Faithfully Yours Part 5: A Time in the Affairs of Witches   Chapter 44 "The good ended happily, and the bad unhappily. That is what Fiction means."   Oscar Wilde

As Phoebe heard the sound of orbs, she jumped with excitement at the prospect of leaving Therold's cottage.

"Not good" she told herself "wanting to go to war to escape from endless cups of tea".

The excitement left her face when she realised the orbs belonged to Francesca.

"Yes dear" Francesca said clearly understanding Phoebe's problem.

Proctor stood up with an insolence that to Phoebe disguised some concern. He looked at Francesca and she shook her head.

Before he could say anything however Therold appeared at his kitchen door and demanded in a high tense squeak "You have been to see Belthezor?"

"Therold do not start" Francesca told him bluntly "I have not been to see Cole as he is in no more willing to be receptive to good advice than you are.'" She turned toward Proctor and Phoebe wondered if just at the moment Proctor was the only one Francesca was seeing as an adult. "I have been up beyond. I have argued I have pleaded and I have told truths."

"And" said Proctor his voice harsh.

"I was no more able to convince them this time than the previous time'" She said running her hand through her hair "And this time I was under the disadvantage of having been right last time. They want to go to war". She said.

"I am sure your foresight will be appreciated and recognised at some time in the future "Proctor assured her the note in his voice even harsher.

"When it is hindsight"  Francesca answered him with some bitterness. "There is a certain point for those who chose to battle when they lose the ability to see any course but battle. Alternative actions, opposing views, serious requests to consider motives and actions are all treated as … treasonable."

"The Powers That Be have reached this point?" Proctor asked.

"Well past it" Francesca replied not hiding her tension.

"Maybe this time we can do something" Phoebe said brightly. "My sisters and I. Witches. The Charmed Ones." she explained. Phoebe waited to be told to stay out of greater magic.

"How?" asked Francesca her eyes narrowing.  She smiled a crooked smile as Phoebe's eyes opened wide in surprise. "Surely you do not think I would underestimate the power of good magic" she said.

"People who choose to go to war don't fight wars" Phoebe said "they get other people to fight and die, win and lose. This time the people who fight may chose."

Therold stepped forward. "This foolish child insists she is going to war" he said "even when she knows she will not be safe from Belthezor."

"Ï am not staying here to be safe from Cole" Phoebe replied a touch tersely "I am staying here to keep Cole safe from doing something we all agree is a bad idea. Don't we?" she looked around.

Proctor and Francesca nodded.

Therold sniffed. "Belthezor should be doing something about Burvjara. It is his calling. It is his responsibility. I doubt his calling. I really do" He told Proctor and Francesca who both rolled their eyes. "My dear "he addressed Phoebe "Your loyalty to your husband is admirable but there are things about his calling. Things that you could never...  I do not believe that the calling of a warrior is a true calling "he whined "Belthezor in the way he treats you demonstrates he doe not listen to his calling.'

"Therold" Francesca interrupted her school marm voice laced with just enough tension to snap Therold's attention. "The foolish child here is one of the most powerful of witches. She and her sisters have defeated sources, plural, "she stressed "vanquished some of the most powerful demons, powerful sects, saved more innocents."

Phoebe's eyes opened wide at the praise.

"Something has to change this time" Francesca said "I cannot believe it would be... balanced to repeat the cycle in Burvjara endlessly. Whether it is Belthezor or the Charmed Ones, something has to change. You said It was prophesied Belthezor fixes Burvjara didn't you" Francesca asked Therold a touch to sweetly.

Therold pulled himself up as high as he could, his chest expanding in indignation. "I will make tea" he said and exited to the kitchen with some dignity.

"Please tell me you have brandy hidden in that coat" Francesca asked Proctor

Proctor smiled slightly and patted his coat pocket "Alas "he said with real regret.

"Cole will do what he has to "Phoebe assured them. "He always does you know."

"He is far to concerned about Therold stealing you to pay attention to Burvjara. " Francesca said her voice very school marm.

"That's good" said Phoebe happily "I kept telling him he needs to worry about me when he's here and Burvjara when he's there. Not the other way around. What" she said as both Francesca and Proctor rolled their eyes "When he gets the call he will do what is right, or let someone talk him into doing what is right" Phoebe assured them "if he's not paying attention to Burvjara he just isn't being asked." she explained.

