01.The Lightning Thief Percy Jackson - Rick Riordan

R I C K

R I O R D A N

M I R A M A X BOOKS H Y P E R I O N BOOKS FOR C H I L D R E N NEW YORK

Copyright © 2 0 0 5 by Rick Riordan All rights reserved. No part of this book may be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic or mechanical, including photocopying, recording, or by any information storage and retrieval system, without written permission from the publisher. For information address Hyperion Books for Children, 114 Fifth Avenue, N e w York, N e w York 1 0 0 1 1 - 5 6 9 0 . First Edition 5 7 9 10 8 6 Printed in the United States of America Library of Congress Cataloging-in-Publication Data on file. ISBN 0 - 7 8 6 8 - 5 6 2 9 - 7 (hardcover) Reinforced binding Visit www.hyperionbooksforchildren.com

To Haley, who heard the story first

CONTENTS

1 · I A c c i d e n t a l l y V a p o r i z e My P r e - a l g e b r a T e a c h e r 1 2 · T h r e e O l d Ladies Knit the Socks of D e a t h 16 3 · G r o v e r U n e x p e c t e d l y L o s e s H i s P a n t s 29 4 · My M o t h e r T e a c h e s Me Bullfighting 44 5 . I Play P i n o c h l e w i t h a H o r s e 57 6·

I B e c o m e S u p r e m e L o r d of t h e B a t h r o o m 75 7 . My Dinner Goes Up in Smoke 93 8 · We C a p t u r e a F l a g 107 9 · I Am O f f e r e d a Q u e s t 127 10 · I R u i n a Perfectly G o o d Bus 149

1 1 · W e V i s i t t h e G a r d e n G n o m e E m p o r i u m 168 12 · We G e t A d v i c e f r o m a P o o d l e 188 13 · I P l u n g e to My D e a t h 197 14 · I B e c o m e a K n o w n F u g i t i v e 212 15 · A G o d Buys Us C h e e s e b u r g e r s 219 16 · We T a k e a Z e b r a to Vegas 242 17 · We S h o p for W a t e r Beds 2 6 6 18 · A n n a b e t h D o e s O b e d i e n c e S c h o o l 283 1 9 · W e F i n d O u t t h e T r u t h , S o r t O f 300 20 · I Battle My Jerk Relative 320 21 · I S e t t l e My T a b 334 22 · T h e P r o p h e c y C o m e s T r u e 354

Look, I didn't w a n t to be a half-blood. I f you're r e a d i n g t h i s b e c a u s e y o u t h i n k y o u m i g h t b e o n e , m y advice is: close this b o o k r i g h t now. Believe w h a t ever lie y o u r m o m o r d a d t o l d y o u a b o u t y o u r b i r t h , a n d t r y to l e a d a n o r m a l life. Being a h a l f - b l o o d is d a n g e r o u s . It's scary. M o s t of t h e t i m e , it gets y o u killed in painful, n a s t y ways. I f you're a n o r m a l k i d , r e a d i n g this b e c a u s e y o u t h i n k it's fiction, g r e a t . R e a d o n . I envy y o u for b e i n g able to believe t h a t n o n e o f this ever h a p p e n e d . B u t if y o u r e c o g n i z e yourself in these p a g e s — i f y o u feel something stirring i n s i d e — s t o p reading immediately. You m i g h t b e o n e o f u s . A n d o n c e y o u k n o w t h a t , it's o n l y a m a t ter of t i m e before they sense it t o o , a n d they'll c o m e for you. D o n ' t say I d i d n ' t w a r n y o u .

M y n a m e i s Percy J a c k s o n . I ' m twelve years o l d . U n t i l a few m o n t h s ago, I was a b o a r d i n g s t u d e n t at Y a n c y A c a d e m y , a private s c h o o l for troubled kids in upstate N e w York. Am I a t r o u b l e d kid? Yeah. Y o u c o u l d say t h a t .

[1]

I c o u l d s t a r t a t any p o i n t i n m y s h o r t m i s e r a b l e life t o p r o v e it, b u t t h i n g s really s t a r t e d g o i n g b a d last M a y , w h e n o u r s i x t h - g r a d e class t o o k a f i e l d t r i p t o M a n h a t t a n — t w e n t y - e i g h t m e n t a l - c a s e k i d s a n d t w o teachers o n a yellow school bus, heading to the M e t r o p o l i t a n M u s e u m of A r t to l o o k a t a n c i e n t G r e e k a n d R o m a n stuff. I k n o w — i t s o u n d s like t o r t u r e . M o s t Y a n c y f i e l d t r i p s were. B u t M r . B r u n n e r , o u r L a t i n teacher, was l e a d i n g t h i s t r i p , so I h a d h o p e s . M r . B r u n n e r was t h i s m i d d l e - a g e d guy i n a m o t o r i z e d wheelchair. H e h a d t h i n n i n g h a i r a n d a scruffy b e a r d a n d a frayed t w e e d jacket, w h i c h always s m e l l e d like coffee. Y o u w o u l d n ' t t h i n k he'd b e c o o l , b u t h e t o l d stories a n d jokes a n d let u s p l a y g a m e s i n class. H e also h a d t h i s a w e s o m e c o l l e c t i o n o f R o m a n a r m o r a n d w e a p o n s , s o h e was t h e o n l y t e a c h e r w h o s e class d i d n ' t p u t m e t o sleep. I h o p e d t h e t r i p w o u l d b e okay. A t least, I h o p e d t h a t for o n c e I w o u l d n ' t get in t r o u b l e . Boy, was I w r o n g . See, b a d t h i n g s h a p p e n t o m e o n f i e l d t r i p s . L i k e a t m y f i f t h - g r a d e s c h o o l , w h e n w e w e n t t o t h e S a r a t o g a battlefield, I h a d this a c c i d e n t w i t h a R e v o l u t i o n a r y W a r c a n n o n . I wasn't a i m i n g for t h e s c h o o l b u s , b u t o f c o u r s e I g o t expelled

anyway.

And

before

that,

at

my

fourth-grade

school, when we t o o k a behind-the-scenes t o u r of the M a r i n e W o r l d s h a r k p o o l , I s o r t o f h i t t h e w r o n g lever o n t h e c a t w a l k a n d o u r class t o o k a n u n p l a n n e d s w i m . A n d t h e t i m e b e f o r e t h a t . . . W e l l , y o u get t h e idea.

[2]

T h i s t r i p , I was d e t e r m i n e d t o b e g o o d . A l l t h e way i n t o t h e city, I p u t u p w i t h N a n c y Bobofit, t h e freckly, r e d h e a d e d k l e p t o m a n i a c girl, h i t t i n g m y b e s t friend Grover in the back of the head with chunks of peanut butter-and-ketchup sandwich. G r o v e r was a n easy target. H e was scrawny. H e cried w h e n h e g o t f r u s t r a t e d . H e m u s t ' v e b e e n h e l d b a c k several g r a d e s , b e c a u s e h e was t h e o n l y sixth g r a d e r w i t h a c n e a n d t h e s t a r t o f a w i s p y b e a r d o n his c h i n . O n t o p o f all t h a t , h e was c r i p p l e d . H e h a d a n o t e excusing h i m f r o m P E for t h e rest o f his life b e c a u s e h e h a d s o m e k i n d o f m u s c u l a r disease i n his legs. H e w a l k e d funny, like every s t e p h u r t h i m , b u t d o n ' t let t h a t fool y o u . Y o u s h o u l d ' v e seen h i m r u n w h e n i t was e n c h i l a d a d a y i n t h e cafeteria. Anyway, N a n c y B o b o f i t was t h r o w i n g w a d s o f s a n d w i c h t h a t s t u c k in his curly b r o w n hair, a n d she k n e w I c o u l d n ' t d o a n y t h i n g b a c k t o h e r b e c a u s e I was already o n p r o b a t i o n . T h e headmaster had threatened me with death by in-school s u s p e n s i o n i f a n y t h i n g b a d , e m b a r r a s s i n g , o r even m i l d l y e n t e r t a i n i n g h a p p e n e d o n this t r i p . " I ' m g o i n g to kill her," I m u m b l e d . G r o v e r t r i e d t o c a l m m e d o w n . "It's okay. I like p e a n u t butter." H e d o d g e d another piece o f Nancy's lunch. " T h a t ' s it." I s t a r t e d t o get u p , b u t G r o v e r p u l l e d m e b a c k t o m y seat. "You're already o n p r o b a t i o n , " h e r e m i n d e d m e . " Y o u k n o w w h o ' l l get b l a m e d i f a n y t h i n g h a p p e n s . " L o o k i n g b a c k o n it, I w i s h I'd d e c k e d N a n c y B o b o f i t

[3]

right then a n d there. In-school suspension would've been n o t h i n g c o m p a r e d t o t h e m e s s I was a b o u t t o get myself i n t o .

Mr. Brunner led the m u s e u m tour. H e r o d e u p f r o n t i n his wheelchair, g u i d i n g u s t h r o u g h t h e b i g e c h o e y galleries, p a s t m a r b l e s t a t u e s a n d glass cases full o f really o l d b l a c k - a n d - o r a n g e p o t t e r y . I t b l e w m y m i n d t h a t t h i s s t u f f h a d survived for t w o t h o u s a n d , t h r e e t h o u s a n d years. He gathered us around a thirteen-foot-tall stone colu m n w i t h a b i g s p h i n x o n t h e t o p , a n d s t a r t e d telling u s h o w it was a grave m a r k e r , a stele, for a girl a b o u t o u r age. He t o l d u s a b o u t t h e carvings o n t h e sides. I was t r y i n g t o listen t o w h a t h e h a d t o say, b e c a u s e i t was k i n d o f i n t e r esting, b u t e v e r y b o d y a r o u n d m e was t a l k i n g , a n d every t i m e I told t h e m to shut up, the other teacher chaperone, M r s . D o d d s , w o u l d give m e t h e evil eye. M r s . D o d d s was t h i s little m a t h t e a c h e r f r o m G e o r g i a w h o always w o r e a black l e a t h e r jacket, even t h o u g h she was f i f t y years o l d . S h e l o o k e d m e a n e n o u g h t o r i d e a H a r l e y r i g h t i n t o y o u r locker. S h e h a d c o m e t o Yancy halfway t h r o u g h t h e year, w h e n o u r last m a t h t e a c h e r h a d a n e r v o u s breakdown. F r o m h e r f i r s t day, M r s . D o d d s loved N a n c y B o b o f i t a n d f i g u r e d I was devil s p a w n . S h e w o u l d p o i n t h e r c r o o k e d f i n g e r a t m e a n d say, " N o w , honey," real sweet, a n d I k n e w I was g o i n g to get a f t e r - s c h o o l d e t e n t i o n for a m o n t h . O n e t i m e , after s h e d m a d e m e erase answers o u t o f o l d m a t h workbooks until midnight, I told Grover I didn't

[4]

t h i n k M r s . D o d d s was h u m a n . H e l o o k e d a t m e , real serio u s , a n d said, "You're a b s o l u t e l y right." M r . B r u n n e r k e p t t a l k i n g a b o u t G r e e k funeral a r t . Finally, N a n c y B o b o f i t s n i c k e r e d s o m e t h i n g a b o u t t h e n a k e d g u y o n t h e stele, a n d I t u r n e d a r o u n d a n d said, " W i l l y o u shut up!" It came o u t louder than I m e a n t it to. T h e w h o l e g r o u p l a u g h e d . M r . B r u n n e r s t o p p e d his story. " M r . Jackson," h e said, " d i d y o u have a c o m m e n t ? " My face was totally r e d . I said, " N o , sir." M r . B r u n n e r p o i n t e d t o o n e o f t h e p i c t u r e s o n t h e stele. " P e r h a p s y o u ' l l tell u s w h a t this p i c t u r e r e p r e s e n t s ? " I l o o k e d at t h e carving, a n d felt a flush of relief, b e c a u s e I actually r e c o g n i z e d it. " T h a t ' s K r o n o s e a t i n g h i s k i d s , right?" "Yes," M r . B r u n n e r said, o b v i o u s l y n o t satisfied. " A n d he d i d t h i s b e c a u s e . . ." " W e l l . . . " I r a c k e d m y b r a i n t o r e m e m b e r . " K r o n o s was the king god, a n d — " " G o d ? " M r . B r u n n e r asked. " T i t a n , " I c o r r e c t e d myself. " A n d . . . h e d i d n ' t t r u s t his k i d s , w h o were t h e g o d s . S o , u m , K r o n o s ate t h e m , right? B u t his wife h i d b a b y Z e u s , a n d gave K r o n o s a r o c k t o eat i n s t e a d . A n d later, w h e n Z e u s g r e w u p , h e t r i c k e d h i s d a d , K r o n o s , i n t o b a r f i n g u p his b r o t h e r s a n d s i s t e r s — " " E e e w ! " said o n e o f t h e girls b e h i n d m e . " — a n d s o t h e r e was t h i s b i g f i g h t b e t w e e n t h e g o d s a n d the Titans," I continued, " a n d the gods won."

[5]

S o m e snickers f r o m t h e g r o u p . B e h i n d m e , N a n c y B o b o f i t m u m b l e d t o a friend, " L i k e we're g o i n g to use t h i s in real life. L i k e it's g o i n g to say on o u r j o b a p p l i c a t i o n s , 'Please explain w h y K r o n o s ate h i s kids.' " " A n d why, M r . Jackson," B r u n n e r said, " t o p a r a p h r a s e M i s s Bobofit's excellent q u e s t i o n , d o e s t h i s m a t t e r i n real life?" "Busted," G r o v e r m u t t e r e d . " S h u t u p , " N a n c y hissed, h e r face even b r i g h t e r r e d t h a n h e r hair. A t least N a n c y g o t p a c k e d , t o o . M r . B r u n n e r was t h e o n l y o n e w h o ever c a u g h t h e r saying a n y t h i n g w r o n g . H e h a d r a d a r ears. I t h o u g h t a b o u t his question, a n d shrugged. "I don't k n o w , sir." " I see." M r . B r u n n e r l o o k e d d i s a p p o i n t e d . " W e l l , h a l f credit, M r . J a c k s o n . Z e u s d i d i n d e e d feed K r o n o s a m i x t u r e o f m u s t a r d a n d w i n e , w h i c h m a d e h i m d i s g o r g e his o t h e r five children, w h o , o f c o u r s e , b e i n g i m m o r t a l g o d s , h a d b e e n living a n d g r o w i n g u p c o m p l e t e l y u n d i g e s t e d i n t h e T i t a n ' s s t o m a c h . T h e g o d s d e f e a t e d t h e i r father, sliced h i m t o pieces w i t h his o w n s c y t h e , a n d s c a t t e r e d h i s r e m a i n s i n Tartarus, the darkest part of the U n d e r w o r l d . On that h a p p y n o t e , it's t i m e for l u n c h . M r s . D o d d s , w o u l d y o u lead us back outside?" T h e class d r i f t e d off, t h e girls h o l d i n g t h e i r s t o m a c h s , t h e guys p u s h i n g each o t h e r a r o u n d a n d a c t i n g like d o o fuses.

[6]

G r o v e r a n d I were a b o u t t o follow w h e n M r . B r u n n e r said, " M r . Jackson." I k n e w t h a t was c o m i n g . I told Grover to keep going. T h e n I t u r n e d toward M r . Brunner. "Sir?" M r . B r u n n e r h a d t h i s l o o k t h a t w o u l d n ' t let y o u g o — i n t e n s e b r o w n eyes t h a t could've b e e n a t h o u s a n d years o l d a n d h a d seen everything. "You m u s t learn the

answer t o

my

question," M r .

Brunner told me. "About the Titans?" " A b o u t real life. A n d h o w y o u r s t u d i e s a p p l y t o it." "Oh." " W h a t y o u l e a r n f r o m m e , " h e said, "is vitally i m p o r t a n t . I expect y o u to t r e a t it as s u c h . I will a c c e p t o n l y t h e b e s t f r o m you, P e r c y Jackson." I w a n t e d t o get angry, t h i s g u y p u s h e d m e s o h a r d . I m e a n , sure, i t was k i n d o f c o o l o n t o u r n a m e n t days, when he dressed up in a suit of R o m a n a r m o r a n d shouted: " W h a t h o ! " a n d c h a l l e n g e d us, s w o r d - p o i n t a g a i n s t chalk, t o r u n t o t h e b o a r d a n d n a m e every G r e e k a n d R o m a n p e r s o n w h o h a d ever lived, a n d t h e i r m o t h e r , a n d w h a t g o d t h e y worshipped. But M r . Brunner expected me to be as g o o d as e v e r y b o d y else, d e s p i t e t h e fact t h a t I have dyslexia a n d a t t e n t i o n deficit d i s o r d e r a n d I h a d never m a d e above a C— in my life. N o — h e d i d n ' t e x p e c t me to be as good; he e x p e c t e d me to be better. A n d I j u s t c o u l d n ' t l e a r n all t h o s e n a m e s a n d facts, m u c h less spell t h e m correctly. I m u m b l e d something a b o u t trying harder, while M r .

B r u n n e r t o o k o n e l o n g sad l o o k a t t h e stele, like he'd b e e n at this girl's funeral. H e t o l d m e t o g o o u t s i d e a n d eat m y l u n c h .

T h e class g a t h e r e d o n t h e f r o n t s t e p s o f t h e m u s e u m , w h e r e w e c o u l d w a t c h t h e f o o t traffic a l o n g F i f t h A v e n u e . Overhead,

a huge

s t o r m was

brewing,

with

clouds

blacker t h a n I'd ever seen over t h e city. I figured m a y b e it was g l o b a l w a r m i n g o r s o m e t h i n g , b e c a u s e t h e w e a t h e r all across N e w Y o r k s t a t e h a d b e e n weird since C h r i s t m a s . W e ' d h a d massive s n o w s t o r m s , f l o o d i n g , wildfires f r o m l i g h t n i n g strikes. I w o u l d n ' t have b e e n s u r p r i s e d if this was a h u r r i c a n e b l o w i n g in. N o b o d y else s e e m e d t o n o t i c e . S o m e o f t h e g u y s were p e l t i n g p i g e o n s w i t h L u n c h a b l e s crackers. N a n c y B o b o f i t was t r y i n g to p i c k p o c k e t s o m e t h i n g f r o m a lady's p u r s e , a n d , o f c o u r s e , M r s . D o d d s wasn't seeing a t h i n g . G r o v e r a n d I sat o n t h e edge o f t h e f o u n t a i n , away f r o m the others. We t h o u g h t that maybe if we did that, everybody w o u l d n ' t k n o w w e were f r o m that s c h o o l — t h e s c h o o l for loser freaks w h o c o u l d n ' t m a k e i t elsewhere. " D e t e n t i o n ? " G r o v e r asked. " N a h , " I said. " N o t f r o m B r u n n e r . I just w i s h he'd lay o f f m e s o m e t i m e s . I m e a n — I ' m n o t a genius." G r o v e r d i d n ' t say a n y t h i n g for a while. T h e n , w h e n I t h o u g h t h e was g o i n g t o give m e s o m e d e e p p h i l o s o p h i c a l c o m m e n t t o m a k e m e feel b e t t e r , h e said, " C a n I have y o u r apple?" I d i d n ' t have m u c h of an a p p e t i t e , so I let h i m take it.

I w a t c h e d t h e s t r e a m o f cabs g o i n g d o w n F i f t h Avenue, a n d t h o u g h t a b o u t m y m o m ' s a p a r t m e n t , o n l y a little ways uptown

from

where

we

sat.

I

hadn't

seen

her

since

C h r i s t m a s . I w a n t e d s o b a d t o j u m p i n a taxi a n d h e a d h o m e . S h e ' d h u g m e a n d b e g l a d t o see m e , b u t she'd b e disappointed,

too.

She'd s e n d m e r i g h t b a c k t o Yancy,

r e m i n d m e t h a t I h a d t o t r y h a r d e r , even i f t h i s was m y sixth s c h o o l in six years a n d I was p r o b a b l y g o i n g to be k i c k e d o u t again. I w o u l d n ' t b e able t o s t a n d t h a t sad l o o k she'd give m e . M r . B r u n n e r p a r k e d his w h e e l c h a i r a t t h e b a s e o f t h e h a n d i c a p p e d r a m p . H e ate celery w h i l e h e r e a d a p a p e r b a c k novel. A r e d u m b r e l l a s t u c k u p f r o m t h e b a c k o f his chair, m a k i n g it l o o k like a m o t o r i z e d café table. I

was

about to unwrap my sandwich when N a n c y

B o b o f i t a p p e a r e d i n f r o n t o f m e w i t h h e r ugly f r i e n d s — I guess she'd g o t t e n t i r e d o f stealing f r o m t h e t o u r i s t s — a n d d u m p e d h e r h a l f - e a t e n l u n c h i n Grover's l a p . " O o p s . " She grinned at me with her crooked teeth. H e r freckles were o r a n g e , a s i f s o m e b o d y h a d s p r a y - p a i n t e d h e r face w i t h l i q u i d C h e e t o s . I t r i e d t o stay c o o l . T h e s c h o o l c o u n s e l o r h a d t o l d m e a m i l l i o n t i m e s , " C o u n t t o ten, get c o n t r o l o f y o u r t e m p e r . " B u t I was s o m a d m y m i n d w e n t b l a n k . A wave r o a r e d i n m y ears. I d o n ' t r e m e m b e r t o u c h i n g her, b u t t h e n e x t t h i n g I k n e w , N a n c y was

sitting

on her butt in the fountain,

screaming, "Percy p u s h e d me!" M r s . D o d d s materialized next to us.

S o m e o f t h e k i d s were w h i s p e r i n g : " D i d y o u s e e — " "—the water—" "—like it grabbed h e r — " I d i d n ' t k n o w w h a t t h e y were t a l k i n g a b o u t . AU I k n e w was t h a t I was in t r o u b l e again. A s s o o n a s M r s . D o d d s was sure p o o r little N a n c y was okay, p r o m i s i n g t o get h e r a n e w s h i r t a t t h e m u s e u m gift s h o p , etc., etc., M r s . D o d d s t u r n e d o n m e . T h e r e was a t r i u m p h a n t fire in h e r eyes, as if I'd d o n e s o m e t h i n g she'd b e e n w a i t i n g for all semester. " N o w , h o n e y — " "I know," I g r u m b l e d . "A m o n t h erasing w o r k b o o k s . " T h a t wasn't t h e r i g h t t h i n g t o say. " C o m e w i t h m e , " M r s . D o d d s said. " W a i t ! " G r o v e r yelped. " I t was m e . I p u s h e d her." I s t a r e d at h i m , s t u n n e d . I c o u l d n ' t believe he was t r y i n g t o cover for m e . M r s . D o d d s scared G r o v e r t o d e a t h . S h e glared a t h i m s o h a r d his w h i s k e r y c h i n t r e m b l e d . " I d o n ' t t h i n k so, M r . U n d e r w o o d , " she said. "But—" "You—will—stay—here." G r o v e r l o o k e d a t m e desperately. "It's okay, m a n , " I t o l d h i m . " T h a n k s for trying." " H o n e y , " M r s . D o d d s b a r k e d a t m e . "Now." N a n c y Bobofit smirked. I gave h e r my deluxe I ' l l - k i l l - y o u - l a t e r stare. T h e n I t u r n e d t o face M r s . D o d d s , b u t she wasn't t h e r e . S h e was s t a n d i n g a t t h e m u s e u m e n t r a n c e , way a t t h e t o p o f t h e steps, gesturing impatiently at me to c o m e on. H o w ' d she get t h e r e so fast?

[10]

I have m o m e n t s like t h a t a lot, w h e n my b r a i n falls asleep o r s o m e t h i n g , a n d t h e n e x t t h i n g I k n o w I've m i s s e d s o m e t h i n g , as if a p u z z l e p i e c e fell o u t of t h e universe a n d left m e s t a r i n g a t t h e b l a n k p l a c e b e h i n d it. T h e s c h o o l c o u n s e l o r t o l d m e this was p a r t o f t h e A D H D , m y b r a i n misinterpreting things. I wasn't so sure. I w e n t after M r s . D o d d s . H a l f w a y u p t h e s t e p s , I g l a n c e d b a c k a t Grover. H e was l o o k i n g pale, c u t t i n g his eyes b e t w e e n m e a n d M r . B r u n n e r , like h e w a n t e d M r . B r u n n e r t o n o t i c e w h a t was g o i n g o n , b u t M r . B r u n n e r was a b s o r b e d i n his novel. I l o o k e d b a c k u p . M r s . D o d d s h a d d i s a p p e a r e d again. S h e was n o w i n s i d e t h e b u i l d i n g , a t t h e e n d o f t h e e n t r a n c e hall. O k a y , I t h o u g h t . She's g o i n g t o m a k e m e b u y a n e w s h i r t for N a n c y a t t h e gift s h o p . B u t a p p a r e n t l y t h a t wasn't t h e p l a n . I followed h e r d e e p e r i n t o t h e m u s e u m . W h e n I finally c a u g h t u p t o her, w e were b a c k i n t h e G r e e k a n d R o m a n section. E x c e p t for u s , t h e gallery was e m p t y . M r s . D o d d s s t o o d with her arms crossed in front of a b i g m a r b l e frieze o f t h e G r e e k g o d s . S h e was m a k i n g t h i s weird n o i s e i n h e r t h r o a t , like g r o w l i n g . E v e n w i t h o u t t h e n o i s e , I w o u l d ' v e b e e n n e r v o u s . It's w e i r d b e i n g a l o n e w i t h a teacher, especially M r s . D o d d s . S o m e t h i n g a b o u t t h e way she l o o k e d a t t h e frieze, a s i f she w a n t e d to p u l v e r i z e it . . .

[11]

"You've b e e n giving u s p r o b l e m s , honey," she said. I d i d t h e safe t h i n g . I said, "Yes, m a ' a m . " S h e t u g g e d o n t h e cuffs o f h e r l e a t h e r jacket. " D i d y o u really t h i n k y o u w o u l d get away w i t h i t ? " T h e l o o k i n h e r eyes was b e y o n d m a d . I t was evil. She's a teacher, I t h o u g h t nervously. It's n o t like she's going to h u r t me. I said, " I ' l l — I ' l l t r y harder, m a ' a m . " T h u n d e r s h o o k the building. " W e are n o t fools, P e r c y Jackson," M r s . D o d d s said. " I t was

o n l y a m a t t e r o f t i m e before

we

found you out.

C o n f e s s , a n d y o u will suffer less pain." I d i d n ' t k n o w w h a t she was t a l k i n g a b o u t . A l l I c o u l d t h i n k o f was t h a t t h e t e a c h e r s m u s t ' v e f o u n d t h e illegal s t a s h o f c a n d y I ' d b e e n selling o u t o f m y d o r m r o o m . Or m a y b e they'd realized I g o t my essay on Tom Sawyer f r o m t h e I n t e r n e t w i t h o u t ever r e a d i n g t h e b o o k a n d n o w t h e y were g o i n g t o t a k e away m y g r a d e . O r w o r s e , t h e y were going to make me read the book. "Well?" she demanded. " M a ' a m , I d o n ' t . . ." " Y o u r t i m e is u p , " she hissed. T h e n t h e weirdest t h i n g h a p p e n e d . H e r eyes b e g a n t o glow like b a r b e c u e coals. H e r fingers s t r e t c h e d , t u r n i n g i n t o t a l o n s . H e r jacket m e l t e d i n t o large, l e a t h e r y w i n g s . S h e wasn't h u m a n . S h e was a shriveled h a g w i t h b a t w i n g s a n d claws a n d a m o u t h full of yellow fangs, a n d she was a b o u t t o slice m e t o r i b b o n s . T h e n t h i n g s g o t even stranger.

[12]

M r . Brunner, who'd been o u t in front of the m u s e u m a m i n u t e before, w h e e l e d his chair i n t o t h e d o o r w a y o f t h e gallery, h o l d i n g a p e n in his h a n d . " W h a t h o , Percy!" h e s h o u t e d , a n d t o s s e d t h e p e n t h r o u g h t h e air. M r s . D o d d s lunged at me. W i t h a yelp, I d o d g e d a n d felt t a l o n s slash t h e air n e x t t o m y ear. I s n a t c h e d t h e b a l l p o i n t p e n o u t o f t h e air, b u t w h e n it h i t my h a n d , it wasn't a p e n a n y m o r e . It was a s w o r d — M r . B r u n n e r ' s b r o n z e sword, w h i c h h e always u s e d o n t o u r n a m e n t day. M r s . D o d d s spun toward me with a murderous look in h e r eyes. M y k n e e s were jelly. M y h a n d s were s h a k i n g s o b a d I almost d r o p p e d the sword. S h e snarled, " D i e , h o n e y ! " A n d she flew s t r a i g h t a t m e . Absolute terror ran through my body. I did the only t h i n g t h a t c a m e naturally: I s w u n g t h e s w o r d . T h e m e t a l b l a d e h i t h e r s h o u l d e r a n d p a s s e d clean t h r o u g h h e r b o d y a s i f s h e were m a d e o f water. Hisss! M r s . D o d d s was a s a n d castle in a p o w e r fan. S h e e x p l o d e d i n t o yellow p o w d e r , v a p o r i z e d o n t h e s p o t , leaving n o t h i n g b u t t h e smell o f sulfur a n d a d y i n g screech a n d a chill of evil in t h e air, as if t h o s e t w o g l o w i n g r e d eyes were still w a t c h i n g m e . I was a l o n e . T h e r e was a b a l l p o i n t p e n i n m y h a n d . M r . B r u n n e r wasn't t h e r e . N o b o d y was t h e r e b u t m e .

[13]

My been

hands

were

contaminated

still with

trembling. magic

My

lunch

mushrooms

or

must've some-

thing. H a d I i m a g i n e d t h e w h o l e thing? I went back outside. It h a d started to rain. Grover was sitting by the fountain, a m u s e u m m a p t e n t e d over his h e a d . N a n c y B o b o f i t was still s t a n d i n g t h e r e , soaked from her swim in the fountain, grumbling to her ugly friends. W h e n she saw m e , she said, " I h o p e M r s . K e r r w h i p p e d your butt." I said, " W h o ? " " O u r teacher. D u h ! " I b l i n k e d . W e h a d n o t e a c h e r n a m e d M r s . Kerr. I a s k e d N a n c y w h a t she was t a l k i n g a b o u t . S h e j u s t r o l l e d h e r eyes a n d t u r n e d away. I asked G r o v e r w h e r e M r s . D o d d s was. H e said, " W h o ? " B u t he p a u s e d first, a n d he w o u l d n ' t l o o k at m e , so I t h o u g h t h e was m e s s i n g w i t h m e . " N o t funny, m a n , " I t o l d h i m . " T h i s i s serious." T h u n d e r b o o m e d overhead. I saw M r . B r u n n e r s i t t i n g u n d e r h i s r e d u m b r e l l a , r e a d i n g his b o o k , as if he'd never m o v e d . I w e n t over to h i m . H e l o o k e d u p , a little d i s t r a c t e d . "Ah, t h a t w o u l d b e m y p e n . Please b r i n g y o u r o w n w r i t i n g u t e n s i l i n t h e future, M r . Jackson." I h a n d e d M r . B r u n n e r h i s p e n . I h a d n ' t even realized I

[14]

was still h o l d i n g it. "Sir," I said, "where's M r s . D o d d s ? " H e s t a r e d a t m e blankly. " W h o ? " " T h e other chaperone. M r s . D o d d s . T h e pre-algebra teacher." H e f r o w n e d a n d sat forward, l o o k i n g m i l d l y c o n c e r n e d . "Percy, t h e r e is no M r s . D o d d s on this t r i p . As far as I k n o w , t h e r e has never b e e n a M r s . D o d d s a t Y a n c y A c a d e m y . A r e y o u feeling all r i g h t ? "

[15]

I was u s e d t o t h e o c c a s i o n a l weird experience, b u t usually t h e y were over quickly. T h i s t w e n t y - f o u r / s e v e n h a l l u c i n a t i o n was m o r e t h a n I c o u l d h a n d l e . F o r t h e rest o f t h e s c h o o l year, t h e e n t i r e c a m p u s s e e m e d t o b e p l a y i n g s o m e k i n d o f trick o n m e . T h e s t u d e n t s a c t e d a s i f t h e y were completely a n d totally convinced that M r s . K e r r — a perky b l o n d w o m a n w h o m I ' d never seen i n m y life u n t i l she g o t on our bus at the end of the field t r i p — h a d been our prealgebra t e a c h e r since C h r i s t m a s . E v e r y so often I w o u l d s p r i n g a M r s . D o d d s reference o n s o m e b o d y , just t o see i f I c o u l d t r i p t h e m u p , b u t t h e y w o u l d stare at me like I was p s y c h o . I t g o t s o I a l m o s t believed t h e m — M r s . D o d d s h a d never existed. Almost. But

Grover

couldn't

fool

me. W h e n

I

mentioned

t h e n a m e D o d d s t o h i m , h e w o u l d h e s i t a t e , t h e n claim s h e d i d n ' t exist. B u t I k n e w he was lying. S o m e t h i n g was g o i n g o n . S o m e t h i n g had h a p p e n e d a t the museum. I

d i d n ' t have m u c h t i m e t o

think about it during

t h e days, b u t a t n i g h t , visions o f M r s . D o d d s w i t h t a l o n s

[16]

a n d l e a t h e r y w i n g s w o u l d wake m e u p i n a c o l d sweat. T h e freak w e a t h e r c o n t i n u e d , w h i c h d i d n ' t h e l p m y m o o d . O n e night, a t h u n d e r s t o r m blew o u t the windows in m y d o r m r o o m . A few days later, t h e b i g g e s t t o r n a d o ever s p o t t e d i n t h e H u d s o n Valley t o u c h e d d o w n o n l y fifty miles f r o m Y a n c y A c a d e m y . O n e o f t h e c u r r e n t events w e s t u d i e d i n social s t u d i e s class was t h e u n u s u a l n u m b e r o f small p l a n e s t h a t h a d g o n e d o w n i n s u d d e n squalls i n t h e A t l a n t i c t h a t year. I s t a r t e d feeling c r a n k y a n d i r r i t a b l e m o s t o f t h e t i m e . M y g r a d e s s l i p p e d f r o m D s t o F s . I g o t i n t o m o r e fights w i t h N a n c y B o b o f i t a n d h e r friends. I was s e n t o u t i n t o t h e hallway in a l m o s t every class. Finally, w h e n o u r E n g l i s h teacher, M r . N i c o l l , a s k e d m e for t h e m i l l i o n t h t i m e w h y I was t o o l a z y t o s t u d y for spelling tests, I s n a p p e d . I called h i m an o l d s o t . I wasn't even sure w h a t i t m e a n t , b u t i t s o u n d e d g o o d . T h e h e a d m a s t e r s e n t m y m o m a letter t h e f o l l o w i n g week, m a k i n g i t official: I w o u l d n o t b e invited b a c k n e x t year t o Y a n c y A c a d e m y . F i n e , I t o l d myself. J u s t fine. I was h o m e s i c k . I w a n t e d t o b e w i t h m y m o m i n o u r little a p a r t m e n t o n t h e U p p e r E a s t S i d e , even i f I h a d t o g o t o p u b l i c s c h o o l a n d p u t u p w i t h m y o b n o x i o u s s t e p f a t h e r a n d his s t u p i d poker parties. A n d y e t . . . t h e r e were t h i n g s I'd m i s s a t Yancy. T h e view of the woods o u t my d o r m window, the H u d s o n River in t h e d i s t a n c e , t h e smell o f p i n e trees. I'd m i s s Grover, w h o ' d

[17]

b e e n a g o o d friend, even if he was a little s t r a n g e . I w o r r i e d h o w he'd survive n e x t year w i t h o u t m e . I d m i s s L a t i n class, t o o — M r . B r u n n e r ' s c r a z y t o u r n a m e n t days a n d his faith t h a t I c o u l d d o well. A s e x a m week g o t closer, L a t i n was t h e o n l y t e s t I s t u d ied for. I h a d n ' t f o r g o t t e n w h a t M r . B r u n n e r h a d t o l d m e a b o u t t h i s subject b e i n g l i f e - a n d - d e a t h for m e . I wasn't sure why, b u t I'd s t a r t e d t o believe h i m .

T h e evening b e f o r e my final, I g o t so f r u s t r a t e d I t h r e w t h e Cambridge Guide to Greek Mythology across my d o r m r o o m . W o r d s h a d s t a r t e d s w i m m i n g o f f t h e p a g e , circling m y h e a d , t h e letters d o i n g o n e - e i g h t i e s a s i f t h e y were r i d i n g s k a t e b o a r d s . T h e r e was n o w a y I was g o i n g t o r e m e m b e r t h e difference b e t w e e n C h i r o n a n d C h a r o n , o r P o l y d i c t e s a n d P o l y d e u c e s . A n d c o n j u g a t i n g t h o s e L a t i n verbs? F o r g e t it. I p a c e d t h e r o o m , feeling like a n t s were c r a w l i n g a r o u n d inside my shirt. I r e m e m b e r e d M r . B r u n n e r ' s s e r i o u s expression, his t h o u s a n d - y e a r - o l d eyes. I will accept only the best from you, Percy Jackson. I t o o k a d e e p b r e a t h . I p i c k e d up t h e m y t h o l o g y b o o k . I'd never asked a t e a c h e r for h e l p before. M a y b e if I t a l k e d t o M r . B r u n n e r , h e c o u l d give m e s o m e p o i n t e r s . A t least I c o u l d a p o l o g i z e for t h e b i g fat F I was a b o u t to s c o r e o n h i s e x a m . I d i d n ' t w a n t t o leave Y a n c y A c a d e m y w i t h h i m thinking I hadn't tried. I w a l k e d d o w n s t a i r s t o t h e faculty offices. M o s t o f t h e m were d a r k a n d e m p t y , b u t M r . B r u n n e r ' s d o o r was ajar,

[18]

l i g h t f r o m his w i n d o w s t r e t c h i n g across t h e hallway floor. I was t h r e e s t e p s f r o m t h e d o o r h a n d l e w h e n I h e a r d voices inside t h e office. M r . B r u n n e r a s k e d a q u e s t i o n . A voice t h a t was definitely Grover's said ". . . w o r r i e d a b o u t Percy, sir." I froze. I ' m n o t usually an eavesdropper, b u t I dare you to try n o t l i s t e n i n g i f y o u h e a r y o u r b e s t friend t a l k i n g a b o u t y o u to an adult. I i n c h e d closer. " . . . a l o n e t h i s s u m m e r , " G r o v e r was saying. " I m e a n , a K i n d l y O n e i n t h e school! N o w t h a t w e k n o w for sure, a n d they k n o w t o o — " " W e w o u l d only make matters worse by rushing him," M r . B r u n n e r said. " W e n e e d t h e b o y t o m a t u r e m o r e . " " B u t h e m a y n o t have t i m e . T h e s u m m e r solstice d e a d line— " W i l l have t o b e resolved w i t h o u t h i m , Grover. L e t h i m enjoy his i g n o r a n c e w h i l e he still can." "Sir, h e saw her. . . ." " H i s i m a g i n a t i o n , " M r . B r u n n e r insisted.

"The Mist

over t h e s t u d e n t s a n d staff will b e e n o u g h t o c o n v i n c e h i m o f that." "Sir, I . . . I can't fail in my d u t i e s again." Grover's voice was c h o k e d w i t h e m o t i o n .

"You know what that would

mean." " Y o u haven't failed, Grover," M r . B r u n n e r said kindly. " I s h o u l d have seen h e r for w h a t she was. N o w let's j u s t w o r r y a b o u t k e e p i n g P e r c y alive u n t i l n e x t f a l l — "

[19]

T h e mythology b o o k d r o p p e d o u t o f m y hand and hit the floor with a t h u d . M r . B r u n n e r w e n t silent. My heart hammering, I picked up the b o o k and backed d o w n t h e hall. A s h a d o w slid across t h e l i g h t e d glass of B r u n n e r ' s office d o o r , t h e s h a d o w o f s o m e t h i n g m u c h taller t h a n m y w h e e l c h a i r - b o u n d teacher, h o l d i n g s o m e t h i n g t h a t l o o k e d s u s p i c i o u s l y like an a r c h e r s bow. I o p e n e d the nearest d o o r and slipped inside. A few s e c o n d s later I h e a r d a slow clop~clop~clop, like muffled w o o d b l o c k s , t h e n a s o u n d like a n a n i m a l snuffling r i g h t o u t s i d e m y d o o r . A large, d a r k s h a p e p a u s e d i n f r o n t o f t h e glass, t h e n m o v e d o n . A b e a d o f sweat t r i c k l e d d o w n m y neck. Somewhere

in

the

hallway,

Mr.

Brunner

spoke.

" N o t h i n g , " h e m u r m u r e d . " M y nerves haven't b e e n r i g h t s i n c e t h e w i n t e r solstice." "Mine

neither,"

Grover

said.

"But

I

could

have

s w o r n . . ." " G o b a c k t o t h e d o r m , " M r . B r u n n e r t o l d h i m . "You've g o t a l o n g d a y o f exams t o m o r r o w . " " D o n ' t r e m i n d me." T h e l i g h t s w e n t o u t i n M r . B r u n n e r ' s office. I w a i t e d in t h e d a r k for w h a t s e e m e d like forever. Finally, I s l i p p e d o u t i n t o t h e hallway a n d m a d e m y way back up to the d o r m . G r o v e r was lying o n h i s b e d , s t u d y i n g his L a t i n e x a m n o t e s like he'd b e e n t h e r e all n i g h t .

[20]

" H e y , " h e said, bleary-eyed. " Y o u g o i n g t o b e r e a d y for this test?" I d i d n ' t answer. " Y o u l o o k awful." H e f r o w n e d . "Is e v e r y t h i n g o k a y ? " " J u s t . . . tired." I t u r n e d s o h e c o u l d n ' t r e a d m y expression, a n d s t a r t e d g e t t i n g r e a d y for b e d . I d i d n ' t u n d e r s t a n d w h a t I'd h e a r d d o w n s t a i r s . I w a n t e d t o believe I'd i m a g i n e d t h e w h o l e t h i n g . B u t o n e t h i n g was clear: G r o v e r a n d M r . B r u n n e r were t a l k i n g a b o u t m e b e h i n d m y b a c k . T h e y t h o u g h t I was i n some k i n d of danger.

T h e n e x t a f t e r n o o n , a s I was leaving t h e t h r e e - h o u r L a t i n exam, m y eyes s w i m m i n g w i t h all t h e G r e e k a n d R o m a n n a m e s I'd m i s s p e l l e d , M r . B r u n n e r called m e b a c k i n s i d e . F o r a m o m e n t , I was w o r r i e d he'd f o u n d o u t a b o u t m y e a v e s d r o p p i n g t h e n i g h t before, b u t t h a t d i d n ' t s e e m t o b e the problem. "Percy," h e said. " D o n ' t b e d i s c o u r a g e d a b o u t leaving Yancy. It's . . . it's for t h e best." H i s t o n e was k i n d , b u t t h e w o r d s still e m b a r r a s s e d m e . E v e n t h o u g h h e was s p e a k i n g quietly, t h e o t h e r k i d s finishing t h e test c o u l d hear. N a n c y B o b o f i t s m i r k e d a t m e a n d m a d e sarcastic little kissing m o t i o n s w i t h h e r lips. I m u m b l e d , " O k a y , sir." "I m e a n . . ." M r . B r u n n e r w h e e l e d his chair b a c k a n d f o r t h , like h e wasn't sure w h a t t o say. " T h i s isn't t h e r i g h t p l a c e for you. It was o n l y a m a t t e r of t i m e . "

[21]

M y eyes s t u n g . H e r e was m y favorite teacher, i n f r o n t o f t h e class, telling me I c o u l d n ' t h a n d l e it. A f t e r saying he believed in me all year, n o w he was t e l l i n g me I was d e s t i n e d to get kicked out. " R i g h t , " I said, t r e m b l i n g . " N o , n o , " M r . B r u n n e r said. " O h , c o n f o u n d i t all. W h a t I ' m t r y i n g to say . . . you're n o t n o r m a l , Percy. T h a t ' s n o t h ing to b e — " " T h a n k s , " I b l u r t e d . " T h a n k s a lot, sir, for r e m i n d i n g me. "Percy—" But I was already g o n e .

O n t h e last day o f t h e t e r m , I s h o v e d m y c l o t h e s i n t o m y suitcase. T h e o t h e r guys were j o k i n g a r o u n d , t a l k i n g a b o u t t h e i r v a c a t i o n p l a n s . O n e o f t h e m was g o i n g o n a h i k i n g t r i p t o Switzerland.

A n o t h e r was

cruising the Caribbean for a

m o n t h . T h e y were juvenile d e l i n q u e n t s , like m e , b u t t h e y were rich juvenile d e l i n q u e n t s . T h e i r d a d d i e s were executives, or a m b a s s a d o r s , or celebrities. I was a n o b o d y , f r o m a f a m ily o f n o b o d i e s . T h e y a s k e d m e w h a t I'd b e d o i n g this s u m m e r a n d I t o l d t h e m I was g o i n g b a c k t o t h e city. W h a t I d i d n ' t tell t h e m was t h a t I'd have to get a s u m m e r j o b w a l k i n g d o g s o r selling m a g a z i n e s u b s c r i p t i o n s , a n d s p e n d m y free t i m e w o r r y i n g a b o u t w h e r e I'd g o t o s c h o o l in t h e fall.

[22]

" O h , " o n e o f t h e g u y s said. " T h a t ' s cool." T h e y w e n t b a c k t o t h e i r c o n v e r s a t i o n a s i f I'd never existed. T h e o n l y p e r s o n I d r e a d e d saying g o o d - b y e t o was Grover, b u t as it t u r n e d o u t , I d i d n ' t have t o . H e ' d b o o k e d a ticket t o M a n h a t t a n o n t h e s a m e G r e y h o u n d a s I h a d , s o t h e r e w e were, t o g e t h e r again, h e a d i n g i n t o t h e city. D u r i n g t h e w h o l e b u s ride, G r o v e r k e p t g l a n c i n g n e r vously d o w n t h e aisle, w a t c h i n g t h e o t h e r p a s s e n g e r s . I t o c c u r r e d t o m e t h a t he'd always a c t e d n e r v o u s a n d fidgety w h e n w e left Yancy, a s i f h e e x p e c t e d s o m e t h i n g b a d t o h a p p e n . Before, I'd always a s s u m e d h e was w o r r i e d a b o u t g e t t i n g teased. B u t t h e r e was n o b o d y t o tease h i m o n t h e Greyhound. F i n a l l y I c o u l d n ' t s t a n d it a n y m o r e . I said, " L o o k i n g for K i n d l y O n e s ? " G r o v e r nearly j u m p e d o u t o f his seat. " W h a — w h a t d o you mean?" I

confessed

about

eavesdropping

on

him

and

Mr.

B r u n n e r t h e n i g h t b e f o r e t h e exam. Grover's eye t w i t c h e d . " H o w m u c h d i d y o u h e a r ? " " O h . . . n o t m u c h . W h a t ' s t h e s u m m e r solstice d e a d line?" H e w i n c e d . " L o o k , P e r c y . . . I was just w o r r i e d for y o u , see? I m e a n , h a l l u c i n a t i n g a b o u t d e m o n m a t h t e a c h e r s . . ." "Grover—" " A n d I was telling M r . B r u n n e r t h a t m a y b e y o u were overstressed o r s o m e t h i n g , b e c a u s e t h e r e was n o s u c h p e r s o n as M r s . D o d d s , a n d . . ."

[23]

" G r o v e r , you're a really, really b a d liar." H i s ears t u r n e d p i n k . F r o m h i s s h i r t p o c k e t , h e fished o u t a g r u b b y b u s i n e s s card. " J u s t t a k e t h i s , okay? I n case y o u n e e d m e this s u m mer. T h e c a r d was i n fancy script, w h i c h was m u r d e r o n m y dyslexic eyes, b u t I finally m a d e o u t s o m e t h i n g like:

"What's Half—" " D o n ' t say i t a l o u d ! " h e yelped. " T h a t ' s my, u m . . . s u m m e r address." M y h e a r t s a n k . G r o v e r h a d a s u m m e r h o m e . I'd never c o n s i d e r e d t h a t his family m i g h t b e a s r i c h a s t h e o t h e r s a t Yancy. " O k a y , " I said g l u m l y " S o , like, if I w a n t to c o m e visit your mansion." H e n o d d e d . " O r . . . o r i f you need me." " W h y would I need you?" It came o u t harsher than I m e a n t it to. G r o v e r b l u s h e d r i g h t d o w n t o his A d a m ' s a p p l e . " L o o k , Percy, t h e t r u t h is, I — I k i n d o f have t o p r o t e c t you." I s t a r e d at h i m . All year l o n g , I'd g o t t e n in fights, k e e p i n g bullies away

[24]

f r o m h i m . I'd l o s t sleep w o r r y i n g t h a t he'd get b e a t e n u p n e x t year w i t h o u t m e . A n d h e r e h e was a c t i n g like h e was t h e o n e w h o d e f e n d e d me. "Grover," I said, " w h a t exactly are y o u p r o t e c t i n g me from?" T h e r e was a h u g e g r i n d i n g n o i s e u n d e r o u r feet. Black s m o k e p o u r e d f r o m t h e d a s h b o a r d a n d t h e w h o l e b u s filled w i t h a s m e l l like r o t t e n eggs. T h e driver c u r s e d a n d l i m p e d t h e G r e y h o u n d over t o t h e side o f t h e highway. A f t e r a few m i n u t e s c l a n k i n g a r o u n d in t h e e n g i n e c o m p a r t m e n t , t h e driver a n n o u n c e d t h a t we'd all have t o get off. G r o v e r a n d I filed o u t s i d e w i t h e v e r y b o d y else. W e were o n a s t r e t c h o f c o u n t r y r o a d — n o p l a c e you'd n o t i c e i f y o u d i d n ' t b r e a k d o w n t h e r e . O n o u r side o f t h e h i g h w a y was n o t h i n g b u t m a p l e trees a n d litter f r o m p a s s ing cars. O n t h e o t h e r side, across f o u r lanes o f a s p h a l t s h i m m e r i n g w i t h a f t e r n o o n heat, was a n o l d - f a s h i o n e d fruit stand. T h e s t u f f o n sale l o o k e d really g o o d : h e a p i n g boxes o f b l o o d r e d cherries a n d a p p l e s , w a l n u t s a n d a p r i c o t s , jugs o f cider i n a c l a w - f o o t t u b full o f ice. T h e r e were n o c u s t o m e r s , j u s t t h r e e o l d ladies s i t t i n g i n r o c k i n g chairs i n t h e s h a d e o f a m a p l e tree, k n i t t i n g t h e b i g g e s t p a i r o f s o c k s I d ever seen. I m e a n t h e s e socks were t h e size o f sweaters, b u t t h e y were clearly s o c k s . T h e lady o n t h e r i g h t k n i t t e d o n e o f t h e m . T h e lady o n t h e left k n i t t e d t h e o t h e r . T h e lady i n t h e m i d d l e h e l d a n e n o r m o u s b a s k e t o f electric-blue y a r n . All

three

women

looked

[25]

ancient,

with

pale

faces

w r i n k l e d like fruit leather, silver h a i r t i e d b a c k in w h i t e bandannas,

bony

arms sticking o u t of bleached c o t t o n

dresses. T h e weirdest t h i n g was, t h e y s e e m e d t o b e l o o k i n g r i g h t at m e . I l o o k e d over at G r o v e r to say s o m e t h i n g a b o u t t h i s a n d saw t h a t t h e b l o o d h a d d r a i n e d f r o m his face. H i s n o s e was twitching. " G r o v e r ? " I said. " H e y , m a n — " " T e l l m e they're n o t l o o k i n g a t y o u . T h e y are, aren't they?" "Yeah. W e i r d , h u h ? Y o u t h i n k t h o s e s o c k s w o u l d fit me? " N o t funny, Percy. N o t f u n n y a t all." T h e o l d lady in the m i d d l e t o o k out a huge pair of s c i s s o r s — g o l d a n d silver, l o n g - b l a d e d , like shears. I h e a r d G r o v e r c a t c h his b r e a t h . " W e ' r e g e t t i n g o n t h e b u s , " h e t o l d m e . " C o m e on." " W h a t ? " I said. "It's a t h o u s a n d d e g r e e s in there." "Come

on!" He pried open the d o o r and climbed

inside, b u t I stayed b a c k . A c r o s s t h e r o a d , t h e o l d ladies were still w a t c h i n g m e . T h e m i d d l e o n e c u t t h e y a r n , a n d I swear I c o u l d h e a r t h a t snip across four lanes o f traffic. H e r t w o friends b a l l e d u p t h e e l e c t r i c - b l u e socks, leaving m e w o n d e r i n g w h o t h e y could possibly be for—Sasquatch or Godzilla. A t t h e r e a r o f t h e b u s , t h e driver w r e n c h e d a b i g c h u n k of smoking metal out of the engine compartment. T h e bus s h u d d e r e d , a n d t h e e n g i n e r o a r e d b a c k t o life.

[26]

T h e p a s s e n g e r s cheered. " D a r n r i g h t ! " yelled t h e driver. H e s l a p p e d t h e b u s w i t h his h a t . " E v e r y b o d y b a c k o n b o a r d ! " O n c e we g o t g o i n g , I s t a r t e d feeling feverish, as if Id caught the flu. G r o v e r d i d n ' t l o o k m u c h b e t t e r . H e was shivering a n d his t e e t h were c h a t t e r i n g . "Grover?" "Yeah?" " W h a t are y o u n o t telling m e ? " H e d a b b e d his f o r e h e a d w i t h his s h i r t sleeve. "Percy, w h a t d i d y o u see b a c k a t t h e fruit s t a n d ? " " Y o u m e a n t h e o l d ladies? W h a t i s i t a b o u t t h e m , m a n ? T h e y ' r e n o t like . . . M r s . D o d d s , are t h e y ? " H i s e x p r e s s i o n was h a r d t o read, b u t I g o t t h e feeling t h a t t h e f r u i t - s t a n d ladies were s o m e t h i n g m u c h , m u c h w o r s e t h a n M r s . D o d d s . H e said, "Just tell m e w h a t y o u it

saw. " T h e m i d d l e o n e t o o k o u t h e r scissors, a n d she c u t t h e yarn." H e c l o s e d his eyes a n d m a d e a gesture w i t h his fingers t h a t m i g h t ' v e b e e n c r o s s i n g himself, b u t i t wasn't. I t was s o m e t h i n g else, s o m e t h i n g a l m o s t — o l d e r . H e said, " Y o u saw h e r s n i p t h e cord." "Yeah. S o ? " B u t even as I said it, I k n e w it was a b i g deal. " T h i s is n o t happening," Grover m u m b l e d . He started c h e w i n g a t his t h u m b . " I d o n ' t w a n t t h i s t o b e like t h e last time." " W h a t last t i m e ? " [27]

"Always sixth g r a d e . T h e y never get p a s t sixth." "Grover," I said, b e c a u s e he was really s t a r t i n g to scare m e . " W h a t are y o u t a l k i n g a b o u t ? " "Let me walk you h o m e from the bus station. Promise me. T h i s s e e m e d like a s t r a n g e r e q u e s t t o m e , b u t I p r o m ised h e c o u l d . "Is t h i s like a s u p e r s t i t i o n or s o m e t h i n g ? " I asked. N o answer. " G r o v e r — t h a t snipping of the yarn. D o e s that mean s o m e b o d y i s g o i n g t o die?" H e l o o k e d a t m e m o u r n f u l l y , like h e was already p i c k i n g t h e k i n d o f f l o w e r s I'd like b e s t o n m y coffin.

C o n f e s s i o n t i m e : I d i t c h e d G r o v e r as s o o n as we g o t to t h e bus terminal. I k n o w , I k n o w . It was r u d e . B u t G r o v e r was freaking me o u t , l o o k i n g a t m e like I was a d e a d m a n , m u t t e r i n g " W h y d o e s t h i s always h a p p e n ? " a n d " W h y d o e s i t always have t o b e sixth g r a d e ? " W h e n e v e r h e g o t u p s e t , Graver's b l a d d e r a c t e d u p , s o I wasn't s u r p r i s e d w h e n , a s s o o n a s w e g o t o f f t h e b u s , h e m a d e m e p r o m i s e t o wait for h i m , t h e n m a d e a beeline for t h e r e s t r o o m . I n s t e a d o f w a i t i n g , I g o t m y suitcase, s l i p p e d o u t s i d e , a n d c a u g h t t h e f i r s t taxi u p t o w n . " E a s t O n e - h u n d r e d - a n d - f o u r t h a n d First," I t o l d t h e driver.

A w o r d a b o u t m y m o t h e r , before y o u m e e t her. H e r n a m e i s Sally J a c k s o n a n d she's t h e b e s t p e r s o n i n t h e w o r l d , w h i c h just proves m y t h e o r y t h a t t h e b e s t p e o p l e have t h e r o t t e n e s t luck. H e r o w n p a r e n t s d i e d i n a p l a n e crash w h e n s h e was f i v e , a n d she was r a i s e d b y a n u n c l e w h o d i d n ' t care m u c h a b o u t her. S h e w a n t e d t o b e a novelist, s o she s p e n t h i g h s c h o o l w o r k i n g t o save e n o u g h m o n e y for a college w i t h a g o o d creative-writing p r o g r a m . T h e n h e r

[29]

u n c l e g o t cancer, a n d she h a d t o q u i t s c h o o l h e r s e n i o r year t o t a k e care o f h i m . A f t e r h e d i e d , she was left w i t h n o m o n e y , n o family, a n d n o d i p l o m a . T h e o n l y g o o d b r e a k she ever g o t was m e e t i n g m y d a d . I d o n ' t have any m e m o r i e s o f h i m , j u s t t h i s s o r t o f w a r m glow, m a y b e t h e b a r e s t t r a c e o f h i s s m i l e . M y m o m d o e s n ' t like t o talk a b o u t h i m b e c a u s e i t m a k e s h e r sad. S h e has no pictures. See, t h e y weren't m a r r i e d . S h e t o l d m e h e was r i c h a n d i m p o r t a n t , a n d t h e i r r e l a t i o n s h i p was a secret. T h e n o n e day, h e set sail across t h e A t l a n t i c o n s o m e i m p o r t a n t j o u r ney, a n d h e never c a m e b a c k . L o s t a t sea, m y m o m t o l d m e . N o t d e a d . L o s t a t sea. S h e w o r k e d o d d j o b s , t o o k n i g h t classes t o get h e r h i g h s c h o o l d i p l o m a , a n d raised m e o n h e r o w n . S h e never c o m p l a i n e d o r g o t m a d . N o t even o n c e . B u t I k n e w I wasn't a n easy k i d . Finally,

she

married

Gabe

Ugliano,

who

was

nice

t h e first t h i r t y s e c o n d s w e k n e w h i m , t h e n s h o w e d his t r u e c o l o r s as a w o r l d - c l a s s jerk. W h e n I was y o u n g , I n i c k n a m e d h i m S m e l l y G a b e . I ' m sorry, b u t it's t h e t r u t h . T h e g u y r e e k e d like m o l d y garlic p i z z a w r a p p e d i n g y m shorts. B e t w e e n t h e t w o o f us, w e m a d e m y m o m ' s life p r e t t y h a r d . T h e way S m e l l y G a b e t r e a t e d her, t h e way h e a n d I g o t a l o n g . . . well, w h e n I c a m e h o m e is a g o o d e x a m p l e .

I w a l k e d i n t o o u r little a p a r t m e n t , h o p i n g m y m o m w o u l d b e h o m e f r o m w o r k . I n s t e a d , S m e l l y G a b e was i n t h e living

[30]

r o o m , p l a y i n g p o k e r w i t h h i s b u d d i e s . T h e television b l a r e d E S P N . C h i p s a n d b e e r c a n s were s t r e w n all over t h e c a r p e t . H a r d l y l o o k i n g u p , h e said a r o u n d his cigar, " S o , you're home." "Where's my mom?" " W o r k i n g , " h e said. " Y o u g o t any c a s h ? " T h a t was it. No Welcome back. Good to see you. How has your life been the last six months? G a b e h a d p u t o n weight. H e l o o k e d like a t u s k l e s s w a l r u s i n t h r i f t - s t o r e c l o t h e s . H e h a d a b o u t t h r e e hairs o n his h e a d , all c o m b e d over h i s b a l d scalp, a s i f t h a t m a d e h i m handsome or something. He managed the Electronics M e g a - M a r t in Queens, but he stayed h o m e m o s t of the time. I don't k n o w why he h a d n ' t b e e n fired l o n g before. H e just k e p t o n c o l l e c t i n g p a y c h e c k s , s p e n d i n g t h e m o n e y o n cigars t h a t m a d e m e n a u s e o u s , a n d o n beer, o f c o u r s e . Always beer. W h e n e v e r I was h o m e , h e e x p e c t e d m e t o p r o v i d e his g a m b l i n g f u n d s . H e called t h a t o u r " g u y secret." M e a n i n g , i f I t o l d m y m o m , h e w o u l d p u n c h m y lights o u t . "I d o n ' t h a v e any cash," I t o l d h i m . He raised a greasy eyebrow. G a b e c o u l d sniff o u t m o n e y like a b l o o d h o u n d , w h i c h was s u r p r i s i n g , since h i s o w n s m e l l s h o u l d ' v e covered u p e v e r y t h i n g else. "You

took

a taxi

from the

bus

station,"

he

said.

" P r o b a b l y p a i d w i t h a twenty. G o t six, seven b u c k s in c h a n g e . S o m e b o d y expects t o live u n d e r t h i s roof, h e o u g h t t o c a r r y his o w n w e i g h t . A m I r i g h t , E d d i e ? "

[31]

Eddie, the super of the apartment building, looked at m e w i t h a t w i n g e o f s y m p a t h y . " C o m e o n , G a b e , " h e said. " T h e k i d j u s t g o t here." " A m I right?" G a b e r e p e a t e d . E d d i e scowled i n t o his bowl o f pretzels. T h e o t h e r t w o guys p a s s e d gas i n h a r m o n y . " F i n e , " I said. I d u g a w a d of d o l l a r s o u t of my p o c k e t a n d t h r e w t h e m o n e y o n t h e table. " I h o p e y o u lose." " Y o u r r e p o r t c a r d c a m e , b r a i n b o y ! " h e s h o u t e d after m e . " I w o u l d n ' t act s o s n o o t y ! " I s l a m m e d t h e d o o r t o m y r o o m , w h i c h really wasn't m y r o o m . D u r i n g s c h o o l m o n t h s , i t was G a b e ' s "study." H e d i d n ' t s t u d y a n y t h i n g i n t h e r e except o l d car m a g a z i n e s , b u t h e loved s h o v i n g m y s t u f f i n t h e closet, leaving his m u d d y b o o t s o n m y w i n d o w s i l l , a n d d o i n g his b e s t t o m a k e t h e p l a c e s m e l l like h i s n a s t y c o l o g n e a n d cigars a n d stale beer. I d r o p p e d m y suitcase o n t h e b e d . H o m e sweet h o m e . G a b e ' s s m e l l was a l m o s t w o r s e t h a n t h e n i g h t m a r e s a b o u t M r s . D o d d s , o r t h e s o u n d o f t h a t o l d fruit lady's shears s n i p p i n g t h e y a r n . B u t as s o o n as I t h o u g h t t h a t , my legs felt weak. I r e m e m b e r e d Grover's l o o k o f p a n i c — h o w h e ' d m a d e m e p r o m i s e I w o u l d n ' t g o h o m e w i t h o u t h i m . A s u d d e n chill r o l l e d t h r o u g h m e . I felt like s o m e o n e — s o m e t h i n g — w a s l o o k i n g for m e r i g h t now, m a y b e p o u n d i n g its way u p t h e stairs, g r o w i n g l o n g , h o r r i b l e t a l o n s . T h e n I h e a r d m y m o m ' s voice. " P e r c y ? " S h e o p e n e d t h e b e d r o o m d o o r , a n d m y fears m e l t e d . M y m o t h e r can m a k e m e feel g o o d just b y walking i n t o

[32]

t h e r o o m . H e r eyes sparkle a n d change c o l o r i n t h e light. H e r smile is as w a r m as a quilt. She's g o t a few gray streaks m i x e d in w i t h h e r l o n g b r o w n hair, b u t I never t h i n k of h e r as o l d . W h e n she l o o k s at m e , it's like she's seeing all t h e g o o d t h i n g s a b o u t m e , n o n e o f t h e b a d . I've never h e a r d h e r raise h e r voice o r say a n u n k i n d w o r d t o anyone, n o t even m e o r G a b e . " O h , Percy." S h e h u g g e d m e t i g h t . " I can't believe it. You've g r o w n since C h r i s t m a s ! " Her

red-white-and-blue

Sweet

on

America

uniform

s m e l l e d like t h e b e s t t h i n g s i n t h e w o r l d : c h o c o l a t e , licorice, a n d all t h e o t h e r s t u f f s h e s o l d a t t h e c a n d y s h o p i n G r a n d C e n t r a l . She'd b r o u g h t m e a h u g e b a g o f "free s a m p l e s , " t h e way she always d i d w h e n I c a m e h o m e . W e sat t o g e t h e r o n t h e e d g e o f t h e b e d . W h i l e I attacked

the

through my

blueberry hair

sour strings,

and d e m a n d e d to

she

ran

know

her h a n d

everything I

h a d n ' t p u t i n m y letters. S h e d i d n ' t m e n t i o n a n y t h i n g a b o u t m y g e t t i n g expelled. S h e d i d n ' t s e e m t o care a b o u t t h a t . B u t was I okay? W a s h e r little b o y d o i n g all right? I t o l d h e r she was s m o t h e r i n g m e , a n d t o lay o f f a n d all t h a t , b u t secretly, I was really, really g l a d to see her. F r o m t h e o t h e r r o o m , G a b e yelled, " H e y , S a l l y — h o w a b o u t s o m e bean dip, h u h ? " I g r i t t e d my t e e t h . M y m o m i s t h e n i c e s t lady i n t h e w o r l d . S h e s h o u l d ' v e b e e n m a r r i e d t o a m i l l i o n a i r e , n o t t o s o m e jerk like G a b e . F o r h e r sake, I t r i e d t o s o u n d u p b e a t a b o u t m y last days at Y a n c y A c a d e m y . I t o l d h e r I wasn't t o o d o w n a b o u t t h e e x p u l s i o n . I ' d l a s t e d a l m o s t t h e w h o l e year t h i s t i m e . I'd

[33]

m a d e s o m e n e w f r i e n d s . I d d o n e p r e t t y well i n L a t i n . A n d h o n e s t l y , t h e fights h a d n ' t b e e n a s b a d a s t h e h e a d m a s t e r said. I l i k e d Y a n c y A c a d e m y . I really d i d . I p u t s u c h a g o o d s p i n on t h e year, I a l m o s t c o n v i n c e d myself. I s t a r t e d c h o k ing up,

thinking about Grover and M r . Brunner. Even

N a n c y Bobofit suddenly didn't seem so bad. U n t i l t h a t t r i p to t h e m u s e u m . . . " W h a t ? " m y m o m asked. H e r eyes t u g g e d a t m y c o n science, t r y i n g t o p u l l o u t t h e secrets. " D i d s o m e t h i n g scare you? "No, Mom." I felt b a d lying. I w a n t e d t o tell h e r a b o u t M r s . D o d d s a n d t h e t h r e e o l d ladies w i t h t h e y a r n , b u t I t h o u g h t i t would sound stupid. S h e p u r s e d h e r lips. S h e k n e w I was h o l d i n g back, b u t she didn't p u s h me. "I have a s u r p r i s e for you," s h e said. " W e ' r e g o i n g to t h e beach." M y eyes w i d e n e d . " M o n t a u k ? " " T h r e e n i g h t s — s a m e cabin." "When?" S h e s m i l e d . "As s o o n as I get changed." I c o u l d n ' t believe it. M y m o m a n d I h a d n ' t b e e n t o M o n t a u k t h e last t w o s u m m e r s , b e c a u s e G a b e said t h e r e wasn't e n o u g h m o n e y . G a b e appeared in the doorway a n d growled, "Bean dip, Sally? D i d n ' t y o u h e a r m e ? " I w a n t e d t o p u n c h h i m , b u t I m e t m y m o m ' s eyes a n d I u n d e r s t o o d s h e was offering m e a deal: b e n i c e t o G a b e for

[34]

a little w h i l e . J u s t u n t i l s h e was r e a d y to leave for M o n t a u k . T h e n w e w o u l d get o u t o f h e r e . " I was o n m y way, honey," she t o l d G a b e . " W e were j u s t t a l k i n g a b o u t t h e trip." G a b e ' s eyes g o t s m a l l . " T h e trip? Y o u m e a n y o u were serious a b o u t that?" " I k n e w it," I m u t t e r e d . " H e w o n ' t let u s go." " O f c o u r s e h e will," m y m o m said evenly. " Y o u r s t e p father i s j u s t w o r r i e d a b o u t m o n e y . T h a t ' s all. Besides," she added,

" G a b r i e l w o n ' t have t o settle

for

b e a n d i p . I'll

m a k e h i m e n o u g h seven-layer d i p for t h e w h o l e w e e k e n d . Guacamole. S o u r cream. T h e works." G a b e s o f t e n e d a bit. " S o this m o n e y for y o u r t r i p . . . i t comes o u t of your clothes budget, right?" "Yes, honey," m y m o t h e r said. " A n d y o u w o n ' t t a k e m y car a n y w h e r e b u t t h e r e a n d back." " W e ' l l b e very careful." G a b e s c r a t c h e d his d o u b l e c h i n . " M a y b e i f y o u h u r r y w i t h t h a t seven-layer d i p . . . A n d m a y b e if t h e k i d a p o l o gizes for i n t e r r u p t i n g m y p o k e r game." M a y b e if I k i c k y o u in y o u r s o f t s p o t , I t h o u g h t . A n d m a k e y o u sing s o p r a n o for a week. B u t m y m o m ' s eyes w a r n e d m e n o t t o m a k e h i m m a d . W h y d i d s h e p u t u p w i t h t h i s guy? I w a n t e d t o s c r e a m . W h y d i d she care w h a t h e t h o u g h t ? " I ' m sorry," I m u t t e r e d . " I ' m really s o r r y I i n t e r r u p t e d your incredibly i m p o r t a n t poker game. Please go back to it r i g h t now."

[35]

G a b e ' s eyes n a r r o w e d . H i s tiny b r a i n was p r o b a b l y t r y ing t o d e t e c t s a r c a s m i n m y s t a t e m e n t . "Yeah, whatever," h e d e c i d e d . H e w e n t b a c k t o his g a m e . " T h a n k you, Percy," m y m o m said. " O n c e w e get t o M o n t a u k , we'll t a l k m o r e a b o u t . . . w h a t e v e r you've f o r g o t t e n t o tell m e , o k a y ? " F o r a m o m e n t , I t h o u g h t I saw a n x i e t y in h e r e y e s — t h e s a m e fear I'd seen i n G r o v e r d u r i n g t h e b u s r i d e — a s i f m y m o m t o o felt a n o d d chill i n t h e air. B u t t h e n h e r s m i l e r e t u r n e d , a n d I figured I m u s t have been mistaken. She ruffled my hair a n d went to m a k e G a b e his seven-layer d i p .

A n h o u r l a t e r w e were ready t o leave. G a b e t o o k a b r e a k f r o m his p o k e r g a m e l o n g e n o u g h t o w a t c h m e l u g m y m o m ' s b a g s t o t h e car. H e k e p t g r i p i n g a n d groaning a b o u t losing her c o o k i n g — a n d m o r e i m p o r tant, his ' 7 8 C a m a r o — f o r t h e whole weekend. " N o t a s c r a t c h o n this car, b r a i n boy," h e w a r n e d m e a s I l o a d e d t h e last b a g . " N o t o n e little scratch." L i k e I'd be t h e o n e driving. I was twelve. B u t t h a t d i d n ' t m a t t e r t o G a b e . I f a seagull s o m u c h a s p o o p e d o n h i s p a i n t j o b , he'd find a way to b l a m e m e . Watching him lumber back toward the apartment building, I g o t so m a d I d i d s o m e t h i n g I can't explain. As G a b e r e a c h e d t h e d o o r w a y , I m a d e t h e h a n d gesture I'd seen G r o v e r m a k e o n t h e b u s , a s o r t o f warding-off-evil gesture, a clawed h a n d over my h e a r t , t h e n a s h o v i n g m o v e m e n t

[36]

t o w a r d G a b e . T h e screen d o o r s l a m m e d s h u t s o h a r d i t w h a c k e d h i m i n t h e b u t t a n d s e n t h i m f l y i n g u p t h e staircase as if he'd b e e n s h o t f r o m a c a n n o n . M a y b e it was j u s t t h e w i n d , o r s o m e freak a c c i d e n t w i t h t h e h i n g e s , b u t I d i d n ' t stay l o n g e n o u g h t o find o u t . I g o t i n t h e C a m a r o a n d t o l d m y m o m t o s t e p o n it.

O u r r e n t a l c a b i n was o n t h e s o u t h s h o r e , way o u t a t t h e t i p o f L o n g I s l a n d . I t was a little p a s t e l b o x w i t h f a d e d c u r tains, h a l f s u n k e n i n t o t h e d u n e s . T h e r e was always s a n d i n the sheets a n d spiders in the cabinets, and m o s t of the time t h e sea was t o o c o l d t o s w i m in. I loved t h e place. W e ' d b e e n g o i n g t h e r e since I was a baby. M y m o m h a d b e e n g o i n g even l o n g e r . S h e never exactly said, b u t I k n e w w h y t h e b e a c h was special t o her. I t was t h e p l a c e w h e r e she'd m e t m y d a d . A s w e g o t closer t o M o n t a u k , she s e e m e d t o g r o w y o u n g e r , years o f w o r r y a n d w o r k d i s a p p e a r i n g f r o m h e r face. H e r eyes t u r n e d t h e c o l o r o f t h e sea. W e g o t t h e r e a t s u n s e t , o p e n e d all t h e cabin's w i n d o w s , a n d w e n t t h r o u g h o u r u s u a l cleaning r o u t i n e . W e w a l k e d o n t h e b e a c h , fed b l u e c o r n c h i p s t o t h e seagulls, a n d m u n c h e d on b l u e jelly b e a n s , b l u e s a l t w a t e r taffy, a n d all t h e o t h e r free samples my m o m had b r o u g h t from work. I guess I s h o u l d explain t h e b l u e f o o d . See, G a b e h a d o n c e t o l d m y m o m t h e r e was n o s u c h t h i n g . T h e y h a d this fight, w h i c h s e e m e d like a really s m a l l t h i n g a t t h e t i m e . B u t ever since, m y m o m w e n t o u t o f h e r

[37]

way t o eat b l u e . S h e b a k e d b l u e b i r t h d a y cakes. S h e m i x e d blueberry smoothies. She b o u g h t blue-corn tortilla chips and b r o u g h t h o m e blue candy from the shop. T h i s — a l o n g w i t h k e e p i n g h e r m a i d e n n a m e , J a c k s o n , r a t h e r t h a n calling

herself

Mrs.

Ugliano—was

proof

that

she

wasn't

t o t a l l y s u c k e r e d by G a b e . S h e d i d have a r e b e l l i o u s streak, like m e . W h e n it got dark, we m a d e a fire. We roasted h o t dogs a n d m a r s h m a l l o w s . M o m t o l d m e s t o r i e s a b o u t w h e n she was a k i d , b a c k b e f o r e h e r p a r e n t s d i e d i n t h e p l a n e crash. S h e t o l d m e a b o u t t h e b o o k s she w a n t e d t o w r i t e s o m e d a y , w h e n she h a d e n o u g h m o n e y t o q u i t t h e c a n d y s h o p . Eventually, I g o t u p t h e nerve t o ask a b o u t w h a t was always o n m y m i n d w h e n e v e r w e c a m e t o M o n t a u k — m y father. M o m ' s eyes w e n t all misty. I figured s h e w o u l d tell m e t h e s a m e t h i n g s she always d i d , b u t I never g o t t i r e d o f hearing them. " H e was k i n d , Percy," s h e said. " T a l l , h a n d s o m e , a n d p o w e r f u l . B u t gentle, t o o . Y o u have h i s black hair, y o u k n o w , a n d his g r e e n eyes." M o m f i s h e d a b l u e jelly b e a n o u t o f h e r c a n d y b a g . " I w i s h h e c o u l d see y o u , Percy. H e w o u l d b e s o p r o u d . " I w o n d e r e d h o w she c o u l d say t h a t . W h a t was s o g r e a t a b o u t me? A dyslexic, hyperactive b o y w i t h a D + r e p o r t card, k i c k e d o u t o f s c h o o l for t h e s i x t h t i m e i n six years. " H o w o l d was I?" I asked. "I m e a n . . . w h e n he left?" S h e w a t c h e d t h e flames. " H e was o n l y w i t h m e for o n e s u m m e r , Percy. R i g h t here a t t h i s b e a c h . T h i s cabin." " B u t . . . h e k n e w m e a s a baby."

[38]

" N o , h o n e y . H e k n e w I was e x p e c t i n g a baby, b u t h e never saw y o u . H e h a d t o leave b e f o r e y o u were b o r n . " I t r i e d t o s q u a r e t h a t w i t h t h e fact t h a t I s e e m e d t o r e m e m b e r . . . s o m e t h i n g a b o u t my father. A w a r m glow. A smile. I h a d always a s s u m e d h e k n e w m e a s a baby. M y m o m h a d never said i t o u t r i g h t , b u t still, I d felt i t m u s t b e t r u e . N o w , to be t o l d t h a t he'd never even seen me . . . I felt a n g r y at my father. M a y b e it was s t u p i d , b u t I r e s e n t e d h i m for g o i n g o n t h a t o c e a n voyage, for n o t h a v i n g t h e g u t s t o m a r r y m y m o m . H e ' d left u s , a n d n o w w e were stuck with Smelly Gabe. "Are y o u g o i n g t o s e n d m e away again?" I asked her. " T o another boarding school?" S h e p u l l e d a m a r s h m a l l o w f r o m t h e fire. "I d o n ' t k n o w , honey." H e r voice was heavy. "I t h i n k . . . I t h i n k we'll have to do s o m e t h i n g . " "Because y o u d o n ' t w a n t m e a r o u n d ? " I r e g r e t t e d t h e w o r d s a s s o o n a s t h e y were o u t . M y m o m ' s eyes welled w i t h tears. S h e t o o k m y h a n d , s q u e e z e d i t t i g h t . " O h , Percy, n o . I — I have t o , h o n e y . F o r y o u r o w n g o o d . I have t o s e n d y o u away." H e r words reminded me of what M r . Brunner h a d s a i d — t h a t i t was b e s t for m e t o leave Yancy. "Because I ' m n o t n o r m a l , " I said. " Y o u say t h a t as if it's a b a d t h i n g , Percy. B u t y o u d o n ' t realize h o w i m p o r t a n t y o u are. I t h o u g h t Y a n c y A c a d e m y w o u l d be far e n o u g h away. I t h o u g h t y o u ' d finally be safe." "Safe f r o m w h a t ? "

[39]

S h e m e t m y eyes, a n d a f l o o d o f m e m o r i e s c a m e b a c k t o m e — a l l t h e weird, scary t h i n g s t h a t h a d ever h a p p e n e d t o m e , s o m e o f w h i c h I d t r i e d t o forget. D u r i n g t h i r d g r a d e , a m a n in a black t r e n c h c o a t h a d stalked m e o n t h e p l a y g r o u n d . W h e n t h e teachers t h r e a t e n e d t o call t h e police, h e w e n t away g r o w l i n g , b u t n o o n e believed m e w h e n I t o l d t h e m t h a t u n d e r his b r o a d - b r i m m e d h a t , t h e m a n o n l y h a d o n e eye, r i g h t i n t h e m i d d l e o f h i s h e a d . Before t h a t — a really early m e m o r y . I was in p r e s c h o o l , a n d a t e a c h e r accidentally p u t me d o w n for a n a p in a c o t t h a t a s n a k e h a d s l i t h e r e d i n t o . M y m o m s c r e a m e d w h e n she c a m e t o p i c k m e u p a n d f o u n d m e p l a y i n g w i t h a l i m p , scaly r o p e I d s o m e h o w m a n a g e d t o strangle t o death with m y meaty toddler hands. I n every single s c h o o l , s o m e t h i n g creepy h a d h a p p e n e d , s o m e t h i n g unsafe, a n d I was forced t o m o v e . I k n e w I s h o u l d tell m y m o m a b o u t t h e o l d ladies a t t h e fruit s t a n d , a n d M r s . D o d d s a t t h e a r t m u s e u m , a b o u t m y w e i r d h a l l u c i n a t i o n t h a t I h a d sliced m y m a t h teacher i n t o d u s t w i t h a s w o r d . B u t I c o u l d n ' t m a k e m y s e l f tell her. I h a d a s t r a n g e feeling t h e n e w s w o u l d e n d o u r t r i p t o M o n t a u k , and I didn't want that. "I've t r i e d to k e e p y o u as close to me as I could," my m o m said. " T h e y t o l d m e t h a t was a m i s t a k e . B u t there's o n l y o n e o t h e r o p t i o n , P e r c y — t h e p l a c e y o u r father w a n t e d t o s e n d y o u . A n d I j u s t . . . I j u s t can't s t a n d t o d o it." " M y f a t h e r w a n t e d m e t o g o t o a special s c h o o l ? " " N o t a s c h o o l , " s h e s a i d softly. " A s u m m e r c a m p . " M y h e a d was

spinning. W h y

[40]

would my

dad—who

h a d n ' t even stayed a r o u n d l o n g e n o u g h t o see m e b o r n — t a l k t o m y m o m a b o u t a s u m m e r c a m p ? A n d i f i t was s o i m p o r t a n t , w h y h a d n ' t she ever m e n t i o n e d i t before? " I ' m sorry, Percy," she said, seeing t h e l o o k i n m y eyes. " B u t I can't t a l k a b o u t it. I — I c o u l d n ' t s e n d y o u t o t h a t place. I t m i g h t m e a n saying g o o d - b y e t o y o u for g o o d . " " F o r g o o d ? B u t if it's o n l y a s u m m e r c a m p . . ." S h e t u r n e d t o w a r d t h e fire, a n d I k n e w f r o m h e r express i o n t h a t i f I a s k e d h e r any m o r e q u e s t i o n s she w o u l d s t a r t t o cry.

T h a t n i g h t I h a d a vivid d r e a m . I t was s t o r m i n g o n t h e b e a c h , a n d t w o b e a u t i f u l a n i m a l s , a w h i t e h o r s e a n d a g o l d e n eagle, were t r y i n g to kill each o t h e r a t t h e edge o f t h e surf. T h e eagle s w o o p e d d o w n a n d s l a s h e d t h e horse's m u z z l e w i t h its h u g e t a l o n s . T h e h o r s e r e a r e d u p a n d k i c k e d a t t h e eagle's w i n g s . A s t h e y f o u g h t , t h e g r o u n d r u m b l e d , a n d a m o n s t r o u s voice c h u c k led somewhere beneath the earth, goading the animals to fight h a r d e r . I ran toward them, knowing I had to stop t h e m from killing each o t h e r , b u t I was r u n n i n g in slow m o t i o n . I k n e w I w o u l d be t o o late. I saw t h e eagle dive d o w n , its b e a k a i m e d at t h e horse's w i d e eyes, a n d I s c r e a m e d , No! I woke with a start. O u t s i d e , i t really was s t o r m i n g , t h e k i n d o f s t o r m t h a t cracks trees a n d b l o w s d o w n h o u s e s . T h e r e was n o h o r s e o r eagle o n t h e b e a c h , j u s t l i g h t n i n g m a k i n g false d a y l i g h t , a n d t w e n t y - f o o t waves p o u n d i n g t h e d u n e s like artillery.

[41]

W i t h t h e n e x t t h u n d e r c l a p , m y m o m w o k e . S h e sat u p , eyes w i d e , a n d said, " H u r r i c a n e . " I k n e w t h a t was crazy. L o n g I s l a n d never sees h u r r i c a n e s t h i s early i n t h e s u m m e r . B u t t h e o c e a n s e e m e d t o have forg o t t e n . O v e r t h e r o a r o f t h e w i n d , I h e a r d a d i s t a n t bellow, a n angry, t o r t u r e d s o u n d t h a t m a d e m y h a i r s t a n d o n e n d . T h e n a m u c h closer n o i s e , like m a l l e t s in t h e s a n d . A d e s p e r a t e v o i c e — s o m e o n e yelling, p o u n d i n g o n o u r c a b i n door. My m o t h e r sprang out of bed in her nightgown and threw o p e n the lock. G r o v e r s t o o d f r a m e d i n t h e d o o r w a y against a b a c k d r o p o f p o u r i n g r a i n . B u t h e w a s n ' t . . . h e wasn't exactly Grover. "Searching

all

night,"

he

gasped.

"What

were

you

thinking?" M y m o t h e r looked a t m e i n t e r r o r — n o t scared o f Grover, b u t o f w h y he'd c o m e . "Percy," she said, s h o u t i n g t o b e h e a r d over t h e r a i n . " W h a t h a p p e n e d a t school? W h a t d i d n ' t y o u tell m e ? " I was frozen, l o o k i n g at Grover. I c o u l d n ' t u n d e r s t a n d w h a t I was seeing. "O Zeu kai allot theoi!" he yelled. "It's r i g h t b e h i n d m e ! D i d n ' t y o u tell h e r ? " I was t o o s h o c k e d t o register t h a t he'd j u s t c u r s e d i n A n c i e n t G r e e k , a n d I'd u n d e r s t o o d h i m perfectly. I was t o o shocked to wonder h o w Grover had gotten here by himself i n t h e m i d d l e o f t h e n i g h t . Because G r o v e r d i d n ' t have his p a n t s o n — a n d w h e r e his legs s h o u l d be . . . w h e r e his legs s h o u l d be . . .

[42]

My m o m looked at me sternly a n d talked in a t o n e s h e d never u s e d before: "Percy. T e l l me now!" I s t a m m e r e d s o m e t h i n g a b o u t t h e o l d ladies a t t h e fruit s t a n d , a n d M r s . D o d d s , a n d m y m o m s t a r e d a t m e , h e r face d e a t h l y p a l e i n t h e flashes o f l i g h t n i n g . S h e g r a b b e d h e r p u r s e , t o s s e d m e m y r a i n jacket, a n d said, " G e t t o t h e car. B o t h o f y o u . Go!" G r o v e r r a n for t h e

Camaro—but

h e wasn't r u n n i n g ,

exactly. H e was t r o t t i n g , s h a k i n g h i s s h a g g y h i n d q u a r t e r s , a n d s u d d e n l y h i s s t o r y a b o u t a m u s c u l a r d i s o r d e r i n his legs m a d e sense t o m e . I u n d e r s t o o d h o w h e c o u l d r u n s o fast a n d still l i m p w h e n h e walked. Because w h e r e his feet s h o u l d be, t h e r e were n o feet. T h e r e were cloven h o o v e s .

[43]

We

tore

through the night along dark country roads.

W i n d s l a m m e d against the C a m a r o . R a i n lashed the w i n d shield. I d i d n ' t k n o w h o w m y m o m c o u l d see a n y t h i n g , b u t s h e k e p t h e r f o o t o n t h e gas. E v e r y t i m e t h e r e was a flash of l i g h t n i n g , I l o o k e d at Grover sitting next to me in the backseat and I w o n d e r e d i f I'd g o n e insane, o r i f h e was w e a r i n g s o m e k i n d o f s h a g - c a r p e t p a n t s . But, n o , t h e s m e l l was o n e I r e m e m b e r e d f r o m k i n d e r g a r t e n field t r i p s t o t h e p e t t i n g z o o — lanolin,

like

from

wool. T h e

smell

of a wet barnyard

animal. All I c o u l d t h i n k to say was, " S o , y o u a n d my m o m . . . k n o w each o t h e r ? " Grover's eyes f l i t t e d t o t h e rearview m i r r o r , t h o u g h t h e r e were n o cars b e h i n d u s . " N o t exactly," h e said. " I m e a n , we've never m e t in p e r s o n . B u t she k n e w I was w a t c h i n g you. "Watching me?" " K e e p i n g t a b s o n you. M a k i n g s u r e y o u were okay. B u t I wasn't faking b e i n g y o u r friend," he a d d e d hastily. "I am y o u r friend." "Um

. . . w h a t are you, exactly?"

" T h a t d o e s n ' t m a t t e r r i g h t now." " I t d o e s n ' t m a t t e r ? F r o m t h e waist d o w n , m y b e s t f r i e n d is a d o n k e y — " G r o v e r let o u t a s h a r p , t h r o a t y "Blaa~ha~ha!" I ' d h e a r d h i m m a k e t h a t s o u n d before, b u t I'd always a s s u m e d it was a n e r v o u s l a u g h . N o w I realized it was m o r e o f a n i r r i t a t e d bleat. " G o a t ! " h e cried. "What?" " I ' m a goat f r o m t h e waist d o w n . " " Y o u just said i t d i d n ' t m a t t e r . " "Blaa~ha~ha! T h e r e are satyrs w h o w o u l d t r a m p l e y o u u n d e r h o o f for s u c h a n insult!" " W h o a . W a i t . S a t y r s . Y o u m e a n like . . . M r . B r u n n e r ' s myths?" " W e r e t h o s e o l d ladies at t h e fruit s t a n d a myth, Percy? Was Mrs. D o d d s a myth?" " S o y o u admit t h e r e was a M r s . D o d d s ! " " O f course." "Then why—" " T h e less y o u k n e w , t h e fewer m o n s t e r s y o u ' d attract," G r o v e r said, like t h a t s h o u l d b e perfectly o b v i o u s . " W e p u t M i s t over t h e h u m a n s ' eyes. W e h o p e d you'd t h i n k t h e K i n d l y O n e was a h a l l u c i n a t i o n . B u t i t was n o g o o d . Y o u s t a r t e d t o realize w h o y o u are." " W h o I—wait a minute, what do you mean?" T h e weird b e l l o w i n g n o i s e rose u p again s o m e w h e r e b e h i n d us, closer t h a n before. W h a t e v e r w a s c h a s i n g u s was still o n o u r trail.

[45]

"Percy," m y m o m said, "there's t o o m u c h t o explain a n d n o t e n o u g h t i m e . W e have t o get y o u t o safety." "Safety f r o m what? W h o ' s after m e ? " " O h , n o b o d y m u c h , " G r o v e r said, o b v i o u s l y still m i f f e d a b o u t t h e donkey c o m m e n t . "Just t h e L o r d o f the D e a d a n d a few o f h i s b l o o d - t h i r s t i e s t m i n i o n s . " "Grover!" " S o r r y , M r s . J a c k s o n . C o u l d y o u drive faster, please?" I t r i e d t o w r a p m y m i n d a r o u n d w h a t was h a p p e n i n g , b u t I c o u l d n ' t do it. I k n e w t h i s wasn't a d r e a m . I h a d no i m a g i n a t i o n . I c o u l d never d r e a m u p s o m e t h i n g this weird. M y m o m m a d e a h a r d left. W e swerved o n t o a n a r r o w e r r o a d , r a c i n g p a s t d a r k e n e d f a r m h o u s e s a n d w o o d e d hills a n d PICK Y O U R O W N STRAWBERRIES signs o n w h i t e p i c k e t fences. " W h e r e are we g o i n g ? " I asked. " T h e s u m m e r c a m p I told you about." My mother's voice was t i g h t ; she was t r y i n g for m y sake n o t t o b e scared. " T h e p l a c e y o u r father w a n t e d t o s e n d you." " T h e p l a c e y o u d i d n ' t w a n t m e t o go." "Please,

dear,"

my

mother

begged.

"This

is

hard

e n o u g h . T r y t o u n d e r s t a n d . You're i n danger." "Because s o m e o l d ladies c u t yarn." " T h o s e weren't o l d ladies," G r o v e r said. " T h o s e were t h e F a t e s . D o y o u k n o w w h a t i t m e a n s — t h e fact t h e y a p p e a r e d i n f r o n t o f you? T h e y o n l y d o t h a t w h e n you're a b o u t to . . . w h e n s o m e o n e ' s a b o u t to die." " W h o a . Y o u said 'you.'" " N o I didn't. I said 'someone.'"

[46]

" Y o u m e a n t 'you.' As in me!' "I m e a n t you, like ' s o m e o n e . ' N o t y o u , you." "Boys!" m y m o m said. S h e p u l l e d t h e w h e e l h a r d t o t h e right, a n d I g o t a g l i m p s e o f a f i g u r e she'd s w e r v e d t o a v o i d — a d a r k f l u t t e r ing shape n o w lost b e h i n d us in the s t o r m . " W h a t was t h a t ? " I asked. " W e ' r e a l m o s t there," m y m o t h e r said,

ignoring my

q u e s t i o n . " A n o t h e r m i l e . Please. Please. Please." I d i d n ' t k n o w w h e r e there was, b u t I f o u n d m y s e l f l e a n i n g f o r w a r d i n t h e car, a n t i c i p a t i n g , w a n t i n g u s t o arrive. O u t s i d e , n o t h i n g b u t rain a n d d a r k n e s s — t h e k i n d o f e m p t y c o u n t r y s i d e y o u get way o u t o n t h e t i p o f L o n g Island. I t h o u g h t a b o u t M r s . D o d d s and the m o m e n t when she'd c h a n g e d i n t o t h e t h i n g w i t h p o i n t e d t e e t h a n d l e a t h ery wings. M y limbs went n u m b from delayed shock. She really hadn't b e e n h u m a n . She'd m e a n t t o kill m e . T h e n I t h o u g h t a b o u t M r . Brunner . . . and the sword h e h a d t h r o w n m e . Before I c o u l d ask G r o v e r a b o u t t h a t , t h e h a i r r o s e o n t h e b a c k o f m y n e c k . T h e r e was a b l i n d i n g flash, a j a w - r a t t l i n g boom!, a n d o u r car e x p l o d e d . I r e m e m b e r feeling weightless, like I was b e i n g c r u s h e d , fried, a n d h o s e d d o w n all a t t h e s a m e t i m e . I p e e l e d m y f o r e h e a d o f f t h e b a c k o f t h e driver's seat a n d said, " O w . " "Percy!" m y m o m shouted. " I ' m okay. . . ." I t r i e d t o s h a k e o f f t h e d a z e . I wasn't d e a d . T h e car h a d n ' t really e x p l o d e d . W e d swerved i n t o a d i t c h . O u r

[47]

driver's-side d o o r s were w e d g e d i n t h e m u d . T h e r o o f h a d c r a c k e d o p e n like a n eggshell a n d r a i n was p o u r i n g in. L i g h t n i n g . T h a t was t h e o n l y e x p l a n a t i o n . W e d b e e n b l a s t e d r i g h t o f f t h e r o a d . N e x t t o m e i n t h e b a c k s e a t was a big motionless l u m p . "Grover!" H e was s l u m p e d over, b l o o d t r i c k l i n g f r o m t h e side o f his m o u t h . I s h o o k his furry hip, thinking, N o ! Even if you are h a l f b a r n y a r d a n i m a l , you're m y b e s t f r i e n d a n d I d o n ' t w a n t y o u t o die! T h e n h e g r o a n e d " F o o d , " a n d I k n e w t h e r e was h o p e . "Percy," my m o t h e r said, " w e have to . . ." H e r voice faltered. I l o o k e d back. I n a flash o f l i g h t n i n g , t h r o u g h t h e m u d s p a t t e r e d rear w i n d s h i e l d , I saw a figure l u m b e r i n g t o w a r d us on the shoulder of the road. T h e sight of it m a d e my s k i n crawl. It was a d a r k s i l h o u e t t e of a h u g e guy, like a f o o t b a l l player. H e s e e m e d t o b e h o l d i n g a b l a n k e t over his h e a d . H i s t o p h a l f was b u l k y a n d fuzzy. H i s u p r a i s e d h a n d s m a d e i t l o o k like h e h a d h o r n s . I swallowed h a r d . " W h o i s — " "Percy," m y m o t h e r said, d e a d l y s e r i o u s . " G e t o u t o f t h e car." M y m o t h e r t h r e w h e r s e l f against t h e d r i v e r s - s i d e d o o r . I t was j a m m e d s h u t i n t h e m u d . I t r i e d m i n e . S t u c k t o o . I l o o k e d u p d e s p e r a t e l y a t t h e h o l e i n t h e roof. I t m i g h t ' v e b e e n a n exit, b u t t h e edges were s i z z l i n g a n d s m o k i n g . " C l i m b o u t t h e passenger's side!" m y m o t h e r t o l d m e . " P e r c y — y o u have t o r u n . D o y o u see t h a t b i g tree?" "What?"

