The Calling Read-along: Chapter 2

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THE READ-ALONG

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, The Calling

[Official book teaser blurb]After two hundred years of exile, King Maric has allowed the legendary Grey Wardens to finally return to Ferelden. When they come, however, they bring dire news: one of their own has escaped into the Deep Roads and aligned himself with their ancient enemy, the monstrous darkspawn.

The Grey Wardens need Maric's help, and he reluctantly agrees to lead them into the passages he traveled through many years before (see: The Stolen Throne), chasing after a deadly secret that will threaten to destroy not only the Grey Wardens but also the kingdom above.

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.

(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 1 (16-Apr)

[Chapter 2--Synopsis, some spoilers for Dragon Age: Origins and Awakening]Chapter 2Synopsis

And so is the Golden City blackened
With each step you take in my Hall.
Marvel at perfection, for it is fleeting.
You have brought Sin to Heaven,
And doom upon all the world.

-- Canticle of Threnodies 8:13

We meet Bregan, Genevieve’s missing Grey Warden brother, a captive of the darkspawn and a strangely civilized darkspawn named the Architect (see: Dragon Age: Awakening). After a short conversation that bewilders Bregan for the novelty of it all, the Architect suggests there is the possibility of peace between darkspawn and the upper world.

Bregan, horrified by the suggestion, briefly overpowers the Architect and runs. The darkspawn in the area descend upon him. He fends off one group, but then as he’s running, the futility of it all creeps over him. He came to the Deep Roads on his Calling, intent to die, so why is he trying to live? After coming tot his realization, he stops, intending to kill himself, but then some mysterious force he felt pushing on his mind overcomes him just as the darkspawn do. He’s swarmed and knocked unconscious.