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  YOU'RE TIIE STAR OF THE 
  '".1i
  STORY CHOOSE, NROM 50 POSSIBLE, E,NDINCS.
  . -.--a-- 
  '-.-.a :: 
  ,, i ::=ia:
  ILLUSTRATED BY RON WINC
  BY DE,BORAH LERME COODMAN
  
  ANYTTIING CAN HAPPEN
  IN YOUR SEARCH FOR THtr MIGHTY ZEUSI
  You've been magically transported back to ancient Creece
  by the goddess Athena. Your task: find Zeus, king of
  Olympus. But Zeus could be anywhere. Where should
  you start?
  Athena knows some others who might help you ftnd
  Zeus. If you decide'to ubit Persephone, who's about to
  make a terrifying trip to the underworld, tum to page 9.
  If you decide to meet lcarus, who wants to fly with wings
  made of feathers and wax, tum to page 7. Be areful!
  You might end up battling the fierce Minotaur-part bull,
  part man:-or be trapped by the sea god Poseidon at
  the bottom of the ocean...or Aou could euen become a
  godyourself!
  What happens next in the story? lt all depends on the
  choicesyou make. How does the story end? Onlyyou can
  find out!And the best part is that you can keep reading
  rrno our! Ano rne Desr Pan rs rnar you can Keep reaorng
  and rereading until you've had not one but manA incred-
  CHOOSE YOUR OWN ADVENTURE@
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  KIDS CAN'T STOP READING"
  THE CHOOSE YOUR
  OWN ADVENTURE@ STORIES!
  "l like Choose Your Own Adventure books be-
  cause they're full of surprises. I can't wait to read
  more."
  -Cary Romanos, age 72
  "Makes you think thoroughly before making de-
  cisions."
  -Hassan 
  Stevenson, age 11
  "l read five different stories in one night and that's
  a record for me. The different endings are fun.''
  -Timmy Sullivan, age 9
  "lt's great fun! I like the idea of making my own
  decisions."
  -Anthony Ziccardi, age 11
  And teachers like this series, too:
  "We have read and reread, worn thin, loved,
  loaned, bought for others, and donated to school
  libraries our Choose Your Own Adventure
  books."
  CHOOSE YOUR OWN ADVENTURE@-
  AND MAKE READING MORE FUN!
  
  .,'
  Bantam Books in the Choose Your Own Adventureo Series
  Ask your bookseller for the books you have missed
  THE CAVE OF TIME
  JOURNEY UNDER THE SEA
  BY BALLOON TO THE
  SAI-IARA
  SPACE AND BEYOND
  THE II,IYSTERY OF
  CHIMNEY ROCK
  YOUR CODE NAME IS
  JONAH
  THE THIRD PTANET FROM
  ALTAIR
  DEADWOOD CIry
  WHO KILLED HARLOWE
  THROI{BEY?
  THE LOST JEWELS OF
  NABOOTI
  IVIYSTERY OF THE MAYA
  INSIDE UFO 54-40
  THE ABOMINABLE
  SNOWMAN
  #28 MOUNTAIN SURVIVAL
  #29 TROUBLE ON PI-ANET
  EARTH
  #30 THE CURSE OF
  BATTERSLEA HALL
  #31 VAMPIRE EXPRESS
  #32 TRFASURE DIVER
  #33 THE DRAGONS' DEN
  #34 THE NrySTERY OF THE
  HIGHTAND CREST
  #35 JOURNEY TO STONEHENGE
  #36 THE SECRET TREASURE
  OF TIBET
  #37 WAR WITH THE EVIL
  POWER MASTER
  #38 SABOTAGE
  #39 SUPERCOMPUTER
  #40 THE THRONE OF ZEUS
  #41 SEARCH FOR THE
  MOUNTAIN GORILTAS
  #42 THE IvIYSTERY OF
  ECHO LODGE
  #43 GMND CAMON ODYSSEY
  #M THE MYSTERY OF URA
  SENKE
  #45 YOU ARE A SHARK
  #46 THE DEADLY SMDOW
  #47 OUTTAWS OF SHERWOOD
  FOREST
  #48 SPY FOR GEORGE
  WASHINGTON
  #49 DANGER AT ANCHOR MINE
  #50 RETURN TO THE CAVE OF
  TIME
  #51 THE MAGIC OF THE
  UNICORN
  #52 GHOST HUNTER
  #53 THE CASE OF THE SILK KING
  #54 FOREST OF FEAR
  #7
  #2
  #3
  #4
  #5
  #6
  #10
  #77
  #12
  #13
  #7
  #2
  #3
  #4
  #5
  CTIOOSD YOUR OIryN ADVENTURE@ . 40
  THE
  THRONE
  OT'ZDUS
  #7
  #8
  #9
  #74 THE FORBIDDEN CASTLE
  #15 HOUSE OF DANGER
  #16 SURVIVAL AT SEA
  #77 THE RACE FOREVER
  #18 UNDERGROUND
  KINGDOM
  #19 SECRET OF THE
  PYRAMIDS
  #20 ESCAPE
  #21 HYPERSPACE
  #22 SPACE PATROL
  #23 THE LOSTTRIBE
  #24 LOST ON THE AMAZON
  #25 PRISONER OF THE
  ANT PEOPLE
  #26 THE PHANTOM
  SUBMARINE
  #27 THE HORROR OF HIGH
  RIDGE
  BY DEBOMH LER},ID COODMAN
  ILLUSTMIDD BY RON WINC
  Att RL Montgomery Book
  BANTAM B@KS
  TORONTO. NEW YORK . LONDON . SYDNEY . AUCKLAND
  Choose Your Own Adventureo Books for young readers
  THE CIRCUS
  THE HAUNTED HOUSE
  SUNKEN TREASURE
  YOUR VERY OWN ROBOT
  GORGA. THE SPACE
  MONSTER
  #76
  #17
  #78
  #79
  #20
  #27
  #22
  #23
  #24
  #25
  #26
  #27
  #28
  #29
  #30
  #31
  #32
  DRAGONS!
  WILD HORSE COUNTRY
  SUMMER CAMP
  THE TOWER OF LONDON
  TROUBLE IN SPACE
  MONA IS MISSII.IG
  THE EVIL WZARD
  THE POI-AR BEAR EXPRESS
  THE MUMlvfY'S TOMB
  THE FLYING CARPET
  THE MAGIC PATH
  ICE CAVE
  FIRE!
  THE FAIRY KIDNAP
  RUNAWAY SPACESHIP
  LOST DOG!
  BLIZTARD AT BTACK SWAN
  INN
  #6 THE GREEN SLIME
  #7 HELPI YOU'RE SHRNKING
  #8 INDIAN TRAIL
  #9 DREAM TRIPS
  #10 THE GENIE IN THE BOTTLE
  #11 THE BIGFOOT IVIYSTERY
  #72 THE CREATURE FROM
  MILLER'S POND
  #13 JUNGLE SAFARI
  #74 THE SEARCH FOR
  CFlAMP
  #15 THE THREE WISHES
  
  as well
  To Gram,
  for your stories,
  as your continuing faith
  RL 5, L age 10 and up
  THE THRONE OF ZzuS
  A Bontnm Bcn,k Lhnwry 7985
  CHooSE YC|(JR OWN ADVENTUBEo's o tqi:*erd M 
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  ,IIIfTII} 
  IN THf U:ITED STATES OF AMERICA
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  WARNING!!!
  Do not read this book stuaight through from be-
  ginning to end! These pages contain many dif-
  ferent adventures you may have during your visit
  to ancient Greece. From time to time as you read
  along, you will be asked to make a choice. Your
  choice may lead to success or disaster.
  The adventures you take are a result of your
  choice. You are responsible because you choose!
  After you make your choice, follow the instuc-
  tions to see what happens to you next.
  Think carefully before you make your move. In
  this ancient land, gods and heroes are unpredict-
  able. Are you fated to return tiumphantly to your
  own time . . . or to vanish into Greek legend for-
  ever? You're about to find out.
  Good luck!
  
  I
  For months, you and your grandmother have
  waited for your parents to refurn home to Athens.
  Their archaeological digs often take them to dis-
  tant parts of Greece, but they have never been
  gone so long before. Your mother and father have
  unearthed a throne they believe was made for the
  ancient Greek god Zeus. They're convinced it is
  the first trace ever discovered of Olympus, palace
  of the gods. You had been eager to hear about
  their excavations and see pictures of the throne,
  but now that your parents are home, they seem
  upset.
  "The university has threatened to discontinue
  the excavation," says your father. "We need hard
  evidence by the end of the summer to convince
  them that this throne could only have been made
  for Zeus."
  "What kind of eidence?" you ask.
  Turn to poge 3.
  
  3
  -:-
  "We need something that clearly links the
  throne to Zeus. A crown inscribed with his name
  would help. A stone tablet listing the laws of
  Olympus would be ideal, but we don't know if
  such a thing ever existed," your mother answers.
  "Talk to Zeus," murmurs your grandmother,
  clearing the table.
  Turn to page 5.
  
  1
  ftr tuee da6 you cling to the plank. The sun
  scorctr€s 1rur face and arms. You are so parched
  tra pn ty drinking seawater, but it only makes
  ynu feverish and sick. As you slip into uncon-
  ri:usness,, you dream of Zeus.
  FIe dts on a throne that looks just like the one
  your parents discovered. "l know you want to ask
  a farrcr for your parenb," Zeus tells you, "but I
  will grant them a different wish than the one you
  had in mind. I will save your life and return you to
  your own century but they will have to continue
  their excavation without my assistance." Zeusle-
  moves a gold ring from his hand and puts it on
  one of your fingers. The ring is much too big for
  you, and you have to clench your fingers to keep
  it from sliding off.
  You awaken to the white glare of a hospital
  room. Your grandmother is sitting beside you.
  Without a hace of surprise, she points to a mas-
  sive gold ring on your hand and says, "l see you
  found Zevs."
  5
  "Have you ever talked with Zeus?" you ask
  your grandmother later as you help her wash the
  dishes.
  'A few times," she replies. "On the summer
  solstice, the ancient gods take special interest in
  mortal beings. Sometimes they appear on earth.
  Why, I have even walked with Zeus!"
  "Tomorrow is the solstice," you say, shivering
  with excitement. "Maybe if I can talk to the gods, I
  can help Mom and Dad find the evidence they
  need. Since they won't ask Zeus for clues, I'll do it
  myself! But tell me, Gram, where can I find
  Zeus?"
  "l can't tell you that." She kisses you good
  night. "You have to discover Zeus on your own."
  All night, you wonder where you might find
  Zeus. You can't envision him appearing in your
  modern apartment, but you can imagine him
  stiding comfortably through an ancient temple.
  You decide to spend the summer solstice at the
  Acropolis, the site of the famous temple ruins
  o'.rerlooking Athens.
  The End
  Turn to page 8.
  
