The Emirge

[noazmale]

TWENTY-ONE

The party enjoyed a restful night with no interruptions. Leo kept watch since he was a spirit and didn’t require sleep as the others did. Still, when they awoke the next morning he told them that the night had passed uneventfully.

Just as the strange creature had promised, their trip down the mountain took less than half a day. It was a peaceful walk without any of the obstacles they had encountered the previous day. Once they reached the base of the mountain they turned west just as the Oracle had said.

They traveled for three and a half days just as the Oracle had told them. As before they had to rely on fruits, vegetables, roots, and berries that Margaret could find for them. And just as before she had no trouble finding them.

The few villages they came across were friendly and accommodating. Especially when Cole mentioned that he was demon. No one questioned him. They simply took his word for it. And most bent over backwards to cater to his every whim. At the end of the fourth day they topped a hill and saw a small village below. From the looks of the village this was the one they were looking for. It seemed to be festively decorated. The decorations were crude but were obviously designed for a celebration.

“This looks like the place,” said Piper. “Now, let’s find Phoebe and get the hell out of this place.”

“Not so fast,” said Cole. “We have no idea where she is. And don’t forget that Gastion has been using his secretions to keep her memories suppressed. She’s not likely to remember or trust you.”

“What do you suggest?” Paige asked.

“Well the ceremony isn’t supposed to take place until tomorrow,” said Cole. “I think it’s best if we check the place out. Gastion may have other demons helping him. Without our powers we could be at a distinct disadvantage.”

“You still have your powers,” said Piper. “Even if it is only in your Belthazor form.”

“That’s not an option,” said Cole. “Every time I change it’s harder to change back. I can’t risk changing again. Belthazor will take over completely and I won’t be able to protect you.”

“Okay,” said Paige, “we should be able to get a place to stay. And if this celebration is as big as it looks we shouldn’t have any trouble finding out about it.”

“The marriage of a demon is always a very big event,” said Margaret. “The entire village will turn out for it. Especially if Gastion is the demon living in this village. All of the villagers will want to impress him to gain his favor.”

“Let’s just slip in quietly,” said Cole. “We don’t want to give Gastion any advance knowledge that we’re here. The element of surprise is our best weapon right now.”

The five moved cautiously into the village. Leo remained invisible so as not to alarm any of the villagers. There was a boarding house of sorts on the edge of town and they were able to get some rooms there. Cole made no mention of the fact that he was demon only that they had come for the wedding.

They spent the rest of the day looking around the village and asking questions. Most of the villagers were more than happy to answer their questions. They discovered that the wedding was to take place the next day at precisely noon. It would be held in the town square where all the villagers would be able to attend. And Gastion was introducing a new marriage ritual. One, from the descriptions, sounded very reminiscent of a human wedding.

“That would be in keeping with his fascination with human rituals,” said Cole.

“Then I guess we wait until noon tomorrow,” said Piper. “Anyone have any suggestions how we go about saving Phoebe and getting out of this village without resorting to magic?”

“I’ll try to bluff Gastion,” said Cole. “Maybe my being here will be enough to make him back down.”

“What if that doesn’t work?” asked Paige.

“We always have Leo,” said Phoebe. “He can just materialize by Phoebe like he did with Margaret. Then we convince the villages he’s an evil omen and they have to send Phoebe away.”

“That may not work,” said Margaret. “With Gastion here they’ll be looking to him for protection. And from what you’ve told me, he’s not likely to back down easily.”

“We’ll just have to play it by ear,” said Leo. “But I do have a suggestion. While Cole is distracting Gastion, Piper and Paige can try to quietly slip Phoebe out of the square. If we have to we can tie her up until the secretions that Gastion has been using have worn off and she remembers who we are.”

“How long will that take?” Piper asked.

“I’m not sure,” said Cole. “But it’s worth a try. I’ll confront Gastion and you two get her out of the square. You can bring her back here. The rest of us will keep Gastion and the villagers busy while you do. After that we’ll just have to see what happens.”

“Sounds like a plan to me,” said Paige.

With their plans set for the next day the group settled in to get some sleep. Their plans rarely went as predicted and they would need to be ready if, and when, something went wrong.

[noazmale]

TWENTY-TWO

The next day dawned just as bright and cloudless as the rest of the days in this realm. It was just after sunup when the owner of the boarding house they were staying in woke them up. The festivities planned for the day were numerous and the entire village was bustling with activity.

