Contents
LXV
Overview
The Argo II reaches Greece and sights the Necromanteion over the River Acheron, the source of ominous black lightning. Frank kills attacking harpies, while Leo equips him with a fireproof pouch to safeguard his fatal firewood, prompting Frank to carry it himself.
Coach Hedge reveals he secretly married Mellie, who is now pregnant and trapped at Camp Half-Blood, deepening the stakes. Hedge remains aboard to provide air support as the team advances toward the House of Hades.
Summary
Over Greece, Frank hopes for a welcome but instead repels a harpy attack, uneasy as he recalls their friendly harpy Ella. The parched, cicada-loud landscape mirrors the crew’s fatigue, though Frank notes Leo’s changed demeanor and eased tension with Hazel since his absence.
At Jason’s order, Frank goes below for Coach Hedge and overhears an Iris-message. Confronted, Hedge admits he secretly married his cloud nymph girlfriend Mellie before the voyage; she is now pregnant and stuck at Camp Half-Blood as Romans threaten. Haunted by a past failure to aid his mother, Hedge fears being absent again. Frank reassures him that stopping Gaea is their best protection.
Returning topside, Leo asks for Frank’s magic firewood. Revealing a gift: a fireproof cloth pouch, Leo demonstrates that even his flames cannot burn it. Trusting Leo, Frank lets him test it and then chooses to carry the safeguarded firewood himself, signaling readiness to shoulder his burden despite Hazel’s concern.
The Argo II hovers over the River Acheron beneath the ruins of the Necromanteion, where tendrils of darkness and black lightning surge. Nico warns against using Diocletian’s scepter unless necessary, fearing strain on the Doors of Death. Frank suggests Hedge remain aboard for ranged support; Hedge agrees, relieved. The rest of the crew prepares to enter the ruins and confront the House of Hades.
Who Appears
- Frank ZhangViewpoint demigod; shoots harpies, learns Hedge’s secret, accepts Leo’s fireproof pouch and chooses to carry his fatal firewood.
- Leo ValdezInventor; displays changed attitude, provides a fireproof pouch protecting Frank’s lifeline, boosting team trust.
- Coach Gleeson HedgeSatyr; reveals he secretly married Mellie, who is pregnant and at Camp Half-Blood; stays aboard to provide air support.
- Hazel LevesqueSupports Frank; senses Leo has changed, worries as Frank chooses to carry his firewood himself.
- Nico di AngeloGuides the team to the Necromanteion; cautions against overusing Diocletian’s scepter near the Doors of Death.
- Jason GraceLeads preparations, orders armed approach, endorses Hedge’s air-support role.
- Piper McLeanHelps moor the ship, urges caution while hovering over the Acheron.
- MellieCloud nymph and Hedge’s wife; pregnant and at Camp Half-Blood, heightening Hedge’s stakes.