The Tyrant's Tomb

Reyna regarded her colleague. “Why, Frank Zhang. You’ve been
studying the praetors’ handbook.”
“Maybe a little.” Frank cleared his throat. “Anyway, we know who needs
to go: Apollo, Meg, and you. The doorway to the soundless god has to be
opened by Bellona’s daughter, right?”
“But…” Reyna looked back and forth between us. “I can’t just leave on
the day of a major battle. Bellona’s power is all about strength in numbers. I
need to lead the troops.”
“And you will,” Frank promised. “As soon as you get back from San
Francisco. In the meantime, I’ll hold down the fort. I’ve got this.”
Reyna hesitated, but I thought I detected a gleam in her eye. “Are you
sure, Frank? I mean, yeah, of course you can do it. I know you can, but—”
“I’ll be fine.” Frank smiled like he meant it. “Apollo and Meg need you
on this quest. Go.”
Why did Reyna look so excited? How crushing her work must have
been, if, after carrying the burden of leadership for so long, she was looking
forward to going on an adventure across the bay to kill a god.
“I suppose,” she said with obviously feigned reluctance.
“It’s settled, then.” Frank turned to Meg and me. “You guys rest up. Big
day tomorrow. We’ll need your help with the war games. I’ve got a special
job in mind for each of you.”