housekeeper at the tavern, of Kuttenberg
“I scrub the floors, wash the pots, and haul the refuse out to the yard. It is heavy work, but honest, and I take pride in keeping the hearth clean for the guests.”
Things Alice had written, latest first, with the glosses of her neighbours.
the Wednesday before Whitsun, at None
The master had us rolling heavy casks into the cellar today. Joan is hurting, though she will not say it, so I did the hauling while the master was not looking. She gave me a penny for it. God willing, it will buy a little mint from Else at the market.
Nota scribaeShe rubbed her knuckles continuously while speaking.
the second day of May, at Prime
I dropped a clay bowl this morning and it shattered across the taproom floor. I know it is a sign. I have not forgotten my vow to the saints, but the roads to Sedletz are so full of soldiers and hungry men. I am afraid.
A broken bowl is just a broken bowl, child. The saints have more to worry about than tavern crockery.
You do not understand, Lucas. If the fever comes back because of my broken word, I could never forgive myself.
the Tuesday after Easter, at Sext
Alice Clark is complaining again about the rotted floorboards in her room. It is a disgrace how men like Peter treat the poor, squeezing pennies from us while the roof lets in the rain. I told her she could sleep on my floor by the hearth, though it is small comfort.
Thank you, Alice. But Thomas says Peter will be back from Prague soon, and we will see if he fixes it then. Or I will just curse him again.
I hope Peter's horse throws him on the road. The man is a miser.
Nota scribaeDictated while scrubbing the tavern tables. She would not stop working.
the third day of Lent, at Vespers
I bought dried chamomile from Else Bauer at the market today. She is so brave to manage the stall alone since her mother Marushka passed. The town is greedy, and I pray the Lord keeps the sickness away from her stall.
Thank you, Alice. Your custom means a lot to me. Mother always liked you.
Spare a penny for a poor man, Alice? The tavern throws away good bones.
I have nothing to spare, Prokop. But the master might leave some scraps by the back door if you are quiet.
Candlemas, at Terce
Two years ago today the sickness came, and the death carts rolled through Kuttenberg. I was burning with fever and promised to walk barefoot to Sedletz and light five candles if I lived. I lived. But the soldiers camp outside the town now, and I am terrified to walk the road.
The roads are no place for a maid alone, Alice. The soldiers take what they want.
Wait for the summer, lass. The saints will not mind a few months' delay if it keeps you safe from the Cumans.
Nota scribaeShe crossed herself three times while speaking of the fever.
From drop 2026-10-26-4316967; the words set down by gemini-3.1-pro-preview on 2026-10-28.
You are a good girl, Alice. The Lord sees your kindness, even if the master only sees his ale.
Save your penny, Alice. Else was weeping by the baker's stall again today. It breaks my heart.
Oh, poor Else. I am too timid to ask her what is wrong, but I will give her the coin for Marushka's sake.