  7
  "Close your eyes and I'll take you to Crete.
  You'li like lcarus," says Athena. Piacing her
  hands on ycur shoulders, she spins you around
  until you become almost unbearably dizzy. Fl-
  nally Athena releases you.
  You find yourself in a narrow passaEe with high
  stone u.,alls. There is no ceiling, and the sky above
  you is dazzlinglg biue. A startled man and boy,
  both draped in loose white clothing, are staring at
  you"
  "l've been in the sun too long, Icarus." says the
  man, rubbing his fofehead wearily. "l'rn having
  ,Jsionsl"
  "No" you're not!" you cry" 'Athena brought me
  here to find Zeus."
  "You've come to the wrong place if you're
  looking for Zeus," says the rnan. bitterly. "l don't
  suppose Athena sent any water with you, did
  she!"'
  You shake your head.
  "lf this isn't just like the gods," comments the
  man. "They don't bring you water when you're
  dying of thirst" No, instead, they bring you a vis-
  itor in furnny ciothes."
  "Maybe Athena brought the visitor io help us
  escape," suggests Icarus. Then he tells you,
  "Dorr't mind rny father. He's upset about our
  problem."
  "What's wrong?"
  Turn to poge 15.
  
  8
  After telling your grandmother of your plans,
  gnu wait until late afternoon to go to the Acrop-
  db. There are many tourists snapping pictures of
  the marble ruins, but you know from previous
  vidts trat the guards will usher everyone out at
  firre o'dock You survey the area as you plan your
  oilrrse of action.
  Chain link fences encircle each of the ancient
  sancfuaries. The Parthenon is the largest, most
  important temple, and the one you think Zeus
  would be most likely to visit. Unfortunately, it also
  attracts the greatest number of people, and you'll
  have a hard time entering it unseen. Maybe you
  should try the Shrine of Artemis Brauronia. There
  aren't as many people around it.
  9
  "Fine," answers Athena. "l'll take you to Per-
  sephone, in the fields of Enna." She grasps your
  shoulders and twirls you around. Your feetfly off
  the ground as you spin through a silvery fog.
  When your body pops into place again, you find
  yourself in a vast meadow.
  A girl about your age look up from a bed of
  lilies and says, "That's strange clothing you're
  wearing. Are you one of Athena's friends from
  another place in time?"
  "Why, yes," you answer, surprised. 'Athena
  brought me here to look for Zeus. Do you ever
  see him?"
  "Quite often," the girl answers. "You've come
  to the right place. My name is Persephone."
  As you and Persephone stroll through the
  meadow, you see wisps of smoke wafting out of a
  deep gorge slashed into the earth.
  Persephone notices a flower at the edge of the
  chasm. "l can smell that flower from here!" she
  cries, and races toward the stange blossom.
  lf yau & 
  to sneok into the Parthenon,
  turn to poge 37.
  U yot ffi,I 
  X * 
  to hide in the Shrine of
  fuElfis &ualronio, hnn to page 12.
  Go on to the netd page.
  
  You sniff the air, but all you smellis sulfur. Sud-
  denly a gleaming black chariot drawn by ebony
  horses dashes out of the chasm. Without stop-
  ping, the driver yanks Persephone into the
  chariot. You make a dash and hurl yourself in just
  before the chariot plunges back into the depths o{
  the chasm
  Noticing you, the driver wryly comments,
  "Very few ever choose to join me."
  "Who is he?" you ask Persephone.
  "Hades." she whispers, "lord of the under-
  world." Her face has turned deathly white.
  Turn to poge 76.
  
  t:2
  C6.'at'lur sfioll around the remains of the
  Shrhre c{ ArtemE Brauronia, hoping the other
  vlsilrs uril l€erp soon. At last, when no one is
  9nu dart under a half-fallen pillar and
  wedge yourself between two gigantic blocks of
  stone- By hrrtiling yrour neck just a bit, you dis-
  cover that you harrc a clear vietv of the Parthenon
  across the way.
  Although you are exhemely uncomfortable,
  you wait quietly as the guards make their rounds.
  The setting sun casts a rosy glow on the marble
  ruins, but you're not in a mood to admire the
  scenery.
  Soon after the moon rises, you notice a soft
  At first you
  light radiating from the interior of the Parthenon.
  At first vou think it must come from the flashlioht
  come from the flashlight
  of a night watchman, but then you begin to won-
  der if it could be Zeus!
  lf you daide to *ay nght where you are,
  turn to page 28.
  lf you & 
  to in*erligote the source ot' hght,
  turn to poge 74.
  13
  You walk out of Hades' palace toward the gate
  where Cerberus stands guard. One of his heads is
  napping, but the other two watch you intently
  and growl. This wakes the third head. Imme-
  diately it bares its teeth too.
  Even if Cerberus is quite different from any
  other dog you've known, you remind yourself
  that he's still just a dog-though a dog with three
  heads and the tail of a serpent. You whistle to the
  beast and slap your hands on your thighs. "Come
  here, pup!" you call, tqlng to keep your voice
  from quivering.
  Cerberus saunters over and sniffs your shoul-
  ders. Your hands hemble as you reach up, past
  your head, to pet the beast. He seems to like you!
  You break off a branch from a nearby tree and
  throw it. "Bring me the stick!" you instruct Cer-
  berus. fu he romps off to retrieve it, you get an
  idea!
  Turn to page 40.
  
  t4
  You run torlard the Parthenon and clamber
  over the fience- Breathlessly you stumble up the
  steps. Behind the pillars, the light is pale and
  misty. A rall woman in white robes stands at the
  center of the temple.
  15
  'A few years ago, my father, Daedalus, built
  this Labyrinth to imprison the Minotaur, a horrible
  beast that is half-bull and half-man," Icarus ex-
  plains. "Only now King Minos is angry with us,
  and we're stuck in the maze too."
  "There are miles of corridors, but only one way
  out," adds Daedalus ruefully. "Unless we escape
  soon, we will die of thirst---or be eaten by the
  Minotaur."
  "Let's get going!" you exclaim. "We've got to
  get out of here fast!"
  "There's no sense in moving about," snaps
  Daedalus. 'At best, you'll only make yourself
  more thirsty, and at worst, you'll meet the
  Minotaur. Calm down and help us think of a solu-
  tion."
  It' you answe\ "l'm sorry to leaue you, but I
  want to get on with my search t'or Zeus,"
  turn to page 79.
  It' you decide to stay with lcarus and Doedalus,
  turn to page 22.
  
  r6
  What haw you gdten yourself into? you won-
  der.
  The chariot races through gnm, gray caverns.
  Farther ahead, a bizarrely iridescent river shim-
  mers with the only colors in the underworld land-
  scape.
  "The river Styx," murmurs Persephone, "the
  river of hate." As the horses fly over it, you gaze
  into the dark water. You're not sure if you bar-
  gained for this.
  Should you jump into the river Styx and get
  away, or continue further into the underworld
  with Persephone?
  t7
  "l'm sorry," you say, "but I can't tell you where
  the Bull of Minos is."
  Hercules scowls with rage. Wthout a word, he
  grabs your wrist and begins swinging your body
  in circles. Excruciating pain shoots up your arm.
  You wonder if a change of plan might be a good
  idea-but by then, you're too dizz.1 to speak.
  Suddenly Hercules releases you. With
  breathtaking speed, you sailthrough the air. Your
  body burns fiercely and seems to shatter into sev-
  eral pieces. You lose consciousness.
  A new group of stars appears in the sky that
  night, right beside the constellation of Gurus the
  Bull. People name the new constellation "Guard-
  ian of the Bull," and tell stories about your valiant
  attempt to resist Hercules.
  The End
  $ you leap into the water,
  It' you remoin in the chonot,
  turn to page 70.
  turn to page 31.
  
  18
  "Welcome to my temple," the woman says
  warmly as she offers you her hand.
  You're too frightened to take it. You barely
  manage to stammer, "You're not Zeus!"
  She laughs. "Of course not! I'm Athena,
  daughter of Zeus. If you wanted to meet my fa-
  ther, you shouldn't have come to my temple."
  Gingerly, you take her hand. You are surprised
  to find that it feels remarkably like your nrother's.
  "Can you take me to Zeus?" you ask.
  "l can bring you back to ancient times, and
  give you power to speak and understand the lan-
  guage," Athena offers, "but you'll have to find
  Zeus on your own."
  "How will I know where he is?"
  "l can't tell you where to find Zeus," Athena
  explains. "The trick is to athact his attention by
  doing something he'll find exciting."
  She thinks for a moment. " I know two people
  who are about to have intriguing experiences.
  Persephone doesn't know it yet, but she's going
  to be spending a lot of time with Hades, one of
  Zeus' brothers. Icarus is on the island of Crete
  right now, and he's-well, let's just say he has an
  adventure ahead of him. Would you like me to
  take you to Persephone or lcarus?"
  lf you say, "Please take me to Persephone,"
  turn to page 9.
  lf you answer, "l'd like to meet lcarus,"
  turn to page 7.
  L9
  "Good luck with your search for Zeus," says
  Daedalus with a hace of scorn, "but I have a leel-
  ing it's the Minotaur-not a god-that you'll find."
  You wander through the Labyrinth without any
  sense of direction. As the hours pass, you grow
  thirsty and tired. Just when you begin to wonder
  if you should have stayed with Icarus and
  Daedalus, you take another left turn and find
  yourself facing the strangest creature you've ever
  seen-the Minotaur!
  You freeze with terror. The Minotaur towers
  above you, equally still. Its head and torso are
  those of a huge black bull, but its arms and legs
  are human. You wonder whether you should try
  to reason with the beast or just run for your life.
  If you summon all your couroge and ot't'er the
  Minotaur your hand, turn to page 27.
  lf you turn on your heels and t'lee,
  turn to page 29.
  
  20
  In less than an hour, Hermes refurns with Per-
  sephone in Hades' chariot. You're relieved to see
  that she is out of her trance.
  "Climb in," Hermes calls to you. The three of
  you ride past the jagged rocks of the underworld,
  over the river Styx, and into the light of day.
  After you return Persephone to the field where
  you found her, Hermes turns to you. "Where
  shall I take you, my friend?"
  "l would like to meetZeus." You describe your
  parents' discovery of the throne of. Zeus.
  Hermes stares at you intenfly. "You say you
  live thousands of years in the future? Oh, I would
  love to trade places with you! And I could, if you
  aEtee."
  "l don't think I understand," you reply.
  "We can exchange lives," Hermes explains.
  "You'll become a god, and I'll go into the future
  and take your place."
  "But you don't look like me. My family will
  know you're not me."
  "We'llstep into each other's bodies, too. Only
  you'll step into an immortalbody," says Hermes.
  "Unfortunately, since you weren't born a god,
  you'll have all our powers except time fravel."
  Imagine being a god! That would be a thou-
  sand times better than just meeting one! But what
  about your family and friends?
  It' you agree to exchange liues with Hermes,
  turn to page 42.
  lf you say, "I'd mther just meet Zeus and then
  go home," turn to page 32.
  2t
  Walking through the dark and barren halls of
  Hades' palace, you feel scared, but also sad and
  very lonely. There are no people, no doorways,
  no rays of sunlight. You are so relieved when you
  finally reach a shiny crimson door that you do not
  think twice about opening it.
  Immediately, you wish you'd been more cau-
  tious. Three hideous old women with snakes for
  hair greet you with outstretched arms. You let out
  a blood-curdling scream and shut your eyes, but
  the gruesome sight burns in your mind.
  A surprisingly gentle voice says, "You may
  know us as the 'Furies,' but we stand for fairness,
  not just for rage."
  Although you open your eyes, you still cannot
  bring yourself to look at the three women.
  "We want to help gou," says another of the
  Furies. "You don't belong in the underworld, and
  it.is not fair of Hades to keep you here."
  "l just wanted to meet Zeus," you explain,
  stealing a glance at the Furies. You describe your
  parents' archaeological discovery and the trou-
  bles they've been facing. "l have to find a way for
  them to prove they've found Olympus."
  The three Furies look at each ottrer and smile.
  Suddenly, they begin to fly around you with such
  speed that they are tansformed into a dark whirl-
  wind. It is perfectly calm in the center of the tor-
  nado, where you stand, and you feel yourself
  slowly rising into the air. You lose track of qtery-
  thing except the black wind that surrounds you.
  Turn to poge 25.
  
