“
Meanwhile, the king of Athens was invited to the mess hall for a "get to know you" meeting.
"Please take a seat," Jason offered.
Kekrops wrinkled his nose. "Snake people do not sit."
"Please remain standing," Leo said. He cut the cake and stuffed a piece in his mouth before Piper could warn him it might be poisoned, or inedible for mortals, or just plain bad.
"Dang!" He grinned.
"Snake people know how to make
Bundt cake. Kind of orangey, with a hint of honey. Needs a
glass of milk."
"Snake people do not drink milk," Kekrops said. "We are lactose intolerant reptiles.
"Me too!" Frank said. "I mean . .. lactose intolerant. Not a reptile. Though I can be a reptile sometimes-"
"Anyway," Hazel interrupted, "King Kekrops, what brings you here? How did you know we'd arrived?"
"I know everything that happens in Athens," Kekrops said.
"I was the city's founder, its first king, born of the earth.
I am the one who judged the dispute between Athena and Poseidon, and chose Athena to be the patron of the city."
"No hard feelings, though," Percy muttered.
Annabeth elbowed him. "I’ve heard of you, Kekrops. You were the first to offer sacrifices to Athena. You built her first shrine on the Acropolis.
"Correct." Kekrops sounded bitter, like he regretted his decision. "My people were the original Athenians- the gemini."
"Like your zodiac sign?" Percy asked. "I'm a Leo."
"No, stupid," Leo said. "I'm a Leo. You're a Percy.
”
”