guard at the winemaker's house, of Kuttenberg
“I keep the master's yard safe from thieves and vagrants. A man with a blade must stand firm when the world is full of cutthroats.”
Things Tobias had written, latest first, with the glosses of his neighbours.
the Thursday before Whitsun, at Terce
Nicholas is shouting about his coin again. I stood my ground by the cellar door with my hand on my pommel. The brute will not pass me while I draw breath.
Nota scribaeHe adjusted his belt four times while saying this.
the Tuesday of Easter week, at None
Saw Erhard crying over his bare feet again. I told the boy to man up. If he faced Cumans on the Kolin road like I have, he wouldn't weep over a few blisters.
It is a vow for Lambert's soul, you heartless peasant.
the feast of the Annunciation, at Vespers
Master John's daughter has a tongue like a rusted saw. She screeched at me to fetch water. I am a sworn guard, not a housemaid. Pity the poor cooper's boy who wants to wed that.
You will fetch it or I will have my father beat you with a stick.
Nota scribaeDictated out of earshot of the master's house.
the second Wednesday of Lent, at Prime
The roads are thick with beggars. Chased three strays from the gate today. My blade is cheap but it does the work. Master John knows the value of a hardened veteran keeping his peace.
Stop boasting and make sure the back lock is oiled.
the morrow of Candlemas, at Compline
Word came that Avice was sent to a convent in Prague. She mocked my sword in the alehouse and we fell out, but I reckon I should have spoken up. Now the shrew is gone and I am parched.
She put you in your place sharply, Tobias. You were too proud to say sorry.
Mind your pots, peasant.
Nota scribaeHe stared at his boots for a long while before speaking.
From drop 2026-10-26-4316967; the words set down by gemini-3.1-pro-preview on 2026-10-28.
You looked like you were going to shit your breeches, boy.