We have fought them long in our native land, and wish for nothing better than to aid in the efforts of the Franks against our common enemy." "You are welcome, sir earl," the Count Eudes said, "though the news you bring us is bad indeed.

We have heard how valiantly the thanes of King Alfred have fought against the invaders, and shall be glad indeed of your assistance should the Northmen, as I fear, come hither." So saying the count ordered the gates to be opened, and the Dragon having been moored alongside, Edmund and Egbert with their crew entered the town, where the leaders were received with great honour by the count.

He begged them to become guests at the castle, where quarters were also assigned to the crew.

A banquet was at once prepared, at which many of the principal citizens were present.
As soon as the demands of hunger were satisfied the count made further inquiries as to the size of the fleet which had entered the Seine, and as to the army reported to be marching against Rouen.
"I doubt not," he said, when the Saxons had given him all the particulars in their power, "that it is the armament of Siegfroi who has already wrought such destruction.

More than once he has appeared before our walls, and has pillaged and ravaged the whole of the north of France.