At last they came down upon the Thames near London, and crossing the river journeyed west.

They were now in the kingdom of the West Saxons, the most warlike and valiant of the peoples of England, and who had gradually extended their sway over the whole of the country.

The union was indeed but little more than nominal, as the other kings retained their thrones, paying only a tribute to the West Saxon monarchs.
As Egbert had predicted, their tale of the battle of Kesteven here aroused no feeling save that of wrath and a desire for vengeance upon the Danes.

Swords were grasped, and all swore by the saints of what should happen to the invaders should they set foot in Wessex.

The travellers felt their spirits rise at the martial and determined aspect of the people.
"It is a sad pity," Egbert said to Edmund one day, "that these West Saxons had not had time to unite England firmly together before the Danes set foot on the island.