Henry the Grey

the eve of Whitsun, at Vespers

The quartermaster gave us stew again. Tasted like a dead man's boots. Nicholas says he saw a rat in it, but I reckon a rat would have too much meat on it for this garrison.

• 
  Nicholas the Long

  I swear to you it had a tail, I saw it floating near the cabbage.

the Monday after Ascension, at Prime

My thumbs are raw from rubbing this damn belt. Someone brought up the march through the woods again. I wish men would learn to keep their mouths shut before an officer hears us and we all get the lash.

• 
  Gilbert the Lame

  You ought to watch your own mouth. We both know who failed us that night in the dark.

Nota scribaeHe was scratching at his leather belt the whole time he spoke.

the feast of St Mark, at Sext

Rubbing rust off a hauberk that has seen more winters than I have. The pay never comes, but the wind never stops. If a man had his proper share of what was found last month, he might buy a new wool coat.

• 
  Gilbert the Lame

  Some men deserve no share after what happened to the lad. A miracle you even ask.

• 
  The Grey

  You hold your tongue, Gilbert. His blood is on your hands, not mine.

the second Sunday of Lent, at None

Hauling firewood up the hill until my back gives out. At least the farm work had an end to it at sundown. Roger was asleep standing up on the watch.

• 
  Roger the Soldier

  I was resting my eyes against the glare of the sun, you whoreson.

Nota scribaeDictated while sitting on a pile of logs, rubbing his thumbs against his belt.

Candlemas, at Compline

Returned from the campaign with less than we started with. We left a good lad in the dirt because someone was too slow. I want it known I had no part in that mess, no matter what lies are told.

• 
  Nicholas the Long

  Let it rest, lad. We are back and alive. God rest his soul in the earth.

Nota scribaeHe was drinking ale heavily and pacing the floor of the guardhouse.