Read Online Gideon's Spear by Darby Karchut - Free Book Online

his running feet. Why is she interested in me? What’s the deal between her and the Amandán? And why is Gideon so freaked about this?
    They struggled up the final slope. Reaching the road, they slowed to a walk, both panting. With a final glance over his shoulder, Gideon ushered Finn to the truck and waved him inside. He scooted over to let his master climb in. After coaxing the engine on, the Knight made a tight U-turn and roared for home.
    They bounced along the dirt road. Dust billowed up behind them in a pinkish cloud. For a few minutes, Finn waited for his master to explain. When nothing happened, he squeezed his courage out and cleared his throat.
    â€œUm…Gideon?”
    â€œNot now,” the Knight snapped. He stared straight ahead, hands on the wheel in a white-knuckle grip, his dark brows pinching together. “I want to think without you pelting me with a load of foolish questions. Shut your yap, and give me a moment of bleedin’ peace.”
    That stung. Flaring his nostrils, Finn tightened his jaw and stared out his window, determined to never say another word as long as he lived. Or longer. Whichever pissed off his master the most. Icy silence frosted the inside of the cab.
    After a while, Gideon glanced over. “Look, Finn. I didn’t like Iona’s interest in you, nor her involvement with those beasties,” he explained. “I must speak with Mac Roth first.”
    Finn nodded. He picked off a piece of dried mud on his jeans. Of course, you have to talk with Mac Roth first. Wouldn’t want to talk with me about all this. Oh, yeah. Some master and apprentice team we are. Why do I have to be the last to know everything? He ground the dried mud into dust between his fingers.
    Leaving the dirt road where it intersected one of High Springs’ main streets, they rode in silence until they reached their neighborhood. Gideon pulled into the driveway and parked, leaving the engine running.
    â€œWait for me inside. I’ll return shortly.”
    â€œCan’t I come with you to Mac Roth’s?” He locked eyes with his master. “I mean, this is about me.”
    â€œNo. Now, in the house.”
    â€œPlease?”
    At the Knight’s stern expression, Finn muttered under his breath, kicked the door open, and climbed out. He watched from the porch as Gideon drove away without a backward glance, and then he let himself in, making sure to slam the front door as hard as he could.
    * * *
    â€œYe thick-headed bog trotter,” Mac Roth roared as he paced to and fro across his living room. “What do ye mean ye dinna tell him?”
    Gideon shifted his seat on the sofa in his friend’s living room. The springs sagged beneath him, having surrendered years ago in their battle with the redheaded Knight’s bulk. Refusing to sit with knees to chin any longer, he pulled himself to his feet, then took a stance by the window and stared out. Like his own yard, a hedge of sláinte nettle bordered one side.
    â€œAnd just why would I do that?” he said to the glass. Behind him, he could hear Mac Roth stumping about, each thump of his feet sending vibrations through the floorboards. “He’s carrying enough of a burden on his shoulders, what with being the Spear and all. Which, by the way, he’s none too keen about.” He turned around at the rumble of frustration.
    â€œBy keeping what happened those many years ago a secret, ye’re withholding knowledge about Iona that may save his life.” Mac Roth glared down at the other Knight, his beard bristling. “A fine example of Knighthood ye’re setting for him.”
    Crossing his arms over his chest, Gideon jutted his chin. “I came around for advice, not a lecture on how to raise my apprentice.”
    â€œNow don’t ye be getting yer Irish up with me, Lir. We’ve known each other too long. It’s time ye tell Finn about what happened.” Before Gideon could