"You're right. There are people who've been put through far worse," Childermass points out instead. Yes, he could have had a better life, but look at where he's ended up. A magician, even if it'll be a fight to claim what's his right. Still, he sighs. "Look. I... yes, you've been difficult at times but it's not as if I don't try and understand why, and I haven't been much help."

He looks over rather than looks away when he reaches this, something he'd already had on his mind before their visit to the Summer Court. If they're here, trying to make some small amount of amends, now's as good a time as any.

"First I was treating you like glass, then I was keeping secrets from you. I should have told you more, sooner."