The Calling Read-along: Chapter 9

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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 itches 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 (22-Apr)
- Chapter 3 (29-Apr)
- Chapter 4 (06-May)
- Chapter 5 (13-May)
- Chapter 6 (20-May)
- Chapter 7 (28-May)
- Chapter 8 (02-Jun)

[Chapter 9--Synopsis]Chapter 9 Synopsis

Here lies the abyss, the well of all souls.

From these emerald waters doth life begin anew.
Come to me, child, and I shall embrace you.
In my arms lies Eternity.

-- Canticle of Andraste 14:11

Fiona and Maric go out to retrieve Duncan. On the way, Maric thanks Fiona for saving him from the dragon, and Fiona has lots of conflicted thoughts about Maric. They find Duncan on the shore of a strange green lake. Duncan tells the story of how he was recruited, that he'd tried to rob a Grey Warden named Guy and killed him; Genevieve infoked the Right of Conscription against his will. Turns out Guy was engaged to Genevieve.

When the three return to the group, Nicolas snarks, Kell mutinies. Duncan shames them all and they continue on, burying Julien's body 'at sea' in the lake.