While Shadow and Mr Wednesday meet secretly in St Louis, Bilquis arrives at the funeral home in Cairo to debate Mr Nancy and Mr Ibis. Laura rejoins Mad Sweeney.

Steeped in Cairo's history, Shadow discovers the ways of the dead with the help of Mr Ibis and Mr Nancy. In New Orleans, old friends of Mad Sweeney introduce Laura to the world of voodoo healing.

Shadow and Mr Wednesday look for Dvalin to repair the Gungnir spear, but before the dwarf can etch the runes of war, he requires a powerful artefact in exchange.

In Cairo, Mr Wednesday entrusts the Gungnir spear to Shadow. Plagued by the cries of Banshees, Mad Sweeney remembers his journey through the ages as he waits for the promised battle.

In the aftermath, Mr Wednesday disappears and Shadow is tormented. Those that remain witness the power of New Media as she is unleashed. The whole nation enter a state of panic brought on by Mr World.

Wednesday reappears in Shadow's life, wanting him to continue his war effort; Shadow learns about his destiny after a meeting with the god Wisakedjak.

Shadow explores his oddly welcoming new town before heading to Chicago for a gathering of the Old Gods on Koliada; Wednesday reconnects with his oldest friend.

As the search for the missing girl continues, Shadow dreams of Bilquis; Wednesday discovers the whereabouts of his old love, the Greek goddess Demeter, and resolves to free her.

Shadow and Technical Boy team up to search for Bilquis, who finds herself captive and in the midst of a crisis of identity; while visiting the local chapter of notorious biker gang Lords of Valhalla, Wednesday spots a familiar face.

Shadow explores notions of purpose, destiny and identity with a newly enlightened Bilquis; Technical Boy struggles with an identity crisis; Wednesday asks Shadow to join in on a new con.

Despite his past following him to Lakeside, Shadow makes himself at home and builds relationships within the town; Laura and Salim continue to hunt for Wednesday, who attempts one final win over Demeter.