AlsobyRickRiordanPercyJacksonandtheOlympians,BookOne:

TheLightningThief

PercyJacksonandtheOlympians,BookTwo:

TheSeaofMonsters

PercyJacksonandtheOlympians,BookThree:

TheTitan’sCurse

PercyJacksonandtheOlympians,BookFour:

TheBattleoftheLabyrinth

PercyJacksonandtheOlympians,BookFive:

TheLastOlympian

TheKaneChronicles,BookOne:

TheRedPyramid

TheKaneChronicles,BookTwo:

TheThroneofFire

TheKaneChronicles,BookThree:

TheSerpent’sShadow

TheHeroesofOlympus,BookOne:

TheLostHero

TheHeroesofOlympus,BookTwo:

TheSonofNeptune

ACKNOWLEDGMENTS

ManythankstoSeánHemingway,curatorofGreekandRomanantiquitiesattheMetropolitanMuseumofArt,NewYork,forhelpingmefollowtheMarkofAthenatoits

source.

Copyright©2012byRickRiordan

Allrightsreserved.PublishedbyDisney•HyperionBooks,animprintofDisneyBookGroup.Nopartofthisbookmaybereproducedortransmittedinanyformorbyany

means,electronicormechanical,includingphotocopying,recording,orbyanyinformationstorageandretrievalsystem,withoutwrittenpermissionfromthepublisher.ForinformationaddressDisney•HyperionBooks,114FifthAvenue,NewYork,New

York10011-5690.

ISBN978-1-4231-5516-4

Visitwww.disneyhyperionbooks.com

Contents

AlsobyRickRiordanTitlePageCopyrightDedicationIIIIIIIVVVIVIIVIIIIXXXIXIIXIIIXIVXVXVIXVIIXVIIIXIXXXXXIXXIIXXIIIXXIVXXVXXVIXXVIIXXVIIIXXIXXXXXXXIXXXIIXXXIIIXXXIVXXXVXXXVIXXXVII

XXXVIIIXXXIXXLXLIXLIIXLIIIXLIVXLVXLVIXLVIIXLVIIIXLIXLLILIIGlossaryAbouttheAuthor

ToSpeedy

Straysandwanderersareoftensentbythegods.

UNTILSHEMETTHEEXPLODINGSTATUE,Annabeththoughtshewaspreparedforanything.

She’d paced the deck of their flying warship, the Argo II, checking and double-checkingtheballistaetomakesuretheywerelockeddown.Sheconfirmedthatthewhite“Wecomeinpeace”flagwasflyingfromthemast.Shereviewedtheplanwiththerestofthecrew—andthebackupplan,andthebackupplanforthebackupplan.

Most important, shepulled aside theirwar-crazedchaperone,CoachGleesonHedge,and encouraged him to take the morning off in his cabin and watch reruns of mixedmartial arts championships. The last thing they needed as they flew a magical Greektrireme into a potentially hostileRoman campwas amiddle-aged satyr in gym clotheswavingaclubandyelling“Die!”

Everythingseemedtobeinorder.Eventhatmysteriouschillshe’dbeenfeelingsincetheshiplaunchedhaddissipated,atleastfornow.

The warship descended through the clouds, but Annabeth couldn’t stop second-guessingherself.Whatifthiswasabadidea?WhatiftheRomanspanickedandattackedthemonsight?

TheArgo II definitely did not look friendly. Two hundred feet long,with a bronze-plated hull, mounted repeating crossbows fore and aft, a flaming metal dragon for afigurehead,and tworotatingballistaeamidships thatcould fireexplosiveboltspowerfulenough to blast through concrete…well, itwasn’t themost appropriate ride for ameet-and-greetwiththeneighbors.

AnnabethhadtriedtogivetheRomansaheads-up.She’daskedLeotosendoneofhisspecialinventions—aholographicscroll—toalerttheirfriendsinsidethecamp.Hopefullythemessagehadgottenthrough.Leohadwantedtopaintagiantmessageonthebottomof

thehull—WASSUP?withasmileyface—butAnnabethvetoedtheidea.Shewasn’tsuretheRomanshadasenseofhumor.

Toolatetoturnbacknow.

Thecloudsbrokearoundtheirhull,revealingthegold-and-greencarpetoftheOaklandHillsbelowthem.Annabethgrippedoneofthebronzeshieldsthatlinedthestarboardrail.

Herthreecrewmatestooktheirplaces.

Onthesternquarterdeck,Leorushedaroundlikeamadman,checkinghisgaugesandwrestlinglevers.Mosthelmsmenwould’vebeensatisfiedwithapilot’swheeloratiller.Leo had also installed a keyboard,monitor, aviation controls from aLearjet, a dubstepsoundboard,andmotion-controlsensorsfromaNintendoWii.Hecouldturntheshipbypullingonthethrottle,fireweaponsbysamplinganalbum,orraisesailsbyshakinghisWiicontrollersreallyfast.Evenbydemigodstandards,LeowasseriouslyADHD.

Piperpacedbackandforthbetweenthemainmastandtheballistae,practicingherlines.

“Loweryourweapons,”shemurmured.“Wejustwanttotalk.”

Hercharmspeakwassopowerful,thewordsflowedoverAnnabeth,fillingherwiththedesiretodropherdaggerandhaveanicelongchat.

For a child of Aphrodite, Piper tried hard to play down her beauty. Today shewasdressed in tattered jeans,worn-outsneakers,andawhite tank topwithpinkHelloKittydesigns.(Maybeasajoke,thoughAnnabethcouldneverbesurewithPiper.)Herchoppybrownhairwasbraideddowntherightsidewithaneagle’sfeather.

ThentherewasPiper’sboyfriend—Jason.Hestoodatthebowontheraisedcrossbowplatform,wheretheRomanscouldeasilyspothim.Hisknuckleswerewhiteonthehiltofhisgoldensword.Otherwisehelookedcalmforaguywhowasmakinghimselfatarget.Over his jeans and orange CampHalf-Blood T-shirt, he’d donned a toga and a purplecloak—symbolsofhisold rankaspraetor.Withhiswind-ruffledblondhair andhis icyblueeyes,helookedruggedlyhandsomeandincontrol—justlikeasonofJupitershould.He’dgrownupatCampJupiter,sohopefullyhisfamiliar facewouldmake theRomanshesitanttoblowtheshipoutofthesky.

Annabeth tried to hide it, but she still didn’t completely trust the guy.He acted tooperfect—always following the rules, always doing the honorable thing.He even lookedtooperfect.Inthebackofhermind,shehadanaggingthought:Whatifthisisatrickandhebetraysus?What ifwesail intoCampJupiter,andhesays,Hey,Romans!CheckouttheseprisonersandthiscoolshipIbroughtyou!

Annabethdoubtedthatwouldhappen.Still,shecouldn’tlookathimwithoutgettinga

bittertasteinhermouth.He’dbeenpartofHera’sforced“exchangeprogram”tointroducethetwocamps.HerMostAnnoyingMajesty,QueenofOlympus,hadconvincedtheothergods that their twosetsofchildren—RomanandGreek—had tocombineforces tosavethe world from the evil goddess Gaea, who was awakening from the earth, and herhorriblechildrenthegiants.

Withoutwarning,HerahadpluckedupPercyJackson,Annabeth’sboyfriend,wipedhismemory, and sent him to theRoman camp. In exchange, theGreeks had gotten Jason.NoneofthatwasJason’sfault;buteverytimeAnnabethsawhim,sherememberedhowmuchshemissedPercy.

Percy…whowassomewherebelowthemrightnow.

Oh,gods.Panicwelledup insideher.She forced itdown.Shecouldn’t afford togetoverwhelmed.

I’machildofAthena,shetoldherself.Ihavetosticktomyplanandnotgetdistracted.

Shefeltitagain—thatfamiliarshiver,asifapsychoticsnowmanhadcreptupbehindherandwasbreathingdownherneck.Sheturned,butnoonewasthere.

Mustbehernerves.Eveninaworldofgodsandmonsters,Annabethcouldn’tbelieveanewwarship would be haunted. TheArgo II was well protected. The Celestial bronzeshieldsalongtherailwereenchantedtowardoffmonsters,andtheironboardsatyr,CoachHedge,wouldhavesniffedoutanyintruders.

Annabethwishedshecouldpraytohermotherforguidance,but thatwasn’tpossiblenow. Not after last month, when she’d had that horrible encounter with her mom andgottentheworstpresentofherlife.…

The cold pressed closer. She thought she heard a faint voice in thewind, laughing.Everymuscleinherbodytensed.Somethingwasabouttogoterriblywrong.

ShealmostorderedLeo to reversecourse.Then, in thevalleybelow,hornssounded.TheRomanshadspottedthem.

Annabeththoughtsheknewwhattoexpect.JasonhaddescribedCampJupitertoheringreat detail. Still, she had trouble believing her eyes.Ringed by theOaklandHills, thevalleywasat least twicethesizeofCampHalf-Blood.Asmallriversnakedaroundonesideandcurled toward thecenter likea capital letterG, emptying into a sparklingbluelake.

Directlybelowtheship,nestledattheedgeofthelake,thecityofNewRomegleamedinthesunlight.SherecognizedlandmarksJasonhadtoldherabout—thehippodrome,thecoliseum,thetemplesandparks,theneighborhoodofSevenHillswithitswindingstreets,

colorfulvillas,andfloweringgardens.

Shesawevidenceof theRomans’ recentbattlewithanarmyofmonsters.Thedomewas crackedopenon a building sheguessedwas theSenateHouse.The forum’sbroadplazawaspittedwithcraters.Somefountainsandstatueswereinruins.

DozensofkidsintogaswerestreamingoutoftheSenateHousetogetabetterviewoftheArgoII.MoreRomansemergedfromtheshopsandcafés,gawkingandpointingastheshipdescended.

Abouthalfamiletothewest,wherethehornswereblowing,aRomanfortstoodonahill.ItlookedjustliketheillustrationsAnnabethhadseeninmilitaryhistorybooks—witha defensive trench linedwith spikes, highwalls, andwatchtowers armedwith scorpionballistae.Inside,perfectrowsofwhitebarrackslinedthemainroad—theViaPrincipalis.

Acolumnofdemigodsemergedfromthegates,theirarmorandspearsglintingastheyhurriedtowardthecity.Inthemidstoftheirrankswasanactualwarelephant.

AnnabethwantedtolandtheArgoIIbefore those troopsarrived,but thegroundwasstill several hundred feet below. She scanned the crowd, hoping to catch a glimpse ofPercy.

ThensomethingbehindherwentBOOM!

Theexplosionalmostknockedheroverboard.Shewhirledand foundherselfeye toeyewithanangrystatue.

“Unacceptable!”heshrieked.

Apparentlyhehadexplodedintoexistence, right thereon thedeck.Sulfurousyellowsmoke rolled off his shoulders. Cinders popped around his curly hair. From the waistdown,hewasnothingbutasquaremarblepedestal.Fromthewaistup,hewasamuscularhumanfigureinacarvedtoga.

“IwillnothaveweaponsinsidethePomerianLine!”heannouncedinafussyteachervoice.“IcertainlywillnothaveGreeks!”

JasonshotAnnabethalookthatsaid,I’vegotthis.

“Terminus,”hesaid.“It’sme.JasonGrace.”

“Oh,Irememberyou,Jason!”Terminusgrumbled.“IthoughtyouhadbettersensethantoconsortwiththeenemiesofRome!”

“Butthey’renotenemies—”

“That’sright,”Piperjumpedin.“Wejustwanttotalk.Ifwecould—”

“Ha!” snapped the statue. “Don’t try that charmspeak onme, young lady. And putdownthatdaggerbeforeIslapitoutofyourhands!”

Piperglancedatherbronzedagger,whichshe’dapparentlyforgottenshewasholding.“Um…okay.Buthowwouldyouslapit?Youdon’thaveanyarms.”

“Impertinence!” There was a sharp POP and a flash of yellow. Piper yelped anddroppedthedagger,whichwasnowsmokingandsparking.

“LuckyforyouI’vejustbeenthroughabattle,”Terminusannounced.“IfIwereatfullstrength,Iwould’veblastedthisflyingmonstrosityoutoftheskyalready!”

“Holdup.”Leosteppedforward,wagginghisWiicontroller.“Didyoujustcallmyshipamonstrosity?Iknowyoudidn’tdothat.”

TheideathatLeomightattackthestatuewithhisgamingdevicewasenoughtosnapAnnabethoutofhershock.

“Let’s all calmdown.”She raisedherhands to showshehadnoweapons. “I take ityou’reTerminus,thegodofboundaries.JasontoldmeyouprotectthecityofNewRome,right?I’mAnnabethChase,daughterof—”

“Oh,Iknowwhoyouare!”Thestatueglaredatherwithitsblankwhiteeyes.“AchildofAthena,Minerva’sGreekform.Scandalous!YouGreekshavenosenseofdecency.WeRomansknowtheproperplaceforthatgoddess.”

Annabethclenchedherjaw.Thisstatuewasn’tmakingiteasytobediplomatic.“Whatexactlydoyoumean,thatgoddess?Andwhat’ssoscandalousabout—”

“Right!” Jason interrupted. “Anyway, Terminus, we’re here on a mission of peace.We’dlovepermissiontolandsowecan—”

“Impossible!” thegodsqueaked.“Laydownyourweaponsandsurrender!Leavemycityimmediately!”

“Whichisit?”Leoasked.“Surrender,orleave?”

“Both!”Terminussaid.“Surrender,thenleave.Iamslappingyourfaceforaskingsuchastupidquestion,youridiculousboy!Doyoufeelthat?”

“Wow.” Leo studied Terminus with professional interest. “You’re wound up prettytight.Yougotanygearsintherethatneedloosening?Icouldtakealook.”

HeexchangedtheWiicontrollerforascrewdriverfromhismagictoolbeltandtappedthestatue’spedestal.

“Stop that!” Terminus insisted. Another small explosion made Leo drop hisscrewdriver.“WeaponsarenotallowedonRomansoilinsidethePomerianLine.”

“Thewhat?”Piperasked.

“Citylimits,”Jasontranslated.

“Andthisentireshipisaweapon!”Terminussaid.“Youcannotland!”

Downinthevalley,thelegionreinforcementswerehalfwaytothecity.Thecrowdintheforumwasoverahundredstrongnow.Annabethscannedthefacesand…oh,gods.Shesawhim.Hewaswalkingtowardtheshipwithhisarmsaroundtwootherkidsliketheywerebestbuddies—astoutboywithablackbuzzcut,andagirlwearingaRomancavalryhelmet.Percy lookedsoatease,sohappy.Heworeapurplecape just likeJason’s—themarkofapraetor.

Annabeth’sheartdidagymnasticsroutine.

“Leo,stoptheship,”sheordered.

“What?”

“Youheardme.Keepusrightwhereweare.”

Leopulledouthiscontrollerandyankeditupward.Allninetyoarsfrozeinplace.Theshipstoppedsinking.

“Terminus,” Annabeth said, “there’s no rule against hovering over New Rome, isthere?”

Thestatuefrowned.“Well,no…”

“We can keep the ship aloft,”Annabeth said. “We’ll use a rope ladder to reach theforum.Thatway,theshipwon’tbeonRomansoil.Nottechnically.”

The statue seemed to ponder this.Annabethwondered if hewas scratching his chinwithimaginaryhands.

“Iliketechnicalities,”headmitted.“Still…”

“All our weapons will stay aboard the ship,” Annabeth promised. “I assume theRomans—even those reinforcementsmarching towardus—willalsohave tohonoryourrulesinsidethePomerianLineifyoutellthemto?”

“Ofcourse!”Terminussaid.“DoIlooklikeItoleraterulebreakers?”

“Uh,Annabeth…”Leosaid.“Yousurethisisagoodidea?”

She closed her fists to keep them from shaking. That cold feelingwas still there. It

floated just behind her, and now that Terminus was no longer shouting and causingexplosions,shethoughtshecouldhearthepresencelaughing,asifitwasdelightedbythebadchoicesshewasmaking.

ButPercywasdownthere…hewassoclose.Shehadtoreachhim.

“It’llbe fine,”shesaid.“Noonewillbearmed.Wecan talk inpeace.Terminuswillmakesureeachsideobeys the rules.”She lookedat themarblestatue.“Dowehaveanagreement?”

Terminus sniffed. “I suppose. For now. You may climb down your ladder to NewRome,daughterofAthena.Pleasetrynottodestroymytown.”

A SEAOFHASTILYASSEMBLED demigods parted forAnnabeth as shewalked through theforum.Some looked tense, somenervous.Somewerebandaged from their recentbattlewiththegiants,butnoonewasarmed.Nooneattacked.

Entirefamilieshadgatheredtoseethenewcomers.Annabethsawcoupleswithbabies,toddlersclingingtotheirparents’legs,evensomeelderlyfolksinacombinationofRomanrobes andmodern clothes.Were all of themdemigods?Annabeth suspected so, thoughshe’dneverseenaplacelikethis.AtCampHalf-Blood,mostdemigodswereteens.Iftheysurvivedlongenoughtograduatefromhighschool,theyeitherstayedonascounselorsorleft to start lives as best they could in the mortal world. Here, it was an entiremultigenerationalcommunity.

At the far end of the crowd, Annabeth spotted Tyson the Cyclops and Percy’shellhound,Mrs.O’Leary—whohadbeenthefirstscoutingpartyfromCampHalf-BloodtoreachCampJupiter.Theylookedtobe ingoodspirits.Tysonwavedandgrinned.HewaswearinganSPQRbannerlikeagiantbib.

SomepartofAnnabeth’smindregisteredhowbeautifulthecitywas—thesmellsfromthe bakeries, the gurgling fountains, the flowers blooming in the gardens. And thearchitecture…gods, the architecture—gilded marble columns, dazzling mosaics,monumentalarches,andterracedvillas.

In frontofher, thedemigodsmadeway foragirl in fullRomanarmorandapurplecape.Darkhairtumbledacrosshershoulders.Hereyeswereasblackasobsidian.

Reyna.

Jasonhaddescribedherwell.Evenwithoutthat,Annabethwouldhavesingledheroutas the leader.Medalsdecoratedher armor.Shecarriedherselfwith suchconfidence the

otherdemigodsbackedawayandavertedtheirgaze.

Annabethrecognizedsomethingelseinherface,too—inthehardsetofhermouthandthedeliberatewaysheraisedherchinlikeshewasreadytoacceptanychallenge.Reynawasforcingalookofcourage,whileholdingbackamixtureofhopefulnessandworryandfearthatshecouldn’tshowinpublic.

Annabethknewthatexpression.Shesawiteverytimeshelookedinamirror.

Thetwogirlsconsideredeachother.Annabeth’sfriendsfannedoutoneitherside.TheRomansmurmuredJason’sname,staringathiminawe.

Thensomeoneelseappearedfromthecrowd,andAnnabeth’svisiontunneled.

Percysmiledather—thatsarcastic,troublemakersmilethathadannoyedherforyearsbut eventually had become endearing. His sea-green eyes were as gorgeous as sheremembered.Hisdarkhairwasswepttooneside,likehe’djustcomefromawalkonthebeach.He lookedevenbetter thanhehadsixmonthsago—tannerand taller, leanerandmoremuscular.

Annabethwastoostunnedtomove.Shefelt that ifshegotanycloser tohim,all themoleculesinherbodymightcombust.She’dsecretlyhadacrushonhimsincetheyweretwelveyearsold.Lastsummer,she’dfallenforhimhard.They’dbeenahappycoupleforfourmonths—andthenhe’ddisappeared.

During their separation, something had happened to Annabeth’s feelings. They’dgrown painfully intense—like she’d been forced to withdraw from a life-savingmedication.Nowshewasn’tsurewhichwasmoreexcruciating—livingwiththathorribleabsence,orbeingwithhimagain.

ThepraetorReynastraightened.Withapparentreluctance,sheturnedtowardJason.

“Jason Grace, my former colleague…” She spoke the word colleague like it was adangerousthing.“Iwelcomeyouhome.Andthese,yourfriends—”

Annabethdidn’tmeanto,butshesurgedforward.Percyrushedtowardheratthesametime.Thecrowdtensed.Somereachedforswordsthatweren’tthere.

Percythrewhisarmsaroundher.Theykissed,andforamomentnothingelsemattered.Anasteroidcouldhavehittheplanetandwipedoutalllife,andAnnabethwouldn’thavecared.

Percysmelledofoceanair.Hislipsweresalty.

SeaweedBrain,shethoughtgiddily.

Percypulledawayandstudiedherface.“Gods,Ineverthought—”

Annabethgrabbedhiswrist and flippedhimoverher shoulder.He slammed into thestone pavement. Romans cried out. Some surged forward, but Reyna shouted, “Hold!Standdown!”

AnnabethputherkneeonPercy’schest.Shepushedherforearmagainsthisthroat.Shedidn’tcarewhattheRomansthought.Awhite-hotlumpofangerexpandedinherchest—atumorofworryandbitternessthatshe’dbeencarryingaroundsincelastautumn.

“Ifyoueverleavemeagain,”shesaid,hereyesstinging,“Isweartoallthegods—”

Percy had the nerve to laugh. Suddenly the lump of heated emotionsmelted insideAnnabeth.

“Considermewarned,”Percysaid.“Imissedyou,too.”

Annabethroseandhelpedhimtohisfeet.Shewantedtokisshimagainsobadly,butshemanagedtorestrainherself.

Jasonclearedhisthroat.“So,yeah.…It’sgoodtobeback.”

HeintroducedReynatoPiper,wholookedalittlemiffedthatshehadn’tgottentosaythelinesshe’dbeenpracticing,thentoLeo,whogrinnedandflashedapeacesign.

“AndthisisAnnabeth,”Jasonsaid.“Uh,normallyshedoesn’tjudo-flippeople.”

Reyna’seyessparkled.“Yousureyou’renotaRoman,Annabeth?OranAmazon?”

Annabeth didn’t know if thatwas a compliment, but she held out her hand. “I onlyattackmyboyfriendlikethat,”shepromised.“Pleasedtomeetyou.”

Reynaclaspedherhandfirmly.“Itseemswehavealottodiscuss.Centurions!”

AfewoftheRomancampershustledforward—apparentlytheseniorofficers.TwokidsappearedatPercy’sside, thesameonesAnnabethhadseenhimchummingaroundwithearlier.TheburlyAsianguywiththebuzzcutwasaboutfifteen.Hewascuteinasortofoversized-cuddly-panda-bearway.Thegirlwasyounger,maybethirteen,withambereyesandchocolateskinandlongcurlyhair.Hercavalryhelmetwastuckedunderherarm.

AnnabethcouldtellfromtheirbodylanguagethattheyfeltclosetoPercy.Theystoodnexttohimprotectively,likethey’dalreadysharedmanyadventures.Shefoughtdownatwingeof jealousy.Was it possiblePercy and this girl…no.The chemistry between thethreeofthemwasn’tlikethat.Annabethhadspentherwholelifelearningtoreadpeople.It was a survival skill. If she had to guess, she’d say the bigAsian guywas the girl’sboyfriend,thoughshesuspectedtheyhadn’tbeentogetherlong.

There was one thing she didn’t understand: what was the girl staring at? She keptfrowninginPiperandLeo’sdirection, likesherecognizedoneof themandthememory

waspainful.

Meanwhile,Reynawasgivingorderstoherofficers.“…tellthelegiontostanddown.Dakota, alert the spirits in the kitchen. Tell them to prepare a welcome feast. And,Octavian—”

“You’re letting these intruders into the camp?” A tall guy with stringy blond hairelbowedhiswayforward.“Reyna,thesecurityrisks—”

“We’renottakingthemtothecamp,Octavian.”Reynaflashedhimasternlook.“We’lleathere,intheforum.”

“Oh,muchbetter,”Octaviangrumbled.Heseemedtobetheonlyonewhodidn’tdeferto Reyna as his superior, despite the fact that he was scrawny and pale and for somereasonhadthreeteddybearshangingfromhisbelt.“Youwantustorelaxintheshadowoftheirwarship.”

“Theseareourguests.”Reynaclippedoffeveryword.“Wewillwelcomethem,andwewill talk to them.Asaugur,you shouldburnanoffering to thank thegods forbringingJasonbacktoussafely.”

“Goodidea,”Percyputin.“Goburnyourbears,Octavian.”

Reynalookedlikeshewastryingnottosmile.“Youhavemyorders.Go.”

Theofficersdispersed.OctavianshotPercyalookofabsoluteloathing.ThenhegaveAnnabethasuspiciousonce-overandstalkedaway.

PercyslippedhishandintoAnnabeth’s.“Don’tworryaboutOctavian,”hesaid.“MostoftheRomansaregoodpeople—likeFrankandHazelhere,andReyna.We’llbefine.”

Annabethfeltas ifsomeonehaddrapedacoldwashclothacrossherneck.Sheheardthatwhisperinglaughteragain,asifthepresencehadfollowedherfromtheship.

ShelookedupattheArgoII.Itsmassivebronzehullglitteredinthesunlight.PartofherwantedtokidnapPercyrightnow,climbonboard,andgetoutofherewhiletheystillcould.

She couldn’t shake the feeling that somethingwas about to go terriblywrong. AndtherewasnowayshewouldeverrisklosingPercyagain.

“We’llbefine,”sherepeated,tryingtobelieveit.

“Excellent,”Reynasaid.SheturnedtoJason,andAnnabeththoughttherewasahungrysortofgleaminhereyes.“Let’stalk,andwecanhaveaproperreunion.”

ANNABETHWISHEDSHEHADANAPPETITE,becausetheRomansknewhowtoeat.

Setsofcouchesandlowtableswerecartedintotheforumuntilitresembledafurnitureshowroom.Romansloungedingroupsoftenortwenty,talkingandlaughingwhilewindspirits—aurae—swirledoverhead,bringinganendlessassortmentofpizzas,sandwiches,chips, cold drinks, and fresh-baked cookies. Drifting through the crowd were purpleghosts—Lares—intogasandlegionnairearmor.Aroundtheedgesofthefeast,satyrs(no,fauns, Annabeth thought) trotted from table to table, panhandling for food and sparechange.Inthenearbyfields,thewarelephantfrolickedwithMrs.O’Leary,andchildrenplayedtagaroundthestatuesofTerminusthatlinedthecitylimits.

ThewholescenewassofamiliaryetsocompletelyalienthatitgaveAnnabethvertigo.

AllshewantedtodowasbewithPercy—preferablyalone.Sheknewshewouldhaveto wait. If their quest was going to succeed, they needed these Romans, which meantgettingtoknowthemandbuildingsomegoodwill.

Reynaandafewofherofficers(includingtheblondkidOctavian,freshlybackfromburningateddybearforthegods)satwithAnnabethandhercrew.Percyjoinedthemwithhistwonewfriends,FrankandHazel.

Asatornadooffoodplatterssettledontothetable,Percyleanedoverandwhispered,“IwanttoshowyouaroundNewRome.Justyouandme.Theplaceisincredible.”

Annabeth should’ve felt thrilled. Just you and me was exactly what she wanted.Instead,resentmentswelledinherthroat.HowcouldPercytalksoenthusiasticallyaboutthisplace?WhataboutCampHalf-Blood—theircamp,theirhome?

ShetriednottostareatthenewmarksonPercy’sforearm—anSPQRtattoolikeJason’s.

AtCampHalf-Blood, demigods got bead necklaces to commemorate years of training.Here, the Romans burned a tattoo into your flesh, as if to say: You belong to us.Permanently.

Sheswallowedbacksomebitingcomments.“Okay.Sure.”

“I’vebeenthinking,”hesaidnervously.“Ihadthisidea—”

HestoppedasReynacalledatoasttofriendship.

After introductions all around, the Romans and Annabeth’s crew began exchangingstories.Jasonexplainedhowhe’darrivedatCampHalf-Bloodwithouthismemory,andhowhe’dgoneonaquestwithPiperandLeotorescuethegoddessHera(orJuno, takeyourpick—shewasequallyannoyinginGreekorRoman)fromimprisonmentattheWolfHouseinnorthernCalifornia.

“Impossible!” Octavian broke in. “That’s our most sacred place. If the giants hadimprisonedagoddessthere—”

“Theywould’vedestroyedher,”Pipersaid.“AndblameditontheGreeks,andstartedawarbetweenthecamps.Now,bequietandletJasonfinish.”

Octavian opened his mouth, but no sound came out. Annabeth really loved Piper’scharmspeak.ShenoticedReynalookingbackandforthbetweenJasonandPiper,herbrowcreased,asifjustbeginningtorealizethetwoofthemwereacouple.

“So,”Jasoncontinued,“that’showwefoundoutabouttheearthgoddessGaea.She’sstill half asleep, but she’s the one freeing the monsters from Tartarus and raising thegiants. Porphyrion, the big leader dude we fought at theWolf House: he said he wasretreatingtotheancientlands—Greeceitself.HeplansonawakeningGaeaanddestroyingthegodsby…whatdidhecallit?Pullinguptheirroots.”

Percy nodded thoughtfully. “Gaea’s been busy over here, too. We had our ownencounterwithQueenDirtFace.”

Percy recountedhis sideof the story.He talked aboutwakingup at theWolfHousewithnomemoriesexceptforonename—Annabeth.

Whensheheard that,Annabethhad to tryhardnot tocry.Percy told themhowhe’dtraveledtoAlaskawithFrankandHazel—howthey’ddefeatedthegiantAlcyoneus,freedthedeathgodThanatos, and returnedwith the lostgoldeneagle standardof theRomancamptorepelanattackbythegiants’army.

WhenPercyhad finished, Jasonwhistledappreciatively. “Nowonder theymadeyoupraetor.”

Octaviansnorted.“Whichmeanswenowhave threepraetors!Therulesclearlystatewecanonlyhavetwo!”

“Onthebrightside,”Percysaid,“bothJasonandIoutrankyou,Octavian.Sowecanbothtellyoutoshutup.”

OctavianturnedaspurpleasaRomanT-shirt.JasongavePercyafistbump.

EvenReynamanagedasmile,thoughhereyeswerestormy.

“We’ll have to figure out the extra praetor problem later,” she said. “Right nowwehavemoreseriousissuestodealwith.”

“I’llstepasideforJason,”Percysaideasily.“It’snobiggie.”

“Nobiggie?”Octavianchoked.“ThepraetorshipofRomeisnobiggie?”

PercyignoredhimandturnedtoJason.“You’reThaliaGrace’sbrother,huh?Wow.Youguyslooknothingalike.”

“Yeah,Inoticed,”Jasonsaid.“Anyway,thanksforhelpingmycampwhileIwasgone.Youdidanawesomejob.”

“Backatyou,”Percysaid.

Annabethkickedhisshin.Shehatedtointerruptabuddingbromance,butReynawasright: they had serious things to discuss. “We should talk about theGreat Prophecy. ItsoundsliketheRomansareawareofittoo?”

Reynanodded.“WecallittheProphecyofSeven.Octavian,youhaveitcommittedtomemory?”

“Ofcourse,”hesaid.“But,Reyna—”

“Reciteit,please.InEnglish,notLatin.”

Octaviansighed.“Sevenhalf-bloodsshallanswerthecall.Tostormorfiretheworldmustfall—”

“Anoathtokeepwithafinalbreath,”Annabethcontinued.“AndfoesbeararmstotheDoorsofDeath.”

Everyone stared at her—except for Leo, who had constructed a pinwheel out ofaluminumfoiltacowrappersandwasstickingitintopassingwindspirits.

Annabethwasn’tsurewhyshehadblurtedoutthelinesoftheprophecy.She’djustfeltcompelled.

Thebigkid,Frank,satforward,staringatherinfascination,asifshe’dgrownathird

eye.“Isittrueyou’reachildofMin—Imean,Athena?”

“Yes,”shesaid,suddenlyfeelingdefensive.“Whyisthatsuchasurprise?”

Octavianscoffed.“Ifyou’retrulyachildofthewisdomgoddess—”

“Enough,” Reyna snapped. “Annabeth is what she says. She’s here in peace.Besides…”ShegaveAnnabetha lookofgrudgingrespect.“Percyhasspokenhighlyofyou.”

Theundertones inReyna’svoice tookAnnabethamoment todecipher.Percy lookeddown,suddenlyinterestedinhischeeseburger.

Annabeth’s facefelthot.Oh,gods…Reynahad tried tomakeamoveonPercy.Thatexplained the tinge of bitterness,maybe even envy, in herwords. Percy had turned herdownforAnnabeth.

At thatmoment,Annabeth forgaveher ridiculousboyfriend for everythinghe’d everdonewrong.Shewanted to throwher arms aroundhim, but she commandedherself tostaycool.

“Uh, thanks,”she toldReyna.“Atanyrate,someof theprophecy isbecomingclear.Foesbearingarms to theDoorsofDeath…thatmeansRomansandGreeks.Wehave tocombineforcestofindthosedoors.”

Hazel, thegirlwith the cavalryhelmet and the longcurlyhair, pickedup somethingnext toherplate. It looked likea large ruby;butbeforeAnnabethcouldbe sure,Hazelslippeditintothepocketofherdenimshirt.

“Mybrother,Nico,wentlookingforthedoors,”shesaid.

“Wait,”Annabethsaid.“NicodiAngelo?He’syourbrother?”

Hazel nodded as if this were obvious. A dozen more questions crowded intoAnnabeth’shead,butitwasalreadyspinninglikeLeo’spinwheel.Shedecidedtoletthemattergo.“Okay.Youweresaying?”

“He disappeared.” Hazel moistened her lips. “I’m afraid…I’m not sure, but I thinksomething’shappenedtohim.”

“We’ll lookforhim,”Percypromised.“WehavetofindtheDoorsofDeathanyway.Thanatostolduswe’dfindbothanswersinRome—like,theoriginalRome.That’sonthewaytoGreece,right?”

“Thanatos told you this?” Annabeth tried to wrap her mind around that idea. “Thedeathgod?”

She’dmetmany gods. She’d even been to theUnderworld; but Percy’s story aboutfreeingtheincarnationofdeathitselfreallycreepedherout.

Percytookabiteofhisburger.“NowthatDeathisfree,monsterswilldisintegrateandreturn toTartarus again like they used to.But as long as theDoors ofDeath are open,they’lljustkeepcomingback.”

Piper twisted the feather in her hair. “Like water leaking through a dam,” shesuggested.

“Yeah.”Percysmiled.“We’vegotadamhole.”

“What?”Piperasked.

“Nothing,”he said. “Inside joke.Thepoint iswe’llhave to find thedoorsandclosethembeforewecanheadtoGreece.It’stheonlywaywe’llstandachanceofdefeatingthegiantsandmakingsuretheystaydefeated.”

Reynapluckedanapplefromapassingfruittray.Sheturneditinherfingers,studyingthe dark red surface. “You propose an expedition to Greece in your warship. You dorealizethattheancientlands—andtheMareNostrum—aredangerous?”

“Marywho?”Leoasked.

“MareNostrum,”Jasonexplained.“OurSea.It’swhattheAncientRomanscalledtheMediterranean.”

Reyna nodded. “The territory that was once the Roman Empire is not only thebirthplaceofthegods.It’salsotheancestralhomeofthemonsters,Titansandgiants…andworsethings.AsdangerousastravelisfordemigodshereinAmerica, there itwouldbetentimesworse.”

“YousaidAlaskawouldbebad,”Percyremindedher.“Wesurvivedthat.”

Reynashookherhead.Herfingernailscutlittlecrescentsintotheappleassheturnedit.“Percy,travelingintheMediterraneanisadifferentlevelofdangeraltogether.It’sbeenofflimitstoRomandemigodsforcenturies.Noheroinhisrightmindwouldgothere.”

“Then we’re good!” Leo grinned over the top of his pinwheel. “Because we’re allcrazy,right?Besides,theArgoIIisatop-of-the-linewarship.She’llgetusthrough.”

“We’llhavetohurry,”Jasonadded.“Idon’tknowexactlywhatthegiantsareplanning,butGaea is growingmore conscious all the time. She’s invading dreams, appearing inweirdplaces,summoningmoreandmorepowerfulmonsters.Wehavetostopthegiantsbeforetheycanwakeherupfully.”

Annabethshuddered.She’dhadherownshareofnightmareslately.

“Sevenhalf-bloodsmustanswerthecall,”shesaid.“Itneedstobeamixfrombothourcamps.Jason,Piper,Leo,andme.That’sfour.”

“Andme,”Percysaid.“AlongwithHazelandFrank.That’sseven.”

“What?”Octavianshottohisfeet.“We’rejustsupposedtoacceptthat?Withoutavoteinthesenate?Withoutaproperdebate?Without—”

“Percy!”TysontheCyclopsboundedtowardthemwithMrs.O’Learyathisheels.Onthe hellhound’s back sat the skinniest harpyAnnabeth had ever seen—a sickly-lookinggirlwithstringyredhair,asackclothdress,andred-featheredwings.

Annabethdidn’tknowwhere theharpyhadcome from,butherheartwarmed to seeTysoninhis tatteredflannelanddenimwiththebackwardSPQRbanneracrosshischest.She’dhad someprettybadexperienceswithCyclopes,butTysonwas a sweetheart.HewasalsoPercy’shalfbrother(longstory),whichmadehimalmostlikefamily.

Tysonstoppedbytheircouchandwrunghismeatyhands.Hisbigbrowneyewasfullofconcern.“Ellaisscared,”hesaid.

“N-n-nomoreboats,”theharpymutteredtoherself,pickingfuriouslyatherfeathers.“Titanic,Lusitania,Pax…boatsarenotforharpies.”

Leosquinted.HelookedatHazel,whowasseatednexttohim.“DidthatchickengirljustcomparemyshiptotheTitanic?”

“She’snotachicken.”Hazelavertedhereyes,as ifLeomadehernervous.“Ella’saharpy.She’sjustalittle…high-strung.”

“Ellaispretty,”Tysonsaid.“Andscared.Weneedtotakeheraway,butshewillnotgoontheship.”

“Noships,”Ella repeated.She looked straight atAnnabeth. “Bad luck.There she is.Wisdom’sdaughterwalksalone—”

“Ella!”Frankstoodsuddenly.“Maybeit’snotthebesttime—”

“TheMarkofAthenaburns throughRome,”Ella continued, cuppingherhandsoverherearsandraisinghervoice.“Twinssnuffouttheangel’sbreath,Whoholdsthekeytoendlessdeath.Giants’banestandsgoldandpale,Wonthroughpainfromawovenjail.”

Theeffectwaslikesomeonedroppingaflashgrenadeonthetable.Everyonestaredatthe harpy. No one spoke. Annabeth’s heart was pounding. The Mark of Athena…Sheresistedtheurgetocheckherpocket,butshecouldfeelthesilvercoingrowingwarmer—thecursedgiftfromhermother.FollowtheMarkofAthena.Avengeme.

Aroundthem,thesoundsofthefeastcontinued,butmutedanddistant,asiftheirlittle

clusterofcoucheshadslippedintoaquieterdimension.

Percywasthefirsttorecover.HestoodandtookTyson’sarm.

“Iknow!”hesaidwithfeignedenthusiasm.“HowaboutyoutakeEllatogetsomefreshair?YouandMrs.O’Leary—”

“Holdon.”Octaviangrippedoneofhisteddybears,stranglingitwithshakinghands.HiseyesfixedonElla.“Whatwasthatshesaid?Itsoundedlike—”

“Ellareadsalot,”Frankblurtedout.“Wefoundheratalibrary.”

“Yes!”Hazelsaid.“Probablyjustsomethingshereadinabook.”

“Books,”Ellamutteredhelpfully.“Ellalikesbooks.”

Nowthatshe’dsaidherpiece,theharpyseemedmorerelaxed.Shesatcross-leggedonMrs.O’Leary’sback,preeningherwings.

AnnabethgavePercyacuriousglance.Obviously,heandFrankandHazelwerehidingsomething.Justasobviously,Ellahadrecitedaprophecy—aprophecythatconcernedher.

Percy’sexpressionsaid,Help.

“Thatwasaprophecy,”Octavianinsisted.“Itsoundedlikeaprophecy.”

Nooneanswered.

Annabethwasn’texactlysurewhatwasgoingon,butsheunderstoodthatPercywasonthevergeofbigtrouble.

Sheforcedalaugh.“Really,Octavian?Maybeharpiesaredifferenthere,ontheRomanside. Ours have just enough intelligence to clean cabins and cook lunches. Do yoursusuallyforetellthefuture?Doyouconsultthemforyourauguries?”

Herwordshadtheintendedeffect.TheRomanofficerslaughednervously.Somesizedup Ella, then looked at Octavian and snorted. The idea of a chicken lady issuingprophecieswasapparentlyjustasridiculoustoRomansasitwastoGreeks.

“I,uh…”Octaviandroppedhisteddybear.“No,but—”

“She’s just spouting lines from some book,” Annabeth said, “like Hazel suggested.Besides,wealreadyhavearealprophecytoworryabout.”

She turned toTyson. “Percy’s right.Whydon’tyou takeElla andMrs.O’Learyandshadow-travelsomewhereforawhile.IsEllaokaywiththat?”

“‘Largedogsaregood,’”Ellasaid.“OldYeller,1957,screenplaybyFredGipsonandWilliamTunberg.”

Annabethwasn’tsurehowtotakethatanswer,butPercysmiledliketheproblemwassolved.

“Great!”Percysaid.“We’llIris-messageyouguyswhenwe’redoneandcatchupwithyoulater.”

TheRomanslookedatReyna,waitingforherruling.Annabethheldherbreath.

Reynahadanexcellentpokerface.ShestudiedElla,butAnnabethcouldn’tguesswhatshewasthinking.

“Fine,”thepraetorsaidatlast.“Go.”

“Yay!”Tysonwentaroundthecouchesandgaveeveryoneabighug—evenOctavian,whodidn’tlookhappyaboutit.ThenheclimbedonMrs.O’Leary’sbackwithElla,andthehellhoundboundedoutoftheforum.TheydovestraightintoashadowontheSenateHousewallanddisappeared.

“Well.”Reynasetdownheruneatenapple.“Octavianisrightaboutonething.Wemustgainthesenate’sapprovalbeforeweletanyofourlegionnairesgoonaquest—especiallyoneasdangerousasyou’resuggesting.”

“Thiswholethingsmellsoftreachery,”Octaviangrumbled.“Thattriremeisnotashipofpeace!”

“Comeaboard,man,”Leooffered.“I’llgiveyouatour.Youcansteertheboat,andifyou’rereallygoodI’llgiveyoualittlepapercaptain’shattowear.”

Octavian’snostrilsflared.“Howdareyou—”

“It’sagoodidea,”Reynasaid.“Octavian,gowithhim.Seetheship.We’llconveneasenatemeetinginonehour.”

“But…” Octavian stopped. Apparently he could tell from Reyna’s expression thatfurtherarguingwouldnotbegoodforhishealth.“Fine.”

Leo got up.He turned toAnnabeth, and his smile changed. It happened so quickly,Annabeth thought she’d imagined it; but just for amoment someone else seemed to bestanding in Leo’s place, smiling coldly with a cruel light in his eyes. Then Annabethblinked,andLeowasjustregularoldLeoagain,withhisusualimpishgrin.

“Backsoon,”hepromised.“Thisisgonnabeepic.”

Ahorriblechillsettledoverher.AsLeoandOctavianheadedfortheropeladder,shethoughtaboutcallingthemback—buthowcouldsheexplainthat?Telleveryoneshewasgoingcrazy,seeingthingsandfeelingcold?

Thewindspiritsbeganclearingtheplates.

“Uh,Reyna,”Jasonsaid,“ifyoudon’tmind,I’dliketoshowPiperaroundbeforethesenatemeeting.She’sneverseenNewRome.”

Reyna’sexpressionhardened.

Annabeth wondered how Jason could be so dense.Was it possible he really didn’tunderstandhowmuchReyna likedhim?Itwasobviousenough toAnnabeth.Asking toshowhisnewgirlfriendaroundReyna’scitywasrubbingsaltinawound.

“Ofcourse,”Reynasaidcoldly.

PercytookAnnabeth’shand.“Yeah,me,too.I’dliketoshowAnnabeth—”

“No,”Reynasnapped.

Percyknithiseyebrows.“Sorry?”

“I’d like a fewwords with Annabeth,” Reyna said. “Alone. If you don’t mind, myfellowpraetor.”

Hertonemadeitclearshewasn’treallyaskingpermission.

ThechillspreaddownAnnabeth’sback.ShewonderedwhatReynawasupto.Maybethepraetordidn’t like the ideaof twoguyswhohadrejectedhergiving theirgirlfriendstoursofhercity.Ormaybetherewassomethingshewantedtosayinprivate.Eitherway,AnnabethwasreluctanttobealoneandunarmedwiththeRomanleader.

“Come,daughterofAthena.”Reynarosefromhercouch.“Walkwithme.”

ANNABETHWANTEDTOHATENEWROME.But as an aspiring architect, she couldn’t helpadmiringtheterracedgardens,thefountainsandtemples,thewindingcobblestonestreetsandgleamingwhitevillas.AftertheTitanWarlastsummer,she’dgottenherdreamjobofredesigningthepalacesofMountOlympus.Now,walkingthroughthisminiaturecity,shekeptthinking,Ishouldhavemadeadomelikethat.Ilovethewaythosecolumnsleadintothatcourtyard.WhoeverdesignedNewRomehadclearlypoureda lotof timeand loveintotheproject.

“Wehavethebestarchitectsandbuildersintheworld,”Reynasaid,asifreadingherthoughts. “Rome always did, in the ancient times.Many demigods stay on to live hereaftertheirtimeinthelegion.Theygotoouruniversity.Theysettledowntoraisefamilies.Percyseemedinterestedinthisfact.”

Annabethwonderedwhat thatmeant.Shemusthave scowledmore fiercely thansherealized,becauseReynalaughed.

“You’reawarrior,allright,”thepraetorsaid.“You’vegotfireinyoureyes.”

“Sorry.”Annabethtriedtotonedowntheglare.

“Don’tbe.I’mthedaughterofBellona.”

“Romangoddessofwar?”

Reynanodded.Sheturnedandwhistledlikeshewashailingacab.Amomentlater,twometal dogs raced toward them—automaton greyhounds, one silver and one gold. TheybrushedagainstReyna’slegsandregardedAnnabethwithglisteningrubyeyes.

“Mypets,”Reynaexplained.“AurumandArgentum.Youdon’tmindiftheywalkwithus?”

Again, Annabeth got the feeling it wasn’t really a request. She noted that thegreyhoundshad teeth like steel arrowheads.Maybeweaponsweren’t allowed inside thecity,butReyna’spetscouldstilltearhertopiecesiftheychose.

Reyna ledher to anoutdoor café,where thewaiter clearlyknewher.He smiledandhandedherato-gocup,thenofferedonetoAnnabeth.

“Wouldyoulikesome?”Reynaasked.“Theymakewonderfulhotchocolate.NotreallyaRomandrink—”

“Butchocolateisuniversal,”Annabethsaid.

“Exactly.”

ItwasawarmJuneafternoon,butAnnabethacceptedthecupwiththanks.Thetwoofthemwalkedon,Reyna’sgoldandsilverdogsroamingnearby.

“Inourcamp,”Reynasaid,“AthenaisMinerva.AreyoufamiliarwithhowherRomanformisdifferent?”

Annabethhadn’t really considered it before.She remembered thewayTerminushadcalledAthenathatgoddess,asifshewerescandalous.OctavianhadactedlikeAnnabeth’sveryexistencewasaninsult.

“ItakeitMinervaisn’t…uh,quiteasrespectedhere?”

Reynablewsteamfromhercup.“WerespectMinerva.She’sthegoddessofcraftsandwisdom…but she isn’t really a goddess of war. Not for Romans. She’s also a maidengoddess, likeDiana…theoneyoucallArtemis.Youwon’tfindanychildrenofMinervahere.TheideathatMinervawouldhavechildren—frankly,it’salittleshockingtous.”

“Oh.”Annabethfeltherfaceflush.Shedidn’twanttogetintothedetailsofAthena’schildren—how they were born straight from the mind of the goddess, just as AthenaherselfhadsprungfromtheheadofZeus.TalkingaboutthatalwaysmadeAnnabethfeelself-conscious, likeshewassomesortoffreak.Peopleusuallyaskedherwhetherornotshe had a belly button, since she had been born magically.Of course she had a bellybutton.Shecouldn’texplainhow.Shedidn’treallywanttoknow.

“IunderstandthatyouGreeksdon’tseethingsthesameway,”Reynacontinued.“ButRomanstakevowsofmaidenhoodveryseriously.TheVestalVirgins,forinstance…iftheybroketheirvowsandfellinlovewithanyone,theywouldbeburiedalive.Sotheideathatamaidengoddesswouldhavechildren—”

“Got it.”Annabeth’shotchocolatesuddenly tasted likedust.Nowonder theRomanshadbeengivingherstrangelooks.“I’mnotsupposedtoexist.Andevenifyourcamphad

childrenofMinerva—”

“Theywouldn’t be like you,”Reyna said. “Theymight be craftsmen, artists,maybeadvisers,butnotwarriors.Notleadersofdangerousquests.”

Annabethstarted toobject that shewasn’t the leaderof thequest.Notofficially.ButshewonderedifherfriendsontheArgoIIwouldagree.Thepastfewdays,theyhadbeenlookingtoherfororders—evenJason,whocouldhavepulledrankasthesonofJupiter,andCoachHedge,whodidn’ttakeordersfromanyone.

“There’smore.”Reynasnappedherfingers,andhergoldendog,Aurum,trottedover.The praetor stroked his ears. “The harpy Ella…itwas a prophecy she spoke.We bothknowthat,don’twe?”

Annabethswallowed.SomethingaboutAurum’srubyeyesmadeheruneasy.Shehadheard that dogs could smell fear, even detect changes in a human’s breathing andheartbeat.Shedidn’tknowifthatappliedtomagicalmetaldogs,butshedecideditwouldbebettertotellthetruth.

“Itsoundedlikeaprophecy,”sheadmitted.“ButI’venevermetEllabeforetoday,andI’veneverheardthoselinesexactly.”

“Ihave,”Reynamurmured.“Atleastsomeofthem—”

Afewyardsaway, thesilverdogbarked.Agroupofchildrenspilledoutofanearbyalleyway and gathered aroundArgentum, petting the dog and laughing, unfazed by itsrazor-sharpteeth.

“Weshouldmoveon,”Reynasaid.

They wound their way up the hill. The greyhounds followed, leaving the childrenbehind.AnnabethkeptglancingatReyna’sface.Avaguememorystartedtuggingather—thewayReynabrushedherhairbehindherear,thesilverringsheworewiththetorchandsworddesign.

“We’vemetbefore,”Annabethventured.“Youwereyounger,Ithink.”

Reynagaveher a dry smile. “Verygood.Percydidn’t rememberme.Of courseyouspokemostlywithmyoldersisterHylla,whoisnowqueenoftheAmazons.Sheleftjustthismorning,beforeyouarrived.Atanyrate,whenwelastmet,IwasamerehandmaideninthehouseofCirce.”

“Circe…”Annabeth remembered her trip to the island of the sorceress. She’d beenthirteen.PercyandshehadwashedashorefromtheSeaofMonsters.Hyllahadwelcomedthem.ShehadhelpedAnnabethgetcleanedupandgivenherabeautifulnewdressanda

complete makeover. Then Circe had made her sales pitch: if Annabeth stayed on theisland,shecouldhavemagicaltrainingandincrediblepower.Annabethhadbeentempted,maybejustalittle,untilsherealizedtheplacewasatrap,andPercyhadbeenturnedintoarodent.(Thatlastpartseemedfunnyafterward;butatthetime,ithadbeenterrifying.)AsforReyna…she’dbeenoneoftheservantswhohadcombedAnnabeth’shair.

“You…”Annabethsaidinamazement.“AndHyllaisqueenoftheAmazons?Howdidyoutwo—?”

“Longstory,”Reynasaid.“ButIrememberyouwell.Youwerebrave.I’dneverseenanyone refuse Circe’s hospitality,much less outwit her. It’s nowonder Percy cares foryou.”

Hervoicewaswistful.Annabeththoughtitmightbesafernottorespond.

Theyreachedthetopofthehill,whereaterraceoverlookedtheentirevalley.

“Thisismyfavoritespot,”Reynasaid.“TheGardenofBacchus.”

Grapevine trellisesmade a canopy overhead. Bees buzzed through honeysuckle andjasmine,whichfilledtheafternoonairwithadizzyingmixofperfumes.Inthemiddleofthe terrace stood a statueofBacchus in a sort of ballet position,wearingnothingbut aloincloth,hischeekspuffedoutandlipspursed,spoutingwaterintoafountain.

Despiteherworries,Annabethalmost laughed.Sheknewthegod inhisGreekform,Dionysus—orMr.D,astheycalledhimbackatCampHalf-Blood.Seeingtheircrankyoldcampdirectorimmortalizedinstone,wearingadiaperandspewingwaterfromhismouth,madeherfeelalittlebetter.

Reyna stoppedat theedgeof the terrace.Theviewwasworth theclimb.Thewholecityspreadoutbelowthemlikea3-Dmosaic.Tothesouth,beyondthelake,aclusteroftemplesperchedonahill.Tothenorth,anaqueductmarchedtowardtheBerkeleyHills.Workcrewswererepairingabrokensection,probablydamagedintherecentbattle.

“Iwantedtohearitfromyou,”Reynasaid.

Annabethturned.“Hearwhatfromme?”

“Thetruth,”Reynasaid.“ConvincemethatI’mnotmakingamistakebytrustingyou.Tellmeaboutyourself.TellmeaboutCampHalf-Blood.YourfriendPiperhassorceryinherwords.IspentenoughtimewithCircetoknowcharmspeakwhenIhearit.Ican’ttrustwhat she says. And Jason…well, he has changed. He seems distant, no longer quiteRoman.”

The hurt in her voicewas as sharp as broken glass. Annabethwondered if she had

soundedthatway,allthemonthsshe’dspentsearchingforPercy.Atleastshe’dfoundherboyfriend. Reyna had no one. She was responsible for running an entire camp all byherself. Annabeth could sense that Reyna wanted Jason to love her. But he haddisappeared, only to come back with a new girlfriend. Meanwhile, Percy had risen topraetor,buthehadrebuffedReynatoo.NowAnnabethhadcometotakehimaway.Reynawouldbeleftaloneagain,shoulderingajobmeantfortwopeople.

WhenAnnabeth had arrived atCamp Jupiter, she’d been prepared to negotiatewithReynaorevenfightherifneeded.Shehadn’tbeenpreparedtofeelsorryforher.

Shekeptthatfeelinghidden.Reynadidn’tstrikeherassomeonewhowouldappreciatepity.

Instead,shetoldReynaaboutherownlife.Shetalkedaboutherdadandstepmomandher twostepbrothers inSanFrancisco,andhowshehadfelt likeanoutsider inherownfamily. She talked about how she had run awaywhen shewas only seven, finding herfriendsLukeandThalia andmakingherway toCampHalf-BloodonLong Island.Shedescribedthecampandheryearsgrowingupthere.ShetalkedaboutmeetingPercyandtheadventuresthey’dhadtogether.

Reynawasagoodlistener.

Annabethwastemptedtotellheraboutmorerecentproblems:herfightwithhermom,the gift of the silver coin, and the nightmares she’d been having—about an old fear soparalyzing,she’dalmostdecidedthatshecouldn’tgoonthisquest.Butshecouldn’tbringherselftoopenupquitethatmuch.

When Annabeth was done talking, Reyna gazed over New Rome. Her metalgreyhoundssniffedaroundthegarden,snappingatbeesinthehoneysuckle.FinallyReynapointedtotheclusteroftemplesonthedistanthill.

“Thesmallredbuilding,”shesaid,“thereonthenorthernside?That’sthetempleofmymother,Bellona.”Reyna turned towardAnnabeth. “Unlikeyourmother,BellonahasnoGreek equivalent. She is fully, truly Roman. She’s the goddess of protecting thehomeland.”

Annabethsaidnothing.SheknewverylittleabouttheRomangoddess.Shewishedshehadstudiedup,butLatinnevercameaseasilytoherasGreek.Downbelow,thehulloftheArgoIIgleamedasitfloatedovertheforum,likesomemassivebronzepartyballoon.

“WhentheRomansgotowar,”Reynacontinued,“wefirstvisittheTempleofBellona.Insideisasymbolicpatchofgroundthatrepresentsenemysoil.Wethrowaspearintothatground, indicating thatwe are nowatwar.You see,Romanshave alwaysbelieved thatoffense is the best defense. In ancient times,whenever our ancestors felt threatened by

theirneighbors,theywouldinvadetoprotectthemselves.”

“Theyconqueredeveryonearoundthem,”Annabethsaid.“Carthage,theGauls—”

“AndtheGreeks.”Reynaletthatcommenthang.“Mypoint,Annabeth,isthatitisn’tRome’snature tocooperatewithotherpowers.Every timeGreekandRomandemigodshavemet,we’vefought.Conflictsbetweenour twosideshavestartedsomeof themosthorriblewarsinhumanhistory—especiallycivilwars.”

“Itdoesn’thavetobethatway,”Annabethsaid.“We’vegottoworktogether,orGaeawilldestroyusboth.”

“I agree,”Reyna said. “But is cooperation possible?What if Juno’s plan is flawed?Evengoddessescanmakemistakes.”

AnnabethwaitedforReynatogetstruckbylightningorturnedintoapeacock.Nothinghappened.

Unfortunately,Annabeth sharedReyna’s doubts.Hera did makemistakes. Annabethhadhadnothingbuttroublefromthatoverbearinggoddess,andshe’dneverforgiveHerafortakingPercyaway,evenifitwasforanoblecause.

“Idon’ttrustthegoddess,”Annabethadmitted.“ButIdotrustmyfriends.Thisisn’tatrick,Reyna.Wecanworktogether.”

Reynafinishedhercupofchocolate.Sheset thecupontheterracerailingandgazedoverthevalleyasifimaginingbattlelines.

“Ibelieveyoumeanit,”shesaid.“Butifyougototheancientlands,especiallyRomeitself,thereissomethingyoushouldknowaboutyourmother.”

Annabeth’sshoulderstensed.“My—mymother?”

“WhenIlivedonCirce’sisland,”Reynasaid,“wehadmanyvisitors.Once,perhapsayearbeforeyouandPercyarrived,ayoungmanwashedashore.Hewashalfmadfromthirstandheat.He’dbeendriftingatseafordays.Hiswordsdidn’tmakemuchsense,buthesaidhewasasonofAthena.”

Reynapausedas ifwaiting fora reaction.Annabethhadno ideawho theboymighthavebeen.Shewasn’tawareofanyotherAthenakidswho’dgoneonaquestintheSeaofMonsters, but still she felt a sense of dread. The light filtering through the grapevinesmadeshadowswritheacrossthegroundlikeaswarmofbugs.

“Whathappenedtothisdemigod?”sheasked.

Reynawavedherhandasif thequestionwastrivial.“Circeturnedhimintoaguineapig,ofcourse.Hemadequiteacrazylittlerodent.Butbefore that,hekeptravingabout

hisfailedquest.Heclaimedthathe’dgonetoRome,followingtheMarkofAthena.”

Annabethgrabbedtherailingtokeepherbalance.

“Yes,”Reyna said, seeingher discomfort. “Hekeptmuttering aboutwisdom’s child,theMarkofAthena,andthegiants’banestandingpaleandgold.ThesamelinesEllawasjustreciting.Butyousaythatyou’veneverheardthembeforetoday?”

“Not—not the way Ella said them.” Annabeth’s voice was weak. She wasn’t lying.She’dneverheardthatprophecy,buthermotherhadchargedherwithfollowingtheMarkofAthena; and as she thought about the coin in her pocket, a horrible suspicion begantakingrootinhermind.Sherememberedhermother’sscathingwords.Shethoughtaboutthe strangenightmares she’dbeenhaving lately. “Did thisdemigod—didheexplainhisquest?”

Reynashookherhead.“At the time, Ihadno ideawhathewas talkingabout.Muchlater,whenIbecamepraetorofCampJupiter,Ibegantosuspect.”

“Suspect…what?”

“ThereisanoldlegendthatthepraetorsofCampJupiterhavepasseddownthroughthecenturies. If it’s true, itmayexplainwhyour twogroupsofdemigodshaveneverbeenabletoworktogether.Itmaybethecauseofouranimosity.Untilthisoldscoreisfinallysettled, so the legendgoes,RomansandGreekswill neverbeatpeace.And the legendcentersonAthena—”

Ashrillsoundpiercedtheair.LightflashedinthecornerofAnnabeth’seye.

Sheturnedintimetoseeanexplosionblastanewcraterintheforum.Aburningcouchtumbledthroughtheair.Demigodsscatteredinpanic.

“Giants?”Annabethreachedforherdagger,whichofcoursewasn’t there.“I thoughttheirarmywasdefeated!”

“Itisn’tthegiants.”Reyna’seyesseethedwithrage.“You’vebetrayedourtrust.”

“What?No!”

As soonas she said it, theArgoII launched a secondvolley. Its port ballista fired amassivespearwreathed inGreekfire,whichsailedstraight through thebrokendomeoftheSenateHouseandexploded inside, lightingup thebuilding likea jack-o’-lantern. Ifanyonehadbeeninthere…

“Gods,no.”AwaveofnauseaalmostmadeAnnabeth’skneesbuckle.“Reyna,itisn’tpossible.We’dneverdothis!”

The metal dogs ran to their mistress’s side. They snarled at Annabeth but paced

uncertainly,asifreluctanttoattack.

“You’re telling the truth,” Reyna judged. “Perhaps you were not aware of thistreachery,butsomeonemustpay.”

Downintheforum,chaoswasspreading.Crowdswerepushingandshoving.Fistfightswerebreakingout.

“Bloodshed,”Reynasaid.

“Wehavetostopit!”

AnnabethhadahorriblefeelingthismightbethelasttimeReynaandsheeveractedinagreement,buttogethertheyrandownthehill.

If weapons had been allowed in the city, Annabeth’s friends would have already beendead.TheRomandemigodsintheforumhadcoalescedintoanangrymob.Somethrewplates,food,androcksattheArgoII,whichwaspointless,asmostofthestufffellbackintothecrowd.

SeveraldozenRomanshadsurroundedPiperandJason,whoweretryingtocalmthemwithoutmuch luck. Piper’s charmspeak was useless against somany screaming, angrydemigods.Jason’sforeheadwasbleeding.Hispurplecloakhadbeenrippedtoshreds.Hekept pleading, “I’mon your side!” but his orangeCampHalf-BloodT-shirt didn’t helpmatters—nordidthewarshipoverhead,firingflamingspearsintoNewRome.Onelandednearbyandblastedatogashoptorubble.

“Pluto’spauldrons,”Reynacursed.“Look.”

Armed legionnaireswere hurrying toward the forum.Two artillery crewshad set upcatapultsjustoutsidethePomerianLineandwerepreparingtofireattheArgoII.

“That’lljustmakethingsworse,”Annabethsaid.

“Ihatemy job,”Reynagrowled.She rushedoff toward the legionnaires,herdogsatherside.

Percy,Annabeththought,scanningtheforumdesperately.Whereareyou?

TwoRomanstried tograbher.Sheduckedpast them,plunginginto thecrowd.AsiftheangryRomans,burningcouches,andexplodingbuildingsweren’tconfusingenough,hundreds of purple ghosts drifted through the forum, passing straight through thedemigods’ bodies andwailing incoherently. The fauns had also taken advantage of thechaos.They swarmed thedining tables,grabbing food,plates, andcups.One trottedbyAnnabethwithhisarmsfulloftacosandanentirepineapplebetweenhisteeth.

AstatueofTerminusexplodedintobeing,rightinfrontofAnnabeth.HeyelledatherinLatin,nodoubtcallingheraliarandarulebreaker;butshepushedthestatueoverandkeptrunning.

Finally she spottedPercy.Heandhis friends,Hazel andFrank,were standing in themiddleofafountainasPercyrepelledtheangryRomanswithblastsofwater.Percy’stogawasintatters,buthelookedunhurt.

Annabethcalledtohimasanotherexplosionrockedtheforum.Thistimetheflashoflight was directly overhead. One of the Roman catapults had fired, and the Argo IIgroanedandtiltedsideways,flamesbubblingoveritsbronze-platedhull.

Annabeth noticed a figure clinging desperately to the rope ladder, trying to climbdown.ItwasOctavian,hisrobessteamingandhisfaceblackwithsoot.

Overby the fountain,Percyblasted theRomanmobwithmorewater.Annabeth rantowardhim,duckingaRomanfistandaflyingplateofsandwiches.

“Annabeth!”Percycalled.“What—?”

“Idon’tknow!”sheyelled.

“I’lltellyouwhat!”criedavoicefromabove.Octavianhadreachedthebottomoftheladder.“TheGreekshavefiredonus!YourboyLeohastrainedhisweaponsonRome!”

Annabeth’s chest filled with liquid hydrogen. She felt like she might shatter into amillionfrozenpieces.

“You’relying,”shesaid.“Leowouldnever—”

“Iwasjustthere!”Octavianshrieked.“Isawitwithmyowneyes!”

TheArgoII returnedfire.Legionnaires in thefieldscatteredasoneof theircatapultswasblastedtosplinters.

“Yousee?”Octavianscreamed.“Romans,killtheinvaders!”

Annabethgrowledinfrustration.Therewasnotimeforanyonetofigureoutthetruth.The crew from Camp Half-Blood was outnumbered a hundred to one, and even ifOctavianhadmanagedtostagesomesortoftrick(whichshethoughtlikely),they’dneverbeabletoconvincetheRomansbeforetheywereoverrunandkilled.

“Wehavetoleave,”shetoldPercy.“Now.”

Henoddedgrimly.“Hazel,Frank,you’vegottomakeachoice.Areyoucoming?”

Hazel looked terrified, but she donned her cavalry helmet. “Of course we are. Butyou’llnevermakeittotheshipunlesswebuyyousometime.”

“How?”Annabethasked.

Hazel whistled. Instantly a blur of beige shot across the forum. A majestic horsematerialized next to the fountain. He reared, whinnying and scattering themob. Hazelclimbed on his back like she’d been born to ride. Strapped to the horse’s saddlewas aRomancavalrysword.

Hazel unsheathed her golden blade. “Send me an Iris-message when you’re safelyaway,andwe’llrendezvous,”shesaid.“Arion,ride!”

Thehorsezippedthroughthecrowdwithincrediblespeed,pushingbackRomansandcausingmasspanic.

Annabethfeltaglimmerofhope.Maybe theycouldmake itoutofherealive.Then,fromhalfwayacrosstheforum,sheheardJasonshouting.

“Romans!”hecried.“Please!”

HeandPiperwerebeingpeltedwithplatesandstones.JasontriedtoshieldPiper,butabrickcaughthimabovetheeye.Hecrumpled,andthecrowdsurgedforward.

“Get back!” Piper screamed. Her charmspeak rolled over the mob, making themhesitate, but Annabeth knew the effect wouldn’t last. Percy and she couldn’t possiblyreachthemintimetohelp.

“Frank,”Percysaid,“it’suptoyou.Canyouhelpthem?”

Annabethdidn’tunderstandhowFrankcoulddothatallbyhimself,butheswallowednervously.

“Oh,gods,”hemurmured.“Okay,sure.Justgetuptheropes.Now.”

PercyandAnnabeth lunged for the ladder.Octavianwasstill clinging to thebottom,butPercyyankedhimoffandthrewhimintothemob.

Theybegan to climbas armed legionnaires flooded into the forum.ArrowswhistledpastAnnabeth’shead.Anexplosionalmostknockedheroff the ladder.Halfwayup,sheheardaroarbelowandglanceddown.

Romansscreamedandscatteredasa full-sizeddragoncharged through theforum—abeastevenscarierthanthebronzedragonfigureheadontheArgoII.IthadroughgrayskinlikeaKomodolizard’sandleatherybatwings.Arrowsandrocksbouncedharmlesslyoffits hide as it lumbered toward Piper and Jason, grabbed themwith its front claws, andvaultedintotheair.

“Isthat…?”Annabethcouldn’tevenputthethoughtintowords.

“Frank,”Percyconfirmed,afewfeetaboveher.“Hehasafewspecialtalents.”

“Understatement,”Annabethmuttered.“Keepclimbing!”

Without thedragon andHazel’s horse todistract the archers, theyneverwouldhavemadeituptheladder;butfinallytheyclimbedpastarowofbrokenaerialoarsandontothedeck.Theriggingwasonfire.Theforesailwasrippeddownthemiddle,andtheshiplistedbadlytostarboard.

Therewas no sign of CoachHedge, but Leo stood amidships, calmly reloading theballista.Annabeth’sguttwistedwithhorror.

“Leo!”shescreamed.“Whatareyoudoing?”

“Destroythem…”HefacedAnnabeth.Hiseyeswereglazed.Hismovementswerelikearobot’s.“Destroythemall.”

Heturnedbacktotheballista,butPercytackledhim.Leo’sheadhitthedeckhard,andhiseyesrolledupsothatonlythewhitesshowed.

The gray dragon soared into view. It circled the ship once and landed at the bow,depositingJasonandPiper,whobothcollapsed.

“Go!”Percyyelled.“Getusoutofhere!”

Withashock,Annabethrealizedhewastalkingtoher.

Sheranfor thehelm.Shemade themistakeofglancingover therailandsawarmedlegionnairesclosing ranks in the forum,preparing flamingarrows.Hazel spurredArion,andtheyracedoutofthecitywithamobchasingafterthem.Morecatapultswerebeingwheeled into range.Allalong thePomerianLine, thestatuesofTerminuswereglowingpurple,asifbuildingupenergyforsomekindofattack.

Annabeth lookedover thecontrols.ShecursedLeoformakingthemsocomplicated.Notimeforfancymaneuvers,butshedidknowonebasiccommand:Up.

Shegrabbed theaviation throttle andyanked it straightback.The shipgroaned.Thebowtiltedupatahorrifyingangle.Themooringlinessnapped,andtheArgoIIshotintotheclouds.

LEOWISHEDHECOULDINVENTatimemachine.He’dgobacktwohoursandundowhathadhappened. Either that, or he could invent a Slap-Leo-in-the-Face machine to punishhimself,thoughhedoubteditwouldhurtasbadlyasthelookAnnabethwasgivinghim.

“Onemoretime,”shesaid.“Exactlywhathappened?”

Leoslumpedagainstthemast.Hisheadstillthrobbedfromhittingthedeck.Allaroundhim,hisbeautifulnewshipwas in shambles.Theaft crossbowswerepilesofkindling.The foresailwas tattered.The satellite array that powered the onboard Internet andTVwas blown to bits, which had really made Coach Hedge mad. Their bronze dragonfigurehead,Festus,wascoughingupsmokelikehehadahairball,andLeocouldtellfromthegroaningsoundsontheportsidethatsomeoftheaerialoarshadbeenknockedoutofalignment or broken off completely, which explained why the ship was listing andshudderingasitflew,theenginewheezinglikeanasthmaticsteamtrain.

Hechokedbackasob.“Idon’tknow.It’sfuzzy.”

Toomanypeoplewere lookingathim:Annabeth(Leohated tomakeherangry; thatgirl scared him), Coach Hedge with his furry goat legs, his orange polo shirt, and hisbaseballbat(didhehavetocarrythateverywhere?),andthenewcomer,Frank.

Leowasn’tsurewhattomakeofFrank.Helookedlikeababysumowrestler,thoughLeowasn’tstupidenoughtosaythataloud.Leo’smemorywashazy,butwhilehe’dbeenhalfconscious,hewasprettysurehe’dseenadragonlandontheship—adragonthathadturnedintoFrank.

Annabethcrossedherarms.“Youmeanyoudon’tremember?”

“I…”Leofeltlikehewastryingtoswallowamarble.“Iremember,butit’slikeIwas

watchingmyselfdothings.Icouldn’tcontrolit.”

CoachHedgetappedhisbatagainstthedeck.Inhisgymclothes,withhiscappulledoverhishorns,helookedjustlikeheusedtoattheWildernessSchool,wherehe’dspentayear undercover as Jason, Piper, and Leo’s P.E. teacher. The way the old satyr wasglowering,Leoalmostwonderedifthecoachwasgoingtoorderhimtodopush-ups.

“Look, kid,” Hedge said, “you blew up some stuff. You attacked some Romans.Awesome!Excellent!Butdidyouhavetoknockoutthesatellitechannels?Iwasrightinthemiddleofwatchingacagematch.”

“Coach,”Annabethsaid,“whydon’tyoumakesureallthefiresareout?”

“ButIalreadydidthat.”

“Doitagain.”

Thesatyrtrudgedoff,mutteringunderhisbreath.EvenHedgewasn’tcrazyenoughtodefyAnnabeth.

ShekneltnexttoLeo.Hergrayeyeswereassteelyasballbearings.Herblondhairfellloosearoundhershoulders,butLeodidn’tfindthatattractive.Hehadnoideawherethestereotypeofdumbgigglyblondescamefrom.Eversincehe’dmetAnnabethattheGrandCanyonlastwinter,whenshe’dmarchedtowardhimwiththatGivemePercyJacksonorI’ll kill you expression, Leo thought of blondes as much too smart and much toodangerous.

“Leo,”shesaidcalmly,“didOctaviantrickyousomehow?Didheframeyou,or—”

“No.”LeocouldhaveliedandblamedthatstupidRoman,buthedidn’twanttomakeabadsituationworse.“Theguywasajerk,buthedidn’tfireonthecamp.Idid.”

Thenewkid,Frank,scowled.“Onpurpose?”

“No!”Leo squeezed his eyes shut. “Well, yes…Imean, I didn’twant to.But at thesame time, I felt like Iwanted to.Somethingwasmakingmedo it.Therewas thiscoldfeelinginsideme—”

“Acoldfeeling.”Annabeth’stonechanged.Shesoundedalmost…scared.

“Yeah,”Leosaid.“Why?”

Frombelowdecks,Percycalledup,“Annabeth,weneedyou.”

Oh,gods,Leothought.PleaseletJasonbeokay.

Assoonasthey’dgottenonboard,PiperhadtakenJasonbelow.Thecutonhisheadhad looked pretty bad. Leo had known Jason longer than anyone atCampHalf-Blood.

Theywerebestfriends.IfJasondidn’tmakeit…

“He’llbefine.”Annabeth’sexpressionsoftened.“Frank,I’llbeback.Just…watchLeo.Please.”

Franknodded.

If it was possible for Leo to feel worse, he did. Annabeth now trusted a Romandemigodshe’dknownforlike,threeseconds,morethanshetrustedLeo.

Onceshewasgone,LeoandFrankstaredateachother.Thebigdudelookedprettyoddinhisbedsheettoga,withhisgraypulloverhoodieandjeans,andabowandquiverfromthe ship’s armory slung over his shoulder. Leo remembered the time he had met theHuntersofArtemis—abunchofcutelithegirlsinsilveryclothes,allarmedwithbows.HeimaginedFrank frolickingalongwith them.The ideawas so ridiculous, it almostmadehimfeelbetter.

“So,”Franksaid.“Yournameisn’tSammy?”

Leoscowled.“Whatkindofquestionisthat?”

“Nothing,” Frank said quickly. “I just— Nothing. About the firing on the camp…Octavian could be behind it, likemagically or something. He didn’t want the Romansgettingalongwithyouguys.”

Leowantedtobelievethat.Hewasgratefultothiskidfornothatinghim.Butheknewithadn’tbeenOctavian.Leohadwalked toaballistaandstartedfiring.Partofhimhadknown itwaswrong.He’daskedhimself:What theheckam Idoing?But he’d done itanyway.

Maybe he was going crazy. The stress of all those months working on theArgo IImight’vefinallymadehimcrack.

But he couldn’t think about that.He needed to do something productive.His handsneededtobebusy.

“Look,”hesaid,“IshouldtalktoFestusandgetadamagereport.Youmind…?”

Frankhelpedhimup.“WhoisFestus?”

“Myfriend,”Leosaid.“Hisnameisn’tSammyeither,incaseyou’rewondering.Comeon.I’llintroduceyou.”

Fortunatelythebronzedragonwasn’tdamaged.Well,asidefromthefactthatlastwinterhe’dlosteverythingexcepthishead—butLeodidn’tcountthat.

When they reached thebowof the ship, the figurehead turned a hundred and eightydegreestolookatthem.Frankyelpedandbackedaway.

“It’salive!”hesaid.

Leowouldhavelaughedifhehadn’tfeltsobad.“Yeah.Frank,thisisFestus.Heusedtobeafullbronzedragon,butwehadanaccident.”

“Youhavealotofaccidents,”Franknoted.

“Well,someofuscan’t turnintodragons,sowehavetobuildourown.”LeoarchedhiseyebrowsatFrank.“Anyway, I revivedhimasa figurehead.He’skindof theship’smaininterfacenow.Howarethingslooking,Festus?”

Festussnortedsmokeandmadeaseriesofsqueaking,whirringsounds.Over the lastfewmonths,Leohad learned to interpret thismachine language.Otherdemigods couldunderstandLatinandGreek.LeocouldspeakCreakandSqueak.

“Ugh,”Leosaid.“Couldbeworse,butthehulliscompromisedinseveralplaces.Theportaerialoarshavetobefixedbeforewecangofullspeedagain.We’llneedsomerepairmaterials:Celestialbronze,tar,lime—”

“Whatdoyouneedlimesfor?”

“Dude, lime. Calcium carbonate, used in cement and a bunch of other—Ah, nevermind.Thepointis,thisshipisn’tgoingfarunlesswecanfixit.”

Festusmadeanotherclick-creaknoise thatLeodidn’t recognize. It sounded likeAY-zuhl.

“Oh…Hazel,”hedeciphered.“That’sthegirlwiththecurlyhair,right?”

Frankgulped.“Issheokay?”

“Yeah, she’s fine,”Leo said. “According to Festus, her horse is racing along below.She’sfollowingus.”

“We’vegottoland,then,”Franksaid.

Leostudiedhim.“She’syourgirlfriend?”

Frankchewedhislip.“Yes.”

“Youdon’tsoundsure.”

“Yes.Yes,definitely.I’msure.”

Leo raisedhishands. “Okay, fine.Theproblem iswecanonlymanageone landing.Theway thehulland theoarsare,wewon’tbeable to liftoffagainuntilwe repair, so

we’llhavetomakesurewelandsomewherewithalltherightsupplies.”

Frankscratchedhishead.“WheredoyougetCelestialbronze?Youcan’tjuststockupatHomeDepot.”

“Festus,doascan.”

“Hecanscanformagicbronze?”Frankmarveled.“Isthereanythinghecan’tdo?”

Leothought:Youshould’veseenhimwhenhehadabody.Buthedidn’tsaythat.Itwastoopainful,rememberingthewayFestususedtobe.

Leopeeredovertheship’sbow.TheCentralCaliforniavalleywaspassingbelow.Leodidn’tholdoutmuchhopethattheycouldfindwhattheyneededallinoneplace,buttheyhadtotry.LeoalsowantedtoputasmuchdistanceaspossiblebetweenhimselfandNewRome.TheArgoIIcouldcovervastdistancesprettyquickly,thankstoitsmagicalengine,butLeofiguredtheRomanshadmagictravelmethodsoftheirown.

Behindhim,thestairscreaked.PercyandAnnabethclimbedup,theirfacesgrim.

Leo’sheartstumbled.“IsJason—?”

“He’sresting,”Annabethsaid.“Piper’skeepinganeyeonhim,butheshouldbefine.”

Percygavehimahardlook.“Annabethsaysyoudidfiretheballista?”

“Man,I—Idon’tunderstandhowithappened.I’msosorry—”

“Sorry?”Percygrowled.

Annabethputahandonherboyfriend’schest.“We’llfigureitoutlater.Rightnow,wehavetoregroupandmakeaplan.What’sthesituationwiththeship?”

Leo’slegstrembled.ThewayPercyhadlookedathimmadehimfeelthesameaswhenJasonsummoned lightning.Leo’s skin tingled, andevery instinct inhisbodyscreamed,Duck!

HetoldAnnabethaboutthedamageandthesuppliestheyneeded.Atleasthefeltbettertalkingaboutsomethingfixable.

Hewas bemoaning the shortage ofCelestial bronzewhen Festus began towhir andsqueak.

“Perfect.”Leosighedwithrelief.

“What’sperfect?”Annabethsaid.“Icouldusesomeperfectaboutnow.”

Leomanageda smile. “Everythingweneed inoneplace.Frank,whydon’tyou turnintoabirdor something?Flydownand tellyourgirlfriend tomeetusat theGreatSalt

LakeinUtah.”

Once theygot there, itwasn’t a pretty landing.With the oars damaged and the foresailtorn, Leo could barelymanage a controlled descent. The others strapped themselves inbelow—except for CoachHedge,who insisted on clinging to the forward rail, yelling,“YEAH!Bring it on, lake!”Leo stood astern, alone at the helm, and aimed as best hecould.

Festuscreakedandwhirredwarningsignals,whichwererelayedthroughtheintercomtothequarterdeck.

“Iknow,Iknow,”Leosaid,grittinghisteeth.

Hedidn’thavemuchtimetotakeinthescenery.Tothesoutheast,acitywasnestledinthefoothillsofamountainrange,blueandpurpleintheafternoonshadows.Aflatdesertlandscape spread to the south.Directly beneath them theGreat Salt Lake glittered likealuminumfoil, theshorelineetchedwithwhitesaltmarshes that remindedLeoofaerialphotosofMars.

“Hangon,Coach!”heshouted.“Thisisgoingtohurt.”

“Iwasbornforhurt!”

WHOOM!Aswellofsaltwaterwashedoverthebow,dousingCoachHedge.TheArgoIIlisteddangerouslytostarboard,thenrighteditselfandrockedonthesurfaceofthelake.Machineryhummedastheaerialbladesthatwerestillworkingchangedtonauticalform.

Threebanksofroboticoarsdippedintothewaterandbeganmovingthemforward.

“Goodjob,Festus,”Leosaid.“Takeustowardthesouthshore.”

“Yeah!”CoachHedgepumpedhisfistsintheair.Hewasdrenchedfromhishornstohooves,butgrinninglikeacrazygoat.“Doitagain!”

“Uh…maybe later,”Leo said. “Just stay above deck, okay?You can keepwatch, incase—youknow,thelakedecidestoattackusorsomething.”

“Onit,”Hedgepromised.

LeorangtheAllclearbellandheadedforthestairs.Beforehegotthere,aloudclump-clump-clumpshookthehull.AtanstallionappearedondeckwithHazelLevesqueonhisback.

“How—?”Leo’squestiondiedinhisthroat.“We’reinthemiddleofalake!Canthatthingfly?”

Thehorsewhinniedangrily.

“Arion can’t fly,” Hazel said. “But he can run across just about anything. Water,verticalsurfaces,smallmountains—noneofthatbothershim.”

“Oh.”

Hazelwas lookingathimstrangely, thewayshehadduring thefeast in theforum—likeshewassearchingforsomethinginhisface.Hewastemptedtoaskiftheyhadmetbefore,buthewassuretheyhadn’t.Hewouldrememberaprettygirlpayingsuchcloseattentiontohim.Thatdidn’thappenalot.

She’sFrank’sgirlfriend,heremindedhimself.

Frankwas still below,butLeoalmostwished thebigguywouldcomeup the stairs.ThewayHazelwasstudyingLeomadehimfeeluneasyandself-conscious.

CoachHedgecreptforwardwithhisbaseballbat,eyeingthemagichorsesuspiciously.“Valdez,doesthiscountasaninvasion?”

“No!”Leosaid.“Um,Hazel,you’dbettercomewithme.Ibuiltastablebelowdecks,ifArionwantsto—”

“He’smoreofafreespirit.”Hazelslippedoutof thesaddle.“He’llgrazearoundthelakeuntilIcallhim.ButIwanttoseetheship.Leadtheway.”

TheArgoIIwasdesignedlikeanancienttrireme,onlytwiceasbig.Thefirstdeckhadone central corridorwith crew cabins on either side.On a normal trireme,most of thespacewould’vebeentakenupwiththreerowsofbenchesforafewhundredsweatyguystodo themanual labor, butLeo’soarswere automatedand retractable, so they tookupvery little room inside the hull. The ship’s power came from the engine room on thesecondandlowestdeck,whichalsohousedsickbay,storage,andthestables.

Leo led thewaydown thehall.He’dbuilt the shipwith eight cabins—seven for thedemigodsof theprophecy,anda roomforCoachHedge (Seriously—Chironconsideredhimaresponsibleadultchaperone?).Atthesternwasalargemesshall/lounge,whichwaswhereLeoheaded.

Ontheway,theypassedJason’sroom.Thedoorwasopen.Pipersatatthesideofhisberth,holdingJason’shandwhilehesnoredwithanicepackonhishead.

PiperglancedatLeo.Sheheldafingertoherlipsforquiet,butshedidn’tlookangry.Thatwassomething.Leotriedtoforcedownhisguilt,andtheykeptwalking.Whentheyreached the mess hall, they found the others—Percy, Annabeth, and Frank—sittingdejectedlyaroundthediningtable.

Leohadmadetheloungeasniceaspossible,sincehefiguredthey’dbespendingalotoftimethere.ThecupboardwaslinedwithmagiccupsandplatesfromCampHalf-Blood,whichwouldfillupwithwhateverfoodordrinkyouwantedoncommand.Therewasalsoamagicalicechestwithcanneddrinks,perfectforpicnicsashore.Thechairswerecushyreclinerswiththousand-fingermassage,built-inheadphones,andswordanddrinkholdersfor all your demigod kicking-back needs. There were no windows, but the walls wereenchanted to show real-time footage fromCampHalf-Blood—thebeach, the forest, thestrawberryfields—althoughnowLeowaswonderingifthismadepeoplehomesickratherthanhappy.

Percywas staring longingly at a sunset view of Half-BloodHill, where theGoldenFleeceglitteredinthebranchesofthetallpinetree.

“Sowe’velanded,”Percysaid.“Whatnow?”

Frank plucked on his bowstring. “Figure out the prophecy? I mean…that was aprophecyEllaspoke,right?FromtheSibyllineBooks?”

“Thewhat?”Leoasked.

Frankexplainedhowtheirharpyfriendwasfreakishlygoodatmemorizingbooks.Atsome point in the past, she’d inhaled a collection of ancient prophecies that hadsupposedlybeendestroyedaroundthefallofRome.

“That’swhyyoudidn’t tell theRomans,”Leoguessed.“Youdidn’twantthemtogetholdofher.”

PercykeptstaringattheimageofHalf-BloodHill.“Ella’ssensitive.Shewasacaptivewhenwefoundher. I justdidn’twant…”Hemadea fist.“Itdoesn’tmatternow. I sentTysonanIris-message,toldhimtotakeEllatoCampHalf-Blood.They’llbesafethere.”

Leo doubted thatanyof themwould be safe, now that he had stirred up a camp ofangryRomansontopoftheproblemstheyalreadyhadwithGaeaandthegiants;buthekeptquiet.

Annabethlacedherfingers.“Letmethinkabouttheprophecy—butrightnowwehavemoreimmediateproblems.Wehavetogetthisshipfixed.Leo,whatdoweneed?”

“Theeasiestthingistar.”Leowasgladtochangethesubject.“Wecangetthatinthecity, at a roofing-supply store or someplace like that. Also, Celestial bronze and lime.AccordingtoFestus,wecanfindbothofthoseonanislandinthelake,justwestofhere.”

“We’llhavetohurry,”Hazelwarned.“IfIknowOctavian,he’ssearchingforuswithhisauguries.TheRomanswillsendastrikeforceafterus.It’samatterofhonor.”

Leofelteveryone’seyesonhim.“Guys…Idon’tknowwhathappened.Honestly,I—”

Annabeth raisedherhand.“We’vebeen talking.Weagree itcouldn’thavebeenyou,Leo.Thatcoldfeelingyoumentioned…Ifeltittoo.Itmusthavebeensomesortofmagic,eitherOctavianorGaeaoroneofherminions.Butuntilweunderstandwhathappened—”

Frankgrunted.“Howcanwebesureitwon’thappenagain?”

Leo’sfingersheatedupliketheywereabouttocatchfire.OneofhispowersasasonofHephaestuswasthathecouldsummonflamesatwill;buthehadtobecarefulnottodosobyaccident,especiallyonashipfilledwithexplosivesandflammablesupplies.

“I’mfinenow,”heinsisted,thoughhewishedhecouldbesure.“Maybeweshouldusethebuddysystem.Nobodygoesanywherealone.WecanleavePiperandCoachHedgeonboardwithJason.Sendoneteamintotowntogettar.Anotherteamcangoafterthebronzeandthelime.”

“Splitup?”Percysaid.“Thatsoundslikeareallybadidea.”

“It’llbequicker,”Hazelputin.“Besides,there’sareasonaquestisusuallylimitedtothreedemigods,right?”

Annabeth raised her eyebrows, as if reappraisingHazel’smerits. “You’re right. Thesame reason we needed theArgo II…outside camp, seven demigods in one place willattractwaytoomuchmonstrousattention.Theshipisdesignedtoconcealandprotectus.Weshouldbesafeenoughonboard;butifwegoonexpeditions,weshouldn’t travel ingroupslargerthanthree.NosensealertingmoreofGaea’sminionsthanwehaveto.”

Percystilldidn’tlookhappyaboutit,buthetookAnnabeth’shand.“Aslongasyou’remybuddy,I’mgood.”

Hazelsmiled.“Oh,that’seasy.Frank,youwereamazing,turningintoadragon!CouldyoudoitagaintoflyAnnabethandPercyintotownforthetar?”

Frankopenedhismouthlikehewantedtoprotest.“I…Isuppose.Butwhataboutyou?”

“I’ll ride Arion with Sa—with Leo, here.” She fidgeted with her sword hilt, whichmadeLeouneasy.Shehadevenmorenervousenergythanhedid.“We’llgetthebronzeandthelime.Wecanallmeetbackherebydark.”

Frank scowled.Obviously, he didn’t like the idea of Leo going offwithHazel. Forsome reason, Frank’s disapproval made Leo want to go. He had to prove he wastrustworthy.Hewasn’tgoingtofireanyrandomballistaeagain.

“Leo,”saidAnnabeth,“ifwegetthesupplies,howlongtofixtheship?”

“Withluck,justafewhours.”

“Fine,”shedecided.“We’llmeetyoubackhereassoonaspossible,butstaysafe.Wecouldusesomegoodluck.Thatdoesn’tmeanwe’llgetit.”

RIDINGARIONWASTHEBESTTHINGthathadhappenedtoLeoallday—whichwasn’tsayingmuch,sincehisdayhadsucked.Thehorse’shoovesturnedthesurfaceofthelaketosaltymist.Leoputhishandagainstthehorse’ssideandfelt themusclesworkinglikeawell-oiled machine. For the first time, he understood why car engines were measured inhorsepower.Arionwasafour-leggedMaserati.

Aheadof them layan island—a lineof sandsowhite, itmighthavebeenpure tablesalt.Behindthatroseanexpanseofgrassydunesandweatheredboulders.

LeosatbehindHazel,onearmaroundherwaist.Theclosecontactmadehima littleuncomfortable,butitwastheonlywayhecouldstayonboard(orwhateveryoucalleditwithahorse).

Before they left,Percyhadpulledhimaside to tellhimHazel’s story.Percymade itsoundlikehewasjustdoingLeoafavor,butthere’dbeenanundertonelikeIfyoumesswithmyfriend,Iwillpersonallyfeedyoutoagreatwhiteshark.

AccordingtoPercy,HazelwasadaughterofPluto.She’ddiedinthe1940sandbeenbroughtbacktolifeonlyafewmonthsago.

Leofoundthathardtobelieve.Hazelseemedwarmandveryalive,notliketheghostsortheotherrebornmortalsLeohadtangledwith.

Sheseemedgoodwithpeople,too,unlikeLeo,whowasmuchmorecomfortablewithmachines.Livingstuff,likehorsesandgirls?Hehadnoideawhatmadethemwork.

HazelwasalsoFrank’sgirlfriend,soLeoknewheshouldkeephisdistance.Still,herhair smelled good, and riding with her made his heart race almost against his will. Itmust’vebeenthespeedofthehorse.

Arion thunderedonto thebeach.He stompedhis hooves andwhinnied triumphantly,likeCoachHedgeyellingabattlecry.

HazelandLeodismounted.Arionpawedthesand.

“Heneedstoeat,”Hazelexplained.“Helikesgold,but—”

“Gold?”Leoasked.

“He’llsettleforgrass.Goon,Arion.Thanksfortheride.I’llcallyou.”

Justlikethat,thehorsewasgone—nothingleftbutasteamingtrailacrossthelake.

“Fasthorse,”Leosaid,“andexpensivetofeed.”

“Notreally,”Hazelsaid.“Goldiseasyforme.”

Leoraisedhiseyebrows.“Howisgoldeasy?Pleasetellmeyou’renotrelatedtoKingMidas.Idon’tlikethatguy.”

Hazelpursedherlips,asifsheregrettedraisingthesubject.“Nevermind.”

ThatmadeLeoevenmorecurious,buthedecideditmightbebetternottopressher.Hekneltandcuppedahandfulofwhitesand.“Well…oneproblemsolved,anyway.Thisislime.”

Hazelfrowned.“Thewholebeach?”

“Yeah. See? The granules are perfectly round. It’s not really sand. It’s calciumcarbonate.”LeopulledaZiplocbagfromhistoolbeltanddughishandintothelime.

Suddenlyhefroze.HerememberedallthetimestheearthgoddessGaeahadappearedtohimintheground—hersleepingfacemadeofdustorsandordirt.Shelovedtotaunthim.Heimaginedherclosedeyesandherdreamingsmileswirlinginthewhitecalcium.

Walkaway,littlehero,Gaeasaid.Withoutyou,theshipcannotbefixed.

“Leo?”Hazelasked.“Youokay?”

Hetookashakybreath.Gaeawasn’there.Hewasjustfreakinghimselfout.

“Yeah,”hesaid.“Yeah,fine.”

Hestartedtofillthebag.

Hazelkneltnexttohimandhelped.“Weshould’vebroughtapailandshovels.”

TheideacheeredLeoup.Heevensmiled.“Wecould’vemadeasandcastle.”

“Alimecastle.”

Theireyeslockedforasecondtoolong.

Hazellookedaway.“Youaresomuchlike—”

“Sammy?”Leoguessed.

Shefellbackward.“Youknow?”

“I have no idea who Sammy is. But Frank asked me if I was sure that wasn’t myname.”

“And…itisn’t?”

“No!Jeez.”

“You don’t have a twin brother or…” Hazel stopped. “Is your family from NewOrleans?”

“Nah.Houston.Why?IsSammyaguyyouusedtoknow?”

“I…It’snothing.Youjustlooklikehim.”

Leocouldtellshewastooembarrassedtosaymore.ButifHazelwasakidfromthepast,didthatmeanSammywasfromthe1940s?Ifso,howcouldFrankknowtheguy?AndwhywouldHazelthinkLeowasSammy,allthesedecadeslater?

They finished filling the bag in silence. Leo stuffed it in his tool belt and the bagvanished—noweight,nomass,novolume—thoughLeoknewitwouldbethereassoonashereachedforit.Anythingthatcouldfitintothepockets,Leocouldtotearound.Helovedhis toolbelt.Hejustwishedthepocketswerelargeenoughforachainsaw,ormaybeabazooka.

Hestoodandscannedtheisland—bleach-whitedunes,blanketsofgrass,andbouldersencrustedwithsaltlikefrosting.“FestussaidtherewasCelestialbronzecloseby,butI’mnotsurewhere—”

“Thatway.”Hazelpointedupthebeach.“Aboutfivehundredyards.”

“Howdoyou—?”

“Preciousmetals,”Hazelsaid.“It’saPlutothing.”

Leorememberedwhatshe’dsaidaboutgoldbeingeasy.“Handytalent.Leadtheway,MissMetalDetector.”

Thesunbegantoset.Theskyturnedabizarremixofpurpleandyellow.Inanotherreality,Leomight’veenjoyedawalkonthebeachwithaprettygirl,butthefarthertheywent,theedgierhefelt.FinallyHazelturnedinland.

“Yousurethisisagoodidea?”heasked.

“We’reclose,”shepromised.“Comeon.”

Justoverthedunes,theysawthewoman.

Shesatonaboulder in themiddleofagrassyfield.Ablack-and-chromemotorcyclewasparkednearby,buteachof thewheelshadabigpieslice removedfromthespokesandrim,sothattheyresembledPac-Men.Nowaywasthebikedrivableinthatcondition.

Thewoman had curly black hair and a bony frame. Shewore black leather biker’spants,tallleatherboots,andabloodredleatherjacket—sortofaMichaelJacksonjoinstheHell’sAngelslook.Aroundherfeet,thegroundwaslitteredwithwhatlookedlikebrokenshells. Shewashunchedover, pullingnewones out of a sack and cracking themopen.Shuckingoysters?Leowasn’tsureiftherewereoystersintheGreatSaltLake.Hedidn’tthinkso.

Hewasn’tanxioustoapproach.He’dhadbadexperienceswithstrangeladies.Hisoldbabysitter,TíaCallida, had turned out to beHera and had a nasty habit of putting himdownfornapsinablazingfireplace.TheearthgoddessGaeahadkilledhismother inaworkshopfirewhenLeowaseight.ThesnowgoddessKhionehadtriedtoturnhimintoafrozendairytreatinSonoma.

ButHazelforgedahead,sohedidn’thavemuchchoiceexcepttofollow.

Astheygotcloser,Leonoticeddisturbingdetails.Attachedtothewoman’sbeltwasacurledwhip.Herred-leatherjackethadasubtledesigntoit—twistedbranchesofanappletree populated with skeletal birds. The oysters she was shucking were actually fortunecookies.

Apileofbrokencookieslayankle-deepallaroundher.Shekeptpullingnewonesfromher sack, cracking them open, and reading the fortunes.Most she tossed aside. A fewmadehermutterunhappily.Shewouldswipeherfingerovertheslipofpaperlikeshewassmudgingit,thenmagicallyresealthecookieandtossitintoanearbybasket.

“Whatareyoudoing?”Leoaskedbeforehecouldstophimself.

Thewomanlookedup.Leo’slungsfilledsofast,hethoughttheymightburst.

“AuntRosa?”heasked.

Itdidn’tmake sense,but thiswoman lookedexactly likehis aunt.Shehad the samebroadnosewithamoleononeside,thesamesourmouthandhardeyes.Butitcouldn’tbeRosa.Shewouldneverwearclotheslikethat,andshewasstilldowninHouston,asfarasLeoknew.Shewouldn’tbecrackingopenfortunecookiesinthemiddleoftheGreatSalt

Lake.

“Isthatwhatyousee?”thewomanasked.“Interesting.Andyou,Hazel,dear?”

“Howdidyou—?”Hazelsteppedbackinalarm.“You—youlooklikeMrs.Leer.Mythirdgradeteacher.Ihatedyou.”

Thewomancackled.“Excellent.Youresentedher,eh?Shejudgedyouunfairly?”

“You—shetapedmyhandstothedeskformisbehaving,”Hazelsaid.“Shecalledmymotherawitch.SheblamedmeforeverythingIdidn’tdoand—No.Shehastobedead.Whoareyou?”

“Oh,Leoknows,”thewomansaid.“HowdoyoufeelaboutAuntRosa,mijo?”

Mijo.That’swhatLeo’smomhadalwayscalledhim.Afterhismomdied,RosahadrejectedLeo.She’dcalledhimadevilchild.She’dblamedhimforthefirethathadkilledher sister. Rosa had turned his family against him and left him—a scrawny orphanedeight-year-old—atthemercyofsocialservices.Leohadbouncedaroundfromfosterhometofosterhomeuntilhe’dfinallyfoundahomeatCampHalf-Blood.Leodidn’thatemanypeople,butafteralltheseyears,AuntRosa’sfacemadehimboilwithresentment.

Howdidhefeel?Hewantedtogeteven.Hewantedrevenge.

His eyes drifted to the motorcycle with the Pac-Man wheels. Where had he seensomethinglikethatbefore?Cabin16,backatCampHalf-Blood—thesymbolabovetheirdoorwasabrokenwheel.

“Nemesis,”hesaid.“You’rethegoddessofrevenge.”

“Yousee?”ThegoddesssmiledatHazel.“Herecognizesme.”

Nemesiscrackedanothercookieandwrinkledhernose.“Youwillhavegreat fortunewhenyouleastexpectit,”sheread.“That’sexactlythesortofnonsenseIhate.Someoneopensacookie,andsuddenlytheyhaveaprophecythatthey’llberich!IblamethattrampTyche.Alwaysdispensinggoodlucktopeoplewhodon’tdeserveit!”

Leo looked at the mound of broken cookies. “Uh…you know those aren’t realprophecies,right?They’rejuststuffedinthecookiesatsomefactory—”

“Don’ttrytoexcuseit!”Nemesissnapped.“It’sjustlikeTychetogetpeople’shopesup.No,no.Imustcounterher.”Nemesisflickedafingerover theslipofpaper,andtheletters changed to red. “You will die painfully when you most expect it. There! Muchbetter.”

“That’shorrible!”Hazelsaid.“You’dletsomeonereadthatintheirfortunecookie,anditwouldcometrue?”

Nemesissneered.Itreallywascreepy,seeingthatexpressiononAuntRosa’sface.“MydearHazel,haven’tyoueverwishedhorriblethingsonMrs.Leerforthewayshetreatedyou?”

“Thatdoesn’tmeanI’dwantthemtocometrue!”

“Bah.”Thegoddessresealedthecookieandtossedit inherbasket.“TychewouldbeFortuna foryou, I suppose,beingRoman.Like theothers, she’s inahorribleway rightnow.Me? I’m not affected. I am called Nemesis in both Greek and Roman. I do notchange,becauserevengeisuniversal.”

“Whatareyoutalkingabout?”Leoasked.“Whatareyoudoinghere?”

Nemesisopenedanothercookie.“Luckynumbers.Ridiculous!That’snotevenaproperfortune!”Shecrushedthecookieandscatteredthepiecesaroundherfeet.

“Toansweryourquestion,LeoValdez,thegodsareinterribleshape.Italwayshappenswhenacivilwar isbrewingbetweenyouRomansandGreeks.TheOlympiansare tornbetweentheirtwonatures,calledonbybothsides.Theybecomequiteschizophrenic,I’mafraid.Splittingheadaches.Disorientation.”

“Butwe’renotatwar,”Leoinsisted.

“Um, Leo…” Hazel winced. “Except for the fact that you recently blew up largesectionsofNewRome.”

Leostaredather,wonderingwhosesideshewason.“Notonpurpose!”

“Iknow…”Hazelsaid,“buttheRomansdon’trealizethat.Andthey’llbepursuingusinretaliation.”

Nemesiscackled.“Leo,listentothegirl.Wariscoming.Gaeahasseentoit,withyourhelp.Andcanyouguesswhomthegodsblamefortheirpredicament?”

Leo’smouthtastedlikecalciumcarbonate.“Me.”

Thegoddesssnorted.“Well,don’tyouhaveahighopinionofyourself.You’re justapawnonthechessboard,LeoValdez.Iwasreferringtotheplayerwhosetthisridiculousquest in motion, bringing the Greeks and Romans together. The gods blame Hera—orJuno,ifyouprefer!ThequeenoftheheavenshasfledOlympustoescapethewrathofherfamily.Don’texpectanymorehelpfromyourpatron!”

Leo’s head throbbed. He hadmixed feelings about Hera. She’d meddled in his lifesincehewasababy,moldinghimtoserveherpurposeinthisbigprophecy,butat leastshehadbeenontheirside,moreorless.Ifshewasoutofthepicturenow…

“Sowhyareyouhere?”heasked.

“Why,tooffermyhelp!”Nemesissmiledwickedly.

LeoglancedatHazel.Shelookedlikeshe’djustbeenofferedafreesnake.

“Yourhelp,”Leosaid.

“Ofcourse!”saidthegoddess.“Ienjoytearingdowntheproudandpowerful,andtherearenonewhodeservetearingdownlikeGaeaandhergiants.Still,ImustwarnyouthatIwillnotsufferundeservedsuccess.Goodluckisasham.ThewheeloffortuneisaPonzischeme.Truesuccessrequiressacrifice.”

“Sacrifice?”Hazel’svoicewastight.“Ilostmymother.Idiedandcameback.Nowmybrotherismissing.Isn’tthatenoughsacrificeforyou?”

Leocouldtotallyrelate.Hewantedtoscreamthathe’dlosthismomtoo.Hiswholelifehadbeenonemiseryafteranother.He’dlosthisdragon,Festus.He’dnearlykilledhimselftryingtofinishtheArgoII.Nowhe’dfiredontheRomancamp,mostlikelystartedawar,andmaybelostthetrustofhisfriends.

