The Norwegian account of Hacos expedition against Scotland, A.D. MCCLXIII | Page 9

of the vallies.[85]
Afterwards the Sovereign himself, attended by Thorlaug Bosa, set sail
in a barge belonging to the Masters of the Lights.[86] As soon as the
King's men approached the land the Scotch retired; and the Norwegians
continued ashore all night. The Scotch, however, during the darkness,
entered the transport,[87] and carried off as much of the lading as they
could. On the morning, the King with a numerous reinforcement came
on shore; and he ordered the transport to be lightened, and towed out to
the ships.
In a little time, they descried the Scottish army, and it was so numerous
that they supposed the King of Scotland was present. Ogmund
Krækidants with his company was stationed on a hill. The Scottish van
skirmished with his men; and, their main body coming on, the
Norwegians entreated the King, as they were anxious for his safety, to
row to his fleet and to send them help. The King insisted on remaining
on shore; but they would not assent to his continuing any longer so
exposed; he, therefore, sailed out in a barge to his ships at the Cumbras.
The following Barons remained on land, Lord Andrew Nicolson,
Ogmund Krækidants, Erling Alfson, Andrew Pott, Ronald Urka,
Thorlaug Bosi, Paul Soor. The whole number of soldiers with them was
eight or nine hundred. Two hundred men were upon the rising-ground
with Ogmund; but the rest of the troops were posted down upon the
beach.
The Scottish army now advanced, and it was conjectured to consist of
near fifteen hundred knights.[88] All their horses had breast-plates; and

there were many Spanish steeds in complete armour. The Scottish King
had, besides, a numerous army of foot soldiers, well accoutred. They
generally had bows and spears.
The Norwegians on the hill, apprehensive of being surrounded, began
to retire in scattered parties towards the sea. Andrew Nicolson,
observing this, came up to the rising ground, and desired Ogmund to
draw off his men towards the beach, but not to retreat so precipitately
as if he fled. The Scotch at this time attacked them furiously with darts
and stones. Showers of weapons were poured upon the Norwegians,
who defended themselves, and retired in good order. But when they
approached the sea, each one hurrying faster than another, those on the
beach imagined they were routed. Some therefore leaped into their
boats, and pushed off from the land, others jumped into the transport.
Their companions called upon them to return, and some returned, tho'
few. Andrew Pott leaped over two boats, and into a third, and so
escaped from land. Many boats went down, and some men were lost,
and the rest of the Norwegians at last wheeled about towards the sea.
Here Haco of Steini, one of King Haco's household, fell. The
Norwegians were then driven south from the transport, and were
headed by Andrew Nicolson, Ogmund Krækidants, Thorlaug Bosi, and
Paul Soor. There soon began a severe contest, tho' very unequal, as ten
Scots fought against each Norwegian. Among the Scotch there was a
young knight called Ferash,[89] equally distinguished for his birth and
fortune. He wore a helmet plaited with gold, and set with precious
stones, and the rest of his armour was of a piece with it. He rode
gallantly up to the Norwegians, but no other ventured. He galloped
frequently along the Norwegian line, and then back to his own
followers. Andrew Nicolson had now reached the Scottish van. He
encountered this illustrious knight, and struck at his thigh with such
force that he cut it off,[90] through the armour, with his sword, which
penetrated to the saddle. The Norwegians stript him of his beautiful
belt.[91] The hardest conflict then commenced. Many fell on both sides,
but more of the Scotch, as Sturlas sings.
18.

Where cuirasses rung, our generous youths, formed in a circle,
prostrated the illustrious givers of bracelets. The birds of prey were
gluttonously filled with lifeless limbs. What great chieftain shall
avenge the fate of the renowned wearer of the Belt?
During the battle there was so great a tempest that King Haco saw no
possibility of bringing the army ashore. Ronald, and Eilif of Naustadale,
however, with some men, rowed to land, and greatly distinguished
themselves; as did those troops who had before gone out in their boats.
Ronald, in the end, was repulsed to his ships; but Eilif behaved most
heroically. The Norwegians now began to form themselves anew; and
the Scotch took possession of the rising ground. There were continued
skirmishes with stones and missile weapons; but towards evening the
Norwegians made a desperate charge against the Scotch on the hill, as
is here recorded.
19.
The champions of Nordmæra's[92] Lord saluted the stout, harnassed
Barons, with the rough music of battle. The train of the supporter of