The walled Fort of Torridon the seat of Pict power in Scotland in 800AD was the largest in the land and deemed impregnable. No surprise attack on Torridon was thought possible. Torridon and Moray were but a dream in the minds of enemies, a prize that was out of reach.
Decantae strongholds of Tain and Mahomack the lands of the Pict queen Sheena were within the grasp of the Norse. Sigurd, Jarl of Orkney with help from King Harold set his sights on what was achievable. Torridon, lay only three hours across the Moray Firth by Longboat.
Torridon could wait. An alliance with Drest, Chief of the Smertae to the north whose land bordered that of the Decantae allowed a surprise attack from land and sea on Mahomack and Tain.
Smertae were despised by all and were blamed for everything. Their land was the most beautiful but they couldn't eat beauty and felt they were hard done by. Drest saw a way of getting better land and riches. Plans were well advanced to take Tain and Mahomack until events took a twist and brought the dream of Torridon into the realm of reality.