“Rightnow,”hesaid,tryingtocontrolhisanger,“allIwantissomeCelestialbronze.”

“Oh, that’s easy,” Nemesis said. “It’s just over the rise. You’ll find it with thesweethearts.”

“Wait,”Hazelsaid.“Whatsweethearts?”

Nemesispoppedacookieinhermouthandswallowedit,fortuneandall.“You’llsee.Perhaps theywill teachyou a lesson,HazelLevesque.Most heroes cannot escape theirnature, evenwhen given a second chance at life.” She smiled. “And speaking of yourbrother Nico, you don’t have much time. Let’s see…it’s June twenty-fifth? Yes, aftertoday,sixmoredays.Thenhedies,alongwiththeentirecityofRome.”

Hazel’seyeswidened.“How…what—?”

“Andas foryou, child of fire.”She turned toLeo. “Yourworst hardships are yet tocome.Youwillalwaysbetheoutsider,theseventhwheel.Youwillnotfindaplaceamongyourbrethren.Soonyouwillfaceaproblemyoucannotsolve,thoughIcouldhelpyou…foraprice.”

Leosmelledsmoke.Herealized fingersonhis lefthandwereablaze,andHazelwasstaringathiminterror.

He shoved his hand in his pocket to extinguish the flames. “I like to solvemyownproblems.”

“Verywell.”Nemesisbrushedcookiedustoffherjacket.

“But,um,whatsortofpricearewetalkingabout?”

Thegoddess shrugged. “Oneofmychildren recently tradedaneye for theability tomakearealdifferenceintheworld.”

Leo’sstomachchurned.“You…wantaneye?”

“In your case, perhaps another sacrifice would do. But something just as painful.Here.”Shehandedhimanunbrokenfortunecookie.“Ifyouneedananswer,breakthis.Itwillsolveyourproblem.”

Leo’shandtrembledasheheldthefortunecookie.“Whatproblem?”

“You’llknowwhenthetimecomes.”

“No,thanks,”Leosaidfirmly.Buthishand,asthoughithadawillofitsown,slippedthecookieintohistoolbelt.

Nemesispickedanothercookiefromherbagandcrackeditopen.“Youwillhavecausetoreconsideryourchoicessoon.Oh,Ilikethatone.Nochangesneededhere.”

She resealed thecookieand tossed it into thebasket.“Very fewgodswillbeable tohelpyouonthequest.Mostarealreadyincapacitated,andtheirconfusionwillonlygrowworse.OnethingmightbringunitytoOlympusagain—anoldwrongfinallyavenged.Ah,thatwouldbesweetindeed,thescalesfinallybalanced!Butitwillnothappenunlessyouacceptmyhelp.”

“Isupposeyouwon’ttelluswhatyou’retalkingabout,”Hazelmuttered.“OrwhymybrotherNicohasonlysixdaystolive.OrwhyRomeisgoingtobedestroyed.”

Nemesischuckled.Sheroseandslunghersackofcookiesoverhershoulder.“Oh,it’sall tied together, Hazel Levesque. As for my offer, Leo Valdez, give it some thought.You’reagoodchild.Ahardworker.Wecoulddobusiness.ButIhavedetainedyoutoolong.Youshouldvisitthereflectingpoolbeforethelightfades.Mypoorcursedboygetsquite…agitatedwhenthedarknesscomes.”

Leo didn’t like the sound of that, but the goddess climbed on her motorcycle.Apparently, it was drivable, despite those Pac-Man–shaped wheels, because Nemesisrevvedherengineanddisappearedinamushroomcloudofblacksmoke.

Hazelbentdown.Allthebrokencookiesandfortuneshaddisappearedexceptforonecrumpledslipofpaper.Shepickeditupandread,“Youwillseeyourselfreflected,andyouwillhavereasontodespair.”

“Fantastic,”Leogrumbled.“Let’sgoseewhatthatmeans.”

“WHOISAUNTROSA?”HAZELASKED.

Leodidn’twanttotalkabouther.Nemesis’swordswerestillbuzzinginhisears.Histool belt seemed heavier since he’d put the cookie in there—whichwas impossible. Itspockets could carry anythingwithout adding extraweight.Even themost fragile thingswould never break. Still, Leo imagined he could feel it in there, dragging him down,waitingtobecrackedopen.

“Longstory,”hesaid.“Sheabandonedmeaftermymomdied,gavemetofostercare.”

“I’msorry.”

“Yeah, well…” Leo was anxious to change the subject. “What about you? WhatNemesissaidaboutyourbrother?”

Hazel blinked like she’d gotten salt in her eyes. “Nico…he found me in theUnderworld.HebroughtmebacktothemortalworldandconvincedtheRomansatCampJupiter to acceptme. I owe him formy second chance at life. IfNemesis is right, andNico’sindanger…Ihavetohelphim.”

“Sure,”Leosaid,thoughtheideamadehimuneasy.Hedoubtedtherevengegoddessevergaveadviceoutof thegoodnessofherheart. “AndwhatNemesis saidaboutyourbrotherhavingsixdaystolive,andRomegettingdestroyed…anyideawhatshemeant?”

“None,”Hazeladmitted.“ButI’mafraid…”

Whatevershewasthinking,shedecidednottoshareit.Sheclimbedoneofthelargestboulders togetabetterview.Leo tried to followand losthisbalance.Hazelcaughthishand.Shepulledhimupandtheyfoundthemselvesatoptherock,holdinghands,face-to-face.

Hazel’seyesglitteredlikegold.

Goldiseasy,she’dsaid.Itdidn’tseemthatwaytoLeo—notwhenhelookedather.HewonderedwhoSammywas.Leohadanaggingsuspicionthatheshouldknow,buthejustcouldn’tplacethename.Whoeverhewas,hewasluckyifHazelcaredforhim.

“Um,thanks.”Heletgoofherhand,buttheywerestillstandingsoclose,hecouldfeelthewarmthofherbreath.Shedefinitelydidn’tseemlikeadeadperson.

“WhenweweretalkingtoNemesis,”Hazelsaiduneasily,“yourhands…Isawflames.”

“Yeah,”hesaid.“It’saHephaestuspower.UsuallyIcankeepitundercontrol.”

“Oh.”Sheputonehandprotectivelyonherdenimshirt,likeshewasabouttosaythePledge of Allegiance. Leo got the feeling she wanted to back away from him, but theboulderwastoosmall.

Great,hethought.AnotherpersonwhothinksI’mascaryfreak.

Hegazedacross the island.Theopposite shorewasonlya fewhundredyardsaway.Betweenhereandthereweredunesandclumpsofboulders,butnothingthatlookedlikeareflectingpool.

Youwillalwaysbetheoutsider,Nemesishadtoldhim,theseventhwheel.Youwillnotfindaplaceamongyourbrethren.

Shemightaswellhavepouredacidinhisears.Leodidn’tneedanybodytotellhimhewasoddmanout.He’dspentmonthsaloneinBunker9atCampHalf-Blood,workingonhisshipwhilehisfriendstrainedtogetherandsharedmealsandplayedcapture-the-flagforfun and prizes. Even his two best friends, Piper and Jason, often treated him like anoutsider.Sincethey’dstarteddating, their ideaof“quality time”didn’t includeLeo.Hisonlyother friend,Festus thedragon,hadbeenreduced toa figureheadwhenhiscontroldisk had gotten destroyedon their last adventure.Leodidn’t have the technical skill torepairit.

The seventh wheel. Leo had heard of a fifth wheel—an extra, useless piece ofequipment.Hefiguredaseventhwheelwasworse.

He’dthoughtmaybethisquestwouldbeafreshstartforhim.AllhishardworkontheArgoIIwouldpayoff.He’dhavesixgoodfriendswhowouldadmireandappreciatehim,andthey’dgosailingoffintothesunrisetofightgiants.Maybe,Leosecretlyhoped,he’devenfindagirlfriend.

Dothemath,hechidedhimself.

Nemesiswasright.Hemightbepartofagroupofseven,buthewasstillisolated.He

hadfiredontheRomansandbroughthisfriendsnothingbuttrouble.Youwillnotfindaplaceamongyourbrethren.

“Leo?”Hazelaskedgently.“Youcan’ttakewhatNemesissaidtoheart.”

Hefrowned.“Whatifit’strue?”

“She’sthegoddessofrevenge,”Hazelremindedhim.“Maybeshe’sonourside,maybenot;butsheexiststostirupresentment.”

Leo wished he could dismiss his feelings that easily. He couldn’t. Still, it wasn’tHazel’sfault.

“We should keep going,” he said. “I wonder what Nemesis meant about finishingbeforedark.”

Hazelglancedatthesun,whichwasjusttouchingthehorizon.“Andwhoisthecursedboyshementioned?”

Belowthem,avoicesaid,“Cursedboyshementioned.”

At first, Leo saw no one. Then his eyes adjusted.He realized a youngwomanwasstandingonlytenfeetfromthebaseoftheboulder.HerdresswasaGreek-styletunicthesamecolor as the rocks.Herwispyhairwas somewherebetweenbrownandblondandgray, so itblendedwith thedrygrass.Shewasn’t invisible,exactly,but shewasalmostperfectlycamouflageduntilshemoved.Eventhen,Leohadtroublefocusingonher.Herfacewasprettybutnotmemorable.Infact,eachtimeLeoblinked,hecouldn’trememberwhatshelookedlike,andhehadtoconcentratetofindheragain.

“Hello,”Hazelsaid.“Whoareyou?”

“Who are you?” the girl answered. Her voice soundedweary, like she was tired ofansweringthatquestion.

HazelandLeoexchangedlooks.Withthisdemigodgig,youneverknewwhatyou’drun into.Nine timesout of ten, itwasn’t good.Aninjagirl camouflaged in earth tonesdidn’tstrikeLeoassomethinghewantedtodealwithjustthen.

“AreyouthecursedkidNemesismentioned?”Leoasked.“Butyou’reagirl.”

“You’reagirl,”saidthegirl.

“Excuseme?”Leosaid.

“Excuseme,”thegirlsaidmiserably.

“You’rerepeating…”Leostopped.“Oh.Holdit.Hazel,wasn’ttheresomemythaboutagirlwhorepeatedeverything—?”

“Echo,”Hazelsaid.

“Echo,” thegirlagreed.Sheshifted,herdresschangingwith thelandscape.Hereyeswerethecolorofthesaltwater.Leotriedtohomeinonherfeatures,buthecouldn’t.

“Idon’t remember themyth,”headmitted.“Youwerecursed to repeat the last thingyouheard?”

“Youheard,”Echosaid.

“Poorthing,”Hazelsaid.“IfIrememberright,agoddessdidthis?”

“Agoddessdidthis,”Echoconfirmed.

Leo scratched his head. “Butwasn’t that thousands of years…oh.You’re one of themortalswhocamebackthroughtheDoorsofDeath.Ireallywishwecouldstoprunningintodeadpeople.”

“Deadpeople,”Echosaid,likeshewaschastisinghim.

HerealizedHazelwasstaringatherfeet.

“Uh…sorry,”hemuttered.“Ididn’tmeanitthatway.”

“Thatway.”Echopointedtowardthefarshoreoftheisland.

“Youwant toshowussomething?”Hazelasked.Sheclimbeddowntheboulder,andLeofollowed.

Even up close, Echowas hard to see. In fact, she seemed to getmore invisible thelongerhelookedather.

“Yousureyou’rereal?”heasked.“Imean…fleshandblood?”

“Flesh and blood.” She touched Leo’s face and made him flinch. Her fingers werewarm.

“So…youhavetorepeateverything?”heasked.

“Everything.”

Leocouldn’thelpsmiling.“Thatcouldbefun.”

“Fun,”shesaidunhappily.

“Blueelephants.”

“Blueelephants.”

“Kissme,youfool.”

“Youfool.”

“Hey!”

“Hey!”

“Leo,”Hazelpleaded,“don’tteaseher.”

“Don’tteaseher,”Echoagreed.

“Okay,okay,”Leosaid, thoughhehad to resist theurge. Itwasn’teverydayhemetsomebodywithabuilt-intalkbackfeature.“Sowhatwereyoupointingat?Doyouneedourhelp?”

“Help,”Echoagreedemphatically.Shegesturedforthemtofollowandsprinteddownthe slope. Leo could only follow her progress by the movement of the grass and theshimmerofherdressasitchangedtomatchtherocks.

“We’dbetterhurry,”Hazelsaid.“Orwe’llloseher.”

Theyfoundtheproblem—ifyoucancallamobofgood-lookinggirlsaproblem.Echoledthem down into a grassymeadow shaped like a blast crater, with a small pond in themiddle.Gatheredat thewater’sedgewereseveraldozennymphs.At least,Leoguessedtheywerenymphs.LiketheonesatCampHalf-Blood,theseworegossamerdresses.Theirfeetwerebare.Theyhadelfishfeatures,andtheirskinhadaslightlygreenishtinge.

Leodidn’tunderstandwhattheyweredoing,buttheywereallcrowdedtogetherinonespot,facingthepondandjostlingforabetterview.Severalheldupphonecameras,tryingtogetashotover theheadsof theothers.Leohadneverseennymphswithphones.Hewonderediftheywerelookingatadeadbody.Ifso,whyweretheybouncingupanddownandgigglingsoexcitedly?

“Whataretheylookingat?”Leowondered.

“Lookingat,”Echosighed.

“Onewaytofindout.”Hazelmarchedforwardandbegannudgingherwaythroughthecrowd.“Excuseus.Pardonme.”

“Hey!”onenymphcomplained.“Wewereherefirst!”

“Yeah,”anothersniffed.“Hewon’tbeinterestedinyou.”

Thesecondnymphhadlargeredheartspaintedonhercheeks.Overherdress,sheworeaT-shirtthatread:OMG,I<3N!!!!

“Uh,demigodbusiness,”Leosaid,tryingtosoundofficial.“Makeroom.Thanks.”

Thenymphsgrumbled,buttheypartedtorevealayoungmankneelingattheedgeof

thepond,gazingintentlyatthewater.

Leo usually didn’t paymuch attention to how other guys looked. He supposed thatcamefromhangingaroundJason—tall,blond,rugged,andbasicallyeverythingLeocouldneverbe.Leowasusedtonotbeingnoticedbygirls.Atleast,heknewhe’dnevergetagirlbyhis looks.Hehopedhispersonalityandsenseofhumorwoulddo that someday,thoughitdefinitelyhadn’tworkedyet.

Atanyrate,Leocouldn’tmiss thefact that theguyat thepondwasonesupergood-lookingdude.Hehad a chiseled facewith lips and eyes thatwere somewhere betweenfemininebeautifulandmasculinehandsome.Darkhairsweptoverhisbrow.Hemight’vebeenseventeenor twenty, itwashard to say,buthewasbuilt likeadancer—with longgraceful arms and muscular legs, perfect posture and an air of regal calm. He wore asimplewhiteT-shirtandjeans,withabowandquiverstrappedtohisback.Theweaponsobviously hadn’t been used in awhile. The arrowswere covered in dust.A spider hadwovenawebinthetopofthebow.

AsLeoedgedcloser,herealizedtheguy’sfacewasunusuallygolden.Inthesunset,thelightwasbouncingoffalargeflatsheetofCelestialbronzethatlayatthebottomofthepond,washingMr.Handsome’sfeaturesinawarmglow.

Theguyseemedfascinatedwithhisreflectioninthemetal.

Hazelinhaledsharply.“He’sgorgeous.”

Aroundher,thenymphssquealedandclappedinagreement.

“Iam,”theyoungmanmurmureddreamily,hisgazestillfixedonthewater.“Iamsogorgeous.”

OneofthenymphsshowedheriPhonescreen.“HislatestYouTubevideogotamillionhitsinlike,anhour.IthinkIwashalfofthose!”

Theothernymphsgiggled.

“YouTubevideo?”Leoasked.“Whatdoeshedointhevideo,sing?”

“No, silly!” thenymphchided.“Heused tobeaprince,andawonderfulhunterandstuff.Butthatdoesn’tmatter.Nowhejust…well,look!”SheshowedLeothevideo.Itwasexactlywhattheywereseeinginreallife—theguystaringathimselfinthepond.

“Heissooooohot!”saidanothergirl.HerT-shirtread:MRS.NARCISSUS.

“Narcissus?”Leoasked.

“Narcissus,”Echoagreedsadly.

Leo had forgotten Echowas there. Apparently none of the nymphs had noticed hereither.

“Oh,notyouagain!”Mrs.NarcissustriedtopushEchoaway,butshemisjudgedwherethecamouflagedgirlwasandendedupshovingseveralothernymphs.

“Youhadyourchance,Echo!”saidthenymphwiththeiPhone.“Hedumpedyoufourthousandyearsago!Youaresonotgoodenoughforhim.”

“Forhim,”Echosaidbitterly.

“Wait.”Hazelclearlyhad trouble tearinghereyesaway from thehandsomeguy,butshemanagedit.“What’sgoingonhere?WhydidEchobringushere?”

Onenymphrolledhereyes.ShewasholdinganautographpenandacrumpledposterofNarcissus.“Echowasanymphlikeus,alongtimeago,butshewasatotalchatterbox!Gossiping,blah,blah,blah,allthetime.”

“Iknow!”anothernymphshrieked.“Like,whocouldstandthat?Justtheotherday,ItoldCleopeia—youknowshelivesinthebouldernexttome?—Isaid:Stopgossipingoryou’llenduplikeEcho.Cleopeiaissuchabigmouth!Didyouhearwhatshesaidaboutthatcloudnymphandthesatyr?”

“Totally!” said the nymphwith the poster. “So anyway, as punishment for blabbing,HeracursedEchososhecouldonlyrepeatthings,whichwasfinewithus.ButthenEchofellinlovewithourgorgeousguy,Narcissus—asifhewouldevernoticeher.”

“Asif!”saidhalfadozenothers.

“Nowshe’sgotsomeweird ideaheneedssaving,”saidMrs.Narcissus.“Sheshouldjustgoaway.”

“Goaway,”Echogrowledback.

“I’msogladNarcissusisaliveagain,”saidanothernymphinagraydress.ShehadthewordsNARCISSUS+LAIEAwrittenup anddownher arms in blackmarker. “He’s like thebest!Andhe’sinmyterritory.”

“Oh, stop it, Laiea,” her friend said. “I’m the pond nymph. You’re just the rocknymph.”

“Well,I’mthegrassnymph,”anotherprotested.

“No,heobviouslycameherebecausehelikesthewildflowers!”anothersaid.“Thosearemine!”

ThewholemobbeganarguingwhileNarcissusstaredatthelake,ignoringthem.

“Holdit!”Leoyelled.“Ladies,holdit!IneedtoaskNarcissussomething.”

Slowlythenymphssettleddownandwentbacktotakingpictures.

Leokneltnexttothehandsomedude.“So,Narcissus.What’sup?”

“Couldyoumove?”Narcissusaskeddistractedly.“You’reruiningtheview.”

Leolookedinthewater.HisownreflectionripplednexttoNarcissus’sonthesurfaceof the submerged bronze. Leo didn’t have any desire to stare at himself. Compared toNarcissus, he looked like anundergrown troll.But therewas nodoubt themetalwas asheetofhammeredCelestialbronze,roughlycircular,aboutfivefeetindiameter.

Whatitwasdoinginthispond,Leowasn’tsure.Celestialbronzefell toearthinoddplaces. He’d heard that most pieces were cast off from his dad’s various workshops.Hephaestuswouldlosehistemperwhenprojectsdidn’tworkout,andhe’dtosshisscrapsinto themortalworld.Thispiece looked like itmighthavebeenmeantasashieldforagod,butithadn’tturnedoutproperly.IfLeocouldgetitbacktotheship,itwouldbejustenoughbronzeforhisrepairs.

“Right,greatview,”Leosaid.“Happytomove,butifyou’renotusingit,couldIjusttakethatsheetofbronze?”

“No,”Narcissussaid.“Ilovehim.He’ssogorgeous.”

Leolookedaroundtoseeifthenymphswerelaughing.Thishadtobeahugejoke.Butthey were swooning and nodding in agreement. Only Hazel seemed appalled. Shewrinkledhernoseasifshe’dcometotheconclusionthatNarcissussmelledworsethanhelooked.

“Man,”Leo said toNarcissus. “Youdo realize that you’re looking atyourself in thewater,right?”

“Iamsogreat,”Narcissussighed.Hestretchedoutahandlonginglytotouchthewater,butheldback.“No,Ican’tmakeripples.Thatruinstheimage.Wow…Iamsogreat.”

“Yeah,” Leomuttered. “But if I took the bronze, you could still see yourself in thewater.Orhere…”Hereachedinhistoolbeltandpulledoutasimplemirrorthesizeofamonocle.“I’lltradeyou.”

Narcissustookthemirror,reluctantly,andadmiredhimself.“Evenyoucarryapictureof me? I don’t blame you. I am gorgeous. Thank you.” He set the mirror down andreturned his attention to the pond. “But I already have amuch better image.The colorflattersme,don’tyouthink?”

“Oh,gods,yes!”anymphscreamed.“Marryme,Narcissus!”

“No,me!”anothercried.“Wouldyousignmyposter?”

“No,signmyshirt!”

“No,signmyforehead!”

“No,signmy—”

“Stopit!”Hazelsnapped.

“Stopit,”Echoagreed.

Leohad lost sightofEchoagain,butnowhe realizedshewaskneelingon theotherside of Narcissus, waving her hand in front of his face as if trying to break hisconcentration.Narcissusdidn’tevenblink.

The nymph fan club tried to shoveHazel out of theway, but she drew her cavalryswordandforcedthemback.“Snapoutofit!”sheyelled.

“Hewon’tsignyoursword,”theposternymphcomplained.

“Hewon’tmarryyou,” said the iPhonegirl. “Andyou can’t takehis bronzemirror!That’swhatkeepshimhere!”

“You’reallridiculous,”Hazelsaid.“He’ssofullofhimself!Howcanyoupossiblylikehim?”

“Likehim,”Echosighed,stillwavingherhandinfrontofhisface.

Theotherssighedalongwithher.

“Iamsohot,”Narcissussaidsympathetically.

“Narcissus, listen.”Hazelkeptherswordat theready.“Echobroughtushere tohelpyou.Didn’tyou,Echo?”

“Echo,”saidEcho.

“Who?”Narcissussaid.

“The only girl who cares what happens to you, apparently,” Hazel said. “Do yourememberdying?”

Narcissusfrowned.“I…no.Thatcan’tberight.Iammuchtooimportanttodie.”

“Youdiedstaringatyourself,”Hazelinsisted.“Irememberthestorynow.Nemesiswasthegoddesswhocursedyou,becauseyoubrokesomanyhearts.Yourpunishmentwastofallinlovewithyourownreflection.”

“Ilovemeso,somuch,”Narcissusagreed.

“Youfinallydied,”Hazelcontinued.“Idon’tknowwhichversionofthestoryistrue.You either drowned yourself or turned into a flower hanging over thewater or—Echo,whichisit?”

“Whichisit?”shesaidhopelessly.

Leostood.“Itdoesn’tmatter.Thepointisyou’realiveagain,man.Youhaveasecondchance.That’swhatNemesiswas tellingus.Youcangetup, andgetonwithyour life.Echoistryingtosaveyou.Oryoucanstayhereandstareatyourselfuntilyoudieagain.”

“Stayhere!”allthenymphsscreamed.

“Marrymebeforeyoudie!”anothersqueaked.

Narcissus shookhis head. “You justwantmy reflection. I don’t blameyou, but youcan’thaveit.Ibelongtome.”

Hazelsighedinexasperation.Sheglancedatthesun,whichwassinkingfast.Thenshegesturedwithherswordtowardtheedgeofthecrater.“Leo,couldwetalkforaminute?”

“Excuseus,”LeotoldNarcissus.“Echo,wanttocomewith?”

“Comewith,”Echoconfirmed.

The nymphs clustered aroundNarcissus again and began recording new videos andtakingmorephotos.

Hazelledthewayuntiltheywereoutofearshot.“Nemesiswasright,”shesaid.“Somedemigodscan’tchangetheirnature.Narcissusisgoingtostaythereuntilhediesagain.”

“No,”Leosaid.

“No,”Echoagreed.

“Weneedthatbronze,”Leosaid.“Ifwetakeitaway,itmightgiveNarcissusareasontosnapoutofit.Echocouldhaveachancetosavehim.”

“Achancetosavehim,”Echosaidgratefully.

Hazelstabbedherswordinthesand.“Itcouldalsomakeseveraldozennymphsveryangrywithus,”shesaid.“AndNarcissusmightstillknowhowtoshoothisbow.”

Leo pondered that. The sun was just about down. Nemesis had mentioned thatNarcissusgotagitatedafterdark,probablybecausehecouldn’tseehisreflectionanymore.Leo didn’t want to stick around long enough to find out what the goddess meant byagitated.He’d also had experiencewithmobsof crazednymphs.Hewasn’t anxious torepeatthat.

“Hazel,”hesaid,“yourpowerwithpreciousmetal—Canyoujustdetectit,orcanyou

actuallysummonittoyou?”

Shefrowned.“SometimesIcansummonit. I’venever triedwithapieceofCelestialbronzethatbigbefore.Imightbeabletodrawittomethroughtheearth,butI’dhavetobefairlyclose.Itwouldtakealotofconcentration,anditwouldn’tbefast.”

“Befast,”Echowarned.

Leocursed.Hehadhopedtheycouldjustgobacktotheship,andHazelcouldteleporttheCelestialbronzefromasafedistance.

“All right,”hesaid.“We’llhave to trysomethingrisky.Hazel,howaboutyou try tosummonthebronzefromrighthere?Makeitsinkthroughthesandandtunnelovertoyou,thengrabitandrunfortheship.”

“ButNarcissusislookingatitallthetime,”shesaid.

“Allthetime,”Echoechoed.

“That’llbemy job,”Leosaid,hatinghisownplanalready.“EchoandIwillcauseadistraction.”

“Distraction?”Echoasked.

“I’llexplain,”Leopromised.“Areyouwilling?”

“Willing,”Echosaid.

“Great,”Leosaid.“Now,let’shopewedon’tdie.”

LEOPSYCHEDHIMSELFUPforanextrememakeover.Hesummonedsomebreathmintsandapairofweldinggogglesfromhistoolbelt.Thegogglesweren’texactlysunglasses,butthey’d have to do. He rolled up the sleeves of his shirt. He used somemachine oil togreasebackhishair.Hestuckawrenchinhisbackpocket(whyexactly,hewasn’tsure)andhehadHazeldrawatattooonhisbicepswithamarker:HOTSTUFF,withaskullandcrossbones.

“Whatintheworldareyouthinking?”Shesoundedprettyflustered.

“I trynot to think,”Leoadmitted. “It interfereswithbeingnuts. Just concentrateonmovingthatCelestialbronze.Echo,youready?”

“Ready,”shesaid.

Leotookadeepbreath.Hestruttedbacktowardthepond,hopinghelookedawesomeandnotlikehehadsomesortofnervousaffliction.“Leoisthecoolest!”heshouted.

“Leoisthecoolest!”Echoshoutedback.

“Yeah,baby,checkmeout!”

“Checkmeout!”Echosaid.

“Makewayfortheking!”

“Theking!”

“Narcissusisweak!”

“Weak!”

The crowd of nymphs scattered in surprise. Leo shooed them away as if theywere

botheringhim.“Noautographs,girls.IknowyouwantsomeLeotime,butI’mwaytoocool.YoubetterjusthangaroundthatuglydweebNarcissus.He’slame!”

“Lame!”Echosaidwithenthusiasm.

Thenymphsmutteredangrily.

“Whatareyoutalkingabout?”onedemanded.

“You’relame,”saidanother.

Leoadjustedhisgogglesandsmiled.Heflexedhisbiceps,thoughhedidn’thavemuchtoflex,andshowedoffhisHOTSTUFFtattoo.Hehadthenymphs’attention,ifonlybecausetheywerestunned;butNarcissuswasstillfixedonhisownreflection.

“YouknowhowuglyNarcissusis?”Leoaskedthecrowd.“He’ssougly,whenhewasbornhismamathoughthewasabackwardcentaur—withahorsebuttforaface.”

Someofthenymphsgasped.Narcissusfrowned,asthoughhewasvaguelyawareofagnatbuzzingaroundhishead.

“Youknowwhyhisbowhascobwebs?”Leocontinued.“Heusesittohuntfordates,buthecan’tfindone!”

Oneofthenymphslaughed.Theothersquicklyelbowedherintosilence.

NarcissusturnedandscowledatLeo.“Whoareyou?”

“I’mtheSuper-sizedMcShizzle,man!”Leosaid.“I’mLeoValdez,badboysupreme.Andtheladiesloveabadboy.”

“Loveabadboy!”Echosaid,withaconvincingsqueal.

Leo took out a pen and autographed the arm of one of the nymphs. “Narcissus is aloser!He’s soweak, he can’t bench-press aKleenex.He’s so lame,when you look uplameonWikipedia,it’sgotapictureofNarcissus—onlythepicture’ssougly,nooneeverchecksitout.”

Narcissus knit his handsomeeyebrows.His facewas turning frombronze to salmonpink.Forthemoment,he’dtotallyforgottenaboutthepond,andLeocouldseethesheetofbronzesinkingintothesand.

“Whatareyoutalkingabout?”Narcissusdemanded.“Iamamazing.Everyoneknowsthis.”

“Amazingatpuresuck,”Leosaid.“IfIwasassuckasyou,I’ddrownmyself.Ohwait,youalreadydidthat.”

Anothernymphgiggled.Thenanother.Narcissusgrowled,whichdidmakehimlooka

littlelesshandsome.MeanwhileLeobeamedandwiggledhiseyebrowsoverhisgogglesandspreadhishands,gesturingforapplause.

“That’sright!”hesaid.“TeamLeoforthewin!”

“TeamLeoforthewin!”Echoshouted.She’dwriggledintothemobofnymphs,andbecauseshewassohardtosee,thenymphsapparentlythoughtthevoicecamefromoneoftheirown.

“Ohmygod,Iamsoawesome!”Leobellowed.

“Soawesome!”Echoyelledback.

“Heisfunny,”anymphventured.

“Andcute,inascrawnyway,”anothersaid.

“Scrawny?”Leo asked. “Baby, I invented scrawny. Scrawny is the new sizzling hot.AndIGOTthescrawny.Narcissus?He’ssucha losereven theUnderworlddidn’twanthim.Hecouldn’tgettheghostgirlstodatehim.”

“Eww,”saidanymph.

“Eww!”Echoagreed.

“Stop!” Narcissus got to his feet. “This is not right! This person is obviously notawesome,sohemustbe…”Hestruggledfortherightwords.Ithadprobablybeenalongtimesincehe’dtalkedaboutanythingotherthanhimself.“Hemustbetrickingus.”

ApparentlyNarcissuswasn’t completely stupid. Realization dawned on his face.Heturnedbacktothepond.“Thebronzemirrorisgone!Myreflection!Givemebacktome!”

“TeamLeo!” oneof the nymphs squeaked.But the others returned their attention toNarcissus.

“I’m thebeautifulone!”Narcissusinsisted.“He’sstolenmymirror,andI’mgoingtoleaveunlesswegetitback!”

Thegirlsgasped.Onepointed.“There!”

Hazelwasat the topof thecrater, runningawayasfastasshecouldwhile luggingalargesheetofbronze.

“Getitback!”criedanymph.

Probablyagainstherwill,Echomuttered,“Getitback.”

“Yes!”Narcissusunslunghisbowandgrabbedanarrowfromhisdustyquiver.“Thefirstonewhogetsthatbronze,IwilllikeyoualmostasmuchasIlikeme.Imighteven

kissyou,rightafterIkissmyreflection!”

“Ohmygods!”thenymphsscreamed.

“Andkill thosedemigods!”Narcissusadded,glaringveryhandsomelyatLeo.“Theyarenotascoolasme!”

Leocouldrunprettyfastwhensomeonewas tryingtokillhim.Sadly,he’dhada lotofpractice.

He overtook Hazel, which was easy, since she was struggling with fifty pounds ofCelestial bronze.He took one side of themetal plate and glanced back.Narcissuswasnockinganarrow,butitwassooldandbrittle,itbrokeintosplinters.

“Ow!”heyelledveryattractively.“Mymanicure!”

Normallynymphswerequick—atleasttheonesatCampHalf-Bloodwere—butthesewere burdened with posters, T-shirts, and other Narcissus™merchandise. The nymphsalsoweren’tgreatatworkingasa team.Theykeptstumblingoveroneanother,pushingandshoving.Echomade thingsworseby runningamong them, trippingand tacklingasmanyasshecould.

Still,theywereclosingrapidly.

“CallArion!”Leogasped.

“Alreadydid!”Hazelsaid.

Theyranforthebeach.TheymadeittotheedgeofthewaterandcouldseetheArgoII,buttherewasnowaytogetthere.Itwasmuchtoofartoswim,eveniftheyhadn’tbeentotingbronze.

Leo turned.Themobwas comingover thedunes,Narcissus in the lead, holdinghisbowlikeabandmajor’sbaton.Thenymphshadconjuredassortedweapons.Someheldrocks.Somehadwoodenclubswreathedinflowers.Afewofthewaternymphshadsquirtguns—which seemed not quite as terrifying—but the look in their eyes was stillmurderous.

“Oh,man,”Leomuttered,summoningfireinhisfreehand.“Straight-upfightingisn’tmything.”

“HoldtheCelestialbronze.”Hazeldrewhersword.“Getbehindme!”

“Getbehindme!”Echorepeated.Thecamouflagedgirlwasracingaheadof themobnow. She stopped in front of Leo and turned, spreading her arms as if she meant to

personallyshieldhim.

“Echo?”Leocouldhardlytalkwiththelumpinhisthroat.“You’reonebravenymph.”

“Bravenymph?”Hertonemadeitaquestion.

“I’mproudtohaveyouonTeamLeo,”hesaid.“Ifwesurvivethis,youshouldforgetNarcissus.”

“ForgetNarcissus?”shesaiduncertainly.

“You’rewaytoogoodforhim.”

Thenymphssurroundedtheminasemicircle.

“Trickery!”Narcissussaid.“Theydon’tloveme,girls!Weallloveme,don’twe?”

“Yes!” the girls screamed, except for one confused nymph in a yellow dress whosqueaked,“TeamLeo!”

“Killthem!”Narcissusordered.

Thenymphssurgedforward,butthesandinfrontofthemexploded.Arionracedoutofnowhere, circling themobsoquicklyhecreateda sandstorm, showering thenymphs inwhitelime,sprayingtheireyes.

“Ilovethishorse!”Leosaid.

The nymphs collapsed, coughing and gagging. Narcissus stumbled around blindly,swinginghisbowlikehewastryingtohitapiñata.

Hazelclimbedintothesaddle,hoistedupthebronze,andofferedLeoahand.

“Wecan’tleaveEcho!”Leosaid.

“LeaveEcho,”thenymphrepeated.

Shesmiled,andforthefirsttimeLeocouldclearlyseeherface.Shereallywaspretty.Hereyeswerebluerthanhe’drealized.Howhadhemissedthat?

“Why?”Leoasked.“Youdon’tthinkyoucanstillsaveNarcissus…”

“Save Narcissus,” she said confidently. And even though it was only an echo, Leocould tell that she meant it. She’d been given a second chance at life, and she wasdetermined to use it to save the guy she loved—even if hewas a completely hopeless(thoughveryhandsome)moron.

Leowanted to protest, but Echo leaned forward and kissed him on the cheek, thenpushedhimgentlyaway.

“Leo,comeon!”Hazelcalled.

The other nymphs were starting to recover. They wiped the lime out of their eyes,which were now glowing green with anger. Leo looked for Echo again, but she haddissolvedintothescenery.

“Yeah,”hesaid,histhroatdry.“Yeah,okay.”

HeclimbedupbehindHazel.Arion tookoffacross thewater, thenymphsscreamingbehindthem,andNarcissusshouting,“Bringmeback!Bringmeback!”

AsArion raced toward theArgo II, Leo remembered what Nemesis had said aboutEchoandNarcissus:Perhapsthey’llteachyoualesson.

Leohadthoughtshe’dmeantNarcissus,butnowhewonderedifthereallessonforhimwasEcho—invisible toherbrethren,cursed to lovesomeonewhodidn’tcare forher.Aseventhwheel.Hetriedtoshakethatthought.Heclungtothesheetofbronzelikeashield.

HewasdeterminednevertoforgetEcho’sface.Shedeservedatleastonepersonwhosawherandknewhowgoodshewas.Leoclosedhiseyes,butthememoryofhersmilewasalreadyfading.

PIPERDIDN’TWANTTOUSETHEKNIFE.

ButsittinginJason’scabin,waitingforhimtowakeup,shefeltaloneandhelpless.

Jason’sfacewassopale,hemight’vebeendead.Sherememberedtheawfulsoundofthat brick hitting his forehead—an injury that had happened only because he’d tried toshieldherfromtheRomans.

Evenwiththenectarandambrosiathey’dmanagedtoforce-feedhim,Pipercouldn’tbesurehewouldbeokaywhenhewokeup.Whatifhe’dlosthismemoriesagain—butthistime,hismemoriesofher?

Thatwould be the cruelest trick the gods had played on her yet, and they’d playedsomeprettycrueltricks.

SheheardGleesonHedgeinhisroomnextdoor,hummingamilitarysong—“StarsandStripesForever,”maybe?SincethesatelliteTVwasout,thesatyrwasprobablysittingonhisbunkreadingbackissuesofGuns&Ammomagazine.Hewasn’tabadchaperone,buthewasdefinitelythemostwarlikeoldgoatPiperhadevermet.

Of course shewas grateful to the satyr.He had helped her dad,movie actorTristanMcLean,getbackonhisfeetafterbeingkidnappedbygiantsthepastwinter.Afewweeksago,Hedgehadaskedhisgirlfriend,Mellie,totakechargeoftheMcLeanhouseholdsohecouldcomealongtohelpwiththisquest.

CoachHedgehadtriedtomakeitsoundlikereturningtoCampHalf-Bloodhadbeenallhisidea,butPipersuspectedtherewasmoretoit.Thelastfewweeks,wheneverPipercalledhome,herdadandMelliehadaskedherwhatwaswrong.Maybesomethinginhervoicehadtippedthemoff.

Pipercouldn’tsharethevisionsshe’dseen.Theyweretoodisturbing.Besides,herdadhadtakenapotionthathaderasedallofPiper’sdemigodsecretsfromhismemory.Buthecouldstilltellwhenshewasupset,andshewasprettysureherdadhadencouragedCoachtolookoutforher.

Sheshouldn’tdrawherblade.Itwouldonlymakeherfeelworse.

Finally the temptation was too great. She unsheathed Katoptris. It didn’t look veryspecial, just a triangular bladewith an unadorned hilt, but it had once been owned byHelenofTroy.Thedagger’snamemeant“lookingglass.”

Pipergazedatthebronzeblade.Atfirst,shesawonlyherreflection.Thenlightrippledacrossthemetal.ShesawacrowdofRomandemigodsgatheredintheforum.Theblondscarecrow-lookingkid,Octavian,wasspeakingtothemob,shakinghisfist.Pipercouldn’thearhim,butthegistwasobvious:WeneedtokillthoseGreeks!

Reyna, the praetor, stood to one side, her face tight with suppressed emotion.Bitterness?Anger?Piperwasn’tsure.

She’d beenprepared to hateReyna, but she couldn’t.During the feast in the forum,PiperhadadmiredthewayReynakeptherfeelingsincheck.

Reyna had sized up Piper and Jason’s relationship right away. As a daughter ofAphrodite, Piper could tell stuff like that. Yet Reyna had stayed polite and in control.She’dputhercamp’sneedsaheadofheremotions.She’dgiventheGreeksafairchance…rightupuntiltheArgoIIhadstarteddestroyinghercity.

She’d almostmade Piper feel guilty about being Jason’s girlfriend, though thatwassilly.Jasonhadn’teverbeenReyna’sboyfriend,notreally.

MaybeReynawasn’tsobad,butitdidn’tmatternow.They’dmessedupthechanceforpeace.Piper’spowerofpersuasionhad,foronce,doneabsolutelynogood.

Hersecretfear?Maybeshehadn’ttriedhardenough.PiperhadneverwantedtomakefriendswiththeRomans.Shewastooworriedabout losingJasontohisoldlife.Maybeunconsciouslyshehadn’tputherbesteffortintothecharmspeak.

NowJasonwashurt.Theshiphadbeenalmostdestroyed.Andaccordingtoherdagger,that crazy teddy-bear-strangling kid, Octavian, was whipping the Romans into a warfrenzy.

Thesceneinherbladeshifted.Therewasarapidseriesofimagesshe’dseenbefore,butshestilldidn’tunderstandthem:Jasonridingintobattleonhorseback,hiseyesgoldinstead of blue; a woman in an old-fashioned Southern belle dress, standing in anoceansideparkwithpalmtrees;abullwiththefaceofabeardedman,risingoutofariver;

andtwogiantsinmatchingyellowtogas,hoistingaropeonapulleysystem,liftingalargebronzevaseoutofapit.

Thencametheworstvision:shesawherselfwithJasonandPercy,standingwaist-deepinwateratthebottomofadarkcircularchamber,likeagiantwell.Ghostlyshapesmovedthroughthewaterasitroserapidly.Piperclawedatthewalls,tryingtoescape,buttherewas nowhere to go. The water reached their chests. Jason was pulled under. Percystumbledanddisappeared.

Howcouldachildoftheseagoddrown?Piperdidn’tknow,butshewatchedherselfinthevision,aloneandthrashinginthedark,untilthewaterroseoverherhead.

Piper shut her eyes. Don’t show me that again, she pleaded. Show me somethinghelpful.

Sheforcedherselftolookatthebladeagain.

Thistime,shesawanemptyhighwaycuttingbetweenfieldsofwheatandsunflowers.Amileagemarker read: TOPEKA 32. On the shoulder of the road stood aman in khakishortsandapurplecampshirt.Hisfacewaslost intheshadowofabroadhat, thebrimwreathedinleafyvines.HeheldupasilvergobletandbeckonedtoPiper.Somehowsheknewhewasofferinghersomesortofgift—acure,oranantidote.

“Hey,”Jasoncroaked.

Piperwassostartledshedroppedtheknife.“You’reawake!”

“Don’tsoundsosurprised.”Jasontouchedhisbandagedheadandfrowned.“What…whathappened?Iremembertheexplosions,and—”

“YourememberwhoIam?”

Jasontriedtolaugh,butitturnedintoapainfulwince.“LastIchecked,youweremyawesomegirlfriendPiper.UnlesssomethinghaschangedsinceIwasout?”

Piperwas so relieved she almost sobbed.Shehelpedhimsit up andgavehim somenectartosipwhileshebroughthimuptospeed.ShewasjustexplainingLeo’splantofixtheshipwhensheheardhorsehoovesclompingacrossthedeckovertheirheads.

Momentslater,LeoandHazelstumbledtoastopinthedoorway,carryingalargesheetofhammeredbronzebetweenthem.

“GodsofOlympus.”PiperstaredatLeo.“Whathappenedtoyou?”

Hishairwasgreasedback.Hehadweldinggogglesonhisforehead,alipstickmarkonhischeek,tattoosalloverhisarms,andaT-shirtthatreadHOTSTUFF,BADBOY,andTEAMLEO.

“Longstory,”hesaid.“Othersback?”

“Notyet,”Pipersaid.

Leocursed.ThenhenoticedJasonsittingup,andhisfacebrightened.“Hey,man!Gladyou’rebetter.I’llbeintheengineroom.”

Heranoffwiththesheetofbronze,leavingHazelinthedoorway.

Piperraisedaneyebrowather.“TeamLeo?”

“WemetNarcissus,”Hazelsaid,whichdidn’treallyexplainmuch.“AlsoNemesis,therevengegoddess.”

Jasonsighed.“Imissallthefun.”

On the deck above, something went THUMP, as if a heavy creature had landed.AnnabethandPercycamerunningdownthehall.Percywastotingasteamingfive-gallonplasticbucketthatsmelledhorrible.Annabethhadapatchofblackstickystuffinherhair.Percy’sshirtwascoveredinit.

“Roofingtar?”Piperguessed.

Frank stumbled up behind them, which made the hallway pretty jam-packed withdemigods.Frankhadabigsmearoftheblacksludgedownhisface.

“Ranintosometarmonsters,”Annabethsaid.“Hey,Jason,gladyou’reawake.Hazel,where’sLeo?”

Shepointeddown.“Engineroom.”

Suddenly theentire ship listed toport.Thedemigods stumbled.Percyalmost spilledhisbucketoftar.

“Uh,whatwasthat?”hedemanded.

“Oh…”Hazellookedembarrassed.“Wemayhaveangeredthenymphswholiveinthislake.Like…allofthem.”

“Great.”PercyhandedthebucketoftartoFrankandAnnabeth.“YouguyshelpLeo.I’llholdoffthewaterspiritsaslongasIcan.”

“Onit!”Frankpromised.

Thethreeofthemranoff, leavingHazelatthecabindoor.Theshiplistedagain,andHazelhuggedherstomachlikeshewasgoingtobesick.

“I’lljust…”Sheswallowed,pointedweaklydownthepassageway,andranoff.

JasonandPiperstayedbelowastheshiprockedbackandforth.Forahero,Piperfelt

prettyuseless.Wavescrashedagainst thehullasangryvoicescamefromabovedeck—Percy shouting, Coach Hedge yelling at the lake. Festus the figurehead breathed fireseveral times.Down thehall,Hazelmoanedmiserably inhercabin. In theengine roombelow,itsoundedlikeLeoandtheothersweredoinganIrishlinedancewithanvilstiedtotheirfeet.Afterwhatseemedlikehours,theenginebegantohum.Theoarscreakedandgroaned,andPiperfelttheshipliftintotheair.

The rocking and shaking stopped. The ship became quiet except for the drone ofmachinery.FinallyLeoemergedfromtheengineroom.Hewascakedinsweat,limedust,andtar.HisT-shirt lookedlike ithadbeencaught inanescalatorandchewedtoshreds.The TEAM LEO on his chest now read: AM LEO. But he grinned like a madman andannouncedthattheyweresafelyunderway.

“Meetinginthemesshall,onehour,”hesaid.“Crazyday,huh?”

Aftereveryonehadcleanedup,CoachHedge took thehelmand thedemigodsgatheredbelowfordinner.Itwasthefirsttimethey’dallsatdowntogether—justthesevenofthem.Maybetheirpresenceshould’vereassuredPiper,butseeingalloftheminoneplaceonlyremindedherthattheProphecyofSevenwasunfoldingatlast.NomorewaitingforLeotofinishtheship.NomoreeasydaysatCampHalf-Blood,pretendingthefuturewasstillalongwayoff.Theywereunderway,withabunchofangryRomansbehindthemandtheancient lands ahead. The giants would be waiting. Gaea was rising. And unless theysucceededinthisquest,theworldwouldbedestroyed.

Theothersmust’vefeltittoo.Thetensioninthemesshallwaslikeanelectricalstormbrewing, which was totally possible, considering Percy’s and Jason’s powers. In anawkwardmoment, the two boys tried to sit in the same chair at the head of the table.SparksliterallyflewfromJason’shands.Afterabriefsilentstandoff,liketheywereboththinking,Seriously,dude?, theycededthechair toAnnabethandsatatoppositesidesofthetable.

The crew compared notes onwhat had happened in Salt Lake City, but even Leo’sridiculousstoryabouthowhetrickedNarcissuswasn’tenoughtocheerupthegroup.

“Sowheretonow?”Leoaskedwithamouthfulofpizza.“Ididaquickrepairjobtogetusoutofthelake,butthere’sstillalotofdamage.WeshouldreallyputdownagainandfixthingsrightbeforeweheadacrosstheAtlantic.”

Percywaseatingapieceofpie,whichforsomereasonwascompletelyblue—filling,crust, even the whipped cream. “We need to put some distance between us and CampJupiter,”hesaid.“FrankspottedsomeeaglesoverSaltLakeCity.WefiguretheRomans

aren’tfarbehindus.”

Thatdidn’timprovethemoodaroundthetable.Piperdidn’twanttosayanything,butshefeltobliged…andalittleguilty.“Idon’tsupposeweshouldgobackandtrytoreasonwiththeRomans?Maybe—maybeIdidn’ttryhardenoughwiththecharmspeak.”

Jason took her hand. “It wasn’t your fault, Pipes. Or Leo’s,” he added quickly.“Whateverhappened,itwasGaea’sdoing,todrivethetwocampsapart.”

Piperwasgratefulforhissupport,butshestillfeltuneasy.“Maybeifwecouldexplainthat,though—”

“Withnoproof?”Annabeth asked. “Andno ideawhat reallyhappened? I appreciatewhat you’re saying, Piper. I don’t want the Romans on our bad side, but until weunderstandwhatGaea’supto,goingbackissuicide.”

“She’sright,”Hazelsaid.Shestilllookedalittlequeasyfromseasickness,butshewastryingtoeatafewsaltinecrackers.Therimofherplatewasembeddedwithrubies,andPiperwasprettysuretheyhadn’tbeenthereatthebeginningofthemeal.“Reynamightlisten,butOctavianwon’t.TheRomanshavehonortothinkabout.They’vebeenattacked.They’llshootfirstandaskquestionsposthac.”

Piperstaredatherowndinner.Themagicalplatescouldconjureupagreatselectionofvegetarian stuff. She especially liked the avocado and grilled pepper quesadilla, buttonightshedidn’thavemuchofanappetite.

Shethoughtaboutthevisionsshe’dseeninherknife:Jasonwithgoldeneyes;thebullwiththehumanhead;thetwogiantsinyellowtogashoistingabronzejarfromapit.Worstofall,sherememberedherselfdrowninginblackwater.

Piperhadalwayslikedthewater.Shehadgoodmemoriesofsurfingwithherdad.Butsinceshe’dstartedseeingthatvisioninKatoptris,she’dbeenthinkingmoreandmoreofanoldCherokeestoryhergranddadusedtotelltokeepherawayfromtherivernearhiscabin. He told her the Cherokees believed in goodwater spirits, like the naiads of theGreeks; but they also believed in evil water spirits, the water cannibals, who huntedmortalswithinvisiblearrowsandwereespeciallyfondofdrowningsmallchildren.

“You’reright,”shedecided.“Wehavetokeepgoing.NotjustbecauseoftheRomans.Wehavetohurry.”

Hazel nodded. “Nemesis said we have only six days until Nico dies and Rome isdestroyed.”

Jasonfrowned.“YoumeanRomeRome,notNewRome?”

“Ithink,”Hazelsaid.“Butifso,that’snotmuchtime.”

“Whysixdays?”Percywondered.“AndhowaretheygoingtodestroyRome?”

Nooneanswered.Piperdidn’twanttoaddfurtherbadnews,butshefeltshehadto.

“There’smore,”shesaid.“I’vebeenseeingsomethingsinmyknife.”

The big kid, Frank, frozewith a forkful of spaghetti halfway to hismouth. “Thingssuchas…?”

“Theydon’treallymakesense,”Pipersaid,“justgarbledimages,butIsawtwogiants,dressedalike.Maybetwins.”

Annabethstaredat themagicalvideofeedfromCampHalf-Bloodonthewall.RightnowitshowedthelivingroomintheBigHouse:acozyfireonthehearthandSeymour,thestuffedleopardhead,snoringcontentedlyabovethemantel.

“Twins,likeinElla’sprophecy,”Annabethsaid.“Ifwecouldfigureoutthoselines,itmighthelp.”

“Wisdom’s daughter walks alone,” Percy said. “TheMark of Athena burns throughRome.Annabeth,that’sgottomeanyou.Junotoldme…well,shesaidyouhadahardtaskaheadofyouinRome.Shesaidshedoubtedyoucoulddoit.ButIknowshe’swrong.”

Annabethtookalongbreath.“Reynawasabouttotellmesomethingrightbeforetheshipfiredonus.ShesaidtherewasanoldlegendamongtheRomanpraetors—somethingthat had to dowithAthena. She said itmight be the reasonGreeks andRomans couldnevergetalong.”

LeoandHazelexchangednervouslooks.

“Nemesismentionedsomethingsimilar,”Leosaid.“Shetalkedaboutanoldscorethathadtobesettled—”

“Theonethingthatmightbringthegods’twonaturesintoharmony,”Hazelrecalled.“‘Anoldwrongfinallyavenged.’”

Percydrewafrownyfaceinhisbluewhippedcream.“Iwasonlyapraetorforabouttwohours.Jason,youeverhearalegendlikethat?”

JasonwasstillholdingPiper’shand.Hisfingershadturnedclammy.

“I…uh,I’mnotsure,”hesaid.“I’llgiveitsomethought.”

Percynarrowedhiseyes.“You’renotsure?”

Jasondidn’trespond.Piperwantedtoaskhimwhatwaswrong.Shecouldtellhedidn’twanttodiscussthisoldlegend.Shecaughthiseye,andhepleadedsilently,Later.

Hazelbrokethesilence.“Whatabouttheotherlines?”Sheturnedherruby-encrustedplate.“Twinssnuffouttheangel’sbreath,Whoholdsthekeytoendlessdeath.”

“Giants’banestandsgoldandpale,”Frankadded,“Wonthroughpainfromawovenjail.”

“Giants’bane,”Leosaid.“Anythingthat’sagiants’baneisgoodforus,right?That’sprobablywhatweneedtofind.Ifitcanhelpthegodsgettheirschizophrenicacttogether,that’sgood.”

Percynodded.“Wecan’tkillthegiantswithoutthehelpofthegods.”

Jasonturned toFrankandHazel.“I thoughtyouguyskilled thatonegiant inAlaskawithoutagod’shelp,justthetwoofyou.”

“Alcyoneuswas a special case,” Frank said. “Hewas only immortal in the territorywhere hewas reborn—Alaska.But not inCanada. Iwish I could killall the giants bydraggingthemacrosstheborderfromAlaskaintoCanada,but…”Heshrugged.“Percy’sright,we’llneedthegods.”

Pipergazedatthewalls.ShereallywishedLeohadn’tenchantedthemwithimagesofCampHalf-Blood. Itwas likeadoorway tohome that shecouldnevergo through.ShewatchedthehearthofHestiaburninginthemiddleofthegreenasthecabinsturnedofftheirlightsforcurfew.

Shewondered how theRomandemigods, Frank andHazel, felt about those images.They’d never even been toCampHalf-Blood.Did it seem alien to them, or unfair thatCampJupiterwasn’trepresented?Diditmakethemmisstheirownhome?

TheotherlinesoftheprophecyturnedinPiper’smind.Whatwasawovenjail?Howcould twins snuff out an angel’s breath? The key to endless death didn’t sound verycheerful,either.

“So…”Leo pushed his chair away from the table. “First things first, I guess.We’llhavetoputdowninthemorningtofinishrepairs.”

“Someplace close to a city,” Annabeth suggested, “in case we need supplies. Butsomewhereoutoftheway,sotheRomanswillhavetroublefindingus.Anyideas?”

Noone spoke.Piper rememberedher vision in theknife: the strangeman in purple,holdingoutagobletandbeckoningtoher.He’dbeenstandinginfrontofasignthatreadTOPEKA32.

“Well,”sheventured,“howdoyouguysfeelaboutKansas?”

PIPERHADTROUBLEFALLINGASLEEP.

CoachHedgespentthefirsthouraftercurfewdoinghisnightlyduty,walkingupanddownthepassagewayyelling,“Lightsout!Settledown!Trytosneakout,andI’llsmackyoubacktoLongIsland!”

Hebangedhisbaseballbatagainstacabindoorwheneverheheardanoise,shoutingateveryonetogotosleep,whichmadeitimpossibleforanyonetogotosleep.Piperfiguredthiswas themost fun thesatyrhadhadsincehe’dpretended tobeagymteacherat theWildernessSchool.

She stared at the bronze beams on the ceiling. Her cabinwas pretty cozy. Leo hadprogrammedtheirquarterstoadjustautomaticallytotheoccupant’spreferredtemperature,soitwasnevertoocoldortoohot.Themattressandthepillowswerestuffedwithpegasusdown(nopegasiwereharmedinthemakingoftheseproducts,Leohadassuredher),sotheywereüber-comfortable.Abronzelanternhungfromtheceiling,glowingatwhateverbrightness Piper wished. The lantern’s sides were perforatedwith pinholes, so at nightglimmeringconstellationsdriftedacrossherwalls.

Piperhadsomany thingsonhermind,she thoughtshe’dneversleep.But therewassomethingpeacefulabouttherockingoftheboatandthedroneoftheaerialoarsastheyscoopedthroughthesky.

Finallyhereyelidsgotheavy,andshedriftedoff.

Itseemedlikeonlyafewsecondshadpassedbeforeshewoketothebreakfastbell.

“Yo,Piper!”Leoknockedonherdoor.“We’relanding!”

“Landing?”Shesatupgroggily.

Leo opened her door and poked his head in.He had his hand over his eyes,whichwould’vebeenanicegestureifhehadn’tbeenpeekingthroughhisfingers.“Youdecent?”

“Leo!”

“Sorry.”Hegrinned.“Hey,nicePowerRangerjammies.”

“TheyarenotPowerRangers!They’reCherokeeeagles!”

“Yeah, sure.Anyway,we’re setting down a fewmiles outsideTopeka, as requested.And,um…”Heglancedoutinthepassageway,thenleanedinsideagain.“Thanksfornothatingme,aboutblowinguptheRomansyesterday.”

Piperrubbedhereyes.ThefeastinNewRomehadbeenonlyyesterday?“That’sokay,Leo.Youweren’tincontrolofyourself.”

“Yeah,butstill…youdidn’thavetostickupforme.”

“Areyoukidding?You’re like theannoying littlebrother Ineverhad.Ofcourse I’llstickupforyou.”

“Uh…thanks?”

Fromabove,CoachHedgeyelled,“Tharsheblows!Kansas,ahoy!”

“Holy Hephaestus,” Leo muttered. “He really needs to work on his shipspeak. I’dbettergetabovedeck.”

BythetimePiperhadshowered,changed,andgrabbedabagelfromthemesshall,shecouldheartheship’slandinggearextending.Sheclimbedondeckandjoinedtheothersasthe Argo II settled in the middle of a field of sunflowers. The oars retracted. Thegangplanklowereditself.

The morning air smelled of irrigation, warm plants, and fertilized earth. Not a badsmell. It remindedPiper ofGrandpaTom’splace inTahlequah,Oklahoma,backon thereservation.

Percy was the first to notice her. He smiled in greeting, which for some reasonsurprisedPiper.HewaswearingfadedjeansandafreshorangeCampHalf-BloodT-shirt,asifhe’dneverbeenawayfromtheGreekside.Thenewclotheshadprobablyhelpedhismood—and of course the fact that he was standing at the rail with his arm aroundAnnabeth.

PiperwashappytoseeAnnabethwithasparkleinhereyes,becausePiperhadneverhadabetterfriend.Formonths,Annabethhadbeentormentingherself,hereverywaking

momentconsumedwiththesearchforPercy.Now,despitethedangerousquesttheywerefacing,atleastshehadherboyfriendback.

“So!”AnnabethpluckedthebageloutofPiper’shandandtookabite,butthatdidn’tbother Piper. Back at camp, they’d had a running joke about stealing each other’sbreakfast.“Hereweare.What’stheplan?”

“Iwanttocheckoutthehighway,”Pipersaid.“FindthesignthatsaysTopeka32.”

LeospunhisWiicontrollerinacircle,andthesailsloweredthemselves.“Weshouldn’tbefar,”hesaid.“FestusandIcalculatedthelandingasbestwecould.Whatdoyouexpecttofindatthemilemarker?”

Piper explainedwhat she’d seen in the knife—theman in purplewith a goblet. Shekept quiet about the other images, though, like the vision of Percy, Jason, and herselfdrowning.Shewasn’t surewhat itmeant, anyway; and everyone seemed in suchbetterspiritsthismorning,shedidn’twanttoruinthemood.

“Purpleshirt?”Jasonasked.“Vinesonhishat?SoundslikeBacchus.”

“Dionysus,”Percymuttered.“IfwecameallthewaytoKansastoseeMr.D—”

“Bacchusisn’tsobad,”Jasonsaid.“Idon’tlikehisfollowersmuch.…”

Piper shuddered. Jason,Leo, and she had had an encounterwith themaenads a fewmonthsagoandalmostgottentorntopieces.

“Butthegodhimselfisokay,”Jasoncontinued.“Ididhimafavoronceupinthewinecountry.”

Percy looked appalled. “Whatever,man.Maybe he’s better on the Roman side. Butwhy would he be hanging around in Kansas? Didn’t Zeus order the gods to cease allcontactwithmortals?”

Frank grunted. The big guywaswearing a blue tracksuit thismorning, like hewasreadytogoforajoginthesunflowers.

“Thegodshaven’tbeenverygoodatfollowingthatorder,”henoted.“Besides,ifthegodshavegoneschizophreniclikeHazelsaid—”

“AndLeosaid,”addedLeo.

Frankscowledathim.“Thenwhoknowswhat’sgoingonwiththeOlympians?Couldbesomeprettybadstuffoutthere.”

“Sounds dangerous!” Leo agreed cheerfully. “Well…you guys have fun. I’ve got tofinishrepairsonthehull.CoachHedgeisgonnaworkonthebrokencrossbows.And,uh,

Annabeth—Icould reallyuseyourhelp.You’re theonlyotherpersonwhoevensort ofunderstandsengineering.”

AnnabethlookedapologeticallyatPercy.“He’sright.Ishouldstayandhelp.”

“I’llcomebacktoyou.”Hekissedheronthecheek.“Promise.”

Theyweresoeasytogether,itmadePiper’sheartache.

Jasonwas great, of course.But sometimes he acted so distant, like last night,whenhe’dbeenreluctanttotalkaboutthatoldRomanlegend.SooftenheseemedtobethinkingofhisoldlifeatCampJupiter.Piperwonderedifshewouldeverbeabletobreakthroughthatbarrier.

Thetrip toCampJupiter,seeingReynainperson,hadn’thelped.Neitherdid thefactthatJasonhadchosentowearapurpleshirttoday—thecoloroftheRomans.

Frankslidhisbowoffhisshoulderandproppeditagainsttherail.“IthinkIshouldturnintoacroworsomethingandflyaround,keepaneyeoutforRomaneagles.”

“Whyacrow?”Leoasked.“Man,ifyoucanturnintoadragon,whydon’tyoujustturnintoadragoneverytime?That’sthecoolest.”

Frank’sfacelookedlikeitwasbeinginfusedwithcranberryjuice.“That’slikeaskingwhyyoudon’tbench-pressyourmaximumweighteverytimeyoulift.Becauseit’shard,andyou’dhurtyourself.Turningintoadragonisn’teasy.”

“Oh.”Leonodded.“Iwouldn’tknow.Idon’tliftweights.”

“Yeah.Well,maybeyoushouldconsiderit,Mr.—”

Hazelsteppedbetweenthem.

“I’llhelpyou,Frank,”shesaid,shootingLeoanevillook.“IcansummonArionandscoutaroundbelow.”

“Sure,”Franksaid,stillglaringatLeo.“Yeah,thanks.”

Piperwonderedwhatwasgoingonwiththosethree.TheboysshowingoffforHazelandrazzingeachother—thatsheunderstood.ButitalmostseemedlikeHazelandLeohadahistory.Sofarassheknew,they’dmetforthefirsttimejustyesterday.ShewonderedifsomethingelsehadhappenedontheirtriptotheGreatSaltLake—somethingtheyhadn’tmentioned.

Hazel turned toPercy.“Justbecarefulwhenyougoout there.Lotsof fields, lotsofcrops.Couldbekarpoiontheloose.”

“Karpoi?”Piperasked.

“Grainspirits,”Hazelsaid.“Youdon’twanttomeetthem.”

Piperdidn’tseehowagrainspiritcouldbesobad,butHazel’stoneconvincedhernottoask.

“Thatleavesthreeofustocheckonthemilemarker,”Percysaid.“Me,Jason,Piper.I’mnotpsychedabout seeingMr.Dagain.Thatguy is apain.But, Jason, ifyou’reonbettertermswithhim—”

“Yeah,”Jasonsaid.“Ifwefindhim,I’lltalktohim.Piper,it’syourvision.Youshouldtakethelead.”

Pipershivered.She’dseenthethreeof themdrowninginthatdarkwell.WasKansaswhereitwouldhappen?Thatdidn’tseemright,butshecouldn’tbesure.

“Ofcourse,”shesaid,tryingtosoundupbeat.“Let’sfindthehighway.”

Leohadsaidtheywereclose.Hisideaof“close”neededsomework.

Aftertrudginghalfamilethroughhotfields,gettingbittenbymosquitoesandwhackedin the facewithscratchysunflowers, they finally reached the road.Anoldbillboard forBubba’sGas’n’GrubindicatedtheywerestillfortymilesfromthefirstTopekaexit.

“Correctmymath,”Percysaid,“butdoesn’tthatmeanwehaveeightmilestowalk?”

Jasonpeeredbothwaysdownthedesertedroad.Helookedbettertoday,thankstothemagicalhealingofambrosiaandnectar.Hiscolorwasbacktonormal,andthescaronhisforeheadhadalmostvanished.ThenewgladiusthatHerahadgivenhimlastwinterhungat his belt. Most guys would look pretty awkward walking around with a scabbardstrappedtotheirjeans,butonJasonitseemedperfectlynatural.

“Nocars…”hesaid.“ButIguesswewouldn’twanttohitchhike.”

“No,” Piper agreed, gazing nervously down the highway. “We’ve already spent toomuchtimegoingoverland.TheearthisGaea’sterritory.”

“Hmm…”Jasonsnappedhisfingers.“Icancallafriendforaride.”

Percyraisedhiseyebrows.“Oh,yeah?Metoo.Let’sseewhosefriendgetsherefirst.”

Jason whistled. Piper knew what he was doing, but he’d succeeded in summoningTempestonlythreetimessincethey’dmetthestormspiritattheWolfHouselastwinter.Today,theskywassoblue,Piperdidn’tseehowitcouldwork.

Percysimplyclosedhiseyesandconcentrated.

Piperhadn’tstudiedhimupclosebefore.AfterhearingsomuchatCampHalf-Blood

about Percy Jackson this and Percy Jackson that, she thought he looked…well,unimpressive, especially next to Jason. Percy wasmore slender, about an inch shorter,withslightlylonger,muchdarkerhair.

Hewasn’treallyPiper’stype.Ifshe’dseenhiminthemallsomewhere,sheprobablywould’ve thought he was a skater—cute in a scruffy way, a little on the wild side,definitely a troublemaker. Shewould have steered clear. Shehad enough trouble in herlife.ButshecouldseewhyAnnabethlikedhim,andshecoulddefinitelyseewhyPercyneededAnnabethinhis life.Ifanybodycouldkeepaguylikethatundercontrol, itwasAnnabeth.

Thundercrackledintheclearsky.

Jasonsmiled.“Soon.”

“Toolate.”Percypointedeast,whereablackwingedshapewasspiralingtowardthem.Atfirst,PiperthoughtitmightbeFrankincrowform.Thensherealizeditwasmuchtoobigtobeabird.

“Ablackpegasus?”shesaid.“Neverseenonelikethat.”

Thewinged stallion came in for a landing.He trottedover toPercyandnuzzledhisface,thenturnedhisheadinquisitivelytowardPiperandJason.

“Blackjack,”Percysaid,“thisisPiperandJason.They’refriends.”

Thehorsenickered.

“Uh,maybelater,”Percyanswered.

Piper had heard that Percy could speak to horses, being the son of the horse lordPoseidon,butshe’dneverseenitinaction.

“WhatdoesBlackjackwant?”sheasked.

“Donuts,”Percysaid.“Alwaysdonuts.Hecancarryallthreeofusif—”

Suddenlytheairturnedcold.Piper’searspopped.Aboutfiftyyardsaway,aminiaturecyclone three stories tall tore across the tops of the sunflowers like a scene from TheWizardofOz.IttoucheddownontheroadnexttoJasonandtooktheformofahorse—amistysteedwithlightningflickeringthroughitsbody.

“Tempest,”Jasonsaid,grinningbroadly.“Longtime,myfriend.”

Thestormspiritrearedandwhinnied.Blackjackbackedupskittishly.

“Easy,boy,”Percysaid.“He’safriendtoo.”HegaveJasonanimpressedlook.“Niceride,Grace.”

Jasonshrugged.“Imadefriendswithhimduringourfightat theWolfHouse.He’safreespirit,literally,butonceinawhileheagreestohelpme.”

PercyandJasonclimbedontheirrespectivehorses.PiperhadneverbeencomfortablewithTempest.Ridingfullgalloponabeastthatcouldvaporizeatanymomentmadeherabitnervous.Nevertheless,sheacceptedJason’shandandclimbedon.

TempestraceddowntheroadwithBlackjacksoaringoverhead.Fortunately,theydidn’tpassanycars,or theymighthavecausedawreck.Innotime, theyarrivedat thethirty-two-milemarker,whichlookedexactlyasPiperhadseenitinhervision.

Blackjack landed. Both horses pawed the asphalt. Neither looked pleased to havestoppedsosuddenly,justwhenthey’dfoundtheirstride.

Blackjackwhinnied.

“You’reright,”Percysaid.“Nosignofthewinedude.”

“Ibegyourpardon?”saidavoicefromthefields.

Tempestturnedsoquickly,Piperalmostfelloff.

Thewheat parted, and theman fromher vision stepped into view.Hewore awide-brimmed hat wreathed in grapevines, a purple short-sleeved shirt, khaki shorts, andBirkenstockswithwhitesocks.Helookedmaybethirty,withaslightpotbelly,likeafratboywhohadn’tyetrealizedcollegewasover.

“Did someone just callme thewinedude?”he asked in a lazydrawl. “It’sBacchus,please. OrMr. Bacchus. Or Lord Bacchus. Or, sometimes, Oh-My-Gods-Please-Don’t-Kill-Me,LordBacchus.”

PercyurgedBlackjackforward,thoughthepegasusdidn’tseemhappyaboutit.

“Youlookdifferent,”Percytoldthegod.“Skinnier.Yourhairislonger.Andyourshirtisn’tsoloud.”

Thewinegodsquintedupathim.“Whatinblazesareyoutalkingabout?Whoareyou,andwhereisCeres?”

“Uh…whatseries?”

“I think he means Ceres,” Jason said. “The goddess of agriculture. You’d call herDemeter.”He nodded respectfully to the god. “LordBacchus, do you rememberme? IhelpedyouwiththatmissingleopardinSonoma.”

Bacchusscratchedhisstubblychin.“Ah…yes.JohnGreen.”

“JasonGrace.”

“Whatever,”thegodsaid.“DidCeressendyou,then?”

“No,LordBacchus,”Jasonsaid.“Wereyouexpectingtomeetherhere?”

Thegodsnorted.“Well,Ididn’tcometoKansastoparty,myboy.Ceresaskedmeherefor a council of war. What with Gaea rising, the crops are withering. Droughts arespreading.Thekarpoi are in revolt.Evenmygrapes aren’t safe.Cereswanted a unitedfrontintheplantwar.”

“Theplantwar,”Percysaid.“You’regoingtoarmallthelittlegrapeswithtinyassaultrifles?”

Thegodnarrowedhiseyes.“Havewemet?”

“AtCampHalf-Blood,”Percysaid,“IknowyouasMr.D—Dionysus.”

“Agh!”Bacchuswincedandpressedhishandstohistemples.Foramoment,hisimageflickered. Piper saw a different person—fatter, dumpier, in a much louder, leopard-patternedshirt.ThenBacchusreturnedtobeingBacchus.“Stopthat!”hedemanded.“StopthinkingaboutmeinGreek!”

Percyblinked.“Uh,but—”

“Doyouhaveanyideahowharditistostayfocused?Splittingheadachesallthetime!IneverknowwhatI’mdoingorwhereI’mgoing!Constantlygrumpy!”

“Thatsoundsprettynormalforyou,”Percysaid.

Thegod’snostrils flared.Oneof thegrape leavesonhishatburst into flame.“Ifweknoweachotherfromthatothercamp,it’sawonderIhaven’talreadyturnedyouintoadolphin.”

“Itwasdiscussed,”Percyassuredhim.“Ithinkyouwerejusttoolazytodoit.”

Piper had been watching with horrified fascination, the way she might watch a carwreck inprogress.Nowshe realizedPercywasnotmaking thingsbetter, andAnnabethwasn’t around to rein him in. Piper figured her friend would never forgive her if shebroughtPercybacktransformedintoaseamammal.

“LordBacchus!”sheinterrupted,slippingoffTempest’sback.

“Piper,careful,”Jasonsaid.

Sheshothimawarningglance:I’vegotthis.

“Sorry to troubleyou,my lord,” she told thegod,“butactuallywecamehere togetyouradvice.Please,weneedyourwisdom.”

Sheusedhermostagreeabletone,pouringrespectintohercharmspeak.

The god frowned, but the purple glow faded in his eyes. “You’rewell-spoken, girl.Advice,eh?Verywell.Iwouldavoidkaraoke.Really,themepartiesingeneralareout.Intheseausteretimes,peoplearelookingforasimple,low-keyaffair,withlocallyproducedorganicsnacksand—”

“Notaboutparties,”Piperinterrupted.“Althoughthat’sincrediblyusefuladvice,LordBacchus.Wewerehopingyou’dhelpusonourquest.”

Sheexplainedabout theArgoII and their voyage to stop thegiants fromawakeningGaea.She toldhimwhatNemesishadsaid: that insixdays,Romewouldbedestroyed.Shedescribedthevisionreflectedinherknife,whereBacchusofferedherasilvergoblet.

“Silver goblet?” The god didn’t sound very excited. He grabbed a Diet Pepsi fromnowhereandpoppedthetopofthecan.

“YoudrinkDietCoke,”Percysaid.

“Idon’tknowwhatyou’retalkingabout,”Bacchussnapped.“Astothisvisionofthegoblet,younglady,IhavenothingforyoutodrinkunlessyouwantaPepsi.Jupiterhasputmeunderstrictorderstoavoidgivingwinetominors.Bothersome,butthereyouhaveit.Asforthegiants,Iknowthemwell.IfoughtinthefirstGiantWar,youknow.”

“Youcanfight?”Percyasked.

Piperwishedhehadn’tsoundedsoincredulous.

Dionysus snarled. His Diet Pepsi transformed into a five-foot staff wreathed in ivy,toppedwithapinecone.

“A thyrsus!” Piper said, hoping to distract the god before hewhacked Percy on thehead. She’d seen weapons like that before in the hands of crazy nymphs, and wasn’tthrilledtoseeoneagain,butshetriedtosoundimpressed.“Oh,whatamightyweapon!”

“Indeed,”Bacchusagreed.“I’mgladsomeoneinyourgroupissmart.Thepineconeisafearsometoolofdestruction!IwasademigodmyselfinthefirstGiantWar,youknow.ThesonofJupiter!”

Jason flinched. Probably hewasn’t thrilled to be reminded that theWineDudewastechnicallyhisbigbrother.

Bacchus swung his staff through the air, though his potbelly almost threw him offbalance. “Of course that was long before I invented wine and became an immortal. Ifoughtsidebysidewiththegodsandsomeotherdemigod…HarryCleese,Ithink.”

“Heracles?”Pipersuggestedpolitely.

“Whatever,”Bacchussaid.“Anyway,IkilledthegiantEphialtesandhisbrotherOtis.

Horribleboors,thosetwo.Pineconeinthefaceforbothofthem!”

Piperheldherbreath.Allatonce,severalideascametogetherinherhead—thevisionsintheknife,thelinesoftheprophecythey’dbeendiscussingthenightbefore.Shefeltlikesheusedtowhenshewasscubadivingwithherfather,andhewouldwipehermaskforherunderwater.Suddenly,everythingwasclearer.

“LordBacchus,”shesaid, tryingtocontrol thenervousness inhervoice.“Thosetwogiants,EphialtesandOtis…wouldtheyhappentobetwins?”

“Hmm?” The god seemed distracted by his thyrsus-swinging, but he nodded. “Yes,twins.That’sright.”

PiperturnedtoJason.Shecouldtellhewasfollowingherthoughts:Twinssnuffouttheangel’sbreath.

In thebladeofKatoptris, she’d seen twogiants in yellow robes, lifting a jar fromadeeppit.

“That’swhywe’rehere,”Pipertoldthegod.“You’repartofourquest!”

Bacchusfrowned.“I’msorry,mygirl.I’mnotademigodanymore.Idon’tdoquests.”

“But giants can only be killed by heroes and gods working together,” she insisted.“You’reagodnow,andthetwogiantswehavetofightareEphialtesandOtis.Ithink…Ithink they’rewaiting for us inRome. They’re going to destroy the city somehow.ThesilvergobletIsawinmyvision—maybeit’smeantasasymbolforyourhelp.Youhavetohelpuskillthegiants!”

Bacchusglaredather,andPiperrealizedshe’dchosenherwordspoorly.

“Mygirl,”hesaidcoldly,“Idon’thavetodoanything.Besides,Ionlyhelpthosewhogivemepropertribute,whichnoonehasmanagedtodoinmany,manycenturies.”

Blackjackwhinnieduneasily.

Piper couldn’t blamehim.She didn’t like the soundof tribute. She remembered themaenads,thecrazedfollowersofBacchus,whowouldtearupnonbelieverswiththeirbarehands.Andthatwaswhentheywereinagoodmood.

Percyvoicedthequestionthatshewastooscaredtoask.“Whatkindoftribute?”

Bacchuswavedhishanddismissively.“Nothingyoucouldhandle,insolentGreek.ButIwillgiveyousomefreeadvice,sincethisgirldoeshavesomemanners.SeekoutGaea’sson,Phorcys.Healwayshatedhismother,notthatIcanblamehim.Hedidn’thavemuchuse for his siblings the twins, either. You’ll find him in the city they named after thatheroine—Atalanta.”

Piperhesitated.“YoumeanAtlanta?”

“That’stheone.”

“ButthisPhorcys,”Jasonsaid.“Isheagiant?ATitan?”

Bacchuslaughed.“Neither.Seekoutthesaltwater.”

“Saltwater…”Percysaid.“InAtlanta?”

“Yes,”Bacchussaid.“Areyouhardofhearing?IfanyonecangiveyouinsightonGaeaandthetwins,it’sPhorcys.Justwatchoutforhim.”

“Whatdoyoumean?”Jasonasked.

Thegodglancedatthesun,whichhadclimbedalmosttohighnoon.“It’sunlikeCerestobelate,unlessshesensedsomethingdangerousinthisarea.Or…”

Thegod’sfacesuddenlywentslack.“Oratrap.Well,Imustbegoing!AndifIwereyou,I’ddothesame!”

“LordBacchus,wait!”Jasonprotested.

Thegodshimmeredanddisappearedwithasoundlikeasoda-cantopbeingpopped.

Thewind rustled through the sunflowers.The horses paced in agitation.Despite thedry,hotday,Pipershivered.Acoldfeeling…AnnabethandLeohadbothdescribedacoldfeeling.…

“Bacchusisright,”shesaid.“Weneedtoleave—”

Too late, said a sleepy voice, humming through the fields all around them andresonatinginthegroundatPiper’sfeet.

PercyandJasondrewtheirswords.Piperstoodontheroadbetweenthem,frozenwithfear.ThepowerofGaeawassuddenlyeverywhere.Thesunflowersturnedtolookatthem.Thewheatbenttowardthemlikeamillionscythes.

Welcometomyparty,Gaeamurmured.HervoiceremindedPiperofcorngrowing—acrackling, hissing, hot andpersistent noise sheused tohear atGrandpaTom’son thosequietnightsinOklahoma.

What did Bacchus say? the goddess mocked. A simple, low-key affair with organicsnacks? Yes. Formy snacks, I need only two: the blood of a female demigod, and thebloodofamale.Piper,mydear,choosewhichherowilldiewithyou.

“Gaea!”Jasonyelled.“Stophidinginthewheat.Showyourself!”

Suchbravado,Gaeahissed.Buttheotherone,PercyJackson,alsohasappeal.Choose,

PiperMcLean,orIwill.

Piper’s heart raced.Gaeameant tokill her.Thatwasno surprise.Butwhatwas thisaboutchoosingoneof theboys?WhywouldGaea leteitherof themgo? Ithad tobeatrap.

“You’reinsane!”sheshouted.“I’mnotchoosinganythingforyou!”

SuddenlyJasongasped.Hesatupstraightinhissaddle.

“Jason!”Pipercried.“What’swrong—?”

Helookeddownather,hisexpressiondeadlycalm.Hiseyeswerenolongerblue.Theyglowedsolidgold.

“Percy,help!”PiperstumbledbackfromTempest.

ButPercygallopedawayfromthem.Hestoppedthirtyfeetdowntheroadandwheeledhispegasusaround.HeraisedhisswordandpointedthetiptowardJason.

“One will die,” Percy said, but the voice wasn’t his. It was deep and hollow, likesomeonewhisperingfrominsidethebarrelofacannon.

“Iwillchoose,”Jasonanswered,inthesamehollowvoice.

“No!”Piperyelled.

Allaroundher, thefieldscrackledandhissed, laughinginGaea’svoiceasPercyandJasonchargedateachother,theirweaponsready.

IFNOTFORTHEHORSES,PIPERWOULD’VEDIED.

JasonandPercychargedeachother,butTempestandBlackjackbalkedlongenoughforPipertoleapoutoftheway.

She rolled to theedgeof the roadand lookedback,dazedandhorrified,as theboyscrossedswords,goldagainstbronze.Sparksflew.Theirbladesblurred—strikeandparry—andthepavementtrembled.Thefirstexchangetookonlyasecond,butPipercouldn’tbelieve the speed of their sword fighting. The horses pulled away from each other—Tempestthunderinginprotest,Blackjackflappinghiswings.

“Stopit!”Piperyelled.

Foramoment,Jasonheededhervoice.Hisgoldeneyesturnedtowardher,andPercycharged,slamminghisbladeintoJason.Thankthegods,Percyturnedhissword—maybeonpurpose,maybeaccidentally—sotheflatofithitJason’schest;buttheimpactwasstillenoughtoknockJasonoffhismount.

BlackjackcanteredawayasTempestrearedinconfusion.Thespirithorsechargedintothesunflowersanddissipatedintovapor.

Percystruggledtoturnhispegasusaround.

“Percy!”Piperyelled.“Jason’syourfriend.Dropyourweapon!”

Percy’sswordarmdipped.Pipermighthavebeenabletobringhimundercontrol,butunfortunatelyJasongottohisfeet.

Jasonroared.Aboltof lightningarcedoutof theclearbluesky. It ricochetedoffhisgladiusandblastedPercyoffhishorse.

Blackjackwhinnied and fled into thewheat fields. Jason charged atPercy,whowasnowonhisback,hisclothessmokingfromthelightningblast.

Forahorriblemoment,Pipercouldn’tfindhervoice.Gaeaseemedtobewhisperingtoher:Youmustchooseone.WhynotletJasonkillhim?

“No!”shescreamed.“Jason,stop!”

Hefroze,hisswordsixinchesfromPercy’sface.

Jasonturned,thegoldlightinhiseyesflickeringuncertainly.“Icannotstop.Onemustdie.”

Something about that voice…itwasn’tGaea. Itwasn’t Jason.Whoever itwas spokehaltingly,asifEnglishwasitssecondlanguage.

“Whoareyou?”Piperdemanded.

Jason’smouthtwistedinagruesomesmile.“Wearetheeidolons.Wewillliveagain.”

“Eidolons…?”Piper’smindraced.She’dstudiedallsortsofmonstersatCampHalf-Blood,butthattermwasn’tfamiliar.“You’re—you’resomesortofghost?”

“Hemustdie.”JasonturnedhisattentionbacktoPercy,butPercyhadrecoveredmorethaneitherofthemrealized.HesweptouthislegandknockedJasonoffhisfeet.

Jason’sheadhittheasphaltwithanauseatingconk.

Percyrose.

“Stop it!”Piper screamedagain,but therewasnocharmspeak inhervoice.Shewasshoutinginsheerdesperation.

PercyraisedRiptideoverJason’schest.

Panic closed up Piper’s throat. Shewanted to attack Percywith her dagger, but sheknewthatwouldn’thelp.WhateverwascontrollinghimhadallofPercy’sskill.Therewasnowayshecouldbeathimincombat.

Sheforcedherselftofocus.Shepouredallofherangerintohervoice.“Eidolon,stop.”

Percyfroze.

“Faceme,”Piperordered.

Thesonoftheseagodturned.Hiseyesweregoldinsteadofgreen,hisfacepaleandcruel,notatalllikePercy’s.

“Youhavenotchosen,”hesaid.“Sothisonewilldie.”

“You’re a spirit from the Underworld,” Piper guessed. “You’re possessing Percy

Jackson.Isthatit?”

Percysneered.“Iwillliveagaininthisbody.TheEarthMotherhaspromised.IwillgowhereIplease,controlwhomIwish.”

AwaveofcoldwashedoverPiper.“Leo…that’swhathappenedtoLeo.Hewasbeingcontrolledbyaneidolon.”

ThethinginPercy’sformlaughedwithouthumor.“Toolateyourealize.Youcantrustnoone.”

Jasonstillwasn’tmoving.Piperhadnohelp,nowaytoprotecthim.

BehindPercy,somethingrustledin thewheat.Pipersawthe tipofablackwing,andPercybegantoturntowardthesound.

“Ignoreit!”sheyelped.“Lookatme.”

Percyobeyed.“Youcannotstopme.IwillkillJasonGrace.”

Behindhim,Blackjackemerged fromthewheat field,movingwithsurprisingstealthforsuchalargeanimal.

“Youwon’tkillhim,”Piperordered.Butshewasn’tlookingatPercy.Shelockedeyeswith the pegasus, pouring all her power into her words and hoping Blackjack wouldunderstand.“Youwillknockhimout.”

ThecharmspeakwashedoverPercy.Heshiftedhisweightindecisively.“I…willknockhimout?”

“Oh,sorry.”Pipersmiled.“Iwasn’ttalkingtoyou.”

BlackjackrearedandbroughthishoofdownonPercy’shead.

PercycrumpledtothepavementnexttoJason.

“Oh,gods!”Piperrantotheboys.“Blackjack,youdidn’tkillhim,didyou?”

Thepegasussnorted.Pipercouldn’tspeakHorse,butshethoughthemighthavesaid:Please.Iknowmyownstrength.

Tempest was nowhere to be seen. The lightning steed had apparently returned towhereverstormspiritsliveoncleardays.

PipercheckedonJason.Hewasbreathingsteadily,buttwoknocksontheskullintwodayscouldn’thavebeengoodforhim.ThensheexaminedPercy’shead.Shedidn’t seeanyblood,butalargeknotwasformingwherethehorsehadkickedhim.“Wehavetogetthembothbacktotheship,”shetoldBlackjack.

Thepegasusbobbedhisheadinagreement.Heknelttotheground,sothatPipercoulddrapePercy and Jason over his back.After a lot of hardwork (unconscious boyswereheavy),shegotthemreasonablysecured,climbedontoBlackjack’sbackherself,andtheytookofffortheship.

The others were a little surprised when Piper came back on a pegasus with twounconsciousdemigods.WhileFrank andHazel tended toBlackjack,Annabeth andLeohelpedgetPiperandtheboystothesickbay.

“Atthisrate,we’regoingtorunoutofambrosia,”CoachHedgegrumbledashetendedtheirwounds.“HowcomeInevergetinvitedontheseviolenttrips?”

PipersatatJason’sside.Sheherselffeltfineafteraswigofnectarandsomewater,butshewasstillworriedabouttheboys.

“Leo,”Pipersaid,“arewereadytosail?”

“Yeah,but—”

“SetcourseforAtlanta.I’llexplainlater.”

“But…okay.”Hehurriedoff.

Annabethdidn’targuewithPipereither.Shewas toobusyexamining thehorseshoe-shapeddentonthebackofPercy’shead.

“Whathithim?”shedemanded.

“Blackjack,”Pipersaid.

“What?”

Piper tried to explain while Coach Hedge applied some healing paste to the boys’heads.She’dneverbeenimpressedwithHedge’snursingabilitiesbefore,buthemusthavedone something right. Either that, or the spirits that possessed the boys had alsomadethemextraresilient.Theybothgroanedandopenedtheireyes.

Withinafewminutes,JasonandPercyweresittingupintheirberthsandabletotalkincomplete sentences. Both had fuzzy memories of what had happened. When Piperdescribedtheirduelonthehighway,Jasonwinced.

“Knocked out twice in two days,” he muttered. “Some demigod.” He glancedsheepishlyatPercy.“Sorry,man.Ididn’tmeantoblastyou.”

Percy’s shirtwaspepperedwithburnholes.Hishairwasevenmoredisheveled thannormal.Despitethat,hemanagedaweaklaugh.“Notthefirsttime.Yourbigsistergotme

goodonceatcamp.”

“Yeah,but…Icouldhavekilledyou.”

“OrIcouldhavekilledyou,”Percysaid.

Jasonshrugged.“Ifthere’dbeenanoceaninKansas,maybe.”

“Idon’tneedanocean—”

“Boys,”Annabethinterrupted,“I’msureyoubothwould’vebeenwonderfulatkillingeachother.Butrightnow,youneedsomerest.”

“Foodfirst,”Percysaid.“Please?Andwereallyneedtotalk.Bacchussaidsomethingsthatdon’t—”

“Bacchus?”Annabeth raised her hand. “Okay, fine.Weneed to talk.Mess hall.Tenminutes. I’ll tell the others. And please, Percy…change your clothes. You smell likeyou’vebeenrunoverbyanelectrichorse.”

Leogave thehelm toCoachHedgeagain,aftermaking the satyrpromisehewouldnotsteerthemtothenearestmilitarybase“forfun.”

They gathered around the dining table, and Piper explained what had happened atTOPEKA32—theirconversationwithBacchus, the trapsprungbyGaea, theeidolons thathadpossessedtheboys.

“Of course!”Hazel slapped the table,which startledFrank somuch, he dropped hisburrito.“That’swhathappenedtoLeotoo.”

“So it wasn’t my fault.” Leo exhaled. “I didn’t start World War Three. I just gotpossessedbyanevilspirit.That’sarelief!”

“But the Romans don’t know that,” Annabeth said. “Andwhywould they take ourwordforit?”

“WecouldcontactReyna,”Jasonsuggested.“Shewouldbelieveus.”

Hearing thewayJasonsaidhername, like itwasa lifeline tohispast,madePiper’sheartsink.

Jasonturnedtoherwithahopefulgleaminhiseyes.“Youcouldconvinceher,Pipes.Iknowyoucould.”

Piperfeltlikeallthebloodinherbodywasdrainingintoherfeet.Annabethlookedathersympathetically,asiftosay:Boysaresoclueless.EvenHazelwinced.

“Icouldtry,”shesaidhalfheartedly.“ButOctavianistheonewehavetoworryabout.Inmydaggerblade,IsawhimtakingcontroloftheRomancrowd.I’mnotsureReynacanstophim.”

Jason’s expressiondarkened.Piper didn’t get anypleasure fromburstinghis bubble,buttheotherRomans—HazelandFrank—noddedinagreement.

“She’s right,” Frank said. “This afternoon when we were scouting, we saw eaglesagain.Theywerealongwayoff,butclosingfast.Octavianisonthewarpath.”

Hazelgrimaced.“ThisisexactlythesortofopportunityOctavianhasalwayswanted.He’lltrytoseizepower.IfReynaobjects,he’llsayshe’ssoftontheGreeks.Asforthoseeagles…It’sliketheycouldsmellus.”

“Theycan,”Jasonsaid.“Romaneaglescanhuntdemigodsbytheirmagicalscentevenbetterthanmonsterscan.Thisshipmightconcealussomewhat,butnotcompletely—notfromthem.”

Leodrummedhis fingers.“Great. I shouldhave installeda smokescreen thatmakestheshipsmelllikeagiantchickennugget.Remindmetoinventthat,nexttime.”

Hazelfrowned.“Whatisachickennugget?”

“Oh,man…”Leoshookhisheadinamazement.“That’sright.You’vemissedthelastlike,seventyyears.Well,myapprentice,achickennugget—”

“Doesn’t matter,” Annabeth interrupted. “The point is, we’ll have a hard timeexplainingthetruthtotheRomans.Eveniftheybelieveus—”

“You’reright.”Jasonleanedforward.“Weshouldjustkeepgoing.Oncewe’reovertheAtlantic,we’llbesafe—atleastfromthelegion.”

Hesoundedsodepressed,Piperdidn’tknowwhethertofeelsorryforhimorresentful.“Howcanyoubesure?”sheasked.“Whywouldn’ttheyfollowus?”

Heshookhishead.“YouheardReyna talkingabout theancient lands.They’remuchtoodangerous.Romandemigodshavebeen forbidden togo there forgenerations.EvenOctaviancouldn’tgetaroundthatrule.”

Frankswallowedabiteofburritolikeithadturnedtocardboardinhismouth.“So,ifwegothere…”

“We’llbeoutlawsaswellastraitors,”Jasonconfirmed.“AnyRomandemigodwouldhave the right tokill uson sight.But Iwouldn’tworry about that. Ifweget across theAtlantic,they’llgiveuponchasingus.They’llassumethatwe’lldieintheMediterranean—theMareNostrum.”

PercypointedhispizzasliceatJason.“You,sir,arearayofsunshine.”

Jason didn’t argue. The other demigods stared at their plates, except for Percy,whocontinuedtoenjoyhispizza.Whereheputallthatfood,Piperdidn’tknow.Theguycouldeatlikeasatyr.

“Solet’splanahead,”Percysuggested,“andmakesurewedon’tdie.Mr.D—Bacchus—Ugh, do I have to call himMr.B now?Anyway, hementioned the twins in Ella’sprophecy.Twogiants.Otisand,uh,somethingthatstartedwithanF?”

“Ephialtes,”Jasonsaid.

“Twingiants,likePipersawinherblade…”Annabethranherfingeralongtherimofhercup.“I rememberastoryabout twingiants.They tried to reachMountOlympusbypilingupabunchofmountains.”

Franknearlychoked.“Well, that’sgreat.Giantswhocanusemountains likebuildingblocks.AndyousayBacchuskilledtheseguyswithapineconeonastick?”

“Somethinglikethat,”Percysaid.“Idon’tthinkweshouldcountonhishelpthistime.Hewantedatribute,andhemadeitprettyclearitwouldbeatributewecouldn’thandle.”

Silencefellaroundthetable.PipercouldhearCoachHedgeabovedecksinging“BlowtheManDown,”excepthedidn’tknowthelyrics,sohemostlysang,“Blah-blah-hum-de-dum-dum.”

Pipercouldn’tshakethefeelingthatBacchuswasmeanttohelpthem.Thegianttwinswere inRome.Theywere keeping something the demigods needed—something in thatbronzejar.Whateveritwas,shegotthefeelingitheldtheanswertosealingtheDoorsofDeath—the key to endless death. She also felt sure they could never defeat the giantswithout Bacchus’s help. And if they couldn’t do that in five days, Rome would bedestroyed,andHazel’sbrother,Nico,woulddie.

On the other hand, if the vision of Bacchus offering her a silver goblet was false,maybetheothervisionsdidn’thavetocometrueeither—especiallytheoneofher,Percy,andJasondrowning.Maybethatwasjustsymbolic.

Thebloodofafemaledemigod,Gaeahadsaid,andthebloodofamale.Piper,mydear,choosewhichherowilldiewithyou.

“Shewantstwoofus,”Pipermurmured.

Everyoneturnedtolookather.

Piper hated being the center of attention. Maybe that was strange for a child ofAphrodite, but she’d watched her dad, the movie star, deal with fame for years. She

rememberedwhenAphroditehadclaimedherat thebonfire in frontof theentirecamp,zappingherwithamagicbeauty-queenmakeover.Thathadbeenthemostembarrassingmomentofherlife.Evenhere,withonlysixotherdemigods,Piperfeltexposed.

They’remyfriends,shetoldherself.It’sokay.

Butshehadastrangefeeling…asifmorethansixsetsofeyeswerewatchingher.

“Todayonthehighway,”shesaid,“Gaeatoldmethatsheneededthebloodofonlytwodemigods—onefemale,onemale.She—sheaskedmetochoosewhichboywoulddie.”

Jasonsqueezedherhand.“Butneitherofusdied.Yousavedus.”

“Iknow.It’sjust…Whywouldshewantthat?”

Leowhistled softly. “Guys, remember at theWolfHouse?Our favorite ice princess,Khione? She talked about spilling Jason’s blood, how it would taint the place forgenerations.Maybedemigodbloodhassomekindofpower.”

“Oh…”Percysetdownhisthirdpizzaslice.Heleanedbackandstaredatnothing,asifthehorsekicktohisheadhadjustnowregistered.

“Percy?”Annabethgrippedhisarm.

“Oh,bad,”hemuttered.“Bad.Bad.”He lookedacross the tableatFrankandHazel.“YouguysrememberPolybotes?”

“ThegiantwhoinvadedCampJupiter,”Hazelsaid.“Theanti-PoseidonyouwhackedintheheadwithaTerminusstatue.Yes,IthinkIremember.”

“Ihadadream,”Percysaid,“whenwewereflyingtoAlaska.Polyboteswastalkingtothe gorgons, and he said—he said hewantedme taken prisoner, not killed.He said: ‘Iwantthatonechainedatmyfeet,soIcankillhimwhenthetimeisripe.HisbloodshallwaterthestonesofMountOlympusandwakeEarthMother!’”

Piperwonderediftheroom’stemperaturecontrolswerebroken,becausesuddenlyshecouldn’t stop shaking. It was the sameway she’d felt on the highway outside Topeka.“Youthinkthegiantswoulduseourblood…thebloodoftwoofus—”

“Idon’tknow,”Percy said. “Butuntilwe figure it out, I suggestweall try to avoidgettingcaptured.”

Jasongrunted.“ThatIagreewith.”

“Buthowdowefigure itout?”Hazelasked.“TheMarkofAthena, the twins,Ella’sprophecy…howdoesitallfittogether?”

Annabethpressedherhandsagainst theedgeof the table.“Piper,youtoldLeotoset

ourcourseforAtlanta.”

“Right,”Pipersaid.“Bacchustoldusweshouldseekout…whatwashisname?”

“Phorcys,”Percysaid.

Annabethlookedsurprised,likeshewasn’tusedtoherboyfriendhavingtheanswers.“Youknowhim?”

Percy shrugged. “I didn’t recognize the name at first. ThenBacchusmentioned saltwater,anditrangabell.Phorcysisanoldseagodfrombeforemydad’stime.Nevermethim,butsupposedlyhe’sasonofGaea.Istilldon’tunderstandwhataseagodwouldbedoinginAtlanta.”

Leosnorted.“What’sawinegoddoinginKansas?Godsareweird.Anyway,weshouldreachAtlantabynoontomorrow,unlesssomethingelsegoeswrong.”

“Don’tevensay that,”Annabethmuttered. “It’sgetting late.Weshouldallget somesleep.”

“Wait,”Pipersaid.

Oncemore,everyonelookedather.

Shewas rapidly losing her courage,wondering if her instinctswerewrong, but sheforcedherselftospeak.

“There’sonelastthing,”shesaid.“Theeidolons—thepossessingspirits.They’restillhere,inthisroom.”

PIPERCOULDN’TEXPLAINHOWSHEKNEW.

Stories of phantoms and tortured souls had always freaked her out.Her dad used tojokeaboutGrandpaTom’sCherokeelegendsfrombackontherez,butevenathomeintheirbigMalibumansion, lookingoutover thePacific,wheneverherdadrecounted theghoststoriesforher,shecouldnevergetthemoutofherhead.

Cherokee spirits were always restless. They often lost their way to the Land of theDead,orstayedbehindwiththelivingoutofsheerstubbornness.Sometimestheydidn’tevenrealizetheyweredead.

The more Piper learned about being a demigod, the more convinced she was thatCherokee legendsandGreekmythsweren’t sodifferent.Theseeidolonsacteda lot likethespiritsinherdad’sstories.

Piperhadagutsensetheywerestillpresent,simplybecausenoonehadtoldthemtogoaway.

Whenshewasdoneexplaining, theothers lookedatheruncomfortably.Upondeck,Hedge sang something that sounded like “In the Navy” while Blackjack stomped hishooves,whinnyinginprotest.

FinallyHazelexhaled.“Piperisright.”

“Howcanyoubesure?”Annabethasked.

“I’vemeteidolons,”Hazelsaid.“IntheUnderworld,whenIwas…youknow.”

Dead.

Piperhad forgotten thatHazelwasasecond-timer. Inherownway,Hazel toowasa

ghostreborn.

“So…”Frankrubbedhishandacrosshisbuzz-cuthairas if someghostsmighthaveinvadedhisscalp.“Youthinkthesethingsarelurkingontheship,or—”

“Possiblylurkinginsidesomeofus,”Pipersaid.“Wedon’tknow.”

Jasonclenchedhisfist.“Ifthat’strue—”

“Wehavetotakesteps,”Pipersaid.“IthinkIcandothis.”

“Dowhat?”Percyasked.

“Justlisten,okay?”Pipertookadeepbreath.“Everybodylisten.”

Pipermettheireyes,onepersonatatime.

“Eidolons,”shesaid,usinghercharmspeak,“raiseyourhands.”

Therewastensesilence.

Leolaughednervously.“Didyoureallythinkthatwasgoingto—?”

Hisvoicedied.Hisfacewentslack.Heraisedhishand.

JasonandPercydidthesame.Theireyeshadturnedglassyandgold.Hazelcaughtherbreath.NexttoLeo,Frankscrambledoutofhischairandputhisbackagainstthewall.

“Oh,gods.”AnnabethlookedatPiperimploringly.“Canyoucurethem?”

Piper wanted to whimper and hide under the table, but she had to help Jason. Shecouldn’tbelieveshe’dheldhandswith…No,sherefusedtothinkaboutit.

ShefocusedonLeobecausehewastheleastintimidating.

“Aretheremoreofyouonthisship?”sheasked.

“No,”Leo said in a hollowvoice.“TheEarthMother sent three.The strongest, thebest.Wewillliveagain.”

“Nothere,youwon’t,”Pipergrowled.“Allthreeofyou,listencarefully.”

Jason and Percy turned toward her. Those gold eyeswere unnerving, but seeing allthreeboyslikethatfueledPiper’sanger.

“Youwillleavethosebodies,”shecommanded.

“No,”Percysaid.

Leoletoutasofthiss.“Wemustlive.”

Frank fumbled for his bow. “MarsAlmighty, that’s creepy!Get out of here, spirits!Leaveourfriendsalone!”

Leoturnedtowardhim.“Youcannotcommandus,childofwar.Yourownlifeisfragile.Yoursoulcouldburnatanymoment.”

Piperwasn’tsurewhatthatmeant,butFrankstaggeredlikehe’dbeenpunchedinthegut.Hedrewanarrow,hishandsshaking.“I—I’vefaceddownworsethingsthanyou.Ifyouwantafight—”

“Frank,don’t.”Hazelrose.

Nexttoher,Jasondrewhissword.

“Stop!”Piperordered,buthervoicequavered.Shewasrapidlylosingfaithinherplan.She’dmade theeidolonsappear,butwhatnow?If shecouldn’tpersuade themto leave,anybloodshedwouldbeher fault. In thebackofhermind,shecouldalmosthearGaealaughing.

“Listen to Piper.” Hazel pointed at Jason’s sword. The gold blade seemed to growheavyinhishand.ItclunkedtothetableandJasonsankbackintohischair.

Percygrowledinaveryun-Percy-likeway.“DaughterofPluto,youmaycontrolgemsandmetals.Youdonotcontrolthedead.”

Annabethreachedtowardhimasiftorestrainhim,butHazelwavedheroff.

“Listen, eidolons,”Hazel said sternly, “youdonotbelonghere. Imaynot commandyou,butPiperdoes.Obeyher.”

SheturnedtowardPiper,herexpressionclear:Tryagain.Youcandothis.

Pipermusteredallhercourage.ShelookedstraightatJason—straightintotheeyesofthe thing thatwas controlling him. “Youwill leave those bodies,” Piper repeated, evenmoreforcefully.

Jason’s face tightened. His forehead beaded with sweat. “We—we will leave thesebodies.”

“Youwillvowon theRiverStyxnever to return to thisship,”Pipercontinued,“andnevertopossessanymemberofthiscrew.”

LeoandPercybothhissedinprotest.

“YouwillpromiseontheRiverStyx,”Piperinsisted.

