Heinz Kramer

the eve of Whitsun, at Compline

I dropped a full jug of ale in the mud today and the sergeant boxed my ears. I know why it happened. I swore to the Almighty I would walk barefoot to the Sedletz bone-house, and I still have not gone.

• 
  Hermann Fuchs

  The roads are crawling with Hungarians, Heinz. God knows you'd be dead before you reached the monastery.

• 
  Henslin Binder

  Stop your weeping and fetch a new jug, you clumsy whoreson.

the feast of St Pancras, at None

If John does not pay Hermann what he owes, there will be blood on the floorboards. Father was shouting so loud the rafters shook. I put my bowl down and walked the alleys until dark just to hear myself think.

• 
  John Cross

  I need the coin for Drahomira! When she returns from Prague, I must have something to show her.

• 
  Hermann Fuchs

  She is never coming back, John. Pay me my groschen.

Nota scribaeDictated in a whisper while the boy glanced repeatedly at the door.

the second day of Easter week, at Prime

I should have been bound to a tailor. A tailor sits in a warm room and sews. Instead I am freezing my fingers off at dawn, wiping rust from my brothers' blades while Sigismund's dogs march past treating us like dirt.

• 
  Hugh Cutler

  Keep your head down, lad. Needles prick just as hard as swords if you aren't careful.

the Tuesday after St Gregory, at Vespers

Thomas is weeping over that baker's niece again. He thinks he can ride to Silesia and pull her from the cloister. Father told him he was a fool and threw a stool at his head. I just want one meal in peace.

• 
  Thomas Swift

  Vlasta is waiting for me! You have no heart, Heinz. None of you understand true love.

• 
  Henslin Binder

  I will throw a heavier stool next time, boy.

Nota scribaeThe boy crossed himself three times while recounting this.

Candlemas, at Matins

The only good hour in this house is before the sun comes up. I stir the embers and uncle Hugh just stares at the floorboards, not saying a word. It reminds me of when my mother was alive and things were quiet.

• 
  Hugh Cutler

  Adleta was a good woman. The only one who could shut your father's mouth.