  23
  You wait until twilight so you will be less visible.
  Then you climb on top of Icarus and Daedalus,
  falling off a couple of times before you manage to
  hoist yourself to the top of the wall. You survey
  lhe maze. Within minutes, you find a way to
  reach the entrance to the Labyrinth. Balancing
  carefully, you walk along the top of the walls as
  Icarus and Daedalus follow below.
  Go on to the next poge.
  You, Daedalus, and Icarus sit
  in the Labyrinth in silence. After a
  few hours, you begin to wonder if Athena
  has abandoned you. You think about
  dying and imagine your soul floating past
  the walls of the Labvrinth to heaven.
  "That's it!" you s'hout, jumping to your feet.
  "The way out of here is up!"
  "How do you propose we fly?" Daedalus asks
  sarcastically.
  "We won't fly, we'llwalk," you tell him. "lf lca-
  rus climbs on your shoulders and I climb on top
  of his, I should be able to reach the top of these
  walls. Once I'm on top, I'll be able to see a way
  out and I'll lead you."
  Icarus slaps you on the back. "l knew you'd
  save us!"
  
  21
  ',;,' .:: a: .-t g'ou leave the maze, you hug each
  --=: -:-a:.:'. "l xnow some caves on the coast
  ...:.:= .;.; :a: ::oe until we figure out a way to
  =:Sl3t€ .::= '::s island." says Daedaius. "You're
  '.,,e.con:e io corne u'ith us-or you can visit the
  palace oi l(ng Minos right over there. Minos may
  know how to find Zeus."
  lf W, go with /corus and Daedalus,
  turn to page 45.
  It' you head touorci rhe palace. turn to page 33.
  25
  The next thing you know, you're back in
  Athens, in your own bed. The morning light is
  streaming through the windows and your father is
  shaking you.
  "Wake up!" he exclaims. "Your mother and I
  are going back to the excavation. Last night I
  dreamed we unearthed allkinds of new evidence
  underneath the throne of. Zeus. I know it sounds
  crazy, but in my dream, a black tornado drilied
  into the ground there, revealing crowns, ancient
  tablets-everything we need to prove our the-
  ory!"
  "l dreamed about a black tornado, too," you
  say as you rub your eyes.
  "How interesting," replies your father, but you
  can tell he's not really listening. Before you can
  say anything else, he leaves your room. You hear
  him hurry down the hall.
  Sure enough, your parents discover more than
  enough evidence to prove they found Olympus.
  And the day the famous Olympian artifacts first
  appear in the museum in Athens, a black tornado
  whips through the center of the city. The whirl-
  wind creates much fear and commotion, but it
  causes no deskuction at all.
  The End
  
  27
  The Minotaur slowly extends his hand to grasp
  yours. The beast is tembling just as much as you
  are.
  "You are the first person who has not run away
  from me," whispers the Minotaur hoarsely. Al-
  the Minotaur shyly.
  Turn to page 30.
  
  a3
  From the Shrine of Artemis, you gaze, tans-
  fixed, at the light inside the Parthenon. You are so
  mesmerized that you fail to notice another light
  moving toward you untilit beams directly on your
  face.
  You are blinded. "Zet)s?" you callexpectantly.
  "Stay where you are!" answers a voice that
  sounds very human and unmistakably angry. Be-
  fore you can run, the watchman grabs your arm
  roughly and drags you away from the shrine,
  From the guards' office, he phones the police.
  You remember this summer solstice for the rest of
  your life, although not for the reasons you had in
  mind.
  The End
  29
  You turn and run. The Minotaur lunges after
  you as you race through the Labyrinth. The
  blood pounding in your ears muffles the sound of
  the beast's ferocious roars. Even though you mn
  more swiftly than you ever thought possible, this
  is not a race you are destined to win.
  The End
  
  t
  30
  You briefly think about rescuing lcarus and
  Daedalus, but decide to escape immediately.
  Within minutes, you and the Minotaur are free.
  "We'll have to leave the island or the king is sure
  to find me," he tells you as he scans the horizon.
  'As I recall, the harbor is in ihat direction. Maybe
  we can escape on a boat."
  You leap onto the Minotaur's back. and to-
  gether you race to the harbor. You see sailors
  loading cargo onto a boat and consider asking if
  they'll take you and the Minotaur on board. You
  doubt they'll greet the'Minotaur warmly. You
  could try to sneak aboard and hide instead, but
  concealing the Minotaur ruvon't be easy.
  If you decide to explain your situation to the
  soi/ors, turn to page 43.
  If you decide to hide with the Minotaur,
  turn to page 76.
  31
  It may be safer to stay in Hades' chariot-wher-
  ever it's taking you.
  The chariot lands smoothly on the other side of
  the river. In a few minutes you arrive at a somber
  palace surrounded by high walls. The sbangest
  creafure you've ever seen waits by the gate. It is a
  gigantic dog, much bigger than you are, with
  three heads and the tail of a serpent. He trots over
  to the chariot and frolics alongside.
  "This is my dog, Cerberus," Hades explains.
  "He is always friendly when someone enters my
  kingdom. I must warn you, however, that if you
  attempt to leave my land, Cerberus willchew you
  to the bone." You smile weakly and pat one of
  the dog's heads. Cerberus licks your hand with an
  unnaturally cold tongue.
  Hades leads you and Persephone down a
  gloomy hall to a pair of black marble thrones.
  "You will be my queen here forever, Per-
  sephone," says Hades as he gestures gallanfly to
  the thrones, "so banish all memories of the Land
  of the Living." Nodding toward you, Hades re-
  marks, "You, too, will remain in my kingdom for
  all eternity."
  Turn to page 36.
  
  32
  "Well, I'm disappointed you won't trade lives
  with me," says Hermes, "but I'lltake you as close
  to Olympus as I can. Zeus is very particular when
  it comes to mortal visitors, so I'll have to see if I
  can get an invitation for you."
  You ride through groves of silvery trees, past
  orchards and villages, over the steepest moun-
  tains in Greece to a smallpeninsula. "Wait here,"
  he tells you.
  Moments later, he returns with Athena and
  Zeus. "Welcome to Olympus!" says Zeus cor-
  dially. You can't take your eyes off his robe. It
  seems to be woven of rainbows and lightning.
  "Your grandmother and I are old friends," Zeus
  continues. "l look forward to talking with you.
  But let's have a bite to eat first."
  You say goodbye to Daedalus and Icarus and
  head for Minos' palace. From outside, the palace
  is not nearly as impressive as you thought it
  would be. Inside, however, the walls are vividly
  painted with large scenes of acrobats, dolphins,
  and monkeys. You wander through the brightly
  decorated corridors, occasionally poking your
  head into the rooms you pass.
  In one room, you spot a pile of coarsely woven
  tunics. To avoid arousing suspicion, you sub-
  stitute a tunic for your own clothing. You hide
  your clothes at the bottom of the stack of tunics.
  Feeling more confident now that you are well
  disguised, you ask the first servant you see to lead
  you to the king.
  Twnto ge B.
  Go on to the next page.
  
  v
  The stone benches along the walls of the
  throne room are filled with people. Minos sits on
  a special throne, also carved of stone. It looks a
  little like the throne of Zeus your parents dis-
  smaller. Kneeling before
  yourself and ask, "May I
  "Even the most stupid person in Crete knows
  the king should not be approached so boldly,"
  says Mnos scornfully. "l could have you killed for
  such impudence! Where are you from?"
  35
  You pause as you struggle to decide how to re-
  spond. He might be impressed if you tell him
  Athena brought you to Crete, but on the other
  hand, he might think you are lying.
  lf you say, 'Athena brought me here so I could
  look t'or Zeus," turn to page 39.
  lf you reply, "l am on orphan t'rom the other
  side of the islond," turn to page 63.
  
  36
  Persephone sits down silently on the throne,
  staring blankly into space. You don't understand
  what has come over her, but it's clear that she
  won't be able to help you escape.
  You're determined not to spend the rest of your
  life in the underworld, though. "l'm going to ex-
  plore the palace," you announce with false cheer-
  fulness.
  You wonder whether you should try to sneak
  past Cerberus or look for another escape route.
  Cerberus is certainly a frightening obstacle, but
  who knows what other terrors stand between you
  and the Land of the Living?
  37
  Slowly you circle the Parthenon, waiting for the
  crowd to thin out. When it does, you quickly
  scramble over the f.ence, run up the stairs to the
  temple, and hide behind an immense column.
  You wait nervously as the shadows grow longer.
  You listen to the guards making their rounds, and
  your heart beats so loudly you feel certain they
  will hear it. Finally the sky darkens and the first
  stars begin to appear.
  "Oh, please," you wish out loud, "let me meet
  Zeus. No one wants to meet him more than I do."
  No sooner do the words leave your lips than a
  small white spark flashes next to you. At first you
  think it's a firefly, but then you notice five, six,
  seven sparks bursting like popcorn.
  As the tiny flashes continue, you hold your
  breath with fear and fascination. Then, to your
  amazement, the sparks form into a tall and grace-
  ful woman wearing white robes.
  lf you try your luck with Cerbents,
  turn to page 73.
  lf you search t'or onother way out ot' the palace,
  turn to page 27.
  Turn to page 78.
  
  38
  Zeus leads you to an enormous table sur-
  rounded by immense thrones. You gaze in awe at
  the gods and goddesses gathered around the
  table. You imagined they would be dignified, but
  instead they tease one another and laugh so hard
  the table trembles. Zeus creates a small cloud for
  your seat, and you sit down to enjoy the meal.
  When the last morsel of food has been de-
  voured, Zeus takes you aside. "l have a souvenir
  for you," he says, handing you a shovel made of
  mirrors. "lf you use this shovel, you will be able to
  unearth every last trace of Olympus. Just follow
  the tug of this tool and you will find more than
  you have ever dreamed of."
  You thank Zeus and return to your cloud seat.
  When you sit, however, you discover it is no
  longer firm. . . . You sink into silvery vapors and
  tumble through time.
  When the mists clear, you find yourself home,
  still clutching your souvenir from Zeus.
  The End
  39
  Minos raises his eyebrows. 'Athena brought
  you here? What business do you have with
  Zeus?"
  "l live thousands of years in the future," you
  say. "My parents are hying to prove they've dis-
  covered Olympus, but everyone thinks lhey're
  crazy.l came to get help from Zeus."
  Nervous laughter fills the room, but Minos ig-
  nores it. He leans forward and eyes you intently.
  "Tell me about life in the future."
  "Well," you pause, wondering where to begin,
  "we have machines that carry people through the
  air. We also have machines that carry people over
  land. They're a little like chariots, I guess, but they
  don't need horses for power. We have rockets
  that travel through outer space, and people have
  even walked on the moon."
  "Man has stepped on the moon?" asks Minos,
  incredulously.
  "Yes," you assure him, " and now we're trying
  to reach other planets."
  "This is fascinating!" says Minos. "Never mind
  about becoming a servant. I want to hear more
  about the future. Your knowledge will help my
  kingdom become gleat."
  You spend the rest of your life at the palace of
  Minos. Under your guidance, Crele becomes an
  unusually advanced civilization. You're proud of
  your contribution, but sometimes you awake in
  the middle of the night and wonder why Athena
  abandoned you and if your parents were ever
  able to prove their archaeological discovery.
  The End
  
