Back at the Surface Beatrice stepped out of the broken city wall and nearly fell.
Her injured leg could support her again, but only for a few steps at a time. She pressed the end of her staff against the ground and waited until the shaking stopped.
Rovan came through the opening behind the last civilians. Blood had dried across his shoulder, and he was breathing hard after helping the injured people climb. He looked back at the hole after completing his count.
Another heavy sound came from below.
The ground shook beneath their feet. Dust fell from the nearby buildings, and several survivors cried out as they moved away from the wall.
"Everyone keep walking," Beatrice said. "Do not crowd the opening."
The survivors obeyed because she has proven herself.
The street outside was not safe, but it was better than the buried city. Broken vehicles blocked one side.
Pieces of the nearby buildings covered the other. Blood ran between the stones and gathered in the cracks.
