Chapter 3 Reyna

Oh my gods. He doesn't remember me, thought Reyna. What if he's completely turned towards the greeks and this is an ambush? She grabbed a guy by his shoulder and whispered something in his ear. It was the messenger who had notified them of the argo II's arrival.

As soon as they all settled in, Octavian took off right where he'd left. "Why should we trust them Jason? Or for that matter even you", he said standing up and looking around the senate hall for appreciation.

"Octavian!" exclaimed Reyna, anger bubbling in her voice, although he was only voicing her concerns. "Sit. Down. Have you forgotten what Jason has done for Rome? For us?" Then she turned to the newcomers and said "Percy briefed the senate about this other camp, Camp half blood, moments before you arrived. He explained to us Juno's plan and the exchange of the leaders. I would like you to know that we have already defeated two giants, though I will leave the details for Percy to explain. Now, however, we all would like to know what you have to say".

Annabeth began with her introduction, continued to the search for Percy, how she had fetched Jason and two others safely to Camp Half blood. Jason took over from there and explained about the quest . "So, we have defeated Enceladus and Porphyrion – two more giants". The senate applauded and Reyna couldn't help feeling proud of her Jason.

Jason continued, "I would like to remind the members of the senate, that I have proven my loyalty towards this camp last summer on mount Othrys. I know that each and every person in this room wants the victory for gods to protect our world and I have seen the greeks who accompany me here fight by side for the same cause. They mean - no harm – and come here in anticipation of help for a combined quest to defeat the giants of gaea, and then gaea herself".

Instinctively, he looked at Reyna. She hesitated, but at that moment, the messenger re-entered the hall and mutered something in her ear. Reyna rose and said, "I for one, believe Percy and Jason who have conveyed the same message to us from Juno from entirely different situations and experiences. I now call upon a vote and the motion is as follows: The senate shall allow the ship from Camp Half-blood to land on Roman soil and accept the crew members for the duration as needed by the crew, or that could be decided later. All in favor?", and then raised her hand.

Jason nodded to her and started counting the hands. She could tell he was nervous, just as nervous as Percy. She quickly did a count herself and declared, "The motion is passed."

It was a close call and Reyna noticed that the one vote that made all the difference was Octavian's.

Annabeth stood up and said, "Then we should let the others from Camp half-blood know", looking directly at Percy.

Reyna noticed the relief on Annabeth's face.

Percy said, "I propose the ship be landed on the banks of the Tiber outside the gates. So they will be close at hand. Also, the praetors and senators could take a tour of the ship to make sure that they are actually here in peace." There was a murmur of agreement and all hands went up. Percy declared happily, "Motion passed!"

Looking at Annabeth and Jason, Percy said "Lead the way".

As they headed out again, they could feel the tangible tension in the air. No one from the legion had moved away. Percy noticed some new faces from the ship guarding it. Annabeth and Jason hurried forward to convey the decision and Percy grabbed the opportunity to talk to Reyna.

"You look happy", he said. She smiled and nodded. He continued, "Listen, about my praetorship. Now that Jason is back, I-".

"No!" cut in Reyna. "The people of Rome have just elected you as their praetor and I will not be questioning their judgment. And can you even imagine what Octavian will make of this if hears this? The last thing I need right now is instability. Please, Percy, you have to hold on to your position until the next time the Romans elect a praetor. I'll say it again, I mean to save this camp." and she stormed away.

Reyna and Percy then informed Terminus of the decision. The god agreed. "Well, as long as they are out of the pomerian line, I suppose that wouldn't be out of the rules."

Reyna heard Annabeth on the ship, "They have agreed to let us land. Leo, lets get her down by the river."

The greeks cheered as they landed.

Then Reyna turne dto Percy and said, "I hope I am right in trusting you. Please don't let me down."