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Smithsax, my solution of the inner circle doesn't show all the letters in the correct sequence. Taking the last cell of 18A/5D, you'd think that the 2 letters should be configured so as to be meaningful for each entry. So then, for the purpose of the inner circle, clockwise, you have 'OR.' The next cell also has 2 letters, in this case either might come first. But already the name of the mythical creature is corrupted, since the letters in sequence must be '...OROD...', '...ORDO...', '...ROOD...' or '...RODO...'

However, the letters I have in toto make up the spelling of a mythical creature, if not in the correct sequence.

Candlestick, I think there is only one correct way to highlight, that is an outer 'circle' of 20 cells and an inner 'circle' of 8 cells.

I've finished and, I hope, correctly. I put O above R in one cell and O above D in another and it makes some sort of sense to me. I cannot think of a better way.

Orson - look at dja's post number 7. There appears to be another way.

Orson - my approach to putting two letters into a single square has been to put the first letter in the northwest corner and the second letter in the southeast corner. Both clue answers then read correctly. This has the added advantage in this crossword of enabling you to draw a circle starting with the two o's and ending with the r and the d.

Mersault - I have a solution that does not need inner and outer circles but a single track of 28 cells ending in a dark place - which occurs immediately after the name of the flyer (start of 28 d). The choice of letter in the two letter cells is obvious. I am tempted to write the correct letter within the other one in each cell but perhaps that is overinterpreting the brief.
My issue is this solution needs a spelling of the flyer that is unconventional though recognised by Google - unless I have made a mistake in the grid.

Do you think that the five circled letters I the grid give a clue as to how to enter the double letter cells?

On reflection I think the two circles solution must be correct because of the usual spelling but I still like the idea of a 28 letter inward spiral to a letter O.

I still have no idea what the mythical creature is, and I have tried to locate some meaningful strings in circular form in the grid, but to no avail.

Can someone give me a hint?

And why are JESSES 'candlesticks in church'?

Jesse (singular) is in Chambers.
Difficult to hint without giving the game away. I assume you have identified the series. If not Google all 5 potential characters you can see in the grid. Doris is not one of them.