Rise of House Neptune

The Cousin's Destiny

Chapter 37

The exhausted feeling from the battle had not left Percy in the days that followed. On the first day they buried the fallen. Sigils were held the length of New Rome, and words were said about every fallen comrade. The second day brought rewards, and a celebration of victory. It wasn't as rowdy as past celebrations had been. Everyone had lost someone in the battle, and the mood was much more somber than when they had defeated the Trojan Sea Monster, or prevented war on Olympus.

To start off the rewards Jason and Nico had both been given a phalere for their efforts in defeating Kampe, and every legionnaire that participated in the battle were presented with honors ribbons for their part in the battle. It had been a long and tedious process, but Percy had been sure to personally hand out every single ribbon, and pin it to each respective member's armor of every cohort. He wanted his people to know that he appreciated their service, and told every single man and woman that fought the truth that victory would've been impossible without them.

Before the award ceremonies had begun Cassie had promptly stepped down from the position of Praetor. She sighted mental health reasons, and claimed that she felt others could do the job better. She admitted to not being the greatest warrior, and certainly not having the military mind to lead the legion into battle. She refused to name a successor she would like the legion to support, and claimed that her door would be open to any that would seek her advice while she was in retirement.

In truth Percy could not fault the girl. She had summoned him to her quarters late the day after the battle, and had offered her apologies for failing him and Rome in its hour of need, and told him that she was going to step down. They had talked late into the night about what had been ailing her, and that she felt she just could not match the power of those in the Guard, nor could she claim to have the Military mind to command the troops. She was a peacetime leader, and they both knew it.

This is what led Percy to the senate chambers on the third day after the battle. The people of New Rome, and the majority of the cohorts were waiting outside the halls to hail a new Praetor, and if rumor had it elevate the son of Neptune to Consul.

Percy sat alone at the front of the old court room, and watched as Octavian, along with a group of his stooges attempted to spearhead him into the other open position of leadership, "I have been a loyal Roman for over seven years of service. My family history is wrought with leadership and-"

"The augur is sacrosanct Octavian. I would think your ascension to the position of Praetor would interfere with your abilities to remain neutral in the position of Augur." Michael Kahale said with his arms crossed against his toga looking slightly irritated.

Octavian turned red, but immediately rebutted, "It is not historically unprecedented for an Augur to rise to the position of Praetor."

"It would be in times of war." Percy said pointedly, "I have a lot of respect for your position Octavian, but I would hate to see it lose a single bit of your attention in a time where the future could be the difference between victory and defeat."

"Surely you will not deny me the right to at least see the senate put it to a vote Praetor Jackson?" Octavian asked stubbornly.

"Of course not Augur. When we have our nominated candidates the vote will be conducted with your name on the ballot." Percy said diplomatically, but the eye roll that came from most of the Guard showed Percy that the likelihood of this idiot being elected to Praetor was pretty slim.

Before Percy could ask for the next candidate to be announced Jason stood in the front with his hands behind his back waiting to be called. Percy looked at his cousin warily as he refused to meet his eyes. Taking a deep breath Percy addressed the son of Jupiter, "Yes Centurion Grace, you wish to nominate a candidate?"