The Heroes of Olympus, #5
The Blood of Olympus
by Rick Riordan
Contents
XLVIII
Overview
At Camp Half-Blood, Reyna arrives with the Athena Parthenos, declaring peace as Greeks and Romans face battle. The statue’s landing spreads calming power, and Nico urges unity. Gaea awakens, shattering the brief peace; Octavian flees. The Greeks and Romans close ranks together while hostile auxilia encircle Half-Blood Hill.
Summary
As Greeks and Romans rush toward battle at Camp Half-Blood, Will Solace halts both sides with a piercing whistle and points north. Nico sees the Athena Parthenos descending at sunrise, borne by six pegasi with Roman eagles assisting. Reyna Ramírez-Arellano, riding Guido, proclaims the statue’s return as an act of peace.
The Athena Parthenos settles by Thalia’s pine, releasing a wave of golden warmth through both camps. Nico feels accepted and steps forward to press Reyna’s message: Romans and Greeks brought the statue together and must join forces against Gaea, who is rising.
The ground shakes as Gaea’s voice booms, mocking their efforts and promising they may die together. The earth turns treacherous underfoot. Panicked, Octavian breaks and runs, while Reyna orders both sides to close ranks. Greeks and Romans form a united line around the statue atop Half-Blood Hill.
Octavian’s auxilia surge in and surround the demigods, dwarfing their combined force. With the earth goddess awake and the hill itself hostile ground, the defenders make a final stand around the Athena Parthenos, their newfound unity tested against overwhelming foes.
Who Appears
- Nico di AngeloAdvocates unity after Reyna’s arrival; addresses both sides before Gaea’s awakening shatters the calm.
- Reyna Ramírez-ArellanoArrives with the Athena Parthenos via pegasi; returns it as a peace offering and orders both sides to close ranks.
- GaeaAwakens beneath the battlefield; mocks the demigods and destabilizes the ground, forcing a united stand.
- Will SolaceStops the imminent clash with a whistle and directs attention to the approaching statue.
- OctavianPanics and flees when Gaea speaks; his auxilia advance and encircle the united demigods.
- GuidoPegasus carrying Reyna, helping deliver the Athena Parthenos to Half-Blood Hill.