Американские боги

           Whichwaywouldyouwalk—thewayofhardtruthsorthewayoffinelies?"

           Shadowhesitated."Truths,"hesaid."I’vecometoofarformorelies."

           Shelookedsad."Therewillbeaprice,"shesaid.

           "I’llpayit.What’stheprice?"

           "Yourname,"shesaid."Yourrealname.Youwillhavetogiveittome."

           "How?"

           "Likethis,"shesaid.Shereachedaperfecthandtowardhishead.Hefeltherfingersbrushhisskin,thenhefeltthempenetratehisskin,hisskull,feltthempushdeepintohishead.Somethingtickled,inhisskullandalldownhisspine.Shepulledherhandoutofhishead.Aflame,likeacandle-flamebutburningwithaclearmagnesium-whiteluminance,wasflickeringonthetipofherforefinger.

           "Isthatmyname?"heasked.

           Sheclosedherhand,andthelightwasgone."Itwas,"shesaid.Sheextendedherhand,andpointedtotheright-handpath."Thatway,"shesaid."Fornow."

           Nameless,Shadowwalkeddowntheright-handpathinthemoonlight.Whenheturnedaroundtothankher,hesawnothingbutdarkness.Itseemedtohimthathewasdeepundertheground,butwhenhelookedupintothedarknessabovehimhestillsawthetinymoon.

           Heturnedacorner.

           Ifthiswastheafterlife,hethought,itwasalotliketheHouseontheRock:partdiorama,partnightmare.