master of the yard, of Kuttenberg
“I built my yard from nothing and hold it fast. I suffer no fools who think to take my coin.”
Things Lambert had written, latest first, with the glosses of his neighbours.
the Monday before Whitsun, at Compline
These Hungarian whoresons on the roads are bleeding honest haulers dry. Tolls at every crossing, and trade slowing to a trickle. A man bleeds for his silver, and the King's brother just opens his hand to snatch it. Carpenter Raven says the gate is secure, but my lockbox feels lighter.
Nota scribaeDictated in the yard. He stood with arms crossed the entire time.
the second day of Rogation week, at Sext
Gerta complains of the damp in her back again. I told her the hearth needs sweeping, not whining. Annabel never complained of a little spring rain. If I can stand in the yard and watch the haulers all morning, a young woman can push a broom without wailing.
the Monday after St George, at None
Ten groschen. If a stranger came and put ten silver groschen in my hand, they could take that useless silver-tin plate. But until my foolish eldest son swears before God to leave that washer-girl Lida be, it stays locked in the master chest. It is about respect.
It was mother's plate, not yours to sell. And Lida is worth ten of your lockboxes.
Mind your tongue, boy, or you will sleep in the mud with the pigs.
Nota scribaeHe shook the heavy iron lock of his chest to prove his point to me.
the Thursday before Palm Sunday, at Prime
Caught Nicholas sleeping in the hay when he should have been mucking out the beasts. I had to shout the yard down to wake him. If my boys think they will inherit this place just by lying on their arses, they are sorely mistaken. Hard work earns bread.
I was up at the third watch checking the lame mare, father. I only rested my eyes.
I can clout his ear next time he nods off, master.
Saint Matthias's day, at Vespers
Christ almighty, a man cannot trust his own blood. Caught Bartel sneaking out with Annabel's plate to pawn it at the market. All for some strumpet from the lower ponds. I snatched it from his hands and locked it away. Discipline is all that holds a house together.
You have enough silver, old man! You did not even remember she left it to me!
I remember you are a boy who knows nothing of the world. The plate stays in the chest.
Nota scribaeHe spat on the ground when mentioning the girl from the ponds.
From drop 2026-10-26-4316967; the words set down by gemini-3.1-pro-preview on 2026-10-28.
Aye, half the carters are too scared to leave the town. Better safe than robbed.