As Grover planted the laurel sapling, Annabeth and I went around trying to cheer

up the wounded. I passed a satyr with a broken leg, a demigod who was bandaged

from head to toe, and a body covered in the golden burial shroud of Apollo's

cabin. I didn't know who was underneath. I didn't want to find out.

 

My heart felt like lead, but we tried to find positive things to say.

 

"You'll be up and fighting Titans in no time!" I told one camper.

 

"You look great," Annabeth told another camper.

 

"Leneus turned into a shrub!" Grover told a groaning satyr.

 

I found Dionysus's son Pollux propped up against a tree. He had a broken arm,

but otherwise he was okay.

 

"I can still fight with the other hand," he said, gritting his teeth.

 

"No," I said. "You've done enough. I want you to stay here and help with the

wounded."

 

"But—"

 

"Promise me to stay safe," I said. "Okay? Personal favor."