"Mrs. O'Leary, no!" I shouted at her. "Don't sniff. . . Oh, man."

 

Nico smiled. Then he looked at me and his expression turned all serious again,

like he'd remembered something unpleasant. "Come on. They won't give us any

trouble in the line. You're with me."

 

I didn't like it, but we slipped through the security ghouls and into the Fields

of Asphodel. I had to whistle for Mrs. O'Leary three times before she left

Cerberus alone and ran after us.

 

We hiked over black fields of grass dotted with black poplar trees. If I really

died in a few days like the prophecy said, I might end up here forever, but I

tried not to think about that.

 

Nico trudged ahead, bringing us closer and closer to the palace of Hades.

 

"Hey," I said, "we're inside the gates already. Where are we — "

 

Mrs. O'Leary growled. A shadow appeared overhead — something dark, cold, and

stinking of death. It swooped down and landed in the top of a poplar tree.

 

Unfortunately, I recognized her. She had a shriveled face, a horrible blue knit

hat, and a crumpled velvet dress. Leathery bat wings sprang from her back. Her

feet had shaip talons, and in her brass-clawed hands she held a flaming whip and

a paisley handbag.