnnabethwouldhavetokeepthatbuttonpushedfortwelvelongminutes,inthemiddleofanarmyofmonstersintheheartofTartarus,whiletheothertworodetothemortalworld.Itwasimpossible.
“Whytwelveminutes?”Percyasked.
“Idonotknow,”Bobsaid.“WhytwelveOlympians,ortwelveTitans?”
“Fairenough,”Percysaid,thoughhehadabittertasteinhismouth.
“Whatdoyoumeanthejourneywon’tfinish?”Annabethasked.“Whathappenstothepassengers?”
Bobdidn’tanswer.Judgingfromhispainedexpression,Percydecidedhedidn’twanttobeinthatelevatorifthecarstalledbetweenTartarusandthemortalworld.
“Ifwedopushthebuttonfortwelveminutes,”Percysaid,“andthechainsarecut—”
“TheDoorsshouldreset,”Bobsaid.“Thatiswhattheyaresupposedtodo.TheywilldisappearfromTartarus.Theywillappearsomewhereelse,whereGaeacannotusethem.”
“Thanatoscanreclaimthem,”Annabethsaid.“Deathgoesbacktonormal,andthemonsterslosetheirshortcuttothemortalworld.”
Percyexhaled.“Easy-peasy.Exceptfor…well,everything.”
SmallBobpurred.
“Iwillpushthebutton,”Bobvolunteered.
AmixoffeelingschurnedinPercy’sgut—grief,sadness,gratitude,andguiltthickeningintoemotionalcement.“Bob,wecan’taskyoutodothat.YouwanttogothroughtheDoorstoo.Youwanttoseetheskyagain,andthestars,and—”
“Iwouldlikethat,”Bobagreed.“Butsomeonemustpushthebutton.Andoncethechainsarecut…mybrethrenwillfighttostopyourpassage.TheywillnotwanttheDoorstodisappear.”Percygazedattheendlesshordeofmonsters.EvenifheletBobmakethissacrifice,howcouldoneTitandefendhimselfagainstsomanyfortwelveminutes,allwhilekeepinghisfingeronabutton?
ThecementsettledinPercy’sstomach.Hehadalwayssuspectedhowthiswouldend.Hewouldhavetostaybehind.WhileBobfendedoffthearmy,PercywouldholdtheelevatorbuttonandmakesureAnnabethgottosafety.
Somehow,hehadtoconvincehertogowithouthim.AslongasshewassafeandtheDoorsdisappeared,hecoulddieknowinghe’ddonesomethingright.
“Percy…?”Annabethstaredathim,asuspiciousedgetohervoice.
Shewastoosmart.Ifhemethereyes,shewouldseeexactlywhathewasthinking.
“Firstthingsfirst,”hesaid.“Let’scutthosechains.”
“IAPETUS!”HYPERIONBELLOWED.“Well,well.Ithoughtyouwerehidingunderacleaningbucketsomewhere.”
Boblumberedforward,scowling.“Iwasnothiding.”
PercycrepttowardtherightsideoftheDoors.Annabethsneakedtowardtheleft.TheTitansgavenosignofnoticingthem,butPercytooknochances.HekeptRiptideinpenform.Hecrouchedlow,steppingasquietlyaspossible.ThelessermonsterskeptarespectfuldistancefromtheTitans,sotherewasenoughemptyspacetomaneuveraroundtheDoors;butPercywaskeenlyawareofthesnarlingmobathisback.
AnnabethhaddecidedtotakethesideHyperionwasguarding,onthetheorythatHyperionwasmorelikelytosensePercy.Afterall,Percywasthelastonetohavekilledhiminthemortalworld.
ThatwasfinewithPercy.AfterbeinginTartarusforsolong,hecouldbarelylookatHyperion’sburninggoldenarmorwithoutgettingspotsinhiseyes.
OnPercy’ssideoftheDoors,Kriosstooddarkandsilent,hisram’s-headedhelmetcoveringhisface.Hekeptonefootplantedonthechain’sanchorandhisthumbontheUPbutton.
Bobfacedhisbrethren.Heplantedhisspearandtriedtolookasfierceaspossiblewithakittenonhisshoulder.“HyperionandKrios.Irememberyouboth.”
“Doyou,Iapetus?”ThegoldenTitanlaughed,glancingatKriostosharethejoke.“Well,that’sgoodtoknow!IheardPercyJacksonturnedyouintoabrainwashedscullerymaid.Whatdidherenameyou…Betty?”
“Bob,”snarledBob.
“Well,it’sabouttimeyoushowedup,Bob.KriosandIhavebeenstuckhereforweeks—”
“Hours,”Krioscorrected,hisvoiceadeeprumbleinsidehishelmet.
“Whatever!”Hyperionsaid.“It’sboringwork,guardingthesedoors,shufflingmonstersthroughatGaea’sorders.Krios,what’sournextgroup,anyway?”
“DoubleRed,”saidKrios.
Hyperionsighed.Theflamesglowedhotteracrosshisshoulders.“DoubleRed.WhydowegofromA-22toDoubleRed?Whatkindofsystemisthat?”HeglaredatBob.“Thisisnojobforme—
theLordofLight!TitanoftheEast!MasterofDawn!WhyamIforcedtowaitinthedarknesswhilethegiantsgointobattleandgetalltheglory?Now,KriosIcanunderstand—”
“Igetalltheworstassignments,”Kriosmuttered,histhumbstillonthebutton.
“Butme?”Hyperionsaid.“Ridiculous!Thisshouldbeyourjob,Iapetus.Here,takemyplaceforawhile.”
BobstaredattheDoors,buthisgazewasdistant—lostinthepast.“Thefourofushelddownourfather,Ouranos,”heremembered.“Koios,andme,andthetwoofyou.Kronospromisedusmasteryofthefourcornersoftheearthforhelpingwiththemurder.”
“Indeed,”Hyperionsaid.“AndIwashappytodoit!Iwould’vewieldedthescythemyselfifI’dhadthechance!Butyou,Bob…youwerealwaysconflictedaboutthatkilling,weren’tyou?ThesoftTitanoftheWest,softasthesunset!WhyourparentsnamedyouthePiercer,Iwillneverknow.MoreliketheWhimper.”
Percyreachedtheanchorhook.HeuncappedhispenandRiptidegrewtofulllength.Kriosdidn’treact.HisattentionwasfirmlyfixedonBob,whohadjustleveledthepointofhisspearatHyperion’schest.
“Icanstillpierce,”Bobsaid,hisvoicelowandeven.“Youbragtoomuch,Hyperion.Youarebrightandfiery,butPercyJacksondefeatedyouanyway.IhearyoubecameanicetreeinCentralPark.”
Hyperion’seyessmoldered.“Careful,brother.”
“Atleastajanitor’sworkishonest,”Bobsaid.“Icleanupafterothers.IleavethepalacebetterthanIfoundit.Butyou…youdonotcarewhatmessesyoumake.YoufollowedKronosblindly.NowyoutakeordersfromGaea.”
“Sheisourmother!”Hyperionbellowed.
“ShedidnotwakeforourwaronOlympus,”Bobrecalled.“Shefavorshersecondbrood,thegiants.”
Kriosgrunted.“That’strueenough.Thechildrenofthepit.”
“Bothofyouholdyourtongues!”Hyperion’svoicewastingedwithfear.“Youneverknowwhenheislistening.”
Theelevatordinged.AllthreeTitansjumped.
Haditbeentwelveminutes?Percyhadlosttrackoftime.Kriostookhisfingeroffthebuttonandcalledout,“DoubleRed!WhereisDoubleRed?”
Hordesofmonstersstirredandjostledoneanother,butnoneofthemcameforward.
Kriosheavedasigh.“Itoldthemtohangontotheirtickets.DoubleRed!You’llloseyourplaceinthequeue!”
Annabethwasinposition,rightbehindHyperion.Sheraisedherdrakon-boneswordoverthebaseofthechains.InthefierylightoftheTitan’sarmor,herDeathMistdisguisemadeherlooklikeaburningghoul.
Sheheldupthreefingers,readytocountdown.Theyhadtocutthechainsbeforethenextgrouptriedtotaketheelevator,buttheyalsohadtomakesuretheTitanswereasdistractedaspossible.
Hyperionmutteredacurse.“Justwonderful.Thiswillcompletelymessupourschedule.”HesneeredatBob.“Makeyourchoice,brother.Fightusorhelpus.Idon’thavetimeforyourlectures.”BobglancedatAnnabethandPercy.Percythoughthemightstartafight,butinsteadheraisedthepointofhisspear.“Verywell.Iwilltakeguardduty.Whichofyouwantsabreakfirst?”
“Me,ofcourse,”Hyperionsaid.
“Me!”Kriossnapped.“I’vebeenholdingthatbuttonsolongmythumbisgoingtofalloff.”
“I’vebeenstandingherelonger,”Hyperiongrumbled.“YoutwoguardtheDoorswhileIgouptothemortalworld.IhavesomeGreekheroestowreakvengeanceupon!”
“Oh,no!”Krioscomplained.“ThatRomanboyisonhiswaytoEpirus—theonewhokilledmeonMountOthrys.Gotlucky,hedid.Nowit’smyturn.”
“Bah!”Hyperiondrewhissword.“I’llgutyoufirst,Ram-head!”Kriosraisedhisownblade.“Youcantry,butIwon’tbestuckinthisstinkingpitanylonger!”AnnabethcaughtPercy’seyes.Shemouthed:One,two—
Beforehecouldstrikethechains,ahigh-pitchedwhinepiercedhisears,likethesoundofanincomingrocket.Percyjusthadtimetothink:Uh-oh.Thenanexplosionrockedthehillside.AwaveofheatknockedPercybackward.DarkshrapnelrippedthroughKriosandHyperion,shreddingthemaseasilyaswoodinachipper.
STINKINGPIT.Ahollowvoicerolledacrosstheplains,shakingthewarmfleshyground.
Bobstaggeredtohisfeet.Somehowtheexplosionhadn’ttouchedhim.Heswepthisspearinfrontofhim,tryingtolocatethesourceofthevoice.SmallBobthekittencrawledintohiscoveralls.
AnnabethhadlandedabouttwentyfeetfromtheDoors.Whenshestood,Percywassorelievedshewasaliveittookhimamomenttorealizeshelookedlikeherself.TheDeathMisthadevaporated.
Helookedathisownhands.Hisdisguisewasgonetoo.
TITANS,saidthevoicedisdainfully.LESSERBEINGS.IMPERFECTANDWEAK.
InfrontoftheDoorsofDeath,theairdarkenedandsolidified.Thebeingwhoappearedwassomassive,radiatingsuchpuremalevolence,thatPercywantedtocrawlawayandhide.
Instead,heforcedhiseyestotracethegod’sform,startingwithhisblackironboots,eachoneaslargeasacoffin.Hislegswerecoveredindarkgreaves;hisfleshallthickpurplemuscle,liketheground.Hisarmoredskirtwasmadefromthousandsofblackened,twistedbones,woventogetherlikechainlinksandclaspedinplacebyabeltofinterlockingmonstrousarms.
Onthesurfaceofthewarrior’sbreastplate,murkyfacesappearedandsubmerged—giants,Cyclopes,gorgons,anddrakons—allpressingagainstthearmorasiftryingtogetout.
Thewarrior’sarmswerebare—muscular,purple,andglistening—hishandsaslargeascranescoops.
Worstofallwashishead:ahelmetoftwistedrockandmetalwithnoparticularshape—justjaggedspikesandpulsingpatchesofmagma.Hisentirefacewasawhirlpool—aninwardspiralofdarkness.AsPercywatched,thelastparticlesofTitanessencefromHyperionandKrioswerevacuumedintothewarrior’smaw.
SomehowPercyfoundhisvoice.“Tartarus.”
Thewarriormadeasoundlikeamountaincrackinginhalf:aroaroralaugh,Percycouldn’tbesure.
Thisformisonlyasmallmanifestationofmypower,saidthegod.Butitisenoughtodealwithyou.Idonotinterferelightly,littledemigod.Itisbeneathmetodealwithgnatssuchasyourself.
“Uh…”Percy’slegsthreatenedtocollapseunderhim.“Don’t…youknow…gotoanytrouble.”Youhaveprovensurprisinglyresilient,Tartarussaid.Youhavecometoofar.Icannolongerstandbyandwatchyourprogress.
Tartarusspreadhisarms.Throughoutthevalley,thousandsofmonsterswailedandroared,clashingtheirweaponsandbellowingintriumph.TheDoorsofDeathshudderedintheirchains.
Behonored,littledemigods,saidthegodofthepit.EventheOlympianswereneverworthyofmypersonalattention.ButyouwillbedestroyedbyTartarushimself!
FRANKWASHOPINGFORFIREWORKS.
Oratleastabigsignthatread:WELCOMEHOME!
Morethanthreethousandyearsago,hisGreekancestor—goodoldPericlymenustheshape-shifter—hadsailedeastwiththeArgonauts.Centurieslater,Periclymenus’sdescendantshadservedintheeasternRomanlegions.Then,throughaseriesofmisadventures,thefamilyhadendedupinChina,finallyemigratingtoCanadainthetwentiethcentury.NowFrankwasbackinGreece,whichmeantthattheZhangfamilyhadcompletelycircledtheglobe.
Thatseemedlikecauseforcelebration,buttheonlywelcomingcommitteewasaflockofwild,hungryharpieswhoattackedtheship.Frankfeltkindofbadasheshotthemdownwithhisbow.HekeptthinkingofElla,theirfreakishlysmartharpyfriendfromPortland.Buttheseharpiesweren’tElla.TheygladlywouldhavechewedFrank’sfaceoff.Soheblastedthemintocloudsofdustandfeathers.
TheGreeklandscapebelowwasjustasinhospitable.Thehillswerestrewnwithbouldersandstuntedcedars,allshimmeringinthehazyair.ThesunbeatdownasiftryingtohammerthecountrysideintoaCelestialbronzeshield.Evenfromahundredfeetup,Frankcouldhearthedroneofcicadasbuzzinginthetrees—asleepy,otherworldlysoundthatmadehiseyesheavy.Eventheduelingvoicesofthewargodsinsidehisheadseemedtohavedozedoff.TheyhadhardlybotheredFrankatallsincethecrewhadcrossedintoGreece.
Sweattrickleddownhisneck.Afterbeingfrozenbelowdeckbythatcrazysnowgoddess,Frankhadthoughthewouldneverfeelwarmagain;butnowthebackofhisshirtwassoaked.
“Hotandsteamy!”Leogrinnedatthehelm.“MakesmehomesickforHouston!Whatdoyousay,Hazel?Allweneednowaresomegiantmosquitoes,andit’llfeeljustliketheGulfCoast!”
“Thanksalot,Leo,”Hazelgrumbled.“We’llprobablygetattackedbyAncientGreekmosquitomonstersnow.”
Frankstudiedthetwoofthem,quietlymarvelinghowthetensionbetweenthemhaddisappeared.
WhateverhadhappenedtoLeoduringhisfivedaysofexile,ithadchangedhim.Hestilljokedaround,butFranksensedsomethingdifferentabouthim—likeashipwithanewkeel.Maybeyoucouldn’tseethekeel,butyoucouldtellitwastherebythewaytheshipcutthroughthewaves.
Leodidn’tseemsointentonteasingFrank.HechattedmoreeasilywithHazel—notstealingthosewistful,mooningglancesthathadalwaysmadeFrankuncomfortable.
HazelhaddiagnosedtheproblemprivatelytoFrank:“Hemetsomeone.”Frankwasincredulous.“How?Where?Howcouldyoupossiblyknow?”Hazelsmiled.“Ijustdo.”
AsifshewereachildofVenusratherthanPluto.Frankdidn’tgetit.
OfcoursehewasrelievedthatLeowasn’thittingonhisgirl,butFrankwasalsokindofworriedaboutLeo.Sure,they’dhadtheirdifferences;butafterallthey’dbeenthroughtogether,Frankdidn’twanttoseeLeogethisheartbroken.
“There!”Nico’svoiceshookFrankoutofhisthoughts.Asusual,diAngelowasperchedatoptheforemast.Hepointedtowardaglitteringgreenriversnakingthroughthehillsakilometeraway.
“Maneuverusthatway.We’reclosetothetemple.Veryclose.”Asiftoprovehispoint,blacklightningrippedthroughthesky,leavingdarkspotsbeforeFrank’seyesandmakingthehairsonhisarmsstandup.
Jasonstrappedonhisswordbelt.“Everyone,armyourself.Leo,getusclose,butdon’tland—nomorecontactwiththegroundthannecessary.Piper,Hazel,getthemooringropes.”
“Onit!”Pipersaid.
HazelgaveFrankapeckonthecheekandrantohelp.
“Frank,”Jasoncalled,“getbelowandfindCoachHedge.”
“Yep!”
HeclimbeddownstairsandheadedforHedge’scabin.Ashenearedthedoor,hesloweddown.Hedidn’twanttosurprisethesatyrwithanyloudnoises.CoachHedgehadahabitofjumpingintothegangwaywithhisbaseballbatifhethoughtattackerswereonboard.Frankhadalmostgottenhisheadtakenoffacoupleoftimesonhiswaytothebathroom.
Heraisedhishandtoknock.Thenherealizedthedoorwascrackedopen.HeheardCoachHedgetalkinginside.
“Comeon,babe!”thesatyrsaid.“Youknowit’snotlikethat!”Frankfroze.Hedidn’tmeantoeavesdrop,buthewasn’tsurewhattodo.Hazelhadmentionedbeingworriedaboutthecoach.She’dinsistedsomethingwasbotheringhim,butFrankhadn’tthoughtmuchofituntilnow.
He’dneverheardthecoachtalksogently.UsuallytheonlysoundsFrankheardfromthecoach’scabinweresportingeventsontheTV,orthecoachyelling,“Yeah!Get’em!”ashewatchedhisfavoritemartialartsmovies.Frankwasprettysurethecoachwouldn’tbecallingChuckNorrisbabe.
Anothervoicespoke—female,butbarelyaudible,likeitwascomingfromalongwayaway.
“Iwill,”CoachHedgepromised.“But,uh,we’regoingintobattle”—heclearedhisthroat—“anditmaygetugly.Youjuststaysafe.I’llgetback.Honest.”Frankcouldn’tstanditanymore.Heknockedloudly.“Hey,Coach?”Thetalkingstopped.
Frankcountedtosix.Thedoorflewopen.
CoachHedgestoodtherescowling,hiseyesbloodshot,likehe’dbeenwatchingtoomuchTV.Heworehisusualbaseballcapandgymshorts,withaleathercuirassoverhisshirtandawhistlehangingfromhisneck,maybeincasehewantedtocallafoulagainstthemonsterarmies.
“Zhang.Whatdoyouwant?”
“Uh,we’regettingreadyforbattle.Weneedyouabovedeck.”Thecoach’sgoateequivered.“Yeah.’Courseyoudo.”Hesoundedstrangelyunexcitedabouttheprospectofafight.
“Ididn’tmeanto—Imean,Iheardyoutalking,”Frankstammered.“WereyousendinganIris-message?”
HedgelookedlikehemightsmackFrankintheface,oratleastblowthewhistlereallyloud.
Thenhisshouldersslumped.Heheavedasighandturnedinside,leavingFrankstandingawkwardlyinthedoorway.
Thecoachploppeddownonhisberth.Hiscuppedhischininhishandandstaredglumlyaroundhiscabin.Theplacelookedlikeacollegedormroomafterahurricane—thefloorstrewnwithlaundry(maybeforwearing,maybeforsnacks;itwashardtotellwithsatyrs),DVDsanddirtydishesscatteredaroundtheTVonthedresser.Everytimetheshiptilted,amismatchedherdofsportsequipmentrolledacrossthefloor—footballs,basketballs,baseballs,andforsomereason,asinglebilliardball.Tuftsofgoathairfloatedthroughtheairandcollectedunderthefurnitureinclumps.
Dustgoats?Goatbunnies?
Onthecoach’snightstandsatabowlofwater,astackofgoldendrachmas,aflashlight,andaglassprismformakingrainbows.ThecoachhadobviouslycomepreparedtomakealotofIris-messages.
FrankrememberedwhatPiperhadtoldhimaboutthecoach’scloudnymphgirlfriendwhoworkedforPiper’sdad.Whatwasthegirlfriend’sname…Melinda?Millicent?No,Mellie.
“Uh,isyourgirlfriendMellieallright?”Frankventured.
“Noneofyourbusiness!”thecoachsnapped.
“Okay.”
Hedgerolledhiseyes.“Fine!Ifyoumustknow—yes,IwastalkingtoMellie.Butshe’snotmygirlfriendanymore.”
“Oh…”Frank’sheartsank.“Youbrokeup?”
“No,youdolt!Wegotmarried!She’smywife!”
Frankwould’vebeenlessstunnedifthecoachhadsmackedhim.“Coach,that’s—that’sgreat!
When—how—?”
“Noneofyourbusiness!”heyelledagain.
“Um…allright.”
“EndofMay,”thecoachsaid.“JustbeforetheArgoIIsailed.Wedidn’twanttomakeabigdealoutofit.”
Frankfeltliketheshipwastiltingagain,butitmusthavebeenjusthim.Theherdofwildsportsequipmentstayedputagainstthefarwall.
Allthistimethecoachhadbeenmarried?Inspiteofbeinganewlywed,he’dagreedtocomeonthisquest.NowonderHedgemadesomanycallsbackhome.Nowonderhewassocrankyandbelligerent.
Still…Franksensedtherewasmoregoingon.Thecoach’stoneduringtheIris-messagemadeitsoundliketheywerediscussingaproblem.
“Ididn’tmeantoeavesdrop,”Franksaid.“But…issheokay?”
“Itwasaprivateconversation!”
“Yeah.You’reright.”
“Fine!I’lltellyou.”Hedgepluckedsomefuroffhisthighandletitfloatthroughtheair.“Shetookabreakfromherjobinll.A.,wenttoCampHalf-Bloodforthesummer,becausewefigured—”Hisvoicecracked.“Wefigureditwouldbesafer.Nowshe’sstuckthere,withtheRomansabouttoattack.She’s…she’sprettyscared.”
Frankbecameveryawareofthecenturionbadgeonhisshirt,theSPQRtattooonhisforearm.
“Sorry,”hemurmured.“Butifshe’sacloudspirit,couldn’tshejust…youknow,floataway?”Thecoachcurledhisfingersaroundthegripofhisbaseballbat.“Normally,yeah.Butsee…she’sinadelicatecondition.Itwouldn’tbesafe.”
“Adelicate…”Frank’seyeswidened.“She’sgoingtohaveababy?You’regoingtobeadad?”
“Shoutitalittlelouder,”Hedgegrumbled.“Idon’tthinktheyheardyouinCroatia.”Frankcouldn’thelpgrinning.“But,Coach,that’sawesome!Alittlebabysatyr?Ormaybeanymph?You’llbeafantasticdad.”
Frankwasn’tsurewhyhefeltthatway,consideringthecoach’sloveofbaseballbatsand
roundhousekicks,buthewassure.
CoachHedgescowledevendeeper.“Thewar’scoming,Zhang.Nowhereissafe.IshouldbethereforMellie.IfIgottadiesomewhere—”
“Hey,nobody’sgoingtodie,”Franksaid.
Hedgemethiseyes.Frankcouldtellthecoachdidn’tbelieveit.
“AlwayshadasoftspotforchildrenofAres,”Hedgemuttered.“OrMars—whichever.Maybethat’swhyI’mnotpulverizingyouforaskingsomanyquestions.”
“ButIwasn’t—”
“Fine,I’lltellyou!”Hedgesighedagain.“BackwhenIwasonmyfirstassignmentasaseeker,IwaswayoutinArizona.BroughtinthiskidnamedClarisse.”
“Clarisse?”
“Siblingofyours,”Hedgesaid.“Areskid.Violent.Rude.Lotsofpotential.Anyway,whileIwasout,Ihadthisdreamaboutmymom.She—shewasacloudnymphlikeMellie.Idreamedshewasintroubleandneededmyhelprightaway.ButIsaidtomyself,Nah,it’sjustadream.Whowouldhurtasweetoldcloudnymph?Besides,Igottagetthishalf-bloodtosafety.SoIfinishedmymission,broughtClarissetoCampHalf-Blood.Afterward,Iwentlookingformymom.Iwastoolate.”Frankwatchedthetuftofgoathairsettleontopofabasketball.“Whathappenedtoher?”Hedgeshrugged.“Noidea.Neversawheragain.MaybeifI’dbeenthereforher,ifI’dgotbacksooner…”
Frankwantedtosaysomethingcomforting,buthewasn’tsurewhat.HehadlosthismominthewarinAfghanistan,andheknewhowemptythewordsI’msorrycouldsound.
“Youweredoingyourjob,”Frankoffered.“Yousavedademigod’slife.”Hedgegrunted.“Nowmywifeandmyunbornkidareindanger,halfwayacrosstheworld,andIcan’tdoanythingtohelp.”
“Youaredoingsomething,”Franksaid.“We’reoverheretostopthegiantsfromwakingGaea.
That’sthebestwaywecankeepourfriendssafe.”
“Yeah.Yeah,Isuppose.”
FrankwishedhecoulddomoretoliftHedge’sspirits,butthistalkwasmakinghimworryabouteveryonehe’dleftbehind.HewonderedwhowasdefendingCampJupiternowthatthelegionhadmarchedeast,especiallywithallthemonstersGaeawasunleashingfromtheDoorsofDeath.HeworriedabouthisfriendsintheFifthCohort,andhowtheymustbefeelingasOctavianorderedthemtomarchonCampHalf-Blood.Frankwantedtobebackthere,ifonlytostuffateddybeardownthethroatofthatslimeballaugur.
Theshiplistedforward.Theherdofsportsequipmentrolledunderthecoach’sberth.
“We’redescending,”saidHedge.“We’dbettergetabove.”
“Yeah,”Franksaid,hisvoicehoarse.
“You’reanosyRoman,Zhang.”
“But—”
“Comeon,”Hedgesaid.“Andnotawordaboutthistotheothers,youblabbermouth.”Astheothersmadefasttheaerialmoorings,LeograbbedFrankandHazelbythearms.Hedraggedthemtotheaftballista.“Okay,here’stheplan.”
Hazelnarrowedhereyes.“Ihateyourplans.”
“Ineedthatpieceofmagicfirewood,”Leosaid.“Snappy!”Franknearlychokedonhisowntongue.Hazelbackedaway,instinctivelycoveringhercoatpocket.“Leo,youcan’t—”
“Ifoundasolution.”LeoturnedtoFrank.“It’syourcall,bigguy,butIcanprotectyou.”Frankthoughtabouthowmanytimeshe’dseenLeo’sfingersburstintoflame.Onefalsemove,andLeocouldincineratethepieceoftinderthatcontrolledFrank’slife.
Butforsomereason,Frankwasn’tterrified.SincefacingdownthecowmonstersinVenice,Frankhadbarelythoughtabouthisfragilelifeline.Yes,thesmallestbitoffiremightkillhim.Buthe’dalsosurvivedsomeimpossiblethingsandmadehisdadproud.Frankhaddecidedthatwhateverhisfatewas,hewouldn’tworryaboutit.Hewouldjustdothebesthecouldtohelphisfriends.
