The Heroes of Olympus, #3
The Mark of Athena
by Rick Riordan
Contents
XIV
Overview
Frank discovers Percy and Annabeth accidentally spent the night in the stables, prompting an awkward but brief fallout. Over breakfast, Percy reports a dream of Nico trapped by the twin giants; Hazel reveals he can survive five days on pomegranate seeds, sharpening their deadline.
Jason and Leo question trusting Nico, angering Hazel. As Argo II nears Atlanta, Percy organizes a scouting party with Frank and Coach Hedge, while the others guard the ship.
Summary
Frank finds Percy and Annabeth asleep in the stables, panics about appearances, and rushes them to breakfast. The crew reacts with varying degrees of relief, humor, and scandal, while Coach Hedge berates Percy and Annabeth for breaking rules. The group refocuses on their mission.
Percy recounts his dream: the giants Ephialtes and Otis preparing an ambush and Nico di Angelo trapped in a bronze jar with pomegranate seeds. Hazel explains the seeds are an emergency ration for children of Hades; in a death trance, Nico can survive one day per seed—five days remain, fixing a hard deadline.
Piper links the prophecy’s “angel” to Nico’s surname, confirming his role as the key to the Doors of Death. Despite agreeing to rescue him, Leo and Jason question Nico’s secrecy and loyalties, provoking Hazel’s anger. Overwhelmed and betrayed, Hazel storms out as utensils rattle from her agitation.
As the ship nears Atlanta, Leo heads to pilot Festus for a landing. Percy, noticing Frank’s concern for Hazel and tension with Leo, proposes a scouting team. Coach Hedge forbids Annabeth from joining Percy and insists on accompanying Percy and Frank, leaving Jason, Piper, Annabeth, Hazel, and Leo to guard the Argo II.
Who Appears
- Percy JacksonShares a critical dream about Nico; plans a scouting mission with Frank; reluctantly accepts Hedge’s supervision.
- Hazel LevesqueReveals Nico’s pomegranate seed survival limit; defends his loyalty; storms out when Jason and Leo cast doubt.
- Jason GraceUrges caution about trusting Nico, unintentionally offending Hazel during the strategy meeting.
- Leo ValdezGrins at the stables incident; questions Nico’s secrecy; pilots the ship toward Atlanta.
- Annabeth ChaseEmbarrassed by the stables mishap; supports analysis of the prophecy; is grounded by Coach Hedge.
- Frank ZhangFinds Percy and Annabeth; supports rescuing Nico; joins Percy’s scouting team, worried for Hazel.
- Coach HedgeScolds Percy and Annabeth; insists on accompanying the scouting party and keeping Annabeth grounded.
- Piper McLeanConnects the prophecy’s ‘angel’ to Nico; mediates tensions and advises giving Hazel time to cool off.