The Heroes of Olympus, #2
The Son of Neptune
by Rick Riordan
Contents
XV Percy
Overview
Reyna confronts Percy, probing his forgotten past with her and Hylla, and tests his loyalties amid Octavian’s accusations. She offers Percy a path to praetor and partnership if he returns from Alaska, reveals a looming giant-led invasion, and asks him to find Hylla near Seattle using Bellona’s ring. Percy refuses power but accepts the mission and help request.
Summary
Percy meets Reyna in the principia and braces for a reprimand. Instead, Reyna reveals Octavian’s suspicions and asks Percy about a silver ring marked with Bellona’s sign, pressing him on his forgotten connection to her and her sister, Hylla. Percy genuinely remembers nothing.
Reyna shares Roman “Greek demigod” legends and admits Percy is important and dangerous but likely sent to balance the loss of Jason. She hints at partnership and even romance if Percy proves himself, suggesting a path to the praetorship to save Camp Jupiter. Percy declines power, citing his girlfriend, but commits to helping the camp.
Reyna then discloses dire auguries: a massive army led by a giant is marching south, beyond even Lupa’s ability to contain, likely to arrive by the Feast of Fortuna. Success in Alaska—recovering the eagle and freeing Thanatos—is critical to survival.
As a final request, Reyna gives Percy Bellona’s ring and asks him to find Hylla near Seattle. Though Hylla hates Percy, the ring may win aid; Reyna also fears her sister has gone silent. Percy agrees to seek her out despite the uncertainty.
Before leaving, Percy asks how he wronged Reyna. She explains he and Annabeth destroyed their mistress’s power at a spa, unleashing prisoners who ruined their home; she and Hylla survived and later found better paths. Reyna, both vulnerable and resolute, thanks Percy and reiterates her offer, while Percy departs determined to help.
Who Appears
- Percy JacksonAmnesiac son of Neptune; refuses praetorship, promises to aid the quest and to find Hylla using Bellona’s ring.
- Reyna Avila Ramírez-ArellanoPraetor; tests Percy, offers partnership and power, reveals looming invasion, and requests he locate her sister Hylla.
- OctavianCamp augur; off-page antagonist whose suspicions and auguries drive fear and political pressure.
- HyllaReyna’s sister; hates Percy, has gone silent near Seattle; potential ally if shown Bellona’s ring.
- Aurum and ArgentumReyna’s metallic greyhounds; threaten Percy but stand down on her command.
- JasonMissing praetor; Reyna’s ideal partner and benchmark for the role Percy is offered.
- LupaWolf goddess; reportedly trying to slow an oncoming giant-led army, indicating the threat’s scale.