Mandy gasped for breath beside a temple column.
"I wish Vinnie were here," she said.
Jason and Vinnie headed toward the Parthenon.
But Socrates stopped them.
"It may not be wise to enter the temple," Socrates warned.
"Great Socrates," said Jason, bowing. "Why?"
"That name sounds familiar," thought Vinnie.
"Inside, a young girl is holding a strange light," Socrates said.
It was Mandy!
"Jason, that's my sister," Vinnie said.
"She won't harm anyone."
"But Socrates said . . . ," cried Jason.
"He doesn't understand.
We both need your help," said Vinnie.
He looked straight into Jason's eyes.
"Then I will help you, Vinnie," Jason said.
Together they ran up the stairs.
"Mandy!" Vinnie called.
"Vinnie! You're here!" she cried.
Vinnie took the photo from Mandy.
"Look! The helmet is glowing brighter!" Vinnie said.
"Where is the statue?" cried Mandy.
"I thought it was in the Parthenon!"
Jason stepped forward.
"It is here. I can take you," he said.
He was glad Mandy was safe.
"On the way, I will tell you the story of Athena."
As Jason talked, the children passed scenes carved on the walls.
Some scenes showed men in chariots.
Another scene showed girls carrying water for the goddess.
"Both Athena and the god of the sea wanted to rule our city," Jason said.
"So they decided to hold a gift-giving contest.
The god of the sea gave the city water.
But it was salty.
Athena's gift was an olive tree.
This tree gave people food.
The people of Athens were very happy.
Athena won and became the goddess of the city."
At last they stopped in front of the statue of Athena.
It was huge!
"Wow!" Mandy cried.
The children were stunned.
The entire sculpture was gold except for the face and arms.
They were white like polished ivory.
"The winged woman in her right hand is Nike," explained Jason.
"She can fly and run faster than anyone.
Nike is the goddess of victory!"
Vinnie took the photo out of his pocket.
In the photo, Athena's helmet was glowing red.
The light hurt the children's eyes.
"We're going home!" Vinnie shouted.
"Good luck at the Olympics, Jason!"
"Vinnie! Mandy! What is happening?" Jason shouted.
His voice faded as the children fell through the dark tunnel.
"Ow!" grunted Mandy, as she hit a solid floor.
"Ugh!" moaned Vinnie.
The children opened their eyes.
They were back in the attic.
They heard footsteps.
They quickly shut the album as the door swung open.
"Didn't you hear me calling?" Dad asked.
"What are you doing up here?"
Vinnie and Mandy looked at each other and smiled.