"I have observed the witch to be a truth speaker" Proctor told Francesca who pursed her lips.

"Cole is giving every indication of losing it" Francesca told Phoebe.

"He hasn't though has  he" Phoebe insisted. "I mean he has been looking after Patsy instead of coming over here and finding a way to break the barrier and mangle Therold into little bits. That shows he hasn’t lost it.'"

"You have not heard how he is behaving as he cared for Patsy" Francesca told Phoebe dryly.

"Since when do you only get credit for doing the right thing if you do it all nobly and quietly, make other people feel comfortable, take it on the chin" Phoebe asked.

Proctor eyed Phoebe '"I have observed the witch to be a truth speaker" he said.

Before Francesca could answer the room, the whole cottage suddenly seemed to explode in a ball of deep blood red light. The walls shook , china crashed, Cats came screaming and hissing from cubby halls, fur on end with terror, Books crashed and several burst into flames, glass broke in all directions .Outside there was noises of stones cracking and trees falling. The whole house suddenly lit up as if in the middle of a lightning storm, with a sound like thunder rumbling in frightening waves.

Therold appeared at his kitchen door, in stance of readiness to fight as for maybe for half a second, Cole almost appeared in the room, his expression one of sheer unadulterated anger and some satisfaction he had made it to the cottage.

He could not maintain the appearance however and faded out as the cottage shook to its foundations, the air crackled, walls began to splinter  and stones to break.

The magic settled however just before the whole cottage fell apart., leaving Phoebe Francesca Therold and Proctor standing in something very closely resembling a bombed building.

"What was that" Asked Phoebe looking around. "Wow" she said as she saw the mess.

"Belthezor nearly broke the barrier for guardians coming together" Proctor said through his teeth.

"Oh" sad Phoebe. "I guess Patsy must be better for Cole to try and come" she said relief in her voice " Cole does not like to be thwarted "she explained.

Proctor looked at her his eyes glinting black.

He moved his coat swirling like a black cloud. "This becomes a farce" he said his voice raping. "I go to end it' and he shimmered in swirling black mist.

"Oh good god "said Francesca as Therold his expression truly demonic, surveyed his home in ruins around him,

……………………………………………………………

Piper knocked on Glock's door clutching his brightly polished boots and his washed, ironed and mended robe.

Glock opened the door still wearing Leo's jeans but barefoot and bare-chested and she could see his few belonging on the bed.

"You'll need these in Burvjara" Piper said quietly, handing him the robe and boots.

Glock visibly shook as he saw her there and his hand half came her face, toward then he switched the movement to taking the boots. He looked at the washed and carefully fixed robe. "They will not recognise me "he said examining the colour.

"Is that bad?" Piper asked softly never talking her eyes from his face.

"Perhaps not" Glock replied and then was silent. "Not my problem" he said quoting her "They can deal with it."

Piper smiled then looked into Glock's yellow eyes, watching her with sympathy and she shuddered as she recognised passion and desire. He stood several inches away from her smiling with a softness on his orange face that she had no trouble understanding.

He put his large hand under her chin and Piper lifted hers to touch it.'

"I want to remember you" he sad "I want to remember your face as it is now. I want to remember it as you look at your offspring."

"It's an ordinary face." Piper whispered

"If you say so  "Glock answered slowly "when I look at you I see a beautiful madonna, with the heart of a warrior and the soul of an angel".

Piper swallowed hard and instinctively tightened her grasp on his arm.

"I do not want you to die in Burvjara" Glock told her "before your time and for just another battle to save Burvjara from its own sins."

"I've died before and I'm still around" Piper assured him "I don't die so easily. The Charmed Ones… we are charmed you know. We do what we do very well."

"Better not to tempt fate" Glock's voice "Do not allow everything I love to die in Burvjara, like it has in the past. Promise me." he rumbled.

"I will do my very best not to do that" Piper whispered.

"I love you know" Glock told her bending toward her, his voice like deep and gravelly with emotion. He pulled himself away "And I will never be able to say this again. It's my problem" he reassured Piper. "I know" he said "deal with it".

