At least I got a good night’s sleep before the quest, right? Wrong. That night in my dreams, I was in the stateroom of the Princess Andromeda . The windows were openon a moonlit sea. Cold wind rustled the velvet drapes. Luke knelt on a Persian rug in front of the golden sarcophagus of Kronos. In the moonlight, Luke’sblond hair looked pure white. He wore an ancient Greekchiton and a white himation , a kind of capethat flowed down his shoulders. The white clothes made him look timeless and a little surreal, like one ofthe minor gods on Mount Olympus. The last time I’d seen him, he’d been broken and unconscious aftera nasty fall from Mount Tam. Now he looked perfectly fine.
Almost too healthy. “Our spies report success, my lord, †he said. “Camp Half-Blood is sending a quest, as you predicted.
Our side of the bargain is almost complete.
†Excellent .
The voice of Kronos didn’t so much speak as pierce my mind like a dagger. It was freezingwith cruelty.
Once we have the means to navigate, I will lead the vanguard through myself. Luke closed his eyes as if collecting his thoughts. “My lord, perhaps it is too soon. Perhaps Krios orHyperion should lead—†No. the voice was quiet but absolutely firm. I will lead. One more heart shall join our cause, and thatwill be sufficient. At last I shall rise fully fromTartarus . “But the form, my lord…†Luke’s voice started shaking. Show me your sword, Luke Castellan. A jolt went through me. I realized I’d never heard Luke’s last name before. It had never even occurredto me. Luke drew his sword. Backbiter’s double edge glowed wickedly—half steel, half celestial bronze. I’dalmost been killed several times by that sword. It was an evil weapon, able to kill both mortals andmonsters. It was the only blade I really feared. You pledged yourself to me, Kronos reminded him.
You took this sword as proof of your oath. “Yes, my lord. It’s just—†You wanted power. I gave you that. You are now beyond harm. Soon you will rule the world of godsand mortals. Do you not wish to avenge yourself? To see Olympus destroyed? A shiver ran through Luke’s body. “Yes.
†The coffin glowed, golden light filling the room. Then make ready the strike force. As soon as thebargain is done, we shall move forward. First, Camp Half-Blood will be reduced to ashes. Oncethose bothersome heroes are eliminated, we will march on Olympus. There was a knock on the stateroom doors. The light of the coffin faded. Luke rose. He sheathed hissword, adjusted his white clothes, and took a deep breath. “Come in.
†The doors opened. Two dracaenae slithered in—snake women with double serpent trunks instead oflegs. Between them walked Kelli, the empousa cheerleader from my freshman orientation. “Hello, Luke, †Kelli smiled. She was wearing a red dress and she looked awesome, but I’d seen herreal form. I knew what she was hiding:
mismatched legs, red eyes, fangs, and flaming hair. “What is it, demon?†Luke’s voice was cold. “I told you not to disturb me.
†Kelli pouted. “That’s not very nice. You look tense. How about a nice shoulder massage?†Luke stepped back. “If you have something to report, say it. Otherwise leave!†“I don’t know why you’re so huffy these days. You used to be fun to hang around.
†“That was before I saw what you did to that boy in Seattle.
†“Oh, he meant nothing to me, †Kelli said. “Just a snack, really. You know my heart belongs to you, Luke.
†“Thanks, but no thanks. Now report or get out.
†Kelli shrugged. “Fine. The advanced team is ready, as you surprised. We can leave—†She frowned. “What is it?†Luke asked. “A presence, †Kelli said. “Your senses are getting dull, Luke. We’re being watched.
†She scanned the stateroom. Her eyes focused right on me. Her face withered into a hag’s. She baredher fangs and lunged.
to be continued....
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