Dear Diary,

I recovered my boot from the bog. I'm still working at getting all the mud out of it. I really like these boots so I'm not going to give up easily. Some things are worth fighting for.

Unrelated, some Tony guy came to duel me. I lost, of course, but it was weird. I don't think he wanted me to lose. He was way better than the other people that have come out to fight me. I think he could tell that I wasn't really trying to win. I hope he isn't offended. Thing is, if I beat him, then he would be the first real duelist to lose a fight against me and that would be super shameful for him. Could you imagine losing to somebody that Ernie of Sputtering House beat? He'd have been laughed right out of Malkara.

I guess there's a good chance that he would have beaten me even if I fought properly, but then I would have gotten stabbed a bunch and I really don't like getting stabbed. Also, people die dueling. It's not a safe pastime. I think it's much better that it finishes early and everyone gets a drink at the pub and becomes friends.

Cheers,

Mauritius, Retriever of the Panther's Paw, Earl of Footwear