guard at the grain warehouse, of Kuttenberg
“I take my watch at the grain warehouse seriously. I keep my boots clean and mind the orders.”
Things Nicholas had written, latest first, with the glosses of his neighbours.
The Friday before Whitsun, at Vespers
The spring muster on Saint John's day is coming. The captain will inspect us. I am short my padded jack. I know it is sitting behind Martin's shutter for twelve groschen. If I am found lacking the King's property, I do not know what will happen. Saint Wenceslas, preserve me.
Nota scribaeHe paced the room while speaking and twisted his belt until the leather creaked.
The Monday after the Ascension, at None
At the dira for a cup of ale. Joan pours a fair measure, praise be. William and Ralph are glaring at each other again over that kettle hat. It makes a man jumpy. They should let poor Jan rest in peace. The dead do not need armour.
The second Wednesday after Easter, at Terce
I offered Albrecht a drink yesterday. He is a good guard. He saves his pennies for a ruined cottage so he can leave the militia. Forty-eight pennies is a heavy sum, but a man who keeps his discipline can do it. I wish others had such discipline.
Thank you for the ale, Nicholas. Keep your head down and save your coin.
Nota scribaeDictated by the warehouse doors. He interrupted himself twice to check the street.
The Tuesday of Easter week, at Prime
Easter has passed and the Lord is risen, but my jack has not returned. Thomas told me he needed it for the frost. There is no frost now. I am not a wealthy man. The captain expects us to have our gear. It is not right.
Thomas owes my master for bread since Lent. He has nothing to give you.
The morning after Candlemas, at Terce
The night watch was bitter cold. Thomas was shivering like a leaf in the wind. I lent him my good padded jack so he would not freeze before morning. A militiaman must look after his comrades. I expect he will hand it back before Vespers.
Bless you, Nicholas. You saved my life. I will bring it to the billet tomorrow.
Nota scribaeThe man seemed very proud of himself as he spoke.
From drop 2026-10-26-4316967; the words set down by gemini-3.1-pro-preview on 2026-10-28.
Keep your voice down, Nicholas. You will have it before the muster, I swear it.
How? You owe the baker. You do not have twelve groschen, Thomas.