Captain (II)

"So Kaan..." A troubling expression filled Clark's face.

I raised my eyebrows in question.

"I met up with Dragon Lord recently and he told me about you when I mentioned your name and about your powers."

"Gosh..." I sigh and frown. "Did he say anything? like a message?"

"Yes," he rubbed his beard and said, "he said, 'come back home, we need to talk.' Are you sure you will be okay? Because he looked a bit angry." 

I sighed again and nodded. 

"Don't worry about it. I will handle him later." I stood straight and told Clack why I am here.

"I need a good naval commander for the war that's going to be against the north. As you already know by the situation, Ravial needs to win this."

Clark nodded and replied, "I don't mind joining but I believe there is another underlying motive here, ain't there, mate?" 

I chuckle, "Yes, but that's not something we would have to worry about in the ocean at least."

"You expect heavy naval combat, then?" Clark's gaze sharpened.

"More than just an exchange of cannon fire. The North isn't foolish enough to face us head-on. They'll use magic, sabotage and possibly have help from other tribes. I need someone who knows how to counter all of that."

I tilt my head as a smile spreads to my lips. "I am also collecting dragons." 

I announce, which causes both Jasper and Clack to look at me in different expressions and reactions. Jasper was confused while Clark burst out laughing. 

Clark ran a hand through his hair and collected himself. "Mate, this will be fun. By the way, you really know how to make a simple job complicated." 

Jasper was burning a hole in me and I slide a glare at him. 

And he stared back at me in...anger and annoyance. 

'Now what is wrong with him.'

"What?"

He didn't answer at first. His gaze flickered toward Clark before settling back on me. "You never mentioned dragons before."

I frowned slightly. "That's because they're not for this war. They're for something else—the real enemy."

Jasper studied me, searching for any sign of deception. "Then what exactly are you planning?"

Clark chuckled. "Lads, am I missing something?"

Jasper exhaled sharply and turned his gaze away. "Nothing."

I shook my head and refocused. "Let's talk about what actually matters now. We need a naval commander, and Clark, I want you to take the lead. You know the waters better than anyone, and this war against the North isn't going to be won through brute force alone."

Clark leaned forward, placing his elbows on the table. "Alright then. You mentioned magic and sabotage. That complicates things, but I assume you've got some information on the North's tactics?"

I nodded. "From what our scouts have reported, the three Northern Kingdoms have been bolstering their fleets, but they aren't relying on ships alone. They have sea mages, enhanced weaponry, and an intimate knowledge of the terrain. They won't fight fair."

'They will definitely use what they learned from me in this war. But it's an advantage if they are fighting against me.' 

Clark whistled. "Sounds like a damn nightmare."

Jasper crossed his arms again. "You're forgetting something."

I arched my brow. "And that is?"

"They have vampires." Jasper says simply but both of us know whose fault it is that all the others have joined north.

Clark's expression darkened slightly. "The Northern Kingdoms have allied with them?"

Jasper nodded. "It's not just them. The vampires have their own agenda, and if they think the North winning benefits them, they'll fight alongside them. You're not just facing humans. You're facing an army that doesn't tire, doesn't fear, and can strike when you least expect it."

"He forgot about the dwarf army and, ah!, their own seasonal trained soldiers." I look at Jasper with a glare and a creepy smile.

He frowned and looked at my hands instead.

I tapped my fingers against the table. "Then we need to make sure they don't fight as one."

Clark grinned. "That's more like it. Divide and conquer, eh?"

I nodded. "We need leverage—something that makes them hesitate to ally with each other. Or better yet, turn them against one another."

Jasper sighed. "And how do you propose we do that?"

Clark smirked. "Sounds like we need to stir up some chaos."

I leaned forward. "That's exactly what we're going to do. They all don't serve the North out of loyalty—they serve because it benefits them. If we create enough instability, they might decide the North isn't worth the effort."

'I need to ask Leia to help me get something regarding that.'

Clark nodded. "And if they abandon the North, their entire strategy collapses. I like it. But I need full authority over naval strategy if you want me to win this."

I smirked. "Deal. Welcome to the war."

Clark leaned back in his chair, laughing. "Well, then. Looks like we're in for one hell of a ride."

Jasper was again staring at me, arms crossed. I sighed and ran a hand through my hair. "Alright, out with it. What's really bothering you?"

He hesitated before finally speaking. "You're taking too many risks."

I scoffed. "When have I not?"

"This is different." His voice was quiet but firm. "You're stepping into unknown territory. We're not just fighting soldiers—we're fighting monsters, both literal and political."

'Yaaa and the fact still stands that I was the one who built these forces up.'

I met his gaze. "That's why I need you here. To watch my back."

Jasper studied me for a long moment before finally nodding. "Fine. But if you end up getting yourself killed, I'm bringing you back just to yell at you."

I chuckled. "Deal."

I blink at them but then I turn to Jasper fully and say, "Just one battle and then North will be the least of your worries." 

He frowned.

I step back and say to both of them, "When they will hit, this world might collapse, so bear with my weird request because this world will need everything to win." 

Both of them go confused and speechless. 

I nod and head for the door, because now that we have Captain Clack, we need to head to Ravial. 

'Let's do it.'