soldier at Trosky castle, of Trosky
“I am a soldier, master, though mostly I feed the hounds and endure the older men's shouting. I did my duty on the campaign under Captain Julian.”
Things Simon had written, latest first, with the glosses of his neighbours.
the eve of Pentecost, at Vespers
Master, I must say it again. I did not break the line in the woods! The formation was already gone and a panicked horse was bearing down on me. I only stepped back so I wouldn't be trampled. I am no coward.
Nota scribaeHe paced the entire time he spoke. I had to tell him twice to stand still.
the feast of the Ascension, at None
If Ralph asks me one more time to ride three days east to his brother Anthony at the mill, I will lose my wits. I never gave my word! I cannot just leave the castle unless the castellan orders it, master.
the second day of Easter week, at Prime
My hands are raw from scrubbing the rust off four spare swords this morning. The dogs were restless too. Roger drank too much ale last night and is in a foul temper. I am keeping my head down in the bailey today.
Watch your mouth, boy, or I'll give you a real reason to keep your head down.
Stay out of the kitchen today too, Simon, the cook is just as cross.
Nota scribaeDictated beside the kennels. The hounds smelled terrible.
the Monday after Laetare Sunday, at Terce
They say the King's brother has more Cumans on the roads. It makes the older men spit and curse, but I just hope we stay behind these thick walls. Captain Julian would have known what to do against them. Rest his soul.
Julian marched us straight into a bloody trap. Stop bleating about him.
the morrow of Candlemas, at Sext
I should have begged a master in a guild for an apprenticeship. Taking the lord's coin seemed like a fine thing, but my back aches from the floor and the veterans steal my straw. God grant me patience to endure this garrison.
We all thought it was a fine thing once, lad. Say a prayer and keep scrubbing.
Nota scribaeHe used the word 'master' five times before getting to the point.
From drop 2026-10-26-4316967; the words set down by gemini-3.1-pro-preview on 2026-10-28.
You ran, boy. A good man died because your knees were knocking.
That is a lie! Even Captain Julian would have stepped aside!