Gideon's Spear Read Online Free

Lir has fought and hunted alone for too long, and has decided, in his stubbornness, that he needs no help. But ye did the right thing, lad. So, continue to guard yer master’s back, no matter how much he rages at ye. However, ye bring yer weapons and yer training and the Song to the field of battle, not this ,” he said, pointing at the bandages with a stern look on his usually jovial face.
    â€œYeah, that’s what Gideon said, too. He’s really angry about it.” Finn looked down and shuffled his feet. “Seems like he’s mad at me all the time.” He blinked in surprise when the Knight clapped a hand on his shoulder.
    â€œOh, he has a temper, to be sure. But he is also one of the finest Knights of our age. As was yer father. And he has much to teach ye, so learn well.”
    â€œI’m trying, but I never seem to do anything right.” Finn blew out a long breath. “He wants me to be as good as he is, and I never will.”
    Mac Roth shook his head. “He doesn’t want ye to be as good . He wants ye to be better . And he wouldn’t have taken ye on as an apprentice if he didn’t think ye had it in ye.”
    â€œEven though I’m half human?”
    â€œNow, ye know that doesn’t make a wee bit of difference to him, don’t ye?” At Finn’s nod, he continued. “Then cease yer fretting, boyo.”
    â€œAnd just what are you two whispering about over there?”
    Finn whirled around at Gideon’s voice. He glanced up at Mac Roth, praying he wouldn’t tell his master about their conversation. Relief flooded him when the Knight winked down at him.
    â€œWhy, we’re discussing this fine piece of Irish workmanship around the boyo’s neck. Whilst sharing our fond memories of young Asher.”
    Narrowing his eyes in suspicion, Gideon looked from one to the other for a long minute. “Of course you were.” Then, with a wave of his hand, he invited them back to the kitchen. “Tea?”
    â€œAye, thanks.” Mac Roth took a seat at the table squeezed into a corner of the small kitchen. He nodded in appreciation when Gideon plunked down a pot of tea and slabs of warm, buttery brown bread a few minutes later. Finn carried over plates and mugs for three, then joined them. He waited until the Knights had helped themselves before selecting the smallest slice, hoping his master would notice. No such luck.
    â€œI’ll place a fair bet this isn’t a social call?” said Gideon. A corner of his mouth twitched. “Although, knowing you, it could very well be.”
    Mac Roth shrugged. “Like most of our people, I enjoy the company of others. Unlike a certain Knight I could name who lives only for the hunt.”
    â€œGadabout,” Gideon said.
    â€œRecluse.” Mac Roth fired back. “And, by the way, why are ye speaking like the man on the six o’clock news?”
    Gideon shrugged. “I’m simply trying to ‘get the times.’”
    At Mac Roth’s look of confusion, Finn elaborated. “‘Get with the times,’ he means.”
    Mac Roth chuckled, then licked crumbs from his fingers. “Well, back to the reason for my visit—I’ve come with good news. The O’Neill family paid me a visit a few days ago.”
    â€œAsher’s parents?” Finn was careful to speak before popping the last bite of his bread into his mouth.
    â€œHis uncle’s family. By and by, did you hear Martin O’Neill has a place on the Council at this autumn’s Festival?” When Gideon made a face, he added. “As well as Kel O’Shea.” Mac Roth’s eyes twinkled.
    â€œKel O’Shea? Why, she’s naught but a girl!”
    Mac Roth laughed. “Ye best not say that in her presence. Knight O’Shea’s been ‘naught but a girl’ for over a century, Lir. I hear she has taken on her first apprentice, too—young Tara Butler.