Finn's Choice Read Online Free PDF Page A

secret wish, one that he kept well-buried because it made Finn feel like some sniveling little kid, rose to the surface before he could stomp it back down. The wish that somehow, he and Gideon were family.
Real
family.
    After Gideon and Finn dusted themselves clean with a whisk broom and a vigorous shaking of jackets, they all gathered in the kitchen. Finn took a seat between Rafe and Savannah. In spite of the
Scáthach’s
visit and the subsequent fight with the Amandán, his mouth watered at the aroma of grilled salmon. A warrior eats when he can, he recalled the Knight telling him just last month. He loaded his plate with a thick fillet and wild rice, selected enough asparagus to keep his master off his back, then dug in. Chewing, he listened as Gideon told Rufus and Susanna about the goddess and the trials.
    â€œNow, in addition to the troubles with the goddess,” Gideon added, “the Amandán have declared war on you and your children in retaliation for your help this summer.” He looked at Susanna, then Rufus. “And, even though I will be preparing Finn for the trials, I promise to protect your family. In fact, I’ve already set a plan in motion to help me do so.”
    â€œGideon, I don’t think we need—” Rufus began.
    â€œBut
I
do.” Susanna placed a hand on his arm, interrupting herhusband. “What do you have in mind, Gideon?”
    â€œIt is fortunate that two unrelated events have come together at the same time. Kel O’Shea has offered to help us both guard you and keep the number of goblins in this area under control.” Gideon paused and glanced at Finn with an odd, almost apologetic, expression. “And, with our neighbor moving away, it provides a place for the Knight and her apprentice to live. They will be renting Mrs. Martinez’s home. For now.”
    Finn spewed water and a few kernels of rice. “
What
?” he croaked. Drying his chin, he stared at his master in disbelief. “Why didn’t you tell me?” His voice rose to an awkward level.
    â€œBecause I had just returned from Mac Roth, who has been the coordinator behind much of this. I dinna have time to tell you, since we’ve been a wee bit preoccupied this last hour.”
    Like that’s a reason
, Finn thought. As the adults continued their discussion, he pushed his plate away, appetite gone, and slumped back in his chair.
My life stinks like wet goblin
.
    Savannah leaned over, her shoulder pressing against his. “Finn, I know you’re worried about the Sca-thee. The Sky-ha. However you say her name.”
    â€œ
Ska-ha
,” Finn supplied, vaguely wondering why he even cared.
    â€œ
Ska-ha
,” she repeated. “But like we said when you came back from the Festival, we’ve got your back in this. Fellow warriors, remember?” She tapped the woven lion’s-hair bracelet on his wrist, a match to the ones she and Rafe wore. Her grandfather had given all three of them the traditional Zulu symbols of braveryin commemoration of their victory over the Amandán. Then, she squeezed his hand, holding it long enough for Finn to wish she would never let go. When she did, he almost reached for it again. He jumped when Rafe nudged him in the ribs.
    â€œKnight O’Shea was the one from the Festival, right?” Rafe asked. “The one with apprentice what’s-her-name? The one that doesn’t like you and Lochlan much?”
    â€œTara Butler.” The thought of living next door to Tara and her master, even temporarily, made Finn wish that the
Scáthach
had taken him after all. “It gets worse.”
    â€œHow could it?”
    Keeping one eye on the adults still deep in discussion, and with the twins leaning in from both sides, Finn explained in a low voice about the attraction between Gideon and Kel O’Shea.
    â€œYou’re right,” Rafe said. “It’s worse.”
    Finn nodded. “Talk about