The Heroes of Olympus, #2
The Son of Neptune
by Rick Riordan
Contents
III Percy
Overview
Percy is escorted through Camp Jupiter, unsettling the resident Lares, and brought before Reyna. He recounts his past, reveals his Greek sword, and learns Roman norms, Jason’s disappearance, and the looming Feast of Fortuna.
Hints of an imminent attack tied to Gaea and Death raise stakes. Reyna orders Percy to Octavian for augury, deciding his fate.
Summary
Escorted by Reyna, Hazel, and Frank, Percy enters Camp Jupiter and notices numerous Lares. The spirits stare and label him Graecus, unsettling the camp. At the crossroads, Reyna disperses onlookers and brings Percy and Hazel to the principia, sending Frank away due to prior trouble.
Inside, Reyna’s metal greyhounds eye Percy as he recounts awakening near the Wolf House, training with Lupa, and journeying south. Reyna challenges his total amnesia and unusual arrival under Juno’s protection, noting a son of Neptune is an ominous sign. Hazel explains Lares and legion customs as Reyna probes Percy’s origins.
Reyna questions Percy’s symbols and weapon. He reveals Riptide, a Greek Celestial bronze sword, prompting Reyna to contrast it with scarce Roman Imperial gold arms. She checks Percy’s forearms, finding no SPQR marks, confirming he’s never served in the legion. Hazel asks about Jason; Reyna reveals Jason Grace, son of Jupiter and her fellow praetor, vanished eight months ago, leaving an empty praetor’s chair.
Reyna explains the praetorship can be filled after a major victory or at the Feast of Fortuna in five days. Percy connects this timing to warnings from the gorgons and Juno about Gaea, an army, and Death being unleashed. Reyna orders secrecy to prevent panic but tacitly acknowledges the threat.
Concluding the interview, Reyna assigns Hazel to take Percy to Temple Hill to meet Octavian for augury. The decision on Percy’s acceptance—and potential insight into his past—will follow if he survives Octavian’s judgment.
Who Appears
- Percy JacksonAmnesiac son of Neptune; questioned by Reyna, reveals his Greek sword and lack of legion tattoos.
- ReynaPraetor who interrogates Percy; reveals Jason’s absence, Roman customs, and orders Percy to Octavian.
- HazelLegionnaire who vouches for Percy; explains Lares and Feast of Fortuna; escorts him to Octavian.
- Frank ZhangProbationary camper grateful to Percy; dismissed by Reyna to the armory.
- Argentum and AurumReyna’s silver and gold mechanical greyhounds; guard the principia and menace Percy.