Chapter 233: Blockade
Irwin and Greldo shared a pained look as they saw Earila glare at Rindiri. Her words hung in the air like an attack.
Rindiri had frozen, then took a step back and watched her quietly. She was clearly thinking about how to respond, and when she began talking, it was slow.
"There was no time to get anyone else," she said calmly. "If I had remained behind, I would have been killed with the others. But… I am very sad about what happened."
Earila's sniffed. "Then why did you bring Zender?!"
Rindiri smiled sadly. "Zender, Ibiri, Trin, and Brinni were already with me. I would have brought every one of you if I could have, but…"
Earila took a step forward, eyes wide as she turned to Zender. "Trin and Brinni are alive?"
Irwin saw Rindiri flinch, and he wondered if it was because Earila asked Zender instead of her or because she didn't mention Ibiri.
"They are," Zender said with a wide grin. "The Captain even gave them cards to extend their life! Even Brinni got an amethyst one with low energy! They won't die in ten years but will have at least another ten. So, I'm going to find them more cards!"
Irwin looked at Zender in surprise. He should have realized this was one of the boy's goals. A quick look at Greldo showed no surprise.
Earila's eyes widened, and she looked at Irwin and then at Greldo.
"Irwin is the Captain," Zender said, pointing at Irwin behind the wheel.
Earila nodded slowly, examining Irwin, her gaze lingering on his hands and then going back to his eyes.