Free Nevermore: A Novel of Love, Loss, & Edgar Allan Poe by David Niall Wilson Page A

There was no emotion in that gaze, no animation at all.   His concentration was intense.   Moments later, Anita and Tom both stepped close as well, joining their hands beneath the still body.   They held their thoughts and kept their voices silent.
    And then, with a shudder that nearly stopped their hearts, the bird grew stiff, stretched its wings, and very suddenly opened its eyes.   They stared, and Grimm stared back.   Then, with a shift so quick they could barely follow the motion the raven stood in the center of Edgar's palm.   It turned so that it met each of their gazes in turn, then spun slowly and glanced up at Edgar.   Without warning, or ceremony, it let out a raucous cry and shook, sending a cloud of feathers and fluff into the air to float around them like a cloud.
    Edgar's expression, so taut and unreadable seconds before, melted to a bright, delighted smile.
    "Is he…" Lenore asked.
    She knew Edgar would understand what she meant.   It was one thing that the bird lived, but the question remained whether or not the two of them would retain their connection.   None of them understood that bond – not really.   Even Edgar, who was a part of it, had stumbled into it.   Only the bird seemed unperturbed.   It squawked again and hopped from Edgar's hand to perch on his shoulder, turning to face the room.   Then, without warning, and very clearly, the bird bowed.
    Edgar laughed.
    "I could not have put it more eloquently, old friend," he said.   "It's going to take some getting used to, this new look of yours, but I think it suits you."
    Grimm ruffled his wings and began preening.   Edgar turned to Lenore.
    "Thank you.   I don't know what I would have done…"
    "There is no need for thanks," she said.   "I can no more turn from the tasks appointed to me, I think, than you."
    "I don't mean to speak out of turn," Anita said, "but – the girl?   The princess, if that is who was trapped – where did she go?"
    "Princess?" Tom said.   "Beggin' your pardon, Mr. Poe, but I sure would like to know what's going on here, and what kind of trouble I've gotten into.   I'll already be late getting back to the tavern, but…"
    Edgar turned to him.
    "Why did you come?" he asked.   "I mean, if you didn't know that Grimm was in trouble, but you came about 'my bird,' what drew you here?"
    "He saved me," Tom said.   "I mean, the bigger bird, the other…"
    "It is one and the same," Edgar said.   "I don't believe you have time now for the entire story, but possibly soon.   What do you mean he saved you?"
    "There was snake.   I had gone out back of the tavern to dump my morning sweepings.   I wasn't watching where I was going.   We have a pile of wood, and just past that is where we dump the trash.   Once a week, I bring the mule and the wagon and carry it off.
    "Most days I watch pretty careful around there, being so close to the water and all, but today I wasn't payin' attention.   One more step, and I'd have stepped on that thing – water moccasin as big around as a rake handle.   It reared up to go for me, and there was a flash – faster than I would have believed possible.   That crow grabbed the snake, lifted it up and dropped it back in the trees.   Scared the soul out of me."
    They all turned to Grimm, but the bird paid no attention to them.   It was lost in a fit of grooming, and apparently unconcerned with praise.
    "I just came to thank you," Tom said.   He fidgeted from one foot to the other, and it was hard to tell if he spoke to Edgar, or to the bird.
    "Grimm is a brave and loyal friend," Edgar said solemnly.   "He must have taken to you.   Possibly it was the corn.   In any case, I must ask you a favor, for me, for the ladies, and for Grimm – for that is his name.   I don't believe you've been properly introduced.   I must ask that you say absolutely nothing of what you've seen and heard here to anyone.   You may talk freely to those of us who are present, when you are in private,