Got it The boy leaned the broom against the side of the house and wiped his sweaty hands on his jeans A look of recognition spread across his face when he noticed the thick ring of twisted gold loosely encircling the man’s neck Hey you’re him And just who might I be You’re the Knight Gideon Lir I was looking for you I’m he began Finnegan MacCullen Gideon finished for him Me new apprentice Who for some unknown reason has unexpectedly arrived on me doorstep a day early
Two I go by Finn not Finnegan He inched closer to the edge of the porch Céad mile fáilte Gideon said with a nod He raked strong fingers through his black hair then pointed toward the gate Well Finn not Finnegan Don’t just stand there fetch yer kit Oh yeah Finn trotted down the steps and across the yard aware of Gideon’s gaze on him He hurried to his pack Taking advantage of having his back to the Knight Finn pulled
up his shirt and gave his face a swipe Reaching with one hand for the pack he tried to smooth his hair with the other hand Close the gate behind ye Gideon ordered and headed toward the house Finn jogged back his pack swinging from one shoulder He followed the Knight inside swallowing So far so good At least he didn’t tell me to come back tomorrow Leave yer bag for now Gideon gestured toward a wooden crate next to the door The box contained a pair of mud-caked work boots several dirty rags and a tin pail A row of coat hooks above it held a canvas hunting jacket As Finn dropped his pack Gideon closed the door behind him Join me in the kitchen We’ll speak over an early lunch Finn looked around as he trailed the Knight across the main room the last touch of the late morning sun skimming through a wide pair of windows He eyed furniture cluttering the small room A stone fireplace took up most of one wall His face lit up at the the shabby
Stepping into the kitchen in the rear of the house Finn’s stomach growled at the rich aroma of lamb and herbs and potatoes rising from the steaming pot on the stove That smells good He sniffed What is it Why Irish stew of course Gideon walked over to the stove giving the pan a stir Hand me a couple of bowls They’re in the cupboard next to the sink assortment of knives daggers and a few hatchets all of bronze resting horizontally on pegs above the mantel Books filled the shelves on the opposite side of the room next to a battered but tidy desk tucked under the stairs leading up to the second floor Gideon ladled a generous portion in each one passed them to Finn then followed him over to the table in the corner of the room carrying a still-warm loaf of brown bread wrapped in a clean cloth Pulling out his chair he motioned for Finn to take a seat across from him Uncovering the loaf he cut several thick slabs and handed one to Finn
