The Heroes of Olympus, #3
The Mark of Athena
by Rick Riordan
Contents
XXI
Overview
The crew flees Charleston after a failed museum search and a clash at Fort Sumter, with the Argo II damaged and unable to fly. Guided by coordinates from a Nereid, they head into the Atlantic to find Chiron’s brothers while bracing for sea‑monster attacks. Percy and Jason are spent, tensions simmer, and Hazel forges a deeper connection with Leo by initiating a revealing flashback.
Summary
After a fruitless museum raid that unleashed hostile Confederate ghosts, Leo, Frank, and Coach Hedge are chased through Charleston. They rejoin the Argo II, fight Romans, get shot down by Hedge’s misfire, and crash at Fort Sumter before escaping to sea. Leo then holds the damaged ship together through fierce winds raised by Percy and Jason.
When the sea finally calms, Annabeth relays Percy’s message from a Charleston Nereid: seek help from Chiron’s brothers at given mid‑Atlantic coordinates and expect sea‑monster attacks from Keto’s offspring. Leo inputs the course; the destination lies far offshore, underscoring their isolation as they head for the ancient lands.
The crew takes stock: the port aerial stabilizer is wrecked, grounding the ship; Percy and Jason are exhausted from the storm and must rest; time is short with only three days left to save Nico. A small bright spot—Buford the table returns—vanishes with the loss of Frank’s pants.
With the others below, Leo and Hazel talk. Leo helps Hazel manage seasickness and jokes about Frank’s “accidental” drop, easing tension. Discussion turns to Nemesis’s ominous fortune cookie; Leo offers to use it to find Nico, but Hazel refuses the unknown cost. They recall Leo’s ruse with Narcissus and Hazel’s memories of someone named Sammy.
Seeking answers about their uncanny connection, Hazel asks Leo to share a voluntary flashback—a power she once shared with Frank. Trusting Coach Hedge at the helm and seeing clear skies, Leo agrees, takes Hazel’s hand, and the world dissolves as the vision begins.
Who Appears
- Leo ValdezKeeps the damaged Argo II afloat, sets course, banters with Hazel, and agrees to share her flashback.
- Hazel LevesqueSea‑sick but resolute; refuses Leo’s risky Nemesis aid, discusses Sammy, initiates a shared flashback.
- Annabeth ChaseProvides coordinates from Percy’s Nereid contact; confirms finding the bronze map at Fort Sumter.
- Percy JacksonContacts a Nereid; warns Keto’s monsters may attack; exhausted after raising storms.
- Jason GraceHelps summon storms to escape; collapses from exertion; suggests flight before learning of damage.
- Frank ZhangCarries crew, argues with Hazel, uneasy around Leo; suspected of dropping Leo; missing pants gag.
- Coach HedgeAccidentally shoots them down earlier; takes the helm while singing; relieves Leo at the wheel.
- Piper McLeanSupports and tends to the exhausted Percy and Jason; earlier warned of Roman attack.
- Festus (figurehead)Reports ship status; confirms damaged port aerial stabilizer, grounding the Argo II.