Medusa sat and waited, it had been years since a human had visited her caves and she was simmering with anger. People had been told to keep away. They knew she was dangerous, no one that came into her lair ever escaped. She was surrounded by cowering statues that had looked at her face surrounded by writhing snakes and had turned to stone. She chuckled to herself as she heard echoing footsteps in the antechamber. Her next victim, probably a man, was on his way.

A glimmer of light struck the rocky walls. The man was carrying a flaming torch. All the better for her, the light would shine in her eyes and make her more visible. The slithering snakes were writhing in anticipation. A broad grin spread across her face. ‘Soon’ she whispered to herself.

A shield was the first thing she noticed as the man edged around the corner. He held it high to hide his face and literally shield his eyes. Then she saw her own reflection. Before she could breathe, whimper or scream the spell caught her. Ancient flesh transformed into stone. Persius was victorious, Medusa was lost, into infinity.