guard at the Kourim gate, of Kuttenberg
“I stand the watch at the Kourim gate and take the tolls. I keep my head down and my pouch tied tight.”
Things Wilhelm had written, latest first, with the glosses of his neighbours.
the Thursday before Whitsun, at Terce
My tunic is tearing at the shoulder seam. I need a sewing needle to mend it, but I will not leave the gate to buy one. If I step away, another man will take the tolls. I need someone passing to fetch it, lest Captain James docks my wages.
Nota scribaeHe spoke without lifting his eyes from a merchant's purse.
the feast of St Florian, at None
Three more groschen today from a timber merchant who tried to lie about his load. It all goes into the pouch. Mary is sweeping floors in Prague, but she will have a proper dowry. I will not see her marry a penniless farm boy.
the Wednesday of Easter week, at Vespers
Jan and Erhard are at each other's throats again over a skinning knife. Robert and Paul are arguing over a brass lamp. I sit in the corner and stuff fresh straw in my boots. Fools wasting their breath when they should be saving their wages.
the feast of St Gregory, at Prime
The wind through the gate arch is biting today. I spend half the watch shifting my weight from one foot to the other to keep my toes from freezing. The ale-wife brought watered beer, but I refused it. I will not pay for cold water.
A cup of ale warms the blood. You will freeze like a statue.
Nota scribaeThe man's lips were blue when he said this.
the day after Candlemas, at Compline
I was there in the woods near Maleshov when the mercenaries attacked. We ran. I do not care about the blame the others throw around, but Sergeant Nicholas was left in the mud. It gnaws at me that he was never given a proper grave.
Keep your voice down about the woods. If Captain James hears we broke rank, we will hang.
The sergeant held the line. God rest his soul.
Nota scribaeDictated in a flat voice. He patted his belt pouch the whole time.
From drop 2026-10-26-4316967; the words set down by gemini-3.1-pro-preview on 2026-10-28.
I can fetch it for you from the square when my shift ends, Wilhelm.
No, I need it before Vespers. And do not ask me for coin for the errand.