by Mary Karlik
Ian looked at the team. “If you want to stay, I understand. But I can’t guarantee we’ll be able get to back to retrieve you.”
Everyone joined in the circle. Ian nodded to Buzzard. “Hold the wand up and see if you can get us somewhere safe.”
Chapter Twenty-Eight
Layla’s wing hurt. She was exhausted, hungry, and tired of feeling out of control. So when Buzzard raised his arm with that wand in his hand, she didn’t give a second thought to stopping him.
She probably shouldn’t have hit him with a freeze spell, but it was a reflex.
Everyone was so shocked, they just stood and stared.
Ian was the first to speak. He ran his knuckles across the bottom of his chin, a new habit apparently. “Do you want to explain what just happened?”
“I froze him.”
“And why did you freeze him?” Ian walked closer to Buzzard.
Layla blew out a frustrated sigh. “I don’t like the idea of that wand dictating where we go.”
“How do you suppose we remedy that problem?” Ian sounded as irritated as she felt.
“I think … at least he should think of a place or tell it a place to take us. But to thrust his arm in the air all willy-nilly and let the wand decide is not a good idea.”
Finn stepped up. “We need to get the fairies back to the magic world. Layla has a point. If we’re going to use the wand then shouldn’t we tell it to take us to your sister’s and the fairies?”
“Aye. Makes sense.” Ian looked around. “Looks like we’re going home.”
Layla looked at Ian. “I’ll unfreeze him, but his arm is almost fully raised. You might want to stop him in case that wand has a mind of where it’s going to send us next.”
Ian placed a hand on his half-raised arm. “Ready.”
Layla threw the un-freeze spell, and Ian caught Buzzard’s arm.
“What was that for?” Buzzard stepped away from Ian and glared at Layla.
She gave him a weary look. “Sorry. Change of plans. Could you ask the wand to take us to Amelia’s?”
Buzzard gripped the wand. “I like that better than letting it drop us in the middle of the dragon’s den.” He held up the wand and closed his eyes.
The scenery changed around them. It didn’t spin—just changed. Like puzzle pieces sliding into place in front of Amelia’s house.
Amelia pushed through the door straight for Ian. She launched herself at him, nearly knocking him down. He wrapped his arms around his sister. “It’s good to see you, too.”
Amelia released him, backed away, and looked at the team. “Are the rest of you okay?” She quick-checked everybody for major wounds, turning them front and back. When she saw Layla’s wing, she covered her mouth with her hands and took a step back. Then she grabbed Layla in a tight hug. “Are you in pain?”
“No. I’m good.” Layla wrapped her arms around Amelia and hugged back.
The door pushed open, and Hamish stepped onto the porch followed by the Assistant Chief Constable.
Layla pulled from Amelia and started toward Hamish.
Ian grabbed her hand. “Easy now.”
Layla glared at Hamish and McIntyre. “What are the two of you doing here?”
“Waiting for you,” Hamish said.
The chief stepped forward. “Layla, we didn’t kill for that fairy magic.”
“But Hamish said—”
“I didn’t say anything,” Hamish interrupted. “You assumed because I didn’t deny it.”
“Then how did you get the magic to help us?”
“When I freed the fairies that I’d bought, one of them offered her magic to me.” McIntyre looked at the troll. “I asked her to give it to Hamish.”
“Why not just tell me, Hamish?” Layla squeezed Ian’s hand to keep from throttling the troll.
“You jumped to your conclusions and moved on. I never had a chance.” Hamish crossed his arms. She would have loved to wipe the smug expression from his face, but he had saved them.
Buzzard looked at the chief. “So, you are working undercover.”
“No. They shut down the black ops when the portal closed. There is a small group of us who work on our own.”
“Why not tell us when you saw the fairies?” Buzzard’s hand went to the wand in his pocket as if he were protecting it.
The chief gave Buzzard a little nod. “We had intel that there was a leak. I didn’t know if it was one of yours or one of mine. Turns out, the policewoman who helped with the shop investigation was a gatekeeper. She had opened the portal for the Harvester.”
