CRYPTIC 320

ACROSS

1 Ava’s going to the Territory to meet a learned person (6)

8 A hooded serpent found in Lae and a large fish too (8)

9 I dump it and ring for the speaker (6)

10 Was ready to put it in red paper (8)

11 It’s so salty in Lae’s environment (6)

13 Thinks carefully on how it casts it back (8)

16 Admitted 500 Romans once in December (8)

19 Builds it and Crete’s where it’s to be found (6)

22 Threatening to put the sister in it (8)

24 This parson finds them most protective (6) 25 That’s right! Rub it in (8)

26 A tiny alien being (6)

DOWN

2 A romantic start and a most pleasant outcome (5)

3 Having a good excuse I am given bail (5)

4 You’ve interfered with my pet dream (8)

5 Some hobo expects to be given a few notes from one (4)

6 Covet a change from the eight of them (6)

7 Such a red tan can become most fiery (6)

12 Looking green when left with a beard (4)

14 How a defeater can be made to form a league (8)

15 Much iconic and most fashionable too (4)

17 Or I show spirit right from the start (6)

18 Credit given to a goddess in such an emergency (6)

20 Regret? Get right away from my bird! (5)

21 Anyway, be dogmatic about it (5)

23 Meet then return to swarm (4)