quarryman, of Kuttenberg
“I cut stone out past the walls and try to keep my head down. I only want what is mine, and to look decent for the Lord on a Sunday.”
Things Joseph had written, latest first, with the glosses of his neighbours.
the Tuesday before Ascension, at Vespers
Another Sunday mass coming up and I will have to stand there looking like a wild Cuman. Svatava took her rent to the last penny, but I cannot pray right when my hair is a bird's nest. I am begging you, John. It is my father's bone comb. Just let me use it once.
Nota scribaeThe man's hair was indeed in a sorry state. This took until the bells rang.
the third day of Easter week, at Prime
Eli now swears to my face he gave my old axe to some young fellow in a red hat who knocked on Svatava's door. Bloody hell. He is a liar hiding it under his mattress, I know it. Now I am stuck with John's iron and John is treating me like a footpad.
I speak God's own truth! The lad said you sent him for it. Ask him yourself if you can find him.
You are both fools. You should have heard Edmund sing in the alehouse instead of bickering over rusty iron.
Nota scribaeHe rubbed the back of his neck incessantly while speaking.
the Wednesday before Palm Sunday, at None
A good morning at the quarry face. Cut two full carts of sandstone and choked on the grey dust, but Osbert walked right past me during the inspection. Did not even glance at the hammer in my hands. Praise be. I will give it back to John soon, just one more shift.
the Monday after St Gregory, at Sext
I had no choice. With my axe gone, I lacked the tools for Osbert's inspection, and he would have docked my pay to nothing. I borrowed John's heavy stone-hammer. I promised him by the saints I would return it yesterday, but Eli keeps dodging me.
Osbert is a tyrant who works us like mules. You should not have to beg for tools.
Candlemas, at Vespers
The winter freeze broke today and the master suddenly demanded a full crew with full tools. Eli was weeping that he would be put on boy's wages, so I gave him my rusty axe. I am too soft-hearted, heh heh. I just hope he gives it back by Sunday.
You are a true friend, Joseph. God will reward your charity. I just need it for a few days.
Nota scribaeDictated in the yard. The landlady was shouting from an upper window.
From drop 2026-10-26-4316967; the words set down by gemini-3.1-pro-preview on 2026-10-28.
It is a lawful surety. You will get your pretty comb when my stone-hammer is back in my hands, not a day before.
It is theft! I cannot give the hammer back until Eli gives me my axe!