sword. It was an arc of pure destruction.

 

I broke through the enemy line and leaped into the black chariot. Hades raised

his staff. A bolt of dark energy shot toward me, but I deflected it off my blade

and slammed into him. The god and I both tumbled out of the chariot.

 

The next thing I knew, my knee was planted on Hades's chest. I was holding the

collar of his royal robes in one fist, and the tip of my sword was poised right

over his face.

 

Silence. The army did nothing to defend their master. I glanced back and

realized why. There was nothing left of them but weapons in the sand and piles

of smoking, empty uniforms. I had destroyed them all.

 

Hades swallowed. "Now, Jackson, listen here. . . ."

 

He was immortal. There was no way I could kill him, but gods can be wounded. I

knew that firsthand, and I figured a sword in the face wouldn't feel too good.

 

"Just because I'm a nice person," I snarled, "I'll let you go. But first, tell

me about that trap!"

 

Hades melted into nothing, leaving me holding empty black robes.

 

I cursed and got to my feet, breathing heavily. Now that the danger was over, I