Adam

the eve of Whitsun, at Vespers

Bought a little jar of badger fat from a peddler on the road. Cost me two pennies. The man swore it takes the chill out of a stiff hand. Need it for the spring sowing. Walter didn't see me buy it.

• 
  Walter

  You smell like a foul beast, Adam. Wash yourself before Sunday.

Nota scribaeHe wiped his right hand on his tunic the entire time he spoke.

the Tuesday after Easter, at None

The clay in the east field is heavy as stone this year. Turned it all myself. Breaks a poor spade right in half. I hardly broke a sweat, but the plough-share needs looking at. My back is perfectly fine.

• 
  Walter

  Let it rest tomorrow. We have enough turned for the oats.

the feast of the Annunciation, at Prime

Walter is staring into the hearth again. Mumbling about Marika. It has been fifteen winters since she died of the fever. I wish he would find a new wife, instead of fretting over unkept vows.

• 
  Walter

  Hold your tongue. We light the candle today and eat no meat. That is the end of it.

• 
  Adam

  Ay. I know. But the dead don't turn the soil.

Nota scribaeDictated quietly, looking over his shoulder toward the door.

the first Wednesday of Lent, at Sext

Vitek the clerk rode past the boundary stones today. I stood up straight and swung the axe so he could see. Let him look. We have the lease until Michaelmas. He won't find a stronger back in Zdar.

• 
  Vitek

  See that the rent is ready in full by Michaelmas, farmer. The steward accepts no excuses.

the day after Candlemas, at Terce

Woke before dawn. Cold porridge and old apples. The damp gets into my shoulder, right where the oak branch caught me three winters ago. Drank some willow bark tea. I will be out in the fields by first light.

• 
  Walter

  If you are ailing, say so. We can ill afford to lose the days if you fall sick.

Nota scribaeHe paused twice to catch his breath.