shift-foreman at the pits, of Kuttenberg
“I stand at the pit mouth and count the baskets for Master Jacob. I know good ore from rock.”
Things Lambert had written, latest first, with the glosses of his neighbours.
the eve of Pentecost, at Vespers
Mein Gott, young men today have no respect. Tobias has had my best sledgehammer since Candlemas. I ask for it, and he always has a reason not to hand it over. It cost a month's wage, and I want it back.
Nota scribaeHe struck the table with his fist when mentioning the sledgehammer.
the second Tuesday after Easter, at None
William is still bleating about his drink money from St Barbara's week. He sent up twelve baskets, ay, but three were dead stone. I do not pay for rubble. If he wants more groschen, he should dig better.
You blind German bastard! Ralph washed that ore in Grunta and knows it was good silver. You just want to keep the difference.
I only wash what comes down the hill. I do not want any trouble with the ledger.
Nota scribaeDictated at the tally board. He crossed his arms very firmly.
the third day of Easter week, at Prime
The bells woke me early. It is three winters since Klara was laid in the earth. I lit a candle for her at the church. The North houses are too quiet without her. Well, up in heaven there are no lazy pitmen to vex her.
She was a good woman, Lambert. God rest her soul. Come have a beer with us tonight.
the Tuesday after St Gregory, at Sext
More Hungarian soldiers on the road today. They eat our bread and drive the prices up. Speaking of tools, I am still testing Richard's mining pick in the upper shafts. A very fine piece of iron. I will return it when I am done.
You have been testing it since Candlemas, Lambert! Bring it back to the pit tomorrow, or I am coming to the North houses to take it.
Nota scribaeHe cleared his throat twice before mentioning the pick.
the first Wednesday of Lent, at Compline
Master Jacob sent down the new ledgers from the mint today. I swear, the Czech hewers try to sneak dirt into their baskets just to test me. But I caught them. Let them try to cheat the King's tally on my watch.
We only dig what is in the rock, Lambert. We are not saints to turn stone to silver before it leaves the dark.
From drop 2026-10-26-4316967; the words set down by gemini-3.1-pro-preview on 2026-10-28.
I told you, Lambert, the handle split. I am getting a new one shaped by the carpenter. Give a man a few days.