spirits. I walked into the middle of the throne room. Hestia smiled at me

reassuringly. She was in the form of a girl now, and she seemed happy and

content to be sitting by her fire again. Her smile gave me courage to keep

walking.

 

First I bowed to Zeus. Then I knelt at my father's feet.

 

"Rise, my son," Poseidon said.

 

I stood uneasily.

 

"A great hero must be rewarded," Poseidon said. "Is there anyone here who would

deny that my son is deserving?"

 

I waited for someone to pipe up. The gods never agreed on anything, and many of

them still didn't like me, but not a single one protested.

 

"The Council agrees," Zeus said. "Percy Jackson, you will have one gift from the

gods."

 

I hesitated. "Any gift?"

 

Zeus nodded grimly. "I know what you will ask. The greatest gift of all. Y es,

if you want it, it shall be yours. The gods have not bestowed this gift on a

mortal hero in many centuries, but, Perseus Jackson — if you wish it — you shall