"It is cruel," says Laertes. He hadn't thought of it in that light, before--how Lucien's friends had been brought to life again for a visit, but not to stay. He'd pinned all his hopes on their return ... but why did they have to return to Death's country at all? Why not let them stay? If whatever spirits govern this place have the power to snatch those they love from Death's icy hands, then to return them there again is cruelty. "Perhaps he'll return to thee again. Other visitors have--Magnus's Alex has come back again."