Before they come you and Egbert must be far away.

Have you bethought you whither you will betake yourselves ?" "We are going to the king of the West Saxons," Edmund replied.

"Such was my father's intention, and I fear that all is now lost in East Anglia." "'Tis your best course, and may God's blessing and protection rest upon you!" "But what are you going to do, uncle?
Surely you will not remain here until the Danes arrive, for though they may spare other men they have no mercy on priests and monks ?" "I shall assuredly remain here, Edmund, at my post, and as my brother Eldred and Earl Algar and their brave companions died at their posts in the field of battle, so I am prepared to die here where God has placed me.

I shall retain here with me only a few of the most aged and infirm monks, too old to fly or to support the hardships of the life of a hunted fugitive in the fens; together with some of the children who have fled here, and who, too, could not support such a life.

It may be that when the fierce Danes arrive and find nought but children and aged men even their savage breasts may be moved to pity; but if not, God's will be done.