Temp Work: A Dresden Files Short Story

Seven

I took my time waking up, like a SCUBA diver slowly approaching the water's surface in an effort to avoid the bends. I rolled onto my side and propped myself up onto one elbow. Sunlight was streaming in through the windows and Mister was curled up at the foot of my bed. I took a quick, cold shower; dressed myself; devoured a bowl of sweetened cereal; let Mister out for his morning ramble; and then, along with Mouse, I left for my office.

I know you're going to find this very hard to believe, but I actually arrived on time. Yup! Ten-thirty on the nose. This time it was my client who was late. I unlocked my office door and made my way to my desk. Mouse found what he thought must have been a rather cozy corner, lay down, and was quickly asleep (and most likely dreaming doggie dreams).

The first thing I did was call Murphy.

"Hello?"

"Murph, its Harry." I said.

"I know who this is, you dolt. I've known you more than long enough to be able to recognize your voice, even over the phone. And even when that phone line is constantly filled with the most annoying static…just another perk of having a wizard for a friend." stated Murphy, sounding more grouchy than usual.

"Gee, Murph, you seem to be in a great mood this morning. It's always such a pleasure to talk to you." I replied, enjoying our banter.

"Screw yourself, Dresden."

"I'd rather not. Also…I'm not even sure that it's anatomically possible."

"Smart ass! Why do you always have to be such a smart ass? No…never mind. What do you want, Harry?" Murphy asked.

"You're in trouble, Murph. I had a surprise visit from Mavra last night. She came to warn me about a rogue vampire that's gunning for you. Why she even bothered to warn me at all…well…I haven't figured that out yet. She provided a reason - and on the surface it makes sense - but I think there is more to it. But right now that isn't all that important. I'm worried about you. You need to watch your back. Don't go anywhere alone - especially after sunset. And try to stay around large groups of people. He would be one very foolish vampire to try to attack you in public."

"Dresden, are you insane? If this is some sort of sick…"

"Karrin, I'm serious…as serious as I can possibly be. I'm going to find the bastard and take him out. But until I can do that I need you to watch your ass. I'd be more than happy to watch it for you but… one…I have to find this guy…and two… if you caught me watching your ass you would probably kick mine." I said, and it was true…all of it…especially the part about volunteering to watch her ass.

"Alright, Harry, I'm trusting you on this one. And by the way…I've caught you watching my ass several times…and I've never kicked your ass for it. Got to go. We'll talk later." Murphy said. And then she hung up.

I know what you're thinking. Anyone else would have caught what Murphy had just revealed to me and known exactly what it was she was trying to say (without actually coming out and saying it). But not Harry Blackstone Copperfield Dresden. Nope. It went right over my head. Maybe Murphy had it right when she called me a dolt.

I spent the rest of the morning catching up on paperwork and what seemed like an endless pile of bills. I was actually looking forward to my meeting with Marcone just to break up the boredom. At around twelve-thirty I stood up from where I was seated at my desk, stretched, and walked over to the filing cabinet. Just as I reached it, I felt the hairs on the nape of my neck suddenly stand on end, reacting to just the subtlest hint of magic in use. I turned around…and there he was. The second before I had been alone in my office (except for Mouse of course) and now, a second later, I wasn't alone.

He stood about six feet in height (give or take an inch) and probably weighed anywhere between two hundred and fifty to three hundred pounds. He was clothed in a crimson robe, complete with a large cowl that effectively concealed his facial features. The robe was tied at the waist with a cord that appeared to be made of braided hair, and I remember thinking that it was probably human hair. He was wearing an amulet. But it wasn't like the pentacle that I wear…not even close. Hanging from a black chain was what appeared to be a goat's head. Except that the horns were much longer than any you would find on a goat…and there was a pentagram in the center of the goat's forehead. His loose-fitting garment could not conceal the fact that he was heavily muscled.

"Who…"

"Silence!" the stranger shouted.

I started to draw up my will, either to employ my shield bracelet, or attack, or both. But before I could do anything, I felt my feet leave the floor. At the same time my office grew dark…and cold. I remember thinking that I was being levitated, and that I should do somethinganything. And then all I remember was pain. It was my whole world. It was all around me. It was in me. It was me. I'm no stranger to pain. I've been beat up by some pretty bad dudes. I've survived things most others wouldn't. But this was different. I had never felt anything like it before…never.

How long I existed in that state…well…I have no idea. Time had become insignificant. Pain was all there was. But…eventually…the pain began to lessen. It didn't go away entirely…but I was no longer consumed by it. It was then that he chose to speak.

"Wizard! Look at me, wizard! We must have words…you and I."

"Are…you…kidding? You…attack me…in my own…office…and now…you want…to talk? Go…spit." I managed to say.

"I see that you are as arrogant…and ignorant…as ever. Would you like me to call back the pain?"

Instead of answering his question, I asked one of my own, "Who in the hell are you?"

"Oh, you mean you don't know? I am your morning appointment."

"My morning appointment was with someone named Laab…a Mr. Laab." I said.

"What? Oh. Yes. I am he. Only the name…mage…is Baal."

"Baal? Uh…as in the demon?" I asked.

"Yes, wizard. I am he. We are not strangers…you and I. You have been in my presence before. "

"What?" I reached out with my senses, enhancing them with my magic as much as I could while still held in the strange, painful thrall. It wasn't much…but it was enough. "You! You were there that night. You were the presence I felt when I fought Snaggletooth." I said, confident that he was the one I had sensed lurking behind the scenes that night.

"Yes, wizard, you are correct. It was I. I had heard much talk about a young, upstart wizard that…despite all odds…kept coming out on top in situations that should have left him dead. I had to see for myself…so I…made use…of the one you call Snaggletooth."

"Well…I hope you enjoyed the show. He wasn't much of a challenge though. As a matter of fact …as far as vampires go…he was sort of a pussy. Now…what the hell do you want?" I snarled.

"By now you have no doubt learned that Marcone's valkyrie bodyguard has gone missing. I have no doubt that he has come to you and asked for your aid in finding her. I strongly advise that you do no such thing. My...Master…has plans for her."

"Your...Master?" I asked.

"Yes, wizard, my Master. He has many names. Abaddon. Astaroth. Dagon. Leviathan. Saitan. Set. But you probably know him best as Lucifer."

"You mean…the Lucifer? Satan? Hell's bells, man. Don't you think you're taking this whole demon thing just a little too far?" I inquired, with just a little…okay…a lot…of sarcasm. Baal didn't appreciate it…not at all. He gestured…and the pain was back. I swear to you I would have screamed if I could. But I couldn't. My mouth was open…and I was trying to scream…but nothing came out. Tears involuntarily streamed from my eyes…and there was blood in them.

"Fool! You try my patience. I did not come here to kill you. Only to warn you to stay out of that which is to come...what…what was that?"

There was a sound just outside my office door. Footsteps. Someone was coming.

"It seems that you are about to have company, mage. How unfortunate. Just when we were making real progress. Remember what I told you, wizard. Involve yourself in this business at your own peril. The powers in play far surpass your meager talents." said Baal. And then…he was gone. Just like he had arrived. There was the slightest whisper of power…and then he simply…vanished.