the_blood_of_olympus_-_rick_riordan

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Jason
NOTHING WAS LEFT OF THE GIANTS except heaps of ash, a few spears and some burning dreadlocks.
The Argo II was still aloft, barely, moored to the top of the Parthenon. Half the ship’s oars were
broken off or tangled. Smoke streamed from several large splits in the hull. The sails were peppered
with burning holes.
Leo looked almost as bad. He stood in the midst of the temple with the other crewmembers, his
face covered in soot, his clothes smouldering.
The gods fanned out in a semicircle as Zeus approached. None of them seemed particularly joyful
about their victory.
Apollo and Artemis stood together in the shadow of a column, as if trying to hide. Hera and
Poseidon were having an intense discussion with another goddess in green and gold robes – perhaps
Demeter. Nike tried to put a golden laurel wreath on Hecate’s head, but the goddess of magic swatted
it away. Hermes sneaked close to Athena, attempting to put his arm around her. Athena turned her
aegis shield his way and Hermes scuffled off.
The only Olympian who seemed in a good mood was Ares. He laughed and pantomimed gutting an
enemy while Frank listened, his expression polite but queasy.
‘Brethren,’ Zeus said, ‘we are healed, thanks to the work of these demigods. The Athena Parthenos,
which once stood in this temple, now stands at Camp Half-Blood. It has united our offspring, and thus
our own essences.’
‘Lord Zeus,’ Piper spoke up, ‘is Reyna okay? Nico and Coach Hedge?’
Jason couldn’t quite believe Piper was asking after Reyna’s health, but it made him glad.
Zeus knitted his cloud-coloured eyebrows. ‘They succeeded in their mission. As of this moment
they are alive. Whether or not they are okay –’
‘There is still work to be done,’ Queen Hera interrupted. She spread her arms like she wanted a
group hug. ‘But my heroes … you have triumphed over the giants as I knew you would. My plan
succeeded beautifully.’
Zeus turned on his wife. Thunder shook the Acropolis. ‘Hera, do not dare take credit! You have
caused at least as many problems as you’ve fixed!’
The queen of heaven blanched. ‘Husband, surely you see now – this was the only way.’
‘There is never only one way!’ Zeus bellowed. ‘That is why there are three Fates, not one. Is this
not so?’
By the ruins of the giant king’s throne, the three old ladies silently bowed their heads in
recognition. Jason noticed that the other gods stayed well away from the Fates and their gleaming