infantryman for king Sigismund, of Sigismund's camp
“I'm an infantryman levied to hold a short sword and a shield for King Sigismund. Right now, I do more bleeding than fighting. I keep my head down and mind my own business, which is more than I can say for some in this tent.”
Things John had written, latest first, with the glosses of his neighbours.
the Saturday after Ascension, at Sext
The stench in here gets thicker every day. Men dying of the flux left and right, and not a drop of clean water. William asked again for that lucky bone die of his. I told him he lost it fair and square on a bad throw on that barrel, and I'll not hand it back unless he admits it to all.
Nota scribaeHe kept his hand pressed to his belt the whole time he spoke.
the third day of Rogation Days, at Terce
Adam is in a black mood again, blaming Jan for breaking the shield wall when poor Bohuta caught it. I stay out of it. What's done is done. A man looks after himself first when the arrows fall.
the feast of St George, at None
William is in a panic about the muster. Turns out Adam took his padded coif and pawned it to Pavlena for willow bark for his fever. Pavlena went to Kolin three days ago. I'd laugh if it didn't hurt my leg.
It's not bloody funny, John. If the captain sees me without it, I'll be flogged. You could help me buy another if you shared what you have.
Nota scribaeThe man seemed entirely unsympathetic.
the second day of Easter week, at Prime
Richard is shivering worse today. He's hoarding every penny to pay Gilbert the clerk for a letter of discharge, but a wasting fever from a head wound doesn't need paper. He's a corpse taking his time to stiffen. I feel a bit sorry for him, but I'm keeping my distance.
I'll make it out. You'll see. Once I get the seal from Gilbert, I'm going home.
the second week of Lent, at Vespers
We had a skirmish near a mill outside Maleshov. Nasty business. I slipped into the chapel to catch my breath while the others fought. I made sure to take something to remember the day by. Just waiting for this leg to heal so I can find a Kuttenberg merchant and make sure I have a comfortable winter.
I saw what you took in that chapel. You can't keep it all for yourself. You know the provost hangs men for hoarding.
Mind your own mattress, William. What's mine is mine.
Nota scribaeHe spoke softly and looked around the tent before dictating this part.
From drop 2026-10-26-4316967; the words set down by gemini-3.1-pro-preview on 2026-10-28.
You snatched it out of spite when I wasn't looking. I have fifteen groschen that says you hand it over. We both know you have things you shouldn't have.
Keep your fifteen groschen. A wager's a wager. Say you lost it fair and you can have your piece of bone.