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343536373839404142GuidetoApollo-SpeakAlsobyRickRiordanPraiseforRickRiordanAbouttheAuthor

ToUrsulaK.LeGuin,

whotaughtmethatruleschangeintheReaches

Lester(Apollo)Stillhuman;thanksforaskingGods,Ihatemylife

WHENOURDRAGONdeclaredwaronIndiana,Iknewitwasgoingtobeabadday.We’dbeentravelingwestforsixweeks,andFestushadnevershownsuchhostilitytowardastate.

NewJerseyheignored.Pennsylvaniaheseemedtoenjoy,despiteourbattlewiththeCyclopesofPittsburgh.Ohiohetolerated,evenafterourencounterwithPotina,theRomangoddessofchildhooddrinks,whopursuedusintheformofagiantredpitcheremblazonedwithasmileyface.

Yetforsomereason,FestusdecidedhedidnotlikeIndiana.HelandedonthecupolaoftheIndianaStatehouse,flappedhismetallicwings,andblewaconeoffirethatincineratedthestateflagrightofftheflagpole.

“Whoa,buddy!”LeoValdezpulledthedragon’sreins.“We’vetalkedaboutthis.Noblowtorchingpublicmonuments!”

Behindhimonthedragon’sspine,CalypsogrippedFestus’sscalesforbalance.“Couldwepleasegettotheground?Gentlythistime?”

Foraformerlyimmortalsorceresswhooncecontrolledairspirits,Calypsowasnotafanofflying.Coldwindblewherchestnuthairintomyface,makingmeblinkandspit.

That’sright,dearreader.I,themostimportantpassenger,theyouthwhohadoncebeenthegloriousgodApollo,wasforcedto

sitinthebackofthedragon.Oh,theindignitiesIhadsufferedsinceZeusstrippedmeofmydivinepowers!Itwasn’tenoughthatIwasnowasixteen-year-oldmortalwiththeghastlyaliasLesterPapadopoulos.Itwasn’tenoughthatIhadtotoilupontheearthdoing(ugh)heroicquestsuntilIcouldfindawaybackintomyfather’sgoodgraces,orthatIhadacaseofacnewhichsimplywouldnotrespondtoover-the-counterzitmedicine.DespitemyNewYorkStatejuniordriver’slicense,LeoValdezdidn’ttrustmetooperatehisaerialbronzesteed!

Festus’sclawsscrabbledforaholdonthegreencopperdome,whichwasmuchtoosmallforadragonhissize.IhadaflashbacktothetimeIinstalledalife-sizestatueofthemuseCalliopeonmysunchariotandtheextraweightofthehoodornamentmademenosediveintoChinaandcreatetheGobiDesert.

Leoglancedback,hisfacestreakedwithsoot.“Apollo,yousenseanything?”“Whyisitmyjobtosensethings?JustbecauseIusedtobeagodofprophecy—”“You’retheonewho’sbeenhavingvisions,”Calypsoremindedme.“YousaidyourfriendMegwould

behere.”

JusthearingMeg’snamegavemeatwingeofpain.“Thatdoesn’tmeanIcanpinpointherlocationwithmymind!ZeushasrevokedmyaccesstoGPS!”

“GPS?”Calypsoasked.“Godlypositioningsystems.”“That’snotarealthing!”“Guys,coolit.”Leopattedthedragon’sneck.“Apollo,justtry,willyou?Doesthislooklikethecity

youdreamedaboutornot?”Iscannedthehorizon.Indianawasflatcountry—highwayscrisscrossingscrubbybrownplains,shadowsofwinterclouds

floatingaboveurbansprawl.Aroundusroseameagerclusterofdowntownhigh-rises—stacksofstoneandglasslikelayeredwedgesofblackandwhitelicorice.(Nottheyummykindoflicorice,either;thenastyvarietythatsitsforeonsinyourstepmother’scandybowlonthecoffeetable.And,no,Hera,whywouldIbetalkingaboutyou?)

AfterfallingtoearthinNewYorkCity,IfoundIndianapolisdesolateanduninspiring,asifoneproperNewYorkneighborhood—Midtown,perhaps—hadbeenstretchedouttoencompasstheentireareaofManhattan,thenrelievedoftwo-thirdsofitspopulationandvigorouslypower-washed.

IcouldthinkofnoreasonwhyaneviltriumvirateofancientRomanemperorswouldtakeinterestinsuchalocation.NorcouldIimaginewhyMegMcCaffreywouldbesentheretocaptureme.Yetmyvisionshadbeenclear.Ihadseenthisskyline.IhadheardmyoldenemyNerogiveorderstoMeg:Gowest.CaptureApollobeforehecanfindthenextOracle.Ifyoucannotbringhimtomealive,killhim.

Thetrulysadthingaboutthis?Megwasoneofmybetterfriends.Shealsohappenedtobemydemigodmaster,thankstoZeus’stwistedsenseofhumor.AslongasIremainedmortal,Megcouldordermetodoanything,evenkillmyself….No.Betternottothinkofsuchpossibilities.

Ishiftedinmymetalseat.Aftersomanyweeksoftravel,Iwastiredandsaddlesore.Iwantedtofindasafeplacetorest.Thiswasnotsuchacity.SomethingaboutthelandscapebelowmademeasrestlessasFestus.

Alas,Iwassurethiswaswhereweweremeanttobe.Despitethedanger,ifIhadachanceofseeingMegMcCaffreyagain,ofpryingherawayfromhervillainousstepfather’sgrasp,Ihadtotry.

“Thisisthespot,”Isaid.“Beforethisdomecollapsesunderus,Isuggestwegettotheground.”CalypsogrumbledinancientMinoan,“Ialreadysaidthat.”“Well,excuseme,sorceress!”Irepliedinthesamelanguage.“Perhapsifyouhadhelpfulvisions,I’d

listentoyoumoreoften!”CalypsocalledmeafewnamesthatremindedmehowcolorfultheMinoanlanguagehadbeenbefore

itwentextinct.“Hey,youtwo,”Leosaid.“Noancientdialects.SpanishorEnglish,please.OrMachine.”Festuscreakedinagreement.“It’sokay,boy,”Leosaid.“I’msuretheydidn’tmeantoexcludeus.Nowlet’sflydowntostreet

level,huh?”Festus’srubyeyesglowed.Hismetalteethspunlikedrillbits.Iimaginedhimthinking,Illinoisis

soundingprettygoodrightaboutnow.Butheflappedhiswingsandleapedfromthedome.Wehurtleddownward,landinginfrontofthe

statehousewithenoughforcetocrackthesidewalk.Myeyeballsjiggledlikewaterballoons.Festuswhippedhisheadfromsidetoside,steamcurlingfromhisnostrils.Isawnoimmediatethreats.CarsdroveleisurelydownWestWashingtonStreet.Pedestriansstrolled

by:amiddle-agedwomaninaflowerydress,aheavysetpolicemancarryingapapercoffeecuplabeledCAFÉPATACHOU,aclean-cutmaninablueseersuckersuit.

Themaninbluewavedpolitelyashepassed.“Morning.”

“’Sup,dude,”Leocalled.Calypsotiltedherhead.“Whywashesofriendly?Doeshenotseethatwe’resittingatopafifty-ton

metaldragon?”Leogrinned.“It’stheMist,babe—messeswithmortaleyes.Makesmonsterslooklikestraydogs.

Makesswordslooklikeumbrellas.Makesmelookevenmorehandsomethanusual!”CalypsojabbedherthumbsintoLeo’skidneys.“Ow!”hecomplained.“IknowwhattheMistis,Leonidas—”“Hey,Itoldyounevertocallmethat.”“—buttheMistmustbeverystronghereifitcanhideamonsterofFestus’ssizeatsuchcloserange.

Apollo,don’tyoufindthatalittleodd?”Istudiedthepassingpedestrians.True,IhadseenplaceswheretheMistwasparticularlyheavy.AtTroy,theskyabovethebattlefield

hadbeensothickwithgodsyoucouldn’tturnyourchariotwithoutrunningintoanotherdeity,yettheTrojansandGreekssawonlyhintsofourpresence.AtThreeMileIslandin1979,themortalssomehowfailedtorealizethattheirpartialnuclearmeltdownwascausedbyanepicchainsawfightbetweenAresandHephaestus.(AsIrecall,HephaestushadinsultedAres’sbell-bottomjeans.)

Still,IdidnotthinkheavyMistwastheproblemhere.Somethingabouttheselocalsbotheredme.Theirfacesweretooplacid.TheirdazedsmilesremindedmeofancientAtheniansjustbeforetheDionysusFestival—everyoneinagoodmood,distracted,thinkingaboutthedrunkenriotsanddebaucherytocome.

“Weshouldgetoutofthepubliceye,”Isuggested.“Perhaps—”Festusstumbled,shakinglikeawetdog.Frominsidehischestcameanoiselikealoosebicycle

chain.“Aw,notagain,”Leosaid.“Everybodyoff!”CalypsoandIquicklydismounted.LeoraninfrontofFestusandheldouthisarmsinaclassicdragon-wrangler’sstance.“Hey,buddy,

it’sfine!I’mjustgoingtoswitchyouoffforawhile,okay?Alittledowntimeto—”Festusprojectile-vomitedacolumnofflamesthatengulfedLeo.Fortunately,Valdezwasfireproof.

Hisclotheswerenot.FromwhatLeohadtoldme,hecouldgenerallypreventhisoutfitsfromburningupsimplybyconcentrating.Ifhewerecaughtbysurprise,however,itdidn’talwayswork.

Whentheflamesdissipated,Leostoodbeforeuswearingnothingbuthisasbestosboxershorts,hismagicaltoolbelt,andapairofsmoking,partiallymeltedsneakers.

“Dangit!”hecomplained.“Festus,it’scoldouthere!”Thedragonstumbled.Leolungedandflippedtheleverbehindthedragon’sleftforeleg.Festusbegan

tocollapse.Hiswings,limbs,neck,andtailcontractedintohisbody,hisbronzeplatesoverlappingandfoldinginward.Inamatterofseconds,ourroboticfriendhadbeenreducedtoalargebronzesuitcase.

Thatshouldhavebeenphysicallyimpossible,ofcourse,butlikeanydecentgod,demigod,orengineer,LeoValdezrefusedtobestoppedbythelawsofphysics.

Hescowledathisnewpieceofluggage.“Man…IthoughtIfixedhisgyro-capacitor.Guesswe’restuckhereuntilIcanfindamachineshop.”

Calypsogrimaced.Herpinkskijacketglistenedwithcondensationfromourflightthroughtheclouds.“Andifwefindsuchashop,howlongwillittaketorepairFestus?”

Leoshrugged.“Twelvehours?Fifteen?”Hepushedabuttononthesideofthesuitcase.Ahandlepoppedup.“Also,ifweseeamen’sclothingstore,thatmightbegood.”

IimaginedwalkingintoaT.J.Maxx,Leoinboxershortsandmeltedsneakers,rollingabronzesuitcasebehindhim.Ididnotrelishtheidea.

Then,fromthedirectionofthesidewalk,avoicecalled,“Hello!”Thewomanintheflowerydresshadreturned.Atleastshelookedlikethesamewoman.Eitherthator

lotsofladiesinIndianapolisworepurple-and-yellowhoneysuckle-patterndressesandhad1950sbouffanthairstyles.

Shesmiledvacantly.“Beautifulmorning!”Itwasinfactamiserablemorning—coldandcloudywithasmellofimpendingsnow—butIfeltit

wouldberudetoignorehercompletely.Igaveheralittleparadewave—thesortofgestureIusedtogivemyworshipperswhentheycameto

grovelatmyaltar.Tome,themessagewasclearenough:Iseeyou,punymortal;nowrunalong.Thegodsaretalking.

Thewomandidnottakethehint.Shestrolledforwardandplantedherselfinfrontofus.Shewasn’tparticularlylarge,butsomethingaboutherproportionsseemedoff.Hershouldersweretoowideforherhead.Herchestandbellyprotrudedinalumpymass,asifshe’dstuffedasackofmangosdownthefrontofherdress.Withherspindlyarmsandlegs,sheremindedmeofsomesortofgiantbeetle.Ifsheevertippedover,Idoubtedshecouldeasilygetbackup.

“Oh,my!”Shegrippedherpursewithbothhands.“Aren’tyouchildrencute!”Herlipstickandeyeshadowwerebothaviolentshadeofpurple.Iwonderedifshewasgetting

enoughoxygentoherbrain.“Madam,”Isaid,“wearenotchildren.”IcouldhaveaddedthatIwasoverfourthousandyearsold,

andCalypsowasevenolder,butIdecidednottogetintothat.“Now,ifyou’llexcuseus,wehaveasuitcasetorepairandmyfriendisindireneedofapairofpants.”

Itriedtosteparoundher.Sheblockedmypath.“Youcan’tgoyet,dear!Wehaven’twelcomedyoutoIndiana!”Fromherpurse,shedrewa

smartphone.Thescreenglowedasifacallwerealreadyinprogress.“It’shim,allright,”shesaidintothephone.“Everybody,comeonover.Apolloishere!”Mylungsshriveledinmychest.Intheolddays,IwouldhaveexpectedtoberecognizedassoonasIarrivedinatown.Ofcoursethe

localswouldrushtowelcomeme.Theywouldsinganddanceandthrowflowers.Theywouldimmediatelybeginconstructinganewtemple.

ButasLesterPapadopoulos,Ididnotwarrantsuchtreatment.Ilookednothinglikemyformergloriousself.TheideathattheIndianansmightrecognizemedespitemytangledhair,acne,andflabwasbothinsultingandterrifying.Whatiftheyerectedastatueofmeinmypresentform—agiantgoldenLesterinthecenteroftheircity?Theothergodswouldneverletmeheartheendofit!

“Madam,”Isaid,“I’mafraidyouhavemistakenme—”“Don’tbemodest!”Thewomantossedherphoneandpurseaside.Shegrabbedmyforearmwiththe

strengthofaweightlifter.“Ourmasterwillbedelightedtohaveyouincustody.AndpleasecallmeNanette.”

Calypsocharged.Eithershewishedtodefendme(unlikely),orshewasnotafanofthenameNanette.Shepunchedthewomanintheface.

Thisbyitselfdidnotsurpriseme.Havinglostherimmortalpowers,Calypsowasintheprocessoftryingtomasterotherskills.Sofar,she’dfailedatswords,polearms,shurikens,whips,andimprovisationalcomedy.(Isympathizedwithherfrustration.)Today,she’ddecidedtotryfisticuffs.

WhatsurprisedmewastheloudCRACKherfistmadeagainstNanette’sface—thesoundoffingerbonesbreaking.

“Ow!”Calypsostumbledaway,clutchingherhand.Nanette’sheadslidbackward.Shereleasedmetotrytograbherownface,butitwastoolate.Her

headtoppledoffhershoulders.Itclangedagainstthepavementandrolledsideways,theeyesstill

blinking,thepurplelipstwitching.Itsbasewassmoothstainlesssteel.Attachedtoitwereraggedstripsofducttapestuckwithhairandbobbypins.

“HolyHephaestus!”LeorantoCalypso’sside.“Lady,youbrokemygirlfriend’shandwithyourface.Whatareyou,anautomaton?”

“No,dear,”saiddecapitatedNanette.Hermuffledvoicedidn’tcomefromthestainless-steelheadonthesidewalk.Itemanatedfromsomewhereinsideherdress.Justabovehercollar,whereherneckusedtobe,anoutcroppingoffineblondhairwastangledwithbobbypins.“AndImustsay,hittingmewasn’tverypolite.”

Belatedly,Irealizedthemetalheadhadbeenadisguise.Justassatyrscoveredtheirhooveswithhumanshoes,thiscreaturepassedformortalbypretendingtohaveahumanface.Itsvoicecamefromitsgutarea,whichmeant…

Mykneestrembled.“Ablemmyae,”Isaid.Nanettechuckled.Herbulgingmidsectionwrithedunderthehoneysucklecloth.Sherippedopenher

blouse—somethingapoliteMidwesternerwouldneverthinkofdoing—andrevealedhertrueface.Whereawoman’sbrassierewouldhavebeen,twoenormousbulgingeyesblinkedatme.Fromher

sternumprotrudedalargeshinynose.Acrossherabdomencurledahideousmouth—glisteningorangelips,teethlikeaspreadofblankwhiteplayingcards.

“Yes,dear,”thefacesaid.“AndI’marrestingyouinthenameoftheTriumvirate!”UpanddownWashingtonStreet,pleasant-lookingpedestriansturnedandbeganmarchinginour

direction.

HeadlessguysandgalsNotlovingtheMidwestvibeOh,look—acheeseghost

GEE,APOLLO,youmaybethinking,whydidn’tyousimplypulloutyourbowandshoother?Orcharmherwithasongfromyourcombatukulele?

True,Ihadboththoseitemsslungacrossmybackalongwithmyquiver.Sadly,eventhebestdemigodweaponsrequiresomethingcalledmaintenance.MychildrenKaylaandAustinhadexplainedthistomebeforeIleftCampHalf-Blood.Icouldn’tjustpullmybowandquiveroutofthinairasIusedtowhenIwasagod.Icouldnolongerwishmyukuleleintomyhandsandexpectittobeperfectlyintune.

Myweaponsandmymusicalinstrumentwerecarefullywrappedinblankets.Otherwiseflyingthroughthewetwinterskieswould’vewarpedthebow,ruinedthearrows,andplayedHadeswiththestringsofmyukulele.TogetthemoutnowwouldrequireseveralminutesthatIdidnothave.

Also,Idoubtedtheywoulddomemuchgoodagainstblemmyae.Ihadn’tdealtwiththeirkindsincethetimeofJuliusCaesar,andIwould’vebeenhappytogoanother

twothousandyearswithoutseeingone.Howcouldagodofpoetryandmusicbeeffectiveagainstaspecieswhoseearswerewedgedunder

theirarmpits?Nordidtheblemmyaefearorrespectarchery.Theyweresturdymeleefighterswiththickskin.Theywereevenresistanttomostformsofdisease,whichmeanttheynevercalledonmeformedicalhelpnorfearedmyplaguearrows.Worstofall,theywerehumorlessandunimaginative.Theyhadnointerestinthefuture,sotheysawnouseforOraclesorprophecies.

Inshort,youcouldnotcreatearacelesssympathetictoanattractive,multitalentedgodlikeme.(Andbelieveme,Areshadtried.Thoseeighteenth-centuryHessianmercenarieshecookedup?Ugh.GeorgeWashingtonandIhadtheworsttimewiththem.)

“Leo,”Isaid,“activatethedragon.”“Ijustputhimintosleepcycle.”“Hurry!”Leofumbledwiththesuitcase’sbuttons.Nothinghappened.“Itoldyou,man.EvenifFestusweren’t

malfunctioning,he’sreallyhardtowakeuponcehe’sasleep.”Wonderful,Ithought.Calypsohunchedoverherbrokenhand,mutteringMinoanobscenities.Leo

shiveredinhisunderwear.AndI…well,IwasLester.Ontopofallthat,insteadoffacingourenemieswithalargefire-breathingautomaton,wewouldnowhavetofacethemwithabarelyportablepieceofmetalluggage.

Iwheeledontheblemmyae.“BEGONE,foulNanette!”Itriedtomustermyoldgodlywrathvoice.

“LayhandsuponmydivinepersonagainandyoushallbeDESTROYED!”BackwhenIwasagod,thatthreatwouldhavebeenenoughtomakeentirearmieswettheir

camouflagepants.Nanettejustblinkedhercow-browneyes.“Don’tfuss,now,”shesaid.Herlipsweregrotesquelyhypnotic,likewatchingasurgicalincision

beingusedasapuppet.“Besides,dearie,you’renotagodanymore.”Whydidpeoplehavetokeepremindingmeofthat?Morelocalsconvergedonourposition.Twopoliceofficerstrotteddownthestepsofthestatehouse.

AtthecornerofSenateAvenue,atrioofsanitationworkersabandonedtheirgarbagetruckandlumberedoverwieldinglargemetaltrashcans.Fromtheotherdirection,ahalfdozenmeninbusinesssuitstrompedacrossthecapitollawn.

Leocursed.“Iseverybodyinthistownametalhead?AndIdon’tmeanthegoodkindofmetalhead.”“Relax,sweetie,”Nanettesaid.“Surrenderandwewon’thavetohurtyoumuch.That’stheemperor’s

job!”Despiteherbrokenhand,Calypsoapparentlydidn’tfeellikesurrendering.Withadefiantyellshe

chargedNanetteagain,thistimelaunchingakaratekicktowardtheblemmyae’sgiantnose.“Don’t!”Iblurtedout,toolate.AsImentioned,blemmyaearesturdybeings.They’redifficulttohurtandevenmoredifficulttokill.

Calypso’sfootconnectedwithitstarget,andheranklebentwithanastypop.Shecollapsed,gurglinginpain.

“Cal!”Leorantoherside.“Backoff,chest-face!”“Language,dear,”Nanettechided.“NowI’mafraidI’llhavetostomponyou.”Sheraisedonepatentleatherpump,butLeowasfaster.Hesummonedaglobeoffireandthrewitlike

abaseball,hittingNanetterightbetweenherhugechest-leveleyes.Flameswashedoverher,settinghereyebrowsandflowerydressablaze.

AsNanettescreamedandstumbled,Leoyelled,“Apollo,helpme!”IrealizedI’dbeenstandingthere,frozeninshock—whichwould’vebeenfineifI’dbeenwatchingthe

sceneunfoldfromthesafetyofmythroneonMountOlympus.Alas,Iwasverymuchdownhereinthetrencheswiththelesserbeings.IhelpedgetCalypsotoherfeet(heronegoodfoot,atleast).Weslungherarmsoverourshoulders(withlotsofscreamingfromCalypsowhenIaccidentallygrabbedherbrokenhand)andbeganhobblingaway.

Thirtyfeetacrossthelawn,Leosuddenlystopped.“IforgotFestus!”“Leavehim,”Isnapped.“What?”“Wecan’tmanagehimandCalypso!We’llcomebacklater.Theblemmyaemightjustignorehim.”“Butiftheyfigureouthowtoopenhim,”Leofretted,“iftheyhurthim—”“MARRRGGGGH!”Behindus,Nanetterippedofftheshredsofherburningdress.Fromthewaist

down,shaggyblondfurcoveredherbody,notunlikeasatyr.Hereyebrowssmoldered,butotherwiseherfacelookedunhurt.Shespatashesfromhermouthandglaredinourdirection.“Thatwasnotnice!GETTHEM!”

Thebusinessmenwerealmostontopofus,eliminatinganyhopethatwecouldmakeitbacktoFestuswithoutgettingcaught.

Wechosetheonlyheroicoptionavailable:weran.Ihadn’tfeltsoencumberedsincemythree-leggeddeathracewithMegMcCaffreybackatCampHalf-

Blood.Calypsotriedtohelp,kickingalonglikeapogostickbetweenLeoandme,butwhenevershejostledherbrokenfootorhand,sheyelpedandsaggedagainstus.

“S-sorry,guys,”shemuttered,herfacebeadedwithsweat.“GuessI’mnotmeanttobeameleefighter.”

“NeitheramI,”Iadmitted.“PerhapsLeocanholdthemoffwhile—”“Hey,don’tlookatme,”Leogrumbled.“I’mjustarepairguywhocanthrowtheoccasionalfireball.

Ourfighterisstuckbackthereinsuitcasemode.”“Hobblefaster,”Isuggested.Wereachedthestreetaliveonlybecausetheblemmyaemovedsoslowly.IsupposeIwould,too,ifI

werebalancingafakemetalheadonmy,er,head,butevenwithouttheirdisguises,theblemmyaewerenotasswiftastheywerestrong.Theirterribledepthperceptionmadethemwalkwithexaggeratedcaution,asifthegroundwereamultilayeredhologram.Ifonlywecouldout-hobblethem…

“Goodmorning!”Apoliceofficerappearedonourright,hisfirearmdrawn.“HaltorIwillshoot!Thankyou!”

Leopulledastopperedglassbottlefromhistoolbelt.Hetosseditattheofficer’sfeetandgreenflamesexplodedaroundhim.Theofficerdroppedhisgun.Hebegantearingoffhisburninguniform,revealingachest-facewithshaggypectoraleyebrowsandabellybeardinneedofashave.

“Phew,”Leosaid.“Iwashopinghewasablemmyae.ThatwasmyonlyvialofGreekfire,guys.AndIcan’tkeepsummoningfireballsunlessIwanttopassout,so—”

“Weneedtofindcover,”saidCalypso.Sensibleadvice,butcoverdidnotseemtobeanIndianaconcept.Thestreetswerewideandstraight,

thelandscapeflat,thecrowdssparse,thesightlinesendless.WeturnedontoSouthCapitol.Iglancedovermyshoulderandsawthemobofsmilingfake-headed

localsgainingonus.AconstructionworkerstoppedtoripthefenderoffaFordpickup,thenrejoinedtheparade,hisnewchromeclubslungoverhisshoulder.

Meanwhile,theregularmortals—atleast,thosewhodidnotseeminterestedinkillingusatthemoment—wentabouttheirbusiness,makingphonecalls,waitingattrafficlights,sippingcoffeeinnearbycafés,completelyignoringus.Atonecorner,sittingonamilkcrate,aheavilyblanketedhomelessmanaskedmeforchange.Iresistedtheurgetotellhimthatchangewascomingupfastbehindus,carryingassortedweapons.

Myheartpounded.Mylegsshook.Ihatedhavingamortalbody.Iexperiencedsomanybothersomethings,likefear,cold,nausea,andtheimpulsetowhimperPleasedon’tkillme!IfonlyCalypsohadn’tbrokenheranklewemighthavemovedfaster,butwecouldn’tverywellleaveherbehind.NotthatIparticularlylikedCalypso,mindyou,butI’dalreadyconvincedLeotoabandonhisdragon.Ididn’twanttopushmyluck.

“There!”saidthesorceress.Shepointedwithherchintowhatlookedlikeaservicealleybehindahotel.

Ishuddered,rememberingmyfirstdayinNewYorkasLesterPapadopoulos.“Whatifit’sadeadend?ThelasttimeIfoundmyselfinadead-endalley,thingsdidnotgowell.”

“Let’stry,”Leosaid.“Wemightbeabletohideinthere,or…Idunno.”IdunnosoundedlikeasketchyplanB,butIhadnothingbettertooffer.Goodnews:thealleywasnotadeadend.Icouldclearlyseeanexitatthefarendoftheblock.Bad

news:theloadingbaysalongthebackofthehotelwerelocked,givingusnowheretohide,andtheoppositewallofthealleywaslinedwithDumpsters.Oh,Dumpsters!HowIhatedthem!

Leosighed.“Iguesswecouldjumpin—”“No!”Isnapped.“Neveragain!”Westruggledthroughthealleyasfastaswecould.Itriedtocalmmynervesbysilentlycomposinga

sonnetaboutvariouswaysawrathfulgodcoulddestroyDumpsters.IbecamesoengrossedIdidn’tnoticewhatwasinfrontofusuntilCalypsogasped.

Leohalted.“Whatthe—?Hijo.”Theapparitionglowedwithafaintgingerlight.Heworeatraditionalchiton,sandals,andasheathed

sword,likeaGreekwarriorintheprimeoflife…exceptforthefactthathehadbeendecapitated.Unliketheblemmyae,however,thispersonobviouslyhadoncebeenhuman.Etherealbloodtrickledfromhisseveredneck,splatteringhisluminousorangetunic.

“It’sacheese-coloredghost,”Leosaid.Thespiritraisedonehand,beckoningusforward.Notbeingbornamortal,Ihadnoparticularfearofthedead.You’veseenonetormentedsoul,you’ve

seenthemall.Butsomethingaboutthisghostunsettledme.Hestirredadistantmemory,afeelingofguiltfromthousandsofyearsago….

Behindus,thevoicesoftheblemmyaegrewlouder.Iheardthemcallingout“Morning!”and“Excuseme!”and“Lovelyday!”totheirfellowIndianans.

“Whatdowedo?”Calypsoasked.“Followtheghost,”Isaid.“What?”Leoyelped.“Wefollowthecheese-coloredghost.Asyou’realwayssaying:Vayaconqueso.”“Thatwasajoke,ese.”Theorangespiritbeckonedagain,thenfloatedtowardtheendofthealley.Behindus,aman’svoiceshouted,“Thereyouare!Lovelyweather,isn’tit?”Iturnedintimetoseeatruckfenderspiralingtowardus.“Down!”ItackledCalypsoandLeo,provokingmorescreamsofagonyfromthesorceress.Thetruck

fendersailedoverourheadsandslammedintoaDumpster,sendingupafestiveexplosionofgarbageconfetti.

Westruggledtoourfeet.Calypsowasshivering,nolongercomplainingaboutthepain.Iwasfairlysureshewasgoingintoshock.

Leopulledastaplegunfromhistoolbelt.“Youguysgoahead.I’llholdthemoffaslongasIcan.”“Whatareyougoingtodo?”Idemanded.“Sortandcollatethem?”“I’mgoingtothrowthingsatthem!”Leosnapped.“Unlessyou’vegotabetteridea?”“B-bothofyoustop,”Calypsostammered.“Wed-don’tleaveanyonebehind.Nowwalk.Left,right,

left,right.”Weemergedfromthealleyintoawide-opencircularplaza.Oh,whycouldn’tIndianansbuilda

propercitywithnarrow,twistingstreets,plentyofdarkcorners,andperhapssomeconvenientlyplacedbombproofbunkers?

Inthemiddleofaring-shapeddrivestoodafountainsurroundedbydormantflowerbeds.Tothenorthrosethetwintowersofanotherhotel.Tothesouthloomedanolder,granderbuildingofredbrickandgranite—perhapsaVictorian-eratrainstation.Ononesideoftheedifice,aclocktowersoaredroughlytwohundredfeetintothesky.Abovethemainentrance,underamarblearchway,acolossalrosewindowgleamedinaframeofgreencopper,likeastained-glassversionofthedartboardweusedforourweeklygamenightonMountOlympus.

Thatthoughtmademeheartsickwithnostalgia.Iwould’vegivenanythingtobebackhomeforgamenight,evenifitmeantlisteningtoAthenagloataboutherScrabblescores.

Iscannedtheplaza.Ourghostlyguideseemedtohavedisappeared.Whyhadhebroughtushere?Shouldwetrythehotel?Thetrainstation?Thosequestionsbecamemootwhentheblemmyaesurroundedus.Themobburstoutofthealleybehindus.Apolicecarswervedintotheroundaboutnexttothetrain

station.Abulldozerpulledintothehotel’sdriveway,theoperatorwavingandcallingoutcheerfully,“Hello!I’mgoingtobulldozeyou!”

Allexitsfromtheplazawerequicklyblocked.Alineofsweatfreeze-driedagainstmyneck.Anannoyingwhinefilledmyears,whichIrealizedwas

myownsubvocalizedwhimperingofPleasedon’tkillme,pleasedon’tkillme.Iwon’tdiehere,Ipromisedmyself.I’mmuchtooimportanttobiteitinIndiana.Butmytremblinglegsandchatteringteethseemedtodisagree.“Whohasanidea?”Iaskedmycompatriots.“Please,anybrilliantidea.”Calypsolookedlikehermostbrilliantideaatthemomentwastryingnottothrowup.Leoheftedhis

staplegun,whichdidn’tseemtofrightentheblemmyae.Fromthemidstofthemob,ouroldfriendNanetteemerged,herchest-facegrinning.Herpatentleather

pumpsclashedterriblywithherblondlegfur.“Goshdarnit,dears,you’vemademeabitmiffed.”Shegrabbedtheneareststreetsignandsingle-handedlyrippeditoutoftheground.“Now,pleasehold

still,won’tyou?I’mjustgoingtosmashyourheadswiththis.”

MylastperformanceSomeoldladydropsthemicAndkillseveryone

IWASABOUTTOINITIATEDefensePlanOmega—fallingtomykneesandbeggingformercy—whenLeosavedmefromthatembarrassment.

“Bulldozer,”hewhispered.“Isthatacodeword?”Iasked.“No.I’mgoingtosneakovertothebulldozer.Youtwodistractthemetalheads.”HeshiftedCalypso’sweighttome.“Areyoucrazy?”shehissed.Leoshotheranurgentlook,likeTrustme!Distractthem!Thenhetookacarefulstepsideways.“Oh!”Nanettebeamed.“Areyouvolunteeringtodiefirst,shortdemigod?Youdidhitmewithfire,so

thatmakessense.”WhateverLeohadinmind,IimaginedhisplanwouldfailifhebeganarguingwithNanetteabouthis

height.(Leowasabitsensitiveaboutbeingcalledshort.)Fortunately,Ihaveanaturaltalentforfocusingeveryone’sattentiononme.

“Ivolunteerfordeath!”Ishouted.Theentiremobturnedtolookatme.Isilentlycursedmychoiceofwords.Ishouldhavevolunteered

forsomethingeasier,likebakingapieorpost-executionclean-upduty.Ioftenspeakwithoutthebenefitofforethought.Usuallyitworksout.Sometimesitleadsto

improvisationalmasterpieces,liketheRenaissanceortheBeatmovement.Ihadtohopethiswouldbeoneofthosetimes.

“Butfirst,”Isaid,“hearmyplea,O,mercifulblemmyae!”ThepolicemanwhomLeohadtorchedloweredhisgun.AfewgreenembersofGreekfirestill

smolderedinhisbellybeard.“Whatdoyoumean,hearmyplea?”“Well,”Isaid,“it’scustomarytohearthelastwordsofadyingman…orgodordemigodor…what

wouldyouconsideryourself,Calypso?ATitan?Ademi-Titan?”Calypsoclearedherthroatwithanoisethatsoundedsuspiciouslylikeidiot.“WhatApolloistryingto

say,O,mercifulblemmyae,isthatetiquettedemandsyougrantusafewlastwordsbeforeyoukillus.I’msureyouwouldn’twanttobeimpolite.”

Theblemmyaelookedaghast.Theylosttheirpleasantsmilesandshooktheirmechanicalheads.Nanetteshuffledforward,herhandsraisedinaplacatingmanner.“No,indeed!Weareverypolite.”

“Extremelypolite,”thepolicemanagreed.“Thankyou,”saidNanette.“You’rewelcome,”saidthepoliceman.“Listen,then!”Icried.“Friends,frenemies,blemmyae…openyourarmpitsandhearmysadtale!”Leoshuffledbackanotherstep,hishandsinthepocketsofhistoolbelt.Anotherfifty-seven,fifty-eight

steps,andhewouldarriveatthebulldozer.Fantastic.“IamApollo!”Ibegan.“Formerlyagod!IfellfromOlympus,castdownbyZeus,unfairlyblamedfor

startingawarwiththegiants!”“I’mgoingtobesick,”Calypsomuttered.“Letmesitdown.”“You’rebreakingmyrhythm.”“You’rebreakingmyeardrums.Letmesit!”IeasedCalypsoontothefountain’sretainingwall.Nanetteraisedherstreetsign.“Isthatit?MayIkillyounow?”“No,no!”Isaid.“Iamjust,ah,lettingCalypsositso…soshecanactasmychorus.AgoodGreek

performancealwaysneedsachorus.”Calypso’shandlookedlikeacrushedeggplant.Heranklehadswollenaroundthetopofhersneaker.I

didn’tseehowshecouldstayconscious,muchlessactasachorus,butshetookashakybreathandnodded.“Ready.”

“Lo!”Isaid.“IarrivedatCampHalf-BloodasLesterPapadopoulos!”“Apatheticmortal!”Calypsochorused.“Mostworthlessofteens!”Iglaredather,butIdidn’tdarestopmyperformanceagain.“Iovercamemanychallengeswithmy

companion,MegMcCaffrey!”“Hemeanshismaster!”Calypsoadded.“Atwelve-year-oldgirl!Beholdherpatheticslave,Lester,

mostworthlessofteens!”Thepolicemanhuffedimpatiently.“Weknowallthis.Theemperortoldus.”“Shh,”saidNanette.“Bepolite.”Iputmyhandovermyheart.“WesecuredtheGroveofDodona,anancientOracle,andthwartedthe

plansofNero!Butalas,MegMcCaffreyfledfromme.Herevilstepfatherhadpoisonedhermind!”“Poison!”Calypsocried.“LikethebreathofLesterPapadopoulos,mostworthlessofteens!”IresistedtheurgetopushCalypsointotheflowerbed.Meanwhile,Leowasmakinghiswaytowardthebulldozerundertheguiseofaninterpretivedance

routine,spinningandgaspingandpantomimingmywords.Helookedlikeahallucinatingballerinainboxershorts,buttheblemmyaepolitelygotoutofhisway.

“Lo!”Ishouted.“FromtheOracleofDodonawereceivedaprophecy—alimerickmostterrible!”“Terrible!”Calypsochorused.“LiketheskillsofLester,mostworthlessofteens.”“Varyyouradjectives,”Igrumbled,thencontinuedformyaudience:“Wetraveledwestinsearchof

anotherOracle,alongthewayfightingmanyfearsomefoes!TheCyclopeswebroughtlow!”Leojumpedontotherunningboardofthebulldozer.Heraisedhisstaplegundramatically,then

stapledthebulldozeroperatortwiceinthepectorals—rightwherehisactualeyeswouldbe.Thatcouldnothavefeltgood—evenforatoughspeciessuchastheblemmyae.Theoperatorscreamedandgrabbedhischest.Leokickedhimoutofthedriver’sseat.

Thepoliceofficeryelled,“Hey!”“Wait!”Iimploredthem.“Ourfriendisonlygivingyouadramaticinterpretationofhowwebeatthe

Cyclopes.That’stotallyallowedwhiletellingastory!”Thecrowdshifteduncertainly.“Theseareverylonglastwords,”Nanettecomplained.“WhenwillIgettosmashyourheadin?”“Soon,”Ipromised.“Now,asIwassaying…wetraveledwest!”

IhauledCalypsotoherfeetagainwithmuchwhimperingonherpart(andalittlebitonmine).“Whatareyoudoing?”shemuttered.“Workwithme,”Isaid.“Lo,frenemies!Beholdhowwetraveled!”Thetwoofusstaggeredtowardthebulldozer.Leo’shandsflewoverthecontrols.Theengineroared

tolife.“Thisisn’tastory!”thepoliceofficerprotested.“They’regettingaway!”“No,notatall!”IpushedCalypsoontothebulldozerandclimbedupafterher.“Yousee,wetraveled

formanyweekslikethis….”Leostartedbackingup.Beep.Beep.Beep.Thebulldozer’sshovelbegantorise.“ImagineyouareCampHalf-Blood,”Ishoutedtothecrowd,“andwearetravelingawayfromyou.”Irealizedmymistake.Ihadaskedtheblemmyaetoimagine.Theysimplyweren’tcapableofthat.“Stopthem!”Thepoliceofficerraisedhisgun.Hisfirstshotricochetedoffthedozer’smetalscoop.“Listen,myfriends!”Iimplored.“Openyourarmpits!”Butwehadexhaustedtheirpoliteness.Atrashcansailedoverourheads.Abusinessmanpickedupa

decorativestoneurnfromthecornerofthefountainandtosseditinourdirection,annihilatingthehotel’sfrontwindow.

“Faster!”ItoldLeo.“Trying,man,”hemuttered.“Thisthingwasn’tbuiltforspeed.”Theblemmyaeclosedin.“Lookout!”Calypsoyelled.Leoswervedjustintimetodeflectawrought-ironbenchoffourdozerblade.Unfortunately,that

openedusuptoadifferentattack.Nanettethrewherstreetsignlikeaharpoon.Themetalpolepiercedthebulldozer’schassisinaburstofsteamandgrease,andourgetawayrideshudderedtoahalt.

“Great,”Calypsosaid.“Nowwhat?”Thiswouldhavebeenanexcellenttimeformygodlystrengthtoreturn.Icouldhavewadedinto

battle,tossingmyenemiesasidelikeragdolls.Instead,mybonesseemedtoliquefyandpoolinmyshoes.MyhandsshooksobadlyIdoubtedIcouldunwrapmybowevenifItried.Oh,thatmygloriouslifeshouldendthisway—crushedbypoliteheadlesspeopleintheAmericanMidwest!

Nanetteleapedontothehoodofourbulldozer,givingmeaghastlyviewstraightuphernostrils.Leotriedtoblastherwithflames,butthistimeNanettewasprepared.Sheopenedhermouthandswallowedthefireball,showingnosignofdistressexceptforasmallburp.

“Don’tfeeltoobad,dears,”shetoldus.“Youneverwouldhavegainedaccesstothebluecave.Theemperorhasittoowellguarded!Ashameyouhavetodie,though.Thenamingcelebrationisinthreedays,andyouandthegirlweresupposedtobethemainattractionsinhisslaveprocession!”

Iwastooterrifiedtofullyprocessherwords.Thegirl…DidshemeanMeg?OtherwiseIheardonlyblue—die—slave,whichatthemomentseemedanaccuratesummaryofmyexistence.

Iknewitwashopeless,butIslippedmybowfrommyshoulderandbegantounwrapit.SuddenlyanarrowsproutedbetweenNanette’seyes.Shewentcross-eyedtryingtoseeit,thentumbledbackwardandcrumbledtodust.

Istaredatmyblanketedweapon.Iwasafastarcher,yes.ButIwasfairlysureIhadn’tfiredthatshot.Ashrillwhistlecaughtmyattention.Inthemiddleoftheplaza,standingatopthefountain,awoman

crouchedinfadedjeansandasilverywintercoat.Awhitebirchbowgleamedinherhand.Onherback,aquiverbristledwitharrows.Myheartleaped,thinkingthatmysisterArtemishadcometohelpmeatlast!Butno…thiswomanwasatleastsixtyyearsold,hergrayhairtiedbackinabun.Artemiswouldneverappearinsuchaform.

Forreasonsshehadneversharedwithme,Artemishadanaversiontolookinganyolderthan,say,twenty.I’dtoldhercountlesstimesthatbeautywasageless.AlltheOlympianfashionmagazineswilltell

youthatfourthousandisthenewonethousand,butshesimplywouldn’tlisten.Thegray-hairedwomanshouted,“Hitthepavement!”Allaroundtheplaza,manhole-sizecirclesappearedintheasphalt.Eachonescissoredopenlikethe

irisofacameraandturretssprangup—mechanicalcrossbowsswivelingandsweepingredtargetinglasersineverydirection.

Theblemmyaedidn’ttrytotakecover.Perhapstheydidn’tunderstand.Perhapstheywerewaitingforthegray-hairedwomantosayplease.

I,however,didn’tneedtobeanarcherygodtoknowwhatwouldhappennext.Itackledmyfriendsforthesecondtimethatday.(Which,inretrospect,Ihavetoadmitfeltaweebitsatisfying.)Wetumbledoffthebulldozerasthecrossbowsfiredinaflurryofsharphisses.

WhenIdaredtoraisemyhead,nothingwasleftoftheblemmyaebutpilesofdustandclothing.Thegray-hairedwomanjumpedfromthetopofthefountain.Givenherage,Iwasafraidshemight

breakherankles,butshelandedgracefullyandstrolledtowardus,herbowatherside.Wrinkleswereetchedacrossherface.Theskinunderherchinhadbeguntosag.Liverspotsdottedthe

backsofherhands.Nevertheless,sheheldherselfwiththeregalconfidenceofawomanwhohadnothinglefttoprovetoanyone.Hereyesflashedlikemoonlightonwater.Somethingaboutthoseeyeswasveryfamiliartome.

Shestudiedmeforacountoffive,thenshookherheadinamazement.“Soit’strue.You’reApollo.”HertonewasnotthegeneralOh,wow,Apollo!sortofattitudeIwasusedto.Shesaidmynameasif

sheknewmepersonally.“H-havewemet?”“Youdon’trememberme,”shesaid.“No,Idon’tsupposeyouwould.CallmeEmmie.Andtheghost

yousaw—thatwasAgamethus.Heledyoutoourdoorstep.”ThenameAgamethusdefinitelysoundedfamiliar,butasusual,Icouldn’tplaceit.Myhumanbrainjust

keptgivingthatannoyingmemoryfullmessage,askingmetodeleteafewcenturiesofexperiencesbeforeIcouldcontinue.

EmmieglancedatLeo.“Whyareyouinyourunderwear?”Leosighed.“Beenalongmorning,abuela,butthanksfortheassist.Thosecrossbowturretsarethe

bomb-diggity.”“Thankyou….Ithink.”“Yeah,somaybeyoucouldhelpuswithCalhere?”Leocontinued.“She’snotdoingsowell.”EmmiecrouchednexttoCalypso,whosecomplexionhadturnedthecolorofcement.Thesorceress’s

eyeswereshut,herbreathingragged.“She’sbadlyhurt.”EmmiefrownedasshestudiedCalypso’sface.“YousaidhernamewasCal?”“Calypso,”Leosaid.“Ah.”Emmie’sworrylinesdeepened.“Thatexplainsit.ShelookssomuchlikeZoë.”Aknifetwistedinsideme.“ZoëNightshade?”Inherfeverishstate,CalypsomutteredsomethingIcouldn’tmakeout…perhapsthenameNightshade.Forcenturies,ZoëhadbeenArtemis’slieutenant,theleaderofherHunters.She’ddiedinbattlejusta

fewyearsago.Ididn’tknowifCalypsoandZoëhadevermet,buttheywerehalfsisters—bothdaughtersoftheTitanAtlas.I’dneverconsideredhowmuchtheylookedalike.

IregardedEmmie.“IfyouknewZoë,thenyoumustbeoneofmysister’sHunters.Butyoucan’tbe.You’re…”

IstoppedmyselfbeforeIcouldsayoldanddying.Huntersneitheragednordied,unlesstheywerekilledincombat.Thiswomanwasquiteobviouslymortal.Icouldsenseherfadinglifeenergy…sodepressinglylikemine;notatalllikeanimmortalbeing’s.It’shardtoexplainhowIcouldtell,butitwasperfectlycleartome—likehearingthedifferencebetweenaperfectfifthandadiminishedfifth.

Inthedistance,emergencysirenswailed.Irealizedwewerehavingthisconversationinthemiddleofasmalldisasterzone.Mortals,ormoreblemmyae,wouldsoonbearriving.

Emmiesnappedherfingers.Allaroundtheplaza,thecrossbowturretsretracted.Theportalsclosedasifthey’dneverexisted.

“Weneedtogetoffthestreet,”Emmiesaid.“Come,I’lltakeyouintotheWaystation.”

NobuildingshouldbeAsecretfromApolloOrdropbricksonhim

WEDIDN’THAVETOGOFAR.CarryingCalypsobetweenus,LeoandIfollowedEmmietothebigornatebuildingattheplaza’s

southend.AsIsuspected,itwasarailroaddepotatsomepoint.CarvedingraniteundertherosewindowwerethewordsUNIONSTATION.

Emmieignoredthemainentrance.Sheveeredrightandstoppedinfrontofawall.Sheranherfingerbetweenthebricks,tracingtheshapeofadoorway.Mortarcrackedanddissolved.Anewlycutdoorswunginward,revealinganarrowchutelikeachimneywithmetalrungsleadingup.

“Nicetrick,”Leosaid,“butCalypso’snotexactlyinwall-climbingcondition.”Emmieknitherbrow.“You’reright.”Shefacedthedoorway.“Waystation,canwehavearamp,

please?”Themetalrungsvanished.Withasoftrumble,thechute’sinteriorwallslantedbackward,thebricks

rearrangingthemselvesintoagentleupwardslope.“Whoa,”saidLeo.“Didyoujusttalktothebuilding?”AsmiletuggedatthecornerofEmmie’smouth.“TheWaystationismorethanabuilding.”Suddenly,Ididnotfancythelookofthatramp.“Thisisalivingstructure?LiketheLabyrinth?And

youexpectustogoinside?”Emmie’sglancewasdefinitelythelookofaHunter.Onlymysister’sfollowerswoulddaretogiveme

suchamalodorousstink-eye.“TheWaystationisnoworkofDaedalus,LordApollo.It’sperfectlysafe…aslongasyouremainourguests.”

Hertonesuggestedthatmywelcomewasprobationary.Behindus,theemergencysirensgrewlouder.Calypsoinhaledraggedly.Idecidedwedidn’thavemuchchoice.WefollowedEmmieintothebuilding.

Lightingappearedalongthewalls—warmyellowcandlesflickeringinbronzesconces.Abouttwentyfeetuptheramp,adooropenedonourleft.Inside,Iglimpsedaninfirmarythatwould’vemademysonAsclepiusjealous:Afullystockedsupplycabinetwithmedicine,surgicaltools,andpotioningredients;ahospitalbedwithbuilt-inmonitors,GCIinterface,andlevitatingbariatricslings.RacksofhealingherbsdriedagainstthewallnexttotheportableMRImachine.Andinthebackcorner,aglassed-inhabitatseethedwithpoisonoussnakes.

“Oh,my,”Isaid.“Yourmedbayiscutting-edge.”“Yes,”Emmieagreed.“AndWaystationistellingmeIshouldtreatyourfriendimmediately.”Leopokedhisheadintotheinfirmary.“Youmeanthisroomjustappearedhere?”

“No,”Emmiesaid.“Well,yes.It’salwayshere,but…it’seasiertofindwhenweneedit.”Leonoddedthoughtfully.“YouthinktheWaystationcouldorganizemysockdrawer?”AbrickfellfromtheceilingandclunkedatLeo’sfeet.“That’sano,”Emmieinterpreted.“Now,ifIcanhaveyourfriend,please.”“Uh…”Leopointedtotheglasshabitat.“Yougotsnakesinthere.Justsaying.”“I’lltakegoodcareofCalypso,”Emmiepromised.ShetookCalypsofromus,liftingthesorceressinherarmswithnoapparentdifficulty.“Youtwogo

ahead.You’llfindJoatthetopoftheramp.”“Jo?”Iasked.“Youcan’tmissher,”Emmiereplied.“She’llexplaintheWaystationbetterthanIcould.”Shecarriedthesorceressintotheinfirmary.Thedoorshutbehindher.Leofrownedatme.“Snakes?”“Oh,yes,”Iassuredhim.“There’sareasonasnakeonarodsymbolizesmedicine.Venomwasoneof

theearliestcures.”“Huh.”Leoglancedathisfeet.“YouthinkIcankeepthisbrick,atleast?”Thecorridorrumbled.“Iwouldleaveitthere,”Isuggested.“Yeah,thinkI’llleaveitthere.”Afterafewmorefeet,anotherdooropenedonourright.Inside,sunlightfilteredthroughpinklacecurtainsontothehardwoodfloorofachild’sroom.Acozy

bedwaspiledwithfluffycomforters,pillows,andstuffedanimals.Theeggshell-coloredwallshadbeenusedasacanvasforcrayonart—stick-figurepeople,trees,houses,frolickinganimalsthatmighthavebeendogsorhorsesorllamas.Ontheleft-handwall,oppositethebed,acrayonsunsmileddownonafieldofhappycrayonflowers.Inthecenter,astick-figuregirlstoodbetweentwolargerparentalstickfigures—allthreeofthemholdinghands.

ThewallartremindedmeofRachelElizabethDare’scavernofprophecyatCampHalf-Blood.MyDelphicOraclehaddelightedinpaintinghercavewiththingsshe’dseeninhervisions…beforeheroracularpowerceasedtowork,thatis.(Totallynotmyfault.Youcanblamethatovergrownratsnake,Python.)

Mostofthedrawingsinthisbedroomseemedtypicalforachildofaboutsevenoreight.Butinthefarthestcornerofthebackwall,theyoungartisthaddecidedtoinflictanightmarishplagueuponhercrayonworld.Ascribblyblackstormwasbrewing.Frowningstickfiguresthreatenedthellamaswithtriangularknives.Darkcurlicuesblottedoutaprimary-coloredrainbow.Scratchedoverthefieldofgreengrasswasahugeinkyspherelikeablackpond…ortheentranceofacave.

Leosteppedback.“Idunno,man.Don’tthinkweshouldgoin.”IwonderedwhytheWaystationhaddecidedtoshowusthisroom.Wholivedhere?Ormore

accurately…whohadlivedhere?Despitethecheerfulpinkcurtainsandthepileofstuffedanimalsonthecarefullymadebed,thebedroomfeltabandoned,preservedlikeamuseumexhibit.

“Let’skeepgoing,”Iagreed.Finally,atthetopoftheramp,weemergedintoacathedral-likehall.Overheadcurvedabarreled

ceilingofwoodcarvings,withglowingstained-glasspanelsinthecentercreatinggreenandgoldgeometricdesigns.Atthefarendoftheroom,therosewindowI’dseenoutsidecastdartboard-lineshadowsacrossthepaintedcementfloor.Toourleftandright,therewereraisedwalkwayswithwrought-ironrailings,andelegantVictorianlamppostslinedthewalls.Behindtherailings,rowsofdoorwaysledintootherrooms.Halfadozenladdersstretcheduptotheornatemoldingatthebaseoftheceiling,wheretheledgeswerestuffedwithhay-likeroostsforverylargechickens.Thewholeplacehadafaintanimalscent…thoughitremindedmemoreofadogkennelthanahenhouse.

Inonecornerofthemainroomgleamedachef’skitchenbigenoughtohostseveralcelebritycook-offsatonce.Setsofsofasandcomfychairswereclusteredhereandthere.Atthecenterofthehallstoodamassivediningtableofrough-hewnredwoodwithseatingfortwenty.

Undertherosewindow,thecontentsofseveraldifferentworkshopsseemedtohavebeendisgorgedatrandom:tablesaws,drills,lathes,kilns,forges,anvils,3-Dprinters,sewingmachines,cauldrons,andseveralotherindustrialappliancesIcouldn’tname.(Don’tjudgeme.I’mnotHephaestus.)

Hunchedoveraweldingstation,throwingsparksfromhertorchassheworkedonasheetofmetal,wasamuscularwomaninametalvisor,leatherapron,andgloves.

I’mnotsurehowshenoticedus.PerhapstheWaystationchuckedabrickatherbacktogetherattention.Whateverthecase,shelookedinourdirection,shutoffhertorch,thenliftedhervisor.

“I’llbehexed!”Shebarkedoutalaugh.“IsthatApollo?”Shetuggedoffhersafetygearandlumberedover.LikeEmmie,thewomanwasinhersixties,but

whereasEmmiehadthephysiqueofaformergymnast,thiswomanwasbuiltforbrawling.Herbroadshouldersanddark,well-sculptedarmsstretchedagainsttheconfinesofafadedpinkpoloshirt.Wrenchesandscrewdriverssaggedfromthepocketsofherdenimoveralls.Againsttheumberskinofherscalp,herbuzz-cutgrayhairshimmeredlikefrost.

Shethrustoutherhand.“Youprobablydon’trememberme,LordApollo.I’mJo.OrJosie.OrJosephine.Whichever.”

Witheachversionofhername,shesqueezedmyhandtighter.Iwouldnothavechallengedhertoanarm-wrestlingcontest(thoughwithhermeatyfingersIdoubtshecouldplayguitaraswellasIdo,soha).Hersquare-jawedfacewould’vebeenquiteintimidatingexceptforhercheerful,twinklingeyes.Hermouthtwitchedasifshewereexertingagreateffortnottobustoutlaughing.

“Yes,”Isqueaked,extractingmyhand.“Imean,no.I’mafraidIdon’tremember.MayIintroduceLeo?”

“Leo!”Shecrushedhishandwithenthusiasm.“I’mJo.”Allthesepeoplewhosenamesendedino—Jo,Leo,Calypso,Apollo—suddenlymademefeellike

mybrandwasbeingdiluted.IthankedthegodswewerenotinOhioandourdragonwasnotnamedFesto.“IthinkI’llcallyouJosephine,”Idecided.“It’salovelyname.”Josephineshrugged.“Finebyme.Where’syourfriendCalypso?”“Wait,”Leosaid.“How’dyouknowaboutCalypso?”Josephinetappedherlefttemple.“Waystationtellsmestuff.”“Oooh.”Leo’seyeswidened.“That’scool.”Iwasn’tsosure.Normally,whensomeonesaidthatabuildingwastalkingtothem,Igotawayfrom

themasquicklyaspossible.Sadly,IbelievedJosephine.Ialsohadthefeelingwewouldbeneedingherhospitality.

“Calypso’sintheinfirmary,”Ioffered.“Brokeherhand.Andfoot.”“Ah.”ThesparkledimmedinJosephine’seyes.“Yeah,youmettheneighbors.”“Youmeantheblemmyae.”Iimaginedtheneighborsstoppingbytoborrowasocketwrench,ortake

anorderforGirlScoutcookies,ormurdersomeone.“Doyouoftenhaveproblemswiththem?”“Didn’tuseto.”Josephinesighed.“Bythemselves,blemmyaeareprettyharmless,aslongasyou’re

politetothem.Theydon’thaveenoughimaginationtoorganizeanassault.Butsincelastyear—”“Letmeguess,”Isaid.“Indianapolishasanewemperor?”ArippleofangerwashedacrossJosephine’sface,givingmeaglimpseofwhatitwouldbeliketoget

onherbadside.(Hint:Itinvolvedpain.)“Bestwedon’ttalkabouttheemperoruntilEmmieandyourfriendjoinus,”shesaid.“WithoutEmmie

aroundtokeepmecalm…Igetworkedup.”Inodded.NotgettingJosephineworkedupsoundedlikeanexcellentplan.“Butwe’resafehere?”

Leoheldouthispalmasifcheckingforbrickraindrops.“Thatwasmyquestiontoo.Imean…wekindofledanangrymobtoyourdoorstep.”

Josephinewavedasideourconcern.“Don’tworry.Theemperor’sforceshavebeensearchingforusformonths.TheWaystationisn’teasytofindunlessweinviteyouin.”

“Huh.”Leotappedthefloorwithhisfoot.“So,didyoudesignthisplace?’Causeit’sprettyawesome.”

Josephinechuckled.“Iwish.Ademigodarchitectwithwaymoretalentthanmedidthat.BuilttheWaystationbackinthe1880s,earlydaysofthetranscontinentalrailroad.Itwasmeantasarefugefordemigods,satyrs,Hunters—prettymuchanyonewhoneededonehereinthemiddleofthecountry.EmmieandIarejustluckyenoughtobethepresentcaretakers.”

“I’veneverevenheardofthisplace,”Isaidgrumpily.“We…ah,keepalowprofile.LadyArtemis’sorders.Need-to-knowbasis.”Asagod,Iwastheverydefinitionofneed-to-know,butitwastypicalofArtemistokeepsomething

likethistoherself.Shewassuchadoomsdayprepper,alwayshidingthingsfromtheothergods,likestashesofsupplies,emergencybunkers,andsmallnation-states.“Iassumethisplaceisn’tatrainstationanymore.Whatdomortalsthinkitis?”

Josephinegrinned.“Waystation,transparentfloor,please.”Beneathourfeet,thestainedcementdisappeared.Ileapedbackasifstandingonahotskillet,butthe

floorwasnotactuallygone.Ithadsimplyturnedsee-through.Aroundus,therugs,furniture,andworkshopequipmentseemedtohovertwostoriesovertheactualgroundfloorofthehall,wheretwentyorthirtybanquettableshadbeensetupforsomesortofevent.

“Ourlivingspaceoccupiesthetopofthegrandhall,”Josephinesaid.“Thatareabelowuswasoncethemainconcourseforthestation.Nowthemortalsrentitoutforweddingsandpartiesandwhatnot.Iftheylookup—”

“Adaptivecamouflage,”Leoguessed.“Theyseeanimageoftheceiling,buttheydon’tseeyou.Nice!”

Josephinenodded,obviouslypleased.“Mostofthetime,it’squietaroundhere,thoughitgetsnoisyonweekends.IfIhavetohear‘ThinkingOutLoud’fromonemoreweddingcoverband,Imayhavetodropananvil.”

Shepointedtothefloor,whichimmediatelyturnedbacktoopaquecement.“Nowifyouguysdon’tmind,IneedtofinishasectionofaprojectI’mworkingon.Don’twantthemetalplatestocoolwithoutproperwelding.Afterthat—”

“You’reachildofHephaestus,aren’tyou?”Leosaid.“Hecate,actually.”Leoblinked.“Noway!Butthatsweetworkshopareayougot—”“Magicalconstructionismyspecialty,”saidJosephine.“Mydad,mymortaldad,wasamechanic.”“Nice!”Leosaid.“Mymomwasamechanic!Hey,ifIcoulduseyourmachinetools,Ileftthisdragon

atthestatehouseand—”“Ahem,”Iinterrupted.AsmuchasIwantedFestusback,Ididnotthinkanearlyindestructible,

impossible-to-opensuitcasewasinanyimmediatedanger.IwasalsoafraidthatifLeoandJosephinestartedchatting,theywouldsoonbebondingoverthewondersofserratedflangeboltsandIwoulddieofboredom.“Josephine,youwereabouttosayafterthat…?”

“Right,”Josephineagreed.“Givemeafewminutes.ThenIcanshowyoutosomeguestroomsand,uh,maybegetLeoheresomeclothing.Thesedays,we’vegotplentyofvacancies,unfortunately.”

Iwonderedwhythatwasunfortunate.ThenIrememberedthelittlegirl’semptyroomwe’dpassed.Somethingtoldmeitmightbebestnottoaskaboutthat.

“Weappreciateyourhelp,”ItoldJosephine.“ButIstilldon’tunderstand.YousayArtemisknows

aboutthisplace.YouandEmmieare—orwere—Hunters?”Josephine’sneckmusclestightenedagainstthecollarofherpinkpolo.“Wewere.”Ifrowned.I’dalwaysthoughtofmysister’sfollowersasasortofall-maidenmafia.Onceyouwere

in,youneverleft—unlessyouleftinalovelysilvercoffin.“But—”“Longstory,”Josephinecutmeoff.“IprobablyshouldletHemitheatellit.”“Hemithea?”ThenamehitmelikeoneoftheWaystation’sbricks.Myfacefeltasifitwereslipping

downtothecenterofmychest,blemmyae-style.SuddenlyIrealizedwhyEmmiehadlookedfamiliar.NowonderI’dfeltsuchasenseofunease.“Emmie.ShortforHemithea.TheHemithea?”

Josephineglancedfromsidetoside.“Youreallydidn’tknow?”Shejabbedafingeroverhershoulder.“So…I’mgonnagetbacktothatweldingnow.There’sfoodanddrinksinthekitchen.Makeyourselvesathome.”

Shebeatahastyretreatbacktoherworkshop.“Dang,”Leomuttered.“She’sawesome.”“Humph.”Leoarchedhiseyebrows.“WereyouandHemitheaanitembackinthedayorsomething?Whenyou

heardhername,youlookedlikesomebodykickedyouinthecrotch.”“LeoValdez,infourthousandyears,noonehaseverdaredtokickmeinthecrotch.IfyoumeanI

lookedslightlyshocked,that’sbecauseIknewHemitheawhenshewasayoungprincessinancientGreece.Wewereneveranitem.However,I’mtheonewhomadeherimmortal.”

Leo’seyesdriftedtowardtheworkshop,whereJosephinehadbeguntoweldagain.“IthoughtallHuntersbecameimmortaloncetheytookthepledgetoArtemis.”

“Youmisunderstand,”Isaid.“ImadeHemitheaimmortalbeforeshebecameaHunter.Infact,Iturnedherintoagod.”

Tellyouastory?OrIcouldjust,like,passoutAndtwitchonthecouch

THISWASLEO’SCUEtositatmyfeetandlisten,enraptured,asItoldhimthestory.Instead,hewavedvaguelytowardtheworkshop.“Yeah,okay.I’mgonnacheckouttheforges.”Heleftmebymyself.Demigodstoday.Iblamesocialmediafortheirshortattentionspans.Whenyoucan’teventakethe

timetolistentoagodholdforth,that’sjustsad.Unfortunately,thestoryinsistedonbeingremembered.Voices,faces,andemotionsfromthree

thousandyearsagofloodedmymind,takingcontrolofmysenseswithsuchforcethatIalmostcrumpled.Overthepastfewweeks,duringourtravelswest,thesewakingvisionshadbeenhappeningwith

alarmingfrequency.Perhapstheyweretheresultofmyfaultyhumanneuronstryingtoprocessgodlymemories.PerhapsZeuswaspunishingmewithvividflashbacksofmymostspectacularfailures.Orperhapsmytimeasamortalwassimplydrivingmecrazy.

Whateverthecase,Ibarelymanagedtoreachthenearestcouchbeforecollapsing.IwasdimlyawareofLeoandJosephinestandingattheweldingstation,Josephineinherwelder’s

gearandLeoinhisboxershorts,chattingaboutwhateverprojectJosephinewasworkingon.Theydidn’tseemtonoticemydistress.

Thenthememoriesswallowedme.IfoundmyselfhoveringabovetheancientMediterranean.Sparklingbluewaterstretchedtothe

horizon.Awarm,saltywindbuoyedmeup.Directlybelow,thewhitecliffsofNaxosrosefromthesurflikethebaleenridgeofawhale’smouth.

Fromatownaboutthreehundredyardsinland,twoteenagegirlsranfortheirlives—makingtheirwaytowardtheedgeofthecliffwithanarmedmobclosebehindthem.Thegirls’whitedressesbillowed,andtheirlongdarkhairwhippedinthewind.Despitetheirbarefeet,therockyterraindidnotslowthemdown.Bronzedandlithe,theywereclearlyusedtoracingoutdoors,buttheywererunningtowardadeadend.

Attheheadofthemob,aportlymaninredrobesscreamedandwavedthehandleofabrokenceramicjar.Agoldcrownglintedonhisbrow.Streaksofwinehadcrustedinhisgraybeard.

Hisnamecametome:Staphylus,kingofNaxos.AdemigodsonofDionysus,Staphylushadinheritedallofhisfather’sworsttraitsandnoneofhisparty-dudechill.Nowinadrunkenrage,hewasyellingsomethingabouthisdaughtersbreakinghisfinestamphoraofwine,andso,naturally,theyhadtodie.

“I’llkillyouboth!”hescreamed.“Iwilltearyouapart!”

Imean…ifthegirlshadbrokenaStradivariusviolinorgold-platedharmonica,Imighthaveunderstoodhisrage.Butajarofwine?

Thegirlsranon,cryingtothegodsforhelp.Normally,thissortofthingwouldnothavebeenmyproblem.Peoplecriedtothegodsforhelpallthe

time.Theyalmostneverofferedanythinginterestinginreturn.Iprobablywouldhavejusthoveredoverthescene,thinkingOh,dear,whatashame.Ouch.Thatmusthavehurt!andthengoneaboutmynormalbusiness.

Thisparticularday,however,IwasnotflyingoverNaxosmerelybychance.Iwasonmywaytoseethedrop-deadgorgeousRhoeo—theking’seldestdaughter—withwhomIhappenedtobeinlove.

NeitherofthegirlsbelowwasRhoeo.IrecognizedthemasheryoungersistersParthenosandHemithea.Nevertheless,IdoubtedRhoeowouldappreciateitifIfailedtohelphersistersonmywaytoourbigdate.Hey,babe.Ijustsawyoursistersgetchasedoffacliffandplummettotheirdeaths.Youwanttocatchamovieorsomething?

ButifIhelpedhersisters,againstthewishesoftheirhomicidalfatherandinfrontofacrowdofwitnesses—thatwouldrequiredivineintervention.Therewouldbeformstofillout,andtheThreeFateswoulddemandeverythingintriplicate.

WhileIwasdeliberating,ParthenosandHemitheachargedtowardtheprecipice.Theymusthaverealizedtheyhadnowheretogo,buttheydidn’tevenslowdown.

“Helpus,Apollo!”Hemitheacried.“Ourfaterestswithyou!”Then,holdinghands,thetwosistersleapedintothevoid.Suchashowoffaith—ittookmybreathaway!Icouldn’tverywellletthemgoSPLATafterthey’dentrustedmewiththeirlives.NowHermes?Sure,

hemighthaveletthemdie.Hewould’vefoundthathilarious.Hermesisatwistedlittlescamp.ButApollo?No.Ihadtohonorsuchcourageandpanache!

ParthenosandHemitheaneverhitthesurfaceofthewater.Istretchedoutmyhandsandzappedthegirlswithamightyzap—impartingsomeofmyowndivinelifeforceintothem.Oh,howyoushouldenvythosegirls!Shimmeringanddisappearingwithagoldenflash,filledwithtinglywarmthandnewfoundpower,theyfloatedupwardinacloudofTinkerBell–qualityglitter.

Itisnosmallthingtomakesomeoneagod.Thegeneralruleisthatpowertricklesdown,soanygodcantheoreticallymakeanewgodoflesserpowerthanhimorherself.Butthisrequiressacrificingsomeofone’sowndivinity,asmallamountofwhatmakesyouyou—sogodsdon’tgrantsuchafavoroften.Whenwedo,weusuallycreateonlythemostminorofgods,asIdidwithParthenosandHemithea:justthebasicimmortalitypackagewithfewbellsandwhistles.(AlthoughIthrewintheextendedwarranty,becauseI’maniceguy.)

Beamingwithgratitude,ParthenosandHemitheaflewuptomeetme.“Thankyou,LordApollo!”Parthenossaid.“DidArtemissendyou?”Mysmilefaltered.“Artemis?”“Shemusthave!”Hemitheasaid.“Aswefell,Iprayed,‘Helpus,Artemis!’”“No,”Isaid.“Youcriedout,‘Helpus,Apollo!’”Thegirlslookedateachother.“Er…no,mylord,”saidHemithea.Iwassureshehadsaidmyname.Inretrospect,however,IwonderedifIhadbeenassumingrather

thanlistening.Thethreeofusstaredatoneanother.Thatmomentwhenyouturntwogirlsimmortalandthenfindouttheydidn’tcallonyoutodoso…Awkward.

“Well,itdoesn’tmatter!”Hemitheasaidcheerfully.“Weoweyouagreatdebt,andnowwearefreetofollowourhearts’desires!”

IwashopingshewouldsayToserveApolloforalleternityandbringhimawarmlemon-scented

towelbeforeeverymeal!Instead,Parthenossaid,“Yes,wewilljointheHuntersofArtemis!Thankyou,Apollo!”Theyusedtheirnewpowerstovaporize,leavingmealonewithanangrymobofNaxoansscreaming

andshakingtheirfistsatthesea.Theworstthing?Thegirls’sisterRhoeobrokeupwithmelikeaweeklater.Overthecenturies,IsawHemitheaandParthenosfromtimetotimeinArtemis’sretinue.Mostlywe

avoidedeachother.MakingthemminorgodswasoneofthosebenevolentmistakesIdidn’twanttowriteanysongsabout.

Myvisionchanged,shiftingassubtlyasthelightthroughtheWaystation’srosewindow.Ifoundmyselfinavastapartmentofgoldandwhitemarble.Beyondtheglasswallsandthe

wraparoundterrace,afternoonshadowsfloodedtheskyscrapercanyonsofManhattan.Ihadbeenherebefore.Nomatterwheremyvisionstookme,Ialwaysseemedtoendupbackinthis

nightmarishscene.Recliningonagildedchaiselounge,theemperorNerolookedhorrificallyresplendentinapurple

suit,abluepastelshirt,andpointyalligator-leathershoes.Onhissizablepaunchhebalancedaplateofstrawberries,poppingthemoneatatimeintohismouthwithhislittlefingerraisedtoshowoffthehundred-karatdiamondonhispinkyring.

“Meg…”Heshookhisheadsadly.“DearMeg.Youshouldbemoreexcited!Thisisyourchanceforredemption,mydear.Youwon’tdisappointme,willyou?”

Hisvoicewassoftandgentle,likeaheavysnowfall—thesortthatbuildsupandbringsdownpowerlines,collapsesroofs,killsentirefamilies.

Standingbeforetheemperor,MegMcCaffreylookedlikeawiltingplant.Herdarkpageboyhairhunglistlesslyaroundherface.SheslumpedinhergreenT-shirtdress,herkneesbentinheryellowleggings,oneredhigh-topkickinglistlesslyatthemarblefloor.Herfacewaslowered,butIcouldseethathercat-eyeglasseshadbeenbrokensinceourlastencounter.Scotchtapecoveredtherhinestonetipsateitherjoint.

UndertheweightofNero’sgaze,sheseemedsosmallandvulnerable.Iwantedtorushtoherside.IwantedtosmashthatplateofstrawberriesintoNero’schinless,neck-beardedexcuseforaface.Alas,Icouldonlywatch,knowingthatthisscenehadalreadyhappened.Ihadseenitunfoldseveraltimesinmyvisionsoverthelastfewweeks.

Megdidn’tspeak,butNeronoddedasifshe’dansweredhisquestion.“Gowest,”hetoldher.“CaptureApollobeforehecanfindthenextOracle.Ifyoucannotbringhimto

mealive,killhim.”Hecrookedhisdiamond-weightedpinkyfinger.Fromthelineofimperialbodyguardsbehindhim,one

steppedforward.LikeallGermani,themanwasenormous.Hismusculararmsbulgedagainsthisleathercuirass.Hisbrownhairgrewwildandlong.Hisruggedfacewouldhavebeenscaryevenwithouttheserpenttattoothatcoiledaroundhisneckanduphisrightcheek.

“ThisisVortigern,”saidNero.“Hewillkeepyou…safe.”Theemperortastedthewordsafeasifithadmanypossiblemeanings,noneofthemgood.“Youwill

alsotravelwithanothermemberoftheImperialHouseholdjustincase,ah,difficultiesarise.”Nerocurledhispinkyagain.Fromtheshadowsnearthestairsappearedateenageboywholooked

verymuchlikethesortofboywhoenjoyedappearingfromshadows.Hisdarkhairhungoverhiseyes.Heworebaggyblackpants,ablackmuscleshirt(despitehislackofmuscles),andenoughgoldjewelryaroundhisnecktomakehimaproperfestivalidol.Athisbelthungthreesheatheddaggers,twoontherightandoneontheleft.Thepredatorygleaminhiseyesmademesuspectthosebladeswerenotjustforshow.

Inall,theboyremindedmesomewhatofNicodiAngelo,thesonofHades,ifNicowereslightly

older,morevicious,andhadbeenraisedbyjackals.“Ah,good,Marcus,”Nerosaid.“ShowMegyourdestination,willyou?”Marcussmiledthinly.Hehelduphispalm,andaglowingimageappearedabovehisfingertips:a

bird’s-eyeviewofacityInowrecognizedasIndianapolis.Neropoppedanotherstrawberryinhismouth.Hecheweditslowly,lettingthejuicedribbledownhis

weakchin.IdecidedthatifIeverreturnedtoCampHalf-Blood,IwouldhavetoconvinceChirontochangetheircashcroptoblueberries.

“Meg,mydear,”Nerosaid,“Iwantyoutosucceed.Pleasedon’tfail.IftheBeastbecomescrosswithyouagain…”Heshruggedhelplessly.Hisvoiceachedwithsincerityandconcern.“Ijustdon’tknowhowIcouldprotectyou.FindApollo.Subjecthimtoyourwill.Iknowyoucandothis.And,mydear,dobecarefulinthecourtofourfriendtheNewHercules.HeisnotasmuchagentlemanasI.Don’tgetcaughtupinhisobsessionwithdestroyingtheHouseofNets.That’sameresideshow.Succeedquicklyandcomebacktome.”Nerospreadhisarms.“Thenwecanbeonehappyfamilyagain.”

TheboyMarcusopenedhismouth,perhapstomakeasnidecomment,butwhenhespokeitwasLeoValdez’svoice,shatteringthevision.“Apollo!”

Igasped.IwasbackintheWaystation,sprawledacrossthecouch.Standingoverme,frowningwithconcern,wereourhosts,JosephineandEmmie,alongwithLeoandCalypso.

“I—Ihadadream.”IpointedweaklyatEmmie.“Andyouwerethere.And…therestofyou,notsomuch,but—”

“Adream?”Leoshookhishead.Hewasnowdressedinapairofgrimyoveralls.“Man,youreyeswerewideopen.Youwerelyingtherealltwitchingandstuff.I’veseenyouhavesomevisionsbefore,butnotlikethat.”

Irealizedmyarmswereshaking.Igrabbedmyrighthandwithmyleft,butthatonlymadeitworse.“I—Iheardsomenewdetails,orthingsIdidn’trememberfrombefore.AboutMeg.Andtheemperors.And—”

JosephinepattedmyheadasifIwereacockerspaniel.“Yousureyou’reokaythere,Sunny?Youdon’tlooksohot.”

TherewasatimewhenIwouldhavedeep-friedanyonewhocalledmeSunny.AfterItookoverthereinsofthesunchariotfromtheoldTitangodHelios,AreshadcalledmeSunnyforcenturies.Itwasoneofthefewjokesheunderstood(atleastoneofthefewcleanjokes).

