TWO
A Founder. One of those enigmatic beings responsible for all good magic. The group that all of those gathered answered to, save the two Deaths.
"Greetings, Founder," said the Elder as all but the brothers Death bowed to them.
"Still refuse to offer deference to us?" the Founder questioned the Deaths tolerantly.
"We do not answer to you," hissed the Death in the robes.
"My brother is correct," responded the other Death. "We existed long before you. We shall exist long after you have vanished."
"Of course," said the Founder. "But you cannot claim Turner's soul until we have released it."
"It is what we were just discussing," said Fate.
"We are aware of that," said the Founder. "Which is why I am here. The Founders have watched the events of the past eight years. Rarely have we chosen to intervene. We have chosen to allow these events to transpire normally.
"But in this instance we are unanimous. We have decided the proper course of action. I have come to inform you of our decision. And of the roles each of you are to play in that decision."
"We play only one role," said Death. "To usher souls to their final reward or punishment."
"Which you will when the time is come," said the Founder. "That time is not here yet."
"Founder," said the Elder, "what is it you wish of us?"
They all listened patiently as the Founder outlined the decision and each of their roles in that decision. When she finished Fate was the first to speak.
"It does seem appropriate. And it does not alter the balance."
"Founder," said the Elder, "the Elders have always acquiesced to your requests. But are you sure this is the wisest move?" I'm not sure the Elders can reach a consensus in this matter."
"You labor under a misconception. We do not require a consensus of the Elders. This is not a request." The Founder's steady gaze pinned the Elder sharply. "We have discussed it at length. And we have decided that – in this instance – the greater good must be considered secondary. "
In all the millennia since their creation, the Founders had rarely imposed their will on the Elders or any subordinates. They had almost always requested specific actions and left the final determination up to those that served them. The instances when they had issued directives were very few and very far between.
"As you wish, Founder," said the Elder. "I will inform the other Elders of your decision."
"Very soon the Charmed Ones will face one of their greatest foes," said the Founder. "If they are successful, it will mean an end to their constant battles with demons. They will be allowed to rest. We intend to make sure they are amply rewarded for all of their sacrifices."
"Founder," said Destiny, "you have not told us of the role Turner will play. How am I to determine a destiny for him?"
"That is of no concern," said the Founder. "Cole Turner's fate has been decided. Each of you will go about your business as if nothing has changed. The matter is no longer in your hands. Cupid, will you remain for a moment please? I have need to speak with you. Go now. Time grows short. See that all is in readiness."
One by one all of the beings vanished from the gathering. The two deaths finally vanished intent on taking the souls of the recently departed on to their final reward or punishment. All that remained were Cupid and the Founder.
"You have not voiced your opinion of our decision," said the Founder.
"You have always known best."
"Not always, said the Founder. She held out her hand and a ring suddenly appeared in it. "You will need this. This ring is for Turner."
"I don't understand," said Cupid, looking at the ring.
"You will," said the Founder. "I asked you to stay so that I might explain the role Turner will play in our decision. Few will know of the specifics. Besides yourself, only the Angel of Fate and El-A-Lese will know what we have planned specifically for Turner."
"As you wish," said Cupid. "I sense there is something else on your mind."
"Yes," said the Founder. "Of all the sisters, Phoebe has sacrificed the most. Her grandmother and mother. Her husband and unborn child. Even the loss of her sister. With our blessing, the Elders plan to try to make up for all she has given up for the greater good. But not even they will know the true details of what is to transpire."
"The Angel of Fate will be told what I am about to tell you. But no one else is to know. Other than El-A-Lese. She has been instrumental in this matter. We have decided she has a right to know of our decision. When the others have prepared the way, there is something we wish you to do for us."
"You can count on me, ma'am."
Deliberately the Founder explained what Cupids' mission was to be. Cupid listened intently to the full instructions before speaking.
"It seems fitting. And it will correct an injustice I have been powerless to correct. What if he accepts Fate's option?"
"That is his right," said the Founder. "All have free will and not even we may interfere with that. The final decision will be his."
"I understand," said Cupid. "What of Phoebe? You said no one else was to know. I assume that includes her as well."
"Yes," said the Founder. "But it will not always be so. One day she will be ready to know the truth. When that day comes you will be allowed to reveal to her what has been done here."
"Good," said Cupid. "She deserves to know the truth some day."
"Go now. See to the preparations. There is much to do and little time to accomplish it."
Cupid bowed to the Founder and then simply faded from sight. Satisfied that everything would go as she had instructed, the Founder returned to the realm where the others of her kind waited.