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

parking area. A tall block-like structure of glass and concrete, more like an office building than a home, sat brooding in the dusk, as if resenting being stuck in such a rustic setting. It was windowless, except for the upper level where evenly spaced squares of glass decorated the building. It reminded Finn of a tomb, or a mausoleum found in a really nasty, grim dictatorship. A single light illuminated the front entry.
    They climbed out. Between the parking area and the front door, the landscape consisted of stepping stones laid out in a curving, geometric pattern and set in a bed of fine gravel. A blanket of snow covered the area, except for the stones and gravel, as if the flakes had melted as soon as they touched down. The more Finn stared at the stepping stones, the more he realized they created a giant three-lobed design—like three leaves joined together at the stems—with two circles around it.
    â€œThat three-sided shape is a
triquetra
—a mark of power among us Celts,” Gideon said. “By adding the double rings, a symbol of her own magic, she makes the
triquetra
even more powerful. Iona uses it as a ward, or shield, against uninvited visitors. Of all sorts. There are very few beings, mortal or supernatural, that have the power to break through and attack her on her home territory.” After loosening his weapon in its sheath, he led the way to the house.
    â€œLike, who could?” Finn followed, the gravel crunching like granola underfoot. He was careful to not walk on the stones. Forsome reason, he didn’t want to touch them. He noticed Gideon avoided them, too.
    â€œAngels, for one. The
Scáthach
, as well. Although it would be a challenge for them.”
    Angels
, Finn thought.
Like the two we met downtown this past summer
. The memory of that meeting floated through his mind.
    â€œ
Why, good morning, Gideon Lir
.”
    Finn and his master had turned around at the cultured voice. A tall, white-haired man, accompanied by an older teenage boy, was walking toward them. The boy’s eyes, a rich brown that matched his hair, were filled with curiosity as he gazed at Finn
.
    â€œAnd to you, Basil,” Gideon said in way of a greeting. As he chatted with the other man, the taller boy sauntered over to Finn
.
    â€œHow’s it going?”
    â€œOkay,” Finn replied
.
    â€œI’m Griffin, Basil’s apprentice,” he said. Tilting his head to one side, he studied Finn
.
    â€œYou’re a Tuatha De Danaan, aren’t you?”
    â€œH-how did you know?”
He even pronounced it right,
thought Finn
.
    â€œOh, Basil told me about your people once. You two hunt monsters, or something?”
    â€œUh, yeah. A kind of goblin,” Finn said vaguely. “Did…did you say you were an apprentice?”
    â€œYup. Basil’s my Mentor. What you might call a master.”
    For a long minute, Finn stared at Griffin, who waited with a trace of amusement. He licked his lips in confusion. “Are you guys…you know…”
    â€œHuman?” The other teen supplied. He shook his head. “Actually, we’re angels.”
    Finn blinked. “Angels.”
    â€œThat’s right.” Griffin grinned, his eyes crinkling at the corners. “The very top of the supernatural hierarchy, you might say. Basil and I are Terrae Angeli—guardian angels who control the four elements. My specialties are Earth and Fire.” He held up a hand and snapped his fingers. With a whoosh, flames ignited and began dancing along their tips. “Especially Fire.”
    Finn skidded to a halt. “Gideon! Those angels. Those Terrae Angeli we met this past summer. Couldn’t they…?”
    The Knight shook his head. “I know what you are thinking, but they cannot help us. Their abilities are innate. They cannot be transferred or borrowed. More’s the pity, for Basil is a decent sort and would probably want to aid us if he