Besides,Leosoundedserious.Hiseyeswerestillfullofthatweirdmelancholy,likehewasintwoplacesatonce;butnothingabouthisexpressionindicatedanykindofjoke.
“Goahead,Hazel,”Franksaid.
“But…”Hazeltookadeepbreath.“Okay.”ShetookoutthepieceoffirewoodandhandedittoLeo.
InLeo’shands,itwasn’tmuchbiggerthanascrewdriver.ThetinderwasstillcharredononesidefromwhereFrankhadusedittoburnthroughtheicychainsthathadimprisonedthegodThanatosinAlaska.
Fromapocketofhistoolbelt,Leoproducedapieceofwhitecloth.“Behold!”Frankscowled.“Ahandkerchief?”
“Asurrenderflag?”Hazelguessed.
“No,unbelievers!”Leosaid.“Thisisapouchwovenfromseriouslycoolfabric—agiftfromafriendofmine.”
Leoslippedthefirewoodintothepouchandpulleditclosedwithatieofbronzethread.
“Thedrawstringwasmyidea,”Leosaidproudly.“Ittooksomework,lacingthatintothefabric,butthepouchwon’topenunlessyouwantitto.Thefabricbreathesjustlikeregularcloth,sothefirewoodisn’tanymoresealedupthanitwouldbeinHazel’scoatpocket.”
“Uh…”Hazelsaid.“Howisthatanimprovement,then?”
“HoldthissoIdon’tgiveyouaheartattack.”LeotossedthepouchtoFrank,whoalmostfumbledit.
Leosummonedawhite-hotballoffireintohisrighthand.Heheldhisleftforearmovertheflames,grinningastheylickedthesleeveofhisjacket.
“See?”hesaid.“Itdoesn’tburn!”
Frankdidn’tliketoarguewithaguywhowasholdingaballoffire,buthesaid,“Uh…you’reimmunetoflames.”
Leorolledhiseyes.“Yeah,butIhavetoconcentrateifIdon’twantmyclothestoburn.AndI’mnotconcentrating,see?Thisistotallyfireproofcloth.Whichmeansyourfirewoodwon’tburninthatpouch.”
Hazellookedunconvinced.“Howcanyoubesure?”
“Sheesh,toughaudience.”Leoshutoffthefire.“Guessthere’sonlyonewaytopersuadeyou.”HeheldouthishandtoFrank.
“Uh,no,no.”Frankbackedoff.Suddenlyallthosebravethoughtsaboutacceptinghisfateseemedfaraway.“That’sokay,Leo.Thanks,butI—Ican’t—”
“Man,yougottatrustme.”
Frank’sheartraced.DidhetrustLeo?Well,sure…withanengine.Withapracticaljoke.Butwithhislife?
HerememberedthedaytheyhadgottenstuckintheundergroundworkshopinRome.Gaeahadpromisedtheywoulddieinthatroom.LeohadpromisedhewouldgetHazelandFrankoutofthetrap.
Andhe’ddoneit.
NowLeospokewiththesamekindofconfidence.
“Okay.”FrankhandedLeothepouch.“Trynottokillme.”
Leo’shandblazed.Thepouchdidn’tblackenorburn.
Frankwaitedforsomethingtogohorriblywrong.Hecountedtotwenty,buthewasstillalive.Hefeltasifablockoficeweremeltingjustbehindhissternum—afrozenchunkoffearhe’dgottensousedtohedidn’teventhinkaboutituntilitwasgone.
Leoextinguishedhisfire.HewriggledhiseyebrowsatFrank.“Who’syourbestbuddy?”
“Don’tanswerthat,”Hazelsaid.“But,Leo,thatwasamazing.”
“Itwas,wasn’tit?”Leoagreed.“Sowhowantstotakethisnewlyultra-safepieceoffirewood?”
“I’llkeepit,”Franksaid.
Hazelpursedherlips.Shelookeddown,maybesoFrankwouldn’tseethehurtinhereyes.She’dprotectedthatfirewoodforhimthroughalotofhardbattles.Itwasasignoftrustbetweenthem,asymboloftheirrelationship.
“Hazel,it’snotaboutyou,”Franksaid,asgentlyashecould.“Ican’texplain,butI—IhaveafeelingI’mgoingtoneedtostepupwhenwe’reintheHouseofHades.Ineedtocarrymyownburden.”
Hazel’sgoldeneyeswerefullofconcern.“Iunderstand.Ijust…Iworry.”LeotossedFrankthepouch.Franktieditaroundhisbelt.Hefeltstrangecarryinghisfatalweakness
soopenly,aftermonthsofkeepingithidden.
“And,Leo,”hesaid,“thanks.”
ItseemedinadequateforthegiftLeohadgivenhim,butLeogrinned.“Whataregeniusfriendsfor?”
“Hey,guys!”Pipercalledfromthebow.“Bettergetoverhere.Youneedtoseethis.”They’dfoundthesourceofthedarklightning.
TheArgoIIhovereddirectlyovertheriver.Afewhundredmetersawayatthetopofthenearesthillstoodaclusterofruins.Theydidn’tlooklikemuch—justsomecrumblingwallsencirclingthelimestoneshellsofafewbuildings—butfromsomewherewithintheruins,tendrilsofblackethercurledintothesky,likeasmokysquidpeekingfromitscave.AsFrankwatched,aboltofdarkenergyrippedthroughtheair,rockingtheshipandsendingacoldshockwaveacrossthelandscape.
“TheNecromanteion,”Nicosaid.“TheHouseofHades.”
Franksteadiedhimselfattherail.Hesupposeditwastoolatetosuggestturningback.Hewasstartingtofeelnostalgicaboutthemonstershe’dfoughtinRome.Heck,chasingpoisoncowsthroughVenicehadbeenmoreappealingthanthisplace.
Piperhuggedherarms.“Ifeelvulnerablefloatingupherelikethis.Couldn’twesetdownintheriver?”
“Iwouldn’t,”Hazelsaid.“That’stheRiverAcheron.”
Jasonsquintedinthesunlight.“IthoughttheAcheronwasintheUnderworld.”
“Itis,”Hazelsaid.“Butitsheadwatersareinthemortalworld.Thatriverbelowus?Eventuallyitflowsunderground,straightintotherealmofPluto—er,Hades.Landingademigodshiponthosewaters—”
“Yeah,let’sstayuphere,”Leodecided.“Idon’twantanyzombiewateronmyhull.”Halfakilometerdownstream,somefishingboatswereputteringalong.Frankguessedtheydidn’tknoworcareaboutthehistoryofthisriver.Mustbenice,beingaregularmortal.
NexttoFrank,NicodiAngeloraisedthescepterofDiocletian.Itsorbglowedwithpurplelight,asifinsympathywiththedarkstorm.Romanrelicornot,thesceptertroubledFrank.Ifitreallyhadthepowertosummonalegionofthedead…well,Frankwasn’tsurethatwassuchagreatidea.
JasonhadoncetoldhimthatthechildrenofMarshadasimilarability.Supposedly,Frankcouldcallonghostlysoldiersfromthelosingsideofanywartoservehim.He’dneverhadmuchluckwiththatpower,probablybecauseitfreakedhimouttoomuch.Hewasworriedhemightbecomeoneofthoseghostsiftheylostthiswar—eternallydoomedtopayforhisfailures,assumingtherewasanyonelefttosummonhim.
“So,uh,Nico…”Frankgesturedatthescepter.“Haveyoulearnedtousethatthing?”
“We’llfindout.”Nicostaredatthetendrilsofdarknessundulatingfromtheruins.“Idon’tintendtotryuntilIhaveto.TheDoorsofDeatharealreadyworkingovertimebringinginGaea’smonsters.
Anymoreactivityraisingthedead,andtheDoorsmightshatterpermanently,leavingaripinthemortalworldthatcan’tbeclosed.”
CoachHedgegrunted.“Ihateripsintheworld.Let’sgobustsomemonsterheads.”Franklookedatthesatyr’sgrimexpression.Suddenlyhehadanidea.“Coach,youshouldstayonboard,coveruswiththeballistae.”
Hedgefrowned.“Staybehind?Me?I’myourbestsoldier!”
“Wemightneedairsupport,”Franksaid.“LikewedidinRome.Yousavedourbraccae.”Hedidn’tadd:Plus,I’dlikeyoutogetbacktoyourwifeandbabyalive.
Hedgeapparentlygotthemessage.Hisscowlrelaxed.Reliefshowedinhiseyes.
“Well…”hegrumbled,“Isupposesomebody’sgottosaveyourbraccae.”Jasonclappedthecoachontheshoulder.ThenhegaveFrankanappreciativenod.“Sothat’ssettled.Everybodyelse—let’sgettotheruins.TimetocrashGaea’sparty.”
DESPITETHEMIDDAYHEATandtheragingstormofdeathenergy,agroupoftouristswasclimbingovertheruins.Fortunatelythereweren’tmany,andtheydidn’tgivethedemigodsasecondlook.
AfterthecrowdsinRome,Frankhadstoppedworryingtoomuchaboutgettingnoticed.IftheycouldflytheirwarshipintotheRomanColosseumwithballistaeblazingandnotevencauseatrafficslowdown,hefiguredtheycouldgetawaywithanything.
Nicoledtheway.Atthetopofthehill,theyclimbedoveranoldretainingwallanddownintoanexcavatedtrench.Finallytheyarrivedatastonedoorwayleadingstraightintothesideofthehill.Thedeathstormseemedtooriginaterightabovetheirheads.Lookingupattheswirlingtentaclesofdarkness,Frankfeltlikehewastrappedatthebottomofaflushingtoiletbowl.Thatreallydidn’tcalmhisnerves.
Nicofacedthegroup.“Fromhere,itgetstough.”
“Sweet,”Leosaid.“’CausesofarI’vetotallybeenpullingmypunches.”Nicoglaredat
him.“We’llseehowlongyoukeepyoursenseofhumor.Remember,thisiswherepilgrimscametocommunewithdeadancestors.Underground,youmayseethingsthatarehardtolookat,orhearvoicestryingtoleadyouastrayinthetunnels.Frank,doyouhavethebarleycakes?”
“What?”Frankhadbeenthinkingabouthisgrandmotherandhismom,wonderingiftheymightappeartohim.Forthefirsttimeindays,thevoicesofAresandMarshadstartedtoargueagaininthebackofFrank’smind,debatingtheirfavoriteformsofviolentdeath.
“I’vegotthecakes,”Hazelsaid.Shepulledoutthemagicalbarleycrackersthey’dmadefromthegrainTriptolemushadgiventheminVenice.
“Eatup,”Nicoadvised.
Frankchewedhiscrackerofdeathandtriednottogag.Itremindedhimofacookiemadewithsawdustinsteadofsugar.
“Yum,”Pipersaid.EventhedaughterofAphroditecouldn’tavoidmakingaface.
“Okay.”Nicochokeddownthelastofhisbarley.“Thatshouldprotectusfromthepoison.”
“Poison?”Leoasked.“DidImissthepoison?’CauseIlovepoison.”
“Soonenough,”Nicopromised.“Juststickclosetogether,andmaybewecanavoidgettinglostorgoinginsane.”
Onthathappynote,Nicoledthemunderground.
Thetunnelspiraledgentlydownward,theceilingsupportedbywhitestonearchesthatremindedFrankofawhale’sribcage.
Astheywalked,Hazelranherhandsalongthemasonry.“Thiswasn’tpartofatemple,”shewhispered.“Thiswas…thebasementforamanorhouse,builtinlaterGreektimes.”FrankfounditeeriehowHazelcouldtellsomuchaboutanundergroundplacejustbybeingthere.He’dneverknownhertobemistaken.
“Amanorhouse?”heasked.“Pleasedon’ttellmewe’reinthewrongplace.”
“TheHouseofHadesisbelowus,”Nicoassuredhim.“ButHazel’sright,theseupperlevelsaremuchnewer.Whenthearchaeologistsfirstexcavatedthissite,theythoughtthey’dfoundtheNecromanteion.Thentheyrealizedtheruinsweretoorecent,sotheydecideditwasthewrongspot.
Theywererightthefirsttime.Theyjustdidn’tdigdeepenough.”Theyturnedacornerandstopped.Infrontofthem,thetunnelendedinahugeblockofstone.
“Acave-in?”Jasonasked.
“Atest,”Nicosaid.“Hazel,wouldyoudothehonors?”
Hazelsteppedforward.Sheplacedherhandontherock,andtheentirebouldercrumbledtodust.
Thetunnelshuddered.Cracksspreadacrosstheceiling.Foraterrifyingmoment,Frankimaginedthey’dallbecrushedundertonsofearth—adisappointingwaytodie,afterall
they’dbeenthrough.
Thentherumblingstopped.Thedustsettled.
Asetofstairscurveddeeperintotheearth,thebarreledceilingheldupbymorerepeatingarches,closertogetherandcarvedfrompolishedblackstone.ThedescendingarchesmadeFrankfeeldizzy,asifhewerelookingintoanendlesslyreflectingmirror.Paintedonthewallswerecrudepicturesofblackcattlemarchingdownward.
“Ireallydon’tlikecows,”Pipermuttered.
“Agreed,”Franksaid.
“ThosearethecattleofHades,”Nicosaid.“It’sjustasymbolof—”
“Look.”Frankpointed.
Onthefirststepofthestairwell,agoldenchalicegleamed.Frankwasprettysureithadn’tbeenthereamomentbefore.Thecupwasfullofdark-greenliquid.
“Hooray,”Leosaidhalfheartedly.“Isupposethat’sourpoison.”Nicopickedupthechalice.“We’restandingattheanciententranceoftheNecromanteion.
Odysseuscamehere,anddozensofotherheroes,seekingadvicefromthedead.”
“Didthedeadadvisethemtoleaveimmediately?”Leoasked.
“Iwouldbefinewiththat,”Piperadmitted.
Nicodrankfromthechalice,thenofferedittoJason.“Youaskedmeabouttrust,andtakingarisk?Well,hereyougo,sonofJupiter.Howmuchdoyoutrustme?”Frankwasn’tsurewhatNicowastalkingabout,butJasondidn’thesitate.Hetookthecupanddrank.
Theypasseditaround,eachtakingasipofpoison.Ashewaitedhisturn,Franktriedtokeephislegsfromshakingandhisgutfromchurning.Hewonderedwhathisgrandmotherwouldsayifshecouldseehim.
Stupid,FaiZhang!shewouldprobablyscold.Ifallyourfriendsweredrinkingpoison,wouldyoudoittoo?
Frankwentlast.Thetasteofthegreenliquidremindedhimofspoiledapplejuice.Hedrainedthechalice.Itturnedtosmokeinhishands.
Niconodded,apparentlysatisfied.“Congratulations.Assumingthepoisondoesn’tkillus,weshouldbeabletofindourwaythroughtheNecromanteion’sfirstlevel.”
“Justthefirstlevel?”Piperasked.
NicoturnedtoHazelandgesturedatthestairs.“Afteryou,sister.”Innotime,Frankfeltcompletelylost.Thestairssplitinthreedifferentdirections.AssoonasHazelchoseapath,thestairssplitagain.Theywoundtheirwaythroughinterconnectingtunnelsandrough-hewnburialchambersthatalllookedthesame—thewallscarvedwithdustynichesthatmightoncehaveheldbodies.Thearchesoverthedoorswerepaintedwithblackcows,whitepoplartrees,andowls.
“IthoughttheowllwasMinerva’ssymbol,”Jasonmurmured.
“ThescreechowllisoneofHades’ssacredanimals,”Nicosaid.“Itscryisabadomen.”
“Thisway.”Hazelpointedtoadoorwaythatlookedthesameasalltheothers.“It’stheonlyonethatwon’tcollapseonus.”
“Goodchoice,then,”Leosaid.
Frankbegantofeellikehewasleavingtheworldoftheliving.Hisskintingled,andhewonderedifitwasasideeffectofthepoison.Thepouchwithhisfirewoodseemedheavieronhisbelt.Intheeerieglowoftheirmagicweapons,hisfriendslookedlikeflickeringghosts.
Coldairbrushedagainsthisface.Inhismind,AresandMarshadgonesilent,butFrankthoughtheheardothervoiceswhisperinginthesidecorridors,beckoninghimtoveeroffcourse,tocomecloserandlistentothemspeak.
Finallytheyreachedanarchwaycarvedintheshapeofhumanskulls—ormaybetheywerehumanskullsembeddedintherock.InthepurplelightofDiocletian’sscepter,theholloweyesocketsseemedtoblink.
FrankalmosthittheceilingwhenHazelputahandonhisarm.
“Thisistheentrancetothesecondlevel,”shesaid.“I’dbettertakealook.”Frankhadn’tevenrealizedthathe’dmovedinfrontofthedoorway.
“Uh,yeah…”Hemadewayforher.
Hazeltracedherfingersacrossthecarvedskulls.“Notrapsonthedoorway,but…somethingisstrangehere.Myundergroundsenseis—isfuzzy,likesomeoneisworkingagainstme,hidingwhat’saheadofus.”
“ThesorceressthatHecatewarnedyouabout?”Jasonguessed.“TheoneLeosawinhisdream?
Whatwashername?”
Hazelchewedherlip.“Itwouldbesafernottosayhername.Butstayalert.OnethingI’msureof:Fromthispointon,thedeadarestrongerthantheliving.”Frankwasn’tsurehowsheknewthat,buthebelievedher.Thevoicesinthedarknessseemedtowhisperlouder.Hecaughtglimpsesofmovementintheshadows.Fromthewayhisfriends’eyesdartedaround,heguessedtheywereseeingthingstoo.
“Wherearethemonsters?”hewonderedaloud.“IthoughtGaeahadanarmyguardingtheDoors.”
“Don’tknow,”Jasonsaid.Hispaleskinlookedasgreenasthepoisonfromthechalice.“AtthispointI’dalmostpreferastraight-upfight.”
“Carefulwhatyouwishfor,man.”Leosummonedaballoffiretohishand,andforonceFrankwasgladtoseetheflames.“Personally,I’mhopingnobody’shome.Wewalkin,findPercyandAnnabeth,destroytheDoorsofDeath,andwalkout.Maybestopatthegiftshop.”
“Yeah,”Franksaid.“That’llhappen.”
Thetunnelshook.Rubbleraineddownfromtheceiling.
HazelgrabbedFrank’shand.“Thatwasclose,”shemuttered.“Thesepassagewayswon’ttakemuchmore.”
“TheDoorsofDeathjustopenedagain,”Nicosaid.
“It’shappeninglikeeveryfifteenminutes,”Pipernoted.
“Everytwelve,”Nicocorrected,thoughhedidn’texplainhowheknew.“We’dbetterhurry.PercyandAnnabethareclose.They’reindanger.Icansenseit.”Astheytraveleddeeper,thecorridorswidened.Theceilingsrosetosixmetershigh,decoratedwithelaboratepaintingsofowlsinthebranchesofwhitepoplars.TheextraspaceshouldhavemadeFrankfeelbetter,butallhecouldthinkaboutwasthetacticalsituation.Thetunnelswerebigenoughtoaccommodatelargemonsters,evengiants.Therewereblindcornerseverywhere,perfectforambushes.Theirgroupcouldbeflankedorsurroundedeasily.Theywouldhavenogoodoptionsforretreat.
AllofFrank’sinstinctstoldhimtogetoutofthesetunnels.Ifnomonsterswerevisible,thatjustmeanttheywerehiding,waitingtospringatrap.EventhoughFrankknewthat,therewasn’tmuchhecoulddoaboutit.TheyhadtofindtheDoorsofDeath.
Leoheldhisfireclosetothewalls.FranksawAncientGreekgraffitiscratchedintothestone.Hecouldn’treadAncientGreek,butheguessedtheywereprayersorsupplicationstothedead,writtenbypilgrimsthousandsofyearsago.Thetunnelfloorwaslitteredwithceramicshardsandsilvercoins.
“Offerings?”Piperguessed.
“Yes,”Nicosaid.“Ifyouwantedyourancestorstoappear,youhadtomakeanoffering.”
“Let’snotmakeanoffering,”Jasonsuggested.
Nobodyargued.
“Thetunnelfromhereisunstable,”Hazelwarned.“Thefloormight…well,justfollowme.StepexactlywhereIstep.”
Shemadeherwayforward.Frankwalkedrightbehindher—notbecausehefeltparticularlybrave,butbecausehewantedtobecloseifHazelneededhishelp.Thevoicesofthewargodswerearguingagaininhisears.Hecouldsensedanger—veryclosenow.
FaiZhang.
Hestoppedcold.Thatvoice…itwasn’tAresorMars.Itseemedtocomefromrightnexttohim,likesomeonewhisperinginhisear.
“Frank?”Jasonwhisperedbehindhim.“Hazel,holdupasecond.Frank,what’swrong?”
“Nothing,”Frankmurmured.“Ijust—”
Pylos,thevoicesaid.IawaityouinPylos.
Frankfeltlikethepoisonwasbubblingbackuphisthroat.He’dbeenscaredplentyoftimesbefore.He’devenfacedthegodofDeath.
Butthisvoiceterrifiedhiminadifferentway.Itresonatedrightdowntohisbones,asifitkneweverythingabouthim—hiscurse,hishistory,hisfuture.
Hisgrandmotherhadalwaysbeenbigonhonoringtheancestors.ItwasaChinesething.Youhadtoappeaseghosts.Youhadtotakethemseriously.
Frankalwaysthoughthisgrandmother’ssuperstitionsweresilly.Nowhechangedhismind.Hehadnodoubt…thevoicethatspoketohimwasoneofhisancestors.
“Frank,don’tmove.”Hazelsoundedalarmed.
Helookeddownandrealizedhe’dbeenabouttostepoutofline.
Tosurvive,youmustlead,thevoicesaid.Atthebreak,youmusttakecharge.
“Leadwhere?”heaskedaloud.
Thenthevoicewasgone.Frankcouldfeelitsabsence,asifthehumidityhadsuddenlydropped.
“Uh,bigguy?”Leosaid.“Couldyounotfreakoutonus?Pleaseandthankyou.”Frank’sfriendswerealllookingathimwithconcern.
“I’mokay,”hemanaged.“Just…avoice.”
Niconodded.“Ididwarnyou.It’llonlygetworse.Weshould—”Hazelheldupherhandforsilence.“Waithere,everybody.”Frankdidn’tlikeit,butsheforgedaheadalone.Hecountedtotwenty-threebeforeshecameback,herfacedrawnandpensive.
“Scaryroomahead,”shewarned.“Don’tpanic.”
“Thosetwothingsdon’tgotogether,”Leomurmured.ButtheyfollowedHazelintothecavern.
Theplacewaslikeacircularcathedral,withaceilingsohighitwaslostinthegloom.Dozensofothertunnelsledoffindifferentdirections,eachechoingwithghostlyvoices.ThethingthatmadeFranknervouswasthefloor.Itwasagruesomemosaicofbonesandgems—humanfemurs,hipbones,andribstwistedandfusedtogetherintoasmoothsurface,dottedwithdiamondsandrubies.Thebonesformedpatterns,likeskeletalcontortioniststumblingtogether,curlingtoprotectthepreciousstones
—adanceofdeathandriches.
“Touchnothing,”Hazelsaid.
“Wasn’tplanningonit,”Leomuttered.
Jasonscannedtheexits.“Whichwaynow?”
Foronce,Nicolookeduncertain.“Thisshouldbetheroomwherethepriestsinvokedthemostpowerfulspirits.Oneofthesepassagesleadsdeeperintothetemple,tothethirdlevelandthealtarofHadeshimself.Butwhich—?”
“Thatone.”Frankpointed.Inadoorwayattheoppositeendoftheroom,aghostlyRomanlegionnairebeckonedtothem.Hisfacewasmistyandindistinct,butFrankgotthefeelingtheghostwaslookingdirectlyathim.
Hazelfrowned.“Whythatone?”
“Youdon’tseetheghost?”Frankasked.
“Ghost?”Nicoasked.
Okay…ifFrankwasseeingaghostthattheUnderworldkidscouldn’tsee,somethingwasdefinitelywrong.Hefeltlikethefloorwasvibratingunderneathhim.Thenherealizeditwasvibrating.
“Weneedtogettothatexit,”hesaid.“Now!”
Hazelalmosthadtotacklehimtorestrainhim.“Wait,Frank!Thisfloorisnotstable,andunderneath…well,I’mnotsurewhat’sunderneath.Ineedtoscoutasafepath.”
“Hurry,then,”heurged.
HedrewhisbowandherdedHazelalongasfastashedared.Leoscrambledbehindhimtoprovidelight.Theothersguardedtherear.Frankcouldtellhewasscaringhisfriends,buthecouldn’thelpit.Heknewinhisguttheyhadonlysecondsbefore…
Infrontofthem,thelegionnaireghostvaporized.Thecavernreverberatedwithmonstrousroars
—dozens,maybehundredsofenemiescomingfromeverydirection.FrankrecognizedthethroatybellowoftheEarthborn,thescreechofgryphons,thegutturalwarcriesofCyclopes—allsoundsherememberedfromtheBattleofNewRome,amplifiedunderground,echoinginhisheadevenlouderthanthewargod’svoices.
“Hazel,don’tstop!”Nicoordered.HepulledthescepterofDiocletianfromhisbelt.PiperandJasondrewtheirswordsasthemonstersspilledintothecavern.
Avanguardofsix-armedEarthbornthrewavolleyofstonesthatshatteredthebone-and-jewelfloorlikeice.Afissurespreadacrossthecenteroftheroom,comingstraighttowardLeoandHazel.
Notimeforcaution.Franktackledhisfriends,andthethreeofthemskiddedacrossthecavern,landingattheedgeoftheghost’stunnelasrocksandspearsflewoverhead.
“Go!”Frankyelled.“Go,go!”
HazelandLeoscrambledintothetunnel,whichseemedtobetheonlyonefreeofmonsters.
Frankwasn’tsurethatwasagoodsign.
Twometersin,Leoturned.“Theothers!”
Theentirecavernshuddered.Franklookedbackandhiscouragecrumbledtodust.Dividingthecavernwasanewfifteen-meter-widechasm,spannedonlybytworicketystretchesofboneflooring.
Thebulkofthemonsterarmywasontheoppositeside,howlinginfrustrationandthrowingwhatevertheycouldfind,includingeachother.Someattemptedtocrossthebridges,whichcreakedandcrackledundertheirweight.
Jason,Piper,andNicostoodonthenearsideofthechasm,whichwasgood,buttheyweresurroundedbyaringofCyclopesandhellhounds.Moremonsterskeptpouringinfromthesidecorridors,whilegryphonswheeledoverhead,undeterredbythecrumblingfloor.
Thethreedemigodswouldnevermakeittothetunnel.EvenifJasontriedtoflythem,they’dbeshotoutoftheair.
Frankrememberedthevoiceofhisancestor:Atthebreak,youmusttakecharge.
“Wehavetohelpthem,”Hazelsaid.