“I’mfine,”Isnapped.“Wh-what’sgoingon?Calypso,you’realreadyhealed?”“You’vebeenoutforhours,actually.”Sheraisedherrecentlybrokenhand,whichnowlookedas

goodasnew,andwriggledherfingers.“Butyes.EmmieisahealertorivalApollo.”“Youhadtosaythat,”Igrumbled.“YoumeanI’vebeenlyinghereforhoursandnobodynoticed?”Leoshrugged.“Wewerekindabusytalkingshop.Weprobablywouldn’thavenoticedyouassoonas

wedidexcept,uh,somebodyherewantstotalktoyou.”“Mmm,”Calypsoagreed,aworriedlookinhereyes.“He’sbeenveryinsistentaboutit.”Shepointedtowardtherosewindow.Atfirst,IthoughtIwasseeingorangespots.ThenIrealizedanapparitionwasfloatingtowardme.

OurfriendAgamethus,theheadlessghost,hadreturned.

Oh,Magic8BallEpicfailatpropheciesLeo’sear’sonfire

THEGHOSTDRIFTEDtowardus.Hismoodwasdifficulttodiscern,sincehehadnoface,butheseemedagitated.Hepointedatme,thenmadeaseriesofhandgesturesIdidn’tunderstand—shakinghisfists,lacinghisfingers,cuppingonehandasifholdingasphere.Hestoppedontheoppositesideofthecoffeetable.

“’Sup,Cheese?”Leoasked.Josephinesnorted.“Cheese?”“Yeah,he’sorange,”Leosaid.“Whyisthat?Also,whyisheheadless?”“Leo,”Calypsochided.“Don’tberude.”“Hey,it’safairquestion.”Emmiestudiedtheghost’shandgestures.“I’veneverseenhimthisworkedup.Heglowsorange

because…Well,actuallyIhavenoidea.Asforwhyheisheadless—”“Hisbrothercutoffhishead,”Isupplied.Thememorysurfacedfromthedarkstewofmymortal

brain,thoughIdidnotrecallthedetails.“AgamethuswasthebrotherofTrophonius,thespiritoftheDarkOracle.He…”Therewassomethingelse,somethingthatfilledmewithguilt,butIcouldn’tremember.

Theothersstaredatme.“Hisbrotherdidwhat?”Calypsoasked.“Howdidyouknowthat?”Emmiedemanded.Ihadnoanswer.Iwasnotsuremyselfwheretheinformationhadcomefrom.Buttheghostpointedat

measiftosay,Thisdudeknowswhat’sup,orpossibly,moredisturbingly,It’syourfault.Thenheagainmadethegestureofholdingasphere.

“HewantstheMagic8Ball,”Josephineinterpreted.“I’llberightback.”Shejoggedovertoherworkshop.“TheMagic8Ball?”LeogrinnedatEmmie.ThenametagonhisborrowedoverallsreadGEORGIE.

“She’skidding,right?”“She’sdeadserious,”Emmiesaid.“Er…sotospeak.Wemightaswellsit.”CalypsoandEmmietookthearmchairs.Leohoppedontothecouchnexttome,bouncingupanddown

withsuchenthusiasmIhadanannoyingpangofnostalgiaforMegMcCaffrey.AswewaitedforJosephine,ItriedtodredgemymemoryformorespecificsaboutthisghostAgamethus.WhywouldhisbrotherTrophoniushavedecapitatedhim,andwhydidIfeelsoguiltyaboutit?ButIhadnosuccess—justavaguesenseofunease,andthefeelingthatdespitehislackofeyes,Agamethuswasglaringatme.

Finally,Josietrottedbackover.Inonehand,shegrippedablackplasticspherethesizeofahoneydewmelon.Ononeside,paintedinthemiddleofawhitecircle,wasthenumber8.

“Ilovethosethings!”Leosaid.“Haven’tseenoneinyears.”Iscowledatthesphere,wonderingifitwassomesortofbomb.ThatwouldexplainLeo’sexcitement.

“Whatdoesitdo?”“Areyoukidding?”askedLeo.“It’saMagic8Ball,man.Youaskitquestionsaboutthefuture.”“Impossible,”Isaid.“Iamthegodofprophecy.Iknoweveryformofdivination,andIhavenever

heardofaMagic8Ball.”Calypsoleanedforward.“I’mnotfamiliarwiththisformofsorcery,either.Howdoesitwork?”Josephinebeamed.“Well,it’ssupposedtobejustatoy.Youshakeit,turnitover,andananswer

floatsupinthislittleplasticwindowonthebottom.Imadesomemodifications.SometimestheMagic8BallpicksuponAgamethus’sthoughtsandconveystheminwriting.”

“Sometimes?”Leoasked.Josephineshrugged.“Like,thirtypercentofthetime.BestIcouldmanage.”Istillhadnoideawhatshewastalkingabout.TheMagic8Ballstruckmeasaveryshadyformof

divination—morelikeaHermesgameofchancethananOracleworthyofme.“Wouldn’titbefasterifAgamethussimplywrotedownwhathewantedtosay?”Iasked.Emmieshotmeawarninglook.“Agamethusisilliterate.He’salittlesensitiveaboutthat.”Theghostturnedtowardme.Hisauradarkenedtothecolorofabloodorange.“Ah…”Isaid.“Andthosehandgestureshewasmaking?”“It’snoformofsignlanguagethatwecanfigureout,”Josaid.“We’vebeentryingforsevenyears,

eversinceAgamethusjoinedus.TheMagic8Ball’sthebestformofcommunicationwe’vegot.Here,buddy.”

Shetossedhimthemagicalsphere.SinceAgamethuswasethereal,Iexpectedtheballtosailrightthroughhimandshatteronthefloor.Instead,Agamethuscaughtiteasily.

“Okay!”Josephinesaid.“So,Agamethus,whatdoyouwanttotellus?”TheghostshooktheMagic8Ballvigorouslyandthenthrewittome.Iwasnotpreparedforthe

spheretobefullofliquid,which,asanywater-bottle-flippercantellyou,makesanobjectmuchmoredifficulttocontrol.Ithitmychestanddroppedintomylap.Ibarelycaughtitbeforeitwobbledoffthecouch.

“Masterofdexterity,”Calypsomuttered.“Turnitover.Weren’tyoulistening?”“Oh,bequiet.”IwishedCalypsocouldonlycommunicate30percentofthetime.Irotatedtheball

bottom-up.AsJosephinehaddescribed,alayerofclearplasticwassetinthebaseofthesphere,providinga

windowtotheliquidinside.Alargewhitemultisideddiefloatedintoview.(IknewthisthingsmackedofHermes’swretchedgamblinggames!)Onesideofitpressedagainstthewindow,revealingasentencewritteninblockletters.

“‘Apollomustbringherhome,’”Ireadaloud.Ilookedup.Emmie’sandJosephine’sfaceshadbecometwinmasksofshock.CalypsoandLeo

exchangedawaryglance.Leostartedtosay,“Uh,what—?”Simultaneously,EmmieandJosephineunleashedatorrentofquestions:“Isshealive?Isshesafe?

Whereisshe?Tellme!”Emmieshottoherfeet.Shebegantopace,sobbingingreatdryheaves,whileJosephineadvancedon

me,herfistsclenched,hergazeassharpasthepointedflameofherweldingtorch.“Idon’tknow!”ItossedJosephinetheballasifitwereahotbaklava.“Don’tkillme!”ShecaughttheMagic8Ball,thenseemedtocheckherself.Shetookaheavybreath.“Sorry,Apollo.

Sorry.I…”SheturnedtoAgamethus.“Here.Answerus.Tellus.”Shethrewhimtheball.Agamethusseemedtoregardthemagicalspherewithhisnonexistenteyes.Hisshouldersslumpedas

ifhedidnotrelishhisjob.Heshooktheballonceagainandtosseditbacktome.“Whyme?”Iprotested.“Readit!”Emmiesnapped.Iturneditover.Anewmessageappearedoutoftheliquid.“‘Replyhazy,’”Ireadaloud.“‘Tryagainlater.’”Emmiewailedindespair.Shesankintoherseatandburiedherfaceinherhands.Josephinerushedto

herside.Leofrownedattheghost.“Yo,Cheese,justshakeitagain,man.”“It’snouse,”Josephinesaid.“WhentheMagic8Ballsaystryagainlater,that’sexactlywhatit

means.We’llhavetowait.”ShesatonthearmofEmmie’schairandcradledEmmie’sheadagainsther.“It’sallright,”Josie

murmured.“We’llfindher.We’llgetherback.”Hesitantly,Calypsostretchedoutherpalm,asifsheweren’tsurehowtohelp.“I’msosorry.Who—

whoismissing?”Withaquiveringlip,JosephinepointedtoLeo.Leoblinked.“Uh,I’mstillhere—”“Notyou,”Josephinesaid.“Thenametag.Thoseoveralls—theywerehers.”Leopattedthestitchednameonhischest.“Georgie?”Emmienodded,hereyespuffyandred.“Georgina.Ouradopteddaughter.”IwasgladIwassittingdown.Suddenly,somanythingsmadesensethattheyoverwhelmedmelike

anothervision:thetwoagingHunterswhowerenotHunters,thechild’semptybedroom,thecrayondrawingsdonebyalittlegirl.JosephinehadmentionedthatAgamethusarrivedintheirlivesapproximatelysevenyearsago.

“YoutwolefttheHunters,”Isaid.“Foreachother.”Josephinegazedintothedistance,asifthebuilding’swallswereastransparentastheMagic8Ball’s

base.“Wedidn’texactlyplanit.Weleftin…what,1986?”“Eighty-seven,”Emmiesaid.“We’vebeenagingtogethereversince.Veryhappily.”Shewipedaway

atear,notlookingterriblyhappyatthemoment.Calypsoflexedherrecentlybrokenhand.“Idon’tknowmuchaboutLadyArtemis,orherrulesfor

followers—”“That’sfine,”Leointerrupted.Calypsoglaredathim.“Butdon’ttheyforswearthecompanyofmen?Ifyoutwofellinlove—”“No,”Isaidbitterly.“Allromanceisoff-limits.Mysisterisquiteunreasonableinthatregard.The

missionoftheHuntersistolivewithoutromanticdistractionsofanykind.”Thinkingaboutmysisterandheranti-romanticideasirritatedme.Howcouldtwosiblingsbeso

different?ButIwasalsoirritatedwithHemithea.ShehadnotonlygivenupbeingaHunter;indoingsoshehadalsogivenupthedivinityIhadgrantedher.

Justlikeahuman!Wegiveyouimmortalityandgodlypower,thenyoutradeitinforloveandaloftindowntownIndianapolis.Thenerve!

Emmiewouldn’tmeetmyeyes.Shesighedwistfully.“WedelightedinbeingHunters,bothofus.Theywereourfamily.But…”She

shrugged.“Welovedeachothermore,”Josephinesupplied.Igotthefeelingtheyfinishedeachother’ssentencesalot,theirthoughtswereinsuchcomfortable

harmony.Thatdidnothelpmyirritationlevels.“YoumusthavepartedwithArtemisongoodterms,”Isaid.“Sheletyoulive.”Josephinenodded.“TheLady’sHuntersoftenstophereattheWaystation…thoughwehavenotseen

Artemisherselfindecades.Then,sevenyearsago,wewereblessedwithGeorgina.She…shewasbroughttoourdoorbyAgamethus.”

Theorangeghostbowed.“Hebroughtherfromwhere?”Iwondered.Emmiespreadherhands.“We’veneverbeenabletogetthatinformationfromhim.It’stheone

questiontheMagic8Ballneveranswers.”Leomusthavebeenthinkingdeeply—atuftoffirebrokeoutatthetopofhisleftear.“Holdup.

Agamethusisn’tyourkid’sdad,ishe?Also…you’retellingmeI’mwearingtheoverallsofaseven-year-oldgirl,andtheyfit?”

ThatgotabrokenlaughfromJosephine.“Isupposetheydo.Andno,Leo,AgamethusisnotGeorgina’sfather.Ourghostlyfriendhasbeendeadsinceancienttimes.LikeApollosaid,hewasthebrotherofTrophonius,thespiritoftheOracle.AgamethusappearedherewithbabyGeorgie.ThenheledustotheOracle.Thatwasthefirstweknewofitsexistence.”

“Soyouhaveitslocation,”Isaid.“Ofcourse,”Emmiemurmured.“Forallthegooditdoesus.”Toomanyquestionscrowdedinmyhead.Iwantedtodividemyselfintoadozendifferent

manifestationssoIcouldpursueeveryansweratonce,butalas,mortalsdon’tspliteasily.“ButthegirlandtheOraclemustbeconnectedsomehow.”

Emmieclosedhereyes.Icouldtellshewastryinghardtosuppressasob.“Wedidn’trealizehowcloselytheywereconnected.NotuntilGeorgiewastakenfromus.”

“Theemperor,”Iguessed.Josephinenodded.Ihadn’tevenmetthissecondmemberoftheTriumvirateyet,andIalreadyhatedhim.IhadlostMeg

McCaffreytoNero.Ididnotliketheideaofanotheryounggirlbeingtakenbyanotherevilemperor.“Inmyvision,”Irecalled,“IheardNerocallthisemperortheNewHercules.Whoishe?Whatdidhe

dowithGeorgina?”Emmieroseunsteadilytoherfeet.“I—Ineedtodosomethingproductivewithmyhands.It’stheonly

wayI’vestayedsanethepasttwoweeks.Whydon’tyouallhelpusmakelunch?Thenwe’lltalkaboutthemonsterwhocontrolsourcity.”

IchoppedthoseonionsWithmyownex-godlyhandsYou’dbettereatthem

BEINGPRODUCTIVE.Ugh.It’ssuchahumanconcept.Itimpliesyouhavelimitedtime(LOL)andhavetoworkhardtomake

somethinghappen(doubleLOL).Imean,perhapsifyouwerelaboringawayforyearswritinganoperaaboutthegloriesofApollo,Icouldunderstandtheappealofbeingproductive.Buthowcanyougetasenseofsatisfactionandserenityfrompreparingfood?ThatIdidnotunderstand.

EvenatCampHalf-BloodIwasn’taskedtomakemyownmeals.True,thehotdogswerequestionable,andIneverfoundoutwhatsortofbugswereinbugjuice,butatleastI’dbeenservedbyacadreofbeautifulnymphs.

NowIwascompelledtowashlettuce,dicetomatoes,andchoponions.“Wheredoesthisfoodcomefrom?”Iasked,blinkingtearsfrommyeyes.I’mnoDemeter,butevenIcouldtellthisproducewasfreshfromtheearth,probablybecauseofthe

amountofdirtIhadtowashoff.ThethoughtofDemetermademethinkofMeg,whichmight’vecausedmetoweepevenifIhadn’t

alreadybeenafflictedbyonionfumes.Calypsodumpedabasketofmuddycarrotsinfrontofme.“Emmie’sgotagardenontheroof.

Greenhouses.Year-roundgrowing.Youshouldseetheherbs—basil,thyme,rosemary.It’samazing.”Emmiesmiled.“Thankyou,dear.Youdefinitelyknowyourgardening.”Isighed.Nowthosetwowerebonding.SoonIwouldbestuckbetweenEmmieandCalypso

discussingkale-growingtechniquesandLeoandJosephinewaxingpoeticaboutcarburetors.Icouldn’twin.

Speakofthedaimon:Leoburstthroughthedoornexttothepantry,holdingaloftawheelofcheeselikeavictor’slaurelcrown.

“BEHOLDTHECHEDDAR!”heannounced.“ALLHAILTHECHEESECONQUERORS!”Josephine,chucklinggood-naturedly,lumberedinbehindhimwithametalpail.“Thecowsseemedto

likeLeo.”“Hey,abuelita,”Leosaid.“AlldacowsloveLeo.”Hegrinnedatme.“Andthesecowsarered,man.

Like…brightred.”Thatdefinitelymademewanttoweep.Redcowsweremyfavorite.ForcenturiesIhadaherdof

sacredscarletcattlebeforecow-collectingwentoutoffashion.

Josephinemusthaveseenthemiserablelookonmyface.“Wejustusetheirmilk,”shesaidhastily.“Wedon’tbutcherthem.”“Ishouldhopenot!”Icried.“Killingredcattlewouldbesacrilege!”Josephinedidn’tlookproperlyterrifiedbytheidea.“Yeah,butmostlyit’sbecauseEmmiemademe

giveupmeattwentyyearsago.”“It’smuchbetterforyou,”Emmiechided.“You’renotimmortalanymore,andyouneedtotakecareof

yourself.”“Butcheeseburgers,”Jomuttered.Leoplunkedthecheesewheelinfrontofme.“Cutmeawedgeofthis,mygoodman.Chop-chop!”Iscowledathim.“Don’ttestme,Valdez.WhenIamagodagain,Iwillmakeaconstellationoutof

you.IwillcallittheSmallExplodingLatino.”“Ilikeit!”Hepattedmyshoulder,causingmyknifetojiggle.Didnoonefearthewrathofthegodsanymore?WhileEmmiebakedloavesofbread—whichImustadmitsmelledincredible—Itossedasaladwith

carrots,cucumbers,mushrooms,tomatoes,andallmannerofroof-grownplantmaterial.Calypsousedfreshlemonsandcanesugartomakelemonade,whilehummingtracksfromBeyoncé’salbumofthesamename.(Duringourtravelswest,IhadtakenituponmyselftocatchCalypsouponthelastthreemillenniaofpopularmusic.)

Leocutthecheese.(Youcaninterpretthatanywayyouwant.)Thecheddarwheelturnedouttobebrightredallthewaythroughandquitetasty.Josephinemadedessert,whichshesaidwasherspecialty.Todaythismeantfreshberriesandhomemadespongecakeinsweetredcream,withameringuetoppinglightlytoastedwithaweldingtorch.

AsfortheghostAgamethus,hehoveredinonecornerofthekitchen,holdinghisMagic8Balldejectedlyasifitwereathird-placeprizefromathree-personcompetition.

Finally,wesatdowntolunch.Ihadn’trealizedhowhungryIwas.Ithadbeenquiteawhilesincebreakfast,andFestus’sin-flightmealserviceleftmuchtobedesired.

IshoveledmyfoodinwhileLeoandCalypsotoldourhostsaboutourtravelswest.Betweenbitesoffreshbreadwithbrightredbutter,Iaddedcommentaryasneeded,sinceofcourseIhadthesuperiorstorytellingskills.

WeexplainedhowmyancientfoePythonhadretakentheoriginalsiteofDelphi,cuttingoffaccesstothemostpowerfulOracle.WeexplainedhowtheTriumviratehadsabotagedallformsofcommunicationusedbydemigods—Iris-messages,magicalscrolls,ventriloquistpuppets,eventhearcanemagicofe-mail.WiththehelpofPython,thethreeevilemperorsnowintendedtocontrolordestroyalltheOraclesfromancienttimes,thusputtingtheveryfutureoftheworldinastranglehold.

“WefreedtheGroveofDodona,”Isummedup.“ButthatOraclesimplysentusheretosecurethenextsourceofprophecy:theCaveofTrophonius.”

Calypsopointedtomyquiver,whichlayagainstthenearestsofa.“Apollo,showthemyourtalkingarrow.”

Emmie’seyesgleamedwiththekeeninterestofanarcher.“Talkingarrow?”Ishuddered.ThearrowIhadretrievedfromthewhisperingtreesofDodonahadsofardonemelittle

good.OnlyIcouldhearitsvoice,andwheneverIaskeditsadvice,itspoutednonsenseinElizabethanEnglish,whichinfectedmyspeechpatternsandleftmetalkinglikeabadShakespeareanactorforhours.ThisamusedCalypsotonoend.

“Iwillnotshowthemmytalkingarrow,”Isaid.“Iwill,however,sharethelimerick.”“No!”saidCalypsoandLeoinunison.Theydroppedtheirforksandcoveredtheirears.Irecited:

“ThereoncewasagodnamedApolloWhoplungedinacaveblueandhollowUponathree-seaterThebronzefire-eaterWasforceddeathandmadnesstoswallow.”

Aroundthetable,anuncomfortablesilencefell.Josephineglowered.“Neverbeforehasanyvoicedaredtoutteralimerickinthishouse,Apollo.”“Andletushopenoonewilleverdosoagain,”Iagreed.“ButsuchwastheprophecyofDodonathat

broughtushere.”Emmie’sexpressiontightened,removinganylingeringdoubtsthatthiswasthesameHemitheaIhad

immortalizedsomanycenturiesago.Irecognizedtheintensityinhereyes—thesamedeterminationthathadsentheroveracliff,trustingherfatetothegods.

“‘Acaveblueandhollow’…”shesaid.“That’stheOracleofTrophonius,allright.It’slocatedintheBluespringCaverns,abouteightymilessouthoftown.”

Leogrinnedashechewed,hismouthanavalancheofearth-tonedfoodparticles.“Easiestquestever,then.WegetFestusback,thenwelookupthisplaceonGoogleMapsandflydownthere.”

“Doubtful,”Josephinesaid.“Theemperorhasthesurroundingcountrysideheavilyguarded.Youcouldn’tflyadragonanywherenearBluespringwithoutgettingshotoutofthesky.Evenifyoucould,thecaveentrancesareallwaytoosmallforadragontoplungeinto.”

Leopouted.“Butthelimerick—”“Maybedeceptive,”Isaid.“Itis,afterall,alimerick.”Calypsosatforward.Shehadwrappedanapkinaroundherformerlybrokenhand—perhapsbecause

itstillached,perhapsbecauseshewasnervous.Itremindedmeoftorchwadding—notahappyassociationaftermylastencounterwiththemademperorNero.

“Whataboutthelastline?”sheasked.“Apollowillbeforceddeathandmadnesstoswallow.”Josephinestaredatheremptyplate.Emmiegaveherhandaquicksqueeze.“TheOracleofTrophoniusisdangerous,”Emmiesaid.“Evenwhenwehadfreeaccesstoit,before

theemperormovedin,wewouldonlyconsultthespiritinextremeemergencies.”Sheturnedtome.“Youmustremember.Youwerethegodofprophecy.”

Despitetheexcellentlemonade,mythroatfeltparched.Ididn’tlikebeingremindedofwhatIusedtobe.Ialsodidn’tlikethegiganticholesinmymemory,filledwithnothingbutvaguedread.

“I—Irememberthecavewasdangerous,yes,”Isaid.“Idon’trecallwhy.”“Youdon’trecall.”Emmie’svoicetookonadangerousedge.“Inormallyconcentratedonthegodlysideofthings,”Isaid.“Thequalityofthesacrifices.Whatsort

ofincensethepetitionersburned.Howpleasingthehymnsofpraisewere.Ineveraskedwhatkindoftrialsthepetitionerswentthrough.”

“Youneverasked.”Ididn’tlikeEmmieechoingmywords.IhadafeelingshewouldmakeanevenworseGreekchorus

thanCalypso.“IdidsomereadingatCampHalf-Blood,”Isaiddefensively.“Therewasn’tmuchaboutTrophonius.

Chironcouldn’thelp,either.He’dcompletelyforgottenabouttheOracle.Supposedly,Trophonius’spropheciesweredarkandscary.Sometimestheydrovepeopleinsane.Perhapshiscavewasasortofhauntedhouse?With,uh,danglingskeletons,priestessesjumpingoutandsayingBOO?”

Emmie’ssourexpressiontoldmethatmyguesswasoffthemark.“Ialsoreadsomethingaboutpetitionersdrinkingfromtwospecialsprings,”Ipersisted.“Ithought

swallowingdeathandmadnessmightbeasymbolicreferencetothat.Youknow,poeticlicense.”

“No,”Josephinemuttered.“It’snotpoeticlicense.Thatcaveliterallydroveourdaughtermad.”Acolddraftsweptacrossmyneck,asiftheWaystationitselfhadletoutaforlornsigh.Ithoughtabout

theapocalypseI’dseencrayonedonthewallofthechild’snow-abandonedbedroom.“Whathappened?”Iasked,thoughIwasn’tsureIwantedtoknow—especiallyifitmightbeaportent

ofwhatIwouldsoonface.Emmietoreapieceofbreadcrust.Sheletthepiecesfall.“OncetheemperorcametoIndianapolis…

thisNewHercules…”Calypsostartedtoaskaquestion,butEmmieraisedahand.“Please,dear,don’taskmetonamehim.

Nothere.Notnow.AsI’msureyouknow,manygodsandmonstershearyouwhenyouspeaktheirnames.Heisworsethanmost.”

ApangofsympathypulledatthecornerofCalypso’smouth.“Please,goon.”“Atfirst,”Emmiesaid,“wedidn’tunderstandwhatwashappening.Ourfriendsandcompanions

begantodisappear.”Shegesturedaroundheratthevastlivingarea.“Weusedtohaveadozenorsolivinghereatanygiventime.Now…we’reallthat’sleft.”

Josephineleanedbackinherchair.Inthelightoftherosewindow,herhairgleamedthesamesteelgrayasthewrenchesinhercoverallpockets.“Theemperorwaslookingforus.HeknewabouttheWaystation.Hewantedtodestroyus.ButlikeIsaid,thisisn’taneasyplacetofindunlessweinviteyouin.So,instead,hisforceswaiteduntilourpeoplewereoutside.Theytookourfriendsafewatatime.”

“Tookthem?”Iasked.“Asinalive?”“Oh,yeah.”Josephine’sgrimtonemadeitsoundasifdeathwould’vebeenpreferable.“Theemperor

lovesprisoners.Hecapturedourguests,ourgriffins.”AberryslippedoutofLeo’sfingers.“Griffins?Uh…HazelandFranktoldmeaboutgriffins.They

foughtsomeinAlaska.Saidtheywerelikerabidhyenaswithwings.”Josephinesmirked.“Thesmallones,thewildones,canbe,yeah.Butweraisethebesthere.At

least…wedid.Ourlastmatingpairdisappearedaboutamonthago.HeloiseandAbelard.Weletthemouttohunt—theyhavetodothattostayhealthy.Theyneverreturned.ForGeorgina,thatwasthefinalinsult.”

Abadfeelingbegantonagatme.Somethingbeyondtheobviouswe’retalkingaboutcreepythingsthatmightgetmekilled.Thegriffinnestsinthenichesaboveus.Adistantmemoryaboutmysister’sfollowers.AcommentNerohadmadeinmyvision:thattheNewHerculeswasobsessedwithdestroyingtheHouseofNets,asifthatwereanothernamefortheWaystation…Ifeltlikesomeone’sshadowwasfallingoverthediningtable,someoneIshouldknow,perhapssomeoneIshouldberunningawayfrom.

Calypsounwrappedthenapkinfromherhand.“Yourdaughter,”sheasked.“Whathappenedtoher?”NeitherJosephinenorEmmieresponded.Agamethusbowedslightly,hisbloodytunicglowingin

variousshadesofnachotopping.“It’sobvious,”Isaidintothesilence.“ThegirlwenttotheCaveofTrophonius.”EmmielookedpastmetoAgamethus,hereyesassharpasarrowpoints.“Georginagotitintoher

headthattheonlywaytosavetheWaystationandfindthecaptiveswastoconsulttheOracle.She’dalwaysbeendrawntotheplace.Shedidn’tfearitthewaymostpeopledid.Onenightsheslippedaway.Agamethushelpedher.Wedon’tknowexactlyhowtheygotthere—”

TheghostshookhisMagic8Ball.HetossedittoEmmie,whofrownedattheansweronthebottom.“‘Itwasordained,’”sheread.“Idon’tknowwhatyoumean,youold,deadfool,butshewasjusta

child.Withoutthethrone,youknewwhatwouldhappentoher!”“Thethrone?”Calypsoasked.Anothermemorybobbedtothesurfaceofmyeight-ballbrain.“Oh,gods,”Isaid.“Thethrone.”BeforeIcouldsaymore,theentirehallshuddered.Platesandcupsrattledonthediningtable.

Agamethusvanishedinaflashofnachoorange.Atthetopofthebarreledceiling,thegreenandbrown

stained-glasspanelsdarkenedasifacloudhadblackedoutthesun.Josephinerose.“Waystation,what’shappeningontheroof?”AsfarasIcouldtell,thebuildingdidn’trespond.Nobricksshotoutofthewall.Nodoorsbanged

openandshutinMorsecode.EmmiesettheMagic8Ballonthetable.“Therestofyou,stayhere.JoandIwillcheckitout.”Calypsofrowned.“But—”“That’sanorder,”Emmiesaid.“I’mnotlosinganymoreguests.”“Itcan’tbeCom—”Josephinestoppedherself.“Itcan’tbehim.MaybeHeloiseandAbelardare

back?”“Maybe.”Emmiedidn’tsoundconvinced.“Butjustincase…”Thetwowomenmovedquicklytoametalsupplycabinetinthekitchen.Emmiegrabbedherbowand

quiver.Josephinepulledoutanold-fashionedmachinegunwithacirculardrummagazinebetweenthetwohandles.

Leonearlychokedonhisdessert.“Isthatatommygun?”Josephinepattedtheweaponaffectionately.“ThisisLittleBertha.Areminderofmysordidpastlife.

I’msurethere’snothingtoworryabout.Youallsittight.”Withthatcomfortingadvice,ourheavilyarmedhostsmarchedofftochecktheroof.

LovebirdsarguingTroubleinElysium?I’lljustscrubtheseplates

THEORDERTOsittightseemedclearenoughtome.LeoandCalypso,however,decidedthattheleastwecoulddowascleanupthelunchdishes.(Seemy

previouscommentre:thedumbnessofproductivity.)Iscrubbed.Calypsorinsed.Leodried,whichwasn’tevenworkforhim,sinceallhehadtodowasheathishandsalittle.

“So,”Calypsosaid,“what’sthisthroneEmmiementioned?”Iscowledatmyfoamystackofbreadpans.“TheThroneofMemory.It’sachaircarvedbythe

goddessMnemosyneherself.”Leoleeredatmeoverthetopofasteamingsaladplate.“YouforgottheThroneofMemory?Isn’tthat

amortalsinorsomething?”“Theonlymortalsin,”Isaid,“wouldbefailingtoincinerateyouassoonasIbecomeagodagain.”“Youcouldtry,”Leosaid.“ButthenhowwouldyoulearnthosesecretscalesontheValdezinator?”Iaccidentallysprayedmyselfintheface.“Whatsecretscales?”“Bothofyou,stop,”Calypsoordered.“Apollo,whyisthisThroneofMemoryimportant?”Iwipedthewateroffmyface.TalkingabouttheThroneofMemoryhadjoggedlooseafewmore

piecesofinformationfrommymind,butIdidn’tlikewhatI’dremembered.“BeforeapetitionerwentintotheCaveofTrophonius,”Isaid,“heorshewassupposedtodrinkfrom

twomagicalsprings:ForgetfulnessandMemory.”Leopickedupanotherplate.Steamcurledfromtheporcelain.“Wouldn’tthetwosprings,like,cancel

eachotherout?”Ishookmyhead.“Assumingtheexperiencedidn’tkillyou,itwouldprepareyourmindfortheOracle.

Youwouldthendescendintothecaveandexperience…untoldhorrors.”“Suchas?”Calypsoasked.“Ijustsaidtheywereuntold.IdoknowthatTrophoniuswouldfillyourmindwithbitsofnightmarish

versethat,ifassembledproperly,becameaprophecy.Onceyoustumbledoutofthecave—assumingyoulivedandweren’tdrivenpermanentlyinsane—thepriestswouldsityoudownontheThroneofMemory.Theverseswouldcomespillingoutofyourmouth.Apriestwouldwritethemdown,andvoilà!There’syourprophecy.Withanyluck,yourmindwouldreturntonormal.”

Leowhistled.“Thatisonemessed-upOracle.Ilikethesingingtreesbetter.”Isuppressedashudder.Leohadn’tbeenwithmeintheGroveofDodona.Hedidn’tappreciatejust

howterriblethoseclashingvoiceswere.Buthehadapoint.Therewasareasonfewpeopleremembered

theCaveofTrophonius.Itwasn’taplacethatgotravewrite-upsintheyearly“HotOraclestoVisitNow”articles.

Calypsotookabreadpanfrommeandbegantowashit.Sheseemedtoknowwhatshewasdoing,thoughherhandsweresolovelyIcouldn’timaginesheoftendidherowndishes.Iwouldhavetoaskherwhichmoisturizersheused.

“Whatifthepetitionercouldn’tusethethrone?”sheasked.Leosnickered.“Usethethrone.”Calypsoglaredathim.“Sorry.”Leotriedtolookserious,whichforhimwasalwaysalosingbattle.“Ifthepetitionercouldn’tusethethrone,”Isaid,“therewouldbenowaytoextractthebitsofverse

fromhisorhermind.Thepetitionerwouldbestuckwiththosehorrorsfromthecave—forever.”Calypsorinsedthepan.“Georgina…thatpoorchild.Whatdoyouthinkhappenedtoher?”Ididn’twanttothinkaboutthat.Thepossibilitiesmademyskincrawl.“Somehowshemusthave

madeitintothecave.ShesurvivedtheOracle.Shemadeitbackhere,but…notingoodshape.”Irecalledthefrowny-facedknife-wieldingstickfiguresonherbedroomwall.“MyguessisthattheemperorsubsequentlyseizedcontroloftheThroneofMemory.Withoutthat,Georginawouldneverbeabletorecoverfully.Perhapssheleftagainandwentlookingforit…andwascaptured.”

LeomutteredacurseinSpanish.“IkeepthinkingaboutmylittlebroHarleybackatcamp.Ifsomebodytriedtohurthim…”Heshookhishead.“Whoisthisemperorandhowsooncanwestomphim?”

Iscrubbedthelastofthepans.AtleastthiswasoneepicquestIhadsuccessfullycompleted.Istaredatthebubblesfizzingonmyhands.

“Ihaveaprettygoodideawhotheemperoris,”Iadmitted.“Josephinestartedtosayhisname.ButEmmieisright—it’sbestnottospeakitaloud.TheNewHercules…”Iswallowed.Inmystomach,saladandbreadseemedtobeholdingamud-wrestlingcontest.“Hewasnotaniceperson.”

Infact,ifIhadtherightemperor,thisquestcouldbepersonallyawkward.IhopedIwaswrong.PerhapsIcouldstayattheWaystationanddirectoperationswhileCalypsoandLeodidtheactualfighting.Thatseemedonlyfair,sinceI’dhadtoscrubthedishes.

Leoputawaythedinnerplates.Hiseyesscannedsidetosideasifreadinginvisibleequations.“ThisprojectJosephineisworkingon,”hesaid.“She’sbuildingsomekindoftrackingdevice.I

didn’task,but…shemustbetryingtofindGeorgina.”“Ofcourse.”Calypso’svoicetookonasharperedge.“Canyouimaginelosingyourchild?”Leo’searsreddened.“Yeah.ButIwasthinking,ifwecangetbacktoFestus,Icouldrunsome

numbers,maybereprogramhisArchimedessphere—”Calypsothrewinthetowel,quiteliterally.Itlandedinthesinkwithadampflop.“Leo,youcan’t

reduceeverythingtoaprogram.”Heblinked.“I’mnot.Ijust—”“You’retryingtofixit,”Calypsosaid.“Asifeveryproblemisamachine.JoandEmmiearein

seriouspain.Emmietoldmethey’rethinkingaboutabandoningtheWaystation,givingthemselvesuptotheemperorifit’llsavetheirdaughter.Theydon’tneedgadgetsorjokesorfixes.Trylistening.”

Leoheldouthishands.Foronce,hedidn’tseemtoknowwhattodowiththem.“Look,babe—”“Don’tbabeme,”shesnapped.“Don’t—”“APOLLO?”Josephine’svoiceboomedfromthemainhall.Shedidn’tsoundpanickedexactly,but

definitelytense—somewhatliketheatmosphereinthekitchen.Isteppedawayfromthehappycouple.Calypso’soutbursthadtakenmebysurprise,butasIthought

aboutit,IrecalledhalfadozenotherspatsbetweenherandLeoaswehadtraveledwest.Isimplyhadn’tthoughtmuchaboutthembecause…well,thefightsweren’taboutme.Also,comparedtogodlylovers’

quarrels,LeoandCalypso’swerenothing.Ipointedovermyshoulder.“IthinkI’lljust,uh…”Ileftthekitchen.Inthemiddleofthemainhall,EmmieandJosephinestoodwiththeirweaponsattheirsides.I

couldn’tquitereadtheirexpressions—expectant,onedge,thewayZeus’scupbearerGanymedelookedwheneverhegaveZeusanewwinetotry.

“Apollo.”Emmiepointedovermyhead,wheregriffinnestslinedtheedgeoftheceiling.“Youhaveavisitor.”

InordertoseewhoEmmiewaspointingat,Ihadtostepforwardontotherugandturnaround.Inretrospect,Ishouldn’thavedonethat.AssoonasIplacedmyfootontherug,Ithought,Wait,wasthisrugherebefore?

Whichwasfollowedcloselybythethought:Whydoesthisruglooklikeatightlywovennet?Followedby:Thisisanet.Followedby:YIKES!Thenetenmeshedmeandrocketedmeintotheair.Iregainedthepowerofflight.Foramicrosecond,I

imaginedIwasbeingrecalledtoOlympus—ascendinginglorytositattherighthandofmyfather.(Well,threethronesdownonZeus’sright,anyway.)

Thengravitytookhold.Ibouncedlikeayo-yo.OnemomentIwaseye-levelwithLeoandCalypso,whoweregapingatmefromthekitchenentrance.ThenextmomentIwasevenwiththegriffins’nests,staringintothefaceofagoddessIknewalltoowell.

You’reprobablythinking:ItwasArtemis.Thisnettrapwasjustalittlesiblingprank.Surelynolovingsisterwouldletherbrothersuffersomuchforsolong.Shehasfinallycometorescueourhero,Apollo!

No.ItwasnotArtemis.Theyoungwomansatonthemoldingledge,playfullyswingingherlegs.Irecognizedherelaborately

lacedsandals,herdressmadefromlayersofmeshinforest-coloredcamouflage.Herbraidedauburnhairmadeaponytailsolongitwrappedaroundhernecklikeascarforanoose.Herfiercedarkeyesremindedmeofapantherwatchingitspreyfromtheshadowsoftheunderbrush—apantherwithatwistedsenseofhumor.

Agoddess,yes.ButnottheoneIhadhopedfor.“You,”Isnarled.Itwasdifficulttosoundmenacingwhilebobbingupanddowninanet.“Hello,Apollo.”Britomartis,thegoddessofnets,smiledcoyly.“Ihearyou’rehumannow.Thisis

goingtobefun.”

Ofcourseit’satrapWithher,italwaysisoneTrappyMcTrapface

BRITOMARTISJUMPEDfromtheledgeandlandedinakneelingposition,herskirtsspreadaroundherinapoolofnetting.

(Shelovesthosedramaticentrances.Sheissuchananime-characterwannabe.)Thegoddessrose.Shepulledoutherhuntingknife.“Apollo,ifyouvalueyouranatomy,holdstill.”IhadnotimetoprotestthatIcouldn’texactlyholdstillwhilesuspendedinaswayingnet.Sheslashed

herknifeacrossmygroin.Thenetbrokeandspilledmetothefloor,thankfullywithmyanatomyintact.Mylandingwasnotgraceful.Fortunately,LeoandCalypsorushedtomyaid.Theyeachtookanarm

andhelpedmeup.Iwasreassuredtoseethatdespitetheirrecentspat,theycouldstilluniteonimportantmatterslikemywelfare.

Leoreachedintohistoolbelt,perhapssearchingforaweapon.Insteadheproducedatinofbreathmints.Idoubtedthatwoulddousmuchgood.

“Whoisthislady?”heaskedme.“Britomartis,”Isaid.“TheLadyofNets.”Leolookeddubious.“DoesthatincludebasketballandtheInternet?”“Justhuntingandfishingnets,”Isaid.“Sheisoneofmysister’sminions.”“Minion?”Britomartiswrinkledhernose.“Iamnominion.”Behindus,Josephinecoughed.“Uh,sorry,Apollo.TheLadyinsistedongettingyourattentionthis

way.”Thegoddess’sfacebrightened.“Well,Ihadtoseeifhewouldstepinmytrap.Andhedid.Asusual.

Hemithea,Josephine…giveustheroom,please.”Ourhostsglancedateachother,probablywonderingwhichofthemwouldhavetocleanupthebodies

afterBritomartiswasthroughwithus.Thentheyretreatedthroughadoorwayatthebackofthehall.Calypsosizedupthenetgoddess.“Britomartis,eh?Neverheardofyou.Youmustbeminor.”Britomartissmiledthinly.“Oh,butI’veheardofyou,Calypso.ExiledtoOgygiaaftertheTitanWar.

Waitingforwhatevermanmightwashuponyourshorestobreakyourheartandleaveyoualoneagain.Thatmusthavegottenterriblyold.”SheturnedtoLeo.“Thisisyourrescuer,eh?Abitshortandscruffyforaknightinshiningarmor.”

“Hey,lady.”Leoshookhistinofbreathmints.“I’veblownupwaymorepowerfulgoddessesthanyoubefore.”

“Andhe’snotmyrescuer,”Calypsoadded.

“Yeah!”Leofrowned.“Wait,Ikindofwas,actually.”“Norisheaknight,”Calypsomused.“Althoughheisshortandscruffy.”ApuffofsmokerosefromLeo’scollar.“Anyway”—hefacedBritomartis—“wheredoyougetoff

orderingJoandEmmiearoundlikethisisyourhouse?”IgrabbedhisbreathmintsbeforeBritomartiscouldtransformthemintonitroglycerin.“Leo,I’mafraid

thisisherhouse.”ThegoddessgavemethatcoquettishsmileIhatedsomuch—theonethatmademefeelasifhotnectar

werebubblinginmystomach.“Why,Apollo,youmadeacorrectdeduction!Howdidyoumanageit?”WheneverIwasfacedwithBritomartis,Imademyselfjustabittallerthanshe.Alas,nowIcouldnot

changemyheightatwill.ThebestIcoulddowaspushupontheballsofmyfeet.“NerocalledthisplacetheHouseofNets,”Isaid.“Ishould’verealizedtheWaystationwasyour

idea.Whenevermysisterwantedtodesignsomeelaboratecontraption—somethingtwistedanddangerous—shealwaysturnedtoyou.”

Thegoddesscurtsied,swirlinghernetskirts.“Youflatterme.Nowcome,myfriends!Let’ssitandtalk!”

Shegesturedtothenearestclusterofsofas.Leoapproachedthefurniturecautiously.Forallhisfaults,hewasnotstupid.Calypsowasaboutto

sinkintoanarmchairwhenLeocaughtherwrist.“Holdup.”Fromhistoolbelthepulledafoldingyardstick.Heextendeditandpokedthechair’sseatcushion.A

beartrapsnappedshut,rippingthroughstuffingandfabriclikeanupholsterysharknado.CalypsoglaredatBritomartis.“Areyoukidding?”“Oops!”Britomartissaidgleefully.Leopointedtooneofthesofas,thoughIcouldseenothingamiss.“There’satripwirealongtheback

ofthosecushions,too.Doesthat…DoesthattriggeraBouncingBetty?”Britomartislaughed.“You’regood!Yes,indeed.Thatisamodifiedpressure-activatedS-mine.”“Lady,ifthatwentoff,itwouldbouncethreefeetintheair,explode,andkillallofuswithshrapnel.”“Exactly!”Britomartissaidwithdelight.“LeoValdez,you’lldonicely.”Leogloweredather.Hepulledsomewirecuttersfromhisbelt,walkedovertothesofa,and

deactivatedthemine.Itookabreathforthefirsttimeinseveralseconds.“IthinkI’llsit…overhere.”Ipointedtothe

oppositesofa.“Isthatsafe?”Leogrunted.“Yeah.Looksokay.”Oncewewereallcomfortablysettledin,withnoonemangledorkilled,Britomartisloungedacross

theformerlybear-trappedarmchairandsmiled.“Well,isn’tthisnice?”“No,”thethreeofuschorused.Britomartistoyedwithherbraid,possiblylookingfortripwiresshemighthaveforgottenabout.“You

askedmewhyIsentJoandEmmieaway.Ilovethemdearly,butIdon’tthinkthey’dappreciatethequestI’mabouttogiveyou.”

“Quest?”Calypsoarchedhereyebrows.“I’mprettysureI’manolderdivinitythanyou,BouncingBetty.Whatrightdoyouhavetogivemeaquest?”

Britomartisflashedthatflirtysmile.“Aren’tyoucute.Hon,IwasaroundwhentheancientGreekswerelivingincaves.IstartedoutasaCretangoddess.Whentherestofmypantheondiedout,Artemisbefriendedme.IjoinedherHuntersandhereIam,thousandsofyearslater,stillweavingmynetsandsettingmytraps.”

“Yes,”Igrumbled.“Hereyouare.”Thegoddessspreadherarms.Leadweightsandfishinghooksdangledfromherembroideredsleeves.

“DearApollo,youreallydomakeadarlingLesterPapadopoulos.Comehere.”

“Don’tteaseme,”Ibegged.“I’mnot!Nowthatyou’reaharmlessmortal,I’vedecidedtofinallygiveyouthatkiss.”Iknewshewaslying.Iknewthatherdresswouldentanglemeandhurtme.Irecognizedthemalicious

gleaminherrust-redeyes.Shehadledmeastraysomanytimesoverthemillennia.Iflirtedshamelesslywithallmysister’sfollowers.ButBritomartiswastheonlyonewhoeverflirted

back,eventhoughshewasjustasmuchanavowedmaidenasanyHunter.Shedelightedintormentingme.Andhowmanytimeshadsheprankedmebyofferingtosetmeupwithotherpeople?Gah!Artemishadneverbeenknownforhersenseofhumor,buthersidekickBritomartismorethanmadeupforthat.Shewasinsufferable.Beautiful,butinsufferable.

IadmitIwastempted.Weakmortalflesh!Evenweakerthandivineflesh!Ishookmyhead.“You’retrickingme.Iwon’tdoit.”Shelookedoffended.“WhenhaveIevertrickedyou?”“Thebes!”Icried.“Youpromisedtomeetmeintheforestforaromanticpicnic.InsteadIwas

trampledbyagiantwildboar!”“Thatwasamisunderstanding.”“WhatabouttheIngridBergmanincident?”“Oh,shereallydidwanttomeetyou.HowwasItoknowsomeonehaddugaBurmesetigerpit

outsidehertrailer?”“AndthedatewithRockHudson?”Britomartisshrugged.“Well,Ineveractuallysaidhewaswaitingforyouinthemiddleofthat

minefield.Ijustletyouassume.Youhavetoadmit,though,thetwoofyouwould’vemadeacutecouple.”Iwhimperedandpulledmycurlymortalhair.Britomartisknewmetoowell.Iwasafoolforbeingin

acutecouple.Leolookedbackandforthbetweenusasifhe’dstumbledacrossaheatedgameofGreekfiretoss.(It

wasbiginByzantium.Don’task.)“RockHudson,”hesaid.“Inaminefield.”Britomartisbeamed.“Apollowassoadorable,skippingthroughthedaisiesuntilheexploded.”“Incaseyou’veforgotten,”Imuttered,“Iamnolongerimmortal.So,please,noBurmesetigerpits.”“Iwouldn’tdreamofit!”saidthegoddess.“No,thisquestisn’tdesignedtokillyou.Itmightkillyou,

butit’snotdesignedto.Ijustwantmygriffinsback.”Calypsofrowned.“Yourgriffins?”“Yes,”thegoddesssaid.“Theyarewingedlion-eaglehybridswith—”“Iknowwhatagriffinis,”Calypsosaid.“IknowJoandEmmiebreedthemhere.Butwhyarethey

yours?”Icoughed.“Calypso,griffinsarethegoddess’ssacredanimals.Sheistheirmother.”Britomartisrolledhereyes.“Onlyinafigurativesense.Idon’tsitontheireggsandhatchthem.”“Youconvincedmetodothatonce,”Irecalled.“ForakissInevergot.”Shelaughed.“Yes,I’dforgottenaboutthat!Atanyrate,thelocalemperorhascapturedmybabies

HeloiseandAbelard.Infact,he’sbeencapturingmythicalanimalsfromallovertheMidwesttouseinhisdiabolicgames.Theymustbefreed.”

Leostudiedthedisassembledlandminepiecesinhislap.“Thekid.Georgina.That’swhyyoudon’twantJoandEmmiehere.You’reputtingyourgriffins’safetyaheadoftheirdaughter’s.”

Britomartisshrugged.“JoandEmmie’sprioritieshavebeencompromised.Theywouldnotbeabletohearthis,butthegriffinsmustcomefirst.Ihavemyreasons.Beingagoddess,myneedstakeprecedence.”

Calypsosniffedwithdisgust.“You’reasgreedyandterritorialasyourbabies.”“I’llpretendIdidn’thearthat,”saidthegoddess.“IpromisedArtemisIwouldtrytohelpyouthree,

butdon’ttestmypatience.You’dlookwonderfulasanortherncrestednewt.”Amixtureofhopeandsadnesswelledinmychest.Artemis,mylovingsister,hadnotabandonedme

afterall.ZeusmayhaveforbiddentheotherOlympiansfromhelpingme,butatleastArtemishadsentherlieutenantBritomartis.Ofcourse,Britomartis’sideaof“help”involvedtestinguswithlandminesandbeartraps,butatthispointIwouldtakewhatIcouldget.

“Andifwefindthesegriffins?”Iasked.“ThenI’lltellyouhowtoinfiltratetheemperor’slair,”Britomartispromised.“Beingthegoddessof

traps,Iknowallaboutsecretentrances!”Istaredather.“Howisthatafairtrade?”“Because,youadorableLester,youneedtoinfiltratethepalacetorescueGeorginaandtheother

prisoners.Withoutthem,theWaystationisdoomed,andsoareyourchancesofstoppingtheTriumvirate.Also,thepalaceiswhereyou’llfindtheThroneofMemory.Ifyoucan’tretrievethat,yourtriptotheCaveofTrophoniuswillkillyou.You’llneversavetheotherOracles.You’llnevergetbacktoMountOlympus.”

IturnedtoLeo.“I’mnewtothisheroic-questbusiness.Shouldn’ttherebearewardattheend?Notjustmoredeadlyquests?”

“Nope,”Leosaid.“Thisisprettystandard.”Oh,theinjustice!Aminorgoddessforcingme,oneofthetwelveOlympians,toretrieveanimalsfor

her!IsilentlyvowedthatifIeverregainedmygodhood,Iwouldneveragainsendapoormortalonaquest.Unlessitwasreallyimportant.AndunlessIwassurethemortalcouldhandleit.AndunlessIwaspressedfortime…orIjustreallydidn’tfeellikedoingitmyself.Iwouldbemuchkinderandmoregenerousthanthisnetgoddesswasbeingtome.

“Whatwouldyouhaveusdo?”IaskedBritomartis.“Wouldn’tthesegriffinsbeheldattheemperor’spalace?Couldn’twedosomeone-stopshopping?”

“Oh,no,”Britomartissaid.“Thereallyimportantanimals,therareandvaluableones…theemperorkeepsthoseinaspecialfacilitywiththeproperresourcestocareforthem.TheIndianapolisZoo.”

Ishuddered.Ifindzoostobedepressingplaces,fullofsadcagedanimals,screamingchildren,andbadfood.

“Thegriffinswillbewellguarded,”Iguessed.“Absolutely!”Britomartissoundedabittooexcitedabouttheprospect.“Sopleasetrytoreleasethe

griffinsbeforeyougetinjuredorkilled.Also,youmusthurry—”“Herecomesthetimelimit.”Leolookedatmeknowingly.“There’salwaysatimelimit.”“Inthreedays,”Britomartiscontinued,“theemperorplanstousealltheanimalsandprisonersinone

massivecelebration.”“Anamingceremony,”Irecalled.“Nanette,theblemmyaewhoalmostkilledus,shementioned

somethingaboutthat.”“Indeed.”Britomartisgrimaced.“Thisemperor…helovesnamingthingsafterhimself.Atthe

ceremony,heplanstorechristenIndianapolis.”Thatinitselfdidnotstrikemeasatragedy.Indianapoliswasaratherdifficultnametolove.

However,ifthisemperorwaswhoIthoughthewas,hisideaofacelebrationinvolvedslaughteringpeopleandanimalsbythethousands.Hereallywasnotthesortofpersonyouwantedorganizingyourchild’sbirthdayparty.

“Theblemmyaementionedsomethingelse,”Isaid.“Theemperorwantedtosacrificetwospecialprisoners.Meandthegirl.”

Calypsoclaspedherhandslikethejawsofthebeartrap.“Georgina.”“Exactly!”Britomartisagainsoundedabittoocheerful.“Thegirlissafeenoughfornow.Imprisoned

andinsane,yes,butalive.Youconcentrateonfreeingmygriffins.Gotothezooatfirstlight.The

emperor’sguardswillbeendingtheirnightshiftthen.They’llbetiredandinattentive.”IgazedatthelandminepiecesinLeo’shands.Deathbyexplosionwasstartingtosoundlikeakinder

fatethanBritomartis’squest.“AtleastIwon’tbealone,”Imuttered.“Actually,”saidthegoddess,“LeoValdezmustremainhere.”Leoflinched.“Saywhat?”“You’veprovenyourselfskilledwithtraps!”thegoddessexplained.“EmmieandJosephineneedyour

help.TheWaystationhasdefieddiscoverybytheemperorsofar,butthatwon’tlastmuchlonger.Hecan’ttolerateanyopposition.Hewillfindthissanctuary.Andhemeanstodestroyit.You,LeoValdez,canhelpshoreupthedefenses.”

“But—”“Cheerup!”BritomartisfacedCalypso.“YoucangowithApollo,mydear.Twoformerimmortalson

aquestforme!Yes,Ilikethatideaalot.”Calypsopaled.“But…No.Idon’t—”“Shecan’t,”Iadded.Thesorceressnoddedemphatically.“Wedon’tgetalong,so—”“It’ssettled,then!”Thegoddessrosefromherchair.“I’llmeetyoubackherewhenyouhavemy

griffins.Don’tfailme,mortals!”Sheclappedherhandswithglee.“Oh,I’vealwayswantedtosaythat!”Shetwirledanddisappearedinaflashlikeafishinglure,leavingnothingbehindbutafewtreble

hookssnaggedinthecarpet.

ScrubbingtoiletsnowAtleastthere’sagreatrewardLeftovertofu

AFTERBEARTRAPSandpressure-activatedexplosives,Ididn’tthinktheafternooncouldgetanyworse.Ofcourse,itdid.

OncewetoldEmmieandJosephinewhathadhappenedwithBritomartis,ourhostssankintodespair.Theydidn’tseemreassuredthatthegriffinquestmightleadtoGeorgina’srescue,orthattheirlittlegirlwouldremainaliveuntilthespectacularkill-festtheemperorhadplannedinthreedays.

EmmieandJoweresoresentful—notjustofBritomartisbutalsoofus—thattheyassignedusmorechores.Oh,sure,theyclaimedthatallguestshadtohelpout.TheWaystationwasacommunallivingspace,notahotel,blah,blah,blah.

Iknewbetter.TherewasnowayscrubbingtoiletsintheWaystation’stwenty-sixknownbathroomswasanythingbutapunishment.

AtleastIdidn’thavetochangethehayinthegriffins’lofts.BythetimeLeowasdonewiththat,helookedlikethevictimofmuggingbyscarecrow.AsforCalypso,shegottoplantmungbeansallafternoonwithEmmie.Iaskyou,howisthatfair?

Bydinnertime,Iwasstarving.Ihopedforanotherfreshmeal,preferablyonepreparedforme,butJosephinewavedlistlesslytowardthekitchen.“Ithinkthere’ssomeleftovertofuenchiladasinthefridge.Agamethuswillshowyoutoyourrooms.”

SheandEmmieleftustofendforourselves.TheglowingorangeghostescortedCalypsotoherroomfirst.Agamethusletitbeknown,viathe

Magic8Ballandlotsofgesticulation,thatgirlsandboysalwayssleptinentirelydifferentwings.Ifoundthisridiculous,butlikesomanythingsaboutmysisterandherHunters,itwasbeyondlogic.Calypsodidn’tcomplain.Beforeleaving,sheturnedtoushesitantlyandsaid,“Seeyouinthe

morning,”asifthiswasahugeconcession.AsifbytalkingtoLeoandmeatall,shewasgoingaboveandbeyondthecourtesywedeserved.Honestly,Ididn’tseehowanyonecouldactsohaughtyafteranafternoonplantinglegumes.

Afewminuteslater,armedwithleftoversfromthefridge,LeoandIfollowedAgamethustoourguestroom.

That’sright.Wehadtoshare,whichItookasanothersignofourhosts’displeasure.Beforeleavingus,AgamethustossedmehisMagic8Ball.Ifrowned.“Ididn’taskyouaquestion.”Hepointedemphaticallyatthemagicorb.

IturneditoverandreadAPOLLOMUSTBRINGHERHOME.IwishedtheghosthadafacesoImightinterpretit.“Youalreadytoldmethat.”Itossedtheballbacktohim,hopingforfurtherexplanation.Agamethushoveredexpectantly,asif

waitingformetorealizesomething.Then,shouldersslumped,heturnedandfloatedaway.Iwasinnomoodforreheatedtofuenchiladas.IgaveminetoLeo,whosatcross-leggedonhisbed

andinhaledhisfood.HestillworeGeorgina’scoverallswithalightfrostingofhay.Heseemedtohavedecidedthatbeingabletofitinaseven-year-oldgirl’sworkclotheswasamarkofhonor.

Ilaybackonmybed.Istaredatthearchedbrickworkontheceiling,wonderingifandwhenitwouldcollapseonmyhead.“ImissmycotatCampHalf-Blood.”

“Thisplaceain’tsobad,”Leosaid.“WhenIwasbetweenfosterhomes,IsleptundertheMainStreetBridgeinHoustonforlikeamonth.”

Iglancedover.Hedidlookquitecomfortableinhisnestofhayandblankets.“Youwillchangeclothesbeforeturningin?”Iasked.Heshrugged.“I’llshowerinthemorning.IfIgetitchyinthemiddleofthenight,I’lljustburstinto

flames.”“I’mnotinthemoodforjoking.NotafterBritomartis.”“Who’sjoking?Don’tworry.I’msureJohasthisplaceriggedwithfire-suppressionequipment.”Thethoughtofwakingupburningandcoveredinextinguisherfoamdidnotappealtome,butitwould

beaboutparforthecourse.Leotappedhisforkagainsthisplate.“Thesetofuenchiladasaresabrosas.Gottagettherecipefrom

Josephine.MyhomegirlPiperwouldlovethem.”“Howcanyoubesocalm?”Idemanded.“Iamgoingonadangerousquesttomorrowwithyour

girlfriend!”Normally,tellingamortalmanthatIwasgoingsomewherewithhisgirlfriendwould’vebeenenough

tobreakhisheart.Leoconcentratedonhistofu.“Youguyswilldofine.”“ButCalypsohasnopowers!Howwillshehelpme?”“Itain’taboutpowers,ese.Youwatch.Calypsowillstillsaveyoursorrybutttomorrow.”Ididn’tlikethatidea.Ididn’twantmysorrybuttdependentonaformersorceresswhohadfailedat

streetfightingandimprovisationalcomedy,especiallygivenherrecentmood.“Andifshe’sstillangryinthemorning?”Iasked.“What’sgoingonbetweenyoutwo?”Leo’sforkhoveredoverhislastenchilada.“It’sjust…Sixmonthsweweretraveling,tryingtogetto

NewYork.Constantdanger.Neverstayinginthesameplacelongerthananight.ThenanothermonthandahalfgettingtoIndianapolis.”

Iconsideredthat.ItriedtoimaginesufferingthroughfourtimesasmanytrialsasI’dalreadyexperienced.“Isupposethatwouldputpressureonanewrelationship.”

Leonoddedglumly.“Calypsolivedonherislandforthousandsofyears,man.She’sallaboutgardening,weavingtapestries,makinghersurroundingsbeautiful.Youcan’tdoanyofthatwhenyoudon’thaveahome.Thenthere’sthefactthatI—Itookheraway.”

“Yourescuedher,”Isaid.“Thegodswereinnohurrytofreeherfromherprison.Shemighthavebeenonthatislandforathousandmoreyears.”

Leochewedhislastbite.Heswallowedasifthetofuhadturnedtoclay(which,inmyopinion,wouldnothavebeenadramaticchange).

“Sometimesshe’shappyaboutit,”hesaid.“Othertimes,withoutherpowers,withoutherimmortality…it’slike…”Heshookhishead.“Iwasgoingtocompareourrelationshiptoamachine.Shewouldhatethat.”

“Idon’tmindmachines.”

Hesethisplateonthenightstand.“Anengineisonlybuilttohandlesomuchstress,youknow?Runittoofastfortoolong,itstartstooverheat.”

ThisIunderstood.EvenmysunchariotgotabittetchywhenIdroveitalldayinMaseratiform.“Youneedtimeformaintenance.Youhaven’thadachancetofindoutwhoyouareasacouplewithoutallthedangerandconstantmovement.”

Leosmiled,thoughhiseyesweredevoidoftheirusualimpishgleam.“Yeah.Exceptdangerandconstantmovement—that’sprettymuchmylife.Idon’t—Idon’tknowhowtofixthat.Ifit’sevenfixable.”

Hepickedafewpiecesofstrawoffhisborrowedcoveralls.“Enoughofthat.Bettersleepwhileyoucan,Sunny.I’mgonnacrash.”

“Don’tcallmeSunny,”Icomplained.Butitwastoolate.WhenLeoshutsdown,hedoessowiththeefficiencyofadieselgenerator.He

floppeddownsidewaysandimmediatelybegantosnore.Iwasnotsolucky.Ilayinbedforalongwhile,countinggoldencarnivoroussheepinmymind,until

atlastIdriftedintouneasysleep.

FourbeheadeddudesAretoomuchforonenightmareWhyme?Sob.Sob.Sob.

NATURALLY,Ihadterribledreams.Ifoundmyselfstandingatthefootofamightyfortressonamoonlessnight.Beforeme,rough-hewn

wallssoaredhundredsoffeetupward,flecksoffeldsparglitteringlikestars.Atfirst,Iheardnothingbutthewhistlingcriesofowlsinthewoodsbehindme—asoundthatalways

remindedmeofnighttimeinancientGreece.Then,atthebaseofthestronghold,stonegroundagainststone.Asmallhatchappearedwherenonehadbeenbefore.Ayoungmancrawledout,luggingaheavysackbehindhim.

“Comeon!”hehissedtosomeonestillinthetunnel.Themanstruggledtohisfeet,thecontentsofhissackclinkingandclanking.Eitherhewastakingout

therecycling(unlikely)orhehadjuststolenagreatdealoftreasure.Heturnedinmydirection,andajoltofrecognitionmademewanttoscreamlikeanowl.ItwasTrophonius.Myson.Youknowthatfeelingwhenyoususpectyoumighthavefatheredsomeonethousandsofyearsago,but

you’renotreallysure?Thenyouseethatchildasagrownman,andlookingintohiseyes,youknowbeyondadoubtthatheisyours?Yes,I’msuremanyofyoucanrelate.

Ididn’trecallwhohismotherwas…thewifeofKingErginus,perhaps?Shehadbeenquiteabeauty.Trophonius’slustrousdarkhairremindedmeofhers.Buthismuscularphysiqueandhandsomeface—thatstrongchin,thatperfectnose,thoserosylips—yes,Trophoniusclearlygothisknockoutgoodlooksfromme.

Hiseyesgleamedwithconfidenceasiftosay,That’sright.Ijustcrawledoutofatunnel,andIstilllookgorgeous.

Fromthehatch,theheadofanotheryoungmanemerged.Hemusthavehadbroadershoulders,becausehewashavingtroublesqueezingthrough.

Trophoniuslaughedunderhisbreath.“Itoldyounottoeatsomuch,brother.”Despitehisstruggle,theothermanlookedupandgrinned.Hedidn’tresembleTrophoniusatall.His

hairwasblondandcurly,hisfaceasguileless,goofy,anduglyasafriendlydonkey’s.IrealizedthiswasAgamethus—Trophonius’shalfbrother.Hewasnosonofmine.Thepoorboyhad

themisfortuneofbeingtheactualoffspringofKingErginusandhiswife.“Ican’tbelieveitworked,”saidAgamethus,wrigglinghisleftarmfree.“Ofcourseitworked,”saidTrophonius.“We’refamousarchitects.WebuiltthetempleatDelphi.

Whywouldn’tKingHyrieustrustustobuildhistreasury?”“Completewithasecretthieves’tunnel!”“Well,he’llneverknowaboutthat,”Trophoniussaid.“Theparanoidoldfoolwillassumehis

servantsstoleallhistreasure.Nowhurryup,WideLoad.”Agamethuswastoobusylaughingtofreehimself.Hestretchedouthisarm.“Helpme.”Trophoniusrolledhiseyes.Heslunghissackoftreasuretotheground—andtherebysprangthetrap.Iknewwhatwouldhappennext.IrememberedthetalenowthatIsawitunfolding,butitwasstill

hardtowatch.KingHyrieuswasparanoid,allright.Daysbefore,hehadscouredthetreasuryforanypossibleweaknesses.Uponfindingthetunnel,hesaidnothingtohisservants,hisbuildingcrew,orhisarchitects.Hedidn’tmovehistreasure.Hesimplylaidadeadlytrapandwaitedtofindoutexactlywhoplannedtorobhim….

Trophoniussetthebagofgoldrightonthetripwire,whichonlybecameactiveonceathiefhadexitedthetunnel.Thekingintendedtocatchhisbetrayersred-handed.

Inthenearesttree,amechanicalbowfiredascreamingflareskyward,cuttinganarcofredflameacrossthedark.Insidethetunnel,asupportbeamsnapped,crushingAgamethus’schestunderashowerofstone.

Agamethusgasped,hisfreearmflailing.Hiseyesbulgedashecoughedblood.Trophoniuscriedinhorror.Herantohisbrother’ssideandtriedtopullhimfree,butthisonlymadeAgamethusscream.

“Leaveme,”saidAgamethus.“Iwon’t.”TearsstreakedTrophonius’sface.“Thisismyfault.Thiswasmyidea!I’llgethelp.I’ll—

I’lltelltheguards—”“They’llonlykillyou,too,”Agamethuscroaked.“Go.Whileyoucan.Andbrother,thekingknowsmy

face.”Hegasped,hisbreathgurgling.“Whenhefindsmybody—”“Don’ttalkthatway!”“He’llknowyouwerewithme,”Agamethuscontinued,hiseyesnowclearandcalmwiththecertainty

ofdeath.“He’lltrackyoudown.He’lldeclarewaronourfather.Makesuremybodycan’tbeidentified.”Agamethusclawedweaklyattheknifehangingfromhisbrother’sbelt.Trophoniuswailed.Heunderstoodwhathisbrotherwasasking.Heheardtheguardsshoutinginthe

distance.Theywouldbeheresoon.Heraisedhisvoicetotheheavens.“Takemeinstead!Savehim,Father,please!”Trophonius’sfather,Apollo,chosetoignorehisprayer.Igaveyoufame,Apollowasthinking.IletyoudesignmytempleatDelphi.Thenyouusedyour

reputationandtalentstobecomeathief.Youbroughtthisuponyourself.Indespair,Trophoniusdrewhisknife.Hekissedhisbrother’sforeheadonelasttime,thenlaidthe

bladeacrossAgamethus’sneck.Mydreamchanged.IstoodinalongsubterraneanchamberlikeanalternateimageoftheWaystation’smainhall.

Overhead,acurvedceilingglitteredwithwhitesubwaytiles.Alongeithersideoftheroom,wheretherailpitswould’vebeeninatraindepot,opencanalsofwaterflowed.Rowsoftelevisionmonitorslinedthewalls,flashingvideoclipsofabeardedmanwithcurlybrownhair,perfectteeth,andbrilliantblueeyes.

ThevideosremindedmeofTimesSquareadsforalate-nighttalkshowhost.Themanmuggedforthecamera,laughing,kissingthescreen,pretendingtobeoff-balance.Ineachshot,heworeadifferentoutfit—anItalianbusinesssuit,arace-cardriver’suniform,huntingfatigues—eachcutfromtheskinofalion.

Atitlebouncedaroundthescreeningarishcolors:THENEWHERCULES!Yes.That’swhathelikedtocallhimselfbackinRomantimes.Hehadthathero’sshockinglygood

physique,buthewasn’ttheactualHercules.Ishouldknow.I’ddealtwithHerculesonmanyoccasions.

Thisemperorwasmorelikesomeone’sideaofHercules—anairbrushed,overlymuscularcaricature.Inthemiddleofthehall,flankedbybodyguardsandattendants,wasthemanhimself,loungingona

whitegranitethrone.Notmanyemperorscanlookimperialwearingonlylion-skinswimtrunks,butCommodusmanaged.Oneofhislegswasthrowncasuallyoverthethrone’sarmrest.Hisgoldenabsformedsuchasix-packIimaginedIcouldseethepop-toptabs.Withanimmenselyboredexpression,usingonlytwofingers,hetwirledasix-foot-longpoleaxthatcameveryclosetothreateninghisnearestadvisor’sanatomy.

Iwantedtowhimper.NotjustbecauseIstillfoundCommodusattractiveaftersomanycenturies,notjustbecausewehada,er,complicatedhistory,butalsobecauseheremindedmewhatIusedtobelike.Oh,tobeabletolookinthemirrorandseeperfectionagain,notapudgyawkwardboywithabadcomplexion!

Iforcedmyselftofocusontheotherpeopleintheroom.KneelingbeforetheemperorweretwopeopleI’dseeninmyvisionofNero’spenthouse—Marcustheblinged-outjackalboy,andVortigernthebarbarian.

Marcuswastryingtoexplainsomethingtotheemperor.Hewavedhishandsdesperately.“Wetried!Sire,listen!”

Theemperordidnotseeminclinedtolisten.Hisuninterestedgazedriftedacrossthethroneroomtovariousamusements:arackoftorturetools,arowofarcadegames,asetofweights,andafreestandingtargetboardplasteredwith…oh,dear,thefaceofLesterPapadopoulos,bristlingwithembeddedthrowingknives.

Intheshadowsatthebackoftheroom,strangeanimalsmovedrestlesslyincages.Isawnogriffins,buttherewereotherfabledbeastsIhadn’tseenincenturies.HalfadozenwingedArabianserpentsflutteredinanoversizecanarycage.Insideagoldenpen,apairofbull-likecreatureswithhugehornssnuffledatafeedingtrough.Europeanyales,perhaps?Goodness,thosehadbeenrareevenbackinancienttimes.

Marcuskeptyammeringexcusesuntil,ontheemperor’sleft,aportlymaninacrimsonbusinesssuitsnapped,“ENOUGH!”

Theadvisormadeawidearcaroundtheemperor’sspinningpoleax.Hisfacewassoredandsweatythat,asagodofmedicine,Iwantedtowarnhimhewasdangerouslyclosetocongestiveheartfailure.Headvancedonthetwosupplicants.

“Youaretellingus,”hesnarled,“thatyoulosther.Twostrong,capableservantsoftheTriumviratelostalittlegirl.Howcouldthathappen?”

Marcuscuppedhishands.“LordCleander,Idon’tknow!WestoppedataconveniencestoreoutsideofDayton.Shewenttotherestroomand—andshedisappeared.”

Marcusglancedathiscompanionforsupport.Vortigerngrunted.Cleander,thered-suitedadvisor,scowled.“Wasthereanysortofplantnearthisrestroom?”Marcusblinked.“Plant?”“Yes,youfool.Thegrowingkind.”“I…well,therewasaclumpofdandelionsgrowingfromacrackinthepavementbythedoor,but—”“What?”yelledCleander.“YouletadaughterofDemeternearaplant?”AdaughterofDemeter.MyheartfeltlikeithadbeenlaunchedupwardinoneofBritomartis’snets.

AtfirstIhadwonderedifthesemenweretalkingaboutGeorgina,buttheymeantMegMcCaffrey.Shehadgivenherescortstheslip.

Marcusgapedlikeafish.“Sir,it—itwasajustaweed!”“Whichisallsheneededtoteleportaway!”screamedCleander.“Youshouldhaverealizedhow

powerfulsheisbecoming.Godsonlyknowwheresheisnow!”“Actually,”saidtheemperor,sendingaflashfreezethroughtheroom,“I’magod.AndIhaveno

idea.”Hestoppedtwirlinghispoleax.Hescannedthethroneroomuntilhisgazefixedonablemmyae

servantarrangingcakesandcanapésonateacart.Shewasnotindisguise—herchest-facewasinfullview,thoughbelowherbelly-chinsheworeamaid’sblackskirtwithawhitelaceapron.

Theemperortookaim.Hecasuallychuckedhispoleaxacrosstheroom,thebladeburyingitselfbetweenthemaid’seyes.Shestaggered,managedtosay,“Goodshot,mylord,”thencrumbledtodust.

Theadvisorsandbodyguardsclappedpolitely.Commoduswavedawaytheirpraise.“I’mboredwiththesetwo.”HegesturedatMarcusand

Vortigern.“Theyfailed,yes?”Cleanderbowed.“Yes,mylord.Thankstothem,thedaughterofDemeterisontheloose.Ifshe

reachesIndianapolis,shecouldcauseusnoendoftrouble.”Theemperorsmiled.“Ah,butCleander,youfailedtoo,didyounot?”Thered-suitedmangulped.“Sire,I—Iassureyou—”“ItwasyourideatoallowNerotosendtheseidiots.Youthoughtthey’dbehelpfulincapturing

Apollo.Nowthegirlhasbetrayedus.AndApolloissomewhereinmycity,andyouhaven’tapprehendedhimyet.”

“Sire,themeddlesomewomenoftheWaystation—”“That’sright!”theemperorsaid.“Youhaven’tfoundthemyet,either.Anddon’tgetmestartedonall

yourfailuresconcerningthenamingceremony.”“B-but,sire!Wewillhavethousandsofanimalsforyoutoslaughter!Hundredsofcaptives—”“BORING!Itoldyou,Iwantsomethingcreative.Areyoumypraetorianprefectornot,Cleander?”“Y-yes,sire.”“Andsoyou’reresponsibleforanyfailures.”“But—”“Andyou’reboringme,”Commodusadded,“whichispunishablebydeath.”Heglancedtoeitherside

ofthethrone.“Who’snextinthechainofcommand?Speakup.”Ayoungmansteppedforward.NotaGermanusbodyguard,butdefinitelyafighter.Hishandrested

easilyonthepommelofasword.Hisfacewasapatchworkofscars.Hisclotheswerecasual—justjeans,ared-and-whiteT-shirtthatreadCORNHUSKERS,andaredbandanatiedacrosshiscurlydarkhair—butheheldhimselfwiththeeasyconfidenceofapracticedkiller.

“Iamnext,sire.”Commodusinclinedhishead.“Doit,then.”Cleandershrieked,“No!”TheCornhuskermovedwithblindingspeed.Hisswordflashed.Inthreefluidslices,threepeoplefell

dead,theirheadsseveredfromtheirbodies.Onthebrightside,Cleandernolongerhadtoworryaboutcongestiveheartfailure.NeitherdidMarcusnorVortigern.

Theemperorclappedwithdelight.“Oh,nice!Thatwasveryentertaining,Lityerses!”“Thankyou,sire.”TheCornhuskerflickedthebloodfromhisblade.“YouarealmostasskilledwiththeswordasIam!”theemperorsaid.“HaveIevertoldyouhowI

decapitatedarhinoceros?”“Yes,mylord,mostimpressive.”Lityerses’svoicewasasblandasoatmeal.“Yourpermissionto

clearawaythesebodies?”“Ofcourse,”theemperorsaid.“Now—you’reMidas’sboy,aren’tyou?”Lityerses’sfaceseemedtodevelopafewnewscarswhenhescowled.“Yes,sire.”“Butyoucan’tdothegolden-touchthing?”“No,sire.”“Pity.Youdokillpeoplewell,though.That’sgood.Yourfirstorders:FindMegMcCaffrey.And

Apollo.Bringthemtome,aliveifpossible,and…hmm.Therewassomethingelse.”“Thenamingceremony,sire?”“Yes!”Theemperorgrinned.“Yes,yes.Ihavesomewonderfulideastospiceupthegames,butsince

Apolloandthegirlarerunningaroundloose,weshouldmoveforwardourplanforthegriffins.Gotothezoorightaway.Bringtheanimalshereforsafekeeping.Manageallthatforme,andIwon’tkillyou.Fair?”

Lityerses’sneckmusclestensed.“Ofcourse,sire.”Asthenewpraetorianprefectbarkedorderstotheguards,tellingthemtodragawaythedecapitated

bodies,someonespokemyname.“Apollo.Wakeup.”Myeyesflutteredopen.Calypsostoodoverme.Theroomwasdark.Nearby,Leowasstillsnoring

awayinhisbed.“It’salmostfirstlight,”saidthesorceress.“Weneedtogetgoing.”Itriedtoblinkawaytheremnantsofmydreams.Agamethus’sMagic8Ballseemedtofloattothe

surfaceofmymind.Apollomustbringherhome.IwonderediftheghosthadmeantGeorgina,oranothergirlwhomIverymuchwantedtofind.Calypsoshookmyshoulder.“Comeon!Youwakeupveryslowlyforasungod.”“W-what?Where?”“Thezoo,”shesaid.“Unlessyouwanttowaitaroundhereformorningchores.”

