"I know that," Poseidon said gently.

 

"Dad, I can help," I said. "I know I can. You're not going to hold out here much

longer."

 

A fireball launched into the sky from behind the enemy lines. I thought Poseidon

would deflect it or something, but it landed on the outer comer of the yard and

exploded, sending mermen tumbling through the water. Poseidon winced as if he'd

just been stabbed.

 

"Return to camp," he insisted. "And tell Chiron it is time."

 

"For what?"

 

"You must hear the prophecy. The entire prophecy."

 

I didn't need to ask him which prophecy. I'd been hearing about the "Great

Prophecy" for years, but nobody would ever tell me the whole thing. All I knew

was that I was supposed to make a decision that would decide the fate of the

world — but no pressure.

 

"What if this is the decision?" I said. "Staying here to light, or leaving? What

if I leave and you . . ."