The camel bellowed and farted, which made me appreciate it even more. Then I realized Annabeth was looking up into the storm, where two falcons spiralled above the courtyard.
We could regroup, maybe come back with a few dozen demigod friends and some heavy artillery.īefore I could decide, something completely random changed the equation.Ī full-sized camel dropped out of the sky and crushed Setne flat.įor a split second, I thought she was calling the camel Sadie. Being the son of Poseidon, I’d have the upper hand underwater. I wanted to punch Setne in his heavily mascaraed eyes, but if I could get Annabeth to the shore we could jump into the harbour. I weighed my options: direct attack or strategic retreat. After all we’d been through, I was not going to let our lives end this way – devoured by a wannabe Elvis god with a pillbox hat. Not to worry, though! Your essence will live forever right here … next to my, uh, pancreas, I think.’ ‘Now, if you don’t mind, I really need to consume you both. ‘Oh, you can learn a lot about someone from devouring their prized possession.’ Setne patted his stomach. You’ll give me lots of nourishment!’Īnnabeth struggled to her feet. You two have had some interesting adventures. I need my nutrition …’ He tilted his head as if listening to something in the storm. Riptide had been consumed – sucked into Setne’s body along with the bricks, the broken glass and several cubic feet of sod. I had a feeling that wasn’t going to happen this time. I’d lost my sword before on a few occasions, but it always reappeared in pen form back in my pocket.
The thing is, Riptide was my most important possession. My voice sounded shrill – like a little kid who’s just had his lunch money stolen. Once gravity returned to normal, I realized I’d left something important behind. Wood, stone and glass vaporized as they were absorbed into Setne’s body. Clouds of debris spun around the magician.