Chapter 27

We set up camp on a beach near the Last Light Inn, Isobel was able to extend the dome of protection so we could have our own space. I brought Maggie and Mouse with me, setting up a bed for Maggie under a tree just next to my bed roll. I watched her still form for a moment, drinking in the guilt and the pain, before putting them away for future use. There'd be time for wallowing in my self-pity later, there was work to do, people to save and friends that needed some answers.

I gathered my party around the campfire to tell my tale. I took a deep breath and began, "Right, as some of you have no doubt figured out, I haven't been entirely truthful about where I'm from. Or why I'm here." I said flicking my eyes over to Maggie as I said the last statement.

"You're among friends Harry, please say what you need to," Gale said encouragingly.

"Yeah, go ahead soldier," Karlach confirmed.

"Yes, please do. You've become frightfully more interesting lately." Astarion smirked.

The rest of the party responded with looks that ranged from Wyll's supportive smile, Lae'zel's suspicious glare, Halsin's curious stare and Shadowheart's focused look analytical and cold.

Pushing the stares aside I began, "Okay. I am Harry Dresden. Most of the things I've told you about me were true. The Council, DeMorne, Lara, my beliefs, all true. The only lie was the 'island' of Chicago. Chicago isn't an island, it's a city in a country called America, on the planet Earth. In a universe entirely separate from this one." I waited for the response, the shock, the questions. Except I was faced with blank confused expressions like they were experiencing an anticlimax.

"So, you're just from another plane. That's disappointing." Astarion sulked.

"Hey!" I whined surprised.

Gale, a slight chuckle in his voice said, "Harry. Most of the less… humanoid races in our world are either descendants of or former citizens of different realities."

"Yeah, I'm descended from Avernus devils. A very verrry distant descendant mind you. Didn't run into any family when I was stuck in Zariel's service." Karlach joked.

"Indeed. I am descended from elves that once lived in the Faywilds. A place of great beauty." Halsin explained.

"Creche K'ilr is located among Tears of Selune. While still technically within the plane of Toril, it is outside the petty civilisations of the Sword Coast. And you have experienced the majesty of the githyanki's true home in the Astral Plane." Lae'zel boasted

"Oh. Right." I sputtered embarrassed.

"That's not the biggest issue…" Shadowheart said. "The reason you came and why you didn't tell us is." Shadowheart spat looking over to Maggie.

I looked down, slightly ashamed. "You're right. A man named Nicodemus Archleone threw my daughter Maggie into a portal in my world. It led here to this… place. I believe he did as a sort of sacrifice to a god in this universe, for power. From the looks of it, they've taken Maggie's entire consciousness away. So, while she's fine physically and spiritually, she is just an empty shell. I'm here to get it back and take my daughter home, hopefully cutting off whatever bargain Nicodemus made." I said focusing on the facts to keep the emotion from mudding my words.

"That's horrible. I'm sorry Harry. How can he possess the power to accomplish all this?" Wyll asked.

"How else? He's in league with fallen angels. But it's a lot worse than you might think. Nicodemus, and those like him, haven't just sold their souls to some devils for power. They're vessels for the beings themselves." I responded.

"So, they're possessed?" Shadowheart asked.

"Not quite, they get their power from an object that is possessed by a fallen angel. A coin, we call it a Blackened Denarius. The fallen can fully take control of a recipient, but the most dangerous ones, like Nicodemus, work alongside the fallen. To achieve their shared goal. Bringing about the apocalypse. We call them the Knights of the Blackened Denarius and Nicodemus is their leader, two thousand years strong." I said a sliver of rage and dread slipping through my guarded tone.

"Hell's fire." Wyll breathed.

"Too right. Bastard sounds insane. What abilities do these knights have?" Karlach asked

"Each fallen is a little different, so the powers of the knights reflect that. Most tend to have shape-shifting abilities of one form or another. Except for Nicodemus. Andurial, his fallen angel, is the shadow master. Nicodemus can control his shadow, have it attack people and allow him to fly. He's also a decent sorcerer and, like Ketheric, has an artifact that makes him indestructible. A noose around his neck connected to a man that betrayed the son of the main god in my universe" I explained.

Gale gave an inquisitive look, "Hmm. If a method of death is his source of invulnerability. Does that mean he is also impervious to the noose itself?" Gale asked.