Isingoftaters!Chili,sweetpotato,blue!Why?Askmyarrow

CALYPSOKNEWhowtomotivateme.Thethoughtofscrubbingtoiletsagainwasmoreterrifyingthanmydreams.Wewalkedthedarkstreetsinthecoldearlymorning,keepinganeyeoutforpolitemobsofkiller

blemmyae,butnoonebotheredus.Alongtheway,IexplainedmynightmarestoCalypso.IspelledoutthenameC-O-M-M-O-D-U-S,incasesayingitaloudmightattractthegod-emperor’s

attention.Calypsohadneverheardofhim.Ofcourse,she’dbeenstuckonherislandforthelastfewmillennia.Idoubtedshewouldrecognizethenamesofmanypeoplewhohadn’twasheduponhershores.ShebarelyknewwhoHerculeswas.Ifoundthatrefreshing.Herculeswassuchanattentionhog.

“Youknowthisemperorpersonally?”sheasked.IconvincedmyselfIwasn’tblushing.Thewindwasjuststingingmyface.“Wemetwhenhewas

younger.Wehadasurprisingamountincommon.Oncehebecameemperor…”Isighed.“Youknowhowitis.Hegottoomuchpowerandfameatatenderage.Itmessedwithhishead.LikeJustin,Britney,Lindsay,Amanda,Amadeus—”

“Idon’tknowanyofthosepeople.”“Weneedtospendmoretimeonyourpopculturelessons.”“No,please.”Calypsostruggledwiththezipperofhercoat.Todayshewaswearinganassortmentofborrowedclothingshemusthavepickedoutintotal

darkness:abatteredsilverparka,probablyfromEmmie’sHuntersofArtemisdays;ablueINDY500T-shirt;anankle-lengthbrownskirtoverblackleggings;andbrightpurple-and-greenworkoutshoes.MegMcCaffreywouldhaveapprovedofherfashionsense.

“Whataboutthesword-wieldingCornhusker?”Calypsoasked.“Lityerses,sonofKingMidas.Idon’tknowmuchabouthim,orwhyheisservingtheemperor.We

canonlyhopetogetinandoutofthezoobeforeheshowsup.Idon’trelishtheideaofmeetinghimincombat.”

Calypsoflexedherfingers,perhapsrememberingwhathappenedthelasttimeshepunchedsomeone.“AtleastyourfriendMegescapedherescorts,”shenoted.“That’sgoodnews.”

“Perhaps.”IwantedtobelieveMegwasrebellingagainstNero.Thatshehadfinallyseenthetruthabouthermonstrousstepfatherandwouldnowrushtomyside,readytoaidmeinmyquestsandstopgivingmevexingorders.

Unfortunately,Iknewfirsthandhowharditwastoextricateoneselffromanunhealthyrelationship.

Nero’shookswereburieddeepinthegirl’spsyche.TheideaofMegontherunwithoutadestination,terrified,pursuedbytheminionsoftwodifferentemperors…thatdidnotreassureme.IhopedsheatleasthadherfriendPeachesthegrainspirittorelyon,butIhadseennosignofhiminmyvisions.

“AndTrophonius?”askedCalypso.“Doyouoftenforgetwhensomeoneisyourchild?”“Youwouldn’tunderstand.”“We’relookingforadangerousOraclethatdrivespeopleinsane.ThespiritofthisOraclehappensto

beyourson,whojustmightholdagrudgeagainstyoubecauseyoudidn’tanswerhisprayers,thusforcinghimtocutoffhisownbrother’shead.Thosefactswouldhavebeengoodtoknow.”

“I’vehadalotonmymind!It’saverysmallmortalmind.”“Atleastweagreeonthesizeofyourbrain.”“Oh,stickabrickinit,”Imuttered.“Iwashopingforadviceonhowtoproceed.You’reuseless.”“Myadviceistostopbeingsuchagloutos.”Thewordmeantbuttocks,exceptthatinancientGreekithadamuchruderconnotation.Itriedtothink

ofawitheringreply,buttheancientGreekphraseforIknowyouare,butwhatamI?eludedme.Calypsoruffledthefletchinginmyquiver.“Ifyouwantadvice,whynotaskyourarrow?Perhapshe

knowshowtorescuegriffins.”“Humph.”IdidnotlikeCalypso’sadviceforseekingadvice.Ididn’tseewhataShakespearean-

talkingarrowcouldcontributetoourpresentquest.Thenagain,Ihadnothingtoloseexceptmytemper.Ifthearrowannoyedmetoomuch,Icouldalwaysfirehimintosomemonster’sgloutos.

IpulledouttheArrowofDodona.Immediately,hissonorousvoicespokeinmymind,theshaftresonatingwitheachword.

LO,itsaid.THEMORTALDOTHFINALLYSHOWSENSE.“I’vemissedyou,too,”Isaid.“It’stalking?”Calypsoasked.“Unfortunately,yes.O,ArrowofDodona,Ihaveaquestionforyou.”HITTESTMEWITHTHYBESTSHOT.Iexplainedaboutmyvisions.I’msureIlookedridiculous,talkingtoanarrowaswestrolledalong

WestMarylandStreet.OutsidetheIndianaConventionCenter,Itrippedandnearlyimpaledmyselfthroughtheeye,butCalypsodidn’tevenbothertolaugh.Duringourtravelstogethershe’dseenmehumiliatemyselfinmuchmorespectacularways.

Talkingprovedaslowerwayofbringingaprojectileuptospeedthanbysimplylaunchingitfromabow,butatlastIsucceeded.

FIE.Thearrowshudderedinmyhand.THOUHASTGIVENMENOTAQUESTIONBUTASTORY.Iwonderedifitwastestingme—gaugingjusthowfaritcouldpushmebeforeIsnappeditintwo.I

mighthavedonesolongagoexceptIfearedIwouldthenhavetwofragmentsofatalkingarrow,whichwouldgivemebadadviceinharmony.

“Verywell,”Isaid.“Howcanwefindthegriffins?WhereisMegMcCaffrey?Howcanwedefeatthelocalemperor,freehisprisoners,andtakebackcontroloftheOracleofTrophonius?”

NOWHASTTHOUASKEDTOOMANYQUESTIONS,thearrowintoned.MYWISDOMDOTHNOTSPEWFORTHANSWERSASIF’TWEREGOOGLE.

Yes,thearrowwasdefinitelytemptingmetosnapit.“Let’sstartsimply,then,”Isaid.“Howdowefreethegriffins?”GOESTTHOUTOTHEZOO.“We’realreadydoingthat.”FINDESTTHOUTHEGRIFFINS’ENCLOSURE.“Yes,butwhere?Anddon’ttellmeatthezoo.WhereexactlyintheIndianapolisZooarethegriffins

beingkept?”

SEEKESTTHOUTHECHOO-CHOO.“Thechoo-choo.”ISTTHEREANECHOINHERE?“Fine!Welookforachoo—atrain.Oncewelocatethegriffins,howdowefreethem?”LO,THOUSHALTGAINTHEBEASTS’TRUSTWITHTATERTOTS.“TaterTots?”Iwaitedforclarification,orevenjustanothersnarkycomment.Thearrowremainedsilent.Witha

snortofdisgust,Ireturnedittomyquiver.“Youknow,”Calypsosaid,“hearingonlyonesideofthatconversationwasveryconfusing.”“’Twasnotmuchbetterhearingbothsides,”Iassuredher.“Somethingaboutatrain.Andchildren

madeofpotatoes.”“TaterTotsarefood.Leo—”Hervoicecaughtonhisname.“Leolikesthem.”MyvastexperiencewithwomentoldmethatCalypsowaseitherfeelingremorsefulabouther

argumentwithLeoyesterdayorshegotemotionalonthesubjectofTaterTots.Iwasn’tinclinedtofindoutwhich.

“Whateveristthecase,Iknowestnot—”IspattheShakespeareanEnglishoffmytongue.“Idon’tknowwhatthearrow’sadvicemeans.Perhapswhenwegettothezoo,itwillmakesense.”

“Becausethathappenssooftenwhenwearriveinnewplaces,”Calypsosaid.“Suddenlyeverythingmakessense.”

“Youhaveapoint.”Isighed.“Butmuchlikethepointonmytalkingarrow,itdoesusnogood.Shallwecontinue?”

WeusedtheWashingtonStreetBridgetocrosstheWhiteRiver,whichwasnotatallwhite.Itflowedwide,sluggish,andbrownbetweencementretainingwalls,thewaterbreakingaroundislandsofscrubbybusheslikeacnepatches(withwhichIwasnowalltoofamiliar).ItremindedmestrangelyoftheTiberinRome—anotherunderwhelming,long-neglectedriver.

Yetworld-alteringhistoryhadbeenmadealongthebanksoftheTiber.IshudderedtothinkwhatplansCommodushadforthiscity.AndiftheWhiteRiverfedthecanalsI’dglimpsedinhisthroneroom,hislairmightbeclose.Whichmeantthathisnewprefect,Lityerses,mightalreadybeatthezoo.Idecidedtowalkfaster.

TheIndianapolisZoowastuckedawayinaparkjustoffWestWashington.Wecrossedanemptyparkinglot,headingtowardtheturquoisemarqueeofthemainentrance.AbanneroutfrontreadWILDLYCUTE!ForamomentIthoughtperhapsthezoostaffhadheardIwascominganddecidedtowelcomeme.ThenIrealizedthebannerwasjustanadvertisementforkoalabears.Asifkoalasneededadvertising.

Calypsofrownedattheshutteredticketbooths.“Nobodyhere.Theplaceislockeduptight.”“Thatwastheidea,”Iremindedher.“Thefewermortalsaround,thebetter.”“Buthowdowegetin?”“Ifonlysomeonecouldcontrolwindspiritsandcarryusoverthefence.”“Ifonlysomegodcouldteleportus,”shecountered.“Orsnaphisfingersandbringthegriffinstous.”Ifoldedmyarms.“I’mbeginningtorememberwhyweexiledyouonthatislandforthreethousand

years.”“Threethousandfivehundredandsixty-eight.Itwouldhavebeenlongerifyou’dhadyourway.”Ihadn’tmeanttostartthisargumentagain,butCalypsomadeitsoeasy.“Youwereonatropical

islandwithpristinebeaches,aerialservants,andalavishlyappointedcave.”“WhichmadeOgygianotaprison?”Iwastemptedtoblastherwithgodlypower,except…well,Ididn’thaveany.“Youdon’tmissyour

island,then?”SheblinkedasifI’dthrownsandinherface.“I—no.That’snotthepoint.Iwaskeptinexile.Ihadno

one—”“Oh,please.Youwanttoknowwhatrealexilefeelslike?Thisismythirdtimeasamortal.Stripped

ofmypowers.Strippedofimmortality.Icandie,Calypso.”“Metoo,”shesnapped.“Yes,butyouchosetogowithLeo.Yougaveupyourimmortalityforlove!You’reasbadas

Hemithea!”Ihadn’trealizedhowmuchangerwasbehindthatlastshotuntilIletitfly.Myvoiceresoundedacross

theparkinglot.Somewhereinthezoo,arudelyawakenedtropicalbirdsquawkedinprotest.Calypso’sexpressionhardened.“Right.”“Ionlymeant—”“Saveit.”Shegazeddowntheperimeterofthefence.“Shallwefindaplacetoclimbover?”Itriedtoformulateagallantapologythatwouldalsocompletelyvindicatemyposition,butIdecided

toletthematterdrop.Myshoutmighthavewokenupmorethanthetoucans.Weneededtohurry.Wefoundabreachingpointwherethefencewasslightlylower.Eveninaskirt,Calypsoprovedthe

moreagileclimber.Shemadeitoverthetopwithnoproblem,whileIsnaggedmyshoeonbarbedwireandfoundmyselfhangingupsidedown.ItwascompleteluckthatIdidnotfallintothetigerhabitat.

“Shutup,”ItoldCalypsowhenshepulledmefree.“Ididn’tsayanything!”Thetigerglaredatusfromtheothersideofhisenclosureglassasiftosay,Whyareyoubotheringme

ifyouhaven’tbroughtmebreakfast?I’dalwaysfoundtigerstobesensiblecreatures.CalypsoandIcreptthroughthezoo,keepingalookoutformortalsorimperialguards.Exceptfora

zookeeperhosingdownthelemurdisplay,wesawnoone.Westoppedinanareathatseemedtobethepark’smaincrossroads.Toourleftstoodacarousel.To

ourright,orangutansloungedinthetreesofalargenettedcompound.Strategicallyplacedaroundtheplazawereseveralgiftshopsandcafés,allclosed.Signspointedtowardvariousattractions:OCEAN,PLAINS,JUNGLE,FLIGHTSOFFANCY.

“‘Flightsoffancy,’”Isaid.“Surelytheywouldfilegriffinsunderfancifulflights.”Calypsoscannedoursurroundings.Shehadunnervingeyes—darkbrownandintenselyfocused,not

unlikeArtemis’sgazewhenshetookaimatatarget.IsupposeonOgygiaCalypsohadhadmanyyearsofpracticestaringatthehorizon,waitingforsomeoneorsomethinginterestingtoappear.

“Yourarrowmentionedatrain,”shesaid.“There’sasignforatrainride.”“Yes,butmyarrowalsosaidsomethingaboutTaterTots.Ithinkit’sgettingabitwarped.”Calypsopointed.“There.”Atthenearestoutdoorcafé,nexttoashutteredservingwindow,alunchmenuwaspostedonthewall.

Iscannedtheselections.“FourdifferentkindsofTaterTots?”Ifeltoverwhelmedbyculinaryconfusion.“Whywouldanyone

needsomany?Chili.Sweetpotato.Blue?HowcanaTotbe—?”Ifroze.Forananosecond,Iwasn’tsurewhathadstartledme.ThenIrealizedmykeenearshadpickedupon

asoundinthedistance—aman’svoice.“Whatisit?”Calypsoasked.“Shh.”Ilistenedmoreintently.IhopedImighthavebeenmistaken.PerhapsI’dsimplyheardsomeexoticbirdwithagravellycroak,

orthezookeepercursingashehosedoutlemurpoop.Butno.Eveninmydiminishedmortalstate,myhearingwasexceptional.

Thevoicespokeagain,familiarandmuchcloser.“Youthree,thatway.Youtwo,withme.”ItouchedCalypso’sjacketsleeve.“It’sLityerses,theCornhusker.”

ThesorceressmutteredanotherMinoancurse,namingapartofZeus’sbodythatIdidnotwanttothinkabout.“Weneedtohide.”

Unfortunately,Lityerseswasapproachingfromthewaywe’dcome.Judgingfromthesoundofhisvoice,wehadonlysecondsbeforehe’darrive.Thecrossroadsofferedanynumberofescaperoutes,butallofthemwouldbewithinLityerses’slineofsight.

Onlyoneplacewascloseenoughtooffercover.“Whenindoubt,”Calypsosaid,“TaterTots.”Shegrabbedmyhandandpulledmearoundthebackofthecafé.

Fast-foodrestaurantMylifegoalisrealizedAnyfrieswiththat?

WHENIWASAGOD,Iwould’vebeenpleasedtohaveabeautifulwomanpullmebehindabuilding.ButasLesterwithCalypso,Iwasmorelikelytogetkilledthankissed.

Wecrouchednexttoastackofmilkcratesbythekitchenentrance.Theareasmelledofcookinggrease,pigeondroppings,andchlorinefromthenearbychildren’ssplashpark.Calypsorattledthelockeddoor,thenglaredatme.

“Help!”shehissed.“WhatamIsupposedtodo?”“Well,nowwouldbeagoodtimetohaveaburstofgodlystrength!”IshouldneverhavetoldherandLeoaboutthat.Once,whenfacingNeroatCampHalf-Blood,my

superhumanpowerhadbrieflyreturned,allowingmetoovercometheemperor’sGermani.I’dthrownoneofthemintotheskywhere,forallIknew,hewasstillinlowearthorbit.Butthatmomenthadquicklypassed.Mystrengthhadn’treturnedsince.

Regardless,LeoandCalypsoseemedtothinkIcouldsummongodlyburstsofawesomenessanytimeIwanted,justbecauseIwasaformergod.Ifoundthatunfair.

Igavethedooratry.Iyankedthehandleandalmostpulledmyfingersoutoftheirsockets.“Ow,”Imuttered.“Mortalshavegottengoodatmakingdoors.Now,backintheBronzeAge—”Calypsoshushedme.Ourenemies’voicesweregettingcloser.Icouldn’thearLityerses,buttwoothermenwereconversing

inagutturallanguagethatsoundedlikeancientGallic.Idoubtedtheywerezookeepers.Calypsofranticallypulledabobbypinfromherhair.Aha,soherlovelycoiffedlocksdidnotstayin

placebymagic!Shepointedatme,thenpointedaroundthecorner.Ithoughtshewastellingmetofleeandsavemyself.Thatwouldhavebeenasensiblesuggestion.ThenIrealizedshewasaskingmetokeepwatch.

Ididn’tknowwhatgoodthatwoulddo,butIpeeredovertherampartofmilkcratesandwaitedforGermanitocomeandkillus.Icouldhearthematthefrontofthecafé,rattlingtheshutterovertheorderwindow,thenconversingbrieflywithlotsofgruntsandgrumbling.Knowingtheemperor’sbodyguards,theywereprobablysayingsomethinglikeKill?Kill.Bashheads?Bashheads.

IwonderedwhyLityerseshadsplithispeopleintotwogroups.Surelytheyalreadyknewwherethegriffinswerebeingkept.Why,then,weretheysearchingthepark?Unless,ofcourse,theyweresearchingforintruders,specificallyus….

Calypsosnappedherhairpinintwo.Sheinsertedthemetalpiecesinthedoorlockandbegantowrigglethem,hereyesclosedasifshewereindeepconcentration.

Ridiculous,Ithought.ThatonlyworksinmoviesandHomericepics!Click.Thedoorswunginward.Calypsowavedmeinside.Sheyankedthepinshardsoutofthelock,

thenfollowedmeacrossthethreshold,gentlyclosingthedoorbehindus.Sheturnedthedeadboltjustbeforesomeoneoutsideshookthehandle.

AgruffvoicemutteredinGallic,probablysomethinglikeNoluck.Bashheadselsewhere.Footstepsreceded.Ifinallyrememberedtobreathe.IfacedCalypso.“Howdidyoupickthelock?”Shestaredatthebrokenhairpininherhand.“I—Ithoughtaboutweaving.”“Weaving?”“Icanstillweave.Ispentthousandsofyearspracticingattheloom.Ithoughtmaybe—Idon’tknow—

manipulatingpinsinalockwouldn’tbetoodifferentthanweavingthreadinaloom.”Thetwothingssoundedverydifferenttome,butIcouldn’targuewiththeresults.“Soitwasn’tmagic,then?”Itriedtocontainmydisappointment.Havingafewwindspiritsatour

commandwouldhavebeenveryhelpful.“No,”shesaid.“You’llknowwhenIgetmymagicback,becauseyou’llfindyourselfbeingtossed

acrossIndianapolis.”“That’ssomethingtolookforwardto.”Iscannedthedarkinteriorofthesnackbar.Againstthebackwallwerethebasics:asink,adeep

fryer,astovetop,twomicrowaves.Underthecountersattwohorizontalfreezers.HowdidIknowthebasicsofafast-foodkitchen,youask?IhaddiscoveredthesingerPinkwhileshe

wasworkingatMcDonalds.IfoundQueenLatifahatBurgerKing.I’vespentafairamountoftimeinsuchplaces.Youcan’tdiscountanysitewhereyoumightfindtalent.

Icheckedthefirstfreezer.Inside,wreathedincoldmist,werecarefullylabeledboxesofready-to-cookmeals,butnothingthatreadTATERTOTS.

Thesecondfreezerwaslocked.“Calypso,”Isaid,“couldyouweavethisopen?”“Who’suselessnow,eh?”Intheinterestofgettingmyway,Idecidednottoanswer.IsteppedbackasCalypsoworkedhernon-

magicalskills.Shepoppedthislockevenfasterthanthefirst.“Welldone.”Iliftedthefreezerlid.“Ah.”Hundredsofpackageswerewrappedinwhitebutcherpaper,eachlabeledinblackmarker.Calypsosquintedatthedescriptions.“Carnivoroushorsemix?Combatostrichcubes?And…griffin

taters.”Sheturnedtomewithahorrifiedlook.“Surelythey’renotgrindinganimalsintofood?”Irememberedalong-agobanquetwiththespitefulKingTantalus,whohadservedthegodsastew

madefromhisownson.Withhumans,anythingwaspossible.Butinthiscase,Ididn’tthinkthecaféwasputtingmythicalwildlifeonthemenu.

“Theseitemsareunderlockandkey,”Isaid.“I’mguessingthey’vebeensetasideastreatsforthezoo’srarestanimals.That’samixoffoodforacarnivoroushorse,notamixtureofcarnivoroushorse.”

Calypsolookedonlyslightlylessnauseated.“Whatintheworldisacombatostrich?”Thequestiontriggeredanoldmemory.Iwasoverwhelmedbyavisionaspowerfulasthestenchofan

unwashedlemurcage.IfoundmyselfloungingonacouchinthecampaigntentofmyfriendCommodus.Hewasinthemidst

ofamilitarycampaignwithhisfather,MarcusAurelius,butnothingaboutthetentsuggestedtheharshlifeoftheRomanlegion.Overhead,awhitesilkcanopybillowedinthegentlebreeze.Inonecorner,a

musiciansatdiscreetlyserenadinguswithhislyre.Underourfeetspreadthefinestrugsfromtheeasternprovinces—eachoneasexpensiveasanentirevillainRome.Betweenourtwocouches,atablewasspreadwithanafternoonsnackofroastboar,pheasant,salmon,andfruitspillingfromasolidgoldcornucopia.

IwasamusingmyselfbythrowinggrapesatCommodus’smouth.Ofcourse,InevermissedunlessIwantedto,butitwasfuntowatchthefruitbounceoffCommodus’snose.

“Youareterrible,”heteasedme.Andyouareperfect,Ithought,butImerelysmiled.Hewaseighteen.Inmortalform,Iappearedtobeayouthofthesameage,butevenwithmygodly

enhancementsIcouldhardlyhavebeenmorehandsomethantheprinceps.Despitehiseasylife,beingbornintothepurpleoftheImperialHousehold,Commoduswastheverymodelofathleticperfection—hisbodylitheandmuscular,hisgoldenhairinringletsaroundhisOlympianface.Hisphysicalstrengthwasalreadyrenowned,drawingcomparisonstothelegendaryheroHercules.

Ithrewanothergrape.Hecaughtitinhishandandstudiedthelittleorb.“Oh,Apollo…”Heknewmyrealidentity,yes.Wehadbeenfriends,morethanfriends,foralmostamonthatthatpoint.“Igetsowearyofthesecampaigns.Myfatherhasbeenatwarvirtuallyhisentirereign!”

“Suchahardlifeforyou.”Igesturedattheopulencearoundus.“Yes,butit’sridiculous.TrompingaroundDanubianforests,stampingoutbarbariantribesthatare

reallynothreattoRome.What’sthepointofbeingemperorifyou’reneverinthecapitalhavingfun?”Inibbledonapieceofboarmeat.“Whynottalktoyourfather?Askforafurlough?”Commodussnorted.“Youknowwhathe’lldo—givemeanotherlectureondutyandmorality.Heisso

virtuous,soperfect,soesteemed.”Heputthosewordsinaircircles(sinceairquoteshadnotyetbeeninvented).Icouldcertainly

sympathizewithhisfeelings.MarcusAureliuswasthesternest,mostpowerfulfatherintheworldasidefrommyownfather,Zeus.Bothlovedtolecture.Bothlovedtoremindtheiroffspringhowluckytheywere,howprivileged,howfarshorttheyfelloftheirfathers’expectations.Andofcourse,bothhadgorgeous,talented,tragicallyunderappreciatedsons.

Commodussquishedhisgrapeandwatchedthejuicetrickledownhisfingers.“Myfathermademehisjuniorco-emperorwhenIwasfifteen,Apollo.It’sstifling.Allduty,allthetime.ThenhemarriedmeofftothathorridgirlBruttiaCrispina.WhonamestheirchildBruttia?”

Ididn’tmeantolaughattheexpenseofhisdistantwife…butpartofmewaspleasedwhenhetalkedbadlyabouther.Iwantedallhisattentionformyself.

“Well,somedayyou’llbethesoleemperor,”Isaid.“Thenyoucanmaketherules.”“I’llmakepeacewiththebarbarians,”hesaidimmediately.“Thenwe’llgohomeandcelebratewith

games.Thebestgames,allthetime.I’llgatherthemostexoticanimalsintheworld.I’llfightthempersonallyintheColosseum—tigers,elephants,ostriches.”

Ilaughedatthat.“Ostriches?Haveyoueverevenseenanostrich?”“Oh,yes.”Hegotawistfullookinhiseyes.“Amazingcreatures.Ifyoutrainedthemtofight,perhaps

designedsomesortofarmorforthem,theywouldbeincredible.”“You’reahandsomeidiot.”Ithrewanothergrape,whichbouncedoffhisforehead.Abriefflashofangerwashedoverhisface.IknewmysweetCommoduscouldhaveanuglytemper.

Hewasalittletoofondofslaughter.ButwhatdidIcare?Iwasagod.Icouldspeaktohiminwaysnooneelsedared.

Thetentflapopened.Acenturionsteppedinsideandsalutedcrisply,buthisfacewasstricken,gleamingwithsweat.“Princeps…”Hisvoicequavered.“It’syourfather.He…heis…”

Heneverspoketheworddead,butitseemedtofloatintothetentallaroundus,sappingtheheatfromtheair.Thelyreplayerstoppedonamajorseventhchord.

Commoduslookedatme,panicinhiseyes.“Go,”Isaid,ascalmlyasIcould,forcingdownmymisgivings.“Youwillalwayshavemyblessings.

Youwilldofine.”ButIalreadysuspectedwhatwouldhappen:theyoungmanIknewandlovedwasabouttobe

consumedbytheemperorhewouldbecome.Heroseandkissedmeonelasttime.Hisbreathsmelledofgrapes.Thenheleftthetent—walking,as

theRomanswouldsay,intothemouthofthewolf.“Apollo.”Calypsonudgedmyarm.“Don’tgo!”Ipleaded.Thenmypastlifeburnedaway.Thesorceresswasfrowningatme.“Whatdoyoumeandon’tgo?Didyouhaveanothervision?”Iscannedthedarkkitchenofthesnackbar.“I—I’mfine.What’sgoingon?”Calypsopointedtothefreezer.“Lookattheprices.”Iswalloweddownthebittertasteofgrapesandboarmeat.Inthefreezer,onthecornerofeachwhite

butcher-paperpackage,apricewaswritteninpencil.Byfarthemostexpensive:griffintaters,$15,000perserving.

“I’mnotgoodatmoderncurrency,”Iadmitted,“butisn’tthatabitpriceyforameal?”“Iwasgoingtoaskyouthesamething,”Calypsosaid.“IknowtheSsymbolwiththelinethroughit

meansAmericandollars,buttheamount…?”Sheshrugged.IfounditunfairthatIwasadventuringwithsomeoneascluelessasIwas.Amoderndemigodcould

haveeasilytoldus,andtheyalsowouldhavehadusefultwenty-first-centuryskills.LeoValdezcouldrepairmachines.PercyJacksoncoulddriveacar.IwouldevenhavesettledforMegMcCaffreyandhergarbage-bag-throwingprowess,thoughIknewwhatMegwouldsayaboutourpresentpredicament:Youguysaredumb.

Ipulledoutapacketofgriffintatersandunwrappedonecorner.Inside,smallfrozencubesofshreddedpotatogleamedwithagoldenmetalliccoating.

“AreTaterTotsusuallysprayedwithpreciousmetal?”Iasked.Calypsopickedoneup.“Idon’tthinkso.Butgriffinslikegold.Myfathertoldmethatagesago.”Ishuddered.Irecalledherfather,GeneralAtlas,unleashingaflockofgriffinsonmeduringtheTitans’

firstwarwiththegods.Havingyourchariotswarmedbyeagle-headedlionsisnotsomethingyoueasilyforget.

“Sowetakethesetaterstofeedthegriffins,”Iguessed.“Withluck,thiswillhelpuswintheirtrust.”IpulledtheArrowofDodonafrommyquiver.“Isthatwhatyouhadinmind,MostFrustratingofArrows?”

Thearrowvibrated.VERILY,THOUARTDENSERTHANACOMBATOSTRICHCUBE.“Whatdidhesay?”Calypsoasked.“Hesaidyes.”Fromthecounter,Calypsograbbedapapermenuwithamapofthezooonit.Shepointedtoanorange

loopcirclingthePLAINSarea.“Here.”TheloopwaslabeledTRAINRIDE,theleastcreativenameIcouldimagine.Atthebottom,inamap

key,wasamoredetailedexplanation:TRAINRIDE!ALOOKATTHEZOOBEHINDTHEZOO!“Well,”Isaid,“atleasttheyadvertisethefactthattheyhaveasecretzoobehindthezoo.Thatwas

niceofthem.”“Ithinkit’stimetoridethechoo-choo,”Calypsoagreed.Fromthefrontofthecafécameacrashingsound,likeaGermanushadtrippedoveratrashcan.“Stopthat!”barkedLityerses.“You,stayhereandkeepwatch.Iftheyshow,capturethem—don’tkill

them.You,comewithme.Weneedthosegriffins.”Icountedsilentlytofive,thenwhisperedtoCalypso,“Aretheygone?”“Letmeusemysupervisiontolookthroughthiswallandcheck,”shesaid.“Oh,wait.”

“Youareaterribleperson.”Shepointedtothemap.“IfLityersesleftoneguardatthecrossroads,itwillbedifficulttogetoutof

hereandreachthetrainwithouthimseeingus.”“Well,”Isaid,“IsupposewecouldgobacktotheWaystationandtellBritomartisthatwetried.”CalypsothrewafrozengoldenTaterTotatme.“Whenyouwereagod,ifsomeheroeshadreturned

empty-handedfromaquestandtoldyouOh,sorry,Apollo.Wetried,wouldyoubeunderstanding?”“Certainlynot!Iwouldincineratethem!Iwould…Oh.Iseeyourpoint.”Iwrungmyhands.“Then

whatdowedo?Idon’tfeellikebeingincinerated.Ithurts.”“Perhapsthere’saway.”CalypsotracedherfingeracrossthemaptoasectionlabeledMEERKAT,

REPTILE&SNAKE,whichsoundedliketheworstlawfirmever.“Ihaveanidea,”shesaid.“BringyourTotsandfollowme.”

Yeah,wegottheskillsFakehexesandshootingfeetTeachyou’boutpancakes

IDIDNOTWISHtofollowCalypso,withorwithoutmyTots.Sadly,myonlyotheroptionwastohideinthecaféuntiltheemperor’smenfoundmeorthecafé

managerarrivedandimpressedmeintoserviceasashort-ordercook.Calypsoledtheway,dartingfromhidingplacetohidingplaceliketheurbanninjashewas.Ispotted

theloneGermanusonsentryduty,aboutfiftyfeetacrosstheplaza,buthewasbusystudyingthecarousel.Hepointedhispolearmwarilyatthepaintedhorsesasiftheymightbecarnivorous.

Wemadeittothefarsideofthecrossroadswithoutattractinghisattention,butIwasstillnervous.Forallweknew,Lityersesmighthavemultiplegroupssweepingthepark.Onatelephonepolenearthesouvenirshop,asecuritycamerastareddownatus.IftheTriumviratewasaspowerfulasNeroclaimed,theycouldeasilycontrolsurveillanceinsidetheIndianapolisZoo.PerhapsthatwaswhyLityerseswassearchingforus.Healreadyknewwewerehere.

Ithoughtaboutshootingthecamerawithanarrow,butitwasprobablytoolate.Cameraslovedme.Nodoubtmyfacewasalloverthesecurityofficemonitors.

Calypso’splanwastocircumventtheorangutansandcutthroughthereptiledisplay,skirtingtheparkperimeteruntilwereachedthetraindepot.Instead,aswepassedtheentrancetotheapehabitat,voicesofanapproachingGermanuspatrolstartledus.Wedoveintotheorangutancenterforcover.

Allright…Igotstartledanddoveforcover.Calypsohissed,“No,youidiot!”thenfollowedmeinside.TogetherwecrouchedbehindaretainingwallastwoGermanistrolledpast,chattingcasuallyabouthead-bashingtechniques.

Iglancedtomyrightandstifledayelp.Ontheothersideofaglasswall,alargeorangutanwasstaringatme,hisambereyescurious.Hemadesomehandgestures—signlanguage?Agamethusmighthaveknown.Judgingfromthegreatape’sexpression,hewasnotterriblydelightedtoseeme.Alas,amongthegreatapes,onlyhumansarecapableofproperaweforthegods.Ontheplussidefororangutans,theyhaveamazingorangefurthatnohumancouldpossiblyrival.

Calypsonudgedmyleg.“Weneedtokeepmoving.”Wescurrieddeeperintothedisplayroom.Oursimianmovementsmusthaveamusedtheorangutan.He

madeadeepbarkingnoise.“Shutup!”Istage-whisperedbackathim.Atthefarexit,wehuddledbehindacurtainofcamouflagenetting.Icradledmytatersandtriedto

steadymybreathing.

Nexttome,Calypsohummedunderherbreath—anervoushabitofhers.Iwishedshewouldstop.WhenevershehummedatuneIknew,Ihadtheurgetosingharmonyveryloudly,whichwouldhavegivenawayourposition.

Atlast,Iwhispered,“Ithinkthecoastisclear.”IsteppedoutandsmackedstraightintoanotherGermanus.Honestly,howmanybarbariansdid

Commodushave?Washebuyingtheminbulk?Foramoment,allthreeofusweretoosurprisedtospeakormove.Thenthebarbarianmadea

rumblingsoundinhischestasifabouttoshoutforbackup.“Holdthese!”Ithrustmypackageofgriffinfoodintohisarms.Reflexively,hetookthem.Afterall,amangivinguphisTotsisagestureofsurrenderinmany

cultures.HefrownedatthepackageasIsteppedback,slungmybowoffmyshoulder,fired,andplantedanarrowinhisleftfoot.

Hehowled,droppingtheTaterTotspackage.Iscoopeditupandran,Calypsoclosebehindme.“Nicelydone,”sheoffered.“Exceptforthefactthatheprobablyalerted—Veerleft!”AnotherGermanuscamebarrelingoutofthereptilearea.Wescrambledaroundhimandrantowarda

signthatsaidSKYLINE.Inthedistanceloomedanaerialtram—wiresstrungfromtowertotowerabovethetreetops,asingle

greengondolahangingaboutfiftyfeetintheair.Iwonderedifwecouldusetheridetoreachthesecretzooarea,oratleastgainaheightadvantage,butthegondolahouseentrancewasfencedoffandpadlocked.

BeforeIcouldaskCalypsotoworkherhairpinhocus-pocus,theGermanicorneredus.Theonefromthereptileareaadvanced,hispolearmleveledatourchests.Theonefromtheorangutanhousecamesnarlingandlimpingbehind,myarrowstillstickingoutofhisbloodyleatherboot.

Inockedanotherarrow,buttherewasnowayIcouldbringthembothdownbeforetheykilledus.I’dseenGermanitakesixorsevenarrowstotheheartandstillkeepfighting.

Calypsomuttered,“Apollo,whenIcurseyou,pretendtofaint.”“What?”Shewheeledonmeandshouted,“Youhavefailedmeforthelasttime,slave!”ShemadeaseriesofhandgesturesIrecognizedfromancienttimes—hexesandcursesthatnoonehad

everdaredtomakeinmydirection.Iwastemptedtoslapher.Instead,Ididassheasked:Igaspedandcollapsed.

Throughmyhalf-liddedeyes,IwatchedCalypsoturnonourenemies.“Nowitisyourturn,fools!”ShebeganmakingthesamerudegesturestowardtheGermani.Thefirstonestopped.Hisfacepaled.Heglancedatmelyingontheground,thenturnedandfled,

barrelingpasthisfriend.TheGermanuswiththewoundedfoothesitated.Judgingfromthehatredinhiseyes,hewanted

revengeforthemissileweaponthathadruinedhisleftboot.Calypso,undaunted,wavedherarmsandbegantoincant.Hertonemadeitsoundasifshewere

raisingtheworstdaimonsfromTartarus,thoughherwords,inancientPhoenician,wereactuallyarecipeformakingpancakes.

ThewoundedGermanusyelpedandhobbledaway,leavingatrailofsmearedredprintsbehindhim.Calypsoofferedmeahandandpulledmeup.“Let’smove.I’veonlyboughtusafewseconds.”“Howdidyou—Didyourmagicreturn?”“Iwish,”shesaid.“Ifakedit.Halfofmagicisactinglikeitwillwork.Theotherhalfispickinga

superstitiousmark.They’llbeback.Withreinforcements.”I’lladmitIwasimpressed.Her“hexing”hadcertainlyunnervedme.

Imadeaquickgesturetowardoffevil,justincaseCalypsowasbetterthansherealized.Thenwerantogetheralongtheperimeterfence.

Atthenextcrossroads,Calypsosaid,“Thiswaytothetrain.”“You’resure?”Shenodded.“I’mgoodatmemorizingmaps.Once,ImadeoneofOgygia;reproducedeverysquare

footofthatisland.ItwastheonlywayIkeptmyselfsane.”Thissoundedlikeaterriblewaytokeeponeselfsane,butIletherleadtheway.Behindus,more

Germaniwereshouting,buttheyseemedtobeheadingtowardtheSkylinegateswe’djustleft.Iallowedmyselftohopethatthetrainstationmightbeclear.

HA-HA-HA.Itwasnot.Onthetrackssataminiaturetrain—abrightgreensteamenginewithalineofopenpassengercars.

Nexttoitonthestationplatform,underanivy-coveredcanopy,Lityersesstoodwithhisfeetplanted,hisunsheathedswordrestingoverhisshoulderlikeahobo’sbindle.AbatteredleathercuirasswasstrappedoverhisCornhuskersshirt.Hisdarkcurlyhairhungintendrilsoverhisredbandana,makingitlookasifalargespiderwerecrouchedonhishead,readytospring.

“Welcome.”Theprefect’ssmilemighthaveseemedfriendly,exceptforthecrosshatchingofscarsonhisface.Hetouchedsomethingonhisear—aBluetoothdevice,perhaps.“They’rehereatthestation,”heannounced.“Convergeonme,butslowandcalm.I’mfine.Iwantthesetwoalive.”

Heshruggedatusapologetically.“Mymencanbeoverenthusiasticwhenitcomestokilling.Especiallyafteryou’vemadethemlooklikefools.”

“Itwasourpleasure.”IdoubtIpulledofftheself-assured,swashbucklingtoneIwasgoingfor.Myvoicecracked.Sweatbeadedonmyface.Iheldmybowsidewayslikeanelectricguitar,whichwasnotpropershootingstance,andinmyotherhand,insteadofanarrowthatmighthavebeenuseful,IheldapackageoffrozenTaterTots.

Itwasprobablyjustaswell.Inmydream,I’dseenhowrapidlyLityersescouldswinghissword.IfItriedtofireonhim,ourheadswouldberollingonthepavementbeforeIdrewbackmybowstring.

“You’reabletouseaphone,”Inoticed.“Orawalkie-talkie,orwhateverthatis.Ihateitwhenthebadguysgettotalktoeachotherandwecan’t.”

Lityerses’slaughwaslikeafileacrossmetal.“Yes.TheTriumviratelikestohavecertainadvantages.”

“Idon’tsupposeyou’dtellushowtheymanageit—blockingdemigodcommunications?”“Youwon’tlivelongenoughforthattomatter.Now,dropyourbow.Asforyourfriend…”Hesized

upCalypso.“Keepyourhandsatyourside.Nosuddencurses.I’dhatetochopoffthatprettyheadofyours.”

Calypsosmiledsweetly.“Iwasjustthinkingthesamethingaboutyou.DropyourswordandIwon’tdestroyyou.”

Shewasagoodactor.ImadeamentalnotetorecommendhertomyMountOlympusinvitation-onlysummercamp,MethodActingwiththeMuses—ifwegotoutofthisalive.

Lityerseschuckled.“That’sgood.Ilikeyou.Butinaboutsixtyseconds,adozenGermaniaregoingtoswarmthisdepot.TheywillnotaskaspolitelyasIdid.”Hetookastepforwardandswunghisswordtohisside.

Itriedtothinkofabrilliantplan.Unfortunately,theonlythingthatcametomindwasweepinginterror.Then,aboveLityerses,theivyrustledonthecanopy.

Theswordsmandidn’tseemtonotice.Iwonderediforangutanswereplayingupthere,orperhapssomeOlympiangodshadgatheredforapicnictowatchmedie.Ormaybe…Thethoughtwastoomuchtowishfor,butintheinterestofbuyingtime,Idroppedmybow.

“Apollo,”Calypsohissed.“Whatareyoudoing?”

Lityersesansweredforme.“He’sbeingsmart.Now,where’sthethirdmemberofyourlittleparty?”Iblinked.“It—it’sjustthetwoofus.”Lityerses’sfacialscarsrippled,whitelinesontanskin,liketheridgesofasanddune.“Comenow.

Youflewintothecityonadragon.Threepassengers.IverymuchwanttoseeLeoValdezagain.Wehaveunfinishedbusiness.”

“YouknowLeo?”Despitethedangerwewerein,Ifeltasmallsenseofrelief.Finally,somevillainwantedtokillLeomorethanhewantedtokillme.Thatwasprogress!

Calypsodidn’tseemsohappy.Shesteppedtowardtheswordsmanwithherfistsclenched.“WhatdoyouwantwithLeo?”

Lityersesnarrowedhiseyes.“You’renotthesamegirlwhowaswithhimbefore.HernamewasPiper.Youwouldn’thappentobeLeo’sgirlfriend?”

RedblotchesappearedonCalypso’scheeksandneck.Lityersesbrightened.“Oh,youare!That’swonderful!Icanuseyoutohurthim.”Calypsosnarled.“Youwillnothurthim.”AboveLityerses,thecanopyroofshookagain,asifathousandratswerescurryingthroughtherafters.

Thevinesseemedtobegrowing,thefoliageturningthickeranddarker.“Calypso,”Isaid,“stepback.”“WhyshouldI?”shedemanded.“ThisCornhuskerjustthreatened—”“Calypso!”Igrabbedherwristandyankedherfromtheshadowofthecanopyjustasitcollapsedon

topofLityerses.Theswordsmandisappearedunderhundredsofpoundsofshingles,lumber,andivy.Isurveyedthemassofquiveringvines.Isawnoorangutans,nogods,noonewhomighthavebeen

responsibleforthecollapse.“Shemustbehere,”Imuttered.“Who?”Calypsostaredatmewithwideeyes.“Whatjusthappened?”Iwantedtohope.Iwasafraidtohope.Whateverthecase,wecouldn’tstay.Lityerseswasshouting

andstrugglingunderthewreckage,whichmeanthewasn’tdead.HisGermaniwouldbehereanysecond.“Let’sgetoutofhere.”Ipointedtothegreenlocomotive.“I’mdriving.”

Drivin’thegreentrainI’malllike,Choo-choo!Choo-choo!Can’tcatchme!—Oh,poop!

ASLOW-MOTIONGETAWAYwasnotwhatIhadinmind.Webothjumpedontotheconductor’sbench,whichwasbarelywideenoughforone,andjostledfor

spacewhilepunchingpedalsandturningrandomlevers.“Itoldyou,I’lldrive!”Iyelled.“IfIcandrivethesun,Icandrivethis!”“Thisisn’tthesun!”Calypsoelbowedmeintheribs.“It’samodeltrain.”Ifoundtheignitionswitch.Thetrainlurchedintomotion.(Calypsowillclaimshefoundtheignition

switch.Thisisablatantlie.)IpushedCalypsooffthebenchandontotheground.Sincethetrainwasonlygoinghalfamileanhour,shesimplystoodup,brushedoffherskirt,andwalkedalongsideme,glaring.

“That’stopspeed?”shedemanded.“Pushsomemorelevers!”Behindus,fromsomewhereunderthewreckageofthecanopy,cameamighty“BLARG!”Ivyshivered

asLityersestriedtobusthiswayout.AhalfdozenGermaniappearedatthefarendoftheplatform.(Commoduswasdefinitelybuyinghis

barbariansbytheimperialfamily-sizepack.)Thebodyguardsstaredatthescreamingmassofroofwreckage,thenatuschoo-chooingaway.Ratherthangivechase,theybeganclearingthebeamsandvinestofreetheirboss.Giventheprogressweweremaking,theyprobablyassumedthey’dhaveplentyoftimetocomeafterus.

Calypsohoppedontotherunningboard.Shepointedtothecontrols.“Trythebluepedal.”“Thebluepedalisnevertherightone!”Shekickeditwithherfoot.Weshotforwardatthreetimesourpreviousspeed,whichmeantour

enemieswouldnowhavetojogatamoderatepacetocatchus.Thetrackcurvedaswecontinuedtoaccelerate,ourwheelssquealingagainsttheouterrail.The

stationdisappearedbehindalineoftrees.Onourleft,theterrainopenedup,revealingthemajesticbuttsofAfricanelephantswhowerepickingthroughapileofhay.Theirzookeeperfrownedaswetrundledpast.“Hey!”heyelled.“Hey!”

Iwaved.“Morning!”Thenweweregone.Thecarsshookdangerouslyaswepickedupsteam.Myteethclattered.My

bladdersloshed.Upahead,almosthiddenbehindascreenofbamboo,aforkinthetrackwasmarkedbyasigninLatin:BONUMEFFERCIO.

“There!”Iyelled.“TheGoodStuff!Weneedtoturnleft!”Calypsosquintedattheconsole.“How?”

“Thereshouldbeaswitch,”Isaid.“Somethingthatoperatestheturnout.”ThenIsawit—notonourconsole,butaheadofusonthesideofthetracks—anold-fashionedhand

lever.Therewasnotimetostopthetrain,notimetorunaheadandturntheswitchbyhand.“Calypso,holdthis!”ItossedhertheTotsandunslungmybow.Inockedanarrow.Once,suchashotwould’vebeenchild’splayforme.Nowitwasnearlyimpossible:shootingfroma

movingtrain,aimingforapointwherethefocusedimpactofanarrowwouldhavethemaximumchanceoftriggeringtheswitch.

IthoughtofmydaughterKaylabackatCampHalf-Blood.Iimaginedhercalmvoiceasshecoachedmethroughthefrustrationsofmortalarchery.Irememberedtheothercampers’encouragementthedayonthebeachwhenI’dmadeashotthatbroughtdowntheColossusofNero.

Ifired.Thearrowslammedintotheleverandforceditbackward.Thepointbladesshifted.Welurchedontothespurline.

“Down!”Calypsoyelled.Wecrashedthroughbambooandcareenedintoatunneljustwideenoughforthetrain.Unfortunately,

weweregoingmuchtoofast.Thechoo-chootiltedsideways,throwingsparksoffthewall.Bythetimeweshotouttheothersideofthetunnel,wewerecompletelyoff-balance.

Thetraingroanedandtilted—asensationIknewwellfromthosetimesthesunchariothadtoveertoavoidalaunchingspaceshuttleoraChinesecelestialdragon.(Thosethingsareannoying.)

“Out!”ItackledCalypso—yes,again—andleapedfromtherightsideofthetrainasthelineofcarsspilledtotheleft,topplingoffthetrackswithasoundlikeabronze-cladarmybeingcrushedbyagiantfist.(Imayhavecrushedafewarmiesthatwaybackintheolddays.)

ThenextthingIknewIwasonallfours,myearpressedagainstthegroundasiflisteningforaherdofbuffalo,thoughIhadnoideawhy.

“Apollo.”Calypsotuggedatthesleeveofmycoat.“Getup.”Mythrobbingheadfeltseveraltimeslargerthanusual,butIdidn’tseemtohavebrokenanybones.

Calypso’shairhadcomeloosearoundhershoulders.Hersilverparkawasdustedwithsandandbitsofgravel.Otherwiseshelookedintact.Perhapsourformerlydivineconstitutionshadsavedusfromdamage.Eitherthatorwewerejustlucky.

Wehadcrashedinthemiddleofacirculararena.Thetrainlaycurledsidewaysacrossthegravellikeadeadcaterpillar,afewfeetshyofwherethetracksended.Theperimeterwasringedwithanimalenclosures—Plexiglaswallsframedinstone.Abovethatrosethreetiersofstadiumseating.OverthetopoftheamphitheaterstretchedacanopyofcamouflagenettinglikeI’dseenattheorangutanhabitat—thoughhereIsuspectedthenettingwasmeanttokeepwingedmonstersfromflyingaway.

Aroundthearenafloor,chainswithemptymanacleswerefastenedtospikesintheground.Nearthesestoodracksofsinister-lookingtools:cattleprods,noosepoles,whips,harpoons.

Acoldlumpformedinmythroat.Iwould’vethoughtI’dswallowedagriffintater,exceptthepacketwasstillmiraculouslyintactinCalypso’sarms.“Thisisatrainingfacility,”Isaid.“I’veseenplaceslikeitbefore.Theseanimalsarebeingreadiedforthegames.”

“Readied?”Calypsoscowledattheweaponracks.“How,exactly?”“They’reenraged,”Isaid.“Baited.Starved.Trainedtokillanythingthatmoves.”“Savagery.”Calypsoturnedtothenearestpen.“Whathavetheydonetothosepoorostriches?”ThroughthePlexiglas,fourofthebirdsstaredatus,theirheadsjerkingsidewaysinaseriesoffits.

Theywerestrange-lookinganimalstobeginwith,butthesehadbeenoutfittedwithrowsofiron-studdedcollarsalongtheirnecks,spikedwarhelmetsintheKaiserWilhelmstyle,andrazorwirewreathedlikeChristmaslightsaroundtheirlegs.Thenearestbirdsnappedatme,revealingjaggedsteelteeththathadbeenfittedinsidehisbeak.

“Theemperor’scombatostriches.”Ifeltlikearoofwascollapsinginsidemychest.Theplightof

theseanimalsdepressedme…butsodidthinkingaboutCommodus.Thegameshehadengagedinasayoungemperorweredisagreeabletostartwith,andtheyhadtransformedintosomethingmuchworse.“Heusedtoenjoyusingthemfortargetpractice.Withasinglearrow,hecoulddecapitateabirdrunningatafullgallop.Oncethatwasn’tentertainingenough…”Igesturedattheenhancedwarbirds.

Calypso’sfaceturnedjaundiceyellow.“Alltheseanimalswillbekilled?”Iwastoodispiritedtoanswer.IhadflashbackstotheFlavianAmphitheaterduringCommodus’srule

—theglisteningredsandofthestadiumfloorlitteredwiththecarcassesofthousandsofexoticanimals,allbutcheredforsportandspectacle.

Wemovedtothenextenclosure.Alargeredbullpacedrestlessly,hishornsandhoovesgleamingbronze.

“That’sanAethiopianBull,”Isaid.“Theirhidesareimpervioustoallmetalweapons—liketheNemeanLion,except,ah…muchlarger,andred.”

Calypsodriftedpastseveralmorecells—someArabianwingedserpents,ahorsethatIjudgedtobeofthecarnivorous,fire-breathingvariety.(Ioncethoughtaboutusingthoseformysunchariot,buttheyweresohighmaintenance.)

Thesorceressfrozeatthenextwindow.“Apollo,overhere.”Behindtheglassweretwogriffins.EmmieandJosephinehadbeencorrect.Theyweremagnificentspecimens.Overthecenturies,withtheirnaturalhabitatsshrinking,wildgriffinshadbecomescrawnycreatures,

smallerandscrappierthaninancienttimes.(Muchliketheendangeredthree-eyedstoatorthegiantgassybadger.)Fewgriffinshadeverbeenlargeenoughtosupporttheweightofahumanrider.

Themaleandfemaleinfrontofus,however,trulywerethesizeoflions.Theirlightbrownfurgleamedlikecopperchainmail.Theirrussetwingsfoldedregallyacrosstheirbacks.Theiraquilineheadsbristledwithgoldandwhiteplumage.Intheolddays,aGreciankingwouldhavepaidatriremefullofrubiesforabreedingpairlikethis.

Thankfully,Isawnosignthattheanimalshadbeenabused.However,bothwerechainedbytheirbacklegs.Griffinsgetverycantankerouswhenthey’reimprisonedorrestrainedinanyway.Assoonasthemale,Abelard,sawus,hesnappedandsquawked,flappinghiswings.Hedughisclawsinthesandandstrainedagainsthisshackle,tryingtoreachus.

Thefemalebackedintotheshadows,makingalowgurglingnoiselikethegrowlofathreateneddog.Sheswayedfromsidetoside,herbellylowtothegroundasif…

“Oh,no.”Ifearedmyweakmortalheartwouldburst.“NowonderBritomartiswantedthesetwobacksobadly.”

Calypsoseemedentrancedbytheanimals.Withsomedifficulty,sherefocusedonme.“Whatdoyoumean?”

“Thefemaleiswithegg.Sheneedstonestimmediately.Ifwedon’tgetherbacktotheWaystation…”Calypso’sexpressionturnedassharpandsteelyasostrichteeth.“WillHeloisebeabletoflyoutof

here?”“I—Ithinkso.Mysisterismoretheexpertonwildanimals,butyes.”“Canapregnantgriffincarryarider?”“Wedon’thavemuchchoiceexcepttotry.”Ipointedatthenettingabovethearena.“That’sthe

quickestwayout,assumingwecanunlockthegriffinsandremovethenet.Theproblemis,HeloiseandAbelardarenotgoingtoseeusasfriends.They’rechained.They’recaged.They’reexpectingababy.They’lltearusapartifwegetclose.”

Calypsocrossedherarms.“Whataboutmusic?Mostanimalslikemusic.”IrecalledthewayIhadusedasongtomesmerizethemyrmekesbackatCampHalf-Blood.ButI

reallydidn’tfeellikesingingaboutallmyfailuresagain,especiallynotinfrontofmycompanion.

Iglancedbackatthetraintunnel.StillnosignofLityersesorhismen,butthatdidn’tmakemefeelbetter.Theyshouldhavebeenherebynow….

“Weneedtohurry,”Isaid.Thefirstproblemwastheeasiest:thePlexiglaswall.Ireasonedtheremustbeaswitchsomewhere

forloweringthepartitionstoreleasethevariousanimals.IclimbedintothespectatortierswiththehelpofastepladdernamedCalypso,andfoundjustsuchacontrolpanelnexttothearena’sonlypaddedseat—clearlyfortheemperorhimselfwhenhewantedtocheckonhiskillerbeastsintraining.

Eachleverwasconvenientlylabeledwithmaskingtapeandmarker.OnesaidGRIFFINS.IcalleddowntoCalypso,“Areyouready?”Shestooddirectlyinfrontofthegriffinenclosure,handsoutasifpreparingtocatchaprojectileegg.

“Whatwouldconstitutereadyinasituationlikethis?”Iflippedtheswitch.Withaheavyka-chunk,thegriffins’Plexiglasscreendroppedaway,

disappearingintoaslotacrossthethreshold.IrejoinedCalypso,whowashummingsomesortoflullaby.Thetwogriffinswerenotimpressed.

Heloisegrowledloudly,pressingherselfagainstthebackwalloftheenclosure.Abelardpulledathischaintwiceashard,tryingtoreachusandbiteoffourfaces.

CalypsohandedmethepacketofTots.Shepointedwithherchinintotheenclosure.“Youmustbekidding,”Isaid.“IfIgetcloseenoughtofeedthem,they’lleatme.”Shestoppedhersong.“Aren’tyouthegodofrangedweapons?ThrowtheTots!”Iraisedmyeyestowardthenetted-offheavens—which,bytheway,Iconsideredarudeand

completelyunnecessarymetaphorformyexilefromOlympus.“Calypso,doyouknownothingabouttheseanimals?Togaintheirtrust,youmusthand-feedthem,puttingyourfingersinsidethebeak.Thisemphasizesthatthefoodcomesfromyou,asthemotherbird.”

“Huh.”Calypsobitherlowerlip.“Iseetheproblem.Youwouldmakeaterriblemotherbird.”Abelardlungedandsquawkedatme.Everyonewasacritic.Calypsonoddedasifshe’dcometoadecision.“It’sgoingtotakebothofus.We’llsingaduet.You

haveadecentvoice.”“Ihavea…”Mymouthwasparalyzedfromshock.Tellingme,thegodofmusic,thatIhadadecent

voicewasliketellingShaquilleO’Nealheplayeddecentoffense,ortellingAnnieOakleyshewasadecentshot.

Thenagain,IwasnotApollo.IwasLesterPapadopoulos.Backatcamp,despairingofmypunymortalabilities,IhadswornanoathontheRiverStyxnottousearcheryormusicuntilIwasonceagainagod.Ihadpromptlybrokenthatoathbysingingtothemyrmekes—foragoodcause,mindyou.Eversince,Ihadlivedinterror,wonderingwhenandhowthespiritoftheStyxwouldpunishme.Perhaps,insteadofagrandmomentofretribution,itwouldbeaslowdeathbyathousandinsults.Howoftencouldamusicgodhearthathehadadecentvoicebeforehecrumbledintoaself-loathingpileofdust?

“Fine.”Isighed.“Whichduetshouldwesing?‘IslandsintheStream’?”“Don’tknowit.”“‘IGotYou,Babe’?”“No.”“Deargods,I’msurewecoveredthe1970sinyourpopculturelessons.”“WhataboutthatsongZeususedtosing?”Iblinked.“Zeus…singing?”Ifoundtheconceptmildlyhorrifying.Myfatherthundered.Hepunished.

Hescolded.Hegloweredlikeachampion.Buthedidnotsing.Calypso’seyesgotalittledreamy.“InthepalaceatMountOthrys,whenhewasKronos’scupbearer,

Zeususedtoentertainthecourtwithsongs.”Ishifteduncomfortably.“I…hadn’tbeenbornyet.”

Iknew,ofcourse,thatCalypsowasolderthanI,butI’dneverreallythoughtaboutwhatthatmeant.BackwhentheTitansruledthecosmos,beforethegodsrebelledandZeusbecameking,Calypsohadnodoubtbeenacarefreechild,oneofGeneralAtlas’sbrood,runningaroundthepalaceharassingtheaerialservants.Yegods.Calypsowasoldenoughtobemybabysitter!

“Surelyyouknowthesong.”Calypsobegantosing.Electricitytingledatthebaseofmyskull.Ididknowthesong.AnearlymemorysurfacedofZeusand

LetosingingthismelodywhenZeusvisitedArtemisandmeaschildrenonDelos.Myfatherandmother,destinedtobeforeverapartbecauseZeuswasamarriedgod—theyhadhappilysungthisduet.Tearswelledinmyeyes.Itookthelowerpartoftheharmony.

Itwasasongolderthanempires—abouttwoloversseparatedandlongingtobetogether.Calypsoedgedtowardthegriffins.Ifollowedbehindher—notbecauseIwasscaredtolead,mind

you.Everyoneknowsthatwhenadvancingintodanger,thesopranogoesfirst.Theyareyourinfantry,whilethealtosandtenorsareyourcavalry,andthebassyourartillery.I’vetriedtoexplainthistoAresamilliontimes,buthehasnoclueaboutvocalarrangement.

Abelardceasedyankingathischain.Heprowledandpreened,makingdeepcluckingsoundslikearoostingchicken.Calypso’svoicewasplaintiveandfullofmelancholy.Irealizedthatsheempathizedwiththesebeasts—cagedandchained,yearningfortheopensky.Perhaps,Ithought,justperhapsCalypso’sexileonOgygiahadbeenworsethanmypresentpredicament.AtleastIhadfriendstosharemysuffering.IfeltguiltythatIhadn’tvotedtoreleaseherearlierfromherisland,butwhywouldsheforgivemeifIapologizednow?ThatwasallStyxwaterunderthegatesofErebos.Therewasnogoingback.

CalypsoputherhandonAbelard’shead.Hecouldeasilyhavesnappedoffherarm,buthecrouchedandturnedintothecaresslikeacat.Calypsoknelt,removedanotherhairpin,andbeganworkingonthegriffin’smanacle.

Whileshetinkered,ItriedtokeepAbelard’seyesonme.IsangasdecentlyasIcould,channelingmysorrowandsympathyintotheverses,hopingAbelardwouldunderstandthatIwasafellowsoulinpain.

Calypsopoppedthelock.Withaclank,theironcufffellfromAbelard’sbackleg.CalypsomovedtowardHeloise—amuchtrickierproposition,approachinganexpectingmother.Heloisegrowledsuspiciouslybutdidnotattack.

Wecontinuedtosing,ourvoicesinperfectpitchnow,meldingtogetherthewaythebestharmoniesdo—creatingsomethinggreaterthanthesumoftwoindividualvoices.

CalypsofreedHeloise.Shesteppedbackandstoodshouldertoshoulderwithmeaswefinishedthelastlineofthesong:Aslongasgodsshalllive,solongshallIloveyou.

Thegriffinsstaredatus.Theyseemedmoreintriguednowthanangry.“Tots,”Calypsoadvised.Ishookhalfthepacketintoherpalms.Ididn’trelishtheideaoflosingmyarms.Theywereusefulappendages.Nevertheless,Iproffereda

handfulofgoldenTaterTotstoAbelard.Hescuttledforwardandsniffed.Whenheopenedhisbeak,IreachedinsideandpressedtheTotsonhiswarmtongue.Likeatruegentleman,hewaiteduntilIremovedmyhandbeforeswallowingdownthesnack.

Heruffledhisneckfeathers,thenturnedtosquawkatHeloise,Yeah,goodeatin’.Comeonover!CalypsofedherTotstoHeloise.Thefemalegriffinbuttedherheadagainstthesorceressinasignof

obviousaffection.Foramoment,Ifeltrelief.Elation.Wehadsucceeded.Thenbehindus,someoneclapped.Standingatthethreshold,bloodyandbatteredbutstillverymuchalive,wasLityerses,allbyhimself.“Welldone,”saidtheswordsman.“Youfoundaperfectplacetodie.”

SonofaMidasYou,sir,areastupid-headHere,haveanostrich

INMYFOURTHOUSANDyearsoflife,Ihadsearchedformanythings—beautifulwomen,handsomemen,thebestcompositebows,theperfectseasidepalace,anda1958GibsonFlyingV.ButIhadneversearchedforaperfectplacetodie.

“Calypso?”Isaidweakly.“Yeah?”“Ifwediehere,I’djustliketosayyouaren’tasbadasIoriginallythought.”“Thanks,butwe’renotgoingtodie.Thatwoulddeprivemeofkillingyoulater.”Lityerseschuckled.“Oh,youtwo.Banteringlikeyouhaveafuture.Itmustbehardforformer

immortalstoacceptthatdeathisreal.Me,I’vedied.Letmetellyou,it’snofun.”IwastemptedtosingtohimthewayIhadwiththegriffins.PerhapsIcouldconvincehimIwasa

fellowsufferer.Somethingtoldmeitwouldn’twork.Andalas,IwasalloutofTaterTots.“You’rethesonofKingMidas,”Isaid.“YoucamebacktothemortalworldwhentheDoorsofDeath

wereopen?”Ididn’tknowmuchaboutthatincident,butthere’dbeensomemassiveUnderworldjailbreakduring

therecentwarwiththegiants.HadeshadrantednonstopaboutGaeastealingallhisdeadpeoplesotheycouldworkforher.Honestly,Icouldn’tblametheEarthMother.Goodcheaplaboristerriblydifficulttofind.

Theswordsmancurledhislip.“WecamethroughtheDoorsofDeath,allright.Thenmyidiotfatherpromptlygothimselfkilledagain,thankstoarun-inwithLeoValdezandhiscrew.IsurvivedonlybecauseIwasturnedintoagoldstatueandcoveredwitharug.”

Calypsobackedtowardthegriffins.“That’s…quiteastory.”“Doesn’tmatter,”snarledtheswordsman.“TheTriumvirateofferedmework.Theyrecognizedthe

worthofLityerses,ReaperofMen!”“Impressivetitle,”Imanaged.Heraisedhissword.“Iearnedit,believeme.MyfriendscallmeLit,butmyenemiescallmeDeath!”“I’llcallyouLit,”Idecided.“Thoughyoudon’tstrikemeasverylit.Youknow,yourfatherandI

usedtobegreatfriends.Once,Ievengavehimass’sears.”AssoonasIsaidthat,Irealizeditwasperhapsnotthebestproofofmyfriendship.Litgavemeacruelsmile.“Yes,Igrewuphearingaboutthatmusiccontestyoumademydadjudge.

Gavehimdonkeyearsbecausehedeclaredyouropponentthewinner?Heh.Myfatherhatedyousomuch

forthat,Iwasalmosttemptedtolikeyou.ButIdon’t.”Heslicedthroughtheairinapracticeswipe.“It’llbeapleasuretokillyou.”

“Holdon!”Ishrieked.“Whataboutallthattakethemalivebusiness?”Litshrugged.“Ichangedmymind.First,thatroofcollapsedonme.Thenmybodyguardsgot

swallowedbyastandofbamboo.Idon’tsupposeyouknowanythingaboutthat?”Mypulseboomedliketimpaniinmyears.“No.”“Right.”HeregardedCalypso.“IthinkI’llkeepyoualivelongenoughtokillyouinfrontofValdez’s

face.That’llbefun.Butthisformergodhere…”Litshrugged.“I’lljusthavetotelltheemperorheresistedarrest.”

Thiswasit.Afterfourmillenniaofglory,IwasgoingtodieinagriffinenclosureinIndianapolis.IconfessIhadn’tenvisionedmydeaththisway.Ihadn’tenvisioneditatall,butifIhadtogo,Iwantedalotmoreexplosionsandblazingspotlights,ahostofbeautifulweepinggodsandgoddessescryingNo!Takeusinstead!,andalotlessanimalpoop.

SurelyZeuswouldintercede.Hecouldn’tallowmypunishmentonearthtoincludeactualdeath!OrperhapsArtemiswouldslayLitwithanarrowofdeath.ShecouldalwaystellZeusitwasafreaklongbowmalfunction.Attheveryleast,Ihopedthegriffinswouldcometomyaid,sinceI’dfedthemandsungtothemsosweetly.

Noneofthathappened.AbelardhissedatLityerses,butthegriffinseemedreluctanttoattack.PerhapsLityerseshadusedthosesinistertrainingimplementsonhimandhismate.

Theswordsmanrushedmewithblindingspeed.Heswunghisbladehorizontally—righttowardmyneck.Mylastthoughtwashowmuchthecosmoswouldmissme.ThelastthingIsmelledwasthescentofbakedapples.

Then,fromsomewhereabove,asmallhumanoidformdroppedbetweenmeandmyattacker.Withaclangandaburstofsparks,Lityerses’sbladestoppedcoldinthecrookofagoldenX—thecrossedbladesofMegMcCaffrey.

Imayhavewhimpered.Ihadneverbeensohappytoseeanyoneinmylife,andthatincludesHyacinthusthetimeheworethatamazingtuxedoonourdatenight,soyouknowImeanit.

MegpushedwithherbladesandsentLityersesstumblingbackward.Herdarkpageboyhairwasfestoonedwithtwigsandbladesofgrass.Sheworeherusualredhigh-tops,heryellowleggings,andthegreendressSallyJacksonhadlentherthefirstdaywemet.Ifoundthisstrangelyheartwarming.

Lityersessneeredather,buthedidnotlookparticularlysurprised.“Iwonderedifthreateningthisidiotgodwouldsmokeyououtofhiding.You’vesignedyourdeathwarrant.”

Meguncrossedherblades.Sheretortedinhertypicalpoeticfashion.“Nope.”Calypsoglancedatme.Shemouthedthequestion,THISisMeg?ThisisMeg,Iagreed,whichencompassedalotofexplanationinaveryshortexchange.Lityersessteppedsidewaystoblocktheexit.Hewaslimpingslightly,probablyfromhisincidentwith

thecanopy.“Youdroppedthativy-coveredroofonme,”hesaid.“Youmadethebambooattackmymen.”“Yep,”Megsaid.“You’restupid.”Lithissedinannoyance.IunderstoodthiseffectMeghadonpeople.Still,myheartwashumminga

perfectmiddleCofhappiness.Myyoungprotectorhadreturned!(Yes,yes,shewastechnicallymymaster,butlet’snotmincewords.)Shehadseentheerrorofherways.ShehadrebelledagainstNero.Nowshewouldstaybymysideandhelpmeretainmygodhood.Cosmicorderhadbeenrestored!

Thensheglancedbackatme.Insteadofbeamingwithjoy,orhuggingme,orapologizing,shesaid,“Getoutofhere.”

Thecommandjarredmetothebones.Isteppedbackasifpushed.Iwasfilledwiththesuddendesiretoflee.Whenwe’dparted,MeghadtoldmeIwasreleasedfromherservice.Nowitwasclearthatourmaster-servantrelationshipcouldnotbesoeasilybroken.ZeusmeantmetofollowhercommandsuntilI

diedorbecameagodagain.Iwasn’tsurehecaredwhich.“But,Meg,”Ipleaded.“Youjustarrived.Wemust—”“Go,”shesaid.“Takethegriffinsandgetout.I’llholdoffstupid-head.”Litlaughed.“I’veheardyou’readecentswordfighter,McCaffrey,butnochildcanmatchtheReaper

ofMen.”HespunhisbladelikePeteTownshendwindmillinghisguitar(amoveItaughtPete,thoughInever

approvedofthewayhesmashedhisguitarintothespeakersafterward—suchawaste!).“Demeterismymother,too,”Litsaid.“Herchildrenmakethebestswordsmen.Weunderstandthe

needtoreap.It’sjusttheflipsideofsowing,isn’tit,littlesister?Let’sseewhatyouknowaboutreapinglives!”

Helunged.Megcounteredhisstrikeanddrovehimback.Theycircledeachother,threeswordswhirlinginadeadlydancelikeblenderbladesmakinganairsmoothie.

Meanwhile,IwascompelledtowalktowardthegriffinsasMeghadordered.Itriedtodoitslowly.Iwasreluctanttotakemyeyesoffthebattle,asifmerelybywatchingMeg,Iwassomehowlendingherstrength.Once,whenIwasagod,thatwould’vebeenpossible,butnow,whatgoodcouldaspectatingLesterdo?

CalypsostoodinfrontofHeloise,protectingthemother-to-bewithherbody.ImadeittoCalypso’sside.“You’relighterthanI,”Isaid.“YourideHeloise.Becarefulofhergut.

I’lltakeAbelard.”“WhataboutMeg?”Calypsodemanded.“Wecan’tleaveher.”Justyesterday,IhadtoyedwiththeideaofleavingCalypsobehindtotheblemmyaewhenshewas

wounded.I’dliketosaythatwasn’taseriousthought,butithadbeen,howeverbriefly.NowCalypsorefusedtoleaveMeg,whomshebarelyknew.ItwasalmostenoughtomakemequestionwhetherIwasagoodperson.(Istressthewordalmost.)

“You’reright,ofcourse.”Iglancedacrossthearena.Intheoppositeenclosure,thecombatostricheswerepeeringthroughtheirPlexiglas,followingtheswordfightwithprofessionalinterest.“Weneedtomovethisparty.”

IturnedtoaddressAbelard.“Iapologizeinadvance.I’mterribleatridinggriffins.”Thegriffinsquawkedasiftosay,Dowhatyougottado,man.Heallowedmetoclimbaboardand

tuckmylegsbehindthebaseofhiswings.Calypsofollowedmyexample,carefullystraddlingHeloise’sspine.Thegriffins,impatienttobegone,boundedpasttheswordfightandintothearena.Lityerseslungedas

Ipassedhim.Hewouldhavetakenoffmyrightarm,butMegblockedhisstrikewithoneswordandsweptatLit’sfeetwiththeother,forcinghimbackagain.

“Takethosegriffinsandyou’llonlysuffermore!”Litwarned.“Alltheemperor’sprisonerswilldieslowly,especiallythelittlegirl.”

Myhandsshookwithanger,butImanagedtonockanarrowinmybow.“Meg,”Iyelled,“comeon!”“Itoldyoutoleave!”shecomplained.“You’reabadslave.”Onthat,atleast,weagreed.LityersesadvancedonMegagain,slashingandstabbing.Iwasnoexpertonswordplay,butasgoodas

Megwas,Ifearedshewasoutmatched.Lityerseshadmorestrength,speed,andreach.HewastwiceMeg’ssize.He’dbeenpracticingforcountlessmoreyears.IfLityerseshadn’trecentlybeeninjuredfromhavingaroofdroppedonhim,Isuspectedthisfightmighthavebeenoveralready.

“Goon,Apollo!”Littaunted.“Firethatarrowatme.”Ihadseenhowfasthecouldmove.NodoubthewouldpullanAthenaandslashmyarrowoutofthe

skybeforeithithim.Sounfair!Butshootingathimhadneverbeenmyplan.IleanedtowardAbelard’sheadandsaid,“Fly!”

Thegriffinlaunchedhimselfintotheairasifmyaddedweightwasnothing.Hecircledaroundthestadiumtiers,screechingforhismatetojoinhim.

Heloisehadmoretrouble.Shelumberedhalfwayacrossthearenafloor,flappingherwingsandgrowlingwithdiscomfortbeforegettingairborne.WithCalypsoclingingtoherneckfordearlife,HeloisebeganflyinginatightcirclebehindAbelard.Therewasnowhereforustogo—notwiththenetaboveus—butIhadmoreimmediateproblems.

Megstumbled,barelymanagingtoparryLit’sstrike.HisnextcutslicedacrossMeg’sthigh,rippingherlegging.Theyellowfabricquicklyturnedorangefromtheflowofblood.

Litgrinned.“You’regood,littlesister,butyou’regettingtired.Youdon’thavethestaminatofaceme.”

“Abelard,”Imurmured,“weneedtogetthegirl.Dive!”Thegriffincompliedwithabittoomuchenthusiasm.Ialmostmissedmyshot.Iletmyarrowflynotat

Lityerses,butatthecontrolboxnexttotheemperor’sseat,aimingforaleverIhadnotedearlier:theonethatreadOMNIA—everything.

WHANG!Thearrowhititsmark.Withaseriesofsatisfyingka-chunks,thePlexiglasshieldsdroppedfromalltheenclosures.

Lityerseswastoobusytorealizewhathadhappened.Beingdive-bombedbyagriffintendstofocusone’sattention.Litbackedaway,allowingAbelardtosnatchMegMcCaffreyinhispawsandsoarupwardagain.

Litgapedatusindismay.“Goodtrick,Apollo.Butwherewillyougo?You’re—”That’swhenhewasrunoverbyaherdofarmoredostriches.Theswordsmandisappearedundera

tidalwaveoffeathers,razorwire,andwartypinklegs.AsLityersessquawkedlikeagoose,curlinguptoprotecthimself,thewingedserpents,fire-breathing

horses,andAethiopianBullcameouttojointhefun.“Meg!”Istretchedoutmyarm.WhileprecariouslygrippedinAbelard’spaws,shewilledherswords

toshrinkbackintogoldenrings.Shecaughtmyhand.SomehowImanagedtopullherontoAbelardandseatherinfrontofme.

TheflyingserpentsflutteredtowardHeloise,whosquawkeddefiantlyandbeathermightywings,climbingtowardthenetting.Abelardfollowed.

Myhearthammeredagainstmyribs.Surelywecouldn’tbustthroughthenet.Itwouldbedesignedtowithstandbruteforce,beaks,andclaws.Iimaginedushittingthebarrierandgettingbouncedbacktothearenafloorasifonareversetrampoline.Itseemedanundignifiedwaytodie.

Amomentbeforewewouldhaveslammedintothenet,Calypsothrustupherarms.Shehowledinrageandthenetblastedupward,rippedfromitsmoorings,andwastossedintotheskylikeagianttissueinagale-forcewind.

Freeandunhurt,wesoaredoutofthearena.IstaredatCalypsoinamazement.SheseemedassurprisedasIwas.Thensheslumpedandlistedsideways.Heloisecompensated,shiftingherpitchtokeepthesorceressonboard.Calypso,lookingonlysemiconscious,clungweaklytothegriffin’sfur.

Asourtwonoblesteedsroseintothesky,Iglanceddownatthearena.Themonsterswereengagedinaviciousfree-for-all,butIsawnosignofLityerses.

