gate guard at Ruthardka, of Kuttenberg
“I stand watch at the gate while old men weep and complain. I do my job, simple as that.”
Things Fritz had written, latest first, with the glosses of his neighbours.
the Monday after Ascension, at Vespers
Johannes came round again for his penny. Alice hasn't paid us a groschen since Epiphany, and now men are pawning their jacks so they don't sleep in the mud. A fighting man shouldn't have to beg. Give us meat and coin, simple as that.
Nota scribaeDictated while crossing his arms. The smell of sour beer on him was strong.
the feast of Saint Mark, at Sext
More peas and cabbage from Alice today. Not a single scrap of pork in it. I stand out in the yard freezing my arse off all morning and this is what we get. Strays in the market eat better.
Eat the pottage or go hungry, you ungrateful lout. The ledgers are empty.
the Tuesday of Easter week, at None
Endres is whining for his wooden rosary again. He left it with me as a pledge for three pennies to pay Johannes his rent. He won't get it back until he looks me in the eye and says, 'I broke ranks first and I left Veit to die.' Simple as that.
Have some mercy, Fritz. I need the beads for comfort. Veit's death wasn't my doing.
Say the words, you cowardly whoreson.
Nota scribaeThe man demanded I write 'simple as that' exactly, and spat in the dirt.
the feast of Saint Gertrude, at Prime
There are more Cuman arrows on the roads today. Bloody heathens everywhere since the King was taken by his brother. If they come to Kuttenberg, half this retinue will wet themselves, but I know how to hold a line.
the Monday after Saint Blaise, at Compline
John is a gutless wonder spreading lies about Maleshov. He says I threw down my shield and ran when the arrows fell. Bloody hell, he was the one screaming in panic and backing away! He left my flank entirely exposed, and I only stepped back because standing alone is a fool's death.
You broke the line, Fritz. We all saw you run like a frightened rabbit in the woods.
Let it rest, both of you. We made it out alive, and others didn't.
Nota scribaeHe spoke quickly and defensively, taking up much of my evening.
From drop 2026-10-26-4316967; the words set down by gemini-3.1-pro-preview on 2026-10-28.
Aye, my belly is rumbling so loud it'll wake the whole street.