  40
  You throw two branches close to each other.
  Cerberus catches each of the limbs in a different
  mouth. Then you throw three branches, stillvery
  close together. Cerberus eagerly retrieves them.
  Finally, mustering up all your strength, you
  fling three branches as far as you can, but each in
  a different direction. One of Cerberus' heads
  spots the first limb and sets off after it. The second
  and third heads strain as they shuggle to go in
  other directions. One head snarls at another and
  nips the third one. Suddenly all three heads are
  fighting!
  Wasting no time, you slip through the gate.
  Even though you're not sure where you are
  going, you run as fast as you can away from the
  palace. Bef.ore long, you reach the river Styx. You
  are surprised to see an old man in a hooded cloak
  guiding a raft across the river. When he notices
  you, he waves and approaches the shore.
  (t'
  \I 
  G
  10
  o
  Turn to page 46.
  00,
  
  42
  "l'll frade lives with you on one condition," you
  tell Hermes. "You must promise to help my par-
  ents prove they've discovered Olympus."
  Hermes grins. "l know where Zeus keeps all his
  teasures. I'll make your parents famous."
  Hermes places his hand gently over your face
  and tells you to do the same to him. A throbbing
  pulse, much stronger than a heartbeat, fills your
  body. Hermes removes his hand from your face
  and says, "Now take your hand away."
  You are startled beyond words to see your own
  face and clothing on someone else. Hermes' en-
  tire body has changed into your own! You realize
  you're wearing his robe and winged sandals.
  Suddenly panic seizes you. "How will I know
  how to be a god? How wili I recognize the other
  gods?"
  "Don't worry," Hermes replies. "You'll recog-
  nize Zeus the same way I'll recognize your par-
  ents, because we've added each other's
  knowledge and experiences to our own."
  Sure enough, you realize you do know exactly
  how Zeus looks. You even know where to find
  him. You hug Hermes-now yourself-goodbye.
  Wth the last of his godly powers, Hermes whisks
  himself through time.
  You begin to run toward Olympus. Your body
  feels weightless, and your feet barely touch the
  ground. When you finally see the splendor of
  Olympus, there is no doubt in your mind that
  you're going to like being a god!
  (}
  "Hello!" you call as you climb aboard the boat.
  The Minotaur tails behind you uneasily.
  A sailor turns to answer you, but before the
  words leave his lips, he spots the Minotaur and
  screams. The next thing you know, you and the
  Minotaur are frapped under a fishing nel
  "l just want to ask a favor," you cry as you
  sttrggle to free yourself from the heavy net The
  sailors ignore your pleas as they gather the net
  tightly around both of you and secure it with
  ropes.
  The sailors congratulate themselves. "King
  Mnos is sure to reward us generously for catching
  the Mnotaur and its accomplice!" one exclaims
  gleetully.
  As you wait for the king's arrival, you know you
  are doomed.
  The End
  The End
  
  M
  With Daedalus, you travel by boat to Athens.
  You want to begin your search for Zeus as soon
  as you arrive, but Daedalus disagrees. "You can't
  look for Zeus the same way you might look for a
  friend in the marketplace! You must attract Zeus
  to you. If you become my apprentice, I'll teach
  you to be such a clever craftsman that Zeus will
  surely take notice of you."
  You consent. Daedalus shows you how to
  make magical things-wooden flutes that play
  the songs of nightingales, clay urns that never run
  out of water, special nets that turn fish into pearls.
  At first, you awaken each day with the hope
  that Zeus will visit you. But as the years pass, and
  your work becomes even more wondrous, you
  forget about Zeus, and even your family. After all,
  you are so rich that even the king of Athens ad-
  mires you.
  The End
  45
  All through the night, the three of you trudge
  across the island toward the caves. You climb
  heacherously rocky hills and pass olive trees that
  glimmer like silver in the moonlight, but you are
  so troubled by a vague worry that you pay little
  attention to the scenery. Near dawn, you reach
  the caves. Resting against a cool stone, you fall
  into a fitful sleep.
  A few hours later, you awake with a dishessing
  realization. You remember that your grandmother
  used to tell you a story about Icarus and
  Daedalus when you were younger. In the legend,
  they used special wings to fly away from Crete.
  The part when Icarus falls into the sea and
  drowns always made you so sad that your grand-
  mother finally stopped telling you the tale.
  Maybe it's not a true story you think. But what
  if it is? As you stumble out of the cave, you decide
  to speak to Daedalus about your fears.
  Turn to page 48.
  
  46
  "l don't remember meeting you before," says
  the old man as he pulls his raft ashore, "but I sup-
  pose I must have. I've been at this job since the
  beginning of time, and it's getting to be too much
  for me."
  "l don't think we've met," you reply, extending
  your hand. "Who are you?"
  "Charon, ferryman of the dead," he answers
  wearily.
  "l'm tryring to reach the Land of the Living,"
  you explain.
  Charon laughs scornfully. "You and millions of
  others. I can't help you. The passengers I carry go
  only in one direction-toward Hades."
  "But I'm not dead!" you exclaim impatienfly. "l
  don't belong in the underworld."
  "None of the inhabitants of the underworld be-
  lieve they belong here," says Charon. "l'll admit,
  though, you do have a certain vitality I don't see
  very often around here. And where did you get
  such unusual clothing?"
  "ln the twentieth century where I come from,
  these are very normal clothes. You see, I'm just
  visiting your time. I need to get on with my search
  lor Zeus."
  47
  Charon laughs. "You're pretty amusing. How
  would you like to become my apprentice? I'd
  welcome a joke every now and then."
  "l would bring dead people across the river on
  your rqft?" you ask. The idea of transporting
  bodies makes your skin crawl.
  "Under my close supervision," answers
  Charon. "Don't worry, it's not unpleasant work.
  The passengers are souls, not reeking corpses."
  Working for Charon might offer the best
  chance for escape from the underworld, but you
  wonder how long you would have to wait for the
  right m6ment. Should you try to swim across the
  river Styx on your own?
  $ you agree to become Charon's hpprenhce,
  turn to poge 87.
  It' you decide to swim, turn lo poge 75.
  Go on to the next page.
  
  48
  You find Icarus and Daedalus constructing
  large wings just outside the cave. They sew the
  long feathers together and bind the smaller ones
  with beeswax. Smiling at you, Icarus says, "Your
  idea of looking upward for escape inspired my
  father. We're going to fly off this island!"
  Your stomach sinks. "l don't think that's a good
  idea," you stammer.
  'And why not?" asks Daedalus, not looking up
  from his work.
  "Something bad will happen. I just know it
  will," you insist.
  "Nonsense!" snorts Daedalus. He grabs your
  arm and yanks you into the cave. "l don't want
  you putting ideas in Icarus' head!" he snaps.
  "Just because you figured out a way to escape
  from the Labyrinth, don't think you're the only
  one with good ideas. Let me tellyou something-
  all through Greece I'm known for my clever
  schemes."
  "People in my country speak of your inven-
  tions, too," you reply. "We tell a story about the
  wings you are building. In the story the beeswax
  melts when Icarus flies too close to the sun. He
  drowns."
  Turn to page 53.
  
  50
  You decide not to tY to escaPe.
  When Poseidon returns, he announces that
  wrap 
  ankles'
  Yb 
  on around
  your 
  !"
  ' Ze 
  u and Pulls
  uou out of the water. "You're a mortal being, not
  i water nymph!" he exclaims. "No wonder you
  want to eicape from Poseidon!"
  51
  "Give me an arrow!" Hercules bellows, but
  you ignore him. He sneers as the Daughters of
  the Evening Land embrace you. "l'll show you I
  don't need the help of a pipsqueak! I can tear this
  dragon to shreds with my bare hands!"
  You watch Hercules wrestle with the beast.
  Each time the dragon snaps at Hercules, he yells
  with surprise, and you're smugly pleased to see
  him stuggle. Only when the dragon finally chases
  Hercules away does a quiet peace descend over
  the garden.
  "He'll be back," you tell the Daughters. "He
  doesn't gve up."
  "We know," one replies, "but at least we'll have
  one more evening."
  "Now dream," another whispers. You feel
  yourself drifting into a delightful sleep.
  When you awake, you are in your own bed in
  Athens. You have no memory of your ancient ad-
  ventures. You can't remember
  how you got home from
  the Acropolis, but a
  dream about meeting
  Athena lingers fainfly
  in your mind.
  As you climb
  out of bed, you notice
  a golden apple beside your pillow.
  You spend the rest of your life wondering where
  that apple came from.
  Turn to page 54.
  The End
  
  52
  "Quick!" you cry. "lnto the caves!" You and
  Icarus run into the caverns and crawlthrough ser-
  pentine tunnels. After several hours of waiting,
  you are convinced you've eluded Daedalus. You
  are eager to leave the damp darkness of the
  caves.
  When you finally emerge, you see a bearded
  man in a robe that seems to have been woven of
  rainbows and sunlight. Turning to you, he says, "l
  am Zeus. Remember, you are mortal." Before
  you can respond, he continues, "l conhol mortal
  fates and you do not. I understand why you
  wanted to prevent the death of your friend lcarus,
  but life and death are my responsibilities. I do not
  welcome interference."
  "l'm sorry," you whisper, although you really
  aren't at all sorry.
  "What do you think I should do with lcarus? I
  have not planned anything-a wife, children,
  even a job-for his future," Zeus muses.
  Icarus bites his lip in terror.
  "Send him home with me to the twentieth cen-
  tury!" you suggest.
  Zeus is silent for a moment, then grins. 'That's
  a fine idea! His presence should stir up a lot of
  excitement in your century."
  Icarus drops to his knees and murmurs,
  "Thank you, great Zetxl"
  Turn to page 700.
  53
  ..^"Where do you come from?" asks Daedalus.
  "Do you mean to tell me that everyo.," in you
  country tells stories about things ihat ha,Jen,t
  even happened yet?"
  - "l liv-e in Athens, but thousands of vears in the
  tuture," you explain ;'y" callwhat you are doing
  now 'ancient historv.
  , Daedalus laughs.-"1 thought you were jealous,
  but now I see that you're fu.f.rury. But don,t
  w9yy, I'll tell Icarus not io fiv to. [lit.lA-nd,,' h"
  adds, winking as he gives you a littlJpoke, ,,b"t_
  ter not fly too high yourself.,'
  lf you try to percuade lcants not to fly,
  turn to page 60.
  If you decide you'ue had enough ot' Doedalus
  and want to concentrate on liang Zeus,
  turn to poge 96.
  
  il
  You tell Zeus about your advenfures in ancient
  Greece and explain your parents' archaeological
  project. "Please tell me how I can help them
  prove they've found the real Olympus."
  "l'd be happy to assist such a worthy en-
  deavoq" Zeus replies. He picks up a shell and
  clenches it tightly. When he gives it to you, you
  see that the shell has turned to gold. It pulses
  genfly in your hand.
  "Just concentrate and this shell will lead you to
  whatever you seek," says Zeus.
  "That's tenific! Thanks so much!" you exclaim.
  "But how do I return to the twentieth century?"
  Zeus smiles and points to the shell. "Close your
  eyes and think of something you want to find.
  Imagine a chair in your home, for instance."
  When you open your eyes, you are sitting in
  your rocking chair, holding the magic shell.
  The End
  55
  He thanks you profusely. "l slipped into the
  gully two days ago," he explains, '.and I was be-
  gi 
  out. If you come
  w 
  I'rn sure he,ll re_
  w,
  '.\9, Ty father is the god of the sun, Helios,
  and I'm Pha€ton."
  _ "You're kiddingl Does your father live on
  Olympus?"
  "l don't think so," answers phariton. ,,My
  mother said he lives in the Palace of the Sun.',
  "You mean you're not sure?"
  iof
  :l
  . Your h.eart pounds with excitement as you
  imagine.driving the chariot that brings daylg6t to
  the earth.
  "Do you want to come with me?" phaEton
  asks.
  _ "Sure!" you reply, and the two of you set off for
  the Palace of the Sun.
  Turn to page 57.
  
