Forgotten memories

The Maze awaits

At least I could count on a good night's sleep before the quest, right? Wrong.

That night, my dreams dragged me straight into the stateroom of the Princess Andromeda. The windows were wide open, revealing a silver moonlit sea beyond. A cold wind slipped inside, rustling the heavy velvet drapes.

Luke knelt on a Persian rug in front of Kronos's golden sarcophagus. In the moonlight, his blond hair looked almost shockingly white. He wore an ancient Greek chiton and a flowing white himation draped over his shoulders. The clothes made him look impossibly timeless, almost unreal, like one of the lesser gods perched on Mount Olympus. The last time I'd seen him, he'd been broken, unconscious, a near-puppet of his own failure after that nasty fall from Mount Tam. Now... now he looked whole. Almost too healthy.

"Our spies report success, my lord," he said smoothly. "Camp Half-Blood is sending a quest, just as you predicted. Our side of the bargain is nearly complete."

Excellent. The voice of Kronos didn't speak—it pierced my mind like a dagger, sharp and freezing with cruelty. Once we have the means to navigate, I will lead the vanguard through myself.

Luke closed his eyes briefly, as if collecting his thoughts. "My lord, perhaps it is too soon. Perhaps Krios or Hyperion should lead—"

No. The voice was quiet, but unyielding. I will lead. One more heart shall join our cause, and that will be sufficient. At last I shall rise fully from Tartarus.

"But the form, my lord..." Luke's voice trembled.

Show me your sword, Luke Castellan.

A jolt shot through me. I realized I'd never heard Luke's last name before. It had literally never occurred to me. He drew his sword. Backbiter's double edge shimmered wickedly—half steel, half celestial bronze. I'd nearly died at the edge of that blade. It was a weapon that could kill mortals and monsters alike. A weapon I genuinely 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 gods and mortals. Do you not wish to avenge yourself? To see Olympus destroyed?

A shiver ran down Luke's spine. "Yes."

The coffin glowed, golden light spilling across the room. Then make ready the strike force. As soon as the bargain is complete, we shall move forward. First, Camp Half-Blood will be reduced to ashes. Once those bothersome heroes are eliminated, we will march on Olympus.

There was a sudden knock at the stateroom doors. The golden light faded. Luke rose, sheathing his sword, adjusting his white garments, and drawing in a steadying breath.

"Come in."

The doors slid open. Two dracaenae slithered inside—snake-women with double serpent trunks instead of legs. Between them floated an empousa cheerleader. Probably the same one from Percy's freshman orientation.

"Hello, Luke," Kelli said, smiling, wearing a tight red dress that somehow made her look both alluring and dangerous. But I knew what she was hiding: mismatched legs, red eyes, fangs, and flaming hair.

"What is it, demon?" Luke's voice was sharp and cold. "I told you not to disturb me."

Kelli pouted dramatically. "That's not very nice. You look tense. How about a nice shoulder massage?"

Luke took a step back, voice clipped. "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 smoothly. "Just a snack, really. You know my heart belongs to you, Luke."

"Thanks, but no thanks. Now report—or get out."

Kelli shrugged, flashing an annoyed smile. "Fine. The advanced team is ready, as you suggested. We can leave—" Her frown cut the sentence short.

"What is it?" Luke demanded.

"A presence," Kelli said, her voice sharp. "Your senses are dulling, Luke. We're being watched."

Her eyes swept the room. And then... they locked on me. Her face twisted into a hag's mask, fangs bared, and she lunged.

***

Just after dawn, the quest group gathered at Zeus's Fist. I had my knapsack packed carefully—thermos filled with nectar, a baggie of ambrosia, bedroll, rope, extra clothes, flashlights, and more batteries than I thought we'd need. My amulet and bracelet were strapped on, and my necklace rested in place against my chest.

The morning was clear, crisp, and calm. The fog had burned off, leaving the sky a bright, endless blue. Campers were already starting their lessons—flying pegasi, practicing archery, scaling the lava wall. Meanwhile, we were about to head underground.

Juniper and Grover stood a little apart from the rest of the group. Juniper's eyes were red from crying again, but she was trying her hardest to stay composed for Grover. She fussed over him constantly, straightening his rasta cap, brushing stray bits of goat fur off his shirt. Since we had no idea what we'd encounter, he was dressed as a human—cap hiding his horns, jeans, fake feet, and sneakers covering his goat legs. She clearly wanted him to be safe.

Chiron, Quintus, and Mrs. O'Leary stayed with the other campers who had come to see us off, but the camp was too busy for it to feel like a proper farewell. A couple of tents had been set up near the rocks for guard duty. Beckendorf and his siblings were busy constructing a line of defensive spikes and trenches. Chiron had insisted on guarding the Labyrinth exit at all times, just in case.

Annabeth was making one last check of her supply pack when Tyson and Percy came over. She frowned. "Percy, you look terrible."

"He killed the water fountain last night," Tyson confided, eyes wide.

"What?" Annabeth and I said in unison.

Before Tyson could explain further, Chiron trotted over. "Well, it appears you are ready!"

He tried to sound upbeat, but I could see the tension in his eyes. I didn't want to add to it, yet I couldn't shake the memory of last night's dream. Before I could reconsider, Percy stepped closer to Chiron.

"Hey, uh, Chiron, can I ask you a favor while I'm gone?" he said quietly.

"Of course, my boy," Chiron replied.

"Be right back, guys," Percy said, nodding toward the woods. Chiron raised an eyebrow but let him walk out of earshot.

Meanwhile, I found myself explaining the situation with Marie to the rest of the group, with Christine helping guide the conversation. I was relieved that Christine wasn't angry anymore, though a tension still lingered between us. Annabeth remained skeptical, trying to understand why Marie would do what she did.

We discussed strategies for navigating the Labyrinth, but ultimately got nowhere. Annabeth grew impatient and moved over to Percy and Chiron. Percy nodded at her, sliding his hand into his pocket. His eyes flicked toward Quintus, who was watching him closely. Percy gave a small wave in farewell.

"Our spies report success," Luke had said. The very same day we decided to send a quest, he had already known about it.

"Take care," Chiron said, his voice steady but tinged with worry.

"You too," I replied.

We moved toward the rocks, where Tyson and Grover were waiting. I stared at the narrow crack between the boulders—the entrance that would soon swallow us whole.

"Well," Grover said nervously, "good-bye, sunshine."

"Hello, rocks," Tyson agreed cheerfully.

And together, the six of us stepped forward and descended into the darkness.