Swamped

From what you can still read, the papers seem to be observations of interest regarding lands near the swamp. You recognize a few outdated phrases that suggest these are quite old.

Strange. Did someone write these up on their way here?

There's also something about "fearsome creatures in the rains", which is clear enough. Well, these might be an interesting read if they can be salvaged, but they don't seem to tell you anything you don't already know. Still, it might shed light on the question the Captain asked about, and even if not, it's worth saving what you can. You make your way to the kitchen to do just that.

Tom First has locked up the salt, which is understandable; it takes a lot of time to get more, and so he only saves it for special occasions. But the oven is free to use, at least if you know how. You put it on a low setting and put some pages in, hoping to dry them off.

Unfortunately, much of the damage has already been done. The good news is, at least you're able to make out the author's signature now, so there's a chance you can find copies of this in the Royal Archives. It's not guaranteed, as this might be from before you started sending out copies of everything, and even if it's from later it might have gotten lost on the way there. But it's an avenue to explore. You'll write up a report for the Captain on it.

You shut off the oven, leave a note for First so he knows what you did, and drag the box back to the archives. Your old bones are tired now, so you decide to continue looking for information on the rain in the morning.

Morning comes. You're Marshall again.

The rain seems to have stopped overnight, but due to your condition, you have no training today and no particular other duties. Medic says you're in good enough shape to walk, at least, so you don't have to spend the whole day in bed.

But what are you going to do with your time?