It was a complicated question and Damen found himself torn between wanting to provide Erasmus with the truth and not wanting to shake him further. Telling the boy of Torveld felt suddenly cruel and he frowned at himself, considering his words more carefully.

'I ran, yes,' he confessed, his tone still quiet. 'My plan for escape was not successful, but that was well before my arrival to this place. Here there is no running.' His frown deepened then, his hand still heavy atop Erasmus's shoulder. He squeezed again, gently. 'There is no running here, do you understand me? You will not find a Master here because there are none. Just as there is no kingdom. Laurent is here, but he is no more of a prince than you or I.'