The Book of the Crowman Read Online Free PDF Page A

instructions somewhere within the Crowman’s story. One thing I do know, Aaron: if you’re right – if she is who you think she is – hers will be the finest, most accurate telling of all.”
    At that moment, Megan whimpers in her sleep. By the firelight, Mr Keeper can make out the fear and anxiety on her face. He almost gets up to comfort her but checks himself, knowing there’s nothing more he can do except allow her to rest. Tomorrow they must begin the journey home and she’ll need her strength.
    “She’ll be alright, Aaron.”
    Embarrassed that his concerns must show on his face, Mr Keeper sighs and turns back to the fire.
    “I hope you’re right, Carrick.”
    “She has you to guide her. She can do no better than that.”
    Mr Keeper doesn’t know how to respond to the compliment. It’s not the sort of thing Carrick Rowntree usually comes out with. In the end he settles for familiar territory.
    “One more pipe?”
    His old teacher nods.
    “One more. And then we must sleep. Tomorrow will find us on the long road once more.”
    They fill their pipes and smoke in silence as the fire dies down.

3
    “You,” says the woman. “I prayed I’d not see your kind ever again.” Whatever fright she felt is fast replaced by suspicion and anger. “Yet here you are on the very same day.” The woman, tense but hard of the eye, spends long moments studying Megan. “What brings you to my room?”
    Megan wants to put the woman at her ease, to answer simply but she struggles.
    “The… shape of the weave.”
    “Listen, Scarecrow girl, I know cocks and I know futures. I don’t know no weave.”
    Megan blushes and looks away. The woman rises and approaches. She stands in front of Megan, one shoulder bare, her arms folded.
    “How did you get past the mistress?”
    “She didn’t…” Megan clears her throat. “…see me.” Fearing the woman might call for the mistress or simply kick her back down the stairs, Megan starts to talk without really thinking. “I had to find you. You said you’d tell my fortune. I wanted you to but Mr Keeper wouldn’t allow it. Please, I have to know.”
    The woman snorts in disgust.
    “That’s it?” She almost smiles. “Listen, girl–”
    “I’m Megan.”
    “Megan then. You’re a bright spark. Pretty too. This is your future: you’ll be happy. A good husband, enough to eat, a healthy brood. Go on back to your Keeper.”
    “No. You don’t understand. I already know that’s not my fate. I’m walking the Black Feathered Path. I need to see where it leads.”
    “Don’t Keepers have the power to see both behind and ahead?”
    “Yes. But we’re forbidden to serve ourselves with our own knowledge. It’s meant only for the good of the land and the people.”
    The woman’s hostility begins to drop away.
    “And you hold to that?”
    “Of course. If the path is not defined, the way is not clear. Besides, I want to complete my training. For myself and for everyone.”
    The woman considers Megan for a few silent moments and then holds out her hand.
    “Come. Sit with me for a spell.”
    Megan smiles and reaches towards her. Her fingers to pass right through the woman’s hand and they both flinch as though stung.
    “Fuck. What are you, girl?”
    A sickening shiver overwhelms Megan and she staggers back towards the door. The woman stares.
    “Please don’t be afraid,” Megan says. “Help me. I know you can do it. Help me to see.”
    The woman isn’t shocked for long. Her edge returns almost immediately and she folds her arms across her chest.
    “If you want the future you must pay for it. How will you do that, ghost girl? With ghost money?”
    Megan’s mind whirls. She is so close. She hears heavy footfalls on the stairs and drunken laughter. The woman shakes her head.
    “Time you were away.”
    “No. Wait. We can make it… a trade.”
    “Believe me, little one, all you’ve got that I want is your looks and your youth and I don’t think you’ll be wanting to part