invisible string | f. zhang

xxvi. trust

"Leo, please don't . . . I can't talk about it," Maribelle says.

"Is the firewood okay in the ocean like this? Does the layer of air around you protect it?"

"It's fine," Maribelle says. "The wood didn't even get wet. Besides, it's wrapped up in several layers of cloth and plastic and — and I'm not supposed to talk about it!"

Hazel begins, "Leo, the point is if Frank seems afraid of you, or uneasy, you've got to understand . . ."

"There you are!" Bythos's voice floats over towards the trio.

Bythos and Aphros float over with Frank between them, looking pale but okay. Frank studies the trio carefully, as if trying to read what they'd been talking about. Maribelle looks away from him.

"You are free to go," Bythos says. He opens his saddlebags and returns them their confiscated supplies.

Maribelle fastens her knives back onto her thighs.

"Tell Percy Jackson not to worry," Aphros says, "We have understood your story about the imprisoned sea creatures in Atlanta. Keto and Phorcys must be stopped. We will send a quest of merheroes to defeat them and free their captives. Perhaps Cyrus?"

"Or Bill," Bythos offers.

"Yes! Bill would be perfect," Aphros agrees, "At any rate, we are grateful that Percy brought this to our attention."

"You should talk to him in person," Leo suggests. "I mean, son of Poseidon, and all."

Both fish-centaurs shake their heads solemnly.

"Sometimes it is best not to interact with Poseidon's brood," Aphros says. "We are friendly with the sea god, of course; but the politics of undersea deities is . . . complicated. And we value our independence. Nevertheless, tell Percy thank you. We will do what we can to speed you safely across the Atlantic without further interference from Keto's monsters, but be warned: in the ancient sea, the Mare Nostrum, more dangers await."

Frank sighs, "Naturally."

Bythos claps Frank on the shoulder, "You will be fine, Frank Zhang. Keep practicing those sea life transformations. The koi fish is good, but try for a Portuguese man-of-war. Remember what I showed you. It's all in the breathing."

Frank looks down embarrassed.

"And you, Hazel," Aphros says, "Come visit again, and bring that horse of yours! I know you are concerned about the time you lost, spending the night in our realm. You are worried about your brother, Nico . . ."

Hazel grips her cavalry sword, "Is he — do you know where he is?"

Aphros shakes his head. "Not exactly. But when you get closer, you should be able to sense his presence. Never fear! You must reach Rome the day after tomorrow if you are to save him, but there is still time. And you must save him."

"Yes," Bythos agrees, "He will be essential for your journey. I am not sure how, but I sense it is true."

Aphros plants his hand on Maribelle's shoulder, but at the glare he slowly removes it and instead turns to Leo.

"As for you, Leo Valdez, stay close to Hazel and Frank when you reach Rome. I sense they will face . . . ah, mechanical difficulties that only you can overcome."

Great, more Hazel and Frank . . . Maribelle tries not to roll her eyes. She wonders what her mother was playing at, Maribelle didn't even insult her at their tea time with the others.

"Mechanical difficulties?" Leo asks.

Aphros smiles as if that was great news. "And I have gifts for you, the brave navigator of the Argo II!"

"I like to think of myself as captain," Leo says, "Or supreme commander."

"Brownies!" Aphros says proudly, shoving an old-fashioned picnic basket into Leo's arms, "In this basket you will also find the recipe. Not too much butter! That's the trick. And I've given you a letter of introduction to Tiberinus, the god of the Tiber River. Once you reach Rome, your friend — the daughter of Athena — will need this."

"Annabeth . . ." Leo says, "Okay, but why?"

Bythos laughs, "She follows the Mark of Athena, doesn't she? Tiberinus can guide her in this quest. He's an ancient, proud god who can be . . . difficult; but letters of introduction are everything to Roman spirits. This will convince Tiberinus to help her. Hopefully."

"Hopefully," Leo repeats.

Bythos produces four small pink pearls from his saddlebags, "And now, off with you, demigods! Good sailing!"

He throws a pearl at each of them in turn, and four shimmering pink bubbles of energy form around them.

They began to rise through the water. Then, they gained speed and rocket towards the distant glow of the sun above.