Behind us, the battle raged.

 

Clarisse scowled at her cabinmates. "Go, help the centaurs. Protect the doors.

GO!"

 

They scrambled off to join the fight.

 

Silena took a heavy, painful breath. "Forgive me."

 

"You're not dying," Clarisse insisted.

 

"Charlie . . ." Silena's eyes were a million miles away. "See Charlie . . ."

 

She didn't speak again.

 

Clarisse held her and wept. Chris put a hand on her shoulder.

 

Finally Annabeth closed Silena's eyes.

 

"We have to fight." Annabeth's voice was brittle. "She gave her life to help us.

We have to honor her."

 

Clarisse sniffled and wiped her nose. "She was a hero, understand? A hero."