They stepped back through the iron maze and out of Motherhold just as the last gate sealed behind them, and the fading light made the clearing feel wider and more exposed than before.
Their belongings were returned one by one.
Boots.
Jackets.
Weapons.
The same guard handed Iyisha her gloves and looked at her directly.
"The sun's going down," he said. "Do not occupy any empty buildings in the area. Go to Whitewater and stay there."
He shifted his rifle slightly.
"They don't tolerate wanderers or raiders taking up abandoned structures. If you're found inside one without registration, they treat it as hostile intent."
Iyisha nodded slowly.
Malcolm gave a short nod as well.
They walked back toward their vehicles, gravel crunching under their boots.
"Whitewater?" Iyisha asked Waldo quietly.
"It's the Freezone I'm staying in," Waldo replied. "It's in the Campbridge City."
Marybeth added, "I'm heading there before I got captured so I'm going with Waldo."
