John

the Monday before Ascension, at Compline

Richard is coughing up black phlegm again. The air in the lower levels is foul, and the rock dust settles thick in a man's throat. I gave him my heel of bread at midday, but he could not eat it.

• 
  Lambert

  He should buy some of widow Milena's ale to wash it down. Though she would charge him for the cup.

• 
  Richard

  Keep your bread, John. I only need a day above ground to clear my chest.

the feast of St Philip and St James, at None

I saw Heinz eating his sausage today. I know the handle of that carving knife. I lent it to him to cut a rope, and every time I ask for it, he looks the other way. It belonged to my Rosa.

• 
  Heinz

  I told you, John, I left it down in the new gallery. I will fetch it tomorrow, I swear it.

• 
  Simon the Crook

  A tool left in the dark belongs to the dark, I reckon.

Nota scribaeHe rubbed his knuckles white while saying this.

the Thursday after Easter week, at Prime

They say the King's brother has more soldiers on the roads. It means nothing to us in the deep shafts, except that widow Milena claims the grain is dearer and waters the ale even more. We still must swing the pick.

• 
  Osbert Milk-drinker

  You let them cheat you too easy, John. A man should stand up for his ale.

Maundy Thursday, at Sext

Heinz was tangled in a heavy haulage rope at the shaft head. He asked for a blade. I gave him the carving knife I kept from my wife's kitchen. He said he would bring it to the lodgings by nightfall.

• 
  William

  I saw him put it in his belt, John. It is a fine blade.

• 
  Heinz

  I was busy, John. Godfrey had us hauling until the moon was high.

Nota scribaeDictated at the shaft entrance. The foreman was shouting at them both.

the second Wednesday of Lent, at Terce

Godfrey turned Nickel away this morning because he broke his pick handle yesterday. No tool means no wage. I always check my haft before I sleep. A man must be reliable, or he will starve when the winter comes.

• 
  Nickel

  It was rotten wood! How was I to know it would snap on the first swing?

• 
  Tobias

  Godfrey has a stone for a heart, but you speak true, John.