Summary

The opening section of John Crow's Devil serves as a preface, but the title is “The End.” The village of Gibbeah is quiet. Though there are no birds in the sky, the people are afraid to look up for fear that they might see an omen. A man named Apostle York is locked in a room where he remains for three days before he issues his decision. During that time, a man named Clarence waits by the door. The Apostle York tells Clarence to stack and burn the bodies of the men, women, and children at the place where the roads meet. Clarence goes outside and calls for anyone who can hear him to help. No one answers at first, but Clarence shouts that the Apostle is calling on them to do this.

They are...