Prologue
It is not really far from Jülich to Aachen. About five hour`s travel or two and a half mile. Although people from other places say it is less than five hours and about 3 miles or 6 hours and 4 miles, but I`m not picky about that. The important thing is, that I enjoy the last part of the journey most. Coming from northeast one ascends Vineyard Hill and suddenly sees the city in front of oneself.
Or better, the wooden palisade, that was build a few years ago when I was a kid and that takes a lot of work to maintain, also it was rather quickly build and isn`t too impressive. Nevertheless it conveys a feeling of security to the people inside of it.
When someone crosses one of the city gates for the first time, he or she is usually a bit disappointed. There is not the bustling activity and palaces all over the place. No, inside the palisade is still a lot of open space for fields and animals. But as soon as one continues along the road, one enters the city rather fast and one is amidst a few thousand inhabitants. One reaches the marketplace, walks a bit down the Jacob`s Street, turns right and immediately sees the most beautiful sight in town. A young woman with brown hair, a newborn girl in her arms and a boy of three years running around. My family.
Oh, may I introduce myself? Konrad Müller. This wonderful wench is Johanna, the little rascal is Jacob and his little sister Agnes. I have to admit, that I`m not a miller, unlike my father and grandfather, but being a close servant and almost a confident of my master is a way more interesting occupation.
My master, Augustin of Moers, Steward of our Lord Count Gerhard of Jülich, was kind and patient enough to take me as his servant and teach me a few things. Like the ability to read my name. And write it. In fact, it is a position that comes with responsibilities but also privileges. I`m never going to be a rich man, but compared with other citizens of Aachen our probability to live in want is almost nil. On the other hand, I am my master`s eye and ear in the city to report him about the mood of the inhabitants.
Augustin of Moers
Why I tell you all this? So you can understand how it is possible, that a common citizen can write down the events of his time and you, my dear and hopefully patient reader, may read my humble thoughts. Tomorrow is the first day Anno Domini 1067 and thus this story begins.