The Heroes of Olympus, #3
The Mark of Athena
by Rick Riordan
Contents
III
Overview
At a Roman feast, the Greeks and Romans exchange quest histories and align on the Prophecy of Seven. Plans form to sail the Argo II toward Rome and Greece to close the Doors of Death, despite Reyna’s warnings about the Mediterranean. Ella blurts a new prophecy about the Mark of Athena, forcing Annabeth to deflect Octavian. Reyna schedules a senate vote, sends Octavian to inspect the ship with Leo, and then demands a private talk with Annabeth.
Summary
At a lavish Roman feast, Annabeth wrestles with jealousy and unease as Percy enthusiastically praises New Rome. The groups trade stories: Jason recounts rescuing Hera/Juno and learning of Gaea’s plans, while Percy describes freeing Thanatos in Alaska and reclaiming the legion’s eagle. Tension flares when Octavian objects to Percy’s temporary praetorship, but Reyna refocuses the discussion on larger threats.
They recite the Prophecy of Seven, and Annabeth completes the lines, asserting that Greeks and Romans must unite. Hazel reveals Nico went missing searching for the Doors of Death. Percy explains the doors must be closed before sailing to Greece, while Reyna warns that the Mediterranean, the Mare Nostrum, is deadly for demigods. Despite risks, Jason and Percy propose a seven-person team: Jason, Piper, Leo, Annabeth, Percy, Hazel, and Frank.
Tyson arrives with Mrs. O’Leary and Ella, a harpy who suddenly delivers new lines—“The Mark of Athena burns through Rome…”—stunning the group and alarming Annabeth, who senses her mother’s unfinished command. To avoid Octavian seizing on a fresh prophecy, Annabeth downplays Ella’s words as book quotes. With Reyna’s consent, Tyson shadow-travels away with Ella and the hellhound.
Reyna calls for a senate meeting in one hour and orders Octavian to inspect the Argo II with Leo. As they leave, Annabeth glimpses a chilling, momentary change in Leo’s demeanor. Jason asks to show Piper around New Rome; Reyna coolly agrees. When Percy offers to show Annabeth the city, Reyna refuses and requests a private conversation with Annabeth, leaving Annabeth wary but compelled to follow.
Who Appears
- Annabeth ChasePoint-of-view; pushes Greek–Roman alliance, reacts to Ella’s prophecy, senses ominous shift in Leo, and is summoned by Reyna privately.
- ReynaRoman praetor; hosts feast, cautions about the Mediterranean, orders senate vote, sends Octavian with Leo, demands a private talk with Annabeth.
- Percy JacksonRoman praetor; recounts Alaska quest, supports uniting seven, deflects Octavian, sends Tyson and Ella away, wants to tour with Annabeth.
- OctavianAugur; challenges Percy’s rank and the plan, fixates on Ella’s words as prophecy, is ordered to inspect the Argo II.
- Leo ValdezEngineer of Argo II; jokes about the voyage, escorts Octavian to the ship; Annabeth briefly sees a chilling change in him.
- Hazel LevesqueRoman demigod; reveals Nico sought the Doors of Death, helps deflect attention from Ella’s prophecy.
- Jason GraceFormer Roman praetor; recounts Wolf House quest, backs the seven, asks to show Piper New Rome.
- Piper McLeanCharmspeaks to silence Octavian, supports the alliance and journey, prepares to tour New Rome with Jason.
- Frank ZhangRoman legionnaire; traveled with Percy to Alaska, tries to cover for Ella by claiming she quotes books.
- TysonCyclops and Percy’s half-brother; brings Ella, expresses her fear of ships, then shadow-travels away with her and Mrs. O’Leary.
- EllaHarpie; fears ships and recites a prophecy about the Mark of Athena, prompting tension and concealment.
- Mrs. O’LearyHellhound; carries Ella and departs via shadow-travel with Tyson.