The Heroes of Olympus, #3
The Mark of Athena
by Rick Riordan
Contents
XXVIII
Overview
Piper and Jason are ambushed by Achelous. Piper subdues the river god, cuts off his horn, but refuses to give it to Hercules. Using the horn’s cornucopia power, she buries Hercules in food, letting Jason launch the Argo II skyward while Percy aids with a wave. The crew escapes into the Mediterranean, shifting control from Hercules to the heroes.
Summary
Pulled into a deadly whirlpool by Achelous, Piper fights panic while Jason repeatedly resurfaces and is smashed under by the river god. Piper charmspeaks Achelous to release Jason, then seizes the moment, mounting the bull-headed god, holding a knife to his throat, and demanding Jason’s freedom.
To end the threat, Piper slices off Achelous’s remaining horn, leaps to shore, and signals Jason. Jason blasts the river with lightning, dispersing Achelous’s form. Shaken but resolute, Piper refuses to let Hercules profit from cruelty. She forms a plan, charmspeaks Jason to follow it, and contacts Leo to ready the Argo II.
Confronting Hercules, Piper rejects his authority and declares he is unworthy of the prize. When Hercules threatens them, Jason stands by her. Piper channels her love and hope into the horn, activating its cornucopia power to unleash a massive torrent of food that buries the god.
As Hercules struggles under the avalanche of produce, Jason carries Piper to the Argo II. Leo has the ship prepped; Jason’s winds lift them as Percy hurls a wave to knock Hercules back. The Argo II ascends into the clouds, successfully entering the Mediterranean and escaping Hercules’s control.
Who Appears
- Piper McLeanOutwits Achelous, cuts off his horn, refuses Hercules, and uses the cornucopia to ensure their escape.
- Jason GraceBattles the river, supports Piper’s stand, uses wind and lightning to aid escape.
- HerculesAntagonistic god demanding the horn; buried under food by the cornucopia.
- AchelousRiver god who attacks; loses his horn to Piper and dissolves after Jason’s lightning.
- Leo ValdezPreps the Argo II for rapid departure on Piper’s signal.
- Percy JacksonLaunches a massive wave to hinder Hercules during the escape.