Percy Jackson's Greek Gods (Percy Jackson and the Olympians companion #5.5) - Rick Riordan Page 0,34

return, we will know more.”

Again, Demeter wanted to protest. She was worried sick about her daughter, but she couldn’t think of a better idea, and she was grateful for this family’s hospitality. Also, she could use a few days’ rest.

Since her initial panic after the abduction, Demeter’s mood had started to shift to cold determination. In her heart, she knew Persephone was still out there—captured, but unharmed. Her motherly instincts told her so. No matter how long it took, Demeter would find her. And when she got her hands on the kidnapper…oh, her vengeance would be terrible. She would cover him in fertilizer, cause barley to sprout from all his pores, and laugh at his terrified screams as he transformed into the world’s largest Chia Pet.

Demeter smiled at Prince Triptolemus. “Thank you for your kindness. I accept your offer.”

“Excellent!”

“Goo,” said the newborn child Demophoon, gurgling contentedly in the queen’s arms.

Demeter gazed at the baby boy. Her heart filled with warmth and nostalgia. It seemed like just last century Persephone had been that small!

“Let me repay your kindness,” Demeter told the queen. “I’m an excellent nursemaid, and I know what it’s like being a new mom. You could use some sleep! Let me take care of your baby tonight. I promise to keep him safe. I’ll bless him with special charms against evil so he’ll grow up to be a strong, handsome hero!”

I’ve never been a mom, but I think I’d be pretty suspicious if some old lady off the street offered to watch my baby for the night. As you can probably tell, though, Queen Metaneira was a kindhearted, trusting person. She felt terrible for this old woman who had just lost her daughter. Also, it was true that Metaneira hadn’t been sleeping much since the baby came along.

“I would be honored,” the queen said, handing Demophoon to Demeter.

That night, the goddess rocked the baby by the fire. She sang him nursery songs from Mount Olympus, like “The Itsy-Bitsy Satyr” and “I’m a Little Cyclops.” She fed Demophoon nectar, the drink of the gods, mixed with his regular milk. She whispered powerful blessings to keep him safe.

I will make you immortal, little one, Demeter thought. It’s the least I can do for your kind mother. I will make you so strong no one will ever abduct you the way my poor daughter was abducted.

When the child dozed off, Demeter placed him in the blazing fireplace.

You’re probably thinking: Ah! She roasted the little dude?

No, it’s cool. The kid was fine.

Demeter’s magic protected him, so the flames only felt warm and pleasant. As Demophoon slept, the fire began burning away his mortal essence, starting the process that would turn him into a god.

In the morning, Queen Metaneira couldn’t believe how much her baby had grown. He’d put on several pounds overnight. His eyes were brighter and his grip was stronger.

“What did you feed him?” the queen asked in amazement.

Demeter chuckled. “Oh, nothing special, but I did promise to look out for him. He’s going to be a fine young man!”

At breakfast, Triptolemus announced that his riders had already left. He expected news in the next day or two. Demeter was anxious. She was half-tempted to keep traveling on her own, but she agreed to wait for the riders to return.

That night, Demeter again took charge of the baby Demophoon. She fed him more ambrosia and laid him down to sleep in fire. In the morning, she was pleased to see that he was immortalizing nicely.

“One more night ought to do it,” she decided.

When she gave the child back to the queen at breakfast, Metaneira wasn’t so thrilled. Her boy suddenly looked like a four-month-old rather than a newborn. She wondered what kind of magic Demeter was using, and whether it had passed the safety test for babies. Maybe the old lady was slipping some kind of growth hormone into Demophoon’s milk. In a few more days, the kid might have six-pack abs and hairy armpits.

Still, the queen was too polite to yell at her guest or throw accusations with no proof. She kept her doubts to herself. Secretly she hoped the riders would come back today, and the old lady would be on her way.

Unfortunately, the riders didn’t return.

“I’m sure they’ll be back in the morning,” Triptolemus promised. “Then we should have more information.”

Demeter agreed to stay one more night. This time, when dinner was finished, she took the baby from the queen without even asking, just assuming it was okay. Metaneira’s