herdsman, of Kuttenberg
“I watch the beasts outside the walls. The beasts don't talk rubbish like the folks in town.”
Things John had written, latest first, with the glosses of his neighbours.
the third day of May, at Vespers
Hugh Field asked me again today if I'd found my toy. I told him to mind his ovens before I smash his teeth in. It's not a toy. If I hear one more word about it, someone is going in the town ditch.
Nota scribaeThe herdsman kicked the dirt the entire time he spoke. I have omitted the foul names he called the baker.
the feast of St Mark, at None
Saw Roger in the woods looking over his shoulder like a frightened rabbit. Thinks the army's coming to take him. Bloody fool. An axe in the skull kills you just as dead whether it's a Hungarian or a bandit from the hills. Let the soldiers come. They can't take sheep that know how to run.
Easy for you to say. You don't have anything worth taking. I have a life.
the Tuesday after Easter, at Terce
Lost it. Dropped it somewhere near the Wheat Market. My father whittled it. It's small, wood, looks like a saint. If anyone finds it, tell me. It's worth nothing in groschen, so don't try to sell it. Just give it back.
I sweep outside my shop every morning. If I see a bit of wood, I'll let you know, lad.
Maybe Edmund swept it up with his rent money. The bastard takes everything else.
Nota scribaeHe stared at the floor. I believe he was close to tears, though he smelled strongly of wet wool.
the second week of Lent, at Prime
Gave a penny to Weepy Simon today. The week was fair. Pity anyone who has to sit in the dirt and beg tradesmen for bread. I'd rather freeze in a ditch.
God bless you, John. The mud is cold, and the bakers only give me crusts.
Candlemas, at Sext
The wolves are getting bold. Found tracks near the lower pasture this morning. Kept the beasts close to the woods today, but I don't like it. The walls make men soft, but out here you have to watch your back. Priest says I have to put this in the book. There it is.
Better you out there than me, John. Let the wolves have the sheep.
Nota scribaeDictated grudgingly near the town gate.
From drop 2026-10-26-4316967; the words set down by gemini-3.1-pro-preview on 2026-10-28.
Christ almighty, John, it was only a question. You look like a mad dog sniffing the gutters.
Keep laughing, baker. I know the tracks where you get your flour. See if you laugh when the wolves find you.