merchant of dry goods, of Kuttenberg
“I sell salt and herbs in the King Solomon courtyard and try to keep a cheerful face. A smile sells more salt than a scowl.”
Things Thomas had written, latest first, with the glosses of his neighbours.
the Tuesday before Whitsun, at Vespers
Adam lifted my heavy salt crate again today. I laughed and told him he needs the exercise, but truth be told my fingers are so numb I could not have moved it a handspan. The damp air is a curse.
Nota scribaeHe kept his hands hidden inside his thick woollen cloak the entire time he spoke.
the feast of St Pancras, at None
My sister Johanka sent a fresh bundle of willow bark from Sedletz. She brews a tea that takes the deep ache out of a man's bones. A good sister is worth more than a mint full of silver groschen.
Drink it hot, brother. You must not let the spring chill settle in your chest.
I will, sister. The Lord bless you for thinking of me.
the Friday after Easter, at Sext
Joseph was glaring at the innkeeper again today. I do not know why they cannot just share a cup of ale and be done with it. It is bad for trade when the yard feels like a graveyard.
Keep to your salt, Thomas. Some matters cannot be washed away with ale.
Let him glare. He knows what he did on the Kolin road, and the dead do not forget.
Nota scribaeDictated in the courtyard. He shifted his weight from foot to foot the whole time like a dancing bear.
St Gregory's day, at Prime
I sold a carved wooden saint to a miner this morning. He dropped the coins in the mud and I was too stiff to bend for them quickly, so I made a joke of it and laughed until he picked them up himself.
You are always joking, Thomas. You should find a good wife to pick up your coins for you.
Candlemas, at Terce
I paid my stall rent for the week. The carters are bringing good trade today, though I wish they would not tie their great draught horses so close to the wall. I cannot abide a restless beast.
A horse is just a horse, lad. Keep your eyes on the customers and leave the beasts to the grooms.
Nota scribaeThe man seemed suddenly breathless and asked to sit down on his chest before finishing.
From drop 2026-10-26-4316967; the words set down by gemini-3.1-pro-preview on 2026-10-28.
You are a good lad, Thomas, but you look pale. Let me move the crates, I have the shoulders for it.
Come inside and sit by the fire. I saved you a warm piece of the roast.