Redsand Canyon Cut slope.

Towhee’s insides went cold at Fennec’s reply. Phox had come to visit her a few weeks ago? He had never turned up, at least as far as she knew. Surely someone would’ve mentioned it if he’d arrived at the borders. She didn’t think it was remotely possible he’d gotten lost between here and there, so… what the fuck?

He’s not in Epoch, he was never in Epoch, Towhee said quietly.

For a long moment, she said nothing else, instead plumbing her mind for any possible explanation for Phox’s no show. Had something waylaid him? Surely someone would’ve realized quickly. The path between Epoch and Mereo was traveled frequently by various people. Even if he’d strayed from it a little, surely someone would have seen something.

I’ll ask around back home, see if anybody knows anything, Towhee said after a moment. Is there anything else I should know before I head back?