wasn't after them.

 

We only had seconds before they were ready to fight, and our forces were still

in a panic. Every time the sow belched, Grover's nature spirits yelped and faded

back into their trees.

 

"That pig has to go." I grabbed a grappling hook from one of Annabeth's

siblings. 'Til take care of it.

 

Y ou guys hold the rest of the enemy. Push them back! "

 

"But, Percy," Grover said, "what if we can't?"

 

I saw how tired he was. The magic had really drained him. Annabeth didn't look

much better from fighting with a bad shoulder wound. I didn't know how the

Hunters were doing, but the right fla nk of the enemy army was now between them

and us.

 

I didn't want to leave my friends in such bad shape, but that sow was the

biggest threat. It would destroy everything: buildings, trees, sleeping mortals.

It had to be stopped.

 

"Retreat if you need to," I said. "Just slow them down. I'll be back as soon as

I can."