84

“I’ll guard her with my life for the rest of my days,” Bindi replied. “And thank you, Lex, for working with the troops. They are in the best shape they’ve ever been. When you return—if you return—I’m positive I’ll have more for you to train.” She looked at me with a hopeful smile, and again, I felt like I was abandoning them.

“Keep me updated with your military progress,” I said. “You can send messages through the troops, and I’ll get word. If you need anything, don’t hesitate to ask. Just use your airship if there’s an emergency. Get Aria away from Polonius at the first sign of trouble.”

Onyx Rah had one airship, which was being used daily to bring in supplies for the encampments from Angeline Falls and the Obsidian Valley. The vehicles Lara Goldlace had gifted Onyx Rah were also being used to transport soldiers to their posts.

Bindi knew that I meant for her to drop everything and rescue Aria from Polonius, above all things.

“I warn you, Lex, don’t do any kind of investigation witho