Swamped

"What is the difference between the sleep-inducing trees and the other ones?" you ask. "You didn't actually mention that."

"Ah, right. Well, the lazy swampleaf trees are all drooping over. Their trunks aren't as thick as a regular swampleaf tree, because a lot of their energy goes towards producing the sleep chemical. Or, that's what the herbalist told me. Me, I just think they look tired."

Well, that should be easy to remember. Tom goes on into a bit more detail, but most of it doesn't stand out. You mostly remember what not to do - don't eat anything with purple leaves, don't drink swampwater no matter how desperate you are, don't try to cook anything because the fire will set off the swamp gas.

Your overall conclusion is that it's easiest to stick to swampleaf and use your water bottle sparingly. Of course, what's even easier is not getting caught out in the swamp in the first place, a plan you hope to follow as much as possible.

After that, it's lunchtime and Tom gives you a big bowl of mush. You can't say you're excited by it, but you eat it up all the same. You're not sure you'll ever get used to this stuff.

You have the afternoon free; Sergeant Greenwoods says this is how it's likely to work until you're ready for combat training.

What are you going to do with the time?