Last minute preparations were being made for the wedding. By noon most of the villagers were gathering in the village square. Cole and Margaret took up positions near the back of the crowd. Piper and Paige took up positions near the platform that had been constructed to one side of the square. Margaret told them that was where Phoebe and the wedding party would be. Leo was invisible but waited near Cole and Margaret just in case they needed some “supernatural” distraction.

It was just a few minutes before noon when the wedding party stepped up onto the platform. One was obviously Gastion. He was in his demonic form that they all recognized from the spell Paige had cast. Standing to one side and slightly behind Gastion were Phoebe and three attendants. All of the attendants were demonis females.

On the platform near the center on the front was a makeshift podium. Standing behind the podium was a male demonis dressed in official-looking robes. He was wearing a medallion that identified him as some form of authority. Margaret said he was what passed for a mayor in this realm. He would be the one officiating at the wedding.

“Fellow villagers,” announced the mayor. “We are gathered here today to celebrate the union of our most magnificent leader, Lemteck, and his bride, Menashaw. This is a glorious day for our village. We wish for great tidings and a long life for the beloved couple.

“Lemteck. You have brought your bride before us so that we may witness this wondrous union. You honor us. I ask you now in the presence of all these witnesses. Do you accept the union between you and Menashaw? A union that shall bind you so long as you both live?”

“I accept the union,” said Gastion.

`”We witness your acceptance of this union,” said the mayor. “By her appearance here today, Menashaw demonstrates her acceptance of this union. As overseer of this ceremony it is my very distinct honor to proclaim them bound, now and for all time. May their union provide them with many years of happiness and be fruitful.”

“Excuse me,” said Cole. “What happened to ‘if anyone knows why they shouldn’t be married’? Isn’t that supposed to be part of the ceremony?”

“Who dares interrupt the ceremony?” demanded the mayor. “Such insolence and disrespect will not be tolerated.”

“Oh, I think it will be,” said Cole, moving to the front of the crowd. “Hello, Gastion. It’s been a long time.”

“Belthazor?” questioned Gastion. “Can it truly be you? I had heard you vanquished.”

“I got better,” said Cole. “Nice setup you have here. Undisputed ruler of this little village. I guess that’s better than the Émigré you were banished to.”

“You have no idea,” said Gastion. “Here, there is no one to oppose me. They all worship me nearly as a deity. It’s so much better than the petty squabbles and bickering of the underworld.”

“Yeah, well, you’ve made one small miscalculation,” said Cole. “The human you’ve kidnapped is no ordinary human. She’s a Charmed One. And my ex-wife.”

“A Charmed One?” questioned Gastion. “How simply wonderful. I had no idea. It does explain some things, though.”

As Cole and Gastion were talking, Piper and Paige moved up behind Phoebe. Piper reached out and took Phoebe by the arm.

“Phoebe, it’s me, Piper,” said Piper. “Come on, let’s get you out of here.”

“Who are you?” demanded Phoebe pulling away from Piper. “Lemteck, what’s going on here? Who are these people?”

“Paige, a little help here,” said Piper.

“So, that’s what you’re doing here,” exclaimed Gastion. “You’ve come to steal my bride from me. I’m not going to let that happen.”

“We’ve just come to return Phoebe to where she belongs,” said Cole. “You’d be wise not to fight me on this, Gastion. You wouldn’t like the outcome.”

“Lemteck,” asked the mayor, “who are these gadlings? Why do they dare interrupt this ceremony?”

“I’m no gadling,” said Cole. “I’m a demon just like Gastion. And the gadling he’s about to marry isn’t here of her own accord. He kidnapped her and I’ve come to take her home.”

“Stay out of this, Prothick,” said Gastion. “This is my insult. I’ll handle it.”

“As you wish, Master,” said the mayor.

As the three were talking Paige moved up and grabbed Phoebe by the arm. Piper also reached out and took her by the other arm intent on dragging her kicking and screaming, if necessary, from the platform. The second Piper and Paige touched Phoebe all three were covered in a glow. Phoebe shook her head a couple of times and looked around.

“Piper?” questioned Phoebe. “Paige? What’s going on? Where am I? And what the hell is this I’m wearing?”

“No,” screamed Gastion. “I won’t let you ruin this. I didn’t know she was a Charmed One when I took her. Now that I know I cannot allow you to take her. She will provide me with a powerful heir.”