[48]

A n o t h e r f l a s h o f lightning, a n d t h r o u g h t h e s m o k i n g h o l e in t h e r o o f I saw t h e tree she m e a n t : a huge, W h i t e H o u s e C h r i s t m a s tree—sized p i n e at t h e crest of t h e nearest hill. " T h a t ' s t h e p r o p e r t y line," m y m o m said. " G e t over t h a t hill a n d y o u ' l l see a b i g f a r m h o u s e d o w n i n t h e valley. R u n a n d d o n ' t l o o k b a c k . Yell for h e l p . D o n ' t s t o p u n t i l y o u r e a c h the door." " M o m , you're c o m i n g t o o . " H e r face was pale, h e r eyes as sad as w h e n she l o o k e d at the ocean. " N o ! " I s h o u t e d . " Y o u are c o m i n g w i t h m e . H e l p m e c a r r y Grover." " F o o d ! " G r o v e r m o a n e d , a little l o u d e r . T h e m a n with t h e blanket o n his h e a d k e p t c o m i n g t o w a r d us, m a k i n g his g r u n t i n g , s n o r t i n g noises. A s h e g o t closer, I realized he couldn't be h o l d i n g a b l a n k e t over his h e a d , b e c a u s e his h a n d s — h u g e m e a t y h a n d s — w e r e s w i n g ing a t his sides. T h e r e was n o b l a n k e t . M e a n i n g t h e bulky, fuzzy m a s s t h a t was t o o b i g to be his h e a d . . . was h i s h e a d . A n d t h e p o i n t s t h a t l o o k e d like h o r n s . . . " H e d o e s n ' t w a n t us" m y m o t h e r t o l d m e . " H e w a n t s y o u . Besides, I can't cross t h e p r o p e r t y line." " B u t . . ." " W e d o n ' t have t i m e , Percy. G o . Please." I got mad, t h e n — m a d at my mother, at Grover the goat, a t t h e t h i n g w i t h h o r n s t h a t was l u m b e r i n g t o w a r d u s slowly a n d d e l i b e r a t e l y like, like a b u l l . I c l i m b e d across G r o v e r a n d p u s h e d t h e d o o r o p e n i n t o t h e rain. "We're going together. C o m e on, M o m . "

[49]

"I told y o u — " " M o m ! I a m n o t leaving y o u . H e l p m e w i t h Grover." I d i d n ' t w a i t for h e r answer. I s c r a m b l e d o u t s i d e , d r a g g i n g G r o v e r f r o m t h e car. H e was s u r p r i s i n g l y light, b u t I c o u l d n ' t have c a r r i e d h i m very far i f m y m o m h a d n ' t c o m e t o m y aid. T o g e t h e r , w e d r a p e d Grover's a r m s over o u r s h o u l d e r s and started stumbling uphill t h r o u g h wet waist-high grass. G l a n c i n g back, I g o t my first clear l o o k at t h e m o n s t e r . H e was seven feet tall, easy, h i s a r m s a n d legs like s o m e t h i n g f r o m t h e cover of Muscle Man m a g a z i n e — b u l g i n g b i c e p s a n d t r i c e p s a n d a b u n c h of o t h e r ' c e p s , all stuffed like baseballs u n d e r v e i n - w e b b e d s k i n . H e w o r e n o c l o t h e s except u n d e r w e a r — I mean, bright white Fruit of the L o o m s — w h i c h w o u l d ' v e l o o k e d funny, except t h a t t h e t o p h a l f o f h i s b o d y was s o scary. C o a r s e b r o w n h a i r s t a r t e d a t a b o u t his belly b u t t o n a n d got thicker as it reached his shoulders. H i s n e c k was a m a s s o f m u s c l e a n d fur l e a d i n g u p t o his e n o r m o u s h e a d , w h i c h h a d a s n o u t a s l o n g a s m y a r m , s n o t t y n o s t r i l s w i t h a g l e a m i n g b r a s s r i n g , c r u e l black eyes, and h o r n s — e n o r m o u s black-and-white horns with points y o u just c o u l d n ' t get f r o m a n electric s h a r p e n e r . I r e c o g n i z e d t h e m o n s t e r , all r i g h t . H e h a d b e e n i n o n e o f t h e first stories M r . B r u n n e r t o l d u s . B u t h e c o u l d n ' t b e real. I b l i n k e d t h e r a i n o u t o f m y eyes. " T h a t ' s — " " P a s i p h a e ' s son," m y m o t h e r said. " I w i s h I'd k n o w n h o w b a d l y t h e y w a n t t o kill you." " B u t he's t h e M i n — "

[50]

" D o n ' t say his n a m e , " she w a r n e d . " N a m e s have power." T h e p i n e tree was still way t o o f a r — a h u n d r e d yards u p h i l l at least. I g l a n c e d b e h i n d me again. T h e b u l l - m a n h u n c h e d over o u r car, l o o k i n g i n t h e w i n d o w s — o r n o t l o o k i n g , exactly. M o r e like snuffling, n u z zling. I wasn't s u r e w h y he b o t h e r e d , s i n c e we w e r e o n l y a b o u t fifty feet away. "Food?" Grover moaned. " S h h h , " I t o l d h i m . " M o m , what's h e d o i n g ? D o e s n ' t h e see us? " H i s s i g h t a n d h e a r i n g are terrible," s h e said. " H e goes b y smell. B u t he'll f i g u r e o u t w h e r e w e are s o o n e n o u g h . " A s i f o n cue, t h e b u l l - m a n b e l l o w e d i n rage. H e p i c k e d u p G a b e ' s C a m a r o b y t h e t o r n roof, t h e chassis c r e a k i n g a n d g r o a n i n g . H e r a i s e d t h e car over h i s h e a d a n d t h r e w i t d o w n the road. It s l a m m e d into the wet asphalt a n d s k i d d e d in a s h o w e r of s p a r k s for a b o u t h a l f a m i l e before c o m i n g to a s t o p . T h e gas t a n k e x p l o d e d . Not a scratch, I r e m e m b e r e d G a b e saying. Oops. "Percy," m y m o m said. " W h e n h e sees us, he'll charge. W a i t u n t i l t h e last s e c o n d , t h e n j u m p o u t o f t h e w a y — directly sideways. H e can't c h a n g e d i r e c t i o n s very well o n c e he's charging. D o y o u u n d e r s t a n d ? " " H o w d o y o u k n o w all t h i s ? " "I've b e e n w o r r i e d a b o u t an a t t a c k for a l o n g t i m e . I s h o u l d have

expected

this.

I

near me."

[51]

was

selfish,

keeping you

" K e e p i n g m e n e a r you? B u t — " Another

bellow

of

rage,

and

the

bull-man

started

tromping uphill. H e ' d smelled us. T h e p i n e tree was o n l y a few m o r e yards, b u t t h e hill was g e t t i n g s t e e p e r a n d slicker, a n d G r o v e r wasn't g e t t i n g any lighter. T h e b u l l - m a n c l o s e d in. A n o t h e r few s e c o n d s a n d he'd be o n t o p of us. M y m o t h e r m u s t ' v e b e e n e x h a u s t e d , b u t she s h o u l d e r e d Grover. " G o , Percy! S e p a r a t e ! R e m e m b e r w h a t I said." I d i d n ' t w a n t to s p l i t u p , b u t I h a d t h e feeling she was r i g h t — i t was o u r o n l y c h a n c e . I s p r i n t e d t o t h e left, t u r n e d , a n d saw t h e c r e a t u r e b e a r i n g d o w n o n m e . H i s black eyes g l o w e d w i t h h a t e . H e r e e k e d like r o t t e n m e a t . H e l o w e r e d his h e a d a n d charged, t h o s e r a z o r - s h a r p h o r n s a i m e d s t r a i g h t a t m y chest. T h e fear i n m y s t o m a c h m a d e m e w a n t t o b o l t , b u t t h a t w o u l d n ' t w o r k . I c o u l d never o u t r u n t h i s t h i n g . So I h e l d my g r o u n d , a n d a t t h e last m o m e n t , I j u m p e d t o t h e side. T h e b u l l - m a n s t o r m e d p a s t like a freight t r a i n , t h e n b e l lowed with frustration and turned, b u t n o t toward me this t i m e , t o w a r d m y m o t h e r , w h o was s e t t i n g G r o v e r d o w n i n t h e grass. W e d r e a c h e d t h e crest o f t h e hill. D o w n t h e o t h e r s i d e I c o u l d see a valley, j u s t as my m o t h e r h a d said, a n d t h e l i g h t s o f a f a r m h o u s e g l o w i n g yellow t h r o u g h t h e rain. B u t t h a t was h a l f a m i l e away. W e ' d never m a k e it. T h e bull-man grunted, pawing the ground. He kept

[52]

eyeing m y m o t h e r , w h o was n o w r e t r e a t i n g slowly d o w n h i l l , b a c k t o w a r d t h e r o a d , t r y i n g t o l e a d t h e m o n s t e r away f r o m Grover. " R u n , Percy!" she t o l d m e . " I can't g o any farther. R u n ! " B u t I just s t o o d t h e r e , f r o z e n in fear, as t h e m o n s t e r c h a r g e d her. S h e t r i e d t o s i d e s t e p , a s she'd t o l d m e t o d o , b u t t h e m o n s t e r h a d l e a r n e d his l e s s o n . H i s h a n d s h o t o u t a n d g r a b b e d h e r b y t h e n e c k a s she t r i e d t o get away. H e lifted h e r a s s h e s t r u g g l e d , k i c k i n g a n d p u m m e l i n g t h e air. "Mom!" S h e c a u g h t m y eyes, m a n a g e d t o c h o k e o u t o n e last word: " G o ! " T h e n , w i t h a n a n g r y roar, t h e m o n s t e r c l o s e d h i s fists a r o u n d m y m o t h e r ' s neck, a n d s h e d i s s o l v e d before m y eyes, m e l t i n g i n t o light, a s h i m m e r i n g g o l d e n f o r m , as if s h e were a h o l o g r a p h i c p r o j e c t i o n . A b l i n d i n g flash, a n d s h e was s i m ply . . . g o n e . "No!" A n g e r r e p l a c e d m y fear. N e w f o u n d s t r e n g t h b u r n e d i n m y l i m b s — t h e s a m e r u s h o f e n e r g y I'd g o t t e n w h e n M r s . D o d d s grew talons. T h e b u l l - m a n b o r e d o w n o n Grover, w h o lay helpless i n t h e g r a s s . T h e m o n s t e r h u n c h e d over, s n u f f l i n g m y b e s t friend, a s i f h e were a b o u t t o lift G r o v e r u p a n d m a k e h i m dissolve t o o . I c o u l d n ' t allow t h a t . I s t r i p p e d o f f my r e d r a i n jacket. " H e y ! " I s c r e a m e d , w a v i n g t h e jacket, r u n n i n g t o o n e side o f t h e m o n s t e r . " H e y , s t u p i d ! G r o u n d beef!"

[S3]

"Raaaarrrrr!" T h e monster turned toward me, shaking his m e a t y f i s t s . I h a d a n i d e a — a s t u p i d idea, b u t b e t t e r t h a n n o i d e a a t all. I p u t m y b a c k t o t h e b i g p i n e tree a n d waved m y r e d jacket i n f r o n t o f t h e b u l l - m a n , t h i n k i n g I d j u m p o u t o f t h e way a t t h e last m o m e n t . B u t i t d i d n ' t h a p p e n like t h a t . T h e b u l l - m a n c h a r g e d t o o fast, h i s a r m s o u t t o g r a b m e w h i c h e v e r way I t r i e d to d o d g e . T i m e slowed d o w n . My legs t e n s e d . I c o u l d n ' t j u m p sideways, so I l e a p e d s t r a i g h t u p , k i c k i n g o f f f r o m t h e creature's h e a d , u s i n g i t a s a s p r i n g b o a r d , t u r n i n g i n m i d a i r , a n d l a n d i n g o n his n e c k . H o w d i d I do that? I d i d n ' t have t i m e to figure it o u t . A m i l l i s e c o n d later, t h e m o n s t e r ' s h e a d s l a m m e d i n t o t h e tree a n d t h e i m p a c t nearly k n o c k e d m y t e e t h o u t . T h e b u l l - m a n s t a g g e r e d a r o u n d , t r y i n g t o shake m e . I locked my arms

a r o u n d his h o r n s to keep from being

t h r o w n . T h u n d e r a n d l i g h t n i n g were still g o i n g s t r o n g . T h e r a i n was i n m y eyes. T h e s m e l l o f r o t t e n m e a t b u r n e d m y nostrils. T h e m o n s t e r s h o o k h i m s e l f a r o u n d a n d b u c k e d like a r o d e o b u l l . H e s h o u l d have just b a c k e d u p i n t o t h e tree a n d s m a s h e d m e flat, b u t I was s t a r t i n g t o realize t h a t t h i s t h i n g h a d o n l y o n e gear: forward. M e a n w h i l e , G r o v e r s t a r t e d g r o a n i n g in t h e grass. I w a n t e d t o yell a t h i m t o s h u t u p , b u t t h e way I was g e t t i n g t o s s e d a r o u n d , i f I o p e n e d m y m o u t h I'd b i t e m y o w n t o n g u e off.

[54]

"Food!" Grover moaned. T h e bull-man wheeled toward him, pawed the g r o u n d again, a n d g o t r e a d y t o charge. I t h o u g h t a b o u t h o w h e h a d s q u e e z e d t h e life o u t o f m y m o t h e r , m a d e h e r d i s a p p e a r i n a flash of light, a n d rage filled me like h i g h - o c t a n e fuel. I got b o t h hands around one h o r n and I pulled backward w i t h all m y m i g h t . T h e m o n s t e r t e n s e d , gave a s u r p r i s e d g r u n t , then—snap! T h e b u l l - m a n s c r e a m e d a n d f l u n g m e t h r o u g h t h e air. I l a n d e d f l a t o n m y b a c k i n t h e grass. M y h e a d s m a c k e d against a r o c k . W h e n I sat u p , my vision was b l u r r y , b u t I h a d a h o r n i n m y h a n d s , a r a g g e d b o n e w e a p o n t h e size o f a knife. T h e m o n s t e r charged. W i t h o u t thinking, I rolled to one side and came up kneeling. As t h e m o n s t e r barreled past, I drove the b r o k e n h o r n s t r a i g h t i n t o his side, r i g h t u p u n d e r h i s f u r r y r i b cage. T h e b u l l - m a n r o a r e d i n agony. H e f l a i l e d , c l a w i n g a t h i s chest, t h e n b e g a n t o d i s i n t e g r a t e — n o t like m y m o t h e r , i n a f l a s h o f g o l d e n light, b u t like c r u m b l i n g s a n d , b l o w n away i n c h u n k s b y t h e w i n d , t h e s a m e way M r s . D o d d s h a d b u r s t apart. T h e m o n s t e r was g o n e . T h e r a i n h a d s t o p p e d . T h e s t o r m still r u m b l e d , b u t o n l y in t h e d i s t a n c e . I s m e l l e d like livestock a n d my k n e e s were s h a k i n g . My h e a d felt like it was s p l i t t i n g o p e n . I was w e a k a n d scared a n d t r e m b l i n g w i t h grief. I d j u s t seen m y m o t h e r vanish. I w a n t e d t o lie d o w n a n d cry, b u t t h e r e was Grover, n e e d i n g m y h e l p , s o I m a n a g e d t o h a u l h i m u p a n d

; 55

stagger d o w n i n t o t h e valley, t o w a r d t h e lights o f t h e f a r m h o u s e . I was c r y i n g , calling for my m o t h e r , b u t I h e l d on to G r o v e r — I wasn't g o i n g t o let h i m g o . T h e last t h i n g I r e m e m b e r i s c o l l a p s i n g o n a w o o d e n p o r c h , l o o k i n g u p a t a ceiling fan circling above m e , m o t h s flying a r o u n d a yellow light,

a n d t h e s t e r n faces of a

f a m i l i a r - l o o k i n g b e a r d e d m a n a n d a p r e t t y girl, h e r b l o n d h a i r c u r l e d like a princess's. T h e y b o t h l o o k e d d o w n a t m e , a n d t h e girl said, " H e ' s t h e o n e . H e m u s t be." "Silence, A n n a b e t h , " t h e m a n said. " H e ' s still c o n s c i o u s . B r i n g h i m inside."

[56]

I h a d weird d r e a m s full o f b a r n y a r d a n i m a l s . M o s t o f t h e m w a n t e d t o kill m e . T h e rest w a n t e d f o o d . I m u s t ' v e w o k e n up several t i m e s , b u t w h a t I h e a r d a n d saw m a d e no sense, so I just p a s s e d o u t again. I r e m e m b e r lying i n a soft b e d , b e i n g s p o o n - f e d s o m e t h i n g t h a t t a s t e d like b u t t e r e d p o p c o r n , o n l y i t was p u d d i n g . T h e girl w i t h curly b l o n d h a i r h o v e r e d over m e , s m i r k i n g a s she s c r a p e d d r i p s o f f m y chin w i t h t h e s p o o n . W h e n she saw m y eyes o p e n , s h e asked, " W h a t will h a p p e n a t t h e s u m m e r solstice?" I m a n a g e d to croak, " W h a t ? " S h e l o o k e d a r o u n d , a s i f afraid s o m e o n e w o u l d overhear. " W h a t ' s g o i n g o n ? W h a t was stolen? We've o n l y g o t a few weeks!" " I ' m sorry," I m u m b l e d , "I d o n ' t . . ." S o m e b o d y k n o c k e d o n t h e d o o r , a n d t h e girl q u i c k l y filled m y m o u t h w i t h p u d d i n g . T h e n e x t t i m e I w o k e u p , t h e girl was g o n e . A h u s k y b l o n d d u d e , like a surfer, s t o o d in t h e c o r n e r o f t h e b e d r o o m k e e p i n g w a t c h over m e . H e h a d b l u e e y e s — a t least a d o z e n o f t h e m — o n h i s cheeks, his forehead, t h e b a c k s o f his h a n d s .

[57]

* * * W h e n I f i n a l l y c a m e a r o u n d for g o o d , t h e r e was n o t h i n g w e i r d a b o u t m y s u r r o u n d i n g s , except t h a t t h e y were nicer t h a n I was u s e d t o . I was s i t t i n g in a d e c k chair on a h u g e p o r c h , g a z i n g across a m e a d o w at g r e e n hills in t h e d i s t a n c e . T h e b r e e z e s m e l l e d like s t r a w b e r r i e s . T h e r e was a b l a n k e t over m y legs, a p i l l o w b e h i n d m y n e c k . All t h a t was great, b u t my m o u t h felt like a s c o r p i o n h a d b e e n u s i n g it for a n e s t . M y t o n g u e was d r y a n d n a s t y a n d every o n e o f m y teeth hurt. O n t h e t a b l e n e x t t o m e was a tall d r i n k . I t l o o k e d like iced a p p l e juice, w i t h a g r e e n s t r a w a n d a p a p e r p a r a s o l s t u c k t h r o u g h a m a r a s c h i n o cherry. M y h a n d was s o w e a k I a l m o s t d r o p p e d t h e glass o n c e I g o t my fingers a r o u n d it. "Careful," a familiar voice said. G r o v e r was l e a n i n g a g a i n s t t h e p o r c h railing, l o o k i n g like he h a d n ' t s l e p t in a week. U n d e r o n e a r m , he c r a d l e d a s h o e b o x . H e was w e a r i n g b l u e jeans, C o n v e r s e h i - t o p s a n d a b r i g h t o r a n g e T - s h i r t t h a t said CAMP HALF-BLOOD. Just p l a i n o l d Grover. N o t t h e g o a t boy. S o m a y b e I'd h a d a n i g h t m a r e . M a y b e m y m o m was okay. W e were still o n v a c a t i o n , a n d we'd s t o p p e d h e r e a t t h i s b i g h o u s e for s o m e r e a s o n . A n d . . . " Y o u saved my life," G r o v e r said. "I . . . well, t h e least I c o u l d d o . . . I w e n t b a c k t o t h e hill. I t h o u g h t y o u m i g h t w a n t this." Reverently, h e p l a c e d t h e s h o e b o x i n m y l a p . I n s i d e was a b l a c k - a n d - w h i t e bull's h o r n , t h e b a s e j a g g e d

[58]

f r o m b e i n g b r o k e n off, t h e t i p s p l a t t e r e d w i t h d r i e d b l o o d . It h a d n ' t b e e n a n i g h t m a r e . " T h e M i n o t a u r , " I said. " U m , Percy, i t isn't a g o o d i d e a — " " T h a t ' s w h a t t h e y call h i m i n t h e G r e e k m y t h s , isn't it?" I d e m a n d e d . " T h e M i n o t a u r . H a l f m a n , h a l f bull." G r o v e r shifted u n c o m f o r t a b l y . "You've b e e n o u t for t w o days. H o w m u c h d o y o u r e m e m b e r ? " " M y m o m . Is she really . . ." He looked down. I s t a r e d across t h e m e a d o w . T h e r e were groves of trees, a w i n d i n g s t r e a m , acres o f s t r a w b e r r i e s s p r e a d o u t u n d e r t h e b l u e sky. T h e valley was s u r r o u n d e d b y r o l l i n g hills, a n d t h e tallest o n e , directly i n f r o n t o f us, was t h e o n e w i t h t h e h u g e p i n e tree o n t o p . E v e n t h a t l o o k e d b e a u t i f u l i n t h e s u n l i g h t . M y m o t h e r was g o n e . T h e w h o l e w o r l d s h o u l d b e black and cold. N o t h i n g s h o u l d look beautiful. " I ' m sorry," G r o v e r sniffled. " I ' m a failure. I ' m — I ' m t h e w o r s t satyr i n t h e world." H e m o a n e d , s t o m p i n g his f o o t s o h a r d i t c a m e off. I m e a n , t h e C o n v e r s e h i - t o p c a m e off. T h e i n s i d e was filled w i t h S t y r o f o a m , except for a h o o f - s h a p e d h o l e . " O h , Styx!" h e m u m b l e d . T h u n d e r r o l l e d across t h e clear sky. A s h e s t r u g g l e d t o get his h o o f b a c k i n t h e fake foot, I t h o u g h t , W e l l , t h a t settles it. G r o v e r was a satyr. I was r e a d y to b e t t h a t if I shaved his curly b r o w n hair, I'd find tiny h o r n s on h i s h e a d . B u t I was t o o m i s e r a b l e t o care t h a t satyrs existed, o r even m i n o t a u r s .

[59]

A l l t h a t m e a n t was m y m o m really h a d b e e n s q u e e z e d i n t o n o t h i n g n e s s , d i s s o l v e d i n t o yellow l i g h t . I was a l o n e . An o r p h a n . I w o u l d have to live w i t h . . . S m e l l y G a b e ? N o . T h a t w o u l d never h a p p e n . I w o u l d live o n t h e streets first. I w o u l d p r e t e n d I was seventeen a n d j o i n t h e army. I d d o s o m e t h i n g . G r o v e r was still sniffling. T h e p o o r k i d — p o o r goat, satyr, w h a t e v e r — l o o k e d a s i f h e e x p e c t e d t o b e h i t . I said, " I t wasn't y o u r fault." "Yes, it was. I was s u p p o s e d to protect you." " D i d m y m o t h e r ask y o u t o p r o t e c t m e ? " " N o . B u t that's m y j o b . I ' m a k e e p e r . A t l e a s t . . . I was." " B u t w h y . . . " I s u d d e n l y felt dizzy, m y vision s w i m ming. " D o n ' t s t r a i n yourself," G r o v e r said. " H e r e . " H e h e l p e d m e h o l d m y glass a n d p u t t h e s t r a w t o m y lips. I r e c o i l e d at t h e taste, b e c a u s e I was e x p e c t i n g a p p l e juice. It wasn't t h a t at all. It was c h o c o l a t e - c h i p c o o k i e s . Liquid

cookies.

A n d n o t j u s t any c o o k i e s — m y m o m ' s

h o m e m a d e blue chocolate-chip cookies, buttery and hot, w i t h t h e c h i p s still m e l t i n g . D r i n k i n g it, m y w h o l e b o d y felt w a r m a n d g o o d , full o f energy. M y g r i e f d i d n ' t g o away, b u t I felt a s i f m y m o m h a d j u s t b r u s h e d h e r h a n d a g a i n s t m y cheek, given me a c o o k i e t h e way she u s e d to w h e n I was small, a n d t o l d m e e v e r y t h i n g was g o i n g t o b e okay. Before I k n e w it, I'd d r a i n e d t h e glass. I s t a r e d i n t o it, sure I'd j u s t h a d a w a r m d r i n k , b u t t h e ice c u b e s h a d n ' t even melted.

[60]

" W a s i t g o o d ? " G r o v e r asked. I nodded. " W h a t d i d i t taste like?" H e s o u n d e d s o wistful, I felt guilty. " S o r r y , " I said. "I s h o u l d ' v e let y o u taste." H i s eyes g o t w i d e . " N o ! T h a t ' s n o t w h a t I m e a n t . I just . . . wondered." " C h o c o l a t e - c h i p c o o k i e s , " I said. " M y m o m ' s . H o m e made." H e s i g h e d . " A n d h o w d o y o u feel?" " L i k e I c o u l d t h r o w N a n c y B o b o f i t a h u n d r e d yards." " T h a t ' s g o o d , " h e said. " T h a t ' s g o o d . I d o n ' t t h i n k y o u c o u l d r i s k d r i n k i n g a n y m o r e o f t h a t stuff." " W h a t d o you mean?" H e t o o k t h e e m p t y glass f r o m m e gingerly, a s i f i t were d y n a m i t e , a n d set i t b a c k o n t h e table. " C o m e o n . C h i r o n a n d M r . D are waiting."

T h e p o r c h w r a p p e d all t h e way a r o u n d t h e f a r m h o u s e . M y legs felt wobbly, t r y i n g t o walk t h a t far. G r o v e r offered to carry t h e M i n o t a u r h o r n , b u t I h e l d on to it. I'd p a i d for t h a t s o u v e n i r t h e h a r d way. I wasn't g o i n g to let it go. As we came around the opposite end of the house, I caught my breath. W e must've been o n the n o r t h shore o f L o n g Island, b e c a u s e o n t h i s side o f t h e h o u s e , t h e valley m a r c h e d all t h e way u p t o t h e water, w h i c h g l i t t e r e d a b o u t a m i l e i n t h e d i s tance. Between here a n d there, I simply couldn't process e v e r y t h i n g I was seeing. T h e l a n d s c a p e was d o t t e d w i t h

[61]

b u i l d i n g s t h a t l o o k e d like a n c i e n t G r e e k a r c h i t e c t u r e — a n o p e n - a i r pavilion, an a m p h i t h e a t e r , a circular a r e n a — e x c e p t t h a t t h e y all l o o k e d b r a n d new, t h e i r w h i t e m a r b l e c o l u m n s s p a r k l i n g in t h e s u n . In a n e a r b y s a n d p i t , a d o z e n h i g h school—age k i d s a n d satyrs p l a y e d volleyball. C a n o e s g l i d e d across a s m a l l lake. K i d s in b r i g h t o r a n g e T - s h i r t s like Grover's were c h a s i n g each o t h e r a r o u n d a cluster o f c a b i n s n e s t l e d i n t h e w o o d s . S o m e s h o t targets a t a n a r c h e r y r a n g e . O t h e r s r o d e h o r s e s d o w n a w o o d e d trail, a n d , unless I was hallucinating, s o m e of their horses h a d wings. D o w n a t t h e e n d o f t h e p o r c h , t w o m e n sat across f r o m each o t h e r a t a c a r d table. T h e b l o n d - h a i r e d girl w h o ' d s p o o n - f e d m e p o p c o r n - f l a v o r e d p u d d i n g was l e a n i n g o n t h e p o r c h rail n e x t t o t h e m . T h e m a n facing m e was small, b u t p o r k y . H e h a d a r e d n o s e , b i g w a t e r y eyes, a n d curly h a i r s o black i t was a l m o s t p u r p l e . H e l o o k e d like t h o s e p a i n t i n g s o f b a b y a n g e l s — w h a t d o y o u call t h e m , h u b b u b s ? N o , c h e r u b s . T h a t ' s it. H e l o o k e d like a c h e r u b w h o ' d t u r n e d m i d d l e - a g e d in a trailer park.

He

wore

a tiger-pattern

Hawaiian

shirt,

and

he

would've fit right in at one of Gabe's p o k e r parties, except I g o t t h e feeling t h i s g u y could've o u t - g a m b l e d even m y s t e p father. " T h a t ' s M r . D," Grover m u r m u r e d t o m e . "He's the c a m p d i r e c t o r . B e p o l i t e . T h e girl, that's A n n a b e t h C h a s e . She's j u s t a c a m p e r , b u t she's b e e n h e r e l o n g e r t h a n j u s t a b o u t a n y b o d y . A n d y o u already k n o w C h i r o n . . . ." H e p o i n t e d a t t h e g u y w h o s e b a c k was t o m e . F i r s t , I realized he was s i t t i n g in t h e wheelchair. T h e n I

[62]

r e c o g n i z e d t h e t w e e d jacket, t h e t h i n n i n g b r o w n hair, t h e scraggly b e a r d . " M r . B r u n n e r ! " I cried. T h e L a t i n t e a c h e r t u r n e d a n d s m i l e d a t m e . H i s eyes h a d t h a t m i s c h i e v o u s g l i n t t h e y s o m e t i m e s g o t i n class w h e n h e p u l l e d a p o p q u i z a n d m a d e all t h e m u l t i p l e choice answers B. "Ah, g o o d , Percy," h e said.

" N o w w e have f o u r for

pinochle." H e offered m e a chair t o t h e r i g h t o f M r . D , w h o l o o k e d a t m e w i t h b l o o d s h o t eyes a n d h e a v e d a g r e a t sigh. " O h , I s u p p o s e I m u s t say it. W e l c o m e t o C a m p H a l f B l o o d . T h e r e . N o w , d o n ' t expect m e t o b e g l a d t o see you." " U h , t h a n k s . " I s c o o t e d a little f a r t h e r away f r o m h i m because, i f t h e r e was o n e t h i n g I h a d l e a r n e d f r o m living w i t h G a b e , i t was h o w t o tell w h e n a n a d u l t has b e e n h i t t i n g t h e h a p p y juice. If M r . D was a s t r a n g e r to a l c o h o l , I was a satyr. " A n n a b e t h ? " M r . B r u n n e r called t o t h e b l o n d girl. She "This

came young

forward and M r .

Brunner introduced us.

lady

back

nursed

you

to

health,

Percy.

A n n a b e t h , m y dear, w h y d o n ' t y o u g o check o n Percy's b u n k ? W e ' l l b e p u t t i n g h i m i n c a b i n eleven for now." A n n a b e t h said, " S u r e , C h i r o n . " S h e was p r o b a b l y m y age, m a y b e a c o u p l e o f inches taller, a n d a w h o l e l o t m o r e a t h l e t i c l o o k i n g . W i t h h e r d e e p t a n a n d h e r curly b l o n d hair, she was a l m o s t exactly w h a t I t h o u g h t a s t e r e o t y p i c a l C a l i f o r n i a girl w o u l d l o o k like, except h e r eyes r u i n e d t h e i m a g e . T h e y were s t a r t l i n g

[63]

gray, like s t o r m c l o u d s ; pretty, b u t i n t i m i d a t i n g , t o o , a s i f s h e were a n a l y z i n g t h e b e s t way t o t a k e m e d o w n i n a fight. She glanced at the m i n o t a u r h o r n in my hands, t h e n b a c k at m e . I i m a g i n e d she was g o i n g to say, You killed a minotaur! or Wow, you're so awesome! or s o m e t h i n g like t h a t . I n s t e a d s h e said, " Y o u d r o o l w h e n y o u sleep." T h e n she s p r i n t e d o f f d o w n t h e lawn, h e r b l o n d h a i r flying b e h i n d her. " S o , " I said, a n x i o u s t o c h a n g e t h e subject. " Y o u , u h , w o r k here, M r . B r u n n e r ? " " N o t M r . B r u n n e r , " t h e ex—Mr. B r u n n e r said.

"I'm

afraid t h a t was a p s e u d o n y m . Y o u m a y call m e C h i r o n . " " O k a y . " T o t a l l y c o n f u s e d , I l o o k e d at t h e d i r e c t o r . " A n d M r . D . . . d o e s t h a t s t a n d for s o m e t h i n g ? " M r . D s t o p p e d s h u f f l i n g t h e cards. H e l o o k e d a t m e like I'd j u s t b e l c h e d loudly. " Y o u n g m a n , n a m e s are p o w e r ful t h i n g s . Y o u d o n ' t just g o a r o u n d u s i n g t h e m for n o reason." " O h . R i g h t . Sorry." " I m u s t say, Percy," C h i r o n - B r u n n e r b r o k e in, " I ' m g l a d to see y o u alive. It's b e e n a l o n g t i m e since I've m a d e a h o u s e call t o a p o t e n t i a l c a m p e r . I'd h a t e t o t h i n k I've w a s t e d m y time." " H o u s e call?" " M y year a t Y a n c y A c a d e m y , t o i n s t r u c t y o u . W e have satyrs a t m o s t s c h o o l s , o f c o u r s e , k e e p i n g a l o o k o u t . B u t G r o v e r a l e r t e d m e a s s o o n a s h e m e t y o u . H e sensed y o u were s o m e t h i n g special, so I d e c i d e d to c o m e u p s t a t e . I

[64]

c o n v i n c e d t h e o t h e r L a t i n teacher to . . . a h , take a leave of absence." I t r i e d t o r e m e m b e r t h e b e g i n n i n g o f t h e s c h o o l year. I t s e e m e d like so l o n g ago, b u t I d i d have a fuzzy m e m o r y of t h e r e b e i n g a n o t h e r L a t i n t e a c h e r m y first week a t Yancy. T h e n , without explanation, he h a d disappeared a n d M r . B r u n n e r h a d t a k e n t h e class. " Y o u c a m e t o Y a n c y j u s t t o t e a c h m e ? " I asked. Chiron nodded.

" H o n e s t l y , I wasn't sure a b o u t y o u

a t first. W e c o n t a c t e d y o u r m o t h e r , let h e r k n o w w e were k e e p i n g a n eye o n y o u i n case y o u were r e a d y for C a m p Half-Blood.

But

you

still

had

so

much

to

learn.

N e v e r t h e l e s s , y o u m a d e i t h e r e alive, a n d that's always t h e first test." "Grover," M r .

D said impatiently,

"are y o u p l a y i n g

or not?" "Yes, sir!" G r o v e r t r e m b l e d a s h e t o o k t h e f o u r t h chair, t h o u g h I d i d n ' t k n o w w h y h e s h o u l d b e s o afraid o f a p u d g y little m a n in a t i g e r - p r i n t H a w a i i a n s h i r t . " Y o u d o k n o w h o w t o p l a y p i n o c h l e ? " M r . D eyed m e suspiciously. " I ' m afraid n o t , " I said. " I ' m afraid n o t , sir" he said. "Sir," I r e p e a t e d . I was l i k i n g t h e c a m p d i r e c t o r less a n d less. " W e l l , " h e t o l d m e , " i t is, a l o n g w i t h g l a d i a t o r f i g h t i n g a n d P a c - M a n , o n e o f t h e g r e a t e s t g a m e s ever i n v e n t e d b y h u m a n s . I w o u l d e x p e c t all civilized y o u n g m e n t o k n o w t h e rules.

[65]

" I ' m sure t h e b o y can learn," C h i r o n said. "Please," I said, " w h a t is this place? W h a t am I d o i n g here? M r . B r u n — C h i r o n — w h y w o u l d y o u g o t o Y a n c y A c a d e m y just t o t e a c h m e ? " M r . D snorted. "I asked the same question." The

camp

director dealt the

cards.

Grover flinched

every t i m e o n e l a n d e d i n h i s pile. C h i r o n s m i l e d a t m e s y m p a t h e t i c a l l y , t h e way h e u s e d t o i n L a t i n class, a s i f t o let m e k n o w t h a t n o m a t t e r w h a t m y average was, I was h i s star s t u d e n t . He e x p e c t e d me to have t h e r i g h t answer. "Percy," h e said. " D i d y o u r m o t h e r tell y o u n o t h i n g ? " " S h e s a i d . . . " I r e m e m b e r e d h e r s a d eyes, l o o k i n g o u t over t h e sea. " S h e t o l d m e she was afraid t o s e n d m e here, even t h o u g h m y f a t h e r h a d w a n t e d h e r t o . S h e said t h a t o n c e I was here, I p r o b a b l y c o u l d n ' t leave. S h e w a n t e d to k e e p me close t o her." "Typical," M r . D said.

" T h a t ' s h o w t h e y usually get

killed. Y o u n g m a n , are y o u b i d d i n g o r n o t ? " " W h a t ? " I asked. H e explained, i m p a t i e n t l y , h o w y o u b i d i n p i n o c h l e , a n d so I did. " I ' m afraid there's t o o m u c h t o tell," C h i r o n said. " I ' m afraid o u r u s u a l o r i e n t a t i o n film w o n ' t b e sufficient." " O r i e n t a t i o n film?" I asked. " N o , " C h i r o n d e c i d e d . " W e l l , Percy. Y o u k n o w y o u r friend G r o v e r i s a satyr. Y o u k n o w " — h e p o i n t e d t o t h e h o r n i n t h e s h o e b o x — " t h a t y o u have killed t h e M i n o t a u r . N o s m a l l feat, either, lad. W h a t y o u m a y n o t k n o w i s t h a t

[66]

g r e a t p o w e r s are a t w o r k i n y o u r life. G o d s — t h e forces y o u c a n t h e G r e e k g o d s — a r e very m u c h alive." I stared at the others a r o u n d the table. I w a i t e d for s o m e b o d y to yell, Not! B u t all I g o t was M r . D yelling, " O h , a royal m a r r i a g e . T r i c k ! T r i c k ! " He cackled a s h e tallied u p h i s p o i n t s . " M r . D , " G r o v e r a s k e d timidly, " i f you're n o t g o i n g t o eat it, c o u l d I have y o u r D i e t C o k e c a n ? " " E h ? O h , all right." Grover bit a huge shard out of the e m p t y a l u m i n u m can and chewed it mournfully. " W a i t , " I t o l d C h i r o n . "You're telling me there's s u c h a thing as God." "Well,

now,"

Chiron

said.

"God—capital

G,

God.

T h a t ' s a different m a t t e r a l t o g e t h e r . W e s h a n ' t deal w i t h t h e metaphysical." " M e t a p h y s i c a l ? B u t y o u were j u s t t a l k i n g a b o u t — " "Ah, g o d s , p l u r a l , a s in, g r e a t b e i n g s t h a t c o n t r o l t h e forces o f n a t u r e a n d h u m a n e n d e a v o r s : t h e i m m o r t a l g o d s o f O l y m p u s . T h a t ' s a smaller m a t t e r . " "Smaller?" "Yes, q u i t e . T h e g o d s w e d i s c u s s e d i n L a t i n class." " Z e u s , " I said. " H e r a . A p o l l o . Y o u m e a n t h e m . " A n d t h e r e i t was a g a i n — d i s t a n t t h u n d e r o n a c l o u d less day. " Y o u n g man," said M r . D, casual

about throwing

those

" I w o u l d really b e less

names

around,

if I

were

you. " B u t they're stories," I said. " T h e y ' r e — m y t h s , to explain

[67]

l i g h t n i n g a n d t h e s e a s o n s a n d stuff. T h e y ' r e w h a t p e o p l e believed b e f o r e t h e r e was science." "Science!"

Mr.

D

scoffed.

"And

tell

me,

Perseus

J a c k s o n " — I f l i n c h e d w h e n h e said m y real n a m e , w h i c h I never t o l d a n y b o d y — " w h a t will p e o p l e t h i n k o f y o u r 'scie n c e ' t w o t h o u s a n d years f r o m n o w ? " M r . D c o n t i n u e d . " H m m ? T h e y will call i t p r i m i t i v e m u m b o j u m b o . T h a t ' s w h a t . O h , I love m o r t a l s — t h e y have a b s o l u t e l y n o sense o f p e r s p e c t i v e . T h e y t h i n k they've c o m e 50-0-0 far. A n d have they, C h i r o n ? L o o k a t this b o y a n d tell m e . " I wasn't l i k i n g M r . D m u c h , b u t t h e r e was s o m e t h i n g a b o u t t h e way h e called m e m o r t a l , a s i f . . . h e wasn't. I t was e n o u g h t o p u t a l u m p i n m y t h r o a t , t o suggest w h y G r o v e r was dutifully m i n d i n g his cards, c h e w i n g his s o d a can, a n d k e e p i n g his m o u t h s h u t . "Percy," C h i r o n said, " y o u m a y c h o o s e t o believe o r n o t , b u t t h e fact i s t h a t immortal m e a n s i m m o r t a l . C a n y o u i m a g ine t h a t for a m o m e n t , never dying? N e v e r fading? E x i s t i n g , j u s t as y o u are, for all t i m e ? " I was a b o u t t o answer, o f f t h e t o p o f m y h e a d , t h a t i t s o u n d e d like a p r e t t y g o o d deal, b u t t h e t o n e o f C h i r o n ' s voice m a d e m e h e s i t a t e . " Y o u m e a n , w h e t h e r p e o p l e believed i n y o u o r n o t , " I said. "Exactly," C h i r o n agreed.

" I f y o u were a g o d , h o w

w o u l d y o u like b e i n g called a m y t h , a n o l d s t o r y t o explain l i g h t n i n g ? W h a t i f I t o l d y o u , P e r s e u s Jackson, t h a t s o m e d a y p e o p l e w o u l d call you a m y t h , j u s t c r e a t e d to explain h o w little b o y s can get over l o s i n g t h e i r m o t h e r s ? "

[68]

M y h e a r t p o u n d e d . H e was t r y i n g t o m a k e m e a n g r y for s o m e r e a s o n , b u t I wasn't g o i n g to l e t h i m . I said, "I w o u l d n ' t like it. B u t I d o n ' t believe in g o d s . " " O h , you'd better," M r . D m u r m u r e d . "Before o n e o f t h e m i n c i n e r a t e s you." G r o v e r said, " P - p l e a s e , sir. H e ' s j u s t l o s t his m o t h e r . H e ' s i n shock." "A l u c k y t h i n g , t o o , " M r . D g r u m b l e d , p l a y i n g a card. "Bad enough I'm confined to this miserable job, working w i t h b o y s w h o d o n ' t even believe!" H e waved his h a n d a n d a g o b l e t a p p e a r e d o n t h e table, a s i f t h e s u n l i g h t h a d b e n t , m o m e n t a r i l y , a n d w o v e n t h e air i n t o glass. T h e g o b l e t filled itself w i t h r e d w i n e . M y jaw d r o p p e d , b u t C h i r o n h a r d l y l o o k e d u p . " M r . D," he warned, "your restrictions." M r . D l o o k e d a t t h e w i n e a n d feigned s u r p r i s e . " D e a r m e . " H e l o o k e d a t t h e sky a n d yelled,

"Old

habits! Sorry!" M o r e thunder. M r . D w a v e d h i s h a n d again, a n d t h e wineglass c h a n g e d i n t o a fresh c a n o f D i e t C o k e . H e s i g h e d u n h a p p i l y , p o p p e d t h e t o p o f t h e s o d a , a n d w e n t b a c k t o his card g a m e . C h i r o n w i n k e d at m e . " M r . D o f f e n d e d his f a t h e r a while back, t o o k a fancy t o a w o o d n y m p h w h o h a d b e e n d e c l a r e d off-limits." "A w o o d n y m p h , " I r e p e a t e d , still s t a r i n g at t h e D i e t C o k e can like i t was f r o m o u t e r space. "Yes," M r . D confessed.

" F a t h e r loves t o p u n i s h m e .

T h e first t i m e , P r o h i b i t i o n . G h a s t l y ! A b s o l u t e l y h o r r i d t e n

[69]

years! T h e s e c o n d t i m e — w e l l , she really was pretty, a n d I c o u l d n ' t stay a w a y — t h e s e c o n d t i m e , h e s e n t m e h e r e . H a l f B l o o d H i l l . S u m m e r c a m p for b r a t s like y o u . 'Be a b e t t e r influence,' h e t o l d m e . ' W o r k w i t h y o u t h s r a t h e r t h a n t e a r i n g t h e m down.' H a ! A b s o l u t e l y unfair." M r . D s o u n d e d a b o u t six years o l d , like a p o u t i n g little kid. " A n d . . . " I s t a m m e r e d , " y o u r f a t h e r is . . ." "Di immortales, C h i r o n , " M r . D said.

"I t h o u g h t y o u

t a u g h t t h i s b o y t h e basics. M y f a t h e r i s Z e u s , o f course." I ran through D names from Greek mythology. W i n e . T h e s k i n o f a tiger. T h e satyrs t h a t all s e e m e d t o w o r k h e r e . T h e way G r o v e r cringed, as if M r . D were his m a s t e r . "You're D i o n y s u s , " I said. " T h e g o d o f wine." M r . D r o l l e d his eyes. " W h a t d o t h e y say, t h e s e days, Grover? D o t h e c h i l d r e n say, ' W e l l , d u h ! ' ? " "Y-yes, M r . D." " T h e n , well, d u h ! Percy J a c k s o n . D i d y o u t h i n k I was Aphrodite, perhaps?" "You're a god." "Yes, child." "A g o d . You." H e t u r n e d t o l o o k a t m e s t r a i g h t o n , a n d I saw a k i n d of p u r p l i s h fire in his eyes, a h i n t t h a t this whiny, p l u m p little m a n was o n l y s h o w i n g m e t h e t i n i e s t b i t o f h i s t r u e n a t u r e . I saw visions o f g r a p e vines c h o k i n g u n b e l i e v e r s t o death,

d r u n k e n w a r r i o r s i n s a n e w i t h b a t t l e lust, sailors

s c r e a m i n g a s t h e i r h a n d s t u r n e d t o flippers, t h e i r faces e l o n gating into d o l p h i n snouts. I k n e w that if I p u s h e d him,

[70]

M r . D would show me worse things. He would plant a disease i n m y b r a i n t h a t w o u l d leave m e w e a r i n g a s t r a i t jacket i n a r u b b e r r o o m for t h e r e s t o f m y life. " W o u l d y o u like t o t e s t m e , c h i l d ? " h e said quietly. " N o . N o , sir." T h e fire d i e d a little. H e t u r n e d b a c k t o h i s c a r d g a m e . "I believe I win." " N o t quite,

Mr.

D,"

C h i r o n said.

H e set d o w n

a

straight, tallied t h e p o i n t s , a n d said, " T h e g a m e goes t o me." I t h o u g h t M r . D was g o i n g t o v a p o r i z e C h i r o n r i g h t o u t o f his wheelchair, b u t h e just s i g h e d t h r o u g h his n o s e , a s i f h e were u s e d t o b e i n g b e a t e n b y t h e L a t i n teacher. H e g o t u p , a n d G r o v e r rose, t o o . " I ' m tired," M r . D said. "I believe I'll t a k e a n a p before t h e s i n g - a l o n g t o n i g h t . B u t first, Grover, w e n e e d t o talk, again,

about your less-than-perfect performance

on this

assignment." Grover's face b e a d e d w i t h sweat. "Y-yes, sir." M r . D t u r n e d t o m e . " C a b i n eleven, Percy J a c k s o n . A n d m i n d your manners." He swept into the farmhouse, Grover following miserably. " W i l l Grover be okay?" I asked C h i r o n . Chiron nodded, though he looked a bit troubled. " O l d D i o n y s u s isn't really m a d . H e j u s t h a t e s h i s j o b . H e ' s b e e n . . . ah, g r o u n d e d , I guess y o u w o u l d say, a n d h e can't s t a n d w a i t i n g a n o t h e r c e n t u r y b e f o r e he's allowed t o g o b a c k t o Olympus."

[71]

" M o u n t O l y m p u s , " I said.

"You're t e l l i n g m e t h e r e

really is a p a l a c e t h e r e ? " " W e l l n o w , there's M o u n t O l y m p u s i n G r e e c e . A n d t h e n there's t h e h o m e o f t h e g o d s , t h e convergence p o i n t o f their powers,

which did indeed used to be on M o u n t

O l y m p u s . It's still called M o u n t O l y m p u s , o u t o f r e s p e c t t o t h e o l d ways, b u t t h e p a l a c e m o v e s , Percy, j u s t a s t h e g o d s do." " Y o u m e a n t h e G r e e k g o d s are here? L i k e . . .

in

America!" " W e l l , certainly. T h e g o d s m o v e w i t h t h e h e a r t o f t h e West." " T h e what?" " C o m e now, Percy. W h a t y o u call ' W e s t e r n civilization.' D o y o u t h i n k it's just a n a b s t r a c t c o n c e p t ? N o , it's a living force. A collective c o n s c i o u s n e s s t h a t h a s b u r n e d b r i g h t for t h o u s a n d s o f years. T h e g o d s are p a r t o f it. Y o u m i g h t even say t h e y are t h e s o u r c e of it, or at least, t h e y are t i e d so t i g h t l y t o i t t h a t t h e y c o u l d n ' t p o s s i b l y fade, n o t u n l e s s all o f W e s t e r n civilization were o b l i t e r a t e d . T h e fire s t a r t e d i n G r e e c e . T h e n , a s y o u well k n o w — o r a s I h o p e y o u k n o w , since y o u p a s s e d m y c o u r s e — t h e h e a r t o f t h e fire m o v e d t o R o m e , a n d s o d i d t h e g o d s . O h , different n a m e s , p e r h a p s — J u p i t e r for Z e u s , V e n u s for A p h r o d i t e , a n d s o o n — b u t t h e s a m e forces, t h e s a m e g o d s . " " A n d t h e n t h e y died." " D i e d ? N o . D i d t h e W e s t die? T h e g o d s s i m p l y m o v e d , t o G e r m a n y , t o F r a n c e , t o S p a i n , for a while. W h e r e v e r t h e flame was b r i g h t e s t , t h e g o d s were t h e r e . T h e y s p e n t several

[72]

c e n t u r i e s i n E n g l a n d . A l l y o u n e e d t o d o i s l o o k a t t h e archit e c t u r e . P e o p l e d o n o t forget t h e g o d s . E v e r y p l a c e they've r u l e d , f o r t h e last t h r e e t h o u s a n d years, y o u can see t h e m i n paintings, in statues, on the m o s t i m p o r t a n t buildings. A n d yes, Percy, o f c o u r s e t h e y are n o w i n y o u r U n i t e d S t a t e s . L o o k a t y o u r s y m b o l , t h e eagle o f Z e u s . L o o k a t t h e s t a t u e o f P r o m e t h e u s i n Rockefeller C e n t e r , t h e G r e e k facades o f y o u r g o v e r n m e n t b u i l d i n g s i n W a s h i n g t o n . I defy y o u t o f i n d any A m e r i c a n city w h e r e t h e O l y m p i a n s are n o t p r o m i n e n t l y d i s p l a y e d i n m u l t i p l e places. L i k e i t o r n o t — a n d believe m e , p l e n t y o f p e o p l e weren't very f o n d o f R o m e , e i t h e r — A m e r i c a i s n o w t h e h e a r t o f t h e flame. I t i s t h e great power of the West. A n d so O l y m p u s is here. A n d we are here." It was all t o o m u c h , especially t h e fact t h a t I s e e m e d to be i n c l u d e d in C h i r o n ' s we, as if I were p a r t of s o m e club. " W h o are y o u , C h i r o n ? W h o . . . w h o a m I ? " C h i r o n s m i l e d . H e s h i f t e d h i s w e i g h t a s i f h e were g o i n g t o g e t u p o u t o f h i s wheelchair, b u t I k n e w t h a t was i m p o s sible. H e was p a r a l y z e d f r o m t h e waist d o w n . " W h o are y o u ? " h e m u s e d . " W e l l , that's t h e q u e s t i o n w e all w a n t answered, isn't it? B u t for now, we s h o u l d g e t y o u a b u n k i n c a b i n eleven. T h e r e will b e n e w friends t o m e e t . A n d p l e n t y o f t i m e for l e s s o n s t o m o r r o w . Besides, t h e r e will be s'mores at the campfire tonight, a n d I simply adore chocolate." A n d t h e n h e d i d rise f r o m h i s wheelchair. B u t t h e r e was s o m e t h i n g o d d a b o u t t h e way h e d i d it. H i s b l a n k e t fell away f r o m his legs, b u t t h e legs d i d n ' t m o v e . H i s waist k e p t

[73]

g e t t i n g longer, r i s i n g above h i s belt. At first, I t h o u g h t he was w e a r i n g very l o n g , w h i t e velvet u n d e r w e a r , b u t as he k e p t r i s i n g o u t o f t h e chair, taller t h a n any m a n , I r e a l i z e d t h a t t h e velvet u n d e r w e a r wasn't u n d e r w e a r ; i t was t h e f r o n t o f a n a n i m a l , m u s c l e a n d s i n e w u n d e r coarse w h i t e fur. A n d t h e w h e e l c h a i r wasn't a chair. I t was s o m e k i n d o f c o n tainer, a n e n o r m o u s b o x o n wheels, a n d i t m u s t ' v e b e e n m a g i c , b e c a u s e there's no way it could've h e l d all of h i m . A leg c a m e o u t , l o n g a n d k n o b b y - k n e e d , w i t h a h u g e p o l i s h e d h o o f . T h e n a n o t h e r f r o n t leg, t h e n h i n d q u a r t e r s , a n d t h e n t h e b o x was e m p t y , n o t h i n g b u t a m e t a l shell w i t h a c o u p l e o f fake h u m a n legs a t t a c h e d . I s t a r e d a t t h e h o r s e w h o h a d just s p r u n g f r o m t h e w h e e l c h a i r : a h u g e w h i t e s t a l l i o n . B u t w h e r e its n e c k s h o u l d b e was t h e u p p e r b o d y o f m y L a t i n teacher, s m o o t h l y g r a f t e d t o t h e horse's t r u n k . " W h a t a relief," t h e c e n t a u r said. "I'd b e e n c o o p e d u p i n t h e r e s o l o n g , m y fetlocks h a d fallen asleep. N o w , c o m e , P e r c y J a c k s o n . Let's m e e t t h e o t h e r c a m p e r s . "

[74]

O n c e I g o t over t h e fact t h a t m y L a t i n t e a c h e r was a h o r s e , we h a d a n i c e t o u r , t h o u g h I was careful n o t to w a l k b e h i n d him.

I'd

done

pooper-scooper

patrol

in

the

Macy's

T h a n k s g i v i n g D a y P a r a d e a few t i m e s , a n d , I ' m sorry, I d i d n o t t r u s t C h i r o n ' s b a c k e n d t h e way I t r u s t e d his front. W e p a s s e d t h e volleyball p i t . Several o f t h e c a m p e r s n u d g e d each o t h e r . O n e p o i n t e d t o t h e m i n o t a u r h o r n I was c a r r y i n g . A n o t h e r said, " T h a t ' s him!' M o s t o f t h e c a m p e r s were o l d e r t h a n m e . T h e i r satyr friends were b i g g e r t h a n Grover, all o f t h e m t r o t t i n g a r o u n d in o r a n g e CAMP HALF-BLOOD T - s h i r t s , w i t h n o t h i n g else to cover t h e i r b a r e s h a g g y h i n d q u a r t e r s . I wasn't n o r m a l l y shy, b u t t h e way t h e y s t a r e d a t m e m a d e m e u n c o m f o r t a b l e . I felt like t h e y were e x p e c t i n g m e t o d o a flip o r s o m e t h i n g . I l o o k e d b a c k at t h e f a r m h o u s e . It was a l o t b i g g e r t h a n I'd r e a l i z e d — f o u r stories tall, sky b l u e w i t h w h i t e t r i m , like an u p s c a l e seaside r e s o r t . I was c h e c k i n g o u t t h e b r a s s eagle w e a t h e r vane o n t o p w h e n s o m e t h i n g c a u g h t m y eye, a shadow

in

the

uppermost

window

of

the

attic

gable.

S o m e t h i n g h a d m o v e d t h e c u r t a i n , just for a s e c o n d , a n d I g o t t h e d i s t i n c t i m p r e s s i o n I was b e i n g w a t c h e d . " W h a t ' s u p t h e r e ? " I asked C h i r o n .

[75]

H e l o o k e d w h e r e I was p o i n t i n g , a n d his smile faded. " J u s t t h e attic." " S o m e b o d y lives t h e r e ? " " N o , " h e said w i t h finality. " N o t a single living t h i n g . " I g o t t h e feeling he was b e i n g t r u t h f u l . B u t I was also sure s o m e t h i n g h a d m o v e d t h a t c u r t a i n . " C o m e a l o n g , Percy," C h i r o n said, h i s l i g h t h e a r t e d t o n e n o w a little forced. " L o t s to see."

W e w a l k e d t h r o u g h t h e s t r a w b e r r y fields, w h e r e c a m p e r s w e r e p i c k i n g b u s h e l s of b e r r i e s while a satyr p l a y e d a t u n e on a r e e d p i p e . C h i r o n t o l d m e t h e c a m p g r e w a n i c e c r o p for e x p o r t t o N e w Y o r k r e s t a u r a n t s a n d M o u n t O l y m p u s . " I t pays o u r expenses," h e e x p l a i n e d . " A n d t h e s t r a w b e r r i e s t a k e a l m o s t n o effort." H e s a i d M r . D h a d this effect o n f r u i t - b e a r i n g p l a n t s : t h e y j u s t w e n t c r a z y w h e n h e was a r o u n d . I t w o r k e d b e s t w i t h w i n e g r a p e s , b u t M r . D was r e s t r i c t e d f r o m g r o w i n g those, so they grew strawberries instead. I w a t c h e d t h e satyr p l a y i n g his p i p e . H i s m u s i c was causing lines o f b u g s t o leave t h e s t r a w b e r r y p a t c h i n every d i r e c t i o n , like refugees fleeing a fire. I w o n d e r e d if G r o v e r could work that kind of magic with music. I wondered if he was still inside t h e f a r m h o u s e , g e t t i n g c h e w e d o u t b y M r . D . " G r o v e r w o n ' t get i n t o o m u c h t r o u b l e , will h e ? " I a s k e d C h i r o n . " I m e a n . . . h e was a g o o d p r o t e c t o r . Really." C h i r o n s i g h e d . H e s h e d h i s t w e e d jacket a n d d r a p e d i t over his horse's b a c k like a s a d d l e . " G r o v e r has b i g d r e a m s ,

[76]

Percy. P e r h a p s b i g g e r t h a n are r e a s o n a b l e . T o reach h i s goal, he m u s t first d e m o n s t r a t e great courage by succeeding as a keeper, f i n d i n g a n e w c a m p e r a n d b r i n g i n g h i m safely t o Half-Blood Hill." "But he did that!" " I m i g h t agree w i t h you," C h i r o n said. " B u t i t i s n o t m y place to judge. Dionysus a n d the Council of Cloven Elders m u s t d e c i d e . I ' m afraid t h e y m i g h t n o t see t h i s a s s i g n m e n t a s a success. A f t e r all, G r o v e r l o s t y o u i n N e w Y o r k . T h e n there's t h e u n f o r t u n a t e . . . ah . . . fate of y o u r m o t h e r . A n d t h e fact t h a t G r o v e r was u n c o n s c i o u s w h e n y o u d r a g g e d h i m over t h e p r o p e r t y line. T h e c o u n c i l m i g h t q u e s t i o n w h e t h e r t h i s s h o w s a n y c o u r a g e o n Grover's p a r t . " I

wanted

to

protest.

None

of

w h a t h a p p e n e d was

Grover's fault. I also felt really, really guilty. If I h a d n ' t given G r o v e r t h e slip a t t h e b u s s t a t i o n , h e m i g h t n o t have g o t t e n in trouble. " H e ' l l get a s e c o n d chance, w o n ' t h e ? " Chiron winced.

" I ' m afraid t h a t was Grover's s e c o n d

chance, Percy. T h e c o u n c i l was n o t a n x i o u s t o give h i m a n o t h e r , either, after w h a t h a p p e n e d t h e f i r s t t i m e , f i v e years ago. O l y m p u s k n o w s , I advised h i m t o w a i t l o n g e r b e f o r e t r y i n g again. H e ' s still so s m a l l for h i s age. . . ." " H o w o l d is h e ? " " O h , twenty-eight." " W h a t ! A n d he's i n s i x t h g r a d e ? " " S a t y r s m a t u r e h a l f as fast as h u m a n s , Percy. G r o v e r h a s b e e n t h e e q u i v a l e n t o f a m i d d l e s c h o o l s t u d e n t for t h e p a s t six years."

[77]

"That's horrible." " Q u i t e , " C h i r o n a g r e e d . "At any rate, G r o v e r is a late b l o o m e r , even b y satyr s t a n d a r d s , a n d n o t yet very a c c o m p l i s h e d a t w o o d l a n d m a g i c . Alas, h e was a n x i o u s t o p u r s u e h i s d r e a m . P e r h a p s n o w he will find s o m e o t h e r career. . . ." " T h a t ' s n o t fair," I said. " W h a t h a p p e n e d t h e f i r s t time? W a s i t really s o b a d ? " C h i r o n l o o k e d away quickly. "Let's move along, shall we?" But

I

wasn't

quite

ready

to

let

the

subject

drop.

Something had occurred to me when C h i r o n talked about m y m o t h e r ' s fate, a s i f h e were i n t e n t i o n a l l y a v o i d i n g t h e w o r d death. T h e b e g i n n i n g s o f a n i d e a — a tiny, h o p e f u l fire—started forming in my mind. " C h i r o n , " I said. " I f t h e g o d s a n d O l y m p u s a n d all t h a t are real . . ." "Yes, c h i l d ? " " D o e s t h a t m e a n t h e U n d e r w o r l d i s real, t o o ? " Chiron's expression darkened. "Yes, child." H e p a u s e d , a s i f c h o o s i n g h i s w o r d s carefully. " T h e r e is a p l a c e w h e r e spirits go after d e a t h . B u t for n o w . . . until we k n o w m o r e . . . I would urge you to p u t that out of your mind." " W h a t do you mean, 'until we k n o w more'?" " C o m e , Percy. Let's see t h e w o o d s . "

A s w e g o t closer, I realized h o w h u g e t h e forest was. I t t o o k up at least a q u a r t e r of t h e valley, w i t h trees so tall a n d thick, you could imagine n o b o d y h a d been in there since the Native Americans.

[78]

C h i r o n said, " T h e w o o d s are s t o c k e d , i f y o u care t o t r y y o u r luck, b u t g o a r m e d . " " S t o c k e d w i t h w h a t ? " I asked. " A r m e d w i t h w h a t ? " " Y o u ' l l see. C a p t u r e t h e f l a g i s F r i d a y n i g h t . D o y o u have y o u r o w n s w o r d a n d shield?" "My own—?" " N o , " C h i r o n said. " I d o n ' t s u p p o s e y o u d o . I t h i n k a size five will d o . I'll visit t h e a r m o r y later." I w a n t e d t o ask w h a t k i n d o f s u m m e r c a m p h a d a n a r m o r y , b u t t h e r e was t o o m u c h else t o t h i n k a b o u t , s o t h e t o u r c o n t i n u e d . W e saw t h e a r c h e r y range, t h e c a n o e i n g lake, t h e stables ( w h i c h C h i r o n d i d n ' t s e e m t o like very m u c h ) , t h e javelin r a n g e , t h e s i n g - a l o n g a m p h i t h e a t e r , a n d t h e arena w h e r e C h i r o n said t h e y h e l d s w o r d a n d spear fights. " S w o r d a n d s p e a r fights?" I asked. " C a b i n challenges a n d all that," h e e x p l a i n e d .

"Not

lethal. Usually. O h , yes, a n d there's t h e m e s s hall." C h i r o n pointed to an o u t d o o r pavilion framed in white G r e c i a n c o l u m n s on a hill o v e r l o o k i n g t h e sea. T h e r e were a d o z e n s t o n e p i c n i c t a b l e s . N o roof. N o walls. " W h a t d o y o u d o w h e n i t r a i n s ? " I asked. C h i r o n l o o k e d at me as

if I'd g o n e a little weird.

" W e still have t o eat, d o n ' t w e ? " I d e c i d e d t o d r o p t h e subject. Finally, h e s h o w e d m e t h e c a b i n s . T h e r e were twelve o f t h e m , n e s t l e d i n t h e w o o d s b y t h e lake. T h e y were a r r a n g e d in a U, w i t h t w o at t h e b a s e a n d five in a r o w on e i t h e r side. A n d t h e y were

without

d o u b t the m o s t bizarre collection o f

b u i l d i n g s I'd ever seen.

[79]

E x c e p t for t h e fact t h a t each h a d a large b r a s s n u m b e r above t h e d o o r ( o d d s o n t h e left side, evens o n t h e r i g h t ) , t h e y l o o k e d a b s o l u t e l y n o t h i n g alike. N u m b e r n i n e h a d s m o k e s t a c k s , like a t i n y factory. N u m b e r f o u r h a d t o m a t o vines o n t h e walls a n d a r o o f m a d e o u t o f real g r a s s . Seven seemed to be m a d e of solid gold, which gleamed so m u c h i n t h e s u n l i g h t i t was a l m o s t i m p o s s i b l e t o l o o k at. T h e y all faced a c o m m o n s area a b o u t t h e size of a s o c c e r field, d o t ted with Greek statues, fountains, flower beds, a n d a couple o f b a s k e t b a l l h o o p s ( w h i c h were m o r e m y s p e e d ) . I n t h e c e n t e r o f t h e field was a h u g e s t o n e - l i n e d firepit. E v e n t h o u g h i t was a w a r m a f t e r n o o n , t h e h e a r t h s m o l d e r e d . A girl a b o u t n i n e years o l d was t e n d i n g t h e flames, p o k i n g t h e coals w i t h a stick. T h e p a i r o f c a b i n s a t t h e h e a d o f t h e field, n u m b e r s o n e a n d t w o , l o o k e d like h i s - a n d - h e r s m a u s o l e u m s , b i g w h i t e m a r b l e boxes w i t h heavy c o l u m n s i n f r o n t . C a b i n o n e was t h e b i g g e s t a n d b u l k i e s t o f t h e twelve. I t s p o l i s h e d b r o n z e d o o r s s h i m m e r e d like a h o l o g r a m , s o t h a t f r o m different angles l i g h t n i n g b o l t s s e e m e d t o streak across t h e m . C a b i n t w o was m o r e graceful s o m e h o w , w i t h s l i m m e r c o l u m n s g a r l a n d e d w i t h p o m e g r a n a t e s a n d f l o w e r s . T h e walls were carved with images of peacocks. " Z e u s and H e r a ? " I guessed. " C o r r e c t , " C h i r o n said. " T h e i r c a b i n s l o o k empty." "Several o f t h e c a b i n s are. T h a t ' s t r u e . N o o n e ever stays in o n e o r two." O k a y . So each c a b i n h a d a different g o d , like a m a s c o t .

[80]

Twelve c a b i n s for t h e twelve O l y m p i a n s . B u t w h y w o u l d some be empty? I s t o p p e d i n f r o n t o f t h e first c a b i n o n t h e left, c a b i n three. I t wasn't h i g h a n d m i g h t y like c a b i n o n e , b u t l o n g a n d low a n d solid. T h e o u t e r walls were o f r o u g h g r a y s t o n e s t u d d e d w i t h pieces o f seashell a n d coral, a s i f t h e slabs h a d b e e n h e w n s t r a i g h t f r o m t h e b o t t o m o f t h e o c e a n floor. I p e e k e d i n s i d e t h e o p e n d o o r w a y a n d C h i r o n said, " O h , I wouldn't do that!" Before h e c o u l d p u l l m e back, I c a u g h t t h e salty s c e n t o f t h e interior, like t h e w i n d o n t h e s h o r e a t M o n t a u k . T h e i n t e r i o r walls g l o w e d like a b a l o n e . T h e r e were six e m p t y b u n k b e d s w i t h silk sheets t u r n e d d o w n . B u t t h e r e was n o sign a n y o n e h a d ever s l e p t t h e r e . T h e p l a c e felt s o s a d a n d lonely, I was g l a d w h e n C h i r o n p u t h i s h a n d o n m y s h o u l d e r a n d said, " C o m e a l o n g , Percy." M o s t o f t h e o t h e r c a b i n s were c r o w d e d w i t h c a m p e r s . N u m b e r five was b r i g h t r e d — a real n a s t y p a i n t j o b , a s if the color h a d been splashed on with buckets and fists. T h e r o o f was l i n e d w i t h b a r b e d wire. A s t u f f e d w i l d boar's h e a d h u n g over t h e d o o r w a y , a n d its eyes s e e m e d t o follow m e . I n s i d e I c o u l d see a b u n c h o f m e a n - l o o k i n g k i d s , b o t h girls a n d b o y s , a r m w r e s t l i n g a n d a r g u i n g w i t h each o t h e r while r o c k m u s i c b l a r e d . T h e l o u d e s t was a girl m a y b e t h i r t e e n o r f o u r t e e n . S h e w o r e a size X X X L CAMP H A L F B L O O D T - s h i r t u n d e r a c a m o u f l a g e jacket. S h e z e r o e d i n o n m e a n d gave m e a n evil sneer. S h e r e m i n d e d m e o f N a n c y Bobofit,

t h o u g h t h e c a m p e r girl was m u c h b i g g e r a n d

[81]

t o u g h e r l o o k i n g , a n d h e r h a i r was l o n g a n d stringy, a n d b r o w n instead of red. I k e p t w a l k i n g , t r y i n g t o stay clear o f C h i r o n ' s h o o v e s . " W e haven't seen any o t h e r c e n t a u r s , " I o b s e r v e d . " N o , " said C h i r o n sadly. " M y k i n s m e n are a w i l d a n d b a r b a r i c folk, I ' m afraid. Y o u m i g h t e n c o u n t e r t h e m i n t h e w i l d e r n e s s , o r a t m a j o r s p o r t i n g events. B u t y o u w o n ' t see any here." " Y o u said y o u r n a m e was C h i r o n . A r e y o u really . . ." H e s m i l e d d o w n a t m e . "The C h i r o n f r o m t h e stories? T r a i n e r of H e r c u l e s a n d all that? Yes, Percy, I am." "But, s h o u l d n ' t y o u b e d e a d ? " Chiron paused, as if the question intrigued him. "I h o n estly d o n ' t k n o w a b o u t should b e . T h e t r u t h is, I can't be d e a d . Y o u see, e o n s ago t h e g o d s g r a n t e d m y wish. I c o u l d c o n t i n u e t h e w o r k I loved. I c o u l d be a t e a c h e r of h e r o e s as l o n g as h u m a n i t y n e e d e d m e . I g a i n e d m u c h f r o m t h a t w i s h . . . a n d I gave up m u c h . B u t I ' m still here, so I c a n o n l y a s s u m e I ' m still n e e d e d . " I t h o u g h t a b o u t b e i n g a t e a c h e r for t h r e e t h o u s a n d years. I t w o u l d n ' t have m a d e m y T o p T e n T h i n g s t o W i s h F o r list. " D o e s n ' t i t ever g e t b o r i n g ? " " N o , n o , " h e said. " H o r r i b l y d e p r e s s i n g , a t t i m e s , b u t never b o r i n g . " " W h y depressing?" C h i r o n s e e m e d t o t u r n h a r d o f h e a r i n g again. " O h , look," h e said. " A n n a b e t h i s w a i t i n g for us." *

*

[82]

*

T h e b l o n d girl I d m e t a t t h e Big H o u s e was r e a d i n g a b o o k i n f r o n t o f t h e last c a b i n o n t h e left, n u m b e r eleven. W h e n w e r e a c h e d her, she l o o k e d m e over critically, like she was still t h i n k i n g a b o u t h o w m u c h I d r o o l e d . I t r i e d to see w h a t she was r e a d i n g , b u t I c o u l d n ' t m a k e o u t t h e title. I t h o u g h t m y dyslexia was a c t i n g u p . T h e n I realized t h e title wasn't even E n g l i s h . T h e letters l o o k e d G r e e k t o m e . I m e a n , literally G r e e k . T h e r e were p i c t u r e s o f t e m p l e s a n d s t a t u e s a n d different k i n d s o f c o l u m n s , like those in an architecture b o o k . " A n n a b e t h , " C h i r o n said, " I have m a s t e r s ' a r c h e r y class a t n o o n . W o u l d y o u t a k e Percy f r o m h e r e ? " "Yes, sir." " C a b i n eleven," C h i r o n t o l d m e , g e s t u r i n g t o w a r d t h e doorway. " M a k e yourself at home." O u t o f all t h e c a b i n s , eleven l o o k e d t h e m o s t like a r e g u l a r o l d s u m m e r c a m p c a b i n , w i t h t h e e m p h a s i s o n old. T h e t h r e s h o l d was w o r n d o w n , t h e b r o w n p a i n t p e e l i n g . O v e r t h e d o o r w a y was o n e o f t h o s e d o c t o r ' s s y m b o l s , a w i n g e d p o l e w i t h t w o snakes w r a p p e d a r o u n d it. W h a t d i d t h e y call i t . . . ? A caduceus. I n s i d e , i t was p a c k e d w i t h p e o p l e , b o t h b o y s a n d girls, way m o r e t h a n t h e n u m b e r o f b u n k b e d s . S l e e p i n g b a g s were s p r e a d all over o n t h e f l o o r . I t l o o k e d like a g y m w h e r e t h e R e d C r o s s h a d set u p a n e v a c u a t i o n center. C h i r o n d i d n ' t g o in. T h e d o o r was t o o low for h i m . B u t w h e n t h e c a m p e r s saw h i m t h e y all s t o o d a n d b o w e d respectfully.

[83]

" W e l l , t h e n , " C h i r o n said. " G o o d luck, Percy. I'll see y o u at d i n n e r . " H e g a l l o p e d away t o w a r d t h e a r c h e r y r a n g e . I stood in the doorway, looking at the kids. T h e y weren't b o w i n g a n y m o r e . T h e y were s t a r i n g a t m e , s i z i n g m e u p . I k n e w t h i s r o u t i n e . I'd g o n e t h r o u g h i t a t e n o u g h schools. " W e l l ? " A n n a b e t h p r o m p t e d . " G o on." So naturally I tripped c o m i n g in the d o o r and m a d e a t o t a l fool o f myself. T h e r e were s o m e snickers f r o m t h e c a m p e r s , b u t n o n e o f t h e m said a n y t h i n g . Annabeth

announced,

"Percy

Jackson,

meet

cabin

eleven. " R e g u l a r o r u n d e t e r m i n e d ? " s o m e b o d y asked. I

didn't

know

what

to

say,

but

Annabeth

said,

"Undetermined." Everybody groaned. A g u y w h o was a little o l d e r t h a n t h e rest c a m e forward. " N o w , now, c a m p e r s . T h a t ' s w h a t we're here for. W e l c o m e , Percy. Y o u c a n have t h a t s p o t o n t h e floor, r i g h t over there." T h e g u y was a b o u t n i n e t e e n , a n d h e l o o k e d p r e t t y c o o l . H e was tall a n d m u s c u l a r , w i t h s h o r t - c r o p p e d s a n d y h a i r a n d a friendly smile. H e w o r e a n o r a n g e t a n k t o p , c u t o f f s , s a n d a l s , a n d a l e a t h e r necklace w i t h five d i f f e r e n t - c o l o r e d clay b e a d s . T h e o n l y t h i n g u n s e t t l i n g a b o u t h i s a p p e a r a n c e was a t h i c k w h i t e scar t h a t r a n f r o m j u s t b e n e a t h h i s r i g h t eye to h i s jaw, like an o l d knife slash. " T h i s i s Luke," A n n a b e t h said, a n d h e r voice s o u n d e d different s o m e h o w . I g l a n c e d over a n d could've s w o r n she

[84]

was b l u s h i n g . S h e saw m e l o o k i n g , a n d h e r e x p r e s s i o n h a r d e n e d again. " H e ' s y o u r c o u n s e l o r for now." " F o r n o w ? " I asked. "You're

undetermined,"

Luke

explained

patiently.

" T h e y d o n ' t k n o w w h a t c a b i n t o p u t y o u in, s o you're h e r e . C a b i n eleven t a k e s all n e w c o m e r s , all visitors. N a t u r a l l y , we w o u l d . H e r m e s , o u r p a t r o n , i s t h e g o d o f travelers." I l o o k e d at t h e t i n y s e c t i o n of f l o o r they'd given m e . I h a d n o t h i n g t o p u t t h e r e t o m a r k i t a s m y o w n , n o luggage, no clothes, no sleeping bag. Just the Minotaur's h o r n . I t h o u g h t about setting that down, b u t then I remembered t h a t H e r m e s was also t h e g o d o f thieves. I l o o k e d a r o u n d a t t h e c a m p e r s ' faces, s o m e sullen a n d s u s p i c i o u s , s o m e g r i n n i n g stupidly, s o m e eyeing m e a s i f t h e y were w a i t i n g for a c h a n c e to p i c k my p o c k e t s . " H o w l o n g will I be here?" I asked. " G o o d q u e s t i o n , " L u k e said. " U n t i l you're d e t e r m i n e d . " " H o w l o n g will t h a t take?" T h e c a m p e r s all l a u g h e d . " C o m e on," A n n a b e t h t o l d m e . "I'll s h o w y o u t h e v o l leyball c o u r t . " "I've already seen it." Lome

on.

She grabbed my wrist and dragged me outside. I could h e a r t h e k i d s o f c a b i n eleven l a u g h i n g b e h i n d m e .

W h e n we were a few feet away, A n n a b e t h said, " J a c k s o n , y o u have t o d o b e t t e r t h a n that." "What?"

[85]

S h e r o l l e d h e r eyes a n d m u m b l e d u n d e r h e r b r e a t h , " I can't believe I t h o u g h t y o u were t h e o n e . " " W h a t ' s y o u r p r o b l e m ? " I was g e t t i n g a n g r y now. "All I k n o w is, I kill s o m e b u l l g u y — " " D o n ' t t a l k like t h a t ! " A n n a b e t h t o l d m e . " Y o u k n o w h o w m a n y k i d s a t t h i s c a m p w i s h they'd h a d y o u r c h a n c e ? " " T o get k i l l e d ? " " T o fight the Minotaur! W h a t do you think we train for?" I s h o o k my h e a d . " L o o k , if t h e t h i n g I f o u g h t really was the M i n o t a u r , t h e s a m e o n e in t h e s t o r i e s . . ." "Yes." " T h e n there's o n l y one." "Yes." " A n d he d i e d , like, a gajillion years ago, right? T h e s e u s k i l l e d h i m in t h e l a b y r i n t h . So . . ." " M o n s t e r s d o n ' t die, Percy. T h e y can b e killed. B u t t h e y d o n ' t die." " O h , t h a n k s . T h a t clears i t up." " T h e y d o n ' t have s o u l s , like y o u a n d m e . Y o u c a n d i s p e l t h e m for a while, m a y b e even for a w h o l e lifetime if you're lucky. B u t t h e y are p r i m a l forces. C h i r o n calls t h e m a r c h e t y p e s . Eventually, t h e y r e - f o r m . " I t h o u g h t a b o u t M r s . D o d d s . "You m e a n if I killed one, accidentally, w i t h a s w o r d — " " T h e F u r . . . I m e a n , y o u r m a t h teacher. T h a t ' s r i g h t . She's still o u t t h e r e . Y o u j u s t m a d e h e r very, very m a d . " " H o w did you know about Mrs. Dodds?" " Y o u t a l k i n y o u r sleep."

[86]

" Y o u a l m o s t called h e r s o m e t h i n g . A F u r y ? T h e y ' r e H a d e s ' torturers, right?" A n n a b e t h glanced nervously at the ground, as if she e x p e c t e d i t t o o p e n u p a n d swallow her. " Y o u s h o u l d n ' t call t h e m b y n a m e , even h e r e . W e call t h e m t h e K i n d l y O n e s , i f w e have t o s p e a k o f t h e m a t all." " L o o k , is t h e r e a n y t h i n g we can say w i t h o u t it t h u n d e r ing?" I s o u n d e d whiny, even to myself, b u t r i g h t t h e n I d i d n ' t care. " W h y d o I have t o stay i n c a b i n eleven, anyway? W h y i s e v e r y b o d y s o c r o w d e d t o g e t h e r ? T h e r e are p l e n t y o f e m p t y b u n k s r i g h t over there." I p o i n t e d t o t h e first few c a b i n s , a n d A n n a b e t h t u r n e d p a l e . " Y o u d o n ' t j u s t c h o o s e a c a b i n , Percy. I t d e p e n d s o n w h o y o u r p a r e n t s are. Or . . . y o u r p a r e n t . " S h e s t a r e d a t m e , w a i t i n g for m e t o get it. " M y m o m i s Sally Jackson," I said. " S h e w o r k s a t t h e c a n d y s t o r e i n G r a n d C e n t r a l S t a t i o n . A t least, she u s e d t o . " " I ' m s o r r y a b o u t y o u r m o m , Percy. B u t that's n o t w h a t I m e a n . I ' m t a l k i n g a b o u t y o u r o t h e r p a r e n t . Y o u r dad." " H e ' s d e a d . I never k n e w h i m . " A n n a b e t h sighed. Clearly, she'd h a d this c o n v e r s a t i o n before w i t h o t h e r k i d s . " Y o u r father's n o t d e a d , Percy." " H o w c a n y o u say that? Y o u k n o w h i m ? " " N o , of course not." " T h e n h o w can you s a y — " "Because I k n o w you. Y o u w o u l d n ' t be h e r e if y o u weren't o n e o f us." "You don't k n o w anything a b o u t me." " N o ? " S h e r a i s e d a n eyebrow. " I b e t y o u m o v e d a r o u n d

[87]

f r o m s c h o o l t o s c h o o l . I b e t y o u were k i c k e d o u t o f a l o t o f them." "How—" " D i a g n o s e d w i t h dyslexia. P r o b a b l y A D H D , t o o . " I t r i e d t o swallow m y e m b a r r a s s m e n t . " W h a t d o e s t h a t have t o d o w i t h a n y t h i n g ? " " T a k e n t o g e t h e r , it's a l m o s t a sure sign. T h e letters float o f f t h e p a g e w h e n y o u read, right? T h a t ' s b e c a u s e y o u r m i n d i s h a r d w i r e d for a n c i e n t G r e e k . A n d t h e A D H D — y o u ' r e i m p u l s i v e , can't sit still i n t h e c l a s s r o o m . T h a t ' s y o u r b a t t l e field reflexes. In a real fight, t h e y ' d k e e p y o u alive. As for t h e a t t e n t i o n p r o b l e m s , that's b e c a u s e y o u see t o o m u c h , Percy, n o t t o o little. Y o u r senses are b e t t e r t h a n a r e g u l a r m o r t a l ' s . O f course the teachers want you medicated. M o s t o f t h e m are m o n s t e r s . T h e y d o n ' t w a n t y o u seeing t h e m for w h a t t h e y are." " Y o u s o u n d like . . . y o u w e n t t h r o u g h t h e s a m e t h i n g ? " " M o s t o f t h e k i d s h e r e d i d . I f y o u weren't like us, y o u c o u l d n ' t have survived t h e M i n o t a u r , m u c h less t h e a m b r o s i a a n d nectar." " A m b r o s i a a n d nectar." " T h e f o o d a n d d r i n k w e were giving y o u t o m a k e y o u b e t t e r . T h a t s t u f f would've k i l l e d a n o r m a l k i d . I t w o u l d ' v e t u r n e d y o u r b l o o d t o fire a n d y o u r b o n e s t o s a n d a n d y o u ' d be d e a d . F a c e it. You're a h a l f - b l o o d . " A half-blood. I was reeling w i t h so m a n y q u e s t i o n s I d i d n ' t k n o w where to start. T h e n a h u s k y voice yelled, " W e l l ! A n e w b i e ! "

88

I l o o k e d over. T h e b i g girl f r o m t h e ugly r e d c a b i n was s a u n t e r i n g t o w a r d u s . S h e h a d t h r e e o t h e r girls b e h i n d her, all b i g a n d ugly a n d m e a n l o o k i n g like her, all w e a r i n g c a m o jackets. "Clarisse," A n n a b e t h sighed. " W h y d o n ' t y o u g o p o l i s h your spear or something?" " S u r e , M i s s Princess," t h e b i g girl said. " S o I c a n r u n y o u t h r o u g h w i t h i t F r i d a y night." "Erre es korakas!" A n n a b e t h said, w h i c h I s o m e h o w u n d e r s t o o d was G r e e k for ' G o to t h e crows!' t h o u g h I h a d a feeling it was a w o r s e curse t h a n it s o u n d e d . " Y o u d o n ' t s t a n d a chance." "We'll

pulverize

you,"

Clarisse

said,

but

her

eye

t w i t c h e d . P e r h a p s she wasn't sure she c o u l d follow t h r o u g h on the threat. She t u r n e d toward me.

" W h o ' s t h i s little

runt?" "Percy

Jackson,"

Annabeth

said,

"meet

Clarisse,

D a u g h t e r o f Ares." I b l i n k e d . " L i k e . . . t h e war g o d ? " Clarisse s n e e r e d . " Y o u g o t a p r o b l e m w i t h t h a t ? " " N o , " I said, recovering m y w i t s . " I t explains t h e b a d smell." Clarisse g r o w l e d . " W e g o t a n i n i t i a t i o n c e r e m o n y for n e w b i e s , Prissy." "Percy." " W h a t e v e r . C o m e o n , I'll s h o w you." " C l a r i s s e — " A n n a b e t h t r i e d t o say. " S t a y o u t o f it, wise girl." A n n a b e t h l o o k e d p a i n e d , b u t s h e d i d stay o u t o f it, a n d

[89]

I d i d n ' t really w a n t h e r h e l p . I was t h e n e w k i d . I h a d to e a r n my own rep. I h a n d e d A n n a b e t h my m i n o t a u r h o r n and got ready to f i g h t , b u t b e f o r e I k n e w it, Clarisse h a d m e b y t h e n e c k a n d was d r a g g i n g me t o w a r d a c i n d e r - b l o c k b u i l d i n g t h a t I k n e w i m m e d i a t e l y was t h e b a t h r o o m . I was k i c k i n g a n d p u n c h i n g . I'd b e e n i n p l e n t y o f f i g h t s before, b u t t h i s b i g girl Clarisse h a d h a n d s like i r o n . S h e d r a g g e d m e i n t o t h e girls' b a t h r o o m . T h e r e was a line o f t o i l e t s o n o n e side a n d a line o f s h o w e r stalls d o w n t h e o t h e r . It s m e l l e d j u s t like any p u b l i c b a t h r o o m , a n d I was t h i n k i n g — a s m u c h as I could t h i n k w i t h Clarisse r i p p i n g my hair o u t — t h a t if this place belonged to the gods, they s h o u l d ' v e b e e n able t o afford classier J o h n s . Clarisse's friends were all l a u g h i n g , a n d I was t r y i n g to f i n d t h e s t r e n g t h I'd u s e d t o f i g h t t h e M i n o t a u r , b u t i t just wasn't t h e r e . " L i k e he's 'Big T h r e e ' material," Clarisse said as she pushed

me

toward

one

of

the

toilets.

"Yeah,

right.

M i n o t a u r p r o b a b l y fell over l a u g h i n g , h e was s o s t u p i d looking." H e r friends snickered. A n n a b e t h s t o o d in the corner, watching through her fingers. Clarisse b e n t m e over o n m y k n e e s a n d s t a r t e d p u s h i n g m y h e a d t o w a r d t h e t o i l e t b o w l . I t r e e k e d like r u s t e d p i p e s a n d , well, like w h a t goes i n t o t o i l e t s . I s t r a i n e d t o k e e p m y h e a d u p . I was l o o k i n g at t h e s c u m m y water, t h i n k i n g , I will n o t go i n t o t h a t . I won't.

[90]

T h e n s o m e t h i n g h a p p e n e d . I felt a t u g i n t h e p i t o f m y stomach. I heard the plumbing rumble, the pipes shudder. Clarisse's g r i p o n m y h a i r l o o s e n e d . W a t e r s h o t o u t o f t h e toilet, m a k i n g a n arc s t r a i g h t over m y h e a d , a n d t h e n e x t t h i n g I k n e w , I was s p r a w l e d on t h e b a t h r o o m tiles w i t h Clarisse s c r e a m i n g b e h i n d m e . I t u r n e d just a s w a t e r b l a s t e d o u t o f t h e t o i l e t again, h i t t i n g Clarisse s t r a i g h t i n t h e face s o h a r d i t p u s h e d h e r d o w n o n t o h e r b u t t . T h e w a t e r stayed o n h e r like t h e s p r a y f r o m a fire h o s e , p u s h i n g h e r b a c k w a r d i n t o a s h o w e r stall. S h e struggled, gasping, and her friends started c o m i n g t o w a r d her. B u t t h e n t h e o t h e r t o i l e t s e x p l o d e d , t o o , a n d six m o r e streams of toilet water blasted t h e m back. T h e showers a c t e d u p , t o o , a n d t o g e t h e r all t h e fixtures s p r a y e d t h e c a m o u f l a g e girls r i g h t o u t o f t h e b a t h r o o m , s p i n n i n g t h e m a r o u n d like pieces o f g a r b a g e b e i n g w a s h e d away. As s o o n as t h e y were o u t t h e d o o r , I felt t h e t u g in m y g u t lessen, a n d t h e w a t e r s h u t o f f a s q u i c k l y a s i t h a d started. T h e entire b a t h r o o m was f l o o d e d . A n n a b e t h h a d n ' t b e e n s p a r e d . S h e was d r i p p i n g wet, b u t she h a d n ' t b e e n p u s h e d o u t t h e d o o r . S h e was s t a n d i n g i n exactly t h e s a m e place, s t a r i n g a t m e i n s h o c k . I l o o k e d d o w n a n d r e a l i z e d I was s i t t i n g in t h e o n l y d r y s p o t i n t h e w h o l e r o o m . T h e r e was a circle o f d r y f l o o r a r o u n d m e . I d i d n ' t have o n e d r o p o f w a t e r o n m y c l o t h e s . Nothing. I s t o o d u p , my legs shaky. A n n a b e t h said, " H o w d i d y o u . . ."

[91]

"I don't know." We walked to

the door.

Outside,

Clarisse a n d h e r

friends were s p r a w l e d i n t h e m u d , a n d a b u n c h o f o t h e r c a m p e r s h a d g a t h e r e d a r o u n d t o g a w k . Clarisse's h a i r was f l a t t e n e d across h e r face. H e r c a m o u f l a g e jacket was s o p p i n g a n d s h e s m e l l e d like sewage. S h e gave m e a l o o k o f a b s o l u t e h a t r e d . " Y o u are d e a d , n e w boy. Y o u are t o t a l l y dead." I p r o b a b l y s h o u l d have let it go, b u t I said, " Y o u w a n t t o gargle w i t h t o i l e t w a t e r again,

Clarisse?

Close your

mouth." H e r friends h a d t o h o l d h e r b a c k . T h e y d r a g g e d h e r t o w a r d c a b i n f i v e , w h i l e t h e o t h e r c a m p e r s m a d e way t o avoid h e r flailing feet. A n n a b e t h s t a r e d at m e . I c o u l d n ' t tell w h e t h e r she was j u s t g r o s s e d o u t o r a n g r y a t m e for d o u s i n g her. " W h a t ? " I d e m a n d e d . " W h a t are y o u t h i n k i n g ? " " I ' m t h i n k i n g , " s h e said, " t h a t I w a n t y o u o n m y t e a m for c a p t u r e t h e f l a g . "

[92]

Word

of

the

bathroom

incident

spread

immediately.

W h e r e v e r I went, campers p o i n t e d at me and m u r m u r e d s o m e t h i n g a b o u t t o i l e t water. O r m a y b e t h e y were j u s t s t a r ing a t A n n a b e t h , w h o was still p r e t t y m u c h d r i p p i n g wet. S h e s h o w e d m e a few m o r e places: t h e m e t a l s h o p (where kids

were f o r g i n g t h e i r o w n s w o r d s ) ,

the arts-

a n d - c r a f t s r o o m ( w h e r e satyrs were s a n d b l a s t i n g a g i a n t m a r b l e s t a t u e o f a g o a t - m a n ) , a n d t h e c l i m b i n g wall, w h i c h actually c o n s i s t e d o f t w o facing walls t h a t s h o o k violently, d r o p p e d b o u l d e r s , s p r a y e d lava, a n d c l a s h e d t o g e t h e r i f y o u d i d n ' t g e t t o t h e t o p fast e n o u g h . Finally w e r e t u r n e d t o t h e c a n o e i n g lake, w h e r e t h e trail led b a c k t o t h e c a b i n s . "I've g o t t r a i n i n g t o do," A n n a b e t h said flatly. " D i n n e r ' s a t s e v e n - t h i r t y . J u s t follow y o u r c a b i n t o t h e m e s s hall." " A n n a b e t h , I ' m s o r r y a b o u t t h e toilets." "Whatever." " I t wasn't m y fault." S h e l o o k e d at me skeptically, a n d I realized it was my fault. I'd m a d e w a t e r s h o o t o u t o f t h e b a t h r o o m fixtures. I d i d n ' t u n d e r s t a n d how. B u t t h e t o i l e t s h a d r e s p o n d e d t o m e . I had become one with the plumbing.

[93]

" Y o u n e e d t o t a l k t o t h e O r a c l e , " A n n a b e t h said. "Who?" " N o t w h o . W h a t . T h e O r a c l e . I'll ask C h i r o n . " I s t a r e d i n t o t h e lake, w i s h i n g s o m e b o d y w o u l d give m e a s t r a i g h t answer for o n c e . I wasn't e x p e c t i n g a n y b o d y t o b e l o o k i n g b a c k a t m e from the b o t t o m , so my heart skipped a beat when I noticed t w o t e e n a g e girls s i t t i n g c r o s s - l e g g e d a t t h e b a s e o f t h e pier, a b o u t t w e n t y feet below. T h e y w o r e b l u e jeans a n d s h i m mering green T-shirts, a n d their b r o w n hair floated loose a r o u n d their shoulders as m i n n o w s darted in a n d out. T h e y s m i l e d a n d waved as if I were a l o n g - l o s t friend. I d i d n ' t k n o w w h a t else to d o . I waved b a c k . " D o n ' t e n c o u r a g e t h e m , " A n n a b e t h w a r n e d . " N a i a d s are terrible flirts." " N a i a d s , " I r e p e a t e d , feeling c o m p l e t e l y o v e r w h e l m e d . " T h a t ' s it. I w a n t t o g o h o m e now." Annabeth

frowned.

