townsman, of Kuttenberg
“I am a registered townsman of Kuttenberg, and currently the lawful guardian of my half-brother Vitek's household. A heavy burden, taking on a master's duties and managing women, but family blood demands it.”
Things Julian Horner had written, latest first, with the glosses of his neighbours.
the eve of the Ascension, at Vespers
Joan fainted again today by the ovens. I told her, as the man of the house, that she must pace herself. A baker must bake, but a guardian must advise. She threw a lump of dough at me. If she will not heed lawful counsel, she will have only herself to blame when I approve Margery's match with that beggar Alan.
Nota scribaeThe man spent the whole dictation jingling a heavy iron key in his pocket.
the second day of May, at Terce
Soldiers on the road again, marching out. Praise be they took Alan with them. Perhaps the marching will put some meat on his bones, though I doubt it. If he comes back alive, I may yet give him Margery's hand, just to see Joan's face. A guardian must think of a girl's prospects.
Can I have another piece of the white bread, Father?
Over my dead body, Julian. And stop eating the Easter bread, it's for the market!
the Tuesday after Easter, at None
I went to look at my old room. Ernest still hasn't fixed the shingles. Half the roof is missing now. The man is a wealthy burgher and a disgrace to Kuttenberg. He expects rent for a puddle! Thank the Lord I have assumed my proper station here at the bakery. Edward and I are finally dry.
Pay your back rent, you whoreson, and I might buy a shingle.
A townsman does not pay for rain, Ernest.
Nota scribaeHe refused to pay me for the ink, citing 'guardian's privilege'.
the feast of Saint Benedict, at Sext
Vitek finally packed his satchel for Sedletz. Forty days of vigil for a vow he made three winters ago. Better late than never, I suppose. The moment he passed the gates, I moved my things to the bakery. Kuttenberg custom requires a man to hold the key when the master is away. I am the keyholder now.
Brother, I only meant for you to check the locks. You told the council you knew nothing of baking!
I know the law, Vitek. Pray well.
the Thursday after Ash Wednesday, at Prime
Woke up wet again. Ernest's roof is more hole than wood. The boy has a cough. A registered townsman should not live like a beggar while his half-brother grows fat on white bread and a baker's sweat. There must be justice in this town. I will find a way out of this damp cellar.
My boots have mold on them, Father.
From drop 2026-10-26-4316967; the words set down by gemini-3.1-pro-preview on 2026-10-28.
You touch one hair of my daughter's future and I will throw you in the oven myself. Lift a flour sack or get out!
The law is the law, Joan. A male guardian decides.