Американские боги

           Shepickedthroughthewetshardsofboneandthebrainsuntilshefoundasmoothclearstonethetawnycolorofgarnet,opalescentfiresflickeringinitsdepths.Eaglestones,thoughtShadow.Shewasgoingtotakeittoherinfantson,deadtheselastthreenights,andshewouldlayitonhiscoldbreast.Bythenextsunrisetheboywouldbealiveandlaughing,andthejewelwouldbegrayandcloudedand,likethebirdithadbeenstolenfrom,quitedead.

           "Iunderstand,"hesaidtothebird.

           Thebirdthrewbackitsheadandcrowed,anditscrywasthethunder.

           Theworldbeneaththemflashedpastinonestrangedream.

           Lauraadjustedhergriponthestick,andshewaitedforthemansheknewasMr.Worldtocometoher.Shewasfacingawayfromhim,lookingoutatthestorm,andthedarkgreenhillsbelow.

           Inthissorryworld,shethought,thesymbolisthething.Yes.

           Shefelthishandclosesoftlyontoherrightshoulder.

           Good,shethought.Hedoesnotwanttoalarmme.HeisscaredthatIwillthrowhisstickoutintothestorm,thatitwilltumbledownthemountainside,andhewillloseit.

           Sheleanedback,justalittle,untilshewastouchinghischestwithherback.Hisleftarmcurvedaroundher.Itwasanintimategesture.Hislefthandwasopeninfrontofher.Sheclosedbothofherhandsaroundthetopofthestick,exhaled,concentrated.

           "Please.Mystick,"hesaid,inherears.