The Battle of the Labyrinth - Free Story Books · PERCY JACKSON AND THE BATTLE OF THE LABYRINTH...

PERCY

JACKSON

ANDTHEBATTLEOFTHELABYRINTH

PraiseforthePercyJacksonseries:

‘Oneofthebooksoftheyear…vastlyentertaining’–Independent

‘Gripping,touchinganddeliciouslysatirical’–AmandaCraig,TheTimes

‘Suretobecomeaclassic’–SundayExpress

‘Afantasticblendofmythandmodern.RickRiordantakesthereaderbacktothestorieswelove,thenshakesthecobwebsoutofthem’

–EoinColfer,authorofArtemisFowl

‘Funny…veryexciting…butit’sthestorytellingthatwillgetreadershooked.Afterall,thisisthe

stuffoflegends’–Guardian

‘It’sBuffymeetsArtemisFowl.Thumbsup’–SundayTimes‘Cool,madandveryfunny!’–Flipside

‘Acoolandcomicheroicfantasy’–TES

PercyJacksonandtheFightningThiefwastheOverallWinnerattheRedHouseChildren’sBookAward2006

BooksbyRickRiordan

PERCYJACKSONANDTHELIGHTNINGTHIEFPERCYJACKSONANDTHESEAOFMONSTERSPERCYJACKSONANDTHETITAN’SCURSEPERCYJACKSONANDTHEBATTLEOFTHE

LABYRINTH

percyjackson.co.uk

PERCY

JACKSONANDTHEBATTLEOF

THELABYRINTH

RICKRIORDAN

PUFFIN

http://www.percyjackson.co.uk

ToBecky,whoalwaysguidesmethroughthemaze

PUFFINBOOKS

PublishedbythePenguinGroupPenguinBooksLtd,80Strand,LondonWC2R0RL,England

PenguinGroup(USA)Inc.,375HudsonStreet,NewYork,NewYork10014,USAPenguinGroup(Canada),90EglintonAvenueEast,Suite700,Toronto,Ontario,CanadaM4P2Y3

(adivisionofPearsonPenguinCanadaInc.)PenguinIreland,25StStephen’sGreen,Dublin2,Ireland(adivisionofPenguinBooksLtd)PenguinGroup(Australia),250CamberwellRoad,Camberwell,Victoria3124,Australia

(adivisionofPearsonAustraliaGroupPtyLtd)PenguinBooksIndiaPvtLtd,11CommunityCentre,PanchsheelPark,NewDelhi–110017,India

PenguinGroup(NZ),67ApolloDrive,Rosedale,NorthShore0632,NewZealand(adivisionofPearsonNewZealandLtd)

PenguinBooks(SouthAfrica)(Pty)Ltd,24SturdeeAvenue,Rosebank,Johannesburg2196,SouthAfricaPenguinBooksLtd,RegisteredOffices:80Strand,LondonWC2R0RL,Englandpuffinbooks.com

FirstpublishedintheUSAbyHyperionBooksforChildren2008FirstpublishedinGreatBritaininPuffinBooks2008

1

Copyright©RickRiordan,2008

ThemoralrightoftheauthorhasbeenassertedAllrightsreserved

Withoutlimitingtherightsundercopyrightreservedabove,nopartofthispublicationmaybereproduced,storedinorintroducedintoaretrievalsystem,ortransmitted,inanyformorbyanymeans(electronic,mechanical,photocopying,recordingorotherwise),withoutthepriorwrittenpermissionofboththecopyrightownerandtheabovepublisherofthis

book

978-0-14-191914-0

http://www.puffinbooks.com

CONTENTS

1•IBattletheCheerleadingSquad2•TheUnderworldSendsMeaPrankCall3•WePlayTagwithScorpions4•AnnabethBreakstheRules5•NicoBuysHappyMealsfortheDead6•WeMeettheGodwithTwoFaces7•TysonLeadsaJailbreak8•WeVisittheDemonDudeRanch9•IScoopPoop

10•WePlaytheGameShowofDeath11•ISetMyselfonFire12•ITakeaPermanentVacation13•WeHireaNewGuide14•MyBrotherDuelsMetotheDeath15•WeStealSomeSlightlyUsedWings16•IOpenaCoffin17•TheLostGodSpeaks18•GroverCausesaStampede19•TheCouncilGetsCloven20•MyBirthdayPartyTakesaDarkTurn

1IBATTLETHECHEERLEADINGSQUAD

ThelastthingIwantedtodoonmysummerbreakwasblowupanotherschool.ButthereIwasMondaymorning,thefirstweekofJune,sittinginmymom’scarinfrontofGoodeHighSchoolonEast81st.GoodewasthisbigbrownstonebuildingoverlookingtheEastRiver.AbunchofBMWsandLincolnTownCarswereparkedoutfront.Staringupatthefancystonearchway,Iwonderedhowlongitwouldtakemetogetkickedoutofthisplace.‘Justrelax.’Mymomdidn’tsoundrelaxed.‘It’sonlyanorientationtour.Andremember,dear,thisisPaul’sschool.Sotrynotto…youknow.’‘Destroyit?’‘Yes.’PaulBlofis,mymom’sboyfriend,wasstandingoutfront,greetingfutureninthgradersastheycameupthesteps.Withhissalt-and-pepperhair,denimclothesandleatherjacket,heremindedmeofaTVactor,buthewasjustanEnglishteacher.He’dmanagedtoconvinceGoodeHighSchooltoacceptmeforninthgrade,despitethefactthatI’dbeenkickedoutofeveryschoolI’deverattended.I’dtriedtowarnhimitwasn’tagoodidea,buthewouldn’tlisten.Ilookedatmymom.‘Youhaven’ttoldhimthetruthaboutme,haveyou?’Shetappedherfingersnervouslyonthewheel.Shewasdressedupforajobinterview–herbestbluedressandhigh-heeledshoes.‘Ithoughtweshouldwait,’sheadmitted.‘Sowedon’tscarehimaway.’‘I’msureorientationwillbefine,Percy.It’sonlyonemorning.’‘Great,’Imumbled.‘IcangetexpelledbeforeIevenstarttheschoolyear.’‘Thinkpositive.Tomorrowyou’reofftocamp!Afterorientation,you’vegotyourdate–’‘It’snotadate!’Iprotested.‘It’sjustAnnabeth,Mom.Jeez!’‘She’scomingallthewayfromcamptomeetyou.’‘Well,yeah.’‘You’regoingtothemovies.’‘Yeah.’‘Justthetwoofyou.’‘Mom!’Sheheldupherhandsinsurrender,butIcouldtellshewastryinghardnottosmile.‘You’dbettergetinside,dear.I’llseeyoutonight.’IwasabouttogetoutofthecarwhenIlookedoveratthestepsoftheschool.PaulBlofiswasgreetingagirlwithfrizzyredhair.SheworeamaroonT-shirtandrattyjeansdecoratedwithmarkerdrawings.Whensheturned,Icaughtaglimpseofherface,andthehairsonmyarmsstoodstraightup.

‘Percy?’mymomasked.‘What’swrong?’‘N-nothing,’Istammered.‘Doestheschoolhaveasideentrance?’‘Downtheblockontheright.Why?’‘I’llseeyoulater.’Mymomstartedtosaysomething,butIgotoutofthecarandran,hopingtheredheadedgirlwouldn’tseeme.Whatwasshedoinghere?Notevenmyluckcouldbethisbad.Yeah,right.Iwasabouttofindoutmyluckcouldgetawholelotworse.

Sneakingintoorientationdidn’tworkouttoowell.Twocheerleadersinpurple-and-whiteuniformswerestandingatthesideentrance,waitingtoambushfreshmen.‘Hi!’Theysmiled,whichIfiguredwasthefirstandlasttimeanycheerleaderswouldbethatfriendlytome.Onewasblondewithicyblueeyes.TheotherwasAfricanAmericanwithdarkcurlyhairlikeMedusa’s(and,believeme,IknowwhatI’mtalkingabout).Bothgirlshadtheirnamesstitchedincursiveontheiruniforms,butwithmydyslexia,thewordslookedlikemeaninglessspaghetti.‘WelcometoGoode,’theblondegirlsaid.‘Youaresogoingtoloveit.’Butasshelookedmeupanddown,herexpressionsaidsomethingmorelike,Eww,whoisthisloser?Theothergirlsteppeduncomfortablyclosetome.Istudiedthestitchingonheruniformandmadeout:Kelli.ShesmelledlikerosesandsomethingelseIrecognizedfromridinglessonsatcamp–thescentoffreshlywashedhorses.Itwasaweirdsmellforacheerleader.Maybesheownedahorseorsomething.Anyway,shestoodsocloseIgotthefeelingshewasgoingtotrytopushmedownthesteps.‘What’syourname,fish?’‘Fish?’‘Freshman.’‘Uh,Percy.’Thegirlsexchangedlooks.‘Oh,PercyJackson,’theblondeonesaid.‘We’vebeenwaitingforyou.’ThatsentamajorUh~ohchilldownmyback.Theywereblockingtheentrance,smilinginanot-very-friendlyway.Myhandcreptinstinctivelytowardsmypocket,whereIkeptmylethalballpointpen,Riptide.Thenanothervoicecamefrominsidethebuilding:‘Percy?’ItwasPaulBlofis,somewheredownthehallway.I’dneverbeensogladtohearhisvoice.Thecheerleadersbackedoff.IwassoanxioustogetpastthemIaccidentallykneedKelliinthethigh.Clang.Herlegmadeahollow,metallicsound,likeI’djusthitaflagpole.‘Ow,’shemuttered.‘Watchit,fish.’Iglanceddown,butherleglookedlikearegularoldleg.Iwastoofreakedouttoaskquestions.Idashedintothehall,thecheerleaderslaughingbehindme.

‘Thereyouare!’Paultoldme.‘WelcometoGoode!’‘Hey,Paul–uh,MrBlofis.’Iglancedback,buttheweirdcheerleadershaddisappeared.‘Percy,youlooklikeyou’veseenaghost.’‘Yeah,uh–’Paulclappedmeontheback.‘Listen,Iknowyou’renervous,butdon’tworry.Wegeta

lotofkidsherewithADHDanddyslexia.Theteachersknowhowtohelp.’Ialmostwantedtolaugh.IfonlyADHDanddyslexiaweremybiggestworries.Imean,I

knewPaulwastryingtohelp,butifItoldhimthetruthaboutme,he’deitherthinkIwerecrazyorhe’drunawayscreaming.Thosecheerleaders,forinstance.Ihadabadfeelingaboutthem…ThenIlookeddownthehall,andIrememberedIhadanotherproblem.Theredheaded

girlI’dseenonthefrontstepswasjustcominginthemainentrance.Don’tnoticeme,Iprayed.Shenoticedme.Hereyeswidened.‘Where’stheorientation?’IaskedPaul.‘Thegym.Thatway.But–’‘Bye.’‘Percy?’hecalled,butIwasalreadyrunning.

IthoughtI’dlosther.Abunchofkidswereheadingforthegym,andsoonIwasjustoneofthreehundred

fourteen-year-oldsallcrammedintothestands.Amarchingbandplayedanout-of-tunefightsongthatsoundedlikesomebodyhittingabagofcatswithametalbaseballbat.Olderkids,probablystudent-councilmembers,stoodupinfrontmodellingtheGoodeschooluniformandlookingall,Hey,we’recool.Teachersmilledaround,smilingandshakinghandswithstudents.Thewallsofthegymwereplasteredwithbigpurple-and-whitebannersthatsaidWELCOME,FUTUREFRESHMEN,GOODEISGOOD,WE’REALLFAMILY,andabunchofotherhappyslogansthatprettymuchmademewanttothrowup.Noneoftheotherfreshmenlookedthrilledtobehere,either.Imean,comingto

orientationinJuneisnotcoolwhenschooldoesn’tevenstartuntilSeptember,butatGoode,‘Wepreparetoexcelearly!’Atleastthat’swhatthebrochuresaid.Themarchingbandstoppedplaying.Aguyinapinstripesuitcametothemicrophone

andstartedtalking,butthesoundechoedaroundthegymsoIhadnoideawhathewassaying.Hemight’vebeengargling.Someonegrabbedmyshoulder.‘Whatareyoudoinghere?’Itwasher:myredheadednightmare.‘RachelElizabethDare,’Isaid.Herjawdroppedlikeshecouldn’tbelieveIhadthenervetorememberhername.‘And

you’rePercysomebody.Ididn’tgetyourfullnamelastDecemberwhenyoutriedtokillme.’‘Look,Iwasn’t–Ididn’t–Whatareyoudoinghere?’‘Sameasyou,Iguess.Orientation.’

‘YouliveinNewYork?’‘What,youthoughtIlivedatHooverDam?’Ithadneveroccurredtome.WheneverIthoughtabouther(andI’mnotsayingIthought

abouther;shejust,like,crossedmymindfromtimetotime,okay?),IalwaysfiguredshelivedintheHooverDamarea,sincethat’swhereI’dmether.We’dspentmaybetenminutestogether,duringwhichtimeI’daccidentallyswungaswordather,she’dsavedmylifeandI’drunaway,chasedbyabandofsupernaturalkillingmachines.Youknow,yourtypicalchancemeeting.Someguybehinduswhispered,‘Hey,shutup.Thecheerleadersaretalking!’‘Hi,guys!’agirlbubbledintothemicrophone.ItwastheblondeI’dseenattheentrance.

‘MynameisTammi,andthisis,like,Kelli.’Kellididacartwheel.Nexttome,Rachelyelpedlikesomeonehadstuckherwithapin.Afewkidslookedover

andsnickered,butRacheljuststaredatthecheerleadersinhorror.Tammididn’tseemtonoticetheoutburst.Shestartedtalkingaboutallthegreatwayswecouldgetinvolvedduringourfreshmanyear.‘Run,’Racheltoldme.‘Now.’‘Why?’Racheldidn’texplain.Shepushedherwaytotheedgeofthestands,ignoringthe

frowningteachersandgrumblingkidsshewassteppingon.Ihesitated.Tammiwasexplaininghowwewereabouttobreakintosmallgroupsand

tourtheschool.Kellicaughtmyeyeandgavemeanamusedsmile,likeshewaswaitingtoseewhatI’ddo.ItwouldlookbadifIleftrightnow.PaulBlofiswasdowntherewiththerestoftheteachers.He’dwonderwhatwaswrong.ThenIthoughtaboutRachelElizabethDare,andthespecialabilityshe’dshownlast

winteratHooverDam.She’dbeenabletoseeagroupofsecurityguardswhoweren’tguardsatall,whoweren’tevenhuman.Myheartpounding,Igotupandfollowedheroutofthegym.

IfoundRachelinthebandroom.Shewashidingbehindabassdruminthepercussionsection.‘Getoverhere!’shesaid.‘Keepyourheaddown!’Ifeltprettysilly,hidingbehindabunchofbongos,butIcrouchedbesideher.‘Didtheyfollowyou?’Rachelasked.‘Youmeanthecheerleaders?’Shenoddednervously.‘Idon’tthinkso,’Isaid.‘Whatarethey?Whatdidyousee?’Hergreeneyeswerebrightwithfear.Shehadasprinkleoffrecklesonherfacethat

remindedmeofconstellations.HermaroonT-shirtreadHARVARDARTDEPT.‘You…youwouldn’tbelieveme.’‘Ohyeah,Iwould,’Ipromised.‘IknowyoucanseethroughtheMist.’‘Thewhat?’

‘TheMist.It’s…well,it’slikethisveilthathidesthewaythingsreallyare.Somemortalsarebornwiththeabilitytoseethroughit.Likeyou.’Shestudiedmecarefully.‘YoudidthatatHooverDam.Youcalledmeamortal.Likeyou’renot.’Ifeltlikepunchingabongo.WhatwasIthinking?Icouldneverexplain.Ishouldn’teventry.‘Tellme,’shebegged.‘Youknowwhatitmeans.AllthesehorriblethingsIsee?’‘Look,thisisgoingtosoundweird.DoyouknowanythingaboutGreekmyths?’‘Like…theMinotaurandtheHydra?’‘Yeah,justtrynottosaythosenameswhenI’maround,okay?’‘AndtheFuries,’shesaid,warmingup.AndtheSirens,and–’‘Okay!’Ilookedaroundthebandroom,surethatRachelwasgoingtomakeabunchofbloodthirstynastiespopoutofthewalls,butwewerestillalone.Downthehallway,Iheardamobofkidscomingoutofthegymnasium.Theywerestartingthegrouptours.Wedidn’thavelongtotalk.‘Allthosemonsters,’Isaid,‘alltheGreekgods–they’rereal.’‘Iknewit!’Iwould’vebeenmorecomfortableifshe’dcalledmealiar,butRachellookedlikeI’djustconfirmedherworstsuspicion.‘Youdon’tknowhowhardit’sbeen,’shesaid.‘ForyearsIthoughtIwasgoingcrazy.Icouldn’ttellanybody.Icouldn’t–’Hereyesnarrowed.‘Wait.Whoareyou?Imeanreally?’‘I’mnotamonster.’‘Well,Iknowthat.Icouldseeifyouwere.Youlooklike…you.Butyou’renothuman,areyou?’Iswallowed.EventhoughI’dhadthreeyearstogetusedtowhoIwas,I’dnevertalkedaboutitwitharegularmortalbefore–Imean,exceptformymom,butshealreadyknew.Idon’tknowwhy,butItooktheplunge.‘I’mahalf-blood,’Isaid.‘I’mhalfhuman.’‘Andhalfwhat?’JustthenTammiandKellisteppedintothebandroom.Thedoorsslammedshutbehindthem.‘Thereyouare,PercyJackson,’Tammisaid.‘It’stimeforyourorientation.’

‘They’rehorrible!’Rachelgasped.TammiandKelliwerestillwearingtheirpurple-and-whitecheerleadercostumes,holdingpom-pomsfromtherally.‘Whatdotheyreallylooklike?’Iasked,butRachelseemedtoostunnedtoanswer.‘Oh,forgether,’Tammigavemeabrilliantsmileandstartedwalkingtowardsus.Kellistayedbythedoors,blockingourexit.They’dtrappedus.Iknewwe’dhavetofightourwayout,butTammi’ssmilewassodazzlingitdistractedme.Herblueeyeswerebeautiful,andthewayherhairsweptoverher

shoulders…‘Percy,’Rachelwarned.Isaidsomethingreallyintelligentlike,‘Uhhh?’Tammiwasgettingcloser.Sheheldoutherpompoms.‘Percy!’Rachel’svoiceseemedtobecomingfromalongwayaway.‘Snapoutofit!’Ittookallmywillpower,butIgotmypenoutofmypocketanduncappedit.Riptidegrewintoametre-longbronzesword,itsbladeglowingwithafaintgoldenlight.Tammi’ssmileturnedtoasneer.‘Oh,comeon,’sheprotested.‘Youdon’tneedthat.Howaboutakissinstead?’Shesmelledlikerosesandcleananimalfur–aweirdbutsomehowintoxicatingsmell.Rachelpinchedmyarm,hard.‘Percy,shewantstobiteyou!Lookather!’‘She’sjustjealous.’TammilookedbackatKelli.‘MayI,mistress?’Kelliwasstillblockingthedoor,lickingherlipshungrily.‘Goahead,Tammi.You’redoingfine.’Tammitookanotherstepforward,butIlevelledthetipofmyswordatherchest.‘Getback.’Shesnarled.‘Freshmen,’shesaidwithdisgust.‘Thisisourschool,half-blood.Wefeedonwhomwechoose!’Thenshebegantochange.Thecolourdrainedoutofherfaceandarms.Herskinturnedaswhiteaschalk,hereyescompletelyred.Herteethgrewintofangs.‘Avampire!’Istammered.ThenInoticedherlegs.Belowthecheerleaderskirt,herleftleewasbrownandshaggy,withadonkey’shoof.Herrightlegwasshapedlikeahumanleg,butitwasmadeofbronze.‘Uhh,avampirewith–’‘Don’tmentionthelegs!’Tammisnapped.‘It’srudetomakefun!’Sheadvancedonherweird,mismatchedlegs.Shelookedtotallybizarre,especiallywiththepom-poms,butIcouldn’tlaugh–notfacingthoseredeyesandsharpfangs.‘Avampire,yousay?’Kellilaughed.‘Thatsillylegendwasbasedonus,youfool.Weareempousai,servantsofHecate.’‘Mmmm.’Tammiedgedclosertome.‘Darkmagicformedusfromanimal,bronzeandghost!Weexisttofeedonthebloodofyoungmen.Nowcome,givemethatkiss!’Shebaredherfangs.IwassoparalysedIcouldn’tmove,butRachelthrewasnaredrumattheempousa’shead.Thedemonhissedandbattedthedrumaway.Itwentrollingalongtheaislesbetweenmusicstands,itsspringsrattlingagainstthedrumhead.Rachelthrewaxylophone,butthedemonjustswattedthataway,too.‘Idon’tusuallykillgirls,’Tammigrowled.‘Butforyou,mortal,I’llmakeanexception.Youreyesightisalittleioogood!’ShelungedatRachel.‘No!’IslashedwithRiptide.Tammitriedtododgemyblade,butIslicedstraightthroughhercheerleaderuniform,andwithahorriblewailsheexplodedintodustalloverRachel.

Rachelcoughed.Shelookedlikeshe’djusthadasackofflourdumpedonherhead.‘Gross!’‘Monstersdothat,’Isaid.‘Sorry.’‘Youkilledmytrainee!’Kelliyelled.‘Youneedalessoninschoolspirit,half-blood!’Thenshe,too,begantochange.Herwiryhairturnedtoflickeringflames.Hereyesturnedred.Shegrewfangs.Shelopedtowardsus,herbrassfootandhoofcloppingunevenlyontheband-roomfloor.‘Iamseniorempousa,’shegrowled.‘Noherohasbestedmeinathousandyears.’‘Yeah?’Isaid.‘Thenyou’reoverdue!’KelliwasalotfasterthanTammi.Shedodgedmyfirststrikeandrolledintothebrasssection,knockingoverarowoftromboneswithamightycrash.Rachelscrambledoutoftheway.Iputmyselfbetweenherandtheempousa.Kellicircledus,hereyesgoingfrommetothesword.‘Suchaprettylittleblade,’shesaid.‘Whatashameitstandsbetweenus.’Herformshimmered–sometimesademon,sometimesaprettycheerleader.Itriedtokeepmymindfocused,butitwasreallydistracting.‘Poordear.’Kellichuckled.‘Youdon’tevenknowwhat’shappening,doyou?Soon,yourprettylittlecampinflames,yourfriendsmadeslavestotheLordofTime,andthere’snothingyoucandotostopit.Itwouldbemercifultoendyourlifenow,beforeyouhavetoseethat.’Fromdownthehall,Iheardvoices.Atourgroupwasapproaching.Amanwassayingsomethingaboutlockercombinations.Theempousa’seyeslitup.‘Excellent!We’reabouttohavecompany!’Shepickedupatubaandthrewitatme.RachelandIducked.Thetubasailedoverourheadsandcrashedthroughthewindow.Thevoicesinthehalldieddown.‘Percy!’Kellishouted,pretendingtobescared.‘Whydidyouthrowthat?’Iwastoosurprisedtoanswer.Kellipickedupamusicstandandswipedarowofclarinetsandflutes.Chairsandmusicalinstrumentscrashedtothefloor.‘Stopit!’Isaid.Peopleweretrompingdownthehallnow,cominginourdirection.‘Timetogreetourvisitors!’Kellibaredherfangsandranforthedoors.IchargedafterherwithRiptide.Ihadtostopherfromhurtingthemortals.‘Percy,don’t!’Rachelshouted.ButIhadn’trealizedwhatKelliwasuptountilitwastoolate.Kelliflungopenthedoors.PaulBlofisandabunchoffreshmensteppedbackinshock.Iraisedmysword.Atthelastsecond,theempousaturnedtowardsmelikeacoweringvictim.‘Ohno,please!’shecried.Icouldn’tstopmyblade.Itwasalreadyinmotion.Justbeforethecelestialbronzehither,KelliexplodedintoflameslikeaMolotovcocktail.Wavesoffiresplashedovereverything.I’dneverseenamonsterdothatbefore,butIdidn’t

havetimetowonderaboutit.Ibackedintothebandroomasflamesengulfedthedoorway.‘Percy?’PaulBlofislookedcompletelystunned,staringatmefromacrossthefire.‘Whathaveyoudone?’Kidsscreamedandrandownthehall.Thefirealarmwailed.Ceilingsprinklershissedintolife.Inthechaos,Racheltuggedonmysleeve.‘Youhavetogetoutofhere!’Shewasright.TheschoolwasinflamesandI’dbeheldresponsible.Mortalscouldn’tseethroughtheMistproperly.TothemitwouldlooklikeI’djustattackedahelplesscheerleaderinfrontofagroupofwitnesses.TherewasnowayIcouldexplainit.IturnedfromPaulandsprintedforthebrokenband-roomwindow.

IburstoutofthealleyontoEast81standranstraightintoAnnabeth.‘Hey,you’reoutearly!’Shelaughed,grabbingmyshoulderstokeepmefromtumblingintothestreet.‘Watchwhereyou’regoing,SeaweedBrain.’Forasplitsecondshewasinagoodmoodandeverythingwasfine.ShewaswearingjeansandanorangecampT-shirtandherclaybeadnecklace.Herblondehairwaspulledbackinaponytail.Hergreyeyessparkled.Shelookedlikeshewasreadytocatchamovie,haveacoolafternoonhangingouttogether.ThenRachelElizabethDare,stillcoveredinmonsterdust,camechargingoutofthealley,yelling,‘Percy,waitup!’Annabeth’ssmilemelted.ShestaredatRachel,thenattheschool.Forthefirsttime,sheseemedtonoticetheblacksmokeandtheringingfirealarms.Shefrownedatme.‘Whatdidyoudothistime?Andwhoisthis?’‘Oh,Rachel–Annabeth.Annabeth–Rachel.Um,she’safriend.Iguess.’Iwasn’tsurewhatelsetocallRachel.Imean,Ibarelyknewher,butafterbeingintwolife-or-deathsituationstogether,Icouldn’tjustcallhernobody.‘Hi,’Rachelsaid.Thensheturnedtome.‘Youarein50muchtrouble.Andyoustillowemeanexplanation!’PolicesirenswailedonFDRDrive.‘Percy,’Annabethsaidcoldly,‘weshouldgo.’‘Iwanttoknowmoreabouthalf-bloods,’Rachelinsisted.Andmonsters.Andthisstuffaboutthegods.’Shegrabbedmyarm,whippedoutapermanentmarkerandwroteaphonenumberonmyhand.‘You’regoingtocallmeandexplain,okay?Youowemethat.Nowgetgoing.’‘But–’‘I’llmakeupsomestory,’Rachelsaid.‘I’lltellthemitwasn’tyourfault.Justgo!’Sheranbacktowardstheschool,leavingAnnabethandmeinthestreet.Annabethstaredatmeforasecond.Thensheturnedandtookoff.‘Hey!’Ijoggedafterher.‘Therewerethesetwoempousai,’Itriedtoexplain.‘Theywerecheerleaders,see,andtheysaidcampwasgoingtoburn,and–’‘Youtoldamortalgirlabouthalf-bloods?’

‘ShecanseethroughtheMist.ShesawthemonstersbeforeIdid.’‘Soyoutoldherthetruth.’‘SherecognizedmefromHooverDam,so–’‘You’vemetherbefore?’‘Um,lastwinter.But,seriously,Ibarelyknowher.’‘She’skindofcute.’‘I–Ineverthoughtaboutit.’AnnabethkeptwalkingtowardsYorkAvenue.‘I’lldealwiththeschool,’Ipromised,anxioustochangethesubject.‘Honest,it’llbefine.’Annabethwouldn’tevenlookatme.‘Iguessourafternoonisoff.Weshouldgetyououtofhere,nowthatthepolicewillbesearchingforyou.’Behindus,smokebillowedupfromGoodeHighSchool.Inthedarkcolumnofashes,IthoughtIcouldalmostseeaface–ashe-demonwithredeyes,laughingatme.Yourprettylittlecampinflames,Kellihadsaid.YourfriendsmadeslavestotheLordofTime.‘You’reright,’ItoldAnnabeth,myheartsinking.‘WehavetogettoCampHalf-Blood.Now.’

2THEUNDERWORLDSENDSMEAPRANKCALL

Nothingcapsofftheperfectmorninglikealongtaxiridewithanangrygirl.ItriedtotalktoAnnabeth,butshewasactinglikeI’djustpunchedhergrandmother.AllImanagedtogetoutofherwasthatshe’dhadamonster-infestedspringinSanFrancisco,she’dcomebacktocamptwicesinceChristmasbutwouldn’ttellmewhy(whichkindoftickedmeoff,becauseshehadn’teventoldmeshewasinNewYork)andshe’dlearnednothingaboutthewhereaboutsofNicodiAngelo(longstory).AnywordonLuke?’Iasked.Sheshookherhead.Iknewthiswasatouchysubjectforher.AnnabethhadalwaysadmiredLuke,theformerheadcounsellorforHermeswhohadbetrayedusandjoinedtheevilTitanLordKronos.Shewouldn’tadmitit,butIknewshestilllikedhim.Whenwe’dfoughtLukeonMountTamalpaislastwinter,he’dsomehowsurvivedafifteen-metrefalloffacliff.Now,asfarasIknew,hewasstillsailingaroundonhisdemon-infestedcruiseshipwhilehischopped-upLordKronosre-formed,bitbybit,inagoldensarcophagus,bidinghistimeuntilhehadenoughpowertochallengetheOlympiangods.Indemigod-speak,wecallthisa‘problem’.‘MountTamisstilloverrunwithmonsters,’Annabethsaid.‘Ididn’tdaregoclose,butIdon’tthinkLukeisupthere.IthinkIwouldknowifhewas.’Thatdidn’tmakemefeelmuchbetter.‘WhataboutGrover?’‘He’satcamp,’shesaid.‘We’llseehimtoday.’‘Didhehaveanyluck?Imean,withthesearchforPan?’Annabethfingeredherbeadnecklace,thewayshedoeswhenshe’sworried.‘You’llsee,’shesaid.Butshedidn’texplain.AsweheadedthroughBrooklyn,IusedAnnabeth’sphonetocallmymom.Half-bloodstrynottousecellphonesifwecanavoidit,becausebroadcastingourvoicesislikesendingupaflaretothemonsters:HereIam!Pleaseeatmenow!ButIfiguredthiscallwasimportant.Ileftamessageonourhomevoicemail,tryingtoexplainwhathadhappenedatGoode.Iprobablydidn’tdoaverygoodjob.ItoldmymomIwasfine,sheshouldn’tworry,butIwasgoingtostayatcampuntilthingscooleddown.IaskedhertotellPaulBlofisIwassorry.Werodeinsilenceafterthat.ThecitymeltedawayuntilwewereofftheexpresswayandrollingthroughthecountrysideofnorthernLongIsland,pastorchardsandwineriesandfreshproducestands.IstaredatthephonenumberRachelElizabethDarehadscrawledonmyhand.Iknewitwascrazy,butIwastemptedtocallher.Maybeshecouldhelpmeunderstandwhattheempousahadbeentalkingabout–thecampburning,myfriendsimprisoned.AndwhyhadKelliexplodedintoflames?Iknewmonstersnevertrulydied.Eventually–maybeweeks,monthsoryearsfromnow–Kelliwouldre-formoutoftheprimordialnastinessseethingintheUnderworld.But,still,monstersdidn’tusuallyletthemselvesgetdestroyedsoeasily.Ifshereallywasdestroyed.

ThetaxiexitedonRoute25A.WeheadedthroughthewoodsalongtheNorthShoreuntilalowridgeofhillsappearedonourleft.AnnabethtoldthedrivertopulloveronFarmRoad3.141,atthebaseofHalf-BloodHill.Thedriverfrowned.‘Thereain’tnothinghere,miss.Yousureyouwantout?’‘Yes,please.’Annabethhandedhimarollofmortalcash,andthedriverdecidednottoargue.AnnabethandIhikedtothecrestofthehill.Theyoungguardiandragonwasdozing,coiledaroundthepinetree,butheliftedhiscopperyheadasweapproachedandletAnnabethscratchunderhischin.Steamhissedoutofhisnostrilslikeakettleandhewentcross-eyedwithpleasure.‘Hey,Peleus,’Annabethsaid.‘Keepingeverythingsafe?’ThelasttimeI’dseenthedragonhe’dbeentwometreslong.Nowhewasatleasttwicethat,andasthickaroundasthetreeitself.Abovehishead,onthelowestbranchofthepinetree,theGoldenFleeceshimmered,itsmagicprotectingthecamp’sbordersfrominvasion.Thedragonseemedrelaxed,likeeverythingwasokay.Belowus,CampHalf-Bloodlookedpeaceful–greenfields,forest,shinywhiteGreekbuildings.Thefour-storeyfarmhousewecalledtheBigHousesatproudlyinthemidstofthestrawberryfields.Tothenorth,pastthebeach,theLongIslandSoundglitteredinthesunlight.Still…somethingfeltwrong.Therewastensionintheair,asifthehillitselfwereholdingitsbreath,waitingforsomethingbadtohappen.Wewalkeddownintothevalleyandfoundthesummersessioninfullswing.MostofthecampershadarrivedlastFriday,soIalreadyfeltoutofit.Thesatyrswereplayingtheirpipesinthestrawberryfields,makingtheplantsgrowwithwoodlandmagic.Camperswerehavingflyinghorsebacklessons,swoopingoverthewoodsontheirpegasi.Smokerosefromtheforgesandhammersrangaskidsmadetheirownweaponsforarts&crafts.TheAthenaandDemeterteamswerehavingachariotracearoundthetrack,andoveratthecanoelakesomekidsinaGreektriremewerefightingalargeorangeseaserpent.Atypicaldayatcamp.‘IneedtotalktoClarisse,’Annabethsaid.Istaredatherasifshe’djustsaidIneedtoeatalargesmellyboot.‘Whatfor?’ClarissefromtheArescabinwasoneofmyleastfavouritepeople.Shewasamean,ungratefulbully.Herdad,thewargod,wantedtokillme.Shetriedtobeatmetoapulponaregularbasis.Otherthanthat,shewasjustgreat.‘We’vebeenworkingonsomething,’Annabethsaid.‘I’llseeyoulater.’‘Workingonwhat?’Annabethglancedtowardstheforest.‘I’lltellChironyou’rehere,’shesaid.‘He’llwanttotalktoyoubeforethehearing.’‘Whathearing?’Butshejoggeddownthepathtowardsthearcheryfieldwithoutlookingback.‘Yeah,’Imuttered.‘Greattalkingwithyou,too.’

AsImademywaythroughcamp,Isaidhitosomeofmyfriends.IntheBigHouse’s

driveway,ConnorandTravisStollfromtheHermescabinwerehot-wiringthecampsvan.SilenaBeauregard,theheadcounsellorforAphrodite,wavedatmefromherpegasusassheflewpast.IlookedforGrover,butIdidn’tseehim.FinallyIwanderedintotheswordarena,whereIusuallygowhenI’minabadmood.Practisingalwayscalmsmedown.Maybethat’sbecauseswordplayisonethingIactuallyunderstand.Iwalkedintotheamphitheatreandmyheartalmoststopped.Inthemiddleofthearena

floor,withitsbacktome,wasthebiggesthellhoundI’deverseen.Imean,I’veseensomeprettybighellhounds.Onethesizeofarhinotriedtokillmewhen

Iwastwelve.Butthishellhoundwasbiggerthanatank.Ihadnoideahowithadgotpastthecamp’smagicboundaries.Itlookedrightathome,lyingonitsbelly,growlingcontentedlyasitchewedtheheadoffacombatdummy.Ithadn’tnoticedmeyet,butifImadeasound,Iknewitwouldsenseme.Therewasnotimetogoforhelp.IpulledoutRiptideanduncappedit.‘Yaaaaah!’Icharged.Ibroughtdownthebladeonthemonster’senormousbackside,

whenoutofnowhereanotherswordblockedmystrike.CLANG!Thehellhoundprickedupitsears.‘WOOF!’Ijumpedbackandinstinctivelystruckattheswordsman–agrey-hairedmaninGreek

armour.Heparriedmyattackwithnoproblem.‘Whoathere!’hesaid.‘Truce!’‘WOOF!’Thehellhound’sbarkshookthearena.‘That’sahellhound!’Ishouted.‘She’sharmless,’themansaid.‘That’sMrsO’Leary.’Iblinked.‘MrsO’Leary?’Atthesoundofhername,thehellhoundbarkedagain.Irealizedshewasn’tangry.She

wasexcited.Shenudgedthesoggy,badlychewedtargetdummytowardstheswordsman.‘Goodgirl,’themansaid.Withhisfreehandhegrabbedthearmouredmanikinbythe

neckandheavedittowardsthestands.‘GettheGreek!GettheGreek!’MrsO’Learyboundedafterherpreyandpouncedonthedummy,flatteningitsarmour.

Shebeganchewingonitshelmet.Theswordsmansmileddryly.Hewasinhisfifties,Iguess,withshortgreyhairanda

clippedgreybeard.Hewasingoodshapeforanolderguy.Heworeblackmountain-climbingtrousersandabronzebreastplatestrappedoveranorangecampT-shirt.Atthebaseofhisneckwasastrangemark,apurplishblotchlikeabirthmarkoratattoo,butbeforeIcouldmakeoutwhatitwas,heshiftedhisarmourstrapsandthemarkdisappearedunderhiscollar.‘MrsO’Learyismypet,’heexplained.‘Icouldn’tletyoustickaswordinherrump,now,

couldI?Thatmighthavescaredher.’‘Whoareyou?’‘PromisenottokillmeifIputmyswordaway?’‘Iguess.’

Hesheathedhisswordandheldouthishand.‘Quintus.’Ishookhishand.Itwasasroughassandpaper.‘PercyJackson,’Isaid.‘Sorryabout–Howdidyou,um–’‘Getahellhoundforapet?Longstory,involvingmanyclosecallswithdeathandquitea

fewgiantchewtoys.I’mthenewswordinstructor,bytheway.HelpingChironoutwhileMrDisaway.’‘Oh.’ItriednottostareasMrsO’Learyrippedoffthetargetdummy’sshieldwiththearm

stillattachedandshookitlikeafrisbee.‘Wait,MrDisaway?’‘Yes,well…busytimes.EvenoldDionysusmusthelpout.He’sgonetovisitsomeold

friends.Makesurethey’reontherightside.Iprobablyshouldn’tsaymorethanthat.’IfDionysuswasgone,thatwasthebestnewsI’dhadallday.Hewasonlyourcamp

directorbecauseZeushadsenthimhereasapunishmentforchasingsomeoff-limitswoodnymph.Hehatedthecampersandtriedtomakeourlivesmiserable.Withhimaway,thissummermightactuallybecool.Ontheotherhand,ifDionysushadgotoffhisbuttandactuallystartedhelpingthegodsrecruitagainsttheTitanthreat,thingsmustbelookingprettybad.Offtomyleft,therewasaloudBUMP.Sixwoodencratesthesizeofpicnictableswere

stackednearby,andtheywererattling.MrsO’Learycockedherheadandboundedtowardsthem.‘Whoa,girl!’Quintussaid.‘Thosearen’tforyou.’Hedistractedherwiththebronzeshield

frisbee.Thecratesthumpedandshook.Therewerewordsprintedonthesides,butwithmy

dyslexiatheytookmeafewminutestodecipher:

TRIPLEGRANCH

FRAGILE

THISWAYUP

Alongthebottom,insmallerletters:

OPENWITHCARE.

TRIPLEGRANCHISNOTRESPONSIBLETORPROPERTY

DAMAGE,MAIMINGOREXCRUCIATINGLYPAINTULDEATHS.

‘What’sintheboxes?’Iasked.‘Alittlesurprise,’Quintussaid.‘Trainingactivityfortomorrownight.You’llloveit.’‘Uh,okay,’Isaid,thoughIwasn’tsureaboutthe‘excruciatinglypainfuldeaths’part.Quintusthrewthebronzeshield,andMrsO’Learylumberedafterit.‘Youyoungones

needmorechallenges.Theydidn’thavecampslikethiswhenIwasaboy.’‘You–you’reahalf-blood?’Ididn’tmeantosoundsosurprised,butI’dneverseenanold

demigodbefore.Quintuschuckled.‘Someofusdosurviveintoadulthood,youknow.Notallofusarethesubjectofterribleprophecies.’‘Youknowaboutmyprophecy?’‘I’veheardafewthings.’Iwantedtoaskwhatfewthings,butjustthenChironclip-cloppedintothearena.‘Percy,thereyouare!’Hemust’vejustcomefromteachingarchery.Hehadaquiverandbowslungoverhis‘NO.1

CENTAUR’T-shirt.He’dtrimmedhiscurlybrownhairandbeardforthesummer,andhislowerhalf,whichwasawhitestallion,wasfleckedwithmudandgrass.‘Iseeyou’vemetournewinstructor.’Chiron’stonewaslight,buttherewasanuneasylookinhiseyes.‘Quintus,doyoumindifIborrowPercy?’‘Notatall,MasterChiron.’‘Noneedtocallme“master”,’Chironsaid,thoughhesoundedsortofpleased.‘Come,Percy.Wehavemuchtodiscuss.’ItookonemoreglanceatMrsO’Leary,whowasnowchewingoffthetargetdummy’slegs.‘Well,seeyou,’ItoldQuintus.Aswewerewalkingaway,IwhisperedtoChiron,‘Quintusseemskindof–’‘Mysterious?’Chironsuggested.‘Hardtoread?’‘Yeah.’Chironnodded.Averyqualifiedhalf-blood.Excellentswordsman.IjustwishIunderstood…’Whateverhewasgoingtosay,heapparentlychangedhismind.‘Firstthingsfirst,Percy.Annabethtoldmeyoumetsomeempousai.’‘Yeah.’ItoldhimaboutthefightatGoode,andhowKellihadexplodedintoflames.‘Mm,’Chironsaid.‘Themorepowerfulonescandothat.Shedidnotdie,Percy.Shesimplyescaped.Itisnotgoodthattheshe-demonsarestirring.’‘Whatweretheydoingthere?’Iasked.‘Waitingforme?’‘Possibly.’Chironfrowned.‘Itisamazingyousurvived.Theirpowersofdeception…almostanymaleherowould’vefallenundertheirspellandbeendevoured.’‘Iwould’vebeen,’Iadmitted.‘ExceptforRachel.’Chironnodded.‘Ironictobesavedbyamortal,yetweoweheradebt.Whattheempousasaidaboutanattackoncamp–wemustspeakofthisfurther.Butfornow,come,weshouldgettothewoods.Groverwillwantyouthere.’‘Where?’‘Athisformalhearing,’Chironsaidgrimly.‘TheCouncilofClovenEldersismeetingnowtodecidehisfate.’

Chironsaidweneededtohurry,soIlethimgivemearideonhisback.Aswegallopedpastthecabins,Iglancedatthedininghall–anopen-airGreekpaviliononahilloverlooking

thesea.ItwasthefirsttimeI’dseentheplacesincelastsummer,anditbroughtbackbadmemories.Chironplungedintothewoods.Nymphspeekedoutofthetreestowatchuspass.Largeshapesrustledintheshadows–monstersthatwerekeptinhereasachallengetothecampers.IthoughtIknewtheforestprettywellafterplayingcapturetheflagherefortwosummers,butChirontookmeawayIdidn’trecognize,throughatunnelofoldwillowtrees,pastalittlewaterfallandintoagladeblanketedwithwildflowers.Abunchofsatyrswassittinginacircleonthegrass.Groverstoodinthemiddle,facingthreereallyold,reallyfatsatyrswhosatontopiarythronesshapedoutofrosebushes.I’dneverseenthethreeoldsatyrsbefore,butIguessedtheymustbetheCouncilofClovenElders.Groverseemedtobetellingthemastory.HetwistedthebottomofhisT-shirt,shiftingnervouslyonhisgoathooves.Hehadn’tchangedmuchsincelastwinter,maybebecausesatyrsagehalfasfastashumans.Hisacnehadflaredup.Hishornshadgotalittlebigger,sotheyjuststuckoutoverhiscurlyhair.IrealizedwithastartthatIwastallerthanhimnow.StandingofftoonesideofthecirclewereAnnabeth,anothergirlI’dneverseenbefore,andClarisse.Chirondroppedmenexttothem.Clarisse’sstringybrownhairwastiedbackwithacamouflagebandanna.Ifpossible,shelookedevenbuffer,likeshe’dbeenworkingout.Sheglaredatmeandmuttered,‘Punk,’whichmust’vemeantshewasinagoodmood.Usuallyshesayshellobytryingtokillme.Annabethhadherarmaroundtheothergirl,wholookedlikeshe’dbeencrying.Shewassmall–petite,Iguessyou’dcallit–withwispyhairthecolourofamberandapretty,elfishface.Sheworeagreenchitonandlacedsandals,andshewasdabbinghereyeswithahandkerchief.‘It’sgoingterribly,’shesniffled.‘No,no.’Annabethpattedhershoulder.‘He’llbefine,Juniper.’AnnabethlookedatmeandmouthedthewordsGrover’sgirlfriend.AtleastIthoughtthat’swhatshesaid,butthatmadenosense.Groverwithagirlfriend?ThenIlookedatJunipermoreclosely,andIrealizedherearswereslightlypointed.Hereyes,insteadofbeingredfromcrying,weretingedgreen,thecolourofchlorophyll.Shewasatreenymph–adryad.‘MasterUnderwood!’thecouncilmemberontherightshouted,cuttingoffwhateverGroverwastryingtosay.‘Doyouseriouslyexpectustobelievethis?’‘B-but,Silenus,’Groverstammered.‘It’sthetruth!’Thecouncilguy,Silenus,turnedtohiscolleaguesandmutteredsomething.Chironcantereduptothefrontandstoodnexttothem.Irememberedhewasanhonorarymemberofthecouncil,butI’dneverthoughtaboutitmuch.Theeldersdidn’tlookveryimpressive.Theyremindedmeofthegoatsinapettingzoo–hugebellies,sleepyexpressions,andglazedeyesthatcouldn’tseepastthenexthandfulofgoatchow.Iwasn’tsurewhyGroverlookedsonervous.Silenustuggedhisyellowpoloshirtoverhisbellyandadjustedhimselfonhisrosebush

throne.‘MasterUnderwood,forsixmonths–sixmonths–wehavebeenhearingthesescandalousclaimsthatyouheardthewildgodPanspeak.’‘ButIdid!’‘Impudence!’saidtheelderontheleft.‘Now,Maron,’Chironsaid.‘Patience.’‘Patience,indeed!’Maronsaid.‘I’vehadituptomyhornswiththisnonsense.Asifthewildgodwouldspeakto…tohim.’Juniperlookedlikeshewantedtochargetheoldsatyrandbeathimup,butAnnabethandClarisseheldherback.‘Wrongfight,girlie,’Clarissemuttered.‘Wait.’Idon’tknowwhatsurprisedmemore:Clarisseholdingsomebodybackfromafight,orthefactthatsheandAnnabeth,whodespisedeachother,almostseemedliketheywereworkingtogether.‘Forsixmonths,’Silenuscontinued,‘wehaveindulgedyou,MasterUnderwood.Weletyoutravel.Weallowedyoutokeepyoursearcher’slicence.Wewaitedforyoutobringproofofyourpreposterousclaim.Andwhathaveyoufoundinsixmonthsoftravel?’‘Ijustneedmoretime,’Groverpleaded.‘Nothing!’theelderinthemiddlechimedin.‘Youhavefoundnothing.’‘But,Leneus–’Silenusraisedhishand.Chironleanedinandsaidsomethingtothesatyrs.Thesatyrsdidn’tlookhappy.Theymutteredandarguedamongthemselves,butChironsaidsomethingelse,andSilenussighed.Henoddedreluctantly.‘MasterUnderwood,’Silenusannounced,‘wewillgiveyouonemorechance.’Groverbrightened.‘Thankyou!’‘Onemoreweek.’‘What?But,sir!That’simpossible!’‘Onemoreweek,MasterUnderwood.Andthen,ifyoucannotproveyourclaims,itwillbetimeforyoutopursueanothercareer.Somethingtosuityourdramatictalents.Puppettheatre,perhaps.Ortapdancing.’‘But,sir,I–Ican’tlosemysearcher’slicence.Mywholelife–’‘Thismeetingofthecouncilisadjourned,’Silenussaid.‘Andnowletusenjoyournoondaymeal!’Theoldsatyrclappedhishandsandabunchofnymphsmeltedoutofthetreeswithplattersofvegetables,fruits,tincansandothergoatdelicacies.Thecircleofsatyrsbrokeandchargedthefood.Groverwalkeddejectedlytowardsus.HisfadedblueT-shirthadapictureofasatyronit.Itread:GotHooves?‘Hi,Percy,’hesaid,sodepressedhedidn’tevenoffertoshakemyhand.‘Thatwentwell,huh?’‘Thoseoldgoats!’Junipersaid.‘Oh,Grover,theydon’tknowhowhardyou’vetried!’‘Thereisanotheroption,’Clarissesaiddarkly.‘No.No.’Junipershookherhead.‘Grover,Iwon’tletyou.’

Hisfacewasashen.‘I–I’llhavetothinkaboutit.Butwedon’tevenknowwheretolook.’‘Whatareyoutalkingabout?’Iasked.Inthedistance,aconchhornsounded.Annabethpursedherlips.‘I’llfillyouinlater,Percy.We’dbettergetbacktoourcabins.Inspectionisstarting.’

Itdidn’tseemfairthatI’dhavetodocabininspectionwhenIjustgottocamp,butthat’sthewayitworked.Everyafternoon,oneoftheseniorcounsellorscamearoundwithapapyrus-scrollchecklist.Bestcabingotfirstshowerhour,whichmeanthotwaterguaranteed.Worstcabingotkitchenpatrolafterdinner.Theproblemforme:IwasusuallytheonlyoneinthePoseidoncabin,andI’mnotexactlywhatyouwouldcallneat.Thecleaningharpiesonlycamethroughonthelastdayofsummer,somycabinwasprobablyjustthewayI’dleftitonwinterbreak:mychocolatewrappersandcrispbagsstillonmybunk,myarmourforcapturetheflaglyinginpiecesallaroundthecabin.Iracedtowardsthecommonsarea,wherethetwelvecabins–oneforeachOlympiangod–madeaUaroundthecentralgreen.TheDemeterkidsweresweepingouttheirsandmakingfreshflowersgrowintheirwindowboxes.Justbysnappingtheirfingerstheycouldmakehoneysucklevinesbloomovertheirdoorwayanddaisiescovertheirroof,whichwastotallyunfair.Idon’tthinktheyevergotlastplaceininspection.TheguysintheHermescabinwerescramblingaroundinapanic,stashingdirtylaundryundertheirbedsandaccusingeachotheroftakingstuff.Theywereslobs,buttheystillhadaheadstartonme.OverattheAphroditecabin,SilenaBeauregardwasjustcomingout,checkingitemsofftheinspectionscroll.Icursedundermybreath.Silenawasnice,butshewasanabsoluteneatfreak,theworstinspector.Shelikedthingstobepretty.Ididn’tdo‘pretty’.IcouldalmostfeelmyarmsgettingheavyfromallthedishesIwouldhavetoscrubtonight.ThePoseidoncabinwasattheendoftherowof‘malegod’cabinsontherightsideofthegreen.Itwasmadeofgreyshell-encrustedsearock,longandlowlikeabunker,butithadwindowsthatfacedtheseaanditalwayshadagoodbreezeblowingthroughit.Idashedinside,wonderingifmaybeIcoulddoaquickunder-the-bedcleaningjobliketheHermesguys,andIfoundmyhalf-brotherTysonsweepingthefloor.‘Percy!’hebellowed.Hedroppedhisbroomandranatme.Ifyou’veneverbeenchargedbyanenthusiasticCyclopswearingafloweredapronandrubbercleaninggloves,I’mtellingyou,it’llwakeyouupquick.‘Hey,bigguy!’Isaid.Ow,watchtheribs.Theribs.’Imanagedtosurvivehisbearhug.Heputmedown,grinninglikecrazy,hissinglecalf-browneyefullofexcitement.Histeethwereasyellowandcrookedasever,andhishairwasarat’snest.HeworeraggedXXXLjeansandatatteredflannelshirtunderhisfloweredapron,buthewasstillasightforsoreeyes.Ihadn’tseenhiminalmostayear,sincehe’dgoneundertheseatoworkattheCyclopes’forges.‘Youareokay?’heasked.‘Noteatenbymonsters?’‘Notevenalittlebit.’IshowedhimthatIstillhadbotharmsandbothlegs,andTyson

clappedhappily.‘Yay!’hesaid.‘Nowwecaneatpeanutbuttersandwichesandridefishponies!WecanfightmonstersandseeAnnabethandmakethingsgoBOOM!’Ihopedhedidn’tmeanallatthesametime,butItoldhimabsolutely,we’dhavealotoffunthissummer.Icouldn’thelpsmiling;hewassoenthusiasticabouteverything.‘Butfirst,’Isaid,‘we’vegottaworryaboutinspection.Weshould…’ThenIlookedaroundandrealizedTysonhadbeenbusy.Thefloorwasswept.Thebunkbedsweremade.Thesaltwaterfountaininthecornerhadbeenfreshlyscrubbedsothecoralgleamed.Onthewindowsills,Tysonhadsetoutwater-filledvaseswithseaanemonesandstrangeglowingplantsfromthebottomoftheocean,morebeautifulthananyflowerbouquetstheDemeterkidscouldwhipup.‘Tyson,thecabinlooks…amazing!’Hebeamed.‘Seethefishponies?Iputthemontheceiling!’Aherdofminiaturebronzehippocampihungonwiresfromtheceiling,soitlookedliketheywereswimmingthroughtheair.Icouldn’tbelieveTyson,withhishugehands,couldmakethingssodelicate.ThenIlookedoveratmybunk,andIsawmyoldshieldhangingonthewall.‘Youfixedit!’Theshieldhadbeenbadlydamagedinamanticoreattacklastwinter,butnowitwasperfectagain–notascratch.AllthebronzepicturesofmyadventureswithTysonandAnnabethintheSeaofMonsterswerepolishedandgleaming.IlookedatTyson.Ididn’tknowhowtothankhim.Thensomebodybehindmesaid,‘Oh,my.’SilenaBeauregardwasstandinginthedoorwaywithherinspectionscroll.Shesteppedintothecabin,didaquicktwirl,thenraisedhereyebrowsatme.‘Well,Ihadmydoubts.Butyoucleanupnicely,Percy.I’llrememberthat.’Shewinkedatmeandlefttheroom.

TysonandIspenttheafternooncatchingupandjusthangingout,whichwasniceafteramorningofgettingattackedbydemoncheerleaders.WewentdowntotheforgeandhelpedBeckendorffromtheHephaestuscabinwithhismetalworking.Tysonshowedushowhe’dlearnedtocraftmagicweapons.Hefashionedaflamingdouble-bladedwaraxesofastevenBeckendorfwasimpressed.Whileheworked,Tysontoldusabouthisyearunderthesea.HiseyelitupwhenhedescribedtheCyclopes’forgesandthepalaceofPoseidon,buthealsotoldushowtensethingswere.Theoldgodsofthesea,who’druledduringTitantimes,werestartingtomakewaronourfather.WhenTysonhadleft,battleswereragingallovertheAtlantic.Hearingthatmademefeelanxious,likeIshouldbehelpingout,butTysonassuredmethatDadwantedusbothatcamp.‘Lotsofbadpeopleabovethesea,too,’Tysonsaid.‘Wecanmakethemgoboom.’Aftertheforges,wespentsometimeatthecanoelakewithAnnabeth.ShewasreallygladtoseeTyson,butIcouldtellshewasdistracted.Shekeptlookingoverattheforest,

likeshewasthinkingaboutGrover’sproblemwiththecouncil.Icouldn’tblameher.Groverwasnowheretobeseen,andIfeltreallybadforhim.FindingthelostgodPanhadbeenhislifelonggoal.Hisfatherandhisunclehadbothdisappeared,followingthesamedream.Lastwinter,Groverhadheardavoiceinhishead:Iawaityou–avoicehewassurebelongedtoPan–butapparentlyhissearchhadlednowhere.Ifthecounciltookawayhissearcher’slicencenow,itwouldcrushhim.‘What’sthis“otherway”?’IaskedAnnabeth.‘ThethingClarissementioned?’Shepickedupastoneandskippeditacrossthelake.‘SomethingClarissescoutedout.Ihelpedheralittlethisspring.Butitwouldbedangerous.EspeciallyforGrover.’‘Goatboyscaresme,’Tysonmurmured.Istaredathim.Tysonhadfaceddownfire-breathingbullsandseamonstersandcannibalgiants.‘WhywouldyoubescaredofGrover?’‘Hoovesandhorns,’Tysonmutterednervously.‘Andgoatfurmakesmynoseitchy.’AndthatprettymuchendedourGroverconversation.

Beforedinner,TysonandIwentdowntotheswordarena.Quintuswasgladtohavecompany.Hestillwouldn’ttellmewhatwasinthewoodencrates,buthedidteachmeafewswordmoves.Theguywasgood.Hefoughtthewaysomepeopleplaychess–likehewasputtingallthemovestogetherandyoucouldn’tseethepatternuntilhemadethelaststrokeandwonwithaswordatyourthroat.‘Goodtry,’hetoldme.‘Butyourguardistoolow.’HelungedandIblocked.‘Haveyoualwaysbeenaswordsman?’Iasked.Heparriedmyoverheadcut.‘I’vebeenmanythings.’HejabbedandIsidestepped.Hisshoulderstrapslippeddown,andIsawthatmarkonhisshoulder–thepurpleblotch.Butitwasn’tarandommark.Ithadadefiniteshape–abirdwithfoldedwings,likeaquailorsomething.‘What’sthatonyourneck?’Iasked,whichwasprobablyarudequestion,butyoucanblamemyADHD.Itendtojustblurtthingsout.Quintuslosthisrhythm.Ihithisswordhiltandknockedthebladeoutofhishand.Herubbedhisfingers.Thenheshiftedhisarmourtohidethemark.Itwasn’tatattoo,Irealized.Itwasanoldburn…likehe’dbeenbranded.‘Areminder.’Hepickeduphisswordandforcedasmile.‘Now,shallwegoagain?’Hepressedmehard,notgivingmetimeforanymorequestions.WhileheandIfought,TysonplayedwithMrsO’Leary,whomhecalledthe‘littledoggie’.TheyhadagreattimewrestlingforthebronzeshieldandplayingGettheGreek.Bysunset,Quintushadn’tevenbrokenasweat,whichseemedkindofstrange,butTysonandIwerehotandsticky,sowehittheshowersandgotreadyfordinner.Iwasfeelinggood.Itwasalmostlikeanormaldayatcamp.Thendinnercame,andallthecamperslinedupbytheircabinsandmarchedintothediningpavilion.Mostofthemignoredthesealedfissureinthemarblefloorattheentrance–athree-metre-longjaggedscarthathadn’tbeentherelastsummer–butIwascarefultostepoverit.

‘Bigcrack,’Tysonsaidwhenwewereatourtable.‘Earthquake,maybe?’‘No,’Isaid.‘Notanearthquake.’Iwasn’tsureIshouldtellhim.ItwasasecretonlyAnnabethandGroverandIknew.ButlookinginTyson’sbigeye,IknewIcouldn’thideanythingfromhim.‘NicodiAngelo,’Isaid,loweringmyvoice.‘He’sthishalf-bloodkidwebroughttocamplastwinter.He,uh…heaskedmetoguardhissisteronaquest,andIfailed.Shedied.Nowheblamesme.’Tysonfrowned.‘Soheputacrackinthefloor?’‘Theseskeletonsattackedus,’Isaid.‘Nicotoldthemtogoaway,andthegroundjustopenedupandswallowedthem.Nico…’Ilookedaroundtomakesurenoonewaslistening.‘NicoisasonofHades.’Tysonnoddedthoughtfully.‘Thegodofdeadpeople.’‘Yeah.’‘SotheNicoboyisgonenow?’‘I–Iguess.Itriedtosearchforhimthisspring.SodidAnnabeth.Butwedidn’thaveanyluck.Thisissecret,Tyson.Okay?IfanyonefoundoutheisasonofHades,hewouldbeindanger.Youcan’teventellChiron.’‘Thebadprophecy,’Tysonsaid.‘Titansmightusehimiftheyknew.’Istaredathim.Sometimesitwaseasytoforgetthat,asbigandchildlikeashewas,Tysonwasprettysmart.HeknewthatthenextchildoftheBigThreegods–Zeus,PoseidonorHades–whoturnedsixteenwasprophesiedtoeithersaveordestroyMountOlympus.Mostpeopleassumedthatmeantme,butifIdiedbeforeIturnedsixteen,theprophecycouldjustaseasilyapplytoNico.‘Exactly,’Isaid.‘So–’‘Mouthsealed,’Tysonpromised.‘Likethecrackintheground.’

∗∗∗

Ihadtroublefallingasleepthatnight.Ilayinbedlisteningtothewavesonthebeach,andtheowlsandmonstersinthewoods.IwasafraidonceIdriftedoffI’dhavenightmares.See,forhalf-bloods,dreamsarehardlyeverjustdreams.Wegetmessages.Weseethingsthatarehappeningtoourfriendsorenemies.Sometimesweevenglimpsethepastorthefuture.Andatcamp,mydreamswerealwaysmorefrequentandvivid.SoIwasstillawakearoundmidnight,staringatthebunk-bedmattressaboveme,whenIrealizedtherewasastrangelightintheroom.Thesaltwaterfountainwasglowing.Ithrewoffthecoversandwalkedcautiouslytowardsit.Steamrosefromthehotsaltwater.Rainbowcoloursshimmeredthroughit,thoughtherewasnolightintheroomexceptforthemoonoutside.Thenapleasantfemalevoicespokefromthesteam:Pleasedepositonedrachma.IlookedoveratTyson,buthewasstillsnoring.Hesleepsaboutasheavilyasatranquillizedelephant.Ididn’tknowwhattothink.I’dneverhadacollectIris-messagebefore.Onegolden

drachmagleamedatthebottomofthefountain.IscoopeditupandtosseditthroughtheMist.Thecoinvanished.‘O,Iris,GoddessoftheRainbow,’Iwhispered.‘Showme…uh,whateveryouneedtoshowme.’TheMistshimmered.Isawthedarkshoreofariver.Wispsoffogdriftedacrossblackwater.Thebeachwasstrewnwithjaggedvolcanicrock.Ayoungboysquattedattheriverbank,tendingacampfire.Theflamesburnedanunnaturalbluecolour.ThenIsawtheboy’sface.ItwasNicodiAngelo.Hewasthrowingpiecesofpaperintothefire–Mythomagictradingcards,partofthegamehe’dbeenobsessedwithlastwinter.Nicowasonlyten,ormaybeelevenbynow,buthelookedolder.Hishairhadgrownlonger.Itwasshaggyandalmosttouchedhisshoulders.Hiseyesweredark.Hisoliveskinhadturnedpaler.Heworerippedblackjeansandabatteredaviator’sjacketthatwasseveralsizestoobig,unzippedoverablackshirt.Hisfacewasgrimy,hiseyesalittlewild.Helookedlikeakidwho’dbeenlivingonthestreets.Iwaitedforhimtolookatme.Nodoubthe’dgetcrazyangry,startaccusingmeoflettinghissisterdie.Buthedidn’tseemtonoticeme.Istayedquiet,notdaringtomove.Ifhehadn’tsentthisIris-message,whohad?Nicotossedanothertradingcardintotheblueflames.‘Useless,’hemuttered.‘Ican’tbelieveIeverlikedthisstuff.’‘Achildishgame,master,’anothervoiceagreed.Itseemedtocomefromnearthefire,butIcouldn’tseewhowastalking.Nicostaredacrosstheriver.Onthefarshorewasablackbeachshroudedinhaze.Irecognizedit:theUnderworld.NicowascampingattheedgeoftheRiverStyx.‘I’vefailed,’hemuttered.‘There’snowaytogetherback.’Theothervoicekeptsilent.Nicoturnedtowardsitdoubtfully.‘Isthere?Speak.’Somethingshimmered.Ithoughtitwasjustfirelight.ThenIrealizeditwastheformofaman–awispofbluesmoke,ashadow.Ifyoulookedathimhead-on,hewasn’tthere.Butifyoulookedoutofthecornerofyoureye,youcouldmakeouthisshape.Aghost.‘Ithasneverbeendone,’theghostsaid.‘Buttheremaybeaway.’‘Tellme,’Nicocommanded.Hiseyesshonewithafiercelight.‘Anexchange,’theghostsaid.Asoulforasoul.’‘I’veoffered!’‘Notyours,’theghostsaid.‘Youcannotofferyourfatherasoulhewilleventuallycollectanyway.Norwillhebeanxiousforthedeathofhisson.Imeanasoulthatshouldhavediedalready.Someonewhohascheateddeath.’Nico’sfacedarkened.‘Notthatagain.You’retalkingaboutmurder.’‘I’mtalkingaboutjustice,’theghostsaid.‘Vengeance.’‘Thosearenotthesamething.’Theghostlaugheddryly.‘Youwilllearndifferentlyasyougetolder.’Nicostaredattheflames.‘Whycan’tIatleastsummonher?Iwanttotalktoher.She

would…shewouldhelpme.’‘Iwillhelpyou,’theghostpromised.‘HaveInotsavedyoumanytimes?DidInotleadyouthroughthemazeandteachyoutouseyourpowers?Doyouwantrevengeforyoursisterornot?’Ididn’tliketheghost’stoneofvoice.Heremindedmeofakidatmyoldschool,abullywhousedtoconvinceotherkidstodostupidthingslikesteallabequipmentandvandalizetheteachers’cars.Thebullynevergotintotroublehimself,buthegottonsofotherkidssuspended.Nicoturnedfromthefiresotheghostcouldn’tseehim,butIcould.Ateartraceditswaydownhisface.‘Verywell.Youhaveaplan?’‘Oh,yes,’theghostsaid,soundingquitepleased.‘Wehavemanydarkroadstotravel.Wemuststart–’Theimageshimmered.Nicovanished.Thewoman’svoicefromtheMistsaid,Pleasedepositonedrachmaforanotherfiveminutes.Therewerenoothercoinsinthefountain.Igrabbedformypockets,butIwaswearingpyjamas.Ilungedforthenightstandtocheckforsparechange,buttheIris-messagehadalreadyblinkedout,andtheroomwentdarkagain.Theconnectionwasbroken.Istoodinthemiddleofthecabin,listeningtothegurgleofthesaltwaterfountainandtheoceanwavesoutside.Nicowasalive.Hewastryingtobringhissisterbackfromthedead.AndIhadafeelingIknewwhosesoulhewantedtoexchange–someonewhohadcheateddeath.Vengeance.NicodiAngelowouldcomelookingforme.

