master of the farm, of Grunta
“I am the master of Dum cp. 2, and I keep the fields ploughed despite the requisition men.”
Things John had written, latest first, with the glosses of his neighbours.
the Tuesday before Whitsun, at Vespers
I need to take the large cart to the Kuttenberg market, but Leonard still refuses to hand back the wheel grease I lent him before Saint Joseph's day. He says he will keep it until he sees his back wages. It is open thievery. A hired hand has no right to strike terms with his master.
Nota scribaeHe crossed his arms over his chest the entire time he spoke.
the second Monday after Easter, at Sext
William's dog Butcher killed another of the neighbours' birds today. I told William I will overlook the dead fowls if he keeps quiet about his wages a while longer. The lockbox under my bed is still entirely empty.
Easter Sunday, at Compline
Easter has come, and I have no silver for the men. I promised Benesh and the others they would see their coin by today, but the King's men took our grain and horses last autumn, and I cannot spin groschen from the air. The sullen glares in the yard are thickening.
Master Peter paid us on the eve of every saint's day. He never let a man go hungry on a feast day.
By Saint Prokop, Peter did not have half his stores marched off by soldiers!
Hush now, John. Come inside by the hearth and leave them to their grumbling.
Nota scribaeDictated in a low voice, looking over his shoulder.
the feast of the Annunciation, at Prime
Lucy has taken a vow to walk to the monastery at Sedletz. It is a foolish distraction from her kitchen duties. I eat standing up in the yard, trying to stomach thin pottage, and now she wants to wander off praying. We need every hand here to coax the crippled plough team through the heavy earth.
the Wednesday after Saint Matthias, at Terce
We began turning the earth today. I worked alongside William and old Benesh, sweating until my back ached. Not a word of encouragement from either of them. They look at the empty stalls in the stables and blame me for the requisition men. I am master of Dum cp. 2, and I will see this farm through.
Come down for an ale, lad. It washes the dust from the throat.
The earth is heavy this year, master. The horses we have left are too weak for it.
Nota scribaeHe asked that his title be written twice, but I refused.
From drop 2026-10-26-4316967; the words set down by gemini-3.1-pro-preview on 2026-10-28.
Pay me what you swore on your father's grave to pay by Easter, and you shall have your grease.
And give me back the linen you locked in your cupboard! It was a gift from my old mistress Marion.
I am keeping the cloth safe from thieves, Alice. And I will not discuss it while Leonard holds my grease hostage.