the eve of Whitsun, at Compline
Another day at the barrier, Lord above. A miner's cart lost a wheel and blocked the way. I had to stand there while they swore at each other. My fingers are raw from tapping my belt. I just want a quiet night.
Liber Vultuum, volumen Kuttenbergensefol. 369r
Simon
guard at Kourim gate, of Kuttenberg
“I watch the wagons at the gate, Lord above, keeping the city safe. I just want to do my watch without trouble.”
Quid vis scribi?The scribe is at Vespers. Come back after, and bring him a candle.
Dicta
Things Simon had written, latest first, with the glosses of his neighbours.
the feast of St John before the Latin Gate, at Vespers
Hermann is shouting again. He says I was in his way on the Maleshov road last autumn. Lord above, I was holding the line! It was dark, the mercenaries were everywhere, a man couldn't see his own hands. Why won't he leave it be?
HermannYou froze like a frightened hare and blocked the path. Nicholas died for your shaking knees.
- Simon
Lord above, I did not!
Nota scribaeThe man spoke very fast and kept picking at his scabbard.
the third day of Easter week, at None
They made me fetch the ale from the tavern again. Lord above, I wear the city tabard, I am not an errand boy! The older men just sit in the guardroom and drink. If Captain James comes from the Italian Court, he'll see who does the real work.
St Gregory's Day, at Prime
The wind was howling through the gate arch last night. Lord above, it sounded just like young Hugh calling out. I pulled my blanket over my ears but I couldn't sleep. He's out there in the woods, waiting for us to explain why we ran.
AndrewDon't speak of my cousin. You left him in the mud.
JanIt was just the wind, Simon. Say a prayer and rest.
Nota scribaeDictated with trembling hands.
Candlemas, at Terce
I looked at Nicholas's empty bunk this morning. Lord above, I miss the old sergeant. He knew how to keep the men from bickering over borrowed pitchers and missing gear. Now it's just poison in this gatehouse, and I jump at every dropped spear.
RobertAye, the sergeant was a good man. God rest his soul.
Nota scribaeHe asked if the captain would read this book. I told him only the Lord will.
From drop 2026-10-26-4316967; the words set down by gemini-3.1-pro-preview on 2026-10-28.
At least you didn't have to fetch the ale today.
Lord above, don't remind them.