SIX

"Belthazor," said the demon standing in front of the fireplace. "You are

a hard demon to get to. With the witches protecting you it has been nigh unto

impossible."

"So it's me you're after, Blatell," said Cole, coming to the bottom of the

stairs. "And the Slasher and Sona? Were they sent after me, too?"

"Of course," said Blatell. "You don't think the Source would send such

low level underlings after the Charmed Ones, do you? As is quite evident, they

are less than a match for the witches."

"Leave him alone," said Phoebe, glaring at Blatell. "He's an innocent.

He doesn't even have any powers. He's no threat to you."

"I care not if he's a threat," said Blatell. "The Source has ordered his

destruction. And I don't care why." He removed an athame from the back of his

tunic. "When I've disposed of this traitor I will be greatly rewarded. Perhaps

the Source will restore the Order to their rightful place and do away with the

accursed Brotherhood. It is obvious they can't be trusted."

"It's you who can't be trusted," said a demon walking in from the kitchen.

Leo turned, startled, and let the demon pass. Cole looked over at the

demon and a look of recognition crossed his face.

"Raynor," he gasped.

"Yes," said Raynor. "It's good to see you Belthazor. Even considering

the circumstances." Raynor turned to face Blatell. "Your orders were to

distract the witches. Not take them prisoner. Belthazor was to be left to the

Brotherhood and me."

Suddenly four more demons shimmered into the manor. A demon took up a

position next to the three holding the sisters. The fourth took up a position

next to Cole. They all appeared very similar to Belthazor. Their markings were

all very similar each being only slightly, but noticeably different, from the

others.

"Baldasor," gasped Cole, looking at the demon standing next to him.

"Hello, brother," said Baldasor. "Mother sends her greetings."

"Mother?" questioned Paige. "What does he mean?"

"Cole told me that all in the Brotherhood are considered brothers," said

Phoebe. "I guess there's some female demon that works with them or something."

"Oh, there are female demons that serve the Brotherhood," said Baldasor.

"But in this case, that is not exactly accurate. Belthazor and I are brothers

by more than just belonging to the Brotherhood. The demon which bore him also

bore me. I believe you humans would say we are brothers by blood. Of course,

my father was a demon unlike Belthazor's father who was human."

"You mean he's your brother brother?" questioned Piper.

"Yes," said Cole. "He's about sixty years older than I am. It's one of

the reasons I was asked to join the Brotherhood."

"Enough," said Blatell. "The Source has ordered that the traitor be

destroyed. And I intend to make sure he is."

"As I said," said Raynor, "Belthazor is to be left to us. The Source was

quite specific in this. If a member of the Brotherhood of the Thorn is to be

vanquished by demons, it will be by the Brotherhood. Not by some lower level

wannabe's who don't even deserve the name of demon."

"Guard your words, Raynor," said Blatell. "One of the Brotherhood has

betrayed the Source and murdered the Triad. I don't think you are in much of a

position to be giving ultimatums. If you're lucky, the Source will simply

disband you interlopers and not vanquish you all."

"Perhaps," said Raynor, turning to face Blatell, "but you will not be the

one to vanquish Belthazor. The Source said that we were to deal with him. And

when he learns you have ignored his commands, you may be the ones wishing to be

vanquished. I hear the idea for this assignment came from the advisor. And you

know how he detests failure. Or those who ignore his commands."

Fear flashed across Blatell's face. It was clear that he understood

exactly what Raynor was talking about. It was equally clear that he had no

desire to go against the advisor. While the sisters had no idea who, or what,

they were talking about, everyone else in the room did.

"Release them," Raynor commanded. "You have done your part. Not even the

Charmed Ones can stand against so many demons. I will deal with Belthazor. But

they are not to be harmed."

"We have the chance to put an end to them right now," said Blatell. "With

them out of the way the Source will be free to do whatever he wishes without

interference. There's no reason to release them."

"Except that is it the wish of the Source," said Raynor. "He wishes to

deal with them himself. Now, release the witches or I'll vanquish you where you

stand."

Blatell looked at Raynor for a moment, then nodded to his fellow demons.

Reluctantly the demons released the sisters but didn't offer to move away. Leo

moved over and joined Piper as if to protect her.

"Stay out of this, witch," said Raynor. "My dealings are with Belthazor.

And while you may be able to take out some of us there are far too many demons

here for even the three of you to win. This will be over in a moment and no one

need die who does not have to."

"You harm him and I'll," started Phoebe.

"Phoebe, don't," said Cole. "He's right. There are too many of them."

"You realize I have no choice in this matter," Raynor said to Cole. "What

I do I do for the Brotherhood. The Brotherhood must be preserved no matter

what. You do understand, don't you?"

"I think so," said Cole, a perplexed look on his face. "Despite

everything that's happened, I still consider you my brother. Even if we may now

be on opposite sides."

"As do I," said Raynor. "Once a brother, always a brother."

"I understand," said Cole.

Raynor looked at Cole one last time and then formed a fireball. He raised

his arm.

"No," screamed Phoebe.

"It's too late," said Raynor. "It is done."

Without a second thought, Raynor cast the fireball.