The Heroes of Olympus, #2
The Son of Neptune
by Rick Riordan
Contents
VII Hazel
Overview
Hazel’s curse surfaces as a gold bar erupts from the ground, which she reshapes and buries, revealing her dangerous link to precious metals. At muster, Octavian approves Percy, who lacks sponsors until Hazel stands for him, placing him in the beleaguered Fifth Cohort. Reyna schedules war games, and Hazel accepts the life-or-death responsibility for Percy’s conduct.
Summary
Hurrying to muster, Hazel trips over a gold bar that her curse drags from the earth. Fearing its danger if discovered, she channels her anger to bend the bar into a ring and drives it deep underground, surprising Nico and underscoring how volatile her power is.
They reach assembly as the armed cohorts form ranks. Reyna announces Percy’s arrival and Juno’s endorsement. Octavian declares the auguries favorable. When Percy has no letters of reference, Frank impulsively offers to stand for him but is barred due to his own probatio status.
Hazel steps forward to sponsor Percy despite her recent stripe and the Fifth Cohort’s poor reputation. Octavian allows it, and Dakota confirms the Fifth’s acceptance. Percy is placed on probatio with a name tablet, expected to serve Rome and earn full membership by valor.
Reyna dismisses the legion for dinner and declares war games: First and Second will defend; Third, Fourth, and Fifth will attack. Amid the dispersal, Nico warmly praises Hazel, calling her “Sis,” and Percy receives his plate for his necklace.
Hazel explains the sponsorship terms: she must teach Percy the rules and answer for his conduct; if he fails grievously, both could be executed. With the stakes clear, they head to eat before the games.
Who Appears
- Hazel LevesqueDaughter of Pluto; suppresses a dangerous gold bar, sponsors Percy, and accepts lethal responsibility for him.
- Percy JacksonNew son of Neptune on probatio; lacks letters, accepted into the Fifth after Hazel’s sponsorship.
- ReynaCamp praetor; announces Percy’s status, formalizes his probatio, and sets the evening war games.
- OctavianAugur; proclaims favorable augury, subtly maneuvers Percy into the Fifth, enjoys leverage over others.
- Nico di AngeloHazel’s brother; heals her hands, avoids touching the gold, praises her for standing for Percy.
- Frank ZhangProbatio legionnaire; tries to stand for Percy but is rebuked due to his status.
- DakotaFifth Cohort centurion; calls roll and confirms acceptance of Percy into the cohort.
- GwenFifth Cohort centurion; shares concern as the cohort accepts another risky recruit.
- JacobEagle bearer; raises the eagleless standard, highlighting the legion’s lingering disgrace.