Earl Thorfinn

Long ago three men ruled,

Brothers from over the sea

Two earls died,

Leaving the land to one

An heir sailed across the sea

To claim his father's land

Rognvald received his rightful land and that which Einar ruled

For the promise of sword and spear against enemies

Raids in the south proved his worth, but friendship would not last

Arnason, escaping the king, fled to western land

With a large company, too many for one to feed.

More land was needed but Rognvald would not yield

Men were gathered from the isles and from the south

They would march for Thorfinn against his king

Rognvald sailed away and gained support from the king

Men would meet for war

Near the shore they met, a hundred ships covered the sea

The fighting was fierce, many were slain,

Rognvald forced to flee

On a winter's night Rognvald's men returned

Revenge was in their eyes

Thorfinn's house and company were burned

And all the land was claimed

Believed to be dead

Thorfinn stowed away to Caithness

Where he bided his time

Plotting his revenge.

Soon before Christmas he returned

And beset Rognvald and his men

By their campfire's light as they made their festive preparations

"My brother's son was betrayed by his words

Now is is I who returns

He lies slain, my vengeance is wrought.

I lay my claim that these lands are mine!"