"Good question. No, the noose is the only thing that can harm him. But using it to kill him is slightly difficult due to the whole, him having fallen angel powers and two thousand years of combat experience, thing." I said.

"That would put a damper on a perfectly good strangling." Astarion mused.

"You still haven't answered why you didn't tell us sooner. We've all told you details about our lives, and you held out. Why?" Shadowheart asked.

"You know why," I said staring at her with knowing eyes.

It took her a second, but I saw the realisation dawn on her face, which turned to me in rage. "You think Nicodemus sacrificed your daughter to Lady Shar."

"Well, can you blame me? Holder of the Shadow Master fallen teams up with a goddess of darkness. I've seen worse-matched bedfellows. And it isn't the first time your mistress has taken memories." I said trying to sound neutral.

"And I told you Lady Shar doesn't take unwilling sacrifices!" Shadowheart shouted.

"Oh yeah. And every shadowy religious cult tells their recruits every secret and always tells the truth. Hells Bells Shadow. You yourself said keeping secrets was in the nature of Shar worshippers. Do you really think they'd wave that amongst their subordinates? You're smarter than that." I said letting my anger take over my voice for a moment.

Shadowheart's angry gaze erupted but I could see the doubt in her stance, "I… I will hear no more of this. Lady Shar does not lie to her followers… and if she did it would be for good reason. Find another suspect for your crusade wizard." Shadowheart spat as she stormed back to her tent.

"Shadowheart!" I yelled moving to go after her but was stopped by Karlach's hand.

"Give her a minute soldier. You just accused her god of basically killing a kid. Keeping up the pressure is just gonna make things worse." Karlach warned.

I took a deep breath and let the anger settle back into its place. I turned to my friends, "If anyone has more questions for me I'll come talk to them at their tent. I need a minute to myself." I said kneeling by Maggie.

Everyone went back to their tents, leaving me alone with Mouse and Maggie. I looked at my dog, who looked at me with sad doggy eyes.

"I don't know what to do boy. If Shar is the one Nicodemus gave Maggie to, how can I beat her? I can't throw her to Demonreach, it's a whole universe away and I don't have any blood to tie her to the ritual." I said defeatedly.

Mouse nuzzled up beside me and placed his head under my hand. I scratched him reflexively and said, "You're right. Can't think about that now. I need to confirm if Shar is the culprit before I get into ways to skin a god."

"Ruff" Mouse agreed sagely.

I smiled at the dog, "And don't you go blaming yourself for any of this fur face. You did all you could against that son of a bitch. I promise I'll get Maggie back; you just keep her safe until then okay."

Mouse's mouth dropped to a doggy grin as an answer.

"Good boy," I said scratching him behind the ears. I kissed my daughter's forehead before getting up to talk to my companions.

I started with Withers who no doubt heard all of the gossip while milling about camp.

"So… I assume you heard…"

"That thine is from another plane beyond the Outer Gates. Yes, I knew this from the moment we met." Withers interrupted.

I rolled my eyes, "Of course you did. Why didn't you say anything?"

"It was up to thee to share such matters with thine companions." Withers said.

"Do you know anything about Maggie's condition, who took her mind?" I asked hopefully.

"I know no more about thine offspring's condition than you do Harry Dresden. Such matters of memory are beyond my purview."

"Well, thanks for nothing," I said turning away.

"There is however a sliver of knowledge I can give thee."

I turned, looking at the skeleton, "While the Shadowmaster is a great source of darkness, his power does not fully align with the absence that Shar and the Shadowfell encompass. Their energies are close but not equal. Looking for the matching energies would do thee well." Withers said returning to his book.

I thought about that. If Shar wasn't the right suspect, who could be? Ketheric? Seemed unlikely. What need would the mind of a child serve a general of an illthid army? Unless they fed on memories as well as the brain themselves. Could Maggie just be an exotic appetiser to them, that they got in exchange for giving Nicodemus some mind-flayer goodies? No. Even if that were true, the energies don't add up. The only beings the fallen were closer to than Shar was probably devils. Could Raphael be the one who has Maggie's mind? Then why didn't he come out and say he had it? Make me bargain for it? I shook my head. Just more questions. I needed to get started on actual answers.

Before I could go further into the rabbit hole, Halsin came up to me, "Hey man. You have some questions for me?" I asked.

