guard at the Klasterska gate, of Kuttenberg
“I watch the gate and freeze in damp wool for a beggar's wage. Then the council fines us half of it for an empty lantern.”
Things Philip had written, latest first, with the glosses of his neighbours.
the eve of the Ascension, at Compline
Stood watch in the biting wind today. Made me think of the winter march in ninety-nine, when poor Michael died in that muddy ravine. Some men should have watched his back better, instead of hoarding their own miserable skins. They know who they are.
Nota scribaeDictated while holding an unlit lamp.
the Monday before St George, at None
Since Baldwin is a thief, I have borrowed Leonard's oil lamp for the night watch. Leonard wants it back because Roger will fine him for being in the dark. I told him to go ask Baldwin for my knife, and then he can have his lamp.
the third day of Easter week, at Sext
I lent my good eating knife to Baldwin before the feast so he could cut his meat, and now the old bastard will not give it back. He says it pays for a whetstone I lost on the march two years ago. I am not eating with my fingers.
You lost my stone in the mud in ninety-nine. A blade for a stone is fair trade, lad.
You are a thief, Baldwin. Keep it, and I will keep taking things until we are even.
Nota scribaeThe man gestured with a piece of bread the entire time he spoke.
the second Tuesday of Lent, at Terce
That clerk Roger from the Italian Court says we must buy our own oil for the lanterns now. Fines if you stand watch in the dark. One of these nights Roger might find a sack over his head in an alley. Sakra. The town bleeds us dry.
Keep your voice down, Philip, or the bailiff will hear you and we will all hang.
the Thursday after Candlemas, at Vespers
Svatava has been in the ground a month and her whoreson heir wants my slate cleared. Where does he think I hide my groschen? In the mud by the gate? Kurva. We drink thin beer and now we cannot even owe for it.
God rest Svatava's soul. At least she did not charge up front like this new bastard.
Nota scribaeHe spoke flatly and did not seem angry, only tired.
From drop 2026-10-26-4316967; the words set down by gemini-3.1-pro-preview on 2026-10-28.
Do not put that on me, kurva. The mud took him, same as it takes anyone.