The Battle of the Labyrinth (Percy Jackson and the Olympians, #4)

by Rick Riordan

“Hi, I’m Paul Blofis.” Poseidon raised his eyebrows as they shook hands. “Blowfish, did you say?” “Ah, no. Blofis, actually.” “Oh, I see,” Poseidon said. “A shame. I quite like blow-fish. I am Poseidon.” “Poseidon? That’s an interesting name.” “Yes, I like it. I’ve gone by other names, but I do prefer Poseidon.” “Like the god of the sea.” “Very much like that, yes.” “Well!” my mom interrupted. “Um, we’re so glad you could drop by. Paul, this is Percy’s father.” “Ah.” Paul nodded, though he didn’t look real pleased. “I see.” Poseidon smiled at me. “There you are, my boy. And Tyson, hello, son!” “Daddy!” Tyson bounded across the room and gave Poseidon a big hug, which almost knocked off his fishing hat. Paul’s jaw dropped. He stared at my mom. “Tyson is…” “Not mine,” she promised. “It’s a long story.” “I couldn’t miss Percy’s fifteenth birthday,” Poseidon said. “Why, if this were Sparta, Percy would be a man today!” “That’s true,” Paul said. “I used to teach ancient history.” Poseidon’s eyes twinkled. “That’s me. Ancient history. Sally, Paul, Tyson…would you mind if I borrowed Percy for just a moment?” He put his arm around me and steered me into the kitchen. Once we were alone, his smile faded. “Are you all right, my boy?” “Yeah. I’m fine. I guess.”