"I don't think… "Piper whispered." I think …" she stopped and took her hand from Glock's arm." I have a husband "she said "I love Leo" she said.

"I love that about you" Glock told he and his voice slightly rumbled.

Piper swallowed and with an effort stepped backed away "I… say goodbye to Melinda" she said '"It would break her heart of you didn't."

"I will" Glock promised

Piper nodded and then jumped slightly at a movement behind her.

Paige was standing there her arms slightly crossed in front of her body, not even pretending she had not heard.

"We need to go" she told Piper.

Piper nodded.

'You will take your sweater, the one we bought, back to Burvjara. " Piper asked It is cold in Burvjara I know you have to carry things, but it's not heavy.'

"It is cold in Burvjara" Glock said "I will treasure the sweater… you bought me."

"We will see you in Burvjara" Paige said to Glock. Then she stopped and went over to him. "I know you have to carry things so" she held out a lightweight cashmere scarf "This is light but warm "she said.

Glock hesitated before he accepted it. 'Thank you Paige "he said "I will… treasure it." He nodded. "It is cold in Burvjara" he said. He breathed deeply "When you are in Burvjara.   'The ground does not go well. . Have good footwear" he added as he looked at the heels Paige was wearing.

"I am changing now …so is Piper" Paige assured him .She caught Piper's arm "We have to leave Glock" she said. "we have to leave here Piper.

"Thank you" Piper looking over her shoulder at Glock as Paige pulled her away.

"It is I who should thank you" Glock told her as he determinedly shut the door.

……………………………………

Glock came downstairs and stood in the archway looking at the conservatory. Leo waiting in the parlour watched him. His boots made a clattering on the polished floor and dressed in his now clean and patched robe, somehow looking more alien and bigger than when he wore Leo's jeans and t shirt. He shook his head and his trunk twitched slightly.

"Just as well I return" he said "I have no more tobacco.'

'There are those who would say that is a good thing" Leo said just a little awkward.

'"My returning or my lack of tobacco" Glock asked his trunk like nose moving just a little.

"Um" said Leo caught.

"You will need to take warm clothing." Glock said looking at Leo dressed in his flannel shirt and jeans.

"Cole's best parka is on the hall "Leo said with a slight grin.

Glock shook his head. "In Burvjara your clan's carelessness with each other's property would probably lead to a fracturing of the clan and another enemy. Another battle. Not that it takes much for us to make an enemy there." he added.

Leo grinned openly "Cole can deal with it or suffer it." he said "Like I have too." he hesitated "This time, there is a recognisable enemy of Burvjara" Leo suggested

"That is unusual" Glock agreed.

"You said goodbye to Melinda?'" Leo asked.

"Í would not leave her without saying that. I hold your offspring dear." Glock stoped and shook his head "I have so rarely had the chance to say goodbye" he said. "And when I have it has been in pain and anger.  It is a sad word. Goodbye" He told Leo "But to have said it when it simply means farewell is something I never dreamed in my life I would be able to do."

"You understand that it will be months in your time when you go back?"  Leo asked.

"Many cycles" Glock agreed.

"Cycles" Leo corrected himself.

Glock looked around at the room, and then went into the lounge his boots clattering on the polished floor. He looked around the room as if taking it in, then returned to the conservatory.

'It has been a pleasant stay" he told Leo "An enlightening one." And his nose twitched "something else I never believed I would say. For this I thank your clan, and you for your generosity … your willingness to allow a homeless vagabond to share.. your...family.'" Glock's eyes turned very dark yellow as he spoke.

"You are welcome" Leo nodded and noted Glock's eyes light up. Leo decided some things were better not said, to Glock's not completely hidden relief.. "What will you tell them about where you were, back in Burvjara"?" he asked.

"The truth" Glock said "If I live long enough to tell it" he added.

Leo shuddered "Will they believe you?" he asked.

"No" said Glock "I strongly suspect they will prefer a myth, because sometimes myths are easier to understand and believe than truths."

Leo nodded. "Ashina Glock "he said "I know you can't carry anything heavy." he held out the Swiss knife. "Its only small" he said "and it's not a weapon. It’s a tool" he added.  "But I hope you may find it useful."

