"So whatever message they may have been carrying was probably lost in part," he remarked. He wasn't so certain on the memory span of snakes after all, though that their companion garter snake had decided to show up and looking well fed and happy was good. He hadn't wanted to leave it out here, and it seemed a good companion for Gabriel too. "You're of value in certain circles; I would just get in the way." Jack had no doubt that they would be tortured first, but in the end, they would likely be killed.

He tightened his arm around Gabriel's waist, holding the gorgon close. He nodded his head, used to traveling through harsh winters. "Likely a wholly unpleasant experience for you," he murmured. "Do you want to go south rather than where you were taken from? I know you have items you want back, but they may last until next Spring?"