hear it. It said, Perseus, you are not the hero . "

 

I stared at her like she'd just slapped me. "You came thousands of miles to tell

me I'm not the hero?"

 

"It's important," she insisted. "It will affect what you do."

 

"Not the hero of the prophecy?" I asked. "Not the hero who defeats Kronos? What

do you mean?"

 

"I'm . . . I'm sorry, Percy. That's all I know. I had to tell you because — "

 

"Well!" Chiron cantered over. "This must be Miss Dare."

 

I wanted to yell at him to go away, but of course I couldn't. I tried to get my

emotions under control. I felt like I had another personal hurricane swirling

around me. "Chiron, Rachel Dare," I said. "Rachel, this is my teacher Chiron."

 

"Hello," Rachel said glumly. She didn't look at all surprised that Chiron was a

centaur.

 

"You are not asleep, Miss Dare," he noticed. "And yet you are mortal?"

 

"I'm mortal," she agreed, like it was a depressing thought. "The pilot fell

asleep as soon as we passed the river. I don't know why I didn't. I just knew I