XXV

Two days after Venice, Hazel is miserably seasick on the Adriatic and still haunted by the stench of Gale, Hecate’s polecat, who appeared in her cabin the previous night and caused chaos. The crew rushed in during the commotion, and by morning Hazel sought Coach Hedge, hoping he could talk to the animal.

Hazel overheard Coach Hedge apparently using an Iris-message, sounding emotional about “great news.” When she asked him to translate Gale’s chattering, Hedge reported the weasel was here to “see how it goes,” then abruptly dismissed her, leaving Hazel worried about both the coach’s secret and Hecate’s test.

On deck, Hazel brooded over her inability to manipulate the Mist. She recalled repeated, unsettling dreams: wandering Asphodel; reliving her death in Alaska; facing Pluto, who said, “The dead see what they believe they will see. So do the living. That is the secret”; and visions of Gaea’s plots, Clytius, and Percy and Annabeth unconscious before black metal doors.

Frank joined Hazel, his recent growth and confidence evident since Venice, but his familiar kindness reassured her. They discussed Nico, who avoided the crew by perching atop the mast after his ordeal in Venice. Hazel appreciated Frank’s support and still kept his life-tied firewood safe close to her heart.

Gale reappeared, releasing another foul warning as Hazel admitted Hecate had sent the weasel to observe some test she didn’t understand. As Hazel tried to take comfort in Frank’s steadiness, the Argo II lurched forward without warning, signaling that the trial—or new danger—was upon them.