AlsobyRickRiordan

PercyJacksonandtheOlympiansBookOne:TheLightningThiefBookTwo:TheSeaofMonstersBookThree:TheTitan’sCurse

BookFour:TheBattleoftheLabyrinthBookFive:TheLastOlympian

TheDemigodFiles

PercyJackson’sGreekGods,illustratedbyJohnRoccoPercyJackson’sGreekHeroes,illustratedbyJohnRocco

TheLightningThief:TheGraphicNovelTheSeaofMonsters:TheGraphicNovelTheTitan’sCurse:TheGraphicNovel

TheKaneChroniclesBookOne:TheRedPyramidBookTwo:TheThroneofFire

BookThree:TheSerpent’sShadow

TheRedPyramid:TheGraphicNovelTheThroneofFire:TheGraphicNovel

TheHeroesofOlympusBookOne:TheLostHero

BookTwo:TheSonofNeptuneBookThree:TheMarkofAthenaBookFour:TheHouseofHadesBookFive:TheBloodofOlympus

TheDemigodDiaries

TheLostHero:TheGraphicNovel

MagnusChaseandtheGodsofAsgardBookOne:TheSwordofSummer

Copyright©2016byRickRiordanCoverdesignbySJIAssociates,Inc.

Coverillustration©2016byJohnRocco

Allrightsreserved.PublishedbyDisney•Hyperion,animprintofDisneyBookGroup.Nopartofthisbookmaybereproducedortransmittedinanyformorbyanymeans,electronicormechanical,includingphotocopying,recording,orbyanyinformationstorageandretrievalsystem,withoutwrittenpermissionfromthepublisher.ForinformationaddressDisney•Hyperion,125WestEndAvenue,New

York,NewYork10023.

ISBN978-1-4847-3667-8

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Contents

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33343536373839GuidetoApollo-SpeakAbouttheAuthor

TotheMuseCalliope

Thisislongoverdue.Pleasedon’thurtme.

HoodlumspunchmyfaceIwouldsmitethemifIcouldMortalityblows

MYNAMEISAPOLLO.Iusedtobeagod.Inmyfourthousandsixhundredandtwelveyears,Ihavedonemanythings.Iinflictedaplagueon

theGreekswhobesiegedTroy.IblessedBabeRuthwiththreehomerunsingamefourofthe1926WorldSeries.IvisitedmywrathuponBritneySpearsatthe2007MTVVideoMusicAwards.

Butinallmyimmortallife,Ineverbeforecrash-landedinaDumpster.I’mnotevensurehowithappened.Isimplywokeupfalling.Skyscrapersspiraledinandoutofview.Flamesstreamedoffmybody.I

triedtofly.Itriedtochangeintoacloudorteleportacrosstheworldordoahundredotherthingsthatshouldhavebeeneasyforme,butIjustkeptfalling.IplungedintoanarrowcanyonbetweentwobuildingsandBAM!

Isanythingsadderthanthesoundofagodhittingapileofgarbagebags?IlaygroaningandachingintheopenDumpster.Mynostrilsburnedwiththestenchofrancid

bolognaanduseddiapers.Myribsfeltbroken,thoughthatshouldn’thavebeenpossible.Mymindstewedinconfusion,butonememoryfloatedtothesurface—thevoiceofmyfather,

Zeus:YOURFAULT.YOURPUNISHMENT.Irealizedwhathadhappenedtome.AndIsobbedindespair.Evenforagodofpoetrysuchasmyself,itisdifficulttodescribehowIfelt.Howcouldyou—a

meremortal—possiblyunderstand?Imaginebeingstrippedofyourclothes,thenblastedwithafirehoseinfrontofalaughingcrowd.Imaginetheice-coldwaterfillingyourmouthandlungs,thepressurebruisingyourskin,turningyourjointstoputty.Imaginefeelinghelpless,ashamed,completelyvulnerable—publiclyandbrutallystrippedofeverythingthatmakesyouyou.Myhumiliationwasworsethanthat.

YOURFAULT,Zeus’svoiceranginmyhead.“No!”Icriedmiserably.“No,itwasn’t!Please!”Nobodyanswered.Oneithersideofme,rustyfireescapeszigzaggedupbrickwalls.Above,the

winterskywasgrayandunforgiving.Itriedtorememberthedetailsofmysentencing.Hadmyfathertoldmehowlongthispunishment

wouldlast?WhatwasIsupposedtodotoregainhisfavor?Mymemorywastoofuzzy.IcouldbarelyrecallwhatZeuslookedlike,muchlesswhyhe’d

decidedtotossmetoearth.There’dbeenawarwiththegiants,Ithought.Thegodshadbeencaughtoffguard,embarrassed,almostdefeated.

TheonlythingIknewforcertain:mypunishmentwasunfair.Zeusneededsomeonetoblame,soofcoursehe’dpickedthehandsomest,mosttalented,mostpopulargodinthepantheon:me.

Ilayinthegarbage,staringatthelabelinsidetheDumpsterlid:FORPICK-UP,CALL1-555-STENCHY.Zeuswillreconsider,Itoldmyself.He’sjusttryingtoscareme.Anymoment,hewillyankmeback

toOlympusandletmeoffwithawarning.“Yes…”Myvoicesoundedhollowanddesperate.“Yes,that’sit.”Itriedtomove.IwantedtobeonmyfeetwhenZeuscametoapologize.Myribsthrobbed.My

stomachclenched.IclawedtherimoftheDumpsterandmanagedtodragmyselfovertheside.Itoppledoutandlandedonmyshoulder,whichmadeacrackingsoundagainsttheasphalt.

“Araggeeddeee,”Iwhimperedthroughthepain.“Standup.Standup.”Gettingtomyfeetwasnoteasy.Myheadspun.Ialmostpassedoutfromtheeffort.Istoodina

dead-endalley.Aboutfiftyfeetaway,theonlyexitopenedontoastreetwithgrimystorefrontsforabailbondsman’sofficeandapawnshop.IwassomewhereonthewestsideofManhattan,Iguessed,orperhapsCrownHeights,inBrooklyn.Zeusmusthavebeenreallyangrywithme.

Iinspectedmynewbody.IappearedtobeateenagedCaucasianmale,cladinsneakers,bluejeans,andagreenpoloshirt.Howutterlydrab.Ifeltsick,weak,andso,sohuman.

Iwillneverunderstandhowyoumortalstolerateit.Youliveyourentirelifetrappedinasackofmeat,unabletoenjoysimplepleasureslikechangingintoahummingbirdordissolvingintopurelight.

Andnow,heavenshelpme,Iwasoneofyou—justanothermeatsack.Ifumbledthroughmypantspockets,hopingIstillhadthekeystomysunchariot.Nosuchluck.I

foundacheapnylonwalletcontainingahundreddollarsinAmericancurrency—lunchmoneyformyfirstdayasamortal,perhaps—alongwithaNewYorkStatejuniordriver ’slicensefeaturingaphotoofadorky,curly-hairedteenwhocouldnotpossiblybeme,withthenameLesterPapadopoulos.ThecrueltyofZeusknewnobounds!

IpeeredintotheDumpster,hopingmybow,quiver,andlyremighthavefallentoearthwithme.Iwouldhavesettledformyharmonica.Therewasnothing.

Itookadeepbreath.Cheerup,Itoldmyself.Imusthaveretainedsomeofmygodlyabilities.Matterscouldbeworse.

Araspyvoicecalled,“Hey,Cade,takealookatthisloser.”Blockingthealley’sexitweretwoyoungmen:onesquatandplatinumblond,theothertalland

redheaded.Bothworeoversizehoodiesandbaggypants.Serpentinetattoodesignscoveredtheirnecks.AlltheyweremissingwerethewordsI’MATHUGprintedinlargelettersacrosstheirforeheads.

Theredheadzeroedinonthewalletinmyhand.“Now,benice,Mikey.Thisguylooksfriendlyenough.”Hegrinnedandpulledahuntingknifefromhisbelt.“Infact,Ibethewantstogiveusallhismoney.”

Iblamemydisorientationforwhathappenednext.Iknewmyimmortalityhadbeenstrippedaway,butIstillconsideredmyselfthemightyApollo!

Onecannotchangeone’swayofthinkingaseasilyasonemight,say,turnintoasnowleopard.Also,onpreviousoccasionswhenZeushadpunishedmebymakingmemortal(yes,ithad

happenedtwicebefore),Ihadretainedmassivestrengthandatleastsomeofmygodlypowers.Iassumedthesamewouldbetruenow.

IwasnotgoingtoallowtwoyoungmortalruffianstotakeLesterPapadopoulos’swallet.

Istoodupstraight,hopingCadeandMikeywouldbeintimidatedbymyregalbearinganddivinebeauty.(Surelythosequalitiescouldnotbetakenfromme,nomatterwhatmydriver ’slicensephotolookedlike.)IignoredthewarmDumpsterjuicetricklingdownmyneck.

“IamApollo,”Iannounced.“Youmortalshavethreechoices:offermetribute,flee,orbedestroyed.”

Iwantedmywordstoechothroughthealley,shakethetowersofNewYork,andcausetheskiestorainsmokingruin.Noneofthathappened.Ontheworddestroyed,myvoicesqueaked.

TheredheadCadegrinnedevenwider.IthoughthowamusingitwouldbeifIcouldmakethesnaketattoosaroundhisneckcomealiveandstranglehimtodeath.

“Whatdoyouthink,Mikey?”heaskedhisfriend.“Shouldwegivethisguytribute?”Mikeyscowled.Withhisbristlyblondhair,hiscruelsmalleyes,andhisthickframe,hereminded

meofthemonstroussowthatterrorizedthevillageofCrommyonbackinthegoodolddays.“Notfeelingthetribute,Cade.”Hisvoicesoundedlikehe’dbeeneatinglitcigarettes.“Whatwere

theotheroptions?”“Fleeing?”saidCade.“Nah,”saidMikey.“Beingdestroyed?”Mikeysnorted.“Howaboutwedestroyhiminstead?”Cadeflippedhisknifeandcaughtitbythehandle.“Icanlivewiththat.Afteryou.”Islippedthewalletintomybackpocket.Iraisedmyfists.Ididnotliketheideaofflattening

mortalsintofleshwaffles,butIwassureIcoulddoit.Eveninmyweakenedstate,Iwouldbefarstrongerthananyhuman.

“Iwarnedyou,”Isaid.“Mypowersarefarbeyondyourcomprehension.”Mikeycrackedhisknuckles.“Uh-huh.”Helumberedforward.Assoonashewasinrange,Istruck.Iputallmywrathintothatpunch.Itshouldhavebeenenough

tovaporizeMikeyandleaveathug-shapedimpressionontheasphalt.Insteadheducked,whichIfoundquiteannoying.Istumbledforward.IhavetosaythatwhenPrometheusfashionedyouhumansoutofclayhedida

shoddyjob.Mortallegsareclumsy.Itriedtocompensate,drawinguponmyboundlessreservesofagility,butMikeykickedmeintheback.Ifellonmydivineface.

Mynostrilsinflatedlikeairbags.Myearspopped.Thetasteofcopperfilledmymouth.Irolledover,groaning,andfoundthetwoblurrythugsstaringdownatme.

“Mikey,”saidCade,“areyoucomprehendingthisguy’spower?”“Nah,”saidMikey.“I’mnotcomprehendingit.”“Fools!”Icroaked.“Iwilldestroyyou!”“Yeah,sure.”Cadetossedawayhisknife.“ButfirstIthinkwe’llstompyou.”Caderaisedhisbootovermyface,andtheworldwentblack.

AgirlfromnowhereCompletesmyembarrassmentStupidbananas

IHADNOTBEENSTOMPEDsobadlysincemyguitarcontestagainstChuckBerryin1957.AsCadeandMikeykickedme,Icurledintoaball,tryingtoprotectmyribsandhead.Thepain

wasintolerable.Iretchedandshuddered.Iblackedoutandcameto,myvisionswimmingwithredsplotches.Whenmyattackersgottiredofkickingme,theyhitmeovertheheadwithabagofgarbage,whichburstandcoveredmeincoffeegroundsandmoldyfruitpeels.

Atlasttheysteppedaway,breathingheavily.Roughhandspattedmedownandtookmywallet.“Lookeehere,”saidCade.“SomecashandanIDfor…LesterPapadopoulos.”Mikeylaughed.“Lester?That’sevenworsethanApollo.”Itouchedmynose,whichfeltroughlythesizeandtextureofawater-bedmattress.Myfingers

cameawayglisteningred.“Blood,”Imuttered.“That’snotpossible.”“It’sverypossible,Lester.”Cadecrouchednexttome.“Andtheremightbemorebloodinyour

nearfuture.Youwanttoexplainwhyyoudon’thaveacreditcard?Oraphone?I’dhatetothinkIdidallthatstompingforjustahundredbucks.”

Istaredatthebloodonmyfingertips.Iwasagod.Ididnothaveblood.EvenwhenI’dbeenturnedmortalbefore,goldenichorstillranthroughmyveins.Ihadneverbeforebeenso…converted.Itmustbeamistake.Atrick.Something.

Itriedtositup.MyhandhitabananapeelandIfellagain.Myattackershowledindelight.“Ilovethisguy!”Mikeysaid.“Yeah,butthebosstoldushe’dbeloaded,”Cadecomplained.“Boss…”Imuttered.“Boss?”“That’sright,Lester.”Cadeflickedafingeragainstthesideofmyhead.“‘Gotothatalley,’the

bosstoldus.‘Easyscore.’Hesaidweshouldroughyouup,takewhateveryouhad.Butthis”—hewavedthecashundermynose—“thisisn’tmuchofapayday.”

Despitemypredicament,Ifeltasurgeofhopefulness.Ifthesethugshadbeensentheretofindme,their“boss”mustbeagod.NomortalcouldhaveknownIwouldfalltoearthatthisspot.PerhapsCadeandMikeywerenothumaneither.Perhapstheywerecleverlydisguisedmonstersorspirits.Atleastthatwouldexplainwhytheyhadbeatenmesoeasily.

“Who—whoisyourboss?”Istruggledtomyfeet,coffeegroundsdribblingfrommyshoulders.MydizzinessmademefeelasifIwereflyingtooclosetothefumesofprimordialChaos,butIrefusedtobehumbled.“DidZeussendyou?OrperhapsAres?Idemandanaudience!”

MikeyandCadelookedateachotherasiftosay,Canyoubelievethisguy?Cadepickeduphisknife.“Youdon’ttakeahint,doyou,Lester?”Mikeypulledoffhisbelt—alengthofbikechain—andwrappeditaroundhisfist.Idecidedtosingthemintosubmission.Theymayhaveresistedmyfists,butnomortalcould

resistmygoldenvoice.Iwastryingtodecidebetween“YouSendMe”andanoriginalcomposition,“I’mYourPoetryGod,Baby,”whenavoiceyelled,“HEY!”

Thehooligansturned.Aboveus,onthesecond-storyfireescapelanding,stoodagirlofabouttwelve.“Leavehimalone,”sheordered.

MyfirstthoughtwasthatArtemishadcometomyaid.Mysisteroftenappearedasatwelve-year-oldgirlforreasonsI’dneverfullyunderstood.Butsomethingtoldmethiswasnotshe.

Thegirlonthefireescapedidnotexactlyinspirefear.Shewassmallandpudgy,withdarkhairchoppedinamessypageboystyleandblackcat-eyeglasseswithrhinestonesglitteringinthecorners.Despitethecold,sheworenocoat.Heroutfitlookedlikeithadbeenpickedbyakindergartener—redsneakers,yellowtights,andagreentankdress.Perhapsshewasonherwaytoacostumepartydressedasatrafficlight.

Still…therewassomethingfierceinherexpression.ShehadthesameobstinatescowlmyoldgirlfriendCyreneusedtogetwhenevershewrestledlions.

MikeyandCadedidnotseemimpressed.“Getlost,kid,”Mikeytoldher.Thegirlstampedherfoot,causingthefireescapetoshudder.“Myalley.Myrules!”Herbossy

nasalvoicemadehersoundlikeshewaschidingaplaymateinagameofmake-believe.“Whateverthatloserhasismine,includinghismoney!”

“Whyiseveryonecallingmealoser?”Iaskedweakly.Thecommentseemedunfair,evenifIwasbeat-upandcoveredingarbage;butnoonepaidmeanyattention.

Cadeglaredatthegirl.Theredfromhishairseemedtobeseepingintohisface.“You’vegottobekiddingme.Beatit,youbrat!”Hepickeduparottenappleandthrewit.

Thegirldidn’tflinch.Thefruitlandedatherfeetandrolledharmlesslytoastop.“Youwanttoplaywithfood?”Thegirlwipedhernose.“Okay.”Ididn’tseeherkicktheapple,butitcameflyingbackwithdeadlyaccuracyandhitCadeinthe

nose.Hecollapsedonhisrump.Mikeysnarled.Hemarchedtowardthefireescapeladder,butabananapeelseemedtoslither

directlyintohispath.Heslippedandfellhard.“OWWW!”Ibackedawayfromthefallenthugs.IwonderedifIshouldmakearunforit,butIcouldbarely

hobble.Ialsodidnotwanttobeassaultedwitholdfruit.Thegirlclimbedovertherailing.Shedroppedtothegroundwithsurprisingnimblenessand

grabbedasackofgarbagefromtheDumpster.“Stop!”Cadedidasortofscuttlingcrabwalktogetawayfromthegirl.“Let’stalkaboutthis!”Mikeygroanedandrolledontohisback.Thegirlpouted.Herlipswerechapped.Shehadwispyblackfuzzatthecornersofhermouth.“Idon’tlikeyouguys,”shesaid.“Youshouldgo.”“Yeah!”Cadesaid.“Sure!Just…”Hereachedforthemoneyscatteredamongthecoffeegrounds.Thegirlswunghergarbagebag.Inmidarctheplasticexploded,disgorginganimpossible

numberofrottenbananas.TheyknockedCadeflat.Mikeywasplasteredwithsomanypeelshelooked

likehewasbeingattackedbycarnivorousstarfish.“Leavemyalley,”thegirlsaid.“Now.”IntheDumpster,moretrashbagsburstlikepopcornkernels,showeringCadeandMikeywith

radishes,potatopeelings,andothercompostmaterial.Miraculously,noneofitgotonme.Despitetheirinjuries,thetwothugsscrambledtotheirfeetandranaway,screaming.

Iturnedtowardmypint-sizesavior.Iwasnostrangertodangerouswomen.Mysistercouldraindownarrowsofdeath.Mystepmother,Hera,regularlydrovemortalsmadsothattheywouldhackeachothertopieces.Butthisgarbage-wieldingtwelve-year-oldmademenervous.

“Thankyou,”Iventured.Thegirlcrossedherarms.Onhermiddlefingerssheworematchinggoldringswithcrescent

signets.Hereyesglinteddarklylikeacrow’s.(IcanmakethatcomparisonbecauseIinventedcrows.)“Don’tthankme,”shesaid.“You’restillinmyalley.”Shewalkedafullcirclearoundme,scrutinizingmyappearanceasifIwereaprizecow.(Ican

alsomakethatcomparison,becauseIusedtocollectprizecows.)“You’rethegodApollo?”Shesoundedlessthanawestruck.Shealsodidn’tseemfazedbytheidea

ofgodswalkingamongmortals.“Youwerelistening,then?”Shenodded.“Youdon’tlooklikeagod.”“I’mnotatmybest,”Iadmitted.“Myfather,Zeus,hasexiledmefromOlympus.Andwhoare

you?”Shesmelledfaintlyofapplepie,whichwassurprising,sinceshelookedsogrubby.Partofme

wantedtofindafreshtowel,cleanherface,andgivehermoneyforahotmeal.Partofmewantedtofendheroffwithachairincaseshedecidedtobiteme.Sheremindedmeofthestraysmysisterwasalwaysadopting:dogs,panthers,homelessmaidens,smalldragons.

“NameisMeg,”shesaid.“ShortforMegara?OrMargaret?”“Margaret.Butdon’tevercallmeMargaret.”“Andareyouademigod,Meg?”Shepushedupherglasses.“Whywouldyouthinkthat?”Againshedidn’tseemsurprisedbythequestion.Isensedshehadheardthetermdemigodbefore.“Well,”Isaid,“youobviouslyhavesomepower.Youchasedoffthosehooliganswithrottenfruit.

Perhapsyouhavebanana-kinesis?Oryoucancontrolgarbage?IonceknewaRomangoddess,Cloacina,whopresidedoverthecity’ssewersystem.Perhapsyou’rerelated…?”

Megpouted.IgottheimpressionImighthavesaidsomethingwrong,thoughIcouldn’timaginewhat.

“IthinkI’lljusttakeyourmoney,”Megsaid.“Goon.Getoutofhere.”“No,wait!”Desperationcreptintomyvoice.“Please,I—Imayneedabitofassistance.”Ifeltridiculous,ofcourse.Me—thegodofprophecy,plague,archery,healing,music,andseveral

otherthingsIcouldn’trememberatthemoment—askingacolorfullydressedstreeturchinforhelp.ButIhadnooneelse.Ifthischildchosetotakemymoneyandkickmeintothecruelwinterstreets,Ididn’tthinkIcouldstopher.

“SayIbelieveyou…”Meg’svoicetookonasingsongtone,asifshewereabouttoannouncetherulesofthegame:I’llbetheprincess,andyou’llbethescullerymaid.“SayIdecidetohelp.Whatthen?”

Goodquestion,Ithought.“We…weareinManhattan?”“Mm-hmm.”Shetwirledanddidaplayfulskip-kick.“Hell’sKitchen.”ItseemedwrongforachildtosayHell’sKitchen.Thenagain,itseemedwrongforachildtolive

inanalleyandhavegarbagefightswiththugs.IconsideredwalkingtotheEmpireStateBuilding.ThatwasthemoderngatewaytoMount

Olympus,butIdoubtedtheguardswouldletmeuptothesecretsixhundredthfloor.Zeuswouldnotmakeitsoeasy.

PerhapsIcouldfindmyoldfriendChironthecentaur.HehadatrainingcamponLongIsland.Hecouldoffermeshelterandguidance.Butthatwouldbeadangerousjourney.Adefenselessgodmakesforajuicytarget.Anymonsteralongthewaywouldcheerfullydisembowelme.Jealousspiritsandminorgodsmightalsowelcometheopportunity.ThentherewasCadeandMikey’smysterious“boss.”Ihadnoideawhohewas,orwhetherhehadother,worseminionstosendagainstme.

EvenifImadeittoLongIsland,mynewmortaleyesmightnotbeabletofindChiron’scampinitsmagicallycamouflagedvalley.Ineededaguidetogetmethere—someoneexperiencedandcloseby….

“Ihaveanidea.”Istoodasstraightasmyinjuriesallowed.Itwasn’teasytolookconfidentwithabloodynoseandcoffeegroundsdrippingoffmyclothes.“Iknowsomeonewhomighthelp.HelivesontheUpperEastSide.Takemetohim,andIshallrewardyou.”

Megmadeasoundbetweenasneezeandalaugh.“Rewardmewithwhat?”Shedancedaround,pluckingtwenty-dollarbillsfromthetrash.“I’malreadytakingallyourmoney.”

“Hey!”Shetossedmemywallet,nowemptyexceptforLesterPapadopoulos’sjuniordriver ’slicense.Megsang,“I’vegotyourmoney,I’vegotyourmoney.”Istifledagrowl.“Listen,child,Iwon’tbemortalforever.SomedayIwillbecomeagodagain.

ThenIwillrewardthosewhohelpedme—andpunishthosewhodidn’t.”Sheputherhandsonherhips.“Howdoyouknowwhatwillhappen?Haveyoueverbeenmortal

before?”“Yes,actually.Twice!Bothtimes,mypunishmentonlylastedafewyearsatmost!”“Oh,yeah?Andhowdidyougetbacktobeingallgoddyorwhatever?”“Goddyisnotaword,”Ipointedout,thoughmypoeticsensibilitieswerealreadythinkingofways

Imightuseit.“UsuallyZeusrequiresmetoworkasaslaveforsomeimportantdemigod.ThisfellowuptownImentioned,forinstance.He’dbeperfect!Idowhatevertasksmynewmasterrequiresforafewyears.AslongasIbehave,IamallowedbacktoOlympus.RightnowIjusthavetorecovermystrengthandfigureout—”

“Howdoyouknowforsurewhichdemigod?”Iblinked.“What?”“Whichdemigodyou’resupposedtoserve,dummy.”“I…uh.Well,it’susuallyobvious.Ijustsortofrunintothem.That’swhyIwanttogettotheUpper

EastSide.Mynewmasterwillclaimmyserviceand—”“I’mMegMcCaffrey!”Megblewmearaspberry.“AndIclaimyourservice!”Overhead,thunderrumbledinthegraysky.Thesoundechoedthroughthecitycanyonslike

divinelaughter.Whateverwasleftofmyprideturnedtoicewaterandtrickledintomysocks.“Iwalkedrightinto

that,didn’tI?”“Yep!”Megbouncedupanddowninherredsneakers.“We’regoingtohavefun!”Withgreatdifficulty,Iresistedtheurgetoweep.“Areyousureyou’renotArtemisindisguise?”“I’mthatotherthing,”Megsaid,countingmymoney.“Thethingyousaidbefore.Ademigod.”“Howdoyouknow?”“Justdo.”Shegavemeasmugsmile.“AndnowIhaveasidekickgodnamedLester!”Iraisedmyfacetotheheavens.“Please,Father,Igetthepoint.Please,Ican’tdothis!”

Zeusdidnotanswer.HewasprobablytoobusyrecordingmyhumiliationtoshareonSnapchat.“Cheerup,”Megtoldme.“Who’sthatguyyouwantedtosee—theguyontheUpperEastSide?”“Anotherdemigod,”Isaid.“HeknowsthewaytoacampwhereImightfindshelter,guidance,

food—”“Food?”Meg’searsperkedupalmostasmuchasthepointsonherglasses.“Goodfood?”“Well,normallyIjusteatambrosia,but,yes,Isuppose.”“Thenthat’smyfirstorder!We’regoingtofindthisguytotakeustothecampplace!”Isighedmiserably.Itwasgoingtobeaverylongservitude.“Asyouwish,”Isaid.“Let’sfindPercyJackson.”

UsedtobegoddyNowuptownfeelingshoddyBah,haikudon’trhyme

ASWETRUDGEDupMadisonAvenue,mymindswirledwithquestions:Whyhadn’tZeusgivenmeawintercoat?WhydidPercyJacksonlivesofaruptown?Whydidpedestrianskeepstaringatme?

Iwonderedifmydivineradiancewasstartingtoreturn.PerhapstheNewYorkerswereawedbymyobviouspowerandunearthlygoodlooks.

MegMcCaffreysetmestraight.“Yousmell,”shesaid.“Youlooklikeyou’vejustbeenmugged.”“Ihavejustbeenmugged.Alsoenslavedbyasmallchild.”“It’snotslavery.”Shechewedoffapieceofherthumbcuticleandspititout.“It’smorelike

mutualcooperation.”“MutualinthesensethatyougiveordersandIamforcedtocooperate?”“Yep.”Shestoppedinfrontofastorefrontwindow.“See?Youlookgross.”Myreflectionstaredbackatme,exceptitwasnotmyreflection.Itcouldn’tbe.Thefacewasthe

sameasonLesterPapadopoulos’sID.Ilookedaboutsixteen.Mymedium-lengthhairwasdarkandcurly—astyleIhadrockedin

Atheniantimes,andagaininthe1970s.Myeyeswereblue.Myfacewaspleasingenoughinadorkishway,butitwasmarredbyaswolleneggplant-colorednose,whichhaddrippedagruesomemustacheofblooddownmyupperlip.Evenworse,mycheekswerecoveredwithsomesortofrashthatlookedsuspiciouslylike…Myheartclimbedintomythroat.

“Horrors!”Icried.“Isthat—Isthatacne?”Immortalgodsdonotgetacne.Itisoneofourinalienablerights.YetIleanedclosertotheglass

andsawthatmyskinwasindeedascarredlandscapeofwhiteheadsandpustules.Iballedmyfistsandwailedtothecruelsky,“Zeus,whathaveIdonetodeservethis?”Megtuggedatmysleeve.“You’regoingtogetyourselfarrested.”“Whatdoesitmatter?Ihavebeenmadeateenager,andnotevenonewithperfectskin!IbetIdon’t

evenhave…”Withacoldsenseofdread,Iliftedmyshirt.MymidriffwascoveredwithafloralpatternofbruisesfrommyfallintotheDumpsterandmysubsequentkicking.Butevenworse,Ihadflab.

“Oh,no,no,no.”Istaggeredaroundthesidewalk,hopingtheflabwouldnotfollowme.“Wherearemyeight-packabs?Ialwayshaveeight-packabs.Ineverhavelovehandles.Neverinfour

thousandyears!”Megmadeanothersnortinglaugh.“Sheesh,crybaby,you’refine.”“I’mfat!”“You’reaverage.Averagepeopledon’thaveeight-packabs.C’mon.”IwantedtoprotestthatIwasnotaveragenoraperson,butwithgrowingdespair,Irealizedthe

termnowfitmeperfectly.Ontheothersideofthestorefrontwindow,asecurityguard’sfaceloomed,scowlingatme.I

allowedMegtopullmefartherdownthestreet.Sheskippedalong,occasionallystoppingtopickupacoinorswingherselfaroundastreetlamp.

Thechildseemedunfazedbythecoldweather,thedangerousjourneyahead,andthefactthatIwassufferingfromacne.

“Howareyousocalm?”Idemanded.“Youareademigod,walkingwithagod,onyourwaytoacamptomeetothersofyourkind.Doesn’tanyofthatsurpriseyou?”

“Eh.”Shefoldedoneofmytwenty-dollarbillsintoapaperairplane.“I’veseenabunchofweirdstuff.”

Iwastemptedtoaskwhatcouldbeweirderthanthemorningwehadjusthad.IdecidedImightnotbeabletostandthestressofknowing.“Whereareyoufrom?”

“Itoldyou.Thealley.”“No,but…yourparents?Family?Friends?”Arippleofdiscomfortpassedoverherface.Shereturnedherattentiontohertwenty-dollar

airplane.“Notimportant.”Myhighlyadvancedpeople-readingskillstoldmeshewashidingsomething,butthatwasnot

unusualfordemigods.Forchildrenblessedwithanimmortalparent,theywerestrangelysensitiveabouttheirbackgrounds.“Andyou’veneverheardofCampHalf-Blood?OrCampJupiter?”

“Nuh-uh.”Shetestedtheairplane’spointonherfingertip.“HowmuchfarthertoPerry’shouse?”“Percy’s.I’mnotsure.Afewmoreblocks…Ithink.”ThatseemedtosatisfyMeg.Shehopscotchedahead,throwingthecashairplaneandretrievingit.

ShecartwheeledthroughtheintersectionatEastSeventy-SecondStreet—herclothesaflurryoftraffic-lightcolorssobrightIworriedthedriversmightgetconfusedandrunherdown.Fortunately,NewYorkdriverswereusedtoswervingaroundobliviouspedestrians.

IdecidedMegmustbeaferaldemigod.Theywererarebutnotunheardof.Withoutanysupportnetwork,withoutbeingdiscoveredbyotherdemigodsortakeninforpropertraining,shehadstillmanagedtosurvive.Butherluckwouldnotlast.Monstersusuallybeganhuntingdownandkillingyoungheroesaroundthetimetheyturnedthirteen,whentheirtruepowersbegantomanifest.Megdidnothavelong.SheneededtobebroughttoCampHalf-BloodasmuchasIdid.Shewasfortunatetohavemetme.

(Iknowthatlaststatementseemsobvious.Everyonewhomeetsmeisfortunate,butyoutakemymeaning.)

HadIbeenmyusualomniscientself,IcouldhavegleanedMeg’sdestiny.IcouldhavelookedintohersoulandseenallIneededtoknowabouthergodlyparentage,herpowers,hermotivesandsecrets.

NowIwasblindtosuchthings.Icouldonlybesureshewasademigodbecauseshehadsuccessfullyclaimedmyservice.Zeushadaffirmedherrightwithaclapofthunder.Ifeltthebindinguponmelikeashroudoftightlywrappedbananapeels.WhoeverMegMcCaffreywas,howevershehadhappenedtofindme,ourfateswerenowintertwined.

Itwasalmostasembarrassingastheacne.WeturnedeastonEighty-SecondStreet.

BythetimewereachedSecondAvenue,theneighborhoodstartedtolookfamiliar—rowsofapartmentbuildings,hardwareshops,conveniencestores,andIndianrestaurants.IknewthatPercyJacksonlivedaroundheresomewhere,butmytripsacrosstheskyinthesunchariothadgivenmesomethingofaGoogleEarthorientation.Iwasn’tusedtotravelingatstreetlevel.

Also,inthismortalform,myflawlessmemoryhadbecome…flawed.Mortalfearsandneedscloudedmythoughts.Iwantedtoeat.Iwantedtousetherestroom.Mybodyhurt.Myclothesstank.Ifeltasifmybrainhadbeenstuffedwithwetcotton.Honestly,howdoyouhumansstandit?

Afterafewmoreblocks,amixtureofsleetandrainbegantofall.Megtriedtocatchtheprecipitationonhertongue,whichIthoughtaveryineffectivewaytogetadrink—andofdirtywater,noless.Ishiveredandconcentratedonhappythoughts:theBahamas,theNineMusesinperfectharmony,themanyhorriblepunishmentsIwouldvisitonCadeandMikeywhenIbecameagodagain.

Istillwonderedabouttheirboss,andhowhehadknownwhereIwouldfalltoearth.Nomortalcould’vehadthatknowledge.Infact,themoreIthoughtaboutit,Ididn’tseehowevenagod(otherthanmyself)couldhaveforeseenthefuturesoaccurately.Afterall,Ihadbeenthegodofprophecy,masteroftheOracleofDelphi,distributorofthehighestqualitysneakpreviewsofdestinyformillennia.

Ofcourse,Ihadnoshortageofenemies.OneofthenaturalconsequencesofbeingsoawesomeisthatIattractedenvyfromallquarters.ButIcouldonlythinkofoneadversarywhomightbeabletotellthefuture.Andifhecamelookingformeinmyweakenedstate…

Itampeddownthatthought.Ihadenoughtoworryabout.Nopointscaringmyselftodeathwithwhat-ifs.

Webegansearchingsidestreets,checkingnamesonapartmentmailboxesandintercompanels.TheUpperEastSidehadasurprisingnumberofJacksons.Ifoundthatannoying.

Afterseveralfailedattempts,weturnedacornerandthere—parkedunderacrapemyrtle—satanoldermodelbluePrius.Itshoodboretheunmistakabledentsofpegasushooves.(HowwasIsure?Iknowmyhoofmarks.Also,normalhorsesdonotgallopoverToyotas.Pegasioftendo.)

“Aha,”ItoldMeg.“We’regettingclose.”Halfablockdown,Irecognizedthebuilding:afive-storybrickrowhousewithrustyair

conditionerunitssaggingfromthewindows.“Voilà!”Icried.Atthefrontsteps,Megstoppedasifshe’drunintoaninvisiblebarrier.Shestaredbacktoward

SecondAvenue,herdarkeyesturbulent.“What’swrong?”Iasked.“ThoughtIsawthemagain.”“Them?”Ifollowedhergazebutsawnothingunusual.“Thethugsfromthealley?”“No.Coupleof…”Shewaggledherfingers.“Shinyblobs.SawthembackonParkAvenue.”Mypulseincreasedfromanandantetempotoalivelyallegretto.“Shinyblobs?Whydidn’tyou

sayanything?”Shetappedthetemplesofherglasses.“I’veseenalotofweirdstuff.Toldyouthat.Mostly,things

don’tbotherme,but…”“Butiftheyarefollowingus,”Isaid,“thatwouldbebad.”Iscannedthestreetagain.Isawnothingamiss,butIdidn’tdoubtMeghadseenshinyblobs.Many

spiritscouldappearthatway.Myownfather,Zeus,oncetooktheformofashinyblobtowooamortalwoman.(Whythemortalwomanfoundthatattractive,Ihavenoidea.)

“Weshouldgetinside,”Isaid.“PercyJacksonwillhelpus.”Still,Megheldback.Shehadshownnofearwhilepeltingmuggerswithgarbageinablindalley,

butnowsheseemedtobehavingsecondthoughtsaboutringingadoorbell.Itoccurredtomeshe

mighthavemetdemigodsbefore.Perhapsthosemeetingshadnotgonewell.“Meg,”Isaid,“Irealizesomedemigodsarenotgood.IcouldtellyoustoriesofalltheonesI’ve

hadtokillortransformintoherbs—”“Herbs?”“ButPercyJacksonhasalwaysbeenreliable.Youhavenothingtofear.Besides,helikesme.I

taughthimeverythingheknows.”Shefrowned.“Youdid?”Ifoundherinnocencesomewhatcharming.Somanyobviousthingsshedidnotknow.“Ofcourse.

Nowlet’sgoup.”Irangthebuzzer.Afewmomentslater,thegarbledvoiceofawomananswered,“Yes?”“Hello,”Isaid.“ThisisApollo.”Static.“ThegodApollo,”Isaid,thinkingperhapsIshouldbemorespecific.“IsPercyhome?”Morestatic,followedbytwovoicesinmutedconversation.Thefrontdoorbuzzed.Ipushedit

open.JustbeforeIsteppedinside,Icaughtaflashofmovementinthecornerofmyeye.Ipeereddownthesidewalkbutagainsawnothing.

Perhapsithadbeenareflection.Orawhirlofsleet.Orperhapsithadbeenashinyblob.Myscalptingledwithapprehension.

“What?”Megasked.“Probablynothing.”Iforcedacheerfultone.IdidnotwantMegboltingoffwhenwewereso

closetoreachingsafety.Wewereboundtogethernow.Iwouldhavetofollowherifsheorderedmeto,andIdidnotfancylivinginthealleywithherforever.“Let’sgoup.Wecan’tkeepourhostswaiting.”

AfterallIhaddoneforPercyJackson,Iexpecteddelightuponmyarrival.Atearfulwelcome,afewburntofferings,andasmallfestivalinmyhonorwouldnothavebeeninappropriate.

Instead,theyoungmanswungopentheapartmentdoorandsaid,“Why?”Asusual,Iwasstruckbyhisresemblancetohisfather,Poseidon.Hehadthesamesea-greeneyes,

thesamedarktousledhair,thesamehandsomefeaturesthatcouldshiftfromhumortoangersoeasily.However,PercyJacksondidnotfavorhisfather ’schosengarbofbeachshortsandHawaiianshirts.HewasdressedinraggedjeansandabluehoodiewiththewordsAHSSWIMTEAMstitchedacrossthefront.

Meginchedbackintothehallway,hidingbehindme.Itriedforasmile.“PercyJackson,myblessingsuponyou!Iaminneedofassistance.”Percy’seyesdartedfrommetoMeg.“Who’syourfriend?”“ThisisMegMcCaffrey,”Isaid,“ademigodwhomustbetakentoCampHalf-Blood.Sherescued

mefromstreetthugs.”“Rescued…”Percyscannedmybatteredface.“Youmeanthe‘beat-upteenager ’lookisn’tjusta

disguise?Dude,whathappenedtoyou?”“Imayhavementionedthestreetthugs.”“Butyou’reagod.”“Aboutthat…Iwasagod.”Percyblinked.“Was?”“Also,”Isaid,“I’mfairlycertainwe’rebeingfollowedbymaliciousspirits.”IfIdidn’tknowhowmuchPercyJacksonadoredme,Iwouldhaveswornhewasabouttopunch

meinmyalready-brokennose.

Hesighed.“Maybeyoutwoshouldcomeinside.”

CasadeJacksonNogold-platedthroneforguestsSeriously,dude?

ANOTHERTHINGIhaveneverunderstood:Howcanyoumortalsliveinsuchtinyplaces?Whereisyourpride?Yoursenseofstyle?

TheJacksonapartmenthadnograndthroneroom,nocolonnades,noterracesorbanquethallsorevenathermalbath.IthadatinylivingroomwithanattachedkitchenandasinglehallwayleadingtowhatIassumedwerethebedrooms.Theplacewasonthefifthfloor,andwhileIwasn’tsopickyastoexpectanelevator,Ididfinditoddtherewasnolandingdeckforflyingchariots.Whatdidtheydowhenguestsfromtheskywantedtovisit?

Standingbehindthekitchencounter,makingasmoothie,wasastrikinglyattractivemortalwomanofaboutforty.Herlongbrownhairhadafewgraystreaks,butherbrighteyes,quicksmile,andfestivetie-dyedsundressmadeherlookyounger.

Asweentered,sheturnedofftheblenderandsteppedoutfrombehindthecounter.“SacredSibyl!”Icried.“Madam,thereissomethingwrongwithyourmidsection!”Thewomanstopped,mystified,andlookeddownatherhugelyswollenbelly.“Well,I’mseven

monthspregnant.”Iwantedtocryforher.Carryingsuchaweightdidn’tseemnatural.Mysister,Artemis,had

experiencewithmidwifery,butIhadalwaysfounditoneareaofthehealingartsbestlefttoothers.“Howcanyoubearit?”Iasked.“Mymother,Leto,sufferedthroughalongpregnancy,butonlybecauseHeracursedher.Areyoucursed?”

Percysteppedtomyside.“Um,Apollo?She’snotcursed.AndcanyounotmentionHera?”“Youpoorwoman.”Ishookmyhead.“Agoddesswouldneverallowherselftobesoencumbered.

Shewouldgivebirthassoonasshefeltlikeit.”“Thatmustbenice,”thewomanagreed.PercyJacksoncoughed.“Soanyway.Mom,thisisApolloandhisfriendMeg.Guys,thisismy

mom.”TheMotherofJacksonsmiledandshookourhands.“CallmeSally.”Hereyesnarrowedasshestudiedmybustednose.“Dear,thatlookspainful.Whathappened?”Iattemptedtoexplain,butIchokedonmywords.I,thesilver-tonguedgodofpoetry,couldnot

bringmyselftodescribemyfallfromgracetothiskindwoman.IunderstoodwhyPoseidonhadbeensosmittenwithher.SallyJacksonpossessedjusttheright

combinationofcompassion,strength,andbeauty.Shewasoneofthoseraremortalwomenwhocouldconnectspirituallywithagodasanequal—tobeneitherterrifiedofusnorgreedyforwhatwecanoffer,buttoprovideuswithtruecompanionship.

IfIhadstillbeenanimmortal,Imighthaveflirtedwithhermyself.ButIwasnowasixteen-year-oldboy.Mymortalformwasworkingitswayuponmystateofmind.IsawSallyJacksonasamom—afactthatbothconsternatedandembarrassedme.IthoughtabouthowlongithadbeensinceIhadcalledmyownmother.IshouldprobablytakehertolunchwhenIgotbacktoOlympus.

“Itellyouwhat.”Sallypattedmyshoulder.“Percycanhelpyougetbandagedandcleanedup.”“Ican?”askedPercy.Sallygavehimtheslightestmotherlyeyebrowraise.“There’safirst-aidkitinyourbathroom,

sweetheart.Apollocantakeashower,thenwearyourextraclothes.Youtwoareaboutthesamesize.”“That,”Percysaid,“istrulydepressing.”SallycuppedherhandunderMeg’schin.Thankfully,Megdidnotbiteher.Sally’sexpression

remainedgentleandreassuring,butIcouldseetheworryinhereyes.Nodoubtshewasthinking,Whodressedthispoorgirllikeatrafficlight?

“Ihavesomeclothesthatmightfityou,dear,”Sallysaid.“Pre-pregnancyclothes,ofcourse.Let’sgetyoucleanedup.Thenwe’llgetyousomethingtoeat.”

“Ilikefood,”Megmuttered.Sallylaughed.“Well,wehavethatincommon.Percy,youtakeApollo.We’llmeetyoubackhere

inawhile.”

Inshortorder,Iwasshowered,bandaged,anddressedinJacksonesquehand-me-downs.Percyleftmealoneinthebathroomtotakecareofallthismyself,forwhichIwasgrateful.Heofferedmesomeambrosiaandnectar—foodanddrinkofthegods—tohealmywounds,butIwasnotsureitwouldbesafetoconsumeinmymortalstate.Ididn’twanttoself-combust,soIstuckwithmortalfirst-aidsupplies.

WhenIwasdone,Istaredatmybatteredfaceinthebathroommirror.Perhapsteenageangsthadpermeatedtheclothes,becauseIfeltmorelikeasulkyhighschoolerthanever.IthoughthowunfairitwasthatIwasbeingpunished,howlamemyfatherwas,hownooneelseinthehistoryoftimehadeverexperiencedproblemslikemine.

Ofcourse,allthatwasempiricallytrue.Noexaggerationwasrequired.Atleastmywoundsseemedtobehealingatafasterratethananormalmortal’s.Theswellingin

mynosehadsubsided.Myribsstillached,butInolongerfeltasifsomeonewereknittingasweaterinsidemychestwithhotneedles.

AcceleratedhealingwastheleastZeuscoulddoforme.Iwasagodofmedicinalarts,afterall.ZeusprobablyjustwantedmetogetwellquicklysoIcouldenduremorepain,butIwasgratefulnonetheless.

IwonderedifIshouldstartasmallfireinPercyJackson’ssink,perhapsburnsomebandagesinthanks,butIdecidedthatmightstraintheJacksons’hospitality.

IexaminedtheblackT-shirtPercyhadgivenme.EmblazonedonthefrontwasLedZeppelin’slogofortheirrecordlabel:wingedIcarusfallingfromthesky.IhadnoproblemwithLedZeppelin.Ihadinspiredalltheirbestsongs.ButIhadasneakingsuspicionthatPercyhadgivenmethisshirtasajoke—thefallfromthesky.Yes,ha-ha.Ididn’tneedtobeagodofpoetrytospotthemetaphor.Idecidednottocommentonit.Iwouldn’tgivehimthesatisfaction.

Itookadeepbreath.ThenIdidmyusualmotivationalspeechinthemirror:“Youaregorgeousandpeopleloveyou!”

Iwentouttofacetheworld.Percywassittingonhisbed,staringatthetrailofblooddropletsIhadmadeacrosshiscarpet.“Sorryaboutthat,”Isaid.Percyspreadhishands.“Actually,IwasthinkingaboutthelasttimeIhadanosebleed.”“Oh…”Thememorycamebacktome,thoughhazyandincomplete.Athens.TheAcropolis.Wegodshad

battledsidebysidewithPercyJacksonandhiscomrades.Wedefeatedanarmyofgiants,butadropofPercy’sbloodhittheearthandawakenedtheEarthMotherGaea,whohadnotbeeninagoodmood.

That’swhenZeusturnedonme.He’daccusedmeofstartingthewholething,justbecauseGaeahaddupedoneofmyprogeny,aboynamedOctavian,intoplungingtheRomanandGreekdemigodcampsintoacivilwarthatalmostdestroyedhumancivilization.Iaskyou:Howwasthatmyfault?

Regardless,ZeushadheldmeresponsibleforOctavian’sdelusionsofgrandeur.Zeusseemedtoconsideregotismatraittheboyhadinheritedfromme.Whichisridiculous.Iammuchtooself-awaretobeegotistical.

“Whathappenedtoyou,man?”Percy’svoicestirredmefrommyreverie.“ThewarendedinAugust.It’sJanuary.”

“Itis?”Isupposethewintryweathershouldhavebeenaclue,butIhadn’tgivenitmuchthought.“LastIsawyou,”Percysaid,“ZeuswaschewingyououtattheAcropolis.Thenbam—he

vaporizedyou.Nobody’sseenorheardfromyouforsixmonths.”Itriedtorecall,butmymemoriesofgodhoodweregettingfuzzierratherthanclearer.Whathad

happenedinthelastsixmonths?HadIbeeninsomekindofstasis?HadZeustakenthatlongtodecidewhattodowithme?Perhapstherewasareasonhe’dwaiteduntilthismomenttohurlmetoearth.

Father ’svoicestillranginmyears:Yourfault.Yourpunishment.Myshamefeltfreshandraw,asiftheconversationhadjusthappened,butIcouldnotbesure.

Afterbeingaliveforsomanymillennia,Ihadtroublekeepingtrackoftimeeveninthebestofcircumstances.IwouldhearasongonSpotifyandthink,“Oh,that’snew!”ThenI’drealizeitwasMozart’sPianoConcertono.20inDMinorfromtwohundredyearsago.OrI’dwonderwhyHerodotusthehistorianwasn’tinmycontactslist.ThenI’drememberHerodotusdidn’thaveasmartphone,becausehehadbeendeadsincetheIronAge.

It’sveryirritatinghowquicklyyoumortalsdie.“I—Idon’tknowwhereI’vebeen,”Iadmitted.“Ihavesomememorygaps.”Percywinced.“Ihatememorygaps.LastyearIlostanentiresemesterthankstoHera.”“Ah,yes.”Icouldn’tquiterememberwhatPercyJacksonwastalkingabout.Duringthewarwith

Gaea,Ihadbeenfocusedmostlyonmyownfabulousexploits.ButIsupposeheandhisfriendshadundergoneafewminorhardships.

“Well,neverfear,”Isaid.“Therearealwaysnewopportunitiestowinfame!That’swhyI’vecometoyouforhelp!”

Hegavemethatconfusingexpressionagain:asifhewantedtokickme,whenIwassurehemustbestrugglingtocontainhisgratitude.

“Look,man—”“Wouldyoupleaserefrainfromcallingmeman?”Iasked.“ItisapainfulreminderthatIama

man.”“Okay…Apollo,I’mfinewithdrivingyouandMegtocampifthat’swhatyouwant.Ineverturn

awayademigodwhoneedshelp—”“Wonderful!DoyouhavesomethingbesidesthePrius?AMaserati,perhaps?I’dsettlefora

Lamborghini.”

“But,”Percycontinued,“Ican’tgetinvolvedinanotherBigProphecyorwhatever.I’vemadepromises.”

Istaredathim,notquitecomprehending.“Promises?”Percylacedhisfingers.Theywerelongandnimble.Hewouldhavemadeanexcellentmusician.

“IlostmostofmyjunioryearbecauseofthewarwithGaea.I’vespentthisentirefallplayingcatch-upwithmyclasses.IfIwanttogotocollegewithAnnabethnextfall,Ihavetostayoutoftroubleandgetmydiploma.”

“Annabeth.”Itriedtoplacethename.“She’stheblondscaryone?”“That’sher.IpromisedherspecificallythatIwouldn’tgetmyselfkilledwhileshe’sgone.”“Gone?”Percywavedvaguelytowardthenorth.“She’sinBostonforafewweeks.Somefamily

emergency.Thepointis—”“You’resayingyoucannotoffermeyourundividedservicetorestoremetomythrone?”“Um…yeah.”Hepointedatthebedroomdoorway.“Besides,mymom’spregnant.I’mgoingto

haveababysister.I’dliketobearoundtogettoknowher.”“Well,Iunderstandthat.IrememberwhenArtemiswasborn—”“Aren’tyoutwins?”“I’vealwaysregardedherasmylittlesister.”Percy’smouthtwitched.“Anyway,mymom’sgotthatgoingon,andherfirstnovelisgoingtobe

publishedthisspringaswell,soI’dliketostayalivelongenoughto—”“Wonderful!”Isaid.“Remindhertoburnthepropersacrifices.Calliopeisquitetouchywhen

novelistsforgettothankher.”“Okay.ButwhatI’msaying…Ican’tgooffonanotherworld-stompingquest.Ican’tdothattomy

family.”Percyglancedtowardhiswindow.Onthesillwasapottedplantwithdelicatesilverleaves—

possiblymoonlace.“I’vealreadygivenmymomenoughheartattacksforonelifetime.She’sjustaboutforgivenmefordisappearinglastyear,butIsworetoherandPaulthatIwouldn’tdoanythinglikethatagain.”

“Paul?”“Mystepdad.He’satateacherin-servicetoday.He’sagoodguy.”“Isee.”Intruth,Ididn’tsee.Iwantedtogetbacktotalkingaboutmyproblems.Iwasimpatient

withPercyforturningtheconversationtohimself.Sadly,Ihavefoundthissortofself-centerednesscommonamongdemigods.

“YoudounderstandthatImustfindawaytoreturntoOlympus,”Isaid.“Thiswillprobablyinvolvemanyharrowingtrialswithahighchanceofdeath.Canyouturndownsuchglory?”

“Yeah,I’mprettysureIcan.Sorry.”Ipursedmylips.Italwaysdisappointedmewhenmortalsputthemselvesfirstandfailedtoseethe

bigpicture—theimportanceofputtingmefirst—butIhadtoremindmyselfthatthisyoungmanhadhelpedmeoutonmanypreviousoccasions.Hehadearnedmygoodwill.

“Iunderstand,”Isaidwithincrediblegenerosity.“YouwillatleastescortustoCampHalf-Blood?”

“ThatIcando.”Percyreachedintohishoodiepocketandpulledoutaballpointpen.ForamomentIthoughthewantedmyautograph.Ican’ttellyouhowoftenthathappens.ThenIrememberedthepenwasthedisguisedformofhissword,Riptide.

Hesmiled,andsomeofthatolddemigodmischieftwinkledinhiseyes.“Let’sseeifMeg’sreadyforafieldtrip.”

Seven-layerdipChocolatechipcookiesinblueIlovethiswoman

SALLYJACKSONwasawitchtorivalCirce.ShehadtransformedMegfromastreeturchinintoashockinglyprettyyounggirl.Meg’sdarkpageboyhairwasglossyandbrushed.Herroundfacewasscrubbedcleanofgrime.Hercat-eyeglasseshadbeenpolishedsotherhinestonessparkled.Shehadevidentlyinsistedonkeepingheroldredsneakers,butsheworenewblackleggingsandaknee-lengthfrockofshiftinggreenhues.

Mrs.JacksonhadfiguredouthowtokeepMeg’soldlookbuttweakittobemorecomplementary.Megnowhadanelfishspringtimeaurathatremindedmeverymuchofadryad.Infact…

Asuddenwaveofemotionoverwhelmedme.Ichokedbackasob.Megpouted.“DoIlookthatbad?”“No,no,”Imanaged.“It’sjust…”Iwantedtosay:Youremindmeofsomeone.ButIdidn’tdareopenthatlineofconversation.Only

twomortalseverhadbrokenmyheart.Evenaftersomanycenturies,Icouldn’tthinkofher,couldn’tsayhernamewithoutfallingintodespair.

Don’tmisunderstandme.IfeltnoattractiontoMeg.Iwassixteen(orfourthousandplus,dependingonhowyoulookedatit).Shewasaveryyoungtwelve.Butthewaysheappearednow,MegMcCaffreymighthavebeenthedaughterofmyformerlove…ifmyformerlovehadlivedlongenoughtohavechildren.

Itwastoopainful.Ilookedaway.“Well,”SallyJacksonsaidwithforcedcheerfulness,“howaboutImakesomelunchwhileyou

three…talk.”ShegavePercyaworriedglance,thenheadedtothekitchen,herhandsprotectivelyoverher

pregnantbelly.Megsatontheedgeofthesofa.“Percy,yourmomissonormal.”“Thanks,Iguess.”Hepickedupastackoftestpreparationmanualsfromthecoffeetableand

chuckedthemaside.“Iseeyouliketostudy,”Isaid.“Welldone.”Percysnorted.“Ihatetostudy.I’vebeenguaranteedadmissionwithafullscholarshiptoNew

RomeUniversity,butthey’restillrequiringmetopassallmyhighschoolcoursesandscorewellontheSAT.Canyoubelievethat?NottomentionIhavetopasstheDSTOMP.”

“Thewhat?”Megasked.“AnexamforRomandemigods,”Itoldher.“TheDemigodStandardTestofMadPowers.”Percyfrowned.“That’swhatitstandsfor?”“Ishouldknow.Iwrotethemusicandpoetryanalysissections.”“Iwillneverforgiveyouforthat,”Percysaid.Megswungherfeet.“Soyou’rereallyademigod?Likeme?”“Afraidso.”Percysankintothearmchair,leavingmetotakethesofanexttoMeg.“Mydadisthe

godlyone—Poseidon.Whataboutyourparents?”Meg’slegswentstill.Shestudiedherchewedcuticles,thematchingcrescentringsglintingonher

middlefingers.“Neverknewthem…much.”Percyhesitated.“Fosterhome?Stepparents?”Ithoughtofacertainplant,theMimosapudica,whichthegodPancreated.Assoonasitsleaves

aretouched,theplantclosesupdefensively.Megseemedtobeplayingmimosa,foldinginwardunderPercy’squestions.

Percyraisedhishands.“Sorry.Didn’tmeantopry.”Hegavemeaninquisitivelook.“Sohowdidyouguysmeet?”

Itoldhimthestory.ImayhaveexaggeratedmybravedefenseagainstCadeandMikey—justfornarrativeeffect,youunderstand.

AsIfinished,SallyJacksonreturned.Shesetdownabowloftortillachipsandacasseroledishfilledwithelaboratedipinmulticoloredstrata,likesedimentaryrock.

“I’llbebackwiththesandwiches,”shesaid.“ButIhadsomeleftoverseven-layerdip.”“Yum.”Percyduginwithatortillachip.“She’skindafamousforthis,guys.”Sallyruffledhishair.“There’sguacamole,sourcream,refriedbeans,salsa—”“Sevenlayers?”Ilookedupinwonder.“Youknewsevenismysacrednumber?Youinventedthis

forme?”Sallywipedherhandsonherapron.“Well,actually,Ican’ttakecredit—”“Youaretoomodest!”Itriedsomeofthedip.Ittastedalmostasgoodasambrosianachos.“You

willhaveimmortalfameforthis,SallyJackson!”“That’ssweet.”Shepointedtothekitchen.“I’llberightback.”Soonwewereplowingthroughturkeysandwiches,chipsanddip,andbananasmoothies.Megate

likeachipmunk,shovingmorefoodinhermouththanshecouldpossiblychew.Mybellywasfull.Ihadneverbeensohappy.IhadastrangedesiretofireupanXboxandplayCallofDuty.

“Percy,”Isaid,“yourmomisawesome.”“Iknow,right?”Hefinishedhissmoothie.“Sobacktoyourstory…youhavetobeMeg’sservant

now?Youguysbarelyknoweachother.”“Barelyisgenerous,”Isaid.“Nevertheless,yes.MyfateisnowlinkedwithyoungMcCaffrey.”“Wearecooperating,”Megsaid.Sheseemedtosavorthatword.Fromhispocket,Percyfishedhisballpointpen.Hetappeditthoughtfullyagainsthisknee.“And

thiswholeturning-into-a-mortalthing…you’vedoneittwicebefore?”“Notbychoice,”Iassuredhim.“Thefirsttime,wehadalittlerebellioninOlympus.Wetriedto

overthrowZeus.”Percywinced.“I’mguessingthatdidn’tgowell.”“Igotmostoftheblame,naturally.Oh,andyourfather,Poseidon.Wewerebothcastdownto

earthasmortals,forcedtoserveLaomedon,thekingofTroy.Hewasaharshmaster.Heevenrefusedtopayusforourwork!”

Megnearlychokedonhersandwich.“Ihavetopayyou?”IhadaterrifyingimageofMegMcCaffreytryingtopaymeinbottlecaps,marbles,andpiecesof

coloredstring.“Neverfear,”Itoldher.“Iwon’tbepresentingyouwithabill.ButasIwassaying,thesecondtime

Ibecamemortal,ZeusgotmadbecauseIkilledsomeofhisCyclopes.”Percyfrowned.“Dude,notcool.MybrotherisaCyclops.”“ThesewerewickedCyclopes!Theymadethelightningboltthatkilledoneofmysons!”Megbouncedonthearmofthesofa.“Percy’sbrotherisaCyclops?That’scrazy!”Itookadeepbreath,tryingtofindmyhappyplace.“Atanyrate,IwasboundtoAdmetus,theking

ofThessaly.Hewasakindmaster.Ilikedhimsomuch,Imadeallhiscowshavetwincalves.”“CanIhavebabycows?”Megasked.“Well,Meg,”Isaid,“firstyouwouldhavetohavesomemommycows.Yousee—”“Guys,”Percyinterrupted.“So,justtorecap,youhavetobeMeg’sservantfor…?”“Someunknownamountoftime,”Isaid.“Probablyayear.Possiblymore.”“Andduringthattime—”“Iwillundoubtedlyfacemanytrialsandhardships.”“Likegettingmemycows,”Megsaid.Igrittedmyteeth.“Whatthosetrialswillbe,Idonotyetknow.ButifIsufferthroughthemand

proveIamworthy,Zeuswillforgivemeandallowmetobecomeagodagain.”Percydidnotlookconvinced—probablybecauseIdidnotsoundconvincing.Ihadtobelievemy

mortalpunishmentwastemporary,asithadbeenthelasttwotimes.YetZeushadcreatedastrictruleforbaseballandprisonsentences:Threestrikes,you’reout.Icouldonlyhopethiswouldnotapplytome.

“Ineedtimetogetmybearings,”Isaid.“OncewegettoCampHalf-Blood,IcanconsultwithChiron.Icanfigureoutwhichofmygodlypowersremainwithmeinthismortalform.”

“Ifany,”Percysaid.“Let’sthinkpositive.”Percysatbackinhisarmchair.“Anyideawhatkindofspiritsarefollowingyou?”“Shinyblobs,”Megsaid.“Theywereshinyandsortof…blobby.”Percynoddedgravely.“Thosearetheworstkind.”“Ithardlymatters,”Isaid.“Whatevertheyare,wehavetoflee.Oncewereachcamp,themagical

borderswillprotectme.”“Andme?”Megasked.“Oh,yes.You,too.”Percyfrowned.“Apollo,ifyou’rereallymortal,like,onehundredpercentmortal,canyoueven

getintoCampHalf-Blood?”Theseven-layerdipbegantochurninmystomach.“Pleasedon’tsaythat.OfcourseI’llgetin.I

haveto.”“Butyoucouldgethurtinbattlenow…”Percymused.“Thenagain,maybemonsterswould

ignoreyoubecauseyou’renotimportant?”“Stop!”Myhandstrembled.Beingamortalwastraumaticenough.Thethoughtofbeingbarred

fromcamp,ofbeingunimportant…No.Thatsimplycouldnotbe.“I’msureI’veretainedsomepowers,”Isaid.“I’mstillgorgeous,forinstance,ifIcouldjustget

ridofthisacneandlosesomeflab.Imusthaveotherabilities!”PercyturnedtoMeg.“Whataboutyou?Ihearyouthrowameangarbagebag.Anyotherskillswe

shouldknowabout?Summoninglightning?Makingtoiletsexplode?”Megsmiledhesitantly.“That’snotapower.”“Sureitis,”Percysaid.“Someofthebestdemigodshavegottentheirstartbyblowinguptoilets.”Meggiggled.

IdidnotlikethewayshewasgrinningatPercy.Ididn’twantthegirltodevelopacrush.Wemightnevergetoutofhere.AsmuchasIenjoyedSallyJackson’scooking—thedivinesmellofbakingcookieswasevennowwaftingfromthekitchen—Ineededtomakehastetocamp.

“Ahem.”Irubbedmyhands.“Howsooncanweleave?”Percyglancedatthewallclock.“Rightnow,Iguess.Ifyou’rebeingfollowed,I’dratherhave

monstersonourtrailthansniffingaroundtheapartment.”“Goodman,”Isaid.Percygesturedwithdistasteathistestmanuals.“Ijusthavetobebacktonight.Gotalotof

studying.ThefirsttwotimesItooktheSAT—ugh.Ifitwasn’tforAnnabethhelpingmeout—”“Who’sthat?”Megasked.“Mygirlfriend.”Megfrowned.Iwasgladtherewerenogarbagebagsnearbyforhertothrow.“Sotakeabreak!”Iurged.“YourbrainwillberefreshedafteraneasydrivetoLongIsland.”“Huh,”Percysaid.“There’salazykindoflogictothat.Okay.Let’sdoit.”HerosejustasSallyJacksonwalkedinwithaplateoffresh-bakedchocolatechipcookies.For

somereason,thecookieswereblue,buttheysmelledheavenly—andIshouldknow.I’mfromheaven.“Mom,don’tfreak,”Percysaid.Sallysighed.“Ihateitwhenyousaythat.”“I’mjustgoingtotakethesetwotocamp.That’sall.I’llberightback.”“IthinkI’veheardthatbefore.”“Ipromise.”Sallylookedatme,thenMeg.Herexpressionsoftened,herinnatekindnessperhapsoverweighing

herconcern.“Allright.Becareful.Itwaslovelymeetingyouboth.Pleasetrynottodie.”Percykissedheronthecheek.Hereachedforthecookies,butshemovedtheplateaway.“Oh,no,”shesaid.“ApolloandMegcanhaveone,butI’mkeepingtheresthostageuntilyou’re

backsafely.Andhurry,dear.ItwouldbeashameifPaulatethemallwhenhegetshome.”Percy’sexpressionturnedgrim.Hefacedus.“Youhearthat,guys?Abatchofcookiesis

dependingonme.Ifyougetmekilledonthewaytocamp,Iamgoingbetickedoff.”

AquamandrivingCouldn’tpossiblybeworseOh,wait,nowitis

MUCHTOMYDISAPPOINTMENT,theJacksonsdidnothaveaspareboworquivertolendme.“Isuckatarchery,”Percyexplained.“Yes,butIdon’t,”Isaid.“Thisiswhyyoushouldalwaysplanformyneeds.”SallylentMegandmesomeproperwinterfleecejackets,however.Minewasblue,withtheword

BLOFISwritteninsidetheneckline.Perhapsthatwasanarcanewardagainstevilspirits.Hecatewouldhaveknown.Sorceryreallywasn’tmything.

OncewereachedthePrius,Megcalledshotgun,whichwasyetanotherexampleofmyunfairexistence.Godsdonotrideintheback.IagainsuggestedfollowingtheminaMaseratioraLamborghini,butPercyadmittedhehadneither.ThePriuswastheonlycarhisfamilyowned.

Imean…wow.Justwow.Sittinginthebackseat,Iquicklybecamecarsick.Iwasusedtodrivingmysunchariotacrossthe

sky,whereeverylanewasthefastlane.IwasnotusedtotheLongIslandExpressway.Believeme,evenatmiddayinthemiddleofJanuary,thereisnothingexpressaboutyourexpressways.

Percybrakedandlurchedforward.IsorelywishedIcouldlaunchafireballinfrontofusandmeltcarstomakewayforourclearlymoreimportantjourney.

“Doesn’tyourPriushaveflamethrowers?”Idemanded.“Lasers?AtleastsomeHephaestianbumperblades?Whatsortofcheapeconomyvehicleisthis?”

Percyglancedintherearviewmirror.“YouhaverideslikethatonMountOlympus?”“Wedon’thavetrafficjams,”Isaid.“That,Icanpromiseyou.”Megtuggedathercrescentmoonrings.AgainIwonderedifshehadsomeconnectiontoArtemis.

Themoonwasmysister ’ssymbol.PerhapsArtemishadsentMegtolookafterme?Yetthatdidn’tseemright.Artemishadtroublesharinganythingwithme—demigods,arrows,

nations,birthdayparties.It’satwinthing.Also,MegMcCaffreydidnotstrikemeasoneofmysister ’sfollowers.Meghadanothersortofaura…oneIwouldhavebeenabletorecognizeeasilyifIwereagod.But,no.Ihadtorelyonmortalintuition,whichwasliketryingtopickupsewingneedleswhilewearingovenmitts.

Megturnedandgazedouttherearwindshield,probablycheckingforanyshinyblobspursuingus.“Atleastwe’renotbeing—”

“Don’tsayit,”Percywarned.

