Now we’re waiting for Shean. I think he has some idea where the Crow may be. If there is such a man.

She closed the book and stuffed it away quickly as the old man shuffled in with Galen. They sat down. All at once it felt like a council of war, and Raffi’s nerves tightened as the tension gripped him.

Shean began. He laid the small glass globe carefully on the table, his hand trembling slightly. ‘Galen has explained how you came to find this. I’m not sure, but I think I know what it is. I have spoken to him about it; that knowledge lies only between us, for now. It is a great relic, and if it is what I think, than it will lead you to the Crow.’ He looked uneasy. ‘If that is where you still wish to go.’

Galen looked up, astonished. ‘Of course it is.’

The old man paused, moistening his dry lips. ‘The House of Trees, keeper, if anything remains of it, is under the darkest, most dangerous part of the city. Those who have gone there have not returned.’

‘So you know where it is?’ the Sekoi asked drily.

‘We have … some idea. There is an ancient list of ways – a list of streets. It dates almost certainly from before the fall of the city. Others have copied it and, I presume, followed it. As I say, none have come back.’

‘You haven’t tried?’ Carys was surprised.

The old man’s gloved fingers twisted together. ‘No. I feel it’s important I am here. We must gather, find our scattered brothers, re-build the Order. This will be our centre – the heart of the network. We need you here, Galen. Stay with us.’

Galen stared at him. ‘What about me? I need the Crow!’

‘My son,’ the old man said softly. ‘Have you ever thought that there may be no Crow?’

‘NO!’ Galen leapt up, his face dark and wrathful. ‘Never! And how can you say that! Even think it! What has happened to your faith, old man? Has this city of horrors smothered it?’

Shean sat silent. Finally he said, ‘You may be right to rebuke me. I’ve lived here too long in the dark, Galen; seen too many martyrs, too many children dragged away. Under this room so many of their bodies lie, bought from the Watch, secretly buried. And maybe I’ve become weak. Maybe I’ve thought, if the Crow was here, would he not have saved us from this? Would he not have risen up and saved the city?’