When Captain Libby returned, she had company. Shuffling along beside her was a freckled girl – about the same age as Harriet – with fiery red hair bouncing up and down in curls with every step. The girl stopped in front of Harriet. 

“Hi,” She started shyly, “My name is Freya.” 

Harriet shot a look of confusion in Captain Libby’s direction. Reading Harriet’s expression, Libby helped out.

“This is my niece, Freya.” She explained, “She is going to join us on this expedition.” 

“Oh Ok.” Harriet sounded disappointed. She had hoped no one else would join. Trying to make a good impression on Harriet, Freya tried again. 

“Hello, I’m Freya and I’m here to join you.” 

Harriet saw Captain Libby looking at her sternly, I better make a good first impression, Harriet thought. 

“Hello, my name is Harriet,”Harriet replied, finally finding the right words to say, “And welcome to the SkyGrazer. I’ll show you your bunk room.” 

The Captain watched the two girls disappear inside the ship, hoping they would get along, but soon, she would have to talk to Harriet. 

Harriet led Freya to the bunk room next to hers, and showed her around. Ok, she thought, maybe this girl isn’t so bad. Harriet had an idea, she could give Freya a tour of the ship!

“Can I give you a tour?” Harriet asked.

“Umm.. sure!” Freya had made a good first impression after all. 

Freya had entered all of the rooms with uncertainty until she got to the Library. She strode into the Library with confidence, and Harriet could tell she liked books. A lot. The first thing Freya did was pick a book by the author Josephine Wantry, and sink into the armchair reading, clearly forgetting about the tour. Well, Harriet thought, I might leave her some peace now. Harriet tiptoed out and into the hallway to find Captain Libby and tell her how it went.

The SkyGrazer was being chased. A furious storm was closing in on the SkyGrazer. Soon enough, the ship was enveloped in a swirling, constricting storm, sending Harriet and Captain Libby hurtling across the deck until they disappeared down the sturdy, iron rungs of the ladder. Outside, lightning thrashed through the dark sky, striking the fold-lined main balloon. There was nothing else Harriet could do; she bolted back onto deck, trying her hardest to ignore Captain Libby’s yells to come back. 

Harriet was too late. Buffeted by the raging, blustery winds, the SkyGrazer tumbled down. Holding her breath, Harriet braced herself as the ground rushed up to meet the ship. Thud. The SkyGrazer landed surprisingly lightly, on soft earth, main balloon a crumpled heap. There was no way they could get back on course in time.

Captain Libby emerged from below deck, a look of relief on her face that Harriet was OK. Not long after, as Captain Libby inspected the balloon tear, Harriet finally took in her surroundings. They had landed in a calm, strangely peaceful forest clearing. 

While Captain Libby left in a search for materials to mend the ship, leaving strict instructions to stay near the SkyGrazer, Harriet wandered off to explore. Nearby, a group of squirrels were squabbling over the last, precious acorn, night began to fall. Harriet knew that Captain Libby would be back soon, so she pottered back in the direction of the SkyGrazer. With the silver glow of the moon, that was looking like a giant, glowing, silvery-white bowling ball, which casted greyish-black shadows everywhere, Harriet arrived back at the SkyGrazer just before Captain Libby came back. 

1) A golden compass that always points to home.

2) An amber telescope that lets them see invisible things and creatures.

3) 1 leather-bound book titled ‘ An Explorer’s Guide To All Beasts Big And Small’.

4) A detailed map of all the ends of rainbows.

5) A fold-in-half bed for overnight (also comes with a tent).

6) A small, silver sickle that brings good luck to all that own it.

The dragon stares,

Eyes glaring and harsh.

It stands still;

As still as a statue.

A never-ending tail

Is wrapped round the treasures it has stolen.

Its fluorescent scales scratch

Against each other

As the beast slithers closer.

Its jaw opens wide,

Revealing teeth as sharp as daggers,

Prepared to bite.

The dragon’s claws cut through the earth,

Like scissors through paper.

Elegant wings unfurl,

Ready to soar in the skies,

As it hovers,

Then disappears up and out of sight.

Leaving behind it,

A trail of ash,

And deep scratches in the ground.