Meghuffed.“Youdon’tknowwhatIwasgoingto—”“Youweregoingtosay,‘Atleastwe’renotbeingfollowed,’”Percysaid.“That’lljinxus.

Immediatelywe’llnoticethatwearebeingfollowed.Thenwe’llendupinabigbattlethattotalsmyfamilycarandprobablydestroysthewholefreeway.Thenwe’llhavetorunallthewaytocamp.”

Meg’seyeswidened.“Youcantellthefuture?”“Don’tneedto.”Percychangedlanestoonethatwascrawlingslightlylessslowly.“I’vejustdone

thisalot.Besides”—heshotmeanaccusinglook—“nobodycantellthefutureanymore.TheOracleisn’tworking.”

“WhatOracle?”Megasked.Neitherofusanswered.Foramoment,Iwastoostunnedtospeak.Andbelieveme,Ihavetobe

verystunnedforthattohappen.“Itstillisn’tworking?”Isaidinasmallvoice.“Youdidn’tknow?”Percyasked.“Imean,sure,you’vebeenoutofitforsixmonths,butthis

happenedonyourwatch.”Thatwasunjust.IhadbeenbusyhidingfromZeus’swrathatthetime,whichwasaperfectly

legitimateexcuse.HowwasItoknowthatGaeawouldtakeadvantageofthechaosofwarandraisemyoldest,greatestenemyfromthedepthsofTartarussohecouldtakepossessionofhisoldlairinthecaveofDelphiandcutoffthesourceofmypropheticpower?

Oh,yes,Ihearyoucriticsoutthere:You’rethegodofprophecy,Apollo.Howcouldyounotknowthatwouldhappen?

ThenextsoundyouhearwillbemeblowingyouagiantMeg-McCaffrey-qualityraspberry.Iswallowedbackthetasteoffearandseven-layerdip.“Ijust…Iassumed—Ihopedthiswouldbe

takencareofbynow.”“Youmeanbydemigods,”Percysaid,“goingonabigquesttoreclaimtheOracleofDelphi?”“Exactly!”IknewPercywouldunderstand.“IsupposeChironjustforgot.I’llremindhimwhen

wegettocamp,andhecandispatchsomeofyoutalentedfodder—Imeanheroes—”“Well,here’sthething,”Percysaid.“Togoonaquest,weneedaprophecy,right?Thosearethe

rules.Ifthere’snoOracle,therearenoprophecies,sowe’restuckina—”“ACatch-88.”Isighed.Megthrewapieceoflintatme.“It’saCatch-22.”“No,”Iexplainedpatiently.“ThisisaCatch-88,whichisfourtimesasbad.”IfeltasifIwerefloatinginawarmbathandsomeonehadpulledoutthestopper.Thewater

swirledaroundme,tuggingmedownward.SoonIwouldbeleftshiveringandexposed,orelseIwouldbesuckeddownthedrainintothesewersofhopelessness.(Don’tlaugh.That’saperfectlyfinemetaphor.Also,whenyou’reagod,youcangetsuckeddownadrainquiteeasily—ifyou’recaughtoffguardandrelaxed,andyouhappentochangeformatthewrongmoment.OnceIwokeupinasewagetreatmentfacilityinBiloxi,butthat’sanotherstory.)

Iwasbeginningtoseewhatwasinstoreformeduringmymortalsojourn.TheOraclewasheldbyhostileforces.Myadversarylaycoiledandwaiting,growingstrongereverydayonthemagicalfumesoftheDelphiccaverns.AndIwasaweakmortalboundtoanuntraineddemigodwhothrewgarbageandchewedhercuticles.

No.Zeuscouldnotpossiblyexpectmetofixthis.Notinmypresentcondition.Andyet…someonehadsentthosethugstointerceptmeinthealley.SomeonehadknownwhereI

wouldland.Nobodycantellthefutureanymore,Percyhadsaid.Butthatwasn’tquitetrue.“Hey,youtwo.”Meghitusbothwithpiecesoflint.Wherewasshefindingthislint?

IrealizedI’dbeenignoringher.Ithadfeltgoodwhileitlasted.“Yes,sorry,Meg,”Isaid.“Yousee,theOracleofDelphiisanancient—”“Idon’tcareaboutthat,”shesaid.“Therearethreeshinyblobsnow.”“What?”Percyasked.Shepointedbehindus.“Look.”Weavingthroughthetraffic,closinginonusrapidly,werethreeglittery,vaguelyhumanoid

apparitions—likebillowingplumesfromsmokegrenadestouchedbyKingMidas.“JustonceI’dlikeaneasycommute,”Percygrumbled.“Everybody,holdon.We’regoingcross-

country.”

Percy’sdefinitionofcross-countrywasdifferentfrommine.Ienvisionedcrossinganactualcountryside.Instead,Percyshotdownthenearestexitramp,wove

acrosstheparkinglotofashoppingmall,thenblastedthroughthedrive-throughofaMexicanrestaurantwithoutevenorderinganything.Weswervedintoanindustrialareaofdilapidatedwarehouses,thesmokingapparitionsstillclosinginbehindus.

Myknucklesturnedwhiteonmyseatbelt’sshoulderstrap.“Isyourplantoavoidafightbydyinginatrafficaccident?”Idemanded.

“Ha-ha.”Percyyankedthewheeltotheright.Wespednorth,thewarehousesgivingwaytoahodgepodgeofapartmentbuildingsandabandonedstripmalls.“I’mgettingustothebeach.Ifightbetternearwater.”

“BecausePoseidon?”Megasked,steadyingherselfagainstthedoorhandle.“Yep,”Percyagreed.“Thatprettymuchdescribesmyentirelife:BecausePoseidon.”Megbouncedupanddownwithexcitement,whichseemedpointlesstome,sincewewerealready

bouncingquitealot.“You’regonnabelikeAquaman?”sheasked.“Getthefishtofightforyou?”“Thanks,”Percysaid.“Ihaven’theardenoughAquamanjokesforonelifetime.”“Iwasn’tjoking!”Megprotested.Iglancedouttherearwindow.Thethreeglitteringplumeswerestillgaining.Oneofthempassed

throughamiddle-agedmancrossingthestreet.Themortalpedestrianinstantlycollapsed.“Ah,Iknowthesespirits!”Icried.“Theyare…um…”Mybraincloudedover.“What?”Percydemanded.“Theyarewhat?”“I’veforgotten!Ihatebeingmortal!Fourthousandyearsofknowledge,thesecretsofthe

universe,aseaofwisdom—lost,becauseIcan’tcontainitallinthisteacupofahead!”“Holdon!”PercyflewthrougharailroadcrossingandthePriuswentairborne.Megyelpedasher

headhittheceiling.Thenshebegangigglinguncontrollably.Thelandscapeopenedintoactualcountryside—fallowfields,dormantvineyards,orchardsof

barefruittrees.“Justanothermileorsotothebeach,”Percysaid.“Pluswe’realmosttothewesternedgeofcamp.

Wecandoit.Wecandoit.”Actually,wecouldn’t.Oneoftheshinysmokecloudspulledadirtytrick,plumingfromthe

pavementdirectlyinfrontofus.Instinctively,Percyswerved.ThePriuswentofftheroad,straightthroughabarbedwirefenceandintoanorchard.Percy

managedtoavoidhittinganyofthetrees,butthecarskiddedintheicymudandwedgeditselfbetweentwotrunks.Miraculously,theairbagsdidnotdeploy.

Percypoppedhisseatbelt.“Youguysokay?”Megshovedagainstherpassenger-sidedoor.“Won’topen.Getmeoutofhere!”Percytriedhisowndoor.Itwasfirmlyjammedagainstthesideofapeachtree.“Backhere,”Isaid.“Climbover!”Ikickedmydooropenandstaggeredout,mylegsfeelinglikewornshockabsorbers.Thethreesmokyfigureshadstoppedattheedgeoftheorchard.Nowtheyadvancedslowly,taking

onsolidshapes.Theygrewarmsandlegs.Theirfacesformedeyesandwide,hungrymouths.IknewinstinctivelythatIhaddealtwiththesespiritsbefore.Icouldn’trememberwhattheywere,

butIhaddispelledthemmanytimes,swattingthemintooblivionwithnomoreeffortthanIwouldaswarmofgnats.

Unfortunately,Iwasn’tagodnow.Iwasapanickysixteen-year-old.Mypalmssweated.Myteethchattered.Myonlycoherentthoughtwas:YIKES!

PercyandMegstruggledtogetoutofthePrius.Theyneededtime,whichmeantIhadtoruninterference.

“STOP!”Ibellowedatthespirits.“IamthegodApollo!”Tomypleasantsurprise,thethreespiritsstopped.Theyhoveredinplaceaboutfortyfeetaway.IheardMeggruntasshetumbledoutofthebackseat.Percyscrambledafterher.Iadvancedtowardthespirits,thefrostymudcrunchingundermyshoes.Mybreathsteamedinthe

coldair.Iraisedmyhandinanancientthree-fingeredgestureforwardingoffevil.“Leaveusorbedestroyed!”Itoldthespirits.“BLOFIS!”Thesmokyshapestrembled.Myhopeslifted.Iwaitedforthemtodissipateorfleeinterror.Instead,theysolidifiedintoghoulishcorpseswithyelloweyes.Theirclothesweretatteredrags,

theirlimbscoveredwithgapingwoundsandrunningsores.“Oh,dear.”MyAdam’sappledroppedintomychestlikeabilliardball.“Iremembernow.”PercyandMegsteppedtoeithersideofme.Withametallicshink,Percy’spengrewintoablade

ofglowingCelestialbronze.“Rememberwhat?”heasked.“Howtokillthesethings?”“No,”Isaid.“Irememberwhattheyare:nosoi,plaguespirits.Also…theycan’tbekilled.”

TagwithplaguespiritsYou’reit,andyou’reinfectiousHavefunwiththat,LOL

“NOSOI?”PERCYPLANTEDHISFEET inafightingstance.“Youknow,Ikeepthinking,IhavenowkilledeverysinglethinginGreekmythology.Butthelistneverseemstoend.”

“Youhaven’tkilledmeyet,”Inoted.“Don’ttemptme.”Thethreenosoishuffledforward.Theircadaverousmouthsgaped.Theirtongueslolled.Their

eyesglistenedwithafilmofyellowmucus.“Thesecreaturesarenotmyths,”Isaid.“Ofcourse,mostthingsinthoseoldmythsarenotmyths.

ExceptforthatstoryabouthowIflayedthesatyrMarsyasalive.Thatwasatotallie.”Percyglancedatme.“Youdidwhat?”“Guys.”Megpickedupadeadtreebranch.“Couldwetalkaboutthatlater?”Themiddleplaguespiritspoke.“Apollooooo…”Hisvoicegurgledlikeasealwithbronchitis.

“Wehavecoooometo—”“Letmestopyourightthere.”Icrossedmyarmsandfeignedarrogantindifference.(Difficultfor

me,butImanaged.)“You’vecometotakeyourrevengeonme,eh?”Ilookedatmydemigodfriends.“Yousee,nosoiarethespiritsofdisease.OnceIwasborn,spreadingillnessesbecamepartofmyjob.Iuseplaguearrowstostrikedownnaughtypopulationswithsmallpox,athlete’sfoot,thatsortofthing.”

“Gross,”Megsaid.“Somebody’sgottodoit!”Isaid.“Betteragod,regulatedbytheCouncilofOlympusandwiththe

properhealthpermits,thanahordeofuncontrolledspiritslikethese.”Thespiritontheleftgurgled.“We’retryingtohaveamooomenthere.Stopinterrupting!Wewish

tobefree,uncontroooolled—”“Yes,Iknow.You’lldestroyme.Thenyou’llspreadeveryknownmaladyacrosstheworld.

You’vebeenwantingtodothateversincePandoraletyououtofthatjar.Butyoucan’t.Iwillstrikeyoudown!”

PerhapsyouarewonderinghowIcouldactsoconfidentandcalm.Infact,Iwasterrified.Mysixteen-year-oldmortalinstinctswerescreaming,RUN!Mykneeswereknockingtogether,andmyrighteyehaddevelopedanastytwitch.Butthesecrettodealingwithplaguespiritswastokeeptalkingsoastoappearinchargeandunafraid.Itrustedthatthiswouldallowmydemigodcompanionstime

tocomeupwithacleverplantosaveme.IcertainlyhopedMegandPercywereworkingonsuchaplan.

Thespiritontherightbaredhisrottenteeth.“Whatwillyoustrikeusdownwith?Whereisyourbooow?”

“Itappearstobemissing,”Iagreed.“Butisitreally?Whatifit’scleverlyhiddenunderthisLedZeppelinT-shirt,andIamabouttowhipitoutandshootyouall?”

Thenosoishufflednervously.“Yoooulie,”saidtheoneinthemiddle.Percyclearedhisthroat.“Um,hey,Apollo…”Finally!Ithought.“Iknowwhatyou’regoingtosay,”Itoldhim.“YouandMeghavecomeupwithacleverplanto

holdoffthesespiritswhileIrunawaytocamp.Ihatetoseeyousacrificeyourselves,but—”“That’snotwhatIwasgoingtosay.”Percyraisedhisblade.“IwasgoingtoaskwhathappensifI

justsliceanddicethesemouth-breatherswithCelestialbronze.”Themiddlespiritchortled,hisyelloweyesgleaming.“Aswordissuchasmallweapon.Itdoes

nothavethepooooetryofagoodepidemic.”“Stoprightthere!”Isaid.“Youcan’tclaimbothmyplaguesandmypoetry!”“Youareright,”saidthespirit.“Enoughwooooords.”Thethreecorpsesshambledforward.Ithrustoutmyarms,hopingtoblastthemtodust.Nothing

happened.“Thisisinsufferable!”Icomplained.“Howdodemigodsdoitwithoutanauto-winpower?”Megjabbedhertreebranchintothenearestspirit’schest.Thebranchstuck.Glitteringsmoke

beganswirlingdownthelengthofthewood.“Letgo!”Iwarned.“Don’tletthenosoitouchyou!”Megreleasedthebranchandscamperedaway.Meanwhile,PercyJacksonchargedintobattle.Heswunghissword,dodgingthespirits’attempts

tosnarehim,buthiseffortswerefutile.Wheneverhisbladeconnectedwiththenosoi,theirbodiessimplydissolvedintoglitterymist,thenresolidified.

Aspiritlungedtograbhim.Fromtheground,Megscoopedupafrozenblackpeachandthrewitwithsuchforceitembeddeditselfinthespirit’sforehead,knockinghimdown.

“Wegottarun,”Megdecided.“Yeah.”Percybacktrackedtowardus.“Ilikethatidea.”Iknewrunningwouldnothelp.Ifitwerepossibletorunfromdiseasespirits,themedieval

Europeanswould’veputontheirtrackshoesandescapedtheBlackDeath.(AndFYI,theBlackDeathwasnotmyfault.ItookonecenturyofftoliearoundthebeachinCabo,andcamebackandfoundthatthenosoihadgottenlooseandathirdofthecontinentwasdead.Gods,Iwassoirritated.)

ButIwastooterrifiedtoargue.MegandPercysprintedoffthroughtheorchard,andIfollowed.Percypointedtoalineofhillsaboutamileahead.“That’sthewesternborderofcamp.Ifwecan

justgetthere…”Wepassedanirrigationtankonatractor-trailer.Withacasualflickofhishand,Percycausedthe

sideofthetanktorupture.Awallofwatercrashedintothethreenosoibehindus.“Thatwasgood.”Meggrinned,skippingalonginhernewgreendress.“We’regoingtomakeit!”No,Ithought,we’renot.Mychestached.Eachbreathwasaraggedwheeze.Iresentedthatthesetwodemigodscouldcarry

onaconversationwhilerunningfortheirliveswhileI,theimmortalApollo,wasreducedtogaspinglikeacatfish.

“Wecan’t—”Igulped.“They’lljust—”

BeforeIcouldfinish,threeglitteringpillarsofsmokeplumedfromthegroundinfrontofus.Twoofthenosoisolidifiedintocadavers—onewithapeachforathirdeye,theotherwithatreebranchstickingoutofhischest.

Thethirdspirit…Well,Percydidn’tseeitintime.Heranstraightintotheplumeofsmoke.“Don’tbreathe!”Iwarnedhim.Percy’seyesbuggedoutasiftosay,Seriously?Hefelltohisknees,clawingathisthroat.Asason

ofPoseidon,hecouldprobablybreatheunderwater,butholdingone’sbreathforanindeterminateamountoftimewasadifferentmatteraltogether.

Megpickedupanotherwitheredpeachfromthefield,butitwouldofferherlittledefenseagainsttheforcesofdarkness.

ItriedtofigureouthowtohelpPercy—becauseIamallabouthelping—butthebranch-impalednososchargedatme.Iturnedandfled,runningface-firstintoatree.I’dliketotellyouthatwaspartofmyplan,butevenI,withallmypoeticskill,cannotputapositivespinonit.

Ifoundmyselfflatonmyback,spotsdancinginmyeyes,thecadaverousvisageoftheplaguespiritloomingoverme.

“WhichfatalillnessshallIusetokillthegreatApolloooo?”thespiritgurgled.“Anthrax?Perhapseboooola…”

“Hangnails,”Isuggested,tryingtosquirmawayfrommytormentor.“Iliveinfearofhangnails.”“Ihavetheanswer!”thespiritcried,rudelyignoringme.“Let’strythis!”Hedissolvedintosmokeandsettledovermelikeaglitteringblanket.

PeachesincombatIamhangingitupnowMybrainexploded

IWILLNOTSAYmylifepassedbeforemyeyes.Iwishithad.Thatwould’vetakenseveralmonths,givingmetimetofigureoutanescapeplan.Instead,myregretspassedbeforemyeyes.Despitebeingagloriouslyperfectbeing,Idohavea

fewregrets.IrememberedthatdayatAbbeyRoadStudios,whenmyenvyledmetosetrancorintheheartsofJohnandPaulandbreakuptheBeatles.IrememberedAchillesfallingontheplainsofTroy,cutdownbyanunworthyarcherbecauseofmywrath.

IsawHyacinthus,hisbronzeshouldersanddarkringletsgleaminginthesunlight.Standingonthesidelineofthediscusfield,hegavemeabrilliantsmile.Evenyoucan’tthrowthatfar,heteased.

Watchme,Isaid.Ithrewthediscus,thenstaredinhorrorasagustofwindmadeitveer,inexplicably,towardHyacinthus’shandsomeface.

AndofcourseIsawher—theotherloveofmylife—herfairskintransformingintobark,herhairsproutinggreenleaves,hereyeshardeningintorivuletsofsap.

Thosememoriesbroughtbacksomuchpain,youmightthinkIwouldwelcometheglitteringplaguemistdescendingoverme.

Yetmynewmortalselfrebelled.Iwastooyoungtodie!Ihadn’tevenhadmyfirstkiss!(Yes,mygodlycatalogueofexeswasfilledwithmorebeautifulpeoplethanaKardashianpartyguestlist,butnoneofthatseemedrealtome.)

IfI’mbeingtotallyhonest,Ihavetoconfesssomethingelse:allgodsfeardeath,evenwhenwearenotencasedinmortalforms.

Thatmayseemsilly.Weareimmortal.Butasyou’veseen,immortalitycanbetakenaway.(Inmycase,threestinkingtimes.)

Godsknowaboutfading.Theyknowaboutbeingforgottenoverthecenturies.Theideaofceasingtoexistaltogetherterrifiesus.Infact—well,Zeuswouldnotlikemesharingthisinformation,andifyoutellanyone,IwilldenyIeversaidit—butthetruthiswegodsarealittleinaweofyoumortals.Youspendyourwholelivesknowingyouwilldie.Nomatterhowmanyfriendsandrelativesyouhave,yourpunyexistencewillquicklybeforgotten.Howdoyoucopewithit?Whyareyounotrunningaroundconstantlyscreamingandpullingyourhairout?Yourbravery,Imustadmit,isquiteadmirable.

NowwherewasI?

Right.Iwasdying.Irolledaroundinthemud,holdingmybreath.Itriedtobrushoffthediseasecloud,butitwasnot

aseasyasswattingaflyoranuppitymortal.IcaughtaglimpseofMeg,playingadeadlygameoftagwiththethirdnosos,tryingtokeepa

peachtreebetweenherselfandthespirit.Sheyelledsomethingtome,buthervoiceseemedtinnyandfaraway.

Somewheretomyleft,thegroundshook.Aminiaturegeysereruptedfromthefield.Percycrawledtowarditdesperately.Hethrusthisfaceinthewater,washingawaythesmoke.

Myeyesightbegantodim.Percystruggledtohisfeet.Herippedoutthesourceofthegeyser—anirrigationpipe—and

turnedthewateronme.NormallyIdonotlikebeingdoused.EverytimeIgocampingwithArtemis,shelikestowakeme

upwithabucketofice-coldwater.Butinthiscase,Ididn’tmind.Thewaterdisruptedthesmoke,allowingmetorollawayandgaspforair.Nearby,ourtwo

gaseousenemiesre-formedasdrippingwetcorpses,theiryelloweyesglowingwithannoyance.Megyelledagain.ThistimeIunderstoodherwords.“GETDOWN!”Ifoundthisinconsiderate,sinceI’donlyjustgottenup.Allaroundtheorchard,thefrozen

blackenedremnantsoftheharvestwerebeginningtolevitate.Believeme,infourthousandyearsIhaveseensomestrangethings.Ihaveseenthedreamingface

ofOuranosetchedinstarsacrosstheheavens,andthefullfuryofTyphonasheragedacrosstheearth.I’veseenmenturnintosnakes,antsturnintomen,andotherwiserationalpeopledancethemacarena.

ButneverbeforehadIseenanuprisingoffrozenfruit.PercyandIhitthegroundaspeachesshotaroundtheorchard,ricochetingofftreeslikeeight

balls,rippingthroughthenosoi’scadaverousbodies.IfIhadbeenstandingup,Iwouldhavebeenkilled,butMegsimplystoodthere,unfazedandunhurt,asfrozendeadfruitzingedaroundher.

Allthreenosoicollapsed,riddledwithholes.Everypieceoffruitdroppedtotheground.Percylookedup,hiseyesredandpuffy.“Whahjushappened?”Hesoundedcongested,whichmeanthehadn’tcompletelyescapedtheeffectsoftheplaguecloud,

butatleasthewasn’tdead.Thatwasgenerallyagoodsign.“Idon’tknow,”Iadmitted.“Meg,isitsafe?”Shewasstaringinamazementatthecarnageoffruit,mangledcorpses,andbrokentreelimbs.“I

—I’mnotsure.”“How’dyoudothah?”Percysnuffled.Meglookedhorrified.“Ididn’t!Ijustknewitwouldhappen.”Oneofthecadaversbegantostir.Itgotup,wobblingonitsheavilyperforatedlegs.“Butyoudiddooooit,”thespiritgrowled.“Yooouarestrong,child.”Theothertwocorpsesrose.“Notstrongenough,”saidthesecondnosos.“Wewillfinishyounow.”Thethirdspiritbaredhisrottenteeth.“Yourguardianwouldbesooooodisappointed.”Guardian?Perhapsthespiritmeantme.Whenindoubt,Iusuallyassumedtheconversationwas

aboutme.Meglookedasifshe’dbeenpunchedinthegut.Herfacepaled.Herarmstrembled.Shestamped

herfootandyelled,“NO!”Morepeachesswirledintotheair.Thistimethefruitblurredtogetherinafructosedustdevil,

untilstandinginfrontofMegwasacreaturelikeapudgyhumantoddlerwearingonlyalinendiaper.Protrudingfromhisbackwerewingsmadeofleafybranches.Hisbabyishfacemighthavebeencute

exceptfortheglowinggreeneyesandpointyfangs.Thecreaturesnarledandsnappedattheair.“Oh,no.”Percyshookhishead.“Ihatethesethings.”Thethreenosoialsodidnotlookpleased.Theyedgedawayfromthesnarlingbaby.“Wh-whatisit?”Megasked.Istaredatherindisbelief.Shehadtobethecauseofthisfruit-basedstrangeness,butshelooked

asshockedaswewere.Unfortunately,ifMegdidn’tknowhowshehadsummonedthiscreature,shewouldnotknowhowtomakeitgoaway,andlikePercyJackson,Iwasnofanofkarpoi.

“It’sagrainspirit,”Isaid,tryingtokeepthepanicoutofmyvoice.“I’veneverseenapeachkarposbefore,butifit’sasviciousasothertypes…”

Iwasabouttosay,we’redoomed,butthatseemedbothobviousanddepressing.Thepeachbabyturnedtowardthenosoi.Foramoment,Ifearedhewouldmakesomehellish

alliance—anaxisofevilbetweenillnessesandfruits.Themiddlecorpse,theonewiththepeachinhisforehead,inchedbackward.“Donotinterfere,”

hewarnedthekarpos.“Wewillnotallooow—”Thepeachbabylaunchedhimselfatthenososandbithisheadoff.Thatisnotafigureofspeech.Thekarpos’sfangedmouthunhinged,expandingtoanunbelievable

circumference,thenclosedaroundthecadaver ’shead,andchompeditoffinonebite.Oh,dear…Ihopeyouweren’teatingdinnerasyoureadthat.Inamatterofseconds,thenososhadbeentorntoshredsanddevoured.Understandably,theothertwonosoiretreated,butthekarposcrouchedandsprang.Helandedon

thesecondcorpseandproceededtoripitintoplague-flavoredCreamofWheat.Thelastspiritdissolvedintoglitteringsmokeandtriedtoflyaway,butthepeachbabyspreadhis

leafywingsandlaunchedhimselfinpursuit.Heopenedhismouthandinhaledthesickness,snappingandswallowinguntileverywispofsmokewasgone.

HelandedinfrontofMegandbelched.Hisgreeneyesgleamed.Hedidnotappearevenslightlysick,whichIsupposewasn’tsurprising,sincehumandiseasesdon’tinfectfruittrees.Instead,evenaftereatingthreewholenosoi,thelittlefellowlookedhungry.

Hehowledandbeathissmallchest.“Peaches!”Slowly,Percyraisedhissword.Hisnosewasstillredandrunny,andhisfacewaspuffy.“Meg,

donmove,”hesnuffled.“I’mgonna—”“No!”shesaid.“Don’thurthim.”Sheputherhandtentativelyonthecreature’scurlyhead.“Yousavedus,”shetoldthekarpos.

“Thankyou.”Istartedmentallypreparingalistofherbalremediesforregeneratingseveredlimbs,buttomy

surprise,thepeachbabydidnotbiteoffMeg’shand.InsteadhehuggedMeg’slegandglaredatusasifdaringustoapproach.

“Peaches,”hegrowled.“Helikesyou,”Percynoted.“Um…why?”“Idon’tknow,”Megsaid.“Honestly,Ididn’tsummonhim!”IwascertainMeghadsummonedhim,intentionallyorunintentionally.Ialsohadsomeideasnow

abouthergodlyparentage,andsomequestionsaboutthis“guardian”thatthespiritshadmentioned,butIdecideditwouldbebettertointerrogateherwhenshedidnothaveasnarlingcarnivoroustoddlerwrappedaroundherleg.

“Well,whateverthecase,”Isaid,“weowethekarposourlives.ThisbringstomindanexpressionIcoinedagesago:Apeachadaykeepstheplaguespiritsaway!”

Percysneezed.“Ithoughtitwasapplesanddoctors.”Thekarposhissed.

“Orpeaches,”Percysaid.“Peachesworktoo.”“Peaches,”agreedthekarpos.Percywipedhisnose.“Notcriticizing,butwhyishegrooting?”Megfrowned.“Grooting?”“Yeah,likethahcharacterinthemovie…onlysayingonethingoverandover.”“I’mafraidIhaven’tseenthatmovie,”Isaid.“Butthiskarposdoesseemtohaveavery…targeted

vocabulary.”“MaybePeachesishisname.”Megstrokedthekarpos’scurlybrownhair,whicheliciteda

demonicpurringfromthecreature’sthroat.“That’swhatI’llcallhim.”“Whoa,youarenotadoptingthah—”Percysneezedwithsuchforce,anotherirrigationpipe

explodedbehindhim,sendinguparowoftinygeysers.“Ugh.Sick.”“You’relucky,”Isaid.“Yourtrickwiththewaterdilutedthespirit’spower.Insteadofgettinga

deadlyillness,yougotaheadcold.”“Ihateheadcolds.”Hisgreeniriseslookedliketheyweresinkinginaseaofbloodshot.“Neither

ofyougotsick?”Megshookherhead.“Ihaveanexcellentconstitution,”Isaid.“Nodoubtthat’swhatsavedme.”“AndthefactthahIhosedthesmokeoffofyou,”Percysaid.“Well,yes.”Percystaredatmeasifwaitingforsomething.Afteranawkwardmoment,itoccurredtomethat

ifhewasagodandIwasaworshipper,hemightexpectgratitude.“Ah…thankyou,”Isaid.Henodded.“Noproblem.”Irelaxedalittle.Ifhehaddemandedasacrifice,likeawhitebullorafattedcalf,I’mnotsurewhat

Iwould’vedone.“Canwegonow?”Megasked.“Anexcellentidea,”Isaid.“ThoughI’mafraidPercyisinnocondition—”“Icandriveyoutherestoftheway,”hesaid.“Ifwecangetmycaroutfrombetweenthose

trees…”Heglancedinthatdirectionandhisexpressionturnedevenmoremiserable.“Aw,Hadesno….”

Apolicecruiserwaspullingoveronthesideoftheroad.Iimaginedtheofficers’eyestracingthetirerutsinthemud,whichledtotheplowed-downfenceandcontinuedtotheblueToyotaPriuswedgedbetweentwopeachtrees.Thecruiser ’srooflightsflashedon.

“Great,”Percymuttered.“IftheytowthePrius,I’mdead.MymomandPaulneedthahcar.”“Gotalktotheofficers,”Isaid.“Youwon’tbeanyusetousanywayinyourcurrentstate.”“Yeah,we’llbefine,”Megsaid.“Yousaidthecampisrightoverthosehills?”“Right,but…”Percyscowled,probablytryingtothinkstraightthroughtheeffectsofhiscold.

“Mostpeopleentercampfromtheeast,whereHalf-BloodHillis.Thewesternborderiswilder—hillsandwoods,allheavilyenchanted.Ifyou’renotcareful,youcangetlost….”Hesneezedagain.“I’mstillnotevensureApollocangetinifhe’sfullymortal.”

“I’llgetin.”Itriedtoexudeconfidence.Ihadnoalternative.IfIwasunabletoenterCampHalf-Blood…No.I’dalreadybeenattackedtwiceonmyfirstdayasamortal.TherewasnoplanBthatwouldkeepmealive.

Thepolicecar ’sdoorsopened.“Go,”IurgedPercy.“We’llfindourwaythroughthewoods.Youexplaintothepolicethatyou’re

sickandyoulostcontrolofthecar.They’llgoeasyonyou.”Percylaughed.“Yeah.Copslovemealmostasmuchasteachersdo.”HeglancedatMeg.“You

sureyou’reokaywiththebabyfruitdemon?”Peachesgrowled.“Allgood,”Megpromised.“Gohome.Rest.Getlotsoffluids.”Percy’smouthtwitched.“You’retellingasonofPoseidontogetlotsoffluids?Okay,justtryto

surviveuntiltheweekend,willyou?I’llcometocampandcheckonyouguysifIcan.Becarefuland—CHOOOO!”

Mutteringunhappily,hetouchedthecapofhispentohissword,turningitbackintoasimpleballpoint.Awiseprecautionbeforeapproachinglawenforcement.Hetrudgeddownthehill,sneezingandsniffling.

“Officer?”hecalled.“Sorry,I’muphere.CanyoutellmewhereManhattanis?”Megturnedtome.“Ready?”Iwassoakingwetandshivering.Iwashavingtheworstdayinthehistoryofdays.Iwasstuckwith

ascarygirlandanevenscarierpeachbaby.Iwasbynomeansreadyforanything.ButIalsodesperatelywantedtoreachcamp.Imightfindsomefriendlyfacesthere—perhapsevenjubilantworshipperswhowouldbringmepeeledgrapes,Oreos,andotherholyofferings.

“Sure,”Isaid.“Let’sgo.”Peachesthekarposgrunted.Hegesturedforustofollow,thenscamperedtowardthehills.Maybe

heknewtheway.Maybehejustwantedtoleadustoagrislydeath.Megskippedafterhim,swingingfromtreebranchesandcartwheelingthroughthemudasthe

moodtookher.Youmight’vethoughtwe’djustfinishedanicepicnicratherthanabattlewithplague-riddencadavers.

Iturnedmyfacetothesky.“Areyousure,Zeus?It’snottoolatetotellmethiswasanelaborateprankandrecallmetoOlympus.I’velearnedmylesson.Ipromise.”

Thegraywintercloudsdidnotrespond.Withasigh,IjoggedafterMegandherhomicidalnewminion.

AwalkthroughthewoodsVoicesdrivingmebonkersIhatespaghetti

ISIGHEDWITHRELIEF.“Thisshouldbeeasy.”Granted,I’dsaidthesamethingbeforeIfoughtPoseidoninhand-to-handcombat,andthathad

notturnedouttobeeasy.Nevertheless,ourpathintoCampHalf-Bloodlookedstraightforwardenough.Forstarters,IwaspleasedIcouldseethecamp,sinceitwasnormallyshieldedfrommortaleyes.Thisbodedwellformegettingin.

Fromwherewestoodatthetopofahill,theentirevalleyspreadoutbelowus:roughlythreesquaremilesofwoods,meadows,andstrawberryfieldsborderedbyLongIslandSoundtothenorthandrollinghillsontheotherthreesides.Justbelowus,adenseforestofevergreenscoveredthewesternthirdofthevale.

Beyondthat,thebuildingsofCampHalf-Bloodgleamedinthewintrylight:theamphitheater,thesword-fightingstadium,theopen-airdiningpavilionwithitswhitemarblecolumns.Atriremefloatedinthecanoelake.Twentycabinslinedthecentralgreenwherethecommunalhearthfireglowedcheerfully.

AttheedgeofthestrawberryfieldsstoodtheBigHouse:afour-storyVictorianpaintedskybluewithwhitetrim.MyfriendChironwouldbeinside,probablyhavingteabythefireplace.Iwouldfindsanctuaryatlast.

Mygazerosetothefarendofthevalley.There,onthetallesthill,theAthenaParthenosshoneinallitsgold-and-alabasterglory.Once,themassivestatuehadgracedtheParthenoninGreece.NowitpresidedoverCampHalf-Blood,protectingthevalleyfromintruders.EvenfromhereIcouldfeelitspower,likethesubsonicthrumofamightyengine.OldGrayEyeswasonthelookoutforthreats,beingherusualvigilant,no-fun,all-businessself.

Personally,Iwouldhaveinstalledamoreinterestingstatue—ofmyself,forinstance.Still,thepanoramaofCampHalf-Bloodwasanimpressivesight.MymoodalwaysimprovedwhenIsawtheplace—asmallreminderofthegoodolddayswhenmortalsknewhowtobuildtemplesanddoproperburntsacrifices.Ah,everythingwasbetterinancientGreece!Well,exceptforafewsmallimprovementsmodernhumanshadmade—theInternet,chocolatecroissants,lifeexpectancy.

Meg’smouthhungopen.“HowcomeI’veneverheardaboutthisplace?Doyouneedtickets?”Ichuckled.Ialwaysenjoyedthechancetoenlightenacluelessmortal.“Yousee,Meg,magical

borderscamouflagethevalley.Fromtheoutside,mosthumanswouldspynothinghereexceptboring

farmland.Iftheyapproached,theywouldgetturnedaroundandfindthemselveswanderingoutagain.Believeme,Itriedtogetapizzadeliveredtocamponce.Itwasquiteannoying.”

“Youorderedapizza?”“Nevermind,”Isaid.“Asfortickets…it’struethecampdoesn’tletinjustanybody,butyou’rein

luck.Iknowthemanagement.”Peachesgrowled.Hesniffedtheground,thenchompedamouthfulofdirtandspititout.“Hedoesn’tlikethetasteofthisplace,”Megsaid.“Yes,well…”Ifrownedatthekarpos.“Perhapswecanfindhimsomepottingsoilorfertilizer

whenwearrive.I’llconvincethedemigodstolethimin,butitwouldbehelpfulifhedoesn’tbitetheirheadsoff—atleastnotrightaway.”

Peachesmutteredsomethingaboutpeaches.“Somethingdoesn’tfeelright.”Megbithernails.“Thosewoods…Percysaidtheywerewildand

enchantedandstuff.”I,too,feltasifsomethingwasamiss,butIchalkedthisuptomygeneraldislikeofforests.For

reasonsI’drathernotgointo,Ifindthem…uncomfortableplaces.Nevertheless,withourgoalinsight,myusualoptimismwasreturning.

“Don’tworry,”IassuredMeg.“You’retravelingwithagod!”“Ex-god.”“Iwishyouwouldn’tkeepharpingonthat.Anyway,thecampersareveryfriendly.They’ll

welcomeuswithtearsofjoy.Andwaituntilyouseetheorientationvideo!”“Thewhat?”“Idirecteditmyself!Now,comealong.Thewoodscan’tbethatbad.”

Thewoodswerethatbad.Assoonasweenteredtheirshadows,thetreesseemedtocrowdus.Trunksclosedranks,blocking

oldpathsandopeningnewones.Rootswrithedacrosstheforestfloor,makinganobstaclecourseofbumps,knots,andloops.Itwasliketryingtowalkacrossagiantbowlofspaghetti.

Thethoughtofspaghettimademehungry.IthadonlybeenafewhourssinceSallyJackson’sseven-layerdipandsandwiches,butmymortalstomachwasalreadyclenchingandsquelchingforfood.Thesoundswerequiteannoying,especiallywhilewalkingthroughdarkscarywoods.EventhekarposPeacheswasstartingtosmellgoodtome,givingmevisionsofcobblerandicecream.

AsIsaidearlier,Iwasgenerallynotafanofthewoods.Itriedtoconvincemyselfthatthetreeswerenotwatchingme,scowlingandwhisperingamongthemselves.Theywerejusttrees.Eveniftheyhaddryadspirits,thosedryadscouldn’tpossiblyholdmeresponsibleforwhathadhappenedthousandsofyearsagoonadifferentcontinent.

Whynot?Iaskedmyself.Youstillholdyourselfresponsible.Itoldmyselftostuffasockinit.Wehikedforhours…muchlongerthanitshouldhavetakentoreachtheBigHouse.NormallyI

couldnavigatebythesun—whichshouldn’tbeasurprise,sinceIspentmillenniadrivingitacrossthesky—butunderthecanopyoftrees,thelightwasdiffuse,theshadowsconfusing.

Afterwepassedthesameboulderforthethirdtime,Istoppedandadmittedtheobvious.“Ihavenoideawhereweare.”

Megploppedherselfdownontoafallenlog.Inthegreenlight,shelookedmorelikeadryadthanever,thoughtreespiritsdonotoftenwearredsneakersandhand-me-downfleecejackets.

“Don’tyouhaveanywildernessskills?”sheasked.“Readingmossonthesidesoftrees?Followingtracks?”

“That’smoremysister ’sthing,”Isaid.“MaybePeachescanhelp.”Megturnedtoherkarpos.“Hey,canyoufindusawayoutofthe

woods?”Forthepastfewmiles,thekarposhadbeenmutteringnervously,cuttinghiseyesfromsideto

side.Nowhesniffedtheair,hisnostrilsquivering.Hetiltedhishead.Hisfaceflushedbrightgreen.Heemittedadistressedbark,thendissolvedinaswirlofleaves.Megshottoherfeet.“Where’dhego?”Iscannedthewoods.IsuspectedPeacheshaddonetheintelligentthing.He’dsenseddanger

approachingandabandonedus.Ididn’twanttosuggestthattoMeg,though.She’dalreadybecomequitefondofthekarpos.(Ridiculous,gettingattachedtoasmalldangerouscreature.Thenagain,wegodsgotattachedtohumans,soIhadnoroomtocriticize.)

“Perhapshewentscouting,”Isuggested.“Perhapsweshould—”APOLLO.Thevoicereverberatedinmyhead,asifsomeonehadinstalledBosespeakersbehindmyeyes.It

wasnotthevoiceofmyconscience.Myconsciencewasnotfemale,anditwasnotthatloud.Yetsomethingaboutthewoman’stonewaseerilyfamiliar.

“What’swrong?”Megasked.Theairturnedsicklysweet.ThetreesloomedovermeliketriggerhairsofaVenusflytrap.Abeadofsweattrickleddownthesideofmyface.“Wecan’tstayhere,”Isaid.“Attendme,mortal.”“Excuseme?”Megsaid.“Uh,Imeancomeon!”Weran,stumblingovertreeroots,fleeingblindlythroughamazeofbranchesandboulders.We

reachedaclearstreamoverabedofgravel.Ibarelysloweddown.Iwadedin,sinkingshin-deepintotheice-coldwater.

Thevoicespokeagain:FINDME.Thistimeitwassoloud,itstabbedthroughmyforeheadlikearailroadspike.Istumbled,falling

tomyknees.“Hey!”Meggrippedmyarm.“Getup!”“Youdidn’thearthat?”“Hearwhat?”THEFALLOFTHESUN,thevoiceboomed.THEFINALVERSE.Icollapsedface-firstintothestream.“Apollo!”Megrolledmeover,hervoicetightwithalarm.“Comeon!Ican’tcarryyou!”Yetshetried.Shedraggedmeacrosstheriver,scoldingmeandcursinguntil,withherhelp,I

managedtocrawltoshore.Ilayonmyback,staringwildlyattheforestcanopy.Mysoakedclothesweresocoldtheyburned.

MybodytrembledlikeanopenEstringonanelectricbass.Megtuggedoffmywetwintercoat.Herowncoatwasmuchtoosmallforme,butshedrapedthe

warmdryfleeceovermyshoulders.“Keepyourselftogether,”sheordered.“Don’tgocrazyonme.”Myownlaughtersoundedbrittle.“ButI—Iheard—”THEFIRESWILLCONSUMEME.MAKEHASTE!Thevoicesplinteredintoachorusofangrywhispers.Shadowsgrewlongeranddarker.Steam

rosefrommyclothes,smellinglikethevolcanicfumesofDelphi.Partofmewantedtocurlintoaballanddie.Partofmewantedtogetupandrunwildlyafterthe

voices—tofindtheirsource—butIsuspectedthatifItried,mysanitywouldbelostforever.Megwassayingsomething.Sheshookmyshoulders.Sheputherfacenose-to-nosewithmineso

myownderelictreflectionstaredbackatmefromthelensesofhercat-eyeglasses.Sheslappedme,hard,andImanagedtodecipherherwords:“GETUP!”

SomehowIdid.ThenIdoubledoverandretched.Ihadn’tvomitedincenturies.I’dforgottenhowunpleasantitwas.ThenextthingIknew,wewerestaggeringalong,Megbearingmostofmyweight.Thevoices

whisperedandargued,tearingofflittlepiecesofmymindandcarryingthemawayintotheforest.SoonIwouldn’thavemuchleft.

Therewasnopoint.Imightaswellwanderoffintotheforestandgoinsane.Theideastruckmeasfunny.Ibegantogiggle.

Megforcedmetokeepwalking.Icouldn’tunderstandherwords,buthertonewasinsistentandstubborn,withjustenoughangertooutweighherownterror.

Inmyfracturedmentalstate,Ithoughtthetreeswerepartingforus,grudginglyopeningapathstraightoutofthewoods.Isawabonfireinthedistance,andtheopenmeadowsofCampHalf-Blood.

ItoccurredtomethatMegwastalkingtothetrees,tellingthemtogetoutoftheway.Theideawasridiculous,andatthemomentitseemedhilarious.Judgingfromthesteambillowingfrommyclothes,IguessedIwasrunningafeverofaboutahundredandsix.

Iwaslaughinghystericallyaswestumbledoutoftheforest,straighttowardthecampfirewhereadozenteenagerssatmakings’mores.Whentheysawus,theyrose.Intheirjeansandwintercoats,withassortedweaponsattheirsides,theywerethedourestbunchofmarshmallowroastersIhadeverseen.

Igrinned.“Oh,hi!I’mApollo!”Myeyesrolledupinmyhead,andIpassedout.

MybusisinflamesMysonisolderthanmePlease,Zeus,makeitstop

IDREAMEDIWASDRIVINGthesunchariotacrossthesky.IhadthetopdowninMaseratimode.Iwascruisingalong,honkingatjetplanestogetoutofmyway,enjoyingthesmellofcoldstratosphere,andboppingtomyfavoritejam:AlabamaShakes’“RisetotheSun.”

IwasthinkingabouttransformingtheSpyderintoaGoogleself-drivingcar.IwantedtogetoutmyluteandplayascorchingsolothatwouldmakeBrittanyHowardproud.

Thenawomanappearedinmypassengerseat.“You’vegottohurry,man.”Ialmostjumpedoutofthesun.MyguestwasdressedlikeaLibyanqueenofold.(Ishouldknow.Idatedafewofthem.)Her

gownswirledwithred,black,andgoldfloraldesigns.Herlongdarkhairwascrownedwithatiarathatlookedlikeacurvedminiatureladder—twogoldrailslinedwithrungsofsilver.Herfacewasmaturebutstately,thewayabenevolentqueenshouldlook.

SodefinitelynotHera,then.Besides,Herawouldneversmileatmesokindly.Also…thiswomanworealargemetalpeacesymbolaroundherneck,whichdidnotseemlikeHera’sstyle.

Still,IfeltIshouldknowher.Despitetheelder-hippievibe,shewassoattractivethatIassumedwemustberelated.

“Whoareyou?”Iasked.Hereyesflashedadangerousshadeofgold,likeafelinepredator ’s.“Followthevoices.”Alumpswelledinmythroat.Itriedtothinkstraight,butmybrainfeltlikeithadbeenrecentlyrun

throughaVitamix.“Iheardyouinthewoods….Wereyou—wereyouspeakingaprophecy?”“Findthegates.”Shegrabbedmywrist.“You’vegottafindthemfirst,youdig?”“But—”Thewomanburstintoflames.Ipulledbackmysingedwristandgrabbedthewheelasthesun

chariotplungedintoanosedive.TheMaseratimorphedintoaschoolbus—amodeIonlyusedwhenIhadtotransportalargenumberofpeople.Smokefilledthecabin.

Somewherebehindme,anasalvoicesaid,“Byallmeans,findthegates.”Iglancedintherearviewmirror.Throughthesmoke,Isawaportlymaninamauvesuit.He

loungedacrossthebackseat,wherethetroublemakersnormallysat.Hermeswasfondofthatseat—butthismanwasnotHermes.

Hehadaweakjawline,anoverlargenose,andabeardthatwrappedaroundhisdoublechinlikea

helmetstrap.Hishairwascurlyanddarklikemine,exceptnotasfashionablytousledorluxuriant.Hislipcurledasifhesmelledsomethingunpleasant.Perhapsitwastheburningseatsofthebus.

“Whoareyou?”Iyelled,desperatelytryingtopullthechariotoutofitsdive.“Whyareyouonmybus?”

Themansmiled,whichmadehisfaceevenuglier.“Myownforefatherdoesnotrecognizeme?I’mhurt!”

Itriedtoplacehim.Mycursedmortalbrainwastoosmall,tooinflexible.Ithadjettisonedfourthousandyearsofmemorieslikesomuchballast.

“I—Idon’t,”Isaid.“I’msorry.”Themanlaughedasflameslickedathispurplesleeves.“You’renotsorryyet,butyouwillbe.

Findmethegates.LeadmetotheOracle.I’llenjoyburningitdown!”Fireconsumedmeasthesunchariotcareenedtowardtheearth.Igrippedthewheelandstaredin

horrorasamassivebronzefaceloomedoutsidethewindshield.Itwasthefaceofthemaninpurple,fashionedfromanexpanseofmetallargerthanmybus.Aswehurtledtowardit,thefeaturesshiftedandbecamemyown.

ThenIwoke,shiveringandsweating.“Easy.”Someone’shandrestedonmyshoulder.“Don’ttrytositup.”NaturallyItriedtositup.Mybedsideattendantwasayoungmanaboutmyage—mymortalage—withshaggyblondhair

andblueeyes.Heworedoctor ’sscrubswithanopenskijacket,thewordsOKEMOMOUNTAINstitchedonthepocket.Hisfacehadaskier ’stan.IfeltIshouldknowhim.(I’dbeenhavingthatsensationalotsincemyfallfromOlympus.)

Iwaslyinginacotinthemiddleofacabin.Oneitherside,bunkbedslinedthewalls.Roughcedarbeamsribbedtheceiling.Thewhiteplasterwallswerebareexceptforafewhooksforcoatsandweapons.

Itcouldhavebeenamodestabodeinalmostanyage—ancientAthens,medievalFrance,thefarmlandsofIowa.Itsmelledofcleanlinenanddriedsage.Theonlydecorationsweresomeflowerpotsonthewindowsill,wherecheerfulyellowbloomswerethrivingdespitethecoldweatheroutside.

“Thoseflowers…”Myvoicewashoarse,asifI’dinhaledthesmokefrommydream.“ThosearefromDelos,mysacredisland.”

“Yep,”saidtheyoungman.“TheyonlygrowinandaroundCabinSeven—yourcabin.DoyouknowwhoIam?”

Istudiedhisface.Thecalmnessofhiseyes,thesmilerestingeasilyonhislips,thewayhishaircurledaroundhisears…Ihadavaguememoryofawoman,analt-countrysingernamedNaomiSolace,whomI’dmetinAustin.Iblushedthinkingaboutherevennow.Tomyteenagedself,ourromancefeltlikesomethingthatI’dwatchedinamoviealongagotime—amoviemyparentswouldn’thaveallowedmetosee.

ButthisboywasdefinitelyNaomi’sson.Whichmeanthewasmysontoo.Whichfeltvery,verystrange.“You’reWillSolace,”Isaid.“My,ah…erm—”“Yeah,”Willagreed.“It’sawkward.”Myfrontallobedidaone-eightyinsidemyskull.Ilistedsideways.“Whoa,there.”Willsteadiedme.“Itriedtohealyou,buthonestly,Idon’tunderstandwhat’s

wrong.You’vegotblood,notichor.You’rerecoveringquicklyfromyourinjuries,butyourvitalsignsarecompletelyhuman.”

“Don’tremindme.”“Yeah,well…”Heputhishandonmyforeheadandfrownedinconcentration.Hisfingers

trembledslightly.“Ididn’tknowanyofthatuntilItriedtogiveyounectar.Yourlipsstartedsteaming.Ialmostkilledyou.”

“Ah…”Iranmytongueacrossmybottomlip,whichfeltheavyandnumb.Iwonderedifthatexplainedmydreamaboutsmokeandfire.Ihopedso.“IguessMegforgottotellyouaboutmycondition.”

“Iguessshedid.”Willtookmywristandcheckedmypulse.“Youseemtobeaboutmyage,fifteenorso.Yourheartrateisbacktonormal.Ribsaremending.Noseisswollen,butnotbroken.”

“AndIhaveacne,”Ilamented.“Andflab.”Willtiltedhishead.“You’remortal,andthat’swhatyou’reworriedabout?”“You’reright.I’mpowerless.Weakereventhanyoupunydemigods!”“Gee,thanks….”IgotthefeelingthathealmostsaidDadbutmanagedtostophimself.Itwasdifficulttothinkofthisyoungmanasmyson.Hewassopoised,sounassuming,sofreeof

acne.Healsodidn’tappeartobeawestruckinmypresence.Infact,thecornerofhismouthhadstartedtwitching.

“Are—areyouamused?”Idemanded.Willshrugged.“Well,it’seitherfindthisfunnyorfreakout.Mydad,thegodApollo,isafifteen-

year-old—”“Sixteen,”Icorrected.“Let’sgowithsixteen.”“Asixteen-year-oldmortal,lyinginacotinmycabin,andwithallmyhealingarts—whichIgot

fromyou—Istillcan’tfigureouthowtofixyou.”“Thereisnofixingthis,”Isaidmiserably.“IamcastoutofOlympus.Myfateistiedtoagirl

namedMeg.Itcouldnotbeworse!”Willlaughed,whichIthoughttookagreatdealofgall.“Megseemscool.She’salreadypoked

ConnorStollintheeyesandkickedShermanYanginthecrotch.”“Shedidwhat?”“She’llgetalongjustfinehere.She’swaitingforyououtside—alongwithmostofthecampers.”

Will’ssmilefaded.“Justsoyou’reprepared,they’reaskingalotofquestions.Everybodyiswonderingifyourarrival,yourmortalsituation,hasanythingtodowithwhat’sbeengoingonatcamp.”

Ifrowned.“Whathasbeengoingonatcamp?”Thecabindooropened.Twomoredemigodssteppedinside.Onewasatallboyofaboutthirteen,

hisskinburnishedbronzeandhiscornrowswovenlikeDNAhelixes.Inhisblackwoolpeacoatandblackjeans,helookedasifhe’dsteppedfromthedeckofaneighteenth-centurywhalingvessel.Theothernewcomerwasayoungergirlinolivecamouflage.Shehadafullquiveronhershoulder,andhershortgingerhairwasdyedwithashockofbrightgreen,whichseemedtodefeatthepointofwearingcamouflage.

Ismiled,delightedthatIactuallyrememberedtheirnames.“Austin,”Isaid.“AndKayla,isn’tit?”Ratherthanfallingtotheirkneesandblubberinggratefully,theygaveeachotheranervous

glance.“Soit’sreallyyou,”Kaylasaid.Austinfrowned.“Megtoldusyouwerebeatenupbyacoupleofthugs.Shesaidyouhadno

powersandyouwenthystericaloutinthewoods.”Mymouthtastedlikeburntschoolbusupholstery.“Megtalkstoomuch.”

“Butyou’remortal?”Kaylaasked.“Asincompletelymortal?DoesthatmeanI’mgoingtolosemyarcheryskills?Ican’tevenqualifyfortheOlympicsuntilI’msixteen!”

“AndifIlosemymusic…”Austinshookhishead.“No,man,that’swrong.Mylastvideogot,like,fivehundredthousandviewsinaweek.WhatamIsupposedtodo?”

Itwarmedmyheartthatmychildrenhadtherightpriorities:theirskills,theirimages,theirviewsonYouTube.Saywhatyouwillaboutgodsbeingabsenteeparents;ourchildreninheritmanyofourfinestpersonalitytraits.

“Myproblemsshouldnotaffectyou,”Ipromised.“IfZeuswentaroundretroactivelyyankingmydivinepoweroutofallmydescendants,halfthemedicalschoolsinthecountrywouldbeempty.TheRockandRollHallofFamewoulddisappear.TheTarot-cardreadingindustrywouldcollapseovernight!”

Austin’sshouldersrelaxed.“That’sarelief.”“Soifyoudiewhileyou’remortal,”Kaylasaid,“wewon’tdisappear?”“Guys,”Willinterrupted,“whydon’tyouruntotheBigHouseandtellChironthatour…our

patientisconscious.I’llbringhimalonginaminute.And,uh,seeifyoucandispersethecrowdoutside,okay?Idon’twanteverybodyrushingApolloatonce.”

KaylaandAustinnoddedsagely.Asmychildren,theynodoubtunderstoodtheimportanceofcontrollingthepaparazzi.

Assoonastheyweregone,Willgavemeanapologeticsmile.“They’reinshock.Weallare.It’lltakesometimetogetusedto…whateverthisis.”

“Youdonotseemshocked,”Isaid.Willlaughedunderhisbreath.“I’mterrified.Butonethingyoulearnasheadcounselor:youhave

tokeepittogetherforeveryoneelse.Let’sgetyouonyourfeet.”Itwasnoteasy.Ifelltwice.Myheadspun,andmyeyesfeltasiftheywerebeingmicrowavedin

theirsockets.Recentdreamscontinuedtochurninmybrainlikeriversilt,muddyingmythoughts—thewomanwiththecrownandthepeacesymbol,themaninthepurplesuit.LeadmetotheOracle.I’llenjoyburningitdown!

Thecabinbegantofeelstifling.Iwasanxioustogetsomefreshair.OnethingmysisterArtemisandIagreeon:everyworthwhilepursuitisbetteroutdoorsthan

indoors.Musicisbestplayedunderthedomeofheaven.Poetryshouldbesharedintheagora.Archeryisdefinitelyeasieroutside,asIcanattestafterthatonetimeItriedtargetpracticeinmyfather ’sthroneroom.Anddrivingthesun…well,that’snotreallyanindoorsporteither.

LeaningonWillforsupport,Isteppedoutside.KaylaandAustinhadsucceededinshooingthecrowdaway.Theonlyonewaitingforme—oh,joyandhappiness—wasmyyoungoverlord,Meg,whohadapparentlynowgainedfameatcampasCrotchkickerMcCaffrey.

ShestillworeSallyJackson’shand-me-downgreendress,thoughitwasabitdirtiernow.Herleggingswererippedandtorn.Onherbicep,alineofbutterflybandagesclosedanastycutshemusthavegotteninthewoods.

Shetookonelookatme,scrunchedupherface,andstuckouthertongue.“Youlookyuck.”“Andyou,Meg,”Isaid,“areascharmingasever.”Sheadjustedherglassesuntiltheywerejustcrookedenoughtobeannoying.“Thoughtyouwere

goingtodie.”“Gladtodisappointyou.”“Nah.”Sheshrugged.“Youstillowemeayearofservice.We’rebound,whetheryoulikeitor

not!”Isighed.ItwaseversowonderfultobebackinMeg’scompany.“IsupposeIshouldthankyou….”Ihadahazymemoryofmydeliriumintheforest,Meg

carryingmealong,thetreesseemingtopartbeforeus.“Howdidyougetusoutofthewoods?”Herexpressionturnedguarded.“Dunno.Luck.”ShejabbedathumbatWillSolace.“Fromwhat

he’sbeentellingme,it’sagoodthingwegotoutbeforenightfall.”“Why?”Willstartedtoanswer,thenapparentlythoughtbetterofit.“IshouldletChironexplain.Comeon.”IrarelyvisitedCampHalf-Bloodinwinter.Thelasttimehadbeenthreeyearsago,whenagirl

namedThaliaGracecrash-landedmybusinthecanoelake.Iexpectedthecamptobesparselypopulated.Iknewmostdemigodsonlycameforthesummer,

leavingasmallcoreofyear-roundersduringtheschoolterm—thosewhoforvariousreasonsfoundcamptheonlysafeplacetheycouldlive.

Still,IwasstruckbyhowfewdemigodsIsaw.IfCabinSevenwasanyindication,eachgod’scabincouldholdbedsforabouttwentycampers.Thatmeantamaximumcapacityoffourhundreddemigods—enoughforseveralphalanxesoronereallyamazingyachtparty.

Yet,aswewalkedacrosscamp,Isawnomorethanadozenpeople.Inthefadinglightofsunset,alonegirlwasscalingtheclimbingwallaslavafloweddowneitherside.Atthelake,acrewofthreecheckedtheriggingonthetrireme.

Somecampershadfoundreasonstobeoutsidejustsotheycouldgawkatme.Overbythehearth,oneyoungmansatpolishinghisshield,watchingmeinitsreflectivesurface.AnotherfellowglaredatmeashesplicedbarbedwireoutsidetheArescabin.Fromtheawkwardwayhewalked,IassumedhewasShermanYangoftherecentlykickedcrotch.

InthedoorwayoftheHermescabin,twogirlsgiggledandwhisperedasIpassed.Normallythissortofattentionwouldn’thavefazedme.Mymagnetismwasunderstandablyirresistible.Butnowmyfaceburned.Me—themanlyparagonofromance—reducedtoagawky,inexperiencedboy!

Iwouldhavescreamedattheheavensforthisunfairness,butthatwould’vebeensuper-embarrassing.

Wemadeourwaythroughthefallowstrawberryfields.UponHalf-BloodHill,theGoldenFleeceglintedinthelowestbranchofatallpinetree.WhiffsofsteamrosefromtheheadofPeleus,theguardiandragoncoiledaroundthebaseofthetrunk.Nexttothetree,theAthenaParthenoslookedangryredinthesunset.Orperhapsshejustwasn’thappytoseeme.(AthenahadnevergottenoverourlittletiffduringtheTrojanWar.)

Halfwaydownthehillside,IspottedtheOracle’scave,itsentranceshroudedbythickburgundycurtains.Thetorchesoneithersidestoodunlit—usuallyasignthatmyprophetess,RachelDare,wasnotinresidence.Iwasn’tsurewhethertobedisappointedorrelieved.

Evenwhenshewasnotchannelingprophecies,Rachelwasawiseyounglady.Ihadhopedtoconsultheraboutmyproblems.Ontheotherhand,sinceherpropheticpowerhadapparentlystoppedworking(whichIsupposeinsomesmallpartwasmyfault),Iwasn’tsureRachelwouldwanttoseeme.ShewouldexpectexplanationsfromherMainMan,andwhileIhadinventedmansplainingandwasitsforemostpractitioner,Ihadnoanswerstogiveher.

Thedreamoftheflamingbusstayedwithme:thegroovycrownedwomanurgingmetofindthegates,theuglymauve-suitedmanthreateningtoburntheOracle.

Well…thecavewasrightthere.Iwasn’tsurewhythewomaninthecrownwashavingsuchtroublefindingit,orwhytheuglymanwouldbesointentonburningits“gates,”whichamountedtonothingmorethanpurplecurtains.

UnlessthedreamwasreferringtosomethingotherthantheOracleofDelphi….Irubbedmythrobbingtemples.Ikeptreachingformemoriesthatweren’tthere,tryingtoplunge

intomyvastlakeofknowledgeonlytofindithadbeenreducedtoakiddiepool.Yousimplycan’tdomuchwithakiddiepoolbrain.

OntheporchoftheBigHouse,adark-hairedyoungmanwaswaitingforus.Heworefadedblacktrousers,aRamonesT-shirt(bonuspointsformusicaltaste),andablackleatherbomberjacket.AthissidehungaStygianironsword.

“Irememberyou,”Isaid.“IsitNicholas,sonofHades?”“NicodiAngelo.”Hestudiedme,hiseyessharpandcolorless,likebrokenglass.“Soit’strue.

You’recompletelymortal.There’sanauraofdeatharoundyou—athickpossibilityofdeath.”Megsnorted.“Soundslikeaweatherforecast.”Ididnotfindthisamusing.Beingface-to-facewithasonofHades,IrecalledthemanymortalsI

hadsenttotheUnderworldwithmyplaguearrows.Ithadalwaysseemedlikegoodcleanfun—metingoutrichlydeservedpunishmentsforwickeddeeds.Now,Ibegantounderstandtheterrorinmyvictims’eyes.Ididnotwantanauraofdeathhangingoverme.IdefinitelydidnotwanttostandinjudgmentbeforeNicodiAngelo’sfather.

WillputhishandonNico’sshoulder.“Nico,weneedtohaveanothertalkaboutyourpeopleskills.”

“Hey,I’mjuststatingtheobvious.IfthisisApollo,andhedies,we’reallintrouble.”Willturnedtome.“Iapologizeformyboyfriend.”Nicorolledhiseyes.“Couldyounot—”“Wouldyoupreferspecialguy?”Willasked.“Orsignificantother?”“Significantannoyance,inyourcase,”Nicogrumbled.“Oh,I’llgetyouforthat.”Megwipedherdrippingnose.“Youguysfightalot.Ithoughtweweregoingtoseeacentaur.”“AndhereIam.”Thescreendooropened.Chirontrottedout,duckinghisheadtoavoidthe

doorframe.Fromthewaistup,helookedeverybittheprofessorheoftenpretendedtobeinthemortalworld.

Hisbrownwooljackethadpatchesontheelbows.Hisplaiddressshirtdidnotquitematchhisgreentie.Hisbeardwasneatlytrimmed,buthishairwouldhavefailedthetidinessinspectionrequiredforaproperrat’snest.

Fromthewaistdown,hewasawhitestallion.Myoldfriendsmiled,thoughhiseyeswerestormyanddistracted.“Apollo,it’sgoodyouare

here.Weneedtotalkaboutthedisappearances.”

CheckyourspamfolderThepropheciesmightbethereNo?Well,I’mstumped.Bye

MEGGAWKED.“He—hereallyisacentaur.”“Wellspotted,”Isaid.“Isupposethelowerbodyofahorseiswhatgavehimaway?”Shepunchedmeinthearm.“Chiron,”Isaid,“thisisMegMcCaffrey,mynewmasterandwellspringofaggravation.You

weresayingsomethingaboutdisappearances?”Chiron’stailflicked.Hishoovescloppedontheplanksoftheporch.Hewasimmortal,yethisvisibleageseemedtovaryfromcenturytocentury.Ididnotremember

hiswhiskerseverbeingsogray,orthelinesaroundhiseyessopronounced.Whateverwashappeningatcampmustnothavebeenhelpinghisstresslevels.

“Welcome,Meg.”Chirontriedforafriendlytone,whichIthoughtquiteheroic,seeingas…well,Meg.“Iunderstandyoushowedgreatbraveryinthewoods.YoubroughtApolloheredespitemanydangers.I’mgladtohaveyouatCampHalf-Blood.”

“Thanks,”saidMeg.“You’rereallytall.Don’tyouhityourheadonlightfixtures?”Chironchuckled.“Sometimes.IfIwanttobeclosertohumansize,Ihaveamagicalwheelchair

thatallowsmetocompactmylowerhalfinto…Actually,that’snotimportantnow.”“Disappearances,”Iprompted.“Whathasdisappeared?”“Notwhat,butwho,”Chironsaid.“Let’stalkinside.Will,Nico,couldyoupleasetelltheother

camperswe’llgatherfordinnerinonehour?I’llgiveeveryoneanupdatethen.Inthemeantime,nooneshouldroamthecampalone.Usethebuddysystem.”

“Understood.”WilllookedatNico.“Willyoubemybuddy?”“Youareadork,”Nicoannounced.Thetwoofthemstrolledoffbickering.Atthispoint,youmaybewonderinghowIfeltseeingmysonwithNicodiAngelo.I’lladmitIdid

notunderstandWill’sattractiontoachildofHades,butifthedarkforebodingtypewaswhatmadeWillhappy…

Oh.PerhapssomeofyouarewonderinghowIfeltseeinghimwithaboyfriendratherthanagirlfriend.Ifthat’sthecase,please.Wegodsarenothungupaboutsuchthings.Imyselfhavehad…let’ssee,thirty-threemortalgirlfriendsandelevenmortalboyfriends?I’velostcount.Mytwogreatestloveswere,ofcourse,DaphneandHyacinthus,butwhenyou’reagodaspopularasIam—

Holdon.DidIjusttellyouwhoIliked?Idid,didn’tI?GodsofOlympus,forgetImentionedtheirnames!Iamsoembarrassed.Pleasedon’tsayanything.Inthismortallife,I’veneverbeeninlovewithanyone!

Iamsoconfused.Chironledusintothelivingroom,wherecomfyleathercouchesmadeaVfacingthestone

fireplace.Abovethemantel,astuffedleopardheadwassnoringcontentedly.“Isitalive?”Megasked.“Quite.”Chirontrottedovertohiswheelchair.“That’sSeymour.Ifwespeakquietly,weshouldbe

abletoavoidwakinghim.”Megimmediatelybeganexploringthelivingroom.Knowingher,shewassearchingforsmall

objectstothrowattheleopardtowakehimup.Chironsettledintohiswheelchair.Heplacedhisrearlegsintothefalsecompartmentoftheseat,

thenbackedup,magicallycompactinghisequinehindquartersuntilhelookedlikeamansittingdown.Tocompletetheillusion,hingedfrontpanelsswungclosed,givinghimfakehumanlegs.Normallythoselegswerefittedwithslacksandloaferstoaugmenthis“professor”disguise,buttodayitseemedChironwasgoingforadifferentlook.

