Swamped

The first thing you notice is a distinct smell, one that's even stronger than the swamp stench.

You'd know it anywhere; that's the smell of Henry's pipe. He didn't use regular tobacco, but something else, something more distinctive. Said it was hard to get ahold of more, so he was saving it; he only smoked once a year, always on the same day.

He never talked about why. Father seemed to know, but never said anything; just left Henry alone in peace.

And now that same stuff is lying in an open tin here...

Come to think of it, today's that day, isn't it. You remember he always aired the stuff out a day in advance, something about how that improved the flavor.

Was Rider observing the same ritual? Why?

You shove a nearby lid on the tin. It seems Rider won't be needing it today.

As you do, you spot a letter, neatly folded up. Unfolding it, you read a simple message...

"Marshall has joined the Bogknights. I leave the rest to your judgement."

You recognize the handwriting immediately. It's Henry's.

There's also a letter on the desk. It's barely started.

"Marshall,

In case I am unable to explain things to you in person, I will write what I can safely in here.

For these last seven years, I have been protecting your father from..."

You grab the letter. You don't think you want Razor seeing these.

Speaking of which, you hear footsteps. You dive under the bed. Hopefully you'll get a chance to slip out before he thinks to look here.

"Kandrian tobacco? My, it must have been twelve years since I had some of that. The growing never really recovered after the famine. And to think, Rider had a stash all this time!"

Maybe you did get here before he noticed you. That's a relief. If he's just looking for information, he's not likely to go poking around under the bed.

"The scent's still lingering, so it must have been airing out recently. Hmm, maybe Rider thought he needed some before last night's battle. I'd still like to know where he got it."

You're getting more nervous with every passing moment. Should you wait for him to leave? Jump out and confront him? Distract him and make a run for the passage?

What should you do?