  56
  "l'll come with you," you say to Hercules, and
  you tie up the Bull of Minos.
  You follow Hercules to a wide pasture filled
  with red cattle. As you help round up the herd, a
  two-headed dog springs onto your back, knock-
  ing you to the ground. It is as big as a small car-
  so big that it could easily smother you. When it
  bares its teeth in a ferocious snarl, dark foam
  drips from its jaws. You stuggle to scream, but
  even your vocal cords are paralyzed with fear.
  Suddenly you hear the sound of crunching
  bone as Hercules smashes both of the dog's fierce
  heads. He carries it to the top of a nearby hill and
  hurls the body into the sea. You hy to catch your
  breath and rise to your feet. Your heart is still
  pounding uncontrollably when you see
  Geryoneus, an immense monster with three
  bodies attached to one grotesque head, grab Her-
  cules from behind.
  As you watch Hercules grapple with the mon-
  ster, you realize how fierce an opponent
  Geryoneus is-even for a hero as powerful as
  Hercules. You're determined to help Hercules,
  but how?
  lf you decide to throw roclcs at the monster,
  turn to page 79.
  It' you try to distract the monster by running
  close to it, turn to page 61.
  57
  _ As you walk with Phadton through the night,
  he talks about driving the chariot olthe sun and
  you explain your search for Zeus. When you
  notice light glowing on the horizon, you poinlout
  the sunrise to Phadton.
  "lt's not dawn yet," he answers. "l think that is
  the light of my father's palace."
  had
  su 
  , the
  lig 
  pal-
  "Father?"
  "Yes, it's me," Helios says. "l'll take off my
  crown of light so you'll be able to see me."
  Go on to the next page.
  
  58
  59
  , \\,
  .,__ 
  lil
  Your eyes stop burning and you open them
  cautiously. Although the light is still bright, you
  can see a tall man dressed in golden robes. Phad-
  ton introduces you and describes how you res-
  cued him. Then he complains that his friends
  don't believe he is the son of a god.
  'As proof that I am your father," says Helios, "l
  will grant you anything you desire."
  Phadton does not hesitate. "There is only one
  thing I want. Just once, let me drive your chariot
  across the sky."
  Turn to page 62.
  
  60
  Later in the day, you approach Icarus while he
  is gathering feathers on a nearby hillside. He
  waves and exclaims, "l can't wait to fly!"
  "lcarus, we can't fly," you pant as you stumble
  toward him. "lt's too dangerous. We'll die!" As
  the words leave your lips, you suddenly wonder
  whether or not you are destined to survive the
  flight.
  "Don't be afraid," says lcarus kindly. "My fa-
  ther is brilliant. None of his inventions has ever
  failed."
  "This one is destined to fail," you retort. A new
  idea occurs to you, and you tell him, "l've been
  warned by the gods that you will fly so close to
  the sun that the wax in your wings will melt. You'll
  fall to the sea and drown!"
  Icarus is silent for a moment, then says sol-
  emnly, "ls that why Athena sent you here?"
  "Yes," you nod. You feel a bit guilty for lying,
  but you remind yourself that perhaps Athena
  does want you to save lcarus.
  "l still want to fly," Icarus replies, "but I promise
  I'll fly below you the entire time. I'll stay as far
  from the sun as you like. Is that all right?"
  lf you agree, turn to page 66.
  It' you canl brtng youtself to go along with this
  plan, and say goodbye to lcarus and Daedalus,
  turn to page 96.
  61
  Mustering all your courage, you race up the hill
  where Hercules and Geryoneus are fighting.
  Standing only a few feet from the monstLr, you
  wave your arms and jump around to catch its at-
  tention. Sure enough, Geryoneus turns its enor-
  mous head toward you.
  One of the monster's hairy arms yanks you off
  your feet. Geryoneus stumbles away from Her-
  cules, gripping you tighfly with all six of its arms.
  The monster dashes into a cave at the bottom of
  the hill.
  runs after you, but not quickly
  the time he reaches the cave, you
  become Geryoneus' Iunch.
  The End
  
  62
  "Not even Zeus can drive my chariot!" Helios
  exclaims with horror. "l doubt a mortal being
  could survive the journey! Please, Pha€ton, re-
  consider your request while I reward your friend."
  Helios turns to you. "l owe you Phadton's life. I
  will give you anything."
  You desperately want to drive the chariot of the
  sun, but Helios' warning makes you wonder if in-
  stead you should ask him to introduce you to
  Zeus.
  It' you're deterrnined to driue the chanot ot' the
  sun, turn to page 709.
  It' you say, "l would like to meet Zeus,"
  turn to page 88.
  63
  "There is no one in your village who can care
  for you?" asks Minos with surprising sympathy.
  "No," you reply solemnly.
  "Theo," says Minos to one of his attendants,
  "fuain this orphan to tend the cows."
  You work very hard, feeding and milking the
  royal herd. One day, Theo announces that he
  wants you to guard the Bull of Minos.
  "lt is a sacred beast, a gift from the god
  Poseidon," Theo explains. "lt is hidden in the
  hills. Only a few of us know the location."
  The Bull of Minos is an enormous white crea-
  ture that rarely takes notice of you. Wth two other
  servants, you take turns guarding it.
  One day, as you walk to the pen to begin your
  shift of guard duty, a large man wearing a leopard
  skin approaches you. You can't take your eyes
  away from the massive muscles that ripple with
  every move he makes.
  "My name is Hercules," he says quietly.
  "Maybe you've heard of me."
  Of course you've heard of Hercules! This is al-
  most as exciting as meeting Zeus!
  "l'm trying to find the Bull of Minos," Hercules
  explains.
  "Why?" you ask.
  Hercules sighs. 'A few years ago, I went in-
  sane. In a fit of rage, I killed my wife and children.
  As punishment, the king of Mycenae lras given
  me twelve labors to perform. They are very a?
  duous. For one of the labors, I have to steal the
  Bull of Minos."
  Turn to page 67.
  
  65
  You lead Hercules to the Bull of Minos. Wth
  just the slightest struggle, Hercules grabs the bull
  by its horns and flings the animal over his shoul-
  ders.
  "Come on," he tells you, "we're going to the
  island of Erytheia next."
  "Do you think Zeus will be there?" you ask
  hopefully.
  Hercules shrugs. 'All tr know is I have to get red
  cattle from Geryoneus. Between the monster
  Geryoneus and its two-headed dog, this is going
  to be a tough labor."
  At the mention of the word "monster," you re-
  alize just how dangerous the next task will be.
  You're not happy, but you say nothing.
  You sail to Erytheia with Hercules and the bull
  in a giant golden cup. It's like a boat, except that it
  has no sailand seems to move wherever Hercules
  Hercules pulls
  eds to yank a
  "This hee will make a great weapon," he says,
  noting your gaze. "Do you want to help me with
  this battle or guard the bull?"
  The battle promises to be more exciting, but
  also dangerous. Guarding the bull would be
  safe . . . unless Geryoneus spots and attacks you
  before it sees Hercules!
  lf you follow Hercules into the hills of Erytheio,
  turn to page 56.
  lf you uolunteer to watch the Bull of Mnos,
  turn to page 74.
  
  66
  You and lcarus spend the next few days gather-
  ing feathers while Daedalus fashions three pairs of
  wings. Icarus talks constanfly about flying, while
  you quietly ponder your fate. How can you be
  sure your wings will survive the fierce heat of the
  sun?
  Daedalus ties them to your arms and explains
  how they work. "Just remember," he teases,
  "don't fly too close to the sun."
  Icarus catches your eye. "We won't," you reply
  in unison.
  You walk to a cliff overlooking the sea.
  Daedalus takes a running leap over the edge.
  Frantically flapping his wings, he manages to fly.
  It's your turn next, and you say goodbye to Ica-
  rus.
  As you run to the edge of the cliff, you're so
  terrified you can hardly breathe.
  lf you continue running, determined to fly,
  turn to page 72.
  If you decide you'd rather not nsk your lit'e in
  t'light, turn to page 85.
  67
  "Why should I show you where the bull is?"
  you ask. "Ill only get myself into touble."
  "Maybe I can do you a favor in exchange,"
  Hercules says.
  "Maybe," you agree. You explain your quest
  and ask, "Could you help me find Zeus?"
  "Zeus is my father, so I do see him every now
  and then," replies Hercules, "but first, I have to
  finish the twelve labors."
  You are afraid of what Hercules might do to
  you if you don't let him steal the bull. Yet you
  know King Minos well enough to worry about
  what he'll do when he learns you betrayed him.
  And who knows how long it will take Hercules to
  accomplish the remaining labors before he can
  introduce you to Zeus?
  lf you agree to show Hercules the Bull ol Mnos
  in exchange for his help in finding Zeus,
  turn to page 65.
  lf you ret'use to help Hercules at all,
  turn to page 77.
  
  68
  After Daedalus leaves, you spend a few days
  exploring lcaria. But Zeus is nowhere to be
  found. Each time you pass Icarus' grave you're
  overwhelmed with sorrowful memories. Finally
  you decide to continue your search in another
  part of Greece.
  Maybe working on a boat will offer you a
  chance to investigate many places. You wait at
  the harbor until a ship docks, then ask the captain
  if you may join his crew. He welcomes you
  warmly, but a sly glint in his eyes makes you ner-
  vous. Although he doesn't ask you about what
  you're wearing, he offers you a new set of clothes.
  While some of the sailors show you around the
  ship and explain the work, a boy about your age
  comes aboard. He is exceptionally handsome,
  and his clothing is very fine. "My name is Di-
  onysus. I will pay you to take me to the island of
  Naxos," he says to the crew. The captain agrees
  eagerly, and the ship sets sail.
  Although you are glad to leave lcaria, a sixth
  sense warns you that something is wrong. During
  the night, your suspicions are confirmed when
  you overhear a conversation between two sailors.
  Go on to the nert page.
  69
  "l don't like the captain's order to kidnap the
  rich boy," mutters one.
  "You will, you will," replies the second sailor.
  "Once we have the ransom, you'll be glad we
  have such an enterprising leader."
  Kidnap Dionysus! You wonder what the cap-
  tain plans to do with you! Casually-although
  your heart is pounding fiercely-you stroll away
  from the sailors and explore the deck.
  Sure enough, you spot Dionysus bound to a
  mast and gagged. Three oarsmen guard him, but
  none of them see you. You wonder what you
  should do.
  lf you decide to mind your own business ond
  stay out ot' trouble, turn to page 89.
  lf you are determined to help Dionysus,
  turn to page 98.
  
