hired hand at Hradecka, of Kuttenberg
“I fetch the water and chop the wood, and I try not to make any noise.”
Things Hermann had written, latest first, with the glosses of his neighbours.
the Tuesday before Whitsun, at None
Someone said the bailiff came through the lower town with a list for the levy. I hid behind the chopping block until he was gone. I have no coin to buy my way out, and a Cuman would kill me in a single stroke.
Nota scribaeThe lad bit his nails down to the quick the entire time he spoke.
the second day of May, at Prime
I like helping Standa with the beasts. They do not shout when the hay is late. But Standa owes the parish priest a sum, and I get frightened when the clerk comes asking for him.
Keep your mouth shut about my debts, lad. It is none of your business who comes asking.
the Tuesday after Easter, at Terce
Kunigunde sent me to the square to fetch flour from Adam Vorsucher on the slate again. He looked so angry I just snatched the sack and ran back to the yard. I hope he does not come here looking for the coin.
You tell your mistress my patience is gone. Next time, bring groschen or do not come at all.
You fool, why did you run? Now he thinks we are frightened of him.
Nota scribaeHe spoke so quietly I had to lean across the table to hear him over the tavern noise.
the feast of St Gertrude, at Sext
Richard was shouting at Kunigunde in the yard today because there is no silver to pay us. It made my stomach turn over. If the guards hear the noise, they will throw us out on the street to starve.
Candlemas, at Vespers
There was no coin today. The silver from the master's estates did not arrive. I suppose as long as there is bread in the kitchen and the loft is dry, I can wait. I just wish everyone was not so angry.
From drop 2026-10-26-4316967; the words set down by gemini-3.1-pro-preview on 2026-10-28.
Stop your whimpering, boy. If they call you, you hold a spear like a man and do your duty.
Pay Fritz no mind, Hermann. I will pray they do not call your name.