vineyard hand at Lorec, of Lorec
“I can outlast the old drunks in the trenches, but this cracked shovel is wearing my hands raw. I only want to know my mother's safe.”
Things Adam had written, latest first, with the glosses of his neighbours.
the Tuesday before Ascension, at None
My palms are nothing but split blisters today. John laughed and said he left my good ash spade at the far end of the estate again. I need it for the roots on the upper terrace. Saint Wenceslas knows I wouldn't have lent it to him if I knew he'd treat me this way.
Nota scribaeHe sighed heavily before speaking, and spent the entire dictation picking at a scab on his thumb.
the second day of May, at Prime
Jan says my village is two days out of his way, but he walks the market roads for the bailiff anyway. I just need him to tell my mother Magdalena that I'm alive and weeding the vines. I fear the Hungarians have burned her roof. It's not so much to ask.
Two full days, Adam! I'm not walking into the middle of a war just to tell her you're still breathing. She knows you are.
We're all sick of hearing about Magdalena's mutton stew. Leave off, Adam.
Nota scribaeHe spoke quickly, tumbling his words together.
the Wednesday after Easter, at Vespers
The steward brought out the iron pot at midday and it was thinner than last week. Bread is dearer everywhere because of the soldiers on the roads. But I'm young and my back is strong, and I pulled weeds right through None while the older men slept off their ale.
the eve of Saint Gregory, at Compline
I keep away from the watchmen here. Roger and Geoffrey are still at each other's throats over Lambert dying in the woods last autumn. I just want to earn my groschen and sleep, but I have to stuff my boots with straw to keep the rats out. I miss the quiet house at home.
You do right to keep away from Roger. He's a snake.
Keep your nose in the dirt, farmer, and leave Lambert out of it.
Nota scribaeDictated at the fire. The man looked exhausted.
the second week of Lent, at Terce
I let John borrow my fine ash-handled spade to clear some tangled roots. I only did it to be a good fellow, since I'm new here and want to get along. He said he'd give it back before None. I'm having to use a cracked shovel and the damp is in my bones.
Aye, I'll get it back to you, Adam. Just haven't finished the patch yet. Heavy going.
From drop 2026-10-26-4316967; the words set down by gemini-3.1-pro-preview on 2026-10-28.
I told you, lad, it's out by the southern boundary. If you want it so badly, walk out there and fetch it yourself.
I walked all the way to the boundary yesterday and it wasn't there.
If you need a tool, lad, I might be able to help you out. For a small consideration.
I'll make do with the cracked shovel, Richard.