catchpole of Zhelejov, of Zhelejov
“I am the bailiff's man here in Zhelejov. I wear the badge and try to keep men from killing each other in the taproom.”
Things Richard had written, latest first, with the glosses of his neighbours.
the second Tuesday in May, at None
Walter is at me again to walk north to Miskowitz and find his mother Margaret. I told him no. There are troops on the roads and I have my duty here. The bailiff would have my hide if I just walked off. I am a lawman, not a messenger.
Nota scribaeDictated while shifting from foot to foot. He kept touching his belt.
the week after Easter, at Vespers
Nicholas and Bartholomew are going to murder each other right in the taproom over that draw-knife. Nicholas looks ready to swing. I touched my badge twice tonight just looking at them. If they draw steel, I have to step in, and for twelve groschen a month I would rather they just fought in the woods.
Tell the old bastard to give my tool back then, or I will take it out of his hide.
I will give it back when I have finished the shaft I am carving, lad. Hold your water.
the fourth Sunday of Lent, at Compline
Gilbert has not bought ale since Ash Wednesday. He drinks water and hauls timber like a strongman. He says he needs every copper for that charcoal pitch lease from Bynyek. I do not know how a man works that hard with no beer in his belly to give him strength. God preserve him.
Water is free, Richard. Bynyek's lease will not wait forever, and I mean to have it.
St Gregory's day, at Sext
Bread is dearer again today. The soldiers on the roads take what they please, and the rest goes up in price. I bought a small loaf and it cost me a whole groschen. I will have nothing left of my pay at this rate. At least we have a roof over the stables.
Nota scribaeThe catchpole complained at length about the price of rye and asked if the bailiff might pay him more.
the day after Candlemas, at Terce
Bartholomew borrowed a fine draw-knife from Nicholas yesterday and has not brought it back. Nicholas is already pacing the yard. I can see the trouble brewing from here. I am just hoping they sort it out like good Christians before someone gets a broken nose and I have to make an arrest.
From drop 2026-10-26-4316967; the words set down by gemini-3.1-pro-preview on 2026-10-28.
She is an old woman, Richard! You have younger legs than me and could run if there was trouble.
Young legs are no good with an arrow in them, Walter. I have rounds to make.