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

by Rick Riordan

I nodded, looking at Rachel with respect. “You hit the Lord of the Titans in the eye with a blue plastic hairbrush.”

Pan looked straight at me with his clear blue eyes, and I realized he wasn’t just talking about the satyrs. He meant half-bloods, too, and humans. Everyone. “Percy Jackson,” the god said. “I know what you have seen today. I know your doubts. But I give you this news: when the time comes, you will not be ruled by fear.” He turned to Annabeth. “Daughter of Athena, your time is coming. You will play a great role, though it may not be the role you imagined.” Then he looked at Tyson. “Master Cyclops, do not despair. Heroes rarely live up to our expectations. But you, Tyson—your name shall live among the Cyclopes for generations. And Miss Rachel Dare…” Rachel flinched when he said her name. She backed up like she was guilty of something, but Pan only smiled. He raised his hand in a blessing.

He raised an eyebrow. “I am nice! I simply ooze niceness, Perry Johansson. Haven’t you noticed?” “Uh—”

“And lose a love to worse than death.” Annabeth had tears in her eyes. “That was the last line, Percy. Are you happy now?”

like she wasn’t going to accept an easy answer, even if it got her in serious trouble. I realized that was one of the things I liked best about Annabeth.

I wanted to tell Annabeth that I didn’t really want to be so distant from her.

“Hello, Sally,” Poseidon said. “You look as beautiful as ever. May I come in?” My mother made a squeaking sound that might’ve been either “Yes” or “Help.” Poseidon took it as a yes and came in.

“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.”

And you, Percy, are my favorite son.” He smiled, and at that moment, just being in the kitchen with him was the best birthday present I ever got.

“Come inside for cake and ice cream,” I said. “It sounds like we’ve got a lot to talk about.”