The Heroes of Olympus, #2
The Son of Neptune
by Rick Riordan
Contents
XXIII Frank
Overview
Frank ventures out alone to confront the basilisks after losing his bow, forced to rely on Mars’s spear despite his doubts. As he stalks the burned hillside, he reflects on his family’s mysterious powers. He finds one basilisk, only to realize he has walked into an ambush by two more.
Summary
Frank steps outside to face the basilisks, regretting the loss of his bow and recognizing he must fight up close with Mars’s golden spear. He feels slow and unprepared, wishing for immunity to poison and fire, but senses no such gift has arrived.
Moving through smoke and smoldering grass, Frank recalls stories of his heroic ancestors and wonders about the “Prince of Pylos,” Shen Lun’s disgrace, and his family’s powers. His grandmother’s warning that the gift never kept them safe weighs on him as he hunts the poisonous, fire-breathing snakes.
He spots a burst of flame and advances, deciding not to throw his spear. In a clearing he confronts a basilisk: small, fast, and more dangerous than expected. The spear’s dragon-tooth point drags downward as if resisting him, adding to his unease.
As the first basilisk fixes him with pale yellow eyes, rustling on both sides reveals two more closing in. Frank realizes too late he has stumbled into an ambush, surrounded by three basilisks poised to strike.
Who Appears
- Frank ZhangProtagonist; ventures out alone to face basilisks with Mars’s spear, doubting his skills and reflecting on family powers.
- BasilisksThree poisonous, fire-breathing serpents that lure and ambush Frank on the burned hillside.
- Frank’s motherHeard in memory encouraging Frank he can be anything, influencing his resolve.
- Frank’s grandmotherRemembered warning that the family gift offers no safety, heightening Frank’s anxiety.