"A drakon," Chiron said. "A Lydian drakon, to be exact. The oldest and most

dangerous kind." 1 stared at her. "How did you know that?"

 

"I'm not sure," Rachel admitted. "But this drakon has a particular fate. It will

be killed by a child of Ares."

 

Annabeth crossed her arms. "How can you possibly know that?"

 

"I just saw it. I can't explain."

 

"Well, let's hope you're wrong," I said. "Because we're a little short on

children of Ares. ..." A horrible thought occurred to me, and I cursed in

Ancient Greek.

 

"What?" Annabeth asked.

 

"The spy," I told her. "Kronos said. We know they cannot beat this drakon. The

spy has been keeping him updated. Kronos knows the Ares cabin isn't with us. He

intentionally picked a monster we can't kill."

 

Thalia scowled. "If I ever catch your spy, he's going to be very sorry. Maybe we

could send another messenger to camp — "

 

"I've already done it," Chiron said. "Blackjack is on his way. But if Silena