hired hand at the alehouse, of Kuttenberg
“I haul the heavy things and throw out the drunks. I reckon my back will give out before I see silver again.”
Things Adam had written, latest first, with the glosses of his neighbours.
the second Wednesday in May, at Vespers
Anna calls it thievery, but I reckon it is a lawful pledge. She gave me her best copper jug at Christmas to fetch ale, and since she has not paid me my wages since Epiphany, the jug sits in my corner of the cellar. Ten groschen it is worth. I will not hand it back.
Nota scribaeThe man sighed heavily before stating this, staring at the wall.
the Tuesday after Easter, at None
Rolled six heavy barrels from the wagon today. Sakra, my back is stiff, though I am still stronger than the rest of them. Saw Mary looking quiet and desperate by the till. I kept my mouth shut. I know what it is to need a few pennies.
the eve of St Benedict, at Sext
Elizabeth is shouting about her ruined shift again. Christ almighty, the noise. I wish she would just walk over to Amice's house, punch the woman in the face, and be done with it. A man cannot even sweep the common room in peace.
It was good linen, Adam! She ruined it on purpose!
the Friday after St Matthias, at Prime
Sarah is weeping again about purgatory and the letters from the old priest. I have no time for it. If we are meant to burn, we will burn. Tears will not split the firewood for the kitchen hearth.
You have a cold heart, Adam. Father Matthew says we must pay the arrears or perish.
Nota scribaeDictated from the woodpile. He paused to chop a log in half.
Candlemas, at Compline
Three winters since old Johanka died of the fever. She was a hard woman, but she paid her silver on time. We used to have merchants sleeping upstairs. Now the beds are empty, the soldiers take what they want, and we get nothing.
I am trying my best, Adam. The coin just is not there anymore.
From drop 2026-10-26-4316967; the words set down by gemini-3.1-pro-preview on 2026-10-28.
You are a thief, Adam. Give it back or I will fetch the bailiff.
Pay me what I am owed, and you shall have it.