by Paul Ruditis
“You do pick up on everything.”
Eleazar put the menu back down on the side table and got out of his chair. He crossed over to a bookcase and pulled a couple of volumes off the shelf. “I keep these hidey-holes around here for instances such as these. You’d be surprised how many people come to me with their secrets.”
Cole watched as the sorcerer waved a hand over the empty space in the shelf and a small wooden box suddenly appeared. “As you said, you know the different between gossip and—”
“Yes, yes, yes, I’m quite quotable,” Eleazar said as he handed the box over to Cole. “You know, I have been holding on to that a bit longer than I’d expected.”
“I’m so sorry you were inconvenienced by my death,” Cole said. “I promise it won’t happen again.”
Eleazar eyed Cole, checking to see just how far he could go in requesting another favor in exchange for property storage. Cole was sure to fix his expression in the way that sent the right message. He’d already done his trade for this particular favor and was not about to renegotiate the terms after the fact.
After a brief beat, Eleazar smiled. “See that it doesn’t.”
Cole exchanged a bit more mindless banter with Eleazar so the sorcerer would not be offended with him for leaving as soon as he had what he’d come for. Cole knew there wasn’t much time, but it would go a long way toward earning Eleazar’s respect should he have information for Cole in the future. He even dropped a little gossip about Paige having to stay with Piper a bit longer while unexpected repairs continued to crop up at her house. It was fairly innocuous information Eleazar could spin into a tale of discord in the lives of the Charmed Ones. The tradeoff was that it allowed Cole a chance to say his goodbyes.
Once Cole was back outside the odd home, he didn’t wait to open the box he’d been given. Doing so in front of Eleazar would have been taken as an insult, a lack of trust. It wasn’t that Cole didn’t think the object was inside the box—though he had some doubts—it was just that he’d been so long without it that he couldn’t wait to lay his eyes on it again.
The glow from inside the box forced him to take a moment to adjust his eyes in the dark cavern. Once he was accustomed to the light, he could make out the shape of the white orb.
His father’s soul was once again in his possession.
Cole had taken a risk leaving the soul with a demonic sorcerer for safekeeping. If anyone in the demon community knew of its existence, it would have made for a tempting prize to hold over Cole. Even without his demonic powers Cole was still a force to be feared in the Underworld. His connection to the Charmed Ones also made him a target. It was best to get out before anyone came after him.
Cole reluctantly closed the lid on the box, sealing his father’s soul back in its container for now. One day he would find a way to free his father’s soul and help him move on to where he was meant to be.
It was too early to ask the witches in his life for a favor that big. He didn’t want them thinking he was anything like Eleazar, only helping people when they helped him in return. Obviously, he didn’t have much in common with the gossipy sorcerer, but Cole felt that he still had to prove that he was in this for altruistic reasons first.
The exchange that concerned him the most was for his own soul and the promise of an eternal reward once the Elders were content that he’d made up for his past. Until then, his father’s soul would have to remain hidden. Hopefully, neither would have to wait for long.
Chapter 19
“I knew this wouldn’t work.” Piper threw the crystal down on the map in frustration. The last time Prue had been lucid, she’d managed to conjure up a map of North America so that Piper could try scrying for the demon. Since the demon’s mortal followers had concentrated their efforts on that area, it seemed likely that was their base of operations. It was a long shot, because she didn’t have any personal items belonging to the demon or any connection to the warlock, Austin, but it was better than doing nothing.
The problem was that the demon could have easily set up shop in the Underworld. Or, if he were on Earth, there were dozens of spells he could use to cloak his location. It would have been nice to think the Nexus could have amplified their magic, but Piper couldn’t tap into it at all. It didn’t give her a lot of hope for her sister’s plan.
Phoebe came up behind Piper and rubbed her shoulders. “It was worth a try. I’m not sure my plan will work either, but we’ve got to do whatever we can.”
“Where’s Cole?” Piper asked. “Isn’t this a long time for him to be gone?”
“If he’s seeing the person I think he went to see, we might not expect him back for a while. The guy’s kind of chatty. You’d like him, actually.” Phoebe continued the massage, which made Piper suspicious. She had a feeling that they’d moved past comfort to something else.
“I’d like a demonic sorcerer?” Piper asked.
“Ohhh . . . we don’t focus on the demonic part,” Phoebe said, continuing the massage. “He’s really a sweetheart. A little bit of a gossip, maybe, but his intentions are good. You’ll see when you meet him.”
“And when will I have a chance to meet him?” Piper asked.
Phoebe’s hands stopped their work. “Not quite sure,” she said. “But he should be calling for a reservation soon.”
Piper batted her sister’s hands off her. “Reservation?”
“It was the only way we could get information out of him,” Phoebe said quickly. “He only does favors in trade. It’s not like we had a lot of time to come up with alternate options.”
Prue moaned from the bed as if to underscore Phoebe’s comment. She only thrashed for a few seconds this time before going still. Paige wiped her forehead with the newly freshened cloth she’d run off to get. Piper wasn’t sure the wet cloths were doing anything, but it at least made them feel useful while they watched their sister be tormented by this place.
