A/N: Sorry for the update delay! I had a few life updates happen – wedding planning in the middle of a pandemic kinda occupies a bit of time. ;) This chapter was originally intended to be longer, but there are certain elements I don't want to rush. Thank you for the continued support for this story! Cheers!


Favored Sons

Dorian shuffled toward his corner chair in the now-usual meeting room of the Magisterium. The governor of Perivantium had long evacuated any personal effects from this quarter of the building complex, leaving it overrun with politicians, guards, and busybodies. Several of his fellows, however, were beginning to suggest moving further south, away from the Qunari hoard.

Yesterday had been eventful enough with the first official negotiations with the representatives of the slave rebellion. The presence of an uncouth barbarian Qunari, who had previously been a magister's pet, gave the afternoon an interesting spin. Hopefully, today would be perfectly boring. Fat chance.

Sure enough, just as the charismatic restorationist was about to claim his seat – close to the action and easy to demand attention, but also far enough to sink into the background – a commanding voice stopped him short.

"My dear Master Pavus," Archon Radonis rumbled good-naturedly, still somehow managing to remind Dorian of a snake ready to strike. "I must applaud you for your efforts in this House. Our country is making great strides on many fronts with your help. Now that the rebellion is receding, we have one less challenge to face. I believe you and Captain Fabria may be the most-discussed figures within a hundred miles."

"My greatest appreciation for such fine words, Archon," the dark-haired rebel managed, already wondering at his superior's agenda. He and the Archon had never been outright enemies; however, the junior member's idealistic views were in constant contrast with his fellow's power-hungry, backwards thinking. "I am merely doing my best to aid my home and countrymen."

"A noble cause, certainly," the older man waved toward the seat on his right. "Today, Master Pavus, I invite you to take place at my side."

"With all due respect, Lord Archon, is that not where Master Ilo usually sits?"

"Master Ilo is…indisposed ever since his untimely remarks regarding the loss of the Orbs."

"He was responsible for protecting one of the artifacts, yes?"

"Quite." The Archon's attention moved on instantaneously the moment Dorian sank into the cold chair. "Captain Fabria, I believe you have an update? I heard that you may have managed to unlock the location of our pesky elven nemesis."

Gideon Fabria, never one for ceremony and pomp, stood fearlessly before the magisterial rabble. Three of his collected companions stood several feet behind him, clearly itching to be rid of their current audience. The broken-horned Qunari mage hovered protectively over Lady Morrigan and an impish dual-wielding elf that went by the name 'Chiz'. How could anyone feel intimidated with such allies?

"Triangulate more than pinpoint, but that's...not the point," Gideon sighed, having clearly waited too long for his taste. "There are devices once thought to exist to measure and strengthen the Veil – Master Pavus should be familiar with these devices from his travels with Lady Lavellan. After thorough study, these devices are now known to weaken the Veil. There is a certain magic rarely seen by modern eyes – a very old magic, which Lady Morrigan was able to recognize from our visit to the city of Solas."

"Get on with it," an older mage growled under her breath. "Have you or have you not found the Dread Wolf?"

Dorian smirked as his old warrior acquaintance stared at the woman with a look of utter boredom before redirecting to address the Archon. This was a moment Captain Fabria had been working toward for months. No need to spoil it.

"The true problem wasn't where, but how. It was quite the treasure hunt, and I required the consultation of several experts in Tevinter lore, elven history, and geography of the Deep Roads. But I have finally acquired the knowledge needed to unlock the Dread Wolf's hideout. Thanks to my various sources, I know where his base may be found, and I know he is mere weeks away from destroying the world as we know it."

The magisters muttered their disbelief, but Gideon went on, eyeing Morrigan teasingly.

"I will need certain resources to finish my work. To defeat a god, I will need the assistance of a god. And I must beg your permission to use my connections with the Antaam to barter a peace with the Qunari. We cannot face this destruction alone."

"Are there no other allies you have acquired?" Master Krios sniffed with dismissive shrug of his broad shoulders.

"I have already sent word to the leaders of the surrounding kingdoms, but the weakening Veil and invasion of red lyrium has effected many. A few are pledging aid in some fashion, thanks to the efforts of my compatriots. Now that our hostilities against the slave rebels have ceased, we are expecting reinforcements from the former Templars under Commander Cullen. Orlais and Nevarra have pledged their support against the Dread Wolf, regardless of their own difficulties. However, Ferelden and the Free Marches have been slower to respond, mostly due to internal conflicts. Rivain and Antiva are mired in their own invasions from the Qun, and have been unable to respond."

"And, unfortunately, our own resources are limited," Radonis confessed with a sigh. "Everything east of Vyrantium has been taken by the Qunari. Our gaze is…distracted." The mage pressed his fingertips together in thought before waving to the attendants at his back. "We are adjourned for an hour. Captain Fabria and Master Pavus are to accompany me to the rear office."

Mutters of confusion masked the moment when the two selected men made eye contact. Radonis…was not exactly the type of person whose attention Dorian normally attempted to gain.

A few moments later, the trio had retreated to a quiet backroom storage space that had been converted into an office for their superior. Their leader did not leave them wondering for long.

"I am not a fool. I have Dreamed in the Fade and seen what we face. I know we cannot stand against both Qunari and the world's end. But I cannot give you public support, Captain. We cannot display weakness for our enemies to exploit."

"Which enemies?" the soldier shook his head, attempting to gain some clarification. Radonis stared at the ruby-eyed wolf statue that sat on the mantlepiece.

"There are more terrors that lie in wait – sleep cannot hold them forever." His gaze shifted into focus, and he glared distastefully at his company. "You may reach out to your contacts. Quietly. I want none of the snakes outside this room to hear of it, unless you are enormously successful. I believe Master Pavus has a close contact who might assist as well. Once that is done, we will focus on the Dread Wolf."

"As you wish," Gideon acquiesced cautiously as the magister turned to Dorian.

"Tell your houseguest that her lover's days are numbered. Better yet…" He held up his finger while he reconsidered. "Don't tell her that. Appeal to the Lady Lavellan. Find out if she knows anything that may aid in the fight against this god." His voice dropped to whisper. "You know, Dorian, that this obsession of hers will only end in her destruction. There have been rumors of her…abilities hindering her judgment. She is in grave danger. And I fear she is making a terrible mistake."

"I understand," Dorian acknowledged the instructions with a deliberately pleasant smile.

"If all goes well in the weeks to come, we will have killed an elven god, and you both will be looking at promotions. Now, prepare for a public rejection of your proposal, Captain. Then do my bidding."

Without another word, Radonis swept out of the room and demanded dinner from the nearby servants. The two younger men remained behind, each sighing their discomfort at the latest developments and each gaining a new appreciation for the other. A storm was brewing – a storm with many faces.