Less Is Lost

by Andrew Sean Greer

“An Age of Iron,” Mandern says, chuckling, “in which man has forsaken the gods! Only a fraction of the old magic remains, and impostors are everywhere!” The old man looks out at the smears of rain vibrating on the window glass. His smile fades. “But Arthur, there is hope.” The great author quietly says: “We are that fraction of old magic that remains.”