“And as it so happens… I can partly play the role needed to ease the affairs.” The crow’s final words lingered in the hall.

For the first time since it had appeared, the atmosphere was no longer completely consumed by despair. There was still fear, uncertainty, and the looming threat of the plague, but beneath it all was something the people in the room had almost forgotten existed. Hope. The Chief remained seated, his eyes fixed on the crow.

“So,” he said calmly, “what do you want in return for your service?” The question drew everyone's attention.

The crow had revealed more than they had expected. It had explained the...