Hestia shrugged. "It was the best solution, not a perfect one. Now I tend the

fire. I fade slowly into the background. No one will ever write epic poems about

the deeds of Hestia. Most demigods don't even stop to talk to me. But that is no

matter. I keep the peace. I yield when necessary. Can you do this?"

 

"I don't know what you mean."

 

She studied me. "Perhaps not yet. But soon. Will you continue your quest?"

 

"Is that why you're here — to warn me against going?"

 

Hestia shook her head. "I am here because when all else fails, when all the

other mighty gods have gone off to war, I am all that's left. Home. Hearth. I am

the last Olympian. Y ou must remember me when you face your final decision.

 

I didn't like the way she said final.

 

I looked at Nico, then back at Hestia's warm glowing eyes. "I have to continue,

my lady. I have to stop Luke ... I mean Kronos."

 

Hestia nodded. "Very well. I cannot be of much assistance, beyond what I have

already told you. But since you sacrificed to me, I can return you to your own

hearth. I will see you again, Percy, on Olympus."

 

Her tone was ominous, as though our next meeting would not be happy.