Hermann Fuchs

the Thursday before Whitsun, at Compline

Heinz was shaking like a leaf today when a Hungarian rider passed the gate. I put myself between them so the boy would not be trampled. He needs more iron in his blood if he is to stand the watch.

• 
  Heinz Kramer

  I was not shaking, Hermann. It was only the cold wind off the walls.

the feast of St Pancras, at Sext

A man bleeds for his watch-pay. When he spends it on medicine so his brother does not die of lung fever, he expects to see those groschen again. Instead I watch him buy ale as if the silver fell from heaven.

• 
  John Cross

  A true brother does not tally the cost of a life, Hermann.

• 
  Hermann Fuchs

  A true brother pays his debts before he drinks, John.

Nota scribaeDictated while counting pennies on a table. He glared at the door the whole time.

the second day of Easter week, at Prime

Hugh eats our meat and sleeps under our roof, but I know he hoards his watch-pay to buy his way into Sedletz. I spent an hour looking under the floorboards while he was at mass. Found nothing but rat shit.

• 
  Hugh Cutler

  You will find nothing because I owe this house nothing. Keep your hands off my boards.

the Monday after mid-Lent, at None

Supper was shouting again. John moaning over Drahomira and Thomas pining for his Vlasta. Ruined girls, the both of them, locked away in Prague and Silesia. Father shouted them down and I agreed with every word. They will drag the Fuchs name through the dirt.

• 
  Henslin Binder

  Your mother Adleta, God rest her soul, would have wept to see what fools they are.

• 
  Thomas Swift

  Vlasta is an innocent. You and father have hearts of stone.

Nota scribaeThe word he used for the girls was far less polite.

Candlemas, at Prime

Bread is dearer this year and the merchants are terrified of the roads. Guarding the silver wagons pays, but every penny must be counted. I took my mother's maiden name for the militia rolls to keep her memory honest. I will not die a pauper.