Amomentof tension—shecould feel theirwills fightingagainsthers.Thenall threeeidolonsspokeinunison:“WepromiseontheRiverStyx.”

“Youaredead,”Pipersaid.

“Wearedead,”theyagreed.

“Now,leave.”

Allthreeboysslumpedforward.Percyfellface-firstintohispizza.

“Percy!”Annabethgrabbedhim.

PiperandHazelcaughtJason’sarmsasheslippedoutofhischair.

Leowasn’tsolucky.HefelltowardFrank,whomadenoattempttointercepthim.Leohitthefloor.

“Ow!”hegroaned.

“Areyouallright?”Hazelasked.

Leo pulled himself up.He had a piece of spaghetti in the shape of a3 stuck to hisforehead.“Diditwork?”

“It worked,” Piper said, feeling pretty sure she was right. “I don’t think they’ll beback.”

Jasonblinked.“DoesthatmeanIcanstopgettingheadinjuriesnow?”

Piper laughed,exhalingallhernervousness.“Comeon,LightningBoy.Let’sgetyousomefreshair.”

PiperandJasonwalkedbackand forthalong thedeck. Jasonwasstillwobbly, soPiperencouragedhimtowraphisarmaroundherforsupport.

Leo stood at the helm, conferring with Festus through the intercom; he knew fromexperiencetogiveJasonandPipersomespace.SincethesatelliteTVwasupagain,CoachHedge was in his cabin happily catching up on his mixed martial arts cage matches.Percy’spegasusBlackjackhadflownoffsomewhere.Theotherdemigodsweresettlinginforthenight.

TheArgoII raced east, cruising several hundred feet above theground.Below themsmalltownspassedbylikelit-upislandsinadarkseaofprairie.

Piper remembered lastwinter, flyingFestus thedragonover thecityofQuebec.Shehadneverseenanythingsobeautiful,orfeltsohappytohaveJason’sarmsaroundher—butthiswasevenbetter.

Thenightwaswarm.Theshipsailedalongmoresmoothlythanadragon.Bestofall,theywereflyingawayfromCampJupiterasfastastheypossiblycould.Nomatterhowdangeroustheancientlandswere,Pipercouldn’twait togetthere.ShehopedJasonwasrightthattheRomanswouldn’tfollowthemacrosstheAtlantic.

Jasonstoppedamidshipsand leanedagainst the rail.Themoonlight turnedhisblondhairsilver.

“Thanks,Pipes,”hesaid.“Yousavedmeagain.”

He put his arm around her waist. She thought about the day they’d fallen into theGrandCanyon—thefirsttimeshe’dlearnedthatJasoncouldcontroltheair.He’dheldhersotightly,shecouldfeelhisheartbeat.Thenthey’dstoppedfallingandfloatedinmidair.Best.Boyfriend.Ever.

Shewantedtokisshimnow,butsomethingheldherback.

“Idon’tknowifPercywilltrustmeanymore,”shesaid.“NotafterIlethishorseknockhimout.”

Jason laughed. “Don’tworry about that. Percy’s a nice guy, but I get the feeling heneedsaknockontheheadeveryonceinawhile.”

“Youcouldhavekilledhim.”

Jason’ssmilefaded.“Thatwasn’tme.”

“ButIalmostletyou,”Pipersaid.“WhenGaeasaidIhadtochoose,Ihesitatedand…”

Sheblinked,cursingherselfforcrying.

“Don’tbesohardonyourself,”Jasonsaid.“Yousavedusboth.”

“Butiftwoofourcrewreallyhavetodie,aboyandagirl—”

“Idon’tacceptthat.We’regoingtostopGaea.Allsevenofusaregoingtocomebackalive.Ipromiseyou.”

Piperwishedthathehadn’tpromised.ThewordonlyremindedheroftheProphecyofSeven:anoathtokeepwithafinalbreath.

Please,shethought,wonderingifhermom,thegoddessoflove,couldhearher.Don’tletitbeJason’sfinalbreath.Iflovemeansanything,don’ttakehimaway.

As soon as she had made the wish, she felt guilty. How could she stand to seeAnnabethinthatkindofpainifPercydied?Howcouldshelivewithherselfifanyoftheseven demigods died?Already, each of them had endured somuch. Even the two newRomankids,HazelandFrank,whomPiperbarelyknew, felt likekin.AtCampJupiter,Percyhadrecounted their trip toAlaska,whichsoundedasharrowingasanythingPiperhadexperienced.AndfromthewayHazelandFranktriedtohelpduringtheexorcism,shecouldtelltheywerebrave,goodpeople.

“The legend that Annabethmentioned,” she said, “about theMark ofAthena…why

didn’tyouwanttotalkaboutit?”

ShewasafraidJasonmightshutherout,buthe just loweredhishead likehe’dbeenexpectingthequestion.“Pipes,Idon’tknowwhat’strueandwhat’snot.Thatlegend…itcouldbereallydangerous.”

“Forwho?”

“Allofus,”hesaidgrimly.“ThestorygoesthattheRomansstolesomethingimportantfromtheGreeks,backinancienttimes,whentheRomansconqueredtheGreeks’cities.”

Piperwaited,butJasonseemedlostinthought.

“Whatdidtheysteal?”sheasked.

“I don’t know,” he said. “I’m not sure anyone in the legion has ever known. Butaccordingtothestory,thisthingwastakenawaytoRomeandhiddenthere.ThechildrenofAthena, Greek demigods, have hated us ever since. They’ve always stirred up theirbrethrenagainsttheRomans.LikeIsaid,Idon’tknowhowmuchofthatistrue—”

“ButwhynotjusttellAnnabeth?”Piperasked.“She’snotgoingtosuddenlyhateyou.”

Heseemedtohavetroublefocusingonher.“Ihopenot.But the legendsays that thechildrenofAthenahavebeensearchingfor this thingformillennia.Everygeneration,afewarechosenbythegoddesstofindit.Apparently,they’reledtoRomebysomesign…theMarkofAthena.”

“IfAnnabethisoneofthosesearchers…weshouldhelpher.”

Jasonhesitated.“Maybe.WhenwegetclosertoRome,I’lltellherwhatlittleIknow.Honest.Butthestory,atleastthewayIheardit—itclaimsthatiftheGreekseverfoundwhatwasstolen,they’dneverforgiveus.They’ddestroythelegionandRome,onceandfor all. After what Nemesis told Leo, about Rome’s being destroyed five days fromnow…”

Piper studied Jason’s face. He was, without a doubt, the bravest person she’d everknown,butsherealizedhewasafraid.Thislegend—theideathatitmighttearaparttheirgroupandlevelacity—absolutelyterrifiedhim.

Piper wondered what could have been stolen from the Greeks that would be soimportant. She couldn’t imagine anything that would make Annabeth suddenly turnvengeful.

Then again, Piper couldn’t imagine choosing one demigod’s life over another, andtodayonthatdesertedroad,justforamoment,Gaeahadalmosttemptedher.…

“I’msorry,bytheway,”Jasonsaid.

Piper wiped the last tear from her face. “Sorry for what? It was the eidolon whoattacked—”

“Not about that.” The little scar on Jason’s upper lip seemed to glow white in themoonlight. She’d always loved that scar. The imperfection made his face much moreinteresting.

“IwasstupidtoaskyoutocontactReyna,”hesaid.“Iwasn’tthinking.”

“Oh.” Piper looked up at the clouds and wondered if her mother, Aphrodite, wassomehowinfluencinghim.Hisapologyseemedtoogoodtobetrue.

Butdon’tstop,shethought.“Really,it’sokay.”

“It’sjust…IneverfeltthatwaytowardReyna,”Jasonsaid,“soIdidn’tthinkaboutitsmakingyouuncomfortable.You’vegotnothingtoworryabout,Pipes.”

“I wanted to hate her,” Piper admitted. “I was so afraid you’d go back to CampJupiter.”

Jason looked surprised. “Thatwould never happen.Not unless you camewithme. Ipromise.”

Piperheldhishand.Shemanagedasmile,butshewasthinking:Anotherpromise.Anoathtokeepwithafinalbreath.

She tried toput those thoughtsoutofhermind.Sheknewsheshould justenjoy thisquietmomentwithJason.Butasshe lookedover thesideof theship,shecouldn’thelpremembering howmuch the prairie at night looked like darkwater—like the drowningroomshe’dseeninthebladeofherknife.

FORGET THECHICKEN-NUGGET SMOKE SCREEN. PercywantedLeo to invent an anti-dreamhat.

Thatnighthehadhorriblenightmares.FirsthedreamedhewasbackinAlaskaonthequest for the legion’s eagle. He was hiking along a mountain road, but as soon as hesteppedofftheshoulderhewasswallowedbythebog—muskeg,Hazelhadcalledit.Hefoundhimselfchokinginmud,unabletomoveorseeorbreathe.Forthefirsttimeinhislife,heunderstoodwhatitwasliketodrown.

It’sjustadream,hetoldhimself.I’llwakeup.

Butthatdidn’tmakeitanylessterrifying.

Percyhadneverbeenscaredofwater.Itwashisfather’selement.Butsincethemuskegexperience,he’ddevelopedafearofsuffocation.Hecouldneveradmitthistoanyone,butit had even made him nervous about going in the water. He knew that was silly. Hecouldn’t drown. But he also suspected that if he didn’t control the fear, it might startcontrollinghim.

HethoughtabouthisfriendThalia,whowasscaredofheightseventhoughshewasthedaughterof the skygod.Herbrother, Jason, could flyby summoning thewinds.Thaliacouldn’t,maybe because shewas too afraid to try. If Percy started to believe he coulddrown…

Themuskegpressedagainsthischest.Hislungswantedtoburst.

Stoppanicking,hetoldhimself.Thisisn’treal.

Justwhenhecouldn’tholdhisbreathanylonger,thedreamchanged.

Hestood inavastgloomyspace likeanundergroundparkinggarage.Rowsofstone

pillarsmarched off in every direction, holding up the ceiling about twenty feet above.Freestandingbrazierscastadimredglowoverthefloor.

Percycouldn’tseeveryfar in theshadows,buthangingfromtheceilingwerepulleysystems, sandbags, and rows of dark theater lights. Piled around the chamber, woodencrates were labeled PROPS, WEAPONS, and COSTUMES. One read: ASSORTED ROCKET

LAUNCHERS.

Percyheardmachinerycreakinginthedarkness,hugegearsturning,andwaterrushingthroughpipes.

Thenhesawthegiant…oratleastPercyguessedthathewasagiant.

Hewasabouttwelvefeettall—arespectableheightforaCyclops,butonlyhalfastallas other giants Percy had dealtwith.He also lookedmore human than a typical giant,without the dragonlike legs of his larger kin. Nevertheless, his long purple hair wasbraidedinaponytailofdreadlocks,wovenwithgoldandsilvercoins,whichstruckPercyasagiantishhairstyle.Hehadaten-footspearstrappedtohisback—agiantishweapon.

HeworethelargestblackturtleneckPercyhadeverseen,blackpants,andblackleathershoeswithpointssolongandcurly,theymighthavebeenjesterslippers.Hepacedbackandforthinfrontofaraisedplatform,examiningabronzejaraboutthesizeofPercy.

“No,no,no,”thegiantmutteredtohimself.“Where’sthesplash?Where’sthevalue?”Heyelledintothedarkness,“Otis!”

Percy heard something shuffling in the distance. Another giant appeared out of thegloom.Hewore exactly the sameblackoutfit, right down to the curly shoes.Theonlydifference between the twogiantswas that the secondone’s hairwas green rather thanpurple.

The first giant cursed. “Otis,whydoyoudo this tome everyday? I toldyou Iwaswearingtheblackturtlenecktoday.Youcouldwearanythingbuttheblackturtleneck!”

Otis blinked as if he’d justwokenup. “I thought youwerewearing the yellow togatoday.”

“Thatwasyesterday!Whenyoushowedupintheyellowtoga!”

“Oh.Right.Sorry,Ephie.”

Hisbrothersnarled.Theyhadtobetwins,becausetheirfaceswereidenticallyugly.

“Anddon’tcallmeEphie,”Ephiedemanded.“CallmeEphialtes.That’smyname.Oryoucanusemystagename:TheBIGF!”

Otisgrimaced.“I’mstillnotsureaboutthatstagename.”

“Nonsense!It’sperfect.Now,howarethepreparationscomingalong?”

“Fine.” Otis didn’t sound very enthusiastic. “The man-eating tigers, the spinningblades…ButIstillthinkafewballerinaswouldbenice.”

“Noballerinas!”Ephialtes snapped. “And this thing.”Hewaved at the bronze jar indisgust.“Whatdoesitdo?It’snotexciting.”

“Butthat’sthewholepointoftheshow.Hediesunlesstheothersrescuehim.Andiftheyarriveonschedule—”

“Oh, they’d better!” Ephialtes said. “July First, theKalends of July, sacred to Juno.That’swhenMotherwants to destroy those stupiddemigods and really rub it in Juno’sface.Besides,I’mnotpayingovertimeforthosegladiatorghosts!”

“Well, then, theyalldie,”Otis said, “andwestart thedestructionofRome. Just likeMotherwants. It’ll be perfect. The crowdwill love it.Roman ghosts adore this sort ofthing.”

Ephialtes lookedunconvinced. “But the jar juststands there.Couldn’twe suspend itaboveafire,ordissolveitinapoolofacidorsomething?”

“Weneedhimaliveforafewmoredays,”Otisremindedhisbrother.“Otherwise,thesevenwon’ttakethebaitandrushtosavehim.”

“Hmm.Isuppose.I’dstilllikealittlemorescreaming.Thisslowdeathisboring.Ah,well,whataboutourtalentedfriend?Isshereadytoreceivehervisitor?”

Otismadeasourface.“Ireallydon’tliketalkingtoher.Shemakesmenervous.”

“Butissheready?”

“Yes,”Otissaidreluctantly.“She’sbeenreadyforcenturies.Noonewillberemovingthatstatue.”

“Excellent.” Ephialtes rubbed his hands together in anticipation. “This is our bigchance,mybrother.”

“That’swhatyousaidaboutourlaststunt,”Otismumbled.“IwashanginginthatblockoficesuspendedovertheRiverLetheforsixmonths,andwedidn’tevengetanymediaattention.”

“Thisisdifferent!”Ephialtesinsisted.“Wewillsetanewstandardforentertainment!IfMotherispleased,wecanwriteourowntickettofameandfortune!”

“Ifyousayso,”Otissighed.“ThoughIstillthinkthoseballerinacostumesfromSwanLakewouldlooklovely—”

“Noballet!”

“Sorry.”

“Come,”Ephialtessaid.“Let’sexaminethetigers.Iwanttobesuretheyarehungry!”

Thegiantslumberedoffintothegloom,andPercyturnedtowardthejar.

Ineedtoseeinside,hethought.

Hewilledhisdreamforward,righttothesurfaceofthejar.Thenhepassedthrough.

Theairinthejarsmelledofstalebreathandtarnishedmetal.Theonlylightcamefromthe dimpurple glowof a dark sword, its Stygian iron blade set against one side of thecontainer.Huddlednext to itwasadejected-lookingboy in tattered jeans,ablackshirt,andanoldaviatorjacket.Onhisrighthand,asilverskullringglittered.

“Nico,”Percycalled.ButthesonofHadescouldn’thearhim.

Thecontainerwascompletelysealed.Theairwasturningpoisonous.Nico’seyeswereclosed, his breathing shallow. He appeared to be meditating. His face was pale, andthinnerthanPercyremembered.

Ontheinnerwallofthejar,itlookedasthoughNicohadscratchedthreehashmarkswithhissword—maybeithadbeenthreedaysthathe’dbeenimprisoned?

Itdidn’tseempossiblehecouldhavesurvivedsolongwithoutsuffocating.Eveninadream,Percywasalreadystartingtofeelpanicky,strugglingtogetenoughoxygen.

Then he noticed something between Nico’s feet—a small collection of glisteningobjectsnobiggerthanbabyteeth.

Seeds,Percyrealized.Pomegranateseeds.Threehadbeeneatenandspitout.Fivewerestillencasedindarkredpulp.

“Nico,”Percysaid,“whereisthisplace?We’llsaveyou.…”

Theimagefaded,andagirl’svoicewhispered:“Percy.”

At first, Percy thought he was still asleep.When he’d lost his memory, he’d spentweeksdreaming aboutAnnabeth, theonlypersonhe remembered fromhis past.Ashiseyesopenedandhisvisioncleared,herealizedshewasreallythere.

Shewasstandingbyhisberth,smilingdownathim.

Her blond hair fell across her shoulders. Her storm-gray eyes were bright withamusement.HerememberedhisfirstdayatCampHalf-Blood,fiveyearsago,whenhe’dwokenfromadazeandfoundAnnabethstandingoverhim.Shehadsaid,Youdroolwhenyousleep.

Shewassentimentalthatway.

“Wh—what’sgoingon?”heasked.“Arewethere?”

“No,”shesaid,hervoicelow.“It’sthemiddleofthenight.”

“Youmean…”Percy’sheartstartedtorace.Herealizedhewasinhispajamas,inbed.Heprobablyhadbeendrooling,oratleastmakingweirdnoisesashedreamed.Nodoubthehadaseverecaseofpillowhairandhisbreathdidn’tsmellgreat.“Yousneakedintomycabin?”

Annabeth rolled her eyes. “Percy, you’ll be seventeen in two months. You can’tseriouslybeworriedaboutgettingintotroublewithCoachHedge.”

“Uh,haveyouseenhisbaseballbat?”

“Besides,SeaweedBrain,Ijustthoughtwecouldtakeawalk.Wehaven’thadanytimetobetogetheralone.Iwanttoshowyousomething—myfavoriteplaceaboardtheship.”

Percy’spulsewasstillinoverdrive,butitwasn’tfromfearofgettingintotrouble.“CanI,youknow,brushmyteethfirst?”

“You’dbetter,”Annabethsaid.“BecauseI’mnotkissingyouuntilyoudo.Andbrushyourhairwhileyou’reatit.”

For a trireme, the shipwashuge, but it still felt cozy toPercy—likehis dormbuildingbackatYancyAcademy,oranyoftheotherboardingschoolshe’dgottenkickedoutof.Annabethandhecreptdownstairstotheseconddeck,whichPercyhadn’texploredexceptforsickbay.

She led himpast the engine room,which looked like a very dangerous,mechanizedjunglegym,withpipesandpistonsandtubesjuttingfromacentralbronzesphere.Cablesresemblinggiantmetalnoodlessnakedacrossthefloorandranupthewalls.

“Howdoesthatthingevenwork?”Percyasked.

“Noidea,”Annabethsaid.“AndI’mtheonlyonebesidesLeowhocanoperateit.”

“That’sreassuring.”

“Itshouldbefine.It’sonlythreatenedtoblowuponce.”

“You’rekidding,Ihope.”

Shesmiled.“Comeon.”

Theyworkedtheirwaypastthesupplyroomsandthearmory.Towardthesternofthe

ship,theyreachedasetofwoodendoubledoorsthatopenedintoalargestable.Theroomsmelledoffreshhayandwoolblankets.Liningtheleftwallwerethreeemptyhorsestallsliketheonestheyusedforpegasibackatcamp.Therightwallhadtwoemptycagesbigenoughforlargezooanimals.

In thecenterof the floorwasa twenty-foot-squaresee-throughpanel.Farbelow, thenight landscape whisked by—miles of dark countryside crisscrossed with illuminatedhighwayslikethestrandsofaweb.

“Aglass-bottomedboat?”Percyasked.

Annabethgrabbedablanketfromtheneareststablegateandspreaditacrosspartoftheglassfloor.“Sitwithme.”

Theyrelaxedontheblanketasiftheywerehavingapicnic,andwatchedtheworldgobybelow.

“Leobuilt thestablessopegasicouldcomeandgoeasily,”Annabethsaid.“Onlyhedidn’trealizethatpegasiprefertoroamfree,sothestablesarealwaysempty.”

Percy wondered where Blackjack was—roaming the skies somewhere, hopefullyfollowingtheirprogress.Percy’sheadstillthrobbedfromgettingwhoppedbyBlackjack’shoof,buthedidn’tholdthatagainstthehorse.

“What do youmean, come and go easily?” he asked. “Wouldn’t a pegasus have tomakeitdowntwoflightsofstairs?”

Annabethrappedherknucklesontheglass.“Thesearebaydoors,likeonabomber.”

Percygulped.“Youmeanwe’resittingondoors?Whatiftheyopened?”

“Isupposewe’dfalltoourdeaths.Buttheywon’topen.Mostlikely.”

“Great.”

Annabethlaughed.“YouknowwhyIlikeithere?It’snotjusttheview.Whatdoesthisplaceremindyouof?”

Percylookedaround:thecagesandstables,theCelestialbronzelamphangingfromthebeam,thesmellofhay,andofcourseAnnabethsittingclosetohim,herfaceghostlyandbeautifulinthesoftamberlight.

“Thatzootruck,”Percydecided.“TheonewetooktoLasVegas.”

Hersmiletoldhimhe’dgottentheanswerright.

“Thatwassolongago,”Percysaid.“Wewereinbadshape,strugglingtogetacrossthecountry to find that stupid lightningbolt, trapped in a truckwith a bunchofmistreated

animals.Howcanyoubenostalgicforthat?”

“Because,SeaweedBrain, it’s thefirst timewereally talked,youandme. I toldyouaboutmyfamily,and…”She tookouthercampnecklace,strungwithherdad’scollegeringandacolorfulclaybeadforeachyearatCampHalf-Blood.Nowtherewassomethingelseon the leathercord:a redcoralpendantPercyhadgivenherwhen theyhadstarteddating.He’dbroughtitfromhisfather’spalaceatthebottomofthesea.

“And,”Annabeth continued, “it remindsme how longwe’ve known each other.Weweretwelve,Percy.Canyoubelievethat?”

“No,”headmitted.“So…youknewyoulikedmefromthatmoment?”

She smirked. “I hated you at first.You annoyedme.Then I tolerated you for a fewyears.Then—”

“Okay,fine.”

She leaned over and kissed him: a good, proper kiss without anyone watching—noRomansanywhere,noscreamingsatyrchaperones.

Shepulledaway.“Imissedyou,Percy.”

Percywantedtotellherthesamething,butitseemedtoosmallacomment.Whilehehad been on the Roman side, he’d kept himself alive almost solely by thinking ofAnnabeth.Imissedyoudidn’treallycoverthat.

He remembered earlier in the night,when Piper had forced the eidolon to leave hismind.Percyhadn’tbeenawareof itspresenceuntilshehadusedhercharmspeak.Aftertheeidolonwasgone,hefeltas ifahotspikehadbeenremovedfromhis forehead.Hehadn’t realized how much pain he had been in until the spirit left. Then his thoughtsbecameclearer.Hissoulsettledcomfortablybackintohisbody.

SittingherewithAnnabethmadehimfeel thesameway.Thepast fewmonthscouldhavebeenoneof his strangedreams.The events atCamp Jupiter seemed as fuzzy andunrealasthatfightwithJason,whentheyhadbothbeencontrolledbytheeidolons.

Yethedidn’tregretthetimehe’dspentatCampJupiter.Ithadopenedhiseyesinalotofways.

“Annabeth,”hesaidhesitantly,“inNewRome,demigodscanlivetheirwholelivesinpeace.”

Herexpression turnedguarded.“Reynaexplained it tome.But,Percy,youbelongatCampHalf-Blood.Thatotherlife—”

“Iknow,”Percysaid.“ButwhileIwasthere,Isawsomanydemigodslivingwithout

fear:kidsgoingtocollege,couplesgettingmarriedandraisingfamilies.There’snothinglike that atCampHalf-Blood. I kept thinking about you andme…andmaybe somedaywhenthiswarwiththegiantsisover…”

Itwashardtotellinthegoldenlight,buthethoughtAnnabethwasblushing.“Oh,”shesaid.

Percywasafraidhe’dsaidtoomuch.Maybehe’dscaredherwithhisbigdreamsofthefuture.Shewasusuallytheonewiththeplans.Percycursedhimselfsilently.

As long as he’dknownAnnabeth, he still felt like he understood so little about her.Evenafterthey’dbeendatingseveralmonths,theirrelationshiphadalwaysfeltnewanddelicate,likeaglasssculpture.Hewasterrifiedofdoingsomethingwrongandbreakingit.

“I’msorry,”he said. “I just…Ihad to thinkof that tokeepgoing.Togivemehope.ForgetImentioned—”

“No!”shesaid.“No,Percy.Gods,that’ssosweet.It’sjust…wemayhaveburnedthatbridge. Ifwecan’t repair thingswith theRomans—well, the twosetsofdemigodshavenevergottenalong.That’swhythegodskeptusseparate.Idon’tknowifwecouldeverbelongthere.”

Percydidn’twant toargue,buthecouldn’t letgoof thehope. It felt important—notjustforAnnabethandhim,butforalltheotherdemigods.Ithadtobepossibletobelongintwodifferentworldsatonce.Afterall,that’swhatbeingademigodwasallabout—notquitebelonginginthemortalworldoronMountOlympus,buttryingtomakepeacewithbothsidesoftheirnature.

Unfortunately,thatgothimthinkingaboutthegods,thewartheywerefacing,andhisdreamaboutthetwinsEphialtesandOtis.

“Iwashavinganightmarewhenyouwokemeup,”headmitted.

HetoldAnnabethwhathe’dseen.

Even themost troublingparts didn’t seem to surprise her.She shookher head sadlywhenhedescribedNico’s imprisonment in thebronze jar.Shegotanangryglint inhereyes when he told her about the giants planning some sort of Rome-destroyingextravaganzathatwouldincludetheirpainfuldeathsastheopeningevent.

“Nico is thebait,” shemurmured. “Gaea’s forcesmusthavecapturedhimsomehow.Butwedon’tknowexactlywherethey’reholdinghim.”

“SomewhereinRome,”Percysaid.“Somewhereunderground.TheymadeitsoundlikeNicostillhadafewdaystolive,butIdon’tseehowhecouldholdoutsolongwithno

oxygen.”

“Fivemoredays,accordingtoNemesis,”Annabethsaid.“TheKalendsofJuly.Atleastthedeadlinemakessensenow.”

“What’saKalends?”

Annabethsmirked,likeshewaspleasedtheywerebackintheiroldfamiliarpattern—Percybeingignorant,sheherselfexplainingstuff.“It’sjusttheRomantermforthefirstofthemonth.That’swherewegetthewordcalendar.ButhowcanNicosurvivethatlong?WeshouldtalktoHazel.”

“Now?”

Shehesitated.“No.Itcanwaituntilmorning.Idon’twanttohitherwiththisnewsinthemiddleofthenight.”

“The giants mentioned a statue,” Percy recalled. “And something about a talentedfriendwhowasguarding it.Whoever this friendwas, shescaredOtis.Anyonewhocanscareagiant…”

Annabethgazeddownatahighwaysnakingthroughdarkhills.“Percy,haveyouseenPoseidonlately?Orhadanykindofsignfromhim?”

Heshookhishead.“Notsince…Wow.IguessIhaven’tthoughtaboutit.NotsincetheendoftheTitanWar.IsawhimatCampHalf-Blood,butthatwaslastAugust.”Asenseofdreadsettledoverhim.“Why?HaveyouseenAthena?”

Shedidn’tmeethiseyes.

“A fewweeks ago,” she admitted. “It…itwasn’t good.Shedidn’t seem likeherself.Maybeit’stheGreek/RomanschizophreniathatNemesisdescribed.I’mnotsure.Shesaidsomehurtfulthings.ShesaidIhadfailedher.”

“Failed her?” Percy wasn’t sure he’d heard her right. Annabeth was the perfectdemigodchild.ShewaseverythingadaughterofAthenashouldbe.“Howcouldyouever—?”

“Idon’tknow,”shesaidmiserably.“Ontopofthat,I’vebeenhavingnightmaresofmyown.Theydon’tmakeasmuchsenseasyours.”

Percywaited,butAnnabethdidn’tshareanymoredetails.Hewantedtomakeherfeelbetterandtellheritwouldbeokay,butheknewhecouldn’t.Hewantedtofixeverythingforbothofthemsotheycouldhaveahappyending.Afteralltheseyears,eventhecruelestgodswouldhavetoadmittheydeservedit.

ButhehadagutfeelingthattherewasnothinghecoulddotohelpAnnabeththistime,

otherthansimplybethere.Wisdom’sdaughterwalksalone.

Hefeltastrappedandhelplessaswhenhe’dsunkintothemuskeg.

Annabethmanagedafaintsmile.“Someromanticevening,huh?Nomorebadthingsuntilthemorning.”Shekissedhimagain.“We’llfigureeverythingout.I’vegotyouback.Fornow,that’sallthatmatters.”

“Right,” Percy said. “Nomore talk aboutGaea rising,Nico being held hostage, theworldending,thegiants—”

“Shutup,SeaweedBrain,”sheordered.“Justholdmeforawhile.”

Theysat togethercuddling,enjoyingeachother’swarmth.BeforePercyknew it, thedrone of the ship’s engine, the dim light, and the comfortable feeling of being withAnnabethmadehiseyesheavy,andhedriftedtosleep.

Whenhewoke,daylightwascoming through theglass floor,andaboy’svoicesaid,“Oh…Youareinsomuchtrouble.”

PERCYHADSEENFRANKSURROUNDEDbycannibalogres,facingdownanunkillablegiant,and even unleashing Thanatos, the god of death. But he’d never seen Frank look asterrifiedashedidnow,findingthetwoofthempassedoutinthestables.

“What…?”Percyrubbedhiseyes.“Oh,wejustfellasleep.”

Frankswallowed.Hewasdressedinrunningshoes,darkcargopants,andaVancouverWinter Olympics T-shirt with his Roman centurion badge pinned to the neck (whichseemedeithersadorhopefultoPercy,nowthattheywererenegades).Frankavertedhiseyesasifthesightofthemtogethermightburnhim.

“Everyone thinks you’ve been kidnapped,” he said. “We’ve been scouring the ship.WhenCoachHedgefindsout—oh,gods,you’vebeenhereallnight?”

“Frank!”Annabeth’searswereasredasstrawberries.“Wejustcamedownheretotalk.Wefellasleep.Accidentally.That’sit.”

“Kissedacoupleoftimes,”Percysaid.

Annabethglaredathim.“Nothelping!”

“We’dbetter…”Frankpointed to the stabledoors. “Uh,we’re supposed tomeet forbreakfast.Wouldyouexplainwhatyoudid—Imeandidn’tdo? Imean…I reallydon’twantthatfaun—Imeansatyr—tokillme.”

Frankran.

Wheneveryonefinallygatheredin themesshall, itwasn’tquiteasbadasFrankhadfeared.JasonandPiperweremostlyrelieved.Leocouldn’tstopgrinningandmuttering,“Classic. Classic.” Only Hazel seemed scandalized, maybe because she was from the1940s.Shekeptfanningherfaceandwouldn’tmeetPercy’seyes.

Naturally, Coach Hedge went ballistic; but Percy found it hard to take the satyrseriouslysincehewasbarelyfivefeettall.

“Never in my life!” Coach bellowed, waving his bat and knocking over a plate ofapples.“Againsttherules!Irresponsible!”

“Coach,”Annabethsaid,“itwasanaccident.Weweretalking,andwefellasleep.”

“Besides,”Percysaid,“you’restartingtosoundlikeTerminus.”

Hedgenarrowedhiseyes. “Is that an insult, Jackson? ’Cause I’ll—I’ll terminusyou,buddy!”

Percytriednottolaugh.“Itwon’thappenagain,Coach.Ipromise.Now,don’twehaveotherthingstodiscuss?”

Hedge fumed. “Fine! But I’mwatching you, Jackson. And you, Annabeth Chase, Ithoughtyouhadmoresense—”

Jasonclearedhisthroat.“Sograbsomefood,everybody.Let’sgetstarted.”

Themeetingwas likeawarcouncilwithdonuts.Thenagain,backatCampHalf-Bloodthey used to have theirmost serious discussions around the Ping-Pong table in the recroomwithcrackersandCheezWhiz,soPercyfeltrightathome.

He told them about his dream—the twin giants planning a reception for them in anundergroundparking lotwith rocket launchers;NicodiAngelo trapped in a bronze jar,slowlydyingfromasphyxiationwithpomegranateseedsathisfeet.

Hazelchokedbackasob.“Nico…Oh,gods.Theseeds.”

“Youknowwhattheyare?”Annabethasked.

Hazelnodded.“Heshowedthemtomeonce.They’refromourstepmother’sgarden.”

“Yourstep…oh,”Percysaid.“YoumeanPersephone.”

PercyhadmetthewifeofHadesonce.Shehadn’tbeenexactlywarmandsunny.HehadalsobeentoherUnderworldgarden—acreepyplacefullofcrystaltreesandflowersthatbloomedbloodredandghostwhite.

“The seeds are a last-resort food,” Hazel said. Percy could tell she was nervous,becauseallthesilverwareonthetablewasstartingtomovetowardher.“OnlychildrenofHadescaneatthem.Nicoalwayskeptsomeincasehegotstucksomewhere.Butifhe’sreallyimprisoned—”

“Thegiantsaretryingtolureus,”Annabethsaid.“They’reassumingwe’lltrytorescue

him.”

“Well, they’re right!” Hazel looked around the table, her confidence apparentlycrumbling.“Won’twe?”

“Yes!”CoachHedgeyelledwithamouthfulofnapkins.“It’llinvolvefighting,right?”

“Hazel,ofcoursewe’llhelphim,”Franksaid.“Buthowlongdowehavebefore…uh,Imean,howlongcanNicoholdout?”

“Oneseedaday,”Hazelsaidmiserably.“That’sifheputshimselfinadeathtrance.”

“Adeathtrance?”Annabethscowled.“Thatdoesn’tsoundfun.”

“Itkeepshimfromconsumingallhisair,”Hazel said. “Likehibernation,oracoma.Oneseedcansustainhimoneday,barely.”

“Andhehasfiveseedsleft,”Percysaid.“That’sfivedays,includingtoday.Thegiantsmust have planned it thatway, sowe’d have to arrive by July first.AssumingNico ishiddensomewhereinRome—”

“That’s not much time,” Piper summed up. She put her hand on Hazel’s shoulder.“We’llfindhim.Atleastweknowwhatthelinesoftheprophecymeannow.‘Twinssnuffout theangel’sbreath,whoholds thekeytoendlessdeath.’Yourbrother’s lastname:diAngelo.AngeloisItalianfor‘angel.’”

“Oh,gods,”Hazelmuttered.“Nico…”

Percystaredathisjellydonut.HehadarockyhistorywithNicodiAngelo.TheguyhadoncetrickedhimintovisitingHades’spalace,andPercyhadendedupinacell.Butmost of the time, Nico sided with the good guys. He certainly didn’t deserve slowsuffocationinabronzejar,andPercycouldn’tstandseeingHazelinpain.

“We’llrescuehim,”hepromisedher.“Wehaveto.Theprophecysaysheholdsthekeytoendlessdeath.”

“That’s right,”Piper said encouragingly. “Hazel, yourbrotherwent searching for theDoorsofDeathintheUnderworld,right?Hemust’vefoundthem.”

“Hecantelluswherethedoorsare,”Percysaid,“andhowtoclosethem.”

Hazeltookadeepbreath.“Yes.Good.”

“Uh…”Leo shifted in his chair. “One thing.The giants are expecting us to do this,right?Sowe’rewalkingintoatrap?”

HazellookedatLeolikehe’dmadearudegesture.“Wehavenochoice!”

“Don’t getmewrong,Hazel. It’s just that your brother,Nico…heknewabout both

camps,right?”

“Well,yes,”Hazelsaid.

“He’sbeengoingbackandforth,”Leosaid,“andhedidn’ttelleitherside.”

Jasonsatforward,hisexpressiongrim.“You’rewonderingifwecantrusttheguy.SoamI.”

Hazelshottoherfeet.“Idon’tbelievethis.He’smybrother.HebroughtmebackfromtheUnderworld,andyoudon’twanttohelphim?”

Frank put his hand on her shoulder. “Nobody’s saying that.” He glared at Leo.“Nobodyhadbetterbesayingthat.”

Leoblinked.“Look,guys.AllImeanis—”

“Hazel,”Jasonsaid.“Leoisraisingafairpoint.IrememberNicofromCampJupiter.NowIfindouthealsovisitedCampHalf-Blood.Thatdoesstrikemeas…well,a littleshady.Dowereallyknowwherehisloyaltieslie?Wejusthavetobecareful.”

Hazel’s arms shook.A silver platter zoomed toward her and hit thewall to her left,splattering scrambled eggs. “You… thegreat JasonGrace… thepraetor I lookedup to.Youweresupposedtobesofair,suchagoodleader.Andnowyou…”Hazelstompedherfootandstormedoutofthemesshall.

“Hazel!”Leocalledafterher.“Ah,jeez.Ishould—”

“You’vedoneenough,”Frankgrowled.Hegotuptofollowher,butPipergesturedforhimtowait.

“Giveher time,”Piperadvised.ThenshefrownedatLeoandJason.“Youguys, thatwasprettycold.”

Jasonlookedshocked.“Cold?I’mjustbeingcautious!”

“Herbrotherisdying,”Pipersaid.

“I’llgotalktoher,”Frankinsisted.

“No,”Pipersaid.“Lethercooldownfirst.Trustmeonthis.I’llgocheckonherinafewminutes.”

“But…”Frankhuffedlikeanirritatedbear.“Fine.I’llwait.”

Fromupabovecameawhirringsoundlikealargedrill.

“That’sFestus,”Leosaid.“I’vegothimonautopilot,butwemustbenearingAtlanta.I’llhavetogetupthere…uh,assumingweknowwheretoland.”

EveryoneturnedtoPercy.

Jasonraisedaneyebrow.“You’reCaptainSaltWater.Anyideasfromtheexpert?”

Wasthatresentmentinhisvoice?PercywonderedifJasonwassecretlymiffedabouttheduelinKansas.Jasonhadjokedaboutit,butPercyfiguredthattheybothharboredalittlegrudge.Youcouldn’tput twodemigods ina fight andnothave themwonderwhowasstronger.

“I’mnotsure,”headmitted.“Somewherecentral,highupsowecangetagoodviewofthecity.Maybeaparkwithsomewoods?Wedon’twanttolandawarshipinthemiddleofdowntown.IdoubteventheMistcouldcoverupsomethingthathuge.”

Leonodded.“Onit.”Heracedforthestairs.

Franksettledbackinhischairuneasily.Percyfeltbadforhim.OnthetriptoAlaska,hehadwatchedHazelandFrankgrowclose.HeknewhowprotectiveFrankfelttowardher.HealsonoticedthebalefullookFrankwasgivingLeo.HedecideditmightbeagoodideatogetFrankofftheshipforawhile.

“Whenwe land, I’ll scout around inAtlanta,” Percy said. “Frank, I could use yourhelp.”

“Youmeanturnintoadragonagain?Honestly,Percy,Idon’twanttospendthewholequestbeingeveryone’sflyingtaxi.”

“No,” Percy said. “I want you with me because you’ve got the blood of Poseidon.Maybe you can helpme figure outwhere to find saltwater.Besides, you’re good in afight.”

ThatseemedtomakeFrankfeelalittlebetter.“Sure.Iguess.”

“Great,”Percysaid.“Weshouldtakeonemore.Annabeth—”

“Oh,no!”CoachHedgebarked.“Younglady,youaregrounded.”

Annabethstaredathimlikehewasspeakingaforeignlanguage.“Excuseme?”

“You and Jackson are not going anywhere together!” Hedge insisted. He glared atPercy,daringhimtomouthoff.“I’llgowithFrankandMr.SneakyJackson.TherestofyouguardtheshipandmakesureAnnabethdoesn’tbreakanymorerules!”

Wonderful,Percythought.Aboys’dayoutwithFrankandabloodthirstysatyr,tofindsaltwaterinalandlockedcity.

“This,”hesaid,“isgoingtobesomuchfun.”

PERCYCLIMBEDOUTONDECKANDSAID,“WOW.”

Theyhadlandednearthesummitofaforestedhill.Acomplexofwhitebuildings,likeamuseumorauniversity,nestledinagroveofpinestotheleft.Belowthemspreadthecity of Atlanta—a cluster of brown and silver downtown skyscrapers twomiles away,risingfromwhat lookedlikeanendlessflatsprawlofhighways,railroadtracks,houses,andgreenswathesofforest.

“Ah,lovelyspot.”CoachHedgeinhaledthemorningair.“Goodchoice,Valdez.”

Leoshrugged.“Ijustpickedatallhill.That’sapresidentiallibraryorsomethingoverthere.Atleastthat’swhatFestussays.”

“Idon’tknowaboutthat!”Hedgebarked.“Butdoyourealizewhathappenedonthishill?FrankZhang,youshouldknow!”

Frankflinched.“Ishould?”

“AsonofAresstoodhere!”Hedgecriedindignantly.

“I’mRoman…soMars,actually.”

“Whatever!FamousspotintheAmericanCivilWar!”

“I’mCanadian,actually.”

“Whatever!GeneralSherman,Unionleader.HestoodonthishillwatchingthecityofAtlantaburn.Cutapathofdestructionallthewayfromheretothesea.Burning,looting,pillaging—nowtherewasademigod!”

Frankinchedawayfromthesatyr.“Uh,okay.”

Percydidn’tcaremuchabouthistory,buthewonderedwhetherlandingherewasabadomen.He’dheardthatmosthumancivilwarsstartedasfightsbetweenGreekandRomandemigods.Nowtheywerestandingon thesiteofonesuchbattle.TheentirecitybelowthemhadbeenleveledonordersofachildofAres.

Percy could imagine someof thekids atCampHalf-Bloodgiving such a command.ClarisseLaRue,forinstance,wouldn’thesitate.Buthecouldn’timagineFrankbeingsoharsh.

“Anyway,”Percysaid,“let’strynottoburndownthecitythistime.”

Thecoachlookeddisappointed.“Allright.Butwhereto?”

Percypointedtowarddowntown.“Whenindoubt,startinthemiddle.”

Catching a ride there was easier than they thought. The three of them headed to thepresidentiallibrary—whichturnedouttobetheCarterCenter—andaskedthestaffiftheycould call a taxi or give them directions to the nearest bus stop. Percy could havesummonedBlackjack,buthewasreluctanttoaskthepegasusforhelpsosoonaftertheirlastdisaster.Frankdidn’twanttopolymorphintoanything.Andbesides,Percywaskindofhopingtotravellikearegularmortalforachange.

Oneofthelibrarians,whosenamewasEsther,insistedondrivingthempersonally.Shewassoniceaboutit,Percythoughtshemustbeamonsterindisguise;butHedgepulledhimasideandassuredhimthatEsthersmelledlikeanormalhuman.

“Withahintofpotpourri,”hesaid.“Cloves.Rosepetals.Tasty!”

TheypiledintoEsther’sbigblackCadillacanddrovetowarddowntown.Estherwassotiny,shecouldbarelyseeoverthesteeringwheel;butthatdidn’tseemtobotherher.ShemuscledhercarthroughtrafficwhileregalingthemwithstoriesaboutthecrazyfamiliesofAtlanta—theoldplantationowners,thefoundersofCoca-Cola,thesportsstars,andtheCNNnewspeople.ShesoundedsoknowledgeablethatPercydecidedtotryhisluck.

“Uh,so,Esther,”hesaid,“here’sahardquestionforyou.SaltwaterinAtlanta.What’sthefirstthingthatcomestomind?”

Theoldladychuckled.“Oh,sugar.That’seasy.Whalesharks!”

FrankandPercyexchangedlooks.

“Whalesharks?”Frankaskednervously.“YouhavethoseinAtlanta?”

“At theaquarium,sugar,”Esthersaid.“Veryfamous!Rightdowntown. Is thatwhereyouwantedtogo?”

Anaquarium.Percyconsideredthat.Hedidn’tknowwhatanAncientGreekseagodwouldbedoingataGeorgiaaquarium,buthedidn’thaveanybetterideas.

“Yes,”Percysaid.“That’swherewe’regoing.”

Esther dropped them at the main entrance, where a line was already forming. Sheinsistedongivingthemhercellphonenumberforemergencies,moneyforataxiridebacktotheCarterCenter,andajarofhomemadepeachpreserves,whichforsomereasonshekeptinaboxinhertrunk.FrankstuckthejarinhisbackpackandthankedEsther,whohadalreadyswitchedfromcallinghimsugartoson.

Asshedroveaway,Franksaid,“AreallpeopleinAtlantathatnice?”

Hedge grunted. “Hope not. I can’t fight them if they’re nice.Let’s go beat up somewhalesharks.Theysounddangerous!”

It hadn’t occurred to Percy that theymight have to pay admission, or stand in linebehindabunchoffamiliesandkidsfromsummercamps.

LookingattheelementaryschoolersintheircolorfulT-shirtsfromvariousdaycamps,Percyfeltatwingeofsadness.HeshouldbeatCampHalf-Bloodrightnow,settlingintohiscabinforthesummer,teachingsword-fightinglessonsinthearena,planningpranksontheothercounselors.Thesekidshadnoideajusthowcrazyasummercampcouldbe.

Hesighed.“Well,Iguesswewaitinline.Anybodyhavemoney?”

Frankcheckedhispockets.“ThreedenariifromCampJupiter.FivedollarsCanadian.”

Hedgepattedhisgymshortsandpulledoutwhathefound.“Threequarters,twodimes,arubberbandand—score!Apieceofcelery.”

He startedmunchingon the celery, eyeing the change and the rubber band like theymightbenext.

“Great,”Percysaid.Hisownpocketswereemptyexceptforhispen/sword,Riptide.Hewasponderingwhetherornottheycouldsneakinsomehow,whenawomaninablue-and-greenGeorgiaAquariumshirtcameuptothem,smilingbrightly.

“Ah,VIPvisitors!”Shehadperkydimpledcheeks, thick-framedglasses,braces,andfrizzyblackhairpulledtothesidesinpigtails,sothateventhoughshewasprobablyinherlatetwenties,shelookedlikeaschoolgirlnerd—sortofcute,butsortofodd.Alongwithher Georgia Aquarium polo shirt, she wore dark slacks and black sneakers, and shebouncedontheballsofherfeetlikeshesimplycouldn’tcontainherenergy.HernametagreadKATE.

“Youhaveyourpayment,Isee,”shesaid.“Excellent!”

“What?”Percyasked.

KatescoopedthethreedenariioutofFrank’shand.“Yes,that’sfine.Rightthisway!”

Shespunandtrottedofftowardthemainentrance.

PercylookedatCoachHedgeandFrank.“Atrap?”

“Probably,”Franksaid.

“She’s notmortal,”Hedge said, sniffing the air. “Probably some sort of goat-eating,demigod-destroyingfiendfromTartarus.”

“Nodoubt,”Percyagreed.

“Awesome.”Hedgegrinned.“Let’sgo.”

Kategotthempasttheticketqueueandintotheaquariumwithnoproblem.

“Right this way.” Kate grinned at Percy. “It’s a wonderful exhibit. You won’t bedisappointed.SorarewegetVIPs.”

“Uh,youmeandemigods?”Frankasked.

Katewinkedathimimpishlyandputafingertohermouth.“Sooverhereisthecold-waterexperience,withyourpenguinsandbelugawhalesandwhatnot.Andoverthere…well,thosearesomefish,obviously.”

Foranaquariumworker,shedidn’tseemtoknowmuchorcaremuchaboutthesmallerfish. They passed one huge tank full of tropical species, and when Frank pointed to aparticularfishandaskedwhatitwas,Katesaid,“Oh,thosearetheyellowones.”

They passed the gift shop. Frank slowed down to check out a clearance table withclothesandtoys.

“Takewhatyouwant,”Katetoldhim.

Frankblinked.“Really?”

“Ofcourse!You’reaVIP!”

Frankhesitated.ThenhestuffedsomeT-shirtsinhisbackpack.

“Dude,”Percysaid,“whatareyoudoing?”

“ShesaidIcould,”Frankwhispered.“Besides,Ineedmoreclothes.Ididn’tpackforalongtrip!”

Headded a snowglobe tohis stash,whichdidn’t seem like clothing toPercy.ThenFrankpickedupabraidedcylinderaboutthesizeofacandybar.

Hesquintedatit.“Whatis—?”

“Chinesehandcuffs,”Percysaid.

Frank,whowasChineseCanadian,lookedoffended.“HowisthisChinese?”

“Idon’tknow,”Percysaid.“That’sjustwhatit’scalled.It’slikeagaggift.”

“Comealong,boys!”Katecalledfromacrossthehall.

“I’llshowyoulater,”Percypromised.

Frankstuffedthehandcuffsinhisbackpack,andtheykeptwalking.

They passed through an acrylic tunnel. Fish swam over their heads, and Percy feltirrationalpanicbuildinginhisthroat.

Thisisdumb,hetoldhimself.I’vebeenunderwateramilliontimes.AndI’mnoteveninthewater.

The real threatwasKate, he reminded himself.Hedge had already detected that shewasn’thuman.Anyminute shemight turn into somehorrible creature andattack them.Unfortunately,Percydidn’tseemuchchoicebuttoplayalongwithherVIPtouruntiltheycouldfindtheseagodPhorcys,eveniftheywerewalkingdeeperintoatrap.

Theyemerged inaviewingroomawashwithblue light.On theothersideofaglasswallwasthebiggestaquariumtankPercyhadeverseen.Cruisingincirclesweredozensof huge fish, including two spotted sharks, each twice Percy’s size. Theywere fat andslow,withopenmouthsandnoteeth.

“Whalesharks,”CoachHedgegrowled.“Nowweshallbattletothedeath!”

Kategiggled.“Sillysatyr.Whalesharksarepeaceful.Theyonlyeatplankton.”

Percy scowled. He wondered how Kate knew the coach was a satyr. Hedge waswearingpantsandspeciallyfittedshoesoverhishooves,likesatyrsusuallydidtoblendinwith mortals. His baseball cap covered his horns. The more Kate giggled and actedfriendly,themorePercydidn’tlikeher;butCoachHedgedidn’tseemfazed.

“Peacefulsharks?”thecoachsaidwithdisgust.“What’sthepointofthat?”

Frank read the plaque next to the tank. “The only whale sharks in captivity in theworld,”hemused.“That’skindofamazing.”

“Yes,andthesearesmall,”Katesaid.“Youshouldseesomeofmyotherbabiesoutinthewild.”

“Yourbabies?”Frankasked.

JudgingfromthewickedglintinKate’seyes,Percywasprettysurehedidn’twanttomeetKate’sbabies.Hedecideditwastimetogettothepoint.Hedidn’twanttogoanyfartherintothisaquariumthanhehadto.

“So,Kate,”hesaid,“we’relookingforaguy…Imeanagod,namedPhorcys.Wouldyouhappentoknowhim?”

Katesnorted.“Knowhim?He’smybrother.That’swherewe’regoing,sillies.Therealexhibitsarerightthroughhere.”

She gestured at the far wall. The solid black surface rippled, and another tunnelappeared,leadingthroughaluminouspurpletank.

Katestrolledinside.ThelastthingPercywantedtodowasfollow,butifPhorcyswasreallyontheotherside,andifhehadinformationthatwouldhelptheirquest…Percytookadeepbreathandfollowedhisfriendsintothetunnel.

Assoonastheyentered,CoachHedgewhistled.“Nowthat’sinteresting.”

Gliding above them were multicolored jellyfish the size of trash cans, each withhundredsoftentaclesthatlookedlikesilkybarbedwire.Onejellyfishhadaparalyzedten-foot-longswordfishtangledin itsgrasp.Thejellyfishslowlywrappedits tendrils tighterandtighterarounditsprey.

KatebeamedatCoachHedge.“Yousee?Forget thewhalesharks!Andthere’smuchmore.”

Kateledthemintoanevenlargerchamber,linedwithmoreaquariums.Ononewall,aglowingredsignproclaimed:DEATHINTHEDEEPSEAS!SponsoredbyMonsterDonut.

Percyhadtoreadthesigntwicebecauseofhisdyslexia,andthentwicemoretoletthemessagesinkin.“MonsterDonut?”

“Oh,yes,”Katesaid.“Oneofourcorporatesponsors.”

Percy gulped. His last experience withMonster Donut hadn’t been pleasant. It hadinvolvedacid-spittingserpentheads,muchscreaming,andacannon.

Inoneaquarium,adozenhippocampi—horseswiththetailsoffish—driftedaimlessly.Percyhadseenmanyhippocampiinthewild.He’devenriddenafew;buthehadneverseen any in an aquarium. He tried to speak with them, but they just floated around,occasionallybonkingagainsttheglass.Theirmindsseemedaddled.

“Thisisn’tright,”Percymuttered.

Heturnedandsawsomethingevenworse.Atthebottomofasmallertank,twoNereids—female sea spirits—sat cross-legged, facing each other, playing a game of Go Fish.

Theylookedincrediblybored.Their longgreenhairfloatedlistlesslyaroundtheirfaces.Theireyeswerehalfclosed.

Percy felt so angry,hecouldhardlybreathe.HeglaredatKate. “Howcanyoukeepthemhere?”

“I know.” Kate sighed. “They aren’t very interesting.We tried to teach them sometricks,butwithnoluck,I’mafraid.Ithinkyou’lllikethistankoverheremuchbetter.”

Percystartedtoprotest,butKatehadalreadymovedon.

“Holymotherofgoats!”criedCoachHedge.“Lookatthesebeauties!”

He was gawking at two sea serpents—thirty-foot-long monsters with glowing bluescalesandjawsthatcouldhavebittenawhalesharkinhalf.Inanothertank,peekingoutfromitscementcave,wasasquidthesizeofaneighteen-wheeler,withabeaklikeagiantboltcutter.

Athirdtankheldadozenhumanoidcreatureswithsleeksealbodies,doglikefaces,andhumanhands.Theysatonthesandatthebottomofthetank,buildingthingsoutofLegos,thoughthecreaturesseemedjustasdazedastheNereids.

“Arethose—?”Percystruggledtoformthequestion.

“Telkhines?”Katesaid.“Yes!Theonlyonesincaptivity.”

“ButtheyfoughtforKronosinthelastwar!”Percysaid.“They’redangerous!”

Kate rolled her eyes. “Well, we couldn’t call it ‘Death in the Deep Seas’ if theseexhibitsweren’tdangerous.Don’tworry.Wekeepthemwellsedated.”

“Sedated?”Frankasked.“Isthatlegal?”

Kateappearednottohaveheard.Shekeptwalking,pointingoutotherexhibits.Percylookedback at the telkhines.Onewas obviously a youngster.Hewas trying tomake aswordoutofLegos,butheseemedtoogroggytoputthepiecestogether.Percyhadneverlikedseademons,butnowhefeltsorryforthem.

“Andtheseseamonsters,”Katenarratedupahead,“cangrowfivehundredfeetlonginthe deep ocean. They have over a thousand teeth. And these? Their favorite food isdemigod—”

“Demigod?”Frankyelped.

“But they will eat whales or small boats, too.” Kate turned to Percy and blushed.“Sorry…I’msuchamonsternerd!I’msureyouknowallthis,beingthesonofPoseidon,andall.”

Percy’searswereringinglikealarmbells.Hedidn’tlikehowmuchKateknewabouthim.Hedidn’t like theway she casually tossedout informationaboutdruggingcaptivecreaturesorwhichofherbabieslikedtodevourdemigods.

“Whoareyou?”hedemanded.“DoesKatestandforsomething?”

“Kate?”Shelookedmomentarilyconfused.Thensheglancedathernametag.“Oh…”Shelaughed.“No,it’s—”

“Hello!”saidanewvoice,boomingthroughtheaquarium.

Asmallmanscuttledoutof thedarkness.Hewalkedsidewaysonbowed legs likeacrab,hisbackhunched,hisarmsraisedoneithersidelikehewasholdinginvisibleplates.

He wore a wet suit that was several horrible shades of green. Glittery silver wordsprinteddownthesideread:PORKY’SFOLLIES.Aheadsetmicrophonewasclampedoverhisgreasy wiry hair. His eyes were milky blue, one higher than the other, and though hesmiled, he didn’t look friendly—more like his face was being peeled back in a windtunnel.

“Visitors!”themansaid,thewordthunderingthroughthemicrophone.HehadaDJ’svoice, deep and resonant, which did not at all match his appearance. “Welcome toPhorcys’sFollies!”

He swept his arms in one direction, as if directing their attention to an explosion.Nothinghappened.

“Curseit,”themangrumbled.“Telkhines,that’syourcue!Iwavemyhands,andyouleap energetically in your tank, do a synchronized double spin, and land in pyramidformation.Wepracticedthis!”

Theseademonspaidhimnoattention.

Coach Hedge leaned toward the crab man and sniffed his glittery wet suit. “Niceoutfit.”

Hedidn’tsoundlikehewaskidding.Ofcourse,thesatyrworegymuniformsforfun.

“Thankyou!”Themanbeamed.“IamPhorcys.”

Frankshiftedhisweightfromfoottofoot.“WhydoesyoursuitsayPorky?”

Phorcyssnarled.“Stupiduniformcompany!Theycan’tgetanythingright.”

Katetappedhernametag.“ItoldthemmynamewasKeto.TheymisspelleditasKate.Mybrother…well,nowhe’sPorky.”

“Iamnot!”themansnapped.“I’mnotevenalittleporky.Thenamedoesn’tworkwith

Follies,either.WhatkindofshowiscalledPorky’sFollies?Butyoufolksdon’twanttohearuscomplain.Behold,thewondrousmajestyofthegiantkillersquid!”

Hegestureddramaticallytowardthesquidtank.Thistime,fireworksshotoffinfrontoftheglassrightoncue,sendingupgeysersofgoldensparkles.Musicswelledfromtheloudspeakers.Thelightsbrightenedandrevealedthewondrousmajestyofanemptytank.

Thesquidhadapparentlyskulkedbackintoitscave.

“Curse it!”Phorcysyelled again.Hewheeledonhis sister. “Keto, training the squidwasyourjob.Juggling,Isaid.Maybeabitofflesh-rendingforthefinale.Isthattoomuchtoask?”

“He’s shy,” Keto said defensively. “Besides, each of his tentacles has sixty-tworazorlikebarbsthathavetobesharpeneddaily.”SheturnedtowardFrank.“Didyouknowthe monstrous squid is the only beast known to eat demigods whole, armor and all,withoutgettingindigestion?It’strue!”

Frankstumbledawayfromher,hugginghisgutas ifmakingsurehewasstill inonepiece.

“Keto!”Porkysnapped—literally,sinceheclickedhisfingerstohisthumbslikecrabclaws. “You’ll bore our guests with so much information. Less education, moreentertainment!We’vediscussedthis.”

“But—”

“No buts! We’re here to present ‘Death in the Deep Seas!’ Sponsored by MonsterDonut!”

Thelastwordsreverberatedthroughtheroomwithextraecho.Lightsflashed.Smokecloudsbillowedfromthefloor,makingdonut-shapedringsthatsmelledlikerealdonuts.

“Available at the concession stand,” Phorcys advised. “But you’ve spent your hard-earneddenariitogettheVIPtour,andsoyoushall!Comewithme!”

“Um,holdit,”Percysaid.

Phorcys’ssmilemeltedinanuglyway.“Yes?”

“You’reaseagod,aren’tyou?”Percyasked.“SonofGaea?”

Thecrabmansighed.“Five thousandyears,andI’mstillknownasGaea’s littleboy.NevermindthatI’moneoftheoldestseagodsinexistence.Olderthanyourupstartfather,by theway. I’mgodof thehiddendepths!Lordofwatery terrors!Fatherofa thousandmonsters! But, no…nobody even knows me. I make one little mistake, supporting theTitansintheirwar,andI’mexiledfromtheocean—toAtlanta,ofallplaces.”

“We thought the Olympians saidAtlantis,” Keto explained. “Their idea of a joke, Iguess,sendingushereinstead.”

Percynarrowedhiseyes.“Andyou’reagoddess?”

“Keto,yes!”Shesmiledhappily.“Goddessofseamonsters,naturally!Whales,sharks,squids,andothergiantsea life,butmyheartalwaysbelonged to themonsters.Didyouknow that young sea serpents can regurgitate the flesh of their victims and keepthemselvesfedforuptosixyearsonthesamemeal?It’strue!”

Frankwasstillclutchinghisstomachlikehewasgoingtobesick.

CoachHedgewhistled.“Sixyears?That’sfascinating.”

“Iknow!”Ketobeamed.

“Andhowexactlydoesakillersquidrendthefleshfromitsvictims?”Hedgeasked.“Ilovenature.”

“Oh,well—”

“Stop!” Phorcys demanded. “You’re ruining the show! Now, witness our Nereidgladiatorsfighttothedeath!”

AmirroreddiscoballdescendedintotheNereidexhibit,makingthewaterdancewithmulticolored light.Twoswords fell to thebottomandplunked in thesand.TheNereidsignoredthemandkeptplayingGoFish.

“Curseit!”Phorcysstompedhislegssideways.

KetogrimacedatCoachHedge.“Don’tmindPorky.He’ssuchawindbag.Comewithme,myfinesatyr.I’llshowyoufull-colordiagramsofthemonsters’huntinghabits.”

“Excellent!”

BeforePercycouldobject,KetoledCoachHedgeawaythroughamazeofaquariumglass,leavingFrankandhimalonewiththecrabbyseagod.

AbeadofsweattraceditswaydownPercy’sneck.HeexchangedanervouslookwithFrank.Thisfeltlikeadivide-and-conquerstrategy.Hedidn’tseeanyway theencounterwasgoingtoendwell.PartofhimwantedtoattackPhorcysnow—atleastthatmightgivethemtheelementofsurprise—buttheyhadn’tfoundoutanyusefulinformationyet.Percywasn’tsurehecouldfindCoachHedgeagain.Hewasn’tevensurehecouldfindtheexit.

Phorcysmust’vereadhisexpression.

“Oh,it’sfine!”thegodassuredhim.“Ketomightbealittleboring,butshe’lltakegoodcareofyourfriend.Andhonestly,thebestpartofthetourisstilltocome!”

Percytriedtothink,buthewasstartingtogetaheadache.Hewasn’tsureifitwasfromyesterday’sheadinjury,Phorcys’sspecialeffects,orhissister’slecturesonnauseatingseamonsterfacts.“So…”hemanaged.“Dionysussentushere.”

“Bacchus,”Frankcorrected.

“Right.”Percy tried tokeephis annoyance incheck.Hecouldbarely rememberonenameforeachgod.Twowaspushingit.“Thewinegod.Whatever.”HelookedatPhorcys.“Bacchus said you might know what your mom Gaea is up to, and these twin giantbrothers of yours—Ephialtes andOtis.And if you happen to know anything about thisMarkofAthena—”

“BacchusthoughtIwouldhelpyou?”Phorcysasked.

“Well,yeah,”Percysaid.“Imean,you’rePhorcys.Everybodytalksaboutyou.”

Phorcystiltedhisheadsothathismismatchedeyesalmostlinedup.“Theydo?”

“Ofcourse.Don’tthey,Frank?”

“Oh…sure!”Franksaid.“Peopletalkaboutyouallthetime.”

“Whatdotheysay?”thegodasked.

Frank looked uncomfortable. “Well, you have great pyrotechnics. And a goodannouncer’svoice.And,um,adiscoball—”

“It’s true!”Phorcysclackedhisfingersandthumbsexcitedly.“Ialsohavethe largestcollectionofcaptiveseamonstersintheworld!”

“Andyouknowstuff,”Percyadded.“Likeaboutthetwinsandwhatthey’reupto.”

“Thetwins!”Phorcysmadehisvoiceecho.Sparklersblazedtolifeinfrontoftheseaserpenttank.“Yes,IknowallaboutEphialtesandOtis.Thosewannabes!Theyneverfitinwiththeothergiants.Toopuny—andthosesnakesforfeet.”

“Snakesforfeet?”Percyrememberedthelong,curlyshoesthetwinshadbeenwearinginhisdream.

“Yes, yes,” Phorcys said impatiently. “They knew they couldn’t get by on theirstrength,so theydecidedtogofordrama—illusions,stagetricks, thatsortof thing.Yousee,Gaeashapedhergiantchildrenwithspecificenemiesinmind.Eachgiantwasborntokillacertaingod.EphialtesandOtis…well,togethertheyweresortoftheanti-Dionysus.”

Percytriedtowraphismindaroundthatidea.“So…theywanttoreplaceallwinewithcranberryjuiceorsomething?”

Theseagodsnorted.“Nothinglikethat!EphialtesandOtisalwayswantedtodothings

better, flashier,more spectacular!Oh, of course theywanted to killDionysus.But firsttheywantedtohumiliatehimbymakinghisrevelrieslooktame!”

Frankglancedatthesparklers.“Byusingstufflikefireworksanddiscoballs?”

Phorcys’s mouth stretched into that wind tunnel smile. “Exactly! I taught the twinseverythingtheyknow,oratleastItriedto.Theyneverlistened.Theirfirstbigtrick?TheytriedtoreachOlympusbypilingmountainsontopofoneanother.Itwasjustanillusion,of course. I told them itwas ridiculous. ‘You should start small,’ I said. ‘Sawing eachother in half, pulling gorgons out of a hat. That sort of thing. Andmatching sequinedoutfits.Twinsneedthose!’”

“Goodadvice,”Percyagreed.“Andnowthetwinsare—”

“Oh, preparing for their doomsday show in Rome,” Phorcys sneered. “It’s one ofMother’s silly ideas. They’re keeping some prisoner in a large bronze jar.” He turnedtoward Frank. “You’re a child of Ares, aren’t you? You’ve got that smell. The twinsimprisonedyourfatherthesameway,once.”

“Child ofMars,” Frank corrected. “Wait…these giants trapped my dad in a bronzejar?”

“Yes,anotherstupidstunt,”saidtheseagod.“Howcanyoushowoffyourprisonerifhe’sinabronzejar?Noentertainmentvalue.Notlikemylovelyspecimens!”

Hegesturedtothehippocampi,whowerebonkingtheirheadsapatheticallyagainsttheglass.

Percytriedtothink.Hefeltlikethelethargyoftheaddledseacreatureswasstartingtoaffecthim.“Yousaidthis—thisdoomsdayshowwasGaea’sidea?”

“Well…Mother’splansalwayshavelotsoflayers.”Helaughed.“Theearthhaslayers!Isupposethatmakessense!”

“Uh-huh,”Percysaid.“Andsoherplan…”

“Oh,she’sputoutageneralbountyonsomegroupofdemigods,”Phorcyssaid.“Shedoesn’treallycarewhokills them,aslongasthey’rekilled.Well…Itakethatback.Shewas very specific that twomust be spared.One boy and one girl. Tartarus only knowswhy. At any rate, the twins have their little show planned, hoping it will lure thesedemigods toRome. I suppose theprisoner in the jar is a friendof theirs or some such.That,orperhaps they think thisgroupofdemigodswillbe foolishenough tocome intotheirterritorysearchingfortheMarkofAthena.”PhorcyselbowedFrankintheribs.“Ha!Goodluckwiththat,eh?”

Franklaughednervously.“Yeah.Ha-ha.Thatwouldbereallydumbbecause,uh…”

Phorcysnarrowedhiseyes.

Percyslippedhishandintohispocket.HeclosedhisfingersaroundRiptide.Eventhisoldseagodmustbesmartenoughtorealizetheywerethedemigodswiththebountyontheirheads.

ButPhorcys justgrinnedandelbowedFrankagain.“Ha!Goodone,childofMars. Isupposeyou’reright.Nopoint talkingabout it.Even if thedemigodsfoundthatmapinCharleston,they’dnevermakeittoRomealive!”

“Yes,theMAPINCHARLESTON,”Franksaidloudly,givingPercyawide-eyedlooktomakesurehehadn’tmissedtheinformation.Hecouldn’thavebeenmoreobviousifhehadheldupalargesignthatreadCLUE!!!!!

“But enough boring educational stuff!” Phorcys said. “You’ve paid for the VIPtreatment. Won’t you please let me finish the tour? The three denarii entrance fee isnonrefundable,youknow.”

Percy wasn’t excited about more fireworks, donut-scented smoke, or depressingcaptiveseacreatures.ButheglancedatFrankanddecidedthey’dbetterhumorthecrabbyoldgod,at leastuntil they foundCoachHedgeandgot safely to theexit.Besides, theymightbeabletogetmoreinformationoutofPhorcys.

“Afterward,”Percysaid,“canweaskquestions?”

“Of course! I’ll tell you everything you need to know.” Phorcys clapped his handstwice.Onthewallundertheglowingredsign,anewtunnelappeared,leadingintoanothertank.

“Walkthisway!”Phorcysscuttledsidewaysthroughthetunnel.

Frankscratchedhishead.“Dowehaveto—?”Heturnedsideways.

“It’sjustafigureofspeech,man,”Percysaid.“Comeon.”

THETUNNELRANALONGTHEFLOORofagymnasium-sizedtank.Exceptforwaterandsomecheap decorations, it seemed majestically empty. Percy guessed there were about fiftythousandgallonsofwaterovertheirheads.Ifthetunnelweretoshatterforsomereason…

Nobigdeal,Percythought.I’vebeensurroundedbywaterthousandsoftimes.Thisismyhomecourt.

Buthisheartwaspounding.HerememberedsinkingintothecoldAlaskanbog—blackmudcoveringhiseyes,mouth,andnose.

Phorcys stopped in themiddleof the tunnel and spreadhis armsproudly. “Beautifulexhibit,isn’tit?”

Percy tried todistracthimselfbyconcentratingondetails. Inonecornerof the tank,snuggledinaforestoffakekelp,wasalife-sizedplasticgingerbreadcottagewithbubblescomingoutofthechimney.Intheoppositecorner,aplasticsculptureofaguyinanold-fashioneddivingsuitkneltbesideatreasurechest,whichpoppedopeneveryfewseconds,spewedbubbles,andclosedagain.Litteredacrossthewhitesandfloorwereglassmarblesthesizeofbowlingballs,andastrangeassortmentofweaponsliketridentsandspearguns.Outsidethetank’sdisplaywallwasanamphitheaterwithseatingforseveralhundred.

“Whatdoyoukeepinhere?”Frankasked.“Giantkillergoldfish?”

Phorcys raised his eyebrows. “Oh, that would be good! But, no, Frank Zhang,descendantofPoseidon.Thistankisnotforgoldfish.”

Atdescendant ofPoseidon, Frank flinched.He stepped back, gripping his backpacklikeamacehewaspreparedtoswing.

AsenseofdreadtrickleddownPercy’sthroatlikecoughsyrup.Unfortunately,itwasa

feelinghewasusedto.

“How do you know Frank’s last name?” he demanded. “How do you know he’sdescendedfromPoseidon?”

“Well…”Phorcysshrugged,tryingtolookmodest.“ItwasprobablyinthedescriptionsGaeaprovided.Youknow,forthebounty,PercyJackson.”

Percyuncappedhispen. Instantly,Riptideappeared inhishand.“Don’tdouble-crossme,Phorcys.Youpromisedmeanswers.”

“AftertheVIPtreatment,yes,”Phorcysagreed.“Ipromisedtotellyoueverythingyouneed to know. The thing is, however, you don’t really need to know anything.” Hisgrotesque smile stretchedwide. “You see, even if youmade it toRome,which isquiteunlikely,you’dneverdefeatmygiantbrotherswithoutagod fightingatyourside.Andwhatgodwouldhelpyou?SoIhaveabetterplan.You’renotleaving.You’reVIPs—VeryImportantPrisoners!”

Percy lunged. Frank hurled his backpack at the sea god’s head. Phorcys simplydisappeared.

Thegod’svoicereverberatedthroughtheaquarium’ssoundsystem,echoingdownthetunnel. “Yes, good! Fighting is good! You see, Mother never trusted me with bigassignments,butshedidagreethatIcouldkeepanythingIcaught.Youtwowillmakeanexcellentexhibit—theonlydemigodspawnofPoseidonincaptivity.‘DemigodTerrors’—yes,I like that!Wealreadyhavesponsorship linedupwithBargainMart.YoucanfighteachothereverydayatelevenAMandonePM,withaneveningshowatsevenPM.”

“You’recrazy!”Frankyelled.

“Don’tsellyourselfshort!”Phorcyssaid.“You’llbeourbiggestdraw!”

Frankranfortheexit,onlytoslamintoaglasswall.Percyrantheotherwayandfounditblockedaswell.Their tunnelhadbecomeabubble.Heputhishandagainst theglassandrealizeditwassoftening,meltinglikeice.Soonthewaterwouldcomecrashingin.

“Wewon’tcooperate,Phorcys!”heshouted.

“Oh, I’moptimistic,” the sea god’s voice boomed. “If youwon’t fight each other atfirst,noproblem! Icansend in freshseamonsterseveryday.Afteryougetused to thefoodhere,you’llbeproperlysedatedandwillfollowdirections.Believeme,you’llcometoloveyournewhome.”

OverPercy’shead,theglassdomecrackedandbegantoleak.

“I’m the sonofPoseidon!”Percy tried to keep the fear out of his voice. “You can’t

imprisonmeinwater.ThisiswhereI’mstrongest.”

Phorcys’slaughseemedtocomefromallaroundthem.“Whatacoincidence!It’salsowhereI’mstrongest.Thistankisspeciallydesignedtocontaindemigods.Now,havefun,youtwo.I’llseeyouatfeedingtime!”

Theglassdomeshattered,andthewatercrashedin.

Percyheldhisbreathuntilhecouldn’tstandit.Whenhefinallyfilledhislungswithwater,itfeltjustlikenormalbreathing.Thewaterpressuredidn’tbotherhim.Hisclothesdidn’tevengetwet.Hisunderwaterabilitieswereasgoodasever.

It’sjustastupidphobia,heassuredhimself.I’mnotgoingtodrown.

ThenherememberedFrank,andheimmediatelyfeltasurgeofpanicandguilt.Percyhad been so worried about himself that he’d forgotten his friend was only a distantdescendantofPoseidon.Frankcouldn’tbreatheunderwater.

Butwherewashe?

Percyturnedinafullcircle.Nothing.Thenheglancedup.Hoveringabouthimwasagiant goldfish. Frank had turned—clothes, backpack, and all—into a koi the size of ateenagedboy.

Dude. Percy sent his thoughts through the water, the way he spoke with other seacreatures.Agoldfish?

Frank’svoicecamebacktohim:Ifreaked.Weweretalkingaboutgoldfish,soitwasonmymind.Sueme.

I’mhavingatelepathicconversationwithagiantkoi,Percysaid.Great.Canyouturnintosomethingmore…useful?

Silence.Maybe Frankwas concentrating, though itwas impossible to tell, since koidon’thavemanyexpressions.

Sorry.Franksoundedembarrassed.I’mstuck.ThathappenssometimeswhenIpanic.

Fine.Percygrittedhisteeth.Let’sfigureouthowtoescape.

Frankswamaroundthetankandreportednoexits.ThetopwascoveredwithCelestialbronzemesh, like the curtains that roll down over closed storefronts at themall. PercytriedtocutthroughwithRiptide,buthecouldn’tmakeadent.Hetriedtosmashthroughthe glass wall with his sword hilt—again, no luck. Then he repeated his efforts withseveralof theweapons lyingaround thebottomof the tankandmanaged tobreak three

tridents,asword,andaspeargun.

Finally he tried to control thewater.Hewanted it to expand and break the tank, orexplodeoutthetop.Thewaterdidn’tobey.Maybeitwasenchanted,orunderthepowerofPhorcys.Percyconcentrateduntilhisearspopped,butthebesthecoulddowasblowthelidofftheplastictreasurechest.

Well,that’sit,hethoughtdejectedly.I’llhavetoliveinaplasticgingerbreadhousetherestofmylife,fightingmygiantgoldfishfriendandwaitingforfeedingtime.

Phorcyshadpromisedthey’dlearntoloveit.Percythoughtaboutthedazedtelkhines,theNereidsandhippocampi,allswimminginbored,lazycircles.Thethoughtofendinguplikethatdidn’thelptolowerhisanxietylevel.

Hewondered ifPhorcyswas right.Even if theymanaged toescape,howcould theydefeatthegiantsifthegodswereallincapacitated?Bacchusmightbeabletohelp.Hehadkilledthetwingiantsoncebefore,buthewouldonlyjointhefightifhegotanimpossibletribute,andtheideaofgivingBacchusanykindoftributemadePercywanttogaghimselfwithaMonsterDonut.

Look!Franksaid.

Outsidetheglass,KetowasleadingCoachHedgethroughtheamphitheater,lecturinghimonsomethingwhilethecoachnoddedandadmiredthestadiumseating.

Coach! Percy yelled. Then he realized it was hopeless. The coach couldn’t heartelepathicyelling.

Frankbumpedhisheadagainsttheglass.

Hedge didn’t seem to notice.Ketowalked him briskly across the amphitheater. Shedidn’tevenlookthroughtheglass,probablybecausesheassumedthetankwasstillempty.Shepointedtothefarendoftheroomasifsaying,Comeon.Moregruesomeseamonstersthisway.

Percyrealizedhehadonlyafewsecondsbeforethecoachwouldbegone.Heswamafterthem,butthewaterdidn’thelphimmoveasitusuallydid.Infact, itseemedtobepushinghimback.HedroppedRiptideandusedbotharms.

CoachHedgeandKetowerefivefeetfromtheexit.

In desperation, Percy scooped up a giant marble and hurled it underhanded like abowlingball.

Ithittheglasswithathunk—notnearlyloudenoughtoattractattention.

Percy’sheartsank.

ButCoachHedgehadtheearsofasatyr.Heglancedoverhisshoulder.WhenhesawPercy, his expression went through several changes in a matter of microseconds—incomprehension,surprise,outrage,thenamaskofcalm.

BeforeKetocouldnotice,Hedgepointedtowardthetopoftheamphitheater.Itlookedlikehemightbescreaming,GodsofOlympus,whatisthat?

Ketoturned.CoachHedgepromptlytookoffhisfakefootandninja-kickedherinthebackoftheheadwithhisgoathoof.Ketocrumpledtothefloor.

Percywinced.Hisownrecentlywhoppedheadthrobbedinsympathy,buthehadneverbeenhappiertohaveachaperonewholikedmixedmartialartscagematches.

Hedge ran to the glass. He held up his palms like:What are you doing in there,Jackson?

Percypoundedhisfistontheglassandmouthed:Breakit!

Hedgeyelledaquestionthatmighthavebeen:Where’sFrank?

Percypointedatthegiantkoi.

Frankwavedhisleftdorsalfin.’Sup?

BehindHedge,theseagoddessbegantomove.Percypointedfrantically.

Hedge shookhis leg likehewaswarminguphiskickinghoof, butPercywavedhisarms, No. They couldn’t keep whopping Keto on the head forever. Since she wasimmortal,shewouldn’tstaydown,anditwouldn’tgetthemoutofthistank.ItwasonlyamatteroftimebeforePhorcyscamebacktocheckonthem.

Onthree,Percymouthed,holdingupthreefingersandthengesturingattheglass.Allofushititatthesametime.

Percyhadneverbeengoodatcharades,butHedgenoddedlikeheunderstood.Hittingthingswasalanguagethesatyrknewwell.

Percyhefted anothergiantmarble.Frank,we’ll need you too.Can you change formyet?

Maybebacktohuman.

Humanisfine!Justholdyourbreath.Ifthisworks…

Ketorosetoherknees.Notimetowaste.

Percycountedonhisfingers.One,two,three!

Frank turned to human and shoved his shoulder against the glass. The coach did a

Chuck Norris roundhouse kick with his hoof. Percy used all his strength to slam themarbleintothewall,buthedidmorethanthat.Hecalledonthewatertoobeyhim,andthis timeherefused to takenoforananswer.Hefeltall thepent-uppressure inside thetank,andheputittouse.Waterlikedtobefree.Giventime,watercouldovercomeanybarrier, and it hated to be trapped, just like Percy. He thought about getting back toAnnabeth.Hethoughtaboutdestroyingthishorribleprisonforseacreatures.HethoughtaboutshovingPhorcys’smicrophonedownhisuglythroat.Fiftythousandgallonsofwaterrespondedtohisanger.

The glass wall cracked. Fracture lines zigzagged from the point of impact, andsuddenlythetankburst.Percywassuckedoutinatorrentofwater.HetumbledacrosstheamphitheaterfloorwithFrank,somelargemarbles,andaclumpofplasticseaweed.Ketowasjustgettingtoherfeetwhenthediverstatueslammedintoherlikeitwantedahug.

CoachHedgespitsaltwater.“Pan’spipes,Jackson!Whatwereyoudoinginthere?”

“Phorcys!”Percyspluttered.“Trap!Run!”

Alarms blared as they fled the exhibits. They ran past the Nereids’ tank, then thetelkhines.Percywantedtofreethem,buthow?Theyweredruggedandsluggish,andtheywereseacreatures.Theywouldn’tsurviveunlesshefoundawaytotransportthemtotheocean.

Besides, if Phorcys caught them, Percy was pretty sure the sea god’s power wouldovercomehis.AndKetowouldbeafterthemtoo,readytofeedthemtoherseamonsters.

I’llbeback,Percypromised,but if thecreatures in theexhibitscouldhearhim, theygavenosign.

Overthesoundsystem,Phorcys’svoiceboomed:“PercyJackson!”

Flash pots and sparklers exploded randomly. Donut-scented smoke filled the halls.Dramaticmusic—five or six different tracks—blared simultaneously from the speakers.Lightspoppedandcaught fireasall thespecialeffects in thebuildingwere triggeredatonce.

Percy,CoachHedge,andFrankstumbledoutoftheglasstunnelandfoundthemselvesback in the whale shark room. The mortal section of the aquarium was filled withscreaming crowds—families and day camp groups running in every directionwhile thestaffracedaroundfrantically,tryingtoassureeveryoneitwasjustafaultyalarmsystem.

Percyknewbetter.Heandhisfriendsjoinedthemortalsandranfortheexit.

ANNABETHWASTRYINGTOCHEERUPHAZEL, regaling herwithPercy’s greatest SeaweedBrainmoments,whenFrankstumbleddownthehallandburstintohercabin.

“Where’sLeo?”hegasped.“Takeoff!Takeoff!”

Bothgirlsshottotheirfeet.

“Where’sPercy?”Annabethdemanded.“Andthegoat?”

Frankgrabbedhisknees,tryingtobreathe.Hisclotheswerestiffanddamp,likethey’dbeenwashedinpurestarch.“Ondeck.They’refine.We’rebeingfollowed!”

Annabethpushedpasthimand took thestairs threeata time,Hazel rightbehindherand Frank trailing, still gasping for air. Percy and Hedge lay on the deck, lookingexhausted.Hedgewasmissing his shoes.He grinned at the sky,muttering, “Awesome.Awesome.” Percy was covered with nicks and scratches, like he’d jumped through awindow.Hedidn’tsayanything,buthegraspedAnnabeth’shandweaklyasiftosay,Berightwithyou,assoonastheworldstopsspinning.

Leo,Piper,andJason,who’dbeeneatinginthemesshall,camerushingupthestairs.

“What?What?”Leocried,holdingahalf-eatengrilledcheesesandwich.“Can’taguyeventakealunchbreak?What’swrong?”

“Followed!”Frankyelledagain.

“Followedbywhat?”Jasonasked.

“Idon’tknow!”Frankpanted.“Whales?Seamonsters?MaybeKateandPorky!”

Annabethwantedtostrangletheguy,butshewasn’tsureherhandswouldfitaroundhisthickneck.“Thatmakesabsolutelynosense.Leo,you’dbettergetusoutofhere.”

Leoputhissandwichbetweenhisteeth,piratestyle,andranforthehelm.

SoontheArgoIIwasrisingintothesky.Annabethmannedtheaftcrossbow.Shesawno sign of pursuit bywhales or otherwise, but Percy, Frank, andHedge didn’t start torecoveruntiltheAtlantaskylinewasahazysmudgeinthedistance.

“Charleston,”Percysaid,hobblingaroundthedecklikeanoldman.Hestillsoundedprettyshakenup.“SetcourseforCharleston.”

“Charleston?”Jasonsaidthenameasifitbroughtbackbadmemories.“WhatexactlydidyoufindinAtlanta?”

Frank unzipped his backpack and starting bringing out souvenirs. “Some peachpreserves. A couple of T-shirts. A snow globe. And, um, these not-really-Chinesehandcuffs.”

Annabethforcedherselftostaycalm.“Howaboutyoustartfromthetop—ofthestory,notthebackpack.”

TheygatheredonthequarterdecksoLeocouldheartheconversationashenavigated.Percy andFrank took turns relatingwhat had happened at theGeorgiaAquarium,withCoachHedgeinterjectingfromtimetotime:“Thatwasawesome!”or“ThenIkickedherinthehead!”

AtleastthecoachseemedtohaveforgottenaboutPercyandAnnabethfallingasleepinthestablethenightbefore.ButjudgingfromPercy’sstory,Annabethhadworseproblemstoworryaboutthanbeinggrounded.

WhenPercyexplainedaboutthecaptiveseacreaturesintheaquarium,sheunderstoodwhyheseemedsoupset.

“That’sterrible,”shesaid.“Weneedtohelpthem.”

“Wewill,”Percypromised.“Intime.ButIhavetofigureouthow.Iwish…”Heshookhishead.“Nevermind.Firstwehavetodealwiththisbountyonourheads.”

CoachHedgehadlostinterestintheconversation—probablybecauseitwasnolongerabout him—andwandered toward the bowof the ship, practicing his roundhouse kicksandcomplimentinghimselfonhistechnique.

Annabeth gripped the hilt of her dagger. “A bounty on our heads…as if we didn’tattractenoughmonstersalready.”

“DowegetWANTEDposters?”Leoasked.“Anddotheyhaveourbounties,like,brokendownonapricelist?”

Hazelwrinkledhernose.“Whatareyoutalkingabout?”

“JustcurioushowmuchI’mgoingforthesedays,”Leosaid.“Imean,IcanunderstandnotbeingaspriceyasPercyorJason,maybe…butamIworth,like,twoFranks,orthreeFranks?”

“Hey!”Frankcomplained.

“Knock it off,” Annabeth ordered. “At least we know our next step is to go toCharleston,tofindthismap.”

Piperleanedagainstthecontrolpanel.She’ddoneherbraidwithwhitefeatherstoday,whichlookedgoodwithherdarkbrownhair.Annabethwonderedhowshefoundthetime.Annabethcouldbarelyremembertobrushherhair.

“Amap,”Pipersaid.“Butamaptowhat?”

“TheMarkofAthena.”PercylookedcautiouslyatAnnabeth, likehewasafraidhe’doverstepped.ShemusthavebeenputtingoutastrongIdon’twanttotalkaboutitvibe.

“Whateverthatis,”hecontinued.“WeknowitleadstosomethingimportantinRome,somethingthatmighthealtheriftbetweentheRomansandGreeks.”

“Thegiants’bane,”Hazeladded.

Percynodded.“Andinmydream,thetwingiantssaidsomethingaboutastatue.”

“Um…” Frank rolled his not-exactly-Chinese handcuffs between his fingers.“AccordingtoPhorcys,we’dhavetobeinsanetotrytofindit.Butwhatisit?”

Everyone lookedatAnnabeth.Herscalp tingled,as if the thoughts inherbrainwereagitating to get out: a statue…Athena…Greek and Roman, her nightmares, and herargumentwithhermom.Shesawhowthepieceswerecomingtogether,butshecouldn’tbelieveitwastrue.Theanswerwastoobig,tooimportant,andmuchtooscary.

ShenoticedJasonstudyingher,asifheknewexactlywhatshewasthinkinganddidn’tlike it anymore than she did.Again she couldn’t help butwonder:Why does this guymakemesonervous?Ishereallyonmyside?Ormaybethatwashermomtalking.…

“I—I’mclosetoananswer,”shesaid.“I’llknowmoreifwefindthismap.Jason,thewayyoureactedtothenameCharleston…haveyoubeentherebefore?”

JasonglanceduneasilyatPiper,thoughAnnabethwasn’tsurewhy.

“Yeah,” he admitted. “Reyna and I did a quest there about a year ago. We weresalvagingImperialgoldweaponsfromtheC.S.S.Hunley.”

“Thewhat?”Piperasked.

“Whoa!”Leosaid.“That’sthefirstsuccessfulmilitarysubmarine.FromtheCivilWar.

Ialwayswantedtoseethat.”

“ItwasdesignedbyRomandemigods,”Jasonsaid.“ItheldasecretstashofImperialgoldtorpedoes—untilwerescuedthemandbroughtthembacktoCampJupiter.”

Hazel crossed her arms. “So theRomans fought on theConfederate side?As a girlwhosegrandmotherwasaslave,canIjustsay…notcool?”

Jasonputhishandsinfrontofhim,palmsup.“Ipersonallywasnotalivethen.Anditwasn’tallGreeksononesideandallRomansontheother.But,yes.Notcool.Sometimesdemigodsmakebadchoices.”HelookedsheepishlyatHazel.“Likesometimeswe’retoosuspicious.Andwespeakwithoutthinking.”

Hazelstaredathim.Slowlyitseemedtodawnonherthathewasapologizing.

JasonelbowedLeo.

“Ow!” Leo yelped. “Imean, yeah…bad choices. Like not trusting people’s brotherswho,youknow,mightneedsaving.Hypotheticallyspeaking.”

Hazelpursedherlips.“Fine.BacktoCharleston.Areyousayingweshouldcheckthatsubmarineagain?”

Jasonshrugged.“Well…IcanthinkoftwoplacesinCharlestonwemightsearch.ThemuseumwheretheykeeptheHunley—that’soneof them.Ithasa lotofrelicsfromtheCivilWar.Amapcouldbehiddeninone.Iknowthelayout.Icouldleadateaminside.”

“I’llgo,”Leosaid.“Thatsoundscool.”

Jasonnodded.HeturnedtoFrank,whowastryingtopullhisfingersoutoftheChinesehandcuffs.“Youshouldcometoo,Frank.Wemightneedyou.”

Franklookedsurprised.“Why?NotlikeIwasmuchgoodatthataquarium.”

“Youdidfine,”Percyassuredhim.“Ittookallthreeofustobreakthatglass.”

“Besides, you’re a child of Mars,” Jason said. “The ghosts of defeated causes arebound to serve you. And the museum in Charleston has plenty of Confederate ghosts.We’llneedyoutokeeptheminline.”

Frankgulped.AnnabethrememberedPercy’scommentaboutFrankturningintoagiantgoldfish,andsheresistedtheurgetosmile.Shewouldneverbeabletolookatthebigguyagainwithoutseeinghimasakoi.

“Okay.”Frankrelented.“Sure.”Hefrownedathis fingers, trying topull themoutofthetrap.“Uh,howdoyou—?”

Leochuckled.“Man,you’veneverseenthosebefore?There’sasimpletricktogetting

out.”

Franktuggedagainwithnoluck.EvenHazelwastryingnottolaugh.

Frankgrimacedwithconcentration.Suddenly,hedisappeared.Onthedeckwherehe’dbeenstanding,agreeniguanacrouchednexttoanemptysetofChinesehandcuffs.

“Welldone,FrankZhang,”Leosaiddryly,doinghisimpressionofChironthecentaur.“ThatisexactlyhowpeoplebeatChinesehandcuffs.Theyturnintoiguanas.”

Everybodybustedoutlaughing.Frankturnedbacktohuman,pickedupthehandcuffs,andshovedtheminhisbackpack.Hemanagedanembarrassedsmile.

“Anyway,” Frank said, clearly anxious to change the subject. “The museum is oneplacetosearch.But,uh,Jason,yousaidthereweretwo?”

Jason’s smile faded.Whatever hewas thinking about,Annabeth could tell it wasn’tpleasant.

“Yeah,”hesaid.“TheotherplaceiscalledtheBattery—it’saparkrightbytheharbor.ThelasttimeIwasthere…withReyna…”HeglancedatPiper,thenrushedon.“Wesawsomethinginthepark.Aghostorsomesortofspirit,likeaSouthernbellefromtheCivilWar,glowingandfloatingalong.Wetriedtoapproachit,butitdisappearedwheneverwegotclose.ThenReynahad this feeling—shesaid she should try it alone.Likemaybe itwouldonlytalktoagirl.Shewentuptothespiritbyherself,andsureenough,itspoketoher.”

Everyonewaited.

“Whatdiditsay?”Annabethasked.

“Reyna wouldn’t tell me,” Jason admitted. “But it must have been important. Sheseemed…shakenup.Maybeshegotaprophecyorsomebadnews.Reynaneveractedthesamearoundmeafterthat.”

Annabethconsideredthat.Aftertheirexperiencewiththeeidolons,shedidn’tliketheidea of approaching a ghost, especially one that changed people with bad news orprophecies.Ontheotherhand,hermomwasthegoddessofknowledge,andknowledgewas the most powerful weapon. Annabeth couldn’t turn down a possible source ofinformation.

“Agirls’adventure,then,”Annabethsaid.“PiperandHazelcancomewithme.”

Bothnodded,thoughHazellookednervous.NodoubthertimeintheUnderworldhadgivenherenoughghostexperiencesfortwolifetimes.Piper’seyesflasheddefiantly,likeanythingReynacoulddo,shecoulddo.

Annabethrealized that ifsixof themwenton these twoquests, itwould leavePercyaloneontheshipwithCoachHedge,whichwasmaybenotasituationacaringgirlfriendshouldputhimin.NorwassheeagertoletPercyoutofhersightagain—notafterthey’dbeen apart for so many months. On the other hand, Percy looked so troubled by hisexperiencewith those imprisoned sea creatures, she thoughtmaybehe coulduse a rest.Shemethiseyes,askinghimasilentquestion.Henoddedasiftosay,Yeah.It’llbefine.

“Sothat’ssettled.”AnnabethturnedtoLeo,whowasstudyinghisconsole,listeningtoFestuscreakandclickovertheintercom.“Leo,howlonguntilwereachCharleston?”

“Goodquestion,”hemuttered.“Festusjustdetectedalargegroupofeaglesbehindus—long-rangeradar,stillnotinsight.”

Piperleanedovertheconsole.“Areyousurethey’reRoman?”

Leorolledhiseyes.“No,Pipes. Itcouldbearandomgroupofgianteaglesflying inperfectformation.Ofcoursethey’reRoman!Isupposewecouldturntheshiparoundandfight—”

“Which would be a very bad idea,” Jason said, “and remove any doubt that we’reenemiesofRome.”

“OrI’vegotanotheridea,”Leosaid.“IfwewentstraighttoCharleston,wecouldbethereinafewhours.Buttheeagleswouldovertakeus,andthingswouldgetcomplicated.Instead,wecouldsendoutadecoytotricktheeagles.Wetaketheshiponadetour,gothelongwaytoCharleston,andgettheretomorrowmorning—”

Hazelstartedtoprotest,butLeoraisedhishand.“Iknow,Iknow.Nico’sintroubleandwehavetohurry.”

“It’sJunetwenty-seventh,”Hazelsaid.“Aftertoday,fourmoredays.Thenhedies.”

“Iknow!ButthismightthrowtheRomansoffourtrail.WestillshouldhaveenoughtimetoreachRome.”

Hazelscowled.“Whenyousayshouldhaveenough…”

Leoshrugged.“Howdoyoufeelaboutbarelyenough?”

Hazelputherfaceinherhandsforacountofthree.“Soundsabouttypicalforus.”

Annabethdecidedtotakethatasagreenlight.“Okay,Leo.Whatkindofdecoyarewetalkingabout?”

“I’m so glad you asked!” He punched a few buttons on the console, rotated theturntable,andrepeatedlypressedtheAbuttononhisWiicontrollerreally,reallyfast.Hecalledintotheintercom,“Buford?Reportforduty,please.”

Franktookastepback.“There’ssomebodyelseontheship?WhoisBuford?”

Apuffofsteamshotfromthestairwell,andLeo’sautomatictableclimbedondeck.

Annabethhadn’tseenmuchofBufordduringthetrip.Hemostlystayedintheengineroom.(LeoinsistedthatBufordhadasecretcrushontheengine.)Hewasathree-leggedtablewithamahoganytop.Hisbronzebasehadseveraldrawers,spinninggears,andasetof steam vents. Buford was toting a bag like a mail sack tied to one of his legs. Heclatteredtothehelmandmadeasoundlikeatrainwhistle.

“ThisisBuford,”Leoannounced.

“Younameyourfurniture?”Frankasked.

Leosnorted.“Man,youjustwishyouhadfurniturethiscool.Buford,areyoureadyforOperationEndTable?”

Bufordspewedsteam.Hesteppedtotherailing.Hismahoganytopsplitintofourpieslices,whichelongatedintowoodenblades.Thebladesspun,andBufordtookoff.

“Ahelicoptertable,”Percymuttered.“Gottaadmit,that’scool.What’sinthebag?”

“Dirtydemigodlaundry,”Leosaid.“Ihopeyoudon’tmind,Frank.”

Frankchoked.“What?”

“It’llthrowtheeaglesoffourscent.”

“Thoseweremyonlyextrapants!”

Leo shrugged. “I asked Buford to get them laundered and folded while he’s out.Hopefullyhewill.”Herubbedhishandsandgrinned.“Well!Icallthatagoodday’swork.I’mgonnacalculateourdetourroutenow.Seeyouallatdinner!”

Percypassedoutearly,whichleftAnnabethwithnothingtodointheeveningexceptstareathercomputer.

She’dbroughtDaedalus’slaptopwithher,ofcourse.Twoyearsago,she’dinheritedthemachine from the greatest inventor of all time, and itwas loadedwith invention ideas,schematics,anddiagrams,mostofwhichAnnabethwasstilltryingtofigureout.Aftertwoyears, a typical laptop would have been out of date, but Annabeth figured Daedalus’smachine was still about fifty years ahead of its time. It could expand into a full-sizelaptop, shrink into a tablet computer, or fold into a wafer ofmetal smaller than a cellphone. It ran faster than any computer she’d ever had, could access satellites orHephaestus-TV broadcasts fromMount Olympus, and ran custom-made programs that

coulddojustaboutanythingexcepttieshoelaces.Theremighthavebeenanappforthat,too,butAnnabethhadn’tfoundityet.

Shesatonherbunk,usingoneofDaedalus’s3-D-renderingprogramstostudyamodelof the Parthenon in Athens. She’d always yearned to visit it, both because she lovedarchitectureandbecauseitwasthemostfamoustempletohermother.

Nowshemightgetherwish,iftheylivedlongenoughtoreachGreece.ButthemoreshethoughtabouttheMarkofAthena,andtheoldRomanlegendReynahadmentioned,themorenervousshegot.

Shedidn’twantto,butsherecalledherargumentwithhermother.Evenaftersomanyweeks,thewordsstillstung.

Annabeth had been riding the subway back from theUpper East Side after visitingPercy’smom.DuringthoselongmonthswhenPercywasmissing,Annabethmadethetripatleastonceaweek—partlytogiveSallyJacksonandherhusbandPaulanupdateonthesearch, and partly because Annabeth and Sally needed to lift each other’s spirits andconvinceoneanotherthatPercywouldbefine.

Thespringhadbeenespeciallyhard.Bythen,AnnabethhadreasontohopePercywasalive, since Hera’s plan seemed to involve sending him to the Roman side, but shecouldn’tbe surewherehewas. Jasonhad rememberedhisold camp’s locationmoreorless, but all the Greeks’ magic—even that of the campers of Hecate’s cabin—couldn’tconfirm that Percy was there, or anywhere. He seemed to have disappeared from theplanet.Rachel theOraclehad tried to read the future,andwhileshecouldn’t seemuch,she’d been certain that Leo needed to finish theArgo II before they could contact theRomans.

Nevertheless, Annabeth had spent every sparemoment scouring all sources for anyrumorsofPercy.Shehadtalkedtonaturespirits,readlegendsaboutRome,dugforclueson Daedalus’s notebook, and spent hundreds of golden drachmas on Iris-messages toeveryfriendlyspirit,demigod,ormonstershe’devermet,allwithnoluck.

That particular afternoon, coming back from Sally’s, Annabeth had felt even moredrained than usual. She andSally had first cried and then attempted to pull themselvestogether, but their nerves were frayed. Finally Annabeth took the Lexington AvenuesubwaydowntoGrandCentral.

TherewereotherwaystogetbacktoherhighschooldormfromtheUpperEastSide,butAnnabethlikedgoingthroughGrandCentralTerminal.ThebeautifuldesignandthevastopenspaceremindedherofMountOlympus.Grandbuildingsmadeherfeelbetter—maybebecausebeinginaplacesopermanentmadeherfeelmorepermanent.

She had just passedSweet onAmerica, the candy shopwherePercy’smomused towork,andwas thinkingaboutgoing inside tobuysomebluecandy forold times’ sake,whenshesawAthenastudyingthesubwaymaponthewall.

“Mother!” Annabeth couldn’t believe it. She hadn’t seen her mom in months—notsince Zeus had closed the gates of Olympus and forbidden all communication withdemigods.

Many times,Annabethhad tried to call onhermomanyway, pleading for guidance,sendingupburnt offeringswith everymeal at camp.She’dhadno response.Nowherewas Athena, dressed in jeans and hiking boots and a red flannel shirt, her dark haircascading over her shoulders. She held a backpack and a walking stick like she waspreparedforalongjourney.

“Imust returnhome,”Athenamurmured, studying themap. “Theway is complex. IwishOdysseuswerehere.Hewouldunderstand.”

“Mom!”Annabethsaid.“Athena!”

Thegoddessturned.SheseemedtolookrightthroughAnnabethwithnorecognition.

“Thatwasmyname,”thegoddesssaiddreamily.“Beforetheysackedmycity,tookmyidentity,mademethis.”Shelookedatherclothesindisgust.“Imustreturnhome.”

Annabethsteppedbackinshock.“You’re…you’reMinerva?”

“Don’t callme that!” The goddess’s gray eyes flaredwith anger. “I used to carry aspearandashield.Iheldvictoryinthepalmofmyhand.Iwassomuchmorethanthis.”

“Mom.”Annabeth’svoicetrembled.“It’sme,Annabeth.Yourdaughter.”

“My daughter…” Athena repeated. “Yes, my children will avenge me. They mustdestroytheRomans.Horrible,dishonorable,copycatRomans.Heraarguedthatwemustkeepthetwocampsapart.Isaid,No,letthemfight.Letmychildrendestroytheusurpers.”

Annabeth’s heartbeat thumped in her ears. “Youwanted that? But you’rewise.Youunderstandwarfarebetterthanany—”

“Once!” thegoddess said. “Replaced.Sacked.Looted like a trophy and cartedoff—awayfrommybelovedhomeland.Ilostsomuch.IsworeIwouldneverforgive.Neitherwouldmychildren.”ShefocusedmorecloselyonAnnabeth.“Youaremydaughter?”

“Yes.”

Thegoddessfishedsomethingfromthepocketofhershirt—anold-fashionedsubwaytoken—andpresseditintoAnnabeth’shand.

“FollowtheMarkofAthena,”thegoddesssaid.“Avengeme.”

Annabethhadlookedatthecoin.Asshewatched,itchangedfromaNewYorksubwaytoken to an ancient silver drachma, the kind used by Athenians. It showed an owl,Athena’ssacredanimal,withanolivebranchononesideandaGreekinscriptionontheother.

TheMarkofAthena.

Atthetime,Annabethhadhadnoideawhatitmeant.Shedidn’tunderstandwhyhermomwasactinglikethis.Minervaornot,sheshouldn’tbesoconfused.

“Mom…”She tried tomakeher tone as reasonable aspossible. “Percy ismissing. Ineedyourhelp.”ShehadstartedtoexplainHera’splanforbringingthecampstogethertobattleGaeaandthegiants,butthegoddessstampedherwalkingstickagainstthemarblefloor.

“Never!”shesaid.“AnyonewhohelpsRomemustperish.Ifyouwouldjointhem,youarenochildofmine.Youhavealreadyfailedme.”

“Mother!”

“IcarenothingaboutthisPercy.IfhehasgoneovertotheRomans,lethimperish.Killhim.Killall theRomans.FindtheMark,followit toitssource.WitnesshowRomehasdisgracedme,andpledgeyourvengeance.”

“Athenaisn’tthegoddessofrevenge.”Annabeth’snailsbitintoherpalms.Thesilvercoinseemedtogrowwarmerinherhand.“Percyiseverythingtome.”

“Andrevengeiseverythingtome,”thegoddesssnarled.“Whichofusiswiser?”

“Somethingiswrongwithyou.What’shappened?”

“Rome happened!” the goddess said bitterly. “See what they have done, making aRomanofme.Theywishmetobetheirgoddess?Thenletthemtastetheirownevil.Killthem,child.”