“That’snew,”Isaid.Chironglanceddownathisshapelyfemalemannequinlegs,dressedinfishnetstockingsandred

sequinedhighheels.Hesighedheavily.“IseetheHermescabinhavebeenwatchingRockyHorrorPictureShowagain.Iwillhavetohaveachatwiththem.”

RockyHorrorPictureShowbroughtbackfondmemories.IusedtocosplayasRockyatthemidnightshowings,because,naturally,thecharacter ’sperfectphysiquewasbasedonmyown.

“Letmeguess,”Isaid.“ConnorandTravisStollarethepranksters?”Fromanearbybasket,Chirongrabbedaflannelblanketandspreaditoverhisfakelegs,though

therubyshoesstillpeekedoutatthebottom.“Actually,Traviswentofftocollegelastautumn,whichhasmellowedConnorquiteabit.”

MeglookedoverfromtheoldPac-Manarcadegame.“IpokedthatguyConnorintheeyes.”Chironwinced.“That’snice,dear….Atanyrate,wehaveJuliaFeingoldandAliceMiyazawanow.

Theyhavetakenupprankingduty.You’llmeetthemsoonenough.”IrecalledthegirlswhohadbeengigglingatmefromtheHermescabindoorway.Ifeltmyself

blushingalloveragain.Chirongesturedtowardthecouches.“Pleasesit.”MegmovedonfromPac-Man(havinggiventhegametwentysecondsofhertime)andbegan

literallyclimbingthewall.Dormantgrapevinesfestoonedthediningarea—nodoubttheworkofmyoldfriendDionysus.Megscaledoneofthethickertrunks,tryingtoreachtheGorgon-hairchandelier.

“Ah,Meg,”Isaid,“perhapsyoushouldwatchtheorientationfilmwhileChironandItalk?”“Iknowplenty,”shesaid.“Italkedtothecamperswhileyouwerepassedout.‘Safeplacefor

moderndemigods.’Blah,blah,blah.”“Oh,butthefilmisverygood,”Iurged.“Ishotitonatightbudgetinthe1950s,butsomeofthe

cameraworkwasrevolutionary.Youshouldreally—”Thegrapevinepeeledawayfromthewall.Megcrashedtothefloor.Shepoppedupcompletely

unscathed,thenspottedaplatterofcookiesonthesideboard.“Arethosefree?”“Yes,child,”Chironsaid.“Bringtheteaaswell,wouldyou?”SowewerestuckwithMeg,whodrapedherlegsoverthecouch’sarmrest,chompedoncookies,

andthrewcrumbsatSeymour ’ssnoringheadwheneverChironwasn’tlooking.ChironpouredmeacupofDarjeeling.“I’msorryMr.Disnotheretowelcomeyou.”“Mr.Dee?”Megasked.

“Dionysus,”Iexplained.“Thegodofwine.Alsothedirectorofthiscamp.”Chironhandedmemytea.“AfterthebattlewithGaea,IthoughtMr.Dmightreturntocamp,but

heneverdid.Ihopehe’sallright.”Theoldcentaurlookedatmeexpectantly,butIhadnothingtoshare.Thelastsixmonthswerea

completevoid;IhadnoideawhattheotherOlympiansmightbeupto.“Idon’tknowanything,”Iadmitted.Ihadn’tsaidthosewordsveryofteninthelastfourmillennia.

Theytastedbad.Isippedmytea,butthatwasnolessbitter.“I’mabitbehindonthenews.Iwashopingyoucouldfillmein.”

Chirondidapoorjobhidinghisdisappointment.“Isee….”Irealizedhehadbeenhopingforhelpandguidance—theexactsamethingsIneededfromhim.As

agod,Iwasusedtolesserbeingsrelyingonme—prayingforthisandpleadingforthat.ButnowthatIwasmortal,beingrelieduponwasalittleterrifying.

“Sowhatisyourcrisis?”Iasked.“YouhavethesamelookCassandrahadinTroy,orJimBowieattheAlamo—asifyou’reundersiege.”

Chirondidnotdisputethecomparison.Hecuppedhishandsaroundhistea.“YouknowthatduringthewarwithGaea,theOracleofDelphistoppedreceivingprophecies.In

fact,allknownmethodsofdiviningthefuturesuddenlyfailed.”“BecausetheoriginalcaveofDelphiwasretaken,”Isaidwithasigh,tryingnottofeelpickedon.MegbouncedachocolatechipoffSeymourtheleopard’snose.“OracleofDelphi.Percy

mentionedthat.”“PercyJackson?”Chironsatup.“Percywaswithyou?”“Foratime.”IrecountedourbattleinthepeachorchardandPercy’sreturntoNewYork.“Hesaid

hewoulddriveoutthisweekendifhecould.”Chironlookeddisheartened,asifmycompanyalonewasn’tgoodenough.Canyouimagine?“Atanyrate,”hecontinued,“wehopedthatoncethewarwasover,theOraclemightstartworking

again.Whenitdidnot…Rachelbecameconcerned.”“Who’sRachel?”Megasked.“RachelDare,”Isaid.“TheOracle.”“ThoughttheOraclewasaplace.”“Itis.”“ThenRachelisaplace,andshestoppedworking?”HadIstillbeenagod,Iwouldhaveturnedherintoablue-bellylizardandreleasedherintothe

wildernessnevertobeseenagain.Thethoughtsoothedme.“TheoriginalDelphiwasaplaceinGreece,”Itoldher.“Acavernfilledwithvolcanicfumes,

wherepeoplewouldcometoreceiveguidancefrommypriestess,thePythia.”“Pythia.”Meggiggled.“That’safunnyword.”“Yes.Ha-ha.SotheOracleisbothaplaceandaperson.WhentheGreekgodsrelocatedto

Americabackin…whatwasit,Chiron,1860?”Chironseesawedhishand.“Moreorless.”“IbroughttheOracleheretocontinuespeakingpropheciesonmybehalf.Thepowerhaspassed

downfrompriestesstopriestessovertheyears.RachelDareisthepresentOracle.”Fromthecookieplatter,MegpluckedtheonlyOreo,whichIhadbeenhopingtohavemyself.

“Mm-kay.Isittoolatetowatchthatmovie?”“Yes,”Isnapped.“Now,thewayIgainedpossessionoftheOracleofDelphiinthefirstplacewas

bykillingthismonstercalledPythonwholivedinthedepthsofthecavern.”“Apythonlikethesnake,”Megsaid.“Yesandno.ThesnakespeciesisnamedafterPythonthemonster,whoisalsorathersnaky,but

whoismuchbiggerandscarieranddevourssmallgirlswhotalktoomuch.Atanyrate,lastAugust,whileIwas…indisposed,myancientfoePythonwasreleasedfromTartarus.HereclaimedthecaveofDelphi.That’swhytheOraclestoppedworking.”

“ButiftheOracleisinAmericanow,whydoesitmatterifsomesnakemonstertakesoveritsoldcave?”

ThatwasaboutthelongestsentenceIhadyetheardherspeak.She’dprobablydoneitjusttospiteme.

“It’stoomuchtoexplain,”Isaid.“You’lljusthaveto—”“Meg.”Chirongaveheroneofhisheroicallytolerantsmiles.“TheoriginalsiteoftheOracleis

likethedeepesttaprootofatree.Thebranchesandleavesofprophecymayextendacrosstheworld,andRachelDaremaybeourloftiestbranch,butifthetaprootisstrangled,thewholetreeisendangered.WithPythonbackinresidenceathisoldlair,thespiritoftheOraclehasbeencompletelyblocked.”

“Oh.”Megmadeafaceatme.“Whydidn’tyoujustsayso?”BeforeIcouldstrangleherliketheannoyingtaprootshewas,Chironrefilledmyteacup.“Thelargerproblem,”hesaid,“isthatwehavenoothersourceofprophecies.”“Whocares?”Megasked.“Soyoudon’tknowthefuture.Nobodyknowsthefuture.”“Whocares?!”Ishouted.“MegMcCaffrey,propheciesarethecatalystsforeveryimportantevent

—everyquestorbattle,disasterormiracle,birthordeath.Propheciesdon’tsimplyforetellthefuture.Theyshapeit!Theyallowthefuturetohappen.”

“Idon’tgetit.”Chironclearedhisthroat.“Imaginepropheciesareflowerseeds.Withtherightseeds,youcan

growanygardenyoudesire.Withoutseeds,nogrowthispossible.”“Oh.”Megnodded.“Thatwouldsuck.”IfounditstrangethatMeg,astreeturchinandDumpsterwarrior,wouldrelatesowelltogarden

metaphors,butChironwasanexcellentteacher.Hehadpickeduponsomethingaboutthegirl…animpressionthathadbeenlurkinginthebackofmymindaswell.IhopedIwaswrongaboutwhatitmeant,butwithmyluck,Iwouldberight.Iusuallywas.

“SowhereisRachelDare?”Iasked.“PerhapsifIspokewithher…?”Chironsetdownhistea.“Rachelplannedtovisitusduringherwintervacation,butsheneverdid.

Itmightnotmeananything….”Ileanedforward.ItwasnotunheardofforRachelDaretobelate.Shewasartistic,unpredictable,

impulsive,andrule-averse—allqualitiesIdearlyadmired.Butitwasn’tlikehernottoshowupatall.“Or?”Iasked.“Oritmightbepartofthelargerproblem,”Chironsaid.“Propheciesarenottheonlythingsthat

havefailed.Travelandcommunicationhavebecomedifficultinthelastfewmonths.Wehaven’theardfromourfriendsatCampJupiterinweeks.Nonewdemigodshavearrived.Satyrsaren’treportingfromthefield.Irismessagesnolongerwork.”

“Iriswhat?”Megasked.“Two-wayvisions,”Isaid.“Aformofcommunicationoverseenbytherainbowgoddess.Irishas

alwaysbeenflighty….”“Exceptthatnormalhumancommunicationsarealsoonthefritz,”Chironsaid.“Ofcourse,

phoneshavealwaysbeendangerousfordemigods—”“Yeah,theyattractmonsters,”Megagreed.“Ihaven’tusedaphoneinforever.”“Awisemove,”Chironsaid.“Butrecentlyourphoneshavestoppedworkingaltogether.Mobile,

landline,Internet…itdoesn’tseemtomatter.Eventhearchaicformofcommunicationknownase-mailisstrangelyunreliable.Themessagessimplydon’tarrive.”

“Didyoulookinthejunkfolder?”Ioffered.“Ifeartheproblemismorecomplicated,”Chironsaid.“Wehavenocommunicationwiththe

outsideworld.Wearealoneandunderstaffed.Youarethefirstnewcomersinalmosttwomonths.”Ifrowned.“PercyJacksonmentionednothingofthis.”“IdoubtPercyisevenaware,”Chironsaid.“He’sbeenbusywithschool.Winterisnormallyour

quietesttime.Forawhile,Iwasabletoconvincemyselfthatthecommunicationfailureswerenothingbutaninconvenienthappenstance.Thenthedisappearancesstarted.”

Inthefireplace,alogslippedfromtheandiron.Imayormaynothavejumpedinmyseat.“Thedisappearances,yes.”IwipeddropsofteafrommypantsandtriedtoignoreMeg’s

snickering.“Tellmeaboutthose.”“Threeinthelastmonth,”Chironsaid.“FirstitwasCecilMarkowitzfromtheHermescabin.One

morninghisbunkwassimplyempty.Hedidn’tsayanythingaboutwantingtoleave.Noonesawhimgo.Andinthepastfewweeks,noonehasseenorheardfromhim.”

“ChildrenofHermesdotendtosneakaround,”Ioffered.“Atfirst,that’swhatwethought,”saidChiron.“Butaweeklater,EllisWakefielddisappeared

fromtheArescabin.Samestory:emptybunk,nosignsthathehadeitherleftonhisownorwas…ah,taken.Elliswasanimpetuousyoungman.Itwasconceivablehemighthavechargedoffonsomeill-advisedadventure,butitmademeuneasy.Thenthismorningwerealizedathirdcamperhadvanished:MirandaGardiner,headoftheDemetercabin.Thatwastheworstnewsofall.”

Megswungherfeetoffthearmrest.“Whyisthattheworst?”“Mirandaisoneofourseniorcounselors,”Chironsaid.“Shewouldneverleaveonherown

withoutnotice.Sheistoosmarttobetrickedawayfromcamp,andtoopowerfultobeforced.Yetsomethinghappenedtoher…somethingIcan’texplain.”

Theoldcentaurfacedme.“Somethingisverywrong,Apollo.TheseproblemsmaynotbeasalarmingastheriseofKronosortheawakeningofGaea,butinawayIfindthemevenmoreunsettling,becauseIhaveneverseenanythinglikethisbefore.”

Irecalledmydreamoftheburningsunbus.IthoughtofthevoicesI’dheardinthewoods,urgingmetowanderoffandfindtheirsource.

“Thesedemigods…”Isaid.“Beforetheydisappeared,didtheyactunusualinanyway?Didtheyreport…hearingthings?”

Chironraisedaneyebrow.“NotthatIamawareof.Why?”Iwasreluctanttosaymore.Ididn’twanttocauseapanicwithoutknowingwhatwewerefacing.

Whenmortalspanic,itcanbeanuglyscene,especiallyiftheyexpectmetofixtheproblem.Also,IwilladmitIfeltabitimpatient.Wehadnotyetaddressedthemostimportantissues—mine.“Itseemstome,”Isaid,“thatourfirstpriorityistobendallthecamp’sresourcestohelpingme

regainmydivinestate.ThenIcanassistyouwiththeseotherproblems.”Chironstrokedhisbeard.“Butwhatiftheproblemsareconnected,myfriend?Whatiftheonly

waytorestoreyoutoOlympusisbyreclaimingtheOracleofDelphi,thusfreeingthepowerofprophecy?WhatifDelphiisthekeytoitall?”

IhadforgottenaboutChiron’stendencytolayoutobviousandlogicalconclusionsthatItriedtoavoidthinkingabout.Itwasaninfuriatinghabit.

“Inmypresentstate,that’simpossible.”IpointedatMeg.“Rightnow,myjobistoservethisdemigod,probablyforayear.AfterI’vedonewhatevertaskssheassignsme,Zeuswilljudgethatmysentencehasbeenserved,andIcanonceagainbecomeagod.”

MegpulledapartaFigNewton.“IcouldorderyoutogotothisDelphiplace.”“No!”Myvoicecrackedinmidshriek.“Youshouldassignmeeasytasks—likestartingarock

band,orjusthangingout.Yes,hangingoutisgood.”

Meglookedunconvinced.“Hangingoutisn’tatask.”“Itisifyoudoitright.CampHalf-BloodcanprotectmewhileIhangout.Aftermyyearof

servitudeisup,I’llbecomeagod.ThenwecantalkabouthowtorestoreDelphi.”Preferably,Ithought,byorderingsomedemigodstoundertakethequestforme.“Apollo,”Chironsaid,“ifdemigodskeepdisappearing,wemaynothaveayear.Wemaynothave

thestrengthtoprotectyou.And,forgiveme,butDelphiisyourresponsibility.”Itossedupmyhands.“Iwasn’ttheonewhoopenedtheDoorsofDeathandletPythonout!Blame

Gaea!BlameZeusforhisbadjudgment!Whenthegiantsstartedtowake,IdrewupaveryclearTwenty-PointPlanofActiontoProtectApolloandAlsoYouOtherGods,buthedidn’tevenreadit!”

MegtossedhalfofhercookieatSeymour ’shead.“Istillthinkit’syourfault.Hey,look!He’sawake!”

ShesaidthisasiftheleopardhaddecidedtowakeuponhisownratherthanbeingbeanedintheeyewithaFigNewton.

“RARR,”Seymourcomplained.Chironwheeledhischairbackfromthetable.“Mydear,inthatjaronthemantel,you’llfindsome

Snausages.Whydon’tyoufeedhimdinner?ApolloandIwillwaitontheporch.”WeleftMeghappilymakingthree-pointshotsintoSeymour ’smouthwiththetreats.OnceChironandIreachedtheporch,heturnedhiswheelchairtofaceme.“She’saninteresting

demigod.”“Interestingissuchanonjudgmentalterm.”“Shereallysummonedakarpos?”“Well…thespiritappearedwhenshewasintrouble.Whethersheconsciouslysummonedit,I

don’tknow.ShenamedhimPeaches.”Chironscratchedhisbeard.“Ihavenotseenademigodwiththepowertosummongrainspiritsin

averylongtime.Youknowwhatitmeans?”Myfeetbegantoquake.“Ihavemysuspicions.I’mtryingtostaypositive.”“Sheguidedyououtofthewoods,”Chironnoted.“Withouther—”“Yes,”Isaid.“Don’tremindme.”ItoccurredtomethatI’dseenthatkeenlookinChiron’seyesbefore—whenhe’dassessed

Achilles’sswordtechniqueandAjax’sskillwithaspear.Itwasthelookofaseasonedcoachscoutingnewtalent.I’dneverdreamedthecentaurwouldlookatmethatway,asifIhadsomethingtoprovetohim,asifmymettlewereuntested.Ifeltso…soobjectified.

“Tellme,”Chironsaid,“whatdidyouhearinthewoods?”Isilentlycursedmybigmouth.Ishouldnothaveaskedwhetherthemissingdemigodshadheard

anythingstrange.Idecideditwasfruitlesstoholdbacknow.Chironwasmoreperceptivethanyouraveragehorse-

man.ItoldhimwhatI’dexperiencedintheforest,andafterwardinmydream.Hishandscurledintohislapblanket.Thebottomofitrosehigherabovehisredsequinedpumps.

Helookedaboutasworriedasitispossibleforamantolookwhilewearingfishnetstockings.“Wewillhavetowarnthecamperstostayawayfromtheforest,”hedecided.“Idonotunderstand

whatishappening,butIstillmaintainitmustbeconnectedtoDelphi,andyourpresent…ah,situation.TheOraclemustbeliberatedfromthemonsterPython.Wemustfindaway.”

Itranslatedthateasilyenough:Imustfindaway.Chironmusthavereadmydesolateexpression.“Come,come,oldfriend,”hesaid.“Youhavedoneitbefore.Perhapsyouarenotagodnow,but

thefirsttimeyoukilledPythonitwasnochallengeatall!Hundredsofstorybookshavepraisedthewayyoueasilyslewyourenemy.”

“Yes,”Imuttered.“Hundredsofstorybooks.”Irecalledsomeofthosestories:IhadkilledPythonwithoutbreakingasweat.Iflewtothemouth

ofthecave,calledhimout,unleashedanarrow,andBOOM!—onedeadgiantsnakemonster.IbecameLordofDelphi,andwealllivedhappilyeverafter.

HowdidstorytellersgettheideathatIvanquishedPythonsoquickly?Allright…possiblyit’sbecauseItoldthemso.Still,thetruthwasratherdifferent.Forcenturies

afterourbattle,Ihadbaddreamsaboutmyoldfoe.NowIwasalmostgratefulformyimperfectmemory.Icouldnotrecollectallofthenightmarish

detailsofmyfightwithPython,butIdidknowhehadbeennopushover.Ihadneededallmygodlystrength,mydivinepowers,andtheworld’smostdeadlybow.

WhatchancewouldIhaveasasixteen-year-oldmortalwithacne,hand-me-downclothes,andthenomdeguerreLesterPapadopoulos?IwasnotgoingtochargeofftoGreeceandgetmyselfkilled,thankyouverymuch,especiallynotwithoutmysunchariotortheabilitytoteleport.I’msorry;godsdonotflycommercial.

ItriedtofigureouthowtoexplainthistoChironinacalm,diplomaticwaythatdidnotinvolvestompingmyfeetorscreaming.Iwassavedfromtheeffortbythesoundofaconchhorninthedistance.

“Thatmeansdinner.”Thecentaurforcedasmile.“Wewilltalkmorelater,eh?Fornow,let’scelebrateyourarrival.”

OdetoahotdogWithbugjuiceandtaterchipsIgotnothing,man

IWASNOTINTHEMOODTOCELEBRATE.Especiallysittingatapicnictableeatingmortalfood.Withmortals.Thediningpavilionwaspleasantenough.Eveninwinter,thecamp’smagicalbordersshieldedus

fromtheworstoftheelements.Sittingoutdoorsinthewarmthofthetorchesandbraziers,Ifeltonlyslightlychilly.LongIslandSoundglitteredinthelightofthemoon.(Hello,Artemis.Don’tbothertosayhi.)OnHalf-BloodHill,theAthenaParthenosglowedliketheworld’slargestnightlight.Eventhewoodsdidnotseemsocreepywiththepinetreesblanketedinsoftsilveryfog.

Mydinner,however,waslessthanpoetic.Itconsistedofhotdogs,potatochips,andaredliquidIwastoldwasbugjuice.Ididnotknowwhyhumansconsumedbugjuice,orfromwhichtypeofbugithadbeenextracted,butitwasthetastiestpartofthemeal,whichwasdisconcerting.

IsatattheApollotablewithmychildrenAustin,Kayla,andWill,plusNicodiAngelo.Icouldseenodifferencebetweenmytableandanyoftheothergods’tables.Mineshouldhavebeenshinierandmoreelegant.Itshouldhaveplayedmusicorrecitedpoetryuponcommand.Insteaditwasjustaslabofstonewithbenchesoneitherside.Ifoundtheseatinguncomfortable,thoughmyoffspringdidn’tseemtomind.

AustinandKaylapepperedmewithquestionsaboutOlympus,thewarwithGaea,andwhatitfeltliketobeagodandthenahuman.Iknewtheydidnotmeantoberude.Asmychildren,theywereinherentlyinclinedtotheutmostgrace.However,theirquestionswerepainfulremindersofmyfallenstatus.

Besides,asthehourspassed,Irememberedlessandlessaboutmydivinelife.Itwasalarminghowfastmycosmicallyperfectneuronshaddeteriorated.Once,eachmemoryhadbeenlikeahigh-definitionaudiofile.Nowthoserecordingswereonwaxcylinders.Andbelieveme,Irememberwaxcylinders.Theydidnotlastlonginthesunchariot.

WillandNicosatshouldertoshoulder,banteringgood-naturedly.Theyweresocutetogetheritmademefeeldesolate.ItjoggedmymemoriesofthosefewshortgoldenmonthsI’dsharedwithHyacinthusbeforethejealousy,beforethehorribleaccident…

“Nico,”Isaidatlast,“shouldn’tyoubesittingattheHadestable?”Heshrugged.“Technically,yes.ButifIsitaloneatmytable,strangethingshappen.Cracksopen

inthefloor.Zombiescrawloutandstartroamingaround.It’samooddisorder.Ican’tcontrolit.

That’swhatItoldChiron.”“Andisittrue?”Iasked.Nicosmiledthinly.“Ihaveanotefrommydoctor.”Willraisedhishand.“I’mhisdoctor.”“Chirondecideditwasn’twortharguingabout,”Nicosaid.“AslongasIsitatatablewithother

people,like…oh,theseguysforinstance…thezombiesstayaway.Everybody’shappier.”Willnoddedserenely.“It’sthestrangestthing.NotthatNicowouldevermisusehispowerstoget

whathewants.”“Ofcoursenot,”Nicoagreed.Iglancedacrossthediningpavilion.Aspercamptradition,Meghadbeenplacedwiththechildren

ofHermes,sincehergodlyparentagehadnotyetbeendetermined.Megdidn’tseemtomind.Shewasbusyre-creatingtheConeyIslandHotDogEatingContestallbyherself.Theothertwogirls,JuliaandAlice,watchedherwithamixtureoffascinationandhorror.

Acrossthetablefromhersatanolderskinnyboywithcurlybrownhair—ConnorStoll,Ideduced,thoughI’dneverbeenabletotellhimapartfromhisolderbrother,Travis.Despitethedarkness,Connorworesunglasses,nodoubttoprotecthiseyesfromarepeatpoking.IalsonotedthathewiselykepthishandsawayfromMeg’smouth.

Intheentirepavilion,Icountednineteencampers.Mostsataloneattheirrespectivetables—ShermanYangforAres;agirlIdidnotknowforAphrodite;anothergirlforDemeter.AttheNiketable,twodark-hairedyoungladieswhowereobviouslytwinsconversedoverawarmap.Chironhimself,againinfullcentaurform,stoodattheheadtable,sippinghisbugjuiceashechattedwithtwosatyrs,buttheirmoodwassubdued.Thegoat-menkeptglancingatme,theneatingtheirsilverware,assatyrstendtodowhennervous.Halfadozengorgeousdryadsmovedbetweenthetables,offeringfoodanddrink,butIwassopreoccupiedIcouldn’tfullyappreciatetheirbeauty.Evenmoretragic:Ifelttooembarrassedtoflirtwiththem.Whatwaswrongwithme?

Istudiedthecampers,hopingtospotsomepotentialservants…Imeannewfriends.Godsalwaysliketokeepafewstrongveterandemigodshandytothrowintobattle,sendondangerousquests,orpickthelintoffourtogas.Unfortunately,nooneatdinnerjumpedoutatmeasalikelyminion.Ilongedforabiggerpooloftalent.

“Wherearethe…others?”IaskedWill.IwantedtosaytheA-List,butIthoughtthatmightbetakenthewrongway.Willtookabiteofhispizza.“Wereyoulookingforsomebodyinparticular?”“Whatabouttheoneswhowentonthatquestwiththeboat?”WillandNicoexchangedalookthatmighthavemeant,Herewego.Isupposetheygotaskedalot

aboutthesevenlegendarydemigodswhohadfoughtsidebysidewiththegodsagainstGaea’sgiants.ItpainedmethatIhadnotgottentoseethoseheroesagain.Afteranymajorbattle,Ilikedtogetagroupphoto—alongwithexclusiverightstocomposeepicballadsabouttheirexploits.

“Well,”Nicostarted,“yousawPercy.HeandAnnabetharespendingtheirsenioryearinNewYork.HazelandFrankareatCampJupiterdoingtheTwelfthLegionthing.”

“Ah,yes.”ItriedtobringupaclearmentalpictureofCampJupiter,theRomanenclavenearBerkeley,California,butthedetailswerehazy.IcouldonlyremembermyconversationswithOctavian,thewayhe’dturnedmyheadwithhisflatteryandpromises.Thatstupidboy…itwashisfaultIwashere.

Avoicewhisperedinthebackofmymind.ThistimeIthoughtitmightbemyconscience:Whowasthestupidboy?Itwasn’tOctavian.

“Shutup,”Imurmured.“What?”Nicoasked.

“Nothing.Continue.”“JasonandPiperarespendingtheschoolyearinLosAngeleswithPiper ’sdad.TheytookCoach

Hedge,Mellie,andLittleChuckwiththem.”“Uh-huh.”Ididnotknowthoselastthreenames,soIdecidedtheyprobablyweren’timportant.

“Andtheseventhhero…LeoValdez?”Nicoraisedhiseyebrows.“Yourememberhisname?”“Ofcourse!HeinventedtheValdezinator.Oh,whatamusicalinstrument!Ibarelyhadtimeto

masteritsmajorscalesbeforeZeuszappedmeattheParthenon.Ifanyonecouldhelpme,itwouldbeLeoValdez.”

Nico’sexpressiontightenedwithannoyance.“Well,Leoisn’there.Hedied.Thenhecamebacktolife.AndifIseehimagain,I’llkillhim.”

Willelbowedhim.“No,youwon’t.”Heturnedtome.“DuringthefightwithGaea,Leoandhisbronzedragon,Festus,disappearedinamidairfieryexplosion.”

Ishivered.Aftersomanycenturiesdrivingthesunchariot,thetermmidairfieryexplosiondidnotsitwellwithme.

ItriedtorememberthelasttimeI’dseenLeoValdezonDelos,whenhe’dtradedtheValdezinatorforinformation….

“Hewaslookingforthephysician’scure,”Irecalled,“thewaytobringsomeonebackfromthedead.Isupposeheplannedallalongtosacrificehimself?”

“Yep,”Willsaid.“HegotridofGaeaintheexplosion,butweallassumedhediedtoo.”“Becausehedid,”Nicosaid.“Then,afewdayslater,”Willcontinued,“thisscrollcameflutteringintocamponthewind….”“Istillhaveit.”Nicorummagedthroughthepocketsofhisbomberjacket.“IlookatitwheneverI

wanttogetangry.”Heproducedathickparchmentscroll.Assoonashespreaditonthetable,aflickeringhologram

appearedabovethesurface:LeoValdez,lookingimpishasusualwithhisdarkwispyhair,hismischievousgrin,andhisdiminutivestature.(Ofcourse,thehologramwasonlythreeinchestall,buteveninreallifeLeowasnotmuchmoreimposing.)Hisjeans,blueworkshirt,andtoolbeltwerespeckledwithmachineoil.

“Hey,guys!”Leospreadhisarmsforahug.“Sorrytoleaveyoulikethat.Badnews:Idied.Goodnews:Igotbetter!IhadtogorescueCalypso.We’rebothfinenow.We’retakingFestusto—”Theimagegutteredlikeaflameinastrongbreeze,disruptingLeo’svoice.“Backassoonas—”Static.“Cooktacoswhen—”Morestatic.“¡Vayaconqueso!Loveya!”Theimagewinkedout.

“That’sallwegot,”Nicocomplained.“AndthatwasinAugust.Wehavenoideawhathewasplanning,whereheisnow,orwhetherhe’sstillsafe.JasonandPiperspentmostofSeptemberlookingforhimuntilChironfinallyinsistedtheygostarttheirschoolyear.”

“Well,”Isaid,“itsoundslikeLeowasplanningtocooktacos.Perhapsthattooklongerthanheanticipated.Andvayaconqueso…Ibelieveheisadmonishingustogowithcheese,whichisalwayssoundadvice.”

ThisdidnotseemtoreassureNico.“Idon’tlikebeinginthedark,”hemuttered.AnoddcomplaintforachildofHades,butIunderstoodwhathemeant.I,too,wascuriousto

knowthefateofLeoValdez.Onceuponatime,IcouldhavedivinedhiswhereaboutsaseasilyasyoumightcheckaFacebooktimeline,butnowIcouldonlystareattheskyandwonderwhenasmallimpishdemigodmightappearwithabronzedragonandaplateoftacos.

AndifCalypsowasinvolved…thatcomplicatedthings.ThesorceressandIhadarockyhistory,butevenIhadtoadmitshewasbeguiling.Ifshe’dcapturedLeo’sheart,itwasentirelypossiblehe

hadgottensidetracked.Odysseusspentsevenyearswithherbeforereturninghome.Whateverthecase,itseemedunlikelythatValdezwouldbebackintimetohelpme.Myquestto

mastertheValdezinator ’sarpeggioswouldhavetowait.KaylaandAustinhadbeenveryquiet,followingourconversationwithwonderandamazement.

(Mywordshavethateffectonpeople.)NowKaylascootedtowardme.“WhatdidyouguystalkaboutintheBigHouse?Chirontoldyou

aboutthedisappearances…?”“Yes.”Itriedtoavoidlookinginthedirectionofthewoods.“Wediscussedthesituation.”“And?”Austinspreadhisfingersonthetable.“What’sgoingon?”Ididn’twanttotalkaboutit.Ididn’twantthemtoseemyfear.Iwishedmyheadwouldstoppounding.OnOlympus,headachesweresomucheasiertocure.

Hephaestussimplysplitone’sskullopenandextractedwhatevernewborngodorgoddesshappenedtobebangingaroundinthere.Inthemortalworld,myoptionsweremorelimited.

“Ineedtimetothinkaboutit,”Isaid.“PerhapsinthemorningI’llhavesomeofmygodlypowersback.”

Austinleanedforward.Inthetorchlight,hiscornrowsseemedtotwistintonewDNApatterns.“Isthathowitworks?Yourstrengthcomesbackovertime?”

“I—Ithinkso.”ItriedtoremembermyyearsofservitudewithAdmetusandLaomedon,butIcouldbarelyconjuretheirnamesandfaces.Mycontractingmemoryterrifiedme.Itmadeeachmomentofthepresentballooninsizeandimportance,remindingmethattimeformortalswaslimited.

“Ihavetogetstronger,”Idecided.“Imust.”Kaylasqueezedmyhand.Herarcher ’sfingerswereroughandcalloused.“It’sokay,Apollo…

Dad.We’llhelpyou.”Austinnodded.“Kayla’sright.We’reinthistogether.Ifanybodygivesyoutrouble,Kaylawill

shootthem.ThenI’llcursethemsobadthey’llbespeakinginrhymingcoupletsforweeks.”Myeyeswatered.Notsolongago—likethismorning,forinstance—theideaoftheseyoung

demigodsbeingabletohelpmewouldhavestruckmeasridiculous.Nowtheirkindnessmovedmemorethanahundredsacrificialbulls.Icouldn’trecallthelasttimesomeonehadcaredaboutmeenoughtocursemyenemieswithrhymingcouplets.

“Thankyou,”Imanaged.Icouldnotaddmychildren.Itdidn’tseemright.Thesedemigodsweremyprotectorsandmy

family,butforthepresentIcouldnotthinkofmyselfastheirfather.Afathershoulddomore—afathershouldgivemoretohischildrenthanhetakes.Ihavetoadmitthatthiswasanovelideaforme.Itmademefeelevenworsethanbefore.

“Hey…”Willpattedmyshoulder.“It’snotsobad.Atleastwitheverybodybeingonhighalert,wemightnothavetodoHarley’sobstaclecoursetomorrow.”

KaylamutteredanancientGreekcurse.IfIhadbeenapropergodlyfather,Iwouldhavewashedhermouthoutwitholiveoil.

“Iforgotallaboutthat,”shesaid.“They’llhavetocancelit,won’tthey?”Ifrowned.“Whatobstaclecourse?Chironmentionednothingaboutthis.”Iwantedtoobjectthatmyentiredayhadbeenanobstaclecourse.Surelytheycouldn’texpectme

todotheircampactivitiesaswell.BeforeIcouldsayasmuch,oneofthesatyrsblewaconchhornattheheadtable.

Chironraisedhisarmsforattention.“Campers!”Hisvoicefilledthepavilion.Hecouldbequiteimpressivewhenhewantedtobe.“I

haveafewannouncements,includingnewsabouttomorrow’sthree-leggeddeathrace!”

Three-leggeddeathraceFiveterriblesyllablesOh,gods.PleasenotMeg

ITWASALLHARLEY’SFAULT.AfteraddressingthedisappearanceofMirandaGardiner—“Asaprecautionarymeasure,please

stayawayfromthewoodsuntilweknowmore”—ChironcalledforwardtheyoungsonofHephaestustoexplainhowthethree-leggeddeathracewouldwork.ItquicklybecameapparentthatHarleyhadmastermindedthewholeproject.And,really,theideawassohorrifying,itcouldonlyhavesprungfromthemindofaneight-year-oldboy.

IconfessIlosttrackofthespecificsafterheexplainedtheexplodingchain-sawFrisbees.“Andthey’llbelike,ZOOM!”Hebouncedupanddownwithexcitement.“AndthenBUZZ!And

POW!”Hepantomimedallsortsofchaoswithhishands.“Youhavetobereallyquickoryou’lldie,andit’sawesome!”

Theothercampersgrumbledandshiftedontheirbenches.Chironraisedhishandforsilence.“Now,Iknowtherewereproblemslasttime,”hesaid,“but

fortunatelyourhealersintheApollocabinwereabletoreattachPaolo’sarms.”Atatableinback,amuscularteenboyroseandbeganrantinginwhatIthoughtwasPortuguese.

Heworeawhitetanktopoverhisdarkchest,andIcouldseefaintwhitescarsaroundthetopsofhisbiceps.Cursingrapidly,hepointedatHarley,theApollocabin,andprettymucheveryoneelse.

“Ah,thankyou,Paolo,”Chironsaid,clearlybaffled.“I’mgladyouarefeelingbetter.”Austinleanedtowardmeandwhispered,“PaolounderstandsEnglishokay,butheonlyspeaks

Portuguese.Atleast,that’swhatheclaims.Noneofuscanunderstandawordhesays.”Ididn’tunderstandPortugueseeither.AthenahadbeenlecturingusforyearsabouthowMount

OlympusmightmigratetoBrazilsomeday,andweshouldallbepreparedforthepossibility.She’devenboughtthegodsBerlitzPortugueseDVDsforSaturnaliapresents,butwhatdoesAthenaknow?

“Paoloseemsagitated,”Inoted.Willshrugged.“He’sluckyhe’safasthealer—sonofHebe,goddessofyouth,andallthat.”“You’restaring,”Niconoted.“Iamnot,”Willsaid.“IammerelyassessinghowwellPaolo’sarmsarefunctioningafter

surgery.”“Hmph.”Paolofinallysatdown.Chironwentthroughalonglistofotherinjuriestheyhadexperienced

duringthefirstthree-leggeddeathrace,allofwhichhehopedtoavoidthistime:second-degreeburns,bursteardrums,apulledgroin,andtwocasesofchronicIrishstepdancing.

ThelonedemigodattheAthenatableraisedhishand.“Chiron,justgoingtothrowthisoutthere….We’vehadthreecampersdisappear.Isitreallywisetoberunningadangerousobstaclecourse?”

Chirongavehimapainedsmile.“Anexcellentquestion,Malcolm,butthiscoursewillnottakeyouintothewoods,whichwebelieveisthemosthazardousarea.Thesatyrs,dryads,andIwillcontinuetoinvestigatethedisappearances.Wewillnotrestuntilourmissingcampersarefound.Inthemeantime,however,thisthree-leggedracecanfosterimportantteam-buildingskills.ItalsoexpandsourunderstandingoftheLabyrinth.”

ThewordsmackedmeinthefacelikeAres’sbodyodor.IturnedtoAustin.“TheLabyrinth?AsinDaedalus’sLabyrinth?”

Austinnodded,hisfingersworryingtheceramiccampbeadsaroundhisneck.Ihadasuddenmemoryofhismother,Latricia—thewaysheusedtofiddlewithhercowrynecklacewhenshelecturedatOberlin.EvenIlearnedthingsfromLatriciaLake’smusictheoryclass,thoughIhadfoundherdistractinglybeautiful.

“DuringthewarwithGaea,”Austinsaid,“themazereopened.We’vebeentryingtomapiteversince.”

“That’simpossible,”Isaid.“Alsoinsane.TheLabyrinthisamalevolentsentientcreation!Itcan’tbemappedortrusted.”

Asusual,Icouldonlydrawonrandombitsandpiecesofmymemories,butIwasfairlycertainIspokethetruth.IrememberedDaedalus.Backintheolddays,thekingofCretehadorderedhimtobuildamazetocontainthemonstrousMinotaur.But,ohno,asimplemazewasn’tgoodenoughforabrilliantinventorlikeDaedalus.HehadtomakehisLabyrinthself-awareandself-expanding.Overthecenturies,ithadhoneycombedundertheplanet’ssurfacelikeaninvasiverootsystem.

Stupidbrilliantinventors.“It’sdifferentnow,”Austintoldme.“SinceDaedalusdied…Idon’tknow.It’shardtodescribe.

Doesn’tfeelsoevil.Notquiteasdeadly.”“Oh,that’shugelyreassuring.Soofcourseyoudecidedtodothree-leggedracesthroughit.”Willcoughed.“Theotherthing,Dad…NobodywantstodisappointHarley.”Iglancedattheheadtable.Chironwasstillholdingforthaboutthevirtuesofteambuildingwhile

Harleybouncedupanddown.Icouldseewhytheothercampersmightadopttheboyastheirunofficialmascot.Hewasacutelittlepipsqueak,evenifhewasscarilybuffforaneight-year-old.Hisgrinwasinfectious.Hisenthusiasmseemedtoliftthemoodoftheentiregroup.Still,Irecognizedthemadgleaminhiseyes.Itwasthesamelookhisfather,Hephaestus,gotwheneverheinventedsomeautomatonthatwouldlatergoberserkandstartdestroyingcities.

“Alsokeepinmind,”Chironwassaying,“thatnoneoftheunfortunatedisappearanceshasbeenlinkedtotheLabyrinth.Remainwithyourpartnerandyoushouldbesafe…atleast,assafeasonecanbeinathree-leggeddeathrace.”

“Yeah,”Harleysaid.“Nobodyhasevendiedyet.”Hesoundeddisappointed,asifhewantedustotryharder.

“Inthefaceofacrisis,”Chironsaid,“it’simportanttosticktoourregularactivities.Wemuststayalertandintopcondition.Ourmissingcamperswouldexpectnolessfromus.Now,astotheteamsfortherace,youwillbeallowedtochooseyourpartner—”

Therefollowedasortofpiranhaattackofcamperslungingtowardeachothertograbtheirpreferredteammate.BeforeIcouldcontemplatemyoptions,MegMcCaffreypointedatmefromacrossthepavilion,herexpressionexactlylikeUncleSam’sintherecruitmentposter.

Ofcourse,Ithought.Whyshouldmyluckimprovenow?Chironstruckhishoofagainstthefloor.“Allright,everyone,settledown!Theracewillbe

tomorrowafternoon.Thankyou,Harley,foryourhardworkonthe…um,variouslethalsurprisesinstore.”

“BLAM!”HarleyranbacktotheHephaestustabletojoinhisoldersister,Nyssa.“Thisbringsustoourothernews,”Chironsaid.“Asyoumayhaveheard,twospecialnewcomers

joinedustoday.First,pleasewelcomethegodApollo!”Normallythiswasmycuetostandup,spreadmyarms,andgrinasradiantlightshonearoundme.

Theadoringcrowdwouldapplaudandtossflowersandchocolatebonbonsatmyfeet.ThistimeIreceivednoapplause—justnervouslooks.Ihadastrange,uncharacteristicimpulseto

slidelowerinmyseatandpullmycoatovermyhead.Irestrainedmyselfthroughheroiceffort.Chironstruggledtomaintainhissmile.“Now,Iknowthisisunusual,”hesaid,“butgodsdo

becomemortalfromtimetotime.Youshouldnotbeoverlyalarmed.Apollo’spresenceamonguscouldbeagoodomen,achanceforusto…”Heseemedtolosetrackofhisownargument.“Ah…dosomethinggood.I’msurethebestcourseofactionwillbecomeclearintime.Fornow,pleasemakeApollofeelathome.Treathimasyouwouldanyothernewcamper.”

AttheHermestable,ConnorStollraisedhishand.“DoesthatmeantheArescabinshouldstickApollo’sheadinatoilet?”

AttheArestable,ShermanYangsnorted.“Wedon’tdothattoeveryone,Connor.Justthenewbieswhodeserveit.”

ShermanglancedatMeg,whowasobliviouslyfinishingherlasthotdog.Thewispyblackwhiskersatthesidesofhermouthwerenowfrostedwithmustard.

ConnorStollgrinnedbackatSherman—aconspiratoriallookifeverIsawone.That’swhenInoticedtheopenbackpackatConnor ’sfeet.Peekingfromthetopwassomethingthatlookedlikeanet.

Theimplicationsankin:twoboyswhomMeghadhumiliated,preparingforpayback.Ididn’thavetobeNemesistounderstandtheallureofrevenge.Still…IfeltanodddesiretowarnMeg.

Itriedtocatchhereye,butsheremainedfocusedonherdinner.“Thankyou,Sherman,”Chironcontinued.“It’sgoodtoknowyouwon’tbegivingthegodof

archeryaswirly.Asfortherestofyou,wewillkeepyoupostedonourguest’ssituation.I’msendingtwoofourfinestsatyrs,MillardandHerbert”—hegesturedtothesatyrsonhisleft—“tohand-deliveramessagetoRachelDareinNewYork.Withanyluck,shewillbeabletojoinussoonandhelpdeterminehowwecanbestassistApollo.”

Therewassomegrumblingaboutthis.IcaughtthewordsOracleandprophecies.Atanearbytable,agirlmutteredtoherselfinItalian:Theblindleadingtheblind.

Iglaredather,buttheyoungladywasquitebeautiful.ShewasperhapstwoyearsolderthanI(mortallyspeaking),withdarkpixiehairanddevastatinglyfiercealmondeyes.Imayhaveblushed.

Iturnedbacktomytablemates.“Um…yes,satyrs.Whynotsendthatothersatyr,thefriendofPercy’s?”

“Grover?”Nicoasked.“He’sinCalifornia.ThewholeCouncilofClovenEldersisoutthere,meetingaboutthedrought.”

“Oh.”Myspiritsfell.IrememberedGroverasbeingquiteresourceful,butifhewasdealingwithCalifornia’snaturaldisasters,hewasunlikelytobebackanytimeinthenextdecade.

“Finally,”Chironsaid,“wewelcomeanewdemigodtocamp—MegMcCaffrey!”Shewipedhermouthandstood.Nexttoher,AliceMiyazawasaid,“Standup,Meg.”JuliaFeingoldlaughed.

AttheArestable,ShermanYangrose.“Nowthisone—thisonedeservesaspecialwelcome.Whatdoyouthink,Connor?”

Connorreachedintohisbackpack.“Ithinkmaybethecanoelake.”Istartedtosay,“Meg—”ThenallHadesbrokeloose.ShermanYangstrodetowardMeg.ConnorStollpulledoutagoldennetandthrewitoverher

head.Megyelpedandtriedtosquirmfree,whilesomeofthecamperschanted,“Dunk—her!Dunk—her!”Chirondidhisbesttoshoutthemdown:“Now,demigods,waitamoment!”

Agutturalhowlinterruptedtheproceedings.Fromthetopofthecolonnade,ablurofchubbyflesh,leafywings,andlinendiaperhurtleddownwardandlandedonShermanYang’sback,knockinghimface-firstintothestonefloor.Peachesthekarposstoodandwailed,beatinghischest.Hiseyesglowedgreenwithanger.HelaunchedhimselfatConnorStoll,lockedhisplumplegsaroundthedemigod’sneck,andbeganpullingoutConnor ’shairwithhisclaws.

“Getitoff!”Connorwailed,thrashingblindlyaroundthepavilion.“Getitoff!”Slowlytheotherdemigodsovercametheirshock.Severaldrewswords.“C’èunkarpos!”yelledtheItaliangirl.“Killit!”saidAliceMiyazawa.“No!”Icried.Normallysuchacommandfrommewould’veinitiatedaprisonlockdownsituation,withallthe

mortalsdroppingtotheirbelliestoawaitmyfurtherorders.Alas,nowIwasameremortalwithasqueakyadolescentvoice.

IwatchedinhorrorasmyowndaughterKaylanockedanarrowinherbow.“Peaches,getoffhim!”Megscreamed.Sheuntangledherselffromthenet,threwitdown,thenran

towardConnor.ThekarposhoppedoffConnor ’sneck.HelandedatMeg’sfeet,baringhisfangsandhissingatthe

othercamperswhohadformedaloosesemicirclewithweaponsdrawn.“Meg,getoutoftheway,”saidNicodiAngelo.“Thatthingisdangerous.”“No!”Meg’svoicewasshrill.“Don’tkillhim!”ShermanYangrolledover,groaning.Hisfacelookedworsethanitprobablywas—agashonthe

foreheadcanproduceashockingamountofblood—butthesightsteeledtheresolveoftheothercampers.Kayladrewherbow.JuliaFeingoldunsheathedadagger.

“Wait!”Ipleaded.Whathappenednext,alessermindcouldneverhaveprocessed.Juliacharged.Kaylashotherarrow.Megthrustoutherhandsandfaintgoldlightflashedbetweenherfingers.Suddenlyyoung

McCaffreywasholdingtwoswords—eachacurvedbladeintheoldThracianstyle,siccaemadefromImperialgold.IhadnotseensuchweaponssincethefalloftheRome.Theyseemedtohaveappearedfromnowhere,butmylongexperiencewithmagicitemstoldmetheymusthavebeensummonedfromthecrescentringsMegalwayswore.

Bothherbladeswhirled.MegsimultaneouslyslicedKayla’sarrowoutoftheairanddisarmedJulia,sendingherdaggerskitteringacrossthefloor.

“WhattheHades?”Connordemanded.Hishairhadbeenpulledoutinchunkssohelookedlikeanabuseddoll.“Whoisthiskid?”

PeachescrouchedatMeg’sside,snarling,asMegfendedofftheconfusedandenrageddemigodswithhertwoswords.

Myvisionmusthavebeenbetterthantheaveragemortal’s,becauseIsawtheglowingsignfirst—alightshiningaboveMeg’shead.

WhenIrecognizedthesymbol,myheartturnedtolead.IhatedwhatIsaw,butIthoughtIshouldpointitout.“Look.”

Theothersseemedconfused.Thentheglowbecamebrighter:aholographicgoldensicklewithafewsheavesofwheat,rotatingjustaboveMegMcCaffrey.

Aboyinthecrowdgasped.“She’sacommunist!”Agirlwho’dbeensittingatCabinFour ’stablegavehimadisgustedsneer.“No,Damien,that’s

mymom’ssymbol.”Herfacewentslackasthetruthsankin.“Uh,whichmeans…it’shermom’ssymbol.”

Myheadspun.Ididnotwantthisknowledge.IdidnotwanttoserveademigodwithMeg’sparentage.ButnowIunderstoodthecrescentsonMeg’srings.Theywerenotmoons;theyweresickleblades.AstheonlyOlympianpresent,IfeltIshouldmakehertitleofficial.

“Myfriendisnolongerunclaimed,”Iannounced.Theotherdemigodskneltinrespect,somemorereluctantlythanothers.“Ladiesandgentlemen,”Isaid,myvoiceasbitterasChiron’stea,“pleasegiveitupforMeg

McCaffrey,daughterofDemeter.”

You’vegottobekid—Well,crud,whatjusthappenedthere?Iranoutofsyl—

NOONEKNEWWHATTOMAKEOFMEG.Icouldn’tblamethem.ThegirlmadeevenlesssensetomenowthatIknewwhohermotherwas.I’dhadmysuspicions,yes,butI’dhopedtobeprovenwrong.Beingrightsomuchofthetime

wasaterribleburden.WhywouldIdreadachildofDemeter?Goodquestion.Overthepastday,Ihadbeendoingmybesttopiecetogethermyremembrancesofthegoddess.

OnceDemeterhadbeenmyfavoriteaunt.Thatfirstgenerationofgodscouldbeastuffybunch(I’mlookingatyou,Hera,Hades,Dad),butDemeterhadalwaysbeenakindandlovingpresence—exceptwhenshewasdestroyingmankindthroughpestilenceandfamine,buteveryonehastheirbaddays.

ThenImadethemistakeofdatingoneofherdaughters.IthinkhernamewasChrysothemis,butyou’llhavetoexcusemeifI’mwrong.EvenwhenIwasagod,Ihadtroublerememberingthenamesofallmyexes.TheyoungwomansangaharvestsongatoneofmyDelphicfestivals.Hervoicewassobeautiful,Ifellinlove.True,Ifellinlovewitheachyear ’swinnerandtherunners-up,butwhatcanIsay?I’masuckerforamelodiousvoice.

Demeterdidnotapprove.EversinceherdaughterPersephonewaskidnappedbyHades,she’dbeenalittletouchyaboutherchildrendatinggods.

Atanyrate,sheandIhadwords.Wereducedafewmountainstorubble.Welaidwastetoafewcity-states.Youknowhowfamilyargumentscanget.Finallywesettledintoanuneasytruce,buteversincethenI’dmadeapointtosteerclearofDemeter ’schildren.

NowhereIwas—aservanttoMegMcCaffrey,themostragamuffindaughterofDemeterevertoswingasickle.

IwonderedwhoMeg’sfatherhadbeentoattracttheattentionofthegoddess.Demeterrarelyfellinlovewithmortals.Megwasunusuallypowerful,too.MostchildrenofDemetercoulddolittlemorethanmakecropsgrowandkeepbacterialfungiatbay.Dual-wieldinggoldenbladesandsummoningkarpoi—thatwastop-shelfstuff.

AllofthiswentthroughmymindasChirondispersedthecrowd,urgingeveryonetoputawaytheirweapons.SinceheadcounselorMirandaGardinerwasmissing,ChironaskedBillieNg,theonly

othercamperfromDemeter,toescortMegtoCabinFour.Thetwogirlsmadeaquickretreat,Peachesbouncingalongexcitedlybehindthem.Megshotmeaworriedlook.

Notsurewhatelsetodo,Igavehertwothumbs-up.“Seeyoutomorrow!”Sheseemedlessthanencouragedasshedisappearedinthedarkness.WillSolacetendedtoShermanYang’sheadinjuries.KaylaandAustinstoodoverConnor,

debatingtheneedforahairgraft.ThisleftmealonetomakemywaybacktotheMecabin.Ilayonmysickcotinthemiddleoftheroomandstaredattheceilingbeams.Ithoughtagain

aboutwhatadepressinglysimple,utterlymortalplacethiswas.Howdidmychildrenstandit?Whydidtheynotkeepablazingaltar,anddecoratethewallswithhammeredgoldreliefscelebratingmyglory?

WhenIheardWillandtheotherscomingback,Iclosedmyeyesandpretendedtobeasleep.Icouldnotfacetheirquestionsorkindnesses,theirattemptstomakemefeelathomewhenIclearlydidnotbelong.

Astheycameinthedoor,theygotquiet.“Isheokay?”whisperedKayla.Austinsaid,“Wouldyoube,ifyouwerehim?”Amomentofsilence.“Trytogetsomesleep,guys,”Willadvised.“Thisiscrazyweird,”Kaylasaid.“Helooksso…human.”“We’llwatchoutforhim,”Austinsaid.“We’reallhe’sgotnow.”Iheldbackasob.Icouldn’tbeartheirconcern.Notbeingabletoreassurethem,orevendisagree

withthem,mademefeelverysmall.Ablanketwasdrapedoverme.Willsaid,“Sleepwell,Apollo.”Perhapsitwashispersuasivevoice,orthefactthatIwasmoreexhaustedthanIhadbeenin

centuries.Immediately,Idriftedintounconsciousness.

ThanktheremainingelevenOlympians,Ihadnodreams.Iwokeinthemorningfeelingstrangelyrefreshed.Mychestnolongerhurt.Mynosenolonger

feltlikeawaterballoonattachedtomyface.Withthehelpofmyoffspring(cabinmates—Iwillcallthemcabinmates),Imanagedtomasterthearcanemysteriesoftheshower,thetoilet,andthesink.Thetoothbrushwasashock.ThelasttimeIwasmortal,therehadbeennosuchthing.Andunderarmdeodorant—whataghastlyideathatIshouldneedenchantedsalvetokeepmyarmpitsfromproducingstench!

WhenIwasdonewithmymorningablutionsanddressedincleanclothesfromthecampstore—sneakers,jeans,anorangeCampHalf-BloodT-shirt,andacomfywintercoatofflannelwool—Ifeltalmostoptimistic.PerhapsIcouldsurvivethishumanexperience.

IperkedupevenmorewhenIdiscoveredbacon.Oh,gods—bacon!IpromisedmyselfthatonceIachievedimmortalityagain,Iwouldassemblethe

NineMusesandtogetherwewouldcreateanode,ahymnaltothepowerofbacon,whichwouldmovetheheavenstotearsandcauseraptureacrosstheuniverse.

Baconisgood.Yes—thatmaybethetitleofthesong:“BaconIsGood.”Seatingforbreakfastwaslessformalthandinner.Wefilledourtraysatabuffetlineandwere

allowedtositwhereverwewished.Ifoundthisdelightful.(Oh,whatasadcommentaryonmynewmortalmindthatI,whooncedictatedthecourseofnations,shouldgetexcitedaboutopenseating.)I

tookmytrayandfoundMeg,whowassittingbyherselfontheedgeofthepavilion’sretainingwall,danglingherfeetoverthesideandwatchingthewavesatthebeach.

“Howareyou?”Iasked.Megnibbledonawaffle.“Yeah.Great.”“Youareapowerfuldemigod,daughterofDemeter.”“Mm-hm.”IfIcouldtrustmyunderstandingofhumanresponses,Megdidnotseemthrilled.“Yourcabinmate,Billie…Isshenice?”“Sure.Allgood.”“AndPeaches?”Shelookedatmesideways.“Disappearedovernight.GuessheonlyshowsupwhenI’min

danger.”“Well,that’sanappropriatetimeforhimtoshowup.”“Ap-pro-pri-ate.”Megtouchedawafflesquareforeachsyllable.“ShermanYanghadtogetseven

stitches.”IglancedoveratSherman,whosatatasafedistanceacrossthepavilion,glaringdaggersatMeg.

Anastyredzigzagrandownthesideofhisface.“Iwouldn’tworry,”ItoldMeg.“Ares’schildrenlikescars.Besides,Shermanwearsthe

Frankensteinlookratherwell.”Thecornerofhermouthtwitched,buthergazeremainedfaraway.“Ourcabinhasagrassfloor

—like,greengrass.There’sahugeoaktreeinthemiddle,holdinguptheceiling.”“Isthatbad?”“Ihaveallergies.”“Ah…”Itriedtoimaginethetreeinhercabin.Onceuponatime,Demeterhadhadasacredgrove

ofoaks.Irememberedshe’dgottenquiteangrywhenamortalprincetriedtocutitdown.Asacredgrove…Suddenlythebaconinmystomachexpanded,wrappingaroundmyorgans.Meggrippedmyarm.Hervoicewasadistantbuzz.Ionlyheardthelast,mostimportantword:

“—Apollo?”Istirred.“What?”“Youblankedout.”Shescowled.“Isaidyournamesixtimes.”“Youdid?”“Yeah.Wheredidyougo?”Icouldnotexplain.IfeltasifI’dbeenstandingonthedeckofashipwhenanenormous,dark,and

dangerousshapepassedbeneaththehull—ashapealmostdiscernible,thensimplygone.“I—Idon’tknow.Somethingabouttrees….”“Trees,”Megsaid.“It’sprobablynothing.”Itwasn’tnothing.Icouldn’tshaketheimagefrommydreams:thecrownedwomanurgingmeto

findthegates.Thatwomanwasn’tDemeter—atleast,Ididn’tthinkso.Buttheideaofsacredtreesstirredamemorywithinme…somethingveryold,evenbymystandards.

Ididn’twanttotalkaboutthiswithMeg,notuntilI’dhadtimetoreflect.Shehadenoughtoworryabout.Besides,afterlastnight,mynewyoungmastermadememoreapprehensivethanever.

Iglancedattheringsonhermiddlefingers.“Soyesterday…thoseswords.Anddon’tdothatthing.”

Meg’seyebrowsfurrowed.“Whatthing?”“Thatthingwhereyoushutdownandrefusetotalk.Yourfaceturnstocement.”

Shegavemeafuriouspout.“Itdoesnot.I’vegotswords.Ifightwiththem.Sowhat?”“Soitmighthavebeennicetoknowthatearlier,whenwewereincombatwithplaguespirits.”“Yousaidityourself:thosespiritscouldn’tbekilled.”“You’residestepping.”IknewthisbecauseitwasatacticIhadmasteredcenturiesago.“Thestyle

youfightin,withtwocurvedblades,isthestyleofadimachaerus,agladiatorfromthelateRomanEmpire.Evenbackthen,itwasrare—possiblythemostdifficultfightingstyletomaster,andoneofthemostdeadly.”

Megshrugged.Itwasaneloquentshrug,butitdidnotoffermuchinthewayofexplanation.“YourswordsareImperialgold,”Isaid.“ThatwouldindicateRomantraining,andmarkyouasa

goodprospectforCampJupiter.YetyourmotherisDemeter,thegoddessinherGreekform,notCeres.”

“Howdoyouknow?”“AsidefromthefactthatIwasagod?DemeterclaimedyouhereatCampHalf-Blood.Thatwas

noaccident.Also,herolderGreekformismuchmorepowerful.You,Meg,arepowerful.”HerexpressionturnedsoguardedIexpectedPeachestohurtlefromtheskyandstartpullingout

chunksofmyhair.“Inevermetmymom,”shesaid.“Ididn’tknowwhoshewas.”“Thenwheredidyougettheswords?Yourfather?”Megtoreherwaffleintotinypieces.“No….Mystepdadraisedme.Hegavemetheserings.”“Yourstepfather.YourstepfathergaveyouringsthatturnintoImperialgoldenswords.Whatsort

ofman—”“Agoodman,”shesnapped.InotedthesteelinMeg’svoiceandletthesubjectrest.Isensedagreattragedyinherpast.Also,I

fearedthatifIpressedmyquestions,Imightfindthosegoldenbladesatmyneck.“I’msorry,”Isaid.“Mm-hm.”Megtossedapieceofwaffleintotheair.Outofnowhere,oneofthecamp’scleaning

harpiesswoopeddownlikeatwo-hundred-poundkamikazechicken,snatchedupthefood,andflewaway.

Megcontinuedasifnothinghadhappened.“Let’sjustgetthroughtoday.We’vegottheraceafterlunch.”

Ashiverrandownmyneck.ThelastthingIwantedwastobestrappedtoMegMcCaffreyintheLabyrinth,butImanagedtoavoidscreaming.

“Don’tworryabouttherace,”Isaid.“Ihaveaplanforhowtowinit.”Sheraisedaneyebrow.“Yeah?”“Orrather,Iwillhaveaplanbythisafternoon.AllIneedisalittletime—”Behindus,theconchhornblew.“Morningbootcamp!”ShermanYangbellowed.“Let’sgo,youspecialsnowflakes!Iwantyouall

intearsbylunchtime!”

PracticemakesperfectHa,ha,ha,Idon’tthinksoIgnoremysobbing

IWISHEDIHADADOCTOR’SNOTE.IwantedtobeexcusedfromPE.Honestly,Iwillneverunderstandyoumortals.Youtrytomaintaingoodphysicalshapewithpush-

ups,sit-ups,five-mileruns,obstaclecourses,andotherhardworkthatinvolvessweating.Allthewhile,youknowitisalosingbattle.Eventuallyyourweak,limited-usebodieswilldeteriorateandfail,givingyouwrinkles,saggingparts,andold-personbreath.

It’shorrific!IfIwanttochangeshape,orage,orgender,orspecies,Isimplywishittohappenand—ka-bam!—Iamayoung,large,femalethree-toedsloth.Noamountofpush-upswillaccomplishthat.Isimplydon’tseethelogicinyourconstantstruggles.Exerciseisnothingmorethanadepressingreminderthatoneisnotagod.

BytheendofShermanYang’sbootcamp,Iwasgaspinganddrenchedinsweat.Mymusclesfeltlikequiveringcolumnsofgelatinousdessert.

Ididnotfeellikeaspecialsnowflake(thoughmymother,Leto,alwaysassuredmeIwasone),andIwassorelytemptedtoaccuseShermanofnottreatingmeassuch.

IgrumbledaboutthistoWill.IaskedwheretheoldheadcounselorofAreshadgone.ClarisseLaRueIcouldatleastcharmwithmydazzlingsmile.Alas,WillreportedshewasattendingtheUniversityofArizona.Oh,whydoescollegehavetohappentoperfectlygoodpeople?

Afterthetorture,Istaggeredbacktomycabinandtookanothershower.Showersaregood.Perhapsnotasgoodasbacon,butgood.Mysecondmorningsessionwaspainfulforadifferentreason.Iwasassignedtomusiclessonsin

theamphitheaterwithasatyrnamedWoodrow.Woodrowseemednervoustohavemejoinhislittleclass.Perhapshehadheardthelegendabout

myskinningthesatyrMarsyasaliveafterhechallengedmetoamusiccontest.(AsIsaid,theflayingpartwastotallyuntrue,butrumorsdohaveamazingstayingpower,especiallywhenImayhavebeenguiltyofspreadingthem.)

Usinghispanpipe,Woodrowreviewedtheminorscales.Austinhadnoproblemwiththese,eventhoughhewaschallenginghimselfbyplayingtheviolin,whichwasnothisinstrument.ValentinaDiaz,adaughterofAphrodite,didherbesttothrottleaclarinet,producingsoundslikeabassethoundwhimperinginathunderstorm.DamienWhite,sonofNemesis,liveduptohisnamesakebywreakingvengeanceonanacousticguitar.HeplayedwithsuchforcethathebroketheDstring.

“Youkilledit!”saidChiaraBenvenuti.ShewastheprettyItaliangirlI’dnoticedthenightbefore—achildofTyche,goddessofgoodfortune.“Ineededtousethatguitar!”

“Shutup,Lucky,”Damienmuttered.“Intherealworld,accidentshappen.Stringssnapsometimes.”

Chiaraunleashedsomerapid-fireItalianthatIdecidednottotranslate.“MayI?”Ireachedfortheguitar.Damienreluctantlyhandeditover.IleanedtowardtheguitarcasebyWoodrow’sfeet.Thesatyr

leapedseveralinchesintotheair.Austinlaughed.“Relax,Woodrow.He’sjustgettinganotherstring.”I’lladmitIfoundthesatyr ’sreactiongratifying.IfIcouldstillscaresatyrs,perhapstherewas

hopeformereclaimingsomeofmyformerglory.FromhereIcouldworkmywayuptoscaringfarmanimals,thendemigods,monsters,andminordeities.

Inamatterofseconds,Ihadreplacedthestring.Itfeltgoodtodosomethingsofamiliarandsimple.Iadjustedthepitch,butstoppedwhenIrealizedValentinawassobbing.

“Thatwassobeautiful!”Shewipedatearfromhercheek.“Whatwasthatsong?”Iblinked.“It’scalledtuning.”“Yeah,Valentina,controlyourself,”Damienchided,thoughhiseyeswerered.“Itwasn’tthat

beautiful.”“No.”Chiarasniffled.“Itwasn’t.”OnlyAustinseemedunaffected.Hiseyesshonewithwhatlookedlikepride,thoughIdidn’t

understandwhyhewouldfeelthatway.IplayedaCminorscale.TheBstringwasflat.It’salwaystheBstring.Threethousandyearssince

Iinventedtheguitar(duringawildpartywiththeHittites—longstory),andIstillcouldn’tfigureouthowtomakeaBstringthatstaysintune.

Iranthroughtheotherscales,delightedthatIstillrememberedthem.“NowthisisaLydianprogression,”Isaid.“Itstartsonthefourthofthemajorscale.Theysayit’s

calledLydianaftertheoldkingdomofLydia,butactually,Inameditforanoldgirlfriendofmine,Lydia.ShewasthefourthwomanIdatedthatyear,so…”

Ilookedupmid-arpeggio.DamienandChiarawereweepingineachother ’sarms,hittingeachotherweaklyandcursing,“Ihateyou.Ihateyou.”

Valentinalayontheamphitheaterbench,silentlyshaking.Woodrowwaspullingaparthispanpipes.

“I’mworthless!”hesobbed.“Worthless!”EvenAustinhadatearinhiseye.Hegavemeathumbs-up.Iwasthrilledthatsomeofmyoldskillremainedintact,butIimaginedChironwouldbeannoyed

ifIdrovetheentiremusicclassintomajordepression.IpulledtheDstringslightlysharp—atrickIusedtousetokeepmyadoringfansfromexploding

inraptureatmyconcerts.(AndImeanliterallyexploding.SomeofthosegigsattheFillmoreinthe1960s…well,I’llspareyouthegruesomedetails.)

Istrummedachordthatwasintentionallyoutoftune.Tomeitsoundedawful,butthecampersstirredfromtheirmisery.Theysatup,wipedtheirtears,andwatchedinfascinationasIplayedasimpleone-four-fiveprogression.

