Rise of the Lotus - Percy Jackson Fanfic

Chapter Eleven

Summary: Chariot Races, Antonia's Date and Saturnalia sacrifices!

Evie's Notes: Guess who is not dead! Sorry for the long wait, I am back on my PJO kick now though so expect plenty more to come !. As always, thank you so much your support of this story, it really and truly means the world to me ! I hope that you all enjoy the this new update - XO Evie.

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"I've got twenty denarii on Jacobson" shared Antonia, leaning over to offer a few fries to Lennon.

"Ugh, as if" scoffed Lennon. "Leopold is going to crush this race"

"You both are fools," argued Reyna, "Rowan and his team is going to win"

"Well all I know for sure is that we have the best seats" grinned Trenton, throwing an arm around Reyna's shoulders.

"Perks of being Praetor" chuckled Reyna, tilting her head to rest on his shoulder as they looked out over the balcony down into the Colosseum.

Far below the friends, the chariot racers were preparing for the next event. The third day of Saturnalia had been exciting and filled with many sports events. The morning had featured foot racing and wrestling. The afternoon featured gladiator fights starring volunteers from New Rome and certain members of the Legion who had been voluntold by their leaders. The most exciting and anticipated event of the day was about to begin though... The Chariot Races!

Earlier in the day, Antonia had dropped Mollie off with her friends down on the ground floor of the stadium where the other apprentices were gathering to watch the races. Given that her days of jumping up and down in the dust and screaming herself hoarse were long over, Antonia had gratefully accepted the invitation to join Reyna and Trenton in their box for the day.

Several friends had stopped by the box to visit throughout the day's events. Nico and Remy had joined the trio for the morning foot races before leaving to offer sacrifices. Nico had also participated in the sparring events that afternoon. Zhanna and Cordelia had joined the group during the wrestling match but had to leave to put baby Cassia down for a nap. Lennon had arrived after lunch and had made herself comfortable in the chair next to Antonia. Lindsey, the group's latest arrival had marched in with Mabel and Bobby declaring that the seats down below wouldn't be good enough for the race. Reyna had just rolled her eyes good naturedly and motioned for their friends to take a seat.

Gwen, who had been chosen as master of ceremonies for today's events, once again took to the center of the stadium with a giant magical microphone in hand.

"Welcome Romans! The time for the long-awaited races is finally here" her announcement was met with loud stomping and cheering.

"In the first gate is Leopold Whitman, and his pegasi Willow and Scott. Second gate we have Philip Jacobson with Casper and Ebony. Gate three holds Linda Coleman and her team Liesel and Colby. Finally gate four holds Rowan Maxwell, and her pegasi Bailey and Blaze. Riders, I want a clean race" directed Gwen. "Thrice around the track and the first through the green ribbon takes the prize".

Holding up a large purple and gold flag Gwen waved it three times and then tossed it in the air as a loud trumpeting played. The gates holding back the charioteers were thrown open and the teams raced out.

Antonia leaned forward excitedly as Jacobson and his team quickly took to the sky securing an early lead. Whitman and his team were close on the boy's heels, hoping to pass the blue chariot as they approached the first bend. Rowan Maxwell's team of pegasi were trailing behind passing the first bend a few moments behind them.

Linda Coleman held the reins of her pegasi in one hand and fired her crossbow with the other. The arrow flew through the air towards Maxwell's chariot, lodging itself firmly in the side, a compartment in the arrow opened releasing a blue sparkly fog which swelled up and engulfed the driver. With Rowan Maxwell temporarily distracted, Linda and her team sped ahead into third place.