“No!”

“Then you are nothing.” The goddess turned to the subway map. Her expressionsoftened,becomingconfused andunfocused. “If I could find the route…thewayhome,thenperhaps—But,no.Avengemeorleaveme.Youarenochildofmine.”

Annabeth’seyesstung.Shethoughtofathousandhorriblethingsshewantedtosay,butshecouldn’t.Shehadturnedandfled.

She’dtriedto throwawaythesilvercoin,but itsimplyreappearedinherpocket, the

wayRiptidedidforPercy.Unfortunately,Annabeth’sdrachmahadnomagicalpowers—atleast nothing useful. It only gave her nightmares, and no matter what she tried, shecouldn’tgetridofit.

Now,sittinginhercabinaboardtheArgoII,shecouldfeelthecoingrowingwarminherpocket.ShestaredatthemodeloftheParthenononhercomputerscreenandthoughtabouttheargumentwithAthena.Phrasesshe’dheardoverthelastfewdaysswirledinherhead:A talented friend, ready forher visitor.Noonewill retrieve that statue.Wisdom’sdaughterwalksalone.

Shewasafraidshefinallyunderstoodwhatitallmeant.Sheprayedtothegodsthatshewaswrong.

Aknockonherdoormadeherjump.

ShehopeditmightbePercy,butinsteadFrankZhangpokedhisheadin.

“Um,sorry,”hesaid.“CouldI—?”

Shewassostartledtoseehim,ittookheramomenttorealizehewantedtocomein.

“Sure,”shesaid.“Yes.”

Hesteppedinside,lookingaroundthecabin.Therewasn’tmuchtosee.Onherdesksata stackofbooks, a journal andpen, andapictureofherdad flyinghisSopwithCamelbiplane,grinningandgivingthethumbs-up.Annabethlikedthatphoto.Itremindedherofthe timeshe’dfeltclosest tohim,whenhe’dstrafedanarmyofmonsterswithCelestialbronzemachinegunsjust toprotecther—prettymuchthebestpresentagirlcouldhopefor.

Hanging from a hook on thewallwas herNewYorkYankees cap, hermost prizedpossessionfromhermom.Once, thecaphadhad thepower to turn itswearer invisible.SinceAnnabeth’sargumentwithAthena,thecaphadlostitsmagic.Annabethwasn’tsurewhy,butshe’dstubbornlybroughtitalongonthequest.Everymorningshewouldtryiton,hopingitwouldworkagain.Sofarithadonlyservedasareminderofhermother’swrath.

Otherwise,hercabinwasbare.Shekeptitcleanandsimple,whichhelpedhertothink.Percydidn’tbelieveitbecauseshealwaysmadeexcellentgrades,butlikemostdemigods,shewasADHD.When therewere toomanydistractions inherpersonal space, shewasneverabletofocus.

“So…Frank,”sheventured.“WhatcanIdoforyou?”

Outofallthekidsontheship,Frankwastheoneshethoughtleastlikelytopayhera

visit.Shedidn’tfeelanylessconfusedwhenheblushedandpulledhisChinesehandcuffsoutofhispocket.

“Idon’tlikebeinginthedarkaboutthis,”hemuttered.“Couldyoushowmethetrick?Ididn’tfeelcomfortableaskinganyoneelse.”

Annabeth processed his words with a slight delay.Wait…Frank was asking her forhelp?Then it dawnedonher: of course,Frankwas embarrassed.Leohadbeen razzinghimprettyhard.Nobodylikedbeingalaughingstock.Frank’sdeterminedexpressionsaidheneverwanted that tohappenagain.Hewanted tounderstand thepuzzle,without theiguanasolution.

Annabeth felt strangelyhonored.Frank trustedhernot tomake funofhim.Besides,she had a soft spot for anyonewhowas seeking knowledge—even about something assimpleasChinesehandcuffs.

Shepattedthebunknexttoher.“Absolutely.Sitdown.”

Franksatontheedgeofthemattress,asifpreparingforaquickescape.AnnabethtooktheChinesehandcuffsandheldthemnexttohercomputer.

Shehit thekeyforaninfraredscan.Afewsecondslatera3-DmodeloftheChinesehandcuffsappearedonthescreen.SheturnedthelaptopsothatFrankcouldsee.

“Howdidyoudothat?”hemarveled.

“Cutting-edge Ancient Greek technology,” she said. “Okay, look. The structure is acylindricalbiaxialbraid, so ithasexcellent resilience.”Shemanipulated the imageso itsqueezedinandoutlikeanaccordion.“Whenyouputyourfingersinside,itloosens.Butwhenyoutrytoremovethem,thecircumferenceshrinksasthebraidcatchesandtightens.There’snowayyoucanpullfreebystruggling.”

Frankstaredatherblankly.“Butwhat’stheanswer?”

“Well…”She showedhimsomeofher calculations—how thehandcuffs could resisttearing under incredible stress, depending on the material used in the braid. “Prettyamazingforawovenstructure,right?Doctorsuseitfortraction,andelectricalcontractors—”

“Uh,buttheanswer?”

Annabeth laughed.“Youdon’t fightagainst thehandcuffs.Youpushyour fingers in,notout.Thatloosensthebraid.”

“Oh.”Franktriedit.Itworked.“Thanks,but…couldn’tyouhavejustshownmeonthehandcuffswithoutthe3-Dprogramandthecalculations?”

Annabeth hesitated. Sometimes wisdom came from strange places, even from giantteenagedgoldfish.“Iguessyou’reright.Thatwassilly.Ilearnedsomethingtoo.”

Franktriedthehandcuffsagain.“It’seasywhenyouknowthesolution.”

“Manyof thebest trapsaresimple,”Annabethsaid.“Youjusthavetothinkabout it,andhopeyourvictimdoesn’t.”

Franknodded.Heseemedreluctanttoleave.

“Youknow,”Annabethsaid,“Leodoesn’tintendtobemean.He’sjustgotabigmouth.Whenpeoplemakehimnervous,heuseshumorasadefense.”

Frankfrowned.“WhywouldImakehimnervous?”

“You’re twice his size.You can turn into a dragon.”AndHazel likes you, Annabeththought,thoughshedidn’tsaythat.

Frank didn’t look convinced. “Leo can summon fire.” He twisted the handcuffs.“Annabeth…sometime, maybe could you help me with another problem that’s not sosimple?I’vegot…Iguessyou’dcallitanAchilles’heel.”

Annabethfelt likeshe’d justhadadrinkofRomanhotchocolate.She’dneverreallygottenthetermwarmandfuzzy,butFrankgaveherthatsensation.Hewasjustabigteddybear.ShecouldseewhyHazellikedhim.“I’dbehappyto,”shesaid.“DoesanyoneelseknowaboutthisAchilles’heel?”

“PercyandHazel,”hesaid.“That’sit.Percy…he’sareallygoodguy.Iwouldfollowhimanywhere.Thoughtyoushouldknow.”

Annabethpattedhisarm.“Percyhasaknackforpickinggoodfriends.Likeyou.But,Frank,youcan trust anyoneon this ship.EvenLeo.We’reall a team.Wehave to trusteachother.”

“I—Isuppose.”

“Sowhat’stheweaknessyou’reworriedabout?”

Thedinnerbellsounded,andFrankjumped.

“Maybe…maybe later,” he said. “It’s hard to talk about.But thanks,Annabeth.”HehelduptheChinesehandcuffs.“Keepitsimple.”

THATNIGHT,ANNABETHSLEPTwithoutnightmares,whichjustmadeheruneasywhenshewokeup—likethecalmbeforeastorm.

LeodockedtheshipatapierinCharlestonHarbor,rightnexttotheseawall.Alongtheshore was a historical district with tall mansions, palm trees, and wrought-iron fences.Antiquecannonspointedatthewater.

BythetimeAnnabethcameupondeck,Jason,Frank,andLeohadalreadyleftforthemuseum.According toCoachHedge, they’d promised to be back by sunset. Piper andHazel were ready to go, but first Annabeth turned to Percy, who was leaning on thestarboardrail,gazingoverthebay.

Annabethtookhishand.“Whatareyougoingtodowhilewe’regone?”

“Jumpintotheharbor,”hesaidcasually,likeanotherkidmightsay,I’mgoingtogetasnack.“IwanttotrycommunicatingwiththelocalNereids.MaybetheycangivemesomeadviceabouthowtofreethosecaptivesinAtlanta.Besides,Ithinktheseamightbegoodforme.Beinginthataquariummademefeel…unclean.”

Hishairwasdarkandtangledasusual,butAnnabeththoughtaboutthestreakofgrayhe used to have on one side.When the two of themwere fourteen, they’d taken turns(unwillingly)holdingtheweightofthesky.Thestrainleftthembothwithsomegrayhair.Overthelastyear,whilePercyhadbeenmissing,thegraystreakshadfinallydisappearedfrombothofthem,whichmadeAnnabethsadandalittleworried.Shefeltlikeshe’dlostasymbolicbondwithPercy.

Annabethkissedhim.“Goodluck,SeaweedBrain.Justcomebacktome,okay?”

“Iwill,”hepromised.“Youdothesame.”

Annabethtriedtopushdownhergrowingunease.

SheturnedtoPiperandHazel.“Okay,ladies.Let’sfindtheghostoftheBattery.”

Afterward,Annabethwishedshe’djumpedintotheharborwithPercy.Sheevenwould’vepreferredamuseumfullofghosts.

NotthatshemindedhangingoutwithHazelandPiper.Atfirst,theyhadaprettygoodtimewalkingalongtheBattery.Accordingtothesigns,theseasideparkwascalledWhitePointGardens.Theoceanbreeze sweptaway themuggyheatof the summerafternoon,anditwaspleasantlycoolundertheshadeofthepalmettotrees.LiningtheroadwereoldCivilWarcannonsandbronzestatuesofhistoricalfigures,whichmadeAnnabethshudder.ShethoughtaboutthestatuesinNewYorkCityduringtheTitanWar,whichhadcometolifethankstoDaedalus’scommandsequencetwenty-three.Shewonderedhowmanyotherstatuesaroundthecountryweresecretlyautomatons,waitingtobetriggered.

CharlestonHarborglitteredinthesun.Tothenorthandsouth,stripsoflandstretchedoutlikearmsenclosingthebay,andsittinginthemouthoftheharbor,aboutamileout,wasanislandwithastonefort.AnnabethhadavaguememoryofthatfortbeingimportantintheCivilWar,butshedidn’tspendmuchtimethinkingaboutit.

MostlyshebreathedintheseaairandthoughtaboutPercy.Godsforbidsheeverhadtobreakupwithhim.She’dneverbe able tovisit the sea againwithout rememberingherbrokenheart.Shewasrelievedwhentheyturnedawayfromtheseawallandexploredtheinlandsideofthegardens.

The park wasn’t crowded. Annabeth imagined that most of the locals had gone onsummer vacation, orwere holed up at home taking a siesta. They strolled along SouthBatteryStreet,whichwaslinedwithfour-storyColonialmansions.Thebrickwallswereblanketedwithivy.ThefacadeshadsoaringwhitecolumnslikeRomantemples.Thefrontgardens were bursting with rosebushes, honeysuckle, and flowering bougainvillea. ItlookedlikeDemeterhadsetthetimeronalltheplantstogrowseveraldecadesago,thenforgottentocomebackandcheckonthem.

“Kind of reminds me of New Rome,” Hazel said. “All the big mansions and thegardens.Thecolumnsandarches.”

Annabeth nodded. She remembered reading how the American South had oftencompareditselftoRomebackbeforetheCivilWar.Intheolddaystheirsocietyhadbeenallaboutimpressivearchitecture,honor,andcodesofchivalry.Andontheevilside,ithadalsobeenaboutslavery.Romehadslaves,someSouthernershadargued,sowhyshouldn’twe?

Annabethshivered.Shelovedthearchitecturehere.Thehousesandthegardenswereverybeautiful,veryRoman.Butshewonderedwhybeautifulthingshadtobewrappedupwith evil history. Or was it the other way around? Maybe the evil history made itnecessarytobuildbeautifulthings,tomaskthedarkeraspects.

Sheshookherhead.Percywouldhatehergettingsophilosophical.Ifshetriedtotalktohimaboutstufflikethat,hiseyesglazedover.

Theothergirlsdidn’tsaymuch.

Piperkept lookingaroundlikesheexpectedanambush.Shehadsaidshe’dseenthispark in the blade of her knife, but she wouldn’t elaborate. Annabeth guessed she wasafraidto.Afterall,thelasttimePiperhadtriedtointerpretavisionfromherknife,PercyandJasonhadalmostkilledeachotherinKansas.

Hazelalsoseemedpreoccupied.Maybeshewastakingintheirsurroundings,ormaybeshewasworrying about her brother. In less than four days, unless they found him andfreedhim,Nicowouldbedead.

Annabeth felt that deadline weighing on her, too. She’d always hadmixed feelingsaboutNicodiAngelo.Shesuspectedthathe’dhadacrushonhereversincetheyrescuedhim and his big sister Bianca from thatmilitary academy inMaine; butAnnabeth hadneverfeltanyattractiontoNico.Hewastooyoungandtoomoody.Therewasadarknessinhimthatmadeheruneasy.

Still,shefeltresponsibleforhim.Backwhentheyhadmet,neitherofthemhadknownabouthishalfsister,Hazel.Atthetime,BiancahadbeenNico’sonlylivingfamily.Whenshehaddied,Nicobecameahomelessorphan,driftingthroughtheworldalone.Annabethcouldrelatetothat.

Shewassodeepinthought,shemighthavekeptwalkingaroundtheparkforever,butPipergrabbedherarm.

“There.” She pointed across the harbor. A hundred yards out, a shimmering whitefigurefloatedonthewater.Atfirst,Annabeththoughtitmightbeabuoyorasmallboatreflecting the sunlight,but itwasdefinitelyglowing,and itwasmovingmore smoothlythanaboat,makinga straight line toward them.As itgotcloser,Annabethcould tell itwasthefigureofawoman.

“Theghost,”shesaid.

“That’snotaghost,”Hazelsaid.“Nokindofspiritglowsthatbrightly.”

Annabethdecidedtotakeherwordforit.Shecouldn’timaginebeingHazel,dyingatsuchayoungageandcomingbackfromtheUnderworld,knowingmoreaboutthedead

thantheliving.

As if in a trance, Piper walked across the street toward the edge of the seawall,narrowlyavoidingahorse-drawncarriage.

“Piper!”Annabethcalled.

“We’dbetterfollowher,”Hazelsaid.

By the timeAnnabethandHazelcaughtup toher, theghostlyapparitionwasonlyafewyardsaway.

Piperglaredatitlikethesightoffendedher.

“Itisher,”shegrumbled.

Annabethsquintedattheghost,butitblazedtoobrightlytomakeoutdetails.Thentheapparitionfloateduptheseawallandstoppedinfrontofthem.Theglowfaded.

Annabethgasped.Thewomanwasbreathtakinglybeautifulandstrangelyfamiliar.Herface was hard to describe. Her features seemed to shift from those of one glamorousmovie star to another.Her eyes sparkled playfully—sometimes green or blue or amber.Herhairchangedfromlong,straightblondtodarkchocolateycurls.

Annabethwas instantly jealous.She’dalwayswishedshehaddarkhair.Shefelt likenobodytookherseriouslyasablonde.Shehadtoworktwiceashardtogetrecognitionasastrategist,anarchitect,aseniorcounselor—anythingthathadtodowithbrains.

ThewomanwasdressedlikeaSouthernbelle,justasJasonhaddescribed.Hergownhadalow-cutbodiceofpinksilkandathree-tieredhoopskirtwithwhitescallopedlace.Sheworetallwhitesilkgloves,andheldafeatheredpink-and-whitefantoherchest.

Everything about her seemed calculated tomakeAnnabeth feel inadequate: the easygracewithwhich shewore her dress, the perfect yet understatedmakeup, theway sheradiatedfemininecharmthatnomancouldpossiblyresist.

Annabethrealizedthatherjealousywasirrational.Thewomanwasmakingherfeelthisway.She’dhadthisexperiencebefore.Sherecognizedthiswoman,eventhoughherfacechangedbythesecond,becomingmoreandmorebeautiful.

“Aphrodite,”shesaid.

“Venus?”Hazelaskedinamazement.

“Mom,”Pipersaid,withnoenthusiasm.

“Girls!”Thegoddessspreadherarmslikeshewantedagrouphug.

Thethreedemigodsdidnotoblige.Hazelbackedintoapalmettotree.

“I’msogladyou’rehere,”Aphroditesaid.“Wariscoming.Bloodshedisinevitable.Sothere’sreallyonlyonethingtodo.”

“Uh…andthatis?”Annabethventured.

“Why,haveteaandchat,obviously.Comewithme!”

Aphroditeknewhowtodotea.

Sheledthemtothecentralpavilioninthegardens—awhite-pillaredgazebo,whereatable was set with silverware, china cups, and of course a steaming pot of tea, thefragranceshiftingaseasilyasAphrodite’sappearance—sometimescinnamon,orjasmine,ormint.Therewereplatesofscones,cookies,andmuffins, freshbutterand jam—allofwhich, Annabeth figured, were incredibly fattening; unless, of course, you were theimmortalgoddessoflove.

Aphrodite sat—orheld court, rather—inawickerpeacockchair.Shepoured tea andservedcakeswithoutgettingaspeckonherclothes,herposturealwaysperfect,hersmiledazzling.

Annabethhatedhermoreandmorethelongertheysat.

“Oh, my sweet girls,” the goddess said. “I do love Charleston! The weddings I’veattendedinthisgazebo—theybringtearstomyeyes.AndtheelegantballsinthedaysoftheOldSouth.Ah,theywerelovely.Manyofthesemansionsstillhavestatuesofmeintheirgardens,thoughtheycalledmeVenus.”

“Whichareyou?”Annabethasked.“VenusorAphrodite?”

The goddess sipped her tea. Her eyes sparkled mischievously. “Annabeth Chase,you’vegrownintoquiteabeautifulyounglady.Youreallyshoulddosomethingwithyourhair,though.And,HazelLevesque,yourclothes—”

“My clothes?” Hazel looked down at her rumpled denim, not self-consciously, butbaffled,asifshecouldn’timaginewhatwaswrongwiththem.

“Mother!”Pipersaid.“You’reembarrassingme.”

“Well, I don’t see why,” the goddess said. “Just because you don’t appreciate myfashion tips, Piper, doesn’t mean the others won’t. I could do a quick makeover forAnnabethandHazel,perhapssilkballgownslikemine—”

“Mother!”

“Fine,”Aphrodite sighed.“Toansweryourquestion,Annabeth, I ambothAphrodite

andVenus.UnlikemanyofmyfellowOlympians,Ichangedhardlyatallfromoneagetotheother.Infact,IliketothinkIhaven’tagedabit!”Herfingersflutteredaroundherfaceappreciatively. “Love is love, after all,whether you’reGreek orRoman.This civilwarwon’taffectmeasmuchasitwilltheothers.”

Wonderful,Annabeththought.Herownmother, themost levelheadedOlympian,wasreduced to a raving, vicious scatterbrain in a subway station.And of all the godswhomighthelp them, theonlyonesnot affectedby theGreek–Roman schismseemed tobeAphrodite,Nemesis,andDionysus.Love,revenge,wine.Veryhelpful.

Hazelnibbledasugarcookie.“We’renotinawaryet,mylady.”

“Oh, dear Hazel.” Aphrodite folded her fan. “Such optimism, yet you haveheartrending days ahead of you. Of course war is coming. Love and war always gotogether.Theyarethepeaksofhumanemotion!Evilandgood,beautyandugliness.”

ShesmiledatAnnabethasifsheknewwhatAnnabethhadbeenthinkingearlierabouttheOldSouth.

Hazel set downher sugar cookie.Shehad a fewcrumbsonher chin, andAnnabethlikedthefactthatHazeleitherdidn’tknowordidn’tcare.

“Whatdoyoumean,”Hazelasked,“heartrendingdays?”

ThegoddesslaughedasifHazelwereacutepuppy.“Well,Annabethcouldgiveyousomeidea.Ioncepromisedtomakeherlovelifeinteresting.Anddidn’tI?”

Annabethalmostsnappedthehandleoffherteacup.Foryears,herhearthadbeentorn.FirsttherewasLukeCastellan,herfirstcrush,whohadseenheronlyasalittlesister;thenhe’d turnedevil anddecidedhe likedher—rightbeforehedied.Next camePercy,whowasinfuriatingbutsweet,yethehadseemedtobefallingforanothergirlnamedRachel,andthenhealmostdied,severaltimes.FinallyAnnabethhadgottenPercytoherself,onlytohavehimvanishforsixmonthsandlosehismemory.

“Interesting,”Annabethsaid,“isamildwayofputtingit.”

“Well,Ican’ttakecreditforallyourtroubles,”thegoddesssaid.“ButIdolovetwistsandturnsinalovestory.Oh,allofyouaresuchexcellentstories—Imean,girls.Youdomeproud!”

“Mother,”Pipersaid,“isthereareasonyou’rehere?”

“Hmm?Oh,youmeanbesidesthetea?Ioftencomehere.Ilovetheview,thefood,theatmosphere—you can just smell the romance and heartbreak in the air, can’t you?Centuriesofit.”

Shepointed toanearbymansion.“Doyousee that rooftopbalcony?WehadapartytherethenighttheAmericanCivilWarbegan.TheshellingofFortSumter.”

“That’s it,”Annabeth remembered. “The island in the harbor. That’swhere the firstfightingoftheCivilWarhappened.TheConfederatesshelledtheUniontroopsandtookthefort.”

“Oh,suchaparty!”Aphroditesaid.“Astringquartet,andallthemenintheirelegantnewofficers’uniforms.Thewomen’sdresses—youshould’veseen them! IdancedwithAres—orwasheMars? I’mafraid Iwasa littlegiddy.And thebeautifulburstsof lightacross the harbor, the roar of the cannons giving themen an excuse to put their armsaroundtheirfrightenedsweethearts!”

Annabeth’s teawas cold. She hadn’t eaten anything, but she felt like shewanted tothrowup.“You’retalkingaboutthebeginningofthebloodiestwarinU.S.history.Oversixhundred thousandpeopledied—moreAmericans than inWorldWarOneandWorldWarTwocombined.”

“And the refreshments!” Aphrodite continued. “Ah, they were divine. GeneralBeauregardhimselfmadeanappearance.Hewassuchascoundrel.Hewasonhissecondwife,then,butyoushouldhaveseenthewayhelookedatLisbethCooper—”

“Mother!”Pipertossedhersconetothepigeons.

“Yes,sorry,”thegoddesssaid.“Tomakethestoryshort,I’mheretohelpyou,girls.Idoubtyou’llbeseeingHeramuch.Yourlittlequesthashardlymadeherwelcomeinthethrone room.And theothergodsare rather indisposed,asyouknow, tornbetween theirRomanandGreeksides.Somemorethanothers.”AphroditefixedhergazeonAnnabeth.“Isupposeyou’vetoldyourfriendsaboutyourfalling-outwithyourmother?”

HeatrosetoAnnabeth’scheeks.HazelandPiperlookedathercuriously.

“Falling-out?”Hazelasked.

“Anargument,”Annabethsaid.“It’snothing.”

“Nothing!” the goddess said. “Well, I don’t know about that. Athena was the mostGreekofallgoddesses.ThepatronofAthens,afterall.WhentheRomanstookover…oh,they adopted Athena after a fashion. She became Minerva, the goddess of crafts andcleverness. But the Romans had other war gods who were more to their taste, morereliablyRoman—likeBellona—”

“Reyna’smom,”Pipermuttered.

“Yes,indeed,”thegoddessagreed.“IhadalovelytalkwithReynaawhileback,right

hereinthepark.AndtheRomanshadMars,ofcourse.Andlater,therewasMithras—notevenproperlyGreekorRoman,but the legionnaireswerecrazyabouthiscult. Ialwaysfound him crass and terribly nouveau dieu, personally. At any rate, the Romans quitesidelinedpoorAthena.Theytookawaymostofhermilitaryimportance.TheGreeksneverforgavetheRomansforthatinsult.NeitherdidAthena.”

Annabeth’searsbuzzed.

“TheMarkofAthena,” she said. “It leads to a statue, doesn’t it? It leads to…to thestatue.”

Aphroditesmiled.“Youareclever,likeyourmother.Understand,though,yoursiblings,the children of Athena, have been searching for centuries. None has succeeded inrecoveringthestatue.Inthemeantime,they’vebeenkeepingalivetheGreekfeudwiththeRomans. Every civil war…so much bloodshed and heartbreak…has been orchestratedlargelybyAthena’schildren.”

“That’s…”Annabethwanted to say impossible, but she rememberedAthena’s bitterwordsinGrandCentralStation,theburninghatredinhereyes.

“Romantic?”Aphroditeoffered.“Yes,Isupposeditis.”

“But…”Annabeth tried to clear the fog fromher brain. “TheMark ofAthena, howdoesitwork?Isitaseriesofclues,oratrailsetbyAthena—”

“Hmm.” Aphrodite looked politely bored. “I couldn’t say. I don’t believe Athenacreated theMark consciously. If she knewwhere her statuewas, she’d simply tell youwheretofindit.No…I’dguesstheMarkismorelikeaspiritualtrailofbreadcrumbs.It’saconnectionbetweenthestatueand thechildrenof thegoddess.Thestatuewants tobefound,yousee,butitcanonlybefreedbythemostworthy.”

“Andforthousandsofyears,”Annabethsaid,“noonehasmanaged.”

“Holdon,”Pipersaid.“Whatstatuearewetalkingabout?”

Thegoddesslaughed.“Oh,I’msureAnnabethcanfillyouin.Atanyrate,theclueyouneediscloseby:amapofsorts,leftbythechildrenofAthenain1861—aremembrancethatwillstartyouonyourpath,onceyoureachRome.Butasyousaid,AnnabethChase,noonehaseversucceededinfollowingtheMarkofAthenatoitsend.Thereyouwillfaceyourworstfear—thefearofeverychildofAthena.Andevenifyousurvive,howwillyouuseyourreward?Forwarorforpeace?”

Annabethwasgladforthetablecloth,becauseunderthetable,herlegsweretrembling.“Thismap,”shesaid,“whereisit?”

“Guys!”Hazelpointedtothesky.

Circlingabovethepalmettotreesweretwolargeeagles.Higherup,descendingrapidly,was a flying chariot pulled by pegasi.Apparently Leo’s diversionwithBuford the endtablehadn’tworked—atleastnotforlong.

Aphroditespreadbutteronamuffinas if shehadall the time in theworld.“Oh, themapisatFortSumter,ofcourse.”Shepointedherbutterknifetowardtheislandacrosstheharbor.“ItlooksliketheRomanshavearrivedtocutyouoff.I’dgetbacktoyourshipinahurryifIwereyou.Wouldyoucareforsometeacakestogo?”

THEYDIDN’TMAKEITTOTHESHIP.

Halfwayacrossthedock,threegianteaglesdescendedinfrontofthem.EachdepositedaRomancommando inpurpleanddenimwithglitteringgoldarmor, sword,andshield.Theeaglesflewaway,andtheRomaninthemiddle,whowasscrawnierthantheothers,raisedhisvisor.

“SurrendertoRome!”Octavianshrieked.

Hazeldrewhercavalryswordandgrumbled,“Fatchance,Octavian.”

Annabeth cursed under her breath. By himself, the skinny augur wouldn’t havebothered her, but the two other guys looked like seasoned warriors—a lot bigger andstronger thanAnnabethwanted todealwith, especially sincePiperandshewerearmedonlywithdaggers.

Piperraisedherhandsinaplacatinggesture.“Octavian,whathappenedatcampwasasetup.Wecanexplain.”

“Can’t hear you!” Octavian yelled. “Wax in our ears—standard procedure whenbattlingevilsirens.Now,throwdownyourweaponsandturnaroundslowlysoIcanbindyourhands.”

“Letmeskewerhim,”Hazelmuttered.“Please.”

Theshipwasonlyfiftyfeetaway,butAnnabethsawnosignofCoachHedgeondeck.Hewasprobablybelow,watchinghisstupidmartialartsprograms.Jason’sgroupwasn’tdue back until sunset, and Percy would be underwater, unaware of the invasion. IfAnnabeth could get on board, she could use the ballistae; but therewas noway to getaroundthesethreeRomans.

Shewasrunningoutoftime.Theeaglescircledoverhead,cryingoutasiftoalerttheirbrethren:Hey, some tastyGreek demigods over here!Annabeth couldn’t see the flyingchariotanymore,butsheassumeditwascloseby.ShehadtofigureoutsomethingbeforemoreRomansarrived.

Sheneededhelp…somekindofdistresssignaltoCoachHedge,orevenbetter—Percy.

“Well?”Octaviandemanded.Histwofriendsbrandishedtheirswords.

Veryslowly,usingonlytwofingers,Annabethdrewherdagger.Insteadofdroppingit,shetosseditasfarasshecouldintothewater.

Octavian made a squeaking sound. “What was that for? I didn’t say toss it! Thatcould’vebeenevidence.Orspoilsofwar!”

Annabeth tried for a dumb-blonde smile, like:Oh, sillyme. Nobodywho knew herwouldhavebeenfooled.ButOctavianseemedtobuyit.Hehuffedinexasperation.

“Youothertwo…”HepointedhisbladeatHazelandPiper.“Putyourweaponsonthedock.Nofunnybus—”

Allaround theRomans,CharlestonHarborerupted likeaLasVegasfountainputtingon a show. When the wall of seawater subsided, the three Romans were in the bay,spluttering and frantically trying to stay afloat in their armor. Percy stood on the dock,holdingAnnabeth’sdagger.

“Youdroppedthis,”hesaid,totallypoker-faced.

Annabeththrewherarmsaroundhim.“Iloveyou!”

“Guys,”Hazelinterrupted.Shehadalittlesmileonherface.“Weneedtohurry.”

Downinthewater,Octavianyelled,“Getmeoutofhere!I’llkillyou!”

“Tempting,”Percycalleddown.

“What?”Octavianshouted.Hewasholdingontooneofhisguards,whowashavingtroublekeepingthembothafloat.

“Nothing!”Percyshoutedback.“Let’sgo,guys.”

Hazelfrowned.“Wecan’tletthemdrown,canwe?”

“Theywon’t,” Percy promised. “I’ve got thewater circulating around their feet. Assoonaswe’reoutofrange,I’llspitthemashore.”

Pipergrinned.“Nice.”

TheyclimbedaboardtheArgoII,andAnnabethrantothehelm.“Piper,getbelow.Use

thesinkinthegalleyforanIris-message.WarnJasontogetbackhere!”

Pipernoddedandracedoff.

“Hazel,gofindCoachHedgeandtellhimtogethisfurryhindquartersondeck!”

“Right!”

“AndPercy—youandIneedtogetthisshiptoFortSumter.”

Percynoddedandrantothemast.Annabethtookthehelm.Herhandsflewacrossthecontrols.She’djusthavetohopesheknewenoughtooperatethem.

Annabeth had seen Percy control full-sized sailing ships before with only hiswillpower.Thistime,hedidn’tdisappoint.Ropesflewontheirown—releasingthedockties,weighing theanchor.Thesailsunfurledandcaught thewind.MeanwhileAnnabethfired theengine.Theoarsextendedwithasoundlikemachine-gunfire,and theArgoIIturnedfromthedock,headingfortheislandinthedistance.

Thethreeeaglesstillcircledoverhead,but theymadenoattempttolandontheship,probablybecauseFestus the figureheadblew firewhenever theygot close.MoreeagleswereflyinginformationtowardFortSumter—atleastadozen.IfeachofthemcarriedaRomandemigod…thatwasalotofenemies.

CoachHedgecamepoundingupthestairswithHazelathishooves.

“Wherearethey?”hedemanded.“WhodoIkill?”

“Nokilling!”Annabethordered.“Justdefendtheship!”

“ButtheyinterruptedaChuckNorrismovie!”

Piperemergedfrombelow.“GotamessagethroughtoJason.Kindoffuzzy,buthe’salreadyonhisway.Heshouldbe—oh!There!”

Soaring over the city, heading in their direction, was a giant bald eagle, unlike thegoldenRomanbirds.

“Frank!”Hazelsaid.

Leowasholdingonto theeagle’sfeet,andevenfromtheship,Annabethcouldhearhimscreamingandcursing.

BehindthemflewJason,ridingthewind.

“NeverseenJasonflybefore,”Percygrumbled.“HelookslikeablondSuperman.”

“Thisisn’tthetime!”Piperscoldedhim.“Look,they’reintrouble!”

Sure enough, theRoman flying chariot had descended from a cloud andwas diving

straighttowardthem.JasonandFrankveeredoutoftheway,pullinguptoavoidgettingtrampled by the pegasi. The charioteers fired their bows.Arrowswhistled under Leo’sfeet,whichledtomorescreamingandcursing.JasonandFrankwereforcedtoovershoottheArgoIIandflytowardFortSumter.

“I’llget’em!”yelledCoachHedge.

Hespuntheportballista.BeforeAnnabethcouldyell,“Don’tbestupid!”Hedgefired.Aflamingspearrocketedtowardthechariot.

Itexplodedovertheheadsofthepegasiandthrewthemintoapanic.Unfortunatelyitalso singed Frank’s wings and sent him spiraling out of control. Leo slipped from hisgrasp.ThechariotshottowardFortSumter,slammingintoJason.

AnnabethwatchedinhorrorasJason—obviouslydazedandinpain—lungedforLeo,caught him, then struggled to gain altitude. He only managed to slow their fall. Theydisappearedbehind the rampartsof the fort.Frank tumbledafter them.Then thechariotdropped somewhere inside and hit with a bone-shatteringCRACK! One broken wheelspunintotheair.

“Coach!”Piperscreamed.

“What?”Hedgedemanded.“Thatwasjustawarningshot!”

Annabethgunnedtheengines.Thehullshudderedastheypickedupspeed.Thedocksoftheislandwereonlyahundredyardsawaynow,butadozenmoreeaglesweresoaringoverhead,eachcarryingaRomandemigodinitsclaws.

TheArgoII’screwwouldbeoutnumberedatleastthreetoone.

“Percy,”Annabethsaid,“we’regoingtocomeinhard.Ineedyoutocontrolthewatersowedon’tsmashintothedocks.Oncewe’rethere,you’regoingtohavetoholdofftheattackers.Therestofyouhelphimguardtheship.”

“But—Jason!”Pipersaid.

“FrankandLeo!”Hazeladded.

“I’llfindthem,”Annabethpromised.“I’vegottofigureoutwherethemapis.AndI’mprettysureI’mtheonlyonewhocandothat.”

“The fort is crawlingwith Romans,” Percywarned. “You’ll have to fight yourwaythrough,findourfriends—assumingthey’reokay—findthismap,andgeteverybodybackalive.Allonyourown?”

“Justanaverageday.”Annabethkissedhim.“Whateveryoudo,don’tletthemtakethisship!”

THENEWCIVILWARHADBEGUN.

Leohadsomehowescapedhisfallunharmed.Annabethsawhimduckingfromporticotoportico,blastingfireatthegianteaglesswoopingdownonhim.Romandemigodstriedtochasehim,trippingoverpilesofcannonballsanddodgingtourists,whoscreamedandranincircles.

Tourguideskeptyelling,“It’sjustareenactment!”Thoughtheydidn’tsoundsure.TheMistcouldonlydosomuchtochangewhatmortalssaw.

In the middle of the courtyard, a full-grown elephant—could that be Frank?—rampagedaroundtheflagpoles,scatteringRomanwarriors.Jasonstoodaboutfiftyyardsaway, sword-fighting with a stocky centurion whose lips were stained cherry red, likeblood.Awannabevampire,ormaybeaKool-Aidfreak?

AsAnnabethwatched,Jasonyelled,“Sorryaboutthis,Dakota!”

Hevaultedstraightover thecenturion’sheadlikeanacrobatandslammedthehiltofhisgladiusintothebackoftheRoman’shead.Dakotacrumpled.

“Jason!”Annabethcalled.

Hescannedthebattlefielduntilhesawher.

ShepointedtowheretheArgoIIwasdocked.“Gettheothersaboard!Retreat!”

“Whataboutyou?”hecalled.

“Don’twaitforme!”

Annabethboltedoffbeforehecouldprotest.

She had a hard time maneuvering through the mobs of tourists.Why did so manypeople want to see Fort Sumter on a sweltering summer day? But Annabeth quicklyrealizedthecrowdshadsavedtheirlives.Withoutthechaosofallthesepanickedmortals,theRomanswouldhavealreadysurroundedtheiroutnumberedcrew.

Annabethdodgedintoasmallroomthatmusthavebeenpartofthegarrison.Shetriedtosteadyherbreathing.SheimaginedwhatitwouldhavebeenliketobeaUnionsoldieron this island in 1861. Surrounded by enemies. Dwindling food and supplies, noreinforcementscoming.

SomeoftheUniondefendershadbeenchildrenofAthena.They’dhiddenanimportantmaphere—something theydidn’twant falling intoenemyhands. IfAnnabethhadbeenoneofthosedemigods,wherewouldshehaveputit?

Suddenly thewalls glistened.The air becamewarm.Annabethwondered if shewashallucinating.Shewasabouttorunfortheexitwhenthedoorslammedshut.Themortarbetween the stones blistered. The bubbles popped, and thousands of tiny black spidersswelledforth.

Annabethcouldn’tmove.Herheartseemedtohavestopped.Thespidersblanketedthewalls, crawling over one another, spreading across the floor and gradually surroundingher.Itwasimpossible.Thiscouldn’tbereal.

Terror plunged her into memories. She was seven years old again, alone in herbedroominRichmond,Virginia.Thespiderscameatnight.Theycrawledinwavesfromherclosetandwaitedintheshadows.Sheyelledforherfather,butherfatherwasawayforwork.Healwaysseemedtobeawayforwork.

Herstepmothercameinstead.

Idon’tmindbeingthebadcop,shehadoncetoldAnnabeth’sfather,whenshedidn’tthinkAnnabethcouldhear.

It’sonlyyourimagination,herstepmothersaidaboutthespiders.You’rescaringyourbabybrothers.

They’re notmy brothers,Annabeth argued,whichmadeher stepmother’s expressionharden.Hereyeswerealmostasscaryasthespiders.

Gotosleepnow,herstepmotherinsisted.Nomorescreaming.

Thespiderscamebackassoonasherstepmotherhadlefttheroom.Annabethtriedtohide under the covers, but it was no good. Eventually she fell asleep from sheerexhaustion.Shewokeupinthemorning,freckledwithbites,cobwebscoveringhereyes,hermouth,andnose.

Thebitesfadedbeforesheevengotdressed,soshehadnothingtoshowherstepmotherexceptcobwebs,whichherstepmotherthoughtwassomesortofclevertrick.

Nomoretalkofspiders,herstepmothersaidfirmly.You’reabiggirlnow.

Thesecondnight,thespiderscameagain.Herstepmothercontinuedtobethebadcop.Annabethwasn’t allowed to call her father and bother himwith this nonsense. No, hewouldnotcomehomeearly.

Thethirdnight,Annabethranawayfromhome.

Later,atCampHalf-Blood,shelearnedthatallchildrenofAthenafearedspiders.Longago, Athena had taught themortal weaver Arachne a hard lesson—cursing her for herpride by turning her into the first spider. Ever since, spiders had hated the children ofAthena.

But that didn’tmake her fear easier to dealwith.Once, she’d almost killedConnorStollatcampforputtingatarantulainherbunk.Yearslater,she’dhadapanicattackatawaterparkinDenver,whenPercyandshewereassaultedbymechanicalspiders.Andthepastfewweeks,Annabethhaddreamedofspidersalmosteverynight—crawlingoverher,suffocatingher,wrappingherinwebs.

Now,standinginthebarracksatFortSumter,shewassurrounded.Hernightmareshadcometrue.

Asleepyvoicemurmuredinherhead:Soon,mydear.Youwillmeettheweaversoon.

“Gaea?”Annabethmurmured. She feared the answer, but she asked: “Who—who istheweaver?”

Thespidersbecameexcited,swarmingoverthewalls,swirlingaroundAnnabeth’sfeetlikeaglisteningblackwhirlpool.OnlythehopethatitmightbeanillusionkeptAnnabethfrompassingoutfromfear.

Ihopeyousurvive,child,thewoman’svoicesaid.Iwouldpreferyouasmysacrifice.Butwemustlettheweavertakeherrevenge…

Gaea’svoice faded.On the farwall, in thecenterof thespider swarm,a redsymbolblazedtolife: thefigureofanowlliketheoneonthesilverdrachma,staringstraightatAnnabeth.Then, justas inhernightmares, theMarkofAthenaburnedacross thewalls,incinerating the spiders until the roomwas empty except for the smell of sickly sweetashes.

Go,saidanewvoice—Annabeth’smother.Avengeme.FollowtheMark.

Theblazingsymbolof theowl faded.Thegarrisondoorburstopen.Annabeth stood

stunned in themiddleof the room,unsurewhether she’d seen something real, or just avision.

An explosion shook the building. Annabeth remembered that her friends were indanger.She’dstayedheremuchtoolong.

Sheforcedherselftomove.Stilltrembling,shestumbledoutside.Theoceanairhelpedclearhermind.Shegazed across the courtyard—past thepanicked tourists and fightingdemigods—totheedgeofthebattlements,wherealargemortarpointedouttosea.

Itmight have beenAnnabeth’s imagination, but the old artillery piece seemed to beglowing red. She dashed toward it.An eagle swooped at her, but she ducked and keptrunning.Nothingcouldpossiblyscareherasmuchasthosespiders.

Roman demigods had formed ranks and were advancing toward the Argo II, but aminiaturestormhadgatheredovertheirheads.Thoughthedaywasclearallaroundthem,thunder rumbled, and lightning flashed above theRomans.Rain andwindpushed themback.

Annabethdidn’tstoptothinkaboutit.

Shereachedthemortarandputherhandonthemuzzle.Ontheplugthatblockedtheopening,theMarkofAthenabegantoglow—theredoutlineofanowl.

“Inthemortar,”shesaid.“Ofcourse.”

Shepriedattheplugwithherfingers.Noluck.Cursing,shedrewherdagger.AssoonastheCelestialbronzetouchedtheplug,theplugshrankandloosened.Annabethpulleditoffandstuckherhandinsidethecannon.

Herfingerstouchedsomethingcold,smooth,andmetal.Shepulledoutasmalldiskofbronzethesizeofateasaucer,etchedwithdelicatelettersandillustrations.Shedecidedtoexamineitlater.Shethrustitinherpackandturned.

“Rushingoff?”Reynaasked.

Thepraetorstoodtenfeetaway,infullbattlearmor,holdingagoldenjavelin.Hertwometalgreyhoundsgrowledatherside.

Annabeth scanned the area. Theyweremore or less alone.Most of the combat hadmovedtowardthedocks.Hopefullyherfriendshadallmadeitonboard,butthey’dhavetosetsailimmediatelyorriskbeingoverrun.Annabethhadtohurry.

“Reyna,” she said, “what happened at Camp Jupiter was Gaea’s fault. Eidolons,possessingspirits—”

“Saveyourexplanations,”Reynasaid.“You’llneedthemforthetrial.”

Thedogssnarledandinchedforward.Thistime,itdidn’tseemtomattertothemthatAnnabethwastellingthetruth.Shetriedtothinkofanescapeplan.ShedoubtedshecouldtakeReynainone-on-onecombat.Withthosemetaldogs,shestoodnochanceatall.

“IfyouletGaeadriveourcampsapart,”Annabethsaid,“thegiantshavealreadywon.They’lldestroytheRomans,theGreeks,thegods,thewholemortalworld.”

“Don’tyouthinkIknowthat?”Reyna’svoicewasashardasiron.“Whatchoicehaveyouleftme?Octaviansmellsblood.He’swhippedthelegionintoafrenzy,andIcan’tstopit.Surrendertome.I’llbringyoubacktoNewRomefortrial.Itwon’tbefair.You’llbepainfully executed. But itmay be enough to stop further violence. Octavian won’t besatisfied,ofcourse,butIthinkIcanconvincetheotherstostanddown.”

“Itwasn’tme!”

“Itdoesn’tmatter!”Reynasnapped.“Someonemustpayforwhathappened.Letitbeyou.It’sthebetteroption.”

Annabeth’sskincrawled.“Betterthanwhat?”

“Usethatwisdomofyours,”Reynasaid.“Ifyouescapetoday,wewon’tfollow.Itoldyou—notevenamadmanwouldcrosstheseatotheancientlands.IfOctaviancan’thavevengeance on your ship, he’ll turn his attention to Camp Half-Blood. The legion willmarchonyourterritory.Wewillrazeitandsalttheearth.”

KilltheRomans,sheheardhermotherurging.Theycanneverbeyourallies.

Annabethwantedtosob.CampHalf-Bloodwastheonlyrealhomeshe’deverknown,andinabidforfriendship,shehadtoldReynaexactlywheretofindit.Shecouldn’tleaveitatthemercyoftheRomansandtravelhalfwayaroundtheworld.

Buttheirquest,andeverythingshe’dsufferedtogetPercyback…ifshedidn’tgototheancientlands,itwouldallmeannothing.Besides,theMarkofAthenadidn’thavetoleadtorevenge.

IfIcouldfindtheroute,hermotherhadsaid,thewayhome…

Howwillyouuseyourreward?Aphroditehadasked.Forwarorpeace?

Therewasananswer.TheMarkofAthenacouldleadherthere—ifshesurvived.

“I’mgoing,”shetoldReyna.“I’mfollowingtheMarkofAthenatoRome.”

Thepraetorshookherhead.“Youhavenoideawhatawaitsyou.”

“Yes,Ido,”Annabethsaid.“Thisgrudgebetweenourcamps…Icanfixit.”

“Ourgrudgeisthousandsofyearsold.Howcanonepersonfixit?”

Annabethwishedshecouldgiveaconvincinganswer,showReynaa3-Ddiagramorabrilliantschematic,butshecouldn’t.Shejustknewshehadto try.Sherememberedthatlostlookonhermother’sface:Imustreturnhome.

“Thequesthastosucceed,”shesaid.“Youcantrytostopme,inwhichcasewe’llhavetofighttothedeath.Oryoucanletmego,andI’lltrytosavebothourcamps.IfyoumustmarchonCampHalf-Blood,atleasttrytodelay.SlowOctaviandown.”

Reyna’s eyes narrowed. “One daughter of a war goddess to another, I respect yourboldness.Butifyouleavenow,youdoomyourcamptodestruction.”

“Don’tunderestimateCampHalf-Blood,”Annabethwarned.

“You’veneverseenthelegionatwar,”Reynacountered.

Overbythedocks,afamiliarvoiceshriekedoverthewind:“Killthem!Killthemall!”

Octavian had survived his swim in the harbor. He crouched behind his guards,screamingencouragementattheotherRomandemigodsastheystruggledtowardtheship,holdinguptheirshieldsasifthatwoulddeflectthestormragingallaroundthem.

On the deck of the Argo II, Percy and Jason stood together, their swords crossed.Annabeth got a tingle down her spine as she realized the boys were working as one,summoning the sky and the sea to do their bidding.Water andwind churned together.Wavesheavedagainsttherampartsandlightningflashed.Gianteagleswereknockedoutofthesky.Wreckageoftheflyingchariotburnedinthewater,andCoachHedgeswungamountedcrossbow,takingpotshotsattheRomanbirdsastheyflewoverhead.

“Yousee?”Reynasaidbitterly.“Thespearisthrown.Ourpeopleareatwar.”

“NotifIsucceed,”Annabethsaid.

Reyna’sexpressionlookedthesameasithadatCampJupiterwhensherealizedJasonhad found another girl. The praetor was too alone, too bitter and betrayed to believeanythingcouldgorightforhereveragain.Annabethwaitedforhertoattack.

Instead,Reynaflickedherhand.Themetaldogsbackedaway.“AnnabethChase,”shesaid,“whenwemeetagain,wewillbeenemiesonthefieldofbattle.”

Thepraetorturnedandwalkedacrosstheramparts,hergreyhoundsbehindher.

Annabethfeareditmightbesomesortoftrick,butshehadnotimetowonder.Sheranfortheship.

ThewindsthatbatteredtheRomansdidn’tseemtoaffecther.

Annabethsprintedthroughtheirlines.Octavianyelled,“Stopher!”

Aspearflewpastherear.TheArgoIIwasalreadypullingawayfromthedock.Piperwasatthegangplank,herhandoutstretched.

Annabeth leaped andgrabbedPiper’s hand.Thegangplank fell into the sea, and thetwogirlstumbledontothedeck.

“Go!”Annabethscreamed.“Go,go,go!”

Theenginesrumbledbeneathher.Theoarschurned.Jasonchangedthecourseof thewind, and Percy called up amassivewave,which lifted the ship higher than the fort’swallsandpusheditouttosea.BythetimetheArgoIIreachedtopspeed,FortSumterwasonly a blot in the distance, and they were racing across the waves toward the ancientlands.

AFTERRAIDINGAMUSEUMFULLOFConfederateghosts,Leodidn’tthinkhisdaycouldgetanyworse.Hewaswrong.

Theyhadn’t foundanything in theCivilWarsuborelsewhere in themuseum; justafewelderlytourists,adozingsecurityguard,and—whentheytriedtoinspecttheartifacts—awholebattalionofglowingzombiedudesingrayuniforms.

The idea that Frank should be able to control the spirits? Yeah…that pretty muchfailed.BythetimePipersentherIris-messagewarningthemabouttheRomanattack,theywerealreadyhalfwaybacktotheship,havingbeenchasedthroughdowntownCharlestonbyapackofangrydeadConfederates.

Then—oh,boy!—LeogottohitcharidewithFranktheFriendlyEaglesotheycouldfight abunchofRomans.Rumormust’vegottenaround thatLeowas theonewhohadfiredontheirlittlecity,becausethoseRomansseemedespeciallyanxioustokillhim.

Butwait!Therewasmore!CoachHedgeshotthemoutofthesky;Frankdroppedhim(thatwasnoaccident);andtheycrash-landedinFortSumter.

Now,astheArgoIIracedacrossthewaves,Leohadtouseallhisskilljusttokeeptheshipinonepiece.PercyandJasonwerealittletoogoodatcookingupmassivestorms.

Atonepoint,Annabethstoodnexttohim,yellingagainsttheroarofthewind:“PercysayshetalkedtoaNereidinCharlestonHarbor!”

“Goodforhim!”Leoyelledback.

“TheNereidsaidweshouldseekhelpfromChiron’sbrothers.”

“Whatdoesthatmean?ThePartyPonies?”LeohadnevermetChiron’scrazycentaur

relatives, but he’d heard rumors ofNerf sword-fights, root beer–chugging contests, andSuperSoakersfilledwithpressurizedwhippedcream.

“Not sure,” Annabeth said. “But I’ve got coordinates. Can you input latitude andlongitudeinthisthing?”

“I can input star charts and order you a smoothie, if youwant. Of course I can dolatitudeandlongitude!”

Annabeth rattled off the numbers. Leo somehow managed to punch them in whileholdingthewheelwithonehand.Areddotpoppeduponthebronzedisplayscreen.

“Thatlocationis inthemiddleoftheAtlantic,”hesaid.“DothePartyPonieshaveayacht?”

Annabeth shrugged helplessly. “Just hold the ship together untilwe get farther fromCharleston.JasonandPercywillkeepupthewinds!”

“Happyfuntime!”

Itseemedlikeforever,butfinallytheseacalmedandthewindsdied.

“Valdez,” said Coach Hedge, with surprising gentleness. “Let me take the wheel.You’vebeensteeringfortwohours.”

“Twohours?”

“Yeah.Givemethewheel.”

“Coach?”

“Yeah,kid?”

“Ican’tunclenchmyhands.”

It was true. Leo’s fingers felt like they had turned to stone. His eyes burned fromstaringatthehorizon.Hiskneesweremarshmallows.CoachHedgemanagedtopryhimfromthewheel.

Leo took one last look at the console, listening to Festus chatter and whir a statusreport.Leofeltlikehewasforgettingsomething.Hestaredatthecontrols,tryingtothink,but itwasnogood.Hiseyescouldhardly focus.“Justwatch formonsters,”he told thecoach.“Andbecarefulwiththedamagedstabilizer.And—”

“I’vegotitcovered,”CoachHedgepromised.“Now,goaway!”

Leonoddedwearily.Hestaggeredacrossthedecktowardhisfriends.

Percy and Jason sat with their backs against the mast, their heads slumped in

exhaustion.AnnabethandPiperweretryingtogetthemtodrinksomewater.

HazelandFrankstoodjustoutofearshot,havinganargumentthatinvolvedlotsofarmwavingandheadshaking.Leoshouldnothavefeltpleasedaboutthat,butpartofhimdid.Theotherpartofhimfeltbadthathefeltpleased.

TheargumentstoppedabruptlywhenHazelsawLeo.Everybodygatheredatthemast.

Frankscowledlikehewastryinghardtoturnintoabulldog.“Nosignofpursuit,”hesaid.

“Orland,”Hazeladded.Shelookedalittlegreen,thoughLeowasn’tsureifthatwasfromtherockingoftheboatorfromarguing.

Leo scanned the horizon.Nothing but ocean in every direction.That shouldn’t havesurprised him. He’d spent six months building a ship that he knew would cross theAtlantic.Butuntiltoday,theirembarkingonajourneytotheancientlandshadn’tseemedreal.LeohadneverbeenoutsidetheU.S.before—exceptforaquickdragonflightuptoQuebec.Nowtheywereinthemiddleoftheopensea,completelyontheirown,sailingtotheMareNostrum,where all the scarymonsters and nasty giants had come from. TheRomansmight not follow them, but they couldn’t count on any help fromCampHalf-Blood,either.

Leopattedhiswaist tomakesurehis toolbeltwasstill there.Unfortunately that justremindedhimofNemesis’sfortunecookie,tuckedinsideoneofthepockets.

Youwillalwaysbeanoutsider.Thegoddess’svoicestillwriggledaroundinhishead.Theseventhwheel.

Forgether,Leotoldhimself.Concentrateonthestuffyoucanfix.

HeturnedtoAnnabeth.“Didyoufindthemapyouwanted?”

Shenodded,thoughshelookedpale.Leowonderedwhatshe’dseenatFortSumterthatcouldhaveshakenherupsobadly.

“I’llhavetostudyit,”shesaid,asifthatwastheendofthesubject.“Howfararewefromthosecoordinates?”

“Attoprowingspeed,aboutanhour,”Leosaid.“Anyideawhatwe’relookingfor?”

“No,”sheadmitted.“Percy?”

Percy raised his head.His green eyeswere bloodshot and droopy. “TheNereid saidChiron’sbrotherswere there, and they’dwant tohear about that aquarium inAtlanta. Idon’tknowwhatshemeant,but…”Hepaused,likehe’dusedupallhisenergysayingthatmuch. “She alsowarnedme tobe careful.Keto, thegoddess at the aquarium: she’s the

motherofseamonsters.ShemightbestuckinAtlanta,butshecanstillsendherchildrenafterus.TheNereidsaidweshouldexpectanattack.”

“Wonderful,”Frankmuttered.

Jason tried to stand,whichwasn’tagood idea.Pipergrabbedhim tokeephimfromfallingover,andheslidbackdownthemast.

“Canwegettheshipaloft?”heasked.“Ifwecouldfly—”

“That’d be great,” Leo said. “Except Festus tells me the port aerial stabilizer gotpulverizedwhentheshiprakedagainstthedockatFortSumter.”

“Wewereinahurry,”Annabethsaid.“Tryingtosaveyou.”

“Andsavingmeisaverynoblecause,”Leoagreed.“I’mjustsaying, it’ll takesometimetofix.Untilthen,we’renotflyinganywhere.”

Percyflexedhisshouldersandwinced.“Finewithme.Theseaisgood.”

“Speak for yourself.” Hazel glanced at the evening sun, which was almost to thehorizon.“Weneed togo fast.We’veburnedanotherday,andNicoonlyhas threemoreleft.”

“Wecandoit,”Leopromised.HehopedHazelhadforgivenhimfornot trustingherbrother (hey, it had seemed like a reasonable suspicion to Leo), but he didn’t want toreopenthatwound.“WecanmakeittoRomeinthreedays—assuming,youknow,nothingunexpectedhappens.”

Frankgrunted.Helookedlikehewasstillworkingonthatbulldogtransformation.“Isthereanygoodnews?”

“Actually,yes,”Leosaid.“AccordingtoFestus,ourflyingtable,Buford,madeitbacksafelywhilewewereinCharleston,sothoseeaglesdidn’tgethim.Unfortunately,helostthelaundrybagwithyourpants.”

“Dangit!”Frankbarked,whichLeofiguredwasprobablysevereprofanityforhim.

NodoubtFrankwould’vecursedsomemore—bustingoutthegollygeesandthegoshdarns—butPercyinterruptedbydoublingoverandgroaning.

“Didtheworldjustturnupsidedown?”heasked.

Jasonpressedhishandstohishead.“Yeah,andit’sspinning.Everythingisyellow.Isitsupposedtobeyellow?”

AnnabethandPiperexchangedconcernedlooks.

“Summoningthatstormreallysappedyourstrength,”Pipertoldtheboys.“You’vegot

torest.”

Annabethnoddedagreement.“Frank,canyouhelpusgettheguysbelowdecks?”

FrankglancedatLeo,nodoubtreluctanttoleavehimalonewithHazel.

“It’sfine,man,”Leosaid.“Justtrynottodropthemonthewaydownthestairs.”

Once theotherswerebelow,Hazel andLeo facedeachother awkwardly.Theywerealone except forCoachHedge,whowas back on the quarterdeck singing thePokémontheme song. The coach had changed the words to:Gotta Kill ’Em All, and Leo reallydidn’twanttoknowwhy.

Thesongdidn’tseemtohelpHazel’snausea.

“Ugh…”Sheleanedoverandhuggedhersides.Shehadnicehair—frizzyandgoldenbrown like curls of cinnamon.Her hair remindedLeoof a place inHouston thatmadeexcellentchurros.Thethoughtmadehimhungry.

“Don’tleanover,”headvised.“Don’tcloseyoureyes.Itmakesthequeasinessworse.”

“Itdoes?Doyougetseasicktoo?”

“Notseasick.Butcarsmakemenauseous,and…”

Hestoppedhimself.Hewantedtosay talkingtogirls,buthedecided tokeep that tohimself.

“Cars?”Hazelstraightenedwithdifficulty.“Youcansailashiporflyadragon,butcarsmakeyousick?”

“I know, right?” Leo shrugged. “I’m special thatway. Look, keep your eyes on thehorizon.That’safixedpoint.It’llhelp.”

Hazeltookadeepbreathandstaredintothedistance.Hereyeswerelustrousgold,likethecopperandbronzedisksinsideFestus’smechanicalhead.

“Anybetter?”heasked.

“Maybealittle.”Shesoundedlikeshewasjustbeingpolite.Shekepthereyesonthehorizon,butLeogotthefeelingshewasgauginghismood,consideringwhattosay.

“Frank didn’t drop you on purpose,” she said. “He’s not like that. He’s just a littleclumsysometimes.”

“Oops,”Leosaid,inhisbestFrankZhangvoice.“DroppedLeointoasquadofenemysoldiers.Dangit!”

Hazeltriedtosuppressasmile.Leofiguredsmilingwasbetterthanthrowingup.

“Goeasyonhim,”Hazelsaid.“YouandyourfireballsmakeFranknervous.”

“Theguycanturnintoanelephant,andImakehimnervous?”

Hazelkepthereyeson thehorizon.Shedidn’t lookquite soqueasy,despite the factthatCoachHedgewasstillsinginghisPokémonsongatthehelm.

“Leo,”shesaid,“aboutwhathappenedattheGreatSaltLake…”

Hereitcomes,Leothought.

HerememberedtheirmeetingwiththerevengegoddessNemesis.Thefortunecookieinhistoolbeltstartedtofeelheavier.Lastnight,astheyflewfromAtlanta,Leohadlaininhiscabinandthoughtabouthowangryhe’dmadeHazel.Hehadthoughtaboutwayshecouldmakeitright.

Soonyouwillfaceaproblemyoucannotsolve,Nemesishadsaid,thoughIcouldhelpyou…foraprice.

Leo had taken the fortune cookie out of his tool belt and turned it in his fingers,wonderingwhatpricehewouldhavetopayifhebrokeitopen.

Maybenowwasthemoment.

“I’dbewilling,”hetoldHazel.“Icouldusethefortunecookietofindyourbrother.”

Hazel looked stunned. “What?No! Imean…I’d never ask you to do that.Not afterwhatNemesissaidaboutthehorriblecost.Webarelyknoweachother!”

Thebarelyknoweachothercommentkindofhurt,thoughLeoknewitwastrue.

“So…that’snotwhatyouwantedtotalkabout?”heasked.“Uh,didyouwanttotalkabouttheholding-hands-on-the-bouldermoment?Because—”

“No!” she said quickly, fanning her face in that cute way she did when she wasflustered. “No, I was just thinking about the way you tricked Narcissus and thosenymphs…”

“Oh, right.” Leo glanced self-consciously at his arm. The HOT STUFF tattoo hadn’tcompletelyfaded.“Seemedlikeagoodideaatthetime.”

“Youwereamazing,”Hazelsaid.“I’vebeenmullingitover,howmuchyouremindedmeof—”

“Sammy,”Leoguessed.“Iwishyou’dtellmewhoheis.”

“Whohewas,”Hazel corrected. The evening airwaswarm, but she shivered. “I’vebeenthinking…Imightbeabletoshowyou.”

“Youmeanlikeaphoto?”

“No.There’sasortofflashbackthathappenstome.Ihaven’thadoneinalongtime,andI’venevertriedtomakeonehappenonpurpose.ButIsharedonewithFrankonce,soIthought…”

Hazel locked eyeswith him. Leo started to feel jittery, like he’d been injectedwithcoffee. If this flashbackwas something Frank had sharedwithHazel…well, eitherLeodidn’twantanypartofit,orhedefinitelywantedtotryit.Hewasn’tsurewhich.

“Whenyousayflashback…”Heswallowed.“Whatexactlyarewetalkingabout?Isitsafe?”

Hazelheldoutherhand.“Iwouldn’taskyoutodothis,butI’msureit’simportant.Itcan’tbeacoincidencewemet.Ifthisworks,maybewecanfinallyunderstandhowwe’reconnected.”

Leo glanced back at the helm. He still had a nagging suspicion he’d forgottensomething,butCoachHedgeseemedtobedoingfine.Theskyaheadwasclear.Therewasnosignoftrouble.

Besides,aflashbacksoundedlikeaprettybriefthing.Itcouldn’thurttoletthecoachbeinchargeforafewmoreminutes,couldit?

“Okay,”herelented.“Showme.”

HetookHazel’shand,andtheworlddissolved.

THEY STOOD INTHECOURTYARD of an old compound, like amonastery.Red brickwallswereovergrownwithvines.Bigmagnoliatreeshadcrackedthepavement.Thesunbeatdown, and thehumiditywas about twohundredpercent, even stickier than inHouston.Somewherenearby,Leosmelledfishfrying.Overhead,thecloudcoverwaslowandgray,stripedlikeatiger’spelt.

Thecourtyardwasaboutthesizeofabasketballcourt.Anolddeflatedfootballsatinonecorner,atthebaseofaVirginMarystatue.

Along the sides of the buildings, windows were open. Leo could see flickers ofmovementinside,butitwaseerilyquiet.Hesawnosignofairconditioning,whichmeantitmusthavebeenathousanddegreesinthere.

“Wherearewe?”heasked.

“Myoldschool,”Hazelsaidnext tohim.“St.AgnesAcademyforColoredChildrenandIndians.”

“Whatkindofname—?”

HeturnedtowardHazelandyelped.Shewasaghost—justavaporoussilhouetteinthesteamyair.Leolookeddownandrealizedhisownbodyhadturnedtomisttoo.

Everythingaroundhimseemedsolidandreal,buthewasaspirit.Afterhavingbeenpossessedbyaneidolonthreedaysago,hedidn’tappreciatethefeeling.

Beforehecouldaskquestions,abell ranginside:notamodernelectronicsound,buttheold-fashionedbuzzofahammeronmetal.

“Thisisamemory,”Hazelsaid,“sonoonewillseeus.Look,herewecome.”

“We?”

From every door, dozens of children spilled into the courtyard, yelling and jostlingeachother.TheyweremostlyAfricanAmerican,with a sprinkling ofHispanic-lookingkids,asyoungaskindergartnersandasoldashighschoolers.Leocouldtellthiswasinthepast,becauseall thegirlsworedressesandbuckled leathershoes.Theboysworewhitecollaredshirtsandpantsheldupbysuspenders.Manyworecapslikehorsejockeyswear.Somekids carried lunches.Manydidn’t.Their clotheswere clean, butworn and faded.Somehadholesinthekneesoftheirtrousers,orshoeswiththeheelscomingapart.

Afewofthegirlsbeganplayingjumpropewithanoldpieceofclothesline.Theolderguys tossed a ratty baseball back and forth.Kidswith lunches sat together and ate andchatted.

NoonepaidGhostHazelorLeoanyattention.

Then Hazel—Hazel from the past—stepped into the courtyard. Leo recognized herwith no problem, though she looked about two years younger than now. Her hair waspinnedbackinabun.Hergoldeyesdartedaroundthecourtyarduneasily.Sheworeadarkdress,unliketheothergirlsintheirwhitecottonorpastelfloweryprints,soshestoodoutlikeamourneratawedding.

Shegrippedacanvaslunchbagandmovedalongthewall,asiftryinghardnottobenoticed.

Itdidn’twork.Aboycalledout, “Witchgirl!”He lumbered towardher,backingherintoacorner.Theboycouldhavebeenfourteenornineteen.Itwashardtotellbecausehewassobigandtall,easilythelargestguyontheplayground.Leofiguredhe’dbeenheldbackafewtimes.Heworeadirtyshirtthecolorofgreaserags,threadbarewooltrousers(inthisheat,theycouldn’thavebeencomfortable),andnoshoesatall.Maybetheteachersweretooterrifiedtoinsistthatthiskidwearshoes,ormaybehejustdidn’thaveany.

“That’sRufus,”saidGhostHazelwithdistaste.

“Seriously?NowayhisnameisRufus,”Leosaid.

“Comeon,”saidGhostHazel.Shedriftedtowardtheconfrontation.Leofollowed.Hewasn’tused todrifting,buthe’d riddenaSegwayonceand itwaskindof like that.Hesimplyleanedinthedirectionhewantedtogoandglidedalong.

ThebigkidRufushadflatfeatures,asifhespentmostofhistimeface-plantingonthesidewalk.Hishairwascutjustasflatontop,sominiatureairplanescould’veuseditforalandingstrip.

Rufusthrustouthishand.“Lunch.”

Hazel from thepast didn’t protest.Shehandedover her canvasbag like thiswas aneverydayoccurrence.

Afewoldergirlsdriftedovertowatchthefun.OnegiggledatRufus.“Youdon’twanttoeatthat,”shewarned.“It’sprobablypoison.”

“You’reright,”Rufussaid.“Didyourwitchmommakethis,Levesque?”

“She’snotawitch,”Hazelmuttered.

Rufusdropped thebagandsteppedon it, smashing thecontentsunderhisbareheel.“Youcanhaveitback.Iwantadiamond,though.Ihearyourmommacanmakethoseoutofthinair.Gimmeadiamond.”

“Idon’thavediamonds,”Hazelsaid.“Goaway.”

Rufusballedhisfists.Leohadbeeninenoughroughschoolsandfosterhomestosensewhenthingswereabouttoturnugly.HewantedtostepinandhelpHazel,buthewasaghost.Besides,allthishadhappeneddecadesago.

Thenanotherkidstumbledoutsideintothesunlight.

Leosuckedinhisbreath.Theboylookedexactlylikehim.

“Yousee?”askedGhostHazel.

Fake Leowas the same height as Regular Leo—meaning hewas short. He had thesame nervous energy—tapping his fingers against his trousers, brushing at his whitecottonshirt,adjustingthejockeycaponhiscurlybrownhair.(Really,Leothought,shortpeople should notwear jockey caps unless theywere jockeys.) FakeLeohad the samedevilishsmile thatgreetedRegularLeowheneverhe looked inamirror—anexpressionthatmade teachers immediatelyshout,“Don’teven thinkabout it!”andplophim in thefrontrow.

Apparently,FakeLeohadjustbeenscoldedbyateacher.Hewasholdingaduncecap—an honest-to-goodness cardboard cone that said DUNCE. Leo thought those weresomethingyouonlysawincartoons.

He could understand why Fake Leo wasn’t wearing it. Bad enough to look like ajockey.Withthatconeonhishead,hewould’velookedlikeagnome.

SomekidsbackedupwhenFakeLeoburstontothescene.Othersnudgedeachotherandrantowardhimliketheywereexpectingashow.

Meanwhile,FlatheadRufuswasstilltryingtopunkHazeloutofadiamond,oblivioustoFakeLeo’sarrival.

“Comeon,girl.”RufusloomedoverHazelwithhisfistsclenched.“Giveit!”

Hazelpressedherselfagainstthewall.Suddenlythegroundatherfeetwentsnap,likeatwigbreaking.Aperfectdiamondthesizeofapistachioglitteredbetweenherfeet.

“Ha!”Rufusbarkedwhenhesawit.Hestartedtoleandown,butHazelyelped,“No,please!”asifshewasgenuinelyconcernedforthebiggoon.

That’swhenFakeLeostrolledover.

Here it comes, Leo thought. Fake Leo is gonna bust out some Coach Hedge–stylejujitsuandsavetheday.

Instead, Fake Leo put the top of the dunce cap to hismouth like amegaphone andyelled,“CUT!”

He said it with such authority all the other kids momentarily froze. Even Rufusstraightenedandbackedawayinconfusion.

Oneofthelittleboyssnickeredunderhisbreath:“HammySammy.”

Sammy…Leoshivered.Whotheheckwasthiskid?

Sammy/FakeLeostormeduptoRufuswithhisduncecapinhishand,lookingangry.“No, no, no!” he announced, waving his free handwildly at the other kids, whoweregatheringtowatchtheentertainment.

Sammy turned to Hazel. “Miss Lamarr, your line is…” Sammy looked around inexasperation.“Script!WhatisHedyLamarr’sline?”

“‘No,please,youvillain!’”oneoftheboyscalledout.

“Thank you!” Sammy said. “Miss Lamarr, you’re supposed to say,No, please, youvillain!Andyou,ClarkGable—”

Thewholecourtyardburst into laughter.LeovaguelyknewClarkGablewasanold-timey actor, but he didn’t knowmuch else. Apparently, though, the idea that FlatheadRufuscouldbeClarkGablewashilarioustothekids.

“Mr.Gable—”

“No!”oneofthegirlscried.“MakehimGaryCooper.”

More laughter.Rufus lookedas ifhewereabout toblowavalve.Heballedhis fistslikehewantedtohitsomebody,buthecouldn’tattacktheentireschool.Heclearlyhatedbeinglaughedat,buthisslowlittlemindcouldn’tquiteworkoutwhatSammywasupto.

Leonoddedinappreciation.Sammywaslikehim.Leohaddonethesamekindofstufftobulliesforyears.

“Right!” Sammy yelled imperiously. “Mr. Cooper, you say,Oh, but the diamond ismine,mytreacherousdarling!Andthenyouscoopupthediamondlikethis!”

“Sammy,no!”Hazelprotested,butSammysnatchedupthestoneandslippeditintohispocketinonesmoothmove.

HewheeledonRufus.“Iwantemotion! Iwant the ladies in theaudienceswooning!Ladies,didMr.Coopermakeyouswoonjustnow?”

“No,”severalofthemcalledback.

“There,you see?”Sammycried. “Now, from the top!”heyelled intohisduncecap.“Action!”

Rufuswasjuststartingtogetoverhisconfusion.HesteppedtowardSammyandsaid,“Valdez,I’mgonna—”

Thebellrang.Kidsswarmedthedoors.SammypulledHazeloutofthewayasthelittleones—whoactedliketheywereonSammy’spayroll—herdedRufusalongwiththemsohewascarriedinsideonatideofkindergartners.

SoonSammyandHazelwerealoneexceptfortheghosts.

SammyscoopedupHazel’ssmashedlunch,madeashowofdustingoffthecanvasbag,andpresentedittoherwithadeepbow,asifitwerehercrown.“MissLamarr.”

Hazel fromthepast tookherruined lunch.She looked likeshewasabout tocry,butLeocouldn’ttellifthatwasfromrelieformiseryoradmiration.“Sammy…Rufusisgoingtokillyou.”

“Ah,heknowsbetterthantotanglewithme.”Sammyploppedtheduncecapontopofhisjockeycap.Hestoodupstraightandstuckouthisscrawnychest.Theduncecapfelloff.

Hazellaughed.“Youareridiculous.”

“Why,thankyou,MissLamarr.”

“You’rewelcome,mytreacherousdarling.”

Sammy’ssmilewavered.Theairbecameuncomfortablycharged.Hazel staredat theground.“Youshouldn’thavetouchedthatdiamond.It’sdangerous.”

“Ah,comeon,”Sammysaid.“Notforme!”

Hazelstudiedhimwarily,likeshewantedtobelieveit.“Badthingsmighthappen.Youshouldn’t—”

“Iwon’tsellit,”Sammysaid.“Ipromise!I’lljustkeepitasatokenofyourflavor.”

Hazelforcedasmile.“Ithinkyoumeantokenofmyfavor.”

“Thereyouare!Weshouldgetgoing.It’stimeforournextscene:HedyLamarrnearlydiesofboredominEnglishclass.”

Sammy held out his elbow like a gentleman, butHazel pushed him away playfully.“Thanksforbeingthere,Sammy.”

“MissLamarr,Iwillalwaysbethereforyou!”hesaidbrightly.Thetwoofthemracedbackintotheschoolhouse.

Leofeltmorelikeaghostthanever.Maybehehadactuallybeenaneidolonhiswholelife,becausethiskidhe’djustseenshouldhavebeentherealLeo.Hewassmarter,cooler,andfunnier.HeflirtedsowellwithHazelthathehadobviouslystolenherheart.

NowonderHazelhadlookedatLeosostrangelywhentheyfirstmet.NowondershehadsaidSammywithsomuchfeeling.ButLeowasn’tSammy,anymore thanFlatheadRufuswasClarkGable.

“Hazel,”hesaid.“I—Idon’t—”

Theschoolyarddissolvedintoadifferentscene.

HazelandLeowerestillghosts,butnowtheystoodinfrontofarundownhousenexttoa drainage ditch overgrownwithweeds.A clump of banana trees drooped in the yard.Perchedon the steps, anold-fashioned radioplayedconjuntomusic, and on the shadedporch,sittinginarockingchair,askinnyoldmangazedatthehorizon.

“Wherearewe?” Hazel asked. She was still only vapor, but her voice was full ofalarm.“Thisisn’tfrommylife!”

Leofeltasifhisghostlyselfwasthickening,becomingmorereal.Thisplaceseemedstrangelyfamiliar.

“It’sHouston,”herealized.“Iknowthisview.Thatdrainageditch…Thisismymom’soldneighborhood,whereshegrewup.HobbyAirportisoverthatway.”

“Thisisyourlife?”Hazelsaid.“Idon’tunderstand!How—?”

“You’reaskingme?”Leodemanded.

Suddenlytheoldmanmurmured,“Ah,Hazel…”

AshockwentupLeo’sspine.Theoldman’seyeswerestillfixedonthehorizon.Howdidheknowtheywerehere?

“Iguessweranoutoftime,”theoldmancontinueddreamily.“Well…”

Hedidn’tfinishthethought.

HazelandLeostayedverystill.Theoldmanmadenofurthersignthathesawthemorheardthem.ItdawnedonLeothattheguyhadbeentalkingtohimself.ButthenwhyhadhesaidHazel’sname?

Hehad leathery skin, curlywhite hair, and gnarled hands, like he’d spent a lifetimeworking in amachine shop.Hewore a pale yellow shirt, spotless and clean,with grayslacksandsuspendersandpolishedblackshoes.

Despitehisage,hiseyesweresharpandclear.Hesatwithakindofquietdignity.Helookedatpeace—amused,even,likehewasthinking,Dang,Ilivedthislong?Cool!

Leowasprettysurehehadneverseenthismanbefore.Sowhydidheseemfamiliar?Thenherealizedthemanwastappinghisfingersonthearmofhischair,butthetappingwasn’trandom.HewasusingMorsecode,justlikeLeo’smotherusedtodowithhim…andtheoldmanwastappingthesamemessage:Iloveyou.

Thescreendooropened.Ayoungwomancameout.Shewore jeansanda turquoiseblouse.Herhairwascutinashortblackwedge.Shewaspretty,butnotdelicate.Shehadwell-muscledarmsandcallousedhands.Liketheoldman’s,herbrowneyesglintedwithamusement.Inherarmswasababy,wrappedinablueblanket.

“Look,mijo,” she said to the baby. “This is yourbisabuelo.Bisabuelo, youwant toholdhim?”

WhenLeoheardhervoice,hesobbed.

Itwashismother—youngerthanherememberedher,butverymuchalive.Thatmeantthebabyinherarms…

Theoldmanbrokeintoahugegrin.Hehadperfectteeth,aswhiteashishair.Hisfacecrinkledwithsmilelines.“Aboy!Mibebito,Leo!”

“Leo?”Hazelwhispered.“That—that’syou?Whatisbisabuelo?”

Leocouldn’tfindhisvoice.Great-grandfather,hewantedtosay.

TheoldmantookbabyLeoinhisarms,chucklingwithappreciationandticklingthebaby’schin—andGhostLeofinallyrealizedwhathewasseeing.

Somehow,Hazel’s power to revisit the past had found the one event that connectedbothoftheirlives—whereLeo’stimelinetouchedHazel’s.

Thisoldman…

“Oh…”Hazelseemedtorealizewhohewasat thesamemoment.Hervoicebecameverysmall,onthevergeoftears.“Oh,Sammy,no…”

“Ah,littleLeo,”saidSammyValdez,agedwellintohisseventies.“You’llhavetobemystuntdouble,eh?That’swhattheycallit,Ithink.Tellherforme.IhopedIwouldbealive,but,ay,thecursewon’thaveit!”

Hazelsobbed.“Gaea…Gaea toldmethathediedofaheartattack, in the1960s.Butthisisn’t—thiscan’tbe…”

SammyValdezkepttalkingtothebaby,whileLeo’smother,Esperanza,lookedonwitha pained smile—perhaps a littleworried thatLeo’sbisabuelowas rambling, a little sadthathewasspeakingnonsense.

“That lady,DoñaCallida, shewarnedme.” Sammy shook his head sadly. “She saidHazel’sgreatdangerwouldnothappeninmylifetime.ButIpromisedIwouldbethereforher.YouwillhavetotellherI’msorry,Leo.Helpherifyoucan.”

“Bisabeulo,”Esperanzasaid,“youmustbetired.”

Sheextendedherarmstotakethebaby,buttheoldmancuddledhimamomentlonger.BabyLeoseemedperfectlyfinewithit.

“TellherI’msorryIsoldthediamond,eh?”Sammysaid.“Ibrokemypromise.WhenshedisappearedinAlaska…ah,solongago,Ifinallyusedthatdiamond,movedtoTexasasIalwaysdreamed.Istartedmymachineshop.Startedmyfamily!Itwasagoodlife,butHazelwasright.Thediamondcamewithacurse.Ineversawheragain.”

“Oh,Sammy,”Hazelsaid.“No,acursedidn’tkeepmeaway.Iwantedtocomeback.Idied!”

Theoldmandidn’tseemtohear.Hesmileddownatthebaby,andkissedhimonthehead.“Igiveyoumyblessing,Leo.Firstmalegreat-grandchild!Ihaveafeelingyouarespecial,likeHazelwas.Youaremorethanaregularbaby,eh?Youwillcarryonforme.Youwillseehersomeday.Tellherhelloforme.”

“Bisabuelo,”Esperanzasaid,alittlemoreinsistently.

“Yes,yes.”Sammychuckled.“Elviejolocorambleson.Iamtired,Esperanza.Youareright.ButI’llrestsoon.It’sbeenagoodlife.Raisehimwell,nieta.”

Thescenefaded.

LeowasstandingonthedeckoftheArgoII,holdingHazel’shand.Thesunhadgonedown,andtheshipwaslitonlybybronzelanterns.Hazel’seyeswerepuffyfromcrying.

Whatthey’dseenwastoomuch.Thewholeoceanheavedunderthem,andnowforthefirsttimeLeofeltasiftheyweretotallyadrift.

“Hello,HazelLevesque,”hesaid,hisvoicegravelly.

Her chin trembled.She turned away andopenedhermouth to speak, but before shecould,theshiplurchedtooneside.

“Leo!”CoachHedgeyelled.

Festuswhirredinalarmandblewflamesintothenightsky.Theship’sbellrang.

“Thosemonstersyouwereworriedabout?”Hedgeshouted.“Oneof’emfoundus!”

LEODESERVEDADUNCECAP.

Ifhe’dbeenthinkingstraight,hewould’veswitchedtheship’sdetectionsystemfromradartosonarassoonastheyleftCharlestonHarbor.That’swhathehadforgotten.He’ddesigned the hull to resonate every few seconds, sending waves through theMist andalertingFestustoanynearbymonsters,butitonlyworkedinonemodeatatime:waterorair.

He’dbeensorattledbytheRomans,thenthestorm,thenHazel,thathehadcompletelyforgotten.Now,amonsterwasrightunderneaththem.

Theship tilted tostarboard.Hazelgrippedtherigging.Hedgeyelled,“Valdez,whichbuttonblowsupmonsters?Takethehelm!”

Leoclimbedthetiltingdeckandmanagedtograbtheportrail.Hestartedclamberingsidewaystowardthehelm,butwhenhesawthemonstersurface,heforgothowtomove.

Thethingwasthelengthoftheirship.Inthemoonlight,itlookedlikeacrossbetweena giant shrimp and a cockroach, with a pink chitinous shell, a flat crayfish tail, andmillipede-typelegsundulatinghypnoticallyasthemonsterscrapedagainstthehulloftheArgoII.

Its head surfaced last—the slimy pink face of an enormous catfishwith glassy deadeyes,agapingtoothlessmaw,andaforestoftentaclessproutingfromeachnostril,makingthebushiestnosebeardLeohadeverhadthedispleasuretobehold.

LeorememberedspecialFridaynightdinnersheandhismomusedtoshareatalocalseafood restaurant inHouston.Theywould eat shrimp and catfish.The idea nowmadehimwanttothrowup.

“Comeon,Valdez!”Hedgeyelled.“TakethewheelsoIcangetmybaseballbat!”

“Abat’snotgoingtohelp,”Leosaid,buthemadehiswaytowardthehelm.

Behindhim,therestofhisfriendsstumbledupthestairs.

Percyyelled,“What’sgoing—Gah!Shrimpzilla!”

FrankrantoHazel’sside.Shewasclutchingtherigging,stilldazedfromherflashback,butshegesturedthatshewasallright.

Themonster rammed the ship again. The hull groaned. Annabeth, Piper, and Jasontumbledtostarboardandalmostrolledoverboard.

Leo reached thehelm.Hishands flewacross thecontrols.Over the intercom,Festusclackedandclickedaboutleaksbelowdecks,buttheshipdidn’tseemtobeindangerofsinking—atleastnotyet.

Leotoggledtheoars.Theycouldconvertintospears,whichshouldbeenoughtodrivethecreatureaway.Unfortunately,theywerejammed.Shrimpzillamusthaveknockedthemoutofalignment,andthemonsterwasinspittingdistance,whichmeantthatLeocouldn’tusetheballistaewithoutsettingtheArgoIIonfireaswell.

“How did it get so close?” Annabeth shouted, pulling herself up on one of the railshields.

“Idon’tknow!”Hedgesnarled.Helookedaroundforhisbat,whichhadrolledacrossthequarterdeck.

“I’mstupid!”Leoscoldedhimself.“Stupid,stupid!Iforgotthesonar!”

Theshiptiltedfarthertostarboard.Eitherthemonsterwastryingtogivethemahug,oritwasabouttocapsizethem.

“Sonar?”Hedge demanded. “Pan’s pipes,Valdez!Maybe if you hadn’t been staringintoHazel’seyes,holdinghandsforsolong—”

“What?”Frankyelped.

“Itwasn’tlikethat!”Hazelprotested.

“Itdoesn’tmatter!”Pipersaid.“Jason,canyoucallsomelightning?”

Jasonstruggledtohisfeet.“I—”Heonlymanagedtoshakehishead.Summoningthestormearlierhadtakentoomuchoutofhim.Leodoubtedthepoorguycouldpopasparkplugintheshapehewasin.

“Percy!”Annabethsaid.“Canyoutalktothatthing?Doyouknowwhatitis?”

Thesonoftheseagodshookhishead,clearlymystified.“Maybeit’sjustcuriousabouttheship.Maybe—”

Themonster’stendrilslashedacrossthedecksofast,Leodidn’tevenhavetimetoyell,Lookout!

One slammed Percy in the chest and sent him crashing down the steps. Anotherwrapped aroundPiper’s legs anddraggedher, screaming, toward the rail.Dozensmoretendrilscurledaroundthemasts,encirclingthecrossbowsandrippingdowntherigging.

“Nose-hairattack!”Hedgesnatcheduphisbatandleapedintoaction;buthishitsjustbouncedharmlesslyoffthetendrils.

Jasondrewhissword.HetriedtofreePiper,buthewasstillweak.Hisgoldbladecutthroughthetendrilswithnoproblem,butfasterthanhecouldseverthem,moretooktheirplace.

Annabethunsheathedherdagger.Sheranthroughtheforestoftentacles,dodgingandstabbingatwhatevertargetshecouldfind.Frankpulledouthisbow.Hefiredoverthesideat thecreature’sbody, lodgingarrows in thechinksof its shell;but thatonlyseemed toannoythemonster.Itbellowed,androckedtheship.Themastcreakedlikeitmightsnapoff.

Theyneededmorefirepower,buttheycouldn’tuseballistae.Theyneededtodeliverablastthatwouldn’tdestroytheship.Buthow…?

Leo’seyesfixedonasupplycratenexttoHazel’sfeet.

“Hazel!”heyelled.“Thatbox!Openit!”

Shehesitated,thensawtheboxhemeant.ThelabelreadWARNING.DONOTOPEN.

“Openit!”Leoyelledagain.“Coach, takethewheel!Turnus towardthemonster,orwe’llcapsize.”

Hedgedancedthroughthetentacleswithhisnimblegoathooves,smashingawaywithgusto.Heboundedtowardthehelmandtookthecontrols.

“Hopeyougotaplan!”heshouted.

“Abadone.”Leoracedtowardthemast.

The monster pushed against the Argo II. The deck lurched to forty-five degrees.Despite everyone’s efforts, the tentacleswere just too numerous to fight. They seemedable to elongate as much as they wanted. Soon they’d have the Argo II completelyentangled. Percy hadn’t appeared from below. The others were fighting for their livesagainstnosehair.

“Frank!”LeocalledasherantowardHazel.“Buyussometime!Canyouturnintoasharkorsomething?”

Frankglancedover,scowling;andinthatmomentatentacleslammedintothebigguy,knockinghimoverboard.

Hazelscreamed.She’dopenedthesupplyboxandalmostdroppedthetwoglassvialsshewasholding.

Leo caught them. Each was the size of an apple, and the liquid inside glowedpoisonousgreen.Theglasswaswarmtothetouch.Leo’schestfeltlikeitmightimplodefromguilt.He’djustdistractedFrankandpossiblygottenhimkilled,buthecouldn’tthinkaboutit.Hehadtosavetheship.

“Comeon!”HehandedHazel one of the vials. “We can kill themonster—and saveFrank!”

Hehopedhewasn’t lying.Getting to theport railwasmore like rockclimbing thanwalking,butfinallytheymadeit.

“Whatisthisstuff?”Hazelgasped,cradlingherglassvial.

“Greekfire!”

Hereyeswidened.“Areyoucrazy?Ifthesebreak,we’llburnthewholeship!”

“Itsmouth!”Leosaid.“Justchuckitdownits—”

SuddenlyLeowascrushedagainstHazel,andtheworldturnedsideways.Astheywereliftedintotheair,herealizedthey’dbeenwrappedtogetherinatentacle.Leo’sarmswerefree,but itwasallhecoulddotokeepholdofhisGreekfirevial.Hazelstruggled.Herarms were pinned, which meant at any moment the vial trapped between them mightbreak…andthatwouldbeextremelybadfortheirhealth.

Theyrosetenfeet,twentyfeet,thirtyfeetabovethemonster.Leocaughtaglimpseofhis friends in a losing battle, yelling and slashing at themonster’s nose hairs. He sawCoachHedge struggling to keep the ship from capsizing. The seawas dark, but in themoonlight he thought he saw a glistening object floating near themonster—maybe theunconsciousbodyofFrankZhang.

“Leo,”Hazelgasped,“Ican’t—myarms—”

“Hazel,”hesaid.“Doyoutrustme?”

“No!”

“Me neither,”Leo admitted. “When this thing drops us, hold your breath.Whatever

youdo,trytochuckyourvialasfarawayfromtheshipaspossible.”

“Why—whywoulditdropus?”

Leo stared down at themonster’s head. Thiswould be a tough shot, but he had nochoice.Heraisedthevial inhislefthand.Hepressedhisrighthandagainst thetentacleandsummonedfiretohispalm—anarrowlyfocused,white-hotburst.

Thatgot thecreature’sattention.A tremblewentall thewaydownthe tentacleas itsfleshblisteredunderLeo’stouch.Themonsterraiseditsmaw,bellowinginpain,andLeothrewhisGreekfirestraightdownitsthroat.

After that, thingsgot fuzzy.Leo felt the tentacle release them.They fell.Heheardamuffledexplosionandsawagreenflashof light inside thegiantpink lampshadeof themonster’sbody.ThewaterhitLeo’sfacelikeabrickwrappedinsandpaper,andhesankintodarkness.Heclampedhismouthshut,tryingnottobreathe,buthecouldfeelhimselflosingconsciousness.

Throughthestingofthesaltwater,hethoughthesawthehazysilhouetteoftheship’shullabove—adarkovalsurroundedbyagreenfierycorona,buthecouldn’ttelliftheshipwasactuallyonfire.

Killedbyagiantshrimp,Leothoughtbitterly.AtleastlettheArgoIIsurvive.Letmyfriendsbeokay.

Hisvisionbegantodim.Hislungsburned.

Justashewasabouttogiveup,astrangefacehoveredoverhim—amanwholookedlikeChiron, their trainerbackatCampHalf-Blood.Hehad the samecurlyhair, shaggybeard, and intelligent eyes—a look somewhere between wild hippie and fatherlyprofessor,exceptthisman’sskinwasthecolorofalimabean.Themansilentlyheldupadagger.Hisexpressionwasgrimandreproachful,as if tosay:Now,holdstill,orIcan’tkillyouproperly.

Leoblackedout.

WhenLeowoke, hewondered if hewas a ghost in another flashback, because hewasfloatingweightlessly.Hiseyesslowlyadjustedtothedimlight.

“Abouttime.”Frank’svoicehadtoomuchreverb,likehewasspeakingthroughseverallayersofplasticwrap.

Leosatup…orratherhedriftedupright.Hewasunderwater,inacaveaboutthesizeofa two-cargarage.Phosphorescentmosscovered theceiling,bathing the room inablue-

and-green glow. The floor was a carpet of sea urchins, which would have beenuncomfortabletowalkon,soLeowasgladhewasfloating.Hedidn’tunderstandhowhecouldbebreathingwithnoair.

Frank levitated nearby inmeditation position.With his chubby face and his grumpyexpression, he looked like aBuddhawho’d achieved enlightenment andwasn’t thrilledaboutit.

The only exit to the cave was blocked by a massive abalone shell—its surfaceglistening in pearl and rose and turquoise. If this cavewas a prison, at least it had anawesomedoor.

“Wherearewe?”Leoasked.“Whereiseveryoneelse?”

“Everyone?”Frankgrumbled.“Idon’tknow.AsfarasIcantell,it’sjustyouandmeandHazeldownhere.Thefish-horseguystookHazelaboutanhourago,leavingmewithyou.”

Frank’stonemadeitobvioushedidn’tapproveofthosearrangements.Hedidn’tlookinjured,butLeorealizedthathenolongerhadhisboworquiver.Inapanic,Leopattedhiswaist.Histoolbeltwasgone.

“Theysearchedus,”Franksaid.“Tookanythingthatcouldbeaweapon.”

“Who?”Leodemanded.“Whoarethesefish-horse—?”

“Fish-horseguys,”Frankclarified,whichwasn’tveryclear.“Theymusthavegrabbeduswhenwefellintheoceananddraggedus…whereverthisis.”

Leorememberedthelastthinghe’dseenbeforehepassedout—thelima-bean-coloredfaceofthebeardedmanwiththedagger.“Theshrimpmonster.TheArgoII—is theshipokay?”

“I don’t know,” Frank said darkly. “The others might be in trouble or hurt, or—orworse.ButIguessyoucaremoreaboutyourshipthanyourfriends.”

Leofeltlikehisfacehadjusthitthewateragain.“Whatkindofstupidthing—?”

ThenherealizedwhyFrankwassoangry:theflashback.Thingshadhappenedsofastwith themonster attack, Leo had almost forgotten. CoachHedge hadmade that stupidcomment about Leo and Hazel holding hands and gazing into each other’s eyes. Itprobablyhadn’thelpedthatLeohadgottenFrankknockedoverboardrightafterthat.

SuddenlyLeofoundithardtomeetFrank’sgaze.

“Look,man…I’msorryIgotusintothismess.Itotallyjackedthingsup.”Hetookadeep breath, which felt surprisingly normal, considering he was underwater. “Me and

Hazelholdinghands…it’snotwhatyouthink.Shewasshowingmethisflashbackfromherpast,tryingtofigureoutmyconnectionwithSammy.”

Frank’sangryexpressionstarted tounknot, replacedbycuriosity.“Didshe…didyoufigureitout?”

“Yeah,” Leo said. “Well, sort of.We didn’t get a chance to talk about it afterwardbecauseofShrimpzilla,butSammywasmygreat-grandfather.”

He toldFrankwhat they’d seen.Theweirdness hadn’t fully registered yet, but now,trying to explain it aloud, Leo could hardly believe it. Hazel had been sweet on hisbisabuelo, a guywhohaddiedwhenLeowas a baby.Leohadn’tmade the connectionbefore,buthehadavaguememoryofolderfamilymemberscallinghisgrandfatherSamJunior.WhichmeantSamSeniorwasSammy,Leo’sbisabuelo.Atsomepoint,TíaCallida—Heraherself—hadtalkedwithSammy,consolinghimandgivinghimaglimpseintothefuture,whichmeantthatHerahadbeenshapingLeo’slifegenerationsbeforehewasevenborn.IfHazelhadstayedin the1940s, ifshe’dmarriedSammy,Leomight’vebeenhergreat-grandson.

“Oh,man,”Leosaidwhenhehadfinishedthestory.“Idon’tfeelsogood.ButIswearontheStyx,that’swhatwesaw.”

Frankhadthesameexpressionasthemonstercatfishhead—wideglassyeyesandanopenmouth.“Hazel…Hazellikedyourgreat-grandfather?That’swhyshelikesyou?”

“Frank,Iknowthisisweird.Believeme.ButIdon’tlikeHazel—notthatway.I’mnotmovinginonyourgirl.”

Frankknithiseyebrows.“No?”

Leohopedhewasn’tblushing.Truthfully,hehadnoideahowhefeltaboutHazel.Shewasawesomeandcute,andLeohadaweaknessforawesomecutegirls.Buttheflashbackhadcomplicatedhisfeelingsalot.

Besides,hisshipwasintrouble.

Iguessyoucaremoreaboutyourshipthanyourfriends,Frankhadsaid.

Thatwasn’ttrue,wasit?Leo’sdad,Hephaestus,hadadmittedoncethathewasn’tgoodwithorganiclifeforms.And,yes,Leohadalwaysbeenmorecomfortablewithmachinesthan people.But hedid care about his friends. Piper and Jason…he’d known them thelongest,buttheotherswereimportanttohimtoo.EvenFrank.Theywerelikefamily.

Theproblemwas, it hadbeen so long sinceLeohadhad a family, he couldn’t evenrememberhowitfelt.Sure,lastwinterhe’dbecomeseniorcounselorofHephaestuscabin;

butmostofhistimehadbeenspentbuildingtheship.Helikedhiscabinmates.Heknewhowtoworkwiththem—butdidhereallyknowthem?

IfLeohad a family, itwas thedemigodson theArgoII—andmaybeCoachHedge,whichLeowouldneveradmitaloud.

Youwill always be the outsider,warnedNemesis’s voice; but Leo tried to push thatthoughtaside.

“Right,so…”Helookedaroundhim.“Weneedtomakeaplan.Howarewebreathing?Ifwe’reundertheocean,shouldn’twebecrushedbythewaterpressure?”

Frank shrugged. “Fish-horsemagic, I guess. I remember the green guy touchingmyheadwiththepointofadagger.ThenIcouldbreathe.”

Leostudiedtheabalonedoor.“Canyoubustusout?Turnintoahammerheadsharkorsomething?”

Frank shook his head glumly. “My shape-shifting doesn’t work. I don’t knowwhy.Maybetheycursedme,ormaybeI’mtoomesseduptofocus.”

“Hazelcouldbeintrouble,”Leosaid.“We’vegottogetoutofhere.”

Heswamtothedoorandranhisfingersalongtheabalone.Hecouldn’tfeelanykindoflatchorothermechanism.Eitherthedoorcouldonlybeopenedbymagicorsheerforcewasrequired—neitherofwhichwasLeo’sspecialty.

“I’vealreadytried,”Franksaid.“Evenifwegetout,wehavenoweapons.”

“Hmm…”Leohelduphishand.“Iwonder.”

He concentrated, and fire flickered over his fingers. For a split second, Leo wasexcited,becausehehadn’texpectedittoworkunderwater.Thenhisplanstartedworkingalittletoowell.Fireraceduphisarmandoverhisbodyuntilhewascompletelyshroudedinathinveilofflame.Hetriedtobreathe,buthewasinhalingpureheat.

“Leo!”Frankflailedbackwardlikehewasfallingoffabarstool.InsteadofracingtoLeo’said,hehuggedthewalltogetasfarawayaspossible.

Leo forced himself to stay calm. He understood what was going on. The fire itselfcouldn’t hurt him.Hewilled the flames to die and counted to five.He took a shallowbreath.Hehadoxygenagain.

Frankstoppedtryingtomergewiththecavewall.“You’re…you’reokay?”

“Yeah,”Leogrumbled.“Thanksfortheassist.”

“I—I’msorry.”FranklookedsohorrifiedandashameditwashardforLeotostaymad

athim.“Ijust…whathappened?”

“Clevermagic,”Leosaid.“There’sathinlayerofoxygenaroundus,likeanextraskin.Mustbeself-regenerating.That’showwe’rebreathingandstayingdry.Theoxygengavethefirefuel—exceptthefirealsosuffocatedme.”

“Ireallydon’t…”Frankgulped.“Idon’tlikethatfiresummoningyoudo.”Hestartedgettingcozywiththewallagain.

Leodidn’tmeanto,buthecouldn’thelplaughing.“Man,I’mnotgoingtoattackyou.”

“Fire,”Frankrepeated,likethatonewordexplainedeverything.

LeorememberedwhatHazelhadsaid—thathisfiremadeFranknervous.He’dseenthediscomfort inFrank’s face before, butLeo hadn’t taken it seriously. Frank seemedwaymorepowerfulandscarythanLeowas.

Now itoccurred tohim thatFrankmighthavehadabadexperiencewith fire.Leo’sownmomhaddiedinamachineshopblaze.Leohadbeenblamedforit.He’dgrownupbeingcalledafreak,anarsonist,becausewheneverhegotangry,thingsburned.

“SorryIlaughed,”hesaid,andhemeantit.“Mymomdiedinafire.Iunderstandbeingafraidofit.Did,uh…didsomethinglikethathappenwithyou?”

Frankseemedtobeweighinghowmuchtosay.“Myhouse…mygrandmother’splace.It burned down. But it’s more than that…” He stared at the sea urchins on the floor.“AnnabethsaidIcouldtrustthecrew.Evenyou.”

“Evenme,huh?”Leowonderedhow that hadcomeup inconversation. “Wow,highpraise.”

“Myweakness…”Frankstarted, like thewordscuthismouth.“There’s thispieceoffirewood—”

Theabalonedoorrolledopen.

Leoturnedandfoundhimselfface-to-facewithLimaBeanMan,whowasn’tactuallyamanatall.NowthatLeocouldseehimclearly,theguywasbyfartheweirdestcreaturehe’devermet,andthatwassayingalot.

From the waist up, he was more or less human—a thin, bare-chested dude with adagger inhisbeltandabandofseashellsstrappedacrosshischest likeabandolier.Hisskinwasgreen,hisbeardscragglybrown,andhislongishhairwastiedbackinaseaweedbandana.Apairoflobsterclawsstuckupfromhisheadlikehorns,turningandsnappingatrandom.

Leodecidedhedidn’tlooksomuchlikeChiron.HelookedmoreliketheposterLeo’s

momusedtokeepinherworkspace—thatoldMexicanbanditPanchoVilla,exceptwithseashellsandlobsterhorns.

Fromthewaistdown, theguywasmorecomplicated.Hehad theforelegsofablue-greenhorse, sort of like a centaur, but toward theback, his horsebodymorphed into alongfishytailabouttenfeetlong,witharainbow-colored,V-shapedtailfin.

NowLeounderstoodwhatFrankmeantaboutfish-horseguys.

“IamBythos,”saidthegreenman.“IwillinterrogateFrankZhang.”

Hisvoicewascalmandfirm,leavingnoroomfordebate.

“Whydidyoucaptureus?”Leodemanded.“Where’sHazel?”

Bythosnarrowedhiseyes.Hisexpressionseemedtosay:Didthistinycreaturejusttalktome?“You,LeoValdez,willgowithmybrother.”

“Yourbrother?”

LeorealizedthatamuchlargerfigurewasloomingbehindBythos,withashadowsowide,itfilledtheentirecaveentrance.

“Yes,”Bythossaidwithadrysmile.“TrynottomakeAphrosmad.”

APHROSLOOKEDLIKEHISBROTHER,excepthewasblueinsteadofgreenandmuch,muchbigger.He hadArnold-as-Terminator abs and arms, and a square, brutish head.AhugeConan-approved sword was strapped across his back. Even his hair was bigger—amassive globe of blue-black frizz so thick that his lobster-claw horns appeared to bedrowningastheytriedtoswimtheirwaytothesurface.

“IsthatwhytheynamedyouAphros?”Leoaskedastheyglideddownthepathfromthecave.“BecauseoftheAfro?”

Aphrosscowled.“Whatdoyoumean?”

“Nothing,”Leosaidquickly.Atleasthewouldneverhavetroublerememberingwhichfishdudewaswhich.“Sowhatareyouguys,exactly?”

“Ichthyocentaurs,”Aphrossaid,likeitwasaquestionhewastiredofanswering.

“Uh,ickywhat?”

“Fishcentaurs.WearethehalfbrothersofChiron.”

“Oh,he’safriendofmine!”

Aphrosnarrowedhiseyes.“TheonecalledHazel toldus this,butwewilldeterminethetruth.Come.”

Leodidn’tlikethesoundofdeterminethetruth.Itmadehimthinkoftortureracksandred-hotpokers.

Hefollowedthefishcentaurthroughamassiveforestofkelp.Leocould’vedartedtoone side and gotten lost in the plants pretty easily, but he didn’t try. For one thing, hefiguredAphroscouldtravelmuchfasterinthewater,andtheguymightbeabletoshutoff

themagicthatletLeomoveandbreathe.Insideoroutsidethecave,Leowasjustasmuchacaptive.

Also,Leohadnocluewherehewas.

Theydriftedbetweenrowsofkelpastallasapartmentbuildings.Thegreen-and-yellowplants swayed weightlessly, like columns of helium balloons. High above, Leo saw asmudgeofwhitethatmighthavebeenthesun.

Heguessed thatmeant they’dbeenhereovernight.Was theArgoII all right?Had itsailedonwithoutthem,orweretheirfriendsstillsearching?

Leo couldn’t evenbe sure howdeep theywere. Plants could growhere—sonot toodeep,right?Still,heknewhecouldn’tjustswimforthesurface.He’dheardaboutpeoplewhoascendedtooquicklyanddevelopednitrogenbubblesintheirblood.Leowantedtoavoidcarbonatedblood.

