guard at the fortress, of Suchdol
“Truthfully, I only took up the polearm to earn copper for my sister Felice. I am a peaceable man, surrounded by thieves and drunkards.”
Things David had written, latest first, with the glosses of his neighbours.
the eve of Whitsun, at Compline
Truthfully, these wild dogs by the refuse pits are getting bolder every day. I was out walking the perimeter and they were howling like the very Hungarian riders that chased us at Kolin. God rest young Vitek, but truthfully, a man cannot be expected to keep a clear head when the beasts are snapping at his heels in the dark.
the feast of St Philip and St James, at Prime
Truthfully, my heart bleeds for young William, who took a bad tumble down the stone steps last night after drinking too much cheap ale. I know the lad is just sick for his home, much as I am sick with worry for my sister Felice. Though truthfully, drinking until you fall over is a fool's remedy for sorrow.
My head is splitting. Leave me be, David.
The boy will heal. Save your pity for the dead.
Nota scribaeHe spoke this in a great rush without drawing breath.
the third day of Easter week, at Sext
Truthfully, there is no Christian charity left in this garrison! I lent Frantishek my carved wooden rosary to hold during the great thunderstorm, out of the pure goodness of my heart, because he was shaking like a leaf. Now the ungrateful wretch refuses to hand it back and lies to my face that he won my beads at dice! Truthfully, it is theft!
I won them fair and square to pay for my supper. Do not call me a thief because your luck turned sour.
Truthfully, you are a liar, Frantishek! I only lent them to comfort your craven heart!
the Tuesday after St Gregory, at None
Truthfully, I do not understand why a man cannot do a simple favour for a friend. I only asked Frantishek to carry a word to Vlasim for my sister Felice, to say I am alive and earning copper. He goes on patrol, does he not? Truthfully, it is a profound betrayal to refuse a man whose family might be starving for want of news.
My patrol goes north to Kuttenberg! Vlasim is the other bloody way! Stop asking me!
Nota scribaeThe man wept over his sister for half an hour.
Candlemas, at Vespers
My boots are sunk deep in the muck and the wind cuts right through this padded jacket. Truthfully, I never wanted to be a fighting man. I only enlisted for the steady wage, but this fortress is a miserable place and my sleep is ruined by the shouting of the others. Truthfully, farm work broke the back, but at least a man felt safe.
Christ almighty, David, stop your complaining and stand your watch.
From drop 2026-10-26-4316967; the words set down by gemini-3.1-pro-preview on 2026-10-28.
Keep your spear up and stop jumping at shadows, David. The dogs will not take the fortress.