Pegasus and the New Olympians Read Online Free PDF Page A

can.’
    While they spoke, Pluto opened the sack he was carrying, pulled out an ornate leather helmet and held it up.
    Paelen sucked in his breath. ‘That is your helmet of invisibility! Are you coming with us?’
    Pluto shook his head. ‘No, I must remain here to ensure my brother does not become suspicious. However, my helmet will be joining you on your quest.’
    ‘May I wear it?’ Paelen asked.
    ‘It is not for you,’ Pluto said.
    ‘For me?’ Joel asked hopefully. ‘I’ve read all about that helmet. It’s amazing.’
    Again, Pluto shook his head and said no.
    Finally Emily said, ‘It’s for Pegasus, isn’t it? So he can travel with us and not be seen.’
    ‘I am sorry, no. I wish I could give you something to keep Pegasus hidden, but I have only the one helmet to offer.’
    ‘If not us, who is going to wear it?’ Paelen asked.
    ‘I am.’ A voice came from behind them.
    Emily turned and her eyes flew wide at the sight of the Sphinx landing silently on the ground. She folded her eagle’s wings neatly and padded forward. As she walked past Joel, she brushed against him like a cat brushing against the legs of its owner at feeding time.
    ‘No way!’ Emily cried, feeling her temper rising. ‘You aren’t coming with us!’
    ‘Yes, she is,’ Diana said sternly. ‘This is the price you will pay for our cooperation in this. If you insist on returning to your world to see Tornado Warning, then Alexis is coming with you. She has great skills that will keep you safe.’
    ‘But she’s a … a …’ Emily struggled for the right word.
    ‘Careful, child,’ Alexis warned. She approached Emily and rose up on her lion’s hind legs. Her serpent’s tail swished in the air in annoyance as she rested her paws on Emily’s shoulder. Her claws were drawn. ‘We are not playing now, Emily. This is very serious. I have been told what is happening. Diana has asked me to accompany you to keep you safe. This is what I intend to do.’
    ‘You’re just going to spy on us,’ Emily challenged, forcing herself not to look at the Sphinx’s claws so close to her face.
    Diana moved forward. ‘Alexis, get down.’ She concentrated on Emily. ‘Alexis is not a spy. It is her job to keep you safe. You are the Flame of Olympus. You must be protected at all times.’
    ‘I can take care of myself,’ Emily challenged. ‘I beat the gorgons. You know I can control the Flame now.’
    Emily’s father stood with her. ‘Em, we all know you can control the Flame. But our world is a dangerous place – not just from the CRU.’ He looked over to Pegasus. ‘And I know you’ll do everything you can to keep her safe. But Alexis has special skills that you don’t. Diana tells me she can sense danger before it comes. She can move silently and swiftly and can read a person’s intentions. She will be an asset you can’t turn down.’
    Alexis held up a paw. ‘Thank you, Steve, but perhaps there is another way to settle this.’ She approached Emily. ‘I will ask you a riddle. If you answer correctly, I will not go. However, if your answer is wrong, I will go and you will say no more about it.’
    ‘You want to play a game?’ Emily demanded. ‘Now? Right before we leave?’
    ‘This is no game,’ Alexis answered seriously. ‘Either you will answer my riddle, or I will join you without your permission.’
    ‘Be careful, Em,’ Joel warned. ‘Alexis is the Sphinx.’
    ‘What’s that supposed to mean?’ Emily said.
    Alexis looked at Joel. ‘Say no more, Joel. This is between Emily and me.’ She concentrated on Emily. ‘Riddle me this …

    My shallow hills are the faces of kings
My horizon is always near
My music sends men to the grave
My absence sends men to work.
What am I?’

    Emily frowned as she tried to work out the simple riddle. Since Alexis was from Olympus, she figured the answer would have to be something Olympian. What shallow hills were in Olympus with a close horizon? None, so it is not a place. The next line