“Give it up, Gastion,” said Cole. “You could never stand up against me. Don’t make me do something you’ll regret later.”

“You fool,” said Gastion. “You think I’m a total dupe? Your human half has made you weak. The fact that you have not assumed your demonic form proves that. You try to suppress it. I, on the other hand, embrace my demonic heritage. It gives me great power. It may be true that in the past you were more powerful than I. But that was on the mortal realm. Here, it is I who am the more powerful.”

“Don’t press it,” said Cole. “I’m trying to give you the option to relinquish her without being vanquished. But I won’t ask again.”

Suddenly, Gastion formed a fireball and cast it at Cole. The weapon struck Cole forcing him back. Those gathered for the wedding began to scramble for safety out of the way of the opponents.

“You’re warning me?” said Gastion. “That proves your weakness. No true demon would do such a thing. It is not our way. If you had truly planned to take her by force we would not be having this discussion. You would have vanquished me and taken her. And we both know that in your human form you have no powers.”

Gastion cast another fireball at Cole knocking him to the ground again. Normally, one of the weapons should have vanquished a non-magical being. In his human form Cole had no demonic powers and was, for all intents and purposes, a non-magical being. His half demonic DNA was affording him some protection. But that protection wouldn’t last long. Gastion cast another fireball at Cole.

“I know of your past, Belthazor,” said Gastion. “How you were sent by the Triad to vanquish these sisters. How you fell in love. Imagine, a demon falling in love. That love has weakened you. Once you were feared throughout the underworld. Now, a witch has taken that from you. Made you one of them. A weak, pathetic human.”

Gastion cast another fireball at Cole knocking him to the ground. Cole tried to rise but was weakened too much. The attacks by Gastion were taking their toll. The protection afforded by his half demonic was nearly gone. Cole knew that one more attack would finish him. Gastion formed another fireball and raised his hand.

“It’s a shame,” said Gastion. “Together, we could have ruled this realm. Now, you will die as a weak pathetic human.”

Gastion just smiled and cast the fireball at Cole, content that his opponent was about to be vanquished.

[noazmale]

TWENTY-THREE

The fireball flew through the air at Cole who lay on the ground defenseless. Just before the weapon struck, Cole shimmered slightly. Almost instantly he changed form. In his place lay Belthazor. The fireball struck the demon who howled in pain. In an instant Belthazor was on his feet. He towered over Gastion.

“I am no human,” howled Belthazor. “You call me weak? I was the favored of the Source. I was the Source. I have been to the Wasteland and returned unharmed. In the mortal realm I am invulnerable. And I will not be vanquished by the likes of you.”

Belthazor formed a fireball and cast it at Gastion. The lesser demon was forced back by the attack. Vainly Gastion attacked again with his own fireball. Belthazor simply cast a fireball and the two impacted between the two demons obliterating each other.

“You are the fool, Gastion,” said Belthazor. “You were banished by the Source and with good reason. Your foolish obsession with human females. Yes, Cole Turner fell in love with a human. He is human. He has that failing. But I have no such failing. I care nothing for them or any humans. You have challenged me. Now, learn the fate of all those who would challenge the mighty Belthazor.”

Belthazor cast another fireball forcing Gastion back again. Margaret and the sisters could do nothing but stand and watch as the two demons battled each other. Gastion made several more attacks against Belthazor but the larger demon weathered the attacks, returning his own. Gastion was quickly loosing the battle and he knew it.

“You are nothing but a pathetic Carack demon,” howled Belthazor. “You are not even worthy to be compared to me. You said I was feared in the underworld. I still am. All demons fear and honor me. They bow to me as they should. Even those of your kind dare not challenge me. I am the mighty Belthazor. And those who stand against me find that I am not to be trifled with.”

Belthazor cast several more fireballs at Gastion forcing the lesser demon back even farther. He was cut and bleeding in a dozen places. Weakly he raised his hand in a futile attempt to protect against the vicious attacks of his opponent. Suddenly Belthazor cast one last fireball and Gastion was vanquished in a conflagration.

Belthazor howled in victory. His opponent was vanquished. He spun to face the sisters who stood only a few feet away. His eyes narrowed slightly as his gaze fell on them. Slowly he began to advance on them.

“I have vanquished the fool who would oppose me,” he said slowly and deliberately. “But he was right about one thing. You have cost me in the underworld. I was sent to destroy you and in a moment of weakness you took from me all that I had worked to gain.

