guard at the Italian Court, of Kuttenberg
“I walk the bounds of Kuttenberg until my boots rot, keeping drunken miners from killing each other. I take my pay and mind my own business in the tavern.”
Things Standa had written, latest first, with the glosses of his neighbours.
the eve of Whitsun, at Compline
My boots are worn through from walking the bounds, and the sergeant called me out at muster for muddy breeches. At least the ale at Casper's courtyard is cheap. Matilda is right to hold back her rent until the cellar stops rotting her roots.
the second day of May, at Sext
I sat staring across the alehouse room at John last night. He is a thief and a liar. He still has the thing we found before Lent and claims it is too dangerous to divide yet. I would drag him to the bailiff myself if I did not fear the whip for my own back.
Leave it be, Standa. You are drinking too much cabbage soup and ale.
Nota scribaeHe was sweating and his hand would not leave his sword hilt.
the Thursday after Saint George, at Terce
I am watching the women in Casper's courtyard and shaking my head. The noblewoman Anna refuses to speak to Milada the baker's wife over a spilled handful of flour. They both need a day of real sweat in the mines to cure their vanity.
Mind your tongue, guardsman. That flour was thrown, not spilled, and she knows it.
You should come buy a cup of ale and ignore them, Standa. That is what I do.
Nota scribaeDictated at the gates while he was supposed to be watching for wagons.
the third Sunday of Lent, at None
We lost young Vitek in the dark on the road. Drowned in a drainage ditch. I mourn him like a brother. If a certain man had not fallen asleep by the fire on watch, the lad would still be breathing. Saint Wenceslas keep his soul.
Candlemas, at Vespers
A miserable march on the Suchdol road today. Cold enough to freeze the stones. Me and John found a dead farmer's hearth with a heavy iron box under it. John took it to hold for us, but the captain is watching the quarters closely. I expect my half when the dust settles.
Keep your voice down, you fool. The captain has eyes everywhere. You will get what is yours in time.
I want it before Easter, John.
Nota scribaeHe spoke quickly and tapped the table the whole time. I omitted his oath by Saint James.
From drop 2026-10-26-4316967; the words set down by gemini-3.1-pro-preview on 2026-10-28.
God bless you, Standa. Casper has been in Prague since autumn and left us to drown in damp.
Come drink with us. John is not here tonight.