guard at the Kolin gate, of Kuttenberg
“I stand watch at the gate and watch the road for a messenger to Prague. The world is full of cowards and I just need one man to do a favour.”
Things Nicholas had written, latest first, with the glosses of his neighbours.
the Wednesday before Whitsun, at None
Another day standing at these wooden doors, turning away beggars and watching the carts. I grabbed James by the sleeve and told him again, the road is clear enough for a quick rider. He will not go to Prague. Rosa is going to take the veil, I know it, and I will be left with no blood in this world.
Nota scribaeDictated at the gate. He kept seizing my arm to make his point, leaving a soot mark.
the feast of Saint John before the Latin Gate, at Vespers
Paid a whole groschen for a loaf today. The bakers in this town are bleeding us dry. I asked a grain merchant if he was bound for Prague, but he only laughed. I am a loyal brother, Christ knows, but a man cannot send a word on an empty belly.
The bakers have no shame. But stop harassing the merchants, lad, or the captain will have our hides.
the Thursday of Easter week, at Prime
They served us mutton in the guardhouse. Leonard used to share his bread with me when the rations were short. Good man, left in the mud at Sedletz because some old men care more for their own skin than the shield wall. I spat my gristle into the fire.
the Monday after Saint Gregory, at Sext
My boots are worn through the sole and my feet ache from standing. Watched the road all morning. I saw a friar walking north and begged him to seek out a baker's maid in Prague named Rosa, to tell her Nicholas is not dead. He blessed me and walked on.
Save your pennies for a cobbler, Nicholas. The friar will forget your name before he reaches Kolin.
Nota scribaeHe spoke this very fast and wept slightly at the end.
Candlemas, at Compline
The wind comes right through the stones in this guardhouse. I boiled my pottage and tried not to think of the Hungarians. If Rosa thinks I fell at that bridge, she will give herself to the church. I asked James to go to Prague for me. He said no.
I told you, I have no business in Prague. I am not getting killed by mercenaries just to deliver a message to a maid.
From drop 2026-10-26-4316967; the words set down by gemini-3.1-pro-preview on 2026-10-28.
Let my sleeve go, Nicholas. The roads are crawling with Hungarians and I have my own watch to stand.