Scene 3

After lunch, ANNABETH, and REYNA are talking in a garden

Reyna
Annabeth, before you go, there is something you should know about the Mark of Athena

Annabeth
What?

Reyna
There is a legend among us praetors. It could be the reason that we've had this rivalry. The legend states that if the Greeks figured out what we'd done, they'd never forgive us. But you don't seem like- (An explosion behing interrupts them)

Annabeth
I thought the giants were defeated!

Reyna
Not giants. You've betrayed our trust!

Annabeth
No! Reyna, we'd never do this!

Reyna
It doesn't matter. Someone has to pay.

Annabeth
(Fistfights are breaking out) Bloodshed!

Reyna
We have to stop it! (they run down the hill. Cut to ANNABETH in the forum, PERCY and FRANK in the fountain, PIPER and JASON in the center of a mob)

Percy
Annabeth! What-

Annabeth
I have no idea!

Octavian
Your boy Leo has turned his balistae on New Rome!

Annabeth
No! (They run for the ladder)

Percy
Hazel, Frank? Can you create a diversion? Frank, you'll need to get Jason and Piper, he's knocked out... hopefully only out cold.

Frank
Uh, I can try. (HAZEL whistles, and ARION, her horse, shoots by in a blur of beige and stops in front of her.)

Annabeth
Percy, just climb. (they reach the top. LEO is calmly loading and firing the ballista) LEO! WHAT ARE YOU DOING!

Leo
(like a robot) Destroy them. Destroy them all. ( PERCY tackles him, and LEO hits the deck hard.)

Percy
Go! Get us out of here! Frank and Hazel will catch up!

Annabeth
OK! Watch him, for when he wakes up. I want to talk.

Percy
Wouldn't want to be him, knowing you!