refugee, of Old Kutna
“I am on the town muster rolls for the women's auxiliary. It is a proper station, and they wouldn't take just anyone.”
Things Juliana had written, latest first, with the glosses of her neighbours.
the Wednesday before Whitsun, at None
The muster is passed and I hid behind the tanner's cart when the captain called names. I have no jack. Milena says the rats got into the dry chest, but someone in the yard saw a pawnbroker with canvas just like it. I cannot stop wringing my hands. My father's pennies are gone.
Nota scribaeShe picked at her sleeves the entire time she spoke, until a thread gave way.
Saint Mark's day, at Prime
Today is the inspection. I have paced the square since first light. Milena promised she would fetch my padded jack this morning. I gave her my last groschen so the canvas would be good. I must pass the muster or they will cast me out the gates, back to the woods.
If you're looking for that wanderer woman, I saw her drinking at the ale-wife's yesterday. Didn't look like she was fetching anything.
the second day of Easter week, at Terce
The master next door, Andrew, has a solid roof. I wish I could rent a corner of his barn instead of this cellar. His catchpole works in the yard. I try to stay out of his way when he looks angry. I don't want any trouble, just to be safe inside the walls.
I'm not angry at you, girl. I'm angry because Stislav pays better than my master and I'm stuck in this muddy yard.
the eve of Saint Gregory, at Vespers
I am on the rolls! The captain warned I need a padded jack for the muster on Saint Mark's day, but I am on the list. I gave my father's saved groschen to Milena to buy one. She knows the market stalls better than I do. She says she is keeping it in a dry chest across town.
It's perfectly safe, Juliana. The canvas is thick and the chest is tight. Best we keep the rats off it until you need it.
A dry chest, she says. Heh.
Nota scribaeDictated in the cellar. The air was foul.
the first Saturday in Lent, at Sext
I check my shoes every morning, but the pennies are gone. I bought safety with them. It is safe inside Kuttenberg. The Cuman foragers cannot burn the stone walls. Sometimes I still smell the thatch burning, but then I remember I am on the auxiliary list. I am useful here.
From drop 2026-10-26-4316967; the words set down by gemini-3.1-pro-preview on 2026-10-28.
I told you, child, the rats in this town are the size of dogs. It was ruined. Be glad I kept it away from your corner of the cellar.
But the pennies, Milena. They were in my shoes. He put them there before he fell.