The Heroes of Olympus, #1
The Lost Hero
by Rick Riordan
Contents
XXVI JASON
Overview
Jason, Piper, and Leo track storm spirits to Chicago’s Crown Fountain and follow them underground. After resting, they discover a lavish magical department store where the venti and Coach Hedge are imprisoned. The store’s owner reveals herself as Medea, who reacts ominously to Jason’s name and lures them into a "special deal."
Summary
Jason, Piper, and Leo pursue a ventus over downtown Chicago aboard Festus. The spirit links with others, and a dozen venti converge over Crown Fountain, where the screens flash a woman’s face before the winds open a drain and vanish below. Despite bad omens, they land in Grant Park and send Festus away on a whistle recall.
They descend the drain into a warm brick tunnel. Piper’s ankle slows them, so they rest. Jason broods over Hera’s warnings and his missing memories; Piper reassures him. Leo cooks tacos from his pack, easing tension. When Piper sleeps, Jason and Leo talk: Leo reveals his rare fire power and guilt over his mother’s death, and worries he might make or break the prophecy. Jason counters that their gifts arrive when needed and affirms Leo’s importance.
After several hours they continue south and find polished elevator doors marked M with a bizarre directory. Riding to the fourth floor, they enter a dazzling, kaleidoscopic department store. Below, a color-shifting fountain stands between two gilded cages: one holding the raging venti, the other an immobilized Coach Hedge. Piper insists they free him.
An elegant woman appears, introducing herself as the Princess of Colchis. Speaking soothingly, she offers help. Jason, lulled by her voice, gives their names despite Piper’s warning. At “Jason,” the woman’s face flashes with skeletal fury before she regains composure. She invites them to shop, revealing herself as Medea in all but name and signaling a trap centered on Jason.
Who Appears
- Jason GraceLeads the chase, struggles with lost memories and Hera’s warning; inadvertently provokes Medea by giving his name.
- Leo ValdezPilots Festus, cooks for the group, reveals fire powers and guilt; worries about the prophecy and his role.
- Piper McLeanInjured ankle; supports Jason emotionally, sleeps during watch; pushes to rescue Coach Hedge.
- Medea (Princess of Colchis)Charming, dangerous owner of the magical store; cages venti and Coach Hedge; enraged by Jason’s name.
- Coach Gleeson HedgeSatyr ally found frozen in a gilded cage inside the store.
- FestusBronze dragon mount; clips a building, then is sent away with a whistle recall.
- Storm spirits (venti)Multiple winds converge at Crown Fountain, descend the drain, and are later seen imprisoned in a cage.