“Now I will rectify that situation. I will destroy you as I should have all those years ago. I will restore my reputation and once again be feared and respected as I was. All demons will know that I have vanquished the Charmed Ones. And you will no longer be a threat to those who serve evil.”

Belthazor advanced on the sisters’ anger flashing in his eyes. They could do nothing but move away from him. Without their powers they were unable to stand against him or even defend against his attacks. In a moment he would finish what he had originally been sent to do. He would destroy the most powerful force for good in the world.

“No,” said Phoebe, suddenly moving forward. “I don’t know exactly what’s going on but I do know one thing. You’re in there somewhere, Cole. You claim you love me. If I ever meant anything to you then fight this. Don’t let him win.”

Belthazor stopped and looked at Phoebe. There was a strange look on his face.

“You plead for your life,” said Belthazor. “How human of you. It will do you no good, witch. I will finish what I started. I will destroy you as I was sent to do.”

“No, you won’t,” said Phoebe. “Cole Turner is part of you. Whether you like it or not – whether you admit it or not – you’re half human. And that half won’t let you destroy us. Cole, I know you’re in there. Fight him. Don’t let him defeat you. I know you can do it. Regardless of what might have happened you’re strong. You can stop this. I know you can.”

Belthazor stood looking at Phoebe. There was a look in his eye that only Phoebe recognized. A look she had often seen in Cole’s eye. She knew she was getting through to him. No matter how strong Belthazor was, she knew Cole was stronger. He only had to fight to regain control.

Suddenly Belthazor shimmered slightly and changed form. Cole now stood where Belthazor stood only moments before. He fell to his knees, holding himself up with his arms. His breathing was long and labored.

“That was too hard,” gasped Cole. “I didn’t think I could do it. Thanks, Phoebe. Belthazor is so powerful here I have almost no control over him. But thanks to you I was able to overcome him. This time. I don’t think I could do it again.”

“We’d better get out of this village,” said Piper. “The villagers are stunned right now by what happened. But I don’t know how long that’s going to last. I say we get out of here while we can.”

“That’s a good idea,” said Margaret. “You’ve just destroyed their leader. I’m not sure how they’re going to react.”

Helping Cole to his feet everyone turned and headed out of the village, glancing over their shoulders periodically to see if they were being followed.

[noazmale]

TWENTY-FOUR

They made camp that night in a small grove of trees several miles from the village. Leo had kept an eye out for any villagers that might come after them. No one seemed to be following them. After a while they all decided that the villagers wouldn’t be coming after them. Cole was a demon and none of them could stand up to him.

“What is this thing I’m wearing?” asked Phoebe as they rested for the night.

“It’s a traditional wedding gown,” said Margaret. “At least in this realm it is.”

“Okay, what’s going on?” asked Phoebe. “The last thing I remember was a knock at the door. The next thing I know I’m standing on that platform with Piper and Paige standing next to me. And Cole is facing off against another demon.”

They told Phoebe everything that had happened. She sat listening to them as they told of what they had gone through to get to her.

“I vaguely remember something about a man asking to use the phone,” she said. “Something about his car breaking down and he wanted to call the auto club. After that I don’t remember anything.”

“You probably won’t,” said Cole. “The secretions of a Carack demon can cause some permanent short term memory loss. Nothing serious. Just the few minutes before and after the attack. Other than that you should be fine.”

“Thanks,” said Phoebe, looking at Cole. “You agreed to help find me?”

“I didn’t have much of a choice,” said Cole. “I couldn’t leave you here alone. And it was clear they didn’t know what was going on.”

“I appreciate it,” said Phoebe.

“What I don’t understand,” Paige said, “is how you suddenly got your memories back. We didn’t do anything. We couldn’t. We don’t have any magic here.”

“It must be the Power of Three,” said Leo. “Individually, you’re just three witches. But together you have the Power of Three. That’s stronger than even most demons. I guess Gastions' secretions couldn’t withstand that.”

“Okay,” said Piper, “we’ve found Phoebe. Now we have to find a way back home. The Oracle said some kind of joining would get us home. And something about a circle. But I haven’t been able to figure out what it meant by that.”

“It also said that time would reveal the answer,” said Paige. “But it hasn’t done anything. We’re no closer to solving this riddle than we were after we saw the Oracle.”

