Egbert had received from Siegbert particulars of villages at the mouths of the Rhine and Elbe, and he promised Edmund that a watch should be kept night and day at the mouth of the Rhine until a messenger arrived.

Edmund had already ascertained that Sweyn had left a fortnight before with his following, and had marched towards Champagne.

There probably he had halted his main body, returning only with a party of horsemen to carry off Freda.
"I would I could go with you," Siegbert groaned as Edmund said adieu to him.

"I would ride straight into his camp and challenge him to mortal combat, but as it is I am helpless." "Never fear, good Siegbert," Edmund said cheerfully; "when your leg is cured travel straight homeward, and there, I trust, before very long to place Freda safe and unharmed in your arms.

If I come not you will know that I have perished." A minute later, after a few parting words with Egbert, Edmund mounted his horse, and followed by his six companions, rode off at full speed.
He knew that it would be useless making any inquiries about Sweyn and his party.