Jan

the Thursday before Whitsun, at Vespers

My boots are worn through and the draught on the wall goes right into my bones. If I had the coin I am rightfully owed, I could buy warmer leather and spare my aching knees.

• 
  Alan

  Keep your voice down about coin, or the captain will have us both in the pillory.

the feast of Saint Pancras, at Terce

Walter is staring at the walls again, dreaming of his brother Andreas in Prague. By Saint George, if I have to hear about that bootmaker one more time I will throw my spear at him.

• 
  Walter

  Andreas has a dry shop and good bread, which is more than we have here.

• 
  Lawrence

  Should I pace the wall instead to keep you awake, Jan?

Nota scribaeHe rubbed his knees the entire time he spoke.

the Tuesday after Easter, at None

Alan had the gall to bring up that lame horse from the winter again. He says I rode the beast too hard. We both pushed the creature because we were freezing and wanted to reach the castle fires, you whoreson.

• 
  Alan

  The captain blamed me for it, Jan, not you.

the feast of Saint Gregory, at Compline

Drinking watered-down beer on a slate from Avice. They buried Vashek in the churchyard today. Poor lad owed money to half the garrison, but up in heaven there are no captains demanding it back.

• 
  Thomas

  He was a brave friend. God rest his soul.

• 
  Geoffrey

  He broke the line like a fool.

Nota scribaeDictated in the guardhouse by the fire.

the Tuesday before Lent, at Sext

We found something in the mud by a ruined wagon on patrol today. A fine bit of metal. Alan said we would sell it and split the groschen for new boots. I am still waiting, Alan.

• 
  Alan

  Hush, you old fool. We cannot sell it without questions being asked.