Американские боги

           Mymothertoldme."

           "That’sgreat,"saidShadow,politely.

           Themadmanstaredatthegroundbelowthemintently,sayingnothing.Thenhedroppedfromthetree.

           Ahawkfelllikeastonetotheground,pulledoutofitsplummetintoaswoop,beatitswingsheavilyandflewbacktothetree,ababyrabbitinitstalons.ItlandedonabranchclosertoShadow.

           "Areyouhungry?"askedthemadman.

           "No,"saidShadow."IguessIshouldbe,butI’mnot."

           "I’mhungry,"saidthemadman.Heatetherabbitrapidly,pullingitapart,sucking,tearing,rending.Ashefinishedwiththem,hedroppedthegnawedbonesandthefurtotheground.Hewalkedfurtherdownthebranchuntilhewasonlyanarm’slengthfromShadow.ThenhepeeredatShadowunselfconsciously,inspectinghimwithcareandcaution,fromhisfeettohishead.Therewasrabbit-bloodontheman’schinandhischest,andhewipeditoffwiththebackofhishand.

           Shadowfelthehadtosaysomething."Hey,"hesaid.

           "Hey,"saidthemadman.Hestooduponthebranch,turnedawayfromShadowandletastreamofdarkurinearcoutintothemeadowbelow.Itwentonforalongtime.Whenhehadfinishedhecroucheddownagainonthebranch.

           "Whatdotheycallyou?"askedHorus.

           "Shadow,"saidShadow.

           Themadmannodded."Youaretheshadow.Iamthelight,"hesaid.