Glock sucked on his lip.  "Thank you "he said. "A tool in Burvjara will be… unusual." And sucked his lip awkwardly. "I leave here a wealthy man by Burvjarian ways, thanks to your generosity."  And his expression darkened sightly.

''It's not ..charity" Leo said awkwardly 'It is...respect."

"This means much from you Leo" Glock said nearly as awkward as Leo, clearly also deciding some things were better left unsaid.

In his discomfort Glock stepped backwards  and all but crashed in a  totally dishevelled Cole,  who came out of a shimmer his shirt flying in pieces around him, what was left of his pants barely holding up , his hair on end.

"God damn, lousy stinking" Cole howled a bleeding and ugly looking scrape in his arm dripping on the floor. He was clutching a demonic sword which Glock only just avoided as Cole swung it. "I hate him;" Cole hissed "so help me god. I'll have his head. They did that in the demonic days.  You ever seen anyone decapitated" he demanded nastily ."It ain't any where near as pretty as the movies make it. There is blood, everywhere, bursts out of the arteries sprays everything in sight and keeps bursting out while the heart keeps beating. Hearts beat for minutes after the head goes." Cole told Leo and Glock. "Sages flow dark green" he leered as he clearly enjoyed a vision of lopping Therold's head.

"Shut up Cole" said Leo moving out of range "and ditch the sword." he ordered.

Cole swung toward him brandishing the sword. "How would you feel if some-one stole your wife.  Loved your woman" Cole screamed swinging the sword menacingly. "You think you wouldn't be out there doing everything you can. You wouldn't want to destroy them. You wouldn't try a..." He stopped suddenly looking from Leo to Glock '"I mean..." he said. "If some dishonest bastard did it.  Dishonourable…" he added as Glock flushed dark orange.

Leo and Glock both glared at him, Glock with embarrassment and Leo with anger.'

"Shut up Cole" Leo snarled. "And ditch the sword."

"I "said Cole "Therold is.." he stopped resting the sword in front of him as he noticed that Glock was wearing his robe and boots "Why are you dressed like that?." he demanded.

"I return to Burvjara" Glock answered quietly but his voice rasped..

"I have not said I'll take you" Cole snarled.

"I said I would" Leo answered quietly.

"You damn well, will not interfere just to get Glock away from…" Cole stopped.

"Shut up Cole "Leo ordered his voice harsh "The girls have been called to war in Burvjara, Cole. The Geztalt are about to invade. The elders explained to Mark that they feel strong enough to take the pole, totally defeat evil. "Leo said his voice lethally cold.  "And the girls are going." He added. "You haven't had anything on the spirit winds."

Cole digested this for a moment then rubbed his hand across his battered arm "Haven't paid much attention to the spirit winds." he admitted. "That's plain stupid" he said "It's only the Geztalt they will be taking, not all evil. They will just be making the Brotherhood stronger. Doing what the Brotherhood wants."

Then he spun as a shimmer sounded.

"That you have not paid attention to the spirit winds is apparent Brother" said Proctor appearing in a shimmer. His lanky black hair and long black coat swirled around him as if still buffeted by the winds even when he fully materialised.

Cole lifted the sword defensively toward Proctor "You are here "he said "and Therold...."

"Guards your wife'" Proctor finished for him.

"So he is alone with her" Cole said with a demonic rasp to his voice "I am going to retrieve my wife" he told them "I am going to slice the bastard sage up piece by piece "he said with a dead calm voice.

"Better you do not" said Proctor his expression satanic as he confronted Cole. "Better you listen to your own …better nature."

Cole pointed the sword at him. "'Better I protect my own" he said calmly. And stepped a threatening pace toward Proctor who stood his ground.

"You are no warrior watcher. You cannot stop me" Cole sneered "I go to claim my wife "he declared. "To reclaim her"

"You need to listen to reason, Friend" Proctor said danger in his voice.

With an ugly laugh Cole started to shimmer "You do not have the power" He told Proctor.

Before he could fully dematerialise, Glock stepped forward and with the agility of an old warrior, who depended on his instincts to survive, used the full force of his ancient hob nail boots kick the sword away from Cole. It spun high in the air. Leo and Proctor watched before it finally flipped itself with force into and though two cushions on the cane sofa, impaling itself in the back.

