militiaman at the castle, of Trosky
“I am a militiaman at Trosky, though I never meant to take up a spear. I only joined because I had no other trade, and a man has to eat.”
Things Walter had written, latest first, with the glosses of his neighbours.
the Wednesday before Whitsun, at Vespers
My feet are aching again. The captain had us walking the streets all afternoon, and the boots they give us are no better than wet sacks. My brother Andreas makes boots in Prague. Good ones, for merchants. If I was there, I wouldn't be freezing my toes off.
Nota scribaeHe stared at the floor the entire time he spoke.
the eve of St George, at Compline
Every time there's a loud noise in the yard I jump out of my skin. And Thomas won't leave me be. He's always asking for what isn't his, right where the sergeant might hear. I wish I'd never seen that empty house.
You know very well what's mine. Give me my half or I'll tell the captain.
Keep your voice down, you fool. Do you want us both in the pillory?
Nota scribaeDictated in a whisper, looking over his shoulder.
the third day of Easter week, at None
Poor Vashek. Put in the ground and owing half the garrison money. Geoffrey looks miserable about it, but it wasn't my fault he died. I just want to get word to my brother in Prague so I can get out of this miserable place before I end up like Vashek.
the Tuesday after St Gregory, at Sext
The food here is nothing but gristle and old bread. My brother Andreas eats meat every day in Prague. If Philip would just take a message for me, I know Andreas would find a place for me in his shop.
Candlemas, at Prime
It's so cold on the walls the spear shaft freezes to my hands. And I have a lump in my straw pallet that keeps me awake all night. I don't dare move it, but I can't sleep for the fear of what might happen if someone finds it.
Then dig it out and let's be done with it.
Nota scribaeThe man rubbed his hands constantly as he spoke.
From drop 2026-10-26-4316967; the words set down by gemini-3.1-pro-preview on 2026-10-28.
For the hundredth time, Walter, I am not going to Prague to fetch you boots.
I only asked if you knew anyone heading that way.