Scotch had made into his dominions. Prince Magnus begged to command
this expedition instead of King Haco, who should remain at home. He
thanked him in many courteous words; but he observed, that he himself
was older, and had longer acquaintance with the western lands, and
that, therefore, he himself would go this voyage. He, however, gave
Prince Magnus full power to rule the nation in his absence. At this
Council he settled many regulations respecting the internal government
of the Country; and he granted to the yeomanry, that, while he was
away, no Sheriff should decide on any cause, unless such cause was of
the greatest necessity.

During this voyage King Haco had that great vessel which he had caused
to be constructed at Bergen. It was built entirely of oak, and
contained twenty-seven banks of oars.[21] It was ornamented with
heads and necks of dragons beautifully overlaid with gold. He had also
many other well-appointed ships.

In the spring King Haco sent John-Langlife-son and Henry Scot west to
the Orkneys, to procure pilots for Shetland. From thence John sailed
to the Hebrides and told King Dugal that he might expect an army from
the East. It had been rumoured that the Scots would plunder in the
islands that summer. King Dugal, therefore, spread abroad a report
that forty ships were coming from Norway. And by this means he
prevented the Scotch from making a descent.

Some time before the King himself was ready, he sent eight ships to
the westward. The Captains of these were Ronald Urka, Erling Ivarson,
Andrew Nicolson, and Halvard Red. They continued some days out in the
road, as the wind did not favour them.