“Yeah,man.”Austinbroughthisviolintohischinandbegantoimprovise.Hisresinbowdancedacrossthestrings.HeandIlockedeyes,andforamomentweweremorethanfamily.Webecamepartofthemusic,communicatingonalevelonlygodsandmusicianswilleverunderstand.

Woodrowbrokethespell.“That’samazing,”thesatyrsobbed.“Youtwoshouldbeteachingtheclass.WhatwasIthinking?

Pleasedon’tflayme!”“Mydearsatyr,”Isaid,“Iwouldnever—”Suddenly,myfingersspasmed.Idroppedtheguitarinsurprise.Theinstrumenttumbleddownthe

stonestepsoftheamphitheater,clangingandsproinging.Austinloweredhisbow.“Youokay?”“I…yes,ofcourse.”ButIwasnotokay.Forafewmoments,Ihadexperiencedtheblissofmyformerlyeasytalent.

Yet,clearly,mynewmortalfingerswerenotuptothetask.Myhandmusclesweresore.RedlinesdugintomyfingerpadswhereIhadtouchedthefretboard.Ihadoverextendedmyselfinotherways,too.Mylungsfeltshriveled,drainedofoxygen,eventhoughIhaddonenosinging.

“I’m…tired,”Isaid,dismayed.“Well,yeah.”Valentinanodded.“Thewayyouwereplayingwasunreal!”“It’sokay,Apollo,”Austinsaid.“You’llgetstronger.Whendemigodsusetheirpowers,especially

atfirst,theygettiredquickly.”“ButI’mnot…”Icouldn’tfinishthesentence.Iwasn’tademigod.Iwasn’tagod.Iwasn’tevenmyself.Howcould

Ieverplaymusicagain,knowingthatIwasaflawedinstrument?Eachnotewouldbringmenothingbutpainandexhaustion.MyBstringwouldneverbeintune.

Mymiserymusthaveshownonmyface.DamienWhiteballedhisfists.“Don’tyouworry,Apollo.It’snotyourfault.I’llmakethatstupid

guitarpayforthis!”Ididn’ttrytostophimashemarcheddownthestairs.Partofmetookperversesatisfactioninthe

wayhestompedtheguitaruntilitwasreducedtokindlingandwires.Chiarahuffed.“Idiota!NowI’llnevergetmyturn!”Woodrowwinced.“Well,um…thanks,everyone!Goodclass!”

Archerywasanevenbiggertravesty.IfIeverbecomeagodagain(no,notif;when,when),myfirstactwillbetowipethememoriesof

everyonewhosawmeembarrassmyselfinthatclass.Ihitonebull’s-eye.One.Thegroupingonmyothershotswasabysmal.Twoarrowsactuallyhitoutsidetheblackringatamereonehundredmeters.Ithrewdownmybowandweptwithshame.

Kaylawasourclassinstructor,butherpatienceandkindnessonlymademefeelworse.Shescoopedupmybowandoffereditbacktome.

“Apollo,”shesaid,“thoseshotswerefantastic.Alittlemorepracticeand—”“I’mthegodofarchery!”Iwailed.“Idon’tpractice!”Nexttome,thedaughtersofNikesnickered.TheyhadtheinsufferablyappropriatenamesHollyandLaurelVictor.Theyremindedmeofthe

gorgeous,ferociouslyathleticAfricannymphsAthenausedtohangoutwithatLakeTritonis.“Hey,ex-god,”Hollysaid,nockinganarrow,“practiceistheonlywaytoimprove.”Shescoreda

sevenontheredring,butshedidnotseematalldiscouraged.“Foryou,maybe,”Isaid.“You’reamortal!”Hersister,Laurel,snorted.“Soareyounow.Suckitup.Winnersdon’tcomplain.”Sheshother

arrow,whichlandednexttohersister ’sbutjustinsidetheredring.“That’swhyI’mbetterthanHolly.She’salwayscomplaining.”

“Yeah,right,”Hollygrowled.“TheonlythingIcomplainaboutishowlameyouare.”“Oh,yeah?”saidLaurel.“Let’sgo.Rightnow.Besttwooutofthreeshots.Theloserscrubsthe

toiletsforamonth.”“You’reon!”Justlikethat,theyforgotaboutme.Theydefinitelywould’vemadeexcellentTritoniannymphs.Kaylatookmebythearmandledmedownrange.“Thosetwo,Iswear.WemadethemNikeco-

counselorssothey’dcompetewitheachother.Ifwehadn’t,theywould’vetakenoverthecampbynowandproclaimedadictatorship.”

Isupposeshewastryingtocheermeup,butIwasnotconsoled.Istaredatmyfingers,nowblisteredfromarcheryaswellassorefromguitar.Impossible.

Agonizing.“Ican’tdothis,Kayla,”Imuttered.“I’mtoooldtobesixteenagain!”Kaylacuppedherhandovermine.Beneaththegreenshockofherhair,shehadaginger

complexion—likecreampaintedovercopper,theauburnsheenpeekingthroughinthefrecklesofherfaceandarms.Sheremindedmeverymuchofherfather,theCanadianarcherycoachDarrenKnowles.

Imeanherotherfather.And,yes,ofcourseit’spossibleforademigodchildtospringfromsucharelationship.Whynot?ZeusgavebirthtoDionysusoutofhisownthigh.Athenaoncehadachildwhowascreatedfromahandkerchief.Whyshouldsuchthingssurpriseyou?Wegodsarecapableofinfinitemarvels.

Kaylatookadeepbreath,asifpreparingforanimportantshot.“Youcandoit,Dad.You’realreadygood.Verygood.You’vejustgottoadjustyourexpectations.Bepatient;bebrave.You’llgetbetter.”

Iwastemptedtolaugh.HowcouldIgetusedtobeingmerelygood?WhywouldIstrainmyselftogetbetterwhenbeforeIhadbeendivine?

“No,”Isaidbitterly.“No,itistoopainful.IswearupontheRiverStyx—untilIamagodagain,Iwillnotuseaboworamusicalinstrument!”

Goaheadandchideme.Iknowitwasafoolishoath,spokeninamomentofmiseryandself-pity.Anditwasbinding.AnoathswornontheRiverStyxcanhaveterribleconsequencesifbroken.

ButIdidn’tcare.Zeushadcursedmewithmortality.Iwasnotgoingtopretendthateverythingwasnormal.IwouldnotbeApollountilIwasreallyApollo.Fornow,IwasjustastupidyoungmannamedLesterPapadopoulos.MaybeIwouldwastemytimeonskillsIdidn’tcareabout—likeswordfightingorbadminton—butIwouldnotsullythememoryofmyonce-perfectmusicandarchery.

Kaylastaredatmeinhorror.“Dad,youdon’tmeanit.”“Ido!”“Takeitback!Youcan’t…”Sheglancedovermyshoulder.“Whatishedoing?”Ifollowedhergaze.ShermanYangwaswalkingslowly,trancelike,intothewoods.Itwouldhavebeenfoolhardytorunafterhim,straightintothemostdangerouspartofcamp.Sothat’sexactlywhatKaylaandIdid.Wealmostdidn’tmakeit.Assoonaswereachedthetreeline,theforestdarkened.The

temperaturedropped.Thehorizonstretchedoutasifbentthroughamagnifyingglass.Awomanwhisperedinmyear.ThistimeIknewthevoicewell.Ithadneverstoppedhauntingme.

Youdidthistome.Come.Chasemeagain.Fearrolledthroughmystomach.Iimaginedthebranchesturningtoarms;theleavesundulatedlikegreenhands.Daphne,Ithought.Evenaftersomanycenturies,theguiltwasoverwhelming.Icouldnotlookatatreewithout

thinkingofher.Forestsmademenervous.Thelifeforceofeachtreeseemedtobeardownonme

withrighteoushatred,accusingmeofsomanycrimes….Iwantedtofalltomyknees.Iwantedtobegforgiveness.Butthiswasnotthetime.

Icouldn’tallowthewoodstoconfusemeagain.Iwouldnotletanyoneelsefallintoitstrap.Kayladidn’tseemaffected.Igrabbedherhandtomakesurewestayedtogether.Weonlyhadtogo

afewsteps,butitfeltlikeabootcamprunbeforewereachedShermanYang.“Sherman.”Igrabbedhisarm.Hetriedtoshakemeoff.Fortunately,hewassluggishanddazed,orIwouldhaveendedupwith

scarsofmyown.Kaylahelpedmeturnhimaround.Hiseyestwitchedasifhewereinsomesortofhalf-consciousREMsleep.“No.Ellis.Gottofind

him.Miranda.Mygirl.”IglancedatKaylaforexplanation.“EllisisfromtheArescabin,”shesaid.“He’soneofthemissing.”“Yes,butMiranda,hisgirl?”“Shermanandshestarteddatingaboutaweekago.”“Ah.”Shermanstruggledtofreehimself.“Findher.”“Mirandaisrightoverhere,myfriend,”Ilied.“We’lltakeyouthere.”Hestoppedfighting.Hiseyesrolleduntilonlythewhiteswerevisible.“Over…here?”“Yes.”“Ellis?”“Yes,it’sme,”Isaid.“I’mEllis.”“Iloveyou,man,”Shermansobbed.Still,ittookallourstrengthtoleadhimoutofthetrees.IwasremindedofthetimeHephaestus

andIhadtowrestlethegodHypnosbacktobedafterhesleepwalkedintoArtemis’sprivatechambersonMountOlympus.It’sawonderanyofusescapedwithoutsilverarrowspincushioningourposteriors.

WeledShermantothearcheryrange.Betweenonestepandthenext,heblinkedhiseyesandbecamehisnormalself.Henoticedourhandsonhisarmsandshookusoff.

“Whatisthis?”hedemanded.“Youwerewalkingintothewoods,”Isaid.Hegaveushisdrillsergeantglower.“No,Iwasn’t.”Kaylareachedforhim,thenobviouslythoughtbetteraboutit.Archerywouldbedifficultwith

brokenfingers.“Sherman,youwereinsomekindoftrance.YouweremutteringaboutEllisandMiranda.”

AlongSherman’scheek,hiszigzagscardarkenedtobronze.“Idon’trememberthat.”“Althoughyoudidn’tmentiontheothermissingcamper,”Iaddedhelpfully.“Cecil?”“WhywouldImentionCecil?”Shermangrowled.“Ican’tstandtheguy.AndwhyshouldIbelieve

you?”“Thewoodshadyou,”Isaid.“Thetreeswerepullingyouin.”Shermanstudiedtheforest,butthetreeslookednormalagain.Thelengtheningshadowsand

swayinggreenhandsweregone.“Look,”Shermansaid,“Ihaveaheadinjury,thankstoyourannoyingfriendMeg.IfIwasacting

strange,that’swhy.”Kaylafrowned.“But—”“Enough!”Shermansnapped.“Ifeitherofyoumentionthis,I’llmakeyoueatyourquivers.Idon’t

needpeoplequestioningmyself-control.Besides,I’vegottheracetothinkabout.”Hebrushedpastus.

“Sherman,”Icalled.Heturned,hisfistsclenched.“Thelastthingyouremember,”Isaid,“beforeyoufoundyourselfwithus…whatwereyou

thinkingabout?”Foramicrosecond,thedazedlookpassedacrosshisfaceagain.“AboutMirandaandEllis…like

yousaid.Iwasthinking…Iwantedtoknowwheretheywere.”“Youwereaskingaquestion,then.”Ablanketofdreadsettledoverme.“Youwanted

information.”“I…”Atthediningpavilion,theconchhornblew.Sherman’sexpressionhardened.“Doesn’tmatter.Dropit.We’vegotlunchnow.ThenI’mgoing

todestroyyouallinthethree-leggeddeathrace.”Asthreatswent,Ihadheardworse,butShermanmadeitsoundintimidatingenough.Hemarched

offtowardthepavilion.Kaylaturnedtome.“Whatjusthappened?”“IthinkIunderstandnow,”Isaid.“Iknowwhythosecamperswentmissing.”

TiedtoMcCaffreyWemightendupinLimaHarleyisevil

NOTETOSELF:tryingtorevealimportantinformationjustbeforeathree-leggeddeathraceisnotagoodidea.

Noonewouldlistentome.Despitelastnight’sgrumblingandcomplaining,thecamperswerenowbuzzingwithexcitement.

Theyspenttheirlunchhourfranticallycleaningweapons,lacingarmorstraps,andwhisperingamongoneanothertoformsecretalliances.ManytriedtoconvinceHarley,thecoursearchitect,tosharehintsaboutthebeststrategies.

Harleylovedtheattention.Bytheendoflunch,histablewaspiledhighwithofferings(read:bribes)—chocolatebars,peanutbuttercups,gummybears,andHotWheels.Harleywouldhavemadeanexcellentgod.Hetookthegifts,mumbledafewpleasantries,buttoldhisworshippersnothinghelpful.

ItriedtospeakwithChironaboutthedangersofthewoods,buthewassofranticwithlast-minuteracepreparationsthatIalmostgottrampledjuststandingnearhim.Hetrottednervouslyaroundthepavilionwithateamofsatyranddryadrefereesintow,comparingmapsandissuingorders.

“Theteamswillbealmostimpossibletotrack,”hemurmured,hisfaceburiedinaLabyrinthschematic.“Andwedon’thaveanycoverageingridD.”

“But,Chiron,”Isaid,“ifIcouldjust—”“ThetestgroupthismorningendedupinPeru,”hetoldthesatyrs.“Wecan’thavethathappen

again.”“Aboutthewoods,”Isaid.“Yes,I’msorry,Apollo.Iunderstandyouareconcerned—”“Thewoodsareactuallyspeaking,”Isaid.“Youremembertheold—”AdryadranuptoChironwithherdressbillowingsmoke.“Theflaresareexploding!”“Yegods!”Chironsaid.“Thosewereforemergencies!”Hegallopedovermyfeet,followedbyhismobofassistants.Andsoitwent.Whenoneisagod,theworldhangsonyoureveryword.Whenoneissixteen…

notsomuch.ItriedtotalktoHarley,hopinghemightpostponetherace,buttheboybrushedmeoffwitha

simple“Nah.”

AswassooftenthecasewithHephaestus’schildren,Harleywastinkeringwithsomemechanicaldevice,movingthespringsandgearsaround.Ididn’treallycarewhatitwas,butIaskedHarleyaboutit,hopingtowintheboy’sgoodwill.

“It’sabeacon,”hesaid,adjustingaknob.“Forlostpeople.”“YoumeantheteamsintheLabyrinth?”“No.Youguysareonyourown.ThisisforLeo.”“LeoValdez.”Harleysquintedatthedevice.“Sometimes,ifyoucan’tfindyourwayback,abeaconcanhelp.Just

gottofindtherightfrequency.”“And…howlonghaveyoubeenworkingonthis?”“Sincehedisappeared.NowIgottaconcentrate.Can’tstoptherace.”Heturnedhisbackonmeand

walkedoff.Istaredafterhiminamazement.Forsixmonths,theboyhadbeenworkingonabeacontohelphis

missingbrotherLeo.IwonderedifanyonewouldworksohardtobringmebackhometoOlympus.Iverymuchdoubtedit.

Istoodforlornlyinacornerofthepavilionandateasandwich.IwatchedthesunwaneinthewinterskyandIthoughtaboutmychariot,mypoorhorsesstuckintheirstableswithnoonetotakethemoutforaride.

Ofcourse,evenwithoutmyhelp,otherforceswouldkeepthecosmoschuggingalong.Manydifferentbeliefsystemspoweredtherevolutionoftheplanetsandstars.WolveswouldstillchaseSolacrossthesky.Rawouldcontinuehisdailyjourneyinhissunbarque.TonatiuhwouldkeeprunningonhissurplusbloodfromhumansacrificesbackintheAztecdays.Andthatotherthing—science—wouldstillgenerategravityandquantumphysicsandwhatever.

Nevertheless,IfeltlikeIwasn’tdoingmypart,standingaroundwaitingforathree-leggedrace.EvenKaylaandAustinweretoodistractedtotalkwithme.KaylahadtoldAustinaboutour

experiencerescuingShermanYangfromthewoods,butAustinwasmoreinterestedinswabbingouthissaxophone.

“WecantellChironatdinner,”hemumbledwithareedinhismouth.“Nobody’sgoingtolistenuntiltheraceisover,andwe’llbestayingoutofthewoodsanyway.Besides,ifIcanplaytherighttuneintheLabyrinth…”Hegotagleaminhiseyes.“Ooh.Comehere,Kayla.Ihaveanidea.”

Hesteeredherawayandleftmealoneagain.IunderstoodAustin’senthusiasm,ofcourse.Hissaxophoneskillsweresoformidable,Iwas

certainhewouldbecometheforemostjazzinstrumentalistofhisgeneration,andifyouthinkit’seasytogethalfamillionviewsonYouTubeplayingjazzsaxophone,thinkagain.Still,hismusicalcareerwasnotgoingtohappeniftheforceinthewoodsdestroyedusall.

Asalastresort(averylastresort),IsoughtoutMegMcCaffrey.Ispottedheratoneofthebraziers,talkingwithJuliaFeingoldandAliceMiyazawa.Orrather,the

HermesgirlsweretalkingwhileMegdevouredacheeseburger.ImarveledthatDemeter—thequeenofgrains,fruits,andvegetables—couldhaveadaughterwhowassuchanunrepentantcarnivore.

Thenagain,Persephonewasthesameway.You’llhearstoriesaboutthegoddessofspringtimebeingallsweetnessanddaffodilsandnibblingonpomegranateseeds,butI’mtellingyou,thatgirlwasfrighteningwhensheattackedamoundofporkspareribs.

IstrodeovertoMeg’sside.TheHermesgirlssteppedbackasifIwereasnakehandler.Ifoundthisreactionpleasing.

“Hello,”Isaid.“Whatarewetalkingabout?”Megwipedhermouthonthebackofherhand.“Thesetwowannaknowourplansfortherace.”“I’msuretheydo.”IpluckedasmallmagneticlisteningdevicefromMeg’scoatsleeveandtossed

itbacktoAlice.Alicesmiledsheepishly.“Can’tblameusfortrying.”“No,ofcoursenot,”Isaid.“Inthesamespirit,Ihopeyouwon’tmindwhatIdidtoyourshoes.

Haveagoodrace!”Thegirlsshuffledoffnervously,checkingthesolesoftheirsneakers.Meglookedatmewithsomethingresemblingrespect.“Whatdidyoudotothem?”“Nothing,”Isaid.“Halfthetricktobeingagodisknowinghowtobluff.”Shesnorted.“Sowhat’sourtopsecretplan?Wait.Letmeguess.Youdon’thaveone.”“You’relearning.Honestly,Imeanttocomeupwithone,butIgotsidetracked.Wehavea

problem.”“Suredo.”Fromhercoatpocket,shepulledtwoloopsofbronze,likeresistancebandsofbraided

metal.“You’veseenthese?Theywraparoundourlegs.Oncethey’reon,theystayonuntiltheraceisover.Nowaytogetthemoff.Ihaterestraints.”

“Iagree.”IwastemptedtoaddespeciallywhenIamtiedtoasmallchildnamedMeg,butmynaturaldiplomacywonout.“However,Iwasreferringtoadifferentproblem.”

Itoldherabouttheincidentduringarchery,whenShermanhadalmostbeenluredintotheforest.Megremovedhercat-eyeglasses.Withoutthelenses,herdarkiriseslookedsofterandwarmer,

liketinyplotsofplantingsoil.“Youthinksomethinginthewoodsiscallingtopeople?”“Ithinksomethinginthewoodsisansweringpeople.Inancienttimes,therewasanOracle—”“Yeah,youtoldme.Delphi.”“No.AnotherOracle,evenolderthanDelphi.Itinvolvedtrees.Anentiregroveoftalkingtrees.”“Talkingtrees.”Meg’smouthtwitched.“WhatwasthatOraclecalled?”“I—Ican’tremember.”Igroundmyteeth.“Ishouldknow.Ishouldbeabletotellyouinstantly!

Buttheinformation…It’salmostasifitiseludingmeonpurpose.”“Thathappenssometimes,”Megsaid.“You’llthinkofit.”“Butitneverhappenstome!Stupidhumanbrain!Atanyrate,Ibelievethisgroveissomewherein

thosewoods.Idon’tknowhoworwhy.Butthewhisperingvoices…theyarefromthishiddenOracle.Thesacredtreesaretryingtospeakprophecies,reachingouttothosewithburningquestions,luringthemin.”

Megputherglassesbackon.“Youknowthatsoundscrazy,right?”Isteadiedmybreathing.IhadtoremindmyselfthatIwasnolongeragod.Ihadtoputupwith

insultsfrommortalswithoutbeingabletoblastthemtoashes.“Justbeonguard,”Isaid.“Buttheracedoesn’tevengothroughthewoods.”“Nevertheless…wearenotsafe.IfyoucansummonyourfriendPeaches,Iwouldwelcomehis

company.”“Itoldyou,hesortofpopsupwhenhefeelslikeit.Ican’t—”Chironblewahuntinghornsoloudlymyvisiondoubled.Anotherpledgetomyself:onceI

becameagodagain,Iwoulddescenduponthiscampandtakeawayalltheirhorns.“Demigods!”saidthecentaur.“Tieyourlegstogetherandfollowmetoyourstartingpositions!”

WegatheredinameadowaboutahundredyardsfromtheBigHouse.Makingitthatfarwithoutasinglelife-threateningincidentwasaminormiracle.WithmyleftlegboundtoMeg’sright,IfeltthewayIusedtoinLeto’swombjustbeforemysisterandIwereborn.And,yes,Irememberthatquitewell.Artemiswasalwaysshovingmeaside,elbowingmeintheribsandgenerallybeingawombhog.

IsaidasilentprayerthatifIgotthroughthisracealive,Iwouldsacrificeabulltomyselfandpossiblyevenbuildmyselfanewtemple.Iamasuckerforbullsandtemples.

Thesatyrsdirectedustospreadoutacrossthemeadow.“Whereisthestartingline?”HollyVictordemanded,shovinghershoulderaheadofhersister ’s.

“Iwanttobetheclosest.”“Iwanttobeclosest,”Laurelcorrected.“Youcanbesecondclosest.”“Nottoworry!”Woodrowthesatyrsoundedveryworried.“We’llexplaineverythingina

moment.AssoonasI,um,knowwhattoexplain.”WillSolacesighed.Hewas,ofcourse,tiedtoNico.HeproppedhiselbowonNico’sshoulderas

ifthesonofHadeswereaconvenientshelf.“ImissGrover.Heusedtoorganizethingslikethissowell.”

“I’dsettleforCoachHedge.”NicopushedWill’sarmoff.“Besides,don’ttalkaboutGrovertooloudly.Juniper ’srightoverthere.”

Hepointedtooneofthedryads—aprettygirldressedinpalegreen.“Grover ’sgirlfriend,”Willexplainedtome.“Shemisseshim.Alot.”“Okay,everybody!”Woodrowshouted.“Spreadoutalittlebitmore,please!Wewantyoutohave

plentyofroomso,youknow,ifyoudie,youwon’ttakedownalltheotherteamstoo!”Willsighed.“Iamsoexcited.”HeandNicolopedoff.JuliaandAlicefromtheHermescabincheckedtheirshoesonemoretime,

thenglaredatme.ConnorStollwaspairedwithPaoloMontes,theBraziliansonofHebe,andneitherofthemseemedhappyaboutit.

PerhapsConnorlookedglumbecausehismangledscalpwascoveredinsomuchmedicinalsalvehisheadlookedlikeithadbeencoughedupbyacat.OrperhapshejustmissedhisbrotherTravis.

AssoonasArtemisandIwereborn,wecouldn’twaittogetsomedistancebetweenus.Westakedoutourownterritoriesandthatwasthat.ButIwould’vegivenanythingtoseeherjustthen.IwassureZeushadthreatenedherwithseverepunishmentifshetriedtohelpmeduringmytimeasamortal,butshecouldhaveatleastsentmeacarepackagefromOlympus—adecenttoga,somemagicalacnecream,andmaybeadozencranberryambrosiasconesfromtheScyllaCafe.Theymadeexcellentscones.

Iscannedtheotherteams.KaylaandAustinwereboundtogether,lookinglikeadeadlypairofstreetperformerswithherbowandhissaxophone.Chiara,thecutegirlfromTyche,wasstuckwithhernemesis,DamienWhite,sonof…well,Nemesis.BillieNgfromDemeterwasleg-tiedwithValentinaDiaz,whowashastilycheckinghermakeupinthereflectivesurfaceofBillie’ssilvercoat.Valentinadidn’tseemtonoticethattwotwigsweresproutingfromherhairliketinydeerantlers.

IdecidedthebiggestthreatwouldbeMalcolmPace.YoucanneverbetoocarefulwithchildrenofAthena.Surprisingly,though,he’dpairedhimselfwithShermanYang.Thatdidn’tseemlikeanaturalpartnership,unlessMalcolmhadsomesortofplan.ThoseAthenachildrenalwayshadaplan.Itrarelyincludedlettingmewin.

TheonlydemigodsnotparticipatingwereHarleyandNyssa,whohadsetupthecourse.Oncethesatyrsjudgedwehadallspreadoutsufficientlyandourlegbindingshadbeendouble-

checked,Harleyclappedforourattention.“Okay!”Hebouncedupanddowneagerly,remindingmeoftheRomanchildrenwhousedto

cheerforexecutionsattheColosseum.“Here’sthedeal.Eachteamhastofindthreegoldenapples,thengetbacktothismeadowalive.”

Grumblingbrokeoutamongthedemigods.“Goldenapples,”Isaid.“Ihategoldenapples.Theybringnothingbuttrouble.”Megshrugged.“Ilikeapples.”

Irememberedtherottenoneshe’dusedtobreakCade’snoseinthealley.Iwonderedifperhapsshecouldusegoldenappleswiththesamedeadlyskill.Perhapswestoodachanceafterall.

LaurelVictorraisedherhand.“Youmeanthefirstteambackwins?”“Anyteamthatgetsbackalivewins!”Harleysaid.“That’sridiculous!”Hollysaid.“Therecanonlybeonewinner.Firstteambackwins!”Harleyshrugged.“Haveityourway.Myonlyrulesarestayalive,anddon’tkilleachother.”“Oquê?”PaolostartedcomplainingsoloudlyinPortuguesethatConnorhadtocoverhisleftear.“Now,now!”Chironcalled.Hissaddlebagswereoverflowingwithextrafirst-aidkitsand

emergencyflares.“Wewon’tneedanyhelpmakingthisadangerouschallenge.Let’shaveagoodcleanthree-leggeddeathrace.Andanotherthing,campers,giventheproblemsourtestgrouphadthismorning,pleaserepeatafterme:DonotendupinPeru.”

“DonotendupinPeru,”everyonechanted.ShermanYangcrackedhisknuckles.“Sowhereisthestartingline?”“Thereisnostartingline,”Harleysaidwithglee.“You’reallstartingfromrightwhereyouare.”Thecamperslookedaroundinconfusion.Suddenlythemeadowshook.Darklinesetchedacross

thegrass,formingagiantgreencheckerboard.“Havefun!”Harleysquealed.Thegroundopenedbeneathourfeet,andwefellintotheLabyrinth.

BowlingballsofdeathRollingtowardmyenemiesI’lltradeyouproblems

ATLEASTWEDIDNOTLANDINPERU.Myfeethitstone,jarringmyankles.Westumbledagainstawall,butMegprovidedmewitha

convenientcushion.Wefoundourselvesinadarktunnelbracedwithoakenbeams.Theholewe’dfallenthroughwas

gone,replacedbyanearthenceiling.Isawnosignoftheotherteams,butfromsomewhereaboveIcouldvaguelyhearHarleychanting,“Go!Go!Go!”

“WhenIgetmypowersback,”Isaid,“IwillturnHarleyintoaconstellationcalledtheAnkleBiter.Atleastconstellationsaresilent.”

Megpointeddownthecorridor.“Look.”Asmyeyesadjusted,Irealizedthetunnel’sdimlightemanatedfromaglowingpieceoffruit

aboutthirtymetersaway.“Agoldenapple,”Isaid.Meglurchedforward,pullingmewithher.“Wait!”Isaid.“Theremightbetraps!”Asiftoillustratemypoint,ConnorandPaoloemergedfromthedarknessattheotherendofthe

corridor.Paoloscoopedupthegoldenappleandshouted,“BRASIL!”Connorgrinnedatus.“Tooslow,suckers!”Theceilingopenedabovethem,showeringthemwithironorbsthesizeofcantaloupes.Connoryelped,“Run!”HeandPaoloexecutedanawkwardone-eightyandhobbledaway,hotlypursuedbyarollingherd

ofcannonballswithsparkingfuses.Thesoundsquicklyfaded.Withouttheglowingapple,wewereleftintotaldarkness.“Great.”Meg’svoiceechoed.“Nowwhat?”“Isuggestwegotheotherdirection.”Thatwaseasiersaidthandone.BeingblindseemedtobotherMegmorethanitdidme.Thanksto

mymortalbody,Ialreadyfeltcrippledanddeprivedofmysenses.Besides,Ioftenreliedonmorethansight.Musicrequiredkeenhearing.Archeryrequiredasensitivetouchandtheabilitytofeelthedirectionofthewind.(Okay,sightwasalsohelpful,butyougettheidea.)

Weshuffledahead,ourarmsextendedinfrontofus.Ilistenedforsuspiciousclicks,snaps,or

creaksthatmightindicateanincomingflockofexplosions,butIsuspectedthatifIdidhearanywarningsigns,itwouldbetoolate.

EventuallyMegandIlearnedtowalkwithourboundlegsinsynchronicity.Itwasn’teasy.Ihadaflawlesssenseofrhythm.Megwasalwaysaquarterbeatsloworfast,whichkeptusveeringleftorrightandrunningintowalls.

Welumberedalongforwhatmighthavebeenminutesordays.IntheLabyrinth,timewasdeceptive.

IrememberedwhatAustinhadtoldmeabouttheLabyrinthfeelingdifferentsincethedeathofitscreator.Iwasbeginningtounderstandwhathemeant.Theairseemedfresher,asifthemazehadn’tbeenchewingupquitesomanybodies.Thewallsdidn’tradiatethesamemalignantheat.AsfarasIcouldtell,theyweren’toozingbloodorslime,either,whichwasadefiniteimprovement.Intheolddays,youcouldn’ttakeastepinsideDaedalus’sLabyrinthwithoutsensingitsall-consumingdesire:Iwilldestroyyourmindandyourbody.Nowtheatmospherewassleepier,themessagenotquiteasvirulent:Hey,ifyoudieinhere,that’scool.

“IneverlikedDaedalus,”Imuttered.“Thatoldrascaldidn’tknowwhentostop.Healwayshadtohavethelatesttech,themostrecentupdates.Itoldhimnottomakehismazeself-aware.‘A.I.willdestroyus,man,’Isaid.Butnoooo.HehadtogivetheLabyrinthamalevolentconsciousness.”

“Idon’tknowwhatyou’retalkingabout,”Megsaid.“Butmaybeyoushouldn’tbad-mouththemazewhilewe’reinsideit.”

Once,IstoppedwhenIheardthesoundofAustin’ssaxophone.Itwasfaint,echoingthroughsomanycorridorsIcouldn’tpinpointwhereitwascomingfrom.Thenitwasgone.IhopedheandKaylahadfoundtheirthreeapplesandescapedsafely.

Finally,MegandIreachedaYinthecorridor.Icouldtellthisfromtheflowoftheairandthetemperaturedifferentialagainstmyface.

“Why’dwestop?”Megasked.“Shh.”Ilistenedintently.Fromtheright-handcorridorcameafaintwhiningsoundlikeatablesaw.Theleft-handcorridor

wasquiet,butitexudedafaintodorthatwasunpleasantlyfamiliar…notsulfur,exactly,butavaporousmixofmineralsfromdeepintheearth.

“Idon’thearanything,”Megcomplained.“Asawingnoisetotheright,”Itoldher.“Totheleft,abadsmell.”“Ichoosethebadsmell.”“Ofcourseyoudo.”Megblewmeoneofhertrademarkraspberries,thenhobbledtotheleft,pullingmealongwith

her.Thebronzebandsaroundmylegbegantochafe.IcouldfeelMeg’spulsethroughherfemoral

artery,messingupmyrhythm.WheneverIgetnervous(whichdoesn’thappenoften),Iliketohumasongtocalmmyself—usuallyRavel’sBoléroortheancientGreek“SongofSeikilos.”ButwithMeg’spulsethrowingmeoff,theonlytuneIcouldconjurewasthe“ChickenDance.”Thatwasnotsoothing.

Weedgedforward.Thesmellofvolcanicfumesintensified.Mypulselostitsperfectrhythm.Myheartknockedagainstmychestwitheverycluck,cluck,cluck,cluckofthe“ChickenDance.”IfearedIknewwherewewere.Itoldmyselfitwasn’tpossible.Wecouldn’thavewalkedhalfwayaroundtheworld.ButthiswastheLabyrinth.Downhere,distancewasmeaningless.Themazeknewhowtoexploititsvictims’weaknesses.Worse:ithadavicioussenseofhumor.

“Iseelight!”Megsaid.Shewasright.Theabsolutedarknesshadchangedtomurkygray.Upahead,thetunnelended,

joiningwithanarrow,lengthwisecavernlikeavolcanicvent.Itlookedasifacolossalclawhadslashedacrossthecorridorandleftawoundintheearth.IhadseencreatureswithclawsthatbigdowninTartarus.Ididnotfancyseeingthemagain.

“Weshouldturnaround,”Isaid.“That’sstupid,”Megsaid.“Don’tyouseethegoldenglow?There’sanappleinthere.”AllIsawwereswirlingplumesofashandgas.“Theglowcouldbelava,”Isaid.“Orradiation.Or

eyes.Glowingeyesarenevergood.”“It’sanapple,”Meginsisted.“Icansmellapple.”“Oh,nowyoudevelopkeensenses?”Megforgedonward,givingmelittlechoicebuttogowith.Forasmallgirl,shewasquitegoodat

throwingherweightaround.Attheendofthetunnel,wefoundourselvesonanarrowledge.Thecliffwalloppositewasonlytenfeetaway,butthecrevasseseemedtoplungedownwardforever.Perhapsahundredfeetaboveus,thejaggedventopenedintoabiggerchamber.

Apainfullylargeicecubeseemedtobeworkingitswaydownmythroat.Ihadneverseenthisplacefrombelow,butIknewexactlywherewewere.Westoodattheomphalus—thenaveloftheancientworld.

“You’reshaking,”Megsaid.Itriedtocoverhermouthwithmyhand,butshepromptlybitit.“Don’ttouchme,”shesnarled.“Pleasebequiet.”“Why?”“Becauserightaboveus—”Myvoicecracked.“Delphi.ThechamberoftheOracle.”Meg’snosequiveredlikearabbit’s.“That’simpossible.”“No,it’snot,”Iwhispered.“AndifthisisDelphi,thatmeans…”Fromoverheadcameahisssoloud,itsoundedasiftheentireoceanhadhitafryingpanand

evaporatedintoamassivesteamcloud.Theledgeshook.Pebblesraineddown.Above,amonstrousbodyslidacrossthecrevasse,completelycoveringtheopening.Thesmellofmoltingsnakeskinsearedmynostrils.

“Python.”MyvoicewasnowanoctavehigherthanMeg’s.“Heishere.”

TheBeastiscallingTellhimI’mnothere.Let’shideWhere?Ingarbage.Natch

HADIEVERBEENSOTERRIFIED?PerhapswhenTyphonragedacrosstheearth,scatteringthegodsbeforehim.PerhapswhenGaea

unleashedhergiantstoteardownOlympus.OrperhapswhenIaccidentallysawAresnakedinthegymnasium.Thathadbeenenoughtoturnmyhairwhiteforacentury.

ButIhadbeenagodallofthosetimes.NowIwasaweak,tinymortalcoweringinthedarkness.Icouldonlypraymyoldenemywouldnotsensemypresence.Foronceinmylonggloriouslife,Iwantedtobeinvisible.

Oh,whyhadtheLabyrinthbroughtmehere?AssoonasIthoughtthis,Ichidedmyself:OfcourseitwouldbringmewhereIleastwantedtobe.

Austinhadbeenwrongaboutthemaze.Itwasstillevil,designedtokill.Itwasjustalittlesubtleraboutitshomicidesnow.

Megseemedoblivioustoourdanger.Evenwithanimmortalmonsterahundredfeetaboveus,shehadthenervetostayontask.Sheelbowedmeandpointedtoatinyledgeontheoppositewall,whereagoldenappleglowedcheerfully.

HadHarleyplaceditthere?Icouldn’timagine.Morelikelytheboyhadsimplyrolledgoldenapplesdownvariouscorridors,trustingthattheywouldfindthemostdangerousspotstoroost.Iwasreallystartingtodislikethatboy.

Megwhispered,“Easyjump.”Igaveheralookthatunderdifferentcircumstanceswould’veincineratedher.“Toodangerous.”“Apple,”shehissed.“Monster!”Ihissedback.“One.”“No!”“Two.”“No!”“Three.”Shejumped.WhichmeantthatIalsojumped.Wemadetheledge,thoughourheelssentasprayofrubbleinto

thechasm.Onlymynaturalcoordinationandgracesavedusfromtopplingbackwardtoourdeaths.Megsnatcheduptheapple.

Aboveus,themonsterrumbled,“Whoapproaches?”Hisvoice…Godsabove,Irememberedthatvoice—deepandgruff,asifhebreathedxenonrather

thanair.ForallIknew,hedid.Pythoncouldcertainlyproducehisshareofunhealthygasses.Themonstershiftedhisweight.Moregravelspilledintothecrevasse.Istoodabsolutelystill,pressedagainstthecoldfaceoftherock.Myeardrumspulsedwithevery

beatofmyheart.IwishedIcouldstopMegfrombreathing.IwishedIcouldstoptherhinestonesonhereyeglassesfromglittering.

Pythonhadheardus.Iprayedtoallthegodsthatthemonsterwoulddecidethenoisewasnothing.Allhehadtodowasbreathedownintothecrevasseandhewouldkillus.Therewasnoescapinghispoisonousbelch—notfromthisdistance,notforamortal.

Then,fromthecavernabove,cameanothervoice,smallerandmuchclosertohuman.“Hello,myreptilianfriend.”

Inearlyweptwithrelief.Ihadnoideawhothisnewcomerwas,orwhyhehadbeensofoolishastoannouncehispresencetoPython,butIalwaysappreciateditwhenhumanssacrificedthemselvestosaveme.Commoncourtesywasnotdeadafterall!

Python’sharshlaughshookmyteeth.“Well,Iwaswonderingifyouwouldmakethetrip,MonsieurBeast.”

“Don’tcallmethat,”themansnapped.“AndthecommutewasquiteeasynowthattheLabyrinthisbackinservice.”

“I’msopleased.”Python’stonewasdryasbasalt.Icouldn’ttellmuchabouttheman’svoice,muffledasitwasbyseveraltonsofreptileflesh,buthe

soundedcalmerandmoreincontrolthanIwouldhavebeentalkingtoPython.IhadheardthetermBeastusedtodescribesomeonebefore,butasusual,mymortalbrainpowerfailedme.

IfonlyI’dbeenabletoretainjusttheimportantinformation!Instead,IcouldtellyouwhatIhadfordessertthefirsttimeIdinedwithKingMinos.(Spicecake.)IcouldtellyouwhatcolorchitonsthesonsofNiobewerewearingwhenIslewthem.(Averyunflatteringshadeoforange.)ButIcouldn’tremembersomethingasbasicaswhetherthisBeastwasawrestler,amoviestar,orapolitician.Possiblyallthree?

Nexttome,intheglowoftheapple,Megseemedtohaveturnedtobronze.Hereyeswerewidewithfear.Alittlelateforthat,butatleastshewasquiet.IfIdidn’tknowbetter,Imighthavethoughttheman’svoiceterrifiedhermorethanthemonster ’s.

“So,Python,”themancontinued,“anypropheticwordstosharewithme?”“Intime…mylord.”Thelastwordswerespokenwithamusement,butI’mnotsureanyoneelsewould’verecognizedit.

Asidefrommyself,fewhadbeenonthereceivingendofPython’ssarcasmandlivedtotellthetale.“Ineedmorethanyourassurances,”themansaid.“Beforeweproceed,wemusthaveallthe

Oraclesunderourcontrol.”AlltheOracles.Thosewordsalmostsentmeoffthecliff,butsomehowIretainedmybalance.“Intime,”Pythonsaid,“asweagreed.Wehavecomethisfarbybidingourtime,yes?Youdidnot

revealyourhandwhentheTitansstormedNewYork.IdidnotmarchtowarwithGaea’sgiants.Webothrealizedthetimeforvictorywasnotyetright.Youmustremainpatientforawhilelonger.”

“Don’tlectureme,snake.Whileyouslumbered,Ibuiltanempire.Ihavespentcenturies—”“Yes,yes.”Themonsterexhaled,causingatremoralongthecliffface.“Andifyoueverwant

yourempiretocomeoutoftheshadows,youneedtodeliveronyoursideofthebargainfirst.WhenwillyoudestroyApollo?”

Istifledayelp.Ishouldnothavebeensurprisedthattheyweretalkingaboutme.Formillennia,Ihadassumedthateveryonetalkedaboutmeallthetime.Iwassointerestingtheysimplycouldn’thelp

it.Butthisbusinessaboutdestroyingme—Ididn’tlikethat.MeglookedmoreterrifiedthanI’deverseenher.Iwantedtothinkshewasworriedformysake,

butIhadafeelingshewasequallyconcernedaboutherself.Again,thosemixed-updemigodpriorities.

Themansteppedclosertothechasm.Hisvoicebecameclearerandlouder.“Don’tworryaboutApollo.HeisexactlywhereIneedhimtobe.Hewillserveourpurpose,andonceheisnolongeruseful…”

Hedidnotbotherfinishingthestatement.Iwasafraiditdidnotendwithwewillgivehimanicepresentandsendhimonhisway.Withachill,Irecognizedthevoicefrommydream.Itwasthenasalsneerofthemaninthepurplesuit.IalsohadafeelingI’dheardhimsingbefore,yearsandyearsago,butthatdidn’tmakesense….WhywouldIsufferthroughaconcertgivenbyanuglypurple-suitedmanwhocalledhimselftheBeast?Iwasnotevenafanofdeathmetalpolka!

Pythonshiftedhisbulk,showeringuswithmorerubble.“Andhowexactlywillyouconvincehimtoserveourpurpose?”

TheBeastchuckled.“Ihavewell-placedhelpwithinthecampwhowillsteerApollotowardus.Also,Ihaveuppedthestakes.Apollowillhavenochoice.Heandthegirlwillopenthegates.”

AwhiffofPythonvaporfloatedacrossmynose—enoughtomakemedizzy,hopefullynotenoughtokillme.

“Itrustyouareright,”saidthemonster.“Yourjudgmentinthepasthasbeen…questionable.Iwonderifyouhavechosentherighttoolsforthisjob.Haveyoulearnedfromyourpastmistakes?”

ThemansnarledsodeeplyIcouldalmostbelievehewasturningintoabeast.I’dseenthathappenenoughtimes.Nexttome,Megwhimpered.

“Listenhere,youovergrownreptile,”themansaid,“myonlymistakewasnotburningmyenemiesfastenough,oftenenough.Iassureyou,Iamstrongerthanever.Myorganizationiseverywhere.Mycolleaguesstandready.WhenwecontrolallfourOracles,wewillcontrolfateitself!”

“Andwhatagloriousdaythatwillbe.”Python’svoicewasjaggedwithcontempt.“Butbeforehand,youmustdestroythefifthOracle,yes?ThatistheonlyoneIcannotcontrol.Youmustsetflametothegroveof—”

“Dodona,”Isaid.Thewordleapedunbiddenfrommymouthandechoedthroughthechasm.Ofallthestupidtimes

toretrieveapieceofinformation,ofallthestupidtimestosayitaloud…oh,thebodyofLesterPapadopouloswasaterribleplacetolive.

Aboveus,theconversationstopped.Meghissedatme,“Youidiot.”TheBeastsaid,“Whatwasthatsound?”Ratherthananswer,Oh,that’sjustus,wedidsomethingevenmorefoolish.Oneofus,Megorme

—personally,Iblameher—musthaveslippedonapebble.Wetoppledofftheledgeandfellintothesulfurouscloudsbelow.

SQUISH.TheLabyrinthmostdefinitelyhadasenseofhumor.Insteadofallowingustosmashintoarock

flooranddie,themazedroppedusintoamoundofwet,fullgarbagebags.Ifyou’rekeepingscore,thatwasthesecondtimesincebecomingmortalthatIhadcrash-landedin

garbage,whichwastwotimesmorethananygodshouldendure.Wetumbleddownthepileinafrenzyofthree-leggedflailing.Welandedatthebottom,covered

withmuck,but,miraculously,stillalive.Megsatup,glazedinalayerofcoffeegrounds.Ipulledabananapeeloffmyheadandflickeditaside.“Istheresomereasonyoukeeplandingus

intrashheaps?”“Me?You’retheonewholosthisbalance!”Megwipedherfacewithoutmuchluck.Inherother

hand,sheclutchedthegoldenapplewithtremblingfingers.“Areyouallright?”Iasked.“Fine,”shesnapped.Clearlythatwasnottrue.Shelookedasifshe’djustgonethroughHades’shauntedhouse.(Protip:

DONOT.)Herfacewaspallid.Shehadbitherlipsohard,herteethwerepinkwithblood.Ialsodetectedthefaintsmellofurine,meaningoneofushadgottenscaredenoughtolosebladdercontrol,andIwasseventy-fivepercentsureitwasn’tme.

“Thatmanupstairs,”Isaid.“Yourecognizedhisvoice?”“Shutup.That’sanorder!”Iattemptedtoreply.Tomyconsternation,IfoundthatIcouldn’t.MyvoicehadheededMeg’s

commandallonitsown,whichdidnotbodewell.IdecidedtofileawaymyquestionsabouttheBeastforlater.

Iscannedoursurroundings.Garbagechuteslinedthewallsonallfoursidesofthedismallittlebasement.AsIwatched,anotherbagofrefusesliddowntheright-handchuteandhitthepile.Thesmellwassostrong,itcouldhaveburnedpaintoffthewalls,ifthegraycinderblockshadbeenpainted.Still,itwasbetterthansmellingthefumesofPython.Theonlyvisibleexitwasametaldoormarkedwithabiohazardsign.

“Wherearewe?”Megasked.Iglaredather,waiting.“Youcantalknow,”sheadded.“Thisisgoingtoshockyou,”Isaid,“butitappearsweareinagarbageroom.”“Butwhere?”“Couldbeanywhere.TheLabyrinthintersectswithsubterraneanplacesallaroundtheworld.”“LikeDelphi.”MeggloweredatmeasifourlittleGreekexcursionhadbeenmyfaultandnot…

well,onlyindirectlymyfault.“Thatwasunexpected,”Iagreed.“WeneedtospeakwithChiron.”“WhatisDodona?”“I—I’llexplainitalllater.”Ididn’twantMegtoshutmeupagain.Ialsodidn’twanttotalkabout

DodonawhiletrappedintheLabyrinth.Myskinwascrawling,andIdidn’tthinkitwasjustbecauseIwascoveredinstickysodasyrup.“First,weneedtogetoutofhere.”

Megglancedbehindme.“Well,itwasn’tatotalwaste.”Shereachedintothegarbageandpulledoutasecondpieceofglowingfruit.“Onlyonemoreappletogo.”

“Perfect.”ThelastthingIcaredaboutwasfinishingHarley’sridiculousrace,butatleastitwouldgetMegmoving.“Now,whydon’tweseewhatfabulousbiohazardsawaitusbehindthatdoor?”

Theyhavegonemissing?No,no,no,no,no,no,noNo,etcetera

THEONLYBIOHAZARDSweencounteredwerevegancupcakes.Afternavigatingseveraltorchlitcorridors,weburstintoacrowdedmodernbakerythat,

accordingtothemenuboard,hadthedubiousnameTHELEVELTENVEGAN.Ourgarbage/volcanicgasstenchquicklydispersedthecustomers,drivingmosttowardtheexit,andcausingmanynon-dairygluten-freebakedgoodstobetrampled.Weduckedbehindthecounter,chargedthroughthekitchendoors,andfoundourselvesinasubterraneanamphitheaterthatlookedcenturiesold.

Tiersofstoneseatsringedasandypitabouttherightsizeforagladiatorfight.Hangingfromtheceilingweredozensofthickironchains.Iwonderedwhatghastlyspectaclesmighthavebeenstagedhere,butwedidn’tstayverylong.

Welimpedouttheoppositeside,backintotheLabyrinth’stwistingcorridors.Bythispoint,wehadperfectedtheartofthree-leggedrunning.WheneverIstartedtotire,I

imaginedPythonbehindus,spewingpoisonousgas.Atlastweturnedacorner,andMegshouted,“There!”Inthemiddleofthecorridorsatathirdgoldenapple.ThistimeIwastooexhaustedtocareabouttraps.WelopedforwarduntilMegscoopedupthe

fruit.Infrontofus,theceilinglowered,formingaramp.Freshairfilledmylungs.Weclimbedtothe

top,butinsteadoffeelingelated,myinsidesturnedascoldasthegarbagejuiceonmyskin.Wewerebackinthewoods.

“Nothere,”Imuttered.“Gods,no.”Meghoppedusinafullcircle.“Maybeit’sadifferentforest.”Butitwasn’t.Icouldfeeltheresentfulstareofthetrees,thehorizonstretchingoutinall

directions.Voicesbegantowhisper,wakingtoourpresence.“Hurry,”Isaid.Asifoncue,thebandsaroundourlegssprangloose.Weran.Evenwithherarmsfullofapples,Megwasfaster.Sheveeredbetweentrees,zigzaggingleftand

rightasiffollowingacourseonlyshecouldsee.Mylegsachedandmychestburned,butIdidn’tdarefallbehind.

Upahead,flickeringpointsoflightresolvedintotorches.Atlastweburstoutofthewoods,right

intoacrowdofcampersandsatyrs.Chirongallopedover.“Thankthegods!”“You’rewelcome,”Igasped,mostlyoutofhabit.“Chiron…wehavetotalk.”Inthetorchlight,thecentaur ’sfaceseemedcarvedfromshadow.“Yes,wedo,myfriend.Butfirst,

Ifearonemoreteamisstillmissing…yourchildren,KaylaandAustin.”

Chironforcedustotakeshowersandchangeclothes.OtherwiseIwouldhaveplungedstraightbackintothewoods.

BythetimeIwasdone,KaylaandAustinstillhadnotreturned.Chironhadsentsearchpartiesofdryadsintotheforest,ontheassumptionthattheywouldbesafe

intheirhometerritory,butheadamantlyrefusedtoletdemigodsjointhehunt.“Wecannotriskanyoneelse,”hesaid.“Kayla,Austin,and—andtheothermissing…Theywould

notwantthat.”Fivecampershadnowdisappeared.IharborednoillusionsthatKaylaandAustinwouldreturnon

theirown.TheBeast’swordsstillechoedinmyears:Ihaveuppedthestakes.Apollowillhavenochoice.

Somehowhehadtargetedmychildren.Hewasinvitingmetolookforthem,andtofindthegatesofthishiddenOracle.TherewasstillsomuchIdidnotunderstand—howtheancientgroveofDodonahadrelocatedhere,whatsortof“gates”itmighthave,whytheBeastthoughtIcouldopenthem,andhowhe’dsnaredAustinandKayla.ButtherewasonethingIdidknow:theBeastwasright.Ihadnochoice.Ihadtofindmychildren…myfriends.

IwouldhaveignoredChiron’swarningandrunintotheforestexceptforWill’spanickedshout,“Apollo,Ineedyou!”

Atthefarendofthefield,hehadsetupanimpromptuhospitalwherehalfadozencamperslayinjuredonstretchers.HewasfranticallytendingtoPaoloMonteswhileNicohelddownthescreamingpatient.

IrantoWill’ssideandwincedatwhatIsaw.Paolohadmanagedtogetoneofhislegssawedoff.“Igotitreattached,”Willtoldme,hisvoiceshakywithexhaustion.Hisscrubswerespeckledwith

blood.“Ineedsomebodytokeephimstable.”Ipointedtothewoods.“But—”“Iknow!”Willsnapped.“Don’tyouthinkIwanttobeouttheresearchingtoo?We’reshorthanded

forhealers.There’ssomesalveandnectarinthatpack.Go!”Iwasstunnedbyhistone.IrealizedhewasjustasconcernedaboutKaylaandAustinasIwas.The

onlydifference:Willknewhisduty.Hehadtohealtheinjuredfirst.Andheneededmyhelp.“Y-yes,”Isaid.“Yes,ofcourse.”IgrabbedthesupplypackandtookchargeofPaolo,whohadconvenientlypassedoutfromthe

pain.Willchangedhissurgicalglovesandglaredatthewoods.“Wewillfindthem.Wehaveto.”NicodiAngelogavehimacanteen.“Drink.Rightnow,thisiswhereyouneedtobe.”IcouldtellthesonofHadeswasangrytoo.Aroundhisfeet,thegrasssteamedandwithered.Willsighed.“You’reright.Butthatdoesn’tmakemefeelbetter.IhavetosetValentina’sbroken

armnow.Youwanttoassist?”“Soundsgruesome,”Nicosaid.“Let’sgo.”ItendedtoPaoloMontesuntilIwassurehewasoutofdanger,thenaskedtwosatyrstocarryhis

stretchertotheHebecabin.

IdidwhatIcouldtonursetheothers.Chiarahadamildconcussion.BillieNghadcomedownwithacaseofIrishstepdancing.HollyandLaurelneededpiecesofshrapnelremovedfromtheirbacks,thankstoacloseencounterwithanexplodingchain-sawFrisbee.

TheVictortwinshadplacedinfirst,predictably,buttheyalsodemandedtoknowwhichofthemhadthemostpiecesofshrapnelextracted,sotheycouldhavebraggingrights.ItoldthemtobequietorIwouldneverallowthemtowearlaurelwreathsagain.(Astheguywhoheldthepatentonlaurelwreaths,thatwasmyprerogative.)

Ifoundmymortalhealingskillswerepassable.WillSolacefaroutshoneme,butthatdidn’tbothermeasmuchasmyfailureswitharcheryandmusichad.IsupposeIwasusedtobeingsecondinhealing.MysonAsclepiushadbecomethegodofmedicinebythetimehewasfifteen,andIcouldn’thavebeenhappierforhim.Itleftmetimeformyotherinterests.Besides,it’severygod’sdreamtohaveachildwhogrowsuptobeadoctor.

AsIwaswashingupfromtheshrapnelextraction,Harleyshuffledover,fiddlingwithhisbeacondevice.Hiseyeswerepuffyfromcrying.

“It’smyfault,”hemuttered.“Igotthemlost.I…I’msorry.”Hewasshaking.IrealizedthelittleboywasterrifiedofwhatImightdo.Forthepasttwodays,Ihadyearnedtocausefearinmortalsagain.Mystomachhadboiledwith

resentmentandbitterness.Iwantedsomeonetoblameformypredicament,forthedisappearances,formyownpowerlessnesstofixthings.

LookingatHarley,myangerevaporated.Ifelthollow,silly,ashamedofmyself.Yes,me,Apollo…ashamed.Truly,itwasaneventsounprecedented,itshouldhaverippedapartthecosmos.

“It’sallright,”Itoldhim.Hesniffled.“Theracecoursewentintothewoods.Itshouldn’thavedonethat.Theygotlostand…

and—”“Harley”—Iplacedmyhandsoverhis—“mayIseeyourbeacon?”Heblinkedthetearsaway.IguesshewasafraidImightsmashhisgadget,butheletmetakeit.“I’mnotaninventor,”Isaid,turningthegearsasgentlyaspossible.“Idon’thaveyourfather ’s

skills.ButIdoknowmusic.IbelieveautomatonspreferafrequencyofEat329.6hertz.ItresonatesbestwithCelestialbronze.Ifyouadjustyoursignal—”

“Festusmighthearit?”Harley’seyeswidened.“Really?”“Idon’tknow,”Iadmitted.“JustasyoucouldnothaveknownwhattheLabyrinthwoulddotoday.

Butthatdoesn’tmeanweshouldstoptrying.Neverstopinventing,sonofHephaestus.”Igavehimbackhisbeacon.Foracountofthree,Harleystaredatmeindisbelief.Thenhehugged

mesohardhenearlyrebrokemyribs,andhedashedaway.Itendedtothelastoftheinjuredwhiletheharpiescleanedthearea,pickingupbandages,torn

clothing,anddamagedweapons.Theygatheredthegoldenapplesinabasketandpromisedtobakeussomelovelyglowingappleturnoversforbreakfast.

AtChiron’surging,theremainingcampersdispersedbacktotheircabins.Hepromisedthemwewoulddeterminewhattodointhemorning,butIhadnointentionofwaiting.

Assoonaswewerealone,IturnedtoChironandMeg.“I’mgoingafterKaylaandAustin,”Itoldthem.“Youcanjoinmeornot.”Chiron’sexpressiontightened.“Myfriend,you’reexhaustedandunprepared.Gobacktoyour

cabin.Itwillservenopurpose—”“No.”Iwavedhimoff,asIoncemighthavedonewhenIwasagod.Thegestureprobablylooked

petulantcomingfromasixteen-year-oldnobody,butIdidn’tcare.“Ihavetodothis.”Thecentaurloweredhishead.“Ishouldhavelistenedtoyoubeforetherace.Youtriedtowarn

me.What—whatdidyoudiscover?”

Thequestionstoppedmymomentumlikeaseatbelt.AfterrescuingShermanYang,afterlisteningtoPythonintheLabyrinth,IhadfeltcertainIknew

theanswers.IhadrememberedthenameDodona,thestoriesabouttalkingtrees…Nowmymindwasonceagainabowloffuzzymortalsoup.Icouldn’trecallwhatI’dbeenso

excitedabout,orwhatIhadintendedtodoaboutit.Perhapsexhaustionandstresshadtakentheirtoll.OrmaybeZeuswasmanipulatingmybrain—

allowingmetantalizingglimpsesofthetruth,thensnatchingthemaway,turningmyaha!momentsintohuh?moments.

Ihowledinfrustration.“Idon’tremember!”MegandChironexchangednervousglances.“You’renotgoing,”Megtoldmefirmly.“What?Youcan’t—”“That’sanorder,”shesaid.“NogoingintothewoodsuntilIsayso.”Thecommandsentashudderfromthebaseofmyskulltomyheels.Idugmyfingernailsintomypalms.“MegMcCaffrey,ifmychildrendiebecauseyouwouldn’tlet

me—”“LikeChironsaid,you’djustgetyourselfkilled.We’llwaitfordaylight.”IthoughthowsatisfyingitwouldbetodropMegfromthesunchariotathighnoon.Thenagain,

somesmallrationalpartofmerealizedshemightberight.Iwasinnoconditiontolaunchaone-manrescueoperation.Thatjustmademeangrier.

Chiron’stailswishedfromsidetoside.“Well,then…Iwillseeyoubothinthemorning.Wewillfindasolution.Ipromiseyouthat.”

Hegavemeonelastlook,asifworriedImightstartrunningincirclesandbayingatthemoon.ThenhetrottedbacktowardtheBigHouse.

IscowledatMeg.“I’mstayingoutheretonight,incaseKaylaandAustincomeback.Unlessyouwanttoforbidmefromdoingthat,too.”

Sheonlyshrugged.Evenhershrugswereannoying.IstormedofftotheMecabinandgrabbedafewsupplies:aflashlight,twoblankets,acanteenof

water.Asanafterthought,ItookafewbooksfromWillSolace’sbookshelf.Nosurprise,hekeptreferencematerialsaboutmetosharewithnewcampers.Ithoughtperhapsthebooksmighthelpjogmymemories.Failingthat,they’dmakegoodtinderforafire.

WhenIreturnedtotheedgeofthewoods,Megwasstillthere.Ihadn’texpectedhertokeepvigilwithme.BeingMeg,shehadapparentlydecideditwouldbethe

bestwaytoirritateme.Shesatnexttomeonmyblanketandbeganeatingagoldenapple,whichshehadhiddeninher

coat.Wintermistdriftedthroughthetrees.Thenightbreezerippledthroughthegrass,makingpatternslikewaves.

Underdifferentcircumstances,Imighthavewrittenapoemaboutit.Inmypresentstateofmind,Icouldonlyhavemanagedafuneraldirge,andIdidnotwanttothinkaboutdeath.

ItriedtostaymadatMeg,butIcouldn’tmanageit.Isupposedshe’dhadmybestinterestsatheart…oratleast,shewasn’treadytoseehernewgodlyservantgethimselfkilled.

Shedidn’ttrytoconsoleme.Sheaskedmenoquestions.Sheamusedherselfbypickingupsmallrocksandtossingthemintothewoods.That,Ididn’tmind.Ihappilywould’vegivenheracatapultifIhadone.

Asthenightworeon,IreadaboutmyselfinWill’sbooks.Normallythiswouldhavebeenahappytask.Iam,afterall,afascinatingsubject.Thistime,

however,Igainednosatisfactionfrommygloriousexploits.Theyallseemedlikeexaggerations,

lies,and…well,myths.Unfortunately,IfoundachapteraboutOracles.Thosefewpagesstirredmymemory,confirmingmyworstsuspicions.

Iwastooangrytobeterrified.Istaredatthewoodsanddaredthewhisperingvoicestodisturbme.Ithought,Comeon,then.Takeme,too.Thetreesremainedsilent.KaylaandAustindidnotreturn.

Towarddawn,itstartedtosnow.OnlythendidMegspeak.“Weshouldgoinside.”“Andabandonthem?”“Don’tbestupid.”Snowsaltedthehoodofherwintercoat.Herfacewashiddenexceptforthetip

ofhernoseandtheglintofrhinestonesonherglasses.“You’llfreezeouthere.”Inoticedshedidn’tcomplainaboutthecoldherself.Iwonderedifsheevenfeltuncomfortable,or

ifthepowerofDemeterkepthersafethroughthewinterlikealeaflesstreeoradormantseedintheearth.

“Theyweremychildren.”Ithurtmetousethepasttense,butKaylaandAustinfeltirretrievablylost.“Ishould’vedonemoretoprotectthem.Ishouldhaveanticipatedthatmyenemieswouldtargetthemtohurtme.”

Megchuckedanotherrockatthetrees.“You’vehadalotofchildren.Youtaketheblameeverytimeoneofthemgetsintrouble?”

Theanswerwasno.Overthemillennia,Ihadbarelymanagedtoremembermychildren’snames.IfIsentthemanoccasionalbirthdaycardoramagicflute,Ifeltreallygoodaboutmyself.SometimesIwouldn’trealizeoneofthemhaddieduntildecadeslater.DuringtheFrenchRevolution,IgotworriedaboutmyboyLouisXIV,theSunKing,thenwentdowntocheckonhimandfoundouthehaddiedseventy-fiveyearsearlier.

Now,though,Ihadamortalconscience.Mysenseofguiltseemedtohaveexpandedasmylifespancontracted.Icouldn’texplainthattoMeg.Shewouldneverunderstand.She’dprobablyjustthrowarockatme.

“It’smyfaultPythonretookDelphi,”Isaid.“IfIhadkilledhimthemomenthereappeared,whileIwasstillagod,hewouldneverhavebecomesopowerful.Hewouldneverhavemadeanalliancewiththis…thisBeast.”

Megloweredherface.“Youknowhim,”Iguessed.“IntheLabyrinth,whenyouheardtheBeast’svoice,youwere

terrified.”Iwasworriedshemightordermetoshutupagain.Instead,shesilentlytracedthecrescentsonher

goldrings.“Meg,hewantstodestroyme,”Isaid.“Somehow,he’sbehindthesedisappearances.Themorewe

understandaboutthisman—”“HelivesinNewYork.”Iwaited.ItwasdifficulttogleanmuchinformationfromthetopofMeg’shood.“Allright,”Isaid.“Thatnarrowsitdowntoeightandahalfmillionpeople.Whatelse?”Megpickedatthecallusesonherfingers.“Ifyou’reademigodonthestreets,youhearaboutthe

Beast.Hetakespeoplelikeme.”Asnowflakemeltedonthebackofmyneck.“Takespeople…why?”“Totrain,”Megsaid.“Touselike…servants,soldiers.Idon’tknow.”“Andyou’vemethim.”“Pleasedon’taskme—”“Meg.”“Hekilledmydad.”Herwordswerequiet,buttheyhitmeharderthanarockintheface.“Meg,I—I’msorry.How…?”“Irefusedtoworkforhim,”shesaid.“Mydadtriedto…”Sheclosedherfists.“Iwasreallysmall.

Ihardlyrememberit.Igotaway.Otherwise,theBeastwould’vekilledme,too.Mystepdadtookmein.Hewasgoodtome.Youaskedwhyhetrainedmetofight?Whyhegavemetherings?Hewantedmetobesafe,tobeabletoprotectmyself.”

“FromtheBeast.”Herhooddipped.“Beingagooddemigod,traininghard…that’stheonlywaytokeeptheBeast

away.Nowyouknow.”Infact,Ihadmorequestionsthanever,butIsensedthatMegwasinnomoodforfurthersharing.I

rememberedherexpressionaswestoodonthatledgeunderthechamberofDelphi—herlookofabsoluteterrorwhensherecognizedtheBeast’svoice.Notallmonsterswerethree-tonreptileswithpoisonousbreath.Manyworehumanfaces.

Ipeeredintothewoods.Somewhereinthere,fivedemigodswerebeingusedasbait,includingtwoofmychildren.TheBeastwantedmetosearchforthem,andIwould.ButIwouldnotlethimuseme.

Ihavewell-placedhelpwithinthecamp,theBeasthadsaid.Thatbotheredme.IknewfromexperiencethatanydemigodcouldbeturnedagainstOlympus.Ihadbeenatthe

banquettablewhenTantalustriedtopoisonthegodsbyfeedingushischopped-upsoninastew.I’dwatchedasKingMithridatessidedwiththePersiansandmassacredeveryRomaninAnatolia.I’dwitnessedQueenClytemnestraturnhomicidal,killingherhusbandAgamemnonjustbecausehemadeonelittlehumansacrificetome.Demigodsareanunpredictablebunch.

IglancedatMeg.Iwonderedifshecouldbelyingtome—ifshewassomesortofspy.Itseemedunlikely.Shewastoocontrary,impetuous,andannoyingtobeaneffectivemole.Besides,shewastechnicallymymaster.ShecouldordermetodoalmostanytaskandIwouldhavetoobey.Ifshewasouttodestroyme,Iwasalreadyasgoodasdead.

PerhapsDamienWhite…asonofNemesiswasanaturalchoiceforbackstabbingduty.OrConnorStoll,Alice,orJulia…achildofHermeshadrecentlybetrayedthegodsbyworkingforKronos.Theymightdosoagain.MaybethatprettyChiara,daughterofTyche,wasinleaguewiththeBeast.Childrenofluckwerenaturalgamblers.Thetruthwas,Ihadnoidea.

Theskyturnedfromblacktogray.Ibecameawareofadistantthump,thump,thump—aquick,relentlesspulsethatgotlouderandlouder.Atfirst,Ifeareditmightbethebloodinmyhead.Couldhumanbrainsexplodefromtoomanyworrisomethoughts?ThenIrealizedthenoisewasmechanical,comingfromthewest.Itwasthedistinctlymodernsoundofrotorbladescuttingtheair.

Megliftedherhead.“Isthatahelicopter?”Igottomyfeet.Themachineappeared—adarkredBell412cuttingnorthalongthecoastline.(Ridingtheskiesas

oftenasIdo,Iknowmyflyingmachines.)Paintedonthehelicopter ’ssidewasabrightgreenlogowiththelettersD.E.

