invisible string | f. zhang

xxix. when in rome

chapter twenty nine. when in rome

     MARIBELLE WAS IN AWE OF ROME. She'd always thought New Rome was a good replica of the city, but now that she can see the real thing she fears it will never feel the same. Rome spread through hills and valleys, jumped over the Tiber with dozens of bridges, and just kept sprawling to the horizon. Streets and alleys zigzagged with no rhyme or reason through quilts of neighborhoods. Glass office buildings stood next to excavation sites. A cathedral stood next to a line of Roman columns, which stood next to a modern soccer stadium. In some neighborhoods, old stucco villas with red-tiled roofs crowded the cobblestone streets . . .

Everywhere Maribelle looked, there were wide piazzas and traffic-clogged streets. Parks cut across the city with a crazy collection of palm trees, pines, junipers, and olive trees, as if Rome couldn't decide what part of the world it belonged to — or maybe it just believed all the world still belonged to Rome.

It was breath-taking.

"We're setting down in that park," Leo announces, "Let's hope the Mist makes us look like a large pigeon or something."

The Argo II sets down in the grassy field and the oars retract, no mortals seem to pay them any attention.

The noise of traffic was all around them, but the park itself was peaceful.

"I think I know where we are," Jason speaks up as the all admire the sights in silence, "That's the Tomb of the Scipios."

Percy frowns, "Scipio. Reyna's pegasus?"

"No," Annabeth speaks, "They were a noble Roman family, and . . . wow, this place is amazing."

Jason nods. "I've studied maps of Rome before. I've always wanted to come here, but . . ."

"Plans?" Hazel asks. "Nico has until sunset — at best. And this entire city is supposedly getting destroyed today."

"You're right. Annabeth . . . did you zero in on that spot from your bronze map?"

"Yes," She says carefully. "It's on the Tiber River. I think I can find it, but I should —"

"Take me along," Percy finishes. "Yeah, you're right."

Annabeth glares at him. "That's not —"

"Safe," He supplies. "One demigod walking through Rome alone. I'll go with you as far as the Tiber. We can use that letter of introduction, hopefully meet the river god Tiberinus. Maybe he can give you some help or advice. Then you can go on alone from there."

Maribelle watches as the couple has a silent staring contest, but Percy doesn't back down.

"Fine," Annabeth mutters. "Hazel, now that we're in Rome, do you think you can pinpoint Nico's location?"

Hazel blinks, "Um . . . hopefully, if I get close enough. I'll have to walk around the city. Frank, would you come with me?"

Frank beams, "Absolutely."

"And Maribelle too," Hazel adds, then she glances at Leo nervously, "And, uh Leo . . . it might be a good idea if you came along too. The fish-centaurs said we'd need your help with something mechanical."

"Yeah," Leo says, "No problem."

Piper draws her knife and set it on the rail, "Jason and I can watch the ship for now. I'll see what Katoptris can show me. But, Hazel, if you guys get a fix on Nico's location, don't go in there by yourselves. Come back and get us. It'll take all of us to fight the giants."

"Good idea," Percy says, "How about we plan to meet back here at . . . what?"

"Three this afternoon?" Jason suggests, "That's probably the latest we could rendezvous and still hope to fight the giants and save Nico. If something happens to change the plan, try to send an Iris message."