Leo Wyatt moved through the White Lighter realm. He had received a summons from one of the Elders and it had sounded urgent. He had sensed that he sisters were in some kind of distress but a summons from the Elders couldn't be ignored. In all likelihood, the summons was connected to whatever the sisters were going through right then.
As he headed for the normal gathering place for the Elders, three of them were walking toward him. He knew them all, of course. All White Lighters did. All of the Elders were always available to offer advice, give instructions, guidance, whatever a White Lighter needed to help his or her charges.
The first was Porthic, one of the senior Elders. Leo had met him only once. Porthic usually conferred only with the most senior White Lighters. At sixty years, Leo was hardly considered a senor White Lighter, even if he did have the most important, and one of the most dangerous, assignments. The White Lighter to the Charmed Ones.
The second was Magdalena. She wasn't as old as Porthic, but she was a very levelheaded Elder. She often played Devil's Advocate, so to speak, to allow the Elders to discuss all sides of an issue that faced them. She was also one of the most patient Elders.
The third was Tolar. He was one of the youngest Elders, being a mere two hundred twelve years as an Elder. Although young by Elder standards, his was usually one of the strongest voices within the Council. His wisdom seemed to be greater than his years would dictate.
"Hello, Leo," said Porthic. "How have you been?"
"Fine," said Leo, becoming concerned.
With the exception of those White Lighters directly assigned to him, Porthic rarely called one by his name. In the sixty years Leo had been with them, Porthic had not once called him Leo. He had always been the Charmed Ones White Lighter. And to be inquiring how Leo was doing was totally out of character for the senior Elder.
"I came as soon as I got the summons," said Leo. "But I've also sensed that the Charmed Ones are in some kind of distress. I really should make sure they're okay."
"That's precisely why we summoned you," said Tolar. "They'll be fine for a few minutes. But there's something we need to discuss with you."
"Certainly," said Leo. "You know I'm willing to discuss anything that concerns you."
"Yes, you are," said Magdalena. "You're an excellent White Lighter, Leo. You always obey the rules, you follow any instructions given you, and you are usually more than willing to help if we ask you to do something. Something that isn't technically part of your duties. We are very pleased with your progress as a White Lighter."
"Thank you, I appreciate that," said Leo. "I always strive to do my best and to make you proud of me."
"In that you have been successful," said Porthic. "Even I must admit you have performed well beyond our expectations."
"Thank you, sir," said Leo.
"Leo," said Tolar putting his hand on Leo's shoulder as they walked, "you've been a White Lighter long enough to know that there are times when you have to look at the bigger picture, so to speak. To do something that technically may not be allowed but that, in the end, produces a very substantial result."
"Yes," said Leo. "I'll admit I have bent the rules on rare occasions. I am sorry for that. But at the time I felt it was necessary to accomplish the goals I was assigned. Is that what this is about? Have I done something I shouldn't have?"
"No, no, not at all," said Magdalena, looking at the other two Elders. "Your performance, especially recently, has been above reproach. But a matter has come to our attention. A matter that concerns the Charmed Ones."
"Are they okay?" Leo questioned. "I haven't had a chance to look in on them in a day or two. I haven't meant to be lax in my duties, but..."
"That's not it," said Tolar. "You are aware, of course, regarding the rule using your healing ability on humans."
"Of course," said Leo. "If they are injured because of demonic intervention, I'm allowed to heal them completely. But if the injuries are not demonic related I am forbidden from using my healing power no matter how serious the injuries. I've always strived to follow that rule."
"Exactly why we've summoned you," said Magdalena. "This is a delicate matter since I know you were once reprimanded for healing one of your charges for an injury that was not demonically related. I know you were a new White Lighter then and to be honest, most White Lighters do it at one time or another. It's difficult to watch humans, especially your charges, suffer when you have the ability to save them that suffering."
"Yes, it is," said Leo. "It hasn't always been easy. But after sixty years I can understand why we aren't allowed to heal them sometimes. Magic has to be protected. If I heal someone and there's no apparent cause for their recovery, I risk exposing magic to the world. I know how important it is that we keep our secret."
"We understand that," said Tolar. "Which is what makes this so difficult to ask. In many respects you're a much better White Lighter than some who have been here much longer. Even Porthic has admitted to us that you were the right choice to assist the Charmed Ones."
"I appreciate that," Leo said to Porthic. "I know you initially argued against my assignment to the sisters."
"It was not personal," said Porthic. "I simply felt a more seasoned White Lighter would have been a better choice. But I will admit I was wrong. As we have said, your performance has been exemplary to date."
"Thank you, sir," said Leo. "You have no idea how much that means to me coming from you."
"Leo," said Magdalena, "how would you feel about bending the rules a bit?"
"I don't understand," said Leo. "You've always told me that we should follow the rules no matter what. If we don't there's no telling what chaos could ensue."
"Under normal circumstances, we'd agree with you," said Tolar. "But these are not normal circumstances."
"Oh, for crying out loud," said Porthic, "must we continue with this dog and pony show? Leo, it is quite simple. We want you to heal one of the Charmed Ones."
Leo looked at Porthic in surprise.