Despitemymisery,asmallbitofhopekindledinsideme.ThesatyrsMillardandHerbertmusthavesucceededindeliveringtheirmessage.

“That,”ItoldMeg,“isRachelElizabethDare.Let’sgoseewhattheOracleofDelphihastosay.”

Don’tpaintovergodsIfyou’reredecoratingThat’s,like,commonsense

RACHELELIZABETHDAREwasoneofmyfavoritemortals.Assoonasshe’dbecometheOracletwosummersago,she’dbroughtnewvigorandexcitementtothejob.

Ofcourse,thepreviousOraclehadbeenawitheredcorpse,soperhapsthebarwaslow.Regardless,IwaselatedastheDareEnterpriseshelicopterdescendedjustbeyondtheeasternhills,outsidethecamp’sboundary.IwonderedwhatRachelhadtoldherfather—afabulouslywealthyrealestatemagnate—toconvincehimsheneededtoborrowahelicopter.IknewRachelcouldbequiteconvincing.

IjoggedacrossthevalleywithMegintow.IcouldalreadyimaginethewayRachelwouldlookasshecameoverthesummit:herfrizzyredhair,hervivacioussmile,herpaint-spatteredblouse,andjeanscoveredwithdoodles.Ineededherhumor,wisdom,andresilience.TheOraclewouldcheerusallup.Mostimportantly,shewouldcheermeup.

Iwasnotpreparedforthereality.(Whichagain,wasastunningsurprise.Normally,realitypreparesitselfforme.)

Rachelmetusonthehillneartheentrancetohercave.OnlylaterwouldIrealizeChiron’stwosatyrmessengerswerenotwithher,andIwouldwonderwhathadhappenedtothem.

MissDarelookedthinnerandolder—lesslikeahighschoolgirlandmorelikeayoungfarmer ’swifefromancienttimes,weatheredfromhardworkandgauntfromshortageoffood.Herredhairhadlostitsvibrancy.Itframedherfaceinacurtainofdarkcopper.Herfreckleshadfadedtowatermarks.Hergreeneyesdidnotsparkle.Andshewaswearingadress—awhitecottonfrockwithawhiteshawl,andapatina-greenjacket.Rachelneverworedresses.

“Rachel?”Ididn’ttrustmyselftosayanymore.Shewasnotthesameperson.ThenIrememberedthatIwasn’teither.Shestudiedmynewmortalform.Hershouldersslumped.“Soit’strue.”Frombelowuscamethevoicesofothercampers.Nodoubtwokenbythesoundofthehelicopter,

theywereemergingfromtheircabinsandgatheringatthebaseofthehill.Nonetriedtoclimbtowardus,though.Perhapstheysensedthatallwasnotright.

ThehelicopterrosefrombehindHalf-BloodHill.ItveeredtowardLongIslandSound,passingsoclosetotheAthenaParthenosthatIthoughtitslandingskidsmightclipthegoddess’swingedhelmet.

IturnedtoMeg.“WouldyoutelltheothersthatRachelneedssomespace?FetchChiron.He

shouldcomeup.Therestshouldwait.”Itwasn’tlikeMegtotakeordersfromme.Ihalfexpectedhertokickme.Instead,sheglanced

nervouslyatRachel,turned,andtrudgeddownthehill.“Afriendofyours?”Rachelasked.“Longstory.”“Yes,”shesaid.“Ihaveastorylikethat,too.”“Shallwetalkinyourcave?”Rachelpursedherlips.“Youwon’tlikeit.Butyes,that’sprobablythesafestplace.”

ThecavewasnotascozyasIremembered.Thesofaswereoverturned.Thecoffeetablehadabrokenleg.Thefloorwasstrewnwitheasels

andcanvases.EvenRachel’stripodstool,thethroneofprophecyitself,layonitssideonapileofpaint-splattereddropcloths.

Mostdisturbingwasthestateofthewalls.Eversincetakingupresidence,Rachelhadbeenpaintingthem,likehercave-dwellingancestorsofold.Shehadspenthoursonelaboratemuralsofeventsfromthepast,imagesfromthefutureshe’dseeninprophecies,favoritequotesfrombooksandmusic,andabstractdesignssogoodtheywouldhavegivenM.C.Eschervertigo.Theartmadethecavefeellikeamixtureofartstudio,psychedelichangout,andgraffiti-coveredhighwayunderpass.Ilovedit.

Butmostoftheimageshadbeenblottedoutwithasloppycoatofwhitepaint.Nearby,arollerwasstuckinanencrustedtray.ClearlyRachelhaddefacedherownworkmonthsagoandhadn’tbeenbacksince.

Shewavedlistlesslyatthewreckage.“Igotfrustrated.”“Yourart…”Igapedatthefieldofwhite.“Therewasalovelyportraitofme—rightthere.”Igetoffendedwheneverartisdamaged,especiallyifthatartfeaturesme.Rachellookedashamed.“I—Ithoughtablankcanvasmighthelpmethink.”Hertonemadeit

obviousthatthewhitewashinghadaccomplishednothing.Icouldhavetoldherasmuch.Thetwoofusdidourbesttocleanup.Wehauledthesofasbackintoplacetoformasittingarea.

Rachelleftthetripodstoolwhereitlay.Afewminuteslater,Megreturned.Chironfollowedinfullcentaurform,duckinghisheadtofit

throughtheentrance.Theyfoundussittingatthewobblycoffeetablelikecivilizedcavepeople,sharinglukewarmArizonateaandstalecrackersfromtheOracle’slarder.

“Rachel.”Chironsighedwithrelief.“WhereareMillardandHerbert?”Shebowedherhead.“Theyarrivedatmyhousebadlywounded.They…theydidn’tmakeit.”Perhapsitwasthemorninglightbehindhim,butIfanciedIcouldseenewgraywhiskersgrowing

inChiron’sbeard.Thecentaurtrottedoverandloweredhimselftotheground,foldinghislegsunderneathhimself.Megjoinedmeonthecouch.

Rachelleanedforwardandsteepledherfingers,asshedidwhenshespokeaprophecy.IhalfhopedthespiritofDelphiwouldpossessher,buttherewasnosmoke,nohissing,noraspyvoiceofdivinepossession.Itwasabitdisappointing.

“Youfirst,”shetoldus.“Tellmewhat’sbeengoingonhere.”WebroughtheruptospeedonthedisappearancesandmymisadventureswithMeg.Iexplained

aboutthethree-leggedraceandoursidetriptoDelphi.Chironblanched.“Ididnotknowthis.YouwenttoDelphi?”Rachelstaredatmeindisbelief.“TheDelphi.YousawPythonandyou…”Igotthefeelingshewantedtosayandyoudidn’tkillhim?Butsherestrainedherself.

Ifeltlikestandingwithmyfaceagainstthewall.PerhapsRachelcouldblotmeoutwithwhitepaint.Disappearingwould’vebeenlesspainfulthanfacingmyfailures.

“Atpresent,”Isaid,“IcannotdefeatPython.Iammuchtooweak.And…well,theCatch-88.”ChironsippedhisArizonatea.“Apollomeansthatwecannotsendaquestwithoutaprophecy,and

wecannotgetaprophecywithoutanOracle.”Rachelstaredatheroverturnedtripodstool.“Andthisman…theBeast.Whatdoyouknowabout

him?”“Notmuch.”IexplainedwhatIhadseeninmydream,andwhatMegandIhadoverheardinthe

Labyrinth.“TheBeastapparentlyhasareputationforsnatchingupyoungdemigodsinNewYork.Megsays…”IfalteredwhenIsawherexpression,clearlycautioningmetostayawayfromherpersonalhistory.“Um,she’shadsomeexperiencewiththeBeast.”

Chironraisedhisbrows.“Canyoutellusanythingthatmighthelp,dear?”Megsankintothesofa’scushions.“I’vecrossedpathswithhim.He’s—he’sscary.Thememoryis

blurry.”“Blurry,”Chironrepeated.Megbecameveryinterestedinthecrackercrumbsonherdress.Rachelgavemeaquizzicallook.Ishookmyhead,tryingmybesttoimpartawarning:Trauma.

Don’task.Mightgetattackedbyapeachbaby.Rachelseemedtogetthemessage.“That’sallright,Meg,”shesaid.“Ihavesomeinformationthat

mayhelp.”Shefishedherphonefromhercoatpocket.“Don’ttouchthis.Youguyshaveprobablyfiguredit

out,butphonesaregoingevenmorehaywirethanusualarounddemigods.I’mnottechnicallyoneofyou,andevenIcan’tplacecalls.Iwasabletotakeacoupleofpictures,though.”Sheturnedthescreentowardus.“Chiron,yourecognizethisplace?”

Thenighttimeshotshowedtheupperfloorsofaglassresidentialtower.Judgingfromthebackground,itwassomewhereindowntownManhattan.

“Thatisthebuildingyoudescribedlastsummer,”Chironsaid,“whereyouparleyedwiththeRomans.”

“Yeah,”Rachelsaid.“Somethingdidn’tfeelrightaboutthatplace.Igottothinking…howdidtheRomanstakeoversuchprimeManhattanrealestateonsuchshortnotice?Whoownsit?ItriedtocontactReyna,toseeifshecouldtellmeanything,but—”

“Communicationsproblems?”Chironguessed.“Exactly.IevensentphysicalmailtoCampJupiter ’sdropboxinBerkeley.Noresponse.SoI

askedmydad’srealestatelawyerstodosomedigging.”Megpeekedoverthetopofherglasses.“Yourdadhaslawyers?Andahelicopter?”“Severalhelicopters.”Rachelsighed.“He’sannoying.Anyway,thatbuildingisownedbyashell

corporation,whichisownedbyanothershellcorporation,blah,blah,blah.ThemothercompanyissomethingcalledTriumvirateHoldings.”

Ifeltatricklelikewhitepaintrollingdownmyback.“Triumvirate…”Megmadeasourface.“Whatdoesthatmean?”“Atriumvirateisarulingcouncilofthree,”Isaid.“Atleast,that’swhatitmeantinancientRome.”“Whichisinteresting,”Rachelsaid,“becauseofthisnextshot.”Shetappedherscreen.Thenew

photozoomedinonthebuilding’spenthouseterrace,wherethreeshadowyfiguresstoodtalkingtogether—meninbusinesssuits,illuminatedonlybythelightfrominsidetheapartment.Icouldn’tseetheirfaces.

“ThesearetheownersofTriumvirateHoldings,”Rachelsaid.“Justgettingthisonepicturewasn’teasy.”Sheblewafrizzystrandofhairoutofherface.“I’vespentthelasttwomonthsinvestigating

them,andIdon’tevenknowtheirnames.Idon’tknowwheretheyliveorwheretheycamefrom.ButIcantellyoutheyownsomuchpropertyandhavesomuchmoney,theymakemydad’scompanylooklikeakid’slemonadestand.”

Istaredatthepictureofthethreeshadowyfigures.IcouldalmostimaginethattheoneontheleftwastheBeast.Hisslouchingpostureandtheover-largeshapeofhisheadremindedmeofthemaninpurplefrommydream.

“TheBeastsaidthathisorganizationwaseverywhere,”Irecalled.“Hementionedhehadcolleagues.”

Chiron’stailflicked,sendingapaintbrushskiddingacrossthecavefloor.“Adultdemigods?Ican’timaginetheywouldbeGreek,butperhapsRoman?IftheyhelpedOctavianwithhiswar—”

“Oh,theyhelped,”Rachelsaid.“Ifoundapapertrail—notmuch,butyourememberthosesiegeweaponsOctavianbuilttodestroyCampHalf-Blood?”

“No,”saidMeg.Iwouldhaveignoredher,butRachelwasamoregeneroussoul.Shesmiledpatiently.“Sorry,Meg.Youseemsoathomehere,Iforgotyouwerenew.Basically,

theRomandemigodsattackedthiscampwithgiantcatapultythingscalledonagers.Itwasallabigmisunderstanding.Anyway,theweaponswerepaidforbyTriumvirateHoldings.”

Chironfrowned.“Thatisnotgood.”“Ifoundsomethingevenmoredisturbing,”Rachelcontinued.“Yourememberbeforethat,during

theTitanWar,LukeCastellanmentionedhehadbackersinthemortalworld?Theyhadenoughmoneytobuyacruiseship,helicopters,weapons.Theyevenhiredmortalmercenaries.”

“Don’trememberthat,either,”Megsaid.Irolledmyeyes.“Meg,wecan’tstopandexplaineverymajorwartoyou!LukeCastellanwasa

childofHermes.HebetrayedthiscampandalliedhimselfwiththeTitans.TheyattackedNewYork.Bigbattle.Isavedtheday.Etcetera.”

Chironcoughed.“Atanyrate,IdorememberLukeclaimingthathehadlotsofsupporters.Weneverfoundoutexactlywhotheywere.”

“Nowweknow,”Rachelsaid.“Thatcruiseship,thePrincessAndromeda,waspropertyofTriumvirateHoldings.”

Acoldsenseofuneasegrippedme.IfeltIshouldknowsomethingaboutthis,butmymortalbrainwasbetrayingmeagain.IwasmorecertainthaneverthatZeuswastoyingwithme,keepingmyvisionandmemorylimited.IrememberedsomeassurancesOctavianhadgivenme,though—howeasyitwouldbetowinhislittlewar,toraisenewtemplestome,howmuchsupporthehad.

Rachel’sphonescreenwentdark—muchlikemybrain—butthegrainyphotoremainedburnedintomyretinas.

“Thesemen…”Ipickedupanemptytubeofburntsiennapaint.“I’mafraidtheyarenotmoderndemigods.”

Rachelfrowned.“Youthinkthey’reancientdemigodswhocamethroughtheDoorsofDeath—likeMedea,orMidas?Thethingis,TriumvirateHoldingshasbeenaroundsincewaybeforeGaeastartedtowake.Decades,atleast.”

“Centuries,”Isaid.“TheBeastsaidthathe’dbeenbuildinghisempireforcenturies.”Thecavebecamesosilent,IimaginedthehissofPython,thesoftexhaleoffumesfromdeepin

theearth.Iwishedwehadsomebackgroundmusictodrownitout…jazzorclassical.Iwouldhavesettledfordeathmetalpolka.

Rachelshookherhead.“Thenwho—?”“Idon’tknow,”Iadmitted.“ButtheBeast…inmydream,hecalledmehisforefather.Heassumed

Iwouldrecognizehim.Andifmygodlymemorywasintact,IthinkIwould.Hisdemeanor,his

accent,hisfacialstructure—Ihavemethimbefore,justnotinmoderntimes.”Meghadgrownveryquiet.Igotthedistinctimpressionshewastryingtodisappearintothecouch

cushions.Normally,thiswouldnothavebotheredme,butafterourexperienceintheLabyrinth,IfeltguiltyeverytimeImentionedtheBeast.Mypeskymortalconsciencemusthavebeenactingup.

“ThenameTriumvirate…”Itappedmyforehead,tryingtoshakelooseinformationthatwasnolongerthere.“ThelasttriumvirateIdealtwithincludedLepidus,MarcAntony,andmyson,theoriginalOctavian.AtriumvirateisaveryRomanconcept…likepatriotism,skullduggery,andassassination.”

Chironstrokedhisbeard.“YouthinkthesemenareancientRomans?Howisthatpossible?HadesisquitegoodattrackingdownescapedspiritsfromtheUnderworld.Hewouldnotallowthreemenfromancienttimestorunamokinthemodernworldforcenturies.”

“Again,Idonotknow.”Sayingthissooftenoffendedmydivinesensibilities.IdecidedthatwhenIreturnedtoOlympus,IwouldhavetogarglethebadtasteoutofmymouthwithTabasco-flavorednectar.“Butitseemsthesemenhavebeenplottingagainstusforaverylongtime.TheyfundedLukeCastellan’swar.TheysuppliedaidtoCampJupiterwhentheRomansattackedCampHalf-Blood.Anddespitethosetwowars,theTriumvirateisstilloutthere—stillplotting.Whatifthiscompanyistherootcauseof…well,everything?”

ChironlookedatmeasifIweredigginghisgrave.“Thatisaverytroublingthought.Couldthreemenbesopowerful?”

Ispreadmyhands.“You’velivedlongenoughtoknow,myfriend.Gods,monsters,Titans…thesearealwaysdangerous.Butthegreatestthreattodemigodshasalwaysbeenotherdemigods.WhoeverthisTriumvirateis,wemuststopthembeforetheytakecontroloftheOracles.”

Rachelsatupstraight.“Excuseme?Oraclesplural?”“Ah…didn’tItellyouaboutthemwhenIwasagod?”Hereyesregainedsomeoftheirdarkgreenintensity.Ifearedshewasenvisioningwaysshemight

inflictpainuponmewithherartsupplies.“No,”shesaidlevelly,“youdidnottellmeaboutthem.”“Oh…well,mymortalmemoryhasbeenfaulty,yousee.Ihadtoreadsomebooksinorderto—”“Oracles,”sherepeated.“Plural.”Itookadeepbreath.IwantedtoassureherthatthoseotherOraclesdidn’tmeanathingtome!

Rachelwasspecial!Unfortunately,Idoubtedshewasinaplacewhereshecouldhearthatrightnow.Idecideditwasbesttospeakplainly.

“Inancienttimes,”Isaid,“thereweremanyOracles.OfcourseDelphiwasthemostfamous,buttherewerefourothersofcomparablepower.”

Chironshookhishead.“Butthoseweredestroyedagesago.”“SoIthought,”Iagreed.“NowIamnotsosure.IbelieveTriumvirateHoldingswantstocontrol

alltheancientOracles.AndIbelievethemostancientOracleofall,theGroveofDodona,isrighthereatCampHalf-Blood.”

UpinmybusinessAlwaysburningOraclesRomansgonnahate

IWASADRAMATICGOD.Ithoughtmylaststatementwasagreatline.Iexpectedgasps,perhapssomeorganmusicinthe

background.MaybethelightswouldgooutjustbeforeIcouldsaymore.Momentslater,Iwouldbefounddeadwithaknifeinmyback.Thatwouldbeexciting!

Wait.I’mmortal.Murderwouldkillme.Nevermind.Atanyrate,noneofthathappened.Mythreecompanionsjuststaredatme.“FourotherOracles,”Rachelsaid.“YoumeanyouhavefourotherPythias—”“No,mydear.ThereisonlyonePythia—you.Delphiisabsolutelyunique.”Rachelstilllookedlikeshewantedtojamanumbertenbristlepaintbrushupmynose.“Sothese

otherfournon-uniqueOracles…”“Well,onewastheSybilofCumae.”Iwipedthesweatoffmypalms.(Whydidmortalpalms

sweat?)“Youknow,shewrotetheSibyllineBooks—thosepropheciesthatEllatheharpymemorized.”Meglookedbackandforthbetweenus.“Aharpy…likethosechickenladieswhocleanupafter

lunch?”Chironsmiled.“Ellaisaveryspecialharpy,Meg.Yearsago,shesomehowcameacrossacopyof

thepropheticbooks,whichwethoughtwereburnedbeforetheFallofRome.Rightnow,ourfriendsatCampJupiteraretryingtoreconstructthembasedonElla’srecollections.”

Rachelcrossedherarms.“AndtheotherthreeOracles?I’msurenoneofthemwasabeautifulyoungpriestesswhomyoupraisedforher…whatwasit?…‘scintillatingconversation’?”

“Ah…”Iwasn’tsurewhy,butitfeltlikemyacnewasturningintoliveinsectsandcrawlingacrossmyface.“Well,accordingtomyextensiveresearch—”

“Somebooksheflippedthroughlastnight,”Megclarified.“Ahem!TherewasanOracleatErythaea,andanotherattheCaveofTrophonius.”“Goodness,”Chironsaid.“I’dforgottenaboutthosetwo.”Ishrugged.Irememberedalmostnothingaboutthemeither.Theyhadbeensomeofmyless

successfulpropheticfranchises.“Andthefifth,”Isaid,“wastheGroveofDodona.”“Agrove,”Megsaid.“Liketrees.”“Yes,Meg,liketrees.Grovesaretypicallycomposedoftrees,ratherthan,say,Fudgsicles.

DodonawasastandofsacredoaksplantedbytheMotherGoddessinthefirstdaysoftheworld.TheywereancientevenwhentheOlympianswereborn.”

“TheMotherGoddess?”Rachelshiveredinherpatinajacket.“Pleasetellmeyoudon’tmeanGaea.”

“No,thankfully.ImeanRhea,QueenoftheTitans,themotherofthefirstgenerationofOlympiangods.Hersacredtreescouldactuallyspeak.Sometimestheyissuedprophecies.”

“Thevoicesinthewoods,”Megguessed.“Exactly.IbelievetheGroveofDodonahasregrownitselfhereinthewoodsatcamp.Inmy

dreams,IsawacrownedwomanimploringmetofindherOracle.IbelieveitwasRhea,thoughIstilldon’tunderstandwhyshewaswearingapeacesymbolorusingthetermdigit.”

“Apeacesymbol?”Chironasked.“Alargebrassone,”Iconfirmed.Racheldrummedherfingersonthecouch’sarmrest.“IfRheaisaTitan,isn’tsheevil?”“NotallTitanswerebad,”Isaid.“Rheawasagentlesoul.Shesidedwiththegodsintheirfirst

greatwar.Ithinkshewantsustosucceed.Shedoesn’twanthergroveinthehandsofourenemies.”Chiron’stailtwitched.“Myfriend,Rheahasnotbeenseenformillennia.Hergrovewasburnedin

theancienttimes.EmperorTheodosiusorderedthelastoakcutdownin—”“Iknow.”Igotastabbingpainrightbetweenmyeyes,asIalwaysdidwhensomeonementioned

Theodosius.Inowrecalledthatthebullyhadclosedalltheancienttemplesacrosstheempire,basicallyevictingusOlympiangods.Iusedtohaveanarcherytargetwithhisfaceonit.“Nevertheless,manythingsfromtheolddayshavesurvivedorregenerated.TheLabyrinthhasrebuiltitself.Whycouldn’tagroveofsacredtreesspringupagainrighthereinthisvalley?”

Megpushedherselfdeeperintothecushions.“Thisisallweird.”LeaveittotheyoungMcCaffreytosummarizeourconversationsoeffectively.“Soifthetreevoicesaresacredandstuff,whyaretheymakingpeoplegetlost?”

“Foronce,youaskagoodquestion.”Ihopedsuchpraisewouldn’tgotoMeg’shead.“Intheolddays,thepriestsofDodonawouldtakecareofthetrees,pruningthem,wateringthem,andchannelingtheirvoicesbyhangingwindchimesintheirbranches.”

“Howwouldthathelp?”Megasked.“Idon’tknow.I’mnotatreepriest.Butwithpropercare,thesetreescoulddivinethefuture.”Rachelsmoothedherskirt.“Andwithoutpropercare?”“Thevoiceswereunfocused,”Isaid.“Awildchoirofdisharmony.”Ipaused,quitepleasedwith

thatline.Iwashopingsomeonemightwriteitdownforposterity,butnoonedid.“Untended,thegrovecouldmostdefinitelydrivemortalstomadness.”

Chironfurrowedhisbrow.“Soourmissingcampersarewanderinginthetrees,perhapsalreadyinsanefromthevoices.”

“Orthey’redead,”Megadded.“No.”Icouldnotabidethatthought.“No,theyarestillalive.TheBeastisusingthem,tryingto

baitme.”“Howcanyoubesure?”Rachelasked.“Andwhy?IfPythonalreadycontrolsDelphi,whyare

theseotherOraclessoimportant?”Igazedatthewallformerlygracedbymypicture.Alas,noanswersmagicallyappearedinthe

whitewashedspace.“I’mnotsure.Ibelieveourenemieswanttocutusofffromeverypossiblesourceofprophecy.Withoutawaytoseeanddirectourfates,wewillwitheranddie—godsandmortalsalike,anyonewhoopposestheTriumvirate.”

Megturnedupsidedownonthesofaandkickedoffherredshoes.“They’restranglingourtaproots.”Shewriggledhertoestodemonstrate.

IlookedbackatRachel,hopingshewouldexcusemystreeturchinoverlord’sbadmanners.“AsforwhytheGroveofDodonaissoimportant,PythonmentionedthatitwastheoneOraclehecouldnotcontrol.Idon’tunderstandexactlywhy—perhapsbecauseDodonaistheonlyOraclethathasnoconnectionwithme.ItspowercomesfromRhea.Soifthegroveisworking,anditisfreeofPython’sinfluence,anditishereatCampHalf-Blood—”

“Itcouldprovideuswithprophecies.”Chiron’seyesgleamed.“Itcouldgiveusachanceagainstourenemies.”

IgaveRachelanapologeticsmile.“Ofcourse,we’dratherhaveourbelovedOracleofDelphiworkingagain.Andwewill,eventually.Butfornow,theGroveofDodonacouldbeourbesthope.”

Meg’shairsweptthefloor.Herfacewasnowthecolorofoneofmysacredcattle.“Aren’tpropheciesalltwistedandmysteriousandmurky,andpeopledietryingtoescapethem?”

“Meg,”Isaid,“youcan’ttrustthosereviewsonRateMyOracle.com.ThehotnessfactorfortheSibylofCumae,forinstance,iscompletelyoff.Irememberthatquiteclearly.”

Rachelputherchinonherfist.“Really?Dotell.”“Uh,whatImeanttosay:theGroveofDodonaisabenevolentforce.Ithashelpedheroesbefore.

ThemastheadoftheoriginalArgo,forinstance,wascarvedfromabranchofthesacredtrees.ItcouldspeaktotheArgonautsandgivethemguidance.”

“Mm.”Chironnodded.“Andthat’swhyourmysteriousBeastwantsthegroveburned.”“Apparently,”Isaid.“Andthat’swhywehavetosaveit.”Megrolledbackwardoffthecouch.Herlegsknockedoverthethree-leggedcoffeetable,spilling

ourArizonateaandcrackers.“Oops.”Igroundmymortalteeth,whichwouldnotlastayearifIkepthangingaroundMeg.Racheland

Chironwiselyignoredmyyoungfriend’sdisplayofMegness.“Apollo…”Theoldcentaurwatchedawaterfallofteatricklingfromtheedgeofthetable.“Ifyou

arerightaboutDodona,howdoweproceed?Wearealreadyshorthanded.Ifwesendsearchteamsintothewoods,wehavenoguaranteethey’llcomeback.”

Megbrushedthehairoutofhereyes.“We’llgo.JustApolloandme.”Mytongueattemptedtohideinthedepthsofmythroat.“We—wewill?”“Yousaidyougottadoabunchoftrialsorwhatevertoproveyou’reworthy,right?This’llbethe

firstone.”Partofmeknewshewasright,buttheremnantsofmygodlyselfrebelledattheidea.Ineverdid

myowndirtywork.Iwouldratherhavepickedanicegroupofheroesandsentthemtotheirdeaths—or,youknow,glorioussuccess.

YetRheahadbeenclearinmydream:findingtheOraclewasmyjob.AndthankstothecrueltyofZeus,whereIwent,Megwent.ForallIknew,ZeuswasawareoftheBeastandhisplans,andhehadsentmeherespecificallytodealwiththesituation…athoughtthatdidnotmakemeanymorelikelytogethimanicetieforFather ’sDay.

Ialsorememberedtheotherpartofmydream:theBeastinhismauvesuit,encouragingmetofindtheOraclesohecouldburnitdown.TherewasstilltoomuchIdidn’tunderstand,butIhadtoact.AustinandKaylaweredependingonme.

Rachelputherhandonmyknee,whichmademeflinch.Surprisingly,shedidnotinflictanypain.Hergazewasmoreearnestthanangry.“Apollo,youhavetotry.Ifwecangetaglimpseofthefuture…well,itmaybetheonlywaytogetthingsbacktonormal.”Shelookedlonginglyattheblankwallsofhercave.“I’dliketohaveafutureagain.”

Chironshiftedhisforelegs.“Whatdoyouneedfromus,oldfriend?Howcanwehelp?”IglancedatMeg.Sadly,Icouldtellthatwewereinagreement.Wewerestuckwitheachother.We

couldn’triskanyoneelse.

“Megisright,”Isaid.“Wehavetodothisourselves.Weshouldleaveimmediately,but—”“We’vebeenupallnight,”Megsaid.“Weneedsomesleep.”Wonderful,Ithought.NowMegisfinishingmysentences.ThistimeIcouldnotarguewithherlogic.Despitemyfervortorushintothewoodsandsavemy

children,Ihadtoproceedcautiously.Icouldnotmessupthisrescue.AndIwasincreasinglycertainthattheBeastwouldkeephiscaptivesalivefornow.Heneededthemtoluremeintohistrap.

Chironroseonhisfronthooves.“Thisevening,then.Restandprepare,myheroes.Ifearyouwillneedallyourstrengthandwitsforwhatcomesnext.”

Armedtotheeyeballs:AcombatukuleleMagicBrazilscarf

SUNGODSARENOTGOODatsleepingduringtheday,butsomehowImanagedafitfulnap.WhenIwokeinthelateafternoon,Ifoundthecampinastateofagitation.KaylaandAustin’sdisappearancehadbeenthetippingpoint.Theothercamperswerenowso

rattled,noonecouldmaintainanormalschedule.Isupposeasingledemigoddisappearingeveryfewweeksfeltlikeanormalcasualtyrate.Butapairofdemigodsdisappearinginthemiddleofacamp-sanctionedactivity—thatmeantnoonewassafe.

Wordmusthavespreadofourconferenceinthecave.TheVictortwinshadstuffedwadsofcottonintheirearstofoiltheoracularvoices.JuliaandAlicehadclimbedtothetopofthelavawallandwereusingbinocularstoscanthewoods,nodoubthopingtospottheGroveofDodona,butIdoubtedtheycouldseethetreesfortheforest.

EverywhereIwent,peoplewereunhappytoseeme.DamienandChiarasattogetheratthecanoedock,gloweringinmydirection.ShermanYangwavedmeawaywhenItriedtotalkwithhim.HewasbusydecoratingtheArescabinwithfraggrenadesandbrightlydecoratedclaymores.IfithadbeenSaturnalia,hedefinitelywouldhavewontheprizeformostviolentholidaydecorations.

EventheAthenaParthenosstareddownatmeaccusinglyfromthetopofthehillasiftosay,Thisisallyourfault.

Shewasright.IfIhadn’tletPythontakeoverDelphi,ifI’dpaidmoreattentiontotheotherancientOracles,ifIhadn’tlostmydivinity—

Stopit,Apollo,Iscoldedmyself.You’rebeautifulandeveryonelovesyou.Butitwasbecomingincreasinglydifficulttobelievethat.Myfather,Zeus,didnotloveme.The

demigodsatCampHalf-Blooddidnotloveme.PythonandtheBeastandhiscomradesatTriumvirateHoldingsdidnotloveme.Itwasalmostenoughtomakemequestionmyself-worth.

No,no.Thatwascrazytalk.ChironandRachelwerenowheretobeseen.NyssaBarrerainformedmethattheywerehoping

againsthopetousethecamp’ssoleInternetconnection,inChiron’soffice,toaccessmoreinformationaboutTriumvirateHoldings.Harleywaswiththemfortechsupport.TheywerepresentlyonholdwithComcastcustomerserviceandmightnotemergeforhours,ifindeedtheysurvivedtheordealatall.

IfoundMegatthearmory,browsingforbattlesupplies.Shehadstrappedaleathercuirassover

hergreendressandgreavesoverorangeleggings,soshelookedlikeakindergartenerreluctantlystuffedintocombatgearbyherparents.

“Perhapsashield?”Isuggested.“Nuh-uh.”Sheshowedmeherrings.“Ialwaysusetwoswords.PlusIneedafreehandfor

slappingwhenyouactstupid.”Ihadtheuncomfortablesenseshewasserious.Fromtheweaponrack,shepulledoutalongbowandofferedittome.Irecoiled.“No.”“It’syourbestweapon.You’reApollo.”Iswallowedbackthetangofmortalbile.“Isworeanoath.I’mnotthegodofarcheryormusic

anymore.Iwon’tuseaboworamusicalinstrumentuntilIcanusethemproperly.”“Stupidoath.”Shedidn’tslapme,butshelookedlikeshewantedto.“Whatwillyoudo,juststand

aroundandcheerwhileIfight?”Thathadindeedbeenmyplan,butnowIfeltsillyadmittingit.Iscannedtheweapondisplayand

grabbedasword.Evenwithoutdrawingit,Icouldtellitwouldbetooheavyandawkwardformetouse,butIstrappedthescabbardaroundmywaist.

“There,”Isaid.“Happy?”Megdidnotappearhappy.Nevertheless,shereturnedthebowtoitsplace.“Fine,”shesaid.“Butyou’dbetterhavemyback.”Ihadneverunderstoodthatexpression.ItmademethinkoftheKICKMEsignsArtemisusedtotape

tomytogaduringfestivaldays.Still,Inodded.“Yourbackshallbehad.”Wereachedtheedgeofthewoodsandfoundasmallgoing-awaypartywaitingforus:Willand

Nico,PaoloMontes,MalcolmPace,andBillieNg,allwithgrimfaces.“Becareful,”Willtoldme.“Andhere.”BeforeIcouldobject,heplacedaukuleleinmyhands.Itriedtogiveitback.“Ican’t.Imadeanoath—”“Yeah,Iknow.Thatwasstupidofyou.Butit’sacombatukulele.Youcanfightwithitifyouneed

to.”Ilookedmorecloselyattheinstrument.ItwasmadefromCelestialbronze—thinsheetsofmetal

acid-etchedtoresemblethegrainofblondoakwood.Theinstrumentweighednexttonothing,yetIimagineditwasalmostindestructible.

“TheworkofHephaestus?”Iasked.Willshookhishead.“TheworkofHarley.Hewantedyoutohaveit.Justslingitoveryourback.

FormeandHarley.It’llmakeusbothfeelbetter.”IdecidedIwasobligedtohonortherequest,thoughmypossessionofaukulelehadrarelymade

anyonefeelbetter.Don’taskmewhy.WhenIwasagod,Iusedtodoanabsolutelyblisteringukuleleversionof“Satisfaction.”

Nicohandedmesomeambrosiawrappedinanapkin.“Ican’teatthis,”Iremindedhim.“It’snotforyou.”HeglancedatMeg,hiseyesfullofmisgiving.Irememberedthatthesonof

Hadeshadhisownwaysofsensingthefuture—futuresthatinvolvedthepossibilityofdeath.Ishiveredandtuckedtheambrosiaintomycoatpocket.AsaggravatingasMegcouldbe,Iwasdeeplyunsettledbytheideathatshemightcometoharm.IdecidedthatIcouldnotallowthattohappen.

MalcolmwasshowingMegaparchmentmap,pointingoutvariousplacesinthewoodsthatweshouldavoid.Paolo—lookingcompletelyhealedfromhislegsurgery—stoodnexttohim,carefullyandearnestlyprovidingPortuguesecommentarythatnoonecouldunderstand.

Whentheywerefinishedwiththemap,BillieNgapproachedMeg.

Billiewasawispofagirl.ShecompensatedforherdiminutivestaturewiththefashionsenseofaK-Popidol.Herwintercoatwasthecolorofaluminumfoil.Herbobbedhairwasaquamarineandhermakeupgold.Icompletelyapproved.Infact,IthoughtIcouldrockthatlookmyselfifIcouldjustgetmyacneundercontrol.

BilliegaveMegaflashlightandasmallpacketofflowerseeds.“Justincase,”Billiesaid.Megseemedquiteoverwhelmed.ShegaveBillieafiercehug.Ididn’tunderstandthepurposeoftheseeds,butitwascomfortingtoknowthatinadire

emergencyIcouldhitpeoplewithmyukulelewhileMegplantedgeraniums.MalcolmPacegavemehisparchmentmap.“Whenindoubt,veertotheright.Thatusuallyworks

inthewoods,thoughIdon’tknowwhy.”Paoloofferedmeagreen-and-goldscarf—abandanaversionoftheBrazilianflag.Hesaid

somethingthat,ofcourse,Icouldnotunderstand.Nicosmirked.“That’sPaolo’sgood-luckbandana.Ithinkhewantsyoutowearit.Hebelievesit

willmakeyouinvincible.”Ifoundthisdubious,sincePaolowaspronetoseriousinjury,butasagod,Ihadlearnedneverto

turndownofferings.“Thankyou.”Paologrippedmyshouldersandkissedmycheeks.Imayhaveblushed.Hewasquitehandsome

whenhewasn’tbleedingoutfromdismemberment.IrestedmyhandonWill’sshoulder.“Don’tworry.We’llbebackbydawn.”Hismouthtrembledeversoslightly.“Howcanyoubesure?”“I’mthesungod,”Isaid,tryingtomustermoreconfidencethanIfelt.“Ialwaysreturnatdawn.”

Ofcourseitrained.Whywoulditnot?UpinMountOlympus,Zeusmusthavebeenhavingagoodlaughatmyexpense.CampHalf-

Bloodwassupposedtobeprotectedfromsevereweather,butnodoubtmyfatherhadtoldAeolustopulloutallthestopsonhiswinds.Myjiltedex-girlfriendsamongtheairnymphswereprobablyenjoyingtheirmomentofpayback.

Therainwasjustontheedgeofsleet—liquidenoughtosoakmyclothes,icyenoughtoslamagainstmyexposedfacelikeglassshards.

Westumbledalong,lurchingfromtreetotreetofindanyshelterwecould.Patchesofoldsnowcrunchedundermyfeet.Myukulelegotheavierasitssoundholefilledwithrain.Meg’sflashlightbeamcutacrossthestormlikeaconeofyellowstatic.

Iledtheway,notbecauseIhadanydestinationinmind,butbecauseIwasangry.Iwastiredofbeingcoldandsoaked.Iwastiredofbeingpickedon.Mortalsoftentalkaboutthewholeworldbeingagainstthem,butthatisridiculous.Mortalsaren’tthatimportant.Inmycase,thewholeworldreallywasagainstme.Irefusedtosurrendertosuchabuse.Iwoulddosomethingaboutit!Ijustwasn’tquitesurewhat.

Fromtimetotimeweheardmonstersinthedistance—theroarofadrakon,theharmonizedhowlofatwo-headedwolf—butnothingshoweditself.Onanightlikethis,anyself-respectingmonsterwould’veremainedinitslair,warmandcozy.

Afterwhatseemedlikehours,Megstifledascream.Iheroicallyleapedtoherside,myhandonmysword.(Iwouldhavedrawnit,butitwasreallyheavyandgotstuckinthescabbard.)AtMeg’sfeet,wedgedinthemud,wasaglisteningblackshellthesizeofaboulder.Itwascrackeddownthemiddle,theedgessplatteredwithafoulgooeysubstance.

“Ialmoststeppedonthat.”Megcoveredhermouthasifshemightbesick.

Iinchedcloser.Theshellwasthecrushedcarapaceofagiantinsect.Nearby,camouflagedamongthetreeroots,layoneofthebeast’sdismemberedlegs.

“It’samyrmeke,”Isaid.“Oritwas.”Behindherrain-splatteredglasses,Meg’seyeswereimpossibletoread.“Amurr-murr-key?”“Agiantant.Theremustbeacolonysomewhereinthewoods.”Meggagged.“Ihatebugs.”Thatmadesenseforadaughteroftheagriculturegoddess,buttomethedeadantdidn’tseemany

grosserthanthepilesofgarbageinwhichweoftenswam.“Well,don’tworry,”Isaid.“Thisoneisdead.Whateverkilleditmust’vehadpowerfuljawsto

crackthatshell.”“Notcomforting.Are—arethesethingsdangerous?”Ilaughed.“Oh,yes.Theyrangeinsizefromassmallasdogstolargerthangrizzlybears.One

timeIwatchedacolonyofmyrmekesattackaGreekarmyinIndia.Itwashilarious.Theyspitacidthatcanmeltthroughbronzearmorand—”

“Apollo.”Mysmilefaded.IremindedmyselfIwasnolongeraspectator.Theseantscouldkillus.Easily.

AndMegwasscared.“Right,”Isaid.“Well,therainshouldkeepthemyrmekesintheirtunnels.Justdon’tmakeyourself

anattractivetarget.Theylikebright,shinythings.”“Likeflashlights?”“Um…”Meghandedmetheflashlight.“Leadon,Apollo.”Ithoughtthatwasunfair,butweforgedahead.Afteranotherhourorso(surelythewoodsweren’tthisbig),theraintaperedoff,leavingthe

groundsteaming.Theairgotwarmer.Thehumidityapproachedbathhouselevels.Thickwhitevaporcurledoffthe

treebranches.“What’sgoingon?”Megwipedherface.“Feelslikeatropicalrainforestnow.”Ihadnoanswer.Then,upahead,Iheardamassiveflushingsound—likewaterbeingforced

throughpipes…orfissures.Icouldn’thelpbutsmile.“Ageyser.”“Ageyser,”Megrepeated.“LikeOldFaithful?”“Thisisexcellentnews.Perhapswecangetdirections.Ourlostdemigodsmighthaveevenfound

sanctuarythere!”“Withthegeysers,”Megsaid.“No,myridiculousgirl,”Isaid.“Withthegeysergods.Assumingthey’reinagoodmood,this

couldbegreat.”“Andifthey’reinabadmood?”“Thenwe’llcheerthemupbeforetheycanboilus.Followme!”

ScaleofonetotenHowwouldyourateyourdemise?Thanksforyourinput

WASIRECKLESStorushtowardsuchvolatilenaturegods?Please.Second-guessingmyselfisnotinmynature.It’satraitI’veneverneeded.True,mymemoriesaboutthepalikoiwerealittlehazy.AsIrecalled,thegeysergodsinancient

Sicilyusedtogiverefugetorunawayslaves,sotheymustbekindlyspirits.Perhapstheywouldalsogiverefugetolostdemigods,oratleastnoticewhenfiveofthemwanderedthroughtheirterritory,mutteringincoherently.Besides,IwasApollo!ThepalikoiwouldbehonoredtomeetamajorOlympiansuchasmyself!Thefactthatgeysersoftenblewtheirtops,spewingcolumnsofscaldinghotwaterhundredsoffeetintheair,wasn’tgoingtostopmefrommakingsomenewfans…Imeanfriends.

Theclearingopenedbeforeuslikeanovendoor.Awallofheatbillowedthroughthetreesandwashedovermyface.Icouldfeelmyporesopeningtodrinkinthemoisture,whichwouldhopefullyhelpmyspottycomplexion.

ThescenebeforeushadnobusinessbeinginaLongIslandwinter.Glisteningvineswreathedthetreebranches.Tropicalflowersbloomedfromtheforestfloor.Aredparrotsatonabananatreeheavywithgreenbunches.

Inthemidstofthegladestoodtwogeysers—twinholesintheground,ringedwithafigureeightofgraymudpots.Thecratersbubbledandhissed,buttheywerenotspewingatthemoment.Idecidedtotakethatasagoodomen.

Meg’sbootssquishedinthemud.“Isitsafe?”“Definitelynot,”Isaid.“We’llneedanoffering.Perhapsyourpacketofseeds?”Megpunchedmyarm.“Thosearemagic.Forlife-and-deathemergencies.Whataboutyour

ukulele?You’renotgoingtoplayitanyway.”“Amanofhonorneversurrendershisukulele.”Iperkedup.“Butwait.You’vegivenmeanidea.I

willofferthegeysergodsapoem!Icanstilldothat.Itdoesn’tcountasmusic.”Megfrowned.“Uh,Idon’tknowif—”“Don’tbeenvious,Meg.Iwillmakeupapoemforyoulater.Thiswillsurelypleasethegeyser

gods!”Iwalkedforward,spreadmyarms,andbegantoimprovise:

“Oh,geyser,mygeyser,

Letusspewthen,youandI,Uponthismidnightdreary,whileweponderWhosewoodsarethese?Forwehavenotgonegentleintothisgoodnight,Buthavewanderedlonelyasclouds.Weseektoknowforwhomthebelltolls,SoIhope,springseternal,Thatthetimehascometotalkofmanythings!”

Idon’twishtobrag,butIthoughtitwasrathergood,evenifIdidrecycleafewbitsfrommyearlierworks.Unlikemymusicandarchery,mygodlyskillswithpoetryseemedtobecompletelyintact.

IglancedatMeg,hopingtoseeshiningadmirationonherface.Itwashightimethegirlstartedtoappreciateme.Instead,hermouthhungopen,aghast.

“What?”Idemanded.“Didyoufailpoetryappreciationinschool?Thatwasfirst-ratestuff!”Megpointedtowardthegeysers.Irealizedshewasnotlookingatmeatall.“Well,”saidaraspyvoice,“yougotmyattention.”Oneofthepalikoihoveredoverhisgeyser.Hislowerhalfwasnothingbutsteam.Fromthewaist

up,hewasperhapstwicethesizeofahuman,withmusculararmsthecolorofcalderamud,chalk-whiteeyes,andhairlikecappuccinofoam,asifhehadshampooedvigorouslyandleftitsudsy.Hismassivechestwasstuffedintoababy-bluepoloshirtwithalogooftreesembroideredonthechestpocket.

“O,GreatPalikos!”Isaid.“Webeseechyou—”“Whatwasthat?”thespiritinterrupted.“Thatstuffyouweresaying?”“Poetry!”Isaid.“Foryou!”Hetappedhismud-graychin.“No.Thatwasn’tpoetry.”Icouldn’tbelieveit.Didnooneappreciatethebeautyoflanguageanymore?“Mygoodspirit,”I

said.“Poetrydoesn’thavetorhyme,youknow.”“I’mnottalkingaboutrhyming.I’mtalkingaboutgettingyourmessageacross.Wedoalotof

marketresearch,andthatwouldnotflyforourcampaign.Now,theOscarMeyerWeinersong—thatispoetry.Theadisfiftyyearsoldandpeoplearestillsingingit.Doyouthinkyoucouldgiveussomepoetrylikethat?”

IglancedatMegtobesureIwasnotimaginingthisconversation.“Listenhere,”Itoldthegeysergod,“I’vebeenthelordofpoetryforfourthousandyears.Iought

toknowgoodpoetry—”Thepalikoswavedhishands.“Let’sstartover.I’llrunthroughourspiel,andmaybeyoucan

adviseme.Hi,I’mPete.WelcometotheWoodsatCampHalf-Blood!Wouldyoubewillingtotakeashortcustomersatisfactionsurveyafterthisencounter?Yourfeedbackisimportant.”

“Um—”“Great.Thanks.”Petefishedaroundinhisvaporousregionwherehispocketswouldbe.Heproducedaglossy

brochureandbegantoread.“TheWoodsareyourone-stopdestinationfor…Hmm,itsaysfun.Ithoughtwechangedthattoexhilaration.See,you’vegottochooseyourwordswithcare.IfPauliewerehere…”Petesighed.“Well,he’sbetterwiththeshowmanship.Anyway,welcometotheWoodsatCampHalf-Blood!”

“Youalreadysaidthat,”Inoted.“Oh,right.”Peteproducedaredpenandbegantoedit.

“Hey.”Megshoulderedpastme.Shehadbeenspeechlesswithaweforabouttwelveseconds,whichmust’vebeenanewrecord.“Mr.SteamyMud,haveyouseenanylostdemigods?”

“Mr.SteamyMud!”Peteslappedhisbrochure.“Thatiseffectivebranding!Andgreatpointaboutlostdemigods.Wecan’thaveourguestswanderingaroundaimlessly.Weshouldbehandingoutmapsattheentrancetothewoods.Somanywonderfulthingstoseeinhere,andnooneevenknowsaboutthem.I’lltalktoPauliewhenhegetsback.”

Megtookoffherfogged-upglasses.“Who’sPaulie?”Petegesturedatthesecondgeyser.“Mypartner.Maybewecouldaddamaptothisbrochureif—”“Sohaveyouseenanylostdemigods?”Iasked.“What?”Petetriedtomarkhisbrochure,butthesteamhadmadeitsosoggy,hisredpenwent

rightthroughthepaper.“Oh,no.Notrecently.Butweshouldhavebettersignage.Forinstance,didyouevenknowthesegeyserswerehere?”

“No,”Iadmitted.“Well,thereyougo!Doublegeysers—theonlyonesonLongIsland!—andnooneevenknows

aboutus.Nooutreach.Noword-of-mouth.Thisiswhyweconvincedtheboardofdirectorstohireus!”

MegandIlookedateachother.Icouldtellthatforoncewewereonthesamewavelength:utterconfusion.

“Sorry,”Isaid.“Areyoutellingmetheforesthasaboardofdirectors?”“Well,ofcourse,”Petesaid.“Thedryads,theothernaturespirits,thesentientmonsters…Imean,

somebodyhastothinkaboutpropertyvaluesandservicesandpublicrelations.Itwasn’teasygettingtheboardtohireusformarketing,either.Ifwemessupthisjob…oh,man.”

Megsquishedhershoesinthemud.“Canwego?Idon’tunderstandwhatthisguy’stalkingabout.”“Andthat’stheproblem!”Petemoaned.“Howdowewriteclearadcopythatconveystheright

imageoftheWoods?Forinstance,palikoilikePaulieandmeusedtobefamous!Majortouristdestinations!Peoplewouldcometoustomakebindingoaths.Runawayslaveswouldseekusoutforshelter.We’dgetsacrifices,offerings,prayers…itwasgreat.Now,nothing.”

Iheavedasigh.“Iknowhowyoufeel.”“Guys,”Megsaid,“we’relookingformissingdemigods.”“Right,”Iagreed.“O,Great…Pete,doyouhaveanyideawhereourlostfriendsmighthavegone?

Perhapsyouknowofsomesecretlocationswithinthewoods?”Pete’schalk-whiteeyesbrightened.“DidyouknowthechildrenofHephaestushaveahidden

workshoptothenorthcalledBunkerNine?”“Idid,actually,”Isaid.“Oh.”ApuffofsteamescapedPete’sleftnostril.“Well,didyouknowtheLabyrinthhasrebuilt

itself?Thereisanentrancerighthereinthewoods—”“Weknow,”Megsaid.Petelookedcrestfallen.“Butperhaps,”Isaid,“that’sbecauseyourmarketingcampaignisworking.”“Doyouthinkso?”Pete’sfoamyhairbegantoswirl.“Yes.Yes,thatmaybetrue!Didyouhappen

toseeourspotlights,too?Thoseweremyidea.”“Spotlights?”Megasked.Twinbeamsofredlightblastedfromthegeysersandsweptacrossthesky.Litfrombeneath,Pete

lookedliketheworld’sscariesttellerofghoststories.“Unfortunately,theyattractedthewrongkindofattention.”Petesighed.“Pauliedoesn’tletmeuse

themoften.Hesuggestedadvertisingonablimpinstead,orperhapsagiantinflatableKingKong—”“That’scool,”Meginterrupted.“Butcanyoutellusanythingaboutasecretgrovewithwhispering

trees?”Ihadtoadmit,Megwasgoodatgettingusbackontopic.Asapoet,Ididnotcultivatedirectness.

Butasanarcher,Icouldappreciatethevalueofastraightshot.“Oh.”Petefloatedlowerinhiscloudofsteam,thespotlightturninghimthecolorofcherrysoda.

“I’mnotsupposedtotalkaboutthegrove.”Myonce-godlyearstingled.Iresistedtheurgetoscream,AHA!“Whycan’tyoutalkaboutthe

grove,Pete?”Thespiritfiddledwithhissoggybrochure.“Pauliesaiditwouldscareawaytourists.‘Talkabout

thedragons,’hetoldme.‘Talkaboutthewolvesandserpentsandancientkillingmachines.Butdon’tmentionthegrove.’”

“Ancientkillingmachines?”Megasked.“Yeah,”Petesaidhalfheartedly.“We’remarketingthemasfunfamilyentertainment.Butthe

grove…Pauliesaidthatwasourworstproblem.Theneighborhoodisn’tevenzonedforanOracle.Pauliewenttheretoseeifmaybewecouldrelocateit,but—”

“Hedidn’tcomeback,”Iguessed.Petenoddedmiserably.“HowamIsupposedtorunthemarketingcampaignallbymyself?Sure,I

canuserobo-callsforthephonesurveys,butalotofnetworkinghastobedoneface-to-face,andPauliewasalwaysbetterwiththatstuff.”Pete’svoicebrokeintoasadhiss.“Imisshim.”

“Maybewecouldfindhim,”Megsuggested,“andbringhimback.”Peteshookhishead.“Pauliemademepromisenottofollowhimandnottotellanybodyelse

wherethegroveis.He’sprettygoodatresistingthoseweirdvoices,butyouguyswouldn’tstandachance.”

Iwastemptedtoagree.Findingancientkillingmachinessoundedmuchmorereasonable.ThenIpicturedKaylaandAustinwanderingthroughtheancientgrove,slowlygoingmad.Theyneededme,whichmeantIneededtheirlocation.

“Sorry,Pete.”Igavehimmymostcriticalstare—theoneIusedtocrushaspiringsingersduringBroadwayauditions.“I’mjustnotbuyingit.”

MudbubbledaroundPete’scaldera.“Wh-whatdoyoumean?”“Idon’tthinkthisgroveexists,”Isaid.“Andifitdoes,Idon’tthinkyouknowitslocation.”Pete’sgeyserrumbled.Steamswirledinhisspotlightbeam.“I—Idoknow!Ofcourseitexists!”“Oh,really?Thenwhyaren’ttherebillboardsaboutitallovertheplace?AndadedicatedWeb

site?Whyhaven’tIseenagroveofdodonahashtagonsocialmedia?”Peteglowered.“Isuggestedallthat!Paulieshotmedown!”“Sodosomeoutreach!”Idemanded.“Sellusonyourproduct!Showuswherethisgroveis!”“Ican’t.Theonlyentrance…”Heglancedovermyshoulderandhisfacewentslack.“Ah,spew.”

Hisspotlightsshutoff.Iturned.Megmadeasquelchingsoundevenlouderthanhershoesinthemud.Ittookamomentformyvisiontoadjust,butattheedgeoftheclearingstoodthreeblackantsthe

sizeofShermantanks.“Pete,”Isaid,tryingtoremaincalm,“whenyousaidyourspotlightsattractedthewrongkindof

attention—”“Imeantthemyrmekes,”hesaid.“Ihopethiswon’taffectyouronlinereviewoftheWoodsat

CampHalf-Blood.”

BreakingmypromiseSpectacularlyfailingIblameNeilDiamond

MYRMEKESSHOULDBEhighonyourlistofmonstersnottofight.Theyattackingroups.Theyspitacid.TheirpincerscansnapthroughCelestialbronze.Also,theyareugly.Thethreesoldierantsadvanced,theirten-foot-longantennaewavingandbobbingina

mesmerizingway,tryingtodistractmefromthetruedangeroftheirmandibles.Theirbeakedheadsremindedmeofchickens—chickenswithdarkflateyesandblackarmored

faces.Eachoftheirsixlegswouldhavemadeafineconstructionwinch.Theiroversizeabdomensthrobbedandpulsedlikenosessniffingforfood.

IsilentlycursedZeusforinventingants.ThewayIheardit,hegotupsetwithsomegreedymanwhowasalwaysstealingfromhisneighbors’crops,soZeusturnedhimintothefirstant—aspeciesthatdoesnothingbutscavenge,steal,andbreed.AreslikedtojokethatifZeuswantedsuchaspecies,hecould’vejustlefthumansthewaytheywere.Iusedtolaugh.NowthatIamoneofyou,Inolongerfinditfunny.

Theantssteppedtowardus,theirantennaetwitching.IimaginedtheirtrainofthoughtwassomethinglikeShiny?Tasty?Defenseless?

“Nosuddenmovements,”ItoldMeg,whodidnotseeminclinedtomoveatall.Infact,shelookedpetrified.

“Oh,Pete?”Icalled.“Howdoyoudealwithmyrmekesinvadingyourterritory?”“Byhiding,”hesaid,anddisappearedintothegeyser.“Nothelpful,”Igrumbled.“Canwedivein?”Megasked.“Onlyifyoufancyboilingtodeathinapitofscaldingwater.”Thetankbugsclackedtheirmandiblesandedgedcloser.“Ihaveanidea.”Iunslungmyukulele.“Ithoughtyousworenottoplay,”Megsaid.“Idid.ButifIthrowthisshinyobjecttooneside,theantsmight—”Iwasabouttosaytheantsmightfollowitandleaveusalone.Ineglectedtoconsiderthat,inmyhands,theukulelemademelookshinierandtastier.BeforeI

couldthrowtheinstrument,thesoldierantssurgedtowardus.Istumbledback,onlyrememberingthe

geyserbehindmewhenmyshoulderbladesbegantoblister,fillingtheairwithApollo-scentedsteam.“Hey,bugs!”Meg’sscimitarsflashedinherhands,makingherthenewshiniestthinginthe

clearing.CanwetakeamomenttoappreciatethatMegdidthisonpurpose?Terrifiedofinsects,shecould

havefledandleftmetobedevoured.Instead,shechosetoriskherlifebydistractingthreetank-sizeants.Throwinggarbageatstreetthugswasonething.Butthis…thiswasanentirelynewleveloffoolishness.IfIlived,ImighthavetonominateMegMcCaffreyforBestSacrificeatthenextDemiAwards.

TwooftheantschargedatMeg.Thethirdstayedonme,thoughheturnedhisheadlongenoughformetosprinttooneside.

Megranbetweenheropponents,hergoldenbladesseveringalegfromeach.Theirmandiblessnappedatemptyair.Thesoldierbugswobbledontheirfiveremaininglegs,triedtoturn,andbonkedheads.

Meanwhile,thethirdantchargedme.Inapanic,Ithrewmycombatukulele.Itbouncedofftheant’sforeheadwithadissonanttwang.

Ituggedmyswordfreeofitsscabbard.I’vealwayshatedswords.Suchinelegantweapons,andtheyrequireyoutobeinclosecombat.Howunwise,whenyoucanshootyourenemieswithanarrowfromacrosstheworld!

Theantspitacid,andItriedtoswatawaythegoop.Perhapsthatwasn’tthebrightestidea.Ioftengotswordfightingandtennisconfused.Atleast

someoftheacidsplatteredtheant’seyes,whichboughtmeafewseconds.Ivaliantlyretreated,raisingmyswordonlytofindthatthebladehadbeeneatenaway,leavingmenothingbutasteaminghilt.

“Oh,Meg?”Icalledhelplessly.Shewasotherwiseoccupied.Herswordswhirledingoldenarcsofdestruction,loppingoffleg

segments,slicingantennae.Ihadneverseenadimachaerusfightwithsuchskill,andIhadseenallthebestgladiatorsincombat.Unfortunately,herbladesonlysparkedofftheants’thickmaincarapaces.Glancingblowsanddismembermentdidnotfazethematall.AsgoodasMegwas,theantshadmorelegs,moreweight,moreferocity,andslightlymoreacid-spittingability.

Myownopponentsnappedatme.Imanagedtoavoiditsmandibles,butitsarmoredfacebashedthesideofmyhead.Istaggeredandfell.Oneearcanalseemedtofillwithmolteniron.

Myvisionclouded.Acrosstheclearing,theotherantsflankedMeg,usingtheiracidtoherdhertowardthewoods.Shedovebehindatreeandcameupwithonlyoneofherblades.Shetriedtostabtheclosestantbutwasdrivenbackbyacidcrossfire.Herleggingsweresmoking,pepperedwithholes.Herfacewastightwithpain.

“Peaches,”Imutteredtomyself.“Whereisthatstupiddiaperdemonwhenweneedhim?”Thekarposdidnotappear.Perhapsthepresenceofthegeysergodsorsomeotherforceinthe

woodskepthimaway.Perhapstheboardofdirectorshadaruleagainstpets.Thethirdantloomedoverme,itsmandiblesfoamingwithgreensaliva.Itsbreathsmelledworse

thanHephaestus’sworkshirts.MynextdecisionIcouldblameonmyheadinjury.IcouldtellyouIwasn’tthinkingclearly,but

thatisn’ttrue.Iwasdesperate.Iwasterrified.IwantedtohelpMeg.MostlyIwantedtosavemyself.Isawnootheroption,soIdoveformyukulele.

Iknow.IpromisedontheRiverStyxnottoplaymusicuntilIwasagodoncemore.Butevensuchadireoathcanseemunimportantwhenagiantantisabouttomeltyourfaceoff.

Igrabbedtheinstrument,rolledontomyback,andbeltedout“SweetCaroline.”Evenwithoutmyoath,Iwouldonlyhavedonesomethinglikethatinthemostextremeemergency.

WhenIsingthatsong,thechancesofmutuallyassureddestructionaretoogreat.ButIsawnootherchoice.Igaveitmyutmosteffort,channelingallthesaccharineschmaltzIcouldmusterfromthe1970s.

Thegiantantshookitshead.Itsantennaequivered.Igottomyfeetasthemonstercrawleddrunkenlytowardme.Iputmybacktothegeyserandlaunchedintothechorus.

TheDah!Dah!Dah!didthetrick.Blindedbydisgustandrage,theantcharged.Irolledasideasthemonster ’smomentumcarrieditforward,straightintothemuddycauldron.

Believeme,theonlythingthatsmellsworsethanHephaestus’sworkshirtsisamyrmekeboilinginitsownshell.

Somewherebehindme,Megscreamed.Iturnedintimetoseehersecondswordflyfromherhand.Shecollapsedasoneofthemyrmekescaughtherinitsmandibles.

“NO!”Ishrieked.Theantdidnotsnapherinhalf.Itsimplyheldher—limpandunconscious.“Meg!”Iyelledagain.Istrummedtheukuleledesperately.“SweetCaroline!”Butmyvoicewasgone.Defeatingoneanthadtakenallmyenergy.(Idon’tthinkIhaveever

writtenasaddersentencethanthat.)ItriedtoruntoMeg’said,butIstumbledandfell.Theworldturnedpaleyellow.Ihunchedonallfoursandvomited.

Ihaveaconcussion,Ithought,butIhadnoideawhattodoaboutit.ItseemedlikeagessinceIhadbeenagodofhealing.

Imayhavelayinthemudforminutesorhourswhilemybrainslowlygyratedinsidemyskull.BythetimeImanagedtostand,thetwoantsweregone.

TherewasnosignofMegMcCaffrey.

I’monarollnowBoiling,burning,throwingupLions?Hey,whynot?

ISTUMBLEDTHROUGHtheglade,shoutingMeg’sname.Iknewitwaspointless,butyellingfeltgood.Ilookedforsignsofbrokenbranchesortrampledground.Surelytwotank-sizeantswouldleaveatrailIcouldfollow.ButIwasnotArtemis;Ididnothavemysister ’sskillwithtracking.Ihadnoideawhichdirectionthey’dtakenmyfriend.

IretrievedMeg’sswordsfromthemud.Instantly,theychangedintogoldrings—sosmall,soeasilylost,likeamortallife.Imayhavecried.Itriedtobreakmyridiculouscombatukulele,buttheCelestialbronzeinstrumentdefiedmyattempts.Finally,IyankedofftheAstring,threadeditthroughMeg’srings,andtiedthemaroundmyneck.

“Meg,Iwillfindyou,”Imuttered.Herabductionwasmyfault.Iwassureofthis.Byplayingmusicandsavingmyself,Ihadbroken

myoathontheRiverStyx.Insteadofpunishingmedirectly,ZeusortheFatesorallthegodstogetherhadvisitedtheirwrathuponMegMcCaffrey.

HowcouldIhavebeensofoolish?WheneverIangeredtheothergods,thoseclosesttomewerestruckdown.I’dlostDaphnebecauseofonecarelesscommenttoEros.I’dlostthebeautifulHyacinthusbecauseofaquarrelwithZephyros.NowmybrokenoathwouldcostMegherlife.

No,Itoldmyself.Iwon’tallowit.Iwassonauseous,Icouldbarelywalk.Someoneseemedtobeinflatingaballooninsidemybrain.

YetImanagedtostumbletotherimofPete’sgeyser.“Pete!”Ishouted.“Showyourself,youcowardlytelemarketer!”Watershotskywardwithasoundliketheblastofanorgan’slowestpipe.Intheswirlingsteam,the

palikosappeared,hismud-grayfacehardeningwithanger.“YoucallmeaTELEMARKETER?”hedemanded.“Werunafull-servicePRfirm!”Idoubledoverandvomitedinhiscrater,whichIthoughtanappropriateresponse.“Stopthat!”Petecomplained.“IneedtofindMeg.”Iwipedmymouthwithashakyhand.“Whatwouldthemyrmekesdowith

her?”“Idon’tknow!”“TellmeorIwillnotcompleteyourcustomerservicesurvey.”Petegasped.“That’sterrible!Yourfeedbackisimportant!”Hefloateddowntomyside.“Oh,

dear…yourheaddoesn’tlookgood.You’vegotabiggashonyourscalp,andthere’sblood.Thatmustbewhyyou’renotthinkingclearly.”

“Idon’tcare!”Iyelled,whichonlymadethepoundinginmyheadworse.“Whereisthemyrmekes’nest?”

Petewrunghissteamyhands.“Well,that’swhatweweretalkingaboutearlier.That’swherePauliewent.Thenestistheonlyentrance.”

“Towhat?”“TotheGroveofDodona.”Mystomachsolidifiedintoapackofice,whichwasunfair,becauseIneededoneformyhead.

“Theantnest…isthewaytothegrove?”“Look,youneedmedicalattention.ItoldPaulieweshouldhaveafirst-aidstationforvisitors.”He

fishedaroundinhisnonexistentpockets.“LetmejustmarkthelocationoftheApollocabin—”“Ifyoupulloutabrochure,”Iwarned,“Iwillmakeyoueatit.Now,explainhowthenestleadsto

thegrove.”Pete’sfaceturnedyellow,orperhapsthatwasjustmyvisiongettingworse.“Pauliedidn’ttellme

everything.There’sthisthicketofwoodsthat’sgrownsodense,nobodycangetin.Imean,evenfromabove,thebranchesarelike…”Helacedhismuddyfingers,thencausedthemtoliquefyandmeltintooneanother,whichmadehispointquitewell.

“Anyway”—hepulledhishandsapart—“thegroveisinthere.Itcouldhavebeenslumberingforcenturies.Nobodyontheboardofdirectorsevenknewaboutit.Then,allofasudden,thetreesstartedwhispering.Pauliefiguredthosedarnedantsmusthaveburrowedintothegrovefromunderneath,andthat’swhatwokeitup.”

Itriedtomakesenseofthat.Itwasdifficultwithaswollenbrain.“Whichwayisthenest?”“Northofhere,”Petesaid.“Halfamile.But,man,youareinnoshape—”“Imust!Megneedsme!”Petegrabbedmyarm.Hisgripwaslikeawarmwettourniquet.“She’sgottime.Iftheycarriedher

offinonepiece,thatmeansshe’snotdeadyet.”“Shewillbesoonenough!”“Nah.BeforePaulie…beforehedisappeared,hewentintothatnestafewtimeslookingforthe

tunneltothegrove.Hetoldmethosemyrmekesliketogoopuptheirvictimsandletthem,um,ripenuntilthey’resoftenoughforthehatchlingstoeat.”

Imadeanun-godlikesqueak.Iftherehadbeenanythingleftinmystomach,Iwouldhavelostit.“Howlongdoesshehave?”

“Twenty-fourhours,giveortake.Thenshe’llstartto…um,soften.”ItwasdifficulttoimagineMegMcCaffreysofteningunderanycircumstances,butIpicturedher

aloneandscared,encasedininsectgoop,tuckedinsomelarderofcarcassesintheants’nest.Foragirlwhohatedbugs—Oh,Demeterhadbeenrighttohatemeandkeepherchildrenawayfromme.Iwasaterriblegod!

