Because the mages no longer threaten them most in this world, after the half failed rebellion. We do.

[ not becauss they're more in number, or more powerful. Because they are finite but vital resources. ]

Our existence, what dark magic brought us here, and the fact we remain the most reliable means to combat it. [ Iorveth postulates on it while they walk. Of course, he isn't privy to any more information than the rest of them, but that's how he's currently reading the board. ] Leaving the weapon that will spare the apocalypse in possession of free will and autonomy is a risk many are too cowardly and too cruel to take.

[ they'll call it protecting their people from potentially dangerous elements, a policy to see that Thedas isn't overlooked in favor of refugees. Take the small bad some do and call it monumentally, even in the face of all the service and sacrifice that has been given already. Really, it's just another way for man to conquer something different. Humanity cannot suffer an uncontrolled element to exist.

A beat, and he looks back to Kylo, shrugging. ]

Or they're just conniving shits looking to guilt the mages back into their cages by having us stand in their place.

I'm going to Thranduil.