3WEPLAYTAGWITHSCORPIONS

Thenextmorningtherewasalotofexcitementatbreakfast.ApparentlyaroundthreeinthemorninganAethiopiandrakonhadbeenspottedatthebordersofcamp.IwassoexhaustedIsleptrightthroughthenoise.Themagicalboundarieshadkeptthemonsterout,butitprowledthehills,lookingforweakspotsinourdefences,anditdidn’tseemanxioustogoawayuntilLeeFletcherfromApollo’scabinledacoupleofhissiblingsinpursuit.Afterafewdozenarrowslodgedinthechinksofthedrakonsarmour,itgotthemessageandwithdrew.‘It’sstilloutthere,’Leewarnedusduringannouncements.‘Twentyarrowsinitshide,andwejustmadeitmad.Thethingwastenmetreslongandbrightgreen.Itseyes–’Heshuddered.‘Youdidwell,Lee.’Chironpattedhimontheshoulder.‘Everyonestayalert,butstaycalm.Thishashappenedbefore.’Aye,’Quintussaidfromtheheadtable.Anditwillhappenagain.Moreandmorefrequently.’Thecampersmurmuredamongthemselves.Everyoneknewtherumours:Lukeandhisarmyofmonsterswereplanninganinvasionofthecamp.Mostofusexpectedittohappenthissummer,butnooneknewhoworwhen.Itdidn’thelpthatourattendancewasdown.Weonlyhadabouteightycampers.Threeyearsago,whenI’dstarted,therehadbeenmorethanahundred.Somehaddied.SomehadjoinedLuke.Somehadjustdisappeared.‘Thisisagoodreasonfornewwargames,’Quintuscontinued,aglintinhiseyes.‘We’llseehowyoualldowiththattonight.’‘Yes…’Chironsaid.‘Well,enoughannouncements.Letusblessthismealandeat.’Heraisedhisgoblet.‘Tothegods!’Weallraisedourglassesandrepeatedtheblessing.TysonandItookourplatestothebronzebrazierandscrapedaportionofourfoodintotheflames.IhopedthegodslikedraisintoastandCheerios.‘Poseidon,’Isaid.ThenIwhispered,‘HelpmewithNico,andLuke,andGrover’sproblem…’TherewassomuchtoworryaboutIcould’vestoodthereallmorning,butIheadedbacktomytable.Onceeveryonewaseating,ChironandGrovercameovertovisit.Groverwasbleary-eyed.Hisshirtwasinsideout.Heslidhisplateontothetableandslumpednexttome.Tysonshifteduncomfortably.‘Iwillgo…um…polishmyfishponies.’Helumberedoff,leavinghisbreakfasthalfeaten.Chirontriedforasmile.Heprobablywantedtolookreassuring,butincentaurformhetoweredoverme,castingashadowacrossthetable.‘Well,Percy,howdidyousleep?’‘Uh,fine.’Iwonderedwhyheaskedthat.Wasitpossibleheknewsomethingaboutthe

weirdIris-messageI’dgot?‘IbroughtGroverover,’Chironsaid,‘becauseIthoughtyoutwomightwantto,ah,discussmatters.Now,ifyou’llexcuseme,IhavesomeIris-messagestosend.I’llseeyoulaterintheday.’HegaveGroverameaningfullook,thentrottedoutofthepavilion.‘What’shetalkingabout?’IaskedGrover.Groverchewedhiseggs.Icouldtellhewasdistracted,becausehebitoffthetinesofhisforkandchewedthosedown,too.‘Hewantsyoutoconvinceme,’hemumbled.Somebodyelseslidnexttomeonthebencn:Annabeth.‘I’lltellyouwhatit’sabout,’shesaid.‘TheLabyrinth.’Itwashardtoconcentrateonwhatshewassaying,becauseeverybodyinthediningpavilionwasstealingglancesatusandwhispering.AndAnnabethwasrightnexttome.Imeanrightnexttome.‘You’renotsupposedtobehere,’Isaid.‘Weneedtotalk,’sheinsisted.‘Buttherules…’SheknewaswellasIdidthatcampersweren’tallowedtoswitchtables.Satyrsweredifferent.Theyweren’treallydemigods.Butthehalf-bloodshadtositwiththeircabins.Iwasn’tevensurewhatthepunishmentwasforswitchingtables.I’dneverseenithappen.IfMrDhadbeenhere,heprobablywould’vestrangledAnnabethwithmagicalgrapevinesorsomething,butMrDwasn’there.Chironhadalreadyleftthepavilion.Quintuslookedoverandraisedaneyebrow,buthedidn’tsayanything.‘Look,’Annabethsaid.‘Groverisintrouble.There’sonlyonewaywecanfigureouttohelphim.It’stheLabyrinth.That’swhatClarisseandIhavebeeninvestigating.’Ishiftedmyweight,tryingtothinkclearly.‘YoumeanthemazewheretheykepttheMinotaur,backintheolddays?’‘Exactly,’Annabethsaid.‘So…it’snotundertheking’spalaceinCreteanymore,’Iguessed.‘TheLabyrinthisundersomebuildinginAmerica.’See?Itonlytookmeafewyearstoworkthingsout.IknewthatimportantplacesmovedaroundwithWesternCivilization,likeMountOlympusbeingovertheEmpireStateBuilding,andtheUnderworldentrancebeinginLosAngeles.Iwasfeelingprettyproudofmyself.Annabethrolledhereyes.‘Underabuilding?Please,Percy.TheLabyrinthishuge.Itwouldn’tfitunderasinglecity,muchlessasinglebuilding.’IthoughtaboutmydreamofNicoattheRiverStyx.‘So…istheLabyrinthpartoftheUnderworld?’‘No.’Annabethfrowned.‘Well,theremaybepassagesfromtheLabyrinthdownintotheUnderworld.I’mnotsure.ButtheUnderworldisway,waydown.TheLabyrinthisrightunderthesurfaceofthemortalworld,kindoflikeasecondskin.It’sbeengrowingforthousandsofyears,lacingitswayunderWesterncities,connectingeverythingtogetherunderground.YoucangetanywherethroughtheLabyrinth.’

‘Ifyoudon’tgetlost,’Grovermuttered.Anddieahorribledeath.’‘Grover,therehastobeaway,’Annabethsaid.Igotthefeelingthey’dhadthis

conversationbefore.‘Clarisselived.’‘Barely!’Groversaid.‘Andtheotherguy–’‘Hewasdriveninsane.Hedidn’tdie.’‘Oh,joy.’Grover’slowerlipquivered.‘Thatmakesmefeelmuchbetter.’‘Whoa,’Isaid.‘Backup.What’sthisaboutClarisseandacrazyguy?’AnnabethglancedovertowardstheArestable.Clarissewaswatchinguslikesheknew

whatweweretalkingabout,butthenshefixedhereyesonherbreakfastplate.‘Lastyear,’Annabethsaid,loweringhervoice,‘ClarissewentonamissionforChiron.’‘Iremember,’Isaid.‘Itwassecret.’Annabethnodded.Despitehowseriousshewasacting,Iwashappyshewasn’tmadatme

anymore.AndIkindoflikedthefactthatshe’dbrokentherulestocomesitnexttome.‘Itwassecret,’Annabethagreed,‘becauseshefoundChrisRodriguez.’‘TheguyfromtheHermescabin?’Irememberedhimfromtwoyearsago.We’d

eavesdroppedonChrisRodriguezaboardLuke’sship,thePrincessAndromeda.Chriswasoneofthehalf-bloodswho’dabandonedcampandjoinedtheTitanarmy.‘Yeah,’Annabethsaid.‘LastsummerhejustappearedinPhoenix,Arizona,nearClarisse’s

mom’shouse.’‘Whatdoyoumean,hejustappeared?’‘Hewaswanderingaroundthedesert,infiftydegrees,infullGreekarmour,babbling

aboutstring.’‘String,’Isaid.‘He’dbeendrivencompletelyinsane.Clarissebroughthimbacktohermom’shousesothe

mortalswouldn’tinstitutionalizehim.Shetriedtonursehimbacktohealth.Chironcameoutandinterviewedhim,butitwasn’tmuchgood.Theonlythingtheygotoutofhim:Luke’smenhavebeenexploringtheLabyrinth.’Ishivered,thoughIwasn’tsureexactlywhy.PoorChris…Hehadn’tbeenthatbadaguy.

Whatcould’vedrivenhimmad?IlookedatGrover,whowaschewinguptherestofhisfork.‘Okay,’Iasked.‘WhyweretheyexploringtheLabyrinth?’‘Weweren’tsure,’Annabethsaid.‘That’swhyClarissewentonascoutingexpedition.

Chironkeptthingshushedupbecausehedidn’twantanyonepanicking.Hegotmeinvolvedbecause…well,theLabyrinthhasalwaysbeenoneofmyfavouritesubjects.Thearchitectureinvolved–’Herexpressionturnedalittledreamy.‘Thebuilder,Daedalus,wasagenius.Butthepointis,theLabyrinthhasentranceseverywhere.IfLukecouldfigureouthowtonavigateit,hecouldmovehisarmyaroundwithincrediblespeed.’‘Exceptit’samaze,right?’‘Fullofhorribletraps,’Groveragreed.‘Deadends.Illusions.Psychoticgoat-killing

monsters.’‘ButnotifyouhadAriadne’sstring,’Annabethsaid.‘Intheolddays,Ariadne’sstring

guidedTheseusoutofthemaze.Itwasanavigationinstrumentofsomekind,inventedby

Daedalus.AndChrisRodriguezwasmumblingaboutstring.’‘SoLukeistryingtofindAriadne’sstring,’Isaid.‘Why?What’sheplanning?’Annabethshookherhead.‘Idon’tknow.Ithoughtmaybehewantedtoinvadecamp

throughthemaze,butthatdoesn’tmakeanysense.TheclosestentrancesClarissefoundwereinManhattan,whichwouldn’thelpLukegetpastourborders.Clarisseexploredalittlewayintothetunnels,but…itwasverydangerous.Shehadsomeclosecalls.IresearchedeverythingIcouldfindoutaboutDaedalus.I’mafraiditdidn’thelpmuch.Idon’tunderstandexactlywhatLuke’splanning,butIdoknowthis:theLabyrinthmightbethekeytoGrover’sproblem.’Iblinked.‘YouthinkPanisunderground?’‘Itwouldexplainwhyhe’sbeenimpossibletofind.’Grovershuddered.‘Satyrshategoingunderground.Nosearcherwouldevertrygoingin

thatplace.Noflowers.Nosunshine.Nocoffeeshops!’‘But,’Annabethsaid,‘theLabyrinthcanleadyoualmostanywhere.Itreadsyour

thoughts.Itwasdesignedtofoolyou,totrickyouandkillyou;butifyoucanmaketheLabyrinthworkforyou–’‘Itcouldleadyoutothewildgod,’Isaid.‘Ican’tdoit.’Groverhuggedhisstomach.‘Justthinkingaboutitmakesmewanttothrow

upmysilverware.’‘Grover,itmaybeyourlastchance,’Annabethsaid.‘Thecouncilisserious.Oneweek,or

youlearntotapdance!’Overattheheadtable,Quintusclearedhisthroat.Igotthefeelinghedidn’twantto

makeascene,butAnnabethwasreallypushingit,sittingatmytablesolong.‘We’lltalklater.’Annabethsqueezedmyarmalittletoohard.‘Convincehim,willyou?’ShereturnedtotheAthenatable,ignoringallthepeoplewhowerestaringather.Groverburiedhisheadinhishands.‘Icantdoit,Percy.Mysearcher’slicence.Pan.I’m

goingtoloseitall.I’llhavetostartapuppettheatre.’‘Don’tsaythat!We’llfiguresomethingout.’Helookedatme,teary-eyed.‘Percy,you’remybestfriend.You’veseenmeunderground.

InthatCyclops’scave.DoyoureallythinkIcould…’Hisvoicefaltered.IrememberedtheSeaofMonsters,whenhe’dbeenstuckinaCyclops’s

cave.He’dneverlikedundergroundplacestobeginwith,butnowGroverreallyhatedthem.Cyclopesgavehimthecreeps,too.EvenTyson…Grovertriedtohideit,butGroverandIcouldsortofreadeachother’semotionsbecauseofthisempathylinkGroverhadmadebetweenus.Iknewhowhefelt.Groverwasterrifiedofthebigguy.‘Ihavetoleave,’Groversaidmiserably.‘Juniper’swaitingforme.It’sagoodthingshe

findscowardsattractive.’Afterhewasgone,IlookedoveratQuintus.Henoddedgravely,likeweweresharing

somedarksecret.Thenhewentbacktocuttinghissausagewithadagger.

IntheafternoonIwentdowntothepegasusstablestovisitmyfriendBlackjack.

Yo,boss!Hecaperedaroundinhisstall,hisblackwingsbuffetingtheair.Yabringmesomesugarcubes?‘Youknowthosearen’tgoodforyou,Blackjack.’Yeah,soyoubroughtmesome,bub?Ismiledandfedhimahandful.BlackjackandIwentbackalongway.IsortofhelpedrescuehimfromLuke’sdemoncruiseshipafewyearsago,andeversinceheinsistedonrepayingmewithfavours.Sowegotanyquestscomingup?Blackjackasked.I’mreadytofly,boss!Ipattedhisnose.‘Notsure,man.Everybodykeepstalkingaboutundergroundmazes.’Blackjackwhinniednervously.Nuh~uh.Notforthishorse!Youain’tgonnabecrazyenoughtogoinnomaze,boss.Areya?You’llendupinthegluefactory!‘Youmayberight,Blackjack.We’llsee.’Blackjackcruncheddownhissugarcubes.Heshookhismanelikehewashavingasugarseizure.Whoa!Goodstuff!Well,boss,youcometoyoursensesandwanttoflysomewhere,justgiveawhistle.OleBlackjackandhisbuddies,we’llstampedeanybodyforya!ItoldhimI’dkeepitinmind.Thenagroupofyoungercamperscameintothestablestostarttheirridinglessons,andIdecideditwastimetoleave.IhadabadfeelingIwasn’tgoingtoseeBlackjackforalongtime.

Thatnightafterdinner,Quintushadussuitupincombatarmourlikeweweregettingreadyforcapturetheflag,butthemoodamongthecamperswasalotmoreserious.Sometimeduringtheday,thecratesinthearenahaddisappeared,andIhadafeelingwhateverwasinthemhadbeenemptiedintothewoods.‘Right,’Quintussaid,standingontheheaddiningtable.‘Gatherround.’Hewasdressedinblackleatherandbronze.Inthetorchlight,hisgreyhairmadehimlooklikeaghost.MrsO’Learyboundedhappilyaroundhim,foragingfordinnerscraps.‘Youwillbeinteamsoftwo,’Quintusannounced.Wheneverybodystartedtalkingandtryingtograbtheirfriends,heyelled:‘Whichhavealreadybeenchosen!’‘AWWWWW!’everybodycomplained.‘Yourgoalissimple:collectthegoldlaurelswithoutdying.Thewreathiswrappedinasilkpackage,tiedtothebackofoneofthemonsters.Therearesixmonsters.Eachhasasilkpackage.Onlyoneholdsthelaurels.Youmustfindthewreathbeforetheotherteams.Andofcourse…Youwillhavetoslaythemonstertogetit,andstayalive.’Thecrowdstartedmurmuringexcitedly.Thetasksoundedprettystraightforward.Hey,we’dallslainmonstersbefore.That’swhatwetrainedfor.‘Iwillnowannounceyourpartners,’Quintussaid.‘Therewillbenotrading.Noswitching.Nocomplaining.’ArooooffMrsO’Learyburiedherfaceinaplateofpizza.Quintusproducedabigscrollandstartedreadingoffnames.BeckendorfwouldbewithSilenaBeauregard,whichBeckendorflookedprettyhappyabout.TheStollbrothers,TravisandConnor,wouldbetogether.Nosurprise.Theydideverythingtogether.ClarissewaswithLeeFletcherfromtheApollocabin–meleeandrangedcombatcombined,theywould

beatoughcombotobeat.Quintuskeptrattlingoffthenamesuntilhesaid,‘PercyJacksonwithAnnabethChase.’‘Nice.’IgrinnedatAnnabeth.‘Yourarmouriscrooked,’washeronlycomment,andsheredidmystrapsforme.‘GroverUnderwood,’Quintussaid,‘withTyson.’Groverjustaboutjumpedoutofhisgoatfur.‘What?B-but–’‘No,no,’Tysonwhimpered.‘Mustbeamistake.Goatboy–’‘Nocomplaining!’Quintusordered.‘Getwithyourpartner.Youhavetwominutestoprepare!’TysonandGroverbothlookedatmepleadingly.Itriedtogivethemanencouragingnod,andgesturedthattheyshouldmovetogether.Tysonsneezed.Groverstartedchewingnervouslyonhiswoodenclub.‘They’llbefine,’Annabethsaid.‘Comeon.Let’sworryabouthowwe’regoingtostayalive.’

Itwasstilllightwhenwegotintothewoods,buttheshadowsfromthetreesmadeitfeellikemidnight.Itwascold,too,eveninsummer.AnnabethandIfoundtracksalmostimmediately–scuttlingmarksmadebysomethingwithalotoflegs.Webegantofollowthetrail.Wejumpedacreekandheardsometwigssnappingnearby.Wecrouchedbehindaboulder,butitwasonlytheStollbrotherstrippingthroughthewoodsandcursing.Theirdadwasthegodofthieves,buttheywereaboutasstealthyaswaterbuffaloes.OncetheStallshadpassed,weforgeddeeperintothewestwoods,wherethemonsterswerewilder.WewerestandingonaledgeoverlookingamarshypondwhenAnnabethtensed.‘Thisiswherewestoppedlooking.’Ittookmeasecondtorealizewhatshemeant.Lastwinter,whenwe’dbeensearchingforNicodiAngelo,thiswaswherewe’dgivenuphopeoffindinghim.Grover,AnnabethandIhadstoodonthisrock,andI’dconvincedthemnottotellChironthetruth:thatNicowasasonofHades.Atthetimeitseemedtherightthingtodo.Iwantedtoprotecthisidentity.Iwantedtobetheonetofindhimandmakethingsrightforwhathadhappenedtohissister.Now,sixmonthslater,Ihadn’tevencomeclosetofindinghim.Itleftabittertasteinmymouth.‘Isawhimlastnight,’Isaid.Annabethknittedhereyebrows.‘Whatdoyoumean?’ItoldherabouttheIris-message.WhenIwasdone,shestaredintotheshadowsofthewoods.‘He’ssummoningthedead?That’snotgood.’‘Theghostwasgivinghimbadadvice,’Isaid.‘Tellinghimtotakerevenge.’‘Yeah…spiritsarenevergoodadvisers.They’vegottheirownagendas.Oldgrudges.Andtheyresenttheliving.’‘He’sgoingtocomeafterme,’Isaid.‘Thespiritmentionedamaze.’Shenodded.‘Thatsettlesit.WehavetofigureouttheLabyrinth.’

‘Maybe,’Isaiduncomfortably.‘ButwhosenttheIris-message?IfNicodidn’tknowIwasthere–’Abranchsnappedinthewoods.Dryleavesrustled.Somethinglargewasmovinginthetrees,justbeyondtheridge.‘That’snottheStollbrothers,’Annabethwhispered.Togetherwedrewourswords.

WegottoZeus’sFist,ahugepileofbouldersinthemiddleofthewestwoods.Itwasanaturallandmarkwherecampersoftenrendezvousedonhuntingexpeditions,butnowtherewasnobodyaround.‘Overthere,’Annabethwhispered.‘No,wait,’Isaid.‘Behindus.’Itwasweird.Scuttlingnoisesseemedtobecomingfromseveraldifferentdirections.Wewerecirclingtheboulders,ourswordsdrawn,whensomeonerightbehindussaid,‘Hi.’Wewhirledaround,andthetreenymphJuniperyelped.‘Putthosedown!’sheprotested.‘Dryadsdon’tlikesharpblades,okay?’‘Juniper,’Annabethexhaled.‘Whatareyoudoinghere?’‘Ilivehere.’Iloweredmysword.‘Intheboulders?’Shepointedtowardstheedgeoftheclearing.‘Inthejuniper.Duh.’Itmadesense,andIfeltkindofstupid.I’dbeenhangingarounddryadsforyears,butIneverreallytalkedtothemmuch.Iknewtheycouldn’tgoveryfarfromtheirtree,whichwastheirsourceoflife.ButIdidn’tknowmuchelse.Areyouguysbusy?’Juniperasked.‘Well,’Isaid,‘we’reinthemiddleofthisgameagainstabunchofmonstersandwe’retryingnottodie.’‘We’renotbusy,’Annabethsaid.‘What’swrong,Juniper?’Junipersniffled.Shewipedhersilkysleeveunderhereyes.‘It’sGrover.Heseemssodistraught.Allyearhe’sbeenoutlookingforPan.Andeverytimehecomesback,it’sworse.Ithoughtmaybe,atfirst,hewasseeinganothertree.’‘No,’Annabethsaid,asJuniperstartedcrying.‘I’msurethat’snotit.’‘Hehadacrushonablueberrybushonce,’Junipersaidmiserably.‘Juniper,’Annabethsaid,‘Groverwouldneverevenlookatanothertree.He’sjuststressedoutabouthissearcher’slicence.’‘Hecan’tgounderground!’sheprotested.‘Youcan’tlethim.’Annabethlookeduncomfortable.‘Itmightbetheonlywaytohelphim;ifwejustknewwheretostart.’Ah.’Juniperwipedagreentearoffhercheek.Aboutthat…’Anotherrustleinthewoods,andJuniperyelled,‘Hide!’BeforeIcouldaskwhy,shewentpoofintogreenmist.

AnnabethandIturned.Comingoutofthewoodswasaglisteningamberinsect,threemetreslong,withjaggedpincers,anarmouredtailandastingaslongasmysword.Ascorpion.Tiedtoitsbackwasaredsilkpackage.‘Oneofusgetsbehindit,’Annabethsaid,asthethingclatteredtowardsus.‘Cutoffitstailwhiletheotherdistractsitinfront.’‘I’lltakepoint,’Isaid.‘You’vegottheinvisibilityhat.’Shenodded.We’dfoughttogethersomanytimeswekneweachother’smoves.Wecoulddothis,easy.Butitallwentwrongwhentheothertwoscorpionsappearedfromthewoods.‘Three?’Annabethsaid.‘That’snotpossible!Thewholewoods,andhalfthemonsterscomeatus?’Iswallowed.One,wecouldtake.Two,withalittleluck.Three?Doubtful.Thescorpionsscurriedtowardsus,whippingtheirbarbedtailslikethey’dcomeherejusttokillus.AnnabethandIputourbacksagainstthenearestboulder.‘Climb?’Isaid.‘Notime,’shesaid.Shewasright.Thescorpionswerealreadysurroundingus.TheyweresocloseIcouldseetheirhideousmouthsfoaming,anticipatinganicejuicymealofdemigods.‘Lookout!’Annabethparriedawayastingwiththeflatofherblade.IstabbedwithRiptide,butthescorpionbackedoutofrange.Weclamberedsidewaysalongtheboulders,butthescorpionsfollowedus.Islashedatanotherone,butgoingontheoffensivewastoodangerous.IfIwentforthebody,thetailstabbeddownward.IfIwentforthetail,thething’spincerscamefromeithersideandtriedtograbme.Allwecoulddowasdefend,andwewouldn’tbeabletokeepthatupforverylong.Itookanotherstepsideways,andsuddenlytherewasnothingbehindme.Itwasacrackbetweentwoofthelargestboulders,somethingI’dprobablypassedbyamilliontimes,but…‘Inhere,’Isaid.AnnabethslicedatascorpionthenlookedatmelikeIwascrazy.‘Inthere?It’stoonarrow.’‘I’llcoveryou.Go!’Sheduckedbehindmeandstartedsqueezingbetweenthetwoboulders.Thensheyelpedandgrabbedmyarmourstraps,andsuddenlyIwastumblingintoapitthathadn’tbeenthereamomentbefore.Icouldseethescorpionsaboveus,thepurpleeveningskyandthetrees,andthentheholeshutlikethelensofacamera,andwewereincompletedarkness.Ourbreathingechoedagainststone.Itwaswetandcold.Iwassittingonabumpyfloorthatseemedtobemadeofbricks.IliftedRiptide.ThefaintglowofthebladewasjustenoughtoilluminateAnnabeth’sfrightenedfaceandthemossystonewallsoneithersideofus.‘Wh-wherearewe?’Annabethsaid.‘Safefromscorpions,anyway.’Itriedtosoundcalm,butIwasfreakingout.Thecrackbetweentheboulderscouldn’thaveledintoacave.Iwould’veknowniftherewasacave

here;Iwassureofit.Itwaslikethegroundhadopenedupandswallowedus.AllIcouldthinkofwasthefissureinthediningroompavilion,wherethoseskeletonshadbeenconsumedlastsummer.Iwonderedifthesamethinghadhappenedtous.Iliftedmyswordagainforlight.‘It’salongroom,’Imuttered.Annabethgrippedmyarm.‘It’snotaroom.It’sacorridor.’Shewasright.Thedarknessfelt…emptierinfrontofus.Therewasawarmbreeze,likeinsubwaytunnels,onlyitfeltolder,moredangeroussomehow.Istartedforward,butAnnabethstoppedme.‘Don’ttakeanotherstep,’shewarned.‘Weneedtofindtheexit.’Shesoundedreallyscarednow.‘It’sokay,’Ipromised.‘It’sright–’IlookedupandrealizedIcouldn’tseewherewe’dfallenin.Theceilingwassolidstone.Thecorridorseemedtostretchendlesslyinbothdirections.Annabeth’shandslippedintomine.UnderdifferentcircumstancesIwould’vebeenembarrassed,buthereinthedarkIwasgladtoknowwhereshewas.ItwasabouttheonlythingIwassureof.‘Twostepsback,’sheadvised.Westeppedbackwardstogetherlikewewereinaminefield.‘Okay,’shesaid.‘Helpmeexaminethewalls.’‘Whatfor?’‘ThemarkofDaedalus,’shesaid,asifthatweresupposedtomakesense.‘Uh,okay.Whatkindof–’‘Gotit!’shesaidwithrelief.Shesetherhandonthewallandpressedagainstatinyfissure,whichbegantoglowblue.AGreeksymbolappeared:Δ,theAncientGreekDelta.Theroofslidopenandwesawnightsky,starsblazing.Itwasalotdarkerthanitshould’vebeen.Metalladderrungsappearedinthesideofthewall,leadingup,andIcouldhearpeopleyellingournames.‘Percy!Annabeth!’Tyson’svoicebellowedtheloudest,butotherswerecallingout,too.IlookednervouslyatAnnabeth.Thenwebegantoclimb.

WemadeourwayaroundtherocksandranintoClarisseandabunchofothercamperscarryingtorches.‘Wherehaveyoutwobeen?’Clarissedemanded.‘We’vebeenlookingforever.’‘Butwewereonlygoneafewminutes,’Isaid.Chirontrottedup,followedbyTysonandGrover.‘Percy!’Tysonsaid.‘Youareokay?’‘We’refine,’Isaid.‘Wefellinahole.’Theotherslookedatmesceptically,thenatAnnabeth.‘Honest!’Isaid.‘Therewerethreescorpionsafterus,soweranandhidintherocks.But

wewereonlygoneaminute.’‘You’vebeenmissingforalmostanhour,’Chironsaid.‘Thegameisover.’‘Yeah,’Grovermuttered.‘Wewould’vewon,butaCyclopssatonme.’‘Wasanaccident!’Tysonprotested,andthenhesneezed.Clarissewaswearingthegoldlaurels,butshedidn’tevenbragaboutwinningthem,whichwasn’tlikeher.Ahole?’shesaidsuspiciously.Annabethtookadeepbreath.Shelookedaroundattheothercampers.‘Chiron…maybeweshouldtalkaboutthisattheBigHouse.’Clarissegasped.‘Youfoundit,didn’tyou?’Annabethbitherlip.‘I–Yeah.Yeah,wedid.’Abunchofcampersstartedaskingquestions,lookingaboutasconfusedasIwas,butChironraisedhishandforsilence.‘Tonightisnottherighttime,andthisisnottherightplace.’Hestaredatthebouldersasifhe’djustnoticedhowdangeroustheywere.Allofyou,backtoyourcabins.Getsomesleep.Agamewellplayed,butcurfewispast!’Therewasalotofmumblingandcomplaints,butthecampersdriftedoff,talkingamongstthemselvesandgivingmesuspiciouslooks.‘Thisexplainsalot,’Clarissesaid.‘ItexplainswhatLukeisafter.’‘Waitasecond,’Isaid.‘Whatdoyoumean?Whatdidwefind?’Annabethturnedtowardsme,hereyesdarkwithworry.‘AnentrancetotheLabyrinth.Aninvasionroutestraightintotheheartofthecamp.’

4ANNABETHBREAKSTHERULES

Chironhadinsistedwetalkaboutitinthemorning,whichwaskindoflike,Hey,yourlife’sinmortaldangerSleeptight!Itwashardtofallasleep,butwhenIfinallydid,Idreamedofaprison.IsawaboyinaGreektunicandsandalscrouchingaloneinamassivestoneroom.Theceilingwasopentothenightsky,butthewallsweresevenmetreshighandpolishedmarble,completelysmooth.Scatteredaroundtheroomwerewoodencrates.Somewerecrackedandtippedover,asifthey’dbeenflunginthere.Bronzetoolsspilledoutofone–acompass,asawandabunchofotherthingsIdidn’trecognize.Theboyhuddledinthecorner,shiveringfromcold,ormaybefear.Hewasspatteredinmud.Hislegs,armsandfacewerescrapedupasifhe’dbeendraggedherealongwiththeboxes.Thenthedoubleoakdoorsmoanedopen.Twoguardsinbronzearmourmarchedin,holdinganoldmanbetweenthem.Theyflunghimtothefloorinabatteredheap.‘Father!’Theboyrantohim.Theman’srobeswereintatters.Hishairwasstreakedwithgrey,andhisbeardwaslongandcurly.Hisnosehadbeenbroken.Hislipswerebloody.Theboytooktheoldman’sheadinhisarms.‘Whatdidtheydotoyou?’Thenheyelledattheguards,‘I’llkillyou!’‘Therewillbenokillingtoday,’avoicesaid.Theguardsmovedaside.Behindthemstoodatallmaninwhiterobes.Heworeathincircletofgoldonhishead.Hisbeardwaspointedlikeaspearblade.Hiseyesglitteredcruelly.‘YouhelpedtheAtheniankillmyMinotaur,Daedalus.Youturnedmyowndaughteragainstme.’‘Youdidthatyourself,YourMajesty,’theoldmancroaked.Aguardplantedakickintheoldman’sribs.Hegroanedinagony.Theyoungboycried,‘Stopit!’‘Youloveyourmazesomuch,’thekingsaid,‘Ihavedecidedtoletyoustayhere.Thiswillbeyourworkshop.Makemenewwonders.Amuseme.Everymazeneedsamonster.Youshallbemine!’‘Idon’tfearyou,’theoldmangroaned.Thekingsmiledcoldly.Helockedhiseyesontheboy.‘Butamancaresabouthisson,eh?Displeaseme,oldman,andthenexttimemyguardsinflictapunishment,itwillbeonhim!’Thekingsweptoutoftheroomwithhisguards,andthedoorsslammedshut,leavingtheboyandhisfatheraloneinthedarkness.‘Whatwillwedo?’theboymoaned.‘Father,theywillkillyou!’Theoldmanswallowedwithdifficulty.Hetriedtosmile,butitwasagruesomesightwithhisbloodymouth.‘Takeheart,myson.’Hegazedupatthestars.‘I–Iwillfindaway.’AbarloweredacrossthedoorswithafatalBOOM,andIwokeinacoldsweat.

IwasstillfeelingshakythenextmorningwhenChironcalledawarcouncil.Wemetintheswordarena,whichIthoughtwasprettystrange–tryingtodiscussthefateofthecampwhileMrsO’Learychewedonalife–sizesqueakypinkrubberyak.ChironandQuintusstoodatthefrontbytheweaponracks.ClarisseandAnnabethsatnexttoeachotherandledthebriefing.TysonandGroversatasfarawayfromeachotheraspossible.Alsopresentaroundthetable:Juniperthetreenymph,SilenaBeauregard,TravisandConnorStoll,Beckendorf,LeeFletcher,evenArgus,ourhundred-eyedsecuritychief.That’showIknewitwasserious.Argushardlyevershowsupunlesssomethingreallymajorisgoingon.ThewholetimeAnnabethspoke,hekepthishundredblueeyestrainedonhersohard,hiswholebodyturnedbloodshot.‘LukemusthaveknownabouttheLabyrinthentrance,’Annabethsaid.‘Hekneweverythingaboutcamp.’IthoughtIheardalittleprideinhervoice,likeshestillrespectedtheguy,asevilashewas.Juniperclearedherthroat.‘That’swhatIwastryingtotellyoulastnight.Thecaveentrancehasbeentherealongtime.Lukeusedtouseit.’SilenaBeauregardfrowned.‘YouknewabouttheLabyrinthentrance,andyoudidn’tsayanything?’Juniper’sfaceturnedgreen.‘Ididn’tknowitwasimportant.Justacave.Idon’tlikeyuckyoldcaves.’‘Shehasgoodtaste,’Groversaid.‘Iwouldn’thavepaidanyattentionexcept…well,itwasLuke.’Sheblushedalittlegreener.Groverhuffed.‘ForgetwhatIsaidaboutgoodtaste.’‘Interesting.’Quintuspolishedhisswordashespoke.‘Andyoubelievethisyoungman,Luke,woulddareusetheLabyrinthasaninvasionroute?’‘Definitely,’Clarissesaid.‘IfhecouldgetanarmyofmonstersinsideCampHalf-Blood,justpopupinthemiddleofthewoodswithouthavingtoworryaboutourmagicalboundaries,wewouldn’tstandachance.Hecouldwipeusouteasy.Hemust’vebeenplanningthisformonths.’‘He’sbeensendingscoutsintothemaze,’Annabethsaid.‘Weknowbecause…becausewefoundone.’‘ChrisRodriguez,’Chironsaid.HegaveQuintusameaningfullook.Ah,’Quintussaid.‘Theoneinthe…Yes.Iunderstand.’‘Theoneinthewhat?’Iasked.Clarisseglaredatme.‘Thepointis,Lukehasbeenlookingforawaytonavigatethemaze.He’ssearchingforDaedalus’sworkshop.’Irememberedmydreamthenightbefore–thebloodyoldmanintatteredrobes.‘Theguywhocreatedthemaze.’‘Yes,’Annabethsaid.‘Thegreatestarchitect,thegreatestinventorofalltime.Ifthelegendsaretrue,hisworkshopisinthecentreoftheLabyrinth.He’stheonlyonewhoknew

howtonavigatethemazeperfectly.IfLukemanagedtofindtheworkshopandconvinceDaedalustohelphim,Lukewouldn’thavetofumblearoundsearchingforpaths,orrisklosinghisarmyinthemaze’straps.Hecouldnavigateanywherehewanted–quicklyandsafely.FirsttoCampHalf-Bloodtowipeusout.Then…toOlympus.’ThearenawassilentexceptforMrsO’Leary’stoyyakgettingdisembowelled:SQUEAK!

SQUEAK!FinallyBeckendorfputhishugehandsonthetable.‘Backupasec.Annabeth,yousaid

“convinceDaedalus”.Isn’tDaedalusdead?’Quintusgrunted.‘Iwouldhopeso.Helived,what,threethousandyearsago?And,evenif

hewerealive,don’ttheoldstoriessayhefledfromtheLabyrinth?’Chironcloppedrestlesslyonhishooves.‘That’stheproblem,mydearQuintus.Noone

knows.Therearerumours…well,therearemanydisturbingrumoursaboutDaedalus,butoneisthathedisappearedbackintotheLabyrinthtowardstheendofhislife.Hemightstillbedownthere.’IthoughtabouttheoldmanI’dseeninmydream.He’dlookedsofrailitwashardto

believehe’dlastanotherweek,muchlessthreethousandyears.‘Weneedtogoin,’Annabethannounced.‘WehavetofindtheworkshopbeforeLuke

does.IfDaedalusisalive,weconvincehimtohelpus,notLuke.IfAriadne’sstringstillexists,wemakesureitneverfallsintoLuke’shands.’‘Waitasecond,’Isaid.‘Ifwe’reworriedaboutanattack,whynotjustblowupthe

entrance?Sealthetunnel?’‘Greatidea!’Groversaid.‘I’llgetthedynamite!’‘It’snotsoeasy,stupid,’Clarissegrowled.‘Wetriedthatattheentrancewefoundin

Phoenix.Itdidn’tgowell.’Annabethnodded.‘TheLabyrinthismagicalarchitecture,Percy.Itwouldtakehuge

powertosealevenoneofitsentrances.InPhoenix,Clarissedemolishedawholebuildingwithawreckingball,andthemazeentrancejustshiftedafewmetres.ThebestwecandoispreventLukefromlearningtonavigatetheLabyrinth.’‘Wecouldfight,’LeeFletchersaid.‘Weknowwheretheentranceisnow.Wecansetupa

defensivelineandwaitforthem.Ifanarmytriestocomethrough,they’llfinduswaitingwithourbows.’‘Wewillcertainlysetupdefences,’Chironagreed.‘ButIfearClarisseisright.The

magicalbordershavekeptthiscampsafeforhundredsofyears.IfLukemanagestogetalargearmyofmonstersintothecentreofcamp,bypassingourboundaries…wemaynothavethestrengthtodefeatthem.’Nobodylookedveryhappyaboutthatnews.Chironusuallytriedtobeupbeatand

optimistic.Ifhewaspredictingwecouldn’tholdoffanattack,thatwasn’tgood.‘WehavetogettoDaedalus’sworkshopfirst,’Annabethinsisted.‘FindAriadne’sstring

andpreventLukefromusingit.’‘Butifnobodycannavigateinthere,’Isaid,‘whatchancedowehave?’‘I’vebeenstudyingarchitectureforyears,’shesaid.‘IknowDaedalus’sLabyrinthbetter

thananybody.’

‘Fromreadingaboutit.’‘Well,yes.’‘That’snotenough.’‘Ithastobe!’‘Itisn’t!’‘Areyougoingtohelpmeornot?’IrealizedeveryonewaswatchingAnnabethandmelikeatennismatch.MrsO’Leary’s

squeakyyakwentEEK!assherippedoffitspinkrubberhead.Chironclearedhisthroat.‘Firstthingsfirst.Weneedaquest.Someonemustenterthe

Labyrinth,findtheworkshopofDaedalusandpreventLukefromusingthemazetoinvadethiscamp.’‘Weallknowwhoshouldleadthis,’Clarissesaid.Annabeth.’Therewasamurmurofagreement.IknewAnnabethhadbeenwaitingforherownquest

sinceshewasalittlekid,butshelookeduncomfortable.‘You’vedoneasmuchasIhave,Clarisse,’shesaid.‘Youshouldgo,too.’Clarisseshookherhead.‘I’mnotgoingbackinthere.’TravisStolllaughed.‘Don’ttellmeyou’rescared.Clarisse,chicken?’Clarissegottoherfeet.IthoughtshewasgoingtopulverizeTravis,butshesaidina

shakyvoice:‘Youdon’tunderstandanything,punk.I’mnevergoinginthereagain.Never!’Shestormedoutofthearena.Travislookedaroundsheepishly.‘Ididn’tmeanto–’Chironraisedhishand.‘Thepoorgirlhashadadifficultyear.Now,dowehave

agreementthatAnnabethshouldleadthequest?’WeallnoddedexceptQuintus.Hefoldedhisarmsandstaredatthetable,butIwasn’t

sureanyoneelsenoticed.‘Verywell.’ChironturnedtoAnnabeth.‘Mydear,it’syourtimetovisittheOracle.

Assumingyoureturntousinonepiece,weshalldiscusswhattodonext.’

WaitingforAnnabethwasharderthanvisitingtheOraclemyself.I’dhearditspeakpropheciestwicebefore.Thefirsttimehadbeeninthedustyatticofthe

BigHouse,wherethespiritofDelphisleptinsidethebodyofamummifiedhippielady.Thesecondtime,theOraclehadcomeoutforalittlestrollinthewoods.Istillhadnightmaresaboutthat.I’dneverfeltthreatenedbytheOracle’spresence,butI’dheardstories:camperswho’d

goneinsane,orwho’dseenvisionssorealtheydiedoffear.Ipacedthearena,waiting.MrsO’Learyateherlunch,whichconsistedoffiftykilograms

ofgroundbeefandseveraldogbiscuitsthesizeoftrashcanlids.IwonderedwhereQuintusgotdogbiscuitsthatsize.Ididn’tthinkyoucouldjustwalkintoPetZoneandputthoseinyourshoppingcart.ChironwasdeepinconversationwithQuintusandArgus.Itlookedtomeliketheywere

disagreeingaboutsomething.Quintuskeptshakinghishead.

Ontheothersideofthearena,TysonandtheStollbrotherswereracingminiaturebronzechariotsthatTysonhadmadeoutofarmourscraps.Igaveuponpacingandleftthearena.IstaredacrossthefieldsattheBigHouse’satticwindow,darkandmotionless.WhatwastakingAnnabethsolong?Iwasprettysureithadn’ttakenmethislongtogetmyquest.‘Percy,’agirlwhispered.Juniperwasstandinginthebushes.Itwasweirdhowshealmostturnedinvisiblewhenshewassurroundedbyplants.Shegesturedmeoverurgently.‘Youneedtoknow:Lukewasn’ttheonlyoneIsawaroundthatcave.’‘Whatdoyoumean?’Sheglancedbackatthearena.‘Iwastryingtosaysomething,buthewasrightthere.’‘Who?’‘Theswordmaster,’shesaid.‘Hewaspokingaroundtherocks.’Mystomachclenched.‘Quintus?When?’‘Idon’tknow.Idon’tpayattentiontotime.Maybeaweekago,whenhefirstshowedup.’‘Whatwashedoing?Didhegoin?’‘I–I’mnotsure.He’screepy,Percy.Ididn’tevenseehimcomeintotheglade.Suddenlyhewasjustthere.YouhavetotellGroverit’stoodangerous–’‘Juniper?’Grovercalledfrominsidethearena.‘Where’dyougo?’Junipersighed.‘I’dbettergoin.JustrememberwhatIsaid.Don’ttrustthatman!’Sheranintothearena.IstaredattheBigHouse,feelingmoreuneasythanever.IfQuintuswasuptosomething…IneededAnnabeth’sadvice.ShemightknowwhattomakeofJuniper’snews.Butwheretheheckwasshe?WhateverwashappeningwiththeOracle,itshouldn’tbetakingthislong.FinallyIcouldn’tstanditanymore.Itwasagainsttherules,butthenagainnobodywaswatching.Irandownthehillandheadedacrossthefields.

ThefrontparlouroftheBigHousewasstrangelyquiet.IwasusedtoseeingDionysusbythefireplace,playingcardsandeatinggrapesandgripingatsatyrs,butMrDwasstillaway.Iwalkeddownthehallway,floorboardscreakingundermyfeet.WhenIgottothebaseofthestairs,Ihesitated.Fourfloorsabovewouldbealittletrapdoorleadingtotheattic.Annabethwouldbeuptheresomewhere.Istoodquietlyandlistened.ButwhatIheardwasn’twhatIhadexpected.Sobbing.Anditwascomingfrombelowme.Icreptaroundthebackofthestairs.Thebasementdoorwasopen.Ididn’tevenknowtheBigHousehadabasement.Ipeeredinsideandsawtwofiguresinthefarcorner,sittingamidabunchofstockpiledcasesofambrosiaandstrawberrypreserves.OnewasClarisse.TheotherwasateenageHispanicguyintatteredcamouflagecombatsandadirtyblackT-

shirt.Hishairwasgreasyandmatted.Hewashugginghisshouldersandsobbing.ItwasChrisRodriguez,thehalf-bloodwho’dgonetoworkforLuke.‘It’sokay,’Clarissewastellinghim.‘Tryalittlemorenectar.’‘You’reanillusion,Mary!’Chrisbackedfurtherintothecorner.‘G-getaway.’‘Myname’snotMary.’Clarisse’svoicewasgentlebutreallysad.IneverknewClarissecouldsoundthatway.‘MynameisClarisse.Remember.Please.’‘It’sdark!’Chrisyelled.‘Sodark!’‘Comeoutside,’Clarissecoaxed.‘Thesunlightwillhelpyou.’‘A…athousandskulls.Theearthkeepshealinghim.’‘Chris,’Clarissepleaded.Itsoundedlikeshewasclosetotears.‘Youhavetogetbetter.Please.MrDwillbebacksoon.He’sanexpertinmadness.Justhangon.’Chris’seyeswerelikeacorneredrat’s–wildanddesperate.‘There’snowayout,Mary.Nowayout.’Thenhecaughtaglimpseofmeandmadeastrangled,terrifiedsound.‘ThesonofPoseidon!He’shorrible!’Ibackedaway,hopingClarissehadn’tseenme.Ilistenedforhertocomechargingoutandyellatme,butinsteadshejustkepttalkingtoChrisinasadpleadingvoice,tryingtogethimtodrinkthenectar.MaybeshethoughtitwaspartofChris’shallucination,but…sonofPoseidon?Chrishadbeenlookingatme,andyetwhydidIgetthefeelinghehadn’tbeentalkingaboutmeatall?AndClarisse’stenderness–ithadneverevenoccurredtomethatshemightlikesomeone,butthewayshesaidChris’sname…She’dknownhimbeforehechangedsides.She’dknownhimalotbetterthanIrealized.Andnowhewasshiveringinadarkbasement,afraidtocomeout,andmumblingaboutsomeonenamedMary.NowonderClarissedidn’twantanythingtodowiththeLabyrinth.WhathadhappenedtoChrisinthere?Iheardacreakfromabove–likethetrapdooropening–andIranforthefrontdoor.Ineededtogetoutofthathouse.

∗∗∗

‘Mydear,’Chironsaid.‘Youmadeit.’Annabethwalkedintothearena.Shesatonastonebenchandstaredatthefloor.‘Well?’Quintusasked.Annabethlookedatmefirst.Icouldn’ttellifshewastryingtowarnme,orifthelookinhereyeswasjustplainfear.ThenshefocusedonQuintus.‘Igottheprophecy.IwillleadthequesttofindDaedalus’sworkshop.’Nobodycheered.Imean,wealllikedAnnabeth,andwewantedhertohaveaquest,butthisoneseemedinsanelydangerous.AfterwhatI’dseenofChrisRodriguez,Ididn’tevenwanttothinkaboutAnnabethdescendingintothatweirdmazeagain.Chironscrapedahoofonthedirtfloor.‘Whatdidtheprophecysayexactly,mydear?Thewordingisimportant.’Annabethtookadeepbreath.‘I,ah…well,itsaid,Youshalldelveinthedarknessofthe

endlessmaze…’Wewaited.‘Thedead,thetraitorandthelostoneraise’.Groverperkedup.‘Thelostone!ThatmustmeanPan!That’sgreat!’‘Withthedeadandthetraitor,’Iadded.‘Notsogreat.’‘And?’Chironasked.‘Whatistherest?’‘Youshallriseorfallbytheghostking’shand’Annabethsaid,‘thechildofAthena’sfinalstand!Everyonelookedarounduncomfortably.AnnabethwasadaughterofAthena,andafinalstanddidn’tsoundgood.‘Hey…weshouldn’tjumptoconclusions,’Silenasaid.Annabethisn’ttheonlychildofAthena,right?’‘Butwho’sthisghostking?’Beckendorfasked.Nooneanswered.IthoughtabouttheIris-messageI’dseenofNicosummoningspirits.Ihadabadfeelingtheprophecywasconnectedtothat.‘Aretheremorelines?’Chironasked.‘Theprophecydoesnotsoundcomplete.’Annabethhesitated.‘Idon’trememberexactly.’Chironraisedaneyebrow.Annabethwasknownforhermemory.Sheneverforgotsomethingshehadheard.Annabethshiftedonherbench.‘Somethingabout…Destroywithahero’sfinalbreath!And?’Chironasked.Shestood.‘Look,thepointis,Ihavetogoin.I’llfindtheworkshopandstopLuke.And…Ineedhelp.’Sheturnedtome.‘Willyoucome?’Ididn’tevenhesitate.‘I’min.’Shesmiledforthefirsttimeindays,andthatmadeitallworthwhile.‘Grover,youtoo?Thewildgodiswaiting.’Groverseemedtoforgethowmuchhehatedtheunderground.Thelineaboutthe‘lostone’hadcompletelyenergizedhim.‘I’llpackextrarecyclablesforsnacks!’AndTyson,’Annabethsaid.‘I’llneedyou,too.’‘Yay!Blow-things-uptime!’TysonclappedsohardhewokeupMrsO’Leary,whowasdozinginthecorner.‘Wait,Annabeth,’Chironsaid.‘Thisgoesagainsttheancientlaws.Aheroisallowedonlytwocompanions.’‘Ineedthemall,’sheinsisted.‘Chiron,it’simportant.’Ididn’tknowwhyshewassocertain,butIwashappyshe’dincludedTyson.Icouldn’timagineleavinghimbehind.Hewashugeandstrongandgreatatfiguringoutmechanicalthings.Unlikesatyrs,Cyclopeshadnoproblemunderground.‘Annabeth.’Chironflickedhistailnervously.‘Considerwell.Youwouldbebreakingtheancientlaws,andtherearealwaysconsequences.Lastwinter,fivewentonaquesttosaveArtemis.Onlythreecameback.Thinkonthat.Threeisasacrednumber.TherearethreeFates,threeFuries,threeOlympiansonsofKronos.Itisagoodstrongnumberthatstands

againstmanydangers.Four…thisisrisky.’Annabethtookadeepbreath.‘Iknow.Butwehaveto.Please.’IcouldtellChirondidn’tlikeit.Quintuswasstudyingus,likehewastryingtodecidewhichofuswouldcomebackalive.Chironsighed.‘Verywell.Letusadjourn.Themembersofthequestmustpreparethemselves.Tomorrowatdawn,wesendyouintotheLabyrinth.’

Quintuspulledmeasideasthecouncilwasbreakingup.‘Ihaveabadfeelingaboutthis,’hetoldme.MrsO’Learycameover,wagginghertailhappily.Shedroppedhershieldatmyfeet,andIthrewitforher.Quintuswatchedherrompafterit.IrememberedwhatJuniperhadsaidabouthimscoutingoutthemaze.Ididn’ttrusthim,butwhenhelookedatme,Isawrealconcerninhiseyes.‘Idon’tliketheideaofyougoingdownthere,’hesaid.Anyofyou.Butifyoumust,Iwantyoutoremembersomething.TheLabyrinthexiststofoolyou.Itwilldistractyou.That’sdangerousforhalf-bloods.Weareeasilydistracted.’‘You’vebeeninthere?’‘Longago.’Hisvoicewasragged.‘Ibarelyescapedwithmylife.Mostwhoenteraren’tthatlucky.’Hegrippedmyshoulder.‘Percy,keepyourmindonwhatmattersmost.Ifyoucandothat,youmightfindtheway.And,here,Iwantedtogiveyousomething.’Hehandedmealittlesilvertube.ItwassocoldIalmostdroppedit.Awhistle?’Iasked.Adogwhistle,’Quintussaid.‘ForMrsO’Leary.’‘Um,thanks,but–’‘Howwillitworkinthemaze?I’mnotahundredpercentcertainitwill.ButMrsO’Learyisahellhound.Shecanappearwhencalled,nomatterhowfarawaysheis.I’dfeelbetterknowingyouhadthis.Ifyoureallyneedhelp,useit,butbecareful:thewhistleismadeofStygianice.’‘Whatice?’‘FromtheRiverStyx.Veryhardtocraft.Verydelicate.Itcannotmelt,butitwillshatterwhenyoublowit,soyoucanonlyuseitonce.’IthoughtaboutLuke,myoldenemy.RightbeforeI’dgoneonmyfirstquest,Lukehadgivenmeagift,too–magicshoesthathadbeendesignedtodragmetomydeath.Quintusseemedsonice.Soconcerned.AndMrsO’Learylikedhim,whichhadtocountforsomething.Shedroppedtheslimyshieldatmyfeetandbarkedexcitedly.IfeltashamedthatIcouldeventhinkaboutmistrustingQuintus.But,thenagain,I’dtrustedLukeonce.‘Thanks,’ItoldQuintus.Islippedthefreezingwhistleintomypocket,promisingmyselfthatIwouldneveruseit,andIdashedofftofindAnnabeth.

AslongasI’dbeenatcamp,I’dneverbeeninsidetheAthenacabin.

Itwasasilverybuilding,nothingfancy,withplainwhitecurtainsandacarvedstoneowloverthedoorway.Theowl’sonyxeyesseemedtofollowmeasIwalkedcloser.‘Hello?’Icalledinside.Nobodyanswered.Isteppedinandcaughtmybreath.Theplacewasaworkshopforbrainiackids.Thebunkswereallpushedagainstonewallasifsleepingdidn’tmatterverymuch.Mostoftheroomwasfilledwithworkbenchesandtablesandsetsoftoolsandweapons.Thebackoftheroomwasahugelibrary,crammedwitholdscrollsandleather-boundbooksandpaperbacks.Therewasanarchitect’sdraughtingtablewithabunchofrulersandprotractors,andsome3-Dmodelsofbuildings.Hugeoldwarmapswereplasteredtotheceiling.Setsofarmourhungunderthewindows,theirbronzeplatesglintinginthesun.Annabethstoodinthebackoftheroom,riflingthrougholdscrolls.‘Knock,knock?’Isaid.Sheturnedwithastart.‘Oh…hi.Didn’thearyou.’‘Youokay?’Shefrownedatthescrollinherhands.‘Justtryingtodosomeresearch.Daedalus’sLabyrinthissohuge.Noneofthestoriesagreeaboutanything.Themapsjustleadfromnowheretonowhere.’IthoughtaboutwhatQuintushadsaid,howthemazetriestodistractyou.IwonderedifAnnabethknewthatalready.‘We’llfigureitout,’Ipromised.Herhairhadcomelooseandwashanginginatangledblondecurtainallaroundherface.Hergreyeyeslookedalmostblack.‘I’vewantedtoleadaquestsinceIwasseven,’shesaid.‘You’regoingtobeawesome.’Shelookedatmegratefully,butthenstareddownatallthebooksandscrollsshe’dpulledfromtheshelves.‘I’mworried,Percy.MaybeIshouldn’thaveaskedyoutodothis.OrTysonandGrover.’‘Hey,we’reyourfriends.Wewouldn’tmissit.’‘But…,’Shestoppedherself.‘Whatisit?’Iasked.‘Theprophecy?’‘I’msureit’sfine,’shesaidinasmallvoice.‘Whatwasthelastline?’Thenshedidsomethingthatreallysurprisedme.Sheblinkedbacktearsandputoutherarms.Isteppedforwardandhuggedher.Butterfliesstartedturningmystomachintoamoshpit.‘Hey,it’s…it’sokay,’Ipattedherback.Iwasawareofeverythingintheroom.IfeltlikeIcouldreadthetiniestprintonanybookontheshelves.Annabeth’shairsmelledlikelemonsoap.Shewasshivering.‘Chironmightberight,’shemuttered.‘I’mbreakingtherules.ButIdon’tknowwhatelsetodo.Ineedyouthree.Itjustfeelsright.’

‘Thendon’tworryaboutit,’Imanaged.‘We’vehadplentyofproblemsbefore,andwesolvedthem.’‘Thisisdifferent.Idon’twantanythinghappeningto…anyofyou.’Behindme,somebodyclearedhisthroat.ItwasoneofAnnabeth’shalf-brothers,Malcolm.Hisfacewasbrightred.‘Um,sorry,’hesaid.Archerypracticeisstarting,Annabeth.Chironsaidtocomefindyou.’IsteppedawayfromAnnabeth.‘Wewerejustlookingatmaps,’Isaidstupidly.Malcolmstaredatme.‘Okay.’‘TellChironI’llberightthere,’Annabethsaid,andMalcolmleftinahurry.Annabethrubbedhereyes.‘Yougoahead,Percy.I’dbettergetreadyforarchery.’Inodded,feelingmoreconfusedthanIeverhadinmylife.Iwantedtorunfromthecabin…butthenagainIdidn’t.Annabeth?’Isaid.Aboutyourprophecy.Thelineaboutahero’slastbreath–’‘You’rewonderingwhichhero?Idon’tknow.’‘No.Somethingelse.Iwasthinkingthelastlineusuallyrhymeswiththeonebeforeit.Wasitsomethingabout–diditendintheworddeath?’Annabethstareddownatherscrolls.‘You’dbettergo,Percy.Getreadyforthequest.I’ll–I’llseeyouinthemorning.’Ileftherthere,staringatmapsthatledfromnowheretonowhere,butIcouldn’tshakethefeelingthatoneofuswasn’tgoingtocomebackfromthisquestalive.

5NICOBUYSHAPPYMEALSFORTHEDEAD

AtleastIgotagoodnightssleepbeforethequest,right?Wrong.Thatnightinmydreams,IwasinthestateroomofthePrincessAndromeda.Thewindowswereopenonamoonlitsea.Coldwindrustledthevelvetdrapes.LukekneltonaPersianruginfrontofthegoldensarcophagusofKronos.Inthemoonlight,Luke’sblondhairlookedpurewhite.HeworeanAncientGreekchitonandawhitehimation,akindofcapethatfloweddownhisshoulders.Thewhiteclothesmadehimlooktimelessandalittleunreal,likeoneoftheminorgodsonMountOlympus.ThelasttimeI’dseenhim,he’dbeenbrokenandunconsciousafteranastyfallfromMountTam.Nowhelookedperfectlyfine.Almostioohealthy.‘Ourspiesreportsuccess,mylord,’hesaid.‘CampHalf-Bloodissendingaquest,asyoupredicted.Oursideofthebargainisalmostcomplete.’Excellent.ThevoiceofKronosdidn’tsomuchspeakaspiercemymindlikeadagger.Itwasfreezingwithcruelty.Oncewehavethemeanstonavigate,Iwillleadthevanguardthroughmyself.Lukeclosedhiseyesasifcollectinghisthoughts.‘Mylord,perhapsitistoosoon.PerhapsKriosorHyperionshouldlead–’No.Thevoicewasquietbutabsolutelyfirm.Iwilllead.Onemoreheartshalljoinourcause,andthatwillhesufficient.Atlast,IshallrisefullyfromTartarus.‘Buttheform,mylord…’Luke’svoicestartedshaking.Showmeyoursword,LukeCastellan.Ajoltwentthroughme.IrealizedI’dneverheardLuke’slastnamebefore.Ithadneverevenoccurredtome.Lukedrewhissword.Backbiter’sdoubleedgeglowedwickedly–halfsteel,halfcelestialbronze.I’dalmostbeenkilledseveraltimesbythatsword.Itwasanevilweapon,abletokillbothmortalsandmonsters.ItwastheonlybladeIreallyfeared.Youpledgedyourselftome,Kronosremindedhim.Youtookthisswordasproofofyouroath.‘Yes,mylord.It’sjust–’Youwantedpower.Igaveyouthat.Youarenowbeyondharm.Soonyouwillruletheworldofgodsandmortals.Doyounotwishtoavengeyourself?ToseeOlympusdestroyed?AshiverranthroughLuke’sbody.‘Yes.’Thecoffinglowed,goldenlightfillingtheroom.Thenmakereadythestrikeforce.Assoonasthebargainisdone,weshallmoveforward.First,CampHalf-Bloodwillbereducedtoashes.Oncethosebothersomeheroesareeliminated,wewillmarchonOlympus.Therewasaknockonthestateroomdoors.Thelightofthecoffinfaded.Lukerose.Hesheathedhissword,adjustedhiswhiteclothes,andtookadeepbreath.‘Comein.’Thedoorsopened.Twodracaenaeslitheredin–snakewomenwithdoubleserpenttrunks

insteadoflegs.BetweenthemwalkedKelli,theempousacheerleaderfrommyfreshmanorientation.‘Hello,Luke.’Kellismiled.Shewaswearingareddressandshelookedawesome,butI’dseenherrealform.Iknewwhatshewashiding:mismatchedlegs,redeyes,fangsandflaminghair.‘Whatisit,demon?’Luke’svoicewascold.‘Itoldyounottodisturbme.’Kellipouted.‘That’snotverynice.Youlooktense.Howaboutaniceshouldermassage?’Lukesteppedback.‘Ifyouhavesomethingtoreport,sayit.Otherwiseleave!’‘Idon’tknowwhyyou’resohuffythesedays.Youusedtobefuntohangoutwith.’‘ThatwasbeforeIsawwhatyoudidtothatboyinSeattle.’‘Oh,hemeantnothingtome,’Kellisaid.‘Justasnack,really.Youknowmyheartbelongstoyou,Luke.’‘Thanks,butnothanks.Nowreportorgetout.’Kellishrugged.‘Fine.Theadvanceteamisready,asyourequested.Wecanleave–’Shefrowned.‘Whatisit?’Lukeasked.‘Apresence,’Kellisaid.‘Yoursensesaregettingdull,Luke.We’rebeingwatched.’Shescannedthestateroom.Hereyesfocusedrightonme.Herfacewitheredintoahag’s.Shebaredherfangsandlunged.

Iwokewithastart,myheartpounding.Icould’vesworntheempousdsfangswereaninchfrommythroat.Tysonwassnoringinthenextbunk.Thesoundcalmedmedownalittle.Ididn’tknowhowKellicouldsensemeinadream,butI’dheardmorethanIwantedtoknow.Anarmywasready.Kronoswouldleaditpersonally.AlltheyneededwasawaytonavigatetheLabyrinthsotheycouldinvadeanddestroyCampHalf-Blood,andLukeapparentlythoughtthatwasgoingtohappenverysoon.IwastemptedtogoandwakeupAnnabethandtellher,middleofthenightornot.ThenIrealizedtheroomwaslighterthanitshouldhavebeen.Ablue-and-greenglowwascomingfromthesaltwaterfountain,brighterandmoreurgentthanthenightbefore.Itwasalmostlikethewaterwashumming.Igotoutofbedandapproached.Novoicespokeoutofthewateraskingforadepositthistime.Igotthefeelingthefountainwaswaitingformetomakethefirstmove.Iprobablyshould’vegonebacktobed.InsteadIthoughtaboutwhatI’dseenlastnight–theweirdimageofNicoatthebanksoftheRiverStyx.‘You’retryingtotellmesomething,’Isaid.Noresponsefromthefountain.Allright,’Isaid.‘ShowmeNicodiAngelo.’Ididn’teventhrowacoinin,butthistimeitdidn’tmatter.ItwaslikesomeotherforcehadcontrolofthewaterbesidesIristhemessengergoddess.Thewatershimmered.Nico

appeared,buthewasnolongerintheUnderworld.Hewasstandinginagraveyardunderastarrysky.Giantwillowtreesloomedallaroundhim.Hewaswatchingsomegravediggersatwork.Iheardshovelsandsawdirtflyingoutofa

hole.Nicowasdressedinablackcloak.Thenightwasfoggy.Itwaswarmandhumidandfrogswerecroaking.AlargeWal-MartbagsatnexttoNico’sfeet.‘Isitdeepenoughyet?’Nicoasked.Hesoundedirritated.‘Nearly,mylord.’ItwasthesameghostI’dseenNicowithbefore,thefaintshimmering

imageofaman.‘But,mylord,Itellyou,thisisunnecessary.Youalreadyhavemeforadvice.’‘Iwantasecondopinion!’Nicosnappedhisfingers,andthediggingstopped.Twofigures

climbedoutofthehole.Theyweren’tpeople.Theywereskeletonsinraggedclothes.‘Youaredismissed,’Nicosaid.‘Thankyou.’Theskeletonscollapsedintopilesofbones.‘Youmightaswellthanktheshovels,’theghostcomplained.‘Theyhaveasmuchsense.’Nicoignoredhim.HereachedintohisWal-Martbagandpulledoutatwelve-packof

Coke.Hepoppedopenacan.Insteadofdrinkingit,hepoureditintothegrave.‘Letthedeadtasteagain,’hemurmured.‘Letthemriseandtakethisoffering.Letthem

remember.’HedroppedtherestoftheCokesintothegraveandpulledoutawhitepaperbag

decoratedwithcartoons.Ihadn’tseenoneinyears,butIrecognizedit–aMcDonald’sHappyMeal.Heturneditupsidedownandshookthefriesandhamburgerintothegrave.‘Inmyday,weusedanimalblood,’theghostmumbled.‘It’sperfectlygoodenough.They

can’ttastethedifference.’‘Iwilltreatthemwithrespect,’Nicosaid.‘Atleastletmekeepthetoy,’theghostsaid.‘Bequiet!’Nicoordered.Heemptiedanothertwelve-packofsodaandthreemoreHappy

Mealsintothegrave,thenbeganchantinginAncientGreek.Ionlycaughtsomeofthewords–alotaboutthedeadandmemoriesandreturningfromthegrave.Realhappystuff.Thegravestartedtobubble.Frothybrownliquidrosetothetoplikethewholethingwas

fillingwithsoda.Thefogthickened.Thefrogsstoppedcroaking.Dozensoffiguresbegantoappearamongthegravestones:bluish,vaguelyhumanshapes.NicohadsummonedthedeadwithCokeandcheeseburgers.‘Therearetoomany,’theghostsaidnervously.‘Youdon’tknowyourownpowers.’‘I’vegotitundercontrol,’Nicosaid,thoughhisvoicesoundedfragile.Hedrewhissword

–ashortblademadeofsolidblackmetal.I’dneverseenanythinglikeit.Itwasn’tcelestialbronzeorsteel.Iron,maybe?Thecrowdofshadesretreatedatthesightofit.‘Oneatatime,’Nicocommanded.Asinglefigurefloatedforwardandkneltatthepool.Itmadeslurpingsoundsasitdrank.

Itsghostlyhandsscoopedfrenchfriesoutofthepool.Whenitstoodagain,Icouldseeitmuchmoreclearly–ateenageguyinGreekarmour.Hehadcurlyhairandgreeneyes,a

claspshapedlikeaseashellonhiscloak.‘Whoareyou?’Nicosaid.‘Speak.’Theyoungmanfrownedasiftryingtoremember.Thenhespokeinavoicelikedry,

crumplingpaper:‘IamTheseus.’Noway,Ithought.Thiscouldn’tbetheTheseus.Hewasjustakid.I’dgrownuphearing

storiesabouthimfightingtheMinotaurandstuff,butI’dalwayspicturedhimasthishuge,buffguy.TheghostIwaslookingatwasn’tstrongortall.Andhewasn’tanyolderthanIwas.‘HowcanIretrievemysister?’Nicoasked.Theseus’seyeswerelifelessasglass.‘Donottry.Itismadness.’‘Justtellme!’‘Mystepfatherdied,’Theseusremembered.‘Hethrewhimselfintotheseabecausehe

thoughtIwasdeadintheLabyrinth.Iwantedtobringhimback,butIcouldnot.’Nico’sghosthissed,‘Mylord,thesoulexchange!Askhimaboutthat!’Theseusscowled.‘Thatvoice.Iknowthatvoice.’‘Noyoudon’t,fool!’theghostsaid.Answerthelord’squestionsandnothingmore!’‘Iknowyou,’Theseusinsisted,asifstrugglingtorecall.‘Iwanttohearaboutmysister,’Nicosaid.‘WillthisquestintotheLabyrinthhelpmewin

herback?’Theseuswaslookingfortheghost,butapparentlycouldn’tseehim.Slowlyheturnedhis

eyesbackonNico.‘TheLabyrinthistreacherous.Thereisonlyonethingthatsawmethrough:theloveofamortalgirl.Thestringwasonlypartoftheanswer.Itwastheprincesswhoguidedme.’‘Wedon’tneedanyofthat,’theghostsaid.‘Iwillguideyou,mylord.Askhimifitistrue

aboutanexchangeofsouls.Hewilltellyou.’Asoulforasoul,’Nicoasked.‘Isittrue?’‘I–Imustsayyes.Butthespectre–’‘Justanswerthequestions,knave!’theghostsaid.Suddenly,aroundtheedgesofthepool,theotherghostsbecamerestless.Theystirred,

whisperinginnervoustones.‘Iwanttoseemysister!’Nicodemanded.‘Whereisshe?’‘Heiscoming,’Theseussaidfearfully.‘Hehassensedyoursummons.Hecomes.’‘Who?’Nicodemanded.‘Hecomestofindthesourceofthispower,’Theseussaid.‘Youmustreleaseus!’Thewaterinmyfountainbegantotremble,hummingwithpower.Irealizedthewhole

cabinwasshaking.Thenoisegrewlouder.TheimageofNicointhegraveyardstartedtoglowuntilitwaspainfultowatch.‘Stop,’Isaidoutloud.‘Stopit!’Thefountainbegantocrack.Tysonmutteredinhissleepandturnedover.Purplelight

threwhorrible,ghostlyshadowsonthecabinwalls,asifthespectreswereescapingright

outofthefountain.IndesperationIuncappedRiptideandslashedatthefountain,cleavingitintwo.Saltwaterspilledeverywhere,andthegreatstonefontcrashedtothefloorinpieces.Tysonsnortedandmuttered,buthekeptsleeping.Isanktotheground,shiveringfromwhatI’dseen.Tysonfoundmethereinthemorning,stillstaringattheshatteredremainsofthesaltwaterfountain.

