guard at markoltova ochranka, of Kuttenberg
“I stand at the gate, hold a spear, and keep unwanted people out. That is all.”
Things Fritz had written, latest first, with the glosses of his neighbours.
the Tuesday after Whitsun, at None
Johannes is still in Prague and his shop is locked. I rattle the door handle every morning. If some passing soldier buys my father's sword before I can lay my groschen on his table, I do not know what I will do. I almost have the coin.
Nota scribaeHe tapped a heavy pouch on his belt the entire time he spoke.
the feast of St Pancras, at Sext
John and Joerg had half a loaf of bread and some cheese today. I told them I ate my fill at daybreak. I drank water from the barrel instead. Fasting clears the mind for duty, and every penny saved is a penny kept.
You look pale as a ghost, Fritz. Take a crust tomorrow, I will not charge you.
the third day of Easter week, at Prime
Helena makes excuses again about our wages. If John leaves for the mint, this watch will fall to pieces. I will not beg her, but every missing penny keeps me from Johannes's door down in the lower town.
The coin will come when the merchants pay me. Hold your tongue and watch the gate.
the second week of Lent, at Vespers
Kunigunde was screaming at Elsbeth over the gate today. I have a watch to keep and no time for maids squabbling like angry geese. Young Thomas was shivering in the lean-to, but I cannot spare a groschen for him.
She left the gate open for the dogs! It was her fault entirely!
Nota scribaeDictated quickly, as if he wished to be somewhere else.
Candlemas, at Compline
We drank a cup of water to Sergeant Lorenz tonight. He knew how to drill men. Joerg was muttering about some barefoot vow to Sedletz. I told him God respects a sharp spear more than a bruised heel.
A pilgrimage brings grace, Fritz. You should try walking with the Lord instead of a spear.
From drop 2026-10-26-4316967; the words set down by gemini-3.1-pro-preview on 2026-10-28.
Keep your head, lad. The broker will return when the roads are clear.
I will pray at Sedletz for your father's blade, Fritz.