Megtwistedtofaceme,hermouthsetinaferociousscowl.“Youweresupposedtogo!”ThenshewrappedherarmsaroundmeandhuggedmesotightlyIfeltnewfracturelinesdeveloping

onmyribs.Megsobbed,herfaceburiedinmyshirt,herwholebodyshaking.Asforme,Ididnotweep.No,I’msuremyeyeswerequitedry.Ididnotbawllikeababyinthe

slightest.ThemostIwilladmitisthis:withhertearsmoisteningmyshirt,hercat-eyeglassesdigginguncomfortablyintomychest,hersmellofbakedapples,dirt,andsweatoverwhelmingmynostrils,Iwasquitecontenttobeannoyed,onceagain,byMegMcCaffrey.

TotheWaystationMegMcCaffreyeatsmybreadIcrygodlytears

HELOISEANDABELARDknewwheretogo.TheycircledtheWaystationroofuntilasectionofshinglesslidopen,allowingthegriffinstospiralintothegreathall.

Theylandedontheledge,sidebysideintheirnest,asJosephineandLeoscrambleduptheladderstojoinus.

JosephinethrewherarmsfirstaroundHeloise’sneck,thenAbelard’s.“Oh,mysweethearts!You’realive!”

Thegriffinscooedandleanedagainstheringreeting.JosephinebeamedatMegMcCaffrey.“Welcome!I’mJo.”Megblinked,apparentlynotusedtosuchanenthusiasticgreeting.Calypsohalfclimbed,halftumbledfromHeloise’sback.ShewouldhavetoppledofftheledgeifLeo

hadn’tcaughther.“Whoa,mamacita,”hesaid.“Youokay?”Sheblinkedsleepily.“I’mfine.Don’tfuss.Anddon’tcallme—”ShecrumpledagainstLeo,whostruggledtokeepherupright.Heglaredatme.“Whatdidyoudotoher?”“Notathing!”Iprotested.“IbelieveCalypsomanagedsomemagic.”Iexplainedwhathadhappenedatthezoo:ourencounterwithLityerses,ourescape,andhowthe

arena’snettinghadsuddenlyshotintotheskylikeasquidfromawatercannon(oneofPoseidon’slesssuccessfulprototypeweapons).

Megaddedunhelpfully,“Itwascrazy.”“Lityerses,”Leomuttered.“Ihatethatguy.IsCalgoingtobeokay?”JosephinecheckedCalypso’spulse,thenpressedahandagainstherforehead.SlumpedagainstLeo’s

shoulder,thesorceresssnoredlikearazorbacksow.“She’sblownacircuit,”Josephineannounced.“Blownacircuit?”Leoyelped.“Idon’tlikeblowncircuits!”“Justanexpression,bud,”saidJosephine.“She’soverextendedherselfmagically.Weshouldgether

toEmmieintheinfirmary.Here.”JosephinescoopedupCalypso.Ignoringtheladder,shejumpedofftheledgeandlandedeasilyonthe

floortwentyfeetbelow.Leoscowled.“Icouldhavedonethat.”

HeturnedtoMeg.Nodoubtherecognizedherfrommymanytalesofwoe.Afterall,younggirlsinstoplight-coloredclothingandrhinestonecat-eyeglasseswerenotcommon.

“You’reMegMcCaffrey,”hedecided.“Yep.”“Cool.I’mLeo.And,uh…”Hepointedatme.“Iunderstandyoucan,like,controlthisguy?”Iclearedmythroat.“Wemerelycooperate!I’mnotcontrolledbyanyone.Right,Meg?”“Slapyourself,”Megcommanded.Islappedmyself.Leogrinned.“Oh,thisistoogood.I’mgoingtocheckonCalypso,butlaterweneedtotalk.”Heslid

downtheladderrailings,leavingmewithadeepsenseofforeboding.Thegriffinssettledintotheirnest,cluckingcontentedlytoeachother.Iwasnogriffinmidwife,but

Heloise,thankthegods,seemednoworseforwearafterherflight.IfacedMeg.MycheekstungwhereI’dslappedmyself.MypridehadbeentrampledlikeLityerses

underaherdofcombatostriches.Nevertheless,Ifeltremarkablyhappytoseemyyoungfriend.“Yourescuedme.”ThenIaddedtwowordsthatnevercomeeasilytoagod:“Thankyou.”Meggrippedherelbows.Onhermiddlefingers,hergoldringsglintedwiththecrescentsymbolofher

mother,Demeter.IhadbandagedhercutthighasbestIcouldwhilewewereinflight,butshestilllookedshakyonherfeet.

Ithoughtshemightcryagain,butwhenshemetmyeyes,sheworeherusualwillfulexpression,asifshewereabouttocallmePoopFace,orordermetoplayprincessversusdragonwithher.(Inevergottobetheprincess.)

“Ididn’tdoitforyou,”shesaid.Itriedtoprocessthatmeaninglessphrase.“Thenwhy—”“Thatguy.”Shewavedherfingersoverherface,indicatingLityerses’sscars.“Hewasbad.”“Well,Ican’targuewiththat.”“AndtheoneswhodrovemefromNewYork.”Shemadeherickyexpression.“Marcus.Vortigern.

Theysaidthings,whattheywoulddoinIndianapolis.”Sheshookherhead.“Badthings.”IwonderedifMegknewthatMarcusandVortigernhadbeenbeheadedforlettingherescape.I

decidednottomentionit.IfMegwasreallycurious,shecouldchecktheirFacebookstatusupdates.Nexttous,thegriffinssnuggledinforawell-deservedrest.Theytuckedtheirheadsundertheirwings

andpurred,whichwouldhavebeencuteiftheydidn’tsoundlikechainsaws.“Meg…”Ifaltered.IfeltasifaPlexiglaswalldividedus,thoughIwasn’tsurewhomitwasprotectingfromwhom.I

wantedtosaysomanythingstoher,butIwasn’tsurehow.Isummonedmycourage.“Iamgoingtotry.”Megstudiedmewarily.“Trywhat?”“Totellyou…howIfeel.Tocleartheair.StopmeifIsaysomethingwrong,butIthinkit’sobvious

westillneedeachother.”Shedidn’trespond.“Idon’tblameyouforanything,”Icontinued.“ThefactthatyouleftmealoneintheGroveofDodona,

thatyouliedaboutyourstepfather—”“Stop.”IwaitedforherfaithfulservantPeachesthekarpostofallfromtheheavensandtearmyscalpoff.It

didn’thappen.“WhatImean,”Itriedagain,“isthatIamsorryforeverythingyouhavebeenthrough.Noneofitwas

yourfault.Youshouldnotblameyourself.ThatfiendNeroplayedwithyouremotions,twistedyourthoughts—”

“Stop.”“PerhapsIcouldputmyfeelingsintoasong.”“Stop.”“OrIcouldtellyouastoryaboutasimilarthingthatoncehappenedtome.”“Stop.”“Ashortriffonmyukulele?”“Stop.”Thistime,though,IdetectedthefaintesthintofasmiletuggingatthecornerofMeg’smouth.“Canweatleastagreetoworktogether?”Iasked.“Theemperorinthiscityissearchingforusboth.

Ifwedon’tstophim,hewilldomanymorebadthings.”Megraisedherleftshouldertoherear.“Okay.”Agentlecracklingsoundcamefromthegriffin’snest.Greenshootsweresproutingfromthedryhay,

perhapsasignofMeg’simprovingmood.IrememberedCleander’swordsinmynightmare:Youshouldhaverealizedhowpowerfulsheis

becoming.Meghadsomehowtrackedmetothezoo.She’dcausedivytogrowuntilitcollapsedaroof.She’dmadebambooplantsswallowasquadofGermani.She’deventeleportedawayfromherescortsinDaytonusingaclumpofdandelions.FewchildrenofDemeterhadeverhadsuchabilities.

Still,IwasundernoillusionsthatMegandIcouldskipawayfromherearminarm,ourproblemsforgotten.Soonerorlater,shewouldhavetoconfrontNeroagain.Herloyaltieswouldbetested,herfearsplayedupon.Icouldnotfreeherofherpast,evenwiththebestsongorukuleleriff.

Megrubbedhernose.“Isthereanyfood?”Ihadn’trealizedhowtenseI’dbeenuntilIrelaxed.IfMegwasthinkingoffood,wewerebackonthe

pathtonormalcy.“Thereisfood.”Iloweredmyvoice.“Mindyou,it’snotasgoodasSallyJackson’sseven-layerdip,

butEmmie’sfresh-bakedbreadandhomemadecheesearequiteacceptable.”Behindme,avoicesaiddrily,“Sogladyouapprove.”Iturned.Atthetopoftheladder,Emmiewasglaringgriffinclawsatme.“LadyBritomartisisdownstairs.She

wantstotalktoyou.”

Thegoddessdidnotsaythankyou.Shedidnotshowermewithpraise,offermeakiss,orevengivemeafreemagicnet.

Britomartissimplywavedtoseatsacrossthedinnertableandsaid,“Sit.”Shewasdressedinagauzyblackdressoverafishnetbodysuit,alookthatremindedmeofStevie

Nicks,circa1981.(Wedidafabulousdueton“StopDraggin’MyHeartAround.”Igotzerocreditonthealbum,though.)Sheproppedherleatherbootsonthediningtableasifsheownedtheplace,whichIguessshedid,andtwirledherauburnbraidbetweenherfingers.

Icheckedmyseat,thenMeg’s,foranyspring-activatedexplosivedevices,butwithoutLeo’sexperteye,Icouldn’tbesure.Myonlyhope:Britomartislookeddistracted,perhapstoodistractedforherusualfunandgames.Isat.Happily,mygloutosdidnotexplode.

Asimplemealhadbeenlaidout:moresalad,bread,andcheese.Ihadn’trealizeditwaslunchtime,butwhenIsawthefood,mystomachgrowled.Ireachedfortheloafofbread.EmmiepulleditawayandgaveittoMeg.

Emmiesmiledsweetly.“Apollo,Iwouldn’twantyoutoeatanythingthat’sonlyacceptable.There’splentyofsalad,though.”

Istaredmiserablyatthebowloflettuceandcucumbers.Meggrabbedtheentirebreadloafandrippedoffachunk,chewingitwithgusto.Well…Isaychewing.Megstuffedsomuchintohermouthitwas

difficulttoknowifherteetheverconnected.Britomartislacedherfingersinfrontofher.Eventhatsimplegesturelookedlikeanelaboratesnare.

“Emmie,”shesaid,“howisthesorceress?”“Restingcomfortably,mylady,”saidEmmie.“LeoandJosephinearelookinginonher—Ah,here

theyarenow.”JosephineandLeostrodetowardthediningtable,Leo’sarmsspreadliketheRiodeJaneiroChrist

statue.“Youcanallrelax!”heannounced.“Calypsoisokay!”Thenetgoddessgruntedasifdisappointed.Athoughtstruckme.IfrownedatBritomartis.“Thenetoverthearena.Netsareyourdepartment.You

helpedblastitaway,didn’tyou?Calypsocouldn’thavedonethatmagicbyherself.”Britomartissmirked.“Imayhavejump-startedherpowerabit.She’llbemoreusefultomeifshecan

masterheroldabilities.”Leodroppedhisarms.“Butyoucould’vekilledher!”Thegoddessshrugged.“Probablynot,butit’shardtosay.Trickystuff,magic.Youneverknowwhen

orhowit’sgoingtocomeout.”Shespokewithdistaste,asifmagicweresomepoorlycontrolledbodilyfunction.

Leo’searsbegantosmoke.Hesteppedtowardthegoddess.Josephinegrabbedhisarm.“Letitgo,bud.BetweenEmmieandme,wecantakecareofyourgirl.”LeowaggedafingeratBritomartis.“You’reluckytheseladiesaresuchbosses.Johere,shetoldme

thatwithenoughtimeandtrainingshecouldprobablyhelpCalypsogethermagicbackalltheway.”Josephineshifted,herwrenchesclinkinginthepocketsofhercoveralls.“Leo—”“Didyouknowshewasagangster?”Hegrinnedatme.“JoknewAlCapone!Shehadthissecret

identityand—”“Leo!”Heflinched.“Which…isn’tmyplacetotalkabout.Oh,look,food.”Hetookaseatandbegancuttingthecheese.Britomartispressedherhandsagainstthetable.“Butenoughaboutthesorceress.Apollo,Imustadmit

youdidmoderatelywellretrievingmygriffins.”“Moderatelywell?”Ibitbackafewnastycomments.Iwonderedifdemigodseverfelttheneedto

restrainthemselveswhenfacingungratefulgodslikethis.No.Surelynot.Iwasspecialanddifferent.AndIdeservedbettertreatment.

“Sogladyouapprove,”Imuttered.Britomartis’ssmilewasthinandcruel.Iimaginednetswrappingaroundmyfeet,constrictingtheflow

ofbloodinmyankles.“Aspromised,Iwillnowrewardyou.I’llgiveyouinformationthatwillleadyoudirectlytothepalaceoftheemperor,whereyou’lleithermakeusproud…orbeexecutedinsomehorriblebutcreativefashion.”

MydearCommodus,CommodeisnamedafteryouHail,ToiletCaesar

WHYDIDPEOPLEkeepruiningmymeals?Firsttheyservedmefood.ThentheyexplainedhowIwaslikelytodieinthenearfuture.Ilongedto

bebackonMountOlympus,whereIcouldworryaboutmoreinterestingthings,likehottrendsintechno-pop,bumper-carpoetryslams,andlayingwastetonaughtycommunitieswithmyarrowsofvengeance.OnethingI’dlearnedfrombeingmortal:contemplatingdeathismuchmorefunwhenyou’recontemplatingsomeoneelse’s.

BeforeBritomartiswouldgiveusour“reward,”sheinsistedonabriefingfromJosephineandEmmie,whohadspentallday,withLeo’shelp,preparingtheWaystationforasiege.

“Thisguy’sgood.”JosephinepunchedLeo’sarmaffectionately.“ThethingsheknowsaboutArchimedesspheres…reallyimpressive.”

“Spheres?”Megasked.“Yeah,”Leosaid.“They’retheseroundthings.”“Shutup.”Megwentbacktoinhalingcarbohydrates.“Weresetallthecrossbowturrets,”Jocontinued.“Primedthecatapults.Closedallexitsandput

Waystationontwenty-four-hour-surveillancemode.Ifanyonetriestogetin,we’llknow.”“Theywilltry,”Britomartispromised.“It’sonlyamatteroftime.”Iraisedmyhand.“And,uh,Festus?”Ihopedthewistfulnessinmyvoicewasnottooobvious.Ididn’twanttheotherstothinkIwasready

toflyoffonourbronzedragonandleavetheWaystationtosortoutitsownproblems.(ThoughIwasreadytodoexactlythat.)

Emmieshookherhead.“Iscoutedthestatehousegroundslatelastnight,andagainthismorning.Nothing.Theblemmyaemusthavetakenyourbronzesuitcasetothepalace.”

Leoclickedhistongue.“IbetLityerseshasit.WhenIgetmyhandsonthatcrust-suckingCornhusker—”

“Whichbringsustothepoint,”Isaid.“HowdoesLeo—Imean,howdowefindthepalace?”Britomartisslidherfeetoffthetable.Shesatforward.“Themaingatestotheemperor’spalaceare

undertheSoldiers’andSailors’Monument.”Josephinegrunted.“Should’veknown.”“Why?”Iasked.“Whatisthat?”Josephinerolledhereyes.“Ahugedecoratedcolumnthinginthemiddleofaplaza,afewblocks

northofhere.Justthekindofostentatious,over-the-topedificeyou’dexpecttheemperortohaveforhisentrance.”

“It’sthebiggestmonumentinthecity,”Emmieadded.Itriedtocontainmybitterness.Soldiersandsailorswereallverywell,butifyourcity’sbiggest

monumentisnottoApollo,I’msorry,you’redoingsomethingwrong.“Isupposethepalaceisheavilyguarded?”

Britomartislaughed.“Evenbymystandards,themonumentisadeathtrap.Machinegunturrets.Lasers.Monsters.Attemptingthefrontdoorwithoutaninvitationwouldhavedireconsequences.”

Megswallowedachunkofbread,somehowmanagingnottochoke.“Theemperorwouldletusin.”“Well,true,”Britomartisagreed.“He’dloveforyouandApollotoknockonhisfrontdoorandgive

yourselvesup.ButIonlymentionthemainentrancebecauseyoushouldavoiditatallcosts.Ifyouwanttogetinsidethepalacewithoutbeingapprehendedandtorturedtodeath,there’sanotherpossibility.”

Leobitacheesesliceintotheshapeofasmile.Heheldituptohismouth.“Leoishappywhenhe’snotbeingtorturedtodeath.”

Megsnorted.Agobofbreadshotoutofherrightnostril,butshedidn’thavethedecencytolookembarrassed.IcouldtellLeoandMegwerenotgoingtobehealthyinfluencesoneachother.

“Then,togetinside,”saidthegoddess,“youmustusethewaterworks.”“Theplumbingsystem,”Iguessed.“Inmyvisionoftheemperor’sthroneroom,Isawopentrenchesof

flowingwater.Youknowhowtoaccessthem?”Britomartiswinkedatme.“You’renotstillafraidofwater,Ihope?”“Ihaveneverbeenafraidofwater!”MyvoicecameoutshrillerthanIintended.“Hmm,”Britomartismused.“ThenwhydidtheGreeksalwayspraytoyouforasafelanding

whenevertheywereindangerouswaters?”“B-becausemymotherwasstuckinaboatwhenshewastryingtogivebirthtomeandArtemis!Ican

appreciatewantingtobeonsolidground!”“Andthoserumorsyoucan’tswim?IrememberatTriton’spoolparty—”“Icantotallyswim!JustbecauseIdidn’twanttoplayMarcoPolowithyouinthedeependwith

contactmines—”“Hey,goddypeople,”Meginterrupted.“Thewaterworks?”“Right!”ForonceIwasrelievedatMeg’slackofpatience.“Britomartis,howdoweaccessthe

throneroom?”BritomartisnarrowedhereyesatMeg.“Goddypeople?”Sheseemedtobeponderinghow

McCaffreywouldlookwrappedinalead-weightedhooknetanddroppedintotheMarianaTrench.“Well,MissMcCaffrey,toaccesstheemperor’swatersystem,you’llneedtosearchthecity’sCanalWalk.”

“What’sthat?”Megasked.Emmiepattedherhand.“Icanshowyou.It’sanoldcanalthatrunsthroughdowntown.They

refurbishedthearea,builtabunchofnewapartmentsandrestaurantsandwhatnot.”Leopoppedhischeesesmileintohismouth.“Ilovewhatnot.”Britomartissmiled.“That’sfortunate,LeoValdez.Becauseyourskillswillberequiredtofindthe

entrance,disarmthetraps,andwhatnot.”“Holdup.Findtheentrance?Ithoughtyou’dtelluswhereitwas.”“Ijustdid,”saidthegoddess.“Somewherealongthecanal.Lookforagrate.You’llknowitwhenyou

seeit.”“Uh-huh.Andit’llbebooby-trapped.”“Ofcourse!Butnotnearlyasmuchasthefortress’smainentrance.AndApollowillhavetoovercome

hisfearofwater.”“Idon’thaveafear—”

“Shutup,”Megtoldme,causingmyvocalcordstosolidifylikecoldcement.ShepointedacarrotatLeo.“Ifwefindthegrate,canyougetusin?”

Leo’sexpressionmadehimlookasseriousanddangerousasitwaspossibleforasmallelfindemigodtolookinalittlegirl’scoveralls(acleanpair,mindyou,whichhe’dintentionallyfoundandputon).“I’masonofHephaestus,chica.Icanproblem-solve.ThisguyLityersestriedtokillmeandmyfriendsoncebefore.Nowhe’sthreatenedCalypso?Yeah,I’llgetusinsidethatpalace.ThenI’mgoingtofindLitand…”

“Lighthimup?”Isuggested,surprisedbutpleasedtofindIcouldspeakagainsosoonafterbeingtoldtoshutup.“Sohe’sliterallylit?”

Leofrowned.“Iwasn’tgoingtosaythat.Seemedtoocorny.”“WhenIsayit,”Iassuredhim,“it’spoetry.”“Well.”Britomartisrose,fishhooksandweightsclinkinginherdress.“WhenApollostartstalking

poetry,that’smycuetoleave.”“IwishI’dknownthatsooner,”Isaid.Sheblewmeanair-kiss.“YourfriendCalypsoshouldremainhere.Josephine,seeifyoucanhelpher

regaincontroloverhermagic.She’llneeditforthecomingbattle.”Josephinedrummedherfingersonthetable.“BeenalongtimesinceI’vetrainedanyoneintheways

ofHecate,butI’lldomybest.”“Emmie,”thegoddesscontinued,“youwatchaftermygriffins.Heloisecouldlayhereggatany

moment.”Emmie’sscalpturnedcrimsonalonghersilverhairline.“WhataboutGeorgina?You’vegivenusa

wayintotheemperor’spalace.Nowyouexpectustostayhereratherthangofreeourgirl?”Britomartisraisedahandincaution,asiftosay,You’reveryclosetotheBurmesetigerpit,mydear.

“TrustMeg,Leo,andApollo.Thisistheirtask:tofindandfreethecaptives,toretrievetheThroneofMnemosyne—”

“AndgetFestus,”Leoadded.“AndespeciallyGeorgina,”Joadded.“Wecanpickupsomegroceries,too,”Leooffered.“Inoticedyou’relowonhotsauce.”Britomartischosenottodestroyhim,thoughfromherexpressionIcouldtellshecameclose.

“Tomorrowatfirstlight,searchfortheentrance.”“Whynotearlier?”Megasked.Thegoddesssmirked.“You’refearless.Irespectthat.Butyoumustberestedandpreparedtomeetthe

emperor’sforces.Youneedthatlegwoundtendedto.Ialsosuspectit’sbeenmanynightssinceyou’vehadapropersleep.Besides,theincidentatthezoohastheemperor’ssecurityonhighalert.Besttoletthedustsettle.Ifhecatchesyou,MegMcCaffrey—”

“Iknow.”Shedidnotsoundafraid.Hertonewasthatofachildwho’dbeenremindedforthefifthtimetocleanherroom.TheonlysignofMeg’sanxiety:inherhand,herlastpieceofbreadhadbeguntosproutgreentendrilsofwheat.

“Inthemeantime,”Britomartissaid,“IwilltrytolocatetheHuntersofArtemis.Theywereintheareaonaquestnotlongago.Perhapstheyarestillcloseenoughtocomehelpdefendthisplace.”

Ahystericalgiggleescapedmymouth.Theideaoftwentyorthirtyothercompetentarchersatmyside,eveniftheywereswornmaidenswithnosenseofhumor,mademefeelmuchsafer.“Thatwouldbegood.”

“Butifnot,”saidthegoddess,“youmustbepreparedtofightonyourown.”“Thatwouldbetypical.”Isighed.“Andremember,theemperor’snamingceremonyisthedayaftertomorrow.”“Thankyousomuch,”Isaid.“Ineededthereminder.”

“Oh,don’tlooksoglum,Apollo!”Britomartisgavemeonelastflirtatious,irritatinglycutesmile.“Ifyoucomeoutalive,we’llcatchamovietogether.Ipromise.”

Hergauzyblackdressswirledaroundherinatornadoofnetting.Thenshewasgone.Megturnedtome.“Namingceremony?”“Yes.”Istaredatherfurrygreenpieceofbread,wonderingifitwasstilledible.“Theemperoris

quitethemegalomaniac.Ashedidinancienttimes,heplanstorenamethiscapitalcityafterhimself.Probablyhe’llrenamethestate,theinhabitants,andthemonthsoftheyeartoo.”

Megsnorted.“CommodeCity?”Leogaveheratentativesmile.“Whatnow?”“Hisnameis—”“Don’t,Meg,”Josephinewarned.“—Commodus,”Megcontinued,thenfrowned.“WhyamInotsupposedtosayhisname?”“Hepaysattentiontosuchthings,”Iexplained.“There’snopointinlettinghimknowwearetalking

about—”Megtookadeepbreathandyelled,“COMMODUS,COMMODUS,COMMODUS!COMMODE

CITY,COMMODIANA.COMMODEDAY,MONTHOFCOMMODES!COMMODEMAN!”ThegreathallshookasiftheWaystationitselfhadtakenoffense.Emmieblanched.Upintheirroost,

thegriffinscluckednervously.Josephinegrumbled,“Youshouldn’thavedonethat,hon.”Leojustshrugged.“Well,ifCommodeManwasn’twatchingthischannelbefore,Ithinkheisnow.”“That’sdumb,”Megsaid.“Don’ttreathimlikehe’ssopowerful.Mystepfather—”Hervoicecaught.

“He—hesaidCommodusistheweakestofthethree.Wecantakehim.”HerwordsstruckmeinthegutlikeoneofArtemis’sbluntedarrows.(AndIcanassureyou,those

hurt.)Wecantakehim.Thenameofmyoldfriend,shoutedoverandover.Istaggeredtomyfeet,gagging,mytonguetryingtodislodgeitselffrommythroat.“Whoa,Apollo.”Leorushedtomyside.“Youokay?”“I—”Anotherdryretch.Istaggeredtowardthenearestbathroomasavisionengulfedme…bringing

mebacktothedayIcommittedmurder.

CallmeNarcissusTodayI’llbeyourtrainerI’llalsokillyou

IKNOWWHATYOUarethinking.But,Apollo!Youaredivine!Youcannotcommitmurder.Anydeathyoucauseisthewillofthegodsandentirelybeyondreproach.Itwouldbeanhonorifyoukilledme!

Ilikethewayyouthink,goodreader.It’strueIhadlaidwastetowholecitieswithmyfieryarrows.Ihadinflictedcountlessplaguesuponhumanity.OnceArtemisandIslewafamilyoftwelvebecausetheirmamasaidsomethingbadaboutourmama.Thenerve!

NoneofthatdidIconsidermurder.ButasIstumbledtothebathroom,readytovomitintoatoiletIhadcleanedjustyesterday,dreadful

memoriesconsumedme.IfoundmyselfinancientRomeonacoldwinterdaywhenItrulydidcommitaterribleact.

Abitterwindsweptthroughthepalacehalls.Firesgutteredinthebraziers.Thefacesofthepraetorianguardsbetrayednosignofdiscomfort,butasIpassedthemateverydoorway,Icouldheartheirarmorclatteringastheyshivered.

NoonechallengedmeasIstrodetowardtheemperor’sprivatechambers.Whywouldthey?IwasNarcissus,Caesar’strustedpersonaltrainer.

TonightIworemymortaldisguisepoorly.Mystomachchurned.Sweattrickleddownthebackofmyneck.Theshockofthatday’sgamesstilloverwhelmedmysenses:thestenchofcarcassesonthearenafloor;thebloodthirstycrowdshouting,“COMMODUS!COMMODUS!”;theemperorinresplendentgoldenarmorandpurplerobes,tossingtheseveredheadsofostrichesintotheseatsofthesenators,gesturingtowardtheoldmenwiththepointofhissword:You’renext.

ThepraetorianprefectLaetushadpulledmeasideonlyanhourago:Wefailedatlunch.Thisisourlastchance.Wecantakehim,butonlywithyourhelp.

Marcia,Commodus’smistress,hadweptasshetuggedatmyarm.Hewillkillusall.HewilldestroyRome.Youknowwhatmustbedone!

Theywereright.I’dseenthelistofnames—theenemiesrealorimaginedwhomCommodusintendedtoexecutetomorrow.MarciaandLaetuswereatthetopofthelist,followedbysenators,noblemen,andseveralpriestsinthetempleofApolloSosianus.ThatsortofthingIcouldn’toverlook.Commoduswouldchopthemdownascarelesslyashedidhisostrichesandlions.

Ipushedopenthebronzedoorsoftheemperor’schambers.Fromtheshadows,Commodusbellowed,“GOAWAY!”Abronzepitchersailedpastmyhead,slammingintothewallwithsuchforceitcrackedthemosaic

tiles.“Hellotoyou,too,”Isaid.“Ineverdidlikethatfresco.”Theemperorblinked,tryingtofocus.“Ah…it’syou,Narcissus.Comein,then.Hurry!Barthedoors!”Ididasheasked.Commoduskneltonthefloor,clingingtothesideofasofaforsupport.Intheopulenceofthe

bedchamberwithitssilkcurtains,gildedfurniture,andcolorfullyfrescoedwalls,theemperorlookedoutofplace—likeabeggarpulledfromsomeSuburraalley.Hiseyeswerewild.Hisbeardglistenedwithspittle.Vomitandbloodspatteredhisplainwhitetunic,whichwasn’tsurprisingconsideringhismistressandprefecthadpoisonedhiswineatlunch.

Butifyoucouldlookpastthat,Commodushadn’tchangedmuchsincehewaseighteen,lounginginhiscampaigntentintheDanubianForest.Hewasthirty-onenow,buttheyearshadbarelytouchedhim.TothehorrorofRome’sfashionistas,hehadgrownhishairoutlongandhadashaggybeardtoresemblehisidol,Hercules.OtherwisehewasthepictureofmanlyRomanperfection.Onemightalmosthavethoughthewasanimmortalgod,ashesooftenclaimedtobe.

“Theytriedtokillme,”hesnarled.“Iknowitwasthem!Iwon’tdie.I’llshowthemall!”Myheartachedtoseehimthisway.Onlyyesterday,I’dbeensohopeful.We’dpracticedfightingtechniquesallafternoon.Strongandconfident,he’dwrestledmetotheground

andwouldhavebrokenmyneckifI’dbeenaregularmortal.Afterheletmeup,we’dspenttherestofthedaylaughingandtalkingasweusedtointheolddays.Notthatheknewmytrueidentity,butstill…disguisedasNarcissus,IwassureIcouldrestoretheemperor’sgoodhumor,eventuallyrekindletheembersofthegloriousyoungmanI’donceknown.

Andyetthismorning,he’dwokenupmorebloodthirstyandmanicthanever.Iapproachedcautiously,asifhewereawoundedanimal.“Youwon’tdiefromthepoison.You’re

muchtoostrongforthat.”“Exactly!”Hepulledhimselfuponthecouch,hisknuckleswhitewitheffort.“I’llfeelbetter

tomorrow,assoonasIbeheadthosetraitors!”“Perhapsitwouldbebettertorestforafewdays,”Isuggested.“Takesometimetorecuperateand

reflect.”“REFLECT?”Hewincedfromthepain.“Idon’tneedtoreflect,Narcissus.Iwillkillthemandhire

newadvisors.You,perhaps?Youwantthejob?”Ididnotknowwhethertolaughorcry.WhileCommodusconcentratedonhisbelovedgames,he

turnedthepowersofstateovertoprefectsandcronies…allofwhomtendedtohaveaveryshortlifeexpectancy.

“I’mjustapersonaltrainer,”Isaid.“Whocares?Iwillmakeyouanobleman!YouwillruleCommodiana!”Iflinchedatthename.Outsidethepalace,nooneacceptedtheemperor’srechristeningofRome.The

citizensrefusedtocallthemselvesCommodians.ThelegionswerefuriousthattheywerenowknownasCommodianae.Commodus’scrazyproclamationshadbeenthefinalstrawforhislong-sufferingadvisors.

“Please,Caesar,”Iimploredhim.“Arestfromtheexecutionsandthegames.Timetoheal.Timetoconsidertheconsequences.”

Hebaredhisteeth,hislipsspeckedwithblood.“Don’tyoustarttoo!Yousoundlikemyfather.I’mdonethinkingaboutconsequences!”

Myspiritscollapsed.Iknewwhatwouldhappeninthecomingdays.Commoduswouldsurvivethepoisoning.Hewouldorderaruthlesspurgeofhisenemies.Thecitywouldbedecoratedwithheadsonpikes.CrucifixionswouldlinetheViaAppia.Mypriestswoulddie.Halfthesenatewouldperish.Romeitself,thebastionoftheOlympiangods,wouldbeshakentoitscore.AndCommoduswouldstillbeassassinated…justafewweeksormonthslater,insomeotherfashion.

Iinclinedmyheadinsubmission.“Ofcourse,Caesar.MayIdrawyouabath?”Commodusgruntedassent.“Ishouldgetoutofthesefilthyclothes.”AsIoftendidforhimafterourworkoutsessions,Ifilledhisgreatmarblebathwithsteamingrose-

scentedwater.Ihelpedhimoutofhissoiledtunicandeasedhimintothetub.Foramoment,herelaxedandclosedhiseyes.

Irecalledhowhelookedsleepingbesidemewhenwewereteens.Irememberedhiseasylaughasweracedthroughthewoods,andthewayhisfacescrunchedupadorablywhenIbouncedgrapesoffhisnose.

Ispongedawaythespittleandbloodfromhisbeard.Igentlywashedhisface.ThenIclosedmyhandsaroundhisneck.“I’msorry.”

Ipushedhisheadunderwaterandbegantosqueeze.Commoduswasstrong.Eveninhisweakenedstate,hethrashedandfought.Ihadtochannelmygodly

mighttokeephimsubmerged,andindoingso,Imusthaverevealedmytruenaturetohim.Hewentstill,hisblueeyeswidewithsurpriseandbetrayal.Hecouldnotspeak,buthemouthedthe

words:You.Blessed.Me.Theaccusationforcedasobfrommythroat.Thedayhisfatherdied,IhadpromisedCommodus:You

willalwayshavemyblessings.NowIwasendinghisreign.Iwasinterferinginmortalaffairs—notjusttosavelives,ortosaveRome,butbecauseIcouldnotstandtoseemybeautifulCommodusdiebyanyoneelse’shands.

Hislastbreathbubbledthroughthewhiskersofhisbeard.Ihunchedoverhim,crying,myhandsaroundhisthroat,untilthebathwatercooled.

Britomartiswaswrong.Ididn’tfearwater.Isimplycouldn’tlookatthesurfaceofanypoolwithoutimaginingCommodus’sface,stungwithbetrayal,staringupatme.

Thevisionfaded.Mystomachheaved.Ifoundmyselfhunchedoveradifferentwaterbasin—atoiletintheWaystation.

I’mnotsurehowlongIkneltthere,shivering,retching,wishingIcouldgetridofmyhideousmortalframeaseasilyasIlostmystomachcontents.Finally,Ibecameawareofanorangereflectioninthetoiletwater.Agamethusstoodbehindme,holdinghisMagic8Ball.

Iwhimperedinprotest.“MustyousneakuponmewhileI’mvomiting?”Theheadlessghostprofferedhismagicsphere.“Sometoiletpaperwouldbemorehelpful,”Isaid.Agamethusreachedfortheroll,buthisetherealfingerswentrightthroughthetissue.Oddthathecould

holdaMagic8Ballandnotarolloftoiletpaper.Perhapsourhostshadnotsprungfortheextra-softtwo-plyghost-friendlyCharmin.

Itooktheball.Withoutmuchconviction,Iasked,“Whatdoyouwant,Agamethus?”Theanswerfloatedupthroughthedarkliquid:WECANNOTREMAIN.Igroaned.“Notanotherwarningofdoom.Who’swe?Remainwhere?”Ishooktheballoncemore.ItprovidedtheanswerOUTLOOKNOTSOGOOD.IputtheMagic8BallbackinAgamethus’shands,whichwaslikepressingagainstthewindfroma

movingvehicle.“Ican’tplayguessinggamesrightnow.”Hedidnothaveaface,buthispostureseemedforlorn.Thebloodfromhisseverednecktrickled

sluggishlydownhistunic.IimaginedTrophonius’sheadtransposedonhisbody—myson’sagonizedvoicecryingtotheheavens,Takemeinstead!Savehim,Father,please!

ThisblendedwiththefaceofCommodus,staringatme,woundedandbetrayedashiscarotidpulsehammeredagainstmyhands.You.Blessed.Me.

Isobbedandhuggedthecommode—theonlythingintheuniversethatwasn’tspinning.WasthereanyoneIhadn’tbetrayedanddisappointed?AnyrelationshipIhadn’tdestroyed?

Afteramiserableeternityinmyprivatetoilet-verse,avoicespokebehindme.“Hey.”

Iblinkedawaymytears.Agamethuswasgone.Inhisplace,leaningagainstthesink,wasJosephine.Sheofferedmeafreshrolloftoiletpaper.

Isniffledweakly.“Areyousupposedtobeinthemen’sroom?”Shelaughed.“Wouldn’tbethefirsttime,butourbathroomsaregenderneutralhere.”Iwipedmyfaceandclothes.Ididn’taccomplishmuchbeyondtoilet-paperingmyself.Josephinehelpedmeintoasittingpositiononthetoilet.Sheassuredmethiswasbetterthanhugging

it,thoughatthemomentIsawlittledifference.“Whathappenedtoyou?”sheasked.Nothavinganyconcernsaboutmydignity,Itoldher.Josephinepulledaclothfromhercoverallpocket.Shewetitatthesinkandbegancleaningthesides

ofmyface,gettingtheplacesI’dmissed.ShetreatedmeasifIwereherseven-year-oldGeorgie,oroneofhermechanicalcrossbowturrets—somethingpreciousbuthighmaintenance.“I’mnotgoingtojudgeyou,Sunny.I’vedoneafewbadthingsinmytime.”

Istudiedhersquare-jawedface,themetallicsheenofhergrayhairagainstherdarkskin.Sheseemedsogentleandaffable,thesamewayIthoughtofFestusthedragon,yetattimesIhadtostepbackandremember,Oh,right,thisisagiantfire-breathingdeathmachine.

“Leomentionedgangsters,”Irecalled.“AlCapone?”Josephinesmirked.“Yep,Al.AndDiamondJoe.AndPapaJohnny.Iknew’emall.IwasAl’s—what

wouldyoucallit?—liaisontotheAfricanAmericanbootleggers.”Despitemydourmood,Icouldn’thelpfeelingasparkoffascination.TheJazzAgehadbeenoneof

myfavoritesbecause…well,jazz.“Forawomaninthe1920s,that’simpressive.”“Thethingis,”Josaid,“theyneverknewIwasawoman.”IhadasuddenimageofJosephineinblackleathershoeswithspats,apinstripesuit,adiamond-

studdedtiepin,andablackfedora,hersubmachinegun,LittleBertha,proppedagainsthershoulder.“Isee.”

“TheycalledmeBigJo.”Shegazedatthewall.Perhapsitwasjustmystateofmind,butIimaginedherasCommodus,throwingapitchersoharditcrackedthetiles.“Thatlifestyle…itwasintoxicating,dangerous.Ittookmetoadarkplace,almostdestroyedme.ThenArtemisfoundmeandofferedmeawayout.”

IrememberedHemitheaandhersisterParthenoslaunchingthemselvesoveracliff,inatimewhenwomen’slivesweremoreexpendablethanjarsofwine.“Mysisterhassavedmanyyoungwomenfromhorriblesituations.”

“Yes,shehas.”Josmiledwistfully.“AndthenEmmiesavedmylifeagain.”“Youtwocouldstillbeimmortal,”Igrumbled.“Youcouldhaveyouth,power,eternallife—”“Wecould,”Josephineagreed.“Butthenwewouldn’thavehadthepastfewdecadesofgrowingold

together.We’vehadagoodlifehere.We’vesavedalotofdemigodsandotheroutcasts—raisedthemattheWaystation,letthemgotoschoolandhaveamoreorlessnormalchildhood,thensentthemoutintotheworldasadultswiththeskillstheyneededtosurvive.”

Ishookmyhead.“Idon’tunderstand.There’snocomparisonbetweenthatandimmortality.”Josephineshrugged.“It’sokayifyoudon’tgetit.ButIwantyoutoknow,Emmiedidn’tgiveupyour

divinegiftlightly.Aftersixty-oddyearstogetherwiththeHunters,wediscoveredsomething.It’snothowlongyoulivethatmatters.It’swhatyoulivefor.”

Ifrowned.Thatwasaveryungodlywayofthinking—asifyoucouldhaveimmortalityormeaning,butnotboth.

“Whyareyoutellingmethis?”Iasked.“AreyoutryingtoconvincemethatIshouldstayas…asthisabomination?”Igesturedatmypatheticmortalbody.

“I’mnottellingyouwhattodo.Butthosefolksoutthere—Leo,Calypso,Meg—theyneedyou.

They’recountingonyou.EmmieandIare,too,togetourdaughterback.Youdon’thavetobeagod.Justdoyourbestforyourfriends.”

“Ugh.”Jochuckled.“Onceuponatime,thatkindoftalkwould’vemademethrowuptoo.Ithoughtfriendship

wasatrap.Lifewaseverywomanforherself.ButwhenIjoinedtheHunters,LadyBritomartistoldmesomething.Youknowhowshefirstbecameagoddess?”

Ithoughtforamoment.“Shewasayoungmaiden,runningtoescapethekingofCrete.Tohide,shejumpedinafishingnetintheharbor,didn’tshe?Insteadofdrowning,shewastransformed.”

“Right.”Jointertwinedherfingerslikeacat’scradle.“Netscanbetraps.Buttheycanalsobesafetynets.Youjusthavetoknowwhentojumpin.”

Istaredather.Iwaitedforamomentofrevelationwheneverythingwouldmakesenseandmyspiritswouldbelifted.

“Sorry,”Isaidatlast.“Ihavenoideawhatthatmeans.”“That’sokay.”Sheofferedmeahand.“Let’sgetyououtofhere.”“Yes,”Iagreed.“I’dlikeagoodlongsleepbeforeourtriptomorrow.”Jogrinnedheraffablekillingmachinesmile.“Oh,no.Nosleepyet.You’vegotafternoonchores,my

friend.”

PedalinginstyleLegironsarefashionableCuethescreaminggod

ATLEASTIDIDN’Thavetocleantoilets.Ispenttheafternooninthegriffinroost,playingmusicforHeloisetokeephercalmwhileshelaidher

egg.SheenjoyedAdeleandJoniMitchell,whichstrainedmyhumanvocalcordsconsiderably,butshehadnouseformyimpersonationofElvisPresley.Griffinmusicaltastesareamystery.

Once,IspottedCalypsoandLeodowninthegreathall,walkingwithEmmie,thethreeofthemdeepinconversation.SeveraltimesIsawAgamethusfloatthroughthehall,wringinghishands.ItriednottothinkabouthisMagic8Ballmessage:WECANNOTREMAIN,whichwasneithercheerfulnorhelpfulwhenonewastryingtoprovideegg-layingmoodmusic.

Aboutanhourintomysecondset,Joresumedthemanufactureofhertrackingdeviceintheworkshop,whichnecessitatedmefindingtunesthatwentwellwiththesoundofaweldingtorch.Fortunately,HeloiseenjoyedPattiSmith.

TheonlypersonIdidn’tseeduringtheafternoonwasMeg.Iassumedshewasontheroof,makingthegardengrowatfivetimesitsnormalrate.OccasionallyIglancedup,wonderingwhentheroofmightcollapseandburymeinrutabagas.

Bydinnertime,myfingerswereblisteredfromplayingmycombatukulele.MythroatfeltlikeDeathValley.However,Heloisewascluckingcontentedlyontopofhernewlylaidegg.

Ifeltsurprisinglybetter.Musicandhealing,afterall,werenotsodifferent.IwonderedifJohadsentmetotheroostformyowngoodaswellasHeloise’s.ThoseWaystationwomenweretricky.

ThatnightIsleptlikethedead—theactualdead,nottherestless,headless,glowingorangevariety.Byfirstlight,armedwithEmmie’sdirectionstotheCanalWalk,Meg,Leo,andIwerereadytonavigatethestreetsofIndianapolis.

Beforeweleft,Josephinepulledmeaside.“WishIwasgoingwithyou,Sunny.I’lldomybesttotrainyourfriendCalypsothismorning,seeifshecanregaincontroloverhermagic.Whileyou’regone,I’llfeelbetterifyouwearthis.”

Shehandedmeanironshackle.Istudiedherface,butshedidnotseemtobejoking.“Thisisagriffinmanacle,”Isaid.“No!Iwouldnevermakeagriffinwearamanacle.”“Yetyou’regivingmeone.Don’tprisonersweartheseforhousearrest?”“That’snotwhatit’sfor.ThisisthetrackingdeviceI’vebeenworkingon.”Shepressedasmallindentationontherimoftheshackle.Withaclick,metallicwingsextendedfrom

eitherside,buzzingathummingbirdfrequency.Theshacklealmostleapedoutofmyhands.“Oh,no,”Iprotested.“Don’taskmetowearflyingapparel.Hermestrickedmeintowearinghis

shoesonce.ItookanapinahammockinAthensandwokeupinArgentina.Neveragain.”Joswitchedoffthewings.“Youdon’thavetofly.Theideawastomaketwoanklebracelets,butI

didn’thavetime.Iwasgoingtosendthemoffto”—shepaused,clearlytryingtocontrolheremotions—“tofindGeorginaandbringherhome.SinceIcan’tdothat,ifyougetintrouble,ifyoufindher…”Jopointedtoasecondindentationonthemanacle.“Thisactivatesthehomingbeacon.It’lltellmewhereyouare,andyou’dbetterbelievewe’llsendreinforcements.”

Ididn’tknowhowJosephinewouldaccomplishthat.Theydidn’thavemuchofacavalry.Ialsodidnotwanttowearatrackingdeviceongeneralprinciple.ItwentagainsttheverynatureofbeingApollo.Ishouldalwaysbethemostobvious,mostbrilliantsourceoflightintheworld.Ifyouhadtosearchforme,somethingwaswrong.

Thenagain,Josephinewasgivingmethatlookmymother,Leto,alwayspulledwhenshewasafraidI’dforgottentowriteheranewsongforMother’sDay.(It’skindofatradition.Andyes,Iamawonderfulson,thanks.)

“Verywell.”Ifastenedtheshacklearoundmyankle.Itfitsnugly,butatleastthatwayIcouldhideitunderthehemofmyjeans.

“Thankyou.”Jopressedherforeheadagainstmine.“Don’tdie.”Thensheturnedandmarchedpurposefullybacktoherworkshop,nodoubtanxioustocreatemorerestrainingdevicesforme.

Halfanhourlater,Idiscoveredsomethingimportant:oneshouldneverwearanironmanaclewhileoperatingapedalboat.

OurmodeoftransportationwasLeo’sidea.Whenwearrivedatthebanksofthecanal,hediscoveredaboat-rentaldockthatwasshutdownfortheseason.Hedecidedtoliberateatealplasticpedalboat,andinsistedwecallhimtheDreadPirateValdez.(Meglovedthis.Irefused.)

“Thisisthebestwaytospotthatsecret-entrancegratething,”heassuredusaswepedaledalong.“Atwaterlevel,wecan’tmissit.Plus,we’retravelinginstyle!”

Wehadverydifferentideasoftravelinginstyle.LeoandIsatinthefront,operatingthepedals.Undertheironmanacle,myanklefeltlikeitwasbeing

slowlychewedoffbyaDobermanpinscher.Mycalvesburned.Ididnotunderstandwhymortalswouldpaymoneyforthisexperience.Iftheboatwerepulledbyhippocampi,perhaps,butphysicallabor?Ugh.

Meanwhile,Megfacedthereversedirectioninthebackseat.Sheclaimedshewas“scoutingoursix”forthesecretentrancetothesewers,butitlookedanawfullotlikeshewasrelaxing.

“Sowhat’swithyouandtheemperor?”Leoaskedme,hisfeetpedalingmerrilyalongasiftheexertiondidn’tbotherhimatall.

Iwipedmybrow.“Idon’tknowwhatyoumean.”“C’mon,man.Atdinner,whenMegstartedshoutingaboutcommodes?Youranstraighttothe

bathroomandspewed.”“Ididnotspew.Itwasmorelikeheaving.”“Eversince,you’vebeenawfullyquiet.”Hehadapoint.Beingquietwasanotherun-Apollo-liketrait.UsuallyIhadsomanyinterestingthings

tosayanddelightfulsongstosing.IrealizedIshouldtellmycompanionsabouttheemperor.Theydeservedtoknowwhatwewerepedalinginto.Butformingthewordswasdifficult.

“Commodusblamesmeforhisdeath,”Isaid.“Why?”Megasked.“ProbablybecauseIkilledhim.”

“Ah.”Leonoddedsagely.“Thatwoulddoit.”Imanagedtotellthemthestory.Itwasn’teasy.AsIstaredaheadofus,Iimaginedthebodyof

Commodusfloatingjustbelowthesurfaceofthecanal,readytorisefromtheicygreendepthsandaccusemeoftreachery.You.Blessed.Me.

WhenIwasdonewiththestory,LeoandMegremainedsilent.NeitherofthemscreamedMurderer!Neitherofthemlookedmeintheeye,either.

“That’srough,man,”Leosaidatlast.“ButitsoundslikeEmperorToiletneededtogo.”Megmadeasoundlikeacat’ssneeze.“It’sCommodus.He’shandsome,bytheway.”Iglancedback.“You’vemethim?”Megshrugged.Atsomepointsinceyesterday,arhinestonehadfallenoutofherglasses’frames,likea

starwinkedoutofexistence.ItbotheredmethatI’dnoticedsuchasmalldetail.“Once,”shesaid.“InNewYork.Hevisitedmystepfather.”“Nero,”Iurged.“CallhimNero.”“Yeah.”Redblotchesappearedonhercheeks.“Commoduswashandsome.”Irolledmyeyes.“He’salsovainglorious,puffedup,egotistical—”“Sohe’slikeyourcompetition,then?”Leoasked.“Oh,shutup.”Forawhile,theonlysoundonthecanalwasthechuggingofourpedalboat.Itechoedofftheten-foot-

highembankmentsandupthesidesofbrickwarehousesthatwereintheprocessofconversiontocondominiumsandrestaurants.Thebuildings’darkwindowsstareddownatus,makingmefeelbothclaustrophobicandexposed.

“OnethingIdon’tget,”Leosaid.“WhyCommodus?Imean,ifthisTriumvirateisthethreebiggestandbaddestemperors,theRomansupervillaindreamteam…Neromakessense.ButCommodeMan?Whynotsomeeviler,morefamousguy,likeMurderousMaximusorAttilatheHun?”

“AttilatheHunwasnotaRomanemperor,”Isaid.“AsforMurderousMaximus…well,that’sactuallyagoodname,butnotarealemperor.AsforwhyCommodusispartoftheTriumvirate—”

“Theythinkhe’sweak,”Megsaid.Shekepthergazeonourwake,asifshesawherownassortmentoffacesbelowthesurface.“Youknowthishow?”Iasked.“Mystep—Nerotoldme.Himandthethirdone,theemperorinthewest,theywantedCommodus

betweenthem.”“Thethirdemperor,”Isaid.“Youknowwhoheis?”Megfrowned.“Ionlysawhimonce.Neroneverusedhisname.Hejustcalledhimmykinsman.I

thinkevenNeroisafraidofhim.”“Fantastic,”Imuttered.AnyemperorwhoscaredNerowasnotsomeoneIwantedtomeet.“SoNeroandthedudeinthewest,”Leosaid,“theywantCommodustobeabufferbetweenthem.

Monkeyinthemiddle.”Megrubbedhernose.“Yeah.Nerotoldme….HesaidCommoduswaslikehisPeaches.Aviciouspet.

Butcontrollable.”Hervoicewaveredonthenameofherkarposcompanion.IwasafraidMegmightordermetoslapmyselforjumpinthecanal,butIasked,“Whereis

Peaches?”Shestuckoutherlowerlip.“TheBeast—”“Nero,”Icorrectedgently.“Nerotookhim.Hesaid—hesaidIdidn’tdeserveapetuntilIbehaved.”Angermademepedalfaster,mademealmostwelcomethechafingpainonmyankle.Ididn’tknow

howNerohadmanagedtoimprisonthegrainspirit,butIunderstoodwhyhe’ddoneit.NerowantedMeg

todependentirelyonhim.Shewasn’tallowedtohaveherownpossessions,herownfriends.EverythinginherlifehadtobetaintedwithNero’spoison.

Ifhegothishandsonme,nodoubthewouldusemethesameway.WhateverhorribletortureshehadplannedforLesterPapadopoulos,theywouldn’tbeasbadasthewayhetorturedMeg.Hewouldmakeherfeelresponsibleformypainanddeath.

“We’llgetPeachesback,”Ipromisedher.“Yeah,chica,”Leoagreed.“TheDreadPirateValdezneverabandonsacrewmember.Don’tyou

worryabout—”“Guys.”Meg’svoicetookonasharpedge.“What’sthat?”Shepointedtostarboard.Alineofchevronsrippledonthegreenwater—likeanarrowhadbeenshot

horizontallyacrossthesurface.“Didyouseewhatitwas?”Leoasked.Megnodded.“A—afin,maybe?Docanalshavefish?”Ididn’tknowtheanswer,butIdidn’tlikethesizeofthoseripples.Mythroatfeltasifitwere

sproutingfreshwheatshoots.Leopointedoffthebow.“There.”Rightinfrontofus,abouthalfaninchbelowthesurface,greenscalesundulated,thensubmerged.“That’snotafish,”Isaid,hatingmyselfforbeingsoperceptive.“Ithinkthat’sanotherpartofthe

samecreature.”“Asoverthere?”Megpointedagaintostarboard.Thetwodisturbanceshadhappenedatleastforty

feetapart.“Thatwouldmeansomethingbiggerthantheboat.”Leoscannedthewater.“Apollo,anyideawhatthatthingis?”“Onlyahunch,”Isaid.“Let’shopeI’mwrong.Pedalfaster.Wehavetofindthatgrate.”

GetmealegionAndaboutsixtonsofrocksNeedtokillasnake

IDONOTLIKESERPENTS.EversincemyfamousbattlewithPython,I’vehadaphobiaofscalyreptiliancreatures.(Especiallyif

youincludemystepmother,Hera.BOOM!)IcouldbarelytoleratethesnakesonHermes’scaduceus,GeorgeandMartha.Theywerefriendlyenough,buttheyconstantlypesteredmetowriteasongforthemaboutthejoyofeatingrats—ajoyIdidnotshare.

ItoldmyselfthecreatureintheCentralCanalwasn’tanaquaticserpent.Thewaterwasmuchtoocold.Thecanaldidn’tofferenoughtastyfishtoeat.

Ontheotherhand,IknewCommodus.Helovedtocollectexoticmonsters.Icouldthinkofoneparticularriverserpenthewouldlove—onethatmighteasilysustainitselfbyeatingtastypedal-boaters….

BadApollo!Itoldmyself.Stayfocusedonyourmission!Wechuggedalongforanotherfiftyfeetorso,longenoughformetowonderifthethreathadbeen

imaginary.Perhapsthemonsterhadbeennothingmorethananabandonedpetalligator.DidtheyhavethoseintheMidwest?Verypoliteones,perhaps?

Leonudgedme.“Lookoverthere.”Onthefarembankmentwall,peekingabovethewaterline,wasthebrickarchwayofanoldsewer

main,theentranceblockedbygoldenbars.“Howmanysewershaveyouseenwithgoldgratesonthem?”Leoasked.“Betchathatoneleadsright

totheemperor’spalace.”Ifrowned.“Thatwasmuchtooeasy.”“Hey.”Megpokedmeinthebackoftheneck.“RememberwhatPercytoldus?NeversaystufflikeWe

madeitorThatwaseasy.You’lljinxus!”“Myentireexistenceisajinx.”“Pedalfaster.”SincethatwasadirectorderfromMeg,Ihadnochoice.Mylegsalreadyfeltliketheywereturning

intosacksofhotcoals,butIpickedupthepace.Leosteeredourtealplasticpirateshiptowardthesewerentrance.

WeweretenfeetawaywhenwetriggeredtheFirstLawofPercyJackson.Ourjinxrosefromthewaterintheformofaglisteningarcofserpentineflesh.

Imayhavescreamed.Leoshoutedacompletelyunhelpfulwarning:“Lookout!”

Theboattiltedsideways.Morearcsofserpentfleshbreachedaroundus—undulatinghillsofgreenandbrownridgedwithserrateddorsalfins.Meg’stwinbladesflashedintoexistence.Shetriedtostand,butthepedalboatcapsized,plungingusintoacoldgreenexplosionofbubblesandthrashinglimbs.

Myonlyconsolation:thecanalwasnotdeep.MyfeetfoundthebottomandIwasabletostand,gaspingandshivering,thewateruptomyshoulders.Nearby,athree-foot-diametercoilofserpentfleshencircledourpedalboatandsqueezed.Thehullimploded,shatteringtealplasticwithasoundlikefirecrackers.Oneshardstungmyface,narrowlymissingmylefteye.

Leopoppedtothesurface,hischinbarelyatwaterlevel.Hewadedtowardthesewergrate,climbingoverahillofserpentfleshthatgotinhisway.Meg,blessherheroicheart,slashedawayatthemonster’scoils,butherbladesjustskiddedoffitsslimyhide.

Thenthecreature’sheadrosefromthecanal,andIlostallhopethatwewouldbehomeintimefortofuenchiladanight.

Themonster’striangularforeheadwaswideenoughtoprovideparkingforacompactcar.ItseyesglowedasorangeasAgamethus’sghost.Whenitopeneditsvastredmaw,IrememberedanotherreasonIhateserpents.TheirbreathsmellsworsethanHephaestus’sworkshirts.

ThecreaturesnappedatMeg.Despitebeingneck-deepinwater,shesomehowsidesteppedandthrustherleft-handedbladestraightintotheserpent’seye.

Themonsterthrewitsheadbackandhissed.Thecanalboiledwithsnakeflesh.Iwassweptoffmyfeetandsubmergedoncemore.

WhenIcametothesurface,MegMcCaffreystoodatmyside,herchestheavingasshegaspedforair,herglassescrookedandfilmedwithcanalwater.Theserpent’sheadflailedfromsidetosideasiftryingtoshaketheblindnessoutofitswoundedeye.Itsjawsmackedagainstthenearestcondominiumbuilding,shatteringwindowsandwebbingthebrickwallwithcracks.AbanneralongtherooflinesaidLEASINGSOON!Ihopedthatmeantthebuildingwasempty.

Leomadeittothegrate.Hetracedhisfingersalongthegoldenbars,perhapslookingforbuttonsorswitchesortraps.MegandIwerenowthirtyfeetawayfromhim,whichseemedagreatdistanceoverthevastserpentineterrain.

“Hurry!”Icalledtohim.“Gee,thanks!”heyelledback.“Ididn’tthinkofthat.”Thecanalchurnedastheserpentdrewinitscoils.Itsheadrosetwostoriesaboveus.Itsrighteyehad

gonedark,butitsglowingleftirisanditshideousmawremindedmeofthosepumpkinthingsmortalsmakeforHalloween—jack-o’-lanterns?Asillytradition.IalwayspreferredrunningaroundingoatskinsatFebrualia.Muchmoredignified.

Megstabbedatthecreature’sunderbelly.Hergoldenbladeonlysparkedagainstit.“Whatisthisthing?”shedemanded.“TheCarthaginianSerpent,”Isaid.“OneofthemostfearsomebeastsevertofaceRomantroops.In

Africa,italmostdrownedanentirelegionunderMarcusAtiliusRegulus—”“Don’tcare.”Megandtheserpenteyedeachotherwarily—asifagiantmonsterandatwelve-year-

oldgirlwerewell-matchedopponents.“HowdoIkillit?”Mymindraced.Ididn’tdowellinpanicsituations,whichmeantmostofthesituationsIhadbeenin

recently.“I—Ithinkthelegionfinallycrusheditwiththousandsofrocks.”“Idon’thavealegion,”Megsaid.“Orthousandsofrocks.”Theserpenthissed,sprayingvenomacrossthecanal.Iunslungmybow,butIranintothatpesky

maintenanceissueagain.Awetbowstringandarrowswereproblematic,especiallyifIplannedtohitatargetassmallastheserpent’sothereye.Thentherewerethephysicsoffiringabowwhileshoulder-deepinwater.

“Leo?”Icalled.

“Almost!”Hebangedawrenchagainstthegrate.“Keepitdistracted!”Igulped.“Meg,perhapsifyoucouldstabitsothereye,oritsmouth.”“Whileyoudowhat,hide?”Ireallyhatedhowthisyounggirlcouldgetinsidemybrain.“Ofcoursenot!I’lljustbe,um—”Theserpentstruck.MegandIdoveinoppositedirections.Thecreature’sheadcausedatsunami

betweenus,somersaultingmethroughthewater.Iswallowedafewgallonsofthecanalandcameupspluttering,thengaggedinhorrorwhenIsawMegencircledinthesnake’stail.Theserpentliftedheroutofthewater,bringingherlevelwithitsremainingeye.Megslashedwildly,butthemonsterkeptheroutofstrikingdistance.Itregardedherasifthinking,Whatisthisstoplight-coloredthing?

Thenitbegantosqueeze.Leoyelled,“Igotit!”Clang.Thegrate’sgoldenbarsswunginward.Leoturned,grinninginpride,thensawMeg’spredicament.“Nuh-uh!”Heraisedhishandabovethewaterandtriedtosummonfire.Allhemanagedwasapuffof

steam.Hethrewawrenchthatbouncedharmlesslyoffthesnake’sside.Megyelped.Thesnake’stailconstrictedaroundherwaist,turningherfacetomatored.Shehammered

herswordsuselesslyagainstthemonster’shide.Istoodparalyzed,unabletohelp,unabletothink.Iknewthestrengthofsuchaserpent.IrememberedbeingwrappedinPython’scoils,mydivineribs

cracking,mygodlyichorbeingsqueezedintomyheadandthreateningtospurtoutmyears.“Meg!”Ishouted.“Holdon!”Sheglareddownatme,hereyesbulging,hertongueswollen,asifthinking,LikeIhaveachoice?Theserpentignoredme,nodoubttoointerestedinwatchingMegimplodelikethepedalboat.Behind

thesnake’sheadrosethedamagedbrickwallofacondominium.Thesewerentrancestoodjusttotherightofthat.

IrememberedthetaleoftheRomanlegionthathadoncefoughtthisthingbyshoweringitwithstones.IfonlythatbrickwallwerepartoftheWaystation,andIcouldcommandit….

Theideaseizedmelikeacoilofthemonster.“Leo!”Iyelled.“Getinthetunnel!”“But—”“Doit!”Somethingbegantoswellinsidemychest.Ihopeditwaspowerandnotmybreakfast.IfilledmylungsandbellowedinthebaritonevoiceIusuallyreservedforItalianoperas:“BEGONE,

SNAKE!IAMAPOLLO!”Thefrequencywasperfect.Thewallofthewarehousetrembledandcracked.Athree-story-tallcurtainofbrickspeeledawayand

collapsedontotheserpent’sback,pushingitsheadunderwater.Itscoiledtailloosened.Megdroppedintothecanal.

Ignoringtherainofbricks,Iwadedforward(quitebravely,Ithought)andpulledMegtothesurface.“Guys,hurry!”Leoyelled.“Thegrate’sclosingagain!”IdraggedMegtowardthesewer(becausethat’swhatfriendsarefor)asLeodidhisbesttowedgethe

grateopenwithatireiron.Thankgoodnessforscrawnymortalbodies!Wesqueezedthroughjustasthebarslockedintoplace

behindus.Outside,theserpentsurgedupwardfromitsbaptismofbricks.Ithissedandbangeditshalf-blindhead

againstthegrate,butwedidnotlingertochat.Weforgedon,intothedarknessoftheemperor’swaterworks.

IwaxpoeticOnthebeautyofsewersRealshortpoem.Done

WADINGSHOULDER-DEEPthroughfreezingsewerwater,IfeltnostalgicfortheIndianapolisZoo.Oh,forthesimplepleasuresofhidingfrommurderousGermani,crashingminiaturetrains,andserenadingangrygriffins!

Gradually,thesoundoftheserpentbangingonthegratefadedbehindus.Wewalkedforsolong,Ifearedwe’ddieofhypothermiabeforereachingourgoal.ThenIspottedaraisedalcovebuiltintothesideofthetunnel—anoldserviceplatform,maybe.Weclimbedoutofthefrigidgreenmuckforabreak.MegandIhuddledtogetherwhileLeoattemptedtolighthimselfonfire.

Onhisthirdtry,hisskinsputteredandhissed,finallyburstingintoflames.“Gatherround,children.”Hisgrinlookeddiabolicalwithorangefirewashingacrosshisface.

“Nothinglikeablazing-hotLeotowarmyouup!”Itriedtocallhimanidiot,butmyjawwasshiveringsobadly,allthatcameoutwas,“Id—id—id—id

—id—”SoonourlittlealcovewasinfusedwiththesmellofreheatedMegandApollo—bakedapples,

mildew,bodyodor,andjustahintofawesomeness.(I’llletyouguesswhichscentwasmycontribution.)Myfingersturnedfrombluebacktopink.Icouldfeelmylegswellenoughagaintobebotheredbythechafingfromtheironshackle.IwasevenabletospeakwithoutstutteringlikeJosephine’stommygun.

WhenLeojudgedussufficientlydry,heshutoffhispersonalbonfire.“Hey,Apollo,thatwasniceworkbackthere.”

“Whichpart?”Isaid.“Thedrowning?Thescreaming?”“Nah,man—howyoucollapsedthatbrickwall.Youshoulddothatmoreoften.”Ipluckedatealplasticshardfrommycoat.“Asanannoyingdemigodoncetoldme,Gee,whydidn’tI

thinkofthat?I’veexplainedbefore—Ican’tcontrolthoseburstsofpower.Somehow,inthatmoment,Ifoundmygodlyvoice.Brickmortarresonatesatacertainfrequency.It’sbestmanipulatedbyabaritoneatonehundredtwenty-fivedecibels—”

“Yousavedme,”Meginterrupted.“Iwasgoingtodie.Maybethat’swhyyougotyourvoiceback.”Iwasreluctanttoadmitit,butshemighthavebeenright.ThelasttimeI’dexperiencedaburstof

godlypower,inthewoodsofCampHalf-Blood,mychildrenKaylaandAustinhadbeeninimminentdangerofburningalive.Concernforotherswasalogicaltriggerformypowers.Iwas,afterall,selfless,caring,andanall-aroundniceguy.Nevertheless,Ifounditirritatingthatmyownwell-beingwasn’tsufficienttogivemegodlystrength.Mylifewasimportanttoo!

“Well,”Isaid,“I’mgladyouweren’tcrushedtodeath,Meg.Anythingbroken?”Shetouchedherribcage.“Nah.I’mgood.”Herstiffmovement,herpalecomplexion,andthetightnessaroundhereyestoldmeotherwise.She

wasinmorepainthanshewouldadmit.However,untilwegotbacktotheWaystationinfirmary,Icouldn’tdomuchforher.EvenifI’dhadpropermedicalsupplies,wrappingtheribsofagirlwho’dalmostbeencrushedtodeathmightdomoreharmthangood.

Leostaredatthedarkgreenwater.Helookedmorepensivethanusual,orperhapsitwasjustthefactthathewasn’tonfireanymore.

“Whatareyouthinkingabout?”Iasked.Heglancedover—nosnappycomeback,noplayfulgrin.“Just…LeoandCalypso’sGarage:Auto

RepairandMechanicalMonsters.”“What?”“SomethingCalandIusedtojokeabout.”Itdidn’tsoundlikeaveryfunnyjoke.Thenagain,mortalhumorwasn’talwaysuptomygodly

standards.IrecalledCalypsoandLeodeepinconversationwithEmmieyesterdayastheywalkedthroughthegreathall.

“SomethingtodowithwhatEmmiewastellingyou?”Iventured.Heshrugged.“Stuffforthefuture.Nothingtoworryabout.”Asaformergodofprophecy,I’dalwaysfoundthefutureawonderfulsourceofworry.ButIdecided

nottopresstheissue.Rightnow,theonlyfuturegoalthatmatteredwasgettingmebacktoMountOlympussotheworldcouldonceagainbaskinmydivineglory.Ihadtothinkofthegreatergood.

“Well,”Isaid,“nowthatwe’rewarmanddry,Isupposeit’stimetogetinthewateragain.”“Fun,”Megsaid.Shejumpedinfirst.Leoledtheway,keepingoneburninghandabovethewaterforlight.Everysooften,smallobjects

floatedupfromthepocketsofhistoolbeltanddriftedpastme—Velcrotabs,Styrofoampeanuts,multicoloredtwistties.

Megguardedourbacks,hertwinswordsgleaminginthedarkness.Iappreciatedherfightingskills,butIdidwishwehadsomeadditionalhelp.AdemigodchildofthesewergoddessCloacinawouldhavebeenwelcome…whichisthefirsttimeI’deverhadthatdepressingthought.

Itrudgedalonginthemiddle,tryingtoavoidflashbacksofmylong-ago,unintendedtripthroughasewage-treatmentfacilityinBiloxi,Mississippi.(Thatdaywould’vebeenatotaldisaster,exceptthatitendedwithanimpromptujamsessionwithLeadBelly.)

Thecurrentbecamestronger,pushingagainstus.Upahead,Idetectedtheglowofelectriclights,thesoundofvoices.Leoextinguishedhishandfire.Heturnedtousandputhisfingertohislips.

Afteranothertwentyfeet,wearrivedatasecondsetofgoldenbars.Beyondthat,theseweropenedintoamuchlargerspacewherethewaterranatacrosscurrent,someofitdivertingintoourtunnel.Theforceoftheoutflowmadeitdifficulttostand.

Leopointedatthegoldengrate.“Thisrunsonaclepsydralock,”hesaidjustloudenoughtobeheard.“IthinkIcanopenitquietly,butkeepwatchformejustincase…Idon’tknow…giantserpents.”

“Wehavefaithinyou,Valdez.”Ihadnoideawhataclepsydralockwas,butI’dlearnedfromdealingwithHephaestusthatitwasbesttoshowoptimismandpoliteinterest.Otherwisethetinkerertookoffenseandstoppedmakingshinytoysformetoplaywith.

Withinmoments,Leohadthegrateopen.Noalarmssounded.Nocontactminesexplodedinourfaces.WeemergedinthethroneroomI’dseeninmyvision.Fortunately,wewereneck-deepinoneoftheopenchannelsofwaterthatlinedthesidesofthe

chamber,soIdoubtedanyonecouldeasilyspotus.Alongthewallbehindus,videosofCommodusloopedoverandoveronthegianttelevisionscreens.

Wetrudgedtowardtheoppositesideofthechannel.Ifyouhaveevertriedtowalkwhileimmersedinaswiftstream,youknowhowdifficultitis.Also,if

youhavetriedit,thenmayIaskwhy?Itwasabsolutelyexhausting.Witheverystep,IfearedthecurrentwouldsweepmeoffmyfeetandflushmeintothebowelsofIndianapolis.Somehow,though,wemadeittothefarside.

IpeekedovertheedgeofthechannelandwasimmediatelysorryIdid.Commoduswasrightthere.Thankthegods,wehadcrossedslightlybehindhisthrone,soneitherhe

norhisGermaniguardssawme.MyleastfavoriteCornhusker,Lityerses,kneltbeforetheemperor,facingmydirection,buthisheadwaslowered.Iduckedbackbelowtheedgebeforehecouldspotme.Igesturedtomyfriends:Quiet.Yikes.We’regoingtodie.Orsomethingtothateffect.Theyseemedtogetthemessage.Shiveringmiserably,Ipressedagainstthewallandlistenedtotheconversationgoingonjustaboveus.

“—partoftheplan,sire,”Lityerseswassaying.“WeknowwheretheWaystationisnow.”Commodusgrunted.“Yes,yes.OldUnionStation.ButCleandersearchedthatplaceseveraltimes

beforeandfoundnothing.”“TheWaystationisthere,”Lityersesinsisted.“ThetrackingdevicesIplantedonthegriffinsworked

perfectly.Theplacemustbeprotectedbysomesortofmagic,butitwon’tstanduptoafleetofblemmyaebulldozers.”

Myheartclimbedabovewaterlevel,whichputitsomewherebetweenmyears.Idarednotlookatmyfriends.Ihadfailedonceagain.Ihadunwittinglybetrayedthelocationofoursafehaven.

Commodussighed.“Fine.Yes.ButIwantApollocapturedandbroughttomeinchains!Thenamingceremonyistomorrow.Ourdressrehearsalis,like,rightnow.WhencanyouhavetheWaystationdestroyed?”

Lityerseshesitated.“Weneedtoscoutthedefenses.Andgatherourforces.Twodays?”“TWODAYS?I’mnotaskingyoutocrosstheAlps!Iwantittohappennow!”“Tomorrow,then,atthelatest,sire,”saidLityerses.“Definitelybytomorrow.”“Hmph.I’mbeginningtowonderaboutyou,sonofMidas.Ifyoudon’tdeliver—”Anelectronicalarmblaredthroughthechamber.Foramoment,Ithoughtwe’dbeendiscovered.Imay

ormaynothaveemptiedmybladderinthechannel.(Don’ttellLeo.Hewasdownstream.)Then,fromtheothersideoftheroom,avoiceshoutedinLatin,“Incursionatthefrontgates!”Lityersesgrowled.“Iwilldealwiththis,sire.Neverfear.Guards,withme!”Heavyfootstepsfadedintothedistance.IglancedatMegandLeo,whowerebothgivingmethesamesilentquestion:WhattheHades?Ihadnotorderedanincursionatthefrontgates.Ihadn’tevenactivatedtheironmanacleonmyankle.

Ididn’tknowwhowouldbesofoolishastolaunchafrontalassaultonthisundergroundpalace,butBritomartishadpromisedtolookfortheHuntersofArtemis.ItoccurredtomethatthiswasthesortofdiversionarytactictheymightarrangeiftheyweretryingtodistractCommodus’ssecurityforcesfromourpresence.Couldwebesolucky?Probablynot.Morelikely,somemagazine-subscriptionsalesmanhadrungtheemperor’sdoorbellandwasabouttogetaveryhostilereception.

Iriskedanotherpeekovertheedgeofthecanal.Commoduswasalonenowwithjustoneguard.Perhapswecouldtakehim—threeontwo?Exceptthatwewereallabouttopassoutfromhypothermia,Megprobablyhadsomebrokenribs,and

myownpowerswereunpredictableatbest.Ontheopposingteam,wehadatrainedbarbariankillerandasemi-divineemperorwithawell-deservedreputationforsuperhumanstrength.Idecidedtostayput.

Commodusglancedathisbodyguard.“Alaric.”“Lord?”“Ithinkyourtimeisapproaching.Igrowimpatientwithmyprefect.HowlonghasLityerseshadthis

job?”“Aboutaday,mylord.”“Seemslikeforever!”Commoduspoundedhisfistonhisarmrest.“Assoonashe’sdealtwiththis

incursion,Iwantyoutokillhim.”“Yes,lord.”“IwantyoutowipeouttheWaystationtomorrowmorningatthelatest.Canyoudothat?”“Ofcourse,lord.”“Good!We’llhavethenamingceremonyimmediatelyafterwardinthecolosseum.”“Stadium,mylord.”“Samedifference!AndtheCaveofProphecy?Isitsecure?”MyspinetookajoltofelectricitysostrongIwonderedifCommoduskeptelectriceelsinthechannel.“Ihavefollowedyourorders,sire,”Alaricsaid.“Thebeastsareinplace.Theentranceiswell

guarded.Noneshallgainaccess.”“Lovely!”Commodusjumpedtohisfeet.“Nowlet’sgotryonourracingoutfitsforthedress

rehearsal,shallwe?Ican’twaittoremakethiscityinmyownimage!”Iwaiteduntilthesoundoftheirfootstepsreceded.Ipeekedoverandsawnooneintheroom.“Now,”Isaid.Wedraggedourselvesoutofthecanalandstooddrippingandshiveringinfrontofthegoldenthrone.I

couldstillsmellthescentofCommodus’sfavoritebodyoil—amixofcardamomandcinnamon.Megpacedforwarmth,herswordsglowinginherhands.“Tomorrowmorning?WegottawarnJoand

Emmie.”“Yeah,”Leoagreed.“Butwesticktotheplan.Firstwefindthecaptives.AndthatThroneof

Whatever-It-Is—”“Memory,”Isaid.“Yeah,that.ThenwegetoutofhereandwarnJoandEmmie.”“Itmaynothelp,”Ifretted.“I’veseenhowCommodusremakesacity.Therewillbechaosand

spectacle,fireandwholesaleslaughter,andlotsandlotsofpicturesofCommoduseverywhere.Addtothatanarmyofblemmyaebulldozers—”

“Apollo.”Leomadeafierytime-outsign.“We’regonnausetheValdezmethodonthis.”Megfrowned.“What’stheValdezmethod?”“Don’toverthinkit,”Leosaid.“It’lljustmakeyoudepressed.Infact,trynottothinkatall.”Megconsideredthis,thenseemedtorealizeshewasthinking,thenlookedsheepish.“’Kay.”Leogrinned.“See?Easy!Nowlet’sgoblowsomestuffup.”

Soamaze!Suchname!Sssssarahwithfives’sisStilltwosyllablessssss

ATFIRST,theValdezmethodworkedfine.Wefoundnothingtoblowup,butwealsodidn’thavetooverthinkanything.Thiswasbecausewe

embracedtheMcCaffreymethodaswell,whichinvolvedchiaseeds.Facedwithachoiceofwhichcorridortotakefromthethroneroom,Megpulledasoggypackageof

seedsfromherredhigh-top.(Ididnotaskwhyshekeptseedsinhershoes.)Shecausedthechiatosproutinhercuppedpalm,andthetinyforestofgreenstalkspointedtowardtheleft-handcorridor.