Theydriftedalongformaybehalfamile.LeowastemptedtoaskwhereAphroswastaking him, but the big sword strapped to the centaur’s back sort of discouragedconversation.

Finally the kelp forest opened up. Leo gasped. They were standing (swimming,whatever)atthesummitofahighunderwaterhill.BelowthemstretchedanentiretownofGreek-stylebuildingsontheseafloor.

Theroofsweretiledwithmother-of-pearl.Thegardenswerefilledwithcoralandseaanemones.Hippocampigrazedinafieldofseaweed.AteamofCyclopeswasplacingthedomedroofonanewtemple,usingabluewhaleasacrane.Andswimmingthroughthestreets,hangingout in thecourtyards,practicingcombatwith tridentsandswords in thearenaweredozensofmermenandmermaids—honest-to-goodnessfish-people.

Leo had seen a lot of crazy stuff, but he had always thought merpeople were sillyfictionalcreatures,likeSmurfsorMuppets.

Therewasnothingsillyorcuteaboutthesemerpeople,though.Evenfromadistance,they looked fierce andnot at all human.Their eyes glowedyellow.Theyhad sharkliketeethandleatheryskinincolorsrangingfromcoralredtoinkblack.

“It’satrainingcamp,”Leorealized.HelookedatAphrosinawe.“Youtrainheroes,thesamewayChirondoes?”

Aphros nodded, a glint of pride in his eyes. “We have trained all the famous mer-heroes!Nameamer-hero,andwehavetrainedhimorher!”

“Oh,sure,”Leosaid.“Like…um,theLittleMermaid?”

Aphrosfrowned.“Who?No!LikeTriton,Glaucus,Weissmuller,andBill!”

“Oh.”Leohadnoideawhoanyofthosepeoplewere.“YoutrainedBill?Impressive.”

“Indeed!”Aphrospoundedhischest.“ItrainedBillmyself.Agreatmerman.”

“Youteachcombat,Iguess.”

Aphrosthrewuphishandsinexasperation.“Whydoeseveryoneassumethat?”

Leoglancedatthemassiveswordonthefish-guy’sback.“Uh,Idon’tknow.”

“I teach music and poetry!” Aphros said. “Life skills! Homemaking! These areimportantforheroes.”

“Absolutely.”Leotriedtokeepastraightface.“Sewing?Cookiebaking?”

“Yes.I’mgladyouunderstand.Perhapslater,ifIdon’thavetokillyou,Iwillsharemybrownie recipe.”Aphrosgesturedbehindhimcontemptuously. “MybrotherBythos—heteachescombat.”

Leo wasn’t sure whether he felt relieved or insulted that the combat trainer wasinterrogating Frank, while Leo got the home economics teacher. “So, great. This isCamp…whatdoyoucallit?CampFish-Blood?”

Aphros frowned. “I hope that was a joke. This is Camp __________.” He made asoundthatwasaseriesofsonarpingsandhisses.

“Sillyme,”Leosaid.“And,youknow,Icouldreallygoforsomeofthosebrownies!Sowhatdowehavetodotogettothenotkillingmestage?”

“Tellmeyourstory,”Aphrossaid.

Leohesitated,butnot for long.Somehowhe sensed thathe should tell the truth.Hestartedatthebeginning—howHerahadbeenhisbabysitterandplacedhimintheflames;howhismotherhaddiedbecauseofGaea,whohadidentifiedLeoasafutureenemy.Hetalkedabouthowhehad spenthis childhoodbouncingaround in fosterhomes,untilheandJasonandPiperhadbeentakentoCampHalf-Blood.HeexplainedtheProphecyofSeven, thebuildingof theArgoII,and theirquest to reachGreeceanddefeat thegiantsbeforeGaeawoke.

Ashetalked,Aphrosdrewsomewicked-lookingmetalspikesfromhisbelt.Leowasafraidhehadsaidsomethingwrong,butAphrospulledsomeseaweedyarnfromhispouchandstartedknitting.“Goon,”heurged.“Don’tstop.”

BythetimeLeohadexplainedtheeidolons,theproblemwiththeRomans,andallthetroubles the Argo II had encountered crossing the United States and embarking from

Charleston,Aphroshadknittedacompletebabybonnet.

Leowaitedwhile thefishcentaurputawayhissupplies.Aphros’slobster-clawhornskept swimming around in his thickhair, andLeohad to resist the urge to try to rescuethem.

“Verywell,”Aphrossaid.“Ibelieveyou.”

“Assimpleasthat?”

“Iamquitegoodatdiscerninglies.Ihearnonefromyou.YourstoryalsofitswithwhatHazelLevesquetoldus.”

“Isshe—?”

“Ofcourse,”Aphrossaid.“She’sfine.”Heputhisfingerstohismouthandwhistled,whichsoundedstrangeunderwater—likeadolphinscreaming.“Mypeoplewillbringherhere shortly.Youmust understand…our location is a carefully guarded secret.You andyourfriendsshowedupinawarship,pursuedbyoneofKeto’sseamonsters.Wedidnotknowwhosesideyouwereon.”

“Istheshipallright?”

“Damaged,”Aphros said, “but not terribly. The skolopendrawithdrew after it got amouthfuloffire.Nicetouch.”

“Thankyou.Skolopendra?Neverheardofit.”

“Consideryourselflucky.Theyarenastycreatures.Ketomustreallyhateyou.Atanyrate,werescuedyouandtheothertwofromthecreature’stentaclesasitretreatedintothedeep.Yourfriendsarestillabove,searchingforyou;butwehaveobscured theirvision.We had to be sure you were not a threat. Otherwise, we would have had to…takemeasures.”

Leogulped.Hewasprettysuretakingmeasuresdidnotmeanbakingextrabrownies.Andif theseguysweresopowerful that theycouldkeeptheircamphiddenfromPercy,whohadallthosePoseidonishwaterpowers,theywerenotfishdudestomesswith.“So…wecango?”

“Soon,”Aphrospromised.“ImustcheckwithBythos.Whenhe isdone talkingwithyourfriendGank—”

“Frank.”

“Frank.Whentheyaredone,wewillsendyouback toyourship.Andwemayhavesomewarningsforyou.”

“Warnings?”

“Ah.”Aphrospointed.Hazelemerged from thekelp forest, escortedby twovicious-lookingmermaids,whowerebaringtheirfangsandhissing.LeothoughtHazelmightbeindanger.Thenhesawshewascompletelyatease,grinningandtalkingwithherescorts,andLeorealizedthatthemermaidswerelaughing.

“Leo!”Hazelpaddledtowardhim.“Isn’tthisplaceamazing?”

Theywere leftaloneat the ridge,whichmusthavemeantAphros reallydid trust them.WhilethecentaurandthemermaidswentofftofetchFrank,LeoandHazelfloatedabovethehillandgazeddownattheunderwatercamp.

Hazel told him how the mermaids had warmed up to her right away. Aphros andBythoshadbeenfascinatedbyherstory,astheyhadnevermetachildofPlutobefore.Ontopof that, theyhadheardmany legendsabout thehorseArion, and theywereamazedthatHazelhadbefriendedhim.

Hazelhadpromised tovisitagainwithArion.Themermaidshadwritten theirphonenumbersinwaterproofinkonHazel’sarmsothatshecouldkeepintouch.Leodidn’tevenwanttoaskhowmermaidsgotcell-phonecoverageinthemiddleoftheAtlantic.

AsHazeltalked,herhairfloatedaroundherfaceinacloud—likebrownearthandgolddustinaminer’span.Shelookedverysureofherselfandverybeautiful—notatallliketheshy,nervousgirlinthatNewOrleansschoolyardwithhersmashedcanvaslunchbagatherfeet.

“Wedidn’tgettotalk,”Leosaid.Hewasreluctanttobringupthesubject,butheknewthismightbetheironlychancetobealone.“ImeanaboutSammy.”

Hersmilefaded.“Iknow…Ijustneedsometimetoletitsinkin.It’sstrangetothinkthatyouandhe…”

Shedidn’tneedtofinishthethought.Leoknewexactlyhowstrangeitwas.

“I’m not sure I can explain this to Frank,” she added. “About you andme holdinghands.”

Shewouldn’tmeetLeo’seyes.Downinthevalley,theCyclopesworkcrewcheeredasthetempleroofwassetinplace.

“I talked tohim,”Leosaid.“I toldhimIwasn’t trying to…youknow.Make troublebetweenyoutwo.”

“Oh.Good.”

Didshesounddisappointed?Leowasn’tsure,andhewasn’tsurehewantedtoknow.

“Frank, um, seemedpretty freakedoutwhen I summoned fire.”Leo explainedwhathadhappenedinthecave.

Hazellookedstunned.“Oh,no.Thatwouldterrifyhim.”

Herhandwenttoherdenimjacket,likeshewascheckingforsomethingintheinsidepocket. She always wore that jacket, or some sort of overshirt, even when it was hotoutside. Leo had assumed that she did it out of modesty, or because it was better forhorsebackriding,likeamotorcyclejacket.Nowhebegantowonder.

His brain shifted into high gear. He remembered what Frank had said about hisweakness…apieceoffirewood.Hethoughtaboutwhythiskidwouldhaveafearoffire,and why Hazel would be so attuned to those feelings. Leo thought about some of thestorieshe’dheardatCampHalf-Blood.Forobviousreasons,hetendedtopayattentiontolegendsaboutfire.Nowherememberedonehehadn’tthoughtaboutinmonths.

“Therewasanoldlegendaboutahero,”herecalled.“Hislifelinewastiedtoastickinafireplace,andwhenthatpieceofwoodburnedup…”

Hazel’sexpressionturneddark.Leoknewhe’dstruckonthetruth.

“Frankhas thatproblem,”heguessed. “And thepieceof firewood…”Hepointed atHazel’sjacket.“Hegaveittoyouforsafekeeping?”

“Leo,pleasedon’t…Ican’ttalkaboutit.”

Leo’s instincts as amechanic kicked in. He started thinking about the properties ofwood and the corrosiveness of saltwater. “Is the firewoodokay in the ocean like this?Doesthelayerofairaroundyouprotectit?”

“It’s fine,” Hazel said. “Thewood didn’t even get wet. Besides, it’s wrapped up inseveral layers of cloth and plastic and—” She bit her lip in frustration. “And I’m notsupposedtotalkaboutit!Leo,thepointisifFrankseemsafraidofyou,oruneasy,you’vegottounderstand…”

Leowasgladhewasfloating,becauseheprobablywould’vebeentoodizzytostand.HeimaginedbeinginFrank’sposition,hislifesofragile,itliterallycouldburnupatanytime.Heimaginedhowmuchtrust itwouldtaketogivehis lifeline—hisentirefate—toanotherperson.

Frank had chosen Hazel, obviously. So when he had seen Leo—a guy who couldsummonfireatwill—movinginonhisgirl…

Leoshuddered.NowonderFrankdidn’tlikehim.AndsuddenlyFrank’sabilitytoturn

intoabunchofdifferentanimalsdidn’tseemsoawesome—notifitcamewithabigcatchlikethat.

LeothoughtabouthisleastfavoritelineintheProphecyofSeven:Tostormorfiretheworldmustfall.Foralongtime,he’dfiguredthatJasonorPercystoodforstorm—maybebothofthemtogether.Leowasthefireguy.Nobodysaidthat,butitwasprettyclear.Leowasoneofthewildcards.Ifhedidthewrongthing,theworldcouldfall.No…itmustfall.Leo wondered if Frank and his firewood had something to do with that line. Leo hadalreadymadesomeepicmistakes.ItwouldbesoeasyforhimtoaccidentallysendFrankZhangupinflames.

“Thereyouare!”Bythos’svoicemadeLeoflinch.

Bythos and Aphros floated over with Frank between them, looking pale but okay.FrankstudiedHazelandLeocarefully,asiftryingtoreadwhatthey’dbeentalkingabout.

“You are free to go,” Bythos said. He opened his saddlebags and returned theirconfiscatedsupplies.Leohadneverbeensogladtofithistoolbeltaroundhiswaist.

“TellPercyJacksonnottoworry,”Aphrossaid.“WehaveunderstoodyourstoryabouttheimprisonedseacreaturesinAtlanta.KetoandPhorcysmustbestopped.Wewillsendaquestofmer-heroestodefeatthemandfreetheircaptives.PerhapsCyrus?”

“OrBill,”Bythosoffered.

“Yes!Billwouldbeperfect,”Aphrosagreed.“Atanyrate,wearegratefulthatPercybroughtthistoourattention.”

“Youshouldtalktohiminperson,”Leosuggested.“Imean,sonofPoseidon,andall.”

Both fish-centaurs shook their heads solemnly. “Sometimes it is best not to interactwithPoseidon’sbrood,”Aphrossaid.“Wearefriendlywiththeseagod,ofcourse;butthepolitics of undersea deities is…complicated. And we value our independence.Nevertheless,tellPercythankyou.WewilldowhatwecantospeedyousafelyacrosstheAtlanticwithoutfurtherinterferencefromKeto’smonsters,butbewarned:intheancientsea,theMareNostrum,moredangersawait.”

Franksighed.“Naturally.”

Bythos clapped the big guy on the shoulder. “Youwill be fine, Frank Zhang.Keeppracticing those sea life transformations. The koi fish is good, but try for a Portugueseman-of-war.RememberwhatIshowedyou.It’sallinthebreathing.”

Franklookedmortallyembarrassed.Leobithislip,determinednottosmile.

“And you,Hazel,”Aphros said, “come visit again, and bring that horse of yours! I

knowyouareconcernedaboutthetimeyoulost,spendingthenightinourrealm.Youareworriedaboutyourbrother,Nico.…”

Hazelgrippedhercavalrysword.“Ishe—doyouknowwhereheis?”

Aphrosshookhishead.“Notexactly.Butwhenyougetcloser,youshouldbeabletosensehispresence.Neverfear!YoumustreachRomethedayaftertomorrowifyouaretosavehim,butthereisstilltime.Andyoumustsavehim.”

“Yes,”Bythosagreed.“Hewillbeessentialforyourjourney.Iamnotsurehow,butIsenseitistrue.”

Aphros planted his hand on Leo’s shoulder. “As for you, Leo Valdez, stay close toHazel and Frank when you reach Rome. I sense they will face…ah, mechanicaldifficultiesthatonlyyoucanovercome.”

“Mechanicaldifficulties?”Leoasked.

Aphrossmiledasifthatwasgreatnews.“AndIhavegiftsforyou,thebravenavigatoroftheArgoII!”

“Iliketothinkofmyselfascaptain,”Leosaid.“Orsupremecommander.”

“Brownies!”Aphros said proudly, shoving an old-fashioned picnic basket intoLeo’sarms. Itwas surroundedbyabubbleof air,whichLeohopedwouldkeep thebrowniesfromturningintosaltwaterfudgesludge.“Inthisbasketyouwillalsofindtherecipe.Nottoomuchbutter!That’sthetrick.AndI’vegivenyoualetterofintroductiontoTiberinus,thegodoftheTiberRiver.OnceyoureachRome,yourfriendthedaughterofAthenawillneedthis.”

“Annabeth…”Leosaid.“Okay,butwhy?”

Bythos laughed. “She follows theMarkofAthena,doesn’t she?Tiberinuscanguideher in this quest. He’s an ancient, proud god who can be…difficult; but letters ofintroduction are everything to Roman spirits. This will convince Tiberinus to help her.Hopefully.”

“Hopefully,”Leorepeated.

Bythosproducedthreesmallpinkpearlsfromhissaddlebags.“Andnow,offwithyou,demigods!Goodsailing!”

Hethrewapearlateachoftheminturn,andthreeshimmeringpinkbubblesofenergyformedaroundthem.

They began to rise through the water. Leo just had time to think: A hamster ballelevator?Thenhegainedspeedandrocketedtowardthedistantglowofthesunabove.

PIPERHADANEWENTRYinhertop-tenlistofTimesPiperFeltUseless.

Fighting Shrimpzilla with a dagger and a pretty voice? Not so effective. Then themonsterhadsunkintothedeepanddisappearedalongwiththreeofherfriends,andshe’dbeenpowerlesstohelpthem.

Afterward, Annabeth, Coach Hedge, and Buford the table rushed around repairingthingssothattheshipwouldn’tsink.Percy,despitebeingexhausted,searchedtheoceanfortheirmissingfriends.Jason,alsoexhausted,flewaroundtherigginglikeablondPeterPan,puttingoutfiresfromthesecondgreenexplosionthathadlituptheskyjustabovethemainmast.

As for Piper, all she could dowas stare at her knifeKatoptris, trying to locateLeo,Hazel, andFrank.The only images that came to herwere ones she didn’twant to see:threeblackSUVsdrivingnorth fromCharleston,packedwithRomandemigods,Reynasittingatthewheeloftheleadcar.Gianteaglesescortedthemfromabove.Everysooften,glowing purple spirits in ghostly chariots appeared out of the countryside and fell inbehindthem,thunderingupI-95towardNewYorkandCampHalf-Blood.

Piper concentrated harder. She saw the nightmarish images she had seen before: thehuman-headed bull rising from the water, then the dark well-shaped room filling withblackwaterasJason,Percy,andshestruggledtostayafloat.

She sheathed Katoptris, wondering how Helen of Troy had stayed sane during theTrojanWar, if this bladehadbeenher only sourceof news.Then she remembered thateveryone around Helen had been slaughtered by the invading Greek army.Maybe shehadn’tstayedsane.

Bythetimethesunrose,noneofthemhadslept.Percyhadscouredtheseafloorandfoundnothing.TheArgoIIwasnolongerindangerofsinking,thoughwithoutLeo,theycouldn’tdofullrepairs.Theshipwascapableofsailing,butnoonesuggestedleavingthearea—notwithouttheirmissingfriends.

PiperandAnnabethsentadreamvisiontoCampHalf-Blood,warningChironofwhathad happened with the Romans at Fort Sumter. Annabeth explained her exchange ofwordswithReyna.PiperrelayedthevisionfromherknifeabouttheSUVsracingnorth.The kindly centaur’s face seemed to age thirty years during the course of theirconversation,butheassuredthemhewouldseetothedefensesofthecamp.Tyson,Mrs.O’Leary, and Ella had arrived safely. If necessary, Tyson could summon an army ofCyclopes to the camp’s defense, and Ella and Rachel Dare were already comparingprophecies,tryingtolearnmoreaboutwhatthefutureheld.ThejobofthesevendemigodsaboardtheArgoII,Chironremindedthem,wastofinishthequestandcomebacksafely.

AftertheIris-message,thedemigodspacedthedeckinsilence,staringatthewaterandhopingforamiracle.

Whenitfinallycame—threegiantpinkbubblesburstingatthesurfaceoffthestarboardbow and ejecting Frank,Hazel, and Leo—Piperwent a little crazy. She cried outwithreliefanddovestraightintothewater.

Whatwas she thinking?Shedidn’t take a ropeor a lifevest or anything.But at themoment,shewasjustsohappythatshepaddledovertoLeoandkissedhimonthecheek,whichkindofsurprisedhim.

“Missme?”Leolaughed.

Piperwassuddenlyfurious.“Wherewereyou?Howareyouguysalive?”

“Long story,” he said. A picnic basket bobbed to the surface next to him. “Want abrownie?”

Oncetheygotonboardandchangedintodryclothes(poorFrankhadtoborrowapairoftoo-smallpantsfromJason)thecrewallgatheredonthequarterdeckforacelebratorybreakfast—except forCoachHedge,whogrumbled that theatmospherewasgetting toocuddly forhis tastes andwentbelow tohammerout somedents in thehull.WhileLeofussedoverhishelmcontrols,HazelandFrankrelatedthestoryofthefish-centaursandtheirtrainingcamp.

“Incredible,”Jasonsaid.“Thesearereallygoodbrownies.”

“That’syouronlycomment?”Piperdemanded.

He looked surprised. “What? I heard the story. Fish-centaurs. Merpeople. Letter of

intrototheTiberRivergod.Gotit.Butthesebrownies—”

“Iknow,”Franksaid,hismouthfull.“TrythemwithEsther’speachpreserves.”

“That,”Hazelsaid,“isincrediblydisgusting.”

“Passmethejar,man,”Jasonsaid.

HazelandPiperexchangedalookoftotalexasperation.Boys.

Percy,forhispart,wantedtoheareverydetailabouttheaquaticcamp.Hekeptcomingbacktoonepoint:“Theydidn’twanttomeetme?”

“It wasn’t that,” Hazel said. “Just…undersea politics, I guess. The merpeople areterritorial.Thegoodnewsisthey’retakingcareofthataquariuminAtlanta.Andthey’llhelpprotecttheArgoIIaswecrosstheAtlantic.”

Percynoddedabsently.“Buttheydidn’twanttomeetme?”

Annabethswattedhisarm.“Comeon,SeaweedBrain!We’vegototherthingstoworryabout.”

“She’sright,”Hazelsaid.“Aftertoday,Nicohaslessthantwodays.Thefish-centaurssaidwehavetorescuehim.He’sessentialtothequestsomehow.”

Shelookedarounddefensively,asifwaitingforsomeonetoargue.Noonedid.Pipertried to imagine what Nico di Angelo was feeling, stuck in a jar with only twopomegranateseedslefttosustainhim,andnoideawhetherhewouldberescued.ItmadePiper anxious to reach Rome, even though she had a horrible feeling she was sailingtowardherownsortofprison—adarkroomfilledwithwater.

“NicomusthaveinformationabouttheDoorsofDeath,”Pipersaid.“We’llsavehim,Hazel.Wecanmakeitintime.Right,Leo?”

“What?”Leo tore his eyes away from the controls. “Oh, yeah.We should reach theMediterranean tomorrowmorning. Then spend the rest of that day sailing to Rome, orflying,ifIcangetthestabilizerfixedbythen.…”

Jasonsuddenlylookedasthoughhisbrowniewithpeachpreservesdidn’ttastesogood.“WhichwillputusinRomeonthelastpossibledayforNico.Twenty-fourhourstofindhim—atmost.”

Percy crossed his legs. “And that’s only part of the problem. There’s the Mark ofAthena,too.”

Annabeth didn’t seem happy with the change of topic. She rested her hand on herbackpack,which,sincethey’dleftCharleston,shealwaysseemedtohavewithher.

Sheopenedthebagandbroughtoutathinbronzediskthediameterofadonut.“ThisisthemapthatIfoundatFortSumter.It’s…”

Shestoppedabruptly,staringatthesmoothbronzesurface.“It’sblank!”

Percytookitandexaminedbothsides.“Itwasn’tlikethisearlier?”

“No!Iwaslookingatitinmycabinand…”Annabethmutteredunderherbreath.“ItmustbeliketheMarkofAthena.IcanonlyseeitwhenI’malone.Itwon’tshowitselftootherdemigods.”

Frankscootedbacklikethediskmightexplode.Hehadanorange-juicemustacheandabrownie-crumbbeardthatmadePiperwanttohandhimanapkin.

“Whatdidithaveonit?”Frankaskednervously.“AndwhatistheMarkofAthena?Istilldon’tgetit.”

AnnabethtookthediskfromPercy.Sheturneditinthesunlight,butitremainedblank.“Themapwashardtoread,butitshowedaspotontheTiberRiverinRome.Ithinkthat’swheremyqueststarts…thepathI’vegottotaketofollowtheMark.”

“Maybe that’swhereyoumeet the rivergodTiberinus,”Piper said.“Butwhat is theMark?”

“Thecoin,”Annabethmurmured.

Percyfrowned.“Whatcoin?”

Annabethdug intoherpocket andbroughtout a silverdrachma. “I’vebeencarryingthiseversinceIsawmymomatGrandCentral.It’sanAtheniancoin.”

Shepasseditaround.Whileeachdemigodlookedatit,Piperhadaridiculousmemoryofshow-and-tellinelementaryschool.

“Anowl,”Leonoted.“Well,thatmakessense.Iguessthebranchisanolivebranch?Butwhat’sthisinscription, —AreaOfEffect?”

“It’salpha,theta,epsilon,”Annabethsaid.“InGreekitstandsforOfTheAthenians…oryoucouldreaditasthechildrenofAthena.It’ssortoftheAthenianmotto.”

“LikeSPQRfortheRomans,”Piperguessed.

Annabeth nodded. “Anyway, the Mark of Athena is an owl, just like that one. Itappearsinfieryred.I’veseenitinmydreams.ThentwiceatFortSumter.”

She describedwhat had happened at the fort—the voice ofGaea, the spiders in thegarrison,theMarkburningthemaway.Pipercouldtellitwasn’teasyforhertotalkabout.

PercytookAnnabeth’shand.“Ishouldhavebeenthereforyou.”

“But that’s the point,” Annabeth said. “No one can be there forme.When I get toRome,I’llhavetostrikeoutonmyown.Otherwise,theMarkwon’tappear.I’llhavetofollowitto…tothesource.”

FranktookthecoinfromLeo.Hestaredattheowl.“Thegiants’banestandsgoldandpale,Wonwithpainfromawovenjail.”HelookedupatAnnabeth.“Whatisit…thisthingatthesource?”

BeforeAnnabethcouldanswer,Jasonspokeup.

“Astatue,”hesaid.“AstatueofAthena.Atleast…that’smyguess.”

Piperfrowned.“Yousaidyoudidn’tknow.”

“Idon’t. But the more I think about it…there’s only one artifact that could fit thelegend.”HeturnedtoAnnabeth.“I’msorry.IshouldhavetoldyoueverythingI’veheard,muchearlier.Buthonestly,Iwasscared.Ifthislegendistrue—”

“Iknow,”Annabethsaid.“Ifigureditout,Jason.Idon’tblameyou.Butifwemanagetosavethestatue,GreekandRomanstogether…Don’tyousee?Itcouldhealtherift.”

“Holdon.”Percymadeatime-outgesture.“Whatstatue?”

Annabeth took back the silver coin and slipped it into her pocket. “The AthenaParthenos,” she said. “Themost famousGreek statue of all time. Itwas forty feet tall,coveredinivoryandgold.ItstoodinthemiddleoftheParthenoninAthens.”

Theshipwentsilent,exceptforthewaveslappingagainstthehull.

“Okay,I’llbite,”Leosaidatlast.“Whathappenedtoit?”

“Itdisappeared,”Annabethsaid.

Leo frowned. “How does a forty-foot-tall statue in themiddle of the Parthenon justdisappear?”

“That’sagoodquestion,”Annabethsaid.“It’soneofthebiggestmysteriesinhistory.Somepeople thought thestatuewasmelteddownfor itsgold,ordestroyedbyinvaders.Athenswassackedanumberoftimes.Somethoughtthestatuewascarriedoff—”

“ByRomans,”Jasonfinished.“Atleast,that’sonetheory,anditfitsthelegendIheardatCampJupiter.TobreaktheGreeks’spirit,theRomanscartedofftheAthenaParthenoswhen they tookover thecityofAthens.Theyhid it inanundergroundshrine inRome.The Roman demigods swore it would never see the light of day. They literally stoleAthena, so she could no longer be the symbol of Greek military power. She becameMinerva,amuchtamergoddess.”

“AndthechildrenofAthenahavebeensearchingforthestatueeversince,”Annabethsaid.“Mostdon’tknowaboutthelegend,butineachgeneration,afewarechosenbythegoddess. They’re given a coin likemine. They follow theMark of Athena…a kind ofmagicaltrailthatlinksthemtothestatue…hopingtofindtherestingplaceoftheAthenaParthenosandgetthestatueback.”

Piperwatched the two of them—Annabeth and Jason—with quiet amazement. Theyspokelikeateam,withoutanyhostilityorblame.Thetwoofthemhadneverreallytrustedeachother.Piperwascloseenoughtobothofthemtoknowthat.Butnow…iftheycoulddiscuss such a huge problem so calmly—the ultimate source ofGreek/Roman hatred—maybetherewashopeforthetwocamps,afterall.

Percyseemedbehavingsimilarthoughts,judgingfromhissurprisedexpression.“Soifwe—Imeanyou—findthestatue…whatwouldwedowithit?Couldweevenmoveit?”

“I’mnotsure,”Annabethadmitted.“But ifwecouldsave it somehow, itcouldunitethetwocamps.Itcouldhealmymotherof thishatredshe’sgot, tearingher twoaspectsapart.Andmaybe…maybethestatuehassomesortofpowerthatcouldhelpusagainstthegiants.”

Piper staredatAnnabethwithawe, just starting to appreciate thehuge responsibilityherfriendhadtakenon.AndAnnabethmeanttodoitalone.

“This could change everything,” Piper said. “It could end thousands of years ofhostility.ItmightbethekeytodefeatingGaea.Butifwecan’thelpyou…”

Shedidn’tfinish,butthequestionseemedtohangintheair:Wassavingthestatueevenpossible?

Annabethsquaredhershoulders.Piperknewshemustbeterrifiedinside,butshedidagoodjobhidingit.

“Ihavetosucceed,”Annabethsaidsimply.“Theriskisworthit.”

Hazel twirledherhairpensively.“Idon’t like the ideaofyouriskingyour lifealone,but you’re right.We sawwhat recovering thegolden eagle standarddid for theRomanlegion.IfthisstatueisthemostpowerfulsymbolofAthenaevercreated—”

“Itcouldkicksomeseriousbooty,”Leooffered.

Hazelfrowned.“Thatwasn’tthewayI’dputit,butyes.”

“Except…”PercytookAnnabeth’shandagain.“NochildofAthenahaseverfoundit.Annabeth,what’sdownthere?What’sguardingit?Ifit’sgottodowithspiders—?”

“Wonthroughpainfromawovenjail,”Frankrecalled.“Woven,likewebs?”

Annabeth’sfaceturnedaswhiteasprinterpaper.PipersuspectedthatAnnabethknewwhatawaitedher…oratleastthatshehadaverygoodidea.Shewastryingtoholddownawaveofpanicandterror.

“We’ll deal with that when we get to Rome,” Piper suggested, putting a littlecharmspeakinhervoicetosootheherfriend’snerves.“It’sgoingtoworkout.Annabethisgoingtokicksomeseriousbooty,too.You’llsee.”

“Yeah,”Percysaid.“Ilearnedalongtimeago:NeverbetagainstAnnabeth.”

Annabethlookedatthembothgratefully.

Judgingfromtheirhalf-eatenbreakfasts,theothersstillfeltuneasy;butLeomanagedto shake them out of it. He pushed a button, and a loud blast of steam exploded fromFestus’smouth,makingeveryonejump.

“Well!” he said. “Good pep rally, but there’s still a ton of things to fix on this shipbeforeweget to theMediterranean.Pleasereport toSupremeCommanderLeoforyoursuperfunlistofchores!”

PiperandJasontookchargeofcleaningthelowerdeck,whichhadbeenthrownintochaosduringthemonsterattack.Reorganizingsickbayandbatteningdownthestorageareatookthemmostof theday,butPiperdidn’tmind.Forone thing, shegot to spend timewithJason.Foranother,lastnight’sexplosionshadgivenPiperahealthyrespectforGreekfire.Shedidn’twantanyloosevialsofthatstuffrollingthroughthecorridorsinthemiddleofthenight.

Astheywerefixingupthestables,PiperthoughtaboutthenightAnnabethandPercyhadspentdownhereaccidentally.PiperwishedthatshecouldtalkwithJasonallnight—justcurluponthestablefloorandenjoybeingwithhim.Whydidn’ttheygettobreaktherules?

ButJasonwasn’t like that.Hewashardwiredtobea leaderandsetagoodexample.Breakingtherulesdidn’tcomenaturallytohim.

NodoubtReynaadmiredthatabouthim.Piperdidtoo…mostly.

Theone timeshe’dconvincedhim tobea rebelwasbackat theWildernessSchool,when they had sneaked onto the roof at night towatch ameteor shower. That’swherethey’dhadtheirfirstkiss.

Unfortunately,thatmemorywasatrickoftheMist,amagicallieimplantedinherheadbyHera.PiperandJasonwere togethernow, in real life,but their relationshiphadbeen

foundedonanillusion.IfPipertriedtogettherealJasontosneakoutatnight,wouldhedoit?

Shesweptthehayintopiles.Jasonfixedabrokendoorononeofthestables.Theglassfloor hatch glowed from the ocean below—a green expanse of light and shadow thatseemed togodown forever.Piperkept glancingover, afraid she’d see amonster’s facepeepingin,orthewatercannibalsfromhergrandfather’soldstories;butallshesawwasanoccasionalschoolofherring.

AsshewatchedJasonwork,sheadmiredhoweasilyhedideachtask,whetheritwasfixingadoororoilingsaddles.Itwasn’tjusthisstrongarmsandhisskillfulhands,thoughPiper liked those just fine, but theway he acted so upbeat and confident.He didwhatneededtobedonewithoutcomplaint.Hekepthissenseofhumor,despitethefactthattheguyhadtobedeadonhisfeetafternothavingsleptthenightbefore.Pipercouldn’tblameReynaforhavingacrushonhim.Whenitcametoworkandduty,JasonwasRomantothecore.

Piper thought about her mother’s tea party in Charleston. She wondered what thegoddesshadtoldReynaayearago,andwhyithadchangedthewayReynatreatedJason.HadAphroditeencouragedordiscouragedhertolikeJason?

Piper wasn’t sure, but she wished hermom hadn’t appeared in Charleston. Regularmotherswereembarrassingenough.Godlyglamourmomswhoinvitedyourfriendsoverforteaandguytalk—thatwasjustmortifying.

Aphrodite had paid so much attention to Annabeth and Hazel, it had made Piperuneasy.Whenhermomgotinterestedinsomebody’slovelife,usuallythatwasabadsign.Itmeanttroublewascoming.OrasAphroditewouldsay,twistsandturns.

But also, Piper was secretly hurt not to have her mother to herself. Aphrodite hadbarelylookedather.Shehadn’tsaidawordaboutJason.Shehadn’tbotheredexplainingherconversationwithReynaatall.

Itwasalmostas ifAphroditeno longer foundPiper interesting.Piperhadgottenherguy.Nowitwasup toher tomake thingswork,andAphroditehadmovedon tonewergossipaseasilyasshemighttossoutanoldcopyofatabloidmagazine.

Allofyouaresuchexcellentstories,Aphroditehadsaid.Imean,girls.

Piperhadn’tappreciated that,butpartofherhad thought:Fine. Idon’twant tobeastory.Iwantanicesteadylifewithanicesteadyboyfriend.

Ifonlysheknewmoreaboutmaking relationshipswork.Shewassupposed tobeanexpert,beingtheheadcounselorforAphroditecabin.OthercampersatCampHalf-Blood

came to her for advice all the time. Piper had tried to do her best, but with her ownboyfriend, she was clueless. She was constantly second-guessing herself, reading toomuchintoJason’sexpressions,hismoods,hisoffhandcomments.Whydidithavetobesohard?Whycouldn’ttherebeahappily-ever-afterride-into-the-sunsetfeelingallthetime?

“Whatareyouthinking?”Jasonasked.

Piperrealizedshe’dbeenmakingasourface.Inthereflectionoftheglassbaydoors,shelookedlikeshe’dswallowedateaspoonofsalt.

“Nothing,”shesaid.“Imean…alotofthings.Kindofallatonce.”

Jasonlaughed.Thescaronhislipalmostdisappearedwhenhesmiled.Consideringallthestuffhe’dbeenthrough,itwasamazingthathecouldbeinsuchagoodmood.

“It’sgoingtoworkout,”hepromised.“Yousaidsoyourself.”

“Yeah,”Piperagreed.“ExceptIwasjustsayingthattomakeAnnabethfeelbetter.”

Jason shrugged. “Still, it’s true. We’re almost to the ancient lands. We’ve left theRomansbehind.”

“Andnowthey’reontheirwaytoCampHalf-Bloodtoattackourfriends.”

Jasonhesitated,asifitwashardforhimtoputapositivespinonthat.“Chironwillfindawaytostallthem.TheRomansmighttakeweekstoactuallyfindthecampandplantheirattack.Besides,Reynawilldowhatshecantoslowthingsdown.She’sstillonourside.Iknowsheis.”

“Youtrusther.”Piper’svoicesoundedhollow,eventoherself.

“Look,Pipes.Itoldyou,you’vegotnothingtobejealousabout.”

“She’sbeautiful.She’spowerful.She’sso…Roman.”

Jasonputdownhishammer.Hetookherhand,whichsentatingleupherarm.Piper’sdadhadoncetakenhertotheAquariumofthePacificandshownheranelectriceel.Hetoldherthattheeelsentoutpulsesthatshockedandparalyzeditsprey.EverytimeJasonlookedatherortouchedherhand,Piperfeltlikethat.

“You’rebeautifulandpowerful,”hesaid.“AndIdon’twantyoutobeRoman.IwantyoutobePiper.Besides,we’reateam,youandme.”

Shewanted to believe him. They’d been together, really, formonths now. Still, shecouldn’tgetridofherdoubts,anymorethanJasoncouldgetridoftheSPQRtattooburnedonhisforearm.

Abovethem,theship’sbellrangfordinner.

Jason smirked. “We’d better get up there.We don’t want Coach Hedge tying bellsaroundournecks.”

Piper shuddered. Coach Hedge had threatened to do that after the Percy/Annabethscandal,sohe’dknowifanyonesneakedoutatnight.

“Yeah,” she said regretfully, looking at theglassdoorsbelow their feet. “I guessweneeddinner…andagoodnight’ssleep.”

THENEXTMORNINGPIPERWOKEtoadifferentship’shorn—ablastsolouditliterallyshookheroutofbed.

She wondered if Leo was pulling another joke. Then the horn boomed again. Itsoundedlikeitwascomingfromseveralhundredyardsaway—fromanothervessel.

She rushed to get dressed. By the time she got up on deck, the others had alreadygathered—allhastilydressedexceptforCoachHedge,whohadpulledthenightwatch.

Frank’sVancouverWinterOlympicsshirtwasinsideout.Percyworepajamapantsanda bronze breastplate, which was an interesting fashion statement. Hazel’s hair was allblowntooneside,asthoughshe’dwalkedthroughacyclone;andLeohadaccidentallysethimselfonfire.HisT-shirtwasincharredtatters.Hisarmsweresmoking.

About a hundred yards to port, amassive cruise ship glided past. Touristswaved atthemfromfifteenorsixteenrowsofbalconies.Somesmiledandtookpictures.NoneofthemlookedsurprisedtoseeanAncientGreektrireme.MaybetheMistmadeitlooklikeafishingboat,orperhapsthecruisersthoughttheArgoIIwasatouristattraction.

Thecruiseshipblewitshornagain,andtheArgoIIhadashakingfit.

CoachHedgepluggedhisears.“Dotheyhavetobesoloud?”

“They’rejustsayinghi,”Frankspeculated.

“WHAT?”Hedgeyelledback.

Theshipedgedpastthem,headingouttosea.Thetouristskeptwaving.IftheyfounditstrangethattheArgoIIwaspopulatedbyhalf-asleepkidsinarmorandpajamasandamanwithgoatlegs,theydidn’tleton.

“Bye!”Leocalled,raisinghissmokinghand.

“CanImantheballistae?”Hedgeasked.

“No,”Leosaidthroughaforcedsmile.

Hazelrubbedhereyesandlookedacrosstheglitteringgreenwater.“Whereare—oh…Wow.”

Piper followedhergazeandgasped.Without thecruiseshipblocking theirview,shesaw amountain jutting from the sea less than half amile to the north. Piper had seenimpressivecliffsbefore.She’ddrivenHighway1alongtheCaliforniacoast.She’devenfallendowntheGrandCanyonwithJasonandflownbackup.Butneitherwasasamazingasthismassivefistofblindingwhiterockthrustintothesky.Ononeside,thelimestonecliffswerealmostcompletelysheer,droppingintotheseaoverathousandfeetbelow,asnear as Piper could figure. On the other side, themountain sloped in tiers, covered ingreenforest,sothatthewholethingremindedPiperofacolossalsphinx,worndownoverthemillennia,withamassivewhiteheadandchest,andagreencloakoveritsback.

“TheRockofGibraltar,”Annabethsaid inawe.“At the tipofSpain.Andover there—” She pointed south, to amore distant stretch of red and ochre hills. “Thatmust beAfrica.We’reatthemouthoftheMediterranean.”

Themorningwaswarm,butPipershivered.Despitethewidestretchofseainfrontofthem,shefeltlikeshewasstandingatanimpassablebarrier.OnceintheMediterranean—theMareNostrum—theywould be in the ancient lands. If the legendswere true, theirquestwouldbecometentimesmoredangerous.

“Whatnow?”sheasked.“Dowejustsailin?”

“Whynot?”Leosaid.“It’sabigshippingchannel.Boatsgoinandoutallthetime.”

Nottriremesfullofdemigods,Piperthought.

AnnabethgazedattheRockofGibraltar.Piperrecognizedthatbroodingexpressiononherfriend’sface.Italmostalwaysmeantthatsheanticipatedtrouble.

“In the old days,”Annabeth said, “they called this area the pillars ofHercules. TheRockwassupposedtobeonepillar.TheotherwasoneoftheAfricanmountains.Nobodyissurewhichone.”

“Hercules,huh?”Percyfrowned.“ThatguywasliketheStarbucksofAncientGreece.Everywhereyouturn—thereheis.”

Athunderousboom shook theArgoII, thoughPiperwasn’t surewhere it came fromthistime.Shedidn’tseeanyotherships,andtheskieswereclear.

Hermouthsuddenlyfeltdry.“So…thesePillarsofHercules.Aretheydangerous?”

Annabethstayedfocusedon thewhitecliffs,as ifwaiting for theMarkofAthena toblaze to life. “ForGreeks, thepillarsmarked theendof theknownworld.TheRomanssaidthepillarswereinscribedwithaLatinwarning—”

“Nonplusultra,”Percysaid.

Annabethlookedstunned.“Yeah.NothingFurtherBeyond.Howdidyouknow?”

Percypointed.“BecauseI’mlookingatit.”

Directly ahead of them, in the middle of the straits, an island had shimmered intoexistence.Piperwaspositivenoislandhadbeentherebefore.Itwasasmallhillymassofland,coveredinforestsandringedwithwhitebeaches.NotveryimpressivecomparedtoGibraltar,but in frontof the island, jutting fromwavesabout ahundredyardsoffshore,weretwowhiteGreciancolumnsastallastheArgo’smasts.Betweenthecolumns,hugesilverwordsglitteredunderwater—maybeanillusion,ormaybeinlaidinthesand:NONPLUSULTRA.

“Guys,doIturnaround?”Leoaskednervously.“Or…”

Nooneanswered—maybebecause,likePiper,theyhadnoticedthefigurestandingonthe beach. As the ship approached the columns, she saw a dark-haired man in purplerobes,hisarmscrossed,staringintentlyattheirshipasifhewereexpectingthem.Pipercouldn’t tellmuch else about him from this distance, but judging from his posture, hewasn’thappy.

Frankinhaledsharply.“Couldthatbe—?”

“Hercules,”Jasonsaid.“Themostpowerfuldemigodofalltime.”

TheArgoIIwasonlyafewhundredyardsfromthecolumnsnow.

“Needananswer,”Leosaidurgently.“Icanturn,orwecantakeoff.Thestabilizersareworkingagain.ButIneedtoknowquick—”

“Wehavetokeepgoing,”Annabethsaid.“Ithinkhe’sguardingthesestraits.Ifthat’sreallyHercules,sailingorflyingawaywouldn’tdoanygood.He’llwanttotalktous.”

Piperresistedtheurgetousecharmspeak.ShewantedtoyellatLeo:Fly!Getusoutofhere!Unfortunately,shehadafeelingthatAnnabethwasright.IftheywantedtopassintotheMediterranean,theycouldn’tavoidthismeeting.

“Won’tHerculesbeonourside?”sheaskedhopefully.“Imean…he’soneofus,right?”

Jasongrunted.“HewasasonofZeus,butwhenhedied,hebecameagod.Youcan

neverbesurewithgods.”

PiperrememberedtheirmeetingwithBacchusinKansas—anothergodwhousedtobeademigod.Hehadn’tbeenexactlyhelpful.

“Great,”Percysaid.“SevenofusagainstHercules.”

“Andasatyr!”Hedgeadded.“Wecantakehim.”

“I’vegotabetteridea,”Annabethsaid.“Wesendambassadorsashore.Asmallgroup—oneortwoatmost.Trytotalkwithhim.”

“I’ll go,” Jason said. “He’s a son of Zeus. I’m the son of Jupiter. Maybe he’ll befriendlytome.”

“Ormaybehe’llhateyou,”Percysuggested.“Halfbrothersdon’talwaysgetalong.”

Jasonscowled.“Thankyou,Mr.Optimism.”

“It’sworth a shot,”Annabeth said. “At least Jason andHercules have something incommon.Andweneedourbestdiplomat.Somebodywho’sgoodwithwords.”

AlleyesturnedtoPiper.

Shetriedtoavoidscreamingandjumpingovertheside.Abadpremonitiongnawedather gut.But if Jasonwas going ashore, shewanted to bewith him.Maybe this hugelypowerfulgodwouldturnouttobehelpful.Theyhadtohavegoodluckonceinawhile,didn’tthey?

“Fine,”shesaid.“Justletmechangemyclothes.”

OnceLeohadanchoredtheArgoIIbetweenthepillars,JasonsummonedthewindtocarryhimandPiperashore.

Themaninpurplewaswaitingforthem.

PiperhadheardtonsofstoriesaboutHercules.She’dseenseveralcheesymoviesandcartoons.Before today, if shehad thought abouthimat all, she’d just roll her eyes andimaginesomestupidhairydudeinhisthirtieswithabarrelchestandagrosshippiebeard,with a lion skin over his head and a big club, like a caveman. She imagined hewouldsmellbad,belch,andscratchhimselfalot,andspeakmostlyingrunts.

Shewasnotexpectingthis.

His feet were bare, covered in white sand. His robes made him look like a priest,though Piper couldn’t rememberwhich rank of priestwore purple.Was that cardinals?Bishops?And did the purple colormean hewas theRoman version ofHercules rather

thantheGreek?Hisbeardwasfashionablyscruffy,likePiper’sdadandhisactorfriendsworetheirs—thesortofIjusthappenednottoshavefortwodaysandIstilllookawesomelook.

Hewaswellbuilt,butnottoostocky.Hisebonyhairwasclose-cropped,Romanstyle.HehadstartlingblueeyeslikeJason’s,buthisskinwascoppery,asifhe’dspenthisentirelifeon a tanningbed.Themost surprising thing:he lookedabout twenty.Definitelynoolder.Hewashandsomeinaruggedbutnot-at-all-cavemanway.

Hedidinfacthaveaclub,whichlayinthesandnexttohim,butitwasmorelikeanoversized baseball bat—a five-foot-long polished cylinder of mahogany with a leatherhandgripstuddedinbronze.CoachHedgewouldhavebeenjealous.

JasonandPiperlandedattheedgeofthesurf.Theyapproachedslowly,carefulnottomake any threateningmoves. Hercules watched themwith no particular emotion, as iftheyweresomeformofseabirdhehadnevernoticedbefore.

“Hello,”Pipersaid.Alwaysagoodstart.

“What’sup?”Herculessaid.Hisvoicewasdeepbutcasual,verymodern.Hecould’vebeengreetingtheminthehighschoollockerroom.

“Uh,notmuch.”Piperwinced.“Well,actually,alot.I’mPiper.ThisisJason.We—”

“Where’syourlionskin?”Jasoninterrupted.

Piperwantedtoelbowhim,butHerculeslookedmoreamusedthanannoyed.

“It’sninetydegreesouthere,”hesaid.“WhywouldIwearmylionskin?Doyouwearafurcoattothebeach?”

“I guess that makes sense.” Jason sounded disappointed. “It’s just that the picturesalwaysshowyouwithalionskin.”

Hercules glared at the sky accusingly, like hewanted to havewordswith his father,Zeus. “Don’t believe everything you hear aboutme. Being famous isn’t as fun as youmightthink.”

“Tellmeaboutit,”Pipersighed.

Herculesfixedthosebrilliantblueeyesonher.“Areyoufamous?”

“Mydad…he’sinthemovies.”

Herculessnarled.“Don’tgetmestartedwiththemovies.GodsofOlympus,theynevergetanythingright.HaveyouseenonemovieaboutmewhereIlooklikeme?”

Piperhadtoadmithehadapoint.“I’msurprisedyou’resoyoung.”

“Ha! Being immortal helps. But, yes, I wasn’t so old when I died. Not by modernstandards. I did a lotduringmyyears as ahero…toomuch, really.”His eyesdrifted toJason.“SonofZeus,eh?”

“Jupiter,”Jasonsaid.

“Notmuchdifference,”Herculesgrumbled.“Dad’sannoyingineitherform.Me?IwascalledHeracles. Then theRomans came along and namedmeHercules. I didn’t reallychangethatmuch,thoughlatelyjustthinkingaboutitgivesmesplittingheadaches…”

The left sideof his face twitched.His robes shimmered,momentarily turningwhite,thenbacktopurple.

“Atanyrate,”Herculessaid,“ifyou’reJupiter’sson,youmightunderstand.It’salotofpressure.Enoughisneverenough.Eventuallyitcanmakeaguysnap.”

HeturnedtoPiper.Shefeltlikeathousandantswerecrawlingupherback.Therewasamixtureofsadnessanddarkness inhiseyes thatseemednotquitesane,anddefinitelynotsafe.

“Asforyou,mydear,”Herculessaid,“becareful.SonsofZeuscanbe…well,nevermind.”

Piperwasn’tsurewhatthatmeant.Suddenlyshewantedtogetasfarfromthisgodaspossible,butshetriedtomaintainacalm,politeexpression.

“So,LordHercules,”shesaid,“we’reonaquest.We’dlikepermissiontopassintotheMediterranean.”

Herculesshrugged.“That’swhyI’mhere.AfterIdied,DadmademethedoorkeeperofOlympus.Isaid,Great!Palaceduty!Partyallthetime!Whathedidn’tmentionisthatI’dbeguardingthedoorstotheancientlands,stuckonthisislandfortherestofeternity.Lotsoffun.”

Hepointedat thepillars rising from the surf. “Stupidcolumns.Somepeopleclaim Icreated thewhole Strait ofGibraltar by shovingmountains apart. Some people say themountainsarethepillars.WhatabunchofAugeanmanure.Thepillarsarepillars.”

“Right,”Pipersaid.“Naturally.So…canwepass?”

The god scratched his fashionable beard. “Well, I have to give you the standardwarningabouthowdangeroustheancientlandsare.NotjustanydemigodcansurvivetheMareNostrum.Becauseofthat,Ihavetogiveyouaquesttocomplete.Proveyourworth,blah, blah, blah. Honestly, I don’t make a big deal of it. Usually I give demigodssomethingsimple likeashoppingtrip,singingafunnysong, thatsortof thing.Afterall

those labors Ihad to complete formyevil cousinEurystheus,well…Idon’twant tobethatguy,youknow?”

“Appreciateit,”Jasonsaid.

“Hey,noproblem.”Herculessoundedrelaxedandeasygoing,buthestillmadePipernervous.Thatdarkglintinhiseyesremindedherofcharcoalsoakedinkerosene,readytogoupatamoment’snotice.

“Soanyway,”Herculessaid,“what’syourquest?”

“Giants,”Jasonsaid.“We’reofftoGreecetostopthemfromawakeningGaea.”

“Giants,”Herculesmuttered.“Ihatethoseguys.BackwhenIwasademigodhero…ah,butnevermind.Sowhichgodputyouuptothis—Dad?Athena?MaybeAphrodite?”HeraisedaneyebrowatPiper.“Asprettyasyouare,I’mguessingthat’syourmom.”

Piper should’ve been thinking faster, but Hercules had unsettled her. Too late, sherealizedtheconversationhadbecomeaminefield.

“Herasentus,”Jasonsaid.“Shebroughtustogetherto—”

“Hera.” Suddenly Hercules’s expression was like the cliffs of Gibraltar—a solid,unforgivingsheetofstone.

“Wehatehertoo,”Pipersaidquickly.Gods,whyhadn’titoccurredtoher?Herahadbeen Hercules’s mortal enemy. “We didn’t want to help her. She didn’t give us muchchoice,but—”

“Buthereyouare,”Herculessaid,allfriendlinessgone.“Sorry,youtwo.Idon’tcarehowworthyyourquestis.Idon’tdoanythingthatHerawants.Ever.”

Jasonlookedmystified.“ButIthoughtyoumadeupwithherwhenyoubecameagod.”

“LikeIsaid,”Herculesgrumbled,“don’tbelieveeverythingyouhear. Ifyouwant topassintotheMediterranean,I’mafraidI’vegottogiveyouanextra-hardquest.”

“But we’re like brothers,” Jason protested. “Hera’s messed with my life, too. Iunderstand—”

“Youunderstandnothing,”Herculessaidcoldly.“Myfirstfamily:dead.Mylifewastedon ridiculous quests.My second wife dead, after being tricked into poisoning me andleavingme to a painful demise.Andmy compensation? I got to become aminorgod.Immortal, so I can never forgetmy pain. Stuck here as a gatekeeper, a doorman, a…abutler for theOlympians.No,youdon’tunderstand.TheonlygodwhounderstandsmeevenalittlebitisDionysus.Andatleastheinventedsomethinguseful.Ihavenothingtoshowexceptbadfilmadaptationsofmylife.”

Piper turned on the charmspeak. “That’s horribly sad, LordHercules. But please goeasyonus.We’renotbadpeople.”

Shethoughtshe’dsucceeded.Herculeshesitated.Thenhisjawtightened,andheshookhishead.“Ontheoppositesideof this island,over thosehills,you’llfindariver.In themiddleofthatriverlivestheoldgodAchelous.”

Herculeswaited,asifthisinformationshouldsendthemrunninginterror.

“And…?”Jasonasked.

“And,”Herculessaid,“Iwantyoutobreakoffhisotherhornandbringittome.”

“Hehashorns,”Jasonsaid.“Wait…hisotherhorn?What—?”

“Figureitout,”thegodsnapped.“Here,thisshouldhelp.”

Hesaidthewordhelplikeitmeanthurt.Fromunderhisrobes,HerculestookasmallbookandtossedittoPiper.Shebarelycaughtit.

Thebook’sglossycovershowedaphotographicmontageofGreektemplesandsmilingmonsters.TheMinotaurwasgivingthethumbs-up.Thetitleread:TheHerculesGuidetotheMareNostrum.

“Bringmethathornbysundown,”Herculessaid.“Justthetwoofyou.Nocontactingyour friends.Your shipwill remainwhere it is. If you succeed, youmay pass into theMediterranean.”

“Andifwedon’t?”Piperasked,prettysureshedidn’twanttheanswer.

“Well,Achelouswillkillyou,obviously,”Herculessaid.“AndIwillbreakyourshipinhalfwithmybarehandsandsendyourfriendstoanearlygrave.”

Jasonshiftedhisfeet.“Couldn’twejustsingafunnysong?”

“I’dgetgoing,”Herculessaidcoldly.“Sundown.Oryourfriendsaredead.”

THE HERCULES GUIDE TO THE MARE NOSTRUM didn’t help much with snakes andmosquitoes.

“Ifthisisamagicisland,”Pipergrumbled,“whycouldn’titbeanicemagicisland?”

They trompedupahill anddown intoaheavilywoodedvalley, careful to avoid theblack-and-red-stripedsnakessunningthemselvesontherocks.Mosquitoesswarmedoverstagnant ponds in the lowest areas. The trees weremostly stunted olives, cypress, andpines.The chirring of the cicadas and the oppressive heat remindedPiper of the rez inOklahomaduringthesummer.

Sofartheyhadn’tfoundanyriver.

“Wecouldfly,”Jasonsuggestedagain.

“Wemightmisssomething,”Pipersaid.“Besides,I’mnotsureIwanttodropinonanunfriendlygod.Whatwashisname?Etch-a-Sketch?”

“Achelous.” Jason was trying to read the guidebook while they walked, so he keptrunningintotreesandstumblingoverrocks.“Saysherehe’sapotamus.”

“He’sahippopotamus?”

“No.Potamus.Arivergod.Accordingtothis,he’sthespiritofsomeriverinGreece.”

“Sincewe’renotinGreece,let’sassumehe’smoved,”Pipersaid.“Doesn’tbodewellforhowusefulthatbookisgoingtobe.Anythingelse?”

“SaysHerculesfoughthimonetime,”Jasonoffered.

“Herculesfoughtninety-ninepercentofeverythinginAncientGreece.”

“Yeah.Let’ssee.PillarsofHercules…”Jasonflippedapage.“Saysherethisislandhasno hotels, no restaurants, no transportation.Attractions:Hercules and two pillars.Huh,thisisinteresting.Supposedlythedollarsign—youknow,theSwiththetwolinesthroughit?—thatcamefromtheSpanishcoatofarms,whichshowedthePillarsofHerculeswithabannercurlingbetweenthem.”

Great, Piper thought. Jason finally gets along with Annabeth, and her brainiactendenciesstartrubbingoffonhim.

“Anythinghelpful?”sheasked.

“Wait.Here’satinyreferencetoAchelous:ThisrivergodfoughtHerculesforthehandof thebeautifulDeianira.During thestruggle,Herculesbrokeoffoneof therivergod’shorns,whichbecamethefirstcornucopia.”

“Cornofwhat?”

“It’sthatThanksgivingdecoration,”Jasonsaid.“Thehornwithallthegoodiesspillingout?WehavesomeinthemesshallatCampJupiter.Ididn’tknowtheoriginalonewasactuallysomeguy’shorn.”

“Andwe’resupposedtotakehisotherone,”Pipersaid.“I’mguessingthatwon’tbesoeasy.WhowasDeianira?”

“Herculesmarriedher,”Jasonsaid.“Ithink…doesn’tsayhere.ButIthinksomethingbadhappenedtoher.”

PiperrememberedwhatHerculeshadtoldthem:hisfirstfamilydead,hissecondwifedeadafterbeingtrickedintopoisoninghim.Shewaslikingthischallengelessandless.

They trudgedacrossa ridgebetween twohills, trying to stay in the shade;butPiperwasalreadysoakedwithperspiration.Themosquitoesleftweltsonherankles,arms,andneck,sosheprobablylookedlikeasmallpoxvictim.

She’dfinallygottensomealonetimewithJason,andthiswashowtheyspentit.

Shewas irritatedwith Jason forhavingmentionedHera,but sheknewshe shouldn’tblamehim.Maybe shewas just irritatedwithhim ingeneral.Ever sinceCamp Jupiter,she’dbeencarryingaroundalotofworryandresentment.

She wondered what Hercules had wanted to tell her about the sons of Zeus. Theycouldn’t be trusted? Theywere under toomuch pressure? Piper tried to imagine Jasonbecoming a godwhenhedied, standingon somebeachguarding the gates to anoceanlongafterPiperandeveryoneelseheknewinhismortallifeweredead.

ShewonderedifHerculeshadeverbeenaspositiveasJason—moreupbeat,confident,

quicktocomfort.Itwashardtopicture.

Astheyhikeddownintothenextvalley,PiperwonderedwhatwashappeningbackontheArgoII.ShewastemptedtosendanIris-message,butHerculeshadwarnedthemnottocontacttheirfriends.ShehopedAnnabethcouldguesswhatwasgoingonanddidn’ttryto send another party ashore. Piper wasn’t sure what Hercules would do if he werebotheredfurther.SheimaginedCoachHedgegettingimpatientandaimingaballistaattheman inpurple,oreidolonspossessing thecrewand forcing them tocommit suicide-by-Hercules.

Pipershuddered.Shedidn’tknowwhattimeitwas,butthesunwasalreadystartingtosink.Howhad the day passed so quickly?Shewould havewelcomed sundown for thecoolertemperatures,exceptitwasalsotheirdeadline.Acoolnightbreezewouldn’tmeanmuch if they were dead. Besides, tomorrow was July 1, the Kalends of July. If theirinformationwascorrect,itwouldbeNicodiAngelo’slastdayoflife,andthedayRomewasdestroyed.

“Stop,”Jasonsaid.

Piperwasn’tsurewhatwaswrong.Thensherealizedshecouldhearrunningwaterupahead.Theycrept through the treesandfound themselveson thebankofa river. Itwasmaybe forty feetwidebutonlya few inchesdeep,a silver sheetofwater racingoverasmooth bed of stones. A few yards downstream, the rapids plunged into a dark blueswimminghole.

Something about the riverbotheredher.The cicadas in the treeshadgonequiet.Nobirdswerechirping.Itwasasifthewaterwasgivingalectureandwouldonlyallowitsownvoice.

ButthemorePiperlistened,themoreinvitingtheriverseemed.Shewantedtotakeadrink.Maybe she should take off her shoes.Her feet could really use a soak.And thatswimminghole…itwouldbesonicetojumpinwithJasonandrelaxintheshadeofthetrees,floatinginthenicecoolwater.Soromantic.

Pipershookherself.Thesethoughtsweren’thers.Somethingwaswrong.Italmostfeltliketheriverwascharmspeaking.

Jasonsatonarockandstartedtakingoffhisshoes.Hegrinnedattheswimmingholelikehecouldn’twaittogetin.

“Cutitout!”Piperyelledattheriver.

Jasonlookedstartled.“Cutwhatout?”

“Notyou,”Pipersaid.“Him.”

She felt silly pointing at thewater, but shewas certain itwasworking some sort ofmagic,swayingtheirfeelings.

Just when she thought she had lost it and Jasonwould tell her so, the river spoke:Forgiveme.SingingisoneofthefewpleasuresIhaveleft.

Afigureemergedfromtheswimmingholeasifrisingonanelevator.

Piper’sshoulderstensed.Itwasthecreatureshe’dseeninherknifeblade,thebullwiththe human face.His skinwas as blue as thewater.His hooves levitated on the river’ssurface.Atthetopofhisbovineneckwastheheadofamanwithshortcurlyblackhair,abearddone in ringletsAncientGreek style, deep,mournful eyesbehindbifocal glasses,andamouththatseemedsetinapermanentpout.Sproutingfromtheleftsideofhisheadwas a single bull’s horn—a curved black-and-white one like warriors might turn intodrinkingcups.Theimbalancemadehisheadtilttotheleft,sothathelookedlikehewastryingtogetwateroutofhisear.

“Hello,”hesaidsadly.“Cometokillme,Isuppose.”

Jasonputhisshoesbackonandstoodslowly.“Um,well—”

“No!” Piper intervened. “I’m sorry. This is embarrassing.We didn’t want to botheryou,butHerculessentus.”

“Hercules!”Thebull-mansighed.Hishoovespawed thewateras if ready tocharge.“Tome,he’llalwaysbeHeracles.That’shisGreekname,youknow:thegloryofHera.”

“Funnyname,”Jasonsaid.“Sincehehatesher.”

“Indeed,” thebull-mansaid. “Perhaps that’swhyhedidn’tprotestwhen theRomansrenamedhimHercules.Ofcourse,that’sthenamemostpeopleknowhimby…hisbrand,ifyouwill.Herculesisnothingifnotimage-conscious.”

The bull-man spokewith bitterness but familiarity, as ifHerculeswas an old friendwhohadlosthisway.

“You’reAchelous?”Piperasked.

The bull-man bent his front legs and lowered his head in a bow,whichPiper foundbothsweetandalittlesad.“Atyourservice.Rivergodextraordinaire.Oncethespiritofthemightiest river inGreece.Nowsentenced todwellhere,on theopposite sideof theisland from my old enemy. Oh, the gods are cruel! But whether they put us so closetogethertopunishmeorHercules,Ihaveneverbeensure.”

Piperwasn’tsurewhathemeant,but thebackgroundnoiseof theriverwasinvadinghermind again—remindingher howhot and thirsty she felt, howpleasant a nice swim

wouldbe.Shetriedtofocus.

“I’mPiper,”shesaid.“ThisisJason.Wedon’twanttofight.It’sjustthatHeracles—Hercules—whoeverheis,gotmadatusandsentushere.”

She explained about their quest to the ancient lands to stop the giants fromwakingGaea.ShedescribedhowtheirteamofGreeksandRomanshadcometogether,andhowHerculeshadthrownatempertantrumwhenhefoundoutHerawasbehindit.

Achelouskepttippinghisheadtotheleft,soPiperwasn’tsureifhewasdozingoffordealingwithone-hornfatigue.

Whenshewasdone,Achelousregardedherasifsheweredevelopingaregrettableskinrash.“Ah,mydear…thelegendsaretrue,youknow.Thespirits,thewatercannibals.”

Piperhadtofightbackawhimper.Shehadn’ttoldAchelousanythingaboutthat.“H-how—?”

“Rivergodsknowmanythings,”hesaid.“Alas,youarefocusingonthewrongstory.IfyouhadmadeittoRome,thestoryofthefloodwouldhaveservedyoubetter.”

“Piper?”Jasonasked.“What’shetalkingabout?”

Her thoughts were suddenly as jumbled as kaleidoscope glass. The story of theflood…IfyouhadmadeittoRome.

“I—I’mnot sure,” she said, though themention of a flood story rang a distant bell.“Achelous,Idon’tunderstand—”

“No,youdon’t,”therivergodsympathized.“Poorthing.AnothergirlstuckwithasonofZeus.”

“Waitaminute,”Jasonsaid.“It’sJupiter,actually.Andhowdoesthatmakeherapoorthing?”

Achelousignoredhim.“Mygirl,doyouknowthecauseofmyfightwithHercules?”

“Itwasoverawoman,”Piperrecalled.“Deianira?”

“Yes.”Achelousheavedasigh.“Anddoyouknowwhathappenedtoher?”

“Uh…”PiperglancedatJason.

Hetookouthisguidebookandbeganflippingthroughpages.“Itdoesn’treally—”

Acheloussnortedindignantly.“Whatisthat?”

Jasonblinked.“Just…TheHerculesGuidetoMareNostrum.Hegaveustheguidebookso—”

“Thatisnotabook,”Achelousinsisted.“Hegaveyouthatjusttogetundermyskin,didn’the?HeknowsIhatethosethings.”

“Youhate…books?”Piperasked.

“Bah!”Achelous’s face flushed, turning his blue skin eggplant purple. “That’snot abook.”

Hepawedthewater.Ascrollshotfromtheriverlikeaminiaturerocketandlandedinfront of him. He nudged it open with his hooves. The weathered yellow parchmentunfurled,coveredwithfadedLatinscriptandelaboratehand-drawnpictures.

“This isabook!”Acheloussaid.“Oh,thesmellofsheepskin!Theelegantfeelofthescrollunrollingbeneathmyhooves.Yousimplycan’tduplicateitinsomethinglikethat.”

HenoddedindignantlyattheguidebookinJason’shand.“Youyoungfolkstodayandyournewfangledgadgets.Boundpages.Littlecompactsquaresoftextthatarenothoof-friendly.That’saboundbook,ab-book,ifyoumust.Butit’snotatraditionalbook.It’llneverreplacethegoodold-fashionedscroll!”

“Um,I’lljustputthisawaynow.”Jasonslippedtheguidebookinhisbackpocketthewayhemightholsteradangerousweapon.

Achelousseemedtocalmdownalittle,whichwasarelieftoPiper.Shedidn’tneedtogetrunoverbyaone-hornedbullwithascrollobsession.

“Now,”Acheloussaid,tappingapictureonhisscroll.“ThisisDeianira.”

Piperkneltdown to look.Thehand-paintedportraitwassmall,butshecould tell thewomanhadbeenverybeautiful,with longdarkhair,darkeyes,andaplayfulsmile thatprobablydroveguyscrazy.

“PrincessofCalydon,”therivergodsaidmournfully.“Shewaspromisedtome,untilHerculesbuttedin.Heinsistedoncombat.”

“Andhebrokeoffyourhorn?”Jasonguessed.

“Yes,” Achelous said. “I could never forgive him for that. Horribly uncomfortable,havingonlyonehorn.ButthesituationwasworseforpoorDeianira.Shecouldhavehadalong,happylifemarriedtome.”

“Aman-headedbull,”Pipersaid,“wholivesinariver.”

“Exactly,”Achelous agreed. “It seems impossible shewould refuse, eh? Instead, shewent off with Hercules. She picked the handsome, flashy hero over the good, faithfulhusbandwhowouldhave treatedherwell.Whathappenednext?Well, she shouldhaveknown.Herculeswasmuchtoowrappedupinhisownproblemstobeagoodhusband.He

hadalreadymurderedonewife,youknow.Heracursedhim,soheflewintoa rageandkilledhisentirefamily.Horriblebusiness.That’swhyhehadtodothosetwelvelaborsaspenance.”

Piper felt appalled. “Wait…Hera made him crazy, and Hercules had to do thepenance?”

Achelousshrugged.“TheOlympiansneverseemtopayfortheircrimes.AndHerahasalwayshatedthesonsofZeus…orJupiter.”HeglanceddistrustfullyatJason.“Atanyrate,mypoorDeianira had a tragic end.She became jealous ofHercules’smany affairs.Hegallivantedallovertheworld,yousee,justlikehisfatherZeus,flirtingwitheverywomanhe met. Finally Deianira got so desperate she listened to bad advice. A crafty centaurnamedNessustoldherthatifshewantedHerculestobefaithfulforever,sheshouldspreadsomecentaurbloodon the insideofHercules’s favoriteshirt.UnfortunatelyNessuswaslying because he wanted revenge on Hercules. Deianira followed his instructions, butinsteadofmakingHerculesafaithfulhusband—”

“Centaurbloodislikeacid,”Jasonsaid.

“Yes,” Achelous said. “Hercules died a painful death.WhenDeianira realizedwhatshe’ddone,she…”Therivergoddrewalineacrosshisneck.

“That’sawful,”Pipersaid.

“Andthemoral,mydear?”Acheloussaid.“BewarethesonsofZeus.”

Pipercouldn’tlookatherboyfriend.Shewasn’tsureshecouldmasktheuneasinessinhereyes.JasonwouldneverbelikeHercules.Butthestoryplayedintoallherfears.Herahadmanipulatedtheirrelationship,justasshehadmanipulatedHercules.PiperwantedtobelievethatJasoncouldnevergointoamurderousfrenzylikeHerculeshad.Thenagain,onlyfourdaysagohehadbeencontrolledbyaneidolonandalmostkilledPercyJackson.

“Herculesisagodnow,”Acheloussaid.“HemarriedHebe,theyouthgoddess,butstillhe is rarelyathome.Hedwellshereon this island,guarding thosesillypillars.HesaysZeusmakeshimdothis,butIthinkheprefersbeingheretoMountOlympus,nursinghisbitterness and mourning his mortal life. My presence reminds him of his failures—especially the woman who finally killed him. And his presence reminds me of poorDeianira,whocouldhavebeenmywife.”

Thebull-mantappedthescroll,whichrolleditselfupandsankintothewater.

“Herculeswantsmyotherhorninorder tohumiliateme,”Acheloussaid.“Perhaps itwouldmakehimfeelbetterabouthimself,knowingthatI’mmiserable too.Besides, thehornwouldbecomea cornucopia.Good foodanddrinkwould flow from it, just asmy

powercausestherivertoflow.NodoubtHerculeswouldkeepthecornucopiaforhimself.Itwouldbeatragedyandawaste.”

PipersuspectedthenoiseoftheriverandthedrowsysoundofAchelous’svoicewerestill affecting her thoughts, but she couldn’t help agreeingwith the river god. ShewasstartingtohateHercules.Thispoorbull-manseemedsosadandlonely.

Jasonstirred.“I’msorry,Achelous.Honestly,you’vegottenabumdeal.Butmaybe…well,withouttheotherhorn,youmightnotbesolopsided.Itmightfeelbetter.”

“Jason!”Piperprotested.

Jason held up his hands. “Just a thought. Besides, I don’t see that we have manychoices.IfHerculesdoesn’tgetthathorn,he’llkillusandourfriends.”

“He’sright,”Acheloussaid.“Youhavenochoice.WhichiswhyIhopeyou’llforgiveme.”

Piper frowned. The river god sounded so heartbroken, she wanted to pat his head.“Forgiveyouforwhat?”

“Ihavenochoiceeither,”Acheloussaid.“Ihavetostopyou.”

Theriverexploded,andawallofwatercrashedoverPiper.

THE CURRENT GRABBED HER LIKE A FIST and pulled her into the deep. Struggling wasuseless.Sheclampedhermouthshut, forcingherselfnot to inhale,butshecouldbarelykeepfrompanicking.Shecouldn’tseeanythingbutatorrentofbubbles.Shecouldonlyhearherownthrashingandthedullroaroftherapids.

She’djustaboutdecidedthiswashowshewoulddie:drowninginaswimmingholeonanislandthatdidn’texist.Then,assuddenlyasshe’dbeenpulledunder,shewasthrusttothesurface.Shefoundherselfat thecenterofawhirlpool,able tobreathebutunable tobreakfree.

A few yards away, Jason broke the surface and gasped, his sword in one hand. Heswungwildly,buttherewasnothingtoattack.

Twenty feet to Piper’s right, Achelous rose from the water. “I’m really sorry aboutthis,”hesaid.

Jason lunged toward him, summoning the winds to lift him out of the river, butAchelouswasquickerandmorepowerful.Acurlofwaterslammed intoJasonandsenthimunderoncemore.

“Stopit!”Piperscreamed.

Usingcharmspeakwasn’teasywhenshewasfloundering inawhirlpool,butshegotAchelous’sattention.

“I’mafraidIcan’tstop,”saidtherivergod.“Ican’tletHerculeshavemyotherhorn.Itwouldbemortifying.”

“There’sanotherway!”Pipersaid.“Youdon’thavetokillus!”

Jasonclawedhisway to the surfaceagain.Aminiature stormcloud formedoverhishead.Thunderboomed.

“None of that, son of Jupiter,” Achelous chided. “If you call lightning, you’ll justelectrocuteyourgirlfriend.”

ThewaterpulledJasonunderagain.

“Lethimgo!”Piperchargedhervoicewithallthepersuasivenessshecouldmuster.“IpromiseIwon’tletHerculesgetthehorn!”

Acheloushesitated.Hecanteredovertoher,hisheadtiltingtotheleft.“Ibelieveyoumeanthat.”

“Ido!”Piperpromised.“Herculesisdespicable.But,please,firstletmyfriendgo.”

ThewaterchurnedwhereJasonhadgoneunder.Piperwanted toscream.Howmuchlongercouldheholdhisbreath?

Achelouslookeddownatherthroughhisbifocals.Hisexpressionsoftened.“Isee.YouwouldbemyDeianira.Youwouldbemybridetocompensateformyloss.”

“What?”Piperwasn’tsureifshe’dheardhimright.Thewhirlpoolwasliterallymakingherheadspin.“Uh,actuallyIwasthinking—”

“Oh, Iunderstand,”Achelous said. “Youwere toomodest to suggest this in frontofyourboyfriend.Youareright,ofcourse.IwouldtreatyoumuchbetterthanasonofZeuswould.Icouldmakethingsrightafterallthesecenturies.IcouldnotsaveDeianira,butIcouldsaveyou.”

Haditbeenthirtysecondsnow?Aminute?Jasoncouldn’tholdoutmuchlonger.

“Youwould have to let your friends die,” Achelous continued. “Hercules would beangry,but I canprotectyou fromhim.Wecouldbequitehappy together.Let’s startbylettingthatJasonfellowdrown,eh?”

Pipercouldbarelyholdittogether,butshehadtoconcentrate.Shemaskedherfearandheranger.ShewasachildofAphrodite.Shehadtousethetoolsshewasgiven.

Shesmiledassweetlyasshecouldandraisedherarms.“Liftmeup,please.”

Achelous’s face brightened. He grabbed Piper’s hands and pulled her out of thewhirlpool.

She’dneverriddenabullbefore,butshe’dpracticedbarebackpegasusridingatCampHalf-Blood,andsherememberedwhattodo.Sheusedhermomentum,swingingonelegover Achelous’s back. Then she locked her ankles around his neck, wrapped one arm

aroundhisthroat,anddrewherknifewiththeother.Shepressedthebladeundertherivergod’schin.

“Let—Jason—go.”Sheputallherforceintothecommand.“Now!”

Piperrealizedthereweremanyflawsinherplan.Therivergodmightsimplydissolveinto water. Or he could pull her under and wait for her to drown. But apparently hercharmspeak worked. Or maybe Achelous was just too surprised to think straight. Heprobablywasn’tusedtoprettygirlsthreateningtocuthisthroat.

Jasonshotoutofthewaterlikeahumancannonball.Hebrokethroughthebranchesofanolivetreeandtumbledontothegrass.Thatcouldn’thavefeltgood,buthestruggledtohisfeet,gaspingandcoughing.Heraisedhissword,andthedarkcloudsthickenedovertheriver.

Piper shothimawarning look:Notyet.She still had toget out of this riverwithoutdrowningorgettingelectrocuted.

Achelous arched his back as if contemplating a trick. Piper pressed the knife harderagainsthisthroat.

“Beagoodbull,”shewarned.

“You promised,” Achelous said through gritted teeth. “You promised Herculeswouldn’tgetmyhorn.”

“Andhewon’t,”Pipersaid.“ButIwill.”

Sheraisedherknifeandslashedoff thegod’shorn.TheCelestialbronzecut throughthebaselikeitwaswetclay.Achelousbellowedinrage.Beforehecouldrecover,Piperstooduponhisback.Withthehorninonehandandherdaggerintheother,sheleapedfortheshore.

“Jason!”sheyelled.

Thankthegods,heunderstood.Agustofwindcaughtherandcarriedhersafelyoverthebank.Piperhitthegroundrollingasthehairsonherneckstoodup.Ametallicsmellfilledtheair.Sheturnedtowardtheriverintimetobeblinded.

BOOM!Lightningstirredthewaterintoaboilingcauldron,steamingandhissingwithelectricity.PiperblinkedtheyellowspotsoutofhereyesasthegodAchelouswailedanddissolvedbeneath thesurface.Hishorrifiedexpressionseemed tobeasking:Howcouldyou?

“Jason,run!”Shewasstilldizzyandsickwithfear,butsheandJasoncrashedthroughthewoods.

Assheclimbed thehill, clasping thebull’shorn toher chest,Piper realized shewassobbing—thoughshewasn’t sure if itwas fromfear,or relief,or shame forwhat she’ddonetotheoldrivergod.

Theydidn’tslowdownuntiltheyreachedthecrestofthehill.

Piper felt silly, but she kept breaking down and crying as she told Jason what hadhappenedwhilehewasstrugglingunderwater.

“Piper,youhadnochoice.”Heputhishandonhershoulder.“Yousavedmylife.”

Shewipedhereyesandtriedtocontrolherself.Thesunwasnearingthehorizon.TheyhadtogetbacktoHerculesquickly,ortheirfriendswoulddie.

“Achelous forced your hand,” Jason continued. “Besides, I doubt that lightning boltkilledhim.He’sanancientgod.You’dhave todestroyhis river todestroyhim.Andhecanlivewithoutahorn.IfyouhadtolieaboutnotgivingittoHercules,well—”

“Iwasn’tlying.”

Jasonstaredather.“Pipes…wedon’thaveachoice.Herculeswillkill—”

“Herculesdoesn’tdeserve this.”Piperwasn’tsurewhere this ragewascomingfrom,butshehadneverfeltmorecertainofanythinginherlife.

Herculeswasabitter,selfishjerk.He’dhurttoomanypeople,andhewantedtokeepon hurting them. Maybe he’d had some bad breaks. Maybe the gods had kicked himaround.Butthatdidn’texcuseit.Aherocouldn’tcontrolthegods,butheshouldbeabletocontrolhimself.

Jasonwouldneverbelikethat.Hewouldneverblameothersforhisproblemsormakeagrudgemoreimportantthandoingtherightthing.

PiperwasnotgoingtorepeatDeianira’sstory.Shewasn’tgoingtogoalongwithwhatHerculeswantedjustbecausehewashandsomeandstrongandscary.Hecouldn’tgethisway this time—not after threatening their lives and sending them to make AchelousmiserableforthesakeofspitingHera.Herculesdidn’tdeserveahornofplenty.Piperwasgoingtoputhiminhisplace.

“Ihaveaplan,”shesaid.

ShetoldJasonwhattodo.Shedidn’tevenrealizeshewasusingcharmspeakuntilhiseyesglazedover.

“Whateveryousay,”hepromised.Thenheblinkedafewtimes.“We’regoingtodie,

butI’min.”

Herculeswaswaitingrightwherethey’dlefthim.Hewasstaringat theArgoII,dockedbetween thepillars as the sun setbehind it.The ship lookedokay,butPiper’splanhadstartedtofeelinsanetoher.

Toolatetoreconsider.She’dalreadysentanIris-messagetoLeo.Jasonwasprepared.And,seeingHerculesagain,shefeltmorecertainthanevershecouldn’tgivehimwhathewanted.

Herculesdidn’t exactlybrightenwhenhe sawPiper carrying thebull’s horn, but hisscowllineslessened.

“Good,”hesaid.“Yougotit.Inthatcase,youarefreetogo.”

PiperglancedatJason.“Youheardhim.Hegaveuspermission.”She turnedback tothegod.“ThatmeansourshipwillbeabletopassintotheMediterranean?”

“Yes,yes.”Herculessnappedhisfingers.“Now,thehorn.”

“No,”Pipersaid.

Thegodfrowned.“Excuseme?”

She raised the cornucopia. Since she’d cut it from Achelous’s head, the horn hadhollowedout,becomingsmoothanddarkontheinside.Itdidn’tappearmagical,butPiperwascountingonitspower.

“Achelouswas right,” she said. “You’rehis curse asmuch as he is yours.You’re asorryexcuseforahero.”

HerculesstaredatherasifshewerespeakinginJapanese.“YourealizeIcouldkillyouwithaflickofmyfinger,”hesaid.“Icouldthrowmyclubatyourshipandcutstraightthroughitshull.Icould—”

“Youcould shutup,” Jason said.Hedrewhis sword. “MaybeZeus is different fromJupiter.BecauseIwouldn’tputupwithanybrotherwhoactslikeyou.”

TheveinsonHercules’sneckturnedaspurpleashisrobes.“YouwouldnotbethefirstdemigodI’vekilled.”

“Jasonisbetterthanyou,”Pipersaid.“Butdon’tworry.We’renotgoingtofightyou.We’regoingtoleavethisislandwiththehorn.Youdon’tdeserveitasaprize.I’mgoingtokeep it, to remindme ofwhatnot to be like as a demigod, and to remindme of poorAchelousandDeianira.”

Thegod’snostrils flared. “Donotmention that name!You can’t seriously think I’mworriedaboutyourpunyboyfriend.Nooneisstrongerthanme.”

“Ididn’tsaystronger,”Pipercorrected.“Isaidhe’sbetter.”

PiperpointedthemouthofthehornatHercules.Sheletgooftheresentmentanddoubtand anger she’d been harboring since Camp Jupiter. She concentrated on all the goodthingsshe’dsharedwithJasonGrace:soaringupwardin theGrandCanyon,walkingonthebeach atCampHalf-Blood, holdinghands at the sing-along andwatching the stars,sittingbythestrawberryfieldstogetheronlazyafternoonsandlisteningtothesatyrsplaytheirpipes.

She thoughtabouta futurewhen thegiantshadbeendefeated,Gaeawasasleep,andtheywould livehappily together—no jealousy,nomonsters left tobattle.She filledherheartwiththosethoughts,andshefeltthecornucopiagrowwarm.

The horn blasted forth a flood of food as powerful asAchelous’s river.A torrent offresh fruit, baked goods, and smoked hams completely buried Hercules. Piper didn’tunderstandhowallthatstuffcouldfitthroughtheentranceofthehorn,butshethoughtthehamswereespeciallyappropriate.

Whenithadspewedoutenoughgoodiestofillahouse,thehornshutitselfoff.Piperheard Hercules shrieking and struggling somewhere underneath. Apparently even thestrongestgodintheworldcouldbecaughtoffguardwhenburiedunderfreshproduce.

“Go!” she told Jason, who’d forgotten his part of the plan and was staring inamazementatthefruitpile.“Go!”

HegrabbedPiper’swaistandsummonedthewind.Theyshotawayfromtheislandsoquickly,Piperalmostgotwhiplash;butitwasn’tasecondtoosoon.

Astheislandretreatedfromview,Hercules’sheadbrokeabovethemoundofgoodies.Halfacoconutwasstuckonhisnogginlikeawarhelmet.“Kill!”hebellowed,likehe’dhadalotofpracticesayingit.

JasontoucheddownonthedeckoftheArgoII.Thankfully,Leohaddonehispart.Theship’soarswerealready inaerialmode.Theanchorwasup.Jasonsummonedagalesostrong,itpushedthemintothesky,whilePercysentaten-foot-tallwaveagainsttheshore,knockingHerculesdownasecondtime,inacascadeofseawaterandpineapples.

By the time thegod regainedhis feet and started lobbing coconuts at them from farbelow,theArgoIIwasalreadysailingthroughthecloudsabovetheMediterranean.

PERCYWASNOTFEELINGTHELOVE.

Badenoughhe’dbeenrunoutofAtlantabyevilseagods.Thenhehadfailedtostopagiant shrimp attack on theArgoII. Then the ichthyocentaurs, Chiron’s brothers, hadn’tevenwantedtomeethim.

Afterallthat,theyhadarrivedatthePillarsofHercules,andPercyhadtostayaboardshipwhileJasontheBigShotvisitedhishalfbrother.Hercules,themostfamousdemigodofalltime,andPercydidn’tgettomeethimeither.

Okay,sure,fromwhatPipersaidafterward,Herculeswasajerk,butstill…Percywasgettingkindoftiredofstayingaboardshipandpacingthedeck.

The open seawas supposed to behis territory. Percywas supposed to step up, takecharge,andkeepeverybodysafe.Instead,allthewayacrosstheAtlantic,he’ddoneprettymuch nothing exceptmake small talk with sharks and listen to CoachHedge sing TVthemesongs.

Tomakemattersworse,AnnabethhadbeendistanteversincetheyhadleftCharleston.Shespentmostofhertimeinhercabin,studyingthebronzemapshe’dretrievedfromFortSumter,orlookingupinformationonDaedalus’slaptop.

WheneverPercystoppedbytoseeher,shewassolostinthoughtthattheconversationwentsomethinglikethis:

Percy:“Hey,how’sitgoing?”

Annabeth:“Uh,nothanks.”

Percy:“Okay…haveyoueatenanythingtoday?”

Annabeth:“IthinkLeoisonduty.Askhim.”

Percy:“So,myhairisonfire.”

Annabeth:“Okay.Inawhile.”

Shegotlikethissometimes.ItwasoneofthechallengesofdatinganAthenagirl.Still,Percywonderedwhathehadtodotogetherattention.HewasworriedaboutherafterherencounterwiththespidersatFortSumter,andhedidn’tknowhowtohelpher,especiallyifsheshuthimout.

After leavingthePillarsofHercules—unscathedexceptforafewcoconuts lodgedinthehull’sbronzeplating—theshiptraveledbyairforafewhundredmiles.

Percyhoped theancient landswouldn’tbeasbadas they’dheard.But itwasalmostlikeacommercial:You’llnoticethedifferenceimmediately!

Several times an hour, something attacked the ship. A flock of flesh-eatingStymphalianbirds swoopedoutof thenight sky,andFestus torched them.Stormspiritsswirledaroundthemast,andJasonblastedthemwithlightning.WhileCoachHedgewashavingdinneron the foredeck, awildpegasusappeared fromnowhere, stampededoverthecoach’senchiladas,andflewoffagain,leavingcheesyhoofprintsallacrossthedeck.

“Whatwasthatfor?”thecoachdemanded.

The sight of the pegasusmade PercywishBlackjackwere here.He hadn’t seen hisfriendindays.TempestandArionalsohadn’tshownthemselves.Maybetheydidn’twanttoventureintotheMediterranean.Ifso,Percycouldn’tblamethem.

Finally aroundmidnight, after the ninth or tenth aerial attack, Jason turned to him.“Howaboutyougetsomesleep?I’llkeepblastingstuffoutof theskyas longasIcan.Thenwecangobyseaforawhile,andyoucantakepoint.”

Percywasn’tsurethathe’dbeabletosleepwiththeboatrockingthroughthecloudsasitwasshakenbyangrywindspirits,butJason’sideamadesense.Hewentbelowdecksandcrashedonhisbunk.

Hisnightmares,ofcourse,wereanythingbutrestful.

Hedreamedhewasinadarkcavern.Hecouldonlyseeafewfeetinfrontofhim,butthespacemusthavebeenvast.Waterdrippedfromsomewherenearby,andthesoundechoedoffdistantwalls.ThewaytheairmovedmadePercysuspectthecave’sceilingwasfar,farabove.

Heheardheavy footsteps, and the twingiantsEphialtes andOtis shuffledoutof the

gloom. Percy could distinguish them only by their hair—Ephialtes had the green locksbraidedwithsilverandgoldcoins;Otishadthepurpleponytailbraidedwith…werethosefirecrackers?

Otherwise they were dressed identically, and their outfits definitely belonged in anightmare.TheyworematchingwhiteslacksandgoldbuccaneershirtswithV-necksthatshowedwaytoomuchchesthair.Adozensheatheddaggers lined their rhinestonebelts.Theirshoeswereopen-toedsandals,provingthat—yes,indeed—theyhadsnakesforfeet.The straps wrapped around the serpents’ necks. Their heads curled up where the toesshouldbe.Thesnakesflickedtheirtonguesexcitedlyandturnedtheirgoldeyesineverydirection,likedogslookingoutthewindowofacar.Maybeithadbeenalongtimesincethey’dhadshoeswithaview.

ThegiantsstoodinfrontofPercy,buttheypaidhimnoattention.Instead,theygazedupintothedarkness.

“We’rehere,”Ephialtesannounced.Despitehisboomingvoice,hiswordsdissipatedinthecavern,echoinguntiltheysoundedsmallandinsignificant.

Farabove,somethinganswered,“Yes.Icanseethat.Thoseoutfitsarehardtomiss.”

ThevoicemadePercy’sstomachdropaboutsixinches.Itsoundedvaguelyfemale,butnotatallhuman.Eachwordwasagarbledhissinmultipletones,asifaswarmofAfricankillerbeeshadlearnedtospeakEnglishinunison.

Itwasn’tGaea.Percywas sureof that.Butwhatever itwas, the twingiantsbecamenervous.Theyshiftedontheirsnakesandbobbedtheirheadsrespectfully.

“Ofcourse,YourLadyship,”Ephialtessaid.“Webringnewsof—”

“Whyareyoudressed like that?”asked the thing in thedark.Shedidn’t seem tobecominganycloser,whichwasfinewithPercy.

Ephialtes shot his brother an irritated look. “My brother was supposed to wearsomethingdifferent.Unfortunately—”

“YousaidIwastheknifethrowertoday,”Otisprotested.

“IsaidIwastheknifethrower!Youweresupposedtobethemagician!Ah,forgiveme,YourLadyship.Youdon’twant tohearusarguing.Wecameasyou requested, tobringyounews.Theshipisapproaching.”

Her Ladyship, whatever she was, made a series of violent hisses like a tire beingslashedrepeatedly.Withashudder,Percyrealizedshewaslaughing.

“Howlong?”sheasked.

“TheyshouldlandinRomeshortlyafterdaybreak,Ithink,”Ephialtessaid.“Ofcourse,they’llhavetogetpastthegoldenboy.”

Hesneered,asifthegoldenboywasnothisfavoriteperson.

“Ihope theyarrive safely,”HerLadyship said.“Itwouldspoilour fun tohave themcapturedtoosoon.Areyourpreparationsmade?”

“Yes, Your Ladyship.” Otis stepped forward, and the cavern trembled. A crackappearedunderOtis’sleftsnake.

“Careful,youdolt!”HerLadyshipsnarled.“DoyouwanttoreturntoTartarusthehardway?”

Otis scrambled back, his face slack with terror. Percy realized that the floor, whichlooked like solid stone, wasmore like the glacier he’dwalked on inAlaska—in someplacessolid,inotherplaces…notsomuch.Hewasgladheweighednothinginhisdreams.

“There is little leftholding thisplace together,”HerLadyshipcautioned.“Except,ofcourse,myownskill.CenturiesofAthena’sragecanonlybecontainedsowell,andthegreat EarthMother churns below us in her sleep.Between those two forces,well…mynesthasquiteeroded.Wemusthope thischildofAthenaproves tobeaworthyvictim.Shemaybemylastplaything.”

Ephialtesgulped.Hekepthiseyesonthecrackinthefloor.“Soonitwillnotmatter,YourLadyship.Gaeawill rise,andweallwillbe rewarded.Youwillno longerhave toguardthisplace,orkeepyourworkshidden.”

“Perhaps,”saidthevoiceinthedark.“ButIwillmissthesweetnessofmyrevenge.Wehaveworkedwelltogetheroverthecenturies,havewenot?”

The twins bowed. The coins glittered in Ephialtes’s hair, and Percy realized withnauseatingcertaintythatsomeofthemweresilverdrachma,exactlyliketheoneAnnabethhadgottenfromhermom.

Annabethhadtoldhimthatineachgeneration,afewchildrenofAthenaweresentonthequesttorecoverthemissingParthenonstatue.Nonehadeversucceeded.

Wehaveworkedwelltogetheroverthecenturies.…

ThegiantEphialteshadcenturies’worthofcoinsinhisbraids—hundredsoftrophies.PercypicturedAnnabethstandinginthisdarkplacealone.Heimaginedthegiant takingthatcoinshecarriedandaddingittohiscollection.Percywantedtodrawhisswordandgive thegiantahaircutstartingat theneck,buthewaspowerless toact.Hecouldonlywatch.

“Uh,YourLadyship,”Ephialtessaidnervously.“IwouldremindyouthatGaeawishesthegirl tobetakenalive.Youcantormenther.Driveherinsane.Whateveryouwish,ofcourse.Butherbloodmustbespiltontheancientstones.”

HerLadyshiphissed.“Otherscouldbeusedforthatpurpose.”

“Y-yes,”Ephialtessaid.“Butthisgirlispreferred.Andtheboy—thesonofPoseidon.Youcanseewhythosetwowouldbemostsuitedforthetask.”

Percywasn’t surewhat thatmeant, but hewanted to crack the floor and send thesestupidgold-shirted twinsdown tooblivion.He’dnever letGaea spill his blood for anytask—andtherewasnowayhe’dletanyonehurtAnnabeth.

“We will see,” Her Ladyship grumbled. “Leave me now. Tend to your ownpreparations.Youwillhaveyourspectacle.AndI…Iwillworkindarkness.”

Thedreamdissolved,andPercywokewithastart.

Jasonwasknockingathisopendoorway.

“We’vesetdowninthewater,”hesaid,lookingutterlyexhausted.“Yourturn.”

Percy didn’t want to, but he woke Annabeth. He figured even Coach Hedge wouldn’tmindtheirtalkingaftercurfewifitmeantgivingherinformationthatmightsaveherlife.

Theystoodondeck,aloneexcept forLeo,whowasstillmanning thehelm.Theguymusthavebeenshattered,butherefusedtogotosleep.

“Idon’twantanymoreShrimpzillasurprises,”heinsisted.

They’dall tried to convinceLeo that the skolopendra attackhadn’tbeenentirelyhisfault,buthewouldn’tlisten.Percyknewhowhefelt.NotforgivinghimselfformistakeswasoneofPercy’sbiggesttalents.

Itwasabout four in themorning.Theweatherwasmiserable.The fogwas so thick,Percycouldn’tseeFestusattheendoftheprow,andwarmdrizzlehungintheairlikeabead curtain. As they sailed into twenty-foot swells, the sea heaving underneath them,PercycouldhearpoorHazeldowninhercabin…alsoheaving.

Despiteall that,Percywasgrateful tobebackon thewater.Hepreferred it toflyingthrough storm clouds and being attacked by man-eating birds and enchilada-tramplingpegasi.

HestoodwithAnnabethattheforwardrailwhilehetoldherabouthisdream.

Percywasn’tsurehowshe’dtakethenews.Herreactionwasevenmoretroublingthan

heanticipated:shedidn’tseemsurprised.

She peered into the fog. “Percy, you have to promiseme something. Don’t tell theothersaboutthisdream.”

“Don’twhat?Annabeth—”

“WhatyousawwasabouttheMarkofAthena,”shesaid.“Itwon’thelptheotherstoknow.It’llonlymakethemworry,andit’llmakeitharderformetogooffonmyown.”

“Annabeth, you can’t be serious. That thing in the dark, the big chamber with thecrumblingfloor—”

“Iknow.”Herfacelookedunnaturallypale,andPercysuspecteditwasn’tjustthefog.“ButIhavetodothisalone.”

Percy swallowed back his anger.Hewasn’t sure if hewasmad atAnnabeth, or hisdream,ortheentireGreek/Romanworldthathadenduredandshapedhumanhistoryforfivethousandyearswithonegoalinmind:tomakePercyJackson’slifesuckasmuchaspossible.

“Youknowwhat’sinthatcavern,”heguessed.“Doesithavetodowithspiders?”

“Yes,”shesaidinasmallvoice.

“Thenhowcanyoueven…?”Hemadehimselfstop.

OnceAnnabeth hadmade up hermind, arguingwith herwouldn’t do any good.Herememberedthenightthreeandahalfyearsago,whenthey’dsavedNicoandBiancadiAngelo inMaine. Annabeth had been captured by the Titan Atlas. For a while, Percywasn’tsureifshewasaliveordead.He’dtraveledacrossthecountrytosaveherfromtheTitan.Ithadbeenthehardestfewdaysofhislife—notjustthemonstersandthefighting,buttheworry.

Howcouldhe intentionally lethergonow,knowingshewasheadingintosomethingevenmoredangerous?

Thenitdawnedonhim:thewayhehadfeltbackthen,forafewdays,wasprobablyhowAnnabethhadfeltforthesixmonthshehadbeenmissingwithamnesia.

Thatmadehimfeelguilty,andalittlebitselfish,tobestandingherearguingwithher.Shehad togoon thisquest.The fateof theworldmightdependon it.Butpartofhimwantedtosay:Forgettheworld.Hedidn’twanttobewithouther.

Percy stared into the fog.He couldn’t see anything around them, but he had perfectbearings at sea. He knew their exact latitude and longitude. He knew the depth of theocean andwhichway the currentswere flowing.He knew the ship’s speed, and could

sense no rocks, sandbars, or other natural dangers in their path. Still, being blind wasunsettling.

They hadn’t been attacked since they had touched the water, but the sea seemeddifferent.PercyhadbeenintheAtlantic,thePacific,eventheGulfofAlaska,butthisseafeltmore ancient andpowerful.Percy could sense its layers swirlingbelowhim.EveryGreekorRomanherohadsailed thesewaters—fromHercules toAeneas.Monstersstilldwelt in thedepths, sodeeplywrapped in theMist that theysleptmostof the time;butPercycouldfeelthemstirring,respondingtotheCelestialbronzehullofaGreektriremeandthepresenceofdemigodblood.

Theyareback,themonstersseemedtosay.Finally,freshblood.

“We’renotfarfromtheItaliancoast,”Percysaid,mostlytobreakthesilence.“MaybeahundrednauticalmilestothemouthoftheTiber.”

“Good,”Annabethsaid.“Bydaybreak,weshould—”

“Stop.”Percy’sskinfeltwashedwithice.“Wehavetostop.”

“Why?”Annabethasked.

“Leo,stop!”heyelled.

Toolate.Theotherboatappearedoutofthefogandrammedthemhead-on.Inthatsplitsecond, Percy registered random details: another trireme; black sails painted with agorgon’s head; hulking warriors, not quite human, crowded at the front of the boat inGreekarmor,swordsandspearsready;andabronzeramatwaterlevel,slammingagainstthehulloftheArgoII.

AnnabethandPercywerealmostthrownoverboard.

Festusblewfire,sendingadozenverysurprisedwarriorsscreaminganddivingintothesea,butmoreswarmedaboardtheArgoII.Grapplinglineswrappedaroundtherailsandthemast,diggingironclawsintothehull’splanks.

BythetimePercyhadrecoveredhiswits,theenemywaseverywhere.Hecouldn’tseewellthroughthefogandthedark,buttheinvadersseemedtobehumanlikedolphins,ordolphinlikehumans.Somehadgraysnouts.Othersheldtheirswordsinstuntedflippers.Somewaddledon legspartially fused together,whileothershadflippers for feet,whichremindedPercyofclownshoes.

Leo sounded the alarm bell.Hemade a dash for the nearest ballista butwent downunderapileofchatteringdolphinwarriors.

Annabeth and Percy stood back-to-back, as they’d done many times before, their

weaponsdrawn.Percytriedtosummonthewaves,hopinghecouldpushtheshipsapartorevencapsize theenemyvessel,butnothinghappened. It almost felt like somethingwaspushingagainsthiswill,wrestingtheseafromhiscontrol.

HeraisedRiptide,readytofight,buttheywerehopelesslyoutnumbered.Severaldozenwarriorsloweredtheirspearsandmadearingaroundthem,wiselykeepingoutofstrikingdistance of Percy’s sword. The dolphin-men opened their snouts and made whistling,poppingnoises.Percyhadneverconsideredjusthowviciousdolphinteethlooked.

Hetriedtothink.Maybehecouldbreakoutofthecircleanddestroyafewinvaders,butnotwithouttheothersskeweringhimandAnnabeth.

At least the warriors didn’t seem interested in killing them immediately. They keptPercy and Annabeth contained while more of their comrades flooded belowdecks andsecuredthehull.Percycouldhearthembreakingdownthecabindoors,scufflingwithhisfriends.Even if theotherdemigodshadn’tbeen fast asleep, theywouldn’thavestoodachanceagainstsomany.

Leowasdraggedacrossthedeck,half-consciousandgroaning,anddumpedonapileof ropes.Below, the soundsof fighting taperedoff.Either theothershadbeen subduedor…orPercyrefusedtothinkaboutit.

Ononesideoftheringofspears,thedolphinwarriorspartedtoletsomeonethrough.Heappeared tobe fullyhuman,but from theway thedolphins fellbackbeforehim,hewasclearlytheleader.HewasdressedinGreekcombatarmor—sandals,kilt,andgreaves,abreastplatedecoratedwithelaborateseamonsterdesigns—andeverythingheworewasgold.Evenhissword,aGreekbladelikeRiptide,wasgoldinsteadofbronze.

Thegoldenboy,Percy thought, rememberinghisdream.They’ll have to get past thegoldenboy.

WhatreallymadePercynervouswastheguy’shelmet.Hisvisorwasafullfacemaskfashionedlikeagorgon’shead—curvedtusks,horriblefeaturespinchedintoasnarl,andgoldensnakehaircurlingaroundtheface.Percyhadmetgorgonsbefore.Thelikenesswasgood—alittletoogoodforhistaste.

AnnabethturnedsoshewasshouldertoshoulderwithPercy.Hewantedtoputhisarmaroundherprotectively,buthedoubtedshe’dappreciatethegesture,andhedidn’twanttogivethisgoldenguyanyindicationthatAnnabethwashisgirlfriend.Nosensegivingtheenemymoreleveragethantheyalreadyhad.

“Whoareyou?”Percydemanded.“Whatdoyouwant?”

Thegoldenwarriorchuckled.Withaflickofhisblade,fasterthanPercycouldfollow,

hesmackedRiptideoutofPercy’shandandsentitflyingintothesea.

He might as well have thrown Percy’s lungs into the sea, because suddenly Percycouldn’tbreathe.He’dneverbeendisarmedsoeasily.

“Hello, brother.” The golden warrior’s voice was rich and velvety, with an exoticaccent—MiddleEastern,maybe—thatseemedvaguelyfamiliar.“Alwayshappytorobafellow son of Poseidon. I amChrysaor, theGolden Sword. As for what I want…”HeturnedhismetalmasktowardAnnabeth.“Well,that’seasy.Iwanteverythingyouhave.”

PERCY’SHEARTDIDJUMPINGJACKSwhileChrysaorwalkedbackandforth,inspectingthemlike prized cattle. A dozen of his dolphin-man warriors stayed in a ring around them,spears leveled at Percy’s chest, while dozens more ransacked the ship, banging andcrashingaroundbelowdecks.Onecarriedaboxofambrosiaupthestairs.AnothercarriedanarmfulofballistaboltsandacrateofGreekfire.

“Carefulwiththat!”Annabethwarned.“It’llblowupbothourships.”

“Ha!”Chrysaor said. “Weknowall aboutGreek fire, girl.Don’tworry.We’vebeenlootingandpillagingshipsontheMareNostrumforeons.”

“Youraccentsoundsfamiliar,”Percysaid.“Havewemet?”