"Don't

you

get

it,

Percy? Y o u

are h o m e . T h i s i s t h e o n l y safe p l a c e o n e a r t h for k i d s like us." "You mean, mentally disturbed kids?" "I m e a n not human. N o t t o t a l l y h u m a n , anyway. H a l f human." " H a l f - h u m a n and half-what?" " I t h i n k y o u know." I d i d n ' t w a n t to a d m i t it, b u t I was afraid I d i d . I felt a t i n g l i n g in my l i m b s , a s e n s a t i o n I s o m e t i m e s felt w h e n my m o m talked about m y dad. " G o d , " I said. " H a l f - g o d . "

[94]

A n n a b e t h n o d d e d . " Y o u r f a t h e r isn't d e a d , Percy. H e ' s one of the Olympians." " T h a t ' s . . . crazy." "Is it? W h a t ' s t h e m o s t c o m m o n t h i n g g o d s d i d i n t h e o l d stories? T h e y r a n a r o u n d falling i n love w i t h h u m a n s a n d having k i d s w i t h t h e m . D o y o u t h i n k they've c h a n g e d t h e i r h a b i t s i n t h e last few m i l l e n n i a ? " " B u t t h o s e are j u s t — " I a l m o s t said myths again. T h e n I r e m e m b e r e d C h i r o n ' s w a r n i n g t h a t i n t w o t h o u s a n d years, I m i g h t b e c o n s i d e r e d a m y t h . " B u t i f all t h e k i d s h e r e are half-gods—" " D e m i g o d s , " A n n a b e t h said. " T h a t ' s t h e official t e r m . O r half-bloods." " T h e n who's your dad?" H e r h a n d s t i g h t e n e d a r o u n d t h e p i e r railing. I g o t t h e feeling I'd j u s t t r e s p a s s e d on a sensitive subject. " M y d a d is a p r o f e s s o r at W e s t P o i n t , " she said. "I haven't

seen

him

since

I

was

very

small.

He

teaches

A m e r i c a n history." "He's human." " W h a t ? Y o u a s s u m e i t has t o b e a m a l e g o d w h o finds a h u m a n female attractive? H o w sexist i s t h a t ? " " W h o ' s your m o m , then?" " C a b i n six." "Meaning?" A n n a b e t h straightened. "Athena. Goddess of w i s d o m a n d battle." O k a y , I t h o u g h t . W h y not? "And my dad?"

[95]

"Undetermined,"

Annabeth

said,

"like

I

told

you

before. N o b o d y knows." " E x c e p t m y m o t h e r . S h e knew." " M a y b e n o t , Percy. G o d s d o n ' t always reveal t h e i r i d e n tities." " M y d a d w o u l d have. H e loved her." A n n a b e t h gave m e a c a u t i o u s l o o k . S h e d i d n ' t w a n t t o b u r s t m y b u b b l e . " M a y b e you're r i g h t . M a y b e he'll s e n d a sign. T h a t ' s t h e o n l y way t o k n o w for sure: y o u r father has to s e n d y o u a sign c l a i m i n g y o u as his s o n . S o m e t i m e s it happens." "You m e a n sometimes it doesn't?" A n n a b e t h r a n h e r p a l m a l o n g t h e rail. " T h e g o d s are busy. T h e y have a l o t of k i d s a n d t h e y d o n ' t always . . . W e l l , s o m e t i m e s t h e y d o n ' t care a b o u t u s , Percy. T h e y i g n o r e us." I t h o u g h t a b o u t s o m e o f t h e k i d s I'd seen i n t h e H e r m e s cabin, t e e n a g e r s w h o l o o k e d sullen a n d d e p r e s s e d , a s i f t h e y were w a i t i n g for a call t h a t w o u l d never c o m e . I'd k n o w n k i d s like t h a t a t Y a n c y A c a d e m y , s h u f f l e d o f f t o b o a r d i n g s c h o o l b y rich p a r e n t s w h o d i d n ' t have t h e t i m e t o d e a l w i t h t h e m . But gods s h o u l d behave better. " S o I ' m s t u c k here," I said. " T h a t ' s it? F o r t h e rest o f m y life?" " I t d e p e n d s , " A n n a b e t h said. " S o m e c a m p e r s o n l y stay t h e s u m m e r . I f you're a c h i l d o f A p h r o d i t e o r D e m e t e r , you're p r o b a b l y n o t a real p o w e r f u l force. T h e m o n s t e r s m i g h t i g n o r e y o u , s o y o u can get b y w i t h a few m o n t h s o f s u m m e r t r a i n i n g a n d live i n t h e m o r t a l w o r l d t h e rest o f t h e year. B u t for s o m e o f us, it's t o o d a n g e r o u s t o leave. W e ' r e

[96]

year-rounders. In the m o r t a l world, we attract monsters. T h e y sense u s . T h e y c o m e t o challenge u s . M o s t o f t h e t i m e , t h e y ' l l i g n o r e u s u n t i l we're o l d e n o u g h t o cause t r o u b l e — a b o u t t e n o r eleven years o l d , b u t after t h a t , m o s t d e m i g o d s e i t h e r m a k e t h e i r way here, o r t h e y get killed off. A few m a n a g e t o survive i n t h e o u t s i d e w o r l d a n d b e c o m e f a m o u s . Believe m e , i f I t o l d y o u t h e n a m e s , y o u ' d k n o w t h e m . S o m e d o n ' t even realize they're d e m i g o d s . B u t very, very few are like that." " S o m o n s t e r s can't get i n h e r e ? " A n n a b e t h s h o o k h e r h e a d . " N o t unless they're i n t e n t i o n a l l y s t o c k e d i n t h e w o o d s o r specially s u m m o n e d b y s o m e b o d y o n t h e inside." " W h y would anybody want to s u m m o n a monster?" " P r a c t i c e fights. P r a c t i c a l jokes." " P r a c t i c a l jokes?" " T h e p o i n t is, t h e b o r d e r s are sealed t o k e e p m o r t a l s and monsters out. F r o m the outside, mortals look into the valley a n d see n o t h i n g u n u s u a l , j u s t a s t r a w b e r r y farm." " S o . . . you're a y e a r - r o u n d e r ? " A n n a b e t h n o d d e d . F r o m u n d e r t h e collar o f h e r T - s h i r t s h e p u l l e d a l e a t h e r n e c k l a c e w i t h five clay b e a d s of differe n t c o l o r s . I t was j u s t like Luke's, except A n n a b e t h ' s also h a d a b i g g o l d r i n g s t r u n g on it, like a college ring. "I've b e e n h e r e since I was seven," she said.

"Every

A u g u s t , o n t h e last d a y o f s u m m e r session, y o u get a b e a d for surviving a n o t h e r year. I've b e e n h e r e l o n g e r t h a n m o s t o f t h e c o u n s e l o r s , a n d they're all i n college." " W h y did you come so young?"

[97]

She twisted the ring on her necklace. " N o n e of your business." " O h . " I s t o o d t h e r e for a m i n u t e in u n c o m f o r t a b l e silence. " S o . . . I c o u l d just w a l k o u t o f h e r e r i g h t n o w i f I wanted to?" " I t w o u l d b e suicide, b u t y o u c o u l d , w i t h M r . D ' s o r Chiron's permission.

B u t t h e y w o u l d n ' t give p e r m i s s i o n

u n t i l t h e e n d of t h e s u m m e r session u n l e s s . . ." "Unless?" " Y o u were g r a n t e d a q u e s t . B u t t h a t h a r d l y ever h a p p e n s . T h e last t i m e . . ." H e r voice t r a i l e d off. I c o u l d tell f r o m h e r t o n e t h a t t h e last t i m e h a d n ' t g o n e well. " B a c k in t h e sick r o o m , " I said, " w h e n y o u were f e e d i n g me that stuff—" "Ambrosia." "Yeah. Y o u a s k e d m e s o m e t h i n g a b o u t t h e s u m m e r solstice." Annabeth's shoulders tensed. "So you do k n o w something?" " W e l l . . . n o . Back at my o l d s c h o o l , I o v e r h e a r d G r o v e r a n d C h i r o n t a l k i n g a b o u t it. G r o v e r m e n t i o n e d t h e s u m m e r solstice. H e said s o m e t h i n g like w e d i d n ' t have m u c h t i m e , because of the deadline. W h a t did that mean?" S h e c l e n c h e d h e r fists. " I w i s h I k n e w . C h i r o n a n d t h e satyrs, t h e y k n o w , b u t t h e y w o n ' t tell m e . S o m e t h i n g i s w r o n g i n O l y m p u s , s o m e t h i n g p r e t t y major. L a s t t i m e I was t h e r e , e v e r y t h i n g s e e m e d so normal!' "You've b e e n t o O l y m p u s ? "

[98]

" S o m e o f u s y e a r - r o u n d e r s — L u k e a n d Clarisse a n d I a n d a few o t h e r s — w e t o o k a field t r i p d u r i n g w i n t e r solstice. T h a t ' s

when

the

gods

have

their

big

annual

council." " B u t . . . h o w d i d y o u get t h e r e ? " " T h e L o n g Island Railroad, of course. You get off at P e n n S t a t i o n . E m p i r e S t a t e B u i l d i n g , special elevator t o t h e six h u n d r e d t h floor." S h e l o o k e d at me like she was sure I m u s t k n o w t h i s already. " Y o u are a N e w Yorker, r i g h t ? " " O h , sure." As far as I knew, t h e r e were o n l y a h u n d r e d a n d two floors in the E m p i r e State Building, b u t I decided n o t to point that out. "Right

after w e

visited," A n n a b e t h

continued,

"the

w e a t h e r g o t weird, as if t h e g o d s h a d s t a r t e d fighting. A c o u p l e o f t i m e s since, I've o v e r h e a r d satyrs talking. T h e b e s t I can figure o u t is t h a t s o m e t h i n g i m p o r t a n t was s t o l e n . A n d i f i t isn't r e t u r n e d b y s u m m e r solstice, there's g o i n g t o b e t r o u b l e . W h e n y o u c a m e , I was h o p i n g . . . I m e a n — A t h e n a can get a l o n g w i t h j u s t a b o u t a n y b o d y , except for A r e s . A n d o f c o u r s e she's g o t t h e rivalry w i t h P o s e i d o n . But, I m e a n , aside f r o m t h a t , I t h o u g h t we c o u l d w o r k together. I t h o u g h t you might k n o w something." I s h o o k my h e a d . I w i s h e d I c o u l d h e l p her, b u t I felt t o o h u n g r y a n d t i r e d a n d m e n t a l l y o v e r l o a d e d t o ask any more questions. "I've g o t t o get a quest," A n n a b e t h m u t t e r e d t o h e r self.

" I ' m not t o o y o u n g . I f t h e y w o u l d just tell m e t h e

p r o b l e m . . ." I could smell barbecue s m o k e c o m i n g from somewhere

[99]

nearby. A n n a b e t h m u s t ' v e h e a r d m y s t o m a c h g r o w l . S h e t o l d m e t o g o o n , s h e d c a t c h m e later. I left h e r o n t h e pier, t r a c i n g h e r finger across t h e rail as if d r a w i n g a b a t t l e p l a n .

Back a t c a b i n eleven, e v e r y b o d y was t a l k i n g a n d h o r s i n g a r o u n d , w a i t i n g for d i n n e r . F o r t h e first t i m e , I n o t i c e d t h a t a l o t o f t h e c a m p e r s h a d s i m i l a r features: s h a r p n o s e s , u p t u r n e d eyebrows, m i s c h i e v o u s smiles. T h e y were t h e k i n d of

kids

that

teachers

would

peg

as

troublemakers.

Thankfully, n o b o d y paid m u c h attention to me as I walked over t o m y s p o t o n t h e f l o o r a n d p l o p p e d d o w n w i t h m y minotaur horn. T h e c o u n s e l o r , L u k e , c a m e over. H e h a d t h e H e r m e s family r e s e m b l a n c e , t o o . I t was m a r r e d b y t h a t scar o n h i s r i g h t cheek, b u t h i s s m i l e was i n t a c t . " F o u n d y o u a s l e e p i n g bag," he said. " A n d here, I s t o l e y o u s o m e toiletries f r o m t h e c a m p store." I c o u l d n ' t tell if he was k i d d i n g a b o u t t h e stealing p a r t . I said, " T h a n k s . " " N o p r o b . " L u k e sat n e x t t o m e , p u s h e d h i s b a c k against t h e wall. " T o u g h first day?" "I d o n ' t b e l o n g here," I said. "I d o n ' t even believe in gods." "Yeah," h e said. " T h a t ' s h o w w e all s t a r t e d . O n c e y o u s t a r t believing in t h e m ? It d o e s n ' t get any easier." T h e b i t t e r n e s s i n his voice s u r p r i s e d m e , b e c a u s e L u k e s e e m e d like a p r e t t y easygoing guy. H e l o o k e d like h e c o u l d h a n d l e just a b o u t a n y t h i n g . " S o y o u r d a d is H e r m e s ? " I asked.

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H e p u l l e d a s w i t c h b l a d e o u t o f his b a c k p o c k e t , a n d for a s e c o n d I t h o u g h t h e was g o i n g t o g u t m e , b u t h e j u s t s c r a p e d t h e m u d o f f t h e sole o f h i s s a n d a l .

"Yeah.

Hermes." " T h e w i n g - f o o t e d m e s s e n g e r guy." "That's

him.

Messengers.

M e d i c i n e . Travelers, m e r -

c h a n t s , thieves. A n y b o d y w h o uses t h e r o a d s . T h a t ' s w h y you're here, enjoying c a b i n eleven's h o s p i t a l i t y . H e r m e s isn't picky about w h o he sponsors." I f i g u r e d L u k e d i d n ' t m e a n t o call m e a n o b o d y . H e j u s t h a d a l o t o n his m i n d . " Y o u ever m e e t y o u r d a d ? " I asked. Once. I waited, t h i n k i n g t h a t i f h e w a n t e d t o tell m e , he'd tell m e . Apparently, he didn't. I w o n d e r e d if the story h a d anyt h i n g t o d o w i t h h o w h e g o t h i s scar. L u k e l o o k e d u p a n d m a n a g e d a smile. " D o n ' t w o r r y a b o u t it, Percy. T h e c a m p e r s here, they're m o s t l y g o o d p e o p l e . A f t e r all, we're e x t e n d e d family, right? W e t a k e care o f each other." H e s e e m e d t o u n d e r s t a n d h o w l o s t I felt, a n d I was g r a t e f u l for t h a t , b e c a u s e a n o l d e r g u y like h i m — e v e n i f h e was

a c o u n s e l o r — s h o u l d ' v e s t e e r e d clear o f a n u n c o o l

m i d d l e - s c h o o l e r like m e . B u t L u k e h a d w e l c o m e d m e i n t o t h e c a b i n . H e ' d even s t o l e n m e s o m e toiletries, w h i c h was t h e n i c e s t t h i n g a n y b o d y h a d d o n e for m e all day. I d e c i d e d t o ask h i m m y last b i g q u e s t i o n , t h e o n e t h a t h a d b e e n b o t h e r i n g m e all a f t e r n o o n . " C l a r i s s e , f r o m Ares, was j o k i n g a b o u t m e

b e i n g 'Big T h r e e ' m a t e r i a l . T h e n

[101]

A n n a b e t h . . . twice, s h e s a i d I m i g h t be ' t h e one.' S h e s a i d I s h o u l d t a l k t o t h e O r a c l e . W h a t was t h a t all a b o u t ? " L u k e f o l d e d his knife. " I h a t e p r o p h e c i e s . " " W h a t do you mean?" H i s face t w i t c h e d a r o u n d t h e scar.

" L e t ' s j u s t say I

m e s s e d t h i n g s u p for e v e r y b o d y else. T h e last t w o years, ever since m y t r i p t o t h e G a r d e n o f t h e H e s p e r i d e s w e n t sour, C h i r o n h a s n ' t allowed any m o r e q u e s t s . A n n a b e t h ' s b e e n d y i n g t o get o u t i n t o t h e w o r l d . S h e p e s t e r e d C h i r o n s o m u c h h e f i n a l l y t o l d h e r h e already k n e w h e r fate. H e ' d h a d a p r o p h e c y f r o m t h e O r a c l e . H e w o u l d n ' t tell h e r t h e w h o l e t h i n g , b u t h e said A n n a b e t h wasn't d e s t i n e d t o g o o n a q u e s t yet. S h e h a d t o w a i t u n t i l . . . s o m e b o d y special c a m e t o t h e camp." " S o m e b o d y special?" " D o n ' t w o r r y a b o u t it, kid,"

L u k e said.

"Annabeth

w a n t s t o t h i n k every n e w c a m p e r w h o c o m e s t h r o u g h h e r e i s t h e o m e n she's b e e n w a i t i n g for. N o w , c o m e o n , it's d i n nertime." T h e m o m e n t h e said it, a h o r n b l e w i n t h e d i s t a n c e . S o m e h o w , I k n e w it was a c o n c h shell, even t h o u g h I'd never heard one before. L u k e yelled, "Eleven, fall in!" T h e whole cabin, a b o u t twenty of us, filed into the c o m m o n s yard. W e l i n e d u p i n o r d e r o f seniority, s o o f c o u r s e I was d e a d last. C a m p e r s c a m e f r o m t h e o t h e r c a b ins, t o o , except for t h e t h r e e e m p t y c a b i n s a t t h e e n d , a n d c a b i n eight, w h i c h h a d l o o k e d n o r m a l i n t h e d a y t i m e , b u t was n o w s t a r t i n g t o glow silver a s t h e s u n w e n t d o w n .

[102]

W e m a r c h e d u p t h e hill t o t h e m e s s h a l l p a v i l i o n . S a t y r s joined us from the meadow.

Naiads emerged from the

c a n o e i n g lake. A few o t h e r girls c a m e o u t o f t h e w o o d s — a n d w h e n I say o u t o f t h e w o o d s , I m e a n straight o u t o f t h e w o o d s . I saw o n e girl, a b o u t n i n e o r t e n years o l d , m e l t f r o m t h e s i d e o f a m a p l e t r e e a n d c o m e s k i p p i n g u p t h e hill. In all, t h e r e were m a y b e a h u n d r e d c a m p e r s , a few d o z e n satyrs, a n d a d o z e n a s s o r t e d w o o d n y m p h s a n d n a i a d s . At

the

pavilion,

torches

blazed around the

marble

c o l u m n s . A c e n t r a l fire b u r n e d in a b r o n z e b r a z i e r t h e size o f a b a t h t u b . E a c h c a b i n h a d its o w n table, covered i n w h i t e c l o t h t r i m m e d i n p u r p l e . F o u r o f t h e t a b l e s were e m p t y , b u t c a b i n elevens was way o v e r c r o w d e d . I h a d t o s q u e e z e o n t o t h e e d g e o f a b e n c h w i t h h a l f m y b u t t h a n g i n g off. I saw G r o v e r s i t t i n g at t a b l e twelve w i t h M r . D, a few satyrs, a n d a c o u p l e o f p l u m p b l o n d b o y s w h o l o o k e d just like M r . D . C h i r o n s t o o d t o o n e side, t h e p i c n i c t a b l e b e i n g way t o o s m a l l for a c e n t a u r . A n n a b e t h sat at t a b l e six w i t h a b u n c h of s e r i o u s l o o k i n g a t h l e t i c k i d s , all w i t h h e r g r a y eyes a n d h o n e y b l o n d hair. Clarisse sat b e h i n d m e a t Ares's t a b l e . S h e d a p p a r e n t l y g o t t e n over b e i n g h o s e d d o w n , b e c a u s e she was l a u g h i n g a n d b e l c h i n g r i g h t a l o n g s i d e h e r friends. Finally, C h i r o n p o u n d e d h i s h o o f against t h e m a r b l e f l o o r o f t h e pavilion, a n d e v e r y b o d y fell silent. H e raised a glass. " T o t h e g o d s ! " E v e r y b o d y else raised t h e i r glasses. " T o t h e g o d s ! " W o o d n y m p h s came forward with platters of food:

[103]

g r a p e s , a p p l e s , s t r a w b e r r i e s , cheese, fresh b r e a d , a n d yes, b a r b e c u e ! M y glass was e m p t y , b u t L u k e said, " S p e a k t o it. W h a t e v e r y o u w a n t — n o n a l c o h o l i c , o f course." I said, " C h e r r y C o k e . " T h e glass filled w i t h s p a r k l i n g c a r a m e l l i q u i d . T h e n I h a d an idea. "Blue C h e r r y C o k e . " T h e soda t u r n e d a violent shade of cobalt. I t o o k a c a u t i o u s sip. Perfect. I d r a n k a t o a s t to my m o t h e r . She's n o t g o n e , I t o l d myself. N o t p e r m a n e n t l y , anyway. She's in t h e U n d e r w o r l d . A n d if that's a real place, t h e n someday . . . " H e r e y o u go, Percy," L u k e said, h a n d i n g m e a p l a t t e r o f s m o k e d brisket. I l o a d e d m y p l a t e a n d was a b o u t t o t a k e a b i g b i t e w h e n I noticed everybody getting up, carrying their plates toward the fire in the center of the pavilion. I wondered if they were g o i n g for d e s s e r t o r s o m e t h i n g . " C o m e on," L u k e t o l d m e . As I g o t closer, I saw t h a t everyone was t a k i n g a p o r t i o n of their meal and d r o p p i n g it into the fire, the ripest strawberry, t h e juiciest slice o f beef, t h e w a r m e s t , m o s t b u t t e r y roll. L u k e m u r m u r e d i n m y ear,

" B u r n t offerings for t h e

g o d s . T h e y like t h e smell." "You're k i d d i n g . " H i s l o o k w a r n e d m e n o t t o t a k e this lightly, b u t I couldn't help wondering why an immortal, b e i n g w o u l d like t h e smell o f b u r n i n g f o o d .

[104]

all-powerful

L u k e a p p r o a c h e d t h e fire, b o w e d his h e a d , a n d t o s s e d i n a c l u s t e r of fat r e d g r a p e s . " H e r m e s . " I was n e x t . I w i s h e d I k n e w w h a t god's n a m e to say. Finally, I m a d e a silent plea. Whoever you are, tell me. Please. I s c r a p e d a b i g slice of b r i s k e t i n t o t h e flames. W h e n I c a u g h t a w h i f f of t h e s m o k e , I d i d n ' t gag. I t s m e l l e d n o t h i n g like b u r n i n g f o o d . I t s m e l l e d o f h o t chocolate and fresh-baked brownies, hamburgers on the grill a n d wildflowers, a n d a h u n d r e d o t h e r g o o d t h i n g s t h a t s h o u l d n ' t have g o n e well t o g e t h e r , b u t d i d . I c o u l d a l m o s t believe t h e g o d s c o u l d live o f f t h a t s m o k e . W h e n e v e r y b o d y h a d r e t u r n e d t o t h e i r seats a n d fini s h e d e a t i n g t h e i r m e a l s , C h i r o n p o u n d e d his h o o f again for our attention. M r . D g o t up w i t h a h u g e sigh. "Yes, I s u p p o s e I'd b e t ter say h e l l o t o all y o u b r a t s . W e l l , h e l l o . O u r activities d i r e c t o r , C h i r o n , says t h e n e x t c a p t u r e t h e flag is Friday. C a b i n five p r e s e n t l y h o l d s t h e laurels." A b u n c h o f ugly c h e e r i n g r o s e f r o m t h e Ares t a b l e . "Personally," M r . D c o n t i n u e d , " I c o u l d n ' t care less, b u t c o n g r a t u l a t i o n s . A l s o , I s h o u l d tell y o u t h a t we have a n e w camper today. Peter Johnson." Chiron murmured something. "Er, P e r c y Jackson," M r . D c o r r e c t e d .

"That's right.

H u r r a h , a n d all t h a t . N o w r u n a l o n g t o y o u r silly c a m p f i r e . G o on." E v e r y b o d y cheered. W e all h e a d e d d o w n t o w a r d t h e a m p h i t h e a t e r , w h e r e A p o l l o ' s c a b i n led a s i n g - a l o n g . W e

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s a n g c a m p s o n g s a b o u t t h e g o d s a n d ate s ' m o r e s a n d j o k e d a r o u n d , a n d t h e f u n n y t h i n g was, I d i d n ' t feel t h a t a n y o n e was s t a r i n g at me a n y m o r e . I felt t h a t I was h o m e . L a t e r i n t h e evening, w h e n t h e s p a r k s f r o m t h e c a m p f i r e were c u r l i n g i n t o a s t a r r y sky, t h e c o n c h h o r n blew again, a n d we all filed b a c k to o u r c a b i n s . I d i d n ' t realize h o w e x h a u s t e d I was u n t i l I c o l l a p s e d on my b o r r o w e d s l e e p i n g bag. My

fingers

curled

around

the

Minotaur's

horn.

I

t h o u g h t a b o u t m y m o m , b u t I h a d g o o d t h o u g h t s : h e r smile, t h e b e d t i m e stories she w o u l d r e a d me w h e n I was a k i d , t h e w a y s h e w o u l d tell m e n o t t o let t h e b e d b u g s b i t e . W h e n I c l o s e d my eyes, I fell asleep instantly. T h a t was m y first day a t C a m p H a l f - B l o o d . I w i s h I'd k n o w n h o w briefly I w o u l d get to enjoy my new home.

[106]

T h e n e x t few days I s e t t l e d i n t o a r o u t i n e t h a t felt a l m o s t n o r m a l , i f y o u d o n ' t c o u n t t h e fact t h a t I was g e t t i n g l e s s o n s f r o m satyrs, n y m p h s , a n d a c e n t a u r . Each m o r n i n g I t o o k Ancient Greek from Annabeth, and we talked about the gods and goddesses in the present t e n s e , w h i c h was k i n d o f weird. I discovered A n n a b e t h was r i g h t a b o u t m y dyslexia: A n c i e n t G r e e k wasn't t h a t h a r d for m e t o read. A t least, n o h a r d e r t h a n E n g l i s h . A f t e r a c o u p l e o f m o r n i n g s , I c o u l d s t u m b l e t h r o u g h a few lines o f H o m e r without too much headache. T h e rest o f t h e day, I'd r o t a t e t h r o u g h o u t d o o r activities, l o o k i n g for s o m e t h i n g I was g o o d at. C h i r o n t r i e d t o t e a c h m e archery, b u t w e f o u n d o u t p r e t t y q u i c k I wasn't any g o o d w i t h a b o w a n d arrow. H e d i d n ' t c o m p l a i n , even w h e n h e h a d t o d e s n a g a stray a r r o w o u t o f h i s tail. F o o t racing? N o g o o d either. T h e w o o d - n y m p h i n s t r u c t o r s left m e i n t h e d u s t . T h e y t o l d m e n o t t o w o r r y a b o u t it. T h e y ' d h a d c e n t u r i e s o f p r a c t i c e r u n n i n g away f r o m lovesick g o d s . B u t still, it was a little h u m i l i a t i n g to be slower t h a n a tree. A n d wrestling? F o r g e t it. E v e r y t i m e I g o t o n t h e m a t , Clarisse w o u l d p u l v e r i z e m e .

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"Theres

more

where

that

came

from,

punk,"

she'd

m u m b l e i n m y ear. T h e o n l y t h i n g I really excelled a t was c a n o e i n g , a n d t h a t wasn't t h e k i n d o f h e r o i c skill p e o p l e e x p e c t e d t o see from the kid who had beaten the Minotaur. I k n e w t h e s e n i o r c a m p e r s a n d c o u n s e l o r s were w a t c h ing m e , t r y i n g t o d e c i d e w h o m y d a d was, b u t t h e y weren't h a v i n g an easy t i m e of it. I wasn't as s t r o n g as t h e Ares k i d s , or as g o o d at a r c h e r y as t h e A p o l l o k i d s . I d i d n ' t have Hephaestus's

skill

with

metalwork

or—gods

forbid—

D i o n y s u s ' s way w i t h vine p l a n t s . L u k e t o l d m e I m i g h t be a child of H e r m e s , a k i n d of j a c k - o f - a l l - t r a d e s , m a s t e r o f n o n e . B u t I g o t t h e feeling h e was j u s t t r y i n g t o m a k e m e feel b e t t e r . H e really d i d n ' t k n o w w h a t t o m a k e o f m e either. D e s p i t e all t h a t , I liked c a m p . I g o t u s e d t o t h e m o r n ing fog over t h e b e a c h , t h e s m e l l o f h o t s t r a w b e r r y fields i n t h e a f t e r n o o n , even t h e weird noises o f m o n s t e r s i n t h e w o o d s a t n i g h t . I w o u l d eat d i n n e r w i t h c a b i n eleven, s c r a p e p a r t o f m y m e a l i n t o t h e fire, a n d t r y t o feel s o m e c o n n e c t i o n t o m y real d a d . N o t h i n g c a m e . J u s t t h a t w a r m feeling I'd always h a d , like t h e m e m o r y o f his smile. I t r i e d n o t t o think too much about my m o m , but I kept wondering: if g o d s a n d m o n s t e r s were real, i f all t h i s m a g i c a l s t u f f was p o s s i b l e , surely t h e r e was s o m e way t o save her, t o b r i n g h e r back. . . . I s t a r t e d t o u n d e r s t a n d Luke's b i t t e r n e s s a n d h o w h e s e e m e d t o r e s e n t h i s father, H e r m e s . S o okay, m a y b e g o d s h a d i m p o r t a n t t h i n g s t o d o . B u t c o u l d n ' t t h e y call o n c e i n a

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while, o r t h u n d e r , o r s o m e t h i n g ? D i o n y s u s c o u l d m a k e D i e t C o k e a p p e a r o u t o f t h i n air. W h y c o u l d n ' t m y d a d , w h o ever he was, m a k e a p h o n e appear?

T h u r s d a y a f t e r n o o n , t h r e e d a y s after I'd arrived a t C a m p H a l f - B l o o d , I h a d m y first s w o r d - f i g h t i n g l e s s o n . E v e r y b o d y f r o m c a b i n eleven g a t h e r e d i n t h e b i g circular arena, where Luke would be our instructor. We started with basic stabbing and slashing, using s o m e s t r a w - s t u f f e d d u m m i e s in G r e e k a r m o r . I guess I d i d okay. A t least, I u n d e r s t o o d w h a t I was s u p p o s e d t o d o a n d m y reflexes were g o o d . T h e p r o b l e m was, I c o u l d n ' t find a b l a d e t h a t felt r i g h t i n m y h a n d s . E i t h e r t h e y were t o o heavy, o r t o o light, o r t o o l o n g . L u k e t r i e d his b e s t t o fix m e u p , b u t h e a g r e e d t h a t n o n e o f t h e p r a c t i c e b l a d e s s e e m e d t o w o r k for m e . We moved on to dueling in pairs. Luke a n n o u n c e d he w o u l d b e m y p a r t n e r , since t h i s was m y first t i m e . " G o o d luck," o n e o f t h e c a m p e r s t o l d m e . " L u k e ' s t h e b e s t s w o r d s m a n i n t h e last t h r e e h u n d r e d years." " M a y b e he'll go easy on m e , " I said. T h e camper snorted. Luke showed me thrusts a n d parries and shield blocks t h e h a r d way. W i t h every swipe, I g o t a little m o r e b a t t e r e d a n d b r u i s e d . " K e e p y o u r g u a r d u p , Percy," he'd say, t h e n w h a p m e i n t h e ribs w i t h t h e f l a t o f h i s b l a d e . " N o , n o t t h a t far u p ! " Whap! " L u n g e ! " Whap! " N o w , back!" Whap! By t h e t i m e he called a b r e a k , I was s o a k e d in sweat. E v e r y b o d y s w a r m e d t h e d r i n k s cooler. L u k e p o u r e d ice

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w a t e r on his h e a d , w h i c h l o o k e d like s u c h a g o o d idea, I d i d the same. Instantly, I felt b e t t e r . S t r e n g t h s u r g e d b a c k i n t o my a r m s . T h e s w o r d d i d n ' t feel s o a w k w a r d . " O k a y , e v e r y b o d y circle u p ! " L u k e o r d e r e d . " I f P e r c y d o e s n ' t m i n d , I w a n t to give y o u a little d e m o . " G r e a t , I t h o u g h t . Let's all w a t c h P e r c y get p o u n d e d . T h e H e r m e s guys g a t h e r e d a r o u n d . T h e y were s u p p r e s s i n g smiles. I figured t h e y ' d b e e n in my s h o e s before a n d c o u l d n ' t wait t o see h o w L u k e u s e d m e for a p u n c h i n g bag. H e t o l d e v e r y b o d y h e was g o i n g t o d e m o n s t r a t e a d i s a r m i n g t e c h n i q u e : h o w t o t w i s t t h e enemy's b l a d e w i t h t h e flat o f y o u r o w n s w o r d s o t h a t h e h a d n o choice b u t t o d r o p his weapon. " T h i s i s difficult," h e stressed. "I've h a d i t u s e d a g a i n s t m e . N o l a u g h i n g a t Percy, now. M o s t s w o r d s m e n have t o w o r k years t o m a s t e r this t e c h n i q u e . " H e d e m o n s t r a t e d t h e m o v e o n m e i n slow m o t i o n . S u r e enough, the sword clattered o u t of my h a n d . " N o w i n real t i m e , " h e said, after I'd retrieved m y w e a p o n . " W e k e e p s p a r r i n g u n t i l o n e o f u s p u l l s i t off. R e a d y , Percy?" I n o d d e d , a n d L u k e c a m e after m e . S o m e h o w , I k e p t h i m f r o m g e t t i n g a s h o t a t t h e h i l t o f m y s w o r d . M y senses o p e n e d u p . I saw h i s a t t a c k s c o m i n g . I c o u n t e r e d . I s t e p p e d f o r w a r d a n d t r i e d a t h r u s t o f m y o w n . L u k e d e f l e c t e d i t easily, b u t I saw a c h a n g e in his face. H i s eyes n a r r o w e d , a n d he s t a r t e d t o p r e s s m e w i t h m o r e force. T h e s w o r d g r e w heavy i n m y h a n d . T h e b a l a n c e wasn't

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r i g h t . I k n e w it was o n l y a m a t t e r of s e c o n d s b e f o r e L u k e t o o k m e d o w n , s o I figured, W h a t t h e heck? I tried the disarming maneuver. M y b l a d e h i t t h e b a s e o f Luke's a n d I t w i s t e d , p u t t i n g my whole weight into a downward thrust.

Clang. Luke's s w o r d r a t t l e d a g a i n s t t h e s t o n e s . T h e t i p o f m y b l a d e was a n i n c h f r o m his u n d e f e n d e d chest. T h e o t h e r c a m p e r s were silent. I l o w e r e d m y s w o r d . " U m , sorry." F o r a m o m e n t , L u k e was t o o s t u n n e d t o s p e a k . " S o r r y ? " H i s s c a r r e d face b r o k e i n t o a g r i n . "By t h e g o d s , Percy, w h y are y o u s o r r y ? S h o w m e t h a t again!" I didn't want to. T h e short burst of manic energy h a d c o m p l e t e l y a b a n d o n e d m e . B u t L u k e insisted. T h i s time,

t h e r e was n o

contest. T h e m o m e n t our

swords connected, Luke hit my hilt a n d sent my weapon s k i d d i n g across t h e floor. After a l o n g p a u s e , s o m e b o d y in t h e a u d i e n c e said, "Beginner's l u c k ? " L u k e w i p e d t h e sweat o f f h i s brow. H e a p p r a i s e d a t m e w i t h a n entirely n e w interest. " M a y b e , " h e said. " B u t I w o n d e r w h a t P e r c y c o u l d do w i t h a b a l a n c e d sword. . . ."

F r i d a y a f t e r n o o n , I was s i t t i n g w i t h G r o v e r at t h e lake, r e s t ing f r o m a n e a r - d e a t h experience o n t h e c l i m b i n g wall. G r o v e r h a d s c a m p e r e d t o t h e t o p like a m o u n t a i n goat, b u t t h e lava h a d a l m o s t g o t t e n m e . M y s h i r t h a d s m o k i n g h o l e s i n it. T h e h a i r s h a d b e e n s i n g e d o f f m y f o r e a r m s .

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W e sat o n t h e pier, w a t c h i n g t h e n a i a d s d o u n d e r w a t e r b a s k e t - w e a v i n g , u n t i l I g o t u p t h e n e r v e t o ask G r o v e r h o w his conversation h a d gone w i t h M r . D . H i s face t u r n e d a sickly s h a d e of yellow. " F i n e , " h e said. " J u s t great." " S o y o u r career's still o n t r a c k ? " H e g l a n c e d a t m e nervously. " C h i r o n t - t o l d y o u I w a n t a searcher's license?" " W e l l . . . no." I h a d no idea w h a t a searcher's license was, b u t i t d i d n ' t s e e m like t h e r i g h t t i m e t o ask. " H e just said y o u h a d big p l a n s , y o u k n o w . . . a n d t h a t y o u n e e d e d credit for c o m p l e t i n g a keeper's a s s i g n m e n t . So d i d y o u get it?" Grover looked d o w n at the naiads. " M r . D suspended j u d g m e n t . H e said I h a d n ' t failed o r s u c c e e d e d w i t h y o u yet, so o u r fates were still t i e d t o g e t h e r . If y o u g o t a q u e s t a n d I w e n t a l o n g t o p r o t e c t you, a n d w e b o t h c a m e b a c k alive, t h e n m a y b e he'd c o n s i d e r t h e j o b c o m p l e t e . " M y s p i r i t s lifted. " W e l l , that's n o t s o b a d , r i g h t ? " "Blaa~ha~ha! H e m i g h t a s well have t r a n s f e r r e d m e t o stable-cleaning duty. T h e chances of y o u g e t t i n g a q u e s t . . . a n d even i f y o u d i d , w h y w o u l d y o u w a n t m e a l o n g ? " " O f c o u r s e I'd w a n t y o u along!" Grover stared g l u m l y i n t o t h e water. "Basket-weaving . . . M u s t be nice to have a useful skill." I t r i e d t o reassure h i m t h a t h e h a d l o t s o f t a l e n t s , b u t t h a t just m a d e h i m look m o r e miserable. W e talked a b o u t c a n o e i n g a n d s w o r d p l a y for a while, t h e n d e b a t e d t h e p r o s a n d c o n s o f t h e different g o d s . Finally, I a s k e d h i m a b o u t t h e four e m p t y c a b i n s .

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" N u m b e r eight, t h e silver o n e , b e l o n g s t o A r t e m i s , " h e said. " S h e v o w e d t o b e a m a i d e n forever. S o o f c o u r s e , n o k i d s . T h e c a b i n is, y o u k n o w , h o n o r a r y . I f s h e d i d n ' t have o n e , she'd b e m a d . " "Yeah, okay. B u t t h e o t h e r t h r e e , t h e o n e s a t t h e e n d . A r e t h o s e t h e Big T h r e e ? " G r o v e r t e n s e d . W e w e r e g e t t i n g close t o a t o u c h y subject. " N o . O n e o f t h e m , n u m b e r t w o , i s H e r a ' s , " h e said. " T h a t ' s a n o t h e r h o n o r a r y t h i n g . She's t h e g o d d e s s o f m a r r i a g e , s o o f c o u r s e s h e w o u l d n ' t g o a r o u n d h a v i n g affairs w i t h m o r tals. T h a t ' s h e r h u s b a n d ' s j o b . W h e n w e say t h e Big T h r e e , we m e a n the three powerful brothers, the sons of Kronos." "Zeus, Poseidon, Hades." " R i g h t . You know. After the great battle with t h e Titans, t h e y t o o k over t h e w o r l d f r o m t h e i r d a d a n d d r e w l o t s t o d e c i d e w h o g o t what." " Z e u s g o t t h e sky," I r e m e m b e r e d . " P o s e i d o n t h e sea, H a d e s the Underworld." "Uh-huh." " B u t H a d e s d o e s n ' t have a c a b i n here." " N o . H e d o e s n ' t have a t h r o n e o n O l y m p u s , either. H e s o r t o f d o e s his o w n t h i n g d o w n i n t h e U n d e r w o r l d . I f h e d i d have a c a b i n h e r e . . ." G r o v e r s h u d d e r e d . " W e l l , it w o u l d n ' t be p l e a s a n t . Let's leave it at that." " B u t Z e u s a n d P o s e i d o n — t h e y b o t h h a d , like, a b a z i l l i o n k i d s i n t h e m y t h s . W h y are t h e i r c a b i n s e m p t y ? " G r o v e r s h i f t e d his h o o v e s u n c o m f o r t a b l y . " A b o u t sixty years ago, after W o r l d W a r II, t h e Big T h r e e a g r e e d t h e y w o u l d n ' t sire any m o r e h e r o e s . T h e i r c h i l d r e n were j u s t t o o

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p o w e r f u l . T h e y were affecting t h e c o u r s e o f h u m a n events t o o m u c h , c a u s i n g t o o m u c h c a r n a g e . W o r l d W a r II, y o u k n o w , t h a t was basically a fight b e t w e e n t h e s o n s o f Z e u s a n d P o s e i d o n o n o n e side, a n d t h e s o n s o f H a d e s o n t h e o t h e r . T h e w i n n i n g side, Z e u s a n d P o s e i d o n , m a d e H a d e s swear a n o a t h w i t h t h e m : n o m o r e affairs w i t h m o r t a l w o m e n . T h e y all swore o n t h e R i v e r Styx." Thunder boomed. I said, " T h a t ' s t h e m o s t s e r i o u s o a t h y o u c a n m a k e . " Grover n o d d e d . "And the brothers kept their w o r d — n o kids?" Grover's face d a r k e n e d . " S e v e n t e e n years ago, Z e u s fell o f f t h e w a g o n . T h e r e was this T V starlet w i t h a b i g f l u f f y eighties h a i r d o — h e j u s t c o u l d n ' t h e l p himself. W h e n t h e i r c h i l d was b o r n , a little girl n a m e d T h a l i a . . . well, t h e R i v e r S t y x i s s e r i o u s a b o u t p r o m i s e s . Z e u s h i m s e l f g o t o f f easy b e c a u s e he's i m m o r t a l , b u t h e b r o u g h t a t e r r i b l e fate o n his daughter." " B u t t h a t isn't fair! It wasn't t h e little girl's fault." G r o v e r h e s i t a t e d . "Percy, c h i l d r e n o f t h e Big T h r e e have p o w e r s g r e a t e r t h a n o t h e r h a l f - b l o o d s . T h e y have a s t r o n g aura, a s c e n t t h a t a t t r a c t s m o n s t e r s . W h e n H a d e s f o u n d o u t a b o u t t h e girl, h e wasn't t o o h a p p y a b o u t Z e u s b r e a k i n g his o a t h . H a d e s let t h e w o r s t m o n s t e r s o u t o f T a r t a r u s t o t o r m e n t T h a l i a . A satyr was a s s i g n e d t o b e h e r k e e p e r w h e n she was twelve, b u t t h e r e was n o t h i n g h e c o u l d d o . H e t r i e d t o e s c o r t h e r h e r e w i t h a c o u p l e o f o t h e r h a l f - b l o o d s she'd b e f r i e n d e d . T h e y a l m o s t m a d e it. T h e y g o t all t h e way t o t h e t o p o f t h a t hill."

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H e p o i n t e d across t h e valley, t o t h e p i n e tree w h e r e I d fought the minotaur.

"All t h r e e K i n d l y O n e s were after

t h e m , along with a h o a r d of h e l l h o u n d s . T h e y were a b o u t t o b e o v e r r u n w h e n T h a l i a t o l d h e r satyr t o t a k e t h e o t h e r t w o h a l f - b l o o d s t o safety while she h e l d o f f t h e m o n s t e r s . S h e was w o u n d e d a n d tired, a n d she d i d n ' t w a n t t o live like a h u n t e d a n i m a l . T h e satyr d i d n ' t w a n t t o leave her, b u t h e couldn't change her m i n d , and he h a d to p r o t e c t the others. S o T h a l i a m a d e h e r final s t a n d a l o n e , a t t h e t o p o f t h a t hill. A s she d i e d , Z e u s t o o k p i t y o n her. H e t u r n e d h e r i n t o t h a t p i n e tree. H e r s p i r i t still h e l p s p r o t e c t t h e b o r d e r s o f t h e valley. T h a t ' s w h y t h e hill is called H a l f - B l o o d H i l l . " I s t a r e d at t h e p i n e in t h e d i s t a n c e . T h e s t o r y m a d e m e feel hollow, a n d guilty t o o . A girl m y age h a d sacrificed h e r s e l f t o save h e r friends. S h e h a d faced a w h o l e a r m y o f m o n s t e r s . N e x t t o t h a t , m y v i c t o r y over t h e M i n o t a u r d i d n ' t s e e m like m u c h . I w o n d e r e d , if I'd a c t e d differently, c o u l d I have saved my m o t h e r ? "Grover," I said, "have h e r o e s really g o n e on q u e s t s to the Underworld?" " S o m e t i m e s , " h e said. " O r p h e u s . H e r c u l e s . H o u d i n i . " "And

have

they

ever

returned

somebody

from

the

dead?" " N o . N e v e r . O r p h e u s c a m e close. . . . Percy, you're n o t seriously t h i n k i n g — " " N o , " I lied. " I was just w o n d e r i n g . S o . . . a satyr i s always a s s i g n e d to g u a r d a d e m i g o d ? " G r o v e r s t u d i e d m e warily. I h a d n ' t p e r s u a d e d h i m t h a t I ' d really d r o p p e d t h e U n d e r w o r l d idea. " N o t always. W e g o

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u n d e r c o v e r t o a l o t o f s c h o o l s . W e t r y t o sniff o u t t h e halfb l o o d s w h o have t h e m a k i n g s o f g r e a t h e r o e s . I f w e f i n d o n e w i t h a very s t r o n g aura, like a c h i l d o f t h e Big T h r e e , w e alert C h i r o n . H e tries t o k e e p a n eye o n t h e m , since t h e y c o u l d cause really h u g e p r o b l e m s . " " A n d y o u f o u n d m e . C h i r o n said y o u t h o u g h t I m i g h t b e s o m e t h i n g special." Grover looked as if Id just led h i m into a trap.

"I

d i d n ' t . . . O h , listen, d o n ' t t h i n k like t h a t . If y o u were—you k n o w — y o u ' d never ever be allowed a q u e s t , a n d I'd never get m y license. You're p r o b a b l y a c h i l d o f H e r m e s . O r m a y b e even o n e o f t h e m i n o r g o d s , like N e m e s i s , t h e g o d o f revenge. D o n ' t w o r r y , o k a y ? " I g o t t h e idea h e was r e a s s u r i n g h i m s e l f m o r e t h a n m e .

T h a t n i g h t after d i n n e r , t h e r e was a l o t m o r e e x c i t e m e n t than usual. At last, it was t i m e for c a p t u r e t h e flag. W h e n t h e p l a t e s were cleared away, t h e c o n c h h o r n s o u n d e d a n d w e all s t o o d a t o u r tables. C a m p e r s yelled a n d c h e e r e d a s A n n a b e t h a n d t w o o f h e r siblings r a n i n t o t h e p a v i l i o n c a r r y i n g a silk b a n n e r . It was a b o u t t e n feet l o n g , g l i s t e n i n g gray, w i t h a p a i n t i n g o f a b a r n o w l above a n olive tree. F r o m t h e o p p o s i t e side o f t h e pavilion, Clarisse a n d h e r b u d d i e s r a n i n w i t h a n o t h e r b a n n e r , o f i d e n t i c a l size, b u t g a u d y red, p a i n t e d w i t h a b l o o d y spear a n d a boar's head. I t u r n e d t o L u k e a n d yelled over t h e n o i s e , " T h o s e are the flags?"

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"Yeah." "Ares a n d A t h e n a always l e a d t h e t e a m s ? " " N o t always," h e said. " B u t often." "So, if another cabin captures one, what do you d o — r e p a i n t t h e flag?" H e g r i n n e d . " Y o u ' l l see. F i r s t w e have t o get o n e . " " W h o s e side are w e o n ? " H e gave m e a sly l o o k , a s i f h e k n e w s o m e t h i n g I d i d n ' t . T h e scar o n h i s face m a d e h i m l o o k a l m o s t evil i n t h e t o r c h l i g h t . " W e ' v e m a d e a t e m p o r a r y alliance w i t h A t h e n a . T o n i g h t , w e get t h e flag f r o m A r e s . A n d you are g o i n g t o help." The

teams

were

announced.

Athena

had

made

an

alliance w i t h A p o l l o a n d H e r m e s , t h e t w o b i g g e s t c a b i n s . Apparently,

privileges

had

been

traded—shower

times,

c h o r e s c h e d u l e s , t h e b e s t slots for a c t i v i t i e s — i n o r d e r t o win support. Ares

had

allied

themselves

with

everybody

else:

Dionysus, Demeter, Aphrodite, and Hephaestus. F r o m what I'd seen, D i o n y s u s ' s k i d s were actually g o o d athletes, b u t t h e r e were o n l y t w o o f t h e m . D e m e t e r ' s k i d s h a d t h e e d g e w i t h n a t u r e skills a n d o u t d o o r stuff, b u t t h e y weren't v e r y aggressive. A p h r o d i t e ' s s o n s a n d d a u g h t e r s I wasn't t o o w o r r i e d a b o u t . T h e y m o s t l y sat o u t every activity a n d c h e c k e d t h e i r reflections i n t h e lake a n d d i d t h e i r h a i r a n d g o s s i p e d . H e p h a e s t u s ' s k i d s weren't pretty, a n d t h e r e were o n l y f o u r o f t h e m , b u t t h e y were b i g a n d b u r l y f r o m w o r k i n g i n t h e m e t a l s h o p all day. T h e y m i g h t b e a p r o b l e m . T h a t , o f c o u r s e , left Ares's c a b i n : a d o z e n of t h e biggest, ugliest,

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m e a n e s t k i d s o n L o n g I s l a n d , o r a n y w h e r e else o n t h e planet. C h i r o n h a m m e r e d his h o o f o n t h e m a r b l e . "Heroes!" he announced.

"You k n o w t h e rules. T h e

creek is t h e b o u n d a r y line. T h e entire forest is fair g a m e . A l l m a g i c i t e m s are allowed. T h e b a n n e r m u s t b e p r o m i n e n t l y displayed, a n d have n o m o r e t h a n t w o g u a r d s . P r i s o n e r s m a y b e d i s a r m e d , b u t m a y n o t b e b o u n d o r gagged. N o k i l l i n g or m a i m i n g is allowed. I will serve as referee a n d battlefield m e d i c . A r m yourselves!" H e s p r e a d h i s h a n d s , a n d t h e tables were s u d d e n l y covered

with

equipment:

helmets,

bronze

swords,

spears,

oxhide shields coated in metal. " W h o a , " I said. " W e ' r e really s u p p o s e d t o use t h e s e ? " L u k e l o o k e d at me as if I were crazy. " U n l e s s y o u w a n t t o get skewered b y y o u r friends i n c a b i n f i v e . H e r e — C h i r o n t h o u g h t these would fit. You'll be on border patrol." M y s h i e l d was t h e size o f a n N B A b a c k b o a r d , w i t h a big caduceus in the middle. It weighed a b o u t a million p o u n d s . I c o u l d have s n o w b o a r d e d o n i t f i n e , b u t I h o p e d n o b o d y seriously e x p e c t e d m e t o r u n fast. M y h e l m e t , like all t h e h e l m e t s o n A t h e n a ' s side, h a d a b l u e h o r s e h a i r p l u m e o n t o p . A r e s a n d t h e i r allies h a d r e d p l u m e s . A n n a b e t h yelled, "Blue t e a m , f o r w a r d ! " W e c h e e r e d a n d s h o o k o u r s w o r d s a n d followed h e r d o w n t h e p a t h t o t h e s o u t h w o o d s . T h e r e d t e a m yelled taunts at us as they headed off toward the north. I managed to catch up with A n n a b e t h w i t h o u t tripping over m y e q u i p m e n t . " H e y . "

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She kept marching. " S o what's t h e p l a n ? " I a s k e d . " G o t any m a g i c i t e m s y o u can loan me?" H e r h a n d d r i f t e d t o w a r d h e r p o c k e t , a s i f she were afraid I'd s t o l e n s o m e t h i n g . "Just w a t c h Clarisse's spear," she said. " Y o u d o n ' t w a n t t h a t thing touching you. Otherwise, don't worry. We'll take t h e b a n n e r f r o m A r e s . H a s L u k e given y o u y o u r j o b ? " "Border patrol, whatever t h a t means." "It's easy. S t a n d by t h e creek, k e e p t h e r e d s away. Leave t h e rest t o m e . A t h e n a always h a s a p l a n . " S h e p u s h e d a h e a d , leaving m e i n t h e d u s t . "Okay," I m u m b l e d . " G l a d y o u w a n t e d m e o n y o u r team." I t was a w a r m , sticky n i g h t . T h e w o o d s were d a r k , w i t h fireflies p o p p i n g i n a n d o u t o f view. A n n a b e t h s t a t i o n e d m e n e x t to a little creek t h a t g u r g l e d over s o m e r o c k s , t h e n she a n d t h e rest o f t h e t e a m s c a t t e r e d i n t o t h e trees. Standing there alone, with my big blue-feathered helmet a n d m y h u g e shield, I felt like a n i d i o t . T h e b r o n z e sword, like all t h e s w o r d s I'd t r i e d so far, s e e m e d b a l a n c e d w r o n g . T h e l e a t h e r g r i p p u l l e d o n m y h a n d like a b o w l i n g ball. T h e r e was n o way a n y b o d y w o u l d actually a t t a c k m e , w o u l d they? I m e a n , O l y m p u s h a d t o have liability issues, right? F a r away, t h e c o n c h h o r n blew. I h e a r d w h o o p s a n d yells i n t h e w o o d s , t h e c l a n k i n g o f m e t a l , k i d s fighting. A b l u e p l u m e d ally f r o m A p o l l o r a c e d p a s t me like a deer, l e a p e d t h r o u g h t h e creek, a n d d i s a p p e a r e d i n t o e n e m y t e r r i t o r y . G r e a t , I t h o u g h t . I'll m i s s all t h e fun, as u s u a l .

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T h e n I h e a r d a s o u n d t h a t s e n t a chill up my s p i n e , a l o w c a n i n e g r o w l , s o m e w h e r e close by. I raised my s h i e l d instinctively; I h a d t h e feeling s o m e t h i n g was s t a l k i n g m e . T h e n t h e g r o w l i n g s t o p p e d . I felt t h e p r e s e n c e r e t r e a t ing. O n t h e o t h e r side o f t h e creek, t h e u n d e r b r u s h exp l o d e d . Five A r e s w a r r i o r s c a m e yelling a n d s c r e a m i n g o u t of the dark. " C r e a m t h e p u n k ! " Clarisse s c r e a m e d . H e r ugly p i g eyes glared t h r o u g h t h e slits o f h e r h e l m e t . S h e b r a n d i s h e d a five-foot-long spear, its b a r b e d m e t a l t i p f l i c k e r i n g w i t h r e d light. H e r siblings h a d o n l y t h e s t a n d a r d issue b r o n z e s w o r d s — n o t t h a t t h a t m a d e m e feel any better. T h e y c h a r g e d across t h e s t r e a m . T h e r e was n o h e l p i n sight. I c o u l d r u n . O r I c o u l d d e f e n d m y s e l f a g a i n s t h a l f t h e Ares cabin. I m a n a g e d t o s i d e s t e p t h e first kid's s w i n g , b u t t h e s e g u y s were n o t a s s t u p i d t h e M i n o t a u r . T h e y s u r r o u n d e d m e , a n d Clarisse t h r u s t a t m e w i t h h e r spear. M y s h i e l d d e f l e c t e d t h e p o i n t , b u t I felt a p a i n f u l t i n g l i n g all over my body. M y hair s t o o d o n end. M y shield a r m went n u m b , a n d t h e air b u r n e d . Electricity. H e r s t u p i d s p e a r was electric. I fell b a c k . A n o t h e r A r e s g u y s l a m m e d m e i n t h e chest w i t h t h e b u t t o f his s w o r d a n d I h i t t h e d i r t . T h e y c o u l d ' v e k i c k e d m e i n t o jelly, b u t t h e y were t o o busy laughing. " G i v e h i m a haircut," Clarisse said. " G r a b his hair."

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I m a n a g e d to get to my feet. I r a i s e d my sword, b u t Clarisse s l a m m e d i t aside w i t h h e r s p e a r a s s p a r k s f l e w . N o w b o t h m y a r m s felt n u m b . " O h , wow," Clarisse said. " I ' m scared o f t h i s guy. Really scared." " T h e flag is t h a t way," I t o l d her. I w a n t e d to s o u n d angry, b u t I was afraid it d i d n ' t c o m e o u t t h a t way. "Yeah," o n e o f h e r siblings said. " B u t see, w e d o n ' t care a b o u t t h e f l a g . W e care a b o u t a g u y w h o m a d e o u r c a b i n l o o k stupid." "You do that w i t h o u t my help," I t o l d t h e m . It p r o b a bly wasn't t h e s m a r t e s t t h i n g t o say. T w o o f t h e m c a m e a t m e . I b a c k e d u p t o w a r d t h e creek, t r i e d t o raise m y shield, b u t Clarisse was t o o fast. H e r s p e a r stuck me straight in t h e ribs. If I hadn't been wearing an a r m o r e d b r e a s t p l a t e , I w o u l d ' v e b e e n s h i s h - k e - b a b b e d . As it was, t h e electric p o i n t just a b o u t s h o c k e d m y t e e t h o u t o f m y m o u t h . O n e o f h e r c a b i n m a t e s slashed his s w o r d across my a r m , leaving a g o o d - s i z e c u t . Seeing m y o w n b l o o d m a d e m e d i z z y — w a r m a n d c o l d at the same time. " N o m a i m i n g , " I m a n a g e d t o say. " O o p s , " t h e g u y said. " G u e s s I l o s t m y d e s s e r t p r i v i lege. H e p u s h e d m e i n t o t h e creek a n d I l a n d e d w i t h a s p l a s h . T h e y all l a u g h e d . I figured as s o o n as t h e y were t h r o u g h b e i n g a m u s e d , I w o u l d die. B u t t h e n s o m e t h i n g h a p p e n e d . T h e w a t e r s e e m e d t o wake u p m y senses, a s i f I'd j u s t h a d a b a g o f m y m o m ' s d o u b l e - e s p r e s s o jelly b e a n s .

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Clarisse a n d h e r c a b i n m a t e s c a m e i n t o t h e creek t o get me, b u t I s t o o d to meet them. I k n e w what to do. I swung the

flat

o f m y s w o r d against t h e

first guy's h e a d a n d

k n o c k e d his h e l m e t clean off. I h i t h i m so h a r d I c o u l d see h i s eyes v i b r a t i n g a s h e c r u m p l e d i n t o t h e water. Ugly N u m b e r Two and Ugly N u m b e r T h r e e came at m e . I s l a m m e d o n e i n t h e face w i t h m y shield a n d u s e d m y s w o r d t o shear o f f t h e o t h e r guy's h o r s e h a i r p l u m e . B o t h o f t h e m backed u p quick. Ugly N u m b e r F o u r didn't l o o k really a n x i o u s t o a t t a c k , b u t Clarisse k e p t c o m i n g , t h e p o i n t o f h e r s p e a r c r a c k l i n g w i t h energy. A s s o o n a s she t h r u s t , I c a u g h t t h e shaft b e t w e e n t h e edge o f m y s h i e l d a n d m y sword, a n d I s n a p p e d it like a twig. "Ah!" s h e s c r e a m e d .

"You

idiot! You corpse-breath

worm!" S h e p r o b a b l y w o u l d ' v e said w o r s e , b u t I s m a c k e d h e r b e t w e e n t h e eyes w i t h m y s w o r d - b u t t a n d s e n t h e r s t u m b l i n g b a c k w a r d o u t o f t h e creek. T h e n I h e a r d yelling, e l a t e d s c r e a m s , a n d I saw L u k e r a c i n g t o w a r d t h e b o u n d a r y line w i t h t h e r e d t e a m ' s b a n n e r lifted h i g h . H e was f l a n k e d b y a c o u p l e o f H e r m e s guys covering h i s retreat, a n d a few A p o l l o s b e h i n d t h e m , fighti n g o f f t h e H e p h a e s t u s k i d s . T h e A r e s folks g o t u p , a n d Clarisse m u t t e r e d a d a z e d curse. "A trick!" she s h o u t e d . " I t was a trick." They

staggered

after

Luke,

but

it

was

too

late.

E v e r y b o d y c o n v e r g e d o n t h e creek a s L u k e r a n across i n t o friendly t e r r i t o r y . O u r side e x p l o d e d i n t o cheers. T h e r e d b a n n e r s h i m m e r e d a n d t u r n e d t o silver. T h e b o a r a n d s p e a r

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were r e p l a c e d w i t h a h u g e c a d u c e u s , t h e s y m b o l o f c a b i n eleven. E v e r y b o d y o n t h e b l u e t e a m p i c k e d u p L u k e a n d started carrying h i m around on their shoulders. C h i r o n cantered o u t from the woods and blew the conch h o r n . T h e g a m e was over. W e d w o n . I was a b o u t t o j o i n t h e c e l e b r a t i o n w h e n A n n a b e t h ' s voice, r i g h t n e x t t o m e i n t h e creek, said, " N o t b a d , hero." I l o o k e d , b u t she wasn't t h e r e . " W h e r e t h e h e c k d i d y o u l e a r n t o fight like t h a t ? " she asked. T h e air s h i m m e r e d , a n d s h e m a t e r i a l i z e d , h o l d i n g a Yankees baseball c a p as if she'd just t a k e n it o f f h e r h e a d . I felt m y s e l f g e t t i n g angry. I wasn't even f a z e d by t h e fact t h a t she'd j u s t b e e n invisible. " Y o u set me u p , " I said. " Y o u p u t m e h e r e b e c a u s e y o u k n e w Clarisse w o u l d c o m e after m e , while y o u s e n t L u k e a r o u n d t h e flank. Y o u h a d i t all figured out." A n n a b e t h s h r u g g e d . " I t o l d y o u . A t h e n a always, always has a plan." " A p l a n t o get m e p u l v e r i z e d . " "I c a m e as fast as I c o u l d . I was a b o u t to j u m p in, b u t . . ." S h e s h r u g g e d . " Y o u d i d n ' t n e e d help." T h e n she n o t i c e d m y w o u n d e d a r m . " H o w d i d y o u d o that?" " S w o r d cut," I said. " W h a t d o y o u t h i n k ? " " N o . It was a s w o r d c u t . L o o k at it." The

blood

was

gone.

Where

the

huge

cut

had

b e e n , t h e r e was a l o n g w h i t e scratch, a n d even t h a t was fading. As I w a t c h e d , it t u r n e d i n t o a s m a l l scar, a n d d i s a p peared.

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" I — I d o n ' t get it," I said. A n n a b e t h was t h i n k i n g h a r d . I c o u l d a l m o s t see t h e gears t u r n i n g . S h e l o o k e d d o w n a t m y feet, t h e n a t Clarisse's b r o k e n spear, a n d said, " S t e p o u t o f t h e water, Percy." "What—" "Just do it." I c a m e o u t o f t h e creek a n d i m m e d i a t e l y felt b o n e tired. M y a r m s s t a r t e d t o g o n u m b again. M y a d r e n a l i n e r u s h left m e . I a l m o s t fell over, b u t A n n a b e t h s t e a d i e d m e . " O h , Styx," she c u r s e d . " T h i s is not g o o d . I d i d n ' t w a n t . . . I a s s u m e d it w o u l d be Z e u s . . . ." Before I c o u l d ask w h a t s h e m e a n t , I h e a r d t h a t c a n i n e g r o w l again, b u t m u c h closer t h a n b e f o r e . A h o w l r i p p e d t h r o u g h t h e forest. T h e c a m p e r s ' c h e e r i n g d i e d instantly. C h i r o n s h o u t e d s o m e t h i n g i n A n c i e n t G r e e k , w h i c h I w o u l d realize, o n l y later, I h a d u n d e r s t o o d perfectly: "Stand ready! My bow!" A n n a b e t h drew her sword. T h e r e o n t h e r o c k s j u s t above u s was a black h o u n d t h e size of a r h i n o , w i t h lava-red eyes a n d fangs

like

daggers. I t was l o o k i n g s t r a i g h t a t m e . N o b o d y m o v e d except A n n a b e t h , w h o yelled, "Percy, run!" S h e t r i e d t o s t e p i n f r o n t o f m e , b u t t h e h o u n d was t o o fast. I t l e a p e d over h e r — a n e n o r m o u s s h a d o w w i t h t e e t h — a n d j u s t as it h i t m e , as I s t u m b l e d b a c k w a r d a n d felt its r a z o r - s h a r p claws r i p p i n g t h r o u g h m y a r m o r , t h e r e was a cascade o f t h w a c k i n g s o u n d s , like f o r t y pieces o f p a p e r

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b e i n g r i p p e d o n e after t h e o t h e r . F r o m t h e h o u n d ' s n e c k s p r o u t e d a c l u s t e r o f a r r o w s . T h e m o n s t e r fell d e a d a t m y feet. By s o m e m i r a c l e , I was still alive. I d i d n ' t w a n t to l o o k u n d e r n e a t h t h e r u i n s o f m y s h r e d d e d a r m o r . M y chest felt w a r m a n d wet, a n d I k n e w I was b a d l y c u t . A n o t h e r s e c o n d , a n d the m o n s t e r would've t u r n e d me into a h u n d r e d p o u n d s o f delicatessen m e a t . C h i r o n t r o t t e d u p n e x t t o u s , a b o w i n his h a n d , h i s face grim. "Di

immortahs!" A n n a b e t h

said.

"That's

a

hellhound

f r o m t h e F i e l d s of P u n i s h m e n t . T h e y d o n ' t . . . they're n o t s u p p o s e d to . . ." " S o m e o n e s u m m o n e d it," C h i r o n said. " S o m e o n e inside the camp." L u k e c a m e over, t h e b a n n e r i n his h a n d f o r g o t t e n , h i s m o m e n t of glory gone. Clarisse yelled, "It's all Percy's fault! Percy s u m m o n e d it!" "Be q u i e t , child," C h i r o n t o l d her. We

watched the

body of the

hellhound melt

into

shadow, soaking into the g r o u n d until it disappeared. "You're w o u n d e d , " A n n a b e t h t o l d m e . " Q u i c k , Percy, get in t h e water." " I ' m okay." " N o , you're n o t , " s h e said. " C h i r o n , w a t c h this." I was t o o t i r e d to argue. I s t e p p e d b a c k i n t o t h e creek, the whole camp gathering around me. Instantly, I felt b e t t e r . I c o u l d feel t h e c u t s on my c h e s t closing u p . S o m e o f t h e c a m p e r s g a s p e d .

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" L o o k , I — I d o n ' t k n o w why," I said, t r y i n g t o a p o l o g i z e . " I ' m sorry. . . ." B u t t h e y weren't w a t c h i n g m y w o u n d s heal. T h e y were s t a r i n g a t s o m e t h i n g above m y h e a d . "Percy," A n n a b e t h said, p o i n t i n g . "Um . . ." B y t h e t i m e I l o o k e d u p , t h e sign was already fading, b u t I c o u l d still m a k e o u t t h e h o l o g r a m o f g r e e n light, s p i n n i n g a n d g l e a m i n g . A t h r e e - t i p p e d spear: a t r i d e n t . " Y o u r father," A n n a b e t h m u r m u r e d . " T h i s i s really n o t good." "It is determined," Chiron announced. All a r o u n d m e , c a m p e r s s t a r t e d k n e e l i n g , even t h e A r e s cabin, t h o u g h t h e y

didn't

l o o k h a p p y a b o u t it.

" M y father?" I asked, c o m p l e t e l y b e w i l d e r e d . " P o s e i d o n , " said C h i r o n .

"Earthshaker, Stormbringer,

F a t h e r o f H o r s e s . H a i l , P e r s e u s J a c k s o n , S o n o f t h e Sea God."

[126]

T h e next m o r n i n g , C h i r o n m o v e d m e t o c a b i n t h r e e . I d i d n ' t have to s h a r e w i t h a n y b o d y . I h a d p l e n t y of r o o m for all m y stuff: t h e M i n o t a u r ' s h o r n , o n e set o f s p a r e c l o t h e s , a n d a t o i l e t r y bag. I g o t to sit at my o w n d i n n e r table, p i c k all m y o w n activities, call " l i g h t s o u t " w h e n e v e r I felt like it, a n d n o t listen to a n y b o d y else. A n d I was a b s o l u t e l y m i s e r a b l e . Just w h e n I'd s t a r t e d to feel a c c e p t e d , to feel I h a d a h o m e in c a b i n eleven a n d I m i g h t be a n o r m a l k i d — o r as n o r m a l a s y o u can b e w h e n you're a h a l f - b l o o d — I ' d b e e n s e p a r a t e d o u t as if I h a d s o m e rare disease. N o b o d y m e n t i o n e d t h e h e l l h o u n d , b u t I g o t t h e feeling t h e y were all t a l k i n g a b o u t i t b e h i n d m y back. T h e a t t a c k h a d scared everybody. I t s e n t t w o messages: o n e , t h a t I was t h e s o n o f t h e Sea G o d ; a n d t w o , m o n s t e r s w o u l d s t o p a t n o t h i n g t o kill m e . T h e y c o u l d even invade a c a m p t h a t h a d always b e e n c o n s i d e r e d safe. T h e o t h e r c a m p e r s steered clear o f m e a s m u c h a s p o s s i ble. C a b i n eleven was t o o n e r v o u s to have s w o r d class w i t h me after w h a t I'd d o n e to t h e Ares folks in t h e w o o d s , so my lessons w i t h L u k e b e c a m e o n e - o n - o n e . H e p u s h e d m e h a r d e r t h a n ever, a n d wasn't afraid t o b r u i s e m e u p i n t h e process.

[127]

"You're g o i n g t o n e e d all t h e t r a i n i n g y o u can get," h e p r o m i s e d , a s w e were w o r k i n g w i t h s w o r d s a n d f l a m i n g t o r c h e s . " N o w let's t r y t h a t v i p e r - b e h e a d i n g strike again. Fifty m o r e r e p e t i t i o n s . " A n n a b e t h still t a u g h t m e G r e e k i n t h e m o r n i n g s , b u t she s e e m e d d i s t r a c t e d . E v e r y t i m e I said s o m e t h i n g , she s c o w l e d a t m e , a s i f I'd j u s t p o k e d h e r b e t w e e n t h e eyes. After lessons, she w o u l d walk away m u t t e r i n g t o herself: " Q u e s t . . . P o s e i d o n ? . . . D i r t y r o t t e n . . . G o t to m a k e a p l a n . . ." E v e n Clarisse k e p t h e r d i s t a n c e , t h o u g h h e r v e n o m o u s l o o k s m a d e i t clear she w a n t e d t o kill m e for b r e a k i n g h e r m a g i c spear. I w i s h e d she w o u l d j u s t yell o r p u n c h m e o r s o m e t h i n g . I'd r a t h e r get i n t o fights every day t h a n b e ignored.

I k n e w s o m e b o d y at c a m p resented me, because o n e night I came into my cabin and found a m o r t a l newspaper d r o p p e d inside t h e d o o r w a y ,

a c o p y of t h e New York Daily News,

o p e n e d t o t h e M e t r o p a g e . T h e article t o o k m e a l m o s t a n h o u r t o read, b e c a u s e t h e a n g r i e r I g o t , t h e m o r e t h e w o r d s floated a r o u n d on the page.

BOY AND M O T H E R STILL MISSING AFTER FREAK CAR ACCIDENT BY EILEEN SMYTHE

Sally Jackson and son Percy are still missing one w e e k after their mysterious

disappearance. T h e family's

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badly burned ' 7 8 C a m a r o w a s discovered last Saturday on a north L o n g Island road with the roof ripped off and the front axle broken. T h e car had flipped and skidded for several h u n d r e d feet before exploding. M o t h e r and son had gone for a w e e k e n d vacation to M o n t a u k , but left hastily, under mysterious circumstances. Small traces of blood were found in the car and near the scene of the wreck, but there were no other signs of the missing Jacksons. Residents in the rural area reported seeing nothing unusual around the time of the accident. M s . J a c k s o n ' s husband, G a b e Ugliano, claims that his stepson, Percy Jackson, is a troubled child w h o has b e e n kicked out of n u m e r o u s boarding schools and has expressed violent tendencies in the past. Police would not say whether son Percy is a suspect in his m o t h e r ' s disappearance, but they have not ruled out foul play. B e l o w are recent pictures of Sally Jackson and Percy. Police urge anyone with information to call the following

toll-free c r i m e - s t o p p e r s

hotline.

T h e p h o n e n u m b e r was circled i n b l a c k m a r k e r . I w a d d e d u p t h e p a p e r a n d t h r e w i t away, t h e n f l o p p e d d o w n in my b u n k b e d in the m i d d l e of my e m p t y cabin. " L i g h t s o u t , " I t o l d m y s e l f miserably.

T h a t n i g h t , I h a d m y w o r s t d r e a m yet. I was r u n n i n g a l o n g t h e b e a c h in a s t o r m . T h i s t i m e ,

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t h e r e was a city b e h i n d m e . N o t N e w Y o r k . T h e s p r a w l was different: b u i l d i n g s s p r e a d f a r t h e r a p a r t , p a l m trees a n d l o w hills i n t h e d i s t a n c e . A b o u t a h u n d r e d yards d o w n t h e surf, t w o m e n were fighting. T h e y l o o k e d like T V wrestlers, m u s c u l a r , w i t h b e a r d s a n d l o n g hair. B o t h w o r e f l o w i n g G r e e k t u n i c s , o n e t r i m m e d in blue, the other in green. T h e y g r a p p l e d w i t h each o t h e r , w r e s t l e d , k i c k e d a n d h e a d - b u t t e d , a n d every t i m e t h e y c o n n e c t e d , l i g h t n i n g f l a s h e d , t h e sky g r e w darker, a n d the w i n d rose. I h a d to s t o p t h e m . I d i d n ' t k n o w why. B u t t h e h a r d e r I r a n , t h e m o r e t h e w i n d b l e w m e back, u n t i l I was r u n n i n g i n p l a c e , m y heels d i g g i n g uselessly i n t h e s a n d . Over the roar of the storm, I could hear the blue-robed o n e yelling at t h e g r e e n - r o b e d o n e , Give it back! Give it back! L i k e a k i n d e r g a r t n e r f i g h t i n g over a toy. T h e waves g o t bigger, c r a s h i n g i n t o t h e b e a c h , s p r a y i n g m e w i t h salt. I yelled, Stop it! Stop fighting! T h e g r o u n d shook. Laughter came from somewhere u n d e r t h e e a r t h , a n d a voice s o d e e p a n d evil i t t u r n e d m y b l o o d t o ice. Come down, little hero, t h e voice c r o o n e d . Come down! T h e s a n d split b e n e a t h m e , o p e n i n g u p a crevice s t r a i g h t d o w n t o t h e c e n t e r o f t h e e a r t h . M y feet s l i p p e d , a n d d a r k ness swallowed m e . I w o k e u p , sure I was falling. I was still i n b e d i n c a b i n t h r e e . M y b o d y t o l d m e i t was m o r n i n g , b u t i t was d a r k o u t s i d e , a n d t h u n d e r r o l l e d across

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t h e hills. A s t o r m was b r e w i n g . I h a d n ' t d r e a m e d t h a t . I h e a r d a c l o p p i n g s o u n d at t h e d o o r , a h o o f k n o c k i n g on the threshold. " C o m e in?" G r o v e r t r o t t e d inside, l o o k i n g w o r r i e d . " M r . D w a n t s t o see you." "Why?" " H e w a n t s t o k i l l . . . I m e a n , I'd b e t t e r let h i m tell you." N e r v o u s l y , I g o t d r e s s e d a n d followed, sure t h a t I was in huge trouble. F o r days, I'd b e e n h a l f e x p e c t i n g a s u m m o n s t o t h e Big H o u s e . N o w t h a t I was d e c l a r e d a s o n o f P o s e i d o n , o n e o f t h e Big T h r e e g o d s w h o weren't s u p p o s e d t o have k i d s , I f i g u r e d i t was a c r i m e for m e just t o b e alive. T h e o t h e r g o d s h a d p r o b a b l y b e e n d e b a t i n g t h e b e s t way t o p u n i s h m e for existing, a n d n o w M r . D was r e a d y t o deliver t h e i r verdict. O v e r L o n g I s l a n d S o u n d , t h e sky l o o k e d like i n k s o u p c o m i n g t o a b o i l . A h a z y c u r t a i n o f r a i n was c o m i n g i n o u r d i r e c t i o n . I a s k e d G r o v e r if we n e e d e d an u m b r e l l a . " N o , " h e said. " I t never r a i n s h e r e u n l e s s w e w a n t i t to." I p o i n t e d at the storm. " W h a t the heck is that, then?" H e g l a n c e d uneasily a t t h e sky. " I t ' l l p a s s a r o u n d u s . B a d w e a t h e r always does." I realized he was r i g h t . In t h e w e e k I'd b e e n h e r e , it h a d never even b e e n overcast. T h e few r a i n c l o u d s I'd seen h a d s k i r t e d r i g h t a r o u n d t h e edges o f t h e valley. B u t this s t o r m . . . this o n e was h u g e . A t t h e volleyball pit, t h e k i d s f r o m A p o l l o ' s c a b i n were p l a y i n g a m o r n i n g g a m e against t h e satyrs. D i o n y s u s ' s t w i n s

[131]

were w a l k i n g a r o u n d i n t h e s t r a w b e r r y f i e l d s , m a k i n g t h e p l a n t s grow. E v e r y b o d y was g o i n g a b o u t t h e i r n o r m a l b u s i ness, b u t t h e y l o o k e d t e n s e . T h e y k e p t t h e i r eyes o n t h e storm. G r o v e r a n d I w a l k e d u p t o t h e f r o n t p o r c h o f t h e Big H o u s e . D i o n y s u s sat a t t h e p i n o c h l e t a b l e i n his tigers t r i p e d H a w a i i a n s h i r t w i t h his D i e t C o k e , j u s t a s h e h a d o n m y f i r s t day. C h i r o n sat across t h e t a b l e i n h i s fake w h e e l chair. T h e y were p l a y i n g a g a i n s t invisible o p p o n e n t s — t w o sets o f cards h o v e r i n g i n t h e air. " W e l l , well," M r . D said w i t h o u t l o o k i n g u p .

"Our

little celebrity." I waited. " C o m e closer," M r . D said. " A n d d o n ' t e x p e c t m e t o k o w t o w to you, m o r t a l , just because old Barnacle-Beard is y o u r father." A n e t o f l i g h t n i n g f l a s h e d across t h e c l o u d s . T h u n d e r shook the windows of the house. "Blah, b l a h , blah," D i o n y s u s said. C h i r o n feigned i n t e r e s t i n his p i n o c h l e cards. G r o v e r c o w e r e d b y t h e railing, his h o o v e s c l o p p i n g b a c k a n d f o r t h . " I f I h a d m y way," D i o n y s u s said, " I w o u l d cause y o u r m o l e c u l e s t o e r u p t i n f l a m e s . W e ' d sweep u p t h e ashes a n d b e d o n e w i t h a l o t o f t r o u b l e . B u t C h i r o n s e e m s t o feel this w o u l d be against my mission at this cursed c a m p : to keep y o u little b r a t s safe f r o m h a r m . " " S p o n t a n e o u s c o m b u s t i o n i s a f o r m o f h a r m , M r . D," C h i r o n p u t in. " N o n s e n s e , " D i o n y s u s said. " B o y w o u l d n ' t feel a t h i n g .

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N e v e r t h e l e s s , I've a g r e e d t o r e s t r a i n myself. I ' m t h i n k i n g o f t u r n i n g you into a d o l p h i n instead, sending you back to y o u r father." "Mr. D — " Chiron warned. " O h , all right," D i o n y s u s r e l e n t e d . " T h e r e ' s o n e m o r e o p t i o n . B u t it's d e a d l y foolishness." D i o n y s u s r o s e , a n d t h e invisible players' c a r d s d r o p p e d t o t h e table. " I ' m o f f t o O l y m p u s for t h e e m e r g e n c y m e e t i n g . I f t h e b o y i s still h e r e w h e n I get b a c k , I'll t u r n h i m i n t o a n A t l a n t i c b o t t l e n o s e . D o y o u u n d e r s t a n d ? A n d P e r s e u s Jackson, i f you're a t all s m a r t , y o u ' l l see that's a m u c h m o r e sensible c h o i c e t h a n w h a t C h i r o n feels y o u m u s t d o . " D i o n y s u s p i c k e d up a p l a y i n g card, t w i s t e d it, a n d it b e c a m e a plastic rectangle. A credit card? N o . A security pass. H e s n a p p e d his fingers. T h e air s e e m e d t o fold a n d b e n d a r o u n d h i m . H e b e c a m e a h o l o g r a m , t h e n a w i n d , t h e n he was g o n e , leaving o n l y t h e smell o f f r e s h - p r e s s e d g r a p e s l i n g e r i n g b e h i n d . C h i r o n smiled at me, but he looked tired and strained. "Sit, Percy, please. A n d Grover." W e did. C h i r o n laid his cards o n t h e table, a w i n n i n g h a n d h e h a d n ' t g o t t e n t o use. " T e l l m e , Percy," h e said. " W h a t d i d y o u m a k e o f t h e hellhound?" Just hearing the n a m e m a d e me shudder. C h i r o n p r o b a b l y w a n t e d me to say, Heck, it was nothing. I eat hellhounds for breakfast. B u t I d i d n ' t feel like lying. " I t scared m e , " I said. " I f y o u h a d n ' t s h o t it, I'd be dead."

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" Y o u ' l l m e e t worse, Percy. F a r worse, b e f o r e you're done." " D o n e . . . with what?" " Y o u r q u e s t , o f c o u r s e . W i l l y o u a c c e p t it?" I g l a n c e d at Grover, w h o was c r o s s i n g his fingers. " U m , sir," I said, " y o u haven't t o l d me w h a t it is yet." Chiron

grimaced.

"Well,

that's

the

hard part,

the

details." T h u n d e r r u m b l e d across t h e valley. T h e s t o r m c l o u d s h a d n o w r e a c h e d t h e edge of t h e b e a c h . As far as I c o u l d see, t h e sky a n d t h e sea were b o i l i n g t o g e t h e r . " P o s e i d o n a n d Z e u s , " I said.

" T h e y ' r e fighting over

s o m e t h i n g valuable . . . s o m e t h i n g t h a t was s t o l e n , aren't they?" C h i r o n and Grover exchanged looks. C h i r o n sat f o r w a r d i n his wheelchair. " H o w d i d y o u know that?" My face felt h o t . I w i s h e d I h a d n ' t o p e n e d my big m o u t h . " T h e w e a t h e r s i n c e C h r i s t m a s h a s b e e n weird, like t h e sea a n d t h e sky are fighting. T h e n I t a l k e d t o A n n a b e t h , a n d she'd o v e r h e a r d s o m e t h i n g a b o u t a theft. A n d . . . I've also b e e n h a v i n g t h e s e d r e a m s . " " I k n e w it," G r o v e r said. " H u s h , satyr," C h i r o n o r d e r e d . " B u t it is h i s quest!" Grover's eyes were b r i g h t w i t h excitement. "It m u s t be!" " O n l y t h e O r a c l e can d e t e r m i n e . " C h i r o n s t r o k e d h i s bristly b e a r d . " N e v e r t h e l e s s , Percy, y o u are c o r r e c t . Y o u r father a n d Z e u s are h a v i n g t h e i r w o r s t q u a r r e l i n c e n t u r i e s .

[134]

T h e y are fighting over s o m e t h i n g valuable t h a t was s t o l e n . To be precise: a l i g h t n i n g b o l t . " I l a u g h e d nervously. "A what?" " D o n o t t a k e t h i s lightly," C h i r o n w a r n e d .

"I'm not

t a l k i n g a b o u t s o m e tinfoil-covered z i g z a g y o u ' d see in a s e c o n d - g r a d e play. I ' m t a l k i n g a b o u t a t w o - f o o t - l o n g c y l i n d e r o f h i g h - g r a d e celestial b r o n z e , c a p p e d o n b o t h e n d s w i t h god-level explosives." "Oh." " Z e u s ' s m a s t e r b o l t , " C h i r o n said, g e t t i n g w o r k e d u p now. " T h e s y m b o l o f his power, f r o m w h i c h all o t h e r l i g h t n i n g b o l t s are p a t t e r n e d . T h e first w e a p o n m a d e b y t h e C y c l o p e s for t h e war against t h e T i t a n s , t h e b o l t t h a t sheered the

top

off M o u n t Etna and hurled Kronos

from his

throne; the master bolt, which packs enough power to make m o r t a l h y d r o g e n b o m b s l o o k like firecrackers." " A n d it's m i s s i n g ? " " S t o l e n , " C h i r o n said. "By w h o ? " "By whom" C h i r o n c o r r e c t e d . O n c e a teacher, always a teacher. "By you." M y m o u t h fell o p e n . "At l e a s t " — C h i r o n held up a h a n d — " t h a t ' s what Z e u s t h i n k s . D u r i n g t h e w i n t e r solstice, a t t h e last c o u n c i l o f t h e gods, Zeus

and Poseidon had an argument. T h e usual

n o n s e n s e : ' M o t h e r R h e a always liked y o u best,' A i r d i s asters are m o r e s p e c t a c u l a r t h a n sea disasters,' et cetera. A f t e r w a r d , Z e u s realized his m a s t e r b o l t was m i s s i n g , t a k e n f r o m t h e t h r o n e r o o m u n d e r h i s very n o s e . H e i m m e d i a t e l y

[135]

b l a m e d P o s e i d o n . N o w , a g o d c a n n o t u s u r p a n o t h e r god's symbol of power directly—that is forbidden by the m o s t a n c i e n t o f divine laws. B u t Z e u s believes y o u r father c o n v i n c e d a h u m a n h e r o to take it." "But I d i d n ' t — " " P a t i e n c e a n d listen, child," C h i r o n said.

"Zeus has

g o o d r e a s o n t o b e s u s p i c i o u s . T h e forges o f t h e C y c l o p e s are u n d e r t h e o c e a n , w h i c h gives P o s e i d o n s o m e i n f l u e n c e over t h e m a k e r s o f h i s b r o t h e r ' s l i g h t n i n g . Z e u s believes P o s e i d o n has t a k e n t h e m a s t e r b o l t , a n d i s n o w secretly h a v i n g t h e C y c l o p e s b u i l d a n arsenal o f illegal c o p i e s , w h i c h m i g h t b e u s e d t o t o p p l e Z e u s f r o m his t h r o n e . T h e o n l y t h i n g Z e u s wasn't sure a b o u t was w h i c h h e r o P o s e i d o n u s e d t o steal t h e b o l t . N o w P o s e i d o n has o p e n l y c l a i m e d y o u a s h i s s o n . Y o u were i n N e w Y o r k over t h e w i n t e r h o l i d a y s . Y o u c o u l d easily have s n u c k i n t o O l y m p u s . Z e u s believes h e h a s f o u n d his thief." " B u t I've never even b e e n t o O l y m p u s ! Z e u s i s crazy!" C h i r o n a n d G r o v e r g l a n c e d n e r v o u s l y a t t h e sky. T h e clouds didn't seem to be parting a r o u n d us, as Grover h a d p r o m i s e d . T h e y were r o l l i n g s t r a i g h t over o u r valley, sealing us in like a coffin lid. " E r , P e r c y . . . ? " G r o v e r said. " W e d o n ' t u s e t h e c - w o r d t o d e s c r i b e t h e L o r d o f t h e Sky." " P e r h a p s paranoid"

Chiron

suggested.

"Then

again,

P o s e i d o n has t r i e d t o u n s e a t Z e u s before. I believe t h a t was q u e s t i o n t h i r t y - e i g h t on y o u r final e x a m . . . ." He l o o k e d at m e a s i f h e actually e x p e c t e d m e t o r e m e m b e r q u e s t i o n thirty-eight.

[136]

How

could

anyone

accuse

me

of

stealing

a

god's

w e a p o n ? I c o u l d n ' t even steal a slice of p i z z a f r o m G a b e ' s p o k e r p a r t y w i t h o u t g e t t i n g b u s t e d . C h i r o n was w a i t i n g for an answer. " S o m e t h i n g a b o u t a golden net?" I guessed. " P o s e i d o n a n d H e r a a n d a few o t h e r g o d s . . . they, like, t r a p p e d Z e u s a n d w o u l d n ' t let h i m o u t u n t i l h e p r o m i s e d t o b e a b e t t e r ruler, r i g h t ? " " C o r r e c t , " C h i r o n said. " A n d Z e u s has never t r u s t e d P o s e i d o n since. O f c o u r s e , P o s e i d o n d e n i e s stealing t h e m a s t e r b o l t . H e t o o k g r e a t offense a t t h e a c c u s a t i o n . T h e t w o have b e e n a r g u i n g b a c k a n d f o r t h for m o n t h s , t h r e a t e n i n g war. A n d now, you've c o m e a l o n g — t h e p r o v e r b i a l last straw." "But I'm just a kid!" "Percy," G r o v e r c u t in,

" i f y o u were Z e u s , a n d y o u

already t h o u g h t y o u r b r o t h e r was p l o t t i n g t o o v e r t h r o w y o u , then your brother suddenly admitted he had broken the s a c r e d o a t h h e t o o k after W o r l d W a r II, t h a t he's f a t h e r e d a n e w m o r t a l h e r o w h o m i g h t b e u s e d a s a w e a p o n against y o u . . . . W o u l d n ' t t h a t p u t a t w i s t in y o u r t o g a ? " "But I

didn't do

anything.

Poseidon—my

dad—he

d i d n ' t really have this m a s t e r b o l t s t o l e n , d i d h e ? " C h i r o n sighed. " M o s t t h i n k i n g o b s e r v e r s w o u l d agree t h a t thievery i s n o t P o s e i d o n ' s style. B u t t h e Sea G o d i s t o o p r o u d to try convincing Zeus of that. Z e u s has d e m a n d e d t h a t P o s e i d o n r e t u r n t h e b o l t b y t h e s u m m e r solstice. T h a t ' s J u n e twenty-first, t e n days f r o m now. P o s e i d o n w a n t s a n a p o l o g y for b e i n g called a t h i e f by t h e s a m e d a t e . I h o p e d

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t h a t d i p l o m a c y m i g h t prevail, t h a t H e r a o r D e m e t e r o r H e s t i a w o u l d m a k e t h e t w o b r o t h e r s see sense. B u t y o u r arrival has i n f l a m e d Z e u s ' s t e m p e r . N o w n e i t h e r g o d will back down. Unless s o m e o n e intervenes, unless the master b o l t i s f o u n d a n d r e t u r n e d t o Z e u s b e f o r e t h e solstice, t h e r e will b e war. A n d d o y o u k n o w w h a t a full-fledged w a r w o u l d l o o k like, P e r c y ? " "Bad?" I guessed. " I m a g i n e t h e w o r l d i n c h a o s . N a t u r e a t w a r w i t h itself. Olympians

forced

to

choose

sides

between

Zeus

and

Poseidon. Destruction. Carnage. Millions dead. Western civilization t u r n e d i n t o a b a t t l e g r o u n d s o b i g i t will m a k e t h e T r o j a n W a r l o o k like a w a t e r - b a l l o o n f i g h t . " "Bad," I r e p e a t e d . " A n d y o u , P e r c y J a c k s o n , w o u l d b e t h e f i r s t t o feel Zeus's wrath." I t s t a r t e d t o r a i n . Volleyball players s t o p p e d t h e i r g a m e a n d s t a r e d i n s t u n n e d silence a t t h e sky. I h a d b r o u g h t this s t o r m to H a l f - B l o o d Hill. Z e u s was p u n i s h i n g t h e w h o l e c a m p b e c a u s e o f m e . I was f u r i o u s . " S o I have to find t h e s t u p i d b o l t , " I said. " A n d r e t u r n it to Zeus." " W h a t b e t t e r p e a c e offering," C h i r o n said,

"than to

have t h e s o n o f P o s e i d o n r e t u r n Z e u s ' s p r o p e r t y ? " " I f P o s e i d o n d o e s n ' t have it, w h e r e i s t h e t h i n g ? " "I believe I k n o w . " C h i r o n ' s expression was g r i m . " P a r t of a p r o p h e c y I h a d years a g o . . . well, s o m e of t h e lines m a k e sense t o m e , n o w . B u t b e f o r e I c a n say m o r e , y o u m u s t officially t a k e u p t h e q u e s t . Y o u m u s t seek t h e c o u n s e l o f

[138]

counsel of the Oracle." " W h y can't y o u tell m e w h e r e t h e b o l t i s b e f o r e h a n d ? " " B e c a u s e i f I d i d , y o u w o u l d b e t o o afraid t o a c c e p t t h e challenge." I swallowed. " G o o d reason." " Y o u agree t h e n ? " I l o o k e d a t Grover, w h o n o d d e d e n c o u r a g i n g l y . E a s y for h i m . I was t h e o n e Z e u s w a n t e d t o kill. "All right," I said. "It's b e t t e r t h a n b e i n g t u r n e d i n t o a dolphin." " T h e n it's t i m e y o u c o n s u l t e d t h e O r a c l e , " C h i r o n said. " G o u p s t a i r s , Percy Jackson, t o t h e a t t i c . W h e n y o u c o m e b a c k d o w n , a s s u m i n g you're still sane, w e will t a l k m o r e . "

Four flights up, the

stairs

ended u n d e r a green trap-

door. I p u l l e d t h e cord. T h e d o o r s w u n g d o w n , a n d a w o o d e n l a d d e r c l a t t e r e d i n t o place. T h e w a r m air f r o m above s m e l l e d like m i l d e w a n d r o t t e n w o o d a n d s o m e t h i n g else . . . a s m e l l I r e m e m b e r e d f r o m b i o l o g y class. R e p t i l e s . T h e smell o f s n a k e s . I held my breath and climbed. T h e a t t i c was filled w i t h G r e e k h e r o j u n k : a r m o r s t a n d s covered i n c o b w e b s ; o n c e - b r i g h t shields p i t t e d w i t h r u s t ; o l d l e a t h e r s t e a m e r t r u n k s p l a s t e r e d w i t h stickers saying ITHAKA, CIRCE'S ISLE, a n d L A N D O F T H E A M A Z O N S . O n e

l o n g t a b l e was s t a c k e d w i t h glass jars filled w i t h p i c k l e d things—severed h a i r y claws, h u g e yellow eyes, v a r i o u s o t h e r p a r t s o f m o n s t e r s . A d u s t y m o u n t e d t r o p h y o n t h e wall

[139]

l o o k e d like a g i a n t snake's h e a d , b u t w i t h h o r n s a n d a full set o f shark's t e e t h . T h e p l a q u e read, H Y D R A H E A D # 1 , W O O D S T O C K , N.Y.,

1969.