"No. I've heard all I need to. I'm sorry about Maggie Harry. And I plan to help you as best I can. That means getting Thaniel back and destroying the Shadow curse. Perhaps that will cure your daughter's affliction. Either way, I go to watch over Art, perhaps I'll be able to reach him."

"Alright, good luck. And thank you Halsin."

The big elf nodded and left towards the inn.

I walked over to Gale who was waiting patiently for me, "I assume you have a whole list of questions for me Gale." I said trying to lift my own spirits.

"I do. But I'm guessing you have some questions of your own. So, I propose we treat this like our first private conversation. An answer for an answer."

"Sounds good. You go first" I invited.

"Very well. I heard you talking to Karlach about these 'Laws of Magic'. What are they exactly and why do the wizards in your land feel the need to enforce them?" Gale asked.

I let out a breath. "Well, that's complicated. The laws are there to stop wizards from abusing their power. The other reason is protection for the community itself because most people don't think magic exists at all."

Gale looked dumbfounded, "People think… how can they think magic isn't real? Are magical beings that rare in your universe?"

"Nope. Folk just don't want to admit that decades of science and human advancement are wrong about people being the dominant beings on the planet. It's scary, people don't want to face the monster under the bed, so they rationalise any supernatural encounter as fake, over-exaggerated or a lapse in sanity. The laws are just there to keep any wizard from making it so obvious, even the general public can't deny what they saw."

"No. I simply can't believe people could be that stupid." Gale huffed.

"Really. No person in this world has ever avoided an uncomfortable truth. Made up a story for themselves so they could feel safe." I said raising an eyebrow

Gale opened his mouth and then closed it again pondering before saying, "Touche."

"Exactly, now my turn. Withers said it could resurrect us if we ever die. Is that magic common in Toril?"

"Common, no. But it is less impossible than you might think. It's powerful magic but resurrection can be done via a caster or a resurrection scroll." Gale explained.

"So how does it function exactly?"

"Well. The magic grabs the departing soul and puts it back in the body. Resetting both to an undamaged and refreshed state. To avoid the subject simply dying again of their injuries, be they physical or of the soul."

Light bulbs started going off in my head. "Can I run a hypothetical by you?"

"Certainly."

"If the subject of the resurrection was born with a… being living in their soul, like a power or parasite. Would that being be reset as well?"

"Hmm. I'm not entirely certain. If the parasite was not simply destroyed in the healing process, it's possible it would be reset to its original state the day it entered the host's body. What is this question in aid of?" Gale asked curiously.

I took a deep breath. No point in hiding anything else at this point. "My brother Thomas. Is a sort of vampire in my world. He was born with a spiritual parasite, a demon. That needs life energy to feed on. The only way to get rid of the demon is to destroy it during the first feeding."

"So, if it were to be reset, you could destroy the demon in Thomas," Gale concluded.

"Exactly! So can it be done?" I asked hope for my brother's safety rising in me.

"I don't know. I've never encountered a being like the one you're describing. But it's an interesting hypothesis." Gale said, a smile forming as he mulled over possibilities.

"Thanks Gale. Any more questions?"

"Oh, hundreds my friend, but they can wait for another night. I need some sleep, and you have others to talk to."

I bid my friend goodnight and walked over to Wyll's tent. He and Karlach were talking, and they turned to face me, "Hey guys, got any more questions for me?"

"Yes. Are you actually a warlock or was that a stretch of the truth to blend in?" Wyll asked a smidge of hurt in his voice.

I scratched the back of my head, "Yes… and no. What I described about the fae and selling my soul was true, but warlock in my universe means any rogue or evil caster. They're labels used by the White Council."

"And your patron?"

"Is one being just like yours, but I'm also answerable to other beings. I gave my loyalty to the Winter Court of Fae. They're beings that encompass the realm of fairy."

"A fairy court? There are many kingdoms and powers in the land of the fae here. Is winter a central power?" Wyll asked.

"One of them. There are two main fairy courts, Summer and Winter. And each has to mirror and balance the other. So, their court structure is the same. There are three queens: The Mother, Queen and Lady. And both courts have mortal representatives- enforcers who have an aspect of their power. They're the knights."

"The Winter Knight," Karlach said in realisation.

"Exactly. I didn't lie to you Wyll. At least not any more than you lied to me." I said with a knowing look.

