Zdenyek Shepherd

the eve of the Ascension, at Vespers

I am still looking in the muck near the lower market for the wooden carving my late father gave me. Blast it, I will give a handsome reward of three groschen to the man who brings it back to my hands.

• 
  Hannes Muller

  I will keep my eyes on the mud, Zdenyek. Three groschen is a fair wage.

the second Tuesday after Easter, at Sext

Johannes Fischer may beg all he likes, but until he begs pardon of Magdalena for his insult to her cooking, his blade stays wrapped in my chest. If Hans the foreman turns him away for lacking iron, that is the boy's own folly.

• 
  Johannes Fischer

  It was not an insult, the mutton was like old leather! Give it back, Zdenyek, I cannot miss a shift.

• 
  Zdenyek Shepherd

  Then you shall learn to chew leather and to speak with respect.

Nota scribaeThe dictation was spoken very softly, though his jaw was set tight.

Easter Sunday, at Compline

We had a guest for our holy meal, and Magdalena served mutton. A tough cut, but she cooked it as well as any woman could. The boy left his knife driven deep into my table wood when he went to the tavern. I have kept the blade.

• 
  Magdalena Shepherd

  The winter was hard on the sheep. He has no manners at all.

the feast of Saint Benedict, at Prime

I saw Fritz Kraus fall off the ore wagon yesterday after brawling with Wolfgang the carter over spilled timber. Fritz was full of Cunne's ale and entirely at fault. I only shook my head. A man who drinks his wages will find the ground hard.

• 
  Fritz Kraus

  Wolfgang pushed me, blast you! And Cunne's ale is watered anyway.

• 
  Claus Reinhart

  Do not speak ill of Cunne, she is sick in her bed.

Ash Wednesday, at Terce

The Hungarian mercenaries are on the roads again. A steady man with a good adze is just as easily killed as a fool, so I walk quietly. I fixed a cellar door in the lower town this week, so my slate is clean for Lent.

Nota scribaeHe rubbed his chin for a long time before deciding not to name the owner of the cellar.