Chapter 20: diary

Huddling behind the pillar, they were scarcely breathing. Searching for survivors, the Black Ravens moved methodically as they swamped the debris. Their helmets hiding their faces, John watched in horror as they arrived at the location where the imitation stone had been smashed. Abruptly, a voice echoed across the destroyed city, boosted by the airship's speakers. The voice was gravelly and deep, full of rage. The voice yelled, "Find them!" "Make sure everything is covered! And deliver me the one who demolished the keystone!" John's throat tightened around his breath. The Black Ravens were aware of their presence. They were now targets since the sonic emitter had revealed them. A familiar, calm voice appeared above the pandemonium in his thoughts just as panic was about to overwhelm him. Marie. Worried sick, she would be waiting back at the cottage. He needed to figure out a means to go back to her and alert her to the threat. He muttered to William, "We need to get back