As Cole stared for a second at his empty hand, he snorted "I can kill him other ways" and went to shimmer again.

Glock reached forward and caught Cole's arm.

Cole used to the strength of his own power tried to shrug Glock off and instead found himself held not by just Glock but a gravitational force that nearly defeated him.

And Cole struggled trying to pull away stunned, Glock caught him with both arms and Cole was helpless as he felt the whole gravitational pull of the magic pole focus through Glock.

"I do not believe reason is what he will listen to" Glock told Proctor who nodded.  "Force perhaps. The magic in the pole is strong in me and stronger the further I am from it" Glock explained to Cole "it is not as your magic but I can find it when I need it. Even here".

Cole swallowed and struggled much like his son Patsy had fought Glock holding him. And like his son he finally calmed enough to realise he was not fighting Glock but the whole balance of magic.

"The magic of the pole is strong in me" Glock explained again. "Stronger when I am from the pole. Stronger in any Burvjarian with the leverage of distance."

"'That is not generally known" Proctor commented dryly.

"Better it stays so" said Glock as Cole finally accepted he was beaten by stronger magic. He stood legs splayed apart testing for any weakening from Glock.

Glock released hold of Cole but he moved his hands keeping the connection to his magic and pulled Cole back form another shimmer.

His nose twitched as Cole finally stopped fighting and trying to shimmer.

"That damned bastard stole my stole my damned wife" Cole hissed turning on Proctor and Leo. "I need to claim her back

"I do not believe your wife to be damned" Proctor said crossing his arms, his expression as dark as Cole's.

"Adultery is evil" Cole all but screamed. "Evil and damning"

"Not if she is forgiven" Proctor answered his voice demonic and Cole's blue eyes flashed. He made as if to shimmer felt the pull of Glock's magic again.

Glock was going bright orange and straining and it gave Cole some satisfaction to know the effort it was taking Glock to hold onto his magic and restrain him

"And" Proctor insisted "There is no adultery. Therold worships his madonnas form afar. He always has."

"And has been thrown in rivers for his trouble in the past" Cole snorted. "Perhaps he got to close to that one too."

"I am glad my brother can listen to me, even when it appears he does not" Proctor said a snaking demonic smile on his lips "and although a rake, the husband was not a violent man. So I have some understanding of the emotion, my Brother Therold's adoration causes in the rightful… possessor."

"She's my woman" Cole all but screamed" and it isn't afar. He stole her."

"He wishes only to protect her" Proctor said not giving an inch.

"Damnit Leo "Cole said his voice rasping cold, as he tried another tack. "You know it. For someone to steal your woman, to take her to tempt her."

For a second the force from Glock reduced as Glock looked toward Leo. Cole made to move but Glock was to old a warrior to be distracted from his task.

Leo half turned then he shook his head. "There's no dishonour in loving some-one Cole" he said his voice cracking.

Glock's already darked skin seemed went a total burnt colour and his nose twitched violently but he kept his hold on his magic and Cole.

"Damnit Cole "Leo said swinging to face him "It isn't that Phoebe is loved by some-one that is your problem. Its is that she did the kindest things she could and acknowledged that she is loved" he said "Its that she can accept being loved by some-one other than you that is tearing you apart. Because there is a part of you that wants to …hold her to yourself, only you.  Damnit Cole I know this." Leo met Glock's eyes "But the truth is what makes her what she is, is because she can be kind." Leo lifted his hands and let them fall again "There is a courtly love Cole, an honourable affection" Leo caught his lip "And you know what Cole, it hurts like hell. And I can understand fully a non violent man being driven to pushing a ... courtly lover into a river. Because it can seem like stealing. But its not . An honourable… lover who courts and worships.... is a damn sight more unselfish in their love" and he met Glock's yellow eyes "than maybe a ...lover ... a husband who sometimes loses sight of the madonna.. . in just living with her. You know Phoebe"' Leo said "you keep claiming you know her as if it is some gift. But you know her dark places, her hidden places, places no-one else knows, and you make her see places in herself maybe she does not want to see so much. And maybe she needs someone to love her who never sees those places and never will, so she can go on… being true to herself. " Leo caught his breathe "I know Piper'" he whispered.

