[The bottom drops out from Liem’s stomach as he reads the note, and for a single, terrible moment, he is struck with dread that he hasn’t felt for well over a year, since before he was first taken from Taldor. Somewhere out in the wilderness — the city? — the author of these words is still shadowing him. That presence plays horribly with the reality of fresh blood on the soldiers’ trail, making Liem wonder just what happened here.

Wherever here is.

Keitaro’s revelation interrupts his train of thought, dragging Liem’s eyes away from the note and back to the young man following behind him. Initially, he thinks to reply with a question of his own. Where are they? He doesn’t recognize this city, nor recall anything like it from elsewhere in Kenos or his own world. But before he can venture such a query, Link’s wary gesture stops him short.]

Link…? [His own stricken expression furrows slightly, concern coming to the forefront for the moment, despite the renewed need to find the lost soldiers as quickly as possible.] We came out here together, remember? I’m your expedition leader. Liem.

[This isn’t his father’s work; at least, he doesn’t think it is. Some other power is interfering in their mission, but what, he doesn’t yet know. Glancing over at Keitaro, he asks,] Where are we? Have you experienced this before?