THE BATTLE OF THE LABYRINTH Percy Jackson ... - No one's invited.
THE BATTLE OF THE LABYRINTH Percy Jackson ... - No one's invited.
THE BATTLE OF THE LABYRINTH Percy Jackson ... - No one's invited.
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“I offer you a choice,” Minos said. “Turn over the fugitive to me, and this gold is yours. Or risk making<br />
me your enemy. You do not want Crete as your enemy.”<br />
Cocaluspaled. I thought it was stupid for him to look so scared in the middle of his own throne room. He<br />
should’ve summoned his army or something. Minos only had two guards. ButCocalus just sat there<br />
sweating on his throne.<br />
“Father,” his oldest daughter said, “you can’t—”<br />
“Silence,Aelia .”Cocalus twisted his beard. He looked again at the glittering gold. “This pains me, Minos.<br />
The gods do not love a man who breaks his oath of hospitality.”<br />
“The gods do not love those who harbor criminals, either.”<br />
Cocalusnodded.“Very well. You shall have your man in chains.”<br />
“Father!”Aeliasaid again. Then she caught herself, and changed her voice to a sweeter tone. “At—at<br />
least let usfeast our gust first. After his long journey, he should be treated to a hot bath, new clothes, and<br />
a decent meal. I would be honored to draw the bath myself.”<br />
She smiled prettily at Minos, and the old king grunted. “I suppose a bath would not be amiss.” He<br />
looked atCocalus . “I will see you at dinner, my lord.With the prisoner.”<br />
“This way, Your Majesty,” saidAelia . She and her sisters led Minos out of the chamber.<br />
I followed them into a bath chamber decorated with mosaic tiles. Steam filled the air. A running-water<br />
faucet poured hot water into the tub.Aelia and her sisters filled it with rose petals and something that<br />
must’ve been Ancient Greek Mr. Bubble, because soon the water was covered with multicolored foam.<br />
The girls turned aside as Minos dropped his roves and slipped into the bath.<br />
“Ahh.”He smiled.“An excellent bath. Thank you, my dears. The journey has been long indeed.”<br />
“You have been chasing your prey ten years, my lord?”Aelia asked, batting her eyelashes. “You must be<br />
very determined.”<br />
“I never forget a debt.” Minos grinned. “Your father was wise to agree to my demands.”<br />
“Oh, indeed, my lord!”Aeliasaid. I thought she was laying on the flattery pretty thick, but the old guy was<br />
eating it up.Aelia’s sisters trickled scented oil over the king’s head.<br />
“You know, my lord,”Aelia said, “Daedalus thought you would come. He thought the riddle might be a<br />
trap, but he couldn’t resist solving it.”<br />
Minos frowned. “Daedalus spoke to you about me?”<br />
“Yes, my lord.”<br />
“He is a bad man, princess. My own daughter fell under his spell. Do not listen to him.”<br />
“He is a genius,”Aelia said. “And he believes a woman is just as smart as a man. He was the first to ever