Anisa and the others work odd jobs to earn money to pay for a ferry ride back to the mainland. Back there, they stay with the Whitewhiskers, but only belatedly learn that while Rephidim has been floating over the Seaborne Reach, Abram and Beatrice Snowshoe have come down to visit the Whitewhiskers (and to intercept their wayward children, after Ben spilled the beans about Anisa's adventure). Anisa and Royce run into their father, Abram, who is none too pleased that the money he spent on Charm School for Anisa and training classes for Royce has been wasted.

Anisa claims that Charm School is just an attempt to get her married off quickly, but Abram weathers her retorts, and responds in a frustratingly level fashion – though it's not nearly so frustration to Anisa as his news that he will be returning to Rephidim and that she will be joining her mother on a shopping trip.