The Heroes of Olympus, #5
The Blood of Olympus
by Rick Riordan
Contents
VI
Overview
Reyna’s nightmares show Gaea destroying New Rome and a mysterious hunter targeting Reyna, underscoring imminent threats. Her vision then reveals Octavian entrenched at Long Island, claiming pontifex maximus, recruiting Bryce Lawrence, and scheduling an assault for August 1 while plotting to exploit the harpy with the Sibylline lore. Reyna awakens to Coach Hedge warning of nearby tourists.
Summary
Reyna attempts to contain her dreams in New Rome’s Garden of Bacchus, but a nightmare overwhelms her. She watches a tidal wave of earth tear through Camp Jupiter and New Rome as a woman’s voice—Gaea—accuses her of abandoning the camp and warns that a hunter is coming. A Stygian-iron arrow strikes, and a man with headlamp-bright eyes advances, confirming the threat.
The dream shifts to the Goldsmith Winery on Long Island, where the Twelfth Legion has entrenched itself near Camp Half-Blood against Reyna’s orders. Octavian sits like a ruler, newly styling himself pontifex maximus. He reinstates the banished Bryce Lawrence into probatio and assigns him to the Fifth Cohort, asserting personal patronage and demanding obedience.
After dismissing the eagle bearer Jacob, Octavian confides to Mike Kahale that his prophetic gift is blocked, yet insists Apollo blessed him previously. He outlines a plan to attack on August 1, claiming a Roman victory will end the gods’ schism and suppress Gaea. He also vows to seize the harpy who knows the Sibylline Books and orders Mike to prepare two captured dwarfs for interrogation and punishment.
The vision fades as Reyna wakes in Pompeii. Coach Hedge rouses her with urgent news—not monsters or ghosts, but the complication of tourists nearby as they continue their dangerous journey.
Who Appears
- Reyna Ramírez-ArellanoProtagonist of this chapter; endures dire visions of New Rome’s destruction and observes Octavian’s war plans.
- OctavianRoman augur claiming pontifex maximus; recruits Bryce, suppresses dissent, and sets an Aug. 1 assault on Camp Half-Blood.
- Mike KahaleCenturion loyal to Octavian but uneasy; hears plans and executes orders regarding prisoners.
- Bryce LawrenceSadistic legacy of Orcus; reinstated on probatio and assigned to the Fifth Cohort under Octavian’s patronage.
- Coach Gleeson HedgeSatyr companion; wakes Reyna, warning about approaching tourists.
- GaeaVoice in Reyna’s nightmare, taunting her and foretelling a hunter coming for her.
- Jacob (eagle bearer)Standard-bearer dismissed before Octavian’s private discussion.
- Mysterious hunterUnseen assailant with glowing eyes and Stygian-iron arrows who targets Reyna in her dream.