town hall porter, of Kuttenberg
“I haul ledgers and writs around the town hall all day. I see what everyone owes, though I have only a few groschen of my own.”
Things Heinz had written, latest first, with the glosses of his neighbours.
the Monday before Whitsun, at Compline
Katchka was at the town hall steps again this morning, asking if I was going out on the roads. I told her I carry paper across the square, not to the next village. The woods are full of soldiers taking what they please. I'll not end up in a ditch so she can send a message.
Nota scribaeThe porter spoke very quickly and kept looking at the door.
the feast of the Ascension, at None
I saw Henslin Kohl in the square today. A strictly honest elder, that one. I know from the rolls that he rents his house from Otto, who ran off to Prague, and the roof is rotting away. Poor Henslin. I would have said good day, but it is not my place.
Keep to your ledgers, boy. And if you see Otto's man, tell him it rained in my kitchen again.
the second week after Easter, at Vespers
My stomach has not settled in three weeks. Nicholas the huntsman sat with me at the tavern and told me to beware the stew because it barks. Christ almighty. Emmeram is a violent brute and I dare not ask him what meat he sells. Will no one check the stalls?
I had a full pouch that night and drank until the room spun. If I said the stew barks, it was the ale talking.
Say that to my face, porter. I will cleave you like a fat pig.
Nota scribaeHe rubbed his chin continuously while dictating this entry.
the Tuesday after Palm Sunday, at Terce
I paid good silver for a padded gambeson so Jan Miller would be safe at the town muster, as he claimed absolute poverty. Now I see him sweating in the tavern, and the gambeson is pawned for drink! My blood boils, but I want no trouble. The silver is lost.
I was thirsty, Heinz! A man cannot fight if his throat is dry as dust.
You are a fool to lend him anything, Heinz. He drinks more than a hole in the ground.
the Wednesday before Lent, at Prime
The magistrates had me carrying the tax rolls all morning. They are heavy, and my hands are stained with ink. I know exactly who owes what toll in this town, though I never hold a single coin of it. Just a piece of bread and thin broth for me at midday.
You should eat more, Heinz. You look like a gust of wind would blow you over.
Nota scribaeDictated near the bakery oven. The man shivered the whole time.
From drop 2026-10-26-4316967; the words set down by gemini-3.1-pro-preview on 2026-10-28.
You could just say no, Heinz, instead of muttering and scurrying away like a rat.
Find a fool with a horse. I am staying inside the walls.