Contents
I
Overview
The Argo II is repelled again by Italy’s mountain gods, forcing Hazel, Nico, and Leo to reconsider crossing the Apennines toward Epirus. They debate risky alternatives while the Athena Parthenos draws enemies and Percy and Annabeth remain trapped in Tartarus. After Hazel prays to Pluto, Arion appears, offering a potential breakthrough.
Summary
The Argo II endures a third ambush by Apennine mountain gods. A boulder smashes the foremast and knocks Nico from the rigging. Leo counters with a new bronze cannon that scatters spiked incendiaries, but the attacks only intensify, forcing Leo to turn the ship northwest and flee the mountains.
Out of the fog, Hazel reflects on missing Camp Jupiter and the crew’s exhaustion since Percy and Annabeth fell into Tartarus. On the nav display, Leo shows their blocked route to Epirus and the House of Hades. Nico explains the numina montanum, sons of Gaea, can sense them—especially with the Athena Parthenos acting like a beacon.
They consider alternatives: sailing south by sea (without Percy’s expertise), continuing north to find a pass, shadow-travel (beyond Nico’s strength), or Leo’s unconvincing camouflage. Hazel insists they not wake the others, wanting to show initiative and keep morale from fracturing without Percy and Annabeth’s leadership.
Privately, Hazel worries about Nico’s secret warning regarding a coming challenge in the House of Hades and prays to Pluto for guidance despite fearing his attention. In response, she spots a beige blur streaking across the fields—Arion. Convinced he brings help, Hazel orders Leo to draw close and prepares to descend by rope ladder to meet the horse without landing the ship.
Who Appears
- Hazel LevesqueNarrative focus; resolves to find a safe route, prays to Pluto, spots Arion, and decides to meet him.
- Leo ValdezAt the helm; replaces the mast, fires new bronze munitions, navigates retreat, and weighs camouflage and route options.
- Nico di AngeloWarns about numina sensing them; too weak to shadow-travel the ship; holds a secret about the House of Hades.
- Numina montanum (mountain gods)Sons of Gaea who hurl boulders and repel the Argo II from the Apennines.
- ArionHazel’s superfast horse; appears after her prayer, signaling possible guidance or aid.
- Pluto (Hades)Invoked by Hazel for guidance despite the risk of drawing his attention to her unnatural life.
- GaeaAntagonistic force; her offspring, the numina, attack, and she seeks the Argo II’s destruction.