Earl Thorfinn arrived at Dyrness late in the evening; but as soon as it was daylight next morning, King Karl came upon them unawares with eleven war-ships. There were only two alternatives—one to run on shore, and leave the ships with all their valuable contents to the enemy; the other was to meet the King, and let fate decide between them. Earl Thorfinn exhorted his men, and ordered them to have their arms ready. He said he would not flee, and told them to row briskly towards the enemy. Then both parties fastened their ships together. Earl Thorfinn addressed his men, advising them to be smart and to make the first attack fiercely, and saying that few of the Scotsmen would be able to make a stand. The fighting was long and fierce. Arnór Jarlaskáld says: Once, off Dyrness, to the eastward, Came King Kali in a mail-coat Famous for its strength and brightness; But the land was not defenceless, For, with five ships, nothing daunted, Scorning flight in warlike temper, Valiantly the Prince went forward ’Gainst the King’s eleven vessels. Then the ships were lashed together— Know ye how the men were falling? All their swords and boards were swimming In the life-blood of the Scotsmen; Hearts were sinking—bowstrings screaming, Darts were flying—spear-shafts bending; Swords were biting, blood flowed freely, And the Prince’s heart was merry. Now Earl Thorfinn incited his men to the utmost, and a fierce conflict ensued. The Scots in the King’s ships made but a feeble resistance before the mast, whereupon Thorfinn jumped from the quarter-deck, and ran to the foredeck, and fought fiercely. When he saw the crowd in the King’s ships getting thinner, he urged his men to board them. King Karl, perceiving this, gave orders to his men to cut the ropes, and get the ships away instantly; to take to their oars, and bear away. At the same time Thorfinn and his men fastened grappling-hooks in the King’s ship. He called for his banner to be borne before him, and a great number of his men followed it. King Karl jumped from his ship into another vessel, with those of his men who still held out; but the most part had fallen already. He then ordered them to take to their oars; and the Scots took to flight—Thorfinn pursuing them. Thus says Arnór: Never was a battle shorter; Soon with spears it was decided. Though my lord had fewer numbers, Yet he chased them all before him; Hoarsely croaked the battle-gull, when Thickly fell the wounded king’s-men; South of Sandwick swords were reddened.