the_blood_of_olympus_-_rick_riordan

‘Okay,’ Percy relented. ‘Not pushing my luck.’
Kym turned over the disc, revealing straps on the bottom side like a shield. She slipped it over her
shoulders, Captain America style. ‘I will be watching your progress. Polybotes was not boasting
when he warned that your blood would awaken the Earth Mother. The giants are very confident of
this.’
‘My blood, personally?’ Percy asked.
Kym’s smile was even creepier than usual. ‘I am not an Oracle. But I heard what the seer Phineas
told you in the city of Portland. You will face a sacrifice that you may not be able to make, and it will
cost you the world. You have yet to face your fatal flaw, my brother. Look around. All works of gods
and men eventually turn to ruins. Would it not be easier to flee into the depths with that girlfriend of
yours?’
Percy put his hand on Jason’s shoulder and struggled to his feet. ‘Juno offered me a choice like
that, back when I found Camp Jupiter. I’ll give you the same answer. I don’t run when my friends need
me.’
Kym turned up her palms. ‘And there is your flaw: being unable to step away. I will retreat to the
depths and watch this battle unfold. You should know that the forces of the ocean are also at war.
Your friend Hazel Levesque made quite an impression on the merpeople and on their mentors, Aphros
and Bythos.’
‘The fish pony dudes,’ Percy muttered. ‘They didn’t want to meet me.’
‘Even now they are waging war for your sake,’ Kym said, ‘trying to keep Gaia’s allies away from
Long Island. Whether or not they will survive … that remains to be seen. As for you, Jason Grace,
your path will be no easier than your friend’s. You will be tricked. You will face unbearable
sorrow.’
Jason tried to keep from sparking. He wasn’t sure Percy’s heart could take the shock. ‘Kym, you
said you’re not an Oracle? They should give you the job. You’re definitely depressing enough.’
The goddess let loose her dolphin laugh. ‘You amuse me, son of Jupiter. I hope you live to defeat
Gaia.’
‘Thanks,’ he said. ‘Any pointers on defeating a goddess who can’t be defeated?’
Kymopoleia tilted her head. ‘Oh, but you know the answer. You are a child of the sky, with storms
in your blood. A primordial god has been defeated once before. You know of whom I speak.’
Jason’s insides started swirling faster than the ventus. ‘Ouranos, the first god of the sky. But that
means –’
‘Yes.’ Kym’s alien features took on an expression that almost resembled sympathy. ‘Let us hope it
does not come to that. If Gaia does wake … well, your task will not be easy. But, if you win,
remember your promise, Pontifex.’
Jason took a moment to process her words. ‘I’m not a priest.’
‘No?’ Kym’s white eyes gleamed. ‘By the way, your ventus servant says he wishes to be freed.
Since he has helped you, he hopes you will let him go when you reach the surface. He promises he
will not bother you a third time.’
‘A third time?’