Bred For Extinction

A Test of Another...Can Show the Truth

Dwight's conscious slowly slips back to him, body aching as feeling sets back in his muscles. His breath, slow and rhythmic, is the first thing his mind catches and focuses on... then the voices come. Keeping his eyes closed, Dwight's ears seem to perk as he listens for understanding while hiding his state of awareness.

"We just found him there...we had the scent hot of vampires in our nostrils, but when we arrived he was all that remained, and not in very good shape as you saw. Father, he bears our scent...." Finally the stern feminine voice pauses before continuing, "and you see how fast he heals...he is one of us...isn't he?"

Rowane's finger lifts as if to quiet the woman just for a moment, his head tilting slightly sideways as if for a closer listen to Dwight's breathing, and then lips slide upwards in a grin as eyes once again shift to the woman. "I do not know, Sorcha, but I hope to find out. You did well to bring him here," his hand moving to pat her back and grip her shoulder. "Hurry, find Cadell and make sure he has the preparations ready for the test like I asked. I have a few things to discuss with our new friend here."

Sorcha's eyes shift to Dwight and then back to the old man's features. "But ...he is not conscience yet, he was in such bad shape, surely he needs more time before we test him....no?"

"Sorcha, always you question, it's in your blood, I know...but our friend here is conscience, he just plays possum...hurry go on...get Cadell."

The woman nods, and exits, obeying her orders as the old gypsy makes his way to Dwight's side. "You may open your eyes. I understand your reasons for pretending, to make sure you are among friends. You are, I promise you."

Dwight's eyes, mere slits as he lets light flood them. Rowane's face hovers over him as he stares up. "How did you know?"

"That you were awake? Ahhh...your breathing changed...as if you were trying to control it...good ears for an old man, yes?" A quick smile dances across Rowane's weathered face.

"Yes, very good." Dwight's bones creek as he lifts himself to a seated position, fingers combing back long, matted hair. "so....i guess I have to ask the normal questions....where am I? Who are you? And how did I get here?"

"Ah...straight to the point...very good, but first I must ask you one question....you see... because my answers to your questions may change a little depending on your answer to my question."

Dwight's face muffles in puzzlement, "Uh...whatever." His hand moves to brush it all off.

"Do you remember what happened to you?" Rowane's eyes squint as he prepares to examine.

"Yea...I made a mistake...got rolled...a woman and her...um... I guess friends you could say... tried to rob me."

"Tried?"

"Yes, tried...I mean did robbed me"

"Ah I see, is that how you got the blow to your head?"

Dwight's fingers move to massage his scalp as he continues, "Yea, they hit me from behind. I should have been more careful"

"So they hit from behind and then robbed you?"

"Yes...that's what I said," Brows hunch down as he wonders what the old gypsy is after.

"And the rest of you, how did it get so hurt?"

"They must have beat me while I was down and out...look, I mean, my head is a little messed up...I don't remember so good right now."

"I understand ...please...I only ask because your wallet, and even all your money is there, in your pocket...I become confused...but not really. When we found you last night, you were badly injured. I have sat here and watched for the last day as your wounds healed to not even a scratch, and I begin to understand. Then, I sniff the air around you and then I know. I will answer your questions now. I am Rowane, and this small trailer that you are in is one of but many that reside here in my caravan. Currently we are camped just outside of the town where we found you. We are simple people, travelers of the land....going from one town to the next for a little money here and there, and performing our services. Some of my people found you last night in the cemetery. You were badly injured and so they brought you here. Do you suffer from blackouts?"