Layla folded her arms and eyed the chief. “But the dragons were using the world shifts. Has anybody figured out how? Or more importantly, what’s causing them?”
“No, but they seemed to have slowed for the time being.” The chief looked at Ian. “Andrew has a theory that it has to do with the portals being closed. Like there’s pressure building between the worlds. If we open the portals, then the pressure will be released.”
“And if the portals aren’t opened?” Layla wasn’t sure she wanted to hear the answer.
“The wall between the worlds could collapse.”
“Then we have to open the portals.” Layla looked at Amelia.
Amelia nodded. “Aye. But first, let’s get these poor fairies home.”
Worry that some of the fairies were too sick to survive seized Layla’s heart. “How are they?”
A wide smile settled on Amelia’s face. “Come see.”
Layla followed Amelia to the solarium hoping Finn’s healing had lasted long enough to get them home. When she opened the door, her heart lightened. She couldn’t believe what she saw. Fairies flying around looking healthy and happy.
Esme flew to her like a shooting star. “You’re back!” She sucked in a breath. “Your wings!”
Layla fey-sized and dropped to the ground.
Esme hugged her. “What happened?”
“I lost it in a battle. But it’s fine. Flying’s never been my thing.” Esme must have heard the lie in Layla’s voice because she only hugged her tighter. “Okay, you’re choking me now.”
Esme released her from the hug. “I’m so sorry.”
“It’s done.”
“Are you in pain?”
“Finn sealed the stump.” Not wanting to dwell on her wing, she smiled at Esme. “And speaking of Finn, he said the healing wouldn’t last. But here you are looking as fine as when we left you, if not finer.”
Esme grinned. “It was Amelia. She does wonders with herbs.”
Tears filled Layla’s eyes. “This is good. This is very good.” She looked up at Amelia and saw none of the gruff exterior that had intimidated her a few days ago. Instead, she saw a compassionate woman with a soft heart and solid determination to keep those she cared for safe.
“We’ve had quite a grand time.” Amelia knelt and spoke to the fairies. “The time has come. Are you ready to go home?”
The fairies clapped and whistled.
Layla looked at Esme. “And you? Are you ready to go home?”
Esme nodded. “Aye. I think I am. But not forever.”
Fergus flew from the back of the room and landed next to Esme. Layla launched herself at him. “You’re here. What about Fiona and Kaylee?”
“They’re here, as well as the rest of the fairies you freed. Hamish and McIntyre brought us.” He looked nervously at Esme and back at Layla.
“What is it?” Layla asked.
Esme took Fergus’ hand and stepped forward. “We want to help find missing fairies. I know I don’t have magic, but with Fergus’ magic and Amelia’s herbs, I can manage in this world.” Her gaze darted to Fergus and back. “There are so many missing, and there are others who want to help.”
Layla shook her head. “It’s dangerous.”
“Nobody knows better than us how dangerous.” Fergus looked around. “We know what we’re getting into. With the access between the worlds, I think we can do a lot of good.”
&nbs
p; Layla looked up at Amelia. “Did you know about this?”
“Aye. It’s important to them to help others.” She tucked her lips and swallowed hard. “And I want to learn how to be a gatekeeper. I’ll do my part as well.”
Tears filled Layla’s eyes, and she couldn’t speak for a moment. She nodded, and a few tears slipped from her eyes. “It’s a grand idea.” She blew a quick breath. “Now, let’s get you all home.”
The fairies gathered hand-in-hand in Amelia’s front garden. Layla stood in the center with Ian on one side and Finn on the other. Buzzard, Jack, and Theo made up the rest of the circle.
Layla looked at Hamish. “You are coming, right? It’s a chance to replenish your magic.”
“Aye. I didn’t think I was invited.” He ran to join the group.
Layla nodded at Buzzard.
He held the wand high but then dropped it. “Amelia. You’re standing there chewing your nails to the quick. If you’re worried about the fairies, for God’s sake, come with us.”
