Gideon's Spear by Darby Karchut Read Free Book Online

master’s arrogant tone.
    The Amandán started to answer when it pricked its ears up at the growl of an engine. Snapping its teeth in frustration, it slunk behind the wall and crashed away through the underbrush filling the ravine. As the three youths looked at each other, a vehicle pulled into the driveway; a door slammed closed with a squeal a moment later.
    â€œWe better go,” Rafe said. He pushed his sister toward the side of the house.
    â€œHere, take these.” Finn handed the knives over. “At least you’ll be armed. Remember what I told you about fighting the Amandán?”
    â€œKeep your back to a wall or tree,” Rafe said.
    â€œStick them with the sharp end,” Savannah added.
    â€œAnd hold tight to your weapon,” said a deep voice. The back screen slapped open. Gideon sauntered out, thumbs tucked in his jeans pockets. He nodded at the blades in their hands. “I take it those are mine?”
    The friends looked at each other in alarm. Finn braced himself. “It was my idea. I wanted them to have—”
    With a wave of dismissal, Gideon walked closer. “It was the right thing to do.”
    â€œBy the way, an Amandán was just here a minute ago. On the other side of the wall.”
    Gideon stiffened. “Did it try anything?”
    â€œNo, sir, it just made a lot of threats. It took off when it heard your truck.”
    â€œCurious. They are normally skittish around humans in groups.” The Knight grunted, gazing into the woods beyond. After a moment, he asked the twins. “Do you know how to use a knife?” They shook their heads. “Would you like me to teach you, then?”
    Rafe and Savannah glanced at each other. A silent conversation flowed between them. Then Savannah cleared her throat.
    â€œMr. Lir? You should know that our parents don’t want us around you. In fact, we’re not even supposed to be over here.”
    â€œAh, I see.” A shadow flickered across his face. “And I can guess why.” He studied them. “So, tell me, lass. Do you think I’m a monster to young Finn here?”
    â€œNope.” Trust shone in Savannah’s dark eyes.
    â€œAnd do you think it is wise to disobey your parents?”
    â€œNo.” Rafe glanced around the yard. “But we need to learn this stuff. And we can’t learn it by ourselves.”
    â€œYou can teach them in secret,” Finn said. “When Mr. and Mrs. Steel aren’t around.”
    â€œI cannot. To do so would not only be dishonest, it would not be respecting their parents’ wishes. So you two best return home.”
    â€œAh, come on, Gideon,” Finn argued. “Mrs. Steel’s at the hospital all the time doing her doctor thing, and Mr. Steel is teaching some seminar for the next two weeks at the college. They wouldn’t even know.”
    â€œ I would know. And so would the three of you.”
    â€œYou could just teach them—”
    â€œNo.”
    â€œâ€”the basics so that they could defend themselves.”
    â€œNo.”
    â€œIt would only be for a few weeks, then they’d be able to—”
    â€œI said, no.”
    â€œYou’re not even listening to me.” Finn’s voice rose in frustration.
    â€œNo, you’re not listening to me !” Gideon snapped, just as frustrated. A muscle danced in his jaw. “Continue arguing, and you’ll find yourself spending the day in your room.”
    Embarrassment at being slapped down in front of his friends made Finn’s cheeks burn. “You just don’t want me hanging out with them because they’re mortal.” Chin jutting out, he squared up to his master and locked gazes.
    â€œOh, so now you’re putting words in my mouth?” Gideon fired back.
    Brother and sister froze in surprise at both their tones and the abrupt flare-up of tempers. Tugging on her brother’s arm, Savannah inched toward the side