A 1

Piper couldn’t look at her boyfriend. She wasn’t sure she could mask the uneasiness in her eyes.
Jason would never be like Hercules. But the story played into all her fears. Hera had manipulated their
relationship, just as she had manipulated Hercules. Piper wanted to believe that Jason could never go
into a murderous frenzy like Hercules had. Then again, only four days ago he had been controlled by
an eidolon and almost killed Percy Jackson.
“Hercules is a god now,” Achelous said. “He married Hebe, the youth goddess, but still he is rarely
at home. He dwells here on this island, guarding those silly pillars. He says Zeus makes him do this,
but I think he prefers being here to Mount Olympus, nursing his bitterness and mourning his mortal
life. My presence reminds him of his failures—especially the woman who finally killed him. And his
presence reminds me of poor Deianira, who could have been my wife.”
The bull-man tapped the scroll, which rolled itself up and sank into the water.
“Hercules wants my other horn in order to humiliate me,” Achelous said. “Perhaps it would make
him feel better about himself, knowing that I’m miserable too. Besides, the horn would become a
cornucopia. Good food and drink would flow from it, just as my power causes the river to flow. No
doubt Hercules would keep the cornucopia for himself. It would be a tragedy and a waste.”
Piper suspected the noise of the river and the drowsy sound of Achelous’s voice were still affecting
her thoughts, but she couldn’t help agreeing with the river god. She was starting to hate Hercules.
This poor bull-man seemed so sad and lonely.
Jason stirred. “I’m sorry, Achelous. Honestly, you’ve gotten a bum deal. But maybe…well, without
the other horn, you might not be so lopsided. It might feel better.”
“Jason!” Piper protested.
Jason held up his hands. “Just a thought. Besides, I don’t see that we have many choices. If
Hercules doesn’t get that horn, he’ll kill us and our friends.”
“He’s right,” Achelous said. “You have no choice. Which is why I hope you’ll forgive me.”