Piper sighed. “I’m guessing this is going to be a free meal?”
“I may have said something about a tasting menu too,” Phoebe replied.
“Should I just open up the wine cellar to him too?” Piper asked.
“You don’t have to,” Phoebe said. “Although it would be a nice gesture.”
“While we’re at it,” Paige added from the bed, “I made the same promise to Henry’s investigator friend that got us the police report on Alysha’s attack. He’s just coming over from Haight-Ashbury, not the Underworld.”
“I’m so glad I finally opened my dream restaurant,” Piper said. “How did we ever survive years of demon fighting without it?”
“I’ve got the name of the demon,” Cole said as he entered the bedroom.
Piper slapped Phoebe’s massaging hands away. “What took you so long? And why didn’t you just teleport directly into the room?”
Phoebe shook her head in resignation. “What she meant to say is ‘Thank you, what did you find out?’”
Piper shrugged off Phoebe’s comment. She’d actually meant what she’d said. Prue didn’t have time to wait.
“I had to make a stop on the way to see Eleazar to pick something up,” Cole said. “And . . . I don’t just pop in to women’s bedrooms unannounced.”
Piper had a host of comments ready for that last part, but it was not the time for quips. “You have information?”
Cole opened up the sketches. “The demon’s name is Izax. Midlevel. A patient schemer, but apparently quick to act once the plans are in motion. Armed with fireballs and your typical teleporting abilities.”
“Likes?” Phoebe asked. “Dislikes?”
“Phoebe,” Piper warned.
“What? My readers put more info on their online matchmaking sites,” Phoebe said. “Still, it’s something.”
“You’re right,” Piper admitted. “Thanks, Cole. We do appreciate it, but that took up more time than it was worth. Prue’s
getting worse and I’m not sure Phoebe’s plan will work if we wait much longer.”
“You have a plan?” Cole asked.
“Maybe,” Phoebe said. “But it’s risky with Prue in the condition she’s in.”
“Risky is nothing new to the Charmed Ones,” Cole said.
“Aren’t you sweet?” Paige said with more than a hint of sarcasm. “Prue’s awake again. If we’re going to do it, we’ve got to do it now.”
“And what is it we’re doing?” Cole asked.
“You’re doing nothing,” Piper said. “We’re going to unite the Power of Three with the power of the Nexus and see what happens.”
“Hopefully it won’t be fireworks and destruction,” Paige added.
“Did someone say fireworks?” Alysha yawned as she came into the room. She was dressed in casual clothes that she’d borrowed from Prue’s magical closet.
“I thought you were resting,” Phoebe said.
“Who can sleep with the world falling apart?” Alysha said. “I’m here to help. What can I do?”
“Leave,” Piper said. “And take Cole with you.”
Alysha looked to the former demon. “Should we be offended? ’Cause I’m offended.”
Phoebe rolled her eyes in Piper’s direction. “What my sister means is that we don’t know what’s going to happen when we cast this spell. Maybe nothing. Or maybe we’ll blow up the room we’re in. Either way, it would be best if you and Cole were a safe distance away.”
Alysha took Cole by the arm. “Got it. We’ll go see if this place has cable.”
Cole pulled away from her. “It does. And satellite. And various streaming options.” He turned to Phoebe. “Exactly how risky is this plan?”
Phoebe shrugged and pushed him toward the door. “Won’t know until we try it.”
“Be careful,” Cole warned all of them.
“When aren’t we?” Paige said. “Know what? Don’t answer that.”
Before the door was shut, Piper was beside Prue’s bed. “Are we sure she’s strong enough to do this?”
“I’m fine, but we should start before there’s another attack.” Prue pushed herself up into a sitting position. Piper could see her sister straining, but didn’t say anything. If Prue said she was okay, there would be no talking her out of it.
“Grab hands,” Phoebe instructed as she held out her own hands to Paige and Prue.
Piper climbed onto the bed and took Prue’s other hand. She reached across her sister’s body to take Paige by the hand as well. Their circle wasn’t quite round, but it would have to do. She waited for Phoebe’s nod and then the four sisters began to chant together.
The Power of Three and Nexus of All,
Hear our cry and answer our call.
Unite our powers, help us prevent
The attack on our next Innocent.
Piper felt a shiver ripple through the group as they repeated the chant. The shiver grew into a shake as their bodies connected and their powers became one with the magic of the Nexus.
Images blurred through Piper’s mind. Orbs mixing with people, combining with flame. Piper knew without speaking that her sisters were seeing the same things. None of it made sense, but it felt right. It felt natural.
She was one with Prue. And Phoebe. And Paige.
And for a brief moment, they were one with the Nexus.
They were in the Heavens and the Underworld. In every part of Earth. They were one with witches and fairies. They touched leprechauns and giants.
The Power of Three was there as well. Stronger than before. United with a power unlike anything it had known.
But the darkness was there too. They felt the warlocks and demons, the seers and sorcerers. It twisted into the Power of Three, fighting against it as the Nexus tied them together. Light and dark filled their souls.
