hired hand at the works, of Kuttenberg
“I am an honest, God-fearing labourer who works hard to stay out of the pillory and away from drunkards.”
Things James had written, latest first, with the glosses of his neighbours.
the Tuesday before Whitsun, at Vespers
The muster approaches and I still lack the coin to redeem my pledge from Drslav. My hands are numb from a double shift of hauling stone, leaving no time to visit the market. If only I could buy five beeswax candles for Saint Barbara, she might soften that pawnbroker's heart.
Nota scribaeThe man crossed himself three times before speaking and rubbed his wrists constantly.
the second day of Easter week, at Compline
Anthony paces the cellar again, shouting foul curses about Oswald and a padded jack. He should spend his breath on a rosary. The Lord provides for those who do not shirk. I work my shifts for Prokop without complaint, though the rough stone tears my palms to pieces.
the feast of Saint Tiburtius, at None
Baldwin is a stubborn fool for keeping young Philip's mattock. I pity the boy, but he must stop begging the carters for news of his mother Elishka and do his work. We are all hired hands together. Distraction leads to a slipped block and a crushed foot.
My mother must know I am alive! Elishka is all I have left in this world.
The boy owes me for the handle he broke. He gets the mattock when he pays for it.
Nota scribaeDictated by the lower gates of the Italian Court.
the Thursday after Saint Gregory, at Prime
Poor Maurice rots in the next cellar with a black leg. I said a quick prayer for his soul this morning before the bells rang. I cannot miss a shift to sit by him, for Prokop would give my place to another, and I need every copper penny.
He owes me two pennies for ale. Suppose I will not see them now.
the morrow of Candlemas, at Terce
Richard Weaver, who I thought a decent Christian, took my helmet from our room and pawned it to Drslav. He says it is only for a few days. Without it, the bailiff will fine me at the muster, and I will be put in the pillory for the town to mock. Lord preserve me.
I swear on the Virgin, James, it is only for a little while. Drslav gave a good price.
Nota scribaeThe dictation was interrupted twice by the foreman shouting for the stone carriers.
From drop 2026-10-26-4316967; the words set down by gemini-3.1-pro-preview on 2026-10-28.
You shall have it back, James, just give me a few more days to find the groschen. Have faith!
Faith will not keep the bailiff from putting you in the pillory! Curse Drslav and curse Oswald both!