Frank’smindraced,doingbattlecalculations.Hesawexactlywhatwouldhappen—whereandwhenhisfriendswouldbeoverwhelmed,howallsixofthemwoulddiehereinthiscavern…unlessFrankchangedtheequation.
“Nico!”heyelled.“Thescepter.”
NicoraisedDiocletian’sscepter,andthecavernairshimmeredpurple.Ghostsclimbedfromthefissureandseepedfromthewalls—anentireRomanlegioninfullbattlegear.Theybegantakingonphysicalform,likewalkingcorpses,buttheyseemedconfused.JasonyelledinLatin,orderingthemtoformranksandattack.Theundeadjustshuffledamongthemonsters,causingmomentaryconfusion,butthatwouldn’tlast.
FrankturnedtoHazelandLeo.“Youtwokeepgoing.”
Hazel’seyeswidened.“What?No!”
“Youhaveto.”ItwasthehardestthingFrankhadeverdone,butheknewitwastheonlychoice.
“FindtheDoors.SaveAnnabethandPercy.”
“But—”LeoglancedoverFrank’sshoulder.“Hitthedeck!”
Frankdoveforcoverasavolleyofrocksslammedoverhead.Whenhemanagedtogetup,coughingandcoveredindust,theentrancetothetunnelwasgone.Anentiresectionofwallhadcollapsed,leavingaslopeofsmokingrubble.
“Hazel…”Frank’svoicebroke.HehadtohopesheandLeowerealiveontheotherside.Hecouldn’taffordtothinkotherwise.
Angerswelledinhischest.Heturnedandchargedtowardthemonsterarmy.
FRANKWASNOEXPERTONGHOSTS,butthedeadlegionnairesmusthaveallbeendemigods,becausetheyweretotallyADHD.
Theyclawedtheirwayoutofthepit,thenmilledaboutaimlessly,chest-bumpingeachotherfornoapparentreason,pushingoneanotherbackintothechasm,shootingarrowsintotheairasiftryingtokillflies,andoccasionally,outofsheerluck,throwingajavelin,asword,oranallyinthedirectionoftheenemy.
Meanwhile,thearmyofmonstersgotthickerandangrier.Earthbornthrewvolleysofstonesthatplowedintothezombielegionnaires,crushingthemlikepaper.Femaledemonswithmismatchedlegsandfieryhair(Frankguessedtheywereempousai)gnashedtheirfangsandshoutedordersattheothermonsters.AdozenCyclopesadvancedonthecrumblingbridges,whileseal-shapedhumanoids—
telkhines,likeFrankhadseeninAtlanta—lobbedvialsofGreekfireacrossthechasm.Therewereevensomewildcentaursinthemix,shootingflamingarrowsandtramplingtheirsmalleralliesunderhoof.Infact,mostoftheenemyseemedtobearmedwithsomekindoffieryweapon.Despitehisnewfireproofpouch,Frankfoundthatextremelyuncool.
HepushedthroughthecrowdofdeadRomans,shootingdownmonstersuntilhisarrowswerespent,slowlymakinghiswaytowardhisfriends.
Alittlelate,herealized—duh—heshouldturnintosomethingbigandpowerful,likeabearoradragon.Assoonasthethoughtoccurred,painflaredinhisarm.Hestumbled,lookeddown,andwasastonishedtofindanarrowshaftprotrudingfromhisleftbiceps.Hissleevewassoakedwithblood.
Thesightmadehimdizzy.Mostlyitmadehimangry.Hetriedtoturnintoadragon,withnoluck.
Thepainmadeittoohardtofocus.Maybehecouldn’tchangeshapewhilewounded.
Great,hethought.NowIfindout.
Hedroppedhisbowandpickedupaswordfromafallen…well,heactuallywasn’tsurewhatitwas—somesortofreptilianladywarriorwithsnaketrunksinsteadoflegs.Heslashedhiswayforward,tryingtoignorethepainandtheblooddrippingdownhisarm.
Aboutfivemetersahead,Nicowasswinginghisblackswordwithonehand,holdingthescepterofDiocletianaloftwiththeother.Hekeptshoutingordersatthelegionnaires,buttheypaidhimnoattention.
Ofcoursenot,Frankthought.He’sGreek.
JasonandPiperstoodatNico’sback.Jasonsummonedgustsofwindtoblastasidejavelinsandarrows.HedeflectedavialofGreekfirerightupthethroatofagryphon,whichburstintoflamesandspiraledintothepit.Piperputhernewswordtogooduse,whilesprayingfoodfromthecornucopiainherotherhand—usinghams,chickens,apples,andorangesasinterceptormissiles.Theairabovethechasmturnedintoafireworksshowofflamingprojectiles,explodingrocks,andfreshproduce.
Still,Frank’sfriendscouldn’tholdoutforever.Jason’sfacewasalreadybeadedwithsweat.HekeptshoutinginLatin:“Formranks!”Butthedeadlegionnaireswouldn’tlistentohim,either.Someofthezombieswerehelpfuljustbystandingintheway,blockingmonstersandtakingfire.Iftheykeptgettingmoweddown,though,therewouldn’tbeenoughofthemlefttoorganize.
“Makeway!”Frankshouted.Tohissurprise,thedeadlegionnairespartedforhim.Theclosestonesturnedandstaredathimwithblankeyes,asifwaitingforfurtherorders.
“Oh,great…”Frankmumbled.
InVenice,Marshadwarnedhimthathistruetestofleadershipwascoming.Frank’sghostlyancestorhadurgedhimtotakecharge.ButifthesedeadRomanswouldn’tlistentoJason,whyshouldtheylistentohim?BecausehewasachildofMars,ormaybebecause…
Thetruthhithim.Jasonwasn’tquiteRomananymore.HistimeatCampHalf-Bloodhadchangedhim.Reynahadrecognizedthat.Apparently,sodidtheundeadlegionnaires.IfJasonnolongergaveofftherightsortofvibe,ortheauraofaRomanleader…
FrankmadeittohisfriendsasawaveofCyclopescrashedintothem.HeliftedhisswordtoparryaCyclops’sclub,thenstabbedthemonsterintheleg,sendinghimbackwardintothepit.Anotheronecharged.Frankmanagedtoimpalehim,butbloodlosswasmakinghimweak.Hisvisionblurred.Hisearsrang.
HewasdimlyawareofJasononhisleftflank,deflectingtheincomingmissileswithwind;Piperonhisright,yellingcharmspeakcommands—encouragingthemonsterstoattackeachotherortakearefreshingjumpintothechasm.
“It’llbefun!”shepromised.
Afewlistened,butacrossthepit,theempousaiwerecounteringherorders.Apparentlytheyhadcharmspeaktoo.ThemonsterscrowdedsothicklyaroundFrankthathecouldbarelyusehissword.
Thestenchoftheirbreathandbodyodorwasalmostenoughtoknockhimout,even
withoutthearrowthrobbinginhisarm.
WhatwasFranksupposedtodo?He’dhadaplan,buthisthoughtsweregettingfuzzy.
“Stupidghosts!”Nicoshouted.
“Theywon’tlisten!”Jasonagreed.
Thatwasit.Frankhadtomaketheghostslisten.
Hesummonedallhisstrengthandyelled,“Cohorts—lockshields!”Thezombiesaroundhimstirred.TheylinedupinfrontofFrank,puttingtheirshieldstogetherinaraggeddefensiveformation.Buttheyweremovingtooslowly,likesleepwalkers,andonlyafewhadrespondedtohisvoice.
“Frank,howdidyoudothat?”Jasonyelled.
Frank’sheadswamwithpain.Heforcedhimselfnottopassout.“I’mtherankingRomanofficer,”hesaid.“They—uh,theydon’trecognizeyou.Sorry.”Jasongrimaced,buthedidn’tlookparticularlysurprised.“Howcanwehelp?”Frankwishedhehadananswer.Agryphonsoaredoverhead,almostdecapitatinghimwithitstalons.NicosmackeditwiththescepterofDiocletian,andthemonsterveeredintoawall.
“Orbemformate!”Frankordered.
Abouttwodozenzombiesobeyed,strugglingtoformadefensiveringaroundFrankandhisfriends.Itwasenoughtogivethedemigodsalittlerespite,butthereweretoomanyenemiespressingforward.Mostoftheghostlylegionnaireswerestillwanderingaroundinadaze.
“Myrank,”Frankrealized.
“Allthesemonstersarerank!”Piperyelled,stabbingawildcentaur.
“No,”Franksaid.“I’monlyacenturion.”
JasoncursedinLatin.“Hemeanshecan’tcontrolawholelegion.He’snotofhighenoughrank.”Nicoswunghisblackswordatanothergryphon.“Well,then,promotehim!”Frank’smindwassluggish.Hedidn’tunderstandwhatNicowassaying.Promotehim?How?
Jasonshoutedinhisbestdrill-sergeantvoice:“FrankZhang!I,JasonGrace,praetoroftheTwelfthLegionFulminata,giveyoumyfinalorder:Iresignmypostandgiveyouemergencyfieldpromotiontopraetor,withthefullpowersofthatrank.Takecommandofthislegion!”FrankfeltasifadoorhadopenedsomewhereintheHouseofHades,lettinginablastoffreshairthatsweptthroughthetunnels.Thearrowinhisarmsuddenlydidn’tmatter.Histhoughtscleared.Hiseyesightsharpened.ThevoicesofMarsandAresspokeinhismind,strongandunified:Breakthem!
Frankhardlyrecognizedhisownvoicewhenheyelled:“Legion,agmenformate!”Instantly,everydeadlegionnaireinthecaverndrewhisswordandraisedhisshield.TheyscrambledtowardFrank’sposition,pushingandhackingmonstersoutoftheirwayuntiltheystoodshouldertoshoulderwiththecomrades,arrangingthemselvesinasquareformation.Stones,javelins,andfireraineddown,butnowFrankhadadisciplineddefensivelineshelteringthembehindawallofbronzeandleather.
“Archers!”Frankyelled.“Eiaculareflammas!”
Hedidn’tholdoutmuchhopethecommandwouldwork.Thezombies’bowscouldn’tbeingoodshape.Buttohissurprise,severaldozenghostlyskirmishersnockedarrowsinunison.Theirarrowheadscaughtfirespontaneouslyandaflamingwaveofdeatharcedoverthelegion’sline,straightintotheenemy.Cyclopesfell.Centaursstumbled.Atelkhineshriekedandranincircleswithaburningarrowimpaledinhisforehead.
Frankheardalaughbehindhim.Heglancedbackandcouldn’tbelievewhathesaw.NicodiAngelowasactuallysmiling.
“That’smorelikeit,”Nicosaid.“Let’sturnthistide!”
“Cuneumformate!”Frankyelled.“Advancewithpila!”Thezombielinethickenedinthecenter,formingawedgedesignedtobreakthroughtheenemyhost.Theyloweredtheirspearsinabristlingrowandpushedforward.
Earthbornwailedandthrewboulders.Cyclopessmashedtheirfistsandclubsagainstthelockedshields,butthezombielegionnaireswerenolongerpapertargets.Theyhadinhumanstrength,hardlywaveringunderthefiercestattacks.Soonthefloorwascoveredwithmonsterdust.Thelineofjavelinschewedthroughtheenemylikeasetofgiantteeth,fellingogresandsnakewomenandhellhounds.
Frank’sarchersshotgryphonsoutoftheairandcausedchaosinthemainbodyofthemonsterarmyacrossthechasm.
Frank’sforcesbegantotakecontroloftheirsideofthecavern.Oneofthestonebridgescollapsed,butmoremonsterskeptpouringovertheotherone.Frankwouldhavetostopthat.
“Jason,”hecalled,“canyouflyafewlegionnairesacrossthepit?Theenemy’sleftflankisweak
—see?Takeit!”
Jasonsmiled.“Withpleasure.”
ThreedeadRomansroseintotheairandflewacrossthechasm.Thenthreemorejoinedthem.
FinallyJasonflewhimselfacrossandhissquadbegancuttingthroughsomeverysurprised-lookingtelkhines,spreadingfearthroughtheenemy’sranks.
“Nico,”Franksaid,“keeptryingtoraisethedead.Weneedmorenumbers.”
“Onit.”NicoliftedthescepterofDiocletian,whichglowedevendarkerpurple.MoreghostlyRomansseepedfromthewallstojointhefight.
Acrossthechasm,empousaishoutedcommandsinalanguageFrankdidn’tknow,butthegistwasobvious.Theyweretryingtoshoreuptheiralliesandkeepthemchargingacrossthebridge.
“Piper!”Frankyelled.“Counterthoseempousai!Weneedsomechaos.”
“Thoughtyou’dneverask.”Shestartedcatcallingatthefemaledemons:“Yourmakeupissmeared!Yourfriendcalledyouugly!Thatoneismakingafacebehindyourback!”Soon
thevampireladiesweretoobusyfightingoneanothertoshoutanycommands.
Thelegionnairesmovedforward,keepingupthepressure.TheyhadtotakethebridgebeforeJasongotoverwhelmed.
“Timetoleadfromthefront,”Frankdecided.Heraisedhisborrowedswordandcalledforacharge.
FRANKDIDN’TNOTICETHATHEWASGLOWING.LaterJasontoldhimthattheblessingofMarshadshroudedhiminredlight,likeithadinVenice.Javelinscouldn’ttouchhim.Rockssomehowgotdeflected.Evenwithanarrowstickingoutofhisleftbiceps,Frankhadneverfeltsofullofenergy.
ThefirstCyclopshemetwentdownsoquicklyitwasalmostajoke.Frankslicedhiminhalffromshouldertowaist.Thebigguyexplodedintodust.ThenextCyclopsbackedupnervously,soFrankcuthislegsoutfromunderhimandsenthimintothepit.
Theremainingmonstersontheirsideofthechasmtriedtoretreat,butthelegioncutthemdown.
“Tetsudoformation!”Frankshouted.“Singlefile,advance!”Frankwasthefirstoneacrossthebridge.Thedeadfollowed,theirshieldslockedoneithersideandovertheirheads,deflectingallattacks.Asthelastofthezombiescrossed,thestonebridgecrumbledintothedarkness,butbythenitdidn’tmatter.
Nicokeptsummoningmorelegionnairestojointhefight.Overthehistoryoftheempire,thousandsofRomanshadservedanddiedinGreece.Nowtheywereback,answeringthecallofDiocletian’sscepter.
Frankwadedforward,destroyingeverythinginhispath.
“Iwillburnyou!”atelkhinesqueaked,desperatelywavingavialofGreekfire.“Ihavefire!”Franktookhimdown.Asthevialdroppedtowardtheground,Frankkickeditoverthecliffbeforeitcouldexplode.
AnempousarakedherclawsacrossFrank’schest,butFrankfeltnothing.Heslicedthedemonintodustandkeptmoving.Painwasunimportant.Failurewasunthinkable.
Hewasaleaderofthelegionnow,doingwhathewasborntodo—fightingtheenemiesofRome,upholdingitslegacy,protectingthelivesofhisfriendsandcomrades.HewasPraetorFrankZhang.
Hisforcesswepttheenemyaway,breakingtheireveryattempttoregroup.JasonandPiperfoughtathisside,yellingdefiantly.NicowadedthroughthelastgroupofEarthborn,slashingthemintomoundsofwetclaywithhisblackStygiansword.
BeforeFrankknewit,thebattlewasover.Piperchoppedthroughthelastempousa,whovaporizedwithananguishedwail.
“Frank,”Jasonsaid,“you’reonfire.”
Helookeddown.Afewdropsofoillmusthavesplatteredonhispants,becausetheywerestartingtosmolder.Frankbattedatthemuntiltheystoppedsmoking,buthewasn’tparticularlyworried.
ThankstoLeo,henolongerhadtofearfire.
Nicoclearedhisthroat.“Uh…youalsohaveanarrowstickingthroughyourarm.”
“Iknow.”Franksnappedoffthepointofthearrowandpulledouttheshaftbythetail.Hefeltonlyawarm,tuggingsensation.“I’llbefine.”
Pipermadehimeatapieceofambrosia.Asshebandagedhiswound,shesaid,“Frank,youwereamazing.Completelyterrifying,butamazing.”
Frankhadtroubleprocessingherwords.Terrifyingcouldn’tapplytohim.HewasjustFrank.
Hisadrenalinedrainedaway.Helookedaroundhim,wonderingwherealltheenemieshadgone.
TheonlymonstersleftwerehisownundeadRomans,standinginastuporwiththeirweaponslowered.
Nicohelduphisscepter,itsorbdarkanddormant.“Thedeadwon’tstaymuchlonger,nowthatthebattleisover.”
Frankfacedhistroops.“Legion!”
Thezombiesoldierssnappedtoattention.
“Youfoughtwell,”Franktoldthem.“Nowyoumayrest.Dismissed.”Theycrumbledintopilesofbones,armor,shields,andweapons.Theneventhosedisintegrated.
Frankfeltasifhemightcrumbletoo.Despitetheambrosia,hiswoundedarmbegantothrob.Hiseyeswereheavywithexhaustion.TheblessingofMarsfaded,leavinghimdepleted.Buthisworkwasn’tdoneyet.
“HazelandLeo,”hesaid.“Weneedtofindthem.”
Hisfriendspeeredacrossthechasm.Attheotherendofthecavern,thetunnelHazelandLeohadenteredwasburiedundertonsofrubble.
“Wecan’tgothatway,”Nicosaid.“Maybe…”
Suddenlyhestaggered.Hewouldhavefallen,ifJasonhadn’tcaughthim.
“Nico!”Pipersaid.“Whatisit?”
“TheDoors,”Nicosaid.“Something’shappening.PercyandAnnabeth…weneedtogonow.”
“Buthow?”Jasonsaid.“Thattunnelisgone.”
Frankclenchedhisjaw.Hehadn’tcomethisfartostandaroundhelplesslywhilehisfriendswereintrouble.“Itwon’tbefun,”hesaid,“butthere’sanotherway.”
GETTINGKILLEDBYTARTARUSdidn’tseemlikemuchofanhonor.
AsAnnabethstaredupathisdarkwhirlpoolface,shedecidedshe’dratherdieinsomelessmemorableway—maybefallingdownthestairs,orgoingpeacefullyinhersleepatageeighty,afteranicequietlifewithPercy.Yes,thatsoundedgood.
Itwasn’tthefirsttimeAnnabethhadfacedanenemyshecouldn’tdefeatbyforce.Normally,thiswould’vebeenhercuetostallfortimewithsomecleverAthena-likechitchat.
Excepthervoicewouldn’twork.Shecouldn’tevenclosehermouth.Forallsheknew,shewasdroolingasbadlyasPercydidwhenheslept.
Shewasdimlyawareofthearmyofmonstersswirlingaroundher,butaftertheirinitialroaroftriumph,thehordehadfallensilent.AnnabethandPercyshouldhavebeenrippedtopiecesbynow.
Instead,themonsterskepttheirdistance,waitingforTartarustoact.
Thegodofthepitflexedhisfingers,examininghisownpolishedblacktalons.Hehadnoexpression,buthestraightenedhisshouldersasifhewerepleased.
Itisgoodtohaveform,heintoned.Withthesehands,Icaneviscerateyou.
Hisvoicesoundedlikeabackwardrecording—asifthewordswerebeingsuckedintothevortexofhisfaceratherthanprojected.Infact,everythingseemedtobedrawntowardthefaceofthisgod—
thedimlight,thepoisonousclouds,theessenceofthemonsters,evenAnnabeth’sownfragilelifeforce.Shelookedaroundandrealizedthateveryobjectonthisvastplainhadgrownavaporouscomet’stail—allpointingtowardTartarus.
Annabethknewsheshouldsaysomething,butherinstinctstoldhertohide,toavoiddoinganythingthatwoulddrawthegod’sattention.
Besides,whatcouldshesay?Youwon’tgetawaywiththis!
Thatwasn’ttrue.SheandPercyhadonlysurvivedthislongbecauseTartaruswassavoringhisnewform.Hewantedthepleasureofphysicallyrippingthemtopieces.IfTartaruswished,Annabethhadnodoubthecoulddevourherexistencewithasinglethought,aseasilyashe’dvaporizedHyperionandKrios.Wouldtherebeanyrebirthfromthat?Annabethdidn’twanttofindout.
Nexttoher,Percydidsomethingshe’dneverseenhimdo.Hedroppedhissword.Itjustfelloutofhishandandhitthegroundwithathud.DeathMistnolongershroudedhisface,buthestillhadthecomplexionofacorpse.
Tartarushissedagain—possiblylaughing.
Yourfearsmellswonderful,saidthegod.Iseetheappealofhavingaphysicalbodywithsomanysenses.PerhapsmybelovedGaeaisright,wishingtowakefromherslumber.
HestretchedouthismassivepurplehandandmighthavepluckedupPercylikeaweed,butBobinterrupted.
“Begone!”TheTitanleveledhisspearatthegod.“Youhavenorighttomeddle!”Meddle?Tartarusturned.Iamthelordofallcreaturesofthedarkness,punyIapetus.IcandoasIplease.
Hisblackcyclonefacespunfaster.Thehowlingsoundwassohorrible,Annabethfelltoherkneesandclutchedherears.Bobstumbled,thewispycomettailofhislifeforcegrowinglongerasitwassuckedtowardthefaceofthegod.
Bobroaredindefiance.HechargedandthrusthisspearatTartarus’schest.Beforeitcouldconnect,TartarusswattedBobasidelikehewasapeskyinsect.TheTitanwentsprawling.
Whydoyounotdisintegrate?Tartarusmused.Youarenothing.YouareevenweakerthanKriosandHyperion.
“IamBob,”saidBob.
Tartarushissed.Whatisthat?WhatisBob?
“IchoosetobemorethanIapetus,”saidtheTitan.“Youdonotcontrolme.Iamnotlikemybrothers.”
Thecollarofhiscoverallsbulged.SmallBobleapedout.Thekittenlandedonthegroundinfrontofhismaster,thenarchedhisbackandhissedatthelordoftheabyss.
AsAnnabethwatched,SmallBobbegantogrow,hisformflickeringuntilthelittlekittenhadbecomeafull-sized,translucentskeletalsaber-toothedtiger.
“Also,”Bobannounced,“Ihaveagoodcat.”
No-Longer-SmallBobsprangatTartarus,sinkinghisclawsintoTartarus’sthigh.Thetigerscrambleduphisleg,straightunderthegod’schain-linkskirt.Tartarusstompedandhowled,apparentlynolongerenamoredwithhavingaphysicalform.Meanwhile,Bobthrusthisspearintothegod’sside,rightbelowhisbreastplate.
Tartarusroared.HeswattedatBob,buttheTitanbackedoutofreach.Bobthrustouthisfingers.
Hisspearyankeditselffreeofthegod’sfleshandflewbacktoBob’shand,whichmadeAnnabethgulpinamazement.She’dneverimaginedabroomcouldhavesomanyusefulfeatures.SmallBobdroppedoutofTartarus’sskirt.Herantohismaster’sside,hissaber-toothedfangsdrippingwithgoldenichor.
Youwilldiefirst,Iapetus,Tartarusdecided.Afterward,Iwilladdyoursoultomyarmor,whereitwillslowlydissolve,overandover,ineternalagony.
Tartaruspoundedhisfistagainsthisbreastplate.Milkyfacesswirledinthemetal,silentlyscreamingtogetout.
BobturnedtowardPercyandAnnabeth.TheTitangrinned,whichprobablywouldnothavebeenAnnabeth’sreactiontoathreatofeternalagony.
“TaketheDoors,”Bobsaid.“IwilldealwithTartarus.”
Tartarusthrewbackhisheadandbellowed—creatingavacuumsostrongthatthenearestflyingdemonswerepulledintohisvortexfaceandshredded.
Dealwithme?thegodmocked.YouareonlyaTitan,alesserchildofGaea!Iwillmakeyousufferforyourarrogance.Andasforyourtinymortalfriends…
Tartarusswepthishandtowardthemonsterarmy,beckoningthemforward.DESTROYTHEM!
DESTROYTHEM.
Annabethhadheardthosewordsoftenenoughthattheyshockedheroutofherparalysis.Sheraisedherswordandyelled,“Percy!”
HesnatchedupRiptide.
AnnabethdoveforthechainsholdingtheDoorsofDeath.Herdrakon-bonebladecutthroughtheleft-sidemooringsinasingleswipe.Meanwhile,Percydrovebackthefirstwaveofmonsters.Hestabbedanaraiandyelped,“Gah!Stupidcurses!”Thenhescytheddownahalfdozentelkhines.
Annabethlungedbehindhimandslicedthroughthechainsontheotherside.
TheDoorsshuddered,thenopenedwithapleasantDing!
Bobandhissaber-toothedsidekickcontinuedtoweavearoundTartarus’slegs,attacking,anddodgingtostayoutofhisclutches.Theydidn’tseemtobedoingmuchdamage,butTartaruslurchedaround,obviouslynotusedtofightinginahumanoidbody.Heswipedandmissed,swipedandmissed.
MoremonsterssurgedtowardtheDoors.AspearflewpastAnnabeth’shead.Sheturnedandstabbedanempousathroughthegut,thendovefortheDoorsastheystartedtoclose.
Shekeptthemopenwithherfootasshefought.Atleastwithherbacktotheelevatorcar,shedidn’thavetoworryaboutattacksfrombehind.
“Percy,getoverhere!”sheyelled.
Hejoinedherinthedoorway,hisfacedrippingwithsweat,andbloodfromseveralcuts.
“Youokay?”sheasked.
Henodded.“Gotsomekindofpaincursefromthatarai.”Hehackedagryphonoutoftheair.
“Hurts,butitwon’tkillme.Getintheelevator.I’llholdthebutton.”
“Yeah,right!”Shesmackedacarnivoroushorseinthesnoutwiththebuttofherswordandsentthemonsterstampedingthroughthecrowd.“Youpromised,SeaweedBrain.Wewouldnotgetseparated!Everagain!”
“You’reimpossible!”
“Loveyoutoo!”
AnentirephalanxofCyclopeschargedforward,knockingsmallermonstersoutoftheway.
Annabethfiguredshewasabouttodie.“IthadtobeCyclopes,”shegrumbled.
Percygaveabattlecry.AttheCyclopes’feet,aredveininthegroundburstopen,sprayingthemonsterswithliquidfirefromthePhlegethon.Thefirewatermighthavehealedmortals,butitdidn’tdotheCyclopesanyfavors.Theycombustedinatidalwaveofheat.Theburstveinsealeditself,butnothingremainedofthemonstersexceptarowofscorchmarks.
“Annabeth,youhavetogo!”Percysaid.“Wecan’tbothstay!”
“No!”shecried.“Duck!”
Hedidn’taskwhy.Hecrouched,andAnnabethvaultedoverhim,bringinghersworddownontheheadofaheavilytattooedogre.
SheandPercystoodshouldertoshoulderinthedoorway,waitingforthenextwave.Theexplodingveinhadgiventhemonsterspause,butitwouldn’tbelongbeforetheyremembered:Hey,wait,there’sseventy-fivegazillionofus,andonlytwoofthem.
