In this excerpt from "The Staff of Serapis," Annabeth proposes a plan to deal with Serapis, a powerful entity they are confronting. She suggests that while she has a strategy, it will require the cooperation of her companion, Sadie. However, Sadie expresses her concern about being out of magic, implying she feels unprepared for the task ahead.

Despite this setback, Annabeth remains optimistic and points out that bluffing, lying, and trash-talking are skills that can be useful in their situation. Sadie humorously embraces these traits, recognizing them as her strengths. This exchange emphasizes their teamwork and Annabeth’s confidence in Sadie’s abilities as they prepare to face the challenges ahead.