human
He shall not tear, said Lars.
gpt
It would harm his training.
human
Thou knowest, said Lars,
gpt
Do your hawks ever miss?
human
Often, said Lars.
gpt
Or else there were soon no more herons. All of these long-billed fowl will fight, too. I have seen an old heron kill a falcon, spiking him.
human
I've read about it, thought Ned,
gpt
Now, houseward, said Lars, picking up the heron.
human
Didst thou ever slay a wild boar?
gpt
I never did,
human
Then I am ahead of thee, exulted Lars.
gpt
It was but a week ago that my two hounds and I brought a fine one to bay in the gorge of the north mountain thou seest yonder. My father would have held me back, had he been there, but I went in alone. When the boar charged out, my spear went through his heart and the hounds pulled him down. Angry was Vebba, but he bade the carles cut me out the tusks to keep for a prize.
human
There are wolves and bears in the forest mountains?
gpt
That there are, and many, replied Lars,
human
I wouldn't miss it for anything, said Ned.
gpt
Canst thou throw a spear?
human
I will show thee soon, said Lars.
gpt
But I will not throw before the men lest they say I am but young. How art thou with a sword?
human
Try me! exclaimed Ned.
gpt
I am better with a sword than with a spear.
human
I don't believe he ever had a better fencing-master than I did. We'll see.