“Well,then,”Percysaid,“youhaveabetteridea?”
Annabethwishedshedid.
TheDoorsofDeathstoodrightbehindthem—theirexitfromthisnightmarishworld.Buttheycouldn’tusetheDoorswithoutsomeonemanningthecontrolsfortwelvelongminutes.IftheysteppedinsideandlettheDoorsclosewithoutsomeoneholdingthebutton,Annabethdidn’tthinktheresultswouldbehealthy.AndiftheysteppedawayfromtheDoorsforanyreason,sheimaginedtheelevatorwouldcloseanddisappearwithoutthem.
Thesituationwassopatheticallysad,itwasalmostfunny.
Thecrowdofmonstersinchedforward,snarlingandgatheringtheircourage.
Meanwhile,Bob’sattacksweregettingslower.Tartaruswaslearningtocontrolhisnewbody.
Saber-toothedSmallBoblungedatthegod,butTartarussmackedthecatsideways.Bobcharged,bellowingwithrage,butTartarusgrabbedhisspearandyankeditoutofhishands.HekickedBobdownhill,knockingoverarowoftelkhineslikeseamammalbowlingpins.
YIELD!Tartarusthundered.
“Iwillnot,”Bobsaid.“Youarenotmymaster.”
Dieindefiance,then,saidthegodofthepit.YouTitansarenothingtome.Mychildrenthegiantswerealwaysbetter,stronger,andmorevicious.Theywillmaketheupperworldasdarkasmyrealm!
Tartarussnappedthespearinhalf.Bobwailedinagony.Saber-toothedSmallBobleapedtohisaid,snarlingatTartarusandbaringhisfangs.TheTitanstruggledtorise,butAnnabethknewitwasover.Eventhemonstersturnedtowatch,asifsensingthattheirmasterTartaruswasabouttotakethespotlight.ThedeathofaTitanwasworthseeing.
PercygrippedAnnabeth’shand.“Stayhere.I’vegottohelphim.”
“Percy,youcan’t,”shecroaked.“Tartaruscan’tbefought.Notbyus.”Sheknewshewasright.Tartaruswasinaclassbyhimself.HewasmorepowerfulthanthegodsorTitans.Demigodswerenothingtohim.IfPercychargedtohelpBob,hewouldgetsquashedlikeanant.
ButAnnabethalsoknewthatPercywouldn’tlisten.Hecouldn’tleaveBobtodiealone.Thatjustwasn’thim—andthatwasoneofthemanyreasonsshelovedhim,evenifhewasanOlympian-sizedpaininthepodex.
“We’llgotogether,”Annabethdecided,knowingthiswouldbetheirfinalbattle.IftheysteppedawayfromtheDoors,theywouldneverleaveTartarus.Atleasttheywoulddiefightingsidebyside.
Shewasabouttosay:Now.
Arippleofalarmpassedthroughthearmy.Inthedistance,Annabethheardshrieks,screams,andapersistentboom,boom,boomthatwastoofasttobetheheartbeatintheground—morelikesomethinglargeandheavy,runningatfullspeed.AnEarthbornspunintotheairasifhe’dbeentossed.Aplumeofbright-greengasbillowedacrossthetopofthemonstroushordelikethesprayfromapoisonriothose.Everythinginitspathdissolved.
Acrosstheswathofsizzling,newlyemptyground,Annabethsawthecauseofthecommotion.
Shestartedtogrin.
TheMaeoniandrakonspreaditsfrilledcollarandhissed,itspoisonbreathfillingthebattlefieldwiththesmellofpineandginger.Itshifteditshundred-foot-longbody,flickingitsdappledgreentailandwipingoutabattalionofogres.
Ridingonitsbackwasared-skinnedgiantwithflowersinhisrust-coloredbraids,ajerkinofgreenleather,andadrakon-riblanceinhishand.
“Damasen!”Annabethcried.
Thegiantinclinedhishead.“AnnabethChase,Itookyouradvice.Ichosemyselfanewfate.”
WHATISTHIS?THEGODOFTHEPITHISSED.Whyhaveyoucome,mydisgracedson?
DamasenglancedatAnnabeth,aclearmessageinhiseyes:Go.Now.
HeturnedtowardTartarus.TheMaeoniandrakonstampeditsfeetandsnarled.
“Father,youwishedforamoreworthyopponent?”Damasenaskedcalmly.“Iamoneofthegiantsyouaresoproudof.Youwishedmetobemorewarlike?PerhapsIwillstartbydestroyingyou!”
Damasenleveledhislanceandcharged.
Themonstrousarmyswarmedhim,buttheMaeoniandrakonflattenedeverythinginitspath,sweepingitstailandsprayingpoisonwhileDamasenjabbedatTartarus,forcingthegodtoretreatlikeacorneredlion.
Bobstumbledawayfromthebattle,hissaber-toothedcatathisside.Percygavethemasmuchcoverashecould—causingbloodvesselsinthegroundtoburstoneaftertheother.SomemonsterswerevaporizedinStyxwater.OthersgotaCocytusshowerandcollapsed,weepinghopelessly.OthersweredousedwithliquidLetheandstaredblanklyaroundthem,nolongersurewheretheywereorevenwhotheywere.
BoblimpedtotheDoors.Goldenichorflowedfromthewoundsonhisarmsandchest.Hisjanitor’soutfithungintatters.Hisposturewastwistedandhunched,asifTartarus’sbreakingthespearhadbrokensomethinginsidehim.Despiteallthat,hewasgrinning,hissilvereyesbrightwithsatisfaction.
“Go,”heordered.“Iwillholdthebutton.”
Percygawkedathim.“Bob,you’reinnocondition—”
“Percy.”Annabeth’svoicethreatenedtobreak.ShehatedherselfforlettingBobdothis,butsheknewitwastheonlyway.“Wehaveto.”
“Wecan’tjustleavethem!”
“Youmust,friend.”BobclappedPercyonthearm,nearlyknockinghimover.“Icanstillpressabutton.AndIhaveagoodcattoguardme.”
SmallBobthesaber-toothedtigergrowledinagreement.
“Besides,”Bobsaid,“itisyourdestinytoreturntotheworld.PutanendtothismadnessofGaea.”
AscreamingCyclops,sizzlingfrompoisonspray,sailedovertheirheads.
Fiftyyardsaway,theMaeoniandrakontrampledthroughmonsters,itsfeetmakingsickeningsquishsquishnoisesasifstompinggrapes.Onitsback,Damasenyelledinsultsandjabbedatthegodofthepit,tauntingTartarusfartherawayfromtheDoors.
Tartaruslumberedafterhim,hisironbootsmakingcratersintheground.
Youcannotkillme!hebellowed.Iamthepititself.Youmightaswelltrytokilltheearth.GaeaandI—weareeternal.Weownyou,fleshandspirit!
Hebroughtdownhismassivefist,butDamasensidestepped,impalinghisjavelininthesideofTartarus’sneck.
Tartarusgrowled,apparentlymoreannoyedthanhurt.Heturnedhisswirlingvacuumfacetowardthegiant,butDamasengotoutofthewayintime.Adozenmonstersweresuckedintothevortexanddisintegrated.
“Bob,don’t!”Percysaid,hiseyespleading.“He’lldestroyyoupermanently.Nocomingback.Noregeneration.”
Bobshrugged.“Whoknowswhatwillbe?Youmustgonow.Tartarusisrightaboutonething.
Wecannotdefeathim.Wecanonlybuyyoutime.”
TheDoorstriedtocloseonAnnabeth’sfoot.
“Twelveminutes,”saidtheTitan.“Icangiveyouthat.”
“Percy…holdtheDoors.”AnnabethjumpedandthrewherarmsaroundtheTitan’sneck.Shekissedhischeek,hereyessofulloftears,shecouldn’tseestraight.Bob’sstubblyfacesmelledofcleaningsupplies—freshlemonyfurniturepolishandMurphyOillwoodsoap.
“Monstersareeternal,”shetoldhim,tryingtokeepherselffromsobbing.“WewillrememberyouandDamasenasheroes,asthebestTitanandthebestgiant.We’lltellourchildren.We’llkeepthestoryalive.Someday,youwillregenerate.”
Bobruffledherhair.Smilelinescrinkledaroundhiseyes.“Thatisgood.Untilthen,myfriends,tellthesunandthestarshelloforme.Andbestrong.ThismaynotbethelastsacrificeyoumustmaketostopGaea.”
Hepushedherawaygently.“Nomoretime.Go.”
AnnabethgrabbedPercy’sarm.Shedraggedhimintotheelevatorcar.ShehadonelastglimpseoftheMaeoniandrakonshakinganogrelikeasockpuppet,DamasenjabbingatTartarus’slegs.
ThegodofthepitpointedattheDoorsofDeathandyelled:Monsters,stopthem!
SmallBobthesaber-toothedcrouchedandsnarled,readyforaction.
BobwinkedatAnnabeth.“HoldtheDoorsclosedonyourside,”hesaid.“Theywillresistyourpassage.Holdthem—”
Thepanelsslidshut.
“PERCY,HELPME!”ANNABETHYELPED.
Sheshovedherentirebodyagainsttheleftdoor,pressingittowardthecenter.Percydidthesameontheright.Therewerenohandles,oranythingelsetoholdonto.Astheelevatorcarascended,theDoorsshookandtriedtoopen,threateningtospillthemintowhateverwasbetweenlifeanddeath.
Annabeth’sshouldersached.Theelevator’seasy-listeningmusicdidn’thelp.Ifallmonstershadtohearthatsongaboutlikingpiñacoladasandgettingcaughtintherain,nowondertheywereinthemoodforcarnagewhentheyreachedthemortalworld.
“WeleftBobandDamasen,”Percycroaked.“They’lldieforus,andwejust—”
“Iknow,”shemurmured.“GodsofOlympus,Percy,Iknow.”
AnnabethwasalmostgladforthejobofkeepingtheDoorsclosed.Theterrorracingthroughherheartatleastkeptherfromdissolvingintomisery.AbandoningDamasenandBobhadbeenthehardestthingshe’deverdone.
ForyearsatCampHalf-Blood,shehadchafedasothercamperswentonquestswhileshestayedbehind.She’dwatchedasothersgainedglory…orfailedanddidn’tcomeback.Sinceshewassevenyearsold,shehadthought:Whydon’tIgettoprovemyskills?Whycan’tIleadaquest?
NowsherealizedthatthehardesttestforachildofAthenawasn’tleadingaquestorfacingdeathincombat.Itwasmakingthestrategicdecisiontostepback,toletsomeone
elsetakethebruntofthedanger—especiallywhenthatpersonwasyourfriend.Shehadtofacethefactthatshecouldn’tprotecteveryonesheloved.Shecouldn’tsolveeveryproblem.
Shehatedit,butshedidn’thavetimeforself-pity.Sheblinkedawayhertears.
“Percy,theDoors,”shewarned.
Thepanelshadstartedtoslideapart,lettinginawhiffof…ozone?Sulfur?
Percypushedonhissidefuriouslyandthecrackclosed.Hiseyesblazedwithanger.Shehopedhewasn’tmadather,butifhewas,shecouldn’tblamehim.
Ifitkeepshimgoing,shethought,thenlethimbeangry.
“IwillkillGaea,”hemuttered.“Iwilltearherapartwithmybarehands.”Annabethnodded,butshewasthinkingaboutTartarus’sboast.Hecouldnotbekilled.NeithercouldGaea.Againstsuchpower,evenTitansandgiantswerehopelesslyoutmatched.Demigodsstoodnochance.
ShealsorememberedBob’swarning:ThismaynotbethelastsacrificeyoumustmaketostopGaea.
Shefeltthattruthdeepinherbones.
“Twelveminutes,”shemurmured.“Justtwelveminutes.”
SheprayedtoAthenathatBobcouldholdtheUPbuttonthatlong.Sheprayedforstrengthandwisdom.Shewonderedwhattheywouldfindoncetheyreachedthetopofthiselevatorride.
Iftheirfriendsweren’tthere,controllingtheotherside…
“Wecandothis,”Percysaid.“Wehaveto.”
“Yeah,”Annabethsaid.“Yeah,wedo.”
TheyheldtheDoorsshutastheelevatorshudderedandthemusicplayed,whilesomewherebelowthem,aTitanandagiantsacrificedtheirlivesfortheirescape.
HAZELWASN’TPROUDOFCRYING.
Afterthetunnelcollapsed,sheweptandscreamedlikeatwo-year-oldthrowingatantrum.Shecouldn’tmovethedebristhatseparatedherandLeofromtheothers.Iftheearthshiftedanymore,theentirecomplexmightcollapseontheirheads.Still,shepoundedherfistsagainstthestonesandyelledcursesthatwould’veearnedheramouth-washingwithlyesoapbackatSt.AgnesAcademy.
Leostaredather,wide-eyedandspeechless.
Shewasn’tbeingfairtohim.
Thelasttimethetwoofthemhadbeentogether,she’dzappedhimintoherpastandshownhimSammy,hisgreat-grandfather—Hazel’sfirstboyfriend.She’dburdenedhimwithemotionalbaggagehedidn’tneed,andlefthimsodazedtheyhadalmostgottenkilledbyagiantshrimpmonster.
Nowheretheywere,aloneagain,whiletheirfriendsmightbedyingatthehandsofamonsterarmy,andshewasthrowingafit.
“Sorry.”Shewipedherface.
“Hey,youknow…”Leoshrugged.“I’veattackedafewrocksinmyday.”Sheswallowedwithdifficulty.“Frankis…he’s—”
“Listen,”Leosaid.“FrankZhanghasmoves.He’sprobablygonnaturnintoakangarooanddosomemarsupialjujitsuontheiruglyfaces.”
Hehelpedhertoherfeet.Despitethepanicsimmeringinsideher,sheknewLeowasright.Frankandtheothersweren’thelpless.Theywouldfindawaytosurvive.ThebestthingsheandLeocoulddowascarryon.
ShestudiedLeo.Hishairhadgrownoutlongerandshaggier,andhisfacewasleaner,sohelookedlesslikeanimpandmorelikeoneofthosewillowyelvesinthefairytales.Thebiggestdifferencewashiseyes.Theyconstantlydrifted,asifLeowastryingtospot
somethingoverthehorizon.
“Leo,I’msorry,”shesaid.
Heraisedaneyebrow.“Okay.Forwhat?”
“For…”Shegesturedaroundherhelplessly.“Everything.ForthinkingyouwereSammy,forleadingyouon.Imean,Ididn’tmeanto,butifIdid—”
“Hey.”Hesqueezedherhand,thoughHazelsensednothingromanticinthegesture.“Machinesaredesignedtowork.”
“Uh,what?”
“Ifiguretheuniverseisbasicallylikeamachine.Idon’tknowwhomadeit,ifitwastheFates,orthegods,orcapital-GGod,orwhatever.Butitchugsalongthewayit’ssupposedtomostofthetime.
Sure,littlepiecesbreakandstuffgoeshaywireonceinawhile,butmostly…thingshappenforareason.Likeyouandmemeeting.”
“LeoValdez,”Hazelmarveled,“you’reaphilosopher.”
“Nah,”hesaid.“I’mjustamechanic.ButIfiguremybisabueloSammyknewwhatwaswhat.Heletyougo,Hazel.Myjobistotellyouthatit’sokay.YouandFrank—you’regoodtogether.We’reallgoingtogetthroughthis.Ihopeyouguysgetachancetobehappy.Besides,Zhangcouldn’ttiehisshoeswithoutyourhelp.”
“That’smean,”Hazelchided,butshefeltlikesomethingwasuntanglinginsideher—aknotoftensionshe’dbeencarryingforweeks.
Leoreallyhadchanged.Hazelwasstartingtothinkshe’dfoundagoodfriend.
“Whathappenedtoyouwhenyouwereonyourown?”sheasked.“Whodidyoumeet?”Leo’seyetwitched.“Longstory.I’lltellyousometime,butI’mstillwaitingtoseehowitshakesout.”
“Theuniverseisamachine,”Hazelsaid,“soit’llbefine.”
“Hopefully.”
“Aslongasit’snotoneofyourmachines,”Hazeladded.“Becauseyourmachinesneverdowhatthey’resupposedto.”
“Yeah,ha-ha.”Leosummonedfireintohishand.“Now,whichway,MissUnderground?”Hazelscannedthepathinfrontofthem.Aboutthirtyfeetdown,thetunnelsplitintofoursmallerarteries,eachoneidentical,buttheoneontheleftradiatedcold.
“Thatway,”shedecided.“Itfeelsthemostdangerous.”
“I’msold,”saidLeo.
Theybegantheirdescent.
Assoonastheyreachedthefirstarchway,thepolecatGalefoundthem.
ShescurriedupHazel’ssideandcurledaroundherneck,chitteringcrosslyasiftosay:Wherehaveyoubeen?You’relate.
“Notthefartingweaselagain,”Leocomplained.“Ifthatthingletslooseinclosequarterslikethis,withmyfireandall,we’regonnaexplode.”
GalebarkedapolecatinsultatLeo.
Hazelhushedthemboth.Shecouldsensethetunnelahead,slopinggentlydownforaboutthreehundredfeet,thenopeningintoalargechamber.Inthatchamberwasapresence…cold,heavy,andpowerful.Hazelhadn’tfeltanythinglikeitsincethecaveinAlaskawhereGaeahadforcedhertoresurrectPorphyrionthegiantking.HazelhadthwartedGaea’splansthattime,butshe’dhadtopulldownthecavern,sacrificingherlifeandhermother’s.Shewasn’tanxioustohaveasimilarexperience.
“Leo,beready,”shewhispered.“We’regettingclose.”
“Closetowhat?”
Awoman’svoiceechoeddownthecorridor:“Closetome.”AwaveofnauseahitHazelsohardherkneesbuckled.Thewholeworldshifted.Hersenseofdirection,usuallyflawlessunderground,becamecompletelyunmoored.
SheandLeodidn’tseemtomove,butsuddenlytheywerethreehundredfeetdownthecorridor,attheentranceofthechamber.
“Welcome,”saidthewoman’svoice.“I’velookedforwardtothis.”Hazel’seyessweptthecavern.Shecouldn’tseethespeaker.
TheroomremindedherofthePantheoninRome,exceptthisplacehadbeendecoratedinHadesModern.
Theobsidianwallswerecarvedwithscenesofdeath:plaguevictims,corpsesonthebattlefield,torturechamberswithskeletonshanginginironcages—allofitembellishedwithpreciousgemsthatsomehowmadethescenesevenmoreghastly.
AsinthePantheon,thedomedroofwasawafflepatternofrecessedsquarepanels,buthereeachpanelwasastela—agravemarkerwithAncientGreekinscriptions.Hazelwonderedifactualbodieswereburiedbehindthem.Withherundergroundsensesoutofwhack,shecouldn’tbesure.
Shesawnootherexits.Attheapexoftheceiling,wherethePantheon’sskylightwould’vebeen,acircleofpureblackstonegleamed,asiftoreinforcethesensethattherewasnowayoutofthisplace
—noskyabove,onlydarkness.
Hazel’seyesdriftedtothecenteroftheroom.
“Yep,”Leomuttered.“Thosearedoors,allright.”
Fiftyfeetawaywasasetoffreestandingelevatordoors,theirpanelsetchedinsilverandiron.
Rowsofchainsrandowneitherside,boltingtheframetolargehooksinthefloor.
Theareaaroundthedoorswaslitteredwithblackrubble.Withatighteningsenseofanger,HazelrealizedthatanancientaltartoHadeshadoncestoodthere.IthadbeendestroyedtomakeroomfortheDoorsofDeath.
“Whereareyou?”sheshouted.
“Don’tyouseeus?”tauntedthewoman’svoice.“IthoughtHecatechoseyouforyourskill.”AnotherboutofqueasinesschurnedthroughHazel’sgut.Onhershoulder,Galebarkedandpassedgas,whichdidn’thelp.
DarkspotsfloatedinHazel’seyes.Shetriedtoblinkthemaway,buttheyonlyturneddarker.Thespotsconsolidatedintoatwenty-foot-tallshadowyfigureloomingnexttotheDoors.
ThegiantClytiuswasshroudedintheblacksmoke,justasshe’dseeninhervisionatthecrossroads,butnowHazelcoulddimlymakeouthisform—dragon-likelegswithash-coloredscales;amassivehumanoidupperbodyencasedinStygianarmor;long,braidedhairthatseemedtobemadefromsmoke.HiscomplexionwasasdarkasDeath’s(Hazelshouldknow,sinceshehadmetDeathpersonally).Hiseyesglintedcoldasdiamonds.Hecarriednoweapon,butthatdidn’tmakehimanylessterrifying.
Leowhistled.“Youknow,Clytius…forsuchabigdude,you’vegotabeautifulvoice.”
“Idiot,”hissedthewoman.
HalfwaybetweenHazelandthegiant,theairshimmered.Thesorceressappeared.
Sheworeanelegantsleevelessdressofwovengold,herdarkhairpiledintoacone,encircledwithdiamondsandemeralds.Aroundherneckhungapendantlikeaminiaturemaze,onacordsetwithrubiesthatmadeHazelthinkofcrystallizedblooddrops.
Thewomanwasbeautifulinatimeless,regalway—likeastatueyoumightadmirebutcouldneverlove.Hereyessparkledwithmalice.
“Pasiphaë,”Hazelsaid.
Thewomaninclinedherhead.“MydearHazelLevesque.”
Leocoughed.“Youtwoknoweachother?LikeUnderworldchums,or—”
“Silence,fool.”Pasiphaë’svoicewassoft,butfullofvenom.“Ihavenousefordemigodboys—
alwayssofullofthemselves,sobrashanddestructive.”
“Hey,lady,”Leoprotested.“Idon’tdestroythingsmuch.I’masonofHephaestus.”
“Atinkerer,”snappedPasiphaë.“Evenworse.IknewDaedalus.Hisinventionsbroughtmenothingbuttrouble.”
Leoblinked.“Daedalus…like,theDaedalus?Well,then,youshouldknowallaboutustinkerers.
We’remoreintofixing,building,occasionallystickingwadsofoilclothinthemouthsofrudeladies
—”
“Leo.”Hazelputherarmacrosshischest.Shehadafeelingthesorceresswasabouttoturnhimintosomethingunpleasantifhedidn’tshutup.“Letmetakethis,okay?”
“Listentoyourfriend,”Pasiphaësaid.“Beagoodboyandletthewomentalk.”Pasiphaëpacedinfrontofthem,examiningHazel,hereyessofullofhateitmadeHazel’sskintingle.Thesorceress’spowerradiatedfromherlikeheatfromafurnace.Herexpressionwasunsettlingandvaguelyfamiliar.…
Somehow,though,thegiantClytiusunnervedHazelmore.
Hestoodinthebackground,silentandmotionlessexceptforthedarksmokepouringfromhisbody,poolingaroundhisfeet.HewasthecoldpresenceHazelhadfeltearlier—likeavastdepositofobsidian,soheavythatHazelcouldn’tpossiblymoveit,powerfulandindestructibleandcompletelydevoidofemotion.
“Your—yourfrienddoesn’tsaymuch,”Hazelnoted.
Pasiphaëlookedbackatthegiantandsniffedwithdisdain.“Prayhestayssilent,mydear.Gaeahasgivenmethepleasureofdealingwithyou;butClytiusismy,ah,insurance.Justbetweenyouandme,assistersorceresses,Ithinkhe’salsoheretokeepmypowersincheck,incaseIforgetmynewmistress’sorders.Gaeaiscarefulthatway.”
Hazelwastemptedtoprotestthatshewasn’tasorceress.Shedidn’twanttoknowhowPasiphaëplannedto“deal”withthem,orhowthegiantkepthermagicincheck.Butshestraightenedherbackandtriedtolookconfident.
“Whateveryou’replanning,”Hazelsaid,“itwon’twork.We’vecutthrougheverymonsterGaea’sputinourpath.Ifyou’resmart,you’llgetoutofourway.”Galethepolecatgnashedherteethinapproval,butPasiphaëdidn’tseemimpressed.
“Youdon’tlooklikemuch,”thesorceressmused.“Butthenyoudemigodsneverdo.Myhusband,Minos,kingofCrete?HewasasonofZeus.Youwouldneverhaveknownitbylookingathim.Hewasalmostasscrawnyasthatone.”SheflickedahandtowardLeo.
“Wow,”mutteredLeo.“Minosmust’vedonesomethingreallyhorribletodeserveyou.”Pasiphaë’snostrilsflared.“Oh…youhavenoidea.HewastooproudtomakethepropersacrificestoPoseidon,sothegodspunishedmeforhisarrogance.”
“TheMinotaur,”Hazelsuddenlyremembered.
ThestorywassorevoltingandgrotesqueHazelhadalwaysshutherearswhentheytolditatCampJupiter.Pasiphaëhadbeencursedtofallinlovewithherhusband’sprizebull.She’dgivenbirthtotheMinotaur—halfman,halfbull.
Now,asPasiphaëglareddaggersather,Hazelrealizedwhyherexpressionwassofamiliar.
ThesorceresshadthesamebitternessandhatredinhereyesthatHazel’smothersometimeshad.
Inherworstmoments,MarieLevesquewouldlookatHazelasifHazelwereamonstrouschild,acursefromthegods,thesourceofallMarie’sproblems.That’swhytheMinotaurstorybotheredHazel—notjusttherepellentideaofPasiphaëandthebull,buttheideathatachild,anychild,couldbeconsideredamonster,apunishmenttoitsparents,tobelockedawayandhated.ToHazel,theMinotaurhadalwaysseemedlikeavictiminthestory.
“Yes,”Pasiphaësaidatlast.“Mydisgracewasunbearable.Aftermysonwasbornand
lockedintheLabyrinth,Minosrefusedtohaveanythingtodowithme.HesaidIhadruinedhisreputation!AnddoyouknowwhathappenedtoMinos,HazelLevesque?Forhiscrimesandhispride?Hewasrewarded.HewasmadeajudgeofthedeadintheUnderworld,asifhehadanyrighttojudgeothers!
Hadesgavehimthatposition.Yourfather.”
“Pluto,actually.”
Pasiphaësneered.“Irrelevant.Soyousee,IhatedemigodsasmuchasIhatethegods.Anyofyourbrethrenwhosurvivethewar,Gaeahaspromisedtome,sothatImaywatchthemdieslowlyinmynewdomain.IonlywishIhadmoretimetotortureyoutwoproperly.Alas—”Inthecenteroftheroom,theDoorsofDeathmadeapleasantchimingsound.ThegreenUP
buttonontherightsideoftheframebegantoglow.Thechainsshook.
“There,yousee?”Pasiphaëshruggedapologetically.“TheDoorsareinuse.Twelveminutes,andtheywillopen.”
Hazel’sguttrembledalmostasmuchasthechains.“Moregiants?”
“Thankfully,no,”saidthesorceress.“Theyareallaccountedfor—backinthemortalworldandinplaceforthefinalassault.”Pasiphaëgaveheracoldsmile.“No,IwouldimaginetheDoorsarebeingusedbysomeoneelse…someoneunauthorized.”
