Rory rides a rakhtor out to the outskirts of Babel, to a mountainside tower where resides the family of Gadiel – Skiree's family. He is met by Miriam, Skiree's mother, who looks like Skiree might, if she were grown up and became somber and serious. When Rory explains about the stuffed doll he brought, Mister Porky, Miriam leads him out back to a tower that serves as the House of the Dead – a place that seems more nicely kept than the house where the living members of the family stay. Rory leaves the stuffed doll and the letters that he wrote for Skiree that were never delivered, and then, in tears, is led back to the house by Miriam.

Back at the tower, Rory waits a while longer, until Harel bar Gadiel shows up … Skiree's brother. Harel is shocked to see Rory, and at first thinks that Rory might be some sort of spirit that the others can't see, but then comes to accept that Rory is real after all. Harel reveals that he had supposed Rory was just an imaginary friend of Skiree's, made up as an excuse as to why she left behind Mister Porky. Rory spends a while talking with Harel about his adventures with Skiree, but their conversation draws to a close as Miriam indicates that it's getting late … and hints that Skiree's father will be returning home soon. Rory catches the change in mood, and bids his farewells, leaving for the Mages' Guild once more.