Gideon's Spear by Darby Karchut Read Free Book Online Page A

gate. “Maybe we better leave,” she said.
    â€œLet go—I want to watch.” Rafe shook free. “I think this is that warp spasm thing Finn told us about.”
    â€œBoys are sick.” Savannah grabbed his arm again and yanked. “Come on, Rafe!” He followed reluctantly. “See you tonight, Finn.” Both Tuatha De Danaan, locked in a silent battle of wills, ignored the twins as they disappeared.
    â€œYou don’t even care if they get killed or not,” Finn spat. A corner of his brain screamed at him to shut up. He ignored it.
    â€œBest rein in that temper, Finnegan MacCullen. I’ll not have my apprentice speak that way to me when…”
    â€œGee, I’m surprised you didn’t take their knives away and throw the twins over the fence to the Amandán.”
    Gideon’s eyes narrowed. “A tempting idea. But it wouldn’t be them I’d be pitching over the wall.”
    Finn sneered a challenge. “Right. Like you would.”
    Bad mistake.
    Gideon lunged for him. With a squawk, Finn darted to one side and bolted for the sanctuary of the house, the Knight on his heels. He jerked to a halt when Gideon snagged him by the hem of his shirt.
    â€œOh, no, you don’t.” Reeling him backward, he grabbed Finn by the arm and pulled him around until they stood face to face. “Now here it is, a grand, fine summer morning, and the two of us are already butting heads like a pair of billy goats. Why is that?”
    A dozen reasons pinged around the inside of Finn’s head. Because one minute you’re on my case to be this perfect warrior. Then the next minute you treat me like I’m a baby. You won’t help Rafe and Savannah. And then there’s the whole “hey, surprise, you’re a mythical weapon of legend” thing . He tightened his lips and said nothing, his face sullen. He won’t understand .
    Gideon’s own face suddenly softened. “Been a bit of a rough spell, eh? What with the discovery of you being the Spear and all.”
    Finn gawked in surprise at the sympathy in his master’s voice. He nodded and looked away. “Yes, sir. I guess.”
    â€œAye, for me, too,” Gideon said, almost to himself. He glanced around the yard, his gaze taking in the training apparatuses and the woods beyond.
    â€œI know, I know.” Finn sighed. “Target practice, then get my chores done.”
    Gideon’s mouth twitched at the note of self-pity. “First I want to have a look at your hands. In fact, I should have done so earlier. Come along.” He led the way into the house.
    Inside, Finn took a seat at the table that was still covered with breakfast dishes. Pushing a plate to one side, he waited as Gideon fetched some clean cloths and a large bowl of sláinte nettle potion. Finn wrinkled his nose as its pungent scent fought with the leftover smell of buttered toast. Not a good combination.
    Using the tip of his hunting knife, the Knight loosened the knots on the bandages and unwrapped one hand, then the other. Master and apprentice leaned over to peer more closely.
    â€œThey’ve healed enough to not need wrappings any longer,” Gideon said with a grunt of satisfaction. “But I want you to soak them twice a day for the rest of the week to minimize the scars.” He nodded toward the basin. “Do that now, then clean the kitchen. Meet me out front when you’re finished. And make sure you’re armed.”
    â€œYes, sir.” Finn stuck his hands into the cool liquid. He winced at the stinging, then relaxed as it faded. “What about target practice?”
    Gideon rose, carrying a few dishes to the sink before heading to the living room. “We’re going hunting instead. That Amandán was too bold for my liking—coming that close to our house and in broad daylight with humans around. It may be they are not only losing their dread of us, but of mortals, as