"I told you!" the satyr protested. "You are better off without that traitor."

 

Juniper stamped her foot. "He is not a traitor! He's the bravest satyr ever, and

I want to know where he is!"

 

"WOOF!"

 

Leneus's knees started knocking. "I ... I won't answer questions with this

hellhound sniffing my tail!"

 

Nico looked like he was trying to not crack up. "I'll walk the dog," he

volunteered.

 

He whistled, and Mrs. O'Leary bounded after him to the far end of the grove.

 

Leneus huffed indignantly and brushed the twigs off his shirt. "Now, as I was

trying to explain, young lady, your boyfriend has not sent any reports since we

voted him into exile."

 

"You tried to vote him into exile," I corrected. "Chiron and Dionysus stopped

you."

 

"Bah! They are honorary > Council members. It wasn't a proper vote."

 

"I'll tell Dionysus you said that."