“Maybe not,” said Cole. “I’ve been thinking. In a way, when you use the Power of Three, you join your powers together. No other witches can do that. It’s what broke Gastions' hold over Phoebe.”

“Yeah, so?” questioned Piper.

“Well,” said Cole, “maybe that’s what the Oracle meant. Maybe by joining your power you can open a portal home. That’s also what it meant by time revealing the answer. Without Phoebe, there is no Power of Three. It took time to get to her. Now we know that some form of magic happens when the three of you touch.”

“He has a point,” said Leo. “Nothing happened until Piper and Paige both touched Phoebe at the same time. Maybe that somehow gives you access to your powers.”

“It’s worth a shot,” said Piper. “Come on, guys. Let’s give it a try.”

Piper took Phoebe’s hand and Phoebe took Paige’s hand. As before they all glowed slightly. But nothing seemed to happen. Piper tried to use her explosive power on a nearby rock but nothing happened. And Paige was unable to orb anything. The glow didn’t seem to do anything.

“I don’t understand it,” said Piper. “I could feel the power in me. Why couldn’t we use it?”

“I don’t know,” said Paige. “I could feel it, too. But when I tried to use it, nothing.”

“Maybe we aren’t doing it right,” suggested Phoebe. “Didn’t you say this Oracle said something about a circle?”

“Yes,” said Margaret. “It said when the joining was complete and the circle was formed we’d be able to get home.”

“Well,” said Paige, “I guess that means we have to form a circle.”

“In a way, that makes sense,” said Cole. “Just touching must combine your power. But that’s only half of it. It activates your power something like turning on a generator. But the power is unfocused. If you form a circle, that might be what allows you to use your power.”

“It’s worth a try,” said Piper. “Okay, let’s form a circle.”

Piper reached out and took Phoebe and Paige’s hands. Then Paige reached out and took Phoebe’s hand. The glow began again only this time it began to grow in intensity. Suddenly Piper pulled her hand away from Phoebe.

“What are you doing?” asked Phoebe. “It was working. I could feel it.”

“Me, too,” said Paige.

“So could I,” said Piper. “But it was only affecting us. Cole, Leo, and Margaret weren’t being affected by it. Which means they would have been left behind.”

“You have a point,” said Cole. “What if we all held hands?”

“I don’t think that will work,” said Piper. “Unless the three of us are touching I don’t think we can generate the power we need. I have an idea, though. The three of you stand between us. We’ll form the circle around you. That should cover all of us.”

“It’s worth a shot,” said Leo.

Cole, Leo, and Margaret moved over and stood between the sisters. Once again the girls reached out taking each other’s hands. The glow began as before but this time it encompassed all of them. Piper, Phoebe, and Paige all concentrated on returning to their own realm. As they did the intensity of the glow increased and then suddenly flashed. When the light subsided, the countryside was empty. They were nowhere to be seen.

[noazmale]

TWENTY-FIVE

Paige came down the stairs of the manor drying her hair. She walked into the kitchen and found Piper fixing lunch and Phoebe and Margaret sitting at the kitchen table talking. They had been home for three days. Leo was his normal corporeal self. The girls all had their powers back and Piper was once again protected from harm by the unborn child she carried.

Margaret had been able to locate her coven and found her daughter alive and well. They had talked for hours over the phone and Phoebe was planning on taking her home after lunch. Paige had been able to come up with a very simple spell that removed the tattoo Margaret had been given when she had become the property of Amadon in the outer realm.

“I feel a lot better,” said Paige. “I never realized how many things we take for granted. Like a simple shower. I hope we don’t have to go through anything like that again ever.”

“I had forgotten what it was like to lead a normal life,” said Margaret. “And I never expected to ever return home. I can’t thank you enough for freeing me from that dimension. I don’t know how I’m ever going to repay you.”

“No repayment is necessary,” said Piper. “I just wish we could have done more for the poor humans in that realm. There are still a lot of them living like you did for the last ten years.”

“You can’t save everyone,” said Leo, coming into the kitchen. “Besides, it’s not your problem. You have enough to worry about here without looking for trouble in some outer realm where your powers don’t even work.”

“I suppose,” said Piper. “Still, it would be nice if we could have done something.”

“I wouldn’t worry too much about it,” said Margaret. “Things were beginning to change. Who knows? Maybe one day the demonis and gadlings will live as equals.”

“That’s a nice thought,” said Phoebe. “I’m just glad you guys came after me. Thinking of how close I came to becoming the wife of another demon gives me the willies.”

