Here the most intense state of misery prevailed.

Many of the inhabitants had fled before the arrival of the Danes, but those who remained were kept in a state of cruel subjection by their conquerors, who brutally oppressed and ill-used them, making free with all their possessions and treating them as slaves.
The Danes entered into conversation with some of their countrymen, and professing to have that evening but newly arrived from home, learned much of the disposition of the fleet of the Northmen.

They pretended that they were desirous of joining the galleys under the command of Sweyn, and were told that these had arrived three weeks before, and were now absent with some others on the southern side of the island.
Having obtained this information, Edmund and his companions started without delay to rejoin the Dragon.

Upon reaching her she at once put to sea.

Palermo was passed in the night, and the vessel held her way down the western coast of Sicily.