guard at the Italian Court, of Kuttenberg
“I walk the square and keep the peace in Bergov's colours. I do my duty and keep my head down.”
Things Thomas had written, latest first, with the glosses of his neighbours.
the Wednesday before Ascension, at None
The damp in the guardhouse makes a man stiff before he even rises. I walk the wall and keep my left side to the stone. Joerg says we might be sent out to the roads again. I pray not. Standing the gate is honest enough for any man.
Nota scribaeThe man stood rigid the whole time, resting his weight on one leg.
the second day of Easter week, at Vespers
The new boy John found a copper jug in the alley and thinks he is a lord. They squabble over scraps like dogs. I sit quietly and let them shout. A uniform is what separates us from beggars, not a bit of beaten metal.
It was heavy copper, Thomas. More than you've seen since Constance left us to go dry.
the Friday after Laetare Sunday, at Sext
I heard Constance is settled well in Prague. God keep her. She poured a good cup and knew when a man was waiting on his wages. Some here forget their debts when the ale-wife is gone, but I remember kindness.
She left before she could collect, Thomas. The slate is wiped. Have a drink and stop your muttering.
the morrow of St Matthias, at Prime
A man's dignity is all he has. When you ask a fellow soldier for four groschen he owes you, you expect coin, not a push into the mud. I could not right myself swiftly, and he laughed. God sees these things, and God will settle it.
You fell over your own boots, Thomas. A weak breeze would knock you down. I owe you nothing.
You owe four groschen from the tavern, Adam. A decent man repays his debts.
Nota scribaeHe spoke softly, but his jaw was clenched tight.
Candlemas, at Terce
A heavy cart came up the hill to the mint today. I watched the wheels slide on the frost. It makes a man's bones ache just to see it. We must be careful on the cobbles when the weather turns, lest a sudden slip cost a man his livelihood.
From drop 2026-10-26-4316967; the words set down by gemini-3.1-pro-preview on 2026-10-28.
The roads are where the coin is, Thomas. Are you turning soft like Maurice?
Maurice was a fool to stay when the call to fall back was given. I am only sensible.