“Speaking of which,” said Paige, “have you heard from Cole since we got back?”

“No,” said Phoebe. “Before he left he said something about having a promise to keep. I thanked him for everything he did but I also made it clear that it didn’t change things between us. He’s still a demon. That’s not going to change. He’ll just have to get past it.”

“I hope so,” said Leo. “If he wanted to he could be very dangerous especially with his invulnerability.”

“Let’s not worry about that now,” said Piper. “Lunch is almost ready and I want to enjoy it without any demonic interference. Margaret has to leave after lunch and I want to enjoy what time we have left.”

“I won’t be that far away,” said Margaret. “You’re more than welcome to come visit any time. I’m sure my daughter and the others of my coven will be thrilled to meet the Charmed Ones.”

“Just remember it goes both ways,” said Paige. “You know where we live, too, so there’s no reason you can’t stop by for a visit from time to time.”

“I know,” said Margaret. “But for the next few weeks I think I’m going to be busy getting reacquainted with civilization. I have a lot to catch up on and a lot to relearn. That’s going to take some time.”

“Well, right now all you have to do is enjoy your favorite meal,” said Piper. “Fried chicken, mashed potatoes, gravy, green beans with cheese and cornbread. And don’t worry about anything. I made more than enough so you can eat to your hearts content.”

“Great,” said Leo. “It’s been a while since Piper fixed one of her special meals. And after several days of being a ghost I for one am going to enjoy every minute of it.”

Everyone laughed as Piper and Phoebe began placing the dishes on the table for them to enjoy.

* * *

Cole move into the village in the Émigré. He stopped at the outskirts at Samoduns’ home. The ancient demon was waiting for Cole.

“So, is the portal all sealed over?” Samodun asked.

“Completely,” said Cole. “No one will ever be able to enter that outer realm again. At least not through that portal. It’s completely collapsed.”

“Very good,” said Samodun. “I was surprised when you returned here. I had never expected to see you again.”

“You almost didn’t,” said Cole. “As I told you, when I changed to Belthazor he nearly took over completely. It’s like he and I were two separate beings inhabiting the same body. Without my powers I was at his mercy. I’m just glad I was able to get back here where I don’t have to worry about it again.”

“That’s too bad,” said Samodun. “Belthazor was a great demon. It’s a shame he’s gone.”

“Not for me,” said Cole. “I’m not him any more. Things change. Speaking of which, the guardians still look at me as the Source. Which means I can lift your banishment if you want. You’ll be free to return to the underworld. Who knows? You might even be able to become the next Source.”

“Thank you for the offer,” said Samodun, “but I find I like it here. There’s none of the subterfuge you find in the underworld. After so many centuries as undisputed ruler of this place it would be like taking a step down.”

“Have it your way,” said Cole. “You helped me when I needed it and I won’t forget it.”

“I would suggest you leave here as quickly as you can,” said Samodun. “Word of your return has spread throughout the village. Many of the demons here have voiced a desire to speak with you. To see if you might lift their banishment. If you don’t leave now, while you can, you may be here for a long time.”

“I guess you’re right,” said Cole. “Samodun, take care of yourself. Maybe some day we can meet again under better circumstances.”

“Perhaps,” said Samodun.

Cole turned and left the small village. He hurried to the exit from the Émigré that appeared to be nothing more than a cave from this side. Cole took one last look at the countryside, and then turned and walked into the cave.

He exited the Émigré in the same chamber that he, Piper, Paige, and Leo had entered only a few days earlier. As he stepped into the chamber nearly a dozen demons simply appeared from the walls. Seeing who it was most simply bowed and faded away.

“My work here is finished,” said Cole. “You will continue to discharge your duties as you have for all these centuries. See that those who are banished do not leave the Émigré.”

“As you wish,” said the one demon that had remained.

It was the leader of the demonic guardians that guarded the entrance to the Émigré. It would wait until Cole had left the chamber before resuming its post. Cole turned and headed for the exit from the chamber. Just as he reached the exit he stopped and turned back to the demon.

“Samoduns’ banishment is lifted,” said Cole to the demon. “He may leave whenever he wishes. And he may return if he wishes.”

“As you command,” said the demon.

Without another word Cole turned and left the chamber heading into the underworld that he had traveled for more than a century. He still had to prove to Phoebe that he had changed. And he had a lot of work to do before that happened.

The End