human
What would you in this guise, my daughter?
gpt
I think that I have come as Ranald thought--as a Valkyria to lead you to battle, she answered, speaking low, that she might not wake the tired warriors around her.
human
There is but one thing for us to do, and that is to die sword in hand, rather than to perish for want of food and water here.
gpt
We wait the king,
human
No use, she answered.
gpt
One may see all the Polden Hills from this place, and tonight there are no fires on Edington height, where we have been wont to see them.
human
My Etheldreda, you are the best captain of us all,
gpt
Ay, Father Eahlstan--when the tide is low. Somerset and Dorset side by side. What say you, father--Somerset and Devon? Even so.
human
Heregar dreams of the bishop he loved, and of the great fight they fought yonder and won thirty rears ago,
gpt
Worn out is the brave thane, said I.
human
Strange dreams come to one when that is so.
gpt
Dear lady, he asked,
human
Ranald thought me a Valkyria, friend; and I come on a Valkyria's errand.
gpt
I had a strange dream but now, Heregar said, as if it dwelt in his mind, so that he hardly heeded what Etheldreda answered him.
human
I thought that Bishop Eahlstan stood by me as in the old days, and minded me of words that I spoke long ago, words that were taught me by a wise woman, who showed me how to trap the Danes, when the tide left their ships aground, so that they had no retreat. Then he said, 'Even again at this time shall victory be when the tide is low.' And I said that Somerset and Dorset would fail not at this time. Then said he, 'Somerset and Devon.' Then it seemed that he blessed me and passed. Surely I think that he would tell us that victory is before us.