[So she doesn't think someone's about to die. Part of him wonders whether death shouldn't always be present on the Barge, given the state of its Inmates, but he decides to address her first question instead.]

When I was young I just did the best I could to control it, to not to let it show. All I knew about magic was that I'd be put to death for having it - I didn't realise that it's something most people can't just...use, the way I did, without being taught. Later on I met someone who helped me. He had books, he'd met other sorcerers. I never had. I learnt a lot from him.

[He makes a small gesture at the books she's got nearby.]

Are those any help to you?