Editing TheStarsAreRight:RedlandLetter10

Dear Laura,

I hope you had a nice birthday and ate lots of cake (especially if it was white cake with chocolate frosting).
 
We've completed our latest adventure and I'm on my way back to Europe as I write. I should be returning to Wisphers soon, as I am planning a mission to escort an important personage to the estate. On the other hand, success is contingent upon my wit and charisma, so you may never see me again!
 
Alright, now comes the segment of the letter where I ambush my charming, yet unsuspecting reader with the troubles of my soul.
 
[The handwriting becomes more 'deliberate'.]
 
We encountered some difficulties during our latest mission. One incident, in particular, has been consuming my thoughts. We had entered a corridor and were sneaking up on a couple of men, to observe them. Unfortunately, like a clumsy oaf, I dropped a heavy, iron shield I was carrying, alerting them to our presence, and undoubtedly raising their suspicions. They clearly wanted us to leave, but I waited idly by, while the situation deteriorated. When one of the men charged us, a 'spell' was cast on him, which ended up killing him. If I'd acted decisively, I could have prevented his death, but I just stood there, stunned, while the man was crushed to death. 
The look on his face, my weakness that resulted in his death ... it haunts my dreams. His family, all those who loved him and depended on him
 
[The previous sentence is left unfinished. The handwriting changes again for the remainder of the note, as some time passes before he continues.]
 
I don't want to end my letter that way. Much good did come from our mission. We recovered an object that may be very useful in protecting the world in the times ahead. This is one of the most tangible successes I've been involved in, and I suppose I should be pleased that I was instrumental in bringing it to pass.
 
We also encountered a friendly fellow who has invited me join him in conducting some research in the United States. This may finally be the excuse I need to convince our allies that we should cross the Atlantic, thus allowing me to get back on the trail of Donal. Not to mention that the research itself sounds extremely interesting.
 
Oh, I should mention that flying in an aeroplane is fairly unpleasant. The noxious fumes have probably lowered my IQ by several points. It is so loud that you can't hear yourself think. We had a crash landing where I nearly broke a rib. My life flashed before my eyes. All in all, it is ... far, far better than traveling in a boat!
 
Your friend,
 
Redland Jack