Wyll lowered his head, "You're right. I'm sorry about that and about Maggie. I'll do all I can to see her returned."

"We both will. We got your back soldier." Karlach confirmed.

"Thanks, guys. For everything." I said.

They smiled and went off together. I'm guessing to test out Karlach's newfound touchable body.

I walked over to Lae'zel's tent, "Any questions for me?"

Lae'zel turned to me and said, "Yes, these 'Knights of the Blackened Denarius' if they have the power of fallen angels, do they have opposition? Paladins of this god they oppose?"

"Yes. The Knights of the Cross. They're people who possess swords that have the symbol of the betrayed god's son worked into the hilt. It gives them the power to fight the Denarians. They're also called the Fists of God, so that'll tell you their general reputation." I said seriously.

"How many are there now? Are they competent?" Lae'zel asked coldly.

"They're usually only three in the world at a time. Only two at the moment, my friends Sonya and Butters. And as for their competence. They helped me take down Ethniu and survived to talk about it."

Lae'zel nodded her approval.

"Why these questions Lae'zel?"

"A githyanki should always know the scope of her allies. I have seen the prowess of our companions. I needed to know the power of any sure participants in coming battles." Lae'zel said

"Coming battles? What are you talking about?" I said confused.

Lae'zel rolled her eyes. "Surely you do not plan on just allowing these Denarian's to survive after what they did. I know you plan some sort of revenge on Nicodemus at the very least."

"Yeah, obviously I'm killing that Nicklehead SOB. Why are you talking like you're tagging along?"

Lae'zel took in a deep breath like she was about to say something difficult, "You have been… helpful in making me see the folly in Vlaakith. And if we survive this, we'll have likely stopped the Grand Design if only for the moment. My honour would not allow me to let you fight the coming battle alone. So, I pledge my sword to your cause when the time comes. We'll take Nicodemus's head from his shoulders together, my… friend." Lae'zel said pulling the last word out like it was a tooth.

I smiled at my gith friend. It took a lot for her to acknowledge any connection, especially to non-githyanki. So instead of an overly sentimental thank you I held my fist out. Lae'zel squinted at my hand for a moment before rasping my knuckles with hers. Thus, a covenant was formed.

Only two left to talk to, Astarion and Shadowheart. I honestly didn't know who I wanted to talk to the least. Shadowheart's no doubt pissed off with me, but… there are many topics Astarion would want to bring up that I'm not gonna enjoy answering. Better to bite the bullet now than later. And needed to make something clear with Astarion.

I walked up to my vampire companion's tent, where he greeted me with his best cat smile. "My interdimensional friend. Come to answer my questions?"

"Yep, fire away," I said hesitantly.

"Gladly. Now was what I eavesdropped over at the wizard convention true? Your brother is a vampire?" Astarion asked

"Yes. And half-brother. My mother had… unfortunate tastes in men before meeting my father."

Astarion chuckled, "Not the best chap, was he? Thomas' father?"

"Considering he murdered my mother just as I was being born. No. Lord Raith wasn't the best guy." I spat.

Astarion chuckle was cut off, "Oh. Apologies." He said as we soaked in the awkward silence, "So… your brother was born a vampire. How does that work?" Astarion asked trying desperately to change the subject.

"It's because he isn't the same sort of vampire as you. There are different flavours of life-sucker in my universe. Thomas and the whole Raith clan are White Court vampires. They're born with the demon hunger, and they feed on life energy. Specifically, during the act of sex."

Astarion's eyes lit up at that statement. "Hmmm, that wouldn't be half bad." Astarion grinned with a slight moan.

"Yeah, as long as you never get too attached to anyone. Their main weakness is anything that gets touched by love is poison to them. People included."

Astarion gave another rye chuckle, "Sounds like a bargain. Very little to trade off."

"I don't think you fully believe that," I said seriously.

Astraion raised an eyebrow, "Don't you? When did you become an expert in my feelings?" Astarion said annoyed.

"Expert? Nope. But you remind me of Thomas. You're both witty and closed off and use that flamboyance of yours to hide your pain. I think you're both capable of being better people if you try. Thomas had the chance when Lord Raith got fridged. And now that you're free of Cazador I think you have the same chance."

Astarion looked at me, confusion and worry mixing in his features. Before he slapped the happy-go-lucky mask back on and said, "I suppose we'll just have to see. Won't we darling."

