The Heroes of Olympus, #1
The Lost Hero
by Rick Riordan
Contents
VI LEO
Overview
Leo is introduced to Cabin Nine and the forge, learning about Beckendorf’s legacy, the cabin’s postwar "curse," and a runaway bronze dragon once controlled by Beckendorf. While the cabin plans to destroy the dragon, Leo hopes to save it, secretly confirming his rare fire power—an ability feared for triggering catastrophe.
Summary
Will Solace brings Leo Valdez to the Hephaestus forge, explaining Beckendorf’s death and the so-called Curse of Cabin Nine that began after the war. Leo meets his new cabinmates, including Nyssa and Harley, and notices their injuries and grim mood.
As Leo tours the forge, a malfunctioning automaton centaur attacks, reinforcing the cabin’s string of failures. Nyssa outlines the "dragon problem": a life-size bronze automaton dragon once controlled by Beckendorf has gone berserk since his death, periodically returning to wreak havoc.
The cabin debates strategies to trap and destroy the dragon with oil bait, acid, and cutters. Leo argues for saving it, suggesting fire-resistance might let someone get close. Nyssa explains that true fire control in Hephaestus demigods is extremely rare and historically catastrophic, citing the Great Fire of London.
At the dinner horn, Nyssa leaves Leo alone. Contemplating the curse, the dragon, and his past, Leo tests the secret he has hidden since his mother’s death: he summons flames in his palm, revealing his rare power over fire.
Who Appears
- Leo ValdezNew Hephaestus camper; tours the forge, opposes destroying the bronze dragon, and secretly manifests fire in his hand.
- NyssaSenior Hephaestus camper guiding Leo; outlines the cabin’s failures and the plan to trap and destroy the dragon.
- Will SolaceLeads Leo to the forge; explains Beckendorf’s death and the rise of Cabin Nine’s ‘curse’ after the war.
- HarleyYoung Hephaestus camper; part of the injured, overworked cabin affected by malfunctioning inventions.
- Charles BeckendorfDeceased former Cabin Nine leader; last to control the bronze dragon, whose death preceded the cabin’s troubles.