‘I’ll do it,’ said Elliot, before he’d had time to think about what he’d volunteered for.

‘You’ve been through quite enough already,’ said Athene. ‘You stay here where it’s safe.’

‘I want to,’ said Elliot. ‘This is all my fault. Please let me help.’

The Gods and Councillors muttered uncertainly between themselves. Virgo could sense another showdown with Zeus coming on. He was always very resistant to Elliot participating in adventures, so this time he would unquestionably . . .

‘You’re right. You are our best hope,’ Zeus suddenly pronounced. ‘You can do this.’

Stunned, everyone turned to stare at Elliot. But he simply smiled gratefully at Zeus.

‘Be that as it may,’ Hera pronounced, ‘he can’t possibly do this alone.’

‘I’ll go with him,’ Virgo said, without a moment’s thought, standing next to Elliot.

‘So will I,’ declared Hermes on his other side. ‘Trust us, we got this. And this . . .’

Hermes produced the Hydra bow from his bag with a flourish. All the Olympians winced at the sight of one of the few things that could kill an immortal.

Virgo looked at Zeus’s proud smile. It was good to see that again.

‘Now, if only we knew where the blazes he’s going to launch his attack,’ said Zeus. ‘It’s all well and good taking care of business down below, but we need to keep the mortals safe above ground too.’

Virgo heard Elliot gasp and reach for his shoulder bag. He pulled out a scroll.

‘Thanatos told me to give you this,’ he said, handing it to Zeus. ‘Said it was an invitation?’

All eyes were on Zeus as he unfurled the scroll. After reading it, he drew a heavy breath and read it aloud:

Zeus,

Long time, no see. not long enough, perhaps.

I’m afraid my hectic schedule will prevent me from joining in, but I cordially invite you to meet my army at dawn tomorrow morning at Stonehenge before they enslave the mortals. Seems fitting, doesn’t it? You imprisoned me there 2,000 years ago. Tomorrow, you will be imprisoned there with your family. At least, until I can deal with you all myself.

Wishing you luck. Not that there’s enough in a thousand lifetimes to save you.

Warmest regards,

Thanatos

The King of the Gods’ face darkened as he crumpled the scroll in his right fist.

‘So be it,’ Zeus declared. ‘We will meet Thanatos’s troops above ground. You three travel to the Underworld to deal with Thanatos below. Good luck to us all.’

‘We will beat him,’ Elliot said. ‘I swear it on the Styx.’

‘I know,’ said Zeus. ‘And we’ve got just the plan for that. Let’s bring Elliot up to speed. Then we all need our rest. Because tomorrow – WE GO TO WAR!!!’

14. A True Gem

14. A True Gem

Dave Hooper looked blankly at the steaming cup of tea and buttery toast being offered to him. He turned away.