Reyna and Jason: The Praetor's of New Rome - Sacrifice

Reynazinosaur

"... and that's why I think we should re consider."

After being dragged through my usual nightmares. Reliving the death of my father, Pirates destroying Circe's island, and separating from my sister. Also, my recent conversations with Jason have been thrown into the mix. So take that for what you will.

I found myself in the auditorium room of the Senate building. I was standing next to Sam while he address those in attendance. Senators in their purple togas sat in the front row staring at Sam, their arms crossed.

I didn't need to hear Sam's full speech to know that it was terrible.

A senior senator by the name of Arduous (I am not joking), sat up and addressed Sam. He had pale white skin and splotches of brown circles dotted on his face and arms. If I were physically their, an audible groan would have involuntarily exited my body. He had grey curly hair and stood tall. Despite his old age, he was still in remarkable shape.

Avoiding politics in New Rome was my MO, but even I know who Arduous is. He's the oldest active member of the Senate and has consistently been voted in for many years. He's very popular with Roman traditionalist (aka old people, which make up the majority of the population in New Rome) and is a champion of "maintaining cultural values".

I've probably done a bad job keeping my political opinion about him out of this description, but I don't care. The jerk is old enough to be involved in the civil rights movement and I'll let you guess which side he was on during that time.

In case your wondering how he is still around to, his mother is Juventas, goddess of youth. Go figure.

"Sam, thank you for..... that pleasant speech." Arduous said through a forced smiled.

Sam bowed comically. "No problem."

Arduous maintained his neutral expression, but I could see the contempt he had for Sam. "But my fellow colleagues and I have discussed this matter in depth and have come to a decision."

He turned to the crowd in attendance. "No one is in doubt of Jason's incredible work ethic and dedication to New Rome and its citizens. But unfortunately, we are at the precipice of war. We pray to the gods Jason and his squadron will succeed in his quest through the labyrinth, but we cannot rest on our laurels. We need to act in his absence."

Sam coughed in his fist. "I can act. Let's give Jason more time-"

Arduous continued speaking. "We have given him long enough. We've already delayed this meeting by one week, we cannot afford to wait any longer. The senate has elected-"

The main doors burst open.

Max marched in, dragging someone by their legs. I couldn't make out who he was dragging, but I could see they were tied up from head to toe. Max walked past Arduous and tossed the person onto the stage in front of Sam and I.

The girl was about our age, tall and slender. She reminded me of the children of Venus, a bunch of self absorb snobs that looked like models. She had long black hair wrapped and wore a orange shirt, ripped blue jeans and black converse.

"Uh, Max, what's going on here?" Sam asked him.

Max stomped up the steps to the auditorium. His expression was completely neutral, not a hint of emotion could be read on his face or his dark black eyes. He ignored Sam, grabbed the person and slammed her on her knees. Her arms were tied behind her back and at her ankles. She was completely subdued.

Max addressed the crowd. "I found our assassin. She comes from a place called Camp Half-Blood. A camp in the east that houses Greek demigods."

He ripped the duct tape over her mouth.