Justafterdawn,thequestgroupmetatZeus’sFist.I’dpackedmybackpack–Thermoswithnectar,bagofambrosia,bedroll,rope,clothes,flashlightsandlotsofextrabatteries.IhadRiptideinmypocket.Themagicshield/wristwatchTysonhadmadeformewasonmywrist.Itwasaclearmorning.Thefoghadburnedoffandtheskywasblue.Camperswouldbehavingtheirlessonstoday,flyingpegasiandpractisingarcheryandscalingthelavawall.Meanwhile,wewouldbeheadingunderground.JuniperandGroverstoodapartfromthegroup.Juniperhadbeencryingagain,butshewastryingtokeepittogetherforGrover’ssake.Shekeptfussingwithhisclothes,straighteninghisRastacapandbrushinggoatfuroffhisshirt.Sincewehadnoideawhatwewouldencounter,hewasdressedasahuman,withthecaptohidehishorns,andjeans,fakefeetandtrainerstohidehisgoatlegs.Chiron,QuintusandMrsO’Learystoodwiththeothercamperswho’dcometowishuswell,buttherewastoomuchactivityforittofeellikeahappysend-off.Acoupleoftentshadbeensetupbytherocksforguardduty.Beckendorfandhissiblingswereworkingonalineofdefensivespikesandtrenches.ChironhaddecidedweneededtoguardtheLabyrinthexitatalltimes,justincase.Annabethwasdoingonelastcheckonhersupplypack.WhenTysonandIcameover,shefrowned.‘Percy,youlookterrible.’‘Hekilledthewaterfountainlastnight,’Tysonconfided.‘What?’sheasked.BeforeIcouldexplain,Chirontrottedover.‘Well,itappearsyouareready!’Hetriedtosoundupbeat,butIcouldtellhewasanxious.Ididn’twanttofreakhimoutanymore,butIthoughtaboutlastnightsdream,andbeforeIcouldchangemymind,Isaid,‘Hey,uh,Chiron,canIaskyouafavourwhileI’mgone?’‘Ofcourse,myboy.’‘Berightback,guys.’Inoddedtowardsthewoods.Chironraisedaneyebrow,buthefollowedmeoutofearshot.‘Lastnight,’Isaid,‘IdreamedaboutLukeandKronos.’Itoldhimthedetails.Thenewsseemedtoweighonhisshoulders.‘Ifearedthis,’Chironsaid.‘Againstmyfather,Kronos,wewouldstandnochanceinafight.’ChironrarelycalledKronoshisfather.Imean,weallknewitwastrue.EverybodyintheGreekworld–god,monsterorTitan–wasrelatedtooneothersomehow.Butitwasn’texactlysomethingChironlikedtobragabout.Oh,mydadistheall-powerfulevilTitanlord

whowantstodestroyWesternCivilization.IwanttobejustlikehimwhenIgrowup!‘Doyouknowwhathemeantaboutabargain?’Iasked.‘Iamnotsure,butIfeartheyseektomakeadealwithDaedalus.Iftheoldinventoristrulyalive,ifhehasnotbeendriveninsanebymillenniaintheLabyrinth…well,Kronoscanfindwaystotwistanyonetohiswill.’‘Notanyone,’Ipromised.Chironmanagedasmile.‘No.Perhapsnotanyone.But,Percy,youmustbeware.IhaveworriedforsometimethatKronosmaybelookingforDaedalusforadifferentreason,notjustpassagethroughthemaze.’‘Whatelsewouldhewant?’‘SomethingAnnabethandIwerediscussing.DoyourememberwhatyoutoldmeaboutyourfirsttriptothePrincessAndromeda,thefirsttimeyousawthegoldencoffin?’Inodded.‘LukewastalkingaboutraisingKronos,littlepiecesofhimappearinginthecoffineverytimesomeonenewjoinedhiscause.’‘AndwhatdidLukesaytheywoulddowhenKronoshadrisencompletely?’Achillwentdownmyspine.‘HesaidtheywouldmakeKronosanewbody,worthyoftheforgesofHephaestus.’‘Indeed,’Chironsaid.‘Daedaluswastheworld’sgreatestinventor.HecreatedtheLabyrinth,butmuchmore.Automatons,thinkingmachines…WhatifKronoswishesDaedalustomakehimanewform?’Thatwasareallypleasantthought.‘We’vegottogettoDaedalusfirst,’Isaid,‘andconvincehimnotto.’Chironstaredoffintothetrees.‘OneotherthingIdonotunderstand…thistalkofalastsouljoiningtheircause.Thatdoesnotbodewell.’Ikeptmymouthshut,butIfeltguilty.I’dmadethedecisionnottotellChironaboutNicobeingasonofHades.Thementionofsouls,though–WhatifKronosknewaboutNico?Whatifhemanagedtoturnhimevil?ItwasalmostenoughtomakemewanttotellChiron,butIdidn’t.Foronething,Iwasn’tsureChironcoulddoanythingaboutit.IhadtofindNicomyself.Ihadtoexplainthingstohim,makehimlisten.‘Idon’tknow,’Isaidatlast.‘But,uh,somethingJunipersaid,maybeyoushouldhear.’ItoldhimhowthetreenymphhadseenQuintuspokingaroundtherocks.Chiron’sjawtightened.‘Thatdoesnotsurpriseme.’‘Itdoesn’tsur–youmeanyouknew?’‘Percy,whenQuintusshowedupatcamp,offeringhisservices…well,Iwouldhavetobeafoolnottobesuspicious.’‘Thenwhydidyoulethimin?’‘Becausesometimesitisbettertohavesomeoneyoumistrustclosetoyou,sothatyoucankeepaneyeonhim.Hemaybejustwhathesays:ahalf-bloodinsearchofahome.Certainlyhehasdonenothingopenlythatwouldmakemequestionhisloyalty.But,believeme,Iwillkeepaneye–’Annabethtrudgedover,probablycuriousaboutwhyweweretakingsolong.

‘Percy,youready?’Inodded.Myhandslippedintomypocket,whereIkepttheicewhistleQuintushadgivenme.IlookedoverandsawQuintuswatchingmecarefully.Heraisedhishandinfarewell.Ourspiesreportsuccess,Lukehadsaid.Thesamedaywedecidedtosendaquest,Lukehadknownaboutit.‘Takecare,’Chirontoldus.‘Andgoodhunting.’‘You,too,’Isaid.Wewalkedovertotherocks,whereTysonandGroverwerewaiting.Istaredatthecrackbetweentheboulders–theentrancethatwasabouttoswallowus.‘Well,’Groversaidnervously,‘goodbye,sunshine.’‘Hello,rocks,’Tysonagreed.And,together,thefourofusdescendedintodarkness.

6WEMEETTHEGODWITHTWOFACES

Wemadeitthirtymetresbeforewewerehopelesslylost.ThetunnellookednothingliketheoneAnnabethandIhadstumbledintobefore.Nowitwasroundlikeasewer,constructedofredbrickwithiron-barredportholeseverythreemetres.Ishonealightthroughoneoftheportholesoutofcuriosity,butIcouldn’tseeanything.Itopenedintoinfinitedarkness.IthoughtIheardvoicesontheotherside,butitmayhavebeenjustthecoldwind.Annabethtriedherbesttoguideus.Shehadthisideathatweshouldsticktotheleftwall.‘Ifwekeeponehandontheleftwallandfollowit,’shesaid,‘weshouldbeabletofindourwayoutagainbyreversingcourse.’Unfortunately,assoonasshesaidthat,theleftwalldisappeared.Wefoundourselvesinthemiddleofacircularchamberwitheighttunnelsleadingout,andnoideahowwe’dgotthere.‘Um,whichwaydidwecomein?’Groversaidnervously.‘Justturnaround,’Annabethsaid.Weeachturnedtowardsadifferenttunnel.Itwasridiculous.Noneofuscoulddecidewhichwayledbacktocamp.‘Leftwallsaremean,’Tysonsaid.‘Whichwaynow?’Annabethsweptherflashlightbeamoverthearchwaysoftheeighttunnels.AsfarasIcouldtell,theywereidentical.‘Thatway,’shesaid.‘Howdoyouknow?’Iasked.‘Deductivereasoning.’‘So…you’reguessing.’‘Justcomeon,’shesaid.Thetunnelshe’dchosennarrowedquickly.Thewallsturnedtogreycement,andtheceilinggotsolowthatprettysoonwewerehunchingover.Tysonwasforcedtocrawl.Grover’shyperventilatingwastheloudestnoiseinthemaze.‘Ican’tstanditanymore,’hewhispered.Arewethereyet?’‘We’vebeendownheremaybefiveminutes,’Annabethtoldhim.‘It’sbeenlongerthanthat,’Groverinsisted.AndwhywouldPanbedownhere?Thisistheoppositeofthewild!’Wekeptshufflingforward.JustwhenIwassurethetunnelwouldgetsonarrowitwouldsquishus,itopenedintoahugeroom.Ishonemylightaroundthewallsandsaid,‘Whoa.’Thewholeroomwascoveredinmosaictiles.Thepicturesweregrimyandfaded,butIcouldstillmakeoutthecolours–red,blue,green,gold.ThefriezeshowedtheOlympiangodsatafeast.Therewasmydad,Poseidon,withhistrident,holdingoutgrapesforDionysustoturnintowine.Zeuswaspartyingwithsatyrs,andHermeswasflyingthroughtheaironhiswingedsandals.Thepictureswerebeautiful,buttheyweren’tveryaccurate.I’dseenthegods.Dionysuswasnotthathandsome,andHermes’snosewasn’tthatbig.

Inthemiddleoftheroomwasathree-tieredfountain.Itlookedlikeithadn’theldwaterinalongtime.‘Whatisthisplace?’Imuttered.‘Itlooks–’‘Roman,’Annabethsaid.‘Thosemosaicsareabouttwothousandyearsold.’‘ButhowcantheybeRoman?’Iwasn’tthatgreatonancienthistory,butIwasprettysuretheRomanEmpirenevermadeitasfarasLongIsland.‘TheLabyrinthisapatchwork,’Annabethsaid.‘Itoldyou,it’salwaysexpanding,addingpieces.It’stheonlyworkofarchitecturethatgrowsbyitself.’‘Youmakeitsoundlikeit’salive.’Agroaningnoiseechoedfromthetunnelinfrontofus.‘Let’snottalkaboutitbeingalive,’Groverwhimpered.‘Please?’Allright,’Annabethsaid.‘Forward.’‘Downthehallwiththebadsounds?’Tysonsaid.Evenhelookednervous.‘Yeah,’Annabethsaid.‘Thearchitectureisgettingolder.That’sagoodsign.Daedalussworkshopwouldbeintheoldestpart.’Thatmadesense.Butsoonthemazewastoyingwithus–wewentfifteenmetresandthetunnelturnedbacktocement,withbrasspipesrunningdownthesides.Thewallswerespray-paintedwithgraffiti.Aneontagsignread:mozrulz.‘I’mthinkingthisisnotRoman,’Isaidhelpfully.Annabethtookadeepbreath,thenforgedahead.Everyfewmetresthetunnelstwistedandturnedandbranchedoff.Thefloorbeneathuschangedfromcementtomudtobricksandbackagain.Therewasnosensetoanyofit.Westumbledintoawinecellar–abunchofdustybottlesinwoodenracks–likewewerewalkingthroughsomebody’sbasement,onlytherewasnoexitaheadofus,justmoretunnelsleadingon.Latertheceilingturnedtowoodenplanks,andIcouldhearvoicesaboveusandthecreakingoffootsteps,asifwewerewalkingundersomekindofbar.Itwasreassuringtohearpeople,butthenagainwecouldn’tgettothem.Wewerestuckdownherewithnowayout.Thenwefoundourfirstskeleton.Hewasdressedinwhiteclothes,likesomekindofuniform.Awoodencrateofglassbottlessatnexttohim.‘Amilkman,’Annabethsaid.‘What?’Iasked.‘Theyusedtodelivermilk.’‘Yeah,Iknowwhattheyare,but…thatwaswhenmymomwaslittle,likeamillionyearsago.What’shedoinghere?’‘Somepeoplewanderinbymistake,’Annabethsaid.‘Somecomeexploringonpurposeandnevermakeitback.Alongtimeago,theCretansevensentpeopleinhereashumansacrifices.’Grovergulped.‘He’sbeendownherealongtime.’Hepointedtotheskeleton’sbottles,whichwerecoatedwithwhitedust.Theskeleton’sfingerswereclawingatthebrickwall,

likehehaddiedtryingtogetout.‘Onlybones,’Tysonsaid.‘Don’tworry,goatboy.Themilkmanisdead.’‘Themilkmandoesn’tbotherme,’Groversaid.‘It’sthesmell.Monsters.Can’tyousmell

it?’Tysonnodded.‘Lotsofmonsters.Butundergroundsmellslikethat.Monstersanddead

milkpeople.’‘Oh,good,’Groverwhimpered.‘IthoughtmaybeIwaswrong.’‘Wehavetogetdeeperintothemaze,’Annabethsaid.‘Therehastobeawaytothe

centre.’Sheledustotheright,thentheleft,throughacorridorofstainlesssteellikesomekindof

airshaft,andwearrivedbackintheRomantileroomwiththefountain.Thistime,weweren’talone.

WhatInoticedfirstwerehisfaces.Bothofthem.Theyjuttedoutfromeithersideofhishead,staringoverhisshoulders,sohisheadwasmuchwiderthanitshould’vebeen,kindoflikeahammerheadshark’s.Lookingstraightathim,allIsawweretwooverlappingearsandmirror-imagesideburns.HewasdressedlikeaNewYorkCitydoorman:alongblackovercoat,shinyshoesanda

blacktophatthatsomehowmanagedtostayonhisdouble-widehead.‘Well,Annabeth?’saidhisleftface.‘Hurryup!’‘Don’tmindhim,’saidtherightface.‘He’sterriblyrude.Rightthisway,miss.’Annabeth’sjawdropped.‘Uh…Idon’t…,’Tysonfrowned.‘Thatfunnymanhastwofaces,’‘Thefunnymanhasears,youknow!’theleftfacescolded.‘Nowcomealong,miss.’‘No,no,’therightfacesaid.‘Thisway,miss.Talktome,please.’Thetwo-facedmanregardedAnnabethasbesthecouldoutofthecornersofhiseyes.It

wasimpossibletolookathimstraightonwithoutfocusingononesideortheother.AndsuddenlyIrealizedthat’swhathewasasking–hewantedAnnabethtochoose.Behindhimweretwoexits,blockedbywoodendoorswithhugeironlocks.Theyhadn’t

beenthereourfirsttimethroughtheroom.Thetwo-faceddoormanheldasilverkey,whichhekeptpassingfromhislefthandtohisrighthand.Iwonderedifthiswereadifferentroomcompletely,butthefriezeofthegodslookedexactlythesame.Behindus,thedoorwaywe’dcomethroughhaddisappeared,replacedbymoremosaics.

Wewouldn’tbegoingbackthewaywe’dcome.‘Theexitsareclosed,’Annabethsaid.‘Duh!’theman’sleftfacesaid.‘Wheredotheylead?’sheasked.‘Oneprobablyleadsthewayyouwishtogo,’therightfacesaidencouragingly.‘Theother

leadstocertaindeath.’‘I–Iknowwhoyouare,’Annabethsaid.‘Oh,you’reasmartone!’theleftfacesneered.‘Butdoyouknowwhichwaytochoose?I

don’thaveallday.’‘Whyareyoutryingtoconfuseme?’Annabethasked.Therightfacesmiled.‘You’reinchargenow,mydear.Allthedecisionsareonyour

shoulders.That’swhatyouwanted,isn’tit?’‘I-’‘Weknowyou,Annabeth,’theleftfacesaid.‘Weknowwhatyouwrestlewitheveryday.

Weknowyourindecision.Youwillhavetomakeyourchoicesoonerorlater.Andthechoicemaykillyou.’Ididn’tknowwhattheyweretalkingabout,butitsoundedlikeitwasaboutmorethana

choicebetweendoors.ThecolourdrainedoutofAnnabethsface.‘No…Idon’t–’‘Leaveheralone,’Isaid.‘Whoareyou,anyway?’‘I’myourbestfriend,’therightfacesaid.‘I’myourworstenemy,’theleftfacesaid.‘I’mJanus,’bothfacessaidinharmony.‘GodofDoorways.Beginnings.Endings.Choices.’‘I’llseeyousoonenough,PerseusJackson,’saidtherightface.‘Butfornowit’sAnnabeths

turn,’Helaughedgiddily.‘Suchfun!’‘Shutup!’hisleftfacesaid.‘Thisisserious.Onebadchoicecanruinyourwholelife.Itcan

killyouandallyourfriends.Butnopressure,Annabeth.Choose!’Withasuddenchill,Irememberedthewordsoftheprophecy:thechildofAthena’sfinal

stand.‘Don’tdoit,’Isaid.‘I’mafraidshehasto,’therightfacesaidcheerfully.Annabethmoistenedherlips.‘I–Ichoose–’Beforeshecouldpointtoadoor,abrilliantlightfloodedtheroom.Janusraisedhishandstoeithersideofhisheadtocoverhiseyes.Whenthelightdied,a

womanwasstandingatthefountain.Shewastallandgraceful,withlonghairthecolourofchocolate,braidedinplaitswith

goldribbons.Sheworeasimplewhitedress,butwhenshemoved,thefabricshimmeredwithcolourslikeoilonwater.‘Janus,’shesaid.Arewecausingtroubleagain?’‘N-no,milady!’Janussrightfacestammered.‘Yes!’theleftfacesaid.‘Shutup!’therightfacesaid.‘Excuseme?’thewomanasked.‘Notyou,milady!Iwastalkingtomyself.’‘Isee,’theladysaid.‘Youknowverywellyourvisitispremature.Thegirl’stimehasnot

yetcome.SoIgiveyouachoice:leavetheseheroestome,orIshallturnyouintoadoorandbreakyoudown.’‘Whatkindofdoor?’theleftfaceasked.

‘Shutup!’therightfacesaid.‘BecauseFrenchdoorsarenice,’theleftfacemused.‘Lotsofnaturallight.’‘Shutup!’therightfacewailed.‘Notyou,milady!OfcourseI’llleave.Iwasjusthavingabitoffun.Doingmyjob.Offeringchoices.’‘Causingindecision,’thewomancorrected.‘Nowbegone!’Theleftfacemuttered,‘Partypooper,’thenheraisedhissilverkey,inserteditintotheairanddisappeared.Thewomanturnedtowardsus,andfearclosedaroundmyheart.Hereyesshonewithpower.Leavetheseheroestome.Thatdidn’tsoundgood.Forasecond,Ialmostwishedwecould’vetakenourchanceswithJanus.Butthenthewomansmiled.‘Youmustbehungry,’shesaid.‘Sitwithmeandtalk.’Shewavedherhand,andtheoldRomanfountainbegantoflow.Jetsofclearwatersprayedintotheair.Amarbletableappeared,ladenwithplattersofsandwichesandpitchersoflemonade.‘Who…whoareyou?’Iasked.‘IamHera.’Thewomansmiled.‘QueenofHeaven.’

∗∗∗

I’dseenHeraoncebefore,atacouncilofthegods,butIhadn’tpaidmuchattentiontoher.AtthetimeI’dbeensurroundedbyabunchofothergodswhoweredebatingwhetherornottokillme.Ididn’trememberherlookingsonormal.Ofcourse,godsareusuallysevenmetrestallwhenthey’reonOlympus,sothatmakesthemlookalotlessnormal.But,now,Heralookedlikearegularmom.Sheservedussandwichesandpouredlemonade.‘Grover,dear,’shesaid.‘Useyournapkin.Don’teatit.’‘Yes,ma’am,’Groversaid.‘Tyson,you’rewastingaway.Wouldyoulikeanotherpeanut-buttersandwich?’Tysonstifledabelch.‘Yes,nicelady.’‘QueenHera,’Annabethsaid.‘Ican’tbelieveit.WhatareyoudoingintheLabyrinth?’Herasmiled.SheflickedonefingerandAnnabeth’shaircombeditself.Allthedirtandgrimedisappearedfromherface.‘Icametoseeyou,naturally,’thegoddesssaid.GroverandIexchangednervouslooks.Usuallywhengodscomelookingforyou,it’snotoutofthegoodnessoftheirhearts.It’sbecausetheywantsomething.Still,thatdidn’tkeepmefromchowingdownonturkey-and-Swiss-cheesesandwichesandcrispsandlemonade.Ihadn’trealizedhowhungryIwas.Tysonwasinhalingonepeanut-buttersandwichafteranother,andGroverwaslovingthelemonade,crunchingtheStyrofoamcuplikeanice-creamcone.‘Ididn’tthink–’Annabethfaltered.‘Well,Ididn’tthinkyoulikedheroes.’

Herasmiledindulgently.‘BecauseofthatlittlespatIhadwithHercules?Honestly,Igotsomuchbadpressbecauseofonedisagreement.’‘Didn’tyoutrytokillhim,like,alotoftimes?’Annabethasked.Herawavedherhanddismissively.‘Waterunderthebridge,mydear.Besides,hewasoneofmylovinghusband’schildrenbyanotherwoman.Mypatienceworethin,I’lladmitit.ButZeusandIhavehadsomeexcellentmarriagecounsellingsessionssincethen.We’veairedourfeelingsandcometoanunderstanding–especiallyafterthatlastlittleincident.’‘YoumeanwhenhesiredThalia?’Iguessed,butimmediatelywishedIhadn’t.AssoonasIsaidthenameofourfriend,thehalf-blooddaughterofZeus,Hera’seyesturnedtowardsmefrostily.‘PercyJackson,isn’tit?OneofPoseidon’s…children.’Igotthefeelingshewasthinkingofanotherwordbesides‘children.AsIrecall,Ivotedtoletyouliveatthewintersolstice.IhopeIvotedcorrectly.’SheturnedbacktoAnnabethwithasunnysmile.Atanyrate,Icertainlybearyounoillwill,mygirl.Iappreciatethedifficultyofyourquest.EspeciallywhenyouhavetroublemakerslikeJanustodealwith.’Annabethloweredhergaze.‘Whywashehere?Hewasdrivingmecrazy.’‘Tryingto,’Heraagreed.‘Youmustunderstand,theminorgodslikeJanushavealwaysbeenfrustratedbytheirsmallpartstoplayintheuniverse.Some,Ifear,havelittleloveforOlympus,andcouldeasilybeswayedtosupporttheriseofmyfather.’‘Yourfather?’Isaid.‘Oh.Right.’I’dforgottenthatKronoswasHera’sdad,too,alongwithZeus,PoseidonandalltheeldestOlympians.IguessthatmadeKronosmygrandfather,butthatthoughtwassoweirdIputitoutofmymind.‘Wemustwatchtheminorgods,’Herasaid.‘Janus.Hecate.Morpheus.TheygivelipservicetoOlympus,andyet–’‘That’swhereDionysuswent,’Iremembered.‘Hewascheckingontheminorgods.’‘Indeed.’HerastaredatthefadingmosaicsoftheOlympians.‘Yousee,intimesoftrouble,evengodscanlosefaith.Theystartputtingtheirtrustinthewrongthings,pettythings.Theystoplookingatthebigpictureandstartbeingselfish.ButI’mthegoddessofmarriage,yousee.I’musedtoperseverance.Youhavetoriseabovethesquabblingandchaosandkeepbelieving.Youhavetoalwayskeepyourgoalsinmind.’‘Whatareyourgoals?’Annabethasked.Shesmiled.‘Tokeepmyfamily,theOlympians,together,ofcourse.Atthemoment,thebestwayIcandothatisbyhelpingyou.Zeusdoesnotallowmetointerferemuch,Iamafraid.Butonceeverycenturyorso,foraquestIcaredeeplyabout,heallowsmetograntawish.’Awish?’‘Beforeyouaskit,letmegiveyousomeadvice,whichIcandoforfree.IknowyouseekDaedalus.HisLabyrinthisasmuchamysterytomeasitistoyou.Butifyouwanttoknowhisfate,IwouldvisitmysonHephaestusathisforge.Daedaluswasagreatinventor,amortalafterHephaestus’sheart.TherehasneverbeenamortalHephaestusadmiredmore.

IfanyonewouldhavekeptupwithDaedalusandcouldtellyouhisfate,itisHephaestus.’‘Buthowdowegetthere?’Annabethasked.‘That’smywish.IwantawaytonavigatetheLabyrinth.’Heralookeddisappointed.‘Sobeit.Youwishforsomething,however,thatyouhavealreadybeengiven.’‘Idon’tunderstand.’‘Themeansisalreadywithinyourgrasp.’Shelookedatme.‘Percyknowstheanswer.’‘Ido?’‘Butthat’snotfair,’Annabethsaid.‘You’renottellinguswhatitis!’Herashookherhead.‘Gettingsomethingandhavingthewitstouseit…thosearetwodifferentthings.I’msureyourmother,Athena,wouldagree.’Theroomrumbledlikedistantthunder.Herastood.‘Thatwouldbemycue.Zeusgrowsimpatient.ThinkonwhatIhavesaid,Annabeth.SeekoutHephaestus.Youwillhavetopassthroughtheranch,Iimagine.Butkeepgoing.Anduseallthemeansatyourdisposal,howevercommontheymayseem.Shepointedtowardsthetwodoorsandtheymeltedaway,revealingtwincorridors,openanddark.‘Onelastthing,Annabeth.Ihavepostponedyourdayofchoice.Ihavenotpreventedit.Soon,asJanussaid,youwillhavetomakeadecision.Farewell!’Shewavedahandandturnedintowhitesmoke.Sodidthefood,justasTysonchompeddownonasandwichthatturnedtomistinhismouth.Thefountaintrickledtoastop.Themosaicwallsdimmedandturnedgrungyandfadedagain.Theroomwasnolongeranyplaceyou’dwanttohaveapicnic.Annabethstampedherfoot.‘Whatsortofhelpwasthat?“Here,haveasandwich.Makeawish.Oops,Ican’thelpyou!”Poof!’‘Poof,’Tysonagreedsadly,lookingathisemptyplate.‘Well,’Groversighed,‘shesaidPercyknowstheanswer.That’ssomething.’Theyalllookedatme.‘ButIdon’t,’Isaid.‘Idon’tknowwhatshewastalkingabout.’Annabethsighed.Allright.Thenwe’lljustkeepgoing.’‘Whichway?’Iasked.IreallywantedtoaskwhatHerahadmeant–aboutthechoiceAnnabethneededtomake.ButthenGroverandTysonbothtensed.Theystooduptogether,likethey’drehearsedit.‘Left,’theybothsaid.Annabethfrowned.‘Howcanyoubesure?’‘Becausesomethingiscomingfromtheright,’Groversaid.‘Somethingbig,’Tysonagreed.‘Inahurry.’‘Leftissoundingprettygood,’Idecided.Togetherweplungedintothedarkcorridor.

7TYSONLEADSAJAILBREAK

Thegoodnews:thelefttunnelwasstraightwithnosideexits,twistsorturns.Thebadnews:itwasadeadend.Aftersprintingahundredmetres,weranintoanenormousboulderthatcompletelyblockedourpath.Behindus,thesoundsofdraggingfootstepsandheavybreathingechoeddownthecorridor.Something–definitelynothuman–wasonourtrail.‘Tyson,’Isaid,‘canyou–’‘Yes!’Heslammedhisshoulderagainsttherocksohardthewholetunnelshook.Dusttrickledfromthestoneceiling.‘Hurry!’Groversaid.‘Don’tbringtheroofdown,buthurry!’Theboulderfinallygavewaywithahorriblegrindingnoise.Tysonpusheditintoasmallroom,andwedashedthroughbehindit.‘Closetheentrance!’Annabethsaid.Weallgotontheothersideoftheboulderandpushed.Whateverwaschasinguswailedinfrustrationasweheavedtherockbackintoplaceandsealedthecorridor.‘Wetrappedit,’Isaid.‘Ortrappedourselves,’Groversaid.Iturned.Wewereinasix-metre-squarecementroom,andtheoppositewallwascoveredwithmetalbars.We’dtunnelledstraightintoacell.

‘WhatinHades?’Annabethtuggedonthebars.Theydidn’tbudge.Throughthebarswecouldseerowsofcellsinaringaroundadarkcourtyard–atleastthreestoriesofmetaldoorsandmetalcatwalks.‘Aprison,’Isaid.‘MaybeTysoncanbreak–’‘Shh,’saidGrover.‘Listen.’Somewhereaboveus,deepsobbingechoedthroughthebuilding.Therewasanothersound,too–araspyvoicemutteringsomethingthatIcouldn’tmakeout.Thewordswerestrange,likerocksinatumbler.‘What’sthatlanguage?’Iwhispered.Tyson’seyewidened.‘Can’tbe.’‘What?’Iasked.HegrabbedtwobarsonourcelldoorandbentthemwideenoughforevenaCyclopstoslipthrough.‘Wait!’Grovercalled.ButTysonwasn’tabouttowait.Weranafterhim.Theprisonwasdark,onlyafewdimfluorescentlightsflickeringabove.‘Iknowthisplace,’Annabethtoldme.‘ThisisAlcatraz.’‘YoumeanthatislandnearSanFrancisco?’

Shenodded.‘Myschooltookafieldtriphere.It’slikeamuseum.’Itdidn’tseempossiblethatwecould’vepoppedoutoftheLabyrinthontheothersideofthecountry,butAnnabethhadbeenlivinginSanFranciscoallyear,keepinganeyeonMountTamalpais,justacrossthebay.Sheprobablyknewwhatshewastalkingabout.‘Freeze,’Groverwarned.ButTysonkeptgoing.Grovergrabbedhisarmandpulledhimbackwithallhisstrength.‘Stop,Tyson!’hewhispered.‘Cantyouseeit?’Ilookedwherehewaspointing,andmystomachdidasomersault.Onthesecond-floorbalcony,acrossthecourtyard,wasamonstermorehorriblethananythingI’deverseenbefore.Itwassortoflikeacentaur,withawoman’sbodyfromthewaistup.Butinsteadofahorse’slowerbody,ithadthebodyofadragon–atleastsevenmetreslong,blackandscalywithenormousclawsandabarbedtail.Herlegslookedliketheyweretangledinvines,butthenIrealizedtheyweresproutingsnakes,hundredsofvipersdartingaround,constantlylookingforsomethingtobite.Thewoman’shairwasalsomadeofsnakes,likeMedusa’s.Weirdestofall,aroundherwaist,wherethewomanpartmetthedragonpart,herskinbubbledandmorphed,occasionallyproducingtheheadsofanimals–aviciouswolf,abear,alion,asifshewerewearingabeltofever-changingcreatures.IgotthefeelingIwaslookingatsomethinghalfformed,amonstersoolditwasfromthebeginningoftime,beforeshapeshadbeenfullydefined.‘It’sher,’Tysonwhimpered.‘Getdown!’Groversaid.Wecrouchedintheshadows,butthemonsterwasn’tpayingusanyattention.Itseemedtobetalkingtosomeoneinsideacellonthesecondfloor.That’swherethesobbingwascomingfrom.Thedragonwomansaidsomethinginherweirdrumblinglanguage.‘What’sshesaying?’Imuttered.‘What’sthatlanguage?’‘Thetongueoftheoldtimes.’Tysonshivered.‘WhatMotherEarthspoketoTitansand…herotherchildren.Beforethegods.’‘Youunderstandit?’Iasked.‘Canyoutranslate?’Tysonclosedhiseyesandbegantospeakinahorrible,raspywoman’svoice.‘Youwillworkforthemasterorsuffer.’Annabethshuddered.‘Ihateitwhenhedoesthat.’LikeallCyclopes,Tysonhadsuperhumanhearingandanuncannyabilitytomimicvoices.Itwasalmostlikeheenteredatrancewhenhespokeinothervoices.‘Iwillnotserve,’Tysonsaidinadeep,woundedvoice.Heswitchedtothemonster’svoice:‘ThenIshallenjoyyourpain,Briares.’Tysonfalteredwhenhesaidthatname.I’dneverheardhimbreakcharacterwhenhewasmimickingsomebody,butheletoutastrangledgulp.Thenhecontinuedinthemonstersvoice.‘Ifyouthoughtyourfirstimprisonmentwasunbearable,youhaveyettofeeltruetorment.ThinkonthisuntilIreturn.’Thedragonladytrompedtowardsthestairwell,vipershissingaroundherlegslikegrassskirts.ShespreadwingsthatIhadn’tnoticedbefore–hugebatwingsshekeptfolded

againstherdragonback.Sheleapedoffthecatwalkandsoaredacrossthecourtyard.Wecrouchedlowerintheshadows.Ahotsulphurouswindblastedmyfaceasthemonsterflewover.Thenshedisappearedaroundthecorner.‘H-h-horrible,’Groversaid.‘I’veneversmelledanymonsterthatstrong.’‘Cyclopes’worstnightmare,’Tysonmurmured.‘Kampê.’‘Who?’Iasked.Tysonswallowed.‘EveryCyclopsknowsabouther.Storiesaboutherscareuswhenwe’re

babies.Shewasourjailerinthebadyears.’Annabethnodded.‘Iremembernow.WhentheTitansruled,theyimprisonedGaeaand

Ouranos’searlierchildren–theCyclopesandtheHekatonkheires.’‘TheHeka-what?’Iasked.‘TheHundred-handedOnes,’shesaid.‘Theycalledthemthatbecause…well,theyhada

hundredhands.TheywereelderbrothersoftheCyclopes.’‘Verypowerful,’Tysonsaid.‘Wonderful!Astallasthesky.Sostrongtheycouldbreak

mountains!’‘Cool,’Isaid.‘Unlessyou’reamountain.’‘Kampêwasthejailer,’hesaid.‘SheworkedforKronos.Shekeptourbrotherslockedup

inTartarus,torturedthemalways,untilZeuscame.HekilledKampêandfreedCyclopesandHundred-handedOnestohelpfightagainsttheTitansinthebigwar.’AndnowKampêisback,’Isaid.‘Bad,’Tysonsummedup.‘Sowho’sinthatcell?’Iasked.‘Yousaidaname–’‘Briares!’Tysonperkedup.‘HeisaHundred-handedOne.Theyareastallastheskyand

–’‘Yeah,’Isaid.‘Theybreakmountains.’Ilookedupatthecellsaboveus,wonderinghowsomethingastallastheskycouldfitin

atinycell,andwhyhewascrying.‘Iguessweshouldcheckitout,’Annabethsaid,‘beforeKampêcomesback.’

Asweapproachedthecell,theweepinggotlouder.WhenIfirstsawthecreatureinside,Iwasn’tsurewhatIwaslookingat.Hewashuman-sizeandhisskinwasverypale,thecolourofmilk.Heworealoinclothlikeabigdiaper.Hisfeetseemedtoobigforhisbody,withcrackeddirtytoenails,eighttoesoneachfoot.Butthetophalfofhisbodywastheweirdpart.HemadeJanuslookdownrightnormal.HischestsproutedmorearmsthanIcouldcount,inrows,allaroundhisbody.Thearmslookedlikenormalarms,butthereweresomanyofthem,alltangledtogether,thathischestlookedkindoflikeaforkfulofspaghettisomebodyhadtwirledtogether.Severalofhishandswerecoveringhisfaceashesobbed.‘Eithertheskyisn’tastallasitusedtobe,’Imuttered,‘orhe’sshort.’Tysondidn’tpayanyattention.Hefelltohisknees.‘Briares!’hecalled.

Thesobbingstopped.‘GreatHundred-handedOne!’Tysonsaid.‘Helpus!’Briareslookedup.Hisfacewaslongandsad,withacrookednoseandbadteeth.Hehad

deepbrowneyes–Imeancompletelybrownwithnowhitesorblackpupils,likeeyesformedoutofclay.‘Runwhileyoucan,Cyclops,’Briaressaidmiserably.‘Icannotevenhelpmyself.’‘YouareaHundred-handedOne!’Tysoninsisted.‘Youcandoanything!’Briareswipedhisnosewithfiveorsixhands.Severalotherswerefidgetingwithlittle

piecesofmetalandwoodfromabrokenbed,thewayTysonalwaysplayedwithspareparts.Itwasamazingtowatch.Thehandsseemedtohaveamindoftheirown.Theybuiltatoyboatoutofwood,thendisassembleditjustasfast.Otherhandswerescratchingatthecementfloorfornoapparentreason.Otherswereplayingrock,paper,scissors.Afewothersweremakingduckyanddoggieshadowpuppetsagainstthewall.‘Icannot,’Briaresmoaned.‘Kampêisback!TheTitanswillriseandthrowusbackinto

Tartarus.’‘Putonyourbraveface!’Tysonsaid.ImmediatelyBriares’sfacemorphedintosomethingelse.Samebrowneyes,butotherwise

totallydifferentfeatures.Hehadanupturnednose,archedeyebrowsandaweirdsmile,likehewastryingtoactbrave.Butthenhisfaceturnedbacktowhatithadbeenbefore.‘Nogood,’hesaid.‘Myscaredfacekeepscomingback.’‘Howdidyoudothat?’Iasked.Annabethelbowedme.‘Don’tberude.TheHundred-handedOneshavefiftydifferent

faces.’‘Mustmakeithardtogetayearbookpicture,’Isaid.Tysonwasstillentranced.‘Itwillbeokay,Briares!Wewillhelpyou!CanIhaveyour

autograph?’Briaressniffled.‘Doyouhaveonehundredpens?’‘Guys,’Groverinterrupted.‘Wehavetogetoutofhere.Kampêwillbeback.She’llsense

ussoonerorlater.’‘Breakthebars,’Annabethsaid.‘Yes!’Tysonsaid,smilingproudly.‘Briarescandoit.Heisverystrong.Strongerthan

Cyclopes,even!Watch!’Briareswhimpered.Adozenofhishandsstartedplayingpat-a-cake,butnoneofthem

madeanyattempttobreakthebars.‘Ifhe’ssostrong,’Isaid,‘whyishestuckinjail?’Annabethelbowedmeagain.‘He’sterrified,’shewhispered.‘Kampêimprisonedhimin

Tartarusforthousandsofyears.Howwouldyoufeel?’TheHundred-handedOnecoveredhisfaceagain.‘Briares?’Tysonasked.‘What…whatiswrong?Showusyourgreatstrength!’‘Tyson,’Annabethsaid,‘Ithinkyou’dbetterbreakthebars.’

Tyson’ssmilemeltedslowly.‘Iwillbreakthebars,’herepeated.Hegrabbedthecelldoorandrippeditoffitshingeslikeitwasmadeofwetclay.‘Comeon,Briares,’Annabethsaid.‘Let’sgetyououtofhere.’Sheheldoutherhand.Forasecond,Briares’sfacemorphedtoahopefulexpression.Severalofhisarmsreachedout,buttwiceasmanyslappedthemaway.‘Icannot,’hesaid.‘Shewillpunishme.’‘It’sallright,’Annabethpromised.‘YoufoughttheTitansbefore,andyouwon,remember?’‘Irememberthewar,’Briares’sfacemorphedagain–furrowedbrowandapoutingmouth.Hisbroodingface,Iguess.‘Lightningshooktheworld.Wethrewmanyrocks.TheTitansandthemonstersalmostwon.Nowtheyaregettingstrongagain.Kampêsaidso.’‘Don’tlistentoher,’Isaid.‘Comeon!’Hedidn’tmove.IknewGroverwasright.Wedidn’thavemuchtimebeforeKampêreturned.ButIcouldn’tjustleavehimhere.Tysonwouldcryforweeks.‘Onegameofrock,paper,scissors,’Iblurtedout.‘IfIwin,youcomewithus.IfIlose,we’llleaveyouinjail.’AnnabethlookedatmelikeIwascrazy.Briares’sfacemorphedtodoubtful.‘Ialwayswinrock,paper,scissors.’‘Thenlet’sdoit!’Ipoundedmyfistinmypalmthreetimes.Briaresdidthesamewithallonehundredhands,whichsoundedlikeanarmymarchingthreestepsforward.Hecameupwithawholeavalancheofrocks,aclassroomsetofscissorsandenoughpapertomakeafleetofaeroplanes.‘Itoldyou,’hesaidsadly.‘Ialways–’Hisfacemorphedtoconfusion.‘Whatisthatyoumade?’‘Agun,’Itoldhim,showinghimmyfingergun.ItwasatrickPaulBlofishadpulledonme,butIwasn’tgoingtotellhimthat.‘Agunbeatsanything.’‘That’snotfair.’‘Ididn’tsayanythingaboutfair.Kampê’snotgoingtobefairifwehangaround.She’sgoingtoblameyouforrippingoffthebars.Nowcomeon!’Briaressniffled.‘Demigodsarecheaters.’Butheslowlyrosetohisfeetandfollowedusoutofthecell.Istartedtofeelhopeful.AllwehadtodowasgetdownstairsandfindtheLabyrinthentrance.ButthenTysonfroze.Onthegroundfloorrightbelow,Kampêwassnarlingatus.

‘Theotherway,’Isaid.Webolteddownthecatwalk.ThistimeBriareswashappytofollowus.Infacthesprintedoutfront,ahundredarmswavinginpanic.Behindus,IheardthesoundofgiantwingsasKampêtooktotheair.Shehissedandgrowledinherancientlanguage,butIdidn’tneedatranslationtoknowshewasplanning

tokillus.Wescrambleddownthestairs,throughacorridorandpastaguard’sstation–outintoanotherblockofprisoncells.‘Left,’Annabethsaid.‘Irememberthisfromthetour.’Weburstoutsideandfoundourselvesintheprisonyard,ringedbysecuritytowersandbarbedwire.Afterbeinginsidesolong,thedaylightalmostblindedme.Touristsweremillingaround,takingpictures.Thewindwhippedcoldoffthebay.Inthesouth,SanFranciscogleamedallwhiteandbeautiful,butinthenorth,overMountTamalpais,hugestormcloudsswirled.ThewholeskyseemedlikeablacktopspinningfromthemountainwhereAtlaswasimprisoned,andwheretheTitanpalaceofMountOthryswasrisinganew.Itwashardtobelievethetouristscouldn’tseethesupernaturalstormbrewing,buttheydidn’tgiveanyhintthatanythingwaswrong.‘It’sevenworse,’Annabethsaid,gazingtothenorth.‘Thestormshavebeenbadallyear,butthat–’‘Keepmoving,’Briareswailed.‘Sheisbehindus!’Werantothefarendoftheyard,asfarfromthecellblockaspossible.‘Kampê’stoobigtogetthroughthedoors,’Isaidhopefully.Thenthewallexploded.TouristsscreamedasKampêappearedfromthedustandrubble,herwingsspreadoutaswideastheyard.Shewasholdingtwoswords–longbronzescimitarsthatglowedwithaweirdgreenishaura,boilingwispsofvapourthatsmelledsourandhotevenacrosstheyard.‘Poison!’Groveryelped.‘Don’tletthosethingstouchyouor…’‘Orwe’lldie?’Iguessed.‘Well…afteryoushrivelslowlytodust,yes.’‘Let’savoidtheswords,’Idecided.‘Briares,fight!’Tysonurged.‘Growtofullsize!’Instead,Briareslookedlikehewastryingtoshrinkevensmaller.Heappearedtobewearinghis‘absolutelyterrified’face.Kampêthunderedtowardsusonherdragonlegs,hundredsofsnakesslitheringaroundherbody.ForasecondIthoughtaboutdrawingRiptideandfacingher,butmyheartcrawledintomythroat.ThenAnnabethsaidwhatIwasthinking:‘Run.’Thatwastheendofthedebate.Therewasnofightingthisthing.Weranthroughthejailyardandoutthegatesoftheprison,themonsterrightbehindus.Mortalsscreamedandran.Emergencysirensbegantoblare.Wehitthewharfjustasatourboatwasunloading.Thenewgroupofvisitorsfrozeastheysawuschargingtowardsthem,followedbyamoboffrightenedtourists,followedby…Idon’tknowwhattheysawthroughtheMist,butitcouldnothavebeengood.‘Theboat?’Groverasked.‘Tooslow,’Tysonsaid.‘Backintothemaze.Onlychance.’

‘Weneedadiversion,’Annabethsaid.Tysonrippedametallamppostoutoftheground.‘IwilldistractKampê.Yourunaround,backtotheprison.’‘I’llhelpyou,’Isaid.‘No,’Tysonsaid.‘Yougo.PoisonwillhurtCyclopes.Alotofpain.Butitwontkill.’‘Areyousure?’‘Go,brother.Iwillmeetyouinside.’Ihatedtheidea.I’dalmostlostTysononcebefore,andIdidn’twanttoeverriskthatagain.Buttherewasnotimetoargue,andIhadnobetteridea.Annabeth,GroverandIeachtookoneofBriares’shandsanddraggedhimtowardstheconcessionstandswhileTysonbellowed,loweredhispoleandchargedKampêlikeajoustingknight.She’dbeenglaringatBriares,butTysongotherattentionassoonashenailedherinthechestwiththepole,pushingherbackintothewall.Sheshriekedandslashedwithherswords,slicingthepoletoshreds.Poisondrippedinpoolsallaroundher,sizzlingintothecement.TysonjumpedbackasKampê’shairlashedandhissed,andthevipersaroundherlegsdartedtheirtonguesineverydirection.Alionpoppedoutoftheweirdhalf-formedfacesaroundherwaistandroared.Aswesprintedforthecellblocks,thelastthingIsawwasTysonpickingupanice-creamstandandthrowingitatKampê.Icecreamandpoisonexplodedeverywhere,allthelittlesnakesinKampê’shairdottedwithchocolatesauce.Wedashedbackintothejailyard.‘Can’tmakeit,’Briareshuffed.‘Tysonisriskinghislifetohelpyou!’Iyelledathim.‘Youwillmakeit.’Aswereachedthedoorofthecellblock,Iheardanangryroar.IglancedbackandsawTysonrunningtowardsusatfullspeed,Kampêrightbehindhim.ShewasplasteredinicecreamandT-shirts.OneofthebearheadsonherwaistwasnowwearingapairofcrookedplasticAlcatrazsunglasses.‘Hurry!’Annabethsaid,likeIneededtobetoldthat.Wefinallyfoundthecellwherewe’dcomein,butthebackwallwascompletelysmooth–nosignofaboulderoranything.‘Lookforthemark!’Annabethsaid.‘There!’Grovertouchedatinyscratch,anditbecameaGreekΔ.ThemarkofDaedalusglowedblue,andthestonewallgroundopen.Tooslowly.Tysonwascomingthroughthecellblock,Kampê’sswordslashingoutbehindhim,slicingindiscriminatelythroughcellbarsandstonewalls.IpushedBriaresinsidethemaze,thenAnnabethandGrover.‘Youcandoit!’ItoldTyson.ButimmediatelyIknewhecouldn’t.Kampêwasgaining.Sheraisedherswords.Ineededadistraction–somethingbig.Islappedmywristwatchanditspiralledintoabronzeshield.Desperately,Ithrewitatthemonster’sface.SMACK!TheshieldhitherinthefaceandshefalteredjustlongenoughforTysontodivepastmeintothemaze.Iwasrightbehindhim.

Kampêcharged,butshewastoolate.Thestonedoorclosedanditsmagicsealedusin.IcouldfeelthewholetunnelshakeasKampêpoundedagainstit,roaringfuriously.Wedidn’tstickaroundtoplayknock,knockwithher,though.Weracedintothedarkness,andforthefirsttime(andthelast)IwasgladtobebackintheLabyrinth.

8WEVISITTHEDEMONDUDERANCH

Wefinallystoppedinaroomfullofwaterfalls.Thefloorwasonebigpit,ringedbyaslipperystonewalkway.Aroundusonallfourwalls,watertumbledfromhugepipes.Thewaterspilleddownintothepit,andevenwhenIshonealight,Icouldn’tseethebottom.Briaresslumpedagainstthewall.Hescoopedupwaterinadozenhandsandwashedhisface.‘ThispitgoesstraighttoTartarus,’hemurmured.‘Ishouldjumpinandsaveyoutrouble.’‘Don’ttalkthatway,’Annabethtoldhim.‘Youcancomebacktocampwithus.Youcanhelpusprepare.YouknowmoreaboutfightingTitansthananybody.’‘Ihavenothingtooffer,’Briaressaid.‘Ihavelosteverything.’‘Whataboutyourbrothers?’Tysonasked.‘Theothertwomuststillstandtallasmountains!Wecantakeyoutothem.’Briares’sexpressionmorphedtosomethingevensadder:hisgrievingface.‘Theyarenomore.Theyfaded.’Thewaterfallsthundered.Tysonstaredintothepitandblinkedtearsoutofhiseye.‘Whatexactlydoyoumean,theyfaded?’Iasked.‘Ithoughtmonsterswereimmortal,likethegods.’‘Percy,’Groversaidweakly.‘Evenimmortalityhaslimits.Sometimes…sometimesmonstersgetforgottenandtheylosetheirwilltostayimmortal.’LookingatGrover’sface,IwonderedifhewerethinkingofPan.IrememberedsomethingMedusahadtoldusonce:howhersisters,theothertwogorgons,hadpassedonandleftheralone.ThenlastyearApollosaidsomethingabouttheoldgodHeliosdisappearingandleavinghimwiththedutiesofthesungod.I’dneverthoughtaboutittoomuch,butnow,lookingatBriares,Irealizedhowterribleitwouldbetobesoold–thousandsandthousandsofyearsold–andtotallyalone.‘Imustgo,’Briaressaid.‘Kronos’sarmywillinvadecamp,’Tysonsaid.‘Weneedhelp.’Briareshunghishead.‘Icannot,Cyclops.’‘Youarestrong.’‘Notanymore,’Briaresrose.‘Hey,’Igrabbedoneofhisarmsandpulledhimaside,wheretheroarofthewaterwouldhideourwords.‘Briares,weneedyou.Incaseyouhaven’tnoticed,Tysonbelievesinyou.Heriskedhislifeforyou.’Itoldhimabouteverything–Luke’sinvasionplan,theLabyrinthentranceatcamp,Daedalussworkshop,Kronos’sgoldencoffin.Briaresjustshookhishead.‘Icannot,demigod.Idonothaveafingerguntowinthisgame,’Toprovehispoint,hemadeonehundredfingerguns.‘Maybethat’swhymonstersfade,’Isaid.‘Maybeit’snotaboutwhatthemortalsbelieve.Maybeit’sbecauseyougiveuponyourself.’

Hispurebrowneyesregardedme.HisfacemorphedintoanexpressionIrecognized–shame.Thenheturnedandtrudgedoffdownthecorridoruntilhewaslostintheshadows.Tysonsobbed.‘It’sokay.’Groverhesitantlypattedhisshoulder,whichmust’vetakenallhiscourage.Tysonsneezed.‘Itisnotokay,goatboy.Hewasmyhero.’Iwantedtomakehimfeelbetter,butIwasn’tsurewhattosay.Finally,Annabethstoodandshoulderedherbackpack.‘Comeon,guys.Thispitismakingmenervous.Let’sfindabetterplacetocampforthenight.’

Wesettledinacorridormadeofhugemarbleblocks.Itlookedlikeitcould’vebeenpartofaGreektomb,withbronzetorchholdersfastenedtothewalls.Ithadtobeanolderpartofthemaze,andAnnabethdecidedthiswasagoodsign.‘WemustbeclosetoDaedalus’sworkshop,’shesaid.‘Getsomerest,everybody.We’llkeepgoinginthemorning.’‘Howdoweknowwhenit’smorning?’Groverasked.‘Justrest,’sheinsisted.Groverdidn’tneedtobetoldtwice.Hepulledaheapofstrawoutofhispack,atesomeofit,madeapillowoutoftherestandwassnoringinnotime.Tysontooklongergettingtosleep.Hetinkeredwithsomemetalscrapsfromhisbuildingkitforawhile,butwhateverhewasmaking,hewasn’thappywithit.Hekeptdisassemblingthepieces.‘I’msorryIlosttheshield,’Itoldhim.‘Youworkedsohardtorepairit.’Tysonlookedup.Hiseyewasbloodshotfromcrying.‘Donotworry,brother.Yousavedme.Youwouldn’thavehadtoifBriareshadhelped.’‘Hewasjustscared,’Isaid.‘I’msurehe’llgetoverit.’‘Heisnotstrong,’Tysonsaid.‘Heisnotimportantanymore.’Heheavedabigsadsigh,thenclosedhiseye.Themetalpiecesfelloutofhishand,stillunassembled,andTysonbegantosnore.Itriedtofallasleepmyself,butIcouldn’t.Somethingaboutgettingchasedbyalargedragonladywithpoisonswordsmadeitreallyhardtorelax.IpickedupmybedrollanddraggeditovertowhereAnnabethwassitting,keepingwatch.Isatdownnexttoher.‘Youshouldsleep,’shesaid.‘Can’t.Youdoingallright?’‘Sure.Firstdayleadingthequest.Justgreat.’‘We’llgetthere,’Isaid.‘We’llfindtheworkshopbeforeLukedoes.’Shebrushedherhairoutofherface.Shehadasmudgeofdirtonherchin,andIimaginedwhatshemust’velookedlikewhenshewaslittle,wanderingaroundthecountrywithThaliaandLuke.Onceshe’dsavedthemfromthemansionoftheevilCyclopswhenshewasonlyseven.Evenwhenshelookedscared,likenow,Iknewshehadalotofguts.‘Ijustwishthequestwaslogical’shecomplained.‘Imean,we’retravellingbutwehavenoideawherewe’llendup.HowcanyouwalkfromNewYorktoCaliforniainaday?’

‘Spaceisn’tthesameinthemaze.’‘Iknow,Iknow.It’sjust…’Shelookedatmehesitantly.‘Percy,Iwaskiddingmyself.All

thatplanningandreading–Idon’thaveacluewherewe’regoing.’‘You’redoinggreat.Besides,weneverknowwhatwe’redoing.Italwaysworksout.

RememberCirce’sisland?’Shesnorted.‘Youmadeacuteguineapig.’AndWaterland,howyougotusthrownoffthatride?’‘Igotusthrownoff?Thatwastotallyyourfault!’‘See?It’llbefine.’Shesmiled,whichIwasgladtosee,butthesmilefadedquickly.‘Percy,whatdidHerameanwhenshesaidyouknewthewaytogetthroughthemaze?’‘Idon’tknow,’Iadmitted.‘Honestly.’‘You’dtellmeifyoudid?’‘Sure.Maybe…’‘Maybewhat?’‘Maybeifyoutoldmethelastlineoftheprophecy,itwouldhelp.’Annabethshivered.‘Nothere.Notinthedark.’‘WhataboutthechoiceJanusmentioned?Herasaid–’‘Stop,’Annabethsnapped.Thenshetookashakybreath.‘I’msorry,Percy.I’mjust

stressed.ButIdon’t…I’vegottothinkaboutit.’Wesatinsilence,listeningtostrangecreaksandgroansinthemaze,theechoofstones

grindingtogetherastunnelschanged,grewandexpanded.ThedarkmademethinkaboutthevisionsI’dseenofNicodiAngelo,andsuddenlyIrealizedsomething.‘Nicoisdownheresomewhere,’Isaid.‘That’showhedisappearedfromcamp.Hefound

theLabyrinth.Thenhefoundapaththatleddownevenfurther–totheUnderworld.Butnowhe’sbackinthemaze.He’scomingafterme.’Annabethwasquietforalongtime.‘Percy,Ihopeyou’rewrong.Butifyou’reright…’She

staredattheflashlightbeamcastingadimcircleonthestonewall.Ihadafeelingshewasthinkingaboutherprophecy.I’dneverseenherlookmoretired.‘HowaboutItakefirstwatch?’Isaid.‘I’llwakeyouifanythinghappens.’Annabethlookedlikeshewantedtoprotest,butshejustnodded,slumpedontoher

bedrollandclosedhereyes.

Whenitwasmyturntosleep,IdreamedIwasbackintheoldman’sLabyrinthprison.Itlookedmorelikeaworkshopnow.Tableswerelitteredwithmeasuringinstruments.A

forgeburnedredhotinthecorner.TheboyI’dseeninthelastdreamwasstokingthebellows,excepthewastallernow,almostmyage.Aweirdfunneldevicewasattachedtotheforge’schimney,trappingthesmokeandheatandchannellingitthroughapipeintothefloor,nexttoabigbronzemanholecover.Itwasdaytime.Theskyabovewasblue,butthewallsofthemazecastdeepshadows

acrosstheworkshop.Afterbeingintunnelssolong,Ifounditweirdthatpartofthe

Labyrinthcouldbeopentothesky.Somehowthatmadethemazeseemlikeanevencruellerplace.Theoldmanlookedsickly.Hewasterriblythin,hishandsrawandredfromworking.

Whitehaircoveredhiseyes,andhistunicwassmudgedwithgrease.Hewasbentoveratable,workingonsomekindoflongmetalpatchwork–likeaswatheofchainmail.Hepickedupadelicatecurlofbronzeandfitteditintoplace.‘Done,’heannounced.‘It’sdone.’Hepickeduphisproject.Itwassobeautifulmyheartleaped–metalwingsconstructed

fromthousandsofinterlockingbronzefeathers.Thereweretwosets.Onestilllayonthetable.Daedalusstretchedtheframe,andthewingsexpandedtosevenandahalfmetres.Partofmeknewitcouldneverfly.Itwastooheavy,andthere’dbenowaytogetofftheground.Butthecraftsmanshipwasamazing.Metalfeatherscaughtthelightandflashedthirtydifferentshadesofgold.Theboyleftthebellowsandranovertosee.Hegrinned,despitethefactthathewas

grimyandsweaty.‘Father,you’reagenius!’Theoldmansmiled.‘TellmesomethingIdon’tknow,Icarus.Nowhurry.Itwilltakeat

leastanhourtoattachthem.Come.’‘Youfirst,’Icarussaid.Theoldmanprotested,butIcarusinsisted.‘Youmadethem,Father.Youshouldgetthe

honourofwearingthemfirst.’Theboyattachedaleatherharnesstohisfather’schest,likeclimbinggear,withstraps

thatranfromhisshoulderstohiswrists.Thenhebeganfasteningonthewings,usingametalcanisterthatlookedlikeanenormoushot-gluegun.‘Thewaxcompoundshouldholdforseveralhours,’Daedalussaidnervouslyashisson

worked.‘Butwemustletitsetfirst.Andwewoulddowelltoavoidflyingtoohighortoolow.Theseawouldwetthewaxseals–’‘Andthesunsheatwouldloosenthem,’theboyfinished.‘Yes,Father.We’vebeenthrough

thisamilliontimes!’‘Onecannotbetoocareful.’‘Ihavecompletefaithinyourinventions,Father!Noonehaseverbeenassmartasyou.’Theoldman’seyesshone.Itwasobvioushelovedhissonmorethananythinginthe

world.‘NowIwilldoyourwings,andgivemineachancetosetproperly.Come!’Itwasslowgoing.Theoldman’shandsfumbledwiththestraps.Hehadahardtime

keepingthewingsinpositionwhilehesealedthem.Hisownmetalwingsseemedtoweighhimdown,gettinginhiswaywhilehetriedtowork.‘Tooslow,’theoldmanmuttered.‘Iamtooslow.’‘Takeyourtime,Father,’theboysaid.‘Theguardsaren’tdueuntil–’BOOM!Theworkshopdoorsshuddered.Daedalushadbarredthemfromtheinsidewithawooden

brace,butstilltheyshookontheirhinges.‘Hurry!’Icarussaid.

BOOM!BOOM!Somethingheavywasslammingintothedoors.Thebraceheld,butacrackappearedintheleftdoor.Daedalusworkedfuriously.AdropofhotwaxspilledontoIcarus’sshoulder.Theboywincedbutdidnotcryout.Whenhisleftwingwassealedtothestraps,Daedalusbeganworkingontheright.‘Wemusthavemoretime,’Daedalusmurmured.‘Theyaretooearly!Weneedmoretimeforthesealtohold.’‘It’llbefine,’Icarussaidashisfatherfinishedtherightwing.‘Helpmewiththemanhole–’CRASH!Thedoorssplinteredandtheheadofabronzebatteringramemergedthroughthebreach.Axesclearedthedebris,andtwoarmedguardsenteredtheroom,followedbythekingwiththegoldencrownandthespear-shapedbeard.‘Well,well,’thekingsaidwithacruelsmile.‘Goingsomewhere?’Daedalusandhissonfroze,theirmetalwingsglimmeringontheirbacks.‘We’releaving,Minos,’theoldmansaid.KingMinoschuckled.‘Iwascurioustoseehowfaryou’dgetonthislittleprojectbeforeIdashedyourhopes.ImustsayI’mimpressed.’Thekingadmiredtheirwings.‘Youlooklikemetalchickens,’hedecided.‘Perhapsweshouldpluckyouandmakeasoup.’Theguardslaughedstupidly.‘Metalchickens,’onerepeated.‘Soup.’‘Shutup,’thekingsaid.ThenheturnedagaintoDaedalus.‘Youletmydaughterescape,oldman.Youdrovemywifetomadness.YoukilledmymonsterandmademethelaughingstockoftheMediterranean.Youwillneverescapeme!’IcarusgrabbedthewaxgunandsprayeditattheKing,whosteppedbackinsurprise.Theguardsrushedforward,buteachgotastreamofhotwaxinhisface.‘Thevent!’Icarusyelledtohisfather.‘Getthem!’KingMinosraged.Together,theoldmanandhissonprisedopenthemanholecover,andacolumnofhotairblastedoutoftheground.Thekingwatched,incredulous,astheinventorandhissonshotintotheskyontheirbronzewings,carriedbytheupdraught.‘Shootthem!’thekingyelled,buthisguardshadbroughtnobows.Onethrewhisswordindesperation,butDaedalusandIcaruswerealreadyoutofreach.Theywheeledabovethemazeandtheking’spalace,thenzoomedacrossthecityofKnossosandoutpasttherockyshoresofCrete.Icaruslaughed.‘Free,Father!Youdidit.’Theboyspreadhiswingstotheirfulllimitandsoaredawayonthewind.‘Wait!’Daedaluscalled.‘Becareful!’ButIcaruswasalreadyoutovertheopensea,headingnorthandlaughingfortheirgood

luck.Hesoaredupandscaredaneagleoutofitsflightpath,thenplummetedtowardsthesealikehewasborntofly,pullingoutofanosediveatthelastsecond.Hissandalsskimmedthewaves.‘Stopthat!’Daedaluscalled.Butthewindcarriedhisvoiceaway.Hissonwasdrunkonhisownfreedom.Theoldmanstruggledtocatchup,glidingclumsilyafterhisson.TheyweremilesfromCrete,overdeepsea,whenIcaruslookedbackandsawhisfather’sworriedexpression.Icarussmiled.‘Don’tworry,Father!You’reagenius!Itrustyourhandiwork–’Thefirstmetalfeathershookloosefromhiswingsandflutteredaway.Thenanother.Icaruswobbledinmidair.Suddenlyhewassheddingbronzefeathers,whichtwirledawayfromhimlikeaflockoffrightenedbirds.‘Icarus!’hisfathercried.‘Glide!Extendthewings.Stayasstillaspossible!’ButIcarusflappedhisarms,desperatelytryingtoreassertcontrol.Theleftwingwentfirst–rippingawayfromthestraps.‘Father!’Icaruscried.Andthenhefell,thewingsstrippedawayuntilhewasjustaboyinaclimbingharnessandawhitetunic,hisarmsextendedinauselessattempttoglide.Iwokewithastart,feelinglikeIwasfalling.Thecorridorwasdark.IntheconstantmoaningoftheLabyrinth,IthoughtIcouldheartheanguishedcryofDaedaluscallinghissonsname,asIcarus,hisonlyjoy,plummetedtowardsthesea,ahundredmetresbelow.