“Ihaven’thadthepleasure.”Chrysaor’sgoldengorgonmasksnarledathim,thoughitwasimpossible to tellwhathisrealexpressionmightbeunderneath.“ButI’veheardallaboutyou,PercyJackson.Oh,yes,theyoungmanwhosavedOlympus.Andhisfaithfulsidekick,AnnabethChase.”

“I’mnobody’ssidekick,”Annabethgrowled.“And,Percy,hisaccentsounds familiarbecausehesoundslikehismother.WekilledherinNewJersey.”

Percyfrowned.“I’mprettysurethataccentisn’tNewJersey.Who’shis—?Oh.”

Itallfellintoplace.AuntyEm’sGardenGnomeEmporium—thelairofMedusa.She’dtalkedwiththatsameaccent,atleastuntilPercyhadcutoffherhead.

“Medusaisyourmom?”heasked.“Dude,thatsucksforyou.”

JudgingfromthesoundinChrysaor’sthroat,hewasnowsnarlingunderthemask,too.

“You are as arrogant as the first Perseus,” Chrysaor said. “But, yes, Percy Jackson.

Poseidon was my father. Medusa was my mother. After Medusa was changed into amonsterby that so-calledgoddessofwisdom…”Thegoldenmask turnedonAnnabeth.“Thatwouldbeyourmother, Ibelieve…Medusa’s twochildrenwere trappedinsideher,unabletobeborn.WhentheoriginalPerseuscutoffMedusa’shead—”

“Twochildrensprangout,”Annabethremembered.“Pegasusandyou.”

Percyblinked. “Soyour brother is awingedhorse.But you’re alsomyhalf brother,whichmeansalltheflyinghorsesintheworldaremy…Youknowwhat?Let’sforgetit.”

He’d learned years ago it was better not to dwell toomuch on who was related towhom on the godly side of things. After Tyson the Cyclops adopted him as a brother,Percydecidedthatthatwasaboutasfarashewantedtoextendthefamily.

“Butifyou’reMedusa’skid,”hesaid,“whyhaven’tIeverheardofyou?”

Chrysaorsighedinexasperation.“WhenyourbrotherisPegasus,yougetusedtobeingforgotten.Oh,look,awingedhorse!Doesanyonecareaboutme?No!”Heraisedthetipofhisblade toPercy’seyes. “Butdon’tunderestimateme.Mynamemeans theGoldenSwordforareason.”

“Imperialgold?”Percyguessed.

“Bah!Enchantedgold,yes.Lateron,theRomanscalleditImperialgold,butIwasthefirsttoeverwieldsuchablade.Ishouldhavebeenthemostfamousheroofalltime!Sincethe legend-tellersdecided to ignoreme, Ibecameavillain instead. I resolved toputmyheritage touse.As thesonofMedusa, Iwould inspire terror.As thesonofPoseidon, Iwouldruletheseas!”

“Youbecameapirate,”Annabethsummedup.

Chrysaorspreadhisarms,whichwasfinewithPercysinceitgottheswordpointawayfromhiseyes.

“Thebestpirate,”Chrysaorsaid.“I’vesailedthesewatersforcenturies,waylayinganydemigodsfoolishenoughtoexploretheMareNostrum.Thisismyterritorynow.Andallyouhaveismine.”

OneofthedolphinwarriorsdraggedCoachHedgeupfrombelow.

“Letmego,youtunafish!”Hedgebellowed.Hetriedtokickthewarrior,buthishoofclanged off his captor’s armor. Judging from the hoof-shaped prints in the dolphin’sbreastplateandhelmet,thecoachhadalreadymadeseveralattempts.

“Ah,asatyr,”Chrysaormused.“Alittleoldandstringy,butCyclopeswillpaywellforamorsellikehim.Chainhimup.”

“I’mnobody’sgoatmeat!”Hedgeprotested.

“Gaghimaswell,”Chrysaordecided.

“Whyyougildedlittle—”Hedge’sinsultwascutshortwhenthedolphinputagreasywadof canvas in hismouth.Soon the coachwas trussed like a rodeo calf anddumpedwith theother loot—cratesof food,extraweapons,even themagical icechest from themesshall.

“Youcan’tdothis!”Annabethshouted.

Chrysaor’slaughterreverberatedinsidehisgoldfacemask.Percywonderedifhewashorriblydisfiguredunder there,or ifhisgazecouldpetrifypeople thewayhismother’scould.

“I can do anything I want,” Chrysaor said. “My warriors have been trained toperfection.Theyarevicious,cutthroat—”

“Dolphins,”Percynoted.

Chrysaorshrugged.“Yes.So?Theyhadsomebadluckafewmillenniaago,kidnappedthewrongperson.Someof theircrewgot turnedcompletely into dolphins.Otherswentmad.Butthese…thesesurvivedashybridcreatures.WhenIfoundthemundertheseaandofferedthemanewlife,theybecamemyloyalcrew.Theyfearnothing!”

Oneofthewarriorschatteredathimnervously.

“Yes, yes,” Chrysaor growled. “They fearone thing, but it hardlymatters.He’s nothere.”

An idea began tickling at the base ofPercy’s skull.Before he couldpursue it,moredolphin warriors climbed the stairs, hauling up the rest of his friends. Jason wasunconscious.Judgingfromthenewbruisesonhisface,he’dtriedtofight.HazelandPiperwereboundhandandfoot.Piperhadagaginhermouth,soapparentlythedolphinshaddiscovered she could charmspeak. Frank was the only onemissing, though two of thedolphinshadbeestingscoveringtheirfaces.

CouldFrankactuallyturnintoaswarmofbees?Percyhopedso.Ifhewasfreeaboardtheshipsomewhere,thatcouldbeanadvantage,assumingPercycouldfigureouthowtocommunicatewithhim.

“Excellent!” Chrysaor gloated. He directed his warriors to dump Jason by thecrossbows. Then he examined the girls like theywereChristmas presents,whichmadePercygrithisteeth.

“The boy is no use tome,”Chrysaor said. “Butwe have an understandingwith the

witchCirce. Shewill buy thewomen—either as slaves or trainees, depending on theirskill.Butnotyou,lovelyAnnabeth.”

Annabethrecoiled.“Youarenottakingmeanywhere.”

Percy’s hand crept to his pocket. His pen had appeared back in his jeans. He onlyneededamoment’sdistractiontodrawhissword.MaybeifhecouldtakedownChrysaorquickly,hiscrewwouldpanic.

He wished he knew something about Chrysaor’s weaknesses. Usually Annabethprovidedhimwithinformationlikethat,butapparentlyChrysaordidn’thaveanylegends,sotheywerebothinthedark.

Thegoldenwarrior tutted. “Oh, sadly,Annabeth, youwill not be stayingwithme. Iwouldlovethat.ButyouandyourfriendPercyarespokenfor.Acertaingoddessispayingahighbounty for your capture—alive, if possible, though shedidn’t sayyouhad tobeunharmed.”

At that moment, Piper caused the disturbance they needed. She wailed so loudly itcouldbeheardthroughhergag.Thenshefaintedagainstthenearestguard,knockinghimover.Hazelgottheideaandcrumpledtothedeck,kickingherlegsandthrashinglikeshewashavingafit.

Percy drew Riptide and lashed out. The blade should have gone straight throughChrysaor’sneck,butthegoldenwarriorwasunbelievablyfast.Hedodgedandparriedasthe dolphin warriors backed up, guarding the other captives while giving their captainroom tobattle.Theychatteredand squeaked, egginghimon, andPercygot the sinkingsuspicionthecrewwasusedtothissortofentertainment.Theydidn’tfeeltheirleaderwasinanysortofdanger.

Percyhadn’tcrossedswordswithanopponentlikethissince…well,sincehe’dbattledthewargodAres.Chrysaorwas thatgood.ManyofPercy’spowershadgottenstrongerovertheyears,butnow,toolate,Percyrealizedthatswordplaywasn’toneofthem.

Hewasrusty—atleastagainstanadversarylikeChrysaor.

Theybattledbackandforth,thrustingandparrying.Withoutmeaningto,PercyheardthevoiceofLukeCastellan,hisfirstsword-fightingmentoratCampHalf-Blood,throwingoutsuggestions.Butitdidn’thelp.

Thegoldengorgonmaskwastoounnerving.Thewarmfog,theslickdeckboards,thechatteringofthewarriors—noneofithelped.Andinthecornerofhiseye,Percycouldseeone of the dolphin-men holding a knife atAnnabeth’s throat in case she tried anythingtricky.

HefeintedandthrustatChrysaor’sgut,butChrysaoranticipatedthemove.HeknockedPercy’sswordoutofhishandagain,andoncemoreRiptideflewintothesea.

Chrysaor laughed easily. He wasn’t even winded. He pressed the tip of his goldenswordagainstPercy’ssternum.

“Agood try,” said the pirate. “But nowyou’ll be chained and transported toGaea’sminions.Theyarequiteeagertospillyourbloodandwakethegoddess.”

NOTHINGLIKETOTALFAILUREtogenerategreatideas.

AsPercystoodthere,disarmedandoutmatched,theplanformedinhishead.Hewassoused to Annabeth providing Greek legend information that he was kind of stunned toactually remember something useful, but he had to act fast. He couldn’t let anythinghappentohisfriends.Hewasn’tgoingtoloseAnnabeth—notagain.

Chrysaorcouldn’tbebeat.Atleastnotinsinglecombat.Butwithouthiscrew…maybethenhecouldbeoverwhelmedifenoughdemigodsattackedhimatonce.

HowtodealwithChrysaor’screw?Percyputthepiecestogether:thepirateshadbeenturnedintodolphin-menmillenniaagowhentheyhadkidnappedthewrongperson.Percyknew that story. Heck, thewrong person in question had threatened to turn him into adolphin.AndwhenChrysaorsaidthecrewwasn’tafraidofanything,oneofthedolphinshadnervouslycorrectedhim.Yes,Chrysaorsaid.Buthe’snothere.

Percyglanced toward the sternand spottedFrank, inhuman form,peekingout frombehind a ballista, waiting. Percy resisted the urge to smile. The big guy claimed to beclumsy and useless, but he always seemed to be in exactly the right placewhen Percyneededhim.

Thegirls…Frank…theicechest.

Itwasacrazyidea.But,asusual,that’sallPercyhad.

“Fine!”Percyshouted,soloudlythathegoteveryone’sattention.“Takeusaway,ifourcaptainwillletyou.”

Chrysaorturnedhisgoldenmask.“Whatcaptain?Mymensearchedtheship.Thereisnooneelse.”

Percyraisedhishandsdramatically.“Thegodappearsonlywhenhewishes.Butheisourleader.Herunsourcampfordemigods.Doesn’the,Annabeth?”

Annabeth was quick. “Yes!” She nodded enthusiastically. “Mr. D! The greatDionysus!”

Arippleofuneasinesspassedthroughthedolphin-men.Onedroppedhissword.

“Standfast!”Chrysaorbellowed.“Thereisnogodonthisship.Theyaretryingtoscareyou.”

“Youshouldbescared!”Percylookedatthepiratecrewwithsympathy.“Dionysuswillbe severely cranky with you for having delayed our voyage. He will punish all of us.Didn’tyounoticethegirlsfallingintothewinegod’smadness?”

HazelandPiperhadstoppedtheshakingfits.Theyweresittingonthedeck,staringatPercy,butwhenheglaredatthempointedly,theystartedhammingitupagain,tremblingand floppingaround like fish.Thedolphin-men fellover themselves trying toget awayfromtheircaptives.

“Fakes!”Chrysaorroared.“Shutup,PercyJackson.Yourcampdirectorisnothere.HewasrecalledtoOlympus.Thisiscommonknowledge.”

“SoyouadmitDionysusisourdirector!”Percysaid.

“Hewas,”Chrysaorcorrected.“Everyoneknowsthat.”

Percygesturedatthegoldenwarriorlikehe’djustbetrayedhimself.“Yousee?Wearedoomed.Ifyoudon’tbelieveme,let’schecktheicechest!”

Percystormedovertothemagicalcooler.Noonetriedtostophim.Heknockedopenthelidandrummagedthroughtheice.Therehadtobeone.Please.Hewasrewardedwithasilver-and-redcanofsoda.Hebrandisheditatthedolphinwarriorsasifsprayingthemwithbugrepellent.

“Behold!”Percy shouted. “Thegod’s chosenbeverage.Tremblebefore thehorror ofDietCoke!”

Thedolphin-menbegantopanic.Theywereontheedgeofretreat.Percycouldfeelit.

“Thegodwilltakeyourship,”Percywarned.“Hewillfinishyourtransformationintodolphins,ormakeyouinsane,ortransformyouintoinsanedolphins!Youronlyhopeistoswimawaynow,quickly!”

“Ridiculous!”Chrysaor’s voice turned shrill.He didn’t seem surewhere to level hissword—atPercyorhisowncrew.

“Saveyourselves!”Percywarned.“Itistoolateforus!”

Then he gasped and pointed to the spotwhere Frankwas hiding. “Oh, no! Frank isturningintoacrazydolphin!”

Nothinghappened.

“Isaid,”Percyrepeated,“Frankisturningintoacrazydolphin!”

Frankstumbledoutofnowhere,makingabigshowofgrabbinghisthroat.“Oh,no,”hesaid,likehewasreadingfromateleprompter.“Iamturningintoacrazydolphin.”

Hebegantochange,hisnoseelongatingintoasnout,hisskinbecomingsleekandgray.Hefelltothedeckasadolphin,histailthumpingagainsttheboards.

The pirate crew disbanded in terror, chattering and clicking as they dropped theirweapons, forgot the captives, ignored Chrysaor’s orders, and jumped overboard. In theconfusion,AnnabethmovedquicklytocutthebondsonHazel,Piper,andCoachHedge.

Within seconds, Chrysaor was alone and surrounded. Percy and his friends had noweapons except forAnnabeth’s knife andHedge’s hooves, but themurderous looks ontheirfacesevidentlyconvincedthegoldenwarriorhewasdoomed.

Hebackedtotheedgeoftherail.

“Thisisn’tover,Jackson,”Chrysaorgrowled.“Iwillhavemyrevenge—”

HiswordswerecutshortbyFrank,whohadchangedformagain.Aneight-hundred-poundgrizzlybearcandefinitelybreakupaconversation.HesideswipedChrysaorandrakedthegoldenmaskoffhishelmet.Chrysaorscreamed,instantlycoveringhisfacewithhisarmsandtumblingintothewater.

Theyrantotherail.Chrysaorhaddisappeared.Percythoughtaboutchasinghim,buthedidn’tknowthesewaters,andhedidn’twanttoconfrontthatguyaloneagain.

“Thatwasbrilliant!”Annabethkissedhim,whichmadehimfeelalittlebetter.

“Itwasdesperate,”Percycorrected.“Andweneedtogetridofthispiratetrireme.”

“Burnit?”Annabethasked.

PercylookedattheDietCokeinhishand.“No.I’vegotanotheridea.”

It took them longer than Percy wanted. As they worked, he kept glancing at the sea,waitingforChrysaorandhispiratedolphinstoreturn,buttheydidn’t.

Leogotbackonhisfeet,thankstoalittlenectar.PipertendedtoJason’swounds,but

he wasn’t as badly hurt as he looked. Mostly he was just ashamed that he’d gottenoverpoweredagain,whichPercycouldrelateto.

They returned all their own supplies to the proper places and tidied up from theinvasionwhileCoachHedgehadafielddayon theenemyship,breakingeverythinghecouldfindwithhisbaseballbat.

Whenhewasdone,Percyloadedtheenemy’sweaponsbackonthepirateship.Theirstoreroomwasfulloftreasure,butPercyinsistedthattheytouchnoneofit.

“I can sense about six million dollars’ worth of gold aboard,” Hazel said. “Plusdiamonds,rubies—”

“Sixm-million?”Frankstammered.“CanadiandollarsorAmerican?”

“Leaveit,”Percysaid.“It’spartofthetribute.”

“Tribute?”Hazelasked.

“Oh.”Pipernodded.“Kansas.”

Jasongrinned.He’dbeentheretoowhenthey’dmetthewinegod.“Crazy.ButIlikeit.”

FinallyPercywentaboardthepirateshipandopenedthefloodvalves.HeaskedLeotodrillafewextraholesinthebottomofthehullwithhispowertools,andLeowashappytooblige.

ThecrewoftheArgoIIassembledattherailandcutthegrapplinglines.Piperbroughtouthernewhornofplentyand,onPercy’sdirection,willedittospewDietCoke,whichcameoutwiththestrengthofafirehose,dousingtheenemydeck.Percythoughtitwouldtakehours,buttheshipsankremarkablyfast,fillingwithDietCokeandseawater.

“Dionysus,” Percy called, holding up Chrysaor’s golden mask. “Or Bacchus—whatever. You made this victory possible, even if you weren’t here. Your enemiestrembledatyourname…oryourDietCoke,orsomething.So,yeah,thankyou.”

Thewordswerehardtogetout,butPercymanagednottogag.“Wegivethisshiptoyouastribute.Wehopeyoulikeit.”

“Sixmillioningold,”Leomuttered.“He’dbetterlikeit.”

“Shh,”Hazelscolded.“Preciousmetalisn’tallthatgreat.Believeme.”

Percy threw thegoldenmask aboard thevessel,whichwasnow sinking even faster,brownfizzyliquidspewingoutthetrireme’soarslotsandbubblingfromthecargohold,turningtheseafrothybrown.

Percysummonedawave,andtheenemyshipwasswamped.LeosteeredtheArgoIIawayasthepiratevesseldisappearedunderwater.

“Isn’tthatpolluting?”Piperasked.

“Iwouldn’tworry,”Jasontoldher.“IfBacchuslikesit,theshipshouldvanish.”

Percydidn’tknowifthatwouldhappen,buthefeltlikehe’ddoneallhecould.HehadnofaiththatDionysuswouldhearthemorcare,muchlesshelpthemintheirbattleagainstthetwingiants,buthehadtotry.

AstheArgoIIheadedeastintothefog,PercydecidedatleastonegoodthinghadcomeoutofhisswordfightwithChrysaor.Hewasfeelinghumble—evenhumbleenoughtopaytributetothewinedude.

After theirboutwith thepirates, theydecided to fly therestof theway toRome.Jasoninsistedhewaswellenoughtotakesentryduty,alongwithCoachHedge,whowasstillsocharged with adrenaline that every time the ship hit turbulence, he swung his bat andyelled,“Die!”

Theyhadacoupleofhoursbeforedaybreak,soJasonsuggestedPercytrytogetafewmorehoursofsleep.

“It’sfine,man,”Jasonsaid.“Givesomebodyelseachancetosavetheship,huh?”

Percyagreed,thoughonceinhiscabin,hehadtroublefallingasleep.

HestaredatthebronzelanternswayingfromtheceilingandthoughtabouthoweasilyChrysaorhadbeatenhimat swordplay.Thegoldenwarrior could’vekilledhimwithoutbreakingasweat.He’donlykeptPercyalivebecausesomeoneelsewantedtopayfortheprivilegeofkillinghimlater.

Percyfeltlikeanarrowhadslippedthroughachinkinhisarmor—asifhestillhadtheblessingofAchilles,andsomeonehadfoundhisweakspot.Theolderhegot,thelongerhesurvivedasahalf-blood,themorehisfriendslookeduptohim.Theydependedonhimand relied on his powers. Even theRomans had raised him on a shield andmade himpraetor,andhe’donlyknownthemforacoupleofweeks.

ButPercydidn’tfeelpowerful.Themoreheroicstuffhedid,themoreherealizedhowlimitedhewas.Hefeltlikeafraud.I’mnotasgreatasyouthink,hewantedtowarnhisfriends.Hisfailures,liketonight,seemedtoproveit.Maybethat’swhyhehadstartedtofearsuffocation.Itwasn’tsomuchdrowningintheearthorthesea,butthefeelingthathewassinkingintotoomanyexpectations,literallygettinginoverhishead.

Wow…when he started having thoughts like that, he knew he’d been spending toomuchtimewithAnnabeth.

AthenahadoncetoldPercyhisfatalflaw:hewassupposedlytooloyaltohisfriends.Hecouldn’t see thebigpicture.Hewould savea friendeven if itmeantdestroying theworld.

Atthetime,Percyhadshruggedthisoff.Howcouldloyaltybeabadthing?Besides,thingsworkedoutokayagainsttheTitans.He’dsavedhisfriendsandbeatenKronos.

Now,though,hestartedtowonder.Hewouldgladlythrowhimselfatanymonster,god,orgianttokeephisfriendsfrombeinghurt.Butwhatifhewasn’tuptothetask?Whatifsomeoneelsehadtodoit?Thatwasveryhardforhimtoadmit.Heevenhadtroublewithsimple things like lettingJasontakea turnatwatch.Hedidn’twant torelyonsomeoneelsetoprotecthim,someonewhocouldgethurtonhisaccount.

Percy’smomhaddone that for him.She’d stayed in a bad relationshipwith a grossmortal guy because she thought it would save Percy from monsters. Grover, his bestfriend, had protected Percy for almost a year before Percy even realized he was ademigod,andGroverhadalmostgottenkilledbytheMinotaur.

Percywasn’takidanymore.Hedidn’twantanybodyhelovedtakingariskforhim.Hehad to be strong enough to be the protector himself. But now he was supposed to letAnnabethgooffonherowntofollowtheMarkofAthena,knowingshemightdie.If itcametoachoice—saveAnnabethorletthequestsucceed—couldPercyreallychoosethequest?

Exhaustion finallyovertookhim.He fell asleep, and inhisnightmare, the rumbleofthunderbecamethelaughteroftheearthgoddessGaea.

Percy dreamed hewas standing on the front porch of theBigHouse atCampHalf-Blood.ThesleepingfaceofGaeaappearedonthesideofHalf-BloodHill—hermassivefeatures formed from the shadows on the grassy slopes. Her lips didn’t move, but hervoiceechoedacrossthevalley.

So this is your home, Gaeamurmured.Take a last look, Percy Jackson. You shouldhave returned here. At least then you could have died with your comrades when theRomansinvade.Nowyourbloodwillbespilledfarfromhome,ontheancientstones,andIwillrise.

Thegroundshook.AtthetopofHalf-BloodHill,Thalia’spinetreeburstintoflames.Disruptionrolledacross thevalley—grass turningtosand,forestcrumblingtodust.Theriverandthecanoelakedriedup.ThecabinsandtheBigHouseburnedtoashes.Whenthetremorstopped,CampHalf-Bloodlookedlikeawastelandafteranatomicblast.The

onlythingleftwastheporchwherePercystood.

Nexttohim,thedustswirledandsolidifiedintothefigureofawoman.Hereyeswereclosed,as ifsheweresleepwalking.Herrobeswereforestgreen,dappledwithgoldandwhitelikesunlightshiftingthroughbranches.Herhairwasasblackastilledsoil.Herfacewasbeautiful,butevenwithadreamysmileonherlipssheseemedcoldanddistant.Percygot the feeling she could watch demigods die or cities burn, and that smile wouldn’twaver.

“WhenIreclaimtheearth,”Gaeasaid,“Iwillleavethisspotbarrenforever,toremindmeofyourkindandhowutterlypowerlesstheyweretostopme.Itdoesn’tmatterwhenyoufall,mysweet littlepawn—toPhorcysorChrysaorormydear twins.Youwill fall,andIwillbetheretodevouryou.Youronlychoicenow…willyoufallalone?Cometomewillingly;bringthegirl.PerhapsIwillsparethisplaceyoulove.Otherwise…”

Gaea opened her eyes. They swirled in green and black, as deep as the crust of theearth.Gaeasaweverything.Herpatiencewasinfinite.Shewasslowtowake,butonceshearose,herpowerwasunstoppable.

Percy’s skin tingled. His hands went numb. He looked down and realized he wascrumblingtodust,likeallthemonstershe’deverdefeated.

“EnjoyTartarus,mylittlepawn,”Gaeapurred.

AmetallicCLANG-CLANG-CLANGjoltedPercyoutofhisdream.Hiseyesshotopen.Herealizedhe’djustheardthelandinggearbeinglowered.

Therewasaknockonhisdoor,andJasonpokedhisheadin.Thebruisesonhisfacehadfaded.Hisblueeyesglitteredwithexcitement.

“Hey,man,”hesaid.“We’redescendingoverRome.Youreallyshouldseethis.”

The skywas brilliant blue, as if the stormyweather had never happened.The sun roseoverthedistanthills,soeverythingbelowthemshoneandsparkledliketheentirecityofRomehadjustcomeoutofthecarwash.

Percy had seen big cities before. He was from New York, after all. But the sheervastnessofRomegrabbedhimbythethroatandmadeithardtobreathe.Thecityseemedtohavenoregardforthelimitsofgeography.Itspreadthroughhillsandvalleys,jumpedovertheTiberwithdozensofbridges,andjustkeptsprawlingtothehorizon.Streetsandalleyszigzaggedwithno rhymeor reason throughquiltsofneighborhoods.Glassofficebuildings stood next to excavation sites. A cathedral stood next to a line of Romancolumns, which stood next to a modern soccer stadium. In some neighborhoods, old

stucco villas with red-tiled roofs crowded the cobblestone streets, so that if Percyconcentrated just on those areas, he could imagine he was back in ancient times.Everywhere he looked, there were wide piazzas and traffic-clogged streets. Parks cutacrossthecitywithacrazycollectionofpalmtrees,pines,junipers,andolivetrees,asifRomecouldn’tdecidewhatpartoftheworlditbelongedto—ormaybeitjustbelievedalltheworldstillbelongedtoRome.

ItwasasifthecityknewaboutPercy’sdreamofGaea.Itknewthattheearthgoddessintendedonrazingallhumancivilization,andthiscity,whichhadstoodforthousandsofyears,wassayingbacktoher:Youwannadissolvethiscity,DirtFace?Giveitashot.

Inotherwords,itwastheCoachHedgeofmortalcities—onlytaller.

“We’re setting down in that park,” Leo announced, pointing to a wide green spacedotted with palm trees. “Let’s hope the Mist makes us look like a large pigeon orsomething.”

PercywishedJason’ssisterThaliawerehere.She’dalwayshadawayofbendingtheMisttomakepeopleseewhatshewanted.Percyhadneverbeenverygoodatthat.Hejustkept thinking:Don’t look atme, and hoped theRomans belowwould fail to notice thegiantbronzetriremedescendingontheircityinthemiddleofmorningrushhour.

It seemed to work. Percy didn’t notice any cars veering off the road or Romanspointingtotheskyandscreaming,“Aliens!”TheArgoIIsetdowninthegrassyfieldandtheoarsretracted.

Thenoiseoftrafficwasallaroundthem,buttheparkitselfwaspeacefulanddeserted.Totheirleft,agreenlawnslopedtowardalineofwoods.Anoldvillanestledintheshadeofsomeweird-lookingpinetreeswith thincurvytrunks thatshotupthirtyorfortyfeet,thensproutedintopuffycanopies.TheyremindedPercyoftreesinthoseDr.Seussbookshismomusedtoreadhimwhenhewaslittle.

Totheirright,snakingalongthetopofahill,wasalongbrickwallwithnotchesatthetopforarchers—maybeamedievaldefensiveline,maybeAncientRoman.Percywasn’tsure.

Tothenorth,aboutamileawaythroughthefoldsofthecity,thetopoftheColosseumroseabovetherooftops,lookingjustlikeitdidintravelphotos.That’swhenPercy’slegsstarted shaking.Hewas actually here.He’d thought his trip toAlaska had been prettyexotic,butnowhewasintheheartoftheoldRomanEmpire,enemyterritoryforaGreekdemigod.Inaway,thisplacehadshapedhislifeasmuchasNewYork.

Jasonpointedtothebaseofthearchers’wall,wherestepsleddownintosomekindoftunnel.

“IthinkIknowwhereweare,”hesaid.“That’stheTomboftheScipios.”

Percyfrowned.“Scipio…Reyna’spegasus?”

“No,”Annabeth put in. “Theywere a nobleRoman family, and…wow, this place isamazing.”

Jasonnodded.“I’vestudiedmapsofRomebefore.I’vealwayswantedtocomehere,but…”

Nobodybotheredfinishingthatsentence.Lookingathisfriends’faces,Percycouldtelltheywerejustasmuchinaweashewas.They’dmadeit.They’dlandedinRome—theRome.

“Plans?” Hazel asked. “Nico has until sunset—at best. And this entire city issupposedlygettingdestroyedtoday.”

Percyshookhimselfoutofhisdaze.“You’reright.Annabeth…didyouzeroinonthatspotfromyourbronzemap?”

Hergray eyes turned extra thunderstormdark,whichPercy could interpret just fine:RememberwhatIsaid,buddy.Keepthatdreamtoyourself.

“Yes,”shesaidcarefully.“It’sontheTiberRiver.IthinkIcanfindit,butIshould—”

“Takemealong,”Percyfinished.“Yeah,you’reright.”

Annabethglareddaggersathim.“That’snot—”

“Safe,”hesupplied.“Onedemigodwalking throughRomealone. I’llgowithyouasfar as the Tiber. We can use that letter of introduction, hopefully meet the river godTiberinus.Maybehecangiveyousomehelporadvice.Thenyoucangoonalonefromthere.”

Theyhadasilentstaringcontest,butPercydidn’tbackdown.WhenheandAnnabethstarteddating,hismotherhaddrummedit intohishead:It’sgoodmannerstowalkyourdatetothedoor.Ifthatwastrue,ithadtobegoodmannerstowalkhertothestartofherepicsolodeathquest.

“Fine,”Annabethmuttered. “Hazel, now thatwe’re inRome, do you think you canpinpointNico’slocation?”

Hazelblinked,asifcomingoutofatrancefromwatchingthePercy/AnnabethShow.“Um…hopefully,ifIgetcloseenough.I’llhavetowalkaroundthecity.Frank,wouldyoucomewithme?”

Frankbeamed.“Absolutely.”

“And,uh…Leo,”Hazel added. “Itmightbeagood idea ifyoucamealong too.Thefish-centaurssaidwe’dneedyourhelpwithsomethingmechanical.”

“Yeah,”Leosaid,“noproblem.”

Frank’ssmileturnedintosomethingmorelikeChrysaor’smask.

Percywasnogeniuswhenitcametorelationships,butevenhecouldfeelthetensionamongthosethree.Eversincethey’dgottenknockedintotheAtlantic,theyhadn’tactedquite thesame.Itwasn’t just thetwoguyscompetingforHazel.Itwaslikethethreeofthemwerelockedtogether,actingoutsomekindofmurdermystery,but theyhadn’tyetdiscoveredwhichofthemwasthevictim.

Piperdrewherknifeandsetitontherail.“JasonandIcanwatchtheshipfornow.I’llseewhatKatoptris can showme.But,Hazel, if you guys get a fix onNico’s location,don’t go in there by yourselves. Come back and get us. It’ll take all of us to fight thegiants.”

Shedidn’tsaytheobvious:evenallofthemtogetherwouldn’tbeenough,unlesstheyhadagodontheirside.Percydecidednottobringthatup.

“Goodidea,”Percysaid.“Howaboutweplantomeetbackhereat…what?”

“Three this afternoon?” Jason suggested. “That’s probably the latest we couldrendezvous and still hope to fight the giants and save Nico. If something happens tochangetheplan,trytosendanIris-message.”

The others nodded in agreement, but Percy noticed several of them glancing atAnnabeth. Another thing no one wanted to say: Annabeth would be on a differentschedule.Shemightbebackat three,ormuch later,ornever.But shewouldbeonherown,searchingfortheAthenaParthenos.

Coach Hedge grunted. “That’ll give me time to eat the coconuts—I mean dig thecoconutsoutofourhull.Percy,Annabeth…Idon’tlikeyoutwogoingoffonyourown.Just remember:behave. If I hear about any funny business, Iwill ground you until theStyxfreezesover.”

Theideaofgettinggroundedwhentheywereabouttorisktheirliveswassoridiculous,Percycouldn’thelpsmiling.

“We’llbebacksoon,”hepromised.Helookedaroundathisfriends,tryingnottofeellikethiswasthelasttimethey’deverbetogether.“Goodluck,everyone.”

Leoloweredthegangplank,andPercyandAnnabethwerefirstofftheship.

UNDERDIFFERENTCIRCUMSTANCES,wandering throughRomewithAnnabethwould havebeenprettyawesome.Theyheldhandsastheynavigatedthewindingstreets,dodgingcarsandcrazyVespadrivers,squeezingthroughmobsoftourists,andwadingthroughoceansofpigeons.Thedaywarmedupquickly.Oncetheygotawayfromthecarexhaustonthemainroads,theairsmelledofbakingbreadandfreshlycutflowers.

Theyaimed for theColosseumbecause thatwasaneasy landmark,butgetting thereprovedharder thanPercyanticipated.Asbigandconfusingas thecityhad lookedfromabove,itwasevenmoresoontheground.Severaltimestheygotlostondead-endstreets.Theyfoundbeautifulfountainsandhugemonumentsbyaccident.

Annabethcommentedonthearchitecture,butPercykepthiseyesopenforotherthings.Oncehespottedaglowingpurpleghost—aLar—glaringatthemfromthewindowofanapartment building.Another time he saw awhite-robedwoman—maybe a nymph or agoddess—holding awicked-looking knife, slipping between ruined columns in a publicpark. Nothing attacked them, but Percy felt like they were being watched, and thewatcherswerenotfriendly.

FinallytheyreachedtheColosseum,whereadozenguysincheapgladiatorcostumeswerescufflingwiththepolice—plasticswordsversusbatons.Percywasn’tsurewhatthatwasabout,butheandAnnabethdecidedtokeepwalking.Sometimesmortalswereevenstrangerthanmonsters.

Theymadetheirwaywest,stoppingeveryonceinawhiletoaskdirectionstotheriver.Percyhadn’tconsideredthat—duh—peopleinItalyspokeItalian,whilehedidnot.Asitturnedout, though, thatwasn’tmuchofaproblem.The few timessomeoneapproachedthemonthestreetandaskedaquestion,Percyjustlookedattheminconfusion,andthey

switchedtoEnglish.

Nextdiscovery:theItaliansusedeuros,andPercydidn’thaveany.Heregrettedthisassoonashefoundatouristshopthatsoldsodas.Bythenitwasalmostnoon,gettingreallyhot,andPercywasstartingtowishhehadatriremefilledwithDietCoke.

Annabethsolvedtheproblem.Shedugaroundinherbackpack,broughtoutDaedalus’slaptop,andtypedinafewcommands.Aplasticcardejectedfromaslotintheside.

Annabethwavedittriumphantly.“Internationalcreditcard.Foremergencies.”

Percystaredatherinamazement.“Howdidyou—?No.Nevermind.Idon’twanttoknow.Justkeepbeingawesome.”

Thesodashelped,buttheywerestillhotandtiredbythetimetheyarrivedattheTiberRiver. The shore was edged with a stone embankment. A chaotic assortment ofwarehouses,apartments,stores,andcaféscrowdedtheriverfront.

TheTiberitselfwaswide,lazy,andcaramel-colored.Afewtallcypresstreeshungoverthebanks.Thenearestbridgelookedfairlynew,madefromirongirders,butrightnexttoitstoodacrumblinglineofstonearchesthatstoppedhalfwayacrosstheriver—ruinsthatmight’vebeenleftoverfromthedaysoftheCaesars.

“Thisisit.”Annabethpointedattheoldstonebridge.“Irecognizethatfromthemap.Butwhatdowedonow?”

Percywasgladshehadsaidwe.Hedidn’twanttoleaveheryet.Infact,hewasn’tsurehecouldmakehimselfdo itwhenthe timecame.Gaea’swordscameback tohim:Willyoufallalone?

Hestaredattheriver,wonderinghowtheycouldmakecontactwiththegodTiberinus.Hedidn’treallywanttojumpin.TheTiberdidn’tlookmuchcleanerthantheEastRiverbackhome,wherehe’dhadtoomanyencounterswithgrouchyriverspirits.

Hegesturedtoanearbycaféwithtablesoverlookingthewater.“It’saboutlunchtime.Howaboutwetryyourcreditcardagain?”

Eventhoughitwasnoon,theplacewasempty.Theypickedatableoutsidebytheriver,andawaiterhurriedover.He lookedabit surprised to see them—especiallywhen theysaidtheywantedlunch.

“American?”heasked,withapainedsmile.

“Yes,”Annabethsaid.

“AndI’dloveapizza,”Percysaid.

Thewaiter looked likehewas trying toswallowaeurocoin.“Ofcourseyouwould,signor.Andletmeguess:aCoca-Cola?Withice?”

“Awesome,”Percysaid.Hedidn’tunderstandwhytheguywasgivinghimsuchasourface.Itwasn’tlikePercyhadaskedforablueCoke.

Annabethorderedapanini and some fizzywater.After thewaiter left, she smiledatPercy.“I thinkItalianseata lot later in theday.Theydon’tput ice in theirdrinks.Andtheyonlydopizzafortourists.”

“Oh.”Percyshrugged.“ThebestItalianfood,andtheydon’teveneatit?”

“Iwouldn’tsaythatinfrontofthewaiter.”

Theyheld hands across the table. Percywas content just to look atAnnabeth in thesunlight.Italwaysmadeherhairsobrightandwarm.Hereyestookonthecolorsoftheskyandthecobblestones,alternatelybrownorblue.

HewonderedifheshouldtellAnnabethhisdreamaboutGaeadestroyingCampHalf-Blood.Hedecidedagainstit.Shedidn’tneedanythingelsetoworryabout—notwithwhatshewasfacing.

But it made him wonder…what would have happened if they hadn’t scared offChrysaor’spirates?PercyandAnnabethwould’vebeenputinchainsandtakentoGaea’sminions.Theirbloodwouldhavebeenspilledonancientstones.Percyguessedthatmeanttheywould’vebeentakentoGreeceforsomebighorriblesacrifice.ButAnnabethandhehadbeen inplentyofbadsituations together.Theycould’vefiguredoutanescapeplan,savedtheday…andAnnabethwouldn’tbefacingthissoloquestinRome.

Itdoesn’tmatterwhenyoufall,Gaeahadsaid.

Percy knew it was a horrible wish, but he almost regretted that they hadn’t beencapturedatsea.AtleastAnnabethandhewould’vebeentogether.

“Youshouldn’tfeelashamed,”Annabethsaid.“You’rethinkingaboutChrysaor,aren’tyou?Swordscan’tsolveeveryproblem.Yousavedusintheend.”

Inspiteofhimself,Percysmiled.“Howdoyoudo that?Youalwaysknowwhat I’mthinking.”

“Iknowyou,”shesaid.

Andyoulikemeanyway?Percywantedtoask,buthehelditback.

“Percy,” she said, “you can’t carry the weight of this whole quest. It’s impossible.That’s why there are seven of us. And you’ll have to let me search for the AthenaParthenosonmyown.”

“Imissedyou,”heconfessed.“Formonths.Ahugechunkofourliveswastakenaway.IfIlostyouagain—”

Lunch arrived. The waiter looked much calmer. Having accepted the fact that theywere clueless Americans, he had apparently decided to forgive them and treat thempolitely.

“Itisabeautifulview,”hesaid,noddingtowardtheriver.“Enjoy,please.”

Onceheleft,theyateinsilence.Thepizzawasabland,doughysquarewithnotalotofcheese.Maybe,Percythought,that’swhyRomansdidn’teatit.PoorRomans.

“You’llhavetotrustme,”Annabethsaid.Percyalmostthoughtshewastalkingtohersandwich,becauseshedidn’tmeethiseyes.“You’vegottobelieveI’llcomeback.”

Heswallowedanotherbite.“Ibelieveinyou.That’snottheproblem.Butcomebackfromwhere?”

The sound of aVespa interrupted them. Percy looked along the riverfront and did adoubletake.Themotorscooterwasanold-fashionedmodel:bigandbabyblue.Thedriverwas a guy in a silkygray suit.Behindhim sat a youngerwomanwith a headscarf, herhands around theman’swaist.Theyweavedbetween café tables andputtered to a stopnexttoPercyandAnnabeth.

“Why,hello,” themansaid.Hisvoicewasdeep,almostcroaky, likeamovieactor’s.Hishairwasshortandgreasedbackfromhiscraggyface.Hewashandsomeina1950sdad-on-televisionway.Evenhis clothes seemedold-fashioned.Whenhe steppedoffhisbike, the waistline of his slacks was way higher than normal, but somehow he stillmanagedtolookmanlyandstylishandnotlikeatotalgoober.Percyhadtroubleguessinghis age—maybe thirty-something, though the man’s fashion and manner seemedgrandfatherish.

The woman slid off the bike. “We’ve had the most lovely morning,” she saidbreathlessly.

Shelookedabouttwenty-one,alsodressedinanold-fashionedstyle.Herankle-lengthmarigoldskirtandwhiteblousewerepinchedtogetherwithalargeleatherbelt,givingherthe narrowestwaist Percy had ever seen.When she removed her scarf, her shortwavyblack hair bounced into perfect shape. She had dark playful eyes and a brilliant smile.Percyhadseennaiadsthatlookedlesspixieishthanthislady.

Annabeth’ssandwichfelloutofherhands.“Oh,gods.How—how…?”

SheseemedsostunnedthatPercyfiguredheoughttoknowthesetwo.

“Youguysdolookfamiliar,”hedecided.Hethoughthemighthaveseentheirfacesontelevision. It seemed like theywere from an old show, but that couldn’t be right. Theyhadn’tagedatall.Nevertheless,hepointedattheguyandtookaguess.“AreyouthatguyonMadMen?”

“Percy!”Annabethlookedhorrified.

“What?”heprotested.“Idon’twatchalotofTV.”

“That’sGregoryPeck!”Annabeth’seyeswerewide,andhermouthkeptfallingopen.“And…ohgods!AudreyHepburn!Iknowthismovie.RomanHoliday.Butthatwasfromthe1950s.How—?”

“Oh,mydear!”Thewomantwirledlikeanairspiritandsatdownattheirtable.“I’mafraidyou’vemistakenmeforsomeoneelse!MynameisRheaSilvia.IwasthemothertoRomulusandRemus,thousandsofyearsago.Butyou’resokindtothinkIlookasyoungasthe1950s.Andthisismyhusband…”

“Tiberinus,”saidGregoryPeck,thrustingouthishandtoPercyinamanlyway.“GodoftheRiverTiber.”

Percy shook his hand. The guy smelled of aftershave. Of course, if Percywere theTiberRiver,he’dprobablywanttomaskthesmellwithcolognetoo.

“Uh,hi,”Percysaid.“DoyoutwoalwayslooklikeAmericanmoviestars?”

“Do we?” Tiberinus frowned and studied his clothes. “I’m not sure, actually. ThemigrationofWesterncivilizationgoesbothways,youknow.Romeaffectedtheworld,buttheworldalsoaffectsRome.Theredoesseem tobe a lot ofAmerican influence lately.I’veratherlosttrackoverthecenturies.”

“Okay,”Percysaid.“But…you’reheretohelp?”

“Mynaiadstoldmeyoutwowerehere.”TiberinuscasthisdarkeyestowardAnnabeth.“Youhavethemap,mydear?Andyourletterofintroduction?”

“Uh…”Annabethhandedhimtheletterandthediskofbronze.ShewasstaringattherivergodsointentlyPercystartedtofeeljealous.

“S-so…”shestammered,“you’vehelpedotherchildrenofAthenawiththisquest?”

“Oh,my dear!” The pretty lady, Rhea Silvia, put her hand onAnnabeth’s shoulder.“Tiberinusiseversohelpful.HesavedmychildrenRomulusandRemus,youknow,andbroughtthemtothewolfgoddessLupa.Later,whenthatoldkingNumentriedtokillme,Tiberinustookpityonmeandmademehiswife.I’vebeenrulingtheriverkingdomathissideeversince.He’sjustdreamy!”

“Thankyou,mydear,”Tiberinussaidwithawrysmile.“And,yes,AnnabethChase,I’vehelpedmanyofyoursiblings…toatleastbegintheirjourneysafely.Ashameallofthemdiedpainfully lateron.Well,yourdocumentsseeminorder.Weshouldgetgoing.TheMarkofAthenaawaits!”

PercygrippedAnnabeth’shand—probablyalittletootight.“Tiberinus,letmegowithher.Justalittlefarther.”

RheaSilvia laughedsweetly.“Butyoucan’t, sillyboy.Youmust return toyour shipand gather your other friends.Confront the giants! Thewaywill appear in your friendPiper’sknife.Annabethhasadifferentpath.Shemustwalkalone.”

“Indeed,”Tiberinussaid.“Annabethmustfacetheguardianoftheshrinebyherself.Itistheonlyway.AndPercyJackson,youhavelesstimethanyourealizedtorescueyourfriendinthejar.Youmusthurry.”

Percy’spizzafeltlikeacementlumpinhisstomach.“But—”

“It’sallright,Percy.”Annabethsqueezedhishand.“Ineedtodothis.”

Hestartedtoprotest.Herexpressionstoppedhim.Shewasterrifiedbutdoingherbesttohideit—forhissake.Ifhetriedtoargue,hewouldonlymakethingsharderforher.Orworse,hemightconvincehertostay.Thenshewouldhavetolivewiththeknowledgethatshe’dbackeddownfromherbiggestchallenge…assumingthattheysurvivedatall,withRome about to get leveled and Gaea about to rise and destroy the world. The Athenastatueheldthekeytodefeatingthegiants.Percydidn’tknowwhyorhow,butAnnabethwastheonlyonewhocouldfindit.

“You’reright,”hesaid,forcingoutthewords.“Besafe.”

RheaSilviagiggledlikeitwasaridiculouscomment.“Safe?Notatall!Butnecessary.Come,Annabeth,mydear.Wewillshowyouwhereyourpathstarts.Afterthat,you’reonyourown.”

AnnabethkissedPercy.Shehesitated, likeshewaswonderingwhatelsetosay.Thensheshoulderedherbackpackandclimbedonthebackofthescooter.

Percyhatedit.Hewould’vepreferredtofightanymonsterintheworld.Hewould’vepreferredarematchwithChrysaor.ButheforcedhimselftostayinhischairandwatchasAnnabeth motored off through the streets of Rome with Gregory Peck and AudreyHepburn.

ANNABETHFIGUREDITCOULD’VEBEENWORSE.Ifshehadtogoonahorrifyingsoloquest,atleastshe’dgottentohavelunchwithPercyonthebanksoftheTiberfirst.NowshegottotakeascooterridewithGregoryPeck.

Sheonlyknewaboutthatoldmoviebecauseofherdad.Overthepastfewyears,sincethetwoofthemhadmadeup,they’dspentmoretimetogether,andshehadlearnedthatherdadhada sappyside.Sure,he likedmilitaryhistory,weapons,andbiplanes,buthealso loved old films, especially romantic comedies from the 1940s and ’50s. RomanHolidaywasoneofhisfavorites.He’dmadeAnnabethwatchit.

Shethoughttheplotwassilly—aprincessescapeshermindersandfallsinlovewithanAmericanjournalistinRome—butshesuspectedherdadlikeditbecauseitremindedhimofhisownromancewiththegoddessAthena:anotherimpossiblepairingthatcouldn’tendhappily.Her dadwas nothing likeGregoryPeck.Athena certainlywasn’t anything likeAudrey Hepburn. But Annabeth knew that people sawwhat they wanted to see. Theydidn’tneedtheMisttowarptheirperceptions.

Asthebaby-bluescooterzippedthroughthestreetsofRome,thegoddessRheaSilviagaveAnnabetharunningcommentaryonhowthecityhadchangedoverthecenturies.

“TheSublicianBridgewasoverthere,”shesaid,pointingtoabendintheTiber.“Youknow,whereHoratiusandhistwofriendsdefendedthecityfromaninvadingarmy?Now,therewasabraveRoman!”

“And look, dear,” Tiberinus added, “that’s the place where Romulus and Remuswashedashore.”

Heseemedtobetalkingaboutaspotontheriversidewheresomeducksweremakinga

nestoutoftorn-upplasticbagsandcandywrappers.

“Ah,yes,”RheaSilviasighedhappily.“Youweresokindtofloodyourselfandwashmybabiesashoreforthewolvestofind.”

“Itwasnothing,”Tiberinussaid.

Annabeth felt light-headed. The river god was talking about something that hadhappened thousands of years ago, when this areawas nothing butmarshes andmaybesome shacks. Tiberinus saved two babies, one of whomwent on to found the world’sgreatestempire.Itwasnothing.

RheaSilviapointedoutalargemodernapartmentbuilding.“ThatusedtobeatempletoVenus. Then it was a church. Then a palace. Then an apartment building. It burneddownthreetimes.Nowit’sanapartmentbuildingagain.Andthatspotrightthere—”

“Please,”Annabethsaid.“You’remakingmedizzy.”

Rhea Silvia laughed. “I’m sorry, dear. Layers upon layers of history here, but it’snothingcomparedtoGreece.AthenswasoldwhenRomewasacollectionofmudhuts.You’llsee,ifyousurvive.”

“Nothelping,”Annabethmuttered.

“Here we are,” Tiberinus announced. He pulled over in front of a large marblebuilding, the facadecovered incitygrimebut still beautiful.OrnatecarvingsofRomangods decorated the roofline. Themassive entrance was barred with iron gates, heavilypadlocked.

“I’mgoinginthere?”Annabethwishedshe’dbroughtLeo,oratleastborrowedsomewirecuttersfromhistoolbelt.

RheaSilviacoveredhermouthandgiggled.“No,mydear.Notinit.Underit.”

Tiberinuspointedtoasetofstonestepsonthesideofthebuilding—thesortthatwouldhaveledtoabasementapartmentifthisplacewereinManhattan.

“Romeischaoticaboveground,”Tiberinussaid,“butthat’snothingcomparedtobelowground. You must descend into the buried city, Annabeth Chase. Find the altar of theforeigngod.Thefailuresofyourpredecessorswillguideyou.Afterthat…Idonotknow.”

Annabeth’sbackpackfeltheavyonhershoulders.She’dbeenstudyingthebronzemapfordaysnow, scouringDaedalus’s laptop for information.Unfortunately, the few thingsshehadlearnedmadethisquestseemevenmoreimpossible.“Mysiblings…noneofthemmadeitallthewaytotheshrine,didthey.”

Tiberinusshookhishead.“Butyouknowwhatprizeawaits,ifyoucanliberateit.”

“Yes,”Annabethsaid.

“ItcouldbringpeacetothechildrenofGreeceandRome,”RheaSilviasaid.“Itcouldchangethecourseofthecomingwar.”

“IfIlive,”Annabethsaid.

Tiberinusnoddedsadly.“Becauseyoualsounderstandtheguardianyoumustface?”

AnnabethrememberedthespidersatFortSumter,andthedreamPercyhaddescribed—thehissingvoiceinthedark.“Yes.”

Rhea Silvia looked at her husband. “She is brave. Perhaps she is stronger than theothers.”

“Ihopeso,”saidtherivergod.“Good-bye,AnnabethChase.Andgoodluck.”

RheaSilviabeamed.“Wehavesuchalovelyafternoonplanned!Offtoshop!”

Gregory Peck and Audrey Hepburn sped off on their baby-blue motorbike. ThenAnnabethturnedanddescendedthestepsalone.

She’dbeenundergroundplentyoftimes.

But halfway down the steps, she realized just how long it had been since she’dadventuredbyherself.Shefroze.

Gods…shehadn’t done something like this since shewas akid.After runningawayfromhome,she’dspentafewweekssurvivingonherown,livinginalleywaysandhidingfrommonstersuntilThaliaandLuketookherundertheirwings.Then,onceshe’darrivedatCampHalf-Blood,she’dlivedthereuntilshewastwelve.Afterthat,allherquestshadbeenwithPercyorherotherfriends.

The last time she had felt this scared and alone, she’d been seven years old. Sheremembered the day Thalia, Luke, and she had wandered into a Cyclopes’ lair inBrooklyn.ThaliaandLukehadgottencaptured,andAnnabethhadhadtocutthemfree.Shestill rememberedshiveringinadarkcornerof thatdilapidatedmansion, listeningtotheCyclopesmimickingher friends’voices, trying to trickher intocomingout into theopen.

Whatifthisisatrick,too?shewondered.WhatifthoseotherchildrenofAthenadiedbecauseTiberinusandRheaSilvialedthemintoatrap?WouldGregoryPeckandAudreyHepburndosomethinglikethat?

Sheforcedherselftokeepgoing.Shehadnochoice.IftheAthenaParthenoswasreally

downhere,itcoulddecidethefateofthewar.Moreimportantly,itcouldhelphermom.Athenaneededher.

At the bottom of the steps she reached an old wooden door with an iron pull ring.Above the ringwasametalplatewithakeyhole.Annabethstartedconsideringways topickthelock,butassoonasshetouchedthepullring,afieryshapeburnedinthemiddleof thedoor: the silhouetteofAthena’sowl.Smokeplumed from thekeyhole.Thedoorswunginward.

Annabethlookeduponelasttime.Atthetopofthestairwell,theskywasasquareofbrilliantblue.Mortalswouldbeenjoyingthewarmafternoon.Coupleswouldbeholdinghandsat thecafés.Touristswouldbebustling through theshopsandmuseums.RegularRomans would be going about their daily business, probably not considering thethousandsofyearsofhistoryundertheirfeet,anddefinitelyunawareofthespirits,gods,andmonsters that still dwelt here, or the fact that their city might be destroyed todayunlessacertaingroupofdemigodssucceededinstoppingthegiants.

Annabethsteppedthroughthedoorway.

Shefoundherselfinabasementthatwasanarchitecturalcyborg.Ancientbrickwallswere crisscrossedwithmodern electrical cables andplumbing.The ceilingwasheldupwithacombinationofsteelscaffoldingandoldgraniteRomancolumns.

The front half of the basement was stacked with crates. Out of curiosity, Annabethopenedafew.Somewerepackedwithmulticoloredspoolsofstring—likeforkitesorartsandcraftsprojects.Othercrateswerefullofcheapplasticgladiatorswords.Maybeatonepointthishadbeenastorageareaforatouristshop.

In the back of the basement, the floor had been excavated, revealing another set ofsteps—theseofwhitestone—leadingstilldeeperunderground.

Annabethcrepttotheedge.Evenwiththeglowcastbyherdagger,itwastoodarktoseebelow.Sherestedherhandonthewallandfoundalightswitch.

Sheflippedit.Glaringwhitefluorescentbulbsilluminatedthestairs.Below,shesawamosaicfloordecoratedwithdeerandfauns—maybearoomfromanAncientRomanvilla,juststashedawayunderthismodernbasementalongwiththecratesofstringandplasticswords.

Sheclimbeddown.Theroomwasabouttwentyfeetsquare.Thewallshadoncebeenbrightlypainted,butmostof thefrescoeshadpeeledorfaded.Theonlyexitwasaholeduginonecornerofthefloorwherethemosaichadbeenpulledup.Annabethcrouchednexttotheopening.Itdroppedstraightdownintoalargercavern,butAnnabethcouldn’tseethebottom.

Sheheardrunningwatermaybe thirtyor fortyfeetbelow.Theairdidn’tsmell likeasewer—justoldandmusty,andslightlysweet,likemolderingflowers.Perhapsitwasanoldwaterlinefromtheaqueducts.Therewasnowaydown.

“I’mnotjumping,”shemutteredtoherself.

Asifinreply,somethingglowedinthedarkness.TheMarkofAthenablazedtolifeatthebottomofthecavern,revealingglisteningbrickworkalongasubterraneancanalfortyfeetbelow.Thefieryowlseemedtobetauntingher:Well, this is theway,kid.Soyou’dbetterfiguresomethingout.

Annabeth considered her options. Too dangerous to jump.No ladders or ropes. Shethoughtaboutborrowingsomemetalscaffoldingfromabovetouseasafirepole,but itwasallboltedinplace.Besides,shedidn’twanttocausethebuildingtocollapseontopofher.

Frustration crawled through her like an army of termites. She had spent her lifewatching other demigods gain amazing powers. Percy could control water. If he werehere,hecouldraisethewaterlevelandsimplyfloatdown.Hazel,fromwhatshehadsaid,could find herway undergroundwith flawless accuracy and even create or change thecourseoftunnels.Shecouldeasilymakeanewpath.Leowouldpulljusttherighttoolsfromhisbeltandbuildsomethingtodothejob.Frankcouldturnintoabird.Jasoncouldsimplycontrolthewindandfloatdown.EvenPiperwithhercharmspeak…shecouldhaveconvincedTiberinusandRheaSilviatobealittlemorehelpful.

WhatdidAnnabethhave?Abronzedaggerthatdidnothingspecial,andacursedsilvercoin. She had her backpack with Daedalus’s laptop, a water bottle, a few pieces ofambrosia for emergencies, and a box of matches—probably useless, but her dad haddrilledintoherheadthatsheshouldalwayshaveawaytomakefire.

Shehadnoamazingpowers.Evenheronetruemagicitem,herNewYorkYankeescapofinvisibility,hadstoppedworking,andwasstillbackinhercabinontheArgoII.

You’vegotyourintelligence,avoicesaid.AnnabethwonderedifAthenawasspeakingtoher,butthatwasprobablyjustwishfulthinking.

Intelligence…likeAthena’s favorite hero, Odysseus. He’dwon the TrojanWar withcleverness, not strength.He had overcome all sorts ofmonsters and hardshipswith hisquickwits.That’swhatAthenavalued.

Wisdom’sdaughterwalksalone.

Thatdidn’tmean justwithoutotherpeople,Annabeth realized. Itmeantwithout anyspecialpowers.

Okay…sohowtogetdowntheresafelyandmakesureshehadawaytogetoutagainifnecessary?

Sheclimbedbacktothebasementandstaredattheopencrates.Kitestringandplasticswords.Theideathatcametoherwassoridiculous,shealmosthadtolaugh;butitwasbetterthannothing.

She set to work. Her hands seemed to know exactly what to do. Sometimes thathappened, like when she was helping Leo with the ship’s machinery or drawingarchitectural plans on the computer. She’d never made anything out of kite string andplastic swords, but it seemed easy, natural.Withinminutes she’d used a dozen balls ofstringandacratefulofswordstocreateamakeshiftropeladder—abraidedline,wovenforstrengthyetnottoothick,withswordstiedattwo-footintervalstoserveashand-andfootholds.

Asatest,shetiedoneendaroundasupportcolumnandleanedontheropewithallherweight.Theplasticswordsbentunderher,buttheyprovidedsomeextrabulktotheknotsinthecord,soatleastshecouldkeepabettergrip.

Theladderwouldn’twinanydesignawards,butitmightgethertothebottomofthecavernsafely.First,shestuffedherbackpackwiththeleftoverspoolsofstring.Shewasn’tsurewhy,buttheywereonemoreresource,andnottooheavy.

Sheheadedbacktotheholeinthemosaicfloor.Shesecuredoneendofherladdertothenearestpieceofscaffolding,loweredtheropeintothecavern,andshinnieddown.

ASANNABETH HUNG IN THE AIR, descending hand over hand with the ladder swingingwildly,shethankedChironforallthoseyearsoftrainingontheclimbingcourseatCampHalf-Blood.She’dcomplainedloudlyandoftenthatropeclimbingwouldneverhelpherdefeatamonster.Chironhadjustsmiled,likeheknewthisdaywouldcome.

FinallyAnnabethmadeittothebottom.Shemissedthebrickworkedgeandlandedinthecanal,butit turnedouttobeonlyafewinchesdeep.Freezingwatersoakedintoherrunningshoes.

She held up her glowing dagger. The shallow channel ran down the middle of abrickworktunnel.Everyfewyards,ceramicpipesjuttedfromthewalls.Sheguessedthatthepipesweredrains,partoftheancientRomanplumbingsystem,thoughitwasamazingto her that a tunnel like this had survived, crowded underground with all the othercenturies’worthofpipes,basements,andsewers.

Asuddenthoughtchilledherevenmorethanthewater.Afewyearsago,Percyandshehad gone on a quest in Daedalus’s labyrinth—a secret network of tunnels and rooms,heavilyenchantedandtrapped,whichranunderallthecitiesofAmerica.

WhenDaedalusdiedintheBattleoftheLabyrinth,theentiremazehadcollapsed—orsoAnnabethbelieved.Butwhat if thatwasonly inAmerica?What if thiswasanolderversionofthelabyrinth?Daedalusoncetoldherthathismazehadalifeofitsown.Itwasconstantly growing and changing.Maybe the labyrinth could regenerate, likemonsters.Thatwouldmakesense.Itwasanarchetypalforce,asChironwouldsay—somethingthatcouldneverreallydie.

Ifthiswaspartofthelabyrinth…

Annabeth decided not to dwell on that, but she also decided not to assume herdirectionswereaccurate.Thelabyrinthmadedistancemeaningless.Ifshewasn’tcareful,shecouldwalktwentyfeetinthewrongdirectionandendupinPoland.

Just tobesafe,she tiedanewballofstring to theendofher rope ladder.Shecouldunravelitbehindherassheexplored.Anoldtrick,butagoodone.

Shedebatedwhichway togo.The tunnelseemed thesame inbothdirections.Then,about fifty feet toher left, theMarkofAthenablazedagainst thewall.Annabethcouldswear itwasglaringatherwith thosebigfieryeyes,as if tosay,What’syourproblem?Hurryup!

Shewasreallystartingtohatethatowl.

Bythetimeshereachedthespot,theimagehadfaded,andshe’drunoutofstringonherfirstspool.

As shewas attachinganew line, sheglancedacross the tunnel.Therewas abrokensection in the brickwork, as if a sledgehammer had knocked a hole in the wall. Shecrossedtotakealook.Stickingherdaggerthroughtheopeningforlight,Annabethcouldsee a lower chamber, long andnarrow,with amosaic floor, paintedwalls, andbenchesrunningdowneitherside.Itwasshapedsortoflikeasubwaycar.

Shestuckherheadintothehole,hopingnothingwouldbiteitoff.Atthenearendoftheroomwasabricked-offdoorway.Atthefarendwasastonetable,ormaybeanaltar.

Hmm…Thewater tunnel kept going, but Annabethwas sure this was theway. SherememberedwhatTiberinushadsaid:Findthealtaroftheforeigngod.Theredidn’tseemtobe any exits from the altar room, but itwas a short droponto the benchbelow.Sheshouldbeabletoclimboutagainwithnoproblem.

Stillholdingherstring,sheloweredherselfdown.

Theroom’sceilingwasbarrel-shapedwithbrickarches,butAnnabethdidn’t like thelook of the supports. Directly above her head, on the arch nearest to the bricked-indoorway, the capstonewas cracked in half. Stress fractures ran across the ceiling. Theplacehadprobablybeen intact for two thousandyears,but shedecidedshe’d rathernotspendtoomuchtimehere.Withherluck,itwouldcollapseinthenexttwominutes.

Thefloorwasalongnarrowmosaicwithsevenpicturesinarow,likeatimeline.AtAnnabeth’sfeetwasaraven.Nextwasalion.SeveralotherslookedlikeRomanwarriorswith various weapons. The rest were too damaged or covered in dust for Annabeth tomakeoutdetails.Thebenchesoneithersidewerelitteredwithbrokenpottery.Thewallswerepaintedwithscenesofabanquet:arobedmanwithacurvedcaplikeanicecream

scoop, sitting next to a larger guywho radiated sunbeams. Standing around themweretorchbearers and servants, and various animals like crows and lions wandered in thebackground.Annabethwasn’tsurewhatthepicturerepresented,butitdidn’tremindherofanyGreeklegendsthatsheknew.

Atthefarendoftheroom,thealtarwaselaboratelycarvedwithafriezeshowingthemanwiththeice-cream-scoophatholdingaknifetotheneckofabull.Onthealtarstoodastone figureofamansunk tohisknees in rock,adaggeranda torch inhisoutraisedhands.Again,Annabethhadnoideawhatthoseimagesmeant.

She took one step toward the altar.Her footwentCRUNCH. She looked down andrealizedshe’djustputhershoethroughahumanribcage.

Annabeth swallowed back a scream.Where had that come from? She had glanceddownonlyamomentbeforeandhadn’tseenanybones.Nowthefloorwaslitteredwiththem.Theribcagewasobviouslyold.Itcrumbledtodustassheremovedherfoot.Nearbylayacorrodedbronzedaggerverymuchlikeherown.Either thisdeadpersonhadbeencarryingtheweapon,orithadkilledhim.

She held out her blade to see in front of her. A little farther down themosaic pathsprawledamorecompleteskeletonintheremainsofanembroideredreddoublet, likeamanfromtheRenaissance.Hisfrilledcollarandskullhadbeenbadlyburned,asiftheguyhaddecidedtowashhishairwithablowtorch.

Wonderful, Annabeth thought. She lifted her eyes to the altar statue, which held adaggerandatorch.

Somekindoftest,Annabethdecided.Thesetwoguyshadfailed.Correction:notjusttwoguys.Morebonesandscrapsofclothingwerescatteredallthewaytothealtar.Shecouldn’tguesshowmanyskeletonswererepresented,butshewaswillingtobettheywerealldemigodsfromthepast,childrenofAthenaonthesamequest.

“I will not be another skeleton on your floor,” she called to the statue, hoping shesoundedbrave.

Agirl,saidawateryvoice,echoingthroughtheroom.Girlsarenotallowed.

Afemaledemigod,saidasecondvoice.Inexcusable.

Thechamberrumbled.Dustfellfromthecrackedceiling.Annabethboltedfortheholeshe’dcomethrough,butithaddisappeared.Herstringhadbeensevered.Sheclamberedup on the bench and pounded on the wall where the hole had been, hoping the hole’sabsencewasjustanillusion,butthewallfeltsolid.

Shewastrapped.

Alongthebenches,adozenghostsshimmeredintoexistence—glowingpurplemeninRoman togas, like theLares she’d seen atCamp Jupiter.Theyglared at her as if she’dinterruptedtheirmeeting.

Shedidtheonlythingshecould.Shesteppeddownfromthebenchandputherbacktothebricked-indoorway.Shetriedtolookconfident,thoughthescowlingpurpleghostsandthedemigodskeletonsatherfeetmadeherwanttoturtleinherT-shirtandscream.

“I’machildofAthena,”shesaid,asboldlyasshecouldmanage.

“AGreek,”oneoftheghostssaidwithdisgust.“Thatisevenworse.”

At the other endof the chamber, an old-lookingghost rosewith somedifficulty (doghostshavearthritis?)andstoodbythealtar,hisdarkeyesfixedonAnnabeth.Herfirstthoughtwas thathe looked like thepope.Hehadaglittering robe,apointedhat, andashepherd’scrook.

“This is the cavern ofMithras,” said the old ghost. “You have disturbed our sacredrituals.Youcannotlookuponourmysteriesandlive.”

“Idon’twanttolookuponyourmysteries,”Annabethassuredhim.“I’mfollowingtheMarkofAthena.Showmetheexit,andI’llbeonmyway.”

Hervoicesoundedcalm,whichsurprisedher.Shehadnoideahowtogetoutofhere,but sheknew shehad to succeedwhereher siblingshad failed.Herpath led fartheron—deeperintotheundergroundlayersofRome.

Thefailuresofyourpredecessorswillguideyou,Tiberinushadsaid.After that…Idonotknow.

The ghosts mumbled to each other in Latin. Annabeth caught a few unkind wordsaboutfemaledemigodsandAthena.

Finally theghostwith thepopehatstruckhisshepherd’scrookagainst thefloor.TheotherLaresfellsilent.

“YourGreekgoddessispowerlesshere,”saidthepope.“MithrasisthegodofRomanwarriors!Heisthegodofthelegion,thegodoftheempire!”

“He wasn’t even Roman,” Annabeth protested. “Wasn’t he, like, Persian orsomething?”

“Sacrilege!” the old man yelped, banging his staff on the floor a few more times.“Mithrasprotectsus!Iamthepaterofthisbrotherhood—”

“Thefather,”Annabethtranslated.

“Donotinterrupt!Aspater,Imustprotectourmysteries.”

“Whatmysteries?”Annabethasked.“Adozendeadguys in togas sittingaround inacave?”

The ghostsmuttered and complained, until the patergot them under control with ataxicabwhistle.Theoldguyhadagoodsetoflungs.“Youareclearlyanunbeliever.Liketheothers,youmustdie.”

Theothers.Annabethmadeaneffortnottolookattheskeletons.

Hermindworkedfuriously,graspingforanythingsheknewaboutMithras.Hehadasecret cult for warriors. Hewas popular in the legion. Hewas one of the godswho’dsupplantedAthenaasawardeity.AphroditehadmentionedhimduringtheirteatimechatinCharleston.Asidefromthat,Annabethhadnoidea.Mithrasjustwasn’toneofthegodsthey talked about at Camp Half-Blood. She doubted the ghosts would wait while shewhippedoutDaedalus’slaptopanddidasearch.

She scanned the floormosaic—seven pictures in a row. She studied the ghosts andnoticedallofthemworesomesortofbadgeontheirtoga—araven,oratorch,orabow.

“Youhaveritesofpassage,”sheblurtedout.“Sevenlevelsofmembership.Andthetoplevelisthepater.”

Theghostsletoutacollectivegasp.Thentheyallbeganshoutingatonce.

“Howdoessheknowthis?”onedemanded.

“Thegirlhasgleanedoursecrets!”

“Silence!”thepaterordered.

“Butshemightknowabouttheordeals!”anothercried.

“Theordeals!”Annabethsaid.“Iknowaboutthem!”

Anotherroundofincredulousgasping.

“Ridiculous!”Thepateryelled.“Thegirllies!DaughterofAthena,chooseyourwayofdeath.Ifyoudonotchoose,thegodwillchooseforyou!”

“Fireordagger,”Annabethguessed.

Eventhepater lookedstunned.Apparentlyhehadn’t rememberedtherewerevictimsofpastpunishmentslyingonthefloor.

“How—howdidyou…?”Hegulped.“Whoareyou?”

“AchildofAthena,”Annabethsaidagain.“Butnotjustanychild.Iam…uh,themater

inmysisterhood.Themagnamater,infact.Therearenomysteriestome.Mithrascannothideanythingfrommysight.”

“Themagnamater!”aghostwailedindespair.“Thebigmother!”

“Killher!”Oneoftheghostscharged,hishandsouttostrangleher,buthepassedrightthroughher.

“You’redead,”Annabethremindedhim.“Sitdown.”

Theghostlookedembarrassedandtookhisseat.

“Wedonotneedtokillyouourselves,”thepatergrowled.“Mithrasshalldothatforus!”

Thestatueonthealtarbegantoglow.

Annabethpressedherhandsagainstthebricked-indoorwayatherback.Thathadtobetheexit.Themortarwascrumbling,butitwasnotweakenoughforhertobreakthroughwithbruteforce.

She looked desperately around the room—the cracked ceiling, the floormosaic, thewallpaintings,andthecarvedaltar.Shebegantotalk,pullingdeductionsfromthetopofherhead.

“Itisnogood,”shesaid.“Iknowall.Youtestyourinitiateswithfirebecausethetorchis thesymbolofMithras.Hisothersymbol is thedagger,whichiswhyyoucanalsobetestedwiththeblade.Youwanttokillme,justas…uh,asMithraskilledthesacredbull.”

Itwasatotalguess,butthealtarshowedMithraskillingabull,soAnnabethfigureditmustbeimportant.Theghostswailedandcoveredtheirears.Someslappedtheirfacesasiftowakeupfromabaddream.

“Thebigmotherknows!”onesaid.“Itisimpossible!”

Unlessyoulookaroundtheroom,Annabeththought,herconfidencegrowing.

Sheglaredat theghostwhohadjustspoken.Hehadaravenbadgeonhis toga—thesamesymbolasontheflooratherfeet.

“Youarejustaraven,”shescolded.“Thatisthelowestrank.Besilentandletmespeaktoyourpater.”

Theghostcringed.“Mercy!Mercy!”

Atthefrontoftheroom,thepatertrembled—eitherfromrageorfear,Annabethwasn’tsurewhich.His popehat tilted sidewaysonhis head like a gasgaugedropping towardempty.“Truly,youknowmuch,bigmother.Yourwisdomisgreat,butthatisallthemore

reasonwhyyoucannotleave.Theweaverwarnedusyouwouldcome.”

“Theweaver…”Annabethrealizedwithasinkingfeelingwhat thepaterwas talkingabout:thethinginthedarkfromPercy’sdream,theguardianoftheshrine.Thiswasonetime shewished she didn’tknow the answer, but she tried tomaintain her calm. “Theweaverfearsme.Shedoesn’twantmetofollowtheMarkofAthena.Butyouwillletmepass.”

“Youmust choose an ordeal!” thepater insisted. “Fire or dagger! Survive one, andthen,perhaps!”

Annabethlookeddownatthebonesofhersiblings.Thefailuresofyourpredecessorswillguideyou.

They’dall chosenoneor theother: fireordagger.Maybe they’d thought theycouldbeattheordeal.Buttheyhadalldied.Annabethneededathirdchoice.

Shestaredatthealtarstatue,whichwasglowingbrighterbythesecond.Shecouldfeelitsheatacrosstheroom.Herinstinctwastofocusonthedaggerorthetorch,butinsteadshe concentrated on the statue’s base. Shewonderedwhy its legs were stuck in stone.Thenitoccurredtoher:maybethelittlestatueofMithraswasn’tstuckintherock.Maybehewasemergingfromtherock.

“Neither torchnordagger,”Annabethsaid firmly.“There isa third test,which Iwillpass.”

“Athirdtest?”thepaterdemanded.

“Mithraswasbornfromrock,”Annabethsaid,hopingshewasright.“Heemergedfullygrownfromthestone,holdinghisdaggerandtorch.”

Thescreamingandwailingtoldhershehadguessedcorrectly.

“Thebigmotherknowsall!”aghostcried.“Thatisourmostcloselyguardedsecret!”

Thenmaybeyoushouldn’tputastatueofitonyouraltar,Annabeththought.Butshewas thankful for stupidmale ghosts. If they’d let womenwarriors into their cult, theymighthavelearnedsomecommonsense.

Annabethgestureddramaticallytothewallshe’dcomefrom.“Iwasbornfromstone,justasMithraswas!Therefore,Ihavealreadypassedyourordeal!”

“Bah!”thepaterspat.“Youcamefromaholeinthewall!That’snotthesamething.”

Okay. So apparently the pater wasn’t a complete moron, but Annabeth remainedconfident. She glanced at the ceiling, and another idea came to her—all the detailsclickingtogether.

“Ihavecontrolovertheverystones.”Sheraisedherarms.“IwillprovemypowerisgreaterthanMithras.Withasinglestrike,Iwillbringdownthischamber.”

The ghostswailed and trembled and looked at the ceiling, butAnnabeth knew theydidn’t see what she saw. These ghosts were warriors, not engineers. The children ofAthena hadmany skills, and not just in combat.Annabeth had studied architecture foryears.Sheknewthisancientchamberwasonthevergeofcollapse.Sherecognizedwhatthestressfracturesintheceilingmeant,allemanatingfromasinglepoint—thetopofthestonearch justaboveher.Thecapstonewasabout tocrumble,andwhenthathappened,assumingshecouldtimeitcorrectly…

“Impossible!”thepatershouted.“Theweaverhaspaidusmuchtributetodestroyanychildren ofAthenawhowould dare enter our shrine.We have never let her down.Wecannotletyoupass.”

“Thenyoufearmypower!”Annabethsaid.“YouadmitthatIcoulddestroyyoursacredchamber!”

Thepaterscowled.Hestraightenedhishatuneasily.Annabethknewshe’dputhiminanimpossibleposition.Hecouldn’tbackdownwithoutlookingcowardly.

“Doyourworst,childofAthena,”hedecided.“NoonecanbringdownthecavernofMithras,especiallywithonestrike.Especiallynotagirl!”

Annabethheftedherdagger.Theceilingwaslow.Shecouldreachthecapstoneeasily,butshe’dhavetomakeheronestrikecount.

The doorway behind herwas blocked, but in theory, if the room started to collapse,those bricks should weaken and crumble. She should be able to bust her way throughbefore the entire ceiling came down—assuming, of course, that there was somethingbehindthebrickwall,notjustsolidearth;andassumingthatAnnabethwasquickenoughandstrongenoughandluckyenough.Otherwise,shewasabouttobeademigodpancake.

“Well,boys,”shesaid.“Lookslikeyouchosethewrongwargod.”

Shestruckthecapstone.TheCelestialbronzebladeshattereditlikeasugarcube.Foramoment,nothinghappened.

“Ha!”thepatergloated.“Yousee?Athenahasnopowerhere!”

Theroomshook.Afissureranacross the lengthof theceilingand thefarendof thecaverncollapsed,buryingthealtarandthepater.Morecrackswidened.Bricksfellfromthe arches.Ghosts screamedand ran, but they couldn’t seem topass through thewalls.Apparentlytheywereboundtothischamberevenindeath.

Annabethturned.Sheslammedagainsttheblockedentrancewithallhermight,andthebricksgaveway.AsthecavernofMithrasimplodedbehindher,shelungedintodarknessandfoundherselffalling.

ANNABETHTHOUGHTSHEKNEWPAIN.ShehadfallenoffthelavawallatCampHalf-Blood.She’dbeenstabbedinthearmwithapoisonbladeontheWilliamsburgBridge.Shehadevenheldtheweightoftheskyonhershoulders.

Butthatwasnothingcomparedtolandinghardonherankle.

Sheimmediatelyknewshe’dbrokenit.Painlikeahotsteelwirejabbeditswayupherlegandintoherhip.Theworldnarrowedtojusther,herankle,andtheagony.

Shealmostblackedout.Herheadspun.Herbreathbecameshortandrapid.

No,shetoldherself.Youcan’tgointoshock.

She tried to breathemore slowly. She lay as still as possible until the pain subsidedfromabsolutetorturetojusthorriblethrobbing.

Part of herwanted to howl at theworld for being so unfair.All thisway, just to bestoppedbysomethingascommonasabrokenankle?

Sheforcedheremotionsbackdown.Atcamp,she’dbeentrainedtosurviveinallsortsofbadsituations,includinginjurieslikethis.

Shelookedaroundher.Herdaggerhadskitteredafewfeetaway.Initsdimlightshecould make out the features of the room. She was lying on a cold floor of sandstoneblocks.Theceilingwastwostoriestall.Thedoorwaythroughwhichshe’dfallenwastenfeetofftheground,nowcompletelyblockedwithdebristhathadcascadedintotheroom,makingarockslide.Scatteredaroundherwereoldpiecesof lumber—somecrackedanddesiccated,othersbrokenintokindling.

Stupid,shescoldedherself.She’dlungedthroughthatdoorway,assumingtherewouldbea levelcorridororanotherroom.Ithadneveroccurred toher thatshe’dbe tumbling

intospace.Thelumberhadprobablyoncebeenastaircase,longagocollapsed.

Sheinspectedherankle.Herfootdidn’tappeartoostrangelybent.Shecouldfeelhertoes.Shedidn’tseeanyblood.Thatwasallgood.

Shereachedoutforapieceoflumber.Eventhatsmallbitofmovementmadeheryelp.

Theboardcrumbledinherhand.Thewoodmightbecenturiesold,orevenmillennia.ShehadnowayofknowingifthisroomwasolderthantheshrineofMithras,orif—likethelabyrinth—theroomswereahodgepodgefrommanyerasthrownrandomlytogether.

“Okay,”shesaidaloud,justtohearhervoice.“Think,Annabeth.Prioritize.”

SherememberedasillywildernesssurvivalcourseGroverhadtaughtherbackatcamp.Atleastithadseemedsillyatthetime.Firststep:Scanyoursurroundingsforimmediatethreats.

Thisroomdidn’tseemtobe indangerofcollapsing.Therockslidehadstopped.Thewallsweresolidblocksofstonewithnomajorcracksthatshecouldsee.Theceilingwasnotsagging.Good.

Theonlyexitwasonthefarwall—anarcheddoorwaythatledintodarkness.Betweenher and the doorway, a small brickwork trench cut across the floor, letting water flowthroughtheroomfromlefttoright.MaybeplumbingfromtheRomandays?Ifthewaterwasdrinkable,thatwasgoodtoo.

Piled in one corner were some broken ceramic vases, spilling out shriveled brownclumpsthatmightoncehavebeenfruit.Yuck.Inanothercornerweresomewoodencratesthatlookedmoreintact,andsomewickerboxesboundwithleatherstraps.

“So,noimmediatedanger,”shesaidtoherself.“Unlesssomethingcomesbarrelingoutofthatdarktunnel.”

Sheglaredatthedoorway,almostdaringherlucktogetworse.Nothinghappened.

“Okay,”shesaid.“Nextstep:Takeinventory.”

What could she use? She had herwater bottle, andmorewater in that trench if shecould reach it. She had her knife.Her backpackwas full of colorful string (whee), herlaptop,thebronzemap,somematches,andsomeambrosiaforemergencies.

Ah…yeah.Thisqualifiedasanemergency.Shedugthegodlyfoodoutofherpackandwolfed itdown.Asusual, it tasted likecomfortingmemories.This time itwasbutteredpopcorn—movie night with her dad at his place in San Francisco, no stepmom, nostepbrothers, just Annabeth and her father curled up on the sofa watching sappy oldromanticcomedies.

The ambrosia warmed her whole body. The pain in her leg became a dull throb.Annabethknewshewasstillinmajortrouble.Evenambrosiacouldn’thealbrokenbonesrightaway.Itmightspeeduptheprocess,butbest-casescenario,shewouldn’tbeabletoputanyweightonherfootforadayormore.

Shetriedtoreachherknife,butitwastoofaraway.Shescootedinthatdirection.Painflaredagain,likenailswerepiercingherfoot.Herfacebeadedwithsweat,butafteronemorescoot,shemanagedtoreachthedagger.

Shefeltbetterholdingit—notjustforlightandprotection,butalsobecauseitwassofamiliar.

What next?Grover’s survival class hadmentioned something about staying put andwaitingforrescue,butthatwasn’tgoingtohappen.EvenifPercysomehowmanagedtotracehersteps,thecavernofMithrashadcollapsed.

Shecould trycontactingsomeonewithDaedalus’s laptop,but shedoubtedshecouldgetasignaldownhere.Besides,whowouldshecall?Shecouldn’ttextanyonewhowascloseenoughtohelp.Demigodsnevercarriedcellphones,becausetheirsignalsattractedtoomuchmonstrousattention,andnoneofherfriendswouldbesittingaroundcheckingtheire-mail.

AnIris-message?Shehadwater,butshedoubtedthatshecouldmakeenoughlightforarainbow.TheonlycoinshehadwashersilverAtheniandrachma,whichdidn’tmakeagreattribute.

Therewasanotherproblemwithcallingforhelp:thiswassupposedtobeasoloquest.IfAnnabethdidgetrescued,she’dbeadmittingdefeat.SomethingtoldherthattheMarkofAthenawould no longer guide her. She couldwander down here forever, and she’dneverfindtheAthenaParthenos.

So…nogoodstayingputandwaitingforhelp.Whichmeantshehadtofindawaytokeepgoingonherown.

Sheopenedherwaterbottleanddrank.Shehadn’trealizedhowthirstyshewas.Whenthebottlewasempty,shecrawledtothegutterandrefilledit.

Thewaterwascoldandmovingswiftly—goodsignsthatitmightbesafetodrink.Shefilledherbottle,thencuppedsomewaterinherhandsandsplashedherface.Immediatelyshefeltmorealert.Shewashedoffandcleanedherscrapesasbestshecould.

Annabethsatupandglaredatherankle.

“Youhadtobreak,”shescoldedit.

Theankledidnotreply.

She’dhavetoimmobilizeitinsomesortofcast.Thatwastheonlywayshe’dbeabletomove.

Hmm…

Sheraisedherdaggerand inspected theroomagain in itsbronze light.Nowthatshewasclosertotheopendoorway,shelikeditevenless.Itledintoadarksilentcorridor.Theairwaftingout smelled sickly sweet and somehowevil.Unfortunately,Annabethdidn’tseeanyotherwayshecouldgo.

Withalotofgaspingandblinkingbacktears,shecrawledovertothewreckageofthestairs.Shefoundtwoplanksthatwereinfairlygoodshapeandlongenoughforasplint.Thenshescootedovertothewickerboxesandusedherknifetocutofftheleatherstraps.

While shewaspsychingherself up to immobilizeher ankle, shenoticed some fadedwordsononeofthewoodencrates:HERMESEXPRESS.

Annabethscootedexcitedlytowardthebox.

Shehadnoideawhatitwasdoinghere,butHermesdeliveredallsortsofusefulstufftogods,spirits,andevendemigods.Maybehe’ddroppedthiscarepackagehereyearsagotohelpdemigodslikeherwiththisquest.

SheprieditopenandpulledoutseveralsheetsofBubbleWrap,butwhateverhadbeeninsidewasgone.

“Hermes!”sheprotested.

She stared glumly at the Bubble Wrap. Then her mind kicked into gear, and sherealizedthewrappingwasagift.“Oh…that’sperfect!”

AnnabethcoveredherbrokenankleinaBubbleWrapcast.Shesetitwiththelumbersplintsandtieditalltogetherwiththeleatherstraps.

Oncebefore,infirstaidpractice,she’dsplintedafakebrokenlegforanothercamper,butsheneverimaginedshe’dhavetomakeasplintforherself.

Itwashard,painfulwork,but finally itwasdone.She searched thewreckageof thestairsuntilshefoundpartoftherailing—anarrowboardaboutfourfeet longthatcouldserveasacrutch.Sheputherbackagainst thewall,gothergood legready,andhauledherselfup.

“Whoa.”Blackspotsdancedinhereyes,butshestayedupright.

“Nexttime,”shemutteredtothedarkroom,“justletmefightamonster.Mucheasier.”

Abovetheopendoorway,theMarkofAthenablazedtolifeagainstthearch.

Thefieryowlseemedtobewatchingherexpectantly,asiftosay:Abouttime.Oh,youwantmonsters?Rightthisway!

Annabethwonderedifthatburningmarkwasbasedonarealsacredowl.Ifso,whenshesurvived,shewasgoingtofindthatowlandpunchitintheface.

That thought liftedherspirits.Shemadeitacross the trenchandhobbledslowlyintothecorridor.

THETUNNELRAN STRAIGHTAND SMOOTH, but after her fall,Annabethdecided to takenochances.Sheusedthewallforsupportandtappedthefloorinfrontofherwithhercrutchtomakesuretherewerenotraps.

As shewalked, the sickly sweet smell got stronger and set her nerves on edge.Thesoundofrunningwaterfadedbehindher.Initsplacecameadrychorusofwhisperslikeamillion tiny voices. They seemed to be coming from inside the walls, and they weregettinglouder.

Annabethtriedtospeedup,butshecouldn’tgomuchfasterwithoutlosingherbalanceorjarringherbrokenankle.Shehobbledonward,convincedthatsomethingwasfollowingher.Thesmallvoicesweremassingtogether,gettingcloser.

Shetouchedthewall,andherhandcamebackcoveredincobwebs.

Sheyelped,thencursedherselfformakingasound.

It’sonlyaweb,shetoldherself.Butthatdidn’tstoptheroaringinherears.

She’d expected spiders. She knewwhatwas ahead:The weaver. Her Ladyship. Thevoiceinthedark.Butthewebsmadeherrealizehowcloseshewas.

Her hand trembled as shewiped it on the stones.What had she been thinking? Shecouldn’tdothisquestalone.

Toolate,shetoldherself.Justkeepgoing.

Shemadeherwaydownthecorridoronepainfulstepatatime.Thewhisperingsoundsgotlouderbehindheruntiltheysoundedlikemillionsofdriedleavesswirlinginthewind.The cobwebs became thicker, filling the tunnel. Soon shewas pushing themout of herface,rippingthroughgauzycurtainsthatcoveredherlikeSillyString.

Her heart wanted to break out of her chest and run. She stumbled ahead morerecklessly,tryingtoignorethepaininherankle.

Finallythecorridorendedinadoorwayfilledwaist-highwitholdlumber.Itlookedasifsomeonehadtriedtobarricadetheopening.Thatdidn’tbodewell,butAnnabethusedhercrutchtopushawaytheboardsasbestshecould.Shecrawledovertheremainingpile,gettingafewdozensplintersinherfreehand.

On theother sideof thebarricadewasachamber the sizeofabasketball court.Thefloorwasdone inRomanmosaics.The remainsof tapestrieshung from thewalls.Twounlittorchessatinwallsconcesoneithersideofthedoorway,bothcoveredincobwebs.

At the far end of the room, the Mark of Athena burned over another doorway.Unfortunately, betweenAnnabeth and that exit, the floorwas bisectedby a chasm fiftyfeetacross.Spanningthepitweretwoparallelwoodenbeams,toofarapartforbothfeet,buteach toonarrowtowalkonunlessAnnabethwasanacrobat,whichshewasn’t,anddidn’thaveabrokenankle,whichshedid.

Thecorridor she’dcomefromwas filledwithhissingnoises.Cobwebs trembledanddancedasthefirstofthespidersappeared:nolargerthangumdrops,butplumpandblack,skitteringoverthewallsandthefloor.

Whatkindofspiders?Annabethhadnoidea.Sheonlyknewtheywerecomingforher,andsheonlyhadsecondstofigureoutaplan.

Annabethwantedtosob.Shewantedsomeone,anyone,tobehereforher.ShewantedLeowithhisfireskills,orJasonwithhislightning,orHazeltocollapsethetunnel.MostofallshewantedPercy.ShealwaysfeltbraverwhenPercywaswithher.

Iamnotgoingtodiehere,shetoldherself.I’mgoingtoseePercyagain.

Thefirstspiderswerealmosttothedoor.Behindthemcamethebulkofthearmy—ablackseaofcreepy-crawlies.

Annabethhobbledtooneofthewallsconcesandsnatchedupthetorch.Theendwascoatedinpitchforeasylighting.Herfingersfeltlikelead,butsherummagedthroughherbackpackandfoundthematches.Shestruckoneandsetthetorchablaze.

Shethrustitintothebarricade.Theolddrywoodcaughtimmediately.Flamesleapedtothe cobwebs and roared down the corridor in a flash fire, roasting spiders by thethousands.

Annabeth stepped back from her bonfire. She’d bought herself some time, but shedoubtedthatshe’dkilledallthespiders.Theywouldregroupandswarmagainassoonas

thefiredied.

Shesteppedtotheedgeofthechasm.

Sheshinedherlightintothepit,butshecouldn’tseethebottom.Jumpinginwouldbesuicide.Shecouldtrytocrossoneofthebarshandoverhand,butshedidn’ttrustherarmstrength,andshedidn’tseehowshewouldbeabletohaulherselfupwithafullbackpackandabrokenankleonceshereachedtheotherside.

Shecrouchedandstudiedthebeams.Eachhadasetofironeyehooksalongtheinside,set at one-foot intervals.Maybe the railshadbeen the sidesof abridgeand themiddleplanks had been removed or destroyed. But eye hooks? Those weren’t for supportingplanks.Morelike…

Sheglancedatthewalls.Thesamekindofhookshadbeenusedtohangtheshreddedtapestries.

Sherealizedthebeamsweren’tmeantasabridge.Theyweresomekindofloom.

Annabeththrewherflamingtorchtotheothersideofthechasm.Shehadnofaithherplanwouldwork, but she pulled all the string out of her backpack and beganweavingbetweenthebeams,stringingacat’scradlepatternbackandforthfromeyehooktoeyehook,doublingandtriplingtheline.

Herhandsmovedwithblazingspeed.Shestoppedthinkingaboutthetaskandjustdidit,loopingandtyingofflines,slowlyextendingherwovennetoverthepit.

She forgot the pain in her leg and the fiery barricade guttering out behind her. Sheinchedoverthechasm.Theweavingheldherweight.Beforesheknewit,shewashalfwayacross.

Howhadshelearnedtodothis?

It’sAthena,shetoldherself.Mymother’sskillwithusefulcrafts.WeavinghadneverseemedparticularlyusefultoAnnabeth—untilnow.

Sheglancedbehindher.Thebarricadefirewasdying.Afewspiderscrawledinaroundtheedgesofthedoorway.

Desperatelyshecontinuedweaving,andfinallyshemadeitacross.Shesnatchedupthetorchandthrustitintoherwovenbridge.Flamesracedalongthestring.Eventhebeamscaughtfireasifthey’dbeenpre-soakedinoil.

Foramoment,thebridgeburnedinaclearpattern—afieryrowofidenticalowls.HadAnnabeth reallywoven them into the string, orwas it some kind ofmagic? She didn’tknow,butasthespidersbegantocross,thebeamscrumbledandcollapsedintothepit.

Annabethheldherbreath.Shedidn’tseeanyreasonwhythespiderscouldn’treachherbyclimbingthewallsortheceiling.Iftheystartedtodothat,she’dhavetorunforit,andshewasprettysureshecouldn’tmovefastenough.

For some reason, the spiders didn’t follow. They massed at the edge of the pit—aseethingblack carpet of creepiness.Then theydispersed, floodingback into theburnedcorridor,almostasifAnnabethwasnolongerinteresting.

“OrIpassedatest,”shesaidaloud.

Hertorchsputteredout,leavingherwithonlythelightofherdagger.Sherealizedthatshe’dlefthermakeshiftcrutchontheothersideofthechasm.

Shefeltexhaustedandoutoftricks,buthermindwasclear.Herpanicseemedtohaveburnedupalongwiththatwovenbridge.

Theweaver,shethought.Imustbeclose.AtleastIknowwhat’sahead.

Shemadeherwaydownthenextcorridor,hoppingtokeeptheweightoffherbadfoot.

Shedidn’thavefartogo.

Aftertwentyfeet, thetunnelopenedintoacavernaslargeasacathedral,somajesticthatAnnabethhad troubleprocessingeverythingshesaw.Sheguessed that thiswas theroom fromPercy’s dream,but itwasn’t dark.Bronzebraziers ofmagical light, like thegodsusedonMountOlympus,glowedaroundthecircumferenceoftheroom,interspersedwithgorgeoustapestries.Thestonefloorwaswebbedwithfissureslikeasheetofice.Theceilingwassohigh,itwaslostinthegloomandlayersuponlayersofspiderwebs.

Strandsofsilkasthickaspillarsranfromtheceilingallovertheroom,anchoringthewallsandthefloorlikethecablesofasuspensionbridge.

Webs also surrounded the centerpiece of the shrine, which was so intimidating thatAnnabethhadtroubleraisinghereyestolookatit.Loomingoverherwasaforty-foot-tallstatueofAthena,withluminousivoryskinandadressofgold.Inheroutstretchedhand,AthenaheldastatueofNike,thewingedvictorygoddess—astatuethatlookedtinyfromhere,butwasprobablyastallasarealperson.Athena’sotherhandrestedonashieldasbig as a billboard, with a sculpted snake peeking out from behind, as if Athena wasprotectingit.

Thegoddess’s facewassereneandkindly…and it looked likeAthena.Annabethhadseen many statues that didn’t resemble her mom at all, but this giant version, madethousandsofyearsago,madeherthinkthattheartistmusthavemetAthenainperson.Hehadcapturedherperfectly.

“AthenaParthenos,”Annabethmurmured.“It’sreallyhere.”

All her life, she had wanted to visit the Parthenon. Now she was seeing the mainattraction that used to be there—and she was the first child of Athena to do so inmillennia.

She realized hermouthwas hanging open. She forced herself to swallow.Annabethcouldhavestoodtherealldaylookingat thestatue,butshehadonlyaccomplishedhalfhermission.ShehadfoundtheAthenaParthenos.Now,howcouldsherescueitfromthiscavern?

Strandsofwebcovereditlikeagauzepavilion.Annabethsuspectedthatwithoutthosewebs,thestatuewouldhavefallenthroughtheweakenedfloorlongago.Asshesteppedintotheroom,shecouldseethatthecracksbelowweresowide,shecouldhavelostherfootinthem.Beneaththecracks,shesawnothingbutemptydarkness.

Achillwashedoverher.Wherewastheguardian?HowcouldAnnabethfreethestatuewithoutcollapsingthefloor?Shecouldn’tverywellshovetheAthenaParthenosdownthecorridorthatshe’dcomefrom.

Shescannedthechamber,hopingtoseesomethingthatmighthelp.Hereyeswanderedoverthetapestries,whichwereheart-wrenchinglybeautiful.Oneshowedapastoralsceneso three-dimensional, it could’ve been a window. Another tapestry showed the godsbattling the giants. Annabeth saw a landscape of the Underworld. Next to it was theskylineofmodernRome.Andinthetapestrytoherleft…

Shecaughtherbreath.Itwasaportraitoftwodemigodskissingunderwater:AnnabethandPercy, theday their friendshad throwntheminto thecanoe lakeatcamp.Itwassolifelike that she wondered if the weaver had been there, lurking in the lake with awaterproofcamera.

“Howisthatpossible?”shemurmured.

Aboveherinthegloom,avoicespoke.“ForagesIhaveknownthatyouwouldcome,mysweet.”

Annabethshuddered.Suddenlyshewassevenyearsoldagain,hidingunderhercovers,waiting for the spiders to attack her in the night. The voice sounded just as Percy haddescribed:anangrybuzzinmultipletones,femalebutnothuman.

Inthewebsabovethestatue,somethingmoved—somethingdarkandlarge.

“Ihaveseenyouinmydreams,”thevoicesaid,sicklysweetandevil,likethesmellinthe corridors. “I had to make sure you were worthy, the only child of Athena cleverenoughtopassmytestsandreachthisplacealive.Indeed,youarehermosttalentedchild.

Thiswillmakeyourdeathsomuchmorepainfultomyoldenemywhenyoufailutterly.”

The pain inAnnabeth’s anklewas nothing compared to the icy acid now filling herveins.Shewantedtorun.Shewantedtopleadformercy.Butshecouldn’tshowweakness—notnow.

“You’reArachne,”shecalledout.“Theweaverwhowasturnedintoaspider.”

Thefiguredescended,becomingclearerandmorehorrible.“Cursedbyyourmother,”she said. “Scorned by all and made into a hideous thing…because I was the betterweaver.”

“Butyoulostthecontest,”Annabethsaid.

“That’s thestorywrittenby thewinner!”criedArachne.“Lookonmywork!Seeforyourself!”

Annabethdidn’thaveto.Thetapestrieswerethebestshe’deverseen—betterthanthewitch Circe’s work, and, yes, even better than some weavings she’d seen on MountOlympus.Shewonderedifhermothertrulyhadlost—ifshe’dhiddenArachneawayandrewrittenthetruth.Butrightnow,itdidn’tmatter.

“You’vebeenguardingthisstatuesincetheancienttimes,”Annabethguessed.“Butitdoesn’tbelonghere.I’mtakingitback.”

“Ha,”Arachnesaid.

EvenAnnabeth had to admit her threat sounded ridiculous.Howcould one girl in aBubbleWrapanklecastremovethishugestatuefromitsundergroundchamber?

“I’mafraidyouwouldhave todefeatme first,my sweet,”Arachne said. “Andalas,thatisimpossible.”

The creature appeared from the curtains ofwebbing, andAnnabeth realized that herquestwashopeless.Shewasabouttodie.

Arachnehadthebodyofagiantblackwidow,withahairyredhourglassmarkontheunderside of her abdomen and a pair of oozing spinnerets.Her eight spindly legswerelinedwithcurvedbarbs asbigasAnnabeth’sdagger. If the spider cameanycloser,hersweet stench alone would have been enough to make Annabeth faint. But the mosthorriblepartwashermisshapenface.

Shemightoncehavebeenabeautifulwoman.Nowblackmandiblesprotruded fromher mouth like tusks. Her other teeth had grown into thin white needles. Fine darkwhiskersdottedhercheeks.Hereyeswerelarge,lidless,andpureblack,withtwosmallereyesstickingoutofhertemples.

Thecreaturemadeaviolentrip-rip-ripsoundthatmighthavebeenlaughter.

“Now Iwill feastonyou,my sweet,”Arachne said. “Butdonot fear. Iwillmakeabeautifultapestrydepictingyourdeath.”

LEOWISHEDHEWASN’TSOGOOD.

Really, sometimes it was just embarrassing. If he hadn’t had such an eye formechanical stuff, they might never have found the secret chute, gotten lost in theunderground,andbeenattackedbymetaldudes.Buthejustcouldn’thelphimself.

PartofitwasHazel’sfault.Foragirlwithsuperundergroundsenses,shewasn’tmuchgood in Rome. She kept leading them around and around the city, getting dizzy, anddoublingback.

“Sorry,” she said. “It’s just…there’s somuch underground here, somany layers, it’soverwhelming.Likestandinginthemiddleofanorchestraandtryingtoconcentrateonasingleinstrument.I’mgoingdeaf.”

As a result, they got a tour of Rome. Frank seemed happy to plod along like a bigsheepdog(hmm,Leowonderedifhecouldturnintooneofthose,orevenbetter:ahorsethat Leo could ride).But Leo started to get impatient.His feetwere sore, the daywassunnyandhot,andthestreetswerechokedwithtourists.

TheForumwasokay,butitwasmostlyruinsovergrownwithbushesandtrees.Ittooka lot of imagination to see it as the bustling center of Ancient Rome. Leo could onlymanageitbecausehe’dseenNewRomeinCalifornia.

They passed big churches, freestanding arches, clothing stores, and fast-foodrestaurants.OnestatueofsomeAncientRomandudeseemedtobepointingtoanearbyMcDonald’s.

Onthewiderstreets, thecartrafficwasabsolutelynuts—man,LeothoughtpeopleinHouston drove crazy—but they spentmost of their timeweaving through small alleys,

comingacrossfountainsandlittlecaféswhereLeowasnotallowedtorest.

“IneverthoughtI’dgettoseeRome,”Hazelsaid.“WhenIwasalive,Imeanthefirsttime,Mussoliniwasincharge.Wewereatwar.”

“Mussolini?”Leofrowned.“Wasn’thelikeBFFswithHitler?”

Hazelstaredathimlikehewasanalien.“BFFs?”

“Nevermind.”

“I’dlovetoseetheTreviFountain,”shesaid.

“There’safountainoneveryblock,”Leogrumbled.

“OrtheSpanishSteps,”Hazelsaid.

“WhywouldyoucometoItalytoseeSpanishsteps?”Leoasked.“That’slikegoingtoChinaforMexicanfood,isn’tit?”

“You’rehopeless,”Hazelcomplained.

“SoI’vebeentold.”

SheturnedtoFrankandgrabbedhishand,asifLeohadceasedtoexist.“Comeon.Ithinkweshouldgothisway.”

FrankgaveLeoaconfusedsmile—likehecouldn’tdecidewhethertogloatortothankLeoforbeingadoofus—buthecheerfullyletHazeldraghimalong.

Afterwalkingforever,Hazelstoppedinfrontofachurch.Atleast,Leoassumeditwasa church. Themain section had a big domed roof. The entrance had a triangular roof,typicalRomancolumns,andaninscriptionacrossthetop:M.AGRIPPAsomethingorother.

“LatinforGetagrip?”Leospeculated.

“Thisisourbestbet.”Hazelsoundedmorecertainthanshehadallday.“Thereshouldbeasecretpassagesomewhereinside.”

Tour groupsmilled around the steps.Guides held up colored placardswith differentnumbers and lectured in dozens of languages like they were playing some kind ofinternationalbingo.

Leolistenedto theSpanish tourguideforafewseconds,andthenhereportedtohisfriends,“ThisisthePantheon.ItwasoriginallybuiltbyMarcusAgrippaasatempletothegods.After it burned down, EmperorHadrian rebuilt it, and it’s been standing for twothousandyears.It’soneofthebest-preservedRomanbuildingsintheworld.”

FrankandHazelstaredathim.

“Howdidyouknowthat?”Hazelasked.

“I’mnaturallybrilliant.”

“Centaurpoop,”Franksaid.“Heeavesdroppedonatourgroup.”

Leogrinned.“Maybe.Comeon.Let’sgofindthatsecretpassage.Ihopethisplacehasairconditioning.”

Ofcourse,noAC.

Onthebrightside,therewerenolinesandnoadmissionfee,sotheyjustmuscledtheirwaypastthetourgroupsandwalkedonin.

The interiorwaspretty impressive,considering ithadbeenconstructed two thousandyearsago.ThemarblefloorwaspatternedwithsquaresandcircleslikeaRomantic-tac-toegame.Themainspacewasonehugechamberwithacircular rotunda, sortof likeacapitolbuildingbackintheStates.Liningthewallsweredifferentshrinesandstatuesandtombs and stuff. But the real eye-catcher was the dome overhead. All the light in thebuildingcamefromonecircularopeningrightatthetop.Abeamofsunlightslantedintothe rotunda and glowed on the floor, like Zeus was up there with amagnifying glass,tryingtofrypunyhumans.

