Американские боги

           Heheldthebrandinthemiddle.Blueandyellowflameslickedhisredhand,buttheydidnotburn.

           "Thisisnotalandforgods,"saidthebuffaloman.Butitwasnotthebuffalomantalkinganymore,Shadowknew,inhisdream:itwasthefirespeaking,thecracklingandtheburningoftheflameitselfthatspoketoShadowinthedarkplaceundertheearth.

           "Thislandwasbroughtupfromthedepthsoftheoceanbyadiver,"saidthefire."Itwasspunfromitsownsubstancebyaspider.Itwasshatbyaraven.Itisthebodyofafallenfather,whosebonesaremountains,whoseeyesarelakes.

           "Thisisalandofdreamsandfire,"saidtheflame.

           Thebuffalomanputthebrandbackonthefire.

           "Whyareyoutellingmethisstuff?"saidShadow."I’mnotimportant.I’mnotanything.Iwasanokayphysicaltrainer,areallylousysmalltimecrookandmaybenotsogoodahusbandasIthoughtIwas…"Hetrailedoff.

           "HowdoIhelpLaura?"Shadowaskedthebuffaloman."Shewantstobealiveagain.IsaidI’dhelpher.Ioweherthat."

           Thebuffalomansaidnothing.Hepointedupwithhissoot-blackenedpalmfacingShadow,hisindexfingerpointingtowardtheroofofthecave.Shadow’seyesfollowed.Therewasathin,wintrylight,comingfromatinyopeningfarabove.

           "Upthere?"askedShadow,wishingthatoneofhisquestionswouldbeanswered.