On her trek to the frozen North, Lyra gathers a band of unique allies:
: A witch queen whose clan aids Lyra in battle. The Dark Secret The Golden Compass
Lyra reaches the research station at , where she discovers the horrific truth: the Gobblers are performing "intercision," a process that surgically severs children from their dæmons to prevent them from being "tainted" by Dust. Lyra leads a daring escape, freeing Roger and the other children. The Climax and Betrayal On her trek to the frozen North, Lyra
: A Texan aeronaut who provides transport in his hot-air balloon. The Golden Compass