B y t h e w i n d o w , s i t t i n g o n a w o o d e n t r i p o d s t o o l , was t h e m o s t g r u e s o m e m e m e n t o o f all: a m u m m y . N o t t h e w r a p p e d - i n - c l o t h k i n d , b u t a h u m a n female b o d y shriveled to a h u s k . S h e w o r e a t i e - d y e d s u n d r e s s , lots of b e a d e d necklaces, a n d a h e a d b a n d over l o n g black hair. T h e s k i n o f h e r face was t h i n a n d l e a t h e r y over h e r skull, a n d h e r eyes were glassy w h i t e slits, as if t h e real eyes h a d b e e n r e p l a c e d b y m a r b l e s ; she'd b e e n d e a d a l o n g , l o n g t i m e . L o o k i n g a t h e r s e n t chills u p m y b a c k . A n d t h a t was b e f o r e she sat u p o n h e r s t o o l a n d o p e n e d h e r m o u t h . A g r e e n m i s t p o u r e d f r o m t h e m u m m y ' s m o u t h , c o i l i n g over t h e f l o o r i n t h i c k t e n d r i l s , h i s s i n g like t w e n t y t h o u s a n d snakes. I s t u m b l e d over m y s e l f t r y i n g t o get t o t h e t r a p d o o r , b u t it s l a m m e d s h u t . I n s i d e my h e a d , I h e a r d a voice, s l i t h e r i n g i n t o o n e ear a n d c o i l i n g a r o u n d my b r a i n : I am the spirit of Delphi, speaker of the prophecies of Phoebus Apollo, shyer of the mighty Python. Approach, seeker, and ask. I w a n t e d to say, No thanks, wrong door, just looking for the bathroom. B u t I forced m y s e l f to t a k e a d e e p b r e a t h . T h e m u m m y wasn't alive. S h e was s o m e k i n d o f g r u e s o m e r e c e p t a c l e for s o m e t h i n g else, t h e p o w e r t h a t was n o w swirling a r o u n d m e i n t h e g r e e n m i s t . B u t its p r e s e n c e d i d n ' t feel evil, like m y d e m o n i c m a t h teacher M r s . D o d d s o r t h e M i n o t a u r . I t felt m o r e like t h e T h r e e F a t e s I'd seen k n i t t i n g t h e y a r n o u t s i d e t h e h i g h w a y fruit s t a n d : a n c i e n t , p o w e r f u l , a n d definitely not h u m a n . B u t n o t p a r t i c u l a r l y

[140]

i n t e r e s t e d i n killing m e , either. I g o t u p t h e c o u r a g e t o ask, " W h a t i s m y d e s t i n y ? " T h e m i s t swirled m o r e thickly, c o l l e c t i n g r i g h t i n f r o n t of me and a r o u n d the table with the pickled m o n s t e r - p a r t jars. S u d d e n l y t h e r e were four m e n s i t t i n g a r o u n d t h e table, p l a y i n g cards. T h e i r faces b e c a m e clearer. I t was S m e l l y G a b e and his buddies. M y fists

clenched, t h o u g h I k n e w this p o k e r p a r t y

c o u l d n ' t b e real. I t was a n illusion, m a d e o u t o f m i s t . G a b e t u r n e d t o w a r d m e a n d s p o k e i n t h e r a s p i n g voice of t h e O r a c l e : You shall go west, and face the god who has turned. H i s b u d d y o n t h e r i g h t l o o k e d u p a n d said i n t h e s a m e voice: You shall find what was stolen, and see it safely returned. T h e g u y o n t h e left t h r e w i n t w o p o k e r chips, t h e n said: You shall he betrayed by one who calls you a friend. Finally, E d d i e , o u r b u i l d i n g super, delivered t h e w o r s t line of all: And you shall fail to save what matters most, in the end. T h e figures b e g a n t o dissolve. A t first I was t o o s t u n n e d t o say a n y t h i n g , b u t a s t h e m i s t r e t r e a t e d , c o i l i n g i n t o a h u g e green serpent and slithering back into the m o u t h of the m u m m y , I cried, " W a i t ! W h a t d o y o u m e a n ? W h a t friend? W h a t will I fail to save?" The

tail

of

the

mist

snake

disappeared

into

the

m u m m y ' s m o u t h . S h e r e c l i n e d b a c k against t h e wall. H e r m o u t h closed tight, as if it hadn't been o p e n in a h u n d r e d years. T h e a t t i c was silent again, a b a n d o n e d , n o t h i n g b u t a r o o m full o f m e m e n t o s . I g o t t h e feeling t h a t I c o u l d s t a n d h e r e u n t i l I h a d c o b webs, t o o , a n d I w o u l d n ' t l e a r n a n y t h i n g else.

[141]

M y a u d i e n c e w i t h t h e O r a c l e was over.

"Well?" C h i r o n asked m e . I s l u m p e d i n t o a chair at t h e p i n o c h l e t a b l e . " S h e s a i d I w o u l d retrieve w h a t was stolen." G r o v e r sat forward, c h e w i n g excitedly o n t h e r e m a i n s o f a D i e t C o k e can. " T h a t ' s great!" " W h a t d i d t h e O r a c l e say

exactly?"

C h i r o n pressed.

" T h i s is important." M y ears were still t i n g l i n g f r o m t h e r e p t i l i a n voice. " S h e . . . she said I w o u l d go west a n d face a g o d w h o h a d t u r n e d . I w o u l d retrieve w h a t was s t o l e n a n d see it safely r e t u r n e d . " " I k n e w it," G r o v e r said. C h i r o n d i d n ' t l o o k satisfied. " A n y t h i n g else?" I d i d n ' t w a n t to tell h i m . W h a t friend w o u l d b e t r a y me? I d i d n ' t have t h a t m a n y . A n d t h e last l i n e — I w o u l d fail t o save w h a t m a t t e r e d most. W h a t kind of Oracle would send me on a quest and tell m e , Oh, by the way, you'll fail. H o w c o u l d I confess t h a t ? " N o , " I said. " T h a t ' s a b o u t it." H e s t u d i e d m y face. " V e r y well, Percy. B u t k n o w t h i s : t h e Oracle's w o r d s o f t e n have d o u b l e m e a n i n g s . D o n ' t dwell o n t h e m t o o m u c h . T h e t r u t h i s n o t always clear u n t i l events c o m e t o pass." I g o t t h e feeling he k n e w I was h o l d i n g b a c k s o m e t h i n g b a d , a n d h e was t r y i n g t o m a k e m e feel b e t t e r . " O k a y , " I said, a n x i o u s t o c h a n g e t o p i c s . " S o w h e r e d o I go? W h o ' s t h i s g o d i n t h e w e s t ? "

[142]

"Ah, t h i n k , Percy," C h i r o n said. " I f Z e u s a n d P o s e i d o n w e a k e n each o t h e r i n a war, w h o s t a n d s t o g a i n ? " " S o m e b o d y else w h o w a n t s to take over?" I g u e s s e d . "Yes, q u i t e . S o m e o n e w h o h a r b o r s a g r u d g e , w h o h a s b e e n u n h a p p y w i t h h i s l o t since t h e w o r l d was d i v i d e d e o n s ago, w h o s e k i n g d o m w o u l d g r o w p o w e r f u l w i t h t h e d e a t h s o f m i l l i o n s . S o m e o n e w h o h a t e s h i s b r o t h e r s for f o r c i n g h i m i n t o a n o a t h t o have n o m o r e c h i l d r e n , a n o a t h t h a t b o t h o f t h e m have n o w b r o k e n . " I t h o u g h t a b o u t m y d r e a m s , t h e evil voice t h a t h a d s p o ken from under the ground. "Hades." Chiron nodded. " T h e Lord of the D e a d is the only possibility." A s c r a p o f a l u m i n u m d r i b b l e d o u t o f Grover's m o u t h . " W h o a , wait. W h - w h a t ? " " A F u r y c a m e after Percy," C h i r o n r e m i n d e d h i m . " S h e w a t c h e d t h e y o u n g m a n u n t i l she was sure o f his i d e n tity, t h e n t r i e d t o kill h i m . F u r i e s o b e y o n l y o n e l o r d : Hades." "Yes, b u t — b u t H a d e s h a t e s all heroes," G r o v e r p r o t e s t e d . " E s p e c i a l l y i f h e has f o u n d o u t Percy i s a s o n o f P o s e i d o n . . . ." " A h e l l h o u n d g o t i n t o t h e forest," C h i r o n c o n t i n u e d . " T h o s e can only be s u m m o n e d from the Fields of P u n ishment, and it had to be s u m m o n e d by someone within t h e c a m p . H a d e s m u s t have a spy h e r e . H e m u s t s u s p e c t P o s e i d o n will t r y t o use P e r c y t o clear his n a m e . H a d e s w o u l d very m u c h like t o kill t h i s y o u n g h a l f - b l o o d b e f o r e h e can t a k e o n t h e quest."

[143]

"Great," I muttered. "That's two major gods w h o want t o kill m e . " " B u t a q u e s t to . . ." G r o v e r swallowed. "I m e a n , c o u l d n ' t t h e m a s t e r b o l t b e i n s o m e p l a c e like M a i n e ? M a i n e ' s very nice this t i m e o f year." " H a d e s s e n t a m i n i o n t o steal t h e m a s t e r b o l t , " C h i r o n i n s i s t e d . " H e h i d i t i n t h e U n d e r w o r l d , k n o w i n g full well that Zeus would blame Poseidon. I don't pretend to unders t a n d t h e L o r d o f t h e D e a d ' s m o t i v e s perfectly, o r w h y h e c h o s e t h i s t i m e t o s t a r t a war, b u t o n e t h i n g i s c e r t a i n . P e r c y m u s t g o t o t h e U n d e r w o r l d , find t h e m a s t e r b o l t , a n d reveal the truth." A s t r a n g e fire b u r n e d i n m y s t o m a c h . T h e w e i r d e s t t h i n g was: i t wasn't fear. I t was a n t i c i p a t i o n . T h e desire for revenge. H a d e s h a d t r i e d t o kill m e t h r e e t i m e s s o far, w i t h t h e F u r y , t h e M i n o t a u r , a n d t h e h e l l h o u n d . I t was his fault m y m o t h e r h a d d i s a p p e a r e d i n a flash o f light. N o w h e was t r y i n g t o f r a m e m e a n d m y d a d for a t h e f t w e h a d n ' t committed. I was r e a d y t o t a k e h i m o n . Besides, if my m o t h e r was in t h e U n d e r w o r l d . . . W h o a , boy, s a i d t h e s m a l l p a r t o f m y b r a i n t h a t was still s a n e . You're a k i d . H a d e s is a g o d . G r o v e r was

trembling.

H e ' d started eating pinochle

cards like p o t a t o c h i p s . T h e p o o r guy needed to complete a quest with me so h e c o u l d get his searcher's license, w h a t e v e r t h a t was, b u t h o w c o u l d I ask h i m t o d o t h i s q u e s t , especially w h e n t h e O r a c l e said I was d e s t i n e d to fail? T h i s was s u i c i d e .

[144]

" L o o k , if we k n o w it's H a d e s , " I t o l d C h i r o n , " w h y can't w e j u s t tell t h e o t h e r gods? Z e u s o r P o s e i d o n c o u l d g o d o w n to the U n d e r w o r l d and bust s o m e heads." " S u s p e c t i n g a n d k n o w i n g are n o t t h e same," C h i r o n said. "Besides, even if t h e o t h e r g o d s suspect H a d e s — a n d I i m a g ine P o s e i d o n d o e s — t h e y c o u l d n ' t retrieve t h e b o l t t h e m selves. G o d s c a n n o t cross each other's territories except by invitation. T h a t i s a n o t h e r a n c i e n t rule. H e r o e s , o n t h e o t h e r h a n d , have certain privileges. T h e y can go anywhere, challenge anyone, a s l o n g a s they're b o l d e n o u g h a n d s t r o n g e n o u g h t o d o it. N o g o d can b e h e l d r e s p o n s i b l e for a hero's a c t i o n s . W h y d o y o u t h i n k t h e g o d s always o p e r a t e t h r o u g h humans?" "You're saying I ' m b e i n g used." " I ' m saying it's n o a c c i d e n t P o s e i d o n has c l a i m e d y o u now. It's a very risky g a m b l e , b u t he's in a d e s p e r a t e s i t u a t i o n . H e n e e d s you." M y d a d needs me. E m o t i o n s r o l l e d a r o u n d i n s i d e m e like b i t s o f glass i n a k a l e i d o s c o p e . I d i d n ' t k n o w w h e t h e r t o feel resentful o r g r a t e f u l o r h a p p y o r angry. P o s e i d o n h a d i g n o r e d m e for twelve years. N o w s u d d e n l y h e n e e d e d m e . I l o o k e d at C h i r o n . "You've k n o w n I was P o s e i d o n ' s s o n all a l o n g , haven't y o u ? " "I h a d my s u s p i c i o n s . As I s a i d . . . I've s p o k e n to t h e Oracle, too." I g o t t h e feeling t h e r e was a l o t he wasn't telling me a b o u t his p r o p h e c y , b u t I d e c i d e d I c o u l d n ' t w o r r y a b o u t t h a t r i g h t now. A f t e r all, I was h o l d i n g b a c k i n f o r m a t i o n t o o .

[145]

" S o let m e get t h i s straight," I said. " I ' m s u p p o s e d g o t o the Underworld and confront the Lord of the Dead." " C h e c k , " C h i r o n said. " F i n d t h e m o s t p o w e r f u l w e a p o n i n t h e universe." "Check." " A n d get i t b a c k t o O l y m p u s b e f o r e t h e s u m m e r s o l stice, in t e n days." " T h a t ' s a b o u t right." I l o o k e d a t Grover, w h o g u l p e d d o w n t h e ace o f h e a r t s . " D i d I m e n t i o n t h a t M a i n e i s very nice this t i m e o f year?" h e a s k e d weakly. " Y o u d o n ' t have t o go," I t o l d h i m . " I can't ask t h a t o f 11

you. " O h . . ." He shifted h i s h o o v e s . " N o . . . it's j u s t t h a t satyrs a n d u n d e r g r o u n d places . . . well . . ." He t o o k a deep breath, then stood, brushing the shredd e d cards a n d a l u m i n u m b i t s o f f his T - s h i r t . " Y o u saved m y life, Percy. I f . . . i f you're s e r i o u s a b o u t w a n t i n g m e a l o n g , I w o n ' t let y o u d o w n . " I felt so relieved I w a n t e d to cry, t h o u g h I d i d n ' t t h i n k t h a t w o u l d b e very h e r o i c . G r o v e r was t h e o n l y friend I'd ever h a d for l o n g e r t h a n a few m o n t h s . I wasn't sure w h a t g o o d a satyr c o u l d d o against t h e forces o f t h e d e a d , b u t I felt b e t t e r k n o w i n g he'd b e w i t h m e . "All t h e way, G - m a n . " I t u r n e d t o C h i r o n . " S o w h e r e d o w e go? T h e O r a c l e j u s t said t o g o west." " T h e e n t r a n c e t o t h e U n d e r w o r l d i s always i n t h e west. I t m o v e s f r o m age t o age, j u s t like O l y m p u s . R i g h t n o w , o f c o u r s e , it's in A m e r i c a . "

[146]

"Where?" Chiron looked surprised.

"I thought that would be

obvious enough. T h e entrance to the Underworld is in Los Angeles." " O h , " I said. " N a t u r a l l y . S o w e j u s t g e t o n a p l a n e — " " N o ! " G r o v e r s h r i e k e d . "Percy, w h a t are y o u t h i n k i n g ? H a v e y o u ever b e e n o n a p l a n e i n y o u r life?" I s h o o k m y h e a d , feeling e m b a r r a s s e d . M y m o m h a d never t a k e n m e a n y w h e r e b y p l a n e . S h e d always said w e d i d n ' t have t h e m o n e y . Besides, h e r p a r e n t s h a d d i e d in a p l a n e crash. "Percy, t h i n k , " C h i r o n said. " Y o u are t h e s o n o f t h e Sea G o d . Y o u r father's b i t t e r e s t rival i s Z e u s , L o r d o f t h e Sky. Your m o t h e r k n e w better than to trust you in an airplane. Y o u w o u l d b e i n Z e u s ' s d o m a i n . Y o u w o u l d never c o m e d o w n again alive." Overhead, lightning crackled. T h u n d e r b o o m e d . " O k a y , " I said, d e t e r m i n e d n o t t o l o o k a t t h e s t o r m . " S o , I'll travel overland." " T h a t ' s right," C h i r o n said.

"Two

companions may

a c c o m p a n y y o u . G r o v e r i s o n e . T h e o t h e r has already v o l u n t e e r e d , i f y o u will a c c e p t h e r help." " G e e , " I said, feigning s u r p r i s e . " W h o else w o u l d b e s t u p i d e n o u g h t o v o l u n t e e r for a q u e s t like t h i s ? " T h e air s h i m m e r e d b e h i n d C h i r o n . A n n a b e t h b e c a m e visible, stuffing h e r Yankees c a p i n t o her back pocket. "I've b e e n w a i t i n g a l o n g t i m e for a q u e s t , seaweed b r a i n , " she said. " A t h e n a i s n o fan o f P o s e i d o n , b u t i f you're

[147]

g o i n g t o save t h e w o r l d , I ' m t h e b e s t p e r s o n t o k e e p y o u from messing up." " I f y o u d o say s o yourself," I said. " I s u p p o s e y o u have a p l a n , wise girl?" H e r cheeks c o l o r e d . " D o y o u w a n t m y h e l p o r n o t ? " T h e t r u t h was, I d i d . I n e e d e d all t h e h e l p I c o u l d get. "A trio," I said. " T h a t ' l l work." "Excellent," C h i r o n said. " T h i s a f t e r n o o n , w e can t a k e y o u a s far a s t h e b u s t e r m i n a l i n M a n h a t t a n . A f t e r t h a t , y o u are o n y o u r own." Lightning flashed. Rain poured down on the meadows t h a t were never s u p p o s e d t o have v i o l e n t weather. " N o t i m e t o waste," C h i r o n said. " I t h i n k y o u s h o u l d all get packing."

[148]

I t d i d n ' t t a k e m e l o n g t o p a c k . I d e c i d e d t o leave t h e M i n o t a u r h o r n i n m y cabin, w h i c h left m e o n l y a n extra c h a n g e of clothes a n d a t o o t h b r u s h to stuff in a backpack Grover h a d f o u n d for m e . T h e c a m p store loaned m e one h u n d r e d dollars i n m o r t a l m o n e y a n d t w e n t y g o l d e n d r a c h m a s . T h e s e c o i n s were a s b i g a s G i r l S c o u t c o o k i e s a n d h a d images o f v a r i o u s G r e e k g o d s s t a m p e d o n o n e side a n d t h e E m p i r e S t a t e B u i l d i n g o n t h e o t h e r . T h e a n c i e n t m o r t a l d r a c h m a s h a d b e e n silver, C h i r o n t o l d us, b u t O l y m p i a n s never u s e d less t h a n p u r e g o l d . C h i r o n said t h e c o i n s m i g h t c o m e i n h a n d y for n o n mortal

transactions—whatever

that

meant.

He

gave

A n n a b e t h a n d m e each a c a n t e e n o f n e c t a r a n d a Z i p l o c b a g full o f a m b r o s i a squares, t o b e u s e d o n l y i n e m e r g e n c i e s , i f w e were seriously h u r t . I t was g o d f o o d , C h i r o n r e m i n d e d u s . I t w o u l d cure u s o f a l m o s t any injury, b u t i t was l e t h a l t o m o r t a l s . T o o m u c h o f i t w o u l d m a k e a h a l f - b l o o d very, very feverish. A n o v e r d o s e w o u l d b u r n u s u p , literally. A n n a b e t h was b r i n g i n g h e r m a g i c Yankees cap, w h i c h she told me h a d been a twelfth-birthday present from her m o m . S h e c a r r i e d a b o o k o n f a m o u s classical a r c h i t e c t u r e , w r i t t e n i n A n c i e n t G r e e k , t o r e a d w h e n she g o t b o r e d , a n d

[149]

a l o n g b r o n z e knife, h i d d e n in h e r s h i r t sleeve. I was sure t h e knife w o u l d get u s b u s t e d t h e first t i m e w e w e n t t h r o u g h a metal detector. G r o v e r w o r e h i s fake feet a n d h i s p a n t s t o p a s s a s h u m a n . H e w o r e a g r e e n r a s t a - s t y l e cap, b e c a u s e w h e n i t r a i n e d his curly h a i r f l a t t e n e d a n d y o u c o u l d j u s t see t h e tips o f his h o r n s . H i s b r i g h t o r a n g e b a c k p a c k was full o f s c r a p m e t a l a n d a p p l e s t o s n a c k o n . I n his p o c k e t was a set o f r e e d p i p e s h i s d a d d y g o a t h a d c a r v e d for h i m , even t h o u g h h e only knew two songs: Mozart's Piano C o n c e r t o no. 12 and Hilary

Duff's

" S o Yesterday,"

both

of

which

sounded

pretty b a d on reed pipes. W e waved g o o d - b y e t o t h e o t h e r c a m p e r s , t o o k o n e last l o o k a t t h e s t r a w b e r r y f i e l d s , t h e o c e a n , a n d t h e Big H o u s e , t h e n h i k e d u p H a l f - B l o o d H i l l t o t h e tall p i n e tree t h a t u s e d to be Thalia, daughter of Zeus. C h i r o n was w a i t i n g for u s i n his wheelchair. N e x t t o h i m s t o o d t h e surfer d u d e I ' d seen w h e n I was recovering i n t h e sick r o o m . A c c o r d i n g t o Grover, t h e g u y was t h e c a m p ' s h e a d o f security. H e s u p p o s e d l y h a d eyes all over his b o d y s o h e c o u l d never b e s u r p r i s e d . T o d a y , t h o u g h , h e was weari n g a chauffeur's u n i f o r m , so I c o u l d o n l y see extra p e e p e r s o n his h a n d s , face a n d n e c k . " T h i s i s A r g u s , " C h i r o n t o l d m e . " H e will drive y o u i n t o t h e city, a n d , er, well, k e e p an eye on t h i n g s . " I heard footsteps behind us. L u k e c a m e r u n n i n g u p t h e hill, c a r r y i n g a p a i r o f b a s ketball shoes. " H e y ! " h e p a n t e d . " G l a d I c a u g h t you."

[150]

A n n a b e t h b l u s h e d , t h e way she always d i d w h e n L u k e was a r o u n d . "Just w a n t e d t o say g o o d luck," L u k e t o l d m e . " A n d I t h o u g h t . . . um, m a y b e y o u c o u l d u s e these." H e h a n d e d m e t h e sneakers, w h i c h l o o k e d p r e t t y n o r m a l . T h e y even s m e l l e d k i n d o f n o r m a l . L u k e said, "Maia!" W h i t e bird's w i n g s s p r o u t e d o u t o f t h e heels, s t a r t l i n g me so much, I d r o p p e d them. T h e shoes flapped a r o u n d on the g r o u n d until the wings folded up a n d disappeared. " A w e s o m e ! " G r o v e r said. L u k e s m i l e d . " T h o s e served m e well w h e n I was o n m y quest. Gift from D a d . Of course, I don't use t h e m m u c h t h e s e days. . . ." H i s e x p r e s s i o n t u r n e d sad. I d i d n ' t k n o w w h a t t o say. I t was c o o l e n o u g h t h a t L u k e h a d c o m e t o say g o o d - b y e . I'd b e e n afraid h e m i g h t r e s e n t m e f o r g e t t i n g s o m u c h a t t e n t i o n t h e last few d a y s . B u t h e r e h e was giving m e a m a g i c gift. . . . I t m a d e m e b l u s h a l m o s t as m u c h as A n n a b e t h . " H e y , m a n , " I said. " T h a n k s . " " L i s t e n , Percy . . ." L u k e l o o k e d u n c o m f o r t a b l e . "A l o t of h o p e s are r i d i n g on y o u . So j u s t . . . kill s o m e m o n s t e r s for m e , o k a y ? " W e s h o o k h a n d s . L u k e p a t t e d Grover's h e a d b e t w e e n h i s h o r n s , t h e n gave a g o o d - b y e h u g t o A n n a b e t h , w h o l o o k e d like s h e m i g h t p a s s o u t . After L u k e was g o n e , I t o l d her, "You're h y p e r v e n t i lating." " A m not."

[151]

" Y o u let h i m c a p t u r e t h e f l a g i n s t e a d o f you, d i d n ' t y o u ? " " O h . . . w h y do I w a n t to go a n y w h e r e w i t h y o u , Percy?" S h e s t o m p e d d o w n t h e o t h e r side o f t h e hill, w h e r e a w h i t e S U V w a i t e d o n t h e s h o u l d e r o f t h e r o a d . A r g u s followed, jingling h i s car keys. I picked up the flying shoes a n d h a d a sudden b a d feeling. I l o o k e d at C h i r o n . "I w o n ' t be able to u s e t h e s e , will I?" H e s h o o k his h e a d . " L u k e m e a n t well, Percy. B u t t a k i n g to t h e air . . . t h a t w o u l d n o t be wise for you." I n o d d e d , d i s a p p o i n t e d , b u t t h e n I g o t an idea. " H e y , Grover. Y o u w a n t a m a g i c i t e m ? " H i s eyes lit u p . " M e ? " P r e t t y s o o n we'd laced t h e sneakers over his fake feet, a n d t h e world's first f l y i n g g o a t b o y was ready for l a u n c h . "Maia!" he s h o u t e d . H e g o t o f f t h e g r o u n d okay, b u t t h e n fell over sideways s o his b a c k p a c k d r a g g e d t h r o u g h t h e grass. T h e w i n g e d s h o e s k e p t b u c k i n g u p a n d d o w n like tiny b r o n c o s . " P r a c t i c e , " C h i r o n called after h i m .

"You just need

practice!" "Aaaaa!" G r o v e r w e n t f l y i n g sideways d o w n t h e hill like a p o s s e s s e d l a w n m o w e r , h e a d i n g t o w a r d t h e van. Before I c o u l d follow, C h i r o n c a u g h t m y a r m . " I s h o u l d have t r a i n e d y o u b e t t e r , Percy," h e said. " I f o n l y I h a d m o r e t i m e . H e r c u l e s , J a s o n — t h e y all g o t m o r e training." " T h a t ' s okay. I j u s t w i s h — " I s t o p p e d m y s e l f b e c a u s e I was a b o u t to s o u n d like a

[152]

b r a t . I was w i s h i n g m y d a d h a d given m e a c o o l m a g i c i t e m t o h e l p o n t h e q u e s t , s o m e t h i n g a s g o o d a s L u k e ' s flying s h o e s , o r A n n a b e t h ' s invisible cap. " W h a t a m I t h i n k i n g ? " C h i r o n cried. " I can't let y o u get away w i t h o u t this." H e p u l l e d a p e n f r o m his c o a t p o c k e t a n d h a n d e d i t t o m e . I t was a n o r d i n a r y d i s p o s a b l e b a l l p o i n t , black ink, r e m o v a b l e cap. P r o b a b l y c o s t t h i r t y c e n t s . " G e e , " I said. " T h a n k s . " "Percy, that's a gift f r o m y o u r father. I've k e p t it for years, n o t k n o w i n g y o u were w h o I was w a i t i n g for. B u t t h e p r o p h e c y i s clear t o m e now. Y o u are t h e one." I

remembered

the

field

trip

to

the

Metropolitan

M u s e u m o f A r t , w h e n I'd v a p o r i z e d M r s . D o d d s . C h i r o n h a d t h r o w n me a p e n that t u r n e d into a sword. C o u l d this be . . . ? I t o o k o f f t h e cap, a n d t h e p e n g r e w l o n g e r a n d heavier in my h a n d . In h a l f a s e c o n d , I h e l d a s h i m m e r i n g b r o n z e sword with a double-edged blade, a leather-wrapped grip, a n d a flat hilt riveted w i t h g o l d s t u d s . It was t h e first w e a p o n t h a t actually felt b a l a n c e d i n m y h a n d . " T h e sword has a l o n g a n d tragic history t h a t we n e e d n o t g o into," C h i r o n t o l d m e . " I t s n a m e i s A n a k l u s m o s . " " ' R i p t i d e , ' " I translated, surprised the Ancient Greek c a m e so easily. " U s e i t o n l y for emergencies," C h i r o n said, " a n d o n l y against m o n s t e r s . N o hero

should h a r m m o r t a l s unless

a b s o l u t e l y necessary, o f c o u r s e , b u t t h i s s w o r d w o u l d n ' t h a r m t h e m i n any case."

[153]

I l o o k e d at the wickedly sharp blade. " W h a t do you mean it wouldn't h a r m mortals? H o w could it not?" " T h e s w o r d i s celestial b r o n z e . F o r g e d b y t h e C y c l o p e s , tempered in the heart of M o u n t Etna, cooled in the River L e t h e . It's d e a d l y t o m o n s t e r s , t o any c r e a t u r e f r o m t h e U n d e r w o r l d , p r o v i d e d t h e y d o n ' t kill y o u first. B u t t h e b l a d e will p a s s t h r o u g h m o r t a l s like a n illusion. T h e y s i m p l y are n o t i m p o r t a n t e n o u g h for t h e b l a d e t o kill. A n d I s h o u l d w a r n y o u : as a d e m i g o d , y o u can be k i l l e d by e i t h e r celestial o r n o r m a l w e a p o n s . Y o u are twice a s vulnerable." " G o o d t o know." " N o w r e c a p t h e pen." I t o u c h e d the p e n cap to the sword tip and instantly R i p t i d e s h r a n k t o a b a l l p o i n t p e n again. I t u c k e d i t i n m y p o c k e t , a little n e r v o u s , b e c a u s e I was f a m o u s for l o s i n g pens at school. " Y o u can't," C h i r o n said. "Can't what?" " L o s e t h e pen," h e said. " I t i s e n c h a n t e d . I t will always r e a p p e a r i n y o u r p o c k e t . T r y it." I was wary, b u t I t h r e w t h e p e n as far as I c o u l d d o w n t h e hill a n d w a t c h e d i t d i s a p p e a r i n t h e grass. " I t m a y take a few m o m e n t s , " C h i r o n t o l d m e . " N o w check your pocket." S u r e e n o u g h , t h e p e n was t h e r e . " O k a y , that's extremely cool," I a d m i t t e d . " B u t w h a t if a m o r t a l sees m e p u l l i n g o u t a s w o r d ? " C h i r o n s m i l e d . " M i s t is a p o w e r f u l t h i n g , Percy." "Mist?"

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"Yes. R e a d The Iliad. It's full of references to t h e stuff. W h e n e v e r divine o r m o n s t r o u s e l e m e n t s m i x w i t h t h e m o r tal w o r l d , t h e y g e n e r a t e M i s t , w h i c h o b s c u r e s t h e vision o f h u m a n s . Y o u will see t h i n g s j u s t as t h e y are, b e i n g a halfb l o o d , b u t h u m a n s will i n t e r p r e t t h i n g s q u i t e differently. R e m a r k a b l e , really, t h e l e n g t h s t o w h i c h h u m a n s will g o t o fit t h i n g s i n t o t h e i r v e r s i o n o f reality." I p u t R i p t i d e back in my pocket. F o r t h e first t i m e , t h e q u e s t felt real. I was actually leaving H a l f - B l o o d H i l l . I was h e a d i n g w e s t w i t h n o a d u l t s u p e r v i s i o n , n o b a c k u p p l a n , n o t even a cell p h o n e . ( C h i r o n said cell p h o n e s were traceable b y m o n s t e r s ; i f w e u s e d o n e , it would be worse than sending up a flare.) I had no weapon s t r o n g e r t h a n a s w o r d t o f i g h t o f f m o n s t e r s a n d reach t h e Land of the Dead. " C h i r o n . . . " I said. " W h e n y o u say t h e g o d s are i m m o r tal . . . I m e a n , t h e r e was a t i m e before t h e m , r i g h t ? " " F o u r ages b e f o r e t h e m ,

actually. T h e T i m e o f t h e

T i t a n s was t h e F o u r t h Age, s o m e t i m e s called t h e G o l d e n A g e , w h i c h i s definitely a m i s n o m e r . T h i s , t h e t i m e o f W e s t e r n civilization a n d t h e r u l e o f Z e u s , i s t h e F i f t h A g e . " " S o w h a t was it like . . . b e f o r e t h e g o d s ? " C h i r o n p u r s e d h i s lips. " E v e n I a m n o t o l d e n o u g h t o r e m e m b e r t h a t , child, b u t I k n o w it was a t i m e of d a r k n e s s a n d savagery for m o r t a l s . K r o n o s , t h e l o r d o f t h e T i t a n s , called his reign t h e G o l d e n A g e b e c a u s e m e n lived i n n o c e n t a n d free o f all k n o w l e d g e . B u t t h a t was m e r e p r o p a g a n d a . T h e T i t a n k i n g cared n o t h i n g for y o u r k i n d e x c e p t a s a p p e tizers o r a s o u r c e o f c h e a p e n t e r t a i n m e n t . I t was o n l y i n t h e

[155]

early r e i g n o f L o r d Z e u s , w h e n P r o m e t h e u s t h e g o o d T i t a n brought

fire

to

mankind,

that

your

species

began

to

p r o g r e s s , a n d even t h e n P r o m e t h e u s was b r a n d e d a r a d i c a l t h i n k e r . Z e u s p u n i s h e d h i m severely, a s y o u m a y recall. O f c o u r s e , eventually t h e g o d s w a r m e d t o h u m a n s , a n d W e s t e r n civilization was b o r n . " " B u t t h e g o d s can't d i e n o w , right? I m e a n , as l o n g as W e s t e r n civilization is alive, they're alive. So . . . even if I failed, n o t h i n g c o u l d h a p p e n s o b a d i t w o u l d m e s s u p everything, r i g h t ? " C h i r o n gave m e a m e l a n c h o l y smile. " N o o n e k n o w s h o w l o n g t h e A g e o f t h e W e s t will last, Percy. T h e g o d s are i m m o r t a l , yes. B u t t h e n , so were t h e T i t a n s . They still exist, l o c k e d away i n t h e i r v a r i o u s p r i s o n s , forced t o e n d u r e e n d less p a i n a n d p u n i s h m e n t , r e d u c e d i n power, b u t still very m u c h alive. M a y t h e F a t e s f o r b i d t h a t t h e g o d s s h o u l d ever suffer s u c h a d o o m , o r t h a t w e s h o u l d ever r e t u r n t o t h e d a r k n e s s a n d c h a o s o f t h e p a s t . All w e can d o , child, i s foll o w o u r destiny." " O u r d e s t i n y . . . a s s u m i n g we k n o w w h a t t h a t is." "Relax," C h i r o n t o l d m e .

" K e e p a clear h e a d . A n d

remember, you may be a b o u t to prevent the biggest war in h u m a n history." "Relax," I said. " I ' m very relaxed." W h e n I g o t t o t h e b o t t o m o f t h e hill, I l o o k e d b a c k . U n d e r t h e p i n e tree t h a t u s e d t o b e T h a l i a , d a u g h t e r o f Z e u s , C h i r o n was n o w s t a n d i n g i n full h o r s e - m a n f o r m , h o l d i n g his b o w h i g h i n s a l u t e . J u s t y o u r t y p i c a l s u m m e r c a m p send-off by your typical centaur.

[156]

A r g u s drove u s o u t o f t h e c o u n t r y s i d e a n d i n t o w e s t e r n L o n g Island.

I t felt weird t o

be

on

a h i g h w a y again,

A n n a b e t h a n d G r o v e r s i t t i n g n e x t t o m e a s i f w e were n o r m a l c a r p o o l e r s . A f t e r t w o weeks a t H a l f - B l o o d H i l l , t h e real w o r l d s e e m e d like a fantasy. I f o u n d m y s e l f s t a r i n g at every M c D o n a l d ' s , every k i d i n t h e b a c k o f h i s p a r e n t s ' car, every billboard a n d s h o p p i n g mall. " S o far s o g o o d , " I t o l d A n n a b e t h . " T e n m i l e s a n d n o t a single m o n s t e r . " S h e gave m e a n i r r i t a t e d l o o k . "It's b a d l u c k t o talk t h a t way, s e a w e e d brain." " R e m i n d me again—why do you hate me so much?" " I d o n ' t h a t e you." " C o u l d ' v e f o o l e d me." S h e f o l d e d h e r c a p of invisibility. " L o o k . . . we're j u s t n o t s u p p o s e d t o get a l o n g , okay? O u r p a r e n t s are rivals." "Why?" S h e sighed. " H o w m a n y r e a s o n s d o y o u w a n t ? O n e t i m e m y m o m c a u g h t P o s e i d o n w i t h h i s girlfriend i n A t h e n a ' s t e m p l e , w h i c h is hugely disrespectful. A n o t h e r t i m e , A t h e n a a n d P o s e i d o n c o m p e t e d t o b e t h e p a t r o n g o d for t h e city o f A t h e n s . Y o u r d a d c r e a t e d s o m e s t u p i d s a l t w a t e r s p r i n g for h i s gift. M y m o m c r e a t e d t h e olive tree. T h e p e o p l e saw t h a t h e r gift was b e t t e r , s o t h e y n a m e d t h e city after her." " T h e y m u s t really like olives." " O h , forget it." " N o w , if she'd i n v e n t e d p i z z a — t h a t I c o u l d u n d e r s t a n d . " "I said, forget it!"

[157]

I n t h e f r o n t seat, A r g u s s m i l e d . H e d i d n ' t say a n y t h i n g , b u t o n e b l u e eye o n t h e b a c k o f his n e c k w i n k e d a t m e . Traffic slowed u s d o w n i n Q u e e n s . B y t h e t i m e w e g o t i n t o M a n h a t t a n i t was s u n s e t a n d s t a r t i n g t o r a i n . Argus d r o p p e d us at the G r e y h o u n d Station on the U p p e r E a s t S i d e , n o t far f r o m m y m o m a n d G a b e ' s a p a r t m e n t . T a p e d to a m a i l b o x was a s o g g y flyer w i t h my p i c t u r e on it: HAVE Y O U SEEN T H I S BOY?

I r i p p e d i t d o w n before A n n a b e t h a n d G r o v e r c o u l d notice. A r g u s u n l o a d e d o u r b a g s , m a d e sure w e g o t o u r b u s tickets, t h e n drove away, t h e eye o n t h e b a c k o f his h a n d opening to watch us as he pulled o u t of the parking lot. I t h o u g h t a b o u t h o w close I was t o m y o l d a p a r t m e n t . O n a n o r m a l day, m y m o m w o u l d b e h o m e f r o m t h e c a n d y s t o r e b y now. S m e l l y G a b e was p r o b a b l y u p t h e r e r i g h t now, p l a y i n g p o k e r , n o t even m i s s i n g her. G r o v e r s h o u l d e r e d his b a c k p a c k . H e g a z e d d o w n t h e street i n t h e d i r e c t i o n I was l o o k i n g . " Y o u w a n t t o k n o w w h y she m a r r i e d h i m , Percy?" I stared at him. "Were you reading my m i n d or s o m e thing?" "Just y o u r e m o t i o n s . " H e s h r u g g e d . " G u e s s I f o r g o t t o tell y o u satyrs c a n d o t h a t . Y o u w e r e t h i n k i n g a b o u t y o u r m o m and your stepdad, right?" I n o d d e d , w o n d e r i n g w h a t else G r o v e r m i g h t ' v e f o r g o t t e n t o tell m e . " Y o u r m o m m a r r i e d G a b e for you" G r o v e r t o l d m e . " Y o u call h i m 'Smelly,' b u t you've g o t n o idea. T h e g u y has

[158]

this aura. . . . Y u c k . I c a n smell h i m f r o m here. I can s m e l l traces o f h i m o n y o u , a n d y o u haven't b e e n n e a r h i m for a week." " T h a n k s , " I said. " W h e r e ' s t h e n e a r e s t s h o w e r ? " " Y o u s h o u l d b e grateful, Percy. Y o u r s t e p f a t h e r s m e l l s s o repulsively h u m a n h e c o u l d m a s k t h e p r e s e n c e o f any d e m i g o d . As s o o n as I t o o k a w h i f f i n s i d e his C a m a r o , I k n e w : G a b e h a s b e e n covering y o u r s c e n t for years. I f y o u h a d n ' t lived w i t h h i m every s u m m e r , y o u p r o b a b l y w o u l d ' v e b e e n f o u n d b y m o n s t e r s a l o n g t i m e ago. Y o u r m o m stayed w i t h h i m t o p r o t e c t y o u . S h e was a s m a r t lady. S h e m u s t ' v e loved y o u a l o t t o p u t u p w i t h t h a t g u y — i f t h a t m a k e s y o u feel any better." I t d i d n ' t , b u t I f o r c e d m y s e l f n o t t o s h o w it. I'll see h e r again, I t h o u g h t . S h e isn't g o n e . I w o n d e r e d i f G r o v e r c o u l d still r e a d m y e m o t i o n s , m i x e d up as t h e y were. I was glad he a n d A n n a b e t h were w i t h m e , b u t I felt guilty t h a t I h a d n ' t b e e n s t r a i g h t w i t h t h e m . I h a d n ' t t o l d t h e m t h e real r e a s o n I'd said yes to t h i s crazy quest. T h e t r u t h was, I d i d n ' t care a b o u t retrieving Z e u s ' s l i g h t n i n g b o l t , o r saving t h e w o r l d , o r even h e l p i n g m y father o u t o f t r o u b l e . T h e m o r e I t h o u g h t a b o u t it, I r e s e n t e d P o s e i d o n for never visiting m e , never h e l p i n g m y m o m , never even s e n d i n g a l o u s y c h i l d - s u p p o r t check. H e ' d o n l y claimed me because he needed a job done. A l l I c a r e d a b o u t was m y m o m . H a d e s h a d t a k e n h e r unfairly, a n d H a d e s was g o i n g t o give h e r b a c k . You will be betrayed by one who calls you a friend, t h e O r a c l e

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w h i s p e r e d in my m i n d . You will fail to save what matters most in the end. Shut up, I t o l d it.

T h e rain kept c o m i n g down. W e g o t restless w a i t i n g for t h e b u s a n d d e c i d e d t o p l a y s o m e H a c k y S a c k w i t h o n e o f Grover's a p p l e s . A n n a b e t h was u n b e l i e v a b l e . S h e c o u l d b o u n c e t h e a p p l e o f f h e r k n e e , h e r elbow, h e r s h o u l d e r , whatever. I wasn't t o o b a d myself. T h e game ended when I tossed the apple toward Grover a n d i t g o t t o o close t o h i s m o u t h . I n o n e m e g a g o a t b i t e , o u r H a c k y Sack d i s a p p e a r e d — c o r e , s t e m , a n d all. Grover blushed. He tried to apologize, b u t A n n a b e t h a n d I were t o o b u s y c r a c k i n g u p . F i n a l l y t h e b u s c a m e . A s w e s t o o d i n line t o b o a r d , G r o v e r s t a r t e d l o o k i n g a r o u n d , sniffing t h e air like h e s m e l l e d h i s favorite s c h o o l cafeteria d e l i c a c y — e n c h i l a d a s . " W h a t is it?" I asked. " I d o n ' t know," h e said tensely. " M a y b e it's n o t h i n g . " B u t I c o u l d tell it wasn't n o t h i n g . I s t a r t e d l o o k i n g over my shoulder, too. I was relieved w h e n w e finally g o t o n b o a r d a n d f o u n d seats t o g e t h e r i n t h e b a c k o f t h e b u s . W e s t o w e d o u r b a c k p a c k s . A n n a b e t h k e p t s l a p p i n g h e r Yankees c a p n e r v o u s l y against her thigh. A s t h e last p a s s e n g e r s g o t o n , A n n a b e t h c l a m p e d h e r h a n d o n t o m y k n e e . "Percy." An old lady h a d just b o a r d e d the bus. She wore a c r u m p l e d velvet dress, lace gloves, a n d a shapeless o r a n g e - k n i t h a t

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t h a t s h a d o w e d h e r face, a n d she c a r r i e d a b i g paisley p u r s e . W h e n she t i l t e d h e r h e a d u p , h e r black eyes glittered, a n d my h e a r t s k i p p e d a b e a t . I t was M r s . D o d d s . O l d e r , m o r e w i t h e r e d , b u t definitely t h e s a m e evil face. I s c r u n c h e d d o w n in my seat. B e h i n d h e r c a m e t w o m o r e o l d ladies: o n e i n a g r e e n h a t , o n e i n a p u r p l e h a t . O t h e r w i s e t h e y l o o k e d exactly like M r s . D o d d s — s a m e g n a r l e d h a n d s , paisley h a n d b a g s , w r i n k l e d velvet dresses. T r i p l e t d e m o n g r a n d m o t h e r s . T h e y sat i n t h e f r o n t row, r i g h t b e h i n d t h e driver. T h e t w o o n t h e aisle c r o s s e d t h e i r legs over t h e walkway, m a k i n g an X. It was casual e n o u g h , b u t it s e n t a clear message: n o b o d y leaves. T h e bus pulled out of the station, and we headed t h r o u g h t h e slick streets o f M a n h a t t a n .

" S h e d i d n ' t stay

d e a d l o n g , " I said, t r y i n g t o k e e p m y voice f r o m quivering. "I t h o u g h t y o u said t h e y c o u l d be d i s p e l l e d for a lifetime. "I said if you're lucky" A n n a b e t h said.

"You're o b v i -

ously not." "All t h r e e of t h e m , " G r o v e r w h i m p e r e d . "Di immortales!" "It's okay," A n n a b e t h said, o b v i o u s l y t h i n k i n g h a r d . "The

Furies.

The

three

worst

monsters

from

the

U n d e r w o r l d . N o p r o b l e m . N o p r o b l e m . W e ' l l j u s t slip o u t the windows." " T h e y don't open," Grover m o a n e d . "A b a c k exit?" she s u g g e s t e d . T h e r e wasn't o n e . E v e n i f t h e r e h a d b e e n , i t w o u l d n ' t

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have h e l p e d . B y t h a t t i m e , w e were o n N i n t h Avenue, h e a d i n g for t h e L i n c o l n T u n n e l . " T h e y w o n ' t a t t a c k u s w i t h w i t n e s s e s a r o u n d , " I said. "Will they?" " M o r t a l s d o n ' t have g o o d eyes," A n n a b e t h r e m i n d e d m e . " T h e i r b r a i n s can o n l y p r o c e s s w h a t t h e y see t h r o u g h the Mist." " T h e y ' l l see t h r e e o l d ladies k i l l i n g us, w o n ' t t h e y ? " She t h o u g h t

a b o u t it.

" H a r d to

say.

But we

can't

c o u n t o n m o r t a l s for h e l p . M a y b e a n e m e r g e n c y exit i n the roof . . . ?" We hit the Lincoln Tunnel, and the bus went dark except for t h e r u n n i n g l i g h t s d o w n t h e aisle. I t was eerily q u i e t w i t h o u t t h e s o u n d o f t h e rain. M r s . D o d d s g o t u p . I n a flat voice, a s i f she'd r e h e a r s e d it, she a n n o u n c e d t o t h e w h o l e b u s : " I n e e d t o use t h e restroom." " S o d o I," said t h e s e c o n d sister. " S o d o I," s a i d t h e t h i r d sister. T h e y all s t a r t e d c o m i n g d o w n t h e aisle. "I've g o t it," A n n a b e t h said. "Percy, take my hat." "What?" "You're t h e o n e t h e y w a n t . T u r n invisible a n d g o u p t h e aisle. L e t t h e m p a s s y o u . M a y b e y o u c a n get t o t h e f r o n t a n d get away." "But you g u y s — " " T h e r e ' s a n o u t s i d e c h a n c e t h e y m i g h t n o t n o t i c e us," A n n a b e t h said. "You're a s o n o f o n e o f t h e Big T h r e e . Y o u r s m e l l m i g h t b e overpowering."

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"I can't j u s t leave you." " D o n ' t w o r r y a b o u t us," G r o v e r said. " G o ! " My h a n d s t r e m b l e d . I felt like a coward, b u t I t o o k t h e Yankees c a p a n d p u t i t o n . W h e n I l o o k e d d o w n , m y b o d y wasn't t h e r e a n y m o r e . I s t a r t e d c r e e p i n g u p t h e aisle. I m a n a g e d t o get u p t e n r o w s , t h e n d u c k i n t o a n e m p t y seat just a s t h e F u r i e s w a l k e d past. M r s . D o d d s s t o p p e d , sniffing, a n d l o o k e d s t r a i g h t a t m e . M y h e a r t was p o u n d i n g . A p p a r e n t l y she d i d n ' t see a n y t h i n g . S h e a n d h e r sisters kept going. I was free. I m a d e it to t h e f r o n t of t h e b u s . We were a l m o s t t h r o u g h t h e L i n c o l n T u n n e l now. I was a b o u t t o p r e s s t h e e m e r g e n c y s t o p b u t t o n w h e n I h e a r d h i d e o u s wailing f r o m t h e b a c k row. T h e o l d ladies were n o t o l d ladies a n y m o r e . T h e i r faces were still t h e s a m e — I guess t h o s e c o u l d n ' t get any u g l i e r — b u t t h e i r b o d i e s h a d shriveled i n t o l e a t h e r y b r o w n h a g b o d ies w i t h bat's w i n g s a n d h a n d s a n d feet like gargoyle claws. T h e i r h a n d b a g s h a d t u r n e d i n t o fiery w h i p s . T h e Furies surrounded Grover a n d Annabeth, lashing t h e i r w h i p s , hissing: " W h e r e i s it? W h e r e ? " T h e o t h e r p e o p l e o n t h e b u s were s c r e a m i n g , c o w e r i n g in t h e i r seats. T h e y s a w something, all r i g h t . " H e ' s n o t h e r e ! " A n n a b e t h yelled. " H e ' s g o n e ! " T h e Furies raised their whips. A n n a b e t h d r e w h e r b r o n z e knife. G r o v e r g r a b b e d a t i n can f r o m h i s snack b a g a n d p r e p a r e d t o t h r o w it.

[163]

W h a t I d i d n e x t was s o i m p u l s i v e a n d d a n g e r o u s I s h o u l d ' v e b e e n n a m e d A D H D p o s t e r child o f t h e year. T h e b u s driver was d i s t r a c t e d , t r y i n g t o see w h a t was g o i n g o n i n his rearview m i r r o r . Still invisible, I g r a b b e d t h e w h e e l f r o m h i m a n d j e r k e d i t t o t h e left. E v e r y b o d y h o w l e d a s t h e y were t h r o w n t o t h e r i g h t , a n d I h e a r d w h a t I h o p e d was t h e s o u n d o f t h r e e F u r i e s s m a s h i n g against t h e w i n d o w s . " H e y ! " t h e driver yelled. " H e y — w h o a ! " W e w r e s t l e d for t h e wheel. T h e b u s s l a m m e d a g a i n s t t h e side o f t h e t u n n e l , g r i n d i n g m e t a l , t h r o w i n g s p a r k s a m i l e behind us. We careened o u t of the Lincoln Tunnel and back into the rainstorm, people and monsters tossed around the bus, cars p l o w e d aside like b o w l i n g p i n s . S o m e h o w t h e driver f o u n d a n exit. W e s h o t o f f t h e highway, t h r o u g h h a l f a d o z e n traffic lights, a n d e n d e d u p b a r r e l i n g d o w n o n e o f t h o s e N e w Jersey r u r a l r o a d s w h e r e y o u can't believe there's s o m u c h n o t h i n g r i g h t across t h e river f r o m N e w Y o r k . T h e r e were w o o d s t o o u r left, t h e H u d s o n R i v e r t o o u r r i g h t , a n d t h e driver s e e m e d t o b e veering t o w a r d t h e river. A n o t h e r g r e a t idea: I h i t t h e e m e r g e n c y b r a k e . T h e b u s wailed, s p u n a full circle o n t h e wet asphalt, a n d c r a s h e d i n t o t h e trees. T h e e m e r g e n c y l i g h t s c a m e o n . T h e d o o r f l e w o p e n . T h e b u s driver was t h e first o n e o u t , the

passengers

yelling

as

they stampeded

after h i m .

I

s t e p p e d i n t o t h e driver's seat a n d l e t t h e m p a s s . T h e Furies regained their balance. T h e y lashed their

[164]

w h i p s a t A n n a b e t h while s h e waved h e r knife a n d yelled i n A n c i e n t G r e e k , t e l l i n g t h e m t o b a c k off. G r o v e r t h r e w t i n cans. I l o o k e d at t h e o p e n d o o r w a y I was free to go, b u t I c o u l d n ' t leave my friends. I t o o k o f f t h e invisible c a p . "Hey!" T h e F u r i e s t u r n e d , b a r i n g t h e i r yellow fangs a t m e , a n d t h e exit s u d d e n l y s e e m e d like a n excellent idea. M r s . D o d d s s t a l k e d u p t h e aisle, j u s t a s s h e u s e d t o d o i n class, a b o u t t o deliver m y F — m a t h test. E v e r y t i m e s h e f l i c k e d h e r w h i p , r e d f l a m e s d a n c e d a l o n g t h e b a r b e d leather. H e r t w o ugly sisters h o p p e d o n t o p o f t h e seats o n e i t h e r side o f h e r a n d c r a w l e d t o w a r d m e like h u g e n a s t y lizards. " P e r s e u s Jackson," M r s . D o d d s said, i n a n a c c e n t t h a t was definitely f r o m s o m e w h e r e f a r t h e r s o u t h t h a n G e o r g i a . " Y o u have o f f e n d e d t h e g o d s . Y o u shall die." "I liked y o u b e t t e r as a m a t h teacher," I t o l d her. She growled. A n n a b e t h and Grover moved up b e h i n d the Furies cautiously, l o o k i n g for a n o p e n i n g . I took the ballpoint pen out of my pocket and unc a p p e d it. R i p t i d e e l o n g a t e d i n t o a s h i m m e r i n g d o u b l e edged sword. T h e Furies hesitated. M r s . D o d d s h a d felt R i p t i d e s b l a d e b e f o r e . S h e o b v i o u s l y d i d n ' t like seeing it again. " S u b m i t now," she h i s s e d . eternal torment."

[165]

" A n d y o u will n o t suffer

" N i c e try," I t o l d her. "Percy, l o o k o u t ! " A n n a b e t h cried. M r s . D o d d s lashed her whip around my sword h a n d w h i l e t h e F u r i e s o n t h e e i t h e r side l u n g e d a t m e . M y h a n d felt like i t was w r a p p e d i n m o l t e n lead, b u t I m a n a g e d n o t t o d r o p R i p t i d e . I s t u c k t h e F u r y o n t h e left w i t h its hilt, s e n d i n g h e r t o p p l i n g b a c k w a r d i n t o a seat. I t u r n e d a n d sliced t h e F u r y o n t h e r i g h t . A s s o o n a s t h e b l a d e c o n n e c t e d w i t h h e r n e c k , she s c r e a m e d a n d e x p l o d e d i n t o d u s t . A n n a b e t h g o t M r s . D o d d s i n a wrestler's h o l d a n d yanked her backward while Grover ripped the whip o u t of her hands. "Owl" h e yelled. " O w ! H o t ! H o t ! " T h e F u r y I'd h i l t - s l a m m e d c a m e a t m e again, t a l o n s ready, b u t I s w u n g R i p t i d e a n d s h e b r o k e o p e n like a piñata. M r s . D o d d s was t r y i n g t o get A n n a b e t h o f f h e r b a c k . S h e kicked, clawed, h i s s e d a n d bit, b u t A n n a b e t h h e l d o n w h i l e G r o v e r g o t M r s . D o d d s ' s legs t i e d u p i n h e r o w n w h i p . Finally t h e y b o t h s h o v e d h e r b a c k w a r d i n t o t h e aisle. M r s . D o d d s t r i e d t o get u p , b u t she d i d n ' t have r o o m t o flap h e r b a t w i n g s , s o she k e p t falling d o w n . " Z e u s will d e s t r o y y o u ! " s h e p r o m i s e d . " H a d e s will have your soul!" "Braceas meas vescimini!" I yelled. I wasn't sure w h e r e t h e L a t i n c a m e f r o m . I t h i n k it meant "Eat my pants!" T h u n d e r s h o o k t h e b u s . T h e h a i r rose o n t h e b a c k o f my neck.

[166]

" G e t o u t ! " A n n a b e t h yelled a t m e . " N o w ! " I d i d n ' t n e e d any encouragement. W e r u s h e d outside a n d f o u n d the other passengers wand e r i n g a r o u n d i n a d a z e , a r g u i n g w i t h t h e driver, o r r u n n i n g a r o u n d in circles yelling, " W e ' r e g o i n g to die!" A H a w a i i a n shirted tourist with a

camera

snapped my p h o t o g r a p h

b e f o r e I c o u l d r e c a p my s w o r d . " O u r b a g s ! " G r o v e r realized. " W e left o u r — " BOOOOOM! T h e windows of the bus exploded as the passengers ran for cover. L i g h t n i n g s h r e d d e d a h u g e c r a t e r i n t h e roof, b u t a n a n g r y wail f r o m i n s i d e t o l d m e M r s . D o d d s was n o t yet dead. " R u n ! " A n n a b e t h said.

"She's

calling

for r e i n f o r c e -

m e n t s ! W e have t o get o u t o f h e r e ! " W e p l u n g e d i n t o t h e w o o d s a s t h e rain p o u r e d d o w n , t h e b u s i n flames b e h i n d u s , a n d n o t h i n g b u t d a r k n e s s ahead.

[167]

In a way, it's n i c e to k n o w t h e r e are G r e e k g o d s o u t t h e r e , b e c a u s e y o u have s o m e b o d y t o b l a m e w h e n t h i n g s

go

w r o n g . F o r i n s t a n c e , w h e n you're w a l k i n g away f r o m a b u s that's j u s t b e e n a t t a c k e d b y m o n s t e r h a g s a n d b l o w n u p b y l i g h t n i n g , a n d it's r a i n i n g o n t o p o f e v e r y t h i n g else, m o s t p e o p l e m i g h t t h i n k that's j u s t really b a d luck; w h e n you're a h a l f - b l o o d , y o u u n d e r s t a n d t h a t s o m e divine force really is t r y i n g t o m e s s u p y o u r day. S o t h e r e w e were, A n n a b e t h a n d G r o v e r a n d I , w a l k i n g t h r o u g h t h e w o o d s a l o n g t h e N e w Jersey r i v e r b a n k , t h e glow o f N e w Y o r k C i t y m a k i n g t h e n i g h t sky yellow b e h i n d us, a n d the smell of the H u d s o n reeking in our noses. G r o v e r was shivering a n d b r a y i n g , his b i g g o a t eyes t u r n e d s l i t - p u p i l e d a n d full o f t e r r o r . " T h r e e K i n d l y O n e s . All three at once." I was p r e t t y m u c h i n s h o c k myself. T h e e x p l o s i o n o f b u s w i n d o w s still r a n g i n m y ears. B u t A n n a b e t h k e p t p u l l i n g u s along, saying: " C o m e o n ! T h e farther away w e get, t h e better." "All o u r m o n e y was b a c k there," I r e m i n d e d her. " O u r food a n d clothes. Everything." "Well, maybe if you hadn't decided to j u m p into the fight-"

[168]

" W h a t d i d y o u w a n t m e t o do? L e t y o u get killed?" " Y o u d i d n ' t n e e d t o p r o t e c t m e , Percy. I w o u l d ' v e b e e n fine." " S l i c e d like s a n d w i c h bread," G r o v e r p u t in, " b u t f i n e . " " S h u t u p , g o a t boy," said A n n a b e t h . G r o v e r b r a y e d m o u r n f u l l y . " T i n cans . . . a perfectly g o o d b a g o f t i n cans." We

sloshed

across

mushy

ground,

through

nasty

t w i s t e d trees t h a t s m e l l e d like s o u r l a u n d r y . After a few m i n u t e s , A n n a b e t h fell i n t o line n e x t to m e . " L o o k , I . . ." H e r voice faltered. "I a p p r e c i a t e y o u r c o m i n g b a c k for u s , okay? T h a t was really brave." "We're a team, right?" S h e was silent for a few m o r e s t e p s . "It's j u s t t h a t if y o u d i e d . . . aside f r o m t h e fact t h a t i t w o u l d really suck for y o u , i t w o u l d m e a n t h e q u e s t w a s over. T h i s m a y b e m y o n l y c h a n c e t o see t h e real world." T h e t h u n d e r s t o r m h a d f i n a l l y let u p . T h e city g l o w f a d e d b e h i n d us, leaving us in a l m o s t t o t a l d a r k n e s s . I c o u l d n ' t see a n y t h i n g o f A n n a b e t h except a g l i n t o f h e r b l o n d hair. " Y o u haven't left C a m p H a l f - B l o o d since y o u were seven?" I a s k e d her. " N o . . . only s h o r t field trips. My d a d — " " T h e h i s t o r y professor." "Yeah. I t d i d n ' t w o r k o u t for m e living a t h o m e . I m e a n , C a m p H a l f - B l o o d i s m y h o m e . " S h e was r u s h i n g h e r w o r d s o u t now, a s i f she were afraid s o m e b o d y m i g h t t r y t o s t o p her.

"At c a m p y o u t r a i n a n d t r a i n . A n d that's all c o o l

[169]

a n d e v e r y t h i n g , b u t t h e real w o r l d i s w h e r e t h e m o n s t e r s are. T h a t ' s w h e r e y o u l e a r n w h e t h e r you're any g o o d o r not." If I d i d n ' t k n o w b e t t e r , I could've s w o r n I h e a r d d o u b t in h e r voice. "You're p r e t t y g o o d w i t h t h a t knife," I said. "You t h i n k so?" "Anybody

who

can

piggyback-ride

a F u r y is

okay

by me." I

couldn't

really

see,

but

I

thought

she

might've

smiled. " Y o u know," s h e said, " m a y b e I s h o u l d tell y o u . . . S o m e t h i n g f u n n y b a c k on t h e b u s . . ." W h a t e v e r she w a n t e d to say was i n t e r r u p t e d by a shrill toot-toot-toot, like t h e s o u n d o f a n owl b e i n g t o r t u r e d . " H e y , m y r e e d p i p e s still w o r k ! " G r o v e r cried. " I f I c o u l d j u s t r e m e m b e r a 'find p a t h ' s o n g , w e c o u l d get o u t o f these woods!" H e p u f f e d o u t a few n o t e s , b u t t h e t u n e still s o u n d e d s u s p i c i o u s l y like H i l a r y Duff. I n s t e a d of finding a p a t h , I i m m e d i a t e l y s l a m m e d i n t o a tree a n d g o t a nice-size k n o t o n m y h e a d . A d d to t h e list of s u p e r p o w e r s I d i d not have: i n f r a r e d vision. A f t e r t r i p p i n g a n d c u r s i n g a n d generally feeling m i s e r able for a n o t h e r m i l e o r so, I s t a r t e d t o see l i g h t u p a h e a d : t h e c o l o r s of a n e o n sign. I c o u l d s m e l l f o o d . F r i e d , greasy, excellent f o o d . I realized I h a d n ' t e a t e n a n y t h i n g u n h e a l t h y since I'd arrived a t H a l f - B l o o d H i l l , w h e r e w e lived o n

[170]

g r a p e s , b r e a d , cheese, a n d e x t r a - l e a n - c u t n y m p h - p r e p a r e d b a r b e c u e . T h i s b o y n e e d e d a d o u b l e cheeseburger. We kept walking until I saw a deserted two-lane r o a d t h r o u g h t h e trees. O n t h e o t h e r side was a c l o s e d - d o w n gas s t a t i o n , a t a t t e r e d b i l l b o a r d for a 1 9 9 0 s m o v i e , a n d o n e o p e n b u s i n e s s , w h i c h was t h e s o u r c e o f t h e n e o n l i g h t a n d t h e g o o d smell. It wasn't a f a s t - f o o d r e s t a u r a n t like I'd h o p e d . It was o n e o f t h o s e weird r o a d s i d e c u r i o s h o p s t h a t sell l a w n f l a m i n gos a n d w o o d e n I n d i a n s a n d c e m e n t g r i z z l y b e a r s a n d s t u f f like t h a t . T h e m a i n b u i l d i n g was a l o n g , l o w w a r e h o u s e , s u r r o u n d e d b y acres o f s t a t u a r y . T h e n e o n sign above t h e gate was i m p o s s i b l e for m e t o read, b e c a u s e i f there's a n y t h i n g w o r s e for m y dyslexia t h a n r e g u l a r E n g l i s h , it's r e d cursive n e o n English. To

me,

it l o o k e d like:

ATNYU MES

GDERAN GOMEN

MEPROUIM. " W h a t t h e h e c k d o e s t h a t say?" I asked. " I d o n ' t know," A n n a b e t h said. She

loved

reading

so

much,

I'd

forgotten

she

was

dyslexic, t o o . Grover

translated:

"Aunty

Em's

Garden

Gnome

Emporium." F l a n k i n g t h e e n t r a n c e , a s a d v e r t i s e d , were t w o c e m e n t g a r d e n g n o m e s , ugly b e a r d e d little r u n t s , s m i l i n g a n d waving, a s i f t h e y were a b o u t t o get t h e i r p i c t u r e t a k e n . I c r o s s e d t h e street, f o l l o w i n g t h e s m e l l o f t h e h a m burgers. " H e y . . ." G r o v e r w a r n e d .

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" T h e lights are o n inside," A n n a b e t h said. " M a y b e it's open." " S n a c k bar," I said wistfully. " S n a c k bar," she agreed. "Are y o u t w o crazy?" G r o v e r said. " T h i s p l a c e i s weird." We ignored him. T h e f r o n t l o t was a forest o f s t a t u e s : c e m e n t a n i m a l s , c e m e n t c h i l d r e n , even a c e m e n t satyr p l a y i n g t h e p i p e s , w h i c h gave G r o v e r t h e creeps. "Bla~ha~ha!"

he

bleated.

"Looks

like

my

Uncle

Ferdinand!" We stopped at the warehouse door. " D o n ' t k n o c k , " G r o v e r p l e a d e d . " I smell m o n s t e r s . " " Y o u r n o s e i s c l o g g e d u p f r o m t h e Furies," A n n a b e t h t o l d h i m . "All I s m e l l is b u r g e r s . A r e n ' t y o u h u n g r y ? " " M e a t ! " he said scornfully. " I ' m a vegetarian." "You

eat

cheese

enchiladas

and

aluminum

cans," I

reminded him. " T h o s e are vegetables. C o m e o n . Let's leave. T h e s e s t a t ues are . . . l o o k i n g at m e . " T h e n t h e d o o r creaked o p e n , a n d s t a n d i n g i n front o f u s was a tall M i d d l e E a s t e r n w o m a n — a t least, I a s s u m e d she was M i d d l e Eastern, because she wore a l o n g black g o w n t h a t covered everything b u t h e r h a n d s , a n d h e r h e a d was completely veiled. H e r eyes glinted b e h i n d a c u r t a i n of black gauze, b u t t h a t was a b o u t all I c o u l d m a k e o u t . H e r coffee-colored h a n d s l o o k e d old, b u t well-manicured a n d elegant, so I i m a g i n e d she was a g r a n d m o t h e r w h o h a d o n c e b e e n a beautiful lady. H e r a c c e n t s o u n d e d vaguely M i d d l e E a s t e r n , t o o . S h e

[172]

said, " C h i l d r e n , i t i s t o o late t o b e o u t all a l o n e . W h e r e are your parents?" " T h e y ' r e . . . um . . ." A n n a b e t h s t a r t e d to say. " W e ' r e o r p h a n s , " I said. " O r p h a n s ? " t h e w o m a n said. T h e w o r d s o u n d e d alien i n h e r m o u t h . " B u t , m y dears! Surely n o t ! " " W e g o t s e p a r a t e d f r o m o u r caravan," I said. " O u r circus caravan. T h e r i n g m a s t e r t o l d u s t o m e e t h i m a t t h e gas s t a t i o n i f w e g o t lost, b u t h e m a y have f o r g o t t e n , o r m a y b e he m e a n t a different gas s t a t i o n . Anyway, we're l o s t . Is t h a t food I smell?" " O h , m y dears," t h e w o m a n said. " Y o u m u s t c o m e in, p o o r children. I am Aunty E m . Go straight t h r o u g h to the b a c k of t h e w a r e h o u s e , please. T h e r e is a d i n i n g area." W e t h a n k e d h e r a n d w e n t inside. A n n a b e t h m u t t e r e d t o m e , " C i r c u s caravan?" "Always have a strategy, r i g h t ? " " Y o u r h e a d is full of kelp." T h e w a r e h o u s e was filled w i t h m o r e s t a t u e s — p e o p l e i n all different p o s e s , w e a r i n g all different o u t f i t s a n d w i t h different expressions on t h e i r faces. I was t h i n k i n g you'd have t o have a p r e t t y h u g e g a r d e n t o fit even o n e o f t h e s e s t a t u e s , b e c a u s e t h e y were all life-size. B u t m o s t l y , I was t h i n k i n g about food. G o a h e a d , call m e a n i d i o t for w a l k i n g i n t o a s t r a n g e lady's s h o p like t h a t j u s t b e c a u s e I was h u n g r y , b u t I do i m p u l s i v e s t u f f s o m e t i m e s . P l u s , you've never s m e l l e d A u n t y E m ' s b u r g e r s . T h e a r o m a was like l a u g h i n g gas i n t h e d e n tist's

c h a i r — i t m a d e e v e r y t h i n g else go

[173]

away. I barely

n o t i c e d Grover's n e r v o u s w h i m p e r s , o r t h e way t h e s t a t u e s ' eyes s e e m e d t o follow m e , o r t h e fact t h a t A u n t y E m h a d locked the d o o r b e h i n d us. A l l I c a r e d a b o u t was f i n d i n g t h e d i n i n g area. A n d sure e n o u g h , t h e r e it was at t h e b a c k of t h e w a r e h o u s e , a fastf o o d c o u n t e r w i t h a grill, a s o d a f o u n t a i n , a p r e t z e l h e a t e r , a n d a n a c h o cheese d i s p e n s e r . E v e r y t h i n g y o u c o u l d w a n t , p l u s a few steel p i c n i c tables o u t front. " P l e a s e , sit d o w n , " A u n t y E m said. "Awesome," I said. "Um,"

Grover

said reluctantly,

"we

d o n ' t have

any

money, ma'am." Before I c o u l d j a b h i m i n t h e r i b s , A u n t y E m said, " N o , n o , c h i l d r e n . N o m o n e y . T h i s i s a special case, yes? I t i s m y treat, for s u c h nice o r p h a n s . " " T h a n k y o u , m a ' a m , " A n n a b e t h said. A u n t y E m stiffened, a s i f A n n a b e t h h a d d o n e s o m e t h i n g w r o n g , b u t t h e n t h e o l d w o m a n relaxed just a s quickly, so I figured it m u s t ' v e b e e n my i m a g i n a t i o n . " Q u i t e all r i g h t , A n n a b e t h , " she said. " Y o u have s u c h b e a u t i f u l g r a y eyes, child." O n l y later d i d I w o n d e r h o w s h e k n e w A n n a b e t h ' s n a m e , even t h o u g h w e h a d never i n t r o d u c e d ourselves. O u r hostess disappeared b e h i n d t h e snack counter a n d s t a r t e d c o o k i n g . Before w e k n e w it, she'd b r o u g h t u s p l a s t i c trays h e a p e d w i t h d o u b l e cheeseburgers, vanilla shakes, a n d X X L servings o f F r e n c h fries. I was halfway t h r o u g h my b u r g e r b e f o r e I r e m e m b e r e d to breathe.

[174]

A n n a b e t h slurped her shake. G r o v e r p i c k e d a t t h e fries, a n d eyed t h e tray's w a x e d p a p e r liner a s i f h e m i g h t g o for t h a t , b u t h e still l o o k e d t o o n e r v o u s t o eat. " W h a t ' s t h a t h i s s i n g n o i s e ? " h e asked. I listened, b u t didn't hear anything. A n n a b e t h s h o o k her head. " H i s s i n g ? " A u n t y E m asked.

"Perhaps you hear the

d e e p - f r y e r oil. Y o u have k e e n ears, Grover." " I t a k e v i t a m i n s . F o r m y ears." " T h a t ' s a d m i r a b l e , " she said. " B u t please, relax." A u n t y E m ate n o t h i n g . S h e h a d n ' t t a k e n o f f h e r h e a d dress, even t o c o o k , a n d n o w she sat f o r w a r d a n d i n t e r l a c e d h e r fingers a n d w a t c h e d us eat. It was a little u n s e t t l i n g , h a v ing s o m e o n e stare at me w h e n I c o u l d n ' t see h e r face, b u t I was feeling satisfied after t h e burger, a n d a little sleepy, a n d I figured t h e least I c o u l d d o was t r y t o m a k e s m a l l t a l k w i t h our hostess. " S o , y o u sell g n o m e s , " I said, t r y i n g t o s o u n d i n t e r e s t e d . " O h , yes," A u n t y E m said. " A n d a n i m a l s . A n d p e o p l e . A n y t h i n g for t h e g a r d e n . C u s t o m o r d e r s . S t a t u a r y i s very p o p u l a r , y o u know." "A lot of business on this road?" " N o t s o m u c h , n o . S i n c e t h e h i g h w a y was b u i l t . . . m o s t cars, t h e y d o n o t g o t h i s way now. I m u s t c h e r i s h every c u s t o m e r I get." M y n e c k tingled, a s i f s o m e b o d y else was l o o k i n g a t m e . I t u r n e d , b u t it was j u s t a s t a t u e of a y o u n g girl h o l d i n g an E a s t e r b a s k e t . T h e d e t a i l was i n c r e d i b l e , m u c h b e t t e r t h a n

[175]

y o u see i n m o s t g a r d e n s t a t u e s . B u t s o m e t h i n g was w r o n g w i t h h e r face. I t l o o k e d a s i f s h e were s t a r t l e d , o r even t e r rified. "Ah," A u n t y E m said sadly. " Y o u n o t i c e s o m e o f m y c r e a t i o n s d o n o t t u r n o u t well. T h e y are m a r r e d . T h e y d o n o t sell. T h e face i s t h e h a r d e s t t o get r i g h t . Always t h e face." "You m a k e these statues yourself?" I asked. " O h , yes. O n c e u p o n a t i m e , I h a d t w o sisters t o h e l p m e i n t h e b u s i n e s s , b u t t h e y have p a s s e d o n , a n d A u n t y E m is a l o n e . I have o n l y my s t a t u e s . T h i s is w h y I m a k e t h e m , y o u see. T h e y are m y c o m p a n y . " T h e s a d n e s s i n h e r voice s o u n d e d s o d e e p a n d s o real t h a t I c o u l d n ' t h e l p feeling s o r r y for her. A n n a b e t h h a d s t o p p e d eating. S h e sat f o r w a r d a n d said, " T w o sisters?" "It's a t e r r i b l e story," A u n t y E m said. " N o t o n e for child r e n , really. Y o u see, A n n a b e t h , a b a d w o m a n was j e a l o u s o f m e , l o n g ago, w h e n I was y o u n g . I h a d a . . . a b o y f r i e n d , y o u k n o w , a n d this b a d w o m a n was d e t e r m i n e d t o b r e a k u s a p a r t . S h e c a u s e d a t e r r i b l e a c c i d e n t . M y sisters s t a y e d b y me. T h e y shared my b a d fortune as long as they could, but eventually t h e y p a s s e d o n . T h e y f a d e d away. I a l o n e have survived, b u t at a p r i c e . S u c h a price." I wasn't sure w h a t she m e a n t , b u t I felt b a d for her. My eyelids k e p t g e t t i n g heavier, m y full s t o m a c h m a k i n g m e sleepy. P o o r o l d lady. W h o w o u l d w a n t t o h u r t s o m e b o d y so nice? " P e r c y ? " A n n a b e t h was s h a k i n g m e t o get m y a t t e n t i o n .

[176]

" M a y b e w e s h o u l d g o . I m e a n , t h e r i n g m a s t e r will b e w a i t ing. S h e s o u n d e d t e n s e . I wasn't sure why. G r o v e r was e a t i n g t h e waxed p a p e r o f f t h e tray now, b u t i f A u n t y E m f o u n d t h a t s t r a n g e , she d i d n ' t say a n y t h i n g . " S u c h b e a u t i f u l g r a y eyes," A u n t y E m t o l d A n n a b e t h again. " M y , yes, it has b e e n a l o n g t i m e since I've seen g r a y eyes like t h o s e . " S h e r e a c h e d o u t a s i f t o s t r o k e A n n a b e t h ' s cheek, b u t A n n a b e t h stood up abruptly. " W e really s h o u l d go." "Yes!" G r o v e r swallowed his waxed p a p e r a n d s t o o d u p . " T h e r i n g m a s t e r i s waiting! R i g h t ! " I d i d n ' t w a n t to leave. I felt full a n d c o n t e n t . A u n t y Em was so nice. I w a n t e d to stay w i t h h e r a while. "Please, dears," A u n t y E m p l e a d e d . " I s o rarely get t o b e w i t h c h i l d r e n . Before y o u g o , w o n ' t y o u at least sit for a pose? "A p o s e ? " A n n a b e t h a s k e d warily. "A p h o t o g r a p h . I will u s e it to m o d e l a n e w s t a t u e set. C h i l d r e n are so p o p u l a r , y o u see. E v e r y o n e loves children." A n n a b e t h shifted h e r w e i g h t f r o m f o o t t o f o o t . " I d o n ' t t h i n k w e can, m a ' a m . C o m e o n , P e r c y — " " S u r e we can," I said. I w a s i r r i t a t e d w i t h A n n a b e t h for b e i n g s o bossy, s o r u d e t o a n o l d lady w h o ' d j u s t fed u s for free. "It's j u s t a p h o t o , A n n a b e t h . W h a t ' s t h e h a r m ? " "Yes, A n n a b e t h , " t h e w o m a n p u r r e d . " N o h a r m . " I c o u l d tell A n n a b e t h d i d n ' t like it, b u t she a l l o w e d

[177]

A u n t y Em to lead us back o u t the front door, into t h e garden of statues. Aunty Em directed us to a park bench next to the stone satyr. " N o w , " she said, "I'll j u s t p o s i t i o n y o u correctly. T h e y o u n g girl i n t h e m i d d l e , I t h i n k , a n d t h e t w o y o u n g g e n t l e m e n o n e i t h e r side." " N o t m u c h l i g h t for a p h o t o , " I r e m a r k e d . " O h , e n o u g h , " A u n t y E m said. " E n o u g h for u s t o see each o t h e r , yes?" " W h e r e ' s y o u r c a m e r a ? " G r o v e r asked. A u n t y Em s t e p p e d back, as if to admire the shot. " N o w , t h e face i s t h e m o s t difficult. C a n y o u smile for m e please, everyone? A large smile?" G r o v e r g l a n c e d a t t h e c e m e n t satyr n e x t t o h i m , a n d m u m b l e d , " T h a t sure d o e s l o o k like U n c l e F e r d i n a n d . " "Grover," A u n t y E m chastised, " l o o k t h i s way, dear." S h e still h a d n o c a m e r a i n h e r h a n d s . " P e r c y — " A n n a b e t h said. S o m e i n s t i n c t w a r n e d m e t o listen t o A n n a b e t h , b u t I was fighting t h e sleepy feeling, t h e c o m f o r t a b l e lull t h a t c a m e f r o m t h e f o o d a n d t h e o l d lady's voice. " I will j u s t b e a m o m e n t , " A u n t y E m said. " Y o u k n o w , I can't see y o u very well in t h i s c u r s e d veil. . . ." "Percy, s o m e t h i n g ' s w r o n g , " A n n a b e t h insisted. " W r o n g ? " A u n t y E m said, r e a c h i n g u p t o u n d o t h e w r a p a r o u n d h e r h e a d . " N o t a t all, dear. I have s u c h n o b l e company tonight. W h a t could be wrong?" " T h a t is Uncle Ferdinand!" Grover gasped. " L o o k away f r o m her!" A n n a b e t h s h o u t e d . S h e w h i p p e d

[178]

h e r Yankees c a p o n t o h e r h e a d a n d v a n i s h e d . H e r invisible hands p u s h e d Grover and me b o t h off the bench. I was o n t h e g r o u n d , l o o k i n g a t A u n t E m ' s s a n d a l e d feet. I could hear Grover scrambling off in one direction, A n n a b e t h i n a n o t h e r . B u t I was t o o d a z e d t o m o v e . T h e n I h e a r d a s t r a n g e , r a s p i n g s o u n d above m e . M y eyes r o s e t o A u n t y E m ' s h a n d s , w h i c h h a d t u r n e d g n a r l e d a n d warty, w i t h s h a r p b r o n z e t a l o n s for fingernails. I a l m o s t l o o k e d higher, b u t s o m e w h e r e o f f t o m y left A n n a b e t h screamed, " N o ! Don't!" M o r e r a s p i n g — t h e s o u n d o f t i n y snakes, r i g h t above me, from . . . from about where Aunty Em's head would be. " R u n ! " G r o v e r b l e a t e d . I h e a r d h i m r a c i n g across t h e gravel, yelling, "Maia!" to k i c k - s t a r t his flying sneakers. I c o u l d n ' t m o v e . I s t a r e d at A u n t y E m ' s g n a r l e d claws, and tried to fight the groggy trance the old w o m a n h a d p u t m e in. " S u c h a p i t y to d e s t r o y a h a n d s o m e y o u n g face," she t o l d m e s o o t h i n g l y . " S t a y w i t h m e , Percy. All y o u have t o d o is l o o k u p . " I f o u g h t t h e u r g e to obey. I n s t e a d I l o o k e d to o n e side a n d s a w o n e o f t h o s e glass s p h e r e s p e o p l e p u t i n g a r d e n s — a g a z i n g ball. I c o u l d see A u n t y E m ' s d a r k reflection in t h e o r a n g e glass; h e r h e a d d r e s s was g o n e , revealing h e r face as a s h i m m e r i n g p a l e circle. H e r h a i r was m o v i n g , w r i t h i n g like serpents. Aunty Em. Aunty "M."

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H o w c o u l d I have b e e n s o s t u p i d ? T h i n k , I t o l d myself. H o w d i d M e d u s a die i n t h e m y t h ? But I couldn't think. Something told me that in the m y t h M e d u s a h a d b e e n asleep w h e n s h e was a t t a c k e d b y m y n a m e s a k e , P e r s e u s . S h e wasn't a n y w h e r e n e a r asleep n o w . I f she w a n t e d , s h e c o u l d t a k e t h o s e t a l o n s r i g h t n o w a n d r a k e o p e n m y face. " T h e G r a y - E y e d O n e d i d t h i s t o m e , Percy," M e d u s a said, a n d she d i d n ' t s o u n d a n y t h i n g like a m o n s t e r . H e r voice invited m e t o l o o k u p , t o s y m p a t h i z e w i t h a p o o r o l d grandmother.

"Annabeth's

mother,

the

cursed

Athena,

t u r n e d m e f r o m a b e a u t i f u l w o m a n i n t o this." " D o n ' t listen t o her!" A n n a b e t h ' s voice s h o u t e d , s o m e w h e r e i n t h e s t a t u a r y . " R u n , Percy!" "Silence!" M e d u s a snarled. T h e n h e r voice m o d u l a t e d b a c k to a c o m f o r t i n g p u r r . " Y o u see w h y I m u s t d e s t r o y t h e girl, Percy. S h e is my enemy's d a u g h t e r . I shall c r u s h h e r s t a t u e t o d u s t . B u t y o u , d e a r Percy, y o u n e e d n o t suffer." " N o , " I m u t t e r e d . I t r i e d to m a k e my legs m o v e . " D o y o u really w a n t t o h e l p t h e g o d s ? " M e d u s a a s k e d . " D o y o u u n d e r s t a n d w h a t awaits y o u o n t h i s f o o l i s h q u e s t , Percy? W h a t will h a p p e n i f y o u r e a c h t h e U n d e r w o r l d ? D o n o t b e a p a w n o f t h e O l y m p i a n s , m y dear. Y o u w o u l d b e b e t t e r o f f as a s t a t u e . Less p a i n . Less pain." " P e r c y ! " B e h i n d m e , I h e a r d a b u z z i n g s o u n d , like a t w o h u n d r e d - p o u n d h u m m i n g b i r d i n a n o s e d i v e . G r o v e r yelled, "Duck!" I t u r n e d , a n d t h e r e he was in t h e n i g h t sky, flying in from

twelve

o'clock

with

his

[180]

winged

shoes fluttering,

Grover, h o l d i n g a tree b r a n c h t h e size of a baseball b a t . H i s eyes were s h u t tight, h i s h e a d t w i t c h e d f r o m s i d e t o side. H e was n a v i g a t i n g b y ears a n d n o s e a l o n e . " D u c k ! " h e yelled again. "I'll get h e r ! " T h a t finally j o l t e d m e i n t o a c t i o n . K n o w i n g Grover, I was s u r e he'd m i s s M e d u s a a n d n a i l m e . I dove t o o n e side. Thwack! At first I figured it was t h e s o u n d of G r o v e r h i t t i n g a tree. T h e n M e d u s a r o a r e d w i t h rage. " Y o u m i s e r a b l e satyr," she s n a r l e d . " I ' l l a d d y o u t o m y collection!" " T h a t w a s f o r U n c l e F e r d i n a n d ! " G r o v e r yelled b a c k . I s c r a m b l e d away a n d h i d in t h e s t a t u a r y while G r o v e r s w o o p e d d o w n for a n o t h e r p a s s . Ker~whack! " A r r g h ! " M e d u s a yelled, h e r s n a k e - h a i r h i s s i n g a n d s p i t ting. R i g h t n e x t t o m e , A n n a b e t h ' s voice said, " P e r c y ! " I j u m p e d so h i g h my feet nearly cleared a g a r d e n g n o m e . "Jeez! D o n ' t d o t h a t ! " A n n a b e t h t o o k o f f h e r Yankees c a p a n d b e c a m e visible. " Y o u have t o c u t h e r h e a d off." " W h a t ? A r e y o u crazy? Let's get o u t o f here." " M e d u s a is a m e n a c e . She's evil. I'd kill h e r myself, b u t . . ." A n n a b e t h swallowed, as if she were a b o u t to m a k e a difficult a d m i s s i o n .

" B u t you've g o t t h e b e t t e r w e a p o n .

Besides, I'd never get close to her. S h e ' d slice me to b i t s b e c a u s e o f m y m o t h e r . Y o u — y o u ' v e g o t a chance." "What? I can't—"

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"Look, do you want her turning more innocent people into statues?" S h e p o i n t e d to a p a i r of s t a t u e lovers, a m a n a n d a w o m a n w i t h t h e i r a r m s a r o u n d each o t h e r , t u r n e d t o s t o n e by the monster. A n n a b e t h g r a b b e d a g r e e n g a z i n g ball f r o m a n e a r b y p e d e s t a l . " A p o l i s h e d s h i e l d w o u l d b e better." S h e s t u d i e d t h e s p h e r e critically. " T h e convexity will cause s o m e d i s t o r t i o n . T h e reflection's size s h o u l d b e o f f b y a f a c t o r o f — " " W o u l d you speak English?" "I am!" S h e t o s s e d me t h e glass b a l l . "Just l o o k at h e r in t h e glass. Never l o o k at h e r directly." " H e y , g u y s ! " G r o v e r yelled s o m e w h e r e above u s .

"I

t h i n k she's u n c o n s c i o u s ! " " Roooaaarrr!" " M a y b e n o t , " G r o v e r c o r r e c t e d . H e w e n t i n for a n o t h e r p a s s w i t h t h e tree b r a n c h . " H u r r y , " A n n a b e t h t o l d m e . "Grover's g o t a g r e a t n o s e , b u t he'll eventually crash." I t o o k o u t m y p e n a n d u n c a p p e d it. T h e b r o n z e b l a d e of Riptide elongated in my hand. I followed t h e hissing a n d s p i t t i n g s o u n d s o f M e d u s a ' s hair. I k e p t my eyes l o c k e d on t h e g a z i n g ball so I w o u l d o n l y g l i m p s e M e d u s a ' s reflection, n o t t h e real t h i n g . T h e n , i n t h e g r e e n t i n t e d glass, I saw her. G r o v e r was c o m i n g i n for a n o t h e r t u r n a t b a t , b u t t h i s t i m e h e f l e w a little t o o low. M e d u s a g r a b b e d t h e stick a n d p u l l e d h i m o f f c o u r s e . H e t u m b l e d t h r o u g h t h e air a n d

[182]

crashed into the a r m s of a stone grizzly bear with a painful "Ummphh!" M e d u s a was a b o u t t o l u n g e a t h i m w h e n I yelled, "Hey!" I a d v a n c e d on her, w h i c h wasn't easy, h o l d i n g a s w o r d a n d a glass ball. If she charged, I'd have a h a r d t i m e d e f e n d i n g myself. B u t s h e let m e a p p r o a c h — t w e n t y feet, t e n feet. I c o u l d see t h e reflection of h e r face now. Surely it wasn't really that ugly. T h e g r e e n swirls of t h e g a z i n g b a l l m u s t b e d i s t o r t i n g it, m a k i n g i t l o o k w o r s e . " Y o u w o u l d n ' t h a r m a n o l d w o m a n , Percy," s h e c r o o n e d . "I k n o w you wouldn't." I h e s i t a t e d , f a s c i n a t e d by t h e face I saw reflected in t h e g l a s s — t h e eyes t h a t s e e m e d t o b u r n s t r a i g h t t h r o u g h t h e g r e e n t i n t , m a k i n g m y a r m s g o weak. F r o m t h e c e m e n t grizzly, G r o v e r m o a n e d , "Percy, d o n ' t listen t o h e r ! " M e d u s a cackled. " T o o late." She lunged at me with her talons. I s l a s h e d up w i t h my sword, h e a r d a s i c k e n i n g shlock!, t h e n a hiss like w i n d r u s h i n g o u t o f a c a v e r n — t h e s o u n d o f a monster disintegrating. S o m e t h i n g fell t o t h e g r o u n d next t o m y foot. I t t o o k all m y willpower n o t t o l o o k . I c o u l d feel w a r m o o z e s o a k i n g i n t o m y sock, little d y i n g snake heads t u g g i n g a t m y shoelaces. " O h , yuck," G r o v e r said. H i s eyes were still t i g h t l y closed, b u t I guess h e c o u l d h e a r t h e t h i n g g u r g l i n g a n d steaming. "Mega-yuck."

[183]

A n n a b e t h c a m e u p n e x t t o m e , h e r eyes f i x e d o n t h e sky. S h e was h o l d i n g M e d u s a ' s black veil. S h e said,

"Don't

move." Very, very carefully, w i t h o u t l o o k i n g d o w n , she k n e l t a n d d r a p e d the monster's head in black cloth, t h e n picked it u p . I t was still d r i p p i n g g r e e n juice. "Are y o u o k a y ? " she a s k e d m e , h e r voice t r e m b l i n g . "Yeah," I d e c i d e d , t h o u g h I felt like t h r o w i n g up my d o u b l e cheeseburger. " W h y d i d n ' t . . . w h y d i d n ' t t h e h e a d evaporate?" " O n c e y o u sever it, it b e c o m e s a s p o i l of war," she said. "Same as your m i n o t a u r h o r n . But don't u n w r a p the head. It can still p e t r i f y you." Grover m o a n e d as he climbed d o w n from the grizzly s t a t u e . H e h a d a b i g welt o n his f o r e h e a d . H i s g r e e n r a s t a c a p h u n g f r o m o n e o f his little g o a t h o r n s , a n d his fake feet h a d b e e n k n o c k e d o f f h i s h o o v e s . T h e m a g i c sneakers were flying aimlessly a r o u n d h i s h e a d . " T h e R e d Baron," I said. " G o o d job, m a n . " H e m a n a g e d a b a s h f u l g r i n . " T h a t really was not fun, t h o u g h . W e l l , t h e h i t t i n g - h e r - w i t h - a - s t i c k p a r t , t h a t was fun. B u t c r a s h i n g i n t o a c o n c r e t e bear? Not fun." H e s n a t c h e d h i s s h o e s o u t o f t h e air. I r e c a p p e d m y sword. Together, the three of us stumbled back to the warehouse. We found s o m e old plastic grocery bags b e h i n d the snack

counter

and

double-wrapped Medusa's

head. We

p l o p p e d i t o n t h e table w h e r e we'd e a t e n d i n n e r a n d sat a r o u n d it, t o o e x h a u s t e d t o speak.

[184]

Finally I said, " S o we have A t h e n a to t h a n k for t h i s monster?" A n n a b e t h flashed me an irritated look. "Your dad, actually. D o n ' t y o u r e m e m b e r ? M e d u s a was P o s e i d o n ' s girlfriend. T h e y d e c i d e d t o m e e t i n m y m o t h e r ' s t e m p l e . T h a t ' s why Athena turned her into a monster. M e d u s a and her t w o sisters w h o h a d h e l p e d h e r get i n t o t h e t e m p l e , t h e y b e c a m e t h e t h r e e g o r g o n s . T h a t ' s why M e d u s a w a n t e d t o slice m e u p , b u t she w a n t e d t o preserve y o u a s a nice statue. She's still sweet o n y o u r d a d . Y o u p r o b a b l y r e m i n d e d h e r o f him." M y face was b u r n i n g . " O h , s o n o w it's m y fault w e m e t Medusa." A n n a b e t h s t r a i g h t e n e d . I n a b a d i m i t a t i o n o f m y voice, she said: '"It's just a p h o t o , A n n a b e t h . W h a t ' s t h e h a r m ? ' " " F o r g e t it," I said. "You're i m p o s s i b l e . " "You're insufferable." "You're—" " H e y ! " G r o v e r i n t e r r u p t e d . " Y o u t w o are giving m e a m i g r a i n e , a n d satyrs d o n ' t even get m i g r a i n e s . W h a t are w e going to do with the head?" I s t a r e d a t t h e t h i n g . O n e little s n a k e was h a n g i n g o u t o f a h o l e i n t h e p l a s t i c . T h e w o r d s p r i n t e d o n t h e side o f t h e b a g said: W E A P P R E C I A T E Y O U R B U S I N E S S !

I was angry, n o t just w i t h A n n a b e t h o r h e r m o m , b u t w i t h all t h e g o d s for this w h o l e q u e s t , for g e t t i n g u s b l o w n o f f t h e r o a d a n d i n t w o m a j o r fights t h e very f i r s t day o u t f r o m c a m p . A t this rate, we'd never m a k e i t t o L.A. alive, m u c h less b e f o r e t h e s u m m e r solstice. W h a t h a d M e d u s a said?

[185]

Do not be a pawn of the Olympians, my dear. You would he better off as a statue. I g o t u p . "I'll be back." "Percy," A n n a b e t h called after m e . " W h a t are y o u — " I s e a r c h e d t h e b a c k of t h e w a r e h o u s e u n t i l I f o u n d M e d u s a ' s office. H e r a c c o u n t b o o k s h o w e d h e r six m o s t r e c e n t sales, all s h i p m e n t s t o t h e U n d e r w o r l d t o d e c o r a t e H a d e s a n d P e r s e p h o n e ' s g a r d e n . A c c o r d i n g t o o n e freight bill, t h e U n d e r w o r l d ' s b i l l i n g a d d r e s s was D O A R e c o r d i n g S t u d i o s , W e s t H o l l y w o o d , C a l i f o r n i a . I f o l d e d u p t h e bill a n d stuffed i t i n m y p o c k e t . In t h e golden

cash register I

drachmas,

and

found twenty dollars,

some

packing

slips

a few

for H e r m e s

O v e r n i g h t E x p r e s s , each w i t h a little l e a t h e r b a g a t t a c h e d for c o i n s . I r u m m a g e d a r o u n d t h e rest of t h e office u n t i l I found the right-size box. I w e n t b a c k t o t h e p i c n i c table, p a c k e d u p M e d u s a ' s h e a d , a n d filled o u t a delivery slip:

"They're

not

going

to

like

" T h e y ' l l t h i n k you're i m p e r t i n e n t . "

[186]

that,"

Grover

warned.

I poured some golden drachmas in the pouch. As soon as I c l o s e d it, t h e r e was a s o u n d like a cash register. T h e p a c k a g e floated o f f t h e t a b l e a n d d i s a p p e a r e d w i t h a pop! "I am i m p e r t i n e n t , " I said. I l o o k e d a t A n n a b e t h , d a r i n g h e r t o criticize. S h e d i d n ' t . S h e s e e m e d r e s i g n e d to t h e fact t h a t I h a d a m a j o r t a l e n t for t i c k i n g o f f t h e g o d s . " C o m e on," s h e m u t tered. " W e n e e d a n e w plan."

