maidservant at the armourer's, of Kuttenberg
“I'm the maidservant at the armourer's house on Platnerska street. I fetch water, scrub floors, and buy the cabbage, whatever folks say.”
Things Anna had written, latest first, with the glosses of her neighbours.
the Wednesday after Ascension, at Prime
The price of cabbage at the market today was a sin. If they keep raising the cost of a decent loaf and a bit of green, we'll all be eating dirt. Christine sent me back out to find something cheaper, as if I can magic up food out of thin air.
Nota scribaeDictated in the market square. She wiped her hands on her apron no less than six times.
the eve of Saint George, at Vespers
I swear by all the saints in heaven, there were only twelve groschen on that pantry shelf. I am poor, and my hands are cracked to bleeding, but I am no thief. She's up all night whispering for that man Michael to die in Prague, and her wits are turning.
Fourteen, Anna. It was fourteen. And my brother's soul is none of your concern.
Patience, child. Say three Paters and hold your tongue.
the Tuesday after Easter, at None
Father Ernest smelled of old wine again today. I tried to confess my impatience, but he just sighed and gave me the same penance as always. He doesn't listen to a word. I might as well confess to the chickens.
The Lord hears all, Anna, even if his humble servants are tired.
Nota scribaeThe priest writing this entry found the woman's tone disrespectful, but wrote it down as commanded.
the first Friday of Lent, at Sext
They say Sybil is confined to her bed with the gout. The Lord is just. She sold me a short measure of carp and called me a blind whore for noticing. I will not break the silence. We'll buy fish from the other end of town until she begs my pardon.
Candlemas, at Terce
Cold morning, blowing the embers for the porridge. The master wants his breakfast, and Christine is still abed. Her brother Matthew was a fool to go for a soldier. You swing a sword, you get killed. Better to stay home and scrub pots.
It's the truth, Anna. The soldiers bring nothing but trouble.
From drop 2026-10-26-4316967; the words set down by gemini-3.1-pro-preview on 2026-10-28.
It's the same everywhere, Anna. The soldiers take all the grain.
I only asked you to look at the stalls by the lower gate, girl.