Greetings to all you wonderful Hiveans. So I've decided to kick off something a little different. As the title obviously states it's diaries from Medieval times.
Mwuaahahhaaha!
As you know these times were filled with violence, disease, famine, poverty, treachery and so much more... Come to think of it, it actually sounds much like the world we live in today.
Anyhow, without further ado let's get going with the first volume of
The Medieval Diaries!
Warning: Strong language!
If you're struggling to read the papers scroll down for a standard text read.
Richard: The frontline soldier
Lord Henry: The nobleman
Elizabeth: The peasant
Plain text versions
Richard: The frontline soldier
Today we fought another fierce battle against the neighbouring Kings’ army. Many have yet again fallen to the sounds of arrows cutting through the air, spears cracking bones, swords piercing and cutting the skin.
My dear brother was part of the left wing and unfortunately the enemy had broken through their defenses today. It is with a heavy heart that I have to tell you of my brother that has fallen. He had to hold the front of the line… an arrow pierced his throat… and as the enemy pushed forward he simply got trampled into the ground.
He was my youngest brother. A mere 19 years he would have turned in a few days. I just pray to the Lord that he is now safely in his arms.
I never quite understood this fight, even more so now. Losing my brother has changed me even more. We are all Christian people fighting against one another. For this reason I cannot understand when our King talks to us of “In the name of our almighty God” yet we continue to kill each other day after day, like animals.
I don’t know how I’m going to sleep tonight. In between the dreams of men screaming, swords clashing and waking up to the smell of blood and piss filling my nostrils, I now don’t know how I can add thoughts of my young brother being thrown onto a pile of bodies like a dead animal, burnt to the bone.
My only wish is that this will all soon end so that I can return to my wife and children. Please dear Lord, do not take them away from me too for I have lost too much already. Let the disease we have heard of safely pass them by.
Lord Henry: The nobleman
Today we have brought in some new slaves. I must admit, there is one I rather fancy to use for my pleasure. Her bosom is firm to the touch and she had quite a wild look in her eyes when I groped her.
She will soon realise that it will be better to submit than to fight. At first they all try to fight. I must admit, this gives me a feeling of eagerness when I use a new slave.
I’ve already told my men to soften her up a little. I do hope though that she won’t be too badly bruised or else I will have to have them whipped for not heeding to my command.
Hmmm, the thought of her being cleaned up and brought to my room is really getting me excited.
Well, let me get going for now. I need to make some arrangements for the Prince will be visiting our humble home within a few days’ time. We’ve had to burn many pigs that have fallen ill to a disease and I will accompany the soldiers to the farmers to see how many we will have available for the feast.
Elizabeth: The peasant
Some say it’s the meat, others say it’s a curse brought unto us. Every day I see the cart taking more and more dead bodies out of the city.
I’ve heard that they burn them and I’ve smelt it in the air. They haven’t allowed anyone in or out of the gates for the seventh day now and I can see the people are becoming wearier, more aggressive, as each day passes.
We’ve had no food come in from the farms and there seems to be lots of thievery going on. The guards have been tying up men, women and children in the courtyard, beating them with whips and sticks. But what are we to do without food? Even the baker has been rationing the portions and has armed guards stationed at the bakery.
The fruit and vegetables have all been taken away a few days ago. It is said that it was taken to the King’s castle, with some of it being distributed to the noblemen in the area. I do not know for I have been too busy tending to the sick as commanded by the King but I have seen a group of men beheaded for treason. It is said that they tried to steal the horse and cart carrying the food away.
Right now I need to finish up cooking the last bit of food I have left over in the pot. It has been cold enough so the meat and vegetables that was left have been lasting for a few days and I managed to get a small piece of dough that I will add in there. I’m still concerned though that someone will notice that the smell of meat is coming from my home and take away all I have left to feed my children. Unfortunately I have no choice. The food has to be cooked for fears of falling ill.
Hopefully my elderly neighbours will come to help as I have helped them with the little I have left. Beatrice has always told me about what a brave and strong warrior Alistair used to be. His name does mean defending men after all so hopefully he will be there to defend my son, heaven forbid, it had to reach that point.