The Sixth Gun Almanac, Part Two

Entry 2: Screaming Crow

A few years back, I met a Navajo who claimed to be the grandson of Screaming Crow. I can't say for sure if he was telling the truth, but I don't see why he'd have reason to lie. Anyway, he told me that Screaming Crow, this great medicine man who had tamed the Thunderbirds, was still alive, only he was hiding on account of all the people who wanted to kill him and steal his power. Thing is, if Screaming Crow was alive, that would make him well over one-hundred and twenty-five years old. Most people—myself included—believe Screaming Crow was killed and beheaded by members of the McGentry gang, to whom he owed a gambling debt. Since his supposed death, no fewer than eight shrunken Screaming Crow heads have appeared among collectors and sideshows alike. It's said that when the head is rinsed in warm blood, the lips begin to twitch and the long-dead shaman will answer any one question. Of course, almost every head that's been found has been fake—usually a shriveled up apple with some hair glued on top. But who knows? Maybe one of those heads is real after all … or maybe Screaming Crow, old though he may be, is still alive and well.

                                                                                                                                                (Appears in The Sixth Gun #1)