human
What honour is to be looked for by oath breakers?
gpt
We are not oath breakers, King Alfred,
human
Once did the Danes swear to me on their holy ring, which seems to me to be their greatest oath, and they broke the peace so made. What is that but that they are forsworn?
gpt
We swore nought to you, lord king, Osmund said.
human
Half of the men with us came newly from across the sea but a week or so since. Guthrum and those who swore are in their own land.
gpt
Ha! now I mind me of a word spoken in time, he said.
human
It has seemed to me that there was oath breaking; maybe I was wrong. I will take your words that you have not done so. Is that amends enough?
gpt
It is well said, lord king,
human
But, Alfred went on,
gpt
I must have the word of every chief who is in Exeter, and they must speak for every man. Tell me in all truth if there are those who would not make peace with me?
human
Some will not, but they are few.
gpt
What if you make peace and they do not? what shall you do with them?
human
They must go their own way; we have no power over them.
gpt
Has not Guthrum?
human
No more than we. A free Dane cannot be hound, unless he chooses, by another man's word.
gpt
I cannot treat for peace till I have the word of every chief in Exeter. Go your ways and let that be known.
human
Have I spoken aright, King Ranald?
gpt
In the best way possible, lord king,
human
Go after those Danish lords, the king said to one of his thanes,