human
He is Ned, the son of Webb, the chief, or it might be he is somewhat of a jarl. He is an Angle, and he cometh from York. And a fine boy he is, if I say it myself.
gpt
O Harold the King, my friend, did I not tell thee of my many faithful adherents in my earldom of Northumberland and in mine own city of York? He is welcome. He shall sail with us, and we shall be joined by many more as soon as our standards are seen at the Humber. I pray thee, for the present, let him remain with Vebba, his friend.
human
It is well, said the king.
gpt
What sayest thou, Ned, the son of Webb?
human
O king, said Ned, hoping that he was bowing correctly, although he nearly pitched out of the saddle in doing it,
gpt
I will do as Tostig the Earl hath said. Lars and I are chums. I would give much to see Sikend the Berserker in a battle. I would like to see thee fight also, O King Hardrada, or Tostig the Earl.
human
Well spoken! shouted Hardrada.
gpt
Thou shalt have thy will in that matter.
human
O Hardrada the King, interposed Vebba's captain,
gpt
I will say this for him, that he is the best sword, for his age, that I ever saw, and he catcheth a flying spear like an old fighter.
human
I like him well, said Tostig.
gpt
So let him show the Northmen of what sort are my men of Northumberland. It is a good thing that he hath done, to even flee from York to join us as we sail.
human
I'm out of that scrape, tip-top, said Ned to himself, as he and his friends wheeled back to their post at the head of the Viking column.
gpt
But what explanation can I give if we ever get to old York? It beats me all hollow.
human
I go, now, to the shore. Thou hast a strong friend in Tostig the Earl. I am glad to know this much more concerning thee and thine. We were questioning much in our minds as to how we might deal with thee, and some said it were well to take off thy head. It is ever wise to make sure of all comrades who march with us, for at times there have been false companions.