“Thatway,”Megannounced.“Awesomesuperpower,”Leosaid.“Whenwegetoutofhere,I’mahookyouupwithamaskanda

cape.We’llcallyouChiaGirl.”Ihopedhewaskidding.Meg,however,lookeddelighted.Thechiasproutsledusdownonecorridorthenanother.ForanundergroundlairintheIndianapolis

sewersystem,thepalacewasquiteopulent.Thefloorswererough-hewnslate,thegraystonewallsdecoratedwithalternatingtapestriesandtelevisionmonitorsshowing—youguessedit—videosofCommodus.Mostofthemahoganydoorswerelabeledwithengravedbronzeplates:COMMODUSSAUNA,COMMODUSGUESTROOMS1–6,COMMODUSEMPLOYEECAFETERIA,and,yes,COMMODUSCOMMODES.

Wesawnoguards,noemployees,noguests.TheonlypersonweencounteredwasamaidcomingoutoftheCOMMODUSIMPERIALGUARDBARRACKSwithabasketofdirtylaundry.

Whenshesawus,hereyeswidenedinterror.(Probablybecausewelookeddirtieranddamperthananythingshe’dpulledfromtheGermani’shamper.)Beforeshecouldscream,Ikneltbeforeherandsang“YouDon’tSeeMe”byJosieandthePussycats.Themaid’seyesbecamemistyandunfocused.Shesnifflednostalgically,walkedbackintothebarracks,andclosedthedoorbehindher.

Leonodded.“Niceone,Apollo.”“Itwasn’thard.Thattuneiswonderfulforinducingshort-termamnesia.”Megsniffed.“Would’vebeenkindertohitheroverthehead.”“Oh,comenow,”Iprotested.“Youlikemysinging.”Herearsreddened.IrememberedhowyoungMcCaffreyhadcriedwhenIpouredoutmyheartand

soulinthegiantants’lairatCampHalf-Blood.I’dbeenratherproudofmyperformance,butIguessMegdidnotfeellikerelivingit.

Shepunchedmeinthegut.“Comeon.”“Ow.”

Thechiaseedsledusdeeperintotheemperor’scompound.Silencebegantoweighonme.Imaginaryinsectscrawledacrossmyshoulderblades.SurelyCommodus’smenhaddealtwiththefront-doorincursionbynow.Theywouldbereturningtotheirnormalposts,perhapscheckingsecuritymonitorsforotherintruders.

Atlast,weturnedacornerandspottedablemmyaekeepingwatchoutsideametalvaultdoor.Theguardworeblackdresspantsandshinyblackshoes,buthemadenoattempttohidehischest-face.Thehairacrosshisshoulders/scalpwasclippedinamilitaryflattop.Thewireofasecurityearpieceranfrombeneathhisarmpittohispantspocket.Hedidnotappeartobearmed,butthatgavemenocomfort.HismeatyfistslookedquitecapableofcrushingapedalboatoraLesterPapadopoulos.

Leogrumbledunderhisbreath,“Nottheseguysagain.”Thenheforcedasmileandstrodetowardtheguard.“Hello!Lovelyday!Howareyou?”

Theguardturnedinsurprise.Iimaginedthatproperprocedurewouldhavebeentoalerthissuperiorstotheintrusion,buthe’dbeenaskedaquestion.Itwould’vebeenrudetoignoreit.

“I’mfine.”Theguardcouldn’tseemtodecidebetweenafriendlysmileoranintimidatingglower.Hismouthspasmed,whichmadehimlooklikehewasdoinganabexercise.“Idon’tthinkyou’resupposedtobehere.”

“Really?”Leokeptmarchingforward.“Thankyou!”“You’rewelcome.Nowifyou’llpleaseraiseyourhands.”“Likethis?”Leoignitedhishandsandtorchedtheblemmyae’schest-face.Theguardstumbled,chokingonflames,battinghishugeeyelasheslikeburningpalmfronds.He

gropedforthebuttononthemicrophoneattachedtohisearpiece.“Posttwelve,”hecroaked.“I’vegot—”Meg’stwingoldenswordsscissoredacrosshismidsection,reducinghimtoapileofyellowdustwith

apartiallymeltedearpiece.Avoicewarbledfromthetinyspeaker.“Posttwelve,pleaserepeat.”Igrabbedthedevice.Ihadnodesiretowearsomethingthathadbeeninablemmyae’sarmpit,butI

heldthespeakernexttomyearandspokeintothemic.“Falsealarm.Everythingishunky-dorky.Thankyou.”

“You’rewelcome,”saidthevoiceinthespeaker.“Dailypasscode,please.”“Why,certainly!It’s—”Ithrewthemicrophonedownandcrusheditundermyheel.Megstaredatme.“Hunky-dorky?”“Itsoundedlikesomethingablemmyaewouldsay.”“That’snoteventherightexpression.It’shunky-dory.”“Agirlwhosaysgoddyiscorrectingmylanguage.”“Guys,”Leosaid.“KeepalookoutwhileItakecareofthisdoor.There’sgottabesomething

importantinhere.”Ikeptwatchwhilehewenttoworkonthevaultlock.Meg,notbeinggoodatfollowingdirections,

strolledbackthewaywe’dcome.Shecrouchedandbeganpickingupthechiasproutsshe’ddroppedwhensummoningherswords.

“Meg,”Isaid.“Yeah?”“Whatareyoudoing?”“Chia.”“Icanseethat,but…”Ialmostsaid,They’reonlysprouts.ThenIrememberedonetimeI’dsaidsomethingsimilartoDemeter.Thegoddesshadcursedmeso

thateverypieceofclothingIputonimmediatelysproutedandbloomed.Nothingisquiteasuncomfortableashavingyourcottonunderwearburstintoactualbollsofcotton,completewithstems,spurs,andseeds

rightwhereyour…Well,Ithinkyougettheidea.Meggatheredthelastofhersprouts.Withoneofherswords,shecrackedtheslatefloor.Shecarefully

plantedthechiainthefissure,thenwrungoutherstill-wetskirttowaterthem.Iwatched,fascinated,asthesmallpatchofgreenthickenedandflourished,forcingnewcracksinthe

slate.Whoknewchiacouldbesorobust?“Theywouldn’tlastanylongerinmyhand.”Megstood,herexpressiondefiant.“Everythingalive

deservesachancetogrow.”ThemortalLesterpartofmefoundthissentimentadmirable.TheApollopartofmewasn’tsosure.

Overthecenturies,I’dmetmanylivingbeingsthathadn’tseemedworthyorevencapableofgrowth.AfewofthosebeingsI’dkilledmyself….

Still,IsuspectedMegwassayingsomethingaboutherself.Shehadenduredahorridchildhood—thedeathofherfather,thentheabuseofNero,who’dtwistedhermindintoseeinghimbothasherkindlystepfatherandtheterribleBeast.Despitethat,Meghadsurvived.Iimaginedshecouldempathizewithsmallgreenthingsthathadsurprisinglystrongroots.

“Yes!”Leosaid.Thevaultlockclicked.Thedoorswunginward.Leoturnedandgrinned.“Who’sthebest?”

“Me?”Iasked,butmyspiritsquicklyfell.“Youdidn’tmeanme,didyou?”Leoignoredmeandsteppedintotheroom.Ifollowed.Immediately,anintense,unpleasantmomentofdéjàvustruckme.Inside,acircular

chamberwaslinedwithglasspartitionsliketheemperor’strainingfacilityatthezoo.Buthere,insteadofanimals,thecagesheldpeople.

IwassoappalledIcouldhardlybreathe.Inthenearestcellonmyleft,huddledinacorner,twopainfullyemaciatedteenageboysglaredatme.

Theirclotheswererags.Shadowsfilledthecavernousrecessesoftheirclaviclesandribs.Inthenextcell,agirlingraycamouflagepacedlikeajaguar.Hershoulder-lengthhairwasstark

white,thoughshelookednomorethanfifteen.Givenherlevelofenergyandoutrage,Iguessedshewasarecentcaptive.Shehadnobow,butIpeggedherasaHunterofArtemis.Whenshesawme,shemarchedtotheglass.Shebangedonitwithherfistsandshoutedangrily,buthervoicewastoomuffledformetomakeoutthewords.

Icountedsixothercells,eachoneoccupied.Inthecenteroftheroomwasametalpostwithironhooksandchains—thesortofplacewhereonecouldfastenslavesforinspectionbeforesale.

“Madredelosdioses,”Leomuttered.IthoughttheArrowofDodonawastremblinginmyquiver.ThenIrealizeditwasjustme,shaking

withanger.Ihavealwaysdespisedslavery.Partly,thisisbecausetwicebeforeZeusmadememortalandforced

metoworkasaslaveforhumankings.ThemostpoeticdescriptionIcanofferaboutthatexperience?Itsucked.

Evenbeforethat,mytempleatDelphihadcreatedaspecialwayforslavestogaintheirfreedom.Withthehelpofmypriests,thousandsboughttheiremancipationthrougharitualcalledthetrustsale,bywhichI,thegodApollo,becametheirnewmasterandthensetthemfree.

Muchlater,oneofmybiggestgrudgesagainsttheRomanswasthattheyturnedmyholyislandofDelosintotheregion’sbiggestslavemarket.Canyoubelievethenerve?IsentanangryarmyledbyMithradatestocorrectthatsituation,slaughteringtwentythousandRomansintheprocess.ButImean,comeon.Theyhaditcoming.

Sufficetosay:Commodus’sprisonremindedmeofeverythingIhatedabouttheGoodOldDays.Megstrodetothecellthatheldthetwoemaciatedboys.Withthepointofhersword,shecutacircle

intheglassandkickeditin.Thedislodgedsectionwobbledonthefloorlikeagianttransparentcoin.

Theboystriedtostandwithoutsuccess.Megjumpedintothecelltohelpthem.“Yeah,”Leomutteredwithapproval.Hepulledahammerfromhistoolbeltandmarchedtothecellof

thecaptiveHunter.Hegesturedgetback,thenwhackedtheglass.Thehammerbouncedoff,narrowlymissingLeo’snoseontherebound.

TheHunterrolledhereyes.“Okay,Mr.SheetofGlass.”Leotossedasidethehammer.“You’regonnabelikethat?It’son!”Hishandsblazedwhite-hot.Hepressedhisfingersagainsttheglass,whichbegantowarpandbubble.

Withinseconds,hemeltedaraggedholeatfacelevel.Thesilver-hairedgirlsaid,“Good.Stepaside.”“Holdon,I’llmakeyouabiggerexit,”Leopromised.“Noneed.”Thesilver-hairedgirlbackedup,launchedherselfthroughthehole,andgracefully

somersaultednexttous,grabbingLeo’sdiscardedhammerasshestood.“Moreweapons,”thegirldemanded.“Ineedmoreweapons.”Yes,Ithought,definitelyaHunterofArtemis.Leopulledoutaselectionoftoolsforthegirl’sconsideration.“Um,Igotascrewdriver,ahacksaw,

and…Ithinkthisisacheesecutter.”Thegirlwrinkledhernose.“Whatareyou,atinkerer?”“That’sLordTinkerertoyou.”Thegirlswipedthetools.“I’lltakethemall.”Shescowledatme.“Whataboutyourbow?”“Youcan’thavemybow,”Isaid.“I’mApollo.”Herexpressionchangedfromshocktounderstandingtoforcedcalm.IguessedtheplightofLester

PapadopouloswasknownamongtheHunters.“Right,”thegirlsaid.“TherestoftheHuntersshouldbeontheirway.Iwasthenearestto

Indianapolis.Idecidedtoplayadvancescout.Obviously,thatdidn’tworkoutsowellforme.”“Infact,”Isaid,“therewasanincursionatthefrontgatesafewminutesago.Isuspectyourcomrades

havearrived.”Hereyesdarkened.“Weneedtoleave,then.Quickly.”Meghelpedtheemaciatedboysfromtheircell.Upclose,theylookedevenmorepatheticandfragile,

whichmademeangrier.“Prisonersshouldneverbetreatedthisway,”Igrowled.“Oh,theyweren’tdeniedfood,”thesilver-hairedgirlsaid,admirationcreepingintohervoice.

“They’vebeenonahungerstrike.Courageous…foracoupleofboys.I’mHunterKowalski,bytheway.”Ifrowned.“AHunternamedHunter?”“Yeah,Ihaveheardthatamilliontimes.Let’sfreetheothers.”Ifoundnoconvenientswitchboxtolowertheglassdoors,butwithMegandLeo’shelp,webegan

slowlyliberatingthecaptives.Mostseemedtobehumanordemigod(itwasdifficulttotellwhich)butonewasadracaena.Shelookedhumanenoughfromthewaistup,butwhereherlegsshouldhavebeen,twinsnaketailsundulated.

“She’sfriendly,”Hunterassuredus.“Wesharedacelllastnightuntiltheguardsseparatedus.Hername’sSssssarah,withfives’s.”

Thatwasgoodenoughforme.Weletherout.Thenextcellheldaloneyoungmanwholookedlikeaprofessionalwrestler.Heworeonlyared-

and-whiteloinclothwithmatchingbeadsaroundhisneck,buthedidnotseemunderdressed.Justasgodsareoftendepictednudebecausetheyareperfectbeings,thisprisonerhadnoreasontohidehisbody.Withhisdark,glossyskin,hisshavedhead,andhismusculararmsandchest,helookedlikeateakwarriorbroughttolifethroughthecraftofHephaestus.(ImadeamentalnotetoaskHephaestusaboutsuchaprojectlater.)Hiseyes,alsoteakbrown,werepiercingandangry—beautifulinthewayonlydangerous

thingscanbe.TattooedonhisrightshoulderwasasymbolIdidnotrecognize,somesortofadouble-bladedax.

Leofireduphishandstomelttheglass,butthedracaenaSssssarahhissed.“Notthatone,”shewarned.“Toodangerousssss.”Leofrowned.“Lady,weneeddangerousfriends.”“Yessss,butthatonefoughtformoney.Hewassssemployedbytheemperor.He’sssssonlyherenow

becausehedidssssomethingtoangerCommodussss.”IstudiedTall,Dark&Handsome.(Iknowthat’sacliché,buthereallywasallthree.)Ididn’tintend

toleaveanyonebehind,especiallysomeonewhoworealoinclothsowell.“We’regoingtofreeyou,”Ishoutedthroughtheglass,notsurehowmuchhecouldhear.“Pleasedon’t

killus.WeareenemiesofCommodus,themanwhoputyouhere.”TD&H’sexpressiondidnotchange:partanger,partdisdain,partindifference—thesamewayZeus

lookedeverymorningbeforehiscoffee-infusednectar.“Leo,”Isaid.“Doit.”Valdezmeltedtheglass.TD&Hsteppedoutslowlyandgracefully,asifhehadallthetimeinthe

world.“Hello,”Isaid.“I’mtheimmortalgodApollo.Whomightyoube?”Hisvoicerolledlikethunder.“IamJimmy.”“Anoblename,”Idecided,“worthyofkings.”“Apollo,”Megcalled.“Getoverhere.”Shewasstaringintothelastcell.Ofcourseitwouldbethelastcell.Hunchedinthecorner,sittingonafamiliarbronzesuitcase,wasayounggirlinalavenderwool

sweaterandgreenjeans.Onherlapsataplateofprisonslop,whichshewasusingtofinger-paintonthewall.Hertuftsofbrownhairlookedlikeshe’dcutthemherselfwithgardeningshears.Shewaslargeforherage—aboutLeo’ssize—butherbabyishfacetoldmeshecouldn’thavebeenmorethanseven.

“Georgina,”Isaid.Leoscowled.“WhyisshesittingonFestus?Whywouldtheyputhimintherewithher?”Ididn’thaveananswer,butImotionedforMegtocutthroughtheglasswall.“Letmegofirst,”Isaid.Isteppedthrough.“Georgie?”Thegirl’seyeswerelikefracturedprisms,swirlingwithunanchoredthoughtsandwakingnightmares.

Iknewthatlooktoowell.OverthecenturiesI’dseenmanymortalmindsbrokenundertheweightofprophecy.

“Apollo.”Sheletoutaburstofgigglesasifherbrainhaddevelopedaleak.“Youandthedark.Somedeath,somedeath,somedeath.”

SciencecanbefunSquirtthosetoxicchemicalsAnywhere,really

GEORGINAGRABBEDMYWRIST,sendinganunpleasantchillupmyforearm.“Somedeath.”Onthelistofthingsthatfreakedmeout,seven-year-oldgirlswhogiggledaboutdeathwererightat

thetop,alongwithreptilesandtalkingweapons.Irememberedthepropheticlimerickthathadbroughtuswest—thewarningthatIwouldbeforced

deathandmadnesstoswallow.Clearly,GeorginahadencounteredsuchhorrorsintheCaveofTrophonius.Ididnotfancyfollowingherexample.Foronething,Ihadzeroskillatpaintingwithprisonslop.

“Yes,”Isaidagreeably.“Wecantalkmoreaboutdeathoncewegetyouhome.EmmieandJosephinesentmetogetyou.”

“Home.”Georginaspokethewordasifitwereadifficulttermfromaforeignlanguage.Leogotimpatient.Heclimbedintothecellandtrottedover.“Hey,Georgie.I’mLeo.That’sanice

suitcase.CanIseeit?”Georginatiltedherhead.“Myclothes.”“Oh,uh…yeah.”Leobrushedthenametagonhisborrowedcoveralls.“Sorryaboutthesewagestains

andtheburningsmell.I’llget’emcleaned.”“Theburninghot,”Georgiesaid.“You.Allofit.”“Right…”Leosmileduncertainly.“LadiesoftentellmeI’malltheburninghot.Butdon’tworry.I

won’tsetyouonfireoranything.”IofferedGeorgiemyhand.“Here,child.We’lltakeyouhome.”Shewascontenttoletmehelpher.Assoonasshewasonherfeet,Leorushedtothebronzesuitcase

andbeganfussingoverit.“Oh,buddy,I’msosorry,”hemurmured.“Ishouldneverhaveleftyou.I’llgetyoubacktothe

Waystationforagoodtune-up.ThenyoucanhavealltheTabascosauceandmotoroilyouwant.”Thesuitcasedidnotrespond.Leomanagedtoactivateitswheelsandhandlesohecouldlugitoutof

thecell.GeorginaremaineddocileuntilshesawMeg.Then,suddenly,shehadaburstofstrengthworthyof

me.“No!”Sheyankedherselffrommygripandplungedbackintohercell.Itriedtocalmher,butshe

continuedtohowlandstareatMeginhorror.“NERO!NERO!”Megdidherfamousturn-to-cementexpression,shuttingdownallemotion,extinguishingalllightfrom

hereyes.HunterKowalskirushedintohelpwithGeorgie.“Hey.Hey,hey,hey.”Shestrokedthegirl’sratty

hair.“It’sokay.We’refriends.”“Nero!”Georgieshriekedagain.HunterfrownedatMeg.“What’sshetalkingabout?”Megstareddownatherhigh-tops.“Icanleave.”“We’reallleaving,”Iinsisted.“Georgie,thisisMeg.SheescapedfromNero,that’strue.Butshe’son

ourside.”Idecidednottoadd,Exceptforthatonetimeshebetrayedmetoherstepfatherandalmostgotme

killed.Ididn’twanttocomplicatematters.InHunter’skindembrace,Georgiecalmeddown.Herwideeyesandtremblingbodyremindedmeof

aterrifiedbirdheldincuppedhands.“Youanddeathandfire.”Suddenlyshegiggled.“Thechair!Thechair,thechair.”

“Ah,taters,”Icursed.“She’sright.Westillneedthechair.”Tall,Dark&Jimmyappearedonmyleft,abroodingpresencenotunlikeastormfront.“Whatchairis

this?”“Athrone,”Isaid.“Magical.WeneedittocureGeorgie.”Fromtheblanklooksoftheprisoners,IguessedIwasn’tmakingmuchsense.IalsorealizedIcouldn’t

asktheentiregrouptogotrompingthroughthepalaceinsearchofapieceoffurniture,especiallynotthehalf-starvedboysorthedracaena(who,nothavingfeet,wasincapableoftromping).NorwasGeorgielikelytogoanywherewithMeg—notwithoutagreatdealofshrieking.

“We’llhavetosplitup,”Idecided.“Leo,youknowthewaybacktothesewertunnel.Takeournewfriendswithyou.Hopefullytheguardswillstillbedistracted.MegandIwillfindthechair.”

Leoglancedathisbeloveddragonsuitcase,thenatMegandme,thenattheprisoners.“JustyouandMeg?”

“Go,”Megsaid,carefultoavoidGeorgie’seyes.“We’llbeokay.”“Whatiftheguardsaren’tdistracted?”Leoasked.“Orifwehavetofightthatsnakethingieagain?”Jimmyrumbled,“Snakethingie?”“Iressssentyourchoiceofwordssss,”saidSssssarah.Leosighed.“Idon’tmeanyou.It’sa…well,you’llsee.Maybeyoucantalktoitandconvinceittolet

uspass.”HesizedupJimmy.“Orifnot,themonster’sprobablyabouttherightsizeforyoutomakeabeltoutof.”

Sssssarahhissedindisapproval.HunterKowalskiwrappedherarmsprotectivelyaroundGeorgie.“We’llgeteveryonetosafety,”she

promised.“Apollo,Meg,thankyou.Ifyouseetheemperor,sendhimtoTartarusforme.”“Pleasure,”Isaid.Inthehallway,alarmsbegantoblare.Leoledournewfriendsbackthewaywe’dcome.HunterheldGeorgina’shandwhileJimmyand

Sssssarahproppedupthehunger-strikeboys.Oncethegroupdisappearedaroundthecorner,Megwalkedtoherlittlepatchofchia.Sheclosedher

eyesinconcentration.Fasterthanyoucouldsaych-ch-ch-chia,thesproutswentintooverdrive,spreadingacrossthecorridorlikeafast-motionsheetofgreenice.Sproutswovetogetherfromceilingtofloor,walltowall,untilthehallwaywascloggedwithanimpassablecurtainofplants.

“Impressive,”Isaid,thoughIwasalsothinking,Well,wewon’tbeexitingthatway.Megnodded.“It’llslowdownanybodychasingourfriends.Comeon.Thechairisdownhere.”“Howdoyouknow?”Ratherthananswering,shedashedoff.Sinceshewastheonewithallthecoolpowers,Idecidedto

follow.Alarmscontinuedtoblare,thenoisestabbingmyeardrumslikehotskewers.Redlightssweptthe

corridors,turningMeg’sbladesthecolorofblood.WepokedourheadsinsidetheCOMMODUSSTOLENARTGALLERY,theCOMMODUSIMPERIALCAFÉ,and

theCOMMODUSCAREINFIRMARY.Wesawnooneandfoundnomagicalthrones.Finally,Megstoppedatasteeldoor.AtleastIassumeditwasadoor.Ithadnohandle,lock,or

visiblehinges—itwasjustafeaturelessrectangleofmetalsetinthewall.“It’sinhere,”shesaid.“Howcanyoutell?”Shegavemehernyah-nyah-nyahlook—thekindofexpressionyourmotherusedtowarnyouabout:

Ifyoumakethatface,it’llstick.(I’dalwaystakenthisthreatseriously,sincedivinemothersarefullycapableofmakingithappen.)

“It’slikethetrees,dummy.”Iblinked.“Youmean,howyouledustotheGroveofDodona?”“Yeah.”“YoucansensetheThroneofMnemosyne…becauseitismadeofmagicalwood?”“Dunno.Iguess.”Thatseemedlikeastretch,evenforapowerfuldaughterofDemeter.Ididn’tknowhowtheThroneof

Mnemosynehadbeencreated.Itcertainlymighthavebeencarvedfromsomespecialtreefromasacredforest.Godslovedthatsortofthing.Ifso,Megmighthavebeenabletosensethechair.IwonderedifshecouldfindmeamagicaldiningtableonceIgotbacktoOlympus.IreallyneededonewithfoldoutleavesforaccommodatingtheNineMusesatThanksgiving.

Megtriedslicingthedoorthewayshehadwiththeglasswallsintheprison.Herswordsdidn’tevenscratchthemetal.Shetriedwedgingherbladesintothedoorframe.Noluck.

Shesteppedbackandfrownedatme.“Openit.”“Me?”IfeltsureshewaspickingonmebecauseIwastheonlyenslavedgodshehad.“I’mnot

Hermes!I’mnotevenValdez!”“Try.”Asifthatwereasimplerequest!Iattemptedalltheobviousmethods.Ishovedthedoor.Ikickedit.I

attemptedtogetmyfingertipsundertheedgesandpryitopen.Ispreadmyarmsandyelledthestandardmagicwords:MELLON!SHAZAM!SESAMESTREET!Noneoftheseworked.AtlastItriedmyinfallibleaceinthehole.Isang“LoveIsanOpenDoor”fromtheFrozensoundtrack.Eventhisfailed.

“Impossible!”Icried.“Thisdoorhasnotasteinmusic!”“Bemoregoddy,”Megsuggested.IfIcouldbemoregoddy,Iwantedtoscream,Iwouldn’tbehere!IrandownthelistofthingsIusedtobethegodof:archery,poetry,flirting,sunlight,music,medicine,

prophecy,flirting.Noneofthesewouldopenaliteralstainlesssteeldoor.Wait…Ithoughtbacktothelastroomwe’dpeekedin—theCommoduscareInfirmary.“Medicalsupplies.”Megpeeredatmefrombehindherfilmycat-eyelenses.“You’regoingtohealthedoor?”“Notexactly.Comewithme.”Intheinfirmary,Iriffledthroughsupplycabinets,fillingasmallcardboardboxwithpotentiallyuseful

items:medicaltape,oralsyringes,scalpels,ammonia,distilledwater,bakingsoda.Then,finally…“Aha!”Intriumph,IheldupabottlelabeledH2SO4.“Oilofvitriol!”

Megedgedaway.“Whatisthat?”“You’llsee.”Igrabbedsomesafetyequipment:gloves,mask,goggles—thesortofstuffIwouldnot

havebotheredwithasagod.“Let’sgo,ChiaGirl!”

“ItsoundedbetterwhenLeosaidit,”shecomplained,butshefollowedmeout.Backatthesteeldoor,Isuitedup.Ireadiedtwosyringes:onewithvitriol,onewithwater.“Meg,

standback.”“I…Okay.”ShepinchedhernoseagainstthestenchasIsquirtedoilofvitriolaroundthedoor.

Vaporoustendrilscurledfromtheseams.“Whatisthatstuff?”“Backinmedievaltimes,”Isaid,“weusedoilofvitriolforitshealingproperties.Nodoubtthat’s

whyCommodushadsomeinhisinfirmary.Todaywecallitsulfuricacid.”Megflinched.“Isn’tthatdangerous?”“Very.”“Andyouhealedwithit?”“ItwastheMiddleAges.Wewerecrazybackthen.”Iheldupthesecondsyringe,theonefilledwithwater.“Meg,whatI’mabouttodo—never,evertry

thisonyourown.”Ifeltabitsillygivingthisadvicetoagirlwhoregularlyfoughtmonsterswithgoldenswords,butIhadpromisedBillNyetheScienceGuyIwouldalwayspromotesafelaboratorypractices.

“What’sgoingtohappen?”sheasked.Isteppedbackandsquirtedwaterintothedoorseams.Immediatelytheacidbegantohissandspit

moreaggressivelythantheCarthaginianSerpent.Tospeedtheprocessalong,Isangasongofheatandcorrosion.IchoseFrankOcean,sincehissoulfulpowercouldburnitswaythrougheventhehardestsubstances.

Thedoorgroanedandcreaked.Atlastitfellinward,leavingasteamingwreathofmistaroundtheframe.

“Whoa,”Megsaid,whichwasprobablythehighestcomplimentshe’devergivenme.Ipointedtothecardboardsupplyboxnearherfeet.“Handmethatbakingsoda,wouldyou?”Isprinkledpowderliberallyaroundthedoorwaytoneutralizetheacid.Icouldn’thelpsmirkingatmy

owningenuity.IhopedAthenawaswatching,becauseWISDOM,BABY!AndIdiditwithsomuchmorestylethanOldGrayEyes.

IbowedtoMegwithaflourish.“Afteryou,ChiaGirl.”“Youactuallydidsomethinggood,”shenoted.“Youjusthadtosteponmymoment.”Inside,wefoundatwenty-foot-squarestorageareaholdingjustoneitem.TheThroneofMnemosyne

hardlydeservedthenamethrone.Itwasastraight-backedchairofsandedwhitebirch,devoidofdecorationexceptforthecarvedsilhouetteofamountainontheseatback.Ugh,Mnemosyne!Givemeapropergoldenthroneencrustedwithever-flamingrubies!Alas,noteverydeityknowshowtoflauntit.

Still,thechair’ssimplicitymademenervous.I’vefoundthatmanyterribleandpowerfulitemsarequiteunderwhelminginappearance.Zeus’slightningbolts?Theydon’tlookmenacinguntilmyfatherthrowsthem.ThetridentofPoseidon?Please.Heneverscrubstheseaweedandmossoffthatthing.AndtheweddingdressHelenofTroyworetomarryMenelaus?Oh,gods,itwassodrab.Itoldher,“Girl,youhavegottobekiddingme.Thatnecklinedoesn’tworkforyouatall!”ThenHelenputiton,andwow.

“What’sthemountaindesign?”Megstirredmefrommyreverie.“Olympus?”“Actually,no.I’mguessingthatwouldbeMountPierus,wherethegoddessMnemosynegavebirthto

theNineMuses.”Megscrunchedupherface.“Allnineofthematonce?Soundspainful.”I’dneverthoughtaboutthat.SinceMnemosynewasthegoddessofmemory,witheverydetailofher

eternalexistenceengravedonherbrain,itdidseemstrangethatshe’dwantareminderofherlaboranddeliveryexperiencecarvedonherthrone.

“Whateverthecase,”Isaid,“we’vetarriedtoolong.Let’sgetthechairoutofhere.”Iusedmyrollofmedicaltapetomakeshoulderstraps,turningthechairintoamakeshiftbackpack.

WhosaidLeowastheonlyhandypersononourteam?“Meg,”Isaid,“whileI’mdoingthis,fillthosesyringeswithammonia.”“Why?”“Justforemergencies.Humorme.”Medicaltapeiswonderfulstuff.SoonMegandIbothhadbandoliersofammoniasyringes,andIhada

chaironmyback.Thethronewasalightpieceoffurniture,whichwasfortunate,sinceitwasknockingaroundwithmyukulele,mybow,andmyquiver.Iaddedafewscalpelstomybandolier,justforfun.NowallIneededwasabassdrumandsomejugglingpinsandIcouldbeaone-mantravelingshow.

Ihesitatedinthecorridor.Inonedirection,thehallwayextendedaboutahundredfeetbeforeanglingleft.Thealarmshadstoppedblaring,butfromaroundthatcornercameanechoingroarlikeoceansurforacheeringcrowd.Multicoloredlightsflashedacrossthewalls.Justlookinginthatdirectionmademenervous.

OuronlyotheroptionwouldtakeusbacktotheMegMcCaffreyMemorialWallofChia.“Fastestexit,”Isaid.“Wemayhavetoretraceoursteps.”Megstoodenthralled,hereartiltedtowardthedistantroar.“There’s…somethingdownthere.We

needtocheckitout.”“Please,no,”Ibegged.“We’verescuedtheprisoners.WefoundFestus.Wescoredalovelypieceof

furniture.That’safullday’sworkforanyhero!”Megstraightened.“Somethingimportant,”sheinsisted.Shesummonedherswordsandstrodetowardthestrangelightsinthedistance.“Ihateyou,”Imuttered.ThenIshoulderedmymagicalchairandjoggedafterher—aroundthecornerandstraightintoavast

spotlightedarena.

BigbirdsareevilTheychargemewithrazorlegsIdieandithurts

IWASNOSTRANGERtostadiumconcerts.Inancienttimes,Iplayedadozensold-outshowsattheamphitheaterinEphesus.Frenziedyoung

womenthrewtheirstrophiaeatme.Youngmenswoonedandfainted.In1965,IsangwiththeBeatlesatSheaStadium,thoughPaulwouldnotagreetoturnupmymicrophone.Ontherecordings,youcan’tevenhearmyvoiceon“Everybody’sTryin’toBeMyBaby.”

However,noneofmypreviousexperiencespreparedmefortheemperor’sarena.Spotlightsblindedmeasweemergedfromthecorridor.Thecrowdcheered.Asmyeyesadjusted,Isawthatwestoodatthefifty-yardlineofaprofessionalfootballstadium.The

fieldwasarrangedinanoddfashion.Aroundthecircumferenceranathree-laneracetrack.Pincushioningtheartificialturf,adozenironpostsanchoredthechainsofvariousbeasts.Atonepost,sixcombatostrichespacedlikedangerousmerry-go-roundanimals.Atanother,threemalelionssnarledandblinkedatthespotlights.Atathird,asad-lookingelephantswayed,nodoubtunhappythatshe’dbeenoutfittedinspikedchainmailandanoversizeColtsfootballhelmet.

Reluctantly,Iraisedmyeyestothestands.Intheseaofblueseats,theonlyoccupiedsectionwastheendzoneontheleft,butthecrowdwascertainlyenthusiastic.Germanibangedtheirspearsagainsttheirshields.ThedemigodsofCommodus’sImperialHouseholdjeeredandyelledinsults(whichIwillnotrepeat)aboutmydivineperson.Cynocephali—thetribeofwolf-headedmen—howledandtoreattheirIndianapolisColtssouvenirjerseys.Rowsofblemmyaeclappedpolitely,lookingperplexedattherudebehavioroftheirpeers.Andofcourse,anentiresectionofthestandswasfilledwithwildcentaurs.Honestly,youcan’thaveasportingeventorbloodbathanywherewithoutthemsomehowgettingwindofit.Theyblewtheirvuvuzelas,soundedairhorns,andtrampledalloveroneanother,sloshingrootbeerfromtheirdouble-cupdrinkinghats.

Inthecenterofthecrowdgleamedtheemperor’sbox,bedeckedinpurpleandgoldbannersthatclashedhorriblywiththeblue-and-steelColtsdecor.FlankingthethronewereagrimmixofGermaniandmortalmercenarieswithsniperrifles.WhatthemercenariessawthroughtheMist,Icouldn’tguess,buttheymusthavebeenspeciallytrainedtoworkinmagicalenvironments.Theystoodemotionlessandalert,theirfingersrestingacrosstheirtriggers.Ididn’tdoubtthattheywouldkillusatonewordfromCommodus,andwewouldbepowerlesstostopthem.

Commodushimselfrosefromhisthrone.Heworewhite-and-purplerobesandagoldenlaurelcrown,asonewouldexpectofanemperor,butunderthefoldsofhistogaIcaughtaglimpseofagolden-brown

racingsuit.Withhisshaggybeard,CommoduslookedmorelikeaGallicchieftainthanaRoman,thoughnoGaulwouldhavesuchperfectgleamingwhiteteeth.

“Atlast!”Hiscommandingvoiceboomedthroughthestadium,amplifiedbygiantspeakersthathungabovethefield.“Welcome,Apollo!”

Theaudiencecheeredandhooted.Liningtheuppertiers,TVscreensflasheddigitalfireworksandblazedthewordsWELCOME,APOLLO!Highabove,alongthegirdersofthecorrugatedsteelroof,bagsofconfettiburst,dumpingasnowstormofpurpleandgoldthatswirledaroundthechampionshipbanners.

Oh,theirony!ThiswasexactlythesortofwelcomeI’dbeenlongingfor.NowIjustwantedtoslinkbackintothecorridoranddisappear.But,ofcourse,thedoorwaywe’dcomethroughhadvanished,replacedwithacinder-blockwall.

Icrouchedasinconspicuouslyaspossibleandpressedtheindentationonmyironmanacle.Nowingssprangfromtheshackle,soIguessedI’dfoundtherightbuttonfortheemergencysignal.Withluck,itwouldalertJoandEmmietoourplightandlocation,thoughIstillwasn’tsurewhattheycoulddotohelpus.Atleastthey’dknowwheretocollectourbodieslater.

Megseemedtobewithdrawingintoherself,rollingdownhermentalshuttersagainsttheonslaughtofnoiseandattention.Forabriefterriblemoment,Iwonderedifshemighthavebetrayedmeonceagain—leadingmerightintotheclutchesoftheTriumvirate.

No.Irefusedtobelieveit.Andyet…whyhadsheinsistedoncomingthisdirection?Commoduswaitedfortheroarofthecrowdtosubside.Combatostrichesstrainedattheirtethers.

Lionsroared.TheelephantshookherheadasiftryingtoremoveherridiculousColtshelmet.“Meg,”Isaid,tryingtocontrolmypanic.“Whydidyou…Whyarewe…?”HerexpressionwasasmystifiedasthedemigodsatCampHalf-Bloodwho’dbeendrawntothe

GroveofDodonabyitsmysteriousvoices.“Something,”shemurmured.“Somethingishere.”Thatwasahorrifyingunderstatement.Manythingswerehere.Mostofthemwantedtokillus.Thevideoscreensflashedmorefireworks,alongwithdigitalnonsenselikeDEFENSE!andMAKESOME

NOISE!andadvertisementsforenergydrinks.Myeyesfeltasiftheywerebleeding.Commodusgrinneddownatme.“Ihadtorushthings,oldfriend!Thisisjustthedressrehearsal,but

sinceyou’rehere,Iscrambledtoputtogetherafewsurprises.We’llrestagethewholeshowtomorrowwithafullaudience,afterIbulldozetheWaystationtotheground.Dotrytostayalivetoday,butyou’rewelcometosufferasmuchasyouwant.AndMeg…”Histsk-tsk-tskechoedthroughthestadium.“Yourstepfatherissodisappointedinyou.You’reabouttofindoutjusthowmuch.”

Megpointedoneofherswordsattheemperor’sbox.Iwaitedforhertoissuesomewitheringretort,likeYou’restupid,buttheswordseemedtobeherentiremessage.ThisbroughtbackanunsettlingmemoryofCommodushimselfintheColosseum,tossingseveredostrichheadsatthesenators’seatsandpointing:You’renext.ButMegcouldn’thaveknownaboutthat…couldshe?

Commodus’ssmilewavered.Heheldupapageofnotes.“So,anyway,therunofshow!First,thecitizensofIndianapolisaremarchedinatgunpointandseated.I’llsayafewwords,thankthemforcoming,andexplainhowtheircityisnownamedCommodianapolis.”

Thecrowdhowledandstomped.Aloneairhornblasted.“Yes,yes.”Commoduswavedawaytheirenthusiasm.“ThenIsendanarmyofblemmyaeintothecity

withchampagnebottlestosmashagainstallthebuildings.Mybannersareunfurledalongallthestreets.AnybodiesweretrievefromtheWaystationaredangledonropesfromthegirdersupthere”—hegesturedatthepeakedceiling—“andthenthefunstarts!”

Hethrewhisnotesintheair.“Ican’ttellyouhowexcitedIam,Apollo!Youunderstand,don’tyou,thiswasallpreordained?ThespiritofTrophoniuswasveryspecific.”

Mythroatmadethesoundofavuvuzela.“YouconsultedtheDarkOracle?”

Iwasn’tsuremywordswouldcarrythatfar,buttheemperorlaughed.“Well,ofcourse,dearheart!Notmepersonally.Ihaveminionstodothatsortofthing.ButTrophoniuswasquiteclear:onceIdestroytheWaystationandsacrificeyourlifeinthegames,onlythencanIrechristenthiscityandruletheMidwestforeverasgod-emperor!”

TwinspotlightsfixedonCommodus.Herippedoffhistoga,revealingaone-pieceracingsuitofNemeanLionhide,thefrontandsleevesdecoratedwiththedecalsofvariouscorporatesponsors.

Thecrowdoohedandahhedastheemperorturnedacircle,showingoffhisoutfit.“Youlike?”heasked.“I’vedonealotofresearchonmynewhometown!Mytwofellowemperors

callthisplaceboring.ButIwillprovethemwrong!IwillstagethebestIndy-Colt-500-Double-AGladiatorialChampionshipever!”

Personally,IthoughtCommodus’sbrandingneededwork,butthecrowdwentwild.Everythingseemedtohappenatonce.Countrymusicblaredfromthespeakers:possiblyJason

Aldean,thoughwiththedistortionandreverb,evenmykeenearscouldnotbesure.Attheoppositesideofthetrack,awallopened.ThreeFormulaOneracecars—red,yellow,andblue,likeachildren’stoyset—rumbledontothetarmac.

Aroundthefield,chainsdisconnectedfromtheanimals’collars.Inthestands,wildcentaursthrewfruitandblewtheirvuvuzelas.Fromsomewherebehindtheemperor’sbox,cannonsfired,launchingadozengladiatorsoverthegoalpoststowardthefield.Somelandedwithgracefulrollsandcameupreadytofight.Othershittheartificialturflikeheavily-armoredspitwadsanddidn’tmoveagain.

Theracecarsrevvedandspedaroundthetrack,forcingMegandmeontothefieldtoavoidgettingrunover.Gladiatorsandanimalsbeganafree-for-all,no-claws-barreddestructo-matchtotheNashvillebeat.Andthen,fornologicalreason,ahugesackopenedundertheJumbotronmonitor,spillinghundredsofbasketballsontothefifty-yardline.

EvenbyCommodus’sstandards,thespectaclewascrassandtoomuchofeverything,butIdoubtedIwouldlivelongenoughtowriteabadreview.Adrenalineracedthroughmysystemlikea220-voltcurrent.Megyelledandchargedthenearestostrich.SinceIhadnothingbettertodo,Iracedafterher,theThroneofMnemosyneandthirtypoundsofothergearbouncingonmyback.

Allsixostrichesboredownonus.ThatmaynotsoundasterrifyingastheCarthaginianSerpentorabronzecolossusofmoi,butostrichescanrunatfortymilesanhour.Theychargedwiththeirmetalteethsnapping,theirspikedhelmetsswipingsidetoside,theirbarbed-wirelegstramplingacrosstheturflikeanuglypinkforestofdeadlyChristmastrees.

Inockedanarrowinmybow,butevenifIcouldmatchCommodus’sskill,IdoubtedIcoulddecapitateallsixbirdsbeforetheykilledus.Iwasn’tevensureMegcoulddefeatsomanywithherformidableblades.

Isilentlycomposedanewdeathhaikurightonthespot:Bigbirdsareevil/Theychargemewithrazorlegs/Idieandithurts.

Inmydefense,Ididnothavemuchtimetoedit.Theonlythingthatsavedus?Basketballsexmachina.Anotherbagmusthaveopenedaboveus,or

perhapsasmallbatchofballshadgottenstuckinthenetting.Twentyorthirtyraineddownaroundus,forcingtheostrichestododgeandveer.Onelessfortunatebirdsteppedonaballandtookaheader,plantinghissharpenedbeakintheturf.Twoofhisbrethrenstumbledoverhim,creatingadangerouspile-upoffeathers,legs,andrazorwire.

“Comeon!”Megyelledtome.Ratherthanfightingthebirds,shegrabbedone’sneckandswungontoitsback,somehowwithoutdying.Shechargedaway,swingingherbladesatmonstersandgladiators.

Mildlyimpressive,buthowwasIsupposedtofollowher?Also,she’djustrendereduselessmyplanofhidingbehindher.Suchaninconsiderategirl.

Ishotmyarrowatthenearestthreat:aCyclopschargingmeandwavinghisclub.Wherehe’dcome

from,Ihadnoidea,butIsenthimbacktoTartaruswherehebelonged.Idodgedafire-breathinghorse,kickedabasketballintothegutofagladiator,thensidesteppedalion

whowaslungingatatasty-lookingostrich.(Allofthis,bytheway,withachairstrappedtomyback.)Megaimedherdeadlybirdattheemperor’sbox,slashingdownanythingthatgotinherway.I

understoodherplan:killCommodus.IstaggeredafterherasbestIcould,butmyheadthrobbedfromthepoundingcountrymusic,thejeeringofthecrowd,andthewhineoftheFormulaOneenginesgainingspeedaroundthetrack.

Apackofwolf-headedwarriorslopedtowardme—toomany,attoocloserangeformybow.Irippedoffmybandolierofmedicalsyringesandsquirtedammoniaintheirlupinefaces.Theyscreamed,clawingtheireyes,andbegantocrumbletodust.AsanyMountOlympiancustodiancantellyou,ammoniaisanexcellentcleaningagentformonstersandotherblemishes.

Imademywaytowardtheonlyislandofcalmonthefield:theelephant.Shedidnotseeminterestedinattackinganyone.Givenhersizeandformidablechain-maildefenses,

noneoftheothercombatantsseemedanxioustoapproachher.Orperhaps,seeingherColtshelmet,theysimplydidn’twanttomesswiththehometeam.

Somethingaboutherwassosad,sodespondent,Ifeltdrawntoherasakindredspirit.Ipulledoutmycombatukuleleandstrummedanelephant-friendlysong:Primus’s“Southbound

Pachyderm.”Theinstrumentalintrowashauntingandsad—perfectforsoloukulele.“Greatelephant,”IsangasIapproached.“MayIrideyou?”Herwetbrowneyesblinkedatme.Shehuffedasiftosay,Whatever,Apollo.Theygotmewearing

thisstupidhelmet.Idon’tevencareanymore.Agladiatorwithatridentrudelyinterruptedmysong.Ismashedhiminthefacewithmycombat

ukulele.ThenIusedtheelephant’sforelegtoclimbontoherback.Ihadn’tpracticedthattechniquesincethestormgodIndratookmeonalate-nightroadtripinsearchofvindaloo,butIguessridinganelephantisoneofthoseskillsyouneverforget.

IspottedMegatthetwenty-yardline,leavinggroaninggladiatorsandpilesofmonsterashinherwakeassherodeherostrichtowardtheemperor.

Commodusclappedwithdelight.“Welldone,Meg!I’dlovetofightyou,butHOLDTHATTHOUGHT!”

Themusicabruptlyshutoff.Gladiatorsstoppedinmid-combat.Theracecarsslowedtoanidle.EvenMeg’sostrichpausedandlookedaroundasifwonderingwhyitwassuddenlysoquiet.

Overthespeakerscameadramaticdrumroll.“MegMcCaffrey!”Commodusboomedinhisbestgame-showannouncervoice.“We’vegotaspecial

surpriseforyou—straightfromNewYork,someoneyouknow!Canyousavehimbeforeheburstsintoflames?”

Spotlightbeamscrossedinmidairatapointabovetheendzone,levelwiththetopofthegoalposts.Thatoldpost-vindaloofeelingcamebacktome,burningitswaythroughmyintestines.NowIunderstoodwhatMeghadsensedearlier—thatvaguesomethingthathaddrawnherintothestadium.Suspendedfromtheraftersbyalongchain,snarlingandwrigglinginaropecocoon,wastheemperor’sspecialsurprise:Meg’strustysidekick,thekarposPeaches.

ItipmyhattoTheexcellentelephantLet’sbebesties,’kay?

INOCKEDANARROWandfiredatthechain.Inmostcircumstances,myfirstinstinctwastoshoot.Usuallythisworkedout.(Unlessyoucountthe

timeHermesburstintomybathroomwithoutknocking.And,yes,IalwayskeepmybowhandywhenI’monthetoilet.WhywouldInot?)

Thistime,myshotwasill-planned.Peachesstruggledandswungsomuch,myarrowsailedpasthischainandfelledarandomblemmyaeinthestands.

“Stop!”Megshriekedatme.“YoumighthitPeaches!”Theemperorlaughed.“Yes,thatwouldbeashamewhenhe’sabouttoburntodeath!”Commodusleapedfromhisboxontotheracetrack.Megraisedherswordandpreparedtocharge,but

mercenariesinthestandsleveledtheirrifles.NomatterthatIwasfiftyyardsaway—thesnipershadaimworthyof…well,me.Aswarmofredtargetingdotsfloatedovermychest.

“Now,now,Meg,”theemperorchided,pointingtome.“Mygame,myrules.Unlessyouwanttolosetwofriendsinthedressrehearsal.”

Megliftedonesword,thentheother,weighingthemlikeoptions.Shewastoofarawayformetoclearlyseeherexpression,butIcouldsenseheragony.HowmanytimeshadIbeencaughtinsuchadilemma?DoIdestroytheTrojansortheGreeks?DoIflirtwithmysister’sHuntersandriskgettingslapped,ordoIflirtwithBritomartisandriskgettingblownup?Thesearethekindsofchoicesthatdefineus.

AsMeghesitated,apitcrewintogasrolledanotherFormulaOnecarontothetrack—abrightpurplemachinewithagoldennumber1onthehood.Protrudingfromtheroofwasawirylanceabouttwentyfeettall,toppedwithawadofcloth.

Myfirstthought:WhydidCommodusneedsuchabigantenna?ThenIlookedagainatthedanglingkarpos.Inthespotlights,Peachesglistenedasifhe’dbeenslatheredwithgrease.Hisfeet,usuallybare,werecoveredinroughsandpaper—likethestrikingsurfaceofamatchbook.

Myguttwisted.Theracecar’santennawasn’tanantenna.Itwasagiantmatch,setatjusttherightheighttoigniteagainstPeaches’sfeet.

“OnceI’minthecar,”Commodusannounced,“mymercenarieswillnotinterfere.Meg,youmaytrytostopmeanywayyouplease!Myplanistocompleteonecircuit,lightyourfriendonfire,thencirclebackaroundandhityouandApollowithmycar.Ibelievetheycallthatavictorylap!”

Thecrowdroaredwithapproval.Commodusleapedintohiscar.Hispitcrewscattered,andthe

purpleracerpeeledoutinacloudofsmoke.Mybloodturnedtocold-pressedoliveoil,pumpingsluggishlythroughmyheart.Howlongwouldit

takeforthatracecartogetaroundthetrack?Seconds,atmost.IsuspectedCommodus’swindshieldwasarrow-proof.Hewouldn’tleavemesuchaneasysolution.Ididn’tevenhavetimeforadecentukuleleriff.

Meanwhile,Megguidedherostrichundertheswingingkarpos.Shestoodonthebird’sback(noeasytask)andreachedashighasshecould,butPeacheswasmuchtoofaraboveher.

“Turnintoafruit!”Megshoutedupathim.“Disappear!”“Peaches!”Peacheswailed,whichprobablymeant:Don’tyouthinkIwouldifIcould?Iguessedthat

theropesweresomehowmagicallyrestrictinghisshape-shifting,confininghimtohispresentform,muchasZeushadshoehornedmyawesomedivinityintothemiserablebodyofLesterPapadopoulos.Forthefirsttime,Ifeltakinshipwiththediapereddemonbaby.

Commoduswasnowhalfwayaroundthetrack.Hecouldhavegonefaster,butheinsistedonswervingandwavingtothecameras.Theotherracecarspulledovertolethimpass,makingmewonderiftheyunderstoodtheconceptofracing.

Megleapedfromtheostrich’sback.Shecaughtthegoalpost’scrossbeamandbegantoclimb,butIknewshewouldn’thavetimetohelpthekarpos.

Thepurplecarroundedthefarendzone.IfCommodusacceleratedinthestraightaway,itwouldallbeover.IfonlyIcouldblockhispathwithsomethinglargeandheavy.

Oh,wait,thoughtmygeniusbrain,Iamsittingonanelephant.EngravedacrossthebaseofthemassiveColtshelmetwasthenameLIVIA.Iassumedthatwasthe

elephant’s.Ileanedforward.“Livia,myfriend,doyoufeellikestompinganemperor?”Shetrumpeted—herfirstrealshowofenthusiasm.Iknewelephantswereintelligent,buther

willingnesstohelpsurprisedme.IgotthefeelingthatCommodushadtreatedherterribly.Nowshewantedtokillhim.This,atleast,wehadincommon.

Liviachargedtowardthetrack,shoulderingotheranimalsaside,sweepinghertrunktosmackgladiatorsoutofourpath.

“Goodelephant!”Icried.“Excellentelephant!”TheThroneofMemorybouncedprecariouslyonmyback.Ispentallmyarrows(exceptforthestupid

talkingone)shootingdowncombatostriches,fire-breathinghorses,Cyclopes,andcynocephali.ThenIsnatchedupmycombatukuleleandplayedthebuglecallforCHARGE!

Liviabarreleddownthecenterlane,headingforthepurpleracecar.Commodusveeredstraighttowardus,hisgrinningfacereflectedoneveryvideomonitoraroundthestadium.Helookeddelightedbytheprospectofahead-oncollision.

Me,notsomuch.Commoduswashardtokill.MyelephantandIwerenot,norwasIsurehowmuchprotectionLivia’schainmailwouldgiveher.I’dbeenhopingwemightforceCommodusofftheroad,butIshould’veknownhewouldneverbackdowninagameofchicken.Withoutahelmet,hishairflappedwildlyaroundhim,makinghisgoldenlaurelslookliketheywereonfire.

Withoutahelmet…Ipulledascalpelfrommybandolier.Leaningforward,IsawedthroughthechinstrapoffLivia’s

footballhelmet.Itsnappedeasily.Thankthegodsforcheapplasticmerchandise!“Livia,”Isaid.“Throwit!”Theexcellentelephantunderstood.Stillchargingfullspeedahead,shecurledhertrunkaroundherfaceguardandflungthehelmetlikea

gentlemantippinghishat…ifthathatwereallowedtohurtleforwardasadeadlyprojectile.Commodusswerved.Thegiantwhitehelmetbouncedoffhiswindshield,buttherealdamagehad

beendone.PurpleOnevaultedontothefieldatanimpossiblysteepangle,cantedsideways,andflippedthreetimes,bowlingoveraherdofostrichesandacoupleofunluckygladiators.

“OHHHHHHH!”Thecrowdrosetoitsfeet.Themusicstopped.Theremaininggladiatorsbackedtowardtheedgeofthefield,eyeingtheoverturnedimperialracecar.

Smokepouredfromthechassis.Thewheelsspun,sloughingoffshavingsoftread.Iwantedtobelievethecrowd’ssilencewasahopefulpause.Perhaps,likeme,theirfondestwishwas

thatCommoduswouldnotemergefromthewreckage,thathehadbeenreducedtoanimperialsmearontheartificialturfattheforty-two-yardline.

Alas,asteamingfigurecrawledfromthewreckage.Commodus’sbeardsmoldered.Hisfaceandhandswereblackwithsoot.Herose,hissmileundimmed,andstretchedasifhe’djusthadagoodnap.

“Niceone,Apollo!”Hegrabbedthechassisoftheruinedracecarandlifteditoverhishead.“Butitwilltakemorethanthistokillme!”

Hetossedthecaraside,flatteninganunfortunateCyclops.Theaudiencecheeredandstomped.Theemperorcalled,“CLEARTHEFIELD!”Immediatelydozensofanimalhandlers,medics,andballretrieversrushedontotheturf.Thesurviving

gladiatorssulkedaway,asifrealizingnofighttothedeathcouldcompetewithwhatCommodushadjustdone.

Astheemperororderedhisservantsaround,Iglancedtowardtheendzone.Somehow,Meghadclimbedallthewaytothetopofthegoalpost.SheleapedtowardPeachesandcaughthislegs,causingagreatdealofscreechingandcursingfromthekarpos.Foramoment,theyswungtogetherfromthechain.ThenMegclimbedherfriend’sbody,summonedhersword,andslashedthechain.Theydroppedtwentyfeet,landingonthetrackinaheap.Happily,PeachesactedasacushionforMeg.Giventhesoft,squishynatureofpeachfruit,IimaginedMegwouldbefine.

“Well!”Commodusstrodetowardme.Helimpedslightlyonhisrightankle,butifitcausedhimanyseriouspain,hegavenosign.“Thatwasagoodrehearsal!Tomorrow,moredeaths—includingyours,ofcourse.We’lltweakthecombatphase.Perhapsaddafewmoreracecarsandbasketballs?And,Livia,younaughtyoldelephant!”Hewaggedhisfingeratmypachydermmount.“That’sthesortofenergyIwaslookingfor!Ifyou’dshowedthatmuchenthusiasminourpreviousgames,Iwouldn’thavehadtokillClaudius.”

Liviastompedandtrumpeted.Istrokedthesideofherhead,tryingtocalmher,butIcouldfeelherintenseanguish.

“Claudiuswasyourmate,”Iguessed.“Commoduskilledhim.”Theemperorshrugged.“Ididwarnher:playmygamesorelse.Butelephantsaresostubborn!

They’rebigandstrongandusedtogettingtheirway—ratherlikegods.Still”—hewinkedatme—“it’samazingwhatalittlepunishmentcanaccomplish.”

Liviastampedherfeet.Iknewshewantedtocharge,butafterseeingCommodustossaracecar,IsuspectedhewouldhavelittletroublehurtingLivia.

“Wewillgethim,”Imurmuredtoher.“Justwait.”“Yes,untiltomorrow!”Commodusagreed.“You’llgetanotherchancetodoyourworst.Butfornow

—ah,herecomemyguardstoescortyoutoyourcell!”AsquadronofGermanihustledontothefieldwithLityersesinthelead.Acrosshisface,theCornhuskerhadanuglynewbruisethatlookedsuspiciouslylikeanostrich’s

footprint.Thatpleasedme.Hewasalsobleedingfromseveralnewcutsonhisarms,andhispantlegswereslashedtoribbons.Theripslookedlikegrazesfromsmall-gamearrowheads,asiftheHuntershadbeentoyingwiththeirtarget,doingtheirbesttoeliminatehistrousers.Thispleasedmeevenmore.IwishedIcouldaddanewarrowwoundtoLityerses’scollection—preferablyonerightinthemiddleof

hissternum—butmyquiverwasemptyexceptfortheArrowofDodona.I’dhadenoughdramaforonedaywithoutaddingbadShakespeareandialogue.

Lityersesbowedawkwardly.“Mylord.”CommodusandIspokeinunison.“Yes?”IthoughtIlookedmuchmorelordlysittingatopmychain-mailelephant,butLityersesjustsneeredat

me.“Mylord,Commodus,”heclarified,“theinvadershavebeenpushedbackfromthemaingates.”“Abouttime,”theemperormuttered.“TheywereHuntersofArtemis,sire.”“Isee.”Commodusdidn’tsoundparticularlyconcerned.“Didyoukillthemall?”“We…”Litgulped.“No,mylord.Theysnipedatusfrommultiplepositionsandfellback,leadingus

intoaseriesoftraps.Weonlylosttenmen,but—”“Youlostten.”Commodusexaminedhissoot-stainedfingernails.“AndhowmanyoftheseHunters

didyoukill?”Litedgedaway.Hisneckveinspulsed.“I—Iamnotsure.Wefoundnobodies.”“Soyoucannotconfirmanykills.”Commodusglancedatme.“Whatwouldyouadvise,Apollo?

ShouldItaketimetoreflect?ShouldIconsidertheconsequences?ShouldIperhapstellmyprefect,Lityerses,nottoworry?Hewillbefine?HewillALWAYSHAVEMYBLESSINGS?”

Thislastlinehescreamed,hisvoiceechoingthroughthestadium.Eventhewildcentaursinthestandsfellquiet.

“No,”Commodusdecided,histoneonceagaincalm.“Alaric,whereareyou?”OneoftheGermanisteppedforward.“Sire?”“TakeApolloandMegMcCaffreyintocustody.Seethattheygetnicecellsforthenight.Putthe

ThroneofMnemosynebackintostorage.Killtheelephantandthekarpos.Whatelse?Oh,yes.”Fromthebootofhisracingsuit,Commoduspulledahuntingknife.“HoldLityerses’sarmsformewhileIcuthisthroat.It’stimeforanewprefect.”

BeforeAlariccouldcarryouttheseorders,thestadium’sroofexploded.

DestroymearoofBringmewencheswithwinchesWe’resooutofhere

WELL,ISAYEXPLODED.Moreaccurately,theroofcrumpledinward,asroofstendtodowhenabronzedragonsmashesintothem.Girdersbent.Rivetspopped.Sheetsofcorrugatedmetalgroanedandfoldedwithasoundlikecollidingaircraftcarriers.

Festusplummetedthroughthegap,hiswingsunfoldingtoslowhisdescent.Heseemednoworseforwearfromhistimeinsuitcaseform,butjudgingfromthewayheblowtorchedtheaudienceinthestands,Iguessedhewasfeelingabitcranky.

Wildcentaursstampeded,tramplingthemortalmercenariesandGermani.Theblemmyaeclappedpolitely,perhapsthinkingthedragonwaspartoftheshow,untilawaveofflamesreducedthemtodust.Festusflewhisownfieryvictorylaparoundthetrack,torchingracecars,asadozensilveryropesuncoiledfromtheroof,loweringtheHuntersofArtemisintothearenalikeaclutterofspiders.

(I’vealwaysfoundspidersfascinatingcreatures,despitewhatAthenathinks.Ifyouaskme,she’sjustjealousoftheirbeautifulfaces.BOOM!)

MoreHuntersremainedontherooflinewiththeirbowsdrawn,layingdownsuppressingfireastheirsistersloweredthemselvestothefield.Assoonastherappellershittheturf,theydrewbows,swords,andknivesandleapedintobattle.

Alaric,alongwithmostoftheemperor’sGermani,chargedtomeetthem.Atthegoalpost,MegMcCaffreyworkedfranticallytocutPeachesfreefromhisropes.TwoHunters

droppednexttoher.Theyhadahurriedconversationwithlotsofpointing,somethingalongthelinesof:Hello,weareyourfriends.You’regoingtodie.Comewithus.

Clearlyagitated,Megglancedacrossthefieldinmydirection.Iyelled,“GO!”MegallowedtheHunterstograbherandPeaches.ThentheHuntersslappedsomesortofmechanisms

onthesidesoftheirbeltsandshotbackuptheirropesasifthelawsofgravityweremererecommendations.

Motorizedwinches,Ithought,averyniceaccessory.IfIlivethroughthis,I’mgoingtorecommendthattheHuntersofArtemismakeT-shirtsthatreadWENCHESWITHWINCHES.I’msurethey’lllovethatidea.

TheclosestgroupofHunterschargedinmydirection,meetingtheGermaniinbattle.OneoftheHunterslookedfamiliar,withchoppyblackhairanddazzlingblueeyes.InsteadoftheusualgraycamoofArtemis’sfollowers,sheworejeansandablackleatherjacketthatwasheldtogetherwithsafetypinsandhadpatchesfortheRamonesandDeadKennedys.Asilvertiaraglintedonherforehead.Ononearm,she

brandishedashieldimprintedwiththegruesomevisageofMedusa—nottheoriginal,Isuspected,sincethatwould’veturnedmetostone,butagoodenoughreplicatomakeeventheGermanicowerandbackaway.

Thegirl’snamecametome:ThaliaGrace.Artemis’slieutenant,theleaderoftheHunters,hadpersonallycometorescueme.

“SaveApollo!”sheyelled.Myspiritssoared.Yes,thankyou!Iwantedtoyell.FINALLYsomeonehastheirprioritiesstraight!Ifelt,foramoment,asiftheworldwerebackinitsproperorder.Commodussighedinexasperation.“Ididnotschedulethisformygames.”Helookedaround,

apparentlyjustrealizinghehadonlytwoguardsandLityerseslefttocommand.Therestwerealreadyincombat.“Lityerses,getoutthere!”hesnapped.“SlowthemdownwhileIgochange.Ican’tfightinaracingoutfit.Thisisridiculous!”

Lit’seyetwitched.“Sire…youwereabouttorelievemeofduty.Bykillingme?”“Oh,right.Well,thengosacrificeyourself!Proveyou’remoreusefulthanthatidiotfatherofyours!

Honestly,Midashadthegoldentouch,andhestillcouldn’tdoanythingright.You’renobetter!”TheskinaroundLityerses’sostrichbruisereddened,asifthebirdwerestillstandingonhisface.

“Sire,withrespect—”Commodus’shandshotoutlikearattlesnake,clampingaroundtheswordsman’sthroat.“Respect?”theemperorhissed.“Youtalktomeofrespect?”Arrowssailedtowardtheemperor’sremainingguards.BothGermanifellwithlovelynewsilver-

featherednosepiercings.AthirdmissilehurtledtowardCommodus.TheemperoryankedLityersesintoitspathandthearrow

pointeruptedfromthefrontofLit’sthigh.Theswordsmanscreamed.Commodusdroppedhimindisgust.“DoIhavetokillyoumyself?Really?”Heraisedhisknife.Somethinginsideme,nodoubtacharacterflaw,mademefeelpityforthewoundedCornhusker.“Livia,”Isaid.Theelephantunderstood.Shetrunk-smackedCommodusupsidethehead,knockinghimflatontheturf.

Lityersesfumbledforthehiltofhissword.Findingit,hejabbedthepointintotheemperor’sexposedneck.

Commodushowled,clampinghishandoverthewound.Judgingfromtheamountofblood,Ideducedthatthecut,sadly,hadmissedhisjugular.

Commodus’seyesblazed.“Oh,Lityerses,youtraitor.Iwillkillyouslowlyforthat!”Butitwasnotmeanttobe.TheclosestGermani,seeingtheiremperorbleedingontheground,rantohisaid.Liviascoopedup

LityersesandbackedusawayasthebarbariansclosedranksaroundCommodus,formingashieldwall,theirbristlingpolearmspointedatus.TheGermanilookedreadytocounterattack,butbeforetheycould,alineofflamesraineddownbetweenourtwogroups.FestusthedragonlandednexttoLivia.TheGermanihastilyretreatedwhileCommodusscreamed,“Putmedown!Ineedtokillthosepeople!”

AtopFestus,Leosalutedmelikeafellowfighterpilot.“What’sup,Lesteropoulos?Jogotyouremergencysignal.Shesentusbackrightaway.”

ThaliaGracejoggedoverwithtwoofherHunters.“Weneedtoevacuate.We’llbeoverruninafewminutes.”Shepointedtotheendzone,wherethesurvivorsfromFestus’sfieryvictorylapwerestartingtoformranks:ahundredassortedcentaurs,cynocephali,anddemigodsfromtheImperialHousehold.

Iglancedtothesidelines.Leadingintothelowesttierofseatswasaramp—possiblywideenoughforanelephant.“I’mnotleavingLiviabehind.TakeLityerses.AndtaketheThroneofMemory.”Iunslungthe

chair,thankfulagainforitslightweight,andtosseditacrosstoLeo.“ThatthronehastogetbacktoGeorgie.I’llrideLiviaoutoneofthemortalexits.”

TheelephantdumpedLityersesontotheturf.TheCornhuskergroanedandpressedhishandsaroundthearrowinhisleg.

Leofrowned.“Uh,Apollo—”“Iwillnotleavethisnobleelephantbehindtobetortured!”Iinsisted.“No,Igetthat.”LeopointedatLit.“Butwhywouldwetakethisfool?HetriedtokillmeinOmaha.

HethreatenedCalypsoatthezoo.Can’tIjustletFestusstomphim?”“No!”Iwasn’tsurewhyIfeltsostronglyaboutit.Commodusbetrayingthisswordsmanmademe

almostasangryasNeromanipulatingMeg,or…well,yes,Zeusabandoningmeinthemortalworldforthethirdtime.“Heneedshealing.He’llbehavehimself,won’tyou,Lit?”

Lityersesgrimacedinpain,bloodsoakingthroughhistatteredjeans,buthemanagedaslightnod.Leosighed.“Whatever,man.Festus,we’retakingthisbleedingidiotwithus,okay?Butifhegets

uppityenroute,feelfreetochuckhimagainstthesideofaskyscraper.”Festuscreakedinagreement.“I’llgowithApollo.”ThaliaGraceclimbedupbehindmeontheelephant—whichfulfilleda

daydreamI’doncehadabouttheprettyHunter,thoughIhadn’timaginedithappeningquitethisway.Shenoddedatoneofhercomrades.“Iphigenia,gettherestoftheHuntersoutofhere.Go!”

LeogrinnedandslungtheThroneofMemoryacrosshisback.“Seey’allbackhome.Anddon’tforgettopickupsomesalsa!”

Festusflappedhismetallicwings.ThedragongrabbedLityersesandlaunchedhimselfskyward.TheHuntersactivatedtheirwinches.Theyascendedasthefirstwaveofangryspectatorsarrivedonthefield,throwingspearsandvuvuzelasthatfellclatteringbacktoearth.

WhentheHuntersweregone,thecrowdturnedtheirattentiontous.“Livia,”Isaid.“Howfastcanyourun?”

Theanswer:fastenoughtoevadeanarmedmob,especiallywithThaliaGraceonherback,shootingarrowsandbrandishinghershieldofterroratanyonewhogottooclose.

Liviaseemedtoknowthecorridorsandrampsofthestadium.They’dbeendesignedforlargecrowds,whichmadethemequallyconvenientforelephants.Wemadeafewturnsaroundthesouvenirkiosks,barreledthroughaservicetunnel,andfinallyemergedonaloadingdockonSouthMissouriStreet.

I’dforgottenhowwonderfulsunlightfelt!Crispfreshaironalatewinterday!Granted,itwasn’tasexhilaratingasdrivingthesunchariot,butitwasadarnsightbetterthanthesnake-infestedsewersofCommodePalace.

LivialumbereddownMissouriStreet.Sheturnedintothefirstblindalleyshesaw,thenstompedandshook.IwasprettysureIunderstoodhermessage:Takeoffthisstupidchainmail.

ItranslatedforThalia,whoshoulderedherbow.“Idon’tblameher.Poorelephant.Womenwarriorsshouldtravellight.”

Livialiftedhertrunkasiftosaythankyou.Wespentthenexttenminutesde-armoringtheelephant.Onceweweredone,LiviagaveThaliaandmeagrouphugwithhertrunk.Myadrenalinerushwasfading,leavingmefeelinglikeadeflatedinnertube.Isankdownwithmy

backagainstthebrickwallandshiveredinmydampclothes.Thaliaproducedacanteenfromherbelt.Insteadofofferingittomefirst,aswouldhavebeenproper,

shepouredsomeliquidintohercuppedhandandletLiviadrink.Theelephantslurpeddownfivehandfuls,notmuchforabiganimal,butsheblinkedandgruntedinasatisfiedway.Thaliatookasip

herself,thenhandedthecanteentome.“Thanks,”Imumbled.Idrank,andmyvisionclearedimmediately.IfeltasifI’djusthadsixhoursof

sleepandagoodhotmeal.Istaredinamazementatthebatteredcanteen.“Whatisthis?Notnectar…”“No,”Thaliaagreed.“It’smoonwater.”I’ddealtwiththeHuntersofArtemisformillennia,butIhadneverheardofmoonwater.Irecalled

Josephine’sstoryaboutbootlegginginthe1920s.“Doyoumeanmoonshine?Asinliquor?”Thalialaughed.“No.It’snotalcoholic,butitismagic.LadyArtemisnevertoldyouaboutthisstuff,

eh?It’slikeanenergydrinkforHunters.Menrarelyevergetataste.”Ipouredatinybitintomypalm.Thestufflookedlikeregularwater,thoughperhapsmoresilver,asif

ithadbeenblendedwithatraceamountofliquidmercury.Iconsideredtakinganothersip,thendecideditmightmakemybrainvibratetothepointofliquefying.

Ipassedbackthecanteen.“Haveyou…Haveyoutalkedtomysister?”Thalia’sexpressionturnedserious.“Inadream,afewweeksago.LadyArtemissaidthatZeushas

forbiddenherfromseeingyou.She’snotevensupposedtogiveusorderstohelpyou.”Ihadsuspectedasmuch,buthavingmyfearsconfirmedwouldhaveoverwhelmedmewithdespairif

notforthemoonwater.Itsenergyburstkeptmehummingrightalongoverthedeeperemotions,likewheelsskimmingacrossthetopofloosesand.

“You’renotsupposedtohelpme,”Isaid.“Andyetyou’rehere.Why?”ThaliagavemeacoysmilethatwouldhavemadeBritomartisproud.“Wewerejustinthearea.

Nobodyorderedustohelp.We’vebeensearchingforaparticularmonsterformonthsnowand…”Shehesitated.“Well,that’sanotherstory.Thepointis,wewerepassingthrough.Wehelpedyouthewaywe’dhelpanydemigodindanger.”

Shedidn’tmentionanythingaboutBritomartisfindingtheHuntersandurgingthemtocomehere.Idecidedtoplayherlittlegameoflet’s-pretend-that-never-happened.

“CanIguessanotherreason?”Iasked.“Ithinkyoudecidedtohelpmebecauseyoulikeme.”ThecornerofThalia’smouthtwitched.“Whatmakesyousaythat?”“Oh,comenow.Thefirsttimewemet,yousaidIwashot.Don’tthinkIdidn’thearthatcomment.”Iwasgratifiedtoseeherfaceturnred.“Iwasyoungerthen,”shesaid.“Iwasadifferentperson.I’djustspentseveralyearsasapinetree.

Myvisionandreasoningwereimpairedfromsapdamage.”“Ouch,”Icomplained.“That’sharsh.”Thaliapunchedmyarm.“Youneedanoccasionaldoseofhumility.Artemissayssoallthetime.”“Mysisterisasneaky,deceptive—”“Watchit,”Thaliawarned.“Iamherlieutenant.”Icrossedmyarmsinapetulant,Megsortofway.“Artemisnevertoldmeaboutmoonwater.Shenever

toldmeabouttheWaystation.Itmakesmewonderhowmanyothersecretsshe’shiding.”“Maybeafew.”Thalia’stonewascarefullynonchalant.“Butyou’vegottentoseemorethisweekthan

mostnon-Hunterseverdo.Youshouldfeellucky.”Istareddownthealley,thinkingofthatfirstNewYorkalleyI’dfallenintoasLesterPapadopoulos.

Somuchhadchangedsincethen,yetIwasnoclosertobeingagod.Infact,thememoryofbeingagodseemedmoredistantthanever.“Yes,”Igrumbled.“Verylucky.”

“Comeon.”Thaliaofferedmeahand.“Commoduswon’twaitlongbeforehelaunchesareprisal.Let’sgetourelephantfriendbacktotheWaystation.”

BelchingstinkysmokeWhatgenepooldidyoucomefrom?Wait.What?(Insertscream)

ASITTURNEDOUT,gettinganelephantintotheWaystationwasnotashardasI’dimagined.I’dhadvisionsoftryingtocramLiviaupaladderchute,orrentingahelicoptertodropherthrough

theroofhatchintothegriffinnests.Butassoonaswearrivedatthesideofthebuilding,bricksrumbledandrearrangedthemselves,creatingawidearchwayandagentledownwardramp.

Liviatrompedinsidewithouthesitation.Atthebottomofthecorridor,wefoundaperfectelephantstablewithhighceilings,amplestacksofhay,slattedwindowstoletinthesunlight,astreamwendingthroughthemiddleoftheroom,andabig-screentelevisionturnedtoHephaestus-TV’sElephantChannel,showingTheRealElephantsoftheAfricanVeld.(IdidnotknowHephaestus-TVhadsuchachannel.Itmusthavebeenincludedinthepremiumbundle,whichIdidn’tsubscribeto.)Bestofall,therewasnotagladiatororasetofelephantarmorinsight.

Liviahuffedinapproval.“I’mgladyoulikeit,myfriend.”Idismounted,followedbyThalia.“Nowenjoyyourselfwhilewego

findourhosts.”Liviawadedintothestreamandrolledontoherside,givingherselfatrunkshower.Shelookedso

contentIwastemptedtojoinher,butIhadlesspleasantmatterstoattendto.“Comeon,”Thaliasaid.“Iknowtheway.”Ididn’tseehow.TheWaystationshiftedandchangedsomuch,itshouldn’thavebeenpossiblefor

anyonetolearntheirwayaround.Buttruetoherword,Thalialedmeupseveralflightsofstairs,throughagymnasiumI’dneverseen,andbacktothemainhall,whereacrowdhadgathered.

JosephineandEmmiekneltbythesofawhereGeorginalayshaking,crying,andgiggling.Emmietriedtogetthelittlegirltodrinksomewater.JodabbedGeorgie’sfacewithawashcloth.NexttothemstoodtheThroneofMnemosyne,butIcouldn’ttellwhethertheyhadtriedtouseityet.Certainly,Georgieappearednobetter.

OveratJosephine’sworkstation,LeowasinsideFestus’schestcavity,usingaweldingtorch.Thedragonhadcurledupastightlyaspossible,buthestilltookupathirdoftheroom.ThesideofhisribcagewasproppedopenlikethehoodofaMacktruck.Leo’slegsstuckout,sparksshoweringtheflooraroundhim.Festusdidn’tseemconcernedbythisinvasivesurgery.Deepinhisthroat,hemadealow,clatteringpurr.

Calypsolookedfullyrecoveredfromyesterday’sjaunttothezoo.Shedashedaroundtheroom,bringingfood,drink,andmedicalsuppliestotherescuedprisoners.Someofthefolkswe’dfreedmade

themselvesrightathome,helpingthemselvestothepantry,rummagingthroughcabinetswithsuchfamiliarityIsuspectedthey’dbeenlongtimeresidentsattheWaystationbeforebeingcaptured.

