The Magical Legacy: Jack and the Magic Hat Maker, #3

By Tracy Partridge-Johnson

Millions of years before Jack Mac Paidin was born, a rift existed between the forces of good and evil, foisting one energy against the other.

 

Each side possessed its proponents and initiates, seeking to sway all humankind to their way of thinking. Only a rare, magical anomaly, known as The Power of Three, could tip the balance.

 

Fast forward to 20th-century Ireland, where the Mac Paidin family has held lands and influence for hundreds of years. Their magical legacy can be traced, through bloodline, to the origin of The Order of Light.

 

As Sir Edward Mac Paidin's youngest child and only son, Ross (Jack's future father) is the heir apparent to the family fortune, destined to inherit the title of Magic Hat Maker.

 

But Ross has other plans.

 

Unbeknownst to him, Inez, his older sister, is an apprentice to a powerful witch, secretly devoted to an evil organization known as The Dark Cabal. This demonic cult has seduced Inez, and she is actively working to recruit her younger sister, Clara, to join her in pursuit of world domination.

 

At the same time, far away in Salt Lake City, Utah, Jack's future mother, Faith, is growing up in a world filled with strange, magical influences of its own.

How will Ross and Faith escape the bizarre world surrounding each of them to live a normal life and ultimately become parents to Ethan, Jack, and Sadie?

What evil powers invade and ultimately crush their dreams, leaving the three children orphans, subjects to the will of their manipulative extended magical family members?

 

Middle-graders and magic lovers of all ages will love the time travel, portals, spells, and suspense in the continuation of this fast-paced tale. With additional books following in this fantasy series, Jack and the Magic Hat Maker: The Magical Legacy will expand readers' understanding and immerse them in an exciting adventure through time and space, reality and fantasy, in pursuit of one boy's journey for truth and revenge.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Tracy Partridge-Johnson
• Release date: Dec 6, 2021
• ISBN: 9798215588024

Tracy Partridge-Johnson

Tracy Partridge-Johnson has always loved books, stories and magic. Her Jack and the Magic Hat Maker series was loosely inspired by a handful of true events from her father’s life. Tracy then sprinkled in lots and lots of imagination and fairy dust to turn those events into a fantasy work of fiction! Tracy is a self-employed artist, entrepreneur, small business-owner, world-traveler, and foodie. She has three adult children, eight grand children, and lives happily in a small town on the outskirts of Portland, Oregon with her best friend and life-partner, Jeff.

Book preview

The Magical Legacy

Book Three - Jack and the Magic Hat Maker

Tracy Partridge-Johnson

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Mac Paidin Publishing

Copyright ©2021 Tracy Johnson.

Published by Mac Paidin Publishing

www.macpaidinpublishing.com

All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced, stored in retrieval system, or transmitted in any form or by any means electronic, mechanical, photocopying, recording or otherwise, without the prior written permission of the publisher.

 This book is a work of fiction. Names, characters, places, and incidents either are products of the author’s imagination or are used fictitiously.

This eBook is licensed for your personal enjoyment only. This eBook may not be re-sold or given away to other people.  If you would like to share this eBook with another person, please purchase an additional copy for each recipient.  If you’re reading this book and did not purchase it, or it was not purchased for your enjoyment only, then please return to your favorite retailer and purchase your own copy.  Thank you for respecting the hard work of this author.

Get free downloads, sample chapters, Subscriber-Only updates, and discounts at:

tracypjohnson.com

REVIEWS

GREAT BACKGROUND TO THE SERIES

But it is more than just a prequel, it is a full book with a whole story. And it explains a lot of unanswered questions about why Jack and his siblings are so special. Jack is not in this story. This is the story of how Jack's parents met as pre-teens and learned about the difference between good and evil in another realm outside of Earth. I loved this book, but highly recommend you read at least the first book in the series before you read this prequel. Otherwise, you may not feel like this had a good ending. I felt it had a great ending, as I now know how Jack's parents met and eventually died, and what is the Power of Three, and why that is important.

