A 1

He gestured dramatically toward the squid tank. This time, fireworks shot off in front of the glass
right on cue, sending up geysers of golden sparkles. Music swelled from the loudspeakers. The lights
brightened and revealed the wondrous majesty of an empty tank.
The squid had apparently skulked back into its cave.
“Curse it!” Phorcys yelled again. He wheeled on his sister. “Keto, training the squid was your job.
Juggling, I said. Maybe a bit of flesh-rending for the finale. Is that too much to ask?”
“He’s shy,” Keto said defensively. “Besides, each of his tentacles has sixty-two razorlike barbs that
have to be sharpened daily.” She turned toward Frank. “Did you know the monstrous squid is the only
beast known to eat demigods whole, armor and all, without getting indigestion? It’s true!”
Frank stumbled away from her, hugging his gut as if making sure he was still in one piece.
“Keto!” Porky snapped—literally, since he clicked his fingers to his thumbs like crab claws. “You’ll
bore our guests with so much information. Less education, more entertainment! We’ve discussed this.”
“But—”
“No buts! We’re here to present ‘Death in the Deep Seas!’ Sponsored by Monster Donut!”
The last words reverberated through the room with extra echo. Lights flashed. Smoke clouds
billowed from the floor, making donut-shaped rings that smelled like real donuts.
“Available at the concession stand,” Phorcys advised. “But you’ve spent your hard-earned denarii
to get the VIP tour, and so you shall! Come with me!”
“Um, hold it,” Percy said.
Phorcys’s smile melted in an ugly way. “Yes?”
“You’re a sea god, aren’t you?” Percy asked. “Son of Gaea?”