Clara had rushed out of the kitchen and back in the blink of an eye. She told Da'Karro and Jon something about an announcement the Captain wished to make before dragging them up the stairs to the deck. Once out in the open sea air aboard the deck of the Harbinger Jon was surprised to see a new face. The Captain was standing beside a woman garbed all in black. The crew was milling around as they awaited anxiously for whatever announcement Captain Sheva had. As Jon waited himself he glanced around until his eyes fell on a vision from his dreams.
Her back was to him, her eyes on the sea. Her silver hair cascaded down her back in soft curls and elegant braids. Her riding gown and cloak kept her warm in the cold Northern sea wind yet to see her standing there Jon struggled to even notice the chill. Her hands casually rested on the rail of The Harbinger and Jon couldn't help but remember some of the tale she'd told him in the swamps of The Neck.
"What was she seeing?" Jon wondered to himself as he looked upon her. Did she see the seas around Astapor where she gained her Unsullied? Did she see the waves she passed after her flight from Qarth? Or was it an older sea? The sea on which she was born.
As he watched her Jon remembered something else as well. He remembered his fantasy in the kitchen where he'd walked up behind her and slid his arms around her waist. He remembered the sound of her laughter as if he'd actually heard it. The false memory almost pained him in the knowledge that it never actually happened.
Jon looked away, his gaze falling like the last snows of winter in lament. Jon turned to see if the Captain was ready to begin and mercifully she was.
"This is Sylvia, The New Queen of Atlantia,"
Robyn called out to the assembled group,
"She has taken her sister's place and means to atone for her sister's sins. She means to join in against Wanehope..."
She said and looked to where Jon stood as Da'Karro and Scarlet came to stand beside him.
"As do I."
Jon breathed sigh of utter relief. He hadn't been certain he'd convinced her and something told him his words had little to do with Robyn's decision but he was happy all the same. Not only had the fearsome Captain Robyn Sheva joined their cause but so too had the new Queen of Atlantia. Jon couldn't believe it. The gods were smiling on him as they damned Wanhope in the same breath. Wanhope's power was vanishing faster than snow under the summer sun. Now only Drake and Fuaria stood with him. The allied victory was all but assured. Jon would reclaim The North and if the gods were good, with minimal blood shed.
Before Jon could utter a response Da'Karro spoke up, garnering the attention of those gathered.
"Captian, Might I speak?"
No sooner had he uttered the words then did Jon feel Clara's arm interlace with his own. She clutched him tightly as if afraid of what the man might say. Jon turned to her in confusion before looking back to Da'Karro as he spoke. The mysterious man who loved his cousin spoke and told a tale of death and disaster if they stayed the current course. He warned of their short handedness and offered a solution. A far off land Jon had never heard of. Jeddah, he called it, and Da'Karro said it was where he was born. He called Clara
The Chosen One and Clara assured Jon she would explain what that meant. Jon was quickly becoming concerned of what has been happening around his cousin since they'd been separated.
Da'Karro went on to explain that with the help of his temple they could convince the ruling Sultan to also join the allied cause and their strategic positioning would pit the forces from Drake who were battling with With Kenna's men against two armies on the northern and southern front. Robyn replied and was not opposed to the idea but explained that the very reason Da'Karro suggested leaving The North would prohibit them from venturing further south. The Harbinger was currently being manned by a skeleton crew and could hardly run like that much longer. Further more Robyn made note of the fact that Jon would not be able to join them since he must remain here to unite his people.
Jon could feel Clara's fingernails digging into his arm even through the leather of his jerkin. He turned to her and could see the herald of tears to come. Her eyes burrowed into Da'Karro with anger and betrayal. Jon knew his cousin better than anyone and felt her pain with complete understanding. Da'Karro's plan, sound though it may be, would split up the Starks even after Clara had just figured out a way to keep them together. Jon admitted he did not enjoy the thought of leaving Clara's side but neither could he deny the potential for further military support.
No longer being able to bear looking at the man further Clara stormed off in a rage. Jon wanted to go to her, to follow her and see how he could put her hearts suffering at ease but as it so often did duty stood in the way. Once Clara stormed off the eyes of those gathered were on him. Robyn asked if there was any way he could help gather men for her vessel and Jon needed only a moment to reply. An answer for Robyn, a solution to her need for men, a clear route for the future and a way to keep Clara close just a little bit longer.
"Most of The North believes me dead. I have no men under my command as of yet. Those that followed Amelia, Tenanye, Ajax and I were Ajax's own. Though if it is strong, hardy sailors you need I know where to find them. Clara grew up in an area of The North called white Harbor, it's our only true port. The men and women of White Harbor have an ancient and proud sea fairing culture. Finer men and women under the mast you will not find Captain Sheva, I assure you."
Jon paused as the hard truths reared their ugly heads once more.
"Problem is, White Harbor is currently under Khalidorian rule and we can't take the city with the men we have. If you help me track down the Northern resistance I will lead my men to White Harbor and free it. Once done you will have all the sailors you need and after you return with the ships from Jeddah I will put you in command of the Northern fleet to take the final battle to Wanhope and end this war once and for all."