IV

Jason turns the tide at Ithaca, transforming his sword into a javelin and obliterating Antinous. He and Annabeth cut down the remaining suitors while Piper fights with blade, cornucopia, and charmspeak, scattering foes and finishing Hippias with a blast into the fountain. Jason channels lightning to vaporize a final cluster of ghosts.

As the field clears, Jason sheathes his weapon and is ambushed by Michael Varus, who stabs him with Imperial gold, inflicting a soul-deep wound. Piper charges and cleaves Varus apart, then she and Annabeth administer ambrosia, nectar, and bandages. Annabeth is shaken; Piper stays focused, keeping Jason conscious while they signal the Argo II via mirror Morse for extraction.

Jason worries about Reyna, Nico, and Coach Hedge, while Piper reassures him. Annabeth quickly weaves a makeshift litter, prompting Jason to recall the immovable marriage bed of Odysseus and Penelope. He calls on Juno at the sacred spot.

An olive tree erupts, and Juno manifests, strained by her split aspects and hiding from Jupiter. She cannot heal Jason’s wound but urges him to fight it. In brief clarity, she confirms the giants gather in Athens and instructs the crew to sail around the Peloponnese, subdue the out-of-control Nike at Olympia to mend the Greek–Roman rift, and seek aid from Artemis and Apollo on Delos, who are desperate to make amends.

Thunder warns of Jupiter’s approach; Juno departs. As a giant eagle circles—Frank arriving for evacuation—Jason blacks out, the team poised to return to the Argo II with new directives and a critical deadline.