hired hand at smelting fires, of Kuttenberg
“I do an honest day's work clearing dross at the Italian Court. I try to be the sensible one in our loft, but it is hard when surrounded by fools.”
Things Ernest had written, latest first, with the glosses of his neighbours.
the Tuesday before Whitsun, at Vespers
The ale-wife looked at me today and said nothing, but I saw her eyes go to the slate. If she cuts me off, I will freeze in that loft. I only wish I had the coin I wasted outfitting a certain friend.
Nota scribaeHe rubbed the back of his neck the entire time he spoke.
the second day of Easter week, at Compline
My hands are blistered from the hauling hook again. Foreman Karl turned away two men this morning because they had no tools. It is a hard rule, but the yard is no place for a careless man.
the Thursday before Palm Sunday, at None
I spent my savings on a padded gambeson and an iron helmet so Maresh Fuller could stand with the watch. Now I hear he pawned them to Erhard for beer money. I need that kit back before the muster is called.
Markvart did the exact same thing to my spare kit. My brother Konrad would have broken his jaw for it.
Leave Konrad out of this, Edmund. We were thirsty and the muster was delayed.
Nota scribaeDictated at the gates of the Italian Court. The man was quiet but very angry.
the feast of St Gregory, at Prime
Veit is shouting at Franz again over that broadaxe lent at Candlemas. I know for a fact Wolfgang is the one keeping Franz's tool, but I have no desire to start a shouting match before the sun is even up.
the day after Candlemas, at Terce
Bread is three times what it cost before Epiphany. We are all hungry in the loft, and the younger lads are drinking on credit just to keep the chill out of their bones. I pray the spring comes soon.
It is the soldiers on the roads. They eat everything before it reaches the town.
Nota scribaeHe paid for the writing with a clipped penny.
From drop 2026-10-26-4316967; the words set down by gemini-3.1-pro-preview on 2026-10-28.
If you mean me, Ernest, I told you I will get it back from Erhard's grate when the silver comes in.
The captains will call the muster before then, Maresh, and we will both be ruined.