The Burning Maze

Grover drives Meg and Apollo from Palm Springs to Malibu in Hedge’s Pinto. Apollo is struck by the unusually barren landscape and persistent wildfires. Along the way, he recalls the birth of Herophile and reflects that her name means friend of heroes. She was born in the Bay of Erythrae, and her singing caught the attention of Apollo, who “blessed her as one of [his] Oracles” (109). She roamed for 900 years to deliver prophecies, before finally returning home. Apollo last visited her in 1509, when he brought her to Rome to see Michelangelo paint her portrait on the Sistine Chapel’s ceiling. Now, Apollo regrets neglecting her and briefly wonders if Zeus was right to punish him for “the wrongs [he] had allowed to happen” (111). He resolves to free her from Caligula and the maze.

When Apollo and his companions arrive at the McLeans’ mansion, movers are carting out their possessions as Piper’s dazed father paces the driveway. Inside, Piper is rifling through dandelion yellow papers with “N. H. Financials” and “Division of Triumvirate” (117) on the letterhead. Apollo introduces himself. Piper suggests they “exchange bad news” (118) on the terrace.