[187]

W e were p r e t t y m i s e r a b l e t h a t n i g h t . We c a m p e d o u t in the w o o d s , a h u n d r e d yards from the m a i n r o a d , i n a m a r s h y clearing t h a t local k i d s h a d o b v i o u s l y b e e n u s i n g for p a r t i e s . T h e g r o u n d was l i t t e r e d w i t h f l a t t e n e d s o d a cans a n d f a s t - f o o d w r a p p e r s . W e d taken some food and blankets from Aunty Em's, b u t w e d i d n ' t d a r e l i g h t a fire t o d r y o u r d a m p c l o t h e s . T h e F u r i e s a n d M e d u s a h a d p r o v i d e d e n o u g h e x c i t e m e n t for o n e day. W e d i d n ' t w a n t t o a t t r a c t a n y t h i n g else. W e d e c i d e d t o sleep i n shifts. I v o l u n t e e r e d t o take first watch. A n n a b e t h c u r l e d u p o n t h e b l a n k e t s a n d was s n o r i n g a s s o o n a s h e r h e a d h i t t h e g r o u n d . G r o v e r f l u t t e r e d w i t h his flying s h o e s t o t h e lowest b o u g h o f a tree, p u t his b a c k t o t h e t r u n k , a n d s t a r e d a t t h e n i g h t sky. " G o a h e a d a n d sleep," I t o l d h i m . "I'll wake y o u i f there's t r o u b l e . " H e n o d d e d , b u t still d i d n ' t close h i s eyes. " I t m a k e s m e sad, Percy." " W h a t does? T h e fact t h a t y o u s i g n e d u p for this s t u pid quest?" " N o . This m a k e s m e sad." H e p o i n t e d a t all t h e garbage

[188]

o n t h e g r o u n d . " A n d t h e sky. Y o u can't even see t h e stars. T h e y ' v e p o l l u t e d t h e sky. T h i s is a terrible t i m e to be a satyr." " O h , yeah. I guess y o u ' d b e a n e n v i r o n m e n t a l i s t . " H e glared a t m e .

" O n l y a h u m a n wouldn't be. Your

species i s c l o g g i n g u p t h e w o r l d s o fast . . . ah, never m i n d . It's useless t o lecture a h u m a n . A t t h e r a t e t h i n g s are g o i n g , I'll never find Pan." " P a m ? L i k e t h e c o o k i n g spray?" " P a n ! " h e cried i n d i g n a n t l y .

" P - A - N . T h e great g o d

P a n ! W h a t d o y o u t h i n k I w a n t a searcher's license for?" A s t r a n g e b r e e z e r u s t l e d t h r o u g h t h e clearing, t e m porarily overpowering the stink of trash and muck.

It

b r o u g h t t h e s m e l l o f b e r r i e s a n d wildflowers a n d clean r a i n water,

things

that might've once been

in these woods.

S u d d e n l y I was n o s t a l g i c for s o m e t h i n g I'd never k n o w n . " T e l l me a b o u t t h e search," I said. G r o v e r l o o k e d at me cautiously, as if he were afraid I was j u s t m a k i n g fun. " T h e G o d o f W i l d Places d i s a p p e a r e d t w o t h o u s a n d years ago," h e t o l d m e . " A sailor o f f t h e c o a s t o f E p h e s o s h e a r d a m y s t e r i o u s voice c r y i n g o u t f r o m t h e s h o r e , 'Tell t h e m t h a t t h e g r e a t g o d P a n has

died!' W h e n h u m a n s

h e a r d t h e n e w s , t h e y believed it. T h e y ' v e b e e n p i l l a g i n g Pan's k i n g d o m ever since. B u t for t h e satyrs, P a n was o u r l o r d a n d m a s t e r . H e p r o t e c t e d u s a n d t h e w i l d places o f t h e e a r t h . W e refuse t o believe t h a t h e d i e d . I n every g e n e r a t i o n , t h e bravest satyrs p l e d g e t h e i r lives t o f i n d i n g P a n . T h e y search t h e e a r t h , e x p l o r i n g all t h e w i l d e s t p l a c e s , h o p i n g t o f i n d w h e r e h e i s h i d d e n , a n d wake h i m f r o m h i s sleep."

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" A n d y o u w a n t t o b e a searcher." "It's my life's d r e a m , " he said. " M y father was a searcher. A n d my U n c l e F e r d i n a n d . . . t h e s t a t u e y o u saw b a c k there—" " O h , r i g h t , sorry." Grover s h o o k his head.

"Uncle Ferdinand knew the

risks. S o d i d m y d a d . B u t I'll s u c c e e d . I'll b e t h e first searcher t o r e t u r n alive." " H a n g o n — t h e first?" Grover t o o k his reed pipes o u t of his pocket.

"No

searcher has ever c o m e b a c k . O n c e t h e y set o u t , t h e y d i s a p pear. T h e y ' r e never seen alive again." " N o t o n c e i n t w o t h o u s a n d years?" "No." " A n d y o u r d a d ? Y o u have n o i d e a w h a t h a p p e n e d t o him?" "None." " B u t y o u still w a n t to go," I said, a m a z e d . "I m e a n , y o u really t h i n k y o u ' l l b e t h e o n e t o f i n d P a n ? " "I have to believe t h a t , Percy. E v e r y searcher d o e s . It's the only thing that keeps us from despair w h e n we l o o k at w h a t h u m a n s have d o n e t o t h e w o r l d . I have t o believe P a n c a n still be awakened." I s t a r e d a t t h e o r a n g e h a z e o f t h e sky a n d t r i e d t o u n d e r s t a n d h o w Grover could pursue a dream that seemed so h o p e l e s s . T h e n again, was I any better? " H o w are w e g o i n g t o get i n t o t h e U n d e r w o r l d ? " I a s k e d h i m . " I m e a n , w h a t c h a n c e d o w e have against a g o d ? " " I d o n ' t know," h e a d m i t t e d . " B u t b a c k a t M e d u s a ' s ,

[190]

w h e n y o u were searching h e r office? A n n a b e t h was telling 11

me— " O h , I forgot. A n n a b e t h will have a p l a n all figured out. " D o n ' t b e s o h a r d o n her, Percy. She's h a d a t o u g h life, b u t she's a g o o d p e r s o n . After all, she forgave m e . . . ." H i s voice faltered. " W h a t d o y o u m e a n ? " I a s k e d . "Forgave y o u for w h a t ? " Suddenly,

Grover seemed

very i n t e r e s t e d i n p l a y i n g

n o t e s o n his p i p e s . " W a i t a m i n u t e , " I said. " Y o u r first k e e p e r j o b was five years ago. A n n a b e t h h a s b e e n a t c a m p f i v e years. S h e wasn't . . . I mean, your first assignment that went w r o n g — " " I can't t a l k a b o u t it," G r o v e r said, a n d his q u i v e r i n g lower l i p s u g g e s t e d he'd s t a r t c r y i n g if I p r e s s e d h i m . " B u t as I was saying, b a c k at M e d u s a ' s , A n n a b e t h a n d I a g r e e d there's s o m e t h i n g s t r a n g e g o i n g o n w i t h this q u e s t . S o m e t h i n g isn't w h a t i t seems." " W e l l , d u h . I ' m g e t t i n g b l a m e d for stealing a t h u n d e r bolt that H a d e s took." " T h a t ' s n o t w h a t I m e a n , " G r o v e r said. " T h e F u r — T h e K i n d l y O n e s were s o r t o f h o l d i n g b a c k . Like M r s . D o d d s at Y a n c y A c a d e m y . . . w h y d i d s h e w a i t so l o n g to t r y to kill you? T h e n o n t h e b u s , t h e y j u s t weren't a s aggressive a s t h e y could've been." " T h e y s e e m e d p l e n t y aggressive t o m e . " G r o v e r s h o o k his h e a d . " T h e y were screeching a t u s : ' W h e r e i s it? W h e r e ? ' " " A s k i n g a b o u t m e , " I said.

[191]

" M a y b e . . . b u t A n n a b e t h a n d I, we b o t h g o t t h e feeli n g t h e y weren't a s k i n g a b o u t a p e r s o n . T h e y said ' W h e r e i s if?' T h e y s e e m e d t o b e a s k i n g a b o u t a n object." " T h a t d o e s n ' t m a k e sense." " I k n o w . But i f we've m i s u n d e r s t o o d s o m e t h i n g a b o u t this quest, a n d we only have nine days to find t h e master b o l t . . . ." He l o o k e d at me like he was h o p i n g for answers, b u t I d i d n ' t have any. I t h o u g h t a b o u t w h a t M e d u s a h a d said: I was b e i n g u s e d b y t h e g o d s . W h a t lay a h e a d o f m e was w o r s e t h a n petrific a t i o n . "I haven't b e e n s t r a i g h t w i t h you," I t o l d Grover. "I d o n ' t care a b o u t t h e m a s t e r b o l t . I a g r e e d t o g o t o t h e U n d e r w o r l d so I could bring back my mother." G r o v e r b l e w a soft n o t e o n h i s p i p e s . " I k n o w t h a t , Percy. B u t are y o u s u r e that's t h e o n l y r e a s o n ? " " I ' m n o t d o i n g i t t o h e l p m y father. H e doesn't care a b o u t m e . I d o n ' t care a b o u t h i m . " G r o v e r g a z e d d o w n f r o m h i s tree b r a n c h . " L o o k , Percy, I ' m n o t a s s m a r t a s A n n a b e t h . I ' m n o t a s brave a s y o u . B u t I ' m p r e t t y g o o d a t r e a d i n g e m o t i o n s . You're g l a d y o u r d a d i s alive. Y o u feel g o o d t h a t he's c l a i m e d y o u , a n d p a r t o f y o u wants to make h i m proud. That's why you mailed Medusa's head t o O l y m p u s . You wanted h i m t o notice w h a t you'd done." "Yeah? W e l l m a y b e satyr e m o t i o n s w o r k differently t h a n h u m a n e m o t i o n s . Because you're w r o n g . I d o n ' t care w h a t h e thinks." G r o v e r p u l l e d his feet u p o n t o t h e b r a n c h . " O k a y , Percy. Whatever."

[192]

" B e s i d e s , I haven't d o n e a n y t h i n g w o r t h b r a g g i n g a b o u t . W e barely g o t o u t o f N e w Y o r k a n d we're s t u c k h e r e w i t h n o m o n e y a n d n o way west." G r o v e r l o o k e d a t t h e n i g h t sky, like h e was t h i n k i n g a b o u t t h a t p r o b l e m . " H o w a b o u t Ζ t a k e first w a t c h , h u h ? Y o u get s o m e sleep." I w a n t e d t o p r o t e s t , b u t h e s t a r t e d t o p l a y M o z a r t , soft a n d sweet, a n d I t u r n e d away, my eyes s t i n g i n g . A f t e r a few b a r s o f P i a n o C o n c e r t o n o . 1 2 , I was asleep.

In my d r e a m s , I s t o o d in a d a r k cavern b e f o r e a g a p i n g p i t . G r a y m i s t c r e a t u r e s c h u r n e d all a r o u n d m e , w h i s p e r i n g rags o f s m o k e t h a t I s o m e h o w k n e w were t h e s p i r i t s o f t h e d e a d . T h e y tugged at my clothes, trying to pull me back, b u t I felt c o m p e l l e d t o w a l k f o r w a r d t o t h e very e d g e o f t h e chasm. L o o k i n g d o w n m a d e m e dizzy. T h e p i t y a w n e d s o w i d e a n d was s o c o m p l e t e l y black, I k n e w i t m u s t b e b o t t o m l e s s . Yet I h a d a feeling t h a t s o m e ­ t h i n g was t r y i n g t o rise f r o m t h e abyss, s o m e t h i n g h u g e a n d evil. The little hero, an a m u s e d voice e c h o e d far d o w n in t h e d a r k n e s s . Too weak, too young, hut perhaps you will do. T h e voice felt a n c i e n t — c o l d a n d heavy. I t w r a p p e d a r o u n d m e like s h e e t s o f lead. They have misled you, hoy, it s a i d . Barter with me. 1 will give you what you want. A s h i m m e r i n g i m a g e h o v e r e d over t h e void: m y m o t h e r , f r o z e n a t t h e m o m e n t she'd d i s s o l v e d i n a s h o w e r o f g o l d .

[193]

H e r face was d i s t o r t e d w i t h p a i n , a s i f t h e M i n o t a u r were still s q u e e z i n g h e r n e c k . H e r eyes l o o k e d directly a t m e , p l e a d i n g : Go! I t r i e d t o cry o u t , b u t m y voice w o u l d n ' t w o r k . C o l d laughter echoed from the chasm. A n invisible force p u l l e d m e f o r w a r d . I t w o u l d d r a g m e i n t o t h e p i t u n l e s s I s t o o d firm. Help me rise, boy. T h e voice b e c a m e h u n g r i e r . Bring me the bolt. Strike a blow against the treacherous gods! T h e spirits o f t h e d e a d w h i s p e r e d a r o u n d m e , No! Wake! T h e i m a g e o f m y m o t h e r b e g a n t o fade. T h e t h i n g i n t h e p i t t i g h t e n e d its u n s e e n g r i p a r o u n d m e . I r e a l i z e d it wasn't i n t e r e s t e d in p u l l i n g me in. It was u s i n g m e t o p u l l itself out. Good, it m u r m u r e d . Good. Wake! t h e d e a d w h i s p e r e d . Wake!

S o m e o n e was s h a k i n g m e . M y eyes o p e n e d , a n d i t was d a y l i g h t . " W e l l , " A n n a b e t h said, " t h e z o m b i e lives." I was t r e m b l i n g f r o m t h e d r e a m . I c o u l d still feel t h e g r i p o f t h e c h a s m m o n s t e r a r o u n d m y chest. " H o w l o n g was I asleep?" " L o n g e n o u g h for m e t o c o o k breakfast." A n n a b e t h tossed me a bag of nacho-flavored corn chips from A u n t y E m ' s s n a c k bar.

"And Grover went exploring. L o o k , he

f o u n d a friend." M y eyes h a d t r o u b l e focusing. Grover

was

sitting

cross-legged

[194]

on

a

blanket

with

s o m e t h i n g fuzzy in his lap, a dirty, u n n a t u r a l l y p i n k stuffed animal. N o . It wasn't a stuffed a n i m a l . It was a p i n k p o o d l e . T h e p o o d l e y a p p e d a t m e suspiciously. G r o v e r said, " N o , he's n o t . " I b l i n k e d . "Are y o u . . . t a l k i n g to t h a t t h i n g ? " T h e poodle growled. " T h i s thing" G r o v e r w a r n e d , "is o u r ticket west. Be nice to him." " Y o u can t a l k t o a n i m a l s ? " Grover ignored the question.

"Percy, m e e t G l a d i o l a .

G l a d i o l a , Percy." I s t a r e d at A n n a b e t h , figuring she'd crack up at t h i s p r a c t i c a l j o k e t h e y were p l a y i n g o n m e , b u t she l o o k e d deadly serious. " I ' m n o t saying h e l l o t o a p i n k p o o d l e , " I said. " F o r get it." "Percy," A n n a b e t h said. " I said h e l l o t o t h e p o o d l e . Y o u say h e l l o t o t h e p o o d l e . " T h e poodle growled. I said hello to the p o o d l e . G r o v e r e x p l a i n e d t h a t he'd c o m e across G l a d i o l a i n t h e w o o d s a n d they'd struck u p a conversation. T h e p o o d l e h a d r u n away f r o m a rich local family, w h o ' d p o s t e d a $ 2 0 0 reward for h i s r e t u r n . G l a d i o l a d i d n ' t really w a n t t o g o b a c k t o his family, b u t h e was willing t o i f i t m e a n t h e l p i n g Grover. " H o w does Gladiola k n o w a b o u t the reward?" I asked. " H e r e a d t h e signs," G r o v e r said. " D u h . "

[195]

" O f course," I said. "Silly m e . " "So we t u r n in Gladiola," A n n a b e t h explained in her b e s t s t r a t e g y voice, " w e get m o n e y , a n d w e b u y tickets t o Los Angeles. Simple." I t h o u g h t a b o u t m y d r e a m — t h e w h i s p e r i n g voices o f t h e d e a d , t h e t h i n g i n t h e c h a s m , a n d m y m o t h e r ' s face, shimmering as it dissolved into gold. All that m i g h t be waiti n g for m e i n t h e W e s t . " N o t a n o t h e r b u s , " I s a i d warily. " N o , " A n n a b e t h agreed. She p o i n t e d downhill, toward train tracks I hadn't been able t o see last n i g h t i n t h e d a r k . " T h e r e ' s a n A m t r a c k s t a t i o n h a l f a m i l e t h a t way. A c c o r d i n g t o G l a d i o l a , t h e w e s t b o u n d t r a i n leaves a t n o o n . "

[196]

W e s p e n t t w o days o n t h e A m t r a k t r a i n , h e a d i n g west t h r o u g h hills, over rivers, p a s t a m b e r waves o f g r a i n . We weren't a t t a c k e d o n c e , b u t I d i d n ' t relax. I felt t h a t we were traveling a r o u n d in a d i s p l a y case, b e i n g w a t c h e d f r o m above a n d m a y b e f r o m below, t h a t s o m e t h i n g was w a i t i n g for t h e r i g h t o p p o r t u n i t y . I t r i e d t o k e e p a l o w profile b e c a u s e m y n a m e a n d p i c t u r e were s p l a t t e r e d over t h e f r o n t pages o f several E a s t C o a s t n e w s p a p e r s . T h e Trenton Register~News s h o w e d a p h o t o t a k e n by a t o u r i s t as I g o t o f f t h e G r e y h o u n d b u s . I h a d a w i l d l o o k i n m y eyes. M y s w o r d was a m e t a l l i c b l u r i n m y h a n d s . It m i g h t ' v e b e e n a baseball b a t or a lacrosse stick. T h e picture's c a p t i o n read: Twelve-year-old in

the Long

Percy

Jackson,

wanted for

Island disappearance

of his

questioning mother two

weeks ago, is shown here fleeing from the bus where he accosted

several

elderly female

passengers.

The

bus

exploded on an east New Jersey roadside shortly after Jackson fled the

scene.

Based on

eyewitness accounts,

police believe the boy may be traveling with two teenage accomplices. His stepfather, Gabe Ugliano, has offered a cash reward for information leading to his capture.

[197]

" D o n ' t worry," A n n a b e t h t o l d m e . " M o r t a l p o l i c e c o u l d never f i n d us." B u t she d i d n ' t s o u n d s o sure. T h e rest of the day I spent alternately pacing the length of t h e t r a i n ( b e c a u s e I h a d a really h a r d t i m e s i t t i n g still) or looking out the windows. O n c e , I s p o t t e d a family of c e n t a u r s g a l l o p i n g across a w h e a t f i e l d , b o w s a t t h e ready, a s t h e y h u n t e d l u n c h . T h e little b o y c e n t a u r , w h o was t h e size of a s e c o n d - g r a d e r on a p o n y , c a u g h t m y eye a n d waved. I l o o k e d a r o u n d t h e p a s senger car, b u t n o b o d y else h a d n o t i c e d . T h e a d u l t r i d e r s all h a d t h e i r faces b u r i e d i n l a p t o p c o m p u t e r s o r m a g a z i n e s . A n o t h e r t i m e , t o w a r d evening, I saw s o m e t h i n g h u g e m o v i n g t h r o u g h t h e w o o d s . I could've s w o r n it was a lion, except t h a t l i o n s d o n ' t live w i l d i n A m e r i c a , a n d t h i s t h i n g was t h e size o f a H u m m e r . Its fur g l i n t e d g o l d i n t h e evening light. T h e n i t l e a p e d t h r o u g h t h e trees a n d was g o n e .

O u r r e w a r d m o n e y for r e t u r n i n g G l a d i o l a t h e p o o d l e h a d o n l y b e e n e n o u g h t o p u r c h a s e tickets a s far a s D e n v e r . W e c o u l d n ' t get b e r t h s i n t h e sleeper car, s o w e d o z e d i n o u r seats. M y n e c k g o t stiff. I t r i e d n o t t o d r o o l i n m y sleep, since A n n a b e t h was s i t t i n g r i g h t n e x t t o m e . Grover kept snoring and bleating and waking me up. Once,

he

shuffled

around

and

his

fake

foot

fell

off.

A n n a b e t h a n d I h a d t o stick i t b a c k o n b e f o r e any o f t h e other passengers noticed. " S o , " A n n a b e t h a s k e d m e , o n c e we'd g o t t e n Grover's sneaker readjusted. " W h o wants your help?" " W h a t do you mean?"

[198]

" W h e n y o u were asleep j u s t now, y o u m u m b l e d , ' Ί w o n ' t h e l p you.' W h o were y o u d r e a m i n g a b o u t ? " I was r e l u c t a n t t o say a n y t h i n g . I t was t h e s e c o n d t i m e I'd d r e a m e d a b o u t t h e evil voice f r o m t h e p i t . B u t i t b o t h ­ e r e d m e s o m u c h I finally t o l d her. A n n a b e t h was

q u i e t for a l o n g t i m e .

" T h a t doesn't

s o u n d like H a d e s . H e always a p p e a r s o n a b l a c k t h r o n e , a n d h e never l a u g h s . " " H e offered m y m o t h e r i n t r a d e . W h o else c o u l d d o that?" " I guess

. . .

i f h e m e a n t , ' H e l p m e rise f r o m t h e

U n d e r w o r l d . ' I f h e w a n t s war w i t h t h e O l y m p i a n s . B u t w h y ask y o u t o b r i n g h i m t h e m a s t e r b o l t i f h e already h a s i t ? " I s h o o k my h e a d , w i s h i n g I k n e w t h e answer. I t h o u g h t about what Grover had told me, that the Furies on the bus s e e m e d t o have b e e n l o o k i n g for s o m e t h i n g . Where is it? Where? M a y b e Grover sensed m y e m o t i o n s . H e s n o r t e d i n his sleep,

muttered something

a b o u t vegetables,

and turned

his h e a d . A n n a b e t h r e a d j u s t e d his c a p s o i t covered his h o r n s . "Percy, y o u can't b a r t e r w i t h H a d e s . Y o u k n o w t h a t , right? He's

deceitful, h e a r t l e s s ,

a n d greedy.

I d o n ' t care if h i s

K i n d l y O n e s weren't a s aggressive t h i s t i m e — " " T h i s t i m e ? " I asked. " Y o u m e a n you've r u n i n t o t h e m before?" H e r h a n d c r e p t u p t o h e r n e c k l a c e . S h e fingered a g l a z e d w h i t e b e a d p a i n t e d w i t h t h e i m a g e o f a p i n e tree, o n e o f h e r clay e n d - o f - s u m m e r t o k e n s . " L e t ' s just say I've g o t n o love

[199]

for t h e L o r d o f t h e D e a d . Y o u can't b e t e m p t e d t o m a k e a d e a l for y o u r m o m . " " W h a t w o u l d y o u d o i f i t was y o u r d a d ? " " T h a t ' s easy," s h e said. "I'd leave h i m to rot." "You're n o t s e r i o u s ? " A n n a b e t h ' s g r a y eyes fixed o n m e . S h e w o r e t h e s a m e e x p r e s s i o n she'd w o r n i n t h e w o o d s a t c a m p , t h e m o m e n t she

drew her sword against the

hellhound.

" M y dad's

r e s e n t e d m e since t h e day I was b o r n , Percy," she said. " H e never w a n t e d a baby. W h e n h e g o t m e , h e a s k e d A t h e n a t o t a k e m e b a c k a n d raise m e o n O l y m p u s b e c a u s e h e was t o o b u s y w i t h his w o r k . S h e wasn't h a p p y a b o u t t h a t . S h e t o l d h i m h e r o e s h a d t o b e raised b y t h e i r m o r t a l p a r e n t . " " B u t h o w . . . I m e a n , I guess y o u weren't b o r n i n a h o s p i t a l . . . ." " I a p p e a r e d o n m y father's d o o r s t e p , i n a g o l d e n cradle, carried d o w n from O l y m p u s by Z e p h y r the West W i n d . You'd t h i n k my d a d w o u l d r e m e m b e r that as a miracle, right? Like, m a y b e he'd t a k e s o m e digital p h o t o s o r s o m e t h i n g . B u t h e always t a l k e d a b o u t m y arrival a s i f i t were t h e m o s t i n c o n v e n i e n t t h i n g t h a t h a d ever h a p p e n e d t o h i m . W h e n I was five h e g o t m a r r i e d a n d t o t a l l y f o r g o t a b o u t A t h e n a . H e g o t a 'regular' m o r t a l wife, a n d h a d t w o ' r e g u lar' m o r t a l k i d s , a n d t r i e d t o p r e t e n d I d i d n ' t exist." I s t a r e d o u t t h e t r a i n w i n d o w . T h e lights o f a s l e e p i n g t o w n were d r i f t i n g by. I w a n t e d t o m a k e A n n a b e t h feel b e t ter, b u t I d i d n ' t k n o w how. " M y m o m m a r r i e d a really awful guy," I t o l d her. " G r o v e r said s h e d i d i t t o p r o t e c t m e , t o h i d e m e i n t h e

[200]

s c e n t o f a h u m a n family. M a y b e that's w h a t y o u r d a d was thinking." A n n a b e t h k e p t w o r r y i n g a t h e r n e c k l a c e . S h e was p i n c h i n g t h e g o l d college r i n g t h a t h u n g w i t h t h e b e a d s . I t o c c u r r e d t o m e t h a t t h e r i n g m u s t b e h e r father's. I w o n d e r e d w h y she w o r e i t i f she h a t e d h i m s o m u c h . " H e d o e s n ' t care a b o u t m e , " she said. " H i s w i f e — m y s t e p m o m — t r e a t e d m e like a freak. S h e w o u l d n ' t let m e p l a y w i t h h e r c h i l d r e n . M y d a d w e n t a l o n g w i t h her. W h e n e v e r something

dangerous

happened—you

know,

something

w i t h m o n s t e r s — t h e y w o u l d b o t h l o o k a t m e resentfully, like, ' H o w d a r e y o u p u t o u r family a t risk.' Finally, I t o o k t h e h i n t . I wasn't w a n t e d . I r a n away." " H o w o l d were y o u ? " " S a m e age as w h e n I s t a r t e d c a m p . Seven." " B u t . . . y o u c o u l d n ' t have g o t t e n all t h e way to H a l f B l o o d H i l l b y yourself." " N o t a l o n e , n o . A t h e n a w a t c h e d over m e , g u i d e d m e t o w a r d h e l p . I m a d e a c o u p l e o f u n e x p e c t e d friends w h o t o o k care o f m e , for a s h o r t t i m e , anyway." I w a n t e d t o ask w h a t h a p p e n e d , b u t A n n a b e t h s e e m e d lost in sad memories. So I listened to the s o u n d of Grover s n o r i n g a n d g a z e d o u t t h e t r a i n w i n d o w s a s t h e d a r k fields o f O h i o r a c e d by.

T o w a r d t h e e n d o f o u r s e c o n d day o n t h e t r a i n , J u n e 1 3 , e i g h t days before t h e s u m m e r solstice, w e p a s s e d t h r o u g h s o m e g o l d e n hills a n d over t h e M i s s i s s i p p i R i v e r i n t o S t . Louis.

[201]

A n n a b e t h c r a n e d h e r n e c k t o see t h e G a t e w a y A r c h , w h i c h l o o k e d t o m e like a h u g e s h o p p i n g b a g h a n d l e s t u c k o n t h e city. " I w a n t t o d o that," s h e s i g h e d . " W h a t ? " I asked. " B u i l d s o m e t h i n g like t h a t . Y o u ever see t h e P a r t h e n o n , Percy?" " O n l y in pictures." " S o m e d a y , I ' m g o i n g t o see i t i n p e r s o n . I ' m g o i n g t o b u i l d t h e g r e a t e s t m o n u m e n t t o t h e g o d s , ever. S o m e t h i n g t h a t ' l l last a t h o u s a n d years." I l a u g h e d . "You? An a r c h i t e c t ? " I d o n ' t k n o w why, b u t I f o u n d it funny. Just t h e idea of A n n a b e t h t r y i n g t o sit q u i e t l y a n d d r a w all day. H e r cheeks flushed. "Yes, a n architect. A t h e n a expects h e r c h i l d r e n t o create t h i n g s , n o t just tear t h e m d o w n , like a c e r t a i n g o d of e a r t h q u a k e s I c o u l d m e n t i o n . " I watched the churning b r o w n water of the Mississippi below. " S o r r y , " A n n a b e t h said. " T h a t was m e a n . " " C a n ' t we w o r k t o g e t h e r a little?" I p l e a d e d . "I m e a n , d i d n ' t A t h e n a a n d P o s e i d o n ever c o o p e r a t e ? " A n n a b e t h h a d to t h i n k a b o u t it. "I guess . . . t h e chariot,"

she

said

tentatively.

"My

mom

invented

it,

but

P o s e i d o n c r e a t e d h o r s e s o u t o f t h e crests o f waves. S o t h e y h a d to work together to make it complete." " T h e n w e can c o o p e r a t e , t o o . R i g h t ? " W e r o d e i n t o t h e city, A n n a b e t h w a t c h i n g a s t h e A r c h disappeared behind a hotel.

[202]

" I s u p p o s e , " s h e s a i d a t last. We pulled into the A m t r a k station downtown. T h e i n t e r c o m t o l d us we'd have a t h r e e - h o u r layover b e f o r e d e p a r t i n g for D e n v e r . G r o v e r s t r e t c h e d . Before he was even fully awake, he said, " F o o d . " " C o m e o n , g o a t boy," A n n a b e t h said. "Sightseeing." "Sightseeing?" " T h e G a t e w a y Arch," she said. " T h i s m a y b e m y o n l y chance to ride to the top. Are you c o m i n g or not?" Grover a n d I exchanged looks. I w a n t e d to say n o , b u t I figured t h a t if A n n a b e t h was g o i n g , we c o u l d n ' t very well let h e r go a l o n e . G r o v e r s h r u g g e d . "As l o n g as there's a s n a c k b a r w i t h out monsters."

T h e A r c h was a b o u t a m i l e f r o m t h e t r a i n s t a t i o n . L a t e i n t h e day t h e lines t o get i n weren't t h a t l o n g . W e t h r e a d e d o u r way t h r o u g h t h e u n d e r g r o u n d m u s e u m , l o o k i n g a t covered w a g o n s a n d o t h e r j u n k f r o m t h e 1 8 0 0 s . I t wasn't all t h a t t h r i l l i n g , b u t A n n a b e t h k e p t telling u s i n t e r e s t i n g facts a b o u t h o w t h e A r c h was b u i l t , a n d G r o v e r k e p t p a s s i n g m e jelly b e a n s , so I was okay. I kept looking around, though, at the other people in line. " Y o u s m e l l a n y t h i n g ? " I m u r m u r e d t o Grover. H e t o o k his n o s e o u t o f t h e jelly-bean b a g l o n g e n o u g h to

sniff.

"Underground," he

said

distastefully.

"Under-

g r o u n d air always smells like m o n s t e r s . P r o b a b l y d o e s n ' t m e a n anything."

[203]

B u t s o m e t h i n g felt w r o n g to m e . I h a d a feeling we shouldn't be here. "Guys,"

I

said.

"You

know

the

gods'

symbols

of

power?" A n n a b e t h had been in the middle of reading about the c o n s t r u c t i o n e q u i p m e n t u s e d t o b u i l d t h e A r c h , b u t she l o o k e d over. " Y e a h ? " "Well, H a d e — " G r o v e r cleared his t h r o a t . " W e ' r e in a p u b l i c place. . . . You mean, our friend downstairs?" " U m , right," I said. " O u r f r i e n d way d o w n s t a i r s . D o e s n ' t he have a h a t like A n n a b e t h ' s ? " " Y o u m e a n t h e H e l m o f D a r k n e s s , " A n n a b e t h said. "Yeah, that's his s y m b o l of power. I saw it n e x t to h i s seat d u r i n g t h e w i n t e r solstice c o u n c i l m e e t i n g . " " H e was t h e r e ? " I asked. S h e n o d d e d . "It's t h e o n l y t i m e he's allowed t o visit O l y m p u s — t h e d a r k e s t day o f t h e year. B u t his h e l m i s a l o t m o r e p o w e r f u l t h a n m y invisibility h a t , i f w h a t I've h e a r d i s true. . . . " I t allows h i m t o b e c o m e d a r k n e s s , " G r o v e r c o n f i r m e d . " H e can m e l t i n t o s h a d o w o r pass t h r o u g h walls. H e can't b e t o u c h e d , o r seen, o r h e a r d . A n d h e can r a d i a t e fear s o i n t e n s e i t c a n drive y o u i n s a n e o r s t o p y o u r h e a r t . W h y d o y o u t h i n k all r a t i o n a l creatures fear t h e d a r k ? " " B u t t h e n . . . h o w do we k n o w he's n o t h e r e r i g h t now, w a t c h i n g u s ? " I asked. A n n a b e t h a n d Grover exchanged looks. " W e don't," G r o v e r said.

[204]

" T h a n k s , t h a t m a k e s me feel a l o t better," I said. " G o t any b l u e jelly b e a n s left?" I d a l m o s t m a s t e r e d m y j u m p y nerves w h e n I saw t h e t i n y little elevator car w e were g o i n g t o r i d e t o t h e t o p o f t h e A r c h , a n d I k n e w I was in t r o u b l e . I h a t e c o n f i n e d places. T h e y m a k e m e n u t s . W e g o t s h o e h o r n e d i n t o t h e car w i t h this b i g fat lady a n d h e r d o g , a C h i h u a h u a w i t h a r h i n e s t o n e collar. I figured m a y b e t h e d o g was a seeing-eye C h i h u a h u a , b e c a u s e n o n e o f t h e g u a r d s said a w o r d a b o u t it. W e s t a r t e d g o i n g u p , i n s i d e t h e A r c h . I d never b e e n i n a n elevator t h a t w e n t i n a curve, a n d m y s t o m a c h wasn't t o o h a p p y a b o u t it. " N o p a r e n t s ? " t h e fat lady a s k e d u s . S h e h a d b e a d y eyes;

pointy,

coffee-stained t e e t h ;

a

f l o p p y d e n i m h a t , a n d a d e n i m dress t h a t b u l g e d s o m u c h , s h e l o o k e d like a b l u e - j e a n b l i m p . "They're

below,"

Annabeth

told

her.

"Scared

of

heights." " O h , t h e p o o r darlings." The

Chihuahua

growled. T h e

woman

said,

"Now,

now, sonny. Behave." T h e d o g h a d b e a d y eyes like its o w n e r , i n t e l l i g e n t a n d vicious. I said, " S o n n y . Is t h a t his n a m e ? " " N o , " t h e lady t o l d me. S h e smiled, a s i f t h a t cleared e v e r y t h i n g u p . At the t o p of the Arch, the observation deck reminded m e o f a t i n c a n w i t h c a r p e t i n g . R o w s o f tiny w i n d o w s l o o k e d o u t over t h e city o n o n e side a n d t h e river o n t h e

[205]

o t h e r . T h e view was okay, b u t if there's a n y t h i n g I like less t h a n a c o n f i n e d space, it's a c o n f i n e d space six h u n d r e d feet in t h e air. I was ready to go p r e t t y q u i c k . Annabeth kept talking about structural supports, and h o w she w o u l d ' v e m a d e t h e w i n d o w s bigger, a n d d e s i g n e d a s e e - t h r o u g h floor. S h e p r o b a b l y could've stayed u p t h e r e for h o u r s , b u t luckily for m e t h e p a r k r a n g e r a n n o u n c e d t h a t t h e o b s e r v a t i o n d e c k w o u l d b e closing i n a few m i n u t e s . I s t e e r e d G r o v e r a n d A n n a b e t h t o w a r d t h e exit, l o a d e d t h e m i n t o t h e elevator, a n d I was a b o u t t o get i n m y s e l f w h e n I realized t h e r e were already t w o o t h e r t o u r i s t s i n s i d e . N o r o o m for m e . T h e p a r k r a n g e r said, " N e x t car, sir." " W e ' l l get out," A n n a b e t h said. " W e ' l l w a i t w i t h you." B u t t h a t was g o i n g t o m e s s e v e r y b o d y u p a n d t a k e even m o r e t i m e , so I said, " N a w , it's okay. I'll see y o u guys at t h e bottom." G r o v e r a n d A n n a b e t h b o t h l o o k e d n e r v o u s , b u t t h e y let t h e elevator d o o r slide s h u t . T h e i r car d i s a p p e a r e d d o w n t h e ramp. N o w t h e o n l y p e o p l e left o n t h e o b s e r v a t i o n d e c k were m e , a little b o y w i t h his p a r e n t s , t h e p a r k ranger, a n d t h e fat lady with her C h i h u a h u a . I s m i l e d uneasily at t h e fat lady. S h e s m i l e d b a c k , h e r forked tongue flickering between her teeth. Wait a minute. Forked tongue? Before

I

could

decide

if I'd

really

seen

that,

Chihuahua jumped down and started yapping at me.

[206]

her

" N o w , now, sonny," t h e l a d y said. " D o e s t h i s l o o k like a g o o d time? W e have all t h e s e nice p e o p l e here." " D o g g i e ! " said t h e little boy. " L o o k , a d o g g i e ! " H i s parents pulled h i m back. T h e C h i h u a h u a bared his teeth at me, foam d r i p p i n g f r o m his b l a c k l i p s . " W e l l , son," t h e fat lady sighed. " I f y o u insist." Ice s t a r t e d f o r m i n g i n m y s t o m a c h . " U m , d i d y o u j u s t call t h a t C h i h u a h u a y o u r s o n ? " "Chimera,

dear,"

the

fat

lady

corrected.

"Not

a

C h i h u a h u a . It's a n easy m i s t a k e t o m a k e . " S h e r o l l e d u p h e r d e n i m sleeves, revealing t h a t t h e s k i n o f h e r a r m s was scaly a n d g r e e n . W h e n s h e s m i l e d , I saw t h a t h e r t e e t h were fangs. T h e p u p i l s o f h e r eyes were s i d e ways slits, like a reptile's. T h e C h i h u a h u a b a r k e d l o u d e r , a n d w i t h each b a r k , i t grew. F i r s t t o t h e size o f a D o b e r m a n , t h e n t o a l i o n . T h e b a r k b e c a m e a roar. T h e little b o y s c r e a m e d . H i s p a r e n t s p u l l e d h i m b a c k t o w a r d t h e exit, s t r a i g h t i n t o t h e p a r k ranger, w h o s t o o d , paralyzed, gaping at the monster. T h e C h i m e r a was n o w s o tall its b a c k r u b b e d a g a i n s t t h e roof. I t h a d t h e h e a d o f a l i o n w i t h a b l o o d - c a k e d m a n e , t h e b o d y a n d h o o v e s of a g i a n t g o a t , a n d a s e r p e n t for a tail, a t e n - f o o t - l o n g d i a m o n d b a c k g r o w i n g r i g h t o u t o f its s h a g g y b e h i n d . T h e r h i n e s t o n e d o g collar still h u n g a r o u n d its neck, a n d t h e p l a t e - s i z e d d o g t a g was n o w easy t o read: CHIMERA—RABID, FIRE-BREATHING, P O I S O N O U S — I F F O U N D , PLEASE CALL TARTARUS

[207]

EXT.

954.

I realized I h a d n ' t even u n c a p p e d m y s w o r d . M y h a n d s were n u m b . I was t e n feet away f r o m t h e C h i m e r a ' s b l o o d y maw, a n d I k n e w t h a t as s o o n as I m o v e d , t h e creature would lunge. T h e s n a k e l a d y m a d e a hissing n o i s e t h a t m i g h t ' v e b e e n laughter.

"Be h o n o r e d , P e r c y J a c k s o n . L o r d Z e u s rarely

allows m e t o test a h e r o w i t h o n e o f m y b r o o d . F o r I a m t h e M o t h e r of M o n s t e r s , the terrible Echidna!" I s t a r e d at her. A l l I c o u l d t h i n k to say was: "Isn't t h a t a k i n d of anteater?" S h e h o w l e d , h e r r e p t i l i a n face t u r n i n g b r o w n a n d g r e e n w i t h rage. "I h a t e it w h e n p e o p l e say t h a t ! I h a t e Australia! N a m i n g t h a t r i d i c u l o u s a n i m a l after m e . F o r t h a t , Percy J a c k s o n , m y s o n shall d e s t r o y y o u ! " T h e C h i m e r a charged, its l i o n t e e t h g n a s h i n g . I m a n aged t o l e a p aside a n d d o d g e t h e b i t e . I e n d e d u p n e x t t o t h e family a n d t h e p a r k ranger, w h o were all s c r e a m i n g now, t r y i n g t o p r y o p e n t h e e m e r g e n c y exit d o o r s . I c o u l d n ' t let t h e m get h u r t . I u n c a p p e d my sword, r a n t o t h e o t h e r side o f t h e deck, a n d yelled, " H e y , C h i h u a h u a ! " T h e C h i m e r a t u r n e d faster t h a n I w o u l d ' v e t h o u g h t possible. Before I c o u l d s w i n g my s w o r d , it o p e n e d its m o u t h , e m i t t i n g a s t e n c h like t h e world's largest b a r b e c u e p i t , a n d s h o t a c o l u m n o f flame s t r a i g h t a t m e . I dove t h r o u g h t h e e x p l o s i o n . T h e c a r p e t b u r s t i n t o flames; t h e h e a t was so intense, it nearly seared o f f my eyebrows.

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W h e r e I h a d b e e n s t a n d i n g a m o m e n t b e f o r e was a r a g g e d h o l e i n t h e side o f t h e A r c h , w i t h m e l t e d m e t a l s t e a m i n g a r o u n d t h e edges. G r e a t , I t h o u g h t . W e just b l o w t o r c h e d a n a t i o n a l m o n ument. R i p t i d e was n o w a s h i n i n g b r o n z e b l a d e i n m y h a n d s , a n d as t h e C h i m e r a t u r n e d , I s l a s h e d at its n e c k . T h a t was m y fatal m i s t a k e . T h e b l a d e s p a r k e d h a r m lessly o f f t h e d o g collar. I t r i e d to regain my b a l a n c e , b u t I was s o w o r r i e d a b o u t d e f e n d i n g m y s e l f a g a i n s t t h e fiery lion's m o u t h , I c o m p l e t e l y f o r g o t a b o u t t h e s e r p e n t tail u n t i l i t w h i p p e d a r o u n d a n d s a n k its fangs i n t o m y calf. M y w h o l e leg was o n fire. I t r i e d t o j a b R i p t i d e i n t o t h e C h i m e r a ' s m o u t h , b u t t h e s e r p e n t tail w r a p p e d a r o u n d m y a n k l e s a n d p u l l e d m e o f f b a l a n c e , a n d m y b l a d e flew o u t o f my hand, spinning out of the hole in the Arch and down t o w a r d t h e M i s s i s s i p p i River. I m a n a g e d to get to my feet, b u t I k n e w I h a d lost. I was w e a p o n l e s s . I c o u l d feel d e a d l y p o i s o n r a c i n g u p t o m y chest. I r e m e m b e r e d C h i r o n saying t h a t A n a k l u s m o s w o u l d always r e t u r n t o m e , b u t t h e r e was n o p e n i n m y p o c k e t . M a y b e i t h a d fallen t o o far away. M a y b e i t o n l y r e t u r n e d w h e n it was in p e n f o r m . I d i d n ' t k n o w , a n d I wasn't g o i n g t o live l o n g e n o u g h t o figure i t o u t . I

backed

into

the

hole

in

the

wall. T h e

Chimera

a d v a n c e d , g r o w l i n g , s m o k e c u r l i n g f r o m its l i p s . T h e s n a k e lady, E c h i d n a , cackled. " T h e y d o n ' t m a k e h e r o e s like t h e y u s e d t o , eh, s o n ? " T h e m o n s t e r g r o w l e d . I t s e e m e d i n n o h u r r y t o finish

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m e o f f n o w t h a t I was b e a t e n . I g l a n c e d a t t h e p a r k r a n g e r a n d t h e family. T h e little b o y was h i d i n g b e h i n d his father's legs. I h a d t o p r o t e c t t h e s e p e o p l e . I c o u l d n ' t j u s t . . . die. I t r i e d to t h i n k , b u t m y w h o l e b o d y was o n f i r e . M y h e a d felt dizzy. I h a d n o s w o r d . I was facing a massive, fire-breathing m o n s t e r a n d its m o t h e r . A n d I was scared. T h e r e was n o p l a c e else t o go, s o I s t e p p e d t o t h e edge o f t h e h o l e . Far, far below, t h e river glittered. I f I d i e d , w o u l d t h e m o n s t e r s g o away? W o u l d t h e y leave t h e h u m a n s alone? " I f y o u are t h e s o n o f P o s e i d o n , " E c h i d n a h i s s e d , " y o u w o u l d n o t fear water. J u m p , Percy J a c k s o n . S h o w m e t h a t w a t e r will n o t h a r m y o u . J u m p a n d retrieve y o u r s w o r d . Prove your bloodline." Yeah, right, I t h o u g h t . I'd r e a d s o m e w h e r e t h a t j u m p i n g i n t o w a t e r f r o m a c o u p l e o f stories u p was like j u m p i n g o n t o s o l i d a s p h a l t . F r o m here, I'd s p l a t t e r o n i m p a c t . T h e C h i m e r a ' s m o u t h g l o w e d red, h e a t i n g u p for a n o t h e r blast. " Y o u have n o faith," E c h i d n a t o l d m e . " Y o u d o n o t t r u s t t h e g o d s . I c a n n o t b l a m e y o u , little c o w a r d . B e t t e r y o u die now. T h e g o d s are faithless. T h e p o i s o n i s i n y o u r h e a r t . " S h e was r i g h t : I was d y i n g . I c o u l d feel my b r e a t h slowing d o w n . N o b o d y c o u l d save m e , n o t even t h e g o d s . I b a c k e d u p a n d l o o k e d d o w n a t t h e water. I r e m e m b e r e d t h e w a r m g l o w of my father's smile w h e n I was a baby. H e m u s t have seen m e . H e m u s t have visited m e w h e n I was i n m y cradle.

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I

remembered

the

swirling

green

trident

that

had

a p p e a r e d above m y h e a d t h e n i g h t o f c a p t u r e t h e flag, w h e n Poseidon h a d claimed me as his son. B u t t h i s wasn't t h e sea. T h i s was t h e M i s s i s s i p p i , d e a d c e n t e r o f t h e U S A . T h e r e was n o Sea G o d h e r e . " D i e , faithless o n e , " E c h i d n a r a s p e d , a n d t h e C h i m e r a s e n t a c o l u m n o f f l a m e t o w a r d m y face. "Father, help me," I prayed. I t u r n e d a n d j u m p e d . M y clothes o n

fire, p o i s o n c o u r s -

i n g t h r o u g h m y veins, I p l u m m e t e d t o w a r d t h e river.

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I'd love t o tell y o u I h a d s o m e d e e p revelation o n m y way down, that I came to terms with my own mortality, laughed i n t h e face o f d e a t h , e t cetera. T h e t r u t h ? M y o n l y t h o u g h t was: A a a a g g g h h h h h ! T h e river r a c e d t o w a r d m e a t t h e s p e e d o f a t r u c k . W i n d r i p p e d the breath from my lungs. Steeples and skyscrapers a n d b r i d g e s t u m b l e d i n a n d o u t o f m y vision. A n d t h e n : Flaaa~boooom! A w h i t e o u t of b u b b l e s . I s a n k t h r o u g h t h e m u r k , sure t h a t I was a b o u t t o e n d u p e m b e d d e d i n a h u n d r e d feet o f m u d a n d l o s t forever. B u t m y i m p a c t w i t h t h e w a t e r h a d n ' t h u r t . I was falling slowly n o w , b u b b l e s t r i c k l i n g u p t h r o u g h m y fingers. I sett l e d o n t h e river b o t t o m soundlessly. A catfish t h e size o f m y s t e p f a t h e r l u r c h e d away i n t o t h e g l o o m . C l o u d s o f silt a n d d i s g u s t i n g g a r b a g e — b e e r b o t t l e s , o l d shoes, p l a s t i c b a g s — s w i r l e d u p all a r o u n d m e . At t h a t p o i n t , I realized a few t h i n g s : first, I h a d n o t b e e n flattened i n t o a p a n c a k e . I h a d n o t b e e n b a r b e c u e d . I c o u l d n ' t even feel t h e C h i m e r a p o i s o n b o i l i n g i n m y veins a n y m o r e . I was alive, w h i c h was g o o d . S e c o n d r e a l i z a t i o n : I wasn't wet. I m e a n , I c o u l d feel t h e

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c o o l n e s s o f t h e water. I c o u l d see w h e r e t h e

fire o n m y

clothes h a d been quenched. But when I t o u c h e d my own s h i r t , it felt perfectly dry. I l o o k e d a t t h e garbage f l o a t i n g b y a n d s n a t c h e d a n o l d cigarette lighter. N o way, I t h o u g h t . I flicked t h e lighter. It s p a r k e d . A tiny flame a p p e a r e d , right there at the b o t t o m of the Mississippi. I grabbed a soggy hamburger wrapper o u t of the curr e n t a n d i m m e d i a t e l y t h e p a p e r t u r n e d dry. I lit i t w i t h n o p r o b l e m . As s o o n as I let it go, t h e flames s p u t t e r e d o u t . T h e w r a p p e r t u r n e d b a c k i n t o a slimy rag. W e i r d . B u t t h e s t r a n g e s t t h o u g h t o c c u r r e d t o m e o n l y last: I was b r e a t h i n g . I was u n d e r w a t e r , a n d I was b r e a t h i n g n o r mally. I s t o o d u p , t h i g h - d e e p i n m u d . M y legs felt shaky. M y h a n d s t r e m b l e d . I s h o u l d ' v e b e e n d e a d . T h e fact t h a t I wasn't s e e m e d like . . . well, a m i r a c l e . I i m a g i n e d a w o m a n ' s voice, a voice t h a t s o u n d e d a b i t like my m o t h e r : Percy, what do you say? " U m . . . t h a n k s . " U n d e r w a t e r , I s o u n d e d like I d i d on r e c o r d i n g s , like a m u c h o l d e r k i d . " T h a n k y o u . . . Father." N o r e s p o n s e . J u s t t h e d a r k drift o f garbage d o w n r i v e r , t h e e n o r m o u s catfish gliding by, t h e f l a s h o f s u n s e t o n t h e water's surface far above, t u r n i n g e v e r y t h i n g t h e c o l o r o f butterscotch. W h y h a d P o s e i d o n saved me? T h e m o r e I t h o u g h t a b o u t it, t h e m o r e a s h a m e d I felt. So I'd g o t t e n l u c k y a few t i m e s before. A g a i n s t a t h i n g like t h e C h i m e r a , I h a d never

[213]

s t o o d a c h a n c e . T h o s e p o o r p e o p l e i n t h e A r c h were p r o b ably t o a s t . I c o u l d n ' t p r o t e c t t h e m . I was no h e r o . M a y b e I s h o u l d just stay d o w n h e r e w i t h t h e catfish, j o i n t h e b o t t o m feeders. Fump-fump-fump.

A

riverboat's

paddlewheel

churned

above m e , swirling t h e silt a r o u n d . T h e r e , n o t f i v e feet i n f r o n t o f m e , was m y s w o r d , its gleaming b r o n z e hilt sticking up in the m u d . I h e a r d t h a t w o m a n ' s voice again: Percy, take the sword. Your father believes in you. T h i s t i m e , I k n e w t h e voice wasn't in my h e a d . I wasn't i m a g i n i n g it. H e r w o r d s s e e m e d t o c o m e f r o m everywhere, r i p p l i n g t h r o u g h t h e w a t e r like d o l p h i n s o n a r . " W h e r e are y o u ? " I called a l o u d . T h e n , t h r o u g h the gloom, I saw h e r — a w o m a n the c o l o r o f t h e water, a g h o s t i n t h e c u r r e n t , f l o a t i n g just above t h e s w o r d . S h e h a d l o n g b i l l o w i n g hair, a n d h e r eyes, barely visible, were g r e e n like m i n e . A l u m p f o r m e d i n m y t h r o a t . I said, " M o m ? " No, child, only a messenger, though your mother's fate is not as hopeless as you believe. Go to the beach in Santa Monica. "What?" It is your father's will. Before you descend into the Underworld, you must go to Santa Monica. Please, Percy, 1 cannot stay long. The river here is too foul for my presence. " B u t . . . " I was sure t h i s w o m a n was m y m o t h e r , o r a v i s i o n o f her, anyway. " W h o — h o w d i d y o u — " T h e r e was s o m u c h I w a n t e d t o ask, t h e w o r d s j a m m e d up in my throat. 1 cannot stay, brave one, t h e w o m a n said. S h e r e a c h e d o u t ,

[214]

a n d I felt t h e c u r r e n t b r u s h my face like a caress. You must go to Santa Monica! And, Percy, do not trust the gifts. . . . H e r voice faded. " G i f t s ? " I asked. " W h a t gifts? W a i t ! " S h e m a d e o n e m o r e a t t e m p t t o s p e a k , b u t t h e s o u n d was g o n e . H e r i m a g e m e l t e d away. I f i t was m y m o t h e r , I h a d l o s t h e r again. I felt like d r o w n i n g myself. T h e o n l y p r o b l e m : I was immune to drowning. Your father believes in you, she h a d said. S h e d also called me brave . . . u n l e s s she was t a l k i n g to t h e catfish. I w a d e d t o w a r d R i p t i d e a n d g r a b b e d i t b y t h e hilt. T h e C h i m e r a m i g h t still b e u p t h e r e w i t h its snaky, fat m o t h e r , w a i t i n g t o finish m e off. A t t h e very least, t h e m o r t a l p o l i c e w o u l d b e arriving, t r y i n g t o figure o u t w h o h a d b l o w n a h o l e i n t h e A r c h . I f t h e y f o u n d m e , they'd have s o m e q u e s t i o n s . I c a p p e d m y sword,

stuck the ballpoint p e n in my

p o c k e t . " T h a n k you, Father," I said again t o t h e d a r k water. T h e n I k i c k e d u p t h r o u g h t h e m u c k a n d s w a m for t h e surface.

I c a m e a s h o r e n e x t to a f l o a t i n g M c D o n a l d ' s . A b l o c k away, every e m e r g e n c y vehicle in St. L o u i s was s u r r o u n d i n g t h e A r c h . Police h e l i c o p t e r s circled o v e r h e a d . T h e crowd of onlookers reminded me of T i m e s Square on N e w Year's Eve. A little girl said, " M a m a ! T h a t b o y w a l k e d o u t o f t h e river."

[215]

" T h a t ' s nice, dear," h e r m o t h e r said, c r a n i n g h e r n e c k t o watch the ambulances. " B u t he's d r y ! " " T h a t ' s nice, dear." A n e w s lady was t a l k i n g for t h e camera: " P r o b a b l y n o t a t e r r o r i s t attack, we're t o l d , b u t it's still very early in t h e investigation. T h e d a m a g e , as y o u c a n see, is very s e r i o u s . W e ' r e t r y i n g t o get t o s o m e o f t h e survivors, t o q u e s t i o n t h e m a b o u t eyewitness r e p o r t s o f s o m e o n e falling f r o m t h e Arch." Survivors. I felt a surge of relief. M a y b e t h e p a r k r a n g e r a n d t h a t family m a d e i t o u t safely. I h o p e d A n n a b e t h a n d G r o v e r were okay. I t r i e d t o p u s h t h r o u g h t h e c r o w d t o see w h a t was g o i n g o n i n s i d e t h e p o l i c e line. ". . . an a d o l e s c e n t boy," a n o t h e r r e p o r t e r was saying. " C h a n n e l Five h a s l e a r n e d t h a t surveillance c a m e r a s s h o w a n a d o l e s c e n t b o y g o i n g w i l d o n t h e o b s e r v a t i o n deck, s o m e h o w s e t t i n g o f f this freak e x p l o s i o n . H a r d t o believe, J o h n , b u t that's w h a t we're h e a r i n g . Again, n o c o n f i r m e d fatalities . . ." I b a c k e d away, t r y i n g t o k e e p m y h e a d d o w n . I h a d t o g o a l o n g way a r o u n d t h e p o l i c e p e r i m e t e r . U n i f o r m e d officers a n d n e w s r e p o r t e r s were everywhere. I'd a l m o s t l o s t h o p e o f ever

finding

Annabeth and

G r o v e r w h e n a familiar voice b l e a t e d , " P e r r r - c y ! " I t u r n e d a n d g o t t a c k l e d b y Grover's b e a r h u g — o r g o a t h u g . H e said, " W e t h o u g h t you'd g o n e t o H a d e s t h e h a r d way!

[216]

A n n a b e t h s t o o d b e h i n d h i m , t r y i n g t o l o o k angry, b u t even s h e s e e m e d relieved t o see m e . " W e can't leave y o u a l o n e for

five m i n u t e s ! W h a t h a p p e n e d ? "

" I s o r t o f fell." "Percy! Six h u n d r e d a n d t h i r t y feet?" B e h i n d us,

a

cop

shouted,

"Gangway!" T h e

crowd

p a r t e d , a n d a c o u p l e of p a r a m e d i c s h u s t l e d o u t , r o l l i n g a w o m a n on a stretcher. I r e c o g n i z e d h e r i m m e d i a t e l y as t h e m o t h e r o f t h e little b o y w h o ' d b e e n o n t h e o b s e r v a t i o n d e c k . S h e was saying, " A n d t h e n t h i s h u g e d o g , t h i s h u g e fire-breathing C h i h u a h u a — " " O k a y , m a ' a m , " t h e p a r a m e d i c said. " J u s t c a l m d o w n . Y o u r family i s f i n e . T h e m e d i c a t i o n i s s t a r t i n g t o k i c k in." " I ' m n o t crazy! T h i s b o y j u m p e d o u t o f t h e h o l e a n d t h e m o n s t e r d i s a p p e a r e d . " T h e n she saw m e . " T h e r e h e is! That's the boy!" I t u r n e d q u i c k l y a n d p u l l e d A n n a b e t h a n d G r o v e r after m e . W e disappeared i n t o the crowd. "What's going on?" Annabeth demanded.

" W a s she

t a l k i n g a b o u t t h e C h i h u a h u a o n t h e elevator?" I told t h e m the whole story of the Chimera, Echidna, m y h i g h - d i v e act, a n d t h e u n d e r w a t e r lady's m e s s a g e . " W h o a , " said Grover. " W e ' v e g o t t o get y o u t o S a n t a M o n i c a ! Y o u can't i g n o r e a s u m m o n s f r o m y o u r d a d . " Before A n n a b e t h

could respond, we passed another

r e p o r t e r d o i n g a n e w s b r e a k , a n d I a l m o s t froze in my t r a c k s w h e n h e said, " P e r c y J a c k s o n . T h a t ' s right, D a n . C h a n n e l Twelve has l e a r n e d t h a t t h e b o y w h o m a y have c a u s e d t h i s explosion fits the description of a young m a n wanted by

[217]

a u t h o r i t i e s for a serious N e w Jersey b u s a c c i d e n t t h r e e days ago. And t h e b o y is believed to be traveling west. F o r o u r viewers at h o m e , h e r e is a p h o t o of P e r c y Jackson." W e d u c k e d a r o u n d t h e n e w s van a n d s l i p p e d i n t o a n alley. " F i r s t t h i n g s first," I t o l d Grover. " W e ' v e g o t t o get o u t of town!" Somehow, we made it back to the A m t r a k station witho u t getting spotted. We g o t on b o a r d the train just before it p u l l e d o u t for D e n v e r . T h e t r a i n t r u n d l e d w e s t a s d a r k n e s s fell, p o l i c e l i g h t s still p u l s i n g against t h e St. L o u i s skyline b e h i n d us.

[218]

T h e n e x t a f t e r n o o n , J u n e 1 4 , seven days b e f o r e t h e s o l stice, o u r t r a i n r o l l e d i n t o D e n v e r . W e h a d n ' t e a t e n since t h e n i g h t b e f o r e i n t h e d i n i n g car, s o m e w h e r e i n K a n s a s . W e h a d n ' t t a k e n a s h o w e r since H a l f - B l o o d H i l l , a n d I was sure t h a t was o b v i o u s . "Let's t r y t o c o n t a c t C h i r o n , " A n n a b e t h said. " I w a n t t o tell h i m a b o u t y o u r t a l k w i t h t h e river spirit." " W e can't use p h o n e s , r i g h t ? " "I'm n o t talking about phones." W e w a n d e r e d t h r o u g h d o w n t o w n for a b o u t h a l f a n h o u r , t h o u g h I wasn't sure w h a t A n n a b e t h was l o o k i n g for. T h e air was d r y a n d h o t , w h i c h felt w e i r d after t h e h u m i d ity

of

St.

Louis.

Everywhere

we

turned,

the

Rocky

M o u n t a i n s s e e m e d t o b e s t a r i n g a t m e , like a t i d a l wave a b o u t t o c r a s h i n t o t h e city. F i n a l l y w e f o u n d a n e m p t y d o - i t - y o u r s e l f car wash. W e veered t o w a r d t h e stall f a r t h e s t f r o m t h e street, k e e p i n g o u r eyes o p e n for p a t r o l cars. W e were t h r e e a d o l e s c e n t s h a n g i n g o u t at a car w a s h w i t h o u t a car; any c o p w o r t h h i s d o u g h n u t s would f i g u r e w e were u p t o n o good. " W h a t exactly are we d o i n g ? " I asked, as G r o v e r t o o k o u t the spray gun.

[219]

" I t ' s seventy-five c e n t s , " h e g r u m b l e d . "I've o n l y g o t t w o q u a r t e r s left. A n n a b e t h ? " " D o n ' t l o o k a t m e , " s h e said. " T h e d i n i n g car w i p e d m e out." I f i s h e d o u t m y last b i t o f c h a n g e a n d p a s s e d G r o v e r a q u a r t e r , w h i c h left m e t w o nickels a n d o n e d r a c h m a f r o m Medusa's place. " E x c e l l e n t , " G r o v e r said. " W e c o u l d d o i t w i t h a s p r a y b o t t l e , o f c o u r s e , b u t t h e c o n n e c t i o n isn't a s g o o d , a n d m y a r m gets t i r e d o f p u m p i n g . " " W h a t are y o u t a l k i n g a b o u t ? " H e fed i n t h e q u a r t e r s a n d set t h e k n o b t o F I N E MIST. "I-M'ing." " I n s t a n t messaging?" "Iris-messaging," A n n a b e t h c o r r e c t e d . " T h e r a i n b o w g o d ­ dess Iris carries messages for t h e g o d s . I f y o u k n o w h o w t o ask, a n d she's n o t t o o busy, she'll d o t h e same for half-bloods." " Y o u s u m m o n t h e g o d d e s s w i t h a spray g u n ? " G r o v e r p o i n t e d t h e n o z z l e i n t h e air a n d w a t e r h i s s e d o u t i n a t h i c k w h i t e m i s t . " U n l e s s y o u k n o w a n easier way to m a k e a rainbow." Sure enough, late a f t e r n o o n light filtered t h r o u g h the vapor a n d broke into colors. A n n a b e t h h e l d h e r p a l m o u t t o m e . " D r a c h m a , please." I h a n d e d it over. S h e r a i s e d t h e c o i n over h e r h e a d . " Ό g o d d e s s , a c c e p t o u r offering." She threw t h e d r a c h m a into the rainbow. It disappeared in a g o l d e n s h i m m e r .

[220]

"Half-Blood Hill," A n n a b e t h requested. For a moment, nothing happened. T h e n I was l o o k i n g t h r o u g h t h e m i s t a t strawberryfields, a n d t h e L o n g I s l a n d S o u n d i n t h e d i s t a n c e . W e s e e m e d t o b e o n t h e p o r c h o f t h e Big H o u s e . S t a n d i n g w i t h h i s b a c k to us at t h e r a i l i n g was a s a n d y - h a i r e d g u y in s h o r t s a n d a n o r a n g e t a n k t o p . H e was h o l d i n g a b r o n z e s w o r d a n d seemed to be staring intently at something d o w n in the meadow. " L u k e ! " I called. H e t u r n e d , eyes w i d e . I c o u l d swear h e was s t a n d i n g t h r e e feet in f r o n t of me t h r o u g h a screen of m i s t , except I c o u l d o n l y see t h e p a r t o f h i m t h a t a p p e a r e d i n t h e r a i n b o w . " P e r c y ! " H i s s c a r r e d face b r o k e i n t o a g r i n . "Is t h a t A n n a b e t h , too? T h a n k the gods! Are you guys okay?" " W e r e . . . uh . . . fine," A n n a b e t h s t a m m e r e d . S h e was madly straightening her dirty T-shirt, trying to c o m b the loose

hair

out

of

her

face.

"We

thought—Chiron—I

mean—" " H e ' s d o w n a t t h e cabins." Luke's smile faded. " W e ' r e h a v i n g s o m e issues w i t h t h e c a m p e r s . L i s t e n , i s e v e r y t h i n g c o o l w i t h you? Is G r o v e r all r i g h t ? " " I ' m r i g h t here," G r o v e r called. H e h e l d t h e n o z z l e o u t t o o n e side a n d s t e p p e d i n t o Luke's line o f vision. " W h a t k i n d o f issues?" J u s t t h e n a big L i n c o l n C o n t i n e n t a l p u l l e d i n t o t h e car w a s h w i t h its stereo t u r n e d t o m a x i m u m h i p - h o p . A s t h e car slid i n t o t h e n e x t stall, t h e b a s s f r o m t h e s u b w o o f e r s vibrated so much, it s h o o k the pavement.

[221]

" C h i r o n h a d t o — w h a t ' s t h a t n o i s e ? " L u k e yelled. "I'll t a k e care o f it!" A n n a b e t h yelled b a c k , l o o k i n g very relieved t o have a n excuse t o get o u t o f sight. " G r o v e r , c o m e on! " W h a t ? " G r o v e r said. " B u t — " "Give Percy the nozzle a n d c o m e on!" she ordered. G r o v e r m u t t e r e d s o m e t h i n g a b o u t girls b e i n g h a r d e r t o understand than the Oracle at Delphi, then he handed me t h e s p r a y g u n a n d followed A n n a b e t h . I r e a d j u s t e d t h e h o s e so I c o u l d k e e p t h e r a i n b o w g o i n g a n d still see L u k e . " C h i r o n h a d t o b r e a k u p a fight," L u k e s h o u t e d t o m e over t h e m u s i c . " T h i n g s are p r e t t y t e n s e here, Percy. W o r d l e a k e d o u t a b o u t t h e Z e u s — P o s e i d o n standoff. W e ' r e still n o t sure h o w — p r o b a b l y t h e s a m e s c u m b a g w h o s u m m o n e d t h e h e l l h o u n d . N o w t h e c a m p e r s are s t a r t i n g t o take sides. It's s h a p i n g u p like t h e T r o j a n W a r all over again. A p h r o d i t e , Ares, a n d A p o l l o are b a c k i n g P o s e i d o n , m o r e o r less. A t h e n a i s b a c k i n g Z e u s . " I s h u d d e r e d t o t h i n k t h a t Clarisse's c a b i n w o u l d ever b e o n m y dad's side for a n y t h i n g . I n t h e n e x t stall, I h e a r d A n n a b e t h a n d s o m e g u y a r g u i n g w i t h each o t h e r , t h e n t h e music's v o l u m e d e c r e a s e d drastically. " S o what's y o u r s t a t u s ? " L u k e a s k e d m e . " C h i r o n will b e s o r r y h e m i s s e d you." I

told

him

pretty

much

everything,

including

my

d r e a m s . It felt so g o o d to see h i m , to feel like I was b a c k at c a m p even for a few m i n u t e s , t h a t I d i d n ' t realize h o w l o n g I h a d talked until the beeper went off on the spray machine,

[222]

a n d I realized I o n l y h a d o n e m o r e m i n u t e b e f o r e t h e w a t e r s h u t off. " I w i s h I c o u l d b e there," L u k e t o l d m e . " W e can't h e l p m u c h f r o m h e r e , I ' m afraid, b u t listen . . . i t h a d t o b e H a d e s w h o t o o k t h e m a s t e r b o l t . H e was t h e r e a t O l y m p u s a t t h e w i n t e r solstice. I was c h a p e r o n i n g a field t r i p a n d we saw him." " B u t C h i r o n said t h e g o d s can't take each o t h e r ' s m a g i c i t e m s directly." " T h a t ' s t r u e , " L u k e said, l o o k i n g t r o u b l e d . "Still . . . H a d e s has t h e h e l m o f d a r k n e s s . H o w c o u l d a n y b o d y else s n e a k i n t o t h e t h r o n e r o o m a n d steal t h e m a s t e r b o l t ? You'd have t o b e invisible." W e were b o t h silent, u n t i l L u k e s e e m e d t o realize w h a t he'd said. " O h , hey," h e p r o t e s t e d . " I d i d n ' t m e a n A n n a b e t h . S h e a n d I have k n o w n each o t h e r forever. S h e w o u l d never . . . I m e a n , she's like a little sister to me." I w o n d e r e d i f A n n a b e t h w o u l d like t h a t d e s c r i p t i o n . I n t h e stall n e x t t o us, t h e m u s i c s t o p p e d c o m p l e t e l y . A m a n s c r e a m e d i n t e r r o r , car d o o r s s l a m m e d , a n d t h e L i n c o l n p e e l e d o u t o f t h e car wash. " Y o u ' d b e t t e r g o see w h a t t h a t was," L u k e said. " L i s t e n , are y o u w e a r i n g t h e flying shoes? I'll feel b e t t e r if I k n o w they've d o n e y o u s o m e g o o d . " " O h . . . u h , yeah!" I t r i e d n o t to s o u n d like a g u i l t y liar. "Yeah, they've c o m e i n handy." "Really?" H e grinned. " T h e y f i t a n d everything?" T h e w a t e r s h u t off. T h e m i s t s t a r t e d t o e v a p o r a t e . " W e l l , t a k e care o f y o u r s e l f o u t t h e r e i n Denver," L u k e

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called, h i s voice g e t t i n g fainter. " A n d tell G r o v e r it'll b e b e t ter this t i m e ! N o b o d y will get t u r n e d i n t o a p i n e tree i f h e just— B u t t h e m i s t was g o n e , a n d Luke's i m a g e f a d e d t o n o t h ing. I was a l o n e in a wet, e m p t y car w a s h stall. A n n a b e t h and Grover came around the corner, laughing, b u t s t o p p e d w h e n t h e y saw m y face. A n n a b e t h ' s s m i l e faded. " W h a t h a p p e n e d , Percy? W h a t d i d L u k e say?" " N o t m u c h , " I lied, my s t o m a c h feeling as e m p t y as a Big T h r e e c a b i n . " C o m e o n , let's find s o m e d i n n e r . "

A few m i n u t e s later, we were s i t t i n g at a b o o t h in a g l e a m i n g c h r o m e d i n e r . All a r o u n d u s , families were e a t i n g b u r g ers a n d d r i n k i n g m a l t s a n d s o d a s . Finally t h e waitress c a m e over. S h e raised h e r e y e b r o w skeptically. " W e l l ? " I said, " W e , u m , w a n t t o o r d e r d i n n e r . " " Y o u k i d s have m o n e y t o p a y for it?" Grover's lower l i p quivered. I was afraid he w o u l d s t a r t bleating, or worse, start eating the linoleum. A n n a b e t h looked ready to pass o u t from hunger. I was t r y i n g to t h i n k up a s o b s t o r y for t h e waitress when a rumble shook the whole building; a motorcycle the size o f a b a b y e l e p h a n t h a d p u l l e d u p t o t h e c u r b . All c o n v e r s a t i o n i n t h e d i n e r s t o p p e d . T h e m o t o r c y c l e ' s h e a d l i g h t glared red. Its gas t a n k h a d flames p a i n t e d o n it, a n d a s h o t g u n h o l s t e r riveted t o e i t h e r side, c o m p l e t e w i t h s h o t g u n s . T h e seat was l e a t h e r — b u t l e a t h e r t h a t l o o k e d like . . . well, C a u c a s i a n h u m a n s k i n .

[224]

T h e g u y o n t h e b i k e w o u l d ' v e m a d e p r o wrestlers r u n for M a m a . H e was d r e s s e d i n a r e d m u s c l e s h i r t a n d b l a c k jeans a n d a black l e a t h e r d u s t e r , w i t h a h u n t i n g knife s t r a p p e d t o his t h i g h . H e w o r e r e d w r a p a r o u n d s h a d e s , a n d h e h a d t h e cruelest, m o s t b r u t a l face I d ever s e e n — h a n d s o m e , I guess, b u t w i c k e d — w i t h a n oily black crew c u t a n d cheeks t h a t were s c a r r e d f r o m many, m a n y f i g h t s . T h e weird t h i n g was, I felt like Id seen h i s face s o m e w h e r e before. A s h e w a l k e d i n t o t h e diner, a h o t , d r y w i n d b l e w t h r o u g h t h e p l a c e . All t h e p e o p l e rose, a s i f t h e y were h y p n o t i z e d , b u t t h e b i k e r waved his h a n d dismissively a n d t h e y all sat d o w n again. E v e r y b o d y w e n t b a c k t o t h e i r conversat i o n s . T h e waitress b l i n k e d , a s i f s o m e b o d y h a d just p r e s s e d t h e r e w i n d b u t t o n o n h e r b r a i n . S h e a s k e d u s again, " Y o u k i d s have m o n e y t o p a y for it?" T h e b i k e r said, "It's o n m e . " H e slid i n t o o u r b o o t h , w h i c h was way t o o s m a l l for h i m , a n d c r o w d e d A n n a b e t h against t h e w i n d o w . H e l o o k e d u p a t t h e waitress, w h o was g a p i n g a t h i m , a n d said, "Are y o u still h e r e ? " H e p o i n t e d a t her, a n d she stiffened. S h e t u r n e d a s i f she'd b e e n s p u n a r o u n d , t h e n m a r c h e d b a c k t o w a r d t h e kitchen. T h e b i k e r l o o k e d a t m e . I c o u l d n ' t see his eyes b e h i n d t h e r e d s h a d e s , b u t b a d feelings s t a r t e d b o i l i n g i n m y s t o m ach. A n g e r , r e s e n t m e n t , b i t t e r n e s s . I w a n t e d to h i t a wall. I wanted to pick a fight with somebody. W h o did this guy t h i n k h e was?

[225]

H e gave m e a w i c k e d g r i n . " S o you're o l d Seaweed's k i d , huh?" I s h o u l d ' v e b e e n s u r p r i s e d , or scared, b u t i n s t e a d I felt like I was l o o k i n g at my s t e p d a d , G a b e . I w a n t e d to r i p this guy's h e a d off. " W h a t ' s i t t o y o u ? " A n n a b e t h ' s eyes flashed m e a w a r n i n g . "Percy, this i s — " T h e b i k e r r a i s e d his h a n d . "S'okay," he said. "I d o n ' t m i n d a little a t t i t u d e . L o n g as y o u r e m e m b e r w h o ' s t h e b o s s . Y o u k n o w w h o I a m , little cousin?" T h e n i t s t r u c k m e w h y t h i s guy l o o k e d familiar. H e h a d the same vicious sneer as s o m e of the kids at C a m p HalfB l o o d , t h e o n e s f r o m c a b i n five. "You're Clarisse's dad," I said. "Ares, g o d of war." A r e s g r i n n e d a n d t o o k o f f his s h a d e s . W h e r e his eyes s h o u l d ' v e b e e n , t h e r e was o n l y f i r e , e m p t y sockets g l o w i n g with miniature nuclear explosions. " T h a t ' s right, p u n k . I h e a r d y o u b r o k e Clarisse's spear." " S h e was a s k i n g for it." "Probably. T h a t ' s cool. I don't fight my kids' fights, you k n o w ? W h a t I ' m h e r e f o r — I h e a r d y o u were i n t o w n . I g o t a little p r o p o s i t i o n for you." T h e waitress c a m e b a c k w i t h h e a p i n g trays o f f o o d — cheeseburgers, fries, o n i o n r i n g s , a n d c h o c o l a t e shakes. A r e s h a n d e d h e r a few g o l d d r a c h m a s . S h e l o o k e d n e r v o u s l y a t t h e c o i n s . "But, t h e s e a r e n ' t . . . " A r e s p u l l e d o u t h i s h u g e knife a n d s t a r t e d cleaning his fingernails. "Problem, sweetheart?" T h e waitress swallowed, t h e n left w i t h t h e g o l d .

[226]

"You

can't

do

that," I

told

Ares.

"You

can't

just

t h r e a t e n p e o p l e w i t h a knife." A r e s l a u g h e d . "Are y o u k i d d i n g ? I love t h i s c o u n t r y . Best p l a c e since S p a r t a . D o n ' t y o u c a r r y a w e a p o n , p u n k ? Y o u should. Dangerous world out there. W h i c h brings me to my p r o p o s i t i o n . I n e e d y o u to do me a favor." " W h a t favor c o u l d I do for a g o d ? " " S o m e t h i n g a g o d d o e s n ' t have t i m e t o d o himself. It's n o t h i n g m u c h . I left m y s h i e l d a t a n a b a n d o n e d w a t e r p a r k h e r e in t o w n . I was g o i n g on a little . . . d a t e w i t h my girlfriend. We were i n t e r r u p t e d . I left my s h i e l d b e h i n d . I w a n t y o u t o fetch i t for m e . " " W h y d o n ' t y o u g o b a c k a n d get i t y o u r s e l f ? " T h e fire in his eye s o c k e t s g l o w e d a little h o t t e r . " W h y don't I t u r n you into prairie d o g a n d r u n you over w i t h my H a r l e y ? Because I d o n ' t feel like it. A g o d is giving y o u a n o p p o r t u n i t y t o p r o v e yourself, P e r c y J a c k s o n . W i l l y o u p r o v e y o u r s e l f a c o w a r d ? " H e l e a n e d forward. " O r m a y b e y o u o n l y fight w h e n there's a river to dive i n t o , so y o u r d a d d y can p r o t e c t you." I w a n t e d t o p u n c h t h i s guy, b u t s o m e h o w , I k n e w h e was w a i t i n g for t h a t . Ares's p o w e r was c a u s i n g m y anger. H e ' d love it if I a t t a c k e d . I d i d n ' t w a n t to give h i m t h e satisfaction. " W e ' r e n o t interested," I said.

" W e ' v e already g o t a

quest." Ares's fiery eyes m a d e me see t h i n g s I d i d n ' t w a n t to s e e — b l o o d a n d s m o k e a n d c o r p s e s o n t h e battlefield. " I k n o w all a b o u t y o u r q u e s t , p u n k . W h e n t h a t

[227]

item was

f i r s t s t o l e n , Z e u s s e n t his b e s t o u t l o o k i n g for it: A p o l l o , A t h e n a , A r t e m i s , a n d m e , naturally. If I c o u l d n ' t sniff o u t a w e a p o n t h a t p o w e r f u l . . ." He licked h i s lips, as if t h e very thought of the master bolt m a d e him hungry. "Well . . . if I c o u l d n ' t f i n d it, y o u g o t n o h o p e . N e v e r t h e l e s s , I ' m t r y i n g t o give y o u t h e b e n e f i t o f t h e d o u b t . Y o u r d a d a n d I g o way b a c k . A f t e r all, I ' m t h e o n e w h o t o l d h i m m y s u s p i c i o n s a b o u t o l d C o r p s e Breath." "You t o l d h i m H a d e s stole the bolt?" " S u r e . F r a m i n g s o m e b o d y t o s t a r t a war. O l d e s t t r i c k i n t h e b o o k . I r e c o g n i z e d it i m m e d i a t e l y . In a way, y o u g o t me t o t h a n k for y o u r little quest." "Thanks," I grumbled. " H e y , I ' m a g e n e r o u s guy. J u s t d o m y little j o b , a n d I'll h e l p y o u on y o u r way. I'll a r r a n g e a r i d e west for y o u a n d y o u r friends." " W e ' r e d o i n g f i n e o n o u r own." "Yeah, r i g h t . N o m o n e y . N o w h e e l s . N o

clue w h a t

you're u p against. H e l p m e o u t , a n d m a y b e I'll tell y o u something you need to know. Something about your m o m . " "My mom?" H e grinned. " T h a t got your attention. T h e water park is a m i l e w e s t on D e l a n c y . Y o u can't m i s s it. L o o k for t h e T u n n e l o f Love ride." " W h a t i n t e r r u p t e d y o u r d a t e ? " I asked.

"Something

scare y o u o f f ?" A r e s b a r e d his t e e t h , b u t I'd seen his t h r e a t e n i n g l o o k b e f o r e o n Clarisse. T h e r e was s o m e t h i n g false a b o u t it, a l m o s t like h e was n e r v o u s .

[228]

"You're l u c k y y o u m e t m e , p u n k , a n d n o t o n e o f t h e o t h e r O l y m p i a n s . T h e y ' r e n o t a s forgiving o f r u d e n e s s a s I a m . I'll m e e t y o u b a c k h e r e w h e n you're d o n e . D o n ' t d i s a p p o i n t me." A f t e r t h a t I m u s t have fainted, or fallen i n t o a t r a n c e , b e c a u s e w h e n I o p e n e d my eyes again, A r e s was g o n e . I might've t h o u g h t the conversation h a d been a dream, b u t A n n a b e t h a n d Grover's e x p r e s s i o n s t o l d m e o t h e r w i s e . " N o t g o o d , " G r o v e r said. "Ares s o u g h t y o u o u t , Percy. T h i s is not good." I stared o u t the window. T h e motorcycle h a d disappeared. D i d Ares really k n o w s o m e t h i n g a b o u t m y m o m , o r was h e j u s t p l a y i n g w i t h me? N o w t h a t h e was g o n e , all t h e anger h a d d r a i n e d o u t o f m e . I realized A r e s m u s t love t o m e s s w i t h p e o p l e ' s e m o t i o n s . T h a t was h i s p o w e r — c r a n k ing u p t h e p a s s i o n s s o badly, t h e y c l o u d e d y o u r ability t o think. "It's p r o b a b l y s o m e k i n d o f trick," I said. " F o r g e t A r e s . Let's j u s t go." " W e can't," A n n a b e t h said. " L o o k , I h a t e Ares a s m u c h as anybody, b u t you don't ignore the gods unless you want s e r i o u s b a d f o r t u n e . H e wasn't k i d d i n g a b o u t t u r n i n g y o u into a rodent." I l o o k e d d o w n a t m y cheeseburger,

which suddenly

didn't seem so appetizing. " W h y does he need us?" " M a y b e it's a p r o b l e m t h a t r e q u i r e s b r a i n s , " A n n a b e t h said. "Ares h a s s t r e n g t h . T h a t ' s all h e h a s . E v e n s t r e n g t h h a s to bow to w i s d o m sometimes."

[229]

" B u t t h i s w a t e r p a r k . . . h e a c t e d a l m o s t scared. W h a t w o u l d m a k e a w a r g o d r u n away like t h a t ? " A n n a b e t h a n d G r o v e r g l a n c e d n e r v o u s l y a t each o t h e r . A n n a b e t h said, " I ' m afraid we'll have t o f i n d o u t . "

T h e s u n was s i n k i n g b e h i n d t h e m o u n t a i n s b y t h e t i m e w e f o u n d t h e w a t e r p a r k . J u d g i n g f r o m t h e sign, i t o n c e h a d b e e n called W A T E R L A N D , b u t n o w s o m e o f t h e l e t t e r s were s m a s h e d o u t , s o i t r e a d WAT R A D . T h e m a i n gate was p a d l o c k e d a n d t o p p e d w i t h b a r b e d wire. I n s i d e , h u g e d r y waterslides a n d t u b e s a n d p i p e s c u r l e d everywhere, l e a d i n g t o e m p t y p o o l s . O l d tickets a n d advertisements fluttered a r o u n d the asphalt. W i t h night c o m i n g o n , t h e p l a c e l o o k e d sad a n d creepy. " I f Ares brings his girlfriend here for a date," I said, staring up at t h e b a r b e d wire, "I'd h a t e to see w h a t she l o o k s like." "Percy," A n n a b e t h w a r n e d . "Be m o r e respectful." " W h y ? I t h o u g h t y o u h a t e d Ares." " H e ' s still a g o d . A n d h i s girlfriend is very t e m p e r a mental." "You don't want to insult her looks," Grover added. " W h o i s she? E c h i d n a ? " "No,

Aphrodite,"

Grover

said,

a

little

dreamily.

" G o d d e s s o f love." "I

t h o u g h t she was

married

to

somebody," I

said.

"Hephaestus." " W h a t ' s y o u r p o i n t ? " h e asked. " O h . " I s u d d e n l y felt t h e n e e d t o c h a n g e t h e subject. " S o h o w d o we get in?"

[230]

"Μaia!"

Grover's s h o e s s p r o u t e d w i n g s .

H e f l e w over t h e fence, d i d a n u n i n t e n d e d s o m e r s a u l t i n midair, t h e n s t u m b l e d t o a l a n d i n g o n t h e o p p o s i t e side. H e d u s t e d o f f h i s jeans, a s i f h e ' d p l a n n e d t h e w h o l e t h i n g . "You guys c o m i n g ? " A n n a b e t h a n d I h a d t o c l i m b t h e o l d - f a s h i o n e d way, h o l d i n g d o w n t h e b a r b e d w i r e for e a c h o t h e r a s w e c r a w l e d over t h e t o p . T h e shadows grew long as we walked t h r o u g h the park, c h e c k i n g o u t t h e a t t r a c t i o n s . T h e r e w a s A n k l e Biter I s l a n d , H e a d Over Wedgie, and D u d e , Where's M y Swimsuit? N o m o n s t e r s came t o get us. N o t h i n g m a d e t h e slight­ est n o i s e . W e f o u n d a s o u v e n i r s h o p t h a t h a d b e e n left o p e n . M e r c h a n d i s e still l i n e d t h e shelves: s n o w g l o b e s , p e n c i l s , postcards, a n d racks o f — " C l o t h e s , " A n n a b e t h said. " F r e s h c l o t h e s . " "Yeah," I said. " B u t y o u can't j u s t — " "Watch me." She snatched an entire row of stuff of t h e racks a n d d i s a p p e a r e d i n t o t h e c h a n g i n g r o o m . A few m i n u t e s l a t e r she came o u t in Waterland flower-print shorts, a big red Waterland T-shirt,

and

commemorative

Waterland

surf

s h o e s . A W a t e r l a n d b a c k p a c k was s l u n g over h e r s h o u l d e r , o b v i o u s l y stuffed w i t h m o r e g o o d i e s . " W h a t t h e heck." G r o v e r s h r u g g e d . S o o n , all t h r e e o f u s were d e c k e d o u t like w a l k i n g a d v e r t i s e m e n t s for t h e d e f u n c t theme park. W e c o n t i n u e d s e a r c h i n g for t h e T u n n e l o f Love. I g o t

[231]

t h e feeling t h a t t h e w h o l e p a r k was h o l d i n g its b r e a t h . " S o A r e s a n d A p h r o d i t e , " I said, t o k e e p m y m i n d o f f t h e g r o w i n g d a r k , " t h e y have a t h i n g g o i n g ? " " T h a t ' s o l d gossip, Percy," A n n a b e t h t o l d m e . " T h r e e t h o u s a n d - y e a r - o l d gossip." " W h a t about Aphrodite's husband?" " W e l l , y o u k n o w , " s h e said. " H e p h a e s t u s . T h e b l a c k s m i t h . H e was c r i p p l e d w h e n h e was a baby, t h r o w n o f f M o u n t O l y m p u s b y Z e u s . S o h e isn't exactly h a n d s o m e . Clever w i t h his h a n d s , a n d all, b u t A p h r o d i t e isn't i n t o brains and talent, you k n o w ? " " S h e likes bikers." "Whatever." "Hephaestus knows?" " O h sure," A n n a b e t h said. " H e c a u g h t t h e m t o g e t h e r o n c e . I m e a n , literally c a u g h t t h e m , in a g o l d e n net, a n d invited all t h e g o d s t o c o m e a n d l a u g h a t t h e m . H e p h a e s t u s i s always t r y i n g t o e m b a r r a s s t h e m . T h a t ' s w h y t h e y m e e t i n o u t - o f - t h e - w a y p l a c e s , like . . ." S h e s t o p p e d , l o o k i n g s t r a i g h t a h e a d . " L i k e that." I n f r o n t o f u s was a n e m p t y p o o l t h a t w o u l d ' v e b e e n a w e s o m e for s k a t e b o a r d i n g . It was at least fifty yards across a n d s h a p e d like a b o w l . A r o u n d the rim, a d o z e n b r o n z e statues of C u p i d s t o o d g u a r d w i t h w i n g s s p r e a d a n d b o w s ready t o fire. O n t h e o p p o s i t e side f r o m u s , a t u n n e l o p e n e d u p , p r o b a b l y w h e r e t h e w a t e r f l o w e d i n t o w h e n t h e p o o l was full. T h e sign above i t read, T H R I L L R I D E O ' LOVE: T H I S I S N O T Y O U R P A R E N T S ' T U N N E L O F LOVE!

[232]

G r o v e r c r e p t t o w a r d t h e e d g e . " G u y s , look." Marooned

a t t h e b o t t o m o f t h e p o o l was

a pink-

a n d - w h i t e t w o - s e a t e r b o a t w i t h a c a n o p y over t h e t o p a n d little h e a r t s p a i n t e d all over it. In t h e left seat, glinting in t h e fading light, was Ares's shield, a p o l i s h e d circle of b r o n z e . " T h i s is t o o easy," I said. " S o we j u s t w a l k d o w n t h e r e a n d get it?" A n n a b e t h r a n h e r fingers a l o n g t h e b a s e o f t h e n e a r e s t C u p i d statue. " T h e r e ' s a G r e e k letter c a r v e d here," she said. " E t a . I w o n d e r . . ." "Grover," I said, " y o u s m e l l any m o n s t e r s ? " H e sniffed t h e w i n d . " N o t h i n g . " " N o t h i n g — l i k e , in-me-Arch-and-you-didn't-smell-Echidna n o t h i n g , o r really n o t h i n g ? " G r o v e r l o o k e d h u r t . " I t o l d y o u , t h a t was u n d e r g r o u n d . " " O k a y , I ' m sorry." I t o o k a d e e p b r e a t h . " I ' m g o i n g d o w n there." "I'll g o w i t h you." G r o v e r d i d n ' t s o u n d t o o e n t h u s i a s t i c , b u t I g o t t h e feeling h e was t r y i n g t o m a k e u p for w h a t h a d h a p p e n e d in St. Louis. " N o , " I t o l d h i m . " I w a n t y o u t o stay u p t o p w i t h t h e flying s h o e s . You're t h e R e d B a r o n , a flying ace, r e m e m b e r ? I'll b e c o u n t i n g o n y o u for b a c k u p , i n case s o m e t h i n g goes wrong." G r o v e r p u f f e d u p his chest a little. " S u r e . B u t w h a t could go wrong?" " I d o n ' t k n o w . J u s t a feeling. A n n a b e t h , c o m e w i t h me—"

[233]

"Are y o u k i d d i n g ? " S h e l o o k e d a t m e a s i f I d j u s t d r o p p e d f r o m t h e m o o n . H e r cheeks were b r i g h t r e d . "What's the problem now?" I demanded. " M e , go w i t h y o u to t h e . . . t h e ' T h r i l l R i d e of Love'? H o w e m b a r r a s s i n g i s that? W h a t i f s o m e b o d y saw m e ? " " W h o ' s g o i n g t o see y o u ? " B u t m y face was b u r n i n g n o w , t o o . Leave i t t o a girl t o m a k e e v e r y t h i n g c o m p l i c a t e d . " F i n e , " I t o l d her. "I'll do it myself." B u t w h e n I s t a r t e d d o w n t h e side o f t h e p o o l , she followed m e , m u t t e r i n g a b o u t h o w b o y s always m e s s e d t h i n g s u p . W e r e a c h e d t h e b o a t . T h e s h i e l d was p r o p p e d o n o n e seat, a n d n e x t to it was a lady's silk scarf. I t r i e d to i m a g i n e A r e s a n d A p h r o d i t e here, a c o u p l e of g o d s m e e t i n g in a j u n k e d - o u t a m u s e m e n t - p a r k ride. W h y ? T h e n I noticed s o m e t h i n g I h a d n ' t seen f r o m u p t o p : m i r r o r s all t h e way a r o u n d t h e r i m o f t h e p o o l , facing t h i s s p o t . W e c o u l d see ourselves n o m a t t e r w h i c h d i r e c t i o n w e l o o k e d . T h a t m u s t b e it. W h i l e Ares a n d A p h r o d i t e were s m o o c h i n g w i t h each o t h e r t h e y c o u l d l o o k a t t h e i r favorite p e o p l e : t h e m selves. I p i c k e d u p t h e scarf. I t s h i m m e r e d p i n k , perfume

was

indescribable—rose,

or

mountain

and the laurel.

S o m e t h i n g g o o d . I smiled, a little dreamy, a n d was a b o u t to r u b t h e s c a r f against m y c h e e k w h e n A n n a b e t h r i p p e d i t o u t of my h a n d a n d stuffed it in her pocket. " O h , no you don't. S t a y away f r o m t h a t love m a g i c . " "What?" "Just get t h e shield, S e a w e e d Brain, a n d let's get o u t o f here."

[234]

T h e m o m e n t I t o u c h e d t h e shield, I k n e w w e were i n trouble. My hand broke through something that had been c o n n e c t i n g it to t h e d a s h b o a r d . A c o b w e b , I t h o u g h t , b u t t h e n I l o o k e d a t a s t r a n d o f i t o n m y p a l m a n d s a w i t was s o m e k i n d o f m e t a l filament, s o fine i t was a l m o s t invisible. A t r i p wire. " W a i t , " A n n a b e t h said. " T o o late." " T h e r e ' s a n o t h e r G r e e k l e t t e r o n t h e side o f t h e b o a t , a n o t h e r E t a . T h i s is a trap." N o i s e e r u p t e d all a r o u n d u s , o f a m i l l i o n gears g r i n d i n g , a s i f t h e w h o l e p o o l were t u r n i n g i n t o o n e giant m a c h i n e . G r o v e r yelled, " G u y s ! " U p o n t h e r i m , t h e C u p i d statues were d r a w i n g t h e i r b o w s i n t o firing p o s i t i o n . Before I c o u l d s u g g e s t t a k i n g cover, t h e y s h o t , b u t n o t a t u s . T h e y fired a t each o t h e r , across

the

rim

of

the

pool.

Silky

cables

trailed

from

t h e a r r o w s , arcing over t h e p o o l a n d a n c h o r i n g w h e r e t h e y l a n d e d to f o r m a huge g o l d e n asterisk. T h e n smaller metallic threads

s t a r t e d weaving t o g e t h e r magically b e t w e e n

the

main strands, making a net. " W e have to get out," I said. " D u h ! " A n n a b e t h said. I g r a b b e d the shield and we ran, b u t going up the slope o f t h e p o o l was n o t a s easy a s g o i n g d o w n . " C o m e on!" Grover shouted. H e was t r y i n g t o h o l d o p e n a s e c t i o n o f t h e n e t for u s , b u t wherever h e t o u c h e d it, t h e g o l d e n t h r e a d s s t a r t e d t o w r a p a r o u n d his h a n d s .

[235]

T h e C u p i d s ' heads p o p p e d open. O u t came video cam­ eras. S p o t l i g h t s r o s e u p all a r o u n d t h e p o o l , b l i n d i n g u s w i t h i l l u m i n a t i o n , a n d a l o u d s p e a k e r voice b o o m e d : " L i v e to O l y m p u s in o n e m i n u t e . . . F i f t y - n i n e s e c o n d s , fiftye i g h t . . ." " H e p h a e s t u s ! " A n n a b e t h screamed. " I ' m so stupid! Eta i s ' Ή . ' H e m a d e t h i s t r a p t o c a t c h h i s wife w i t h Ares. N o w we're g o i n g t o b e b r o a d c a s t live t o O l y m p u s a n d l o o k like absolute fools!" We'd almost m a d e it to the r i m when t h e row of mir­ r o r s o p e n e d like h a t c h e s a n d t h o u s a n d s of t i n y m e t a l l i c . . . things p o u r e d out. A n n a b e t h screamed. I t was a n a r m y o f w i n d - u p creepy-crawlies: b r o n z e - g e a r bodies,

spindly

legs,

little

pincer

mouths,

all

scuttling

t o w a r d u s i n a wave o f clacking, w h i r r i n g m e t a l . " S p i d e r s ! " A n n a b e t h said. " S p — s p — a a a a h ! " I'd never seen h e r like t h i s b e f o r e . S h e fell b a c k w a r d in terror and almost got overwhelmed by the spider robots before I pulled her up a n d dragged her back toward the boat. T h e t h i n g s were c o m i n g o u t f r o m all a r o u n d t h e r i m now, m i l l i o n s o f t h e m , f l o o d i n g t o w a r d t h e c e n t e r o f t h e p o o l , completely s u r r o u n d i n g us. I t o l d myself they p r o b a ­ bly weren't p r o g r a m m e d t o kill, j u s t c o r r a l u s a n d b i t e u s a n d m a k e u s l o o k s t u p i d . T h e n again, t h i s was a t r a p m e a n t for g o d s . A n d w e weren't g o d s . A n n a b e t h a n d I climbed into the boat. I started kicking away

the

spiders

as

they

swarmed

[236]

aboard.

