Page 36 of Treachery in the Highlands
Kieran's eyes narrow again, and I immediately regret my sarcastic jibe."Not even close, boy.That was only the warm-up.Do it again, five more times."
Though I'm still breathing hard from the exertion, I suck in a deep breath and blow it out.Then I hoist the caber again, roaring as I throw it halfway across the courtyard.I fist pump and shout, jumping up and down like lunatic.Rachel claps and cheers.Well, at least she appreciates my effort.
"Not done yet, laddie.I have another test for ye."Kieran gives me that evil grin again."Something much more dangerous."
Oh, great.I think he's trying to give me a heart attack just to get rid of me.
Kieran leads me back into the house, into the long gallery as it turns out.I haven't seen this room before.It has large windows and three separate sections, unlike the great hall on the lower floor.This room doesn't have any kind of furniture, not even a table.My heart sinks as Kieran gestures to a rack of weapons nearby.
"Now, let's see how ye handle a claymore."
I scrutinize the array of lethal-looking weapons."A claymore?That's your weapon of choice, huh?You seem like the kind of guy who'd want the biggest, baddest sword around."
"There are larger swords out there---such as the Wallace, the Celtic war sword, and the silver basket hilt.But I prefer my claymore."
"Can't deny it's awesome."
Kieran's lips twitch in what might be the ghost of a smile."Dinnae fash,macan.We'll start ye off with a wooden practice sword."
"Oh, how merciful of you," I mutter under my breath.
I grab the practice sword, nearly dropping it as I underestimate its weight.How can wood be so...hefty.Kieran hoists his own wooden claymore with ease, twirling it like it's made of paper.
Kieran's grin is almost feral as he settles into a fighting stance."Show me what ye've got, Finnegan."
He proceeds to put me through my paces, challenging me to beat him in this round of swordplay.He nicks me a few times---strictly to show off, I think---then I start to gain the upper hand.I wonder briefly if Kieran is holding back so he won't accidentally hurt me.But I finally decide he's not the type to do that.By the time our practice session ends, we're both sweaty and exhausted---in a good way.I haven't felt this energized...ever.
Kieran studies me with a less bloodthirsty gleam in his eyes this time."Ye've got potential, laddie.But don't get cocky.There's more to protecting my daughter than swinging a sword."
"Whatever you want me to do, I'm game."I lean on my practice claymore for support."What's next?Wrestling a bear?Climbing a mountain on hands and knees?"
The corner of Kieran's mouth twitches."Don't tempt me, Finnegan.I could insist you climb Beann Dealgach exactly that way---on all fours.But for now, we'll work on your tracking skills.The Highlands can be treacherous, and ye need to learn how to navigate them."
"Uh, what was that phrase you spouted?I assume it was Gaelic."
"Aye, 'twas my mother tongue.Beann Dealgach is the mountain on which Dùndubhan resides."Kieran waves toward the gates."Come with me, Joseph."
Rachel races up to us."I must go with you, please, Father."
Kieran rolls his eyes and sighs."No,mo nighean.This is a trial Joseph must undertake without your assistance."
Just as I open my mouth to ask the obvious question, Rachel glances my way and explains."Mo nigheanis the Gaelic version of 'my daughter'.Enjoy your manly time with the laird of the castle."
I follow him, my legs wobbling slightly from the exertion of our sparring match.We make our way to the edge of the castle grounds, where the manicured lawns give way to wild, rugged terrain.The misty Scottish landscape stretches out before us, a patchwork of emerald hills and shadowy glens.
"All right, laddie," Kieran says, crossing his arms over his broad chest."I'm going to give ye a head start.Ye have five minutes to disappear into the wilderness.Then, I'll come after ye.If ye can evade me for an hour, ye pass this test."
I blink at him, wondering if I've misheard."You want me to play hide-and-seek in the Scottish wilderness?With you as the seeker?"
"Aye, that's the idea.And I suggest ye start running, laddie.Your time starts now."
Determined to meet Kieran's challenge, I sprint through the woods, tripping over rocks and depressions but never falling despite the uneven terrain.As I push deeper into the forest, I try to think strategically, knowing Kieran will easily track my obvious trail if I just keep running in a straight line.Veering left, I head toward a babbling stream I can hear in the distance.The sound of rushing water grows louder as I approach, and I step carefully into the shallow creek, wincing at the icy cold that seeps through my boots.
Wading upstream for several yards, I hope the water will mask my scent and muddy my trail.When I spot a low-hanging branch from a nearby oak, I seize my chance.With a grunt of effort, I haul myself up into the tree, scraping my palms on the rough bark.Perched on a sturdy limb about fifteen feet off the ground, I try to catch my breath and calm my racing heart.The mist swirls around me, providing some cover, but I know it won't be enough to fool Kieran for long.I'd guess that man must have the tracking skills of a bloodhound.
Just as I'm starting to think I might have given Kieran the slip, I hear it---the faint crunch of leaves underfoot, too heavy to be an animal.
Kieran's massive form materializes through the mist, his golden eyes scanning the forest floor.I hold my breath, not daring to move a muscle as he pauses directly beneath my perch.He kneels, examining something on the ground that I can't see.
