"You want me to write a Power of Three spell?" Phoebe questioned. "But you don't want me to tell Piper or Paige I've done it?"
"That's right", said Leo. "Look, Phoebe, I know this sounds odd. And I really can't tell you very much because frankly I don't know much myself. But one of the Elders specifically asked for this. He couldn't tell me much but he said it was vitally important."
"The Elders," said Phoebe. "Another one of their plans to put us in harms way without telling us what's going on."
"I don't think so," said Leo. "Thaddeus is one of the oldest Elders and one of your most outspoken supporters. He often disagrees with the Elders decisions to withhold information from you. I don't think he would ask this unless he genuinely thought it was necessary. Somehow I get the feeling this is meant to protect you."
"What is this spell supposed to do?" Phoebe asked. "It's hard enough writing one as it is. How am I supposed to write a spell when I don't even know who or what it's going to be used against?"
"He said it needs to be used to free a human from possession," said Leo. "Some evil spirit has apparently possessed a human and he wants the spell to be able to force the spirit out of the human host."
"Okay," said Phoebe, "that sounds easy enough. Any idea what spirit it is?"
"No," said Leo. "He couldn't tell me. I think it must be some ancient evil. Normally you'd be able to depossess a human without a Power of Three spell. This must be a very powerful spirit."
"And you don't want Piper or Paige to know I'm writing it?" questioned Phoebe.
"No," said Leo. "In fact, this has to stay between you and me. Don't tell anyone. Piper especially would insist on answers to questions that I don't have. Thaddeus says the spell needs to be ready as soon as possible. We can't waste time arguing with Piper or Paige about this."
"Okay," said Phoebe, "I'll write it. But I don't like keeping this from them. When Piper finds out she's going to have a fit."
"I know," said Leo. "That's why you can't tell anyone else, either. We can't risk her finding out until and unless we need to use it. And when she does find out I'll take the full blame. She rants to me all the time about the Elders anyway. At least with me she can focus her anger on someone specific."
"Falling on your sword, so to speak?" Phoebe asked, smiling.
"Something like that," said Leo. "But it's part of my job. I can handle it. I've been the brunt of her anger before. It will eventually pass."
"Okay," said Phoebe. "I'll let you know when I have the spell ready. Did Thaddeus say what he wanted me to do with it when I finished it?"
"Just keep it ready," said Leo. "I got the distinct impression he thought we might not have much warning when we do have to use it."
"Fine," said Phoebe. "I'll get started right away."
"Thanks, Phoebe," said Leo. "I owe you one."
"Hey, what are sisters-in-law for?" asked Phoebe reaching for a pad and pen.
"And you're sure they were pages from the Tome of the Ancients?" Thaddeus asked Michael.
"Absolutely," said Michael. "And the one I saw was a spell that appeared to summon someone or something. I didn't get a very good look at it but what I could read seemed to indicate that."
"You could read it?" Thaddeus questioned.
"Yes," said Michael. "That's why know it's from the Tome of the Ancients. The Tome of the Ancients is written in a very old demonic dialect. It's not used any more but it's very similar to several dialects that are in use. I recognized the writing."
"How many pages does Turner have?" Thaddeus.
"Eight," said Cole. "I didn't get a look at the others. But if they're from that book you can bet they are going to be extremely powerful. Even the girls would have a very serious problem with them."
"Then we have no choice," said Thaddeus. "Despite the consequences, Turner must be dealt with right away. With eight pages from the Tome of the Ancients, he not only could control the underworld, he could pose a threat to the entire Elder Council. We have to stop him before he can act."
"I agree we must stop the Source," said Michael, "but what of Turner? He's an innocent pawn in all this. We can't just abandon him. We have to do something to protect him."
"I've asked Leo to ask the Charmed Ones to write a Power of Three spell to force the Source out of Turner," said Thaddeus. "I didn't tell them what it was for. Just that it was needed to force a spirit out of a possessed human. I'm sure Leo will be successful in convincing them to do it. Once that spell is ready, we can let them know what's going on. If anyone can free Turner, it's the Charmed Ones."
"Okay," said Michael. "But when the time comes, let me tell them. They'll take it better coming from me."
"That is a wise precaution," said Thaddeus. "I will inform the rest of the council of your discovery. You need to get back to the underworld and see what else you can find out about these pages Turner has. We need to find out exactly what we might be facing."
"Considering the magnitude of those pages," said Michael, "I think it's best if I try to get them from Turner."
"That could expose your true identity," said Thaddeus.
"Considering the alternative," said Michael, "it's worth the risk. I always knew my dual identity might be exposed one day. But we can't afford to let the Source keep those pages. It's too much of a risk. Exposing me is a small price to pay if I can get them from him."
"That's your decision, of course," said Thaddeus. "You've been a great asset to us over the years. Just don't risk getting trapped down there with our identity exposed. That would be fatal."
"I know," said Michael. "I'll let you know of my progress."
"And I shall inform you of the councils' decision as soon as we've made one," said Thaddeus. "Be very careful. You're not only a valuable asset, you are also a friend. I would hate to loose that friendship."
"As would I, old friend," said Michael.