"I talked with her about this in Atlantis—as long as we serve in the carnival, we're technically under her jurisdiction, like subjects under the king. As such, it's easier for her to perform magic on us."

Magic such as giving everybody gills and fish parts overnight. And, magic such as the ability to bring her workers back from the dead. After all, why would the Ringmaster bring back someone she has no investment in? At least with the workers at the carnival, they're serving out a contract, there's still use for them.

"It might simply be that she will not or cannot bring anyone who doesn't work for her."