guard at the baggage lines, of Sigismund's camp
“I stand my watch at the wagons and keep my head down. A careful man outlives a foolish one.”
Things Thomas had written, latest first, with the glosses of his neighbours.
the eve of the Ascension, at Vespers
Word in the camp is that Matthew the clerk is drawing up new lists for the vanguard. I have a contract for the baggage train and I mean to keep it. If the bailiff puts me to digging ditches, my wages will not be safe. I keep my hands on my belt and say nothing.
Nota scribaeHe spoke quietly, checking over his shoulder twice before the end.
the second Tuesday after Easter, at Terce
Andreas is still away in Kolin seeking cheap flour. The waiting is heavy work. I have walked with a stiff step for months now, carrying my future where nobody can see it. If I can just hold out until summer, I will be done with the mercenary life.
I will return when the roads are clear and the price is right. Keep your end of the bargain ready.
Maundy Thursday, at None
John lost his bowl at the quartermaster's cart this morning. He was weeping like a child, terrified of the master. I gave him a crust of my bread so he would not starve. The boy sends half his pay to his lame sister Svatava, which is right, but a soldier must guard his bowl.
God bless you, Thomas. I was so afraid they would beat me. Svatava needs the coin more than I need soup.
the feast of St Gregory, at Prime
The rain has turned the camp to a stinking bog. Other men pull off their boots to dry their socks by the fire, but I endure the damp. A man who takes off his boots in a camp of thieves deserves what he gets. I will not lose my winter wages.
Your feet will rot off, Thomas. At least loan me the price of a jug of ale to keep us warm.
Nota scribaeHe refused to sit while dictating this, standing rigid the entire time.
the day after Candlemas, at Sext
The dice throwers at the edge of the ditch are fools. They throw away a month's sweat for a moment's cheer. Roger lost two groschen to a Cuman yesterday and came begging to me. I told him to go hungry. I have my eyes set on a wagon of my own.
It was an unlucky roll, nothing more. And we still owe Andreas for that salted pork.
You owe Andreas. And I will see it paid when the time comes.
Nota scribaeThe man spoke stiffly and kept his hands tucked into his belt.
From drop 2026-10-26-4316967; the words set down by gemini-3.1-pro-preview on 2026-10-28.
You have nothing to fear with your contract, Thomas. If you could spare a few groschen, I might be as safe as you.
My purse is empty, Roger. Keep your voice down.