"I don't know," I admitted. "He didn't tell Kronos anything, but if he figures

it out — "

 

"We can't let him."

 

"I'll bonk him on the head harder next time," I suggested. "Any idea what

surprise Kronos was talking about?"

 

She shook her head. "I didn't see anything in the shield, but I don't like

surprises."

 

"Agreed."

 

"So," she said, "are you going to argue about me coming along?"

 

"Nah. You'd just beat me up."

 

She managed a laugh, which was good to hear. I grabbed my sword, and we went to

rally the troops.

 

Thalia and the head counselors were waiting for us at the Reservoir. The lights

of the city were blinking on at twilight. I guess a lot of them were on

automatic timers. Streetlamps glowed around the shore of the lake, making the

water and trees look even spookier.