guardsman at Raborsch watch, of Around Raborsch
“I took the oath for a full belly and a dry bed, but all I have found is stale bread and terror. I should have learned a trade.”
Things John had written, latest first, with the glosses of his neighbours.
the Thursday before Whitsun, at Vespers
Richard will not leave off about his sister Lidka. He thinks I made a holy vow to walk to Prague. I only said I would ask a passing merchant if they were going west! I am not making the journey, and I wish he would stop badgering me.
Nota scribaeDictated in a low mumble. He stared at his boots the entire time.
the feast of St Pancras, at Terce
Captain Tobias is looking for Richard's kettle hat. I know full well it went to the pawnbroker in the lower town, and I know who sneaked back from there yesterday. But I am keeping my mouth shut. I do not want any trouble in the barracks.
You had best keep your trap shut, boy. The wind blows hats away sometimes.
the third day of Easter week, at Compline
I cannot sleep. I close my eyes and I see Standa bleeding in the mud by the Nebakov mill. Robert ran. He broke the line and left Standa to take that arrow, and then he blamed me because he is a veteran and I am a boy. God knows the truth.
Watch your tongue, you little shit. You left the flank open. We all saw it.
You are a liar, Robert. You ran first.
Nota scribaeThe boy was shaking as he spoke and asked for a cup of water.
the third Sunday of Lent, at None
Standing by the gate since first light. The wind is biting right through my tunic. We had questionable stew for midday and there is not a scrap of meat in it. Thomas says we should be grateful for the bread, but my belly is rumbling louder than the church bells.
Stop your whining, boy. I sell good apples across the yard if you have a half-groat.
Candlemas, at Prime
The priest says we must have everything written down now. I do not know what to say. I am the youngest guard here at Raborsch. I just want to do my duty, save my groschen like Thomas does, and not die for nothing in the woods. I hate the woods.
Keep your head down and your kit clean, John, and you will do fine.
Nota scribaeHe needed to be asked three times before he would speak.
From drop 2026-10-26-4316967; the words set down by gemini-3.1-pro-preview on 2026-10-28.
A promise is a promise, lad. My sister needs to know I still draw breath.
Leave the boy be, Richard. He is just a gate guard.