~Rhonda Jones

THE PLOT THICKENS

Tracy's creativity and imagination really shine in book 3. The depth of a few previous characters is revealed more and her vivid descriptions of mysterious realms and mythical creatures is so good that you can almost visualize every detail. She'll have you on the edge of your seat as evil tries to triumph over good and various beasts are employed to fight battles. On top of that, more magical powers are revealed in key characters that help connect events of the future with the past. Anxiously awaiting the release of the next tome in this entertaining series. Kudos to this talented author!

~T&M Currier

Contents

PROLOGUE

1. ROSS 1

2. FAITH 1

3. ROSS 2

4. FAITH 2

5. ROSS 3

6. FAITH 3

7. ROSS 4

8. FAITH 4

9. ROSS 5

10. ARTHUR & EDWARD

11. FAITH 5

12. ROSS 6

13. FAITH 6

14. ROSS 7

15. FAITH 7

16. THE WICKED SISTER

17. ROSS 8

18. FAITH 8

19. EDWARD & ARTHUR

20. ROSS 9

21. FAITH 9

22. ROSS 10

23. FAITH 10

24. ROSS 11

25. FAITH 11

26. MEANWHILE, AT THE MANOR

27. ROSS 12

28. FAITH 12

29. VALDIS & INEZ

30. THE SORCERERS OF LIGHT

31. ROSS 13

32. FAITH 13

33. AN ANGEL OF A DEAL

34. ROSS 14

35. ROSS 15

EPIOGUE

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

MORE BOOKS BY THE AUTHOR

THE RISKY REUNION - COVER

THE RISKY REUNION - PREVIEW

PROLOGUE

PORTLAND, OREGON - SIXTEEN YEARS IN THE FUTURE

Ross and Faith Mac Paidin didn’t expect to die on their way home from the dance.

Saturday evening, Faith put on her favorite dress; a beautiful red and navy chiffon with white collar and cuffs. Slipping into the heels she’d chosen for the occasion and stepping to the mirror; she began to apply the bold crimson lipstick she’d splurged on. It contrasted nicely against her fair skin and made her blue eyes pop! Running painted fingertips through the golden curls cascading over her shoulders, she gave herself a quick wink of approval. Her sweetheart would be pleased.

Ross, an army man, had served in the military for seven years, and as he gazed at himself that late June afternoon, he thought he was looking pretty darn sharp in his crisp dress-greens. There were lots of shiny medals and colorful ribbons pinned to his chest, and he had good reason to feel proud. His thick, mahogany hair was cut above his ears, high and tight, and he slicked it back carefully, making sure not a strand was out of place. There wasn’t a hint of stubble on his freshly shaved face as he slapped on some manly-smelling cologne and moved for the closet door. He, too, wanted to make this a night to remember.

At just twenty-eight years old, he and Faith had gotten an early start on married life. Their first child, Ethan, was born when they were only twenty-two. And the other kids weren’t far behind. They were a happy family, and Ross loved filling his role as breadwinner, husband, and daddy.

Stepping into his closet, Ross located a matching flat-top hat with gold braid and brass insignia featured prominently on the front. Lifting it, with both hands, toward his head, he caught a glimpse of the photo he had secured inside a few months earlier. It was a picture of the five of them, taken at last year’s battalion Christmas party. He put it there so that, no matter where the army took him, or for how long, he always had a little piece of home close by.

Ten years had passed since leaving his home country of Ireland, and Ross swore he’d never look back. After his mother went missing, it became ever more apparent with each passing day that his father, despite all of his peculiar abilities and eccentricities, would not be able to bring her back. Ross decided enough was more than enough. Maybe Inez and Clara weren’t so wrong to abandon Father in a huff, as they did. After all, his sisters had endured their dad’s ridiculous behavior since long before Ross’s birth. Could he blame them for turning their backs on such a bizarre family? No. But he missed the girls. Their absence left him feeling isolated and alone. Ross yearned for a reliable, stable, secure life. He liked the idea of living with both feet planted firmly on the ground. All this magical business was for the birds.

So, when he was twelve years old, Ross made a vow that as soon as he turned eighteen and became a legal adult, he would move to a far-away place where he could start over. He would build a new life, and tough luck if Sir Edward thought his only son should follow in his freak-show footsteps.

