The Glory That Is Rome (a Percy Jackson AU)

Plotting

    Jason thanked the gods that Hebe recovered quickly under Will's care. Within a week, she was able to walk to the market with the help of a cane. In two weeks, she was able to walk there unsupported. Hebe had all of her mother's shrewdness and her father's strength, but she was different in a good way. She was kinder and more energetic than either of her parents.

    Jason still had a hard time believing that she might his half-sister. She had fine, dark hair while he was blonde. Her eyes were oxen-like like Hera's while Jason's eyes were blue. She was slighter than Jason, but they had the same broad shoulders and large hands. 

    The only person Jason ever told about his mother's words was Piper. She had shrugged and said it changed nothing. Jason was relieved. He was raised as a plebeian and he didn't want Hebe to think he was vying for control of the throne. He didn't want power. Besides, patricians couldn't marry freedwomen and Jason was planning on asking Piper for her hand in marriage once she was formally freed. 

       Of course, that was assuming they ousted Luke and that was a daunting task. Luke had the entire imperial army on his side, as well as the Protectors of Rome and Gallic mercenaries. How could they ever hope to beat such a formidable enemy? Unless the gods were on their side, they would be doomed as surely as Achilles was when he decided to fight in Ilium. Now that Hebe had recovered, the rebellion would soon commence. They met in Hebe's room one afternoon to discuss how they would topple the pretender to the throne.

    "First of all," Hera said. "Before we make any plans, I need to know that you guys are loyal. I want each of you to swear on the River Styx that you guys are not spies or agents of Luke and that you will not intentionally harm my daughter."

    They all swore and Hera relaxed.

   "Does anyone have a game plan?" Hebe asked.

    "We'll have to fight for the throne," Frank said. 

    "Why can't we just sneak into the palace and kill Luke?" Hera asked.

   "We want Hebe's rule to be seen as legitimate," Frank said. "By fighting honorably, Hebe can win the support of Rome."

    "But we don't have an army," Jason pointed out.

   "No, but we can raise one," Frank said. 

    "Hebe, if you promised freedom to slaves who fought for you," Hazel said, "you'd easily raise an army."

    Hebe nodded and Piper said, "I can write to Drew and Silena in Parthian and see if we can get more support."

   "Hera, Hebe, you guys have a good deal of money?" Jason asked.

    "We'll need it to feed and outfit an army," Hebe said.

   "We don't have enough for a long campaign," Hera fretted.

   "We'll need to get money then," Frank said.

    "And how will we do that?" Hebe asked.

    Jason surprised everyone, including himself, with his next words.

   "We'll capture and hold his wife and heir for ransom," he said.