marksman at the Hradecka estate, of Kuttenberg
“I am a townsman of Kuttenberg, though I serve as a marksman to keep the Hradecka yard safe from these bloody soldiers.”
Things Fritz Stein had written, latest first, with the glosses of his neighbours.
the eve of Whitsun, at Vespers
Richard is whining about his wages again in the yard. I told the coward to shut his mouth and do his work. If he saw a Hungarian sword he would run all the way to Prague. At least I have my bow and my honour.
Nota scribaeHe stood very straight while saying this, resting his hand on his belt.
the third day of Easter week, at Sext
I walked to the market square to fetch provisions from Adam Vorsucher. Some fools stared, expecting me to speak to the friends of Jezhek. I held my head high and ignored them all. I will not back down from a grievous slight, not even at Easter.
Your pride is bad for my trade, Fritz. Buy your flour and stop glaring at my other customers.
I am in Prague settling my uncle's estate, but I hear you are still a stubborn mule.
the Tuesday after St Gregory, at Terce
Hugh and Cecily are weeping over a leaking roof again. I say Margaret has every right to demand her rent. A property owner has rights. I am thoroughly glad Ella and I sleep within the dry walls of the estate, far from such squalor.
It is easy to praise the landlord when you sleep dry, Fritz.
Margaret is a grasping old woman and we have not a groschen.
Nota scribaeDictated at the gate. He checked his bowstring twice while speaking.
St Matthias's day, at None
Adam Vorsucher is a fool. He risks his inheritance over Zlata, a woman of low standing with just a pretty face. A man must maintain his station. I took service here to keep a roof over Ella, but I did not forget I am a townsman.
We have each other, husband, and that is what matters. The silver will flow again.
Candlemas, at Prime
The master's country estates have sent no coin since today. We have Cuman raiders on the roads, and the silver has stopped. But I trust Kunigunde to make good on the debt. Food and lodging are sufficient, and my aim will keep this household safe.
I am glad someone in this yard understands duty. The master will pay us when the roads are clear.
Duty does not fill an empty belly, Fritz.
Nota scribaeThe man spoke slowly and deliberately, terrified I might write down the wrong word.
From drop 2026-10-26-4316967; the words set down by gemini-3.1-pro-preview on 2026-10-28.
Easy for you to say, Fritz. You get to stand there looking proud while we break our backs for nothing.
Discipline is its own reward, Richard. Remember your place.