William

the Tuesday before Ascension, at Vespers

Anna says my slate in her cellar is getting too long. Bloody hell, a man needs his ale after wading in the damp all day. And Ralph keeps badgering me about where his heavy leather baldric went. I told him it is perfectly safe. Heh heh!

• 
  Ralph

  It is worth ten times your wage, William. Where is it?

• 
  William

  Safe, I said! Have a drink and stop your whining.

Nota scribaeThe man rubbed his nose vigorously as he spoke the last part.

the third day of Easter week, at Sext

I used a fine ox bone comb this morning to look decent for the captain. Ralph glared at me the whole time. Let him glare. I covered two of his night shifts last month, so the comb is fair payment. I will not hand it back until he gives me a proper thanks.

• 
  Ralph

  It was a loan for the inspection, you thief.

the Feast of Saint Gregory, at Prime

Ralph keeps talking about his family up north and asking me to carry word to them. Does he think I am a pigeon? I have no intention of walking all that way just to tell them he is still breathing. I just nod and slap his arm.

Nota scribaeDictated in the mess over a bowl of cabbage and pork fat. He spoke very loudly.

the first Sunday of Lent, at None

Walked past the wall today and heard Alan and David complaining about the breeze. Christ almighty, they have clean dry stone under their boots and they still whine. Try wading through freezing underbrush looking for poachers' snares.

• 
  Alan

  Try standing still in the wind for six hours, you loud drunken fool.

• 
  Julian

  At least you can walk around to keep warm.

Candlemas, at Vespers

Found two lads setting snares by the creek. I took their hares and sent them off with a boot up the arse. They should be glad I did not drag them to the bailiff. I know every game trail from here to the river.

• 
  Denis

  Good work, William. Keep the woods clear.