Messengers had immediately been sent to the villages among the hills.

These were widely scattered, and it was not until the day after the ship's arrival that a force was collected which was deemed sufficient to attack it.

Already, as Edmund leapt ashore, the Norsemen were making their way quietly through the forest towards the Dragon.
Edmund had advanced but a few hundred yards up the hillside when a large party of Norsemen suddenly sprang upon him.

Two Saxon arrows flew true to their marks, then the Danes rushed upon them.

So far no words had been spoken, but Edmund placed to his lips the whistle with which he gave orders on board the ship and blew a long shrill note, and then shouted at the top of his voice: "The Danes! the Danes! push off!" The instant afterwards he was attacked.