The Heroes of Olympus, #5
The Blood of Olympus
by Rick Riordan
Contents
XXXII
Overview
Nico wakes from a three-day shadow coma, facing the urgency of an attack on Camp Half-Blood in two days. Reyna and Coach Hedge reaffirm their trust after Nico’s terrifying use of power on Bryce. Hedge’s outreach pays off as a flight of pegasi arrives, led by the immortal Pegasus, offering a way to transport the Athena Parthenos.
Summary
Nico awakens disoriented to learn he has been unconscious for three days, his body too insubstantial to move after overusing shadow-travel. With the date now July 30, he realizes the Romans will attack Camp Half-Blood in two days and insists on pushing forward, but Reyna warns that more shadow-travel would kill him.
The trio confronts the aftermath of Nico turning Bryce Lawrence into a ghost. Reyna admits the act was harrowing and triggered memories of her father, while Coach Hedge labels it "dark stuff." Instead of rejecting Nico, Reyna and the coach reassure him of their trust and friendship, asking only that he avoid such measures unless absolutely necessary.
They report no sign of other Romans or Orion and no news of Hylla or Thalia, leaving their fates uncertain. Despite Nico’s guilt and urgency, Reyna and Coach Hedge emphasize survival and a safer plan to move the Athena Parthenos.
Coach Hedge reveals he has been calling in favors through Mellie’s contacts in the palace of Aeolus. After days of waiting, his efforts pay off: a formation of pegasi approaches, led by a massive, golden, eagle-plumed stallion. Reyna recognizes him as the Pegasus, lord of horses, arriving with enough steeds to airlift the statue.
Who Appears
- Nico di AngeloWakes from a three-day shadow coma; wrestles with guilt over Bryce; accepts friends’ support; warned not to shadow-travel.
- Reyna Ramírez-ArellanoLeads, sets boundaries on Nico’s powers, reaffirms trust and friendship; monitors threats and awaits a safer transport plan.
- Coach Gleeson HedgeCaretakes Nico; orchestrates help via wind-spirit contacts; secures pegasi; provides comic bluntness and team loyalty.
- PegasusImmortal lord of horses who arrives leading pegasi to transport the Athena Parthenos.