"I do want a gift, though," I said. "Do you promise to grant my wish?"

 

Zeus thought about this. "If it is within our power."

 

"It is," I said. "And it's not even difficult. But I need your promise on the

River Styx."

 

"What?" Dionysus cried. "You don't trust us?"

 

"Someone once told me," I said, looking at Hades, "you should always get a

solemn oath."

 

Hades shrugged. "Guilty."

 

"Very well!" Zeus growled. "In the name of the Council, we swear by the River

Styx to grant your reasonable request as long as it is within our power."

 

The other gods muttered assent. Thunder boomed, shaking the throne room. The

deal was made.

 

"From now on, I want to you properly recognize the children of the gods," I

said. "All the children . . . of all the gods."

 

The Olympians shifted uncomfortably.