They saw the future: A man and woman that matched the description of the attackers who stole the powers of Natalie and Charlene. They each held a duplicate copy of the so-called Book of Light. They were chanting at a mother and her young daughter in a small apartment that looked like it had been built in the early part of the twentieth century. The girl was screaming. The mother, trying to calm the child.
When Piper opened her eyes, she was there.
And the world was frozen.
Paige hadn’t intended to orb herself and her sisters to their destination, and yet she had done just that. The Power of Three combined with the Nexus had taken over and sent the Charmed Ones where they needed to be. The mother and daughter she had seen in the vision were cowering in the corner. The man and woman with the books had just busted through the door. The Books of Light were still closed. They hadn’t begun their chant yet. They’d tapped into Phoebe’s ability to see the future, but they hadn’t gotten a glimpse too far ahead. Just enough to stop what was about to happen.
Paige held up her hand, almost expecting Prue to still be holding on, but she was gone. Most likely back at the Nexus. The magic hadn’t allowed her to escape from her prison.
Phoebe still held on to Paige’s other hand, with Piper on her other side.
Piper stared at the couple, frozen with their two Books of Light. “I didn’t mean to stop time.”
“And I didn’t intend to orb us here,” Paige said.
“Well, now at least I’m not the only one who gets hijacked by her power,” Phoebe said.
“I hope Prue’s okay,” Piper said.
“Excuse me,” a voice said from the corner. “But can someone tell me what the hell is going on here?”
“Oh,” Phoebe said. “Right. We’re the Charmed Ones. We’ve come to protect you.”
“Charmed Ones?” the woman asked. She held tight to her child, who had her head buried in her mother’s arm.
“Nice,” Paige said. “I prefer it when we’re anonymous.”
“Good witches,” Piper said to the woman as she helped her back onto her feet. “Like you. We’re here to help.”
“And them?” the little girl asked, pointing to the frozen people.
“Bad people,” Phoebe said, getting down to the child’s level. “Very, very bad.”
“More like misguided. But we’re going to clear a few things up for them.” Piper turned to her sister. “Paige, how about we take them someplace else for our conversation.”
“Nexus?”
“No,” Phoebe said. “Manor. Attic.”
“Good idea.” Paige moved over to the frozen pair and orbed away with them. They reappeared a moment later in the attic of Halliwell Manor. The man and woman were still frozen, though Paige wasn’t sure how long it would last with Piper so far away. “Stay right here,” she told them—as if they had any choice—and returned to her sisters.
“ . . . they won’t be coming back,” Phoebe was telling the child when Paige reappeared.
“But keep your doors locked,” Piper was telling the mother.
Paige took her sisters by the hand again. “Nice meeting you both,” she said to the mother and child before orbing them away. “Sorry to bother you.” They reappeared together back in the attic a moment later. Coast to coast and back in under ten seconds.
“Wish we had some of that memory potion left over for the little girl,” Phoebe said. “She’s probably going to have nightmares for weeks.”
“At least she and her mother still have their powers,” Paige said, looking over the frozen pair of witch hunters in their attic. “What are we going to do with these two?”
“Get the books,” Piper said.
“Are these things safe to touch?” Phoebe cautiously approached the frozen pair beside Paige.
“Why risk it?” Paige said, holding out her hands. “Books!”
The Books of Light that were stuck in their arms broke into tiny orbs, rising above them to disappear. The orbs collected above Paige’s hand
, dropping toward her. At the moment the orbs began to coalesce into the books again, Paige pulled her hands away, letting them drop to the floor with a thud. “Oopsy!”
“Paige!” Piper warned. “Are you trying to freak out our kids?”
“Sorry,” Paige said. “But, seriously, they should be used to strange noises coming from the attic by now.”
Phoebe nodded in agreement as she turned to Piper. “Okay, unfreeze them,”
“Do we have to?” Paige asked. “I kind of like them better this way.”
“If only.” Piper waved a hand in front of the pair and stepped back, along with her sisters. They watched as the couple jolted, took in their surroundings in shock, and made the mental calculations of what had happened.
Paige saw them eyeing the books by her feet. “Don’t even think of it,” she said. “You’re outnumbered and outmagicked.”
The woman pointed at them. “Witch!”
Paige laughed. “Is she serious?”
“Yes, we’re witches.” Piper took a step forward. The pair countered by taking a step back. “We figured if you were attacking our kind, maybe it was time we all had a chat.”
“It’s the Charmed Ones,” the man said.
“Oh?” Phoebe asked innocently. “You know us too?”
“The descendants of the witch our ancestors burned at the stake?” he replied. “Of course I recognize you.”
Paige held up a finger. They reacted to that too, probably expecting her to turn them into toads with a single point. She would have laughed if the situation weren’t so serious. “Minor clarification: the only witch you burned at the stake. All the rest were powerless women that your ancestors burned or hung or drowned.”
“Did they drown them?” Phoebe asked. “I thought the water thing was just a test. Or was that just apocryphal?”
“Well, Melinda was burned,” Piper said. “We know that much.”
“I think the rest were mostly hung. Or hanged.” Phoebe replied. “And there were some men too.”
Paige held up her finger again when she saw the couple trying to take a step toward the exit. “Ah, ah, ah. We’re not done with you yet.”
