the_blood_of_olympus_-_rick_riordan

ody. You must fight it, Jason Grace … you must survive.’
‘Yeah, thanks,’ he said, his mouth dry. ‘I’m trying.’
‘What do you mean, the wound touches his soul?’ Piper demanded. ‘Why can’t you –’
‘My heroes, our time together is short,’ Juno said. ‘I am grateful that you called upon me. I have
spent weeks in a state of pain and confusion … my Greek and Roman natures warring against each
other. Worse, I’ve been forced to hide from Jupiter, who searches for me in his misguided wrath,
believing that I caused this war with Gaia.’
‘Gee,’ Annabeth said, ‘why would he think that?’
Juno flashed her an irritated look. ‘Fortunately, this place is sacred to me. By clearing away those
ghosts, you have purified it and given me a moment of clarity. I will be able to speak with you – if
only briefly.’
‘Why is it sacred … ?’ Piper’s eyes widened. ‘Oh. The marriage bed!’
‘Marriage bed?’ Annabeth asked. ‘I don’t see any –’
‘The bed of Penelope and Odysseus,’ Piper explained. ‘One of its bedposts was a living olive tree,
so it could never be moved.’
‘Indeed.’ Juno ran her hand along the olive tree’s trunk. ‘An immovable marriage bed. Such a
beautiful symbol! Like Penelope, the most faithful wife, standing her ground, fending off a hundred
arrogant suitors for years because she knew her husband would return. Odysseus and Penelope – the
epitome of a perfect marriage!’
Even in his dazed state, Jason was pretty sure he remembered stories about Odysseus falling for
other women during his travels, but he decided not to bring that up.
‘Can you advise us, at least?’ he asked. ‘Tell us what to do?’
‘Sail around the Peloponnese,’ said the goddess. ‘As you suspect, that is the only possible route.
On your way, seek out the goddess of victory in Olympia. She is out of control. Unless you can
subdue her, the rift between Greek and Roman can never be healed.’
‘You mean Nike?’ Annabeth asked. ‘How is she out of control?’
Thunder boomed overhead, shaking the hill.
‘Explaining would take too long,’ Juno said. ‘I must flee before Jupiter finds me. Once I leave, I
will not be able to help you again.’
Jason bit back a retort: When did you help me the first time?
‘What else should we know?’ he asked.
‘As you heard, the giants have gathered in Athens. Few gods will be able to help you on your
journey, but I am not the only Olympian who is out of favour with Jupiter. The twins have also
incurred his wrath.’
‘Artemis and Apollo?’ Piper asked. ‘Why?’
Juno’s image began to fade. ‘If you reach the island of Delos, they might be prepared to help you.
They are desperate enough to try anything to make amends. Go now. Perhaps we will meet again in
Athens, if you succeed. If you do not …’
The goddess disappeared, or maybe Jason’s eyesight simply failed. Pain rolled through him. His
head lolled back. He saw a giant eagle circling high above. Then the blue sky turned black, and Jason