Swamped

Dear Henry,

In my last letter, I told you that I planned to join the Bogknights, in hopes of finding Father.

I should begin with the bad news. I lost my arm to a very dangerous swamp creature. It was my own carelessness as much as anything, but nevertheless I was following an order and the officer who gave it has been punished. Though to be honest, I'm not really mad at her about it.

That happened the day before I write this. I haven't gotten used to working with one hand yet, so I'll let you know about that the next time I write.

As for Father, I haven't found anything out. There is a swamp beast rider among the enemy forces, which may have something to do with his disappearance, but that's only a guess. Don't worry, though - I don't plan on doing anything reckless in my search, though I'm sure you're already thinking something along the lines of "no more reckless than losing the other arm" when you read that.

It's not all bad news, though. I've learned some useful things since I came here; skills like swimming, how to throw a skyslicer, navigating the swamp and finding food. Some of them may not be as useful now that I've lost my arm, but I'm told I don't have to leave because of it. I'm thinking I'll stay and try to find something helpful I can do here.

I've also made some new friends among the knights here. One of them is helping me write this letter - as I said, I'm not used to working with just one arm.

I just want to let you know what's happened, and despite everything I'm doing all right for myself. I hope all is well with you at the farm. I miss you, and I'll come back to visit when I next have a chance.

With love,
Marshall

Mary looks up at you after it's all written down.

"I'll admit, the bit about your father has me curious," she says. "But I won't insist that you tell me anything if you don't want to. You're happy with it?"

"I think so. Thanks for the help."

"It's no problem. You seem to be holding up well, considering. So, with that taken care of, is there anything else you'd like to talk about?"