Read Online Finn's Choice by Darby Karchut - Free Book Online

Rowling and Le Guin and the other authors knew it, too. But they couldn’t tell the truth, because people would think they’re crazy. So they told it through stories. Does that make sense?”
    â€œKind of.” He tightened his fingers around hers. As the jagged pain settled into a dull one he could live with, he sighed. “Do you know how to say ‘my friend’ in Gaelic?”
    â€œNo, how?”
    â€œMo chara.”
    â€œMo chara,”
she repeated. “I like the sound of it.”
    Me, too
.
    Hand in hand, they walked to the door. He opened it. Then, standing aside to allow her to step through first, Finn let her go.

Five
    â€œBut, Dad,” Rafe’s voice rose in frustration as Finn trailed Savannah into the garage. “That’s when Finn has his first trial. Isn’t that more important?” Father and son were standing off to one side, while the Knights and their apprentices waited nearby. Snow was now blowing horizontally. Through the still-open garage door, Finn could barely make out Gideon’s house.
    â€œSon, I told you and your sister about the trip two months ago,” Rufus said. “And we’re not exactly in a position to help much. Gideon said we need to keep our heads down for now.”
    â€œOh, man.” Savannah groaned. “I forgot all about that trip.”
    â€œWhat trip? What’s going on?” Finn asked.
    Rufus Steel spoke before Rafe could explain. “Susanna has a four-day medical conference in San Diego the weekend of the twenty-fourth through the twenty-seventh. We had decided to take the twins and make a mini family vacation out of it. It was plannedsix months ago.” He looked over at Gideon. “Unless you need us here.”
    â€œWhile I appreciate the offer, Rufus Steel, ’twould ease my mind to know you and your family are far away when the goddess returns. Things might become a wee bit rough. Speaking of rough, time for us to make a dash for home.” Gideon shook hands with the man.
    With the last two days’ events rattling around inside of his skull, Finn hurried through the storm with the others back to Kel O’Shea’s house. He noticed Lochlan dragging behind. Slowing down, he waited for him in the middle of the deserted street.
    â€œIf it’ll make you feel any better,” Finn said, jogging in place and his hands shoved in his pockets for warmth, “she just wants to be friends with me, too.”
    â€œGood.” Relief flooded Lochlan’s face. It was followed by remorse. “Sorry, Finn. I didn’t mean—”
    â€œI know what you meant. C’mon. I’m freezing out here.”
    They ran the rest of the way. After stomping snow off their shoes, they joined the others in the kitchen. While Kel O’Shea sat at the table with the other two Knights, Tara was bustling about, making tea with water still hot from lunch.
    â€œGideon, I want to check out the woods behind our house as soon as possible,” Kel O’Shea said. “Get a feel for the terrain and where the Amandán’s den is located. You said it’s a fairly aggressive pack?”
    â€œAye. And with Finn and me concentrating on preparing himfor the trials, it takes a load from my shoulders knowing you will be both guarding the Steels and keeping the beasties under control.”
    â€œAnd I might get my torc sooner than later,” Tara said as she carried over steaming mugs and placed them in front of the Knights.
    â€œThank you, miss.” Gideon took a sip as he peered out the kitchen window. “Tomorrow, then? The storm, most likely, will have blown itself out by then. These autumn tempests are quick to arrive and just as quick to depart.”
    â€œWe’ll join you,” Mac Roth said. “A fine chance for these ones,” he nodded at the apprentices, “to practice tracking.” He drained his mug and rose. “Come, Lochlan. ’Tis time we