Harry Dresden (i_wizard) wrote in we_coexist, @ 2011-01-19 01:38:00 |
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Entry tags: | dinah lance, harry dresden, in arkham, lorne |
Release! [Open to Dinah and LORNE]
There had been paperwork to sign. Plenty of it. Harry promised (fingers crossed behind his back) to follow the strict regiment of medications he'd been given, and to continue to see the at-home councilor once he was able to make arrangements. Finally, he was given a few items, feeling his heart pound as each was presented.
The six-foot tall staff Ebenezar had given him, during the battle with the Red Court. The two-foot rod of heavy ash wood, thick as two of Harry's fingers, and covered in runes similar to the staff. A set of eight silver rings, each ring a braid of three silver bands, that Harry carefully slid onto each finger but his thumbs. A thick bracelet, braided with gold, silver, copper, bronze, and some other unidentifiable metals, with round bronze discs handing all along it, like medieval shields. And finally, the long black leather duster. The mantle hung to his elbows, the hem halfway down his calves.
There was also a backpack, but that was mostly empty. A few candles, pieces of chalk. His guns were missing, but that was only to be expected.
He signed some more for his inventory, and his release. As he was finishing, someone said, "Your cab is here, Mr. Dresden."
Harry looked up. "A cab?"
"Yes, sir. To take you home."
Harry glanced at the car. And back at the woman. "I think I'll walk."
The woman hesitated. "Well, at least let us take you off the island and into the City. The driver will leave you wherever you choose. With no cost to you."
He considered. But it was free, and he'd be telling them to let him out. But just in case they got any ideas about not...
Harry drew in his will and aimed his staff casually at the car. "Ventas servitas," he murmured. A gale picked up, and the wind seemed to tug the door open for him. "I think that will do fine," he said, speaking to the woman, but giving the driver a smile. At least showing his teeth.
An hour later, Dresden was positive this wasn't Chicago. He'd been only mostly sure from inside Arkham, and was absolutely sure five minutes after leaving. Now he didn't think he was still in the good old US of A anymore. Maybe not even planet Earth.
He had been walking for a while, but he didn't seem to be getting anywhere. The streets were shifting before his eyes. Things.. shouldn't do that.
He tried to feel out with his magical senses, but was getting little. Just a hint... something familiar...
When he opened his eyes, Harry saw a shop. A book store, at first glance, upon second a New Age type of occult shop. He walked in, up to the man behind the counter, and said," Hang on. Wasn't this store across the street a minute ago?"
The shopkeeper blinked. "Of course, sir."
"And it was on the left side, four blacks down, ten minutes before that?"
The man smiled. "Of course, sir. This must be your first time in the City."
Harry frowned. "What city?"
"The City, sir. I'm sure you'll figure it out as you go. It's not terribly complicated."
"Coulda fooled me," Harry muttered leaning against a stack of risqué romances. And saw something familiar. A bleached white human skull. He poked it. Orange lights flickered in the eye sockets, and went out.
"Bob?" Harry asked, quietly.
The lights returned, faded, and returned as the skill blinked. "Harry? Where have you been?"
Harry opened his mouth to answer, then decided against it. "I'll tell you later. Let's get you out of here first."
"But Harry! There's four new books here! Blazing hot ratings! Lots of kink and sex! Come on!"
The storekeeper was starting to look in their direction. "Quiet, Bob," Harry muttered. "That's an order."
The man lifted an eyebrow. "See anything you like?"
Harry glanced over the shelf. "I'll take that bookend ya got," he said. "And, uh... maybe the four books he--it's propped up against?"
The man packaged the books in paper, giving Harry a sly look. Harry kept his eyes down, knowing he was blushing. The skull, he simply packed that in his nylon backpack. The books, in their plain brown paper, followed it.
The man gave the total, and Harry panicked. Did he have a wallet? He patted his pockets, and then found, miraculously, in the inner pocket of his duster a handful of bills and coins. The exact amount needed.
Exactly. To the penny.
The storekeeper didn't think this was strange in the least. What was why it bothered Harry.
He left the store, glad to have something more of his life with him, and started looking around for newspaper stands, hopefully basement apartments to rent.