shop hand at the wine shop, of Kuttenberg
“I just sweep the shop and load the casks, trying to keep out of everyone's way so the master doesn't shout at me.”
Things Erhard had written, latest first, with the glosses of his neighbours.
the eve of the Ascension, at Vespers
The stones on the road to Sedletz look sharper every day. I swore to God I'd walk barefoot to save my brother Lambert's soul, God rest him. I must do it. If I don't, I'll burn, and Lambert will wander in the dark. But my feet are so soft, and the carts have rutted the mud so hard.
Nota scribaeThe boy fidgeted with a dirty rag the entire time he spoke, and crossed himself twice.
the third day of Easter week, at Sext
Folks are so angry about the price of a measure today. I just load the carts, it's not my doing! Master John is shouting at everyone because the soldiers took the good casks, and then the tavern keepers shout at me. I just twist my apron and nod until they go away.
the feast of the Annunciation, at Prime
I hid behind the big barrels near the cellar door. Nicholas is throwing his tools again, cursing about wages owed since Saint Martin's day. I don't want to get hit with a mallet. I crossed myself three times and prayed he wouldn't come into the shop.
Come out from behind the bloody barrels, you shaking leaf. I'm not throwing tools at you, I'm throwing them because I want my coin!
You are a coward, Erhard. My George marched to war and you are afraid of a hired hand with a hammer.
Nota scribaeDictated from behind a stack of empty barrels.
the Tuesday after St Matthias, at Terce
Tobias was telling us how he fought off three bandits on the Kolin road. He's so brave. I was sweeping the steps and listening. Anna was up before dawn again boiling willow bark for her weak stomach, poor thing. I wish I was brave like Tobias instead of just being scared all the time.
Candlemas, at Compline
It's so cold in the cask room without Lambert. I miss him so much. I swore I'd walk to the monastery if he lived, and then he died, so now I have to walk for his soul. I wiped the counters down three times today just to keep my hands busy.
God preserve you, Lambert. I will make the walk, I promise. Just give me time.
Nota scribaeThe boy wept openly while speaking of his brother.
From drop 2026-10-26-4316967; the words set down by gemini-3.1-pro-preview on 2026-10-28.
A few stones are nothing, lad. You should see the rocky paths I patrol on the Kolin road. It builds the blood.
Wrap your feet in thick wool when you sleep, Erhard. It will help the skin harden before you go.