Beyond Shadow Bank

This is a contest inspired by the writing style of Roger Zelazny. He was a science-fiction/fantasy who first came to prominence in the 1960s and 1970s. While other authors were either trying to emulate J. R. R. Tolkein or embracing the general consensus that science fiction automatically meant B movie camp, he embraced a darker, noir style of writing. His characters were often flawed gods or immortals, the subject matter often covered religion and philosophy, and his writing style was crisp and minimalist. His work inspired such modern writers as George R. R. Martin and Neil Gaiman. This challenge is in honor of him.