“Gogetsomehelp,”Peteurged.“TheApollocabincanhealthatheadwound.You’renotdoingyourfriendanyfavorsbychargingafterherandgettingyourselfkilled.”

“Whydoyoucarewhathappenstous?”Thegeysergodlookedoffended.“Visitorsatisfactionisalwaysourtoppriority!Besides,ifyou

findPauliewhileyou’reinthere…”Itriedtostayangryatthepalikos,butthelonelinessandworryonhisfacemirroredmyown

feelings.“DidPaulieexplainhowtonavigatetheants’nest?”Peteshookhishead.“LikeIsaid,hedidn’twantmetofollowhim.Themyrmekesaredangerous

enough.Andifthoseotherguysarestillwanderingaround—”

“Otherguys?”Petefrowned.“Didn’tImentionthat?Yeah.Pauliesawthreehumans,heavilyarmed.Theywere

lookingforthegrovetoo.”Myleftlegstartedthumpingnervously,asifitmisseditsthree-leggedracepartner.“Howdid

Paulieknowwhattheywerelookingfor?”“HeheardthemtalkinginLatin.”“Latin?Weretheycampers?”Petespreadhishands.“I—Idon’tthinkso.Pauliedescribedthemliketheywereadults.Hesaid

oneofthemwastheleader.Theothertwoaddressedhimasimperator.”Theentireplanetseemedtotilt.“Imperator.”“Yeah,youknow,likeinRome—”“Yes,Iknow.”Suddenly,toomanythingsmadesense.Piecesofthepuzzleflewtogether,forming

onehugepicturethatsmackedmeintheface.TheBeast…TriumvirateHoldings…adultdemigodscompletelyofftheradar.

ItwasallIcoulddotoavoidpitchingforwardintothegeyser.Megneededmemorethanever.ButIwouldhavetodothisright.Iwouldhavetobecareful—evenmorecarefulthanwhenIgavethefieryhorsesofthesuntheiryearlyvaccinations.

“Pete,”Isaid,“doyoustilloverseesacredoaths?”“Well,yes,but—”“Thenhearmysolemnoath!”“Uh,thethingis,you’vegotthisauraaroundyoulikeyoujustbrokeasacredoath,maybeone

yousworeontheRiverStyx?Andifyoubreakanotheroathwithme—”“IswearthatIwillsaveMegMcCaffrey.Iwilluseeverymeansatmydisposaltobringhersafely

fromtheants’lair,andthisoathsupersedesanypreviousoathIhavemade.ThisIswearuponyoursacredandextremelyhotwaters!”

Petewinced.“Well,okay.It’sdonenow.Butkeepinmindthatifyoudon’tkeepthatoath,ifMegdies,evenifit’snotyourfault…you’llfacetheconsequences.”

“Iamalreadycursedforbreakingmyearlieroath!Whatdoesitmatter?”“Yeah,butsee,thoseRiverStyxoathscantakeyearstodestroyyou.They’relikecancer.My

oaths…”Peteshrugged.“Ifyoubreakit,there’snothingIcandotostopyourpunishment.Whereveryouare,ageyserwillinstantlyblastthroughthegroundatyourfeetandboilyoualive.”

“Ah…”Itriedtostopmykneesfromknocking.“Yes,ofcourseIknewthat.Istandbymyoath.”“You’vegotnochoicenow.”“Right.IthinkI’ll—I’llgogethealed.”Istaggeredoff.“Campistheotherdirection,”Petesaid.Ichangedcourse.“Remembertocompleteoursurveyonline!”Petecalledafterme.“Justcurious,onascaleofone

toten,howwouldyourateyouroverallsatisfactionwiththeWoodsatCampHalf-Blood?”Ididn’treply.AsIstumbledintothedarkness,Iwastoobusycontemplating,onascaleofoneto

ten,thepainImighthavetoendureinthenearfuture.

Ididn’thavethestrengthtomakeitbacktocamp.ThefartherIwalked,theclearerthatbecame.Myjointswerepudding.Ifeltlikeamarionette,andasmuchasI’denjoyedcontrollingmortalsfromaboveinthepast,Ididnotrelishbeingontheotherendofthestrings.

Mydefenseswereatlevelzero.Thesmallesthellhoundordragoncouldhaveeasilymadeameal

ofthegreatApollo.Ifanirritatedbadgerhadtakenissuewithme,Iwouldhavebeendoomed.Ileanedagainstatreetocatchmybreath.Thetreeseemedtopushmeaway,whisperinginavoice

Irememberedsowell:Keepmoving,Apollo.Youcan’tresthere.“Ilovedyou,”Imuttered.PartofmeknewIwasdelirious—imaginingthingsonlybecauseofmyconcussion—butIsworeI

couldseethefaceofmybelovedDaphnerisingfromeachtreetrunkIpassed,herfeaturesfloatingunderthebarklikeamirageofwood—herslightlycrookednose,heroffsetgreeneyes,thoselipsIhadneverkissedbutneverstoppeddreamingof.

Youlovedeveryprettygirl,shescolded.Andeveryprettyboy,forthatmatter.“Notlikeyou,”Icried.“Youweremyfirsttruelove.Oh,Daphne!”Wearmycrown,shesaid.Andrepent.Irememberedchasingher—herlilacscentonthebreeze,herlitheformflittingthroughthe

dappledlightoftheforest.Ipursuedherforwhatseemedlikeyears.Perhapsitwas.Forcenturiesafterward,IblamedEros.Inamomentofrecklessness,IhadridiculedEros’sarcheryskills.Outofspite,hestruckmewith

agoldenarrow.HebentallmylovetowardthebeautifulDaphne,butthatwasnottheworstofit.HealsostruckDaphne’sheartwithaleadarrow,leechingallpossibleaffectionshemighthavehadforme.

Whatpeopledonotunderstand:Eros’sarrowscan’tsummonemotionfromnothing.Theycanonlycultivatepotentialthatisalreadythere.DaphneandIcouldhavebeenaperfectpair.Shewasmytruelove.Shecouldhavelovedmeback.YetthankstoEros,mylove-o-meterwascrankedtoonehundredpercent,whileDaphne’sfeelingsturnedtopurehate(whichis,ofcourse,onlytheflipsideoflove).Nothingismoretragicthanlovingsomeonetothedepthsofyoursoulandknowingtheycannotandwillnoteverloveyouback.

ThestoriessayIchasedheronawhim,thatshewasjustanotherprettydress.Thestoriesarewrong.WhenshebeggedGaeatoturnherintoalaureltreeinordertoescapeme,partofmyhearthardenedintobarkaswell.Iinventedthelaurelwreathtocommemoratemyfailure—topunishmyselfforthefateofmygreatestlove.Everytimesomeherowinsthelaurels,IamremindedofthegirlIcanneverwin.

AfterDaphne,IsworeIwouldnevermarry.SometimesIclaimedthatwasbecauseIcouldn’tdecidebetweentheNineMuses.Aconvenientstory.TheNineMusesweremyconstantcompanions,allofthembeautifulintheirownway.ButtheyneverpossessedmyheartlikeDaphnedid.Onlyoneotherpersoneveraffectedmesodeeply—theperfectHyacinthus—andhe,too,wastakenfromme.

Allthesethoughtsrambledthroughmybruisedbrain.Istaggeredfromtreetotree,leaningagainstthem,grabbingtheirlowestbrancheslikehandrails.

Youcannotdiehere,Daphnewhispered.Youhaveworktodo.Youmadeanoath.Yes,myoath.Megneededme.Ihadto…Ifellfaceforwardintheicymulch.HowlongIlaythere,I’mnotsure.Awarmsnoutbreathedinmyear.Aroughtonguelappedmyface.IthoughtIwasdeadand

CerberushadfoundmeatthegatesoftheUnderworld.Thenthebeastpushedmeoverontomyback.Darktreebrancheslacedthesky.Iwasstillinthe

forest.Thegoldenvisageofalionappearedaboveme,hisambereyesbeautifulanddeadly.Helickedmyface,perhapstryingtodecideifIwouldmakeagoodsupper.

“Ptfh.”Ispitmanefuroutofmymouth.“Wakeup,”saidawoman’svoice,somewheretomyright.Itwasn’tDaphne,butitwasvaguely

familiar.

Imanagedtoraisemyhead.Nearby,asecondlionsatatthefeetofawomanwithtintedglassesandasilver-and-goldtiarainherbraidedhair.Herbatikdressswirledwithimagesoffernfronds.Herarmsandhandswerecoveredinhennatattoos.Shelookeddifferentthanshehadinmydream,butIrecognizedher.

“Rhea,”Icroaked.Sheinclinedherhead.“Peace,Apollo.Idon’twanttobumyouout,butweneedtotalk.”

Imperatorshere?GagmewithapeacesymbolNotgroovy,Mama

MYHEADWOUNDMUST havetastedlikeWagyubeef.Thelionkeptlickingthesideofmyface,makingmyhairstickierandwetter.Strangely,this

seemedtoclearmythoughts.Perhapslionsalivahadcurativeproperties.IguessIshouldhaveknownthat,beingagodofhealing,butyou’llhavetoexcusemeifIhaven’tdonetrial-and-errorexperimentswiththedroolofeverysingleanimal.

Withdifficulty,IsatupandfacedtheTitanqueen.RhealeanedagainstthesideofaVWsafarivanpaintedwithswirlingblackfronddesignslike

thoseonherdress.IseemedtorecallthattheblackfernwasoneofRhea’ssymbols,butIcouldn’trememberwhy.Amongthegods,Rheahadalwaysbeensomethingofamystery.EvenZeus,whoknewherbest,didnotoftenspeakofher.

Herturretcrowncircledherbrowlikeaglitteringrailroadtrack.Whenshelookeddownatme,hertintedglasseschangedfromorangetopurple.Amacramébeltcinchedherwaist,andonachainaroundherneckhungherbrasspeacesymbol.

Shesmiled.“Gladyou’reawake.Iwasworried,man.”Ireallywishedpeoplewouldstopcallingmeman.“Whyareyou…Wherehaveyoubeenallthese

centuries?”“Upstate.”Shescratchedherlion’sears.“AfterWoodstock,Istuckaround,startedapottery

studio.”“You…what?”Shetiltedherhead.“Wasthatlastweekorlastmillennium?I’velosttrack.”“I—Ibelieveyou’redescribingthe1960s.Thatwaslastcentury.”“Oh,bummer.”Rheasighed.“Igetmixedupaftersomanyyears.”“Isympathize.”“AfterIleftKronos…well,thatmanwassosquare,youcouldcutyourselfonhiscorners,you

knowwhatImean?Hewastheultimate1950sdad—wantedustobeOzzieandHarrietorLucyandRickyorsomething.”

“He—heswallowedhischildrenalive.”“Yeah.”Rheabrushedherhairfromherface.“Thatwassomebadkarma.Anyway,Ilefthim.

Backthendivorcewasn’tcool.Youjustdidn’tdoit.Butme,Iburnedmyapodesmosandgotliberated.

IraisedZeusinacommunewithabunchofnaiadsandkouretes.Lotsofwheatgermandnectar.ThekidgrewupwithastrongAquarianvibe.”

IwasfairlysureRheawasmisrememberinghercenturies,butIthoughtitwouldbeimpolitetokeeppointingthatout.

“YouremindmeofIris,”Isaid.“Shewentorganicveganseveraldecadesago.”Rheamadeaface—justarippleofdisapprovalbeforeregainingherkarmicbalance.“Irisisa

goodsoul.Idigher.Butyouknow,theseyoungergoddesses,theyweren’taroundtofighttherevolution.Theydon’tgetwhatitwaslikewhenyouroldmanwaseatingyourchildrenandyoucouldn’tgetarealjobandtheTitanchauvinistsjustwantedyoutostayhomeandcookandcleanandhavemoreOlympianbabies.AndspeakingofIris…”

Rheatouchedherforehead.“Wait,werewespeakingofIris?OrdidIjusthaveaflashback?”“Ihonestlydon’tknow.”“Oh,Iremembernow.She’samessengerofthegods,right?AlongwithHermesandthatother

groovyliberatedchick…JoanofArc?”“Er,I’mnotsureaboutthatlastone.”“Well,anyway,thecommunicationlinesaredown,man.Nothingworks.Rainbowmessages,

flyingscrolls,HermesExpress…it’sallgoinghaywire.”“Weknowthis.Butwedon’tknowwhy.”“It’sthem.They’redoingit.”“Who?”Sheglancedtoeitherside.“TheMan,man.BigBrother.Thesuits.Theimperators.”Ihadbeenhopingshewouldsaysomethingelse:giants,Titans,ancientkillingmachines,aliens.I

would’verathertangledwithTartarusorOuranosorPrimordialChaositself.IhadhopedPetethegeysermisunderstoodwhathisbrothertoldhimabouttheimperatorintheants’nest.

NowthatIhadconfirmation,IwantedtostealRhea’ssafarivananddrivetosomecommunefar,farupstate.

“TriumvirateHoldings,”Isaid.“Yeah,”Rheaagreed.“That’stheirnewmilitary-industrialcomplex.It’sbummingmeoutinabig

way.”Thelionstoppedlickingmyface,probablybecausemybloodhadturnedbitter.“Howisthis

possible?Howhavetheycomeback?”“Theyneverwentaway,”Rheasaid.“Theydidittothemselves,youknow.Wantedtomake

themselvesgods.Thatneverworksoutwell.Eversincetheolddaysthey’vebeenhidingout,influencinghistoryfrombehindthecurtains.They’restuckinakindoftwilightlife.Theycan’tdie;theycan’treallylive.”

“Buthowcouldwenotknowaboutthis?”Idemanded.“Wearegods!”Rhea’slaughremindedmeofapigletwithasthma.“Apollo,Grandson,beautifulchild…Has

beingagodeverstoppedsomeonefrombeingstupid?”Shehadapoint.Notaboutmepersonally,ofcourse,butthestoriesIcouldtellyouabouttheother

Olympians…“TheemperorsofRome.”Itriedtocometotermswiththeidea.“Theycan’tallbeimmortal.”“No,”Rheasaid.“Justtheworstofthem,themostnotorious.Theyliveinhumanmemory,man.

That’swhatkeepsthemalive.Sameasus,really.They’retiedtothecourseofWesterncivilization,eventhoughthatwholeconceptisimperialistEurocentricpropaganda,man.Likemyguruwouldtellyou—”

“Rhea”—Iputmyhandsagainstmythrobbingtemples—“canwesticktooneproblematatime?”“Yeah,okay.Ididn’tmeantoblowyourmind.”

“Buthowcantheyaffectourlinesofcommunication?Howcantheybesopowerful?”“They’vehadcenturies,Apollo.Centuries.Allthattime,plottingandmakingwar,buildingup

theircapitalistempire,waitingforthismomentwhenyouaremortal,whentheOraclesarevulnerableforahostiletakeover.It’sjustevil.Theyhavenochillwhatsoever.”

“Ithoughtthatwasamoremodernterm.”“Evil?”“No.Chill.Nevermind.TheBeast…heistheleader?”“Afraidso.He’sastwistedastheothers,buthe’sthesmartestandthemoststable—ina

sociopathichomicidalway.Youknowwhoheis—whohewas,right?”Unfortunately,Idid.IrememberedwhereIhadseenhissmirkinguglyface.Icouldhearhisnasal

voiceechoingthroughthearena,orderingtheexecutionofhundredswhilethecrowdscheered.IwantedtoaskRheawhohistwocompatriotswereintheTriumvirate,butIdecidedIcouldnotbeartheinformationatpresent.Noneoftheoptionsweregood,andknowingtheirnamesmightbringmemoredespairthanIcouldhandle.

“It’strue,then,”Isaid.“TheotherOraclesstillexist.Theemperorsholdthemall?”“They’reworkingonit.PythonhasDelphi—that’sthebiggestproblem.Butyouwon’thavethe

strengthtotakehimhead-on.You’vegottoprytheirfingersofftheminorOraclesfirst,loosentheirpower.Todothat,youneedanewsourceofprophecyforthiscamp—anOraclethatisolderandindependent.”

“Dodona,”Isaid.“Yourwhisperinggrove.”“Righton,”Rheasaid.“Ithoughtthegrovewasgoneforever.Butthen—Idon’tknowhow—the

oaktreesregrewthemselvesintheheartofthesewoods.Youhavetofindthegroveandprotectit.”“I’mworkingonthat.”Itouchedthestickywoundonthesideofmyface.“ButmyfriendMeg—”“Yeah.Youhadsomesetbacks.Buttherearealwayssetbacks,Apollo.WhenLizzyStantonandI

hostedthefirstwomen’srightsconventioninWoodstock—”“IthinkyoumeanSenecaFalls?”Rheafrowned.“Wasn’tthatinthe’60s?”“The’40s,”Isaid.“The1840s,ifmemoryserves.”“So…JimiHendrixwasn’tthere?”“Doubtful.”Rheafiddledwithherpeacesymbol.“Thenwhosetthatguitaronfire?Ah,nevermind.Thepoint

is,youhavetopersevere.Sometimeschangetakescenturies.”“ExceptthatI’mmortalnow,”Isaid.“Idon’thavecenturies.”“Butyouhavewillpower,”Rheasaid.“Youhavemortaldriveandurgency.Thosearethingsthe

godsoftenlack.”Atherside,herlionroared.“I’vegottasplit,”Rheasaid.“Iftheimperatorstrackmedown—badscene,man.I’vebeenoffthe

gridtoolong.I’mnotgoingtogetsuckedintothatpatriarchalinstitutionaloppressionagain.JustfindDodona.That’syourfirsttrial.”

“AndiftheBeastfindsthegrovefirst?”“Oh,he’salreadyfoundthegates,buthe’llnevergetthroughthemwithoutyouandthegirl.”“I—Idon’tunderstand.”“That’scool.Justbreathe.Findyourcenter.Enlightenmenthastocomefromwithin.”ItwasverymuchlikealineIwould’vegivenmyworshippers.IwastemptedtochokeRheawith

hermacramébelt,butIdoubtedIwouldhavethestrength.Also,shehadtwolions.“ButwhatdoIdo?HowdoIsaveMeg?”

“First,gethealed.Restup.Then…well,howyousaveMegisuptoyou.Thejourneyisgreater

thanthedestination,youknow?”Sheheldoutherhand.Drapedonherfingerswasasetofwindchimes—acollectionofhollow

brasstubesandmedallionsengravedwithancientGreekandCretansymbols.“Hangtheseinthelargestancientoak.ThatwillhelpyoufocusthevoicesoftheOracle.Ifyougetaprophecy,groovy.It’llonlybethebeginning,butwithoutDodona,nothingelsewillbepossible.Theemperorswillsuffocateourfutureanddivideuptheworld.OnlywhenyouhavedefeatedPythoncanyoureclaimyourrightfulplaceonOlympus.Mykid,Zeus…he’sgotthiswhole‘toughlove’disciplinarianhang-up,youdig?TakingbackDelphiistheonlywayyou’regoingtogetonhisgoodside.”

“I—Iwasafraidyouwouldsaythat.”“There’soneotherthing,”shewarned.“TheBeastisplanningsomekindofattackonyourcamp.

Idon’tknowwhatitis,butit’sgoingtobebig.Like,evenworsethannapalm.Youhavetowarnyourfriends.”

Thenearestlionnudgedme.Iwrappedmyarmsaroundhisneckandallowedhimtopullmetomyfeet.Imanagedtoremainstanding,butonlybecausemylegslockedupincompletefright.Forthefirsttime,Iunderstoodthetrialsthatawaitedme.IknewtheenemiesImustface.Iwouldneedmorethanwindchimesandenlightenment.I’dneedamiracle.Andasagod,Icantellyouthatthoseareneverdistributedlightly.

“Goodluck,Apollo.”TheTitanqueenplacedthewindchimesinmyhands.“I’vegottocheckmykilnbeforemypotscrack.Keepontrucking,andsavethosetrees!”

Thewoodsdissolved.IfoundmyselfstandinginthecentralgreenatCampHalf-Blood,face-to-facewithChiaraBenvenuti,whojumpedbackinalarm.“Apollo?”

Ismiled.“Hey,girl.”Myeyesrolledupinmyheadand,forthesecondtimethatweek,Icharminglypassedoutinfrontofher.

IapologizeForprettymucheverythingWow,I’magoodguy

“WAKE,”SAIDAVOICE.Iopenedmyeyesandsawaghost—hisfacejustasprecioustomeasDaphne’s.Iknewhiscopper

skin,hiskindsmile,thedarkcurlsofhishair,andthoseeyesaspurpleassenatorialrobes.“Hyacinthus,”Isobbed.“I’msosorry…”Heturnedhisfacetowardthesunlight,revealingtheuglydentabovehisleftearwherethediscus

hadstruckhim.Myownwoundedfacethrobbedinsympathy.“Seekthecaverns,”hesaid.“Nearthespringsofblue.Oh,Apollo…yoursanitywillbetaken

away,butdonot…”Hisimagefadedandbegantoretreat.Irosefrommysickbed.Irushedafterhimandgrabbedhis

shoulders.“Donotwhat?Pleasedon’tleavemeagain!”Myvisioncleared.IfoundmyselfbythewindowinCabinSeven,holdingaceramicpotofpurple

andredhyacinths.Nearby,lookingveryconcerned,WillandNicostoodasifreadytocatchme.“He’stalkingtotheflowers,”Niconoted.“Isthatnormal?”“Apollo,”Willsaid,“youhadaconcussion.Ihealedyou,but—”“Thesehyacinths,”Idemanded.“Havetheyalwaysbeenhere?”Willfrowned.“Honestly,Idon’tknowwheretheycamefrom,but…”Hetooktheflowerpotfrom

myhandsandsetitbackonthewindowsill.“Let’sworryaboutyou,okay?”Usuallythatwould’vebeenexcellentadvice,butnowIcouldonlystareatthehyacinthsand

wonderiftheyweresomesortofmessage.Howcrueltoseethem—theflowersthatIhadcreatedtohonormyfallenlove,withtheirplumesstainedredlikehisbloodorhuedvioletlikehiseyes.Theybloomedsocheerfullyinthewindow,remindingmeofthejoyIhadlost.

NicorestedhishandonWill’sshoulder.“Apollo,wewereworried.Willwasespecially.”Seeingthemtogether,supportingeachother,mademyheartfeelevenheavier.Duringmy

delirium,bothofmygreatloveshadvisitedme.Now,onceagain,Iwasdevastatinglyalone.Still,Ihadatasktocomplete.Afriendneededmyhelp.“Megisintrouble,”Isaid.“HowlongwasIunconscious?”WillandNicoglancedateachother.“It’saboutnoonnow,”Willsaid.“Youshoweduponthegreenaroundsixthismorning.When

Megdidn’treturnwithyou,wewantedtosearchthewoodsforher,butChironwouldn’tletus.”

“Chironwasabsolutelycorrect,”Isaid.“Iwon’tallowanyotherstoputthemselvesatrisk.ButImusthurry.Meghasuntiltonightatthelatest.”

“Thenwhathappens?”Nicoasked.Icouldn’tsayit.Icouldn’teventhinkaboutitwithoutlosingmynerve.Ilookeddown.Asidefrom

Paolo’sBrazilian-flagbandanaandmyukulele-stringnecklace,Iwaswearingonlymyboxershorts.Myoffensiveflabbinesswasondisplayforeveryonetosee,butInolongercaredaboutthat.(Well,notmuch,anyway.)“Ihavetogetdressed.”

Istaggeredbacktomycot.IfumbledthroughmymeagersuppliesandfoundPercyJackson’sLedZeppelinT-shirt.Ituggediton.Itseemedmoreappropriatethanever.

Willhoverednearby.“Look,Apollo,Idon’tthinkyou’rebacktoahundredpercent.”“I’llbefine.”Ipulledonmyjeans.“IhavetosaveMeg.”“Letushelpyou,”Nicosaid.“TelluswheresheisandIcanshadow-travel—”“No!”Isnapped.“No,youhavetostayhereandprotectthecamp.”Will’sexpressionremindedmeverymuchofhismother,Naomi—thatlookoftrepidationshegot

justbeforeshewentonstage.“Protectthecampfromwhat?”“I—I’mnotsure.YoumusttellChirontheemperorshavereturned.Orrather,theyneverwent

away.They’vebeenplotting,buildingtheirresourcesforcenturies.”Nico’seyesglintedwarily.“Whenyousayemperors—”“ImeantheRomanones.”Willsteppedback.“You’resayingtheemperorsofancientRomearealive?How?TheDoorsof

Death?”“No.”Icouldbarelyspeakthroughthetasteofbile.“Theemperorsmadethemselvesgods.They

hadtheirowntemplesandaltars.Theyencouragedthepeopletoworshipthem.”“Butthatwasjustpropaganda,”Nicosaid.“Theyweren’treallydivine.”Ilaughedmirthlessly.“Godsaresustainedbyworship,sonofHades.Theycontinuetoexist

becauseofthecollectivememoriesofaculture.It’struefortheOlympians;it’salsotruefortheemperors.Somehow,themostpowerfulofthemhavesurvived.Allthesecenturies,theyhaveclungtohalf-life,hiding,waitingtoreclaimtheirpower.”

Willshookhishead.“That’simpossible.How—?”“Idon’tknow!”Itriedtosteadymybreathing.“TellRachelthemenbehindTriumvirateHoldings

areformeremperorsofRome.They’vebeenplottingagainstusallthistime,andwegodshavebeenblind.Blind.”

Ipulledonmycoat.TheambrosiaNicohadgivenmeyesterdaywasstillintheleftpocket.Intherightpocket,Rhea’swindchimesclanked,thoughIhadnoideahowthey’dgottenthere.

“TheBeastisplanningsomesortofattackonthecamp,”Isaid.“Idon’tknowwhat,andIdon’tknowwhen,buttellChironyoumustbeprepared.Ihavetogo.”

“Wait!”WillsaidasIreachedthedoor.“WhoistheBeast?Whichemperorarewedealingwith?”“Theworstofmydescendants.”Myfingersdugintothedoorframe.“TheChristianscalledhim

theBeastbecauseheburnedthemalive.OurenemyisEmperorNero.”

Theymusthavebeentoostunnedtofollowme.Irantowardthearmory.Severalcampersgavemestrangelooks.Somecalledafterme,offering

help,butIignoredthem.IcouldonlythinkaboutMegaloneinthemyrmekes’lair,andthevisionsI’dhadofDaphne,Rhea,andHyacinthus—allofthemurgingmeonward,tellingmetodotheimpossibleinthisinadequatemortalform.

WhenIreachedthearmory,Iscannedtherackofbows.Myhandtrembling,Ipickedoutthe

weaponMeghadtriedtogivemethedaybefore.Itwascarvedfrommountainlaurelwood.Thebitterironyappealedtome.

IhadswornnottouseabowuntilIwasagodagain.ButIhadalsoswornnottoplaymusic,andIhadalreadybrokenthatpartoftheoathinthemostegregious,Neil-Diamondywaypossible.

ThecurseoftheRiverStyxcouldkillmeinitsslowcancerousway,orZeuscouldstrikemedown.ButmyoathtosaveMegMcCaffreyhadtocomefirst.

Iturnedmyfacetothesky.“Ifyouwanttopunishme,Father,bemyguest,buthavethecouragetohurtmedirectly,notmymortalcompanion.BEAMAN!”

Tomysurprise,theskiesremainedsilent.Lightningdidnotvaporizeme.PerhapsZeuswastootakenabacktoreact,butIknewhewouldneveroverlooksuchaninsult.

ToTartaruswithhim.Ihadworktodo.IgrabbedaquiverandstuffeditwithalltheextraarrowsIcouldfind.ThenIranforthewoods,

Meg’stworingsjanglingonmymakeshiftnecklace.Toolate,IrealizedIhadforgottenmycombatukulele,butIhadnotimetoturnback.Mysingingvoicewouldhavetobeenough.

I’mnotsurehowIfoundthenest.Perhapstheforestsimplyallowedmetoreachit,knowingthatIwasmarchingtomydeath.I’ve

foundthatwhenoneissearchingfordanger,it’sneverhardtofind.SoonIwascrouchedbehindafallentree,studyingthemyrmekes’lairintheclearingahead.To

calltheplaceananthillwouldbelikecallingVersaillesPalaceasingle-familyhome.Earthenrampartsrosealmosttothetopsofthesurroundingtrees—ahundredfeetatleast.ThecircumferencecouldhaveaccommodatedaRomanhippodrome.Asteadystreamofsoldiersanddronesswarmedinandoutofthemound.Somecarriedfallentrees.One,inexplicably,wasdragginga1967ChevyImpala.

HowmanyantswouldIbefacing?Ihadnoidea.Afteryoureachthenumberimpossible,there’snopointincounting.

Inockedanarrowandsteppedintotheclearing.Whenthenearestmyrmekespottedme,hedroppedhisChevy.Hewatchedmeapproach,his

antennaebobbing.Iignoredhimandstrolledpast,headingforthenearesttunnelentrance.Thatconfusedhimevenmore.

Severalotherantsgatheredtowatch.I’velearnedthatifyouactlikeyouaresupposedtobesomewhere,mostpeople(orants)willnot

confrontyou.Normally,actingconfidentisn’taproblemforme.Godsareallowedtobeanywhere.ItwasabittougherforLesterPapadopoulos,dorkteenextraordinaire,butImadeitallthewaytothenestwithoutbeingchallenged.

Iplungedinsideandbegantosing.ThistimeIneedednoukulele.Ineedednomuseformyinspiration.IrememberedDaphne’sface

inthetrees.IrememberedHyacinthusturningaway,hisdeathwoundglisteningonhisscalp.Myvoicefilledwithanguish.Isangofheartbreak.Ratherthancollapsingundermyowndespair,Iprojecteditoutward.

Thetunnelsamplifiedmyvoice,carryingitthroughthenest,makingtheentirehillmymusicalinstrument.

EachtimeIpassedanant,itcurleditslegsandtoucheditsforeheadtothefloor,itsantennaequiveringfromthevibrationsofmyvoice.

HadIbeenagod,thesongwouldhavebeenstronger,butthiswasenough.Iwasimpressedbyhowmuchsorrowahumanvoicecouldconvey.

Iwandereddeeperintothehill.IhadnoideawhereIwasgoinguntilIspottedageraniumbloomingfromthetunnelfloor.

Mysongfaltered.Meg.Shemusthaveregainedconsciousness.Shehaddroppedoneofheremergencyseedsto

leavemeatrail.Thegeranium’spurpleflowersallfacedasmallertunnelleadingofftotheleft.“Clevergirl,”Isaid,choosingthattunnel.Aclatteringsoundalertedmetotheapproachingmyrmeke.Iturnedandraisedmybow.Freedfromtheenchantmentofmyvoice,theinsectcharged,its

mouthfoamingwithacid.Idrewandfired.Thearrowembeddeditselfuptothefletchingintheant’sforehead.

Thecreaturedropped,itsbacklegstwitchingindeaththroes.Itriedtoretrievemyarrow,buttheshaftsnappedinmyhand,thebrokenendcoveredinsteamingcorrosivegoo.Somuchforreusingammunition.

Icalled,“MEG!”Theonlyanswerwastheclatteringofmoregiantantsmovinginmydirection.Ibegantosing

again.Now,though,IhadhigherhopesoffindingMeg,whichmadeitdifficulttosummontheproperamountofmelancholy.TheantsIencounteredwerenolongercatatonic.Theymovedslowlyandunsteadily,buttheystillattacked.Iwasforcedtoshootoneafteranother.

Ipassedacavefilledwithglitteringtreasure,butIwasnotinterestedinshinythingsatthemoment.Ikeptmoving.

Atthenextintersection,anothergeraniumsproutedfromthefloor,allitsflowersfacingright.Iturnedthatdirection,callingMeg’snameagain,thenreturningtomysong.

Asmyspiritslifted,mysongbecamelesseffectiveandtheantsmoreaggressive.Afteradozenkills,myquiverwasgrowingdangerouslylight.

Ihadtoreachdeeperintomyfeelingsofdespair.Ihadtogettheblues,goodandproper.Forthefirsttimeinfourthousandyears,Isangofmyownfaults.IpouredoutmyguiltaboutDaphne’sdeath.Myboastfulness,envy,anddesirehadcausedher

destruction.Whensheranfromme,Ishouldhavelethergo.Instead,Ichasedherrelentlessly.Iwantedher,andIintendedtohaveher.Becauseofthat,IhadleftDaphnenochoice.Toescapeme,shesacrificedherlifeandturnedintoatree,leavingmyheartscarredforever….Butitwasmyfault.Iapologizedinsong.IbeggedDaphne’sforgiveness.

IsangofHyacinthus,themosthandsomeofmen.TheWestWindZephyroshadalsolovedhim,butIrefusedtoshareevenamomentofHyacinthus’stime.Inmyjealousy,IthreatenedZephyros.Idaredhim,daredhimtointerfere.

IsangofthedayHyacinthusandIplayeddiscusinthefields,andhowtheWestWindblewmydiscoffcourse—rightintothesideofHyacinthus’shead.

TokeepHyacinthusinthesunlightwherehebelonged,Icreatedhyacinthflowersfromhisblood.IheldZephyrosaccountable,butmyownpettygreedhadcausedHyacinthus’sdeath.Ipouredoutmysorrow.Itookalltheblame.

Isangofmyfailures,myeternalheartbreakandloneliness.Iwastheworstofthegods,themostguilt-riddenandunfocused.Icouldn’tcommitmyselftoonelover.Icouldn’tevenchoosewhattobethegodof.Ikeptshiftingfromoneskilltoanother—distractedanddissatisfied.

Mygoldenlifewasasham.Mycoolnesswaspretense.Myheartwasalumpofpetrifiedwood.Allaroundme,myrmekescollapsed.Thenestitselftrembledwithgrief.Ifoundathirdgeranium,thenafourth.Finally,pausingbetweenverses,Iheardasmallvoiceupahead:thesoundofagirlcrying.“Meg!”Igaveuponmysongandran.Shelayinthemiddleofacavernousfoodlarder,justasIhadimagined.Aroundherwerestacked

thecarcassesofanimals—cows,deer,horses—allsheathedinhardenedgoopandslowlydecaying.

Thesmellhitmynasalpassageslikeanavalanche.Megwasalsoenveloped,butshewasfightingbackwiththepowerofgeraniums.Patchesof

leavessproutedfromthethinnestpartsofhercocoon.Afrillycollarofflowerskeptthegooawayfromherface.Shehadevenmanagedtofreeoneofherarms,thankstoanexplosionofpinkgeraniumsatherleftarmpit.

Hereyeswerepuffyfromcrying.Iassumedshewasfrightened,possiblyinpain,butwhenIkneltnexttoher,herfirstwordswere,“I’msosorry.”

Ibrushedatearfromthetipofhernose.“Why,dearMeg?Youdidnothingwrong.Ifailedyou.”Asobcaughtinherthroat.“Youdon’tunderstand.Thatsongyouweresinging.Oh,gods…

Apollo,ifI’dknown—”“Hush,now.”MythroatwassorawIcouldbarelytalk.Thesonghadalmostdestroyedmyvoice.

“You’rejustreactingtothegriefinthemusic.Let’sgetyoufree.”IwasconsideringhowtodothatwhenMeg’seyeswidened.Shemadeawhimperingsound.Thehairsonthenapeofmyneckcametoattention.“Thereareantsbehindme,aren’tthere?”I

asked.Megnodded.Iturnedasfourofthementeredthecavern.Ireachedformyquiver.Ihadonearrowleft.

Parentingadvice:Mamas,don’tletyourlarvaeGrowuptobeants

MEGTHRASHEDINHERGOOCASE.“Getmeoutofhere!”“Idon’thaveablade!”Myfingerscrepttotheukulelestringaroundmyneck.“ActuallyIhave

yourblades,Imeanyourrings—”“Youdon’tneedtocutmeout.Whentheantdumpedmehere,Idroppedthepacketofseeds.It

shouldbeclose.”Shewasright.Ispottedthecrumpledpouchnearherfeet.Iinchedtowardit,keepingoneeyeontheants.Theystoodtogetherattheentranceasifhesitantto

comecloser.Perhapsthetrailofdeadantsleadingtothisroomhadgiventhempause.“Niceants,”Isaid.“Excellentcalmants.”Icrouchedandscoopedupthepacket.Aquickglanceinsidetoldmehalfadozenseedsremained.

“Nowwhat,Meg?”“Throwthemonthegoo,”Megsaid.Igesturedtothegeraniumsburstingfromherneckandarmpit.“Howmanyseedsdidthat?”“One.”“Thenthismanywillchokeyoutodeath.I’veturnedtoomanypeopleIcaredaboutintoflowers,

Meg.Iwon’t—”“JUSTDOIT!”Theantsdidnotlikehertone.Theyadvanced,snappingtheirmandibles.Ishookthegeranium

seedsoverMeg’scocoon,thennockedmyarrow.Killingoneantwoulddonogoodiftheotherthreetoreusapart,soIchoseadifferenttarget.Ishottheroofofthecavern,justabovetheants’heads.

Itwasadesperateidea,butI’dhadsuccessbringingdownbuildingswitharrowsbefore.In464BCE,IcausedanearthquakethatwipedoutmostofSpartabyhittingafaultlineattherightangle.(IneverlikedtheSpartansmuch.)

Thistime,Ihadlessluck.Thearrowembeddeditselfinthepackedearthwithadullthunk.Theantstookanotherstepforward,aciddrippingfromtheirmouths.Behindme,Megstruggledtofreeherselffromhercocoon,whichwasnowcoveredinashagcarpetofpurpleflowers.

Sheneededmoretime.Outofideas,ItuggedmyBrazilian-flaghandkerchieffrommyneckandwaveditlikeamaniac,

tryingtochannelmyinnerPaolo.

“BACK,FOULANTS!”Iyelled.“BRASIL!”Theantswavered—perhapsbecauseofthebrightcolors,ormyvoice,ormysuddeninsane

confidence.Whiletheyhesitated,cracksspreadacrosstherooffrommyarrow’simpactsite,andthenthousandsoftonsofearthcollapsedontopofthemyrmekes.

Whenthedustcleared,halftheroomwasgone,alongwiththeants.Ilookedatmyhandkerchief.“I’llbeStyxed.Itdoeshavemagicpower.IcannevertellPaolo

aboutthisorhe’llbeinsufferable.”“Overhere!”Megyelled.Iturned.Anothermyrmekewascrawlingoverapileofcarcasses—apparentlyfromasecondexit

Ihadfailedtonoticebehindthedisgustingfoodstores.BeforeIcouldthinkwhattodo,Megroaredandburstfromhercage,sprayinggeraniumsin

everydirection.Sheshouted,“Myrings!”Iyankedthemfrommyneckandtossedthemthroughtheair.AssoonasMegcaughtthem,two

goldenscimitarsflashedintoherhands.ThemyrmekebarelyhadtimetothinkUh-ohbeforeMegcharged.Sheslicedoffhisarmored

head.Hisbodycollapsedinasteamingheap.Megturnedtome.Herfacewasatempestofguilt,misery,andbitterness.Iwasafraidshemight

useherswordsonme.“Apollo,I…”Hervoicebroke.Isupposedshewasstillsufferingfromtheeffectsofmysong.Shewasshakentohercore.Imade

amentalnoteneveragaintosingsohonestlywhenamortalmightbelistening.“It’sallright,Meg,”Isaid.“Ishouldbeapologizingtoyou.Igotyouintothismess.”Megshookherhead.“Youdon’tunderstand.I—”Anenragedshriekechoedthroughthechamber,shakingthecompromisedceilingandraining

clodsofdirtonourheads.ThetoneofthescreamremindedmeofHerawhenevershestormedthroughthehallwaysofOlympus,yellingatmeforleavingthegodlytoiletseatup.

“That’sthequeenant,”Iguessed.“Weneedtoleave.”Megpointedherswordtowardtheroom’sonlyremainingexit.“Butthesoundcamefromthere.

We’llbewalkinginherdirection.”“Exactly.Soperhapsweshouldholdoffonmakingamendswitheachother,eh?Wemightstillget

eachotherkilled.”

Wefoundthequeenant.Hooray.Allcorridorsmusthaveledtothequeen.Theyradiatedfromherchamberlikespikesona

morningstar.HerMajestywasthreetimesthesizeofherlargestsoldiers—atoweringmassofblackchitinandbarbedappendages,withdiaphanousovalwingsfoldedagainstherback.Hereyeswereglassyswimmingpoolsofonyx.Herabdomenwasapulsingtranslucentsacfilledwithglowingeggs.Thesightofitmademeregreteverinventinggelcapsulemedications.

Herswollenabdomenmightslowherdowninafight,butshewassolarge,shecouldinterceptusbeforewereachedthenearestexit.Thosemandibleswouldsnapusinhalflikedriedtwigs.

“Meg,”Isaid,“howdoyoufeelaboutdual-wieldingscimitarsagainstthislady?”Meglookedappalled.“She’samothergivingbirth.”“Yes…andshe’saninsect,whichyouhate.Andherchildrenwereripeningyouupfordinner.”Megfrowned.“Still…Idon’tfeelrightaboutit.”Thequeenhissed—adrysprayingnoise.Iimaginedshewouldhavealreadyhosedusdownwith

acidifsheweren’tworriedaboutthelong-termeffectsofcorrosivesonherlarvae.Queenantscan’tbetoocarefulthesedays.

“Youhaveanotheridea?”IaskedMeg.“Preferablyonethatdoesnotinvolvedying?”Shepointedtoatunneldirectlybehindthequeen’sclutchofeggs.“Weneedtogothatway.Itleads

tothegrove.”“Howcanyoubesure?”Megtiltedherhead.“Trees.It’slike…Icanhearthemgrowing.”ThatremindedmeofsomethingtheMusesoncetoldme—howtheycouldactuallyheartheink

dryingonnewpagesofpoetry.IsupposeitmadesensethatadaughterofDemetercouldhearthegrowthofplants.Also,itdidn’tsurprisemethatthetunnelweneededwasthemostdangerousonetoreach.

“Sing,”Megtoldme.“Singlikeyoudidbefore.”“I—Ican’t.Myvoiceisalmostgone.”Besides,Ithought,Idon’twanttorisklosingyouagain.IhadfreedMeg,soperhapsI’dfulfilledmyoathtoPetethegeysergod.Still,bysingingand

practicingarchery,IhadbrokenmyoathupontheRiverStyxnotoncebuttwice.Moresingingwouldonlymakememoreofascofflaw.Whatevercosmicpunishmentsawaitedme,IdidnotwantthemtofallonMeg.

HerMajestysnappedatus—awarningshot,tellingustobackoff.Afewfeetcloserandmyheadwouldhaverolledinthedirt.

Iburstintosong—orrather,IdidthebestIcouldwiththeraspyvoicethatremained.Ibegantorap.Istartedwiththerhythmboomchickachicka.IbustedoutsomefootworktheNineMusesandIhadbeenworkingonjustbeforethewarwithGaea.

Thequeenarchedherback.Idon’tthinkshehadexpectedtoberappedtotoday.IgaveMegalookthatclearlymeantHelpmeout!Sheshookherhead.Givethegirltwoswordsandshewasamaniac.Askhertolaydownasimple

beatandshesuddenlygotstagefright.Fine,Ithought.I’lldoitbymyself.Ilaunchedinto“Dance”byNas,whichIhavetosaywasoneofthemostmovingodestomothers

thatIeverinspiredanartisttowrite.(You’rewelcome,Nas.)Itooksomelibertieswiththelyrics.Imayhavechangedangeltobroodmotherandwomantoinsect.Butthesentimentremained.Iserenadedthepregnantqueen,channelingmyloveformyowndearmother,Leto.WhenIsangthatIcouldonlywishtomarryawoman(orinsect)sofinesomeday,myheartbreakwasreal.Iwouldneverhavesuchapartner.Itwasnotinmydestiny.

Thequeen’santennaequivered.Herheadseesawedbackandforth.Eggskeptextrudingfromherabdomen,whichmadeitdifficultformetoconcentrate,butIpersevered.

WhenIwasdone,Idroppedtoonekneeandheldupmyarmsintribute,waitingforthequeen’sverdict.Eithershewouldkillmeorshewouldnot.Iwasspent.Ihadpouredeverythingintothatsongandcouldnotrapanotherline.

Nexttome,Megstoodverystill,grippingherswords.HerMajestyshuddered.Shethrewbackherheadandwailed—asoundmorebrokenheartedthan

angry.Sheleaneddownandgentlynudgedmychest,pushingmeinthedirectionofthetunnelweneeded.“Thankyou,”Icroaked.“I—I’msorryabouttheantsIkilled.”Thequeenpurredandclicked,extrudingafewmoreeggsasiftosay,Don’tworry;Icanalways

makemore.Istrokedthequeenant’sforehead.“MayIcallyouMama?”

Hermouthfrothedinapleasedsortofway.“Apollo,”Megurged,“let’sgobeforeshechangeshermind.”IwasnotsureMamawouldchangehermind.Igotthefeelingshehadacceptedmyfealtyand

adoptedusintoherbrood.ButMegwasright;weneededtohurry.Mamawatchedasweedgedaroundherclutchofeggs.

Weplungedintothetunnelandsawtheglowofdaylightaboveus.

NightmaresoftorchesAndamaninpurpleclothesButthat’snottheworst

IHADNEVERBEENSOHAPPYtoseeakillingfield.Weemergedintoagladelitteredwithbones.Mostwerefromforestanimals.Afewappeared

human.Iguessedwehadfoundthemyrmekes’dumpingsite,andtheyapparentlydidn’tgetregulargarbagepickup.

Theclearingwashemmedwithtreessothickandtangledthattravelingthroughthemwould’vebeenimpossible.Overourheads,thebrancheswovetogetherinaleafydomethatletinsunlightbutnotmuchelse.Anyoneflyingabovetheforestwouldneverhaverealizedthisopenspaceexistedunderthecanopy.

Atthefarendofthegladestoodarowofobjectslikefootballtackledummies—sixwhitecocoonsstakedontallwoodenpoles,flankingapairofenormousoaks.Eachtreewasatleasteightyfeettall.Theyhadgrownsoclosetogetherthattheirmassivetrunksappearedtohavefused.IhadthedistinctimpressionIwaslookingatasetoflivingdoors.

“It’sagateway,”Isaid.“TotheGroveofDodona.”Meg’sbladesretracted,onceagainbecominggoldringsonhermiddlefingers.“Aren’tweinthe

grove?”“No…”IstaredacrosstheclearingatthewhitecocoonPopsicles.Theyweretoofarawayto

makeoutclearly,butsomethingaboutthemseemedfamiliarinanevil,unwelcomesortofway.Iwantedtogetcloser.Ialsowantedtokeepmydistance.

“Ithinkthisismoreofanantechamber,”Isaid.“Thegroveitselfisbehindthosetrees.”Meggazedwarilyacrossthefield.“Idon’thearanyvoices.”Itwastrue.Theforestwasabsolutelyquiet.Thetreesseemedtobeholdingtheirbreath.“Thegroveknowswearehere,”Iguessed.“It’swaitingtoseewhatwe’lldo.”“We’dbetterdosomething,then.”Megdidn’tsoundanymoreexcitedthanIwas,butshemarched

forward,bonescrunchingunderherfeet.IwishedIhadmorethanabow,anemptyquiver,andahoarsevoicetodefendmyselfwith,butI

followed,tryingnottotripoverribcagesanddeerantlers.Abouthalfwayacrosstheglade,Megletoutasharpexhale.

Shewasstaringatthepostsoneithersideofthetreegates.AtfirstIcouldn’tprocesswhatIwasseeing.Eachstakewasabouttheheightofacrucifix—the

kindRomansusedtosetupalongtheroadsidetoadvertisethefatesofcriminals.(Personally,Ifindmodernbillboardsmuchmoretasteful.)Theupperhalfofeachpostwaswrappedinthicklumpywadsofwhitecloth,andstickingfromthetopofeachcocoonwassomethingthatlookedlikeahumanhead.

Mystomachsomersaulted.Theywerehumanheads.Arrayedinfrontofuswerethemissingdemigods,alltightlybound.Iwatched,petrified,untilIdiscernedtheslightestexpansionsandcontractionsinthewrappingsaroundtheirchests.Theywerestillbreathing.Unconscious,notdead.Thankthegods.

OntheleftwerethreeteenagersIdidn’tknow,thoughIassumedtheymustbeCecil,Ellis,andMiranda.Ontherightsidewasanemaciatedmanwithgrayskinandwhitehair—nodoubtthegeysergodPaulie.Nexttohimhungmychildren…AustinandKayla.

Ishooksoviolently,thebonesaroundmyfeetclattered.Irecognizedthesmellcomingfromtheprisoners’wrappings—sulfur,oil,powderedlime,andliquidGreekfire,themostdangeroussubstanceevercreated.Rageanddisgustfoughtinmythroat,vyingfortherighttomakemethrowup.

“Oh,monstrous,”Isaid.“Weneedtofreethemimmediately.”“Wh-what’swrongwiththem?”Megstammered.Idarednotputitintowords.Ihadseenthisformofexecutiononcebefore,atthehandsofthe

Beast,andIneverwishedtoseeitagain.IrantoAustin’sstake.WithallmystrengthItriedtopushitover,butitwouldn’tbudge.Thebase

wassunktoodeepintheearth.Itoreattheclothbindingsbutonlymanagedtocoatmyhandsinsulfurousresin.Thewaddingwasstickierandharderthanmyrmekes’goo.

“Meg,yourswords!”Iwasn’tsuretheywoulddoanygoodeither,butIcouldthinkofnothingelsetotry.

Thenfromaboveuscameafamiliarsnarl.Thebranchesrustled.Peachesthekarposdroppedfromthecanopy,landingwithasomersaultat

Meg’sfeet.Helookedlikehe’dbeenthroughquiteanordealtogethere.Hisarmswereslicedupanddrippingpeachnectar.Hislegsweredottedwithbruises.Hisdiapersaggeddangerously.

“Thankthegods!”Isaid.ThatwasnotmyusualreactionwhenIsawthegrainspirit,buthisteethandclawsmightbejustthethingstofreethedemigods.“Meg,hurry!Orderyourfriendto—”

“Apollo.”Hervoicewasheavy.Shepointedtothetunnelfromwhichwe’dcome.Emergingfromtheants’nestweretwoofthelargesthumansIhadeverseen.Eachwassevenfeet

tallandperhapsthreehundredpoundsofpuremusclestuffedintohorsehidearmor.Theirblondhairglintedlikesilverfloss.Jeweledringsglitteredintheirbeards.Eachmancarriedanovalshieldandaspear,thoughIdoubtedtheyneededweaponstokill.Theylookedliketheycouldcrackopencannonballswiththeirbarehands.

Irecognizedthemfromtheirtattoosandthecirculardesignsontheirshields.Suchwarriorsweren’teasytoforget.

“Germani.”Instinctively,ImovedinfrontofMeg.Theeliteimperialbodyguardshadbeencold-bloodeddeathreapersinancientRome.Idoubtedthey’dgottenanysweeteroverthecenturies.

Thetwomenglaredatme.Theyhadserpenttattooscurlingaroundtheirnecks,justliketheruffianswhohadjumpedmeinNewYork.TheGermaniparted,andtheirmasterclimbedfromthetunnel.

Nerohadn’tchangedmuchinonethousandninehundredandsome-oddyears.Heappearedtobenomorethanthirty,butitwasahardthirty,hisfacehaggardandhisbellydistendedfromtoomuchpartying.Hismouthwasfixedinapermanentsneer.Hiscurlyhairextendedintoawraparoundneckbeard.Hischinwassoweak,IwastemptedtocreateaGoFundMecampaigntobuyhimabetterjaw.

HetriedtocompensateforhisuglinesswithanexpensiveItaliansuitofpurplewool,hisgrayshirtopentodisplaygoldchains.Hisshoeswerehand-tooledleather,notthesortofthingtowearwhilestompingaroundinanantpile.Thenagain,Nerohadalwayshadexpensive,impracticaltastes.ThatwasperhapstheonlythingIadmiredabouthim.

“EmperorNero,”Isaid.“TheBeast.”Hecurledhislip.“Nerowilldo.It’sgoodtoseeyou,myhonoredancestor.I’msorryI’vebeenso

laxaboutmyofferingsduringthepastfewmillennia,but”—heshrugged—“Ihaven’tneededyou.I’vedoneratherwellonmyown.”

Myfistsclenched.Iwantedtostrikedownthispot-belliedemperorwithaboltofwhite-hotpower,exceptthatIhadnoboltsofwhite-hotpower.Ihadnoarrows.Ihadnosingingvoiceleft.AgainstNeroandhisseven-foot-tallbodyguards,IhadaBrazilianhandkerchief,apacketofambrosia,andsomebrasswindchimes.

“It’smeyouwant,”Isaid.“Cutthesedemigodsdownfromtheirstakes.LetthemleavewithMeg.They’vedonenothingtoyou.”

Nerochuckled.“I’llbehappytoletthemgooncewe’vecometoanagreement.AsforMeg…”Hesmiledather.“Howareyou,mydear?”

Megsaidnothing.Herfacewasashardandgrayasageysergod’s.Atherfeet,Peachessnarledandrustledhisleafywings.

OneofNero’sguardssaidsomethinginhisear.TheEmperornodded.“Soon.”Heturnedhisattentionbacktome.“Butwherearemymanners?Allowmetointroducemyright

hand,Vincius,andmylefthand,Garius.”Thebodyguardspointedacrosstoeachother.“Ah,sorry,”Nerocorrected.“Myrighthand,Garius,andmylefthand,Vincius.Thosearethe

RomanizedversionsoftheirBatavinames,whichIcan’tpronounce.UsuallyIjustcallthemVinceandGary.Sayhello,boys.”

VinceandGarygloweredatme.“Theyhaveserpenttattoos,”Inoted,“likethosestreetthugsyousenttoattackme.”Neroshrugged.“Ihavemanyservants.CadeandMikeyarequitelowonthepayscale.Theironly

jobwastorattleyouabit,welcomeyoutomycity.”“Yourcity.”IfounditjustlikeNerotogoclaimingmajormetropolitanareasthatclearly

belongedtome.“Andthesetwogentlemen…theyareactuallyGermanifromtheancienttimes?How?”

Neromadeasnidelittlebarkingsoundinthebackofhisnose.I’dforgottenhowmuchIhatedhislaugh.

“LordApollo,please,”hesaid.“EvenbeforeGaeacommandeeredtheDoorsofDeath,soulsescapedfromErebosallthetime.Itwasquiteeasyforagod-emperorsuchasmyselftocallbackmyfollowers.”

“Agod-emperor?”Igrowled.“Youmeanadelusionalex-emperor.”Neroarchedhiseyebrows.“Whatmadeyouagod,Apollo…backwhenyouwereone?Wasn’tit

thepowerofyourname,yourswayoverthosewhobelievedinyou?Iamnodifferent.”Heglancedtohisleft.“Vince,fallonyourspear,please.”

Withouthesitation,Vinceplantedthebuttofhisspearagainsttheground.Hebracedthepointunderhisribcage.

“Stop,”Nerosaid.“Ichangedmymind.”Vincebetrayednorelief.Infact,hiseyestightenedwithfaintdisappointment.Hebroughthisspear

backtohisside.

Nerogrinnedatme.“Yousee?Iholdthepoweroflifeanddeathovermyworshippers,likeanypropergodshould.”

IfeltlikeI’dswallowedsomegelcapsulelarvae.“TheGermaniwerealwayscrazy,muchlikeyou.”

Neroputhishandtohischest.“I’mhurt!MybarbarianfriendsareloyalsubjectsoftheJuliandynasty!And,ofcourse,wearealldescendedfromyou,LordApollo.”

Ididn’tneedthereminder.I’dbeensoproudofmyson,theoriginalOctavian,laterCaesarAugustus.Afterhisdeath,hisdescendantsbecameincreasinglyarrogantandunstable(whichIblamedontheirmortalDNA;theycertainlydidn’tgetthosequalitiesfromme).NerohadbeenthelastoftheJulianline.Ihadnotweptwhenhedied.Nowherehewas,asgrotesqueandchinlessasever.

Megstoodatmyshoulder.“Wh-whatdoyouwant,Nero?”Consideringshewasfacingthemanwhokilledherfather,shesoundedremarkablycalm.Iwas

gratefulforherstrength.Itgavemehopetohaveaskilleddimachaerusandaravenouspeachbabyatmyside.Still,IdidnotlikeouroddsagainsttwoGermani.

Nero’seyesgleamed.“Straighttothepoint.I’vealwaysadmiredthataboutyou,Meg.Really,it’ssimple.YouandApollowillopenthegatesofDodonaforme.Thenthesesix”—hegesturedtothestakedprisoners—“willbereleased.”

Ishookmyhead.“You’lldestroythegrove.Thenyou’llkillus.”Theemperormadethathorriblebarkagain.“Notunlessyouforcemeto.I’mareasonablegod-

emperor,Apollo!I’dmuchratherhavetheGroveofDodonaundermycontrolifitcanbemanaged,butIcertainlycan’tallowyoutouseit.YouhadyourchanceatbeingtheguardianoftheOracles.Youfailedmiserably.Nowit’smyresponsibility.Mine…andmypartners’.”

“Thetwootheremperors,”Isaid.“Whoarethey?”Neroshrugged.“GoodRomans—menwho,likeme,havethewillpowertodowhatisneeded.”“Triumvirateshaveneverworked.Theyalwaysleadtocivilwar.”Hesmiledasifthatideadidnotbotherhim.“Thethreeofushavecometoanagreement.Wehave

dividedupthenewempire…bywhichImeanNorthAmerica.OncewehavetheOracles,we’llexpandanddowhatRomanshavealwaysdonebest—conquertheworld.”

Icouldonlystareathim.“Youtrulylearnednothingfromyourpreviousreign.”“Oh,butIdid!I’vehadcenturiestoreflect,plan,andprepare.Doyouhaveanyideahowannoying

itistobeagod-emperor,unabletodiebutunabletofullylive?TherewasaperiodofaboutthreehundredyearsduringtheMiddleAgeswhenmynamewasalmostforgotten.Iwaslittlemorethanamirage!ThankgoodnessfortheRenaissance,whenourClassicalgreatnesswasremembered.AndthencametheInternet.Oh,gods,IlovetheInternet!Itisimpossibleformetofadecompletelynow.IamimmortalonWikipedia!”

Iwinced.IwasnowfullyconvincedofNero’sinsanity.Wikipediawasalwaysgettingstuffwrongaboutme.

Herolledhishand.“Yes,yes.YouthinkIamcrazy.Icouldexplainmyplansandproveotherwise,butIhavealotonmyplatetoday.IneedyouandMegtoopenthosegates.They’veresistedmybestefforts,buttogetheryoutwocandoit.Apollo,youhaveanaffinitywithOracles.Meghasawaywithtrees.Gettoit.Pleaseandthankyou.”

“Wewouldratherdie,”Isaid.“Wouldn’twe,Meg?”Noresponse.Iglancedover.AsilverystreakglistenedonMeg’scheek.AtfirstIthoughtoneofherrhinestones

hadmelted.ThenIrealizedshewascrying.“Meg?”Neroclaspedhishandsasifinprayer.“Oh,my.Itseemswe’vehadaslightmiscommunication.

Yousee,Apollo,Megbroughtyouhere,justasIaskedherto.Welldone,mysweet.”Megwipedherface.“I—Ididn’tmean…”Myheartcompressedtothesizeofapebble.“Meg,no.Ican’tbelieve—”Ireachedforher.Peachessnarledandinsertedhimselfbetweenus.Irealizedthekarposwasnot

heretoprotectusfromNero.HewasdefendingMegfromme.“Meg?”Isaid.“Thismankilledyourfather!He’samurderer!”Shestaredattheground.Whenshespoke,hervoicewasevenmoretorturedthanminewaswhenI

sangintheanthill.“TheBeastkilledmyfather.ThisisNero.He’s—he’smystepfather.”IcouldnotfullygraspthisbeforeNerospreadhisarms.“That’sright,mydarling,”hesaid.“Andyou’vedoneawonderfuljob.CometoPapa.”

IschoolMcCaffreyYo,girl,yourstepdadiswackWhywon’tshelisten?

IHADBEENBETRAYEDBEFORE.Thememoriescamefloodingbacktomeinapainfultide.Once,myformergirlfriendCyrene

tookupwithAresjusttogetbackatme.Anothertime,ArtemisshotmeinthegroinbecauseIwasflirtingwithherHunters.In1928,AlexanderFlemingfailedtogivemecreditforinspiringhisdiscoveryofpenicillin.Imean,ouch.Thatstung.

ButIcouldn’tremembereverbeingsowrongaboutsomeoneasIhadbeenaboutMeg.Well…atleastnotsinceIrvingBerlin.“Alexander’sRagtimeBand”?Iremembertellinghim.You’llnevermakeitbigwithacornysonglikethat!

“Meg,wearefriends.”Myvoicesoundedpetulanteventomyself.“Howcouldyoudothistome?”

Meglookeddownatherredsneakers—theprimary-coloredshoesofatraitor.“Itriedtotellyou,towarnyou.”

“Shehasagoodheart.”Nerosmiled.“But,Apollo,youandMeghavebeenfriendsforjustafewdays—andonlybecauseIaskedMegtobefriendyou.IhavebeenMeg’sstepfather,protector,andcaretakerforyears.SheisamemberoftheImperialHousehold.”

IstaredatmybelovedDumpsterwaif.Yes,somehowoverthepastweekshehadbecomebelovedtome.IcouldnotimagineherasImperialanything—definitelynotasapartofNero’sentourage.

“Iriskedmylifeforyou,”Isaidinamazement.“Andthatactuallymeanssomething,becauseIcandie!”

Neroclappedpolitely.“We’reallimpressed,Apollo.Now,ifyou’dopenthegates.They’vedefiedmefortoolong.”

ItriedtoglareatMeg,butmyheartwasn’tinit.Ifelttoohurtandvulnerable.Wegodsdonotlikefeelingvulnerable.Besides,Megwasn’tevenlookingatme.

Inadaze,Iturnedtotheoaktreegates.IsawnowthattheirfusedtrunksweremarredfromNero’spreviousefforts—chain-sawscars,burnmarks,bitesfromaxblades,evensomebulletholes.Allthesehadbarelychippedtheouterbark.Themostdamagedareawasaninch-deepimpressionintheshapeofahumanhand,wherethewoodhadbubbledandpeeledaway.IglancedattheunconsciousfaceofPauliethegeysergod,strungupandboundwiththefivedemigods.

“Nero,whathaveyoudone?”

“Oh,anumberofthings!Wefoundawayintothisantechamberweeksago.TheLabyrinthhasaconvenientopeninginthemyrmekes’nest.Butgettingthroughthesegates—”

“Youforcedthepalikostohelpyou?”Ihadtorestrainmyselffromthrowingmywindchimesattheemperor.“Youusedanaturespirittodestroynature?Meg,howcanyoutoleratethis?”

Peachesgrowled.ForonceIhadthefeelingthatthegrainspiritmightbeinagreementwithme.Meg’sexpressionwasasclosedupasthegates.Shestaredintentlyattheboneslitteringthefield.

“Comenow,”Nerosaid.“Megknowstherearegoodnaturespirits,andbadones.Thisgeysergodwasannoying.Hekeptaskingustofilloutsurveys.Besides,heshouldn’thaveventuredsofarfromhissourceofpower.Hewasquiteeasytocapture.Hissteam,asyoucansee,didn’tdousmuchgoodanyway.”

“Andthefivedemigods?”Idemanded.“Didyou‘use’them,too?”“Ofcourse.Ididn’tplanonluringthemhere,buteverytimeweattackedthegates,thegrove

startedwailing.Isupposeitwascallingforhelp,andthedemigodscouldn’tresist.Thefirsttowanderinwasthisone.”HepointedtoCecilMarkowitz.“Thelasttwowereyourownchildren—AustinandKayla,yes?TheyshowedupafterweforcedPaulietosteam-broilthetrees.Iguessthegrovewasquitenervousaboutthatattempt.Wegottwodemigodsforthepriceofone!”

Ilostcontrol.Iletoutagutturalhowlandchargedtheemperor,intendingtowringhishairyexcuseforaneck.TheGermaniwouldhavekilledmebeforeIevergotthatfar,butIwassavedtheindignity.Itrippedoverahumanpelvisandbelly-surfedthroughthebones.

“Apollo!”Megrantowardme.Irolledoverandkickedatherlikeafussychild.“Idon’tneedyourhelp!Don’tyouunderstand

whoyourprotectoris?He’samonster!He’stheemperorwho—”“Don’tsayit,”Nerowarned.“Ifyousay‘whofiddledwhileRomeburned,’IwillhaveVinceand

Garyflayyouforasetofhidearmor.YouknowaswellasIdo,Apollo,wedidn’thavefiddlesbackthen.AndIdidnotstarttheGreatFireofRome.”

Istruggledtomyfeet.“Butyouprofitedfromit.”FacingNero,Irememberedallthetawdrydetailsofhisrule—theextravaganceandcrueltythat

hadmadehimsoembarrassingtome,hisforefather.NerowasthatrelativeyouneverwantedtoinvitetoLupercaliadinner.

“Meg,”Isaid,“yourstepfatherwatchedasseventypercentofRomewasdestroyed.Tensofthousandsdied.”

“IwasthirtymilesawayinAntium!”Nerosnarled.“Irushedbacktothecityandpersonallyledthefirebrigades!”

“Onlywhenthefirethreatenedyourpalace.”Nerorolledhiseyes.“Ican’thelpitifIarrivedjustintimetosavethemostimportantbuilding!”Megcuppedherhandsoverherears.“Stoparguing.Please.”Ididn’tstop.Talkingseemedbetterthanmyotheroptions,likehelpingNeroordying.“AftertheGreatFire,”Itoldher,“insteadofrebuildingthehousesonPalatineHill,Neroleveled

theneighborhoodandbuiltanewpalace—theDomusAurea.”Nerogotadreamylookonhisface.“Ah,yes…theHouseofGold.Itwasbeautiful,Meg!Ihadmy

ownlake,threehundredrooms,frescoesofgold,mosaicsdoneinpearlsanddiamonds—Icouldfinallylivelikeahumanbeing!”

“Youhadthenervetoputahundred-foot-tallbronzestatueinyourfrontlawn!”Isaid.“AstatueofyourselfasSol-Apollo,thesungod.Inotherwords,youclaimedtobeme.”

“Indeed,”Neroagreed.“EvenafterIdied,thatstatuelivedon.IunderstanditbecamefamousastheColossusofNero!Theymovedittothegladiators’amphitheaterandeveryonebegancallingthetheaterafterthestatue—theColosseum.”Neropuffeduphischest.“Yes…thestatuewastheperfect

choice.”Histonesoundedevenmoresinisterthanusual.“Whatareyoutalkingabout?”Idemanded.“Hmm?Oh,nothing.”Hecheckedhiswatch…amauve-and-goldRolex.“Thepointis,Ihadstyle!

Thepeoplelovedme!”Ishookmyhead.“Theyturnedagainstyou.ThepeopleofRomeweresureyou’dstartedtheGreat

Fire,soyouscapegoatedtheChristians.”Iwasawarethatthisarguingwaspointless.IfMeghadhiddenhertrueidentityallthistime,I

doubtedIcouldchangehermindnow.ButperhapsIcouldstalllongenoughforthecavalrytoarrive.IfonlyIhadacavalry.

Nerowaveddismissively.“ButtheChristianswereterrorists,yousee.Perhapstheydidn’tstartthefire,buttheywerecausingallsortsofothertrouble.Irecognizedthatbeforeanyoneelse!”

