The Faith Eaters, Chapter 11: To the Curia:

Guerin wrote:

My pursuit of the Heretic Jargon has led me to something much more sinister and of greater danger to the spiritual well-being of this city than a Fallen Inquisitor. Even one accused of murder. I will share the
sparse details I have gleaned, but let me first summarize the progress of my primary assignment, the Judgment of Jargon.

Until the night of Keeper Gerold's assassination I had made no progress in gaining Jargon's whereabouts. As Grace would have it, I found myself patrolling the streets of Kinsborough South that night. I was driven it seems by Providence to a position which allowed me to see the attack on the Keeper and at the same time observe the location of the sniper who took his life. Noting that local security was fast approaching the ambush site, I elected to enter the building in which the sniper had
established his hide in hopes of intercepting him during egress.

To my surprise, I was confronted by Jargon immediately upon gaining the rooftop. We exchanged brief words and engaged with swords. He bested me and escaped. I sustained several injuries, none life threatening, and was rendered unconscious. To this point I have refused healing, both as
penance for my failure to detain Jargon, and as a lingering reminder of his martial skill.

Despite the unfavorable outcome of the encounter, I was able to observe several things which I feel will further my Judgment of Jargon. What I found may also aid in the investigation into the death of Keeper Gerold which the Curia has no doubt initiated.

Of first note, Jargon and I were not the only people on the rooftop that night. A rapid-response squad of five Capitol Banshees had arrived before me, although how they pinpointed the location so rapidly eludes me.

I observed with trepidation that their bodies lay scattered across the roof as if discarded in death. It was only when I awakened following the brief duel that I learned none of the Banshees had sustained life-threatening injuries. Much like myself, they will suffer pains for some time to come, but nothing that will not heal.

The manner in which they were temporarily dispatched concerns me. I spoke at length with the squad leader, a veteran sergeant, who stressed repeatedly that Jargon initiated his attack with the use of a blinding white light. The sergeant, as well as several of his squad, seem convinced that they were bested and mercifully spared by a servant of the Church.

This is curious, as Jargon should have no ability in his current state to draw on the Power of the Church. Yet I have been unable to gain any description of the Dark Arts which includes the use of anything similar to
White Light. I must research this issue in more detail and will forward what I learn.

The sergeant further reported that his squad had surrounded and detained the sniper at the time Jargon made his appearance. Although I saw no evidence of the sniper on the rooftop after I awoke, it appears that
Jargon arrived just in time to save him. Or her. If reports as to the shooter's corporate affiliation and military organization are correct, it does not surprise me that Jargon would come to her aid, though I find it odd he would assist following such a blatant assault on a member of the Church. He walked away from his Cardinal, but he has never struck our against him nor supported those who do.

The words spoken by Jargon when I faced him on the rooftop were consistent with his expressed belief set and behavior throughout the years I have known him. Although he openly admitted a dangerous weakness of personal faith and expressed blatant and unforgivable disrespect for the Cardinal, I don't believe he sees himself as an enemy of the Church. Nor did I sense any taint of the Dark's embrace about him.

Clearly he must be Judged for his abandonment of the Church, but I saw no indication whatsoever that he could be responsible for the murder of his parents. Particularly considering the gruesome and ferocious manner in which that act was protracted. I will, of course, continue my pursuit of Jargon to such a point as he can be Judged fully. I'll allow no lingering vestiges of friendship from our days together in Seminary to sway me from what is right.

As to the more subtle malignance insinuating itself into this city...