Summary

In Chapter 17, Apollo and Meg, tied together, appear in a darkened tunnel with a golden apple. Fearful of traps, they do not rush toward it. This enables Connor and Paolo to grab it even though they are pelted with cannon balls. Apollo and Meg continue on their way. They come to a fork. Down one tunnel is a bad smell, and down the other is a sawing sound. They choose to head down the tunnel with the smell. They come upon glowing vents above them, which Apollo reveals to be the omphalos, the navel of the ancient world. It is where the Chamber of the Oracle of Delphi is, as well as a golden apple. Just above, they hear the horrifying hiss of Python.

In Chapter 18, Apollo can never remember being more terrified, as he is now a powerless mortal against the powerful and...