Qrow flew low, following a line of trees. He perched himself at the edge of the treeline to scan the scene below. The normally bustling town was closed off, no one willing to venture out. Grimm were wandering around, making sure everyone stayed inside. A couple of larger men sacked the ale house and were drinking merrily.
There were a number of ships clustered together, easily half a fleet. Qrow's heart skipped a beat, Raven had told the truth for once in her life. He flew farther out towards the sea and spotted a smaller ship anchored a few miles out along the dense wood. Qrow flapped his tired wings and rode the breeze to the ship. He landed gently on the crow's nest and looked around the deck.
There was no one on deck, likely Tai wanted to keep the kids hidden. It was definitely their ship though. He could see the notch that he took out of the port railing when Winter first came aboard and the edges of the table in the floor. Qrow dove down to the deck and transformed, landing on his feet. He walked towards the captains' quarters to find Tai and gather some important items. He heard a creak and a knife was to his throat as he turned.
"Qrow?" Blake's eyes went wide and she withdrew her knife.
"Qrow!" Yang rang forward and flung her arms around her uncle.
"Hey there, Firecracker. Where is everyone?" Qrow hugged his niece and kissed the top of her head.
"They're ashore. You told dad that there was danger up ahead so he pulled all of the kids together in the lifeboats and brought them ashore with Oobleck. Me and Blake stay behind to look less suspicious." Yang smiled.
"To make it look less suspicious… Wait, what did I tell your dad?"
"Well I don't know what you said. I saw him pick up a black bird and take it into your room and then he sent it to fly away." Yang frowned. "That was you, wasn't it?" Qrow thought for a moment.
"Well, it wasn't me. Whoever it was clearly cares about your safety though." Qrow hugged her again. Yang took a deep breath and hugged him back.
"So I need you guys to help me with a plan. First thing's first, we need everyone back on this ship. Is there a lifeboat left?"
"No but the dingy is still here." Yang shrugged.
It was small, it would only fit four, but it had a small sail and two pairs of oars. Qrow and girls rowed out to shore and navigated upstream of a small river until the came to the camp. Tai approached, sword drawn and gasped when he saw Qrow. He put the sword away and ran up and hugged his brother-in-law.
"Oh my g-Uncle Qrow!" Ruby ran out and wrapped her arms around Qrow's left leg.
Qrow embraced his family tightly and kissed his niece. Tai hugged his oldest daughter and patted Blake between the ears. They broke apart and Tai told Yang and Blake to watch over the children so that he could speak to Qrow. When they were alone, Tai looked at Qrow seriously.
"I'm glad you're okay, but where is Winter?" Tai asked, worry lacing his voice.
"She's okay. She's on the mainland, waiting in the woods for me to return." Qrow patted Tai's shoulder.
"Good, good. Raven came to me. She warned us about the ships. Is it true?" Tai asked eagerly.
"She came to me too, and yes, it is true. There's half a fleet shoved into that port, laden in cannons and armed to the teeth. I have the beginnings of a plan but the most important thing is that I need you to get these kids to Menagerie, now." Qrow stated firmly.
"But, what about you?"
"We'll meet you there, but I need you guys to be clear of this port when the fireworks begin. Sail through the night and get the hell out of here."
"Fireworks…" Tai trailed off nervously. "You need to take Yang don't you?" Tai sighed.
"The faunus girl too." Qrow nodded.
"If you guys don't make it to Menagerie, I'm going to kill you." Tai half-joked and hugged his best friend.
Qrow patted Tai on the back and the pair went back to gather everyone. The sky was deep red and the last chunk of sun still hung on the horizon. Winter would be waiting. The whole crew made it back to the ship. Qrow grabbed Yang and Blake.
"I'm sorry girls, but I need your help." Qrow gestured to the dingy and the girls nodded. He ran to the captains' quarters and returned with a long case and Blake's mask.
"Okay, let's go." Qrow shouted. They dropped the dingy into the water and hopped aboard and made their way towards the port.