BLOOD OF OLYMPUS

Nico realized he was still leaning against Will. He pushed him away and stood on his own two
feet. ‘I’ll do what I need to.’
Will rolled his eyes. ‘Fine, Death Boy. If you want to get yourself killed –’
‘Do not call me Death Boy!’
Lou Ellen cleared her throat. ‘Um, guys –’
‘DROP YOUR WEAPONS!’
Nico turned. The fight at the third onager had not gone unnoticed.
The entire First Cohort was advancing on them, spears levelled, shields locked. In front of them
marched Octavian, purple robes over his armour, Imperial gold jewellery glittering on his neck and
arms, and a crown of laurels on his head as if he’d already won the battle. Next to him was the
legion’s standard-bearer, Jacob, holding the golden eagle, and six huge cynocephali, their canine
teeth bared, their swords glowing red.
‘Well,’ Octavian snarled, ‘Graecus saboteurs.’ He turned to his dog-headed warriors. ‘Tear them
apart.’