XII Frank

In the chaos after breaching the fort, Percy’s unorthodox fighting sows panic. Frank expends his arrows and draws his gladius, while Hazel charges in atop Hannibal. They storm the inner keep, catch the standard-bearers off guard, seize the First and Second Cohorts’ banners, and parade out, winning the war game.

As the legion regroups, medics rush in Gwen, impaled by a First Cohort pilum from behind, implying murder after the game. She dies, then suddenly revives, describing a river and an exit before returning. Frank pulls the weapon free as her wound closes, shocking the camp and alarming Reyna.

A booming voice declares Death’s hold weakening. A towering soldier materializes in flames—Mars. Percy challenges him, but kneels under pressure. Mars announces Thanatos is chained and the Doors of Death are open, letting monsters and some mortals return. Unless Thanatos is freed, enemies will become unkillable and chaos will spread.

Mars orders a quest “beyond the gods,” to Alaska, to free Thanatos by sundown on June 24. He dismisses riddling prophecy, issuing a blunt decree. He identifies Hazel’s dread of that land and ties the camp’s honor and survival to the mission’s success.

Claiming Frank as his son, Mars demands the Mural Crown for Frank’s first-over-the-wall feat, then gifts him a spear of Imperial gold tipped with a glowing dragon’s tooth, explaining it has three charges and will aid him until he learns his mother’s talents. Mars names Frank quest leader, requires Percy as a companion, and leaves the third slot to be chosen by the senate before departing in flames. The legion salutes Frank, who feels he’s been given a death sentence.