Cole and Glock and Proctor watched him intently.

"You have some wisdom angel" said Proctor with such a sarcasm that for a second Leo was totally offended until he saw just a flash of emotion in Proctor's black eyes, the depth of which shocked Leo.

Leo shrugged "Any way Cole, I've lived with Phoebe. If Therold still worships her after spending a few days alone with her in one of her quakes, he deserves to be allowed to worship his madonna.  God knows he will have earned the right to worship her and protect her if he survives actually living with her.'

"She does not need to be protected from me, she knows it" Cole bit out still fighting

"That she chooses to stay" Proctor said "Indicates she feels she does need protection

"She knows she has nothing to fear from me." Cole said and went to move. He felt Glock's magic catch him and encircle him and realised he would have to tear Glock apart to get free of him.

Cole stood there  bouncing on his toes, eyeing Glock and Leo and Proctor defiant, still ready to take any chance to break free,

Glock cleared his throat "This not perfect great love of yours " he asked "You go to destroy a great power to get her back, her and her not prefect love."

"You don't like Phoebe" Cole accused.

"She is not perfect" Glock answered "You know what happen to Burvjara" he said "There was a leader who did not guard his mate as well as he should have and when he lost her he was prepared to do anything, everything to get  her back.. Is this how he came to destroy Burvjara, by destroying anyone in his path? Destroying any power that crossed him? She was not perfect this great love, either but did she deserve to have to carry in her soul the cost of his love, the consequence."

Cole just stared at Glock. His hand twitching as if he was trying to find a connection to his magic. Glock did not miss the twitching and added. "It is a cruel love, a dishonourable one that would wish that on her because she is not perfect" he said his voice rumbling. "Your mate, Leo's' mate, Mark's mate go to Burvjara to fight, in this never ending bloody battle. Because a lover could not … let her go." Glock said "Burvjara was a fair and …civilised realm. And it fell because such a lover's… pain and passion. "This realm of yours is not perfect" Glock told Cole. "You think it cannot fall."

Proctor moved back slightly "Let him go" he told Glock." Because in the end, we cannot hold him. If he will destroy the realm for his love, better to do it and have done. Burvjara awaits you, awaits its fate. Let him go to his fate and you go to yours" he told Glock.

Leo found himself holding his breath, while Proctor stood there. Glock held and then almost as if releasing the pressure was agony in itself, he moved his hand disconnected his magic.

Cole with a smirk of victory shimmered.

Leo let his breath out in a disappointed hiss and then caught it again as Cole reappeared.

Cole glared at them then unable to find any satisfaction, he kicked viciously at a footstool in front of him.

"You going to try and tell me that thieving bastard moron is right,'" he demanded addressing Proctor.

"Therold is a friend of mine. A good one' Proctor pointed out. "No" he said "to take a man's wife is not right."

"Phoebe's bewitched by magic and spites and romance" Leo reminded Cole.

Cole snorted viciously. He noticed Glock instinctively lift his hand.

"I'm all right. I am in control" he said to Glock forcing an easy smile.

"And my friend, you are a terrible liar" Glock told him.

Cole glared at him, lifted his hand and aimed a lightning bolt just past Glock which destroyed a particularly ugly family portrait.

Proctor looked at him "Therold is a romantic, he has a generosity and a loyalty that many would admire" he said

'"Which is why he stole my wife" Cole roared going full circle.

"A romantic who yearns for love "Proctor said "and is never granted what you have been granted. ".

Cole used a fireball to disintegrate a sofa.

"Cole has no reason to listen to logic or other wisdom" Glock said "Fighting instead of reason I understand.  It is what motivates my realm. Fight until there is nothing left and …justify it because you are right."

Cole glowered at him

"Why in the hell shouldn't I fight for mine? " he demanded sending a lamp and two chairs into oblivion.

Glock's eyes became blazing yellow "Because you are the great ogre, the one who came to my realm and asked why. And how " Glock stepped almost into Cole's face "You are the great guardian ,who saw the results of a just rage and who pitied us and judged us for how we fell to it.  And you are the ogre who wanted to save us and fretted when you're magic could not." Right in Cole's face Glock, his voice rumbling in its intensity told Cole "You walked our land and thanked all the greater and higher powers that such devastation had been brought on us and not your green realm".

