soldier of the garrison, of Kuttenberg
“I stand watch on the walls of the Italian Court and guard the king's silver. A soldier's gear is his life, and I look after mine.”
Things Robert had written, latest first, with the glosses of his neighbours.
the Tuesday before Whitsun, at Vespers
The new sergeant is calling an inspection before the feast. If I cannot show my kettle hat and padded collar, my wages will be docked and I will starve. Nicholas still swears he misplaced them in the armoury. I know he pawned my steel to pay the priest for Lidka's masses. I will beat the truth out of him.
Nota scribaeDictated with arms crossed tightly. He spoke very loudly.
the third day of Easter week, at Prime
I lent my kettle hat and padded collar to Nicholas for the Easter muster, because his own were rusted through. I saved my pennies for months for that kit. Now he says he cannot find it. A man's good nature only makes him a mark in this garrison.
You should never have handed it over. A soldier's steel is his own.
the feast of the Annunciation, at Sext
The German masters sleep on silk while we eat salted cabbage and hard bread. Under Captain Michael, discipline was fair and a man could breathe. This new sergeant only looks for excuses to levy fines against us. If the Hungarians assault the gates tomorrow, half the guard will run.
Aye. I miss Captain Michael fiercely. The barracks have gone to the dogs since he rode to Prague.
Nota scribaeHe looked over his shoulder twice while saying this.
the second Sunday of Lent, at Compline
Thomas and Tuma will not stop arguing about the disastrous patrol to Maleshov. Hynek and Walter are just as bad, shouting half the night. Poor Vashek is dead in the mud, and all this bickering will not bring him back. I just want them to shut their mouths so a man can sleep.
Vashek was a good shield-mate. Thomas should have held the line.
Candlemas, at Terce
I spend half the watch rubbing my dagger to keep the rust off. The spring mud is ruinous to good steel. At least my weapon is clean, unlike the filth Kunz and Lawrence dragged back from their Cuman plunder. I keep my head down and my kit polished.
Mind your own business, Robert. We earned our plunder fairly.
From drop 2026-10-26-4316967; the words set down by gemini-3.1-pro-preview on 2026-10-28.
I told you it was lost in the chaotic muster, Robert. Do not drag my late wife's soul into this.
Find my steel or I will find your jaw, Nicholas.