soldier of the garrison, of Kuttenberg
“I walk the wards, chase beggars, and drink when I can. Better than bleeding in the mud.”
Things Oswald had written, latest first, with the glosses of his neighbours.
the Thursday before Whitsun, at Compline
The quartermaster fed us gristle again today. I had to wash the taste out at the tavern. Watched Walter Clark shaking in his boots over the bailiff's ledger. I gave his table a good knock on my way past just to see the whoreson spill his ale.
Nota scribaeDictated loudly. He tried to demonstrate the table-knocking on my desk.
the Wednesday of Easter week, at Vespers
Veit is still sitting on that burden we found in the burnt cellar last autumn. It is heavy, and half of it belongs in my purse for keeping watch. If he does not find a buyer soon, I will drag it out of his pack myself.
Keep your bloody voice down, Oswald. It is not safe yet.
What did you two bastards find out there?
the feast of St Gregory, at None
Told Ellen Grey she was a fool to walk to Sedletz barefoot. The Hungarian bastards on the roads do not give a shit about her vows. If you want to walk outside the walls, take a heavy stick and leave your groschen at home.
The Lord protects those who walk in faith, Oswald.
The Lord protects those with a sharp blade, Ellen.
Nota scribaeThe word he used was not 'shit', but I will not write the other.
the day after St Matthias, at Terce
Another morning freezing my arse off at the town gate. The roads are full of wretches from burnt villages. Beggars everywhere. I chased three of them away from the market before midday. I would rather be drinking.
It is a hard time for everyone, soldier. Have some pity.
Candlemas, at Vespers
I raised a tankard to poor Bartholomew today. He was a good man, died screaming with a Hungarian pike in his gut because some coward froze and ordered us back too late. I will never forget it, Simon. You owe me a friend.
You broke the line first, you bastard! Do not put his blood on my hands.
Say that closer to my belt knife, you whoreson.
Nota scribaeThe man was deep in his cups and weeping when he said this.
From drop 2026-10-26-4316967; the words set down by gemini-3.1-pro-preview on 2026-10-28.
There was no need for that, you brute. I am a peaceful man.
Peaceful means coward, Walter.