The fairies cleared a path, and she made her way next to Buzzard. “Somebody has to make sure they’re safe. Yeah?”
Buzzard smiled. “Yeah.” He held the wand up. “Okay, wand, take these fairies to a safe place in their world.”
The wand took them to a large meadow surrounded by woods.
They cheered as soon as the last piece of scenery clicked into place. Several of the lasses flew to Buzzard and kissed his cheeks.
“Okay. That’s enough.” He blushed and gave Amelia a rescue-me look.
Amelia shook her head at the fairies. “I think you’ve embarrassed the poor man enough.
The fairies giggled and moved away from Buzzard.
Layla hadn’t expected the magic world to feel different, but it did. And it was wonderful. Before her magic had been released to her, she’d imagined what it would be like. She’d pretended she’d felt tingles rush up and down her skin. But nothing, nothing could have prepared her for the full body sensation of it enveloping her.
“Are you alright, lass?” Buzzard looked down at her with concern.
“I’m grand. Can you feel it?”
“Feel what?” Buzzard’s concerned expression deepened.
“Magic.”
“No.” He slipped the wand into his trouser pocket. “And I don’t want to.”
She turned to Ian. “Can you feel magic?”
“Aye. A bit.”
She trailed her hand along her arm. “I feel it on my skin, in the air I breathe. It’s amazing.” She looked at Finn. “Is this normal?”
He smiled and nodded. “Aye. It is. We all take it for granted. But yes, I can feel the magic—especially since I’ve been in the human world.”
She looked around. “I’m almost glad this is a new feeling to me. I’d hate to not have known what it was like.”
Ian watched her with a grin on his face.
“What? Why are you looking at me like that?”
“I’ve never seen you so happy.” He cupped the back of her neck with his hand. “It’s nice.”
Cheers went up from the fairies again. Layla looked across the meadow where they’d landed, and her heart warmed.
A group of fairies flew out to meet them. One of the lads stopped at the edge of the meadow and called over his shoulder, “Old Dorach was right! They’re back!”
“Dorach,” Ian said. “Of course he’d have a hand in this.”
Layla took Ian’s hand and squeezed. “Can’t say that I mind much.”
Ian dropped her hand and wrapped his arm across her shoulders. And with tears streaming down both of their faces, they watched the fairies reunite with their families.
Buzzard placed a hand on Amelia’s shoulder. “Now that’s a beautiful sight.” His voice hitched as he spoke.
Amelia swiped a tear from her eye. “It is indeed.” Then she looked around with a wide grin. “And I’m standing in the magic world. Nanna would freak.”
Esme flew to Layla. “Fergus and the others need to see their families. But we want to come back with you. Will you wait for us?”
“Of course.” Layla’s heart rejoiced and felt heavy at the same time. “I’d like to say goodbye to the cottage.”
Esme nodded. “Me too.” She looked back at Fergus fluttering a few meters away. “Fergus wants me to come with him to see his family. Can I meet you at the cottage?”
“Aye. Take your time.”
Esme grinned and flew to Fergus.
Layla looked at Finn. “You’re going to stay, aren’t you?”
“It’s my home, lass.” Then, he pointed behind her. “Do you see where we are?”
She turned, and the happiness drained from her. Just through the trees was a rectangular grass-covered plot of land. “The fete grounds.”
Ian squeezed her hand. “Is this…?”
“Where my parents were murdered.” She looked at Finn. “It doesn’t scare me now. It’s just a stretch of dirt and grass.”
Finn nodded. “Aye. It is.”
Layla pulled on Ian’s hand. “Come on, everyone. The fairgrounds are on the way to my cottage.” She led them through the trees to the grassy pitch.
Ian looked around. “I have a sense that we were meant to come here. But why?”
Buzzard absently tapped the wand against his thigh. “That’s the trouble with magic. It’s never straight forward.”
Amelia pointed to the wand. “Put that thing away before you do something you didn’t mean to do.”
