The Heroes of Olympus, #5
The Blood of Olympus
by Rick Riordan
Contents
XL
Overview
Reyna triages Blackjack after Orion’s defeat, using potions and unicorn draught to remove an arrow and stabilize him. Brief hope that the Roman attack might be averted vanishes when onagers launch their first volley. The chapter cements Reyna’s resolve to seek help at Camp Half-Blood as open war begins.
Summary
In the aftermath of killing Orion, Reyna turns immediately to Blackjack, who is collapsing with foam at his muzzle and a bleeding flank. With only Phoebe’s supplies and no certainty, Reyna cleans the wound, weighs the risks of poison versus tearing damage, and commits to extracting the arrow.
Reyna slices the wound, pulls the shaft free—thankfully unbarbed—and douses the injury with healing potion. She bandages the area, maintains pressure, and carefully administers unicorn draught. Over an unmeasured stretch of tense minutes, Blackjack’s pulse steadies, his breathing eases, and his eyes clear, signaling that her improvised treatment worked.
Exhausted but relieved, Reyna promises Blackjack she will get help from Camp Half-Blood. As the sun brightens, the Athena Parthenos gleams and the winged horses, including Guido, grow restless. For a moment, the quiet shoreline and a lone Greek trireme suggest the Romans may have stood down.
That illusion shatters when orange light flares across the hills and multiple fiery streaks rise into the sky. The Roman onagers have loosed their first volley, confirming that the assault on Camp Half-Blood is underway and forcing Reyna to confront the next phase of her mission under active siege.
Who Appears
- Reyna Avila Ramírez-ArellanoFresh from slaying Orion, she performs emergency care on Blackjack and witnesses the Romans begin their attack.
- BlackjackWounded pegasus; Reyna removes an arrow and stabilizes him with healing potion and unicorn draught.
- GuidoWinged horse on the deck, restless as dawn breaks and battle begins.