the heroes who had died defending Olympus. There were too many names, but I was

proud to wear the bead. I put it on my camp necklace — four beads now. I felt

like an old-timer. I thought about the first campfire I'd ever attended, back

when I was twelve, and how I'd felt so at home.

 

That at least hadn't changed.

 

"Never forget this summer!" Chiron told us. He had healed remarkably well, but

he still trotted in front of the fire with a slight limp. "We have discovered

bravery and friendship and courage this summer.

 

We have upheld the honor of the camp."

 

He smiled at me, and everybody cheered. As I looked at the fire, I saw a little

girl in a brown dress tending the flames. She wi nk ed at me with red glowing

eyes. No one else seemed to notice her, but I realized maybe she preferred it

that way.

 

"And now," Chiron said, "early to bed! Remember, you must vacate your cabins by

noon tomorrow unless you've made arrangements to stay the year with us. The

cleaning haipies will eat any stragglers, and I'd hate to end the summer on a

sour note!"

 

The next morning, Annabeth and I stood at the top of Half-Blood Hill. We watched

the buses and vans pull away, taking most of the campers back to the real world.