Contents
XI
Overview
Kerkopes thieves ambush the Argo II, binding Piper and Coach Hedge and stealing Leo’s tool belt and the Archimedes sphere. Leo and Jason pursue them into Bologna, only to trigger a trap at a Neptune statue that captures Jason. Leo retrieves the sphere but is forced to continue the chase alone.
Summary
Leo rushes topside as Hazel stays below to help Nico. On deck, he, Jason, and Frank find Piper and Coach Hedge bound while two garishly dressed Kerkopes dwarfs ransack the ship. A flash-bang grenade made from Apollo’s music stuns the team; the dwarfs steal Leo’s tool belt and the Archimedes sphere, then launch one dwarf by ballista and escape overboard.
Recovering, Jason frees Piper’s gag while Frank, stunned in gorilla form, sprawls on the deck. With critical gear gone and time short, Leo and Jason decide to pursue immediately, descending into Bologna’s piazzas despite lacking a clear trail.
They spot the dwarfs near a dry Neptune fountain. The brothers, Akmon and Passalos, taunt them, juggling stolen items including Piper’s knife and Leo’s belt. When Leo inspects the statue, the dwarfs reveal it is a trap, not a lair. As Jason summons a storm, golden cords shoot from Neptune’s hand, snaring Jason upside down.
Leo drives the dwarfs back with fire, forcing Passalos to drop the Archimedes sphere. The Kerkopes flee across café tables, promising more mischief. With Jason bound and unable to cut the cords, he orders Leo to continue the chase. Leo secures the sphere and sprints after the escaping thieves alone.
Who Appears
- Leo ValdezEngineer targeted by the Kerkopes; loses tool belt and sphere, recovers the sphere, and pursues the thieves alone.
- Jason GraceSupports the chase, summons a storm, but is trapped by golden cords from the Neptune statue.
- AkmonBrown-furred Kerkopes dwarf; steals Leo’s tool belt, taunts the heroes, and escapes across the piazza.
- PassalosRed-furred Kerkopes dwarf; juggles stolen items, triggers the Neptune trap, drops the Archimedes sphere, and flees.
- Piper McLeanFound bound and gagged on deck; urges Jason and Leo to pursue the thieves.
- Coach HedgeCaptured and taped by the dwarfs; angrily demands retribution once partially freed.
- Frank ZhangTransforms into a silverback gorilla but is stunned by the flash-bang and left sprawled on deck.
- Hazel LevesqueStays below to tend Nico and lets Leo lead the pursuit.