The Heroes of Olympus, #5
The Blood of Olympus
by Rick Riordan
Contents
XXI
Overview
Reyna, Nico, and Coach Hedge shadow-travel into Old San Juan and briefly regroup at a deserted restaurant courtyard beside the Athena Parthenos. Reyna reflects on her past and Nico’s fragility. Hidden assailants strike with tranquilizer darts, disabling the team and metal dogs. The attackers seize Reyna, escalating the mission’s peril.
Summary
Reyna, Nico di Angelo, Coach Hedge, and the Athena Parthenos materialize above the courtyard of Barrachina in Old San Juan, crashing into furniture and startling parrots. Coach Hedge raids the bar while Reyna secures the gates and sets Aurum and Argentum on guard. The strangely empty, “private party”–marked restaurant unsettles her.
As Nico collapses from exhaustion, Reyna tends to him and reflects on their bond formed by repeated shadow-travel. She worries he may be fading from overuse of his powers and resolves to ensure he receives support and recognition if they complete their mission. Memories of San Juan pull at Reyna—comforting details mix with dread about returning to her painful past.
While Coach Hedge blends drinks, Reyna notices odd initials on the closure sign (HTK) and spots movement along the balconies and roofline. Before she can react, silver darts strike. Reyna, the metal dogs, and Coach Hedge are paralyzed; Nico remains unconscious on the floor.
Silent figures descend into the courtyard. As Reyna’s vision fails, a voice orders, “Take her.” A hood is pulled over Reyna’s head, and she is carried off, leaving the fate of Nico, Coach Hedge, and the Athena Parthenos uncertain.
Who Appears
- Reyna Avila Ramírez-ArellanoLeader transporting the Athena Parthenos; returns to San Juan, tends to Nico, then is tranquilized and abducted.
- Nico di AngeloExhausted from shadow-travel; collapses and appears to fade briefly; remains unconscious during the ambush.
- Coach HedgeSatyr chaperone; raids the bar and makes smoothies; knocked out by a dart in the attack.
- Aurum and ArgentumReyna’s metal dogs; set on guard but are paralyzed by the attackers’ darts.
- Unknown assailantsSilent figures striking from rooftops with silver darts; they disable the group and capture Reyna.