soldier of the garrison, of Trosky
“I stand the early watch on the walls and wait for the cold to numb me. I have seen enough of the woods to last a lifetime.”
Things Thomas had written, latest first, with the glosses of his neighbours.
the Tuesday before Whitsun, at Compline
William saddled up for the southern patrol this morning. I asked him again, just one hour's ride out of his way to tell Johanka I am breathing. He looked right through me and said no. I hope his horse throws him in a ditch.
Nota scribaeHe sighed heavily before speaking, staring at the wall with unfocused eyes.
the eve of St George, at Vespers
Caught Walter watching me across the bailey today. He has that same dark look since the autumn, since Captain Julian marched us into that fog. A man does what he must when the line shatters, but Walter won't see it that way. I sleep with one eye open now.
the second day of Easter week, at None
You would think the Resurrection would buy us some peace, but Ralph and Roger are at it again in the corner, whispering over that silver they dragged back. Let them cut each other's throats for it. I will take a quiet cup of ale with Richard and leave them to their greed.
Mind your own bloody business, Thomas. You have enough to worry about.
the Monday after St Gregory, at Prime
The wind on the outer wall cuts right through my leather coat. The young lads complain, but I will take the freezing dawn over the stink of the barracks any day. Gave young Simon a nod on the stairs. He catches too much grief from the veterans.
Thanks for the word, Thomas. The wind is wicked up there today.
Nota scribaeDictated shivering in the bailey. The man's eyes kept drifting to the woods.
the morrow of Candlemas, at Sext
Every time the fog rolls into the ravine, I smell wet leaves and blood. They say the Lord forgives our sins if we do penance. I just want to sit by my sister's hearth and forget last autumn ever happened. If I had the coin, I would leave this spear in the mud.
You need a hot bowl of pottage, Thomas, not all this brooding. Come to the kitchens.
From drop 2026-10-26-4316967; the words set down by gemini-3.1-pro-preview on 2026-10-28.
I am not taking a flogging just to hold your sister's hand, Thomas. The castellan gave his orders.
It is an hour, William. Just an hour.