The Tyrant's Tomb

“Ready,” Hazel said. “If Tarquin’s hordes come from the same direction
as before, they’re in for some nasty surprises. I also set traps along the other
approaches to the city. Hopefully we can stop them before they’re in handto-hand
range so…”
She hesitated, apparently unwilling to finish her sentence. I thought I
understood. So we don’t have to see their faces. If the legion had to confront
a wave of undead comrades, it would be much better to destroy them at a
distance, without the anguish of having to recognize former friends.
“I just wish…” Hazel shook her head. “Well, I still worry Tarquin has
something else planned. I should be able to figure it out, but…” She tapped
her forehead as if she wanted to reset her brain. I could sympathize.
“You’ve done plenty,” Frank assured her. “If they throw surprises at us,
we’ll adapt.”
Reyna nodded. “Okay, then, we’re off. Don’t forget to stock the
catapults.”
“Of course,” Frank said.
“And double-check with the quartermaster about those flaming
barricades.”
“Of course.”
“And—” Reyna stopped herself. “You know what you’re doing. Sorry.”
Frank grinned. “Just bring us whatever we need to summon that godly
help. We’ll keep the camp in one piece until you get back.”
Hazel studied Reyna’s outfit with concern. “Your sword’s in the truck.
Don’t you want to take a shield or something?”
“Nah. I’ve got my cloak. It’ll turn aside most weapons.” Reyna brushed
the collar of her sweater wrap. Instantly it unfurled into her usual purple
cape.
Frank’s smile faded. “Does my cloak do that?”
“See you, guys!” Reyna climbed behind the wheel.
“Wait, does my cloak deflect weapons?” Frank called after us. “Does
mine turn into a sweater wrap?”
As we pulled away, I could see Frank Zhang in the rearview mirror,
intently studying the stitching of his cape.
Our first challenge of the morning: merging onto the Bay Bridge.
Getting out of Camp Jupiter had been no problem. A well-hidden dirt
road led from the valley up into the hills, eventually depositing us on the