‘We’ve got a few minutes at best,’ she guessed. ‘He’ll work his way free. Then he’ll come after us.’
Sadie groaned. ‘We need reinforcements. Sadly, I don’t have enough energy to open a portal, even if I could find one. Isis isn’t responding to me, either. She knows better than to show up and have her essence absorbed by Lord Cereal Bowl.’ She sighed. ‘I don’t suppose you have any other demigods on speed dial?’
‘If only …’ Annabeth faltered.
She realized her own backpack was still on her shoulder. How had it not slipped off during the fight? And why did it feel so light?
She unslung the pack and opened the top. The architecture books were gone. Instead, nestled at the bottom was a brownie-sized square of ambrosia wrapped in cellophane, and under that …
Annabeth’s lower lip trembled. She pulled out something she hadn’t carried with her in a long time: her battered blue New York Yankees cap.
She glanced up at the darkening sky. ‘Mom?’
No reply, but Annabeth couldn’t think of any other explanation. Her mother had sent her help. The realization both encouraged and terrified her. If Athena was taking a personal interest in this situation, Serapis truly was a monumental threat – not just to Annabeth but to the gods.
‘It’s a baseball cap,’ Sadie noted. ‘Is that good?’
‘I – I think so,’ Annabeth said. ‘The last time I wore it, the magic didn’t work. But if it does … I might have a plan. It’ll be your turn to keep Serapis distracted.’
Sadie frowned. ‘Did I mention I’m out of magic?’
‘That’s okay,’ Annabeth said. ‘How are you at bluffing, lying and trash-talking?’
Sadie raised an eyebrow. ‘I’ve been told those are my most attractive qualities.’
‘Excellent,’ Annabeth said. ‘Then it’s time I taught you some Greek.’
They didn’t have long.
Annabeth had barely finished coaching Sadie when the ruined building shook, debris exploded outward, and Serapis emerged, roaring and cursing.
Startled emergency workers scattered from the scene, but they didn’t seem to notice the fifteen-foot-tall god marching away from the wreckage, his three-headed staff spewing steam and red beams of magic into the sky.
Serapis headed straight in Sadie and Annabeth’s direction.
‘Ready?’ Annabeth asked.
Sadie exhaled. ‘Do I have a choice?’
‘Here.’ Annabeth gave her the square of ambrosia. ‘Demigod food. It might restore your strength.’
‘Might, eh?’
‘If I can use your healing potion, you should be able to eat ambrosia.’
‘Cheers, then.’ Sadie took a bite. Colour returned to her cheeks. Her eyes brightened. ‘Tastes like my gran’s scones.’
Annabeth smiled. ‘Ambrosia always tastes like your favourite comfort food.’
‘That’s a shame.’ Sadie took another bite and swallowed. ‘Gran’s scones are always burnt and rather horrid. Ah – here comes our friend.’
Serapis kicked a fire engine out of his way and lumbered towards the train tracks. He didn’t seem to have spotted Sadie and Annabeth yet, but Annabeth guessed he could sense them. He scanned the horizon, his expression full of murderous rage.
‘Here we go.’ Annabeth donned her Yankees cap.
Sadie’s eyes widened. ‘Well done. You’re quite invisible. You won’t start shooting sparks, will you?’
‘Why would I do that?’