 One of the more powerful men in the Isles at this time , according to the chronicle , was a sheriff on Skye named Páll Bálkason . Páll refused to take up arms against Óláfr and he left Skye to live in Ross with Óláfr . After several days Páll and Óláfr secretly returned to Skye , according to the chronicle , and learned that Guðrøðr was stationed on the " island of St Columba " . The location and identity of the island are unknown for certain , although Iona and various places and islands on Skye are possible . The chronicle tells how Óláfr and Páll rounded up their forces and dragged five ships from the seashore , which is described as being about two furlongs from the island , and subsequently surrounded Guðrøðr 's island . The chronicle states that Óláfr and Páll assaulted the island at about 2 – 3 pm , and that everyone one of Guðrøðr 's followers who was captured outside of the enclosure of the church was slain . Guðrøðr was seized , blinded and castrated . The chronicle claims that Óláfr did not consent to Guðrøðr 's brutal mutilation , but was unable to prevent it due to Páll . 
