Contents
XXXIV
Overview
Piper’s charmspeak jolts Jason awake midfall, saving his life. Jason then redirects the Argo II to Split, Croatia, to seek Diocletian’s scepter, which could command Roman legion ghosts and aid at the Doors of Death. Nico insists only he and Jason should approach the ghost, and the ship makes landfall with roles assigned.
Summary
Jason survives a plunge only because Piper charmspeaks WAKE UP!, shocking him conscious so he can summon wind at the last instant. Shaken but alert, he quietly asks Leo to alter course, trusting Jason without explanation. In the mess hall, Jason recounts his dream: Annabeth is alive, Reyna is coming, and Jason must visit a specific place en route.
As the crew eats, they debate Reyna’s risky transatlantic journey and their poor communications; Iris-messages barely work. Jason wrestles with his duty to Camp Jupiter versus his pull toward Camp Half-Blood, then reassures everyone that Reyna can make it. He reveals the destination: Split, Croatia—Diocletian’s Palace—based on an old pact with Reyna and his admiration for Diocletian, a son of Jupiter who retired peacefully.
Nico explains Diocletian’s ghost may haunt the palace and that the emperor’s buried scepter can summon Roman legion spirits. The crew weighs the tight timeline to reach Epirus by July ninth, the guarded Doors of Death, and Pluto’s warning about a sorceress rebuilding her domain. Despite the risks, Jason argues the scepter could be decisive and that he can leave route details for Reyna in Split.
Nico asserts that only a son of Jupiter and a son of Hades should approach the ghost; additional demigods might scare it off, and Nico alone can speak with spirits. Piper offers to come, but Nico refuses. The Argo II arrives in Split; Jason assigns Frank to defend the ship, Leo to handle repairs, the rest to assist, and departs with Nico to find Diocletian’s ghost.
Who Appears
- Jason GraceSaved midfall by Piper; orders course to Split to seek Diocletian’s scepter; leads mission ashore with Nico.
- Nico di AngeloIdentifies Diocletian’s Palace and the scepter’s power; insists only he and Jason approach the ghost.
- Piper McLeanCharmspeaks Jason awake, saving his life; volunteers to join but defers when Nico objects.
- Leo ValdezTrusts Jason’s diversion to Split; handles ship systems and plans repairs upon arrival.
- Frank ZhangRaises timeline concerns; assigned to defend the Argo II in Split.
- Hazel LevesqueWarns of Pluto’s message about a sorceress; notes magic interference with communications.
- Coach HedgeProvides comic relief; hints at secret calls as Iris-messages falter.
- Festus (Argo II figurehead)Reports autopilot status; announces arrival in Split.