"They're coming," Thalia confirmed, pointing north with a silver arrow. "One of

my scouts just reported they've crossed the Harlem River. There was no way to

hold them back. The army ..." She shrugged. "It's huge."

 

"We'll hold them at the park," I said. "Grover, you ready?"

 

He nodded. "As ready as we'll ever be. If my nature spirits can stop them

anywhere, this is the place."

 

"Yes, we will!" said another voice. A very old, fat satyr pushed through the

crowd, stumbling over his own spear. He was dressed in wood-bark armor that only

covered half of his belly.

 

"Leneus?" I said.

 

"Don't act so surprised," he huffed. "I am a leader of the Council, and you did

tell me to find Grover.

 

Well, I found him, and I'm not going to let a mere outcast lead the satyrs

without my help!"

 

Behind Leneus's back, Grover made gagging motions, but the old satyr grinned

like he was the savior of the day. "Never fear! We'll show those Titans!"

 

I didn't know whether to laugh or be angry, but I managed to keep a straight