merchant of Bylany, of Bylany
“I keep honest weights and firm prices, taking pride in the only decent stall in the village.”
Things Felice Lane had written, latest first, with the glosses of her neighbours.
the Monday before Whitsun, at None
Christopher Wood brought the salt today. The men on the roads demand so much toll that the price of flour is twice what it was at Christmas. The farmers scowl at me, but I cannot sell at a loss to spare their feelings. I blame the soldiers.
the feast of St Pancras, at Vespers
It is very peaceful across the square these days. I find that when certain people hold their tongues entirely, the air in the village is much improved. Though I admit it is a great bother to fetch my own small ale from the tavern.
I can bring your ale over to the stall if you like, Felice. It is no trouble.
That is very proper of you, Anna. I will pay exact coin for it.
Nota scribaeShe looked across the square toward the alehouse three times while dictating this.
the Wednesday after St George, at Prime
I will not be robbed. I found Bozhena on her knees in the mud by my stall, digging where my oats had spilled. When I accused her of stealing my grain, the flighty drunk threw a rotten cabbage at my head! My best linen coif is terribly stained.
I was looking for the little wooden bird my late father carved for me! I dropped it in the mud. You are a miserable old bat!
Nota scribaeThe bruise on her ear is turning yellow. She spoke very slowly.
the second day of Easter week, at Terce
A busy morning measuring flour for the Easter baking. I use exact measures, down to the last grain. If only everyone in this village had the same respect for honest work instead of drinking away their groschen across the square.
the Friday after Ash Wednesday, at Prime
I watched Anna Clark sweeping the tavern floor until her hands blistered. She is the only truly honest soul in that draughty alehouse. If she did not keep such irresponsible company, she might make something proper of herself.
The sweeping must be done, Felice, but I thank you for noticing.
Nota scribaeDictated from behind her counter while she arranged iron nails into perfectly straight lines.
From drop 2026-10-26-4316967; the words set down by gemini-3.1-pro-preview on 2026-10-28.
It is no better in Kuttenberg, Felice. Half my profit goes to men with spears before I even see the village.