Archaeology. The dream of world-famous twelve-year-old Grace Hestia. Okay, maybe cut out the “world” part. And the “famous” too. That was just a dream, that was all. But that definitely applied to her mother, possibly the best archaeologist in the world. Mary Hestia. Maybe a few people have heard of me, Grace mused. If they read celebrity profiles, that is. But her father was the only parent in the house currently, because her mother was on yet another archaeology trip. Grace did have one small trick… eavesdropping. Her mum had muttered a word about some library or whatnot. Old. From Roman times. Oh how she wished to be there…

“Aha!” cried Mary Hestia. “A chipped piece of granite!” A closer study revealed to the archaeologist that there were in fact intricate engravings on the stone. “Hmm,” she noticed. “Basilisk.”

Meanwhile, Grace was just spending a small portion of her screen time to suggest a school trip to go to Italy. Grace’s persuasion always seemed to work for some specific reason, helping her get closer to the archaeological site. In fact, the archaeology would be the reason for the excursion at all! Apparently. The faster the better. Grace had some tricks to learn.

“Grace?” asked an amused Mary. “Is that you?” Grace tried to look surprised. It was tricky, but she managed a weak laugh and also “School trip.” She continued. “I also happened to hear rumors about a library you’re digging up. So, is that a library?” Mary started, then controlled herself. “Grace,” she said softly. “You might not like this.”