THE BATTLE OF THE LABYRINTH Percy Jackson ... - No one's invited.

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“Mmm.”Geryon examined a cactus. His left arm reached over and scratched his middle-chest. “Yes,
you’ll get a deal, all right.”
“My ghost told me you could help. He said you could guide us to the soul we need.”
“Wait a second,” I said. “I thoughtI was the soul you wanted.”
Nico looked at me like I was crazy.“You? Why would I want you? Bianca’s soul is worth a thousand of
yours! Now, can you help me, Geryon, or not?”
“Oh, I imagine I could,” the rancher said. “Your ghost friend, by the way, where is he?”
Nico looked uneasy. “He can’t form in broad daylight. It’s hard for him. But he’s around somewhere.”
Geryon smiled. “I’m sure. Minos likes to disappear when things get…difficult.”
“Minos?”I remembered the man I’d seen in my dreams, with the golden crown, the pointed beard, and
the cruel eyes. “You mean that evil king?That’s the ghost who’s been giving you advice?”
“It’s none of your business, Percy!” Nico turned back to Geryon. “And what do you mean about things
getting difficult?”
The three-bodied man sighed. “Well, you see, Nico—can I call you Nico?”
“No.”
“You see, Nico, Luke Castellan is offering very good money for half-bloods.Especially powerful
half-bloods. And I’m sure when he learns your little secret,who you really are, he’ll pay very, very well
indeed.”
Nico drew his sword, but Eurytion knocked it out of his hand. Before I could get up,Orthus pounced on
my chest andgrowled, his faces an inch away from mine.
“I would stay in the car, all of you,” Geryon warned. “OrOrthus will tear Mr. Jackson’s throat out.
Now, Eurytion, if you would be so kind, secure Nico.”
The cowherd spit into the grass. “Do I have to?”
“Yes, you fool!”
Eurytion looked bored, but he wrapped one huge arm around Nico and lifted him up like a wrestler.
“Pick up the sword, too,” Geryon said with distaste. “There’s nothing I hate worse than Stygian Iron.”
Eurytion picked up the sword, careful not to touch the blade.
“Now,” Geryon said cheerfully, “we’ve had the tour. Let’s go back to the lodge, have some lunch, and
send an Iris-message to our friends in the Titan army.”
“You fiend!”Annabeth cried.