Contents
LXVIII
Overview
Empowered by Mars’s blessing, Frank leads the Roman dead across the collapsing bridge, annihilates the enemy, and secures victory. After dismissing the spirits, the team finds Hazel and Leo’s tunnel buried. Nico senses the Doors activating, forcing Frank to choose a risky alternate route to reach Percy and Annabeth in time.
Summary
Frank, unknowingly glowing with Mars’s blessing, charges the enemy. Javelins and rocks glance off him as he cuts down a Cyclops and drives the monsters back. He orders a tetsudo and leads undead legionnaires across the stone bridge before it collapses, while Nico continues summoning Roman dead with Diocletian’s scepter.
Frank methodically destroys telkhines, empousai, and Earthborn, preventing an explosion of Greek fire and ignoring injuries under the divine adrenaline. Jason and Piper fight at his side, and Nico carves through the last Earthborn. The enemy routs; Piper fells the final empousa as Jason points out Frank is literally smoldering.
With the battle over, Frank removes an arrow from his arm. Piper gives him ambrosia and bandages him, praising his terrifying effectiveness. Nico lowers his now-dormant scepter, and at Frank’s command the undead legionnaires are dismissed, crumbling to nothing as the blessing fades and exhaustion sets in.
Turning to the larger mission, the team looks for Hazel and Leo, but their tunnel has collapsed under tons of rubble. Nico suddenly staggers, sensing the Doors of Death activating and warning that Percy and Annabeth need help immediately. Despite the blocked passage, Frank refuses to be stymied and declares there is another, riskier way forward.
Who Appears
- Frank ZhangNewly named praetor; empowered by Mars’s blessing; leads undead legion in tetsudo, wins the battle, dismisses the dead, and chooses another route.
- Nico di AngeloSummons Roman legionnaires with Diocletian’s scepter; senses the Doors activating; weakens after the battle but urges immediate action.
- Jason GraceFights beside Frank, catches Nico when he staggers, and notes Frank is on fire.
- Piper McLeanFights in the battle; gives Frank ambrosia, bandages his wound, and praises his leadership.