Thetwoemaciatedboyssatatthediningtable,tryingtopacethemselvesastheychewedpiecesoffreshbread.HunterKowalski,thesilver-hairedgirl,stoodinatightcirclewiththeotherHuntersofArtemisastheymutteredtogetherandcastsuspiciousglancesatLityerses.TheCornhuskersatinareclinerinthecorner,facingthewall,hiswoundedlegnowproperlybandaged.

Sssssarahthedracaenahaddiscoveredthekitchen.Shestoodatthecounter,holdingabasketoffreshhenhouseeggs,swallowingeachwhole,oneaftertheother.

Tall,Dark&Jimmywasupinthegriffinroost,makingfriendswithHeloiseandAbelard.Thegriffinsallowedhimtoscratchundertheirbeaks—asignofgreattrust,especiallysincetheywereguardinganeggintheirnest(andnodoubtworriedthatSssssarahmightseeit).Sadly,Jimmyhadputonclothes.Henowworeacaramel-brownbusinesssuitwithanopen-collareddressshirt.Ididn’tknowwherehe’dfoundsuchaniceoutfittofithismassiveframe.PerhapstheWaystationsuppliedclothingaseasilyasitsuppliedelephanthabitats.

Therestofthefreedprisonersmilledaround,nibblingonbreadandcheese,staringinaweatthestained-glassceilingandoccasionallyflinchingatloudnoises,whichwascompletelynormalforthosesufferingfromPost-CommodusStressDisorder.HeadlessAgamethusfloatedamongthenewcomers,offeringthemhisMagic8Ball,whichIsupposewashisideaofschmoozing.

MegMcCaffreyhadchangedintoadifferentgreendressandjeans,whichcompletelythrewoffherusualstoplightcolorscheme.Shewalkedovertome,punchedmeinthearm,thenstoodnexttomeasifwewerewaitingforabus.

“Whydidyouhitme?”Iasked.“Sayinghello.”“Ah…Meg,thisisThaliaGrace.”IwonderedifMegwouldhitherhelloaswell,butMegsimplyreachedacrossandshookThalia’s

hand.“Hi.”Thaliasmiled.“Apleasure,Meg.I’veheardyou’requiteaswordswoman.”Megsquintedthroughhergrimyglasses.“Where’dyouhearthat?”“LadyArtemishasbeenwatchingyou.Shekeepsaneyeonallpromisingyoungwomenwarriors.”“Oh,no,”Isaid.“Youcantellmybelovedsistertobackoff.Megismydemigodcompanion.”“Master,”Megcorrected.“Samedifference.”Thalialaughed.“Well,ifyoutwowillexcuseme,I’dbettergocheckonmyHuntersbeforetheykill

Lityerses.”Thelieutenantmarchedoff.“Speakingofthat…”MegpointedtowardthewoundedsonofMidas.“Why’dyoubringhimhere?”TheCornhuskerhadn’tmoved.Hestaredatthewall,facingawayfromthecrowdasifintentionally

invitingaknifeintheback.Evenfromacrosstheroom,wavesofhopelessnessanddefeatseemedtoradiatefromhim.

“Yousaidityourself,”ItoldMeg.“Everythinglivingdeservesachancetogrow.”“Hmph.Chiaseedsdon’tworkforevilemperors.Theydon’ttrytokillyourfriends.”IrealizedPeacheswasnowheretobeseen.“Isyourkarposallright?”“He’sokay.Wentawayforawhile…”Shewavedvaguelyattheair,indicatingthatmagicalland

wherepeachspiritsgowhentheyarenotdevouringtheirenemiesorscreamingPEACHES!“YouactuallytrustLit?”

Meg’stonewasharsh,butherlowerliptrembled.Sheliftedherchinasifpreparingforapunch—thesamewayLityerseshadlookedwhentheemperorbetrayedhim,thesamewaythegoddessDemeterhadlooked,agesago,standinginfrontofZeus’sthrone,hervoicefullofpainanddisbelief:Willyouactually

letHadesgetawaywithkidnappingmydaughterPersephone?MegwasaskingifwecouldtrustLityerses.Butherrealquestionwasmuchlarger:Couldshetrust

anyone?Wasthereanyoneintheworld—family,friend,orLester—whowouldevertrulyhaveherback?“DearMeg,”Isaid.“Ican’tbesureaboutLityerses.ButIthinkwemusttry.Weonlyfailwhenwe

stoptrying.”Shestudiedacallusonherindexfinger.“Evenaftersomebodytriestokillus?”Ishrugged.“IfIgaveuponeveryonewhohastriedtokillme,Iwouldhavenoalliesleftonthe

OlympianCouncil.”Shepouted.“Familiesaredumb.”“Onthat,”Isaid,“wecanfullyagree.”Josephineglancedoverandsawme.“He’shere!”Shehustledover,grabbedmywrist,andhauledmetowardthecouch.“We’vebeenwaiting!What

tookyousolong?Wehavetousethechair!”Ibitbackaretort.Itmighthavebeennicetohear,Thankyou,Apollo,forfreeingalltheseprisoners!Thankyoufor

returningourdaughter!ShecouldatleasthavedecoratedthemainhallwithafewAPOLLOISTHEGREATESTbanners,orofferedtoremovetheuncomfortableironmanacleonmyankle.

“Youdidn’thavetowaitforme,”Icomplained.“Yes,wedid,”Josephinesaid.“EverytimewetriedtoputGeorgieinthethrone,sheflailedaround

andshriekedyourname.”Georgie’sheadlolledtowardme.“Apollo!Death,death,death.”Iwinced.“Ireallywishshe’dstopmakingthatconnection.”EmmieandJosephineliftedhergentlyandsetherontheThroneofMnemosyne.Thistime,Georgie

didnotresist.CuriousHuntersandfreedprisonersgatheredaround,thoughInoticedMegstayedinthebackofthe

room,wellawayfromGeorgina.“Thenotepadonthecounter!”Emmiepointedtowardthekitchen.“Someonegrabit,please!”Calypsodidthehonors.Shehurriedbackwithasmallyellowlegalpadandapen.Georginaswayed.Suddenlyallhermusclesseemedtomelt.Shewouldhaveslumpedoutofthechair

ifherparentshadn’theldher.Thenshesatboltupright.Shegasped.Hereyesflewopen,herpupilsaswideasquarters.Black

smokebelchedfromhermouth.Therancidsmell,likeboilingrooftarandrotteneggs,forcedeveryonebackexceptforthedracaena,Sssssarah,whosniffedtheairhungrily.

Georginatiltedherhead.Smokecurledthroughthechoppybrowntuftsofherhairasifshewereanautomaton,orablemmyaewithamalfunctioningfakenoggin.

“Father!”Hervoicepiercedmyheart—sosharpandpainful,Ithoughtmybandolierofscalpelshadturnedinward.Itwasthesamevoice,thesamecryIhadheardthousandsofyearsago,whenTrophoniushadprayedinagony,pleadingformetosaveAgamethusfromthecollapsedthieves’tunnel.

Georgina’smouthcontortedintoacruelsmile.“Sohaveyoufinallyheardmyprayer?”HervoicewasstillthatofTrophonius.Everyoneintheroomlookedatme.EvenAgamethus,whohad

noeyes,seemedtofixmewithawitheringglare.EmmietriedtotouchGeorgina’sshoulder.Sherecoiledasifthelittlegirl’sskinweremoltenhot.

“Apollo,whatisthis?”shedemanded.“Thisisn’tprophecy.Thishasneverhappenedbefore—”“Yousentthislittlesisterofminetodoyourerrands?”Georginatappedherownchest,hereyeswide

anddark,stillfocusedonme.“You’renobetterthantheemperor.”Ifeltasifachain-mailelephantwerestandingonmychest.Thislittlesister?Ifhemeantthat

literally,then…

“Trophonius.”Icouldbarelyspeak.“I—Ididn’tsendGeorgina.Sheisn’tmy—”“Tomorrowmorning,”Trophoniussaid.“Thecavewillonlybeaccessibleatfirstlight.Your

prophecywillunfold—ortheemperor’s.Eitherway,therewillbenohidinginyourlittlehaven.Comeinperson.Bringthegirl,yourmaster.Youwillbothentermysacredcavern.”

AhorriblelaughescapedGeorgina’smouth.“Perhapsbothofyouwillsurvive.OrwillyousufferthesamefateasmybrotherandI?Iwonder,Father,towhomwillyoupray?”

Withonefinalbelchofblackness,Georginatoppledsideways.Josephinescoopedherupbeforeshecouldhitthefloor.

Emmierushedtohelp.TogethertheyplacedGeorgiegentlyonthecouchagain,tuckingherinwithblanketsandpillows.

Calypsoturnedtome.Theemptynotepaddangledfromherhand.“CorrectmeifI’mwrong,”shesaid,“butthatwasnoprophecy.Thatwasamessagetoyou.”

Thecollectivegazeofthecrowdmademyfaceitch.ItwasthesamefeelingIusedtohavewhenanentireGreekvillagelookedtotheheavensandcalledmyname,pleadingforrain,andIwastooembarrassedtoexplainthatrainwasactuallyZeus’sdepartment.ThebestIcouldofferthemwasacatchynewsong.

“You’reright,”Isaid,thoughitpainedmetoagreewiththesorceress.“Trophoniusdidnotgivethegirlaprophecy.Hegavehera—arecordedgreeting.”

Emmiesteppedtowardme,herfistsclenched.“Willshebehealed?Whenaprophecy’sexpelledontheThroneofMemory,thesupplicantusuallyreturnstonormalwithinafewdays.WillGeorgie—”Hervoicebroke.“Willshecomebacktous?”

Iwantedtosayyes.Backintheolddays,therecoveryrateforsupplicantsofTrophoniushadbeenaround75percent.Andthatwaswhenthepetitionerswereproperlypreparedbythepriests,theritualsalldonecorrectly,andtheprophecyinterpretedonthethroneimmediatelyaftervisitingthecaveofterrors.Georginahadsoughtoutthecaveonherownwithlittleornopreparation.She’dbeentrappedwiththatmadnessanddarknessforweeks.

“I—Idon’tknow,”Iadmitted.“Wecanhope—”“Wecanhope?”Emmiedemanded.Josephinetookherhand.“Georgiewillgetbetter.Havefaith.That’sbetterthanhope.”Buthereyesstayedonmealittletoolong—accusing,questioning.Iprayedshewouldnotfetchher

submachinegun.“Ahem,”Leosaid.Hisfacewaslostintheshadowofhisraisedweldingvisor,hisgrinfadinginand

outofsightàlatheCheshireCat.“Uh…thethingaboutlittlesister?IfGeorgieisTrophonius’ssister,doesthatmean…?”Hepointedatme.

NeverbeforehadIwishedIwereablemmyae.Now,Iwantedtohidemyfaceinsidemyshirt.Iwantedtopulloffmyheadandthrowitacrosstheroom.“Idon’tknow!”

“Itwouldexplainalot,”Calypsoventured.“WhyGeorginafeltsoattunedtotheOracle,whyshewasabletosurvivetheexperience.Ifyou…Imean…notLester,butApolloisherparent—”

“Shehasparents.”JosephineputherarmaroundEmmie’swaist.“We’restandingrighthere.”Calypsoraisedherhandsinapology.“Ofcourse.Ijustmeant—”“Sevenyears,”Emmieinterrupted,strokingherdaughter’sforehead.“Sevenyearswe’veraisedher.It

nevermatteredwhereshecamefrom,orwhoherbiologicalparentsmighthavebeen.WhenAgamethusbroughther…wecheckedthenews.Wecheckedthepolicereports.WesentIris-messagestoallourcontacts.Noonehadreportedamissingbabygirllikeher.Herbirthparentseitherdidn’twanther,orcouldn’traiseher….”Sheglaredatme.“Ormaybetheydidn’tevenknowsheexisted.”

Itriedtoremember.Honestly,Idid.ButifthegodApollohadenjoyedabriefromancewithsomeMidwesternereightyearsago,Ihadnorecollectionofit.IwasremindedofWolfgangAmadeusMozart,

whohadalsocometomyattentionwhenhewassevenyearsold.Everyonesaid,Oh,surelyheisthesonofApollo!Theothergodslookedatmeforconfirmation,andIwantedsobadlytosay,Yes,thatboy’sgeniuswasallme!ButIsimplycouldnotremembereverhavingmetWolfgang’smother.Or,forthatmatter,hisfather.

“Georginahasexcellentparents,”Isaid.“Whethersheisachildof—ofApollo…I’msorry,Ican’tsayforsure.”

“Youcan’tsay,”Josephineechoedflatly.“B-butIdothinkshewillheal.Hermindisstrong.Sheriskedherlifeandhersanitytobringusthat

message.ThebestwecandonowisfollowtheOracle’sinstructions.”JosephineandEmmieexchangedlooksthatsaid,He’sascoundrel,butwehavetoomuchgoingon

rightnow.We’llkillhimlater.MegMcCaffreycrossedherarms.Evensheseemedtosensethewisdomofchangingthesubject.“So

wegoatfirstlight?”Josephinefocusedonherwithdifficulty,asifwonderingwhereMeghadsuddenlyappearedfrom.(I

hadthisthoughtoften.)“Yes,hon.That’stheonlytimeyoucanentertheCavernofProphecy.”Isighedinwardly.Firstithadbeenthezooatfirstlight.ThentheCanalWalkatfirstlight.Nowthe

caverns.Ireallywisheddangerousquestscouldstartatamorereasonabletime,likeperhapsthreeintheafternoon.

Anuneasysilencesettledovertheroom.Georginabreathedraggedlyinhersleep.Upintheroost,thegriffinsruffledtheirfeathers.Jimmycrackedhisknucklespensively.

Finally,ThaliaGracesteppedforward.“Whatabouttherestofthemessage:‘Yourprophecywillunfold—ortheemperor’s.Nohidinginyourlittlehaven’?”

“I’mnotsure,”Iadmitted.Leoraisedhisarms.“Allhailthegodofprophecy!”“Oh,shutup,”Igrumbled.“Idon’thaveenoughinformationyet.Ifwesurvivethecaverns—”“Icaninterpretthoselines,”Lityersessaidfromhischairinthecorner.ThesonofMidasturnedtofacethecrowd,hischeeksapatchworkofscarsandbruises,hiseyes

emptyanddesolate.“ThankstothetrackingdevicesIputonyourgriffins,Commodusknowswhereyouare.He’llbeherefirstthingtomorrowmorning.Andhe’llwipethisplaceoffthemap.”

Carrot-peelinggodTofustir-fryisgood,butNeedsmoreìgboyà

LITYERSESHADATALENTformakingfriends.Halfthecrowdsurgedforwardtokillhim.Theotherhalfshoutedthatthey,too,wantedtokillhimand

thefirsthalfshouldgetoutoftheirway.“Youvillain!”HunterKowalskiyankedLityersesfromhischairandshovedhimagainstthewall.She

pressedaborrowedscrewdriveragainsthisthroat.“Ssssstandassssside!”Sssssarahyelled.“Iwillssssswallowhimwhole!”“Ishould’vethrownhimagainstthesideofthebuilding,”Leogrowled.“STOP!”Josephinewadedthroughthemob.Notsurprisingly,folksmovedaside.ShepulledHunter

Kowalskioffherprey,thenglaredatLityersesasifhewereachariotwithabustedaxle.“Youputtrackersonourgriffins?”

Litrubbedhisneck.“Yes.Andtheplanworked.”“You’resureCommodusknowsourlocation?”Normally,Iavoidedattractingtheattentionofanangrymob,butIfeltcompelledtospeak.“He’stellingthetruth,”Isaid.“WeheardLityersestalkingtoCommodusinthethroneroom.Leowas

supposedtotellyouaboutthat.”“Me?”Leoprotested.“Hey,thingswerechaotic!Ithoughtyou—”Hisweldingvisorfellshut,making

therestofhissentenceunintelligible.Lityersesspreadhisarms,whichweresoscarredtheylookedliketestinglogsforhacksawblades.

“Killmeifyouwant.It’llmakenodifference.Commoduswilllevelthisplaceandeveryoneinit.”ThaliaGracedrewherhuntingknife.Insteadofguttingtheswordsman,shedrovethebladeintothe

nearestcoffeetable.“TheHuntersofArtemiswon’tallowthat.We’vefoughttoomanyimpossiblebattles.We’velosttoomanyofoursisters,butwe’veneverbackeddown.Lastsummer,intheBattleofOldSanJuan…”Shehesitated.

ItwasdifficulttoimagineThaliaattheedgeoftears,butsheseemedtobestrugglingtomaintainherpunkrockfacade.IrememberedsomethingArtemishadtoldmewhenwewereinexiletogetheronDelos…howherHuntersandtheAmazonshadfoughtthegiantOrioninPuertoRico.AnAmazonbasehadbeendestroyed.Manyhaddied—Hunterswho,ifnotcutdowninbattle,mighthavecontinuedtoliveformillennia.AsLesterPapadopoulos,Ifoundthatideafreshlyhorrifying.

“WewillnotlosetheWaystationtoo,”Thaliacontinued.“We’llstandwithJosephineandEmmie.WekickedCommodus’spodextoday.We’lldoitagaintomorrow.”

TheHunterscheered.Imayhavecheeredalso.IalwaysloveitwhencourageousheroesvolunteertofightbattlesIdon’twanttofight.

Lityersesshookhishead.“WhatyousawtodaywasonlyafractionofCommodus’sfullstrength.He’sgot…vastresources.”

Josephinegrunted.“Ourfriendsgavehimabloodynosetoday,atleast.Maybehewon’tattacktomorrow.He’llneedtimetoregroup.”

Litletoutabrokenlaugh.“Youdon’tknowCommoduslikeIdo.Youjustmadehimmad.Hewon’twait.Heneverwaits.Firstthingtomorrow,he’llstrikehard.He’llkillusall.”

Iwantedtodisagree.Iwantedtothinkthattheemperorwoulddraghisfeet,thendecidetoleaveusalonebecausewe’dbeensoentertainingatthedressrehearsal,thenpossiblysendusaboxofchocolatesbywayofapology.

ButIdidknowCommodus.IrememberedtheFlavianAmphitheaterfloorlitteredwithcorpses.Irememberedtheexecutionlists.Irememberedhimsnarlingatme,hislipsfleckedwithblood:Yousoundlikemyfather.I’mdonethinkingaboutconsequences!

“Lityersesisright,”Isaid.“CommodusreceivedaprophecyfromtheDarkOracle.Heneedstodestroythisplaceandkillmebeforehecanhavehisnamingceremonytomorrowafternoon.Whichmeanshe’llstrikeinthemorning.He’snotafanofwaitingforwhathewants.”

“Wecouldssssslitheraway,”suggestedSssssarah.“Move.Hide.Livetofightanotherday.”Atthebackofthecrowd,theghostAgamethuspointedempathicallytothedracaena,obviously

agreeingwithheridea.Youhavetowonderaboutyourchancesincombatwhenevenyourdeadfriendsareworriedaboutdying.

Josephineshookherhead.“I’mnotslitheringanywhere.Thisisourhome.”Calypsonodded.“AndifEmmieandJoarestayingput,soarewe.Theysavedourlives.We’llfight

tothedeathforthem.Right,Leo?”Leoraisedhisvisor.“Absolutely.ThoughI’vealreadydonethewholedyingthing,soI’dpreferto

fighttosomeoneelse’sdeath.Forinstance,CommodeMan’s—”“Leo,”Calypsowarned.“Yeah,we’rein.They’llnevergetpastus.”JimmyslippedtothefrontthroughalineofHunters.Despitehissize,hemovedasgracefullyas

Agamethus,almostasiffloating.“Ioweyouadebt.”HeinclinedhisheadtotheHunters,toMegandme,toJosephineandEmmie.

“Yousavedmefromthemadman’sprison.ButIhearmuchtalkaboutusandthem.Iamalwayswarywhenpeoplespeakthisway,asifpeoplecanbesoeasilydividedintofriendandenemy.Mostofusheredonotevenknoweachother.”

Thebigmansweptahandacrossthecrowd:Hunters,ex-Hunters,anex-god,anex-Titaness,demigods,asnakewoman,acoupleofgriffins,adecapitatedghost.Anddownstairs,wehadanelephantnamedLivia.RarelyhadIseenamoremotleycollectionofdefenders.

“Also,thisone.”JimmypointedtoLityerses.Jimmy’svoiceremainedasonorousrumble,butIfanciedIcouldhearthunderclapsunderthesurface,readytobreakloose.“Ishenowafriend?AmItofightsidebysidewithmyenslaver?”

HunterKowalskibrandishedherscrewdriver.“Notlikely.”“Wait!”Iyelped.“Lityersescanbeuseful.”Again,Iwasn’tsurewhyIspokeup.Itseemedcounterproductivetomymaingoal,whichwasto

alwayskeepmyselfsafeandpopular.“LityersesknowsCommodus’splans.Heknowswhatsortofforceswillattackus.AndLityerses’slifeisatstake,justlikeoursare.”

IexplainedhowCommodushadorderedLit’sdeath,andhowLityerseshadstabbedhisformermasterintheneck.

“Thatdoesssssnotmakemetrusssssthim,”Sssssarahhissed.Thecrowdgrumbledinagreement.AfewHuntersreachedfortheirweapons.“Holdit!”Emmieclimbedontothediningtable.Herlonghairhadcomeundonefromitsbraid,strandsofsilversweepingthesidesofherface.Her

handsweresplotchywithbreaddough.Overhercamouflagecombatclothes,sheworeanapronwithapictureofahamburgerandthesloganKEEPYOURHANDSOFFMYBUNS.

Still,thehardgleaminhereyesremindedmeofthatyoungprincessofNaxoswhohadjumpedoffacliffwithhersister,trustingthegods—theprincesswhohaddecidedshewouldratherdiethanliveinfearofherdrunkenangryfather.Ihadneverconsideredthatgrowingolder,grayer,andthickermightmakesomeonemorebeautiful.YetthatseemedtobethecaseforEmmie.Standingonthetable,shewastheroom’scalm,steadycenterofgravity.

“Forthoseofyouwhodon’tknowme,”shebegan,“mynameisHemithea.JoandIruntheWaystation.Weneverturnawaypeoplewhoareintrouble,evenformerenemies.”ShenoddedtoLityerses.“Weattractoutcastshere—orphansandrunaways,folkswho’vebeenabused,mistreated,ormisled,folkswhojustdon’tfeelathomeanywhereelse.”

Shegesturedtothebarreledceiling,wherethestainedglassfracturedsunlightintogreenandgoldgeometry.“Britomartis,theLadyofNets,helpedbuildthisplace.”

“Asafetynetforyourfriends,”Iblurted,rememberingwhatJosephinehadtoldme.“Butatrapforyourenemies.”

NowIwasthecenterofattention.Onceagain,Ididn’tlikeit.(Iwasreallystartingtoworryaboutmyself.)Myfaceburnedfromthesuddenflushofbloodtomycheeks.“Sorry,”ItoldEmmie.

Shestudiedmeasifwonderingwheretoaimhernextarrow.Shehad,apparently,notquiteforgivenmeforpossiblybeingGeorgina’sdivinefather,eventhoughshe’dhadthatnewsforatleastfiveminutes.IsupposedIcouldforgiveher.Sometimessucharevelationcantakeanhourormoretoprocess.

Atlast,shenoddedbrusquely.“Apolloisright.Tomorrowwemaybeattacked,butourenemiesaregoingtofindoutthattheWaystationprotectsitsown.Commoduswon’tleavethisnetalive.JosephineandIwillfighttodefendthisplaceandanyonewhoisunderourroof.Ifyouwanttobepartofourfamily,foradayorforever,youarewelcome.Allofyou.”ShelookeddirectlyatLit.

TheCornhusker’sfacepaled,hisscarsalmostdisappearing.Heopenedhismouthtosaysomethingbutmanagedonlyachokingnoise.Hesliddownagainstthewallandbegantoshudder,silentlysobbing.

Josephinecrouchednexttohim.Shegazedatthecrowdasifasking,Anybodystillgotaproblemwiththisguy?

Nexttome,Jimmygrunted.“Ilikethesewomen,”hesaid.“Theyhaveìgboyà.”Ididn’tknowwhatìgboyàmeant.Icouldn’tevenguesswhatlanguageitwas.ButIlikedtheway

Jimmysaidit.IdecidedIwouldhavetopurchasesomeìgboyàassoonaspossible.“Well,then.”Emmiewipedherhandsonherapron.“Ifanyonewantstoleave,now’sthetimetosay

so.I’llmakeyouabrownbaglunchtogo.”Noonereplied.“Right,”Emmiesaid.“Inthatcase,everyonegetsanafternoonchore!”

Shemademepeelcarrots.Honestly,wewerefacinganimminentinvasion,andI—theformergodofmusic—wasstuckinthe

kitchenpreppingsalad.Ishouldhavebeenstrollingaroundwithmyukulele,liftingeveryone’sspiritswithmysongsandmyshiningcharisma,notskinningrootvegetables!

Onthebrightside,theHuntersofArtemishadtocleanthecowpens,soperhapstherewassomejusticeinthecosmos.

Oncedinnerwasready,thecrowdscatteredacrossthemainhalltoeat.JosephinesatwithLityersesinhiscorner,talkingtohimslowlyandcalmly,thewayonemighttreatapitbullrescuedfromabadowner.MostoftheHunterssatinthegriffinroosts,danglingtheirlegsovertheledgeastheysurveyedthehallbelow.Fromtheirlowvoicesandgraveexpressions,Iimaginedtheyweretalkingabouthowbesttokilllargenumbersofenemiestomorrow.

HunterKowalskivolunteeredtobunkinGeorgina’sroomforthenight.ThelittlegirlhadremainedfastasleepsinceherexperienceontheThroneofMemory,butHunterwantedtobethereforherjustincaseshewokeup.Emmiegratefullyagreed,butnotuntilaftershootingmeanaccusatorylookthatsaid,Idon’tseeyouvolunteeringtositwithyourkidallnight.Honestly,asifIwasthefirstgodwho’deverforgottenhesiredachildwhowasthencarriedawaybyadecapitatedghosttoberaisedbytwowomeninIndianapolis!

Thetwohalf-starveddemigods,brothersnamedDeaconandStan,whoIlearnedhadbeenresidentsoftheWaystationforoverayear,nowrestedintheinfirmarywithIVdripsofnectar.Sssssarahhadtakenabasketofeggsandslitheredofftothesaunaforthenight.Jimmyatewithsomeoftheotherescapeesonthesofas,whichdidnotmakemefeelneglectedatall.

ThisleftmeatthediningtablewithMeg(whatelseisnew?),Leo,Calypso,Emmie,andThaliaGrace.

EmmiekeptglancingacrosstheroomatJosephineandLityerses.“Ournewfriend,Lityerses…”Shesoundedremarkablyearnestwhenshesaidthewordfriend.“Italkedwithhimduringchoretime.Hehelpedmechurntheicecream.Hetoldmequiteabitaboutthearmieswe’llbefacingtomorrow.”

“There’sicecream?”Iasked.Ihadanaturalabilitytofocusonthemostimportantdetailswhensomeonewastalking.

“Later,”Emmiepromised,thoughhertonetoldmeImightnotbegettingany.“It’svanilla.Weweregoingtoaddfrozenpeaches,but…”ShelookedatMeg.“Wethoughtthatmightbeinpoortaste.”

Megwastoobusyshovelingtofustir-fryintohermouthtorespond.“Atanyrate,”Emmiecontinued,“Lityersesestimatesafewdozenmortalmercenaries,aboutthesame

numberofdemigodsfromtheImperialHousehold,afewhundredassortedcynocephaliandothermonsters,plustheusualhordesofblemmyaedisguisedaslocalpolice,firefighters,andbulldozeroperators.”

“Oh,good,”saidThaliaGrace.“Theusualhordes.”Emmieshrugged.“CommodusmeanstorazeUnionStation.He’llmakeitlooktothemortalslikean

emergencyevacuation.”“Agasleak,”Leoguessed.“It’salmostalwaysagasleak.”Calypsopickedtheshreddedcarrotsoutofhersalad,whichItookasapersonalinsult.“Sowe’re

outnumberedtentoone?Twentytoone?”“Nosweat,”Leosaid.“I’llhandlethefirsttwohundredorsomyself,thenifIgettired—”“Leo,stop.”CalypsogaveEmmieanapologeticfrown.“Hejokesmorewhenhe’snervous.Healso

jokesworsewhenhe’snervous.”“Ihavenoideawhatyou’retalkingabout.”Leoinsertedcarrotfangsinhismouthandsnarled.Megalmostchokedonherstir-fry.Thalialetoutalongsigh.“Oh,yeah.Thisisgoingtobeafunbattle.Emmie,howareyoustockedfor

extraarrows?I’mgoingtoneedafullquiverjustforshootingLeo.”Emmiesmiled.“Wehaveplentyofweaponry.AndthankstoLeoandJosephine,theWaystation’s

defenseshaveneverbeenstronger.”“You’rewelcome!”Leospatouthisfangs.“AlsoIshouldmentionthegiantbronzedragoninthe

corner—assumingIcanfinishhistune-uptonight.He’sstillnotatahundredpercent.”Normally,Iwould’vefoundthatgiantbronzedragonquitereassuring,evenat75percent,butIdidnot

liketwenty-to-oneodds.Thebloodthirstycriesofthearenaaudiencestillranginmyears.“Calypso,”Isaid,“whataboutyourmagic?Hasitreturned?”Herlookoffrustrationwasquitefamiliar.ItwasthesamelookIgotwheneverIthoughtofallthe

marvelousgodlythingsIcouldnolongerdo.“Onlyafewbursts,”shesaid.“Thismorning,Imovedacoffeecupacrossthecounter.”“Yeah,”Leosaid,“butyoudidthatawesomely.”Calypsoswattedhim.“Josephinesaysit’lltaketime.Oncewe…”Shehesitated.“Oncewesurvive

tomorrow.”Igotthefeelingthatwasn’twhatshe’dintendedtosay.LeoandEmmieexchangedaconspiratorial

glance.Ididn’tpresstheissue.Atthemoment,theonlyconspiracyI’dbeinterestedinwouldbeacleverplantosmugglemebacktoMountOlympusandreinstatemetogodhoodbeforebreakfasttomorrow.

“Wewillmakedo,”Idecided.Megslurpeddownthelastofherstir-fry.Thenshedemonstratedherusualexquisitemannersby

belchingandwipinghermouthwithherforearm.“Notyouandme,Lester.Wewon’tbehere.”Mystomachstartedtossingitsownlittlesalad.“But—”“Prophecy,dummy.Firstlight,remember?”“Yes,butiftheWaystationisattacked…shouldn’twebeheretohelp?”Thiswasanoddquestioncomingfromme.WhenIwasagod,Iwouldhavebeendelightedtoleave

themortalheroestofendforthemselves.IwouldhavemadepopcornandwatchedthebloodbathfromadistanceonMountOlympus,orsimplycaughtthehighlightreellater.ButasLester,Ifeltobligedtodefendthesepeople—mydearoldEmmie,gruffJosephine,andnot-so-littleGeorgina,whomightormightnotbemychild.ThaliaandtheHunters,JimmyoftheLovelyLoincloth,theproudgriffinparentsupstairs,theexcellentelephantdownstairs,eventhedislikableLityerses…Iwantedtobehereforthem.

ItmayseemstrangetoyouthatIhadn’talreadyconsideredmyconflictingobligation—toseekouttheCaveofTrophoniusatfirstlight—andthatthismightpreventmefrombeingattheWaystation.Inmydefense,godscansplittheiressenceintomanydifferentmanifestationsatonce.Wedon’thavealotofexperiencewithscheduling.

“Megisright,”Emmiesaid.“Trophoniushassummonedyou.Gettingyourprophecymaybetheonlywaytopreventtheemperor’sprophecyfromcomingtrue.”

Iwasthegodofprophecies,andevenIwasstartingtohateprophecies.IglancedatthespiritofAgamethus,hoveringbytheladdertotheloft.Ithoughtofthelastmessagehehadgivenme:Wecannotremain.DidhemeanthedefendersoftheWaystation?OrMegandme?Orsomethingelseentirely?IfeltsofrustratedIwantedtograbhisMagic8Ballandbounceitoffhisnonexistenthead.

“Cheerup,”Thaliatoldme.“IfCommoduscomesatuswithhisfullstrength,theOraclemightbeguardedwithjustaskeletoncrew.It’llbeyourbestchancetogetin.”

“Yeah,”Leosaid.“Besides,maybeyou’llmakeitbackintimetofightwithus!Or,youknow,we’llalldie,anditwon’tmatter.”

“Thatmakesmefeelmuchbetter,”Igrumbled.“Whatproblemscouldwepossiblyruninto,justMegandI?”

“Yep,”Megagreed.Shedidnotsoundtheleastbitworried.Thisseemedlikeafailureofimaginationtome.Icould

envisionallsortsofhorriblefatesthatmightbefalltwopeoplewanderingintothedangerouscavernofaterrifying,hostilespirit.Iwouldratherfightahostofblemmyaeonbulldozers.Iwouldevenconsiderpeelingmorecarrots.

AsIwascleaningupthedinnerplates,Emmiecaughtmyarm.“Justtellmeonething,”shesaid.“Wasitpayback?”Istaredather.“Was…whatpayback?”

“Georgina,”shemurmured.“Forme…youknow,givingupyourgiftofimmortality.Wasshe…”Shepressedherlipsintoatightline,asifshedidn’ttrustthemtosayanymore.

Ihadn’tknownIcouldfeelanyworse,untilIdid.Ireallyhatethataboutthemortalheart.Itseemstohaveaninfinitecapacityforgettingheavier.

“DearEmmie,”Isaid.“Iwouldnever.Evenonmyworstdays,whenI’mdestroyingnationswithplaguearrowsorputtingtogethersetlistsforKidzBopcompilations,Iwouldnevertakerevengeinsuchaway.Isweartoyou,Ihadnoideayouwerehere,orthatyouhadlefttheHunters,orthatGeorginaexisted,or…Actually,Ijusthadnoideaaboutanything.AndI’msosorry.”

Tomyrelief,afaintsmileflickeredonherface.“That’sonethingIcanbelieve,atleast.”“ThatIamsorry?”“No,”shesaid.“Thatyouhadnoideaaboutanything.”“Ah…So,we’regood?”Sheconsidered.“Fornow.ButwhenGeorgierecovers…weshouldtalkfurther.”Inodded,thoughIwasthinkingthatmyto-dolistofunwelcometaskswasalreadyquitefull.“Well,then.”Isighed.“IsupposeIshouldgetsomerest,andperhapsstartcomposinganewdeath

haiku.”

Lester,slapyourselfOh,forjustonenightwithoutLookinglikeafool

IHADNOLUCKWITHTHEHAIKU.Ikeptgettingstuckonthefirstline,Idon’twanttodie,andcouldn’tthinkofanythingtoadd.Ihate

elaboratingwhenthemainideaissoperfectlyclear.TheHuntersofArtemisbeddeddowninthegriffinroostsaftersettingtripwiresandmotion-sensor

alarms.TheyalwaysdidthiswheneverIcampedwiththem,whichIfoundsilly.Sure,whenIwasagod,Iusedtoflirtwiththemshamelessly,butIneverwentfurtherthanthat.AndasLester?Ihadnowishtodiewithathousandsilverarrowsinmychest.Ifnothingelse,theHuntersshouldhavetrustedmyself-interest.

Thalia,Emmie,andJosephinesattogetheratthekitchentableforalongwhile,conversinginhushedtones.IhopedtheywerediscussingmoreHuntersecrets—somedeadlyweaponstheycoulduseagainstCommodus’sarmies.Moon–ballisticmissiles,perhaps.Ormoon-napalm.

Meghadn’tbotheredfindingaguestroom.She’dcrashedonthenearestcouchandwassnoringaway.Istoodnearby,notreadytogobacktotheroomIsharedwithLeoValdez.Iwatchedthemoonrise

throughthegiantrosewindowaboveJosephine’sworkstation.Avoiceatmyshouldersaid,“Nottired?”ItwasagoodthingIwasnolongergodofthesun.Ifsomeonehadstartledmethatbadlyinmychariot,

Iwould’vechargedupwardsofastthathighnoonwould’vehappenedat6:00A.M.Jimmystoodnexttome,adapperapparitioninbrown.Themoonlightgleamedcopperonhisscalp.

Hisnecklaceofredandwhitebeadspeekedfrombeneaththecollarofhisdressshirt.“Oh!”Isaid.“Um…Nah.”Ileanedagainstthewall,hopingtolookcasual,attractive,andsuave.

Unfortunately,Imissedthewall.Jimmywaskindenoughtopretendnottonotice.“Youshouldtrytosleep,”herumbled.“The

challengeyoufacetomorrow…”Worrylinescreasedhisforehead.“Icannotimagine.”Sleepseemedlikeanalienconcept,especiallynow,withmyheartchunk-chunk-chunkinglikea

defectivepedalboat.“Oh,Idon’tsleepmuch.Iusedtobeagod,youknow.”Iwonderedifflexingmymuscleswouldhelpprovethispoint.Idecideditwouldnot.“Andyou?Areyouademigod?”

Jimmygrunted.“Aninterestingword.IwouldsayIame·lo·mìíràn—oneoftheothers.IamalsoagraduateaccountingstudentatIndianaUniversity.”

Ihadnoideawhattodowiththatinformation.Icouldthinkofnotopicsofconversationthatwouldmakemelookinterestingtoagraduatestudentofaccounting.Ialsohadn’trealizedhowmucholder

Jimmywasthanme.ImeanmortalLesterme,notgodme.Iwasconfused.“ButSssssarahsaidyouworkedforCommodus?”Irecalled.“You’reagladiator?”Theedgesofhismouthtuggeddownward.“Notagladiator.Ionlyfightonweekendsformoney.

Mixedmartialarts.GidigboandDambe.”“Idon’tknowwhatthoseare.”Hechuckled.“Mostpeopledon’t.TheyareNigerianmartial-artforms.Thefirst,Gidigbo,isa

wrestlingstyleofmypeople,theYoruba.TheotherisaHausasport,moreviolent,butIlikeit.”“Isee,”Isaid,thoughinfactIdidn’t.Eveninancienttimes,IhadbeenwoefullyignorantofanythingbelowtheSaharanDesert.We

OlympianstendedtostayinourownneighborhoodaroundtheMediterranean,whichwas,Iagree,terriblycliquish.“Youfightformoney?”

“Topaymytuition,”Jimmyagreed.“IdidnotknowwhatIwasgettingintowiththisemperorperson.”“Andyetyousurvived,”Inoted.“Youcanseethattheworldis,uh,muchstrangerthanmostmortals

realize.You,Jimmy,musthavelotsofìgboyà.”Hislaughterwasdeepandrich.“Verygood.MynameisactuallyOlujime.FormostAmericans,

Jimmyiseasier.”Iunderstood.I’donlybeenamortalforafewmonthsandIwasgettingverytiredofspellingout

Papadopoulos.“Well,Olujime,”Isaid,“I’mpleasedtomeetyou.Weareluckytohavesuchadefender.”“Mmm.”Olujimenoddedgravely.“Ifwesurvivetomorrow,perhapstheWaystationcanusean

accountant.Apieceofrealestatesocomplex…therearemanytaximplications.”“Uh—”“Iamjoking,”heoffered.“MygirlfriendsaysIjoketoomuch.”“Uh.”ThistimeIsoundedlikeI’dbeenkickedinthegut.“Yourgirlfriend.Yes.Willyouexcuse

me?”Ifled.StupidApollo.OfcourseOlujimehadagirlfriend.Ididn’tknowwhoorwhathewas,orwhyfate

haddraggedhimintoourstrangelittleworld,butobviouslysomeonesointerestingwouldnotbesingle.Besides,hewasmuchtoooldforme,oryoung,dependingonhowyoulookedatit.Idecidednottolookatitatall.

Exhaustedbutrestless,IwanderedtheshiftingcorridorsuntilIstumbleduponasmalllibrary.WhenIsaylibrary,Imeantheold-fashionedkindwithoutbooks,justscrollsstackedincubbies.Ah,thesmellofpapyrusbroughtmeback!

IsatatthetableinthecenteroftheroomandrememberedthechatsIusedtohaveinAlexandriawiththephilosopherHypatia.Nowshewasasmartmelomakarona.Iwishedshewereherenow.Icould’veusedheradviceonhowtosurvivetheCaveofTrophonius.

Alas,atpresent,myonlyadvisorwasstuckinthequiveronmyback.Reluctantly,IpulledouttheArrowofDodonaandsetitonthetable.

Theshaftofthearrowrattledagainstthetable.LONGHASTTHOUKEPTMEQUIVERED.VERILY,THYLEVELSOFSTUPIDASTOUNDME.

“Haveyoueverwondered,”Iasked,“whyyouhavenofriends?”UNTRUE,saidthearrow.EACHBRANCHOFDODONA’SSACREDGROVE,EACHTWIGAND

ROOT—TOALLOFTHESE,IAMMOSTDEAR.Idoubtedthat.Morelikely,whenithadcometimetochooseabranchtocarveintoanarrowtosend

onaquestwithme,theentiregrovehadunanimouslyelectedthisparticularlyannoyinglengthofash.EvensacredOraclescouldonlystandhearingforsoothandverilysomanytimes.

“Thentellme,”Isaid,“O,WiseArrow,mostdeartoallmanneroftrees,howdowegettotheCave

ofTrophonius?AndhowdoMegandIsurvive?”Thearrow’sfletchingrippled.THOUSHALTTAKEACAR.“That’sit?”LEAVESTTHOUWELLBEFOREDAWN.’TISACOUNTER-COMMUTE,AYE,BUTTHERESHALL

BECONSTRUCTIONONHIGHWAYTHIRTY-SEVEN.EXPECTESTTHOUTOTRAVELONEHOURANDFORTY-TWOMINUTES.

Inarrowedmyeyes.“Areyousomehow…checkingGoogleMaps?”Alongpause.OFCOURSENOT.FIEUPONYOU.ASFORHOWTHOUSHALTSURVIVE,ASK

METHISANON,WHENTHOUREACHESTTHYDESTINATION.“MeaningyouneedtimetoresearchtheCaveofTrophoniusonWikipedia?”ISHALLSAYNOMORETOYOU,BASEVILLAIN!THOUARTNOTWORTHYOFMYSAGE

ADVICE!“I’mnotworthy?”Ipickedupthearrowandshookit.“You’renohelpatall,youuselesspieceof—!”“Apollo?”Calypsostoodinthedoorway.Nexttoher,Leogrinned.“Wedidn’trealizeyouwerearguingwithyourarrow.Shouldwecomeback

later?”Isighed.“No,comein.”Thetwoofthemsatacrossfromme.Calypsolacedherfingersonthetablelikeateacherataparent

conference.Leodidhisbesttoimpersonatesomeonecapableofbeingserious.“So,uh,listen,Apollo—”“Iknow,”Isaidmiserably.HeblinkedasifI’dthrownweldingsparksinhiseyes.“Youdo?”“Assumingwelivethroughtomorrow,”Isaid,“youtwointendtoremainattheWaystation.”Theybothstaredatthetable.Alittlemoreweepingandpullingofhairmighthavebeennice,some

heartfeltsobsofPleaseforgiveus!ButIguessedthatwasmoreapologythanLesterPapadopoulosdeserved.

“Howdidyouknow?”Calypsoasked.“Theseriousconversationswithourhosts?”Isaid.“Thefurtiveglances?”“Hey,man,”Leosaid.“I’mnotfurtive.I’vegotzerofurtivity.”IturnedtoCalypso.“JosephinehasawonderfulworkshopforLeo.Andshecanteachyoutoregain

yourmagic.Emmiehasgardensworthyofyouroldhome,Ogygia.”“Myoldprison,”Calypsocorrected,thoughhervoicecarriednoanger.Leofidgeted.“It’sjust…Josephineremindsmesomuchofmymom.Sheneedshelparoundhere.The

Waystationmaybealivingbuilding,butit’salmostashigh-maintenanceasFestus.”Calypsonodded.“We’vebeentravelingsomuch,Apollo,inconstantdangerformonths.It’snotjust

themagicandthegardensthatappealtome.Emmiesayswecouldlivelikenormalyoungpeopleinthiscity.Evengotothelocalhighschool.”

Ifnotfortheseriousnessinhereyes,Imighthavelaughed.“You—aformerimmortalevenolderthanI—youwanttogotohighschool?”

“Hey,man,”Leosaid.“Neitherofushaseverhadachanceofanormallife.”“Wewouldliketosee,”Calypsocontinued,“whatwewouldbeliketogether,andseparately,inthe

mortalworld.Takingthingsmoreslowly.Dating.Boyfriend.Girlfriend.Perhaps…hangingoutwithfriends.”

Shespokethesewordsasiftheywereinfusedwithanexoticspice—atasteshewishedtosavor.“Thethingis,LesterMan,”Leosaid,“wepromisedtohelpyou.We’reworriedaboutleavingyouon

yourown.”Theireyesweresofullofconcern—concernforme—thatIhadtoswallowbackalumpinmythroat.

Sixweekswehadbeentravelingtogether.Mostofthattime,IhadferventlywishedIcouldbeanywhereelse,withanyoneelse.Butwiththeexceptionofmysister,hadIeversharedsomanyexperienceswithanyone?Irealized,godshelpme,thatIwasgoingtomissthesetwo.

“Iunderstand.”Ihadtoforcethewordsout.“JosephineandEmmiearegoodpeople.Theycanofferyouahome.AndIwon’tbealone.IhaveMegnow.Idon’tintendtoloseheragain.”

Leonodded.“Yeah,Meg’safireball.Takesonetoknowone.”“Besides,”Calypsosaid,“wewon’t…what’stheexpression…skipofftheradarcompletely.”“Drop,”Isuggested.“Thoughskippingsoundsmorefun.”“Yeah,”Leosaid.“We’vestillgotalotofdemigodlystufftodo.Atsomepoint,Igottareconnectwith

myotherpeeps:Jason,Piper,Hazel,Frank.Lottapeopleouttherestillwanttopunchme.”“Andwehavetosurvivetomorrow,”Calypsoadded.“Right,babe.Goodcall.”Leotappedthetableinfrontofme.“Pointis,ese,we’renotgoingto

abandonyou.Ifyouneedus,holler.We’llbethere.”Iblinkedbacktears.Iwasnotsad.Iwasnotoverwhelmedbytheirfriendship.No,ithadjustbeena

verylongdayandmynerveswerefrayed.“Iappreciateit,”Isaid.“Youarebothgoodfriends.”Calypsowipedhereyes.Nodoubtshewasjusttiredaswell.“Let’snotgetcarriedaway.Youare

stillhugelyannoying.”“Andyouarestillapaininthegloutos,Calypso.”“Okay,then.”Shesmirked.“Nowweallreallyshouldgetsomerest.Busymorningahead.”“Ugh.”Iclawedatmyhair.“Idon’tsupposeyoucouldsummonawindspiritforme?Ihavetodrive

totheCaveofTrophoniustomorrow,andIhaveneitherachariotnoracar.”“Acar?”Leogrinnedevilly.“Oh,Icanhookyouupwithoneofthose!”

StartwithaCchordNotallthekeys,Meg.CdoesNotstandforChaos

AT5:00A.M.thenextmorning,intheroundaboutoutsidetheWaystation,MegandIfoundLeostandinginfrontofagleamingredMercedesXLS.Ididnotaskhimhowhehadprocuredthevehicle.Hedidnotvolunteertheinformation.Hedidsaythatweshouldreturnitwithintwenty-fourhours(assumingwelivedthatlong)andtrynottogetpulledoverbythepolice.

Thebadnews:justoutsidethecitylimits,Igotpulledoverbythepolice.Oh,themiserableluck!TheofficerstoppedusfornogoodreasonthatIcouldsee.AtfirstIfearedhe

mightbeablemmyae,buthewasnotnearlypoliteenough.Hefrownedatmylicense.“Thisisajuniordriver’slicensefromNewYork,kid.Whatareyoudoing

drivingacarlikethis?Whereareyourparents,andwhere’reyoutakingthislittlegirl?”IwastemptedtoexplainthatIwasafour-thousand-year-olddeitywithplentyofexperiencedriving

thesun,myparentswereinthecelestialrealm,andthelittlegirlwasmydemigodmaster.“Sheismy—”“Littlesister,”Megchimedin.“He’stakingmetopianolessons.”“Uh,yes,”Iagreed.“Andwe’relate!”Megwaggledherfingersinawaythatdidnotatallresembleplayingthepiano.

“Becausemybrotherisstooo-pid.”Theofficerfrowned.“Waithere.”Hewalkedtohispatrolcar,perhapstorunmylicensethroughhiscomputerortocallforSWAT

backup.“Yourbrother?”IaskedMeg.“Pianolessons?”“Thestupidpartwastrue.”Theofficercamebackwithaconfusedlookonhisface.“Sorry.”Hehandedmemylicense.“My

mistake.Drivesafely.”Andthatwasthat.Iwonderedwhathadchangedtheofficer’smind.Perhaps,whenZeuscreatedmylicense,hehadput

somesortofspellontheIDthatallowedmetopasssimplescrutinysuchashighwaystops.NodoubtZeushadheardthatdrivingwhilemortalcouldbedangerous.

Wecontinuedon,thoughtheincidentleftmeshaken.OnHighway37,Iglancedateverycarheadingtheoppositedirection,wonderingwhichweredrivenbyblemmyae,demigods,ormercenariescommutingintoworkatCommodePalace,anxioustodestroymyfriendsintimeforthenamingceremony.

Intheeast,theskylightenedfromonyxtocharcoal.Alongtheroadside,sodiumvaporstreetlampstintedthelandscapeAgamethusorange—fencesandpastures,standsoftrees,drygullies.OccasionallywespottedagasstationoraStarbucksoasis.Everyfewmiles,wepassedbillboardsdeclaringGOLD:BESTPRICES!withasmilingmanwholookedsuspiciouslylikeKingMidasinacheapsuit.

IwonderedhowLityerseswasdoingbackattheWaystation.Whenwe’dleft,thewholeplacehadbeenabuzz—everyonepitchingintofixarmor,sharpenweapons,andreadytraps.LityerseshadstoodatJosephine’sside,offeringadviceaboutCommodusandhisvarioustroops,buthe’dseemedonlyhalf-present,likeamanwithaterminaldisease,explainingtootherpatientshowbesttheycouldprolongtheinevitable.

Strangely,Itrustedhim.IbelievedhewouldnotbetrayJosephineandEmmie,littleGeorgina,andtherestoftheragtagimpromptufamilyIcaredabout.Lit’scommitmentseemedgenuine.HenowhatedCommodusmorethananyofus.

Thenagain,sixweeksago,IneverwouldhavesuspectedMegMcCaffreyofworkingforNero….Iglancedoveratmysmallmaster.Sheslumpedinherseat,herredhigh-topsonthedashboardabove

theglovecompartment.Thisscrunched-uppositiondidn’tlookcomfortabletome.Itstruckmeasthesortofhabitachildlearns,thenisreluctanttoabandonwhentheygrowtoobig.

Shewriggledherfingersoverherknees,stillplayingairpiano.“Youmighttryputtingafewrestsinyourcomposition,”Itoldher.“Justforvariety.”“Iwantlessons.”Iwasn’tsureI’dheardhercorrectly.“Pianolessons?Now?”“Notnow,dummy.Butsometime.Canyouteachme?”Whatahorrifyingidea!IwantedtothinkIwasfarenoughalonginmycareerasamusicgodnotto

givepianolessonstobeginners.Thenagain,InoticedthatMeghadaskedme,notorderedme.Idetectedsomethingtentativeandhopefulinhervoice,afreshgreenchiashootemerging.IwasremindedofLeoandCalypsolastnightinthelibrary,talkingwistfullyofthenormallifetheymightbuildinIndiana.Strange,howoftenhumansdreamaboutthefuture.Weimmortalsdon’tbother.Forus,dreamingofthefutureislikestaringatthehourhandofaclock.

“Verywell,”Isaid.“Assumingwesurvivethismorning’sadventures.”“Deal.”MegbangedoutafinalchordthatBeethovenwouldhaveloved.Then,fromherbackpackof

supplies,sheproducedabaggieofcarrots(peeledbyme,thankyouverymuch)andbeganmunchingthemloudlywhileknockingthetipsofhershoestogether.

BecauseMeg.“Weshouldtalkstrategy,”Isuggested.“Whenwegettothecaverns,we’llneedtofindthesecret

entrance.Idoubtitwillbeasobviousastheregularmortalentrance.”“Mm-kay.”“Onceyou’vedispatchedwhateverguardswefind—”“Oncewehavedispatchedthem,”shecorrected.“Samedifference.We’llneedtolookfortwonearbystreams.We’llhavetodrinkfrombothofthem

before—”“Don’ttellme.”Megheldupacarrotlikeabaton.“Nospoilers.”“Spoilers?Thisinformationmightsaveourlives!”“Idon’tlikespoilers,”sheinsisted.“Iwanttobesurprised.”“But—”“No.”Iclenchedthewheel.Ittookgreateffortnottopunchthegasandsendushurtlingtowardthehorizon.I

wantedtotalkabouttheCaveofTrophonius…notjusttoenlightenMeg,buttoseeifImyselfhadthedetailsstraight.

I’dstayedupmostofthenightintheWaystationlibrary.I’dreadscrolls,siftedthroughmyimperfectmemories,eventriedtowranglemoreanswersfromtheArrowofDodonaandAgamethus’sMagic8Ball.I’dhadlimitedsuccess,butwhatI’dmanagedtopiecetogetherjustmadememorenervous.

IlikedtotalkwhenIwasnervous.Meg,however,seemedunconcernedbythetaskaheadofus.Sheactedasannoyingandcarefreeas

shehadthefirstdayI’dencounteredherinthatManhattanalley.Wasshejustputtingonabraveact?Ididn’tthinkso.Iwasconstantlyamazedathowresilientmortals

couldbeinthefaceofcatastrophe.Eventhemosttraumatized,ill-treated,shell-shockedhumanscouldcarryonasifthingswerecompletelynormal.Mealswerestillprepared.Workwasstilldone.Pianolessonswerecommencedandcarrotsticksmunched.

Formiles,werodeinsilence.Icouldn’tevenplayanydecenttunes,becausetheMercedesdidnothavesatelliteradio.CurseLeoValdezandhisfreeluxuryvehicles!

TheonlyFMstationIcouldfindfeaturedsomethingcalledtheMorningZoo.AftermyexperiencewithCalypsoandthegriffins,Iwasinnomoodforzoos.

Wepassedthroughsmalltownswithrun-downmotels,secondhandclothingshops,feedstores,andvariousvehiclesforsaleonthesideoftheroad.Thecountrysidewasflatandmonotonous—alandscapethatwouldnothavebeenoutofplaceintheancientPeloponneseexceptforthetelephonepolesandbillboards.Well,andtheroaditself.Greekswereneververygoodatbuildingroads.That’sprobablybecauseHermeswastheirgodoftravel.Hermeswasalwaysmoreinterestedinfascinating,dangerousjourneysthanhewasinquickandeasyinterstates.

Finally,twohoursafterleavingIndianapolis,dawnstartedtobreak,andIstartedtopanic.“I’mlost,”Iadmitted.“Knewit,”Megsaid.“It’snotmyfault!IfollowedthosesignsforGod’sPlace!”Megsquintedatme.“TheChristianBiblestorewepassed?Why’dyoudothat?”“Well,honestly!Thelocalsneedtobemorespecificaboutwhichgodsthey’readvertising!”Megbelchedintoherfist.“Pulloverandaskthearrow.I’mgettingcarsick.”Ididnotwanttoaskthearrow.ButIalsodidnotwantMegthrowinguphercarrotsalloverthe

leatherupholstery.Ipulledtothesideoftheroadanddugmypropheticmissileweaponfrommyquiver.“O,WiseArrow,”Isaid.“We’relost.”IKNEWSTTHATWHENIMETYOU.Suchathinshaftthearrowhad.Howeasyitwouldbetobreak!Irestrainedmyself.IfIdestroyedthe

GroveofDodona’sgift,Iworriedthatitspatron,myhippiegrandmother,Rhea,mightcursemetosmelllikepatchouliforalltime.

“WhatImean,”Isaid,“isthatweneedtofindtheentrancetotheCaveofTrophonius.Quickly.Canyoudirectusthere?”

Thearrowvibrated,perhapstestingforlocalWi-Ficonnections.Givenourremotelocation,IfearedhemightstartchannelingtheMorningZoo.

THEMORTALENTRANCELIESONELEAGUEEAST,heintoned.NEARAPORTABLESHEDWITHAROOFOFBLUE.

Foramoment,Iwastoosurprisedtospeak.“That…wasactuallyhelpful.”BUTTHOUCANSTNOTUSETHEMORTALENTRANCE,headded.’TISGUARDEDTOOWELL,

AND’TWOULDBEDEATH.“Ah.Lesshelpful.”“What’shesaying?”Megasked.Igesturedforhertobepatient.(Why,Idon’tknow.Itwasahopelesswish.)“GreatArrow,Idon’t

supposeyouknowhowweshouldgetintothecave?”

GOESTTHOUDOWNTHISROADTOTHEWEST.THOUSHALTSEESTAROADSIDESTANDWHICHSELLETHFRESHEGGS.

“Yes?”THISROADSIDESTANDISNOTIMPORTANT.KEEPDRIVING.“Apollo?”Megpokedmeintheribs.“What’shesaying?”“Somethingaboutfresheggs.”Thisanswerseemedtosatisfyher.Atleastshestoppedpokingme.GOESTTHOUFARTHER,thearrowadvised.TAKESTTHETHIRDLEFT.WHENTHOUSEEST

THEROADSIGNOFTHEEMPEROR,THOUSHALTKNOW’TISTIMETOSTOP.“Whatroadsignoftheemperor?”THOUSHALTKNOWESTITWHENTHOUSEESTIT.STOPPESTTHERE,JUMPESTTHOUTHE

FENCE,ANDPROCEEDINLANDTOTHEPLACEOFTWOSTREAMS.Coldfingersplayedanarpeggiodownmyvertebrae.Theplaceoftwostreams—that,atleast,made

sensetome.Iwisheditdidnot.“Andthen?”Iasked.THENTHOUMAYSTDRINKANDJUMPINTOTHECHASMOFHORRORS.BUTTODOSO,

THOUMUSTFACETHEGUARDIANSTHATCANNOTBEKILLED.“Fantastic,”Isaid.“Idon’tsupposeth—Idon’tsupposeyourWikipediaarticlehasmoreinformation

abouttheseunkillableguardians?”THOUDOSTJAPELIKEAJAPINGJAPER.BUTNAY.MYPROPHETICPOWERSSEETHISNOT.

ANDONEMORETHING.“Yes?”LEAVESTMEINTHEMERCEDES.IWISHNOTTOPLUNGEINTODEATHANDDARKNESS.Islidthearrowunderthedriver’sseat.ThenIreportedtheentireconversationtoMeg.Shefrowned.“Unkillableguardians?Whatdoesthatmean?”“Atthispoint,Meg,yourguessisasgoodasmine.Let’sgofindachasmofhorrorstojumpinto,shall

we?”

PrettyfuzzycowSocute,sowarmandvicious!Squee!CanIkillhim?

THEEMPEROR’Sroadsignwaseasyenoughtospot:

ADOPT-A-HIGHWAYNEXTFIVEMILESSPONSOREDBY:TRIUMVIRATEHOLDINGS

Commodusandhiscolleaguesmayhavebeenpower-hungrymurderersbentonworlddomination,butatleasttheycaredaboutcleaninguplitter.

Alongtheroadsideranabarbed-wirefence.Beyondthislaymorenondescriptcountryside—afewstandsoftreesandshrubs,butmostlyrollingmeadows.Inthepredawnlight,dewexhaledablanketofvaporoverthegrass.Inthedistance,behindaclumpofhackberrybushes,twolargeanimalsstoodgrazing.Icouldn’tmakeouttheirexactforms.Theylookedlikecows.Idoubtedtheywerecows.Ispottednootherguardians,killableorotherwise,whichdidnotreassuremeintheslightest.

“Well,”ItoldMeg.“Shallwe?”WeshoulderedoursuppliesandlefttheMercedes.Megremovedherjacketandlaiditacrossthebarbedwire.Despitethearrow’sinstructionsto

jumpest,weonlymanagedawobblygiantsteppeth.IhelddownthetopwireforMeg,thenshefailedtodothesameforme.Thisleftmewithsomeawkwardripsintheseatofmyjeans.

Wesneakedacrossthefieldinthedirectionofthetwograzingbeasts.Iwassweatinganunreasonableamount.Thecoldmorningaircondensedonmyskin,makingmefeel

asifIwerebathinginacoldsoup—Apollogazpacho.(Hmm,thatsoundedrathergood.IwillhavetotrademarkitonceIbecomeagodagain.)

Wecrouchedbehindthehackberries,onlytwentyorthirtyfeetfromtheanimals.Dawntingedthehorizonwithred.

Ididn’tknowhowshortourtimewindowwouldbetoenterthecavern.WhenthespiritofTrophoniussaid“firstlight,”didhemeannauticaltwilight?Dawn?Themomentwhenthesunchariot’sheadlightswerefirstvisible,orwhenthechariotwashighenoughintheskythatyoucouldactuallyreadmybumperstickers?Whateverthecase,wehadtohurry.

Megadjustedherglasses.Shestartedtoedgesidewaysforanunobstructedviewaroundthebusheswhenoneofthecreatureslifteditsheadjustenoughformetoglimpseitshorns.

Istifledascream.IgrabbedMeg’swristandpulledherbackintothecoverofthehackberries.Normally,thatmighthaveprovokedabitefromher,butIwaswillingtoriskit.Itwasalittletooearly

inthemorningtowatchmyyoungfriendgetkilled.“Stayverystill,”Iwhispered.“Thoseareyales.”Sheblinkedoneeye,thentheother,asifmywarningwasslowlymakingitswayfromherleftbrainto

herright.“Yales?Isn’tthatauniversity?”“Yes,”Imurmured.“AndoneofYaleUniversity’ssymbolsistheyale,butthat’snotimportant.These

monsters…”Iswalloweddownthealuminumtasteoffear.“TheRomansknewthemascenticores.Theyareabsolutelydeadly.They’realsoattractedtosuddenmovementsandloudnoises.Soshh.”

Infact,evenasagod,Ihadneverbeenthisclosetoyalesbefore.Theywerefierce,proudanimals,highlyterritorialandaggressive.IrememberedcatchingaglimpseoftheminmyvisionofCommodus’sthroneroom,butthebeastsweresorareI’dhalfconvincedmyselftheyweresomeothermannerofmonster.Also,IcouldnotimaginethatevenCommoduswouldbecrazyenoughtokeepyalesinsuchproximitytohumans.

Theylookedmorelikegiantyaksthancows.Shaggybrownfurwithyellowspotscoveredtheirbodies,whilethefurontheirheadswassolidyellow.Horselikemanestraileddowntheirnecks.Theirfluffytailswereaslongasmyarm,andtheirlargeambereyes…Oh,dear.ThewayI’mdescribingthem,theysoundalmostcute.Letmeassureyou,theywerenot.

Theyales’mostprominentfeaturesweretheirhorns—twoglisteningwhitespearsofridgedbone,absurdlylongforthecreature’shead.Ihadseenthosehornsinactionbefore.Eonsago,duringDionysus’seasterncampaign,thewinegodhadunleashedaherdofyalesintotheranksofanIndianarmyfivethousandstrong.Irememberedthescreamsofthosewarriors.

“Whatdowedo?”Megwhispered.“Killthem?They’rekindofpretty.”“TheSpartanwarriorswerekindofpretty,too,untiltheyskeweredyou.No,wecan’tkillyales.”“Okay,good.”Alongpause,thenMeg’snaturalrebelliousstreakkickedin.“Whynot?Istheirfur

invulnerabletomyswords?Ihatethat.”“No,Meg,Idon’tthinkso.Thereasonwecan’tkillthesecreaturesisthatyalesareonthe

endangered-monsterlist.”“You’remakingthatup.”“WhywouldImakeupsuchathing?”Ihadtoremindmyselftokeepmyvoicedown.“Artemisisvery

carefulaboutmonitoringthesituation.Whenmonstersstarttofadefrommortals’collectivememory,theyregeneratelessandlessoftenfromTartarus.Wehavetoletthembreedandrepopulate!”

Meglookeddubious.“Uh-huh.”“Oh,comeon.SurelyyouheardaboutthatproposedtempleofPoseidoninSicily?Ithadtobe

relocatedsimplybecausethelandwasfoundtobethenestingareaofared-belliedhydra.”Meg’sblankstaresuggestedshehadn’theardaboutthat,eventhoughithadbeenheadlinenewsjusta

fewthousandyearsago.“Atanyrate,”Ipersisted,“yalesaremuchrarerthanred-belliedhydras.Idon’tknowwhere

Commodusfoundthese,butifwekilledthem,allthegodswouldcurseus,startingwithmysister.”Meggazedagainattheshaggyanimalsgrazingpeacefullyinthemeadow.“Aren’tyoualreadycursed

bytheRiverStyxorwhatever?”“That’snotthepoint.”“Thenwhatdowedo?”Thewindshifted.Suddenly,Irememberedanotherdetailaboutyales.Theyhadanexcellentsenseof

smell.Thepairsimultaneouslyliftedtheirheadsandturnedtheirlovelyambereyesinourdirection.The

bullyalebellowed—asoundlikeafoghorngarglingmouthwash.Thenbothmonsterscharged.

Irememberedmoreinterestingfactsaboutyales.(HadInotbeenabouttodie,Icouldhavenarratedadocumentary.)Forsuchlargeanimals,theirspeedwasimpressive.

Andthosehorns!Asyalesattacked,theirhornsswiveledlikeinsectantennae—or,perhapsmoreaccurately,thelancesofmedievalknights,whohadbeensofondofputtingthesecreaturesontheirheraldicshields.Thehornsalsospun,theirsharpridgescorkscrewing,allthebettertopierceourbodies.

IwishedIcouldtakeavideoofthesemajesticanimals.Iwould’vegottenmillionsoflikesonGodTube!Butifyouhaveeverbeenchargedbytwowoollyspottedyaksdual-wieldinglancesontheirheads,youunderstandthatcameraworkinsuchcircumstancesisdifficult.

Megtackledme,pushingmeoutoftheyales’pathastheyrushedthroughthehackberries.Thebull’slefthorngrazedmycalf,slicingthroughmyjeans.(Myjeanswerehavingabadday.)

“Trees!”Megyelled.Shegrabbedmyhandandpulledmetowardtheneareststandofoaks.Fortunately,theyaleswerenot

asfastturningastheywerecharging.TheygallopedinawidearcasMegandItookcover.“They’renotsoprettynow,”Megnoted.“Yousurewecan’tkillthem?”“No!”Iranthroughmylimitedrepertoireofskills.Icouldsingandplaytheukulele,butyaleswere

notoriouslytone-deaf.Mybowandarrowwoulddomenogood.Icouldtrytosimplywoundtheanimals,butwithmyluck,I’dendupaccidentallykillingthem.Iwasfreshoutofammoniasyringes,brickwalls,elephants,andburstsofgodlystrength.Thatleftonlymynaturalcharisma,whichIdidn’tthinktheyaleswouldappreciate.

Theanimalsslowedastheyapproached.Probably,theywereconfusedabouthowtokillusthroughthetrees.Yaleswereaggressive,buttheyweren’thunters.Theydidn’tusefancymaneuverstocorneranddefeatprey.Ifsomebodygotintheirterritory,theyjustcharged.Thetrespassersdiedorfled.Problemsolved.Theyweren’taccustomedtointruderswhoplayedkeep-away.

Weedgedaroundtheoaks,doingourbesttostayoppositethebeasts.“Niceyales,”Isang.“Excellentyales.”Theyalesdidnotseemimpressed.Asweshiftedperspective,Ispottedsomethingaboutthirtyyardsbeyondtheanimals:aclusterof

washing-machine-sizebouldersinthetallgrass.Nothingterriblydramatic,butmykeenearspickedupthesoundoftricklingwater.

IpointedouttherockstoMeg.“Thecaveentrancemustbethere.”Shewrinkledhernose.“Sodowerunforitandjumpin?”“No!”Iyelped.“Thereshouldbetwostreams.Wehavetostopanddrinkfromthem.Thenthecave

itself…Idoubtitwillbeaneasydescent.We’llneedtimetofindasafewaydown.Ifwejustjumpin,wemightdie.”

“Theseharvardsaren’tgoingtogiveustime.”“Yales,”Icorrected.“Samedifference,”shesaid,totallystealingmyline.“Howmuchdoyouthinkthosethingsweigh?”“Alot.”Sheseemedtorunthatthroughhermentalcalculator.“Okay.Getready.”“Forwhat?”“Nospoilers.”“Ihateyou.”Megthrustoutherhands.Allaroundtheyales,thegrasswentintooverdrive,braidingitselfintothick

greenropesthatwrappedaroundthebeasts’legs.Thecreaturesthrashedandbellowedlikegarglingfoghorns,butthegrasscontinuedtogrow,climbingacrosstheirflanks,entanglingtheirmassivebodies.

“Go,”Megsaid.Iran.

Thirtyyardshadneverseemedsofar.Halfwaytotherocks,Iglancedback.Megwasstumbling,herfaceglisteningwithsweat.Itmusthave

beentakingallherstrengthtokeeptheyalesentangled.Thebeastsstrainedandspuntheirhorns,slashingatthegrass,pullingagainstthesodwithalltheirmight.

Ireachedthepileofrocks.AsI’dsuspected,fromside-by-sidefissuresinthefaceofoneboulder,twinspringsgurgled,asif

Poseidonhadcomebyandcrackedthestonewithhistrident:Iwanthotwaterhere,andcoldwaterhere.Onespringbubbleddilutedwhite,thecolorofnonfatmilk.Theotherwasasblackassquidink.Theyrantogetherinamossystreakbeforesplatteringagainstthemuddyground.

Beyondthesprings,acrevassezigzaggedbetweenthelargestboulders—aten-foot-widewoundintheearth,leavingnodoubtastothepresenceofthecavernsystembelow.Atthelipofthechasm,acoilofropewastiedtoanironpiton.

Megstaggeredtowardme.“Hurry,”shegasped.“Jumpin.”Behindher,theyaleswereslowlyrippingthroughtheirgrassybonds.“Wehavetodrink,”Itoldher.“Mnemosyne,theSpringofMemory,isblack.Lethe,theSpringof

Forgetfulness,iswhite.Ifwedrinkbothatthesametime,theyshouldcounteracteachotherandprepareourminds—”

“Don’tcare.”Meg’sfacewasnowaswhiteasthewatersofLethe.“Yougo.”“Butyouhavetocomewithme!TheOraclesaidso!Besides,youwon’tbeinanyshapetodefend

yourself.”“Fine,”shegroaned.“Drink!”IcuppedonehandinthewaterofMnemosyne,theotherhandinthewaterofLethe.Igulpedthem

downsimultaneously.Theyhadnotaste—justintense,numbingcold,thesortthathurtssobadlyyoudon’tfeelthepainuntilmuchlater.

Mybrainbegantoswivelandcorkscrewlikeayalehorn.Myfeetfeltlikeheliumballoons.Megstruggledwiththerope,tryingtowrapitaroundmywaist.Forsomereason,Ifoundthishysterical.

“Yourturn,”Igiggled.“Drinkie,drinkie!”Megscowled.“Andlosemywits?Nuh-uh.”“Sillywilly!Ifyoudon’tprepareyourselffortheOracle—”Inthemeadow,theyalesrippedthemselvesfree,peelingoffseveralsquareyardsofturffromthe

ground.“Notime!”Meglungedforward,tacklingmearoundthewaist.Likethegoodfriendshewas,shesent

metumblingovertheledgeandintotheblackvoidbelow.

Feelinggroovy,I’mDrowning,freezing,snakesurfingLifeisgood,Batman!

MEGANDIPLUMMETEDthroughthedark,ourropeunspoolingaswebouncedoffonerockthenanother,myclothingandskingettingbrutallyscrapedaway.

Ididthenaturalthing.Iscreamed,“WHEEEEEE!”Theropesnappedtaut,givingmetheHeimlichmaneuversoviolentlyIalmostcoughedupmy

appendix.Meggruntedwithsurpriseandlosthergriponme.Shefelldeeperintothedarkness.Aheartbeatlater,asplashechoedfrombelow.

Ilaughed,danglinginthevoid.“Thatwasfun!Again!”Theknotunraveledatmywaist,andIplungedintofrigidwater.Mydeliriousstateprobablysavedmefromdrowningimmediately.Ifeltnoneedtostruggle,thrash,or

gaspforbreath.Ifloateddown,vaguelyamusedbymypredicament.ThesipsIhadtakenfromLetheandMnemosynebattledinmymind.Icouldn’tremembermyownname,whichIfoundextremelyfunny,butIcouldrecallwithperfectclaritytheyellowflecksinPython’sserpentineeyesashesankhisfangsintomyimmortalbicepsmillenniaago.

Beneaththedarkwater,Ishouldn’thavebeenabletoseeanything.Nevertheless,imagesfloatedinandoutofmyvision.Perhapsthiswastheeffectofmyeyeballsfreezing.

Isawmyfather,Zeus,sittinginapatiochairbyaninfinitypoolattheedgeofaterrace.Beyondthepool,anazureseastretchedtothehorizon.ThescenewouldhavebeenmorefittingforPoseidon,butIknewthisplace:mymother’scondoinFlorida.(Yes,IhadoneofthoseimmortalmomswhoretiredtoFlorida;whatcanyoudo?)LetokneltatZeus’sside,herhandsclaspedinprayer.Herbronzearmsglowedagainstherwhitesundress.Herlonggoldenhairzigzaggeddownherbackinanelaborateladderweave.

“Please,mylord!”sheimplored.“Heisyourson.Hehaslearnedhislesson!”“Notyet,”Zeusrumbled.“Oh,no.Hisrealtestisyettocome.”Ilaughedandwaved.“Hi,Mom!Hi,Dad!”SinceIwasunderwaterandmostlikelyhallucinating,mywordsshouldnothavebeenaudible.

Nevertheless,Zeusglancedoverandscowled.Thesceneevaporated.Ifoundmyselffacingadifferentimmortal.Floatingbeforemewasadarkgoddess,herebonyhairwaftinginthecoldcurrent,herdress

billowingaroundherlikevolcanicsmoke.Herfacewasdelicateandsublime,herlipstick,eyeshadow,andmascaraallexpertlydoneinshadesofmidnight.Hereyesgleamedwithabsolutehatred.

Ifoundherpresencedelightful.“Hi,Styx!”Herobsidianeyesnarrowed.“You.Oath-breaker.DonotthinkIhaveforgotten.”“ButIhave!”Isaid.“WhoamIagain?”Inthatmoment,Iwasabsolutelyserious.IknewthiswasStyx,goddessoftheUnderworld’smost

importantriver.Iknewshewasthemostpowerfulofallwaternymphs,eldestdaughteroftheseaTitan,Oceanus.Iknewshehatedme,whichwasn’tsurprising,sinceshewasalsothegoddessofhatred.

ButIhadnoideawhoIwasorwhatI’ddonetoearnheranimosity.“DidyouknowI’mdrowningrightnow?”ThiswassohilariousIstartedtogiggleastreamof

bubbles.“Iwillhavemydue,”Styxsnarled.“YouwillPAYforyourbrokenpromises.”“Okay!”Iagreed.“Howmuch?”Shehissedinannoyance.“Ican’tevendothiswithyourightnow.Returntoyourfoolishquest!”Thegoddessvanished.Someonegrabbedmebythescruffofmyneck,yankedmeoutofthewater,and

dumpedmeonahardstonesurface.Myrescuerwasayounggirlofabouttwelve.Waterdrippedfromhertatteredgreensheathdress.

Bloodyscratchescoveredherarms.Herjeansandredhigh-topswereshellackedwithmud.Mostalarmingly,therhinestonesinthecornersofhercat-eyeglasseswerenotjustglinting.They

emittedtheirownpalelight.IrealizedthosesmallconstellationshoveringnexttohereyesweretheonlyreasonIcouldseethegirlatall.

“IfeellikeIknowyou,”Icroaked.“IwanttosayPeg.OrMegan?”Shefrowned,lookingalmostasdangerousasthegoddessStyx.“You’renotkidding,areyou?”“Nope!”Igaveheracheerfulsmile,despitethefactthatIwassoakedandshivering.Itoccurredtome

thatIwasprobablygoingintohypothermicshock.Irememberedallthesymptomsofthat:shivering,dizziness,confusion,rapidheartrate,nausea,fatigue…Wow,Iwasbattingathousand!

