marksman and camp guard, of Zhelejov
“I shoot game for the inn's larder and guard merchants when there is silver in it. My bow is the only thing I trust.”
Things Bartholomew had written, latest first, with the glosses of his neighbours.
the Thursday before Whitsun, at Vespers
Gilbert has not bought a cup of ale since Lent. He drinks well water like a sick sheep, saving every penny for Bynyek's charcoal pitch. I told him Bynyek's brother will cheat him blind before St John's Eve, but the fool will not listen.
the feast of St Pancras, at Compline
Walter is weeping into his cup again about his mother Margaret up in Miskowitz. He begs young Richard to march north and find her. If the fat fool cares so much, he should desert his oath and walk there himself instead of deafening the taproom.
Christ almighty, I took my oath to keep the peace here, not to fight the whole Hungarian army for an old woman.
Have you no heart, Bartholomew? The soldiers will burn her out!
Nota scribaeDictated in the taproom. The man spat on the floor after he said it.
the second day of Easter week, at None
Nicholas is pacing the yard again, glaring at me over that draw-knife. I told the boy the yew needs more curing and the blade needs a whetstone. He plays at being a woodsman, but he would snap the iron on the first knot he hits.
It is my knife, you old thief! Give it back or I will take it from your pack myself.
Try it, lad, and see how fast you lose a finger.
the third Wednesday of Lent, at Sext
The pay on the roads is terrible this spring. I walked all the way to the Nebakov mill with a merchant's cart and got barely enough groschen to pay for my straw in the loft. At least the woods are full of game.
Bring those groschen to the table tonight, Bartholomew. I will help you double them.
Nota scribaeThe man smelled strongly of stale ale and wet wool.
the morrow of Candlemas, at Prime
Found some fine yew branches at the edge of the woods this morning. Good straight wood for staves. I asked young Nicholas to lend me his draw-knife to shape them. The boy handed it over quick enough, trying to show off.
I lent it to you for the morning, not the whole bloody season. I need it back.
From drop 2026-10-26-4316967; the words set down by gemini-3.1-pro-preview on 2026-10-28.
Keep laughing, old man. When I have my lease, you can come beg me for warmth.