[ The palace, he says — the imperial palace, Gabranth is certain, if what he's deduced is indeed correct. But if he had died — if he had truly met his end in such a mundane manner...

Doubt clouds his thoughts and expression alike, and his gaze slides away. ]

I cannot know with absolute certainty... [ He doesn't feel like he could be absolutely certain of anything at the moment. ] But were this some land of the dead, surely that fact would make itself known in these gilded halls.

[ When he looks to Basch again, his scowl is once again renewed, though his tone remains relatively calm. Perhaps he's somewhat less willing to aim his fury solely in his direction. ]

That they speak of some chance at return would seem to indicate the contrary.