soldier, of Trosky
“I held the line in the autumn mud when half these whoresons died. Now I'm owed my due.”
Things Roger had written, latest first, with the glosses of his neighbours.
the Saturday after Ascension, at None
The wind up here cuts right through your mail. I asked that rat Ralph to share a skin of wine to keep the cold out, but he claimed he had no coin. I know he has coin. Hand it over, whoreson.
Nota scribaeThe man jabbed his finger at the parchment while dictating.
the eve of St Philip and St James, at Vespers
More weapons drill. The castellan has us swinging like we're fresh off the farm. I told him we saw enough blood in the autumn to know how a sword works, but he won't listen. And Zdenyek stands there looking pious, like he didn't run when the fog rolled in.
I didn't run, Roger. The line broke. You know the captain gave the order.
Julian was a fool and you left a boy to die. Confess to the priest, whoreson.
the third day of Easter week, at Prime
My boots are still cracked from that cursed retreat. I asked the cobbler for a patch, but he wants three groschen. Three! I ought to have silver in my pocket right now to buy new ones, but some people like to hoard what isn't theirs.
Shut your mouth before you get us both hanged.
Nota scribaeHe glared across the yard while saying this.
the Tuesday after St Gregory, at Sext
Simon and William are bickering again about the shield wall. Christ almighty, you'd think they fought a real war. I survived the mud and the screaming while Julian marched us into a trap, and these pups think they know soldiering.
Candlemas, at Compline
The fog came in thick tonight. Reminds me too much of the ravine. I keep my dagger close and my eyes open. You can't trust anyone in this garrison, especially not the cowards who leave their mates to bleed.
The boy was already dead, Roger. May God rest him.
You didn't stay long enough to find out.
Nota scribaeDictated in a low, furious whisper.
From drop 2026-10-26-4316967; the words set down by gemini-3.1-pro-preview on 2026-10-28.
I told you I'm broke. Leave it be, or the steward will hear us squabbling.
You're both too loud. Keep your heads down.