A rustling sounded in the trees. Layla unsheathed her sword and turned toward the woods.
An old fairy stepped onto the grass. “I see you made it. I presume you have the wand.”
Ian shook his head. “Old Dorach. I thought Meaban was the puppet master, but you were the one pulling the strings, weren’t you?”
Layla glared at Dorach. “Why here?”
Old Dorach twirled his staff. “Because this is where it began.”
“What began?” She looked around as if she’d find the answer in the grass next to her.
“Fauth’s exile. The closure of the portals. This was where you started it all.”
“Me?” Layla slapped her palm against her chest. “I was just a bairn. How was I the cause of anything?”
Dorach stopped twirling his staff and smiled. “I suppose technically you’re right. But it was because of the massacre, because of what you did after—”
“What are you talking about? I hid in a fruit crate while Fauth murdered all those fairies.”
Dorach tilted his head to the side. “What do you remember after the massacre?”
Layla hadn’t really thought about the part after the massacre. She had vivid memories of the death of her parents, but nothing of her rescue.
She’d been told she was the only survivor, but nobody had told her how she was found. And she didn’t remember moving into her aunt’s house. It was as if one minute she was in that crate and the next, in Auntie Mauve’s kitchen. She looked at Dorach. “My sister and I moved in with my auntie and cousin.”
“Do you remember being rescued from the fruit crate?” Dorach walked closer to her.
“No.”
The fairy pressed on. “Layla, when was the bracelet placed on your wrist?”
“When I was a bairn. Mum put it there. Why are you asking me these questions?”
“The bracelet was placed after you were rescued from the fruit crate.”
Ian stood by her side. “If there is a reason you’re dragging us through Layla’s personal history, then tell us.”
“She must sort it out herself.”
Layla remembered the screams, the smells, the heat of the dragon. She saw Fauth swing his head back and forth. She saw him snap up her parents.
Her heart raced and a new image clicked into place. She closed her eyes and remembered Fauth’s tail knocking over the crate she hid in. There was more, but she couldn’t grasp it.
Layla’s head pounded. “My memories have been taken.”
“Not taken, just buried. But for good reason.”
The pain in her head traveled from the back to the front and seemed to settle in her forehead. “Mum didn’t put that bracelet on me, did she?” She squinted at Dorach. “Help me remember.”
“Search for the memories, Layla.”
She tried to focus on the moment the crate was knocked on its side. But the pain in her head doubled. She pressed the heels of her hands into her temples to fight the pounding. “I don’t know.”
“The crate was knocked over. The dragon turned.” Dorach’s voice was firm but coaxing.
Images flashed in her mind. “Fauth moved his snake eye close to my face. It blinked. Then the elves were there.”
“Go on.” Dorach’s voice was commanding now.
“The elves captured Fauth. They found me.”
“There’s more, Layla. Dig deep.”
And then the memory flooded back.
“I was so frightened in the crate. Fauth knocked it over with his tail. I thought I was safe, but then he swung his head around. His eye was close to me. Then he opened his mouth, and I … I wrapped a blue flow of magic around it.” The pounding in her head intensified.
“What happened next?”
“The elves came. They captured him.”
“You must remember.”
She closed her eyes. “I was so scared. They told me to release Fauth, but I was afraid. I was afraid he’d eat us. The elf kept yelling.”
Tears rolled down her cheeks. She remembered. She had pulled her stream from Fauth and shot it at the elf. She hadn’t intended to take his magic. She just wanted him to stop yelling at her. Once her stream locked on to his, she didn’t know how to bring it back. It dug all the way to the man’s soul, to the spot where his magic was anchored and ripped it away.
The image of the shock and horror in the elf’s face flashed in her mind, and her heart squeezed into her gut.
She opened her eyes and looked at Ian. She grabbed his elbow. “I took that elf’s magic. I killed him.” As soon as the words were out, the headache stopped.
“You couldn’t have. The bracelet—”
“The bracelet was placed after the death of the elf.” Dorach leaned heavily on his staff.