Therewasnomorninginthemaze,butonceeveryonewokeupandhadafabulousbreakfastofgranolabarsandjuiceboxes,wekepttravelling.Ididn’tmentionmydream.Somethingaboutithadreallyfreakedmeout,andIdidn’tthinktheothersneededtoknowthat.Theoldstonetunnelschangedtoearthwithcedarbeams,likeagoldmineorsomething.Annabethstartedgettingagitated.‘Thisisn’tright,’shesaid.‘Itshouldstillbestone.’Wecametoacavewherestalactiteshunglowfromtheceiling.Inthecentreofthedirtfloorwasarectangularpit,likeagrave.Grovershivered.‘ItsmellsliketheUnderworldinhere.’ThenIsawsomethingglintingattheedgeofthepit–afoilwrapper.Ishonemyflashlightintotheholeandsawahalf-chewedcheeseburgerfloatinginbrowncarbonatedmuck.‘Nico,’Isaid.‘Hewassummoningthedeadagain.’Tysonwhimpered.‘Ghostswerehere.Idon’tlikeghosts.’‘We’vegottofindhim.’Idon’tknowwhy,butstandingattheedgeofthatpitgavemeasenseofurgency.Nicowasclose.Icouldfeelit.Icouldn’tlethimwanderarounddownhere,aloneexceptforthedead.Istartedtorun.‘Percy!’Annabethcalled.Iduckedintoatunnelandsawlightupahead.BythetimeAnnabeth,TysonandGrover

caughtupwithme,Iwasstaringatdaylightstreamingthroughasetofbarsabovemyhead.Wewereunderasteelgratemadeoutofmetalpipes.Icouldseetreesandbluesky.‘Wherearewe?’Iwondered.Thenashadowfellacrossthegrateandacowstareddownatme.Itlookedlikeanormalcowexceptitwasaweirdcolour–brightred,likeacherry.Ididn’tknowcowscameinthatshade.Thecowmooed,putonehooftentativelyonthebars,thenbackedaway.‘It’sacattlegrid,’Groversaid.Awhat?’Iasked.‘Theyputthematthegatesofranchessocowscan’tgetout.Theycan’twalkonthem.’‘Howdoyouknowthat?’Groverhuffedindignantly.‘Believeme,ifyouhadhooves,you’dknowaboutcattlegrids.They’reannoying!’IturnedtoAnnabeth.‘Didn’tHerasaysomethingaboutaranch?Weneedtocheckitout.Nicomightbeupthere.’Shehesitated.Allright.Buthowdowegetout?’Tysonsolvedthatproblembyhittingthecattlegridwithbothhands.Itpoppedoffandwentflyingoutofsight.WeheardaCLANG!andastartled‘Moo!’Tysonblushed.‘Sorry,cow!’hecalled.Thenhegaveusaboostoutofthetunnel.Wewereonaranch,allright.Rollinghillsstretchedtothehorizon,dottedwithoaktreesandcactiandboulders.Abarbed-wirefenceranfromthegateineitherdirection.Cherry-colouredcowsroamedaround,grazingonclumpsofgrass.‘Redcattle,’Annabethsaid.‘Thecattleofthesun.’‘What?’Iasked.‘They’resacredtoApollo.’‘Holycows?’‘Exactly.Butwhataretheydoing–’‘Wait,’Groversaid.‘Listen.’Atfirsteverythingseemedquiet…butthenIheardit:thedistantbayingofdogs.Thesoundgotlouder.Thentheunderbrushrustled,andtwodogsbrokethrough.Exceptitwasn’ttwodogs.Itwasonedogwithtwoheads.Itlookedlikeagreyhound,longandsnakyandsleekbrown,butitsneckV’edintotwoheads,bothofthemsnappingandsnarlingandgenerallynotverygladtoseeus.‘BadJanusdog!’Tysoncried.Arf!’Grovertoldit,andraisedahandingreeting.Thetwo-headeddogbareditsteeth.Iguessitwasn’timpressedthatGrovercouldspeakanimal.Thenitsmasterlumberedoutofthewoods,andIrealizedthedogwastheleastofourproblems.Hewasahugeguywithstarkwhitehair,astrawcowboyhatandabraidedwhitebeard–

kindoflikeFatherTime,ifFatherTimewentredneckandworkedout.Hewaswearingjeans,aDon’tMesswithTexasT-shirt,andadenimjacketwiththesleevesrippedoffsoyoucouldseehismuscles.Onhisrightbicepwasacrossed-swordstattoo.Heheldawoodenclubaboutthesizeofanuclearwarhead,withtwenty-centimetrespikesbristlingatthebusinessend.‘Heel,Orthus,’hetoldthedog.Thedoggrowledatusoncemore,justtomakehisfeelingsclear,thencircledbacktohismastersfeet.Themanlookedusupanddown,keepinghisclubready.‘What’vewegothere?’heasked.‘Cattlerustlers?’‘Justtravellers,’Annabethsaid.‘We’reonaquest.’Theman’seyetwitched.‘Half-bloods,eh?’Istartedtosay,‘Howdidyouknow–’Annabethputherhandonmyarm.‘I’mAnnabeth,daughterofAthena.ThisisPercy,sonofPoseidon.Groverthesatyr.Tysonthe-’‘Cyclops,’themanfinished.‘Yes,Icanseethat.’Hegloweredatme.AndIknowhalf-bloodsbecauseIamone,sonny.I’mEurytion,thecowherdforthishereranch.SonofAres.YoucamethroughtheLabyrinthliketheotherone,Ireckon.’‘Theotherone?’Iasked.‘YoumeanNicodiAngelo?’‘WegetaloadofvisitorsfromtheLabyrinth,’Eurytionsaiddarkly.‘Notmanyeverleave.’‘Wow,’Isaid.‘Ifeelwelcome.’Thecowherdglancedbehindhimlikesomeonewaswatching.Thenheloweredhisvoice.‘I’monlygoingtosaythisonce,demigods.Getbackinthemazenow.Beforeit’stoolate.’‘We’renotleaving,’Annabethinsisted.‘Notuntilweseethisotherdemigod.Please.’Eurytiongrunted.‘Thenyouleavemenochoice,missy.I’vegottotakeyoutoseetheboss.’

Ididn’tfeellikewewerehostagesoranything.Eurytionwalkedalongsideuswithhisclubacrosshisshoulder.Orthusthetwo-headeddoggrowledalotandsniffedatGrover’slegsandshotintothebushesonceinawhiletochaseanimals,butEurytionkepthimmoreorlessundercontrol.Wewalkeddownadirtpaththatseemedtogoonforever.Itmust’vebeenclosetofortydegrees,whichwasashockafterSanFrancisco.Heatshimmeredofftheground.Insectsbuzzedinthetrees.Beforewe’dgoneveryfar,Iwassweatinglikecrazy.Fliesswarmedus.Everysooftenwe’dseeapenfullofredcowsorevenstrangeranimals.Oncewepassedacorralwherethefencewascoatedinasbestos.Inside,aherdoffire-breathinghorsesmilledaround.Thehayintheirfeedingtroughwasonfire.Thegroundsmokedaroundtheirfeet,butthehorsesseemedtameenough.Onebigstallionlookedatmeandwhinnied,columnsofredflamebillowingoutofhisnostrils.Iwonderedifithurthissinuses.‘Whataretheyfor?’Iasked.Eurytionscowled.‘Weraiseanimalsforlotsofclients.Apollo,Diomedes,and…others.’‘Likewho?’

‘Nomorequestions.’Finallywecameoutofthewoods.Perchedonahillaboveuswasabigranchhouse–allwhitestoneandwoodandbigwindows.‘ItlookslikeaFrankLloydWright!’Annabethsaid.Iguessshewastalkingaboutsomearchitecturalthing.Tomeitjustlookedlikethekindofplacewhereafewdemigodscouldgetintoserioustrouble.Wehikedupthehill.‘Don’tbreaktherules,’Eurytionwarnedaswewalkedupthestepstothefrontporch.‘Nofighting.Nodrawingweapons.Anddon’tmakeanycommentsabouttheboss’sappearance.’‘Why?’Iasked.‘Whatdoeshelooklike?’BeforeEurytioncouldreply,anewvoicesaid,‘WelcometotheTripleGRanch.’Themanontheporchhadanormalhead,whichwasarelief.Hisfacewasweatheredandbrownfromyearsinthesun.Hehadslickblackhairandablackpencilmoustachelikevillainshaveinoldmovies.Hesmiledatus,butthesmilewasn’tfriendly;moreamused,likeOhhoy,morepeopletotorture!Ididn’tponderthatverylong,though,becausethenInoticedhisbody…orbodies.Hehadthreeofthem.Now,you’dthinkIwould’vegotusedtoweirdanatomyafterJanusandBriares,butthisguywasthreecompletepeople.Hisneckconnectedtothemiddlechestlikenormal,buthehadtwomorechests,onetoeitherside,connectedattheshoulders,withafewcentimetresinbetween.Hisleftarmgrewoutofhisleftchest,andthesameontheright,sohehadtwoarms,butfourarmpits,ifthatmakesanysense.Thechestsallconnectedintooneenormoustorso,withtworegularbutverybeefylegs,andheworethemostoversizedpairofLevisI’deverseen.HischestseachworeadifferentcolourWesternshirt–green,yellow,red,likeastoplight.Iwonderedhowhedressedthemiddlechest,sinceithadnoarms.ThecowherdEurytionnudgedme.‘SayhellotoMrGeryon.’‘Hi,’Isaid.‘Nicechests–uh,ranch!Niceranchyouhave.’Beforethethree-bodiedmancouldrespond,NicodiAngelocameoutoftheglassdoorsontotheporch.‘Geryon,Iwontwaitfor–’Hefrozewhenhesawus.Thenhedrewhissword.ThebladewasjustlikeI’dseeninmydream:short,sharpanddarkasmidnight.Geryonsnarledwhenhesawit.‘Putthataway,MrdiAngelo.Iain’tgonnahavemyguestskillineachother.’‘Butthat’s–’‘PercyJackson,’Geryonsupplied.AnnabethChase.Andacoupleoftheirmonsterfriends.Yes,Iknow.’‘Monsterfriends?’Groversaidindignantly.‘Thatmaniswearingthreeshirts,’Tysonsaid,likehewasjustrealizingthis.‘Theyletmysisterdie!’Nico’svoicetrembledwithrage.‘They’reheretokillme!’‘Nico,we’renotheretokillyou.’Iraisedmyhands.‘WhathappenedtoBiancawas–’‘Don’tspeakhername!You’renotworthytoeventalkabouther!’

‘Waitaminute.’AnnabethpointedatGeryon.‘Howdoyouknowournames?’Thethree-bodiedmanwinked.‘Imakeitmybusinesstokeepinformed,darlin.Everybodypopsintotheranchfromtimetotime.EveryoneneedssomethingfromoleGeryon.Now,MrdiAngelo,putthatuglyswordawaybeforeIhaveEurytiontakeitfromyou.’Eurytionsighed,butheheftedhisspikedclub.Athisfeet,Orthusgrowled.Nicohesitated.HelookedthinnerandpalerthanhehadintheIris-messages.Iwonderedifhe’deateninthelastweek.HisblackclothesweredustyfromtravellingintheLabyrinth,andhisdarkeyeswerefullofhate.Hewastooyoungtolooksoangry.IstillrememberedhimasthecheerfullittlekidwhoplayedwithMythomagiccards.Reluctantly,hesheathedhissword.‘Ifyoucomenearme,Percy,I’llsummonhelp.Youdon’twanttomeetmyhelpers,Ipromise.’‘Ibelieveyou,’Isaid.GeryonpattedNico’sshoulder.‘There,we’veallmadenice.Nowcomealong,folks.Iwanttogiveyouatouroftheranch.’

Geryonhadatrolleything–likeoneofthosekiddietrainsthattakeyouaroundzoos.Itwaspaintedblackandwhiteinacowhidepattern.Thedriver’scarhadasetoflonghornsstucktothehood,andthehornsoundedlikeacowbe11.1figuredmaybethiswashowhetorturedpeople.Heembarrassedthemtodeath,ridingaroundinthemoo-mobile.Nicosatintheveryback,probablysohecouldkeepaneyeonus.Eurytioncrawledinnexttohimwithhisspikedclubandpulledhiscowboyhatoverhiseyeslikehewasgoingtotakeanap.OrthusjumpedinthefrontseatnexttoGeryonandbeganbarkinghappilyintwo-partharmony.Annabeth,Tyson,GroverandItookthemiddletwocars.‘Wehaveahugeoperation!’Geryonboastedasthemoo-mobilelurchedforward.‘Horsesandcattlemostly,butallsortsofexoticvarieties,too.’Wecameoverahill,andAnnabethgasped.‘Hippalek-tryons?Ithoughttheywereextinct!’Atthebottomofthehillwasafenced-inpasturewithadozenoftheweirdestanimalsI’deverseen.Eachhadthefronthalfofahorseandthebackhalfofarooster.Theirrearfeetwerehugeyellowclaws.Theyhadfeatherytailsandredwings.AsIwatched,twoofthemgotinafightoverapileofseed.Theyrearedupontheirbacklegsandwhinniedandflappedtheirwingsateachotheruntilthesmalleronegallopedaway,itsrearbird-legsputtingalittlehopinitsstep.‘Roosterponies,’Tysonsaidinamazement.‘Dotheylayeggs?’‘Onceayear!’Geryongrinnedintherearviewmirror.‘Verymuchindemandforomelettes!’‘That’shorrible!’Annabethsaid.‘Theymustbeanendangeredspecies!’Geryonwavedhishand.‘Goldisgold,darling.Andyouhaven’ttastedtheomelettes.’‘That’snotright,’Grovermurmured,butGeryonjustkeptnarratingthetour.‘Now,overhere,’hesaid,‘wehaveourfire-breathinghorses,whichyoumayhaveseenonyourwayin.They’rebredforwar,naturally.’

‘Whatwar?’Iasked.Geryongrinnedslyly.‘Oh,whicheveronecomesalong.Andoveryonder,ofcourse,areourprizeredcows.’Sureenough,hundredsofthecherry-colouredcattleweregrazingthesideofahill.‘Somany,’Groversaid.‘Yes,well,Apolloistoobusytoseetothem,’Geryonexplained,‘sohesubcontractstous.Webreedthemvigorouslybecausethere’ssuchademand.’‘Forwhat?’Iasked.Geryonraisedaneyebrow.‘Meat,ofcourse!Armieshavetoeat.’‘Youkillthesacredcowsofthesungodforhamburgermeat?’Groversaid.‘That’sagainsttheancientlaws!’‘Oh,don’tgetsoworkedup,satyr.They’rejustanimals.’‘Justanimals!’‘Yes,andifApollocared,I’msurehewouldtellus.’‘Ifheknew,’Imuttered.Nicosatforward.‘Idon’tcareaboutanyofthis,Geryon.Wehadbusinesstodiscuss,andthiswasn’tit!’‘Allingoodtime,MrdiAngelo.Lookoverhere:someofmyexoticgame.’Thenextfieldwasringedinbarbedwire.Thewholeareawascrawlingwithgiantscorpions.‘TripleGRanch,’Isaid,suddenlyremembering.‘Yourmarkwasonthecratesatcamp.Quintusgothisscorpionsfromyou.’‘Quintus…,’Geryonmused.‘Shortgreyhair,muscular,swordsman?’‘Yeah.’‘Neverheardofhim.’Geryonsaid.‘Now,overherearemyprizestables!Youmustseethem.’Ididn’tneedtoseethem,becauseassoonaswegotwithinthreehundredmetresIstartedtosmellthem.Nearthebanksofagreenriverwasahorsecorralthesizeofafootballfield.Stableslinedonesideofit.Aboutahundredhorsesweremillingaroundinthemuck–andwhenIsaymuck,Imeanhorsepoop.ItwasthemostdisgustingthingI’deverseen,likeapoopblizzardhadcomethroughanddumpedametre-deeppileofthestuffovernight.Thehorseswerereallygrossfromwadingthroughit,andthestableswerejustasbad.Itreekedlikeyouwouldnotbelieve–worsethanthegarbageboatsontheEastRiver.EvenNicogagged.‘Whatisthat?’‘Mystables!’Geryonsaid.‘Well,actuallytheybelongtoAegeas,butwewatchoverthemforasmallmonthlyfee.Aren’ttheylovely?’‘They’redisgusting!’Annabethsaid.‘Lotsofpoop,’Tysonobserved.‘Howcanyoukeepanimalslikethat?’Grovercried.‘Y’allgettinonmynerves,’Geryonsaid.‘Theseareflesh-eatinghorses,see?Theylike

theseconditions.’‘Plus,you’retoocheaptohavethemcleaned,’Eurytionmumbledfromunderhishat.‘Quiet!’Geryonsnapped.Allright,perhapsthestablesareabitchallengingtoclean.Perhapstheydomakemenauseouswhenthewindblowsthewrongway.Butsowhat?Myclientsstillpaymewell.’‘Whatclients?’Idemanded.‘Oh,you’dbesurprisedhowmanypeoplewillpayforaflesh-eatinghorse.Theymakegreatgarbagedisposals.Wonderfulwaytoterrifyyourenemies.Greatatbirthdayparties!Werentthemoutallthetime.‘You’reamonster,’Annabethdecided.Geryonstoppedthemoo-mobileandturnedtolookather.‘Whatgaveitaway?Wasitthethreebodies?’‘Youhavetolettheseanimalsgo,’Groversaid.‘It’snotright!’‘Andtheclientsyoukeeptalkingabout,’Annabethsaid.‘YouworkforKronos,don’tyou?You’resupplyinghisarmywithhorses,food,whatevertheyneed.’Geryonshrugged,whichwasveryweirdsincehehadthreesetsofshoulders.Itlookedlikehewasdoingthewaveallbyhimself.‘Iworkforanyonewithgold,younglady.I’mabusinessman.AndIsellthemanythingIhavetooffer.’Heclimbedoutofthemoo-mobileandstrolledtowardsthestablesasifenjoyingthefreshair.Itwould’vebeenaniceview,withtheriverandthetreesandhillsandall,exceptforthequagmireofhorsemuck.NicogotoutofthebackcarandstormedovertoGeryon.ThecowherdEurytionwasn’tassleepyashelooked.HeheftedhisclubandwalkedafterNico.‘Icamehereforbusiness,Geryon,’Nicosaid.Andyouhaven’tansweredme.’‘Mmm,’Geryonexaminedacactus.Hisleftarmreachedoverandscratchedhismiddlechest.‘Yes,you’llgetadeal,allright.’‘Myghosttoldmeyoucouldhelp.Hesaidyoucouldguideustothesoulweneed.’‘Waitasecond,’Isaid.‘IthoughtIwasthesoulyouwanted.’NicolookedatmelikeIwascrazy.‘You?WhywouldIwantyou?Bianca’ssoulisworthathousandofyours!Now,canyouhelpme,Geryon,ornot?’‘Oh,IimagineIcould,’theranchersaid.‘Yourghostfriend,bytheway,whereishe?’Nicolookeduneasy.‘Hecan’tforminbroaddaylight.It’shardforhim.Buthe’saroundsomewhere.’Geryonsmiled.‘I’msure.Minoslikestodisappearwhenthingsget…difficult.’‘Minos?’IrememberedthemanI’dseeninmydreams,withthegoldencrown,thepointedbeard,andthecrueleyes.‘Youmeanthatevilking?That’stheghostwho’sbeengivingyouadvice?’‘It’snoneofyourbusiness,Percy!’NicoturnedbacktoGeryon.‘Andwhatdoyoumeanaboutthingsgettingdifficult?’Thethree-bodiedmansighed.‘Well,yousee,Nico–canIcallyouNico?’‘No.’

‘Yousee,Nico,LukeCastellanisofferingverygoodmoneyforhalf-bloods.Especiallypowerfulhalf-bloods.AndI’msurewhenhelearnsyourlittlesecret,whoyoureallyare,he’llpayvery,verywellindeed.’Nicodrewhissword,butEurytionknockeditoutofhishand.BeforeIcouldgetup,Orthuspouncedonmychestandgrowled,hisfacesbarelycentimetresawayfrommine.‘Iwouldstayinthecar,allofyou,’Geryonwarned.‘OrOrthuswilltearMrJackson’sthroatout.Now,Eurytion,ifyouwouldbesokind,secureNico.’Thecowherdspatintothegrass.‘DoIhaveto?’‘Yes,youfool!’Eurytionlookedbored,buthewrappedonehugearmaroundNicoandliftedhimuplikeawrestler.‘Pickupthesword,too,’Geryonsaidwithdistaste.‘There’snothingIhateworsethanStygianiron.’Eurytionpickedupthesword,carefulnottotouchtheblade.‘Now,’Geryonsaidcheerfully,‘we’vehadthetour.Let’sgobacktothelodge,havesomelunch,andsendanIris-messagetoourfriendsintheTitanarmy.’‘Youfiend!’Annabethcried.Geryonsmiledather.‘Don’tworry,mydear.OnceI’vedeliveredMrdiAngelo,youandyourpartycango.Idon’tinterferewithquests.Besides,I’vebeenpaidwelltogiveyousafepassage,whichdoesnot,I’mafraid,includeMrdiAngelo.’‘Paidbywhom?’Annabethsaid.‘Whatdoyoumean?’‘Neveryoumind,darlin.Let’sbeoff,shallwe?’‘Wait!’Isaid,andOrthusgrowled.Istayedperfectlystillsohewouldn’ttearmythroatout.‘Geryon,yousaidyou’reabusinessman.Makemeadeal.’Geryonnarrowedhiseyes.‘Whatsortofdeal?Doyouhavegold?’‘I’vegotsomethingbetter.Barter.’‘But,MrJackson,you’vegotnothing.’‘Youcouldhavehimcleanthestables,’Eurytionsuggestedinnocently.‘I’lldoit!’Isaid.‘IfIfail,yougetallofus.YoucantradeusalltoLukeforgold.’Assumingthehorsesdon’teatyou,’Geryonobserved.‘Eitherway,yougetmyfriends,’Isaid.‘But,ifIsucceed,you’vegottoletallofusgo,includingNico.’‘No!’Nicoscreamed.‘Don’tdomeanyfavours,Percy.Idon’twantyourhelp!’Geryonchuckled.‘PercyJackson,thosestableshaven’tbeencleanedinathousandyears…thoughit’strueImightbeabletosellmorestablespaceifallthatpoopwasclearedaway.’‘Sowhathaveyougottolose?’Therancherhesitated.‘Allright,I’llacceptyouroffer,butyouhavetogetitdonebysunset.Ifyoufail,yourfriendsgetsold,andIgetrich.’‘Deal.’

Henodded.‘I’mgoingtotakeyourfriendswithme,backtothelodge.We’llwaitforyouthere.’Eurytiongavemeafunnylook.Itmighthavebeensympathy.Hewhistled,andthedogjumpedoffmeandontoAnnabeth’slap.Sheyelped.IknewTysonandGroverwouldnevertryanythingaslongasAnnabethwasahostage.Igotoutofthecarandlockedeyeswithher.‘Ihopeyouknowwhatyou’redoing,’shesaidquietly.‘Ihopeso,too.’Geryongotbehindthedriver’swheel.EurytionhauledNicointothebackseat.‘Sunset,’Geryonremindedme.‘Nolater.’Helaughedatmeoncemore,soundedhiscowbellhorn,andthemoo-mobilerumbledoffdownthetrail.

9ISCOOPPOOP

IlosthopewhenIsawthehorses’teeth.AsIgotclosertothefenceIheldmyshirtovermynosetoblockthesmell.Onestallionwadedthroughthemuckandwhinniedangrilyatme.Hebaredhisteeth,whichwerepointedlikeabear’s.Itriedtotalktohiminmymind.Icandothatwithmosthorses.Hi,Itoldhim.I’mgoingtocleanyourstables.Won’tthatbegreat?Yes!Thehorsesaid.Comeinside!Eatyou!Tastyhalf-blood!ButI’mPoseidon’sson,Iprotested.Hecreatedhorses.UsuallythisgetsmeVIPtreatmentintheequestrianworld,butnotthistime.Yes!Thehorseagreedenthusiastically.Poseidoncancomein,too!Wewilleatyouboth!Seafood!Seafood!‘Theotherhorseschimedinastheywadedthroughthefield.Flieswerebuzzingeverywhere,andtheheatofthedaydidn’tmakethesmellanybetter.I’dhadsomeideathatIcoulddothischallenge,becauseIrememberedhowHerculeshaddoneit.He’dchannelledariverintothestablesandcleanedthemoutthatway.IfiguredIcouldmaybecontrolthewater.ButifIcouldn’tgetclosetothehorseswithoutgettingeaten,thatwasaproblem.Andtheriverwasdownhillfromthestables,alotfurtherawaythanI’drealized,almostakilometre.Theproblemofthepooplookedalotbiggerupclose.Ipickeduparustedshovelandexperimentallyscoopedsomeawayfromthefenceline.Great.Onlyfourbillionshovelfulstogo.Thesunwasalreadysinking.Ihadafewhoursatbest.Idecidedtheriverwasmyonlyhope.Atleastitwouldbeeasiertothinkattheriversidethanitwashere.Isetoffdownhill.

WhenIgottotheriver,Ifoundagirlwaitingforme.ShewaswearingjeansandagreenT-shirtandherlongbrownhairwasbraidedwithrivergrass.Shehadasternlookonherface.Herarmswerecrossed.‘Ohnoyoudon’t,’shesaid.Istaredather.Areyouanaiad?’Sherolledhereyes.‘Ofcourse!’‘ButyouspeakEnglish.Andyou’reoutofthewater.’‘What,youdon’tthinkwecanacthumanifwewantto?’I’dneverthoughtaboutit.Ifeltkindofstupid,though,becauseI’dseenplentyofnaiadsatcamp,andthey’dneverdonemuchmorethangiggleandwaveatmefromthebottomofthecanoelake.‘Look,’Isaid,‘Ijustcametoask–’‘Iknowwhoyouare,’shesaid.AndIknowwhatyouwant.Andtheanswerisno!I’mnotgoingtohavemyriverusedagaintocleanthatfilthystable.’‘But–’

‘Oh,saveit,seaboy.Youocean-godtypesalwaysthinkyou’resoooomuchmoreimportantthansomelittleriver,don’tyou?Wellletmetellyou,thisnaiadisnotgoingtobepushedaroundjustbecauseyourdaddyisPoseidon.Thisisfreshwaterterritory,mister.Thelastguywhoaskedmethisfavour–oh,hewaswaybetter-lookingthanyou,bytheway–heconvincedme,andthatwastheworstmistakeI’veevermade!Doyouhaveanyideawhatallthathorsemanuredoestomyecosystem?DoIlooklikeasewage-treatmentplanttoyou?Myfishwilldie.I’llnevergetthemuckoutofmyplants.I’llbesickforyears.NOTHANKYOU!’Thewayshetalkedremindedmeofmymortalfriend,RachelElizabethDare–kindoflikeshewaspunchingmewithwords.Icouldn’tblamethenaiad.NowthatIthoughtaboutit,I’dbeprettymadifsomebodydumpedtwothousandtonsofmanureinmyhome.Butstill…‘Myfriendsareindanger,’Itoldher.‘Well,that’stoobad!Butit’snotmyproblem.Andyou’renotgoingtoruinmyriver.’Shelookedlikeshewasreadyforafight.Herfistswereballed,butIthoughtIheardalittlequaverinhervoice.SuddenlyIrealizedthat,despiteherangryattitude,shewasafraidofme.SheprobablythoughtIwasgoingtofightherforcontroloftheriver,andshewasworriedshewouldlose.Thethoughtmademesad.Ifeltlikeabully,asonofPoseidonthrowinghisweightaround.Isatdownonatreestump.‘Okay,youwin.’Thenaiadlookedsurprised.‘Really?’‘I’mnotgoingtofightyou.It’syourriver.’Sherelaxedhershoulders.‘Oh.Oh,good.Imean–goodthingforyou!’‘ButmyfriendsandIaregoingtogetsoldtotheTitansifIdon’tcleanthosestablesbysunset.AndIdon’tknowhow.’Therivergurgledalongcheerfully.Asnakeslidthroughthewaterandduckeditsheadunder.Finallythenaiadsighed.‘I’lltellyouasecret,sonoftheseagod.Scoopupsomedirt.’‘What?’‘Youheardme.’IcroucheddownandscoopedupahandfulofTexasdirt.Itwasdryandblackandspottedwithtinyclumpsofwhiterock…No,somethingbesidesrock.‘Thoseareshells,’thenaiadsaid.‘Petrifiedseashells.Millionsofyearsago,evenbeforethetimeofthegods,whenonlyGaeaandOuranosreigned,thislandwasunderwater.Itwaspartofthesea.’SuddenlyIsawwhatshemeant.Therewerelittlepiecesofancientseaurchinsinmyhand,molluscshells.Eventhelimestonerockshadimpressionsofseashellsembeddedinthem.‘Okay,’Isaid.‘Whatgooddoesthatdome?’‘You’renotsodifferentfromme,demigod.EvenwhenI’moutofthewater,thewateris

withinme.Itismylifesource.’Shesteppedback,putherfeetintheriver,andsmiled.‘Ihopeyoufindawaytorescueyourfriends.’Andwiththatsheturnedtoliquidandmeltedintotheriver.

ThesunwastouchingthehillswhenIgotbacktothestables.Somebodymust’vecomebyandfedthehorses,becausetheyweretearingintohugeanimalcarcasses.Icouldn’ttellwhatkindofanimal,andIreallydidn’twanttoknow.Ifitwaspossibleforthestablestogetmoredisgusting,fiftyhorsestearingintorawmeatdidit.Seafood!onethoughtwhenhesawme.Comein!We’restillhungry.WhatwasIsupposedtodo?Icouldn’tusetheriver.Andthefactthatthisplacehadbeen

underwateramillionyearsagodidn’texactlyhelpmenow.Ilookedatthelittlecalcifiedseashellinmypalm,thenatthehugemountainofdung.Frustrated,Ithrewtheshellintothepoop.Iwasabouttoturnmybackonthehorses

whenIheardasound.PFFFFFFT!Likeaballoonwithaleak.IlookeddownwhereIhadthrowntheshell.Atinyspoutofwaterwasshootingoutofthe

muck.‘Noway,’Imuttered.Hesitantly,Isteppedtowardsthefence.‘Getbigger,’Itoldthewaterspout.SPOOOOOOOSH!Watershotametreintotheairandkeptbubbling.Itwasimpossible,butthereitwas.A

coupleofhorsescameovertocheckitout.Oneputhismouthtothespringandrecoiled.Yuck!hesaid.Salty!ItwasseawaterinthemiddleofaTexasranch.Iscoopedupanotherhandfulofdirtand

pickedouttheshellfossils.Ididn’treallyknowwhatIwasdoing,butIranaroundthelengthofthestable,throwingshellsintothedungpiles.Everywhereashellhit,asaltwaterspringerupted.Stop!Thehorsescried.Meatisgood!Bathsarebad!ThenInoticedthewaterwasn’trunningoutofthestablesorflowingdownhilllikewater

normallywould.Itsimplybubbledaroundeachspringandsankintotheground,takingthedungwithit.Thehorsepoopdissolvedinthesaltwater,leavingregularoldwetearth.‘More!’Iyelled.Therewasatuggingsensationinmygut,andthewaterspoutsexplodedliketheworld’s

largestcarwash.Saltwatershotsixmetresintotheair.Thehorseswentcrazy,runningbackandforthasthegeyserssprayedthemfromalldirections.Mountainsofpoopbegantomeltlikeice.Thetuggingsensationbecamemoreintense,painfuleven,buttherewassomething

exhilaratingaboutseeingallthatsaltwater.Ihadmadethis.Ihadbroughttheoceantothishillside.Stop,lord!ahorsecried.Stop,please!Waterwassloshingeverywherenow.Thehorsesweredrenched,andsomewere

panickingandslippinginthemud.Thepoopwascompletelygone,tonsofitjustdissolvedintotheearth,andthewaterwasnowstartingtopool,tricklingoutofthestable,makingahundredlittlestreamsdowntowardstheriver.‘Stop,’Itoldthewater.Nothinghappened.Thepaininmygutwasbuilding.IfIdidn’tshutoffthegeyserssoon,

thesaltwaterwouldrunintotheriverandpoisonthefishandplants.‘Stop!’Iconcentratedallmymightonshuttingofftheforceofthesea.Suddenlythegeysersshutdown.Icollapsedtomyknees,exhausted.Infrontofmewasa

shiny,cleanhorsestable,afieldofwet,saltymudandfiftyhorsesthathadbeenscouredsothoroughly,theircoatsgleamed.Eventhemeatscrapsbetweentheirteethhadbeenwashedout.Wewon’teatyou!Thehorseswailed.Please,lord!Nomoresaltybaths!‘Ononecondition,’Isaid.‘Youonlyeatthefoodyourhandlersgiveyoufromnowon.

Notpeople.OrI’llbebackwithmoreseashells!’Thehorseswhinniedandmademeawholelotofpromisesthattheywouldbegoodflesh-

eatinghorsesfromnowon,butIdidn’tstickaroundtochat.Thesunwasgoingdown.Iturnedandranfullspeedtowardstheranchhouse.

IsmelledbarbecuebeforeIreachedthehouse,andthatmadememadderthanever,becauseIreallylovebarbecue.Thedeckwassetupforaparty.Streamersandballoonsdecoratedtherailing.Geryon

wasflippingburgersonahugebarbecuecookermadefromanoildrum.Eurytionloungedatapicnictable,pickinghisfingernailswithaknife.Thetwo-headeddogsniffedtheribsandburgersthatwerefryingonthegrill.AndthenIsawmyfriends:Tyson,Grover,AnnabethandNicoalltossedinacorner,tieduplikerodeoanimals,withtheiranklesandwristsropedtogetherandtheirmouthsgagged.‘Letthemgo!’Iyelled,stilloutofbreathfromrunningupthesteps.‘Icleanedthe

stables!’Geryonturned.Heworeanaprononeachchest,withonewordoneach,sotogetherthey

spelledout:KISS–THE–chef.‘Didyou,now?How’dyoumanageit?’Iwasprettyimpatient,butItoldhim.Henoddedappreciatively.‘Veryingenious.Itwould’vebeenbetterifyou’dpoisonedthat

peskynaiad,butnomatter.’‘Letmyfriendsgo,’Isaid.‘Wehadadeal.’‘Ah,I’vebeenthinkingaboutthat.Theproblemis,ifIletthemgo,Idon’tgetpaid.’‘Youpromised!’Geryonmadeatsk~tsknoise.‘ButdidyoumakemeswearontheRiverStyx?Noyou

didn’t.Soit’snotbinding.Whenyou’reconductingbusiness,sonny,youshouldalwaysgetabindingoath.’Idrewmysword.Orthusgrowled.OneheadleaneddownnexttoGrover’searandbared

itsfangs.‘Eurytion,’Geryonsaid,‘theboyisstartingtoannoyme.Killnim.

Eurytionstudiedme.Ididn’tlikemyoddsagainsthimandthathugeclub.‘Killhimyourself,’Eurytionsaid.Geryonraisedhiseyebrows.‘Excuseme?’‘Youheardme,’Eurytiongrumbled.‘Youkeepsendingmeouttodoyourdirtywork.Youpickfightsfornogoodreason,andI’mtiredofdyingforyou.Youwanttofightthekid,doityourself.’Itwasthemostun-Ares-likethingI’deverheardasonofAressay.Geryonthrewdownhisspatula.‘Youdaredefyme?Ishouldfireyourightnow!’Andwho’dtakecareofyourcattle?Orthus,heel.’ThedogimmediatelystoppedgrowlingatGroverandcametositbythecowherd’sfeet.‘Fine!’Geryonsnarled.‘I’lldealwithyoulater,aftertheboyisdead!’Hepickeduptwocarvingknivesandthrewthematme.Ideflectedonewithmysword.Theotherimpaleditselfinthepicnictable,amillimetrefromEurytion’shand.Iwentontheattack.Geryonparriedmyfirststrikewithapairofred-hottongsandlungedatmyfacewithabarbecuefork.Igotinsidehisnextthrustandstabbedhimrightthroughthemiddlechest.‘Aghhh!’Hecrumpledtohisknees.Iwaitedforhimtodisintegrate,thewaymonstersusuallydo.Butinsteadhejustgrimacedandbegantostandup.Thebleedingslicethroughhischef’sapronstartedtoheal.‘Nicetry,sonny,’hesaid.‘Thingis,Ihavethreehearts.Theperfectbackupsystem.’Hetippedoverthebarbecue,andcoalsspilledeverywhere.OnelandednexttoAnnabeth’sface,andsheletoutamuffledscream.Tysonstrainedagainsthisbonds,butevenhisstrengthwasn’tenoughtobreakthem.Ihadtoendthisfightbeforemyfriendsgothurt.IjabbedGeryonintheleftchest,butheonlylaughed.Istuckhimintherightstomach.Nogood.Imightaswellhavebeenstickingaswordinateddybearforallthereactionheshowed.Threehearts.Theperfectbackupsystem.Stabbingoneatatimewasnogood…Iranintothehouse.‘Coward!’hecried.‘Comebackanddieright!’Theliving-roomwallsweredecoratedwithabunchofgruesomehuntingtrophies–stuffeddeeranddragonheads,aguncase,asworddisplayandabowwithaquiver.Geryonthrewhisbarbecuefork,anditthuddedintothewallrightnexttomyhead.Hedrewtwoswordsfromthewalldisplay.‘Yourhead’sgonnagorightthere,Jackson!Nexttothegrizzlybear!’Ihadacrazyidea.IdroppedRiptideandgrabbedthebowoffthewall.Iwastheworstarcheryshotintheworld.Icouldn’thitthetargetsatcamp,muchlessabull’seye.ButIhadnochoice.Icouldn’twinthisfightwithasword.IprayedtoArtemisandApollo,thetwinarchers,hopingtheymighttakepityonmeforonce.Please,guys.Justoneshot.Please.Inotchedanarrow.

Geryonlaughed.‘Youfool!Onearrowisnobetterthanonesword.’Heraisedhisswordsandcharged.Idivedsideways.Beforehecouldturn,Ishotmyarrowintothesideofhisrightchest.IheardTHUMP,THUMP,THUMP,asthearrowpassedcleanthrougheachofhischestsandflewouthisleftside,embeddingitselfintheforeheadofthegrizzlybeartrophy.Geryondroppedhisswords.Heturnedandstaredatme.‘Youcan’tshoot.Theytoldmeyoucouldn’t…’Hisfaceturnedasicklyshadeofgreen.Hecollapsedtohiskneesandbegancrumblingintosand,untilallthatwasleftwerethreecookingapronsandanoversizedpairofcowboyboots.

Igotmyfriendsuntied.Eurytiondidn’ttrytostopme.ThenIstokedupthebarbecueandthrewthefoodintotheflamesasaburntofferingtoArtemisandApollo.‘Thanks,guys,’Isaid.‘Ioweyouone.’Theskythunderedinthedistance,soIfiguredmaybetheburgerssmelledokay.‘YayforPercy!’Tysonsaid.‘Canwetieupthiscowherdnow?’Nicoasked.‘Yeah!’Groveragreed.‘Andthatdogalmostkilledme!’IlookedatEurytion,whowasstillsitting,relaxed,atthepicnictable.Orthushadbothhisheadsonthecowherd’sknees.‘HowlongwillittakeGeryontore-form?’Iaskedhim.Eurytionshrugged.‘Hundredyears?He’snotoneofthosefastre-formers,thankthegods.You’vedonemeafavour.’‘Yousaidyou’ddiedforhimbefore,’Iremembered.‘How?’‘I’veworkedforthatcreepforthousandsofyears.Startedasaregularhalf-blood,butIchoseimmortalitywhenmydadofferedit.WorstmistakeIevermade.NowI’mstuckhereatthisranch.Ican’tleave.Ican’tquit.IjusttendthecowsandfightGeryonsfights.We’rekindatiedtogether.’‘Maybeyoucanchangethings,’Isaid.Eurytionnarrowedhiseyes.‘How?’‘Benicetotheanimals.Takecareofthem.Stopsellingthemforfood.AndstopdealingwiththeTitans.’Eurytionthoughtaboutthat.‘That’dbeallright.’‘Gettheanimalsonyourside,andthey’llhelpyou.OnceGeryongetsback,maybehe’llbeworkingforyouthistime.’Eurytiongrinned.‘NowthatIcouldlivewith.’‘Youwon’ttrytostopusleaving?’‘Shoot,no.’Annabethrubbedherbruisedwrists.ShewasstilllookingatEurytionsuspiciously.‘Yourbosssaidthatsomebodypaidforoursafepassage.Who?’Thecowherdshrugged.‘Maybehewasjustsayingthattofoolyou.’

‘WhatabouttheTitans?’Iasked.‘DidyouIris-messagethemaboutNicoyet?’‘Nope.Geryonwaswaitinguntilafterthebarbecue.Theydon’tknowanythingabouthim.’Nicowasglaringatme.Iwasn’tsurewhattodoabouthim.Idoubtedhewouldagreetocomewithus.Ontheotherhand,Icouldn’tjustlethimroamaroundonhisown.‘Youcouldstayhereuntilwe’redonewithourquest,’Itoldhim.‘Itwouldbesafe.’‘Safe?’Nicosaid.‘WhatdoyoucareifI’msafe?Yougotmysisterkilled!’‘Nico,’Annabethsaid,‘thatwasn’tPercy’sfault.AndGeryonwasn’tlyingaboutKronoswantingtocaptureyou.Ifheknewwhoyouwere,he’ddoanythingtogetyouonhisside.’‘I’mnotonanyone’sside.AndI’mnotafraid!’‘Youshouldbe,’Annabethsaid.‘Yoursisterwouldn’twant–’‘Ifyoucaredformysister,you’dhelpmebringherback!’Asoulforasoul?’Isaid.‘Yes!’‘Butifyoudidn’twantmysoul–’‘I’mnotexplaininganythingtoyou!’Heblinkedtearsoutofhiseyes.AndIwillbringherback.’‘Biancawouldn’twanttobebroughtback,’Isaid.‘Notlikethat.’‘Youdidn’tknowher!’heshouted.‘Howdoyouknowwhatshe’dwant?’Istaredattheflamesinthebarbecuepit.IthoughtaboutthelineinAnnabeth’sprophecy:Youshallriseorfallbytheghostking’shand.ThathadtobeMinos,andIhadtoconvinceNiconottolistentohim.‘Let’saskBianca.’Theskyseemedtogrowdarkerallofasudden.‘I’vetried,’Nicosaidmiserably.‘Shewon’tanswer.’‘Tryagain.I’vegotafeelingshe’llanswer,withmehere.’‘Whywouldshe?’‘Becauseshe’sbeensendingmeIris-messages,’Isaid,suddenlysureofit.‘She’sbeentryingtowarnmewhatyou’reupto,soIcanprotectyou.’Nicoshookhishead.‘That’simpossible.’‘Onewaytofindout.Yousaidyou’renotafraid,’IturnedtoEurytion.‘We’regoingtoneedapit,likeagrave.Andfoodanddrinks.’‘Percy,’Annabethwarned.‘Idon’tthinkthisisagood–’Allright,’Nicosaid.‘I’lltry.’Eurytionscratchedhisbeard.‘There’saholedugoutbackforaseptictank.Wecouldusethat.Cyclopsboy,fetchmyicechestfromthekitchen.Ihopethedeadlikerootbeer.’

10WEPLAYTHEGAMESHOWOFDEATH

Wedidoursummonsafterdark,ataseven-metre-longpitinfrontoftheseptictank.Thetankwasbrightyellow,withasmileyfaceandredwordspaintedontheside:HAPPYFLUSHDISPOSALCO.Itdidn’tquitegowiththemoodofsummoningthedead.Themoonwasfull.Silvercloudsdriftedacrossthesky.‘Minosshouldbeherebynow,’Nicosaid,frowning.‘It’sfulldark.’‘Maybehegotlost,’Isaidhopefully.Nicopouredrootbeerandtossedbarbecueintothepit,thenbeganchantinginAncientGreek.Immediately,thebugsinthewoodsstoppedchirping.Inmypocket,theStygianicedogwhistlestartedtogrowcolder,freezingagainstthesideofmyleg.‘Makehimstop,’Tysonwhisperedtome.Partofmeagreed.Thiswasunnatural.Thenightairfeltcoldandmenacing.ButbeforeIcouldsayanything,thefirstspiritsappeared.Sulphurousmistseepedoutoftheground.Shadowsthickenedintohumanforms.Oneblueshadedriftedtotheedgeofthepitandknelttodrink.‘Stophim!’Nicosaid,momentarilybreakinghischant.‘OnlyBiancamaydrink!’IdrewRiptide.Theghostsretreatedwithacollectivehissatthesightofmycelestialbronzeblade.Butitwastoolatetostopthefirstspirit.Hehadalreadysolidifiedintotheshapeofabeardedmaninwhiterobes.Acircletofgoldwreathedhishead,andevenindeathhiseyeswerealivewithmalice.‘Minos!’Nicosaid.‘Whatareyoudoing?’‘Myapologies,master,’theghostsaid,thoughhedidn’tsoundverysorry.‘Thesacrificesmelledsogood,Icouldn’tresist.’Heexaminedhisownhandsandsmiled.‘Itisgoodtoseemyselfagain.Almostinsolidform–’‘Youaredisruptingtheritual!’Nicoprotested.‘Get–’Thespiritsofthedeadbeganshimmeringdangerouslybright,andNicohadtotakeupthechantagaintokeepthematbay.‘Yes,quiteright,master,’Minossaidwithamusement.‘Youkeepchanting.I’veonlycometoprotectyoufromtheseliarswhowoulddeceiveyou.’HeturnedtomeasifIweresomekindofcockroach.‘PercyJackson…my,my.ThesonsofPoseidonhaven’timprovedoverthecenturies,havethey?’Iwantedtopunchhim,butIfiguredmyfistwouldgorightthroughhisface.‘We’relookingforBiancadiAngelo,’Isaid.‘Getlost.’Theghostchuckled.‘IunderstandyouoncekilledmyMinotaurwithyourbarehands.Butworsethingsawaityouinthemaze.DoyoureallybelieveDaedaluswillhelpyou?’Theotherspiritsstirredinagitation.Annabethdrewherknifeandhelpedmekeepthemawayfromthepit.GrovergotsonervousheclungtoTyson’sshoulder.‘Daedaluscaresnothingforyou,half-bloods,’Minoswarned.‘Youcanttrusthim.Heisoldbeyondcounting,andcrafty.Heisbitterfromtheguiltofmurderandiscursedbythe

gods.’‘Theguiltofmurder?’Iasked.‘Whodidhekill?’‘Donotchangethesubject!’theghostgrowled.‘YouarehinderingNico.Youtrytopersuadehimtogiveuphisgoal.Iwouldmakehimalord!’‘Enough,Minos,’Nicocommanded.Theghostsneered.‘Master,theseareyourenemies.Youmustnotlistentothem!Letmeprotectyou.Iwillturntheirmindstomadness,asIdidtheothers.’‘Theothers?’Annabethgasped.‘YoumeanChrisRodriguez?ThatwasyouY‘Themazeismyproperty,’theghostsaid,‘notDaedalus’s!Thosewhointrudedeservemadness.’‘Begone,Minos!’Nicodemanded.‘Iwanttoseemysister!’Theghostbitbackhisrage.‘Asyouwish,master.ButIwarnyou.Youcannottrusttheseheroes.’Withthat,hefadedintomist.Otherspiritsrushedforward,butAnnabethandIkeptthemback.‘Bianca,appear!’Nicointoned.Hestartedchantingfaster,andthespiritsshiftedrestlessly.Anytimenow,’Grovermuttered.Thenasilverylightflickeredinthetrees–aspiritthatseemedbrighterandstrongerthantheothers.Itcamecloser,andsomethingtoldmetoletitpass.Itknelttodrinkatthepit.Whenitarose,itwastheghostlyformofBiancadiAngelo.Nico’schantingfaltered.Iloweredmysword.Theotherspiritsstartedtocrowdforward,butBiancaraisedherarmsandtheyretreatedintothewoods.‘Hello,Percy,’shesaid.Shelookedthesameasshehadinlife:agreencapsetsidewaysonherthickblackhair,darkeyesandoliveskinlikeherbrother.Sheworejeansandasilveryjacket,theoutfitofaHunterofArtemis.Abowwasslungoverhershoulder.Shesmiledfaintly,andherwholeformflickered.‘Bianca,’Isaid.Myvoicewasthick.I’dfeltguiltyaboutherdeathforalongtime,butseeingherinfrontofmewasfivetimesasbad,likeherdeathwasfreshandnew.Irememberedsearchingthroughthewreckageofthegiantbronzewarriorshe’dsacrificedherlifetodefeat,andnotfindinganysignofher.‘I’msosorry,’Isaid.‘Youhavenothingtoapologizefor,Percy.Imademyownchoice.Idon’tregretit.’‘Bianca!’Nicostumbledforwardlikehewasjustcomingoutofadaze.Sheturnedtowardsherbrother.Herexpressionwassad,asifshe’dbeendreadingthismoment.‘Hello,Nico.You’vegotsotall.’‘Whydidn’tyouanswermesooner?’hecried.‘I’vebeentryingformonths!’‘Iwashopingyouwouldgiveup.’‘Giveup?’Hesoundedheartbroken.‘Howcanyousaythat?I’mtryingtosaveyou!’

‘Youcan’t,Nico.Don’tdothis.Percyisright.’‘No!Heletyoudie!He’snotyourfriend.’Biancastretchedoutahandasiftotouchherbrother’sface,butshewasmadeofmist.

Herhandevaporatedasitgotclosetolivingskin.‘Youmustlistentome,’shesaid.‘HoldinggrudgesisdangerousforachildofHades.Itis

ourfatalflaw.Youhavetoforgive.Youhavetopromisemethis.’‘Ican’t.Never.’‘Percyhasbeenworriedaboutyou,Nico.Hecanhelp.Ilethimseewhatyouwereupto,

hopinghewouldfindyou.’‘Soitwasyou,’Isaid.‘YousentthoseIris-messages.’Biancanodded.‘Whyareyouhelpinghimandnotme?’Nicoscreamed.‘It’snotfair!’‘Youareclosetothetruthnow,’Biancatoldhim.‘It’snotPercyyou’remadat,Nico.It’s

me.’‘No.’‘You’remadbecauseIleftyoutobecomeaHunterofArtemis.You’remadbecauseIdied

andleftyoualone.I’msorryforthat,Nico.Itrulyam.Butyoumustovercometheanger.AndstopblamingPercyformychoices.Itwillbeyourdoom.’‘She’sright,’Annabethbrokein.‘Kronosisrising,Nico.He’lltwistanyonehecantohis

cause.’‘Idon’tcareaboutKronos,’Nicosaid.‘Ijustwantmysisterback.’‘Youcan’thavethat,Nico,’Biancatoldhimgently.‘I’mthesonofHades!Ican.’‘Don’ttry,’shesaid.‘Ifyouloveme,don’t…’Hervoicetrailedoff.Spiritshadstartedtogatheraroundusagain,andtheyseemed

agitated.Theirshadowsshifted.Theirvoiceswhispered,Danger!‘Tartarusstirs,’Biancasaid.‘YourpowerdrawstheattentionofKronos.Thedeadmust

returntotheUnderworld.Itisnotsafeforustoremain.’‘Wait,’Nicosaid.‘Please–’‘Goodbye,Nico,’Biancasaid.‘Iloveyou.RememberwhatIsaid.’Herformshiveredandtheghostsdisappeared,leavingusalonewithapit,aHAPPYFLUSH

septictankandacoldfullmoon.

Noneofuswereanxioustotravelthatnight,sowedecidedtowaituntilmorning.GroverandIcrashedontheleathercouchesinGeryonslivingroom,whichwasalotmorecomfortablethanabedrollinthemaze,butitdidn’tmakemynightmaresanybetter.IdreamedIwaswithLuke,walkingthroughthedarkpalaceontopofMountTarn.It

wasarealbuildingnow–notsomehalf-finishedillusionlikeI’dseenlastwinter.Greenfiresburnedinbraziersalongthewalls.Thefloorwaspolishedblackmarble.Acoldwindblewdownthehallway,andaboveusthroughtheopenceilingtheskyswirledwithgreystormclouds.

Lukewasdressedforbattle.Heworecamouflagecombats,awhiteT-shirtandabronzebreastplate,buthissword,Backbiter,wasn’tathisside–onlyanemptyscabbard.Wewalkedintoalargecourtyardwheredozensofwarriorsandiracaenaewerepreparingforwar.Whentheysawhim,thedemigodsrosetoattention.Theybeattheirswordsagainsttheirshields.‘Issssittime,mylord?’airacaenaasked.‘Soon,’Lukepromised.‘Continueyourwork.’‘Mylord,’avoicesaidbehindhim.Kellitheempousawassmilingathim.Sheworeablue

dresstonight,andlookedwickedlybeautiful.Hereyesflickered–sometimesdarkbrown,sometimespurered.Herhairwasbraideddownherbackandseemedtocatchthelightofthetorches,asifitwereanxioustoturnbackintopureflame.Myheartwaspounding.IwaitedforKellitoseeme,tochasemeoutofthedreamasshe

hadbefore,butthistimeshedidn’tseemtonoticeme.‘Youhaveavisitor,’shetoldLuke.Shesteppedaside,andevenLukeseemedstunnedby

whathesaw.ThemonsterKampêtoweredabovehim.Hersnakeshissedaroundherlegs.Animalheads

growledatherwaist.Herswordsweredrawn,shimmeringwithpoison,andwithherbatwingsextended,shetookuptheentirecorridor.‘You,’Luke’svoicesoundedalittleshaky.‘ItoldyoutostayonAlcatraz.’Kampê’seyelidsblinkedsidewayslikeareptile’s.Shespokeinthatweirdrumbling

language,butthistimeIunderstood,somewhereinthebackofmymind:Icometoserve.Givemerevenge.‘You’reajailer,’Lukesaid.‘Yourjob–’Iwillhavethemdead.Nooneescapesme.Lukehesitated.Alineofsweattrickleddownthesideofhisface.‘Verywell,’hesaid.‘You

willgowithus.YoumaycarryAriadne’sstring.Itisapositionofgreathonour.’Kampêhissedatthestars.Shesheathedherswordsandturned,poundingdownthe

hallwayonherenormousdragonlegs.‘WeshouldhaveleftthatoneinTartarus,’Lukemumbled.‘Sheistoochaotic.Too

powerful.’Kellilaughedsoftly.‘Youshouldnotfearpower,Luke.Useit!’‘Thesoonerweleave,thebetter,’Lukesaid.‘Iwantthisoverwith.’‘Aww,’Kellisympathized,runningafingerdownhisarm.‘Youfinditunpleasantto

destroyyouroldcamp?’‘Ididn’tsaythat.’‘You’renothavingsecondthoughtsaboutyourown,ah,specialpart?’Luke’sfaceturnedstony.‘Iknowmyduty.’‘Thatisgood,’thedemonsaid.‘Isourstrikeforcesufficient,doyouthink?OrwillIneed

tocallMotherHecateforhelp?’‘Wehavemorethanenough,’Lukesaidgrimly.‘Thedealisalmostcomplete.AllIneed

nowistonegotiatesafepassagethroughthearena.’

‘Mmm,’Kellisaid.‘Thatshouldbeinteresting.Iwouldhatetoseeyourhandsomeheadonaspikeifyoufail.’‘Iwillnotfail.Andyou,demon,don’tyouhaveothermatterstoattendto?’‘Oh,yes,’Kellismiled.‘Iambringingdespairtooureavesdroppingenemies.Iamdoingthatrightnow.’Sheturnedhereyesdirectlyonme,exposedhertalonsandrippedthroughmydream.SuddenlyIwasinadifferentplace.Istoodatthetopofastonetower,overlookingrockycliffsandtheoceanbelow.TheoldmanDaedaluswashunchedoveraworktable,wrestlingwithsomekindofnavigationalinstrument,likeahugecompass.HelookedyearsolderthanwhenI’dlastseenhim.Hewasstoopedandhishandsweregnarled.HecursedinAncientGreekandsquintedasifhecouldn’tseehiswork,eventhoughitwasasunnyday.‘Uncle!’avoicecalled.AsmilingboyaboutNico’sagecameboundingupthesteps,carryingawoodenbox.‘Hello,Perdix,’theoldmansaid,thoughhistonesoundedcold.‘Donewithyourprojectsalready?’‘Yes,Uncle.Theywereeasy!’Daedalusscowled.‘Easy?Theproblemofmovingwateruphillwithoutapumpwaseasy?’‘Oh,yes!Look!’Theboydumpedhisboxandrummagedthroughthejunk.Hecameupwithastripofpapyrusandshowedtheoldinventorsomediagramsandnotes.Theydidn’tmakeanysensetome,butDaedalusnoddedgrudgingly.‘Isee.Notbad.’‘Thekinglovedit!’Perdixsaid.‘HesaidImightbeevensmarterthanyou!’‘Didhenow?’‘ButIdon’tbelievethat.I’msogladMothersentmetostudywithyou!Iwanttoknoweverythingyoudo.’‘Yes,’Daedalusmuttered.‘SowhenIdie,youcantakemyplace,eh?’Theboy’seyeswidened.‘Ohno,Uncle!ButI’vebeenthinking…whydoesamanhavetodie,anyway?’Theinventorscowled.‘Itisthewayofthings,lad.Everythingdiesbutthegods.‘Butwhy?’theboyinsisted.‘Ifyoucouldcapturetheanimus,thesoulinanotherform…Well,you’vetoldmeaboutyourautomatons,Uncle.Bulls,eagles,dragons,horsesofbronze.Whynotabronzeformforaman?’‘No,myboy,’Daedalussaidsharply.‘Youarenaive.Suchathingisimpossible.’‘Idon’tthinkso,’Perdixinsisted.‘Withtheuseofalittlemagic–’‘Magic?Bah!’‘Yes,Uncle!Magicandmechanicstogether–withalittlework,onecouldmakeabodythatwouldlookexactlyhuman,onlybetter.I’vemadesomenotes.’Hehandedtheoldmanathickscroll.Daedalusunfurledit.Hereadforalongtime.Hiseyesnarrowed.Heglancedattheboy,thenclosedthescrollandclearedhisthroat.‘It

wouldneverwork,myboy.Whenyou’reolder,you’llsee.’‘CanIfixthatastrolabe,then,Uncle?Areyourjointsswellingupagain?’Theoldman’sjawclenched.‘No.Thankyou.Nowwhydon’tyourunalong?’Perdixdidn’tseemtonoticetheoldman’sanger.Hesnatchedabronzebeetlefromhismoundofstuffandrantotheedgeofthetower.Alowsillringedtherim,comingjustuptotheboy’sknees.Thewindwasstrong.Moveback,Iwantedtotellhim.Butmyvoicedidn’twork.Perdixwoundupthebeetleandtosseditintothesky.Itspreaditswingsandhummedaway.Perdixlaughedwithdelight.‘Smarterthanme,’Daedalusmumbled,toosoftlyfortheboytohear.‘Isittrueyoursondiedflying,Uncle?Iheardyoumadehimenormouswings,buttheyfailed.’Daedalus’shandsclenched.‘Takemyplace,’hemuttered.Thewindwhippedaroundtheboy,tuggingathisclothes,makinghishairripple.‘Iwouldliketofly,’Perdixsaid.Tdmakemyownwingsthatwouldn’tfail.DoyouthinkIcould?’Maybeitwasadreamwithinmydream,butsuddenlyIimaginedthetwo-headedgodJanusshimmeringintheairnexttoDaedalus,smilingashetossedasilverkeyfromhandtohand.Choose,hewhisperedtotheoldinventor.Choose.Daedaluspickedupanotheroneoftheboy’smetalbugs.Theinventor’soldeyeswereredwithanger.‘Perdix,’hecalled.‘Catch.’Hetossedthebronzebeetletowardstheboy.Delighted,Perdixtriedtocatchit,butthethrowwastoolong.Thebeetlesailedintoopensky,andPerdixreachedalittletoofar.Thewindcaughthim.Somehowhemanagedtograbtherimofthetowerwithhisfingersashefell.‘Uncle!’hescreamed.‘Helpme!’Theoldman’sfacewasamask.Hedidnotmovefromhisspot.‘Goon,Perdix,’Daedalussaidsoftly.‘Makeyourownwings.Bequickaboutit.’‘Uncle!’theboycriedashelosthisgrip.Hetumbledtowardsthesea.Therewasamomentofdeadlysilence.ThegodJanusflickeredanddisappeared.Thenthundershookthesky.Awoman’ssternvoicespokefromabove:Youwillpaythepriceforthat,Daedalus.I’dheardthatvoicebefore.ItwasAnnabeth’smother:Athena.Daedalusscowledupattheheavens.‘Ihavealwayshonouredyou,Mother.Ihavesacrificedeverythingtofollowyourway.’Yettheboyhadmyblessingaswell.Andyouhavekilledhim.Forthat,youmustpay.‘I’vepaidandpaid!’Daedalusgrowled.‘I’velosteverything.I’llsufferintheUnderworld,nodoubt.Butinthemeantime…Hepickeduptheboy’sscroll,studieditforamomentandslippeditintohissleeve.

Youdonotunderstand,Athenasaidcoldly.Youwillpaynowandforever.SuddenlyDaedaluscollapsedinagony.Ifeltwhathefelt.Asearingpainclosedaroundmynecklikeamolten-hotcollar–cuttingoffmybreath,makingeverythinggoblack.

Iwokeinthedark,myhandsclutchingatmythroat.‘Percy?’Grovercalledfromtheothersofa.Areyouokay?’Isteadiedmybreathing.Iwasn’tsurehowtoanswer.I’djustwatchedtheguywewerelookingfor,Daedalus,murderhisownnephew.HowcouldIbeokay?Thetelevisionwasgoing.Bluelightflickeredthroughtheroom.‘What–whattimeisit?’Icroaked.‘Twointhemorning,’Groversaid.‘Icouldn’tsleep.IwaswatchingtheNatureChannel.’Hesniffled.‘ImissJuniper.’Irubbedthesleepoutofmyeyes.‘Yeah,well…you’llseeheragainsoon.’Grovershookhisheadsadly.‘Doyouknowwhatdayitis,Percy?IjustsawitonTV.It’sJunethirteenth.Sevendayssinceweleftcamp.’‘What?’Isaid.‘Thatcan’tberight.’‘TimeisfasterintheLabyrinth,’Groverremindedme.‘ThefirsttimeyouandAnnabethwentdownthere,youthoughtyouwereonlygoneafewminutes,right?Butitwasanhour.’‘Oh,’Isaid.‘Right.’Thenitdawnedonmewhathewassaying,andmythroatfeltsearinghotagain.‘YourdeadlinewiththeCouncilofClovenElders.’GroverputtheTVremoteinhismouthandcrunchedofftheendofit.‘I’moutoftime,’hesaidwithamouthfulofplastic.AssoonasIgoback,they’lltakeawaymysearcher’slicence.I’llneverbeallowedtogooutagain.’‘We’lltalktothem,’Ipromised.‘Makethemgiveyoumoretime.’Groverswallowed.‘They’llnevergoforit.Theworldisdying,Percy.Everydayitgetsworse.Thewild…Icanjustfeelitfading.IhavetofindPan.’‘Youwill,man.Nodoubt.’Groverlookedatmewithsadgoateyes.‘You’vealwaysbeenagoodfriend,Percy.Whatyoudidtoday–savingtheranchanimalsfromGeryon–thatwasamazing.I–IwishIcouldbemorelikeyou.’‘Hey,’Isaid.‘Don’tsaythat.You’rejustasmuchahero–’‘No,I’mnot.Ikeeptrying,but…’Hesighed.‘Percy,Ican’tgobacktocampwithoutfindingPan.Ijustcan’t.Youunderstandthat,don’tyou?IcantfaceJuniperifIfail.Icantevenfacemyself.Hisvoicewassounhappy,ithurttohear.We’dbeenthroughalottogether,butI’dneverheardhimsoundthisdown.‘We’llfigureoutsomething,’Isaid.‘Youhaven’tfailed.You’rethechampiongoatboy,allright?Juniperknowsthat.SodoI.’Groverclosedhiseyes.‘Championgoatboy,’hemuttereddejectedly.Alongtimeafterhehaddozedoff,Iwasstillawake,watchingthebluelightofthe

NatureChannelwashoverthestuffedtrophyheadsonGeryon’swalls.

Thenextmorningwewalkeddowntothecattlegridandsaidourgoodbyes.‘Nico,youcouldcomewithus,’Iblurtedout.IguessIwasthinkingaboutmydream,andhowmuchtheyoungboyPerdixremindedmeofNico.Heshookhishead.Idon’tthinkoneofushadsleptwellinthedemonranchhouse,butNicolookedworsethananybodyelse.Hiseyeswereredandhisfacechalky.Hewaswrappedinablackrobethatmust’vebelongedtoGeryon,becauseitwasthreesizestoobigevenforagrownman.‘Ineedtimetothink.’Hiseyeswouldn’tmeetmine,butIcouldtellfromhistonehewasstillangry.ThefactthathissisterhadcomeoutoftheUnderworldformeandnotforhimdidn’tseemtositwellwithhim.‘Nico,’Annabethsaid.‘Biancajustwantsyoutobeokay.’Sheputherhandonhisshoulder,buthepulledawayandtrudgeduptheroadtowardstheranchhouse.Maybeitwasmyimagination,butthemorningmistseemedtoclingtohimashewalked.‘I’mworriedabouthim,’Annabethtoldme.‘IfhestartstalkingtoMinos’sghostagain–’‘He’llbeallright,’Eurytionpromised.Thecowherdhadcleanedupnicely.HewaswearingnewjeansandacleanWesternshirtandhe’deventrimmedhisbeard.He’dputonGeryon’sboots.‘Theboycanstayhereandgatherhisthoughtsaslongashewants.He’llbesafe,Ipromise.’‘Whataboutyou?’Iasked.EurytionscratchedOrthusbehindonechin,thentheother.‘Thingsaregoingtoberunalittledifferentonthisranchfromnowon.Nomoresacredcattlemeat.I’mthinkingaboutsoya-beanpatties.AndI’mgoingtobefriendthoseflesh-eatinghorses.Mightjustsignupforthenextrodeo.’Theideamademeshudder.‘Well,goodluck.’‘Yep.’Eurytionspatintothegrass.‘Ireckonyou’llbelookingforDaedalus’sworkshopnow?’Annabeth’seyeslitup.‘Canyouhelpus?’Eurytionstudiedthecattlegrid,andIgotthefeelingthesubjectofDaedalus’sworkshopmadehimuncomfortable.‘Don’tknowwhereitis.ButHephaestusprobablywould.’‘That’swhatHerasaid,’Annabethagreed.‘ButhowdowefindHephaestus?’Eurytionpulledsomethingfromunderthecollarofhisshirt.Itwasanecklace–asmoothsilverdisconasilverchain.Thedischadadepressiononthemiddle,likeathumbprint.HehandedittoAnnabeth.‘Hephaestuscomesherefromtimetotime,’Eurytionsaid.‘Studiestheanimalsandsuchsohecanmakebronzeautomatoncopies.Lasttime,I–uh–didhimafavour.Alittletrickhewantedtoplayonmydad,Ares,andAphrodite.Hegavemethatchainingratitude.SaidifIeverneededtofindhim,thediscwouldleadmetohisforges.Butonlyonce.’Andyou’regivingittome?’Annabethasked.Eurytionblushed.‘Idon’tneedtoseetheforges,miss.Gotenoughtodohere.Justpress

thebuttonandyou’llbeonyourway.’Annabethpressedthebuttonandthediscsprangtolife.Itgreweightmetalliclegs.Annabethshriekedanddroppedit,muchtoEurytion’sconfusion.‘Spider!’shescreamed.‘She’s,um,alittlescaredofspiders,’Groverexplained.‘ThatoldgrudgebetweenAthenaandArachne.’‘Oh.’Eurytionlookedembarrassed.‘Sorry,miss.’Thespiderscrambledtothecattlegridanddisappearedbetweenthebars.‘Hurry,’Isaid.‘Thatthing’snotgoingtowaitforus.’Annabethwasn’tanxioustofollow,butwedidn’thavemuchchoice.WesaidourgoodbyestoEurytion,Tysonpulledthecattlegridofftheholeandwedroppedbackintothemaze.

IwishIcould’veputthemechanicalspideronaleash.ItscuttledalongthetunnelssofastthatmostoftimeIcouldn’tevenseeit.Ifithadn’tbeenforTyson’sandGrover’sexcellenthearing,weneverwould’veknownwhichwayitwasgoing.Werandownamarbletunnel,thendashedtotheleftandalmostfellintoanabyss.TysongrabbedmeandhauledmebackbeforeIcouldfall.Thetunnelcontinuedinfrontofus,buttherewasnofloorforaboutthirtymetres,justgapingdarknessandaseriesofironrungsintheceiling.Themechanicalspiderwasabouthalfwayacross,swingingfrombartobarbyshootingoutmetalwebfibre.‘Monkeybars,’Annabethsaid.‘I’llgreatatthese.’Sheleapedontothefirstrungandstartedswingingherwayacross.Shewasscaredoftinyspiders,butnotofummetingtoherdeathfromasetofmonkeybars.Gofigure.Annabethgottotheoppositesideandranafterthespider.Ifollowed.WhenIgotacross,IlookedbackandsawTysongivingGroverapiggybackride(orwasitagoatybackride?).Thebigguymadeitacrossinthreeswings,whichwasagoodthingsince,justashelanded,thelastironbarrippedfreeunderhisweight.Wekeptmovingandpassedaskeletoncrumpledinthetunnel.Itworetheremainsofadressshirt,trousersandatie.Thespiderdidn’tslowdown.Islippedonapileofwoodscraps,butwhenIshonealightonthemIrealizedtheywerepencils–hundredsofthem,allbrokeninhalf.Thetunnelopenedupintoalargeroom.Ablazinglighthitus.Oncemyeyesadjusted,thefirstthingInoticedweretheskeletons.Dozenslitteredtheflooraroundus.Somewereoldandbleachedwhite.Othersweremorerecentandalotgrosser.Theydidn’tsmellquiteasbadasGeryon’sstables,butalmost.ThenIsawthemonster.Shestoodonaglitterydaisontheoppositesideoftheroom.Shehadthebodyofahugelionandtheheadofawoman.Shewould’vebeenpretty,butherhairwastiedbackinatightbunandsheworetoomuchmakeup,soshekindofremindedmeofmythird-gradechoirteacher.Shehadablueribbonbadgepinnedtoherchestthattookmeamomenttoread:THISMONSTERHASBEENRATEDEXEMPLARY!Tysonwhimpered.‘Sphinx.’