  70
  You take a deep breath and hurl yourself out of
  Hades' chariot.
  The icy waters of the river Styx swallow you.
  By the time you struggle to the surface, Per-
  sephone and Hades have disappeared. You begin
  swimming to the shore, but you feel dangerously
  weak. Each sfuoke of your arms seems to require
  more strength than you can muster. Your body
  feels tenibly heavy as the river Styx drags you
  into its murky depths.
  The End
  7t
  "What is the name of the island?" you ask
  Athena as she carries you toward it.
  "Until today, it had no name," she answers,
  "but from now on, it willbe called Icaria in honor
  of your friend."
  Athena deposits you on the coast of the island.
  Before you can ask her any more questions, she
  disappears abruptly. You look around aniously,
  trying to understand how she left so quickly, but
  all you can see is Daedalus swimming to shore
  with the body of Icarus. The boy's limbs, as well
  as his wings, are broken. His head hangs lifelessly
  toward his chest. You feel so sad that you wonder
  if it was a mistake to come to lcaria.
  "l'm so sorry," you stammer uncomfortably.
  "Don't apologize," Daedalus replies woefully.
  "You warned me and I ignored you. It's all my
  fault."
  You help Daedalus bury his son and hy your
  best to comfort him. You remind him that you
  need to find Zeus.
  "Well, come to Athens with me," suggests
  Daedalus.
  "Have you ever seen Zeus in Athens?"
  "No," Daedalus replies, "but the most exciting
  things happen in Athens, so I'm sure Zeus must
  visit frequenfly."
  It' you decide to join Daedalus, turn to page tl4.
  lf you decide to make sure Zeus isn't on lcaria,
  turn to page 68.
  
  72
  You close your eyes and jump off the cliff. You
  catch a gulp of air and beat your wings with all
  your might, but continue to fall. It isn't until you
  are within a few feet of the sea that your descent
  slows and you begin to fly upward. The wings
  work!
  Flapping harder, you soar into the sky. You
  glance over your shoulder and see lcarus flutter-
  ing safely behind you. You slow your flight until
  he is direcfly below you.
  "Don't worry," he calls. "l'll stay with you."
  As your confidence grows, you experiment
  with a few daring swoops. You ty flying figure
  eights. Icarus mimics all your motions, and to-
  gether you travel far from the island oI Crete.
  When you look toward the sun to check your
  distance, you notice a woman in white robes fly-
  ing above you! When she calls your name, you
  realize that she is Athena. She motions for you to
  join her-and forgetting Icarus, you soar higher.
  You are still far from Athena when you begin to
  feel heat on your back. The light is so bright that
  you have to squint. You remember lcarus and
  look for him. To your horror, he is flying just be-
  low you! Before you have a chance to say any-
  thing, you notice feathers fluttering off his wings.
  You look at your own wings with alarm. Drop-
  lets of wax are sliding along the larger feathers,
  and many small feathers have come loose!
  Just then, you feel yourself starting to sink.
  Turn to page 78.
  
  74
  Hercules waves goodbye as he sets off to steal
  the red cattle. You feed the Bull of Minos some
  grass, then decide to go for a swim. The water is
  so warm and calm that you relax despite yourself.
  You float near the shore and gaze atthe cloudless
  sky.
  Suddenly a cold rush of water envelops your
  body, gripping you tightly. An unseen force drags
  you underu,rater and pulls you further from shore.
  At first you're sure you're drowning, but then you
  realize you are able to breathe underwater. This
  discovery makes you only a little less frightened.
  As your eyes adjust to the salty water, you see a
  large human shape that seems to be made of
  nothing more than thousands of dark green whirl-
  pools.
  "l gave that bull to Minos!" the creafure roars.
  "Who are you?" you ask. Water rushes into
  your mouth and fills your lungs.
  "Poseidon, god of the oceans."
  "Well, I'm sorry about the bull," you stammer.
  "l don't want apologies, I want revenge,"
  Poseidon bellows. "Help me tap Hercules and
  I'll let you go. Otherwise, I'll keep you here for-
  qter."
  You hate the idea of spending the rest of your
  life undenwater with Poseidon, but you'd feel
  awful about betaying Hercules.
  lf you refuse to help Poseidon,
  turn to page 705.
  lf you agree to lure Hercules into the ocean,
  turn to page 774.
  75
  "Thanks," you tell Charon, "but if you won't
  caffy me across the river, I'lljust swim."
  Charon laughs devilishly. "So many souls have
  attempted the same folly."
  You hesitate and survey the river more care-
  fully. It is not very wide, and the current isn't swift.
  You decide to ignore Charon's comment and step
  into the icy water. He makes no attempt to stop
  you.
  As you swim through the iridescent waves, you
  feel your stength ebbing away. By the time you
  reach the opposite shore, you are too weak even
  to stand. You are, in fact, lifeless.
  Charon floats across the river and lifts your
  limp body onto his raft. "No one survives the
  river Styx," mutters Charon. "Just one more soul
  to carry across the water."
  You spend eternity in the underworld.
  The End
  
  76
  When no one is watching, gou and the
  Minotaur board the boat and hide below the
  deck. You wedge yourself between sacks of grain
  and the Minotaur crouches nearby among crates
  of clucking chickens.
  You have
  barely settled
  into place
  when the
  Minotaur
  loudly
  exclaims,
  "The boat is
  leaving the
  dock!"
  "Quiet!"
  you whisper.
  "We can't
  say a word,
  or they'll
  hear us!"
  The sea
  becomes
  frightfully
  turbulent
  during the night.
  Thunder rumbles
  and the chickens squawk.
  The boat lurches from side to side.
  You hear water rush along the deck, and the
  Minotaur moans beside you.
  Maybe you should climb above to see what's
  77
  happening on deck. You want to know how se-
  rious the storm is, but is it worth the risk that one
  of the sailors might see you?
  lf you moke your way onto the deck,
  turn to page 87.
  lf you stoy with the Minotaur below deck,
  turn to poge 84.
  
  78
  You crash into lcarus. A tangle of feathers,
  bodies, and sticky wax, the two of you plummet
  toward the sea with breathtaking speed. Sud-
  denly you find yourself in Athena's arms. A sec-
  ond later, you hear the splash of Icarus hitting the
  water.
  "We have to save him!" you cry. "lt's all my
  fault!"
  "You're not to blame," Athena explains. "lca-
  rus had to die this way- None of us can change his
  fate. Now, tell me-shall I drop you off on that
  island over there, or do you want me to carry you
  over Greece for a while?"
  It' you'ue had enough of flying ond osk Athena
  to cany you to the island, turn to page 71.
  It' you decide to suruey ancient Greece t'rom the
  air with Athena, turn to page 80.
  79
  Quickly you gather an armload of rocks and
  hide behind a bush. Gking careful aim, you hurl
  a stone at Geryoneus' back. The monster pauses
  and looks around, grving Hercules a chance to
  land a forceful punch in its face. Your second
  stone hits Geryoneus direcfly in the eye, stunning
  it for a moment. Hercules knocks the monster to
  the ground and kills it with an arrow.
  Hercules slaps you on the back and says, "l
  don't know if I could have won that battle without
  your help." Together, you lead the red cattle to
  the golden cup and set sail for Mycenae, where
  you will deliver the cattle before beginning the
  next labor.
  When Hercules describes his next endeavor-
  stealing the golden apples from the Daughters of
  the Evening Land-you ask him if he ever feels
  guilty about stealing precious bulls and cattle and
  golden apples from their owners.
  Hercules does not seem to understand. As the
  days pass, you feel increasingly uncomfortable
  about helping him with his next labor. You won-
  der if once you reach Mycenae you should stay
  there and continue your search for Zeus alone.
  On the other hand, Hercules is one of Zeud
  sons, so you may stand a better chance of meet-
  ing his father if you remain with him.
  It' you decide to soy goodbye to Hercules in
  Mycenae, turn to page 704.
  It' you decide to accompony Hercules to the
  Daughterc of the Euening Land,
  turn to page 106.
  
  80
  You're sad about lcarus, but you do want to
  keep looking for Zeus.
  "l'll come with you," you tellAthena. "Maybe
  we'll be able to see Zeus from here."
  "l never promised you would meet him," she
  replies.
  "l know. Could we just fly over Olympus so I
  can see his throne?"
  Athena carries you over counfless islands, past
  Athens, to a small peninsula. She points out a
  huge table with eleven wooden thrones. At the
  head of the table stands a large stone throne that
  looks just like the one your parents unearthed.
  You tell Athena about your parents' archae-
  ological project.
  "l wanted to ask Zeus how my parents could
  prove that they've found Olympus and not just
  another ancient throne," you explain.
  "Why didn't you tell me all this before?"
  Athena exclaims. "l could have told you that Zeus
  keeps the Olympian Orders buried beneath his
  throne. Tell your parents to dig deeper and they'll
  have allthe evidencethey need." Then she twirls
  you around and sends you back home.
  Sure enough, once you convince your parents,
  Athena's advice leads them to the most important
  archaeological discovery of the century. The next
  year, on the summer solstice, you go to the Par-
  thenon to thank Athena. She never appears, but
  somehow you know she understands.
  81
  As you stumble onto the deck, a wave crashes
  into you, knocking you off your feet. Another
  wave washes you overboard.
  You thrash around in the violent water and fi-
  nally manage to grab a broad wooden plank. You
  crawl on top of it and hold on tightly. When you
  catch your breath enough to look around, you
  see that the boat has sunk! You search for a sign
  of the Minotaur and realize sadly that it has gone
  down with the ship.
  The storm gradually passes. By morning the
  sea is almost calm. The waves genfly carry you by
  a school of dolphins. They frolic so playfully that
  for a brief second you forget the terror of the pre-
  vious night.
  One dolphin swims around you a few times,
  then floats beside you. You stroke its smooth back
  and suddenly wonder if you should climb on for a
  ride.
  You have no idea how the dolphin will react;
  maybe you're safer staying on the plank. But if
  you do that, how long will you have to drift before
  someone rescues you?
  If you climb onto the dolphin's back,
  go on to the nert page.
  It' you remoin t'loating on the wooden plank,
  turn to page 4.
  The End
  
  82
  Once you are on its back, the dolphin stops
  romping and soars through the sea with alarming
  speed. It seems to know exactly where it is going.
  When you approach a small peninsula, the dol-
  phin glides onto a beach. You rolloff its back and
  press your face into the sand. You're grateful to
  be on land again!
  Thrning to the dolphin, you are astonished to
  see a large bearded man in its place. He wears a
  golden crown and a remarkable robe that looks
  as if it might have been woven from rainbows.
  "You're lucky I felt like being
  a dolphin today," says the man
  as he brushes sand off
  your face.
  "What are you
  usually?" you ask,
  confused.
  83
  "Well, I'm always Zeus, but every now and
  then I like to experiment with a different body."
  You are speechless.
  "l've heard you've been looking for me," says
  Zeus.
  You describe your parents' archaeological ex-
  ploration and the houbles they face. Zeus listens
  intently. When you are finished, he wordlessly
  leads you to an immense table with twelve
  thrones. Eleven of them are elaborately carved
  from olive wood. The twelfth, which you recog-
  nize from your parents' photos, is stone.
  Turn to page 90.
  r 
  -a 
  < 
  =\_ 
  _€ 
  >---->.-
  
  84
  Despite your worries about the storm, you de-
  cide not to risk going on deck.
  The Minotaur clutches your arm as the storm
  rages. The boat slowly fills with water. The crates
  of chickens smash together, and wet feathers float
  everywhere. "Let's get out of here!" you shriek to
  the Minotaur above the deafening roar of
  thunder. You struggle to get out from under the
  sacks of grain, but it's too late. They are soaked
  with water and have become too heavy for even
  the Minotaur to budge.
  Images of your family flash through your mind.
  You know you will never see them again. The last
  thing you hear is the Minotaur bellowing as the
  boat sinks into the churning sea.
  The End
  85
  You come to an abrupt stop at the edge of the
  cliff. "l'm not going to fly," you tell Icarus as you
  shuggle to catch your breath. "l don't want to die
  and I don't want to see you die."
  Icarus is silent.
  "Go ahead and fly if you want to," you say.
  "l don't want to die either," he slowly answers,
  "but my father is going to be furious when he
  realizes we aren't flying."
  Sure enough, Daedalus is already flying toward
  you, shouting, "Come on! Flap those wings!"
  "He's going to make me fly," says Icarus sor-
  rowfully. "l just know it."
  "Maybe together we can convince him that fly-
  ing is just too dangerous," you suggest. "Or, if
  you don't think that will work, we could hide in
  the caves. He'll never be abie to find us."
  Icarus is trembling with fear. "l don't know
  what to do. You decide."
  It' you run into the caues, turn to poge 52.
  lf you wait for Daedalus to land so you can talk
  with him, turn to poge 92.
  
