The Tyrant's Tomb

And why not let King Tarquin be his custodian? The emperors could ally
themselves with the undead tyrant, at least temporarily, to make their
invasion of Camp Jupiter a little easier. They could let Tarquin arrange his
cruelest trap for me. Whether I killed Harpocrates or he killed me, what did
it matter to the Triumvirate in the end? Either way, they would find it
entertaining—one more gladiator match to break the monotony of their
immortal lives.
Pain flared from the stab wound in my neck. I realized I’d been
clenching my jaw in anger.
“There has to be another way,” I said. “The prophecy can’t mean for us
to kill Harpocrates. Let’s talk to him. Figure something out.”
“How can we,” Reyna asked, “if he radiates silence?”
“That…that’s a good question,” I admitted. “First things first. We have to
get those doors open. Can you two cut the chains?”
Meg looked scandalized. “With my swords?”
“Well, I thought they would work better than your teeth, but you tell
me.”
“Guys,” said Reyna. “Imperial gold blades hacking away at Imperial
gold chains? Maybe we could cut through, but we’d be here until nightfall.
We don’t have that kind of time. I’ve got another idea. Godly strength.”
She looked at me.
“But I don’t have any!” I protested.
“You got your archery skills back,” she said. “You got your musical
skills back.”
“That Valerie song didn’t count,” Meg said.
“‘Volare,’” I corrected.
“The point is,” Reyna continued, “I may be able to boost your strength. I
think that might be why I’m here.”
I thought about the jolt of energy I’d felt when Reyna touched my arm. It
hadn’t been physical attraction, or a warning buzz from Venus. I recalled
something she had told Frank before we left camp. “Bellona’s power,” I said.
“It has something to do with strength in numbers?”
Reyna nodded. “I can amplify other people’s abilities. The bigger the
group, the better it works, but even with three people…it might be sufficient
to enhance your power enough to rip open those doors.”
“Would that count?” Meg asked. “I mean, if Reyna doesn’t open the door
herself, isn’t that cheating the prophecy?”