I pressed PLAY and started up Chiron's favorite--the All-Time Greatest Hits of Dean Martin. Suddenly the air was filled with violins and a bunch of guys moaning in Italian. The demon pigeons went nuts. They started flying in circles, running into each other like they wanted to bash their own brains out.

You have a humming dodo bird," I said stupidly.

At first I was protecting you two because I promised. Now even if I hadn't promised, I would. You two are like kittens to me. I won't fail you again." I'll admit I got a lump in my throat. I'd never been called someone's kitten before. Sadie sniffled. She brushed something from under her eye. "You're not going to wash us, are you?

I'll let you and Zia have some quality time," she told me. "Just the two of you and your coat.

I hoped they couldn't run very fast with those stubby little legs and flippers, but they waddled along pretty well.

Why are they so sad?” I asked. “Well, they’re dead,” Carter speculated.

It's just Annabeth mom jeez!