Iknewexactlywhyhewasscared.Whenhewassmall,TysonhadbeenattackedbyaSphinxinNewYork.Hestillhadthescarsonhisbacktoproveit.Spotlightsblazedoneithersideofthecreature.Theonlyexitwasatunnelrightbehindthedais.ThemechanicalspiderscuttledbetweentheSphinx’spawsanddisappeared.Annabethstartedforward,buttheSphinxroared,showingfangsinherotherwisehumanface.Barscamedownonbothtunnelexits,behindusandinfront.Immediatelythemonster’ssnarlturnedintoabrilliantsmile.‘Welcome,luckycontestants!’sheannounced.‘Getreadytoplay…ANSWERTHATRIDDLE!’Cannedapplauseblastedfromtheceiling,asiftherewereinvisibleloudspeakers.Spotlightssweptacrosstheroomandreflectedoffthedais,throwingdiscoglitterovertheskeletonsonthefloor.‘Fabulousprizes!’theSphinxsaid.‘Passthetest,andyougettoadvance!Fail,andIgettoeatyou!Whowillbeourcontestant?’Annabethgrabbedmyarm.‘I’vegotthis,’shewhispered.‘Iknowwhatshe’sgoingtoask.’Ididn’targuetoohard.Ididn’twantAnnabethgettingdevouredbyamonster,butIfigurediftheSphinxweregoingtoaskriddles,Annabethwasthebestoneofustotry.Shesteppedforwardtothecontestant’spodium,whichhadaskeletoninaschooluniformhunchedoverit.Shepushedtheskeletonoutoftheway,anditclatteredtothefloor.‘Sorry,’Annabethtoldit.‘Welcome,AnnabethChase!’themonstercried,thoughAnnabethhadn’tsaidhername.Areyoureadyforyourtest?’‘Yes,’shesaid.Askyourriddle.’‘Twentyriddles,actually!’theSphinxsaidgleefully.‘What?Butbackintheolddays–’‘Oh,we’veraisedourstandards!Topass,youmustshowproficiencyinalltwenty.Isn’tthatgreat?’Applauseswitchedonandofflikesomebodyturningafaucet.Annabethglancedatmenervously.Igaveheranencouragingnod.‘Okay,’shetoldtheSphinx.‘I’mready.’Adrumrollsoundedfromabove.TheSphinx’seyesglitteredwithexcitement.‘What…isthecapitalofBulgaria?’Annabethfrowned.Foraterriblemoment,Ithoughtshewasstumped.‘Sofia,’shesaid,‘but–’‘Correct!’Morecannedapplause.TheSphinxsmiledsowideherfangsshowed.‘Pleasebesuretomarkyouranswerclearlyonyourtestsheetwitha2Bpencil.’‘What?’Annabethlookedmystified.Thenatestbookletappearedonthepodiuminfrontofher,alongwithasharpenedpencil.‘Makesureyoububbleeachanswerclearlyandstayinsidethecircle,’theSphinxsaid.‘Ifyouhavetoerase,erasecompletelyorthemachinewillnotbeabletoreadyouranswers.’

‘Whatmachine?’Annabethasked.TheSphinxpointedwithherpaw.OverbythespotlightwasabronzeboxwithabunchofgearsandleversandabigGreekletterH,Êta,ontheside,themarkofHephaestus.‘Now,’saidtheSphinx,‘nextquestion–’‘Waitasecond,’Annabethprotested.‘Whatabout“Whatwalksonfourlegsinthemorning?”’‘Ibegyourpardon?’theSphinxsaid,clearlyannoyednow.‘Theriddleaboutman.Hewalksonfourlegsinmorning,likeababy,twolegsintheafternoon,likeanadult,andthreelegsintheevening,asanoldmanwithacane.That’stheriddleyouusedtoask.’‘Exactlywhywechangedthetest!’theSphmxexclaimed.‘Youalreadyknewtheanswer.Now,secondquestion,whatisthesquarerootofsixteen?’‘Four,’Annabethsaid,‘but–’‘Correct!WhichUSpresidentsignedtheEmancipationProclamation?’AbrahamLincoln,but–’‘Correct!Riddlenumberfour.Howmuch–’‘Holdup!’Annabethshouted.Iwantedtotellhertostopcomplaining.Shewasdoinggreat!Sheshouldjustanswerthequestionssowecouldleave.‘Thesearen’triddles,’Annabethsaid.‘Whatdoyoumean?’theSphinxsnapped.‘Ofcoursetheyare.Thistestmaterialisspeciallydesigned–’‘It’sjustabunchofdumb,randomfacts,’Annabethinsisted.‘Riddlesaresupposedtomakeyouthink.’‘Think?’TheSphinxfrowned.‘HowamIsupposedtotestwhetheryoucanthink?That’sridiculous!Now,howmuchforceisrequired–’‘Stop!’Annabethinsisted.‘Thisisastupidtest.’‘Um,Annabeth,’Grovercutinnervously.‘Maybeyoushouldjust,youknow,finishfirstandcomplainlater?’‘I’machildofAthena,’sheinsisted.Andthisisaninsulttomyintelligence.Iwon’tanswerthesequestions.’Partofmewasimpressedwithherforstandinguplikethat.Butpartofmethoughtherpridewasgoingtogetusallkilled.Thespotlightsglared.TheSphinx’seyesglitteredpureblack.‘Whythen,mydear,’themonstersaidcalmly.‘Ifyouwon’tpass,youfail.Andsincewecan’tallowanychildrentobeheldback,you’llbeEATEN!’TheSphinxbaredherclaws,whichgleamedlikestainlesssteel.Shepouncedatthepodium.‘No!’Tysoncharged.HehatesitwhenpeoplethreatenAnnabeth,butIcouldn’tbelievehewasbeingsobrave,especiallysincehe’dhadsuchabadexperiencewithaSphinxbefore.

HetackledtheSphinxmidairandtheycrashedsidewaysintoapileofbones.ThisgaveAnnabethjustenoughtimetogatherherwitsanddrawherknife.Tysongotup,hisshirtclawedtoshreds.TheSphinxgrowled,lookingforanopening.IdrewRiptideandsteppedinfrontofAnnabeth.‘Turninvisible,’Itoldher.‘Icanfight!’‘No!’Iyelled.‘TheSphinxisafteryou!Letusgetit.’Asiftoprovemypoint,theSphinxknockedTysonasideandtriedtochargepastme.Groverpokedherintheeyewithsomebody’slegbone.Shescreechedinpain.Annabethputonhercapandvanished.TheSphinxpouncedrightwhereshe’dbeenstanding,butcameupwithemptypaws.‘Nofair!’theSphinxwailed.‘Cheater!’WithAnnabethnolongerinsight,theSphinxturnedonme.Iraisedmyswordbut,beforeIcouldstrike,Tysonrippedthemonster’sgradingmachineoutofthefloorandthrewitatthemonster’shead,ruiningherhairbun.Itlandedinpiecesallaroundher.‘Mygradingmachine!’shecried.‘Ican’tbeexemplarywithoutmytestscores!’Thebarsliftedfromtheexits.Wealldashedforthefartunnel.IcouldonlyhopeAnnabethwasdoingthesame.TheSphinxstartedtofollow,butGroverraisedhisreedpipesandbegantoplay.Suddenlythepencilsrememberedtheyusedtobepartsoftrees.TheycollectedaroundtheSphinx’spaws,grewrootsandbranches,andbeganwrappingaroundthemonster’slegs.TheSphinxrippedthroughthem,butitboughtusjustenoughtime.TysonpulledGroverintothetunnel,andthebarsslammedshutbehindus.‘Annabeth!’Iyelled.‘Here!’shesaid,rightnexttome.‘Keepmoving!’Weranthroughthedarktunnels,listeningtotheroaroftheSphinxbehindusasshecomplainedaboutallthetestsshewouldhavetogradebyhand.

11ISETMYSELFONFIRE

Ithoughtwe’dlostthespideruntilTysonheardafaintpingingsound.Wemadeafewturns,backtrackedafewtimesandeventuallyfoundthespiderbangingitstinyheadonametaldoor.Thedoorlookedlikeoneofthoseold-fashionedsubmarinehatches–oval,withmetalrivetsaroundtheedgesandawheelforadoorknob.Wheretheportalshould’vebeenwasabigbrassplaque,greenwithage,withaGreekEtainscribedinthemiddle.Wealllookedateachother.‘ReadytomeetHephaestus?’Groversaidnervously.‘No,’Iadmitted.‘Yes!’Tysonsaidgleefully,andheturnedthewheel.Assoonasthedooropened,thespiderscuttledinsidewithTysonrightbehindit.Therestofusfollowed,notquiteasanxious.Theroomwasenormous.Itlookedlikeamechanic’sgarage,withseveralhydrauliclifts.Somehadcarsonthem,butothershadstrangerthings:abronzehippalektryonwithitshorseheadoffandabunchofwireshangingoutofitsroostertail,ametallionthatseemedtobehookeduptoabatterycharger,andaGreekwarchariotmadeentirelyofflames.Smallerprojectsclutteredadozenworktables.Toolshungalongthewalls.Eachhaditsownoutlineonapeg-board,butnothingseemedtobeintherightplace.Thehammerwasoverthescrewdriverplace.Thestaplegunwaswherethehacksawwassupposedtogo.Underthenearesthydrauliclift,whichwasholdinga‘98ToyotaCorolla,apairoflegsstuckout–thelowerhalfofahugemaningrubbygreyoverallsandshoesevenbiggerthanTysons.Onelegwasinametalbrace.Thespiderscuttledstraightunderthecar,andthesoundsofbangingstopped.‘Well,well,’adeepvoiceboomedfromundertheCorolla.‘Whathavewehere?’Themechanicpushedoutonabacktrolleyandsatup.I’dseenHephaestusoncebefore,briefly,onOlympus,soIthoughtIwasprepared,buthisappearancemademegulp.Iguesshe’dcleanedupwhenIsawhimonOlympus,orusedmagictomakehisformseemalittlelesshideous.Hereinhisownworkshop,heapparentlydidn’tcarehowhelooked.Heworeoverallssmearedwithoilandgrime.Hephaestuswasembroideredoverthechestpocket.Hislegcreakedandclickedinitsmetalbraceashestood,andhisleftshoulderwaslowerthanhisright,soheseemedtobeleaningevenwhenhewasstandingupstraight.Hisheadwasmisshapenandbulging.Heworeapermanentscowl.Hisblackbeardsmokedandhissed.Everyonceinawhileasmallwildfirewoulderuptinhiswhiskersthendieout.Hishandswerethesizeofcatcher’smitts,buthehandledthespiderwithamazingskill.Hedisassembleditintwoseconds,thenputitbacktogether.‘There,’hemutteredtohimself.‘Muchbetter.’Thespiderdidahappyflipinhispalm,shotametallicwebattheceiling,andwentswingingaway.

Hephaestusgloweredupatus.‘Ididn’tmakeyou,didI?’‘Uh,’Annabethsaid,‘no,sir.’‘Good,’thegodgrumbled.‘Shoddyworkmanship.’HestudiedAnnabethandme.‘Half-bloods,’hegrunted.‘Couldbeautomatons,ofcourse,butprobablynot.’‘We’vemet,sir,’Itoldhim.‘Havewe?’thegodaskedabsently.Igotthefeelinghedidn’tcareonewayortheother.Hewasjusttryingtofigureouthowmyjawworked,whetheritwasahingeorleverorwhat.‘Wellthen,ifIdidn’tsmashyoutoapulpthefirsttimewemet,IsupposeIwon’thavetodoitnow.’HelookedatGroverandfrowned.‘Satyr.’ThenhelookedatTyson,andhiseyestwinkled.‘Well,aCyclops.Good,good.Whatareyoudoingtravellingwiththislot?’‘Uh…’saidTyson,staringinwonderatthegod.‘Yes,wellsaid,’Hephaestusagreed.‘So,there’dbetterbeagoodreasonyou’redisturbingme.ThesuspensiononthisCorollaisnosmallmatter,youknow.’‘Sir,’Annabethsaidhesitantly,‘we’relookingforDaedalus.Wethought–’‘Daedalus?’thegodroared.‘Youwantthatoldscoundrel?Youdaretoseekhimout!’Hisbeardburstintoflamesandhisblackeyesglowed.‘Uh,yes,sir,please,’Annabethsaid.‘Humph.You’rewastingyourtime.’Hefrownedatsomethingonhisworktableandlimpedovertoit.Hepickedupalumpofspringsandmetalplatesandtinkeredwiththem.Inafewseconds,hewasholdingabronzeandsilverfalcon.Itspreaditsmetalwings,blinkeditsobsidianeyesandflewaroundtheroom.Tysonlaughedandclappedhishands.ThebirdlandedonTyson’sshoulderandnippedhisearaffectionately.Hephaestusregardedhim.Thegod’sscowldidn’tchange,butIthoughtIsawakindertwinkleinhiseyes.‘Isenseyouhavesomethingtotellme,Cyclops.’Tyson’ssmilefaded.‘Y-yes,lord.WemetaHundred-handedOne.’Hephaestusnodded,lookingunsurprised.‘Briares?’‘Yes.He–hewasscared.Hewouldnothelpus.’‘Andthatbotheredyou.’‘Yes!’Tyson’svoicewavered.‘Briaresshouldbestrong!HeisolderandgreaterthanCyclopes.Butheranaway.’Hephaestusgrunted.‘TherewasatimeIadmiredtheHundred-handedOnes.Backinthedaysofthefirstwar.Butpeople,monsters,evengodschange,youngCyclops.Youcan’ttrust‘em.Lookatmylovingmother,Hera.Youmether,didn’tyou?She’llsmiletoyourfaceandtalkabouthowimportantfamilyis,eh?Didn’tstopherfrompitchingmeoffMountOlympuswhenshesawmyuglyface.’‘ButIthoughtZeusdidthattoyou,’Isaid.Hephaestusclearedhisthroatandspatintoabronzespittoon.Hesnappedhisfingers,andtheroboticfalconflewbacktotheworktable.

‘Motherlikestellingthatversionofthestory,’hegrumbled.‘Makesherseemmorelikeable,doesn’tit?Blamingitallonmydad.Thetruthis,mymotherlikesfamilies,butshelikesacertainkindoffamily.Perfectfamilies.Shetookonelookatmeand…well,Idon’tfittheimage,doI?’Hepulledafeatherfromthefalcon’sback,andthewholeautomatonfellapart.‘Believeme,youngCyclops,’Hephaestussaid,‘youcan’ttrustothers.Allyoucantrustis

theworkofyourownhands.’Itseemedlikeaprettylonelywaytolive.Plus,Ididn’texactlytrusttheworkof

Hephaestus.OnetimeinDenver,hismechanicalspidershadalmostkilledAnnabethandme.AndlastyearithadbeenadefectiveTalosstatuethatcostBiancaherlife–anotheroneofHephaestus’slittleprojects.Hefocusedonmeandnarrowedhiseyes,asifhewerereadingmythoughts.‘Oh,thisone

doesn’tlikeme,’hemused.‘Noworries,I’musedtothat.Whatwouldyouaskofme,littledemigod?’‘Wetoldyou,’Isaid.‘WeneedtofindDaedalus.There’sthisguyLuke,andhe’sworking

forKronos.He’stryingtofindawaytonavigatetheLabyrinthsohecaninvadeourcamp.Ifwedon’tgettoDaedalusfirst–’AndItoldyou,boy.LookingforDaedalusisawasteoftime.Hewon’thelpyou.’‘Whynot?’Hephaestusshrugged.‘Someofusgetthrownoffmountainsides.Someofus…thewaywe

learnnottotrustpeopleisevenmorepainful.Askmeforgold.Oraflamingsword.Oramagicalsteed.TheseIcangrantyoueasily.ButawaytoDaedalus?That’sanexpensivefavour.’‘Youknowwhereheis,then,’Annabethpressed.‘Itisn’twisetogolooking,girl.’‘Mymothersayslookingisthenatureofwisdom.’Hephaestusnarrowedhiseyes.‘Who’syourmother,then?’‘Athena.’‘Figures.’Hesighed.‘Finegoddess,Athena.Ashameshepledgednevertomarry.All

right,half-blood.Icantellyouwhatyouwanttoknow.Butthereisaprice.Ineedafavourdone.’‘Nameit,’Annabethsaid.Hephaestusactuallylaughed–aboomingsoundlikeahugebellowsstokingafire.‘You

heroes,’hesaid,‘alwaysmakingrashpromises.Howrefreshing!’Hepressedabuttononhisworkbench,andmetalshuttersopenedalongthewall.Itwas

eitherahugewindoworabig-screenTV,Icouldn’ttellwhich.Wewerelookingatagreymountainringedinforests.Itmust’vebeenavolcano,becausesmokerosefromitscrest.‘Oneofmyforges,’Hephaestussaid.‘Ihavemany,butthatusedtobemyfavourite.’‘That’sMountStHelens,’Groversaid.‘Greatforestsaroundthere.’‘You’vebeenthere?’Iasked.‘Lookingfor…youknow.Pan.’

‘Wait,’Annabethsaid,lookingatHephaestus.‘Yousaiditusedtobeyourfavourite.Whathappened?’Hephaestusscratchedhissmoulderingbeard.‘Well,that’swherethemonsterTyphonis

trapped,youknow.UsedtobeunderMountEtna,butwhenwemovedtoAmerica,hisforcegotpinnedunderMountStHelensinstead.Greatsourceoffire,butabitdangerous.There’salwaysachancehewillescape.Lotsoferuptionsthesedays,smoulderingallthetime.He’srestlesswiththeTitanrebellion.’‘Whatdoyouwantustodo?’Isaid.‘Fighthim?’Hephaestussnorted.‘Thatwouldbesuicide.ThegodsthemselvesranfromTyphonwhen

hewasfree.No,prayyouneverhavetoseehim,muchlessfighthim.ButlatelyIhavesensedintrudersinmymountain.Someoneorsomethingisusingmyforges.WhenIgothere,itisempty,butIcantellitisbeingused.Theysensemecoming,andtheydisappear.Isendmyautomatonstoinvestigate,buttheydonotreturn.Something…ancientisthere.Evil.Iwanttoknowwhodaresinvademyterritory,andiftheymeantolooseTyphon.’‘Youwantustofindoutwhoitis,’Isaid.‘Aye,’Hephaestussaid.‘Gothere.Theymaynotsenseyoucoming.Youarenotgods.’‘Gladyounoticed,’Imuttered.‘Goandfindoutwhatyoucan,’Hephaestussaid.‘Reportbacktome,andIwilltellyou

whatyouneedtoknowaboutDaedalus.’Allright,’Annabethsaid.‘Howdowegetthere?’Hephaestusclappedhishands.Thespidercameswingingdownfromtherafters.

Annabethflinchedwhenitlandedatherfeet.‘Mycreationwillshowyoutheway,’Hephaestussaid.‘ItisnotfarthroughtheLabyrinth.

Andtrytostayalive,willyou?Humansaremuchmorefragilethanautomatons.’

Weweredoingokayuntilwehitthetreeroots.Thespiderracedalongandwewerekeepingup,butthenwespottedatunnelofftothesidethatwasdugfromrawearth,andwrappedinthickroots.Groverstoppeddeadinhistracks.‘Whatisit?’Isaid.Hedidn’tmove.Hestaredopen-mouthedintothedarktunnel.Hiscurlyhairrustledin

thebreeze.‘Comeon!’Annabethsaid.‘Wehavetokeepmoving.’‘Thisistheway,’Grovermutteredinawe.‘Thisisit.’‘Whatway?’Iasked.‘Youmean…toPan?’GroverlookedatTyson.‘Don’tyousmellit?’‘Earth,’Tysonsaid.Andplants.’‘Yes!Thisistheway.I’msureofit!’Upahead,thespiderwasgettingfurtherdownthestonecorridor.Afewmoreseconds

andwe’dloseit.‘We’llcomeback,’Annabethpromised.‘OnourwaybacktoHephaestus.’‘Thetunnelwillbegonebythen,’Groversaid.‘Ihavetofollowit.Adoorlikethiswon’t

stayopen!’‘Butwecan’t,’Annabethsaid.‘Theforges!’Groverlookedathersadly.‘Ihaveto,Annabeth.Don’tyouunderstand?’Shelookeddesperate,likeshedidn’tunderstandatall.Thespiderwasalmostoutofsight.ButIthoughtaboutmyconversationwithGroverlastnight,andIknewwhatwehadtodo.‘We’llsplitup,’Isaid.‘No!’Annabethsaid.‘That’swaytoodangerous.Howwillweeverfindeachotheragain?AndGrovercan’tgoalone.’TysonputhishandonGrover’sshoulder.‘I–Iwillgowithhim.’Icouldn’tbelieveIwashearingthis.‘Tyson,areyousure?’Thebigguynodded.‘Goatboyneedshelp.Wewillfindthegodperson.IamnotlikeHephaestus.Itrustfriends.’Grovertookadeepbreath.‘Percy,we’llfindeachotheragain.We’vestillgottheempathylink.Ijust…haveto.’Ididn’tblamehim.Thiswashislife’sgoal.Ifhedidn’tfindPanonthisjourney,thecouncilwouldnevergivehimanotherchance.‘Ihopeyou’reright,’Isaid.‘IknowIam.’I’dneverheardhimsoundsoconfidentaboutanything,exceptmaybethatcheeseenchiladaswerebetterthanchickenenchiladas.‘Becareful,’Itoldhim.ThenIlookedatTyson.Hegulpedbackasobandgavemeahugthatjustaboutsqueezedmyeyesoutoftheirsockets.ThenheandGroverdisappearedthroughthetunneloftreerootsandwerelostinthedarkness.‘Thisisbad,’Annabethsaid.‘Splittingupisareally,reallybadidea.’‘We’llseethemagain,’Isaid,tryingtosoundconfident.‘Now,comeon.Thespiderisgettingaway!’

Itwasn’tlongbeforethetunnelstartedtogethot.Thestonewallsglowed.Theairfeltasifwewerewalkingthroughanoven.ThetunnelslopeddownandIcouldhearaloudroar,likeariverofmetal.Thespiderskitteredalong,withAnnabethrightbehind.‘Hey,waitup,’Icalledtoher.Sheglancedbackatme.‘Yeah?’‘SomethingHephaestussaidbackthere…aboutAthena.’‘Shesworenevertomarry,’Annabethsaid.‘LikeArtemisandHestia.She’soneofthemaidengoddesses.’Iblinked.I’dneverheardthataboutAthenabefore.‘Butthen–’‘Howcomeshehasdemigodchildren?’Inodded.Iwasprobablyblushing,buthopefullyitwassohotanywaythatAnnabethwouldn’tnotice.‘Percy,youknowhowAthenawasborn?’

‘ShesprangfromtheheadofZeusinfullbattlearmourorsomething.’‘Exactly.Shewasn’tborninthenormalway.Shewasliterallybornfromthoughts.Herchildrenarebornthesameway.WhenAthenafallsinlovewithamortalman,it’spurelyintellectual,thewayshelovedOdysseusintheoldstories.It’sameetingofminds.Shewouldtellyouthat’sthepurestkindoflove.’‘SoyourdadandAthena…soyouweren’t…’‘Iwasabrainchild,’Annabethsaid.‘Literally.ChildrenofAthenaaresprungfromthedivinethoughtsofourmotherandthemortalingenuityofourfather.Wearesupposedtobeagift,ablessingfromAthenaonthemenshefavours.’‘But–’‘Percy,thespider’sgettingaway.DoyoureallywantmetoexplaintheexactdetailsofhowIwasborn?’‘Um…no.That’sokay.’Shesmirked.‘Ithoughtnot.’Andsheranahead.Ifollowed,butIwasn’tsureIwouldeverlookatAnnabeththesamewayagain.Idecidedsomethingswerebetterleftasmysteries.Theroaringgotlouder.Afteranotherhalf-kilometreorso,weemergedinacavernthesizeofaSuperBowlstadium.Ourspiderescortstoppedandcurledintoaball.WehadarrivedattheforgeofHephaestus.Therewasnofloor,justbubblinglavahundredsofmetresbelow.Westoodonarockridgethatcircledthecavern.Anetworkofmetalbridgesspannedacrossit.Atthecentrewasahugeplatformwithallsortsofmachines,cauldrons,forgesandthelargestanvilI’deverseen–ablockofironthesizeofahouse.Creaturesmovedaroundtheplatform–severalstrange,darkshapes,buttheyweretoofarawaytomakeoutdetails.‘We’llneverbeabletosneakuponthem,’Isaid.Annabethpickedupthemetalspiderandslippeditintoherpocket.‘Ican.Waithere.’‘Holdit!’Isaid,butbeforeIcouldarguesheputonherYankeescapandturnedinvisible.Ididn’tdarecallafterher,butIdidn’tliketheideaofherapproachingtheforgeonherown.Ifthosethingsouttherecouldsenseagodcoming,wouldAnnabethbesafe?IlookedbackattheLabyrinthtunnel.ImissedGroverandTysonalready.FinallyIdecidedIcouldn’tstayput.Icreptalongtheouterrimofthelavalake,hopingIcouldgetabetterangletoseewhatwashappeninginthemiddle.Theheatwashorrible.Geryon’sranchhadbeenawinterwonderlandcomparedtothis.InnotimeIwasdrenchedwithsweat.Myeyesstungfromthesmoke.Imovedalong,tryingtokeepawayfromtheedge,untilIfoundmywayblockedbyacartonmetalwheels,likethekindtheyuseinmineshafts.Iliftedupthetarpandfounditwashalffullofscrapmetal.IwasabouttosqueezemywayarounditwhenIheardvoicesfromupahead,probablyfromasidetunnel.‘Bringitin?’oneasked.‘Yeah,’anothersaid.‘Movie’sjustaboutdone.’Ipanicked.Ididn’thavetimetobackup.Therewasnowheretohideexcept…thecart.Iscrambledinsideandpulledthetarpoverme,hopingnoonehadseenme.Icurledmy

fingersaroundRiptide,justincaseIhadtofight.Thecartlurchedforward.Oi,’agruffvoicesaid.‘Thingweighsaton.’‘It’scelestialbronze,’theothersaid.‘Whatdidyouexpect?’Igotpulledalong.Weturnedacorner,andfromthesoundofthewheelsechoingagainstthewallsIguessedwehadpasseddownatunnelandintoasmallerroom.HopefullyIwasnotabouttobedumpedintoasmeltingpot.Iftheystartedtotipmeover,I’dhavetofightmywayoutfast.Iheardlotsoftalking,chatteringvoicesthatdidn’tsoundhuman–somewherebetweenaseal’sbarkandadog’sgrowl.Therewasanothersound,too–likeanold-fashionedfilmprojectorandatinnyvoicenarrating.‘Justsetitattheback,’anewvoiceorderedfromacrosstheroom.‘Now,younglings.Pleaseattendtothefilm.Therewillbetimeforquestionsafterwards.’Thevoicesquieteddown,andIcouldhearthefilm.Asayoungseademonmatures,thenarratorsaid,changeshappeninthemonster’sbody.Youmaynoticeyourfangsgettinglongerandyoumayhaveasuddendesiretodevourhumanheings.Thesechangesareperfectlynormalandhappentoallyoungmonsters.Excitedsnarlingfilledtheroom.Theteacher–Iguessitmusthavebeenateacher–scoldedtheyounglingstobequiet,andthefilmcontinued.Ididn’tunderstandmostofit,andIdidn’tdarelook.Thefilmkepttalkingaboutgrowthspurtsandacneproblemscausedbyworkingintheforges,andproperflipperhygiene,andfinallyitwasover.‘Now,younglings,’theinstructorsaid.‘Whatisthepropernameofourkind?’‘Seademons!’oneofthembarked.‘No.Anyoneelse?’‘Telekhines!’anothermonstergrowled.‘Verygood,’theinstructorsaid.‘Andwhyarewehere?’‘Revenge!’severalshouted.‘Yes,yes,butwhy?’‘Zeusisevil!’onemonstersaid.‘HecastusintoTartarusjustbecauseweusedmagic!’‘Indeed,’theinstructorsaid.Afterwemadesomanyofthegods’finestweapons.ThetridentofPoseidon,forone.Andofcourse–wemadethegreatestweaponoftheTitans!Nevertheless,ZeuscastusawayandreliedonthosefumblingCyclopes.ThatiswhywearetakingovertheforgesoftheusurperHephaestus.Andsoonwewillcontroltheunderseafurnaces,ourancestralhome!’Iclutchedmypen-sword.ThesesnarlingthingshadcreatedPoseidon’strident?Whatweretheytalkingabout?I’dneverevenheardofatelekhine.Andso,younglings,’theinstructorcontinued,‘whodoweserve?’‘Kronos!’theyshouted.‘Andwhenyougrowtobebigtelekhines,willyoumakeweaponsforhisarmy?’‘Yes!’‘Excellent.Now,we’vebroughtinsomescrapsforyoutopractisewith.Let’sseehowingeniousyouare.’

Therewasarushofmovementandexcitedvoicescomingtowardsthecart.IgotreadytouncapRiptide.Thetarpwasthrownback.Ijumpedup,mybronzeswordspringingtolifeinmyhands,andfoundmyselffacingabunchof…dogs.Well,theirfacesweredogs,anyway,withblacksnouts,browneyesandpointyears.Theirbodiesweresleekandblacklikeseamammals,withstubbylegsthatwerehalfflipper,halffoot,andhumanlikehandswithsharpclaws.Ifyoublendedtogetherakid,aDobermannpinscherandasealion,you’dgetsomethinglikewhatIwaslookingat.‘Ademigod!’onesnarled.‘Eatit!’yelledanother.Butthat’sasfarastheygotbeforeIslashedawidearcwithRiptideandvaporizedtheentirefrontrowofmonsters.‘Backoff!’Iyelledattherest,tryingtosoundfierce.Behindthemstoodtheirinstructor–atwo-metre-talltelekhinewithDobermannfangs,snarlingatme.Ididmybesttostarehimdown.‘Newlesson,class,’Iannounced.‘Mostmonsterswillvaporizewhenslicedwithacelestialbronzesword.Thischangeisperfectlynormal,andwillhappentoyourightnowifyoudon’tBACKOFF!’Tomysurprise,itworked.Themonstersbackedup,buttherewereatleasttwentyofthem.Myfearfactorwasn’tgoingtolastlong.Ijumpedoutofthecart,yelled,‘CLASSDISMISSED!’andranfortheexit.Themonsterschargedafterme,barkingandgrowling.Ihopedtheycouldn’trunveryfastwiththosestubbylittlelegsandflippers,buttheywaddledalongprettywell.Thankthegodstherewasadoorinthetunnelleadingouttothemaincavern.Islammeditshutandturnedthewheelhandletolockit,butIdoubteditwouldkeepthemlong.Ididn’tknowwhattodo.Annabethwasoutheresomewhere,invisible.Ourchanceforasubtlereconnaissancemissionhadjustbeenblown.Irantowardstheplatformatthecentreofthelavalake.

‘Annabeth!’Iyelled.‘Shhh!’Aninvisiblehandclampedovermymouthandwrestledmedownbehindabigbronzecauldron.‘Youwanttogetuskilled?’IfoundherheadandtookoffherYankeescap.Sheshimmeredintoexistenceinfrontofme,scowling,herfacestreakedwithashandgrime.‘Percy,whatisyourproblem?’‘We’regoingtohavecompany!’Iexplainedquicklyaboutthemonsterorientationclass.Hereyeswidened.‘Sothat’swhattheyare,’shesaid.‘Telekhines.Ishould’veknown.Andthey’remaking…Well,look.’Wepeekedoverthecauldron.Inthecentreoftheatformstoodfourseademons,butthesewerefullygrown,atleasttwoandahalfmetrestall.Theirblackskinglistenedinthefirelightastheyworked,sparksflyingastheytookturnshammeringonalongpieceofglowinghotmetal.

‘Thebladeisalmostcomplete,’onesaid.‘Itneedsanothercoolinginbloodtofusethemetals.’‘Aye,’asecondsaid.‘Itshallbeevensharperthanbefore.’‘Whatisthat?’Iwhispered.Annabethshookherhead.‘Theykeeptalkingaboutfusingmetals.Iwonder–’‘TheyweretalkingaboutthegreatestTitanweapon,’Isaid.Andthey…theysaidtheymademyfather’strident.’‘Thetelekhinesbetrayedthegods,’Annabethsaid.‘Theywerepractisingdarkmagic.Idon’tknowwhat,exactly,butZeusbanishedthemtoTartarus.’‘WithKronos.’Shenodded.‘Wehavetogetout–’Nosoonerhadshesaidthatthanthedoortotheclassroomexplodedandyoungtelekhinescamepouringout.Theystumbledovereachother,tryingtofigureoutwhichwaytocharge.‘Putyourcapbackon,’Isaid.‘Getout!’‘What?’Annabethshrieked.‘No!I’mnotleavingyou.’‘I’vegotaplan.I’lldistractthem.Youcanusethemetalspider–maybeit’llleadyoubacktoHephaestus.Youhavetotellhimwhat’sgoingon.’‘Butyou’llbekilled!’‘I’llbefine.Besides,we’vegotnochoice.’Annabethglaredatmelikeshewasgoingtopunchme.Andthenshedidsomethingthatsurprisedmeevenmore.Shekissedme.‘Becareful,SeaweedBrain.’Sheputonherhatandvanished.Iprobablywould’vesattherefortherestoftheday,staringatthelavaandtryingtorememberwhatmynamewas,buttheseademonsjarredmebacktoreality.‘There!’oneyelled.Theentireclassoftelekhineschargedacrossthebridgetowardsme.Iranforthemiddleoftheplatform,surprisingthefourelderseademonssomuchtheydroppedthered-hotblade.Itwasabouttwometreslongandcurvedlikeacrescentmoon.I’dseenalotofterrifyingthings,butthisunfinishedwhatever-it-wasscaredmethemost.Theelderdemonsgotovertheirsurprisequickly.Therewerefourrampsleadingofftheplatform,andbeforeIcoulddashinanydirectioneachofthemhadcoveredanexit.Thetallestonesnarled,‘Whatdowehavehere?AsonofPoseidon?’‘Yes,’anothergrowled.‘Icansmelltheseainhisblood.’IraisedRiptide.Myheartwaspounding.‘Strikedownoneofus,demigod,’thethirddemonsaid,‘andtherestofusshalltearyoutoshreds.Yourfatherbetrayedus.Hetookourgiftandsaidnothingaswewerecastintothepit.Wewillseehimslicedtopieces.HeandalltheotherOlympians.’IwishedIhadaplan.IwishedIhadn’tbeenlyingtoAnnabeth.I’dwantedhertogetoutsafely,andIhopedshe’dbeensensibleenoughtodoit.ButnowitwasdawningonmethatthismightbetheplaceIwoulddie.Nopropheciesforme.Iwouldgetoverrunintheheartofavolcanobyapackofdog-facedsea-lionpeople.Theyoungtelekhineswereattheplatformnow,too,snarlingandwaitingtoseehowtheirfourelderswoulddealwithme.

Ifeltsomethingburningagainstthesideofmyleg.Theicewhistleinmypocketwasgettingcolder.IfIeverneededhelp,nowwasthetime.ButIhesitated.Ididn’ttrustQuintus’sgift.BeforeIcouldmakeupmymindthetallesttelekhinesaid,‘Letusseehowstrongheis.Letusseehowlongittakeshimtoburn!’Hescoopedsomelavafromthenearestfurnace.Itsethisfingersablaze,butthisdidn’tseemtobotherhimatall.Theothereldertelekhinesdidthesame.Thefirstonethrewaglopofmoltenrockatmeandsetmytrousersonfire.Twomoresplatteredacrossmychest.Idroppedmyswordinsheerterrorandswattedatmyclothes.Firewasengulfingme.Strangely,itfeltonlywarmatfirst,butitwasgettinghotterbytheinstant.‘Yourfather’snatureprotectsyou,’onesaid.‘Makesyouhardtoburn.Butnotimpossible,youngling.Notimpossible.’TheythrewmorelavaatmeandIrememberscreaming.Mywholebodywasonfire.ThepainwasworsethananythingI’deverfelt.Iwasbeingconsumed.Icrumpledtothemetalfloorandheardtheseademonchildrenhowlingindelight.ThenIrememberedthevoiceoftherivernaiadattheranch:Thewateriswithinme.Ineededthesea.Ifeltatuggingsensationinmygut,butIhadnothingaroundtohelpme.Notafaucetorariver.Notevenapetrifiedseashellthistime.And,besides,thelasttimeI’dunleashedmypoweratthestables,there’dbeenthatscarymomentwhenithadalmostgotawayfromme.Ihadnochoice.Icalledtothesea.Ireachedinsidemyselfandrememberedthewavesanathecurrents,theendlesspoweroftheocean.AndIletitlooseinonehorriblescream.Afterwards,Icouldneverdescribewhathappened.Anexplosion,atidalwave,awhirlwindofpowersimultaneouslycatchingmeupandblastingmedownwardsintothelava.Fireandwatercollided,superheatedsteam,andIshotupfromtheheartofthevolcanoinahugeexplosion,justonepieceofflotsamthrownfreebyamillionpoundsofpressure.ThelastthingIrememberbeforelosingconsciousnesswasflying,flyingsohighZeuswouldneverhaveforgivenme,andthenbeginningtofall,smokeandfireandwaterstreamingfromme.Iwasacomethurtlingtowardstheearth.

12ITAKEAPERMANENTVACATION

IwokeupfeelinglikeIwasstillonfire.Myskinstung.Mythroatfeltasdryassand.Isawblueskyandtreesaboveme.Iheardafountaingurgling,andsmelledjuniperandcedarandabunchofothersweet-scentedplants.Iheardwaves,too,gentlylappingonarockyshore.IwonderedifIweredead,butIknewbetter.I’dbeentotheLandoftheDead,andtherewasnobluesky.Itriedtositup.Mymusclesfeltliketheyweremelting.‘Staystill,’agirl’svoicesaid.‘You’retooweaktorise.’Shelaidacoolclothacrossmyforehead.Abronzespoonhoveredovermeandliquidwasdribbledintomymouth.Thedrinksoothedmythroatandleftawarmchocolateyaftertaste.Nectarofthegods.Thenthegirl’sfaceappearedaboveme.Shehadalmondeyesandcaramel-colourhair,braidedoveroneshoulder.Shewas…fifteen?Sixteen?Itwashardtotell.Shehadoneofthosefacesthatjustseemedtimeless.Shebegansinging,andmypaindissolved.Shewasworkingmagic.Icouldfeelhermusicsinkingintomyskin,healingandrepairingmyburns.‘Who?’Icroaked.‘Shhh,braveone,’shesaid.‘Restandheal.Noharmwillcometoyouhere.IamCalypso.’

ThenexttimeIwokeIwasinacave,butasfarascavesgoI’dbeeninalotworse.Theceilingglitteredwithdifferent-colourcrystalformations–whiteandpurpleandgreen,likeIwasinsideoneofthosecutgeodesyouseeinsouvenirshops.Iwaslyingonacomfortablebedwithfeatherpillowsandwhitecottonsheets.Thecavewasdividedintosectionsbywhitesilkcurtains.Againstonewallstoodalargeloomandaharp.Againsttheotherwallwereshelvesneatlystackedwithjarsoffruitpreserves.Driedherbshungfromtheceiling:rosemary,thymeandabunchofotherstuff.Mymothercould’venamedthemall.Therewasafireplacebuiltintothecavewall,andapotbubblingovertheflames.Itsmelledgreat,likebeefstew.Isatup,tryingtoignorethethrobbingpaininmyhead.Ilookedatmyarms,surethattheywouldbehideouslyscarred,buttheyseemedfine.Alittlepinkerthanusual,butnotbad.IwaswearingawhitecottonT-shirtandcottondrawstringtrousersthatweren’tmine.Myfeetwerebare.Inamomentofpanic,IwonderedwhathadhappenedtoRiptide,butIfeltinmypocketandtherewasmypen,rightwhereitalwaysreappeared.NotonlythatbuttheStygian-icedogwhistlewasbackinmypocket,too.Somehowithadfollowedme.Andthatdidn’texactlyreassureme.Withdifficulty,Istood.Thestonefloorwasfreezingundermyfeet.Iturnedandfoundmyselfstaringintoapolishedbronzemirror.‘HolyPoseidon,’Imuttered.IlookedasifI’dlosttenkilosIcouldn’taffordtolose.Myhairwasarat’snest.ItwassingedattheedgeslikeHephaestus’sbeard.IfIsawthatfaceonsomebodywalkingdownahighwayintersectionaskingformoney,Iwould’velockedthecardoors.

Iturnedawayfromthemirror.Thecaveentrancewastomyleft.Iheadedtowardsthedaylight.Thecaveopenedontoagreenmeadow.Ontheleftwasgroveofcedartreesandontherightahugeflowergarden.Fourfountainsgurgledinthemeadow,eachshootingwaterfromthepipesofstonesatyrs.Straightahead,thegrassslopeddowntoarockybeach.Thewavesofalakelappedagainstthestones.Icouldtellitwasalakebecause…well,Ijustcould.Freshwater.Notsalt.Thesunsparkledonthewater,andtheskywaspureblue.Itseemedlikeaparadise,whichimmediatelymademenervous.Youdealwithmythologicalstuffforafewyears,youlearnthatparadisesareusuallyplaceswhereyougetkilled.Thegirlwiththebraidedcaramelhair,theonewho’dcalledherselfCalypso,wasstandingatthebeach,talkingtosomeone.Icouldn’tseehimverywellintheshimmerfromthesunlightoffthewater,buttheyappearedtobearguing.ItriedtorememberwhatIknewaboutCalypsofromtheoldmyths.I’dheardthenamebefore,but…Icouldn’tremember.Wassheamonster?Didshetrapheroesandkillthem?Butifshewereevil,whywasIstillalive?Iwalkedtowardsherslowlybecausemylegswerestillstiff.Whenthegrasschangedtogravel,Ilookeddowntokeepmybalance,andwhenIlookedupagain,thegirlwasalone.SheworeawhitesleevelessGreekdresswithalowcircularnecklinetrimmedingold.Shebrushedathereyeslikeshe’djustbeencrying.‘Well,’shesaid,tryingforasmile,‘thesleeperfinallyawakes.’‘Whowereyoutalkingto?’Myvoicesoundedlikeafrogthathadspenttimeinamicrowave.‘Oh…justamessenger,’shesaid.‘Howdoyoufeel?’‘HowlonghaveIbeenout?’‘Time,’Calypsomused.‘Timeisalwaysdifficulthere.Ihonestlydon’tknow,Percy.’‘Youknowmyname?’‘Youtalkinyoursleep.’Iblushed.‘Yeah.I’vebeen…uh,toldthatbefore.’‘Yes.WhoisAnnabeth?’‘Oh,uh.Afriend.Weweretogetherwhen–wait,howdidIgethere?WhereamI?’Calypsoreachedupandranherfingersthroughmymangledhair.Isteppedbacknervously.‘I’msorry,’shesaid.‘I’vejustgrownusedtocaringforyou.Astohowyougothere,youfellfromthesky.Youlandedinthewater,justthere.’Shepointedacrossthebeach.‘Idonotknowhowyousurvived.Thewaterseemedtocushionyourfall.Astowhereyouare,youareinOgygia.’Shepronounceditlikeoh~jee~jee~ah.‘IsthatnearMountStHelens?’Iasked,becausemygeographywasprettyterrible.Calypsolaughed.Itwasasmall,restrainedlaugh,likeshefoundmereallyfunnybutdidn’twanttoembarrassme.Shewascutewhenshelaughed.‘Itisn’tnearanything,braveone,’shesaid.‘Ogygiaismyphantomisland.Itexistsby

itself,anywhereandnowhere.Youcanhealhereinsafety.Neverfear.’‘Butmyfriends–’‘Annabeth,’shesaid.‘AndGroverandTyson?’‘Yes!’Isaid.‘Ihavetogetbacktothem.They’reindanger.’Shetouchedmyface,andIdidn’tbackawaythistime.‘Restfirst.Youarenogoodto

yourfriendsuntilyouheal.’Assoonasshesaidit,IrealizedhowtiredIwas.‘You’renot…you’renotanevil

sorceress,areyou?’Shesmiledcoyly.‘Whywouldyouthinkthat?’‘Well,ImetCirceonce,andshehadaprettyniceisland,too.Exceptshelikedtoturn

menintoguineapigs.’Calypsogavemethatlaughagain.‘IpromiseIwillnotturnyouintoaguineapig.’‘Oranythingelse?’‘Iamnoevilsorceress,’Calypsosaid.AndIamnotyourenemy,braveone.Nowrest.

Youreyesarealreadyclosing.’Shewasright.Mykneesbuckled,andIwould’velandedface-firstinthegravelifCalypso

hadn’tcaughtme.Herhairsmelledlikecinnamon.Shewasverystrong,ormaybeIwasjustreallyweakandthin.Shewalkedmebacktoacushionedbenchbyafountainandhelpedmeliedown.‘Rest,’sheordered.AndIfellasleeptothesoundofthefountainsandthesmellof

cinnamonandjuniper.

ThenexttimeIawokeitwasnight,butIwasn’tsureifitwasthesamenightormanynightslater.Iwasinthebedinthecave,butIroseandwrappedarobearoundmyselfandpaddedoutside.Thestarswerebrilliant–thousandsofthem,likeyouonlyseewayoutinthecountry.IcouldmakeoutalltheconstellationsAnnabethhadtaughtme:Capricorn,Pegasus,Sagittarius.Andthere,nearthesouthernhorizon,wasanewconstellation:theHuntress,atributetoafriendofourswhohaddiedlastwinter.‘Percy,whatdoyousee?’Ibroughtmyeyesbacktoearth.Howeveramazingthestarswere,Calypsowastwiceas

brilliant.Imean,I’veseenthegoddessofloveherself,Aphrodite,andIwouldneversaythisoutloudorshe’dblastmetoashes,but,formymoney,Calypsowasalotmorebeautiful,becauseshejustseemedsonatural,likeshewasn’ttryingtobebeautifulanddidn’tevencareaboutthat.Shejustwas.Withherbraidedhairandwhitedress,sheseemedtoglowinthemoonlight.Shewasholdingatinyplantinherhands.Itsflowersweresilveranddelicate.‘Iwasjustlookingat…’Ifoundmyselfstaringatherface.‘Uh…Iforgot.’Shelaughedgently.‘Well,aslongasyou’reup,youcanhelpmeplantthese.’Shehandedmeaplant,whichhadaclumpofearthandrootsatthebase.Theflowers

glowedasIheldthem.Calypsopickeduphergardeningspadeanddirectedmetotheedgeofthegarden,whereshebegantodig.‘That’smoonlace,’Calypsoexplained.‘Itcanonlybeplantedatnight.’

Iwatchedthesilverylightflickeraroundthepetals.‘Whatdoesitdo?’‘Do?’Calypsomused.‘Itdoesn’treallydoanything,Isuppose.Itlives,itgiveslight,it

providesbeauty.Doesithavetodoanythingelse?’‘Isupposenot,’Isaid.Shetooktheplant,andourhandsmet.Herfingerswerewarm.Sheplantedthemoonlace

andsteppedback,surveyingherwork.‘Ilovemygarden.’‘It’sawesome,’Iagreed.Imean,Iwasn’texactlyagardeningtype,butCalypsohad

arbourscoveredwithsixdifferentcoloursofroses,latticesfilledwithhoneysuckle,rowsofgrapevinesburstingwithredandpurplegrapesthatwould’vemadeDionysussitupandbeg.‘Backhome,’Isaid,‘mymomalwayswantedagarden.’‘Whydidshenotplantone?’‘Well,weliveinManhattan.Inanapartment.’‘Manhattan?Apartment?’Istaredather.‘Youdon’tknowwhatI’mtalkingabout,doyou?’‘Ifearnot.Ihaven’tleftOgygiain…alongtime.’‘Well,Manhattan’sabigcity,withnotmuchgardeningspace.’Calypsofrowned.‘Thatissad.Hermesvisitsfromtimetotime.Hetellsmetheworld

outsidehaschangedgreatly.Ididnotrealizeithadchangedsomuchyoucannothavegardens.’‘Whyhaven’tyouleftyourisland?’Shelookeddown.‘Itismypunishment.’‘Why?Whatdidyoudo?’‘I?Nothing.ButI’mafraidmyfatherdidagreatdeal.HisnameisAtlas.’Thenamesentashiverdownmyback.I’dmettheTitanAtlaslastwinter,andithadnot

beenahappytime.He’dtriedtokillprettymucheveryoneIcaredabout.‘Still,’Isaidhesitantly,‘it’snotfairtopunishyouforwhatyourfather’sdone.Iknew

anotherdaughterofAtlas.HernamewasZoe.ShewasoneofthebravestpeopleI’veevermet.’Calypsostudiedmeforalongtime.Hereyesweresad.‘Whatisit?’Iasked.Are–areyouhealedyet,mybraveone?Doyouthinkyou’llbereadytoleavesoon?’‘What?’Iasked.‘Idon’tknow.’Imovedmylegs.Theywerestillstiff.Iwasalready

gettingdizzyfromstandingupsolong.‘Youwantmetogo?’‘I…’Hervoicebroke.‘I’llseeyouinthemorning.Sleepwell.’Sheranofftowardsthebeach.Iwastooconfusedtodoanythingbutwatchuntilshe

disappearedinthedark.

Idon’tknowexactlyhowmuchtimepassed.LikeCalypsosaid,itwashardtokeeptrackontheisland.IknewIshouldbeleaving.Attheveryleast,myfriendswouldbeworried.Atworst,theycouldbeinseriousdanger.Ididn’tevenknowifAnnabethhadmadeitoutof

thevolcano.ItriedtousemyempathylinkwithGroverseveraltimes,butIcouldn’tmakecontact.Ihatednotknowingiftheywereallright.Ontheotherhand,Ireallywasweak.Icouldn’tstayonmyfeetmorethanafewhours.WhateverI’ddoneinMountStHelenshaddrainedmelikenothingelseI’deverexperienced.Ididn’tfeellikeaprisoneroranything.IrememberedtheLotusHotelandCasinoinVegas,whereI’dbeenluredintothisamazinggameworlduntilIalmostforgoteverythingIcaredabout.ButtheislandofOgygiawasn’tlikethatatall.IthoughtaboutAnnabeth,GroverandTysonconstantly.IrememberedexactlywhyIneededtoleave.Ijust…couldn’t.AndthentherewasCalypso.Shenevertalkedmuchaboutherself,butthatjustmademewanttoknowmore.Iwouldsitinthemeadow,sippingnectar,andIwouldtrytoconcentrateontheflowersorthecloudsorthereflectionsonthelake,butIwasreallystaringatCalypsoassheworked,thewayshebrushedherhairoverhershoulder,andthelittlestrandthatfellinherfacewheneversheknelttodiginthegarden.Sometimesshewouldholdoutherhandandbirdswouldflyoutofthewoodstosettleonherarm–lorikeets,parrots,doves.Shewouldsaygoodmorningtothem,askhowitwasgoingbackatthenest,andtheywouldchirpforawhile,thenflyoffcheerfully.Calypso’seyesgleamed.Shewouldlookatmeandwe’dshareasmile,butalmostimmediatelyshe’dgetthatsadexpressionagainandturnaway.Ididn’tunderstandwhatwasbotheringher.Onenightwewereeatingdinnertogetheratthebeach.Invisibleservantshadsetupatablewithbeefstewandapplecider,whichmaynotsoundallthatexciting,butthat’sbecauseyouhaven’ttastedit.Ihadn’tevennoticedtheinvisibleservantswhenIfirstgottotheisland,butafterawhileIbecameawareofthebedsmakingthemselves,mealscookingontheirown,clothesbeingwashedandfoldedbyunseenhands.Anyway,CalypsoandIweresittingatdinner,andshelookedbeautifulinthecandlelight.IwastellingheraboutNewYorkandCampHalf-Blood,andthenIstartingtellingheraboutthetimeGroverhadeatenanapplewhilewewereplayingHackySackwithit.Shelaughed,showingoffheramazingsmile,andoureyesmet.Thenshedroppedhergaze.‘Thereitisagain,’Isaid.‘What?’‘Youkeeppullingaway,likeyou’retryingnottoenjoyyourself.Shekepthereyesonherglassofcider.‘AsItoldyou,Percy,Ihavebeenpunished.Cursed,youmightsay.’‘How?Tellme.Iwanttohelp.’‘Don’tsaythat.Pleasedon’tsaythat.’‘Tellmewhatthepunishmentis.’Shecoveredherhalf-finishedstewwithanapkin,andimmediatelyaninvisibleservantwhiskedthebowlaway.‘Percy,thisisland,Ogygia,ismyhome,mybirthplace.Butitisalsomyprison.Iamunder…housearrest,Iguessyouwouldcallit.IwillnevervisitthisManhattanofyours.Oranywhereelse.Iamalonehere.’‘BecauseyourfatherwasAtlas.’

Shenodded.‘Thegodsdonottrusttheirenemies.Andrightlyso.Ishouldnotcomplain.Someoftheprisonsarenotnearlyasniceasmine.’‘Butthat’snotfair,’Isaid.‘Justbecauseyou’rerelateddoesn’tmeanyousupporthim.ThisotherdaughterIknew,ZoeNightshade–shefoughtagainsthim.Shewasn’timprisoned.’‘But,Percy,’Calypsosaidgently,‘Ididsupporthiminthefirstwar.Heismyfather.’‘What?ButtheTitansareevil!’‘Arethey?Allofthem?Allthetime?’Shepursedherlips.‘Tellme,Percy.Ihavenowishtoarguewithyou.Butdoyousupportthegodsbecausetheyaregood,orbecausetheyareyourfamily?’Ididn’tanswer.Shehadapoint.Lastwinter,afterAnnabethandIhadsavedOlympus,thegodsnaanaaadebateaboutwhetherornottheyshouldkillme.Thathadn’tbeenexactlygood.But,still,IfeltlikeIsupportedthembecausePoseidonwasmydad.‘PerhapsIwaswronginthewar,’Calypsosaid.And,infairness,thegodshavetreatedmewell.Theyvisitmefromtimetotime.Theybringmewordoftheoutsideworld.Buttheycanleave.AndIcannot.’‘Youdon’thaveanyfriends?’Iasked.‘Imean…wouldn’tanyoneelseliveherewithyou?It’saniceplace.’Ateartrickleddownhercheek.‘I…IpromisedmyselfIwouldn’tspeakofthis.But–’Shewasinterruptedbyarumblingsoundsomewhereoutonthelake.Aglowappearedonthehorizon.Itgotbrighterandbrighter,untilIcouldseeacolumnoffiremovingacrossthesurfaceofthewater,comingtowardsus.Istoodandreachedformysword.‘Whatisthat?’Calypsosighed.Avisitor.’Asthecolumnoffirereachedthebeach,Calypsostoodandbowedtoitformally.Theflamesdissipated,andstandingbeforeuswasatallmaningreyoverallsandametallegbrace,hisbeardandhairsmoulderingwithfire.‘LordHephaestus,’Calypsosaid.‘Thisisararehonour.’Thefiregodgrunted.‘Calypso.Beautifulasalways.Wouldyouexcuseus,please,mydear?IneedtohaveawordwithouryoungPercyJackson.’

HephaestussatdownclumsilyatthedinnertableandorderedaPepsi.Theinvisibleservantbroughthimone,openedittoosuddenlyandsprayedsodaalloverthegod’sworkclothes.Hephaestusroaredandspatafewcursesandswattedthecanaway.‘Stupidservants,’hemuttered.‘Goodautomatonsarewhatsheneeds.Theyneveractup.’‘Hephaestus,’Isaid,‘what’sgoingon?IsAnnabeth–’‘She’sfine,’hesaid.‘Resourcefulgirl,thatone.Foundherwayback,toldmethewholestory.She’sworriedsick,youknow.’‘Youhaven’ttoldherI’mokay?’‘That’snotformetosay,’Hephaestussaid.‘Everyonethinksyou’redead.IhadtobesureyouwerecomingbackbeforeIstartedtellingeveryonewhereyouwere.’

‘Whatdoyoumean?’Isaid.‘OfcourseI’mcomingback!’Hephaestusstudiedmesceptically.Hefishedsomethingoutofhispocket–ametaldiscthesizeofaniPod.HeclickedabuttonanditexpandedintoaminiaturebronzeTV.OnthescreenwasnewsfootageofMountStHelens,ahugeplumeoffireandashtrailingintothesky.‘Stilluncertainaboutfurthereruptions,’thenewscasterwassaying,‘authoritieshaveorderedtheevacuationofalmosthalfamillionpeopleasaprecaution.Meanwhile,ashhasfallenasfarawayasLakeTahoeandVancouver,andtheentireMountStHelensareaisclosedtotrafficwithinahundred-mileradius.Whilenodeathshaveheenreported,minorinjuriesandillnessesinclude–’Hephaestusswitcheditoff.‘Youcausedquiteanexplosion.’Istaredattheblankbronzescreen.Halfamillionpeopleevacuated?Injuries.Illness.WhathadIdone?‘Thetelekhineswerescattered,’thegodtoldme.‘Somevaporized.Somegotaway,nodoubt.Idon’tthinkthey’llbeusingmyforgeanytimesoon.Ontheotherhand,neitherwillI.TheexplosioncausedTyphontostirinhissleep.We’llhavetowaitandsee–’‘Icouldn’treleasehim,couldI?Imean,I’mnotthatpowerful!’Thegodgrunted.‘Notthatpowerful,eh?Couldhavefooledme.You’rethesonoftheEarthshaker,lad.Youdon’tknowyourownstrength.’That’sthelastthingIwantedhimtosay.Ihadn’tbeenincontrolofmyselfinthatmountain.I’dreleasedsomuchenergyI’dalmostvaporizedmyself,drainedallthelifeoutofme.NowIfoundoutI’dnearlydestroyedtheNorthwestUSandalmostwokenthemosthorriblemonstereverimprisonedbythegods.MaybeIwastoodangerous.MaybeitwassaferformyfriendstothinkIwasdead.‘WhataboutGroverandTyson?’Iasked.Hephaestusshookhishead.‘Noword,I’mafraid.IsupposetheLabyrinthhasthem.’‘SowhatamIsupposedtodo?’Hephaestuswinced.‘Don’teveraskanoldcrippleforadvice,lad.ButI’lltellyouthis.You’vemetmywife?’‘Aphrodite.’‘That’sher.She’satrickyone,lad.Becarefuloflove.It’lltwistyourbrainaroundandleaveyouthinkingupisdownandrightiswrong.’IthoughtaboutmymeetingwithAphrodite,inthebackofawhiteCadillacinthedesertlastwinter.She’dtoldmethatshehadtakenaspecialinterestinme,andshe’dbemakingthingshardformeintheromancedepartment,justbecauseshelikedme.‘Isthispartofherplan?’Iasked.‘Didshelandmehere?’‘Possibly.Hardtosaywithher.Butifyoudecidetoleavethisplace–andIdon’tsaywhat’srightorwrong–thenIpromisedyouananswertoyourquest.IpromisedyouthewaytoDaedalus.Wellnow,here’sthething.IthasnothingtodowithAriadne’sstring.Notreally.Sure,thestringworks.That’swhattheTitans’armywillbeafter.Butthebestwaythroughthemaze…Theseushadtheprincess’shelp.Andtheprincesswasaregularmortal.Notadropofgodbloodinher.Butshewasclever,andshecouldsee,lad.Shecouldsee

veryclearly.SowhatI’msaying–Ithinkyouknowhowtonavigatethemaze.’Itfinallysankin.Whyhadn’tIseenitbefore?Herahadbeenright.Theanswerwasthereallthetime.‘Yeah,’Isaid.‘Yeah,Iknow.’‘Thenyou’llneedtodecidewhetherornotyou’releaving.’‘I…’Iwantedtosayyes.OfcourseIwould.Butthewordsstuckinmythroat.Ifoundmyselflookingoutatthelake,andsuddenlytheideaofleavingseemedveryhard.‘Don’tdecideyet,’Hephaestusadvised.‘Waituntildaybreak.Daybreakisagoodtimefordecisions.’‘WillDaedalusevenhelpus?’Iasked.‘Imean,ifhegivesLukeawaytonavigatetheLabyrinth,we’redead.Isawdreamsabout…Daedaluskilledhisnephew.Heturnedbitterandangryand–’‘Itisn’teasybeingabrilliantinventor,’Hephaestusrumbled.‘Alwaysalone.Alwaysmisunderstood.Easytoturnbitter,makehorriblemistakes.Peoplearemoredifficulttoworkwiththanmachines.Andwhenyoubreakaperson,hecantbefixed.’HephaestusbrushedthelastdropsofPepsioffhisworkclothes.‘Daedalusstartedwellenough.HehelpedthePrincessAriadneandTheseusbecausehefeltsorryforthem.Hetriedtodoagooddeed.Andeverythinginhislifewentbadbecauseofit.Wasthatfair?’Thegodshrugged.‘Idon’tknowifDaedaluswillhelpyou,lad,butdon’tjudgesomeoneuntilyou’vestoodathisforgeandworkedwithhishammer,eh?’‘I’ll–I’lltry.’Hephaestusstood.‘Goodbye,lad.Youdidwell,destroyingthetelekhines.I’llalwaysrememberyouforthat.’Itsoundedveryfinal,thatgoodbye.Thenheeruptedintoacolumnofflame,andthefiremovedoverthewater,headingbacktotheworldoutside.

Iwalkedalongthebeachforseveralhours.WhenIfinallycamebacktothemeadow,itwasverylate,maybefourorfiveinthemorning,butCalypsowasstillinhergarden,tendingtheflowersbystarlight.Hermoonlaceglowedsilver,andtheotherplantsrespondedtothemagic,glowingredandyellowandblue.‘Hehasorderedyoutoreturn,’Calypsoguessed.‘Well,notordered.Hegavemeachoice.’Hereyesmetmine.‘IpromisedIwouldnotoffer.’‘Offerwhat?’‘Foryoutostay.’‘Stay,’Isaid.‘Like…forever?’‘Youwouldbeimmortalonthisisland,’shesaidquietly.‘Youwouldneverageordie.Youcouldleavethefighttoothers,PercyJackson.Youcouldescapeyourprophecy.’Istaredather,stunned.‘Justlikethat?’Shenodded.‘Justlikethat.’‘But…myfriends.’

Calypsoroseandtookmyhand.Hertouchsentawarmcurrentthroughmybody.‘Youaskedaboutmycurse,Percy.Ididnotwanttotellyou.Thetruthis,thegodssendmecompanionshipfromtimetotime.Everythousandyearsorso,theyallowaherotowashuponmyshores,someonewhoneedsmyhelp.Itendtohimandbefriendhim,butitisneverrandom.TheFatesmakesurethatthesortofherotheysend…’Hervoicetrembled,andshehadtostop.Isqueezedherhandtighter.‘What?WhathaveIdonetomakeyousad?’‘Theysendapersonwhocanneverstay,’shewhispered.‘Whocanneveracceptmyofferofcompanionshipformorethanalittlewhile.TheysendmeaheroIcan’thelp…justthesortofpersonIcan’thelpfallinginlovewith.’Thenightwasquietexceptforthegurgleofthefountainsandwaveslappingontheshore.Ittookmealongtimetorealizewhatshewassaying.‘Me?’Iasked.‘Ifyoucouldseeyourface,’Shesuppressedasmile,thoughhereyeswerestillteary.‘Ofcourse,you.’‘That’swhyyou’vebeenpullingawayallthistime?’‘Itriedveryhard.ButIcan’thelpit.TheFatesarecruel.Theysentyoutome,mybraveone,knowingthatyouwouldbreakmyheart.’‘But…I’mjust…Imean,I’mjustme!‘Thatisenough,’Calypsopromised.‘ItoldmyselfIwouldnotevenspeakofthis.Iwouldletyougowithoutevenoffering.ButIcan’t.IsupposetheFatesknewthat,too.Youcouldstaywithme,Percy.I’mafraidthatistheonlywayyoucouldhelpme.’Istaredatthehorizon.Thefirstredstreaksofdawnwerelighteningthesky.Icouldstayhereforever,disappearfromtheearth.IcouldlivewithCalypso,withinvisibleservantstendingtomyeveryneed.Wecouldgrowflowersinthegardenandtalktosongbirdsandwalkonthebeachunderperfectblueskies.Nowar.Noprophecy.Nomoretakingsides.‘Ican’t,’Itoldher.Shelookeddownsadly.‘Iwouldneverdoanythingtohurtyou,’Isaid,‘butmyfriendsneedme.Iknowhowtohelpthemnow.Ihavetogetback.’Shepickedaflowerfromhergarden–asprigofsilvermoonlace.Itsglowfadedasthesunrisecameup.Daybreakisagoodtimefordecisions,Hephaestushadsaid.CalypsotuckedtheflowerintomyT-shirtpocket.Shestoodonhertiptoesandkissedmeontheforehead,likeablessing.‘Thencometothebeach,myhero.Andwewillsendyouonyourway.’

Theraftwasathree-metresquareoflogslashedtogetherwithapoleforamastandasimplewhitelinensail.Itdidn’tlooklikeitwouldbeveryseaworthy,orlakeworthy.‘Thiswilltakeyouwhereveryoudesire,’Calypsopromised.‘Itisquitesafe.’Itookherhand,butsheletitslipoutofmine.‘MaybeIcanvisityou,’Isaid.

Sheshookherhead.‘NomaneverfindsOgygiatwice,Percy.Whenyouleave,Iwillneverseeyouagain.’‘But–’‘Go,please,’Hervoicebroke.‘TheFatesarecruel,Percy.Justrememberme,’Thenalittletraceofhersmilereturned.‘PlantagardeninManhattanforme,willyou?’‘Ipromise,’Isteppedontotheraft.Immediatelyitbegantosailfromtheshore.AsIsailedintothelakeIrealizedtheFatesreallywerecruel.TheysentCalypsosomeoneshecouldn’thelpbutlove.Butitworkedbothways.FortherestofmylifeIwouldbethinkingabouther.Shewouldalwaysbemybiggestwhatif.WithinminutestheislandofOgygiawaslostinthemist.Iwassailingaloneoverthewatertowardsthesunrise.ThenItoldtheraftwhattodo.IsaidtheonlyplaceIcouldthinkof,becauseIneededcomfortandfriends.‘CampHalf-Blood,’Isaid.‘Sailmehome.’

