Percy didn't know whether to be happy to meet Hugo again. It hadn't even been that long since he sent the former assassin to deliver a message to his mother and find out what House Eurides was planning.
But even then he gave Hugo a careful smile and shook the man like nothing was wrong. His hands were dry and rugged, calloused from handling a blade all his life.
Hugo had the same grey hair and young face that confused Percy. His sunken eyes and the shadows under them were as unsettling as usual, but Percy never seemed unsettled by anything.
"As tough as ever, huh?" Hugo chuckled. "It's a pleasure to meet you again, Lord Perseus."
"Good job not dying out there," Percy returned. "Did you see anything interesting on your way back?"
"Yes, plenty… very strange things."
Barty clapped Percy on the shoulder, interrupting them. His wrinkled face cracked into a grin.
"You've grown taller, brat."
Percy put a hand on his head and measured it to Barty's.