Leoinchedforward.Smokerosefromhisfists.“PercyandAnnabeth.”Hazelcouldn’tspeak.Shewasn’tsurewhetherthelumpinherthroatwasfromjoyorfrustration.
IftheirfriendshadmadeittotheDoors,iftheywerereallygoingtoshowuphereintwelveminutes…
“Oh,nottoworry.”Pasiphaëwavedherhanddismissively.“Clytiuswillhandlethem.Yousee,whenthechimesoundsagain,someoneonoursideneedstopushtheUPbuttonortheDoorswillfailtoopenandwhoeverisinside—poof.Gone.OrperhapsClytiuswillletthemoutanddealwiththeminperson.Thatdependsonyoutwo.”
Hazel’smouthtastedliketin.Shedidn’twanttoask,butshehadto.“Howexactlydoesitdependonus?”
“Well,obviously,weneedonlyonesetofdemigodsalive,”Pasiphaësaid.“TheluckytwowillbetakentoAthensandsacrificedtoGaeaattheFeastofHope.”
“Obviously,”Leomuttered.
“Sowillitbeyoutwo,oryourfriendsintheelevator?”Thesorceressspreadherhands.“Let’sseewhoisstillaliveintwelve…actually,elevenminutes,now.”Thecaverndissolvedintodarkness.
HAZEL’SINTERNALCOMPASSSPUNWILDLY.
Sherememberedwhenshewasverysmall,inNewOrleansinthelate1930s,hermotherhadtakenhertothedentisttogetabadtoothpulled.ItwasthefirstandonlytimeHazelhadeverreceivedether.Thedentistpromiseditwouldmakehersleepyandrelaxed,butHazelfeltlikeshewasfloatingawayfromherownbody,panickyandoutofcontrol.Whentheetherworeoff,she’dbeensickforthreedays.
Thisfeltlikeamassivedoseofether.
Partofherknewshewasstillinthecavern.Pasiphaëstoodonlyafewfeetinfrontofthem.
ClytiuswaitedsilentlyattheDoorsofDeath.
ButlayersofMistenfoldedHazel,twistinghersenseofreality.Shetookonestepforwardandbumpedintoawallthatshouldn’thavebeenthere.
Leopressedhishandsagainstthestone.“Whattheheck?Wherearewe?”Acorridorstretchedouttotheirleftandright.Torchesgutteredinironsconces.Theairsmelledofmildew,asinanoldtomb.OnHazel’sshoulder,Galebarkedangrily,diggingherclawsintoHazel’scollarbone.
“Yes,Iknow,”Hazelmutteredtotheweasel.“It’sanillusion.”Leopoundedonthewall.“Prettysolidillusion.”
Pasiphaëlaughed.Hervoicesoundedwateryandfaraway.“Isitanillusion,HazelLevesque,orsomethingmore?Don’tyouseewhatIhavecreated?”
Hazelfeltsooff-balanceshecouldbarelystand,muchlessthinkstraight.Shetriedtoextendhersenses,toseethroughtheMistandfindthecavernagain,butallshefeltweretunnelssplittingoffinadozendirections,goingeverywhereexceptforward.
Randomthoughtsglintedinhermind,likegoldnuggetscomingtothesurface:Daedalus.TheMinotaurlockedaway.Dieslowlyinmynewdomain.
“TheLabyrinth,”Hazelsaid.“She’sremakingtheLabyrinth.”
“Whatnow?”Leohadbeentappingthewallwithaball-peenhammer,butheturnedandfrownedather.“IthoughttheLabyrinthcollapsedduringthatbattleatCampHalf-Blood—like,itwasconnectedtoDaedalus’slifeforceorsomething,andthenhedied.”Pasiphaë’svoicecluckeddisapprovingly.“Ah,butIamstillalive.YoucreditDaedaluswithallthemaze’ssecrets?IbreathedmagicallifeintohisLabyrinth.Daedaluswasnothingcomparedtome
—theimmortalsorceress,daughterofHelios,sisterofCirce!NowtheLabyrinthwillbemydomain.”
“It’sanillusion,”Hazelinsisted.“Wejusthavetobreakthroughit.”Evenasshesaidit,thewallsseemedtogrowmoresolid,thesmellofmildewmoreintense.
“Toolate,toolate,”Pasiphaëcrooned.“Themazeisalreadyawake.Itwillspreadundertheskinoftheearthoncemorewhileyourmortalworldisleveled.Youdemigods…youheroes…willwanderitscorridors,dyingslowlyofthirstandfearandmisery.Orperhaps,ifIamfeelingmerciful,youwilldiequickly,ingreatpain!”
HolesopenedinthefloorbeneathHazel’sfeet.ShegrabbedLeoandpushedhimasideasarowofspikesshotupward,impalingtheceiling.
“Run!”sheyelled.
Pasiphaë’slaughterechoeddownthecorridor.“Whereareyougoing,youngsorceress?Runningfromanillusion?”
Hazeldidn’tanswer.Shewastoobusytryingtostayalive.Behindthem,rowafterrowofspikesshottowardtheceilingwithapersistentthunk,thunk,thunk.
ShepulledLeodownasidecorridor,leapedoveratripwire,thenstumbledtoahaltinfrontofapittwentyfeetacross.
“Howdeepisthat?”Leogaspedforbreath.Hispantslegwasrippedwhereoneofthespikeshadgrazedhim.
Hazel’ssensestoldherthatthepitwasatleastfiftyfeetstraightdown,withapoolofpoisonatthebottom.Couldshetrusthersenses?WhetherornotPasiphaëhadcreatedanewLabyrinth,Hazelbelievedtheywerestillinthesamecavern,beingmadetorunaimlesslybackandforthwhilePasiphaëandClytiuswatchedinamusement.Illusionornot:unlessHazelcouldfigureouthowtogetoutofthismaze,thetrapswouldkillthem.
“Eightminutesnow,”saidthevoiceofPasiphaë.“I’dlovetoseeyousurvive,truly.ThatwouldproveyouworthysacrificestoGaeainAthens.Butthen,ofcourse,wewouldn’tneedyourfriendsintheelevator.”
Hazel’sheartpounded.Shefacedthewalltoherleft.Despitewhathersensestoldher,thatshouldbethedirectionoftheDoors.Pasiphaëshouldberightinfrontofher.
Hazelwantedtoburstthroughthewallandthrottlethesorceress.Ineightminutes,sheandLeoneededtobeattheDoorsofDeathtolettheirfriendsout.
ButPasiphaëwasanimmortalsorceresswiththousandsofyearsofexperienceinweavingspells.
Hazelcouldn’tdefeatherthroughsheerwillpower.She’dmanagedtofoolthebanditScironbyshowinghimwhatheexpectedtosee.HazelneededtofigureoutwhatPasiphaëwantedmost.
“Sevenminutesnow,”Pasiphaëlamented.“Ifonlywehadmoretime!SomanyindignitiesI’dlikeyoutosuffer.”
Thatwasit,Hazelrealized.Shehadtorunthegauntlet.Shehadtomakethemazemoredangerous,morespectacular—makePasiphaëfocusonthetrapsratherthanthedirectiontheLabyrinthwasleading.
“Leo,we’regoingtojump,”Hazelsaid.
“But—”
“It’snotasfarasitlooks.Go!”Shegrabbedhishandandtheylaunchedthemselvesacrossthepit.Whentheylanded,Hazellookedbackandsawnopitatall—justathree-inchcrackinthefloor.
“Comeon!”sheurged.
TheyranasthevoiceofPasiphaëdronedon.“Oh,dear,no.You’llneversurvivethatway.Sixminutes.”
Theceilingabovethemcrackedapart.Galetheweaselsqueakedinalarm,butHazelimaginedanewtunnelleadingofftotheleft—atunnelevenmoredangerous,goingthewrongdirection.TheMistsoftenedunderherwill.Thetunnelappeared,andtheydashedtooneside.
Pasiphaësighedwithdisappointment.“Youreallyaren’tverygoodatthis,mydear.”ButHazelfeltasparkofhope.She’dcreatedatunnel.She’ddrivenasmallwedgeintothemagicfabricoftheLabyrinth.
Thefloorcollapsedunderthem.Hazeljumpedtooneside,draggingLeowithher.Sheimaginedanothertunnel,veeringbackthewaythey’dcome,butfullofpoisonousgas.Themazeobliged.
“Leo,holdyourbreath,”shewarned.
Theyplungedthroughthetoxicfog.Hazel’seyesfeltliketheywerebeingrinsedinpepperjuice,butshekeptrunning.
“Fiveminutes,”Pasiphaësaid.“Alas!IfonlyIcouldwatchyousufferlonger.”Theyburstintoacorridorwithfreshair.Leocoughed.“Ifonlyshewouldshutup.”Theyduckedunderabronzegarrotewire.HazelimaginedthetunnelcurvingbacktowardPasiphaë,eversoslightly.TheMistbenttoherwill.
Thewallsofthetunnelbegantocloseinoneitherside.Hazeldidn’ttrytostopthem.Shemadethemclosefaster,shakingthefloorandcrackingtheceiling.SheandLeoranfortheirlives,followingthecurveasitbroughtthemclosertowhatshehopedwasthecenteroftheroom.
“Apity,”saidPasiphaë.“IwishIcouldkillyouandyourfriendsintheelevator,butGaeahasinsistedthattwoofyoumustbekeptaliveuntiltheFeastofHope,whenyourbloodwillbeputtogooduse!Ah,well.IwillhavetofindothervictimsformyLabyrinth.You
twohavebeensecond-ratefailures.”
HazelandLeostumbledtoastop.Infrontofthemstretchedachasmsowide,Hazelcouldn’tseetheotherside.Fromsomewherebelowinthedarknesscamethesoundofhissing—thousandsandthousandsofsnakes.
Hazelwastemptedtoretreat,butthetunnelwasclosingbehindthem,leavingthemstrandedonatinyledge.GaletheweaselpacedacrossHazel’sshouldersandfartedwithanxiety.
“Okay,okay,”Leomuttered.“Thewallsaremovingparts.Theygottabemechanical.Givemeasecond.”
“No,Leo,”Hazelsaid.“There’snowayback.”
“But—”
“Holdmyhand,”shesaid.“Onthree.”
“But—”
“Three!”
“What?”
Hazelleapedintothepit,pullingLeowithher.Shetriedtoignorehisscreamingandtheflatulentweaselclingingtoherneck.ShebentallherwillintoredirectingthemagicoftheLabyrinth.
Pasiphaëlaughedwithdelight,knowingthatanymomenttheywouldbecrushedorbittentodeathinapitofsnakes.
Instead,Hazelimaginedachuteinthedarkness,justtotheirleft.Shetwistedinmidairandfelltowardit.SheandLeohitthechutehardandslidintothecavern,landingrightontopofPasiphaë.
“Ack!”Thesorceress’sheadsmackedagainstthefloorasLeosatdownhardonherchest.
Foramoment,thethreeofthemandtheweaselwereapileofsprawlingbodiesandflailinglimbs.Hazeltriedtodrawhersword,butPasiphaëmanagedtoextricateherselffirst.Thesorceressbackedaway,herhairdobentsidewayslikeacollapsedcake.HerdresswassmearedwithgreasestainsfromLeo’stoolbelt.
“Youmiserablewretches!”shehowled.
Themazewasgone.Afewfeetaway,Clytiusstoodwithhisbacktothem,watchingtheDoorsofDeath.ByHazel’scalculation,theyhadaboutthirtysecondsuntiltheirfriendsarrived.HazelfeltexhaustedfromherrunthroughthemazewhilecontrollingtheMist,butsheneededtopulloffonemoretrick.
ShehadsuccessfullymadePasiphaëseewhatshemostdesired.NowHazelhadtomakethesorceressseewhatshemostfeared.
“Youmustreallyhatedemigods,”Hazelsaid,tryingtomimicPasiphaë’scruelsmile.“Wealwaysgetthebestofyou,don’twe,Pasiphaë?”
“Nonsense!”screamedPasiphaë.“Iwilltearyouapart!Iwill—”
“We’realwayspullingtherugoutfromunderyourfeet,”Hazelsympathized.“Yourhusbandbetrayedyou.TheseuskilledtheMinotaurandstoleyourdaughterAriadne.Nowtwosecond-ratefailureshaveturnedyourownmazeagainstyou.Butyouknewitwouldcometothis,didn’tyou?Youalwaysfallintheend.”
“Iamimmortal!”Pasiphaëwailed.Shetookastepback,fingeringhernecklace.“Youcannotstandagainstme!”
“Youcan’tstandatall,”Hazelcountered.“Look.”
Shepointedatthefeetofthesorceress.AtrapdooropenedunderneathPasiphaë.Shefell,screaming,intoabottomlesspitthatdidn’treallyexist.
Thefloorsolidified.Thesorceresswasgone.
LeostaredatHazelinamazement.“Howdidyou—”
Justthentheelevatordinged.RatherthanpushingtheUPbutton,Clytiussteppedbackfromthecontrols,keepingtheirfriendstrappedinside.
“Leo!”Hazelyelled.
Theywerethirtyfeetaway—muchtoofartoreachtheelevator—butLeopulledoutascrewdriverandchuckeditlikeathrowingknife.Animpossibleshot.ThescrewdriverspunstraightpastClytiusandslammedintotheUPbutton.
TheDoorsofDeathopenedwithahiss.Blacksmokebillowedout,andtwobodiesspilledface-firstontothefloor—PercyandAnnabeth,limpascorpses.
Hazelsobbed.“Oh,gods…”
SheandLeostartedforward,butClytiusraisedhishandinanunmistakablegesture—stop.HeliftedhismassivereptilianfootoverPercy’shead.
Thegiant’ssmokyshroudpouredoverthefloor,coveringAnnabethandPercyinapoolofdarkfog.
“Clytius,you’velost,”Hazelsnarled.“Letthemgo,oryou’llenduplikePasiphaë.”Thegianttiltedhishead.Hisdiamondeyesgleamed.Athisfeet,Annabethlurchedlikeshe’dhitapowerline.Sherolledonherback,blacksmokecoilingfromhermouth.
“IamnotPasiphaë.”Annabethspokeinavoicethatwasn’thers—thewordsasdeepasabassguitar.“Youhavewonnothing.”
“Stopthat!”Evenfromthirtyfeetaway,HazelcouldsenseAnnabeth’slifeforcewaning,herpulsebecomingthready.WhateverClytiuswasdoing,pullingwordsfromhermouth—itwaskillingher.
ClytiusnudgedPercy’sheadwithhisfoot.Percy’sfacelolledtooneside.
“Notquitedead.”Thegiant’swordsboomedfromPercy’smouth.“Aterribleshocktothemortalbody,Iwouldimagine,comingbackfromTartarus.They’llbeoutforawhile.”HeturnedhisattentionbacktoAnnabeth.Moresmokepouredfrombetweenherlips.“I’lltiethemupandtakethemtoPorphyrioninAthens.Justthesacrificeweneed.Unfortunately,thatmeansIhavenofurtheruseforyoutwo.”
“Oh,yeah?”Leogrowled.“Well,maybeyougotthesmoke,buddy,butI’vegotthefire.”Hishandsblazed.Heshotwhite-hotcolumnsofflameatthegiant,butClytius’ssmokyauraabsorbedthemonimpact.Tendrilsofblackhazetraveledbackupthelinesoffire,snuffingoutthelightandheatandcoveringLeoindarkness.
Leofelltohisknees,clutchingathisthroat.
“No!”Hazelrantowardhim,butGalechatteredurgentlyonhershoulder—aclearwarning.
“Iwouldnot.”Clytius’svoicereverberatedfromLeo’smouth.“Youdonotunderstand,HazelLevesque.Idevourmagic.Idestroythevoiceandthesoul.Youcannotopposeme.”Blackfogspreadfartheracrosstheroom,coveringAnnabethandPercy,billowingtowardHazel.
BloodroaredinHazel’sears.Shehadtoact—buthow?IfthatblacksmokecouldincapacitateLeosoquickly,whatchancedidshehave?
“F-fire,”shestammeredinasmallvoice.“You’resupposedtobeweakagainstit.”Thegiantchuckled,usingAnnabeth’svocalcordsthistime.“Youwerecountingonthat,eh?ItistrueIdonotlikefire.ButLeoValdez’sflamesarenotstrongenoughtotroubleme.”SomewherebehindHazel,asoft,lyricalvoicesaid,“Whataboutmyflames,oldfriend?”GalesqueakedexcitedlyandjumpedfromHazel’sshoulder,scamperingtotheentranceofthecavernwhereablondwomanstoodinablackdress,theMistswirlingaroundher.
Thegiantstumbledbackward,bumpingintotheDoorsofDeath.
“You,”hesaidfromPercy’smouth.
“Me,”Hecateagreed.Shespreadherarms.Blazingtorchesappearedinherhands.“IthasbeenmillenniasinceIfoughtatthesideofademigod,butHazelLevesquehasprovenherselfworthy.Whatdoyousay,Clytius?Shallweplaywithfire?”
IFTHEGIANTHADRUNAWAYSCREAMING,Hazelwould’vebeengrateful.Then
theyallcouldhavetakentherestofthedayoff.
Clytiusdisappointedher.
Whenhesawthegoddess’storchesblazing,thegiantseemedtorecoverhiswits.Hestompedhisfoot,shakingthefloorandalmoststeppingonAnnabeth’sarm.DarksmokebillowedaroundhimuntilAnnabethandPercyweretotallyhidden.Hazelcouldseenothingbutthegiant’sgleamingeyes.
“Boldwords.”ClytiusspokefromLeo’smouth.“Youforget,goddess.Whenwelastmet,youhadthehelpofHerculesandDionysus—themostpowerfulheroesintheworld,bothofthemdestinedtobecomegods.Nowyoubring…these?”
Leo’sunconsciousbodycontortedinpain.
“Stopit!”Hazelyelled.
Shedidn’tplanwhathappenednext.Shesimplyknewshehadtoprotectherfriends.Sheimaginedthembehindher,thesamewayshe’dimaginednewtunnelsappearinginPasiphaë’sLabyrinth.Leodissolved.HereappearedatHazel’sfeet,alongwithPercyandAnnabeth.TheMistwhirledaroundher,spillingoverthestonesandenvelopingherfriends.WherethewhiteMistmetthedarksmokeofClytius,itsteamedandsizzled,likelavarollingintothesea.
Leoopenedhiseyesandgasped.“Wh-what…?”
AnnabethandPercyremainedmotionless,butHazelcouldsensetheirheartbeatsgettingstronger,theirbreathcomingmoreevenly.
OnHecate’sshoulder,Galethepolecatbarkedwithadmiration.
Thegoddesssteppedforward,herdarkeyesglitteringinthetorchlight.“You’reright,Clytius.
HazelLevesqueisnotHerculesorDionysus,butIthinkyouwillfindherjustasformidable.”Throughthesmokyshroud,Hazelsawthegiantopenhismouth.Nowordscameout.Clytiussneeredinfrustration.
Leotriedtositup.“What’sgoingon?WhatcanI—”
“WatchPercyandAnnabeth.”Hazeldrewherspatha.“Staybehindme.StayintheMist.”
“But—”
ThelookHazelgavehimmusthavebeenmoreseverethansherealized.
Leogulped.“Yeah,gotit.WhiteMistgood.Blacksmokebad.”Hazeladvanced.Thegiantspreadhisarms.Thedomedceilingshook,andthegiant’svoiceechoedthroughtheroom,magnifiedahundredtimes.
Formidable?thegiantdemanded.Itsoundedasifhewerespeakingthroughachorusofthedead,usingalltheunfortunatesoulswho’dbeenburiedbehindthedome’sstelae.Becausethegirlhaslearnedyourmagictricks,Hecate?BecauseyouallowtheseweaklingstohideinyourMist?
Aswordappearedinthegiant’shand—aStygianironblademuchlikeNico’s,exceptfive
timesthesize.IdonotunderstandwhyGaeawouldfindanyofthesedemigodsworthyofsacrifice.Iwillcrushthemlikeemptynutshells.
Hazel’sfearturnedtorage.Shescreamed.Thewallsofthechambermadeacracklingsoundlikeiceinwarmwater,anddozensofgemsstreakedtowardthegiant,punchingthroughhisarmorlikebuckshot.
Clytiusstaggeredbackward.Hisdisembodiedvoicebellowedwithpain.Hisironbreastplatewaspepperedwithholes.
Goldenichortrickledfromawoundonhisrightarm.Hisshroudofdarknessthinned.Hazelcouldseethemurderousexpressiononhisface.
You,Clytiusgrowled.Youworthless—
“Worthless?”Hecateaskedquietly.“I’dsayHazelLevesqueknowsafewtricksevenIcouldnotteachher.”
Hazelstoodinfrontofherfriends,determinedtoprotectthem,butherenergywasfading.Herswordwasalreadyheavyinherhand,andshehadn’tevenswungityet.ShewishedArionwerehere.
Shecouldusethehorse’sspeedandstrength.Unfortunately,herequinefriendwouldnotbeabletohelpherthistime.Hewasacreatureofthewide-openspaces,nottheunderground.
Thegiantdughisfingersintothewoundonhisbiceps.Hepulledoutadiamondandflickeditaside.Thewoundclosed.
So,daughterofPluto,Clytiusrumbled,doyoureallybelieveHecatehasyourinterestsatheart?
Circewasafavoriteofhers.AndMedea.AndPasiphaë.Howdidtheyendup,eh?
Behindher,HazelheardAnnabethstirring,groaninginpain.Percymutteredsomethingthatsoundedlike,“Bob-bob-bob?”
Clytiussteppedforward,holdinghisswordcasuallyathissideasiftheywerecomradesratherthanenemies.Hecatewillnottellyouthetruth.Shesendsacolyteslikeyoutodoherbiddingandtakealltherisk.Ifbysomemiracleyouincapacitateme,onlythenwillshebeabletosetmeonfire.Thenshewillclaimthegloryofthekill.YouheardhowBacchusdealtwiththeAlodaitwinsintheColosseum.Hecateisworse.SheisaTitanwhobetrayedtheTitans.Thenshebetrayedthegods.Doyoureallythinkshewillkeepfaithwithyou?
Hecate’sfacewasunreadable.
“Icannotanswerhisaccusations,Hazel,”saidthegoddess.“Thisisyourcrossroads.Youmustchoose.”
Yes,crossroads.Thegiant’slaughterechoed.Hiswoundsseemedtohavehealedcompletely.
Hecateoffersyouobscurity,choices,vaguepromisesofmagic.Iamtheanti-Hecate.Iwillgiveyoutruth.Iwilleliminatechoicesandmagic.IwillstripawaytheMist,onceandfor
all,andshowyoutheworldinallitstruehorror.
Leostruggledtohisfeet,coughinglikeanasthmatic.“I’mlovingthisguy,”hewheezed.
“Seriously,weshouldkeephimaroundforinspirationalseminars.”Hishandsignitedlikeblowtorches.“OrIcouldjustlighthimup.”
“Leo,no,”Hazelsaid.“Myfather’stemple.Mycall.”
“Yeah,okay.But—”
“Hazel…”Annabethwheezed.
Hazelwassoelatedtohearherfriend’svoicethatshealmostturned,butsheknewsheshouldn’ttakehereyesoffClytius.
“Thechains…”Annabethmanaged.
Hazelinhaledsharply.She’dbeenafool!TheDoorsofDeathwerestillopen,shudderingagainstthechainsthatheldtheminplace.Hazelhadtocutthemfreesotheywoulddisappear—andfinallybebeyondGaea’sreach.
Theonlyproblem:abigsmokygiantstoodinherway.
Youcan’tseriouslybelieveyouhavethestrength,Clytiuschided.Whatwillyoudo,HazelLevesque—peltmewithmorerubies?Showermewithsapphires?
Hazelgavehimananswer.Sheraisedherspathaandcharged.
Apparently,Clytiushadn’texpectedhertobequitesosuicidal.Hewasslowraisinghissword.
Bythetimeheslashed,HazelhadduckedbetweenhislegsandjabbedherImperialgoldbladeintohisgluteusmaximus.Notveryladylike.ThenunsatSt.Agneswouldneverhaveapproved.Butitworked.
Clytiusroaredandarchedhisback,waddlingawayfromher.MiststillswirledaroundHazel,hissingasitmetthegiant’sblacksmoke.
HazelrealizedthatHecatewasassistingher—lendingherthestrengthtokeepupadefensiveshroud.Hazelalsoknewthattheinstantherownconcentrationwaveredandthatdarknesstouchedher,shewouldcollapse.Ifthathappened,shewasn’tsureHecatewouldbeable—orwilling—tostopthegiantfromcrushingherandherfriends.
HazelsprintedtowardtheDoorsofDeath.Herbladeshatteredthechainsontheleftsideliketheyweremadeofice.Shelungedtotheright,butClytiusyelled,NO!
Bysheerluck,shewasn’tcutinhalf.Theflatofthegiant’sbladecaughtherinthechestandsentherflying.Sheslammedintothewallandfeltbonescrack.
Acrosstheroom,Leoscreamedhername.
Throughherblurryvision,shesawaflashoffire.Hecatestoodnearby,herformshimmeringasifshewereabouttodissolve.Hertorchesseemedtobeflickeringout,butthatmighthavejustbeenthatHazelwasstartingtoloseconsciousness.
Shecouldn’tgiveupnow.Sheforcedherselftostand.Hersidefeltlikeitwasembedded
withrazorblades.Herswordlayonthegroundaboutfivefeetaway.Shestaggeredtowardit.
“Clytius!”sheshouted.
Shemeantittosoundlikeabravechallenge,butitcameoutasmoreofacroak.
Atleastitgothisattention.ThegiantturnedfromLeoandtheothers.Whenhesawherlimpingforward,helaughed.
Agoodtry,HazelLevesque,Clytiusadmitted.YoudidbetterthanIanticipated.Butmagicalonecannotdefeatme,andyoudonothavesufficientstrength.Hecatehasfailedyou,asshefailsallofherfollowersintheend.
TheMistaroundherwasthinning.Attheotherendoftheroom,Leotriedtoforce-feedPercysomeambrosia,thoughPercywasstillprettymuchoutofit.Annabethwasawakebutstruggling,barelyabletoliftherhead.
Hecatestoodwithhertorches,watchingandwaiting—whichinfuriatedHazelsomuch,shefoundonelastburstofenergy.
Shethrewhersword—notatthegiant,butattheDoorsofDeath.Thechainsontherightsideshattered.Hazelcollapsedinagony,hersideburning,astheDoorsshudderedanddisappearedinaflashofpurplelight.
Clytiusroaredsoloudlythatahalfdozenstelaefellfromtheceilingandshattered.
“Thatwasformybrother,Nico,”Hazelgasped.“Andfordestroyingmyfather’saltar.”Youhaveforfeitedyourrighttoaquickdeath,thegiantsnarled.Iwillsuffocateyouindarkness,slowly,painfully.Hecatecannothelpyou.NOONEcanhelpyou!
Thegoddessraisedhertorches.“Iwouldnotbesocertain,Clytius.Hazel’sfriendssimplyneededalittletimetoreachher—timeyouhavegiventhemwithyourboastingandbragging.”Clytiussnorted.Whatfriends?Theseweaklings?Theyarenochallenge.
