The Blood of Olympus - Scepter Explosion

“Nico!” She ducked between two earthen ghosts, allowing them to smash each other’s heads in. “Any time now!”

The ground split open down the center of the courtyard. Dozens of skeletal soldiers clawed their way to the surface. Their shields looked like giant corroded pennies. Their blades were more rust than metal. But Reyna had never been so relieved to see reinforcements.

“Legion!” she shouted. “Ad aciem!”

The zombies responded, pushing through the earthen ghosts to form a battle line. Some fell, crushed by stone fists. Others managed to close ranks and raise their shields.

Behind her, Nico cursed.

Reyna risked a backward glance. The scepter of Diocletian was smoking in Nico’s hands.

“It’s fighting me!” he yelled. “I don’t think it likes summoning Romans to fight other Romans!”

Reyna knew that Ancient Romans had spent at least half their time fighting each other, but she decided not to bring that up. “Just secure Coach Hedge. Get ready to shadow-travel! I’ll buy you some—”

Nico yelped. The scepter of Diocletian exploded into pieces. Nico didn’t look hurt, but he stared at Reyna in shock. “I—I don’t know what happened. You’ve got a few minutes, tops, before your zombies disappear.”

“Legion!” Reyna shouted. “Orbem formate! Gladium signe!”

The zombies circled the Athena Parthenos, their swords ready for close-quarters fighting. Argentum dragged the unconscious Coach Hedge over to Nico, who was furiously strapping himself into the harness. Aurum stood guard, lunging at any earth ghosts who broke through the line.


- The Blood of Olympus, Chapter 8