13WEHIREANEWGUIDE

Hourslater,myraftwashedupatCampHalf-Blood.HowIgotthere,Ihavenoidea.Atsomepointthelakewaterjustchangedtosaltwater.ThefamiliarshorelineofLongIslandappearedupahead,andacoupleoffriendlygreatwhitesharkssurfacedandsteeredmetowardsthebeach.WhenIlanded,thecampseemeddeserted.Itwaslateafternoon,butthearcheryrangewasempty.Theclimbingwallpouredlavaandrumbledallbyitself.Pavilion:nothing.Cabins:allvacant.ThenInoticedsmokerisingfromtheamphitheatre.Tooearlyforacampfire,andIdidn’tthinktheywereroastingmarshmallows.Irantowardsit.BeforeIevengotthereIheardChironmakinganannouncement.WhenIrealizedwhathewassaying,Istoppedinmytracks.‘–assumeheisdead,’Chironsaid.‘Aftersolongasilence,itisunlikelyourprayerswillbeanswered.Ihaveaskedhisbestsurvivingfriendtodothefinalhonours.’Icreptupthebackoftheamphitheatre.Nobodynoticedme.Theywerealllookingforward,watchingasAnnabethtookalonggreensilkburialcloth,embroideredwithatrident,andsetitontheflames.Theywereburningmyshroud.Annabethturnedtofacetheaudience.Shelookedterrible.Hereyeswerepuffyfromcrying,butshemanagedtosay,‘HewasprobablythebravestfriendI’veeverhad.He…’Thenshesawme.Herfacewentbloodred.‘He’srightthere!’Headsturned.Peoplegasped.‘Percy!’Beckendorfgrinned.Abunchofotherkidscrowdedaroundmeandclappedmeontheback.IheardafewcursesfromtheArescabin,butClarissejustrolledhereyes,likeshecouldn’tbelieveI’dhadthenervetosurvive.Chironcanteredoverandeveryonemadewayforhim.‘Well,’hesighedwithobviousrelief.‘Idon’tbelieveI’veeverbeenhappiertoseeacamperreturn.Butyoumusttellme–’‘WHEREHAVEYOUBEEN?’Annabethinterrupted,shovingasidetheothercampers.Ithoughtshewasgoingtopunchme,butinsteadshehuggedmesofiercelyshenearlycrackedmyribs.Theothercampersfellsilent.Annabethseemedtorealizeshewasmakingasceneandpushedmeaway.‘I–wethoughtyouweredead,SeaweedBrain!’‘I’msorry,’Isaid.‘Igotlost.’‘LOST?’sheyelled.‘Twoweeks,Percy?Whereintheworld–’Annabeth,’Chironinterrupted.‘Perhapsweshoulddiscussthissomewheremoreprivate,shallwe?Therestofyou,backtoyournormalactivities!’Withoutwaitingforustoprotest,hepickedupAnnabethandmeaseasilyasifwewerekittens,slungusbothontohisbackandgallopedofftowardstheBigHouse.

∗∗∗

Ididn’ttellthemthewholestory.Ijustcouldn’tbringmyselftotalkaboutCalypso.I

explainedhowI’dcausedtheexplosionatMountStHelensandgotblastedoutofthevolcano.ItoldthemI’dbeenmaroonedonanisland.ThenHephaestushadfoundmeandtoldmeIcouldleave.Amagicrafthadcarriedmebacktocamp.Allthatwastrue,butasIsaiditmypalmsfeltsweaty.‘You’vebeengonetwoweeks.’Annabeth’svoicewassteadiernow,butshestilllookedprettyshakenup.‘WhenIheardtheexplosion,Ithought–’‘Iknow,’Isaid.‘I’msorry.ButIfiguredouthowtogetthroughtheLabyrinth.ItalkedtoHephaestus.’‘Hetoldyoutheanswer?’‘Well,hesortoftoldmethatIalreadyknew.AndIdo.Iunderstandnow.’Itoldthemmyidea.Annabeth’sjawdropped.‘Percy,that’scrazy!’Chironsatbackinhiswheelchairandstrokedhisbeard.‘Thereisaprecedent,however.TheseushadthehelpofAriadne.HarrietTubman,daughterofHermes,usedmanymortalsonherUndergroundRailroadforjustthisreason.’‘Butthisismyquest,’Annabethsaid.‘Ineedtoleadit.’Chironlookeduncomfortable.‘Mydear,itisyourquest.Butyouneedhelp.’Andthisissupposedtohelp?Please!It’swrong.It’scowardly.It’s–’‘Hardtoadmitweneedamortal’shelp,’Isaid.‘Butit’strue.’Annabethglaredatme.‘YouarethesinglemostannoyingpersonIhaveevermet!’Andshestormedoutoftheroom.Istaredatthedoorway.Ifeltlikehittingsomething.‘Somuchforbeingthebravestfriendshe’severhad.’‘Shewillcalmdown,’Chironpromised.‘She’sjealous,myboy.’‘That’sstupid.She’snot…it’snotlike…’Chironchuckled.‘Ithardlymatters.Annabethisveryterritorialaboutherfriends,incaseyouhaven’tnoticed.Shewasquiteworriedaboutyou.Andnowthatyou’reback,Ithinkshesuspectswhereyouweremarooned.’Imethiseyes,andIknewChironhadguessedaboutCalypso.Itwashardtohideanythingfromaguywho’sbeentrainingheroesforthreethousandyears.He’sprettymuchseenitall.‘Wewon’tdwellonyourchoices,’Chironsaid.‘Youcameback.Thatiswhatmatters.’‘TellthattoAnnabeth.’Chironsmiled.‘InthemorningIwillhaveArgustakethetwoofyouintoManhattan.Youmightstopbyyourmother’s,Percy.Sheis…understandablydistraught.’Myheartskippedabeat.AllthattimeonCalypso’sisland,I’dnevereventhoughthowmymomwouldbefeeling.She’dthinkIwasdead.She’dbedevastated.WhatwaswrongwithmethatIhadn’tevenconsideredher?‘Chiron,’Isaid,‘whataboutGroverandTyson?Doyouthink–’‘Idon’tknow,myboy.’Chirongazedintotheemptyfireplace.‘Juniperisquitedistressed.

Allherbranchesareturningyellow.TheCouncilofClovenEldershaverevokedGroverssearcher’slicenceinabsentia.Assuminghecomesbackalive,theywillforcehimintoashamefulexile.’Hesighed.‘GroverandTysonareveryresourceful,however.Wecanstillhope.’‘Ishouldn’thaveletthemrunoff.’‘Groverhashisowndestiny,andTysonwasbravetofollowhim.Youwouldknowif

Groverwasinmortaldanger,don’tyouthink?’‘Isuppose.Theempathylink.But–’‘ThereissomethingelseIshouldtellyou,Percy,’hesaid.‘Actuallytwounpleasant

things.’‘Great.’‘ChrisRodriguez,ourguest…’IrememberedwhatI’dseeninthebasement,Clarissetryingtotalktohimwhilehe

babbledabouttheLabyrinth.‘Ishedead?’‘Notyet,’Chironsaidgrimly.‘Buthe’smuchworse.He’sintheinfirmarynow,tooweak

tomove.IhadtoorderClarissebacktoherregularschedule,becauseshewasathisbedsideconstantly.Hedoesn’trespondtoanything.Hewon’ttakefoodordrink.Noneofmymedicineshelp.Hehassimplylostthewilltolive.’Ishuddered.Despitealltherun-insI’dhadwithClarisse,Ifelthorribleforher.She’dtried

sohardtohelphim.AndnowthatI’dbeenintheLabyrinth,IcouldunderstandwhyithadbeensoeasyfortheghostofMinostodriveChrismad.IfI’dbeenwanderingarounddowntherealone,withoutmyfriendstohelp,I’dneverhavemadeitout.‘I’msorrytosay,’Chironcontinued,‘theothernewsislesspleasantstill.Quintushas

disappeared.’‘Disappeared?How?’‘ThreenightsagoheslippedintotheLabyrinth.Juniperwatchedhimgo.Itappearsyou

mayhavebeenrightabouthim.’‘He’saspyforLuke.’ItoldChironabouttheTripleGRanch–howQuintushadbought

hisscorpionsthereandGeryonhadbeensupplyingKronos’sarmy.‘Itcan’tbeacoincidence.’Chironsighedheavily.‘Somanybetrayals.IhadhopedQuintuswouldproveafriend.It

seemsmyjudgementwasbad.’‘WhataboutMrsO’Leary?’Iasked.‘Thehellhoundisstillinthearena.Itwon’tletanyoneapproach.Ididnothavetheheart

toforceitintoacage…ordestroyit.’‘Quintuswouldn’tjustleaveher.’‘AsIsaid,Percy,weseemtohavebeenwrongabouthim.Now,youshouldprepare

yourselfforthemorning.YouandAnnabethstillhavemuchtodo.’Ilefthiminhiswheelchair,staringsadlyintothefireplace.Iwonderedhowmanytimes

he’dsathere,waitingforheroesthatnevercameback.

BeforedinnerIstoppedbytheswordarena.Sureenough,MrsO’Learywascurledupinanenormousblackfurrymoundinthemiddleofthestadium,chewinghalfheartedlyontheheadofawarriordummy.Whenshesawme,shebarkedandcameboundingtowardsme.IthoughtIwasdead

meat.Ijusthadtimetosay,‘Whoa!’beforeshebowledmeoverandstartedlickingmyface.Nowusually,beingthesonofPoseidonandall,IonlygetwetifIwantto,butmypowersapparentlydidnotextendtodogsaliva,becauseIgotaprettygoodbath.‘Whoa,girl!’Iyelled.‘Can’tbreathe.Lemmeup!’EventuallyImanagedtogetheroffme.Iscratchedherearsandfoundheranextra-

giganticdogbiscuit.‘Where’syourmaster?’Iaskedher.‘Howcouldhejustleaveyou,huh?’Shewhimperedlikeshewantedtoknowthat,too.IwasreadytobelieveQuintuswasan

enemy,butstillIcouldn’tunderstandwhyhe’dleaveMrsO’Learybehind.IftherewasonethingIwassureof,itwasthathereallycaredforhismegadog.Iwasthinkingaboutthatandtowellingthedogspitoffmyfacewhenagirl’svoicesaid,

‘You’reluckyshedidn’tbiteyourheadoff.’Clarissewasstandingattheotherendofthearenawithherswordandshield.‘Camehere

topractiseyesterday,’shegrumbled.‘Dogtriedtochewmeup.’‘She’sanintelligentdog,’Isaid.‘Funny.’Shewalkedtowardsus.MrsO’Learygrowled,butIpattedherontheheadandcalmed

herdown.‘Stupidhellhound,’Clarissesaid.‘Notgoingtokeepmefrompractising.’‘IheardaboutChris,’Isaid.‘I’msorry.’Clarissepacedacirclearoundthearena.Whenshecametothenearestdummy,she

attackedviciously,choppingitsheadoffwithasingleblowanddrivingherswordthroughitsguts.Shepulledtheswordoutandkeptwalking.‘Yeah,well.Sometimesthingsgowrong.’Hervoicewasshaky.‘Heroesgethurt.They…

theydie,andthemonstersjustkeepcomingback.’Shepickedupajavelinandthrewitacrossthearena.Itnailedadummystraightbetween

theeyeholesofitshelmet.ShehadcalledChrisahero,likehehadnevergoneovertotheTitans’side.Itreminded

meofthewayAnnabethsometimestalkedaboutLuke.Idecidednottobringthatup.‘Chriswasbrave,’Isaid.‘Ihopehegetsbetter.’SheglaredatmeasifIwerehernexttarget.MrsO’Learygrowled.‘Domeafavour,’Clarissetoldme.‘Yeah,sure.’‘IfyoufindDaedalus,don’ttrusthim.Don’taskhimforhelp.Justkillhim.’‘Clarisse–’‘BecauseanybodywhocanmakesomethingliketheLabyrinth,Percy?Thatpersonisevil.

Plainevil.’

ForasecondsheremindedmeofEurytionthecowherd,hermucholderhalf-brother.Shehadthesamehardlookinhereyes,asifshe’dbeenusedforthepasttwothousandyearsandwasgettingtiredofit.Shesheathedhersword.‘Practicetimeisover.Fromnowon,it’sforreal.’

ThatnightIsleptinmyownbunk,andforthefirsttimesinceCalypso’sIsland,dreamsfoundme.Iwasinaking’scourtroom–abigwhitechamberwithmarblecolumnsandawoodenthrone.Sittingonitwasaplumpguywithcurlyredhairandacrownoflaurels.Athissidestoodthreegirlswholookedlikehisdaughters.Theyallhadhisredhairandweredressedinbluerobes.Thedoorscreakedopenandaheraldannounced,‘Minos,KingofCrete!’Itensed,butthemanonthethronejustsmiledathisdaughters.‘Icantwaittoseetheexpressiononhisface.’Minos,theroyalcreephimself,sweptintotheroom.Hewassotallandserioushemadetheotherkinglooksilly.Minos’spointedbeardhadgonegrey.HelookedthinnerthanthelasttimeI’ddreamedofhim,andhissandalswerespatteredwithmud,butthesamecruellightshoneinhiseyes.Hebowedstifflytothemanonthethrone.‘KingCocalus.Iunderstandyouhavesolvedmylittleriddle?’Cocalussmiled.‘Hardlylittle,Minos.Especiallywhenyouadvertiseacrosstheworldthatyouarewillingtopayathousandgoldtalentstotheonewhocansolveit.Istheoffergenuine?’Minosclappedhishands.Twobuffguardswalkedin,strugglingwithabigwoodencrate.TheysetitatCocalus’sfeetandopenedit.Stacksofgoldbarsglittered.Ithadtobeworth,like,agazilliondollars.Cocaluswhistledappreciatively.‘Youmusthavebankruptedyourkingdomforsuchareward,myfriend.’‘Thatisnotyourconcern.’Cocalusshrugged.‘Theriddlewasquitesimple,really.Oneofmyretainerssolvedit.’‘Father,’oneofthegirlswarned.Shelookedliketheoldest–alittletallerthanhersisters.Cocalusignoredher.Hetookaspiralseashellfromthefoldsofhisrobe.Asilverstringhadbeenthreadedthroughit,soithunglikeahugebeadonanecklace.Minossteppedforwardandtooktheshell.‘Oneofyourretainers,yousay?Howdidhethreadthestringwithoutbreakingtheshell?’‘Heusedanant,ifyoucanbelieveit.Tiedasilkstringtothelittlecreatureandcoaxeditthroughtheshellbyputtinghoneyatthefarend.’‘Ingeniousman,’Minossaid.‘Oh,indeed.Mydaughters’tutor.Theyarequitefondofhim.’Minos’seyesturnedcold.‘Iwouldbecarefulofthat.’IwantedtowarnCocalus:Don’ttrustthisguy!Throwhiminthedungeonwithsomeman-eatinglionsorsomething!Buttheredheadedkingjustchuckled.‘Nottoworry,Minos.My

daughtersarewisebeyondtheiryears.Now,aboutmygold–’‘Yes,’Minossaid.‘But,yousee,thegoldisforthemanwhosolvedtheriddle.Andtherecanbeonlyonesuchman.YouareharbouringDaedalus.’Cocalusshifteduncomfortablyonhisthrone.‘Howisitthatyouknowhisname?’‘Heisathief,’Minossaid.‘Heonceworkedinmycourt,Cocalus.Heturnedmyowndaughteragainstme.Hehelpedausurpermakeafoolofmeinmyownpalace.Andthenheescapedjustice.Ihavebeenpursuinghimfortenyears.’‘Iknewnothingofthis.ButIhaveofferedthemanmyprotection.Hehasbeenamostuseful–’‘Iofferyouachoice,’Minossaid.‘Turnoverthefugitivetome,andthisgoldisyours.Orriskmakingmeyourenemy.YoudonotwantCreteasyourenemy.’Cocaluspaled.Ithoughtitwasstupidforhimtolooksoscaredinthemiddleofhisownthroneroom.Heshould’vesummonedhisarmyorsomething.Minosonlyhadtwoguards.ButCocalusjustsatthere,sweating,onhisthrone.‘Father,’hisoldestdaughtersaid,‘youcant–’‘Silence,Aelia.’Cocalustwistedhisbeard.Helookedagainattheglitteringgold.‘Thispainsme,Minos.Thegodsdonotloveamanwhobreakshisoathofhospitality.’‘Thegodsdonotlovethosewhoharbourcriminals,either.’Cocalusnodded.‘Verywell.Youshallhaveyourmaninchains.’‘Father!’Aeliasaidagain.Thenshecaughtherself,andchangedhervoicetoasweetertone.At–atleastletusfeastwithourguestfirst.Afterhislongjourney,heshouldbetreatedtoahotbath,newclothesandadecentmeal.Iwouldbehonouredtodrawthebathmyself.ShesmiledprettilyatMinos,andtheoldkinggrunted.‘Isupposeabathwouldnotbeamiss.’HelookedatCocalus.‘Iwillseeyouatdinner,mylord.Withtheprisoner.’‘Thisway,YourMajesty,’saidAelia.SheandhersistersledMinosoutofthechamber.Ifollowedthemintoabathchamberdecoratedwithmosaictiles.Steamfilledtheair.Arunning-waterfaucetpouredhotwaterintothetub.Aeliaandhersistersfilleditwithrosepetalsandsomethingthatmust’vebeenAncientGreekMrBubble,becausesoonthewaterwascoveredwithmulticolouredfoam.ThegirlsturnedasideasMinosdroppedhisrobesandslippedintothebath.‘Ahh.’Hesmiled.Anexcellentbath.Thankyou,mydears.Thejourneyhasbeenlongindeed.’‘Youhavebeenchasingyourpreytenyears,mylord?’Aeliaasked,battinghereyelashes.‘Youmustbeverydetermined.’‘Ineverforgetadebt.’Minosgrinned.‘Yourfatherwaswisetoagreetomydemands.’‘Oh,indeed,mylord!’Aeliasaid.Ithoughtshewaslayingontheflatteryprettythick,buttheoldguywaseatingitup.Aelia’ssisterstrickledscentedoilovertheking’shead.‘Youknow,mylord,’Aeliasaid,‘Daedalusthoughtyouwouldcome.Hethoughttheriddlemightbeatrap,buthecouldn’tresistsolvingit.’Minosfrowned.‘Daedalusspoketoyouaboutme?’

‘Yes,mylord.’‘Heisabadman,princess.Myowndaughterfellunderhisspell.Donotlistentohim.’‘Heisagenius,’Aeliasaid.Andhebelievesawomanisjustassmartasaman.Hewasthefirstevertoteachusasifwehadmindsofourown.Perhapsyourdaughterfeltthesameway.Minostriedtositup,butAelia’ssisterspushedhimbackintothewater.Aeliacameupbehindhim.Sheheldthreetinyorbsinherpalm.AtfirstIthoughttheywerebathbeads,butshethrewtheminthewaterandthebeadssproutedbronzethreadsthatbeganwrappingthemselvesaroundtheking,tyinghimupattheankles,bindinghiswriststohissides,circlinghisneck.EventhoughIhatedMinos,itwasprettyhorribletowatch.Hethrashedandcriedout,butthegirlsweremuchstronger.Soonhewashelpless,lyinginthebathwithhischinjustabovethewater.Thebronzestrandswerestillwrappingthemselvesaroundhimlikeacocoon,tighteningacrosshisbody.‘Whatdoyouwant?’Minosdemanded.‘Whydoyoudothis?’Aeliasmiled.‘Daedalushasbeenkindtous,YourMajesty.AndIdonotlikeyouthreateningourfather.’‘YoutellDaedalus,’Minosgrowled.‘YoutellhimIwillhoundhimevenafterdeath!IfthereisanyjusticeintheUnderworld,mysoulwillhaunthimforeternity!’‘Bravewords,YourMajesty,’Aeliasaid.‘IwishyouluckfindingyourjusticeintheUnderworld.’Andwiththat,thebronzethreadswrappedthemselvesaroundMinos’sface,makinghimabronzemummy.Thedoorofthebathhouseopened.Daedalussteppedin,carryingatraveller’sbag.He’dtrimmedhishairshort.Hisbeardwaspurewhite.Helookedfrailandsad,buthereacheddownandtouchedthemummy’sforehead.Thethreadsunravelledandsanktothebottomofthetub.Therewasnothinginsidethem.ItwasasifKingMinoshadjustdissolved.Apainlessdeath,’Daedalusmused.‘Morethanhedeserved.Thankyou,myprincesses.’Aeliahuggedhim.‘Youcannotstayhere,teacher.Whenourfatherfindsout–’‘Yes,’Daedalussaid.‘IfearIhavebroughtyoutrouble.’‘Oh,donotworryforus.Fatherwillbehappyenoughtakingthatoldman’sgold.AndCreteisaverylongwayaway.ButhewillblameyouforMinos’sdeath.Youmustfleetosomewheresafe.’‘Somewheresafe,’theoldmanrepeated.‘ForyearsIhavefledfromkingdomtokingdom,lookingforsomewheresafe.IfearMinostoldthetruth.Deathwillnotstophimfromhoundingme.Thereisnoplaceunderthesunthatwillharbourme,oncewordofthiscrimegetsout.’‘Thenwherewillyougo?’Aeliasaid.‘AplaceIsworenevertoenteragain,’Daedalussaid.‘Myprisonmaybemyonlysanctuary.’‘Idonotunderstand,’Aeliasaid.‘It’sbestyoudonot.’

‘ButwhatoftheUnderworld?’oneofhersistersasked.‘Terriblejudgementwillawaityou!Everymanmustdie.’‘Perhaps,’Daedalussaid.Thenhebroughtascrollfromhistravellingbag–thesamescrollI’dseeninmylastdream,withhisnephew’snotes.‘Orperhapsnot.’HepattedAelia’sshoulder,thenblessedherandhersisters.Helookeddownoncemoreatthecopperythreadsglintinginthebottomofthebath.‘Findmeifyoudare,kingofghosts.’Heturnedtowardsthemosaicwallandtouchedatile.Aglowingmarkappeared–aGreekΔ–andthewallslidaside.Theprincessesgasped.‘Younevertoldusofsecretpassages!’Aeliasaid.‘Youhavebeenbusy.’‘TheLabyrinthhasbeenbusy,’Daedaluscorrectedher.‘Donottrytofollowme,mydears,ifyouvalueyoursanity.’

Mydreamshifted.Iwasundergroundinastonechamber.Lukeandanotherhalf-bloodwarriorwerestudyingamapbyflashlight.Lukecursed.‘Itshould’vebeenthelastturn.’Hecrumpledupthemapandtosseditaside.‘Sir!’hiscompanionprotested.‘Mapsareuselesshere,’Lukesaid.‘Don’tworry.I’llfindit.’‘Sir,isittruethatthelargerthegroup–’‘Themorelikelyyou’llgetlost?Yes,that’strue.Whydoyouthinkwesentoutsoloexplorerstobeginwith?Butdon’tworry.Assoonaswehavethethread,wecanleadthevanguardthrough.’‘Buthowwillwegetthethread?’Lukestood,flexinghisfingers.‘Oh,Quintuswillcomethrough.Allwehavetodoisreachthearena,andit’satajuncture.Impossibletogetanywherewithoutpassingit.That’swhywemusthaveatrucewithitsmaster.Wejusthavetostayaliveuntil–’‘Sir!’anewvoicecamefromthecorridor.AnotherguyinGreekarmourranforward,carryingatorch.‘Thedracaenaefoundahalf-blood!’Lukescowled.Alone?Wanderingthemaze?’‘Yes,sir!You’dbettercomequick.They’reinthenextchamber.They’vegothimcornered.’‘Whoisit?’‘NooneI’veeverseenbefore,sir.’Lukenodded.AblessingfromKronos.Wemaybeabletousethishalf-blood.Come!’Theyrandownthecorridor,andIwokewithastart,staringintothedark.Alonehalf-blood,wanderinginthemaze.ItwasalongtimebeforeIgottosleepagain.

ThenextmorningImadesureMrsO’Learyhadenoughdogbiscuits.IaskedBeckendorftokeepaneyeonher,whichhedidn’tseemtoohappyabout.ThenIhikedoverHalf-BloodHillandmetAnnabethandArgusontheroad.AnnabethandIdidn’ttalkmuchinthevan.Argusneverspoke,probablybecausehehadeyesalloverhisbody,including–soI’dheard–atthetipofhistongue,andhedidn’tlike

toshowthatoff.Annabethlookedqueasy,asifshe’dsleptevenworsethanme.‘Baddreams?’Iaskedatlast.Sheshookherhead.AnIris-messagefromEurytion.’‘Eurytion!IssomethingwrongwithNico?’‘Helefttheranchlastnight,headingbackintothemaze.’‘What?Didn’tEurytiontrytostophim?’‘Nicowasgonebeforehewokeup.Orthustrackedhisscentasfarasthecattlegrid.Eurytionsaidhe’dbeenhearingNicotalktohimselfthelastfewnights.OnlynowhethinksNicowastalkingwiththeghostagain,Minos.’‘He’sindanger,’Isaid.‘Nokidding.Minosisoneofthejudgesofthedead,buthe’sgotaviciousstreakamilewide.Idon’tknowwhathewantswithNico,but–’‘That’snotwhatImeant,’Isaid.‘Ihadthisdreamlastnight…’ItoldheraboutLuke,howhe’dmentionedQuintus,andhowhismenhadfoundahalf-bloodaloneinthemaze.Annabeth’sjawclenched.‘That’svery,verybad.’‘Sowhatdowedo?’Sheraisedaneyebrow.‘Well,it’sagoodthingyouhaveaplantoguideus,huh?’

ItwasSaturday,andtrafficwasheavygoingintothecity.Wearrivedatmymom’sapartmentaroundnoon.Whensheansweredthedoor,shegavemeahugonlyalittlelessoverwhelmingthanhavingahellhoundjumponyou.‘Itoldthemyouwereallright,’mymomsaid,butshesoundedliketheweightoftheskyhadjustbeenliftedoffhershoulders–and,believeme,Iknowfirsthandhowthatfeels.Shesatusdownatthekitchentableandinsistedonfeedingusherspecialbluechocolate-chipcookieswhilewefilledherinonthequest.Asusual,Itriedtowaterdownthefrighteningparts(whichwasprettymucheverything),butsomehowthatjustmadeitsoundmoredangerous.WhenIgottothepartaboutGeryonandthestables,mymompretendedlikeshewasgoingtostrangleme.‘Icantgethimtocleanhisroom,buthe’llcleanahundredtonsofhorsemanureoutofsomemonster’sstables!’Annabethlaughed.ItwasthefirsttimeI’dheardherlaughinalongtime,anditwasnicetohear.‘So,’mymomsaidwhenIwasdonewiththestory,‘youwreckedAlcatrazIsland,madeMountStHelensexplodeanddisplacedhalfamillionpeople,butatleastyou’resafe.’That’smymom,alwayslookingonthebrightside.‘Yep,’Iagreed.‘Thatprettymuchcoversit.’‘IwishPaulwerehere,’shesaid,halftoherself.‘Hewantedtotalktoyou.’‘Oh,right.Theschool.’SomuchhadhappenedsincethenthatI’dalmostforgottenaboutthehighschoolorientationatGoode–thefactI’dleftthebandhallinflames,andmymom’sboyfriendhad

lastseenmejumpingthroughawindowlikeafugitive.‘Whatdidyoutellhim?’Iasked.Mymomshookherhead.‘WhatcouldIsay?Heknowssomethingisdifferentaboutyou,Percy.He’sasmartman.Hebelievesthatyou’renotabadperson.Hedoesn’tknowwhat’sgoingon,buttheschoolispressuringhim.Afterall,hegotyouadmittedthere.Heneedstoconvincethemthefirewasn’tyourfault,and,sinceyouranaway,thatlooksbad.’Annabethwasstudyingme.Shelookedprettysympathetic.Iknewshe’dbeeninsimilarsituations.It’snevereasyforahalf-bloodinthemortalworld.‘I’lltalktohim,’Ipromised.Afterwe’redonewiththequest.I’lleventellhimthetruthifyouwant.’Mymomputherhandonmyshoulder.‘Youwoulddothat?’‘Well,yeah.Imean,he’llthinkwe’recrazy.’‘Healreadythinksthat.’‘Thenthere’snothingtolose.’‘Thankyou,Percy.I’lltellhimyou’llbehome…’Shefrowned.‘When?Whathappensnow?’Annabethbrokehercookieinhalf.‘Percyhasthisphn.’ReluctantlyItoldmymom.Shenoddedslowly.‘Itsoundsverydangerous.Butitmightwork.’‘Youhavethesameabilities,don’tyou?’Iasked.‘YoucanseethroughtheMist.’Mymomsighed.‘Notsomuchnow.WhenIwasyoungeritwaseasier.But,yes,I’vealwaysbeenabletoseemorethanwasgoodforme.It’soneofthethingsthatcaughtyourfather’sattention,whenwefirstmet.Justbecareful.Promisemeyou’llbesafe.’‘We’lltry,MsJackson,’Annabethsaid.‘Keepingyoursonsafeisabigjob,though.’Shefoldedherarmsandglaredoutofthekitchenwindow.Ipickedatmynapkinandtriednottosayanything.Mymomfrowned.‘What’sgoingonwithyoutwo?Haveyoubeenfighting?’Neitherofussaidanything.‘Isee,’mymomsaid,andIwonderedifshecouldseethroughmorethanjusttheMist.ItsoundedlikesheunderstoodwhatwasgoingonwithAnnabethandme,butIsureasheckdidn’t.‘Well,remember,’shesaid,‘GroverandTysonarecountingonyoutwo.’‘Iknow,’AnnabethandIsaidatthesametime,whichembarrassedmeevenmore.Mymomsmiled.‘Percy,you’dbetterusethephoneinthehall.Goodluck.’Iwasrelievedtogetoutofthekitchen,eventhoughIwasnervousaboutwhatIwasabouttodo.Iwenttothephoneandplacedthecall.Thenumberhadwashedoffmyhandalongtimeago,butthatwasokay.Withoutmeaningto,I’dmemorizedit.

WearrangedameetinginTimesSquare.WefoundRachelElizabethDareinfrontoftheMarriottMarquis,andshewaspaintedgoldcompletely.Imeanherface,herhair,herclothes–everything.Shelookedlikeshe’dbeentouchedbyKingMidas.Shewasstandinglikeastatuewithfiveotherkidsallpaintedmetallic–

copper,bronze,silver.Theywerefrozenindifferentposeswhiletouristshustledpastorstoppedtostare.Somepassers-bythrewmoneyatthetarponthesidewalk.ThesignatRachel’sfeetsaid,urbanartforkids,donationsappreciated.AnnabethandIstoodtherefor,like,fiveminutes,staringatRachel,butifshenoticedusshedidn’tleton.Shedidn’tmoveorevenblinkasfarasIcouldsee.BeingADHDandall,Icouldnothavedonethat.Standingstillthatlongwould’vedrivenmecrazy.ItwasweirdtoseeRachelingold,too.Shelookedlikeastatueofsomebodyfamous,anactressorsomething.Onlyhereyeswerenormalgreen.‘Maybeifwepushherover,’Annabethsuggested.Ithoughtthatwasalittlemean,butRacheldidn’trespond.Afteranotherfewminutes,akidinsilverwalkedupfromthehoteltaxistand,wherehe’dbeentakingabreak.Hetookaposelikehewaslecturingthecrowd,rightnexttoRachel.Rachelunfrozeandsteppedoffthetarp.‘Hey,Percy.’Shegrinned.‘Goodtiming!Let’sgetsomecoffee.’WewalkeddowntoaplacecalledtheJavaMooseonWest43rd.RachelorderedanEspressoExtreme,thekindofstuffGroverwouldlike.AnnabethandIgotfruitsmoothiesandwesatatatablerightunderthestuffedmoose.NobodyevenlookedtwiceatRachelinhergoldenoutfit.‘So,’shesaid.‘It’sAnnabelle,right?’Annabeth,’Annabethcorrectedher.‘Doyoualwaysdressingold?’‘Notusually,’Rachelsaid.‘We’reraisingmoneyforourgroup.Wedovolunteerartprojectsforelementarykids‘causethey’recuttingartfromtheschools,youknow?Wedothisonceamonth,takeinaboutfivehundreddollarsonagoodweekend.ButI’mguessingyoudon’twanttotalkaboutthat.You’reahalf-blood,too?’‘Shhh!’Annabethsaid,lookingaround.‘Justannounceittotheworld,howabout?’‘Okay.’Rachelstoodupandsaid,reallyloud,‘Hey,everybody!Thesetwoaren’thuman!They’rehalfGreekgod!’Nobodyevenlookedover.Rachelshruggedandsatdown.‘Theydon’tseemtocare.’‘That’snotfunny,’Annabethsaid.‘Thisisn’tajoke,mortalgirl.’‘Holdit,youtwo,’Isaid.‘Justcalmdown.’‘I’mcalm,’Rachelinsisted.‘EverytimeI’maroundyou,somemonsterattacksus.What’stobenervousabout?’‘Look,’Isaid,‘I’msorryaboutthebandroom.Ihopetheydidn’tkickyououtoranything.’‘Nah.Theyaskedmealotofquestionsaboutyou.Iplayeddumb.’‘Wasithard?’Annabethasked.‘Okay,stop!’Iintervened.‘Rachel,we’vegotaproblem.Andweneedyourhelp.’RachelnarrowedhereyesatAnnabeth.‘Youneedmyhelp?’Annabethstirredherstrawinhersmoothie.‘Yeah,’shesaidsullenly.‘Maybe.’ItoldRachelabouttheLabyrinth,andhowweneededtofindDaedalus.Itoldherwhathadhappenedthelastfewtimeswe’dgonein.

‘Soyouwantmetoguideyou,’shesaid.‘ThroughaplaceI’veneverbeen.’‘YoucanseethroughtheMist,’Isaid.‘JustlikeAriadne.I’mbettingyoucanseetherightpath.TheLabyrinthwon’tbeabletofoolyouaseasily.’Andifyou’rewrong?’‘Thenwe’llgetlost.Eitherway,it’llbedangerous.Very,verydangerous.’‘Icoulddie?’‘Yeah.’‘Ithoughtyousaidmonstersdon’tcareaboutmortals.Thatswordofyours–’‘Yeah,’Isaid.‘Celestialbronzedoesn’thurtmortals.Mostmonsterswouldignoreyou.ButLuke…hedoesn’tcare.He’llusemortals,demigods,monsters,whatever.Andhe’llkillanyonewhogetsinhisway.’‘Niceguy,’Rachelsaid.‘He’sundertheinfluenceofaTitan,’Annabethsaiddefensively.‘He’sbeendeceived.’Rachellookedbackandforthbetweenus.‘Okay,’shesaid,‘I’min.’Iblinked.Ihadn’tfigureditwouldbesoeasy.Areyousure?’‘Hey,mysummerwasgoingtobeboring.ThisisthebestofferI’vehadyet.SowhatdoIlookfor?’‘WehavetofindanentrancetotheLabyrinth,’Annabethsaid.‘There’sanentranceatCampHalf-Blood,butyoucan’tgothere.It’soff-limitstomortals.’Shesaidmortalslikeitwassomesortofterriblecondition,butRacheljustnodded.‘Okay.WhatdoesanentrancetotheLabyrinthlooklike?’‘Itcouldbeanything,’Annabethsaid.Asectionofwall.Aboulder.Adoorway.Asewerentrance.ButitwouldhavethemarkofDaedalusonit.AGreekDelta,glowinginblue.’‘Likethis?’RacheldrewthesymbolΔinwateronourtable.‘That’sit,’Annabethsaid.‘YouknowGreek?’‘No,’Rachelsaid.Shepulledabigblueplastichairbrushfromherpocketandstartedbrushingthegoldoutofherhair.‘Letmegetchanged.You’dbettercomewithmetotheMarriott.’‘Why?’Annabethasked.‘Becausethere’sanentrancelikethatinthehotelbasement,wherewestoreourcostumes.It’sgotthemarkofDaedalus.’

14MYBROTHERDUELSMETOTHEDEATH

Themetaldoorwashalfhiddenbehindalaundrybinfullofdirtyhoteltowels.Ididn’tseeanythingstrangeaboutit,butRachelshowedmewheretolook,andIrecognizedthefaintbluesymboletchedinthemetal.‘Ithasn’tbeenusedinalongtime,’Annabethsaid.‘Itriedtoopenitonce,’Rachelsaid,‘justoutofcuriosity.It’srustedshut.’‘No.’Annabethsteppedforward.‘Itjustneedsthetouchofahalf-blood.’Sureenough,assoonasAnnabethputherhandonthemark,itglowedblue.Themetaldoorunsealedandcreakedopen,revealingadarkstaircaseleadingdown.‘Wow.’Rachellookedcalm,butIcouldn’ttellifshewaspretendingornot.She’dchangedintoarattyMuseumofModernArtT-shirtandherregularmarker-colouredjeans,herblueplastichairbrushstickingoutofherpocket.Herredhairwastiedback,butshestillhadflecksofgoldinit,andtracesofthegoldglitteronherface.‘So…afteryou?’‘You’retheguide,’Annabethsaidwithmockpoliteness.‘Leadon.’Thestairsleddowntoalargebricktunnel.ItwassodarkIcouldn’tseefurtherthanametreinfrontofus,butAnnabethandIhadrestockedonflashlights.Assoonasweswitchedthemon,Rachelyelped.Askeletonwasgrinningatus.Itwasn’thuman.Itwashuge,foronething–atleasttwoandahalfmetrestall.Ithadbeenstrungup,chainedbyitswristsandanklessoitmadeakindofgiantXoverthetunnel.Butwhatreallysentashiverdownmybackwasthesingleblackeyesocketinthecentreofitsskull.ACyclops,’Annabethsaid.‘It’sveryold.It’snot…anybodyweknow.’Itwasn’tTyson,shemeant.Butthatdidn’tmakemefeelmuchbetter.Istillfeltlikeithadbeenputhereasawarning.WhatevercouldkillagrownCyclops,Ididn’twanttomeet.Rachelswallowed.‘Youhaveafriendwho’saCyclops?’‘Tyson,’Isaid.‘Myhalf-brother.’‘Yourhalf-brother?’‘Hopefullywe’llfindhimdownhere,’Isaid.AndGrover.He’sasatyr.’‘Oh.’Hervoicewassmall.‘Wellthen,we’dbetterkeepmoving.’Shesteppedundertheskeleton’sleftarmandkeptwalking.AnnabethandIexchangedlooks.Annabethshrugged.WefollowedRacheldeeperintothemaze.Afterfifteenmetreswecametoacrossroads.Ahead,thebricktunnelcontinued.Totheright,thewallsweremadeofancientmarbleslabs.Totheleft,thetunnelwasearthandtreeroots.Ipointedleft.‘ThatlookslikethetunnelTysonandGrovertook.’Annabethfrowned.‘Yeah,butthearchitecturetotheright–thoseoldstones–that’smorelikelytoleadtoanancientpartofthemaze,towardsDaedalus’sworkshop.’‘Weneedtogostraight,’Rachelsaid.

AnnabethandIbothlookedather.‘That’stheleastlikelychoice,’Annabethsaid.‘Youdon’tseeit?’Rachelasked.‘Lookatthefloor.’Isawnothingexceptwell-wornbricksandmud.‘There’sabrightnessthere,’Rachelinsisted.‘Veryfaint.Butforwardisthecorrectway.Totheleft,furtherdownthetunnel,thosetreerootsaremovinglikefeelers.Idon’tlikethat.Totheright,there’satrapaboutsevenmetresdown.Holesinthewalls,maybeforspikes.Idon’tthinkweshouldriskit.’Ididn’tseeanythinglikewhatshewasdescribing,butInodded.‘Okay.Forward.’‘Youbelieveher?’Annabethasked.‘Yeah,’Isaid.‘Don’tyou?’Annabethlookedlikeshewantedtoargue,butshewavedatRacheltoleadon.Togetherwekeptwalkingdownthebrickcorridor.Ittwistedandturned,buttherewerenomoresidetunnels.Weseemedtobeanglingdown,headingdeeperunderground.‘Notraps?’Iaskedanxiously.‘Nothing.’Rachelknittedhereyebrows.‘Shoulditbethiseasy?’‘Idon’tknow,’Isaid.‘Itneverwasbefore.’‘So,Rachel,’Annabethsaid,‘whereareyoufrom,exactly?’Shesaiditlike,Whatphnetareyoujrom?ButRacheldidn’tlookoffended.‘Brooklyn,’shesaid.Aren’tyourparentsgoingtobeworriedifyou’reoutlate?’Rachelexhaled.‘Notlikely.Icouldbegoneaweekandthey’dnevernotice.’‘Whynot?’ThistimeAnnabethdidn’tsoundassarcastic.Havingtroublewithparentswassomethingsheunderstood.BeforeRachelcouldanswer,therewasacreakingnoiseinfrontofus,likehugedoorsopening.‘Whatwasthat?’Annabethasked.‘Idon’tknow,’Rachelsaid.‘Metalhinges.’‘Oh,that’sveryhelpful.Imean,whatisitYThenIheardheavyfootstepsshakingthecorridor–comingtowardsus.‘Run?’Iasked.‘Run,’Rachelagreed.Weturnedandfledthewaywe’dcome,butwehadn’tmadeitsixmetresbeforeweranstraightintosomeoldfriends.Twoimcaenae–snakewomeninGreekarmour–levelledtheirjavelinsatourchests.StandingbetweenthemwasKelli,theempousacheerleader.‘Well,well,’Kellisaid.IuncappedRiptide,andAnnabethpulledherknife,butbeforemyswordwasevenoutofpenformKellipouncedonRachel.HerhandturnedintoaclawandshespunRachelaround,holdinghertight,withhertalonsatRachel’sneck.‘Takingyourlittlemortalpetforawalk?’Kelliaskedme.‘They’resuchfragilethings.So

easytobreak!’Behindus,thefootstepscamecloser.Ahugeformappearedoutofthegloom–athree-

metre-tallLaistrygoniangiantwithredeyesandfangs.Thegiantlickedhislipswhenhesawus.‘CanIeatthem?’‘No,’Kellisaid.‘Yourmasterwillwantthese.Theywillprovideagreatdealof

entertainment.’Shesmiledatme.‘Nowmarch,half-bloods.Oryoualldiehere,startingwiththemortalgirl.’

Itwasprettymuchmyworstnightmare.AndbelievemeI’vehadplentyofnightmares.Weweremarcheddownthetunnelflankedbyiracaenae,withKelliandthegiantattheback,justincasewetriedtorunforit.Nobodyseemedtoworryaboutusrunningforward.Thatwasthedirectiontheywantedustogo.UpaheadIcouldseebronzedoors.Theywereaboutthreeandahalfmetrestall,

emblazonedwithapairofcrossedswords.Frombehindthemcameamuffledroar,likeacrowd.‘Oh,yessssss,’saidthesnakewomanonmyleft.‘You’llbeverypopularwithourhossssst.’I’dnevergottolookatairacaenaupclosebefore,andIwasn’tthrilledtohavethe

opportunity.Shewould’vehadabeautifulface,excepthertonguewasforkedandhereyeswereyellowwithblackslitsforpupils.Sheworebronzearmourthatstoppedatherwaist.Belowthat,whereherlegsshould’vebeen,weretwomassivesnaketrunks,mottledbronzeandgreen.Shemovedbyacombinationofslitheringandwalking,asifshewereonlivingskis.‘Who’syourhost?’Iasked.Shehissed,whichmighthavebeenalaugh.‘Oh,you’llsssssee.You’llgetalong

famousssly.He’ssssyourbrother,afterall.’‘Mywhat?’ImmediatelyIthoughtofTyson,butthatwasimpossible.Whatwasshe

talkingabout?Thegiantpushedpastusandopenedthedoors.HepickedupAnnabethbyhershirtand

said,‘Youstayhere.’‘Hey!’sheprotested,buttheguywastwicehersizeandhe’dalreadyconfiscatedherknife

andmysword.Kellilaughed.ShestillhadherclawsatRachel’sneck.‘Goon,Percy.Entertainus.We’ll

waitherewithyourfriendstomakesureyoubehave.’IlookedatRachel.‘I’msorry.I’llgetyououtofthis.’Shenoddedasmuchasshecouldwithademonatherthroat.‘Thatwouldbenice.’Theiracaenaeproddedmetowardsthedoorwayatjavelin-point,andIwalkedoutonto

thefloorofanarena.

Iguessitwasn’tthelargestarenaI’deverbeenin,butitseemedprettyspaciousconsideringthewholeplacewasunderground.Thedirtfloorwascircular,justbigenoughthatyoucoulddriveacararoundtherimifyoupulleditreallytight.Inthecentreofthearena,afightwasgoingonbetweenagiantandacentaur.Thecentaurlookedpanicked.Hewas

gallopingaroundhisenemy,usingswordandshield,whilethegiantswungajavelinthesizeofatelephonepoleandthecrowdcheered.Thefirsttierofseatswasfourmetresabovethearenafloor.Plainstonebencheswrapped

allthewayaround,andeveryseatwasfull.Thereweregiants,iracaenae,demigods,telekhinesandstrangerthings:bat-wingeddemonsandcreaturesthatseemedhalfhumanandhalfyounameit–bird,reptile,insect,mammal.Butthecreepiestthingsweretheskulls.Thearenawasfullofthem.Theyringedtheedge

oftherailing.Metre-highpilesofthemdecoratedthestepsbetweenthebenches.Theygrinnedfrompikesatthebackofthestandsandhungonchainsfromtheceilinglikehorriblechandeliers.Someofthemlookedveryold–nothingbutbleached-whitebone.Otherslookedalotfresher.I’mnotgoingtodescribethem.Believeme,youdon’twantmeto.Inthemiddleofallthis,proudlydisplayedonthesideofthespectators’wall,was

somethingthatmadenosensetome–agreenbannerwiththetridentofPoseidoninthecentre.Whatwasthatdoinginahorribleplacelikethis?Abovethebanner,sittinginaseatofhonour,wasanoldenemy.‘Luke,’Isaid.I’mnotsurehecouldhearmeovertheroarofthecrowd,buthesmiledcoldly.Hewas

wearingcamouflagecombattrousers,awhiteT-shirtandabronzebreastplate,justlikeI’dseeninmydream.Buthestillwasn’twearinghissword,whichIthoughtwasstrange.NexttohimsatthelargestgiantI’deverseen,muchlargerthantheoneonthefloorfightingthecentaur.ThegiantnexttoLukemust’vebeenfivemetrestall,easy,andsowidehetookupthreeseats.Heworeonlyaloincloth,likeasumowrestler.Hisskinwasdarkredandtattooedwithbluewavedesigns.IfiguredhemustbeLuke’snewbodyguardorsomething.Therewasacryfromthearenafloor,andIjumpedbackasthecentaurcrashedtothe

groundbesideme.Hemetmyeyespleadingly.‘Help!’Ireachedformysword,butithadbeentakenfrommeandhadn’treappearedinmy

pocketyet.Thecentaurstruggledtogetupasthegiantapproached,hisjavelinready.Atalonedhandgrippedmyshoulder.Tfyouvalueyourfriendsss’livesss,’myiracaena

guardsaid,‘youwon’tinterfere.Thisisssn’tyourfight.Waityourturn.’Thecentaurcouldn’tgetup.Oneofhislegswasbroken.Thegiantputhishugefooton

thehorseman’schestandraisedthejavelin.HelookedupatLuke.Thecrowdcheered,‘DEATH!DEATH!’Lukedidn’tdoanything,butthetattooedsumodudesittingnexttohimrose.Hesmiled

downatthecentaur,whowaswhimpering,‘Please!No!’Thenthesumodudeheldouthishandandgavethe‘thumbsdownsign.Iclosedmyeyesasthegladiatorgiantthrusthisjavelin.WhenIlookedagain,the

centaurwasgone,disintegratedtoashes.Allthatwasleftwasasinglehoof,whichthegianttookupasatrophyandshowedtothecrowd.Theyroaredtheirapproval.Agateopenedattheoppositeendofthestadiumandthegiantmarchedoutintriumph.

Inthestands,thesumoduderaisedhishandsforsilence.‘Goodentertainment!’hebellowed.‘ButnothingIhaven’tseenbefore.Whatelsedoyouhave,Luke,sonofHermes?’Luke’sjawtightened.Icouldtellhedidn’tlikebeingcalledsonofHermes.Hehatedhisfather.Butherosecalmlytohisfeet.Hiseyesglittered.Infact,heseemedtobeinaprettygoodmood.‘LordAntaeus,’Lukesaid,loudenoughforthecrowdtohear,‘youhavebeenanexcellenthost!Wewouldbehappytoamuseyou,torepaythefavourofpassingthroughyourterritory.’‘AfavourIhavenotyetgranted,’Antaeusgrowled.‘Iwantentertainment.’Lukebowed.‘IbelieveIhavesomethingbetterthancentaurstofightinyourarenanow.Ihaveabrotherofyours,’Hepointedatme.‘PercyJackson,sonofPoseidon.’Thecrowdbeganjeeringatmeandthrowingstones,mostofwhichIdodged,butonecaughtmeonthechеекandmadeagood-sizedcut.Antaeus’seyeslitup.AsonofPoseidon?Thenheshouldfightwell!Ordiewell!’‘Ifhisdeathpleasesyou,’Lukesaid,‘willyouletourarmiescrossyourterritory?’‘Perhaps!’Antaeussaid.Lukedidn’tlooktoopleasedaboutthe‘perhaps’.Heglareddownatme,asifwarningmethatI’dbetterdieinareallyspectacularwayorI’dbeinbigtrouble.‘Luke!’Annabethyelled.‘Stopthis.Letusgo!’Lukeseemedtonoticeherforthefirsttime.Helookedstunnedforamoment.Annabeth?’‘Enoughtimeforthefemalestofightafterwards,’Antaeusinterrupted.‘First,PercyJackson,whatweaponswillyouchoose?’Theiracaenaepushedmeintothemiddleofthearena.IstaredupatAntaeus.‘HowcanyoubeasonofPoseidon?’Antaeuslaughed,andtherestofthecrowdlaughed,too.‘Iamhisfavouriteson!’Antaeusboomed.‘Behold,mytempletotheEarthshaker,builtfromtheskullsofallthoseI’vekilledinhisname!Yourskullshalljointhem!’Istaredinhorroratalltheskulls–hundredsofthem,andthebannerofPoseidon.Howcouldthisbeatempleformydad?Mydadwasaniceguy.He’dneveraskedmeforaFather’sDaycard,muchlesssomebody’sskull.‘Percy!’Annabethyelledatme.‘HismotherisGaea!Gae–’HerLaistrygoniancaptorclampedhishandoverhermouth.HismotherisGaea.Theearthgoddess.Annabethwastryingtotellmethatthiswasimportant,butIdidn’tknowwhy.Maybejustbecausetheguyhadtwogodlyparents.Thatwouldmakehimevenhardertokill.‘You’recrazy,Antaeus,’Isaid.‘Ifyouthinkthisisagoodtribute,youknownothingaboutPoseidon.’Thecrowdscreamedinsultsatme,butAntaeusraisedhishandforsilence.‘Weapons,’heinsisted.Andthenwewillseehowyoudie.Willyouhaveaxes?Shields?Nets?Flamethrowers?’

‘Justmysword,’Isaid.Laughtereruptedfromthemonsters,butimmediatelyRiptideappearedinmyhands,andsomeofthevoicesinthecrowdturnednervous.Thebronzebladeglowedwithafaintlight.‘Roundone!’Antaeusannounced.Thegatesopened,andairacaenaslitheredout.Shehadatridentinonehandandaweightednetintheother–classicgladiatorstyle.I’dtrainedagainstthoseweaponsatcampforyears.Shejabbedatmeexperimentally.Isteppedaway.Shethrewhernet,hopingtotanglemyswordhand,butIsidesteppedeasily,slicedherspearinhalfandstabbedRiptidethroughachinkinherarmour.Withapainfulwail,shevaporizedintonothing,andthecheeringofthecrowddied.‘No!’Antaeusbellowed.‘Toofast!Youmustwaitforthekill.OnlyIgivethatorder!’IglancedoveratAnnabethandRachel.Ihadtofindawaytogetthemfree,maybedistracttheirguards.‘Nicejob,Percy.’Lukesmiled.‘You’vegotbetterwiththesword.I’llgrantyouthat.’‘Roundtwo!’Antaeusyelled.Andslowerthistime!Moreentertainment!Waitformycallbeforekillinganybody,ORELSE!’Thegatesopenedagain,andthistimeayoungwarriorcameout.Hewasalittleolderthanme,aboutsixteen.Hehadglossyblackhair,andhislefteyewascoveredwithaneyepatch.HewasthinandwirysohisGreekarmourhungonhimloosely.Hestabbedhisswordintotheground,adjustedhisshieldstrapsandpulledonhishorsehairhelmet.‘Whoareyou?’Iasked.‘EthanNakamura,’hesaid.‘Ihavetokillyou.’‘Whyareyoudoingthis?’‘Hey!’amonsterjeeredfromthestands.‘Stoptalkingandfightalready!’Theotherstookupthecall.‘Ihavetoprovemyself,’Ethantoldme.‘Onlywaytojoinup.’Andwiththathecharged.Ourswordsmetinmidairandthecrowdroared.Itdidn’tseemright.Ididn’twanttofighttoentertainabunchofmonsters,butEthanNakamurawasn’tgivingmemuchchoice.Hepressedforward.Hewasgood.He’dneverbeenatCampHalf-Blood,asfarasIknew,buthe’dbeentrained.Heparriedmystrikeandalmostslammedmewithhisshield,butIjumpedback.Heslashed.Irolledtooneside.Weexchangedthrustsandparries,gettingafeelforeachother’sfightingstyle.ItriedtokeeptoEthan’sblindside,butitdidn’thelpmuch.He’dapparentlybeenfightingwithonlyoneeyeforalongtime,becausehewasexcellentatguardinghisleft.‘Blood!’themonsterscried.Myopponentglancedupatthestands.Thatwashisweakness,Irealized.Heneededtoimpressthem.Ididn’t.Heyelledanangrybattlecryandchargedme,butIparriedhisbladeandbackedaway,lettinghimcomeafterme.‘Booo!’Antaeussaid.‘Standandfight!’

Ethanpressedme,butIhadnotroubledefending,evenwithoutashield.Hewasdressedfordefence–heavyarmourandshield–whichmadeitverytiringtoplayoffence.Iwasasoftertarget,butIwasalsolighterandfaster.Thecrowdwentnuts,yellingcomplaintsandthrowingrocks.We’dbeenfightingforalmostfiveminutesandtherewasnoblood.FinallyEthanmadehismistake.HetriedtojabatmystomachandIlockedhisswordhiltinmineandtwisted.Hissworddroppedintothedirt.BeforehecouldrecoverIslammedthebuttofmyswordintohishelmetandpushedhimdown.Hisheavyarmourhelpedmemorethanhim.Hefellonhisback,dazedandtired.Iputthetipofmyswordonhischest.‘Getitoverwith,’Ethangroaned.IlookedupatAntaeus.Hisredfacewasstonywithdispleasure,buthehelduphishandandputit‘thumbsdown.‘Forgetit.’Isheathedmysword.‘Don’tbeafool,’Ethangroaned.‘They’lljustkillusboth:Iofferedhimmyhand.Reluctantly,hetookit.Ihelpedhimup.‘Noonedishonoursthegames!’Antaeusbellowed.‘YourheadsshallbothbetributestoPoseidon!’IlookedatEthan.‘Whenyouseeyourchance,run.’ThenIturnedbacktoAntaeus.‘Whydon’tyoufightmeyourself?Ifyou’vegotDad’sfavour,comedownhereandproveit!’Themonstersgrumbledinthestands.Antaeuslookedaround,andapparentlyrealizedhehadnochoice.Hecouldn’tsaynowithoutlookinglikeacoward.‘Iamthegreatestwrestlerintheworld,boy,’hewarned.‘Ihavebeenwrestlingsincethefirstpankmtionf‘PankrationYIasked.‘Hemeansfightingtothedeath,’Ethansaid.‘Norules.Noholdsbarred.ItusedtobeanOlympicsport.’‘Thanksforthetip,’Isaid.‘Don’tmentionit.’Rachelwaswatchingmewithwideeyes.Annabethshookherheademphatically,theLaistrygonian’shandstillclampedoverhermouth.IpointedmyswordatAntaeus.‘Winnertakesall!Iwin,weallgofree.Youwin,wedie.SwearupontheRiverStyx.’Antaeuslaughed.‘Thisshouldn’ttakelong.Isweartoyourterms!’Heleapedofftherailingintothearena.‘Goodluck,’Ethantoldme.‘You’llneedit.’Thenhebackedupquickly.Antaeuscrackedhisknuckles.Hegrinned,andIsawthatevenhisteethwereetchedinwavepatterns,whichmust’vemadebrushingaftermealsarealpain.‘Weapons?’heasked.‘I’llstickwithmysword.You?’Hehelduphishugehandsandwiggledhisfingers.‘Idon’tneedanythingelse!MasterLuke,youwillrefereethisone.’

Lukesmileddownatme.‘Withpleasure.’Antaeuslunged.Irolledunderhislegsandstabbedhiminthebackofhisthigh.Argggh!’heyelled.Butwherebloodshould’vecomeout,therewasaspoutofsand,likeI’dbustedthesideofanhourglass.Itspilledtotheground,andtheearthroseuptocollectaroundhisleg,almostlikeacast.Whenitfellaway,thewoundwasgone.Hechargedagain.FortunatelyI’dhadsomeexperiencefightinggiants.Idodgedsidewaysthistimeandstabbedhimunderthearm.Riptide’sbladewasburiedtothehiltinhisribs.Thatwasthegoodnews.Thebadnewswasthatitwrenchedoutofmyhandwhenthegiantturned,andIwasthrownacrossthearena,weaponless.Antaeusbellowedinpain.Iwaitedforhimtodisintegrate.Nomonsterhadeverwithstoodadirecthitlikethatfrommysword.Thecelestialbronzebladehadtobedestroyinghisessence.ButAntaeusgropedforthehilt,pulledouttheswordandtosseditbehindhim.Moresandpouredfromthewound,butagaintheearthroseuptocoverhim.Dirtcoatedhisbodyallthewaytohisshoulders.Assoonasthedirtspilledaway,Antaeuswasfine.‘NowyouseewhyIneverlose,demigod!’Antaeusgloated.‘Comehereandletmecrushyou.I’llmakeitquick!’Antaeusstoodbetweenmeandmysword.Desperately,Iglancedtoeitherside,andIcaughtAnnabeth’seye.Theearth,Ithought.WhathadAnnabethbeentryingtotellme?Antaeus’smotherwasGaeatheearthmother,themostancientgoddessofall.Antaeus’sfathermighthavebeenPoseidon,butGaeawaskeepinghimalive.Icouldn’thurthimaslongashewastouchingtheground.Itriedtoskirtaroundhim,butAntaeusanticipatedmymove.Heblockedmypath,chuckling.Hewasjusttoyingwithmenow.Hehadmecornered.Ilookedupatthechainshangingfromtheceiling,danglingtheskullsofhisenemiesonhooks.SuddenlyIhadanidea.Ifeintedtotheotherside.Antaeusblockedme.ThecrowdjeeredandscreamedatAntaeustofinishmeoff,buthewashavingtoomuchfun.‘Punyboy,’hesaid.‘Notaworthysonoftheseagod!’Ifeltmypenreturntomypocket,butAntaeuswouldn’tknowaboutthat.HewouldthinkRiptidewasstillinthedirtbehindhim.Hewouldthinkmygoalwastogetmysword.Itwasn’tmuchofanadvantage,butitwasallIhad.Ichargedstraightahead,crouchinglowsohewouldthinkIwasgoingtorollbetweenhislegsagain.Whilehewasstooping,readytocatchmelikeagrounder,IjumpedforallIwasworth–kickingoffhisforearm,scramblinguphisshoulderlikeitwasaladder,placingmyshoeonhishead.Hedidthenaturalthing.Hestraightenedupindignantlyandyelled‘HEY!’Ipushedoff,usinghisforcetocatapultmetowardstheceiling.Icaughtthetopofachain,andtheskullsandhooksjangledbeneathme.Iwrappedmylegsaroundthechain,justlikeIusedtodoattheropescourseingymclass.IdrewRiptideandsawedoffthechainnexttome.‘Comedownhere,coward!’Antaeusbellowed.Hetriedtograbme,butIwasjustoutof

reach.Hangingonfordearlife,Iyelled,‘Comeupandgetme!Orareyoutooslowandfat?’Hehowledandmadeanothergrabforme.Hecaughtachainandtriedtopullhimselfup.Whilehewasstruggling,Iloweredmysawn-ofFchain,hookfirst.Ittookmetwotries,butfinallyIsnaggedAntaeus’sloincloth.‘WAAA!’heyelled.QuicklyIslippedthefreechainthroughthefasteninglinkonmyownchain,pulledittautandsecureditthebestIcould.Antaeustriedtoslipbacktotheground,buthisbuttstayedsuspendedbyhisloincloth.Hehadtoholdontotheotherchainswithbothhandstoavoidgettingflippedupsidedown.Iprayedtheloinclothandthechainwouldholdupforafewmoreseconds.WhileAntaeuscursedandflailed,Iscrambledaroundthechains,swingingandcuttinglikeIwassomekindofcrazedmonkey.Imadeloopswithhooksandmetallinks.Idon’tknowhowIdidit.MymomalwayssaidIhaveagiftforgettingstufftangledup.PlusIwasdesperatetosavemyfriends.Anyway,withinacoupleofminutesthegiantwassuspendedabovetheground,hopelesslysnarledinchainsandhooks.Idroppedtothefloor,pantingandsweaty.Myhandswererawfromclimbing.‘Getmedown!’Antaeusdemanded.‘Freehim!’Lukeordered.‘Heisourhost!’IuncappedRiptide.‘I’llfreehim.’AndIstabbedthegiantinthestomach.Hebellowed,andsandpouredout,buthewastoofaruptotouchtheearth,andthedirtdidnotrisetohelphim.Antaeusjustdissolved,pouringoutbitbybit,untiltherewasnothingleftbutemptyswingingchains,areallybigloinclothonahookandabunchofgrinningskullsdancingabovemeliketheyfinallyhadsomethingtosmileabout.‘Jackson!’Lukeyelled.‘Ishouldhavekilledyoulongago!’‘Youtried,’Iremindedhim.‘Letusgo,Luke.WehadaswornagreementwithAntaeus.I’mthewinner.’HedidjustwhatIexpected.Hesaid,Antaeusisdead.Hisoathdieswithhim.ButsinceI’mfeelingmercifultoday,I’llhaveyoukilledquickly.’HepointedatAnnabeth.‘Sparethegirl.’Hisvoicequaveredjustalittle.‘Iwouldspeaktoherbefore–beforeourgreattriumph.’Everymonsterintheaudiencedrewaweaponorextendeditsclaws.Weweretrapped.Hopelesslyoutnumbered.ThenIfeltsomethinginmypocket–afreezingsensation,growingcolderandcolder.Thedogwhistle.Myfingersclosedaroundit.FordaysI’davoidedusingQuintus’sgift.Ithadtobeatrap.Butnow…Ihadnochoice.Itookitoutofmypocketandblew.Itmadenoaudiblesoundasitshatteredintoshardsofice,meltinginmyhand.Lukelaughed.‘Whatwasthatsupposedtodo?’Frombehindmecameasurprisedyelp.TheLaistrygoniangiantwho’dbeenguardingAnnabethflewpastmeandsmashedintothewall.AROOOOF!’Kellitheempousascreamedasatwo-hundred-kilogramblackmastiffpickedheruplikea

chewtoyandtossedherthroughtheair,straightintoLuke’slap.MrsO’Learysnarled,andthetwoiracaenaeguardsbackedaway.Foramomentthemonstersintheaudiencewerecaughtcompletelybysurprise.‘Let’sgo!’Iyelledatmyfriends.‘Heel,MrsO’Leary!’‘Thefarexit!’Rachelcried.‘That’stherightway!’EthanNakamuratookhiscue.Togetherweracedacrossthearenaandoutthefarexit,MrsO’Learyrightbehindus.Asweran,Icouldhearthedisorganizedsoundsofanentirearmytryingtojumpoutofthestandsandfollowus.

15WESTEALSOMESLIGHTLYUSEDWINGS

‘Thisway!’Rachelyelled.‘Whyshouldwefollowyou?’Annabethdemanded.‘Youledusstraightintothatdeathtrap!’‘Itwasthewayyouneededtogo,’Rachelsaid.‘Andsoisthis.Comeon!’Annabethdidn’tlookhappyaboutit,butsheranalongwiththerestofus.Rachelseemedtoknowexactlywhereshewasgoing.Shewhippedaroundcornersanddidn’tevenhesitateatcrossroads.Onceshesaid,‘Duck!’andweallcrouchedasahugeaxeswungoverourheads.Thenwekeptgoingasifnothinghadhappened.Ilosttrackofhowmanyturnswemade.Wedidn’tstoptorestuntilwecametoaroomthesizeofagymnasiumwitholdmarblecolumnsholdinguptheroof.Istoodatthedoorway,listeningforsoundsofpursuit,butIheardnothing.Apparently,we’dlostLukeandhisminionsinthemaze.ThenIrealizedsomethingelse:MrsO’Learywasgone.Ididn’tknowwhenshe’ddisappeared.Ididn’tknowifshe’dgotlostorbeenoverrunbymonsters,orwhat.Myheartturnedtolead.She’dsavedourlives,andIhadn’tevenwaitedtomakesureshewasfollowingus.Ethancollapsedonthefloor.‘Youpeoplearecrazy.’Hepulledoffhishelmet.Hisfacegleamedwithsweat.Annabethgasped.‘Irememberyou!YouwereoneoftheundeterminedkidsinHermescabin,yearsago.’Heglaredather.‘Yeah,andyou’reAnnabeth.Iremember.’‘What–whathappenedtoyoureye?’Ethanlookedaway,andIgotthefeelingthatwasonesubjecthewouldnotdiscuss.‘Youmustbethehalf-bloodfrommydream,’Isaid.‘TheoneLuke’speoplecornered.Itwasn’tNicoafterall.’‘Who’sNico?’‘Nevermind,’Annabethsaidquickly.‘Whywereyoutryingtojoinupwiththewrongside?’Ethansneered.‘There’snorightside.Thegodsnevercaredaboutus.Whyshouldn’tI–’‘Signupwithanarmythatmakesyoufighttothedeathforentertainment?’Annabethsaid.‘Gee,Iwonder.’Ethanstruggledtohisfeet.‘I’mnotgoingtoarguewithyou.Thanksforthehelp,butI’moutofhere.’‘We’regoingafterDaedalus,’Isaid.‘Comewithus.Oncewegetthrough,you’dbewelcomebackatcamp.’‘YoureallyarecrazyifyouthinkDaedaluswillhelpyou.’‘Hehasto,’Annabethsaid.‘We’llmakehimlisten.’

Ethansnorted.‘Yeah,well.Goodluckwiththat.’Igrabbedhisarm.‘You’rejustgoingtoheadoffaloneintothemaze?That’ssuicide.’Helookedatmewithbarelycontrolledanger.Hiseyepatchwasfrayedaroundtheedgesandtheblackclothwasfaded,likehe’dbeenwearingitalong,longtime.‘Youshouldn’thavesparedme,Jackson.Mercyhasnoplaceinthiswar.’Thenheranoffintothedarkness,backthewaywe’dcome.

