XVI PIPER

At dawn, Leo arrives at Camp Half-Blood riding a massive bronze dragon, triggering alarms and panic. Campers surround the machine warily as Leo, soot-streaked and ecstatic, introduces the dragon as Festus and insists it is friendly. Nyssa marvels at the restored wings, while Leo evasively claims he found and reattached them in the woods.

Festus leaks oil and twitches, but Leo argues the kinks are minor and presses to depart, citing gathered supplies and the dragon’s nerves. An Ares camper urges destruction, but Jason orders the crowd to stand down. Annabeth, recognizing the opportunity and the urgency of the solstice deadline, tells them to go immediately.

Jason invites Piper to join as his partner, and the trio mounts Festus—Leo piloting, Piper in the middle, Jason at the rear. In flight, the dragon’s heated metal shields them from the cold, and Leo’s harnesses keep them secure. They soar over Long Island and into winter clouds, with Jason explaining the Mist will hide them from mortals.

Piper notices Jason secretly holding a photo of a dark-haired girl, hinting at a past connection he won’t explain, deepening Piper’s doubts. As they make good time, Jason sets their destination: the god of the North Wind, Boreas, and the pursuit of storm spirits, formally launching their quest.