InfrontofHazel,theairrippled.TheMistthickened,creatingadoorway,andfourpeoplesteppedthrough.
Hazelweptwithrelief.Frank’sarmwasbleedingandbandaged,buthewasalive.NexttohimstoodNico,Piper,andJason—allwiththeirswordsdrawn.
“Sorrywe’relate,”Jasonsaid.“Isthistheguywhoneedskilling?”
HAZELALMOSTFELTSORRYFORCLYTIUS.
Theyattackedhimfromeverydirection—Leoshootingfireathislegs,FrankandPiperjabbingathischest,Jasonflyingintotheairandkickinghimintheface.HazelwasproudtoseehowwellPiperrememberedhersword-fightinglessons.
Eachtimethegiant’ssmokyveilstartedcreepingaroundoneofthem,Nicowasthere,slashingthroughit,drinkinginthedarknesswithhisStygianblade.
PercyandAnnabethwereontheirfeet,lookingweakanddazed,buttheirswordsweredrawn.
WhendidAnnabethgetasword?Andwhatwasitmadeof—ivory?Theylookedliketheywantedtohelp,buttherewasnoneed.Thegiantwassurrounded.
Clytiussnarled,turningbackandforthasifhecouldn’tdecidewhichofthemtokillfirst.Wait!
Holdstill!No!Ouch!
Thedarknessaroundhimdispelledcompletely,leavingnothingtoprotecthimexcepthisbatteredarmor.Ichoroozedfromadozenwounds.Thedamagehealedalmostasfastasitwasinflicted,butHazelcouldtellthegiantwastiring.
OnelasttimeJasonflewathim,kickinghiminthechest,andthegiant’sbreastplateshattered.
Clytiusstaggeredbackward.Hissworddroppedtothefloor.Hefelltohisknees,andthedemigodsencircledhim.
OnlythendidHecatestepforward,hertorchesraised.Mistcurledaroundthegiant,hissingandbubblingasittouchedhisskin.
“Andsoitends,”Hecatesaid.
Itdoesnotend.Clytius’svoiceechoedfromsomewhereabove,muffledandslurred.My
brethrenhaverisen.GaeawaitsonlyforthebloodofOlympus.Ittookallofyoutogethertodefeatme.WhatwillyoudowhentheEarthMotheropenshereyes?
Hecateturnedhertorchesupsidedown.ShethrustthemlikedaggersatClytius’shead.Thegiant’shairwentupfasterthandrytinder,spreadingdownhisheadandacrosshisbodyuntiltheheatofthebonfiremadeHazelwince.Clytiusfellwithoutasound,face-firstintherubbleofHades’saltar.
Hisbodycrumbledtoashes.
Foramoment,noonespoke.Hazelheardaragged,painfulnoiseandrealizeditwasherownbreathing.Hersidefeltlikeithadbeenkickedinwithabatteringram.
ThegoddessHecatefacedher.“Youshouldgonow,HazelLevesque.Leadyourfriendsoutofthisplace.”
Hazelgrittedherteeth,tryingtoholdinheranger.“Justlikethat?No‘thankyou’?No‘goodwork’?”
Thegoddesstiltedherhead.Galetheweaselchittered—maybeagood-bye,maybeawarning—
anddisappearedinthefoldsofhermistress’sskirts.
“Youlookinthewrongplaceforgratitude,”Hecatesaid.“Asfor‘goodwork,’thatremainstobeseen.SpeedyourwaytoAthens.Clytiuswasnotwrong.Thegiantshaverisen—allofthem,strongerthanever.Gaeaisontheveryedgeofwaking.TheFeastofHopewillbepoorlynamedunlessyouarrivetostopher.”
Thechamberrumbled.Anotherstelacrashedtothefloorandshattered.
“TheHouseofHadesisunstable,”Hecatesaid.“Leavenow.Weshallmeetagain.”Thegoddessdissolved.TheMistevaporated.
“She’sfriendly,”Percygrumbled.
TheothersturnedtowardhimandAnnabeth,asifjustrealizingtheywerethere.
“Dude.”JasongavePercyabearhug.
“BackfromTartarus!”Leowhooped.“That’smypeeps!”
PiperthrewherarmsaroundAnnabethandcried.
FrankrantoHazel.Hegentlyfoldedhisarmsaroundher.“You’rehurt,”hesaid.
“Ribsprobablybroken,”sheadmitted.“ButFrank—whathappenedtoyourarm?”Hemanagedasmile.“Longstory.We’realive.That’swhatmatters.”ShewassogiddywithreliefittookheramomenttonoticeNico,standingbyhimself,hisexpressionfullofpainandconflict.
“Hey,”shecalledtohim,beckoningwithhergoodarm.
Hehesitated,thencameoverandkissedherforehead.“I’mgladyou’reokay,”hesaid.“Theghostswereright.OnlyoneofusmadeittotheDoorsofDeath.You…youwouldhavemadeDadproud.”
Shesmiled,cuppingherhandgentlytohisface.“Wecouldn’thavedefeatedClytiuswithoutyou.”
ShebrushedherthumbunderNico’seyeandwonderedifhehadbeencrying.Shewantedsobadlytounderstandwhatwasgoingonwithhim—whathadhappenedtohimoverthelastfewweeks.
Afterallthey’djustbeenthrough,Hazelwasmoregratefulthanevertohaveabrother.
Beforeshecouldsaythat,theceilingshuddered.Cracksappearedintheremainingtiles.Columnsofdustspilleddown.
“We’vegottogetoutofhere,”Jasonsaid.“Uh,Frank…?”
Frankshookhishead.“IthinkonefavorfromthedeadisallIcanmanagetoday.”
“Wait,what?”Hazelasked.
Piperraisedhereyebrows.“YourunbelievableboyfriendcalledinafavorasachildofMars.Hesummonedthespiritsofsomedeadwarriors,madethemleadusherethrough…um,well,I’mnotsure,actually.Thepassagesofthedead?AllIknowisthatitwasvery,verydark.”Totheirleft,asectionofthewallsplit.Tworubyeyesfromacarvedstoneskeletonpoppedoutandrolledacrossthefloor.
“We’llhavetoshadow-travel,”Hazelsaid.
Nicowinced.“Hazel,Icanbarelymanagethatwithonlymyself.Withsevenmorepeople—”
“I’llhelpyou.”Shetriedtosoundconfident.She’dnevershadow-traveledbefore,hadnoideaifshecould;butafterworkingwiththeMist,alteringtheLabyrinth—shehadtobelieveitwaspossible.
Anentiresectionoftilespeeledloosefromtheceiling.
“Everyone,grabhands!”Nicoyelled.
Theymadeahastycircle.HazelenvisionedtheGreekcountrysideabovethem.Thecaverncollapsed,andshefeltherselfdissolvingintoshadow.
TheyappearedonthehillsideoverlookingtheRiverAcheron.Thesunwasjustrising,makingthewaterglitterandthecloudsgloworange.Thecoolmorningairsmelledofhoneysuckle.
HazelwasholdinghandswithFrankonherleft,Nicoonherright.Theywereallaliveandmostlywhole.Thesunlightinthetreeswasthemostbeautifulthingshe’deverseen.Shewantedtoliveinthatmoment—freeofmonstersandgodsandevilspirits.
Thenherfriendsbegantostir.
NicorealizedthathewasholdingPercy’shandandquicklyletgo.
Leostaggeredbackward.“Youknow…IthinkI’llsitdown.”
Hecollapsed.Theothersjoinedhim.TheArgoIIstillfloatedovertheriverafewhundredyardsaway.HazelknewthattheyshouldsignalCoachHedgeandtellhimtheywerealive.Hadtheybeeninthetempleallnight?Orseveralnights?Butatthemoment,thegroup
wastootiredtodoanythingexceptsitandrelaxandmarvelatthefactthattheywereokay.
Theybegantoexchangestories.
Frankexplainedwhathadhappenedwiththeghostlylegionandthearmyofmonsters—howNicohadusedthescepterofDiocletian,andhowbravelyJasonandPiperhadfought.
“Frankisbeingmodest,”Jasonsaid.“Hecontrolledtheentirelegion.Youshould’veseenhim.
Oh,bytheway…”JasonglancedatPercy.“Iresignedmyoffice,gaveFrankafieldpromotiontopraetor.Unlessyouwanttocontestthatruling.”
Percygrinned.“Noargumenthere.”
“Praetor?”HazelstaredatFrank.
Heshruggeduncomfortably.“Well…yeah.Iknowitseemsweird.”Shetriedtothrowherarmsaroundhim,thenwincedassherememberedherbustedribs.Shesettledforkissinghim.“Itseemsperfect.”
LeoclappedFrankontheshoulder.“Waytogo,Zhang.NowyoucanorderOctaviantofallonhissword.”
“Tempting,”Frankagreed.HeturnedapprehensivelytoPercy.“But,youguys…Tartarushastobetherealstory.Whathappeneddownthere?Howdidyou…?”PercylacedhisfingersthroughAnnabeth’s.
HazelhappenedtoglanceatNicoandsawpaininhiseyes.Shewasn’tsure,butmaybehewasthinkinghowluckyPercyandAnnabethweretohaveeachother.NicohadgonethroughTartarusalone.
“We’lltellyouthestory,”Percypromised.“Butnotyet,okay?I’mnotreadytorememberthatplace.”
“No,”Annabethagreed.“Rightnow…”Shegazedtowardtheriverandfaltered.“Uh,Ithinkourrideiscoming.”
Hazelturned.TheArgoIIveeredtoport,itsaerialoarsinmotion,itssailscatchingthewind.
Festus’sheadglintedinthesunlight.Evenfromadistance,Hazelcouldhearhimcreakingandclankinginjubilation.
“That’smyboy!”Leoyelled.
Astheshipgotcloser,HazelsawCoachHedgestandingattheprow.
“Abouttime!”thecoachyelleddown.Hewasdoinghisbesttoscowl,buthiseyesgleamedasifmaybe,justmaybe,hewashappytoseethem.“Whattookyousolong,cupcakes?Youkeptyourvisitorwaiting!”
“Visitor?”Hazelmurmured.
AttherailnexttoCoachHedge,adark-hairedgirlappearedwearingapurplecloak,herfacesocoveredwithsootandbloodyscratchesthatHazelalmostdidn’trecognizeher.
Reynahadarrived.
PERCYSTAREDATTHEATHENAPARTHENOS,waitingforittostrikehimdown.
Leo’snewmechanicalhoistsystemhadloweredthestatueontothehillsidewithsurprisingease.
Nowtheforty-foot-tallgoddessgazedserenelyovertheRiverAcheron,hergolddresslikemoltenmetalinthesun.
“Incredible,”Reynaadmitted.
Shewasstillred-eyedfromcrying.Soonaftershe’dlandedontheArgoII,herpegasusScipiohadcollapsed,overwhelmedbypoisonedclawmarksfromagryphonattackthenightbefore.Reynahadputthehorseoutofhismiserywithhergoldenknife,turningthepegasusintodustthatscatteredinthesweet-smellingGreekair.Maybenotabadendforaflyinghorse,butReynahadlostaloyalfriend.Percyfiguredthatshe’dgivenuptoomuchinherlifealready.
ThepraetorcircledtheAthenaParthenoswarily.“Itlooksnewlymade.”
“Yeah,”Leosaid.“Webrushedoffthecobwebs,usedalittleWindex.Itwasn’thard.”TheArgoIIhoveredjustoverhead.WithFestuskeepingwatchforthreatsontheradar,theentirecrewhaddecidedtoeatlunchonthehillsidewhiletheydiscussedwhattodo.Afterthelastfewweeks,Percyfiguredthey’dearnedagoodmealtogether—reallyanythingthatwasn’tfirewaterordrakonmeatsoup.
“Hey,Reyna,”Annabethcalled.“Havesomefood.Joinus.”
Thepraetorglancedover,herdarkeyebrowsfurrowed,asifjoinusdidn’tquitecompute.PercyhadneverseenReynawithoutherarmorbefore.Itwasonboardtheship,beingrepairedbyBufordtheWonderTable.SheworeapairofjeansandapurpleCampJupiterT-shirtandlookedalmostlikeanormalteenager—exceptfortheknifeatherbeltandthatguardedexpression,likeshewasreadyforanattackfromanydirection.
“Allright,”shesaidfinally.
Theyscootedovertomakeroomforherinthecircle.Shesatcross-leggednexttoAnnabeth,pickedupacheesesandwich,andnibbledattheedge.
“So,”Reynasaid.“FrankZhang…praetor.”
Frankshifted,wipingcrumbsfromhischin.“Well,yeah.Fieldpromotion.”
“Toleadadifferentlegion,”Reynanoted.“Alegionofghosts.”HazelputherarmprotectivelythroughFrank’s.Afteranhourinsickbay,theybothlookedalotbetter;butPercycouldtelltheyweren’tsurewhattothinkabouttheiroldbossfromCampJupiterdroppinginforlunch.
“Reyna,”Jasonsaid,“youshould’veseenhim.”
“Hewasamazing,”Piperagreed.
“Frankisaleader,”Hazelinsisted.“Hemakesagreatpraetor.”Reyna’seyesstayedonFrank,likeshewastryingtoguesshisweight.“Ibelieveyou,”shesaid.
“Iapprove.”
Frankblinked.“Youdo?”
Reynasmileddryly.“AsonofMars,theherowhohelpedtobringbacktheeagleofthelegion…Icanworkwithademigodlikethat.I’mjustwonderinghowtoconvincetheTwelfthFulminata.”Frankscowled.“Yeah.I’vebeenwonderingthesamething.”Percystillcouldn’tgetoverhowmuchFrankhadchanged.A“growthspurt”wasputtingitmildly.Hewasatleastthreeinchestaller,lesspudgy,andmorebulky,likealinebacker.Hisfacelookedsturdier,hisjawlinemorerugged.ItwasasifFrankhadturnedintoabullandthenbacktohuman,buthe’dkeptsomeofthebullishness.
“Thelegionwilllistentoyou,Reyna,”Franksaid.“Youmadeitherealone,acrosstheancientlands.”
Reynachewedhersandwichasifitwerecardboard.“Indoingso,Ibrokethelawsofthelegion.”
“CaesarbrokethelawwhenhecrossedtheRubicon,”Franksaid.“Greatleadershavetothinkoutsidetheboxsometimes.”
Sheshookherhead.“I’mnotCaesar.AfterfindingJason’snoteinDiocletian’sPalace,trackingyoudownwaseasy.IonlydidwhatIthoughtwasnecessary.”Percycouldn’thelpsmiling.“Reyna,you’retoomodest.FlyinghalfwayacrosstheworldbyyourselftoanswerAnnabeth’splea,becauseyouknewitwasourbestchanceforpeace?That’sprettyfreakingheroic.”
Reynashrugged.“SaysthedemigodwhofellintoTartarusandfoundhiswayback.”
“Hehadhelp,”Annabethsaid.
“Oh,obviously,”Reynasaid.“Withoutyou,IdoubtPercycouldfindhiswayoutofapaperbag.”
“True,”Annabethagreed.
“Hey!”Percycomplained.
Theothersstartedlaughing,butPercydidn’tmind.Itfeltgoodtoseethemsmile.Heck,justbeinginthemortalworldfeltgood,breathingun-poisonousair,enjoyingactualsunshineonhisback.
SuddenlyhethoughtofBob.Tellthesunandstarshelloforme.
Percy’ssmilemelted.BobandDamasenhadsacrificedtheirlivessothatPercyandAnnabethcouldsitherenow,enjoyingthesunlightandlaughingwiththeirfriends.
Itwasn’tfair.
Leopulledatinyscrewdriverfromhistoolbelt.Hestabbedachocolate-coveredstrawberryandpassedittoCoachHedge.Thenhepulledoutanotherscrewdriverandspearedasecondstrawberryforhimself.
“So,thetwenty-million-pesoquestion,”Leosaid.“Wegotthisslightlyusedforty-foot-tallstatueofAthena.Whatdowedowithit?”
ReynasquintedattheAthenaParthenos.“Asfineasitlooksonthishill,Ididn’tcomeallthiswaytoadmireit.AccordingtoAnnabeth,itmustbereturnedtoCampHalf-BloodbyaRomanleader.
DoIunderstandcorrectly?”
Annabethnodded.“Ihadadreamdownin…youknow,Tartarus.IwasonHalf-BloodHill,andAthena’svoicesaid,Imuststandhere.TheRomanmustbringme.”Percystudiedthestatueuneasily.He’dneverhadthebestrelationshipwithAnnabeth’smom.HekeptexpectingBigMamaStatuetocomealiveandchewhimoutforgettingherdaughterintosomuchtrouble—ormaybejuststeponhimwithoutaword.
“Itmakessense,”Nicosaid.
Percyflinched.ItalmostsoundedlikeNicohadreadhismindandwasagreeingthatAthenashouldsteponhim.
ThesonofHadessatattheotherendofthecircle,eatingnothingbuthalfapomegranate,thefruitoftheUnderworld.PercywonderedifthatwasNico’sideaofajoke.
“Thestatueisapowerfulsymbol,”Nicosaid.“ARomanreturningittotheGreeks…thatcouldhealthehistoricrift,maybeevenhealthegodsoftheirsplitpersonalities.”CoachHedgeswallowedhisstrawberryalongwithhalfthescrewdriver.“Now,holdon.Ilikepeaceasmuchasthenextsatyr—”
“Youhatepeace,”Leosaid.
“Thepointis,Valdez,we’reonly—what,afewdaysfromAthens?Wegotanarmyofgiantswaitingforusthere.Wewenttoallthetroubleofsavingthisstatue—”
“Iwenttomostofthetrouble,”Annabethremindedhim.
“—becausethatprophecycalleditthegiants’bane,”thecoachcontinued.“Sowhyaren’twetakingittoAthenswithus?It’sobviouslyoursecretweapon.”HeeyedtheAthenaParthenos.“Itlookslikeaballisticmissiletome.MaybeifValdezstrappedsomeenginestoit—”Piperclearedherthroat.“Uh,greatidea,Coach,butalotofushavehaddreams
andvisionsofGaearisingatCampHalf-Blood…”
SheunsheathedherdaggerKatoptrisandsetitonherplate.Atthemoment,thebladeshowednothingexceptsky,butlookingatitstillmadePercyuncomfortable.
“Sincewegotbacktotheship,”Pipersaid,“I’vebeenseeingsomebadstuffintheknife.TheRomanlegionisalmostwithinstrikingdistanceofCampHalf-Blood.They’regatheringreinforcements:spirits,eagles,wolves.”
“Octavian,”Reynagrowled.“Itoldhimtowait.”
“Whenwetakeovercommand,”Franksuggested,“ourfirstorderofbusinessshouldbetoloadOctavianintothenearestcatapultandfirehimasfarawayaspossible.”
“Agreed,”Reynasaid.“Butfornow—”
“He’sintentonwar,”Annabethputin.“He’llhaveit,unlesswestophim.”Piperturnedthebladeofherknife.“Unfortunately,that’snottheworstofit.Isawimagesofapossiblefuture—thecampinflames,RomanandGreekdemigodslyingdead.AndGaea…”Hervoicefailedher.
PercyrememberedthegodTartarusinphysicalform,loomingoverhim.He’dneverfeltsuchhelplessnessandterror.Hestillburnedwithshame,rememberinghowhisswordhadslippedoutofhishand.
Youmightaswelltrytokilltheearth,Tartarushadsaid.
IfGaeawasthatpowerful,andshehadanarmyofgiantsatherside,Percydidn’tseehowsevendemigodscouldstopher,especiallywhenmostofthegodswereincapacitated.TheyhadtostopthegiantsbeforeGaeawoke,oritwasgameover.
IftheAthenaParthenoswasasecretweapon,takingittoAthenswasprettytempting.Heck,Percykindoflikedthecoach’sideaofusingitasamissileandsendingGaeaupinagodlynuclearmushroomcloud.
Unfortunately,hisguttoldhimthatAnnabethwasright.ThestatuebelongedbackonLongIsland,whereitmightbeabletostopthewarbetweenthetwocamps.
“SoReynatakesthestatue,”Percysaid.“AndwecontinueontoAthens.”Leoshrugged.“Coolwithme.But,uh,afewpeskylogisticalproblems.Wegotwhat—twoweeksuntilthatRomanfeastdaywhenGaeaissupposedtorise?”
“TheFeastofSpes,”Jasonsaid.“That’sonthefirstofAugust.Todayis—”
“Julyeighteenth,”Frankoffered.“So,yeah,fromtomorrow,exactlyfourteendays.”Hazelwinced.“IttookuseighteendaystogetfromRometohere—atripthatshould’veonlytakentwoorthreedays,max.”
“So,givenourusualluck,”Leosaid,“maybewehaveenoughtimetogettheArgoIItoAthens,findthegiants,andstopthemfromwakingGaea.Maybe.ButhowisReynasupposedtogetthismassivestatuebacktoCampHalf-BloodbeforetheGreeksandRomansputeachotherthroughtheblender?Shedoesn’tevenhaveherpegasusanymore.Uh,sorry—”
“Fine,”Reynasnapped.Shemightbetreatingthemlikealliesratherthanenemies,but
PercycouldtellReynastillhadanot-so-softspotforLeo,probablybecausehe’dblownuphalftheForuminNewRome.
Shetookadeepbreath.“Unfortunately,Leoiscorrect.Idon’tseehowIcantransportsomethingsolarge.Iwasassuming—well,Iwashopingyouallwouldhaveananswer.”
“TheLabyrinth,”Hazelsaid.“I—Imean,ifPasiphaëreallyhasreopenedit,andIthinkshehas…”ShelookedatPercyapprehensively.“Well,yousaidtheLabyrinthcouldtakeyouanywhere.
Somaybe—”
“No.”PercyandAnnabethspokeinunison.
“Nottoshootyoudown,Hazel,”Percysaid.“It’sjust…”
Hestruggledtofindtherightwords.HowcouldhedescribetheLabyrinthtosomeonewho’dneverexploredit?Daedalushadcreatedittobealiving,growingmaze.Overthecenturiesithadspreadliketherootsofatreeundertheentiresurfaceoftheworld.Sure,itcouldtakeyouanywhere.
Distanceinsidewasmeaningless.YoucouldenterthemazeinNewYork,walktenfeet,andexitthemazeinLosAngeles—butonlyifyoufoundareliablewaytonavigate.OtherwisetheLabyrinthwouldtrickyouandtrytokillyouateveryturn.WhenthetunnelnetworkcollapsedafterDaedalusdied,Percyhadbeenrelieved.Theideathatthemazewasregeneratingitself,honeycombingitswayundertheearthagainandprovidingaspaciousnewhomeformonsters…thatdidn’tmakehimhappy.
Hehadenoughproblemsalready.
“Foronething,”hesaid,“thepassagesintheLabyrintharewaytoosmallfortheAthenaParthenos.There’snochanceyoucouldtakeitdownthere—”
“Andevenifthemazeisreopening,”Annabethcontinued,“wedon’tknowwhatitmightbelikenow.Itwasdangerousenoughbefore,underDaedalus’scontrol,andhewasn’tevil.IfPasiphaëhasremadetheLabyrinththewayshewanted…”Sheshookherhead.“Hazel,maybeyourundergroundsensescouldguideReynathrough,butnooneelsewouldstandachance.Andweneedyouhere.
Besides,ifyougotlostdownthere—”
“You’reright,”Hazelsaidglumly.“Nevermind.”
Reynacasthereyesaroundthegroup.“Otherideas?”
“Icouldgo,”Frankoffered,notsoundingveryhappyaboutit.“IfI’mapraetor,Ishouldgo.
Maybewecouldrigsomesortofsled,or—”
“No,FrankZhang.”Reynagavehimawearysmile.“Ihopewewillworksidebysideinthefuture,butfornowyourplaceiswiththecrewofthisship.Youareoneofthesevenoftheprophecy.”
“I’mnot,”Nicosaid.
Everybodystoppedeating.PercystaredacrossthecircleatNico,tryingtodecideifhewasjoking.
Hazelsetdownherfork.“Nico—”
“I’llgowithReyna,”hesaid.“Icantransportthestatuewithshadow-travel.”
“Uh…”Percyraisedhishand.“Imean,Iknowyoujustgotalleightofustothesurface,andthatwasawesome.Butayearagoyousaidtransportingjustyourselfwasdangerousandunpredictable.AcoupleoftimesyouendedupinChina.Transportingaforty-footstatueandtwopeoplehalfwayacrosstheworld—”
“I’vechangedsinceIcamebackfromTartarus.”Nico’seyesglitteredwithanger—moreintenselythanPercyunderstood.Hewonderedifhe’ddonesomethingtooffendtheguy.
“Nico,”Jasonintervened,“we’renotquestioningyourpower.Wejustwanttomakesureyoudon’tkillyourselftrying.”
“Icandoit,”heinsisted.“I’llmakeshortjumps—afewhundredmileseachtime.It’strue,aftereachjumpIwon’tbeinanyshapetofendoffmonsters.I’llneedReynatodefendmeandthestatue.”Reynahadanexcellentpokerface.Shestudiedthegroup,scanningtheirfaces,butbetrayingnoneofherownthoughts.“Anyobjections?”
Noonespoke.
“Verywell,”shesaid,withthefinalityofajudge.Ifshehadagavel,Percysuspectedshewouldhavebangedit.“Iseenobetteroption.Buttherewillbemanymonsterattacks.Iwouldfeelbettertakingathirdperson.That’stheoptimalnumberforaquest.”
“CoachHedge,”Frankblurted.
Percystaredathim,notsurehe’dheardcorrectly.“Uh,what,Frank?”
“Thecoachisthebestchoice,”Franksaid.“Theonlychoice.He’sagoodfighter.He’sacertifiedprotector.He’llgetthejobdone.”
“Afaun,”Reynasaid.
“Satyr!”barkedthecoach.“And,yeah,I’llgo.Besides,whenyougettoCampHalf-Blood,you’llneedsomebodywithconnectionsanddiplomaticskillstokeeptheGreeksfromattackingyou.Justletmegomakeacall—er,Imean,getmybaseballbat.”
HegotupandshotFrankanunspokenmessagethatPercycouldn’tquiteread.Despitethefactthathe’djustbeenvolunteeredforalikelysuicidemission,thecoachlookedgrateful.Hejoggedofftowardtheship’sladder,tappinghishoovestogetherlikeanexcitedkid.
Nicorose.“Ishouldgo,too,andrestbeforethefirstpassage.We’llmeetatthestatueatsunset.”Oncehewasgone,Hazelfrowned.“He’sactingstrangely.I’mnotsurehe’sthinkingthisthrough.”
“He’llbeokay,”Jasonsaid.
“Ihopeyou’reright.”Shepassedherhandovertheground.Diamondsbrokethesurface—aglitteringmilkywayofstones.“We’reatanothercrossroads.TheAthenaParthenosgoeswest.TheArgoIIgoeseast.Ihopewechosecorrectly.”
