It is surprising. The Chancellor seemed completely in control of the situation in his earlier scenes.Previous pages have suggested he is possessed or a doppelganger.
He's acting very oddly though. Maybe he is drugged or enchanted.
Is Alastair wearing... a bandana? That is a bit of a casual look for someone of his station. Then again, surrounded by minions he controls, what do look matter.It's to cover his evil dragon possession eye. (http://crimsonflagcomic.com/comic.php?comicID=290) But yes, the swag is a perk.