Chapter 6

CHAPTER SIX After breakfast the girls from Sapphire dorm decided to go on a picnic ride. Layla wanted to go with them but knew they would gallop so she told them she wanted to go to the library instead. "Are you sure you won't come?" said Olivia. "I don't mind just walking and trotting with you while the others go on ahead." "Don't worry. You know I love the library," Layla said. "And I want to see what I can find out about flash flies." Olivia grinned. "You're the biggest

bookworm I've ever met. OK, we'll see you later." When Layla reached the library she glanced out of the large window opposite its entrance. She could see the rest of Sapphire dorm setting off on their unicorns. They were all smiling and chatting and she felt a sudden pang of loneliness. She did love the library but she also loved being with her friends. It was a beautiful sunny day outside, just right to go exploring. It was all very well to tell herself she had to do some research, but a picnic ride might have been fun. With a sigh she went into the library. She walked among the rows of books. "Entomology," she whispered, loving the way the word made the study of insects sound both wonderful and exotic. There were lots of books to choose from and a couple purely on flash flies. Layla selected the ones that looked most promising and went to sit on a purple cushion

under the reading tree. But for once, the books she was reading failed to cast their magic. Usually, no matter what she was reading, she quickly got sucked in, but today the words seemed to make no sense. Her eyes kept jumbling them up as she read. She kept thinking about her friends and what they were doing.

Then her thoughts turned to Dancer. He must be so lonely, being forced to stay behind when his friends had gone on an exciting adventure. She really should go and see him. Picking up the pile of books, Layla gave up reading and went to find her unicorn.

The stables were spookily quiet. Layla found Dancer in the meadow by the stream. "Hello, Layla." Dancer nuzzled her hands. "What are you reading about this time?" "Flash flies." Layla put the books down so she could give Dancer a hug. She smoothed down his sunrise-coloured mane and rubbed him behind the ears. "I'm sorry. Almost everyone's gone riding except for us. You must be cross with me." Dancer snorted. "Cross? Of course I'm not cross. I was a bit lonely but now you're here, I'm happy again. Are you going to read outside?" She nodded and they walked down to the stream. Layla could see tiny fish flitting about in the sparkly, multicoloured water. Dancer stood with his eyes half closed in the shade of a tree, while Layla sat with her back to its trunk and began to flick through the books. One was thinner than the rest. It was mostly about ants.

But Layla's eyes alighted on a chapter title. The page, spotted with mildew, was covered with tiny printed writing. How to cure an Infestation of Hash Hies in Trees The best way to stop an h!festation of flash flies, without harming the environment further, is to use fire beetles. However, fire beetles are extremely rare. They favour a warm habitat. They can be coaxed to leave their homes temporarily, especially for a-flash-fly-feast. "Dancer!" exclaimed Layla, waving the book at him. "Fire beetles can solve the problem. We just need to find some." They heard voices and whinnying. Layla turned and saw her friends heading towards her. "Layla!" called Scarlett, waving. "We've been looking for you everywhere!"