XLI

As the Argo II docks at Piraeus, Piper refuses to relax, expecting trouble. Three snake-tailed men arrive, led by Kekrops, who claims to be the first and eternal king of Athens. He brings Bundt cake and warns that approaching the Acropolis aboveground would mean destruction by onagers, storm spirits, gryphons, and Earthborn.

Kekrops proposes an alternative: a small team of no more than three demigods can traverse his people’s tunnels and infiltrate the Acropolis to disable the siege weapons and disrupt the giants’ ceremony to awaken Gaea. Piper senses hidden motives and tests him by singing. Under her voice’s compulsion, Kekrops admits he intends to lead them into a trap and kill them to fulfill Gaea’s demands.

Pressed, Kekrops explains his bitterness toward Athena for replacing him, driving his daughters mad, and forcing the original snake-people—the gemini—underground. He insists Gaea has promised them a place in the sun. Piper counters that Gaea will destroy the upper world, but Kekrops remains loyal to the Earth Mother. Under continued song, he confirms the defenses and that the tunnels can get a small team inside undetected.

The group weighs options. Hazel volunteers but Kekrops says the gemini would kill a child of the Underworld on sight. Annabeth reasons that she and Percy’s divine associations with Athena and Poseidon will mask their scents at the Acropolis, and Piper must come to control Kekrops. Despite Jason’s concern about splitting up and Percy’s reminder that Gaea wants Percy and Annabeth’s blood, the plan emerges as their best chance.

Annabeth, Frank, Hazel, and Leo step aside to refine strategy while Piper keeps Kekrops subdued with another tune. The chapter ends with Percy and Jason acknowledging the risk as Percy prepares to enter the tunnels with Annabeth and Piper to sabotage the onagers and create an opening for the rest of the crew.