This is about a scene in "A Local Habitation," book two of the October Daye books by Seanan McGuire. Creepy night haunts need a creepy banjo theme.
I use an f D G Bb d tuning on the banjo for this one - G-minor open with the drone string down a full step to F. So it's roughly in G-minor? You're on your own here, guitarists. :)
lyrics
Beautiful death in ritual blossoms dried
Juniper berries, in fire, in flame reside
Circle of salt and the heart's own blood inside
Your petition we grant - did you hope it would be denied?
You have paid our price. Our attention is caught.
You have paid our price. Now see what you've bought
We eat your stories and wear them as our skin
From the end of your flesh our life begins
And we will not work if you withhold that fee
Tell me what fairy ever did any work for free?
You know our secret; our bargain is met
But we are hunger - or did you forget?
It seems to me that I know you from before
The skin I wear is strong and she dares to implore
That your life be spared, that the hero go free
That you live to send new death to me
Beautiful death in ritual blossoms dried
Juniper berries, in fire, in flames reside
Circle of salt and the heart's own blood inside
Your petition we grant - did you hope it would be denied?