ash clearer at the mounds, of The woodcutters' camps
“I haul the grey ash and wait for word from my brother Tobias in Prague. In Prague. He's a master mason.”
Things Frantishek had written, latest first, with the glosses of his neighbours.
the Wednesday before Whitsun, at None
I asked Vashek to take word to the Prague road again. Road again. He told me to bugger off. Bugger off. Tobias is waiting to hear from me, I know it. I know it.
Nota scribaeThe man wept soot onto the parchment. He repeats himself constantly.
the Friday after Easter, at Vespers
The spring rains washed the track to mud. To mud. My barrow got stuck hauling ash from the old burn. Hugh had to pull it out. Pull it out. Good lad, Hugh. Good lad.
Aye, and you owe me a pull of ale for it, Franta.
If Avice ever sends another barrel from Kolin, that is.
the second day of Easter week, at Prime
Geoffrey mentioned Stislav today. Stislav today. God rest his soul. I put heavy stones on his grave two winters past, but the rain took them. Took them. It was a cold march. Cold march.
He was a good master to us. Taught us the right way to stack the timber.
A heavy chill it was on that baggage train. We all did what we could.
Nota scribaeHe crossed himself three times before speaking, leaving black smudges on his forehead.
the Monday after St Gregory, at Terce
We drank the last of the weak ale. Weak ale. Maurice says Avice won't send more till the tallies are wiped. Are wiped. My throat is full of dust. Full of dust.
Bloody ale-wife. We are parched up here in the woods.
Candlemas, at Vespers
A carter came by the camp. By the camp. Talked a lot of shit about sickness in Prague. In Prague. I told him my brother Tobias is a master mason and safe. And safe.
Aye, Franta. I am sure he is building a grand stone church by now.
Nota scribaeDictated near a burning mound. The smoke made my eyes water.
From drop 2026-10-26-4316967; the words set down by gemini-3.1-pro-preview on 2026-10-28.
I told you, no carter wants your bloody message, Franta. Leave it be.
Leave the lad alone, Vashek, or I'll box your ears.