Portla has changed since the appearance of the Hot Air Balloon, and because Hickory’’s father’’s position in town has changed, their lives in Portla have as well. Since the acceptance of knowledge of Before was established, both Hickory and his father have been immersed in finding out whatever they can about their ancestors from one thousand years ago, buried forty feet beneath their feet. Monitor knows that his son wants to explore Before, but he doesn’’t know how much Hickory already has. Together with his friends Abacus and Quantum, Hickory ventures into the Deep Woods, and they find the Mystery Tree, despite fear of becoming one of the Vanished. Then, when he can, he visits the Eidolon, where she keeps cleaning the same dismal restroom every night, taking time to stop and visit with him. He jots down her strange words and hears more about her family, as well as discovering how some of his world’’s natural occurrences are actually echoes of the world of Before. Those who were banished became pardoned, and rescue missions to the Further reveal unexpected results. A new future opens up for the boy who talks with the Eidolon.
