In that part of Wessex, therefore, the invaders gradually withdrew their forces across the frontier; but in other parts of the country, the tide of invasion being unchecked, large tracts of country had been devastated, and the West Saxons could nowhere make head against them.
One day a messenger reached Edmund telling him that a large Danish army was approaching Sherborne, and urging him to return instantly to the defence of his earldom.
With rapid marches he proceeded thither, and on arriving at his house he found that the Danes were but a few miles away, and that the whole country was in a state of panic.

He at once sent off messengers in all directions, bidding the people hasten with their wives and families, their herds and valuables, to the fort.

His return to some extent restored confidence.

The news of the victories he had gained over the Danes had reached Sherborne, and the confidence of their power to defeat the invaders which his followers expressed as they scattered to their respective farms again raised the courage of the people.
All through the night bands of fugitives poured into the fort, and by morning the whole of the people for many miles round were assembled there.

Egbert and Edmund busied themselves in assigning to each his duty and station.