guard at Raborsch checkpoint, of Around Raborsch
“I stand in the mud at the checkpoint watching other men's silver go by. The king's coin is always late and my bones ache.”
Things Jezhek had written, latest first, with the glosses of his neighbours.
the third day of May, at Vespers
Sakra, a man's rightful share of a winter haul ought to be in his pouch by spring. Some old mules just want to sit on things until we both die poor and forgotten in a ditch. I am drinking water while others drink ale.
Nota scribaeHe stared at the pouch of the man next to him for a long while after saying this.
the second day of Easter week, at Terce
If I hear one more word about sending a message to Agnes, I will throw myself under a wagon. I have no carter friends going that way, Richard. I told you I would look into it, so let me stand here in peace.
the Tuesday after St Gregory, at Prime
Alan is still refusing to go to the tavern because he wants Martin to apologise for a spilled jug. Martin is sitting at home nursing a broken toe and does not care. Alan will get his teeth knocked out if he keeps running his mouth.
A man must have his pride. He spilled my ale and laughed.
Nota scribaeDictated during a shift change. The man sighed heavily three times.
the morrow of St Matthias, at Sext
The wind today bites right through my patched cloak. Saw a black dog near the treeline this morning. A sure sign of a bitter freeze coming. If the quartermaster forgets our wages again, I will be eating my own boots before Lent.
Candlemas, at Vespers
We stopped a merchant cart today. Found some things he had no papers for. A good fine was paid, but it seems I am not to see my half of it anytime soon. A bloody miserable life, marching in the mud for empty promises.
Patience is a virtue, old friend. The Lord provides in due time.
The Lord is not the one holding the purse, John.
Nota scribaeThe scribe notes he smelled strongly of cheap ale and bitterness.
From drop 2026-10-26-4316967; the words set down by gemini-3.1-pro-preview on 2026-10-28.
Keep your voice down, you bloody fool. A man must wait for a safe market or we both get a rope.