I quickly smothered the flames after I cleaned up. I searching for a place I can sleep without being disturbed. Everyone told me I don't snore so I had no problem like the others before they discovered our group. I found a pile of clothes left for scrap. I crawled into it and went to sleep. I got out when I was satisfied that I won't have any sort of trouble. I got out the back door and into the forest. I found bramble bushes laden with berries. So I collected them as much as I could stuff into the Ziploc bag. Then I kept walking till I found a military convoy. I hid so they won't find. They had a different insignia. It was a bloody axe. I hid and watched as they used electrified nets and using poles with a loop to drag vampires into special cages. When they left I saw the gunned down corpses of the collaborators and vampires that were left behind. So why were they collecting vampires for. Are they trying to study them?
I kept walking till I saw an old man walk towards the forbidden zone. I was warned not to go there. I was curious so I went there. I saw high walls open to show a farm land where people were working together. The women wore long skirts, a loose shirts and an apron. The men wore a shirt, overalls and straw hats. I thought they looked harmless so I turned around and went on my way. I walked till I found myself in front of a rail depot. There were trains which were dismantled and some which were fully constructed. One was stocked, locked and prepped as though it was going to take off. I turned around and decided to take the old trusted route. I made it to the old oak tree when a firm hand gripped my shoulder. The old man I saw earlier was holding on. I used sign language and he didn't understand. So I removed his hand and wrote that I am a deaf and mute. I am just passing through on my way to my grandma's house.
He had a sly grin and I had a bad feeling in the pit of my stomach. So I took a step back. He took a step forward and I took a step back. He raised his hand to calm me down. I waved him off as I walked to my usual route. I felt the ground vibrating. He saw the hummer instinctively he grabbed my hand and ran towards his place. I removed his hand finger by finger and ran towards the other side. I got past the bushes and slid down the slope. I walked till I found the fallen tree bridge. I crawl to other side. I quickly hid in the bushes and the old man came to other side and searched for me. He didn't say a word but I can tell he had very bad intentions. I stood still as he tried to find me. He was so close when a vampire came and he had to run for his life. I quietly snuck out and slowly walked towards the sunny area. The vampire can hear my heartbeat so I had to go somewhere he can't get to me.
I kept going till I found a clearing. I sat down to catch my breath. Then a sip of water later I was on my way to the open road. A few yards out I met Dexter. He heard what had happened so he offered me a place in his group. The others didn't know about me so he explained who I am and what I do. They welcomed me with open arms and I boarded the jeep as they went to their camp. I slept before I went searching for food. The clearing was hacked so it was like finding a needle in a haystack. I had to throw away a few before I found a jackpot. First I found some brambles. Edible berries which I had to wash before eating. Next were mushrooms I can either eat or use as tincture. I spend ten minutes yelling in sign language. I told them that they are killing useful stuff and it is not fair. They apologized and I went out looking for other delectable delights. Dexter and two others came to protect me. I smelled the air as I walked. I didn't smell blood so I kept going.
I found some tea berries and kept them as medicine. They have the exact same properties as aspirin and must be taken sparingly. They have a minty after taste which is why it is used in toothpaste and mouthwash. Eating excessive amounts is not advised. As it would cause upset stomach, induce vomiting and stomach ache. I used sign language to warn everyone not to eat it. Don't even bother using it for recreational purposes. They will end up severely ill. Since I am the resident forager no one doubted me. I went looking for chamomile flowers and other edible goodies. I found edible berries, a few mushrooms and watercress. I explained to the man protecting me about the importance of sustainability. So they didn't yank anything.
I found club moss. It is used as a flammable spore. It is used by magicians as a flash flame. It is also as a medicine. It is used for rashes and mild irritations. I asked them to keep it away from all flammable objects. They took it so they can use it for other purposes. We drove to the next destination and I told them to be careful since we were back in gangland territory. They told me not to worry as the gangster now don't trust the vampires anymore. They are moving towards the capital since the vampires living there are peaceful and they have a secret weapon which shields them from attack. The military were trying to their best to replicate the shield but to their dismay it resides inside a person so they can't tinker with it. So they are hoping to migrate elsewhere. But she and her family refused. She does not trust the army. Apparently they killed her mother.
I wasn't interested in politics so I turned my attention to the surrounding. There were ramps and a few other delights. I was about to them when I smelled blood. I came and warned everyone. But no one paid attention till the vampires attacked us. The gangsters and Dexter used guns while the vampires tried to use speed. They looked insane with thirst. They opened their mouth and I saw blood dribbling down like it was spit. They kept coming till they were all dead. I smacked Dexter and one of the gangster explained whatI said, "I told you I smelled blood. I was trained to detect them before they show up. I can to some extent detect collaboraters and vampires." Both were shocked by this news. The leader of the gangster took me on tour and I sensed them every time. The man asked me if I was part of Dexter's team. I explained that I just joined them. My family was killed by vampires. I was wandering around when Dexter found me.
He gave me a proposal. I stay here and protect his men and in exchange I will be taken care of. Dexter reminded him that I am a member of his team. So he can't ask me to do anything unless he approves. The old man raised a hand and everyone pointed guns at Dexter and his buddies. I smelled blood and I started signing bloodsuckers. Both of them turned to face the woods and saw vampires come out in hundreds. Dexter took my hand and we ran back to the car. We all got in and he drove towards the Mavericks command center. It was several tents and stolen military hardware. People were on the radio and some were on trees with sniper rifles. I saw someone use mirrors to let a person know that Dexter was here. The car stopped and I went to sleep. Junior woke me up for breakfast. I ate and did the laundry before I took turns on the lookout.