Again, the gorgon merely looked at her. Virgo huffed impatiently. This creature was stupid. Typical Elemental.

‘I SAID,’ she started again, ‘DO YOU SPEAK ENG—’

‘I heard you perfectly,’ replied the grown-up gorgon, raising her fingers and counting on them. ‘I was merely trying to recall precisely how many languages I do speak. I’m afraid I rather lost count at twenty-seven, but that depends whether you consider Spanish and Catalan to be two separate languages or dialects.’

‘O-Oh,’ spluttered Virgo. ‘I see. Well, it’s a pleasure to meet you, Mrs . . . Gorgy.’

‘The pleasure is all mine,’ smiled the gorgon amiably. ‘I understand from my son that you have taken excellent care of him.’

‘Gorgy’s a lovely . . . child.’

‘Thank you. His father and I believe so. My name is Dr Shonley. But you can call me Rachel. And, just for reference – my son’s name is Quentin.’

‘Plop!’ squealed Gorgy happily, holding his mother’s hand.

‘Well, it’s lovely to meet you . . . Rachel,’ said Virgo, glad that the gorgon couldn’t see her blushes.

‘Will you get on with it?’ puffed Taurus. ‘Some of us are getting tired down here!’

‘Some of us are getting gassed down here,’ said the Gemini twins, holding their noses.

‘You seem to be in a bit of a bind,’ said Rachel, examining the stone prison. ‘I was wondering if I could offer my services?’

‘You’re very kind,’ said Virgo. ‘But . . . don’t gorgons normally turn things . . . into stone?’

‘Not the ones with a PhD from Cambridge University in Molecular Chemistry,’ said Rachel pleasantly. ‘I have devoted my life to researching and developing my powers. When I’ve not been travelling the world sharing my research to create sustainable energy sources and renewable materials, of course.’

‘Of course,’ said Virgo quietly. ‘What should I do?’

‘Leave it to me,’ beamed Rachel. ‘Quentin – you can help too. Just because we’re unable to work with your tutor due to our unjust and illegal detention, there’s no reason not to learn. Every day’s a school day. And Thanatos won’t know what’s hit him when your father gets out of here.’

‘Your husband’s a brutal monster?’ said Virgo, without thinking.

‘My husband’s a high court barrister,’ Rachel corrected. ‘So, yes. Now, Quentin – follow my lead.’

Rachel closed her eyes and began to chant beneath her breath.

‘Ancient spells?’ asked Virgo.

‘Mathematical equations,’ whispered Rachel. ‘I will just need to concentrate. If I use pi instead of calculus, I dread to think what might happen . . .’

Virgo nodded convincingly. She had of course understood every word Rachel had just said. The strange mutterings continued. Slowly, the snakes around the gorgon’s head began to rouse from their sleep and hiss softly. The hissing grew into a crescendo, the snakes dancing around her head as they worked their entrancing magic.

‘Who moved?’ groaned Pisces as the pyramid of Councillors started to shake.