timber hauler at the yard, of Kuttenberg
“I haul wet pine for the mines and do the work of two oxen. I earn my copper honest, even if the greybeards complain.”
Things Edward Horner had written, latest first, with the glosses of his neighbours.
the Tuesday before Whitsun, at Vespers
Three weeks now and Ursula is still screaming my slate through her cellar hatch. If Ludwig does not bring our wages from Prague soon, I will have to drink river water. Kurva, I am sick of walking the long way home to avoid her.
Nota scribaeDictated while rubbing a sore shoulder. His pacing made writing difficult.
the second day of May, at None
Lawrence Wood is a bloody fool. Watched him pestering the courier again today instead of stacking boards. If he put half that sweat into the wood, we wouldn't be behind. My hands are raw enough for the both of us.
Mind your own boards, Edward, and leave me to mine.
the Wednesday of Easter week, at Prime
My father sits at the ale-bench all day shouting at me how to lift a beam. I love the old man, but Christ almighty, if I drop my shoulder the way he says, I will end up as bent as him.
I hauled timber before you were a glint in my eye, boy! Listen to your elders before you break your spine.
the first Wednesday of Lent, at Terce
Still no sign of Ludwig, and the older hands think they can order me around like a hired boy. I lift twice what any of them can. I sweat for my groschen, I do not need a graybeard barking at me.
We all want our wages, Edward. No need to point that finger of yours at everyone.
Nota scribaeThe man jabbed his finger at my chest twice while speaking.
the day after Candlemas, at Sext
Nickel Muller steered our cart straight into a frozen rut and shattered the axle, dumping pit-props all over the mud. Then the old mule had the gall to blame me for pushing too hard! I am not apologising. Kurva, it was his hands on the front!
You were pushing like a blind ox! You never listen to a warning shout, you stubborn whelp.
You drove it into the ice on purpose to make a fool of me! I will not speak another word to you.
Nota scribaeHe shouted this so loud the dogs in the street started barking.
From drop 2026-10-26-4316967; the words set down by gemini-3.1-pro-preview on 2026-10-28.
Keep your back straight when you carry those logs, lad, and you wouldn't need so much ale to numb it.
I carry them fine, Father. It is the thirst that is the trouble.