maidservant of the lower taverns, of Kuttenberg
“I only want a bit of bread and a quiet place where the soldiers will not shout at me.”
Things Berchta had written, latest first, with the glosses of her neighbours.
the eve of Whitsun, at Vespers
Avice is still groaning on her cot. I am so frightened it is the sweating sickness. I will not go near her corner. If someone brave would just go down the steps and see if she still breathes, I would be so glad.
Nota scribaeShe trembled the entire time she spoke, looking over her shoulder at the stairs.
the Tuesday after Holy Cross Day, at None
Master Albrecht came with his heavy tread yesterday for the rent. I had to take coppers from a man with terrible breath just to pay it. The market wives chased me from the square when I tried to buy a stale loaf.
Those market wives are too proud. A girl must eat, same as anyone.
the second day of Easter week, at Prime
A mercenary slammed his tankard so hard I thought the wood would split. I hid behind the brewer's cart until he left. Some girls say they like the rough ones, but I only want the quiet ones who give their pennies and go.
You are smart to hide, girl. Look what Dietrich did to my back in ninety-nine. Do not trust them.
the Thursday before Palm Sunday, at Sext
Walpurg will not stop talking about her sister Barbara near Prague. It is foolish to dream of leaving. Prague is too far, and besides, we have no boots for walking that far. I only wish I had my own comb to keep my hair clean.
It is not foolish to have blood still living. You will see. One day I will send word.
Nota scribaeShe spent some time picking knots from her hair before saying this.
the day after Candlemas, at Terce
I am so afraid of Hedvika. I took her padded Cuman coat just to stay warm, but the hunger was too sharp and I took it to Veit for bread money. Now Veit is gone to Prague before the snows melted, and Hedvika threatens to beat me.
You little thief! My soldier will be back for the muster and I need that coat. I will box your ears!
Please, Hedvika, do not hit me! Veit gave me only a few pennies and I was so hungry.
Nota scribaeShe asked me to keep my voice down lest anyone hear her confessing this theft.
From drop 2026-10-26-4316967; the words set down by gemini-3.1-pro-preview on 2026-10-28.
You are a coward, Berchta. The woman is burning up and you will not even fetch her water.
I do not want to die coughing in the dark, Sibyl. I am not strong like you.