“Hefedthemtothelions,”ItoldMeg.“Heburnedthemashumantorches,thewayhewillburnthesesix.”

Meg’sfaceturnedgreen.Shegazedattheunconsciousprisonersonthestakes.“Nero,youwouldn’t—”

“Theywillbereleased,”Neropromised,“aslongasApollocooperates.”“Meg,youcan’ttrusthim,”Isaid.“Thelasttimehedidthis,hestrungupChristiansalloverhis

backyardandburnedthemtoilluminatehisgardenparty.Iwasthere.Irememberthescreaming.”Megclutchedherstomach.“Mydear,don’tbelievehisstories!”Nerosaid.“Thatwasjustpropagandainventedbymy

enemies.”MegstudiedthefaceofPauliethegeysergod.“Nero…youdidn’tsayanythingaboutmaking

themintotorches.”“Theywon’tburn,”hesaid,strainingtosoftenhisvoice.“Itwon’tcometothat.TheBeastwillnot

havetoact.”“Yousee,Meg?”Iwaggedafingerattheemperor.“It’sneveragoodsignwhensomeonestarts

referringtohimselfinthethirdperson.Zeususedtoscoldmeaboutthatconstantly!”VinceandGarysteppedforward,theirknuckleswhiteningontheirspears.“Iwouldbecareful,”Nerowarned.“MyGermaniaresensitiveaboutinsultstotheImperial

person.Now,asmuchasIlovetalkingaboutmyself,we’reonaschedule.”Hecheckedhiswatchagain.“You’llopenthegates.ThenMegwillseeifshecanusethetreestointerpretthefuture.Ifso,wonderful!Ifnot…well,we’llburnthatbridgewhenwecometoit.”

“Meg,”Isaid,“he’samadman.”Atherfeet,Peacheshissedprotectively.Meg’schinquivered.“Nerocaredaboutme,Apollo.Hegavemeahome.Hetaughtmetofight.”“Yousaidhekilledyourfather!”“No!”Sheshookherheadadamantly,alookofpanicinhereyes.“No,that’snotwhatIsaid.The

Beastkilledhim.”“But—”Nerosnorted.“Oh,Apollo…youunderstandsolittle.Meg’sfatherwasweak.Shedoesn’teven

rememberhim.Hecouldn’tprotecther.Iraisedher.Ikeptheralive.”Myheartsankevenfurther.IdidnotunderstandeverythingMeghadbeenthrough,orwhatshe

wasfeelingnow,butIknewNero.Isawhoweasilyhecouldhavetwistedascaredchild’sunderstandingoftheworld—alittlegirlallalone,yearningforsafetyandacceptanceafterherfather ’smurder,evenifthatacceptancecamefromherfather ’skiller.“Meg…Iamsosorry.”

Anotherteartracedhercheek.

“Shedoesn’tNEEDsympathy.”Nero’svoiceturnedashardasbronze.“Now,mydear,ifyouwouldbesokind,openthegates.IfApolloobjects,remindhimthatheisboundtofollowyourorders.”

Megswallowed.“Apollo,don’tmakeitharder.Please…helpmeopenthegates.”Ishookmyhead.“Notbychoice.”“ThenI—Icommandyou.Helpme.Now.”

ListentothetreesThetreesknowwhatisup,yoTheyknowallthethings

MEG’SRESOLVEmayhavebeenwavering,butPeaches’swasnot.WhenIhesitatedtofollowMeg’sorders,thegrainspiritbaredhisfangsandhissed,“Peaches,”as

ifthatwasanewtorturetechnique.“Fine,”ItoldMeg,myvoiceturningbitter.Thetruthwas,Ihadnochoice.IcouldfeelMeg’s

commandsinkingintomymuscles,compellingmetoobey.Ifacedthefusedoaksandputmyhandsagainsttheirtrunks.Ifeltnooracularpowerwithin.I

heardnovoices—justheavystubbornsilence.Theonlymessagethetreesseemedtobesendingwas:GOAWAY.

“Ifwedothis,”ItoldMeg,“Nerowilldestroythegrove.”“Hewon’t.”“Hehasto.Hecan’tcontrolDodona.Itspoweristooancient.Hecan’tletanyoneelseuseit.”Megplacedherhandsagainstthetrees,justbelowmine.“Concentrate.Openthem.Please.You

don’twanttoangertheBeast.”Shesaidthisinalowvoice—againspeakingasiftheBeastwassomeoneIhadnotyetmet…a

boogeymanlurkingunderthebed,notamaninapurplesuitstandingafewfeetaway.IcouldnotrefuseMeg’sorders,butperhapsIshouldhaveprotestedmorevigorously.Megmight

havebackeddownifIcalledherbluff.ButthenNeroorPeachesortheGermaniwouldhavejustkilledme.Iwillconfesstoyou:Iwasafraidofdying.Courageously,nobly,handsomelyafraid,true.Butafraidnonetheless.

Iclosedmyeyes.Isensedthetrees’implacableresistance,theirmistrustofoutsiders.IknewthatifIforcedopenthesegates,thegrovewouldbedestroyed.YetIreachedoutwithallmywillpowerandsoughtthevoiceofprophecy,drawingittome.

IthoughtofRhea,QueenoftheTitans,whohadfirstplantedthisgrove.DespitebeingachildofGaeaandOuranos,despitebeingmarriedtothecannibalkingKronos,Rheahadmanagedtocultivatewisdomandkindness.Shehadgivenbirthtoanew,betterbreedofimmortals.(IfIdosaysomyself.)Sherepresentedthebestoftheancienttimes.

True,shehadwithdrawnfromtheworldandstartedapotterystudioinWoodstock,butshestillcaredaboutDodona.Shehadsentmeheretoopenthegrove,toshareitspower.ShewasnotthekindofgoddesswhobelievedinclosedgatesorNOTRESPASSINGsigns.Ibegantohumsoftly“ThisLandIs

YourLand.”Thebarkgrewwarmundermyfingertips.Thetreerootstrembled.IglancedatMeg.Shewasdeepinconcentration,leaningagainstthetrunksasiftryingtopush

themover.Everythingaboutherwasfamiliar:herrattypageboyhair,herglitteringcat-eyeglasses,herrunnynoseandchewedcuticlesandfaintscentofapplepie.

ButshewassomeoneIdidn’tknowatall:stepdaughtertotheimmortalcrazyNero.AmemberoftheImperialHousehold.Whatdidthatevenmean?IpicturedtheBradyBunchinpurpletogas,lineduponthefamilystaircasewithNeroatthebottominAlice’smaiduniform.Havingavividimaginationisaterriblecurse.

Unfortunatelyforthegrove,MegwasalsothedaughterofDemeter.Thetreesrespondedtoherpower.Thetwinoaksrumbled.Theirtrunksbegantomove.

Iwantedtostop,butIwascaughtupinthemomentum.Thegroveseemedtobedrawingonmypowernow.Myhandsstucktothetrees.Thegatesopenedwider,forciblyspreadingmyarms.Foraterrifyingmoment,Ithoughtthetreesmightkeepmovingandripmelimbfromlimb.Thentheystopped.Therootssettled.Thebarkcooledandreleasedme.

Istumbledback,exhausted.Megremained,transfixed,inthenewlyopenedgateway.Ontheothersidewere…well,moretrees.Despitethewintercold,theyoungoaksrosetalland

green,growinginconcentriccirclesaroundaslightlylargerspecimeninthecenter.Litteringthegroundwereacornsglowingwithafaintamberlight.Aroundthegrovestoodaprotectivewalloftreesevenmoreformidablethantheonesintheantechamber.Above,anothertightlywovendomeofbranchesguardedtheplacefromaerialintruders.

BeforeIcouldwarnher,Megsteppedacrossthethreshold.Thevoicesexploded.Imaginefortynailgunsfiringintoyourbrainfromalldirectionsatonce.Thewordswerebabble,buttheytoreatmysanity,demandingmyattention.Icoveredmyears.Thenoisejustgotlouderandmorepersistent.

Peachesclawedfranticallyatthedirt,tryingtoburyhishead.VinceandGarywrithedontheground.Eventheunconsciousdemigodsthrashedandmoanedontheirstakes.

Neroreeled,hishandraisedasiftoblockanintenselight.“Meg,controlthevoices!Doitnow!”Megdidn’tappearhurtbythenoise,butshelookedbewildered.“They’resayingsomething…”

Shesweptherhandsthroughtheair,pullingatinvisiblethreadstountanglethepandemonium.“They’reagitated.Ican’t—Wait…”

Suddenlythevoicesshutoff,asifthey’dmadetheirpoint.MegturnedtowardNero,hereyeswide.“It’strue.Thetreestoldmeyoumeantoburnthem.”TheGermanigroaned,half-consciousontheground.Nerorecoveredmorequickly.Heraiseda

finger,admonishing,guiding.“Listentome,Meg.I’dhopedthegrovecouldbeuseful,butobviouslyitisfracturedandconfused.Youcan’tbelievewhatitsays.It’sthemouthpieceofasenileTitanqueen.Thegrovemustberazed.It’stheonlyway,Meg.Youunderstandthat,don’tyou?”

HekickedGaryoverontohisbackandrifledthroughthebodyguard’spouches.ThenNerostood,triumphantlyholdingaboxofmatches.

“Afterthefire,we’llrebuild,”hesaid.“Itwillbeglorious!”Megstaredathimasifnoticinghishorrendousneckbeardforthefirsttime.“Wh-whatareyou

talkingabout?”“He’sgoingtoburnandlevelLongIsland,”Isaid.“Thenhe’llmakeithisprivatedomain,just

likehedidwithRome.”Nerolaughedinexasperation.“LongIslandisamessanyway!Noonewillmissit.Mynew

imperialcomplexwillextendfromManhattantoMontauk—thegreatestpalaceeverbuilt!We’llhaveprivateriversandlakes,onehundredmilesofbeachfrontproperty,gardensbigenoughfortheirownzipcodes.I’llbuildeachmemberofmyhouseholdaprivateskyscraper.Oh,Meg,imaginetheparties

wewillhaveinournewDomusAurea!”Thetruthwasaheavything.Meg’skneesbuckledunderitsweight.“Youcan’t.”Hervoiceshook.“Thewoods—I’mthedaughterofDemeter.”“You’remydaughter,”Nerocorrected.“AndIcareforyoudeeply.Whichiswhyyouneedto

moveaside.Quickly.”Hesetamatchtothestrikingsurfaceofthebox.“AssoonasIlightthesestakes,ourhuman

torcheswillsendawaveoffirestraightthroughthatgateway.Nothingwillbeabletostopit.Theentireforestwillburn.”

“Please!”Megcried.“Comealong,dearest.”Nero’sfrownhardened.“Apolloisofnousetousanymore.Youdon’t

wanttowaketheBeast,doyou?”Helithismatchandsteppedtowardtheneareststake,wheremysonAustinwasbound.

IttakesaVillagePeopletoprotectyourmind“Y.M.C.A.”Yeah

OH,THISPARTISDIFFICULTTOTELL.Iamanaturalstoryteller.Ihaveaninfallibleinstinctfordrama.Iwanttorelatewhatshouldhave

happened:howIleapedforwardshouting,“Nooooo!”andspunlikeanacrobat,knockingasidethelitmatch,thentwistedinaseriesofblazing-fastShaolinmoves,crackingNero’sheadandtakingouthisbodyguardsbeforetheycouldrecover.

Ah,yes.Thatwouldhavebeenperfect.Alas,thetruthconstrainsme.Curseyou,truth!Infact,Isplutteredsomethinglike,“Nuh-uh,dun-doot!”ImayhavewavedmyBrazilian

handkerchiefwiththehopethatitsmagicwoulddestroymyenemies.TherealherowasPeaches.ThekarposmusthavesensedMeg’struefeelings,orperhapshejust

didn’tliketheideaofburningforests.Hehurtledthroughtheair,screaminghiswarcry(youguessedit),“Peaches!”HelandedonNero’sarm,chompedthelitmatchfromtheemperor ’shand,thenlandedafewfeetaway,wipinghistongueandcrying,“Hat!Hat!”(WhichIassumedmeanthotinthedialectofdeciduousfruit.)

ThescenemighthavebeenfunnyexceptthattheGermaniwerenowbackontheirfeet,fivedemigodsandageyserspiritwerestilltiedtohighlyflammableposts,andNerostillhadaboxofmatches.

Theemperorstaredathisemptyhand.“Meg…?”Hisvoicewasascoldasanicicle.“Whatisthemeaningofthis?”

“P-Peaches,comehere!”Meg’svoicehadturnedbrittlewithfear.Thekarposboundedtoherside.Hehissedatme,Nero,andtheGermani.Megtookashakybreath,clearlygatheringhernerve.“Nero…Peachesisright.You—youcan’t

burnthesepeoplealive.”Nerosighed.Helookedathisbodyguardsformoralsupport,buttheGermanistillappeared

woozy.Theywerehittingthesidesoftheirheadsasiftryingtoclearwaterfromtheirears.“Meg,”saidtheemperor,“IamtryingsohardtokeeptheBeastatbay.Whywon’tyouhelpme?I

knowyouareagoodgirl.Iwouldn’thaveallowedyoutoroamaroundManhattansomuchonyourown,playingthestreetwaif,ifIdidn’tknowyoucouldtakecareofyourself.Butsoftnesstoward

yourenemiesisnotavirtue.Youaremystepdaughter.Anyofthesedemigodswouldkillyouwithouthesitationgiventhechance.”

“Meg,that’snottrue!”Isaid.“You’veseenwhatCampHalf-Bloodislike.”Shestudiedmeuneasily.“Even…evenifitwastrue…”SheturnedtoNero.“Youtoldmeneverto

lowermyselftomyenemies’level.”“No,indeed.”Nero’stonehadfrayedlikeaweatheredrope.“Wearebetter.Wearestronger.We

willbuildagloriousnewworld.Butthesenonsense-spewingtreesstandinourway,Meg.Likeanyinvasiveweeds,theymustbeburned.Andtheonlywaytodothatiswithatrueconflagration—flamesstokedbyblood.Letusdothistogether,andnotinvolvetheBeast,shallwe?”

Finally,inmymind,somethingclicked.Irememberedhowmyfatherusedtopunishmecenturiesago,whenIwasayounggodlearningthewaysofOlympus.Zeususedtosay,Don’tgetonthewrongsideofmylightningbolts,boy.

Asifthelightningbolthadamindofitsown—asifZeushadnothingtodowiththepunishmentshemetedoutuponme.

Don’tblameme,histoneimplied.It’sthelightningboltthatsearedeverymoleculeinyourbody.Manyyearslater,whenIkilledtheCyclopeswhomadeZeus’slightning,itwasnorashdecision.I’dalwayshatedthoselightningbolts.Itwaseasierthanhatingmyfather.

NerotookthesametonewhenhereferredtohimselfastheBeast.Hespokeofhisangerandcrueltyasiftheywereforcesoutsidehiscontrol.Ifheflewintoarage…wellthen,hewouldholdMegresponsible.

Therealizationsickenedme.MeghadbeentrainedtoregardherkindlystepfatherNeroandtheterrifyingBeastastwoseparatepeople.IunderstoodnowwhyshepreferredtospendhertimeinthealleysofNewYork.Iunderstoodwhyshehadsuchquickmoodchanges,goingfromcartwheelstofullshutdowninamatterofseconds.SheneverknewwhatmightunleashtheBeast.

Shefixedhereyesonme.Herlipsquivered.Icouldtellshewantedawayout—someeloquentargumentthatwouldmollifyherstepfatherandallowhertofollowherconscience.ButIwasnolongerasilver-tonguedgod.IcouldnotouttalkanoratorlikeNero.AndIwouldnotplaytheBeast’sblamegame.

Instead,ItookapagefromMeg’sbook,whichwasalwaysshortandtothepoint.“He’sevil,”Isaid.“You’regood.Youmustmakeyourownchoice.”IcouldtellthatthiswasnotthenewsMegwanted.Hermouthtightened.Shedrewbackher

shoulderbladesasifpreparingforameaslesshot—somethingpainfulbutnecessary.Sheplacedherhandonthekarpos’scurlyscalp.“Peaches,”shesaidinasmallbutfirmvoice,“getthematchbox.”

Thekarpossprangintoaction.NerobarelyhadtimetoblinkbeforePeachesrippedtheboxfromhishandandjumpedbacktoMeg’sside.

TheGermanireadiedtheirspears.Neroraisedhishandforrestraint.HegaveMegalookthatmighthavebeenheartbreak—ifhehadpossessedaheart.

“Iseeyouweren’treadyforthisassignment,mydear,”hesaid.“It’smyfault.Vince,Gary,detainMegbutdon’thurther.Whenwegethome…”Heshrugged,hisexpressionfullofregret.“AsforApolloandthelittlefruitdemon,theywillhavetoburn.”

“No,”Megcroaked.Then,atfullvolume,sheshouted,“NO!”AndtheGroveofDodonashoutedwithher.

Theblastwassopowerful,itknockedNeroandhisguardsofftheirfeet.Peachesscreamedandbeathisheadagainstthedirt.

Thistime,however,Iwasmoreprepared.Asthetrees’ear-splittingchorusreacheditscrescendo,IanchoredmymindwiththecatchiesttuneIcouldimagine.Ihummed“Y.M.C.A.,”whichIusedtoperformwiththeVillagePeopleinmyconstructionworkercostumeuntiltheIndianchiefandIgotin

afightover—Nevermind.That’snotimportant.“Meg!”Ipulledthebrasswindchimesfrommypocketandtossedthemtoher.“Puttheseonthe

centertree!Y.M.C.A.Focusthegrove’senergy!Y.M.C.A.”Iwasn’tsureshecouldhearme.Sheraisedthechimesandwatchedastheyswayedandclanked,

turningthenoisefromthetreesintosnatchesofcoherentspeech:Happinessapproaches.Thefallofthesun;thefinalverse.Wouldyouliketohearourspecialstoday?

Meg’sfacewentslackwithsurprise.Sheturnedtowardthegroveandsprintedthroughthegateway.Peachescrawledafterher,shakinghishead.

Iwantedtofollow,butIcouldn’tleaveNeroandhisguardsalonewithsixhostages.Stillhumming“Y.M.C.A.,”Imarchedtowardthem.

Thetreesscreamedlouderthanever,butNerorosetohisknees.Hepulledsomethingfromhiscoatpocket—avialofliquid—andsplasheditonthegroundinfrontofhim.Idoubtedthatwasagoodthing,butIhadmoreimmediateconcerns.VinceandGaryweregettingup.Vincethrusthisspearinmydirection.

Iwasangryenoughtobereckless.Igrabbedthepointofhisweaponandyankedthespearup,smackingVinceunderhischin.Hefell,stunned,andIgrabbedfistfulsofhishidearmor.

Hewaseasilytwicemysize.Ididn’tcare.Iliftedhimoffhisfeet.Myarmssizzledwithpower.Ifeltinvinciblystrong—thewayagodshouldfeel.Ihadnoideawhymystrengthhadreturned,butIdecidedthiswasnotthemomenttoquestionmygoodluck.IspunVincelikeadiscus,tossinghimskywardwithsuchforcethathepunchedaGermanus-shapedholeinthetreecanopyandsailedoutofsight.

KudostotheImperialGuardforhavingstupidamountsofcourage.Despitemyshowofforce,Garychargedme.Withonehand,Isnappedhisspear.Withtheother,Ipunchedafiststraightthroughhisshieldandhithischestwithenoughmighttofellarhinoceros.

Hecollapsedinaheap.IfacedNero.Icouldalreadyfeelmystrengthebbing.Mymuscleswerereturningtotheirpathetic

mortalflabbiness.IjusthopedI’dhaveenoughtimetoripoffNero’sheadandstuffitdownhismauvesuit.

Theemperorsnarled.“You’reafool,Apollo.Youalwaysfocusonthewrongthing.”HeglancedathisRolex.“Mywreckingcrewwillbehereanyminute.OnceCampHalf-Bloodisdestroyed,I’llmakeitmynewfrontlawn!Meanwhile,you’llbehere…puttingoutfires.”

Fromhisvestpocket,heproducedasilvercigarettelighter.TypicalofNerotokeepseveralformsoffire-makingcloseathand.Ilookedattheglisteningstreaksofoilhehadsplashedontheground….Greekfire,ofcourse.

“Don’t,”Isaid.Nerogrinned.“Good-bye,Apollo.OnlyelevenmoreOlympianstogo.”Hedroppedthelighter.

IdidnothavethepleasureoftearingNero’sheadoff.CouldIhavestoppedhimfromfleeing?Possibly.Buttheflameswereroaringbetweenus,

burninggrassandbones,treeroots,andtheearthitself.Theblazewastoostrongtostampout,ifGreekfireevencouldbestampedout,anditwasrollinghungrilytowardthesixboundhostages.

IletNerogo.SomehowhehauledGarytohisfeetandluggedthepunch-drunkGermanustowardtheants’nest.Meanwhile,Irantothestakes.

TheclosestwasAustin’s.Iwrappedmyarmsaroundthebaseandpulled,completelydisregardingproperheavy-liftingtechniques.Mymusclesstrained.Myeyesswamwiththeeffort.Imanagedto

raisethestakeenoughtotoppleitbackward.Austinstirredandgroaned.Idraggedhim,cocoonandall,totheothersideoftheclearing,asfarfromthefireaspossible.I

wouldhavebroughthimintotheGroveofDodona,butIhadafeelingIwouldn’tbedoinghimanyfavorsbyputtinghiminadead-endclearingfullofinsanevoices,inthedirectpathofapproachingflames.

Iranbacktothestakes.Irepeatedtheprocess—uprootingKayla,thenPauliethegeysergod,thentheothers.BythetimeIpulledMirandaGardinertosafety,thefirewasaragingredtidalwave,onlyinchesfromthegatesofthegrove.

Mydivinestrengthwasgone.MegandPeacheswerenowheretobeseen.Ihadboughtafewminutesforthehostages,butthefirewouldeventuallyconsumeusall.Ifelltomykneesandsobbed.

“Help.”Iscannedthedarktrees,tangledandforeboding.Ididnotexpectanyhelp.Iwasnotevenusedtoaskingforhelp.IwasApollo.Mortalscalledtome!(Yes,occasionallyImighthaveordereddemigodstoruntrivialerrandsforme,likestartingwarsorretrievingmagicitemsfrommonsters’lairs,butthoserequestsdidn’tcount.)

“Ican’tdothisalone.”IimaginedDaphne’sfacefloatingbeneaththetrunkofonetree,thenanother.Soonthewoodswouldburn.Icouldn’tsavethemanymorethanIcouldsaveMegorthelostdemigodsormyself.“I’msosorry.Please…forgiveme.”

Myheadmusthavebeenspinningfromsmokeinhalation.Ibegantohallucinate.Theshimmeringformsofdryadsemergedfromtheirtrees—alegionofDaphnesingreengossamerdresses.Theirexpressionsweremelancholy,asiftheyknewtheyweregoingtotheirdeaths,yettheycircledthefire.Theyraisedtheirarms,andtheeartheruptedattheirfeet.Atorrentofmudchurnedovertheflames.Thedryadsdrewthefire’sheatintotheirbodies.Theirskincharredblack.Theirfaceshardenedandcracked.

Assoonasthelastflamesweresnuffedout,thedryadscrumbledtoash.IwishedIcouldcrumblewiththem.Iwantedtocry,butthefirehadsearedallthemoisturefrommytearducts.Ihadnotaskedforsomanysacrifices.Ihadnotexpectedit!Ifelthollow,guilty,andashamed.

ThenitoccurredtomehowmanytimesIhadaskedforsacrifices,howmanyheroesIhadsenttotheirdeaths.Hadtheybeenanylessnobleandcourageousthanthesedryads?YetIhadfeltnoremorsewhenIsentthemoffondeadlytasks.Ihadusedthemanddiscardedthem,laidwastetotheirlivestobuildmyownglory.IwasnolessofamonsterthanNero.

Windblewthroughtheclearing—anunseasonablywarmgustthatswirleduptheashesandcarriedthemthroughtheforestcanopyintothesky.OnlyafterthebreezecalmeddidIrealizeitmusthavebeentheWestWind,myoldrival,offeringmeconsolation.Hehadsweptuptheremainsandtakenthemofftotheirnextbeautifulreincarnation.Afterallthesecenturies,Zephyroshadacceptedmyapology.

IdiscoveredIhadsometearsleftafterall.Behindme,someonegroaned.“WhereamI?”Austinwasawake.Icrawledtohisside,nowweepingwithrelief,andkissedhisface.“Mybeautifulson!”Heblinkedatmeinconfusion.Hiscornrowsweresprinkledwithasheslikefrostonafield.I

supposeittookamomentforhimtoprocesswhyhewasbeingfawnedoverbyagrungy,half-derangedboywithacne.

“Ah,right…Apollo.”Hetriedtomove.“Whatthe—?WhyamIwrappedinsmellybandages?Couldyoufreeme,maybe?”

Ilaughedhysterically,whichIdoubthelpedAustin’speaceofmind.Iclawedathisbindingsbutmadenoprogress.ThenIrememberedGary’ssnappedspear.IretrievedthepointandspentseveralminutessawingAustinfree.

Oncepulledfromthestake,hestumbledaround,tryingtoshakethecirculationbackintohislimbs.Hetookinthescene—thesmolderingforest,theotherprisoners.TheGroveofDodonahadstoppeditswildchorusofscreaming.(Whenhadthathappened?)Aradiantamberlightnowglowedfromthegateway.

“What’sgoingon?”Austinasked.“Also,whereismysaxophone?”Sensiblequestions.IwishedIhadsensibleanswers.AllIknewwasthatMegMcCaffreywasstill

wanderinginthegrove,andIdidnotlikethefactthatthetreeshadgonesilent.Istaredatmyweakmortalarms.IwonderedwhyI’dexperiencedasuddensurgeofdivine

strengthwhenfacingtheGermani.Hadmyemotionstriggeredit?Wasitthefirstsignofmygodlyvigorreturningforgood?OrperhapsZeuswasjustmessingwithmeagain—givingmeatasteofmyoldpowerbeforeyankingitawayoncemore.Rememberthis,kid?WELL,YOUCAN’THAVEIT!

IwishedIcouldsummonthatstrengthagain,butIwouldhavetomakedo.IhandedAustinthebrokenspear.“Freetheothers.I’llbeback.”Austinstaredatmeincredulously.“You’regoinginthere?Isitsafe?”“Idoubtit,”Isaid.ThenIrantowardtheOracle.

PartingissorrowNothingaboutitissweetDon’tsteponmyface

THETREESWEREusingtheirinsidevoices.AsIsteppedthroughthegateway,Irealizedtheywerestilltalkinginconversationaltones,

babblingnonsensicallylikesleepwalkersatacocktailparty.Iscannedthegrove.NosignofMeg.Icalledhername.Thetreesrespondedbyraisingtheir

voices,drivingmecross-eyedwithdizziness.Isteadiedmyselfonthenearestoak.“Watchit,man,”thetreesaid.Ilurchedforward,thetreestradingbitsofverseasifplayingagameofrhymes:

Cavesofblue.Strikethehue.Westward,burning.Pagesturning.Indiana.Ripebanana.Happinessapproaches.Serpentsandroaches.

Noneofitmadesense,buteachlinecarriedtheweightofprophecy.Ifeltasifdozensofimportantstatements,eachvitaltomysurvival,werebeingblendedtogether,loadedinashotgun,andfiredatmyface.

(Oh,that’sarathergoodimage.I’llhavetouseitinahaiku.)“Meg!”Icalledagain.Stillnoreply.Thegrovedidnotseemsolarge.Howcouldshenothearme?HowcouldInotsee

her?Isloggedalong,hummingaperfectA440hertztonetokeepmyselffocused.WhenIreachedthe

secondringoftrees,theoaksbecamemoreconversational.“Hey,buddy,gotaquarter?”oneasked.AnothertriedtotellmeajokeaboutapenguinandanunwalkingintoaShakeShack.

Athirdoakwasgivingitsneighboraninfomercialsalespitchaboutafoodprocessor.“Andyouwon’tbelievewhatitdoeswithpasta!”

“Wow!”saidtheothertree.“Itmakespasta,too?”“Freshlinguineinminutes!”thesalesoakenthused.Ididnotunderstandwhyanoaktreewouldwantlinguine,butIkeptmoving.IwasafraidthatifI

listenedtoolong,Iwouldorderthefoodprocessorforthreeeasyinstallmentsof$39.99,andmysanitywouldbelostforever.

Finally,Ireachedthecenterofthegrove.Onthefarsideofthelargestoaktree,Megstoodwithherbacktothetrunk,hereyesclosedtight.Thewindchimeswerestillinherhand,buttheyhungforgottenatherside.Thebrasscylindersclanked,mutedagainstherdress.

Atherfeet,Peachesrockedbackandforth,giggling.“Apples?Peaches!Mangoes?Peaches!”“Meg.”Itouchedhershoulder.Sheflinched.ShefocusedonmeasifIwereacleveropticalillusion.Hereyessimmeredwith

fear.“It’stoomuch,”shesaid.“Toomuch.”Thevoiceshadherintheirgrip.Itwasbadenoughformetoendure—likeahundredradio

stationsplayingatonce,forciblysplittingmybrainintodifferentchannels.ButIwasusedtoprophecies.Meg,ontheotherhand,wasadaughterofDemeter.Thetreeslikedher.Theywerealltryingtosharewithher,togetherattentionatthesametime.Soontheywouldpermanentlyfracturehermind.

“Thewindchimes,”Isaid.“Hangtheminthetree!”Ipointedtothelowestbranch,wellaboveourheads.Alone,neitherofuscouldreachit,butifI

gaveMegaboost…Megbackedaway,shakingherhead.ThevoicesofDodonaweresochaoticIwasn’tsureshehad

heardme.Ifshehad,sheeitherdidn’tunderstandordidn’ttrustme.Ihadtotampdownmyfeelingsofbetrayal.MegwasNero’sstepdaughter.Shehadbeensentto

luremehere,andourwholefriendshipwasalie.Shehadnorighttomistrustme.ButIcouldnotstaybitter.IfIblamedherforthewayNerohadtwistedheremotions,Iwasno

betterthantheBeast.Also,justbecauseshehadliedaboutbeingmyfrienddidnotmeanIwasn’thers.Shewasindanger.Iwasnotgoingtoleavehertothemadnessofthegrove’spenguinjokes.

Icrouchedandlacedmyfingerstomakeafoothold.“Please.”Tomyleft,Peachesrolledontohisbackandwailed,“Linguine?Peaches!”Meggrimaced.Icouldseefromhereyesthatshewasdecidingtocooperatewithme—not

becauseshetrustedme,butbecausePeacheswassuffering.JustwhenIthoughtmyfeelingscouldnotbehurtanyworse.Itwasonethingtobebetrayed.Itwas

anotherthingtobeconsideredlessimportantthanadiaperedfruitspirit.Nevertheless,IremainedsteadyasMegplacedherleftfootinmyhands.Withallmyremaining

strength,Ihoistedherup.Shesteppedontomyshoulders,thenplantedoneredsneakerontopofmyhead.Imadeamentalnotetoputasafetylabelonmyscalp:WARNING,TOPSTEPISNOTFORSTANDING.

Withmybackagainsttheoak,Icouldfeelthevoicesofthegrovecoursingupitstrunkanddrummingthroughitsbark.Thecentraltreeseemedtobeonegiantantennaforcrazytalk.

Mykneeswereabouttobuckle.Meg’streadsweregrindingintomyforehead.TheA440IhadbeenhummingrapidlydeflatedtoaGsharp.

Finally,Megtiedthewindchimestothebranch.Shejumpeddownasmylegscollapsed,andwebothendedupsprawledinthedirt.

Thebrasschimesswayedandclanged,pickingnotesoutofthewindandmakingchordsfromthedissonance.

Thegrovehushed,asifthetreeswerelisteningandthinking,Oooh,pretty.

Thenthegroundtrembled.Thecentraloakshookwithsuchenergy,itrainedacorns.Meggottoherfeet.Sheapproachedthetreeandtoucheditstrunk.“Speak,”shecommanded.Asinglevoiceboomedforthfromthewindchimes,likeacheerleaderscreamingthrougha

megaphone:

ThereoncewasagodnamedApolloWhoplungedinacaveblueandhollowUponathree-seaterThebronzefire-eaterWasforceddeathandmadnesstoswallow

Thewindchimesstilled.Thegrovesettledintotranquility,asifsatisfiedwiththedeathsentenceithadgivenme.

Oh,thehorror!AsonnetIcouldhavehandled.Aquatrainwouldhavebeencauseforcelebration.Butonlythe

deadliestpropheciesarecouchedintheformofalimerick.Istaredatthewindchimes,hopingtheywouldspeakagainandcorrectthemselves.Oops,our

mistake!ThatprophecywasforadifferentApollo!Butmyluckwasnotthatgood.Ihadbeenhandedanedictworsethanathousandadvertisements

forpastamakers.Peachesrose.Heshookhisheadandhissedattheoaktree,whichexpressedmyownsentiments

perfectly.HehuggedMeg’scalfasifsheweretheonlythingkeepinghimfromfallingofftheworld.Thescenewasalmostsweet,exceptforthekarpos’sfangsandglowingeyes.

Megregardedmewarily.Thelensesofherglasseswerespiderwebbedwithcracks.“Thatprophecy,”shesaid.“Didyouunderstandit?”Iswallowedamouthfulofsoot.“Perhaps.Someofit.We’llneedtotalktoRachel—”“There’snomorewe.”Meg’stonewasasacridasthevolcanicgasofDelphi.“Dowhatyouneed

todo.That’smyfinalorder.”Thishitmelikeaspearshafttothechin,despitethefactthatshehadliedtomeandbetrayedme.“Meg,youcan’t.”Icouldn’tkeeptheshakinessoutofmyvoice.“Youclaimedmyservice.Until

mytrialsareover—”“Ireleaseyou.”“No!”Icouldnotstandtheideaofbeingabandoned.Notagain.NotbythisragamuffinDumpster

queenwhomI’dlearnedtocareaboutsomuch.“Youcan’tpossiblybelieveinNeronow.Youheardhimexplainhisplans.Hemeanstolevelthisentireisland!Yousawwhathetriedtodotohishostages.”

“He—hewouldn’thaveletthemburn.Hepromised.Heheldback.Yousawit.Thatwasn’ttheBeast.”

Myribcagefeltlikeanover-tightenedharp.“Meg…NeroistheBeast.Hekilledyourfather.”“No!Neroismystepfather.Mydad…mydadunleashedtheBeast.Hemadeitangry.”“Meg—”“Stop!”Shecoveredherears.“Youdon’tknowhim.Neroisgoodtome.Icantalktohim.Ican

makeitokay.”Herdenialwassocomplete,soirrational,IrealizedtherewasnowayIcouldarguewithher.She

remindedmepainfullyofmyselfwhenIfelltoearth—howIhadrefusedtoacceptmynewreality.WithoutMeg’shelp,Iwould’vegottenmyselfkilled.Nowourroleswerereversed.

Iedgedtowardher,butPeaches’ssnarlstoppedmeinmytracks.Megbackedaway.“We’redone.”“Wecan’tbe,”Isaid.“We’rebound,whetheryoulikeitornot.”Itoccurredtomethatshe’dsaidtheexactsamethingtomeonlyafewdaysbefore.Shegavemeonelastlookthroughhercrackedlenses.Iwouldhavegivenanythingforherto

blowaraspberry.IwantedtowalkthestreetsofManhattanwithherdoingcartwheelsintheintersections.ImissedhobblingwithherthroughtheLabyrinth,ourlegstiedtogether.Iwould’vesettledforagoodgarbagefightinanalley.Instead,sheturnedandfled,withPeachesatherheels.Itseemedtomethattheydissolvedintothetrees,justthewayDaphnehaddonelongago.

Abovemyhead,abreezemadethewindchimesjingle.Thistime,novoicescamefromthetrees.Ididn’tknowhowlongDodonawouldremainsilent,butIdidn’twanttobehereiftheoaksdecidedtostarttellingjokesagain.

Iturnedandsawsomethingstrangeatmyfeet:anarrowwithanoakshaftandgreenfletching.Thereshouldn’thavebeenanarrow.Ihadn’tbroughtanyintothegrove.Butinmydazedstate,I

didn’tquestionthis.Ididwhatanyarcherwoulddo:Iretrievedit,andreturnedittomyquiver.

Uber’sgotnothingLyftisweak.Andtaxis?NahMyrideisdamom

AUSTINHADFREEDTHEOTHERPRISONERS.Theylookedliketheyhadbeendippedinavatofglueandcottonswabs,butotherwisethey

seemedremarkablyundamaged.EllisWakefieldstaggeredaroundwithhisfistsclenched,lookingforsomethingtopunch.CecilMarkowitz,sonofHermes,satonthegroundtryingtocleanhissneakerswithadeer ’sthighbone.Austin—resourcefulboy!—hadproducedacanteenofwaterandwaswashingtheGreekfireoffofKayla’sface.MirandaGardiner,theheadcounselorofDemeter,kneltbytheplacewherethedryadshadsacrificedthemselves.Sheweptsilently.

Pauliethepalikosfloatedtowardme.Likehispartner,Pete,hislowerhalfwasallsteam.Fromthewaistuphelookedlikeaslimmer,moreabusedversionofhisgeyserbuddy.Hismudskinwascrackedlikeaparchedriverbed.Hisfacewaswithered,asifeverybitofmoisturehadbeensqueezedoutofhim.LookingatthedamageNerohaddonetohim,IaddedafewmoreitemstoamentallistIwaspreparing:WaystoTortureanEmperorintheFieldsofPunishment.

“Yousavedme,”Pauliesaidwithamazement.“Bringitin!”Hethrewhisarmsaroundme.Hispowerwassodiminishedthathisbodyheatdidnotkillme,but

itdidopenupmysinusesquitewell.“Youshouldgethome,”Isaid.“Peteisworried,andyouneedtoregainyourstrength.”“Ah,man…”Pauliewipedasteamingtearfromhisface.“Yeah,I’mgone.Butanythingyouever

need—afreesteamcleaning,somePRwork,amudscrub,younameit.”Ashedissolvedintomist,Icalledafterhim.“AndPaulie?I’dgivetheWoodsatCampHalf-Blood

atenforcustomersatisfaction.”Pauliebeamedwithgratitude.Hetriedtohugmeagain,buthewasalreadyninetypercentsteam.

AllIgotwasahumidwaftofmud-scentedair.Thenhewasgone.Thefivedemigodsgatheredaroundme.MirandalookedpastmeatthegroveofDodona.Hereyeswerestillpuffyfromcrying,butshe

hadbeautifulirisesthecolorofnewfoliage.“So,thevoicesIheardfromthatgrove…It’sreallyanoracle?Thosetreescangiveusprophecies?”

Ishivered,thinkingoftheoaktrees’limerick.“Perhaps.”“CanIsee—?”“No,”Isaid.“Notuntilweunderstandtheplacebetter.”

IhadalreadylostonedaughterofDemetertoday.Ididn’tintendtoloseanother.“Idon’tgetit,”Ellisgrumbled.“You’reApollo?Like,theApollo.”“I’mafraidso.It’salongstory.”“Oh,gods…”Kaylascannedtheclearing.“IthoughtIheardMeg’svoiceearlier.DidIdreamthat?

Wasshewithyou?Issheokay?”Theotherslookedatmeforanexplanation.Theirexpressionsweresofragileandtentative,I

decidedIcouldn’tbreakdowninfrontofthem.“She’s…alive,”Imanaged.“Shehadtoleave.”“What?”Kaylaasked.“Why?”“Nero,”Isaid.“She…shewentafterNero.”“Holdup.”Austinraisedhisfingerslikegoalposts.“WhenyousayNero…”Ididmybesttoexplainhowthemademperorhadcapturedthem.Theydeservedtoknow.AsI

recountedthestory,Nero’swordskeptreplayinginmymind:Mywreckingcrewwillbehereanyminute.OnceCampHalf-Bloodisdestroyed,I’llmakeitmynewfrontlawn!

Iwantedtothinkthiswasjustbluster.Nerohadalwayslovedthreatsandgrandiosestatements.Unlikeme,hewasaterriblepoet.Heusedflowerylanguagelike…well,likeeverysentencewasapungentbouquetofmetaphors.(Oh,that’sanothergoodone.Jottingthatdown.)

Whyhadhekeptcheckinghiswatch?Andwhatwreckingcrewcouldhehavebeentalkingabout?Ihadaflashbacktomydreamofthesunbuscareeningtowardagiantbronzeface.

IfeltlikeIwasfree-fallingagain.Nero’splanbecamehorriblyclear.Afterdividingthefewdemigodsdefendingthecamp,hehadmeanttoburnthisgrove.Butthatwasonlypartofhisattack….

“Oh,gods,”Isaid.“TheColossus.”Thefivedemigodsshifteduneasily.“WhatColossus?”Kaylaasked.“YoumeantheColossusofRhodes?”“No,”Isaid.“TheColossusNeronis.”Cecilscratchedhishead.“TheColossusNeurotic?”EllisWakefieldsnorted.“You’reaColossusNeurotic,Markowitz.Apollo’stalkingaboutthebig

replicaofNerothatstoodoutsidetheamphitheaterinRome,right?”“I’mafraidso,”Isaid.“Whilewe’restandinghere,NeroisgoingtotrytodestroyCampHalf-

Blood.AndtheColossuswillbehiswreckingcrew.”Mirandaflinched.“Youmeanagiantstatueisabouttostomponcamp?IthoughttheColossuswas

destroyedcenturiesago.”Ellisfrowned.“Supposedly,sowastheAthenaParthenos.Nowit’ssittingontopofHalf-Blood

Hill.”Theothers’expressionsturnedgrim.WhenachildofAresmakesavalidpoint,youknowthe

situationisserious.“SpeakingofAthena…”Austinpickedsomeincendiaryfluffoffhisshoulder.“Won’tthestatue

protectus?Imean,that’swhatshe’stherefor,right?”“Shewilltry,”Iguessed.“Butyoumustunderstand,theAthenaParthenosdrawsherpowerfrom

herfollowers.Themoredemigodsunderhercare,themoreformidablehermagic.Andrightnow—”

“Thecampispracticallyempty,”Mirandafinished.“Notonlythat,”Isaid,“buttheAthenaParthenosisroughlyfortyfeettall.Ifmemoryserves,

Nero’sColossuswasmorethantwicethat.”Ellisgrunted.“Sothey’renotinthesameweightclass.It’sanunevenmatch.”CecilMarkowitzstoodalittlestraighter.“Guys…didyoufeelthat?”IthoughthemightbeplayingoneofhisHermespranks.Thenthegroundshookagain,everso

slightly.Fromsomewhereinthedistancecamearumblingsoundlikeabattleshipscrapingoverasandbar.

“Pleasetellmethatwasthunder,”Kaylasaid.Elliscockedhishead,listening.“It’sawarmachine.Abigautomatonwadingashoreabouthalfa

klickfromhere.Weneedtogettocamprightnow.”NoonearguedwithEllis’sassessment.Isupposedhecoulddistinguishbetweenthesoundsofwar

machinesthesamewayIcouldpickoutanoff-tuneviolininaRachmaninoffsymphony.Totheircredit,thedemigodsrosetothechallenge.Despitethefactthatthey’dbeenrecently

bound,dousedinflammablesubstances,andstakedlikehumantikitorches,theyclosedranksandfacedmewithdeterminationintheireyes.

“Howdowegetoutofhere?”Austinasked.“Themyrmekes’lair?”Ifeltsuddenlysuffocated,partlybecauseIhadfivepeoplelookingatmeasifIknewwhattodo.I

didn’t.Infact,ifyouwanttoknowasecret,wegodsusuallydon’t.Whenconfrontedforanswers,weusuallysaysomethingRhea-like:Youwillhavetofindoutforyourself!OrTruewisdommustbeearned!ButIdidn’tthinkthatwouldflyinthissituation.

Also,Ihadnodesiretoplungebackintotheants’nest.Evenifwemadeitthroughalive,itwouldtakemuchtoolong.Thenwewouldhavetorunperhapshalfthelengthoftheforest.

IstaredattheVince-shapedholeinthecanopy.“Idon’tsupposeanyofyoucanfly?”Theyshooktheirheads.“Icancook,”Ceciloffered.Ellissmackedhimontheshoulder.Ilookedbackatthemyrmekes’tunnel.Thesolutioncametomelikeavoicewhisperinginmy

ear:Youknowsomeonewhocanfly,stupid.Itwasariskyidea.Thenagain,rushingofftofightagiantautomatonwasalsonotthesafestplan

ofaction.“Ithinkthere’saway,”Isaid.“ButI’llneedyourhelp.”Austinballedhisfists.“Anythingyouneed.We’rereadytofight.”“Actually…Idon’tneedyoutofight.Ineedyoutolaydownabeat.”

Mynextimportantdiscovery:ChildrenofHermescannotrap.Atall.Blesshisconnivinglittleheart,CecilMarkowitztriedhisbest,buthekeptthrowingoffmy

rhythmsectionwithhisspasticclappingandterribleairmicnoises.Afterafewtrialruns,Idemotedhimtodancer.Hisjobwouldbetoshimmybackandforthandwavehishands,whichhedidwiththeenthusiasmofatent-revivalpreacher.

Theothersmanagedtokeepup.Theystilllookedlikehalf-plucked,highlycombustiblechickens,buttheyboppedwiththeproperamountofsoul.

Ilaunchedinto“Mama,”mythroatreinforcedwithwaterandcoughdropsfromKayla’sbeltpack.(Ingeniousgirl!Whobringscoughdropsonathree-leggeddeathrace?)

Isangdirectlyintothemouthofthemyrmekes’tunnel,trustingtheacousticstocarrymymessage.Wedidnothavetowaitlong.Theearthbegantorumblebeneathourfeet.Ikeptsinging.Ihadwarnedmycomradesnottostoplayingdowntherighteousbeatuntilthesongwasover.

Still,Ialmostlostitwhenthegroundexploded.Ihadbeenwatchingthetunnel,butMamadidnotusetunnels.Sheexitedwherevershewanted—inthiscase,straightoutoftheearthtwentyyardsaway,sprayingdirt,grass,andsmallbouldersinalldirections.Shescuttledforward,mandiblesclacking,wingsbuzzing,darkTefloneyesfocusedonme.Herabdomenwasnolongerswollen,soIassumedshehadfinisheddepositinghermostrecentbatchofkiller-antlarvae.Ihopedthismeantshewouldbe

inagoodmood,notahungrymood.Behindher,twowingedsoldiersclamberedoutoftheearth.Ihadnotbeenexpectingbonusants.

(Really,bonusantsisnotatermmostpeoplewouldliketohear.)Theyflankedthequeen,theirantennaequivering.

Ifinishedmyode,thendroppedtooneknee,spreadingmyarmsasIhadbefore.“Mama,”Isaid,“weneedaride.”Mylogicwasthis:Motherswereusedtogivingrides.Withthousandsuponthousandsof

offspring,Iassumedthequeenantwouldbetheultimatesoccermom.Andindeed,Mamagrabbedmewithhermandiblesandtossedmeoverherhead.

Despitewhatthedemigodsmaytellyou,Ididnotflail,scream,orlandinawaythatdamagedmysensitiveparts.Ilandedheroically,straddlingthequeen’sneck,whichwasnolargerthanthebackofanaveragewarhorse.Ishoutedtomycomrades,“Joinme!It’sperfectlysafe!”

Forsomereason,theyhesitated.Theantsdidnot.ThequeentossedKaylajustbehindme.ThesoldierantsfollowedMama’slead—snappinguptwodemigodseachandthrowingthemaboard.

Thethreemyrmekesrevvedtheirwingswithanoiselikeradiatorfanblades.Kaylagrabbedmywaist.

“Isthisreallysafe?”sheyelled.“Perfectly!”IhopedIwasright.“Perhapsevensaferthanthesunchariot!”“Didn’tthesunchariotalmostdestroytheworldonce?”“Well,twice,”Isaid.“Threetimes,ifyoucountthedayIletThaliaGracedrive,but—”“ForgetIasked!”Mamalaunchedherselfintothesky.Thecanopyoftwistedbranchesblockedourpath,butMama

didn’tpayanymoreattentiontothemthanshehadtothetonofsolidearthshe’dplowedthrough.Iyelled,“Duck!”WeflattenedourselvesagainstMama’sarmoredheadasshesmashedthroughthetrees,leavinga

thousandwoodensplintersembeddedinmyback.Itfeltsogoodtoflyagain,Ididn’tcare.Wesoaredabovethewoodsandbankedtotheeast.

Fortwoorthreeseconds,Iwasexhilarated.ThenIheardthescreamingfromCampHalf-Blood.

Buck-nakedstatueANeuroticColossusWhereartthyundies?

EVENMYSUPERNATURALPOWERSofdescriptionfailme.Imagineseeingyourselfasahundred-foot-tallbronzestatue—areplicaofyourown

magnificence,gleaminginthelateafternoonlight.NowimaginethatthisridiculouslyhandsomestatueiswadingoutofLongIslandSoundontothe

NorthShore.Inhishandisaship’srudder—abladethesizeofastealthbomber,fixedtoafifty-foot-longpole—andMr.GorgeousisraisingsaidruddertosmashthecrudoutofCampHalf-Blood.

Thiswasthesightthatgreetedusasweflewinfromthewoods.“Howisthatthingalive?”Kaylademanded.“WhatdidNerodo—orderitonline?”“TheTriumviratehasvastresources,”Itoldher.“They’vehadcenturiestoprepare.Oncethey

reconstructedthestatue,alltheyhadtodowasfillitwithsomeanimatingmagic—usuallytheharnessedlifeforcesofwindorwaterspirits.I’mnotsure.That’sreallymoreofHephaestus’sspecialty.”

“Sohowdowekillit?”“I’m…I’mworkingonthat.”Allacrossthevalley,campersscreamedandranfortheirweapons.NicoandWillwere

flounderinginthelake,apparentlyhavingbeencapsizedinthemiddleofacanoeride.Chirongallopedthroughthedunes,harryingtheColossuswithhisarrows.Evenbymystandards,Chironwasaveryfinearcher.Hetargetedthestatue’sjointsandseams,yethisshotsdidnotseemtobothertheautomatonatall.AlreadydozensofmissilesstuckfromtheColossus’sarmpitsandnecklikeunrulyhair.

“Morequivers!”Chironshouted.“Quickly!”RachelDarestumbledfromthearmorycarryinghalfadozen,andsherantoresupplyhim.TheColossusbroughtdownhisruddertosmashthediningpavilion,buthisbladebouncedoffthe

camp’smagicalbarrier,sparkingasifithadhitsolidmetal.Mr.Gorgeoustookanotherstepinland,butthebarrierresistedhim,pushinghimbackwiththeforceofawindtunnel.

OnHalf-BloodHill,asilveraurasurroundedtheAthenaParthenos.Iwasn’tsurethedemigodscouldseeit,buteverysooftenabeamofultravioletlightshotfromAthena’shelmetlikeasearchlamp,hittingtheColossus’schestandpushingbacktheinvader.Nexttoher,inthetallpinetree,theGoldenFleeceblazedwithfieryenergy.ThedragonPeleushissedandpacedaroundthetrunk,ready

todefendhisturf.Thesewerepowerfulforces,butIdidnotneedgodlysighttotellmethattheywouldsoonfail.

Thecamp’sdefensivebarriersweredesignedtoturnawaytheoccasionalstraymonster,toconfusemortalsandpreventthemfromdetectingthevalley,andtoprovideafirstlineofdefenseagainstinvadingforces.Acriminallybeautifulhundred-foot-tallCelestialbronzegiantwasanotherthingentirely.SoontheColossuswouldbreakthroughanddestroyeverythinginitspath.

“Apollo!”Kaylanudgedmeintheribs.“Whatdowedo?”Istirred,againwiththeunpleasantrealizationthatIwasexpectedtohaveanswers.Myfirstinstinct

wastoorderaseasoneddemigodtotakecharge.Wasn’tittheweekendyet?WherewasPercyJackson?OrthoseRomanpraetorsFrankZhangandReynaRamírez-Arellano?Yes,theywouldhavedonenicely.

MysecondinstinctwastoturntoMegMcCaffrey.HowquicklyIhadgrownusedtoherannoyingyetstrangelyendearingpresence!Alas,shewasgone.HerabsencefeltlikeaColossusstompinguponmyheart.(Thiswasaneasymetaphortosummon,sincetheColossuswaspresentlystompingonagreatmanythings.)

Flankingusoneitherside,thesoldierantsflewinformation,awaitingthequeen’sorders.Thedemigodswatchedmeanxiously,randombitsofbandagefluffswirlingfromtheirbodiesaswespedthroughtheair.

IleanedforwardandspoketoMamainasoothingtone,“IknowIcannotaskyoutoriskyourlifeforus.”

Mamahummedasiftosay,You’redarnright!“Justgiveusonepassaroundthatstatue’shead?”Iasked.“Enoughtodistractit.Thensetusdown

onthebeach?”Sheclickedhermandiblesdoubtfully.“You’rethebestmamainthewholeworld,”Iadded,“andyoulooklovelytoday.”ThatlinealwaysworkedwithLeto.ItdidthetrickwithMamaAnt,too.Shetwitchedherantennae,

perhapssendingahigh-frequencysignaltohersoldiers,andallthreeantsbankedhardtotheright.Belowus,morecampersjoinedthebattle.ShermanYanghadharnessedtwopegasitoachariot

andwasnowcirclingthestatue’slegs,whileJuliaandAlicethrewelectricjavelinsattheColossus’sknees.Themissilesstuckinhisjoints,dischargingtendrilsofbluelightning,butthestatuebarelyseemedtonotice.Meanwhile,athisfeet,ConnorStollandHarleyusedtwinflamethrowerstogivetheColossusamoltenpedicure,whiletheNiketwinsmannedacatapult,lobbingbouldersattheColossus’sCelestialbronzecrotch.

MalcolmPace,atruechildofAthena,wascoordinatingtheattacksfromahastilyorganizedcommandpostonthegreen.HeandNyssahadspreadwarmapsacrossacardtableandwereshoutingtargetingcoordinates,whileChiara,Damien,Paolo,andBillierushedtosetupballistaearoundthecommunalhearth.

Malcolmlookedliketheperfectbattlefieldcommander,exceptforthefactthathe’dforgottenhispants.Hisredbriefsmadequiteastatementwithhisswordandleathercuirass.

MamadovetowardtheColossus,leavingmystomachatahigheraltitude.Ihadamomenttoappreciatethestatue’sregalfeatures,itsmetalbrowrimmedwithaspikycrown

meanttorepresentthebeamsofthesun.TheColossuswassupposedtobeNeroasthesungod,buttheemperorhadwiselymadethefaceresembleminemorecloselythanhis.OnlythelineofitsnoseanditsghastlyneckbeardsuggestedNero’strademarkugliness.

Also…didImentionthatthehundred-footstatuewasentirelynude?Well,ofcourseitwas.Godsarealmostalwaysdepictedasnude,becauseweareflawlessbeings.Whywouldyoucoverupperfection?Still,itwasalittledisconcertingtoseemybuck-nakedselfstompingaround,slamminga

ship’srudderatCampHalf-Blood.AsweapproachedtheColossus,Ibellowedloudly,“IMPOSTER!IAMTHEREALAPOLLO!

YOU’REUGLY!”Oh,dearreader,itwashardtoyellsuchwordsatmyownhandsomevisage,butIdid.Suchwas

mycourage.TheColossusdidnotlikebeinginsulted.AsMamaandhersoldiersveeredaway,thestatueswung

itsrudderupward.Haveyouevercollidedwithabomber?IhadasuddenflashbacktoDresdenin1945,whenthe

planesweresothickintheair,Iliterallycouldnotfindasafelanetodrivein.Theaxleonthesunchariotwasoutofalignmentforweeksafterthat.

Irealizedtheantswerenotfastenoughflierstoescapetherudder ’sreach.Isawcatastropheapproachinginslowmotion.Atthelastpossiblemoment,Iyelled,“Dive!”

Weplungedstraightdown.Therudderonlyclippedtheants’wings—butitwasenoughtosendusspiralingtowardthebeach.

Iwasgratefulforsoftsand.Iatequiteabitofitwhenwecrash-landed.Bysheerluck,noneofusdied,thoughKaylaandAustinhadtopullmetomyfeet.“Areyouokay?”Austinasked.“Fine,”Isaid.“Wemusthurry.”TheColossusstareddownatus,perhapstryingtodiscernwhetherweweredyinginagonyyetor

neededsomeadditionalpain.Ihadwantedtogethisattention,andIhadsucceeded.Huzzah.IglancedatMamaandhersoldiers,whowereshakingthesandofftheircarapaces.“Thankyou.

Nowsaveyourselves.Fly!”Theydidnotneedtobetoldtwice.Isupposeantshaveanaturalfearoflargehumanoidslooming

overthem,abouttosquashthemwithaheavyfoot.Mamaandherguardsbuzzedintothesky.Mirandalookedafterthem.“IneverthoughtI’dsaythisaboutbugs,butI’mgoingtomissthose

guys.”“Hey!”calledNicodiAngelo.HeandWillscrambledoverthedunes,stilldrippingfromtheir

swiminthecanoelake.“What’stheplan?”Willseemedcalm,butIknewhimwellenoughbynowtotellthatinsidehe

wasaschargedasabareelectricalwire.BOOM.Thestatuestrodetowardus.Onemorestep,anditwouldbeontopofus.“Isn’tthereacontrolvalveonitsankle?”Ellisasked.“Ifwecanopenit—”“No,”Isaid.“You’rethinkingofTalos.ThisisnotTalos.”Nicobrushedhisdarkwethairfromhisforehead.“Thenwhat?”IhadalovelyviewoftheColossus’snose.Itsnostrilsweresealedwithbronze…Isupposed

becauseNerohadn’twantedhisdetractorstryingtoshootarrowsintohisimperialnoggin.Iyelped.Kaylagrabbedmyarm.“Apollo,what’swrong?”ArrowsintotheColossus’shead.Oh,gods,Ihadanideathatwouldnever,everwork.However,it

seemedbetterthanourotheroption,whichwastobecrushedunderatwo-tonbronzefoot.“Will,Kayla,Austin,”Isaid,“comewithme.”“AndNico,”saidNico.“Ihaveadoctor ’snote.”“Fine!”Isaid.“Ellis,Cecil,Miranda—dowhateveryoucantokeeptheColossus’sattention.”

Theshadowofanenormousfootdarkenedthesand.“Now!”Iyelled.“Scatter!”

IlovemesomeplagueWhenit’sontherightarrowKa-bam!Youdead,bro?

SCATTERINGWASTHEEASYPART.Theydidthatverywell.Miranda,Cecil,andEllisranindifferentdirections,screaminginsultsattheColossusandwaving

theirarms.Thisboughttherestofusafewsecondsaswesprintedforthedunes,butIsuspectedtheColossuswouldsoonenoughcomeafterme.Iwas,afterall,themostimportantandattractivetarget.

IpointedtowardShermanYang’schariot,whichwasstillcirclingthestatue’slegsinavainattempttoelectrocuteitskneecaps.“Weneedtocommandeerthatchariot!”

“How?”Kaylaasked.IwasabouttoadmitIhadnoideawhenNicodiAngelograbbedWill’shandandsteppedintomy

shadow.Bothboysevaporated.Ihadforgottenaboutthepowerofshadow-traveling—thewaychildrenoftheUnderworldcouldstepintooneshadowandappearfromanother,sometimeshundredsofmilesaway.Hadesusedtolovesneakinguponmethatwayandyelling,“HI!”justasIshotanarrowofdeath.HefounditamusingifImissedmytargetandaccidentallywipedoutthewrongcity.

Austinshuddered.“IhateitwhenNicodisappearslikethat.What’sourplan?”“Youtwoaremybackup,”Isaid.“IfImiss,ifIdie…itwillbeuptoyou.”“Whoa,whoa,”Kaylasaid.“Whatdoyoumeanifyoumiss?”Idrewmylastarrow—theoneI’dfoundinthegrove.“I’mgoingtoshootthatgorgeous

gargantuanintheear.”AustinandKaylaexchangedlooks,perhapswonderingifI’dfinallycrackedunderthestrainof

beingmortal.“Aplaguearrow,”Iexplained.“I’mgoingtoenchantanarrowwithsickness,thenshootitintothe

statue’sear.Itsheadishollow.Theearsaretheonlyopenings.ThearrowshouldreleaseenoughdiseasetokilltheColossus’sanimatingpower…oratleasttodisableit.”

“Howdoyouknowitwillwork?”Kaylaasked.“Idon’t,but—”OurconversationwasruinedbyasuddenheavydownpourofColossusfoot.Wedartedinland,

barelyavoidingbeingflattened.Behindus,Mirandashouted,“Hey,ugly!”Iknewshewasn’ttalkingtome,butIglancedbackanyway.Sheraisedherarms,causingropesof

seagrasstospringfromthedunesandwraparoundthestatue’sankles.TheColossusbrokethroughthemeasily,buttheyannoyedhimenoughtobeadistraction.WatchingMirandafacethestatuemademeheartsickforMegalloveragain.

Meanwhile,EllisandCecilstoodoneithersideoftheColossus,throwingrocksathisshins.Fromthecamp,avolleyofflamingballistaprojectilesexplodedagainstMr.Gorgeous’snakedbackside,whichmademeclenchinsympathy.

“Youweresaying?”Austinasked.“Right.”Itwirledthearrowbetweenmyfingers.“Iknowwhatyou’rethinking.Idon’thavegodly

powers.It’sdoubtfulI’llbeabletocookuptheBlackDeathortheSpanishFlu.Butstill,ifIcanmaketheshotfromcloserange,straightintoitshead,Imightbeabletodosomedamage.”

“And…ifyoufail?”Kaylaasked.Inoticedherquiverwasalsoempty.“Iwon’thavethestrengthtotrytwice.You’llhavetomakeanotherpass.Findanarrow,tryto

summonsomesickness,maketheshotwhileAustinholdsthechariotsteady.”Irealizedthiswasanimpossiblerequest,buttheyaccepteditwithgrimsilence.Iwasn’tsure

whethertofeelgratefulorguilty.BackwhenIwasagod,Iwould’vetakenitforgrantedthatmortalshadfaithinme.Now…Iwasaskingmychildrentorisktheirlivesagain,andIwasnotatallsuremyplanwouldwork.

Icaughtaflashofmovementinthesky.Thistime,insteadofaColossusfoot,itwasShermanYang’schariot,minusShermanYang.Willbroughtthepegasiinforalanding,thendraggedoutahalf-consciousNicodiAngelo.

“Wherearetheothers?”Kaylaasked.“ShermanandtheHermesgirls?”Willrolledhiseyes.“Nicoconvincedthemtodisembark.”Asifoncue,IheardShermanscreamingfromsomewherefarinthedistance,“I’llgetyou,di

Angelo!”“Youguysgo,”Willtoldme.“Thechariotisonlydesignedforthree,andafterthatshadow-travel,

Nicoisgoingtopassoutanysecond.”“No,I’mnot,”Nicocomplained,thenpassedout.Willcaughthiminafireman’scarryandtookhimaway.“Goodluck!I’mgoingtogettheLord

ofDarknessheresomeGatorade!”Austinhoppedinfirstandtookthereins.AssoonasKaylaandIwereaboard,weshotskyward,

thepegasiswervingandbankingaroundtheColossuswithexpertskill.Ibegantofeelaglimmerofhope.Wemightbeabletooutmaneuverthisgianthunkofgood-lookingbronze.

“Now,”Isaid,“ifIcanjustenchantthisarrowwithaniceplague.”Thearrowshudderedfromitsfletchingtoitspoint.THOUSHALTNOT,ittoldme.

Itrytoavoidweaponsthattalk.Ifindthemrudeanddistracting.Once,ArtemishadabowthatcouldcusslikeaPhoeniciansailor.Anothertime,inaStockholmtavern,Imetthisgodwhowassmokinghot,excepthistalkingswordjustwouldnotshutup.

ButIdigress.Iaskedtheobviousquestion.“Didyoujustspeaktome?”Thearrowquivered.(Oh,dear.Thatwasahorriblepun.Myapologies.)YEA,VERILY.PRITHEE,

SHOOTINGISNOTMYPURPOSE.Hisvoicewasdefinitelymale,sonorousandgrave,likeabadShakespeareanactor ’s.“Butyou’reanarrow,”Isaid.“Shootingyouisthewholepoint.”(Ah,Ireallymustwatchthose

puns.)

“Guys,hangon!”Austinshouted.ThechariotplungedtoavoidtheColossus’sswingingrudder.WithoutAustin’swarning,Iwould

havebeenleftinmidairstillarguingwithmyprojectile.“Soyou’remadefromDodonaoak,”Iguessed.“Isthatwhyyoutalk?”FORSOOTH,saidthearrow.“Apollo!”Kaylasaid.“I’mnotsurewhyyou’retalkingtothatarrow,but—”FromourrightcameareverberatingWHANG!likeasnappedpowerlinehittingametalroof.Ina

flashofsilverlight,thecamp’smagicalbarrierscollapsed.TheColossuslurchedforwardandbroughthisfootdownonthediningpavilion,smashingittorubblelikesomanychildren’sblocks.

“Butthatjusthappened,”Kaylasaidwithasigh.TheColossusraisedhisrudderintriumph.Hemarchedinland,ignoringthecamperswhowere

runningaroundhisfeet.ValentinaDiazlaunchedaballistamissileintohisgroin.(Again,Ihadtowinceinsympathy.)HarleyandConnorStollkeptblowtorchinghisfeet,tonoeffect.Nyssa,Malcolm,andChironhastilyranatriplineofsteelcableacrossthestatue’spath,buttheywouldneverhavetimetoanchoritproperly.

IturnedtoKayla.“Youcan’thearthisarrowtalking?”Judgingfromherwideeyes,Iguessedtheanswerwas,No,anddoeshallucinatingruninthe

family?“Nevermind.”Ilookedatthearrow.“Whatwouldyousuggest,OWiseMissileofDodona?My

quiverisempty.”Thearrow’spointdippedtowardthestatue’sleftarm.LO,THEARMPITDOTHHOLDTHE

ARROWSTHOUNEEDEST!Kaylayelled,“Colossusisheadingforthecabins!”“Armpit!”ItoldAustin.“Flieth—er,flyforthearmpit!”Thatwasn’tanorderoneheardmuchincombat,butAustinspurredthepegasiintoasteepascent.

WebuzzedtheforestofarrowsstickingoutoftheColossus’sarmseam,butIcompletelyoverestimatedmymortalhand-eyecoordination.Ilungedfortheshaftsandcameupempty.

