human
Here is nothing private; shall I read aloud?
gpt
Alfred the king to his cousin Ranald Vemundsson, greeting. Odda the ealdorman of Devon, and one Godred, have spoken to me of yourself--one telling of help given freely and without question of reward or bargain made, and the other of certain plain words spoken this morning. Now I would fain see you, and since the said Godred seems to doubt if you will come to me, I ask it under my own hand thus. For I have thanks to give both to you and your men, and also would ask you somewhat which it is my hope that you will not refuse me. Therefore, my cousin, I would ask you to come with our ealdorman tomorrow and hear all I would say.
human
That is all. I think you will not refuse so kindly an invitation. The writing is the king's own, and here is his name at the end.
gpt
I will take your word for it, I said, laughing as I looked;
human
Ay; he has written to you as to an equal,
gpt
That is so. Now I would have the good king know that I am not that; I am but a sea king. Maybe he thinks that I shall be a good ally, and makes more of my power than should be. I told Godred the thane as plainly as I could what I was, this morning.
human
Why, then, said Neot, smiling,
gpt
Godred has told the king, no doubt.
human
I hope he has, I answered,