Cole's eyes narrowed. His hand moved and his eyes flashed dark blue and wild.

Glock shook his head and stepped back "And my friend you thought yourself better than Burvjarians. More civilised than ragged warriors who knew of nothing but war and death. But you know we are what we were when great passion destroyed Burvjara and us, and what we were could not save us. It was a pretty place Burvjara, land of plenty and reason and it fell to the pain of righteous wrath and passion gone mad. You think this imperfect realm of yours would survive any better." Glock suddenly flicked his finger. "Go" he said "claim your imperfect love and claim your rights and claim your justice. Then one day after the great fight and the wrath of your pain has destroyed all that is green and blue, come find me and tell me that this justice you love so has been served."  Glock's nose twitching with emotion turned away from Cole.

Cole swallowed bitterly He stared at Glock and at Proctor, then spun away.

With a laser power he burned three chairs and then used a quake power to shatter the  glass cabinet and the bookcase containing Phoebe 's books.

Then with growing anger he fireballed every book until the air in the room was an arid with fire and burnt and disintegrating furniture and paper.

Proctor watched with a sneer on his face, Leo looked concerned and Glock moved across the room to stare out the window at the backyard.

Destroying half the room, was not venting enough for Cole. He saw the indestructible coloured ball that Francesca had given Patsy. The one that Phoebe made such  fuss about looking after .  With a brutal deliberation Cole sent a lightening power at it and the ball bounced and he sent a fireball at it and he pounded against wall, then he sent a laser at it and it hit the ceiling.

Still not able to destroy it, or destroy anything with it Cole sent lethal splintering power at it then he bounced it off the walls with his blowing up power and spun it all through the ceiling with a tornado detector. When that did not worked he sent fireball after fireball and splintered it and still lights twinkling, it bounced off destructed furniture and walls and glass.

He finally lowered his hands defeated. "I hate that bloody thing" he said in  a nearly normal voice. Then he aimed another vicious kick at the ball, which was apparently the last straw because the ball finally disintegrated in a show of orbs.

All four males watched in silent fascination as the orbs lit up the room, exploded in a growing crescendo then suddenly burnt out.

"I fear Francesca will is disappointed in you" Procter said dryly.

"Bugga Fran.. "Cole started to say then he remembered what he knew of Proctor. He swallowed and looked around smouldering conservatory, destroyed furniture blackened walls and bookcases and scorched tiling and ceiling.

He took a deep breath "Piper's going to kill me "he said finally.

"Piper would be nearly justified" Glock who had turned at the exploding orbs.

"Nearly is a bitch of a word "Cole told him. He took a deep breath and then another. And then was quiet as he half listened to the spirit it winds and winced "The girls have gone to do something bloody stupid in Burvjara haven’t they?" he asked Leo.

"Witches have been called to fight "Leo replied carefully.

"That is not what the girls will do "Cole asked "I know them. I know Phoebe" he said.

Leo nodded "They have gone to protect innocents." he said.

Cole shrugged then winced. He turned to Glock "I brought you from Burvjara and I will return you'" he said. He winced slightly then half smiled awkwardly "If you will trust me to take you".

"And you are not going there because your …mate… wife .. is there." Glock asked almost scornfully

Cole for  a second struggled and turned away and then turned shaking his head

"No" said the guardian "I am going because I am called and because the time has come." He looked awkwardly and a touch embarrassed at the other three.

"That is good" said Proctor his expression satanic.

Cole swallowed. "I'll just change" he said indicting the mostly destroyed clothes "'It is cold in Burvjara."'

'"Leo left your .. what is it your …parka in the hall" Glock told Cole smugly.

Cole half turned on Leo who sucked his lips and held his ground daring Cole to act.

With awry gesture of defeat, Cole turned toward the stair. He stopped and turned' "So if I get the chance I can drop Therold in the Thames?" he asked.

"I would not recommend it "said Proctor "be well Brother "he added then shimmered as Leo and Glock just stood there shaking their heads.

...................................................................

"We are all in the gutter, but some of us are looking at the stars." Oscar Wilde