Leo was no architect like Annabeth, but he could appreciate the engineering. TheRomanshadmadethedomeoutofbigstonepanels,butthey’dhollowedouteachpanelinasquare-within-squarepattern.Itlookedcool.Leofigureditalsomadethedomelighterandeasiertosupport.

He didn’tmention that to his friends.He doubted theywould care, but ifAnnabethwerehere,shewould’vespent thewholedaytalkingaboutit.ThinkingaboutthatmadeLeowonder how shewas doing on herMark ofAthena expedition. Leo never thoughthe’dfeelthisway,buthewasworriedaboutthatscaryblondgirl.

Hazelstoppedinthemiddleoftheroomandturnedinacircle.“Thisisamazing.Intheold days, the children of Vulcan would come here in secret to consecrate demigodweapons.ThisiswhereImperialgoldwasenchanted.”

Leowonderedhowthatworked.Heimaginedabunchofdemigodsindarkrobestryingtoquietlyrollascorpionballistathroughthefrontdoors.

“Butwe’renotherebecauseofthat,”heguessed.

“No,”Hazelsaid.“There’sanentrance—atunnelthatwillleadustowardNico.Icansenseitcloseby.I’mnotsurewhere.”

Frankgrunted.“Ifthisbuildingistwothousandyearsold,itmakessensetherecouldbesomekindofsecretpassageleftoverfromtheRomandays.”

That’swhenLeomadehismistakeofsimplybeingtoogood.

Hescannedthetemple’sinterior,thinking:IfIweredesigningasecretpassage,wherewouldIputit?

Hecouldsometimesfigureouthowamachineworkedbyputtinghishandonit.He’dlearnedtoflyahelicopterthatway.He’dfixedFestusthedragonthatway(beforeFestuscrashed and burned).Once he’d even reprogrammed the electronic billboards in TimesSquaretoread:ALLDALADIESLUVLEO…accidentally,ofcourse.

Nowhe tried to sense theworkingsof this ancientbuilding.He turned towarda redmarblealtar-looking thingwithastatueof theVirginMaryon the top.“Over there,”hesaid.

Hemarchedconfidently to the shrine. Itwas shaped sort of like a fireplace,with anarchedrecessatthebottom.Themantelwasinscribedwithaname,likeatomb.

“The passage is around here,” he said. “This guy’s final resting place is in theway.Raphaelsomebody?”

“Famouspainter,Ithink,”Hazelsaid.

Leoshrugged.HehadacousinnamedRaphael,andhedidn’tthinkmuchofthename.Hewondered if he could produce a stick of dynamite fromhis tool belt and do a littlediscreetdemolition;buthefiguredthecaretakersofthisplaceprobablywouldn’tapprove.

“Holdon…”Leolookedaroundtomakesuretheyweren’tbeingwatched.

Most of the tour groupswere gawking at the dome, but one triomade Leo uneasy.Aboutfiftyfeetaway,someoverweightmiddle-ageddudeswithAmericanaccentswereconversing loudly,complaining toeachotherabout theheat.They looked likemanateesstuffed into beach clothes—sandals, walking shorts, touristy T-shirts and floppy hats.Their legswerebigandpastyandcoveredwith spiderveins.Theguysactedextremelybored,andLeowonderedwhytheywerehangingaround.

Theyweren’twatchinghim.Leowasn’tsurewhytheymadehimnervous.Maybehejustdidn’tlikemanatees.

Forgetthem,Leotoldhimself.

Heslippedaround thesideof the tomb.Heranhishanddown thebackofaRomancolumn,allthewaytothebase.Rightatthebottom,aseriesoflineshadbeenetchedintothemarble—Romannumerals.

“Heh,”Leosaid.“Notveryelegant,buteffective.”

“Whatis?”Frankasked.

“Thecombinationforalock.”Hefeltaroundthebackofthecolumnsomemoreanddiscoveredasquareholeabout thesizeofanelectricalsocket.“The lockface itselfhasbeenrippedout—probablyvandalizedsometimeinthelastfewcenturies.ButIshouldbeabletocontrolthemechanisminside,ifIcan…”

Leoplacedhishandon themarble floor.Hecould senseoldbronzegearsunder thesurfaceofthestone.Regularbronzewouldhavecorrodedandbecomeunusablelongago,butthesewereCelestialbronze—thehandiworkofademigod.Withalittlewillpower,Leourged them to move, using the Roman numerals to guide him. The cylinders turned—click,click,click.Thenclick,click.

Onthefloornexttothewall,onesectionofmarbletileslidunderanother,revealingadarksquareopeningbarelylargeenoughtowigglethrough.

“Romans must’ve been small.” Leo looked at Frank appraisingly. “You’ll need tochangeintosomethingthinnertogetthroughhere.”

“That’snotnice!”Hazelchided.

“What?Justsaying—”

“Don’t worry about it,” Frank mumbled. “We should go get the others before weexplore.That’swhatPipersaid.”

“They’rehalfwayacrossthecity,”Leoremindedhim.“Besides,uh,I’mnotsureIcanclosethishatchagain.Thegearsareprettyold.”

“Great,”Franksaid.“Howdoweknowit’ssafedownthere?”

Hazelknelt.Sheputherhandovertheopeningasifcheckingthetemperature.“There’snothingalive…at leastnot for severalhundred feet.The tunnel slantsdown, then levelsoutandgoessouth,moreorless.Idon’tsenseanytraps…”

“Howcanyoutellallthat?”Leoasked.

She shrugged. “Samewayyou canpick locksonmarble columns, I guess. I’mgladyou’renotintorobbingbanks.”

“Oh…bankvaults,”Leosaid.“Neverthoughtaboutthat.”

“Forget I said anything.”Hazel sighed. “Look, it’s not three o’clock yet.We can atleastdoalittleexploring,trytopinpointNico’slocationbeforewecontacttheothers.Youtwo stay here until I call for you. I want to check things out, make sure the tunnel is

structurallysound.I’llbeabletotellmoreonceI’munderground.”

Frankscowled.“Wecan’tletyougobyyourself.Youcouldgethurt.”

“Frank,Icantakecareofmyself,”shesaid.“Undergroundismyspecialty.It’ssafestforallofusifIgofirst.”

“Unless Frankwants to turn into amole,” Leo suggested. “Or a prairie dog. Thosethingsareawesome.”

“Shutup,”Frankmumbled.

“Orabadger.”

FrankjabbedafingeratLeo’sface.“Valdez,Iswear—”

“Bothofyou,bequiet,”Hazelscolded.“I’llbebacksoon.Givemetenminutes.Ifyoudon’thearfrommebythen…Nevermind.I’llbefine.JusttrynottokilleachotherwhileI’mdownthere.”

Shedroppeddownthehole.LeoandFrankblockedherfromviewasbesttheycould.Theystoodshouldertoshoulder,tryingtolookcasual,likeitwascompletelynaturalfortwoteenagedguystohangaroundRaphael’stomb.

Tour groups came andwent.Most ignoredLeo andFrank.A few people glanced atthemapprehensivelyandkeptwalking.Maybethetouriststhoughttheywouldaskfortips.Forsomereason,Leocouldunnervepeoplewhenhegrinned.

ThethreeAmericanmanateeswerestillhangingoutinthemiddleoftheroom.OneofthemworeaT-shirtthatsaidROMA,asifhe’dforgetwhatcityhewasinifhedidn’twearit. Every once in a while, he would glance over at Leo and Frank like he found theirpresencedistasteful.

SomethingaboutthatdudebotheredLeo.HewishedHazelwouldhurryup.

“Shetalkedtomeearlier,”Franksaidabruptly.“Hazeltoldmeyoufiguredoutaboutmylifeline.”

Leostirred.He’dalmostforgottenFrankwasstandingnexttohim.

“Your lifeline…oh, the burning stick. Right.” Leo resisted the urge to set his handablazeandyell:Bwahhaha!Theideawassortoffunny,buthewasn’tthatcruel.

“Look,man,”hesaid.“It’scool.I’dneverdoanythingtoputyouindanger.We’reonthesameteam.”

Frankfiddledwithhiscenturionbadge.“Ialwaysknewfirecouldkillme,butsincemygrandmother’smansionburneddowninVancouver…itseemsalotmorereal.”

Leo nodded. He felt sympathy for Frank, but the guy didn’t make it easy when hetalked about his family mansion. Sort of like saying, I crashed my Lamborghini, andwaitingforpeopletosay,Oh,youpoorbaby!

OfcourseLeodidn’t tellhimthat.“Yourgrandmother—didshedie in that fire?Youdidn’tsay.”

“I—Idon’tknow.Shewassick,andprettyold.Shesaidshewoulddieinherowntime,inherownway.ButIthinkshemadeitoutofthefire.Isawthisbirdflyingupfromtheflames.”

Leothoughtaboutthat.“Soyourwholefamilyhastheshape-changingthing?”

“Iguess,”Franksaid.“Mymomdid.Grandmotherthoughtthat’swhatgotherkilledinAfghanistan, in the war. Mom tried to help some of her buddies, and…I don’t knowexactlywhathappened.Therewasafirebomb.”

Leowincedwithsympathy.“Sowebothlostourmomstofire.”

Hehadn’t beenplanningon it, but he toldFrank thewhole storyof thenight at theworkshopwhenGaeahadappearedtohim,andhismotherhaddied.

Frank’seyesgotwatery.“Ineverlikeitwhenpeopletellme,Sorryaboutyourmom.”

“Itneverfeelsgenuine,”Leoagreed.

“ButI’msorryaboutyourmom.”

“Thanks.”

NosignofHazel.TheAmericantouristswerestillmillingaroundthePantheon.Theyseemedtobecirclingcloser,liketheyweretryingtosneakuponRaphael’stombwithoutitnoticing.

“Back atCamp Jupiter,”Frank said, “our cabinLar,Reticulus, toldme I havemorepowerthanmostdemigods,beingasonofMars,plushavingtheshape-changingabilityfrommymom’sside.Hesaidthat’swhymylifeistiedtoaburningstick.It’ssuchahugeweaknessthatitkindofbalancesthingsout.”

LeorememberedhisconversationwithNemesistherevengegoddessattheGreatSaltLake.She’dsaidsomethingsimilaraboutwanting the scales tobalance.Goodluck isasham.Truesuccessrequiressacrifice.

HerfortunecookiewasstillinLeo’stoolbelt,waitingtobeopened.Soonyouwillfaceaproblemyoucannotsolve,thoughIcouldhelpyou…foraprice.

Leowishedhecouldpluckthatmemoryoutofhisheadandshoveitinhistoolbelt.It

was takingup toomuchspace. “We’veallgotweaknesses,”he said. “Me, for instance.I’mtragicallyfunnyandgood-looking.”

Franksnorted.“Youmighthaveweaknesses.Butyourlifedoesn’tdependonapieceoffirewood.”

“No,”Leo admitted.He started thinking: if Frank’s problemwerehis problem,howwouldhesolveit?Almosteverydesignflawcouldbefixed.“Iwonder…”

Helookedacrosstheroomandfaltered.ThethreeAmericantouristswerecomingtheirway;nomorecirclingorsneaking.TheyweremakingastraightlineforRaphael’stomb,andallthreewereglaringatLeo.

“Uh,Frank?”Leoasked.“Hasitbeentenminutesyet?”

Frank followed his gaze. The Americans’ faces were angry and confused, like theyweresleepwalkingthroughaveryannoyingnightmare.

“LeoValdez,”calledtheguyintheROMAshirt.Hisvoicehadchanged.Itwashollowandmetallic.HespokeEnglishasifitwasasecondlanguage.“Wemeetagain.”

Allthreetouristsblinked,andtheireyesturnedsolidgold.

Frankyelped.“Eidolons!”

Themanateesclenched theirbeefy fists.Normally,Leowouldn’thaveworriedaboutgettingmurderedbyoverweightguysinfloppyhats,buthesuspectedtheeidolonsweredangerous even in those bodies, especially since the spiritswouldn’t carewhether theirhostssurvivedornot.

“Theycan’tfitdownthehole,”Leosaid.

“Right,”Franksaid.“Undergroundissoundingreallygood.”

Heturnedintoasnakeandslitheredovertheedge.Leojumpedinafterhimwhilethespiritsbegantowailabove,“Valdez!KillValdez!”

ONE PROBLEM SOLVED: the hatch above them closed automatically, cutting off theirpursuers.Italsocutoffalllight,butLeoandFrankcoulddealwiththat.Leojusthopedtheydidn’tneedtogetoutthesamewaytheycamein.Hewasn’tsurehecouldopenthetilefromunderneath.

At least the possessedmanatee dudes were on the other side. Over Leo’s head, themarblefloorshuddered,likefattouristyfeetwerekickingit.

Frankmusthaveturnedbacktohumanform.Leocouldhearhimwheezinginthedark.

“Whatnow?”Frankasked.

“Okay,don’tfreak,”Leosaid.“I’mgoingtosummonalittlefire,justsowecansee.”

“Thanksforthewarning.”

Leo’s index finger blazed like a birthday candle. In front of them stretched a stonetunnelwitha lowceiling.JustasHazelhadpredicted, it slanteddown, then leveledoutandwentsouth.

“Well,”Leosaid.“Itonlygoesinonedirection.”

“Let’sfindHazel,”Franksaid.

Leohadno argumentwith that suggestion.Theymade theirway down the corridor,Leogoingfirstwiththefire.HewasgladtohaveFrankathisback,bigandstrongandabletoturnintoscaryanimalsincasethosepossessedtouristssomehowbrokethroughthehatch,squeezedinside,andfollowedthem.Hewonderediftheeidolonsmightjustleavethosebodiesbehind,seepunderground,andpossessoneoftheminstead.

Oh,there’smyhappythoughtfortheday!Leoscoldedhimself.

Afterahundred feetor so, they turnedacornerand foundHazel. In the lightofhergoldencavalrysword,shewasexaminingadoor.Shewassoengrossed,shedidn’tnoticethemuntilLeosaid,“Hi.”

Hazelwhirled,tryingtoswingherspatha.FortunatelyforLeo’sface,thebladewastoolongtowieldinthecorridor.

“Whatareyoudoinghere?”Hazeldemanded.

Leogulped.“Sorry.Weranintosomeangrytourists.”Hetoldherwhathadhappened.

Shehissedinfrustration.“Ihateeidolons.IthoughtPipermadethempromisetostayaway.”

“Oh…”Franksaid,likehe’djusthadhisowndailyhappythought.“Pipermadethempromisetostayofftheshipandnotpossessanyofus.Butiftheyfollowedus,andusedotherbodiestoattackus,thenthey’renottechnicallybreakingtheirvow.…”

“Great,” Leo muttered. “Eidolons who are also lawyers. Now I reallywant to killthem.”

“Okay,forgetthemfornow,”Hazelsaid.“Thisdoorisgivingmefits.Leo,canyoutryyourskillwiththelock?”

Leocrackedhisknuckles.“Standasideforthemaster,please.”

The door was interesting, much more complicated than the Roman numeralcombination lock above. The entire door was coated in Imperial gold. A mechanicalsphere about the size of a bowling ball was embedded in the center. The sphere wasconstructedfromfiveconcentricrings,eachinscribedwithzodiacsymbols—thebull,thescorpion,etcetera—andseeminglyrandomnumbersandletters.

“TheselettersareGreek,”Leosaidinsurprise.

“Well,lotsofRomansspokeGreek,”Hazelsaid.

“Iguess,”Leosaid.“Butthisworkmanship…nooffensetoyouCampJupitertypes,butthisistoocomplicatedtobeRoman.”

Franksnorted.“WhereasyouGreeksjustlovemakingthingscomplicated.”

“Hey,”Leo protested. “All I’m saying is thismachinery is delicate, sophisticated. Itremindsmeof…”Leostaredatthesphere,tryingtorecallwherehe’dreadorheardaboutasimilarancientmachine.“It’samoreadvancedsortoflock,”hedecided.“Youlineupthesymbolsonthedifferentringsintherightorder,andthatopensthedoor.”

“Butwhat’stherightorder?”Hazelasked.

“Good question. Greek spheres…astronomy, geometry…” Leo got a warm feelinginside.“Oh,noway.Iwonder…What’sthevalueofpi?”

Frankfrowned.“Whatkindofpie?”

“Hemeansthenumber,”Hazelguessed.“Ilearnedthatinmathclassonce,but—”

“It’s used to measure circles,” Leo said. “This sphere, if it’s made by the guy I’mthinkingof…”

HazelandFrankbothstaredathimblankly.

“Nevermind,”Leosaid.“I’mprettysurepiis,uh,3.1415blahblahblah.Thenumbergoesonforever,butthespherehasonlyfiverings,sothatshouldbeenough,ifI’mright.”

“Andifyou’renot?”Frankasked.

“Well,then,Leofalldown,goboom.Let’sfindout!”

Heturnedtherings,startingontheoutsideandmovingin.Heignoredthezodiacsignsandletters,liningupthecorrectnumberssotheymadethevalueofpi.Nothinghappened.

“I’mstupid,”Leomumbled.“Piwouldexpandoutward,becauseit’sinfinite.”

He reversed theorder of thenumbers, starting in the center andworking toward theedge.Whenhealignedthelastring,somethinginsidethesphereclicked.Thedoorswungopen.

Leo beamed at his friends. “That, good people, is howwe do things in LeoWorld.Comeonin!”

“IhateLeoWorld,”Frankmuttered.

Hazellaughed.

InsidewasenoughcoolstufftokeepLeobusyforyears.Theroomwasaboutthesizeof the forge back atCampHalf-Blood,with bronze-toppedworktables along thewalls,andbaskets full of ancientmetalworking tools.Dozensofbronze andgold spheres likesteampunkbasketballssataroundinvariousstagesofdisassembly.Loosegearsandwiringlittered the floor. Thickmetal cables ran from each table toward the back of the room,wheretherewasanenclosedloftlikeatheater’ssoundbooth.Stairsleduptotheboothoneither side.All the cables seemed to run into it.Next to the stairs on the left, a rowofcubbyholeswasfilledwithleathercylinders—probablyancientscrollcases.

Leowasabouttoheadtowardthetableswhenheglancedtohisleftandnearlyjumpedout of his shoes. Flanking the doorway were two armored manikins—like skeletalscarecrowsmadefrombronzepipes,outfittedwithfullsuitsofRomanarmor,shieldand

sword.

“Dude.”Leowalkeduptoone.“Thesewouldbeawesomeiftheyworked.”

Frankedgedawayfromthemanikins.“Thosethingsaregoingtocomealiveandattackus,aren’tthey?”

Leolaughed.“Notachance.Theyaren’tcomplete.”Hetappedthenearestmanikin’sneck, where loose copper wires sprouted from underneath its breastplate. “Look, thehead’swiringhasbeendisconnected.Andhere, at theelbow, thepulley system for thisjointisoutofalignment.Myguess?TheRomansweretryingtoduplicateaGreekdesign,buttheydidn’thavetheskill.”

Hazelarchedhereyebrows.“TheRomansweren’tgoodenoughatbeingcomplicated,Isuppose.”

“Ordelicate,”Frankadded.“Orsophisticated.”

“Hey,IjustcallitlikeIseeit.”Leojiggledthemanikin’shead,makingitnodlikeitwasagreeingwithhim.“Still…aprettyimpressivetry.I’veheardlegendsthattheRomansconfiscatedthewritingsofArchimedes,but—”

“Archimedes?” Hazel looked baffled. “Wasn’t he an ancient mathematician orsomething?”

Leo laughed. “He was a lot more than that. He was only the most famous son ofHephaestuswhoeverlived.”

Frank scratched his ear. “I’ve heard his name before, but how can you be sure thismanikinishisdesign?”

“Ithastobe!”Leosaid.“Look,I’vereadallaboutArchimedes.He’saherotoCabinNine.ThedudewasGreek,right?HelivedinoneoftheGreekcoloniesinsouthernItaly,backbeforeRomegotallhugeandtookover.FinallytheRomansmovedinanddestroyedhiscity.TheRomangeneralwantedtospareArchimedes,becausehewassovaluable—sortofliketheEinsteinoftheancientworld—butsomestupidRomansoldierkilledhim.”

“Thereyougoagain,”Hazelmuttered.“StupidandRomandon’talwaysgo together,Leo.”

Frank grunted agreement. “How do you know all this, anyway?” he demanded. “IsthereaSpanishtourguidearoundhere?”

“No,man,”Leosaid.“Youcan’tbeademigodwho’sintobuildingstuffandnotknowaboutArchimedes.Theguywasseriouslyelite.Hecalculatedthevalueofpi.Hedidallthismathstuffwestilluseforengineering.Heinventedahydraulicscrewthatcouldmove

waterthroughpipes.”

Hazelscowled.“Ahydraulicscrew.Excusemefornotknowingabout thatawesomeachievement.”

“Healsobuiltadeathraymadeofmirrorsthatcouldburnenemyships,”Leosaid.“Isthatawesomeenoughforyou?”

“IsawsomethingaboutthatonTV,”Frankadmitted.“Theyproveditdidn’twork.”

“Ah,that’sjustbecausemodernmortalsdon’tknowhowtouseCelestialbronze,”Leosaid. “That’s the key. Archimedes also invented amassive claw that could swing on acraneandpluckenemyshipsoutofthewater.”

“Okay,that’scool,”Frankadmitted.“Ilovegrabber-armgames.”

“Well, there you go,” Leo said. “Anyway, all his inventions weren’t enough. TheRomans destroyed his city. Archimedes was killed. According to legends, the Romangeneralwasabigfanofhiswork,soheraidedArchimedes’sworkshopandcartedabunchof souvenirs back to Rome. They disappeared from history, except…” Leo waved hishandsatthestuffonthetables.“Heretheyare.”

“Metalbasketballs?”Hazelasked.

Leocouldn’tbelievethattheydidn’tappreciatewhattheywerelookingat,buthetriedto contain his irritation. “Guys,Archimedes constructed spheres. The Romans couldn’tfigurethemout.Theythoughttheywerejustfortellingtimeorfollowingconstellations,becausetheywerecoveredwithpicturesofstarsandplanets.Butthat’slikefindingarifleandthinkingit’sawalkingstick.”

“Leo, the Romans were top-notch engineers,” Hazel reminded him. “They builtaqueducts,roads—”

“Siegeweapons,”Frankadded.“Publicsanitation.”

“Yeah,fine,”Leosaid.“ButArchimedeswasinaclassbyhimself.Hisspherescoulddoallsortsofthings,onlynobodyissure…”

SuddenlyLeogotanideasoincrediblethathisnoseburstintoflames.Hepatteditoutasquicklyaspossible.Man,itwasembarrassingwhenthathappened.

Herantotherowofcubbyholesandexaminedthemarkingsonthescrollcases.“Oh,gods.Thisisit!”

Hegingerlyliftedoutoneofthescrolls.Hewasn’tgreatatAncientGreek,buthecouldtelltheinscriptiononthecasereadOnBuildingSpheres.

“Guys, this is the lost book!” His hands were shaking. “Archimedes wrote this,describinghisconstructionmethods,butallthecopieswerelostinancienttimes.IfIcantranslatethis…”

The possibilities were endless. For Leo, the quest had now totally taken on a newdimension.Leohadtogetthespheresandscrollssafelyoutofhere.HehadtoprotectthisstuffuntilhecouldgetitbacktoBunker9andstudyit.

“The secrets of Archimedes,” he murmured. “Guys, this is bigger than Daedalus’slaptop.Ifthere’saRomanattackonCampHalf-Blood,thesesecretscouldsavethecamp.TheymightevengiveusanedgeoverGaeaandthegiants!”

HazelandFrankglancedateachotherskeptically.

“Okay,”Hazelsaid.“Wedidn’tcomehereforascroll,butIguesswecantakeitwithus.”

“Assuming,” Frank added, “that you don’t mind sharing its secrets with us stupiduncomplicatedRomans.”

“What?”Leo stared at himblankly. “No.Look, I didn’tmean to insult—Ah, nevermind.Thepointisthisisgoodnews!”

Forthefirsttimeindays,Leofeltreallyhopeful.

Naturally,that’swheneverythingwentwrong.

Onthe tablenext toHazelandFrank,oneof theorbsclickedandwhirred.Arowofspindlylegsextendedfromitsequator.Theorbstood,andtwobronzecablesshotoutofthetop,hittingHazelandFranklikeTaserwires.Leo’sfriendsbothcrumpledtothefloor.

Leo lunged tohelp them,but the twoarmoredmanikins that couldn’tpossiblymovedidmove.TheydrewtheirswordsandsteppedtowardLeo.

Theoneon the left turned its crookedhelmet,whichwas shaped likeawolf’shead.Despitethefactthatithadnofaceormouth,afamiliarhollowvoicespokefrombehinditsvisor.

“Youcannotescapeus,LeoValdez,”itsaid.“Wedonotlikepossessingmachines,buttheyarebetterthantourists.Youwillnotleaveherealive.”

LEOAGREEDWITH NEMESISABOUTONE THING: good luckwas a sham.At leastwhen itcametoLeo’sluck.

Last winter he hadwatched in horror while a family of Cyclopes prepared to roastJason and Piper with hot sauce. He’d schemed his way out of that one and saved hisfriendsallbyhimself,butatleasthe’dhadtimetothink.

Now, not so much. Hazel and Frank had been knocked out by the tendrils of apossessedsteampunkbowlingball.Twosuitsofarmorwithbadattitudeswereabout tokillhim.

Leo couldn’t blast themwith fire. Suits of armorwouldn’t be hurt by that.Besides,HazelandFrankweretooclose.Hedidn’twanttoburnthem,oraccidentallyhitthepieceoffirewoodthatcontrolledFrank’slife.

OnLeo’sright, thesuitofarmorwithalion’sheadhelmetcreakeditswiryneckandregardedHazelandFrank,whowerestilllyingunconscious.

“Amaleandfemaledemigod,”saidLionHead.“Thesewilldo,iftheothersdie.”ItshollowfacemaskturnedbacktoLeo.“Wedonotneedyou,LeoValdez.”

“Oh,hey!”Leotriedforawinningsmile.“YoualwaysneedLeoValdez!”

He spread his hands and hoped he looked confident and useful, not desperate andterrified.HewonderedifitwastoolatetowriteTEAMLEOonhisshirt.

Sadly,thesuitsofarmorwerenotaseasilyswayedastheNarcissusFanClubhadbeen.

Theonewiththewolf-headedhelmetsnarled,“Ihavebeeninyourmind,Leo.Ihelpedyoustartthewar.”

Leo’ssmilecrumbled.Hetookastepback.“Thatwasyou?”

Now he understood why those tourists had bothered him right away, and why thisthing’svoicesoundedsofamiliar.He’dhearditinhismind.

“Youmademefiretheballista?”Leodemanded.“Youcallthathelping?”

“Iknowhowyouthink,”saidWolfHead.“Iknowyourlimits.Youaresmallandalone.Youneed friends toprotectyou.Without them,youareunable towithstandme. Ivowednottopossessyouagain,butIcanstillkillyou.”

Thearmoreddudessteppedforward.ThepointsoftheirswordshoveredafewinchesfromLeo’sface.

Leo’sfearsuddenlymadewayforawholelotofanger.Thiseidoloninthewolfhelmethadshamedhim,controlledhim,andmadehimattackNewRome.Ithadendangeredhisfriendsandbotchedtheirquest.

Leoglancedatthedormantspheresontheworktables.Heconsideredhistoolbelt.Hethought about the loft behind him—the area that looked like a sound booth. Presto:OperationJunkPilewasborn.

“First:youdon’tknowme,”hetoldWolfHead.“Andsecond:Bye.”

Helungedforthestairsandboundedtothetop.Thesuitsofarmorwerescary,buttheywerenot fast.AsLeosuspected, the lofthaddoorsoneither side—foldingmetalgates.Theoperatorswould’vewantedprotectionincasetheircreationswenthaywire…likenow.Leoslammedbothgatesshutandsummonedfiretohishands,fusingthelocks.

Thesuitsofarmorclosedinoneitherside.Theyrattledthegates,hackingatthemwiththeirswords.

“Thisisfoolish,”saidLionHead.“Youonlydelayyourdeath.”

“Delaying death is one of my favorite hobbies.” Leo scanned his new home.Overlooking theworkshopwasa single table likeacontrolboard. Itwascrowdedwithjunk, but most of it Leo dismissed immediately: a diagram for a human catapult thatwouldneverwork;astrangeblacksword(Leowasnogoodwithswords);alargebronzemirror(Leo’sreflectionlookedterrible);andasetoftoolsthatsomeonehadbroken,eitherinfrustrationorclumsiness.

Hefocusedonthemainproject.Inthecenterofthetable,someonehaddisassembledanArchimedes sphere. Gears, springs, levers, and rodswere littered around it. All thebronzecables to theroombelowwereconnected toametalplateunder thesphere.LeocouldsensetheCelestialbronzerunningthroughtheworkshoplikearteriesfromaheart—

readytoconductmagicalenergyfromthisspot.

“Onebasketballtorulethemall,”Leomuttered.

This sphere was a master regulator. He was standing at Ancient Roman missioncontrol.

“LeoValdez!”thespirithowled.“OpenthisgateorIwillkillyou!”

“Afairandgenerousoffer!”Leosaid,hiseyesstillonthesphere.“Just letmefinishthis.Alastrequest,allright?”

Thatmusthaveconfusedthespirits,becausetheymomentarilystoppedhackingatthebars.

Leo’shandsflewoverthesphere,reassemblingitsmissingpieces.WhydidthestupidRomanshavetotakeapartsuchabeautifulmachine?TheyhadkilledArchimedes,stolenhisstuff,thenmessedwithapieceofequipmenttheycouldneverunderstand.Ontheotherhand,atleastthey’dhadthesensetolockitawayfortwothousandyearssothatLeocouldretrieveit.

Theeidolonsstartedpoundingonthegatesagain.

“Whoisit?”Leocalled.

“Valdez!”WolfHeadbellowed.

“Valdezwho?”Leoasked.

Eventually the eidolonswould realize theycouldn’t get in.Then, ifWolfHead trulyknewLeo’smind,hewoulddecide therewereotherways to forcehiscooperation.Leohadtoworkfaster.

He connected the gears, got one wrong, and had to start again. Hephaestus’s HandGrenades,thiswashard!

Finallyhegot the lastspringinplace.Theham-fistedRomanshadalmostruinedthetensionadjuster,butLeopulleda setofwatchmaker’s tools fromhisbelt anddid somefinalcalibrations.Archimedeswasagenius—assumingthisthingactuallyworked.

Hewoundthestartercoil.Thegearsbegantoturn.Leoclosedthetopofthesphereandstudieditsconcentriccircles—similartotheonesontheworkshopdoor.

“Valdez!”WolfHeadpoundedonthegate.“Ourthirdcomradewillkillyourfriends!”

Leo cursed under his breath.Our third comrade. He glanced down at the spindly-leggedTaserballthathadknockedoutHazelandFrank.Hehadfiguredeidolonnumberthree was hiding inside that thing. But Leo still had to deduce the right sequence to

activatethiscontrolsphere.

“Yeah,okay,”hecalled.“Yougotme.Just…justasec.”

“Nomoreseconds!”WolfHeadshouted.“Openthisgatenow,ortheydie.”

ThepossessedTaser ball lashedoutwith its tendrils and sent another shock throughHazelandFrank.Theirunconsciousbodiesflinched.Thatkindofelectricitymighthavestoppedtheirhearts.

Leoheldbacktears.Thiswastoohard.Hecouldn’tdoit.

He stared at the face of the sphere—seven rings, each one coveredwith tinyGreekletters,numbers,andzodiacsigns.Theanswerwouldn’tbepi.Archimedeswouldneverdothesamethingtwice.Besides,justbyputtinghishandonthesphereLeocouldfeelthatthe sequence had been generated randomly. It was something only Archimedes wouldknow.

Supposedly,Archimedes’slastwordshadbeen:Don’tdisturbmycircles.

No one knewwhat thatmeant, but Leo could apply it to this sphere. The lockwasmuchtoocomplicated.MaybeifLeohadafewyears,hecoulddecipherthemarkingsandfigureouttherightcombination,buthedidn’tevenhaveafewseconds.

Hewasoutoftime.Outofluck.Andhisfriendsweregoingtodie.

Aproblemyoucannotsolve,saidavoiceinhismind.

Nemesis…she’dtoldhimtoexpectthismoment.Leothrusthishandinhispocketandbroughtoutthefortunecookie.Thegoddesshadwarnedhimofagreatpriceforherhelp—asgreataslosinganeye.Butifhedidn’ttry,hisfriendswoulddie.

“Ineedtheaccesscodeforthissphere,”hesaid.

Hebrokeopenthecookie.

LEOUNFURLEDTHELITTLESTRIPOFPAPER.ITREAD:

THAT’SYOURREQUEST?SERIOUSLY?(OVER)

Ontheback,thepapersaid:

YOURLUCKYNUMBERSARE:TWELVE,JUPITER,ORION,DELTA,THREE,THETA,OMEGA.(WREAKVENGEANCEUPONGAEA,LEOVALDEZ.)

Withtremblingfingers,Leoturnedtherings.

Outsidethegates,WolfHeadgrowledinfrustration.“Iffriendsdonotmattertoyou,perhaps you need more incentive. Perhaps I should destroy these scrolls instead—pricelessworksbyArchimedes!”

The last ring clicked intoplace.The spherehummedwithpower.Leo ranhis handsalongthesurface,sensingtinybuttonsandleversawaitinghiscommands.

Magical and electrical pulses coursed via the Celestial bronze cables, and surgedthroughtheentireroom.

Leo had never played amusical instrument, but he imagined it must be like this—knowingeachkeyornotesowellthatyoudidn’treallythinkaboutwhatyourhandsweredoing.Youjustconcentratedonthekindofsoundyouwantedtocreate.

Hestartedsmall.Hefocusedonone reasonably intactgoldspheredown in themainroom.Thegoldsphereshuddered.ItgrewatripodoflegsandclatteredovertotheTaserball.Atinycircularsawpoppedoutof thegoldsphere’shead,and itbegancutting intoTaserball’sbrain.

Leotriedtoactivateanotherorb.Thisoneburstinasmallmushroomcloudofbronze

dustandsmoke.

“Oops,”hemuttered.“Sorry,Archimedes.”

“Whatareyoudoing?”WolfHeaddemanded.“Stopyourfoolishnessandsurrender!”

“Oh,yes,Isurrender!”Leosaid.“I’mtotallysurrendering!”

Hetriedtotakecontrolofathirdorb.Thatonebroketoo.Leofeltbadaboutruiningalltheseancientinventions,butthiswaslifeordeath.Frankhadaccusedhimofcaringmoreformachinesthanpeople,butifitcamedowntosavingoldspheresorhisfriends,therewasnochoice.

Thefourthtrywentbetter.Aruby-encrustedorbpoppedits topandhelicopterbladesunfolded. Leowas gladBuford the tablewasn’t here—hewould’ve fallen in love. Theruby orb spun into the air and sailed straight for the cubbyholes. Thin golden armsextendedfromitsmiddleandsnappedupthepreciousscrollcases.

“Enough!”WolfHeadyelled.“Iwilldestroythe—”

Heturnedintimetoseetherubyspheretakeoffwiththescrolls.Itzippedacrosstheroomandhoveredinthefarcorner.

“What?!”WolfHeadcried.“Killtheprisoners!”

HemusthavebeentalkingtotheTaserball.Unfortunately,Taserballwasinnoshapetocomply.Leo’sgoldspherewassittingontopofitssawed-openhead,pickingthroughitsgearsandwireslikeitwasscoopingoutapumpkin.

Thankthegods,HazelandFrankbegantostir.

“Bah!”WolfHeadgesturedtoLionHeadattheoppositegate.“Come!Wewilldestroythedemigodsourselves.”

“Idon’tthinkso,guys.”LeoturnedtowardLionHead.Hishandsworkedthecontrolsphere,andhefeltashocktravelthroughthefloor.

LionHeadshudderedandloweredhissword.

Leogrinned.“You’reinLeoWorld,now.”

LionHeadturnedandstormeddownthestairs.InsteadofadvancingonHazelandLeo,hemarcheduptheoppositestairsandfacedhiscomrade.

“Whatareyoudoing?”WolfHeaddemanded.“Wehaveto—”

BLONG!

LionHeadslammedhisshieldintoWolfHead’schest.Hesmashedthepommelofhis

swordintohiscomrade’shelmet,soWolfHeadbecameFlat,Deformed,NotVeryHappyWolfHead.

“Stopthat!”WolfHeaddemanded.

“Icannot!”LionHeadwailed.

Leowasgettingthehangofitnow.Hecommandedbothsuitsofarmortodroptheirswordsandshieldsandslapeachotherrepeatedly.

“Valdez!”calledWolfHeadinawarblingvoice.“Youwilldieforthis!”

“Yeah,”Leocalledout.“Who’spossessingwhonow,Casper?”

Themachinementumbleddownthestairs,andLeoforcedthemtojitterbuglike1920sflappers.Their jointsbegan smoking.Theother spheresaround the roombegan topop.Toomuch energywas surging through the ancient system. The control sphere in Leo’shandgrewuncomfortablywarm.

“Frank,Hazel!”Leoshouted.“Takecover!”

Hisfriendswerestilldazed,staringinamazementatthejitterbuggingmetalguys,buttheygothiswarning.FrankpulledHazelunderthenearesttableandshieldedherwithhisbody.

One last twist of the sphere, and Leo sent a massive jolt through the system. Thearmoredwarriorsblewapart.Rods,pistons,andbronzeshardsfleweverywhere.Onallthetables, spheres popped like hot soda cans.Leo’s gold sphere froze.His flying rubyorbdroppedtothefloorwiththescrollcases.

The room was suddenly quiet except for a few random sparks and sizzles. The airsmelled likeburningcarengines.Leoraceddown thestairsand foundFrankandHazelsafeundertheirtable.Hehadneverbeensohappytoseethosetwohugging.

“You’realive!”hesaid.

Hazel’s left eye twitched,maybe from the Taser shock.Otherwise she looked okay.“Uh,whatexactlyhappened?”

“Archimedescamethrough!”Leosaid.“Justenoughpowerleftinthoseoldmachinesforonefinalshow.OnceIhadtheaccesscode,itwaseasy.”

Hepattedthecontrolsphere,whichwassteaminginabadway.Leodidn’tknowifitcouldbefixed,butatthemomenthewastoorelievedtocare.

“Theeidolons,”Franksaid.“Aretheygone?”

Leogrinned.“Mylastcommandoverloadedtheirkillswitches—basicallylockeddown

alltheircircuitsandmeltedtheircores.”

“InEnglish?”Frankasked.

“Itrappedtheeidolonsinsidethewiring,”Leosaid.“ThenImeltedthem.Theywon’tbebotheringanyoneagain.”

Leohelpedhisfriendstotheirfeet.

“Yousavedus,”Franksaid.

“Don’tsoundsosurprised.”Leoglancedaroundthedestroyedworkshop.“Toobadallthisstuffgotwrecked,butatleastIsalvagedthescrolls.IfIcangetthembacktoCampHalf-Blood,maybeIcanlearnhowtorecreateArchimedes’sinventions.”

Hazelrubbedthesideofherhead.“ButIdon’tunderstand.WhereisNico?ThattunnelwassupposedtoleadustoNico.”

Leohadalmostforgottenwhythey’dcomedownhereinthefirstplace.Nicoobviouslywasn’there.Theplacewasadeadend.Sowhy…?

“Oh.”Hefeltliketherewasabuzz-sawsphereonhisownhead,pullingouthiswiresandgears.“Hazel,howexactlywereyoutrackingNico?Imean,couldyoujustsensehimnearbybecausehewasyourbrother?”

Shefrowned,still lookingabitwobblyfromherelectricshock treatment.“Not—nottotally.Sometimes I can tellwhenhe’s close,but, like I said,Rome is soconfusing, somuchinterferencebecauseofallthetunnelsandcaves—”

“Youtrackedhimwithyourmetal-findingsenses,”Leoguessed.“Hissword?”

Sheblinked.“Howdidyouknow?”

“You’dbettercomehere.”HeledHazelandFrankuptothecontrolroomandpointedtotheblacksword.

“Oh. Oh, no.” Hazel would’ve collapsed if Frank hadn’t caught her. “But that’simpossible!Nico’sswordwaswithhiminthebronzejar.Percysawitinhisdream!”

“Either the dreamwaswrong,” Leo said, “or the giantsmoved the sword here as adecoy.”

“Sothiswasatrap,”Franksaid.“Wewereluredhere.”

“Butwhy?”Hazelcried.“Where’smybrother?”

Ahissingsoundfilledthecontrolbooth.Atfirst,Leothoughttheeidolonswereback.Thenherealizedthebronzemirroronthetablewassteaming.

Ah,mypoordemigods.ThesleepingfaceofGaeaappearedinthemirror.Asusual,shespokewithoutmoving hermouth, which could only have been creepier if she’d had aventriloquismpuppet.Leohatedthosethings.

Youhadyourchoice,Gaeasaid.Hervoiceechoedthroughtheroom.Itseemedtobecomingnotjustfromthemirror,butfromthestonewallsaswell.

Leorealizedshewasallaroundthem.Ofcourse.Theywereintheearth.They’dgonetoall the troubleofbuilding theArgoII so theycould travelbyseaandair, and they’dendedupintheearthanyway.

Iofferedsalvationtoallofyou,Gaeasaid.Youcouldhaveturnedback.Nowitistoolate.You’vecometotheancientlandswhereIamstrongest—whereIwillwake.

Leopulledahammer fromhis toolbelt.Hewhacked themirror.Beingmetal, it justquiveredlikeateatray,butitfeltgoodtosmashGaeainthenose.

“Incaseyouhaven’tnoticed,DirtFace,”hesaid,“yourlittleambushfailed.Yourthreeeidolonsgotmeltedinbronze,andwe’refine.”

Gaea laughed softly.Oh, my sweet Leo. You three have been separated from yourfriends.Thatwasthewholepoint.

Theworkshopdoorslammedshut.

You are trapped in my embrace, Gaea said.Meanwhile, Annabeth Chase faces herdeathalone,terrifiedandcrippled,atthehandsofhermother’sgreatestenemy.

Theimagein themirrorchanged.LeosawAnnabethsprawledonthefloorofadarkcavern,holdingupherbronzeknifeasifwardingoffamonster.Herfacewasgaunt.Herlegwaswrappedupinsomesortofsplint.Leocouldn’tseewhatshewaslookingat,butitwasobviouslysomethinghorrible.Hewantedtobelievetheimagewasalie,buthehadabadfeelingitwasreal,anditwashappeningrightnow.

Theothers,Gaeasaid,JasonGrace,PiperMcLean,andmydearfriendPercyJackson—theywillperishwithinminutes.

Thescenechangedagain.PercywasholdingRiptide,leadingJasonandPiperdownaspiralstaircaseintothedarkness.

Theirpowerswillbetraythem,Gaeasaid.Theywilldieintheirownelements.Ialmosthopedtheywouldsurvive.Theywouldhavemadeabettersacrifice.Butalas,HazelandFrank, you will have to do. My minions will collect you shortly and bring you to theancient place.Yourbloodwill awakenmeat last.Until then, Iwill allowyou towatchyourfriendsperish.Please…enjoythislastglimpseofyourfailedquest.

Leocouldn’tstandit.Hishandglowedwhitehot.HazelandFrankscrambledbackashepressedhispalmagainstthemirrorandmelteditintoapuddleofbronzegoo.

ThevoiceofGaeawentsilent.Leocouldonlyhear theroarofblood inhisears.Hetookashakybreath.

“Sorry,”hetoldhisfriends.“Shewasgettingannoying.”

“Whatdowedo?”Frankasked.“Wehavetogetoutandhelptheothers.”

Leoscanned theworkshop,now litteredwith smokingpiecesofbrokenspheres.Hisfriends still needed him. This was still his show. As long as he had his tool belt, LeoValdezwasn’tgoingtositaroundhelplesslywatchingtheDemigodDeathChannel.

“I’vegotanidea,”hesaid.“Butit’sgoingtotakeallthreeofus.”

Hestartedtellingthemtheplan.

PIPERTRIEDTOMAKETHEBESTOFTHESITUATION.

OncesheandJasonhadgottentiredofpacingthedeck,listeningtoCoachHedgesing“OldMacDonald”(withweaponsinsteadofanimals),theydecidedtohaveapicnicinthepark.

Hedgegrudginglyagreed.“StaywhereIcanseeyou.”

“Whatarewe,kids?”Jasonasked.

Hedge snorted. “Kids are baby goats. They’re cute, and they have redeeming socialvalue.Youaredefinitelynotkids.”

They spread their blanket under awillow tree next to a pond. Piper turned over hercornucopia and spilled out an entiremeal—neatlywrapped sandwiches, canned drinks,freshfruit,and(forsomereason)abirthdaycakewithpurpleicingandcandlesalreadylit.

Shefrowned.“Isitsomeone’sbirthday?”

Jasonwinced.“Iwasn’tgoingtosayanything.”

“Jason!”

“There’stoomuchgoingon,”hesaid.“Andhonestly…beforelastmonth,Ididn’tevenknowwhenmybirthdaywas.Thaliatoldmethelasttimeshewasatcamp.”

Piperwonderedwhat thatwouldbe like—not evenknowing thedayyouwereborn.JasonhadbeengiventoLupathewolfwhenhewasonlytwoyearsold.He’dneverreallyknownhismortalmom.He’donlybeenreunitedwithhissisterlastwinter.

“JulyFirst,”Pipersaid.“TheKalendsofJuly.”

“Yeah.”Jasonsmirked.“TheRomanswouldfindthatauspicious—thefirstdayofthe

monthnamedforJuliusCaesar.Juno’ssacredday.Yippee.”

Piperdidn’twanttopushit,ormakeacelebrationifhedidn’tfeellikecelebrating.

“Sixteen?”sheasked.

Henodded.“Oh,boy.Icangetmydriver’slicense.”

Piperlaughed.Jasonhadkilledsomanymonstersandsavedtheworldsomanytimesthattheideaofhimsweatingadrivingtestseemedridiculous.ShepicturedhimbehindthewheelofsomeoldLincolnwithaSTUDENTDRIVERsignontopandagrumpyteacherinthepassengerseatwithanemergencybrakepedal.

“Well?”sheurged.“Blowoutthecandles.”

Jason did. Piperwondered if he’dmade awish—hopefully that he and Piperwouldsurvivethisquestandstaytogetherforever.Shedecidednottoaskhim.Shedidn’twanttojinxthatwish,andshedefinitelydidn’twant tofindout thathe’dwishedforsomethingdifferent.

Since they’d left the Pillars of Hercules yesterday evening, Jason had seemeddistracted.Pipercouldn’tblamehim.Herculeshadbeenaprettyhugedisappointmentasabigbrother, and theold rivergodAcheloushad said someunflattering things about thesonsofJupiter.

Piperstaredat thecornucopia.ShewonderedifAchelouswasgettingusedtohavingnohornsatall.Shehopedso.Sure,hehadtriedtokillthem,butPiperstillfeltbadfortheoldgod.Shedidn’tunderstandhowsuchalonely,depressedspiritcouldproduceahornofplenty that shot out pineapples andbirthday cakes.Could it be that the cornucopia haddrainedallthegoodnessoutofhim?Maybenowthatthehornwasgone,Achelouswouldbeabletofillupwithsomehappinessandkeepitforhimself.

ShealsokeptthinkingaboutAchelous’sadvice:IfyouhadmadeittoRome,thestoryofthefloodwouldhaveservedyoubetter.Sheknewthestoryhewastalkingabout.Shejustdidn’tunderstandhowitwouldhelp.

Jasonpluckedanextinguishedcandlefromhiscake.“I’vebeenthinking.”

That snapped Piper back to the present. Coming from your boyfriend, I’ve beenthinkingwaskindofascaryline.

“About?”sheasked.

“Camp Jupiter,” he said. “All the years I trained there. We were always pushingteamwork,workingasaunit.IthoughtIunderstoodwhatthatmeant.Buthonestly?Iwasalwaystheleader.EvenwhenIwasyounger—”

“ThesonofJupiter,”Pipersaid.“Mostpowerfulkidinthelegion.Youwerethestar.”

Jasonlookeduncomfortable,buthedidn’tdenyit.“Beinginthiscrewofseven…I’mnotsurewhat todo. I’mnotused tobeingoneofsomany,well,equals. I feel like I’mfailing.”

Pipertookhishand.“You’renotfailing.”

“ItsurefeltthatwaywhenChrysaorattacked,”Jasonsaid.“I’vespentmostofthistripknockedoutandhelpless.”

“Comeon,” shechided.“Beingaherodoesn’tmeanyou’re invincible. It justmeansthatyou’rebraveenoughtostandupanddowhat’sneeded.”

“AndifIdon’tknowwhat’sneeded?”

“That’s what your friends are for.We’ve all got different strengths. Together, we’llfigureitout.”

Jasonstudiedher.Piperwasn’tsurethatheboughtwhatshewassaying,butshewasgladhecouldconfideinher.Shelikedthathehadalittleself-doubt.Hedidn’tsucceedallthe time.He didn’t think the universe owed him an apologywhenever somethingwentwrong—unlikeanothersonoftheskygodshe’drecentlymet.

“Herculeswasajerk,”hesaid,asifreadingherthoughts.“Ineverwanttobelikethat.ButIwouldn’thavehadthecouragetostanduptohimwithoutyourtakingthelead.Youweretheherothattime.”

“Wecantaketurns,”shesuggested.

“Idon’tdeserveyou.”

“You’renotallowedtosaythat.”

“Whynot?”

“It’sabreakupline.Unlessyou’rebreakingup—”

Jasonleanedoverandkissedher.ThecolorsoftheRomanafternoonsuddenlyseemedsharper,asiftheworldhadswitchedtohighdefinition.

“Nobreakups,”hepromised.“Imayhavebustedmyheadafewtimes,butI’mnotthatstupid.”

“Good,”shesaid.“Now,aboutthatcake—”

Hervoicefaltered.PercyJacksonwasrunningtowardthem,andPipercouldtellfromhisexpressionthathebroughtbadnews.

TheygatheredondecksothatCoachHedgecouldhearthestory.WhenPercywasdone,Piperstillcouldn’tbelieveit.

“SoAnnabethwaskidnappedonamotorscooter,”shesummedup,“byGregoryPeckandAudreyHepburn.”

“Notkidnapped,exactly,”Percysaid.“ButI’vegotthisbadfeeling.…”Hetookadeepbreath, like hewas trying hard not to freak out. “Anyway, she’s—she’s gone.Maybe Ishouldn’thavelether,but—”

“Youhadto,”Pipersaid.“Youknewshehadtogoalone.Besides,Annabethistoughandsmart.She’llbefine.”

Piperputsomecharmspeakinhervoice,whichmaybewasn’tcool,butPercyneededto be able to focus. If theywent into battle, Annabethwouldn’t want him getting hurtbecausehewastoodistractedabouther.

His shoulders relaxed a little. “Maybe you’re right. Anyway, Gregory—I meanTiberinus—saidwe had less time to rescueNico thanwe thought. Hazel and the guysaren’tbackyet?”

Pipercheckedthetimeonthehelmcontrol.Shehadn’trealizedhowlateitwasgetting.“It’stwointheafternoon.Wesaidthreeo’clockforarendezvous.”

“Atthelatest,”Jasonsaid.

PercypointedatPiper’sdagger.“TiberinussaidyoucouldfindNico’s location…youknow,withthat.”

Piper bit her lip. The last thing she wanted to do was check Katoptris for moreterrifyingimages.

“I’vetried,”shesaid.“Thedaggerdoesn’talwaysshowwhatIwanttosee.Infact,ithardlyeverdoes.”

“Please,”Percysaid.“Tryagain.”

He pleadedwith those sea-green eyes, like a cute baby seal that needed help. PiperwonderedhowAnnabetheverwonanargumentwiththisguy.

“Fine,”shesighed,anddrewherdagger.

“Whileyou’reatit,”saidCoachHedge,“seeifyoucangetthelatestbaseballscores.Italiansdon’tcoverbaseballworthbeans.”

“Shh.”Piperstudiedthebronzeblade.Thelightshimmered.Shesawaloftapartment

filledwithRomandemigods.Adozenof themstoodaroundadining table asOctaviantalked and pointed to a big map. Reyna paced next to the windows, gazing down atCentralPark.

“That’s not good,” Jason muttered. “They’ve already set up a forward base inManhattan.”

“AndthatmapshowsLongIsland,”Percysaid.

“They’rescoutingtheterritory,”Jasonguessed.“Discussinginvasionroutes.”

Piperdidnotwanttoseethat.Sheconcentratedharder.Lightrippledacrosstheblade.Shesawruins—afewcrumblingwalls,asinglecolumn,astonefloorcoveredwithmossanddeadvines—allclusteredonagrassyhillsidedottedwithpinetrees.

“Iwasjustthere,”Percysaid.“That’sintheoldForum.”

Theviewzoomedin.Ononesideofthestonefloor,asetofstairshadbeenexcavated,leadingdown toamodern irongatewithapadlock.Theblade’s imagezoomedstraightthroughthedoorway,downaspiralstairwell,andintoadark,cylindricalchamberliketheinsideofagrainsilo.

Piperdroppedtheblade.

“What’swrong?”Jasonasked.“Itwasshowingussomething.”

Piper felt like theboatwasbackon theocean, rockingunderher feet. “Wecan’tgothere.”

Percyfrowned.“Piper,Nicoisdying.We’vegottofindhim.Nottomention,Romeisabouttogetdestroyed.”

Hervoicewouldn’twork.She’dkeptthatvisionofthecircularroomtoherselfforsolong,nowshefounditimpossibletotalkabout.Shehadahorriblefeelingthatexplainingit to Percy and Jason wouldn’t change anything. She couldn’t stop what was about tohappen.

Shepickeduptheknifeagain.Itshiltseemedcolderthanusual.

Sheforcedherselftolookattheblade.Shesawtwogiantsingladiatorarmorsittingonoversizedpraetors’chairs.Thegiantstoastedeachotherwithgoldengobletsasif they’djustwonanimportantfight.Betweenthemstoodalargebronzejar.

The vision zoomed in again. Inside the jar,Nico diAngelowas curled in a ball, nolongermoving,allthepomegranateseedseaten.

“We’retoolate,”Jasonsaid.

“No,”Percysaid.“No,Ican’tbelievethat.Maybehe’sgoneintoadeepertrancetobuytime.Wehavetohurry.”

Theblade’ssurfacewentdark.Piperslippeditbackintoitssheath,tryingtokeepherhandsfromshaking.ShehopedthatPercywasrightandNicowasstillalive.Ontheotherhand, she didn’t see how that image connectedwith the vision of the drowning room.MaybethegiantsweretoastingeachotherbecausesheandPercyandJasonweredead.

“We should wait for the others,” she said. “Hazel, Frank, and Leo should be backsoon.”

“Wecan’twait,”Percyinsisted.

CoachHedgegrunted.“It’sjusttwogiants.Ifyouguyswant,Icantakethem.”

“Uh,Coach,” Jason said, “that’s a great offer, butweneedyou toman the ship—orgoattheship.Whatever.”

Hedgescowled.“Andletyouthreehaveallthefun?”

Percy gripped the satyr’s arm. “Hazel and the others need you here.When they getback,they’llneedyourleadership.You’retheirrock.”

“Yeah.”Jasonmanagedtokeepastraightface.“Leoalwayssaysyou’rehisrock.Youcantellthemwherewe’vegoneandbringtheshiparoundtomeetusattheForum.”

“Andhere.”PiperunstrappedKatoptrisandputitinCoachHedge’shands.

Thesatyr’seyeswidened.Ademigodwasneversupposedtoleaveherweaponbehind,but Piper was fed up with evil visions. She’d rather face her death without any morepreviews.

“Keepaneyeonuswiththeblade,”shesuggested.“Andyoucancheckthebaseballscores.”

Thatsealedthedeal.Hedgenoddedgrimly,preparedtodohispartforthequest.

“Allright,”hesaid.“Butifanygiantscomethisway—”

“Feelfreetoblastthem,”Jasonsaid.

“Whataboutannoyingtourists?”

“No,”theyallsaidinunison.

“Bah.Fine.Justdon’ttaketoolong,orI’mcomingafteryouwithballistaeblazing.”

FINDING THE PLACEWAS EASY. Percy led them right to it, on an abandoned stretch ofhillsideoverlookingtheruinedForum.

Gettinginwaseasytoo.Jason’sgoldswordcutthroughthepadlock,andthemetalgatecreakedopen.Nomortalssawthem.Noalarmswentoff.Stonestepsspiraleddownintothegloom.

“I’llgofirst,”Jasonsaid.

“No!”Piperyelped.

Bothboysturnedtowardher.

“Pipes, what is it?” Jason asked. “That image in the blade…you’ve seen it before,haven’tyou?”

Shenodded,hereyesstinging.“Ididn’tknowhowto tellyou.Isawtheroomdowntherefillingwithwater.Isawthethreeofusdrowning.”

JasonandPercybothfrowned.

“Ican’tdrown,”Percysaid,thoughhesoundedlikehewasaskingaquestion.

“Maybethefuturehaschanged,”Jasonspeculated.“Intheimageyoushowedusjustnow,therewasn’tanywater.”

Piperwishedhewasright,butshesuspectedtheywouldn’tbesolucky.

“Look,”Percysaid.“I’llcheckitoutfirst.It’sfine.Berightback.”

BeforePipercouldobject,hedisappeareddownthestairwell.

Shecountedsilentlyas theywaitedforhimtocomeback.Somewherearoundthirty-

five, she heard his footsteps, and he appeared at the top, looking more baffled thanrelieved.

“Goodnews:nowater,”hesaid.“Badnews:Idon’tseeanyexitsdownthere.And,uh,weirdnews:well,youshouldseethis.…”

Theydescendedcautiously.Percy took the lead,withRiptidedrawn.Piper followed,and Jason walked behind her, guarding their backs. The stairwell was a crampedcorkscrewofmasonry,nomorethansixfeetindiameter.EventhoughPercyhadgiventhe“allclear,”Piperkepthereyesopenfortraps.Witheveryturnofthestairs,sheanticipatedanambush.Shehadnoweapon,justthecornucopiaonaleathercordoverhershoulder.Ifworse came toworst, the boys’ swordswouldn’t domuch good in such close quarters.MaybePipercouldshoottheirenemieswithhigh-velocitysmokedhams.

As theywoundtheirwayunderground,Pipersawoldgraffitigougedinto thestones:Romannumerals,namesandphrasesinItalian.ThatmeantotherpeoplehadbeendownheremorerecentlythantheRomanEmpire,butPiperwasn’treassured.Ifmonsterswerebelow,they’dignoremortals,waitingforsomenicejuicydemigodstocomealong.

Finally,theyreachedthebottom.

Percyturned.“Watchthislaststep.”

He jumped to the floor of the cylindrical room,whichwas five feet lower than thestairwell.Whywouldsomeonedesignasetofstairslikethat?Piperhadnoidea.Maybetheroomandthestairwellhadbeenbuiltduringdifferenttimeperiods.

Shewanted to turnandexit,but shecouldn’tdo thatwithJasonbehindher,andshecouldn’tjustleavePercydownthere.Sheclambereddown,andJasonfollowed.

Theroomwas just likeshe’dseen it inKatoptris’sblade,except therewasnowater.Thecurvedwallshadoncebeenpaintedwithfrescoes,whichwerenowfadedtoeggshellwhitewithonlyflecksofcolor.Thedomedceilingwasaboutfiftyfeetabove.

Aroundthebacksideoftheroom,oppositethestairwell,ninealcoveswerecarvedintothewall.Eachnichewasaboutfivefeetoff thefloorandbigenoughforahuman-sizedstatue,buteachwasempty.

Theairfeltcoldanddry.AsPercyhadsaid,therewerenootherexits.

“Allright.”Percyraisedhiseyebrows.“Here’stheweirdpart.Watch.”

Hesteppedtothemiddleoftheroom.

Instantly, green and blue light rippled across the walls. Piper heard the sound of afountain,but therewasnowater.Theredidn’tseemtobeanysourceof lightexcept for

Percy’sandJason’sblades.

“Doyousmelltheocean?”Percyasked.

Piperhadn’tnoticedatfirst.ShewasstandingnexttoPercy,andhealwayssmelledlikethesea.Buthewasright.Thescentofsaltwaterandstormwasgettingstronger, likeasummerhurricaneapproaching.

“Anillusion?”sheasked.Allofasudden,shefeltstrangelythirsty.

“Idon’tknow,”Percysaid.“Ifeellikethereshouldbewaterhere—lotsofwater.Butthereisn’tany.I’veneverbeeninaplacelikethis.”

Jasonmoved to the row of niches. He touched the bottom shelf of the nearest one,which was just at his eye level. “This stone…it’s embedded with seashells. This is anymphaeum.”

Piper’smouthwasdefinitelygettingdrier.“Awhat?”

“We have one at Camp Jupiter,” Jason said, “on Temple Hill. It’s a shrine to thenymphs.”

Piperranherhandalongthebottomofanotherniche.Jasonwasright.Thealcovewasstuddedwithcowries,conches,andscallops.Theseashellsseemedtodanceinthewaterylight.Theywereice-coldtothetouch.

Piperhadalwaysthoughtofnymphsasfriendlyspirits—sillyandflirtatious,generallyharmless.TheygotalongwellwiththechildrenofAphrodite.Theylovedtosharegossipandbeauty tips.This place, though, didn’t feel like the canoe lakeback atCampHalf-Blood, or the streams in thewoodswhere Piper normallymet nymphs. This place feltunnatural,hostile,andverydry.

Jasonsteppedbackandexaminedtherowofalcoves.“ShrineslikethiswereallovertheplaceinAncientRome.Richpeoplehadthemoutsidetheirvillastohonornymphs,tomake sure the local water was always fresh. Some shrines were built around naturalsprings,butmostwereman-made.”

“So…noactualnymphslivedhere?”Piperaskedhopefully.

“Notsure,”Jasonsaid.“Thisplacewherewe’restandingwouldhavebeenapoolwitha fountain.A lot of times, if the nymphaeum belonged to a demigod, he or shewouldinvite nymphs to live there. If the spirits took up residence, that was considered goodluck.”

“Fortheowner,”Percyguessed.“Butitwouldalsobindthenymphstothenewwatersource,whichwouldbegreat if the fountainwas inanice sunnyparkwith freshwater

pumpedinthroughtheaqueducts—”

“But thisplacehasbeenundergroundforcenturies,”Piperguessed.“Dryandburied.Whatwouldhappentothenymphs?”

Thesoundofwaterchanged toachorusofhissing, likeghostlysnakes.Theripplinglight shifted from sea blue and green to purple and sickly lime. Above them, the ninenichesglowed.Theywerenolongerempty.

Standing in eachwas a withered oldwoman, so dried up and brittle they remindedPiperofmummies—exceptmummiesdidn’tnormallymove.Theireyesweredarkpurple,as if the clearbluewaterof their life sourcehad condensedand thickened inside them.Their fine silk dresseswere now tattered and faded. Their hair had once been piled incurls,arrangedwithjewelsinthestyleofRomannoblewomen,butnowtheirlocksweredisheveledanddryasstraw.Ifwatercannibalsactuallyexisted,Piperthought,thisiswhattheylookedlike.

“Whatwouldhappentothenymphs?”saidthecreatureinthecenterniche.

Shewasinevenworseshapethantheothers.Herbackwashunchedlikethehandleofapitcher.Her skeletalhandshadonly the thinnestpapery layerof skin.Onherhead, abatteredwreathofgoldenlaurelsglintedinherroadkillhair.

ShefixedherpurpleeyesonPiper.“Whataninterestingquestion,mydear.Perhapsthenymphswouldstillbehere,suffering,waitingforrevenge.”

Thenexttimethatshegotachance,PipersworeshewouldmeltdownKatoptrisandsellitfor scrap metal. The stupid knife never showed her the whole story. Sure, she’d seenherself drowning. But if she’d realized that nine desiccated zombie nymphs would bewaitingforher,sheneverwould’vecomedownhere.

She considered bolting for the stairs, but when she turned, the doorway haddisappeared.Naturally.Nothingwastherenowbutablankwall.Pipersuspecteditwasn’tjustanillusion.Besides,shewouldnevermakeittotheoppositesideoftheroombeforethezombienymphscouldjumponthem.

JasonandPercystoodtoeithersideofher,theirswordsready.Piperwasgladtohavethem close, but she suspected their weapons wouldn’t do any good. She’d seen whatwouldhappeninthisroom.Somehow,thesethingsweregoingtodefeatthem.

“Whoareyou?”Percydemanded.

Thecentralnymphturnedherhead.“Ah…names.Weoncehadnames.IwasHagno,

thefirstofthenine!”

Piper thought itwasacruel jokethatahaglikeherwouldbenamedHagno,butshedecidednottosaythat.

“The nine,” Jason repeated. “The nymphs of this shrine. There were always nineniches.”

“Ofcourse.”Hagnobaredherteethinavicioussmile.“Butwearetheoriginalnine,JasonGrace,theoneswhoattendedthebirthofyourfather.”

Jason’ssworddipped.“YoumeanJupiter?Youweretherewhenhewasborn?”

“Zeus,wecalledhimthen,”Hagnosaid.“Suchasquealingwhelp.WeattendedRheainherlabor.Whenthebabyarrived,wehidhimsothathisfather,Kronos,wouldnoteathim.Ah,hehadlungs,thatbaby!ItwasallwecoulddotodrownoutthenoisesoKronoscouldnotfindhim.WhenZeusgrewup,wewerepromisedeternalhonors.Butthatwasintheoldcountry,inGreece.”

The other nymphswailed and clawed at their niches. They seemed to be trapped inthem, Piper realized, as if their feet were glued to the stone alongwith the decorativeseashells.

“When Rome rose to power, we were invited here,” Hagno said. “A son of Jupitertempteduswithfavors.Anewhome,hepromised.Biggerandbetter!Nodownpayment,anexcellentneighborhood.Romewilllastforever.”

“Forever,”theothershissed.

“We gave in to temptation,” Hagno said. “We left our simple wells and springs onMount Lycaeus and moved here. For centuries, our lives were wonderful! Parties,sacrificesinourhonor,newdressesandjewelryeveryweek.AllthedemigodsofRomeflirtedwithusandhonoredus.”

Thenymphswailedandsighed.

“ButRomedidnotlast,”Hagnosnarled.“Theaqueductswerediverted.Ourmaster’svillawas abandoned and torndown.Wewere forgotten, buriedunder the earth, butwecouldnotleave.Ourlifesourceswereboundtothisplace.Ouroldmasterneversawfittoreleaseus.Forcenturies,wehavewitheredhereinthedarkness,thirsty…sothirsty.”

Theothersclawedattheirmouths.

Piperfeltherownthroatclosingup.

“I’msorryforyou,”shesaid,tryingtousecharmspeak.“Thatmusthavebeenterrible.Butwearenotyourenemies.Ifwecanhelpyou—”

“Oh,suchasweetvoice!”Hagnocried.“Suchbeautifulfeatures.Iwasonceyounglikeyou.Myvoicewasassoothingasamountainstream.Butdoyouknowwhathappenstoanymph’smindwhensheistrappedinthedark,withnothingtofeedonbuthatred,nothingtodrinkbutthoughtsofviolence?Yes,mydear.Youcanhelpus.”

Percy raised his hand. “Uh…I’m the son of Poseidon.Maybe I can summon a newwatersource.”

“Ha!”Hagnocried,andtheothereightechoed,“Ha!Ha!”

“Indeed,sonofPoseidon,”Hagnosaid.“Iknowyour fatherwell.EphialtesandOtispromisedyouwouldcome.”

PiperputherhandonJason’sarmforbalance.

“Thegiants,”shesaid.“You’reworkingforthem?”

“Theyareourneighbors.”Hagnosmiled.“Theirchambersliebeyondthisplace,wheretheaqueduct’swaterwasdivertedforthegames.Oncewehavedealtwithyou…onceyouhavehelpedus…thetwinshavepromisedwewillneversufferagain.”

Hagno turned to Jason. “You, child of Jupiter—for the horrible betrayal of yourpredecessorwhobroughtushere,youshallpay.Iknowtheskygod’spowers.Iraisedhimasababy!Once,wenymphscontrolledtherainaboveourwellsandsprings.WhenIamdonewithyou,wewillhavethatpoweragain.AndPercyJackson,childoftheseagod…fromyou,wewilltakewater,anendlesssupplyofwater.”

“Endless?”Percy’seyesdartedfromonenymphtotheother.“Uh…look,Idon’tknowaboutendless.ButmaybeIcouldspareafewgallons.”

“And you, PiperMcLean.”Hagno’s purple eyes glistened. “So young, so lovely, sogiftedwithyoursweetvoice.Fromyou,wewillreclaimourbeauty.Wehavesavedourlastlifeforceforthisday.Weareverythirsty.Fromyouthree,weshalldrink!”

Allninenichesglowed.Thenymphsdisappeared,andwaterpouredfromtheiralcoves—sicklydarkwater,likeoil.

PIPERNEEDEDAMIRACLE,notabedtimestory.Butrightthen,standinginshockasblackwater poured in around her legs, she recalled the legendAchelous hadmentioned—thestoryoftheflood.

NottheNoahstory,buttheCherokeeversionthatherfatherusedtotellher,withthedancingghostsandtheskeletondog.

Whenshewaslittle,shewouldcuddlenexttoherdadinhisbigrecliner.She’dgazeoutthewindowsattheMalibucoastline,andherdadwouldtellherthestoryhe’dheardfromGrandpaTombackontherezinOklahoma.

“Thismanhadadog,”herfatheralwaysbegan.

“You can’t start a story that way!” Piper protested. “You have to sayOnce upon atime.”

Dad laughed. “But this is a Cherokee story. They are pretty straightforward. So,anyway,thismanhadadog.Everydaythemantookhisdogtotheedgeofthelaketogetwater,andthedogwouldbarkfuriouslyatthelake,likehewasmadatit.”

“Washe?”

“Bepatient,sweetheart.Finallythemangotveryannoyedwithhisdogforbarkingsomuch, and he scolded it. ‘Bad dog! Stop barking at thewater. It’s onlywater!’ To hissurprise,thedoglookedrightathimandbegantotalk.”

“OurdogcansayThankyou,”Pipervolunteered.“AndshecanbarkOut.”

“Sortof,”herdadagreed.“Butthisdogspokeentiresentences.Thedogsaid,‘Onedaysoon,thestormswillcome.Thewaterswillrise,andeveryonewilldrown.Youcansave

yourselfandyour familybybuildinga raft,but firstyouwillneed tosacrificeme.Youmustthrowmeintothewater.’”

“That’sterrible!”Pipersaid.“Iwouldneverdrownmydog!”

“Themanprobablysaidthesamething.Hethoughtthedogwaslying—Imean,oncehegotover the shock that hisdogcould talk.Whenheprotested, thedog said, ‘If youdon’tbelieveme,lookatthescruffofmyneck.Iamalreadydead.’”

“That’ssad!Whyareyoutellingmethis?”

“Becauseyouaskedme to,”herdad remindedher.And indeed,somethingabout thestoryfascinatedPiper.Shehadhearditdozensoftimes,butshekeptthinkingaboutit.

“Anyway,”saidherdad,“themangrabbedthedogbythescruffof itsneckandsawthat itsskinandfurwerealreadycomingapart.Underneathwasnothingbutbones.Thedogwasaskeletondog.”

“Gross.”

“Iagree.Sowithtearsinhiseyes,themansaidgood-byetohisannoyingskeletondogandtossedit into thewater,where itpromptlysank.Themanbuiltaraft,andwhenthefloodcame,heandhisfamilysurvived.”

“Withoutthedog.”

“Yes.Withoutthedog.Whentherainssubsided,andtheraftlanded,themanandhisfamilyweretheonlyonesalive.Themanheardsoundsfromtheothersideofahill—likethousands of people laughing and dancing—but when he raced to the top, alas, downbelowhesawnothingexceptboneslitteringtheground—thousandsofskeletonsofallthepeoplewhohaddied in theflood.Herealized theghostsof thedeadhadbeendancing.Thatwasthesoundheheard.”

Piperwaited.“And?”

“And,nothing.Theend.”

“Youcan’tenditthatway!Whyweretheghostsdancing?”

“Idon’tknow,”Dadsaid.“Yourgrandfatherneverfelttheneedtoexplain.Maybetheghostswerehappythatonefamilyhadsurvived.Maybetheywereenjoyingtheafterlife.They’reghosts.Whocansay?”

Piperwasveryunsatisfiedwiththat.Shehadsomanyunansweredquestions.Didthefamilyeverfindanotherdog?Obviouslynotalldogsdrowned,becausesheherselfhadadog.

Shecouldn’tshakethestory.Sheneverlookedatdogsthesameway,wonderingifoneof them might be a skeleton dog. And she didn’t understand why the family had tosacrificetheirdogtosurvive.Sacrificingyourselftosaveyourfamilyseemedlikeanoblething—averydoglikethingtodo.

Now,inthenymphaeuminRome,asthedarkwaterrosetoherwaist,PiperwonderedwhytherivergodAcheloushadmentionedthatstory.

Shewishedshehadaraft,butshefearedshewasmoreliketheskeletondog.Shewasalreadydead.

THEBASIN FILLEDWITHALARMING SPEED. Piper, Jason, andPercypoundedon thewalls,lookingforanexit,but theyfoundnothing.Theyclimbedinto thealcoves togainsomeheight,butwithwaterpouringoutofeachniche,itwasliketryingtobalanceattheedgeofawaterfall.EvenasPiperstoodinaniche,thewaterwassoonuptoherknees.Fromthefloor,itwasprobablyeightfeetdeepandrisingfast.

“Icouldtrylightning,”Jasonsaid.“Maybeblastaholeintheroof?”

“Thatcouldbringdownthewholeroomandcrushus,”Pipersaid.

“Orelectrocuteus,”Percyadded.

“Notmanychoices,”Jasonsaid.

“Letmesearchthebottom,”Percysaid.“Ifthisplacewasbuiltasafountain,therehasto be away to drain the thing.You guys, check the niches for secret exits.Maybe theseashells are knobs, or something.” It was a desperate idea, but Piper was glad forsomethingtodo.

Percyjumpedinthewater.JasonandPiperclimbedfromnichetoniche,kickingandpounding,wigglingseashellsembeddedinthestone;buttheyhadnoluck.

SoonerthanPiperexpected,Percybrokethesurface,gaspingandflailing.Sheofferedherhand,andhealmostpulledherinbeforeshecouldhelphimup.

“Couldn’tbreathe,”hechoked.“Thewater…notnormal.Hardlymadeitback.”

Thelifeforceofthenymphs,Piperthought.Itwassopoisonedandmalicious,evenasonoftheseagodcouldn’tcontrolit.

Asthewaterrosearoundher,Piperfeltitaffectinghertoo.Herlegmusclestrembled

likeshe’dbeenrunningformiles.Herhandsturnedwrinkledanddry,despitebeinginthemiddleofafountain.

The boysmoved sluggishly. Jason’s facewas pale.He seemed to be having troubleholdinghissword.Percywasdrenchedandshivering.Hishairdidn’tlookquitesodark,asifthecolorwasleachingout.

“They’retakingourpower,”Pipersaid.“Drainingus.”

“Jason,”Percycoughed,“dothelightning.”

Jasonraisedhissword.Theroomrumbled,butnolightningappeared.Theroofdidn’tbreak.Instead,aminiaturerainstormformedatthetopofthechamber.Rainpoureddown,fillingthefountainevenfaster,butitwasn’tnormalrain.Thestuffwasjustasdarkasthewaterinthepool.EverydropstungPiper’sskin.

“NotwhatIwanted,”Jasonsaid.

Thewaterwas up to their necks now. Piper could feel her strength fading.GrandpaTom’sstoryaboutthewatercannibalswastrue.Badnymphswouldstealherlife.

“We’llsurvive,”shemurmuredtoherself,butshecouldn’tcharmspeakherwayoutofthis.Soonthepoisonouswaterwouldbeovertheirheads.They’dhavetoswim,andthisstuffwasalreadyparalyzingthem.

Theywoulddrown,justlikeinthevisionsshe’dseen.

Percystartedpushingthewaterawaywiththebackofhishand,likehewasshooingabaddog.“Can’t—can’tcontrolit!”

Youwillneedtosacrificeme,theskeletondoghadsaidinthestory.Youmustthrowmeintothewater.

Piperfeltlikesomeonehadgrabbedthescruffofherneckandexposedthebones.Sheclutchedhercornucopia.

“Wecan’tfightthis,”shesaid.“Ifweholdback,thatjustmakesusweaker.”

“Whatdoyoumean?”Jasonshoutedovertherain.

Thewaterwasuptotheirchins.Anotherfewinches,andthey’dhavetoswim.Butthewaterwasn’thalfwaytotheceilingyet.Piperhopedthatmeantthattheystillhadtime.

“Thehornofplenty,”shesaid.“Wehavetooverwhelmthenymphswithfreshwater,givethemmorethantheycanuse.Ifwecandilutethispoisonousstuff—”

“Can your horn do that?” Percy struggled to keep his head abovewater,whichwasobviouslyanewexperienceforhim.Helookedscaredoutofhismind.

“Onlywithyourhelp.”Piperwasbeginningtounderstandhowthehornworked.Thegoodstuffitproduceddidn’tcomefromnowhere.She’donlybeenabletoburyHerculesingrocerieswhenshehadconcentratedonallherpositiveexperienceswithJason.

Tocreateenoughcleanfreshwatertofillthisroom,sheneededtogoevendeeper,tapheremotionsevenmore.Unfortunately,shewaslosingherabilitytofocus.

“I need you both to channel everything you’ve got into the cornucopia,” she said.“Percy,thinkaboutthesea.”

“Saltwater?”

“Doesn’tmatter!Aslongasit’sclean.Jason,thinkaboutrainstorms—muchmorerain.Bothofyouholdthecornucopia.”

Theyhuddledtogetherasthewaterliftedthemofftheirledges.Pipertriedtorememberthesafetylessonsherdadhadgivenherwhentheyhadstartedsurfing.Tohelpsomeonewho’sdrowning,youputyourarmaroundthemfrombehindandkickyourlegsinfrontofyou, moving backward like you’re doing the backstroke. She wasn’t sure if the samestrategycouldworkwithtwootherpeople,butsheputonearmaroundeachboyandtriedtokeepthemafloatastheyheldthecornucopiabetweenthem.

Nothinghappened.Theraincamedowninsheets,stilldarkandacidic.

Piper’slegsfeltlikelead.Therisingwaterswirled,threateningtopullherunder.Shecouldfeelherstrengthfading.

“Nogood!”Jasonyelled,spittingwater.

“We’regettingnowhere,”Percyagreed.

“Youhavetoworktogether,”Pipercried,hopingshewasright.“Bothofyouthinkofcleanwater—astormofwater.Don’tholdanythingback.Pictureallyourpower,allyourstrengthleavingyou.”

“That’snothard!”Percysaid.

“Butforceitout!”shesaid.“Offerupeverything,like—likeyou’realreadydead,andyouronlygoalistohelpthenymphs.It’sgottobeagift…asacrifice.”

Theygotquietatthatword.

“Let’stryagain,”Jasonsaid.“Together.”

This time Piper bent all her concentration toward the horn of plenty as well. Thenymphswantedheryouth,herlife,hervoice?Fine.Shegaveitupwillinglyandimaginedallofherpowerfloodingoutofher.

I’malreadydead,shetoldherself,ascalmastheskeletondog.Thisistheonlyway.

Clearwaterblastedfromthehornwithsuchforce,itpushedthemagainstthewall.Therainchangedtoawhitetorrent,socleanandcold,itmadePipergasp.

“It’sworking!”Jasoncried.

“Toowell,”Percysaid.“We’refillingtheroomevenfaster!”

Hewasright.Thewaterrosesoquickly,theroofwasnowonlyafewfeetaway.Pipercould’vereachedupandtouchedtheminiaturerainclouds.

“Don’tstop!”shesaid.“Wehavetodilutethepoisonuntilthenymphsarecleansed.”

“Whatiftheycan’tbecleansed?”Jasonasked.“They’vebeendownhereturningevilforthousandsofyears.”

“Justdon’tholdback,”Pipersaid.“Giveeverything.Evenifwegounder—”

Herheadhittheceiling.Theraincloudsdissipatedandmeltedintothewater.Thehornofplentykeptblastingoutacleantorrent.

PiperpulledJasoncloserandkissedhim.

“Iloveyou,”shesaid.

Thewordsjustpouredoutofher,likethewaterfromthecornucopia.Shecouldn’ttellwhathisreactionwas,becausethentheywereunderwater.

Sheheldherbreath.Thecurrentroaredinherears.Bubblesswirledaroundher.Lightstill rippled through the room, andPiperwas surprised she could see it.Was thewatergettingclearer?

Her lungswere about toburst, butPiperpouredher last energy into the cornucopia.Watercontinuedtostreamout,thoughtherewasnoroomformore.Wouldthewallscrackunderthepressure?

Piper’svisionwentdark.

She thought the roar inher earswasherowndyingheartbeat.Then she realized theroomwasshaking.Thewaterswirledfaster.Piperfeltherselfsinking.

Withherlaststrength,shekickedupward.Herheadbrokethesurfaceandshegaspedforbreath.Thecornucopiastopped.Thewaterwasdrainingalmostasfastasithadfilledtheroom.

Withacryofalarm,PiperrealizedthatPercy’sandJason’sfaceswerestillunderwater.Shehoistedthemup.Instantly,Percygulpedandbegantothrash,butJasonwasaslifelessasaragdoll.

Piperclungtohim.Sheyelledhisname,shookhim,andslappedhisface.Shebarelynoticedwhenallthewaterhaddrainedawayandleftthemonthedampfloor.

“Jason!”Shetrieddesperatelytothink.Shouldsheturnhimonhisside?Slaphisback?

“Piper,”Percysaid,“Icanhelp.”

HekneltnexttoherandtouchedJason’sforehead.WatergushedfromJason’smouth.Hiseyesflewopen,andaclapofthunderthrewPercyandPiperbackward.

WhenPiper’svisioncleared,shesawJasonsittingup,stillgasping,butthecolorwascomingbacktohisface.

“Sorry,”hecoughed.“Didn’tmeanto—”

Piper tackled him with a hug. She would have kissed him, but she didn’t want tosuffocatehim.

Percygrinned.“Incaseyou’rewondering,thatwascleanwaterinyourlungs.Icouldmakeitcomeoutwithnoproblem.”

“Thanks,man.”Jasonclaspedhishandweakly.“ButIthinkPiper’stherealhero.Shesavedusall.”

Yes,shedid,avoiceechoedthroughthechamber.

Thenichesglowed.Ninefiguresappeared,buttheywerenolongerwitheredcreatures.Theywereyoung,beautifulnymphs inshimmeringbluegowns, theirglossyblackcurlspinnedupwithsilverandgoldbrooches.Theireyesweregentleshadesofblueandgreen.

AsPiperwatched,eightofthenymphsdissolvedintovaporandfloatedupward.Onlythenymphinthecenterremained.

“Hagno?”Piperasked.

Thenymphsmiled.“Yes,mydear.Ididn’tthinksuchselflessnessexistedinmortals…especiallyindemigods.Nooffense.”

Percygottohisfeet.“Howcouldwetakeoffense?Youjusttriedtodrownusandsuckoutourlives.”

Hagnowinced.“Sorryaboutthat.Iwasnotmyself.Butyouhaveremindedmeofthesun and the rain and the streams in the meadows. Percy and Jason, thanks to you, Iremembered theseaand thesky. Iamcleansed.Butmostly, thanks toPiper.Shesharedsomethingevenbetterthanclearrunningwater.”Hagnoturnedtoher.“Youhaveagoodnature,Piper.AndI’manaturespirit.IknowwhatI’mtalkingabout.”

Hagno pointed to the other side of the room. The stairs to the surface reappeared.

Directlyunderneath,acircularopeningshimmeredintoexistence,likeasewerpipe,justbigenoughtocrawlthrough.Pipersuspectedthiswashowthewaterhaddrainedout.

“Youmay return to the surface,”Hagno said. “Or, if you insist, youmay follow thewaterwaytothegiants.Butchoosequickly,becausebothdoorswillfadesoonafterIamgone.Thatpipeconnectstotheoldaqueductline,whichfeedsboththisnymphaeumandthehypogeumthatthegiantscallhome.”

“Ugh.”Percypressedonhistemples.“Please,nomorecomplicatedwords.”

“Oh,homeisnotacomplicatedword.”Hagnosoundedcompletelysincere.“Ithoughtitwas,butnowyouhaveunboundusfromthisplace.Mysistershavegonetoseeknewhomes…amountainstream,perhaps,oralakeinameadow.Iwillfollowthem.Icannotwaittoseetheforestsandgrasslandsagain,andtheclearrunningwater.”

“Uh,”Percy saidnervously, “thingshavechangedupabove in the last few thousandyears.”

“Nonsense,”Hagnosaid.“Howbadcoulditbe?Panwouldnotallownaturetobecometainted.Ican’twaittoseehim,infact.”

Percylookedlikehewantedtosaysomething,buthestoppedhimself.

“Goodluck,Hagno,”Pipersaid.“Andthankyou.”

Thenymphsmiledonelasttimeandvaporized.

Briefly, the nymphaeum glowedwith a softer light, like a fullmoon. Piper smelledexoticspicesandbloomingroses.Shehearddistantmusicandhappyvoices talkingandlaughing.Sheguessedshewashearinghundredsofyearsofpartiesandcelebrationsthathadbeenheldatthisshrineinancienttimes,asifthememorieshadbeenfreedalongwiththespirits.

“Whatisthat?”Jasonaskednervously.

Piper slipped her hand into his. “The ghosts are dancing. Come on.We’d better gomeetthegiants.”

PERCYWASTIREDOFWATER.

If he said that aloud, he would probably get kicked out of Poseidon’s Junior SeaScouts,buthedidn’tcare.

Afterbarelysurvivingthenymphaeum,hewantedtogobacktothesurface.Hewantedtobedryandsitinthewarmsunshineforalongtime—preferablywithAnnabeth.

Unfortunately, he didn’t know where Annabeth was. Frank, Hazel, and Leo weremissinginaction.HestillhadtosaveNicodiAngelo,assumingtheguywasn’talreadydead.And therewas that littlematterof thegiantsdestroyingRome,wakingGaea,andtakingovertheworld.

Seriously,thesemonstersandgodswerethousandsofyearsold.Couldn’ttheytakeafewdecadesoffandletPercylivehislife?Apparentlynot.

Percytooktheleadastheycrawleddownthedrainagepipe.Afterthirtyfeet,itopenedintoawider tunnel.To their left, somewhere in thedistance,Percyheard rumblingandcreaking,likeahugemachineneededoiling.Hehadabsolutelynodesiretofindoutwhatwasmakingthatsound,sohefiguredthatmustbethewaytogo.

Severalhundred feet later, they reacheda turn in the tunnel.Percyhelduphishand,signalingJasonandPipertowait.Hepeekedaroundthecorner.

The corridor opened into a vast roomwith twenty-foot ceilings and rows of supportcolumns.Itlookedlikethesameparking-garage-typeareaPercyhadseeninhisdreams,butnowmuchmorecrowdedwithstuff.

Thecreakingandrumblingcamefromhugegearsandpulleysystemsthatraisedandloweredsectionsofthefloorfornoapparentreason.Waterflowedthroughopentrenches

(oh,great,morewater),poweringwaterwheels that turned someof themachines.Othermachineswereconnectedtohugehamsterwheelswithhellhoundsinside.Percycouldn’thelpthinkingofMrs.O’Leary,andhowmuchshewouldhatebeingtrappedinsideoneofthose.

Suspendedfromtheceilingwerecagesofliveanimals—alion,severalzebras,awholepack of hyenas, and even an eight-headed hydra. Ancient-looking bronze and leatherconveyorbeltstrundledalongwithstacksofweaponsandarmor,sortofliketheAmazons’warehouse in Seattle, except this place was obviously much older and not as wellorganized.

Leo would love it, Percy thought. The whole room was like one massive, scary,unreliablemachine.

“Whatisit?”Piperwhispered.

Percywasn’tevensurehowtoanswer.Hedidn’tseethegiants,sohegesturedforhisfriendstocomeforwardandtakealook.

Abouttwentyfeetinsidethedoorway,alife-sizewoodencutoutofagladiatorpoppedupfromthefloor.Itclickedandwhirredalongaconveyorbelt,gothookedonarope,andascendedthroughaslotintheroof.

Jasonmurmured,“Whattheheck?”

Theystepped inside.Percyscanned the room.Therewereseveral thousand things tolookat,mostoftheminmotion,butonegoodaspectofbeinganADHDdemigodwasthatPercywascomfortablewithchaos.Aboutahundredyardsaway,hespottedaraiseddaiswith two empty oversized praetor chairs. Standing between themwas a bronze jar bigenoughtoholdaperson.

“Look.”Hepointeditouttohisfriends.

Piperfrowned.“That’stooeasy.”

“Ofcourse,”Percysaid.

“Butwehavenochoice,”Jasonsaid.“We’vegottosaveNico.”

“Yeah.” Percy started across the room, picking his way around conveyor belts andmovingplatforms.

The hellhounds in the hamster wheels paid them no attention. They were too busyrunningandpanting,theirredeyesglowinglikeheadlights.Theanimalsintheothercagesgavethemboredlooks,asiftosay,I’dkillyou,butitwouldtaketoomuchenergy.

Percy tried to watch out for traps, but everything here looked like a trap. He

rememberedhowmanytimeshe’dalmostdiedinthelabyrinthafewyearsago.HereallywishedHazelwereheresoshecouldhelpwithherundergroundskills(andofcoursesoshecouldbereunitedwithherbrother).

Theyjumpedoverawatertrenchandduckedunderarowofcagedwolves.Theyhadmade itabouthalfway to thebronze jarwhen theceilingopenedover them.Aplatformlowered. Standing on it like an actor,with one hand raised and his head high,was thepurple-hairedgiantEphialtes.

JustlikePercyhadseeninhisdreams,theBigFwassmallbygiantstandards—abouttwelvefeettall—buthehadtriedtomakeupforitwithhisloudoutfit.He’dchangedoutof the gladiator armor and was now wearing a Hawaiian shirt that even Dionysuswould’ve foundvulgar. Ithadagarishprintmadeupofdyingheroes,horrible tortures,andlionseatingslavesintheColosseum.Thegiant’shairwasbraidedwithgoldandsilvercoins.Hehadaten-footspearstrappedtohisback,whichwasn’tagoodfashionstatementwiththeshirt.Heworebrightwhitejeansandleathersandalsonhis…well,notfeet,butcurved snakeheads. The snakes flicked their tongues and writhed as if they didn’tappreciateholdinguptheweightofagiant.

Ephialtessmiledatthedemigodslikehewasreally,reallypleasedtoseethem.

“Atlast!”hebellowed.“Soveryhappy!Honestly,Ididn’tthinkyou’dmakeitpastthenymphs,butit’ssomuchbetterthatyoudid.Muchmoreentertaining.You’rejustintimeforthemainevent!”

JasonandPiperclosedranksoneithersideofPercy.Havingthemtheremadehimfeelalittlebetter.Thisgiantwassmallerthanalotofmonstershehadfaced,butsomethingabouthimmadePercy’sskincrawl.Ephialtes’seyesdancedwithacrazylight.

“We’rehere,”Percysaid,whichsoundedkindofobviousoncehehadsaidit.“Letourfriendgo.”

“Of course!”Ephialtes said. “Though I fear he’s a bit past his expiration date.Otis,whereareyou?”

Astone’sthrowaway,theflooropened,andtheothergiantroseonaplatform.

“Otis, finally!” his brother cried with glee. “You’re not dressed the same as me!You’re…”Ephialtes’sexpressionturnedtohorror.“Whatareyouwearing?”

Otislookedliketheworld’slargest,grumpiestballetdancer.Heworeaskin-tightbaby-blueleotardthatPercyreallywishedleftmoretotheimagination.Thetoesofhismassivedancingslipperswerecutawaysothathissnakescouldprotrude.Adiamondtiara(Percydecided to be generous and think of it as a king’s crown) was nestled in his green,

firecracker-braidedhair.Helookedglumandmiserablyuncomfortable,buthemanagedadancer’s bow,which couldn’t have been easywith snake feet and a huge spear on hisback.

“GodsandTitans!”Ephialtesyelled.“It’sshowtime!Whatareyouthinking?”

“I didn’t want to wear the gladiator outfit,” Otis complained. “I still think a balletwould be perfect, you know,while Armageddon is going on.” He raised his eyebrowshopefullyatthedemigods.“Ihavesomeextracostumes—”

“No!”Ephialtessnapped,andforoncePercywasinagreement.

The purple-haired giant facedPercy.He grinned so painfully, he looked like hewasbeingelectrocuted.

“Pleaseexcusemybrother,”hesaid.“Hisstagepresenceisawful,andhehasnosenseofstyle.”

“Okay.” Percy decided not to comment on the Hawaiian shirt. “Now, about ourfriend…”

“Oh,him,”Ephialtessneered.“Weweregoingtolethimfinishdyinginpublic,buthehasnoentertainmentvalue.He’sspentdayscurledupsleeping.Whatsortofspectacleisthat?Otis,tipoverthejar.”

Otistrudgedovertothedais,stoppingoccasionallytodoaplié.Heknockedoverthejar,thelidpoppedoff,andNicodiAngelospilledout.Thesightofhisdeathlypalefaceandtoo-skinnyframemadePercy’sheartstop.Percycouldn’ttellwhetherhewasaliveordead.Hewantedtorushoverandcheck,butEphialtesstoodinhisway.

“Nowwehavetohurry,”saidtheBigF.“Weshouldgothroughyourstagedirections.Thehypogeumisallset!”

Percywasreadytoslicethisgiant inhalfandgetoutof there,butOtiswasstandingoverNico.Ifabattlestarted,Nicowasinnoconditiontodefendhimself.Percyneededtobuyhimsomerecoverytime.

Jasonraisedhisgoldgladius.“We’renotgoingtobepartofanyshow,”hesaid.“Andwhat’sahypo—whatever-you-call-it?”

“Hypogeum!” Ephialtes said. “You’re a Roman demigod, aren’t you? You shouldknow!Ah,butIsupposeifwedoourjobrightdownhereintheunderworks,youreallywouldn’tknowthehypogeumexists.”

“Iknow thatword,”Piper said. “It’s the areaunder a coliseum. It housedall the setpiecesandmachineryusedtocreatespecialeffects.”

Ephialtes clapped enthusiastically. “Exactly so!Are you a student of the theater,mygirl?”

“Uh…mydad’sanactor.”

“Wonderful!”Ephialtesturnedtowardhisbrother.“Didyouhearthat,Otis?”

“Actor,”Otismurmured.“Everybody’sanactor.Noonecandance.”

“Benice!”Ephialtes scolded. “At any rate,mygirl, you’re absolutely right, but thishypogeumismuchmorethanthestageworksforacoliseum.You’veheardthatintheolddays some giants were imprisoned under the earth, and from time to time they wouldcauseearthquakeswhentheytriedtobreakfree?Well,we’vedonemuchbetter!OtisandIhavebeenimprisonedunderRomeforeons,butwe’vekeptbusybuildingourveryownhypogeum.Nowwe’rereadytocreatethegreatestspectacleRomehaseverseen—andthelast!”

AtOtis’sfeet,Nicoshuddered.Percyfeltlikeahellhoundhamsterwheelsomewhereinhischesthadstartedmovingagain.AtleastNicowasalive.Nowtheyjusthadtodefeatthegiants,preferablywithoutdestroyingthecityofRome,andgetoutofheretofindtheirfriends.

“So!”Percy said,hoping tokeep thegiants’attentiononhim.“Stagedirections,yousaid?”

“Yes!” Ephialtes said. “Now, I know the bounty stipulates that you and the girlAnnabethshouldbekeptalive ifpossible,buthonestly, thegirl isalreadydoomed,soIhopeyoudon’tmindifwedeviatefromtheplan.”

Percy’smouthtastedlikebadnymphwater.“Alreadydoomed.Youdon’tmeanshe’s—”

“Dead?”thegiantasked.“No.Notyet.Butdon’tworry!We’vegotyourotherfriendslockedup,yousee.”

Pipermadeastrangledsound.“Leo?HazelandFrank?”

“Thosearetheones,”Ephialtesagreed.“Sowecanusethemforthesacrifice.WecanlettheAthenagirldie,whichwillpleaseHerLadyship.Andwecanuseyouthreefortheshow!Gaeawillbeabitdisappointed,but really, this isawin-win.Yourdeathswillbemuchmoreentertaining.”

Jasonsnarled.“Youwantentertaining?I’llgiveyouentertaining.”

Pipersteppedforward.Somehowshemanagedasweetsmile.“I’vegotabetteridea,”she told the giants. “Why don’t you let us go? That would be an incredible twist.

Wonderfulentertainmentvalue,anditwouldprovetotheworldhowcoolyouare.”

Nicostirred.Otis lookeddownathim.Hissnakyfeet flicked their tonguesatNico’shead.

“Plus!”Pipersaidquickly.“Plus,wecoulddosomedancemovesaswe’reescaping.Perhapsaballetnumber!”

OtisforgotallaboutNico.HelumberedoverandwaggedhisfingeratEphialtes.“Yousee?That’swhatIwastellingyou!Itwouldbeincredible!”

Forasecond,PercythoughtPiperwasgoingtopull itoff.Otis lookedathisbrotherimploringly.Ephialtestuggedathischinasifconsideringtheidea.

At lasthe shookhishead.“No…no, I’mafraidnot.Yousee,mygirl, I am theanti-Dionysus.Ihaveareputationtouphold.Dionysusthinksheknowsparties?He’swrong!His revels are tame compared towhat I can do.That old stuntwe pulled, for instance,whenwepiledupmountainstoreachOlympus—”

“Itoldyouthatwouldneverwork,”Otismuttered.

“And the time my brother covered himself with meat and ran through an obstaclecourseofdrakons—”

“YousaidHephaestus-TVwouldshowitduringprimetime,”Otissaid.“Nooneevensawme.”

“Well, this spectaclewill be evenbetter,” Ephialtes promised. “TheRomans alwayswantedbreadandcircuses—foodandentertainment!Aswedestroytheircity,Iwillofferthemboth.Behold,asample!”

Something dropped from the ceiling and landed at Percy’s feet: a loaf of sandwichbreadinawhiteplasticwrapperwithredandyellowdots.

Percypickeditup.“Wonderbread?”

“Magnificent,isn’tit?”Ephialtes’seyesdancedwithcrazyexcitement.“Youcankeepthatloaf.IplanondistributingmillionstothepeopleofRomeasIobliteratethem.”

“Wonderbreadisgood,”Otisadmitted.“ThoughtheRomansshoulddanceforit.”

PercyglancedoveratNico,whowasjuststartingtomove.Percywantedhimtobeatleast conscious enough to crawl out of the way when the fighting started. And Percyneededmore information from the giants about Annabeth, and where his other friendswerebeingkept.

“Maybe,” Percy ventured, “you should bring our other friends here. You know,

spectaculardeaths…themorethemerrier,right?”

“Hmm.”EphialtesfiddledwithabuttononhisHawaiianshirt.“No.It’sreallytoolatetochangethechoreography.Butneverfear.Thecircuseswillbemarvelous!Ah…notthemodernsortofcircus,mindyou.Thatwouldrequireclowns,andIhateclowns.”

“Everyonehatesclowns,”Otissaid.“Evenotherclownshateclowns.”

“Exactly,”hisbrotheragreed. “Butwehavemuchbetter entertainmentplanned!Thethreeofyouwilldieinagony,upabove,whereall thegodsandmortalscanwatch.Butthat’sjusttheopeningceremony!Intheolddays,gameswentonfordaysorweeks.Ourspectacle—thedestructionofRome—willgoonforonefullmonthuntilGaeaawakens.”

“Wait,”Jasonsaid.“Onemonth,andGaeawakesup?”

Ephialteswavedawaythequestion.“Yes,yes.SomethingaboutAugustFirstbeingthebestdatetodestroyallhumanity.Notimportant!Inherinfinitewisdom,theEarthMotherhasagreedthatRomecanbedestroyedfirst,slowlyandspectacularly.It’sonlyfitting!”

“So…”Percycouldn’tbelievehewastalkingabouttheendoftheworldwithaloafofWonderbreadinhishand.“You’reGaea’swarm-upact.”

Ephialtes’sfacedarkened.“Thisisnowarm-up,demigod!We’llreleasewildanimalsand monsters into the streets. Our special effects department will produce fires andearthquakes.Sinkholesandvolcanoeswillappearrandomlyoutofnowhere!Ghostswillrunrampant.”

“Theghostthingwon’twork,”Otissaid.“Ourfocusgroupssayitwon’tpullratings.”

“Doubters!”Ephialtessaid.“Thishypogeumcanmakeanythingwork!”

Ephialtesstormedovertoabigtablecoveredwithasheet.Hepulledthesheetaway,revealingacollectionofleversandknobsalmostascomplicated-lookingasLeo’scontrolpanelontheArgoII.

“This button?” Ephialtes said. “This one will eject a dozen rabid wolves into theForum. And this one will summon automaton gladiators to battle tourists at the TreviFountain.ThisonewillcausetheTibertoflooditsbankssowecanreenactanavalbattleright in the Piazza Navona! Percy Jackson, you should appreciate that, as a son ofPoseidon!”

“Uh…Istillthinkthelettingusgoideaisbetter,”Percysaid.

“He’sright,”Pipertriedagain.“Otherwisewegetintothiswholeconfrontationthing.We fight you. You fight us.Wewreck your plans. You know, we’ve defeated a lot ofgiantslately.I’dhateforthingstogetoutofcontrol.”

Ephialtesnoddedthoughtfully.“You’reright.”

Piperblinked.“Iam?”

“Wecan’tletthingsgetoutofcontrol,”thegiantagreed.“Everythinghastobetimedperfectly.Butdon’tworry.I’vechoreographedyourdeaths.You’llloveit.”

Nicostarted tocrawlaway,groaning.Percywantedhim tomovefasterand togroanless.HeconsideredthrowinghisWonderbreadathim.

Jasonswitchedhisswordhand.“Andifwerefusetocooperatewithyourspectacle?”

“Well,youcan’tkillus.”Ephialteslaughed,asiftheideawasridiculous.“Youhavenogodswithyou,andthat’stheonlywayyoucouldhopetotriumph.Soreally,itwouldbemuchmoresensibletodiepainfully.Sorry,buttheshowmustgoon.”

ThisgiantwasevenworsethanthatseagodPhorcysbackinAtlanta,Percyrealized.Ephialteswasn’t somuch the anti-Dionysus.HewasDionysus gone crazy on steroids.Sure,Dionysuswas thegodof revelry andout-of-control parties.ButEphialteswas allaboutriotandruinforpleasure.

Percylookedathisfriends.“I’mgettingtiredofthisguy’sshirt.”

“Combattime?”Pipergrabbedherhornofplenty.

“IhateWonderbread,”Jasonsaid.

Together,theycharged.

THINGS WENT WRONG IMMEDIATELY.The giants vanished in twin puffs of smoke. Theyreappeared halfway across the room, each in a different spot. Percy sprinted towardEphialtes,butslots in theflooropenedunderhisfeet,andmetalwallsshotuponeitherside,separatinghimfromhisfriends.

Thewallsstartedclosinginonhimlikethesidesofavisegrip.Percyjumpedupandgrabbedthebottomofthehydra’scage.HecaughtabriefglimpseofPiperleapingacrossa hopscotch pattern of fiery pits, making her way toward Nico, who was dazed andweaponlessandbeingstalkedbyapairofleopards.

MeanwhileJasonchargedatOtis,whopulledhisspearandheavedagreatsigh,asifhewouldmuchratherdanceSwanLakethankillanotherdemigod.

Percyregisteredallthisinasplitsecond,buttherewasn’tmuchhecoulddoaboutit.The hydra snapped at his hands.He swung and dropped, landing in a grove of paintedplywoodtreesthatsprangupfromnowhere.Thetreeschangedpositionsashetriedtorunthroughthem,soheslasheddownthewholeforestwithRiptide.

“Wonderful!”Ephialtescried.HestoodathiscontrolpanelaboutsixtyfeettoPercy’sleft. “We’ll consider this a dress rehearsal. Shall I unleash the hydra onto the SpanishStepsnow?”

Hepulledalever,andPercyglancedbehindhim.Thecagehehadjustbeenhangingfromwasnowrisingtowardahatchintheceiling.Inthreesecondsitwouldbegone.IfPercyattackedthegiant,thehydrawouldravagethecity.

