Child of the Moon

The Council Of The Gods

Flying straight up to Zeus's palace, with thunder and lightning swirling around it, was one of the most terrifying experiences of my life.  We circled over midtown Manhattan, making one complete orbit around Mount Olympus.  Olympus amazed me even more than I thought it would. In the early-morning darkness, torches and fires made the mountainside palaces glow twenty different colors, from bloodred to indigo.  Apparently no one ever slept on Olympus.  The twisting streets were full of nature spirits and minor godlings bustling about, riding chariots or sedan chairs carried by Cyclopes.  Winter didn't seem to exist here.  I caught the scent of the gardens in full bloom, jasmine and roses and even sweeter things I couldn't name.  Music drifted up from many windows, the soft sounds of lyres and reed pipes.  Towering at the peak of the mountain was the greatest palace of all, the glowing white hall of the gods.  The pegasi set the others down down in the outer courtyard, in front of huge silver gates.  I landed next to them right as the gates opened by themselves.  I didn't know why, but I had a sense of doom.  I'd never seen all the gods together.  I knew any one of them could blast us to dust, and a few of them would like to.  Blackjack and the other Pegasi flew off, leaving Thalia, Annabeth, Percy and I alone.  For a minute we stood there regarding the palace, the way we'd stood together in front of Westover Hall, what seemed like a million years ago.  And then, side by side, we walked into the throne room.  Twelve enormous thrones made a U around a central hearth, just like the placement of the cabins at camp, minus my cabin.  The ceiling above glittered with constellations.  Even the newest one, Zoe the Huntress, was making her way across the heavens with her bow drawn.  All of the seats were occupied.  Each god and goddess was about fifteen feet tall, and I'm telling you, if you've ever had a dozen all-powerful massive beings turn their eyes on you at once... there is nothing more terrifying.

Artemis: Welcome, heroes

Bianca was standing next to my mother's throne, smiling at us.  There was a loud moo, and I turned to see Grover standing next to a big sphere of water that was hovering in the center of the room, next to the hearth fire.  There was a weird cow snake creature swimming happily around, swishing its serpent tail and poking his head out the sides and bottom of the sphere.  He seemed to be enjoying the novelty of swimming in a magic bubble.  Grover was kneeling at Zeus's throne, as if he'd just been giving a report.  Zeus gave Grover permission to come over to us. Grover gave Annabeth, Thalia and I big hugs.  Then he grasped Percy's arms.

Grover: Percy, Bessie and I made it!  But you have to convince them!  They can't do it!

Percy: Do what?

Artemis: Heroes.

The goddess slid down from her throne and turned to human size, a young auburn-haired girl, perfectly at ease in the midst of the giant Olympians.  She walked toward us, her silver robes shimmering.  There was no emotion in her face.  She seemed to walk in a column of moonlight.

Artemis: The Council has been informed of your deeds.  They know that Mount Othrys is rising in the West.  They know of Atlas's attempt for freedom, and the gathering armies of Kronos.  We have voted to act.

There was some mumbling and shuffling among the gods, as if they weren't all happy with this plan, but nobody protested.

Artemis: At my Lord Zeus's command, my brother, Apollo, and I shall hunt the most powerful monsters, seeking to strike them down before they can join the Titans' cause.  Lady Athena shall personally check on the other Titans to make sure they do not escape their various prisons.  Lord Poseidon has been given permission to unleash his full fury on the cruise ship Princess Andromeda and send it to the bottom of the sea.  And as for you, my heroes...

She turned to face the other immortals.

Artemis: These half-bloods have done Olympus a great service.  Would any here deny that?