The Heroes of Olympus, #3
The Mark of Athena
by Rick Riordan
Contents
II
Overview
Annabeth enters New Rome’s forum, reunites with Percy in an emotional, public scene, and reasserts boundaries. Reyna asserts control, welcoming the Greeks as guests in the forum while Octavian objects. Annabeth meets Percy’s Roman allies Frank and Hazel and feels an ominous presence, foreshadowing looming conflict despite the temporary truce.
Summary
Annabeth walks through New Rome’s forum amid unarmed, multigenerational Romans, noting the city’s beauty and spotting Tyson and Mrs. O’Leary in good spirits. Reyna, in full armor, approaches as clear leader, masking worry with composure. The crowd reacts to Jason’s return.
Percy emerges, and he and Annabeth rush together, kiss, and momentarily forget their surroundings. Annabeth then flips Percy in a burst of pent-up fear and anger, warning him never to leave again. Tension subsides as Percy jokes, and they reconcile.
Jason introduces Reyna to Piper and Leo, then Annabeth. Reyna appreciates Annabeth’s boldness. Two close Roman allies—Frank and Hazel—join Percy protectively, signaling shared past trials. Hazel seems unsettled by seeing Piper or Leo, hinting at a painful memory.
Reyna orders the legion to stand down, requests a welcome feast in the forum, and assigns tasks to officers, including Dakota. Octavian protests bringing the Greeks under the warship’s shadow, but Reyna overrules him. Percy needles Octavian to burn his teddy bears; Octavian departs, glaring.
Percy reassures Annabeth about the Romans’ goodwill, citing Reyna, Frank, and Hazel. Annabeth, however, senses the same whispering, sinister presence from the ship, fears impending trouble, and contemplates fleeing with Percy. She outwardly agrees to proceed as Reyna invites Jason for a proper talk, signaling delicate diplomacy ahead.
Who Appears
- Annabeth ChaseProtagonist viewpoint; reunites passionately with Percy, then asserts anger by flipping him; senses ominous presence.
- Percy JacksonPraetor of Camp Jupiter; reunites with Annabeth, accepts her warning, vouches for Roman allies, taunts Octavian.
- ReynaRoman praetor; composed leader who welcomes the Greeks in the forum and overrules Octavian.
- Jason GraceReturns to Camp Jupiter; introduces the Greeks and facilitates diplomacy with Reyna.
- OctavianAugur; objects to hosting the Greeks under the warship, leaves resentfully after Reyna’s orders.
- Frank ZhangPercy’s Roman ally; stands protectively beside Percy, implied boyfriend to Hazel.
- Hazel LevesquePercy’s Roman ally; protective, unsettled by seeing Piper or Leo, hinting at painful recognition.
- Piper McLeanArrives with the Greeks; misses her planned introduction lines; observed by Hazel.
- Leo ValdezArrives with the Greeks; keeps things light with a grin and peace sign; observed by Hazel.
- TysonCyclops and Percy’s ally; present in the forum, cheerful, wearing an SPQR banner.
- Mrs. O’LearyPercy’s hellhound; part of the scouting party, relaxed presence among Romans.
- DakotaRoman officer tasked by Reyna to alert kitchen spirits for a welcome feast.