[He'd been in the middle of a bit of spellwork when the call came--but he's quick to lay that aside once he realizes the identity of the caller. (He tells himself he'd do the same for anyone else; it's simple politeness, admixed with eagerness to hear back from the expedition. Nothing more than that. Nothing specific.)]

I hadn't intended to hold you to it, ser; that would've been an awfully optimistic estimate for your return trip. [...And from the way he catches his breath in surprise and a little alarm, he hadn't heard.]

No, I hadn't. What's happened? Are you--is everyone all right?