day labourer at the market, of Kuttenberg
“I am saving every bloody penny I can to leave this town. I have a life waiting for me.”
Things John Carter had written, latest first, with the glosses of his neighbours.
the Thursday before Whitsun, at None
They are talking about the town muster again. Bloody hell, if they hand me a spear and put me in the front line against the Hungarians with no padded jack, I am a dead man. I just want to see Milena one last time before I am skewered.
Nota scribaeThe lad stared at his boots the entire time he spoke. I left out three of his curses.
the third day of Easter week, at Vespers
Hauling water all day for the German foreman pays a pittance, but it goes into the pot. If Yarka or my aunt Klara find where I hide my coin, I swear I will never forgive them. Kolin is a long road and I need every bloody groschen.
I do not want your filthy coppers, John. Keep your secrets.
A naive fool's errand. Listen to your elders and forget the girl.
the Tuesday after St Gregory, at Sext
I saw Claus shouting at his father in the street today over Rosa. Bloody brilliant, that was. He did not back down an inch. I wish I had that kind of fire in my belly instead of just biting my tongue when my father starts yelling.
You have to stand your ground, John. They cannot run our lives forever.
Both of you are breaking your fathers' hearts for passing fancies.
the eve of St Matthias, at Prime
The bread is dearer than last year, and the wages do not match. Jan Miller is going on about pawning a coat to Godfrey, risking a beating. He is a bloody idiot. At least my sufferings are for love, not some stupid pride over a coat.
Mind your own business, John. You are obsessed with a girl who is miles away.
Nota scribaeDictated at the market. He muttered most of it into his collar.
Candlemas, at Compline
He sent her away. My own father spoke to her family, and now Milena is gone to her aunt in Kolin. He thinks he can just erase her from my life because she isn't good enough for the bloody Carter name. I will follow her, as God is my witness.
It is for your own good. A day labourer has no business taking a wife.
Listen to your father, John. We only want peace in this house.
Nota scribaeHe was clutching his hands so tight his knuckles were white.
From drop 2026-10-26-4316967; the words set down by gemini-3.1-pro-preview on 2026-10-28.
Stop your whining and do your duty like a man, you useless boy.
I know the feeling, John. We just want to live for our girls.