The Heroes of Olympus, #1
The Lost Hero
by Rick Riordan
Contents
XXVII PIPER
Overview
Medea charm-speaks Jason and Leo, steering them through her “store” of dangerous potions while testing Piper. Piper resists enough to bargain for a memory cure but refuses Medea’s price. Medea reveals a prophecy-like hint that the quest will face death in the Bay Area and leads the entranced boys onward.
Summary
Piper senses danger as the jeweled “princess” welcomes them and redirects Jason and Leo toward shopping rather than rescuing Coach Hedge and the storm spirits. The boys appear entranced, while Piper, alarmed by the princess’s reaction to Jason’s name, follows.
At the cosmetics counter of magical potions, Medea displays elixirs that heal or kill. Piper spots a bloodred vial that might cure lost memories and considers Jason’s anguish versus the risk of what his past might mean. Despite her fear, she asks the price.
Medea recounts helping a handsome hero by betraying her family, then being cheated—baiting Jason’s sympathy and deepening the trance over the boys. When Medea charm-speaks Piper to accept “any price,” Piper recognizes the manipulation, resists with her own Aphrodite-born will, and insists on a fair price and leaving afterward, briefly confusing the boys.
Medea overpowers Piper’s influence, reasserting control of Jason and Leo. She casually reveals knowledge of their route, saying they will need help to reach the Bay Area, then chillingly adds that is where “they’ll die.” Still dazed, Jason and Leo follow as Medea leads them toward the escalators, while Piper, realizing the trap and the stakes, readies herself to act.
Who Appears
- Piper McLeanNarrator; resists Medea’s charmspeak, weighs buying a memory cure for Jason, and recognizes the trap.
- MedeaEnchantress posing as a princess-saleswoman; charmspeaks, flaunts deadly potions, hints of death in the Bay Area.
- Jason GraceEntranced by Medea; tempted by shopping, oblivious to danger; central to memory-cure dilemma.
- Leo ValdezAlso entranced; banters about potions, unworried, follows Medea deeper into the store.