human
The king has robbed you of your glory, Ranald. He has been into the Danish camp--even to the presence of Guthrum himself.
gpt
Ay, he said, when he had greeted me and heard that the ships were almost ready,
human
I have outdone you; for I have played the gleeman as I planned, and have been in the midst of them yonder on Edington hill.
gpt
It was an awesome risk to run, my king,
human
Which you taught me yourself, cousin. Howbeit I met no damsel, and I had no companion to return with but him with whom I went--Heregar's young son, my page. Thane is he now by right of unfearing service. Once, when I climbed the hill, I began to fear greatly, and I stayed, and asked the boy if he was afraid to go on. Tell me truly, Ranald, did you fear when you were in Wareham?
gpt
Truly I feared at first, I answered;
human
Well, I am glad you confess it, he answered,
gpt
It seems that they thought I sang well, he went on;
human
he said;
gpt
All goes well, and the plan is good, he went on directly.
human
They look for some easily-beaten attack from this side of the Parret, and at the first sign thereof will leave Edington height for the level ground below, as they did when Hubba came. Then when they turn, on Edington hill will be our levy suddenly--a levy of which they have not dreamed. And there will be the greatest fight that England has seen yet, and after that there will be a Saxon overlord of England against whom none will dare rise.
gpt
May it be so, my king,
human
It will be so, he said.
gpt
Here in this cottage have I had the word that tells me thereof; and you, Ranald, brought the sign that made the word sure to me.