Jarda

the second day of May, at Compline

Ludwig the Rat was spitting curses in the cellar tonight. I kept my eyes on my boots. If men want to kill each other over borrowed iron, let them do it outside. I just want to sleep and survive the dark.

• 
  Ludwig the Rat

  Keep staring at the floor, lad. It is the only smart thing you do.

the Tuesday after Easter, at None

Counted my pennies again. Still not enough for land. I saw Bartel Milk-drinker at the muster and walked the other way. The man is drowning in debt and I will not let his bad luck rub off on me.

Nota scribaeDictated in a whisper so the other men would not hear.

the fifth day of April, at Prime

Otto cried out in his sleep again about his mother Adelheid. It breaks a man's heart. I wish Lorenz would just carry his message to Prague so we could all get some rest, but it is not my place to tell him.

• 
  Lorenz

  Prague is a long walk, Jarda. You want to pay for my boots?

the feast of Saint Gregory, at Sext

The priest says the Pope wants our days written down. I have nothing to say, except that bread costs more this month and Master Konrad works us like dogs. Praise be to God.

Nota scribaeThe man stared at the floor the entire time he spoke.

the eve of Candlemas, at Vespers

The lower gallery flooded today. Black water everywhere. I dropped my worn pick in the panic. Jezhek the Gob lent me a fine heavy one so Master Konrad would not turn me away. I swear I will give it back in a fortnight.

• 
  Jezhek the Gob

  That fortnight passed a long time ago, Jarda. Where is my iron?

• 
  Jarda

  I need it a little longer, Jezhek. Just until I have enough groschen for a new one. I swear it.