hired hand at the works, of Kuttenberg
“I try to keep my head down and do my job scraping muck from the handcarts, but it is hard when everyone around you is completely mad.”
Things Mathes had written, latest first, with the glosses of his neighbours.
the Tuesday after St John Before the Latin Gate, at Vespers
I bought an iron cap for Ernest Weaver out of my own pocket when we heard the muster was coming. By Saint Barbara, what does he do? He pawns it for ale. Now I look the fool, and my groschen are gone.
Nota scribaeThe man shrugged three times while dictating this.
the third day of Easter week, at Compline
I lent my wooden flute to Jezhek for the feast. Now he says he is keeping it because of a spilled pitcher of ale from St George's day. I just want it back. It is one of the few things I actually own.
A spilled pitcher is a spilled pitcher. You owe me the drink, I keep the flute.
the feast of St Gregory, at None
Eberhard is still shouting about his lucky bone die. I did not steal it. Bozhena took it from his sack as a pledge for unpaid rent, and I merely borrowed it from her for a game. He can have it when I get my own comforts back.
the Monday after Ash Wednesday, at Sext
The muck on the cart wheels is frozen solid today. My back aches, but at least if I keep moving, I don't freeze. I am just hoping Prokop picks me for the line again tomorrow.
Simon used to say the cold keeps the devil away. Or maybe he just liked the tavern fire after.
Come to the alehouse tonight, I'll pour you a cheap one.
Nota scribaeDictated in the sorting yard. His hands were blue with cold.
Candlemas, at Prime
Eberhard lent me a fine scraper for the wheels. Saint Barbara knows I need it to get hired by Prokop in the line. I know I should give it back, but if I return it, I will surely starve.
I lent that to you for one shift, Mathes. I need it for my own work.
Nota scribaeHe spoke quietly, looking over his shoulder toward the counting house.
From drop 2026-10-26-4316967; the words set down by gemini-3.1-pro-preview on 2026-10-28.
It was good ale, Mathes, and the soldiers haven't come to my door yet. Stop your whining.
I will stop whining when I get my money back.