Annabeth,RachelandIweresoexhaustedwemadecamprightthereinthehugeroom.Ifoundsomescrapwoodandwestartedafire.Shadowsdancedoffthecolumnsrisingaroundusliketrees.‘SomethingwaswrongwithLuke,’Annabethmuttered,pokingatthefirewithherknife.‘Didyounoticethewayhewasacting?’‘Helookedprettypleasedtome,’Isaid.‘Likehe’dspentanicedaytorturingheroes.’‘That’snottrue!Therewassomethingwrongwithhim.Helooked…nervous.Hetoldhismonsterstospareme.Hewantedtotellmesomething.’‘Probably,Hi,Annabeth!SitherewithmeandwatchwhileItearyourfriendsapart.It’llhefun!’‘You’reimpossible,’Annabethgrumbled.ShesheathedherdaggerandlookedatRachel.‘Sowhichwaynow,Sacagawea?’Racheldidn’trespondrightaway.She’dbecomequietersincethearena.Now,wheneverAnnabethmadeasarcasticcomment,Rachelhardlybotheredtoanswer.She’dburnedthetipofastickinthefireandwasusingittodrawashfiguresonthefloor,imagesofthemonsterswe’dseen.Withafewstrokesshecaughtthelikenessofairacaenaperfectly.‘We’llfollowthepath,’shesaid.‘Thebrightnessonthefloor.’‘Thebrightnessthatledusstraightintoatrap?Annabethasked.‘Layoffher,Annabeth,’Isaid.‘She’sdoingthebestshecan.’Annabethstood.‘Thefire’sgettinglow.I’llgolookforsomemorescrapswhileyouguystalkstrategy.’Andshemarchedoffintotheshadows.Racheldrewanotherfigurewithherstick–anashyAntaeusdanglingfromhischains.Annabeth’susuallynotlikethis,’Itoldher.‘Idon’tknowwhatherproblemis.’Rachelraisedhereyebrows.Areyousureyoudon’tknow?’‘Whatdoyoumean?’‘Boys,’shemuttered.‘Totallyblind.’‘Hey,don’tyougetonmycase,too!Look,I’msorryIgotyouinvolvedinthis.’‘No,youwereright,’shesaid.‘Icanseethepath.Ican’texplainit,butit’sreallyclear.’Shepointedtowardstheotherendoftheroom,intothedarkness.‘Theworkshopisthatway.Theheartofthemaze.We’reveryclosenow.Idon’tknowwhythepathledthroughthatarena.I–I’msorryaboutthat.Ithoughtyouweregoingtodie.’Shesoundedlikeshewasclosetocrying.‘Hey,I’musuallyabouttodie,’Ipromised.‘Don’tfeelbad.’Shestudiedmyface.‘Soyoudothiseverysummer?Fightmonsters?Savetheworld?

Don’tyouevergettodojust,youknow,normalstuff?’I’dneverreallythoughtaboutitlikethat.ThelasttimeI’dhadsomethinglikeanormal

lifehadbeen…well,never.‘Half-bloodsgetusedtoit,Iguess.Ormaybenotusedtoit,but…’Ishifteduncomfortably.‘Whataboutyou?Whatdoyoudonormally?’Rachelshrugged.‘Ipaint.Ireadalot.’Okay,Ithought.Sofarwearescoringazeroonthesimilaritieschart.‘Whataboutyour

family?’Icouldsensehermentalshieldsgoingup,likethiswasnotasafesubject.‘Oh…they’re

just,youknow,family.’‘Yousaidtheywouldn’tnoticeifyouweregone.’Shesetdownherdrawingstick.‘Wow,I’mreallytired.Imaysleepforawhile,okay?’‘Oh,sure.Sorryif…’ButRachelwasalreadycurlingup,usingherbackpackasapillow.Sheclosedhereyes

andlayverystill,butIgotthefeelingshewasn’treallyasleep.Afewminuteslater,Annabethcameback.Shetossedsomemoresticksonthefire.She

lookedatRachel,thenatme.‘I’lltakefirstwatch,’shesaid.‘Youshouldsleep,too.’‘Youdon’thavetoactlikethat.’‘Likewhat?’‘Like…nevermind.’Ilaydown,feelingmiserable.IwassotiredIfellasleepassoonas

myeyesclosed.

Inmydreams,Iheardlaughter.Cold,harshlaughter,likeknivesbeingsharpened.IwasstandingattheedgeofapitinthedepthsofTartarus.Belowme,thedarkness

seethedlikeinkysoup.‘Soclosetoyourowndestruction,littlehero,’thevoiceofKronoschided.Andstillyouare

blind.’Thevoicewasdifferentthanithadbeenbefore.Itseemedalmostphysicalnow,asifit

werespeakingfromarealbodyinsteadof…whateverhe’dbeeninhischopped-upcondition.‘Ihavemuchtothankyoufor,’Kronossaid.‘Youhaveassuredmyrise.’Theshadowsinthecavernbecamedeeperandheavier.Itriedtobackawayfromthe

edgeofthepit,butitwaslikeswimmingthroughoil.Timesloweddown.Mybreathingalmoststopped.‘Afavour,’Kronossaid.‘TheTitanlordalwayspayshisdebts.Perhapsaglimpseofthe

friendsyouabandoned…’Thedarknessrippledaroundme,andIwasinadifferentcave.‘Hurry!’Tysonsaid.Hecamebarrellingintotheroom.Groverstumbledalongbehind

him.Therewasarumblinginthecorridorthey’dcomefrom,andtheheadofanenormoussnakeburstintothecave.Imean,thisthingwassobigitsbodybarelyfittedthroughthetunnel.Itsscaleswerecoppery,itsheadwasdiamond-shapedlikearattleranditsyellow

eyesglowedwithhatred.Whenitopeneditsmouth,itsfangswereastallasTyson.ItlashedatGrover,butGroverscamperedoutoftheway.Thesnakegotamouthfulof

dirt.Tysonpickedupaboulderandthrewitatthemonster,smackingitbetweentheeyes,butthesnakejustrecoiledandhissed.‘It’sgoingtoeatyou!’GroveryelledatTyson.‘Howdoyouknow?’‘Itjusttoldme!Run!’Tysondartedtooneside,butthesnakeuseditsheadlikeaclubandknockedhimoffhis

feet.‘No!’Groveryelled.ButbeforeTysoncouldregainhisbalancethesnakewrappedaround

himandstartedtosqueeze.Tysonstrained,pushingwithallhisimmensestrength,butthesnakesqueezedtighter.

Groverfranticallyhitthesnakewithhisreedpipes,buthemightaswellhavebeenbangingonastonewall.Thewholeroomshookasthesnakeflexeditsmuscles,shudderingtoovercomeTysons

strength.Groverbegantoplaythepipes,andstalactitesraineddownfromtheceiling.Thewhole

caveseemedabouttocollapse…

IwokewithAnnabethshakingmyshoulder.‘Percy,wakeup!’‘Tyson–Tysonsintrouble!’Isaid.‘Wehavetohelphim!’‘Firstthingsfirst,’shesaid.‘Earthquake!’Sureenough,theroomwasrumbling.‘Rachel!’Iyelled.Hereyesopenedinstantly.Shegrabbedherpack,andthethreeofusran.Wewere

almosttothefartunnelwhenacolumnnexttousgroanedandbuckled.Wekeptgoingasahundredtonsofmarblecrasheddownbehindus.Wemadeittothecorridorandturnedjustintimetoseetheothercolumnstoppling.A

cloudofwhitedustbillowedoverus,andwekeptrunning.‘Youknowwhat?’Annabethsaid.‘Ilikethiswayafterall.’Itwasn’tlongbeforewesawlightupahead–likeregularelectriclighting.‘There,’Rachelsaid.Wefollowedherintoastainless-steelhallway,likeIimaginedthey’dhaveonaspace

stationorsomething.Fluorescentlightsglowedfromtheceiling.Thefloorwasametalgrate.IwassousedtobeinginthedarknessthatIhadtosquint.AnnabethandRachelboth

lookedpaleintheharshillumination.‘Thisway,’Rachelsaid,beginningtorun.‘We’reclose!’‘Thisissowrong!’Annabethsaid.‘Theworkshopshouldbeintheoldestsectionofthe

maze.Thiscan’t–’Shefaltered,becausewe’darrivedatasetofmetaldoubledoors.Inscribedinthesteel,at

eyelevel,wasalargeblueGreekΔ.

‘We’rehere,’Rachelannounced.‘Daedalus’sworkshop.’

Annabethpressedthesymbolonthedoorsandtheyhissedopen.‘Somuchforancientarchitecture,’Isaid.Annabethscowled.Togetherwewalkedinside.Thefirstthingthatstruckmewasthedaylight–blazingsuncomingthroughgiantwindows.Notthekindofthingyouexpectintheheartofadungeon.Theworkshopwaslikeanartist’sstudio,withten-metreceilingsandindustriallighting,polishedstonefloorsandworkbenches.Aspiralstaircaseleduptoasecond-storeyloft.Halfadozeneaselsdisplayedhand-drawndiagramsforbuildingsandmachinesthatlookedlikeLeonardodaVincisketches.Severallaptopcomputerswerescatteredaroundonthetables.Glassjarsofgreenoil–Greekfire–linedoneshelf.Therewereinventions,too–weirdmetalmachinesIcouldn’tmakesenseof.Onewasabronzechairwithabunchofelectricalwiresattachedtoit,likesomekindoftorturedevice.Inanothercornerstoodagiantmetaleggaboutthesizeofaman.Therewasagrandfatherclockthatappearedtobemadeentirelyofglass,soyoucouldseeallthegearsturning.Andhangingonthewallwereseveralsetsofbronzeandsilverwings.‘Diimmortales,’Annabethmuttered.Sherantothenearesteaselandlookedatthesketch.‘He’sagenius.Lookatthecurvesonthisbuilding!’Andanartist,’Rachelsaidinamazement.‘Thesewingsareamazing!’ThewingslookedmoreadvancedthantheonesI’dseeninmydreams.Thefeathersweremoretightlyinterwoven.Insteadofwaxseals,self-adhesivestripsrandownthesides.IkeptmyhandonRiptide.ApparentlyDaedaluswasnotathome,buttheworkshoplookedlikeithadbeenusedrecently.Thelaptopswererunningtheirscreensavers.Ahalf-eatenblueberrymuffinandacoffeecupsatonaworkbench.Iwalkedtothewindow.Theviewoutsidewasamazing.IrecognizedtheRockyMountainsinthedistance.Wewerehighupinthefoothills,atleastonehundredandfiftymetres,and,downbelow,avalleyspreadout,filledwithatumbledcollectionofredmesasandbouldersandspiresofstone.Itlookedlikesomehugekidhadbeenbuildingatoycitywithskyscraper-sizeblocks,andthendecidedtoknockitover.‘Wherearewe?’Iwondered.‘ColoradoSprings,’avoicesaidbehindus.‘TheGardenoftheGods.’Standingonthespiralstaircaseaboveus,withhisweapondrawn,wasourmissingswordmaster,Quintus.

∗∗∗

‘You,’Annabethsaid.‘WhathaveyoudonewithDaedalus?’Quintussmiledfaintly.‘Trustme,mydear.Youdon’twanttomeethim.’‘Look,MrTraitor,’shegrowled,‘Ididn’tfightadragonwomanandathree-bodiedmanandapsychoticSphinxtoseeyou.NowwhereisDAEDALUS?’Quintuscamedownthestairs,holdinghisswordathisside.Hewasdressedinjeansandbootsandhiscounsellor’sT-shirtfromCampHalf-Blood,whichseemedlikeaninsultnow

thatweknewhewasaspy.Ididn’tknowifIcouldbeathiminaswordfight.Hewasprettygood.ButIfiguredIwouldhavetotry.‘YouthinkI’managentofKronos,’hesaid.‘ThatIworkforLuke.’‘Well,duh,’saidAnnabeth.‘You’reanintelligentgirl,’hesaid.‘Butyou’rewrong.Iworkonlyformyself.‘Lukementionedyou,’Isaid.‘Geryonknewaboutyou,too.You’vebeentohisranch.’‘Ofcourse,’hesaid.‘I’vebeenalmosteverywhere.Evenhere.’HewalkedpastmelikeIwasnothreatatallandstoodbythewindow.‘Theviewchangesfromdaytoday,’hemused.‘It’salwayssomeplacehighup.YesterdayitwasfromaskyscraperoverlookingManhattan.Thedaybeforethat,therewasabeautifulviewofLakeMichigan.ButitkeepscomingbacktotheGardenoftheGods.IthinktheLabyrinthlikesithere.Afittingname,Isuppose.’‘You’vebeenherebefore,’Isaid.‘Oh,yes.’‘That’sanillusionoutthere?’Iasked.Aprojectionorsomething?’‘No,’Rachelmurmured.‘It’sreal.We’rereallyinColorado.’Quintusregardedher.‘Youhaveclearvision,don’tyou?YouremindmeofanothermortalgirlIonceknew.Anotherprincesswhocametogrief.‘Enoughgames,’Isaid.‘WhathaveyoudonewithDaedalus?’Quintusstaredatme.‘Myboy,youneedlessonsfromyourfriendonseeingclearly.IamDaedalus.’

TherewerealotofanswersImight’vegiven,from‘Iknewthat’to‘LIAR!’to‘Yeahright,andI’mZeus.’TheonlythingIcouldthinktosaywas,‘Butyou’renotaninventor!You’reaswordsman!’‘Iamboth,’Quintussaid.Andanarchitect.Andascholar.Ialsoplaybasketballprettywellforaguywhodidn’tstartuntilhewastwothousandyearsold.Arealartistmustbegoodatmanythings.’‘That’strue,’Rachelsaid.‘LikeIcanpaintwithmyfeetaswellasmyhands.’‘Yousee?’Quintussaid.Agirlofmanytalents.’‘Butyoudon’tevenlooklikeDaedalus,’Iprotested.‘Isawhiminadream,and…’Suddenlyahorriblethoughtdawnedonme.‘Yes,’Quintussaid.‘You’vefinallyguessedthetruth.’‘You’reanautomaton.Youmadeyourselfanewbody.’‘Percy,’Annabethsaiduneasily,‘that’snotpossible.That–thatcan’tbeanautomaton.’Quintuschuckled.‘DoyouknowwhatQuintusmeans,mydear?’‘Thefifth,inLatin.But–’‘Thisismyfifthbody.’Theswordsmanheldouthisforearm.Hepressedhiselbowandpartofhiswristpoppedopen–arectangularhatchinhisskin.Underneath,bronzegearswhirred.Wiresglowed.

‘That’samazing!’Rachelsaid.‘That’sweird,’Isaid.‘Youfoundawaytotransferyouranimusintoamachine?’Annabethsaid.‘That’s…notnatural.’‘Oh,Iassureyou,mydear,it’sstillme.I’mstillverymuchDaedalus.Ourmother,Athena,makessureIneverforgetthat.’Hetuggedbackthecollarofhisshirt.AtthebaseofhisneckwasthemarkI’dseenbefore–thedarkshapeofabirdgraftedtohisskin.Amurderer’sbrand,’Annabethsaid.‘Foryournephew,Perdix,’Iguessed.‘Theboyyoupushedoffthetower.’Quintus’sfacedarkened.‘Ididnotpushhim.Isimply–’‘Madehimlosehisbalance,’Isaid.‘Lethimdie.’Quintusgazedoutofthewindowsatthepurplemountains.‘IregretwhatIdid,Percy.Iwasangryandbitter.ButIcannottakeitback,andAthenaneverletsmeforget.AsPerdixdied,sheturnedhimintoasmallbird–apartridge.Shebrandedthebird’sshapeonmyneckasareminder.NomatterwhatbodyItake,thebrandappearsonmyskin.’Ilookedintohiseyes,andIrealizedhewasthesamemanI’dseeninmydreams.Hisfacemightbetotallydifferent,butthesamesoulwasinthere–thesameintelligenceandallthesadness.‘YoureallyareDaedalus,’Idecided.‘Butwhydidyoucometothecamp?Whyspyonus?’‘Toseeifyourcampwasworthsaving.Lukehadgivenmeonestory.Ipreferredtocometomyownconclusions.’‘SoyouhavetalkedtoLuke.’‘Oh,yes.Severaltimes.Heisquitepersuasive.’‘Butnowyou’veseenthecamp!’Annabethpersisted.‘Soyouknowweneedyourhelp.Youcan’tletLukethroughthemaze!’Daedalussethisswordontheworkbench.‘Themazeisnolongerminetocontrol,Annabeth.Icreatedit,yes.Infact,itistiedtomylifeforce.ButIhaveallowedittoliveandgrowonitsown.ThatisthepriceIpaidforprivacy.’‘Privacyfromwhat?’‘Thegods,’hesaid.Anddeath.Ihavebeenalivefortwomillennia,mydear,hidingfromdeath.’‘ButhowcanyouhidefromHades?’Iasked.‘Imean…HadeshastheFuries.’‘Theydonotknoweverything,’hesaid.‘Orseeeverything.Youhaveencounteredthem,Percy.Youknowthisistrue.Aclevermancanhidequitealongtime,andIhaveburiedmyselfverydeep.Onlymygreatestenemyhaskeptafterme,andevenhimIhavethwarted.’‘YoumeanMinos,’Isaid.Daedalusnodded.‘Hehuntsformerelentlessly.Nowthatheisajudgeofthedead,hewouldlikenothingbetterthanformetocomebeforehimsohecanpunishmeformycrimes.AfterthedaughtersofCocaluskilledhim,Minos’sghostbegantorturingmeinmydreams.Hepromisedthathewouldhuntmedown.IdidtheonlythingIcould.Iretreated

fromtheworldcompletely.IdescendedintomyLabyrinth.Idecidedthiswouldbemyultimateaccomplishment:Iwouldcheatdeath.’‘Andyoudid,’Annabethmarvelled,‘fortwothousandyears.’Shesoundedkindofimpressed,despitethehorriblethingsDaedalushaddone.Justthenaloudbarkechoedfromthecorridor.Iheardtheba-BUMP,ba-BUMP,ba-BUMPofhugepaws,andMrsO’Learyboundedintotheworkshop.Shelickedmyfaceonce,thenalmostknockedDaedalusoverwithanenthusiasticleap.‘Thereismyoldfriend!’Daedalussaid,scratchingMrsO’Learybehindtheears.‘Myonlycompanionalltheselonglonelyyears.’‘Youlethersaveme,’Isaid.‘Thatwhistleactuallyworked.’Daedalusnodded.‘Ofcourseitdid,Percy.Youhaveagoodheart.AndIknewMrsO’Learylikedyou.Iwantedtohelpyou.PerhapsI–Ifeltguilty,aswell.’‘Guiltyaboutwhat?’‘Thatyourquestwouldbeinvain.’‘What?’Annabethsaid.‘Butyoucanstillhelpus.Youhaveto!GiveusAriadne’sstringsoLukecan’tgetit.’‘Yes…thestring.ItoldLukethattheeyesofaclear-sightedmortalarethebestguide,buthedidnottrustme.Hewassofocusedontheideaofamagicitem.Andthestringworks.It’snotasaccurateasyourmortalfriendhere,perhaps.Butgoodenough.Goodenough.’‘Whereisit?’Annabethsaid.‘WithLuke,’Daedalussaidsadly.‘I’msorry,mydear.Butyouareseveralhourstoolate.’WithachillIrealizedwhyLukehadbeeninsuchagoodmoodinthearena.He’dalreadygotthestringfromDaedalus.Hisonlyobstaclehadbeenthearenamaster,andI’dtakencareofthatforhimbykillingAntaeus.‘Kronospromisedmefreedom,’Quintussaid.‘OnceHadesisoverthrown,hewillsetmeovertheUnderworld.IwillreclaimmysonIcarus.IwillmakethingsrightwithpooryoungPerdix.IwillseeMinos’ssoulcastintoTartarus,whereitcannotbothermeagain.AndIwillnolongerhavetorunfromdeath.’‘That’syourbrilliantidea?’Annabethyelled.‘You’regoingtoletLukedestroyourcamp,killhundredsofdemigodsandthenattackOlympus?You’regoingtobringdowntheentireworldsoyoucangetwhatyouwant?’‘Yourcauseisdoomed,mydear.IsawthatassoonasIbegantoworkatyourcamp.ThereisnowayyoucanholdbackthemightofKronos.’‘That’snottrue!’shecried.‘IamdoingwhatImust,mydear.Theofferwastoosweettorefuse.I’msorry.’Annabethpushedoveraneasel.Architecturaldrawingsscatteredacrossthefloor.‘Iusedtorespectyou.Youweremyhero!You–youbuiltamazingthings.Yousolvedproblems.Now…Idon’tknowwhatyouare.ChildrenofAthenaaresupposedtobewise,notjustclever.Maybeyouarejustamachine.Youshouldhavediedtwothousandyearsago.’Insteadofgettingmad,Daedalushunghishead.‘Youshouldgowarnyourcamp.NowthatLukehasthestring–’

SuddenlyMrsO’Learyprickedupherears.‘Someone’scoming!’Rachelwarned.Thedoorsoftheworkshopburstopen,andNicowaspushedinside,hishandsinchains.ThenKelliandtwoLaistrygoniansmarchedinbehindhim,followedbytheghostofMinos.Helookedalmostsolidnow–apalebeardedkingwithcoldeyesandtendrilsofMistcoilingoffhisrobes.HefixedhisgazeonDaedalus.‘Thereyouare,myoldfriend.’Daedalus’sjawclenched.HelookedatKelli.‘Whatisthemeaningofthis?’‘Lukesendshiscompliments,’Kellisaid.‘Hethoughtyoumightliketoseeyouroldemployer,Minos.’‘Thiswasnotpartofouragreement,’Daedalussaid.‘Noindeed,’Kellisaid.‘Butwealreadyhavewhatwewantfromyou,andwehaveotheragreementstohonour.Minosrequiredsomethingelsefromus,inordertoturnoverthisfineyoungdemigod.’SheranafingerunderNico’schin.‘He’llbequiteuseful.AndallMinosaskedinreturnwasyourhead,oldman.’Daedaluspaled.‘Treachery.’‘Getusedtoit,’Kellisaid.‘Nico,’Isaid.Areyouokay?’Henoddedmorosely.‘I–I’msorry,Percy.Minostoldmeyouwereindanger.Heconvincedmetogobackintothemaze.’‘Youweretryingtohelpus?’‘Iwastricked,’hesaid.‘Hetrickedallofus.’IglaredatKelli.‘Where’sLuke?Whyisn’thehere?’Theshe-demonsmiledlikeweweresharingaprivatejoke.‘Lukeis…busy.Heispreparingfortheassault.Butdon’tworry.Wehavemorefriendsontheway.Andinthemeantime,IthinkI’llhaveawonderfulsnack!’Herhandschangedtoclaws.Herhairburstintoflameandherlegsturnedtotheirtrueform–onedonkeyleg,onebronze.‘Percy,’Rachelwhispered,‘thewings.Doyouthink–’‘Getthem,’Isaid.‘I’lltrytobuyyousometime.’Andwiththat,allHadesbrokeloose.AnnabethandIchargedatKelli.ThegiantscamerightatDaedalus,butMrsO’Learyleapedtohisdefence.NicogotpushedtothegroundandstruggledwithhischainswhilethespiritofMinoswailed,‘Killtheinventor!Killhim!’Rachelgrabbedthewingsoffthewall.Nobodypaidheranyattention.KellislashedatAnnabeth.Itriedtogettoher,butthedemonwasquickanddeadly.Sheturnedovertables,smashedinventionsandwouldn’tletusgetclose.Outofthecornerofmyeye,IsawMrsO’Learychompherfangsintoagiant’sarm.Hewailedinpainandflungheraround,tryingtoshakeheroff.Daedalusgrabbedforhissword,butthesecondgiantsmashedtheworkbenchwithhisfist,andtheswordwentflying.AclayjarofGreekfirebrokeonthefloorandbegantoburn,greenflamesspreadingquickly.‘Tome!’Minoscried.‘Spiritsofthedead!’Heraisedhisghostlyhandsandtheairbegantohum.

‘No!’Nicocried.Hewasonhisfeetnow.He’dsomehowmanagedtoremovehisshackles.‘Youdonotcontrolme,youngfool,’Minossneered.Allthistime,Ihavebeencontrollingyou!Asoulforasoul,yes.Butitisnotyoursisterwhowillreturnfromthedead.ItisI,assoonasIslaytheinventor!’SpiritsbegantoappeararoundMinos–shimmeringformsthatslowlymultiplied,solidifyingintoCretansoldiers.‘IamthesonofHades,’Nicoinsisted.‘Begone!’Minoslaughed.‘Youhavenopoweroverme.Iamthelordofspirits!Theghostking!’‘No.’Nicodrewhissword.‘Iam.’Hestabbedhisblackbladeintothefloor,anditcleavedthroughthestonelikebutter.‘Never!’Minos’sformrippled.‘Iwillnot–’Thegroundrumbled.Thewindowscrackedandshatteredtopieces,lettinginablastoffreshair.Afissureopenedinthestoneflooroftheworkshop,andMinosandallhisspiritsweresuckedintothevoidwithahorriblewail.Thebadnews:thefightwasstillgoingonallaroundus,andIletmyselfgetdistracted.KellipouncedonmesofastIhadnotimetodefendmyself.MyswordskitteredawayandIhitmyheadhardonaworktableasIfell.Myeyesightwentfuzzy.Icouldn’traisemyarms.Kellilaughed.‘Youwilltastewonderful!’Shebaredherfangs.Thensuddenlyherbodywentrigid.Herredeyeswidened.Shegasped,‘No…school…spirit…’AndAnnabethtookherknifeoutoftheempousa’sback.Withanawfulscreech,Kellidissolvedintoyellowvapour.Annabethhelpedmeup.Istillfeltdizzy,butwehadnotimetolose.MrsO’LearyandDaedaluswerestilllockedincombatwiththegiants,andIcouldhearshoutinginthetunnel.Moremonsterswerecomingtowardstheworkshop.‘WehavetohelpDaedalus!’Isaid.‘Notime,’Rachelsaid.‘Toomanycoming!’She’dalreadyfittedherselfwithwingsandwasworkingonNico,wholookedpaleandsweatyfromhisstrugglewithMinos.Thewingsgraftedinstantlytohisbackandarms.‘Nowyou!’shetoldme.Inseconds,Nico,Annabeth,RachelandIhadfittedourselveswithcopperywings.AlreadyIcouldfeelmyselfbeingliftedbythewindcomingthroughthewindow.Greekfirewasburningthetablesandfurniture,spreadingupthecircularstairs.‘Daedalus!’Iyelled.‘Comeon!’Hewascutinahundredplaces–buthewasbleedinggoldenoilinsteadofblood.He’dfoundhisswordandwasusingpartofasmashedtableasashieldagainstthegiants.‘Iwon’tleaveMrsO’Leary!’hesaid.‘Go!’Therewasnotimetoargue.Evenifwestayed,Iwasn’tsurewecouldhelp.‘Noneofusknowhowtofly!’Nicoprotested.‘Greattimetofindout,’Isaid.Andtogetherthefourofusjumpedoutofthewindowintoopensky.

16IOPENACOFFIN

Jumpingoutofawindowonehundredandfiftymetresabovegroundisnotusuallymyideaoffun.EspeciallywhenI’mwearingbronzewingsandflappingmyarmslikeaduck.Iplummetedtowardsthevalleyandtheredrocksbelow.IwasprettysureIwasgoingtobecomeagreasespotintheGardenoftheGods,asAnnabethyelledfromsomewhereaboveme,‘Spreadyourarms!Keepthemextended.’Thesmallpartofmybrainthatwasn’tengulfedinpanicheardher,andmyarmsresponded.AssoonasIspreadthemout,thewingsstiffened,caughtthewindandmydescentslowed.Isoareddownwards,butatacontrolledangle,likeakiteinadive.Experimentally,Iflappedmyarmsonce.Iarcedintothesky,thewindwhistlinginmyears.‘Yeah!’Iyelled.Thefeelingwasunbelievable.Aftergettingthehangofit,Ifeltlikethewingswerepartofmybody.IcouldsoarandswoopanddiveanywhereIwantedto.Iturnedandsawmyfriends–Rachel,AnnabethandNico–spirallingaboveme,glintinginthesunlight.Behindthem,smokebillowedfromthewindowsofDaedalus’sworkshop.‘Land!’Annabethyelled.‘Thesewingswon’tlastforever.’‘Howlong?’Rachelcried.‘Idon’twanttofindout!’Annabethsaid.WeswoopeddowntowardstheGardenoftheGods.Ididacompletecirclearoundoneoftherockspiresandfreakedoutacoupleofclimbers.Thenthefourofussoaredacrossthevalley,overaroad,andlandedontheterraceofthevisitorcentre.Itwaslateafternoonandtheplacelookedprettyempty,butwerippedoffourwingsasquicklyaswecould.Lookingatthem,IcouldseeAnnabethwasright.Theself-adhesivesealsthatboundthewingstoourbackswerealreadymelting,andweweresheddingbronzefeathers.Itseemedashame,butwecouldn’tfixthem,andcouldn’tleavethemaroundforthemortals,sowestuffedthewingsinthebinoutsidethecafeteria.IusedthetouristbinocularcameratolookupatthehillwhereDaedalus’sworkshophadbeen,butithadvanished.Nomoresmoke.Nobrokenwindows.Justthesideofahill.‘Theworkshopmoved,’Annabethguessed.‘There’snotellingwhere.’‘Sowhatdowedonow?’Iasked.‘Howdowegetbackinthemaze.-’AnnabethgazedatthesummitofPikesPeakinthedistance.‘Maybewecan’t.IfDaedalusdied…hesaidhislifeforcewastiedtotheLabyrinth.Thewholethingmight’vebeendestroyed.MaybethatwillstopLuke’sinvasion.’IthoughtaboutGroverandTyson,stilldowntheresomewhere.AndDaedalus…eventhoughhe’ddonesometerriblethingsandputeverybodyIcaredaboutatrisk,itstillseemedlikeaprettyhorriblewaytodie.‘No,’Nicosaid.‘Heisn’tdead.’‘Howcanyoubesure?’Iasked.‘Iknowwhenpeopledie.It’sthisfeelingIget,likeabuzzinginmyears.’

‘WhataboutTysonandGrover,then?’Nicoshookhishead.‘That’sharder.They’renothumansorhalf-bloods.Theydon’thavemortalsouls.’‘Wehavetogetintotown,’Annabethdecided.‘OurchancesoffindinganentrancetotheLabyrinthwillbebetter.WehavetomakeitbacktocampbeforeLukeandhisarmy.’‘Wecouldjusttakeaplane,’Rachelsaid.Ishuddered.‘Idon’tfly.’‘Butyoujustdid.’‘Thatwaslowflying,’Isaid,‘andeventhat’srisky.Flyingupreallyhigh–that’sZeus’sterritory.Ican’tdoit.Besides,wedon’tevenhavetimeforaflight.TheLabyrinthisthequickestwayback.’Ididn’twanttosayit,butIwasalsohopingthatmaybe,justmaybe,wewouldfindGroverandTysonalongtheway.‘Soweneedacartotakeusintothecity,’Annabethsaid.Rachellookeddownintotheparkinglot.Shegrimaced,asifshewereabouttodosomethingsheregretted.‘I’lltakecareofit.’‘How?’Annabethasked.‘Justtrustme.’Annabethlookeduneasy,butshenodded.‘Okay,I’mgoingtobuyaprisminthegiftshop,trytomakearainbowandsendanIris-messagetocamp.’‘I’llgowithyou,’Nicosaid.‘I’mhungry.’‘I’llstickwithRachel,then,’Isaid.‘Meetyouguysintheparkinglot.’Rachelfrownedlikeshedidn’twantmewithher.Thatmademefeelkindofbad,butIfollowedherdowntotheparkinglotanyway.Sheheadedtowardsabigblackcarparkedattheedgeofthelot.ItwasachauffeuredLexus,likethekindIalwayssawdrivingaroundManhattan.Thedriverwasoutatthefront,readinganewspaper.Heworeadarksuitandtie.‘Whatareyougoingtodo?’IaskedRachel.‘Justwaithere,’shesaidmiserably.‘Please.’Rachelmarchedstraightuptothedriverandtalkedtohim.Hefrowned.Rachelsaidsomethingelse.Heturnedpaleandhastilyfoldeduphismagazine.Henoddedandfumbledforhiscellphone.Afterabriefcall,heopenedthebackdoorofthecarforRacheltogetin.Shepointedbackinmydirection,andthedriverbobbedhisheadsomemore,likeYes,ma’am.Whateveryouwant.Icouldn’tfigureoutwhyhewasactingsoflustered.RachelcamebacktogetmejustasNicoandAnnabethappearedfromthegiftshop.‘ItalkedtoChiron,’Annabethsaid.‘They’redoingtheirbesttoprepareforbattle,buthestillwantsusback.They’regoingtoneedeveryherotheycanget.Didwefindaride?’‘Thedriver’sreadywhenweare,’Rachelsaid.Thechauffeurwasnowtalkingtoanotherguyinkhakisandapoloshirt,probablyhis

clientwho’drentedthecar.Theclientwascomplaining,butIcouldhearthedriversaying,‘I’msorry,sir.Emergency.I’veorderedanothercarforyou.’‘Comeon,’Rachelsaid.Sheledustothecarandgotinwithoutevenlookingatthe

annoyedguywho’drentedit.Aminutelaterwewerecruisingdowntheroad.Theseatswereleather.Therewasplentyoflegroom.Thebackseathadflat-panelTVsbuiltintotheheadrestsandamini-fridgestockedwithbottledwater,drinksandsnacks.Westartedpiggingout.‘Whereto,MissDare?’thedriverasked.‘I’mnotsureyet,Robert,’shesaid.‘Wejustneedtodrivethroughtownand,uh,look

around.’‘Whateveryousay,miss.’IlookedatRachel.‘Doyouknowthisguy?’‘No.’‘Buthedroppedeverythingtohelpyou.Why?’‘Justkeepyoureyespeeled,’shesaid.‘Helpmelook.’Whichdidn’texactlyanswermyquestion.WedrovethroughColoradoSpringsforabouthalfanhourandsawnothingthatRachel

consideredapossibleLabyrinthentrance.IwasveryawareofRachel’sshoulderpressingagainstmine.Ikeptwonderingwhoshewasexactly,andhowshecouldwalkuptosomerandomchauffeurandimmediatelygetaride.AfteraboutanhourwedecidedtoheadnorthtowardsDenver,thinkingthatmaybea

biggercitywouldbemorelikelytohaveaLabyrinthentrance,butwewereallgettingnervous.Wewerelosingtime.Then,rightaswewereleavingColoradoSprings,Rachelsatboltupright.‘Getoffthe

highway!’Thedriverglancedback.‘Miss?’‘Isawsomething,Ithink.Getoffhere.’Thedriverswervedacrosstrafficandtooktheexit.‘Whatdidyousee?’Iasked,becausewewereprettymuchoutofthecitynow.There

wasn’tanythingaroundexcepthills,grasslandandsomescatteredfarmbuildings.Rachelhadthedriverturndownthisunpromisingdirtroad.Wedrovebyasigntoofast

formetoreadit,butRachelsaid,‘WesternMuseumofMiningandIndustry.’Foramuseum,itdidn’tlooklikemuch–alittlehouselikeanold-fashionedrailroad

station,somedrillsandpumpsandoldsteamshovelsondisplayoutside.‘There.’Rachelpointedtoaholeinthesideofanearbyhill–atunnelthatwasboarded

upandchained.‘Anoldmineentrance.’AdoortotheLabyrinth?’Annabethasked.‘Howcanyoubesure?’‘Well,lookatit!’Rachelsaid.‘Imean…Icanseeit,okay?’Shethankedthedriverandweallgotout.Hedidn’taskformoneyoranything.Areyou

sureyou’llbeallright,MissDare?I’dbehappytocallyour–’‘No!’Rachelsaid.‘No,really.Thanks,Robert.Butwe’refine.’

Themuseumseemedtobeclosed,sonobodybotheredusasweclimbedthehilltothemineshaft.Whenwegottotheentrance,IsawthemarkofDaedalusengravedonthepadlock,thoughhowRachelhadseensomethingsotmyallthewayfromthehighwayIhadnoidea.Itouchedthepadlockandthechainsfellaway.Wekickeddownafewboardsandwalkedinside.Forbetterorworse,wewerebackintheLabyrinth.

Thedirttunnelsturnedtostone.Theywoundaroundandsplitoffandbasicallytriedtoconfuseus,butRachelhadnotroubleguidingus.WetoldherweneededtogetbacktoNewYork,andshehardlyevenpausedwhenthetunnelsofferedachoice.Tomysurprise,RachelandAnnabethstartedupaconversationaswewalked.Annabeth

askedhermoreaboutherbackground,butRachelwasevasivesotheystartedtalkingaboutarchitecture.ItturnedoutthatRachelknewsomethingaboutitfromstudyingart.TheytalkedaboutdifferentfacadesonbuildingsaroundNewYork–‘Haveyouseenthisone,’blah,blah,blah,soIhungbackandwalkednexttoNicoinuncomfortablesilence.‘Thanksforcomingafterus,’Itoldhimatlast.Nico’seyesnarrowed.Hedidn’tseemasangryasheusedto–justsuspicious,careful.‘I

owedyoufortheranch,Percy.Plus…IwantedtoseeDaedalusformyself.Minoswasright,inaway.Daedalusshoulddie.Nobodyshouldbeabletoavoiddeaththatlong.It’snotnatural.’‘That’swhatyouwereafterallalong,’Isaid.‘TradingDaedalus’ssoulforyoursister’s.’Nicowalkedforanotherfiftymetresbeforeanswering.‘Ithasn’tbeeneasy,youknow.

Havingonlythedeadforcompany.KnowingthatI’llneverbeacceptedbytheliving.Onlythedeadrespectme,andtheyonlydothatoutoffear.’‘Youcouldbeaccepted,’Isaid.‘Youcouldhavefriendsatcamp.’Hestaredatme.‘Doyoureallybelievethat,Percy?’Ididn’tanswer.Thetruthwas,Ididn’tknow.Nicohadalwaysbeenalittledifferent,but

sinceBianca’sdeath,he’dbecomealmost…scary.Hehadhisfather’seyes–thatintense,manicfirethatmadeyoususpecthewaseitherageniusoramadman.Andthewayhe’dbanishedMinos,andcalledhimselfthekingofghosts–itwaskindofimpressive,butitmademeuncomfortable,too.BeforeIcouldfigureoutwhattotellhim,IranintoRachel,who’dstoppedinfrontofme.

We’dcometoacrossroads.Thetunnelcontinuedstraightahead,butasidetunnelT’dofftotheright–acircularshaftcarvedfromblackvolcanicrock.‘Whatisit?’Iasked.Rachelstareddownthedarktunnel.Inthedimflashlightbeam,herfacelookedlikeone

ofNico’sspectres.‘Isthattheway?’Annabethasked.‘No,’Rachelsaidnervously.‘Notatall.’‘Whyarewestopping,then?’Iasked.‘Listen,’Nicosaid.Iheardwindcomingdownthetunnel,asiftheexitwereclose.AndIsmelledsomething

vaguelyfamiliar–somethingthatbroughtbackbadmemories.

‘Eucalyptustrees,’Isaid.‘LikeinCalifornia.’Lastwinter,whenwe’dfacedLukeandtheTitanAtlasontopofMountTamalpais,theairhadsmelledjustlikethat.‘There’ssomethingevildownthattunnel,’Rachelsaid.‘Somethingverypowerful.’Andthesmellofdeath,’Nicoadded,whichmademefeelawholelotbetter.AnnabethandIexchangedglances.‘Luke’sentrance,’sheguessed.‘TheonetoMountOthrys–theTitans’palace.’‘Ihavetocheckitout,’Isaid.‘Percy,no.’‘Lukecouldberightthere,’Isaid.‘Or…orKronos.Ihavetofindoutwhat’sgoingon.’Annabethhesitated.‘Thenwe’llallgo.’‘No,’Isaid.‘It’stoodangerous.IftheygotholdofNico,orRachelforthatmatter,Kronoscouldusethem.Youstayhereandguardthem.’WhatIdidn’tsay:IwasalsoworriedaboutAnnabeth.Ididn’ttrustwhatshewoulddoifshesawLukeagain.Hehadfooledherandmanipulatedhertoomanytimesbefore.‘Percy,don’t,’Rachelsaid.‘Don’tgouptherealone.’‘I’llbequick,’Ipromised.‘Iwon’tdoanythingstupid.’AnnabethtookherYankeescapoutofherpocket.Atleasttakethis.Andbecareful.’‘Thanks,’IrememberedthelasttimeAnnabethandIhadpartedways,whenshe’dgivenmeakissforluckinMountStHelens.Thistime,allIgotwasthehat.Iputiton.‘Heregoesnothing,’AndIsneakedinvisiblydownthedarkstonetunnel.

BeforeIevengottotheexitIheardvoices:thegrowling,barkingsoundsofsea-demonsmiths,thetelekhines.Atleastwesalvagedtheblade,’onesaid.‘Themasterwillstillrewardus.’‘Yes!Yes!’asecondshrieked.‘Rewardsbeyondmeasure!’Anothervoice,thisonemorehuman,said:‘Um,yeah,wellthat’sgreat.Now,ifyou’redonewithme–’‘No,half-blood!’atelekhinesaid.‘Youmusthelpusmakethepresentation.Itisagreathonour!’‘Gee,thanks,’thehalf-bloodsaid,andIrealizeditwasEthanNakamura,theguywho’drunawayafterI’dsavedhissorrylifeinthearena.Icrepttowardstheendofthetunnel.IhadtoremindmyselfIwasinvisible.Theyshouldn’tbeabletoseeme.AblastofcoldairhitmeasIemerged.IwasstandingnearthetopofMountTam.ThePacificOceanspreadoutbelow,greyunderacloudysky.Aboutsixmetresdownhill,twotelekhineswereplacingsomethingonabigrock–somethinglongandthinandwrappedinblackcloth.Ethanwashelpingthemopenit.‘Careful,fool,’thetelekhinescolded.‘Onetouch,andthebladewillseveryoursoulfromyourbody.’

Ethanswallowednervously.‘MaybeI’llletyouunwrapit,then.’Iglancedupatthemountain’speak,whereablackmarblefortressloomed,justlikeI’dseeninmydreams.Itremindedmeofanoversizedmausoleum,withwallsfifteenmetreshigh.Ihadnoideahowmortalscouldmissthefactthatitwashere.But,thenagain,everythingbelowthesummitseemedfuzzytome,asiftherewereathickveilbetweenmeandthelowerhalfofthemountain.Therewasmagicgoingonhere–reallypowerfulMist.Aboveme,theskyswirledintoahugefunnelcloud.Icouldn’tseeAtlas,butIcouldhearhimgroaninginthedistance,stilllabouringundertheweightofthesky,justbeyondthefortress.‘There!’thetelekhinesaid.Reverently,heliftedtheweapon,andmybloodturnedtoice.Itwasascythe–atwo-metre-longbladecurvedlikeacrescentmoon,withawoodenhandlewrappedinleather.Thebladeglintedtwodifferentcolours–steelandbronze.ItwastheweaponofKronos,theonehe’dusedtosliceuphisfather,Ouranos,beforethegodshadtakenitawayfromhimandcutKronostopieces,castinghimintoTartarus.Nowtheweaponwasreforged.‘Wemustsanctifyitinblood,’thetelekhinesaid.‘Thenyou,half-blood,shallhelppresentitwhenthelordawakes.’Irantowardsthefortress,mypulsepoundinginmyears.Ididn’twanttogetanywhereclosetothathorribleblackmausoleum,butIknewwhatIhadtodo.IhadtostopKronosfromrising.Thismightbemyonlychance.Idashedthroughadarkfoyerandintothemainhall.Thefloorshonelikeamahoganypiano–pureblackandyetfulloflight.Blackmarblestatueslinedthewalls.Ididn’trecognizethefaces,butIknewIwaslookingatimagesoftheTitanswho’druledbeforethegods.Attheendoftheroom,betweentwobronzebraziers,wasadais.Andonthedais,thegoldensarcophagus.Theroomwassilentexceptforthecrackleofthefires.Lukewasn’there.Noguards.Nothing.Itwastooeasy,butIapproachedthedais.ThesarcophaguswasjustlikeIremembered–aboutthreemetreslong,muchtoobigforahuman.Itwascarvedwithelaboratescenesofdeathanddestruction,picturesofthegodsbeingtrampledunderchariots,templesandfamousworldlandmarksbeingsmashedandburned.Thewholecoffingaveoffanauraofextremecold,likeIwaswalkingintoafreezer.Mybreathbegantosteam.IdrewRiptideandtookalittlecomfortfromthefamiliarweightoftheswordinmyhand.WheneverI’dapproachedKronosbefore,hisevilvoicehadspokeninmymind.Whywashesilentnow?He’dbeenshreddedintoathousandpieces,cutwithhisownscythe.WhatwouldIfindifIopenedthatlid?Howcouldtheymakeanewbodyforhim?Ihadnoanswers.Ijustknewthatifhewasabouttorise,Ihadtostrikehimdownbeforehegothisscythe.Ihadtofigureoutawaytostophim.Istoodoverthecoffin.Thelidwasdecoratedevenmoreintricatelythanthesides–withscenesofcarnageandpower.Inthemiddlewasaninscriptioncarvedinlettersevenolder

thanGreek,alanguageofmagic.Icouldn’treadit,exactly,butIknewwhatitsaid:KRONOS,LORDOFTIME.Myhandtouchedthelid.Myfingertipsturnedblue.Frostgatheredonmysword.ThenIheardnoisesbehindme–voicesapproaching.Itwasnowornever.IpushedbackthegoldenlidanditfelltothefloorwithahugeWHOOOOM!Iliftedmysword,readytostrike.ButwhenIlookedinsideIdidn’tcomprehendwhatIwasseeing.Mortallegs,dressedingreytrousers.AwhiteT-shirt,handsfoldedoverhisstomach.Onepieceofhischestwasmissing–acleanblackholeaboutthesizeofabulletwound,rightwherehisheartshouldVebeen.Hiseyeswereclosed.Hisskinwaspale.Blondhair…andascarrunningalongtheleftsideofhisface.ThebodyinthecoffinwasLuke’s.

Ishouldhavestabbedhimrightthen.IshouldVebroughtthepointofRiptidedownwithallmystrength.ButIwastoostunned.Ididn’tunderstand.AsmuchasIhatedLuke,asmuchashehadbetrayedme,Ijustdidn’tgetwhyhewasinthecoffin,andwhyhelookedsovery,verydead.Thenthevoicesofthetelekhineswererightbehmome.‘Whathashappened!’oneofthedemonsscreamedwhenhesawthelid.Istumbledawayfromthedais,forgettingthatIwasinvisible,andhidbehindacolumnastheyapproached.‘Careful!’theotherdemonwarned.‘Perhapshestirs.Wemustpresentthegiftsnow.Immediately!’Thetwotelekhinesshuffledforwardandknelt,holdingupthescytheonitswrappingcloth.‘Mylord,’onesaid.‘Yoursymbolofpowerisremade.’Silence.Nothinghappenedinthecoffin.‘Youfool,’theothertelekhinemuttered.‘Herequiresthehalf-bloodfirst.’Ethansteppedback.‘Whoa,whatdoyoumean,herequiresme?’‘Don’tbeacoward!’thefirsttelekhinehissed.‘Hedoesnotrequireyourdeath.Onlyyourallegiance.Pledgehimyourservice.Renouncethegods.Thatisall.’‘No!’Iyelled.Itwasastupidthingtodo,butIchargedintotheroomandtookoffthecap.‘Ethan,don’t!’‘Trespasser!’Thetelekhinesbaredtheirsealteeth.‘Themasterwilldealwithyousoonenough.Hurry,boy!’‘Ethan,’Ipleaded,‘don’tlistentothem.Helpmedestroyit.’Ethanturnedtowardsme,hiseyepatchblendinginwiththeshadowsonhisface.Hisexpressionwassomethinglikepity.‘Itoldyounottospareme,Percy.“Aneyeforaneye.”Youeverhearthatsaying?Ilearnedwhatitmeansthehardway–whenIdiscoveredmygodlyparent.I’mthechildofNemesis,GoddessofRevenge.AndthisiswhatIwasmadetodo.’Heturnedtowardsthedais.‘Irenouncethegods!Whathavetheyeverdoneforme?Iwillseethemdestroyed.IwillserveKronos.’

Thebuildingrumbled.AwispofbluelightrosefromtheflooratEthanNakamura’sfeet.Itdriftedtowardsthecoffinandbegantoshimmer,likeacloudofpureenergy.Thenitdescendedintothesarcophagus.Lukesatboltupright.Hiseyesopened,andtheywerenolongerblue.Theyweregolden,thesamecolourasthecoffin.Theholeinhischestwasgone.Hewascomplete.Heleapedoutofthecoffinwithease,andwherehisfeettouchedthefloor,themarblefrozelikecratersofice.HelookedatEthanandthetelekhineswiththosehorriblegoldeneyes,asifhewereanewbornbaby,notsurewhathewasseeing.Thenhelookedatme,andasmileofrecognitioncreptacrosshismouth.‘Thisbodyhasbeenwellprepared.’Hisvoicewaslikearazorbladerunningovermyskin.ItwasLuke’s,butnotLuke’s.Underneathhisvoicewasanother,morehorriblesound–anancient,coldsoundlikemetalscrapingagainstrock.‘Don’tyouthinkso,PercyJackson?’Icouldn’tmove.Icouldn’tanswer.Kronosthrewbackhisheadandlaughed.Thescaronhisfacerippled.‘Lukefearedyou,’theTitan’svoicesaid.‘Hisjealousyandhatredhavebeenpowerfultools.Ithaskepthimobedient.ForthatIthankyou.’Ethancollapsedinterror.Hecoveredhisfacewithhishands.Thetelekhinestrembled,holdingupthescythe.FinallyIfoundmynerve.IlungedatthethingthatusedtobeLuke,thrustingmybladestraightathischest,buthisskindeflectedtheblowlikehewasmadeofpuresteel.Helookedatmewithamusement.Thenheflickedhishand,andIflewacrosstheroom.Islammedagainstapillar.Istruggledtomyfeet,blinkingthestarsoutofmyeyes,butKronoshadalreadygraspedthehandleofhisscythe.‘Ah…muchbetter,’hesaid.‘Backbiter,Lukecalledit.Anappropriatename.Nowthatitisreforgedcompletely,itshallindeedbiteback’‘WhathaveyoudonetoLuke?’Igroaned.Kronosraisedhisscythe.‘Heservesmewithhiswholebeing,asIrequire.Thedifferenceis,hefearedyou,PercyJackson.Idonot.’That’swhenIran.Therewasn’tevenanythoughttoit.Nodebateinmymindabout–gee,shouldIstanduptohimandtrytofightagain?Nope.Isimplyran.Butmyfeetfeltlikelead.Timesloweddownaroundme,liketheworldwasturningtoJell-O.I’dhadthisfeelingoncebefore,andIknewitwasthepowerofKronos.Hispresencewassostrongitcouldbendtimeitself.‘Run,littlehero,’helaughed.‘Run!’Iglancedbackandsawhimapproachingleisurely,swinginghisscytheasifhewereenjoyingthefeelofhavingitinhishandsagain.Noweaponintheworldcouldstophim.Noamountofcelestialbronze.HewasthreemetresawaywhenIheard,‘PERCY!’Rachel’svoice.

Somethingflewpastme,andablueplastichairbrushhitKronosintheeye.Owl’heyelled.ForamomentitwasonlyLuke’svoice,fullofsurpriseandpain.MylimbswerefreedandIranstraightintoRachel,NicoandAnnabeth,whowerestandingintheentryhall,theireyeswidewithdismay.‘Luke?’Annabethcalled.‘What–’Igrabbedherbytheshirtandhauledherafterme.IranasfastasI’veeverrun,straightoutofthefortress.WewerealmostbacktotheLabyrinthentrancewhenIheardtheloudestbellowintheworld–thevoiceofKronos,comingbackintocontrol.AFTERTHEM!’‘No!’Nicoyelled.Heclappedhishandstogether,andajaggedspireofrockthesizeofaneighteen-wheelereruptedfromthegroundrightinfrontofthefortress.Thetremoritcausedwassopowerful,thefrontcolumnsofthebuildingcamecrashingdown.Iheardmuffledscreamsfromthetelekhinesinside.Dustbillowedeverywhere.WeplungedintotheLabyrinthandkeptrunning,thehowloftheTitanlordshakingtheentireworldbehindus.

17THELOSTGODSPEAKS

Weranuntilwewereexhausted.Rachelsteeredusawayfromtraps,butwehadnodestinationinmind–onlyawayfromthatdarkmountainandtheroarofKronos.Westoppedinatunnelofwetwhiterock,likepartofanaturalcave.Icouldn’thearanythingbehindus,butIdidn’tfeelanysafer.IcouldstillrememberthoseunnaturalgoldeneyesstaringoutofLuke’sface,andthefeelingthatmylimbswereslowlyturningtostone.‘Ican’tgoanyfurther,’Rachelgasped,huggingherchest.Annabethhadbeencryingtheentiretimewe’dbeenrunning.Nowshecollapsedandputherheadbetweenherknees.Hersobsechoedinthetunnel.NicoandIsatnexttoeachother.Hedroppedhisswordnexttomineandtookashakybreath.‘Thatsucked,’hesaid,whichIthoughtsummedthingsupprettywell.‘Yousavedourlives,’Isaid.Nicowipedthedustoffhisface.‘Blamethegirlsfordraggingmealong.That’stheonlythingtheycouldagreeon.Weneededtohelpyouoryou’dmessthingsup.’‘Nicethattheytrustmesomuch.’Ishonemyflashlightacrossthecavern.Waterdrippedfromthestalactiteslikeaslow-motionrain.‘Nico…you,uh,kindofgaveyourselfaway.’‘Whatdoyoumean?’‘Thatwallofblackstone?Thatwasprettyimpressive.IfKronosdidn’tknowwhoyouwerebefore,hedoesnow–achildoftheUnderworld.’Nicofrowned.‘Bigdeal.’Iletitdrop.Ifiguredhewasjusttryingtohidehowscaredhewas,andIcouldn’tblamehim.Annabethliftedherhead.Hereyeswereredfromcrying.‘What…whatwaswrongwithLuke?Whatdidtheydotohim?’ItoldherwhatI’dseeninthecoffin,thewaythelastpieceofKronossspirithadenteredLuke’sbodywhenEthanNakamurapledgedhisservice.‘No,’Annabethsaid.‘Thatcan’tbetrue.Hecouldn’t–’‘HegavehimselfovertoKronos,’Isaid.‘I’msorry,Annabeth.ButLukeisgone.’‘No!’sheinsisted.‘YousawwhenRachelhithim.’Inodded,lookingatRachelwithrespect.‘YouhittheLordoftheTitansintheeyewithablueplastichairbrush.’Rachellookedembarrassed.‘ItwastheonlythingIhad.’‘Butyousaw,’Annabethinsisted.‘Whenithithim,justforasecond,hewasdazed.Hecamebacktohissenses.’‘SomaybeKronoswasn’tcompletelysettledinthebody,orwhatever,’Isaid.‘Itdoesn’tmeanLukewasincontrol.’‘Youwanthimtobeevil,isthatit?’Annabethyelled.‘Youdidn’tknowhimbefore,Percy.

Idid!’‘Whatisitwithyou?’Isnapped.‘Whydoyoukeepdefendinghim?’‘Whoa,youtwo,’Rachelsaid.‘Knockitoff.’Annabethturnedonher.‘Stayoutofit,mortalgirl!Ifitwasn’tforyou…’Whatevershewasgoingtosay,hervoicebroke.Sheputherheaddownagainandsobbedmiserably.Iwantedtocomforther,butIdidn’tknowhow.Istillfeltstunned,likeKronosstime-slowingeffecthadaffectedmybrain.Ijustcouldn’tcomprehendwhatI’dseen.Kronoswasalive.Hewasarmed.Andtheendoftheworldwasprobablycloseathand.‘Wehavetokeepmoving,’Nicosaid.‘He’llsendmonstersafterus.’Nobodywasinanyshapetorun,butNicowasright.IhauledmyselfupandhelpedRacheltoherfeet.‘Youweregreatbackthere,’Itoldher.Shemanagedaweaksmile.‘Yeah,well.Ididn’twantyoutodie.’Sheblushed.‘Imean…justbecause,youknow.Youowemetoomanyfavours.HowamIgoingtocollectifyoudie?’IkneltnexttoAnnabeth.‘Hey,I’msorry.Weneedtomove.’‘Iknow,’shesaid.‘I’m…I’mallright.’Shewasclearlynotallright.Butshegottoherfeet,andwestartedstragglingthroughtheLabyrinthagain.‘BacktoNewYork,’Isaid.‘Rachel,canyou–’Ifroze.Afewmetresinfrontofus,myflashlightbeamfixedonatrampledclumpofredfabriclyingontheground.ItwasaRastacap:theoneGroveralwayswore.

∗∗∗

MyhandsshookasIpickedupthecap.Itlookedlikeithadbeensteppedonbyahugemuddyboot.AfterallthatI’dgonethroughtoday,Icouldn’tstandthethoughtthatsomethingmight’vehappenedtoGrover,too.ThenInoticedsomethingelse.Thecavefloorwasmushyandwetfromthewaterdrippingoffthestalactites.TherewerelargefootprintslikeTyson’s,andsmallerones–goathooves–leadingofftotheleft.‘Wehavetofollowthem,’Isaid.‘Theywentthatway.Itmusthavebeenrecently.’‘WhataboutCampHalf-Blood?’Nicosaid.‘There’snotime.’‘Wehavetofindthem,’Annabethinsisted.‘They’reourfriends.’ShepickedupGrover’ssmashedcapandforgedahead.Ifollowed,bracingmyselffortheworst.Thetunnelwastreacherous.Itslopedatweirdanglesandwasslimywithmoisture.Halfthetimewewereslippingandslidingratherthanwalking.Finallywegottothebottomofaslopeandfoundourselvesinalargecavewithhugestalagmitecolumns.Throughthecentreoftheroomrananundergroundriver,andTysonwassittingbythebank,cradlingGroverinhislap.Grover’seyeswereclosed.Hewasn’t

moving.‘Tyson!’Iyelled.‘Percy!Comequick!’Weranovertohim.Groverwasn’tdead,thankthegods,buthiswholebodytrembledlike

hewasfreezingtodeath.‘Whathappened?’Iasked.‘Somanythings,’Tysonmurmured.‘Largesnake.Largedogs.Menwithswords.But

then…wegotclosetohere.Groverwasexcited.Heran.Thenwereachedthisroom,andhefell.Likethis.’‘Didhesayanything?’Iasked.‘Hesaid,‘We’reclose.’Thenhehithisheadonrocks.’Ikneltnexttohim.TheonlyothertimeI’dseenGroverpassoutwasinNewMexico,

whenhe’dfeltthepresenceofPan.Ishonemyflashlightaroundthecavern.Therocksglittered.Atthefarendwasthe

entrancetoanothercave,flankedbygiganticcolumnsofcrystalthatlookedlikediamonds.Andbeyondthatentrance…‘Grover,’Isaid.‘Wakeup.’‘Uhhhhhhhh.’Annabethkneltnexttohimandsplashedicycoldriverwaterinhisface.‘Splurg!’Hiseyelidsfluttered.‘Percy?Annabeth?Where…’‘It’sokay,’Isaid.‘Youpassedout.Thepresencewastoomuchforyou.’‘I–Iremember.Pan.’‘Yeah,’Isaid.‘Somethingpowerfulisjustbeyondthatdoorway.’

Imadequickintroductions,sinceTysonandGroverhadnevermetRachel.TysontoldRachelshewaspretty,whichmadeAnnabethsnostrilsflarelikeshewasgoingtoblowfire.Anyway,’Isaid.‘Comeon,Grover.Leanonme.’AnnabethandIhelpedhimup,andtogetherwewadedacrosstheundergroundriver.The

currentwasstrong.Thewatercameuptoourwaists.Iwilledmyselftostaydry,whichisahandylittleability,butthatdidn’thelptheothers,andIcouldstillfeelthecold,likewadingthroughasnowdrift.‘Ithinkwe’reinCarlsbadCaverns,’Annabethsaid,herteethchattering.‘Maybean

unexploredsection.’‘Howdoyouknow?’‘CarlsbadisinNewMexico,’shesaid.‘Thatwouldexplainlastwinter.’Inodded.Grover’sswooningepisodehadhappenedwhenwepassedthroughNew

Mexico.That’swherehe’dfeltclosesttothepowerofPan.Wegotoutofthewaterandkeptwalking.Asthecrystalpillarsloomedlarger,Istarted

tofeelthepoweremanatingfromthenextroom.I’dbeeninthepresenceofgodsbefore,butthiswasdifferent.Myskintingledwithlivingenergy.Mywearinessfellaway,asifI’djusthadagoodnight’ssleep.Icouldfeelmyselfgrowingstronger,likeoneofthoseplants

inatime-lapsevideo.Andthescentcomingfromthecavewasnothinglikethedankwetunderground.Itsmelledoftreesandflowersandawarmsummerday.Groverwhimperedwithexcitement.Iwastoostunnedtotalk.EvenNicoseemed

speechless.Westeppedintothecave,andRachelsaid,‘Oh,wow.’Thewallsglitteredwithcrystals–red,greenandblue.Inthestrangelight,beautiful

plantsgrew–giantorchids,star-shapedflowers,vinesburstingwithorangeandpurpleberriesthatcreptamongthecrystals.Thecavefloorwascoveredwithsoftgreenmoss.Overhead,theceilingwashigherthanacathedral,sparklinglikeagalaxyofstars.InthecentreofthecavestoodaRoman-stylebed,gildedwoodshapedlikeacurlyU,withvelvetcushions.Animalsloungedaroundit–buttheywereanimalsthatshouldn’thavebeenalive.Therewasadodobird,somethingthatlookedlikeacrossbetweenawolfandatiger,ahugerodentlikethemotherofallguineapigsand,roamingbehindthebed,pickingberrieswithitstrunk,wasawoollymammoth.Onthebedlayanoldsatyr.Hewatchedusasweapproached,hiseyesasblueasthesky.

Hiscurlyhairwaswhiteandsowashispointedbeard.Eventhegoatfuronhislegswasfrostedwithgrey.Hishornswereenormous–glossybrownandcurved.Therewasnowayhecould’vehiddenthoseunderahat,thewayGroverdid.Aroundhisneckhungasetofreedpipes.Groverfelltohiskneesinfrontofthebed.‘LordPan!’Thegodsmiledkindly,buttherewassadnessinhiseyes.‘Grover,mydear,bravesatyr.I

havewaitedaverylongtimeforyou.’‘I…gotlost,’Groverapologized.Panlaughed.Itwasawonderfulsound,likethefirstbreezeofspringtime,fillingthe

wholecavernwithhope.Thetiger-wolfsighedandrestedhisheadonthegod’sknee.Thedodobirdpeckedaffectionatelyatthegod’shooves,makingastrangesoundinthebackofitsbill.Icouldswearitwashumming‘It’saSmallWorld’.Still,Panlookedtired.HiswholeformshimmeredasifheweremadeofMist.Inoticedmyotherfriendswerekneeling.Theyhadawedlooksontheirfaces.Igottomy

knees.‘Youhaveahummingdodobird,’Isaidstupidly.Thegod’seyestwinkled.‘Yes,that’sDede.Mylittleactress.’Dedethedodolookedoffended.ShepeckedatPan’skneeandhummedsomethingthat

soundedlikeafuneraldirge.‘Thisisthemostbeautifulplace!’Annabethsaid.‘It’sbetterthananybuildingever

designed.’‘I’mgladyoulikeit,dear,’Pansaid.‘Itisoneofthelastwildplaces.Myrealmaboveis

gone,I’mafraid.Onlypocketsremain.Tinypiecesoflife.Thisoneshallstayundisturbed…foralittlelonger.’‘Mylord,’Groversaid,‘please,youmustcomebackwithme!TheElderswillnever

believeit!They’llbeoverjoyed!Youcansavethewild!’PanplacedhishandonGrover’sheadandruffledhiscurlyhair.‘Youaresoyoung,

Grover.Sogoodandtrue.IthinkIchosewell.’

‘Chose?’Groversaid.‘I–Idon’tunderstand.’Pan’simageflickered,momentarilyturningtosmoke.Thegiantguineapigscuttledunderthebedwithaterrifiedsqueal.Thewoollymammothgruntednervously.Dedestuckherheadunderherwing.ThenPanre-formed.‘Ihavesleptmanyaeons,’thegodsaidforlornly.‘Mydreamshavebeendark.Iwakefitfully,andeachtimemywakingisshorter.Nowweareneartheend.’‘What?’Grovercried.‘Butno!You’rerighthere!’‘Mydearsatyr,’Pansaid.‘Itriedtotelltheworld,twothousandyearsago.IannouncedittoLysas,asatyrverymuchlikeyou.HelivedinEphesos,andhetriedtospreadtheword.’Annabeth’seyeswidened.‘Theoldstory.AsailorpassingbythecoastofEphesosheardavoicecryingfromtheshore,“TellthemthegreatgodPanisdead.”’‘Butthatwasn’ttrue!’Groversaid.‘Yourkindneverbelievedit,’Pansaid.‘Yousweet,stubbornsatyrsrefusedtoacceptmypassing.AndIloveyouforthat,butyouonlydelayedtheinevitable.Youonlyprolongedmylong,painfulpassing,mydarktwilightsleep.Itmustend.’‘No!’Grover’svoicetrembled.‘DearGrover,’Pansaid.‘Youmustacceptthetruth.Yourcompanion,Nico,heunderstands.’Niconoddedslowly.‘He’sdying.Heshouldhavediedlongago.This…thisismorelikeamemory.’‘Butgodscan’tdie,’Groversaid.‘Theycanfade,’Pansaid,‘wheneverythingtheystoodforisgone.Whentheyceasetohavepower,andtheirsacredplacesdisappear.Thewild,mydearGrover,issosmallnow,soshattered,thatnogodcansaveit.Myrealmisgone.ThatiswhyIneedyoutocarryamessage.Youmustgobacktothecouncil.Youmusttellthesatyrs,andthedryads,andtheotherspiritsofnature,thatthegreatgodPanisdead.Tellthemofmypassing.Becausetheymuststopwaitingformetosavethem.Icannot.Theonlysalvationyoumustmakeyourself.Eachofyoumust–’Hestoppedandfrownedatthedodobird,whohadstartedhummingagain.‘Dede,whatareyoudoing?’Pandemanded.‘Areyousinging“Kumbaya”again?’Dedelookedupinnocentlyandblinkedheryelloweyes.Pansighed.‘Everybody’sacynic.ButasIwassaying,mydearGrover,eachofyoumusttakeupmycalling.’‘But…no!’Groverwhimpered.‘Bestrong,’Pansaid.‘Youhavefoundme.Andnowyoumustreleaseme.Youmustcarryonmyspirit.Itcannolongerbecarriedbyagod.Itmustbetakenupbyallofyou.’Panlookedstraightatmewithhisclearblueeyes,andIrealizedhewasn’tjusttalkingaboutthesatyrs.Hemeanthalf-bloods,too,andhumans.Everyone.‘PercyJackson,’thegodsaid.‘Iknowwhatyouhaveseentoday.Iknowyourdoubts.ButIgiveyouthisnews:whenthetimecomes,youwillnotberuledbyfear.’