"I guess so. Any other questions?"

"Yes. You mentioned different types of vampires in your world. What were the others?"

"I've only encountered three varieties. We call them the vampire courts. There's the White Court who feed on life energy. The Red Court feeds on blood and can turn into flabby bat monsters. And the Black court who are just like vampires from this world with one difference."

"Which is?"

"You stop rotting when you die. The Black Court don't."

Astarion contemplated that in disgusted silence for a moment before saying, "Lovely… you have just achieved the impossible. I've actually felt a twinge of gratitude for Cazador, for at the very least not being one of those vampires." Astarion shuttered.

"There's one more thing I need to tell you," I said placing my hand on Astarion's shoulder.

The vampire gave me a sideways glance before I entered his mind. Showing him a memory. It was dark, the battle was waging outside the room. Murphy was screaming my name, needing help to fight the Red Court. I was holding the knife in my hand. I kissed Susan on the mouth blood and sweet mixing in a viscous fluid. Then I slashed her throat with the knife. The energy of the spell was released and the vampires at the door suddenly had massive holes in their chests. I felt the energy radiate beyond the temple, knowing it would hit every creature with Red Court blood in its veins and obliterate them. Thousands, if not hundreds of thousands would die. A species destroyed. Vengeance served. The mother of my child killed by my hand. I asked God for forgiveness I would never grant myself, as the memory faded.

I stepped back as the present re-established itself. I hadn't focused on that memory since it happened, but I pushed the pain and the shame away so I could focus on Astarion.

The vampire somehow grew paler. Shock and terror burned away any mask of confidence or smugness on his face. I entered his mind again and said in a warning tone, "I meant what I said Astarion. You're capable of so much more than what your master made you to be. But I haven't forgotten what you are. What you've done. Touch my daughter and I'll send you back to Cazador in a matchbox. Understood."

Astarion nodded and backed away slowly never taking his eyes off me until he was in the middle of camp, with plenty of witnesses.

I turned away from the man. Feeling a flicker of shame for using that memory as ammunition. But I can't take any chances, not with Maggie. Not when it came to vampires.

Deciding that I might as well get some sort of punishment for likely scarring my companion for life. I walked over to Shadowheart's tent. She was sitting on her stool, fiddling with the Astral Prism.

"You know. You're not gonna get rid of that ich of you keep scratching." I joked.

Shadowheart scowled at me, "Come to make more accusations Dresden. Or have you just come to waste my time with petty jokes."

"Both. Me and the jokes are an inseparable package deal." I said

She got up from her stool, "If you're not going to take this seriously just leave me be. I've no desire to be insulted any further."

I put my hands up in defeat, "Fine, fine. I came to tell you I'm sorry. I should have talked to you about Maggie and my suspicions about Shar long before this. And for the record, I do have other suspects." I said defensively.

"Like whom?" Shadowheart asked.

"Well. The Absolute for a start. I was picked up by the nautiloid the second I fell into this land. Raphael is another. He knows too much about me and he's more Nicodemus' speed, matching energy-wise."

"If such alternatives exist. Why is Lady Shar your main concern?"

"Because I can't figure out why the mindflayers or a devil from another universe would want the memories of a teenager. Maggie isn't even trained in magic."

"But Lady Shar takes memories as a matter of religious policy." Shadowheart finished.

"Exactly."

"But that fact doesn't explain why Lady Shar would want your daughter's memories. She has little use for them."

"You're right it doesn't. I don't know anything for sure Shadow, and I'm terrified. I don't know why Nicodemus did any of this, or how to get Maggie out of it. I don't want it to be Shar. At the very least because I don't want to fight a goddess if I can help. Let alone how it affects you and our… whatever we are."

My rant seemed to reach Shadowheart as her stance softened slightly. I continued, "How about this? A truce, we pretend this didn't happen until I know for sure Shar is the culprit."

"And if she is?" Shadowheart asked.

"Then I'm going after her. And you'll have to pick a side. I can't let it stand Shadowheart. I won't." I said staring hard at the half-elf.

Shadowheart breathed in slightly and nodded. I responded in kind and began to walk away.

"Harry." Shadowheart said lightly touching my arm, "I'm sorry about Maggie."

I gave her hand an appreciative squeeze before going to bedroll.