"There is a barrier around the city-- trying to walk, or fly, or dig outside of it gets one no-where," Long explained with a sigh. "It isn't solid-- there is nothing to try and break-- it is just that if you start heading outside, you find yourself unable to make any progress. You are, of course, welcome to investigate this for yourself and try to break it."

He steepled his fingers in front of his face, half-closed his eyes. "As for subtler methods... a few months ago we were contacted by someone outside the city who.... seems to be interested in our plight and in helping us escape. I have been working on a translation of their message. Of course, we have no real proof that we can trust them."