Ross believed that severing ties with his father, moving halfway around the world, and blending into American society was his best chance for a normal life. And he felt sure he’d achieved his objective, having heard nothing but silence from across the pond for years now. Of course, his dad initially used all the vast resources available at his disposal to track him down. Many times he even tried to convince him to go back to Ireland. But Ross’s refusal to communicate or interact in any way seemed to have finally done the trick.

Yet, a lingering fear simmered just beneath the surface. Even after all the precautions Ross had taken, he wasn’t entirely confident his father wasn’t having Arthur keep an eye on him. There had been moments over the years when he’d wondered if he sensed a familiar hidden presence in the room. So, he remained cautious.

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Ross’s First Sergeant, John Kleinman, and his wife arrived at 7:00 pm to pick them up. The four planned to ride together and grab dinner downtown on The Waterfront before heading for the dance.

The event was held at a local Grange, and when they walked in, there were lots of people in uniform milling about with partners on their arms, or seated next to them. A band was playing a lively tune on stage at the front of the hall, and in the far right corner, at the back of the room, a well-stocked bar was staffed with tenders busily filling glasses. The air was thick with smoke and boisterous laughter as the two couples made their way through the crowd. They found space at the end of a long banquet table and sat down. The next several hours were spent laughing, twirling, bouncing, and swaying across the dance floor. At one point, during a slow song, Ross leaned in, holding Faith’s hand, and pulling her close. He loved that she wore her hair long, and when he bent his head down close to hers, he smelled a faint hint of citrus and honeysuckle, which was all the intoxication he needed.

It was after midnight when they finally dragged themselves out of the building and moved toward Sgt. Kleinman’s four-door sedan to head home. The weather was beautiful, not a cloud in the sky, and about a million stars were shining brightly overhead as they walked. Ross mentioned, out loud, that he hoped it stayed this nice for the fireworks display next week. And he knew that Jack and Sadie, especially, would giggle with delight at the brilliant colors. It had been a wonderful evening, everything they’d hoped it would be. And the four-some shared lazy conversation as they climbed into their seats and got situated.

The streets of Portland were mostly vacant at that hour of the morning as they drove through the city center. All of the shops were dark except for the brightly lit signs on the exterior of the buildings. Passing a department store window, Ross noticed the shadowy form of a mannequin standing inside and thought she looked almost ghostly in her artificial world. Faith nuzzled up to him, resting her head on his shoulder, and closing her eyes. John expressed how happy he was that this red light was the first they had encountered during their entire trip through town. Then, as John put his foot on the gas pedal, and began to roll his shiny automobile into the intersection, Ross inhaled sharply.

Mother?! He gasped in confusion. Shooting forward, he jerked Faith out of her hazy slumber, and she spun around abruptly to see what Ross was looking at. There, standing alone in the middle of the intersection, was a woman. She was dressed in an ankle-length charcoal-gray, hooded cloak. And she was staring directly at them.

MOTHER!

Ross yelled, and Faith thrust her right hand in the air, instinctively, as Ross pulled her more tightly to his body.

The other vehicle struck with incredible force. A big, green garbage truck smashed into their car and just kept going. It hit them broadside, at high-speed, sending the Kleinman auto spinning and careening across the street. It finally slid to a stop when it slammed into a telephone pole.

Emergency responders pronounced all occupants of the vehicle dead on-site when they arrived at the scene.

Jack, Ethan, and Sadie were utterly unaware of the dramatic change about to take place in their little lives.

ROSS 1

MAC PAIDIN MANOR, DUBLIN, IRELAND - PRESENT DAY - SIXTEEN YEARS EARLIER

Gone? How could she just be gone?

Twelve-year-old Ross Mac Paidin sat on a window seat staring out at the manicured lawns surrounding his family estate. He watched, numbly, as water sprayed into the air from the mouth of a large ornamental fish. Thousands of droplets landed with a splash into the shallow pool of the fountain that was the center piece of the garden.

Father has sent her on missions in the past, and she always came back without a problem. So, I don’t understand why she’s missing.

