soldier of the garrison, of Trosky
“I am the strongest man in this miserable barracks. I do my duty, drink my ale, and let the weaker men whine.”
Things Lambert had written, latest first, with the glosses of his neighbours.
the Thursday after St Mark, at None
The weather is finally warming up, though the ale-wife is still serving winter slop. I stood the morning watch without freezing my arse off for once. If Nicholas doesn't stop bleating about his sister Magdalena, I am going to throw him over the wall.
the eve of St George, at Vespers
James asked me for three groschen in front of the whole alehouse today. Christ almighty, the nerve of the little rat. I shoved him into the hearth ashes to teach him a lesson. He is lucky I didn't break his jaw. The weak should know their place.
You drank my coin, you whoreson! You promised to pay it back.
Come try and take it out of my purse, you little ash-face.
Nota scribaeDictated at the tavern. He was on his fourth mug of ale and shouted the last part.
the second day of Easter week, at Prime
Muster day. I stood in the line freezing my balls off without my padded jack, and the bailiff docked my pay just like I knew he would. Roger, you piece of shit. If you do not get my kit back from Jarda's cellar, I am going to beat you senseless.
the Tuesday after St Gregory, at Sext
I lent my padded jack to Roger for the night watch. It cost me two months' wages, but the fool was shivering badly. He better not ruin it. I hear the Hungarian bastards are on the roads again. Good. Let them come to Trosky, I need a decent fight.
Do not wish for soldiers on the road. We have enough trouble just keeping the peace here.
Nota scribaeThe dictation was interrupted when the man had to return to the gate.
Candlemas, at Compline
The priest tells us the Pope wants our days written down. Bloody hell, what does the Holy Father care about a guard at Trosky? At least Robert agrees with me. The wind through the barracks is fierce tonight. I have taken the spot by the fire, and anyone who wants it can try to move me.
From drop 2026-10-26-4316967; the words set down by gemini-3.1-pro-preview on 2026-10-28.
I only asked William to carry a letter. You don't have to listen, Lambert.