I

yelled

at

A n n a b e t h t o h e l p m e , b u t she was t o o p a r a l y z e d t o d o m u c h m o r e t h a n scream. " T h i r t y , t w e n t y - n i n e , " called t h e l o u d s p e a k e r . T h e spiders started spitting out strands of metal thread, t r y i n g t o tie u s d o w n . T h e s t r a n d s were easy e n o u g h t o b r e a k a t first, b u t t h e r e were s o m a n y o f t h e m , a n d t h e s p i d e r s j u s t k e p t c o m i n g . I k i c k e d o n e away f r o m A n n a b e t h ' s leg a n d its p i n c e r s t o o k a c h u n k o u t o f m y n e w s u r f shoe. G r o v e r h o v e r e d above t h e p o o l i n his flying sneakers, trying to pull the n e t loose, b u t it wouldn't b u d g e . T h i n k , I t o l d myself. T h i n k . T h e T u n n e l o f Love e n t r a n c e was u n d e r t h e n e t . W e c o u l d use it as an exit, except t h a t it was b l o c k e d by a m i l lion r o b o t spiders. "Fifteen, f o u r t e e n , " t h e l o u d s p e a k e r called. W a t e r , I t h o u g h t . W h e r e d o e s t h e ride's w a t e r c o m e from? T h e n I saw t h e m : h u g e w a t e r p i p e s b e h i n d t h e m i r r o r s , w h e r e t h e s p i d e r s h a d c o m e f r o m . A n d u p above t h e n e t , next to one of the Cupids, a glass-windowed b o o t h that m u s t b e t h e controller's s t a t i o n . " G r o v e r ! " I yelled. " G e t i n t o t h a t b o o t h ! F i n d t h e ' o n ' switch!" "But—" " D o it!" I t was a c r a z y h o p e , b u t i t was o u r o n l y c h a n c e . The

spiders

were

all over t h e p r o w

o f t h e b o a t now.

A n n a b e t h was s c r e a m i n g h e r h e a d off. I h a d t o get u s o u t o f there.

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G r o v e r was i n t h e c o n t r o l l e r ' s b o o t h n o w , s l a m m i n g away a t t h e b u t t o n s , "Five, f o u r — " G r o v e r l o o k e d u p a t m e hopelessly, raising his h a n d s . H e was l e t t i n g m e k n o w t h a t he'd p u s h e d every b u t t o n , b u t still n o t h i n g was h a p p e n i n g . I c l o s e d m y eyes a n d t h o u g h t a b o u t waves, r u s h i n g water, t h e M i s s i s s i p p i River. I felt a familiar t u g in my g u t . I t r i e d to i m a g i n e t h a t I was d r a g g i n g t h e o c e a n all t h e way to Denver. " T w o , o n e , zero!" Water exploded out of the pipes. It roared into the pool, s w e e p i n g away t h e s p i d e r s . I p u l l e d A n n a b e t h i n t o t h e seat n e x t t o m e a n d f a s t e n e d h e r seat b e l t j u s t a s t h e t i d a l wave s l a m m e d i n t o o u r b o a t , over t h e t o p , w h i s k i n g t h e s p i d e r s away a n d d o u s i n g u s completely, b u t n o t c a p s i z i n g us. T h e b o a t t u r n e d , lifted i n t h e f l o o d , a n d s p u n i n circles a r o u n d the whirlpool. T h e w a t e r was full o f s h o r t - c i r c u i t i n g s p i d e r s , s o m e o f t h e m s m a s h i n g a g a i n s t t h e p o o l ' s c o n c r e t e wall w i t h s u c h force t h e y b u r s t . S p o t l i g h t s glared d o w n a t u s . T h e C u p i d - c a m s were r o l l i n g , live t o O l y m p u s . B u t I c o u l d o n l y c o n c e n t r a t e on c o n t r o l l i n g t h e b o a t . I w i l l e d i t t o r i d e t h e c u r r e n t , t o k e e p away f r o m t h e wall. M a y b e i t was m y i m a g i n a t i o n , b u t t h e b o a t s e e m e d t o r e s p o n d . A t least, i t d i d n ' t b r e a k i n t o a m i l l i o n pieces. W e s p u n a r o u n d o n e last t i m e , t h e w a t e r level n o w a l m o s t h i g h e n o u g h to shred us against the metal net. T h e n the boat's

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nose turned toward the tunnel and we rocketed through into the darkness. A n n a b e t h and I held tight, b o t h of us screaming as the b o a t s h o t curls a n d h u g g e d c o r n e r s a n d t o o k forty-fived e g r e e p l u n g e s p a s t p i c t u r e s o f R o m e o a n d Juliet a n d a b u n c h o f o t h e r V a l e n t i n e s D a y stuff. T h e n w e were o u t o f t h e t u n n e l , t h e n i g h t air w h i s t l i n g t h r o u g h o u r hair as the b o a t barreled straight toward the exit. I f t h e r i d e h a d b e e n i n w o r k i n g order, w e w o u l d ' v e sailed o f f a r a m p b e t w e e n t h e g o l d e n G a t e s o f Love a n d s p l a s h e d d o w n safely i n t h e exit p o o l . B u t t h e r e was a p r o b l e m . T h e G a t e s o f Love were c h a i n e d . T w o b o a t s t h a t h a d b e e n w a s h e d o u t o f t h e t u n n e l b e f o r e u s were n o w p i l e d against the b a r r i c a d e — o n e submerged, t h e o t h e r cracked in half. " U n f a s t e n y o u r seat belt," I yelled to A n n a b e t h . "Are y o u crazy?" " U n l e s s y o u w a n t t o get s m a s h e d t o d e a t h . " I s t r a p p e d Ares's s h i e l d t o m y a r m . " W e ' r e g o i n g t o have t o j u m p for it." M y idea was s i m p l e a n d i n s a n e . A s t h e b o a t s t r u c k , w e w o u l d u s e its force like a s p r i n g b o a r d t o j u m p t h e gate. I'd h e a r d o f p e o p l e surviving car crashes t h a t way, g e t t i n g t h r o w n t h i r t y o r f o r t y feet away f r o m a n a c c i d e n t . W i t h luck, w e w o u l d l a n d i n t h e p o o l . Annabeth seemed to understand. She gripped my h a n d as t h e gates g o t closer. " O n m y m a r k , " I said. " N o ! O n m y mark!"

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"What?" " S i m p l e physics!" s h e yelled. " F o r c e t i m e s t h e trajectory angle— " F i n e ! " I s h o u t e d . " O n your m a r k ! " S h e h e s i t a t e d . . . h e s i t a t e d . . . t h e n yelled, " N o w ! "

Crack! A n n a b e t h was r i g h t . I f w e d j u m p e d w h e n I t h o u g h t w e s h o u l d ' v e , w e w o u l d ' v e c r a s h e d i n t o t h e gates. S h e g o t u s m a x i m u m lift. U n f o r t u n a t e l y , t h a t was a little m o r e t h a n w e n e e d e d . O u r b o a t s m a s h e d i n t o t h e p i l e u p a n d w e were t h r o w n i n t o t h e air, s t r a i g h t over t h e gates, over t h e p o o l , a n d d o w n toward solid asphalt. Something grabbed me from behind. A n n a b e t h yelled, " O u c h ! " Grover! In

midair,

he

had

grabbed

me

by

the

shirt,

and

A n n a b e t h b y t h e a r m , a n d was t r y i n g t o p u l l u s o u t o f a c r a s h l a n d i n g , b u t A n n a b e t h a n d I h a d all t h e m o m e n t u m . "You're t o o heavy!" G r o v e r said. " W e ' r e g o i n g d o w n ! " W e s p i r a l e d t o w a r d t h e g r o u n d , G r o v e r d o i n g his b e s t t o slow t h e fall. W e s m a s h e d i n t o a p h o t o - b o a r d , Grover's h e a d g o i n g s t r a i g h t i n t o t h e h o l e w h e r e t o u r i s t s w o u l d p u t t h e i r faces, pretending to be N o o - N o o the Friendly W h a l e . Annabeth a n d I t u m b l e d t o t h e g r o u n d , b a n g e d u p b u t alive. Ares's s h i e l d was still o n m y a r m . O n c e we caught our breath, A n n a b e t h and I got Grover o u t o f t h e p h o t o - b o a r d a n d t h a n k e d h i m for saving o u r

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lives. I l o o k e d b a c k a t t h e T h r i l l R i d e o f Love. T h e w a t e r was s u b s i d i n g . O u r b o a t h a d b e e n s m a s h e d t o pieces a g a i n s t t h e gates. A h u n d r e d yards away, a t t h e e n t r a n c e p o o l , t h e C u p i d s were still filming. T h e s t a t u e s h a d swiveled s o t h a t t h e i r c a m e r a s were t r a i n e d s t r a i g h t o n us, t h e s p o t l i g h t s i n o u r faces. " S h o w ' s over!" I yelled. " T h a n k you! G o o d n i g h t ! " T h e C u p i d s t u r n e d back t o their original positions. T h e l i g h t s s h u t off. T h e p a r k w e n t q u i e t a n d d a r k again, except for t h e g e n t l e trickle o f w a t e r i n t o t h e T h r i l l R i d e o f Love's exit p o o l . I w o n d e r e d i f O l y m p u s h a d g o n e t o a c o m m e r cial b r e a k , o r i f o u r r a t i n g s h a d b e e n any g o o d . I h a t e d b e i n g teased. I h a t e d b e i n g t r i c k e d . A n d I h a d p l e n t y o f experience h a n d l i n g bullies w h o l i k e d t o d o t h a t stuff to me. I hefted the shield on my a r m and t u r n e d to m y friends. " W e n e e d t o have a little talk w i t h Ares."

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The w a r g o d was w a i t i n g for u s i n t h e d i n e r p a r k i n g l o t . " W e l l , well," h e said. " Y o u d i d n ' t get y o u r s e l f killed." " Y o u k n e w it was a trap," I said. A r e s gave me a w i c k e d g r i n . " B e t t h a t c r i p p l e d b l a c k s m i t h was s u r p r i s e d w h e n h e n e t t e d a c o u p l e o f s t u p i d k i d s . You looked good on T V " I s h o v e d his s h i e l d at h i m . "You're a jerk." A n n a b e t h and Grover caught their breath. A r e s g r a b b e d t h e s h i e l d a n d s p u n i t i n t h e air like p i z z a d o u g h . I t c h a n g e d f o r m , m e l t i n g i n t o a b u l l e t p r o o f vest. H e s l u n g it across his b a c k . " S e e t h a t t r u c k over t h e r e ? " H e p o i n t e d t o a n e i g h t e e n w h e e l e r p a r k e d across t h e street f r o m t h e d i n e r .

"That's

y o u r r i d e . T a k e y o u s t r a i g h t t o L.A., w i t h o n e s t o p i n Vegas." T h e e i g h t e e n - w h e e l e r h a d a sign o n t h e b a c k , w h i c h I c o u l d r e a d o n l y b e c a u s e i t was r e v e r s e - p r i n t e d w h i t e o n black, a g o o d c o m b i n a t i o n for dyslexia: K I N D N E S S I N T E R N A T I O N A L : H U M A N E Z O O T R A N S P O R T . W A R N I N G : LIVE W I L D ANIMALS.

I said, "You're k i d d i n g . " Ares s n a p p e d his fingers. T h e b a c k d o o r o f t h e t r u c k

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u n l a t c h e d . " F r e e r i d e west, p u n k . S t o p c o m p l a i n i n g . A n d here's a little s o m e t h i n g for d o i n g t h e job." He slung a blue nylon backpack off his handlebars and tossed it to me. I n s i d e were fresh c l o t h e s for all o f u s , t w e n t y b u c k s i n cash, a p o u c h full o f g o l d e n d r a c h m a s , a n d a b a g o f D o u b l e Stuf Oreos. I said, " I d o n ' t w a n t y o u r l o u s y — " " T h a n k y o u , L o r d Ares," G r o v e r i n t e r r u p t e d , giving m e his b e s t r e d - a l e r t w a r n i n g l o o k . " T h a n k s a lot." I g r i t t e d my t e e t h . It was p r o b a b l y a d e a d l y i n s u l t to refuse s o m e t h i n g f r o m a g o d , b u t I d i d n ' t w a n t a n y t h i n g that Ares h a d touched. Reluctantly, I slung the backpack over m y s h o u l d e r . I k n e w m y a n g e r was b e i n g c a u s e d b y t h e w a r g o d ' s p r e s e n c e , b u t I was still i t c h i n g t o p u n c h h i m i n t h e n o s e . H e r e m i n d e d m e o f every bully I'd ever faced: N a n c y Bobofit, Clarisse, S m e l l y G a b e , sarcastic t e a c h e r s — every jerk w h o ' d called m e s t u p i d i n s c h o o l o r l a u g h e d a t m e w h e n I'd g o t t e n expelled. I l o o k e d b a c k at t h e diner, w h i c h h a d o n l y a c o u p l e of c u s t o m e r s now. T h e waitress w h o ' d s e r v e d u s d i n n e r was w a t c h i n g n e r v o u s l y o u t t h e w i n d o w , like s h e was afraid A r e s m i g h t h u r t u s . S h e d r a g g e d t h e fry c o o k o u t f r o m t h e k i t c h e n t o see. S h e said s o m e t h i n g t o h i m . H e n o d d e d , h e l d u p a little d i s p o s a b l e c a m e r a a n d s n a p p e d a p i c t u r e o f u s . G r e a t , I t h o u g h t . W e ' l l m a k e t h e p a p e r s again t o m o r r o w . I imagined the headline: TWELVE-YEAR-OLD OUTLAW BEATS UP DEFENSELESS BIKER.

" Y o u owe m e o n e m o r e t h i n g , " I t o l d Ares, t r y i n g t o

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k e e p m y voice level. " Y o u p r o m i s e d m e i n f o r m a t i o n a b o u t my mother." " Y o u sure y o u can h a n d l e t h e n e w s ? " H e k i c k - s t a r t e d his m o t o r c y c l e . "She's n o t dead." T h e g r o u n d seemed t o spin beneath me. " W h a t d o you mean? " I m e a n she was t a k e n away f r o m t h e M i n o t a u r b e f o r e s h e c o u l d die. S h e was t u r n e d i n t o a s h o w e r o f g o l d , right? T h a t ' s m e t a m o r p h o s i s . N o t d e a t h . She's b e i n g k e p t . " "Kept. W h y ? " " Y o u n e e d t o s t u d y war, p u n k . H o s t a g e s . Y o u take s o m e b o d y t o c o n t r o l s o m e b o d y else." " N o b o d y ' s controlling me." H e l a u g h e d . " O h yeah? See y o u a r o u n d , kid." I b a l l e d u p m y f i s t s . "You're p r e t t y s m u g , L o r d A r e s , for a g u y w h o r u n s f r o m C u p i d statues." B e h i n d his sunglasses, fire glowed. I felt a h o t w i n d in m y hair. " W e ' l l m e e t again, Percy J a c k s o n . N e x t t i m e you're in a fight, w a t c h y o u r back." H e revved his H a r l e y , t h e n r o a r e d o f f d o w n D e l a n c y Street. A n n a b e t h said, " T h a t was n o t s m a r t , Percy." " I d o n ' t care." " Y o u d o n ' t w a n t a g o d a s y o u r enemy. Especially n o t t h a t god." " H e y , guys," G r o v e r said. "I h a t e to i n t e r r u p t , b u t . . ." H e p o i n t e d t o w a r d t h e diner. A t t h e register, t h e last t w o c u s t o m e r s were p a y i n g t h e i r check, t w o m e n i n i d e n t i cal b l a c k coveralls, w i t h a w h i t e l o g o o n t h e i r b a c k s t h a t

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matched the one on the KINDNESS I N T E R N A T I O N A L truck. " I f we're t a k i n g t h e z o o express," G r o v e r said, " w e n e e d to hurry." I d i d n ' t like it, b u t w e h a d n o b e t t e r o p t i o n . Besides, I'd seen e n o u g h o f D e n v e r . W e r a n across t h e street a n d c l i m b e d i n t h e b a c k o f t h e b i g rig, c l o s i n g t h e d o o r s b e h i n d u s .

T h e first t h i n g t h a t h i t m e was t h e smell. I t was like t h e world's b i g g e s t p a n o f k i t t y litter. The

trailer

was

dark

inside

until

I

uncapped

A n a k l u s m o s . T h e b l a d e cast a faint b r o n z e l i g h t over a very s a d scene. S i t t i n g in a r o w of filthy m e t a l cages were t h r e e of t h e m o s t p a t h e t i c z o o a n i m a l s I'd ever b e h e l d : a z e b r a , a m a l e a l b i n o lion, a n d s o m e w e i r d a n t e l o p e t h i n g I d i d n ' t k n o w t h e n a m e for. S o m e o n e h a d t h r o w n t h e l i o n a sack o f t u r n i p s , w h i c h h e o b v i o u s l y d i d n ' t w a n t t o eat. T h e z e b r a a n d t h e a n t e l o p e h a d each g o t t e n a S t y r o f o a m tray o f h a m b u r g e r m e a t . T h e zebra's m a n e was m a t t e d w i t h c h e w i n g g u m , like s o m e b o d y h a d been spitting on it in their spare time. T h e antelope h a d a s t u p i d silver b i r t h d a y b a l l o o n t i e d t o o n e o f his h o r n s t h a t read O V E R T H E HILL!

A p p a r e n t l y , n o b o d y h a d w a n t e d t o get close e n o u g h t o t h e l i o n t o m e s s w i t h h i m , b u t t h e p o o r t h i n g was p a c i n g a r o u n d o n s o i l e d b l a n k e t s , i n a space way t o o s m a l l for h i m , p a n t i n g f r o m t h e stuffy h e a t o f t h e trailer. H e h a d flies b u z z i n g a r o u n d his p i n k eyes a n d his r i b s s h o w e d t h r o u g h his w h i t e fur.

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" T h i s i s k i n d n e s s ? " G r o v e r yelled. " H u m a n e z o o t r a n s port?" He probably would've gone right back outside to beat u p t h e t r u c k e r s w i t h his r e e d p i p e s , a n d I w o u l d ' v e h e l p e d h i m , b u t j u s t t h e n t h e t r u c k ' s e n g i n e r o a r e d t o life, t h e trailer s t a r t e d s h a k i n g , a n d w e were forced t o sit d o w n o r fall d o w n . W e h u d d l e d i n t h e c o r n e r o n s o m e m i l d e w e d feed sacks, t r y i n g t o i g n o r e t h e smell a n d t h e h e a t a n d t h e f l i e s . G r o v e r t a l k e d t o t h e a n i m a l s i n a series o f g o a t bleats, b u t t h e y j u s t s t a r e d a t h i m sadly. A n n a b e t h was i n favor o f b r e a k i n g t h e cages a n d freeing t h e m o n t h e s p o t , b u t I p o i n t e d o u t i t wouldn't do m u c h good until the truck stopped moving. Besides, I h a d a feeling we m i g h t l o o k a l o t b e t t e r to t h e l i o n than those turnips. I f o u n d a w a t e r jug a n d refilled t h e i r b o w l s , t h e n u s e d Anaklusmos to drag the mismatched food o u t of their cages. I gave t h e m e a t t o t h e l i o n a n d t h e t u r n i p s t o t h e zebra and the antelope. G r o v e r c a l m e d t h e a n t e l o p e d o w n , while A n n a b e t h u s e d h e r knife t o c u t t h e b a l l o o n o f f his h o r n . S h e w a n t e d t o c u t t h e g u m o u t o f t h e zebra's m a n e , t o o , b u t w e d e c i d e d t h a t w o u l d b e t o o risky w i t h t h e t r u c k b u m p i n g a r o u n d . W e t o l d G r o v e r t o p r o m i s e t h e a n i m a l s we'd h e l p t h e m m o r e i n t h e m o r n i n g , t h e n w e s e t t l e d i n for n i g h t . G r o v e r c u r l e d u p o n a t u r n i p sack; A n n a b e t h o p e n e d o u r b a g o f D o u b l e S t u f O r e o s a n d n i b b l e d o n o n e halfh e a r t e d l y ; I t r i e d t o cheer m y s e l f u p b y c o n c e n t r a t i n g o n t h e fact t h a t w e were halfway t o L o s A n g e l e s . H a l f w a y t o o u r

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d e s t i n a t i o n . I t was o n l y J u n e f o u r t e e n t h . T h e solstice wasn't u n t i l t h e twenty-first. W e c o u l d m a k e i t i n p l e n t y o f t i m e . O n t h e o t h e r h a n d , I h a d n o i d e a w h a t t o e x p e c t next. T h e g o d s k e p t t o y i n g w i t h m e . A t least H e p h a e s t u s h a d t h e decency to be honest about it—he'd p u t up cameras and a d v e r t i s e d m e a s e n t e r t a i n m e n t . B u t even w h e n t h e c a m e r a s weren't r o l l i n g , I h a d a feeling my q u e s t was b e i n g w a t c h e d . I was a s o u r c e of a m u s e m e n t for t h e g o d s . " H e y , " A n n a b e t h said, " I ' m s o r r y for freaking o u t b a c k at t h e w a t e r p a r k , Percy." " T h a t ' s okay." "It's just . . ." S h e s h u d d e r e d . " S p i d e r s . " "Because o f t h e A r a c h n e story," I g u e s s e d . " S h e g o t t u r n e d i n t o a spider for challenging your m o m to a weaving contest, right?" A n n a b e t h n o d d e d . "Arachne's c h i l d r e n have b e e n t a k i n g revenge on t h e c h i l d r e n of A t h e n a ever since. If there's a s p i d e r w i t h i n a m i l e of m e , it'll find m e . I h a t e t h e creepy little t h i n g s . Anyway, I owe you." " W e ' r e a t e a m , r e m e m b e r ? " I said. "Besides, G r o v e r d i d t h e fancy f l y i n g . " I t h o u g h t h e was asleep, b u t h e m u m b l e d f r o m t h e c o r ner, " I was p r e t t y a m a z i n g , wasn't I ? " Annabeth and I laughed. S h e p u l l e d a p a r t a n O r e o , h a n d e d m e half. " I n t h e Iris m e s s a g e . . . d i d L u k e really say n o t h i n g ? " I m u n c h e d m y c o o k i e a n d t h o u g h t a b o u t h o w t o answer. T h e c o n v e r s a t i o n via r a i n b o w h a d b o t h e r e d m e all evening. " L u k e said y o u a n d h e g o way b a c k . H e also s a i d G r o v e r

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w o u l d n ' t fail t h i s t i m e . N o b o d y w o u l d t u r n i n t o a p i n e »

tree. I n t h e d i m b r o n z e l i g h t o f t h e s w o r d b l a d e , i t was h a r d to read their expressions. G r o v e r let o u t a m o u r n f u l bray. "I should've told you the t r u t h from the beginning." H i s voice t r e m b l e d . "I t h o u g h t if y o u k n e w w h a t a failure I was, y o u w o u l d n ' t w a n t m e along." " Y o u were t h e satyr w h o t r i e d t o rescue T h a l i a , t h e daughter of Zeus." H e n o d d e d glumly. "And the other two half-bloods T h a l i a befriended, the o n e s w h o g o t safely t o c a m p . . . " I l o o k e d a t A n n a b e t h . " T h a t was y o u a n d L u k e , wasn't it?" S h e p u t d o w n h e r O r e o , u n e a t e n . " L i k e y o u said, Percy, a s e v e n - y e a r - o l d h a l f - b l o o d w o u l d n ' t have m a d e it very far a l o n e . A t h e n a g u i d e d m e t o w a r d h e l p . T h a l i a was twelve. L u k e was f o u r t e e n . T h e y ' d b o t h r u n away f r o m h o m e , like m e . T h e y were h a p p y t o t a k e m e w i t h t h e m . T h e y were . . . a m a z i n g m o n s t e r - f i g h t e r s , even w i t h o u t t r a i n i n g . W e traveled n o r t h f r o m V i r g i n i a w i t h o u t any real p l a n s , f e n d i n g o f f m o n s t e r s for a b o u t t w o weeks b e f o r e G r o v e r f o u n d u s . " " I was s u p p o s e d t o e s c o r t T h a l i a t o c a m p , " h e said, sniffling. " O n l y T h a l i a . I h a d strict orders from Chiron: don't d o a n y t h i n g t h a t w o u l d slow d o w n t h e rescue. W e k n e w H a d e s was after her, see, b u t I c o u l d n ' t j u s t leave L u k e a n d A n n a b e t h by themselves. I t h o u g h t . . . I t h o u g h t I could l e a d all t h r e e o f t h e m t o safety. I t was m y fault t h e K i n d l y O n e s c a u g h t u p w i t h u s . I froze. I g o t s c a r e d o n t h e way [248]

back to camp and t o o k some wrong turns. If Id just been a little q u i c k e r . . ." " S t o p it," A n n a b e t h said. " N o o n e b l a m e s y o u . T h a l i a d i d n ' t b l a m e y o u either." " S h e sacrificed herself to save us," he said miserably. " H e r d e a t h was m y fault. T h e C o u n c i l o f C l o v e n E l d e r s said so." "Because

you

wouldn't

leave

two

other

half-bloods

b e h i n d ? " I said. " T h a t ' s n o t fair." "Percy's right," A n n a b e t h said. " I w o u l d n ' t b e h e r e t o d a y i f i t weren't for y o u , G r o v e r . N e i t h e r w o u l d L u k e . W e d o n ' t care w h a t t h e c o u n c i l says." G r o v e r k e p t sniffling i n t h e d a r k . "It's just m y luck. I ' m t h e l a m e s t satyr ever, a n d I find t h e t w o m o s t p o w e r f u l halfb l o o d s o f t h e century, T h a l i a a n d Percy." "You're n o t lame," A n n a b e t h insisted. "You've g o t m o r e c o u r a g e t h a n any satyr I've ever m e t . N a m e o n e o t h e r w h o w o u l d d a r e go to t h e U n d e r w o r l d . I b e t Percy is really g l a d you're h e r e r i g h t now." S h e k i c k e d m e i n t h e shin. "Yeah," I said, w h i c h I w o u l d ' v e d o n e even w i t h o u t t h e k i c k . "It's n o t l u c k t h a t y o u f o u n d T h a l i a a n d m e , Grover. You've g o t t h e b i g g e s t h e a r t of any satyr ever. You're a n a t u r a l searcher. T h a t ' s w h y y o u ' l l b e t h e o n e w h o f i n d s Pan." I h e a r d a d e e p , satisfied sigh. I w a i t e d for G r o v e r to say s o m e t h i n g , b u t his b r e a t h i n g o n l y g o t heavier. W h e n t h e s o u n d t u r n e d to s n o r i n g , I realized he'd fallen sleep. " H o w does he do that?" I marveled. "I d o n ' t know," A n n a b e t h said. " B u t t h a t was really a nice thing you told him."

[249]

" I m e a n t it." W e r o d e i n silence for a few m i l e s , b u m p i n g a r o u n d o n t h e feed sacks. T h e z e b r a m u n c h e d a t u r n i p . T h e l i o n licked t h e last o f t h e h a m b u r g e r m e a t o f f his lips a n d l o o k e d a t m e hopefully. A n n a b e t h r u b b e d h e r n e c k l a c e like she was t h i n k i n g deep, strategic t h o u g h t s . " T h a t p i n e - t r e e b e a d , " I said. "Is t h a t f r o m y o u r first year? S h e l o o k e d . S h e h a d n ' t realized w h a t she was d o i n g . "Yeah," she said. " E v e r y A u g u s t , t h e c o u n s e l o r s p i c k t h e m o s t i m p o r t a n t event o f t h e s u m m e r , a n d t h e y p a i n t i t o n t h a t year's b e a d s . I've g o t T h a l i a ' s p i n e tree, a G r e e k t r i r e m e on fire, a c e n t a u r in a p r o m d r e s s — n o w that was a weird s u m m e r . . . ." " A n d t h e college r i n g is y o u r father's?" " T h a t ' s n o n e o f y o u r — " S h e s t o p p e d herself. "Yeah. Yeah, it is." " Y o u d o n ' t have t o tell m e . " " N o . . . it's okay." S h e t o o k a s h a k y b r e a t h . " M y d a d s e n t i t t o m e f o l d e d u p i n a letter, t w o s u m m e r s ago. T h e r i n g was, like, h i s m a i n k e e p s a k e f r o m A t h e n a . H e w o u l d n ' t have g o t t e n t h r o u g h his d o c t o r a l p r o g r a m a t H a r v a r d w i t h o u t her. . . . T h a t ' s a l o n g story. Anyway, he said he w a n t e d m e t o have it. H e a p o l o g i z e d for b e i n g a jerk, said h e loved m e a n d m i s s e d m e . H e w a n t e d m e t o c o m e h o m e a n d live with him." " T h a t d o e s n ' t s o u n d s o bad." "Yeah, well . . . t h e p r o b l e m was, I believed h i m . I t r i e d

[250]

t o g o h o m e for t h a t s c h o o l year, b u t m y s t e p m o m was t h e s a m e a s ever. S h e d i d n ' t w a n t h e r k i d s p u t i n d a n g e r b y livi n g w i t h a freak. M o n s t e r s a t t a c k e d . W e a r g u e d . M o n s t e r s a t t a c k e d . W e a r g u e d . I d i d n ' t even m a k e i t t h r o u g h w i n t e r b r e a k . I called C h i r o n a n d c a m e r i g h t b a c k t o C a m p H a l f Blood." " Y o u t h i n k you'll ever t r y living w i t h y o u r d a d again?" S h e w o u l d n ' t m e e t m y eyes. " P l e a s e . I ' m n o t i n t o selfinflicted pain." " Y o u s h o u l d n ' t give u p , " I t o l d her. " Y o u s h o u l d w r i t e h i m a letter or s o m e t h i n g . " "Thanks father's

made

for t h e his

advice,"

choice

she s a i d coldly,

about

who

he

wants

"but my to

live

with." W e p a s s e d a n o t h e r few m i l e s o f silence. " S o i f t h e g o d s fight," I said, "will t h i n g s line u p t h e way t h e y d i d w i t h t h e T r o j a n W a r ? W i l l i t b e A t h e n a versus Poseidon?" S h e p u t h e r h e a d against t h e b a c k p a c k A r e s h a d given u s , a n d c l o s e d h e r eyes. " I d o n ' t k n o w w h a t m y m o m will d o . I j u s t k n o w I'll fight n e x t to you." "Why?" "Because you're m y friend, S e a w e e d Brain. A n y m o r e stupid questions?" I c o u l d n ' t t h i n k of an answer for t h a t . F o r t u n a t e l y I d i d n ' t have t o . A n n a b e t h was asleep. I

had

trouble

following

her

example,

with

Grover

s n o r i n g a n d a n a l b i n o l i o n s t a r i n g h u n g r i l y a t m e , b u t eventually I c l o s e d my eyes.

[251]

* * *

My nightmare started out as something Id dreamed a mill i o n t i m e s b e f o r e : I was b e i n g forced to take a s t a n d a r d i z e d t e s t while w e a r i n g a straitjacket. A l l t h e o t h e r k i d s were g o i n g o u t to recess, a n d t h e t e a c h e r k e p t saying, Come on, Percy. You're not stupid, are you? Pick up your pencil. T h e n the d r e a m strayed from the usual. I l o o k e d over at t h e n e x t d e s k a n d saw a girl s i t t i n g t h e r e , also w e a r i n g a straitjacket. S h e was my age, w i t h u n r u l y black, p u n k - s t y l e hair,

d a r k eyeliner a r o u n d h e r

s t o r m y g r e e n eyes, a n d freckles across h e r n o s e . S o m e h o w , I k n e w w h o she was. S h e was T h a l i a , d a u g h t e r o f Z e u s . S h e s t r u g g l e d against t h e straitjacket, glared a t m e i n f r u s t r a t i o n , a n d s n a p p e d , Well, Seaweed Brain? One of us has to get out of here. She's right,

my dream-self thought. I'm going back

t o t h a t cavern. I ' m g o i n g t o give H a d e s a piece o f m y mind. T h e straitjacket m e l t e d o f f m e . I fell t h r o u g h t h e classr o o m f l o o r . T h e teacher's voice c h a n g e d u n t i l i t was c o l d a n d evil, e c h o i n g f r o m t h e d e p t h s o f a g r e a t c h a s m . Percy Jackson, it said. Yes, the exchange went well, I see. I was b a c k in t h e d a r k cavern, s p i r i t s of t h e d e a d drifti n g a r o u n d m e . U n s e e n i n t h e pit, t h e m o n s t r o u s t h i n g was s p e a k i n g , b u t t h i s t i m e i t wasn't a d d r e s s i n g m e . T h e n u m b i n g p o w e r o f its voice s e e m e d d i r e c t e d s o m e w h e r e else. And he suspects nothing? it asked. A n o t h e r voice, o n e I a l m o s t r e c o g n i z e d , a n s w e r e d a t m y s h o u l d e r . Nothing, my lord. He is as ignorant as the rest.

[252]

I l o o k e d over, b u t n o o n e was t h e r e . T h e s p e a k e r was invisible. Deception upon deception, t h e t h i n g in t h e p i t m u s e d a l o u d . Excellent. Truly, my lord, said t h e voice n e x t to m e , you are well-named the Crooked One. But was it really necessary? I could have brought you what I stole directly — You? t h e m o n s t e r s a i d in s c o r n . You have already shown your limits. You would have jailed me completely had I not intervened. But, my lord— Peace, little servant. Our six months have bought us much. Zeus's anger has grown. Poseidon has played his most desperate card. Now we shall use it against him. Shortly you shall have the reward you wish, and your revenge. As soon as both items are delivered into my hands . . . but wait. He is here. What? T h e invisible s e r v a n t s u d d e n l y s o u n d e d t e n s e . You summoned him, my lord? No.

T h e full force

o f t h e m o n s t e r ' s a t t e n t i o n was

n o w p o u r i n g over m e , freezing me in p l a c e . Blast his father's blood—he is too changeable, too unpredictable. The boy brought himself hither. Impossible! t h e s e r v a n t cried. For a weakling such as you, perhaps,

t h e voice s n a r l e d . T h e n

its c o l d p o w e r t u r n e d b a c k on m e . So . . . you wish to dream of your quest, young half-blood? Then I will oblige. T h e scene c h a n g e d . I was s t a n d i n g in a vast t h r o n e r o o m w i t h black m a r b l e walls a n d b r o n z e f l o o r s . T h e e m p t y , h o r r i d t h r o n e was m a d e f r o m h u m a n b o n e s fused t o g e t h e r . S t a n d i n g a t t h e

[253]

f o o t o f t h e dais was m y m o t h e r , frozen i n s h i m m e r i n g g o l d e n light, h e r a r m s o u t s t r e t c h e d . I t r i e d to s t e p t o w a r d her, b u t my legs w o u l d n ' t m o v e . I r e a c h e d for her, o n l y t o realize t h a t m y h a n d s were w i t h e r ing to bones. G r i n n i n g skeletons in Greek a r m o r crowded a r o u n d m e , d r a p i n g m e w i t h silk r o b e s , w r e a t h i n g m y h e a d w i t h laurels t h a t s m o k e d w i t h C h i m e r a p o i s o n , b u r n i n g i n t o m y scalp. T h e evil voice b e g a n to l a u g h . Hail, the conquering hero!

I woke with a start. G r o v e r was s h a k i n g m y s h o u l d e r . " T h e t r u c k ' s s t o p p e d , " h e said. " W e t h i n k they're c o m i n g t o check o n t h e animals." " H i d e ! " A n n a b e t h hissed. S h e h a d i t easy. S h e just p u t o n h e r m a g i c c a p a n d d i s a p p e a r e d . G r o v e r a n d I h a d t o dive b e h i n d feed sacks a n d h o p e w e l o o k e d like t u r n i p s . The

trailer

doors

creaked open.

Sunlight

and

heat

p o u r e d in. " M a n ! " o n e o f t h e t r u c k e r s said, waving his h a n d i n f r o n t o f h i s ugly n o s e . " I w i s h I h a u l e d a p p l i a n c e s . " H e climbed inside a n d p o u r e d some water from a jug into the animals' dishes. "You hot, big boy?" he asked the lion, t h e n splashed t h e rest o f t h e b u c k e t r i g h t i n t h e lion's face. T h e lion roared in indignation. "Yeah, yeah, yeah," t h e m a n said. N e x t t o m e , u n d e r t h e t u r n i p sacks, G r o v e r t e n s e d . F o r a peace-loving herbivore, he looked d o w n r i g h t m u r d e r o u s .

[254]

T h e trucker threw

the

antelope

a squashed-looking

H a p p y M e a l bag. H e s m i r k e d a t t h e z e b r a . " H o w y a d o i n ' , Stripes? L e a s t we'll b e g e t t i n g r i d o f you this s t o p . Y o u like m a g i c shows? You're g o n n a love t h i s o n e . T h e y ' r e g o n n a saw y o u i n half!" T h e z e b r a , w i l d - e y e d w i t h fear, l o o k e d s t r a i g h t a t m e . T h e r e was no s o u n d , b u t as clear as day, I h e a r d it say: Free me, lord. Please. I was t o o s t u n n e d to react. T h e r e was a l o u d knock, knock, knock on t h e side of t h e trailer. T h e t r u c k e r i n s i d e w i t h u s yelled, " W h a t d o y o u w a n t , Eddie?" A

voice

outside—it

must've

been

Eddie's—shouted

b a c k , " M a u r i c e ? W h a t ' d y a say?" " W h a t are y o u b a n g i n g for?" Knock, knock, knock. O u t s i d e , E d d i e yelled, " W h a t b a n g i n g ? " O u r g u y M a u r i c e r o l l e d h i s eyes a n d w e n t b a c k o u t s i d e , c u r s i n g a t E d d i e for b e i n g a n i d i o t . A s e c o n d later, A n n a b e t h a p p e a r e d n e x t t o m e . S h e m u s t ' v e d o n e t h e b a n g i n g t o get M a u r i c e o u t o f t h e trailer. S h e said, " T h i s t r a n s p o r t b u s i n e s s can't b e legal." " N o k i d d i n g , " G r o v e r said. H e p a u s e d , a s i f l i s t e n i n g . " T h e l i o n says t h e s e g u y s are a n i m a l s m u g g l e r s ! " That's right, t h e zebra's voice said in my m i n d . "We've

got

to

free

them!"

Grover

said.

He

and

A n n a b e t h b o t h l o o k e d a t m e , w a i t i n g for m y lead. I'd h e a r d t h e z e b r a talk, b u t n o t t h e l i o n . W h y ? M a y b e

[255]

i t was a n o t h e r l e a r n i n g d i s a b i l i t y . . . I c o u l d o n l y u n d e r s t a n d zebras? T h e n I t h o u g h t : h o r s e s . W h a t h a d A n n a b e t h s a i d a b o u t P o s e i d o n c r e a t i n g horses? W a s a z e b r a close e n o u g h to a horse? W a s t h a t w h y I c o u l d u n d e r s t a n d it? T h e z e b r a said, Open my cage, lord. Phase. I'll be fine after that. O u t s i d e , E d d i e a n d M a u r i c e were still yelling a t each o t h e r , b u t I k n e w they'd b e c o m i n g i n s i d e t o t o r m e n t t h e a n i m a l s again any m i n u t e . I g r a b b e d R i p t i d e a n d s l a s h e d t h e l o c k o f f t h e zebra's cage. T h e z e b r a b u r s t o u t . I t t u r n e d t o m e a n d b o w e d . Thank you, lord. G r o v e r h e l d u p his h a n d s a n d said s o m e t h i n g t o t h e z e b r a in g o a t talk, like a blessing. Just a s M a u r i c e was p o k i n g his h e a d b a c k inside t o check o u t t h e n o i s e , t h e z e b r a l e a p e d over h i m a n d i n t o t h e street. T h e r e was yelling a n d s c r e a m i n g a n d cars h o n k i n g . W e r u s h e d t o t h e d o o r s o f t h e trailer i n t i m e t o see t h e z e b r a gall o p i n g d o w n a w i d e b o u l e v a r d l i n e d w i t h h o t e l s a n d casinos a n d n e o n signs. W e ' d just released a z e b r a in Las Vegas. M a u r i c e a n d E d d i e r a n after it, w i t h a few p o l i c e m e n r u n n i n g after t h e m , s h o u t i n g , " H e y ! Y o u n e e d a p e r m i t for that!" " N o w w o u l d b e a g o o d t i m e t o leave," A n n a b e t h said. " T h e o t h e r a n i m a l s first," G r o v e r said. I c u t t h e l o c k s w i t h m y s w o r d . G r o v e r r a i s e d his h a n d s a n d s p o k e t h e s a m e g o a t - b l e s s i n g he'd u s e d for t h e z e b r a . " G o o d luck," I t o l d t h e a n i m a l s . T h e a n t e l o p e a n d t h e l i o n b u r s t o u t o f t h e i r cages a n d w e n t o f f t o g e t h e r i n t o t h e streets.

[256]

S o m e tourists screamed. M o s t just backed off a n d t o o k p i c t u r e s , p r o b a b l y t h i n k i n g i t was s o m e k i n d o f s t u n t b y o n e of the casinos. " W i l l t h e a n i m a l s b e o k a y ? " I a s k e d Grover. " I m e a n , the desert and a l l — " " D o n ' t worry," h e said. " I p l a c e d a satyr's s a n c t u a r y o n them." "Meaning?" " M e a n i n g t h e y ' l l r e a c h t h e w i l d safely," h e said. " T h e y ' l l find water, f o o d , s h a d e , w h a t e v e r t h e y n e e d u n t i l t h e y find a safe p l a c e to live." " W h y can't y o u p l a c e a blessing like t h a t on u s ? " I asked. " I t o n l y w o r k s o n w i l d animals." " S o i t w o u l d o n l y affect Percy," A n n a b e t h r e a s o n e d . "Hey!" I protested. " K i d d i n g , " she said. " C o m e o n . Let's get o u t o f t h i s filthy t r u c k . " W e s t u m b l e d o u t i n t o t h e d e s e r t a f t e r n o o n . I t was a h u n d r e d a n d t e n d e g r e e s , easy, a n d w e m u s t ' v e l o o k e d like d e e p - f r i e d v a g r a n t s , b u t e v e r y b o d y was t o o i n t e r e s t e d i n t h e wild animals to pay us m u c h attention. W e passed the M o n t e Carlo and the M G M . W e passed pyramids, a pirate ship, and the Statue of Liberty, which was a p r e t t y s m a l l replica, b u t still m a d e m e h o m e s i c k . I wasn't sure w h a t we were l o o k i n g for. M a y b e j u s t a p l a c e to get o u t of t h e h e a t for a few m i n u t e s , find a s a n d w i c h a n d a glass of l e m o n a d e , m a k e a n e w p l a n for g e t t i n g west. W e m u s t have t a k e n a w r o n g t u r n , b e c a u s e w e f o u n d

[257]

ourselves a t a d e a d e n d , s t a n d i n g i n f r o n t o f t h e L o t u s H o t e l a n d C a s i n o . T h e e n t r a n c e was a h u g e n e o n flower, t h e p e t a l s l i g h t i n g u p a n d b l i n k i n g . N o o n e was g o i n g i n o r o u t , b u t t h e g l i t t e r i n g c h r o m e d o o r s were o p e n , spilling o u t airconditioning

that

smelled

like

flowers—lotus

blossom,

m a y b e . I d never s m e l l e d o n e , s o I wasn't sure. T h e d o o r m a n smiled at us. "Hey, kids. You look tired. Y o u w a n t t o c o m e i n a n d sit d o w n ? " I'd l e a r n e d to be s u s p i c i o u s , t h e last w e e k or so. I figured a n y b o d y m i g h t be a m o n s t e r or a g o d . Y o u just c o u l d n ' t tell. B u t this g u y was n o r m a l . O n e l o o k a t h i m , a n d I c o u l d see. Besides, I was s o relieved t o h e a r s o m e b o d y w h o s o u n d e d s y m p a t h e t i c t h a t I n o d d e d a n d s a i d we'd love t o c o m e in. I n s i d e , w e t o o k o n e l o o k a r o u n d , a n d G r o v e r said, "Whoa." T h e w h o l e l o b b y was a g i a n t g a m e r o o m . A n d I ' m n o t t a l k i n g a b o u t cheesy o l d P a c - M a n g a m e s o r s l o t m a c h i n e s . T h e r e was a n i n d o o r w a t e r s l i d e s n a k i n g a r o u n d t h e glass elevator, w h i c h w e n t s t r a i g h t u p a t least f o r t y f l o o r s . T h e r e was a c l i m b i n g wall o n t h e side o f o n e b u i l d i n g , a n d a n i n d o o r b u n g e e - j u m p i n g b r i d g e . T h e r e were v i r t u a l - r e a l i t y suits w i t h w o r k i n g laser g u n s . A n d h u n d r e d s o f v i d e o g a m e s , each o n e t h e size o f a w i d e s c r e e n T V Basically, y o u n a m e it, t h i s p l a c e h a d it. T h e r e were a few o t h e r k i d s p l a y i n g , b u t n o t t h a t m a n y . N o w a i t i n g for any o f t h e g a m e s . T h e r e were waitresses a n d s n a c k b a r s all a r o u n d , serving every k i n d o f f o o d y o u can i m a g i n e . " H e y ! " a b e l l h o p said. At least I g u e s s e d he was a b e l l hop. He wore a white-and-yellow Hawaiian shirt with lotus

[258]

designs, shorts, and flip-flops. " W e l c o m e to the L o t u s C a s i n o . H e r e ' s y o u r r o o m key." I s t a m m e r e d , " U m , b u t . . ." " N o , n o , " h e said, l a u g h i n g . " T h e bill's t a k e n care of. N o extra charges, n o t i p s . Just g o o n u p t o t h e t o p f l o o r , r o o m 4 0 0 1 . I f y o u n e e d a n y t h i n g , like extra b u b b l e s for t h e h o t t u b , o r skeet targets for t h e s h o o t i n g r a n g e , o r w h a t ever, j u s t call t h e f r o n t d e s k . H e r e are y o u r L o t u s C a s h cards. T h e y w o r k i n t h e r e s t a u r a n t s a n d o n all t h e g a m e s a n d rides." H e h a n d e d u s each a g r e e n p l a s t i c c r e d i t card. I k n e w there m u s t be s o m e mistake.

Obviously he

t h o u g h t w e were s o m e millionaire's k i d s . B u t I t o o k t h e c a r d a n d said, " H o w m u c h i s o n h e r e ? " H i s eyebrows k n i t t o g e t h e r . " W h a t d o y o u m e a n ? " " I m e a n , w h e n d o e s i t r u n o u t o f cash?" H e l a u g h e d . " O h , you're m a k i n g a j o k e . H e y , that's c o o l . E n j o y y o u r stay." W e t o o k t h e elevator u p s t a i r s a n d checked o u t o u r r o o m . I t was a suite w i t h t h r e e s e p a r a t e b e d r o o m s a n d a b a r s t o c k e d w i t h candy, s o d a s , a n d c h i p s . A h o t l i n e t o r o o m service. Fluffy towels a n d w a t e r b e d s w i t h feather p i l l o w s . A b i g - s c r e e n television w i t h satellite a n d h i g h - s p e e d I n t e r n e t . T h e b a l c o n y h a d its o w n h o t t u b , a n d sure e n o u g h , t h e r e was a s k e e t - s h o o t i n g m a c h i n e a n d a s h o t g u n , so y o u c o u l d l a u n c h clay p i g e o n s r i g h t o u t over t h e L a s Vegas skyline a n d p l u g t h e m w i t h y o u r g u n . I d i d n ' t see h o w t h a t c o u l d b e legal, b u t I t h o u g h t i t was p r e t t y c o o l . T h e view over t h e Strip

and

the

desert

was

amazing,

[259]

though

I

doubted

we'd ever find t i m e to l o o k at t h e view w i t h a r o o m like this. " O h , g o o d n e s s , " A n n a b e t h said. " T h i s p l a c e is . . ." "Sweet," G r o v e r said. " A b s o l u t e l y sweet." T h e r e were c l o t h e s i n t h e closet, a n d t h e y f i t m e . I f r o w n e d , t h i n k i n g t h a t this was a little s t r a n g e . I t h r e w Ares's b a c k p a c k i n t h e t r a s h can. W o u l d n ' t n e e d t h a t a n y m o r e . W h e n w e left, I c o u l d j u s t charge a n e w o n e at the hotel store. I t o o k a shower, w h i c h felt a w e s o m e after a week of g r i m y travel. I c h a n g e d c l o t h e s , ate a b a g of chips, d r a n k t h r e e C o k e s , a n d c a m e o u t feeling b e t t e r t h a n I h a d i n a long time. In the back of my m i n d , some small p r o b l e m k e p t n a g g i n g m e . I'd h a d a d r e a m o r s o m e t h i n g . . . I n e e d e d t o t a l k t o m y friends. B u t I was sure i t c o u l d wait. I came out of the b e d r o o m and found that Annabeth a n d G r o v e r h a d also s h o w e r e d a n d c h a n g e d c l o t h e s . G r o v e r was

eating

potato

chips

to

his

heart's

content,

while

Annabeth cranked up the N a t i o n a l Geographic Channel. "All t h o s e s t a t i o n s , " I t o l d her,

"and you t u r n on

N a t i o n a l Geographic. Are you insane?" "It's interesting." "I feel g o o d , " G r o v e r said. "I love t h i s place." W i t h o u t h i s even realizing it, t h e w i n g s s p r o u t e d o u t o f his s h o e s a n d lifted h i m a f o o t o f f t h e g r o u n d , t h e n b a c k d o w n again. " S o w h a t n o w ? " A n n a b e t h asked. " S l e e p ? " Grover and I l o o k e d at each other and grinned. We b o t h h e l d u p o u r g r e e n p l a s t i c L o t u s C a s h cards.

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" P l a y t i m e , " I said. I c o u l d n ' t r e m e m b e r t h e last t i m e I h a d so m u c h fun. I c a m e f r o m a relatively p o o r family. O u r idea of a s p l u r g e was e a t i n g o u t at Burger K i n g a n d r e n t i n g a v i d e o . A fivestar Vegas hotel? F o r g e t it. I b u n g e e - j u m p e d t h e l o b b y f i v e o r six t i m e s , d i d t h e waterslide, s n o w b o a r d e d t h e artificial ski s l o p e , a n d p l a y e d v i r t u a l - r e a l i t y laser t a g a n d F B I s h a r p s h o o t e r . I saw G r o v e r a few t i m e s , g o i n g f r o m g a m e t o g a m e . H e really liked t h e reverse h u n t e r t h i n g — w h e r e t h e d e e r g o o u t a n d s h o o t t h e r e d n e c k s . I saw A n n a b e t h p l a y i n g trivia g a m e s a n d o t h e r b r a i n i a c stuff. T h e y h a d this h u g e 3 - D s i m g a m e w h e r e y o u b u i l d y o u r o w n city, a n d y o u c o u l d actually see t h e h o l o g r a p h i c b u i l d i n g s rise o n t h e d i s p l a y b o a r d . I d i d n ' t t h i n k m u c h o f it, b u t A n n a b e t h loved it. I ' m n o t sure w h e n I f i r s t realized s o m e t h i n g was w r o n g . P r o b a b l y , i t was w h e n I n o t i c e d t h e g u y s t a n d i n g n e x t t o m e a t V R s h a r p s h o o t e r s . H e was a b o u t t h i r t e e n , I guess, b u t his c l o t h e s were weird. I t h o u g h t he was s o m e Elvis i m p e r s o n a t o r ' s s o n . H e w o r e b e l l - b o t t o m jeans a n d a r e d T - s h i r t w i t h black p i p i n g , a n d his h a i r was p e r m e d a n d gelled like a N e w Jersey girl's o n h o m e c o m i n g n i g h t . We played a game of sharpshooters together and he said, " G r o o v y , m a n . Been h e r e t w o weeks, a n d t h e g a m e s k e e p g e t t i n g b e t t e r a n d better." Groovy? Later, w h i l e we were t a l k i n g , I said s o m e t h i n g was " s i c k , " a n d h e l o o k e d a t m e k i n d o f s t a r t l e d , a s i f he'd never h e a r d t h e w o r d u s e d t h a t way before.

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H e said his n a m e was D a r r i n , b u t a s s o o n a s I s t a r t e d asking h i m questions he got bored with me and started to g o b a c k t o t h e c o m p u t e r screen. I said, " H e y , D a r r i n ? " "What?" " W h a t year i s it?" He frowned at me. "In the game?" " N o . I n real life." H e h a d t o t h i n k a b o u t it. " 1 9 7 7 . " " N o , " I said, g e t t i n g a little scared. "Really." " H e y , m a n . Bad vibes. I g o t a g a m e h a p p e n i n g . " After that he totally ignored m e . I s t a r t e d t a l k i n g to p e o p l e , a n d I f o u n d it wasn't easy. T h e y were g l u e d t o t h e T V screen, o r t h e v i d e o g a m e , o r t h e i r f o o d , or whatever. I f o u n d a g u y w h o t o l d me it was 1 9 8 5 . A n o t h e r g u y t o l d m e i t was 1 9 9 3 . T h e y all c l a i m e d t h e y h a d n ' t b e e n in h e r e very l o n g , a few days, a few weeks a t m o s t . T h e y d i d n ' t really k n o w a n d t h e y d i d n ' t care. T h e n i t o c c u r r e d t o m e : h o w l o n g h a d I b e e n here? I t s e e m e d like o n l y a c o u p l e of h o u r s , b u t was it? I t r i e d t o r e m e m b e r w h y w e were h e r e . W e were g o i n g t o L o s A n g e l e s . W e were s u p p o s e d t o find t h e e n t r a n c e t o t h e U n d e r w o r l d . My m o t h e r . . . for a s c a r y s e c o n d , I h a d t r o u ble r e m e m b e r i n g h e r n a m e . Sally. Sally J a c k s o n . I h a d t o f i n d her. I h a d t o s t o p H a d e s f r o m c a u s i n g W o r l d W a r I I I . I f o u n d A n n a b e t h still b u i l d i n g h e r city. " C o m e on," I t o l d her. " W e ' v e g o t t o get o u t o f here." N o response. I s h o o k her. " A n n a b e t h ? "

[262]

She looked up, annoyed. " W h a t ? " " W e n e e d t o leave." "Leave? W h a t are y o u t a l k i n g a b o u t ? I've j u s t g o t t h e towers—" " T h i s p l a c e is a trap." S h e d i d n ' t r e s p o n d u n t i l I s h o o k h e r again. " W h a t ? " "Listen. T h e Underworld. O u r quest!" " O h , c o m e o n , Percy. J u s t a few m o r e m i n u t e s . " " A n n a b e t h , t h e r e are p e o p l e here f r o m 1 9 7 7 . K i d s w h o have never aged. Y o u check in, a n d y o u stay forever." " S o ? " she asked. " C a n y o u i m a g i n e a b e t t e r place?" I g r a b b e d h e r w r i s t a n d y a n k e d h e r away f r o m t h e g a m e . " H e y ! " S h e s c r e a m e d a n d h i t m e , b u t n o b o d y else even b o t h e r e d l o o k i n g a t u s . T h e y were t o o busy. I m a d e h e r l o o k directly in my eyes. I said, " S p i d e r s . Large, h a i r y spiders." T h a t j a r r e d her. H e r vision cleared. " O h m y g o d s , " she said. " H o w l o n g have w e — " " I d o n ' t k n o w , b u t we've g o t t o find Grover." W e w e n t searching, a n d f o u n d h i m still p l a y i n g V i r t u a l Deer Hunter. "Grover!" we b o t h shouted. He

said,

"Die,

human!

Die,

silly

polluting

nasty

person!" "Grover!" H e t u r n e d t h e p l a s t i c g u n o n m e a n d s t a r t e d clicking, a s if I were j u s t a n o t h e r i m a g e f r o m t h e screen. I looked at Annabeth, and together we t o o k Grover by t h e a r m s a n d d r a g g e d h i m away. H i s flying s h o e s s p r a n g t o

[263]

life a n d s t a r t e d t u g g i n g his legs i n t h e o t h e r d i r e c t i o n a s h e s h o u t e d , " N o ! I j u s t g o t t o a n e w level! N o ! " T h e L o t u s b e l l h o p h u r r i e d u p t o u s . " W e l l , now, are y o u r e a d y for y o u r p l a t i n u m cards?" " W e ' r e leaving," I t o l d h i m . " S u c h a s h a m e , " he said, a n d I g o t t h e feeling t h a t h e really m e a n t it, t h a t we'd b e b r e a k i n g his h e a r t i f w e w e n t . " W e j u s t a d d e d a n e n t i r e n e w f l o o r full o f g a m e s for platinum-card members." H e h e l d o u t t h e cards, a n d I w a n t e d o n e . I k n e w t h a t i f I t o o k o n e , I'd never leave. I'd stay here, h a p p y forever, p l a y ing g a m e s forever, a n d s o o n I'd forget m y m o m , a n d m y q u e s t , a n d m a y b e even m y o w n n a m e . I'd b e p l a y i n g v i r t u a l r i f l e m a n w i t h g r o o v y D i s c o D a r r i n forever. G r o v e r r e a c h e d for t h e card, b u t A n n a b e t h y a n k e d b a c k his a r m a n d said, " N o , t h a n k s . " W e w a l k e d t o w a r d t h e d o o r , a n d a s w e d i d , t h e smell o f t h e f o o d a n d t h e s o u n d s o f t h e g a m e s s e e m e d t o get m o r e a n d m o r e inviting. I t h o u g h t a b o u t o u r r o o m u p s t a i r s . W e c o u l d just stay t h e n i g h t , sleep in a real b e d for o n c e . . . . T h e n we burst through the doors of the Lotus Casino a n d r a n d o w n t h e sidewalk. I t felt like a f t e r n o o n , a b o u t t h e s a m e t i m e o f day we'd g o n e i n t o t h e casino, b u t s o m e t h i n g was w r o n g . T h e w e a t h e r h a d c o m p l e t e l y c h a n g e d . I t was stormy, with heat lightning flashing o u t in the desert. Ares's b a c k p a c k was s l u n g over m y s h o u l d e r , w h i c h was o d d , b e c a u s e I was sure I h a d t h r o w n it in t h e t r a s h can in r o o m 4 0 0 1 , but at the m o m e n t I had other problems to worry about.

[264]

I r a n t o t h e n e a r e s t n e w s p a p e r s t a n d a n d r e a d t h e year first. T h a n k t h e g o d s , i t was t h e s a m e year i t h a d b e e n w h e n w e w e n t in. T h e n I n o t i c e d t h e d a t e : J u n e t w e n t i e t h . W e h a d b e e n i n t h e L o t u s C a s i n o for five days. W e h a d o n l y o n e d a y left u n t i l t h e s u m m e r solstice. O n e day to complete o u r quest.

[265]

It was A n n a b e t h ' s idea. S h e l o a d e d us i n t o t h e b a c k of a Vegas taxi as if we actually h a d m o n e y , a n d t o l d t h e driver,

" L o s Angeles,

please." T h e c a b b i e c h e w e d h i s cigar a n d sized u s u p . " T h a t ' s t h r e e h u n d r e d m i l e s . F o r t h a t , y o u g o t t a p a y u p front." " Y o u a c c e p t c a s i n o d e b i t cards?" A n n a b e t h asked. He shrugged. " S o m e of 'em. Same as credit cards. I gotta swipe 'em through first." A n n a b e t h h a n d e d h i m h e r g r e e n L o t u s C a s h card. H e l o o k e d a t i t skeptically. " S w i p e it," A n n a b e t h invited. H e did. H i s m e t e r m a c h i n e s t a r t e d r a t t l i n g . T h e lights f l a s h e d . Finally a n infinity s y m b o l c a m e u p n e x t t o t h e d o l l a r sign. T h e cigar fell o u t o f t h e driver's m o u t h . H e l o o k e d b a c k at us, h i s eyes w i d e . " W h e r e to in L o s A n g e l e s . . . u h , Y o u r Highness?" " T h e S a n t a M o n i c a Pier." A n n a b e t h sat u p a little straighter. I c o u l d tell she l i k e d t h e " Y o u r H i g h n e s s " t h i n g . " G e t u s t h e r e fast, a n d y o u c a n k e e p t h e change."

[266]

M a y b e she s h o u l d n ' t have t o l d h i m t h a t . T h e cab's s p e e d o m e t e r never d i p p e d b e l o w ninety-five t h e w h o l e way t h r o u g h t h e M o j a v e D e s e r t .

O n t h e r o a d , w e h a d p l e n t y o f t i m e t o talk. I t o l d A n n a b e t h a n d G r o v e r a b o u t m y latest d r e a m , b u t t h e details g o t s k e t c h ier t h e m o r e I t r i e d t o r e m e m b e r t h e m . T h e L o t u s C a s i n o s e e m e d to have s h o r t - c i r c u i t e d my m e m o r y . I c o u l d n ' t recall w h a t t h e invisible servant's voice h a d s o u n d e d like, t h o u g h I was sure i t was s o m e b o d y I k n e w . T h e s e r v a n t h a d called t h e monster in the pit something other than "my lord" . . . some special n a m e or title. . . . " T h e Silent O n e ? " A n n a b e t h suggested.

"The Rich

O n e ? B o t h o f t h o s e are n i c k n a m e s for H a d e s . " " M a y b e . . . " I said, t h o u g h n e i t h e r s o u n d e d q u i t e r i g h t . " T h a t t h r o n e r o o m s o u n d s like H a d e s ' s , " G r o v e r said. " T h a t ' s t h e way it's usually d e s c r i b e d . " I shook my head.

"Something's wrong. T h e throne

r o o m wasn't t h e m a i n p a r t o f t h e d r e a m . A n d t h a t voice f r o m t h e p i t . . . I d o n ' t k n o w . I t just d i d n ' t feel like a god's voice." A n n a b e t h ' s eyes w i d e n e d . " W h a t ? " I asked. " O h . . . n o t h i n g . I was j u s t — N o , it has to be H a d e s . M a y b e h e s e n t t h i s thief, t h i s invisible p e r s o n , t o get t h e master bolt, and something went w r o n g — " "Like what?" " I — I d o n ' t know," she said. " B u t i f h e s t o l e Z e u s ' s s y m b o l o f p o w e r f r o m O l y m p u s , a n d t h e g o d s were h u n t i n g

[267]

h i m , I m e a n , a l o t o f t h i n g s c o u l d g o w r o n g . S o this t h i e f h a d t o h i d e t h e b o l t , o r h e l o s t i t s o m e h o w . Anyway, h e failed t o b r i n g i t t o H a d e s . T h a t ' s w h a t t h e voice said i n y o u r d r e a m , right? T h e guy failed. T h a t w o u l d explain w h a t t h e F u r i e s were s e a r c h i n g for w h e n t h e y c a m e after u s o n t h e b u s . M a y b e t h e y t h o u g h t w e h a d retrieved t h e bolt." I wasn't sure w h a t was w r o n g w i t h her. S h e l o o k e d p a l e . " B u t if I'd already retrieved t h e bolt," I said, " w h y w o u l d I be traveling to t h e U n d e r w o r l d ? " " T o threaten H a d e s , " Grover suggested. " T o bribe or b l a c k m a i l h i m i n t o g e t t i n g y o u r m o m back." I w h i s t l e d . " Y o u have evil t h o u g h t s for a goat." " W h y , t h a n k you." " B u t t h e t h i n g i n t h e p i t s a i d i t was w a i t i n g for two i t e m s , " I said. " I f t h e m a s t e r b o l t is o n e , what's t h e o t h e r ? " G r o v e r s h o o k h i s h e a d , clearly mystified. A n n a b e t h was l o o k i n g a t m e a s i f she k n e w m y n e x t q u e s t i o n , a n d was silently w i l l i n g m e n o t t o ask it. " Y o u have a n idea w h a t m i g h t b e i n t h a t pit, d o n ' t y o u ? " I a s k e d her. "I m e a n , if it isn't H a d e s ? " " P e r c y . . . let's n o t t a l k a b o u t it. Because if it isn't H a d e s . . . N o . It h a s to be H a d e s . " W a s t e l a n d r o l l e d by. We p a s s e d a sign t h a t said CALIF O R N I A STATE LINE, 12 MILES.

I g o t t h e feeling I was m i s s i n g o n e s i m p l e , critical p i e c e of i n f o r m a t i o n . It was like w h e n I s t a r e d at a c o m m o n w o r d I s h o u l d k n o w , b u t I c o u l d n ' t m a k e sense of it b e c a u s e o n e o r t w o l e t t e r s were f l o a t i n g a r o u n d . T h e m o r e I t h o u g h t a b o u t m y q u e s t , t h e m o r e I was sure t h a t c o n f r o n t i n g H a d e s

[268]

wasn't t h e real answer. T h e r e was s o m e t h i n g else g o i n g o n , s o m e t h i n g even m o r e d a n g e r o u s . The

problem

was:

we

were

hurtling

toward

the

U n d e r w o r l d a t ninety-five m i l e s a n h o u r , b e t t i n g t h a t H a d e s h a d t h e m a s t e r b o l t . I f w e g o t t h e r e a n d f o u n d o u t w e were w r o n g , w e w o u l d n ' t have t i m e t o c o r r e c t ourselves. T h e s o l stice d e a d l i n e w o u l d p a s s a n d w a r w o u l d b e g i n . " T h e answer i s i n t h e U n d e r w o r l d , " A n n a b e t h a s s u r e d m e . " Y o u saw spirits o f t h e d e a d , Percy. T h e r e ' s o n l y o n e p l a c e t h a t c o u l d b e . W e ' r e d o i n g t h e r i g h t thing." S h e t r i e d t o b o o s t o u r m o r a l e b y s u g g e s t i n g clever strategies for g e t t i n g i n t o t h e L a n d o f t h e D e a d , b u t m y h e a r t wasn't i n it. T h e r e were j u s t t o o m a n y u n k n o w n fact o r s . I t was like c r a m m i n g for a test w i t h o u t k n o w i n g t h e subject. A n d believe m e , I'd d o n e that e n o u g h t i m e s . T h e cab s p e d west. E v e r y g u s t o f w i n d t h r o u g h D e a t h Valley s o u n d e d like a s p i r i t o f t h e d e a d . E v e r y t i m e t h e brakes hissed on an eighteen-wheeler, it r e m i n d e d me of E c h i d n a ' s r e p t i l i a n voice.

A t s u n s e t , t h e taxi d r o p p e d u s a t t h e b e a c h i n S a n t a M o n i c a . I t l o o k e d exactly t h e way L . A . b e a c h e s d o i n t h e m o v i e s , o n l y i t s m e l l e d w o r s e . T h e r e were carnival r i d e s l i n i n g t h e Pier, p a l m trees l i n i n g t h e sidewalks, h o m e l e s s guys s l e e p i n g i n t h e s a n d d u n e s , a n d surfer d u d e s w a i t i n g for t h e perfect wave. Grover, A n n a b e t h , a n d I w a l k e d d o w n t o t h e e d g e o f t h e surf. " W h a t n o w ? " A n n a b e t h asked.

[269]

T h e Pacific was t u r n i n g g o l d i n t h e s e t t i n g s u n . I t h o u g h t a b o u t h o w l o n g i t h a d b e e n since I d s t o o d o n t h e b e a c h a t M o n t a u k , o n t h e o p p o s i t e side o f t h e c o u n t r y , l o o k i n g o u t at a different sea. H o w c o u l d t h e r e b e a g o d w h o c o u l d c o n t r o l all that? W h a t d i d m y science t e a c h e r u s e d t o s a y — t w o - t h i r d s o f t h e earth's surface was covered i n water? H o w c o u l d I b e t h e s o n o f s o m e o n e t h a t powerful? I stepped into the surf " P e r c y ? " A n n a b e t h said. " W h a t are y o u d o i n g ? " I k e p t w a l k i n g , u p t o m y waist, t h e n m y chest. S h e called after m e , " Y o u k n o w h o w p o l l u t e d t h a t w a t e r is? T h e r e ' r e all k i n d s o f t o x i c — " That's when my head went under. I h e l d my b r e a t h at first. It's difficult to i n t e n t i o n a l l y i n h a l e water. Finally I c o u l d n ' t s t a n d it a n y m o r e . I g a s p e d . Sure enough, I could breathe normally. I w a l k e d d o w n i n t o t h e s h o a l s . I s h o u l d n ' t have b e e n able t o see t h r o u g h t h e m u r k , b u t s o m e h o w I c o u l d tell w h e r e e v e r y t h i n g was. I c o u l d sense t h e r o l l i n g t e x t u r e of the b o t t o m . I could make o u t sand-dollar colonies dotting t h e s a n d b a r s . I c o u l d even see t h e c u r r e n t s , w a r m a n d c o l d s t r e a m s swirling t o g e t h e r . I felt s o m e t h i n g r u b a g a i n s t my leg. I l o o k e d d o w n a n d a l m o s t s h o t o u t o f t h e w a t e r like a ballistic missile. S l i d i n g a l o n g b e s i d e m e was a f i v e - f o o t - l o n g m a k o s h a r k . B u t t h e t h i n g wasn't a t t a c k i n g . I t was n u z z l i n g m e . H e e l i n g like a d o g . Tentatively, I t o u c h e d its d o r s a l fin. It b u c k e d a little, as if inviting me to h o l d t i g h t e r . I g r a b b e d

[270]

t h e f i n w i t h b o t h h a n d s . I t t o o k off, p u l l i n g m e a l o n g . T h e shark carried me d o w n into the darkness. It deposited me at t h e edge of the ocean proper, where the sand b a n k d r o p p e d o f f i n t o a h u g e c h a s m . I t was like s t a n d i n g o n t h e r i m o f t h e G r a n d C a n y o n a t m i d n i g h t , n o t b e i n g able t o see m u c h , b u t k n o w i n g t h e v o i d was r i g h t t h e r e . T h e surface s h i m m e r e d m a y b e a h u n d r e d a n d f i f t y feet above. I k n e w I s h o u l d ' v e b e e n c r u s h e d by t h e p r e s s u r e . T h e n again, I s h o u l d n ' t have b e e n able to b r e a t h e . I w o n d e r e d if t h e r e was a l i m i t to h o w d e e p I c o u l d go, if I c o u l d s i n k s t r a i g h t t o t h e b o t t o m o f t h e Pacific. T h e n I saw s o m e t h i n g g l i m m e r i n g i n

the

darkness

below, g r o w i n g b i g g e r a n d b r i g h t e r as it rose t o w a r d m e . A w o m a n ' s voice, like m y m o t h e r ' s , called: " P e r c y Jackson." A s she g o t closer, h e r s h a p e b e c a m e clearer. S h e h a d flowing b l a c k hair, a dress m a d e of g r e e n silk. L i g h t flicke r e d a r o u n d her, a n d h e r eyes were s o d i s t r a c t i n g l y b e a u t i f u l I h a r d l y n o t i c e d t h e s t a l l i o n - s i z e d sea h o r s e s h e was r i d i n g . S h e d i s m o u n t e d . T h e sea h o r s e a n d t h e m a k o s h a r k w h i s k e d o f f a n d s t a r t e d p l a y i n g s o m e t h i n g t h a t l o o k e d like tag. T h e u n d e r w a t e r lady s m i l e d a t m e . "You've c o m e far, Percy Jackson. Well done." I wasn't q u i t e sure w h a t to d o , so I b o w e d . "You're t h e w o m a n w h o s p o k e t o m e i n t h e M i s s i s s i p p i River." "Yes, child. I am a N e r e i d , a s p i r i t of t h e sea. It was n o t easy t o a p p e a r s o far upriver, b u t t h e n a i a d s , m y freshwater c o u s i n s , h e l p e d s u s t a i n m y life force. T h e y h o n o r L o r d P o s e i d o n , t h o u g h t h e y d o n o t serve i n his c o u r t . " " A n d . . . y o u serve in P o s e i d o n ' s c o u r t ? "

[271]

S h e n o d d e d . " I t h a s b e e n m a n y years since a child o f t h e S e a G o d h a s b e e n b o r n . W e have w a t c h e d y o u w i t h g r e a t interest." S u d d e n l y I r e m e m b e r e d faces in t h e waves o f f M o n t a u k Beach w h e n I was a little boy, reflections of s m i l i n g w o m e n . L i k e s o m a n y o f t h e weird t h i n g s i n m y life, I d never given i t m u c h t h o u g h t before. " I f my father is so i n t e r e s t e d in m e , " I said, " w h y isn't h e here? W h y d o e s n ' t h e s p e a k t o m e ? " A cold current rose out of the depths. " D o n o t j u d g e t h e L o r d o f t h e Sea t o o harshly," t h e Nereid told me. " H e stands at the brink of an unwanted war. H e has m u c h t o o c c u p y his t i m e . Besides, h e i s f o r b i d d e n t o h e l p y o u directly. T h e g o d s m a y n o t s h o w s u c h favoritism." "Even to their own children?" " E s p e c i a l l y t o t h e m . T h e g o d s can w o r k b y i n d i r e c t i n f l u e n c e only. T h a t is w h y I give y o u a w a r n i n g , a n d a gift." S h e h e l d o u t h e r h a n d . T h r e e w h i t e pearls f l a s h e d i n h e r palm. " I k n o w y o u j o u r n e y t o H a d e s ' s realm," s h e said. " F e w m o r t a l s have ever d o n e this a n d survived: O r p h e u s , w h o h a d great

music

skill;

Hercules,

who

had

great

strength;

H o u d i n i , w h o c o u l d escape even t h e d e p t h s o f T a r t a r u s . D o y o u have t h e s e t a l e n t s ? " " U m . . . no, ma'am." "Ah, b u t y o u have s o m e t h i n g else, Percy. Y o u have gifts y o u have o n l y b e g u n t o k n o w . T h e oracles have f o r e t o l d a

[272]

g r e a t a n d t e r r i b l e future for y o u , s h o u l d y o u survive t o m a n h o o d . P o s e i d o n w o u l d n o t have y o u die b e f o r e y o u r t i m e . T h e r e f o r e t a k e these, a n d w h e n y o u are i n n e e d , s m a s h a p e a r l at y o u r feet." " W h a t will h a p p e n ? " " T h a t , " she said, " d e p e n d s o n t h e n e e d . B u t r e m e m b e r : w h a t b e l o n g s t o t h e sea will always r e t u r n t o t h e sea." " W h a t about the warning?" H e r eyes f l i c k e r e d w i t h g r e e n light. " G o w i t h w h a t y o u r h e a r t tells y o u , o r y o u will lose all. H a d e s feeds o n d o u b t a n d h o p e l e s s n e s s . H e will trick y o u i f h e can, m a k e y o u m i s t r u s t y o u r o w n j u d g m e n t . O n c e y o u are i n his r e a l m , h e will never willingly let y o u leave. K e e p faith. G o o d luck, Percy Jackson." S h e s u m m o n e d h e r sea h o r s e a n d r o d e t o w a r d t h e v o i d . " W a i t ! " I called. "At t h e river, y o u s a i d n o t t o t r u s t t h e gifts. W h a t gifts?" " G o o d - b y e , y o u n g hero," s h e called b a c k , h e r voice fadi n g i n t o t h e d e p t h s . " Y o u m u s t listen t o y o u r h e a r t . " S h e b e c a m e a s p e c k o f g l o w i n g green, a n d t h e n s h e was g o n e . I w a n t e d to

follow h e r d o w n i n t o t h e

darkness. I

w a n t e d t o see t h e c o u r t o f P o s e i d o n . B u t I l o o k e d u p a t t h e s u n s e t d a r k e n i n g o n t h e surface. M y friends were waiting. We h a d so little t i m e . . . . I kicked upward toward the shore. W h e n I r e a c h e d t h e b e a c h , m y c l o t h e s d r i e d instantly. I told Grover and A n n a b e t h what had happened, and showed t h e m t h e pearls. A n n a b e t h g r i m a c e d . " N o gift c o m e s w i t h o u t a price."

[273]

" T h e y were free." " N o . " She s h o o k her head. " ' T h e r e is no such thing as a free lunch.' T h a t ' s an a n c i e n t G r e e k saying t h a t t r a n s l a t e d p r e t t y well i n t o A m e r i c a n . T h e r e will be a p r i c e . Y o u wait." O n t h a t h a p p y t h o u g h t , w e t u r n e d o u r b a c k s o n t h e sea.

W i t h s o m e s p a r e c h a n g e f r o m Ares's b a c k p a c k , w e t o o k t h e b u s i n t o W e s t H o l l y w o o d . I s h o w e d t h e driver t h e U n d e r w o r l d a d d r e s s slip I'd t a k e n f r o m A u n t y E m ' s G a r d e n Gnome

Emporium,

but

he'd

never

heard

of

DOA

Recording Studios. " Y o u r e m i n d m e o f s o m e b o d y I saw o n T V , " h e t o l d m e . " Y o u a child a c t o r or s o m e t h i n g ? " " U h . . . I ' m a s t u n t d o u b l e . . . for a l o t o f child actors." " O h ! T h a t explains it." We thanked h i m and g o t off quickly at the next stop. W e w a n d e r e d for m i l e s o n foot, l o o k i n g for D O A . N o b o d y s e e m e d t o k n o w w h e r e i t was. I t d i d n ' t a p p e a r i n the phone book. Twice, w e d u c k e d i n t o alleys t o avoid c o p cars. I froze in f r o n t of an a p p l i a n c e - s t o r e w i n d o w b e c a u s e a television was p l a y i n g a n i n t e r v i e w w i t h s o m e b o d y w h o l o o k e d very f a m i l i a r — m y s t e p d a d , S m e l l y G a b e . H e was t a l k i n g t o B a r b a r a W a l t e r s — I m e a n , a s i f h e were s o m e k i n d o f h u g e celebrity. S h e was i n t e r v i e w i n g h i m i n o u r a p a r t m e n t , in t h e m i d d l e of a p o k e r g a m e , a n d t h e r e was a young b l o n d lady sitting next to him, patting his hand. A fake tear g l i s t e n e d o n h i s cheek. H e was saying, " H o n e s t , M s . W a l t e r s , i f i t wasn't for S u g a r here, m y g r i e f

[274]

c o u n s e l o r , I'd be a wreck. My s t e p s o n t o o k e v e r y t h i n g I cared a b o u t . My wife . . . my C a m a r o . . . I — I ' m sorry. I have t r o u b l e t a l k i n g a b o u t it." " T h e r e y o u have it, A m e r i c a . " B a r b a r a W a l t e r s t u r n e d t o t h e c a m e r a . " A m a n t o r n a p a r t . A n a d o l e s c e n t b o y w i t h serio u s issues. L e t m e s h o w y o u , again, t h e last k n o w n p h o t o o f this t r o u b l e d y o u n g fugitive, t a k e n a week ago in Denver." T h e screen c u t t o a grainy s h o t o f m e , A n n a b e t h , a n d G r o v e r s t a n d i n g o u t s i d e t h e C o l o r a d o diner, t a l k i n g t o Ares. " W h o are t h e o t h e r c h i l d r e n i n t h i s p h o t o ? " B a r b a r a W a l t e r s asked dramatically. " W h o i s t h e m a n w i t h t h e m ? I s Percy J a c k s o n a d e l i n q u e n t , a t e r r o r i s t , or p e r h a p s t h e b r a i n w a s h e d v i c t i m o f a f r i g h t e n i n g n e w cult? W h e n w e c o m e back, we c h a t w i t h a l e a d i n g child p s y c h o l o g i s t . S t a y tuned, America." " C ' m o n , " G r o v e r t o l d m e . H e h a u l e d m e away b e f o r e I could p u n c h a hole in the appliance-store window. It

got

dark,

and

hungry-looking

characters

started

c o m i n g o u t o n t h e streets t o play. N o w , d o n ' t g e t m e w r o n g . I ' m a N e w Yorker. I d o n ' t scare easy. B u t L.A. h a d a totally different

feel

from

N e w York.

Back

home,

everything

s e e m e d close. I t d i d n ' t m a t t e r h o w b i g t h e city was, y o u c o u l d get a n y w h e r e w i t h o u t g e t t i n g l o s t . T h e street p a t t e r n a n d t h e subway m a d e sense. T h e r e was a s y s t e m t o h o w t h i n g s w o r k e d . A k i d c o u l d be safe as l o n g as he wasn't stupid. L.A. wasn't like t h a t . I t was s p r e a d o u t , c h a o t i c , h a r d t o m o v e a r o u n d . I t r e m i n d e d m e o f A r e s . I t wasn't e n o u g h for

[275]

L . A . t o b e big; i t h a d t o prove i t was b i g b y b e i n g l o u d a n d s t r a n g e a n d difficult t o navigate, t o o . I d i d n ' t k n o w h o w w e were ever g o i n g t o f i n d t h e e n t r a n c e t o t h e U n d e r w o r l d b y t o m o r r o w , t h e s u m m e r solstice. W e w a l k e d p a s t g a n g b a n g e r s , b u m s , a n d street h a w k e r s , w h o l o o k e d a t u s like t h e y were t r y i n g t o f i g u r e i f w e were worth the trouble of mugging. As we h u r r i e d p a s s e d t h e e n t r a n c e of an alley, a voice f r o m t h e d a r k n e s s said, " H e y , you." L i k e an i d i o t , I s t o p p e d . Before I k n e w it, we were s u r r o u n d e d . A g a n g of k i d s h a d circled u s . Six o f t h e m i n a l l — w h i t e k i d s w i t h e x p e n sive

clothes

and

mean

faces.

Like

the

kids

at Yancy

Academy: rich brats playing at being b a d boys. Instinctively, I u n c a p p e d R i p t i d e . W h e n the sword appeared out of nowhere, the kids b a c k e d off, b u t t h e i r leader was either really s t u p i d or really brave, b e c a u s e h e k e p t c o m i n g a t m e w i t h a s w i t c h b l a d e . I m a d e the mistake of swinging. T h e k i d yelped. B u t h e m u s t ' v e b e e n o n e h u n d r e d p e r cent mortal,

because the

blade passed harmlessly right

t h r o u g h his chest. H e l o o k e d d o w n . " W h a t t h e . . . " I figured I h a d a b o u t t h r e e s e c o n d s b e f o r e his s h o c k t u r n e d to

anger.

"Run!"

I

screamed at A n n a b e t h

and

Grover. W e p u s h e d t w o k i d s o u t o f t h e way a n d r a c e d d o w n t h e street, n o t k n o w i n g w h e r e w e were g o i n g . W e t u r n e d a s h a r p corner. "There!" Annabeth shouted.

[276]

O n l y o n e s t o r e o n t h e b l o c k l o o k e d o p e n , its w i n d o w s glaring w i t h n e o n . T h e sign above t h e d o o r said s o m e t h i n g like C R S T U Y ' S WATRE BDE ALPACE.

" C r u s t y ' s W a t e r B e d Palace?" G r o v e r t r a n s l a t e d . It d i d n ' t s o u n d like a place I'd ever go except in an e m e r gency, b u t t h i s definitely qualified. We burst t h r o u g h the doors, ran behind a water bed, and d u c k e d . A s p l i t s e c o n d later, t h e g a n g k i d s r a n p a s t o u t s i d e . "I t h i n k we lost them," Grover p a n t e d . A voice b e h i n d u s b o o m e d , " L o s t w h o ? " W e all j u m p e d . S t a n d i n g b e h i n d us was a g u y w h o l o o k e d like a r a p t o r in a leisure suit. He was at least seven feet tall, w i t h a b s o l u t e l y n o hair. H e h a d gray, l e a t h e r y skin, t h i c k - l i d d e d eyes, a n d a cold, r e p t i l i a n smile. H e m o v e d t o w a r d u s slowly, b u t I g o t t h e feeling h e c o u l d m o v e fast i f h e n e e d e d t o . H i s suit m i g h t ' v e c o m e f r o m t h e

Lotus

Casino. It

b e l o n g e d b a c k i n t h e seventies, b i g - t i m e . T h e s h i r t was silk paisley, u n b u t t o n e d halfway d o w n his hairless chest. T h e lapels o n his velvet jacket were a s w i d e a s l a n d i n g s t r i p s . T h e silver chains a r o u n d h i s n e c k — I c o u l d n ' t even c o u n t t h e m . " I ' m C r u s t y , " he said, w i t h a t a r t a r - y e l l o w s m i l e . I r e s i s t e d t h e urge to say, Yes, you are. " S o r r y t o barge in," I t o l d h i m . " W e were just, u m , browsing." " Y o u m e a n h i d i n g f r o m t h o s e n o - g o o d kids," h e g r u m b l e d . " T h e y h a n g a r o u n d every n i g h t . I get a l o t o f p e o p l e i n here, t h a n k s t o t h e m . Say, y o u w a n t t o l o o k a t a w a t e r bed?"

[277]

I was a b o u t to say No, thanks, w h e n he p u t a h u g e p a w on my shoulder and steered me deeper i n t o the s h o w r o o m . T h e r e was every k i n d o f w a t e r b e d y o u c o u l d i m a g i n e : different

kinds

of

wood,

different

patterns

of

sheets;

queen-size, king-size, emperor-of-the-universe-size. " T h i s i s m y m o s t p o p u l a r m o d e l . " C r u s t y s p r e a d his h a n d s p r o u d l y over a b e d covered w i t h b l a c k satin sheets, w i t h b u i l t - i n Lava L a m p s o n t h e h e a d b o a r d . T h e m a t t r e s s v i b r a t e d , so it l o o k e d like oil-flavored J e l l - O . " M i l l i o n - h a n d massage," C r u s t y t o l d u s . " G o o n , t r y i t o u t . S h o o t , t a k e a n a p . I d o n ' t care. N o b u s i n e s s today, a n y way." " U m , " I said, "I d o n ' t t h i n k . . ." " M i l l i o n - h a n d m a s s a g e ! " G r o v e r cried, a n d dove in. " O h , y o u guys! T h i s i s cool." "Hmm,"

Crusty

said,

stroking

his

leathery

chin.

"Almost, almost." " A l m o s t w h a t ? " I asked. H e l o o k e d a t A n n a b e t h . " D o m e a favor a n d t r y this o n e over h e r e , h o n e y . M i g h t fit." A n n a b e t h said, " B u t w h a t — " H e p a t t e d h e r reassuringly o n t h e s h o u l d e r a n d led h e r over t o t h e Safari D e l u x e m o d e l w i t h t e a k w o o d l i o n s c a r v e d into the frame a n d a l e o p a r d - p a t t e r n e d comforter. W h e n A n n a b e t h d i d n ' t w a n t t o lie d o w n , C r u s t y p u s h e d her. "Hey!" she protested. C r u s t y s n a p p e d his fingers. "Ergo!" R o p e s s p r a n g f r o m t h e sides o f t h e b e d , l a s h i n g a r o u n d Annabeth, holding her to the mattress.

[278]

G r o v e r t r i e d t o get u p , b u t r o p e s s p r a n g f r o m h i s b l a c k satin b e d , t o o , a n d l a s h e d h i m d o w n . " N - n o t c - c - c o o l ! " h e yelled, h i s voice v i b r a t i n g f r o m t h e m i l l i o n - h a n d m a s s a g e . " N - n o t c - c o o l a-at all!" T h e giant looked at Annabeth, then t u r n e d toward me a n d g r i n n e d . " A l m o s t , d a r n it." I t r i e d t o s t e p away, b u t his h a n d s h o t o u t a n d c l a m p e d a r o u n d t h e b a c k o f m y neck.

" W h o a , kid. D o n ' t worry.

W e ' l l find y o u o n e in a sec." " L e t m y friends go." " O h , sure I will. B u t I g o t t o m a k e t h e m f i t , f i r s t . " " W h a t do you mean?" "All t h e b e d s are exactly six feet, see? Y o u r friends are too short. G o t to make them fit." A n n a b e t h a n d Grover kept struggling. "Can't stand

imperfect

measurements,"

Crusty mut-

t e r e d . "Ergo!" A n e w set o f r o p e s l e a p e d o u t f r o m t h e t o p a n d b o t t o m of

the

beds,

wrapping

around

Grover

and

Annabeth's

ankles, t h e n a r o u n d t h e i r a r m p i t s . T h e r o p e s s t a r t e d t i g h t ening, pulling my friends from b o t h ends. " D o n ' t worry," C r u s t y t o l d m e . " T h e s e are s t r e t c h i n g j o b s . M a y b e t h r e e extra inches o n t h e i r s p i n e s . T h e y m i g h t even live. N o w w h y d o n ' t w e f i n d a b e d y o u like, h u h ? " " P e r c y ! " G r o v e r yelled. M y m i n d was racing. I k n e w I c o u l d n ' t t a k e o n t h i s g i a n t water-bed salesman alone. He w o u l d snap my neck before I ever g o t m y s w o r d o u t . " Y o u r real n a m e ' s n o t C r u s t y , is it?" I asked.

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"Legally, it's P r o c r u s t e s , " he a d m i t t e d . " T h e Stretcher," I said. I r e m e m b e r e d t h e s t o r y : t h e g i a n t w h o ' d t r i e d t o kill T h e s e u s w i t h excess h o s p i t a l i t y o n h i s way t o A t h e n s . "Yeah," t h e s a l e s m a n said.

"But w h o can p r o n o u n c e

Procrustes? B a d for b u s i n e s s . N o w 'Crusty,' a n y b o d y can say that." "You're r i g h t . It's g o t a g o o d r i n g to it." H i s eyes lit u p . " Y o u t h i n k s o ? " " O h , absolutely," I said.

"And the workmanship on

t h e s e beds? F a b u l o u s ! " H e g r i n n e d hugely, b u t his f i n g e r s d i d n ' t l o o s e n o n m y n e c k . " I tell m y c u s t o m e r s t h a t . E v e r y t i m e . N o b o d y bothers to look at the workmanship. H o w many built-in Lava L a m p h e a d b o a r d s have y o u seen?" " N o t t o o many." " T h a t ' s right!" "Percy!" A n n a b e t h yelled. " W h a t are y o u d o i n g ? " " D o n ' t m i n d her," I t o l d P r o c r u s t e s . "She's i m p o s s i b l e . " T h e g i a n t l a u g h e d . "All m y c u s t o m e r s are. N e v e r six feet exactly. S o i n c o n s i d e r a t e . A n d t h e n t h e y c o m p l a i n a b o u t t h e fitting." " W h a t d o y o u d o i f they're l o n g e r t h a n six feet?" " O h , t h a t h a p p e n s all t h e t i m e . It's a s i m p l e f i x . " H e let g o o f m y neck, b u t before I c o u l d react, h e r e a c h e d b e h i n d a n e a r b y sales d e s k a n d b r o u g h t o u t a h u g e d o u b l e - b l a d e d b r a s s axe. H e said, " I j u s t c e n t e r t h e s u b ject as b e s t I can a n d l o p o f f w h a t e v e r h a n g s over on e i t h e r end."

[280]

"Ah," I said, swallowing h a r d . "Sensible." " I ' m s o g l a d t o c o m e across a n intelligent c u s t o m e r ! " The

ropes

were

really

stretching

my

friends

now.

A n n a b e t h was t u r n i n g pale. G r o v e r m a d e g u r g l i n g s o u n d s , like a s t r a n g l e d g o o s e . " S o , C r u s t y . . . " I said, t r y i n g t o k e e p m y voice light. I glanced

at

the

sales

tag

on

the

valentine-shaped

H o n e y m o o n Special. " D o e s t h i s o n e really have d y n a m i c s t a b i l i z e r s t o s t o p wave m o t i o n ? " "Absolutely. T r y i t out." "Yeah, m a y b e I will. B u t w o u l d it w o r k even for a b i g g u y like you? N o waves a t all?" "Guaranteed." " N o way." "Way." "Show me." H e sat d o w n eagerly o n t h e b e d , p a t t e d t h e m a t t r e s s . " N o waves. See?" I s n a p p e d my fingers. "Ergo." R o p e s l a s h e d a r o u n d C r u s t y a n d f l a t t e n e d h i m against the mattress. " H e y ! " h e yelled. " C e n t e r h i m just right," I said. The

ropes

readjusted

themselves

at

my

command.

C r u s t y s w h o l e h e a d s t u c k o u t t h e t o p . H i s feet s t u c k o u t the b o t t o m . " N o ! " h e said. " W a i t ! T h i s i s just a d e m o . " I u n c a p p e d R i p t i d e . "A few s i m p l e a d j u s t m e n t s . . ." I h a d n o q u a l m s a b o u t w h a t I was a b o u t t o d o . I f

[281]

C r u s t y were h u m a n , I c o u l d n ' t h u r t h i m anyway. I f h e was a m o n s t e r , he d e s e r v e d to t u r n i n t o d u s t for a while. " Y o u drive a h a r d bargain," he t o l d m e . "I'll give y o u t h i r t y p e r c e n t o f f o n selected f l o o r m o d e l s ! " " I t h i n k I'll s t a r t w i t h t h e t o p . " I raised m y sword. " N o m o n e y d o w n ! N o i n t e r e s t for six m o n t h s ! " I s w u n g t h e s w o r d . C r u s t y s t o p p e d m a k i n g offers. I cut the ropes on the other beds. A n n a b e t h and Grover g o t t o t h e i r feet, g r o a n i n g a n d w i n c i n g a n d c u r s i n g m e a l o t . " Y o u l o o k taller," I said. " V e r y funny," A n n a b e t h said. "Be faster n e x t t i m e . " I l o o k e d a t t h e b u l l e t i n b o a r d b e h i n d C r u s t y ' s sales d e s k . T h e r e was a n a d v e r t i s e m e n t for H e r m e s D e l i v e r y Service, a n d a n o t h e r for t h e A l l - N e w C o m p e n d i u m o f L . A . A r e a M o n s t e r s — " T h e o n l y M o n s t r o u s Yellow Pages y o u ' l l ever n e e d ! " U n d e r t h a t , a b r i g h t o r a n g e f l i e r for D O A R e c o r d i n g S t u d i o s , offering c o m m i s s i o n s for h e r o e s ' s o u l s . " W e are always l o o k i n g for n e w t a l e n t ! " D O A s a d d r e s s was right underneath with a map. " C o m e on," I t o l d m y friends. "Give us a minute," Grover complained.

" W e were

almost stretched to death!" " T h e n you're r e a d y for t h e U n d e r w o r l d , " I said. "It's o n l y a b l o c k f r o m here."

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W e s t o o d i n t h e s h a d o w s o f V a l e n c i a Boulevard, l o o k i n g up at g o l d letters e t c h e d in b l a c k m a r b l e : DOA RECORDING STUDIOS. U n d e r n e a t h , s t e n c i l e d o n t h e glass d o o r s : N O SOLICITORS. NO LOITERING. NO LIVING. I t was a l m o s t m i d n i g h t , b u t t h e l o b b y was b r i g h t l y lit a n d full o f p e o p l e . B e h i n d t h e security d e s k sat a t o u g h l o o k i n g g u a r d w i t h sunglasses a n d a n earpiece. I t u r n e d t o m y friends. " O k a y . Y o u r e m e m b e r t h e plan." " T h e plan," G r o v e r g u l p e d . "Yeah. I love t h e plan." A n n a b e t h said,

" W h a t happens

if the plan doesn't

work?" " D o n ' t t h i n k negative." " R i g h t , " she said.

