"The sheriffs of the county will call out their levies, and will soon make head against them.

At the same time, we shall make preparations against any chance of their coming hither." This was done.

Vast quantities of arrows were prepared, stones collected and carried up to the points on the wall most exposed to attack; and orders sent out, by the governor of the castle in the Percys' absence, to the people for many miles round, that on the approach of the Scots all were to retire to refuge, the women and children taking to the hills, while the men capable of bearing arms were to hasten to the defence of the castle.
For a time, the Scots carried all before them, wasting and devastating the country.

Oswald heard that they had captured, without resistance, his father's hold.

He rejoiced at the news, for he feared that, not knowing the strength of the invading force, resistance might have been attempted; in which case all in the hold might have been put to the sword.