Percywishedhecouldsaysomethingencouraging,buthefeltunsettled.Despiteallthey’dbeenthroughandallthebattlesthey’dwon,theystillseemednoclosertodefeatingGaea.Sure,they’dreleasedThanatos.They’dclosedtheDoorsofDeath.AtleastnowtheycouldkillmonstersandmakethemstayinTartarusforawhile.Butthegiantswereback—allthegiants.
“Onethingbothersme,”hesaid.“IftheFeastofSpesisintwoweeks,andGaeaneedsthebloodoftwodemigodstowake—whatdidClytiuscallit?ThebloodofOlympus?—thenaren’twedoingexactlywhatGaeawants,headingtoAthens?Ifwedon’tgo,andshecan’tsacrificeanyofus,doesn’tthatmeanshecan’twakeupfully?”
Annabethtookhishand.Hedrankinthesightofhernowthattheywerebackinthemortalworld,withouttheDeathMist,herblondhaircatchingthesunlight—evenifshewasstillthinandwan,likehim,andhergrayeyeswerestormywiththought.
“Percy,propheciescutbothways,”shesaid.“Ifwedon’tgo,wemayloseourbestandonlychancetostopher.Athensiswhereourbattlelies.Wecan’tavoidit.Besides,tryingtothwartpropheciesneverworks.Gaeacouldcaptureussomewhereelse,orspillthebloodofsomeotherdemigods.”
“Yeah,you’reright,”Percysaid.“Idon’tlikeit,butyou’reright.”ThemoodofthegroupbecameasgloomyasTartarusair,untilPiperbrokethetension.
“Well!”Shesheathedherbladeandpattedhercornucopia.“Goodpicnic.Whowantsdessert?”
ATSUNSET,PERCYFOUNDNICOtyingropesaroundthepedestaloftheAthenaParthenos.
“Thankyou,”Percysaid.
Nicofrowned.“Whatfor?”
“YoupromisedtoleadtheotherstotheHouseofHades,”Percysaid.“Youdidit.”Nico
tiedtheendsoftheropestogether,makingahalter.“YougotmeoutofthatbronzejarinRome.Savedmylifeyetagain.ItwastheleastIcoulddo.”Hisvoicewassteely,guarded.Percywishedhecouldfigureoutwhatmadethisguytick,buthe’dneverbeenableto.NicowasnolongerthegeekykidfromWestoverHallwiththeMythomagiccards.
Norwashetheangrylonerwho’dfollowedtheghostofMinosthroughtheLabyrinth.Butwhowashe?
“Also,”Percysaid,“youvisitedBob…”
HetoldNicoabouttheirtripthroughTartarus.Hefiguredifanyonecouldunderstand,Nicocould.“YouconvincedBobthatIcouldbetrusted,eventhoughInevervisitedhim.Inevergavehimasecondthought.Youprobablysavedourlivesbybeingnicetohim.”
“Yeah,well,”Nicosaid,“notgivingpeopleasecondthought…thatcanbedangerous.”
“Dude,I’mtryingtosaythankyou.”
Nicolaughedwithouthumor.“I’mtryingtosayyoudon’tneedto.NowIneedtofinishthis,ifyoucouldgivemesomespace?”
“Yeah.Yeah,okay.”PercysteppedbackwhileNicotookuptheslackonhisropes.HeslippedthemoverhisshouldersasiftheAthenaParthenoswereagiantbackpack.
Percycouldn’thelpfeelingalittlehurt,beingtoldtotakeahike.Thenagain,Nicohadbeenthroughalot.TheguyhadsurvivedinTartarusonhisown.Percyunderstoodfirsthandjusthowmuchstrengththatmusthavetaken.
Annabethwalkedupthehilltojointhem.ShetookPercy’shand,whichmadehimfeelbetter.
“Goodluck,”shetoldNico.
“Yeah.”Hedidn’tmeethereyes.“Youtoo.”
Aminutelater,ReynaandCoachHedgearrivedinfullarmorwithpacksovertheirshoulders.
Reynalookedgrimandreadyforcombat.CoachHedgegrinnedlikehewasexpectingasurpriseparty.
ReynagaveAnnabethahug.“Wewillsucceed,”shepromised.
“Iknowyouwill,”Annabethsaid.
CoachHedgeshoulderedhisbaseballbat.“Yeah,don’tworry.I’mgoingtogettocampandseemybaby!Uh,ImeanI’mgoingtogetthisbabytocamp!”HepattedthelegoftheAthenaParthenos.
“Allright,”saidNico.“Grabtheropes,please.Herewego.”ReynaandHedgetookhold.Theairdarkened.TheAthenaParthenoscollapsedintoitsownshadowanddisappeared,alongwithitsthreeescorts.
TheArgoIIsailedafternightfall.
Theyveeredsouthwestuntiltheyreachedthecoast,thensplasheddownintheIonianSea.Percywasrelievedtofeelthewavesbeneathhimagain.
ItwouldhavebeenashortertriptoAthensoverland,butafterthecrew’sexperiencewithmountainspiritsinItaly,they’ddecidednottoflyoverGaea’sterritoryanymorethantheyhadto.
TheywouldsailaroundtheGreekmainland,followingtheroutesthatGreekheroeshadtakenintheancienttimes.
ThatwasfinewithPercy.Helovedbeingbackinhisfather’selement—withthefreshseaairinhislungsandthesaltysprayonhisarms.Hestoodatthestarboardrailandclosedhiseyes,sensingthecurrentsbeneaththem.ButimagesofTartaruskeptburninginhismind—theRiverPhlegethon,theblisteredgroundwheremonstersregenerated,thedarkforestwherearaicircledoverheadintheblood-mistclouds.Mostofall,hethoughtaboutahutintheswampwithawarmfireandracksofdryingherbsanddrakonjerky.Hewonderedifthathutwasemptynow.
Annabethpressednexttohimattherail,herwarmthreassuring.
“Iknow,”shemurmured,readinghisexpression.“Ican’tgetthatplaceoutofmyhead,either.”
“Damasen,”Percysaid.“AndBob…”
“Iknow.”Hervoicewasfragile.“Wehavetomaketheirsacrificeworthit.WehavetobeatGaea.”
Percystaredintothenightsky.HewishedtheywerelookingatitfromthebeachonLongIslandratherthanfromhalfwayaroundtheworld,sailingtowardalmostcertaindeath.
HewonderedwhereNico,Reyna,andHedgewerenow,andhowlongitwouldtakethemtomakeitback—assumingtheysurvived.HeimaginedtheRomansdrawingupbattlelinesrightnow,encirclingCampHalf-Blood.
FourteendaystoreachAthens.Thenonewayoranother,thewarwouldbedecided.
Overinthebow,LeowhistledhappilyashetinkeredwithFestus’smechanicalbrain,mutteringsomethingaboutacrystalandanastrolabe.Amidships,PiperandHazelpracticedtheirswordplay,goldandbronzebladesringinginthenight.JasonandFrankstoodatthehelm,talkinginlowtones—
maybetellingstoriesofthelegion,orsharingthoughtsonbeingpraetor.
“We’vegotagoodcrew,”Percysaid.“IfIhavetosailtomydeath—”
“You’renotdyingonme,SeaweedBrain,”Annabethsaid.“Remember?Neverseparatedagain.
Andafterwegethome…”
“What?”Percyasked.
Shekissedhim.“Askmeagain,oncewedefeatGaea.”
Hesmiled,happytohavesomethingtolookforwardto.“Whateveryousay.”Astheysailedfartherfromthecoast,theskydarkenedandmorestarscameout.
Percystudiedtheconstellations—theonesAnnabethhadtaughthimsomanyyearsago.
“Bobsayshello,”hetoldthestars.
TheArgoIIsailedintothenight.
Glossary
Achelousapotamus,orrivergod
AegisThaliaGrace’sterror-inducingshield
Aeolusgodofallwinds
AkhlysGreekgoddessofmisery;goddessofpoisons;controlleroftheDeathMist;daughterofChaosandNight
AlcyoneustheeldestofthegiantsborntoGaea,destinedtofightPlutoAlodaitwingiantswhoattemptedtostormMountOlympusbypilingthreeGreekmountainsontopofeachother.Arestriedtostopthem,buthewasdefeatedandimprisonedinabronzeurn,untilHermesrescuedhim.Artemislaterbroughtaboutthegiants’destructionwhensheracedbetweenthemintheformofadeer.Theybothtookaimwiththeirspears,butmissedandinsteadstruckeachother.
AphroditetheGreekgoddessofloveandbeauty.ShewasmarriedtoHephaestus,butshelovedAres,thegodofwar.Romanform:Venus
AquiloRomangodoftheNorthWind.Greekform:BoreasArachneaweaverwhoclaimedtohaveskillssuperiortoAthena’s.Thisangeredthegoddess,whodestroyedArachne’stapestryandloom.Arachnehungherself,andAthenabroughtherbacktolifeasaspider.
araifemalespiritsofcurses;wrinkledhagswithbatlikewings,brasstalons,andglowingredeyes;daughtersofNyx(Night)
ArchimedesaGreekmathematician,physicist,engineer,inventor,andastronomerwholivedbetween287–212BCEandisregardedasoneoftheleadingscientistsinclassicalantiquity;hediscoveredhowtodeterminethevolumeofasphere
ArestheGreekgodofwar;thesonofZeusandHera,andhalfbrothertoAthena.Romanform:Mars
argentumsilver;thenameofoneofReyna’stwometallicgreyhoundsthatcandetectlies
ArgoIIthefantasticalshipbuiltbyLeo,whichcanbothsailandflyandhasFestusthebronzedragonasitsfigurehead.TheshipwasnamedaftertheArgo,thevesselusedbyabandofGreekheroeswhoaccompaniedJasononhisquesttofindtheGoldenFleece.
ArgonautsinGreekmythology,abandofheroeswhosailedwithJasonontheArgo,insearchoftheGoldenFleece
AriadneadaughterofMinoswhohelpedTheseusescapefromtheLabyrinthArionanincrediblyfastmagicalhorsethatrunswildandfree,butoccasionallyanswersHazel’ssummons;hisfavoritesnackisgoldnuggets
astrolabeaninstrumentusedtonavigatebasedonthepositionofplanetsandstarsAthenatheGreekgoddessofwisdom.Romanform:MinervaAthenaParthenosagiantstatueofAthena,themostfamousGreekstatueofalltimeauguryasignofsomething
coming,anomen;thepracticeofdiviningthefuture
aurumgold;thenameofoneofReyna’stwometallicgreyhoundsthatcandetectliesAusterRomangodoftheSouthWind.Greekform:NotusBacchustheRomangodofwineandrevelry.Greekform:Dionysusballista(ballistae,pl.)aRomanmissilesiegeweaponthatlaunchedalargeprojectileatadistanttarget(seealsoscorpionballista)
barracksthelivingquartersofRomansoldiers
BellonaaRomangoddessofwar
BoreadsCalaisandZethes,sonsofBoreas,godoftheNorthWindBoreasgodoftheNorthWind.Romanform:Aquilo
braccaeLatinfortrousers
BunkerNineahiddenworkshopLeodiscoveredatCampHalf-Blood,filledwithtoolsandweapons.
ItisatleasttwohundredyearsoldandwasusedduringtheDemigodCivilWar.
CadmusademigodwhomAresturnedintoasnakewhenCadmuskilledhisdragonsonCalypsothegoddessnymphofthemythicalislandofOgygia;adaughteroftheTitanAtlas.ShedetainedtheheroOdysseusformanyyears.
CampHalf-BloodthetraininggroundforGreekdemigods,locatedonLongIsland,NewYorkCampJupiterthetraininggroundforRomandemigods,locatedbetweentheOaklandHillsandtheBerkeleyHills,inCalifornia
catapultamilitarymachineusedtohurlobjects
Celestialbronzeararemetaldeadlytomonsters
centauraraceofcreaturesthatishalfhuman,halfhorsecenturionanofficeroftheRomanarmy
CerestheRomangoddessofagriculture.Greekform:DemetercharmspeakablessingbestowedbyAphroditeonherchildrenthatenablesthemtopersuadeotherswiththeirvoice
chitonaGreekgarment;asleevelesspieceoflinenorwoolsecuredattheshouldersbybroochesandatthewaistbyabelt
CirceaGreekgoddessofmagic
ClytiusagiantcreatedbyGaeatoabsorbanddefeatallofHecate’smagicCocytustheRiverofLamentationinTartarus,madeofpuremiserycohortoneoftendivisionsinaRomanlegion;agroupofsoldiersColosseumanellipticalamphitheaterinthecenterofRome,Italy.Capableofseatingfiftythousandspectators,theColosseumwasusedforgladiatorialcontestsandpublicspectacles,suchasmockseabattles,animalhunts,executions,reenactmentsoffamousbattles,anddramas.
cornucopiaalargehorn-shapedcontaineroverflowingwithediblesorwealthinsomeform.ThecornucopiawascreatedwhenHeracles(Roman:Hercules)wrestledwiththerivergodAchelousandwrenchedoffoneofhishorns.
CupidRomangodoflove.Greekform:Eros
Cyclopsamemberofaprimordialraceofgiants(Cyclopes,pl.),eachwithasingleeyeinthemiddleofhisorherforehead
DaedalusinGreekmythology,askilledcraftsmanwhocreatedtheLabyrinthonCreteinwhichtheMinotaur(partman,partbull)waskept
DamasengiantsonofTartarusandGaea;createdtoopposeAres;condemnedtoTartarusforslayingadrakonthatwasravagingtheland
DemetertheGreekgoddessofagriculture;adaughteroftheTitansRheaandKronos.Romanform:Ceres
denarius(denarii,pl.)themostcommoncoinintheRomancurrencysystemDiocletianthelastgreatpaganemperor,andthefirsttoretirepeacefully;ademigod(sonofJupiter).
Accordingtolegend,hissceptercouldraiseaghostarmy.
DiomedesaprincipalGreekherointheTrojanWar
DionysustheGreekgodofwineandrevelry;asonofZeus.Romanform:BacchusDoorsofDeaththedoorwaytotheHouseofHades,locatedinTartarus.TheDoorshavetwosides—
oneinthemortalworldandoneintheUnderworld.
drachmathesilvercoinofAncientGreece
drakonagiganticyellowandgreenserpent-likemonster,withfrillsarounditsneck,reptilianeyes,andhugetalons;itspitspoison
dryadstreenymphs
EarthbornGegeneesinGreek;monstersthatwearonlyaloinclothandhavesixarms
eidolonspossessingspirits
ElysiumthesectionoftheUnderworldwherethosewhoareblessedbythegodsaresenttorestineternalpeaceafterdeath
empousaavampirewithfangs,claws,abronzeleftleg,adonkeyrightleg,hairmadeoffire,andskinaswhiteasbone.Empousai[pl.]havetheabilitytomanipulatetheMist,changeshape,andcharmspeakinordertoattracttheirmortalvictims.
EpirusaregionpresentlyinnorthwesternGreeceandsouthernAlbaniaErisgoddessofstrife
ErosGreekgodoflove.Romanform:Cupid
faunaRomanforestgod,partgoatandpartman.Greekform:satyrFavoniusRomangodoftheWestWind.Greekform:ZephyrosFieldsofAsphodelthesectionoftheUnderworldwherepeoplewholivedneitheragoodnorabadlifearesentafterdeath
FieldsofPunishmentthesectionoftheUnderworldwherepeoplewhowereevilduringtheirlivesaresentafterdeathtofaceeternalpunishmentfortheircrimesFuriesRomangoddessesofvengeance;usuallycharacterizedasthreesisters—Alecto,Tisiphone,and
Megaera;thechildrenofGaiaandUranus.TheyresideintheUnderworld,tormentingevildoersandsinners.Greekform:theErinyes
GaeatheGreekearthgoddess;motherofTitans,giants,Cyclopes,andothermonsters.Romanform:Terra
Gerasgodofoldage
GeryonamonsterwiththreebodiesthatwasslainbyHeracles/Hercules
gladiusashortsword
GraecusthewordRomansusedforGreek
greavesshinarmor
Greekfireanincendiaryweaponusedinnavalbattlesbecauseitcancontinueburninginwater
gris-grisInthisNewOrleansVoodoopracticenamedaftertheFrenchwordforgray(gris),specialherbsandotheringredientsarecombinedandputintoasmallredflannelbagthatiswornorstoredtorestorethebalancebetweentheblackandwhiteaspectsofaperson’slife.
gryphonacreaturewiththeforequarters(includingtalons)andwingsofaneagleandthehindquartersofalion
HadestheGreekgodofdeathandriches.Romanform:PlutoHannibalaCarthaginiancommanderwholivedbetween247and183/182BCEandisgenerallyconsideredtobeoneofthegreatestmilitarystrategistsinhistory.Oneofhismostfamousachievementswasmarchinganarmy,whichincludedwarelephants,fromIberiaoverthePyreneesandtheAlpsintonorthernItaly.
harpyawingedfemalecreaturethatsnatchesthingsHecategoddessofmagicandcrossroads;controlstheMist;daughterofTitansPersesandAsteriaHemeragoddessofday;daughterofNight
HephaestustheGreekgodoffireandcraftsandofblacksmiths;thesonofZeusandHera,andmarriedtoAphrodite.Romanform:Vulcan
HeratheGreekgoddessofmarriage;Zeus’swifeandsister.Romanform:JunoHeraclesthesonofZeusandAlcmene;thestrongestofallmortals.Romanform:HerculesHerculesthesonofJupiterandAlcmene,whowasbornwithgreatstrength.Greekform:HeraclesHermesGreekgodoftravelers;guidetospiritsofthedead;godofcommunication.Romanform:Mercury
HesiodaGreekpoetwhospeculatedthatitwouldtakeninedaystofalltothebottomofTartarusHoratiusaRomangeneralwhosingle-handedlyheldoffahordeofinvaders,sacrificinghimselfonabridgetokeepthebarbariansfromcrossingtheTiberRiver.BygivinghisfellowRomanstimetofinishtheirdefenses,hesavedtheRepublic.
HouseofHadesaplaceintheUnderworldwhereHades,theGreekgodofdeath,andhiswife,Persephone,ruleoverthesoulsofthedeparted;anoldtempleinEpirusinGreeceHyperiononeofthetwelveTitans;TitanlordoftheeastHypnosGreekgodofsleep.Romanform:Somnus
hypogeumtheareaunderacoliseumthathousedsetpiecesandmachineryusedforspecialeffectsIapetusoneofthetwelveTitans;lordofthewest;hisnamemeansthePiercer.WhenPercyfoughthiminHades’srealm,IapetusfellintotheRiverLetheandlosthismemory;PercyrenamedhimBob.
ichorthegoldenfluidthatisthebloodofgodsandimmortalsImperialgoldararemetaldeadlytomonsters,consecratedatthePantheon;itsexistencewasacloselyguardedsecretoftheemperors
JanusRomangodofdoorways,beginnings,andtransitions;depictedashavingtwofaces,becausehelookstothefutureandtothepast
JunotheRomangoddessofwomen,marriage,andfertility;sisterandwifeofJupiter;motherofMars.Greekform:Hera
JupitertheRomankingofthegods;alsocalledJupiterOptimusMaximus(thebestandthegreatest).Greekform:Zeus
Kampêamonsterwiththeupperbodyofasnake-hairedwomanandthelowerbodyofadrakon;appointedbytheTitanKronostoguardtheCyclopesofTartarus.ZeusslewherandfreedthegiantsfromtheirprisontoaidhiminhiswaragainsttheTitans.
katoblepsacowmonsterwhosenamemeans“down-looker”(katoblepones,pl.).TheywereaccidentallyimportedtoVenicefromAfrica.Theyeatpoisonousrootsthatgrowbythecanalsandhaveapoisonousgazeandpoisonousbreath.
KatoptrisPiper’sdagger
Kerkopesapairofchimpanzee-likedwarfswhostealshinythingsandcreatechaosKhionetheGreekgoddessofsnow;daughterofBoreasKoiosoneofthetwelveTitans;TitanlordofthenorthKriosoneofthetwelveTitans;TitanlordofthesouthKronostheyoungestofthetwelveTitans;thesonofOuranosandGaea;thefatherofZeus.Hekilledhisfatherathismother’sbidding.Titanlordoffate,harvest,justice,andtime.Romanform:Saturn
LabyrinthanundergroundmazeoriginallybuiltontheislandofCretebythecraftsmanDaedalustoholdtheMinotaur(partman,partbull)
LaistrygoniangiantamonstrouscannibalfromthefarnorthLarahousegod,ancestralspirit(Lares,pl.)legionnaireRomansoldier
lemuresRomantermforangryghosts
LetodaughteroftheTitanKoios;motherofArtemisandApollowithZeus;goddessofmotherhoodLotusHotelacasinoinLasVegaswherePercy,Annabeth,andGroverlostvaluabletimeduringtheirquestaftereatingenchantedlotusblossoms
MansionofNightNyx’spalace
manticoreacreaturewithahumanhead,alion’sbody,andascorpion’stailMarstheRomangodofwar;alsocalledMarsUltor.Patronoftheempire;divinefatherofRomulusandRemus.Greekform:Ares
MedeaafollowerofHecateandoneofthegreatsorceressesoftheancientworldMercuryRomanmessengerofthegods;godoftrade,profit,andcommerce.Greekform:
HermesMinervatheRomangoddessofwisdom.Greekform:AthenaMinoskingofCrete;sonofZeus;everyyearhemadeKingAeguspicksevenboysandsevengirlstobesenttotheLabyrinth,wheretheywouldbeeatenbytheMinotaur.AfterhisdeathhebecameajudgeintheUnderworld.
MinotauramonsterwiththeheadofabullonthebodyofamanMistamagicforcethatdisguisesthingsfrommortalsMountTamalpaisthesiteintheBayArea(NorthernCalifornia)wheretheTitansbuiltapalacenaiadswaternymphs
NecromanteiontheOracleofDeath,orHouseofHadesinGreek;amultileveledtemplewherepeoplewenttoconsultwiththedead
NeptunetheRomangodofthesea.Greekform:PoseidonNewRomeacommunitynearCampJupiterwheredemigodscanlivetogetherinpeace,withoutinterferencefrommortalsormonsters
NotusGreekgodoftheSouthWind.Romanform:Auster
numinamontanumRomanmountaingod(montana,pl).Greekform:ouraenymphafemalenaturedeitywhoanimatesnature
nymphaeumashrinetonymphs
Nyxgoddessofnight;oneoftheancient,firstbornelementalgodsOdysseuslegendaryGreekkingofIthacaandtheheroofHomer’sepicpoemTheOdyssey.Romanform:Ulysses
Ogygiatheislandhome—andprison—ofthenymphCalypso
ouraeGreekformountaingod.Romanform:numinamontanumOuranosfatheroftheTitans
PasiphaëthewifeofMinos,cursedtofallinlovewithhisprizebullandgivebirthtotheMinotaur(partman,partbull);mistressofmagicalherbalarts
PegasusinGreekmythology,awingeddivinehorse;siredbyPoseidon,inhisroleashorse-god,andfoaledbytheGorgonMedusa;thebrotherofChrysaor
PericlymenusanArgonaut,thesonoftwodemigods,andthegrandsonofPoseidon,whograntedhimtheabilitytochangeintovariousanimals
peristyleentrancetoanemperor’sprivateresidencePersephonetheGreekqueenoftheUnderworld;wifeofHades;daughterofZeusandDemeter.
Romanform:Proserpine
phalanxacompactbodyofheavilyarmedtroops
PhlegethontheRiverofFirethatflowsfromHades’srealmdownintoTartarus;itkeepsthewickedalivesotheycanendurethetormentsoftheFieldsofPunishment
pilum(pila,pl.)ajavelinusedbytheRomanarmyPlutotheRomangodofdeathandriches.Greekform:HadesPolybotesthegiantsonofGaea,theEarthMother
Polyphemusthegiganticone-eyedsonofPoseidonandThoosa;oneoftheCyclopesPorphyrionthekingofthegiantsinGreekandRomanmythologyPoseidontheGreek
godofthesea;sonoftheTitansKronosandRhea,andbrotherofZeusandHades.Romanform:Neptune
praetoranelectedRomanmagistrateandcommanderofthearmyProserpineRomanqueenoftheUnderworld.Greekform:PersephonePsycheayoungmortalwomanwhofellinlovewithErosandwasforcedbyhismother,Aphrodite,toearnherwaybacktohim
quoitsagameinwhichplayerstosshoopsatastakeRiptidethenameofPercyJackson’ssword;AnaklusmosinGreekRiverAcheronthefifthriveroftheUnderworld;theriverofpain;theultimatepunishmentforthesoulsofthedamned
RiverLetheoneofseveralriversintheUnderworld;drinkingfromitwillmakesomeoneforgethisidentity
RomulusandRemusthetwinsonsofMarsandthepriestessRheaSilvia.TheywerethrownintotheRiverTiberbytheirhumanfather,Amulius,andwererescuedandraisedbyashe-wolf.Uponreachingadulthood,theyfoundedRome.
SaturntheRomangodofagriculture;thesonofUranusandGaea,andthefatherofJupiter.Greekform:Kronos
satyraGreekforestgod,partgoatandpartman.Romanequivalent:faunScipioReyna’spegasus
Scironaninfamousrobberwhoambushedpassersbyandforcedthemtowashhisfeetasatoll.Whentheyknelt,hekickedhisvictimsintothesea,wheretheywereeatenbyagiantturtle.
scorpionballistaaRomanmissilesiegeweaponthatlaunchesalargeprojectileatadistanttarget
SenatusPopulusqueRomanus(SPQR)meaning“TheSenateandPeopleofRome,”itreferstothegovernmentoftheRomanRepublicandisusedasanofficialemblemofRomeshadow-travelaformoftransportationthatallowscreaturesoftheUnderworldandchildrenofHadestotraveltoanydesiredplaceonearthorintheUnderworld,althoughitmakestheuserextremelyfatigued
SibyllineBooksacollectionofpropheciesinrhymewritteninGreek.TarquiniusSuperbus,akingofRome,boughtthemfromaprophetessnamedSibylandconsultedthemintimesofgreatdanger.
spathaaheavyswordusedbyRomancavalry
Spesgoddessofhope;theFeastofSpes,theDayofHope,fallsonAugust1
stela(stelae,pl.)aninscribedstoneusedasamonumentStygianironamagicalmetal,forgedintheRiverStyx,capableofabsorbingtheveryessenceofmonstersandinjuringmortals,gods,Titans,andgiants.IthasasignificanteffectonghostsandcreaturesfromtheUnderworld.
TantalusInGreekmythology,thiskingwassuchagoodfriendofthegodsthathewasallowedtodineattheirtable—untilhespilledtheirsecretsonearth.HewassenttotheUnderworld,wherehiscursewastobestuckinapoolofwaterunderafruittree,but
nevertobeabletodrinkoreat.
