So Why Are We Practicing This, Anyway?"

Then There Was Nico Di Angelo. Dang, That Kid Gave Leo The Freaky-deakies. He Sat Back In His Leather Aviator Jacket, His Black T-shirt And Jeans, That Wicked Silver Skull Ring On His Finger, And The Stygian Sword At His Side. His Tufts Of Black Hair Struck Up In Curls Like Baby Bat Wings. His Eyes Were Sad And Kind Of Empty, As If He’d Stared Into The Depths Of Tartarus—which He Had.

I Stepped Forward. Call Me Old-fashioned, But I Wanted To Keep His Focus On Me And Not Annabeth. I Think It’s Polite For A Guy To Protect His Girlfriend From Instant Incineration.

Artemis Must Be Present At The Solstice," Zoe Said. "she Has Been The Most Vocal On The Council, Arguing For Taking Action Against Kronos's Minions. If She Is Not There, The Gods Will Decide Nothing. We Will Lose Another Year Of War Preparations." Are You Sugesting The Gods Have Trouble Acting Together, Young Lady?" Dionysis Asked. Yes, Lord Dionysis." Mr.d Nodded. "just Checking. Your Right, Of Course. Carry On.

George Unhinged His Jaw And Coughed Up A Little Plastic Bottle Filled With Chewable Vitamins. "you're Kidding," I Said. "are Those Minotaur-shaped?" Hermes Picked Up The Bottle And Rattled It. "the Lemon Ones, Yes. The Grape Ones Are Furies, I Think. Or Are They Hydras? At Any Rate, These Are Potent."

Could I Just Use The Loo?” I Asked The Nice Officer. “no.” She Closed The Door In My Face, As If I Might Rig An Explosion In The Toilet. Honestly.