“
Grover took his reed pipes out of his pocket. “No searcher has ever come back. Once they set out, they disappear. They’re never seen alive again.” “Not once in two thousand years?” “No.” “And your dad? You have no idea what happened to him?” “None.” “But you still want to go,” I said, amazed. “I mean, you really think you’ll be the one to find Pan?” “I have to believe that, Percy. Every searcher does. It’s the only thing that keeps us from despair when we look at what humans have done to the world. I have to believe Pan can still be awakened.” I stared at the orange haze of the sky and tried to understand how Grover could pursue a dream that seemed so hopeless. Then again, was I any better? “How are we going to get into the Underworld?” I asked him. “I mean, what chance do we have against a god?” “I don’t know,” he admitted. “But back at Medusa’s, when you were searching her office? Annabeth was telling me—” “Oh, I forgot. Annabeth will have a plan all figured out.” “Don’t be so hard on her, Percy. She’s had a tough life, but she’s a good person. After all, she forgave me.…” His voice faltered.
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