Cursing,hethrewRiptidelikeaboomerang.Theswordwasn’tdesignedforthat,butthe Celestial bronze blade sliced through the chains suspending the hydra. The cage

tumbled sideways.The door broke open, and themonster spilled out—right in front ofPercy.

“Oh,youareaspoilsport,Jackson!”Ephialtescalled.“Verywell.Battleithere,ifyoumust,butyourdeathwon’tbenearlyasgoodwithoutthecheeringcrowds.”

Percy stepped forward to confront the monster—then realized he’d just thrown hisweaponaway.Abitofbadplanningonhispart.

He rolled toonesideasall eighthydraheads spit acid, turning the floorwherehe’dbeen standing into a steaming crater ofmelted stone. Percy really hated hydras. Itwasalmostagoodthingthathe’dlosthissword,sincehisgutinstinctwould’vebeentoslashattheheads,andahydrasimplygrewtwonewonesforeachoneitlost.

Thelasttimehe’dfacedahydra,he’dbeensavedbyabattleshipwithbronzecannonsthatblastedthemonstertopieces.Thatstrategycouldn’thelphimnow…orcouldit?

The hydra lashed out. Percy ducked behind a giant hamster wheel and scanned theroom, looking for the boxes he’d seen in his dream. He remembered something aboutrocketlaunchers.

At the dais, Piper stood guard over Nico as the leopards advanced. She aimed hercornucopia and shot a pot roast over the cats’ heads. Itmust have smelledpretty good,becausetheleopardsracedafterit.

AbouteightyfeettoPiper’sright,JasonbattledOtis,swordagainstspear.Otishadlosthis diamond tiara and looked angry about it. He probably could have impaled Jasonseveraltimes,butthegiantinsistedondoingapirouettewitheveryattack,whichslowedhimdown.

MeanwhileEphialteslaughedashepushedbuttonsonhiscontrolboard,crankingtheconveyorbeltsintohighgearandopeningrandomanimalcages.

Thehydrachargedaroundthehamsterwheel.Percyswungbehindacolumn,grabbedagarbagebagfullofWonderbread,andthrewitatthemonster.Thehydraspitacid,whichwasamistake.Thebagandwrappersdissolvedinmidair.TheWonderbreadabsorbedtheacid like fireextinguisher foamandsplatteredagainst thehydra, covering it ina sticky,steaminglayerofhigh-caloriepoisonousgoo.

As the monster reeled, shaking its heads and blinkingWonder acid out of its eyes,Percy looked around desperately. He didn’t see the rocket-launcher boxes, but tuckedagainst thebackwallwasastrangecontraption likeanartist’seasel, fittedwithrowsofmissilelaunchers.Percyspottedabazooka,agrenadelauncher,agiantRomancandle,andadozenotherwicked-lookingweapons.Theyallseemedtobewiredtogether,pointingin

thesamedirectionandconnected toasinglebronze leveron theside.At the topof theeasel,spelledincarnations,werethewords:HAPPYDESTRUCTION,ROME!

Percyboltedtowardthedevice.Thehydrahissedandchargedafterhim.

“I know!” Ephialtes cried out happily. “We can start with explosions along the ViaLabicana!Wecan’tkeepouraudiencewaitingforever.”

PercyscrambledbehindtheeaselandturnedittowardEphialtes.Hedidn’thaveLeo’sskillwithmachines,butheknewhowtoaimaweapon.

The hydra barreled toward him, blocking his view of the giant. Percy hoped thiscontraptionwouldhaveenoughfirepowertotakedowntwotargetsatonce.Hetuggedatthelever.Itdidn’tbudge.

Alleighthydraheads loomedoverhim, ready tomelthim intoapoolof sludge.Hetuggedtheleveragain.Thistimetheeaselshookandtheweaponsbegantohiss.

“Duckandcover!”Percyyelled,hopinghisfriendsgotthemessage.

Percyleapedtoonesideastheeaselfired.Thesoundwaslikeafiestainthemiddleofanexplodinggunpowderfactory.Thehydravaporizedinstantly.Unfortunately,therecoilknockedtheeaselsidewaysandsentmoreprojectilesshootingallovertheroom.Achunkof ceiling collapsed and crushed a waterwheel. More cages snapped off their chains,unleashing twozebrasandapackofhyenas.AgrenadeexplodedoverEphialtes’shead,butitonlyblastedhimoffhisfeet.Thecontrolboarddidn’tevenlookdamaged.

Acrosstheroom,sandbagsraineddownaroundPiperandNico.PipertriedtopullNicotosafety,butoneofthebagscaughthershoulderandknockedherdown.

“Piper!”Jasoncried.Herantowardher,completelyforgettingaboutOtis,whoaimedhisspearatJason’sback.

“Lookout!”Percyyelled.

Jason had fast reflexes. As Otis threw, Jason rolled. The point sailed over him andJason flickedhishand, summoningagustofwind thatchanged the spear’sdirection. ItflewacrosstheroomandskeweredEphialtesthroughhissidejustashewasgettingtohisfeet.

“Otis!” Ephialtes stumbled away from his control board, clutching the spear as hebegantocrumbleintomonsterdust.“Willyoupleasestopkillingme!”

“Notmyfault!”

OtishadbarelyfinishedspeakingwhenPercy’smissile-launchingcontraptionspitoutonelastsphereofRomancandlefire.Thefierypinkballofdeath(naturallyithadtobe

pink) hit the ceiling above Otis and exploded in a beautiful shower of light. Colorfulsparks pirouetted gracefully around the giant. Then a ten-foot section of roof collapsedandcrushedhimflat.

Jasonran toPiper’sside.Sheyelpedwhenhe touchedherarm.Hershoulder lookedunnaturally bent, but shemuttered, “Fine. I’m fine.”Next to her, Nico sat up, lookingaroundhiminbewildermentasifjustrealizinghe’dmissedabattle.

Sadly, the giants weren’t finished. Ephialtes was already re-forming, his head andshouldersrisingfromthemoundofdust.HetuggedhisarmsfreeandgloweredatPercy.

Acrosstheroom,thepileofrubbleshifted,andOtisbustedout.Hisheadwasslightlycaved in.All the firecrackers inhishair hadpopped, andhisbraidswere smoking.Hisleotardwasintatters,whichwasjustabouttheonlywayitcould’velookedlessattractiveonhim.

“Percy!”Jasonshouted.“Thecontrols!”

Percyunfroze.HefoundRiptideinhispocketagain,uncappedhissword,andlungedfor the switchboard.He slashed his blade across the top, decapitating the controls in ashowerofbronzesparks.

“No!”Ephialteswailed.“You’veruinedthespectacle!”

Percyturnedtooslowly.Ephialtesswunghisspearlikeabatandsmackedhimacrossthechest.Hefelltohisknees,thepainturninghisstomachtolava.

Jason ran tohis side, butOtis lumberedafterhim.Percymanaged to rise and foundhimself shoulder to shoulderwith Jason.Over by the dais, Piperwas still on the floor,unabletogetup.Nicowasbarelyconscious.

Thegiantswerehealing,gettingstrongerbytheminute.Percywasnot.

Ephialtessmiledapologetically.“Tired,PercyJackson?AsIsaid,youcannotkillus.SoIguesswe’reatanimpasse.Oh,wait…nowe’renot!Becausewecankillyou!”

“That,” Otis grumbled, picking up his fallen spear, “is the first thing sensible thingyou’vesaidallday,brother.”

Thegiantspointedtheirweapons,readytoturnPercyandJasonintoademigod-kabob.

“We won’t give up,” Jason growled. “We’ll cut you into pieces like Jupiter did toSaturn.”

“That’sright,”Percysaid.“You’rebothdead.Idon’tcareifwehaveagodonoursideornot.”

“Well,that’sashame,”saidanewvoice.

To his right, another platform lowered from the ceiling. Leaning casually on apinecone-topped staffwas aman in apurple camp shirt, khaki shorts, and sandalswithwhitesocks.Heraisedhisbroad-brimmedhat,andpurplefireflickeredinhiseyes.“I’dhatetothinkImadeaspecialtripfornothing.”

PERCYHADNEVERTHOUGHTOFMR.Dasacalminginfluence,butsuddenlyeverythinggotquiet.Themachinesgroundtoahalt.Thewildanimalsstoppedgrowling.

Thetwoleopardspacedover—stilllickingtheirlipsfromPiper’spotroast—andbuttedtheirheadsaffectionatelyagainstthegod’slegs.Mr.Dscratchedtheirears.

“Really,Ephialtes,”hechided.“Killingdemigodsisonething.Butusingleopardsforyourspectacle?That’sovertheline.”

Thegiantmadeasqueakingsound.“This—thisisimpossible.D-D—”

“It’s Bacchus, actually, my old friend,” said the god. “And of course it’s possible.Someonetoldmetherewasapartygoingon.”

He looked the same as he had in Kansas, but Percy still couldn’t get over thedifferencesbetweenBacchusandhisoldnot-so-much-of-a-friendMr.D.

Bacchus was meaner and leaner, with less of a potbelly. He had longer hair, morespringinhisstep,andalotmoreangerinhiseyes.Heevenmanagedtomakeapineconeonasticklookintimidating.

Ephialtes’s spear quivered. “You—you gods are doomed! Be gone, in the name ofGaea!”

“Hmm.” Bacchus sounded unimpressed. He strolled through the ruined props,platforms,andspecialeffects.

“Tacky.”Hewavedhishandatapaintedwoodengladiator, thenturnedtoamachinethatlookedlikeanoversizedrollingpinstuddedwithknives.“Cheap.Boring.Andthis…”He inspected the rocket-launching contraption,whichwas still smoking. “Tacky, cheap,

andboring.Honestly,Ephialtes.Youhavenosenseofstyle.”

“STYLE?”Thegiant’sfaceflushed.“Ihavemountainsofstyle.Idefinestyle.I—I—”

“Mybrotheroozesstyle,”Otissuggested.

“Thankyou!”Ephialtescried.

Bacchus stepped forward, and the giants stumbled back. “Have you two gottenshorter?”askedthegod.

“Oh, that’s low,”Ephialtesgrowled. “I’mquite tall enough todestroyyou,Bacchus!Yougods,alwayshidingbehindyourmortalheroes, trusting the fateofOlympus to thelikesofthese.”

HesneeredatPercy.

Jasonheftedhissword.“LordBacchus,arewegoingtokillthesegiantsorwhat?”

“Well,Icertainlyhopeso,”Bacchussaid.“Please,carryon.”

Percystaredathim.“Didn’tyoucomeheretohelp?”

Bacchus shrugged. “Oh, I appreciated the sacrifice at sea.Awhole ship full ofDietCoke.Verynice.AlthoughIwould’vepreferredDietPepsi.”

“Andsixmillioningoldandjewels,”Percymuttered.

“Yes,”Bacchus said, “althoughwith demigod parties of five ormore the gratuity isincluded,sothatwasn’tnecessary.”

“What?”

“Nevermind,”Bacchussaid.“Atanyrate,yougotmyattention.I’mhere.NowIneedtoseeifyou’reworthyofmyhelp.Goahead.Battle.IfI’mimpressed,I’lljumpinforthegrandfinale.”

“Wespearedone,”Percysaid.“Droppedtheroofontheother.Whatdoyouconsiderimpressive?”

“Ah, a good question…”Bacchus tapped his thyrsus. Then he smiled in away thatmadePercythink,Uh-oh.“Perhapsyouneedinspiration!Thestagehasn’tbeenproperlyset.Youcallthisaspectacle,Ephialtes?Letmeshowyouhowit’sdone.”

Thegoddissolvedintopurplemist.PiperandNicodisappeared.

“Pipes!”Jasonyelled.“Bacchus,wheredidyou—?”

Theentire floor rumbledandbegan to rise.Theceilingopened ina seriesofpanels.Sunlightpouredin.Theairshimmeredlikeamirage,andPercyheardtheroarofacrowd

abovehim.

Thehypogeumascendedthroughaforestofweatheredstonecolumns,intothemiddleofaruinedcoliseum.

Percy’sheartdidasomersault.Thiswasn’t justanycoliseum. Itwas theColosseum.Thegiants’specialeffectsmachineshadgoneintoovertime,layingplanksacrossruinedsupportbeamsso thearenahadaproper flooragain.Thebleachers repaired themselvesuntil they were gleaming white. A giant red-and-gold canopy extended overhead toprovideshadefromtheafternoonsun.Theemperor’sboxwasdrapedwithsilk,flankedbybanners and golden eagles. The roar of applause came from thousands of shimmeringpurpleghosts,theLaresofRomebroughtbackforanencoreperformance.

Ventsopenedinthefloorandsprayedsandacrossthearena.Hugepropssprangup—garage-sizemountains of plaster, stone columns, and (for some reason) life-size plasticbarnyardanimals.Asmalllakeappearedtooneside.Ditchescrisscrossedthearenafloorincaseanyonewasinthemoodfortrenchwarfare.PercyandJasonstoodtogetherfacingthetwingiants.

“This isaproper show!”boomed thevoiceofBacchus.Hesat in theemperor’sboxwearingpurplerobesandgoldenlaurels.AthisleftsatNicoandPiper,hershoulderbeingtendedbyanymphinanurse’suniform.AtBacchus’srightcrouchedasatyr,offeringupDoritosandgrapes.ThegodraisedacanofDietPepsiand thecrowdwentrespectfullyquiet.

Percyglaredupathim.“You’rejustgoingtositthere?”

“Thedemigodisright!”Ephialtesbellowed.“Fightusyourself,coward!Um,withoutthedemigods.”

Bacchussmiledlazily.“Junosaysshe’sassembledaworthycrewofdemigods.Showme.Entertainme,heroesofOlympus.Givemeareasontodomore.Beingagodhasitsprivileges.”

Hepoppedhissodacantop,andthecrowdcheered.

PERCYHADFOUGHTMANYBATTLES.He’d even fought in a couple of arenas, but nothinglike this. In the huge Colosseum, with thousands of cheering ghosts, the god Bacchusstaringdownathim,andthetwotwelve-footgiantsloomingoverhim,Percyfeltassmallandinsignificantasabug.Healsofeltveryangry.

Fightinggiantswasonething.Bacchusmakingitintoagamewassomethingelse.

PercyrememberedwhatLukeCastellanhadtoldhimyearsago,whenPercyhadcomebackfromhisveryfirstquest:Didn’tyourealizehowuseless itall is?All theheroics—beingpawnsoftheOlympians?

PercywasalmostthesameagenowasLukehadbeenthen.HecouldunderstandhowLukebecamesospiteful.Inthepastfiveyears,Percyhadbeenapawntoomanytimes.TheOlympiansseemedtotaketurnsusinghimfortheirschemes.

MaybethegodswerebetterthantheTitans,orthegiants,orGaea,butthatdidn’tmakethemgoodorwise.Itdidn’tmakePercylikethisstupidarenabattle.

Unfortunately,hedidn’thavemuchchoice.Ifhewasgoingtosavehisfriends,hehadtobeatthesegiants.HehadtosurviveandfindAnnabeth.

EphialtesandOtismadehisdecisioneasierbyattacking.Together,thegiantspickedupafakemountainasbigasPercy’sNewYorkapartmentandhurleditatthedemigods.

PercyandJasonbolted.Theydove together into thenearest trenchand themountainshatteredabovethem,sprayingthemwithplastershrapnel. Itwasn’tdeadly,but itstunglikecrazy.

Thecrowdjeeredandshoutedforblood.“Fight!Fight!”

“I’lltakeOtisagain?”Jasoncalledoverthenoise.“Ordoyouwanthimthistime?”

Percytriedtothink.Dividingwasthenaturalcourse—fightingthegiantsone-on-one,but thathadn’tworkedsowell last time. Itdawnedonhim that theyneededadifferentstrategy.

Thiswhole trip,Percyhad felt responsible for leadingandprotectinghis friends.HewassureJasonfeltthesameway.They’dworkedinsmallgroups,hopingthatwouldbesafer.They’dfoughtasindividuals,eachdemigoddoingwhatheorshedidbest.ButHerahadmadethemateamofsevenforareason.ThefewtimesPercyandJasonhadworkedtogether—summoningthestormatFortSumter,helpingtheArgoIIescapethePillarsofHercules, even filling the nymphaeum—Percy had felt more confident, better able tofigureoutproblems,asifhe’dbeenaCyclopshiswholelifeandsuddenlywokeupwithtwoeyes.

“Weattack together,”hesaid.“Otis first,becausehe’sweaker.Takehimoutquicklyand move to Ephialtes. Bronze and gold together—maybe that’ll keep them from re-formingalittlelonger.”

Jasonsmileddryly,likehe’djustfoundouthewoulddieinanembarrassingway.

“Whynot?”heagreed.“ButEphialtesisn’tgoingtostandthereandwaitwhilewekillhisbrother.Unless—”

“Goodwindtoday,”Percyoffered.“Andthere’resomewaterpipesrunningunderthearena.”

Jasonunderstoodimmediately.Helaughed,andPercyfeltasparkoffriendship.Thisguythoughtthesamewayhedidaboutalotofthings.

“Onthree?”Jasonsaid.

“Whywait?”

Theychargedoutofthetrench.AsPercysuspected,thetwinshadliftedanotherplastermountain and were waiting for a clear shot. The giants raised it above their heads,preparingtothrow,andPercycausedawaterpipetoburstattheirfeet,shakingthefloor.Jason sent a blast of wind against Ephialtes’s chest. The purple-haired giant toppledbackwardandOtislosthisgriponthemountain,whichpromptlycollapsedontopofhisbrother.OnlyEphialtes’ssnakefeetstuckout,dartingtheirheadsaround,asifwonderingwheretherestoftheirbodyhadgone.

Thecrowdroaredwithapproval,butPercysuspectedEphialteswasonlystunned.Theyhadafewsecondsatbest.

“Hey,Otis!”heshouted.“TheNutcrackerbites!”

“Ahhhhh!”Otissnatcheduphisspearandthrew,buthewastooangrytoaimstraight.JasondeflecteditoverPercy’sheadandintothelake.

Thedemigodsbackedtowardthewater,shoutinginsultsaboutballet—whichwaskindofachallenge,asPercydidn’tknowmuchaboutit.

Otis barreled toward them empty-handed, before apparently realizing that a) hewasempty-handed,andb)charging towarda largebodyofwater to fighta sonofPoseidonwasmaybenotagoodidea.

Toolate,hetriedtostop.Thedemigodsrolledtoeitherside,andJasonsummonedthewind,usingthegiant’sownmomentumtoshovehimintothewater.AsOtisstruggledtorise,PercyandJasonattackedasone.TheylaunchedthemselvesatthegiantandbroughttheirbladesdownonOtis’shead.

Thepoorguydidn’tevenhaveachancetopirouette.Heexplodedintopowderonthelake’ssurfacelikeahugepacketofdrinkmix.

Percychurnedthelakeintoawhirlpool.Otis’sessencetriedtore-form,butashisheadappearedfromthewater,Jasoncalledlightningandblastedhimtodustagain.

Sofarsogood,buttheycouldn’tkeepOtisdownforever.Percywasalreadytiredfromhis fight underground.His gut still ached from getting smackedwith a spear shaft.Hecouldfeelhisstrengthwaning,andtheystillhadanothergianttodealwith.

As if on cue, the plastermountain exploded behind them. Ephialtes rose, bellowingwithanger.

Percy and Jasonwaited as he lumbered toward them, his spear in hand.Apparently,gettingflattenedunderaplastermountainhadonlyenergizedhim.Hiseyesdancedwithmurderous light.Theafternoonsunglinted inhiscoin-braidedhair.Evenhis snake feetlookedangry,baringtheirfangsandhissing.

Jason called down another lightning strike, but Ephialtes caught it on his spear anddeflectedtheblast,meltingalife-sizeplasticcow.Heslammedastonecolumnoutofhiswaylikeastackofbuildingblocks.

Percytriedtokeepthelakechurning.Hedidn’twantOtisrisingtojointhisfight,butasEphialtesclosedthelastfewfeet,Percyhadtoswitchfocus.

Jason and he met the giant’s charge. They lunged around Ephialtes, stabbing andslashinginablurofgoldandbronze,butthegiantparriedeverystrike.

“Iwillnotyield!”Ephialtesroared.“Youmayhaveruinedmyspectacle,butGaeawill

stilldestroyyourworld!”

Percy lashed out, slicing the giant’s spear in half. Ephialteswasn’t even fazed. ThegiantsweptlowwiththebluntendandknockedPercyoffhisfeet.Percylandedhardonhisswordarm,andRiptideclatteredoutofhisgrip.

Jason tried to takeadvantage.He stepped inside thegiant’sguardand stabbedathischest, but somehow Ephialtes parried the strike. He sliced the tip of his spear downJason’schest,rippinghispurpleshirtintoavest.Jasonstumbled,lookingatthethinlineofblooddownhissternum.Ephialteskickedhimbackward.

Upintheemperor’sbox,Pipercriedout,buthervoicewasdrownedintheroarofthecrowd.Bacchuslookedonwithanamusedsmile,munchingfromabagofDoritos.

Ephialtes toweredoverPercyandJason,bothhalvesofhisbrokenspearpoisedovertheirheads.Percy’sswordarmwasnumb.Jason’sgladiushadskitteredacrossthearenafloor.Theirplanhadfailed.

Percyglancedup atBacchus, decidingwhat final cursehewouldhurl at theuselesswine god, when he saw a shape in the sky above the Colosseum—a large dark ovaldescendingrapidly.

Fromthelake,Otisyelled,tryingtowarnhisbrother,buthishalf-dissolvedfacecouldonlymanage:“Uh-umh-moooo!”

“Don’t worry, brother!” Ephialtes said, his eyes still fixed on the demigods. “I willmakethemsuffer!”

TheArgoII turnedinthesky,presentingitsportside,andgreenfireblazedfromtheballista.

“Actually,”Percysaid.“Lookbehindyou.”

HeandJasonrolledawayasEphialtesturnedandbellowedindisbelief.

PercydroppedintoatrenchjustastheexplosionrockedtheColosseum.

Whenheclimbedoutagain,theArgoIIwascominginforalanding.Jasonpokedhisheadoutfrombehindhisimprovisedbombshelterofaplastichorse.Ephialteslaycharredandgroaningon thearena floor, the sandaroundhimseared intoahaloofglassby theheatof theGreek fire.Otiswas floundering in the lake, trying to re-form,but from thearmsdownhelookedlikeapuddleofburntoatmeal.

Percy staggered over to Jason and clapped him on the shoulder. The ghostly crowdgavethemastandingovationastheArgoIIextendedits landinggearandsettledonthearena floor.Leo stood at the helm,Hazel andFrank grinning at his side.CoachHedge

dancedaroundthefiringplatform,pumpinghisfistintheairandyelling,“That’swhatI’mtalkingabout!”

Percy turned to the emperor’s box. “Well?” he yelled at Bacchus. “Was thatentertainingenoughforyou,youwine-breathedlittle—”

“Noneedforthat.”Suddenlythegodwasstandingrightnexttohiminthearena.HebrushedDoritodustoffhispurplerobes.“Ihavedecidedyouareworthypartnersforthiscombat.”

“Partners?”Jasongrowled.“Youdidnothing!”

Bacchuswalkedtotheedgeofthelake.Thewaterinstantlydrained,leavinganOtis-headedpileofmush.Bacchuspickedhiswaytothebottomandlookedupatthecrowd.Heraisedhisthyrsus.

Thecrowdjeeredandholleredandpointedtheirthumbsdown.Percyhadneverbeensurewhetherthatmeantliveordie.He’dhearditbothways.

Bacchuschosethemoreentertainingoption.HesmackedOtis’sheadwithhispineconestaff,andthegiantpileofOtismealdisintegratedcompletely.

Thecrowdwentwild.BacchusclimbedoutofthelakeandstruttedovertoEphialtes,whowasstilllyingspread-eagled,overcookedandsmoking.

Again,Bacchusraisedhisthyrsus.

“DOIT!”thecrowdroared.

“DON’TDOIT!”Ephialteswailed.

Bacchustappedthegiantonthenose,andEphialtescrumbledtoashes.

TheghostscheeredandthrewspectralconfettiasBacchusstrodearoundthestadiumwithhisarms raised triumphantly,exulting in theworship.Hegrinnedat thedemigods.“That,myfriends,isashow!AndofcourseIdidsomething.Ikilledtwogiants!”

As Percy’s friends disembarked from the ship, the crowd of ghosts shimmered anddisappeared.PiperandNicostruggleddownfromtheemperor’sboxastheColosseum’smagicalrenovationsbegantoturnintomist.Thearenafloorremainedsolid,butotherwisethestadiumlookedasifithadn’thostedagoodgiantkillingforeons.

“Well,” Bacchus said. “That was fun. You have my permission to continue yourvoyage.”

“Yourpermission?”Percysnarled.

“Yes.”Bacchusraisedaneyebrow.“Althoughyourvoyagemaybealittleharderthan

youexpect,sonofNeptune.”

“Poseidon,” Percy corrected him automatically. “What do you mean about myvoyage?”

“Youmight try theparking lotbehind theEmmanuelBuilding,”Bacchussaid.“Bestplace tobreak through.Now,good-bye,my friends.And, ah, good luckwith that otherlittlematter.”

Thegodvaporizedinacloudofmistthatsmelledfaintlyofgrapejuice.JasonrantomeetPiperandNico.

CoachHedgetrotteduptoPercy,withHazel,Frank,andLeoclosebehind.“WasthatDionysus?”Hedgeasked.“Ilovethatguy!”

“You’re alive!” Percy said to the others. “The giants said youwere captured.Whathappened?”

Leoshrugged.“Oh, justanotherbrilliantplanbyLeoValdez.You’dbeamazedwhatyou can dowith anArchimedes sphere, a girlwho can sense stuff underground, and aweasel.”

“Iwastheweasel,”Franksaidglumly.

“Basically,”Leoexplained,“IactivatedahydraulicscrewwiththeArchimedesdevice—whichisgoingtobeawesomeonceIinstallitintheship,bytheway.Hazelsensedtheeasiestpathtodrilltothesurface.Wemadeatunnelbigenoughforaweasel,andFrankclimbedupwithasimpletransmitterthatIslappedtogether.Afterthat,itwasjustamatterofhackingintoCoachHedge’sfavoritesatellitechannelsandtellinghimtobringtheshiparoundtorescueus.Afterhegotus,findingyouwaseasy,thankstothatgodlylightshowattheColosseum.”

PercyunderstoodabouttenpercentofLeo’sstory,buthedecideditwasenoughsincehehadamorepressingquestion.“Where’sAnnabeth?”

Leo winced. “Yeah, about that…she’s still in trouble, we think. Hurt, broken leg,maybe—atleastaccordingtothisvisionGaeashownus.Rescuingherisournextstop.”

Two seconds before, Percy had been ready to collapse. Now another surge ofadrenalinecoursedthroughhisbody.HewantedtostrangleLeoanddemandwhytheArgoII hadn’t sailed off to rescue Annabeth first, but he thought that might sound a littleungrateful.

“Tellmeaboutthevision,”hesaid.“Tellmeeverything.”

Thefloorshook.Thewoodenplanksbegantodisappear,spillingsandintothepitsof

thehypogeumbelow.

“Let’stalkonboard,”Hazelsuggested.“We’dbettertakeoffwhilewestillcan.”

TheysailedoutoftheColosseumandveeredsouthovertherooftopsofRome.

AllaroundthePiazzadelColosseo,traffichadcometoastandstill.Acrowdofmortalshadgathered,probablywonderingaboutthestrangelightsandsoundsthathadcomefromtheruins.AsfarasPercycouldsee,noneofthegiants’spectacularplansfordestructionhadcomeoffsuccessfully.Thecitylookedthesameasbefore.NooneseemedtonoticethehugeGreektriremerisingintothesky.

The demigods gathered around the helm. Jason bandaged Piper’s sprained shoulderwhileHazelsatatthestern,feedingNicoambrosia.ThesonofHadescouldbarelylifthishead.Hisvoicewassoquiet,Hazelhadtoleaninwheneverhespoke.

FrankandLeorecountedwhathadhappenedintheroomwiththeArchimedesspheres,andthevisionsGaeahadshowntheminthebronzemirror.Theyquicklydecidedthattheirbest lead for finding Annabeth was the cryptic advice Bacchus had provided: theEmmanuelBuilding,whateverthatwas.Frankstartedtypingatthehelm’scomputerwhileLeo tapped furiously at his controls, muttering, “Emmanuel Building. EmmanuelBuilding.” CoachHedge tried to help bywrestlingwith an upside-down streetmap ofRome.

PercykneltnexttoJasonandPiper.“How’stheshoulder?”

Pipersmiled.“It’llheal.Bothofyoudidgreat.”

JasonelbowedPercy.“Notabadteam,youandme.”

“BetterthanjoustinginaKansascornfield,”Percyagreed.

“Thereit is!”Leocried,pointingtohismonitor.“Frank,you’reamazing!I’msettingcourse.”

Frankhunchedhisshoulders.“Ijustreadthenameoffthescreen.SomeChinesetouristmarkeditonGoogleMaps.”

Leogrinnedattheothers.“HereadsChinese.”

“Justatinybit,”Franksaid.

“Howcoolisthat?”

“Guys,”Hazelbroke in. “Ihate to interruptyour admiration session,butyou shouldhearthis.”

She helped Nico to his feet. He’d always been pale, but now his skin looked likepowderedmilk.His dark sunken eyes reminded Percy of photos he’d seen of liberatedprisoners-of-war,whichPercyguessedNicobasicallywas.

“Thankyou,”Nicorasped.Hiseyesdartednervouslyaroundthegroup.“I’dgivenuphope.”

Thepastweekorso,PercyhadimaginedalotofscathingthingshemightsaytoNicowhen theymet again, but the guy looked so frail and sad, Percy couldn’tmustermuchanger.

“Youknewaboutthetwocampsallalong,”Percysaid.“YoucouldhavetoldmewhoIwasthefirstdayIarrivedatCampJupiter,butyoudidn’t.”

Nicoslumpedagainstthehelm.“Percy,I’msorry.IdiscoveredCampJupiterlastyear.Mydadledmethere,thoughIwasn’tsurewhy.HetoldmethegodshadkeptthecampsseparateforcenturiesandthatIcouldn’ttellanyone.Thetimewasn’tright.Buthesaiditwouldbeimportantformetoknow…”Hedoubledoverinafitofcoughing.

Hazelheldhisshouldersuntilhecouldstandagain.

“I—IthoughtDadmeantbecauseofHazel,”Nicocontinued.“I’dneedasafeplacetotakeher.But now…I thinkhewantedme toknowabout both camps so I’dunderstandhowimportantyourquestwas,andsoI’dsearchfortheDoorsofDeath.”

Theairturnedelectric—literally,asJasonstartedthrowingoffsparks.

“Didyoufindthedoors?”Percyasked.

Niconodded.“Iwasa fool. I thought I couldgoanywhere in theUnderworld,but IwalkedrightintoGaea’strap.Imightaswellhavetriedrunningfromablackhole.”

“Um…”Frankchewedhislip.“Whatkindofblackholeareyoutalkingabout?”

Nicostartedtospeak,butwhateverheneededtosaymusthavebeentooterrifying.HeturnedtoHazel.

Sheputherhandonherbrother’sarm.“NicotoldmethattheDoorsofDeathhavetwosides—oneinthemortalworld,oneintheUnderworld.ThemortalsideoftheportalisinGreece.It’sheavilyguardedbyGaea’sforces.That’swheretheybroughtNicobackintotheupperworld.ThentheytransportedhimtoRome.”

Pipermust’vebeennervous,becausehercornucopiaspitoutacheeseburger.“WhereexactlyinGreeceisthisdoorway?”

Nicotookarattlingbreath.“TheHouseofHades.It’sanundergroundtempleinEpirus.I canmark it onamap,but—but themortal sideof theportal isn’t theproblem. In the

Underworld,theDoorsofDeatharein…in…”

Acoldpairofhandsdidtheitsy-bitsyspiderdownPercy’sback.

A black hole.An inescapable part of the Underworld where even Nico di Angelocouldn’tgo.Whyhadn’tPercythoughtofthisbefore?He’dbeentotheveryedgeofthatplace.Hestillhadnightmaresaboutit.

“Tartarus,”heguessed.“ThedeepestpartoftheUnderworld.”

Niconodded.“Theypulledmeintothepit,Percy.ThethingsIsawdownthere…”Hisvoicebroke.

Hazelpursedherlips.“NomortalhaseverbeentoTartarus,”sheexplained.“Atleast,noonehasevergone inand returnedalive. It’s themaximum-securityprisonofHades,wheretheoldTitansandtheotherenemiesofthegodsarebound.It’swhereallmonstersgowhentheydieontheearth.It’s…well,nooneknowsexactlywhatit’slike.”

Hereyesdrifted toherbrother.Therestofher thoughtdidn’tneed tobespoken:NooneexceptNico.

Hazelhandedhimhisblacksword.

Nicoleanedonitlikeitwasanoldman’scane.“NowIunderstandwhyHadeshasn’tbeenabletoclosethedoors,”hesaid.“Eventhegodsdon’tgointoTartarus.Eventhegodofdeath,Thanatoshimself,wouldn’tgonearthatplace.”

Leoglancedoverfromthewheel.“Soletmeguess.We’llhavetogothere.”

Nico shook his head. “It’s impossible. I’m the son of Hades, and even I barelysurvived.Gaea’sforcesoverwhelmedmeinstantly.They’resopowerfuldownthere…nodemigodwouldstandachance.Ialmostwentinsane.”

Nico’seyeslookedlikeshatteredglass.Percywonderedsadlyifsomethinginsidehimhadbrokenpermanently.

“Thenwe’llsailforEpirus,”Percysaid.“We’lljustclosethegatesonthisside.”

“Iwishitwerethateasy,”Nicosaid.“Thedoorswouldhavetobecontrolledonbothsides tobeclosed. It’s likeadouble seal.Maybe, justmaybe,all sevenofyouworkingtogethercoulddefeatGaea’sforcesonthemortalside,attheHouseofHades.ButunlessyouhadateamfightingsimultaneouslyontheTartarusside,ateampowerfulenoughtodefeatalegionofmonstersintheirhometerritory—”

“Therehastobeaway,”Jasonsaid.

Nobodyvolunteeredanybrilliantideas.

Percy thought his stomach was sinking. Then he realized the entire ship wasdescendingtowardabigbuildinglikeapalace.

Annabeth.Nico’snewswassohorriblePercyhadmomentarilyforgottenshewasstillindanger,whichmadehimfeelincrediblyguilty.

“We’ll figure out the Tartarus problem later,” he said. “Is that the EmmanuelBuilding?”

Leonodded.“Bacchussaidsomethingabouttheparkinglotinback?Well,thereitis.Whatnow?”

Percy remembered his dream of the dark chamber, the evil buzzing voice of themonster calledHer Ladyship.He remembered how shakenAnnabeth had lookedwhenshe’dcomebackfromFortSumterafterherencounterwiththespiders.Percyhadbeguntosuspectwhatmightbedowninthatshrine…literally,themotherofallspiders.Ifhewasright,andAnnabethhadbeentrappeddowntherealonewiththatcreatureforhours,herlegbroken…Atthispoint,hedidn’tcareifherquestwassupposedtobesoloornot.

“Wehavetogetherout,”hesaid.

“Well,yeah,”Leoagreed.“But,uh…”

Helookedlikehewantedtosay,Whatifwe’retoolate?

Wisely,hechangedtack.“There’saparkinglotintheway.”

Percy looked at Coach Hedge. “Bacchus said something about breaking through.Coach,youstillhaveammoforthoseballistae?”

Thesatyrgrinnedlikeawildgoat.“Ithoughtyou’dneverask.”

ANNABETHHADREACHEDHERTERRORLIMIT.

She’dbeenassaultedbychauvinistghosts.She’dbrokenherankle.She’dbeenchasedacross a chasmby an armyof spiders.Now, in severe pain,with her anklewrapped inboardsandBubbleWrap,andcarryingnoweaponexceptherdagger,shefacedArachne—amonstroushalf-spiderwhowantedtokillherandmakeacommemorativetapestryaboutit.

Inthelastfewhours,Annabethhadshivered,sweated,whimpered,andblinkedbacksomanytearsthatherbodysimplygaveuponbeingscared.Hermindsaidsomethinglike,Okay,sorry.Ican’tbeanymoreterrifiedthanIalreadyam.

Soinstead,Annabethstartedtothink.

Themonstrouscreaturepickedherwaydownfromthetopoftheweb-coveredstatue.Shemoved from strand to strand, hissingwith pleasure, her four eyes glittering in thedark.Eithershewasnotinahurry,orshewasslow.

Annabethhopedshewasslow.

Not that it mattered. Annabeth was in no condition to run, and she didn’t like herchancesincombat.Arachneprobablyweighedseveralhundredpounds.Thosebarbedlegswereperfectforcapturingandkillingprey.Besides,Arachneprobablyhadotherhorriblepowers—apoisonousbite,orweb-slingingabilitieslikeanAncientGreekSpider-Man.

No.Combatwasnottheanswer.

Thatlefttrickeryandbrains.

In theold legends,Arachnehadgotten into troublebecauseof pride.She’dbragged

abouther tapestriesbeingbetter thanAthena’s,whichhad led toMountOlympus’s firstrealityTVpunishmentprogram:SoYouThinkYouCanWeaveBetterThanaGoddess?Arachnehadlostinabigway.

Annabethknewsomethingaboutbeingprideful.Itwasherfatalflawaswell.Sheoftenhad to remindherself that shecouldn’tdoeverythingalone.Shewasn’talways thebestpersonforeveryjob.Sometimesshegottunnelvisionandforgotaboutwhatotherpeopleneeded,evenPercy.Andshecouldgeteasilydistractedtalkingaboutherfavoriteprojects.

But could sheuse thatweakness against the spider?Maybe if she stalled for time…thoughshewasn’tsurehowstallingwouldhelp.Herfriendswouldn’tbeabletoreachher,eveniftheyknewwheretogo.Thecavalrywouldnotbecoming.Still,stallingwasbetterthandying.

She tried to keep her expression calm,whichwasn’t easywith a broken ankle. Shelimpedtowardthenearesttapestry—acityscapeofAncientRome.

“Marvelous,”shesaid.“Tellmeaboutthistapestry.”

Arachne’slipscurledoverhermandibles.“Whydoyoucare?You’reabouttodie.”

“Well,yes,”Annabethsaid.“Butthewayyoucapturedthelightisamazing.Didyouuserealgoldenthreadforthesunbeams?”

Theweavingtrulywasstunning.Annabethdidn’thavetopretendtobeimpressed.

Arachne allowed herself a smug smile. “No, child. Not gold. I blended the colors,contrasting bright yellow with darker hues. That’s what gives it a three-dimensionaleffect.”

“Beautiful.” Annabeth’s mind split into two different levels: one carrying on theconversation, the other madly grasping for a scheme to survive. Nothing came to her.Arachnehadbeenbeatenonlyonce—byAthenaherself,andthathadtakengodlymagicandincredibleskillinaweavingcontest.

“So…”shesaid.“Didyouseethissceneyourself?”

Arachne hissed, hermouth foaming in a not-very-attractiveway. “You are trying todelayyourdeath.Itwon’twork.”

“No,no,”Annabethinsisted.“Itjustseemsashamethatthesebeautifultapestriescan’tbeseenbyeveryone.Theybelonginamuseum,or…”

“Orwhat?”Arachneasked.

AcrazyideasprangfullyformedfromAnnabeth’smind,likehermomjumpingoutofZeus’snoggin.Butcouldshemakeitwork?

“Nothing.”Shesighedwistfully.“It’sasillythought.Toobad.”

Arachnescuttleddownthestatueuntilshewasperchedatopthegoddess’sshield.Evenfromthatdistance,Annabethcouldsmell thespider’sstink, likeanentirebakeryfullofpastrieslefttogobadforamonth.

“What?”thespiderpressed.“Whatsillythought?”

Annabethhadtoforceherselfnottobackaway.Brokenankleorno,everynerveinherbodypulsedwithfear,tellinghertogetawayfromthehugespiderhoveringoverher.

“Oh…it’sjustthatIwasputinchargeofredesigningMountOlympus,”shesaid.“Youknow,aftertheTitanWar.I’vecompletedmostofthework,butweneedalotofqualitypublicart.Thethroneroomofthegods,forinstance…Iwasthinkingyourworkwouldbeperfecttodisplaythere.TheOlympianscouldfinallyseehowtalentedyouare.AsIsaid,itwasasillythought.”

Arachne’shairyabdomenquivered.Herfoureyesglimmeredasifshehadaseparatethoughtbehindeachandwastryingtoweavethemintoacoherentweb.

“You’reredesigningMountOlympus,”shesaid.“Mywork…inthethroneroom.”

“Well,otherplacestoo,”Annabethsaid.“Themainpavilioncoulduseseveralofthese.ThatonewiththeGreeklandscape—theNineMuseswould love that.AndI’msure theother gods would be fighting over your work as well. They’d compete to have yourtapestriesintheirpalaces.Iguess,asidefromAthena,noneofthegodshaseverseenwhatyoucando?”

Arachnesnappedhermandibles.“Hardly.Intheolddays,Athenatoreupallmybestwork.Mytapestriesdepictedthegodsinratherunflatteringways,yousee.Yourmotherdidn’tappreciatethat.”

“Ratherhypocritical,”Annabeth said, “since thegodsmake funofeachotherall thetime.Ithinkthetrickwouldbetopitonegodagainstanother.Ares,forinstance,wouldloveatapestrymakingfunofmymother.He’salwaysresentedAthena.”

Arachne’s head tilted at an unnatural angle. “You would work against your ownmother?”

“I’m just telling youwhatAreswould like,”Annabeth said. “AndZeuswould lovesomething that made fun of Poseidon. Oh, I’m sure if the Olympians saw your work,they’drealizehowamazingyouare,andI’dhavetobrokerabiddingwar.Asforworkingagainstmymother,whyshouldn’tI?Shesentmeheretodie,didn’tshe?ThelasttimeIsawherinNewYork,shebasicallydisownedme.”

Annabeth told her the story. She shared her bitterness and sorrow, and itmust havesoundedgenuine.Thespiderdidnotpounce.

“ThisisAthena’snature,”Arachnehissed.“Shecastsasideevenherowndaughter.Thegoddesswouldneverallowmytapestriestobeshowninthepalacesofthegods.Shewasalwaysjealousofme.”

“Butimagineifyoucouldgetyourrevengeatlonglast.”

“Bykillingyou!”

“Isuppose.”Annabethscratchedherhead.“Or…bylettingmebeyouragent.IcouldgetyourworkintoMountOlympus.Icouldarrangeanexhibitionfortheothergods.Bythetimemymotherfoundout,itwouldbetoolate.TheOlympianswouldfinallyseethatyourworkisbetter.”

“Thenyouadmitit!”Arachnecried.“AdaughterofAthenaadmitsIambetter!Oh,thisissweettomyears.”

“Butalotofgooditdoesyou,”Annabethpointedout.“IfIdiedownhere,yougoonliving in the dark. Gaea destroys the gods, and they never realize you were the betterweaver.”

Thespiderhissed.

Annabeth was afraid her mother might suddenly appear and curse her with someterrible affliction. The first lesson every child ofAthena learned:Momwas the best ateverything,andyoushouldnever,eversuggestotherwise.

Butnothingbadhappened.MaybeAthenaunderstoodthatAnnabethwasonlysayingthesethingstosaveherlife.OrmaybeAthenawasinsuchinbadshape,splitbetweenherGreekandRomanpersonalities,thatshewasn’tevenpayingattention.

“Thiswillnotdo,”Arachnegrumbled.“Icannotallowit.”

“Well…”Annabethshifted,tryingtokeepherweightoffherthrobbingankle.Anewcrackappearedinthefloor,andshehobbledback.

“Careful!” Arachne snapped. “The foundations of this shrine have been eaten awayoverthecenturies!”

Annabeth’sheartbeatfaltered.“Eatenaway?”

“Youhaveno ideahowmuchhatredboilsbeneathus,” thespidersaid.“Thespitefulthoughts of somanymonsters trying to reach theAthenaParthenos and destroy it.Mywebbingistheonlythingholdingtheroomtogether,girl!Onefalsestep,andyou’llfallallthewaytoTartarus—andbelieveme,unliketheDoorsofDeath,thiswouldbeaone-way

trip, a very hard fall! I will not have you dying before you tell me your plan for myartwork.”

Annabeth’smouthtastedlikerust.AllthewaytoTartarus?Shetriedtostayfocused,butitwasn’teasyasshelistenedtothefloorcreakandcrack,spillingrubbleintothevoidbelow.

“Right, theplan,”Annabeth said. “Um…as I said, I’d love to takeyour tapestries toOlympusandhangthemeverywhere.YoucouldrubyourcraftsmanshipinAthena’snoseforalleternity.ButtheonlywayIcoulddothat…No.It’stoodifficult.Youmightaswellgoaheadandkillme.”

“No!”Arachne cried. “That is unacceptable. It no longer bringsme any pleasure tocontemplate.ImusthavemyworkonMountOlympus!WhatmustIdo?”

Annabeth shook her head. “Sorry, I shouldn’t have said anything. Just pushme intoTartarusorsomething.”

“Irefuse!”

“Don’tberidiculous.Killme.”

“Idonottakeordersfromyou!TellmewhatImustdo!Or…or—”

“Oryou’llkillme?”

“Yes!No!”Thespiderpressedherfrontlegsagainstherhead.“ImustshowmyworkonMountOlympus.”

Annabethtriedtocontainherexcitement.Herplanmightactuallywork…butshestillhadtoconvinceArachnetodosomethingimpossible.SherememberedsomegoodadviceFrankZhanghadgivenher:Keepitsimple.

“IsupposeIcouldpullafewstrings,”sheconceded.

“Iexcelatpullingstrings!”saidArachne.“I’maspider!”

“Yes,buttogetyourworkshownonMountOlympus,we’dneedaproperaudition.I’dhavetopitchtheidea,submitaproposal,puttogetheraportfolio.Hmm…doyouhaveanyheadshots?”

“Headshots?”

“Glossyblack-and-white…Oh,nevermind.Theauditionpiece is themost importantthing.Thesetapestriesareexcellent.Butthegodswouldrequiresomethingreallyspecial—somethingthatshowsoffyourtalentintheextreme.”

Arachne snarled. “Are you suggesting that these are not my best work? Are you

challengingmetoacontest?”

“Oh,no!”Annabethlaughed.“Againstme?Gosh,no.Youaremuchtoogood.Itwouldonlybe a contest againstyourself, to see if you really havewhat it takes to showyourworkonMountOlympus.”

“OfcourseIdo!”

“Well,Icertainlythinkso.Buttheaudition,youknow…it’saformality.I’mafraiditwouldbeverydifficult.Areyousureyoudon’tjustwanttokillme?”

“Stopsayingthat!”Arachnescreeched.“WhatmustImake?”

“I’llshowyou.”Annabethunslungherbackpack.ShetookoutDaedalus’slaptopandopenedit.Thedeltalogoglowedinthedark.

“Whatisthat?”Arachneasked.“Somesortofloom?”

“Inaway,”Annabethsaid.“It’sforweavingideas.Itholdsadiagramoftheartworkyouwouldbuild.”

Her fingers trembledon thekeyboard.Arachne loweredherself topeerdirectlyoverAnnabeth’s shoulder.Annabethcouldn’thelp thinkinghoweasily thoseneedlelike teethcouldsinkintoherneck.

She opened her 3-D imaging program. Her last design was still up—the key toAnnabeth’splan,inspiredbythemostunlikelymuseever:FrankZhang.

Annabethdidsomequickcalculations.Sheincreasedthedimensionsofthemodel,thenshowed Arachne how it could be created—strands of material woven into strips, thenbraidedintoalongcylinder.

Thegoldenlightfromthescreenilluminatedthespider’sface.“Youwantmetomakethat?Butthisisnothing!Sosmallandsimple!”

“The actual size would be much bigger,” Annabeth cautioned. “You see thesemeasurements?Naturallyitmustbelargeenoughtoimpressthegods.Itmaylooksimple,butthestructurehasincredibleproperties.Yourspidersilkwouldbetheperfectmaterial—softandflexible,yethardassteel.”

“Isee…”Arachnefrowned.“Butthisisn’tevenatapestry.”

“That’s why it’s a challenge. It’s outside your comfort zone. A piece like this—anabstractsculpture—iswhatthegodsarelookingfor.ItwouldstandintheentryhalloftheOlympianthroneroomforeveryvisitortosee.Youwouldbefamousforever!”

Arachnemadeadiscontentedhuminherthroat.Annabethcouldtellshewasn’tgoing

fortheidea.Herhandsstartedtofeelcoldandsweaty.

“Thiswouldtakeagreatdealofweb,”thespidercomplained.“MorethanIcouldmakeinayear.”

Annabeth had been hoping for that. She’d calculated themass and size accordingly.“You’dneedtounravelthestatue,”shesaid.“Reusethesilk.”

Arachneseemedabouttoobject,butAnnabethwavedat theAthenaParthenoslikeitwasnothing.“What’smoreimportant—coveringthatoldstatueorprovingyourartworkisthe best? Of course, you’d have to be incredibly careful. You’d need to leave enoughwebbingtoholdtheroomtogether.Andifyouthinkit’stoodifficult—”

“Ididn’tsaythat!”

“Okay.It’sjust…Athenasaidthatcreatingthisbraidedstructurewouldbeimpossibleforanyweaver,evenher.Soifyoudon’tthinkyoucan—”

“Athenasaidthat?”

“Well,yeah.”

“Ridiculous!Icandoit!”

“Great!Butyou’dneedtostartrightaway,beforetheOlympianschooseanotherartistfortheirinstallations.”

Arachnegrowled.“Ifyouaretrickingme,girl—”

“You’llhavemerighthereasahostage,”Annabethremindedher.“It’snotlikeIcangoanywhere.Oncethissculpture iscomplete,you’llagreethat it’s themostamazingpieceyou’veeverdone.Ifnot,Iwillgladlydie.”

Arachnehesitated.Herbarbedlegsweresoclose,shecould’veimpaledAnnabethwithaquickswipe.

“Fine,”thespidersaid.“Onelastchallenge—againstmyself!”

ArachneclimbedherwebandbegantounraveltheAthenaParthenos.

ANNABETHLOSTTRACKOFTIME.

Shecouldfeeltheambrosiashe’deatenearlierstartingtorepairherleg,butitstillhurtso badly that the pain throbbed right up to her neck.All along thewalls, small spidersscuttledinthedarkness,asifawaitingtheirmistress’sorders.Thousandsofthemrustledbehindthetapestries,makingthewovenscenesmovelikewind.

Annabethsatonthecrumblingfloorandtriedtopreserveherstrength.WhileArachnewasn’twatching,sheattemptedtogetsomesortofsignalonDaedalus’slaptoptocontacther friends, but of course she had no luck. That left her nothing to do but watch inamazement and horror asArachneworked, her eight legsmovingwith hypnotic speed,slowlyunravelingthesilkstrandsaroundthestatue.

With its golden clothes and its luminous ivory face, theAthenaParthenoswas evenscarier thanArachne. It gazeddown sternly as if to say,Bringme tasty snacks or else.AnnabethcouldimaginebeinganAncientGreek,walkingintotheParthenonandseeingthismassivegoddesswithhershield,spear,andpython,herfreehandholdingoutNike,thewingedspiritofvictory. Itwould’vebeenenough toputakink in thechitonofanymortal.

More than that, the statue radiatedpower.AsAthenawasunwrapped, theair aroundhergrewwarmer.Herivoryskinglowedwithlife.Allacrosstheroom,thesmallerspidersbecameagitatedandbeganretreatingbackintothehallway.

Annabeth guessed that Arachne’s webs had somehow masked and dampened thestatue’smagic.Nowthatitwasfree,theAthenaParthenosfilledthechamberwithmagicalenergy.Centuriesofmortalprayersandburntofferingshadbeenmadeit itspresence.ItwasinfusedwiththepowerofAthena.

Arachnedidn’tseemtonotice.Shekeptmutteringtoherself,countingoutyardsofsilkandcalculatingthenumberofstrandsherprojectwouldrequire.Whenevershehesitated,AnnabethcalledoutencouragementandremindedherhowwonderfulhertapestrieswouldlookonMountOlympus.

ThestatuegrewsowarmandbrightthatAnnabethcouldseemoredetailsoftheshrine—theRomanmasonry that had probably once been gleamingwhite, the dark bones ofArachne’spastvictimsandmealshangingintheweb,andthemassivecablesofsilkthatconnected the floor to the ceiling.Annabeth now saw just how fragile themarble tileswere under her feet. Theywere covered in a fine layer ofwebbing, likemesh holdingtogether a shatteredmirror.Whenever theAthenaParthenos shifted even slightly,morecracks spread andwidened along the floor. In some places, therewere holes as big asmanholecovers.Annabethalmostwisheditweredarkagain.Evenifherplansucceededand she defeatedArachne, shewasn’t sure how she couldmake it out of this chamberalive.

“Somuchsilk,”Arachnemuttered.“Icouldmaketwentytapestries—”

“Keepgoing!”Annabethcalledup.“You’redoingawonderfuljob.”

Thespiderkeptworking.Afterwhatseemedlikeforever,amountainofglisteningsilkwaspiledat thefeetof thestatue.Thewallsof thechamberwerestillcoveredinwebs.The support cables holding the room together hadn’t been disturbed. But the AthenaParthenoswasfree.

Pleasewakeup,Annabethbeggedthestatue.Mother,helpme.

Nothinghappened,butthecracksseemedtobespreadingacrossthefloormorerapidly.AccordingtoArachne,themaliciousthoughtsofmonstershadeatenawayattheshrine’sfoundationsforcenturies.Ifthatwastrue,nowthatitwasfreetheAthenaParthenosmightbeattractingevenmoreattentionfromthemonstersinTartarus.

“Thedesign,”Annabethsaid.“Youshouldhurry.”

She lifted the computer screen for Arachne to see, but the spider snapped, “I’vememorizedit,child.Ihaveanartist’seyefordetail.”

“Ofcourseyoudo.Butweshouldhurry.”

“Why?”

“Well…sowecanintroduceyourworktotheworld!”

“Hmm.Verywell.”

Arachne began to weave. It was slowwork, turning silk strands into long strips of

cloth.Thechamberrumbled.ThecracksatAnnabeth’sfeetbecamewider.

IfArachnenoticed, she didn’t seem to care.Annabeth considered trying to push thespiderintothepitsomehow,butshedismissedtheidea.Therewasn’tabigenoughhole,andbesides,ifthefloorgaveway,Arachnecouldprobablyhangfromhersilkandescape,whileAnnabethandtheancientstatuewouldtumbleintoTartarus.

Slowly,Arachne finished the long strips of silk andbraided them together.Her skillwas flawless.Annabethcouldn’thelpbeing impressed.She feltanother flickerofdoubtaboutherownmother.WhatifArachnewasabetterweaverthanAthena?

ButArachne’s skill wasn’t the point. She had been punished for being prideful andrude.Nomatterhowamazingyouwere,youcouldn’tgoaroundinsultingthegods.TheOlympians were a reminder that there was always someone better than you, so youshouldn’tgetabighead.Still…beingturnedintoamonstrousimmortalspiderseemedlikeaprettyharshpunishmentforbragging.

Arachneworkedmorequickly,bringing thestrands together.Soon, the structurewasdone.Atthefeetofthestatuelayabraidedcylinderofsilkstrips,fivefeetindiameterandten feet long. The surface glistened like abalone shell, but it didn’t seem beautiful toAnnabeth.Itwasjustfunctional:atrap.Itwouldonlybebeautifulifitworked.

Arachneturnedtoherwithahungrysmile.“Done!Now,myreward!Provetomethatyoucandeliveronyourpromises.”

Annabethstudiedthetrap.Shefrownedandwalkedaroundit,inspectingtheweavingfromeveryangle.Then,carefulofherbadankle,shegotdownonhandsandkneesandcrawledinside.She’ddonethemeasurementsinherhead.Ifshe’dgottenthemwrong,herplanwasdoomed.But sheslipped through thesilken tunnelwithout touching thesides.Thewebbingwassticky,butnotimpossiblyso.Shecrawledouttheotherendandshookherhead.

“There’saflaw,”shesaid.

“What?!”Arachnecried.“Impossible!Ifollowedyourinstructions—”

“Inside,”Annabethsaid.“Crawlinandseeforyourself.It’srightinthemiddle—aflawintheweaving.”

Arachne foamed at themouth.Annabethwas afraid she’d pushed too hard, and thespiderwouldsnapherup.She’dbejustanothersetofbonesinthecobwebs.

Instead,Arachnestampedhereightlegspetulantly.“Idonotmakemistakes.”

“Oh,it’ssmall,”Annabethsaid.“Youcanprobablyfixit.ButIdon’twanttoshowthe

godsanythingbutyourbestwork.Look,goinsideandcheck.Ifyoucanfixit,thenwe’llshowit to theOlympians.You’llbethemostfamousartistofall time.They’llprobablyfire theNineMuses and hire you to oversee all the arts. The goddessArachne…yes, Iwouldn’tbesurprised.”

“Thegoddess…”Arachne’sbreathingturnedshallow.“Yes,yes.Iwillfixthisflaw.”

Shepokedherheadintothetunnel.“Whereisit?”

“Rightinthemiddle,”Annabethurged.“Goahead.Itmightbeabitsnugforyou.”

“I’mfine!”shesnapped,andwriggledin.

AsAnnabethhadhoped,thespider’sabdomenfit,butonlybarely.Asshepushedherwayin,thebraidedstripsofsilkexpandedtoaccommodateher.Arachnegotallthewayuptoherspinnerets.

“Iseenoflaw!”sheannounced.

“Really?”Annabethasked.“Well,that’sodd.ComeoutandI’lltakeanotherlook.”

Momentof truth.Arachnewriggled, trying tobackup.Thewoven tunnelcontractedaroundherandheldherfast.Shetriedtowriggleforward,butthetrapwasalreadystucktoherabdomen.Shecouldn’tget throughthatwayeither.Annabethhadbeenafraid thespider’sbarbed legsmightpuncture the silk,butArachne’s legswerepressed so tightlyagainstherbodyshecouldbarelymovethem.

“What—whatisthis?”shecalled.“Iamstuck!”

“Ah,” Annabeth said. “I forgot to tell you. This piece of art is called ChineseHandcuffs.Atleast,it’salargervariationonthatidea.IcallitChineseSpidercuffs.”

“Treachery!”Arachnethrashedandrolledandsquirmed,butthetrapheldhertight.

“Itwasamatterof survival,”Annabethcorrected.“Youweregoing tokillmeeitherway,whetherIhelpedyouornot,yes?”

“Well,ofcourse!You’reachildofAthena.”Thetrapwentstill.“Imean…no,ofcoursenot!Irespectmypromises.”

“Uh-huh.” Annabeth stepped back as the braided cylinder began to thrash again.“Normallythesetrapsaremadefromwovenbamboo,butspidersilkisevenbetter.Itwillholdyoufast,andit’smuchtoostrongtobreak—evenforyou.”

“Gahhhh!”Arachne rolled andwriggled, butAnnabethmoved out of theway.Evenwithherbrokenankle,shecouldmanagetoavoidagiantsilkfingertrap.

“Iwilldestroyyou!”Arachnepromised.“Imean…no,I’llbeverynicetoyouifyoulet

meout.”

“I’dsavemyenergyifIwereyou.”Annabethtookadeepbreath,relaxingforthefirsttimeinhours.“I’mgoingtocallmyfriends.”

“You—you’regoingtocallthemaboutmyartwork?”Arachneaskedhopefully.

Annabethscannedtheroom.TherehadtobeawaytosendanIris-messagetotheArgoII.Shehadsomewaterleftinherbottle,buthowtocreateenoughlightandmisttomakearainbowinadarkcavern?

Arachne began to roll around again. “You’re calling your friends to kill me!” sheshrieked.“Iwillnotdie!Notlikethis!”

“Calmdown,”Annabethsaid.“We’llletyoulive.Wejustwantthestatue.”

“Thestatue?”

“Yes.” Annabeth should’ve left it at that, but her fear was turning to anger andresentment.“TheartworkthatI’lldisplaymostprominentlyonMountOlympus?Itwon’tbeyours.TheAthenaParthenosbelongsthere—rightinthecentralparkofthegods.”

“No!No,that’shorrible!”

“Oh,itwon’thappenrightaway,”Annabethsaid.“Firstwe’lltakethestatuewithustoGreece.Aprophecytoldusithasthepowertohelpdefeatthegiants.Afterthat…well,wecan’tsimplyrestoreittotheParthenon.Thatwouldraisetoomanyquestions.It’llbesaferinMountOlympus.ItwillunitethechildrenofAthenaandbringpeacetotheRomansandGreeks. Thanks for keeping it safe all these centuries. You’ve done Athena a greatservice.”

Arachnescreamedandflailed.Astrandofsilkshotfromthemonster’sspinneretsandattacheditselftoatapestryonthefarwall.Arachnecontractedherabdomenandblindlyripped away the weaving. She continued to roll, shooting silk randomly, pulling overbraziers ofmagic fire and ripping tiles out of the floor.The chamber shook.Tapestriesbegantoburn.

“Stopthat!”Annabethtriedtohobbleoutofthewayofthespider’ssilk.“You’llbringdownthewholecavernandkillusboth!”

“Betterthanseeingyouwin!”Arachnecried.“Mychildren!Helpme!”

Oh, great. Annabeth had hoped the statue’s magic aura would keep away the littlespiders, butArachne continued shrieking, imploring them tohelp.Annabeth consideredkillingthespiderwomantoshutherup.Itwouldbeeasy touseherknifenow.Butshehesitated to kill any monster when it was so helpless, even Arachne. Besides, if she

stabbed through thebraided silk, the trapmight unravel. ItwaspossibleArachne couldbreakfreebeforeAnnabethcouldfinishheroff.

Allthesethoughtscametoolate.Spidersbeganswarmingintothechamber.ThestatueofAthenaglowedbrighter.The spiders clearlydidn’twant to approach,but theyedgedforward as if gathering their courage.Theirmotherwas screaming for help.Eventuallytheywouldpourin,overwhelmingAnnabeth.

“Arachne,stopit!”sheyelled.“I’ll—”

SomehowArachne twisted in her prison, pointingher abdomen toward the soundofAnnabeth’svoice.Astrandofsilkhitherinthechestlikeaheavyweight’sglove.

Annabeth fell, her leg flaringwithpain.She slashedwildly at thewebbingwithherdaggerasArachnepulledhertowardhersnappingspinnerets.

Annabethmanagedtocutthestrandandcrawlaway,butthelittlespiderswereclosingaroundher.

Sherealizedherbesteffortshadnotbeenenough.Shewouldn’tmake itoutofhere.Arachne’schildrenwouldkillheratthefeetofhermother’sstatue.

Percy,shethought,I’msorry.

At thatmoment, the chamber groaned, and the cavern ceiling exploded in a blast offierylight.

ANNABETHHADSEENSOMESTRANGETHINGSBEFORE,butshe’dneverseenitraincars.

Astheroofofthecaverncollapsed,sunlightblindedher.Shegotthebriefestglimpseof theArgo II hovering above. It must have used its ballistae to blast a hole straightthroughtheground.

Chunksofasphaltasbigasgaragedoorstumbleddown,alongwithsixorsevenItaliancars.Onewould’vecrushedtheAthenaParthenos,butthestatue’sglowingauraactedlikeaforcefield,andthecarbouncedoff.Unfortunately,itfellstraighttowardAnnabeth.

Shejumpedtooneside,twistingherbadfoot.Awaveofagonyalmostmadeherpassout,butsheflippedonherbackintimetoseeabrightredFiat500slamintoArachne’ssilk trap, punching through the cavern floor and disappearing with the ChineseSpidercuffs.

AsArachnefell,shescreamedlikeafreighttrainonacollisioncourse;butherwailingrapidly faded.All aroundAnnabeth,more chunks of debris slammed through the floor,riddlingitwithholes.

TheAthenaParthenosremainedundamaged,thoughthemarbleunderitspedestalwasastarburstoffractures.Annabethwascoveredincobwebs.Shetrailedstrandsofleftoverspider silk from her arms and legs like the strings of a marionette, but somehow,amazingly, none of the debris had hit her. She wanted to believe that the statue hadprotectedher,thoughshesuspecteditmight’vebeennothingbutluck.

Thearmyofspidershaddisappeared.Either theyhad fledback into thedarkness,orthey’d fallen into thechasm.Asdaylight flooded thecavern,Arachne’s tapestriesalongthewallscrumbled todust,whichAnnabethcouldhardlybear towatch—especially thetapestrydepictingherandPercy.

ButnoneofthatmatteredwhensheheardPercy’svoicefromabove:“Annabeth!”

“Here!”shesobbed.

Alltheterrorseemedtoleaveherinonemassiveyelp.AstheArgoIIdescended,shesawPercyleaningovertherail.Hissmilewasbetterthananytapestryshe’deverseen.

Theroomkeptshaking,butAnnabethmanagedtostand.Theflooratherfeetseemedstable for the moment. Her backpack was missing, along with Daedalus’s laptop. Herbronzeknife,whichshe’dhadsinceshewasseven,wasalsogone—probablyfallenintothepit.ButAnnabethdidn’tcare.Shewasalive.

SheedgedclosertothegapingholemadebytheFiat500.Jaggedrockwallsplungedinto the darkness as far asAnnabeth could see.A few small ledges jutted out here andthere, butAnnabeth sawnothing on them—just strands of spider silk dripping over thesideslikeChristmastinsel.

Annabeth wondered if Arachne had told the truth about the chasm. Had the spiderfallenallthewaytoTartarus?Shetriedtofeelsatisfiedwiththatidea,butitmadehersad.Arachnehadmadesomebeautiful things.She’dalreadysufferedforeons.Nowher lasttapestrieshadcrumbled.Afterallthat,fallingintoTartarusseemedliketooharshanend.

AnnabethwasdimlyawareoftheArgoIIhoveringtoastopaboutfortyfeetfromthefloor. It lowereda rope ladder, butAnnabeth stood in adaze, staring into thedarkness.ThensuddenlyPercywasnexttoher,lacinghisfingersinhers.

Heturnedhergentlyawayfromthepitandwrappedhisarmsaroundher.Sheburiedherfaceinhischestandbrokedownintears.

“It’sokay,”hesaid.“We’retogether.”

Hedidn’tsayyou’reokay,orwe’realive.Afterall they’dbeen throughover the lastyear, heknew themost important thingwas that theywere together.She lovedhim forsayingthat.

Their friends gathered around them. Nico di Angelo was there, but Annabeth’sthoughtswere so fuzzy, this didn’t seem surprising to her. It seemed only right that hewouldbewiththem.

“Your leg.” Piper knelt next to her and examined the Bubble Wrap cast. “Oh,Annabeth,whathappened?”

She started to explain.Talkingwasdifficult, but as shewent along, herwords camemore easily. Percy didn’t let go of her hand,which alsomade her feelmore confident.Whenshefinished,herfriends’faceswereslackwithamazement.

“GodsofOlympus,”Jasonsaid.“Youdidallthatalone.Withabrokenankle.”

“Well…someofitwithabrokenankle.”

Percygrinned.“YoumadeArachneweaveherowntrap?Iknewyouweregood,butHolyHera—Annabeth,youdidit.GenerationsofAthenakidstriedandfailed.YoufoundtheAthenaParthenos!”

Everyonegazedatthestatue.

“Whatdowedowithher?”Frankasked.“She’shuge.”

“We’ll have to takeherwithus toGreece,”Annabeth said. “The statue is powerful.Somethingaboutitwillhelpusstopthegiants.”

“Thegiants’banestandsgoldandpale,”Hazelquoted.“Wonwithpainfromawovenjail.”ShelookedatAnnabethwithadmiration.“ItwasArachne’sjail.Youtrickedherintoweavingit.”

Withalotofpain,Annabeththought.

Leoraisedhishands.HemadeafingerpictureframearoundtheAthenaParthenoslikehewastakingmeasurements.“Well,itmighttakesomerearranging,butIthinkwecanfitherthroughthebaydoorsinthestable.Ifshesticksouttheend,Imighthavetowrapaflagaroundherfeetorsomething.”

Annabeth shuddered. She imagined the Athena Parthenos jutting from their triremewithasignacrossherpedestalthatread:WIDELOAD.

Thenshethoughtabouttheotherlinesoftheprophecy:Thetwinssnuffouttheangel’sbreath,whoholdsthekeystoendlessdeath.

“Whataboutyouguys?”sheasked.“Whathappenedwiththegiants?”

PercytoldheraboutrescuingNico,theappearanceofBacchus,andthefightwiththetwins in the Colosseum. Nico didn’t say much. The poor guy looked like he’d beenwanderingthroughawastelandforsixweeks.PercyexplainedwhatNicohadfoundoutabouttheDoorsofDeath,andhowtheyhadtobeclosedonbothsides.Evenwithsunlightstreaminginfromabove,Percy’snewsmadethecavernseemdarkagain.

“SothemortalsideisinEpirus,”shesaid.“Atleastthat’ssomewherewecanreach.”

Nicogrimaced.“Buttheothersideistheproblem.Tartarus.”

Theword seemed to echo through the chamber.Thepit behind themexhaled a coldblastofair.That’swhenAnnabethknewwithcertainty.ThechasmdidgostraighttotheUnderworld.

Percymusthavefeltittoo.Heguidedheralittlefartherfromtheedge.Herarmsandlegstrailedspidersilklikeabridaltrain.Shewishedshehadherdaggertocutthatjunkoff.ShealmostaskedPercytodothehonorswithRiptide,butbeforeshecould,hesaid,“BacchusmentionedsomethingaboutmyvoyagebeingharderthanIexpected.Notsurewhy—”

Thechambergroaned.TheAthenaParthenostiltedtooneside.ItsheadcaughtononeofArachne’ssupportcables,butthemarblefoundationunderthepedestalwascrumbling.

Nausea swelled in Annabeth’s chest. If the statue fell into the chasm, all her workwouldbefornothing.Theirquestwouldfail.

“Secureit!”Annabethcried.

Herfriendsunderstoodimmediately.

“Zhang!”Leocried.“Getmetothehelm,quick!Thecoachisuptherealone.”

Franktransformedintoagianteagle,andthetwoofthemsoaredtowardtheship.

JasonwrappedhisarmaroundPiper.HeturnedtoPercy.“Backforyouguysinasec.”Hesummonedthewindandshotintotheair.

“Thisfloorwon’tlast!”Hazelwarned.“Therestofusshouldgettotheladder.”

Plumesofdustandcobwebsblastedfromholesinthefloor.Thespider’ssilksupportcablestrembledlikemassiveguitarstringsandbegantosnap.HazellungedforthebottomoftheropeladderandgesturedforNicotofollow,butNicowasinnoconditiontosprint.

PercygrippedAnnabeth’shandtighter.“It’llbefine,”hemuttered.

Lookingup,shesawgrapplinglinesshootfromtheArgoIIandwraparoundthestatue.OnelassoedAthena’snecklikeanoose.LeoshoutedordersfromthehelmasJasonandFrankflewfranticallyfromlinetoline,tryingtosecurethem.

Nicohad just reached the ladderwhenasharppainshotupAnnabeth’sbad leg.Shegaspedandstumbled.

“Whatisit?”Percyasked.

She tried to stagger toward the ladder.Whywas shemovingbackward instead?Herlegssweptoutfromunderherandshefellonherface.

“Herankle!”Hazelshoutedfromtheladder.“Cutit!Cutit!”

Annabeth’smindwaswoollyfromthepain.Cutherankle?

Apparently Percy didn’t realize what Hazel meant either. Then something yankedAnnabethbackwardanddraggedher toward thepit.Percy lunged.Hegrabbedherarm,

butthemomentumcarriedhimalongaswell.

“Helpthem!”Hazelyelled.

Annabeth glimpsedNico hobbling in their direction,Hazel trying to disentangle hercavalrysword fromthe rope ladder.Theirother friendswerestill focusedon thestatue,andHazel’scrywaslostinthegeneralshoutingandtherumblingofthecavern.

Annabethsobbedasshehittheedgeofthepit.Herlegswentovertheside.Toolate,sherealizedwhatwashappening:shewastangledinthespidersilk.Sheshouldhavecutitawayimmediately.Shehadthoughtitwasjustlooseline,butwiththeentirefloorcoveredincobwebs,shehadn’tnoticedthatoneofthestrandswaswrappedaroundherfoot—andtheotherendwentstraight into thepit. Itwasattached tosomethingheavydownin thedarkness,somethingthatwaspullingherin.

“No,”Percymuttered,lightdawninginhiseyes.“Mysword…”

Buthe couldn’t reachRiptidewithout lettinggoofAnnabeth’s arm, andAnnabeth’sstrengthwasgone.Sheslippedovertheedge.Percyfellwithher.

Herbodyslammedintosomething.Shemusthaveblackedoutbrieflyfromthepain.When she could see again, she realized that she’d fallen partway into the pit and wasdanglingoverthevoid.Percyhadmanagedtograbaledgeaboutfifteenfeetbelowthetopofthechasm.Hewasholdingonwithonehand,grippingAnnabeth’swristwiththeother,butthepullonherlegwasmuchtoostrong.

Noescape,saidavoiceinthedarknessbelow.IgotoTartarus,andyouwillcometoo.

Annabethwasn’tsureifsheactuallyheardArachne’svoiceorifitwasjustinhermind.

The pit shook. Percy was the only thing keeping her from falling. He was barelyholdingontoaledgethesizeofabookshelf.

Nicoleanedovertheedgeofthechasm,thrustingouthishand,buthewasmuchtoofarawaytohelp.Hazelwasyellingfortheothers,buteveniftheyheardheroverallthechaos,they’dnevermakeitintime.

Annabeth’slegfeltlikeitwaspullingfreeofherbody.Painwashedeverythinginred.TheforceoftheUnderworldtuggedatherlikedarkgravity.Shedidn’thavethestrengthtofight.Sheknewshewastoofardowntobesaved.

“Percy,letmego,”shecroaked.“Youcan’tpullmeup.”

Hisfacewaswhitewitheffort.Shecouldseeinhiseyesthatheknewitwashopeless.

“Never,”hesaid.HelookedupatNico,fifteenfeetabove.“Theotherside,Nico!We’llseeyouthere.Understand?”

Nico’seyeswidened.“But—”

“Leadthemthere!”Percyshouted.“Promiseme!”

“I—Iwill.”

Belowthem,thevoicelaughedinthedarkness.Sacrifices.Beautifulsacrificestowakethegoddess.

PercytightenedhisgriponAnnabeth’swrist.Hisfacewasgaunt,scrapedandbloody,hishairdustedwithcobwebs,butwhenhelockedeyeswithher,shethoughthehadneverlookedmorehandsome.

“We’re staying together,” he promised. “You’re not getting away from me. Neveragain.”

Onlythendidsheunderstandwhatwouldhappen.Aone-waytrip.Averyhardfall.

“Aslongaswe’retogether,”shesaid.

SheheardNicoandHazelstillscreamingforhelp.Shesawthesunlightfar,farabove—maybethelastsunlightshewouldeversee.

ThenPercyletgoofhistinyledge,andtogether,holdinghands,heandAnnabethfellintotheendlessdarkness.

LEOWASSTILLINSHOCK.

Everythinghadhappenedsoquickly.Theyhadsecuredgrappling lines to theAthenaParthenosjustasthefloorgaveway,andthefinalcolumnsofwebbingsnapped.JasonandFrankdovedowntosavetheothers,butthey’donlyfoundNicoandHazelhangingfromtheropeladder.PercyandAnnabethweregone.ThepittoTartarushadbeenburiedunderseveraltonsofdebris.LeopulledtheArgoIIoutofthecavernsecondsbeforetheentireplaceimploded,takingtherestoftheparkinglotwithit.

TheArgoIIwasnowparkedonahilloverlookingthecity.Jason,Hazel,andFrankhadreturnedtothesceneofthecatastrophe,hopingtodigthroughtherubbleandfindawaytosave Percy and Annabeth, but they’d come back demoralized. The cavern was simplygone.Thescenewasswarmingwithpoliceandrescueworkers.Nomortalshadbeenhurt,but the Italianswould be scratching their heads formonths,wondering how amassivesinkholehadopenedrightinthemiddleofaparkinglotandswallowedadozenperfectlygoodcars.

Dazedwith grief,Leo and the others carefully loaded theAthenaParthenos into thehold, using the ship’s hydraulic winches with an assist from Frank Zhang, part-timeelephant.Thestatuejustfit,thoughwhattheyweregoingtodowithit,Leohadnoidea.

CoachHedgewastoomiserabletohelp.Hekeptpacingthedeckwithtearsinhiseyes,pullingathisgoateeand slapping the sideofhishead,muttering, “I shouldhave savedthem!Ishouldhaveblownupmorestuff!”

FinallyLeotoldhimtogobelowdecksandsecureeverythingfordeparture.Hewasn’tdoinganygoodbeatinghimselfup.

Thesixdemigodsgatheredonthequarterdeckandgazedatthedistantcolumnofduststillrisingfromthesiteoftheimplosion.

LeorestedhishandontheArchimedessphere,whichnowsatonthehelm,readytobeinstalled. He should have been excited. It was the biggest discovery of his life—evenbigger thanBunker 9. If he could decipherArchimedes’s scrolls, he could do amazingthings.Hehardlydaredtohope,buthemightevenbeabletobuildanewcontroldiskforacertaindragonfriendofhis.

Still,thepricehadbeentoohigh.

HecouldalmosthearNemesislaughing.Itoldyouwecoulddobusiness,LeoValdez.

He had opened the fortune cookie. He’d gotten the access code for the sphere andsavedFrankandHazel.ButthesacrificehadbeenPercyandAnnabeth.Leowassureofit.

“It’smyfault,”hesaidmiserably.

Theothersstaredathim.OnlyHazelseemedtounderstand.She’dbeenwithhimattheGreatSaltLake.

“No,”sheinsisted.“No,thisisGaea’sfault.Ithadnothingtodowithyou.”

Leo wanted to believe that, but he couldn’t. They’d started this voyage with Leomessingup,firingonNewRome.They’dendedinoldRomewithLeobreakingacookieandpayingapricemuchworsethananeye.

“Leo, listen tome.”Hazelgrippedhishand.“Iwon’tallowyou to take theblame. Icouldn’tbearthatafter—afterSammy…”

Shechokedup,butLeoknewwhatshemeant.Hisbisabuelohadblamedhimself forHazel’sdisappearance.Sammyhadlivedagoodlife,buthe’dgonetohisgravebelievingthathe’dspentacurseddiamondanddoomedthegirlheloved.

Leodidn’twant tomakeHazelmiserablealloveragain,but thiswasdifferent.Truesuccessrequiressacrifice.Leohadchosentobreakthatcookie.PercyandAnnabethhadfallenintoTartarus.Thatcouldn’tbeacoincidence.

NicodiAngelo shuffledover, leaningonhisblacksword.“Leo, they’renotdead. Iftheywere,Icouldfeelit.”

“Howcanyoubesure?”Leoasked.“Ifthatpitreallyledto…youknow…howcouldyousensethemsofaraway?”

Nico and Hazel shared a look, maybe comparing notes on their Hades/Pluto deathradar.Leoshivered.Hazelhadneverseemedlikeachildof theUnderworld tohim,butNicodiAngelo—thatguywascreepy.

“We can’t be one hundredpercent sure,”Hazel admitted. “But I thinkNico is right.PercyandAnnabetharestillalive…atleast,sofar.”

Jasonpoundedhisfistagainsttherail.“Ishould’vebeenpayingattention.Icouldhaveflowndownandsavedthem.”

“Me,too,”Frankmoaned.Thebigdudelookedonthevergeoftears.

PiperputherhandonJason’sback.“It’snotyourfault,eitherofyou.Youweretryingtosavethestatue.”

“She’sright,”Nicosaid.“Evenifthepithadn’tbeenburied,youcouldn’thaveflownintoitwithoutbeingpulleddown.I’mtheonlyonewhohasactuallybeenintoTartarus.It’simpossibletodescribehowpowerfulthatplaceis.Onceyougetclose,itsucksyouin.Ineverstoodachance.”

Franksniffled.“ThenPercyandAnnabethdon’tstandachanceeither?”

Nicotwistedhissilverskullring.“PercyisthemostpowerfuldemigodI’veevermet.Nooffensetoyouguys,butit’strue.Ifanybodycansurvive,hewill,especiallyifhe’sgotAnnabethathisside.They’regoingtofindawaythroughTartarus.”

Jason turned. “To the Doors of Death, you mean. But you told us it’s guarded byGaea’smostpowerfulforces.Howcouldtwodemigodspossibly—?”

“Idon’tknow,”Nicoadmitted.“ButPercytoldmetoleadyouguystoEpirus,tothemortal side of the doorway. He’s planning onmeeting us there. If we can survive theHouseofHades,fightourwaythroughGaea’sforces,thenmaybewecanworktogetherwithPercyandAnnabethandsealtheDoorsofDeathfrombothsides.”

“AndgetPercyandAnnabethbacksafely?”Leoasked.

“Maybe.”

Leodidn’tlikethewayNicosaidthat,asifhewasn’tsharingallhisdoubts.Besides,Leoknew something about locks anddoors. If theDoorsofDeathneeded tobe sealedfrom both sides, how could they do that unless someone stayed in the Underworld,trapped?

Nicotookadeepbreath.“Idon’tknowhowthey’llmanageit,butPercyandAnnabethwillfindaway.They’lljourneythroughTartarusandfindtheDoorsofDeath.Whentheydo,wehavetobeready.”

“Itwon’tbeeasy,”Hazelsaid.“Gaeawillthroweverythingshe’sgotatustokeepusfromreachingEpirus.”

“Whatelseisnew?”Jasonsighed.

Pipernodded.“We’vegotnochoice.WehavetosealtheDoorsofDeathbeforewecanstopthegiantsfromraisingGaea.Otherwiseherarmieswillneverdie.Andwe’vegottohurry.TheRomansareinNewYork.Soon,they’llbemarchingonCampHalf-Blood.”

“We’vegotonemonthatbest,” Jasonadded. “Ephialtes saidGaeawouldawaken inexactlyonemonth.”

Leostraightened.“Wecandoit.”

Everyonestaredathim.

“TheArchimedes sphere can upgrade the ship,” he said, hoping he was right. “I’mgoingtostudythoseancientscrollswegot.There’sgottobeallkindsofnewweaponsIcanmake.We’regoingtohitGaea’sarmieswithawholenewarsenalofhurt.”

Attheprowoftheship,Festuscreakedhisjawandblewfiredefiantly.

Jasonmanagedasmile.HeclappedLeoontheshoulder.

“Soundslikeaplan,Admiral.Youwanttosetthecourse?”

Theykiddedhim,callinghimAdmiral,butforonceLeoacceptedthetitle.Thiswashisship.Hehadn’tcomethisfartobestopped.

Theywould find thisHouse ofHades.They’d take theDoors ofDeath.Andby thegods,ifLeohadtodesignagrabberarmlongenoughtosnatchPercyandAnnabethoutofTartarus,thenthat’swhathewoulddo.

NemesiswantedhimtowreakvengeanceonGaea?Leowouldbehappytooblige.HewasgoingtomakeGaeasorryshehadevermessedwithLeoValdez.

“Yeah.”HetookonelastlookatthecityscapeofRome,turningbloodredinthesunset.“Festus,raisethesails.We’vegotsomefriendstosave.”

Glossary alpha, theta, epsilon. In Greek it stands for of the Athenians, or the children of

Athena.

Achelousapotamus,orrivergod

AlcyoneustheeldestofthegiantsborntoGaea,destinedtofightPluto

Amazonsanationofall-femalewarriors

AphroditetheGreekgoddessofloveandbeauty.ShewasmarriedtoHephaestus,butshelovedAres,thegodofwar.Romanform:Venus

Arachne a weaver who claimed to have skills superior to Athena’s. This angered thegoddess,whodestroyedArachne’stapestryandloom.Arachnehungherself,andAthenabroughtherbacktolifeasaspider.

Archimedes aGreekmathematician, physicist, engineer, inventor, and astronomerwholived between 287 and 212 BCE and is regarded as one of the leading scientists inclassicalantiquity

ArestheGreekgodofwar;thesonofZeusandHera,andhalfbrothertoAthena.Romanform:Mars

argentumsilver

ArgoII the fantastical ship built by Leo,which can both sail and fly and has Festus’sbronze dragon head as its figurehead. The shipwas named after theArgo, the vesselusedbyabandofGreekheroeswhoaccompaniedJasononhisquesttofindtheGoldenFleece.

AthenatheGreekgoddessofwisdom.Romanform:Minerva

AthenaParthenosagiantstatueofAthena:themostfamousGreekstatueofalltime

auguryasignofsomethingcoming,anomen;thepracticeofdiviningthefuture

aurumgold

BacchustheRomangodofwineandrevelry.Greekform:Dionysus

ballista(ballistae,pl.)aRomanmissilesiegeweaponthatlaunchedalargeprojectileatadistanttarget(seealsoScorpionballista)

BellonaaRomangoddessofwar

CampHalf-BloodthetraininggroundforGreekdemigods,locatedonLongIsland,New

York

Camp Jupiter the training ground for Roman demigods, located between theOaklandHillsandtheBerkeleyHills,inCalifornia

Celestialbronzeararemetaldeadlytomonsters

centauraraceofcreaturesthatishalfhuman,halfhorse

centurionanofficeroftheRomanarmy

CerestheRomangoddessofagriculture.Greekform:Demeter

charmspeak a blessing bestowed by Aphrodite on her children that enables them topersuadeotherswiththeirvoice

chitonaGreekgarment;asleevelesspieceof linenorwoolsecuredat theshouldersbybroochesandatthewaistbyabelt

Chrysaor thebrotherofPegasus,thesonofPoseidonandMedusa;knownas“theGoldSword”

CirceaGreeksorceress.Inancienttimes,sheturnedOdysseus’screwintoswine.

Colosseum an elliptical amphitheater in the center of Rome, Italy. Capable of seating50,000 spectators, the Colosseum was used for gladiatorial contests and publicspectaclessuchasmockseabattles,animalhunts,executions,re-enactmentsoffamousbattles,anddramas.

cornucopia a large horn-shaped container overflowing with edibles or wealth in someform.ThecornucopiawascreatedwhenHeracles(Roman:Hercules)wrestledwiththerivergodAchelousandwrenchedoffoneofhishorns.

Cyclopsamemberofaprimordialraceofgiants(Cyclopes,pl.),eachwithasingleeyeinthemiddleofhisorherforehead

DaedalusinGreekmythology,askilledcraftsmanwhocreatedtheLabyrinthonCreteinwhichtheMinotaur(partman,partbull)waskept

DeianiraHeracles’ssecondwife.ShewasofsuchstrikingbeautythatbothHeraclesandAchelouswanted tomarry her and therewas a contest towin her hand. The centaurNessustrickedherintokillingHeraclesbydippinghistunicinwhatshethoughtwasalovepotionbutwasactuallyNessus’spoisonousblood.

Demeter theGreek goddess of agriculture, a daughter of the Titans Rhea andKronos.Romanform:Ceres

denarius(denarii,pl.)themostcommoncoinintheRomancurrencysystem

DionysustheGreekgodofwineandrevelry,asonofZeus.Romanform:Bacchus

DoorsofDeathawell-hiddenpassagewaythatwhenopenallowssoulstotravelfromtheUnderworldtotheworldofmortals

drachmathesilvercoinofAncientGreece

drakongiganticserpent

eidolonpossessingspirit

EphialtesandOtistwingiants,sonsofGaea

EpirusaregionpresentlyinnorthwesternGreeceandsouthernAlbania

EurystheusagrandsonofPerseus,who,throughthefavorofHera,inheritedthekingshipofMycenae,whichZeushadintendedforHeracles

faunaRomanforestgod,partgoatandpartman.Greekform:satyr

FortunatheRomangoddessoffortuneandgoodluck.Greekform:Tyche

Forum The Roman Forum was the center of ancient Rome, a plaza where Romansconductedbusiness,trials,andreligiousactivities.

Gaea theGreek earth goddess;mother ofTitans, giants,Cyclopes, and othermonsters.Romanform:Terra

gladiusashortsword

Gorgons threemonstrous sisters who have hair of living, venomous snakes. Themostfamous,Medusa,hadeyesthatturnedthebeholdertostone.

greavesshinarmor

Greekfireanincendiaryweaponusedinnavalbattlesbecauseitcancontinueburninginwater

HadestheGreekgodofdeathandriches.Romanform:Pluto

HadrianaRomanEmperorwhoruledfrom117to138CE.HeisbestknownforbuildingHadrian’sWall,whichmarkedthenorthernlimitofRomanBritain.InRome,herebuiltthePantheonandconstructedtheTempleofVenusandRoma.

HagnoanymphwhoissaidtohavebroughtupZeus.OnMountLycaeusinArcadiatherewasawellsacredtoandnamedafterher.

harpyawingedfemalecreaturethatsnatchesthings

Hebe the goddess of youth; the daughter of Zeus and Hera, and married to Heracles.Romanform:Juventas

HephaestustheGreekgodoffireandcraftsandofblacksmiths;thesonofZeusandHera,andmarriedtoAphrodite.Romanform:Vulcan

HeratheGreekgoddessofmarriage;Zeus’swifeandsister.Romanform:Juno

HeraclestheGreekequivalentofHercules;thesonofZeusandAlcmene;thestrongestofallmortals

Hercules theRoman equivalent ofHeracles; the son of Jupiter andAlcmene,whowasbornwithgreatstrength

hippocampicreaturesthatfromthewaistuphavethebodyofahorseandfromthewaistdownhavesilveryfishbodies,withglisteningscalesandrainbowtail fins.TheywereusedtodrawPoseidon’schariot,andseafoamwascreatedbytheirmovement.

hippodromeaGreekstadiumforhorseracingandchariotracing

HouseofHades an underground temple inEpirus,Greece, dedicated to theHades andPersephone, sometimes called a necromanteion, or “oracle of death.”AncientGreeksbelieved it marked one entrance to the Underworld, and pilgrims would go there tocommunewiththedead.

hypogeum the area under a coliseum that housed set pieces and machinery used forspecialeffects

ichthyocentaurafish-centaurdescribedashavingtheforefeetofahorse,ahumantorsoandhead,andafishtail.Itissometimesshownwithapairoflobster-clawhorns.

Imperialgoldararemetaldeadlytomonsters,consecratedatthePantheon;itsexistencewasacloselyguardedsecretoftheemperors

InvidiatheRomangoddessofrevenge.Greekform:Nemesis

Iris theGreek rainbowgoddessandamessengerof thegods; thedaughterofThaumasandElectra.Romanform:Iris

Juno the Roman goddess ofwomen,marriage, and fertility; sister andwife of Jupiter;motherofMars.Greekform:Hera

JupitertheRomankingofthegods;alsocalledJupiterOptimusMaximus(thebestandthegreatest).Greekform:Zeus

JuventastheRomangoddessofyouth.Greekform:Hebe

KalendsofJulythefirstdayofJuly,whichwassacredtoJuno

karpoigrainspirits

KatoptrisPiper’sdagger,onceownedbyHelenofTroy.Thewordmeans“lookingglass.”

Keto the Greek goddess of sea monsters and large sea creatures, such as whales andsharks.SheisthedaughterofGaeaandthesister-wifeofPhorcys,godofthedangersofthesea.

KhionetheGreekgoddessofsnow;daughterofBoreas

KronostheGreekgodofagriculture,thesonofUranusandGaeaandthefatherofZeus.Romanform:Saturn

Larahousegod,ancestralspiritofRome(Lares,pl.).

LupathesacredRomanshe-wolfthatnursedthefoundlingtwinsRomulusandRemus

Marcus Agrippa a Roman statesman and general; defense minister to Octavian, andresponsible for most of his military victories. He commissioned the Pantheon as atempletoallthegodsofAncientRome.

MareNostrumLatinforOurSea,wasaRomannamefortheMediterraneanSea

MarstheRomangodofwar;alsocalledMarsUltor.Patronoftheempire;divinefatherofRomulusandRemus.Greekform:Ares

MinervatheRomangoddessofwisdom.Greekform:Athena

Minotauramonsterwiththeheadofabullonthebodyofaman

Mistamagicforcethatdisguisesthingsfrommortals

MithrasOriginallyaPersiangodofthesun,MithraswasworshippedbyRomanwarriorsasaguardianofarmsandapatronofsoldiers.

muskegbog

NarcissusaGreekhunterwhowasrenownedforhisbeauty.Hewasexceptionallyproudanddisdainedthosewholovedhim.NemesissawthisandattractedNarcissustoapoolwhere he sawhis reflection in thewater and fell in lovewith it.Unable to leave thebeautyofhisreflection,Narcissusdied.

NemesistheGreekgoddessofrevenge.Romanform:Invidia

NeptunetheRomangodofthesea.Greekform:Poseidon

Nereids fifty female sea spirits; patrons of sailors and fishermen and caretakers of thesea’sbounty

NessusacraftycentaurwhotrickedDeianiraintokillingHeracles

NewRomeacommunitynearCampJupiterwheredemigodscanlivetogetherinpeace,withoutinterferencefrommortalsormonsters

NiketheGreekgoddessofstrength,speed,andvictory.Romanform:Victoria

nymphafemalenaturedeitywhoanimatesnature

nymphaeumashrinetonymphs

PantheonabuildinginRome,Italy,commissionedbyMarcusAgrippaasatempletoallthegodsofAncientRome,andrebuiltbyEmperorHadrianinabout126CE

paterLatinfor father;also thenameofanancientRomangodof theUnderworld, latersubsumedbyPluto

pauldronapieceofplatearmorfortheshoulderandtheupperpartofthearm

Pegasus InGreekmythology, awinged divine horse; sired by Poseidon, in his role ashorse-god,andfoaledbytheGorgonMedusa;thebrotherofChrysaor

Persephone theGreek queen of theUnderworld;wife ofHades; daughter of Zeus andDemeter.Romanform:Proserpine

Phorcys InGreekmythology, a primordial godof thedangers of the sea; sonofGaea;brother-husbandofKeto

PiazzaNavonaacitysquareinRome,builtonthesiteoftheStadiumofDomitian,whereAncientRomanswatchedcompetitivegames

PlutotheRomangodofdeathandriches.Greekform:Hades

PolybotesthegiantsonofGaea,theEarthMother

PomerianLinetheboundaryaroundNewRome,andinancienttimes,thecitylimitsofRome

PorphyrionthekingoftheGiantsinGreekandRomanmythology

Poseidon theGreekgodof the sea; sonof theTitansKronos andRhea, andbrotherofZeusandHades.Romanform:Neptune

praetoranelectedRomanmagistrateandcommanderofthearmy

ProserpineRomanqueenoftheUnderworld.Greekform:Persephone

RheaSilviaapriestessandmotherofthetwinsRomulusandRemus,whofoundedRome

RiptidethenameofPercyJackson’ssword(AnaklusmosinGreek)

RomulusandRemus the twin sons ofMars and the priestess Rhea Silvia. TheywerethrownintotheRiverTiberbytheirhumanfather,Amulius,andrescuedandraisedbyashe-wolf.Uponreachingadulthood,theyfoundedRome.

Saturn the Roman god of agriculture; the son of Uranus and Gaea, and the father of

Jupiter.Greekform:Kronos

satyraGreekforestgod,partgoatandpartman.Romanequivalent:faun

Scorpion ballista a Roman missile siege weapon that launched a large projectile at adistanttarget

SenatusPopulusqueRomanus(SPQR)meaning“TheSenateandPeopleofRome,”referstothegovernmentoftheRomanRepublicandisusedasanofficialemblemofRome

skolopendraagargantuanGreekseamonsterwithhairynostrils,aflatcrayfish-liketail,androwsofwebbedfeetliningitsflanks

Stymphalianbirds inGreekmythology,man-eatingbirdswith bronze beaks and sharpmetallicfeatherstheycouldlaunchattheirvictims;sacredtoAres,thegodofwar

Sybilline Books a collection of prophecies in rhyme written in Greek. TarquiniusSuperbus,akingofRome,boughtthemfromaprophetessnamedSibylandconsultedthemintimesofgreatdanger.

TartarushusbandofGaea;spiritoftheabyss;fatherofthegiants

telkhinesmysterious seademons and smithsnative to the islandsofKaos andRhodes;childrenofThalassaandPontus;theyhadflippersinsteadofhandsanddogs’headsandwereknownasfishchildren

TerminustheRomangodofboundariesandlandmarks

TerratheRomangoddessoftheEarth.Greekform:Gaea

ThanatostheGreekgodofdeath.Romanform:Letus

thyrsusBacchus’sweapon,astafftoppedbyapineconeandtwinedwithivy

TiberRiver the third-longest river in Italy.Romewasfoundedon itsbanks. InAncientRome,executedcriminalswerethrownintotheriver.

Tiberius was Roman Emperor from 14 CE to 37 CE. He was one of Rome’s greatestgenerals, but he came to be remembered as a reclusive and somber ruler who neverreallywantedtobeemperor.

Titans a race of powerful Greek deities, descendants of Gaia and Uranus, who ruledduringtheGoldenAgeandwereoverthrownbyaraceofyoungergods,theOlympians

TreviFountainafountain in theTrevidistrict inRome.Standingmorethaneighty-fivefeethighandsixty-fivefeetwide,itisthelargestBaroquefountaininthecityandoneofthemostfamousfountainsintheworld.

triremeanAncientGreekorRomanwarship,havingthreetiersofoarsoneachside

TychetheGreekgoddessofgoodluck;daughterofHermesandAphrodite.Romanform:Fortuna

VenustheRomangoddessofloveandbeauty.ShewasmarriedtoVulcan,butshelovedMars,thegodofwar.Greekform:Aphrodite

VestalVirginsRomanpriestessesofVesta,goddessofthehearth.TheVestalswerefreeofthe usual social obligations tomarry and bear children and took a vowof chastity inordertodevotethemselvestothestudyandobservanceofritual.

ViaLabicanaanancientroadofItaly,leadingeast-southeastfromRome

ViaPrincipalisthemainstreetinaRomancamporfort

VictoriatheRomangoddessofstrength,speed,andvictory.Greekform:Nike

VulcantheRomangodoffireandcraftsandofblacksmiths;thesonofJupiterandJuno,andmarriedtoVenus.Greekform:Hephaestus

WolfHouse a ruinedmansion, originally commissioned by JackLondon near Sonoma,California,wherePercyJacksonwastrainedasaRomandemigodbyLupa

ZeusGreekgodoftheskyandkingofthegods.Romanform:Jupiter

ComingFall2013TheHeroesofOlympus,BookFour

THEHOUSEOFHADES

PraiseforPercyJacksonandtheOlympiansbyRickRiordan:TheLightningThief

“Perfectlypaced,withelectrifyingmomentschasingeachotherlikeheartbeats.”

—TheNewYorkTimesBookReview

TheSeaofMonsters

“Inafeatworthyofhisheroicsubjects,Riordancraftsasequelstrongerthanhiscompellingdebut.”

—PublishersWeekly(starredreview)

TheTitan’sCurse

“Allinall,awinnerofOlympicproportions.”

—SchoolLibraryJournal

TheBattleoftheLabyrinth

“LooknofurtherforthenextHarryPotter;meetPercyJackson,aslegionsoffansalreadyhave.”

—KirkusReviews(starredreview)

TheLastOlympian

“ThehordesofyoungreaderswhohavedevouredRickRiordan’sbooks…willnodoubtgulpdownthisconcludingvolumeasgreedilyastheywouldaplatefulofambrosia,ormaybepizza.”

—TheWallStreetJournal

PraiseforTheKaneChroniclesbyRickRiordan:TheRedPyramid

“ThefirstvolumeintheKaneChronicles,thisfantasyadventuredeliverswhatfanslovedaboutthePercyJacksonandtheOlympiansseries:youngprotagonistswithpreviouslyunsuspectedmagicalpowers,arivetingstorymarkedbyheadlongadventure,acomplexbackgroundrootedinancientmythology,andwry,wittytwenty-first-centurynarration.”

—Booklist(starredreview)

“AtrulyoriginaltakeonEgyptianmythology…Amust-havebook.”

—SchoolLibraryJournal(starredreview)

“Riordanfansyoungandoldwilleatthisnewbookup.”

—TheNewYorkTimesBookReview

TheThroneofFire

“…Riordankickstartstheaction,neverletsuponthegas,balanceslaughsandlosseswithasurehand,andexpertlysetsupthecomingclimacticstrugglewithout(thankfully)endingonacliff-hanger.It’sagrandridesofar,showingnary

asignofslowingdown.”

—SchoolLibraryJournal(starredreview)

“Riordancombineshard-hittingactionscenes,powerfulmagic,andcomicreliefwiththeinternalwavesoflove,jealousy,andself-doubtthatmakehisyoungheroessoveryhuman.”

—Booklist

TheSerpent’sShadow

“[The]epicbattleandthequietconcludingchaptersglow,alternatingheroismandhumanity,withanytraceofbombasterasedbythewrywitofthealternatingnarrators,SadieandCarter…poweredbyRiordan’stalentforcreatingvividlywrittenactionscenesandhisabilitytokeepacomplicatedstorymoving,thisvolumebringstheKaneChroniclesseries

toarousingconclusion.”

—Booklist

“Beyondtheexplosiveactionandfireworks,Riordandeftlydevelopsthethemeofthedualityoftheuniverse—orderversuschaos,livinganormallifeversusriskingtheextraordinary,beingprotectedbyparentsversusgrowingupand

steppingoutoftheirshadows.Arousingadventurewithplentyofmagicandfoodforthought.”

—KirkusReviews

PraiseforTheHeroesofOlympusbyRickRiordan:BookOne:TheLostHero

“PercyJacksonfanscanresteasy:thisfirstbookinRiordan’sHeroesofOlympusspin-offseriesisafast-pacedadventurewithenoughfamiliarelementstoimmediatelyhookthoseeagertorevisithismodernworldofmythologicalmayhem.Rotatingamonghisthreeprotagonists,Riordan’sstorytellingisaspolishedasever,brimmingwithwit,action,

andheart—hisdevoteeswon’tbedisappointed.”

—PublishersWeekly

“Riordan[maximizes]theelementsthatmadethefirstseriessopopular:irreverentheroes,plentyoftension-filledmomentsfightingmonsters,andauthenticclassicalmythologymixedinwithmodernlife.Completelyincontrolof

pacingandtone,hebalancesafaultlesscomicbanteragainstdeepernotesthatrevealthecharacters’vulnerabilities.WithPercyJacksonslatedtomakeanappearanceinlatervolumes,fansnostalgicfortheoldbooksshouldfindinthisnew

serieseverythingthey’vebeenpiningfor.”

—HornBook

BookTwo:TheSonofNeptune

“Riordan’sseamlessweavingofvariousculturalmythologiesintoamodernlandscapecontinuestoshinein[The]SonofNeptune.Asinpreviousbooks,theplotisengrossing,thecharactersrobustandcompelling.Percy,Frank,and

Hazelalternateasnarratorswithoutmissingabeatofpace,suspense,orhumor.Readerswillfindthemselvesautomaticallyconsumedbythestorywithouthavingreadthefirstbook,thoughsomeknowledgeofPercy’spreviousadventureswillhelpfillinminorgapsofbackgroundinformation.[The]SonofNeptuneisyetanotherabsorbingand

excitingadditiontoRiordan’schronicles.”

—VOYA(starredreview)

“Shouldpacingandwitcontinueunabatedintothethirdvolume,whoseforetoldEuropeansettingpromisesfurtherfreshness,fanswilleagerlyawaitnumbersfourandfive.”

—KirkusReviews

AbouttheAuthorRickRiordanistheauthoroftheNewYorkTimes#1best-sellingTheLostHeroandTheSonofNeptune,thefirsttwobooksinhisHeroesofOlympusseries.HealsopennedtheNewYorkTimes#1best-sellingPercyJacksonandtheOlympiansseries:BookOne:TheLightningThief;BookTwo:TheSeaofMonsters;BookThree:TheTitan’sCurse;BookFour:TheBattleoftheLabyrinth;andBookFive:TheLastOlympian.Histhreebooksinthe Kane Chronicles, based on Egyptian mythology, The Red Pyramid,The Throne ofFire,andTheSerpent’sShadow,wereNewYorkTimesbestsellersaswell.Rick lives inSanAntonio,Texas,withhiswifeandtwosons.Tolearnmoreabouthim,visithisWebsiteatwww.rickriordan.com.