True Success Requires Sacrifice.

Neither Torch Nor Dagger," Annabeth Said Firmly. "there Is A Third Test, Which I Will Pass." "a Third Test?" The Pater Demanded. "mithras Was Born From Rock," Annabeth Said, Hoping She Was Right. "he Emerged Fully Grown From The Stone, Holding His Dagger And Torch." The Screaming And Wailing Told Her She Had Guessed Correctly. "the Big Mother Knows All!" A Ghost Cried. "that Is Our Most Closely Guarded Secret!" Then Maybe You Shouldn't Put A Statue Of It On Your Altar, Annabeth Thought.

The Meeting Was Like A War Council With Donuts. Then Again, Back At Camp Half-blood They Used To Have Their Most Serious Discussions Around The Ping-pong Table In The Rec Room With Crackers And Cheez Whiz, So Percy Felt Right At Home.

Grand Buildings Made Her Feel Better--maybe Because Being In A Place So Permanent Made Her Feel More Permanent.

I Wondered If I Would Appear On A Temple Wall Painting Someday. A Blonde Egyptian Girl With Purple Highlights Running Sideways Through The Palm Trees, Screaming "yikes!" In Hieroglyphics As Neith Chased After Me. The Thought Of Some Poor Archaeologist Trying To Figure That Out Almost Lifted My Spirits.

Just His Luck He Was Related To This Grubby Old Dude. He Hoped All Sons Of Neptune Didn't Share The Same Fate. First, You Start Carrying A Man Satchel. Next Thing You Know, You're Running Around In A Bathrobe And Pink Bunny Slippers, Chasing Chickens With A Weed Whacker.