hired hand at the bathhouse, of Troskowitz
“I chop wood and haul water until my back is broken. The only good thing in my day is my dog.”
Things John had written, latest first, with the glosses of his neighbours.
The Tuesday before Whitsun, at Vespers
I have chopped enough wood this week to build a new church. My hands are bleeding again. Garlic is safe for now, but Otto is still waiting on the rest of his silver. Juliana slipped me a groschen today. Good girl.
Nota scribaeHe wiped his hands on his tunic the whole time he spoke.
The third day of Easter week, at None
The roof leaked right on my pallet last night. The guard John complained about it until dawn, but he will not spend a penny of his hoard to fix it. Poor Eve died of the fever in this damp, I reckon I will be next.
It is not my shed to mend. Keep your wet dog on your own side of the room.
Maundy Thursday, at Sext
Saw Hungarian soldiers on the road today. They took two of our best logs for their fire and gave nothing but a sour look. At least they did not notice the dog. Need to cut more wood now before the abbess shouts at me.
I hid the good soap when I saw them coming up the path.
Nota scribaeDictated beside the woodblock, the man looking exhausted.
The feast of Saint Benedict, at Prime
Otto sent word again. He wants his silver for those cursed birds. The girls are doing what they can to help, but if the abbess catches them, she will throw us all out into the street. I asked the guard for a loan and he just laughed.
Three fine birds, dead in the dirt! Pay the silver or the bailiff gets the mutt.
I am working double shifts at the block. Give me time.
The day after Saint Matthias, at Compline
My dog Garlic dug under the fence and got into Otto's yard. Killed three of his birds. Now the rich fool wants a heavy purse of silver or he will have the bailiff take the dog. I am tired, my boots are wet, and I do not have the coin.
Garlic is a good dog. We will help you, John, do not worry.
Nota scribaeThe man was so weary he could barely stand to tell it.
From drop 2026-10-26-4316967; the words set down by gemini-3.1-pro-preview on 2026-10-28.
We will get the rest, John. Garlic stays with us.
Less talking and more chopping. The bathwater is getting cold.