soldier on perimeter watch, of Sigismund's camp
“I stand on the edge of the camp and make sure no one wanders in. It is quiet work, and I need it to stay quiet.”
Things Philip had written, latest first, with the glosses of his neighbours.
the eve of Pentecost, at Vespers
The damp in this ground has got into my bones. Every time I stand up, my shoulder aches like a rusted hinge, though it is just simple weariness from the watch. Doubravka says a thick wool blanket will cost a groschen. If Tobias the clerk ever brings our wages, I will buy it.
Nota scribaeHe gripped his left shoulder the entire time he spoke.
the Monday after Ascension, at Terce
Adam jumped at a hare on the Kuttenberg road this morning, thinking it was the town watch coming to string us up. I told him to keep still. Any sudden movement draws the eye of the captains, and a man who draws the eye gets put on heavy drills.
The bailiff has eyes everywhere, Philip. You are out of your wits if you think they are not watching the road.
the third day of Easter week, at None
Wenceslas and Roger are still sitting on that silver cup from the ruined manor. They are too afraid to sell it and too greedy to melt it down. If the provost catches them, the whole mess will be put in the stocks. I will not swing for their thievery.
the Thursday after Saint Gregory, at Compline
Benesh and James were shouting again tonight about young Jarda and the mud at Sedletz. It does no good to wake the dead. A man falls, and he stays fallen. Brawling over it only risks a beating from the sergeants, and my spine has had enough beatings.
He was left to die like a dog in the mud, Philip. James knows it, and God knows it.
He was gone before he hit the dirt! Christ Almighty, leave me in peace.
Nota scribaeDictated in a low whisper so the others by the fire would not hear.
Candlemas, at Sext
Tobias the clerk did not bring the silver today. That makes it another month on pledge with Doubravka for cabbage and hardtack. The cold is creeping into the old ache in my spine. I just need to keep my grip on my spear and stay on the perimeter where nobody looks.
Your credit is good for the cabbage, Philip, but do not ask for ale until the clerk pays you.
From drop 2026-10-26-4316967; the words set down by gemini-3.1-pro-preview on 2026-10-28.
Tobias will not pay us till the lords say so. You would do better buying a good iron cap anyway.