"We're entering the L a n d of the

D e a d , a n d I s h o u l d n ' t t h i n k negative." I t o o k t h e pearls o u t of my pocket, the three milky s p h e r e s t h e N e r e i d h a d given m e i n S a n t a M o n i c a . T h e y d i d n ' t s e e m like m u c h o f a b a c k u p i n case s o m e t h i n g w e n t wrong. Annabeth p u t her h a n d on my shoulder. Percy. You're r i g h t , we'll m a k e it. It'll be fine." S h e gave G r o v e r a n u d g e .

[283]

" I ' m sorry,

" O h , right.'" h e c h i m e d in. " W e g o t this far. W e ' l l f i n d t h e m a s t e r b o l t a n d save y o u r m o m . N o p r o b l e m . " I l o o k e d at t h e m b o t h , a n d felt really grateful. O n l y a few m i n u t e s before, I'd a l m o s t g o t t e n t h e m s t r e t c h e d t o d e a t h o n deluxe w a t e r b e d s , a n d n o w t h e y were t r y i n g t o b e brave for m y sake, t r y i n g t o m a k e m e feel b e t t e r . I s l i p p e d t h e pearls b a c k i n m y p o c k e t . "Let's w h u p some U n d e r w o r l d butt." W e walked inside the D O A lobby. M u z a k p l a y e d softly o n h i d d e n speakers. T h e c a r p e t a n d walls were steel gray. P e n c i l cactuses g r e w in t h e c o r n e r s like s k e l e t o n h a n d s . T h e f u r n i t u r e was b l a c k leather, a n d every seat was t a k e n . T h e r e were p e o p l e s i t t i n g o n c o u c h e s , people standing up, people staring o u t the windows or waiti n g for t h e elevator. N o b o d y m o v e d , o r talked, o r d i d m u c h o f a n y t h i n g . O u t o f t h e c o r n e r o f m y eye, I c o u l d see t h e m all just f i n e , b u t i f I f o c u s e d o n any o n e o f t h e m i n p a r t i c ular, t h e y s t a r t e d l o o k i n g . . . t r a n s p a r e n t . I c o u l d see r i g h t t h r o u g h their bodies. T h e security guard's d e s k was a r a i s e d p o d i u m , s o w e had to look up at him. H e was tall a n d elegant, w i t h c h o c o l a t e - c o l o r e d s k i n a n d b l e a c h e d - b l o n d h a i r s h a v e d m i l i t a r y style. H e w o r e t o r t o i s e s h e l l s h a d e s a n d a silk I t a l i a n suit t h a t m a t c h e d his hair. A b l a c k r o s e was p i n n e d to h i s lapel u n d e r a silver n a m e tag. I r e a d t h e n a m e tag, t h e n l o o k e d a t h i m i n b e w i l d e r ment. "Your name is Chiron?" H e l e a n e d across t h e d e s k . I c o u l d n ' t see a n y t h i n g i n his

[284]

glasses except m y o w n reflection, b u t his smile was sweet a n d cold, like a p y t h o n ' s , r i g h t b e f o r e it eats y o u . "What

a

precious

accent—British,

maybe,

young

lad."

b u t also

as

He

had

a

strange

if he h a d learned

E n g l i s h as a s e c o n d l a n g u a g e . " T e l l m e , m a t e , do I l o o k like a centaur?" "N-no." "Sir," h e a d d e d s m o o t h l y . "Sir," I said. H e p i n c h e d t h e n a m e t a g a n d r a n h i s finger u n d e r t h e letters. " C a n y o u read t h i s , m a t e ? I t says C - H - A - R - 0 - N . Say i t w i t h m e : C A R E - O N . " "Charon." " A m a z i n g ! N o w : Mr. C h a r o n . " " M r . C h a r o n , " I said. " W e l l d o n e . " H e s a t b a c k . " I hate b e i n g c o n f u s e d w i t h t h a t o l d h o r s e - m a n . A n d now, h o w m a y I h e l p y o u little dead ones?" H i s q u e s t i o n c a u g h t in my s t o m a c h like a fastball. I l o o k e d a t A n n a b e t h for s u p p o r t . " W e w a n t t o g o t h e U n d e r w o r l d , " she said. C h a r o n ' s m o u t h t w i t c h e d . " W e l l , that's refreshing." " I t is?" she asked. "Straightforward a n d honest. N o screaming. N o ' T h e r e m u s t b e a m i s t a k e , M r . C h a r o n . ' " H e l o o k e d u s over. " H o w d i d y o u die, t h e n ? " I n u d g e d Grover. " O h , " h e said. " U m . . . d r o w n e d . . . i n t h e b a t h t u b . " "All t h r e e o f y o u ? " C h a r o n a s k e d .

[285]

We nodded. "Big b a t h t u b . " C h a r o n l o o k e d m i l d l y i m p r e s s e d .

"I

d o n ' t s u p p o s e y o u have c o i n s for passage. N o r m a l l y , w i t h a d u l t s , y o u see, I c o u l d charge y o u r A m e r i c a n E x p r e s s , or a d d t h e ferry p r i c e t o y o u r last cable bill. B u t w i t h c h i l d r e n . . . alas, y o u never die p r e p a r e d . S u p p o s e y o u ' l l have to t a k e a seat for a few centuries." " O h , b u t we have coins." I set t h r e e g o l d e n d r a c h m a s on t h e counter, p a r t of t h e stash I'd f o u n d in Crusty's office desk. " W e l l , n o w . . ." C h a r o n m o i s t e n e d his lips. " R e a l d r a c h m a s . R e a l g o l d e n d r a c h m a s . I haven't seen t h e s e in . . ." H i s fingers h o v e r e d greedily over t h e c o i n s . W e were s o close. T h e n C h a r o n l o o k e d a t m e . T h a t c o l d stare b e h i n d his glasses s e e m e d t o b o r e a h o l e t h r o u g h m y chest.

"Here

now," h e said. " Y o u c o u l d n ' t r e a d m y n a m e correctly. A r e y o u dyslexic, lad?" " N o , " I said. " I ' m dead." C h a r o n l e a n e d f o r w a r d a n d t o o k a sniff. "You're n o t d e a d . I s h o u l d ' v e k n o w n . You're a godling." " W e have t o get t o t h e U n d e r w o r l d , " I insisted. C h a r o n m a d e a g r o w l i n g s o u n d d e e p i n his t h r o a t . I m m e d i a t e l y , all t h e p e o p l e i n t h e w a i t i n g r o o m g o t u p a n d s t a r t e d p a c i n g , agitated, l i g h t i n g cigarettes, r u n n i n g h a n d s t h r o u g h t h e i r hair, o r c h e c k i n g t h e i r w r i s t w a t c h e s . "Leave w h i l e y o u can," C h a r o n t o l d u s . "I'll j u s t take t h e s e a n d forget I saw you." H e s t a r t e d t o g o for t h e c o i n s , b u t I s n a t c h e d t h e m back.

[286]

" N o service, n o tip." I t r i e d t o s o u n d braver t h a n I felt. Charon growled again—a deep, blood-chilling sound. T h e s p i r i t s o f t h e d e a d s t a r t e d p o u n d i n g o n t h e elevator doors. "It's a s h a m e , t o o , " I s i g h e d . " W e h a d m o r e to offer." I h e l d u p t h e entire b a g f r o m C r u s t y ' s stash. I t o o k o u t a fistful o f d r a c h m a s a n d let t h e c o i n s spill t h r o u g h m y fingers. C h a r o n ' s g r o w l c h a n g e d i n t o s o m e t h i n g m o r e like a lion's p u r r . " D o y o u t h i n k I can be b o u g h t , godling? Eh . . . j u s t o u t o f curiosity, h o w m u c h have y o u g o t t h e r e ? " "A lot," I said. "I b e t H a d e s d o e s n ' t p a y y o u well e n o u g h for s u c h h a r d work." " O h , y o u d o n ' t k n o w t h e h a l f o f it. H o w w o u l d y o u like t o b a b y s i t t h e s e s p i r i t s all day? Always 'Please d o n ' t let m e be d e a d ' or 'Please let me across for free.' I haven't h a d a p a y raise i n t h r e e t h o u s a n d years. D o y o u i m a g i n e suits like t h i s come cheap?" " Y o u deserve better," I agreed. "A little a p p r e c i a t i o n . R e s p e c t . G o o d pay." W i t h each w o r d , I stacked a n o t h e r g o l d c o i n o n t h e counter. C h a r o n g l a n c e d d o w n a t h i s silk I t a l i a n jacket, a s i f i m a g i n i n g h i m s e l f i n s o m e t h i n g even b e t t e r . " I m u s t say, lad, you're m a k i n g s o m e sense now. J u s t a little." I s t a c k e d a n o t h e r few c o i n s . "I c o u l d m e n t i o n a p a y raise w h i l e I ' m t a l k i n g t o H a d e s . " H e sighed. " T h e b o a t ' s a l m o s t full, anyway. I m i g h t a s well a d d y o u t h r e e a n d be off."

[287]

H e s t o o d , s c o o p e d u p o u r m o n e y , a n d said,

"Come

along. W e p u s h e d t h r o u g h t h e c r o w d o f w a i t i n g spirits, w h o s t a r t e d g r a b b i n g a t o u r c l o t h e s like t h e w i n d , t h e i r voices w h i s p e r i n g t h i n g s I c o u l d n ' t m a k e o u t . C h a r o n shoved t h e m o u t o f t h e way, g r u m b l i n g , " F r e e l o a d e r s . " H e e s c o r t e d u s i n t o t h e elevator, w h i c h was already crowded with souls

of the

dead,

each

one holding

a

g r e e n b o a r d i n g p a s s . C h a r o n g r a b b e d t w o spirits w h o were t r y i n g t o get o n w i t h u s a n d p u s h e d t h e m b a c k i n t o t h e lobby. " R i g h t . N o w , n o o n e get any ideas while I ' m g o n e , " h e a n n o u n c e d to the waiting r o o m . "And if anyone moves the dial o f f m y easy-listening s t a t i o n again, I'll m a k e sure you're h e r e for a n o t h e r t h o u s a n d years. U n d e r s t a n d ? " H e s h u t t h e d o o r s . H e p u t a key c a r d i n t o a s l o t i n t h e elevator p a n e l a n d w e s t a r t e d t o d e s c e n d . " W h a t h a p p e n s t o t h e spirits w a i t i n g i n t h e l o b b y ? " A n n a b e t h asked. " N o t h i n g , " C h a r o n said. "For h o w long?" "Forever, o r u n t i l I ' m feeling g e n e r o u s . " " O h , " s h e said. " T h a t ' s . . . fair." C h a r o n r a i s e d a n eyebrow.

" W h o e v e r s a i d d e a t h was

fair, y o u n g miss? W a i t u n t i l it's y o u r t u r n . Y o u ' l l die s o o n e n o u g h , w h e r e you're going." " W e ' l l get o u t alive," I said. "Ha." I g o t a s u d d e n d i z z y feeling. W e weren't g o i n g d o w n

[288]

a n y m o r e , b u t forward. T h e air t u r n e d m i s t y . S p i r i t s a r o u n d m e s t a r t e d c h a n g i n g s h a p e . T h e i r m o d e r n c l o t h e s flickered, t u r n i n g i n t o g r a y h o o d e d r o b e s . T h e f l o o r o f t h e elevator b e g a n swaying. I

blinked hard. W h e n I

o p e n e d m y eyes,

Charon's

creamy Italian suit h a d been replaced by a long black robe. His

tortoiseshell

glasses

were

gone. W h e r e

his

eyes

s h o u l d ' v e b e e n were e m p t y s o c k e t s — l i k e Ares's eyes, except C h a r o n ' s were t o t a l l y d a r k , full o f n i g h t a n d d e a t h a n d despair. H e saw m e l o o k i n g , a n d said, " W e l l ? " "Nothing," I managed. I t h o u g h t h e was g r i n n i n g , b u t t h a t wasn't it. T h e flesh o f his face was b e c o m i n g t r a n s p a r e n t , l e t t i n g m e see s t r a i g h t t h r o u g h t o his skull. T h e f l o o r k e p t swaying. G r o v e r said, " I t h i n k I ' m g e t t i n g seasick." W h e n I b l i n k e d again, t h e elevator wasn't a n elevator a n y m o r e . W e were s t a n d i n g i n a w o o d e n b a r g e . C h a r o n was p o l i n g us across a d a r k , oily river, swirling w i t h b o n e s , d e a d fish, a n d o t h e r , s t r a n g e r t h i n g s — p l a s t i c d o l l s , c r u s h e d carn a t i o n s , s o g g y d i p l o m a s w i t h gilt edges. " T h e R i v e r Styx," A n n a b e t h m u r m u r e d . "It's so . . ." " P o l l u t e d , " C h a r o n said. " F o r t h o u s a n d s o f years, y o u h u m a n s have b e e n t h r o w i n g i n e v e r y t h i n g a s y o u c o m e across—hopes,

dreams,

wishes

that

never

came

true.

I r r e s p o n s i b l e w a s t e m a n a g e m e n t , i f y o u ask m e . " M i s t c u r l e d o f f t h e f i l t h y water. A b o v e u s ,

almost

l o s t i n t h e g l o o m , was a ceiling o f stalactites. A h e a d , t h e

[289]

far

shore

glimmered

with

greenish

light,

the

color

of

poison. P a n i c c l o s e d u p m y t h r o a t . W h a t was I d o i n g here? T h e s e p e o p l e a r o u n d me . . . t h e y were d e a d . A n n a b e t h g r a b b e d h o l d o f m y h a n d . U n d e r n o r m a l circ u m s t a n c e s , this w o u l d ' v e e m b a r r a s s e d m e , b u t I u n d e r s t o o d h o w she felt. S h e w a n t e d r e a s s u r a n c e t h a t s o m e b o d y else was alive on t h i s b o a t . I f o u n d m y s e l f m u t t e r i n g a prayer, t h o u g h I wasn't q u i t e s u r e w h o I was p r a y i n g t o . D o w n h e r e , o n l y o n e g o d m a t tered, a n d h e was t h e o n e I h a d c o m e t o c o n f r o n t . The

shoreline

of the

Underworld

came

into

view.

C r a g g y r o c k s a n d black volcanic s a n d s t r e t c h e d i n l a n d a b o u t a h u n d r e d y a r d s t o t h e b a s e o f a h i g h s t o n e wall, w h i c h m a r c h e d o f f in e i t h e r d i r e c t i o n as far as we c o u l d see. A s o u n d came from somewhere nearby in the green gloom, e c h o i n g o f f t h e s t o n e s — t h e h o w l o f a large a n i m a l . " O l d T h r e e - F a c e i s h u n g r y , " C h a r o n said. H i s s m i l e t u r n e d skeletal i n t h e g r e e n i s h light. " B a d l u c k for y o u , godlings." T h e b o t t o m o f o u r b o a t slid o n t o t h e black s a n d . T h e d e a d b e g a n to d i s e m b a r k . A w o m a n h o l d i n g a little girl's hand. An old m a n and an old w o m a n hobbling along a r m in a r m . A b o y no o l d e r t h a n I was, s h u f f l i n g silently a l o n g i n his g r a y r o b e . C h a r o n said, "I'd w i s h y o u luck, m a t e , b u t t h e r e isn't any d o w n here. M i n d y o u , d o n ' t forget t o m e n t i o n m y p a y raise." H e c o u n t e d o u r g o l d e n c o i n s i n t o his p o u c h , t h e n t o o k

[290]

u p his p o l e . H e w a r b l e d s o m e t h i n g t h a t s o u n d e d like a B a r r y M a n i l o w s o n g a s h e ferried t h e e m p t y b a r g e b a c k across t h e river. W e followed t h e s p i r i t s u p a w e l l - w o r n p a t h .

I ' m n o t sure w h a t I was e x p e c t i n g — P e a r l y G a t e s , or a b i g black portcullis, or something. But the entrance to t h e U n d e r w o r l d l o o k e d like a cross b e t w e e n a i r p o r t security a n d t h e Jersey T u r n p i k e . T h e r e were t h r e e s e p a r a t e e n t r a n c e s u n d e r o n e h u g e black archway t h a t said Y O U ARE N O W E N T E R I N G EREBUS. Each entrance h a d a pass-through metal detector w i t h security c a m e r a s m o u n t e d o n t o p . B e y o n d t h i s were t o l l b o o t h s m a n n e d b y b l a c k - r o b e d g h o u l s like C h a r o n . T h e h o w l i n g o f t h e h u n g r y a n i m a l was really l o u d now, b u t I c o u l d n ' t see w h e r e i t was c o m i n g f r o m . T h e t h r e e h e a d e d d o g , C e r b e r u s , w h o was s u p p o s e d t o g u a r d H a d e s ' s d o o r , was n o w h e r e t o b e seen. T h e d e a d q u e u e d u p i n t h e t h r e e lines, t w o m a r k e d ATTENDANT ON DUTY, and one marked EZ DEATH. T h e EZ

D E A T H line was m o v i n g r i g h t a l o n g . T h e o t h e r t w o were crawling. " W h a t d o y o u figure?" I a s k e d A n n a b e t h . " T h e fast line m u s t g o s t r a i g h t t o t h e A s p h o d e l Fields," she said. " N o c o n t e s t . T h e y d o n ' t w a n t t o risk j u d g m e n t f r o m t h e c o u r t , b e c a u s e i t m i g h t g o against t h e m . " " T h e r e ' s a c o u r t for d e a d p e o p l e ? " "Yeah. T h r e e j u d g e s . T h e y s w i t c h a r o u n d w h o sits o n t h e b e n c h . K i n g M i n o s , T h o m a s Jefferson, S h a k e s p e a r e —

[291]

p e o p l e like t h a t . S o m e t i m e s t h e y l o o k a t a life a n d d e c i d e t h a t p e r s o n n e e d s a special r e w a r d — t h e F i e l d s o f E l y s i u m . Sometimes they decide on p u n i s h m e n t . But m o s t people, well, t h e y j u s t lived. N o t h i n g special, g o o d o r b a d . S o t h e y g o t o t h e A s p h o d e l Fields." "And do what?" G r o v e r said,

" I m a g i n e s t a n d i n g in a w h e a t field in

K a n s a s . Forever." " H a r s h , " I said. " N o t a s h a r s h a s that," G r o v e r m u t t e r e d . " L o o k . " A c o u p l e o f b l a c k - r o b b e d g h o u l s h a d p u l l e d aside o n e s p i r i t a n d were frisking h i m a t t h e s e c u r i t y d e s k . T h e face o f t h e d e a d m a n l o o k e d vaguely familiar. "He's that preacher w h o made the news, remember?" Grover asked. " O h , yeah." I d i d r e m e m b e r now. W e ' d seen h i m o n T V a c o u p l e o f t i m e s a t t h e Y a n c y A c a d e m y d o r m . H e was this a n n o y i n g televangelist f r o m u p s t a t e N e w Y o r k w h o ' d raised m i l l i o n s o f d o l l a r s for o r p h a n a g e s a n d t h e n g o t c a u g h t s p e n d i n g t h e m o n e y o n s t u f f for h i s m a n s i o n , like g o l d p l a t e d t o i l e t seats, a n d a n i n d o o r p u t t - p u t t g o l f c o u r s e . H e ' d d i e d i n a p o l i c e chase w h e n h i s " L a m b o r g h i n i for t h e L o r d " w e n t o f f a cliff. I said, " W h a t ' r e t h e y d o i n g t o h i m ? " "Special

punishment

from

Hades,"

Grover

guessed.

" T h e really b a d p e o p l e get his p e r s o n a l a t t e n t i o n a s s o o n a s t h e y arrive. T h e F u r — t h e K i n d l y O n e s will set u p a n etern a l t o r t u r e for h i m . " T h e t h o u g h t o f t h e F u r i e s m a d e m e s h u d d e r . I realized

[292]

I was i n t h e i r h o m e t e r r i t o r y n o w . O l d M r s . D o d d s w o u l d b e licking h e r lips w i t h a n t i c i p a t i o n . " B u t if he's a preacher," I said, " a n d he believes in a different hell. . . ." G r o v e r s h r u g g e d . " W h o says he's seeing t h i s p l a c e t h e way we're seeing it? H u m a n s see w h a t t h e y w a n t t o see. You're very s t u b b o r n — e r , p e r s i s t e n t , t h a t way." W e g o t closer t o t h e gates. T h e h o w l i n g was s o l o u d n o w i t s h o o k t h e g r o u n d a t m y feet, b u t I still c o u l d n ' t figu r e o u t w h e r e i t was c o m i n g f r o m . T h e n , a b o u t fifty feet i n f r o n t o f u s , t h e g r e e n m i s t s h i m m e r e d . S t a n d i n g just w h e r e t h e p a t h split i n t o t h r e e lanes was a n e n o r m o u s s h a d o w y m o n s t e r . I h a d n ' t s e e n it b e f o r e b e c a u s e it was h a l f t r a n s p a r e n t , like t h e d e a d . U n t i l i t m o v e d , i t b l e n d e d w i t h w h a t e v e r was b e h i n d it. O n l y its eyes a n d t e e t h l o o k e d solid. A n d i t was staring straight at me. M y jaw h u n g o p e n . A l l I c o u l d t h i n k t o say was, " H e ' s a Rottweiler." I'd always i m a g i n e d C e r b e r u s as a b i g black mastiff. B u t he was o b v i o u s l y a p u r e b r e d R o t t w e i l e r , except of c o u r s e t h a t h e was t w i c e t h e size o f a w o o l l y m a m m o t h , m o s t l y invisible, a n d h a d t h r e e h e a d s . T h e d e a d walked r i g h t u p t o h i m — n o fear a t all. T h e ATTENDANT ON DUTY lines p a r t e d on either side of h i m . T h e EZ DEATH spirits walked r i g h t b e t w e e n his front p a w s a n d u n d e r h i s belly, w h i c h t h e y c o u l d d o w i t h o u t even c r o u c h i n g . " I ' m s t a r t i n g t o see h i m better," I m u t t e r e d . " W h y i s that?"

[293]

"I t h i n k . . ." A n n a b e t h m o i s t e n e d h e r l i p s . " I ' m afraid it's b e c a u s e we're g e t t i n g closer to b e i n g dead." T h e dog's m i d d l e h e a d c r a n e d t o w a r d u s . I t sniffed t h e air a n d g r o w l e d . " I t can s m e l l t h e living," I said. " B u t that's okay," G r o v e r said, t r e m b l i n g n e x t t o m e . "Because we have a plan." " R i g h t , " A n n a b e t h said. I'd never h e a r d h e r voice s o u n d q u i t e so small. "A plan." We moved toward the monster. T h e m i d d l e h e a d s n a r l e d a t us, t h e n b a r k e d s o l o u d m y eyeballs r a t t l e d . " C a n y o u u n d e r s t a n d it?" I a s k e d Grover. " O h yeah," h e said. " I can u n d e r s t a n d it." " W h a t ' s i t saying?" " I d o n ' t t h i n k h u m a n s have a f o u r - l e t t e r w o r d t h a t t r a n s l a t e s , exactly." I t o o k t h e b i g stick o u t o f m y b a c k p a c k — a b e d p o s t I'd

broken

held it up, toward

off

Crusty's

Safari

and tried to

Cerberus—Alpo

Deluxe

channel

floor

model.

I

happy dog thoughts

commercials,

cute

little

pup-

p i e s , fire h y d r a n t s . I t r i e d to smile, like I wasn't a b o u t t o die. " H e y , Big Fella," I called u p . "I b e t t h e y d o n ' t p l a y w i t h you much." "GROWWWLLLL!" " G o o d boy," I said weakly. I waved t h e stick. T h e dog's

m i d d l e h e a d followed

t h e m o v e m e n t . T h e o t h e r t w o h e a d s t r a i n e d t h e i r eyes o n

[294]

m e , completely ignoring the spirits. I h a d C e r b e r u s s u n d i v i d e d a t t e n t i o n . I wasn't sure t h a t was a g o o d t h i n g . " F e t c h ! " I t h r e w t h e stick i n t o t h e g l o o m , a g o o d s o l i d t h r o w . I h e a r d it go ker~sploosh in t h e R i v e r Styx. C e r b e r u s glared a t m e , u n i m p r e s s e d . H i s eyes were b a l e ful a n d c o l d . S o m u c h for t h e p l a n . C e r b e r u s was n o w m a k i n g a n e w k i n d o f g r o w l , d e e p e r d o w n in his three throats. " U m , " G r o v e r said. " P e r c y ? " "Yeah?" " I just t h o u g h t y o u ' d w a n t t o know." "Yeah?" " C e r b e r u s ? H e ' s saying we've g o t t e n s e c o n d s t o p r a y t o t h e g o d of o u r c h o i c e . A f t e r t h a t . . . well . . . he's h u n g r y . " " W a i t ! " A n n a b e t h said. S h e s t a r t e d rifling t h r o u g h h e r pack. Uh-oh, I thought. "Five s e c o n d s , " G r o v e r said. " D o w e r u n n o w ? " A n n a b e t h p r o d u c e d a r e d r u b b e r b a l l t h e size o f a g r a p e f r u i t . It was l a b e l e d WATERLAND, DENVER, CO. Before I c o u l d s t o p her, she r a i s e d t h e ball a n d m a r c h e d s t r a i g h t u p to Cerberus. S h e s h o u t e d , "See t h e ball? Y o u w a n t t h e ball, C e r b e r u s ? Sit!" C e r b e r u s l o o k e d as s t u n n e d as we were. All t h r e e o f his h e a d s c o c k e d sideways. Six n o s t r i l s dilated. "Sit!" A n n a b e t h called again.

[295]

I was s u r e t h a t any m o m e n t s h e w o u l d b e c o m e t h e world's largest M i l k b o n e d o g b i s c u i t . B u t instead,

C e r b e r u s licked h i s t h r e e sets o f lips,

shifted o n h i s h a u n c h e s , a n d sat, i m m e d i a t e l y c r u s h i n g a d o z e n spirits who'd been passing u n d e r n e a t h h i m in the EZ DEATH line. T h e s p i r i t s m a d e m u f f l e d hisses a s t h e y dissip a t e d , like t h e air l e t o u t o f tires. A n n a b e t h said, " G o o d b o y ! " S h e t h r e w C e r b e r u s t h e ball. H e c a u g h t i t i n his m i d d l e m o u t h . I t was barely b i g e n o u g h for h i m t o chew, a n d t h e o t h e r h e a d s s t a r t e d s n a p p i n g a t t h e m i d d l e , t r y i n g t o get t h e n e w toy. " D r o p it!" A n n a b e t h o r d e r e d . C e r b e r u s ' s h e a d s s t o p p e d fighting a n d l o o k e d a t her. T h e ball was w e d g e d b e t w e e n t w o of his t e e t h like a t i n y p i e c e o f g u m . H e m a d e a l o u d , scary w h i m p e r , t h e n d r o p p e d t h e ball, n o w slimy a n d b i t t e n nearly i n half, a t A n n a b e t h ' s feet. " G o o d boy." S h e p i c k e d u p t h e ball, i g n o r i n g t h e m o n ster s p i t all over it. S h e t u r n e d t o w a r d u s . " G o now. E Z DEATH l i n e — i t ' s faster." I said, " B u t — " " N o w ! " S h e o r d e r e d , i n t h e s a m e t o n e she was u s i n g o n the dog. G r o v e r a n d I i n c h e d f o r w a r d warily. Cerberus started to growl. "Stay!" A n n a b e t h o r d e r e d t h e m o n s t e r . " I f y o u w a n t t h e ball, stay!" C e r b e r u s w h i m p e r e d , b u t h e stayed w h e r e h e was.

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" W h a t a b o u t y o u ? " I asked A n n a b e t h a s w e p a s s e d her. " I k n o w w h a t I ' m d o i n g , Percy," she m u t t e r e d . "At least, I ' m p r e t t y sure. . . ." G r o v e r a n d I w a l k e d b e t w e e n t h e m o n s t e r ' s legs. Please, A n n a b e t h , I p r a y e d . D o n ' t tell h i m t o sit again. W e m a d e i t t h r o u g h . C e r b e r u s wasn't any less scarylooking from the back. A n n a b e t h said, " G o o d d o g ! " S h e h e l d u p t h e t a t t e r e d r e d ball, a n d p r o b a b l y c a m e t o the

same

conclusion I

d i d — i f she

rewarded Cerberus,

there'd b e n o t h i n g left for a n o t h e r trick. S h e t h r e w t h e b a l l anyway. T h e m o n s t e r ' s left m o u t h immediately snatched it up, only to be attacked by the m i d dle h e a d , w h i l e t h e r i g h t h e a d m o a n e d i n p r o t e s t . W h i l e t h e m o n s t e r was d i s t r a c t e d , A n n a b e t h w a l k e d b r i s k l y u n d e r its belly a n d j o i n e d u s a t t h e m e t a l d e t e c t o r . " H o w d i d y o u d o t h a t ? " I a s k e d her, a m a z e d . " O b e d i e n c e school," she s a i d breathlessly, a n d I was s u r p r i s e d to see t h e r e were tears in h e r eyes. " W h e n I was little, at my d a d ' s h o u s e , we h a d a D o b e r m a n . . . ." " N e v e r m i n d that," G r o v e r said, t u g g i n g a t m y s h i r t . " C o m e on!" W e were a b o u t t o b o l t t h r o u g h t h e E Z DEATH line w h e n C e r b e r u s m o a n e d pitifully f r o m all t h r e e m o u t h s . A n n a b e t h stopped. S h e t u r n e d t o face t h e d o g , w h i c h h a d d o n e a o n e eighty to l o o k at us. C e r b e r u s p a n t e d expectantly, t h e tiny r e d ball i n pieces in a p u d d l e of d r o o l at its feet.

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" G o o d boy," A n n a b e t h said, b u t h e r voice s o u n d e d melancholy and uncertain. T h e m o n s t e r ' s h e a d s t u r n e d sideways, a s i f w o r r i e d a b o u t her. "I'll b r i n g y o u a n o t h e r ball s o o n , " A n n a b e t h p r o m i s e d faintly. " W o u l d y o u like t h a t ? " T h e monster whimpered. I didn't need to speak dog to k n o w C e r b e r u s was still w a i t i n g for t h e ball. " G o o d d o g . I'll c o m e visit y o u s o o n . I — I p r o m i s e . " A n n a b e t h t u r n e d t o u s . "Let's go." Grover and I p u s h e d t h r o u g h the metal detector, which immediately

screamed

and

set

off

flashing

red

lights.

" U n a u t h o r i z e d possessions! M a g i c detected!" Cerberus started to bark. W e b u r s t t h r o u g h t h e E Z DEATH gate, w h i c h s t a r t e d even m o r e alarms blaring, and raced into the U n d e r w o r l d . A few m i n u t e s later, we were h i d i n g , o u t of b r e a t h , in t h e r o t t e n t r u n k o f a n i m m e n s e b l a c k tree a s s e c u r i t y g h o u l s s c u t t l e d p a s t , yelling for b a c k u p f r o m t h e F u r i e s . G r o v e r m u r m u r e d , " W e l l , Percy, w h a t have w e l e a r n e d today?" " T h a t t h r e e - h e a d e d d o g s prefer r e d r u b b e r balls over sticks?" " N o , " Grover told me. "We've learned that your plans really, really b i t e ! " I wasn't sure a b o u t t h a t . I t h o u g h t m a y b e A n n a b e t h a n d I h a d b o t h h a d t h e r i g h t idea. E v e n h e r e i n t h e U n d e r w o r l d , e v e r y b o d y — e v e n m o n s t e r s — n e e d e d a little a t t e n t i o n o n c e in a w h i l e .

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I t h o u g h t a b o u t t h a t a s w e w a i t e d for t h e g h o u l s t o p a s s . I p r e t e n d e d n o t t o see A n n a b e t h w i p e a t e a r f r o m h e r c h e e k a s she l i s t e n e d t o t h e m o u r n f u l k e e n i n g o f C e r b e r u s i n t h e d i s t a n c e , l o n g i n g for h i s n e w friend.

[299]

I m a g i n e t h e largest c o n c e r t c r o w d you've ever seen, a f o o t ball field p a c k e d w i t h a m i l l i o n fans. N o w i m a g i n e a field a m i l l i o n t i m e s t h a t big, p a c k e d w i t h p e o p l e , a n d i m a g i n e t h e electricity h a s g o n e o u t , a n d t h e r e i s n o n o i s e , n o light, n o b e a c h b a l l b o u n c i n g a r o u n d over t h e c r o w d . S o m e t h i n g t r a g i c has h a p p e n e d b a c k s t a g e . W h i s p e r i n g m a s s e s o f p e o p l e are j u s t m i l l i n g a r o u n d i n t h e s h a d o w s , w a i t i n g for a c o n c e r t t h a t will never s t a r t . I f y o u can p i c t u r e t h a t , y o u have a p r e t t y g o o d idea w h a t t h e F i e l d s o f A s p h o d e l l o o k e d like. T h e b l a c k grass h a d b e e n t r a m p l e d b y e o n s o f d e a d feet. A w a r m , m o i s t w i n d b l e w like t h e b r e a t h o f a s w a m p . Black t r e e s — G r o v e r t o l d m e t h e y were p o p l a r s — g r e w i n c l u m p s h e r e a n d t h e r e . T h e cavern ceiling was s o h i g h above u s i t m i g h t ' v e b e e n a b a n k o f s t o r m c l o u d s , except for t h e stalactites, w h i c h g l o w e d faint gray a n d l o o k e d w i c k e d l y p o i n t e d . I t r i e d n o t t o i m a g i n e t h e y ' d fall o n u s a t any m o m e n t , b u t d o t t e d a r o u n d t h e f i e l d s were several t h a t h a d fallen a n d i m p a l e d t h e m s e l v e s in t h e black grass. I guess t h e d e a d d i d n ' t have to w o r r y a b o u t little h a z a r d s like b e i n g s p e a r e d b y stalactites t h e size o f b o o s t e r r o c k e t s . A n n a b e t h , Grover, a n d I t r i e d t o b l e n d i n t o t h e crowd,

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k e e p i n g an eye o u t for security g h o u l s . I c o u l d n ' t h e l p l o o k i n g for familiar faces a m o n g t h e s p i r i t s o f A s p h o d e l , b u t t h e d e a d are h a r d t o l o o k at. T h e i r faces s h i m m e r . T h e y all l o o k slightly a n g r y o r c o n f u s e d . T h e y will c o m e u p t o y o u a n d s p e a k , b u t t h e i r voices s o u n d like chatter, like b a t s t w i t t e r ing. O n c e t h e y realize y o u can't u n d e r s t a n d t h e m , t h e y frown a n d m o v e away. T h e d e a d aren't scary. T h e y ' r e just sad. W e c r e p t a l o n g , f o l l o w i n g t h e line o f n e w arrivals t h a t s n a k e d f r o m t h e m a i n gates t o w a r d a b l a c k - t e n t e d p a v i l i o n with a b a n n e r that read: JUDGMENTS FOR ELYSIUM AND ETERNAL DAMNATION Welcome, N e w l y Deceased! O u t t h e b a c k o f t h e t e n t c a m e t w o m u c h s m a l l e r lines. T o t h e left, s p i r i t s f l a n k e d b y security g h o u l s were marched d o w n a rocky p a t h toward the Fields of Punishm e n t , w h i c h g l o w e d a n d s m o k e d i n t h e d i s t a n c e , a vast, c r a c k e d w a s t e l a n d w i t h rivers o f lava a n d m i n e f i e l d s a n d m i l e s o f b a r b e d wire s e p a r a t i n g t h e different t o r t u r e areas. E v e n f r o m far away, I c o u l d see p e o p l e b e i n g c h a s e d by hellhounds,

burned

at the

stake,

forced to

run

naked

t h r o u g h cactus p a t c h e s o r listen t o o p e r a m u s i c . I c o u l d j u s t m a k e o u t a tiny hill, w i t h t h e a n t - s i z e figure o f S i s y p h u s s t r u g g l i n g t o m o v e his b o u l d e r t o t h e t o p . A n d I saw w o r s e tortures, t o o — t h i n g s I don't want to describe. T h e line c o m i n g f r o m t h e r i g h t side o f t h e j u d g m e n t p a v i l i o n was m u c h b e t t e r . T h i s o n e l e d d o w n t o w a r d a s m a l l valley s u r r o u n d e d b y w a l l s — a g a t e d c o m m u n i t y , w h i c h

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seemed to be the only happy part of the U n d e r w o r l d . B e y o n d t h e s e c u r i t y gate were n e i g h b o r h o o d s o f b e a u t i f u l h o u s e s f r o m every t i m e p e r i o d i n h i s t o r y , R o m a n villas a n d m e d i e v a l castles a n d V i c t o r i a n m a n s i o n s . Silver a n d g o l d flowers b l o o m e d o n t h e l a w n s . T h e grass r i p p l e d i n r a i n b o w c o l o r s . I c o u l d h e a r l a u g h t e r a n d smell b a r b e c u e c o o k i n g . Elysium. In t h e m i d d l e of t h a t valley was a g l i t t e r i n g b l u e lake, with three

small

islands

like

a vacation resort

in

the

B a h a m a s . T h e Isles o f t h e Blest, for p e o p l e w h o h a d c h o s e n t o b e r e b o r n t h r e e t i m e s , a n d t h r e e t i m e s achieved E l y s i u m . I m m e d i a t e l y I k n e w that's w h e r e I w a n t e d to go w h e n I d i e d . " T h a t ' s w h a t it's all a b o u t , " A n n a b e t h said, like she was r e a d i n g m y t h o u g h t s . " T h a t ' s t h e p l a c e for heroes." B u t I t h o u g h t o f h o w few p e o p l e t h e r e were i n E l y s i u m , h o w t i n y i t was c o m p a r e d t o t h e F i e l d s o f A s p h o d e l o r even t h e F i e l d s o f P u n i s h m e n t . S o few p e o p l e d i d g o o d i n t h e i r lives. It was d e p r e s s i n g . W e left t h e j u d g m e n t p a v i l i o n a n d m o v e d d e e p e r i n t o t h e A s p h o d e l F i e l d s . I t g o t darker. T h e c o l o r s f a d e d f r o m o u r clothes. T h e crowds o f chattering spirits began t o thin. After a few m i l e s of w a l k i n g , we b e g a n to h e a r a familiar screech i n t h e d i s t a n c e . L o o m i n g o n t h e h o r i z o n was a p a l a c e o f g l i t t e r i n g black o b s i d i a n . A b o v e t h e p a r a p e t s swirled t h r e e d a r k b a t l i k e creatures: t h e F u r i e s . I g o t t h e feeling t h e y were w a i t i n g for u s . " I s u p p o s e it's t o o late t o t u r n back," G r o v e r said w i s t fully. " W e ' l l b e okay." I t r i e d t o s o u n d c o n f i d e n t .

[302]

" M a y b e w e s h o u l d search s o m e o f t h e o t h e r p l a c e s first," G r o v e r s u g g e s t e d . " L i k e , E l y s i u m , for i n s t a n c e . . ." " C o m e o n , g o a t boy." A n n a b e t h g r a b b e d h i s a r m . G r o v e r y e l p e d . H i s sneakers s p r o u t e d w i n g s a n d his legs s h o t forward, p u l l i n g h i m away f r o m A n n a b e t h . H e l a n d e d f l a t o n his b a c k i n t h e grass. "Grover," A n n a b e t h chided. " S t o p messing around." "But I d i d n ' t — " H e y e l p e d again. H i s s h o e s were f l a p p i n g like c r a z y n o w . T h e y levitated off t h e g r o u n d a n d started dragging h i m away f r o m u s . "Matal" h e yelled, b u t t h e m a g i c w o r d s e e m e d t o have n o effect. " Μ a i a , already! N i n e - o n e - o n e ! H e l p ! " I g o t over b e i n g s t u n n e d a n d m a d e a g r a b for Grover's h a n d , b u t t o o late. H e was p i c k i n g u p s p e e d , s k i d d i n g d o w n h i l l like a b o b s l e d . W e r a n after h i m . Annabeth shouted, " U n t i e the shoes!" It was

a

smart

when your shoes

idea,

are

but

I

pulling you

guess

it's

not

so

a l o n g feetfirst

easy

a t full

s p e e d . G r o v e r t r i e d t o sit u p , b u t h e c o u l d n ' t g e t c l o s e t o t h e laces. W e k e p t after h i m , t r y i n g t o k e e p h i m i n s i g h t a s h e z i p p e d b e t w e e n t h e legs o f s p i r i t s w h o c h a t t e r e d a t h i m i n annoyance. I was s u r e G r o v e r was g o i n g t o b a r r e l s t r a i g h t t h r o u g h t h e gates o f H a d e s ' s p a l a c e , b u t h i s s h o e s veered s h a r p l y t o the right and dragged h i m in the opposite direction. T h e s l o p e g o t steeper. G r o v e r p i c k e d u p speed. A n n a b e t h

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a n d I h a d t o s p r i n t t o k e e p u p . T h e cavern walls n a r r o w e d o n either side, a n d I realized w e d entered s o m e k i n d o f side t u n nel. N o black grass o r trees now, just r o c k u n d e r f o o t , a n d t h e d i m light o f t h e stalactites above. " G r o v e r ! " I yelled, m y voice e c h o i n g .

" H o l d on to

something!" " W h a t ? " h e yelled b a c k . H e was g r a b b i n g a t gravel, b u t t h e r e was n o t h i n g b i g e n o u g h t o slow h i m d o w n . T h e t u n n e l g o t d a r k e r a n d colder. T h e hairs o n m y a r m s b r i s t l e d . I t s m e l l e d evil d o w n h e r e . I t m a d e m e t h i n k o f t h i n g s I s h o u l d n ' t even k n o w a b o u t — b l o o d s p i l l e d o n a n a n c i e n t s t o n e altar, t h e foul b r e a t h o f a m u r d e r e r . T h e n I saw w h a t was a h e a d o f u s , a n d I s t o p p e d d e a d in my tracks. T h e t u n n e l w i d e n e d i n t o a h u g e d a r k cavern, a n d i n t h e m i d d l e was a c h a s m t h e size of a city b l o c k . G r o v e r was s l i d i n g s t r a i g h t t o w a r d t h e edge. " C o m e o n , Percy!" A n n a b e t h yelled, t u g g i n g a t m y wrist. "But t h a t ' s — " " I k n o w ! " she s h o u t e d . " T h e p l a c e y o u d e s c r i b e d i n y o u r d r e a m ! B u t Grover's g o i n g t o fall i f w e d o n ' t c a t c h h i m . " S h e was r i g h t , o f c o u r s e . Grover's p r e d i c a m e n t g o t m e m o v i n g again. H e was yelling, clawing a t t h e g r o u n d , b u t t h e w i n g e d shoes kept dragging h i m toward the pit, and it didn't l o o k like w e c o u l d p o s s i b l y get t o h i m i n t i m e . W h a t saved h i m were h i s h o o v e s . T h e flying sneakers h a d always b e e n a l o o s e fit o n h i m ,

[304]

a n d f i n a l l y G r o v e r h i t a b i g r o c k a n d t h e left s h o e c a m e flying off. I t s p e d i n t o t h e d a r k n e s s , d o w n i n t o t h e c h a s m . T h e r i g h t s h o e k e p t t u g g i n g h i m a l o n g , b u t n o t a s fast. G r o v e r was able t o s l o w h i m s e l f d o w n b y g r a b b i n g o n t o t h e b i g r o c k a n d u s i n g i t like a n a n c h o r . H e was t e n feet f r o m t h e edge o f t h e p i t w h e n w e caught h i m and hauled h i m back up the slope. T h e other w i n g e d s h o e t u g g e d itself off, circled a r o u n d u s a n g r i l y a n d k i c k e d o u r h e a d s i n p r o t e s t before f l y i n g o f f i n t o t h e c h a s m t o j o i n its t w i n . W e all collapsed, e x h a u s t e d , o n t h e o b s i d i a n gravel. M y l i m b s felt like lead. E v e n my b a c k p a c k s e e m e d heavier, as if somebody h a d filled it with rocks. G r o v e r was s c r a t c h e d u p p r e t t y b a d . H i s h a n d s were b l e e d i n g . H i s eyes h a d g o n e s l i t - p u p i l e d , g o a t style, t h e way t h e y d i d w h e n e v e r h e was terrified. "I d o n ' t k n o w h o w . . ." he p a n t e d . "I d i d n ' t . . ." " W a i t , " I said. " L i s t e n . " I heard s o m e t h i n g — a deep whisper in the darkness. A n o t h e r few s e c o n d s , a n d A n n a b e t h said, "Percy, t h i s place—" "Shh." I stood. T h e s o u n d was g e t t i n g l o u d e r , a m u t t e r i n g , evil voice f r o m far, far b e l o w u s . C o m i n g f r o m t h e p i t . G r o v e r sat u p . " W h — w h a t ' s t h a t n o i s e ? " A n n a b e t h h e a r d it t o o , now. I c o u l d see it in h e r eyes. "Tartarus. T h e entrance to Tartarus." I uncapped Anaklusmos. T h e bronze sword expanded, gleaming in the darkness,

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a n d t h e evil voice s e e m e d to falter, j u s t for a m o m e n t , b e f o r e r e s u m i n g its c h a n t . I c o u l d a l m o s t m a k e o u t w o r d s now, a n c i e n t , a n c i e n t w o r d s , o l d e r even t h a n G r e e k . As if . . . " M a g i c , " I said. " W e have t o get o u t o f here," A n n a b e t h said. Together, we dragged Grover to his hooves and started b a c k u p t h e t u n n e l . M y legs w o u l d n ' t m o v e fast e n o u g h . M y b a c k p a c k w e i g h e d m e d o w n . T h e voice g o t l o u d e r a n d angrier b e h i n d us, and we broke into a run. N o t a m o m e n t too soon. A c o l d b l a s t o f w i n d p u l l e d a t o u r b a c k s , a s i f t h e entire p i t were i n h a l i n g . F o r a t e r r i f y i n g m o m e n t , I l o s t g r o u n d , m y feet s l i p p i n g i n t h e gravel. I f we'd b e e n any closer t o t h e edge, w e w o u l d ' v e b e e n s u c k e d in. W e k e p t s t r u g g l i n g forward, a n d finally r e a c h e d t h e t o p o f t h e t u n n e l , w h e r e t h e cavern w i d e n e d o u t i n t o t h e F i e l d s o f A s p h o d e l . T h e w i n d d i e d . A wail o f o u t r a g e e c h o e d f r o m d e e p i n t h e t u n n e l . S o m e t h i n g was n o t h a p p y we'd g o t t e n away. " W h a t was t h a t ? " G r o v e r p a n t e d , w h e n we'd c o l l a p s e d i n t h e relative safety o f a b l a c k p o p l a r grove. " O n e o f H a d e s ' s pets?" A n n a b e t h a n d I l o o k e d at each o t h e r . I c o u l d tell she was n u r s i n g a n idea, p r o b a b l y t h e s a m e o n e she'd g o t t e n d u r i n g t h e taxi r i d e t o L.A., b u t she was t o o scared t o s h a r e it. T h a t was e n o u g h t o terrify m e . I c a p p e d m y sword, p u t t h e p e n b a c k i n m y p o c k e t . "Let's k e e p going." I l o o k e d a t Grover. " C a n y o u walk?"

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H e swallowed. "Yeah, sure. I never liked t h o s e s h o e s , anyway." H e t r i e d t o s o u n d brave a b o u t it, b u t h e was t r e m b l i n g a s b a d l y a s A n n a b e t h a n d I were. W h a t e v e r was i n t h a t p i t was n o b o d y ' s p e t . I t was u n s p e a k a b l y o l d a n d p o w e r f u l . E v e n E c h i d n a h a d n ' t given m e t h a t feeling. I was a l m o s t relieved t o t u r n m y b a c k o n t h a t t u n n e l a n d h e a d t o w a r d t h e palace of H a d e s . Almost.

T h e F u r i e s circled t h e p a r a p e t s , h i g h i n t h e g l o o m . T h e o u t e r walls o f t h e fortress g l i t t e r e d black, a n d t h e t w o s t o r y - t a l l b r o n z e gates s t o o d w i d e o p e n . U p close, I saw t h a t t h e e n g r a v i n g s o n t h e gates were scenes o f d e a t h . S o m e were f r o m m o d e r n t i m e s — a n a t o m i c b o m b exploding over a city, a trench filled w i t h gas m a s k w e a r i n g s o l d i e r s , a line of A f r i c a n f a m i n e v i c t i m s w a i t i n g w i t h e m p t y b o w l s — b u t all o f t h e m l o o k e d a s i f t h e y ' d b e e n e t c h e d i n t o t h e b r o n z e t h o u s a n d s o f years ago. I w o n d e r e d i f I was l o o k i n g a t p r o p h e c i e s t h a t h a d c o m e t r u e . I n s i d e t h e c o u r t y a r d was t h e s t r a n g e s t g a r d e n I'd ever seen.

Multicolored mushrooms,

poisonous

shrubs,

and

weird l u m i n o u s p l a n t s g r e w w i t h o u t s u n l i g h t . P r e c i o u s j e w els m a d e u p for t h e lack o f f l o w e r s , piles o f r u b i e s a s b i g a s m y fist, c l u m p s o f r a w d i a m o n d s . S t a n d i n g h e r e a n d t h e r e like f r o z e n p a r t y g u e s t s were M e d u s a ' s g a r d e n s t a t u e s — p e t r i f i e d c h i l d r e n , satyrs, a n d c e n t a u r s — a l l s m i l i n g g r o tesquely. In

the

center

of

the

garden

[307]

was

an

orchard

of

p o m e g r a n a t e trees, t h e i r o r a n g e b l o o m s n e o n b r i g h t i n t h e d a r k . " T h e g a r d e n o f P e r s e p h o n e , " A n n a b e t h said. " K e e p walking." I u n d e r s t o o d w h y she w a n t e d t o m o v e o n . T h e t a r t s m e l l of t h o s e p o m e g r a n a t e s was a l m o s t o v e r w h e l m i n g . I h a d a s u d d e n desire t o eat t h e m , b u t t h e n I r e m e m b e r e d t h e s t o r y of Persephone.

O n e bite of U n d e r w o r l d food, a n d we

w o u l d never be able to leave. I p u l l e d G r o v e r away to k e e p h i m f r o m p i c k i n g a b i g juicy o n e . W e w a l k e d u p t h e s t e p s o f t h e palace, b e t w e e n black c o l u m n s , t h r o u g h a black m a r b l e p o r t i c o , a n d i n t o t h e h o u s e o f H a d e s . T h e e n t r y h a l l h a d a p o l i s h e d b r o n z e floor, w h i c h s e e m e d t o b o i l i n t h e reflected t o r c h l i g h t . T h e r e was no ceiling, just t h e cavern roof, far above. I guess t h e y never h a d to w o r r y a b o u t rain d o w n here. E v e r y side d o o r w a y was g u a r d e d by a s k e l e t o n in m i l i t a r y gear. S o m e w o r e G r e e k a r m o r , s o m e British r e d c o a t uniforms, some camouflage with tattered American flags on t h e s h o u l d e r s . T h e y c a r r i e d spears o r m u s k e t s o r M - 1 6 s . N o n e o f t h e m b o t h e r e d u s , b u t t h e i r h o l l o w eye sockets foll o w e d u s a s w e w a l k e d d o w n t h e hall, t o w a r d t h e b i g set o f d o o r s at the opposite end. Two U.S. M a r i n e skeletons guarded the doors. T h e y g r i n n e d d o w n a t us, r o c k e t - p r o p e l l e d g r e n a d e l a u n c h e r s h e l d across t h e i r chests. " Y o u know," G r o v e r m u m b l e d ,

"I bet H a d e s doesn't

have t r o u b l e w i t h d o o r - t o - d o o r salesmen." My backpack weighed o u t why. I w a n t e d to

a ton

o p e n it,

[308]

now.

I

check to

couldn't figure see if I h a d

s o m e h o w p i c k e d u p a s t r a y b o w l i n g ball, b u t t h i s wasn't t h e time. "Well,

guys," I

said.

"I

suppose

we

should .

.

.

knock?" A h o t w i n d blew d o w n the corridor, and the doors s w u n g o p e n . T h e g u a r d s s t e p p e d aside. "I guess t h a t m e a n s entrez-vous," A n n a b e t h said. T h e r o o m i n s i d e l o o k e d j u s t like i n m y d r e a m , except t h i s t i m e t h e t h r o n e o f H a d e s was o c c u p i e d . H e was t h e t h i r d g o d I'd m e t , b u t t h e f i r s t w h o really struck me as godlike. H e was a t least t e n feet tall, for o n e t h i n g , a n d d r e s s e d i n b l a c k silk r o b e s a n d a c r o w n o f b r a i d e d g o l d . H i s s k i n was a l b i n o w h i t e , his h a i r s h o u l d e r - l e n g t h a n d jet black. H e wasn't b u l k e d u p like Ares, b u t h e r a d i a t e d p o w e r . H e l o u n g e d o n h i s t h r o n e o f fused h u m a n b o n e s , l o o k i n g lithe, graceful, a n d d a n g e r o u s as a p a n t h e r . I i m m e d i a t e l y felt like he s h o u l d be giving t h e o r d e r s . He knew m o r e than I did. He should be my master. T h e n I t o l d m y s e l f t o s n a p o u t o f it. H a d e s ' s a u r a was affecting m e , just a s Ares's h a d . T h e L o r d o f t h e D e a d r e s e m b l e d p i c t u r e s I'd seen o f A d o l p h H i t l e r , o r N a p o l e o n , o r t h e t e r r o r i s t leaders w h o d i r e c t s u i cide b o m b e r s . H a d e s h a d t h e s a m e i n t e n s e eyes, t h e s a m e k i n d o f m e s m e r i z i n g , evil c h a r i s m a . " Y o u are brave t o c o m e h e r e , S o n o f P o s e i d o n , " h e s a i d i n a n oily voice. "After w h a t y o u have d o n e t o m e , very brave i n d e e d . O r p e r h a p s y o u are s i m p l y very foolish." N u m b n e s s c r e p t i n t o m y j o i n t s , t e m p t i n g m e t o lie

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d o w n a n d j u s t t a k e a little n a p a t H a d e s ' s feet. C u r l u p h e r e a n d sleep forever. I f o u g h t t h e feeling a n d s t e p p e d f o r w a r d . I k n e w w h a t I h a d t o say. " L o r d a n d U n c l e , I c o m e w i t h t w o requests." H a d e s r a i s e d a n eyebrow. W h e n h e sat f o r w a r d i n his t h r o n e , s h a d o w y faces a p p e a r e d i n t h e folds o f his b l a c k r o b e s , faces o f t o r m e n t , a s i f t h e g a r m e n t were s t i t c h e d o f t r a p p e d s o u l s f r o m t h e F i e l d s o f P u n i s h m e n t , t r y i n g t o get o u t . T h e A D H D p a r t o f m e w o n d e r e d , off-task, w h e t h e r t h e rest o f h i s c l o t h e s were m a d e t h e s a m e way. W h a t h o r rible t h i n g s w o u l d y o u have t o d o i n y o u r life t o get woven into Hades's underwear? " O n l y t w o r e q u e s t s ? " H a d e s said. " A r r o g a n t child. A s i f y o u have n o t already t a k e n e n o u g h . S p e a k , t h e n . I t a m u s e s m e n o t t o strike y o u d e a d yet." I swallowed. T h i s was g o i n g a b o u t as well as I'd feared. I g l a n c e d a t t h e e m p t y , smaller t h r o n e n e x t t o H a d e s ' s . It was s h a p e d like a black flower, g i l d e d w i t h g o l d . I w i s h e d Queen

Persephone

were

here.

I

recalled

something

in

t h e m y t h s a b o u t h o w she c o u l d c a l m h e r h u s b a n d ' s m o o d s . B u t i t was s u m m e r . O f c o u r s e , P e r s e p h o n e w o u l d b e above in the world of light with her m o t h e r , the goddess of agriculture, D e m e t e r . H e r visits, n o t t h e t i l t o f t h e p l a n e t , create the seasons. A n n a b e t h cleared h e r t h r o a t . H e r f i n g e r p r o d d e d m e i n the back. " L o r d H a d e s , " I said. " L o o k , sir, t h e r e can't be a war a m o n g t h e g o d s . It w o u l d be . . . b a d . " " R e a l l y b a d , " G r o v e r a d d e d helpfully.

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" R e t u r n Z e u s ' s m a s t e r b o l t to m e , " I said. " P l e a s e , sir. Let me carry it to Olympus." H a d e s ' s eyes g r e w d a n g e r o u s l y b r i g h t . " Y o u d a r e k e e p u p this p r e t e n s e , after w h a t y o u have d o n e ? " I glanced back at my friends. T h e y looked as confused as I was. " U m . . . U n c l e , " I said. " Y o u k e e p saying 'after w h a t you've d o n e . ' W h a t exactly have I d o n e ? " T h e throne r o o m shook with a tremor so strong, they p r o b a b l y felt it u p s t a i r s in L o s A n g e l e s . D e b r i s fell f r o m t h e cavern ceiling. D o o r s b u r s t o p e n all a l o n g t h e walls, a n d skeletal w a r r i o r s m a r c h e d in, h u n d r e d s o f t h e m , f r o m every t i m e p e r i o d a n d n a t i o n i n W e s t e r n civilization. T h e y l i n e d t h e p e r i m e t e r o f t h e r o o m , b l o c k i n g t h e exits. H a d e s bellowed, " D o y o u t h i n k I want war, g o d l i n g ? " I w a n t e d to say, Well, these guys don't look like peace activists. B u t I t h o u g h t t h a t m i g h t be a d a n g e r o u s answer. " Y o u are t h e L o r d of t h e D e a d , " I said carefully. "A w a r would expand your kingdom, right?" " A t y p i c a l t h i n g for m y b r o t h e r s t o say! D o y o u t h i n k I n e e d m o r e subjects? D i d y o u n o t see t h e s p r a w l o f t h e Asphodel Fields?"

"Well . . ." " H a v e y o u any idea h o w m u c h m y k i n g d o m has swollen i n t h i s p a s t c e n t u r y a l o n e , h o w m a n y s u b d i v i s i o n s I've h a d to open?" I o p e n e d m y m o u t h t o r e s p o n d , b u t H a d e s was o n a r o l l now. " M o r e s e c u r i t y g h o u l s , " h e m o a n e d . "Traffic p r o b l e m s

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at t h e j u d g m e n t pavilion. D o u b l e o v e r t i m e for t h e staff. I u s e d to be a rich g o d , Percy J a c k s o n . I c o n t r o l all t h e p r e c i o u s m e t a l s u n d e r t h e e a r t h . B u t m y expenses!" " C h a r o n w a n t s a p a y raise," I b l u r t e d , just r e m e m b e r i n g t h e fact. As s o o n as I said it, I w i s h e d I c o u l d sew up my mouth. " D o n ' t get m e s t a r t e d o n C h a r o n ! " H a d e s yelled. " H e ' s been

impossible

ever

since

he

discovered

Italian

suits!

P r o b l e m s everywhere, a n d I've g o t t o h a n d l e all o f t h e m personally. T h e c o m m u t e t i m e a l o n e f r o m t h e p a l a c e t o t h e gates i s e n o u g h t o drive m e insane! A n d t h e d e a d just k e e p arriving. No, g o d l i n g . I n e e d no h e l p g e t t i n g subjects! I d i d n o t ask for this war." "But you t o o k Zeus's master bolt." " L i e s ! " M o r e r u m b l i n g . H a d e s r o s e f r o m his t h r o n e , t o w e r i n g t o t h e h e i g h t o f a f o o t b a l l g o a l p o s t . " Y o u r father m a y fool Z e u s , boy, b u t I am n o t so s t u p i d . I see his plan." " H i s plan?" "You were t h e t h i e f o n t h e w i n t e r solstice," h e said. " Y o u r father t h o u g h t t o k e e p y o u his little secret. H e directed you into the throne r o o m on Olympus. You t o o k t h e m a s t e r b o l t and m y h e l m . H a d I n o t s e n t m y F u r y t o discover y o u a t Y a n c y A c a d e m y , P o s e i d o n m i g h t have s u c c e e d e d i n h i d i n g his s c h e m e t o s t a r t a war. B u t n o w y o u have b e e n forced i n t o t h e o p e n . Y o u will b e e x p o s e d a s P o s e i d o n ' s thief, a n d I will have my h e l m b a c k ! " " B u t . . ." A n n a b e t h s p o k e . I c o u l d tell h e r m i n d was going a million miles an hour. " L o r d H a d e s , your h e l m of darkness is missing, too?"

[312]

" D o n o t play i n n o c e n t w i t h m e , girl. You a n d the satyr have b e e n h e l p i n g this h e r o — c o m i n g here t o t h r e a t e n m e i n Poseidon's n a m e , n o d o u b t — t o b r i n g m e a n u l t i m a t u m . D o e s P o s e i d o n t h i n k I can be blackmailed i n t o s u p p o r t i n g h i m ? " " N o ! " I said. " P o s e i d o n d i d n ' t — I d i d n ' t — " " I have

said n o t h i n g of t h e helm's disappearance,"

H a d e s snarled, " b e c a u s e I h a d n o i l l u s i o n s t h a t a n y o n e o n O l y m p u s w o u l d offer m e t h e slightest justice, t h e slightest h e l p . I c a n ¿11 afford f o r w o r d t o get o u t t h a t m y m o s t p o w erful w e a p o n of fear is m i s s i n g . So I s e a r c h e d for y o u myself, a n d w h e n i t was clear y o u were c o m i n g t o m e t o deliver y o u r t h r e a t , I d i d n o t t r y t o s t o p you." " Y o u d i d n ' t t r y t o s t o p us? B u t — " " R e t u r n m y h e l m now, o r I will s t o p d e a t h , " H a d e s t h r e a t e n e d . " T h a t i s m y c o u n t e r p r o p o s a l . I will o p e n t h e e a r t h a n d have t h e d e a d p o u r b a c k i n t o t h e w o r l d . I will m a k e y o u r l a n d s a n i g h t m a r e . A n d you, P e r c y J a c k s o n — y o u r s k e l e t o n will lead m y a r m y o u t o f H a d e s . " T h e skeletal s o l d i e r s all t o o k o n e s t e p forward, m a k i n g t h e i r w e a p o n s ready. A t t h a t p o i n t , I p r o b a b l y s h o u l d have b e e n terrified. T h e s t r a n g e t h i n g was, I felt o f f e n d e d . N o t h i n g gets m e a n g r i e r t h a n b e i n g a c c u s e d of s o m e t h i n g I d i d n ' t d o . I've h a d a l o t of experience w i t h that. "You're as b a d as Z e u s , " I said. " Y o u t h i n k I s t o l e f r o m you? T h a t ' s w h y y o u s e n t t h e F u r i e s after m e ? " " O f course," H a d e s said. "And the other monsters?" H a d e s c u r l e d his lip. " I h a d n o t h i n g t o d o w i t h t h e m . I

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w a n t e d n o q u i c k d e a t h for y o u — I w a n t e d y o u b r o u g h t b e f o r e m e alive s o y o u m i g h t face every t o r t u r e i n t h e F i e l d s o f P u n i s h m e n t . W h y d o y o u t h i n k I let y o u e n t e r m y k i n g d o m s o easily?"

"Easily?" "Return my property!" " B u t I d o n ' t have y o u r h e l m . I c a m e for t h e m a s t e r b o l t . " " W h i c h y o u already p o s s e s s ! " H a d e s s h o u t e d .

"You

c a m e h e r e w i t h it, little fool, t h i n k i n g y o u c o u l d y o u threaten me!" "But I didn't!" " O p e n your pack, then." A h o r r i b l e feeling s t r u c k m e . T h e w e i g h t i n m y b a c k p a c k , like a b o w l i n g ball. It c o u l d n ' t b e . . . . I s l u n g it o f f my s h o u l d e r a n d u n z i p p e d it. I n s i d e was a t w o - f o o t - l o n g m e t a l cylinder, s p i k e d o n b o t h e n d s , h u m m i n g w i t h energy. "Percy," A n n a b e t h said. " H o w — " " I — I don't know. I don't understand." " Y o u heroes are always t h e same," H a d e s said. " Y o u r p r i d e m a k e s y o u foolish, t h i n k i n g y o u c o u l d b r i n g s u c h a w e a p o n before m e . I d i d n o t ask for Zeus's m a s t e r bolt, b u t since it is here, y o u will yield it to m e . I am sure it will m a k e an excellent bargaining t o o l . A n d n o w . . . my h e l m . W h e r e is it?" I was speechless. I h a d no h e l m . I h a d no idea h o w t h e master bolt had gotten into my backpack. I wanted to think H a d e s was p u l l i n g s o m e k i n d o f trick. H a d e s was t h e b a d guy. B u t s u d d e n l y t h e w o r l d t u r n e d sideways. I r e a l i z e d I'd b e e n p l a y e d w i t h . Z e u s , P o s e i d o n , a n d H a d e s h a d b e e n set

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a t each o t h e r s t h r o a t s b y s o m e o n e else. T h e m a s t e r b o l t h a d b e e n in t h e b a c k p a c k , a n d Id g o t t e n t h e b a c k p a c k f r o m . . . " L o r d H a d e s , wait," I said. " T h i s is all a m i s t a k e . " "A mistake?" H a d e s roared. T h e s k e l e t o n s a i m e d t h e i r w e a p o n s . F r o m h i g h above, t h e r e was a f l u t t e r i n g o f l e a t h e r y w i n g s , a n d t h e t h r e e F u r i e s s w o o p e d d o w n t o p e r c h o n t h e b a c k o f t h e i r master's t h r o n e . T h e o n e w i t h M r s . D o d d s ' s face g r i n n e d a t m e eagerly a n d flicked h e r w h i p . " T h e r e i s n o m i s t a k e , " H a d e s said. " I k n o w w h y y o u have c o m e — I k n o w t h e real r e a s o n y o u b r o u g h t t h e b o l t . Y o u c a m e to b a r g a i n for her" H a d e s l o o s e d a ball o f g o l d fire f r o m his p a l m . I t e x p l o d e d o n t h e s t e p s i n f r o n t o f m e , a n d t h e r e was m y m o t h e r , f r o z e n i n a s h o w e r o f g o l d , j u s t a s s h e was a t t h e m o m e n t when the M i n o t a u r began to squeeze her to death. I c o u l d n ' t speak. I r e a c h e d o u t to t o u c h her, b u t t h e l i g h t was as h o t as a b o n f i r e . "Yes," H a d e s said w i t h satisfaction. "I t o o k her. I knew, P e r c y Jackson, t h a t y o u w o u l d c o m e t o b a r g a i n w i t h m e eventually. R e t u r n m y h e l m , a n d p e r h a p s I will let h e r g o . S h e i s n o t d e a d , y o u k n o w . N o t yet. B u t i f y o u displease m e , t h a t will change." I

thought

about

the

pearls

in

my

pocket.

Maybe

t h e y c o u l d get m e o u t o f t h i s . I f I c o u l d j u s t g e t m y m o m free . . . "Ah, t h e pearls," H a d e s said, a n d m y b l o o d froze. "Yes, m y b r o t h e r a n d h i s little t r i c k s . Bring t h e m f o r t h , Percy Jackson."

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M y h a n d m o v e d a g a i n s t m y will a n d b r o u g h t o u t t h e pearls. " O n l y three," H a d e s said.

" W h a t a shame. You do

realize each o n l y p r o t e c t s a single p e r s o n . T r y t o t a k e y o u r m o t h e r , t h e n , little g o d l i n g . A n d w h i c h o f y o u r friends will y o u leave b e h i n d t o s p e n d e t e r n i t y w i t h me? G o o n . C h o o s e . O r give m e t h e b a c k p a c k a n d a c c e p t m y t e r m s . " I l o o k e d a t A n n a b e t h a n d Grover. T h e i r faces were g r i m . " W e were tricked," I t o l d t h e m . " S e t u p . " "Yes, b u t w h y ? " A n n a b e t h asked. " A n d t h e voice i n t h e pit-" "I d o n ' t k n o w yet," I said. " B u t I i n t e n d to ask." " D e c i d e , b o y ! " H a d e s yelled. "Percy." G r o v e r p u t his h a n d o n m y s h o u l d e r . " Y o u can't give h i m t h e b o l t . " " I k n o w that." "Leave m e here," h e said. " U s e t h e t h i r d p e a r l o n y o u r mom." "No!" " I ' m a satyr," G r o v e r said. " W e d o n ' t have souls like h u m a n s d o . H e c a n t o r t u r e m e u n t i l I die, b u t h e w o n ' t get me forever. I'll j u s t be r e i n c a r n a t e d as a flower or s o m e t h i n g . It's t h e b e s t way." " N o . " A n n a b e t h d r e w h e r b r o n z e knife. " Y o u t w o g o o n . Grover, y o u have t o p r o t e c t Percy. Y o u have t o get y o u r searcher's license a n d s t a r t y o u r q u e s t for P a n . G e t h i s m o m o u t o f h e r e . I'll cover you. I p l a n t o g o d o w n fighting." " N o way," G r o v e r said. " I ' m staying b e h i n d . " " T h i n k again, g o a t boy," A n n a b e t h said.

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" S t o p it, b o t h o f y o u ! " I felt like m y h e a r t was b e i n g ripped in two. T h e y had both been with me through so much. I remembered Grover dive-bombing M e d u s a in the s t a t u e g a r d e n , a n d A n n a b e t h saving u s f r o m C e r b e r u s ; w e d survived H e p h a e s t u s ' s W a t e r l a n d ride, t h e St. L o u i s A r c h , the L o t u s Casino. I h a d spent t h o u s a n d s of miles worried t h a t I d b e b e t r a y e d b y a friend, b u t t h e s e friends w o u l d never d o t h a t . T h e y h a d d o n e n o t h i n g b u t save m e , over a n d over, a n d n o w t h e y w a n t e d t o sacrifice t h e i r lives for m y mom. "I k n o w w h a t to d o , " I said. " T a k e these." I h a n d e d t h e m each a pearl. A n n a b e t h said, " B u t , Percy . . ." I t u r n e d a n d faced my m o t h e r . I d e s p e r a t e l y w a n t e d to sacrifice m y s e l f a n d u s e t h e last p e a r l o n her, b u t I k n e w w h a t she w o u l d say. S h e w o u l d never allow it. I h a d to g e t t h e b o l t b a c k t o O l y m p u s a n d tell Z e u s t h e t r u t h . I h a d t o s t o p t h e war. S h e w o u l d never forgive m e i f I saved h e r instead. I t h o u g h t a b o u t the p r o p h e c y m a d e at H a l f - B l o o d H i l l , w h a t s e e m e d like a m i l l i o n years ago. You will fail to save what matters most in the end. " I ' m sorry," I t o l d her. "I'll be back. I'll find a way." The

smug

look

on

Hades's

face

faded.

He

said,

"Godling . . . ?" "I'll f i n d y o u r h e l m , U n c l e , " I t o l d h i m . "I'll r e t u r n it. R e m e m b e r a b o u t C h a r o n ' s p a y raise." " D o n o t defy m e — " "And it wouldn't h u r t to play with Cerberus once in a while. H e likes r e d r u b b e r balls."

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" P e r c y Jackson, y o u will n o t — " I s h o u t e d , " N o w , guys!" W e s m a s h e d t h e p e a r l s a t o u r feet. F o r a scary m o m e n t , nothing happened. H a d e s yelled, " D e s t r o y t h e m ! " T h e a r m y o f s k e l e t o n s r u s h e d forward, s w o r d s o u t , g u n s clicking t o full a u t o m a t i c . T h e F u r i e s l u n g e d , t h e i r w h i p s b u r s t i n g i n t o flame. Just as the skeletons o p e n e d fire, the pearl fragments at my feet e x p l o d e d w i t h a b u r s t of g r e e n l i g h t a n d a g u s t of fresh sea w i n d . I was e n c a s e d in a m i l k y w h i t e s p h e r e , w h i c h was s t a r t i n g t o f l o a t o f f t h e g r o u n d . A n n a b e t h a n d G r o v e r were r i g h t b e h i n d m e . S p e a r s a n d bullets sparked harmlessly off t h e pearl bubbles as we floated u p . H a d e s yelled w i t h s u c h rage, t h e entire fortress s h o o k a n d I k n e w it was n o t g o i n g to be a peaceful n i g h t in L . A . " L o o k u p ! " G r o v e r yelled. " W e ' r e g o i n g t o crash!" S u r e e n o u g h , w e were r a c i n g r i g h t t o w a r d t h e stalactites, w h i c h I f i g u r e d w o u l d p o p o u r b u b b l e s a n d skewer u s . " H o w do you control these things?" A n n a b e t h shouted. "I don't t h i n k you do!" I s h o u t e d back. W e s c r e a m e d a s t h e b u b b l e s s l a m m e d i n t o t h e ceiling and . . . Darkness. W e r e w e dead? N o , I c o u l d still feel t h e r a c i n g s e n s a t i o n . W e were g o i n g u p , r i g h t t h r o u g h s o l i d r o c k as easily as an air b u b b l e in water. T h a t was t h e p o w e r o f t h e pearls, I r e a l i z e d — W h a t belongs to the sea will always return to the sea. F o r a few m o m e n t s , I c o u l d n ' t see a n y t h i n g o u t s i d e t h e

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s m o o t h walls o f m y s p h e r e , t h e n m y p e a r l b r o k e t h r o u g h o n t h e ocean f l o o r . T h e t w o other milky spheres, A n n a b e t h a n d Grover, k e p t p a c e w i t h m e a s w e s o a r e d u p w a r d t h r o u g h t h e water. And—ker-blam! W e e x p l o d e d o n t h e surface, i n t h e m i d d l e o f t h e S a n t a M o n i c a Bay, k n o c k i n g a surfer o f f his b o a r d w i t h a n i n d i g nant, "Dude!" I g r a b b e d G r o v e r a n d h a u l e d h i m over to a life buoy. I c a u g h t A n n a b e t h a n d d r a g g e d h e r over t o o . A c u r i o u s s h a r k was circling us, a g r e a t w h i t e a b o u t eleven feet l o n g . I said, "Beat it." T h e s h a r k t u r n e d a n d r a c e d away. T h e surfer s c r e a m e d s o m e t h i n g a b o u t b a d m u s h r o o m s a n d p a d d l e d away f r o m us as fast as he c o u l d . S o m e h o w , I k n e w w h a t t i m e i t was: early m o r n i n g , J u n e 2 1 , t h e day o f t h e s u m m e r solstice. I n t h e d i s t a n c e , L o s A n g e l e s was o n fire, p l u m e s o f s m o k e rising f r o m n e i g h b o r h o o d s all over t h e city. T h e r e h a d b e e n a n e a r t h q u a k e , all r i g h t , a n d i t was H a d e s ' s fault. H e was p r o b a b l y s e n d i n g a n a r m y o f t h e d e a d after m e r i g h t now. B u t a t t h e m o m e n t , t h e U n d e r w o r l d wasn't m y biggest problem. I h a d t o get t o s h o r e . I h a d t o get Z e u s ' s t h u n d e r b o l t b a c k t o O l y m p u s . M o s t o f all, I h a d t o have a s e r i o u s c o n versation with the g o d who'd tricked me.

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A C o a s t G u a r d b o a t p i c k e d u s u p , b u t they were t o o b u s y t o k e e p u s for long, o r t o w o n d e r h o w three k i d s i n street clothes h a d g o t t e n o u t i n t o t h e m i d d l e o f t h e bay. T h e r e was a d i s a s ter t o m o p u p . T h e i r radios were j a m m e d w i t h distress calls. T h e y d r o p p e d us off at the Santa M o n i c a Pier with towels a r o u n d o u r s h o u l d e r s a n d w a t e r b o t t l e s t h a t s a i d I'M A J U N I O R C O A S T G U A R D ! a n d s p e d o f f t o save m o r e p e o p l e . O u r c l o t h e s were s o p p i n g wet, even m i n e . W h e n t h e C o a s t G u a r d b o a t h a d a p p e a r e d , I d silently p r a y e d t h e y w o u l d n ' t p i c k m e o u t o f t h e w a t e r a n d find m e perfectly dry, w h i c h m i g h t ' v e r a i s e d s o m e eyebrows. S o I'd w i l l e d m y s e l f t o get s o a k e d . S u r e e n o u g h , m y u s u a l w a t e r p r o o f m a g i c h a d a b a n d o n e d m e . I was also b a r e f o o t , b e c a u s e I'd given my s h o e s t o Grover. B e t t e r t h e C o a s t G u a r d w o n d e r w h y o n e o f u s was b a r e f o o t t h a n w o n d e r w h y o n e o f u s h a d h o o v e s . After r e a c h i n g d r y l a n d , w e s t u m b l e d d o w n t h e b e a c h , w a t c h i n g t h e city b u r n against a b e a u t i f u l s u n r i s e . I felt as if I'd just c o m e b a c k f r o m t h e d e a d — w h i c h I h a d . M y b a c k p a c k was heavy w i t h Z e u s ' s m a s t e r b o l t . M y h e a r t was even heavier f r o m seeing m y m o t h e r . " I d o n ' t believe it," A n n a b e t h said. " W e w e n t all t h a t way—"

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" I t was a trick," I said. "A s t r a t e g y w o r t h y of A t h e n a . " "Hey," she warned. " Y o u get it, d o n ' t y o u ? " S h e d r o p p e d h e r eyes, h e r a n g e r fading. "Yeah. I get it." "Well, I don't!" Grover complained.

"Would some-

body—" " P e r c y . . ." A n n a b e t h said. " I ' m s o r r y a b o u t y o u r m o t h e r . I ' m so sorry. . . ." I p r e t e n d e d n o t t o h e a r her. I f I t a l k e d a b o u t m y m o t h e r , I was g o i n g to s t a r t c r y i n g like a little k i d . " T h e p r o p h e c y was right," I said. " Y o u shall g o w e s t a n d face t h e g o d w h o h a s t u r n e d . ' B u t i t wasn't H a d e s . H a d e s d i d n ' t w a n t war a m o n g t h e Big T h r e e . S o m e o n e else p u l l e d o f f t h e theft. S o m e o n e s t o l e Z e u s ' s m a s t e r b o l t , a n d Hades's helm, a n d framed me because I'm Poseidon's kid. P o s e i d o n will get b l a m e d b y b o t h sides. B y s u n d o w n today, t h e r e will be a t h r e e - w a y war. A n d I'll have c a u s e d it." G r o v e r s h o o k his h e a d , mystified. " B u t w h o w o u l d b e t h a t sneaky? W h o w o u l d w a n t w a r t h a t b a d ? " I s t o p p e d in my tracks, looking d o w n the beach. "Gee, let m e t h i n k . " T h e r e h e was, w a i t i n g for us, i n h i s b l a c k l e a t h e r d u s t e r a n d his sunglasses, a n a l u m i n u m baseball b a t p r o p p e d o n his s h o u l d e r . H i s m o t o r c y c l e r u m b l e d b e s i d e h i m , its h e a d light t u r n i n g t h e sand red. " H e y , kid," Ares said, s e e m i n g g e n u i n e l y p l e a s e d t o see m e . " Y o u were s u p p o s e d t o die." " Y o u t r i c k e d me," I said. "You s t o l e t h e h e l m a n d t h e master bolt."

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Ares g r i n n e d . " W e l l , n o w , I d i d n ' t steal t h e m p e r s o n ally. G o d s t a k i n g each o t h e r ' s s y m b o l s o f p o w e r — t h a t ' s a b i g n o - n o . B u t you're n o t t h e o n l y h e r o i n t h e w o r l d w h o can r u n errands." " W h o d i d y o u use? Clarisse? S h e was t h e r e a t t h e w i n t e r solstice." T h e idea s e e m e d t o a m u s e h i m . " D o e s n ' t m a t t e r . T h e p o i n t is, k i d , you're i m p e d i n g t h e w a r effort. See, you've g o t t o die i n t h e U n d e r w o r l d . T h e n O l d S e a w e e d will b e m a d a t H a d e s for k i l l i n g you. C o r p s e B r e a t h will have Z e u s ' s m a s t e r b o l t , s o Z e u s ' l l b e m a d a t him. A n d H a d e s i s still l o o k i n g for t h i s . . ." F r o m his p o c k e t h e t o o k o u t a ski c a p — t h e k i n d b a n k r o b b e r s w e a r — a n d p l a c e d i t b e t w e e n t h e h a n d l e b a r s o f his b i k e . I m m e d i a t e l y , t h e cap t r a n s f o r m e d i n t o a n e l a b o r a t e b r o n z e war h e l m e t . " T h e helm of darkness," Grover gasped. "Exactly," A r e s said.

" N o w w h e r e was I ? O h yeah,

H a d e s will b e m a d a t b o t h Z e u s a n d P o s e i d o n , b e c a u s e h e d o e s n ' t k n o w w h o t o o k t h i s . P r e t t y s o o n , w e g o t a nice little t h r e e - w a y slugfest going." " B u t they're y o u r family!" A n n a b e t h p r o t e s t e d . Ares s h r u g g e d . "Best k i n d o f war. Always t h e b l o o d iest. N o t h i n g like w a t c h i n g y o u r relatives fight, I always say. " Y o u gave m e t h e b a c k p a c k i n Denver," I said. " T h e m a s t e r b o l t was i n t h e r e t h e w h o l e t i m e . " "Yes a n d no," A r e s said. "It's p r o b a b l y t o o c o m p l i c a t e d for y o u r little m o r t a l b r a i n t o follow, b u t t h e b a c k p a c k

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i s t h e m a s t e r bolt's s h e a t h , j u s t m o r p h e d a b i t . T h e b o l t i s c o n n e c t e d t o it, s o r t o f like t h a t s w o r d y o u g o t , k i d . I t always r e t u r n s t o y o u r p o c k e t , r i g h t ? " I wasn't sure h o w A r e s k n e w a b o u t t h a t , b u t I guess a g o d o f war h a d t o m a k e i t h i s b u s i n e s s t o k n o w a b o u t weapons. "Anyway," A r e s c o n t i n u e d , "I t i n k e r e d w i t h t h e m a g i c a bit, so the bolt would only return to the sheath once you r e a c h e d t h e U n d e r w o r l d . Y o u get close to H a d e s . . . . Bingo, y o u g o t m a i l . I f y o u d i e d a l o n g t h e w a y — n o loss. I still h a d the weapon." " B u t w h y n o t just k e e p t h e m a s t e r b o l t for y o u r s e l f ?" I said. " W h y s e n d i t t o H a d e s ? " Ares g o t a t w i t c h in his jaw. F o r a m o m e n t , it was a l m o s t a s i f h e w e r e l i s t e n i n g t o a n o t h e r voice, d e e p i n s i d e h i s h e a d . " W h y d i d n ' t I . . . yeah . . . w i t h t h a t k i n d of firep o w e r . . ." He h e l d t h e t r a n c e for o n e s e c o n d . . . t w o s e c o n d s . . . . I exchanged nervous looks with A n n a b e t h . Ares's face cleared. " I d i d n ' t w a n t t h e t r o u b l e . B e t t e r t o have y o u c a u g h t r e d h a n d e d , h o l d i n g t h e t h i n g . " "You're

lying,"

I

said.

"Sending

the

bolt

to

the

U n d e r w o r l d wasn't y o u r idea, was it?" " O f c o u r s e i t was!" S m o k e d r i f t e d u p f r o m h i s s u n glasses, as if t h e y were a b o u t to c a t c h fire. " Y o u d i d n ' t o r d e r t h e theft," I g u e s s e d . " S o m e o n e else s e n t a h e r o t o steal t h e t w o i t e m s . T h e n , w h e n Z e u s s e n t y o u t o h u n t h i m d o w n , y o u c a u g h t t h e thief. B u t y o u d i d n ' t t u r n h i m over t o Z e u s . S o m e t h i n g c o n v i n c e d y o u t o let h i m g o .

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You k e p t the items until another hero could c o m e along a n d c o m p l e t e t h e delivery. T h a t t h i n g i n t h e p i t i s o r d e r i n g you around." " I a m t h e g o d o f war! I t a k e o r d e r s f r o m n o o n e ! I d o n ' t have d r e a m s ! " I h e s i t a t e d . " W h o said a n y t h i n g a b o u t d r e a m s ? " A r e s l o o k e d agitated, b u t h e t r i e d t o cover i t w i t h a smirk. "Let's get b a c k t o t h e p r o b l e m a t h a n d , k i d . You're alive. I can't have y o u t a k i n g t h a t b o l t t o O l y m p u s . Y o u j u s t m i g h t get t h o s e h a r d h e a d e d i d i o t s t o l i s t e n t o y o u . S o I've g o t t o kill y o u . N o t h i n g p e r s o n a l . " H e s n a p p e d his fingers. T h e s a n d e x p l o d e d a t his feet a n d o u t c h a r g e d a w i l d b o a r , even larger a n d uglier t h a n t h e o n e w h o s e h e a d h u n g above t h e d o o r o f c a b i n seven a t C a m p H a l f - B l o o d . T h e b e a s t p a w e d t h e s a n d , glaring a t m e w i t h b e a d y eyes as it l o w e r e d its r a z o r - s h a r p t u s k s a n d w a i t e d for t h e c o m m a n d t o kill. I s t e p p e d i n t o t h e surf. " F i g h t me yourself, Ares." He l a u g h e d , b u t I h e a r d a little e d g e to his l a u g h t e r . . . a n u n e a s i n e s s . "You've o n l y g o t o n e talent, k i d , r u n n i n g away. Y o u r a n f r o m t h e C h i m e r a . Y o u r a n f r o m t h e U n d e r w o r l d . Y o u d o n ' t have w h a t i t takes." "Scared?" " I n y o u r a d o l e s c e n t d r e a m s . " B u t h i s sunglasses were s t a r t i n g t o m e l t f r o m t h e h e a t o f his eyes. i n v o l v e m e n t . S o r r y , k i d . You're n o t a t m y level." A n n a b e t h said, "Percy, r u n ! " T h e giant b o a r charged.

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" N o direct

But I was d o n e r u n n i n g from monsters. Or H a d e s , or Ares, or anybody. As the boar rushed me, I u n c a p p e d my pen and sidestepped. R i p t i d e appeared in my hands. I slashed upward. T h e b o a r ' s severed r i g h t t u s k fell a t m y feet, while t h e d i s o r i e n t e d a n i m a l c h a r g e d i n t o t h e sea. I shouted, "Wave!" Immediately,

a

wave

surged

up

from

nowhere

and

e n g u l f e d t h e b o a r , w r a p p i n g a r o u n d i t like a b l a n k e t . T h e b e a s t s q u e a l e d o n c e i n t e r r o r . T h e n i t was g o n e , s w a l l o w e d b y t h e sea. I t u r n e d b a c k t o A r e s . "Are y o u g o i n g t o fight m e n o w ? " I asked. " O r are y o u g o i n g t o h i d e b e h i n d a n o t h e r p e t

Ares's face was p u r p l e w i t h rage. " W a t c h it, k i d . I c o u l d turn you i n t o — " "A c o c k r o a c h , " I said. " O r a t a p e w o r m . Yeah, I ' m sure. T h a t ' d save y o u f r o m g e t t i n g y o u r g o d l y h i d e w h i p p e d , wouldn't it?" F l a m e s d a n c e d a l o n g t h e t o p o f h i s glasses. " O h , m a n , y o u are really a s k i n g to be s m a s h e d i n t o a grease s p o t . " " I f I lose, t u r n m e i n t o a n y t h i n g y o u w a n t . T a k e t h e b o l t . I f I w i n , t h e h e l m a n d t h e b o l t are m i n e a n d you have to go away." Ares sneered. H e s w u n g t h e b a s e b a l l b a t o f f his s h o u l d e r .

"How

w o u l d y o u like t o get s m a s h e d : classic o r m o d e r n ? " I showed h i m my sword. " T h a t ' s c o o l , d e a d boy," h e said. " C l a s s i c i t is." T h e

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baseball b a t changed into a huge, t w o - h a n d e d sword. T h e h i l t was a large silver skull w i t h a r u b y in its m o u t h . "Percy," A n n a b e t h said. " D o n ' t d o t h i s . H e ' s a god." " H e ' s a coward," I t o l d her. S h e swallowed. " W e a r t h i s , a t least. F o r luck." S h e t o o k o f f h e r necklace, w i t h h e r five years' w o r t h o f c a m p b e a d s a n d t h e r i n g f r o m h e r father, a n d t i e d i t a r o u n d my neck. "Reconciliation,"

she

said.

"Athena

and

Poseidon

together." My face felt a little w a r m , b u t I m a n a g e d a smile. "Thanks." " A n d t a k e this," G r o v e r said. H e h a n d e d m e a f l a t t e n e d t i n can t h a t he'd p r o b a b l y b e e n saving in his p o c k e t for a t h o u s a n d m i l e s . " T h e satyrs s t a n d b e h i n d you." " G r o v e r . . . I d o n ' t k n o w w h a t t o say." H e p a t t e d m e o n t h e s h o u l d e r . I stuffed t h e t i n c a n i n my back pocket. " Y o u all d o n e saying g o o d - b y e ? " A r e s c a m e t o w a r d m e , h i s b l a c k l e a t h e r d u s t e r t r a i l i n g b e h i n d h i m , his s w o r d g l i n t ing like fire in t h e s u n r i s e . "I've b e e n fighting for eternity, k i d . M y s t r e n g t h i s u n l i m i t e d a n d I c a n n o t die. W h a t have you got?" A s m a l l e r ego, I t h o u g h t , b u t I s a i d n o t h i n g . I k e p t my feet i n t h e surf, b a c k i n g i n t o t h e w a t e r u p t o m y a n k l e s . I t h o u g h t b a c k t o w h a t A n n a b e t h h a d said a t t h e D e n v e r diner, so l o n g ago: Ares has strength. That's all he has. Even strength has to bow to wisdom sometimes. H e cleaved d o w n w a r d a t m y h e a d , b u t I wasn't t h e r e .

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M y b o d y t h o u g h t for m e . T h e w a t e r s e e m e d t o p u s h m e i n t o t h e air a n d I c a t a p u l t e d over h i m , s l a s h i n g as I c a m e d o w n . B u t A r e s was j u s t a s q u i c k . H e t w i s t e d , a n d t h e s t r i k e t h a t should've c a u g h t h i m directly i n t h e s p i n e was deflected off the e n d of his sword hilt. H e grinned. " N o t bad, n o t bad." H e s l a s h e d again a n d I was forced t o j u m p o n t o d r y l a n d . I t r i e d t o s i d e s t e p , t o get b a c k t o t h e water, b u t A r e s seemed to k n o w what I wanted. He outmaneuvered me, p r e s s i n g s o h a r d I h a d t o p u t all m y c o n c e n t r a t i o n o n n o t g e t t i n g sliced i n t o pieces. I k e p t b a c k i n g away f r o m t h e surf. I c o u l d n ' t find any o p e n i n g s t o attack. H i s s w o r d h a d a reach several feet l o n g e r t h a n A n a k l u s m o s . Get in close, L u k e h a d t o l d me o n c e , b a c k in o u r s w o r d class. When you've got the shorter blade, get in close. I s t e p p e d inside w i t h a t h r u s t , b u t A r e s was w a i t i n g for that. He knocked my blade out of my hands a n d kicked me in t h e chest. I w e n t a i r b o r n e — t w e n t y , m a y b e t h i r t y feet. I w o u l d ' v e b r o k e n m y b a c k i f I h a d n ' t c r a s h e d i n t o t h e soft sand of a dune. "Percy!" A n n a b e t h yelled. " C o p s ! " I was seeing d o u b l e . My chest felt like it h a d j u s t b e e n h i t w i t h a b a t t e r i n g r a m , b u t I m a n a g e d t o get t o m y feet. I c o u l d n ' t l o o k away f r o m A r e s for fear he'd slice me in half, b u t o u t o f t h e c o r n e r o f m y eye I s a w r e d l i g h t s flashing o n t h e s h o r e l i n e b o u l e v a r d . C a r d o o r s were s l a m m i n g . " T h e r e , officer!" s o m e b o d y yelled. " S e e ? " A g r u f f c o p voice: " L o o k s like t h a t k i d o n T V . . . w h a t t h e h e c k . . ."

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"That

guy's

armed,"

another

cop

said.

"Call

for

backup." I r o l l e d to o n e side as Ares's b l a d e slashed t h e s a n d . I r a n for my s w o r d , s c o o p e d it u p , a n d l a u n c h e d a s w i p e a t Ares's face, o n l y t o find m y b l a d e d e f l e c t e d again. Ares s e e m e d t o k n o w exactly w h a t I was g o i n g t o d o t h e m o m e n t b e f o r e I d i d it. I s t e p p e d b a c k t o w a r d t h e surf, f o r c i n g h i m to follow. " A d m i t it, kid," A r e s said. " Y o u g o t n o h o p e . I ' m just t o y i n g w i t h you." M y senses were w o r k i n g o v e r t i m e . I n o w u n d e r s t o o d w h a t A n n a b e t h h a d said a b o u t A D H D k e e p i n g y o u alive i n b a t t l e . I was w i d e awake, n o t i c i n g every little detail. I c o u l d see w h e r e Ares was tensing. I c o u l d tell w h i c h way he w o u l d strike. At t h e s a m e t i m e , I was aware of A n n a b e t h a n d Grover, t h i r t y feet to my left. I saw a s e c o n d c o p car p u l l i n g u p , siren wailing. S p e c t a t o r s , p e o p l e w h o h a d b e e n w a n d e r i n g t h e streets b e c a u s e o f t h e e a r t h q u a k e , were s t a r t i n g to gather. A m o n g t h e crowd, I t h o u g h t I saw a few w h o were w a l k i n g w i t h t h e strange, t r o t t i n g gait o f d i s g u i s e d satyrs. T h e r e were s h i m m e r i n g f o r m s o f spirits, t o o , a s i f t h e d e a d h a d risen f r o m H a d e s t o w a t c h t h e b a t t l e . I h e a r d t h e f l a p o f l e a t h e r y w i n g s circling s o m e w h e r e above. M o r e sirens. I s t e p p e d f a r t h e r i n t o t h e water, b u t Ares was fast. T h e t i p o f h i s b l a d e r i p p e d m y sleeve a n d g r a z e d m y f o r e a r m . A p o l i c e voice on a m e g a p h o n e said, " D r o p t h e g u n s ! Set t h e m on the ground. N o w ! " Guns?

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I l o o k e d at Ares's w e a p o n , a n d it s e e m e d to be flickering; s o m e t i m e s it l o o k e d like a s h o t g u n , s o m e t i m e s a t w o h a n d e d s w o r d . I d i d n ' t k n o w w h a t t h e h u m a n s were seeing i n m y h a n d s , b u t I was p r e t t y sure i t w o u l d n ' t m a k e t h e m like m e . Ares t u r n e d to glare at o u r s p e c t a t o r s , w h i c h gave me a m o m e n t t o b r e a t h e . T h e r e were f i v e p o l i c e cars now, a n d a line o f officers c r o u c h i n g b e h i n d t h e m , p i s t o l s t r a i n e d o n u s . " T h i s is a private m a t t e r ! " A r e s b e l l o w e d . "Be g o n e ! " H e s w e p t h i s h a n d , a n d a wall o f r e d f l a m e r o l l e d across t h e p a t r o l cars. T h e p o l i c e barely h a d t i m e t o dive for cover b e f o r e t h e i r vehicles e x p l o d e d . T h e c r o w d b e h i n d t h e m s c a t tered, s c r e a m i n g . Ares r o a r e d w i t h laughter. " N o w , little h e r o . Let's a d d you to the barbecue." He slashed. I d e f l e c t e d his b l a d e . I g o t close e n o u g h to strike, t r i e d t o fake h i m o u t w i t h a feint, b u t m y b l o w was k n o c k e d aside. T h e waves were h i t t i n g m e i n t h e b a c k now. A r e s was u p t o his t h i g h s , w a d i n g i n after m e . I felt t h e r h y t h m of t h e sea, t h e waves g r o w i n g larger as t h e t i d e r o l l e d in, a n d s u d d e n l y I h a d an idea. Little waves, I t h o u g h t . A n d t h e w a t e r b e h i n d m e s e e m e d t o r e c e d e . I was h o l d i n g b a c k t h e t i d e b y force o f will, b u t t e n s i o n was b u i l d i n g , like c a r b o n a t i o n b e h i n d a c o r k . A r e s c a m e t o w a r d , g r i n n i n g confidently. I l o w e r e d my b l a d e , as if I were t o o e x h a u s t e d to go o n . Wait for it, I t o l d t h e sea. T h e p r e s s u r e n o w was a l m o s t lifting m e o f f m y feet. A r e s raised his s w o r d . I released t h e t i d e a n d j u m p e d , r o c k e t i n g s t r a i g h t over A r e s on a wave.

