More Than Just Luck (The Luck Series Book 4)

by Jaclyn Weist

  “You rescue the others. I’ll find your mother.” Louie pushed past us. I could see the color already coming back to him. When he noticed my look, he gestured toward the cells. “The cells block magic, then store what they can suck from you.”

  “Lovely.” I needed to get out of here before it started working on me. I moved to the next cell to find fairies lying on the floor. I used the same pieces of metal and luck to get them out. April stirred and sat up. July was still sleeping. I picked up the fairies and took them into the hallway so the effects of the cell could wear off. “Hey, April.”

  She sat up and stretched. “Where am—oh. How’d I get here? Last thing I remember was trying to convince the queen to stay here for Midsummer’s Eve.” She sat up, but groaned and put her head between her knees.

  “The queen is trying to take everything away from me.” I couldn’t stop the tears anymore. I choked back a sob. The feeling of loneliness, experiencing the fairy king’s death, almost losing my mom—it was all too much to hold in.

  April climbed up to my knee and patted my hand. “Hey, what’s going on?”

  “Mom’s been missing since yesterday. Jared, Adam, and Beth are asleep, and I can’t wake them up. We were at a banquet with Queen Oona and King Jakob, and my friends fell asleep. The queen tried to poison me, but the king ate it instead and he’s dead.” I still didn’t get it. He’d told me I was the next queen, but why would he have sacrificed himself for me?

  April’s expression would’ve been comical if I wasn’t so busy trying to hold it together. The horror on her face matched the despair I was feeling. “You ate the food? It’s poisonous to humans!”

  I nodded and wiped my eyes, disgusted with myself. “Eoin tried to warn me, but he was too late to save the others. I should’ve remembered that fairy food was poisonous. I guess I was too hungry to care. It looked so good.”

  April snorted. “Of course it does. That’s how they get you.” She paced back and forth. “We need something to help you wake them. Your luck won’t work. We need something else.”

  “I have my sword, and my ring and necklace from Jared … oh, and I have a fairy stone.” I ticked items off on my fingers.

  April’s eyes widened. “You have a fairy stone? Where’d you get it?”

  I pulled it out. “I got it at the Blarney Stone.” I caught the look on her face. “Don’t worry. I didn’t kiss anything.”

  “Good. You still have some sense, at least.” She muttered something about fairy food while she inspected the stone. “I haven’t seen this marking before.”

  I explained to her what the shop owner had said about selling it the day before. She clapped with excitement when I was done.

  “These stones will attach themselves to a particular person sometimes, although it’s never happened with a human before.” She touched the clover and looked up at me with a bright smile. “I think this will help. I’ve seen something … one sec.” She pulled out her book of healing and scanned through it. She tapped a page excitedly. “Here it is. You need to make a tea with this inside, and have them drink it.”

  I stared at her. “We’re in the middle of a battle with the queen of the fairies, and you want me to make tea?”

  She sighed. “Give me the stone, and get back to the banquet room. I’ll meet you there.”

  “Thanks, April.” I stood just as Eoin came around the corner.

  “Oh, there you are. I was getting worried.” Eoin stopped when he saw the fairies. “Who are you?”

  “This is April. She’s my guardian fairy.”

  Eoin glared. “But I’m your guardian, remember?”

  “Is that …” April asked with wide eyes.

  “Yes, it’s Louie’s son. Please go make the tea. I need to find my mom.”

  “Your mom is here? Why?”

  “I’ll explain later. Go.” I stood and ran down the hallway to see where Louie had gone.

  I found him down another long row of cells. I peeked through the slots to find Mom asleep on the floor. If there was anything seriously wrong with her … “Thanks, Louie.” I unlocked the cell door and ran inside.

  “Mom?” I brushed her hair from her face.

  Mom lay still. She was breathing, but her face was pale. I grabbed under her arms and dragged her out of the cell. Louie snapped his fingers, making a cup appear in his hands. He poured it over her face, then backed up.

  I waited for a few seconds before she finally stirred and woke up. “Ugh, my head is killing me.”