NowifonlyIcouldremembermyname.ItoccurredtomethatIhadtwoofthem.WasoneofthemLester?Oh,dear.Howawful!TheotherwassomethingthatbeganwithanA.

Alfred?Hmm.No.ThatwouldmakethisyounggirlBatman,andthatdidn’tfeelright.“MynameisMeg,”sheoffered.“Yes!Yes,ofcourse.Thanks.AndI’m—”“Anidiot.”“Hmm.No….Oh!That’sajoke.”“Notreally.ButyournameisApollo.”“Right!Andwe’reherefortheOracleofTrophonius.”Shetiltedherhead,sendingherlefteyeglassframeconstellationintoahigherastrologicalhouse.

“Youcan’trememberournames,butyourememberthat?”“Strange,isn’tit?”Istruggledtositup.Myfingershadturnedblue,whichprobablywasn’tagood

sign.“IrememberthestepsforpetitioningtheOracle!First,wedrinkfromtheSpringsofLetheandMnemosyne.Ididthatalready,didn’tI?That’swhyIfeelsoodd.”

“Yeah.”Megwrungthewateroutofherskirt.“Weneedtokeepmovingorwe’llfreezetodeath.”“Okay!”Iacceptedherhelpgettingmetomyfeet.“Afterdrinkingfromthesprings,wedescendintoa

cave.Oh!We’rehere!Thenwegofartherintothedepths.Hmm.Thatway!”Infact,therewasonlyoneway.Fiftyfeetaboveus,atinyslashofdaylightglowedfromthecrevicewe’dfallenthrough.Therope

dangledwelloutofreach.Wewouldnotbeexitingthesamewayweentered.Toourleftroseasheerfaceofrock.Abouthalfwayupthewall,awaterfallgushedfromafissure,spillingintothepoolatourfeet.Toourright,thewaterformedadarkriverandflowedoutthroughanarrowtunnel.Theledgewewerestandingonwoundalongsidetheriver,justwideenoughtowalkon,assumingwedidn’tslip,fallin,and

drown.“Well,then!”Iledtheway,followingthestream.Asthetunnelturned,therocksillnarrowed.TheceilinglowereduntilIwasalmostcrawling.Behind

me,Megbreathedinshiveringpuffs,herexhalessoloudtheyechoedoverthebabbleoftheriver.Ifounditdifficulttowalkandformrationalthoughtsatthesametime.Itwaslikeplayingsyncopated

rhythmsonadrumset.Mysticksneededtomoveinacompletelydifferentpatternthanmyfeetonthebassandtophatpedals.Onesmallmistakeandmyedgyjazzbeatwouldturnintoaleadenpolka.

IstoppedandturnedtoMeg.“Honeycakes?”Intheglowingrhinestonelightofherglasses,herexpressionwasdifficulttoread.“Ihopeyou’renot

callingmethat.”“No,weneedhoneycakes.DidyoubringthemordidI?”Ipattedmysoakingwetpockets.Ifelt

nothingbutasetofcarkeysandawallet.Ihadaquiver,abow,andaukuleleonmyback—Oh,aukulele!Wonderful!—butIdidn’tthinkIwouldhavestoredpastriesinastringedinstrument.

Megfrowned.“Youneversaidanythingabouthoneycakes.”“ButIjustremembered!Weneedthemforthesnakes!”“Snakes.”MegdevelopedafacialticthatIdidnotthinkwasrelatedtohypothermia.“Whywould

therebesnakes?”“Goodquestion!Ijustknowwe’resupposedtohavehoneycakestoappeasethem.So…weforgotthe

cakes?”“Youneversaidanythingaboutcakes!”“Well,that’sashame.Anythingwecansubstitute?Oreos,perhaps?”Megshookherhead.“NoOreos.”“Hmm.Okay.Iguesswe’llimprovise.”Sheglancedapprehensivelydownthetunnel.“Youshowmehowtoimprovisewithsnakes.I’ll

follow.”Thissoundedlikeasplendididea.Istrolledmerrilyonward,exceptwherethetunnel’sceilingwas

toolow.Inthoseplaces,Isquattedmerrilyonward.Despiteslippingintotheriverafewtimes,whackingmyheadonafewstalactites,andchokingonthe

acridsmellofbatguano,Ifeltnodistress.Mylegsseemedtofloat.Mybrainwobbledaroundinmyskull,constantlyrebalancinglikeagyroscope.

ThingsIcouldremember:I’dhadavisionofLeto.She’dbeentryingtoconvinceZeustoforgiveme.Thatwassosweet!I’dalsohadavisionofthegoddessStyx.She’dbeenangry—hilarious!Andforsomereason,IcouldremembereverynoteStevieRayVaughanplayedon“TexasFlood.”Whatagreatsong!

ThingsIcouldnotremember:Didn’tIhaveatwinsister?Washername…Lesterina?Alfreda?Neitherofthosesoundedright.Also,whywasZeusmadatme?Also,whywasStyxmadatme?Also,whowasthisgirlbehindmewiththeglowingrhinestoneglasses,andwhydidn’tshehaveanyhoneycakes?

Mythoughtsmayhavebeenmuddled,butmysenseswereassharpasever.Fromthetunnelaheadofus,waftsofwarmerairbrushedagainstmyface.Thesoundsoftheriverdissipated,theechoesgrowingdeeperandsofter,asifthewaterwerespreadingoutintoalargercavern.Anewsmellassaultedmynostrils—ascentdrierandsourerthanbatguano.Ah,yes…reptilianskinandexcrement.

Ihalted.“Iknowwhy!”IgrinnedatPeggy—Megan—no,Meg.Shescowled.“Youknowwhywhat?”“Whysnakes!”Isaid.“Youaskedmewhywewouldfindsnakes,didn’tyou?Orwasthatsomeone

else?Snakesaresymbolic!Theyrepresentpropheticwisdomfromdeepintheearth,justasbirdssymbolizepropheticwisdomfromtheheavens.”

“Uh-huh.”“SosnakesareattractedtoOracles!Especiallyonesincaves!”“LikethatbigsnakemonsterweheardintheLabyrinth,Python?”Ifoundthisreferencevaguelyunsettling.IwasprettysureI’dknownwhoPythonwasafewminutes

ago.NowIwasblanking.IflashedonthenameMontyPython.Wasthatcorrect?Ididn’tthinkthemonsterandIhadeverbeenonafirst-namebasis.

“Well,yes,Isupposeit’slikethat,”Isaid.“Anyway,thesnakesshouldberightupahead!That’swhyweneedhoneycakes.Youhavesome,yousaid?”

“No,I—”“Excellent!”Iforgedon.AsI’dsuspected,thetunnelwidenedintoalargechamber.Alakecoveredtheentirearea,perhaps

sixtyfeetindiameter,exceptforasmallislandofrockinthecenter.Aboveus,thedomedceilingbristledwithstalactiteslikeblackchandeliers.Coveringtheislandandthesurfaceofthewaterwasawrithingsheetofserpents,likespaghettilefttoolonginboilingwater.Watermoccasins.Lovelycreatures.Thousandsofthem.

“Ta-da!”Iexclaimed.Megdidnotseemtosharemyenthusiasm.Sheedgedbackintothetunnel.“Apollo…you’dneeda

zillionhoneycakesforthatmanysnakes.”“Oh,butyousee,weneedtogettothatlittleislandinthecenter.That’swherewe’llreceiveour

prophecy.”“Butifwegointothatwater,won’tthesnakeskillus?”“Probably!”Igrinned.“Let’sfindout!”Ijumpedintothelake.

MegtakesasoloScaresawayheraudienceGoodjob,McCaffrey

“APOLLO,SING!”MEGYELLED.Nowordscouldhavestoppedmemoreeffectively.Ilovedbeingaskedtosing!Iwashalfwayacrossthelake,uptomywaistinreptiliannoodlesoup,butIturnedandlookedbackat

thegirlstandingatthemouthofthetunnel.Imusthaveagitatedthesnakesinmywake.Theyswishedbackandforth,theircutelittleheadsglidingjustabovethesurface,theirwhitemouthsopen.(Oh,Igetit!That’swhytheywerecalledcottonmouths!)

ManyofthesnakesswarmedtowardMeg,nosingaroundhershoesasifdecidingwhethertojoinherontheledge.Megtiptoedfromfoottofootasifshewasn’tcrazyaboutthisidea.

“Didyousaysing?”Iasked.“Yes!”Hervoicesqueaked.“Charmthesnakes!Makethemgoaway!”Ididn’tunderstandwhatshemeant.WhenIsang,myaudiencesalwayscamecloser.Whowasthis

girlMeg,anyway?ShehadapparentlyconfusedmewithSaintPatrick.(Niceguy,bytheway;terriblesingingvoice.Thelegendsdon’tnormallymentionthathedrovethesnakesoutofIrelandwithhishideousversionof“TeDeum.”)

“Singthatsongyoudidintheants’nest!”shepleaded.TheAnts’Nest?IrememberedsingingwiththeRatPackandAFlockofSeagulls,buttheAnts’Nest?

Ididn’trecalleverbeingpartofsuchagroup.However,itdidoccurtomewhyMegan/Peg/Megmightbenervous.Watermoccasinsarepoisonous.

Muchlikeyales,theycanbeaggressivewhentheirterritoryisinvaded.ButMegstoodatthemouthofthetunnel,notreallyinthesnakes’territory.Whywasshenervous?

Ilookeddown.Hundredsofvipersswirledaroundme,displayingtheircutelittlemouthswiththeirsharplittlefangs.Theymovedsluggishlyinthefrigidwater,orperhapstheywerejustawestrucktobeinmypresence—cheerful,charismatic,charmingoldWhatever-my-name-was!—buttheydidseemtobehissingalot.

“Oh!”Ilaughedastherealizationstruckme.“You’reworriedaboutme!I’mabouttodie!”Ihadavagueimpulsetodosomething.Run?Dance?WhatwasitMeghadsuggested?BeforeIcoulddecide,Megbegantosing.Hervoicewasweakandoff-key,butIrecognizedthemelody.IwasprettysureIhadcomposedit.Wheneversomeoneburstsintosonginpublic,thereisamomentofhesitation.Passersbystopto

listen,tryingtodiscernwhattheyarehearingandwhyarandompersonintheirmidsthasdecidedto

serenadethem.AsMeg’sunevenvoiceechoedthroughthecavern,thesnakessensedthevibrations.Morethumb-sizeviperheadspoppedtothesurface.Morewhitemouthsopened,asiftheyweretryingtotastethesong.Aroundmywaist,theswirlingstormofwatermoccasinslostitscohesionasthesnakesturnedtheirattentiontoMeg.

Shesangoflossandregret.Yes…Ivaguelyrecalledsingingthissong.I’dbeenwalkingthroughthetunnelsofamyrmekes’nest,pouringoutmysadness,baringmyheartasIsearchedforMeg.Inthesong,Ihadtakenresponsibilityforthedeathsofmygreatestloves,DaphneandHyacinthus.Theirnamescamebacktomeassharpasbrokenwindowshards.

Megrepeatedmyperformance,butwithdifferentwords.Shewasmakingupherownverses.Asthevipersgatheredatherfeet,hervoicegrewstronger,moreself-assured.Shewasstilloff-key,butshesangwithheartbreakingconviction—hersongeverybitassadandgenuineasminehadbeen.

“It’smyfault,”shesang.“Yourbloodonmyhands.ThecrushedroseIcouldn’tsave.”Iwasstunnedshehadsuchpoetryinher.Clearly,thesnakesweretoo.Theybobbedaroundherfeetin

athickmass,justlikethecrowdatthePinkFloydfloatingconcertinVenicein1989—which,forsomereason,Irememberedperfectly.

Abitlate,IrealizeditwasamiracleIhadnotyetbeenbittentodeathbywatermoccasins.WhatwasIdoinginthemiddleofthislake?OnlyMeg’smusicwaskeepingmealive—herdiscordantvoicesomehowbeautifulandenchanting,holdingtheattentionofthousandsofraptvipers.

Likethem,IwantedtostaywhereIwasandlisten.Butasenseofuneasewasbuildingupinsideme.Thiscave…theOracleofTrophonius.Somethingtoldmethiscavewasnottherightplacetobareone’ssoul.

“Meg,”Iwhispered.“Stop.”Sheapparentlycouldn’thearme.Theentirecavernseemedfixatedonhervoicenow.Therockwallsglistened.Shadowsswayedasif

dancing.TheglitteringstalactitesstrainedtowardMeglikecompassneedles.Shesangofbetrayingme,ofreturningtoNero’shousehold,ofsuccumbingtoherfearoftheBeast….“No,”Isaid,alittlelouder.“No,Meg!”Toolate.Thecavern’smagiccaughthersong,magnifyinghervoiceahundredfold.Thechamberfilled

withthesoundofpurepain.Thelakeboiledaspanickedserpentssubmergedandfled,pushingpastmylegsinastrongriptide.

Perhapstheyescapeddownsomehiddenwaterway.Perhapstheydissolved.AllIknew:thelittlerockislandinthecenterofthecavewassuddenlyempty,andIwastheonlylivingthingleftinthelake.

StillMegsang.Hervoicenowsoundedforcedoutofher—asifsomegiantinvisiblefistweresqueezingherlikeasqueakytoy.Lightsandshadowsflickeredoverthecavernwalls,formingghostlyimagestoillustrateherlyrics.

Inonescene,amiddle-agedmancroucheddownandsmiledasiflookingatachild.Hehaddarkcurlyhairlikemine(ImeanLester’s),abroadfrecklednose,andsoft,kindeyes.Heheldoutasingleredrose.

“Fromyourmother,”hewhispered,achorustoMeg’ssong.“Thisrosewillneverfade,sweetheart.Youwillneverhavetoworryaboutthorns.”

Thepudgyhandofachildappearedinthevision,reachingfortheflower.IsuspectedthiswasoneofMeg’searliestmemories—somethingjustontheedgeofconsciousness.Shetooktherose,andthepetalsunfoldedintobrilliantfullbloom.ThestemcurledlovinglyaroundMeg’swrist.Shesquealedwithdelight.

Adifferentvision:theemperorNeroinhispurplethree-piecesuit,kneelingtolookMegintheeye.Hesmiledinawaythatmighthavebeenmistakenforkindlyifyoudidn’tknowNero.Hisdoublechinpuffedoutunderhishelmet-strapbeard.Hisbejeweledringsglitteredonhisfatfingers.

“You’llbeagoodgirl,won’tyou?”HegrippedMeg’sshoulderalittletootightly.“Yourdaddyhadto

goaway.Perhapsifyou’regood,you’llseehimagain.Won’tthatbenice?”TheyoungerversionofMegnodded.Isensed,somehow,thatshewasaboutfiveyearsold.Iimagined

herthoughtsandemotionscurlingupinsideher,formingathickprotectiveshell.Anothersceneflickeredintoview.JustoutsidetheNewYorkPublicLibraryinMidtown,aman’s

corpsesprawledonthewhitemarblesteps.Onehandwassplayedonhisgut,whichwasagruesomebattlegroundofredtrenches—perhapsslashesfromaknife,ortheclawsofalargepredator.

Policemilledaround,takingnotes,snappingphotos,holdingthecrowdbehindalineofyellowtape.Theyparted,however,tolettwopeoplein—Nero,inadifferentpurplesuitbutthesameghastlybeardandjewelry,andMeg,nowmaybesix,horrified,pale,reluctant.Shesawthebodyandbegantowhimper.Shetriedtoturnaway,butNeroplantedaheavyhandonhershouldertokeepherinplace.

“Iwantyoutoseethis.”Hisvoicedrippedwithfalsesympathy.“Iamsosorry,mydear.TheBeast…”Hesighedasifthistragicscenewasunavoidable.“Ineedyoutobemorediligentinyourstudies,doyouunderstand?Whatevertheswords-mastersays,youmustdo.Itwouldbreakmyheartifsomethingelsehappened,somethingevenworsethanthis.Look.Remember.”

TearspooledinMeg’seyes.Sheedgedforward.Clutchedinherdeadfather’sotherhandwasthestemofarose.Thecrushedpetalswerestrewnacrosshisstomach,almostinvisibleagainsttheblood.Shewailed,“Daddy!Helpme!”Thepolicepaidhernoattention.Thecrowdactedasifshedidn’texist.OnlyNerowasthereforher.

Atlastsheturnedtohim,buriedherfaceinhissuitvest,andsobbeduncontrollably.Shadowsflickeredmorerapidlyacrossthecavernwalls.Meg’ssongbegantoreverberate,breaking

intorandomwavesofnoise.Thelakechurnedaroundme.Onthesmallrockisland,darknessgathered,swirlingupwardlikeawaterspout,formingtheshapeofaman.

“Meg,stopsinging!”Iyelled.Withonefinalsob,shecrumpledtoherknees,herfacestreakedwithtears.Shefelltoherside,

groaning,hervoicelikecrumplingsandpaper.Therhinestonesinherglassesstillglowed,butwithafaintbluishtint,asifallthewarmthhadbeendrainedfromthem.

IwantedmorethananythingtorushtoMeg’sside.ThesipsofMemoryandForgetfulnesshadmostlyburnedoutofmysystem.IknewMegMcCaffrey.Iwantedtocomforther.ButIalsoknewthatthedangertoherhadnotpassed.

Ifacedtheisland.Theapparitionwasonlyvaguelyhumanoid,composedofshadowsandfractalsoflight.AfterimagesfromMeg’slyricsflashedandfadedinhisbody.HeradiatedfearevenmorestronglythanThalia’sAegisshield—wavesofterrorthatthreatenedtoripmyself-controlfromitsmoorings.

“Trophonius!”Iyelled.“Leaveheralone!”Hisformcameintoclearerfocus:hislustrousdarkhair,hisproudface.Aroundhimswarmedahost

ofphantombees,hissacredcreatures,smallsmudgesofdarkness.“Apollo.”Hisvoiceresonateddeepandharsh,justasithadsoundedwhenexpelledfromGeorgina

ontheThroneofMemory.“I’vewaitedalongtime,Father.”“Please,myson.”Iclaspedmyhands.“Megisnotyourpetitioner.Iam!”TrophoniusregardedyoungMcCaffrey,nowcurledupandshiveringonthestoneledge.“Ifsheisnot

mypetitioner,whydidshesummonmewithhersongofgrief?Shehasmanyunansweredquestions.Icouldanswerthem,forthepriceofhersanity.”

“No!Shewas—Shewastryingtoprotectme.”Ichokedonthewords.“Sheismyfriend.Shedidnotdrinkfromthesprings.Idid.IamthesupplicanttoyourholyOracle.Takemeinstead!”

Trophonius’slaughterwasahorriblesound…worthyofaspiritwhodwelledinthedarknesswiththousandsofpoisonoussnakes.

“Takemeinstead,”herepeated.“TheveryprayerImadewhenmybrotherAgamethuswascaughtinatunnel,hischestcrushed,hislifefading.Didyoulistentomethen,Father?”

Mymouthturneddry.“Don’tpunishthegirlforwhatIdid.”Trophonius’sghostlybeesswarmedinawidercloud,buzzingangrilypastmyface.“DoyouknowhowlongIwanderedthemortalworldafterkillingmybrother,Apollo?”askedthe

ghost.“Aftercuttingoffhishead,myhandsstillcoveredinhisblood,Istaggeredthroughthewildernessforweeks,months.Ipleadedtotheearthtoswallowmeupandendmymisery.Igothalfmywish.”

Hegesturedaroundhim.“IdwellindarknessnowbecauseIamyourson.IseethefuturebecauseIamyourson.Allmypainandmadness…WhyshouldInotshareitwiththosewhoseekmyhelp?Doesyourhelpevercomewithoutaprice?”

Mylegsgaveout.Iplungedtomyknees,thefrigidwateruptomychin.“Please,Trophonius.Iammortalnow.Takeyourpricefromme,nother!”

“Thegirlhasalreadyvolunteered!Sheopenedherdeepestfearsandregretstome.”“No!No,shedidn’tdrinkofthetwosprings.Hermindisnotprepared.Shewilldie!”ImagesflickeredthroughTrophonius’sdarkformlikeflashesoflightning:Megencasedingoointhe

ants’lair;MegstandingbetweenmeandLityerses,hisswordstoppedcoldbyhercrossedgoldenblades;MeghuggingmefiercelyasweflewourgriffinfromtheIndianapolisZoo.

“Sheisprecioustoyou,”saidtheOracle.“Wouldyougiveyourlifeinexchangeforhers?”Ihadtroubleprocessingthatquestion.Giveupmylife?Atanypointinmyfourthousandyearsof

existence,myanswerwould’vebeenanemphaticNo!Areyoucrazy?Oneshouldnevergiveupone’slife.One’slifeisimportant!Thewholepointofmyquestsinthemortalworld,findingandsecuringalltheseancientOracles,wastoregainimmortalitysoIwouldn’thavetopondersuchawfulquestions!

Andyet…IthoughtofEmmieandJosephinerenouncingimmortalityforeachother.IthoughtofCalypsogivingupherhome,herpowers,andeternallifeforachancetoroamtheworld,experiencelove,andpossiblyenjoythewondersofhighschoolinIndiana.

“Yes,”Ifoundmyselfsaying.“Yes,IwoulddietosaveMegMcCaffrey.”Trophoniuslaughed—awet,angrysoundlikethechurningofvipersinwater.“Verygood!Then

promisemethatyou’llgrantmeawish.WhateverIask,youwilldo.”“Y-yourwish?”Iwasn’tagodanymore.Trophoniusknewthat.EvenifIcouldgrantwishes,Iseemed

torecallaveryrecentconversationwiththegoddessStyxaboutthedangersofmakingoathsIcouldn’tkeep.

ButwhatchoicedidIhave?“Yes,”Isaid.“Iswear.Whateveryouask.Thenwehaveanagreement?Youwilltakemeinsteadof

thegirl?”“Oh,Ididn’tpromiseanythinginreturn!”Thespiritturnedasblackasoilsmoke.“Ijustwantedto

exactthatpromisefromyou.Thegirl’sfateisalreadydecided.”Hestretchedouthisarms,expellingmillionsofdarkghostlybees.Megscreamedinterrorastheswarmengulfedher.

Man,IhatemysonArealarrogantjerkwadNothinglikehisdad

IDIDNOTKNOWIcouldmovesofast.NotasLesterPapadopoulos,anyway.IboundedacrossthelakeuntilIreachedMeg’sside.Itrieddesperatelytoshooawaythebees,butthe

wispsofdarknessswarmedher,flyingintohermouth,nose,andears—evenintohertearducts.Asagodofmedicine,IwouldhavefoundthatfascinatingifIhadn’tbeensorepulsed.

“Trophonius,stopit!”Ipleaded.“Thisisnotmydoing,”saidthespirit.“YourfriendopenedhermindtotheDarkOracle.Sheasked

questions.Nowsheisreceivingtheanswers.”“Sheaskednoquestions!”“Oh,butshedid.Mostlyaboutyou,Father.Whatwillhappentoyou?Wheremustyougo?Howcan

shehelpyou?Theseworriesareforemostinhermind.Suchmisplacedloyalty…”Megbegantothrash.Iturnedherontoherside,asoneshoulddoforsomeoneafterhavingaseizure.I

wrackedmybrain.Whatelse?Removesharpobjectsfromherenvironment….Allthesnakesweregone,good.NotmuchIcoulddoaboutthebees.Herskinwascold,butIhadnothingwarmanddrytocoverherwith.Herusualscent—thatfaint,inexplicablesmellofapples—hadturneddankasmildew.Therhinestonesinherglasseswerecompletelydark,thelenseswhitewithcondensation.

“Meg,”Isaid.“Staywithme.Concentrateonmyvoice.”Shemutteredincoherently.Withatwingeofpanic,Irealizedthatifshegavemeadirectorderinher

deliriousstate,evensomethingassimpleasLeavemealoneorGoaway,Iwouldbecompelledtoobey.Ihadtofindawaytoanchorhermind,toshieldherfromtheworstofthedarkvisions.Thatwasdifficultwhenmyownmindwasstillalittlefuzzyandnotcompletelytrustworthy.

Imutteredsomehealingchants—oldcurativetunesIhadn’tusedincenturies.Beforeantibiotics,beforeaspirin,beforeevensterilebandages,wehadsongs.Iwasthegodofbothmusicandhealingforgoodreason.Oneshouldneverunderestimatethehealingpowerofmusic.

Meg’sbreathingsteadied,buttheshadowyswarmstillenvelopedher,attractedtoherfearsanddoubtslike…well,likebeestopollen.

“Ahem,”Trophoniussaid.“Soaboutthisfavoryoupromised—”“Shutup!”Isnapped.Inherfever,Megmurmured,“Shutup.”Ichosetotakethisasanecho,notanorder,aimedatTrophoniusratherthanme.Thankfully,myvocal

cordsagreed.

IsangtoMegabouthermother,Demeter—thegoddesswhocouldhealtheentireearthafterdrought,fire,orflood.IsangofDemeter’smercyandkindness—thewayshehadmadetheprinceTriptolemusintoagodbecauseofhisgooddeeds;thewayshehadnursedthebabyboyDemophonforthreenights,attemptingtomakehimimmortal;thewayshehadblessedthecerealmakersofmoderntimes,floodingtheworldwithabountyofFrootLoops,LuckyCharms,andCountChocula.Truly,shewasagoddessofinfinitebenevolence.

“Youknowshelovesyou,”Ipromised,cradlingMeg’sheadinmylap.“Shelovesallherchildren.LookathowmuchshecherishedPersephoneeventhoughthatgirl…Well,shemakesyourtablemannerslookpositivelyrefined!Er,nooffense.”

IrealizedIwasn’tevensinginganymore.Iwasrambling,tryingtodriveoffMeg’sfearswithafriendlyvoice.

“Once,”Icontinued,“Demetermarriedthisminorharvestgod,Karmanor?You’veprobablyneverheardofhim.Noonehad.HewasthislocaldeityinCrete.Rude,backward,poorlydressed.But,oh,theylovedeachother.Theyhadthisson…ugliestboyyoueversaw.Hadnoredeemingqualities.Helookedlikeapig.Everyonesaidso.Heevenhadahorriblename:Eubouleus.SoundslikeEbola,Iknow.ButDemeterturnedeveryone’scriticismsaround.ShemadeEubouleusthegodofswineherds!Ionlysaythisbecause…Well,youneverknow,Meg.Demeterhasplansforyou,I’msure.Youcan’tdieonme,yousee.Youhavetoomuchtolookforwardto.Demetermightmakeyoutheminorgoddessofcutelittlepiglets!”

Icouldn’ttellifshewashearingme.Hereyesshiftedunderclosedlidsasifshe’denteredREMsleep.Shewasn’ttwitchingandthrashingquiteasmuch.Orwasthatmyimagination?Iwasshakingfromcoldandfearsomuchmyself,itwashardtobesure.

Trophoniusmadeasoundlikeasteamvalveopening.“She’sjustfallenintoadeepertrance.That’snotnecessarilyagoodsign.Shecouldstilldie.”

Ikeptmybacktohim.“Meg,don’tlistentoTrophonius.He’sallaboutfearandpain.He’sjusttryingtomakeuslosehope.”

“Hope,”saidthespirit.“Interestingword.Ihadhopeonce—thatmyfathermightactlikeafather.Igotoveritafterafewcenturiesofbeingdead.”

“Don’tblamemeforyourobbingtheking’streasury!”Isnarled.“Youareherebecauseyoumessedup.”

“Iprayedtoyou!”“Well,perhapsyoudidn’tprayfortherightthingattherighttime!”Iyelled.“Prayforwisdombefore

youdosomethingstupid!Don’tprayformetobailyououtafteryoufollowyourworstinstincts!”Thebeesswirledaroundmeandbuzzedangrily,buttheydidmenoharm.Irefusedtoofferthemany

feartofeedon.Allthatmatterednowwasstayingpositive,stayinganchoredforMeg’ssake.“I’mhere.”Ibrushedthewethairfromherforehead.“Youarenotalone.”Shewhimperedinhertrance.“Therosedied.”Ifeltasifawatermoccasinhadwriggledintomychestandwasbitingmyheart,onearteryatatime.

“Meg,aflowerisonlypartoftheplant.Flowersgrowback.Youhavedeeproots.Youhavestrongstems.Youhave…Yourfaceisgreen.”IturnedtoTrophoniusinalarm.“Whyisherfacegreen?”

“Interesting.”Hesoundedanythingbutinterested.“Perhapsshe’sdying.”Hetiltedhisheadasiflisteningtosomethinginthedistance.“Ah.They’rehere,waitingforyou.”“What?Who?”“Theemperor’sservants.Blemmyae.”Trophoniusgesturedtothefarsideofthelake.“Anunderwater

tunneljustthere…itleadsintotherestofthecavernsystem,thepartknowntomortals.Theblemmyaehavelearnedbetterthantocomeintothischamber,butthey’rewaitingforyouontheotherend.That’stheonlywayyoucanescape.”

“Thenwewill.”

“Doubtful,”saidTrophonius.“Evenifyouryoungfriendsurvives,theblemmyaearepreparingexplosives.”

“WHAT?”“Oh,Commodusprobablytoldthemtousetheexplosivesonlyasalastresort.Helikeshavingmeas

hispersonalfortune-teller.Hesendshismeninherefromtimetotime,pullsthemouthalf-deadandinsane,getsfreeglimpsesofthefuture.Whatdoeshecare?Buthe’dratherdestroythisOraclethanallowyoutoescapealive.”

Iwastoodumbfoundedtorespond.Trophoniusletlooseanotherharshpealoflaughter.“Don’tlooksodown,Apollo.Onthebrightside,

itwon’tmatterifMegdieshere,becauseshe’sgoingtodieanyway!Look,she’sfrothingatthemouthnow.Thisisalwaysthemostinterestingpart.”

Megwasindeedgurglingwhitefoam.Inmyexpertmedicalopinion,thatwasrarelyagoodsign.Itookherfacebetweenmyhands.“Meg,listentome.”Thedarknessroiledaroundher,makingmy

skintingle.“I’mhere.I’mApollo,godofhealing.Youwillnotdieonme.”Megdidn’ttakeorderswell.Iknewthis.Shetwitchedandfoamed,coughinguprandomwordslike

horse,crossword,cloven,roots.Alsonotagreatsign,medicallyspeaking.Mysinginghadnotworked.Sternlanguagehadnotworked.TherewasonlyoneotherremedyIcould

thinkof—anancienttechniquefordrawingoutpoisonandevilspirits.Thepracticewasnolongerendorsedbymostmedicalassociations,butIrememberedthelimerickfromtheGroveofDodona,thelineIhadlostthemostsleepover:Wasforceddeathandmadnesstoswallow.

Herewewere.IkneltoverMeg’sface,asIusedtodowhenItaughtmouth-to-mouthresuscitationaspartoffirstaid

trainingatCampJupiter.(ThosesillyRomandemigodswerealwaysdrowning.)“I’msorryaboutthis.”IpinchedMeg’snoseandclampedmymouthoverhers.Aslimy,unpleasant

sensation—muchlikewhatIimaginedPoseidonexperiencedwhenherealizedhewaskissingthegorgonMedusa.

Icouldnotbedeterred.Insteadofexhaling,Iinhaled,suckingthedarknessfromMeg’slungs.Perhaps,atsomepointinyourlife,you’vegottenwaterupyournose?Imaginethatfeeling,except

withbeevenomandacidinsteadofwater.Thepainalmostmademeblackout,anoxiouscloudofhorrorfloodingthroughmysinuses,downmythroat,andintomychest.Ifeltghostlybeesricochetingthroughmyrespiratorysystem,tryingtostingtheirwayout.

Iheldmybreath,determinedtokeepasmuchofthedarknessawayfromMegforaslongasIcould.Iwouldsharethisburdenwithher,evenifitkilledme.

MymindslidsidewaysintoMeg’sownmemories.Iwasafrightenedlittlegirl,tremblingonthestepsofthelibrary,staringdownatthebodyofmy

murderedfather.Therosehehadgivenmewascrushedanddead.Itspetalswerescatteredacrossthewoundsthe

Beasthadmadeinhisbelly.TheBeasthaddonethis.Ihadnodoubt.Nerohadwarnedmeagainandagain.Daddyhadpromisedmetherosewouldneverdie.Iwouldneverhavetoworryaboutthorns.Hesaid

theflowerwasagiftfrommymother,aladyIhadnevermet.Buttherosewasdead.Daddywasdead.Mylifewasnothingbutthorns.Neroputhishandonmyshoulder.“I’msosorry,Meg.”Hiseyesweresad,buthisvoicewastingedwithdisappointment.ThisonlyprovedwhatIalready

suspected.Daddy’sdeathwasmyfault.Ishouldhavebeenabetterdaughter.Ishouldhavetrainedharder,mindedmymanners,notobjectedwhenNerotoldmetofightthelargerchildren…ortheanimalsIdidnotwanttokill.

IhadupsettheBeast.Isobbed,hatingmyself.Nerohuggedme.Iburiedmyfaceinhispurpleclothes,hissicklysweet

cologne—notlikeflowers,butlikeold,desiccatedpotpourriinanursinghome.Iwasn’tsurehowIevenknewthatsmell,butitbroughtbackahalf-rememberedfeelingofhelplessnessandterror.NerowasallIhad.Ididn’tgetrealflowers,arealfather,arealmother.Iwasn’tworthyofthat.IhadtoclingtowhatIhad.

Then,ourmindscomingled,MegandIplungedintoprimordialChaos—themiasmafromwhichtheFateswovethefuture,makingdestinyoutofrandomness.

Noone’smindshouldbeexposedtosuchpower.Evenasagod,IfearedtogotooneartheboundariesofChaos.

Itwasthesamesortofdangermortalsriskedwhentheyaskedtoseeagod’strueform—aburning,terriblepyreofpurepossibility.Seeingsuchathingcouldvaporizehumans,turnthemintosaltordust.

IshieldedMegfromthemiasmaasbestIcould,wrappingmymindaroundhersinasortofembrace,butwebothheardthepiercingvoices.

Swiftwhitehorse,theywhispered.Thecrosswordspeaker.Landsofscorchingdeath.Andmore—linesspokentoofast,overlappingtoomuchtomakesenseof.Myeyesbegantobake.The

beesconsumedmylungs.StillIheldmybreath.Isawamistyriverinthedistance—theStyxitself.Thedarkgoddessbeckonedmefromtheshore,invitingmetocross.Iwouldbeimmortalagain,ifonlyinthewayhumansoulswereimmortalafterdeath.IcouldpassintotheFieldsofPunishment.Didn’tIdeservetobepunishedformymanycrimes?

Unfortunately,Megfeltthesameway.Guiltweighedherdown.Shedidnotbelieveshedeservedtosurvive.

Whatsaveduswasasimultaneousthought:Icannotgiveup.Apollo/Megneedsme.Ienduredforanothermoment,thentwo.Atlast,Icouldstanditnomore.Iexhaled,expellingthepoisonoftheprophecy.Gaspingforfreshair,IcollapsednexttoMegonthe

cold,wetstone.Slowly,theworldreturnedtoasolidstate.Thevoicesweregone.Thecloudofghostlybeeshadvanished.

Irosetomyelbows.IpressedmyfingersagainstMeg’sneck.Herpulsepattered,threadyandweak,butshewasnotdead.

“ThanktheThreeFates,”Imurmured.Foronce,Iactuallymeantit.IfClotho,Lachesis,andAtroposhadbeeninfrontofmerightthen,I

wouldhavekissedtheirwartynoses.Onhisisland,Trophoniussighed.“Oh,well.Thegirlmightstillbeinsanefortherestofherlife.

That’ssomeconsolation.”Iglaredatmydeceasedson.“Someconsolation?”“Yes.”Hetiltedhisetherealhead,listeningagain.“You’dbesthurry.You’llhavetocarrythegirl

throughtheunderwatertunnel,soIsupposeyoumightbothdrown.Ortheblemmyaemightkillyouattheotherend.Butifnot,Iwantthatfavor.”

Ilaughed.AftermyplungeintoChaos,itwasn’taprettysound.“Youexpectafavor?Forattackingadefenselessgirl?”

“Forgivingyouyourprophecy,”Trophoniuscorrected.“It’syours,assumingyoucanextractitfromthegirlontheThroneofMemory.Nowmyfavor,asyoupromised:Destroythiscave.”

Ihadtoadmit…I’djustcomebackfromthemiasmaofpureprophecy,andIstilldidn’tseethatrequestcoming.“Saywhat,now?”

“Thislocationistooexposed,”saidTrophonius.“YouralliesattheWaystationwillneverbeabletodefenditfromtheTriumvirate.Theemperorswilljustkeepattacking.Idonotwishtobeusedby

Commodusanymore.BetterthattheOracleisdestroyed.”IwonderedifZeuswouldagree.Ihadbeenoperatingundertheassumptionthatmyfatherwantedme

torestorealltheancientOraclesbeforeIcouldregainmygodhood.Iwasn’tsureifdestroyingtheCavernofTrophoniuswouldbeanacceptableplanB.Thenagain,ifZeuswantedthingsdoneinacertainway,heshould’vegivenmeinstructionsinwriting.“But,Trophonius…whatwillhappentoyou?”

Trophoniusshrugged.“PerhapsmyOraclewillreappearsomewhereelseinafewcenturies—underbettercircumstances,inamoresecurelocation.Maybethatwillgiveyoutimetobecomeanicerfather.”

Hewasdefinitelymakingiteasiertoconsiderhisrequest.“HowdoIdestroythisplace?”“Imayhavementionedtheblemmyaewithexplosivesinthenextcave?Iftheydonotusethem,you

must.”“AndAgamethus?Willhedisappearaswell?”Dimflashesoflighteruptedfromwithinthespirit’sform—perhapssadness?“Eventually,”saidTrophonius.“TellAgamethus…TellhimIlovehim,andI’msorrythishasbeenour

fate.That’smorethanIevergotfromyou.”Hisswirlingcolumnofdarknessbegantounspool.“Wait!”Iyelled.“WhataboutGeorgina?WheredidAgamethusfindher?Isshemychild?”ThelaughterofTrophoniusechoedweaklythroughthecavern.“Ah,yes.Considerthatmysterymylast

gifttoyou,Father.Ihopeitdrivesyouinsane!”Thenhewasgone.Foramoment,Isatontheledge,stunnedanddevastated.Ididn’tfeelphysicallyhurt,butIrealizedit

waspossibletosufferathousandbitesinthissnakepit,evenifnoneoftheviperscamenearyou.Therewereotherkindsofpoison.

Thecaverumbled,sendingripplesacrossthelake.Ididn’tknowwhatthatmeant,butwecouldnotstayhere.IliftedMeginmyarmsandwadedintothewater.

Mindyourp’sandq’sWhenyouarearmingbombsor—SPLAT—tramplejelly

IMAYHAVEMENTIONED:Iamnotthegodofthesea.Ihavemanyfascinatingabilities.Inmydivinestate,IamgoodatnearlyeverythingIattempt.Butas

LesterPapadopoulos,Iwasnotthemasterofone-armedswimmingunderwaterwhileencumbered,norcouldIgowithoutoxygenanylongerthananormalmortal.

Iclawedmywaythroughthepassage,huggingMegclose,mylungsburninginoutrage.Firstyoufilluswithdarkpropheticbees!mylungsscreamedatme.Nowyouforceustostay

underwater!Youareahorribleperson!IcouldonlyhopeMegwouldsurvivetheexperience.Sinceshewasstillunconscious,Icouldn’tvery

wellwarnhertoholdherbreath.ThebestIcoulddowasmakeourjourneyasbriefaspossible.Atleastthecurrentwasinmyfavor.ThewaterpushedmeinthedirectionIwantedtogo,butaftersix

orsevensecondsIwasprettysureweweregoingtodie.Myearsthrobbed.Igropedblindlyforhandholdsontheslickrockwalls.Iwasprobablydestroying

myfingertips,butthecoldrenderedmynervoussystemuseless.TheonlypainIfeltwasinsidemychestandhead.

Mymindbegantoplaytricksonmeasitsoughtmoreoxygen.Youcanbreatheunderwater!itsaid.Goahead.It’llbefine!IwasabouttoinhaletheriverwhenInoticedafaintgreenglowaboveme.Air?Radiation?Limeade?

Anyofthosesoundedbetterthandrowninginthedark.Ikickedupward.IexpectedtobesurroundedbyenemieswhenIsurfaced,soItriedtoemergewithaslittlegaspingand

flailingaspossible.ImadesureMeg’sheadwasabovewater,thengaveheraquickabdominalthrusttoexpelanyfluidfromherlungs.(That’swhatfriendsarefor.)

Doingallthisquietlywasnoeasytask,butassoonasItookinoursurroundings,Iwasgladtobesuchaninjaofsoftgaspingandflailing.

Thiscavewasnotmuchlargerthantheonewehadleft.Electriclampshungfromtheceiling,castinggreenstreaksoflightacrossthewater.Alongtheoppositesideofthecave,aboatdockwaslinedwithboxyaluminumbarges—fortouringthemortallyaccessibleareasofthesubterraneanriver,Iassumed.Onthedock,threeblemmyaecrouchedoveralargeobjectthatlookedliketwoscubatanksduct-tapedtogether,thecracksstuffedwithwadsofputtyandlotsofwires.

HadLeoValdezmadesuchacontraption,itcouldhavebeenanythingfromaroboticbutlertoajetpack.Giventheblemmyae’slackofcreativity,Icametothedepressingconclusionthattheywerearming

abomb.Theonlyreasonstheyhadnotnoticedandkilledusalreadywere1)theywerebusyarguing,and2)

theywerenotlookinginourdirection.Blemmyae’speripheralvisionconsistsentirelyoftheirownarmpits,sotheytendtofocusstraightahead.

Oneblemmyaewasdressedindarkgreenslacksandanopengreendressshirt—aparkranger’soutfit,perhaps?ThesecondworetheblueuniformofanIndianaStateTrooper.Thethird…Oh,dear.Sheworeaveryfamiliar-lookingflowerydress.

“No,sirree!”thetrooperyelledaspolitelyaspossible.“Thatisnotwheretheredwiregoes,thankyouverymuch.”

“You’rewelcome,”saidtheranger.“ButIstudiedthediagram.Itdoesgothere,yousee,becausethebluewirehastogohere.Andifyou’llexcusemeforsayingso,you’reanidiot.”

“You’reexcused,”thetroopersaidamiably,“butonlybecauseyou’reanidiot.”“Now,boys,”saidthewoman.HervoicewasdefinitelythatofNanette,thewomanwhohad

welcomedusonourfirstdayinIndianapolis.ItseemedimpossiblethatsheshouldhaveregeneratedfromTartarussosoonafterbeingkilledbyJosephine’scrossbowturret,butIputthisdowntomyusualwretchedluck.“Let’snotargue.Wecanjustcallthecustomer-supportlineand—”

Megtookthisopportunitytogasp,muchlouderthanIhad.Wehadnoplacetohideexceptunderwater,andIwasn’tinanyshapetosubmergeagain.

Nanettespottedus.Herchest-facetwistedinasmile,herheavyorangelipstickglisteninglikemudinthegreenlight.

“Well,lookeehere!Visitors!”Therangerunsheathedahuntingknife.Thetrooperdrewhisgun.Evenwithhisspecies’baddepth

perception,hewasn’tlikelytomissusatsuchcloserange.Helplessinthewater,holdingagasping,half-consciousMeg,IdidtheonlythingIcouldthinkof.I

yelled,“Don’tkillus!”Nanettechuckled.“Now,honey,whyshouldn’twekillyou?”Iglancedatthescuba-tankbomb.NodoubtLeoValdezwouldknowexactlywhattodoinasituation

likethis,buttheonlyadviceIcouldthinkofwassomethingCalypsohadtoldmeatthezoo:Halfofmagicisactinglikeitwillwork.Theotherhalfispickingasuperstitiousmark.

“Youshouldnotkillme,”Iannounced,“becauseIknowwheretheredwiregoes!”Theblemmyaemutteredamongthemselves.Theymayhavebeenimmunetocharmandmusic,butthey

sharedmortals’reluctanceforeitherreadinginstructionsorcallingcustomersupport.TheirhesitationgavemeamomenttoslapMeg(gentlyonthecheek,simplytohelpherwakeup).

Shesplutteredandtwitched,whichwasanimprovementoverbeingpassedoutcold.Iscannedthecaveforpossibleescaperoutes.Toourright,theriverwoundthroughalow-ceilingedtunnel.Iwasnotanxioustoswimthroughthesecavesanylonger.Toourleft,attheedgeoftheboatdock,arampwithrailingsledupward.Thatwouldbetheexittothesurface,Idecided.

Unfortunately,standinginourwaywerethreesuperstronghumanoidswithanexplosivedevice.Theblemmyaeconcludedtheirconference.Nanettefacedmeagain.“Verywell!Pleasetelluswheretheredwiregoes.Thenwewillkillyouas

painlesslyaspossible,andwecanallgohomehappy.”“Agenerousoffer,”Isaid.“ButIreallyneedtoshowyou.It’stoohardtoexplainfromwayoverhere.

Permissiontocomeashore?”Thetrooperloweredhisgun.Abushymustachecoveredthewidthofhislowestrib.“Well,heasked

permission.Thatwaspolite.”“Hmm.”Nanettestrokedherchin,simultaneouslyscratchingherbelly.“Permissiongranted.”Joiningthreeenemiesonthedockwasonlymarginallybetterthanfreezingintheriver,butIwasglad

togetMegoutofthewater.“Thankyou,”Itoldtheblemmyaeaftertheyhauledusup.“You’rewelcome,”allthreesaidinunison.“Justletmeputmyfrienddown….”Istumbledtowardtheramp,wonderingifIcouldmakeabreak

forit.“That’sfarenough,”Nanettewarned,“pleaseandthankyou.”TherewerenoancientGreekwordsforIhateyou,scaryclown-woman,butImutteredaclose

approximationundermybreath.IproppedMegagainstthewall.“Canyouhearme?”Iwhispered.Herlipswerethecolorofblueberries.Herteethchattered.Hereyesrolledbackinherhead,showing

thebloodshotwhitesofhereyes.“Meg,please,”Isaid.“Iwilldistracttheblemmyae,butyouneedtogetoutofhere.Canyouwalk?

Crawl?Anything?”“Hum-um-um.”Megshiveredandgasped.“Shumma-shumma.”ThiswasnolanguagethatIknew,butIinferredthatMegwouldnotbegoinganywhereonherown.I

wouldhavetodomorethanjustdistracttheblemmyae.“Allrighty,then!”Nanettesaid.“Pleaseshowuswhatyouknow,sowecanbringdownthiscaveon

topofyou!”Iforcedasmile.“Ofcourse.Now,let’ssee….”Ikneltnexttothedevice.Itwassadlyuncomplicated.Therewere,infact,onlytwowiresandtwo

receptors,bothcolor-codedblueandred.Iglancedup.“Ah.Quickquestion.Iamawarethatblemmyaearetone-deaf,but—”“That’snottrue!”Therangerlookedoffended.“Idon’tevenknowwhatthatmeans!”Theothertwobowedemphatically—theblemmyaeequivalentofnodding.“Ienjoyalltones,”Nanetteagreed.“Explosions,”thetroopersaid.“Gunshots.Carengines.Alltonesaregood.”“Istandcorrected,”Isaid.“Butmyquestionwas…coulditbepossiblethatyourspeciesisalso

color-blind?”Theylookeddumbfounded.IexaminedNanette’smakeup,dress,andshoesonceagain,anditbecame

cleartomewhysomanyblemmyaepreferredtodisguisethemselvesinmortaluniforms.Ofcoursetheywerecolor-blind.

Fortherecord,Iamnotimplyingthatcolorblindnessortonedeafnessindicateanylackofcreativityorintelligence.Farfromit!Someofmyfavoritecreativepeople,fromMarkTwaintoMisterRogerstoWilliamButlerYeats,hadtheseconditions.

Inblemmyae,however,sensorylimitationsanddullthinkingseemedtobepartofthesamedepressingpackage.

“Forgetit,”Isaid.“Let’sgetstarted.Nanette,wouldyoupleasepickuptheredwire?”“Well,sinceyouaskedsonicely.”Nanetteleanedinandpickedthebluewire.“Theotherredwire,”Iadvised.“Ofcourse.Iknewthat!”Shetooktheredwire.“Nowattachittothered—tothisreceptor.”Ipointed.NanettedidasIinstructed.“Thereyouare!”Isaid.Clearlystillperplexed,theblemmyaestaredatthedevice.Thetroopersaid,“Butthere’sanotherwire.”“Yes,”Isaidpatiently.“Itgoestothesecondreceptor.However”—IgrabbedNanette’shandbefore

shecouldblowusallup—“onceyouconnectit,youwillmostlikelyactivatethebomb.Doyouseethis

smallscreenhere?IamnoHephaestus,butIassumethisisthetimer.Doyouhappentoknowwhatthedefaultcountdownis?”

Thetrooperandrangerconferredintheguttural,monotonelanguageoftheblemmyae—whichsoundedliketwobustedpowersandersspeakinginMorsecode.IglancedoveratMeg,whowasrightwhereI’dlefther,stillshiveringandmutteringshumma-shummaunderherbreath.

Therangersmiledinaself-satisfiedway.“Well,sir.SinceI’mtheonlyonewhoreadthediagram,I’vedecidedIcansafelygiveyoutheanswer.Thedefaulttimeisfiveseconds.”

“Ah.”Afewphantombeescrawledupmythroat.“Soonceyouconnectthewire,therewillbevirtuallynotimetoexitthecavebeforethebombgoesoff.”

“Exactly!”Nanettebeamed.“Theemperorwasveryclear.IfApolloandthechildmakeitoutoftheOraclechamber,killthemandbringdownthecaverninamightyexplosion!”

Thetrooperfrowned.“No,hesaidtokillthemwiththemightyexplosion.”“No,sirree,”saidtheranger.“Hesaidtousethemightyexplosiononlyifwehadto.Wecouldkill

thesetwoiftheyappeared,butiftheydidn’t…”Hescratchedhisshoulderhair.“I’mconfusednow.Whatwasthebombfor?”

IsaidasilentprayerofthanksthatCommodushadsentblemmyaeandnotGermanitodothisjob.Ofcourse,thatprobablymeanttheGermaniwerefightingmyfriendsattheWaystationrightnow,butIcouldonlyhandleoneearth-shatteringcrisisatatime.

“Friends,”Isaid.“Frenemies,blemmyae.Mypointisthis:ifyouactivatethebomb,thethreeofyouwilldie,too.Areyoupreparedforthat?”

Nanette’ssmilemelted.“Oh.Hmm…”“I’vegotit!”Therangerwaggedhisfingeratmeenthusiastically.“Whydon’tyouconnectthewire

afterthethreeofusleave?”“Don’tbesilly,”saidthetrooper.“Hewon’tkillhimselfandthegirljustbecauseweaskhimto.”He

gavemeacautiouslyhopefulglance.“Willyou?”“Itdoesn’tmatter,”Nanettechided.“TheemperortoldustokillApolloandthegirl.Nottohavethem

doitthemselves.”Theothersmumbledagreement.Followingorderstotheletterwaseverything,ofcourse.“Ihaveanidea!”Isaid,wheninfactIdidnot.IhadbeenhopingtocomeupwithsomecleverplantooverpowertheblemmyaeandgetMegoutof

there.Sofar,nocleverplanhadmaterialized.TherewasalsothematterofmypromisetoTrophonius.IhadsworntodestroyhisOracle.Ipreferredtodothatwithoutdestroyingmyself.

Theblemmyaewaitedpolitelyformetocontinue.ItriedtochannelsomeofCalypso’sbravado.(Oh,gods,pleasenevertellherIdrewonherforinspiration.)

“It’strueyouhavetokillusyourselves,”Ibegan.“AndIdounderstand!ButIhaveasolutionthatwillaccomplishallyourgoals:amightyexplosion,destroyingtheOracle,killingus,andgettingoutalive.”

Nanettenodded.“Thatlastoneisabonus,forsure.”“There’sanunderwatertunneljusthere….”IexplainedhowMegandIhadswumthroughfrom

Trophonius’schamber.“ToeffectivelydestroytheOracleroom,youcan’tsetthebomboffhere.Someonewouldhavetoswimwiththedevicedeepinsidethetunnel,activatethetimer,andswimbackout.Now,Iamnotstrongenough,butablemmyaecoulddothiseasily.”

Thetrooperfrowned.“Butfiveseconds…isthatenoughtime?”“Ah,”Isaid,“butit’sawell-knownfactthatunderwater,timerstaketwiceaslong,soyou’dactually

havetenseconds.”Nanetteblinked.“Areyousureaboutthat?”Therangerelbowedher.“Hejustsaiditwasawell-knownfact.Don’tbeimpolite!”Thetrooperscratchedhismustachewiththebarrelofhisgun,whichwasprobablyagainstdepartment

safetyprotocols.“I’mstillnotsurewhywehavetodestroytheOracle.Whycan’twejustkillyoutwo,say…withthisgun…andleavetheOraclealone?”

Isighed.“Ifonlywecould!But,myfriend,it’snotsafe.ThisgirlandIgotinandgotoutwithourprophecy,didn’twe?Thatmeansothertrespasserscan,too.Surelythat’swhattheemperormeantaboutthemightyexplosion.Youdon’twanttohavetocomebackherewithyourbombeverytimesomeonebreaksin,doyou?”

Thetrooperlookedhorrified.“Goodness,no!”“AndleavingtheOracleintact,inthisplacewheremortalsobviouslyhaveguidedtours…well,that’s

asafetyhazard!NotclosingofftheOracle’scavewouldbeverydiscourteousofus.”“Mmmm.”Allthreeblemmyaenodded/bowedearnestly.“But,”Nanettesaid,“ifyou’retryingtotrickussomehow…andIapologizeforraisingthat

possibility…”“No,no,”Isaid.“Ifullyunderstand.Howaboutthis:Gosetthebomb.Ifyoucomebacksafelyand

thecaveblowsuponschedule,thenyoucandousthecourtesyofkillingusquicklyandpainlessly.Ifsomethinggoeswrong—”

“Thenwecanripyourlimbsoff!”thetroopersuggested.“Andtrampleyourbodiesintojelly!”addedtheranger.“That’samarvelousidea.Thankyou!”Itriedtokeepmyqueasinessundercontrol.“You’remostwelcome.”Nanettestudiedthebomb,perhapssensingthatsomethingwasstilloffaboutmyplan.Thankthegods,

sheeitherdidn’tseeitorwastoopolitetomentionherreservations.“Well,”shesaidatlast,“inthatcase,I’llbeback!”Shescoopedupthetanksandleapedintothewater,whichgavemeafewluxurioussecondstocome

upwithaplantoavoidgettingtrampledintojelly.Atlast,thingswerelookingup!

Yourfavoritefruit?Ihopeyoudidn’tsaygrapesOrapples,orfigs

POORNANETTE.Iwonderwhatwentthroughhermindwhensherealizedthatafive-secondtimerunderwaterstill

lastedexactlyfiveseconds.Asthedeviceexploded,Iimagineshebubbledoutonelastvilecurselike,Oh,goshdarnit.

Imighthavefeltsorryforherhadshenotbeenplanningtokillme.Thecaveshook.Chunksofwetstalactitedroppedintothelakeandwhangedagainstthehullsofthe

barges.Aburstofaireruptedfromthemiddleofthelake,upheavingthedockandfillingthecavernwiththescentoftangerinelipstick.

Thetrooperandtherangerfrownedatme.“YoublewupNanette.Thatwasnotpolite.”“Holdon!”Iyelped.“She’sprobablystillswimmingback.It’salongtunnel.”Thisboughtmeanotherthreeorfourseconds,duringwhichacleverescapeplanstilldidnotpresent

itself.Attheveryleast,IhopedNanette’sdeathhadnotbeeninvain.IhopedtheexplosionhaddestroyedtheCaveoftheOracleasTrophoniuswished,butIcouldnotbecertain.

Megwasstillonlyhalf-conscious,mutteringandshivering.IhadtogetherbacktotheWaystationandsetherontheThroneofMemoryquickly,buttwoblemmyaestillstoodinmyway.Myhandsweretoonumbtobeanygoodwithaboworaukulele.IwishedIhadsomeotherweapon—evenamagicalBrazilianhandkerchiefthatIcouldwaveinmyenemies’faces!Oh,ifonlyasurgeofdivinestrengthwouldcoursethroughmybody!

Atlasttherangersighed.“Allright,Apollo.Wouldyoupreferwestompordismemberyoufirst?It’sonlyrightyougettochoose.”

“That’sverypolite,”Iagreed.ThenIgasped.“Oh,mygods!Lookoverthere!”Youmustforgiveme.Irealizethatthismethodofdistractionistheoldesttrickinthebook.Infact,it

isatricksoolditpredatespapyrusscrollsandwasfirstrecordedonclaytabletsinMesopotamia.Buttheblemmyaefellforit.

Theywereslowat“lookingoverthere.”Theycouldnotglance.Theycouldnotturntheirheadswithoutturningtheirentirebodies,sotheyexecutedafullone-hundred-and-eighty-degreewaddle.

Ihadnofollow-uptrickinmind.IsimplyknewIhadtosaveMegandgetoutofthere.Thenanaftershockrattledthecavern,unbalancingtheblemmyae,andItookadvantage.Ikickedtherangerintothelake.Atpreciselythesamemoment,aportionoftheceilingpeeledlooseandfellontopofsaidrangerlikeahailstormofmajorappliances.Therangerdisappearedunderchurningfoam.

Icouldonlystareinamazement.IwasfairlysureIhadn’tcausedtheceilingtocrackandcollapse.Blindluck?OrperhapsthespiritofTrophoniushadgrantedmeonelastgrudgingfavorfordestroyinghiscave.Crushingsomeoneunderarainofrocksdidseemlikethesortoffavorhewouldgrant.

Thetroopermissedthewholething.Heturnedbacktome,apuzzledlookonhischest-face.“Idon’tseeany…Wait.Wheredidmyfriendgo?”

“Hmm?”Iasked.“Whatfriend?”Hisimpressivemustachetwitched.“Eduardo.Theranger.”Ifeignedconfusion.“Aranger?Here?”“Yes,hewasjusthere.”“I’msureIdon’tknow.”Thecavernshudderedonceagain.Sadly,nomoreobligingchunksofceilingbrokefreetocrushmy

lastenemy.“Well,”thetroopersaid,“maybehehadtoleave.You’llexcusemeifIhavetokillyoubymyself

now.Orders.”“Oh,yes,butfirst…”Thetrooperwasnottobedeterredanylonger.Hegrabbedmyarm,crushingmyulnaandradius

together.Iscreamed.Mykneesbuckled.“Letthegirlgo,”Iwhimperedthroughthepain.“Killmeandlethergo.”Isurprisedmyself.ThesewerenotthelastwordsIhadplanned.Intheeventofmydeath,I’dbeen

hopingtohavetimetocomposeaballadofmygloriousdeeds—averylongballad.YethereIwas,attheendofmylife,pleadingnotformyself,butforMegMcCaffrey.

I’dlovetotakecreditforwhathappenednext.I’dliketothinkmynoblegestureofself-sacrificeprovedmyworthinessandsummonedoursaviorsfromtheetherealplane.Morelikely,though,theywerealreadyinthearea,searchingforMeg,andheardmyscreamofagony.

Withabloodcurdlingbattlecry,threekarpoihurtleddownthetunnelandflewatthetrooper,landingonhisface.

Thetrooperstaggeredacrossthedock,thethreepeachspiritshowling,clawing,andbitinglikeaschoolofwinged,fruit-flavoredpiranhas…which,inretrospect,Isupposedoesnotmakethemsoundverypiranha-like.

“Pleasegetoff!”thetrooperwailed.“Pleaseandthankyou!”Thekarpoiwerenotconcernedwithgoodmanners.Aftertwentymoresecondsofsavagepeachery,

thetrooperwasreducedtoapileofmonsterash,tatteredfabric,andmustachewhiskers.Themiddlekarposspitoutsomethingthatmighthaveoncebeentheofficer’shandgun.Heflappedhis

leafywings.Ideducedthathewasourusualfriend,theoneknownasPeaches,becausehiseyesgleamedalittlemoreviciously,andhisdiapersaggedalittlemoredangerously.

Icradledmybrokenarm.“Thankyou,Peaches!Idon’tknowhowIcanever—”HeignoredmeandflewtoMeg’sside.Hewailedandstrokedherhair.Theothertwokarpoistudiedmewithahungrygleamintheireyes.“Peaches?”Iwhimpered.“CouldyoutellthemI’mafriend?Please?”Peacheshowledinconsolably.HescrapeddirtandrubblearoundMeg’slegs,thewayonemightplant

asapling.“Peaches!”Icalledagain.“Icanhelpher,butIneedtogetherbacktotheWaystation.TheThroneof

Memory—”Nauseamadetheworldtiltandtwist.Myvisionwentgreen.OnceIcouldfocusagain,IfoundPeachesandtheothertwokarpoistandinginaline,allstaringatme.“Peaches?”demandedPeaches.“Yes,”Igroaned.“WeneedtogethertoIndianapolisquickly.Ifyouandyourfriends…Um,Idon’t

thinkwe’vebeenproperlyintroduced.I’mApollo.”

Peachespointedtohisfriendontheright.“Peaches.”Thentothebabydemononhisleft.“Peaches.”“Isee.”Itriedtothink.Agonyspikedupmyarmintomyjaw.“Now,listen,I—Ihaveacar.Ared

Mercedes,nearby.IfIcangettoit,IcandriveMegto—to…”Ilookeddownatmybrokenforearm.Itwasturningsomebeautifulshadesofpurpleandorange,like

anAegeansunset.IrealizedIwasn’tgoingtobedrivinganywhere.Mymindbegansinkingintoaseaofpainunderthatlovelysunset.“Bewithyouinaminute,”Imuttered.ThenIpassedout.

WaystationdamagedCommoduswillpayforthisAndIdon’ttakecash

IREMEMBERVERYLITTLEaboutthetripback.Somehow,PeachesandhistwofriendscarriedMegandmeoutofthecaveandtotheMercedes.

Moredisturbingly,thethreekarpoisomehowdroveustoIndianapoliswhileMegsatmutteringandshiveringinthepassengerseatandIlaygroaningintheback.

Don’taskmehowthreekarpoicombinedforcestodriveanautomobile.Ican’ttellyouwhichofthemusedthewheel,thebrake,orthegaspedal.It’snotthesortofbehavioryouexpectfromediblefruit.

AllIknowisthatbythetimeIregainedmoreorlessfullconsciousness,wehadreachedthecitylimits.

Mybrokenforearmwaswrappedinleavesgluedtogetherwithsap.Ihadnomemoryofhowthiscametopass,butthearmfeltbetter—stillsore,butnotexcruciating.Icountedmyselfluckythepeachspiritshadnottriedtoplantmeandwaterme.

ImanagedtosituprightjustasthepeachspiritscurbedtheMercedesonCapitalAvenue.Aheadofus,policecarsblockedtheroad.Largeredsignsonsawhorsesannounced:GASLEAKEMERGENCY.THANKYOUFORYOURPATIENCE!

Agasleak.LeoValdezhadbeenrightagain.Assuminghewasstillalive,he’dbeinsufferableaboutthisforweeks.

Afewblocksbeyondthebarricades,acolumnofblacksmokerosefromtheapproximatelocationoftheWaystation.Myheartfracturedmorepainfullythanmyarm.IglancedattheMercedes’sdashboardclock.Wehadbeengonelessthanfourhours.Itfeltlikealifetime—agodlylifetime.

Iscannedthesky.Isawnoreassuringbronzedragonflyingoverhead,nohelpfulgriffinsdefendingtheirnest.IftheWaystationhadfallen…No,Ihadtothinkpositive.Iwouldn’tletmyfearsattractanymorepropheticbeeswarmstoday.

“Peaches,”Isaid.“Ineedyou—”Iturnedmygazeforwardandnearlyjumpedthroughthecarceiling.Peachesandhistwofriendswerestaringatme,theirchinsinalineatopthedriver’sseatbacklike

See-No-Evil,Peel-No-Evil,andEat-No-Evil.“Ah…yes.Hi,”Isaid.“Please,IneedyoutostaywithMeg.Protectheratallcosts.”PeachesPrimebaredhisrazor-sharpteethandsnarled,“Peaches.”Itookthisasagreement.“IhavetocheckonourfriendsattheWaystation,”Isaid.“IfIdon’tcomeback…”Thewordsstuckin

mythroat.“…thenyou’llhavetosearchfortheThroneofMemory.GettingMegintothatchairistheonly

waytohealhermind.”Istaredatthethreepairsofglowinggreeneyes.Icouldn’ttellifthekarpoiunderstoodwhatIwas

saying,andIdidn’tknowhowtheycouldpossiblyfollowmyinstructions.IfthebattlewasoverandtheThroneofMemoryhadbeentakenordestroyed…No.Thatwasbee-pollenthinking!

“Just…takecareofher,”Ipleaded.Isteppedoutofthecarandvaliantlythrewuponthesidewalk.Pinkemojisdancedacrossmyeyes.I

hobbleddownthestreet,myarmcoveredinsapandleaves,mydampclothessmellingofbatguanoandsnakeexcrement.Itwasnotmymostgloriouschargeintobattle.

Noonestoppedmeatthebarricades.Theofficersonduty(regularmortals,Iguessed)lookedmoreinterestedintheirsmartphonescreensthaninthesmokerisingbehindthem.PerhapstheMistconcealedthetruesituation.Perhapstheyfiguredifaraggedstreetpersonwantedtostumbletowardagas-leakemergency,theyweren’tgoingtostophim.OrperhapstheywereengrossedinanepicPokémonGogymbattle.

Ablockinsidethecordonedzone,Isawthefirstburningbulldozer.IsuspectedithaddrivenoveralandminespeciallymodifiedbyLeoValdez,sincealongwithbeinghalf-demolishedandinflamesitwasalsosplatteredwithsmiley-facestickersandgobsofwhippedcream.

Ihobbledfaster.Ispottedmoredisabledbulldozers,scatteredrubble,totaledcars,andpilesofmonsterdust,butnobodies.Thatraisedmyspiritsalittle.JustaroundthecornerfromtheUnionStationroundabout,Iheardclangingswordsahead—thenagunshotandsomethingthatsoundedlikethunder.

Ihadneverbeensohappytohearabattleinprogress.Itmeantnoteveryonewasdead.Iran.Mywearylegsscreamedinprotest.Everytimemyshoeshitthepavement,ajarringpainshotup

myforearm.Iturnedthecornerandfoundmyselfincombat.Chargingtowardmewithmurderinhiseyeswasa

demigodwarrior—someteenageboyI’dneverseen,wearingRoman-stylearmoroverhisstreetclothes.Fortunately,he’dalreadybeenbadlybeatenup.Hiseyeswerealmostswollenshut.Hisbronzechestplatewasdentedlikeametalroofafterahailstorm.Hecouldbarelyholdhissword.Iwasn’tinmuchbettershape,butIwasrunningonangeranddesperation.Imanagedtounslingmyukuleleandslamthedemigodintheface.

Hecrumpledatmyfeet.IwasfeelingprettyproudofmyheroicactuntilIlookedup.Inthemiddleoftheroundabout,ontopof

thefountainandsurroundedbyCyclopes,myfavoritegraduateaccountingstudent,Olujime,stoodlikeanancientwargod,swingingabronzeweaponthatresembledadouble-widehockeystick.Eachsweepsentcracklingtendrilsofelectricitythroughhisenemies.EveryhitdisintegratedaCyclops.

IlikedJimmyevenmorenow.I’dneverhadmuchaffectionforCyclopes.Still…somethingwasstrangeabouthisuseoflightning.IcouldalwaysrecognizethepowerofZeusinaction.I’dbeenzappedbyhisboltsoftenenough.Jimmy’selectricitywasdifferent—amorehumidscentofozone,adarkerredhuetotheflashes.IwishedIcouldaskhimaboutthat,buthelookedalittlebusy.

Smallerfightsragedhereandthereacrosstheroundabout.TheWaystation’sdefendersappearedtohavetheupperhand.HunterKowalskileapedfromfoetofoe,shootingdownblemmyae,wolf-headedwarriors,andwildcentaurswithease.Shehadanuncannyabilitytofireonthemove,avoidcounterstrikes,andtargethervictims’kneecaps.Asanarcher,Iwasimpressed.IfI’dstillhadmygodlypowers,Iwouldhaveblessedherwithfabulousprizeslikeamagicquiverandpossiblyasignedcopyofmygreatest-hitsanthologyonclassicvinyl.

Inthehoteldrive-through,Sssssarahthedracaenasatproppedagainstamailbox,hersnake-taillegscurledaroundher,herneckswollentothesizeofabasketball.Irantoheraid,afraidshemightbewounded.ThenIrealizedthelumpinherthroatwasintheshapeofaGallicwarhelmet.Herchestandbellywerealsoquitebloated.

Shesmiledatmelazily.“’Sssssup?”“Sssssarah,”Isaid,“didyouswallowaGermanuswhole?”“No.”Shebelched.Thesmellwasdefinitelybarbarian,withahintofclove.“Well,perhapsssss.”“Wherearetheothers?”Iduckedasasilverarrowflewovermyhead,shatteringthewindshieldofa

nearbySubaru.“Where’sCommodus?”SssssarahpointedtowardtheWaystation.“Inthere,Ithink.Hekilledapathintothebuilding.”Shedidn’tsoundtooconcernedaboutthis,probablybecauseshewassatedandsleepy.Thepillarof

darksmokeI’dnoticedearlierwaspouringfromaholeintheroofoftheWaystation.Evenmoredistressing,lyingacrossthegreenshingleslikeaninsectpartstuckonflypaperwasthedetachedbronzewingofadragon.

Rageboiledinsideme.WhetherthesunchariotorFestusoraschoolbus,noonemesseswithmyride.

ThemaindoorsoftheUnionStationbuildinghadbeenblownwideopen.Ichargedinsidepastpilesofmonsterdustandbricks,burningpiecesoffurniture,andacentaurhangingupsidedown,kickingandwhinnyinginanettrap.

Inonestairwell,awoundedHunterofArtemisgroanedinpainasacomradeboundherbleedingleg.Afewfeetfartheron,ademigodIdidn’trecognizelayunmovingonthefloor.Ikneltnexttohim—aboyofaboutsixteen,mymortalage.Ifeltnopulse.Ididn’tknowwhosesidehehadfoughton,butthatdidn’tmatter.Eitherway,hisdeathwasaterriblewaste.Ihadbeguntothinkthatperhapsdemigodliveswerenotasdisposableaswegodslikedtobelieve.

Iranthroughmorecorridors,trustingtheWaystationtosendmeintherightdirection.IburstintothelibrarywhereI’dsatlastnight.ThescenewithinhitmeliketheexplosionfromoneofBritomartis’sbouncingmines.

Lyingacrossthetablewasthebodyofagriffin.Withasobofhorror,Irushedtoherside.Heloise’sleftwingwasfoldedacrossherbodylikeashroud.Herheadlaybentatanunnaturalangle.Theflooraroundherwaspiledwithbrokenweapons,dentedarmor,andmonsterdust.Shehaddiedfightingoffahostofenemies…butshehaddied.

Myeyesburned.Icradledherhead,breathinginthecleansmellofhayandmoltingfeathers.“Oh,Heloise.Yousavedme.Whycouldn’tIsaveyou?”

Wherewashermate,Abelard?Wastheireggsafe?Iwasn’tsurewhichthoughtwasmoreterrible:thewholefamilyofgriffinsdead,orthefatherandthegriffinchickforcedtolivewiththedevastatinglossofHeloise.

Ikissedherbeak.Propergrievingwouldhavetowait.Otherfriendsmightstillbeinneedofhelp.Withnewfoundenergy,Iboundedupastaircasetwostepsatatime.Istormedthroughasetofdoorsintothemainhall.Thescenewaseerilycalm.Smokefloodedoutthegapingholeoftheroof,billowingfromtheloft

whereasmolderingbulldozerchassiswas,inexplicably,lodgednose-down.HeloiseandAbelard’snestappearedtobeintact,buttherewerenosignsofthemalegriffinortheegg.InJosephine’sworkshoparea,sprawledacrossthefloor,laytheseveredheadandneckofFestus,hisrubyeyesdarkandlifeless.Therestofhisbodywasnowheretobeseen.

Sofashadbeensmashedandoverturned.Kitchenapplianceswereriddledwithbulletholes.Thescopeofdamagewasheartbreaking.

Butthemostseriousproblemwasthestandoffaroundthediningtable.OnthesidenearestmestoodJosephine,Calypso,Lityerses,andThaliaGrace.Thaliahadherbow

drawn.Litbrandishedhissword.Calypsoraisedherbarehands,martialarts–style,andJosephineheftedhersubmachinegun,LittleBertha.

OnthefarsideofthetablestoodCommodushimself,smilingbrilliantlydespiteableedingdiagonal

cutacrosshisface.Imperialgoldarmorgleamedoverhispurpletunic.Heheldhisblade,agoldspatha,casuallyathisside.

ToeithersideofhimstoodaGermanusbodyguard.ThebarbarianontherighthadhisarmclampedaroundEmmie’sneck,hisotherhandpressingapistolcrossbowagainstEmmie’shead.Georginastoodwithhermother,Emmiehuggingthelittlegirltightlytoherchest.Alas,thelittlegirlseemedtohavefullyrecoveredherwitsonlytobefacedwiththisfreshhorror.

ToCommodus’sleft,asecondGermanusheldLeoValdezinasimilarhostagestance.Iclenchedmyfists.“Villainy!Commodus,letthemgo!”“Hello,Lester!”Commodusbeamed.“You’rejustintimeforthefun!”

DuringthisstandoffNoflashphotography,pleaseOops.Mybad.Ha-ha

THALIA’SFINGERSclenchedherbowstring.Abeadofsweat,silveryasmoonwater,tracedthesideofherear.“Saytheword,”shetoldme,“andIwillboreaholebetweenthismoronemperor’seyes.”

Atemptingoffer,butIknewitwasbravado.ThaliawasjustasterrifiedasIwasoflosingLeoandEmmie…andespeciallypoorGeorgie,who’dbeenthroughsomuch.IdoubtedanyofourweaponscouldkillanimmortallikeCommodus,muchlesshimandtwoguards.Nomatterhowquicklyweattacked,wewouldnotbeabletosaveourfriends.

Josephineshiftedhergriponthesubmachinegun.Hercoverallsweresplatteredwithgoo,dust,andblood.Hershortsilverhairglistenedwithperspiration.

“It’sgonnabeokay,baby,”shemuttered.“Staycalm.”Iwasn’tsureifshewastalkingtoEmmieorGeorgieorherself.

Nexttoher,Calypso’shandswerefrozeninmidairasifshewerestandinginfrontofherloom,consideringwhattoweave.HereyeswerefixedonLeo.Sheshookherheadeversoslightly,perhapstellinghim,Don’tbeanidiot.(Shetoldhimthatalot.)

Lityersesstoodnexttome.Hislegwoundhadstartedtobleedagain,soakingthroughthebandages.Hishairandclotheswerescorchedasifhe’drunthroughagauntletofflamethrowers,leavinghisCornhuskersshirtlookinglikethesurfaceofaburntmarshmallow.OnlythewordCORNwasstillvisible.

Judgingfromthebloodyedgeofhissword,IguessedhewasresponsiblefortheghastlynewslashacrossCommodus’sface.

“Nogoodwaytodothis,”Litmutteredtome.“Somebody’sgonnadie.”“No,”Isaid.“Thalia,loweryourbow.”“Excuseme?”“Josephine,thegun,too.Please.”Commoduschuckled.“Yes,youallshouldlistentoLester!AndCalypso,dear,ifyoutrytosummon

oneofthosewindspiritsagain,Iwillkillyourlittlefriendhere.”Iglancedatthesorceress.“Yousummonedaspirit?”Shenodded,distracted,shaken.“Asmallone.”“Butthelargerissue,”Leocalledout,“isthatIamnotlittle.Wearenotgoingtomakesayhelloto

mylittlefriendathing.”Heraisedhispalms,despitehiscaptortighteninghisholdaroundthedemigod’sneck.“Besides,guys,it’sokay.I’vegoteverythingundercontrol.”

“Leo,”Isaidevenly,“aseven-foot-tallbarbarianisholdingacrossbowagainstthesideofyour

head.”“Yeah,Iknow,”hesaid.“It’sallpartoftheplan!”Onthewordplan,hewinkedatmeinanexaggeratedway.EitherLeoreallydidhaveaplan(unlikely,

sinceintheweeksI’dknownhimhemostlyreliedonbluffs,jokes,andimprovisation)orhewasexpectingmetohaveaplan.Thatwasdepressinglylikely.AsImayhavementioned,peopleoftenmadethatmistake.JustbecauseI’magoddoesnotmeanyoushouldlooktomeforanswers!

Commodusliftedtwofingers.“Albatrix,ifthedemigodspeaksagain,youhavemypermissiontoshoothim.”

