Asunder read-along: Chapter 13

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THE READ-A-LONG

What is this? The read-a-long is an opportunity to do a long distance book club with other Dragon Age fans, where once a week one chapter will be discussed in David Gaider's tie-in novel, Asunder

[Official book teaser blurb]The destruction of Kirkwall's Circle of Magi has brought chaos to the lives of mages and templars throughout Thedas. Some mages teeter on the bring of rebellion against their templar watchers, while others struggle to maintain order and stability amid the tides of change.

In the majestic White Spire, at the heart of templar power in Val Royeaux, tension have reached the boiling point. The actions of a few radicals draw the attention of the Seekers, a powerful and secret segment of the templars, who arrive to take command and restore order no matter the cost. To make matters worse, a mystical killer stalks the White Spire's halls, invisible to all save one lone mage.

As Rhys is the only one who can see the killer, all eyes turn to him as the prime suspect in the murder investigation. With little hope of proving his innocence, Rhys's future looks to be short and grim. But his skill with spirit magic earns him a reprieve, as he is drafted into an expedition traveling deep into the western wastelands of Orlais. There, his fate will become entwined with that of a beautiful templar, a tormented soul, and Wynne--heroine of the Blight. Together they will uncover a secrete far greater than they imagined. One that will change the fate of mages in Thedas forever.

If you've read it and have Thoughts or Feels, comment to discuss! Discussion can be serious or snarky, but please keep it constructive and not destructive.

- Chapter 1 (09-Sep)
- Chapter 2 (16-Sep)
- Chapter 3 (23-Sep)
- Chapter 4 (30-Sep)
- Chapter 5 (07-Oct)
- Chapter 6 (14-Oct)
- Chapter 7 (21-Oct)
- Chapter 8 (28-Oct)
- Chapter 9 (04-Nov)
- Chapter 10 (11-Nov)
- Chapter 11 (18-Nov)
- Chapter 12 (25-Nov)

(If the first person who gets to this post can start a comment thread entitled 'Serious Discussion' and a second one for 'Snarky Discussion', I would greatly appreciate it.)

[Chapter 13]Chapter 13 Synopsis

The group has returned to the waking world and with them, Pharamond now appears a normal if elderly elven man instead of a twisted abomination. Breaking the wards of his own accord, he crosses to Wynne, and an argument erupts between Evangeline, who wants to kill Pharamond for allowing himself to be possessed, and Adrian, who tries to prevent it. Rhys finally speaks up and points out that Wynne's mission and Pharamond's research were authorized by the Divine and the Chantry respectively, and maybe they should be the ones to judge the results? Evangeline concurs, and Adrian reluctantly backs down.

Meanwhile, elsewhere, Cole dwells on the fading memories of his time in the Fade until Rhys finds him, expressing compassion for what happened to him. Cole breaks down weeping on Rhys's shoulder, where they're found by Evangeline--who, miracle of miracles, can see Cole. She suggests Cole return to the Tower with them for help, since she feels the templars failed in their duty to protect him, and he agrees, even if it might mean becoming Tranquil.