Shadowmagic - Sons of Macha by John Lenahan Read Free Book Online Page B

bucket and moved over to the table on the other side of the room. ‘Oh, I don’t give that speech. I usually just try to discourage Essa’s beaus for their own safety.’
    We laughed at that as he whipped the cloth off his bucket like a TV magician. ‘I’ve brought you a gift.’ Buried deep in snow, with only their necks sticking out, were four bottles. I grabbed one, releasing it from its icy bed.
    â€˜Beer!’ I shouted.
    â€˜I remembered that last time you were in Castle Muhn you said you wanted beer that is “lighter, fizzier and colder” – well, try this.’ He reached over and placed his hand on the neck of the bottle and mumbled. The cork began to spin and then rise until it shot out of the bottle with a satisfying pop.
    I took a quick gulp to catch the foam from overflowing onto the floor. Gerard scrutinised my face for any hint of criticism. ‘Well?’ he asked as I wiped my mouth with my sleeve.
    â€˜I think you should give up on this wine stuff and become a full-time brewer.’
    Gerard beamed like a child who had just received a stick-on star on his homework.
    â€˜Did I hear someone shouting beer?’ It was Brendan at the door.
    â€˜Brendan,’ I said. ‘Come in and meet Essa’s father, Lord Gerard of Muhn.’
    â€˜Oh,’ Brendan said, a bit surprised while improvising a bow. ‘How do you do? I’m a big fan of your wine.’
    â€˜Well, come in and try my beer,’ Gerard said without standing.
    Brendan hesitated and said, ‘Actually I was just passing with my mother.’ Brendan reached into the hallway and took his mother’s hand and guided her into the room. ‘Lord Gerard, may I introduce Nora Fallon.’
    I hadn’t seen Brendan’s mother since she arrived in the Hall of Spells. She was dressed in a green felt-ish tunic with gold embroidery and leather trousers – pretty much what everyone around here wears and it suited her to a T.
    Gerard jumped to his feet, and bowed. ‘Of course I have heard about both of you. Welcome home, Druids. Please join us in a drink.’
    Nora bowed. ‘Thank you, my lord, but no. I have to tend to my granddaughter.’ Brendan started to go with her when Nora said to her son, ‘No, please stay. I know how much you are missing beer.’ She bowed once again to us and left.
    â€˜Your mother,’ Gerard said after seating Brendan and uncorking a beer for him, ‘is … old.’
    â€˜Yes, try not to point that out to her when you meet her next. She’s getting a bit tired of that.’
    â€˜But according to my daughter a couple of drops of blood from that remarkable Pooka friend of yours would change that – would it not?’
    â€˜Tuan has offered my mother some dragon blood but she says she feels great and likes herself the way she is.’
    â€˜Well, it sounds as if your mother knows her own mind. I like that in a woman.’ Gerard slapped Brendan on the shoulder, changing the subject. ‘My daughter speaks highly of you, Druid.’
    â€˜Well, she hasn’t hit me yet,’ the cop said.
    Gerard laughed, ‘It’s a shame you are not going on our little expedition but I understand about parental responsibilities.’
    â€˜Wait,’ I said. ‘Are you coming?’
    â€˜Oh yes,’ Gerard said, ‘Oisin has summoned me – I am an integral part of the plan.’

    â€˜Look it’s a three and a half day ride to the base of Mount Cas,’ I said. ‘There is no reason to leave at dawn. We can leave at, like, ten and still be there way before it’s dark on the fourth day.’
    â€˜Son, we leave at dawn – that’s how it is.’
    â€˜Who says? Where is it etched in stone that all expeditions must leave at dawn?’
    Finally Dad gave me one of his patented withering stares that, although he looked like my annoying younger cousin, still