HeturnedtoAnnabeth.‘DaughterofAthena,yourtimeiscoming.Youwillplayagreatrole,thoughitmaynotbetheroleyouimagined.’ThenhelookedatTyson.‘MasterCyclops,donotdespair.Heroesrarelyliveuptoourexpectations.Butyou,Tyson–yournameshallliveamongtheCyclopesforgenerations.AndMissRachelDare…’Rachelflinchedwhenhesaidhername.Shebackedawaylikeshewasguiltyofsomething,butPanonlysmiled.Heraisedhishandinablessing.‘Iknowyoubelieveyoucannotmakeamends,’hesaid.‘Butyouarejustasimportantasyourfather.’‘I–’Rachelfaltered.Ateartracedhercheek.‘Iknowyoudon’tbelievethisnow,’Pansaid.‘Butlookforopportunities.Theywillcome.’FinallyheturnedbacktowardsGrover.‘Mydearsatyr,’Pansaidkindly.‘Willyoucarrymymessage?’‘I–Ican’t.’‘Youcan,’Pansaid.‘Youarethestrongestandbravest.Yourheartistrue.Youhavebelievedinmemorethananyoneeverhas,whichiswhyyoumustbringthemessage,andwhyyoumustbethefirsttoreleaseme.’‘Idon’twantto.’‘Iknow,’thegodsaid.‘Butmyname,Pan…originallyitmeantrustic.Didyouknowthat?Butovertheyearsithascometomeanall.Thespiritofthewildmustpasstoallofyounow.Youmusttelleachoneyoumeet:ifyouwouldfindPan,takeupPan’sspirit.Remakethewild,alittleatatime,eachinyourowncorneroftheworld.Youcannotwaitforanyoneelse,evenagod,todothatforyou.’Groverwipedhiseyes.Thenslowlyhestood.‘I’vespentmywholelifelookingforyou.Now…Ireleaseyou.’Pansmiled.‘Thankyou,dearsatyr.Myfinalblessing.’Heclosedhiseyes,andthegoddissolved.Whitemistdividedintowispsofenergy,butthiskindofenergywasn’tscarylikethebluepowerI’dseenfromKronos.Itfilledtheroom.Acurlofsmokewentstraightintomymouth,andGrovers,andtheothers’.ButIthinkalittlemoreofitwentintoGrover.Thecrystalsdimmed.Theanimalsgaveusasadlook.Dedethedodosighed.Thentheyallturnedgreyandcrumbledtodust.Thevineswithered.Andwewerealoneinadarkcave,withanemptybed.Iswitchedonmyflashlight.Grovertookadeepbreath.Are…areyouokay?’Iaskedhim.Helookedolderandsadder.HetookhiscapfromAnnabeth,brushedoffthemud,andstuckitfirmlyonhiscurlyhead.‘Weshouldgonow,’hesaid,‘andtellthem.ThegreatgodPanisdead.’

18GROVERCAUSESASTAMPEDE

DistancewasshorterintheLabyrinth.Still,bythetimeRachelgotusbacktoTimesSquare,Ifeltlikewe’dprettymuchrunallthewayfromNewMexico.WeclimbedoutoftheMarriottbasementandstoodonthesidewalkinthebrightsummerdaylight,squintingatthetrafficandcrowds.Icouldn’tdecidewhichseemedlessreal–NewYorkorthecrystalcavewhereI’dwatchedagoddie.Iledthewayintoanalley,whereIcouldgetaniceecho.ThenIwhistledasloudasIcould,fivetimes.Aminutelater,Rachelgasped.‘They’rebeautiful!’Aflockofpegasidescendedfromthesky,swoopingbetweentheskyscrapers.Blackjackwasinthelead,followedbyfourofhiswhitefriends.Yo,boss!Hespokeinmymind.Youlived!‘Yeah,’Itoldhim.‘I’mluckythatway.Listen,weneedaridetocampquick.’That’smyspeciality!Ohman,yougotthatCyclopswithyou?Yo,Guide!How’syourhackholdingup?ThepegasusGuidogroanedandcomplained,buteventuallyheagreedtocarryTyson.Everybodystartedsaddlingup–exceptRachel.‘Well,’shetoldme,‘Iguessthisisit.’Inoddeduncomfortably.Webothknewshecouldn’tgotocamp.IglancedatAnnabeth,whowaspretendingtobeverybusywithherpegasus.‘Thanks,Rachel,’Isaid.‘Wecouldn’thavedoneitwithoutyou.’‘Iwouldn’thavemissedit.Imean,exceptforalmostdying,andPan…’Hervoicefaltered.‘Hesaidsomethingaboutyourfather,’Iremembered.‘Whatdidhemean?’Racheltwistedthestraponherbackpack.‘Mydad…Mydad’sjob.He’skindofafamousbusinessman.’‘Youmean…you’rerich?‘Well,yeah.’‘Sothat’showyougotthechauffeurtohelpus?Youjustsaidyourdad’snameand–’‘Yes,’Rachelcutmeoff.‘Percy…mydad’salanddeveloper.Hefliesallovertheworld,lookingfortractsofundevelopedland.’Shetookashakybreath.‘Thewild.He–hebuysitup.Ihateit,butheploughsitdownandbuildsuglysubdivisionsandshoppingcentres.AndnowthatI’veseenPan…Pan’sdeath–’‘Hey,youcan’tblameyourselfforthat.’‘Youdon’tknowtheworstofit.I–Idon’tliketotalkaboutmyfamily.Ididn’twantyoutoknow.I’msorry.Ishouldn’thavesaidanything.’‘No,’Isaid.‘It’scool.Look,Rachel,youwereawesome.Youledusthroughthemaze.You

weresobrave.That’stheonlythingI’mgoingtojudgeyouon.Idon’tcarewhatyourdaddoes.’Rachellookedatmegratefully.‘Well…ifyoueverfeellikehangingoutwithamortalagain…youcouldcallmeorsomething.’‘Uh,yeah.Sure.’Sheknittedhereyebrows.IguessIsoundedunenthusiasticorsomething,butthat’snothowImeantit.Ijustwasn’tsurewhattosaywithallmyfriendsstandingaround.AndIguessmyfeelingshadgotprettymixedup,thelastcoupleofdays.‘Imean…I’dlikethat,’Isaid.‘Mynumber’snotinthebook,’shesaid.‘I’vegotit.’‘Stillonyourhand?Noway.’‘No.Ikinda…memorizedit.’Hersmilecamebackslowly,butalothappier.‘Seeyoulater,PercyJackson.Gosavetheworldforme,okay?’ShewalkedoffdownSeventhAvenueanddisappearedintothecrowds.

WhenIgotbacktothehorses,Nicowashavingtrouble.Hispegasuskeptshyingawayfromhim,reluctanttolethimmount.Hesmellslikedeadpeople!thepegasuscomplained.Heynow,Blackjacksaid.Comeon,Porkpie.Lotsademigodssmellweird.Itain’ttheirfault.Oh–uh,Ididn’tmeanyou,hoss.‘Gowithoutme!’Nicosaid.‘Idon’twanttogobacktothatcampanyway.’‘Nico,’Isaid,‘weneedyourhelp.’Hefoldedhisarmsandscowled.ThenAnnabethputherhandonhisshoulder.‘Nico,’shesaid.‘Please.’Slowly,hisexpressionsoftened.Allright,’hesaidreluctantly.‘Foryou.ButI’mnotstaying.’IraisedaneyebrowatAnnabeth,like,HowcomeallofasuddenNicolistenstoyou?Shestuckhertongueoutatme.Atlastwegoteverybodyonapegasus.Weshotintotheair,andsoonwewereovertheEastRiver,withLongIslandspreadoutbeforeus.

WelandedinthemiddleofthecabinareaandwereimmediatelymetbyChiron,thepotbelliedsatyrSilenusandacoupleofApollocabinarchers.ChironraisedaneyebrowwhenhesawNico,butifIexpectedhimtobesurprisedbyourlatestnewsaboutQuintusbeingDaedalus,orKronosrising,Iwasmistaken.‘Ifearedasmuch,’Chironsaid.‘Wemusthurry.HopefullyyouhavesloweddowntheTitanlord,buthisvanguardwillstillbecomingthrough.Theywillbeanxiousforblood.Mostofourdefendersarealreadyinplace.Come!’‘Waitamoment,’Silenusdemanded.‘WhatofthesearchforPan?Youarealmostthree

weeksoverdue,GroverUnderwood!Yoursearcher’slicenceisrevoked!’Grovertookadeepbreath.HestoodupstraightandlookedSilenusintheeye.‘Searchers’

licencesdon’tmatteranymore.ThegreatgodPanisdead.Hehaspassedonandleftushisspirit.’‘What?’Silenus’sfaceturnedbrightred.‘Sacrilegeandlies!GroverUnderwood,Iwill

haveyouexiledforspeakingthus!’‘It’strue,’Isaid.‘Weweretherewhenhedied.Allofus.’‘Impossible!Youareallliars!Nature-destroyers!’ChironstudiedGrover’sface.‘Wewillspeakofthislater.’‘Wewillspeakofitnow!’Silenussaid.‘Wemustdealwiththis–’‘Silenus,’Chironcutin.‘Mycampisunderattack.ThematterofPanhaswaitedtwo

thousandyears.Ifearitwillhavetowaitabitlonger.Assumingwearestillherethisevening.’Andonthathappynote,hereadiedhisbowandgallopedtowardsthewoods,leavingus

tofollowasbestwecould.

ItwasthebiggestmilitaryoperationI’deverseenatcamp.Everyonewasattheclearing,dressedinfullbattlearmour,butthistimeitwasn’tforcapturetheflag.TheHephaestuscabinhadsetuptrapsaroundtheentrancetotheLabyrinth–razorwire,pitsfilledwithpotsofGreekfire,rowsofsharpenedstickstodeflectacharge.Beckendorfwasmanningtwocatapultsthesizeofpickuptrucks,alreadyprimedandaimedatZeus’sFist.TheArescabinwasonthefrontline,drillinginphalanxformationwithClarissecallingorders.Apollo’sandHermes’scabinswerescatteredinthewoodswithbowsready.Manyhadtakenuppositionsinthetrees.Eventhedryadswerearmedwithbows,andthesatyrstrottedaroundwithwoodencudgelsandshieldsmadeofroughtreebark.AnnabethwenttojoinherbrethrenfromtheAthenacabin,whohadsetupacommand

tentandweredirectingoperations.Agreybannerwithanowlflutteredoutsidethetent.Oursecuritychief,Argus,stoodguardatthedoor.Aphrodite’schildrenwererunningaround,straighteningeverybody’sarmourandofferingtocombthetanglesoutofourhorsehairplumes.EvenDionysus’skidshadfoundsomethingtodo.Thegodhimselfwasstillnowheretobeseen,buthistwoblondtwinsonswererunningaround,providingallthesweatywarriorswithwaterbottlesandjuiceboxes.Itlookedlikeaprettygoodset-up,butChironmutterednexttome,‘Itisn’tenough.’IthoughtaboutwhatI’dseenintheLabyrinth,allthemonstersinAntaeussstadiumand

thepowerofKronosI’dfeltonMountTarn.Myheartsank.Chironwasright,butitwasallwecouldmuster.ForonceIwishedDionysuswerehere,butevenifhehadbeen,Ididn’tknowifhecouldhavedoneanything.Whenitcametowar,godswereforbiddentointerferedirectly.Apparently,theTitansdidn’tbelieveinrestrictionslikethat.Overattheedgeoftheclearing,GroverwastalkingtoJuniper.Sheheldhishandswhile

hetoldherourstory.GreentearsformedinhereyesashedeliveredthenewsaboutPan.TysonhelpedtheHephaestuskidspreparethedefences.Hepickedupbouldersandpiled

themnexttothecatapultsforfiring.

‘Staywithme,Percy,’Chironsaid.‘Whenthefightingbegins,Iwantyoutowaituntilweknowwhatwe’redealingwith.Youmustgowherewemostneedreinforcements.’‘IsawKronos,’Isaid,stillstunnedbythefact.‘Ilookedstraightintohiseyes.Itwas

Luke…butitwasn’t.’Chironranhisfingersalonghisbowstring.‘Hehadgoldeneyes,Iwouldguess.Andinhis

presence,timeseemedtoturntoliquid.’Inodded.‘Howcouldhetakeoveramortalbody?’‘Idonotknow,Percy.Godshaveassumedtheshapesofmortalsforages,buttoactually

becomeone…tomergethedivineformwiththemortal.Idon’tknowhowthiscouldbedonewithoutLuke’sformturningtoashes.’‘Kronossaidhisbodyhadbeenprepared.’‘Ishuddertothinkwhatthatmeans.ButperhapsitwilllimitKronos’spower.Foratime,

atleast,heisconfinedtoahumanform.Itbindshimtogether.Hopefullyitalsorestrictshim.’‘Chiron,ifheleadsthisattack–’‘Idonotthinkso,myboy.Iwouldsenseifheweredrawingnear.Nodoubtheplanned

to,butIbelieveyouinconveniencedhimwhenyoupulledhisthroneroomdownontopofhim.’Helookedatmereproachfully.‘YouandyourfriendNico,sonofHades.’Alumpformedinmythroat.‘I’msorry,Chiron.IknowIshould’vetoldyou.It’sjust–’Chironraisedhishand.‘Iunderstandwhyyoudidit,Percy.Youfeltresponsible.You

soughttoprotecthim.But,myboy,ifwearetosurvivethis,wemusttrusteachother.Wemust…’Hisvoicewavered.Thegroundunderneathuswastrembling.Everyoneintheclearingstoppedwhattheyweredoing.Clarissebarkedasingleorder:

‘Lockshields!’ThentheTitanlord’sarmyexplodedfromtheLabyrinth.

I’dbeeninfightsbefore,butthiswasafull-scalebattle.ThefirstthingIsawwereadozenLaistrygoniangiantseruptingfromtheground,yellingsoloudlymyearsfeltlikebursting.Theycarriedshieldsmadefromflattenedcars,andclubsthatweretreetrunkswithrustyspikesbristlingattheend.OneofthegiantsbellowedattheAresphalanx,smasheditsidewayswithhisclub,andtheentirecabinwasthrownaside,adozenwarriorstossedtothewindlikeragdolls.‘Fire!’Beckendorfyelled.Thecatapultsswungintoaction.Twobouldershurtledtowards

thegiants.Onedeflectedoffacarshieldwithhardlyadent,buttheothercaughtaLaistrygonianinthechest,andthegiantwentdown.Apollo’sarchersfiredavolley,dozensofarrowsstickinginthethickarmourofthegiantslikeporcupinequills.Severalfoundchinksinarmour,andsomeofthegiantsvaporizedatthetouchofcelestialbronze.ButjustwhenitlookedliketheLaistrygonianswereabouttogetoverwhelmed,thenext

wavesurgedoutofthemaze:thirty,maybefortyiracaenaeinfullbattlearmour,wieldingspearsandnets.Theydispersedinalldirections.SomehitthetrapstheHephaestuscabinhadlaid.Onegotstuckonthespikesandbecameaneasytargetforarchers.Another

triggeredatripwire,andpotsofGreekfireexplodedintogreenflames,engulfingseveralofthesnakewomen.Butmanymorekeptcoming.ArgusandAthena’swarriorsrushedforwardtomeetthem.IsawAnnabethdrawaswordandengageoneofthem.Nearby,Tysonwasridingagiant.Somehowhe’dmanagedtoclimbontothegiant’sbackandwashittinghimontheheadwithabronzeshield–BONG!BONG!BONG!Chironcalmlyaimedarrowafterarrow,takingdownamonsterwitheveryshot.Butmoreenemiesjustkeptclimbingoutofthemaze.Finallyahellhound–notMrsO’Leary–leapedoutofthetunnelandbarrelledstraighttowardsthesatyrs.‘GO!’Chironyelledtome.IdrewRiptideandcharged.AsIracedacrossthebattlefield,Isawhorriblethings.Anenemyhalf-bloodwasfightingwithasonofDionysus,butitwasn’tmuchofacontest.Theenemystabbedhiminthearmthenclubbedhimovertheheadwiththebuttofhissword,andDionysus’ssonwentdown.Anotherenemywarriorshotflamingarrowsintothetrees,sendingourarchersanddryadsintoapanic.Adozenimcaenaesuddenlybrokeawayfromthemainfightandslithereddownthepaththatledtowardscamp,liketheyknewwheretheyweregoing.Iftheygotout,theycouldburndowntheentireplace,completelyunopposed.TheonlypersonanywherenearwasNicodiAngelo.Hestabbedatelekhine,andhisblackStygianbladeabsorbedthemonstersessence,drinkingitsenergyuntiltherewasnothingleftbutdust.‘Nico!’Iyelled.HelookedwhereIwaspointing,sawtheserpentwomen,andimmediatelyunderstood.Hetookadeepbreathandheldouthisblacksword.‘Serveme,’hecalled.Theearthtrembled.Afissureopenedinfrontoftheimcaenaeandadozenundeadwarriorscrawledfromtheearth–horriblecorpsesinmilitaryuniformsfromalldifferenttimeperiods–USRevolutionaries,Romancenturions,Napoleoniccavalryonskeletalhorses.Asone,theydrewtheirswordsandengagedtheiracaenae.Nicocrumpledtohisknees,butIdidn’thavetimetomakesurehewasokay.Iclosedonthehellhound,whichwasnowpushingthesatyrsbacktowardsthewoods.Thebeastsnappedatonesatyr,whodancedoutofitsway,butthenitpouncedonanotherwhowastooslow.Thesatyr’stree-barkshieldcrackedashefell.‘Hey!’Iyelled.Thehellhoundturned.Itsnarledatmeandleaped.Itwould’veclawedmetopieces,butasIfellbackwardsmyfingersclosedaroundaclayjar–oneofBeckendorf’scontainersofGreekfire.Itosseditintothehellhound’smaw,andthecreaturewentupinflames.Iscrambledaway,breathingheavily.Thesatyrwho’dbeentrampledwasn’tmoving.Irushedovertocheckonhim,butthenIheardGrover’svoice:‘Percy!’Aforestfirehadstarted.FlamesroaredwithinthreemetresofJuniper’stree,andJuniperandGroverweregoingnutstryingtosaveit.Groverplayedarainsongonhispipes.Juniperdesperatelytriedtobeatouttheflameswithhergreenshawl,butitwasonly

makingthingsworse.Irantowardsthem,jumpingpastduels,weavingbetweenthelegsofgiants.Thenearestwaterwasthecreek,halfakilometreaway…butIhadtodosomething.Iconcentrated.Therewasapullinmygut,aroarinmyears.Thenawallofwatercamerushingthroughthetrees.Itdousedthefire,Juniper,Groverandprettymucheverythingelse.Groverblewaspoutofwater.‘Thanks,Percy!’‘Noproblem!’Iranbacktowardsthefight,andGroverandJuniperfollowed.GroverhadacudgelinhishandandJuniperheldastick–likeanold-fashionedwhippingswitch.Shelookedreallyangry,likeshewasgoingtotansomebody’sbackside.Justwhenitseemedlikethebattlehadbalancedoutagain–likewemightstandachance–anunearthlyshriekechoedoutoftheLabyrinth,asoundIhadheardbefore.Kampêshotintothesky,herbatwingsfullyextended.ShelandedonthetopofZeus’sFistandsurveyedthecarnage.Herfacewasfilledwithevilglee.Themutantanimalheadsgrowledatherwaist.Snakeshissedandswirledaroundherlegs.Inherrighthandsheheldaglitteringballofthread–Ariadne’sstring–butshepoppeditintoalion’smouthatherwaistanddrewhercurvedswords.Thebladesglowedgreenwithpoison.Kampêscreechedintriumph,andsomeofthecampersscreamed.Otherstriedtorunandgottrampledbyhellhoundsorgiants.‘Diimmortahs!’Chironyelled.Hequicklyaimedanarrow,butKampêseemedtosensehispresence.Shetookflightwithamazingspeed,andChiron’sarrowwhizzedharmlesslypastherhead.Tysonuntangledhimselffromthegiantwhomhe’dpummelledintounconsciousness.Heranatourlines,shouting,‘Stand!Donotrunfromher!Fight!’Butthenahellhoundleapedonhim,andTysonandthehoundwentrollingaway.KampêlandedontheAthenacommandtent,smashingitflat.IranafterherandfoundAnnabethatmyside,keepingpace,herswordinherhand.‘Thismightbeit,’shesaid.‘Couldbe.’‘Nicefightingwithyou,SeaweedBrain.’‘Ditto.’Togetherweleapedintothemonster’spath.Kampêhissedandslicedatus.Idodged,tryingtodistracther,whileAnnabethwentinforastrike,butthemonsterseemedabletofightwithbothhandsindependently.SheblockedAnnabeth’ssword,andAnnabethhadtojumpbacktoavoidthecloudofpoison.Justbeingnearthethingwaslikestandinginanacidfog.Myeyesburned.Mylungscouldn’tgetenoughair.Iknewwecouldn’tstandourgroundformorethanafewseconds.‘Comeon!’Ishouted.‘Weneedhelp!’Butnohelpcame.Everyonewaseitherdown,orfightingfortheirlives,ortooscaredtomoveforward.ThreeofChiron’sarrowssproutedfromKampê’schest,butshejustroaredlouder.‘Now!’Annabethsaid.

Togetherwecharged,dodgedthemonster’sslashes,gotinsideherguardandalmost…almostmanagedtostabKampêinthechest,butahugebear’sheadlashedoutfromthemonster’swaist,andwehadtostumblebackwardstoavoidgettingbitten.SlamlMyeyesightwentblack.ThenextthingIknew,AnnabethandIwereontheground.Themonsterhaditsforelegsonourchests,holdingusdown.Hundredsofsnakesslitheredrightaboveme,hissinglikelaughter.Kampêraisedhergreen-tingedswords,andIknewAnnabethandIwereoutofoptions.Then,behindme,somethinghowled.AwallofdarknessslammedintoKampê,sendingthemonstersideways.AndMrsO’Learywasstandingoverus,snarlingandsnappingatKampê.‘Goodgirl!’saidafamiliarvoice.DaedaluswasfightinghiswayoutoftheLabyrinth,slashingdownenemiesleftandrightashemadehiswaytowardsus.Nexttohimwassomeoneelse–afamiliargiant,muchtallerthantheLaistrygonians,withahundredripplingarms,eachholdingahugechunkofrock.‘Briares!’Tysoncriedinwonder.‘Hail,littlebrother!’Briaresbellowed.‘Standfirm!’AndasMrsO’Learyleapedoutoftheway,theHundred-handedOnelaunchedavolleyofbouldersatKampê.TherocksseemedtoenlargeastheyleftBriares’shands.Thereweresomany,itlookedlikehalftheearthhadlearnedtofly.BOOOOOM!WhereKampêhadstoodamomentbeforewasamountainofboulders,almostastallasZeus’sFist.Theonlysignthatthemonsterhadeverexistedweretwogreenswordpointsstickingthroughthecracks.Acheerwentupfromthecampers,butourenemiesweren’tdoneyet.Oneoftheiracaenaeyelled,‘Ssssslaythem!KillthemallorKronosssswillflayyoualive!’Apparently,thatthreatwasmoreterrifyingthanwewere.Thegiantssurgedforwardinalastdesperateattempt.OnesurprisedChironwithaglancingblowtothebacklegs,andhestumbledandfell.Sixgiantscriedingleeandrushedforward.‘No!’Iscreamed,butIwastoofarawaytohelp.Thenithappened.Groveropenedhismouth,andthemosthorriblesoundI’deverheardcameout.Itwaslikeabrasstrumpetmagnifiedathousandtimes–thesoundofpurefear.Asone,theforcesofKronosdroppedtheirweaponsandranfortheirlives.Thegiantstrampledthedracaenae,tryingtogetintotheLabyrinthfirst.Telekhinesandhellhoundsandenemyhalf-bloodsscrambledafterthem.Thetunnelrumbledshut,andthebattlewasover.Theclearingwasquietexceptforfiresburninginthewoods,andthecriesofthewounded.IhelpedAnnabethtoherfeet.WerantoChiron.‘Areyouallright?’Iasked.Hewaslyingonhisside,tryinginvaintogetup.‘Howembarrassing,’hemuttered.‘I

thinkIwillbefine.Fortunately,wedonotshootcentaurswithbroken…Ow!…brokenlegs.’‘Youneedhelp,’Annabethsaid.‘I’llgetamedicfromApollo’scabin.’‘No,’Chironinsisted.‘Therearemoreseriousinjuriestoattendto.Go!Iamfine.But,Grover…laterwemusttalkabouthowyoudidthat.’‘Thatwasamazing,’Iagreed.Groverblushed.‘Idon’tknowwhereitcamefrom.’Juniperhuggedhimfiercely.‘Ido!’Beforeshecouldsaymore,Tysoncalled,‘Percy,comequick!ItisNico!’

Therewassmokecurlingoffhisblackclothes.Hisfingerswereclenched,andthegrassallaroundhisbodyhadturnedyellowanddied.IrolledhimoverasgentlyasIcouldandputmyhandagainsthischest.Hisheartwasbeatingfaintly.‘Getsomenectar!’Iyelled.OneoftheArescampershobbledoverandhandedmeacanteen.ItrickledsomeofthemagicdrinkintoNico’smouth.Hecoughedandspluttered,buthiseyelidsflutteredopen.‘Nico,whathappened?’Iasked.‘Canyoutalk?’Henoddedweakly.‘Nevertriedtosummonsomanybefore.I–I’llbefine.’Wehelpedhimsitupandgavehimsomemorenectar.Heblinkedatallofus,likehewastryingtorememberwhowewere,andthenhefocusedonsomeonebehindme.‘Daedalus,’hecroaked.‘Yes,myboy,’theinventorsaid.‘Imadeaverybadmistake.Icametocorrectit.’Daedalushadafewscratchesthatwerebleedinggoldenoil,buthelookedbetterthanmostofus.Apparentlyhisautomatonbodyhealeditselfquickly.MrsO’Learyloomedbehindhim,lickingthewoundsonhermaster’sheadsoDaedalus’shairstoodupfunny.Briaresstoodnexttohim,surroundedbyagroupofawedcampersandsatyrs.Helookedkindofbashful,buthewassigningautographsonarmour,shieldsandT-shirts.‘IfoundtheHundred-handedOneasIcamethroughthemaze,’Daedalusexplained.‘Itseemshehadthesameidea,tocomeandhelp,buthewaslost.Andsowefellintogether.Webothcametomakeamends.’‘Yay!’Tysonjumpedupanddown.‘Briares!Iknewyouwouldcome!’‘Ididnotknow,’theHundred-handedOnesaid.‘ButyouremindedmewhoIam,Cyclops.Youarethehero.’Tysonblushed,butIpattedhimontheback.‘Iknewthatalongtimeago,’Isaid.‘But,Daedalus…theTitanarmyisstilldownthere.Evenwithoutthestring,they’llbeback.They’llfindawaysoonerorlater,withKronosleadingthem.’Daedalussheathedhissword.‘Youareright.AslongastheLabyrinthishere,yourenemiescanuseit.WhichiswhytheLabyrinthcannotcontinue.’Annabethstaredathim.‘ButyousaidtheLabyrinthistiedtoyourlifeforce!Aslongasyou’realive–’‘Yes,myyoungarchitect,’Daedalusagreed.‘WhenIdie,theLabyrinthwilldieaswell.

AndsoIhaveapresentforyou.’Heslungaleathersatcheloffhisback,unzippeditandproducedasleeksilverlaptopcomputer–oneoftheonesI’dseenintheworkshop.OnthelidwasthebluesymbolΔ.‘Myworkishere,’hesaid.‘It’sallImanagedtosavefromthefire.NotesonprojectsIneverstarted.Someofmyfavouritedesigns.Icouldn’tdeveloptheseoverthelastfewmillennia.Ididnotdarerevealmyworktothemortalworld.Butperhapsyouwillfindtheminteresting.’HehandedthecomputertoAnnabeth,whostaredatitlikeitwassolidgold.‘You’regivingmethis?Butthisispriceless!Thisisworth…Idon’tevenknowhowmuch!’‘SmallcompensationforthewayIhaveacted,’Daedalussaid.‘Youwereright,Annabeth,aboutchildrenofAthena.Weshouldbewise,andIwasnot.SomedayyouwillbeagreaterarchitectthanIeverwas.Takemyideasandimprovethem.ItistheleastIcandobeforeIpasson.’‘Whoa,’Isaid.‘Passon?Butyoucan’tjustkillyourself.That’swrong!’Heshookhishead.‘Notaswrongashidingfrommycrimesfortwothousandyears.Geniusdoesnotexcuseevil,Percy.Mytimehascome.Imustfacemypunishment.’‘Youwontgetafairtrial,’Annabethsaid.‘ThespiritofMinossitsinjudgement–’‘Iwilltakewhatcomes,’hesaid.AndtrustinthejusticeoftheUnderworld,suchasitis.Thatisallwecando,isn’tit?’HelookedstraightatNico,andNico’sfacedarkened.‘Yes,’hesaid.‘Willyoutakemysoulforransom,then?’Daedalusasked.‘Youcoulduseittoreclaimyoursister.’‘No,’Nicosaid.‘Iwillhelpyoureleaseyourspirit.ButBiancahaspassed.Shemuststaywheresheis.’Daedalusnodded.‘Wellsaid,sonofHades.Youarebecomingwise,’Thenheturnedtowardsme.‘Onelastfavour,PercyJackson.IcannotleaveMrsO’Learyalone.AndshehasnodesiretoreturntotheUnderworld.Willyoucareforher?’Ilookedatthemassiveblackhound,whowhimperedpitifully,stilllickingDaedalusshair.Iwasthinkingthatmymom’sapartmentwouldn’tallowdogs,especiallydogsbiggerthantheapartment,butIsaid,‘Yeah.OfcourseIwill.’‘ThenIamreadytoseemyson…andPerdix,’hesaid.‘ImusttellthemhowsorryIam.’Annabethhadtearsinhereyes.DaedalusturnedtowardsNico,whodrewhissword.AtfirstIwasafraidNicowouldkilltheoldinventor,buthesimplysaid,‘Yourtimeislongsincecome.Bereleasedandrest.’AsmileofreliefspreadacrossDaedalus’sface.Hefrozelikeastatue.Hisskinturnedtransparent,revealingthebronzegearsandmachinerywhirringinsidehisbody.Thenthestatueturnedtogreyashanddisintegrated.MrsO’Learyhowled.Ipattedherhead,tryingtocomfortherasbestIcould.Theearthrumbled–anearthquakethatcouldprobablybefeltineverymajorcityacrossthecountry–astheancientLabyrinthcollapsed.Somewhere,Ihoped,theremainsoftheTitans’strike

forcehadbeenburied.Ilookedaroundatthecarnageintheclearing,andthewearyfacesofmyfriends.‘Comeon,’Itoldthem.‘Wehaveworktodo.’

19THECOUNCILGETSCLOVEN

Thereweretoomanygoodbyes.ThatnightwasthefirsttimeIactuallysawcampburialshroudsusedonbodies,anditwasnotsomethingIwantedtoseeagain.Amongthedead,LeeFletcherfromtheApollocabinhadbeendownedbyagiant’sclub.Hewaswrappedinagoldenshroudwithoutanydecoration.ThesonofDionysuswho’dgonedownfightinganenemyhalf-bloodwaswrappedinadeeppurpleshroud,embroideredwithgrapevines.HisnamewasCastor.IwasashamedthatI’dseenhimaroundcampforthreeyearsandneverevenbotheredtolearnhisname.He’dbeenseventeenyearsold.Histwinbrother,Pollux,triedtosayafewwords,buthechokedupandjusttookthetorch.Helitthefuneralpyreinthemiddleoftheamphitheatre,andwithinsecondstherowofshroudswasengulfedinfire,sendingsmokeandsparksuptothestars.Wespentthenextdaytreatingthewounded,whichwasalmosteverybody.Thesatyrsanddryadsworkedtorepairthedamagetothewoods.Atnoon,theCouncilofClovenEldersheldanemergencymeetingintheirsacredgrove.Thethreeseniorsatyrswerethere,alongwithChiron,whowasinwheelchairform.Hisbrokenhorselegwasstillmending,sohewouldbeconfinedtothechairforafewmonths,untilthelegwasstrongenoughtotakehisweight.Thegrovewasfilledwithsatyrsanddryadsandnaiadsupfromthewater–hundredsofthem,anxioustohearwhatwouldhappen.Juniper,AnnabethandIstoodbyGrover’sside.SilenuswantedtoexileGroverimmediately,butChironpersuadedhimtoatleasthearevidencefirst,sowetoldeveryonewhathadhappenedinthecrystalcavern,andwhatPanhadsaid.ThenseveraleyewitnessesfromthebattledescribedtheweirdsoundGroverhadmade,whichdrovetheTitans’armybackunderground.‘Itwaspanic,’insistedJuniper.‘Groversummonedthepowerofthewildgod.’‘Panic?’Iasked.‘Percy,’Chironexplained,‘duringthefirstwarofthegodsandtheTitans,LordPanletforthahorriblecrythatscaredawaytheenemyarmies.Itis–itwashisgreatestpower–amassivewaveoffearthathelpedthegodswintheday.ThewordpanicisnamedafterPan,yousee.AndGroverusedthatpower,callingitforthfromwithinhimself.‘Preposterous!’Silenusbellowed.‘Sacrilege!Perhapsthewildgodfavoureduswithablessing.OrperhapsGrover’smusicwassoawfulitscaredtheenemyaway!’‘Thatwasn’tit,sir,’Groversaid.HesoundedalotcalmerthanIwouldhaveifI’dbeeninsultedlikethat.‘Helethisspiritpassintoallofus.Wemustact.Eachofusmustworktorenewthewild,toprotectwhat’sleftofit.Wemustspreadtheword.Panisdead.Thereisnoonebutus.’Aftertwothousandyearsofsearching,thisiswhatyouwouldhaveusbelieve?’Silenuscried.‘Never!Wemustcontinuethesearch.Exilethetraitor!’Someoftheoldersatyrsmutteredassent.

‘Avote!’Silenusdemanded.‘Whowouldbelievethisridiculousyoungsatyr,anyway?’‘Iwould,’saidafamiliarvoice.Everyoneturned.StridingintothegrovewasDionysus.Heworeaformalblacksuit,soIalmostdidn’trecognizehim,adeeppurpletieandvioletdressshirt,hiscurlydarkhaircarefullycombed.Hiseyeswerebloodshotasusual,andhispudgyfacewasflushed,buthelookedlikehewassufferingfromgriefmorethanwine-withdrawal.Thesatyrsallstoodrespectfullyandbowedasheapproached.Dionysuswavedhishand,andanewchairgrewoutofthegroundnexttoSilenus’s–athronemadeofgrapevines.Dionysussatdownandcrossedhislegs.HesnappedhisfingersandasatyrhurriedforwardwithaplateofcheeseandcrackersandaDietCoke.Thegodofwinelookedaroundattheassembledcrowd.‘Missme?’Thesatyrsfelloverthemselvesnoddingandbowing.‘Oh,yes,verymuch,sire!’‘Well,Ididnotmissthisplace!’Dionysussnapped.‘Ibearbadnews,myfriends.Evilnews.Theminorgodsarechangingsides.Morpheushasgoneovertotheenemy.Hecate,JanusandNemesis,aswell.Zeusknowshowmanymore.’Thunderrumbledinthedistance.‘Strikethat,’Dionysussaid.‘EvenZeusdoesn’tknow.Now,IwanttohearGrover’sstory.Again,fromthetop.’‘But,mylord,’Silenusprotested.‘It’sjustnonsense!’Dionysus’seyesflaredwithpurplefire.‘IhavejustlearnedthatmysonCastorisdead,Silenus.Iamnotinagoodmood.Youwoulddowelltohumourme.’Silenusgulped,andwavedatGrovertostartagain.WhenGroverwasdone,MrDnodded.‘ItsoundslikejustthesortofthingPanwoulddo.Groverisright.Thesearchistiresome.Youmuststartthinkingforyourselves.’Heturnedtoasatyr.‘Bringmesomepeeledgrapes,rightaway!’‘Yes,sire!’Thesatyrscamperedoff.‘Wemustexilethetraitor!’Silenusinsisted.‘Isayno,’Dionysuscountered.‘Thatismyvote.’‘Ivotenoaswell,’Chironputin.Silenussethisjawstubbornly.Allinfavouroftheexile?’Heandtheothertwooldsatyrsraisedtheirhands.‘Threetotwo,’Silenussaid.Ah,yes,’Dionysussaid.‘But,unfortunatelyforyou,agod’svotecountstwice.AndasIvotedagainst,wearetied.’Silenusstood,indignant.‘Thisisanoutrage!Thecouncilcannotstandatanimpasse.’‘Thenletitbedissolved!’MrDsaid.‘Idon’tcare.’Silenusbowedstiffly,alongwithhistwofriends,andtheyleftthegrove.Abouttwentysatyrswentwiththem.Thereststoodaround,murmuringuncomfortably.‘Don’tworry,’Grovertoldthem.‘Wedon’tneedacounciltotelluswhattodo.Wecanfigureitoutourselves.’

HetoldthemagainthewordsofPan–howtheymustsavethewildalittleatatime.Hestarteddividingthesatyrsintogroups–whichoneswouldgotothenationalparks,whichoneswouldsearchoutthelastwildplaces,whichoneswoulddefendtheparksinbigcities.‘Well,’Annabethsaidtome,‘Groverseemstobegrowingup.’

LaterthatafternoonIfoundTysonatthebeach,talkingtoBriares.Briareswasbuildingasandcastlewithaboutfiftyofhishands.Hewasn’treallypayingattentiontoit,buthishandshadconstructedathree-storeycompoundwithfortifiedwalls,amoatandadrawbridge.Tysonwasdrawingamapinthesand.‘Goleftatthereef,’hetoldBriares.‘Straightdownwhenyouseethesunkenship.Then

aboutonemileeast,pastthemermaidgraveyard,youwillstarttoseefiresburning.’‘You’regivinghimdirectionstotheforges?’Iasked.Tysonnodded.‘Briareswantstohelp.HewillteachCyclopeswayswehaveforgotten,

howtomakebetterweaponsandarmour.’‘IwanttoseeCyclopes,’Briaresagreed.‘Idon’twanttobelonelyanymore.’‘Idoubtyou’llbelonelydownthere,’Isaid,alittlewistfully,becauseI’dneverevenbeen

inPoseidon’skingdom.‘They’regoingtokeepyoureallybusy.’Briares’sfacemorphedtoahappyexpression.‘Busysoundsgood!IonlywishTysoncould

go,too.’Tysonblushed.‘Ineedtostayherewithmybrother.Youwilldofine,Briares.Thankyou.’TheHundred-handedOneshookmyhandaboutonehundredtimes.‘Wewillmeetagain,

Percy.Iknowit!’ThenhegaveTysonabigoctopushugandwadedoutintotheocean.Wewatcheduntil

hisenormousheaddisappearedunderthewaves.IclappedTysonontheback.‘Youhelpedhimalot.’‘Ionlytalkedtohim.’‘Youbelievedinhim.WithoutBriares,weneverwould’vetakendownKampê.’Tysongrinned.‘Hethrowsgoodrocks!’Ilaughed.‘Yeah.Hethrowsreallygoodrocks.Comeon,bigguy.Let’shavedinner.’

Itfeltgoodtohavearegulardinneratcamp.TysonsatwithmeatthePoseidontable.ThesunsetoverLongIslandSoundwasbeautiful.Thingsweren’tbacktonormalbyalongshot,butwhenIwentuptothebrazierandscrapedpartofmymealintotheflamesasanofferingtoPoseidon,IfeltlikeIreallydidhavealottobegratefulfor.MyfriendsandIwerealive.Thecampwassafe.Kronoshadsufferedasetback,atleastforawhile.TheonlythingthatbotheredmewasNico,hangingoutintheshadowsattheedgeofthe

pavilion.He’dbeenofferedaplaceattheHermestable,andevenattheneaatablewithChiron,buthehadrefused.Afterdinner,thecampersheadedtowardstheamphitheatre,whereApollo’scabin

promisedanawesomesing-alongtopickupourspirits,butNicoturnedanddisappearedintothewoods.IdecidedI’dbetterfollowhim.

AsIpassedundertheshadowsofthetrees,Irealizedhowdarkitwasgetting.I’dneverbeenscaredintheforestbefore,thoughIknewtherewereplentyofmonsters.Still,Ithoughtaboutyesterday’sbattle,andIwonderedifI’deverbeabletowalkinthesewoodsagainwithoutrememberingthehorrorofsomuchfighting.Icouldn’tseeNico,butafterafewminutesofwalkingIsawaglowupahead.AtfirstI

thoughtNicohadlitatorch.AsIgotcloser,Irealizedtheglowwasaghost.TheshimmeringformofBiancadiAngelostoodintheclearing,smilingatherbrother.Shesaidsomethingtohimandtouchedhisface–ortriedto.Thenherimagefaded.Nicoturnedandsawme,buthedidn’tlookmad.‘Sayinggoodbye,’hesaidhoarsely.‘Wemissedyouatdinner,’Isaid.‘Youcould’vesatwithme.’‘No.’‘Nico,youcan’tmisseverymeal.Ifyoudon’twanttostaywithHermes,maybetheycan

makeanexceptionandputyouintheBigHouse.They’vegotplentyofrooms.’‘I’mnotstaying,Percy.’‘But…youcan’tjustleave.It’stoodangerousoutthereforalonehalf-blood.Youneedto

train.’‘Itrainwiththedead,’hesaidflatly.‘Thiscampisn’tforme.There’sareasontheydidn’t

putacabintoHadeshere,Percy.He’snotwelcome,anymorethanheisonOlympus.Idon’tbelong.Ihavetogo.’Iwantedtoargue,butpartofmeknewhewasright.Ididn’tlikeit,butNicowouldhave

tofindhisowndarkway.IrememberedinPan’scave,howthewildgodhadaddressedeachoneofusindividually…exceptNico.‘Whenwillyougo?’Iasked.‘Rightaway.I’vegottonsofquestions.Likewhowasmymother?WhopaidforBianca

andmetogotoschool?WhowasthatlawyerguywhogotusoutoftheLotusHotel?Iknownothingaboutmypast.Ineedtofindout.’‘Makessense,’Iadmitted.‘ButIhopewedon’thavetobeenemies.’Heloweredhisgaze.‘I’msorryIwasabrat.Ishould’velistenedtoyouaboutBianca.’‘Bytheway…’Ifishedsomethingoutofmypocket.‘Tysonfoundthiswhilewewere

cleaningthecabin.Thoughtyoumightwantit.’IheldoutaleadfigurineofHades–thelittleMythomagicstatueNicohadabandonedwhenhefledcamplastwinter.Nicohesitated.‘Idon’tplaythatgameanymore.It’sforkids.’‘It’sgotfourthousandattackpower,’Icoaxed.‘Fivethousand,’Nicocorrectedme.‘Butonlyifyouropponentattacksfirst.’Ismiled.‘Maybeit’sokaytostillbeakidonceinawhile,’Itossedhimthestatuette.Nicostudieditinhispalmforafewseconds,thenslippeditintohispocket.‘Thanks.’Iputoutmyhand.Heshookitreluctantly.Hishandwasascoldasice.‘I’vegotalotofthingstoinvestigate,’hesaid.‘Someofthem…Well,ifIlearnanything

useful,I’llletyouknow.’Iwasn’tsurewhathemeant,butInodded.‘Keepintouch,Nico.’

Heturnedandtrudgedoffintothewoods.Theshadowsseemedtobendtowardshimashewalked,liketheywerereachingoutforhisattention.Avoicerightbehindmesaid,‘Theregoesaverytroubledyoungman.’IturnedandfoundDionysusstandingthere,stillinhisblacksuit.‘Walkwithme,’hesaid.‘Whereto?’Iaskedsuspiciously.‘Justtothecampfire,’hesaid.‘Iwasbeginningtofeelbetter,soIthoughtIwouldtalkwithyouabit.Youalwaysmanagetoannoyme.’‘Uh,thanks.’Wewalkedthroughthewoodsinsilence.InoticedthatDionysuswastreadingonair,hispolishedblackshoeshoveringaninchofftheground.Iguesshedidn’twanttogetthemdirty.‘Wehavehadmanybetrayals,’hesaid.‘ThingsarenotlookinggoodforOlympus.YetyouandAnnabethsavedthiscamp.I’mnotsureIshouldthankyouforthat.’‘Itwasagroupeffort.’Heshrugged.‘Regardless,Isupposeitwasmildlycompetent,whatyoutwodid.Ithoughtyoushouldknow–itwasn’tatotalloss.’Wereachedtheamphitheatre,andDionysuspointedtowardsthecampfire.ClarissewassittingshouldertoshoulderwithabigHispanickidwhowastellingherajoke.ItwasChrisRodriguez,thehalf-bloodwho’dgoneinsaneintheLabyrinth.IturnedtoDionysus.‘Youcuredhim?’‘Madnessismyspeciality.Itwasquitesimple.’‘But…youdidsomethingnice.Why?’Heraisedaneyebrow.‘Iamnice!Isimplyoozeniceness,PerryJohansson.Haven’tyounoticed?’‘Uh-’‘PerhapsIfeltgrievedbymyson’sdeath.PerhapsIthoughtthisChrisboydeservedasecondchance.Atanyrate,itseemstohaveimprovedClarisse’smood.’‘Whyareyoutellingmethis?’Thewinegodsighed.‘Oh,HadesifIknow.Butremember,boy,thatakindactcansometimesbeaspowerfulasasword.Asamortal,Iwasneveragreatfighterorathleteorpoet.Ionlymadewine.Thepeopleinmyvillagelaughedatme.TheysaidIwouldneveramounttoanything.Lookatmenow.Sometimessmallthingscanbecomeverylargeindeed.’Heleftmealonetothinkaboutthat.AndasIwatchedClarisseandChrissingingastupidcampfiresongtogether,holdinghandsinthedarkness,wheretheythoughtnobodycouldseethem,Ihadtosmile.

20MYBIRTHDAYPARTYTAKESADARKTURN

Therestofthesummerseemedstrangebecauseitwassonormal.Thedailyactivitiescontinued:archery,rockclimbing,pegasusriding.Weplayedcapturetheflag(thoughweallavoidedZeus’sFist).Wesangatthecampfireandracedchariotsandplayedpracticaljokesontheothercabins.IspentalotoftimewithTyson,playingwithMrsO’Leary,butshewouldstillhowlatnightwhenshegotlonelyforheroldmaster.AnnabethandIprettymuchskirtedaroundeachother.Iwasgladtobewithher,butitalsokindofhurt,andithurtwhenIwasn’twithher,too.IwantedtotalktoheraboutKronos,butIcouldn’tdothatanymorewithoutbringingupLuke.AndthatwasonesubjectIcouldn’traise.ShewouldshutmeouteverytimeItried.Julypassed,withfireworksonthebeachattheFourthofJuly.Augustturnedsohotthestrawberriesstartedbakinginthefields.Finally,thelastdayofcamparrived.Thestandardformletterappearedonmybedafterbreakfast,warningmethatthecleaningharpieswoulddevourmeifIstayedpastnoon.Atteno’clockIstoodonthetopofHalf-BloodHill,waitingforthecampvanthatwouldtakemeintothecity.I’dmadearrangementstoleaveMrsO’Learyatcamp,whereChironpromisedshe’dbelookedafter.TysonandIwouldtaketurnsvisitingherduringtheyear.IhopedAnnabethwouldberidingintoManhattanwithme,butsheonlycametoseemeoff.Shesaidshe’darrangedtostayatcampalittlelonger.ShewouldtendtoChironuntilhislegwasfullyrecovered,andkeepstudyingDaedalus’slaptop,whichhadengrossedherforthelasttwomonths.Thenshewouldheadbacktoherfather’splaceinSanFrancisco.‘There’saprivateschoolouttherethatI’llbegoingto,’shesaid.‘I’llprobablyhateit,but…’Sheshrugged.‘Yeah,well,callme,okay?’‘Sure,’shesaidhalfheartedly.‘I’llkeepmyeyesopenfor…’Thereitwasagain.Luke.Shecouldn’tevensayhisnamewithoutopeningupahugeboxofhurtandworryandanger.Annabeth,’Isaid.‘Whatwastherestoftheprophecy?’Shefixedhereyesonthewoodsinthedistance,butshedidn’tsayanything.‘Youshalldelveinthedarknessoftheendlessmaze’,Iremembered.‘Thedead,thetraitorandthelostoneraise.Weraisedalotofthedead.WesavedEthanNakamura,whoturnedouttobeatraitor.WeraisedthespiritofPan,thelostone.’Annabethshookherheadlikeshewantedmetostop.‘Youshallriseorjailbytheghostking’shand,’Ipressedon.‘Thatwasn’tMinoslikeI’dthought.ItwasNico.Bychoosingtobeonourside,hesavedus.AndthechildofAthena’sfinalstand–thatwasDaedalus.’‘Percy–’‘Destroywithahero’sfinalbreath.Thatmakessensenow.DaedalusdiedtodestroytheLabyrinth.Butwhatwasthelast–’

‘Andlosealovetoworsethandeath.’Annabethhadtearsinhereyes.‘Thatwasthelastline,Percy.Areyouhappynow?’Thesunseemedcolderthanithadamomentago.‘Oh,’Isaid.‘SoLuke–’‘Percy,Ididn’tknowwhotheprophecywastalkingabout.I–Ididn’tknowif…’Shefalteredhelplessly.‘LukeandI–foryears,hewastheonlyonewhoreallycaredaboutme.Ithought…’Beforeshecouldcontinue,asparkleoflightappearednexttous,likesomeonehadopenedagoldcurtainintheair.‘Youhavenothingtoapologizefor,mydear.’Standingonthehillwasatallwomaninawhitedress,herdarkhairbraidedoverhershoulder.‘Hera,’Annabethsaid.Thegoddesssmiled.‘Youfoundtheanswers,asIknewyouwould.Yourquestwasasuccess.’‘Asuccess?’Annabethsaid.‘Lukeisgone.Daedalusisdead.Panisdead.Howisthat–’‘Ourfamilyissafe,’Herainsisted.‘Thoseothersarebettergone,mydear.Iamproudofyou.’Iballedmyfists.Icouldn’tbelieveshewassayingthis.‘You’retheonewhopaidGeryontoletusthroughtheranch,weren’tyou?’Herashrugged.Herdressshimmeredinrainbowcolours.‘Iwantedtospeedyouonyourway.’‘Butyoudidn’tcareaboutNico.YouwerehappytoseehimturnedovertotheTitans.’‘Oh,please.’Herawavedherhanddismissively.‘ThesonofHadessaidithimself.Noonewantshimaround.Hedoesnotbelong.’‘Hephaestuswasright,’Igrowled.‘Youonlycareaboutyourperfectfamily,notrealpeople.’Hereyesturneddangerouslybright.‘Watchyourself,sonofPoseidon.Iguidedyoumorethanyouknowinthemaze.IwasatyoursidewhenyoufacedGeryon.Iletyourarrowflystraight.IsentyoutoCalypso’sisland.IopenedthewaytotheTitans’mountain.Annabeth,mydear,surelyyouseehowI’vehelped.Iwouldwelcomeasacrificeformyefforts.’Annabethstoodstillasastatue.Shecould’vesaidthankyou.Shecould’vepromisedtothrowsomebarbecueonthebrazierforHeraandforgetthewholething.Butsheclenchedherjawstubbornly.Shelookedjustthewayshehadwhenshe’dfacedtheSphinx–likeshewasn’tgoingtoacceptaneasyanswer,evenifitgotherinserioustrouble.IrealizedthatwasoneofthethingsIlikedbestaboutAnnabeth.‘Percyisright.’Sheturnedherbackonthegoddess.‘You’retheonewhodoesn’tbelong,QueenHera.Sonexttime,thanks…butnothanks.’Hera’ssneerwasworsethananempousa’s.Herformbegantoglow.‘Youwillregretthisinsult,Annabeth.Youwillregretthisverymuch.’Iavertedmyeyesasthegoddessturnedintohertruedivineformanddisappearedinablazeoflight.

Thehilltopwaspeacefulagain.Overatthepinetree,PeleusthedragondozedundertheGoldenFleeceasifnothinghadhappened.‘I’msorry,’Annabethtoldme.‘I–Ishouldgetback.I’llkeepintouch.’‘Listen,Annabeth–’IthoughtaboutMountStHelens,Calypso’sisland,LukeandRachel

ElizabethDare,andhowsuddenlyeverythinghadgotsocomplicated.IwantedtotellAnnabeththatIdidn’treallywanttobesodistantfromher.ThenArgushonkedhishorndownattheroad,andIlostmychance.‘You’dbettergetgoing,’Annabethsaid.‘Takecare,SeaweedBrain.’Shejoggeddownthehill.Iwatchedheruntilshereachedthecabins.Shedidn’tlookback

once.

Twodayslateritwasmybirthday.Ineveradvertisedthedate,becauseitalwaysfellrightaftercamp,sononeofmycampfriendscouldusuallycome,andIdidn’thavethatmanymortalfriends.Besides,gettingolderdidn’tseemlikeanythingtocelebratesinceI’dhadthebigprophecyaboutmedestroyingorsavingtheworldwhenIturnedsixteen.NowIwasturningfifteen.Iwasrunningoutoftime.Mymomthrewmeasmallpartyatourapartment.PaulBlofiscameover,butthatwas

okaybecauseChironhadmanipulatedtheMisttoconvinceeveryoneatGoodeHighSchoolthatIhadnothingtodowiththeband-roomexplosion.NowPaulandtheotherwitnesseswereconvincedthatKellihadbeenacrazy,firebomb-throwingcheerleader,whileIhadsimplybeenaninnocentbystanderwho’dpanickedandranfromthescene.IwouldstillbeallowedtostartasafreshmanatGoodenextmonth.IfIwantedtokeepmyrecordofgettingkickedoutofschooleveryyear,I’dhavetotryharder.Tysoncametomyparty,too,andmymotherbakedtwoextrabluecakesjustforhim.

WhileTysonhelpedmymomblowuppartyballoons,PaulBlofisaskedmetohelphiminthekitchen.Aswewerepouringpunch,hesaid,‘Ihearyourmomsignedyouupfordriver’sedthis

fall.’‘Yeah.It’scool.Ican’twait.’Seriously,I’dbeenexcitedaboutgettingmylicenceforever,butIguessmyheartwasn’t

initanymore,andPaulcouldtell.InaweirdwayheremindedmeofChironsometimes,howhecouldlookatyouandactuallyseeyourthoughts.Iguessitwasthatteacheraura.‘You’vehadaroughsummer,’hesaid.‘I’mguessingyoulostsomeoneimportant.And…

girltrouble?’Istaredathim.‘Howdoyouknowthat?Didmymom–’Hehelduphishands.‘Yourmomhasn’tsaidathing.AndIwon’tpry.Ijustknowthere’s

somethingunusualaboutyou,Percy.You’vegotalotgoingonthatIcan’tfigureout.ButIwasalsofifteenonce,andI’mjustguessingfromyourexpression…Well,you’vehadaroughtime.’Inodded.I’dpromisedmymomIwouldtellPaulthetruthaboutme,butnowdidn’tseem

thetime.Notyet.‘IlostacoupleoffriendsatthiscampIgoto,’Isaid.‘Imean,notclosefriends,butstill–’

‘I’msorry.’‘Yeah.And,uh,Iguessthegirlstuff…’‘Here.’Paulhandedmesomepunch.‘Toyourfifteenthbirthday.Andtoabetteryearto

come.’Wetappedourpapercupstogetheranddrank.‘Percy,Ikindoffeelbad,givingyouonemorethingtothinkabout,’Paulsaid.‘ButI

wantedtoaskyousomething.’‘Yeah?’‘Girlstuff.’Ifrowned.‘Whatdoyoumean?’‘Yourmom,’Paulsaid.‘I’mthinkingaboutproposingtoher.’Ialmostdroppedmycup.‘Youmean…marryingher?Youandher?’‘Well,thatwasthegeneralidea.Wouldthatbeokaywithyou?’‘You’reaskingmypermission?’Paulscratchedhisbeard.‘Idon’tknowifit’spermission,somuch,butshe’syourmother.

AndIknowyou’regoingthroughalot.Iwouldn’tfeelrightifIdidn’ttalktoyouaboutitfirst,mantoman.’‘Mantoman,’Irepeated.Itsoundedstrange,sayingthat.IthoughtaboutPaulandmy

mom,howshesmiledandlaughedmorewheneverhewasaround,andhowPaulhadgoneoutofhiswaytogetmeintohighschool.Ifoundmyselfsaying,‘Ithinkthat’sagreatidea,Paul.Goforit.’Hesmiledreallywidethen.‘Cheers,Percy.Let’sjointheparty.

Iwasjustgettingreadytoblowoutthecandleswhenthedoorbellrang.Mymomfrowned.‘Whocouldthatcouldbe?’Itwasweird,becauseournewbuildinghadadoorman,buthehadn’tcalledupor

anything.Mymomopenedthedoorandgasped.Itwasmydad.HewaswearingBermudashortsandaHawaiianshirtandBirkenstocks,

likeheusuallydoes.Hisblackbeardwasneatlytrimmedandhissea-greeneyestwinkled.Heworeabatteredcapdecoratedwithfishinglures.Itsaid,Neptune’sLuckyFishingHat.‘Pos–’Mymotherstoppedherself.Shewasblushingrighttotherootsofherhair.‘Um,

hello.’‘Hello,Sally,’Poseidonsaid.‘Youlookasbeautifulasever.MayIcomein?’Mymothermadeasqueakingsoundthatmight’vebeeneither‘yes’or‘help’.Poseidon

tookitasayesandcamein.Paulwaslookingbackandforthbetweenus,tryingtoreadourexpressions.Finallyhe

steppedforward.‘Hi,I’mPaulBlofis.’Poseidonraisedhiseyebrowsastheyshookhands.‘Blowfish,didyousay?’‘Ah,no.Blofis,actually.’‘Oh,Isee,’Poseidonsaid.‘Ashame.Iquitelikeblowfish.IamPoseidon.’

‘Poseidon?That’saninterestingname.’‘Yes,Ilikeit.I’vegonebyothernames,butIdopreferPoseidon.’‘Likethegodofthesea.’‘Verymuchlikethat,yes.’‘Well!’mymominterrupted.‘Um,we’resogladyoucoulddropby.Paul,thisisPercy’sfather.’‘Ah.’Paulnodded,thoughhedidn’tlookverypleased.1see.Poseidonsmiledatme.‘Thereyouare,myboy.AndTyson,hello,son!’‘Daddy!’TysonboundedacrosstheroomandgavePoseidonabighug,whichalmostknockedoffhisfishinghat.Paul’sjawdropped.Hestaredatmymom.‘Tysonis…‘Notmine,’shepromised.‘It’salongstory.’‘Icouldn’tmissPercy’sfifteenthbirthday,’Poseidonsaid.‘Why,ifthiswereSparta,Percywouldbeamantoday!’‘That’strue,’Paulsaid.‘Iusedtoteachancienthistory.’Poseidon’seyestwinkled.‘That’sme.Ancienthistory.Sally,Paul,Tyson…wouldyoumindifIborrowedPercyforjustamoment?’Heputhisarmaroundmeandsteeredmeintothekitchen.

Oncewewerealone,hissmilefaded.Areyouallright,myboy?’‘Yeah.I’mfine.Iguess.’‘Iheardstories,’Poseidonsaid.‘ButIwantedtohearitdirectlyfromyou.Tellmeeverything.’SoIdid.Itwaskindofdisconcerting,becausePoseidonlistenedsointently.Hiseyesneverleftmyface.Hisexpressiondidn’tchangethewholetimeItalked.WhenIwasdone,henoddedslowly.‘SoKronosisindeedback.Itwillnotbelongbeforefullwarisuponus.‘WhataboutLuke?’Iasked.‘Ishereallygone?’‘Idon’tknow,Percy.Itismostdisturbing.’‘Buthisbodyismortal.Couldn’tyoujustdestroyhim?’Poseidonlookedtroubled.‘Mortal,perhaps.ButthereissomethingdifferentaboutLuke,myboy.Idon’tknowhowhewaspreparedtohosttheTitan’ssoul,buthewillnotbeeasilykilled.Andyet,IfearhemustbekilledifwearetosendKronosbacktothepit.Iwillhavetothinkonthis.Unfortunately,Ihaveotherproblemsofmyown.’IrememberedwhatTysonhadtoldmeatthebeginningofthesummer.‘Theoldseagods?’‘Indeed.Thebattlecamefirsttome,Percy.Infact,Icannotstaylong.Evennowtheoceanisatwarwithitself.ItisallIcandotokeephurricanesandtyphoonsfromdestroyingyoursurfaceworld,thefightingissointense.’

‘Letmecomedownthere,’Isaid.‘Letmehelp.’Poseidon’seyescrinkledashesmiled.‘Notyet,myboy.Isenseyouwillbeneededhere.Whichremindsme…’Hebroughtoutasanddollarandpresseditintomyhand.‘Yourbirthdaypresent.Spenditwisely.’‘Uh,spendasanddollar?’‘Oh,yes.Inmyday,youcouldbuyquitealotwithasanddollar.Ithinkyouwillfinditstillbuysalot,ifusedintherightsituation.’‘Whatsituation?’‘Whenthetimecomes,’Poseidonsaid,‘Ithinkyou’llknow.’Iclosedmyhandaroundthesanddollar,butsomethingwasreallybotheringme.‘Dad,’Isaid.‘WhenIwasinthemaze,ImetAntaeus.Hesaid…well,hesaidhewasyourfavouriteson.Hedecoratedhisarenawithskullsand–’‘Hededicatedthemtome,’Poseidonsupplied.‘Andyouarewonderinghowsomeonecoulddosomethingsohorribleinmyname.’Inoddeduncomfortably.Poseidonputhisweatheredhandonmyshoulder.‘Percy,lesserbeingsdomanyhorriblethingsinthenameofthegods.Thatdoesnotmeanwegodsapprove.Thewayoursonsanddaughtersactinournames…well,itusuallysaysmoreaboutthemthanitdoesaboutus.Andyou,Percy,aremyfavouriteson.’Hesmiled,andatthatmoment,justbeinginthekitchenwithhimwasthebestbirthdaypresentIevergot.Thenmymomcalledfromthelivingroom,‘Percy?Thecandlesaremelting!’‘You’dbettergo,’Poseidonsaid.‘But,Percy,onelastthingyoushouldknow.ThatincidentatMountStHelens…’ForasecondIthoughthewastalkingaboutAnnabethkissingme,andIblushed,butthenIrealizedhewastalkingaboutsomethingalotbigger.‘Theeruptionsarecontinuing,’hesaid.‘Typhonisstirring.Itisverylikelythatsoon,inafewmonths,perhapsayearatbest,hewillescapehisbonds.’‘I’msorry,’Isaid.‘Ididn’tmean–’Poseidonraisedhishand.‘Itisnotyourfault,Percy.Itwould’vehappenedsoonerorlater,withKronosawakeningtheancientmonsters.Butbeaware,ifTyphonstirs…itwillbeunlikeanythingyouhavefacedbefore.Thefirsttimeheappeared,alltheforcesofOlympuswerebarelyenoughtobattlehim.Andwhenhestirsagain,hewillcomehere,toNewYork.HewillmakestraightforOlympus.’ThatwasjustthekindofwonderfulnewsIwantedtogetonmybirthday,butPoseidonpattedmeonthebacklikeeverythingwasfine.‘Ishouldgo.Enjoyyourcake.’Andjustlikethatheturnedtomistandwassweptoutofthewindowonawarmoceanbreeze.

IttookalittleworktoconvincePaulthatPoseidonhadleftviathefireescape,butsincepeoplecan’tvanishintothinair,hehadnochoicebuttobelieveit.

Weatebluecakeandicecreamuntilwecouldn’teatanymore.ThenweplayedabunchofcheesypartygameslikecharadesandMonopoly.Tysondidn’tgetcharades.Hekeptshoutingouttheanswerhewastryingtomime,butitturnedouthewasreallygoodatMonopoly.HeknockedmeoutofthegameinthefirstfiveroundsandstartedbankruptingmymomandPaul.Ileftthemplayingandwentintomybedroom.Isetanuneatensliceofbluecakeonmydresser.ThenItookoffmyCampHalf-Bloodnecklaceandlaiditonthewindowsill.Therewerethreebeadsnow,representingmythreesummersatcamp–atrident,theGoldenFleeceandthelatest:anintricatemaze,symbolizingtheBattleoftheLabyrinth,asthecampershadstartedtocallit.Iwonderedwhatnextyear’sbeadwouldbe,ifIwasstillaroundtogetit.Ifthecampsurviveduntilnextsummer.Ilookedatthetelephonebymybedside.IthoughtaboutcallingRachelElizabethDare.MymomhadaskedmeiftherewasanyoneelseIwantedtohaveovertonight,andI’dthoughtaboutRachel.ButIdidn’tcall.Idon’tknowwhy.TheideamademealmostasnervousasadoorintotheLabyrinth.Ipattedmypocketsandemptiedoutmystuff–Riptide,aKleenex,myapartmentkey.ThenIpattedmyshirtpocketandfeltasmalllump.Ihadn’tevenrealizedit,butIwaswearingthewhitecottonshirtCalypsohadgivenmeonOgygia.Ibroughtoutalittlepieceofcloth,unwrappedit,andfoundtheclippingofmoonlace.Itwasatinysprig,shrivelledupaftertwomonths,butIcouldstillsmellthefaintscentoftheenchantedgarden.Itmademesad.IrememberedCalypso’slastrequestofme:PhntagardeninManhattanforme,willyou?Iopenedthewindowandsteppedontothefireescape.Mymomkeptaplanterboxoutthere.Inthespringsheusuallyfilleditwithflowers,butnowitwasallearth,waitingforsomethingnew.Itwasaclearnight.ThemoonwasfulloverEighty-secondStreet.Iplantedthedriedsprigofmoonlacecarefullyinthedirtandsprinkledalittlenectaronitfrommycampcanteen.Nothinghappenedatfirst.Then,asIwatched,atinysilverplantsprangoutofthesoil–ababymoonlace,glowinginthewarmsummernight.‘Niceplant,’avoicesaid.Ijumped.NicodiAngelowasstandingonthefireescaperightnexttome.He’djustappearedthere.‘Sorry,’hesaid.‘Didn’tmeantostartleyou.’‘That’s–that’sokay.Imean…whatareyoudoinghere?’He’dgrownaboutaninchtalleroverthelastcoupleofmonths.Hishairwasashaggyblackmess.HeworeablackT-shirt,blackjeansandanewsilverringshapedlikeaskull.HisStygianironswordhungathisside.‘I’vedonesomeexploring,’hesaid.‘Thoughtyou’dliketoknowthatDaedalusgothispunishment.’‘Yousawhim?’Niconodded.‘Minoswantedtoboilhimincheesefondueforeternity,butmyfatherhad

otherideas.DaedaluswillbebuildingoverpassesandexitrampsinAsphodelforalltime.It’llhelpeasethetrafficcongestion.Truthfully,Ithinktheoldguyisprettyhappywiththat.He’sstillbuilding.Stillcreating.AndhegetstoseehissonandPerdixontheweekends.’‘That’sgood.’Nicotappedathissilverring.‘Butthat’snottherealreasonI’vecome.I’vefoundoutsomethings.Iwanttomakeyouanoffer.’‘What?’‘ThewaytobeatLuke,’hesaid.‘IfI’mright,it’stheonlywayyou’llstandachance.’Itookadeepbreath.‘Okay.I’mlistening.’Nicoglancedinsidemyroom.Hiseyebrowsfurrowed.‘Isthat…isthatbluebirthdaycake?’Hesoundedhungry,maybealittlewistful.Iwonderedifthepoorkidhadeverhadabirthdayparty,orifhe’deverevenbeeninvitedtoone.‘Comeinsideforcakeandicecream,’Isaid.‘Itsoundslikewe’vegotalottotalkabout.’

The Battle of the Labyrinth - Free Story Books · PERCY JACKSON AND THE BATTLE OF THE LABYRINTH...

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