The Dresden Files, #1
Storm Front
by Jim Butcher
Contents
Chapter Seven
Overview
Harry Dresden is confronted by Warden Morgan, who condemns Harry’s recent faery summoning and accuses him of the Stanton–Tomm murders on behalf of the White Council. After a brief scuffle, Morgan vows to expose him. Shaken, Harry recalls his one-strike probation and commits to finding the real killer, deciding to question Bianca despite complications with Murphy.
Summary
On the lakeshore after leaving Victor Sells’s house, Harry Dresden is confronted by Warden Morgan, sword drawn. Morgan challenges Harry’s summoning of a dewdrop faery and claims Harry skirted the Laws of Magic on technicalities. Harry stands his ground, arguing the laws don’t cover faeries and that the faery chose the bargain.
When Morgan holsters his sword and grabs Harry’s arm, Harry treats it as personal, not official Council business, and punches Morgan. Morgan restrains himself, then accuses Harry of killing Jennifer Stanton and Tommy Tomm with sorcery, asserting the White Council will trace the magic to him.
Harry denies involvement and mentions working with the police. Morgan rejects the idea, interpreting it as a ploy, and cold-cocks Harry before leaving with a warning that the Council is watching.
Reeling, Harry reflects on his past: as a teenager he killed his predatory mentor in self-defense, violating the First Law, and escaped execution only under a strict one-strike probation. He recognizes that if no other culprit is found, the Council may execute him for the murders.
Realizing the stakes, Harry decides he must uncover how the killer performed the heart-ripping spell—research that skirts forbidden ground. He resolves to seek information from Bianca, knowing he can’t explain the White Council angle to Murphy, which will strain their cooperation.
Who Appears
- Harry DresdenWizard PI; defends his faery summoning, punches Morgan, is accused of the murders, recalls his probation, resolves to investigate and see Bianca.
- Warden MorganWhite Council enforcer; confronts Harry over technicalities, accuses him of the murders, trades blows, vows to monitor and expose him.