XVII

Frank stumbles aboard the Argo II with Percy and Coach Hedge, warning that they are being followed. Once airborne and safe from Atlanta, Percy, Frank, and Hedge recount their escape from Phorcys and Keto. The crew resolves to head for Charleston to seek a map tied to the Mark of Athena, which may be linked to a statue and a way to mend Greek–Roman rifts.

Annabeth, sensing connections she fears to name, presses Jason about Charleston. He recalls a prior quest with Reyna: the Hunley museum and a mysterious Southern belle spirit at the Battery that only spoke to Reyna. The crew divides: Jason, Leo, and Frank will scout the museum; Annabeth, Piper, and Hazel will approach the Battery’s spirit.

Festus detects a formation of Roman eagles closing in. To avoid a confrontation and confuse pursuit, Leo launches Buford the helicopter-table carrying the crew’s laundry as a scent decoy, then plots a detour so they can reach Charleston by morning, risking tight timing for rescuing Nico.

Alone later, Annabeth broods over Daedalus’s laptop and the Parthenon, recalling a devastating encounter months earlier with Athena, who—confused as Minerva—demanded vengeance on Rome and gave Annabeth a coin: “Follow the Mark of Athena.” The meeting shattered Annabeth’s confidence and strained her divine bond.

Frank visits Annabeth for help with Chinese handcuffs; she demonstrates the simple solution and they discuss trust. Frank hints at a private weakness known only to Percy and Hazel. Their exchange strengthens team cohesion as Percy rests, and Annabeth braces for what the Mark might demand.