  I leaned over and hugged her. “Mom! Oh, you’re okay. I was so worried.”

  “Where are we?” She sat up, looked around, and wiped the water off her face. “This isn’t the airport.”

  “You’re in the fairy kingdom, and you’re a prisoner. Or, well, you were until Louie found you. Now we’re going to get you out of here.” I helped her stand. “Louie, will you watch her? I need to go check on Jared and the others.”

  “Aye.” He stared at me for a moment before he spoke again. “I sent my only son after you to protect you. I can’t believe you were stupid enough to eat the food.”

  I lowered my head, my face reddening. “I’m sorry.”

  Mom glanced between us. “Would someone tell me what’s going on?”

  “Long story short, Adam, Jared, and Beth were poisoned.”

  “Take me to them,” she demanded.

  “There’s nothing—” Louie started, but went silent at a look from my mom.

  She turned to me with a fire in her eyes. “I want to see my son. Right now.”

  “Okay, let’s go.”

  I ran toward the banquet room, and the others followed after me. I probably could’ve had Eoin and Louie pop us there, but I was still embarrassed by the whole fairy food thing. Plus, Louie still looked pale from being locked up.

  The banquet room looked the same as when I left, except that the king was now gone. My friends lay on the floor snoring. I patted their cheeks, but they didn’t waken. Not that I expected them to, but time was running out.

  Louie leaned over to examine them. “Wow, they’re really out, aren’t they?”

  “Yes. Do you know where April is?” I looked at my watch and grumbled. Old habits die hard. My watch didn’t work right in this world.

  April appeared with July and a couple of other fairies. They were holding a small barrel like the one she’d used to brew my poison antidote. She dropped the stone into the barrel and poured some powder over the top. Each of the fairies pointed their wands at the tea and chanted. After a couple of seconds, the tea was steaming, and a rich, earthy aroma filled the air. April poured the drink into small cups and handed one to me. “Have each of them drink this.”

  Mom took another cup, propped Adam up, and slowly poured some of the tea into his mouth. He coughed and choked a little, but he finally swallowed. I started with Beth, and then moved on to Jared.

  I cradled his head into my lap and helped him drink the tea. It took a few seconds, but everyone began waking up. Adam groaned and sat up, holding his head.

  “Man, what happened?” He rubbed his eyes.

  “You were poisoned.” I watched as Beth woke up and rolled over. Jared awoke soon after and smiled as he opened his eyes.

  “Well, hello, beautiful.”

  “Hello.” I leaned down and kissed him, grateful to have him back. “Now, I’m thinking we should probably get out of here. I’ve spent too much time finding and saving everyone, and I’m worried the queen has left.”

  “Let’s get out of here, then. I’ll go grab our weapons.” Jared ran out of the room, followed by Adam.

  “You coming?” Beth asked.

  “I’ll be there in a sec. Louie, could you send my mom home?”

  “I’ll have Patrika take her. I’d rather stay here to fight.” The glint in Louie’s eye told me he was not a happy leprechaun.

  Mom grabbed my arm. “Wait—no, Megan. I’m staying here with you.”

  I shook my head. “Mom, it’s past midnight on
Midsummer’s Eve. I don’t know if you remember what Dad talked about, but those celebrations could get crazy. We also have the queen trying to go to war with our world. Please go home. I’ll take care of this and be home as soon as I possibly can.”

  Mom paused. “How close are we to home?”

  “The queen is just about to head through the portal by Phantom Falls. It’s not far.”

  Her eyes widened. “But we were just in Scotland.”

  “I know. It’s just how the fairy world works. Please.”

  Mom shook her head. “I’m staying. Just … find me a weapon.”

  “What? Mom, no—”

  She gave me “the look,” and I knew I wasn’t going to win this argument. “I’m not leaving.”

  Eoin appeared. “We need to go now. The queen is almost done gathering her forces. Apparently, she wants to try finishing Megan off before going through the portal. Her magic is stronger here.”