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A s i x - f o o t wall of w a t e r s m a s h e d h i m full in t h e face, leaving h i m c u r s i n g a n d s p u t t e r i n g w i t h a m o u t h full o f seaw e e d . I l a n d e d b e h i n d h i m w i t h a s p l a s h a n d feinted t o w a r d his h e a d , a s I d d o n e before. H e t u r n e d i n t i m e t o raise h i s sword, b u t t h i s t i m e h e was d i s o r i e n t e d , h e d i d n ' t a n t i c i p a t e t h e trick. I c h a n g e d d i r e c t i o n , l u n g e d t o t h e side, a n d s t a b b e d R i p t i d e s t r a i g h t d o w n i n t o t h e water, s e n d i n g t h e p o i n t t h r o u g h t h e god's heel. T h e r o a r t h a t followed m a d e H a d e s ' s e a r t h q u a k e l o o k like a m i n o r event. T h e very sea was b l a s t e d b a c k f r o m A r e s , leaving a w e t circle of s a n d fifty feet w i d e . I c h o r , t h e g o l d e n b l o o d o f t h e g o d s , flowed f r o m a g a s h i n t h e w a r god's b o o t . T h e e x p r e s s i o n o n h i s face was b e y o n d h a t r e d . I t was p a i n , s h o c k , c o m p l e t e d i s b e l i e f t h a t he'd b e e n w o u n d e d . H e l i m p e d t o w a r d m e , m u t t e r i n g a n c i e n t G r e e k curses. Something stopped him. It was as if a c l o u d covered t h e s u n , b u t w o r s e . L i g h t faded. S o u n d a n d c o l o r d r a i n e d away. A cold, heavy p r e s e n c e p a s s e d over t h e b e a c h , s l o w i n g t i m e , d r o p p i n g t h e t e m p e r a t u r e t o freezing, a n d m a k i n g m e feel like life was h o p e l e s s , fighting was useless. T h e d a r k n e s s lifted. Ares looked stunned. P o l i c e cars were b u r n i n g b e h i n d u s . T h e c r o w d o f s p e c tators h a d fled. A n n a b e t h a n d Grover s t o o d on the beach, i n s h o c k , w a t c h i n g t h e w a t e r f l o o d b a c k a r o u n d Ares's feet, his glowing golden ichor dissipating in the tide. Ares lowered his sword.

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" Y o u have m a d e a n enemy, g o d l i n g , " h e t o l d m e . " Y o u have sealed y o u r fate. E v e r y t i m e y o u raise y o u r b l a d e i n b a t tle, every t i m e y o u h o p e for success, y o u will feel m y curse. Beware, P e r s e u s J a c k s o n . Beware." H i s b o d y b e g a n t o glow. "Percy!" A n n a b e t h shouted. " D o n ' t watch!" I t u r n e d away a s t h e g o d A r e s revealed his t r u e i m m o r tal f o r m . I s o m e h o w k n e w t h a t if I l o o k e d , I w o u l d d i s i n t e g r a t e i n t o ashes. T h e light died. I l o o k e d b a c k . A r e s was g o n e . T h e t i d e r o l l e d o u t t o reveal H a d e s ' s b r o n z e h e l m o f d a r k n e s s . I p i c k e d i t u p a n d w a l k e d t o w a r d m y friends. B u t before I g o t t h e r e , I h e a r d t h e flapping of l e a t h e r y w i n g s . T h r e e e v i l - l o o k i n g g r a n d m o t h e r s w i t h lace h a t s a n d fiery w h i p s d r i f t e d d o w n f r o m t h e sky a n d l a n d e d i n f r o n t of me. T h e middle Fury, the one w h o h a d been M r s . D o d d s , s t e p p e d forward. H e r fangs were b a r e d , b u t for o n c e s h e didn't look threatening. She looked m o r e disappointed, as if she'd b e e n p l a n n i n g t o have m e for s u p p e r , b u t h a d d e c i d e d I m i g h t give h e r i n d i g e s t i o n . " W e saw t h e w h o l e t h i n g , " s h e h i s s e d . " S o . . . i t t r u l y was n o t y o u ? " I t o s s e d h e r t h e h e l m e t , w h i c h she c a u g h t i n s u r p r i s e . " R e t u r n t h a t t o L o r d H a d e s , " I said. " T e l l h i m t h e t r u t h . Tell h i m t o call o f f t h e war." S h e h e s i t a t e d , t h e n r a n a f o r k e d t o n g u e over h e r green, l e a t h e r y l i p s . "Live well, Percy J a c k s o n . B e c o m e a t r u e h e r o .

[331]

Because i f y o u d o n o t , i f y o u ever c o m e i n t o m y c l u t c h e s again . . ." S h e cackled, savoring t h e idea. T h e n she a n d h e r sisters r o s e o n t h e i r b a t s ' w i n g s , f l u t t e r e d i n t o t h e s m o k e - f i l l e d sky, and disappeared. I j o i n e d G r o v e r a n d A n n a b e t h , w h o were s t a r i n g a t m e in amazement. " P e r c y . . ." G r o v e r said. " T h a t was so i n c r e d i b l y . . ." "Terrifying," s a i d A n n a b e t h . "Cool!" Grover corrected. I d i d n ' t feel terrified. I certainly d i d n ' t feel c o o l . I was t i r e d a n d sore a n d c o m p l e t e l y d r a i n e d o f energy. " D i d y o u guys feel t h a t . . . w h a t e v e r it was?" I asked. T h e y b o t h n o d d e d uneasily. " M u s t ' v e b e e n t h e F u r i e s overhead," G r o v e r said. B u t I wasn't s o sure. S o m e t h i n g h a d s t o p p e d Ares f r o m k i l l i n g m e , a n d w h a t e v e r c o u l d d o t h a t was a l o t s t r o n g e r than the Furies. I looked at Annabeth, a n d an understanding passed b e t w e e n u s . I k n e w n o w w h a t was i n t h a t pit, w h a t h a d s p o ken from the entrance of Tartarus. I

reclaimed

my

backpack

from

Grover

and

looked

i n s i d e . T h e m a s t e r b o l t was still t h e r e . S u c h a s m a l l t h i n g t o a l m o s t cause W o r l d W a r I I I . " W e have t o

get b a c k t o N e w York," I said.

"By

tonight." " T h a t ' s i m p o s s i b l e , " A n n a b e t h said, " u n l e s s w e — " "Fly," I agreed. S h e s t a r e d a t m e . "Fly, like, i n a n a i r p l a n e , w h i c h y o u

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were w a r n e d never t o d o lest Z e u s strike y o u o u t o f t h e sky, and c a r r y i n g a w e a p o n t h a t has m o r e d e s t r u c t i v e p o w e r t h a n a nuclear b o m b ? " "Yeah," I said. " P r e t t y m u c h exactly like t h a t . C o m e on."

[333]

I t ' s f u n n y h o w h u m a n s can w r a p t h e i r m i n d a r o u n d t h i n g s a n d f i t t h e m i n t o t h e i r v e r s i o n o f reality. C h i r o n h a d t o l d m e t h a t l o n g ago. A s usual, I d i d n ' t a p p r e c i a t e h i s w i s d o m u n t i l m u c h later. A c c o r d i n g t o t h e L.A. n e w s , t h e e x p l o s i o n a t t h e S a n t a M o n i c a beach h a d been caused w h e n a crazy k i d n a p p e r fired a s h o t g u n at a p o l i c e car. He a c c i d e n t a l l y h i t a gas main that had ruptured during the earthquake. T h i s c r a z y k i d n a p p e r (a.k.a. A r e s ) was t h e s a m e m a n w h o had abducted me and two other adolescents in N e w Y o r k a n d b r o u g h t u s across c o u n t r y o n a t e n - d a y odyssey o f terror. P o o r little Percy J a c k s o n wasn't a n i n t e r n a t i o n a l c r i m i n a l after all. H e ' d c a u s e d a c o m m o t i o n o n t h a t G r e y h o u n d b u s i n N e w Jersey t r y i n g t o get away f r o m his c a p t o r ( a n d afterward, w i t n e s s e s w o u l d even swear t h e y h a d seen t h e leather-clad m a n o n the b u s — " W h y

didn't

I remember him

b e f o r e ? " ) . T h e crazy m a n h a d c a u s e d t h e e x p l o s i o n i n t h e St. L o u i s A r c h . A f t e r all, n o k i d could've d o n e t h a t . A c o n c e r n e d waitress i n D e n v e r h a d seen t h e m a n t h r e a t e n i n g h i s a b d u c t e e s o u t s i d e h e r diner, g o t t e n a f r i e n d to t a k e a p h o t o , a n d n o t i f i e d t h e p o l i c e . Finally, brave Percy J a c k s o n ( I was

[334]

b e g i n n i n g t o like this k i d ) h a d s t o l e n a g u n f r o m h i s c a p t o r i n L o s Angeles a n d b a t t l e d h i m s h o t g u n - t o - r i f l e o n t h e b e a c h . P o l i c e h a d arrived just i n t i m e . B u t i n t h e s p e c t a c u lar e x p l o s i o n , f i v e p o l i c e cars h a d b e e n d e s t r o y e d a n d t h e c a p t o r h a d f l e d . N o fatalities h a d o c c u r r e d . P e r c y J a c k s o n a n d his t w o friends were safely i n p o l i c e c u s t o d y . T h e r e p o r t e r s fed u s t h i s w h o l e story. W e j u s t n o d d e d a n d a c t e d tearful a n d e x h a u s t e d ( w h i c h wasn't h a r d ) , a n d p l a y e d v i c t i m i z e d k i d s for t h e c a m e r a s . "All I want," I said, c h o k i n g b a c k my tears, "is to see my loving s t e p f a t h e r again. E v e r y t i m e I saw h i m o n T V , calling me a d e l i n q u e n t p u n k , I k n e w . . . s o m e h o w . . . we w o u l d b e okay. A n d I k n o w he'll w a n t t o r e w a r d each a n d every p e r s o n i n t h i s b e a u t i f u l city o f L o s Angeles w i t h a free m a j o r a p p l i a n c e f r o m his s t o r e . H e r e ' s t h e p h o n e n u m b e r . " T h e p o l i c e a n d r e p o r t e r s were s o m o v e d t h a t t h e y p a s s e d a r o u n d t h e h a t a n d r a i s e d m o n e y for t h r e e tickets o n t h e next plane t o N e w York. I k n e w t h e r e was n o c h o i c e b u t t o f l y . I h o p e d Z e u s w o u l d c u t m e s o m e slack, c o n s i d e r i n g t h e c i r c u m s t a n c e s . B u t i t was still h a r d t o force m y s e l f o n b o a r d t h e f l i g h t . T a k e o f f was a n i g h t m a r e . E v e r y s p o t o f t u r b u l e n c e was scarier t h a n a G r e e k m o n s t e r . I d i d n ' t u n c l e n c h my h a n d s f r o m t h e a r m r e s t s u n t i l w e t o u c h e d d o w n safely a t L a G u a r d i a . T h e local press was w a i t i n g for u s o u t s i d e security, b u t w e m a n a g e d t o evade t h e m t h a n k s t o A n n a b e t h , w h o l u r e d t h e m away i n h e r invisible Yankees cap, s h o u t i n g , " T h e y ' r e over b y t h e f r o z e n y o g u r t ! C o m e on!," t h e n r e j o i n e d u s a t b a g g a g e claim.

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W e s p l i t u p a t t h e taxi s t a n d . I t o l d A n n a b e t h a n d G r o v e r t o get b a c k t o H a l f - B l o o d H i l l a n d let C h i r o n k n o w w h a t h a d h a p p e n e d . T h e y p r o t e s t e d , a n d i t was h a r d t o let t h e m g o after all w e d b e e n t h r o u g h , b u t I k n e w I h a d t o d o t h i s last p a r t o f t h e q u e s t b y myself. I f t h i n g s w e n t w r o n g , i f t h e g o d s d i d n ' t believe m e . . . I w a n t e d A n n a b e t h a n d G r o v e r t o survive t o tell C h i r o n t h e t r u t h . I h o p p e d in a taxi a n d h e a d e d i n t o M a n h a t t a n .

T h i r t y m i n u t e s later, I w a l k e d i n t o t h e l o b b y o f t h e E m p i r e State Building. I m u s t have l o o k e d like a h o m e l e s s k i d , w i t h my t a t t e r e d c l o t h e s a n d my s c r a p e d - u p face. I h a d n ' t s l e p t in at least twenty-four hours. I w e n t u p t o t h e g u a r d a t t h e f r o n t d e s k a n d said, " S i x hundredth floor." He was r e a d i n g a h u g e b o o k w i t h a p i c t u r e of a w i z a r d o n t h e f r o n t . I wasn't m u c h i n t o fantasy, b u t t h e b o o k must've been good, because the guard t o o k a while to l o o k up. " N o such f l o o r , kiddo." "I need an audience with Zeus." H e gave m e a v a c a n t smile. " S o r r y ? " "You heard me." I was a b o u t to d e c i d e t h i s g u y was just a r e g u l a r m o r t a l , a n d I'd b e t t e r r u n for i t b e f o r e h e called t h e straitjacket patrol,

when

he

said,

"No

appointment,

no

audience,

k i d d o . L o r d Z e u s d o e s n ' t see a n y o n e u n a n n o u n c e d . " " O h , I t h i n k he'll m a k e a n exception." I s l i p p e d o f f m y backpack and unzipped the top.

[336]

T h e g u a r d l o o k e d inside a t t h e m e t a l cylinder, n o t gett i n g w h a t it was for a few s e c o n d s . T h e n his face w e n t p a l e . " T h a t isn't . . ." "Yes, it is," I p r o m i s e d . " Y o u w a n t me take it o u t a n d — " " N o ! N o ! " H e s c r a m b l e d o u t o f his seat,

fumbled

a r o u n d his d e s k for a key card, t h e n h a n d e d i t t o m e . " I n s e r t t h i s i n t h e s e c u r i t y slot. M a k e s u r e n o b o d y else i s i n t h e elev a t o r w i t h you." I d i d a s h e t o l d m e . A s s o o n a s t h e elevator d o o r s closed, I s l i p p e d t h e key i n t o t h e slot. T h e c a r d d i s a p p e a r e d a n d a new b u t t o n appeared on the console, a red one that said 600. I p r e s s e d it a n d w a i t e d , a n d w a i t e d . M u z a k played. " R a i n d r o p s k e e p falling on my h e a d . . . ." Finally, ding. T h e d o o r s slid o p e n . I s t e p p e d o u t a n d a l m o s t h a d a h e a r t attack. I was s t a n d i n g on a n a r r o w s t o n e w a l k w a y in t h e m i d dle o f t h e air. Below m e was M a n h a t t a n , f r o m t h e h e i g h t o f an airplane. In front of me, white marble steps w o u n d up t h e s p i n e o f a c l o u d , i n t o t h e sky. M y eyes followed t h e stairway t o its e n d , w h e r e m y b r a i n j u s t c o u l d n o t a c c e p t w h a t I saw. L o o k again, m y b r a i n said. W e ' r e l o o k i n g , m y eyes i n s i s t e d . It's really t h e r e . F r o m the t o p of the clouds rose the decapitated peak of a m o u n t a i n , its s u m m i t covered w i t h snow. C l i n g i n g t o t h e m o u n t a i n s i d e were d o z e n s o f m u l t i l e v e l e d p a l a c e s — a city of m a n s i o n s — a l l with white-columned porticos, gilded t e r r a c e s , a n d b r o n z e b r a z i e r s g l o w i n g w i t h a t h o u s a n d fires.

[337]

R o a d s w o u n d crazily u p t o t h e p e a k , w h e r e t h e largest palace g l e a m e d a g a i n s t t h e snow. P r e c a r i o u s l y p e r c h e d gard e n s b l o o m e d w i t h olive trees a n d r o s e b u s h e s . I c o u l d m a k e o u t an open-air market filled with colorful tents, a stone a m p h i t h e a t e r b u i l t o n o n e side o f t h e m o u n t a i n , a h i p p o d r o m e a n d a c o l i s e u m o n t h e o t h e r . I t was a n A n c i e n t G r e e k city, except it wasn't in r u i n s . It was new, a n d clean, a n d c o l orful, t h e way A t h e n s m u s t ' v e l o o k e d twenty-five h u n d r e d years ago. T h i s p l a c e can't b e h e r e , I t o l d myself. T h e t i p o f a m o u n t a i n h a n g i n g over N e w Y o r k C i t y like a b i l l i o n - t o n asteroid? H o w c o u l d s o m e t h i n g like t h a t b e a n c h o r e d above the E m p i r e State Building, in plain sight of millions of people, a n d n o t get noticed? B u t h e r e it was. A n d h e r e I was. M y t r i p t h r o u g h O l y m p u s was a d a z e . I p a s s e d s o m e giggling w o o d n y m p h s w h o t h r e w olives a t m e f r o m t h e i r g a r d e n . H a w k e r s i n t h e m a r k e t offered t o sell m e a m b r o s i a o n - a - s t i c k , a n d a n e w shield, a n d a g e n u i n e glitter-weave r e p l i c a o f t h e G o l d e n Fleece, a s seen o n H e p h a e s t u s - T V T h e n i n e m u s e s were t u n i n g t h e i r i n s t r u m e n t s for a c o n c e r t in the p a r k while a small crowd gathered—satyrs and naiads a n d a b u n c h o f g o o d - l o o k i n g teenagers w h o m i g h t ' v e b e e n m i n o r gods and goddesses. N o b o d y seemed worried about an i m p e n d i n g civil war. In fact, e v e r y b o d y s e e m e d in a festive m o o d . Several o f t h e m t u r n e d t o w a t c h m e p a s s , a n d whispered to themselves. I c l i m b e d t h e m a i n r o a d , t o w a r d t h e b i g palace a t t h e p e a k . I t was a reverse c o p y o f t h e p a l a c e i n t h e U n d e r w o r l d .

[338]

T h e r e , e v e r y t h i n g h a d b e e n b l a c k a n d b r o n z e . H e r e , everyt h i n g g l i t t e r e d w h i t e a n d silver. I r e a l i z e d H a d e s m u s t ' v e b u i l t his palace t o r e s e m b l e t h i s o n e . H e wasn't w e l c o m e d i n O l y m p u s except o n t h e w i n t e r solstice,

so

he'd

b u i l t his

own

Olympus

underground.

D e s p i t e my b a d experience w i t h h i m , I felt a little s o r r y for t h e guy. T o b e b a n i s h e d f r o m t h i s p l a c e s e e m e d really unfair. It w o u l d make anybody bitter. Steps led up to a central courtyard. Past that, the throne room. Room really isn't t h e r i g h t w o r d . T h e p l a c e m a d e G r a n d C e n t r a l S t a t i o n l o o k like a b r o o m closet. M a s s i v e c o l u m n s r o s e t o a d o m e d ceiling, w h i c h was g i l d e d w i t h m o v i n g c o n stellations. Twelve t h r o n e s , b u i l t for b e i n g s t h e size o f H a d e s , were a r r a n g e d i n a n i n v e r t e d U , j u s t like t h e c a b i n s a t C a m p Half-Blood.

An

enormous

fire

crackled

in

the

central

h e a r t h pit. T h e t h r o n e s were e m p t y except for t w o a t t h e e n d : t h e h e a d t h r o n e o n t h e r i g h t , a n d t h e o n e t o its i m m e d i a t e left. I d i d n ' t have t o b e t o l d w h o t h e t w o g o d s were t h a t were s i t t i n g t h e r e , w a i t i n g for m e t o a p p r o a c h . I c a m e t o w a r d t h e m , m y legs t r e m b l i n g . T h e g o d s were i n g i a n t h u m a n f o r m , a s H a d e s h a d b e e n , b u t I c o u l d barely l o o k at t h e m w i t h o u t feeling a tingle, a s i f m y b o d y were s t a r t i n g t o b u r n . Z e u s , t h e L o r d o f t h e G o d s , w o r e a d a r k b l u e p i n s t r i p e d suit. H e sat o n a simple throne of solid platinum. He h a d a well-trimmed b e a r d , m a r b l e d gray a n d b l a c k like a s t o r m c l o u d . H i s face was p r o u d a n d h a n d s o m e a n d g r i m , h i s eyes r a i n y gray.

[339]

A s I g o t n e a r e r t o h i m , t h e air c r a c k l e d a n d s m e l l e d o f ozone. T h e g o d s i t t i n g n e x t t o h i m was h i s b r o t h e r , w i t h o u t a d o u b t , b u t h e was d r e s s e d very differently. H e r e m i n d e d m e o f a b e a c h c o m b e r f r o m Key W e s t . H e w o r e l e a t h e r s a n d a l s , khaki Bermuda shorts, and a T o m m y Bahama shirt with c o c o n u t s a n d p a r r o t s all over it. H i s s k i n was d e e p l y t a n n e d , his h a n d s s c a r r e d like a n o l d - t i m e f i s h e r m a n ' s . H i s h a i r was black, like m i n e . H i s face h a d t h a t s a m e b r o o d i n g l o o k t h a t h a d always g o t t e n m e b r a n d e d a rebel. B u t h i s eyes, seag r e e n like m i n e , were s u r r o u n d e d b y s u n - c r i n k l e s t h a t t o l d m e h e s m i l e d a lot, t o o . H i s t h r o n e was a d e e p - s e a fisherman's chair. It was t h e s i m p l e swiveling k i n d , w i t h a black l e a t h e r seat a n d a b u i l t in h o l s t e r for a fishing p o l e . I n s t e a d of a p o l e , t h e h o l s t e r h e l d a b r o n z e t r i d e n t , flickering w i t h g r e e n l i g h t a r o u n d t h e tips. T h e g o d s weren't m o v i n g o r s p e a k i n g , b u t t h e r e was t e n s i o n in t h e air, as if they'd j u s t finished an a r g u m e n t . I a p p r o a c h e d t h e f i s h e r m a n ' s t h r o n e a n d k n e l t a t his feet. " F a t h e r . " I d a r e d n o t l o o k u p . M y h e a r t was r a c i n g . I c o u l d feel t h e e n e r g y e m a n a t i n g f r o m t h e t w o g o d s . I f I said the w r o n g thing, I h a d no d o u b t they could blast me i n t o dust. T o m y left, Z e u s s p o k e . " S h o u l d y o u n o t a d d r e s s t h e master of this house first, boy?" I kept my head down, a n d waited. "Peace, b r o t h e r , " P o s e i d o n f i n a l l y said. H i s voice s t i r r e d my o l d e s t m e m o r i e s : t h a t w a r m glow I r e m e m b e r e d as a

[340]

baby, t h e s e n s a t i o n o f t h i s god's h a n d o n m y f o r e h e a d . " T h e b o y defers t o h i s father. T h i s i s o n l y right." " Y o u still claim h i m t h e n ? " Z e u s asked, m e n a c i n g l y . " Y o u claim t h i s child w h o m y o u sired a g a i n s t o u r sacred oath?" "I

have

admitted

my

wrongdoing,"

Poseidon

said.

" N o w I w o u l d h e a r h i m speak." Wrongdoing. A l u m p w e l l e d up in my t h r o a t . W a s t h a t all I was? A wrongdoing? T h e result of a god's mistake? "I

have

spared h i m

once

already,"

Zeus

grumbled.

" D a r i n g to fly t h r o u g h my d o m a i n . . . p a h ! I s h o u l d have b l a s t e d h i m o u t o f t h e sky for h i s i m p u d e n c e . " " A n d risk d e s t r o y i n g y o u r o w n m a s t e r b o l t ? " P o s e i d o n a s k e d calmly. " L e t u s h e a r h i m o u t , b r o t h e r . " Z e u s g r u m b l e d s o m e m o r e . " I shall listen," h e d e c i d e d . " T h e n I shall m a k e u p m y m i n d w h e t h e r o r n o t t o cast t h i s boy down from Olympus." "Perseus," P o s e i d o n said. " L o o k a t m e . " I d i d , a n d I wasn't sure w h a t I saw in h i s face. T h e r e was n o clear sign o f love o r a p p r o v a l . N o t h i n g t o e n c o u r a g e m e . I t was like l o o k i n g a t t h e o c e a n : s o m e days, y o u c o u l d tell w h a t m o o d i t was in. M o s t days, t h o u g h , i t was u n r e a d a b l e , mysterious. I g o t t h e feeling P o s e i d o n really d i d n ' t k n o w w h a t t o t h i n k o f m e . H e d i d n ' t k n o w w h e t h e r h e was h a p p y t o have me as a s o n or n o t . In a s t r a n g e way, I was g l a d t h a t P o s e i d o n was s o d i s t a n t . I f he'd t r i e d t o a p o l o g i z e , o r t o l d me he loved m e , or even s m i l e d , it w o u l d ' v e felt fake. L i k e a

[341]

h u m a n d a d , m a k i n g s o m e l a m e excuse for n o t b e i n g a r o u n d . I c o u l d live w i t h t h a t . A f t e r all, I wasn't sure a b o u t h i m yet, either. ' A d d r e s s L o r d Z e u s , boy," P o s e i d o n t o l d m e . " T e l l h i m y o u r story." So I t o l d Z e u s e v e r y t h i n g , just as it h a d h a p p e n e d . I t o o k o u t t h e m e t a l cylinder, w h i c h b e g a n s p a r k i n g i n t h e S k y G o d ' s p r e s e n c e , a n d l a i d i t a t his feet. T h e r e was a l o n g silence, b r o k e n o n l y b y t h e crackle o f t h e h e a r t h fire. Z e u s o p e n e d h i s p a l m . T h e l i g h t n i n g b o l t flew i n t o it. A s h e c l o s e d his fist, t h e m e t a l l i c p o i n t s flared w i t h electricity, u n t i l h e was h o l d i n g w h a t l o o k e d m o r e like t h e classic t h u n d e r b o l t , a t w e n t y - f o o t javelin of arcing, h i s s i n g e n e r g y t h a t m a d e t h e hairs o n m y s c a l p rise. " I sense t h e b o y tells t h e t r u t h , " Z e u s m u t t e r e d . " B u t t h a t Ares would do such a thing . . . it is m o s t unlike him." " H e i s p r o u d a n d impulsive," P o s e i d o n said. " I t r u n s i n t h e family." " L o r d ? " I asked. T h e y b o t h said, "Yes?" "Ares d i d n ' t act a l o n e . S o m e o n e e l s e — s o m e t h i n g e l s e — c a m e u p w i t h t h e idea." I d e s c r i b e d m y d r e a m s , a n d t h e feeling I'd h a d o n t h e b e a c h , t h a t m o m e n t a r y b r e a t h o f evil t h a t h a d s e e m e d t o s t o p t h e w o r l d , a n d m a d e A r e s b a c k o f f f r o m killing me. " I n t h e d r e a m s , " I said, " t h e voice t o l d m e t o b r i n g t h e b o l t t o t h e U n d e r w o r l d . A r e s h i n t e d t h a t he'd b e e n h a v i n g

[342]

d r e a m s , t o o . I t h i n k he was b e i n g u s e d , j u s t as I was, to s t a r t a war." " Y o u are a c c u s i n g H a d e s , after all?" Z e u s asked. " N o , " I said. " I m e a n , L o r d Z e u s , I've b e e n i n t h e p r e s e n c e o f H a d e s . T h i s feeling o n t h e b e a c h was different. I t was t h e s a m e t h i n g I felt w h e n I g o t close to t h a t p i t . T h a t was t h e e n t r a n c e t o T a r t a r u s , wasn't it? S o m e t h i n g p o w e r f u l a n d evil is s t i r r i n g d o w n t h e r e . . . s o m e t h i n g even older t h a n the gods." P o s e i d o n a n d Z e u s l o o k e d a t each o t h e r . T h e y h a d a quick, intense discussion in Ancient Greek. I only caught o n e w o r d . Father. Poseidon m a d e some kind of suggestion, b u t Z e u s c u t h i m off. P o s e i d o n t r i e d t o argue. Z e u s h e l d u p his h a n d angrily. " W e will s p e a k o f t h i s n o m o r e , " Z e u s said. " I m u s t g o p e r s o n a l l y t o p u r i f y this t h u n d e r b o l t i n t h e waters o f L e m n o s , t o r e m o v e t h e h u m a n t a i n t f r o m its metal." He rose a n d looked at me. H i s expression softened just a f r a c t i o n of a d e g r e e . " Y o u have d o n e me a service, boy. F e w h e r o e s c o u l d have a c c o m p l i s h e d a s m u c h . " "I h a d help,

sir," I said.

"Grover U n d e r w o o d and

Annabeth Chase—" " T o s h o w y o u my t h a n k s , I shall s p a r e y o u r life. I do n o t t r u s t y o u , P e r s e u s J a c k s o n . I d o n o t like w h a t y o u r arrival m e a n s for t h e f u t u r e o f O l y m p u s . B u t for t h e sake o f p e a c e in t h e family, I shall let y o u live." " U m . . . t h a n k y o u , sir." " D o n o t p r e s u m e t o fly again. D o n o t let m e find y o u

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h e r e w h e n I r e t u r n . O t h e r w i s e y o u shall taste t h i s b o l t . A n d it shall be y o u r last s e n s a t i o n . " T h u n d e r s h o o k the palace. W i t h a blinding flash of l i g h t n i n g , Z e u s was g o n e . I was a l o n e i n t h e t h r o n e r o o m w i t h m y father. " Y o u r uncle," P o s e i d o n sighed, " h a s always h a d a flair for d r a m a t i c exits. I t h i n k h e w o u l d ' v e d o n e well a s t h e g o d o f theater." A n u n c o m f o r t a b l e silence. "Sir," I said, " w h a t was in t h a t p i t ? " Poseidon regarded me. " H a v e you n o t guessed?" " K r o n o s , " I said. " T h e k i n g o f t h e T i t a n s . " E v e n i n t h e t h r o n e r o o m o f O l y m p u s , far away f r o m T a r t a r u s , t h e n a m e Kronos d a r k e n e d t h e r o o m , m a d e t h e h e a r t h fire seem n o t quite so w a r m on my back. P o s e i d o n g r i p p e d his t r i d e n t . " I n t h e F i r s t W a r , Percy, Z e u s c u t o u r father K r o n o s i n t o a t h o u s a n d pieces, j u s t a s K r o n o s h a d d o n e t o his o w n father, O u r a n o s . Z e u s cast Kronos's remains into the darkest pit of Tartarus. T h e T i t a n army

was

scattered,

their

mountain

fortress

on

Etna

d e s t r o y e d , t h e i r m o n s t r o u s allies driven t o t h e f a r t h e s t c o r n e r s o f t h e e a r t h . A n d yet T i t a n s c a n n o t die, any m o r e t h a n we g o d s can. W h a t e v e r is left of K r o n o s is still alive in s o m e h i d e o u s way, still c o n s c i o u s in his e t e r n a l p a i n , still h u n g e r i n g for power." " H e ' s healing," I said. " H e ' s c o m i n g back." P o s e i d o n s h o o k his h e a d . " F r o m t i m e t o t i m e , over t h e e o n s , K r o n o s h a s s t i r r e d . H e e n t e r s men's n i g h t m a r e s a n d b r e a t h e s evil t h o u g h t s . H e w a k e n s restless m o n s t e r s f r o m

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t h e d e p t h s . B u t t o suggest h e c o u l d rise f r o m t h e p i t i s a n o t h e r thing." " T h a t ' s w h a t h e i n t e n d s , F a t h e r . T h a t ' s w h a t h e said." P o s e i d o n was silent for a l o n g t i m e . " L o r d Z e u s h a s c l o s e d d i s c u s s i o n o n this m a t t e r . H e will n o t allow t a l k o f K r o n o s . Y o u have c o m p l e t e d y o u r q u e s t , child. T h a t i s all y o u n e e d t o do." " B u t — " I s t o p p e d myself. A r g u i n g w o u l d d o n o g o o d . I t w o u l d very p o s s i b l y a n g e r t h e o n l y g o d w h o I h a d o n m y side. "As . . . a s y o u w i s h , Father." A faint s m i l e p l a y e d o n his l i p s . " O b e d i e n c e d o e s n o t c o m e n a t u r a l l y t o you, d o e s it?" " N o . . . sir." " I m u s t take s o m e b l a m e for t h a t , I s u p p o s e . T h e sea d o e s n o t like t o b e restrained." H e rose t o his full h e i g h t a n d t o o k u p his t r i d e n t . T h e n h e s h i m m e r e d a n d b e c a m e t h e size o f a regular m a n , s t a n d i n g directly i n f r o n t o f m e . " Y o u m u s t go, child. B u t first, k n o w t h a t y o u r m o t h e r has returned." I stared at him, completely stunned. " M y mother?" " Y o u will find h e r a t h o m e . H a d e s s e n t h e r w h e n y o u recovered his h e l m . E v e n t h e L o r d o f D e a t h pays h i s d e b t s . " M y h e a r t was p o u n d i n g . I c o u l d n ' t believe it. " D o y o u . . . w o u l d y o u . . ." I w a n t e d t o ask i f P o s e i d o n w o u l d c o m e w i t h m e t o see her, b u t t h e n I realized t h a t was r i d i c u l o u s . I i m a g i n e d l o a d ing t h e G o d o f t h e Sea i n t o a taxi a n d t a k i n g h i m t o t h e U p p e r E a s t S i d e . I f he'd w a n t e d t o see m y m o m all t h e s e years, h e w o u l d have. A n d t h e r e was S m e l l y G a b e t o t h i n k about.

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P o s e i d o n ' s eyes t o o k o n a little s a d n e s s . " W h e n y o u r e t u r n h o m e , Percy, y o u m u s t m a k e a n i m p o r t a n t c h o i c e . Y o u will find a p a c k a g e w a i t i n g in y o u r r o o m . " "A p a c k a g e ? " " Y o u will u n d e r s t a n d w h e n y o u see it. N o o n e can c h o o s e y o u r p a t h , Percy. Y o u m u s t decide." I n o d d e d , t h o u g h I didn't k n o w what he meant. " Y o u r m o t h e r i s a q u e e n a m o n g w o m e n , " P o s e i d o n said wistfully. " I h a d n o t m e t s u c h a m o r t a l w o m a n i n a t h o u s a n d years. Still . . . I a m s o r r y y o u were b o r n , child. I have b r o u g h t y o u a hero's fate, a n d a hero's fate is never h a p p y . It is never a n y t h i n g b u t tragic." I t r i e d n o t t o feel h u r t . H e r e was m y o w n d a d , telling m e h e was s o r r y I'd b e e n b o r n . " I d o n ' t m i n d , Father." " N o t yet, p e r h a p s , " h e said. " N o t yet. B u t i t was a n unforgivable m i s t a k e o n m y p a r t . " "I'll leave y o u then." I b o w e d awkwardly. " I — I w o n ' t b o t h e r y o u again." I was five s t e p s away w h e n he called, "Perseus." I turned. T h e r e was a different l i g h t in h i s eyes, a fiery k i n d of p r i d e . " Y o u d i d well, P e r s e u s . D o n o t m i s u n d e r s t a n d m e . W h a t e v e r else y o u d o , k n o w t h a t y o u are m i n e . Y o u are a t r u e s o n o f t h e Sea G o d . " A s I w a l k e d b a c k t h r o u g h t h e city o f t h e g o d s , conversations stopped. T h e muses paused their concert. People a n d satyrs a n d n a i a d s all t u r n e d t o w a r d m e , t h e i r faces f i l l e d w i t h r e s p e c t a n d g r a t i t u d e , a n d as I p a s s e d , t h e y k n e l t , as if I were s o m e k i n d o f h e r o .

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Fifteen m i n u t e s later, still in a t r a n c e , I was b a c k on t h e streets o f M a n h a t t a n . I c a u g h t a taxi t o m y m o m ' s a p a r t m e n t , r a n g t h e d o o r bell, a n d t h e r e s h e w a s — m y b e a u t i f u l m o t h e r , s m e l l i n g o f p e p p e r m i n t a n d licorice, t h e weariness a n d w o r r y e v a p o r a t ing f r o m h e r face as s o o n as she saw m e . "Percy! O h , t h a n k g o o d n e s s . O h , m y baby." S h e c r u s h e d t h e air r i g h t o u t o f m e . W e s t o o d i n t h e hallway a s s h e cried a n d r a n h e r h a n d s t h r o u g h m y hair. I'll a d m i t i t — m y eyes were a little misty, t o o . I was s h a k i n g , I was so relieved to see her. S h e t o l d m e she'd just a p p e a r e d a t t h e a p a r t m e n t t h a t m o r n i n g , scaring G a b e half o u t of his wits. She didn't r e m e m b e r a n y t h i n g since t h e M i n o t a u r , a n d c o u l d n ' t believe it w h e n G a b e t o l d h e r I was a w a n t e d c r i m i n a l , traveling across t h e c o u n t r y , b l o w i n g u p n a t i o n a l m o n u m e n t s . She'd b e e n g o i n g o u t o f h e r m i n d w i t h w o r r y all d a y b e c a u s e s h e h a d n ' t h e a r d t h e n e w s . G a b e h a d forced h e r t o g o i n t o w o r k , saying she h a d a m o n t h ' s salary t o m a k e u p a n d she'd b e t t e r get s t a r t e d . I swallowed b a c k m y anger a n d t o l d h e r m y o w n story. I t r i e d t o m a k e i t s o u n d less scary t h a n i t h a d b e e n , b u t t h a t wasn't easy. I was j u s t g e t t i n g to t h e fight w i t h A r e s w h e n G a b e ' s voice i n t e r r u p t e d f r o m t h e living r o o m . " H e y , Sally! T h a t m e a t l o a f d o n e yet o r w h a t ? " S h e c l o s e d h e r eyes. " H e isn't g o i n g t o b e h a p p y t o see you, Percy. T h e s t o r e g o t h a l f a m i l l i o n p h o n e calls t o d a y f r o m L o s A n g e l e s . . . s o m e t h i n g a b o u t free a p p l i a n c e s . "

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" O h , yeah. A b o u t t h a t . . ." She managed

a weak

smile.

"Just

don't make h i m

angrier, all right? C o m e on." I n t h e m o n t h I'd b e e n g o n e , t h e a p a r t m e n t h a d t u r n e d i n t o G a b e l a n d . G a r b a g e was a n k l e d e e p o n t h e c a r p e t . T h e sofa h a d b e e n r e u p h o l s t e r e d i n b e e r cans. D i r t y s o c k s a n d underwear hung off the lampshades. G a b e a n d t h r e e o f his b i g g o o n y friends were p l a y i n g poker at the table. W h e n G a b e saw m e , his cigar d r o p p e d o u t o f h i s m o u t h . H i s face g o t r e d d e r t h a n lava. " Y o u g o t nerve c o m i n g here, y o u little p u n k . I t h o u g h t t h e p o l i c e — " " H e ' s n o t a fugitive after all," m y m o m i n t e r j e c t e d . "Isn't that wonderful, Gabe?" G a b e looked back and forth between us. He didn't seem t o t h i n k m y h o m e c o m i n g was s o w o n d e r f u l . " B a d e n o u g h I h a d to give b a c k y o u r life i n s u r a n c e m o n e y , Sally," h e g r o w l e d . " G e t m e t h e p h o n e . I'll call t h e cops." "Gabe, no!" H e r a i s e d h i s eyebrows. " D i d y o u just say ' n o ' ? Y o u t h i n k I ' m g o n n a p u t u p w i t h this p u n k again? I c a n still press charges against h i m for r u i n i n g m y C a m a r o . " "But—" H e raised his h a n d , a n d m y m o t h e r f l i n c h e d . F o r t h e first t i m e , I realized s o m e t h i n g . G a b e h a d h i t m y m o t h e r . I d i d n ' t k n o w w h e n , o r h o w m u c h . B u t I was sure he'd d o n e it. M a y b e i t h a d b e e n g o i n g o n for years, w h e n I wasn't a r o u n d .

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A b a l l o o n of a n g e r s t a r t e d e x p a n d i n g in my chest. I c a m e t o w a r d G a b e , instinctively t a k i n g m y p e n o u t o f m y pocket. H e just l a u g h e d . " W h a t , p u n k ? Y o u g o n n a w r i t e o n me? Y o u t o u c h m e , a n d y o u are g o i n g t o jail forever, y o u u n d e r stand?" " H e y , G a b e , " his f r i e n d E d d i e i n t e r r u p t e d . " H e ' s j u s t a kid." G a b e l o o k e d a t h i m resentfully a n d m i m i c k e d i n a falsetto voice: "Just a kid." H i s o t h e r friends l a u g h e d like i d i o t s . "I'll b e nice t o you, p u n k . " G a b e s h o w e d m e his t o b a c c o s t a i n e d t e e t h . "I'll give y o u five m i n u t e s t o get y o u r s t u f f a n d clear o u t . A f t e r t h a t , I call t h e police." "Gabe!" my m o t h e r pleaded. " H e r a n away," G a b e t o l d her. " L e t h i m stay gone." I was i t c h i n g to u n c a p R i p t i d e , b u t even if I d i d , t h e b l a d e w o u l d n ' t h u r t h u m a n s . A n d G a b e , b y t h e l o o s e s t defi n i t i o n , was h u m a n . My mother took my arm.

"Please, Percy. C o m e o n .

We'll go to your room." I let h e r p u l l me away, my h a n d s still t r e m b l i n g w i t h rage. M y r o o m h a d b e e n c o m p l e t e l y filled w i t h G a b e ' s j u n k . T h e r e were stacks o f u s e d car b a t t e r i e s , a r o t t i n g b o u q u e t o f s y m p a t h y flowers w i t h a card f r o m s o m e b o d y w h o ' d seen h i s B a r b a r a W a l t e r s interview. " G a b e i s j u s t u p s e t , honey," m y m o t h e r t o l d m e . " I ' l l t a l k t o h i m later. I ' m sure i t will w o r k out."

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" M o m , it'll never w o r k o u t . N o t a s l o n g a s G a b e ' s here." S h e w r u n g h e r h a n d s nervously. "I can . . . I'll t a k e y o u t o w o r k w i t h m e for t h e rest o f t h e s u m m e r . I n t h e fall, m a y b e there's a n o t h e r b o a r d i n g s c h o o l — " "Mom." S h e l o w e r e d h e r eyes. " I ' m t r y i n g , Percy. I j u s t . . . I n e e d s o m e time." A p a c k a g e a p p e a r e d on my b e d . At least, I could've sworn it hadn't been there a m o m e n t before. I t was a b a t t e r e d c a r d b o a r d b o x a b o u t t h e r i g h t size t o fit a b a s k e t b a l l . T h e a d d r e s s o n t h e m a i l i n g slip was i n m y own handwriting:

O v e r t h e t o p i n black m a r k e r , i n a man's clear, b o l d p r i n t , was t h e a d d r e s s o f o u r a p a r t m e n t , a n d t h e w o r d s : R E T U R N T O SENDER.

Suddenly I understood what Poseidon had told me on Olympus. A package. A decision. Whatever else you do, know that you are mine. You are a true son of the Sea God.

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I looked at my mother.

" M o m , do you want Gabe

gone?" "Percy, i t isn't t h a t s i m p l e . I — " " M o m , j u s t tell m e . T h a t jerk has b e e n h i t t i n g y o u . D o you want him gone or not?" S h e h e s i t a t e d , t h e n n o d d e d a l m o s t i m p e r c e p t i b l y . "Yes, Percy. I d o . A n d I ' m t r y i n g t o get u p m y c o u r a g e t o tell h i m . B u t y o u can't d o t h i s for m e . Y o u can't solve m y p r o b l e m s . " I l o o k e d at t h e b o x . I could solve h e r p r o b l e m . I w a n t e d to slice t h a t p a c k a g e o p e n , p l o p i t o n t h e p o k e r table, a n d t a k e o u t w h a t was inside. I c o u l d s t a r t m y very o w n s t a t u e g a r d e n , r i g h t t h e r e i n t h e living r o o m . T h a t ' s what a Greek hero w o u l d do in the stories, I t h o u g h t . T h a t ' s w h a t G a b e deserves. B u t a hero's s t o r y always e n d e d in tragedy. P o s e i d o n h a d told me that. I r e m e m b e r e d the U n d e r w o r l d . I t h o u g h t a b o u t Gabe's s p i r i t d r i f t i n g forever i n t h e F i e l d s o f A s p h o d e l , o r c o n d e m n e d t o s o m e h i d e o u s t o r t u r e b e h i n d t h e b a r b e d wire o f the Fields of P u n i s h m e n t — a n eternal poker game, sitting u p t o h i s waist i n b o i l i n g oil l i s t e n i n g t o o p e r a m u s i c . D i d I have t h e r i g h t t o s e n d s o m e o n e there? E v e n G a b e ? A m o n t h ago, I w o u l d n ' t have h e s i t a t e d . N o w . . . " I c a n d o it," I t o l d m y m o m . " O n e l o o k inside t h i s b o x , a n d he'll never b o t h e r y o u again." She glanced at the package, a n d seemed to u n d e r s t a n d i m m e d i a t e l y . " N o , Percy," she said, s t e p p i n g away. " Y o u can't.

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" P o s e i d o n called y o u a queen," I t o l d her. " H e s a i d he h a d n ' t m e t a w o m a n like y o u in a t h o u s a n d years." H e r cheeks f l u s h e d . " P e r c y — " " Y o u deserve b e t t e r t h a n t h i s , M o m . Y o u s h o u l d g o t o college, get y o u r d e g r e e . Y o u c a n w r i t e y o u r novel, m e e t a n i c e g u y m a y b e , live i n a n i c e h o u s e . Y o u d o n ' t n e e d t o p r o t e c t m e a n y m o r e b y staying w i t h G a b e . L e t m e get r i d o f him." S h e w i p e d a t e a r o f f h e r cheek. " Y o u s o u n d s o m u c h like y o u r father," s h e said. " H e offered t o s t o p t h e t i d e for m e o n c e . H e offered t o b u i l d m e a p a l a c e a t t h e b o t t o m o f t h e sea. H e t h o u g h t h e c o u l d solve all m y p r o b l e m s w i t h a wave o f his h a n d . " "What's wrong with that?" H e r m u l t i c o l o r e d eyes s e e m e d t o search i n s i d e m e . " I t h i n k y o u k n o w , Percy. I t h i n k you're e n o u g h like m e t o u n d e r s t a n d . I f m y life i s g o i n g t o m e a n a n y t h i n g , I have t o live i t myself. I can't let a g o d t a k e care o f m e . . . o r m y s o n . I have to . . . find t h e c o u r a g e on my o w n . Y o u r q u e s t h a s r e m i n d e d m e o f that." W e l i s t e n e d t o t h e s o u n d o f p o k e r c h i p s a n d swearing, E S P N f r o m t h e living r o o m television. "I'll leave t h e box," I said. " I f he t h r e a t e n s y o u . . ." S h e l o o k e d pale, b u t s h e n o d d e d . " W h e r e will y o u go, Percy?" "Half-Blood Hill." " F o r t h e s u m m e r . . . o r forever?" " I guess t h a t d e p e n d s . " W e l o c k e d eyes, a n d I s e n s e d t h a t w e h a d a n a g r e e m e n t .

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W e w o u l d see h o w t h i n g s s t o o d a t t h e e n d o f t h e s u m m e r . S h e k i s s e d my f o r e h e a d . " Y o u ' l l be a h e r o , Percy. Y o u ' l l b e t h e g r e a t e s t o f all." I t o o k o n e last l o o k a r o u n d my b e d r o o m . I h a d a feeling I ' d never see i t again. T h e n I w a l k e d w i t h m y m o t h e r t o the front door. " L e a v i n g s o s o o n , p u n k ? " G a b e called after m e . " G o o d riddance." I h a d o n e last t w i n g e o f d o u b t . H o w c o u l d I t u r n d o w n t h e perfect c h a n c e to t a k e revenge on h i m ? I was leaving h e r e w i t h o u t saving m y m o t h e r . " H e y , Sally," h e yelled.

" W h a t a b o u t t h a t m e a t loaf,

huh?" A steely l o o k of a n g e r flared in my m o t h e r ' s eyes, a n d I t h o u g h t , just m a y b e , I was leaving h e r in g o o d h a n d s after all. H e r o w n . " T h e m e a t l o a f i s c o m i n g r i g h t u p , dear," she t o l d G a b e . " M e a t l o a f surprise." She looked at me, and winked. T h e last t h i n g I saw a s t h e d o o r s w u n g c l o s e d was m y m o t h e r s t a r i n g a t G a b e , a s i f s h e were c o n t e m p l a t i n g h o w he w o u l d l o o k as a g a r d e n s t a t u e .

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W e were t h e f i r s t h e r o e s t o r e t u r n alive t o H a l f - B l o o d H i l l since L u k e , s o o f c o u r s e e v e r y b o d y t r e a t e d u s a s i f w e d w o n some reality-TV contest. According to camp tradition, we w o r e laurel w r e a t h s t o a b i g feast p r e p a r e d i n o u r h o n o r , t h e n led a procession d o w n to the bonfire, where we got to b u r n t h e b u r i a l s h r o u d s o u r c a b i n s h a d m a d e for u s i n o u r absence. A n n a b e t h ' s s h r o u d was s o b e a u t i f u l — g r a y silk w i t h embroidered o w l s — I told her it seemed a shame n o t to b u r y h e r i n it. S h e p u n c h e d m e a n d t o l d m e t o s h u t u p . Being t h e s o n o f P o s e i d o n , I d i d n ' t have any c a b i n mates, so t h e Ares cabin h a d volunteered to make my s h r o u d . T h e y ' d t a k e n a n o l d b e d s h e e t a n d p a i n t e d smiley faces w i t h X ' e d - o u t eyes a r o u n d t h e b o r d e r , a n d t h e w o r d LOSER p a i n t e d really b i g i n t h e m i d d l e . I t was f u n t o b u r n . A s A p o l l o ' s c a b i n led t h e s i n g - a l o n g a n d p a s s e d o u t s ' m o r e s , I was s u r r o u n d e d b y m y o l d H e r m e s c a b i n m a t e s , A n n a b e t h ' s friends f r o m A t h e n a , a n d Grover's satyr b u d d i e s , w h o were a d m i r i n g t h e b r a n d - n e w searcher's license he'd received f r o m t h e C o u n c i l o f C l o v e n E l d e r s . T h e c o u n c i l h a d called Grover's p e r f o r m a n c e o n t h e q u e s t "Brave t o t h e

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p o i n t o f i n d i g e s t i o n . H o r n s - a n d - w h i s k e r s above a n y t h i n g we have seen in t h e past." T h e o n l y o n e s n o t i n a p a r t y m o o d were Clarisse a n d h e r c a b i n m a t e s , w h o s e p o i s o n o u s l o o k s t o l d m e t h e y ' d never forgive m e for d i s g r a c i n g t h e i r d a d . T h a t was o k a y w i t h m e . E v e n D i o n y s u s ' s w e l c o m e - h o m e s p e e c h wasn't e n o u g h t o d a m p e n m y s p i r i t s . "Yes, yes, s o t h e little b r a t d i d n ' t get h i m s e l f k i l l e d a n d n o w he'll have a n even b i g g e r h e a d . W e l l , h u z z a h for t h a t . I n o t h e r a n n o u n c e m e n t s , t h e r e will b e n o c a n o e races t h i s S a t u r d a y . . . ." I m o v e d b a c k i n t o c a b i n t h r e e , b u t it d i d n ' t feel so lonely a n y m o r e . I h a d m y friends t o t r a i n w i t h d u r i n g t h e day. At n i g h t , I lay awake a n d l i s t e n e d to t h e sea, k n o w i n g m y father was o u t t h e r e . M a y b e h e wasn't q u i t e s u r e a b o u t m e yet, m a y b e h e h a d n ' t even w a n t e d m e b o r n , b u t h e was w a t c h i n g . A n d s o far, h e was p r o u d o f w h a t I'd d o n e . As for my m o t h e r , she h a d a c h a n c e at a n e w life. H e r letter a r r i v e d a w e e k after I g o t b a c k t o c a m p . S h e t o l d m e G a b e h a d left m y s t e r i o u s l y — d i s a p p e a r e d o f f t h e face o f t h e p l a n e t , i n fact. S h e ' d r e p o r t e d h i m m i s s i n g t o t h e p o l i c e , b u t s h e h a d a f u n n y feeling t h e y w o u l d never find h i m . O n a c o m p l e t e l y u n r e l a t e d subject, she'd s o l d h e r first life-size c o n c r e t e s c u l p t u r e , e n t i t l e d The Poker Player, to a collector, t h r o u g h a n a r t gallery i n S o h o . She'd g o t t e n s o m u c h m o n e y for it, s h e d p u t a d e p o s i t d o w n o n a n e w apartment and made

a p a y m e n t o n h e r first semester's

t u i t i o n a t N Y U . T h e S o h o gallery was c l a m o r i n g for m o r e

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o f h e r w o r k , w h i c h t h e y called " a h u g e s t e p f o r w a r d i n super-ugly neorealism." But don't worry, my m o m w r o t e . I'm done with sculpture. I've disposed of that box of tools you left me. It's time for me to turn to writing. At t h e b o t t o m , she w r o t e a P.S.: Percy, I've found a good private school here in the city. I've put a deposit down to hold you a spot, in case you want to enroll for seventh grade. You could live at home. But if you want to go year-round at Half-Blood Hill, I'll understand. I f o l d e d t h e n o t e carefully a n d set it on my b e d s i d e t a b l e . E v e r y n i g h t b e f o r e I w e n t to sleep, I r e a d it again, a n d I t r i e d t o d e c i d e h o w t o answer her.

O n t h e F o u r t h o f July, t h e w h o l e c a m p g a t h e r e d a t t h e beach

for

a

fireworks

display

by

cabin

nine.

Being

H e p h a e s t u s ' s k i d s , t h e y weren't g o i n g to settle for a few lame

red-white-and-blue

explosions. T h e y ' d

anchored

a

b a r g e o f f s h o r e a n d l o a d e d i t w i t h r o c k e t s t h e size o f P a t r i o t missiles. A c c o r d i n g t o A n n a b e t h ,

w h o ' d seen t h e s h o w

before, t h e blasts w o u l d b e s e q u e n c e d s o t i g h t l y they'd l o o k like frames o f a n i m a t i o n across t h e sky. T h e f i n a l e was s u p posed to be a couple of hundred-foot-tall Spartan warriors w h o w o u l d crackle to life above t h e ocean, fight a b a t t l e , then explode into a million colors. As A n n a b e t h a n d I were s p r e a d i n g a p i c n i c b l a n k e t , G r o v e r s h o w e d u p t o tell u s g o o d - b y e . H e was d r e s s e d i n his u s u a l jeans a n d T - s h i r t a n d sneakers, b u t i n t h e last few weeks he'd s t a r t e d t o l o o k older, a l m o s t h i g h - s c h o o l age. H i s g o a t e e h a d g o t t e n thicker. H e ' d p u t o n weight. H i s

[356]

h o r n s h a d g r o w n a t least a n i n c h , s o h e n o w h a d t o wear h i s r a s t a c a p all t h e t i m e t o pass a s h u m a n . " I ' m off," he said. "I j u s t c a m e to say . . . well, y o u know." I t r i e d to feel h a p p y for h i m . A f t e r all, it wasn't every d a y a satyr g o t p e r m i s s i o n t o g o l o o k for t h e g r e a t g o d P a n . B u t it was h a r d saying g o o d - b y e . I'd o n l y k n o w n G r o v e r a year, yet h e was m y o l d e s t friend. A n n a b e t h gave h i m a h u g . S h e t o l d h i m t o k e e p his fake feet o n . I a s k e d h i m w h e r e he was g o i n g to search first. " K i n d o f a secret," h e said, l o o k i n g e m b a r r a s s e d .

"I

w i s h y o u c o u l d c o m e w i t h m e , guys, b u t h u m a n s a n d P a n . . ." " W e u n d e r s t a n d , " A n n a b e t h said. " Y o u g o t e n o u g h t i n c a n s for t h e t r i p ? " "Yeah." "And you remembered your reed pipes?" "Jeez, A n n a b e t h , " h e g r u m b l e d .

"You're like a n o l d

m a m a goat." B u t h e d i d n ' t really s o u n d a n n o y e d . H e g r i p p e d his w a l k i n g stick a n d s l u n g a b a c k p a c k over his s h o u l d e r . H e l o o k e d like any h i t c h h i k e r y o u m i g h t see o n a n A m e r i c a n h i g h w a y — n o t h i n g like t h e little r u n t y b o y I u s e d t o d e f e n d f r o m bullies a t Y a n c y A c a d e m y . " W e l l , " h e said, " w i s h m e luck." H e gave A n n a b e t h a n o t h e r h u g . H e c l a p p e d m e o n t h e shoulder, then headed back t h r o u g h the dunes. F i r e w o r k s e x p l o d e d t o life overhead: H e r c u l e s killing

[357]

the

Nemean

lion,

Artemis

chasing

the

boar,

George

W a s h i n g t o n ( w h o , b y t h e way, was a s o n o f A t h e n a ) c r o s s ing the Delaware. " H e y , Grover," I called. H e t u r n e d a t the edge o f the w o o d s . " W h e r e v e r you're g o i n g — I h o p e t h e y m a k e g o o d e n c h i ladas." G r o v e r g r i n n e d , a n d t h e n h e was g o n e , t h e trees closing around him. " W e ' l l see h i m again," A n n a b e t h said. I t r i e d t o believe it. T h e fact t h a t n o searcher h a d ever c o m e b a c k in t w o t h o u s a n d years . . . well, I d e c i d e d n o t to t h i n k a b o u t t h a t . G r o v e r w o u l d b e t h e first. H e h a d t o b e .

July p a s s e d . I s p e n t my days devising n e w strategies for c a p t u r e - t h e flag a n d m a k i n g alliances w i t h t h e o t h e r c a b i n s t o k e e p t h e b a n n e r o u t o f Ares's h a n d s . I g o t t o t h e t o p o f t h e c l i m b i n g wall for t h e first t i m e w i t h o u t g e t t i n g s c o r c h e d b y lava. F r o m t i m e t o t i m e , I'd walk p a s t t h e Big H o u s e , glance up at the attic windows, a n d think a b o u t the Oracle. I tried t o c o n v i n c e m y s e l f t h a t its p r o p h e c y h a d c o m e t o c o m p l e tion. You shall go west, and face the god who has turned. Been t h e r e , d o n e t h a t — e v e n t h o u g h t h e t r a i t o r g o d h a d t u r n e d o u t to be Ares rather t h a n H a d e s . You shall find what was stolen, and see it safe returned. C h e c k . O n e m a s t e r b o l t delivered. O n e h e l m o f d a r k ness b a c k o n H a d e s ' s oily h e a d .

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You shall he betrayed by one who calls you a friend. T h i s line still b o t h e r e d m e . Ares h a d p r e t e n d e d t o b e m y friend, t h e n b e t r a y e d m e . T h a t m u s t b e w h a t t h e O r a c l e meant. . . . And you shall fail to save what matters most, in the end. I had failed t o save m y m o m , b u t o n l y b e c a u s e I d let h e r save herself, a n d I k n e w t h a t was t h e r i g h t t h i n g . So why was I still uneasy?

T h e last n i g h t o f t h e s u m m e r session c a m e all t o o quickly. T h e c a m p e r s h a d o n e last m e a l t o g e t h e r . W e b u r n e d p a r t o f o u r d i n n e r for t h e g o d s . A t t h e b o n f i r e , t h e s e n i o r counselors awarded the end-of-summer beads. I g o t m y o w n l e a t h e r necklace, a n d w h e n I saw t h e b e a d for my first s u m m e r , I was g l a d t h e firelight covered my b l u s h i n g . T h e d e s i g n was p i t c h black, w i t h a sea-green t r i d e n t s h i m m e r i n g i n t h e center. " T h e c h o i c e was u n a n i m o u s , " L u k e a n n o u n c e d . " T h i s b e a d c o m m e m o r a t e s t h e f i r s t S o n o f t h e Sea G o d a t t h i s camp, and the quest he u n d e r t o o k into the darkest part of t h e U n d e r w o r l d t o s t o p a war!" T h e entire c a m p g o t t o t h e i r feet a n d cheered. E v e n Ares's c a b i n felt o b l i g e d t o s t a n d . A t h e n a ' s c a b i n s t e e r e d A n n a b e t h t o t h e f r o n t s o she c o u l d s h a r e i n t h e a p p l a u s e . I ' m n o t sure I'd ever felt as h a p p y or s a d as I d i d at t h a t m o m e n t . I'd f i n a l l y f o u n d a family, p e o p l e w h o c a r e d a b o u t m e a n d t h o u g h t I'd d o n e s o m e t h i n g r i g h t . A n d i n t h e m o r n ing, m o s t o f t h e m w o u l d b e leaving for t h e year. * *

*

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T h e n e x t m o r n i n g , I f o u n d a f o r m letter o n m y b e d s i d e table. I k n e w D i o n y s u s m u s t ' v e filled i t o u t , b e c a u s e h e s t u b bornly insisted on getting my n a m e wrong:

Dear

Peter J o h n s o n

,

If you intend to stay at C a m p Half-Blood yearround, you m u s t inform the Big H o u s e by n o o n today. If you do not a n n o u n c e your intentions, we will a s s u m e you have vacated your cabin or died a horrible death. Cleaning harpies will begin w o r k at sundown. T h e y will be authorized to eat any unregistered c a m p e r s . All personal articles left behind will be incinerated in the lava pit. Have a nice day! Mr. D (Dionysus) C a m p Director, O l y m p i a n Council # 1 2

That's

another thing

about

ADHD.

Deadlines just

aren't real t o m e u n t i l I ' m s t a r i n g o n e i n t h e face. S u m m e r was over, a n d I still h a d n ' t a n s w e r e d my m o t h e r , or t h e c a m p , a b o u t w h e t h e r I'd be staying. N o w I h a d o n l y a few hours to decide. T h e d e c i s i o n s h o u l d have b e e n easy. I m e a n ,

nine

m o n t h s of hero training or nine m o n t h s of sitting in a classroom—duh. B u t t h e r e was m y m o m t o c o n s i d e r . F o r t h e f i r s t t i m e , I h a d t h e c h a n c e to live w i t h h e r for a w h o l e year, w i t h o u t G a b e . I h a d a c h a n c e b e a t h o m e a n d k n o c k a r o u n d t h e city

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i n m y free t i m e . I r e m e m b e r e d w h a t A n n a b e t h h a d s a i d s o l o n g ago on o u r q u e s t : The real world is where the monsters are. That's where you learn whether you're any good or not. I t h o u g h t a b o u t t h e fate o f T h a l i a , d a u g h t e r o f Z e u s . I w o n d e r e d h o w m a n y m o n s t e r s w o u l d a t t a c k m e i f I left H a l f - B l o o d H i l l . If I stayed in o n e p l a c e for a w h o l e s c h o o l year, w i t h o u t C h i r o n o r m y friends a r o u n d t o h e l p m e , w o u l d m y m o t h e r a n d I even survive u n t i l t h e n e x t s u m m e r ? T h a t was a s s u m i n g t h e s p e l l i n g tests a n d f i v e - p a r a g r a p h essays d i d n ' t kill m e . I d e c i d e d I'd g o d o w n t o t h e arena a n d d o s o m e s w o r d p r a c t i c e . M a y b e t h a t w o u l d clear m y head. T h e c a m p g r o u n d s were m o s t l y d e s e r t e d , s h i m m e r i n g i n t h e A u g u s t h e a t . All t h e c a m p e r s were i n t h e i r c a b i n s p a c k ing up, or r u n n i n g a r o u n d with b r o o m s and m o p s , getting r e a d y for f i n a l i n s p e c t i o n . A r g u s was h e l p i n g s o m e o f t h e A p h r o d i t e k i d s h a u l t h e i r G u c c i suitcases a n d m a k e u p k i t s over t h e hill, w h e r e t h e c a m p ' s s h u t t l e b u s w o u l d b e w a i t i n g t o take t h e m t o t h e a i r p o r t . D o n ' t t h i n k a b o u t leaving yet, I t o l d myself. J u s t t r a i n . I g o t t o t h e s w o r d - f i g h t e r s arena a n d f o u n d t h a t L u k e h a d h a d t h e s a m e idea. H i s g y m b a g was p l o p p e d a t t h e e d g e o f t h e stage. H e was w o r k i n g solo, w h a l i n g o n b a t t l e d u m m i e s w i t h a s w o r d I'd never seen before. It m u s t ' v e b e e n a r e g u l a r steel b l a d e , b e c a u s e he was slashing t h e d u m m i e s ' h e a d s r i g h t off, s t a b b i n g t h r o u g h t h e i r s t r a w - s t u f f e d g u t s . H i s o r a n g e c o u n s e l o r ' s s h i r t was d r i p p i n g w i t h sweat. H i s e x p r e s s i o n was so i n t e n s e , his life m i g h t ' v e really b e e n in d a n g e r . I w a t c h e d , fascinated, as he d i s e m b o w e l e d t h e w h o l e

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r o w o f d u m m i e s , h a c k i n g o f f l i m b s a n d basically r e d u c i n g t h e m t o a pile o f s t r a w a n d a r m o r . T h e y were o n l y d u m m i e s , b u t I still c o u l d n ' t h e l p b e i n g a w e d b y Luke's skill. T h e g u y was a n i n c r e d i b l e fighter. I t m a d e m e w o n d e r , again, h o w h e p o s s i b l y could've failed a t his q u e s t . Finally, h e saw m e , a n d s t o p p e d m i d - s w i n g . "Percy." " U m , sorry," I said, e m b a r r a s s e d . " I j u s t — " "It's okay," h e said, l o w e r i n g his s w o r d . " J u s t d o i n g s o m e l a s t - m i n u t e practice." "Those

dummies

won't be

bothering

anybody

any-

more." L u k e s h r u g g e d . " W e b u i l d n e w o n e s every s u m m e r . " N o w t h a t his s w o r d wasn't s w i r l i n g a r o u n d , I c o u l d see s o m e t h i n g o d d a b o u t it. T h e b l a d e was t w o different t y p e s o f m e t a l — o n e e d g e b r o n z e , t h e o t h e r steel. L u k e n o t i c e d m e l o o k i n g a t it. " O h , this? N e w toy. T h i s is Backbiter." "Backbiter?" L u k e t u r n e d t h e blade i n t h e light s o i t g l i n t e d wickedly. " O n e s i d e i s celestial b r o n z e . T h e o t h e r i s t e m p e r e d steel. Works on mortals and immortals both." I t h o u g h t about what Chiron had told me when I s t a r t e d m y q u e s t — t h a t a h e r o s h o u l d never h a r m m o r t a l s u n l e s s a b s o l u t e l y necessary. " I d i d n ' t k n o w t h e y c o u l d m a k e w e a p o n s like that." " They p r o b a b l y can't," L u k e agreed. "It's o n e of a k i n d . " H e gave m e a t i n y smile, t h e n slid t h e s w o r d i n t o its s c a b b a r d . " L i s t e n , I was g o i n g t o c o m e l o o k i n g for y o u . [362]

W h a t d o y o u say w e g o d o w n t o t h e w o o d s o n e last t i m e , l o o k for s o m e t h i n g t o fight?" I d o n ' t k n o w w h y I h e s i t a t e d . I s h o u l d ' v e felt relieved t h a t L u k e was b e i n g s o friendly. E v e r s i n c e I'd g o t t e n b a c k f r o m t h e q u e s t , he'd b e e n a c t i n g a little d i s t a n t . I was afraid h e m i g h t r e s e n t m e for all t h e a t t e n t i o n I'd g o t t e n . " Y o u t h i n k it's a g o o d idea?" I asked. "I m e a n — " "Aw, c o m e on." H e r u m m a g e d i n his g y m b a g a n d p u l l e d o u t a six-pack o f C o k e s . " D r i n k s are o n m e . " I s t a r e d a t t h e C o k e s , w o n d e r i n g w h e r e t h e h e c k he'd g o t t e n t h e m . T h e r e were n o r e g u l a r m o r t a l s o d a s a t t h e c a m p s t o r e . N o way t o s m u g g l e t h e m i n unless y o u t a l k e d to a satyr, m a y b e . O f c o u r s e , t h e m a g i c d i n n e r g o b l e t s w o u l d fill w i t h a n y t h i n g y o u w a n t , b u t it j u s t d i d n ' t t a s t e t h e s a m e as a real C o k e , s t r a i g h t o u t o f t h e can. S u g a r a n d caffeine. M y w i l l p o w e r c r u m b l e d . "Sure," I d e c i d e d . " W h y n o t ? " W e w a l k e d d o w n t o t h e w o o d s a n d k i c k e d a r o u n d for s o m e k i n d o f m o n s t e r t o fight, b u t i t was t o o h o t . All t h e m o n s t e r s w i t h any sense m u s t ' v e b e e n t a k i n g siestas i n t h e i r n i c e c o o l caves. W e f o u n d a s h a d y s p o t b y t h e creek w h e r e I'd b r o k e n Clarisse's s p e a r d u r i n g m y first c a p t u r e t h e flag g a m e . W e sat on a big rock, drank our Cokes, and watched the sunlight in the woods. After a w h i l e L u k e said, " Y o u m i s s b e i n g on a q u e s t ? " " W i t h m o n s t e r s a t t a c k i n g m e every t h r e e feet? A r e y o u kidding?"

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L u k e raised a n eyebrow. "Yeah, I m i s s it," I a d m i t t e d . " Y o u ? " A s h a d o w p a s s e d over h i s face. I was u s e d t o h e a r i n g f r o m t h e girls h o w g o o d - l o o k i n g L u k e was, b u t a t t h e m o m e n t , h e l o o k e d weary, a n d angry, a n d n o t a t all h a n d s o m e . H i s b l o n d h a i r was gray i n t h e s u n l i g h t . T h e scar o n h i s face l o o k e d d e e p e r t h a n u s u a l . I could imagine h i m as an old man. "I've lived at H a l f - B l o o d H i l l y e a r - r o u n d since I was f o u r t e e n , " h e t o l d m e . " E v e r since T h a l i a . . . well, y o u k n o w . I t r a i n e d , a n d t r a i n e d , a n d t r a i n e d . I never g o t to be a n o r m a l teenager, o u t t h e r e i n t h e real w o r l d . T h e n t h e y t h r e w m e o n e q u e s t , a n d w h e n I c a m e back, i t was like, O k a y , ride's over. H a v e a nice life.'" H e c r u m p l e d his C o k e can a n d t h r e w i n t o t h e creek, w h i c h really s h o c k e d m e . O n e o f t h e first t h i n g s y o u l e a r n a t C a m p H a l f - B l o o d is: D o n ' t litter. You'll h e a r f r o m t h e n y m p h s a n d t h e n a i a d s . T h e y ' l l get even. Y o u ' l l crawl i n t o b e d o n e n i g h t a n d find y o u r sheets filled w i t h c e n t i p e d e s and mud. " T h e h e c k w i t h laurel wreaths," L u k e said. " I ' m n o t g o i n g t o e n d u p like t h o s e d u s t y t r o p h i e s i n t h e Big H o u s e attic." " Y o u m a k e i t s o u n d like you're leaving." L u k e gave m e a t w i s t e d smile. " O h , I ' m leaving, all right, Percy. I b r o u g h t y o u d o w n h e r e to say g o o d - b y e . " He s n a p p e d h i s fingers. A s m a l l fire b u r n e d a h o l e in t h e g r o u n d a t m y feet. O u t c r a w l e d s o m e t h i n g g l i s t e n i n g black, a b o u t t h e size o f m y h a n d . A s c o r p i o n .

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I started to go for my pen. "I wouldn't," Luke cautioned. "Pit scorpions can j u m p u p t o f i f t e e n feet. Its s t i n g e r c a n pierce r i g h t t h r o u g h y o u r c l o t h e s . Y o u ' l l b e d e a d i n sixty s e c o n d s . " "Luke, w h a t — " T h e n it hit me. You will be betrayed by one who calls you a friend. "You," I said. H e s t o o d calmly a n d b r u s h e d o f f h i s jeans. T h e s c o r p i o n p a i d h i m n o a t t e n t i o n . I t k e p t its b e a d y black eyes o n m e , c l a m p i n g its p i n c e r s a s i t c r a w l e d o n t o m y shoe. "I saw a l o t o u t t h e r e in t h e w o r l d , Percy," L u k e said. " D i d n ' t y o u feel i t — t h e d a r k n e s s g a t h e r i n g , t h e m o n s t e r s g r o w i n g stronger? D i d n ' t y o u realize h o w useless it all is? A l l the heroics—being pawns of the gods. T h e y should've been o v e r t h r o w n t h o u s a n d s o f years ago, b u t they've h u n g o n , thanks to us half-bloods." I c o u l d n ' t believe t h i s was h a p p e n i n g . " L u k e . . . you're t a l k i n g a b o u t o u r p a r e n t s , " I said. H e l a u g h e d . " T h a t ' s s u p p o s e d t o m a k e m e love t h e m ? T h e i r p r e c i o u s ' W e s t e r n civilization is a disease, Percy. It's k i l l i n g t h e w o r l d . T h e o n l y way t o s t o p i t i s t o b u r n i t t o t h e g r o u n d , s t a r t over w i t h s o m e t h i n g m o r e h o n e s t . " "You're as crazy as Ares." H i s eyes flared. "Ares is a fool. He never realized t h e t r u e m a s t e r he was serving. If I h a d t i m e , Percy, I c o u l d explain. B u t I ' m afraid y o u w o n ' t live t h a t long." T h e s c o r p i o n c r a w l e d o n t o m y p a n t s leg.

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T h e r e h a d t o b e a way o u t o f t h i s . I n e e d e d t i m e t o think. " K r o n o s , " I said. " T h a t ' s w h o y o u serve." T h e air g o t colder. " Y o u s h o u l d b e careful w i t h n a m e s , " L u k e w a r n e d . " K r o n o s g o t y o u t o steal t h e m a s t e r b o l t a n d t h e h e l m . He spoke to you in your dreams." Luke's eye t w i t c h e d . " H e s p o k e t o y o u , t o o , Percy. Y o u s h o u l d ' v e listened." " H e ' s b r a i n w a s h i n g you, Luke." "You're w r o n g . H e s h o w e d m e t h a t m y t a l e n t s are b e i n g w a s t e d . Y o u k n o w w h a t m y q u e s t was t w o years ago, Percy? M y father, H e r m e s , w a n t e d m e t o steal a g o l d e n a p p l e f r o m the Garden of the Hesperides and return it to Olympus. A f t e r all t h e t r a i n i n g I'd d o n e , that was t h e b e s t he c o u l d t h i n k up." " T h a t ' s n o t an easy quest," I said. " H e r c u l e s d i d it." "Exactly," L u k e said. " W h e r e ' s t h e g l o r y i n r e p e a t i n g w h a t o t h e r s have d o n e ? A l l t h e g o d s k n o w h o w t o d o i s replay t h e i r p a s t . M y h e a r t wasn't i n it. T h e d r a g o n i n t h e g a r d e n gave m e t h i s " — h e p o i n t e d angrily a t his s c a r — " a n d w h e n I c a m e b a c k , all I g o t was pity. I w a n t e d to p u l l O l y m p u s down stone by stone right then, but I bided my t i m e . I b e g a n t o d r e a m o f K r o n o s . H e c o n v i n c e d m e t o steal s o m e t h i n g w o r t h w h i l e , s o m e t h i n g n o h e r o h a d ever h a d t h e c o u r a g e t o t a k e . W h e n w e w e n t o n t h a t w i n t e r - s o l s t i c e field t r i p , w h i l e t h e o t h e r c a m p e r s were asleep, I s n u c k i n t o t h e t h r o n e r o o m and t o o k Zeus's master b o l t right from his chair. H a d e s ' s h e l m o f d a r k n e s s , t o o . Y o u w o u l d n ' t believe

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h o w easy i t was. T h e O l y m p i a n s are s o a r r o g a n t ; t h e y never d r e a m e d s o m e o n e w o u l d d a r e steal f r o m t h e m . T h e i r s e c u r i t y is h o r r i b l e . I was halfway across N e w Jersey before I heard the s t o r m s r u m b l i n g , a n d I k n e w they'd discovered my theft." T h e s c o r p i o n was s i t t i n g o n m y k n e e now, s t a r i n g a t m e w i t h its g l i t t e r i n g eyes. I t r i e d to k e e p my voice level. " S o why didn't you bring the items to Kronos?" Luke's s m i l e wavered. " I . . . I g o t o v e r c o n f i d e n t . Z e u s s e n t o u t his s o n s a n d d a u g h t e r s t o find t h e s t o l e n b o l t — A r t e m i s , A p o l l o , m y father, H e r m e s . B u t i t was Ares w h o c a u g h t m e . I c o u l d have b e a t e n h i m , b u t I wasn't careful enough. H e d i s a r m e d me, t o o k the items o f power, threate n e d t o r e t u r n t h e m t o O l y m p u s a n d b u r n m e alive. T h e n K r o n o s ' s voice c a m e t o m e a n d t o l d m e w h a t t o say. I p u t t h e i d e a i n Ares's h e a d a b o u t a g r e a t war b e t w e e n t h e g o d s . I said all he h a d to do was h i d e t h e i t e m s away for a w h i l e a n d w a t c h t h e o t h e r s fight. A r e s g o t a w i c k e d g l e a m i n h i s eyes. I k n e w h e was h o o k e d . H e let m e g o , a n d I r e t u r n e d t o O l y m p u s b e f o r e a n y o n e n o t i c e d m y absence." L u k e d r e w his n e w s w o r d . H e r a n h i s t h u m b d o w n t h e flat o f t h e b l a d e , a s i f h e were h y p n o t i z e d b y its b e a u t y . "Afterward, t h e L o r d o f t h e T i t a n s . . . h - h e p u n i s h e d me w i t h n i g h t m a r e s . I s w o r e n o t t o fail again. Back a t C a m p H a l f - B l o o d , i n m y d r e a m s , I was t o l d t h a t a s e c o n d h e r o w o u l d arrive, o n e w h o c o u l d b e t r i c k e d i n t o t a k i n g t h e b o l t a n d t h e h e l m t h e rest o f t h e w a y — f r o m Ares d o w n to Tartarus." " You s u m m o n e d t h e h e l l h o u n d , t h a t n i g h t in t h e forest." " W e h a d t o m a k e C h i r o n t h i n k t h e c a m p wasn't safe for

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you, so he would start you on your quest. We h a d to conf i r m his fears t h a t H a d e s was after y o u . A n d i t w o r k e d . " " T h e flying s h o e s were cursed," I said. " T h e y were s u p posed to drag me and the backpack into Tartarus." " A n d t h e y w o u l d have, i f y o u ' d b e e n w e a r i n g t h e m . B u t y o u gave t h e m t o t h e satyr, w h i c h wasn't p a r t o f t h e p l a n . G r o v e r m e s s e s u p e v e r y t h i n g h e t o u c h e s . H e even c o n f u s e d t h e curse." L u k e l o o k e d d o w n a t t h e s c o r p i o n , w h i c h was n o w sitt i n g o n m y t h i g h . " Y o u s h o u l d have d i e d i n T a r t a r u s , Percy. B u t d o n ' t w o r r y , I'll leave y o u w i t h m y little f r i e n d t o set t h i n g s right." " T h a l i a gave h e r life to save you," I said, g r i t t i n g my teeth. "And this is h o w you repay her?" " D o n ' t speak of Thalia!" he shouted. " T h e gods ht her die! T h a t ' s o n e o f t h e m a n y t h i n g s t h e y will p a y for." "You're b e i n g u s e d , L u k e . Y o u a n d Ares b o t h . D o n ' t listen to Kronos." "I've b e e n u s e d ? " Luke's voice t u r n e d shrill. " L o o k a t yourself. W h a t has y o u r d a d ever d o n e for you? K r o n o s will rise. You've

only

delayed

his

plans.

He

will

cast

the

O l y m p i a n s i n t o T a r t a r u s a n d drive h u m a n i t y b a c k t o t h e i r caves. A l l except t h e s t r o n g e s t — t h e o n e s w h o serve h i m . " " C a l l o f f t h e b u g , " I said. " I f you're s o s t r o n g , f i g h t m e yourself." L u k e s m i l e d . " N i c e try, Percy. B u t I ' m n o t A r e s . Y o u can't b a i t m e . M y l o r d i s w a i t i n g , a n d he's g o t p l e n t y o f q u e s t s for m e t o u n d e r t a k e . " "Luke—"

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" G o o d - b y e , Percy. T h e r e i s a n e w G o l d e n A g e c o m i n g . Y o u w o n ' t b e p a r t o f it." H e s l a s h e d h i s s w o r d i n a n arc a n d d i s a p p e a r e d i n a r i p ple of darkness. T h e scorpion lunged. I s w a t t e d i t away w i t h m y h a n d a n d u n c a p p e d m y s w o r d . T h e thing j u m p e d at me and I cut it in half in midair. I was a b o u t to c o n g r a t u l a t e m y s e l f u n t i l I l o o k e d d o w n a t m y h a n d . M y p a l m h a d a h u g e r e d welt, o o z i n g a n d s m o k i n g w i t h yellow g u c k . T h e t h i n g h a d g o t t e n m e after all. M y ears p o u n d e d . M y vision w e n t foggy. T h e water, I t h o u g h t . I t h e a l e d m e before. I s t u m b l e d t o t h e creek a n d s u b m e r g e d m y h a n d , b u t n o t h i n g s e e m e d t o h a p p e n . T h e p o i s o n was t o o s t r o n g . M y vision was getting dark. I c o u l d barely s t a n d u p . Sixty seconds, Luke had t o l d m e . I h a d to get back to c a m p . If I c o l l a p s e d o u t here, my b o d y w o u l d b e d i n n e r for a m o n s t e r . N o b o d y w o u l d ever know what had happened. M y legs felt like lead. M y f o r e h e a d was b u r n i n g . I s t u m bled toward the camp, and the n y m p h s stirred from their trees. " H e l p , " I c r o a k e d . " P l e a s e . . ." Two

of

them

took my

arms,

pulling

me

along.

I

r e m e m b e r m a k i n g i t t o t h e clearing, a c o u n s e l o r s h o u t i n g for h e l p , a c e n t a u r b l o w i n g a c o n c h h o r n . T h e n e v e r y t h i n g w e n t black.

* * *

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I w o k e w i t h a d r i n k i n g s t r a w in my m o u t h . I was s i p p i n g s o m e t h i n g t h a t t a s t e d like l i q u i d c h o c o l a t e - c h i p c o o k i e s . Nectar. I o p e n e d my eyes. I was p r o p p e d u p i n b e d i n t h e s i c k r o o m o f t h e Big H o u s e , m y r i g h t h a n d b a n d a g e d like a club. A r g u s s t o o d g u a r d i n t h e c o r n e r . A n n a b e t h sat n e x t t o m e , h o l d i n g m y n e c t a r glass a n d d a b b i n g a w a s h c l o t h o n m y f o r e h e a d . " H e r e we are again," I said. " Y o u idiot," A n n a b e t h said, w h i c h is h o w I k n e w s h e was overjoyed t o see m e c o n s c i o u s . " Y o u were g r e e n a n d t u r n i n g g r a y w h e n w e f o u n d y o u . I f i t weren't for C h i r o n ' s h e a l i n g . . ." " N o w , now," C h i r o n ' s voice said. "Percy's c o n s t i t u t i o n deserves s o m e o f t h e credit." H e was s i t t i n g n e a r t h e f o o t o f m y b e d i n h u m a n f o r m , w h i c h was w h y I h a d n ' t n o t i c e d h i m yet. H i s lower h a l f was magically c o m p a c t e d i n t o t h e wheelchair, h i s u p p e r h a l f d r e s s e d i n a c o a t a n d tie. H e s m i l e d , b u t his face l o o k e d w e a r y a n d pale, t h e way i t d i d w h e n he'd b e e n u p all n i g h t grading Latin papers. " H o w are y o u feeling?" h e asked. " L i k e m y insides have b e e n frozen, t h e n microwaved." "Apt, c o n s i d e r i n g t h a t was p i t s c o r p i o n v e n o m . N o w y o u m u s t tell m e , i f y o u can, exactly w h a t h a p p e n e d . " B e t w e e n sips o f nectar, I t o l d t h e m t h e story. T h e r o o m was q u i e t for a l o n g t i m e . "I can't believe t h a t L u k e . . ." A n n a b e t h ' s voice faltered. H e r e x p r e s s i o n t u r n e d a n g r y a n d sad. "Yes. Yes, I can believe

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it. M a y t h e g o d s curse h i m . . . . He was never t h e s a m e after h i s quest." "This must be reported to Olympus," Chiron murm u r e d . " I will g o a t o n c e . " " L u k e is o u t t h e r e r i g h t now," I said. "I have to go after him." C h i r o n s h o o k his h e a d . " N o , Percy. T h e g o d s — " " W o n ' t even

talk

about Kronos," I

snapped.

"Zeus

d e c l a r e d t h e m a t t e r closed!" "Percy, I k n o w t h i s i s h a r d . B u t y o u m u s t n o t r u s h o u t for v e n g e a n c e . Y o u aren't ready." I d i d n ' t like it, b u t p a r t o f m e s u s p e c t e d C h i r o n was r i g h t . O n e l o o k a t m y h a n d , a n d I k n e w I wasn't g o i n g t o b e s w o r d fighting any t i m e s o o n . " C h i r o n . . . y o u r p r o p h e c y f r o m t h e O r a c l e . . . i t was a b o u t K r o n o s , wasn't it? W a s I i n it? A n d A n n a b e t h ? " C h i r o n g l a n c e d n e r v o u s l y at t h e ceiling. "Percy, it isn't my place—" "You've b e e n o r d e r e d n o t t o t a l k t o m e a b o u t it, haven't you? H i s eyes were s y m p a t h e t i c , b u t sad. " Y o u will b e a g r e a t h e r o , child. I will d o m y b e s t t o p r e p a r e y o u . B u t i f I ' m r i g h t a b o u t t h e p a t h a h e a d of y o u . . ." T h u n d e r b o o m e d overhead, r a t t l i n g t h e w i n d o w s . "All r i g h t ! " C h i r o n s h o u t e d . " F i n e ! " H e s i g h e d i n f r u s t r a t i o n . " T h e g o d s have t h e i r r e a s o n s , Percy. K n o w i n g t o o m u c h o f y o u r f u t u r e i s never a g o o d thing." " W e can't j u s t sit b a c k a n d d o n o t h i n g , " I said.

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"We will n o t sit back," C h i r o n p r o m i s e d . " B u t you m u s t b e careful. K r o n o s w a n t s y o u t o c o m e u n r a v e l e d . H e w a n t s y o u r life d i s r u p t e d , y o u r t h o u g h t s c l o u d e d w i t h fear a n d anger. D o n o t give h i m w h a t h e w a n t s . T r a i n patiently. Y o u r t i m e will c o m e . " " A s s u m i n g I live t h a t long." C h i r o n p u t his h a n d o n m y a n k l e . " Y o u ' l l have t o t r u s t m e , Percy. Y o u will live. B u t first y o u m u s t d e c i d e y o u r p a t h for t h e c o m i n g year. I c a n n o t tell y o u t h e r i g h t c h o i c e . . . ." I g o t t h e feeling t h a t h e h a d a very definite o p i n i o n , a n d i t was t a k i n g all h i s w i l l p o w e r n o t t o advise m e . " B u t y o u m u s t d e c i d e w h e t h e r t o stay a t C a m p H a l f - B l o o d yearr o u n d , o r r e t u r n t o t h e m o r t a l w o r l d for s e v e n t h g r a d e a n d b e a s u m m e r c a m p e r . T h i n k o n t h a t . W h e n I get b a c k f r o m O l y m p u s , y o u m u s t tell m e y o u r decision." I w a n t e d t o p r o t e s t . I w a n t e d t o ask h i m m o r e q u e s t i o n s . B u t h i s expression t o l d m e t h e r e c o u l d b e n o m o r e d i s c u s s i o n ; h e h a d said a s m u c h a s h e c o u l d . "I'll be b a c k as s o o n as I can," C h i r o n p r o m i s e d . "Argus will w a t c h over you." He glanced at A n n a b e t h . " O h , and, my dear . . . w h e n ever you're ready, they're here." " W h o ' s h e r e ? " I asked. N o b o d y answered. C h i r o n rolled himself o u t of the r o o m . I heard the wheels o f his chair c l u n k carefully d o w n t h e f r o n t s t e p s , t w o at a t i m e . A n n a b e t h s t u d i e d t h e ice i n m y d r i n k . " W h a t ' s w r o n g ? " I a s k e d her.

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" N o t h i n g . " S h e set t h e glass on t h e table. "I . . . j u s t t o o k y o u r advice a b o u t s o m e t h i n g . Y o u . . . u m . . . n e e d a n y thing?" "Yeah. H e l p m e u p . I w a n t t o g o o u t s i d e . " "Percy, t h a t isn't a g o o d idea." I slid my legs o u t of b e d . A n n a b e t h c a u g h t me before I c o u l d c r u m p l e t o t h e f l o o r . A wave o f n a u s e a r o l l e d over m e . A n n a b e t h said, "I t o l d y o u . . ." " I ' m fine," I insisted. I d i d n ' t w a n t to lie in b e d like an invalid w h i l e L u k e was o u t t h e r e p l a n n i n g t o d e s t r o y t h e Western world. I m a n a g e d a s t e p forward. T h e n a n o t h e r , still l e a n i n g heavily o n A n n a b e t h . A r g u s followed u s o u t s i d e , b u t h e k e p t his distance. B y t h e t i m e w e r e a c h e d t h e p o r c h , m y face was b e a d e d w i t h sweat. M y s t o m a c h h a d t w i s t e d i n t o k n o t s . B u t I h a d m a n a g e d t o m a k e i t all t h e way t o t h e railing. I t was d u s k . T h e c a m p l o o k e d c o m p l e t e l y d e s e r t e d . T h e c a b i n s were d a r k a n d t h e volleyball p i t silent. N o c a n o e s c u t t h e surface o f t h e lake. B e y o n d t h e w o o d s a n d t h e s t r a w b e r r y f i e l d s , t h e L o n g I s l a n d S o u n d g l i t t e r e d i n t h e last l i g h t of the sun. " W h a t are y o u g o i n g t o d o ? " A n n a b e t h a s k e d m e . " I d o n ' t know." I t o l d h e r I g o t t h e feeling C h i r o n w a n t e d m e t o stay year-round, to p u t in m o r e individual training time, b u t I wasn't sure that's w h a t I w a n t e d . I a d m i t t e d I'd feel b a d a b o u t leaving h e r a l o n e , t h o u g h , w i t h o n l y Clarisse for c o m pany. . . .

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A n n a b e t h p u r s e d h e r lips, t h e n s a i d quietly, " I ' m g o i n g h o m e f o r t h e year, Percy." I s t a r e d at her. " Y o u m e a n , to y o u r dad's?" S h e p o i n t e d t o w a r d t h e crest o f H a l f - B l o o d H i l l . N e x t t o T h a l i a ' s p i n e tree, a t t h e very edge o f t h e c a m p ' s m a g i c a l b o u n d a r i e s , a family s t o o d s i l h o u e t t e d — t w o little c h i l d r e n , a w o m a n , a n d a tall m a n w i t h b l o n d hair. T h e y s e e m e d t o b e w a i t i n g . T h e m a n was h o l d i n g a b a c k p a c k t h a t l o o k e d like

the

one

Annabeth had

gotten

from Waterland

in

Denver. " I w r o t e h i m a l e t t e r w h e n w e g o t back," A n n a b e t h said. " J u s t like y o u s u g g e s t e d . I t o l d h i m . . . I was s o r r y . I'd c o m e h o m e for t h e s c h o o l year i f h e still w a n t e d m e . H e w r o t e b a c k i m m e d i a t e l y . We d e c i d e d . . . we'd give it a n o t h e r try." " T h a t t o o k guts." S h e p u r s e d h e r lips.

"You won't try anything stupid

d u r i n g t h e s c h o o l year, will you? At least . . . n o t w i t h o u t sending me an Iris-message?" I m a n a g e d a smile. "I w o n ' t go l o o k i n g for t r o u b l e . I usually d o n ' t have to." " W h e n I get b a c k n e x t s u m m e r , " she said, "we'll h u n t d o w n L u k e . W e ' l l a s k for a q u e s t , b u t i f w e d o n ' t get a p p r o v a l , we'll s n e a k o f f a n d d o i t anyway. A g r e e d ? " " S o u n d s like a p l a n w o r t h y o f A t h e n a . " S h e h e l d o u t h e r h a n d . I s h o o k it. " T a k e care, S e a w e e d Brain," A n n a b e t h t o l d m e . " K e e p y o u r eyes o p e n . " " Y o u t o o , W i s e Girl." I w a t c h e d h e r w a l k u p t h e hill a n d j o i n h e r family. S h e

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gave h e r father a n a w k w a r d h u g a n d l o o k e d b a c k a t t h e valley o n e last t i m e . S h e t o u c h e d T h a l i a ' s p i n e tree, t h e n allowed h e r s e l f t o b e l e a d over t h e crest a n d i n t o t h e m o r t a l world. F o r t h e first t i m e at c a m p , I felt t r u l y a l o n e . I l o o k e d o u t a t L o n g I s l a n d S o u n d a n d I r e m e m b e r e d m y f a t h e r saying, The sea does not like to be restrained. I m a d e my decision. I

wondered,

if P o s e i d o n

were

watching,

would

he

a p p r o v e o f m y choice? "I'll be b a c k n e x t s u m m e r , " I p r o m i s e d h i m . "I'll survive u n t i l t h e n . A f t e r all, I am y o u r son." I a s k e d A r g u s to t a k e m e d o w n t o c a b i n t h r e e , s o I c o u l d p a c k m y b a g s for h o m e .

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ACKNOWLEDGMENTS

W i t h o u t t h e assistance of n u m e r o u s valiant h e l p e r s , I w o u l d have b e e n slain b y m o n s t e r s m a n y t i m e s over a s I e n d e a v o r e d t o b r i n g t h i s s t o r y t o p r i n t . Thanks t o m y elder s o n , H a l e y M i c h a e l , w h o h e a r d t h e s t o r y first; m y y o u n g e r s o n , P a t r i c k J o h n , w h o at t h e age of six is t h e level-

puts up w i t h m y m a n y l o n g hours at C a m p H a l f - B l o o d . Thanks also

h e a d e d o n e i n t h e family; a n d m y wife, Becky, w h o

t o m y cadre o f m i d d l e - s c h o o l b e t a testers: Travis Stoll, clever a n d q u i c k a s H e r m e s ; C . C . Kellogg, b e l o v e d a s A t h e n a ; A l l i s o n Bauer, clear-eyed a s A r t e m i s t h e H u n t r e s s ; a n d M r s . M a r g a r e t F l o y d , t h e wise a n d k i n d l y seer o f m i d d l e - s c h o o l E n g l i s h . M y a p p r e c i a t i o n also t o P r o f e s s o r E g b e r t J . Bakker,

classicist e x t r a o r d i n a i r e ; N a n c y Gallt,

a g e n t summa cum laude; J o n a t h a n B u r n h a m , Jennifer Besser, a n d S a r a h H u g h e s for believing i n Percy.

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