Yeah, I suspect this is a possibility as well. I need to replay some of the early game to check my memory on some stuff though. If I remember right, I have a suspicion that the cult became aware of MC and Taron was sent to kill him and his parents. But he may have seen an opportunity and just killed the parents and reported MC dead too. That would potentially give MC a reprieve, and time and motive to grow in power. I'm this case, both Taron and the cult would be responsible for MC's parents deaths, but for different motives.