Kaylawasmoreagile.Shesnaggedafistfulbutscreamedwhensheyankedthemfree.Ipulledhertosafety.Herhandwasbleedingbadly,cutfromthehigh-speedgrab.“I’mfine!”Kaylayelped.Herfingerswereclenched,splatteringdropsofredalloverthe

chariot’sfloor.“Takethearrows.”Idid.ItuggedtheBrazilian-flagbandanafromaroundmyneckandgaveittoher.“Bindyour

hand,”Iordered.“There’ssomeambrosiainmycoatpocket.”“Don’tworryaboutme.”Kayla’sfacewasasgreenasherhair.“Maketheshot!Hurry!”Iinspectedthearrows.Myheartsank.Onlyoneofthemissileswasunbroken,anditsshaftwas

warped.Itwouldbealmostimpossibletoshoot.Ilookedagainatthetalkingarrow.THOUSHALTNOTTHINKESTABOUTIT,heintoned.ENCHANTTHOUTHEWARPEDARROW!Itried.Iopenedmymouth,buttheproperwordsofenchantmentweregonefrommymind.AsI

feared,LesterPapadopoulossimplydidnotpossessthepower.“Ican’t!”ISHALTASSIST,promisedtheArrowofDodona.STARTESTTHOU:“PLAGUEY,PLAGUEY,

PLAGUEY.”“Theenchantmentdoesnotstartplaguey,plaguey,plaguey!”“Whoareyoutalkingto?”Austindemanded.“Myarrow!I—Ineedmoretime.”“Wedon’thavemoretime!”Kaylapointedwithherwrappedbloodyhand.TheColossuswasonlyafewstepsawayfromthecentralgreen.Iwasn’tsurethedemigodseven

realizedhowmuchdangertheywerein.TheColossuscoulddomuchmorethanjustflattenbuildings.Ifhedestroyedthecentralhearth,thesacredshrineofHestia,hewouldextinguishtheverysoulofthecamp.Thevalleywouldbecursedanduninhabitableforgenerations.CampHalf-Bloodwouldceasetoexist.

IrealizedIhadfailed.Myplanwouldtakemuchtoolong,ifIcouldevenrememberhowtomakeaplaguearrow.ThiswasmypunishmentforbreakinganoathontheRiverStyx.

Then,fromsomewhereaboveus,avoiceyelled,“Hey,BronzeButt!”OvertheColossus’shead,acloudofdarknessformedlikeacartoondialoguebubble.Outofthe

shadowsdroppedafurryblackmonsterdog—ahellhound—andastridehisbackwasayoungmanwithaglowingbronzesword.

Theweekendwashere.PercyJacksonhadarrived.

Hey,look!It’sPercyLeasthecoulddowashelpoutTaughthimeverything

IWASTOOSURPRISEDTOSPEAK.OtherwiseIwouldhavewarnedPercywhatwasabouttohappen.

Hellhoundsarenotfondofheights.Whenstartled,theyrespondinapredictableway.ThemomentPercy’sfaithfulpetlandedontopofthemovingColossus,sheyelpedandproceededtowee-weeonsaidColossus’shead.Thestatuefrozeandlookedup,nodoubtwonderingwhatwastricklingdownhisimperialsideburns.

Percyleapedheroicallyfromhismountandslippedinhellhoundpee.Henearlyslidoffthestatue’sbrow.“Whatthe—Mrs.O’Leary,jeez!”

Thehellhoundbayedinapology.Austinflewourchariottowithinshoutingdistance.“Percy!”ThesonofPoseidonfrownedacrossatus.“Allright,whounleashedthegiantbronzeguy?

Apollo,didyoudothis?”“Iamoffended!”Icried.“Iamonlyindirectlyresponsibleforthis!Also,Ihaveaplantofixit.”“Oh,yeah?”Percyglancedbackatthedestroyeddiningpavilion.“How’sthatgoing?”Withmyusuallevelheadedness,Istayedfocusedonthegreatergood.“Ifyoucouldpleasejust

keepthisColossusfromstompingthecamp’shearth,thatwouldbehelpful.Ineedafewmoreminutestoenchantthisarrow.”

Iheldupthetalkingarrowbymistake,thenheldupthebentarrow.Percysighed.“Ofcourseyoudo.”Mrs.O’Learybarkedinalarm.TheColossuswasraisinghishandtoswatthetrespassingtinkler.Percygrabbedoneofthecrown’ssunrayspikes.Hesliceditoffatthebase,thenjabbeditintothe

Colossus’sforehead.IdoubtedtheColossuscouldfeelpain,butitstaggered,apparentlysurprisedtosuddenlyhavegrownaunicornhorn.

Percyslicedoffanotherone.“Hey,ugly!”hecalleddown.“Youdon’tneedallthesepointythings,doyou?I’mgoingtotakeonetothebeach.Mrs.O’Leary,fetch!”

Percytossedthespikelikeajavelin.Thehellhoundbarkedexcitedly.SheleapedofftheColossus’shead,vaporizedintoshadow,and

reappearedontheground,boundingafterhernewbronzestick.Percyraisedhiseyebrowsatme.“Well?Startenchanting!”Hejumpedfromthestatue’sheadtoitsshoulder.Thenheleapedtotheshaftoftherudderandslid

downitlikeafirepoleallthewaytotheground.IfIhadbeenatmyusuallevelofgodlyathleticskill,Icould’vedonesomethinglikethatinmysleep,ofcourse,butIhadtoadmitPercyJacksonwasmoderatelyimpressive.

“Hey,BronzeButt!”heyelledagain.“Comegetme!”TheColossusobliged,slowlyturningandfollowingPercytowardthebeach.Ibegantochant,invokingmyoldpowersasthegodofplagues.Thistime,thewordscametome.

Ididn’tknowwhy.PerhapsPercy’sarrivalhadgivenmenewfaith.PerhapsIsimplydidn’tthinkaboutittoomuch.I’vefoundthatthinkingofteninterfereswithdoing.It’soneofthoselessonsthatgodslearnearlyintheircareers.

Ifeltanitchysensationofsicknesscurlingfrommyfingersandintotheprojectile.IspokeofmyownawesomenessandthevarioushorriblediseasesIhadvisiteduponwickedpopulationsinthepast,because…well,I’mawesome.Icouldfeelthemagictakinghold,despitetheArrowofDodonawhisperingtomelikeanannoyingElizabethanstagehand,SAYESTTHOU:“PLAGUEY,PLAGUEY,PLAGUEY!”

Below,moredemigodsjoinedtheparadetothebeach.TheyranaheadoftheColossus,jeeringathim,throwingthings,andcallinghimBronzeButt.Theymadejokesabouthisnewhorn.Theylaughedatthehellhoundpeetricklingdownhisface.NormallyIhavezerotoleranceforbullying,especiallywhenthevictimlookslikeme,butsincetheColossuswastenstoriestallanddestroyingtheircamp,Isupposethecampers’rudenesswasunderstandable.

Ifinishedchanting.Odiousgreenmistnowwreathedthearrow.Itsmelledfaintlyoffast-fooddeepfryers—agoodsignthatitcarriedsomesortofhorriblemalady.

“I’mready!”ItoldAustin.“Getmenexttoitsear!”“Yougotit!”Austinturnedtosaysomethingelse,andawispofgreenfogpassedunderhisnose.

Hiseyeswatered.Hisnoseswelledandbegantorun.Hescruncheduphisfaceandsneezedsohardhecollapsed.Helayonthefloorofthechariot,groaningandtwitching.

“Myboy!”Iwantedtograbhisshouldersandcheckonhim,butsinceIhadanarrowineachhand,thatwasinadvisable.

FIE!TOOSTRONGISTHYPLAGUE.TheDodonaarrowhummedwithannoyance.THYCHANTINGSUCKETH.

“Oh,no,no,no,”Isaid.“Kayla,becareful.Don’tbreathe—”“ACHOO!”Kaylacrumplednexttoherbrother.“WhathaveIdone?”Iwailed.METHINKSTHOUHASTBLOWNIT,saidtheDodonaarrow,mysourceofinfinitewisdom.

MOREO’ER,HIE!TAKESTTHOUTHEREINS.“Why?”Youwouldthinkagodwhodroveachariotonadailybasiswouldnotneedtoasksuchaquestion.

Inmydefense,Iwasdistraughtaboutmychildrenlyinghalf-consciousatmyfeet.Ididn’tconsiderthatnoonewasdriving.Withoutanyoneatthereins,thepegasipanicked.ToavoidrunningintothehugebronzeColossusdirectlyintheirpath,theydovetowardtheearth.

Somehow,Imanagedtoreactappropriately.(Threecheersforreactingappropriately!)Ithrustbotharrowsintomyquiver,grabbedthereins,andmanagedtolevelourdescentjustenoughtopreventacrashlanding.WebouncedoffaduneandswervedtoastopinfrontofChironandagroupofdemigods.Ourentrancemighthavelookeddramaticifthecentrifugalforcehadn’tthrownKayla,Austin,andmefromthechariot.

DidImentionIwasgratefulforsoftsand?Thepegasitookoff,draggingthebatteredchariotintotheskyandleavingusstranded.Chirongallopedtoourside,aclusterofdemigodsinhiswake.PercyJacksonrantowardusfrom

thesurfwhileMrs.O’LearykepttheColossusoccupiedwithagameofkeep-away.Idoubtthatwouldholdthestatue’sinterestverylong,onceherealizedtherewasagroupoftargetsrightbehindhim,justperfectforstomping.

“Theplaguearrowisready!”Iannounced.“WeneedtoshootitintotheColossus’sear!”Myaudiencedidnotseemtotakethisasgoodnews.ThenIrealizedmychariotwasgone.My

bowwasstillinthechariot.AndKaylaandAustinwerequiteobviouslyinfectedwithwhateverdiseaseIhadconjuredup.

“Aretheycontagious?”Cecilasked.“No!”Isaid.“Well…probablynot.It’sthefumesfromthearrow—”Everyonebackedawayfromme.“Cecil,”Chironsaid,“youandHarleytakeKaylaandAustintotheApollocabinforhealing.”“ButtheyaretheApollocabin,”Harleycomplained.“Besides,myflamethrower—”“Youcanplaywithyourflamethrowerlater,”Chironpromised.“Runalong.There’sagoodboy.

Therestofyou,dowhatyoucantokeeptheColossusatthewater ’sedge.PercyandIwillassistApollo.”

Chironsaidthewordassistasifitmeantslapupsidetheheadwithextremeprejudice.Oncethecrowdhaddispersed,Chirongavemehisbow.“Maketheshot.”Istaredatthemassivecompositerecursive,whichprobablyhadadrawweightofahundred

pounds.“Thisismeantforthestrengthofacentaur,notateenmortal!”“Youcreatedthearrow,”hesaid.“Onlyyoucanshootitwithoutsuccumbingtothedisease.Only

youcanhitsuchatarget.”“Fromhere?It’simpossible!Whereisthatflyingboy,JasonGrace?”Percywipedthesweatandsandfromhisneck.“We’refreshoutofflyingboys.Andallthepegasi

havestampeded.”“Perhapsifwegotsomeharpiesandsomekitestring…”Isaid.“Apollo,”Chironsaid,“youmustdothis.Youarethelordofarcheryandillness.”“I’mnotlordofanything!”Iwailed.“I’mastupiduglymortalteenager!I’mnobody!”Theself-pityjustcamepouringout.IthoughtforsuretheearthwouldsplitintwowhenIcalled

myselfanobody.Thecosmoswouldstopturning.PercyandChironwouldrushtoreassureme.Noneofthathappened.PercyandChironjuststaredatmegrimly.Percyputhishandonmyshoulder.“You’reApollo.Weneedyou.Youcandothis.Besides,ifyou

don’t,IwillpersonallythrowyouoffthetopoftheEmpireStateBuilding.”ThiswasexactlythepeptalkIneeded—justthesortofthingZeususedtosaytomebeforemy

soccermatches.Isquaredmyshoulders.“Right.”“We’lltrytodrawhimintothewater,”Percysaid.“I’vegottheadvantagethere.Goodluck.”PercyacceptedChiron’shandandleapedontothecentaur ’sback.Togethertheygallopedintothe

surf,Percywavinghisswordandcallingoutvariousbronze-butt-themedinsultstotheColossus.IrandownthebeachuntilIhadalineofsightonthestatue’sleftear.Lookingupatthatregalprofile,IdidnotseeNero.Isawmyself—amonumenttomyown

conceit.Nero’spridewasnomorethanareflectionofmine.Iwasthebiggerfool.Iwasexactlythesortofpersonwhowouldconstructahundred-foot-tallnakedstatueofmyselfinmyfrontyard.

Ipulledtheplaguearrowfrommyquiverandnockeditinthebowstring.

Thedemigodsweregettingverygoodatscattering.TheycontinuedtoharrytheColossusfrombothsideswhilePercyandChirongallopedthroughthetide,Mrs.O’Learyrompingattheirheelswithhernewbronzestick.

“Yo,ugly!”Percyshouted.“Overhere!”TheColossus’snextstepdisplacedseveraltonsofsaltwaterandmadeacraterlargeenoughto

swallowapickuptruck.TheArrowofDodonarattledinmyquiver.RELEASETHYBREATH,headvised.DROPETHTHY

SHOULDER.“Ihaveshotabowbefore,”Igrumbled.MINDETHTHYRIGHTELBOW,thearrowsaid.“Shutup.”ANDTELLESTNOTTHINEARROWTOSHUTUP.Idrewthebow.Mymusclesburnedasifboilingwaterwasbeingpouredovermyshoulders.The

plaguearrowdidnotmakemepassout,butitsfumesweredisorienting.Thewarpoftheshaftmademycalculationsimpossible.Thewindwasagainstme.Thearcoftheshotwouldbemuchtoohigh.

YetIaimed,exhaled,andreleasedthebowstring.Thearrowtwirledasitrocketedupward,losingforceanddriftingtoofartotheright.Myheart

sank.SurelythecurseoftheRiverStyxwoulddenymeanychanceatsuccess.Justastheprojectilereacheditsapexandwasabouttofallbacktoearth,agustofwindcaught

it…perhapsZephyroslookingkindlyonmypitifulattempt.ThearrowsailedintotheColossus’searcanalandrattledinhisheadwithaclink,clink,clinklikeapachinkomachine.

TheColossushalted.Hestaredatthehorizonasifconfused.Helookedatthesky,thenarchedhisbackandlurchedforward,makingasoundlikeatornadorippingofftheroofofawarehouse.Becausehisfacehadnootheropenorifices,thepressureofhissneezeforcedgeysersofmotoroilouthisears,sprayingtheduneswithenvironmentallyunfriendlysludge.

Sherman,Julia,andAlicestumbledovertome,coveredheadtotoewithsandandoil.“IappreciateyoufreeingMirandaandEllis,”Shermansnarled,“butI’mgoingtokillyoulater

fortakingmychariot.WhatdidyoudotothatColossus?Whatkindofplaguemakesyousneeze?”“I’mafraidI—Isummonedaratherbenignillness.IbelieveIhavegiventheColossusacaseof

hayfever.”Youknowthathorriblepausewhenyou’rewaitingforsomeonetosneeze?Thestatuearchedhis

backagain,andeveryoneonthebeachcringedinanticipation.TheColossusinhaledseveralcubicacresofairthroughhisearcanals,preparingforhisnextblast.

Iimaginedthenightmarescenarios:TheColossuswouldear-sneezePercyJacksonintoConnecticut,nevertobeseenagain.TheColossuswouldclearhisheadandthenstompallofusflat.Hayfevercouldmakeapersoncranky.IknewthisbecauseIinventedhayfever.Still,Ihadneverintendedittobeakillingaffliction.Icertainlyneveranticipatedfacingthewrathofatoweringmetalautomatonwithextremeseasonalallergies.Icursedmyshortsightedness!Icursedmymortality!

WhatIhadnotconsideredwasthedamageourdemigodshadalreadydonetotheColossus’smetaljoints—inparticular,hisneck.

TheColossusrockedforwardwithamightyCHOOOOO!Iflinchedandalmostmissedthemomentoftruthwhenthestatue’sheadachievedfirst-stageseparationfromhisbody.IthurtledoverLongIslandSound,thefacespinninginandoutofview.IthitthewaterwithamightyWHOOSHandbobbedforamoment.Thentheairbloopedoutofitsneckholeandthegorgeousregalvisageofyourstrulysankbeneaththewaves.

Thestatue’sdecapitatedbodytiltedandswayed.Ifithadfallenbackward,itmighthavecrushedevenmoreofthecamp.Instead,ittoppledforward.PercyyelpedacursethatwouldhavemadeanyPhoeniciansailorproud.ChironandheracedsidewaystoavoidbeingcrushedwhileMrs.O’Learywiselydissolvedintoshadows.TheColossushitthewater,sendingforty-foottidalwavestoportandstarboard.Ihadneverbeforeseenacentaurhanghoovesonatubularcrest,butChironacquitted

himselfwell.Theroarofthestatue’sfallfinallystoppedechoingoffthehills.Nexttome,AliceMiyazawawhistled.“Well,thatde-escalatedquickly.”ShermanYangaskedinavoiceofchildlikewonder:“WhattheHadesjusthappened?”“Ibelieve,”Isaid,“theColossussneezedhisheadoff.”

AfterthesneezingHealingpeeps,parsinglimericksWorstGodAward?Me

THEPLAGUESPREAD.Thatwasthepriceofourvictory:amassiveoutbreakofhayfever.Bynightfall,mostofthe

campersweredizzy,groggy,andheavilycongested,thoughIwaspleasedthatnoneofthemsneezedtheirheadsoff,becausewewererunninglowonbandagesandducttape.

WillSolaceandIspenttheeveningcaringforthewounded.Willtookthelead,whichwasfinewithme;Iwasexhausted.MostlyIsplintedarms,distributedcoldmedicineandtissues,andtriedtokeepHarleyfromstealingtheinfirmary’sentiresupplyofsmiley-facestickers,whichheplasteredalloverhisflamethrower.Iwasgratefulforthedistraction,sinceitkeptmefromthinkingtoomuchabouttheday’spainfulevents.

ShermanYanggraciouslyagreednottokillNicofortossinghimoutofhischariot,ormefordamagingit,thoughIhadthefeelingthesonofAreswaskeepinghisoptionsopenforlater.

Chironprovidedhealingpoulticesforthemostextremecasesofhayfever.ThisincludedChiaraBenvenuti,whosegoodluckhad,foronce,abandonedher.Strangelyenough,DamienWhitegotsickrightafterhelearnedthatChiarawassick.Thetwohadcotsnexttoeachotherintheinfirmary,whichIfoundalittlesuspicious,eventhoughtheykeptsnipingateachotherwhenevertheyknewtheywerebeingwatched.

PercyJacksonspentseveralhoursrecruitingwhalesandhippocampitohelphimhaulawaytheColossus.HedecideditwouldbeeasiesttotowitunderwatertoPoseidon’spalace,whereitcouldberepurposedasgardenstatuary.IwasnotsurehowIfeltaboutthat.IimaginedPoseidonwouldreplacethestatue’sgorgeousfacewithhisownweathered,beardedmien.Still,IwantedtheColossusgone,andIdoubteditwouldhavefitinthecamp’srecyclingbins.

ThankstoWill’shealingandahotdinner,thedemigodsIhadrescuedfromthewoodsquicklygotbacktofullstrength.(PaoloclaimeditwasbecausehewavedaBrazilian-flagbandanaoverthem,andIwasnotabouttoargue.)

Asforthecampitself,thedamagemighthavebeenmuchworse.Thecanoedockcouldberebuilt.TheColossus’sfootstepcraterscouldberepurposedasconvenientfoxholesorkoiponds.

Thediningpavilionwasatotalloss,butNyssaandHarleywereconfidentthatAnnabethChasecouldredesigntheplacenexttimeshewashere.Withluck,itwouldberebuiltintimeforthesummer.

TheonlyothermajordamagewastotheDemetercabin.Ihadnotrealizeditduringthebattle,but

theColossushadmanagedtosteponitbeforeturningaroundforthebeach.Inretrospect,itspathofdestructionappearedalmostpurposeful,asiftheautomatonhadwadedashore,stompedCabinFour,andheadedbackouttosea.

GivenwhathadhappenedwithMegMcCaffrey,Ihadahardtimenotseeingthisasabadomen.MirandaGardinerandBillieNgweregiventemporarybunksintheHermescabin,butforalongtimethatnighttheysatstunnedamongthesmashedruinsasdaisiespoppedupallaroundthemfromthecoldwinterground.

Despitemyexhaustion,Isleptfitfully.IdidnotmindKaylaandAustin’sconstantsneezing,orWill’sgentlesnoring.Ididnotevenmindthehyacinthsbloominginthewindowsill,fillingtheroomwiththeirmelancholyperfume.ButIcouldnotstopthinkingofthedryadsraisingtheirarmstotheflamesinthewoods,andaboutNero,andMeg.TheArrowofDodonastayedsilent,hanginginmyquiveronthewall,butIsuspecteditwouldhavemoreannoyingShakespeareanadvicesoon.Ididnotrelishwhatitmighttellethmeaboutmyfuture.

Atsunrise,Irosequietly,tookmybowandquiverandcombatukulele,andhikedtothesummitofHalf-BloodHill.Theguardiandragon,Peleus,didnotrecognizeme.WhenIcametooclosetotheGoldenFleece,hehissed,soIhadtositsomedistanceawayatthefootoftheAthenaParthenos.

Ididn’tmindnotbeingrecognized.Atthemoment,IdidnotwanttobeApollo.AllthedestructionIsawbelowme…itwasmyfault.Ihadbeenblindandcomplacent.IhadallowedtheemperorsofRome,includingoneofmyowndescendants,torisetopowerintheshadows.Ihadletmyonce-greatnetworkofOraclescollapseuntilevenDelphiwaslost.IhadalmostcausedthedeathofCampHalf-Blooditself.

AndMegMcCaffrey…Oh,Meg,wherewereyou?Dowhatyouneedtodo,shehadtoldme.That’smyfinalorder.Herorderhadbeenvagueenoughtoallowmetopursueher.Afterall,wewereboundtogether

now.WhatIneededtodowastofindher.IwonderedifMeghadphrasedherorderthatwayonpurpose,orifthatwasjustwishfulthinkingonmypart.

IgazedupattheserenealabasterfaceofAthena.Inreallife,shedidn’tlooksopaleandaloof—well,notmostofthetime,anyway.Iponderedwhythesculptor,Phidias,hadchosentomakeherlooksounapproachable,andwhetherAthenaapproved.Wegodsoftendebatedhowmuchhumanscouldchangeourverynaturesimplybythewaytheypicturedusorimaginedus.Duringtheeighteenthcentury,forinstance,Icouldnotescapethewhitepowderedwig,nomatterhowhardItried.Amongimmortals,ourrelianceonhumanswasanuncomfortablesubject.

PerhapsIdeservedmypresentform.Aftermycarelessnessandfoolishness,perhapshumanityshouldseemeasnothingbutLesterPapadopoulos.

Iheavedasigh.“Athena,whatwouldyoudoinmyplace?Somethingwiseandpractical,Isuppose.”

Athenaofferednoresponse.Shestaredcalmlyatthehorizon,takingthelongview,asalways.Ididn’tneedthewisdomgoddesstotellmewhatImustdo.IshouldleaveCampHalf-Blood

immediately,beforethecamperswoke.Theyhadtakenmeintoprotectme,andIhadnearlygottenthemallkilled.Icouldn’tbeartoendangerthemanylonger.

But,oh,howIwantedtostaywithWill,Kayla,Austin—mymortalchildren.IwantedtohelpHarleyputsmileyfacesonhisflamethrower.IwantedtoflirtwithChiaraandstealherawayfromDamien…orperhapsstealDamienawayfromChiara,Iwasn’tsureyet.Iwantedtoimprovemymusicandarcherythroughthatstrangeactivityknownaspractice.Iwantedtohaveahome.

Leave,Itoldmyself.Hurry.BecauseIwasacoward,Iwaitedtoolong.Belowme,thecabinlightsflickeredon.Campers

emergedfromtheirdoorways.ShermanYangbeganhismorningstretches.Harleyjoggedaroundthe

green,holdinghisLeoValdezbeaconhighwiththehopeitwouldfinallywork.Atlast,apairoffamiliarfiguresspottedme.Theyapproachedfromdifferentdirections—theBig

HouseandCabinThree—hikingupthehilltoseeme:RachelDareandPercyJackson.

“Iknowwhatyou’rethinking,”Rachelsaid.“Don’tdoit.”Ifeignedsurprise.“Canyoureadmymind,MissDare?”“Idon’tneedto.Iknowyou,LordApollo.”Aweekago,theideawouldhavemademelaugh.Amortalcouldnotknowme.Ihadlivedforfour

millennia.Merelylookinguponmytrueformwouldhavevaporizedanyhuman.Now,though,Rachel’swordsseemedperfectlyreasonable.WithLesterPapadopoulos,whatyousawwaswhatyougot.Therereallywasn’tmuchtoknow.

“Don’tcallmeLord,”Isighed.“Iamjustamortalteen.Idonotbelongatthiscamp.”Percysatnexttome.Hesquintedatthesunrise,theseabreezetouslinghishair.“Yeah,Iusedto

thinkIdidn’tbelonghereeither.”“It’snotthesame,”Isaid.“Youhumanschangeandgrowandmature.Godsdonot.”Percyfacedme.“Yousureaboutthat?Youseemprettydifferent.”Ithinkhemeantthatasacompliment,butIdidn’tfindhiswordsreassuring.IfIwasbecoming

morefullyhuman,thatwashardlyacauseforcelebration.True,Ihadmusteredafewgodlypowersatimportantmoments—aburstofdivinestrengthagainsttheGermani,ahayfeverarrowagainsttheColossus—butIcouldnotrelyonthoseabilities.Ididn’tevenunderstandhowIhadsummonedthem.ThefactthatIhadlimits,andthatIcouldn’tbesurewherethoselimitswere…Well,thatmademefeelmuchmorelikeLesterPapadopoulosthanApollo.

“TheotherOraclesmustbefoundandsecured,”Isaid.“IcannotdothatunlessIleaveCampHalf-Blood.AndIcannotriskanyoneelse’slife.”

Rachelsatonmyotherside.“Yousoundcertain.Didyougetaprophecyfromthegrove?”Ishuddered.“Ifearso.”Rachelcuppedherhandsonherknees.“Kaylasaidyouweretalkingtoanarrowyesterday.I’m

guessingit’swoodfromDodona?”“Wait,”Percysaid.“Youfoundatalkingarrowthatgaveyouaprophecy?”“Don’tbesilly,”Isaid.“Thearrowtalks,butIgottheprophecyfromthegroveitself.TheArrow

ofDodonajustgivesrandomadvice.He’squiteannoying.”Thearrowbuzzedinmyquiver.“Atanyrate,”Icontinued,“Imustleavethecamp.TheTriumviratemeanstopossessallthe

ancientOracles.Ihavetostopthem.OnceIhavedefeatedtheformeremperors…onlythenwillIbeabletofacemyoldenemyPythonandfreetheOracleofDelphi.Afterthat…ifIsurvive…perhapsZeuswillrestoremetoOlympus.”

Racheltuggedatastrandofherhair.“Youknowit’stoodangeroustodoallthatalone,right?”“Listentoher,”Percyurged.“ChirontoldmeaboutNeroandthisweirdholdingcompanyofhis.”“Iappreciatetheofferofassistance,but—”“Whoa.”Percyhelduphishands.“Justtobeclear,I’mnotofferingtogowithyou.Istillhaveto

finishmysenioryear,passmyDSTOMPandmySAT,andavoidgettingkilledbymygirlfriend.ButI’msurewecangetyousomeotherhelpers.”

“I’llgo,”Rachelsaid.Ishookmyhead.“Myenemieswouldlovetocapturesomeoneasdeartomeasthepriestessof

Delphi.Besides,IneedyouandMirandaGardinertostayhereandstudytheGroveofDodona.Fornow,itisouronlysourceofprophecy.Andsinceourcommunicationproblemshavenotgoneaway,

learningtousethegrove’spowerisallthemorecritical.”Racheltriedtohideit,butIcouldseeherdisappointmentinthelinesaroundhermouth.“What

aboutMeg?”sheasked.“You’lltrytofindher,won’tyou?”ShemightaswellhaveplungedtheArrowofDodonaintomychest.Igazedatthewoods—that

hazygreenexpansethathadswallowedyoungMcCaffrey.Forabriefmoment,IfeltlikeNero.Iwantedtoburnthewholeplacedown.

“Iwilltry,”Isaid,“butMegdoesn’twanttobefound.She’sundertheinfluenceofherstepfather.”PercytracedhisfingeracrosstheAthenaParthenos’sbigtoe.“I’velosttoomanypeopletobad

influence:EthanNakamura,LukeCastellan…WealmostlostNico,too….”Heshookhishead.“No.Nomore.Youcan’tgiveuponMeg.Youguysareboundtogether.Besides,she’soneofthegoodguys.”

“I’veknownmanyofthegoodguys,”Isaid.“Mostofthemgotturnedintobeasts,orstatues,or—ortrees….”Myvoicebroke.

Rachelputherhandovermine.“Thingscanturnoutdifferently,Apollo.That’sthenicethingaboutbeinghuman.Weonlyhaveonelife,butwecanchoosewhatkindofstoryit’sgoingtobe.”

Thatseemedhopelesslyoptimistic.Ihadspenttoomanycenturieswatchingthesamepatternsofbehaviorberepeatedoverandover,allbyhumanswhothoughttheywerebeingterriblycleveranddoingsomethingthathadneverbeendonebefore.Theythoughttheywerecraftingtheirownstories,buttheywereonlytracingoverthesameoldnarratives,generationaftergeneration.

Still…perhapshumanpersistencewasanasset.Theyneverseemedtogiveuphope.Everysooftentheydidmanagetosurpriseme.IneveranticipatedAlexandertheGreat,RobinHood,orBillieHoliday.Forthatmatter,IneveranticipatedPercyJacksonandRachelElizabethDare.

“I—Ihopeyou’reright,”Isaid.Shepattedmyhand.“Tellmetheprophecyyouheardinthegrove.”Itookashakybreath.Ididn’twanttospeakthewords.Iwasafraidtheymightwakethegroveand

drownusinacacophonyofprophecies,badjokes,andinfomercials.ButIrecitedthelines:

“ThereoncewasagodnamedApolloWhoplungedinacaveblueandhollowUponathree-seaterThebronzefire-eaterWasforceddeathandmadnesstoswallow”

Rachelcoveredhermouth.“Alimerick?”“Iknow!”Iwailed.“I’mdoomed!”“Wait.”Percy’seyesglittered.“Thoselines…DotheymeanwhatIthink?”“Well,”Isaid,“IbelievethebluecavereferstotheOracleofTrophonius.Itwasa…avery

dangerousancientOracle.”“No,”Percysaid.“Theotherlines.Three-seater,bronzefire-eater,yaddayadda.”“Oh.Ihavenoclueaboutthose.”“Harley’sbeacon.”Percylaughed,thoughIcouldnotunderstandwhyhewassopleased.“Hesaid

yougaveitatuningadjustment?Iguessthatdidthetrick.”Rachelsquintedathim.“Percy,whatareyou…”Herexpressionwentslack.“Oh.Oh.”“Werethereanyotherlines?”Percyurged.“Like,exceptforthelimerick?”“Several,”Iadmitted.“JustbitsandpiecesIdidn’tunderstand.Thefallofthesun;thefinalverse.

Um,Indiana,banana.Happinessapproaches.Somethingaboutpagesburning.”Percyslappedhisknee.“Thereyougo.Happinessapproaches.Happyisaname—well,the

Englishversion,anyway.”Hestoodandscannedthehorizon.Hiseyesfixedonsomethinginthedistance.Agrinspreadacrosshisface.“Yep.Apollo,yourescortisontheway.”

Ifollowedhisgaze.SpiralingdownfromthecloudswasalargewingedcreaturethatglintedofCelestialbronze.Onitsbackweretwohuman-sizefigures.

Theirdescentwassilent,butinmymindajoyousfanfareofValdezinatormusicproclaimedthegoodnews.

Leohadreturned.

WanttohitLeo?ThatisunderstandableHunkMuffinearnedit

THEDEMIGODSHADTOTAKENUMBERS.Nicocommandeeredadispenserfromthesnackbarandcarrieditaround,yelling,“Theline

startstotheleft!Orderlyqueue,guys!”“Isthisreallynecessary?”Leoasked.“Yes,”saidMirandaGardiner,whohaddrawnthefirstnumber.ShepunchedLeointhearm.“Ow,”saidLeo.“You’reajerk,andweallhateyou,”saidMiranda.Thenshehuggedhimandkissedhischeek.“If

youeverdisappearlikethatagain,we’lllineuptokillyou.”“Okay,okay!”Mirandahadtomoveon,becausethelinewasgettingprettylongbehindher.PercyandIsatatthe

picnictablewithLeoandhiscompanion—noneotherthantheimmortalsorceressCalypso.EventhoughLeowastheonegettingpunchedbyeveryoneincamp,Iwasreasonablysurehewastheleastuncomfortableoneatthetable.

Whentheyfirstsaweachother,PercyandCalypsohadhuggedawkwardly.Ihadn’twitnessedsuchatensegreetingsincePatroclusmetAchilles’swarprize,Briseis.(Longstory.Juicygossip.Askmelater.)Calypsohadneverlikedme,soshepointedlyignoredme,butIkeptwaitingforhertoyell“BOO!”andturnmeintoatreefrog.Thesuspensewaskillingme.

PercyhuggedLeoanddidn’tevenpunchhim.Still,thesonofPoseidonlookeddisgruntled.“Ican’tbelieveit,”hesaid.“Sixmonths—”“Itoldyou,”Leosaid.“Wetriedsendingmoreholographicscrolls.WetriedIrismessages,dream

visions,phonecalls.Nothingworked.—Ow!Hey,Alice,howyoudoing?—Anyway,weranintoonecrisisafteranother.”

Calypsonodded.“Albaniawasparticularlydifficult.”Fromdowntheline,NicodiAngeloyelled,“PleasedonotmentionAlbania!Okay,who’snext,

folks?Oneline.”DamienWhitepunchedLeo’sarmandwalkedawaygrinning.Iwasn’tsureDamienevenknew

Leo.Hesimplycouldn’tturndownachancetopunchsomeone.Leorubbedhisbicep.“Hey,nofair.Thatguy’sgettingbackintheline.So,likeIwassaying,if

Festushadn’tpickeduponthathomingbeaconyesterday,we’dstillbeflyingaround,lookingfora

wayoutoftheSeaofMonsters.”“Oh,Ihatethatplace,”Percysaid.“There’sthisbigCyclops,Polyphemus—”“Iknow,right?”Leoagreed.“Whatisupwiththatguy’sbreath?”“Boys,”Calypsosaid,“perhapsweshouldfocusonthepresent?”Shedidnotlookatme,butIgottheimpressionshemeantthissillyformergodandhisproblems.“Yeah,”Percysaid.“Sothecommunicationissues…RachelDarethinksit’sgotsomethingtodo

withthiscompany,Triumvirate.”RachelherselfhadgonetotheBigHousetofetchChiron,butPercydidareasonablejob

summarizingwhatshehadfoundoutabouttheemperorsandtheirevilcorporation.Ofcourse,wedidn’tknowverymuch.BythetimesixmorepeoplehadpunchedLeointhearm,PercyhadbroughtLeoandCalypsouptospeed.

Leorubbedhisnewbruises.“Man,whydoesitnotsurprisemethatmoderncorporationsarerunbyzombieRomanemperors?”

“Theyarenotzombies,”Isaid.“AndI’mnotsuretheyrunallcorporations—”Leowavedawaymyexplanation.“Butthey’retryingtotakeovertheOracles.”“Yes,”Iagreed.“Andthat’sbad.”“Very.”“Soyouneedourhelp.—Ow!Hey,Sherman.Where’dyougetthenewscar,dude?”WhileShermantoldLeothestoryofCrotchkickerMcCaffreyandtheDemonPeachBaby,I

glancedatCalypso.ShelookedverydifferentfromwhatIremembered.Herhairwasstilllongandcaramelbrown.

Heralmond-shapedeyeswerestilldarkandintelligent.Butnow,insteadofachitonsheworemodernjeans,awhiteblouse,andashocking-pinkskijacket.Shelookedyounger—aboutmymortalage.Iwonderedifshehadbeenpunishedwithmortalityforleavingherenchantedisland.Ifso,itdidn’tseemfairthatshehadretainedherotherworldlybeauty.Shehadneitherflabnoracne.

AsIwatched,shestretchedtwofingerstowardtheoppositeendofthepicnictable,whereapitcheroflemonadesweatedinthesunlight.Ihadseenherdothissortofthingbefore,willingherinvisibleaerialservantstowhiskobjectsintoherhands.Thistime,nothinghappened.

Alookofdisappointmentcrossedherface.ThensherealizedIwaswatching.Hercheekscolored.“SinceleavingOgygia,Ihavenopowers,”sheadmitted.“Iamfullymortal.Ikeephoping,but—”“Youwantadrink?”Percyasked.“Igotit.”Leobeathimtothepitcher.IhadnotexpectedtofeelsympathyforCalypso.We’dhadharshwordsinthepast.Afew

millenniaago,IhadopposedherpetitionforearlyreleasefromOgygiabecauseofsome…ah,dramabetweenus.(Longstory.Juicygossip.Pleasedonotaskmelater.)

Still,asafallengod,Iunderstoodhowdisconcertingitwastobewithoutone’spowers.Ontheotherhand,Iwasrelieved.Thismeantshecouldnotturnmeintoatreefrogororderher

aerialservantstotossmeofftheAthenaParthenos.“Hereyougo.”Leohandedheraglassoflemonade.Hisexpressionseemeddarkerandmore

anxious,asif…Ah,ofcourse.LeohadrescuedCalypsofromherprisonisland.Indoingso,Calypsohadlostherpowers.Leofeltresponsible.

Calypsosmiled,thoughhereyeswerestilltouchedbymelancholy.“Thankyou,babe.”“Babe?”Percyasked.Leo’sexpressionbrightened.“Yeah.Shewon’tcallmeHunkMuffin,though.Idunnowhy.—Ow!”ItwasHarley’sturn.ThelittleboypunchedLeo,thenthrewhisarmsaroundhimandbrokedown

sobbing.

“Hey,brother.”Leoruffledhishairandhadthegoodsensetolookashamed.“Youbroughtmehomewiththatbeaconofyours,H-Meister.You’reahero!YouknowIneverwould’veleftyouhanginglikethatonpurpose,don’tyou?”

Harleywailedandsniffledandnodded.ThenhepunchedLeoagainandranaway.Leolookedlikehewasabouttogetsick.Harleywasquitestrong.

“Atanyrate,”Calypsosaid,“theseproblemswiththeRomanemperors—howcanwehelp?”Iraisedmyeyebrows.“Youwillhelpme,then?Despite…ah,well,Ialwaysknewyouwere

kindheartedandforgiving,Calypso.ImeanttovisityouatOgygiamoreoften—”“Spareme.”Calypsosippedherlemonade.“I’llhelpyouifLeodecidestohelpyou,andheseems

tohavesomeaffectionforyou.Why,Ican’timagine.”IletgoofthebreathIhadbeenholdingfor…oh,anhour.“I’mgrateful.LeoValdez,youhave

alwaysbeenagentlemanandagenius.Afterall,youcreatedtheValdezinator.”Leogrinned.“Idid,didn’tI?Isupposethatwasprettyawesome.SowhereisthisnextOracleyou

—Ow!”Nyssahadmadeittothefrontoftheline.SheslappedLeo,thenberatedhiminrapidSpanish.“Yeah,okay,okay.”Leorubbedhisface.“Dang,hermana,Iloveyou,too!”Heturnedhisattentionbacktome.“SothisnextOracle,yousaiditwaswhere?”Percytappedthepicnictable.“ChironandIweretalkingaboutthis.Hefiguresthistriumvirate

thingie…theyprobablydividedAmericaintothreeparts,withoneemperorinchargeofeach.WeknowNeroisholedupinNewYork,sowe’reguessingthisnextOracleisintheseconddude’sterritory,maybeinthemiddlethirdoftheU.S.”

“Oh,themiddlethirdoftheU.S.!”Leospreadhisarms.“Pieceoftorta,then.We’lljustsearchtheentiremiddleofthecountry!”

“Stillwiththesarcasm,”Percynoted.“Hey,man,I’vesailedwiththemostsarcasticscalawagsonthehighseas.”Thetwogaveeachotherahighfive,thoughIdidnotquiteunderstandwhy.Ithoughtabouta

snippetofprophecyI’dheardinthegrove:somethingaboutIndiana.Itmightbeaplacetostart….ThelastpersontocomethroughthelinewasChironhimself,pushedinhiswheelchairbyRachel

Dare.TheoldcentaurgaveLeoawarm,fatherlysmile.“Myboy,Iamsopleasedtohaveyouback.AndyoufreedCalypso,Isee.Welldone,andwelcome,bothofyou!”Chironspreadhisarmsforahug.

“Uh,thanks,Chiron.”Leoleanedforward.FromunderneathChiron’slapblanket,hisequineforelegshotoutandimplantedahoofinLeo’s

gut.Then,justasquickly,thelegdisappeared.“Mr.Valdez,”Chironsaidinthesamekindlytone,“ifyoueverpullastuntlikethatagain—”

“Igotit,Igotit!”Leorubbedhisstomach.“Dang,forateacher,yougotaheckofahighkick.”RachelgrinnedandwheeledChironaway.CalypsoandPercyhelpedLeotohisfeet.“Yo,Nico,”Leocalled,“pleasetellmethat’sitforthephysicalabuse.”“Fornow.”Nicosmiled.“We’restilltryingtogetintouchwiththeWestCoast.You’llhaveafew

dozenpeopleouttherewhowilldefinitelywanttohityou.”Leowinced.“Yeah,that’ssomethingtolookforwardto.Well,IguessI’dbetterkeepmystrength

up.WheredoyouguyseatlunchnowthattheColossussteppedonthediningpavilion?”

Percyleftthatnightjustbeforedinner.Iexpectedamovingone-on-onefarewell,duringwhichhewouldaskmyadviceabouttesttaking,

beingahero,andlivinglifeingeneral.AfterhelentmehishelpindefeatingtheColossus,itwould

havebeentheleastIcoulddo.Instead,heseemedmoreinterestedinsayinggood-byetoLeoandCalypso.Iwasn’tpartoftheir

conversation,butthethreeofthemseemedtoreachsomesortofmutualunderstanding.PercyandLeoembraced.CalypsoevenpeckedPercyonthecheek.ThenthesonofPoseidonwadedintoLongIslandSoundwithhisextremelylargedogandtheybothdisappearedunderwater.DidMrs.O’Learyswim?Didshetravelthroughtheshadowsofwhales?Ididnotknow.

Likelunch,dinnerwasacasualaffair.Asdarknessfell,weateonpicnicblanketsaroundthehearth,whichblazedwithHestia’swarmthandkeptawaythewinterchill.Festusthedragonsniffedaroundtheperimeterofthecabins,occasionallyblowingfireintotheskyfornoapparentreason.

“HegotalittledingedupinCorsica,”Leoexplained.“Sometimeshespewsrandomlylikethat.”“Hehasn’tblowtorchedanyoneimportantyet,”Calypsoadded,hereyebrowarched.“We’llsee

howhelikesyou.”Festus’sredjeweleyesgleamedinthedarkness.Afterdrivingthesunchariotforsolong,Iwasn’t

nervousaboutridingametaldragon,butwhenIthoughtaboutwhatwe’dberidingtoward,geraniumsbloomedinmystomach.

“Ihadplannedtogoalone,”Itoldthem.“TheprophecyfromDodonaspeaksofthebronzefire-eater,but…itfeelswrongformetoaskyoutoriskyourlives.Youhavebeenthroughsomuchjusttogethere.”

Calypsotiltedherhead.“Perhapsyouhavechanged.ThatdoesnotsoundliketheApolloIremember.Youdefinitelyarenotashandsome.”

“Iamstillquitehandsome,”Iprotested.“Ijustneedtoclearupthisacne.”Shesmirked.“Soyouhaven’tcompletelylostyourbighead.”“Ibegyourpardon?”“Guys,”Leointerrupted,“ifwe’regoingtotraveltogether,let’strytokeepitfriendly.”He

pressedanicepacktohisbruisedbicep.“Besides,wewereplanningtoheadwestanyway.IgottofindmypeepsJasonandPiperandFrankandHazeland…well,prettymucheverybodyatCampJupiter,Iguess.It’llbefun.”

“Fun?”Iasked.“TheOracleofTrophoniuswillsupposedlyswallowmeindeathandmadness.EvenifIsurvivethat,myothertrialswillnodoubtbelong,harrowing,andquitepossiblyfatal.”

“Exactly,”Leosaid.“Fun.Idon’tknowaboutcallingthewholequestthingApollo’strials,though.IthinkweshouldcallitLeoValdez’sVictoryLapWorldTour.”

CalypsolaughedandlacedherfingersinLeo’s.Shemaynothavebeenimmortalanymore,butshestillhadagraceandeasinessaboutherthatIcouldnotfathom.Perhapsshemissedherpowers,butsheseemedgenuinelyhappytobewithValdez—tobeyoungandmortal,evenifitmeantshecoulddieatanymoment.

Unlikeme,shehadchosentobecomemortal.SheknewthatleavingOgygiawasarisk,butshehaddoneitwillingly.Ididn’tknowhowshe’dfoundthecourage.

“Hey,man,”Leotoldme.“Don’tlooksoglum.We’llfindher.”Istirred.“What?”“YourfriendMeg.We’llfindher.Don’tworry.”Abubbleofdarknessburstinsideme.Foronce,Ihadn’tbeenthinkingofMeg.I’dbeenthinking

aboutmyself,andthatmademefeelguilty.PerhapsCalypsowasrighttoquestionwhetherornotI’dchanged.

Igazedatthesilentforest.IrememberedMegdraggingmetosafetywhenIwascoldandsoakedanddelirious.Irememberedhowfearlesslyshefoughtthemyrmekes,andhowshe’dorderedPeachestoextinguishthematchwhenNerowantedtoburnhishostages,despiteherfearofunleashingtheBeast.IhadtomakeherrealizehowevilNerowas.Ihadtofindher.Buthow?

“Megknowstheprophecy,”Isaid.“IfshetellsNero,hewillknowourplansaswell.”Calypsotookabiteofherapple.“ImissedthewholeRomanEmpire.Howbadcanoneemperor

be?”“Bad,”Iassuredher.“Andheisalliedwithtwoothers.Wedon’tknowwhichones,butit’ssafeto

assumetheyareequallycutthroat.They’vehadcenturiestoamassfortunes,acquireproperty,buildarmies…Whoknowswhattheyarecapableof?”

“Eh,”Leosaid.“WetookdownGaeain,like,fortyseconds.This’llbeeasysqueezy.”Iseemedtorecallthatthelead-uptothefightwithGaeahadinvolvedmonthsofsufferingand

nearmisseswithdeath.Leo,infact,haddied.IalsowantedtoremindhimthattheTriumviratemightwellhaveorchestratedallourprevioustroubleswiththeTitansandgiants,whichwouldmakethemmorepowerfulthananythingLeohadeverfaced.

Idecidedthatmentioningthesethingsmightaffectgroupmorale.“We’llsucceed,”Calypsosaid.“Wemust.Sowewill.Ihavebeentrappedonanislandfor

thousandsofyears.Idon’tknowhowlongthismortallifewillbe,butIintendtolivefullyandwithoutfear.”

“That’smymamacita,”Leosaid.“WhathaveItoldyouaboutcallingmemamacita?”Leogrinnedsheepishly.“Inthemorningwe’llstartgettingoursuppliestogether.Assoonas

Festusgetsatune-upandanoilchange,we’llbegoodtogo.”IconsideredwhatsuppliesIwouldtakewithme.Ihaddepressinglylittle:someborrowedclothes,

abow,aukulele,andanoverlytheatricalarrow.Buttherealdifficultywouldbesayinggood-byetoWill,Austin,andKayla.Theyhadhelpedme

somuch,andtheyembracedmeasfamilymorethanIhadeverembracedthem.Tearsstungmyeyes.BeforeIcouldstartsobbing,WillSolacesteppedintothelightofthehearth.“Hey,everybody!We’vestartedabonfireintheamphitheater!Sing-alongtime.Comeon!”

Groansweremixedinwiththecheers,butmosteveryonegottotheirfeetandambledtowardthebonfirenowblazinginthedistance,whereNicodiAngelostoodsilhouettedintheflames,preparingrowsofmarshmallowsonwhatlookedlikefemurbones.

“Aw,man.”Leowinced.“I’mterribleatsing-alongs.Ialwaysclapanddothe‘OldMacDonald’soundsatthewrongtime.Canweskipthis?”

“Oh,no.”Irosetomyfeet,suddenlyfeelingbetter.PerhapstomorrowIwouldweepandthinkaboutgood-byes.Perhapsthedayafterthatwewouldbeflyingtowardourdeaths.Buttonight,Iintendedtoenjoymytimewithmyfamily.WhathadCalypsosaid?Livefullyandwithoutfear.Ifshecoulddoit,thensocouldthebrilliant,fabulousApollo.“Singingisgoodforthespirits.Youshouldnevermissanopportunitytosing.”

Calypsosmiled.“Ican’tbelieveI’msayingthis,butforonceIagreewithApollo.Comeon,Leo.I’llteachyoutoharmonize.”

Together,thethreeofuswalkedtowardthesoundsoflaughter,music,andawarm,cracklingfire.

AchillesthebestfighteroftheGreekswhobesiegedTroyintheTrojanWar;extraordinarilystrong,courageous,andloyal,hehadonlyoneweakspot:hisheel

AdmetusthekingofPheraeinThessaly;ZeuspunishedApollobysendinghimtoworkforAdmetusasashepherd

AeolustheGreekgodofthewindsAgamemnonkingofMycenae;theleaderoftheGreeksintheTrojanWar;courageous,butalso

arrogantandoverlyproudagoraGreekforgatheringplace;acentraloutdoorspotforathletic,artistic,spiritual,andpolitical

lifeinancientGreekcity-statesAjaxGreekherowithgreatstrengthandcourage;foughtintheTrojanWar;usedalargeshieldin

battleambrosiafoodofthegods;hashealingpowersamphitheateranovalorcircularopen-airspaceusedforperformancesorsportingevents,with

spectatorseatingbuiltinasemicirclearoundthestageAphroditetheGreekgoddessofloveandbeautyapodesmosabandofmaterialthatwomeninancientGreeceworearoundthechest,particularly

whileparticipatinginsportsApollotheGreekgodofthesun,prophecy,music,andhealing;thesonofZeusandLeto,andthe

twinofArtemisArestheGreekgodofwar;thesonofZeusandHera,andhalfbrothertoAthenaArgotheshipusedbyabandofheroeswhoaccompaniedJasononhisquesttofindtheGolden

FleeceArgonautsabandofheroeswhosailedwithJasonontheArgo,insearchoftheGoldenFleeceArtemistheGreekgoddessofthehuntandthemoon;thedaughterofZeusandLeto,andthetwinof

ApolloAsclepiusthegodofmedicine;sonofApollo;histemplewasthehealingcenterofancientGreeceAthenatheGreekgoddessofwisdomAthenaParthenosagiantstatueofAthena;themostfamousGreekstatueofalltimeballista(ballistae,pl.)aRomanmissilesiegeweaponthatlaunchedalargeprojectileatadistant

targetBatavianancienttribethatlivedinmodern-dayGermany;alsoaninfantryunitintheRomanarmy

withGermanicoriginsBriseisaprincesscapturedbyAchillesduringtheTrojanWar,causingafeudbetweenAchillesand

AgamemnonthatresultedinAchillesrefusingtofightalongsidetheGreeksBunkerNineahiddenworkshopLeoValdezdiscoveredatCampHalf-Blood,filledwithtoolsand

weapons;itisatleasttwohundredyearsoldandwasusedduringtheDemigodCivilWarCaesarAugustusthefounderandfirstemperoroftheRomanEmpire;adoptedsonandheirof

JuliusCaesar(seealsoOctavian)Calliopethemuseofepicpoetry;motherofseveralsons,includingOrpheusCalypsothegoddessnymphofthemythicalislandofOgygia;adaughteroftheTitanAtlas;she

detainedtheheroOdysseusformanyyearsCampHalf-BloodthetraininggroundforGreekdemigods,locatedinLongIsland,NewYorkCampJupiterthetraininggroundforRomandemigods,locatedbetweentheOaklandHillsandthe

BerkeleyHills,inCaliforniaCassandrathedaughterofKingPriamandQueenHecuba;hadthegiftofprophecy,butwascursed

byApollosothatherpredictionswereneverbelieved,includingherwarningabouttheTrojanHorse

catapultamilitarymachineusedtohurlobjectsCaveofTrophoniusadeepchasmhometotheOracleTrophonius;itsextremelynarrowentrance

requiredavisitortolieflatonhisbackbeforebeingsuckedintothecave;called“TheCaveofNightmares”duetotheterrifyingaccountsofitsvisitors

Celestialbronzeararemetaldeadlytomonsterscentauraraceofcreaturesthatishalf-human,half-horseCerestheRomangodofagriculture;Greekform:DemeterChironacentaur;thecampactivitiesdirectoratCampHalf-BloodchitonaGreekgarment;asleevelesspieceoflinenorwoolsecuredattheshouldersbybrooches

andatthewaistbyabeltChrysothemisadaughterofDemeterwhowonApollo’sloveduringamusiccontestCirceaGreekgoddessofmagicCloacinagoddessoftheRomansewersystemClytemnestrathedaughterofthekingandqueenofSparta;marriedandlatermurdered

AgamemnonColosseumanellipticalamphitheaterinthecenterofRome,Italy,capableofseatingfiftythousand

spectators;usedforgladiatorialcontestsandpublicspectaclessuchasmockseabattles,animalhunts,executions,re-enactmentsoffamousbattles,anddramas

ColossusNeronis(ColossusofNero)agiganticbronzestatueofEmperorNero;waslatertransformedintothesungodwiththeadditionofasunraycrown

CretanoftheislandofCreteCrommyonavillageinancientGreecewhereagiantwildsowwreakedhavocbeforeitwaskilled

byTheseuscuirassleatherormetalarmorconsistingofabreastplateandbackplatewornbyGreekandRoman

soldiers;oftenhighlyornamentedanddesignedtomimicmusclesCyclops(Cyclopes,pl.)amemberofaprimordialraceofgiants,eachwithasingleeyeinthe

middleofhisorherforeheadCyreneafiercehuntresswithwhomApollofellinloveafterhesawherwrestlealion;Apollolater

transformedherintoanymphinordertoextendherlifeDaedalusaskilledcraftsmanwhocreatedtheLabyrinthonCreteinwhichtheMinotaur(partman,

partbull)waskeptDaphneabeautifulnaiadwhoattractedApollo’sattention;shewastransformedintoalaureltreein

ordertoescapehimDemetertheGreekgoddessofagriculture;adaughteroftheTitansRheaandKronos;Roman

form:CeresdimachaerusaRomangladiatortrainedtofightwithtwoswordsatonceDionysustheGreekgodofwineandrevelry;thesonofZeus;activitiesdirectoratCampHalf-

BloodDomusAureaEmperorNero’sextravagantvillaintheheartofancientRome,builtaftertheGreat

FireofRomeDoorsofDeaththedoorwaytotheHouseofHades,locatedinTartarus;doorshavetwosides—

oneinthemortalworld,andoneintheUnderworlddrakonagiganticyellow-and-greenserpentlikemonster,withfrillsarounditsneck,reptilianeyes,

andhugetalons;itspitspoisondryadstreenymphsErebosaplaceofdarknessbetweenearthandHadesErostheGreekgodofloveErythaeaanislandwheretheCumaeanSibyl,aloveinterestofApollo,originallylivedbeforehe

convincedhertoleaveitbypromisingheralonglifeFieldsofPunishmentthesectionoftheUnderworldwherepeoplewhowereevilduringtheirlives

aresenttofaceeternalpunishmentfortheircrimesafterdeathGaeatheGreekearthgoddess;motherofTitans,giants,Cyclopes,andothermonstersGermani(Germanus,sing.)tribalpeoplewhosettledtothewestoftheRhineriverGoldenFleecethishidefromagold-hairedwingedramwasasymbolofauthorityandkingship;it

wasguardedbyadragonandfire-breathingbulls;Jasonwastaskedwithobtainingit,resultinginanepicquest

Gorgonsthreemonstroussisters(Stheno,Euryale,andMedusa)whohavehairofliving,venomoussnakes;Medusa’seyescanturnthebeholdertostone

GreatFireofRomeadevastatingfirethattookplacein64CE,lastingforsixdays;rumorsindicatedthatNerostartedthefiretoclearspaceforthebuildingofhisvilla,DomusAurea,butheblamedtheChristiancommunityforthedisaster

greavesshinarmorGreekfireanincendiaryweaponusedinnavalbattlesbecauseitcancontinueburninginwaterGroveofDodonathesiteoftheoldestGreekOracle,secondonlytotheDelphi;therustlingof

treesinthegroveprovidedanswerstopriestsandpriestesseswhojourneyedtothesiteHadestheGreekgodofdeathandriches;ruleroftheUnderworldharpyawingedfemalecreaturethatsnatchesthingsHebetheGreekgoddessofyouth;daughterofZeusandHeraHecategoddessofmagicandcrossroadsHephaestustheGreekgodoffireandcraftsandofblacksmiths;thesonofZeusandHera,and

marriedtoAphrodite

HeratheGreekgoddessofmarriage;Zeus’swifeandsisterHermesGreekgodoftravelers;guidetospiritsofthedead;godofcommunicationHerodotusaGreekhistorianknownasthe“FatherofHistory”HestiaGreekgoddessofthehearthhippocampi(hippocampus,sing.)half-horse,half-fishcreatureshippodromeanovalstadiumforhorseandchariotracesinancientGreeceHittitesagroupofpeoplewholivedinmodernTurkeyandSyria;ofteninconflictwithEgyptians;

knownfortheiruseofchariotsasassaultweaponsHouseofHadesaplaceintheUnderworldwhereHades,theGreekgodofdeath,andhiswife,

Persephone,ruleoverthesoulsofthedepartedHuntersofArtemisagroupofmaidensloyaltoArtemisandgiftedwithhuntingskillsandeternal

youthaslongastheyrejectmenforlifeHyacinthusaGreekheroandApollo’slover,whodiedwhiletryingtoimpressApollowithhis

discusskillsHypnostheGreekgodofsleepichorthegoldenfluidthatisthebloodofgodsandimmortalsimperatoratermforcommanderintheRomanEmpireImperialgoldararemetaldeadlytomonsters,consecratedatthePantheon;itsexistencewasa

closelyguardedsecretoftheemperorsIristheGreekgoddessoftherainbow,andamessengerofthegodsJuliandynastythetimeperiodmeasuredfromthebattleofActium(31BCE)tothedeathofNero

(68CE)karpoi(karpos,sing.)grainspiritskouretesarmoreddancerswhoguardedtheinfantZeusfromhisfather,KronosKronostheyoungestofthetwelveTitans;thesonofOuranosandGaea;thefatherofZeus;he

killedhisfatherathismother ’sbidding;Titanlordoffate,harvest,justice,andtime;Romanform:Saturn

LabyrinthanundergroundmazeoriginallybuiltontheislandofCretebythecraftsmanDaedalustoholdtheMinotaur

LaomedonaTrojankingwhomPoseidonandApolloweresenttoserveaftertheyoffendedZeusLepidusaRomanpatricianandmilitarycommanderwhowasinatriumviratewithOctavianand

MarcAntonyLetomotherofArtemisandApollowithZeus;goddessofmotherhoodLupercaliaapastoralfestival,observedonFebruary13through15,toavertevilspiritsandpurify

thecity,releasinghealthandfertilityLydiaaprovinceinancientRome;thedoubleaxoriginatedthere,alongwiththeuseofcoinsand

retailshopsMarcAntonyaRomanpoliticianandgeneral;partofthetriumvirate,withLepidusandOctavian,

whotogethertrackeddownanddefeatedCaesar ’skillers;hadanenduringaffairwithCleopatraMarsyasasatyrwholosttoApolloafterchallenginghiminamusicalcontest,whichledto

MarsyasbeingflayedaliveMedeaafollowerofHecateandoneofthegreatsorceressesoftheancientworldMidasakingwiththepowertotransformanythinghetouchedtogold;heselectedMarsyasasthe

winnerinthemusicalcontestbetweenApolloandMarsyas,resultinginApollogivingMidastheearsofadonkey

MinoskingofCrete;sonofZeus;everyyearhemadeKingAeguspicksevenboysandsevengirlstobesenttotheLabyrinth,wheretheywouldbeeatenbytheMinotaur;afterhisdeathhebecamea

judgeintheUnderworldMinotaurthehalf-man,half-bullsonofKingMinosofCrete;theMinotaurwaskeptinthe

Labyrinth,wherehekilledpeoplewhoweresentin;hewasfinallydefeatedbyTheseusMithridateskingofPontusandArmeniaMinorinnorthernAnatolia(nowTurkey)fromabout120

to63BCE;oneoftheRomanRepublic’smostformidableandsuccessfulenemies,whoengagedthreeoftheprominentgeneralsfromthelateRomanRepublicintheMithridaticWars

MountOlympushomeoftheTwelveOlympiansmyrmekeagiantantlikecreaturethatpoisonsandparalyzesitspreybeforeeatingit;knownfor

protectingvariousmetals,particularlygoldNemesistheGreekgoddessofrevengeNeroRomanemperorfrom54to68CE;thelastintheJuliandynastyNewRomeacommunitynearCampJupiterwheredemigodscanlivetogetherinpeace,without

interferencefrommortalsormonstersNiketheGreekgoddessofstrength,speed,andvictoryNineMusesGreekgoddessesofliterature,science,andthearts,whohaveinspiredartistsand

writersforcenturiesNiobedaughterofTantalusandDione;sufferedthelossofhersixsonsandsixdaughters,who

werekilledbyApolloandArtemisasapunishmentforherpridenosoi(nosos,sing.)spiritsofplagueanddiseasenymphafemalenaturedeitywhoanimatesnatureOctavianthefounderandfirstemperoroftheRomanEmpire;adoptedsonandheirofJulius

Caesar(seealsoCaesarAugustus)OdysseuslegendaryGreekkingofIthacaandtheheroofHomer ’sepicpoemTheOdysseyOgygiatheislandhome—andprison—ofthenymphCalypsoomphalusstonesusedtomarkthecenter—ornavel—oftheworldOracleofDelphiaspeakerofthepropheciesofApolloOracleofTrophoniusaGreekwhowastransformedintoanOracleafterhisdeath;locatedatthe

CaveofTrophonius;knownforterrifyingthosewhoseekhimOuranostheGreekpersonificationofthesky;fatheroftheTitanspalikoi(palikos,sing.)twinsonsofZeusandThaleia;thegodsofgeysersandthermalspringsPantheGreekgodofthewild;thesonofHermesPandorathefirsthumanwomancreatedbythegods;endowedwithauniquegiftfromeach;

releasedevilintotheworldbyopeningajarParthenonatemplededicatedtothegoddessAthenalocatedattheAthenianAcropolisinGreecePatroclussonofMenoetius;hesharedadeepfriendshipwithAchillesafterbeingraisedalongside

him;hewaskilledwhilefightingintheTrojanWarpegasus(pegasi,pl.)awingeddivinehorse;siredbyPoseidon,inhisroleashorse-godPeleusfatherofAchilles;hisweddingtothesea-nymphThetiswaswellattendedbythegods,anda

disagreementbetweenthemattheeventeventuallyleadtotheTrojanWar;theguardiandragonatCampHalf-Bloodisnamedafterhim

PersephonetheGreekqueenoftheUnderworld;wifeofHades;daughterofZeusandDemeterphalanx(phalanxes,pl.)acompactbodyofheavilyarmedtroopsPhidiasafamousancientGreeksculptorwhocreatedtheAthenaParthenosandmanyothersPolyphemusthegiganticone-eyedsonofPoseidonandThoosa;oneoftheCyclopesPoseidontheGreekgodofthesea;sonoftheTitansKronosandRhea,andbrotherofZeusand

HadespraetoranelectedRomanmagistrateandcommanderofthearmy

PrimordialChaosthefirstthingevertoexist;avoidfromwhichthefirstgodswereproducedPrometheustheTitanwhocreatedhumansandgiftedthemwithfirestolenfromMountOlympusPythiathenamegiventoeveryOracleofDelphiPythonamonstrousserpentthatGaeaappointedtoguardtheOracleatDelphiRheaSilviathequeenoftheTitans,motherofZeusRiptidethenameofPercyJackson’ssword;AnaklusmosinGreekRiverStyxtheriverthatformstheboundarybetweenearthandtheUnderworldSaturnaliaanancientRomanfestivalcelebratingSaturn(Kronos)satyraGreekforestgod,partgoatandpartmanshadow-travelaformoftransportationthatallowscreaturesoftheUnderworldandchildrenof

HadestouseshadowstoleaptoanydesiredplaceonearthorintheUnderworld,althoughitmakestheuserextremelyfatigued

SibylaprophetessSibyllineBooksacollectionofpropheciesinrhymewritteninGreek;TarquiniusSuperbus,aking

ofRome,boughtthemfromaprophetessandconsultedthemintimesofgreatdangersiccaeashortcurvedswordusedforbattleinancientRomeSpartaacity-stateinancientGreecewithmilitarydominanceStygianironamagicalmetal,forgedintheRiverStyx,capableofabsorbingtheveryessenceof

monstersandinjuringmortals,gods,Titans,andgiants;hasasignificanteffectonghostsandcreaturesfromtheUnderworld

TalosagiantmechanicalmanmadeofbronzeandusedonCretetoguarditsshorelinefrominvaders

TantalusAccordingtolegend,thiskingwassuchagoodfriendofthegodsthathewasallowedtodineattheirtable—untilhespilledtheirsecretsonearth;hewassenttotheUnderworld,wherehiscursewastobestuckinapoolofwaterunderafruittree,butneverbeabletodrinkoreat

TartarushusbandofGaea;spiritoftheabyss;fatherofthegiants;aregionoftheUnderworldTheodosiusthelasttoruleovertheunitedRomanEmpire;knownforclosingallancienttemples

acrosstheempireThracianofThrace,aregioncenteredonthemodernbordersofBulgaria,Greece,andTurkeyTitanWartheepicten-yearbattlebetweentheTitansandtheOlympiansthatresultedinthe

OlympianstakingthethroneTitansaraceofpowerfulGreekdeities,descendantsofGaeaandOuranos,thatruledduringthe

GoldenAgeandwereoverthrownbyaraceofyoungergods,theOlympianstriremeaGreekwarship,havingthreetiersofoarsoneachsidetriumvirateapoliticalallianceformedbythreepartiesTrojanWarAccordingtolegend,theTrojanWarwaswagedagainstthecityofTroybythe

Achaeans(Greeks)afterParisofTroytookHelenfromherhusband,Menelaus,kingofSpartaTroyaRomancitysituatedinmodern-dayTurkey;siteoftheTrojanWarTychetheGreekgoddessofgoodfortune;daughterofHermesandAphroditeTyphonthemostterrifyingGreekmonster;fatherofmanyfamousmonsters,includingCerberus,

theviciousmulti-headeddogtaskedwithguardingtheentrancetotheUnderworldUnderworldthekingdomofthedead,wheresoulsgoforeternity;ruledbyHadesZephyrostheGreekgodoftheWestWindZeustheGreekgodoftheskyandthekingofthegods

RICKRIORDAN,dubbed“storytellerofthegods”byPublishersWeekly,istheauthoroffourNewYorkTimes#1best-sellingseries:PercyJacksonandtheOlympiansandTheHeroesofOlympus,basedonGreekandRomanmythology;theKaneChronicles,basedonEgyptianmythology;andMagnusChaseandtheGodsofAsgard,basedonNorsemythology.HistwoGreekmythcollections,PercyJackson’sGreekGodsandPercyJackson’sGreekHeroes,illustratedbyJohnRocco,wereNewYorkTimes#1bestsellersaswell.RicklivesinBoston,Massachusetts,withhiswifeandtwosons.Tolearnmoreabouthim,visithisWebsiteatwww.rickriordan.com.