hired hand for lambert, of Nomad camp
“I am John, and my boots are ruined from dragging this caravan through the mud.”
Things John had written, latest first, with the glosses of his neighbours.
the Friday before Whitsun, at Vespers
Another rope snapped today. Sakra! It wasn't my knot that gave way, it was the rot in the hemp. But I know what it means. The Saint is losing her patience with me. If there weren't Hungarians on the road to Sedletz, I'd go tomorrow.
Nota scribaeHe crossed himself four times while speaking this.
the feast of St Philip and St James, at None
Lambert has us taking the muddy back roads again to save a few pennies on the toll. Now we are stuck to the axles. I took the heavy crates so he wouldn't notice Walter struggling, but my feet are bleeding in these cursed boots.
If you tied the rigging tighter, we wouldn't be stuck. Get back to work.
the second day of Easter week, at Prime
Lida ladled out the cabbage and gave me the watery bottom of the pot again. I know it's because of that clay pot I smashed last autumn. Christ almighty, how many pennies does a pot cost? I'll pay her when Lambert pays us.
It costs three pennies, John. And you still owe two.
Nota scribaeDictated near the cook fire. He spoke very quietly so the woman would not hear.
the Tuesday after St Gregory, at Sext
Soldiers on the road today. Cumans by the look of their ugly hats. We hid the wagon in a thicket. I prayed to Saint Barbara to keep us hidden, but my stomach is in knots. If they find us, they'll take the silver and our lives.
They rode past. You can come out from under the tarp now.
the morrow of Candlemas, at Terce
Two years ago the bloody flux took three of our men. I swore a vow to walk barefoot to Sedletz if I lived. I lived, but my boots are so full of holes I might as well be walking barefoot anyway. Sakra, I hope that counts.
It doesn't count. I heard an owl last night. It's a sign she is angry.
Nota scribaeThe man smells strongly of wet wool and old mud.
From drop 2026-10-26-4316967; the words set down by gemini-3.1-pro-preview on 2026-10-28.
The rope was old, John. Stop shaking and help me lift this crate.