The Heroes of Olympus, #2
The Son of Neptune
by Rick Riordan
Contents
XVI Percy
Overview
After a somber send-off, Percy, Hazel, and Frank leave Camp Jupiter. Terminus screens them and warns that Polybotes may hunt Percy. Reaching Alameda, they find the shabby boat Pax; Percy cleans and pilots it with his powers. Gaea intrudes on Percy’s mind as they speed toward the Golden Gate to begin the quest.
Summary
Lunch feels like a wake as Reyna offers a brief blessing and Octavian proclaims ominous omens, touting an “unexpected hero.” Camp life resumes around them while Percy, Hazel, and Frank pack. Percy leaves his old orange T-shirt on his bunk, promising silently to return and thinking of Annabeth and his past.
Bobby gives them a ride to the border on Hannibal. From the hill, Percy surveys New Rome and feels a fierce urge to protect it, recalling Reyna’s resolve to save the camp. At the boundary, Terminus appears, conducts a fussy “security” check, praises Centurion Frank, and warns them to beware Polybotes, then ejects them beyond the valley’s magical veil.
The trio travels by BART to Oakland and walks through rough neighborhoods unbothered, Percy’s hardened “wolf stare” deterring trouble. By late afternoon they reach the Alameda docks. Amid many vessels, they discover their “navy”: a battered rowboat, Pax. Percy accepts it, cleans and readies the boat by command of the sea, and casts off without oars.
As they head north, Gaea’s voice invades Percy’s thoughts, claiming he could have been safe in the sea but is now her pawn. Percy rejects her and focuses on speed. With Hazel uneasy and Frank adapting to their humble craft, Percy drives Pax toward the Golden Gate, beginning their perilous quest by water.
Who Appears
- Percy JacksonSomber but determined; prepares to leave, commands the boat Pax, and resists Gaea’s taunting.
- Hazel LevesqueQuest companion; anxious about departure and the shabby boat, travels with Percy and Frank.
- Frank ZhangNewly named centurion; accompanies the quest, carries weapons in disguise, receives praise from Terminus.
- TerminusBorder god; performs a meticulous check, warns about Polybotes, and expels them beyond the valley.
- ReynaPraetor; gives a brief, formal send-off to the questers at lunch.
- OctavianAugur; offers dire omens and hints at himself as the camp’s unexpected savior.
- BobbyRoommate; transports the trio to the camp border on Hannibal.
- HannibalCamp elephant; carries the group to the boundary and bids them farewell.
- GaeaAntagonist; invades Percy’s mind, claiming him as a pawn, then falls silent.