The Dresden Files > DF Spoilers

Mab (?) in Twelve Months

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KurtinStGeorge:

--- Quote from: Bad Alias on January 23, 2026, 05:26:43 PM ---Mab can't order Harry to turn over Thomas (or Maggie). That was part of his deal in Changes. I think a lot of Man's out of character behavior was her manipulating Harry./, who we are repeatedly told and shown is not operating at his usual level.

I think the boon was offered because Mab new exactly what Harry was going to ask for. She jokingly offered Harry just about everything she has given him by tricking him into enslaving Lara. That Harry isn't going to take great advantage of that is irrelevant.

It's like most of the deals Harry makes with Mab. She ends up with what she wants and doesn't actually give him anything he didn't already have that she didn't want anyway.

And she gets to say, you asked for it.

As I read the book, the sleep with Lara, sleep with Lara train Mab was on seemed off to me. I figured it wasn't what Mab actually wanted because how well have direct orders like that worked out before?

I did think the Thomas's blood relative having to be sacrificed as a solution was going to end up being the end of Lord Raith.

--- End quote ---

I highlighted those two sentences because I specifically wanted to address both of them.  I'll take the second one first.

Thomas having to sacrifice a blood relative would lead to Lord Raith being sacrificed is a damned good idea.  Kudos.  Lara might have even been able to puppet her father saying he accepted his fate as necessary.  It would have forced Lara to drop the mask and fully assert her role as the leader of the White Court, but that could have been fun to read as well.

The first sentence that you wrote brings up an interesting and related point.  If Mab can't order Harry to turn over Thomas' child or Maggie to Mr. Etri, where does Harry get the authority to turn over Thomas' child to Etri? 

I'm going to have to reread the section when Mab does her thing on Demonreach with Thomas.  Did she say something to Thomas and was there a reaction from him that can be interpreted as his assent for Mab to do whatever was necessary to solve this problem?  Because I don't see how her deal with Harry gives Mab that authority.  Did Thomas say something to Harry during the two times he was conscious that gave Harry the authority to bargain for him?  I've got to go out and won't be home until late tonight.  If anyone finds a relevant quote that shows Harry had authority to bargain with Thomas' child please post it.

Bad Alias:
Harry doesn't need authority over the child. Or perhaps, he has authority as a mortal


--- Quote ---“Then you should have traded her something for your freedom,” Bob said. “You know, stolen an extra baby or something and given it to her—” “Stolen a baby? I’m in enough trouble already.”
--- End quote ---

forumghost:
I mean, Harry had about as much claim as anyone to decide his Nephews fate, with one of his parent's in suspended animation and the other demonically possessed.

Mira:

--- Quote ---View Profile Personal Message (Offline)

Re: Mab (?) in Twelve Months
« Reply #12 on: Yesterday at 12:53:45 AM »
Quote
I mean, Harry had about as much claim as anyone to decide his Nephews fate, with one of his parent's in suspended animation and the other demonically possessed.

--- End quote ---

In a perfect world and normal world, yes.  However in this case, no.  Go back and reread the meeting between Harry and Etri, too much on the line.  What he got was as good as he was going to get.

g33k:

--- Quote from: KurtinStGeorge on February 04, 2026, 08:55:37 PM --- ... If Mab can't order Harry to turn over Thomas' child or Maggie to Mr. Etri, where does Harry get the authority to turn over Thomas' child to Etri? 
--- End quote ---

In the normal course of things, Mab absolutely could order her WK to turn over his nephew; the Queen's ability to make demands upon her Knight are sweeping, and particularly vast as regards mortal/fae relations.

But in Harry's original WK bargain with Mab, he negotiated a "friends&family discount," so they're off-limits to such demands.
 
I think Harry himself has the authority to negotiate in Thomas' stead, as his blood; so would Lara (or Raith Père), most likely... but neither of them was asserting any claim in the moment (and, very likely, Mab's need to fulfill her Boon would tip the scales between competing claims).


--- Quote from: KurtinStGeorge on February 04, 2026, 08:55:37 PM --- ...
I'm going to have to reread the section when Mab does her thing on Demonreach with Thomas.  Did she say something to Thomas and was there a reaction from him that can be interpreted as his assent for Mab to do whatever was necessary to solve this problem?  Because I don't see how her deal with Harry gives Mab that authority.  Did Thomas say something to Harry during the two times he was conscious that gave Harry the authority to bargain for him?  I've got to go out and won't be home until late tonight.  If anyone finds a relevant quote that shows Harry had authority to bargain with Thomas' child please post it.
--- End quote ---

I think @BadAlias has it correct; faeries seem to play by different rules when it comes to mortal children.  Bob's remark tells us that simple theft (kidnapping) can give sufficient "right" to the child.  As the only blood relative available, I think Harry is absolutely the one with rights under Faerie Law to conduct any such negotiations.

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