  87
  You step grngerly onto Charon's raft. He shows
  you how to guide it with a pole to the other side of
  the river where you wait for passengers.
  The job is not as ghoulish as you feared. Your
  passengers remind you of Persephone. They look
  like normal people, except that their faces are un-
  naturally pale and expressionless. They rarely
  speak. You avoid looking in their eyes.
  Soon you realize it will not be as easy to escape
  as you had hoped. Charon never sleeps. He
  never lets you out of his sight. And whenever the
  raft approaches the shore, he holds on to your
  shoulders with such force that there is no way you
  can get away.
  But as the weeks pass, Charon begins to hust
  you. He grips your shoulders less firmly. Finally
  he stops holding you altogether. Although you
  know you could probably escape noq you are
  toubled. Part of you wants to return immediately
  to the Land of the Living, but another part of you
  worries about Persephone. Do you dare return to
  the palace of Hades to rescue her?
  It' you think you shou/d help Persephone,
  turn to poge 97.
  If you decide to go directly to the Land of the
  Liuing, turn to page 93.
  
  88
  "So you want to meetZeus?" asks Helios. "l'[
  invite him right away. Please excuse me, but if
  you'll just wait here for Zeus, Phadton and I are
  going to have a talk about his dangerous desire to
  drive my chariot."
  r Helios and 
  light
  n 
  shes right i 
  e! A
  b 
  in a radiant, 
  robe
  stands before you.
  "Zeus!" you gasp.
  "Yes," he replies, "Helios asked if I would see
  you."
  "l have a favor to ask," you explain as you be-
  gin to describe your parents' discovery of his
  throne.
  - "That's grand!" says Zeus gleefully. "l always
  hated the idea of my throne being buried under-
  ground for centuries. Let's surprise your parents!
  While they're still in Athens, you and I will go to
  Olympus and time-tuavel to the excavation. That
  way, I'il be able to show you exactly where my
  teasures are buried."
  "Thanks so much!" you exclaim.
  s. "Now if we hurry,
  Pe 
  off at Olympus while
  he 
  the sky."
  89
  You decide to try and get some sleep, and you
  hide under a pile of fishy-smelling nets. Just be-
  fore dawn, you awake. Ivy and grapevines are
  twined all over the masts, oars, and even the nets
  covering you. You hear flutes playing an eene
  tune. You wonder if you're going crazy.
  Your hair stands on end. Wld beasts-lions,
  panthers, and bears-are roaming the deck! You
  duck under the nets again. The animals' snarls
  punctuate the sailors' frightened screams.
  You peer out from the nets and see the largest
  lion savagely mauling the captain while Dionysus
  calmly watches. You feel sick to your stomach.
  A nearby sailor exclaims, "l knew this was the
  wrong boy to kidnap! He's no rich kid, he's a
  god!"
  Before you have a chance to ask any ques-
  tions, you notice a panther sniffing the nets just a
  few feet away from you. Without thinking twice,
  you leap out from under the nets and jump over-
  board.
  Several sailors follow you. As their bodies enter
  the water, they are instantly transformed into dol-
  phins! You look at your own body and are
  shocked to see that sleek gray flippers have re-
  placed your arms.
  Although you are horrified at first, you learn to
  enjoy romping in the waves. Bef.ore iong, you
  can't remember what it felt like to walk, and after
  a few years, you even forget that you were once a
  human being.
  The End
  The End
  
  90
  "Your parents are right," Zeus explains.
  "They've discovered Olympus, and they've
  found my throne."
  "But no one believes them! How can they
  prove they're right?" you ask.
  Zeus grins mischievously. "lf your parents really
  want clues, they will have to ask me themselves."
  "But they won't!" you cry with frustration. "My
  grandmother already suggested they ask you for
  help. /'m not going to be able to convince them,"
  "But you won't have to," Zeus goes on, "be-
  cause I'm going to pay them a visit myself. Here,
  take my hand."
  When Zeus raises his other hand to the sky,
  thunder rumbles and one lightning bolt after an-
  other strikes the earth around you. You clutch
  Zeus with fear as the lightning flashes again and
  again. 'Athena's way of haveling was a little less
  nerve-racking," you shout.
  Zeus lowers his hand, and the lightning disap-
  pears. You find yourself on your own doorstep.
  "Ring the doorbell," he tells you.
  For the rest of your life, you will never forget
  the look on your parents' faces when they open
  the door and see Zeus.
  The End
  
  92
  Daedalus lands awkwardly. His face is distorted
  with rage as he yells, "What's wrong with you
  two?"
  "lt's too dangerous!" you insist.
  "l changed my mind. I don't want to fly," Icarus
  stammers.
  "l don't care what happens to Athena's little
  friend," says Daedalus as he glares nastily in your
  direction, "but you're my son, Icarus, and you're
  going to fly!"
  Daedalus drags Icarus to the cliff and shoves
  him over the edge. Desperately flapping his
  wings, Icarus manages to soar into the air. With-
  out a word of farewell, Daedalus flies after his
  son, leaving you alone on thb cliff.
  You cannot bear to watch Icarus. Feeling very
  forlorn, you bury your face in your hands. When
  at last you lift your head, you discover there is a
  bearded man sitting beside you. You eye his deli-
  cate rainbow-colored robe in astonishment.
  "Zeus?" you whisper hesitanfly.
  Turn to page 103.
  93
  ;Iry,ng.to rescue Persephone seems too dan-
  gerous, so you decide to escape alone.
  After dropping off a $oup of souls on Hades'
  side of the river, you guide the raft back to the
  other side. Without a moment's hesitation, you
  leap onto the shore and race away from the river.
  Charon stumbles ashore and calls your name, but
  he is too feeble to catch up with you. You mn as
  fast as you can past dreary expanses of gray stone
  and out of the chasm.
  You collapse on the sweet-smelling grass and
  gaze up at the sky, marvelling at the intensity of
  the colors around you. Suddenly you notice a
  tall, bearded man stiding toward you.
  "l've been keeping hack of your adventures,"
  he says warmly, "and I must say, you've kept me
  entertained."
  "Who are you?" you ask suspiciously.
  "l thought you'd know. I'm Zeus."
  Your mouth drops open. "Did you know I was
  looking for you?"
  Zeus laughs. "Yes, and I know what's on your
  mind. Come on, I'll show you around Olympus."
  Go on to the nert page.
  
  94
  appearance.
  one you've
  shells scat-
  ints out the
  secret trea-
  sures. "Thete," he says, "l've shown you every-
  thing you need to make your parents' excavation
  successful beyond all dreams." He waves his
  hand before your eyes and whispers, "Now sleep
  You awaken in your own bed, feeling certain
  that if only your parents will listen to you, Zeus'
  directions will help them discover where the evi-
  dence is buried.
  The End
  95
  
  96
  You don't want to get involved in Daedalus' fly-
  ing plans, bgt _to get around on your o*n, you;ll
  need to look like an islander. Vou find ciothing
  drying on the rocks and exchange it for your own.
  Even so, you soon discover that without Icarus
  and Daedalus, it is difficult to find your way
  around the island. You ask people yori meet for
  directio-ns to Olympus, bul everyone says that
  mortal beings cannot approach the homq of the
  gods without an invitation from Zeus. And no one
  knows how to find Zeus. After several days of
  searching, you become very discouraged.
  W.hile walking along a rocky mountain path,
  you hear someone calling for help. You follow the
  crieg to a gully, where a boy is kapped.
  . "l'll be right back as soon as I find something to
  help you yith," you assure him before runnin{off
  to get a fallen hee limb. You dangle it into the
  golge and hold on tight as the boy climbs up the
  limb.
  97
  Although you don't know exacfly how you will
  rescue Persephone once you return to Hades'
  palace, you decide to leave Charon immediately.
  You tell him you want to take a break, and you
  push past the next group of souls trudging off the
  raft toward the palace.
  But in your haste to return to Persephone, you
  stumble on the rocky ground. You twist your an-
  kle and pause to rub it. Suddenly you notice a
  undred yards behind
  that his feet barely
  der why anyone else
  would be so eager to reach the palace of Hades.
  Then you reallze: He could be chasing you.
  If you decide to find out who the runner is,
  turn to page 701.
  lf you think it's safest to hide t'rom him,
  turn to page 778.
  Turn to page 55.
  
  98
  Quick! You have to think of a way to rescue
  Dionysus!
  You drag a heavy urn of oil to the railing and
  shove it overboard. The urn hits the water with a
  loud splash. The sailors guarding Dionysus imme-
  diately abandon their watch to look over the side
  of the boat. You run to Dionysus and quietly be-
  gin to untie him.
  99
  You are still fumbling with the first knot when
  the sailors notice you. In less than a minute, you,
  too, are tied to the mast and gagged. Dionysus
  catches your eye and winks' You can't under-
  stand why he doesn't appear at all frightened.
  You struggletofree yourself, but one of the sailors
  hits you so hard that you black out.
  -/
  / 
  \
  -=-s
  =:-=
  a--------s:r
  .-=:
  ==...:=:
  Turn to page 702.
  
  101
  You decide to risk finding out who the runner
  is. As you limp toward him, you notice small
  wings on each of his sandals. He waves to you as
  he approaches.
  "Who are you? Where are you going?" you call
  warily.
  He pauses, and you notice he's not at allout of
  breath. "l'm Hermes. son of.Zeus and messenger
  of the gods. I'm on my way to get Persephone,"
  he explains. "My father has ordered Hades to let
  her return to the Land of the Living."
  "l was just on my way to rescue Persephone,
  too," you reply.
  "Let me take care of getting Persephone."
  Hermes glances at your injured ankle, which has
  begun to swell. "l guess you're a live mortal after
  all. Your clothes are so stange that from a dis-
  tance I couldn't tell what you were. As soon as I
  pick up Persephone, you can tell me where you
  come from and how you ended up in the under-
  world. Wait right here and I'll bring you to the
  Land of the Living."
  The End
  Turn to poge 20.
  
