Nicholas

the second Tuesday in May, at None

If any man is willing to cross to the east farm and wring my twenty groschen out of Walter, I will pay a fair reward. I will not step foot there myself lest I break his jaw. The stubborn mule holds my deposit for a broken jade.

• 
  Walter

  A bargain is a bargain, lad. The mare can pull a cart. It is not my fault you changed your mind.

• 
  Nicholas

  She is a Horschan beast and you know it. Give me back my silver.

Nota scribaeHe paced the whole time he spoke, making it very hard to hear him.

the feast of St Mark, at Vespers

Geoffrey is into the ale again, mourning poor Amice and grumbling over his missing wages. It makes the shed feel smaller. I pity the man, but I have my own troubles to carry without catching his gloom.

• 
  William

  I will pay him when the grain is sold, tell him to hold his peace.

the Wednesday of Easter week, at Prime

God preserve me from liars. Father Paul just told me the mare I shook on with Walter came from Horschan. Fit for the knacker, not a cart. I marched straight over to void the deal and he flatly refused to give my deposit back. Bloody whoreson.

• 
  Paul

  I only meant to share the news of the village. I did not intend to start a war.

Nota scribaeI reminded him not to curse, but he swore again and told me to write it anyway.

Easter Sunday, at Sext

Finally enough coin saved. I shook hands with Walter of the east farm on a mare. Sixty groschen the price, twenty handed over to seal it. Soon I will leave William's dirt behind and be my own master on the road.

• 
  Roger

  I hope you fare better than I have. The roads are free at least.

the third Thursday of Lent, at Terce

Roger is shaking like a leaf because Father Paul says he will read his name at Pentecost for the tithe arrears. I feel for the quiet fellow, but it reminds me why I save every penny. Coin is the only shield a man has.

Nota scribaeDictated in the field while leaning on a spade.