  I sighed. Awesome. “I guess it’s time to face the queen of the fairies. Because, you know, that’s what people do right after they graduate.”

  Beth snickered. “Let’s do this. I have some herbs I’d really like to throw at some creatures.”

  I raised an eyebrow. “I see you missed fighting as much as I have.”

  “More, I think. My house is boring. Now, let’s get out of here.” Beth peeked around the corner. “It’s clear.”

  We ran to our rooms, and I waited for the others to change. April had taken Mom to get some armor and possibly a weapon, which agitated me. We’d just saved her. If anything happened to her now … I paced the floor. I couldn’t sit still or I’d think about Mom getting hurt, or losing my friends, or Jakob dying on the—no.

  Beth was quiet while she changed. When she came out from behind the curtain, she stared at me for a moment.

  “Out with it,” she said.

  “What?” I played with my sword.

  She stomped over and lifted my chin, staring into my eyes. “What really happened out there?”

  I shook my head. “I can’t get into it right now. Please. I just want to get this over with.” I would not cry. I would not cry. Stupid kings and their need to mess with my brain. I stared back as she narrowed her eyes and finally turned away.

  “Okay, but then you’re giving me every single detail of your trip.” She grabbed her bow and other things, and opened the door. The boys stood outside waiting. “Let’s go kick some fairy butt.”

  Louie appeared. “Don’t go out the front entrance. The queen is there with her army. We’ll have to go out through the back. Now, listen. The queen keeps her the more evil, powerful creatures within the castle. That’s where she gets most of her power. Ignore anything you hear, and remember—they’re imprisoned, so they can’t hurt you. At least, I don’t think so.”

  “Uh, was that supposed to make us feel better?” I asked. I had plenty of enemies I didn’t want to run into.

  Louie grinned. “You know me. Always doing my best to make you feel comfortable. Now just go down that hall, take a left, and head out that way.”

  “Great. I’m going first.” Adam pushed in front of us and held up his crossbow. “Jared, you come up behind. Mom, stay with the fairies.” His eyebrows rose at the look from Mom. “Uh, or not. Megan, get your luck ready. We’re going to need it.”

  Adam crept down the hallway with us close behind, weapons out. Louie went on ahead to find any traps, and Eoin kept watch behind us.

  “It’s clear.” Adam ran around the corner and we heard an ooph, followed by a loud thud, and a roar that shook the building.

  MEGAN

  Beth ran out with her bow up, then lowered it as I came behind her.

  There was . . . nothing. Except that Adam was lying on the ground, not moving.

  “Beth, shoot.” I searched the area for any of hint of what it could be.

  “Um, at what?”

  “Something just tried to deafen us. It has to be here somewhere.” A slight shimmer in front of us was enough for me. “Right there. Just shoot straight ahead.” I focused a little luck on the arrow.

  Beth shot, and the herbs exploded on something rather large. Something bellowed, and a large creature became visible right in front of us. I really wished it hadn’t. The thing looked like a goblin or troll, with its massive arms and a green tint to its skin. It clawed at its face, bellowing in pain. If the guards didn’t know where we were before, they probably did now.

  Beth grimaced at the thing and nocked another arrow, this time without the herbs. She aimed for the forehead and shot, putting it out of its misery.

  The creature rocked slightly before falling to the ground. As soon as it was down, Mom ran for Adam. She checked his breathing, and patted his cheek to try to revive him. When he finally stirred, I breathed a sigh of relief. He rolled over and groaned.

  “Ugh, what was that?” He sat up, but kept his head between his knees. “It felt like I’d hit a brick wall.”

  Beth pointed to the large creature in front of her. “It was that thing. Eoin wasn’t kidding when he said they weren’t going to be fun to fight.”

  Adam looked over and saw the creature lying there. “Let’s watch for those things. They kinda hurt.”

  “Maybe you and Beth should go together. She can use her herbs to help find any invisible creatures, and then you can shoot them with your crossbow. Who knows how many other creatures are invisible.” Jared helped Adam up.