  L02
  waste no time in jumping overboard. In the midst
  of this craziness, Dionysus dances gleefully and
  plays a flute.
  When the last sailor has disappeared into the
  sea, Dionysus claps his hands and the wild ani-
  mals vanish. He unties you and thanks you for
  trying to help him.
  103
  He nods and smiles kindly. "l'm sorry about
  Icarus, but this is the way he has to die. Re-
  member, he will be immortalized in poems and
  paintings, music and legends."
  "l know," you answer sadly.
  "l think you've had enough adventures. I'm
  going to take you back to your own century,"
  says Zeus.
  "But wait!" you cry. It is too late. You are al-
  ready passing through the twilight shadows of
  time.
  When you arrive at the Parthenon, you find
  yourself clutching a detailed map of Olympus re-
  vealing all your parents need to know for their dig
  to succeed. After examining the map intently, you
  walk through the sheets of Athens to your home.
  You're just in time for breakfast.
  The End
  The End
  
  104
  After leaving Hercules, you find a job in My-
  cenae so that you'll be able to finance your quest
  for Zeus. A goldsmith named Vasily hires you to
  sweep the shop and run errands. You don't make
  much money, so you pester Vasily into teaching
  you his craft. As he shows you how to fashion
  startlingly beautiful jewelry, your memories of
  your family fade and your interest in finding Zeus
  diminishes. By the time you're as fine a craftsman
  as Vasily himself, you have put aside allthoughts
  of Zeus.
  Years later, a tall, regal man enters the shop
  and admires your work. He commissions a crown
  so luxurious that you say, "With a crown like this,
  you'll rival Zeus!"
  The man laughs. "But I am Zeus!"
  "Years ago, I was determined to find you so I
  could help my parents prove they'd discovered
  the ruins of Olympus," you replyl amazed.
  "Yes, I know," replies Zeus. "Your grandmother
  keeps me informed when we get together on the
  summer solstice. Your parents are still working on
  the excavation. They've unearthed a few items-
  enough to continue the project-but not enough
  really to prove their discovery."
  'Are they still worried about me?"
  "Certainly. Your grandmother knows where
  you are," Zeus explains, "but your parents don't
  believe her. Would you like to return to the twen-
  tieth century?"
  TUrn to page 748.
  105
  "l would never helo -.ou trap Hercules!" you
  tell Poseidon. You soti:rr braver than you really
  f.eel.
  Poseidon tightens h,-,. g:ip "Very well, you will
  become my servant. I '.i.arn you, I will always
  have an eye on you
  As part of the unCen,'e:er housekeeping team,
  you travel everywhere '*.-: Poseidon. You sweep
  broken shells, stray brrs c: seaweed. dead fish,
  and all kinds of debris ou: o: the ocean and onto
  beaches.
  One morning, as !'ou ii'ash driftwood onto the
  shores of Lemnos, you ncice that Poseidon is not
  with you. A dolphin expiains that there was a
  storm brewing over the ACantic. Poseidon had to
  Ieave suddenly to warn rhe whales he had sta-
  tioned there. He was too hurried to take his
  housekeeping team,
  You wonder if you shouid take advantage of
  Poseidon's absence to escape. You don't know if
  you'll ever have another chance. But what will
  happen if you're caught? Besides, you keep hop-
  ing that one day you'[ have the opportunity to
  sweep the shores of Olympus and find Zeus.
  lf you decide to escape, turn to page 773.
  lf you decide you're better off waiting,
  turn to poge 50.
  
  106
  After delivering the Bull of Minos and the red
  cattle to the king of Mycenae, you and Hercules
  begin your search for the Daughters of the Eve-
  ning Land. They prove to be every bit as elusive
  as Zeus. You spend more than a year exploring
  countless islands as well as the mainland of
  Greece.
  One night, when you are ready to collapse with
  exhaustion, you notice an enticing fragrance
  floating in the air.The two of you follow the scent
  to a silver lattice fence that surrounds a garden
  filled with mysterious night-blooming flowers and
  softly humming bees. Right away you know that
  it's the Evening Land.
  Stepping over the f.ence, you feel deeply se-
  rene and refreshed. You can't recall ever having
  felt so wonderful. You pass many trees laden with
  unfamiliar fruit, but none of them have golden
  apples.
  Three young women wearing wreaths around
  their heads walk toward you. "We are the Daugh-
  ters of the Evening Land," one of them says gra-
  ciously.
  Without so much as a nod of greeting, Hercules
  says, "l'm looking for the golden apples."
  Go on to the nert page.
  t07
  The Daughters look at each other in anguish.
  "Take any fruit, any flower, but please leave us
  the golden apples," they plead.
  Hercules shides past the women to a hee bear-
  ing shining gold apples. Around the tree lies a
  hissing dragon. As the dragon opens its jaws,
  small tongues of flame dart toward you.
  "Please, Hercules. let's forget about the ap-
  ples," you suggest nervousiy. "l think the king of
  Mycenae will be satisfied with another kind of
  fruit."
  "Hand me an alrow. says Hercules with cold
  determination.
  "l don't like this at all." you insist. "Let's leave
  the apples alone."
  'An arrow, please." sag's Hercules.
  If you ret'use and walk toward the Daughters of
  the Euening Land, turn to page 51.
  $ you reluctantly Eue Hercules an orrou),
  turn to page 775.
  
  108
  You hesitate. You're perfectly content with
  your life in Mycenae. "No," you reply, "but
  would you give my family a message?"
  Six months later, your parents unearth a
  golden crown that is not only magnificent but also
  remarkably well preserved. They are even more
  astonished when they notice a message ihscribed
  along the edge. With breathless excitement, they
  read about your fate and examine your signature
  intently. When they show your grandmother the
  crown, she only smiles.
  The End
  109
  "lf you value your li[e, you will not drive the
  chariot of the sun," Helios warns. "Please!
  Choose anything else!"
  But you and Pha€ton insist, and at last Helios
  woefully relents. It's dawn, so you have to hurry.
  You climb into the gleaming gold chariot that car-
  ries the sun and grab *re reins. Even before you
  can say goodbye to Hehos, the horses are racing
  through the clouds.
  You gaze down upon the earth and the wind
  rushes against your face. As the chariot climbs
  higher, you find it hard to breathe. You are higher
  than you've ever flotrrn in a plane!
  Suddenly the chariot lurches to the right, then
  swings wildly to the lefL The horses gallop faster
  than ever. "Tighten the reins!" Phadton shouts.
  Go on to the neft page.
  
  110
  "l aml I am!" you shriek, but you can't contol
  the horses. They rush up and down like a night-
  marish roller coaster. The chariot plunges so close
  to the earth that some mountains catch fire! Soon
  thick smoke is billowing all around you. Flames
  lick the wheels of the chariot, and you realize that
  you've set a path of fire blazing across the earth!
  A bolt of lightning flashes through the smoke.
  111
  Phadton screams as the golden chariot shatters.
  You plunge to your death, never knowing that
  you finally succeeded in athacting the attention of
  Zeus, who threvr the hghtring bolt to prevent you
  from destoying the rest of the earth.
  Tlre End
  
  113
  You tell no one abof yur flan to escape; you
  just move on to def iaes to go about your
  work as usual. liilud Ge errd of the day, you
  sweep the hull of a dixrecked boat onto a
  beach. Instead of sErBrg guickly back with the
  waves, as you are e'npmed b. lrou scurry inside
  the hull and hide.
  From the beaclr- lxrr can see an enormous
  table about twenty fa hrg and very high. There
  are gigantic thrones aldrg qre side c{ the table.
  You can't belierrc your qes! On€ of the thrones
  iooks exactly like the one your parents dis-
  covered. Could yrou rdy ]rare been so lucky as
  to have found Ob/neus?
  Just as you climb qtr ftorn under the hull to
  investigate, a pourerful Ly warc grabs your an-
  kles and knocks you to the ground. fu you slide
  past the foam into ilre d€pths of the ocean, you
  rccognize the force as tlre hand of Poseidon him-
  self.
  Water rushes into gurr lungs. You're not at all
  surprised to realue that you can no longer
  breathe underwater
  The End
  
  LL4
  You agree to help Poseidon hap Hercules. The
  sea god carries you back to the place where you
  were swimming. "Pretend you're drowning.
  Scream for help," he instructs you.
  "Hercules!" you shout as loudly as you can.
  "Help me, Hercules!"
  In less than a minute, you see Hercules run to-
  ward the beach. "l'm drowning!" you cry.
  Poseidon yanks you underwater a few times as
  Hercules swims toward you.
  Suddenly, you |eel Poseidon release you. A
  second later, Hercules is thrashing around in a
  desperate struggle with the liquid green god.
  "Let go of me, Poseidon," warns Hercules, "or
  I'll show you who really rules the ocean."
  To free himself from Poseidon's grip, Hercules
  begins moving one arm in fast, powerful circles,
  churning up the water. You watch in horror as a
  whirlpool forms in front of Hercules. It grows
  larger and larger until it sweeps you underwater.
  This time, you can't speak or breathe. For a
  few seconds you are conscious of bubbles rushing
  around you before you're lost to the world.
  The End
  115
  You pull an arrow out of the quiver and hand it
  to Hercules. He takes it and shoots it into the
  dragon's heart. The creature shrieks and writhes
  before it collapses. As Hercules gathers the
  golden apples, the Daughters of the Evening
  Land weep sorrowfully. After he picks the last ap-
  ple, the enchanted garden sinks into the earth,
  leaving only the three women and a hace of the
  mysterious fragrance.
  "Come on," says Hercules. "Let's take these
  apples back to Mycenae." You turn and follow,
  but each step makes you sadder.
  Suddenly you seize the bag of apples from
  Hercules and begin running back to where the
  Evening Land disappeared.
  "What are you doing?" Hercules calls as he
  chases you. 'Are you crazy?"
  Go on to the next page.
  
  116
  Perhaps youore crazy, but you feel you have to
  return the stolen apples. Hercules catches up with
  you and wresfles you to the ground. You cling to
  the bag stubbornly, but Hercules hits you hard.
  Just as you drop the apples, a bearded man
  yanks Hercules away from you.
  "Zeusl" exclaims Hercules.
  "That's enough!" snaps Zeus. "l expected you
  to show more patience with a visitor from another
  century."
  Zeus helps you to your feet and explains, "Her-
  cules must do his tasks. Stealing is detestable, but
  it is his destiny. It is noble of you to try to interfere,
  but I cannot allow you to succeed."
  Lt7
  You nod your :.€3: ':rJ In! parents destined
  to prove they've :-si:"=:=: Olympus?"
  Zeus smiles k:::.- ::,: :uts his arm around
  you. "With your :a.: -: -: Darents will become
  more famous tha: ::.='- iare to dream." He
  touches your fo:e:.ea:-a: j instantly, you are
  home.
  The excavation ta.as .::.:a: :han expected. but
  at last you discove: ::.. :.asures of Olympus, in-
  ciuding the golde: a:;..s :-iercules stole. The
  museum in Athens er.-:.:s ::-:ost of these riches,
  but you keep one o: rla '::ies as a souvenir of
  your ancient advenl;:es
  The End
  
  ABOUT TTC AITTIOR
  Deborah Lenne Goob has a BFA in weav-
  ing and a graduate degte h museum education.
  She began writing for dtderr as an education
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  Ron Wing is a cartoonist and illustator who has
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  he grrs.e !E hr.€ d palnting-
  The End
  
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