Sebastian Torwart

the Tuesday before Whitsun, at Compline

The market inspector walked the row today. Stared at me a long while. I stood up straight as a pike and did not blink until he passed. My bones are singing a bitter song tonight, but the stall is mine and my weight is fair.

• 
  Nickel Hahn

  You look pale lately, Sebastian. Spend a penny on an ale.

• 
  Sebastian Torwart

  My colour is my own business, Nickel.

Nota scribaeHe dictated this lying flat on the floor, breathing hard.

the feast of St Philip and St James, at Sext

Eberhard Klein gave a grand speech about the price of grain today. Must be nice to have the breath for shouting. I just measured my chalk and took my groschen. Eberhard owes his brother coin, for all his fine words.

• 
  Eberhard Klein

  That debt is none of your concern, grit-seller.

the third day of Easter week, at Prime

Nickel Hahn is wearing that same threadbare tunic. He looks like a beggar at my elbow. I know he wants old Menhard's stall, but a man must look like a master before he takes a master's pitch. Buy some cloth, Nickel.

• 
  Nickel Hahn

  Every groschen saved is a groschen closer to the lease. Menhard will see my worth soon enough.

the Friday after St Gregory, at None

There are more soldiers on the road from Kolin and the bread is dearer. The bakers complain when they buy my grit, but my prices stay the same. I dragged ten heavy sacks from the storehouse today without help.

• 
  Heinz Torwart

  You work too hard, my son. Take a rest this Sunday and come see me.

Nota scribaeThe man paused for a long time, wincing, after saying 'without help'.

Candlemas, at Vespers

Three years since the runaway cart crushed me against the wall. I lit a candle today and prayed to the Virgin for a remedy that works. The pain is a grinding wheel in my back. But I lifted the sacks today, same as yesterday.

Nota scribaeHe whispered this so quietly I could barely hear him, and made me swear not to tell the inspector.