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By 1262, Norway was at the peak of its power, having gained control of Greenland and Iceland. But Alexander III of Scotland was determined to press his father’s claims to the western isles, ordering raids deep into Norse territory in a fierce show of force. The 59-year-old King Haakon of Norway personally took command of his fleet, which was joined by local forces in Orkney before sailing through the Hebrides, island by island, demanding loyalty. By the time he reached the contested Clyde, he commanded 120 ships and up to 20,000 men. Alexander, stationed in Ayr, knew he couldn’t beat Haakon at sea, so he stalled negotiations, hoping autumn storms would work in his favor. On 1 October 1263, a sudden storm scattered the Norwegian fleet, driving several ships ashore. The next day, Haakon landed with 1,000 men to recover them, but the Scots struck quickly. Though Haakon was escorted back to safety, his men onshore faltered until reinforcements arrived and a stand was made. The Battle of Largs fizzled into sporadic long-range skirmishes, with no clear victor—only the grim toll of war.