  We scooted around the creature and continued on. Eoin and Louie were still gone, and I hoped that meant we were still okay. The hallway was long, and the only lighting we had was from torches spaced out along the wall. I shivered. This place was creepier than the prison had been. I wanted out of here as quickly as possible. I kept glancing at Mom, but she kept the same determined expression. She held the knife in her hand like she was about to slice vegetables.

  “Hello, Megan. I see you’re still wreaking havoc on my world again.” The voice came from somewhere down the hall.

  I could feel the blood drain from my face. O’Malley was here. Beth and Jared pulled me forward, holding tight.

  “Keep going. Remember what Louie said,” Beth whispered.

  “Oh, I see. You don’t want to talk to me. It’s too bad. I know how to defeat the queen, but I can’t tell you unless you get me out.” The laughter was weak, but still held the same menacing note.

  If he knew the secret, maybe … I shook my head. No. I was going to stay away from him. He had already tried to take my luck once. I wasn’t going to help him. I allowed myself to be dragged out of the prison. O’Malley’s yelling and cursing followed behind.

  We didn’t stop until we were several yards away from the castle. I was able to shake the others off and think for a moment. I didn’t like the effect he still had over me.

  Jared gave me a quick hug. “You okay?”

  “Yeah. Just annoyed that we ran into him.” I rubbed my forehead. I didn’t have time for this. I didn’t know how many more emotional blows I could take. “Let’s go.”

  “Which way?” Adam asked.

  “We need to figure out how to get around the queen so we can stop her at the portal.” I studied the hills.

  Jared pointed to the south. “We came from that direction. If we head up the hill by where you came down, we can circle around and head that way. Who knows? Maybe we’ll find some of your fairy friends waiting for you.”

  “Right, because they have nothing better to do.” Beth stopped at the look on my face. “But since I have no other ideas, I’ll go with what Jared said.”

  Adam went first with his crossbow up and ready, and Jared kept watch behind us. It was dark by that time, and difficult to maneuver around the bushes that covered the hillside.

  Shouts came from behind, and several creatures broke away from the queen’s gathering army. Jared moved toward them, but I grabbed his arm.

  “Beth and I can take these guys. Could you help Adam go on ahead and gather the fairies? Once you get a big enough
group, you can come back and help us. And Adam, could you take Mom with you? And maybe train her a little while you’re up there?”

  “Good idea.” He pulled a protesting mom behind him and headed up the hill. I probably could have had April go get the fairies, but I wanted any excuse to get Mom away from the battle.

  Jared looked like he wanted to argue, but nodded and ran forward to catch up to Adam. There was only so much he could do with the sword from this distance, and we both knew it.

  Beth was already firing off her herbs and causing devastation below. I pulled on my luck and helped direct the herbs. This worked on the smaller trolls and imps, but a few goblins broke through and crashed up the path toward us. And I’d just sent Jared away. Oops.

  I ran forward, hoping my luck would keep me from tripping. I pulled out my sword and met the first goblin head-on. We parried until I could figure out where its weakness was. Its movements were sure and fast, but it seemed to favor its right leg. I yanked it toward me with my luck and watched it fall before finishing it off and moving to the next one.

  Because the creatures were so close now, Beth had given up her bow and moved between throwing the herb balls and using a small knife I hadn’t seen before. She took out an imp and turned to me, breathing heavily.

  “Man, it’s been too long. I’m out of shape.” She kicked away a leprechaun and attacked a centaur who had taken the leprechaun’s place.

  “I understand completely.” I laughed and lunged forward to attack another leprechaun. He was taller than most, but there was no mistaking the mischievous glint in his eye.

  The queen’s army was flowing toward us in waves now. We were surrounded on three sides. Two groups had gone up before heading toward us, so we were locked in. She really meant business, didn’t she?

  “Um, Beth? Maybe it’s time to retreat.” I turned and jumped around the bushes, hoping to get to the valley at the top of the hill. I heard a grunt, and Beth cried out. I whipped around to find her fighting several creatures at once. Fear seized me, and I ran for her, attacking anything that got in my way. “Beth!”