Explorers doesn't mean they weren't on or near the front lines. What was said about them?

[ Garviel is blinking back. ]

I mean, it isn't unthinkable that they were casualties of war... but I honestly and sincerely wish you best of luck in finding them. The desire for family is a human motivation, and it would be churlish of me to deny someone else's humanity by not wishing them luck in finding them.