"Luke would fight with a sword," I said. "But I suppose you don't have his

skill."

 

Kronos sneered. His scythe began to change, until he held Luke's old weapon,

Backbiter, with its half-steel, half-Celestial bronze blade.

 

Next to me, Annabeth gasped like she'd suddenly had an idea. "Percy, the blade!"

She unsheathed her knife. "The hero’s soul, cursed blade shall reap. "

 

I didn't understand why she was reminding me of that prophecy line right now. It

wasn't exactly a morale booster, but before I could say anything, Kronos raised

his sword.

 

"Wait!" Annabeth yelled.

 

Kronos came at me like a whirlwind.

 

My instincts took over. I dodged and slashed and rolled, but I felt like I was

fighting a hundred swordsmen. Ethan ducked to one side, trying to get behind me

until Annabeth intercepted him. They started to fight, but I couldn't focus on

how she was doing. I was vaguely aware of Grover playing his reed pipes. The

sound filled me with warmth and courage — thoughts of sunlight and a blue sky

and a calm meadow, somewhere far away from the war.