hired hand at the crushers, of Kuttenberg
“I push the heavy ore carts up from the crushers. It takes a strong back, stronger than most.”
Things Robert had written, latest first, with the glosses of his neighbours.
the Tuesday after Ascension, at Vespers
I pushed forty carts before noon! The German masters pointed straight at me today. The older men can barely keep up, by Saint Barbara. If only it wasn't so bloody cold under the market stalls at night, my back wouldn't ache so much.
Nota scribaeDictated loudly at the weigh-house. He shivered the whole time.
the second day of May, at None
Udo still has my work axe. He says I left him to finish the heavy timber alone, but I just went to the crushers! Now he won't give it back until John hands over a pot of wheel grease. Sakra, I starved for two months to buy that iron blade.
the third day of Easter week, at Prime
God have mercy on poor Stislav. They have him locked in the dungeons at Sedletz. I always had a soft spot for him, he sold me cheap ale when I only had pennies. It is a harsh and unjust punishment for a carter.
Without him, who will carry my message to my brother Hynek in Hungary? We need a hauler.
Nota scribaeThe lad spent his last penny on ale before dictating this.
Saint Matthias's day, at Sext
I lent my good iron axe to Udo for a timber job today. I hope he brings it back tomorrow. Without widow Elishka to lock my tools in her cellar, I have to carry them on my belt or lend them out. Lord rest her soul.
He shrugged his shoulders nervously while he spoke.
Candlemas, at Vespers
Jan asked to borrow my hand-drill today. I let him have it for the shift. I have nowhere to keep my gear safe since Elishka died of the bloody flux last Martinmas. I sleep under the stalls now, and you cannot leave good tools lying in the dirt.
I will return it when I am finished with it, lad. Keep your shirt on.
Nota scribaeHe spoke eagerly, as if trying to prove he belonged among the grown men.
From drop 2026-10-26-4316967; the words set down by gemini-3.1-pro-preview on 2026-10-28.
Try shifting pine props all day, lad. You know nothing of aching backs.