Dragon Age: Light of the Maker

07. THE REALM OF OPPOSITION

CHAPTER VII: THE REALM OF OPPOSITION
✧ PRELATE LYS ✧
"The air itself rent asunder,
Spilling light unearthly from the
Waters of the Fade,
Opening as an eye to look
Upon the Realm of Opposition
In dire judgement."
- Canticle of Exaltations 1:2

Lys Terrelle had not been expecting such a willing response from the people of Ferelden, despite its reputation for its militant, hot-headed people. More than that, she had not expected the queen to declare war against the Divine - Miri had told Lys beforehand that she would only be making a courtesy speech. She worried for all the possible outcomes; only one was favorable, whereas millions ended in their defeat and execution. Likely, the Divine would declare an Exalted March, calling all of its supported countries to crack down on Miryam and her armies. They stood no chance against the might of Orlais, Nevarra, and the Free Marches combined.

But perhaps Lys could do something about Nevarra. She held sway when it came to Nevarran courts, particularly its dying, delusional King Markus Pentaghast, but would it be enough to convince them to stay neutral, if not join Ferelden? A dark idea prompted itself within her thoughts, and Lys pushed it aside, for she had reached the throne room of Denerim's royal palace.

It was rather plain in comparison to other palaces she had graced, though this was to be expected from Ferelden's tendency to keep its architecture modest and practical. Walls of stone, windows of painted glass, a red velvet carpet extending as an isle from the foot of the throne to the doors. At the head of the room, the simplistic throne sat proud, carved from marble and donned with Ferelden's heraldry of two rearing mabari warhounds on a field of red and gold.

Alfstanna Amell and Fiona Aeducan joined them shortly, but a hooded figure followed behind them that Lys did not recognize. She straightened her shoulders defensively and prepared for the worst. "Who are you?" she demanded from the man.

Miryam held a hand up, indicating for Lys to back down. "I requested his presence," she told her, gaze fixated on the man, who was lowering his hood.

He was young, but his eyes willed an old soul. Honey-colored hair was tied back sloppily at the nape of his neck, framing a thin, sharp-featured face. A gold ring hung from his left ear lobe and brown eyes regarded Lys with curiosity. There was something strange and ethereal in his energy, as if it wasn't just him buried in his vessel.

Fiona Aeducan's reaction was instantaneous. "You," she seethed, rounding on him.

The man flinched, fear overriding his curiosity as his gaze snapped to the stocky dwarf. "Fiona, let me explain-"

"You abandoned the Wardens," she accused, jabbing a finger in his direction. "You used them to gain your freedom and took the first carriage out of there, only to go blowing up Chantries and murdering innocents!"

Alfstanna arched a brow. "I'm inclined to agree. Anders."

Lys looked to Miryam to see if she had any idea of what was happening, but the queen stood passively, allowing the argument. Lys recognized the name where she did not recognize the face, though she felt no inherent anger at the man's deeds. Kirkwall's Circle and power structure had been monstrous, doomed to collapse with or without Anders' interference. And given Lys's experience with stodgy priests, she didn't exactly mind his way of going about it.

Anger lit like a match within Anders' cool brown eyes. "I did not come here to argue morality," he snapped. "I'm here for Miryam, at her request." He looked to the queen for support.

She let the moment stretch out for an agonizing amount of time, then nodded slowly. "If you must chastise him for neglecting the Wardens for a higher purpose, do so on time that is not mine, if you'd be so inclined." She took a methodical deep breath and stepped forward. "Fiona. I would invite you to be my battle strategy and war adviser, given your unrivaled experience on the field and in commanding. You led your people against the darkspawn for years prior to leading our party to victory against the archdemon, and you continue to show exceptional prowess in leadership and combat. I hear Orzammar has reclaimed over ten of its lost thaigs thanks to you, correct?"