IV

Reyna tours Annabeth through New Rome’s architecture, explaining that Romans venerate Minerva as a maiden craft goddess, not a war leader, and find Greek-style children of Minerva shocking. Annabeth reflects on leadership expectations and the Greeks’ precarious position.

They discuss Ella’s prophetic lines and recognize them as prophecy. Reyna reveals she and Annabeth met years earlier on Circe’s island and notes Jason seems less Roman. In the Garden of Bacchus, Reyna speaks of Bellona and Rome’s offensive war tradition, warning that Greek-Roman cooperation has historically led to conflict.

Reyna shares that a deranged “son of Athena” once raved about following the Mark of Athena, echoing Ella’s words, and references a praetors’ legend blaming a grievance centered on Athena for the enmity between Romans and Greeks. As she is about to elaborate, explosions rock the forum—the Argo II is attacking.

Accused of treachery, Annabeth and Reyna rush down as chaos spreads. Piper’s charmspeak fails against the mob; Jason is injured. Catapults target the ship. Percy shields civilians with water. Octavian descends from the Argo II claiming he saw Leo fire the weapons, further inflaming the Romans.

Realizing they cannot prove innocence, Annabeth urges retreat. Hazel summons Arion to scatter foes and ride for diversion. Frank transforms into a full-sized gray dragon, snatches Jason and Piper, and lifts off, buying time for Annabeth and Percy to climb aboard under fire.

On deck, Leo is mechanically reloading the ballista, eyes glazed, repeating “Destroy them,” revealing he is being controlled. Percy knocks Leo out; the dragon deposits Jason and Piper. With Romans massing and defenses charging, Percy tells Annabeth to take command. She yanks the throttle and launches the damaged Argo II into the clouds, escaping New Rome.