TartarushusbandofGaea;spiritoftheabyss;fatherofthegiantstelkhineaseademonwithflippersinsteadofhands,andadog’sheadTempestJason’sfriend;astormspiritintheformofahorseTerminustheRomangodofboundariesandlandmarks
TerratheRomangoddessoftheEarth.Greekform:GaeaThanatostheGreekgodofdeath;servantofHades.Romanform:LetusTheseusakingofAthenswhowasknownformanyexploits,includingkillingtheMinotaurThreeFatesInGreekmythology,evenbeforethereweregods,thereweretheFates:Clotho,whospinsthethreadoflife;Lachesis,themeasurer,whodetermineshowlongalifewillbe;andAtropos,whocutsthethreadoflifewithhershears.
TiberRiverthethird-longestriverinItaly.Romewasfoundedonitsbanks.InAncientRome,executedcriminalswerethrownintotheriver.
TiberiuswasemperorofRomefrom14–37CE.HewasoneofRome’sgreatestgenerals,buthecametoberememberedasareclusiveandsomberrulerwhoneverreallywantedtobeemperor.
TitansaraceofpowerfulGreekdeities,descendantsofGaeaandUranus,whoruledduringtheGoldenAgeandwereoverthrownbyaraceofyoungergods,theOlympiansTriptolemusgodoffarming;heaidedDemeterwhenshewassearchingforherdaughter,Persephone,whowaskidnappedbyHades
triremeanAncientGreekorRomanwarship,havingthreetiersofoarsoneachsideTrojanHorseatalefromtheTrojanWaraboutahugewoodenhorsethattheGreeksbuiltandleftnearTroywithaselectforceofmeninside.AftertheTrojanspulledthehorseintotheircityasavictorytrophy,theGreeksemergedatnight,lettherestoftheirarmyintoTroy,anddestroyedit,decisivelyendingthewar.
TrojanWarInGreekmythology,theTrojanWarwaswagedagainstthecityofTroybytheAchaeans(Greeks)afterParisofTroytookHelenfromherhusband,Menelaus,kingofSparta.
ventiairspirits
VenustheRomangoddessofloveandbeauty.ShewasmarriedtoVulcan,butshelovedMars,thegodofwar.Greekform:Aphrodite
VulcantheRomangodoffireandcraftsandofblacksmiths;thesonofJupiterandJuno,andmarriedtoVenus.Greekform:Hephaestus
WolfHousewherePercyJacksonwastrainedasaRomandemigodbyLupaZephyrosGreekgodoftheWestWind.Romanform:FavoniusZeusGreekgodoftheskyandkingofthegods.Romanform:Jupiter
ComingFall2014
TheHeroesofOlympus,BookFive
THEBLOODOFOLYMPUS
Don’tmissRickRiordan’shitseries,TheKaneChronicles!Keepreadingfora
previewofbookoneintheseries,TheRedPyramid.
Weonlyhaveafewhours,solistencarefully.
Ifyou’rehearingthisstory,you’realreadyindanger.SadieandImightbeyouronlychance.
Gototheschool.Findthelocker.Iwon’ttellyouwhichschoolorwhichlocker,becauseifyou’retherightperson,you’llfindit.Thecombinationis13/32/33.Bythetimeyoufinishlistening,you’llknowwhatthosenumbersmean.Justrememberthestorywe’reabouttotellyouisn’tcompleteyet.
Howitendswilldependonyou.
Themostimportantthing:whenyouopenthepackageandfindwhat’sinside,don’tkeepitlongerthanaweek.Sure,it’llbetempting.Imean,itwillgrantyoualmostunlimitedpower.Butifyoupossessittoolong,itwillconsumeyou.Learnitssecretsquicklyandpassiton.Hideitforthenextperson,thewaySadieandIdidforyou.Thenbepreparedforyourlifetogetveryinteresting.
Okay,Sadieistellingmetostopstallingandgetonwiththestory.Fine.IguessitstartedinLondon,thenightourdadblewuptheBritishMuseum.
MynameisCarterKane.I’mfourteenandmyhomeisasuitcase.
YouthinkI’mkidding?SinceIwaseightyearsold,mydadandIhavetraveledtheworld.Iwasborninll.A.butmydad’sanarchaeologist,sohisworktakeshimallover.MostlywegotoEgypt,sincethat’shisspecialty.Gointoabookstore,findabookaboutEgypt,there’saprettygoodchanceitwaswrittenbyDr.JuliusKane.YouwanttoknowhowEgyptianspulledthebrainsoutofmummies,orbuiltthepyramids,orcursedKingTut’stomb?Mydadisyourman.Ofcourse,thereareotherreasonsmydadmovedaroundsomuch,butIdidn’tknowhissecretbackthen.
Ididn’tgotoschool.Mydadhomeschooledme,ifyoucancallit“home”schoolingwhenyoudon’thaveahome.Hesortoftaughtmewhateverhethoughtwasimportant,soI
learnedalotaboutEgyptandbasketballstatsandmydad’sfavoritemusicians.Ireadalot,too—prettymuchanythingIcouldgetmyhandson,fromdad’shistorybookstofantasynovels—becauseIspentalotoftimesittingaroundinhotelsandairportsanddigsitesinforeigncountrieswhereIdidn’tknowanybody.
Mydadwasalwaystellingmetoputthebookdownandplaysomeball.Youevertrytostartagameofpick-upbasketballinAswan,Egypt?It’snoteasy.
Anyway,mydadtrainedmeearlytokeepallmypossessionsinasinglesuitcasethatfitsinanairplane’soverheadcompartment.Mydadpackedthesameway,excepthewasallowedanextraworkbagforhisarchaeologytools.Rulenumberone:Iwasnotallowedtolookinhisworkbag.That’saruleIneverbrokeuntilthedayoftheexplosion.
IthappenedonChristmasEve.WewereinLondonforvisitationdaywithmysister,Sadie.
See,Dad’sonlyallowedtwodaysayearwithher—oneinthewinter,oneinthesummer—
becauseourgrandparentshatehim.Afterourmomdied,herparents(ourgrandparents)hadthisbigcourtbattlewithDad.Aftersixlawyers,twofistfights,andanearfatalattackwithaspatula(don’task),theywontherighttokeepSadiewiththeminEngland.Shewasonlysix,twoyearsyoungerthanme,andtheycouldn’tkeepusboth—atleastthatwastheirexcusefornottakingme.SoSadiewasraisedasaBritishschoolkid,andItraveledaroundwithmydad.WeonlysawSadietwiceayear,whichwasfinewithme.
[Shutup,Sadie.Yes—I’mgettingtothatpart.]
Soanyway,mydadandIhadjustflownintoHeathrowafteracoupleofdelays.Itwasadrizzly,coldafternoon.Thewholetaxirideintothecity,mydadseemedkindofnervous.
Now,mydadisabigguy.Youwouldn’tthinkanythingcouldmakehimnervous.Hehasdarkbrownskinlikemine,piercingbrowneyes,abaldhead,andagoatee,sohelookslikeabuffevilscientist.Thatafternoonheworehiscashmerewintercoatandhisbestbrownsuit,theoneheusedforpubliclectures.Usuallyheexudessomuchconfidencethathedominatesanyroomhewalksinto,butsometimes—likethatafternoon—IsawanothersidetohimthatIdidn’treallyunderstand.Hekeptlookingoverhisshoulderlikewewerebeinghunted.
“Dad?”IsaidasweweregettingofftheA-40.“What’swrong?”
“Nosignofthem,”hemuttered.Thenhemust’verealizedhe’dspokenaloud,becausehelookedatmekindofstartled.“Nothing,Carter.Everything’sfine.”Whichbotheredmebecausemydad’saterribleliar.Ialwaysknewwhenhewashidingsomething,butIalsoknewnoamountofpesteringwouldgetthetruthoutofhim.Hewasprobablytryingtoprotectme,thoughfromwhatIdidn’tknow.SometimesIwonderedifhehadsomedarksecretinhispast,someoldenemyfollowinghim,maybe;buttheideaseemedridiculous.Dadwasjustanarchaeologist.
Theotherthingthattroubledme:Dadwasclutchinghisworkbag.Usuallywhenhedoesthat,itmeanswe’reindanger.LikethetimegunmenstormedourhotelinCairo.Iheardshotscomingfromthelobbyandrandownstairstocheckonmydad.BythetimeIgot
there,hewasjustcalmlyzippinguphisworkbagwhilethreeunconsciousgunmenhungbytheirfeetfromthechandelier,theirrobesfallingovertheirheadssoyoucouldseetheirboxershorts.Dadclaimednottohavewitnessedanything,andintheendthepoliceblamedafreakchandeliermalfunction.
Anothertime,wegotcaughtinariotinParis.Mydadfoundthenearestparkedcar,pushedmeintothebackseat,andtoldmetostaydown.Ipressedmyselfagainstthefloorboardsandkeptmyeyesshuttight.IcouldhearDadinthedriver’sseat,rummaginginhisbag,mumblingsomethingtohimselfwhilethemobyelledanddestroyedthingsoutside.Afewminuteslaterhetoldmeitwassafetogetup.Everyothercarontheblockhadbeenoverturnedandsetonfire.Ourcarhadbeenfreshlywashedandpolished,andseveraltwenty-euronoteshadbeentuckedunderthewindshieldwipers.
Anyway,I’dcometorespectthebag.Itwasourgoodluckcharm.Butwhenmydadkeptitclose,itmeantweweregoingtoneedgoodluck.
Wedrovethroughthecitycenter,headingeasttowardmygrandparents’flat.WepassedthegoldengatesofBuckinghamPalace,thebigstonecolumninTrafalgarSquare.Londonisaprettycoolplace,butafteryou’vetraveledforsolong,allcitiesstarttoblendtogether.OtherkidsImeetsometimessay,“Wow,you’resoluckyyougettotravelsomuch.”Butit’snotlikewespendourtimesightseeingorhavealotofmoneytotravelinstyle.We’vestayedinsomeprettyroughplaces,andwehardlyeverstayanywherelongerthanafewdays.Mostofthetimeitfeelslikewe’refugitivesratherthantourists.
Imean,youwouldn’tthinkmydad’sworkwasdangerous.Hedoeslecturesontopicslike“CanEgyptianMagicReallyKillYou?”and“FavoritePunishmentsintheEgyptianUnderworld”andotherstuffmostpeoplewouldn’tcareabout.ButlikeIsaid,there’sthatothersidetohim.He’salwaysverycautious,checkingeveryhotelroombeforeheletsmewalkintoit.He’lldartintoamuseumtoseesomeartifacts,takeafewnotes,andrushoutagainlikehe’safraidtobecaughtonsecuritycameras.
OnetimewhenIwasyounger,weracedacrosstheCharlesdeGaulleairporttocatchalast-minuteflight,andDaddidn’trelaxuntiltheplanewasofftheground,Iaskedhimpointblankwhathewasrunningfrom,andhelookedatmelikeI’djustpulledthepinoutofagrenade.ForasecondIwasscaredhemightactuallytellmethetruth.Thenhesaid,“Carter,it’snothing.”Asif“nothing”werethemostterriblethingintheworld.
Afterthat,Idecidedmaybeitwasbetternottoaskquestions.
Mygrandparents,theFausts,livedinahousingdevelopmentnearCanaryWharf,rightonthebanksoftheRiverThames.Thetaxiletusoffatthecurb,andmydadaskedthedrivertowait.
WewerehalfwayupthewalkwhenDadfroze.Heturnedandlookedbehindus.
“What?”Iasked.
ThenIsawthemaninthetrenchcoat.Hewasacrossthestreet,leaningagainstabigdeadtree.
Hewasbarrelshaped,withskinthecolorofroastedcoffee.Hiscoatandblackpinstripedsuitlookedexpensive.Hehadlongbraidedhairandworeablackfedorapulleddownlow
overhisdarkroundglasses.Heremindedmeofajazzmusician,thekindmydadwouldalwaysdragmetoseeinconcert.
EventhoughIcouldn’tseehiseyes,Igottheimpressionhewaswatchingus.Hemight’vebeenanoldfriendorcolleagueofDad’s.Nomatterwherewewent,Dadwasalwaysrunningintopeopleheknew.
Butitdidseemstrangethattheguywaswaitinghere,outsidemygrandparents’.Andhedidn’tlookhappy.
“Carter,”mydadsaid,“goonahead.”
“But—”
“Getyoursister.I’llmeetyoubackatthetaxi.”
Hecrossedthestreettowardthemaninthetrenchcoat,whichleftmewithtwochoices:followmydadandseewhatwasgoingon,ordowhatIwastold.
Idecidedontheslightlylessdangerouspath.Iwenttoretrievemysister.
BeforeIcouldevenknock,Sadieopenedthedoor.
“Lateasusual,”shesaid.
Shewasholdinghercat,Muffin,who’dbeena“goingaway”giftfromDadsixyearsbefore.
Muffinneverseemedtogetolderorbigger.Shehadfuzzyyellow-and-blackfurlikeaminiatureleopard,alertyelloweyes,andpointyearsthatweretootallforherhead.AsilverEgyptianpendantdangledfromhercollar.Shedidn’tlookanythinglikeamuffin,butSadiehadbeenlittlewhenshenamedher,soIguessyouhavetocuthersomeslack.
Sadiehadn’tchangedmucheithersincelastsummer.
[AsI’mrecordingthis,she’sstandingnexttome,glaring,soIguessI’dbetterbecarefulhowIdescribeher.]
Youwouldneverguessshe’smysister.Firstofall,she’dbeenlivinginEnglandsolong,shehasaBritishaccent.Second,shetakesafterourmom,whowaswhite,soSadie’sskinismuchlighterthanmine.Shehasstraightcaramel-coloredhair,notexactlyblondbutnotbrown,whichsheusuallydyeswithstreaksofbrightcolors.Thatdayithadredstreaksdowntheleftside.Hereyesareblue.I’mserious.Blueeyes,justlikeourmom’s.She’sonlytwelve,butshe’sexactlyastallasme,whichisreallyannoying.Shewaschewinggumasusual,dressedforherdayoutwithDadinbatteredjeans,aleatherjacket,andcombatboots,likeshewasgoingtoaconcertandwashopingtostomponsomepeople.Shehadheadphonesdanglingaroundherneckincaseweboredher.
[Okay,shedidn’thitme,soIguessIdidanokayjobofdescribingher.]
“Ourplanewaslate,”Itoldher.
Shepoppedabubble,rubbedMuffin’shead,andtossedthecatinside.“Gran,goingout!”Fromsomewhereinthehouse,GrandmaFaustmutteredsomethingIcouldn’tmakeout,probably
“Don’tletthemin!”
SadieclosedthedoorandregardedmeasifIwereadeadmousehercathadjustdraggedin.“So,hereyouareagain.”
“Yep.”
“Comeon,then.”Shesighed.“Let’sgetonwithit.”
That’sthewayshewas.No“Hi,howyoubeenthelastsixmonths?Sogladtoseeyou!”oranything.Butthatwasokaywithme.Whenyouonlyseeeachothertwiceayear,it’slikeyou’redistantcousinsratherthansiblings.Wehadabsolutelynothingincommonexceptourparents.
Wetrudgeddownthesteps.Iwasthinkinghowshesmelledlikeacombinationofoldpeople’shouseandbubblegumwhenshestoppedsoabruptly,Iranintoher.
“Who’sthat?”sheasked.
I’dalmostforgottenaboutthedudeinthetrenchcoat.Heandmydadwerestandingacrossthestreetnexttothebigtree,havingwhatlookedlikeaseriousargument.Dad’sbackwasturnedsoIcouldn’tseehisface,buthegesturedwithhishandslikehedoeswhenhe’sagitated.Theotherguyscowledandshookhishead.
“Dunno,”Isaid.“Hewastherewhenwepulledup.”
“Helooksfamiliar.”Sadiefrownedlikeshewastryingtoremember.“Comeon.”
“Dadwantsustowaitinthecab,”Isaid,eventhoughIknewitwasnouse.Sadiewasalreadyonthemove.
Insteadofgoingstraightacrossthestreet,shedashedupthesidewalkforhalfablock,duckingbehindcars,thencrossedtotheoppositesideandcrouchedunderalowstonewall.Shestartedsneakingtowardourdad.Ididn’thavemuchchoicebuttofollowherexample,butitmademefeelkindofstupid.
“SixyearsinEngland,”Imuttered,“andshethinksshe’sJamesBond.”Sadieswattedmewithoutlookingbackandkeptcreepingforward.
Acouplemorestepsandwewererightbehindthebigdeadtree.Icouldhearmydadontheotherside,saying,“—haveto,Amos.Youknowit’stherightthing.”
“No,”saidtheotherman,whomust’vebeenAmos.Hisvoicewasdeepandeven—veryinsistent.
HisaccentwasAmerican.“IfIdon’tstopyou,Julius,theywill.ThePerAnkhisshadowingyou.”Sadieturnedtomeandmouthedthewords“Perwhat?”Ishookmyhead,justasmystified.“Let’sgetoutofhere,”Iwhispered,becauseIfiguredwe’dbespottedanyminuteandgetinserioustrouble.Sadie,ofcourse,ignoredme.
“Theydon’tknowmyplan,”myfatherwassaying.“Bythetimetheyfigureitout—”
“Andthechildren?”Amosasked.Thehairsstooduponthebackofmyneck.“Whataboutthem?”
“I’vemadearrangementstoprotectthem,”mydadsaid.“Besides,ifIdon’tdothis,we’re
allindanger.Now,backoff.”
“Ican’t,Julius.”
“Thenit’saduelyouwant?”Dad’stoneturneddeadlyserious.“Younevercouldbeatme,Amos.”
Ihadn’tseenmydadgetviolentsincetheGreatSpatulaIncident,andIwasn’tanxioustoseearepeatofthat,butthetwomenseemedtobeedgingtowardafight.
BeforeIcouldreact,Sadiepoppedupandshouted,“Dad!”
Helookedsurprisedwhenshetackle-huggedhim,butnotnearlyassurprisedastheotherguy,Amos.Hebackedupsoquickly,hetrippedoverhisowntrenchcoat.
He’dtakenoffhisglasses.Icouldn’thelpthinkingthatSadiewasright.Hedidlookfamiliar—
likeaverydistantmemory.
“I—Imustbegoing,”hemuttered.Hestraightenedhisfedoraandlumbereddowntheroad.
Ourdadwatchedhimgo.HekeptonearmprotectivelyaroundSadieandonehandinsidetheworkbagslungoverhisshoulder.Finally,whenAmosdisappearedaroundthecorner,Dadrelaxed.HetookhishandoutofthebagandsmiledatSadie.“Hello,sweetheart.”Sadiepushedawayfromhimandcrossedherarms.“Oh,nowit’ssweetheart,isit?You’relate.
VisitationDay’snearlyover!Andwhatwasthatabout?Who’sAmos,andwhat’sthePerAnkh?”Dadstiffened.Heglancedatmelikehewaswonderinghowmuchwe’doverheard.
“It’snothing,”hesaid,tryingtosoundupbeat.“Ihaveawonderfuleveningplanned.Who’dlikeaprivatetouroftheBritishMuseum?”
SadieslumpedinthebackofthetaxibetweenDadandme.
“Ican’tbelieveit,”shegrumbled.“Oneeveningtogether,andyouwanttodoresearch.”Dadtriedforasmile.“Sweetheart,it’llbefun.ThecuratoroftheEgyptiancollectionpersonallyinvited—”
“Right,bigsurprise.”Sadieblewastrandofred-streakedhairoutofherface.“ChristmasEve,andwe’regoingtoseesomemoldyoldrelicsfromEgypt.Doyoueverthinkaboutanythingelse?”Daddidn’tgetmad.HenevergetsmadatSadie.Hejuststaredoutthewindowatthedarkeningskyandtherain.
“Yes,”hesaidquietly.“Ido.”
WheneverDadgotquietlikethatandstaredoffintonowhere,Iknewhewasthinkingaboutourmom.Thelastfewmonths,ithadbeenhappeningalot.I’dwalkintoourhotelroomandfindhimwithhiscellphoneinhishands,Mom’spicturesmilingupathimfromthescreen—herhairtuckedunderaheadscarf,herblueeyesstartlinglybrightagainstthedesertbackdrop.
Orwe’dbeatsomedigsite.I’dseeDadstaringatthehorizon,andI’dknowhewas
rememberinghowhe’dmether—twoyoungscientistsintheValleyoftheKings,onadigtodiscoveralosttomb.
DadwasanEgyptologist.MomwasananthropologistlookingforancientDNA.He’dtoldmethestoryathousandtimes.
OurtaxisnakeditswayalongthebanksoftheThames.JustpastWaterlooBridge,mydadtensed.
“Driver,”hesaid.“Stophereamoment.”
ThecabbiepulledoverontheVictoriaEmbankment.
“Whatisit,Dad?”Iasked.
Hegotoutofthecablikehehadn’theardme.WhenSadieandIjoinedhimonthesidewalk,hewasstaringupatCleopatra’sNeedle.
Incaseyou’veneverseenit:theNeedleisanobelisk,notaneedle,anditdoesn’thaveanythingtodowithCleopatra.IguesstheBritishjustthoughtthenamesoundedcoolwhentheybroughtittoLondon.It’saboutseventyfeettall,whichwould’vebeenreallyimpressivebackinAncientEgypt,butontheThames,withallthetallbuildingsaround,itlookssmallandsad.Youcoulddriverightbyitandnotevenrealizeyou’djustpassedsomethingthatwasathousandyearsolderthanthecityofLondon.
“God.”Sadiewalkedaroundinafrustratedcircle.“Dowehavetostopforeverymonument?”Mydadstaredatthetopoftheobelisk.“Ihadtoseeitagain,”hemurmured.“Whereithappened…”
Afreezingwindblewofftheriver.Iwantedtogetbackinthecab,butmydadwasreallystartingtoworryme.I’dneverseenhimsodistracted.
“What,Dad?”Iasked.“Whathappenedhere?”
“ThelastplaceIsawher.”
Sadiestoppedpacing.Shescowledatmeuncertainly,thenbackatDad.“Hangon.DoyoumeanMum?”
DadbrushedSadie’shairbehindherear,andshewassosurprised,shedidn’tevenpushhimaway.
Ifeltliketherainhadfrozenmesolid.Mom’sdeathhadalwaysbeenaforbiddensubject.Iknewshe’ddiedinanaccidentinLondon.Iknewmygrandparentsblamedmydad.Butnoonewouldevertellusthedetails.I’dgivenupaskingmydad,partlybecauseitmadehimsosad,partlybecauseheabsolutelyrefusedtotellmeanything.“Whenyou’reolder”wasallhewouldsay,whichwasthemostfrustratingresponseever.
“You’retellingusshediedhere,”Isaid.“AtCleopatra’sNeedle?Whathappened?”Heloweredhishead.
“Dad!”Sadieprotested.“Igopastthiseveryday,andyoumeantosay—allthistime—andIdidn’tevenknow?”
“Doyoustillhaveyourcat?”Dadaskedher,whichseemedlikeareallystupidquestion.
“OfcourseI’vestillgotthecat!”shesaid.“Whatdoesthathavetodowithanything?”
“Andyouramulet?”
Sadie’shandwenttoherneck.Whenwewerelittle,rightbeforeSadiewenttolivewithour
grandparents,DadhadgivenusbothEgyptianamulets.MinewasanEyeofHorus,whichwasapopularprotectionsymbolinAncientEgypt.
Infactmydadsaysthemodernpharmacist’ssymbol,Rx,isasimplifiedversionoftheEyeofHorus,becausemedicineissupposedtoprotectyou.
Anyway,Ialwaysworemyamuletundermyshirt,butIfiguredSadiewould’velosthersorthrownitaway.
Tomysurprise,shenodded.“’CourseIhaveit,Dad,butdon’tchangethesubject.Gran’salwaysgoingonabouthowyoucausedMum’sdeath.That’snottrue,isit?”Wewaited.Foronce,SadieandIwantedexactlythesamething—thetruth.
“Thenightyourmotherdied,”myfatherstarted,“hereattheNeedle—”Asuddenflashilluminatedtheembankment.Iturned,halfblind,andjustforamomentIglimpsedtwofigures:atallpalemanwithaforkedbeardandwearingcream-coloredrobes,andacoppery-skinnedgirlindarkbluerobesandaheadscarf—thekindofclothesI’dseenhundredsoftimesinEgypt.Theywerejuststandingtheresidebyside,nottwentyfeetaway,watchingus.Thenthelightfaded.Thefiguresmeltedintoafuzzyafterimage.Whenmyeyesreadjustedtothedarkness,theyweregone.
“Um…”Sadiesaidnervously.“Didyoujustseethat?”
“Getinthecab,”mydadsaid,pushingustowardthecurb.“We’reoutoftime.”Fromthatpointon,Dadclammedup.
“Thisisn’ttheplacetotalk,”hesaid,glancingbehindus.He’dpromisedthecabbieanextratenpoundsifhegotustothemuseuminunderfiveminutes,andthecabbiewasdoinghisbest.
“Dad,”Itried,“thosepeopleattheriver—”
“Andtheotherbloke,Amos,”Sadiesaid.“AretheyEgyptianpoliceorsomething?”
“Look,bothofyou,”Dadsaid,“I’mgoingtoneedyourhelptonight.Iknowit’shard,butyouhavetobepatient.I’llexplaineverything,Ipromise,afterwegettothemuseum.I’mgoingtomakeeverythingrightagain.”
“Whatdoyoumean?”Sadieinsisted.“Makewhatright?”Dad’sexpressionwasmorethansad.Itwasalmostguilty.Withachill,IthoughtaboutwhatSadiehadsaid:aboutourgrandparentsblaminghimforMom’sdeath.Thatcouldn’tbewhathewastalkingabout,couldit?
ThecabbieswervedontoGreatRussellStreetandscreechedtoahaltinfrontofthemuseum’smaingates.
“Justfollowmylead,”Dadtoldus.“Whenwemeetthecurator,actnormal.”IwasthinkingthatSadieneveractednormal,butIdecidednottosaythat.
Weclimbedoutofthecab.IgotourluggagewhileDadpaidthedriverwithabigwadofcash.
Thenhedidsomethingstrange.Hethrewahandfulofsmallobjectsintothebackseat—theylookedlikestones,butitwastoodarkformetobesure.“Keepdriving,”hetoldthecabbie.“TakeustoChelsea.”
Thatmadenosensesincewewerealreadyoutofthecab,butthedriverspedoff.IglancedatDad,thenbackatthecab,andbeforeitturnedthecorneranddisappearedinthedark,Icaughtaweirdglimpseofthreepassengersinthebackseat:amanandtwokids.
Iblinked.Therewasnowaythecabcould’vepickedupanotherfaresofast.“Dad—”
“Londoncabsdon’tstayemptyverylong,”hesaidmatter-of-factly.“Comealong,kids.”Hemarchedoffthroughthewroughtirongates.Forasecond,SadieandIhesitated.
“Carter,whatisgoingon?”
Ishookmyhead.“I’mnotsureIwanttoknow.”
“Well,stayouthereinthecoldifyouwant,butI’mnotleavingwithoutanexplanation.”Sheturnedandmarchedafterourdad.
Lookingbackonit,Ishould’verun.Ishould’vedraggedSadieoutofthereandgottenasfarawayaspossible.InsteadIfollowedherthroughthegates.
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