Ross turned to glance across the room at the dark walnut four-poster bed and walls decorated with navy-blue nautical wallpaper. A border print of red and cream sail boats ran across the top of the wall, and there was a matching walnut dresser opposite him, with a small desk and ladder-back chair to his right. Shelves in the corner held model airplanes, boats, and cars he’d built from boxed kits.

She was only supposed to be away for a few days.

Ross pressed his lips together in a tight line and wiped away a tear that was forming in the corner of one eye.

But it’s been weeks now, and Father isn’t himself.

He pulled his denim-covered knees up to his chest and wrapped his sweater-clad arms around them, gazing down at the soft gray socks covering his feet. It was a late spring afternoon and mist hung in the air outside his window, giving him a chill.

It doesn’t help that he’s so elusive about where he sent her. Ross thought.

He practically exploded at Inez when she asked him about it. Dad’s been acting strange with both of the girls lately. Keeping an eye on them as if they’re the ones who did something to send our mother away. If anyone’s to blame, it’s him.

Ross shook his head, reaching up to push strands of chestnut brown hair away from his face.

Inez is furious, and she has every right to be. Clara is an emotional mess, crying all the time and refusing to come out of her room. He blinked hard just once.

I feel like I’m practically an only child in this enormous mansion now. Father used to spend time with me, sharing his favorite books, taking me hunting and fishing with him when he wasn’t at his office in Buckingham Palace.

Ross slid off the seat and walked to the dresser, lifting a silver-framed photo of the two of them, and caressed its surface fondly. Setting the photo back down and turning to the bed, he moved to flop down on the foot of it.

When Mother was here, Dad used to laugh, and there was always a sparkle in his eyes. But he’s been constantly on edge ever since she left on that mission.

Ross laid back and looked up at the ceiling.

He gets angry at the smallest things now. Inez and Clara and I all pretty much do our best to avoid him these days.

He pulled his mouth to the side and shook his head back and forth.

We all miss Mother.

He bit his lip.

I miss her. She’s the glue that holds our family together. And things have been falling apart ever since she’s been gone.

He pushed up onto his elbows and gazed at the ornate brass knob on his bedroom door. Thank goodness for Bill. I hate that he was here when Father called the three of us kids in and told us we had to get used to living without our mother, though. I could tell he felt uncomfortable with all the yelling and shrieking going on.

He glanced over to his desk where a multi-colored, cardboard cigar box sat, capturing his attention. Getting up off the bed, he walked to where it rested, and lifted the lid. Inside he found several crunchy-looking insect bodies, each pinned in place with a tiny, hand-written label attached.

Bill came over so we could collect bugs for his school assignment. We were just heading out the front door when Father burst from his library, demanding that I go back upstairs and tell Inez and Clara that he wanted to have a family meeting.

Ross closed the lid and turned back around to look at his room.

Bill had to wait in the sitting room, listening to the whole thing.

He rolled his eyes and pursed his lips.

It was obvious to all of us that something was terribly wrong. Father was pacing back and forth, wringing his hands together, wiping sweat from his forehead, and pushing his hair away from his face. He was clearly nervous about telling us the truth about the situation.

Ross went to his bedroom door and opened it, looking up and down the corridor at the embroidered tapestries and paintings decorating the walls.

Initially, he told us that Mother was away on a business trip, which was kind of the truth, and not too unusual. The part he left out, before the family pow-wow, however, was that she traveled using one of those magic hats of his. As soon as he told us that, I got a horrible feeling. Strolling the length of the hallway, he came to a stop at the top of the main staircase. Standing there, he looked down and to the right, where he could just see the edge of the doorway leading to the library.

Father made us sit down, and at first, he tried to calmly explain what was going on. But the more Inez questioned him about details, the more Clara whimpered. And the more Clara whimpered, the more agitated Father became.

Ross looked up, to the far end of the hallway, toward his older sister’s bedrooms.

Then the girls just ran out of the library in tears, and I was left alone with Bill.

How embarrassing…

FAITH 1

SALT LAKE CITY, UTAH - PRESENT DAY

Faith perched nervously on the edge of the floral sofa, rubbing a thumb