human
I saw thee row under the bridge, O boy with a battered shield. Thou art the cunning spearman that slew for me the Berserker and opened the way for the advance. I thank thee, whoever thou art. Thou art but young, too, for such a doing. What is thy name?
gpt
I am Ned, the son of Webb, O king!
human
Aha! Thou speakest Latin? exclaimed the king.
gpt
Thou seemest to be well born, and thou art a scholar. What can I do for thee? Speak quickly!
human
O Harold the King, said Ned.
gpt
I would that I might ride with the army when it marcheth away from York. William the Norman is coming. I wish to be with thy house-carles and fight the Normans for thee and for England.
human
That thou shalt have, he said, and he added, to a horseman near him,
gpt
Wolfram of Hythe, get good horses for this youth and for his teacher that attendeth him. O priest, remain thou with thy pupil. Go both of you now to York. Ned, the son of Webb, I will see thee again.
human
I will be with him, O king, replied Father Brian, loudly.
gpt
He is a youth of much promise, and he needeth my continual instruction.
human
This is wrong! he exclaimed.
gpt
Thou art deceiving the king. I did not understand at first, but I heard others of them repeat his words. He believeth thee the slayer of Sikend the Berserker from under the bridge. Thou art not!
human
Was that it? almost gasped Ned.
gpt
I never said I was. I think it was a mean thing to do, anyhow, to stab Sikend in the legs, in that way, so he couldn't stand up and fight. I'm sorry the king should think I would do anything so unfair as that.
human
So am I, said Father Brian,