Thebarbariangruntedassent.Leoclampedhismouthshut.Icouldseeinhiseyesthatevenunderpainofdeath,hewashavingtroubleholdingbackawittyretort.

“Now!”Commodussaid.“AswewerediscussingbeforeLestergothere,IrequiretheThroneofMnemosyne.Whereisit?”

Thankthegods….Thethronewasstillhidden,whichmeantMegcouldstilluseittohealhermind.Thisknowledgesteeledmyresolve.

“Areyoutellingme,”Iasked,“thatyourgreatarmysurroundedthisplace,invaded,andcouldn’tevenfindachair?Isthisallyouhaveleft—acoupleofwitlessGermaniandsomehostages?Whatsortofemperorareyou?Now,yourfather,MarcusAurelius,therewasanemperor.”

Hisexpressionsoured.Hiseyesdarkened.IrecalledatimeinCommodus’scampaigntentwhenaservantcarelesslyspilledwineonmyfriend’srobes.Commodushadthatsamedarklookinhiseyesashebeattheboyalmosttodeathwithaleadgoblet.Backthen,asagod,Ifoundtheincidentonlymildlydistasteful.NowIknewsomethingaboutbeingonthereceivingendofCommodus’scruelty.

“I’mnotfinished,Lester,”hesnarled.“I’lladmitthiscursedbuildingwasmoretroublethanIexpected.IblamemyformerprefectAlaric.Hewaswoefullyunprepared.Ihadtokillhim.”

“Shocking,”mutteredLityerses.“Butmostofmyforcesaremerelylost,”Commodussaid.“They’llbeback.”“Lost?”IlookedatJosephine.“Wheredidtheygo?”HereyesstayedfocusedonEmmieandGeorgie,butsheseemedtotakeprideinanswering.“From

whattheWaystationistellingme,”shesaid,“abouthalfofhismonstroustroopsfellintoagiantchutemarkedLAUNDRY.Therestendedupinthefurnaceroom.Nobodyevercomesbackfromthefurnaceroom.”

“Nomatter!”Commodussnapped.“Andhismercenaries,”Josephinecontinued,“woundupattheIndianaConventionCenter.Rightnow,

they’retryingtonavigatetheirwaythroughthetrade-showflooroftheHomeandGardenExpo.”“Soldiersareexpendable!”Commodusshrieked.Blooddrippeddownhisnewfacialwound,

specklinghisarmorandrobes.“Yourfriendsherecannotbesoeasilyreplaced.NeithercantheThroneofMemory.Solet’smakeadeal!Iwilltakethethrone.IwillkillthegirlandLester,andrazethisbuildingtotheground.That’swhattheprophecysaidformetodo,andIneverarguewithOracles!Inexchange,therestofyoucangofree.Idon’tneedyou.”

“Jo.”Emmiesaidhernamelikeanorder.Perhapsshemeant:Youcannotlethimwin.Or:YoucannotletGeorginadie.Whateveritwas,in

Emmie’sfaceIsawthatsamedisregardforherownmortallifethatshe’dhadasayoungprincess,flingingherselfoffthecliff.Shedidn’tminddeath,aslongasitwasonherterms.Thedeterminedlightinhereyeshadnotdimmedinthreethousandyears.

Light…Ashiverrolleddownmyback.IrememberedsomethingMarcusAureliususedtotellhisson,aquote

thatlaterbecamefamousinhisMeditationsbook:Thinkofyourselfasdead.Youhavelivedyourlife.Now,takewhat’sleftandliveitproperly.Whatdoesn’ttransmitlightcreatesitsowndarkness.

Commodushatedthatpieceofadvice.Hefounditsuffocating,self-righteous,impossible.Whatwasproper?Commodusintendedtoliveforever.Hewoulddriveawaythedarknesswiththeroarofcrowdsandtheglitterofspectacle.

Buthegeneratednolight.NotliketheWaystation.MarcusAureliuswouldhaveapprovedofthisplace.EmmieandJosephine

livedproperlywithwhattimetheyhadleft,creatinglightforeveryonewhocamehere.NowonderCommodushatedthem.Nowonderhewassobentondestroyingthisthreattohispower.

AndApollo,aboveall,wasthegodoflight.“Commodus.”Idrewmyselfuptomyfull,not-very-impressiveheight.“Thisistheonlydeal.You

willletyourhostagesgo.Youwillleavehereempty-handedandneverreturn.”Theemperorlaughed.“Thatwouldsoundmoreintimidatingcomingfromagod,notazitty

adolescent.”HisGermaniwerewell-trainedtostayimpassive,buttheybetrayedscornfulsmirks.Theydidn’tfear

me.Rightnow,thatwasfine.“IamstillApollo.”Ispreadmyarms.“Lastchancetoleaveofyourownaccord.”Idetectedaflickerofdoubtintheemperor’seyes.“Whatwillyoudo—killme?Unlikeyou,Lester,I

amimmortal.Icannotdie.”“Idon’tneedtokillyou.”Isteppedforwardtotheedgeofthediningtable.“Lookatmeclosely.

Don’tyourecognizemydivinenature,oldfriend?”Commodushissed.“Irecognizethebetrayerwhostrangledmeinmybath.Irecognizetheso-called

godwhopromisedmeblessingsandthendesertedme!”Hisvoicefrayedwithpain,whichhetriedtoconcealbehindanarrogantsneer.“AllIseeisaflabbyteenagerwithabadcomplexion.Youalsoneedahaircut.”

“Myfriends,”Itoldtheothers,“Iwantyoutoavertyoureyes.Iamabouttorevealmytruegodlyform.”

Notbeingfools,LeoandEmmieshuttheireyestight.EmmiecoveredGeorgina’sfacewithherhand.Ihopedmyfriendsonmysideofthediningtablewouldalsolisten.Ihadtobelievethattheytrustedme,despitemyfailings,despitethewayIlooked.

Commodusscoffed.“You’redampandspeckledwithbatpoop,Lester.You’reapatheticchildwhohasbeendraggedthroughthedarkness.Thatdarknessisstillinyourmind.Iseethefearinyoureyes.Thisisyourtrueform,Apollo!You’reafraud!”

Apollo.Hehadcalledmebymyname.Isawtheterrorhewastryingtohide,andalsohissenseofawe.IrememberedwhatTrophoniustold

me:Commoduswouldsendservantsintothecavernsforanswers,buthewouldnevergohimself.AsmuchasheneededtheDarkOracle,hefearedwhatitmightshowhim,whichofhisdeepestfearsthatbeeswarmmightfeedon.

Ihadsurvivedajourneyhewouldneverdaretake.“Behold,”Isaid.Commodusandhismencouldhavelookedaway.Theydidn’t.Intheirprideandcontempt,they

acceptedmychallenge.Mybodysuperheated,everyparticleignitinginachainreaction.Liketheworld’smostpowerful

flashbulb,Iblastedtheroomwithradiance.Ibecamepurelight.Itlastedonlyamicrosecond.Thenthescreamingbegan.TheGermanireeledbackward,their

crossbowsfiringwildly.OneboltzippedpastLeo’sheadandembeddeditselfinasofa.Theotherboltshatteredagainstthefloor,splintersskitteringacrossthetiles.

Melodramatictotheend,Commoduspressedhispalmsagainsthiseyesocketsandscreamed,“MYEYES!”

Mystrengthfaded.Igrabbedthetabletokeepfromfalling.“It’ssafe,”Itoldmyfriends.Leobrokefromhiscaptor.HelungedtowardEmmieandGeorgina,andthethreeofthemscrambled

awayasCommodusandhismen,nowquiteblind,stumbledandhowled,steampouringfromtheireyesockets.

Wherethecaptorsandhostageshadstood,silhouetteswereburnedacrossthetilefloor.Thedetailsonthebrickwallsnowseemedinsuper–highdefinition.Thenearestsofacovers,oncedarkred,werenowpink.Commodus’spurplerobeshadbeenbleachedaweakshadeofmauve.

Iturnedtomyfriends.Theirclotheshadalsolightenedbyseveralshades.Thefrontsoftheirhairhadbeenfrostedwithhighlights,buttheyhadall,wisely,kepttheireyesshut.

Thaliastudiedmeinamazement.“Whatjusthappened?Whyareyoutoasted?”Ilookeddown.Trueenough,myskinwasnowthecolorofmaplebark.Myleaf-and-sapcasthad

burnedaway,leavingmyarmfullyhealed.IthoughtIlookedquitenicethisway,thoughIhopedIcouldbecomeagodagainbeforeIdiscoveredwhatsortofhorribleskincancersI’djustgivenmyself.Belatedly,IrealizedhowmuchdangerI’dbeenin.Ihadactuallymanagedtorevealmytruedivineform.Ihadbecomepurelight.StupidApollo!Amazing,wonderful,stupidApollo!Thismortalbodywasnotmeantforchannelingsuchpower.IwasfortunateIhadn’tburnedupinstantlylikeanantiqueflashbulb.

Commoduswailed.Hegrabbedthenearestthinghecouldfind,whichhappenedtobeoneofhisGermani,andliftedtheblindbarbarianoverhishead.“Iwilldestroyyouall!”

HethrewhisbarbariantowardthesoundofThalia’svoice.Sincewecouldallsee,wescatteredeasilyandavoidedbecomingbowlingpins.TheGermanushittheoppositewallwithsuchforce,hebrokeintoastarburstofyellowpowderandleftabeautifulabstractexpressioniststatementacrossthebricks.

“Idonotneedeyestokillyou!”Commodusslashedupwardwithhissword,takingachunkoutofthediningtable.

“Commodus,”Iwarned,“youwillleavethiscityandneverreturn,orIwilltakemorethanyoursight.”

Hechargedtowardme.Isidestepped.Thalialetlooseanarrow,butCommoduswasmovingtoofast.ThemissilehitthesecondGermanus,whogruntedinsurprise,felltohisknees,andcrumbledtopowder.

Commodustrippedoverachair.Heface-plantedonthelivingroomrug.Letmebeclear:it’sneverokaytotakedelightinthestrugglesofsomeonewhocan’tsee,butinthisrareinstance,Icouldn’thelpmyself.Ifanyonedeservedtofallonhisface,itwasEmperorCommodus.

“Youwillleave,”Itoldhimagain.“Youwillnotreturn.YourreigninIndianapolisisover.”“It’sCommodianapolis!”Hestruggledtohisfeet.Hisarmorsportedsomenewskidmarks.Theslash

acrosshisfacewasnotgettinganyprettier.Alittlefigurinemadeofpipecleaners—maybesomethingGeorginahadmade—clungtotheemperor’sshaggybeardlikeamountainclimber.

“Youhaven’twonanything,Apollo,”hegrowled.“Youhavenoideawhat’sbeingpreparedforyourfriendsintheeastandthewest!Theywilldie.Allofthem!”

LeoValdezsighed.“Allright,guys.Thishasbeenfun,butI’mgonnamelthisfacenow,’kay?”“Wait,”saidLityerses.Theswordsmanadvancedonhisformermaster.“Commodus,gowhileyoustillcan.”“Imadeyou,boy,”saidtheemperor.“Isavedyoufromobscurity.Iwasasecondfathertoyou.Igave

youpurpose!”“Asecondfatherevenworsethanthefirst,”Litsaid.“AndI’vefoundanewpurpose.”Commoduscharged,swinginghisswordwildly.Litparried.HesteppedtowardJosephine’sworkshop.“Overhere,NewHercules.”Commodustookthebait,rushingtowardLit’svoice.Litducked.Heblade-slappedtheemperor’sbutt.“Wrongway,sire.”

TheemperorstumbledintoJosephine’sweldingstation,thenbackedintoacircularsaw,which,fortunatelyforhim,wasnotrunningatthetime.

Lityersespositionedhimselfatthebaseofthegiantrosewindow.Irealizedhisplanasheyelled,“Overhere,Commode!”

Theemperorhowledandcharged.Litsteppedoutoftheway.Commodusbarreledstraighttowardthewindow.Hemighthavebeenabletostophimself,butatthelastsecond,Calypsoflickedherhands.AgustofwindcarriedCommodusforward.TheNewHercules,thegod-emperorofRome,shatteredtheglassatthesixo’clockmarkandtumbledintothevoid.

Shakespeare,don’tbringthatIambicpentameterUpinmyface,yo

WEGATHEREDatthewindowandpeereddown.Theemperorwasnowheretobeseen.Someofourfriendsstoodintheroundaboutbelow,gazingupatuswithconfusedexpressions.

“Alittlewarning,perhaps?”Jimmycalled.Hehadrunoutofenemiestoelectrocute.HeandHunterKowalskinowstoodunscathedinthemiddle

ofamosaicoffallenglassshards.“Where’sCommodus?”Iasked.Huntershrugged.“Wedidn’tseehim.”“Whatdoyoumean?”Idemanded.“Heliterallyjustflewoutthiswindow.”“No,”Leocorrected.“HeLityerses-lyflewoutthewindow.AmIright?Thoseweresomesweet

moves,man.”Litnodded.“Thanks.”Thetwobumpedfistsasiftheyhadn’tspentthelastfewdaystalkingabouthowmuchtheywantedto

killeachother.TheywouldhavemadefineOlympiangods.“Well,”Thaliasaid.Hernewgrayhighlightsfrommysolarblastlookedquitefetching.“Iguesswe

shoulddoasweepoftheneighborhood.IfCommodusisstilloutthere…”ShegazeddownSouthIllinoisStreet.“Wait,isthatMeg?”

Roundingthecornerwerethreekarpoi,holdingMegMcCaffreyaloftasifshewerebodysurfing(orpeach-surfing).Ialmostjumpedoutthewindowtogettoher.ThenIrememberedIcouldnotfly.

“TheThroneofMemory,”ItoldEmmie.“Weneeditnow!”Wemetthekarpoiinthebuilding’sfrontfoyer.OneofthePeacheseshadretrievedtheArrowof

DodonafromundertheMercedes’sdriver’sseatandnowcarrieditinhisteethlikeapirate’saccessory.Heofferedittome.Iwasn’tsurewhethertothankhimorcursehim,butIslippedthearrowbackintomyquiverforsafekeeping.

JosephineandLeorushedinfromasideroom,carryingbetweenthemmyoldbackpack—theThroneofMemory.Theyplaceditinthecenterofastill-smolderingPersianrug.

ThepeachbabiescarefullyloweredMegintotheseat.“Calypso,”Isaid.“Notepad?”“Gotit!”Shebrandishedhersmalllegaltabletandpencil.Idecidedshewouldmakeanexcellenthigh

schoolstudentafterall.Sheactuallycametoclassprepared!IkneltnexttoMeg.Herskinwastooblue,herbreathtooragged.Iplacedmyhandsonthesidesof

herfaceandcheckedhereyes.Herpupilswerepinpoints.Herconsciousnessseemedtobewithdrawing,gettingsmallerandsmaller.

“Staywithme,Meg,”Ipleaded.“You’reamongfriendsnow.You’reintheThroneofMnemosyne.Speakyourprophecy!”

Meglurchedupright.Herhandsgrippedthesidesofthechairasifastrongelectriccurrenthadtakenholdofher.

Weallbackedaway,formingaroughcirclearoundherasdarksmokespewedfromhermouthandencircledherlegs.

Whenshespoke,itwasthankfullynotinTrophonius’svoice—justadeepneutralmonotoneworthyofDelphiitself:

Thewordsthatmemorywroughtaresettofire,Erenewmoonriseso’ertheDevil’sMount.Thechangelinglordshallfaceachallengedire,TillbodiesfilltheTiberbeyondcount.

“Oh,no,”Imuttered.“No,no,no.”“What?”Leodemanded.IglancedatCalypso,whowasscribblingfuriously.“We’regoingtoneedabiggernotepad.”“Whatdoyoumean?”Josephineasked.“Surelytheprophecy’sdone—”Meggaspedandcontinued:

Yetsouthwardmustthesunnowtraceitscourse,ThroughmazesdarktolandsofscorchingdeathTofindthemasteroftheswiftwhitehorseAndwrestfromhimthecrosswordspeaker’sbreath.

IthadbeencenturiessinceI’dheardaprophecyinthisform,yetIknewitwell.IwishedIcouldstopthisrecitationandsaveMegtheagony,buttherewasnothingIcoulddo.

Sheshiveredandexhaledthethirdstanza:

TowestwardpalacemusttheLestergo;Demeter’sdaughterfindsherancientroots.Theclovenguidealonethewaydoesknow,Towalkthepathinthineownenemy’sboots.

Then,theculminatinghorror,shespewedfortharhymingcouplet:

WhenthreeareknownandTiberreachedalive,’TisonlythenApollostartstojive.

Thedarksmokedissipated.IrushedforwardasMegslumpedintomyarms.Herbreathingwasalreadymoreregular,herskinwarmer.ThanktheFates.Theprophecyhadbeenexorcised.

Leowasthefirsttospeak.“Whatwasthat?Buyoneprophecy,getthreefree?Thatwasalotoflines.”

“Itwasasonnet,”Isaid,stillindisbelief.“Maythegodshelpus;itwasaShakespeareansonnet.”IhadthoughtthelimerickofDodonawasbad.ButafullShakespeareansonnet,completewithABAB

rhymescheme,endingcouplet,andiambicpentameter?SuchahorrorcouldonlyhavecomefromTrophonius’scave.

IrecalledmymanyargumentswithWilliamShakespeare.Bill,Isaid.Noonewillacceptthispoetry!Du-DUH,du-DUH,du-DUH,du-DUH,du-DUH.What

sortofbeatisthat?Imean,inreallife,noonetalkslikethat!Hmm…actuallythelineIjustwrotewasiniambicpentameter.Thestuffisinfectious.Gah!Thaliashoulderedherbow.“Thatwasallonepoem?Butithadfourdifferentsections.”“Yes,”Isaid.“Thesonnetconveysonlythemostelaborateprophecies,withmultiplemovingparts.

Noneofthemgood,Ifear.”Megbegantosnore.“Wewillparseourdoomlater,”Isaid.“WeshouldletMegrest—”Mybodychosethatmomenttogiveout.Ihadaskedtoomuchofit.Nowitrebelled.Icrumpled

sideways,Megspillingoverontopofme.Ourfriendsrushedforward.Ifeltmyselfbeinggentlylifted,wonderinghazilyifIwaspeach-surfingorifZeushadrecalledmetotheheavens.

ThenIsawJosephine’sfaceloomingovermelikeaMountRushmorepresidentasshecarriedmethroughthecorridor.

“Infirmaryforthisone,”shesaidtosomeonenexttoher.“Andthen…pee-yoo.Hedefinitelyneedsabath.”

Afewhoursofdreamlesssleep,followedbyabubblebath.ItwasnotMountOlympus,myfriends,butitwasclose.Bylateafternoon,Iwasfreshlydressedinclothesthatweren’tfreezinganddidnotsmellofcave

excrement.Mybellywasfullofhoneyandjust-bakedbread.IroamedtheWaystation,helpingoutwhereIcould.Itwasgoodtostaybusy.ItkeptmefromthinkingtoomuchaboutthelinesoftheDarkProphecy.

Megrestedcomfortablyinaguestroom,guardedvigilantlybyPeaches,Peaches,andOtherPeaches.TheHuntersofArtemistendedthewounded,whoweresonumeroustheWaystationhadtodoublethe

sizeofitsinfirmary.Outside,Liviatheelephanthelpedwithcleanup,movingbrokenvehiclesandwreckagefromtheroundabout.LeoandJosiespenttheafternooncollectingpiecesofFestusthedragon,whohadbeentornapartbare-handed,theytoldme,byCommodushimself.Fortunately,Leoseemedtofindthismoreofanannoyancethanatragedy.

“Nah,man,”hesaidwhenIofferedmycondolences.“Icanputhimbacktogethereasyenough.Iredesignedhimsohe’slikeaLegokit,builtforquickassembly!”

HewentbacktohelpingJosephine,whowasusingacranetoextractFestus’slefthindlegfromtheUnionStationbelltower.

Calypso,inaburstofaerialmagic,summonedenoughwindspiritstoreassembletheglassshardsoftherosewindow,thenpromptlycollapsedfromtheeffort.

Sssssarah,Jimmy,andThaliaGracesweptthesurroundingstreets,lookingforanysignofCommodus,buttheemperorhadsimplydisappeared.IthoughtofhowI’dsavedHemitheaandParthenoswhentheyjumpedoffthatclifflongago,dissolvingthemintolight.Couldaquasi-deitysuchasCommodusdosomethinglikethattohimself?Whateverthecase,Ihadasuspicionthatwehadn’tseenthelastofgoodoldNewHercules.

AtsunsetIwasaskedtojoinasmallfamilymemorialforHeloisethegriffin.TheentirepopulationoftheWaystationwouldhavecometohonorhersacrifice,butEmmieexplainedthatalargecrowdwould

upsetAbelardevenworsethanhealreadywas.WhileHunterKowalskisatoneggdutyinthehenhouse(whereHeloise’segghadbeenmovedforsafekeepingbeforethebattle)IjoinedEmmie,Josephine,Georgie,andCalypsoontheroof.Abelard,thegrievingwidower,watchedinsilenceasCalypsoandI—honoraryrelativessinceourrescuemissiontothezoo—laidthebodyofHeloisegentlyacrossafallowbedofsoilinthegarden.

Afterdeath,griffinsbecomesurprisinglylight.Theirbodiesdesiccatewhentheirspiritspasson,leavingonlyfur,feathers,andhollowbones.WesteppedbackasAbelardprowledtowardthebodyofhismate.Heruffledhiswings,thengentlyburiedhisbeakinHeloise’sneckplumageonelasttime.Hethrewbackhisheadandletoutapiercingcry—acallthatsaid,Iamhere.Whereareyou?

Thenhelaunchedhimselfintotheskyanddisappearedinthelowgrayclouds.Heloise’sbodycrumbledtodust.

“We’llplantcatnipinthisbed.”Emmiewipedatearfromhercheek.“Heloiselovedcatnip.”Calypsodriedhereyesonhersleeve.“Thatsoundslovely.WheredidAbelardgo?”Josephinescannedtheclouds.“He’llbeback.Heneedstime.It’llbeseveralmoreweeksbeforethe

egghatches.We’llkeepwatchoveritforhim.”Theideaoffatherandegg,aloneintheworld,mademeunspeakablysad,yetIknewtheyhadthemost

lovingextendedfamilytheycouldhopeforhereattheWaystation.Duringthebriefceremony,Georginahadbeeneyeingmewarily,fiddlingwithsomethinginherhands.

Adoll?Ihadn’treallybeenpayingattention.NowJosephinepattedherdaughter’sback.“It’sallright,baby,”Josephineassuredher.“Goahead.”Georginashuffledtowardme.Shewaswearingacleansetofcoveralls,whichlookedmuchbetteron

herthantheydidonLeo.Newlywashed,herbrownhairwasfluffier,herfacepinker.“Mymomstoldmeyoumightbemydad,”shemurmured,notmeetingmyeyes.Igulped.Overtheages,I’dbeenthroughscenarioslikethiscountlesstimes,butasLester

Papadopoulos,Ifeltevenmoreawkwardthanusual.“I—Imightbe,Georgina.Idon’tknow.”“’Kay.”Sheheldupthethingshewasholding—afiguremadeofpipecleaners—andpresseditinto

myhands.“Madethisforyou.Youcantakeitwithyouwhenyougoaway.”Iexaminedthedoll.Itwasn’tmuch,asortofgingerbread-mansilhouetteofwireandrainbowfuzz,

withafewbeardwhiskersstuckinthejoints….Wait.Oh,dear.ThiswasthesamelittledollthathadbeensmashedagainstCommodus’sface.Isupposeditmusthavefallenoutwhenhechargedtowardthewindow.

“Thankyou,”Isaid.“Georgina,ifyoueverneedme,ifyoueverwanttotalk—”“No,I’mgood.”SheturnedandranbacktoJosephine’sarms.Josephinekissedthetopofherhead.“Youdidfine,baby.”Theyturnedandheadedforthestairs.Calypsosmirkedatme,thenfollowed,leavingmealonewith

Emmie.Forafewmoments,westoodtogetherinsilenceatthegardenbed.EmmiepulledheroldsilverHunter’scoataroundher.“HeloiseandAbelardwereourfirstfriends

here,whenwetookovertheWaystation.”“I’msosorry.”Hergrayhairglintedlikesteelinthesunset.Herwrinkleslookeddeeper,herfacemorewornand

weary.Howmuchlongerwouldsheliveinthismortallife…anothertwentyyears?Theblinkofaneyetoanimmortal.YetIcouldnolongerfeelannoyedwithherforgivingupmygiftofdivinity.Artemisobviouslyhadunderstoodherchoice.Artemis,whoshunnedallsortsofromanticlove,sawthatEmmieandJosephinedeservedtogrowoldtogether.Ihadtoacceptthat,too.

“You’vebuiltsomethinggoodhere,Hemithea,”Isaid.“Commoduscouldnotdestroyit.You’llrestorewhatyou’velost.Ienvyyou.”

Shemanagedafaintsmile.“IneverthoughtI’dhearthosewordsfromyou,LordApollo.”LordApollo.Thetitledidnotfitme.ItfeltlikeahatI’dworncenturiesago…somethinglargeand

impracticalandtop-heavylikethoseElizabethanchapeausBillShakespeareusedtohidehisbaldpate.“WhatoftheDarkProphecy?”Emmieasked.“Doyouknowwhatitmeans?”Iwatchedastraygriffinfeathertumbleacrossthedirt.“Some.Notall.Perhapsenoughtomakea

plan.”Emmienodded.“Thenwe’dbestgatherourfriends.Wecantalkatdinner.Besides”—shepunchedmy

armgently—“thosecarrotsaren’tgoingtopeelthemselves.”

Propheciesdon’tmixWithTofurkyandbiscuitsJustgivemedessert

MAYTHEFATESconsignallrootvegetablestothedepthsofTartarus.ThatisallIwillsayonthematter.Bydinnertime,themainhallhadbeenmostlyputbacktogether.EvenFestus,amazingly,hadbeenmoreorlessreconstructed.Hewasnowparkedontheroof,

enjoyingalargetubofmotoroilandTabascosauce.Leolookedpleasedwithhisefforts,thoughhewasstillsearchingforafewlastmissingparts.He’dspenttheafternoonwalkingaroundtheWaystation,shouting,“Ifanyoneseesabronzespleenaboutyeabig,pleaseletmeknow!”

TheHunterssatingroupsaroundthehall,aswastheirhabit,buttheyhadintegratedthenewcomerswe’dfreedfromCommodus’scells.Fightingsidebysidehadcreatedbondsoffriendship.

Emmiepresidedattheheadofthediningtable.Georginalayasleepinherlap,astackofcoloringbooksandmarkersinfrontofher.ThaliaGracesatattheotherend,twirlingherdaggeronitspointlikeatop.JosephineandCalypsowereshouldertoshoulder,studyingCalypso’snotesanddiscussingvariousinterpretationsofthepropheticlines.

IsatnexttoMeg.Whatelseisnew?Sheseemedfullyrecovered,thankstoEmmie’shealing.(Atmysuggestion,EmmiehadremovedherenclosureofcurativesnakesfromtheinfirmarywhiletreatingMeg.IfearedifMcCaffreywokeupandsawserpents,shemightpanicandturnthemintochiapets.)Herthreepeach-spiritattendantshadgoneoff,fornow,totheextra-dimensionalplaneoffruit.

Myyoungfriend’sappetitewasevenmorevoraciousthanusual.SheshoveledinherTofurkyanddressing,hermovementsasfurtiveasifshe’dgonebacktobeingahalf-feralalleychild.Ikeptmyhandswellawayfromher.

Atlast,JosephineandCalypsolookedupfromtheyellowlegalpad.“Okay.”Calypsoletoutadeepsigh.“We’veinterpretedsomeoftheselines,butweneedyourhelp,

Apollo.MaybeyoucouldstartbytellinguswhathappenedattheCaveofTrophonius.”IglancedatMeg.IwasafraidifIrecountedourhorribleadventures,shemightcrawlunderthetable

withherplateandsnarlatusifwetriedtogetherout.Shemerelybelched.“Don’tremembermuch.Goahead.”IexplainedhowIhadcollapsedtheCaveoftheOracleatTrophonius’srequest.JosephineandEmmie

didnotlookpleased,buttheydidn’tyellorscream,either.Josephine’ssubmachinegunstayedsafelyinitsguncabinetinthekitchen.Icouldonlyhopemyfather,Zeus,wouldreactascalmlywhenhelearnedI’ddestroyedtheOracle.

Emmiescannedthemainhall.“NowthatIthinkofit,Ihaven’tseenAgamethussincebeforethebattle.Hasanyone?”

Noonereportedsightingaheadlessorangeghost.Emmiestrokedherdaughter’shair.“Idon’tmindtheOraclebeingdestroyed,butIworryabout

Georgie.She’salwaysfeltconnectedtothatplace.AndAgamethus…shelikeshimalot.”Ilookedatthesleepinggirl.Itried,forthemillionthtime,toseesomeresemblancetogodlyme,butit

wouldhavebeeneasiertobelieveshewasrelatedtoLesterPapadopoulos.“ThelastthingIwant,”Isaid,“istocausemorepaintoGeorgina.Ithink,though,thedestructionof

thecavewasnecessary.Notjustforus.Butforher.Itmayfreehertomoveforward.”Irememberedthedarkcrayondrawingsonthegirl’swall,madeinthethroesofherpropheticlunacy.

Ihoped,perhaps,thatbysendingmeawaywiththatuglypipecleanerman,Georgiewasattemptingtosendawayherentireexperience.Withafewcansofpastelpaint,JosephineandEmmiecouldnowgiveherafreshcanvasofbedroomwalls.

EmmieandJosephineexchangedalook.Theyseemedtocometosilentagreement.“Allright,then,”Josephinesaid.“Abouttheprophecy…”Calypsoreadthesonnetaloud.Itsoundednomorecheerfulthanithadbefore.Thaliaspunherknife.“Thefirststanzamentionsthenewmoon.”“Timelimit,”Leoguessed.“Alwaysadangtimelimit.”“Butthenextnewmoonisinonlyfivenights,”Thaliasaid.TrustaHunterofArtemistokeeptrackofthephasesofthemoon.Noonejumpedupanddowninglee.Nooneshouted,Hooray!Anothercatastrophetostopinjust

fivedays!“BodiesfillinguptheTiber.”Emmiehuggedherdaughtercloser.“IassumetheTiberreferstothe

LittleTiber,thebarrierofCampJupiterinCalifornia.”Leofrowned.“Yeah.Thechangelinglord…that’sgottabemyhomeboyFrankZhang.AndtheDevil’s

Mount,that’sMountDiablo,rightnearthecamp.IhateMountDiablo.IfoughtEnchiladasthereonce.”Josephinelookedlikeshewantedtoaskwhathemeant,thenwiselydecidednotto.“Sothedemigods

ofNewRomeareabouttobeattacked.”Ishivered,partlybecauseofthewordsoftheprophecy,partlybecauseoftheTofurkygravydribbling

downMeg’schin.“Ibelievethefirststanzaisallofapiece.Itmentionsthewordsthatmemorywrought.EllatheharpyisatCampJupiter,usingherphotographicmemorytoreconstructthelostbooksoftheCumaeanSybil.”

Megwipedherchin.“Huh?”“Thedetailsaren’timportantrightnow.”Igesturedforhertocontinueeating.“Myguessisthatthe

Triumviratemeanstoeliminatethethreatbyburningdownthecamp.Thewordsthatmemorywroughtaresettofire.”

Calypsofrowned.“Fivedays.Howdowewarnthemintime?Allourmeansofcommunicationaredown.”

Ifoundthisirritatingintheextreme.Asagod,Icouldhavesnappedmyfingersandinstantlysentamessageacrosstheworldusingthewinds,ordreams,oramanifestationofmygloriousself.Now,wewerecrippled.TheonlygodswhohadshownmeanysortoffavorwereArtemisandBritomartis,butIcouldn’texpectthemtodomore—notwithoutthemincurringpunishmentasbadaswhatZeushaddonetome.Iwouldn’twishthatevenonBritomartis.

Asformortaltechnology,itwasuselesstous.Inourhands,phonesmalfunctionedandblewup(Imean,evenmorethantheydidformortals).Computersmelteddown.Ihadconsideredpullingarandommortaloffthestreetandsaying,Hey,makeacallforme.Butwhowouldtheycall?AnotherrandompersoninCalifornia?HowwouldthemessagegetthroughtoCampJupiterwhenmostmortalscouldn’t

findCampJupiter?Besides,evenattemptingthiswouldputinnocentmortalsatriskofmonsterattacks,deathbylightningbolt,andexorbitantdata-planoveragefees.

IglancedatThalia.“CantheHunterscoverthatmuchground?”“Infivedays?”Shefrowned.“Ifwebrokeallthespeedlimits,perhaps.Ifwesufferednoattacks

alongtheway—”“Whichneverhappens,”Emmiesaid.Thalialaidherknifeonthetable.“ThebiggerproblemisthattheHuntersmustcontinuetheirown

quest.WehavetofindtheTeumessianFox.”Istaredather.IwastemptedtoaskMegtoordermetoslapmyself,justtomakesureIwasn’tstuckin

anightmare.“TheTeumessianFox?That’sthemonsteryou’vebeenhunting?”“Afraidso.”“Butthat’simpossible!Alsohorrible!”“Foxesarecute,”Megoffered.“What’stheproblem?”IwastemptedtoexplainhowmanycitiestheTeumessianFoxhadleveledinancienttimes,howit

gorgedonthebloodofitsvictimsandrippedapartarmiesofGreekwarriors,butIdidn’twanttoruinanyone’sTofurkydinner.

“Thepointis,”Isaid,“Thalia’sright.WecannotasktheHunterstohelpusanymorethantheyalreadyhave.They’vegottheirownproblemtosolve.”

“That’scopacetic,”Leosaid.“You’vedoneenoughforus,T.”Thaliainclinedherhead.“Allinaday’swork,Valdez.ButyoudoowemeabottleoftheTexashot

sauceyouweretellingmeabout.”“Thatcanbearranged,”Leopromised.Josephinecrossedherarms.“Wellandgood,butwe’releftwiththesamedilemma.Howdowegeta

messagetoCaliforniainfivedays?”“Me,”Leosaid.Weallstaredathim.“Leo,”Calypsosaid.“IttookussixweeksjusttogetherefromNewYork.”“Yeah,butwiththreepassengers,”hesaid.“And…nooffense,oneofthemwasaformergodwhowas

attractingusallkindsofnegativeattention.”Icouldnotarguewiththat.Mostoftheenemieswhohadattackedusonourjourneyhadintroduced

themselvesbyscreaming,There’sApollo!Killhim!“Itravelfastandlight,”Leosaid.“I’vecoveredthatmuchdistancebeforebymyself.Icandoit.”Calypsodidnotlookpleased.Hercomplexionturnedjustashadelighterthanheryellowlegalpad.“Hey,mamacita,I’llcomeback,”hepromised.“I’lljustenrolllateforthespringsemester!Youcan

helpmecatchuponmyhomework.”“Ihateyou,”shegrumbled.Leosqueezedherhand.“Besides,it’llbegoodtoseeHazelandFrankagain.AndReyna,too,though

thatgirlstillscaresme.”IassumedCalypsowasnottooupsetbythisplan,sinceaerialspiritsdidnotpickupLeoandhurlhim

throughtherosewindow.ThaliaGracegesturedtothenotepad.“Sowe’vegotonestanzafiguredout.Yippee.Whataboutthe

rest?”“I’mafraid,”Isaid,“therestisaboutMegandme.”“Yep,”Megagreed.“Passthebiscuits?”Josephinehandedherthebasket,thenwatchedinaweasMegstuffedhermouthwithonefluffybiscuit

afteranother.“Sothelineaboutthesungoingsouthward,”Josephinesaid.“That’syou,Apollo.”

“Obviously,”Iagreed.“ThethirdemperormustbesomewhereintheAmericanSouthwest,inalandofscorchingdeath.Wegettherethroughmazes—”

“TheLabyrinth,”Megsaid.Ishuddered.OurlasttripthroughtheLabyrinthwasstillfreshinmymind—windingupinthecaverns

ofDelphi,listeningtomyoldenemyPythonslitheringandhissingrightaboveourheads.Ihopedthistime,atleast,MegandIwouldnotbeboundtogetherforathree-leggedrace.

“SomewhereintheSouthwest,”Icontinued,“wemustfindthecrosswordspeaker.IbelievethatreferstotheErythraeanSybil,anotherancientOracle.I…Idon’tremembermuchabouther—”

“Surprise,”Meggrumbled.“Butshewasknowntoissueherpropheciesinacrostics—wordpuzzles.”Thaliawinced.“Soundsbad.AnnabethtoldmehowshemettheSphinxintheLabyrinthonce.

Riddles,mazes,puzzles…Nothanks.GivemesomethingIcanshoot.”Georginawhimperedinhersleep.Emmiekissedthegirl’sforehead.“Andthethirdemperor?”sheasked.“Doyouknowwhoitis?”Iturnedoverphrasesoftheprophecyinmymind—masteroftheswiftwhitehorse.Thatdidn’t

narrowitdown.MostRomanemperorslikedtoportraythemselvesasvictoriousgeneralsridingtheirsteedsthroughRome.Somethingunsettledmeaboutthatthirdstanza:towestwardpalace,inthineownenemy’sboots.Icouldnotwrapmymentalfingersaroundtheanswer.

“Meg,”Isaid,“whataboutthelineDemeter’sdaughterfindsherancientroots?DoyouhaveanyfamilyintheSouthwest?Doyourememberevergoingtherebefore?”

Shegavemeaguardedlook.“Nah.”Thensheshovedanotherbiscuitinhermouthlikeanactofrebellion:Makemetalknow,sucker.“Hey,though.”Leosnappedhisfingers.“Thatnextline,Theclovenguidealonethewaydoesknow.

Thatmeansyougetasatyr?They’reguides,aren’tthey,likeCoachHedgewas?That’s,like,theirthing.”“True,”Josephinesaid.“Butwehaven’tseenasatyrinthesepartssince—”“Decades,”Emmiefinished.Meggulpeddownherwado’carbs.“I’llfindusone.”Iscowled.“How?”“Justwill.”MegMcCaffrey,agirloffewwordsandmuchbelching.Calypsoflippedtothenextpageofhernotepad.“Thatjustleavestheclosingcouplet:Whenthreeare

knownandTiberreachedalive,/’TisonlythenApollostartstojive.”Leosnappedhisfingersandbegandancinginhisseat.“Abouttime,man.Lesterneedsmorejive.”“Hmph.”Ididnotfeellikegettingintothattopic.IwasstillsorethatEarth,Wind&Firehadrejected

myauditionin1973becauseIwasjive-deficient.“Ibelievethoselinesmeanwewillsoonknowtheidentityofallthreeemperors.OnceournextquestiscompleteintheSouthwest,MegandIcantraveltoCampJupiter,reachingtheTiberalive.Then,Ihope,Icanfindthepathbacktomyformerglory.”

“By…jivetalkin’,”Leosang.“Shutup,”Igrumbled.Nooneofferedanyfurtherinterpretationsofthesonnet.Noonevolunteeredtotakeonmyperilous

questdutiesforme.“Well!”Josephinepattedthediningtable.“Whowantscarrotcakewithblowtorchedmeringuefor

dessert?”

TheHuntersofArtemisleftthatnightatmoonrise.AstiredasIwas,Ifelttheneedtoseethemoff.IfoundThaliaGraceintheroundabout,overseeing

herHuntersastheysaddledaherdofliberatedcombatostriches.“Youtrustthemtoride?”IhadthoughtonlyMegMcCaffreywasthatcrazy.Thaliaarchedhereyebrows.“It’snottheirfaulttheyweretrainedforcombat.We’llridethemfora

while,reconditionthem,thenfindasafeplacetoreleasethemwheretheycanliveinpeace.We’reusedtodealingwithwildanimals.”

AlreadytheHuntershadfreedtheostrichesfromtheirhelmetsandrazorwire.Thesteelfangimplantshadbeenremovedfromtheirbeaks,makingthebirdslookmuchmorecomfortableand(slightly)lessmurderous.

Jimmymovedamongtheherd,strokingtheirnecksandspeakingtotheminsoothingtones.Hewasimmaculateinhisbrownsuit,completelyunscathedfromthemorning’sbattle.Hisstrangebronzehockey-stickweaponwasnowheretobeseen.SothemysteriousOlujimewasapitfighter,anaccountant,amagicalwarrior,andanostrichwhisperer.SomehowIwasnotsurprised.

“Ishegoingwithyou?”Iasked.Thalialaughed.“No.Justhelpingusgetready.Seemslikeagoodguy,butIdon’tthinkhe’sHunter

material.He’snoteven,uh…aGreek-Romantype,ishe?Imean,he’snotalegacyofyouguys,theOlympians.”

“No,”Iagreed.“Heisfromadifferenttraditionandparentageentirely.”Thalia’sshortspikyhairrippledinthewind,asifreactingtoheruneasiness.“Youmeanfromother

gods.”“Ofcourse.HementionedtheYoruba,thoughIadmitIknowverylittleabouttheirways.”“Howisthatpossible?Otherpantheonsofgods,sidebyside?”Ishrugged.Iwasoftensurprisedbymortals’limitedimaginations,asiftheworldwasaneither/or

proposition.Sometimeshumansseemedasstuckintheirthinkingastheywereintheirmeat-sackbodies.Not,mindyou,thatgodsweremuchbetter.

“Howcoulditnotbepossible?”Icountered.“Inancienttimes,thiswascommonsense.Eachcountry,sometimeseachcity,haditsownpantheonofgods.WeOlympianshavealwaysbeenusedtolivingincloseproximityto,ah…thecompetition.”

“Soyou’rethesungod,”Thaliasaid.“Butsomeotherdeityfromsomeothercultureisalsothesungod?”

“Exactly.Differentmanifestationsofthesametruth.”“Idon’tgetit.”Ispreadmyhands.“Honestly,ThaliaGrace,Idon’tknowhowtoexplainitanybetter.Butsurely

you’vebeenademigodlongenoughtoknow:thelongeryoulive,theweirdertheworldgets.”Thalianodded.Nodemigodcouldarguewiththatstatement.“Solisten,”shesaid.“Whenyou’reoutwest,ifyougettoLA,mybrotherJasonisthere.He’sgoing

toschoolwithhisgirlfriend,PiperMcLean.”“Iwillcheckonthem,”Ipromised.“Andsendyourlove.”Hershouldermusclesunknotted.“Thanks.AndifItalktoLadyArtemis…”“Yes.”Itriedtoswallowdownthesobinmythroat.Oh,howImissedmysister.“Givehermybest.”Sheextendedherhand.“Goodluck,Apollo.”“Toyouaswell.Happyfoxhunting.”Thalialaughedbitterly.“Idoubtitwillbehappy,butthanks.”ThelastIsawtheHuntersofArtemis,theyweretrottingdownSouthIllinoisStreetonaherdof

ostriches,headingwestasifchasingthecrescentmoon.

PancakesfortheroadNeedaguideforyourjourney?Checkthetomatoes

THENEXTMORNING,Megkickedmeawake.“Timetogetgoing.”Myeyelidsflutteredopen.Isatup,groaning.Whenyouarethesungod,it’sararetreattobeableto

sleeplate.NowhereIwas,ameremortal,andpeoplekeptwakingmeupatthecrackofdawn.I’dspentmillenniabeingthecrackofdawn.Iwastiredofit.

Megstoodatmybedsideinherpajamasandredhigh-tops(goodgods,didshesleepinthem?),hernoserunningasalways,andahalf-eatengreenappleinherhand.

“Idon’tsupposeyoubroughtmebreakfast?”Iasked.“Icanthrowthisappleatyou.”“Nevermind.I’llgetup.”Megwentofftotakeashower.Yes,sometimessheactuallydidthat.IdressedandpackedasbestI

could,thenheadedtothekitchen.WhileIatemypancakes(yum),Emmiehummedandbangedaroundinthekitchen.Georginasatacross

frommecoloringpictures,herheelskickingagainstherchairlegs.Josephinestoodatherweldingstation,happilyfusingplatesofsheetmetal.CalypsoandLeo—whorefusedtosaygood-byetomeontheassumptionthatwewouldallseeeachothersoon—stoodatthekitchencounter,arguingaboutwhatLeoshouldpackforhistriptoCampJupiterandthrowingbaconateachother.Itallfeltsocozyandhomey,Iwantedtovolunteertowashdishesifitmeantgettingtostayanotherday.

Lityersessatdownnexttomewithalargecupofcoffee.Hisbattlewoundshadbeenmostlypatchedup,thoughhisfacestilllookedliketherunwaysystematHeathrowAirport.

“I’llwatchafterthem.”HegesturedatGeorginaandhermothers.IdoubtedJosephineorEmmiewantedtobe“watchedafter,”butIdidnotpointthatouttoLityerses.

Hewouldhavetolearnonhisownhowtoadapttothisenvironment.EvenI,thegloriousApollo,sometimeshadtodiscovernewthings.

“I’msureyou’lldowellhere,”Isaid.“Itrustyou.”Helaughedbitterly.“Idon’tseewhy.”“Wesharecommonground—we’rebothsonsofoverbearingfathers,andwe’vebeenmisledand

burdenedbybadchoices,butwe’retalentedinourchosenways.”“Andgood-looking?”Hegavemeatwistedsmile.“Naturallythat.Yes.”Hecuppedhishandsaroundhiscoffee.“Thankyou.Forthesecondchance.”

“Ibelieveinthem.Andthirdandfourthchances.ButIonlyforgiveeachpersononceamillennium,sodon’tmessupforthenextthousandyears.”

“Iwillkeepthatinmind.”Behindhim,inthenearesthallway,Isawaflickerofghostlyorangelight.Iexcusedmyselfandwent

tosayanotherdifficultgood-bye.Agamethushoveredinfrontofawindowoverlookingtheroundabout.Hisglowingtunicrippledinan

etherealwind.Hepressedonehandagainstthewindowsillasifholdinghimselfinplace.HisotherhandheldtheMagic8Ball.

“I’mgladyou’restillhere,”Isaid.Hehadnofacetoread,buthispostureseemedsadandresigned.“YouknowwhathappenedattheCaveofTrophonius,”Iguessed.“Youknowheisgone.”Hebowedinacknowledgement.“Yourbrotheraskedmetotellyouhelovesyou,”Isaid.“Heissorryaboutyourfate.“Iwanttoapologize,too.Whenyoudied,IdidnotlistentoTrophonius’sprayertosaveyou.Ifeltyou

twodeservedtofacetheconsequencesofthatrobbery.Butthis…thishasbeenaverylongpunishment.Perhapstoolong.”

Theghostdidnotrespond.Hisformflickeredasiftheetherealwindwasstrengthening,pullinghimaway.

“Ifyouwish,”Isaid,“whenIattainmygodhoodagain,IwillpersonallyvisittheUnderworld.IwillpetitionHadestoletyoursoulpassontoElysium.”

Agamethusofferedmehis8Ball.“Ah.”Itookthesphereandshookitonelasttime.“Whatisyourwish,Agamethus?”Theanswerfloatedupthroughthewater,adenseblockofwordsonthesmallwhitedieface:IWILL

GOWHEREIMUST.IWILLFINDTROPHONIUS.TAKECAREOFEACHOTHER,ASMYBROTHERANDICOULDNOT.Hereleasedhisgriponthewindowsill.Thewindtookhim,andAgamethusdissolvedintomotesin

thesunlight.

ThesunhadrisenbythetimeIjoinedMegMcCaffreyontheroofoftheWaystation.SheworethegreendressSallyJacksonhadgivenher,aswellasheryellowleggings,nowmended

andclean.Allthemudandguanohadbeenscrubbedfromherhigh-tops.Oneithersideofherface,rainbow-coloredpipecleanerstwistedthroughherhair—nodoubtapartingfashiongiftfromGeorgina.

“Howdoyoufeel?”Iasked.MegcrossedherarmsandstaredatHemithea’stomatopatch.“Yeah.Okay.”BywhichIthinkshemeant:Ijustwentinsaneandspewedpropheciesandalmostdied.Howareyou

askingmethisquestionandexpectingmenottopunchyou?“So…whatisyourplan?”Iasked.“Whytheroof?IfweareseekingtheLabyrinth,shouldn’twebeon

thegroundfloor?”“Weneedasatyr.”“Yes,but…”Ilookedaround.IsawnogoatmengrowinginanyofEmmie’splantingbeds.“Howdo

youintend—?”“Shhh.”Shecrouchednexttothetomatoplantsandpressedherhandagainstthedirt.Thesoilrumbledand

begantoheaveupward.Foramoment,IfearedanewkarposmightburstforthwithglowingredeyesandavocabularythatconsistedentirelyofTomatoes!

Instead,theplantsparted.Thedirtrolledaway,revealingtheformofayoungmansleepingonhisside.Helookedaboutseventeen,perhapsyounger.Heworeablackcollarlessjacketoveragreenshirt,

andjeansmuchtoobaggyforhislegs.Overhiscurlyhairfloppedaredknitcap.Ascruffygoateeclungtohischin.Atthetopsofhissneakers,hisankleswerecoveredinthickbrownfur.Eitherthisyoungmanenjoyedshag-carpetsocks,orhewasasatyrpassingforhuman.

Helookedvaguelyfamiliar.ThenInoticedwhathecradledinhisarms—awhitepaperfoodbagfromEnchiladasdelRey.Ah,yes.Thesatyrwhoenjoyedenchiladas.Ithadbeenafewyears,butIrememberedhimnow.

IturnedtoMeginamazement.“Thisisoneofthemoreimportantsatyrs,aLordoftheWild,infact.Howdidyoufindhim?”

Sheshrugged.“Ijustsearchedfortherightsatyr.Guessthat’shim.”Thesatyrwokewithastart.“Ididn’teatthem!”heyelped.“Iwasjust…”Heblinkedandsatup,a

streamofpottingsoiltricklingfromhiscap.“Wait…thisisn’tPalmSprings.WhereamI?”Ismiled.“Hello,GroverUnderwood.IamApollo.ThisisMeg.Andyou,myluckyfriend,havebeen

summonedtoleadusthroughtheLabyrinth.”

AegisashieldusedbyThaliaGracethathasafear-inducingimageofMedusaonitsfront;itturnsintoasilverbraceletwhensheisn’tusingitAethiopianBullagiant,aggressiveAfricanbullwhoseredhideisimpervioustoallmetalweaponsAgamethussonofKingErginus;halfbrotherofTrophonius,whodecapitatedhimtoavoiddiscoveryaftertheirraidonKingHyrieus’streasuryAmazonamemberofatribeofwarriorwomen

amphitheateranovalorcircularopen-airspaceusedforperformancesorsportingevents,withspectatorseatingbuiltinasemicirclearoundthestageamphoraceramicjarusedtoholdwine

ArestheGreekgodofwar;thesonofZeusandHera,andhalfbrothertoAthenaArtemistheGreekgoddessofthehuntandthemoon;thedaughterofZeusandLeto,andthetwinof

ApolloAsclepiusthegodofmedicine;sonofApollo;histemplewasthehealingcenterofancientGreeceAthenatheGreekgoddessofwisdom

AthenianofthecityofAthens,GreeceAtlasaTitan;fatherofCalypsoandZoëNightshade;hewascondemnedtoholduptheskyforeternity

afterthewarbetweentheTitansandtheOlympians;hetriedunsuccessfullytotrickHerculesintotakinghisplaceforever,butHerculestrickedhiminreturnblemmyaeatribeofheadlesspeoplewithfacesintheirchests

BritomartistheGreekgoddessofhuntingandfishingnets;hersacredanimalisthegriffinBruttiaCrispinaaRomanEmpressfrom178to191CE;shewasmarriedtofutureRomanEmperorCommoduswhenshewassixteenyearsold;aftertenyearsofmarriage,shewasbanishedtoCapriforadulteryandlaterkilledByzantiumanancientGreekcolonythatlaterbecameConstantinople(nowIstanbul)

caduceusthetraditionalsymbolofHermes,featuringtwosnakeswindingaroundanoftenwingedstaffCalliopethemuseofepicpoetry;motherofseveralsons,includingOrpheus

CalypsothegoddessnymphofthemythicalislandofOgygia;adaughteroftheTitanAtlas;shedetainedtheheroOdysseusformanyyearsCampHalf-BloodthetraininggroundforGreekdemigods,locatedinLongIsland,NewYork

CampJupiterthetraininggroundforRomandemigods,locatedbetweentheOaklandHillsandtheBerkeleyHills,inCaliforniaCarthaginianSerpenta120-footsnakethatemergedfromtheRiverBagradainNorthAfricatoconfrontRomanGeneralMarcusAtiliusRegulusandhistroopsduringtheFirstPunicWarCaveofTrophoniusadeepchasm,hometotheOracleofTrophonius

centauraraceofcreaturesthatishalf-human,half-horse

centicore(seealsoyale)afierceyak-likecreaturewithlargehornsthatcanswivelinanydirectionChironacentaur;thecampactivitiesdirectoratCampHalf-Blood

chitonaGreekgarment;asleevelesspieceoflinenorwoolsecuredattheshouldersbybroochesandatthewaistbyabeltCloacinagoddessoftheRomansewersystem

ColosseumanellipticalamphitheaterinthecenterofRome,Italy,capableofseatingfiftythousandspectators;usedforgladiatorialcontestsandpublicspectacles;alsocalledtheFlavianAmphitheaterColossusNeronis(ColossusofNero)agiganticbronzestatueoftheEmperorNero;waslatertransformedintothesungodwiththeadditionofasunraycrownCommodusLuciusAureliusCommoduswasthesonofRomanEmperorMarcusAurelius;hebecameco-emperorwhenhewassixteenandemperorateighteen,whenhisfatherdied;heruledfrom177to192CEandwasmegalomaniacalandcorrupt;heconsideredhimselftheNewHerculesandenjoyedkillinganimalsandfightinggladiatorsattheColosseumCretanoftheislandofCrete

Cyclops(Cyclopes,pl.)amemberofaprimordialraceofgiants,eachwithasingleeyeinthemiddleofhisorherforeheadDaedalusaskilledcraftsmanwhocreatedtheLabyrinthonCreteinwhichtheMinotaur(partman,partbull)waskeptdaimonGreekfordemon;anintermediaryspiritbetweenmortalsandthegodsDambeacenturies-oldformofboxingassociatedwiththeHausapeopleofWestAfrica

DanubianborderingtheDanuberiverinEuropeDaphneabeautifulnaiadwhoattractedApollo’sattention;shewastransformedintoalaureltreeinorder

toescapehimDelosaGreekislandintheAegeanSeanearMykonos;birthplaceofApolloDemetertheGreekgoddessofagriculture;adaughteroftheTitansRheaandKronosDemophonthebabysonofKingCeleus,whomDemeternursedandtriedtomakeimmortalasanactof

kindness;brotherofTriptolemusDionysustheGreekgodofwineandrevelry;thesonofZeusDionysusFestivalacelebrationheldinAthens,Greece,tohonorthegodDionysus,thecentraleventsof

whichweretheatricalperformancesDoorsofDeaththedoorwaytotheHouseofHades,locatedinTartarus;doorshavetwosides—oneinthemortalworld,andoneintheUnderworldelomìíràntheYorubawordforothers

ElysiumtheparadisetowhichGreekheroesweresentwhenthegodsgavethemimmortalityErythaeaanislandwheretheCumaeanSibyl,aloveinterestofApollo,originallylivedbeforehe

convincedhertoleaveitbypromisingheralonglifeEubouleussonofDemeterandKarmanor;theGreekgodofswineherds

FieldsofPunishmentthesectionoftheUnderworldwherepeoplewhowereevilduringtheirlivesaresenttofaceeternalpunishmentfortheircrimesafterdeathFlaviantheFlavianswereanimperialdynastythatruledtheRomanEmpirebetween69and96CE

GaeatheGreekearthgoddess;wifeofOuranos;motherofTitans,giants,Cyclopes,andothermonstersGanymedeadivineherofromTroywhomZeusabductedtoserveashiscupbearerinOlympus

Germani(Germanus,sing.)tribalpeoplewhosettledtothewestoftheRhineriverGidigboaformofwrestlingthatinvolveshead-butting,fromtheYorubaofNigeria,AfricagloutosGreekforbuttocks

Gorgonsthreemonstroussisters(Stheno,Euryale,andMedusa)whohavehairofliving,venomoussnakes;Medusa’seyescanturnthebeholdertostoneGreekfireanincendiaryweaponusedinnavalbattlesbecauseitcancontinueburninginwatergriffinawingedcreaturewiththeheadofaneagleandthebodyofalion;thesacredanimalofBritomartisGroveofDodonathesiteoftheoldestGreekOracle,secondonlytoDelphiinimportance;therustlingoftreesinthegroveprovidedanswerstopriestsandpriestesseswhojourneyedtothesiteHadestheGreekgodofdeathandriches;ruleroftheUnderworld

harpyawingedfemalecreaturethatsnatchesthingsHausaalanguagespokeninnorthernNigeriaandNiger;alsothenameofapeople

HecategoddessofmagicandcrossroadsHemitheateenagedaughterofKingStaphylusofNaxos;sisterofParthenos;Apollomadeherandher

sisterdivinetosavethemwhentheyjumpedoffaclifftoescapetheirfather’srageHephaestustheGreekgodoffireandcraftsandofblacksmiths;thesonofZeusandHera,andmarriedtoAphroditeHeratheGreekgoddessofmarriage;Zeus’swifeandsister;Apollo’sstepmother

HeraclestheGreekequivalentofHercules;thesonofZeusandAlcmene;thestrongestofallmortalsHerculestheRomanequivalentofHeracles;thesonofJupiterandAlcmene,whowasbornwithgreatstrengthHermesGreekgodoftravelers;guidetospiritsofthedead;godofcommunication

HessianmercenariestheapproximatelythirtythousandGermantroopshiredbytheBritishtohelpfightduringtheAmericanRevolutionwhentheyfoundittoodifficulttorecruittheirownsoldiershippocampi(hippocampus,sing.)half-horse,half-fishcreatures

HuntersofArtemisagroupofmaidensloyaltoArtemisandgiftedwithhuntingskillsandeternalyouthaslongastheyrejectromanceforlifeHyacinthusaGreekheroandApollo’slover,whodiedwhiletryingtoimpressApollowithhisdiscusskillsichorthegoldenfluidthatisthebloodofgodsandimmortals

ìgboyàtheYorubawordforconfidence,boldness,andbraveryImperialgoldararemetaldeadlytomonsters,consecratedatthePantheon;itsexistencewasaclosely

guardedsecretoftheemperorsIristheGreekgoddessoftherainbow,andamessengerofthegodsJuliusCaesaraRomanpoliticianandgeneralwhobecameadictatorofRome,turningitfromarepublic

intotheRomanEmpireKarmanoraminorGreekharvestgod;alocaldeityinCretewhomarriedDemeter;togethertheyhadason,Eubouleus,whobecamethegodofswineherdskarpoi(karpos,sing.)grainspiritsKronostheyoungestofthetwelveTitans;thesonofOuranosandGaea;thefatherofZeus;hekilledhisfatherathismother’sbidding;Titanlordoffate,harvest,justice,andtimeLabyrinthanundergroundmazeoriginallybuiltontheislandofCretebythecraftsmanDaedalustoholdtheMinotaurLethetheGreekwordforforgetfulness;thenameofariverintheUnderworldwhosewaterscausedforgetfulness;thenameofaGreekspiritofoblivionLetomotherofArtemisandApollowithZeus;goddessofmotherhood

LittleTiberthebarrierofCampJupiterLityersesthesonofKingMidas;hechallengedpeopletoharvestingcontestsandbeheadedthosehebeat,

earninghimthenickname“ReaperofMen”MarcusAureliusRomanEmperorfrom161to180CE;fatherofCommodus;consideredthelastofthe

“FiveGoodEmperors”MarsyasasatyrwholosttoApolloafterchallenginghiminamusicalcontest,whichledtoMarsyas

beingflayedalivemelomakaronaGreekChristmashoneycookiesMidasakingwiththepowertotransformanythinghetouchedtogold;Lityerses’sfather;heselected

MarsyasasthewinnerinthemusicalcontestbetweenApolloandMarsyas,resultinginApollogivingMidastheearsofadonkeyMinotaurthehalf-man,half-bullsonofKingMinosofCrete;theMinotaurwaskeptintheLabyrinth,wherehekilledpeoplewhoweresentin;hewasfinallydefeatedbyTheseusMnemosyneTitangoddessofmemory;daughterofOuranosandGaea

MountOlympushomeoftheTwelveOlympiansMountOthrysamountainincentralGreece;theTitans’baseduringtheten-yearwarbetweentheTitans

andtheOlympiansmyrmekealargeantlikecreaturethatpoisonsandparalyzesitspreybeforeeatingit;knownforprotectingvariousmetals,particularlygoldNarcissusahunterknownforhisbeauty;thesonoftherivergodCephissusandthenymphLiriope;hewasvain,arrogant,anddisdainfulofadmirers;hefellinlovewithhisownreflection;NarcissuswasalsothenameofCommodus’spersonaltrainerandwrestlingpartner,whodrownedtheemperorinhisbathtub—theseweretwodifferentNarcissusesNemeanLionalarge,viciouslionthatplaguedNemeainGreece;itspeltwas

impervioustoallhumanweapons;HerculesstrangleditwithhisbarehandsNeroruledasRomanEmperorfrom54to58CE;hehadhismotherandhisfirstwifeputtodeath;manybelievehewasresponsibleforsettingafirethatguttedRome,butheblamedtheChristians,whomheburnedoncrosses;hebuiltanextravagantnewpalaceontheclearedlandandlostsupportwhenconstructionexpensesforcedhimtoraisetaxes;hecommittedsuicideNineMusesGreekgoddessesofliterature,science,andthearts,whohaveinspiredartistsandwritersforcenturiesnymphafemalenaturedeitywhoanimatesnature

OceanustheeldestsonofOuranosandGaea;theTitangodoftheseaOgygiatheislandhome—andprison—ofthenymphCalypsoOracleofDelphiaspeakerofthepropheciesofApolloOracleofTrophoniusaGreekwhowastransformedintoanOracleafterhisdeath;locatedattheCaveof

Trophonius;knownforterrifyingthosewhoseekhimOrionagianthuntsmanwhowasthemostloyalandvaluedofArtemis’sattendantsuntilhewasslainbyascorpionOuranostheGreekpersonificationofthesky;husbandofGaea;fatheroftheTitans

PantheGreekgodofthewild;thesonofHermesParthenosteenagedaughterofKingStaphylusofNaxos;sisterofHemithea;Apollomadeherandher

sisterdivinetosavethemwhentheyjumpedoffaclifftoescapetheirfather’sragePeloponnesealargepeninsulaandgeographicregioninsouthernGreece,separatedfromthenorthernpartofthecountrybytheGulfofCorinthPersephonetheGreekqueenoftheUnderworld;wifeofHades;daughterofZeusandDemeter

podexLatinforanusPoseidontheGreekgodofthesea;sonoftheTitansKronosandRhea,andbrotherofZeusandHades

PotinaaRomangoddessofchildren,whowatchesoverwhattheyaredrinkingpraetoranelectedRomanmagistrateandcommanderofthearmyPrimordialChaosthefirstthingevertoexist;themiasmafromwhichtheFateswovethefuture;avoid

fromwhichthefirstgodswereproducedprincepsprinceofRome;theearlyemperorsusedthistitleforthemselvesPythonamonstrousserpentthatGaeaappointedtoguardtheOracleatDelphi

RiverStyxtheriverthatformstheboundarybetweenearthandtheUnderworldsatyraGreekforestgod,partgoatandpartmanSibylaprophetessSibyllineBooksacollectionofpropheciesinrhymewritteninGreekSpartaacity-stateinancientGreecewithmilitarydominancespathaalongswordusedbyRomancavalryunitsStaphyluskingofNaxos,Greece;ademigodsonofDionysus;fatherofHemitheaandParthenosStyxa

powerfulwaternymph;theeldestdaughteroftheseaTitan,Oceanus;goddessoftheUnderworld’smostimportantriver;goddessofhatred;theRiverStyxisnamedafterherSuburraanareaofthecityofRomethatwascrowdedandlower-class

Tantalusakingwhofedthegodsastewmadeofhisownson;hewassenttotheUnderworld,wherehiscursewastobestuckinapoolofwaterunderafruittreebutneverbeabletodrinkoreatTartarushusbandofGaea;spiritoftheabyss;fatherofthegiants;thelowestpartoftheUnderworldTeumessianFoxagiantfoxsentbythegodstoravagethecityofThebesinpunishmentforacrime;thebeastwasdestinednevertobecaughtThreeFatesEvenbeforethereweregodsthereweretheFates:Clotho,whospinsthethreadoflife;Lachesis,themeasurer,whodetermineshowlongalifewillbe;andAtropos,whocutsthethreadoflifewithhershearsThreeMileIslandanuclearpowerplantnearHarrisburg,Pennsylvania,where,onMarch28,1979,therewasapartialmeltdowninreactornumber2,causingpublicconcernThroneofMemoryMnemosynecarvedthischair,inwhichapetitionerwouldsitaftervisitingtheCaveofTrophoniusandreceivingbitsofversefromthe

Oracle;onceseatedinthechair,thepetitionerwouldrecounttheverses,thepriestswouldwritethemdown,andtheywouldbecomeaprophecyTiberRiverthethird-longestriverinItaly;Romewasfoundedonitsbanks;inancientRome,executedcriminalswerethrownintotheriverTitanWartheepicten-yearbattlebetweentheTitansandtheOlympiansthatresultedintheOlympianstakingthethroneTitansaraceofpowerfulGreekdeities,descendantsofGaeaandOuranos,thatruledduringtheGoldenAgeandwereoverthrownbyaraceofyoungergods,theOlympiansTriptolemussonofKingCeleusandbrotherofDemophon;afavoriteofDemeter;hebecametheinventoroftheplowandagriculturetriremeaGreekwarship,havingthreetiersofoarsoneachside

triumvirateapoliticalallianceformedbythreepartiesTrojanWarAccordingtolegend,theTrojanWarwaswagedagainstthecityofTroybytheAchaeans

(Greeks)afterParisofTroytookHelenfromherhusband,Menelaus,kingofSpartaTrophoniusdemigodsonofApollo,designerofApollo’stempleatDelphi,andspiritofthedarkOracle;hedecapitatedhishalfbrotherAgamethustoavoiddiscoveryaftertheirraidonKingHyrieus’streasuryTroyaRomancitysituatedinmodern-dayTurkey;siteoftheTrojanWar

Underworldthekingdomofthedead,wheresoulsgoforeternity;ruledbyHadesViaAppiatheAppianWay,oneofthefirstandmostimportantroadsoftheancientRomanrepublic;after

theRomanarmysubduedtherevoltledbySpartacusin73BC,theycrucifiedmorethansixthousandslavesandlinedtheroadfor130mileswiththeirbodiesyale(seealsocenticore)afierceyak-likecreaturewithlargehornsthatcanswivelinanydirectionYorubaoneofthethreelargestethnicgroupsinNigeria,Africa;alsoalanguageandareligionoftheYorubapeopleZeustheGreekgodoftheskyandthekingofthegods

ZoëNightshadeadaughterofAtlaswhowasexiledandlaterjoinedtheHuntersofArtemis,becomingtheloyallieutenantofArtemis

AlsobyRickRiordan

PERCYJACKSONANDTHEOLYMPIANSBookOne:TheLightningThiefBookTwo:TheSeaofMonstersBookThree:TheTitan’sCurse

BookFour:TheBattleoftheLabyrinthBookFive:TheLastOlympian

TheDemigodFiles

TheLightningThief:TheGraphicNovelTheSeaofMonsters:TheGraphicNovelTheTitan’sCurse:TheGraphicNovelPercyJackson’sGreekGods

PercyJackson’sGreekHeroesFromPercyJackson:CampHalf-BloodConfidential

THEKANECHRONICLESBookOne:TheRedPyramidBookTwo:TheThroneofFire

BookThree:TheSerpent’sShadow

TheRedPyramid:TheGraphicNovelTheThroneofFire:TheGraphicNovel

THEHEROESOFOLYMPUSBookOne:TheLostHero

BookTwo:TheSonofNeptuneBookThree:TheMarkofAthenaBookFour:TheHouseofHadesBookFive:TheBloodofOlympus

TheDemigodDiaries

TheLostHero:TheGraphicNovelTheSonofNeptune:TheGraphicNovelDemigods&Magicians

MAGNUSCHASEANDTHEGODSOFASGARDBookOne:TheSwordofSummerBookTwo:TheHammerofThor

ForMagnusChase:HotelValhallaGuidetotheNorseWorlds

THETRIALSOFAPOLLOBookOne:TheHiddenOracle

PRAISEFORRICKRIORDAN

PercyJacksonandtheOlympians

TheLightningThief“Perfectlypaced,withelectrifyingmomentschasingeachotherlikeheartbeats.”

—TheNewYorkTimesBookReview

TheSeaofMonsters★“Inafeatworthyofhisheroicsubjects,Riordancraftsasequelstrongerthanhiscompellingdebut.”

—PublishersWeekly(starredreview)TheTitan’sCurse“Allinall,awinnerofOlympicproportions.”

—SchoolLibraryJournal

TheBattleoftheLabyrinth★“LooknofurtherforthenextHarryPotter;meetPercyJackson,aslegionsoffansalreadyhave.”

—KirkusReviews(starredreview)

TheLastOlympian“ThehordesofyoungreaderswhohavedevouredRickRiordan’sbooks…willnodoubtgulpdownthis

concludingvolumeasgreedilyastheywouldaplatefulofambrosia,ormaybepizza.”—TheWallStreetJournal

TheHeroesofOlympus

BookOne:TheLostHero“PercyJacksonfanscanresteasy:thisfirstbookinRiordan’sHeroesofOlympusspin-offseriesisa

fast-pacedadventurewithenoughfamiliarelementstoimmediatelyhookthoseeagertorevisithismodernworldofmythologicalmayhem.Rotatingamonghisthreeprotagonists,Riordan’sstorytellingisaspolishedasever,brimmingwithwit,action,andheart—hisdevoteeswon’tbedisappointed.”

—PublishersWeekly

“Withappealingnewcharacterswithinafamiliarframework,thisspin-offwillsatisfythedemandformore.”

—Booklist

“Riordanexcelsatcleverplotdevicesandatcreatinganurgentsenseofcliff-hangingdanger.Hisinterjectionofhumorbyincongruousjuxtaposition…providessomewelcomerelief.Theyoungheroesdealwithissuesfamiliartoteenstoday:WhoamI?CanIliveuptotheexpectationsofothers?Having

readthefirstseriesishelpfulbutnotessential,andthecomplexplotismadeforsequels.”—SchoolLibraryJournal

“Riordanextendsthefranchiseinalogicaldirectionwhilemaximizingtheelementsthatmadethefirstseriessopopular:irreverentheroes,plentyoftension-filledmomentsfightingmonsters,andauthenticclassicalmythologymixedinwithmodernlife.Completelyincontrolofpacingandtone,hebalancesafaultlesscomicbanteragainstdeepernotesthatrevealthecharacters’vulnerabilities.WithPercyJacksonslatedtomakeanappearanceinlatervolumes,fansnostalgicfortheoldbooksshouldfindinthisnew

serieseverythingthey’vebeenpiningfor.”—HornBook

PercyJackson’sGreekGods

“Percy’sgift,whichisnogreatsecret,istobreathenewlifeintothegods.ClosestattentionispaidtotheOlympians,butRiordanhasasuretouchwhenitcomestofittingmuchintoasmallspace—asdoes

Rocco’sartwork,whichsmokesandwrithesonthepageasifhitbylightning….Theinevitablego-toforPercy’slegionsoffanswhowantthestoriesbehindhisstories.”

—KirkusReviews

“Theage-oldstoriesareendlesslystrong,resonant,andsurprising,whilethetellinghereisfresh,irreverent,andamusing.Amust-haveforthePercyJacksoncanon.”

—Booklist

PercyJackson’sGreekHeroes

“…themostvolubleofPoseidon’smanysonsdishesonadozenmoreancientrelativesandfellowdemigods.Riordanleavensfull,refreshinglytartaccountsoftheupsanddownsofsuchhigher-profileheroesasTheseus,Orpheus,Hercules,andJasonwiththelesser-knownbutoftenequallyawesome

exploitsofsuchbutt-kickingladiesasAtalanta,Otrera(thefirstAmazon),andlion-wrestlingCyrene.Thebreezytreatmenteffectivelyblowsoff…thedustobscuringthetimelessthemesineachhero’scareer.”

—KirkusReviews

“WritteninthevoiceofPercyJackson,theseancientstoriessoundfreshandvital.Likeitspredecessor,thislarge,handsometome…willflyofflibraryshelves.”

—Booklist

TheKaneChronicles

BookOne:TheRedPyramid★“ThefirstvolumeintheKaneChronicles,thisfantasyadventuredeliverswhatfanslovedaboutthePercyJacksonandtheOlympiansseries:youngprotagonistswithpreviouslyunsuspectedmagicalpowers,arivetingstorymarkedbyheadlongadventure,acomplexbackgroundrootedinancient

mythology,andwry,wittytwenty-first-centurynarration.”—Booklist(starredreview)

“Thistaleexplodesintoactionfromchapterone….ReaderspiningforPercyJacksonwillfindnew

heroesinCarterandSadieKane.”—KirkusReviews

★“AtrulyoriginaltakeonEgyptianmythology…Amust-havebook.”—SchoolLibraryJournal(starredreview)“Onceagain,Riordanmasterfullymeshesmodernlifewithmythologyandhistory,reinvigoratingdustyartifactssuchastheRosettastoneandrevitalizingancient

Egyptianstorylines.”—TheLosAngelesTimes

MagnusChaseandtheGodsofAsgard

BookOne:TheSwordofSummer“RickRiordan’snewseriesissimplybrilliant—maybehisbestyet!IthoughtIknewNorsemythology,butnowthatI’vereadthegrippingandhilariousSwordofSummer,I’llneverseeThorthesameway

again.Getreadytostayupallnightreading!”—NewYorkTimes#1best-sellingauthorHarlanCoben“TheSwordofSummerisapropulsive,kinetic,wittyrebootingofNorsemythologywithallthecharmofthePercyJacksonnovels.Instantlylikeableheroes!Insaneaction!Coolvillains!Atwisting,turning,alwaysexcitingstory!RickRiordandoesit

again,evenbetter.”—NewYorkTimesbest-sellingauthorMichaelGrant“TheSwordofSummercombinesthegloryofNorsemythwiththejoyofRickRiordan’seffervescentworld-building.OneofRiordan’sfunniestbooks—

everythingfromthechaptertitlestothewryhumorofMagnusChasewillhaveyouchuckling;evenastheplotracesalongatbreakneckspeed.CheckmeintotheHotelValhalla,please.I’llbestaying.”

—NewYorkTimes#1best-sellingauthorCassandraClare“Withanepicplot,engaging(anddiverse)characters,andtonesofwisecrackinghumor,Riordan’slatestisapage-turner.Thosenewtotheauthor’spastseriescanjumprightin;fansofhispreviousworkswillbehappytoseeclevernodsandreferences

totheotherin-universebooks.”—SchoolLibraryJournal

“[A]whirlwindofmyth,action,andwrysarcasm,perfectforreadershungryforanewhitofthatPercyJackson–typemagic.”

—HornBook

“Riordanoffersaterrificcastthatiseffortlesslydiverse—allofthealliesstandasindependent,well-constructedcharacterswhoeachbringentirelydifferentskills,histories,interests,andpersonalitiestothegroup.Riordanfanswillbethrilled,andNorsemythologybuffswillbepleasedtoseethathisfocushas

shiftedtotheirfaves.”—BulletinoftheCenterforChildren’sBooks

RICKRIORDAN,dubbed“storytellerofthegods”byPublishersWeekly,istheauthoroffiveNewYorkTimes#1best-sellingseries.HeisbestknownforhisPercyJacksonandtheOlympiansbooks,whichbringGreekmythologytolifeforcontemporaryreaders.Heexpandedonthatserieswithtwomore:theHeroesofOlympusandtheTrialsofApollo,whichcleverlycombineGreekandRomangodsandheroeswithhisbelovedmoderncharacters.RickalsotackledtheancientEgyptiangodsinthemagic-filledKaneChroniclestrilogy,andNorsemythologyintheotherworldlyMagnusChaseandtheGodsofAsgardseries.Millionsoffansacrosstheglobehaveenjoyedhisfast-pacedandfunnyquestadventuresaswellashistwo#1best-sellingmythcollections,PercyJackson’sGreekGodsandPercyJackson’sGreekHeroes.RicklivesinBoston,Massachusetts,withhiswifeandtwosons.Formoreinformation,gotowww.rickriordan.com,orfollowhimonTwitter@camphalfblood.