Well done. Your father's influence in the Earldom lends you authority. The Earls Erlend and Arknel will supply you with warriors for your armies. Orkney is also ideally positioned for easy access down either coast of the country. Good choice!
;)
You sail to Orkney and set up camp. A Norse community has already been established there.
The Earls Erlend and Arnkel are obliged to accompany you on your voyages.
You also gather reinforcements from Vikings who have settled in the Western Isles.
Orkney has good access to the trading towns of Dublin and York. Your people have a well-established trading system from Europe, the Black sea and beyond. Objects are transported over thousands of miles across a great network.
;)