Jorgen had often imagined what it would feel like to be behind bars. He visualized himself as a specific suspect. The interrogation began the moment he stepped onto the prison walkway, with his footsteps posing the first question to the suspect, who had to answer with their inner emotions: fear, anticipation, confusion, and all feelings that could arise in oppressive darkness. Usually, they didn't need to speak because Jorgen would read their answers through their eyes, comparing them with his expectations to draw conclusions. By then, he would have anticipated how the interrogation would proceed, the sequence of questions, and any potential twists, showing no hesitation. In verbal exchanges, hesitation was fatal to dominance.
He believed he understood prisoners' mindsets well. Now, in the highest prison of Stormwind City, he still felt unfamiliar with his surroundings. Here, he was a captive, not a suspect to be interrogated. No one from the council had come. So far, only one person had stopped at his cell's bars, and she wasn't an interrogator.
That day, Bossia called out twice before receiving a response, questioning the visitor's identity. But Jorgen recognized her at first glance, recalling fragments of an interrogation from eight years ago. She was the weakest, easiest type of suspect to break: trembling, misjudging the situation, and pretending to be strong due to her noble status. Eight years later, the bars still made her uneasy: she slowed before cell 715, frowning as she glanced sideways because she didn't immediately see Jorgen in the darkness. Her hesitation indicated she wasn't an enemy.
Later, when Bossia pushed her right hand through the bars, Jorgen saw her disappointment. He didn't want her to interfere, and she was disappointed by that. Jorgen knew that deeming her interference inappropriate was an arrogant judgment without clear reasoning, as his only source of outside information was old newspapers borrowed from the guards. He labeled Bossia as naive and ignorant, not from accurate observation, but because he hoped she hadn't changed.
He knew he wanted to reach out and touch her face but decided against sending mixed signals after expressing his wish for her to leave.
In the following days, he found it hard to calm down. Bossia's visit indicated a critical change, and all he could do was wait for his trial by the council. That afternoon, he met the person who had initially pushed him towards this future. It wasn't a surprise.
Hylan sat on a chair prepared by the guard.
"Climbing to this top floor makes me feel my age more than fifteen days of fasting," he said. "Yesterday, I visited Mr. Pantheon's grave. It's a peaceful place. After a life like his, he deserves a restful solitude."
"How well did you know him?"
"In our time, we had unavoidable connections, but that was long ago. When telling stories or lessons to the younger generation, one often says, 'before you were born,' emphasizing their relative youth to appear wiser. But revisiting the past shows how immature we were, making many mistakes we wished we could undo. He and I lived in a time when everyone made more significant errors with more severe consequences. Much awaited construction, and there was no turning back. You might not believe it, but when I first met Mr. Panthonia, I tried to persuade him to join my Holy Light sermon. I knew he was from Lordaeron, likely with a history of studying the Holy Light, and had abandoned it due to confusion. As a monk dedicating much effort to bring people closer to the Holy Light, I had no doubts about my approach."
"What was his response?"
"He said nothing," Hylan smiled. "You know better than I do; he didn't need words to convey his meaning. Even today, I don't think my invitation was a mistake."
Jorgen suddenly realized his initial guard had diminished. He believed Hylan's visit had a strong purpose, like his public speeches, but now it seemed like he was just sharing slightly melancholic memories: Hylan and Panthonia might have been enemies, but they shared a bygone era. Jorgen reminded himself to remain vigilant against Hylan's influence. Elderly strategies often involved intimidation and fear; Hylan's approach was the opposite. Jorgen felt he must attack.
"During that meeting in the cathedral garden, you blamed Seven for the unexpected suicide of True Prayer members and then sought to speak with Lord Shawl. The timing seemed too coincidental."
"I understand why you think that. It was precisely because Seven didn't disclose these casualties that I was worried. For Seven, True Prayer primarily hindered security. But for the church, it posed a much greater threat. As a candidate for archbishop, especially after the square speech, I had to monitor all Holy Light-related information. Some needed my attention, while others came to me. I learned about this through an anonymous letter."
If Hylan were hiding the truth, an anonymous letter was a crude lie. Nonetheless, Jorgen found this explanation intriguing.
"Who do you think sent it?"
"Very polite wording. Neat handwriting. He emphasized Seven's misconduct could cause broader harm, but I sensed he had some connection with True Prayer. They tarnished Archbishop Benedictus and his religious policies with plague rumors. Perhaps they saw me, long absent from church affairs, as a steadfast believer. Ultimately, they are criminals, fearing Seven more than the church. What do you think?"
Based on his knowledge of True Prayer, Jorgen found Hylan's words somewhat credible. But he suddenly realized his situation. He was a prisoner awaiting trial. An external fanatical religious group's actions were too distant.
"I have nothing to say about that. Let's discuss something else. Let's talk about Nehari. I never expected him to be so loyal to someone."
"Honestly, I've answered this question the most lately. Traits that built Bishop Nehari's battlefield reputation seem inappropriate in real life but don't affect his faith. His loyalty is to faith and his strong desire to correct mistakes, not to me. He knows the archbishop's selection of him as a candidate is largely an encouragement. Perhaps one day, Stormwind will face larger-scale wars, requiring more people to follow the Light in his way. Currently, he is willing to step back for the greater good. You contributed to this mindset, Jorgen."
"I hope this isn't some peculiar compliment."
"Of course not. We've had several long talks. He mentioned exploiting his relatives for battlefield gains. After this was exposed, he was very remorseful and vowed never to forsake faith for gain. He mentioned your name, saying it was you who made him face reality."
"You seem intent on downplaying our adversarial relationship, Hylan."
"Who do you think are enemies?"
"I'm in a cell. You're outside. It's clear."
"You've been very cautious, Jorgen, I can tell. From the beginning, you've tried not to emotionally agree with my words. I believe doing this for a long time must be exhausting. Do you want me to speak to you as an enemy?"
Jorgen couldn't answer. He realized that viewing Hylan as an enemy crafting every word for a purpose was like forcing simplicity and naivety onto Bossia days ago. By now, he couldn't see what Hylan could gain from their conversation… not to mention he was still unsure of Hylan's exact needs.
"You're here for a reason," he said. "I don't have much time. Whatever you want to know…"
"Jorgen," Hylan interrupted. "You're anxious, not just because you're in prison. You're troubled by the impending trial."
"There's nothing to worry about. Prison and trials are familiar to me. Surrendering means I'm prepared."
"You want me to have a reason, a purpose… then let me ask something I want to know. Why did you surrender?"
"I don't think that needs explaining."
"When a criminal sees no escape, they surrender for leniency. That's not what I'm asking. I want the real reason, Jorgen. You admitted primary responsibility in this scheme, and Mardias conveyed the same to the council. Your joint strategy is to sacrifice yourself to preserve Seven's system and Matthias' position. We talked about loyalty; your excessive loyalty to Panthonia Shawl and everything he established is why you surrendered. In my youth, I was very loyal to someone, overlooking his mistakes or seeing them as correctable, not affecting the bigger picture. Think about how much those around you suffered, Jorgen. That's how I realized the truth back then."