Chapter Five

After a grueling workout, Harry Dresden meets Bear, who subtly acknowledges his trauma and resilience. Bear alerts him to visitors: Mort Lindquist and Fitz. In Harry’s makeshift office, Mort introduces Fitz, now taller, stronger, and warier, who reveals his magic has surged, including setting a monster ablaze during the battle.

Mort explains Fitz is manifesting across all elements and needs disciplined guidance beyond Mort’s ectomancy. Harry warns that training Fitz could provoke the White Council, given Harry’s expulsion, but Fitz seeks to test his limits, not merely avoid harm. Harry defers a decision, telling Fitz to think and consult Mort, then privately admits his doubts about being a good mentor.

Mort argues Harry is the best option among wizards who actually care about people and describes Fitz as kind but guarded, burdened by unspoken troubles. Weighing the risk, Harry agrees to take Fitz if he returns ready, setting a 6 a.m. start and basic expectations.

Turning to the city’s crisis, Mort reports a flood of newborn shades from Balor’s Eye, many without graves and growing unstable, alongside spiking deaths and fragmented communications. He also warns of groups harassing those linked to the supernatural.

Though reluctant to re-engage, Harry outlines a response: send Mort to coordinate with Artemis Bock for information gathering, consult the Ordo Lebes in the castle kitchen for community protection, and use the market at McAnally’s lot as a quiet info hub. Mort thanks Harry, who shoulders the renewed responsibility.