The newly arrived recruits were quickly separated.
The children and women were herded in one direction, while the men were taken elsewhere.
Ashley had already explained to the others how a place like this operated.
Women and children were kept separate from the men because they served different purposes.
The children would be trained as soldiers.
The men were assigned to hard labor.
As for the women… they were expected to provide every kind of service—except handling weapons.
*
*
*
Once the women and children reached one of the base's wings, they were greeted by a middle-aged woman.
"Teach them the rules," one of the armed escorts said before leaving.
The woman's hair was already streaked with gray. Her hair was neatly tied into a low bun, while her worn dress was faded and stained with dirt. Deep wrinkles etched her stern face, while the hands clasped before her were marked with countless old scars.
She simply nodded without lifting her head.
