The submission followed on the heels of William building the first castle at York and receiving the submission of most of the northern thegns. Æthelwine also brought word from King Malcolm that the Scottish king wished to live in peace with the new English king.
This passage describes events following William the Conqueror's actions in building a castle at York and receiving submission from the northern Thegn.  Æthelwine brings news of King Malcolm's desire for peaceful relations with the new English king.