"Wait here," I told Annabeth.

 

"Percy, you shouldn't go alone."

 

"Well, unless you can breathe underwater ..."

 

She sighed. "You are so annoying sometimes."

 

"Like when I'm right? Trust me, I'll be fine. I've got the curse of Achilles

now. I'll all invincible and stuff."

 

Annabeth didn't look convinced. "Just be careful. I don't want anything to

happen to you. I mean, because we need you for the battle."

 

I grinned. "Back in a flash."

 

I clambered down the shoreline and waded into the water.

 

Just for you non-sea-god types out there, don't go swimming m New York Harbor.

It may not be as filthy as it was in my mom's day, but that water will still

probably make you grow a third eye or have mutant children when you grow up.

 

I dove into the murk and sa nk to the bottom. I tried to find the spot where the

two rivers' currents seemed equal — where they met to form the bay. I figured