Lorenz

the Thursday before Whitsun, at Vespers

Otto asked me again to walk to his sister's village with a message. I told him nay, as gently as I could, but he will not let the matter rest. I have no time for walking the roads when I must rest my back for the morning shift.

• 
  Otto

  It is but half a day's walk, lad. You have young legs and my family needs word.

Nota scribaeHe rubbed the back of his neck the entire time he spoke.

the second day of Easter week, at Compline

Wolfgang and Ralph are shouting again over that borrowed iron. It is a snare that will catch them both. I scrubbed my own pickaxe clean tonight, praise be. If Michael sees a speck of rust, I lose my wage, and I need every penny if I am to leave the Pach.

• 
  Ralph

  He took my best iron at Candlemas! What else am I to do, starve?

the feast of St Richard, at Sext

Ate my salted cabbage apart from the others today. The older men treat a young lad like a fetching dog if he sits too close. Better to keep my head down and count the days until I can buy a place as a carter or a baker's man.

• 
  Ludwig the Rat

  Aye, sit with me tomorrow. We can stay out of their way together.

Nota scribaeDictated at the trough while washing his face.

the Tuesday after St Gregory, at None

Word is Nickel took a tool from Ludwig. I stay well away from Nickel now. The deep shaft is frightening enough without worrying that my own clean pick might vanish in the dark. A man without his iron at the morning line is a man without bread.

• 
  Nickel

  I took nothing, you quiet little mouse. Mind your own basket.

• 
  Lorenz

  I only say what the others reckon, Nickel. No offence meant.

Candlemas, at Prime

The morning line was freezing today. Michael inspected the iron with a hard eye. I passed, thank the saints, but my hands are raw. The war makes bread dearer, so I must hoard my pennies. I will not die in this shaft.

• 
  Hermann

  Aye, bread is dear, and Baldwin has my gear pawned besides. It is a hard spring.