The thanes of the district speedily came in to pay their respects to their new ealdorman, and although surprised to find him so young, they were pleased with his bearing and manner, and knowing that he came of good fighting blood doubted not that in time he would make a valiant leader.
All who came were hospitably entertained, and for many days there was high feasting.

So far removed was this part of England from the district which the Danes had invaded, that at present but slight alarm had been caused by them; but Edmund and his kinsman lost no time in impressing upon them the greatness of the coming danger.
"You may be sure," he said, "that ere long we shall see their galleys on the coast.

When they have eaten up Mercia and Anglia they will assuredly come hither, and we shall have to fight for our lives, and unless we are prepared it will go hard with us." After he had been at his new residence for a month Edmund sent out messengers to all the thanes in his district requesting them to assemble at a council, and then formally laid the matter before them.
"It is, above all things," he said, "necessary that we should have some place where we can place the women and children in case of invasion and where we can ourselves retire in extreme necessity.

Therefore I propose that we shall build a fort of sufficient size to contain all the inhabitants of the district, with many flocks and herds.

My cousin Egbert has ridden far over the country, and recommends that the Roman fortification at Moorcaster shall be utilized.