Walter

the Wednesday before Whitsun, at Vespers

My chest is tight again. I swore to the Lord I would walk to Sedletz and light a candle, but the roads are thick with Hungarians. Christ almighty, I hope He knows I meant to go. If the fever takes me now, I am done for.

• 
  William

  Have another ale, Walter. You can make the walk when the roads are clear of soldiers.

Nota scribaeHe asked me to write it large so the Lord might not miss it.

the second day of Easter week, at None

Some strangers at the alehouse did not believe me about Farmer Horschel's pig. I saw it myself! Good Ellen's soul went right into that sow, Tessa. And Bynyek with all his fancy hounds could never catch her when she bolted with that gold ring on her snout. A great victory for the common folk.

• 
  William

  I wish Bynyek was here to hear you say that, lad. He would burst a vein.

the eve of St Joseph, at Compline

William is weeping into his cup over that mutt Colle. The beast ruined Jacob's birds and now Jacob wants coin. I told him to throw the dog in the pond and save himself the grief. Jacob is a stubborn old fool who cares more for his chickens than any fellow Christian.

• 
  Jacob

  You keep your nose in your own muck, Walter. I will have my silver for those birds.

• 
  Walter

  You will get naught but wind from me, old man.

the Monday after St Matthias, at Prime

Frost on the muck pile this morning. My back aches like the devil. Thank God for my woollen hood. Three groschen I paid for it, and I would not lend it to the Pope himself. Jakesh was shouting before the sun even came up.

• 
  Jakesh

  If you worked as fast as your mouth moves, the yard would be clean by now.

Nota scribaeDictated while leaning heavily on a wooden spade.

Candlemas, at Terce

They say there are more troops moving near the royal mint. A fine excuse to sit tight. I owe the church a walk, but I am not risking my neck on the roads just yet. Better to drink here by the tavern wall.

Nota scribaeDictated while smelling strongly of stale beer.