[ Restored to himself, Armand isn't sure if he's come out on the winning side of whatever this is. He feels as though he's gambled and lost, revealing more of himself than he intended to this strange magician. The discovery makes him fidgety; he plucks invisible specks of dust from his sleeve and frowns. ]

I've tried. [ He glances at Gale, then out at the grounds. ] I attempted to escape and was brought back to the earth. I tried to bring suspicions to bear on our captors, but most of the mortals here are more interested in fucking themselves stupid than leaving. And besides -- [ A complex flicker of emotion crosses his face. ]

I would not risk those I care about. If I escape and they are left behind to bear the punishment -- I can't do it. The dead do not stay dead here. We are captives alongside gods. Whatever holds us, it is powerful. And ancient.