Read Finn Finnegan for Free Online Page B

he repeated. The feeling intensified, growing like a storm racing down the mountainside before attacking the plains east of the city.
    He crouched low, still chanting, then shot forward. Arms and legs pumping, he picked up speed. Halfway across the yard, he gave a cry and flung himself into the air. Instead of falling back to earth, he rose higher and higher, his mouth stretched wide in wonder.
    With a thump, he landed on the roof.
    Clutching the edge of the dormer, he wobbled a moment before catching his balance. “Ye gods!” he gasped in an unconscious imitation of his master. He spun around and beamed down at Gideon. “Did you see that?” he shouted. “Did you see what I did? That was so freaking awesome!” He punched a fist into the air, almost losing his footing. “Oops.”
    â€œ Gle mhaith. ” Gideon strolled across the yard, hands stuffed into his jeans pockets and a look of relief on his face. “But lower yer voice, boyo. Even through we’re secluded back here, the neighbors might become alarmed.”
    Finn nodded and squatted down on his heels, still grinning ear to ear. “What does glay moth mean?”
    â€œIt means ‘very good’ or ‘well done’ in Gaelic.”
    â€œ Gk mhaith ” he repeated, practicing it a few times. After a few minutes, he scratched his head as he glanced around. “Um…Gideon?”
    â€œYes?”
    â€œSo, how do I get down?”
    â€œNow, why would ye want to do a thing like that? Ye’ve only just got up there. After dozens of attempts.” Gideon waved a hand. “Revel in yer success.” He continued toward the house. “Well, I’m off to bed.”
    As Finn listened in disbelief, the back door closed with a snick. For a long minute, the sound of crickets serenaded the evening.
    â€œGideon?”
    The crickets chirped louder.
    Uh-uh—no way. He’s not going to leave me stuck up here all night , Finn thought. Or is he? He dropped to his bottom and stretched his legs out. Maybe this is a test, too, and I’m supposed to figure out what to do next .
    Leaning forward, he peered at the ground. Maybe I could hang from the gutter and drop down . He inched forward, trying to work up the nerve. Man, that’s a long ways down there .
    He jumped when the window next to him flew open with a bang.
    Gideon stuck his head out. “We’ll tackle landing in the morning.” He waved Finn in, moving to one side as the boy clambered past. “Shower, and then to bed.”
    Fifteen minutes later, Finn crawled under his covers. He yawned as he stretched his back and legs. The bedside lamp cast a warm glow around the room. Even after only a few days, it felt like home in a way his aunt and uncle’s house never quite had. Maybe because he had always had to share a room and wear hand-me-down clothes. And struggle for hand-me-down attention.
    Clasping his hands behind damp hair, he gazed at the ceiling, reliving the feeling of the Song thrumming through him. Gideon was right—words are powerful magic .
    The sound of humming drifted through his half-opened door. Lifting his head off the pillow, Finn listened to Gideon moving about his own room across the hall. After a few moments, the Knight broke into song.
    â€œ The minstrel boy to the war has gone ” sang Gideon softly in a fine, rich voice. “ In the ranks of death, ye shall find him; His father’s sword he has girded on, and his wild harp slung behind him. ” The voice faded to humming, then stopped.
    There was a footstep, then a soft tap on his door. Finn grinned, secretly pleased his master always wished him good night. Mom and Da used to do that , he thought.
    Gideon stuck his head in. “ Codladh sumh , Finn.” He started to close the door, then paused. “And excellent job, boyo, writing in yer journal each day. I thank ye for keeping yer word.” With a smile, he left, shutting the