A Cadet's Confession

"Segnen Sie mich Vater, den ich habe gesündigt."

Palmark smiled as he heard Sigurd shift uncomfortably on the other side of the screen and nodded reassuringly, though he knew the young trainee couldn't see it. Instead, he calmly replied,

"Alle wir haben sündigten, denn wir sind alle menschlich. Lassen Sie Ihre Sünden und in den Namen der Götter und der Kreuzfahrer, sie wird verziehen zu."

"Alright. Geez, this is embarrassing…" Sigurd shifted again. "Father, I…I cheated on a test."

"Which test? And how so?"

"We had an examination on battle tactics the day before yesterday, and…well, I just didn't study! I guess I spent too much time hangin' with Cuan and Eltshan. So when the day came, I was caught flat-footed! As it so happens, I was sitting behind Rendall—smartest guy in our class, and I could just manage to see what he was writing down. So…"

Palmark nodded. "I see. Thank you for telling me, son. Cheating on a test is not the most grievous sin, and not unforgivable. However, it can lead to much worse down the line. You must root out this bad habit before getting too used to it. First, Sigurd, I recommend you meet with Rendall and tell him what you have done. Seek his forgiveness foremost, for it was his hard work you took advantage of."

"Alright, can do."

"Secondly, tell your teacher what you did and seek his forgiveness as well. Re-take the test if you have to."

"What?! Come on, that's a little too much, isn't it?"

"Sigurd, the lords of Barhara's military academy do not give these tests just to annoy their students. It's important you truly learn what they are trying to teach you. You will lead men on the battlefield, someday. That is your destiny as a knight and a descendant of Baldo. Failure to learn tactics now may lead to your defeat and the death of your men in the future. That is why you should re-take that test and truly master its subject. It may be an inconvenience, and it may be embarrassing, but it will surely pay off in the future."

The teenage cadet sighed. "Okay, you made your point…I'll do as you ask, Father."

"Good. Now, to make your peace with the Gods, I want you to say ten rosaries to Lord Zedek and His Crusader Blagi, for they oversee justice and honesty across the land of Jugdral. I also recommend praying to Lord Gwaihyr and His Crusader Sety, for the wisdom to perform better on the test when you retake it. And, of course, give proper offerings to Highlord Naga and SaintHeim as well."

Sigurd sighed, but he accepted what he had to do. Palmark smiled—again glad the youth couldn't see him—and said the words of Edda's Rite of Absolution:

Ich habe Ihre Busse gehört, und die Götter haben sie durch mich gehört. Mögen sie Ihnen Entschuldigung und Frieden geben, und ich spreche Sie von Ihren Sünden, in den Namen der Götter und der Kreuzfahrer.

"I have heard your penance, and the Gods have heard it through me. May they give you pardon and peace, and I absolve you from your sins, in the names of the Gods and the Crusaders."

"Phew!" Sigurd let out a deep breath. "Thanks for the absolution, and the advice, Father. I feel better now, really. I'll tell Eltshan and Cuan I can't meet 'em for drinks tomorrow…they'll be disappointed, but they ought to understand. They've been getting worried about my marks too. Thanks again!"

Palmark heard Sigurd exit the compartment, and he settled back in his seat, his smile of satisfaction growing wider.

Yes indeed, he much preferred this appointment to his previous one.

It had been ten years since he'd witnessed Lord Victor's suicide. When the castle guards of Velthomer had heard his screams and came across the bloody scene, they'd almost accused him of murder and killed him on the spot before one of them noticed the Duke's suicide note. After an experience like that, he was almost willing to resign from the clergy entirely…but practical concerns had stopped him. He had no real skills or talents aside from being an avid reader and quite good with a staff. He could have entered a magic academy, but wizards were mainly used for war in this day and age, and he hadn't the least desire to kill his fellow man. He had thus begged his superiors for a lower-key assignment, and Edda had obliged, sending him to one of the castle-city Barhara's parishes where its famous military academy was located.

To say he was happier now would be an understatement. At first, he had been wary, expecting the worst. But it turned out the both the students and the teachers of the military academy were genuine believers, not trashy fakes like Victor. The staff of the academy sincerely cared about the future of their country and teaching the youth well. The cadets, at least those old enough to begin taking Confession (after the age of 14, as Sigurd and his friends were) were for the most part earnest and enthusiastic, willing to challenge themselves and eager to meet the expectations of their famous parents. There were exceptions, surely, but for the most part, Palmark felt he finally had an opportunity to do some real good for people, both as a confessor and in his other capacities as a parish priest. It seemed to him that those who took part of the Sacrament, like Sigurd, were truly contrite and appreciated his advice.

The smile did not leave Palmark's face as he heard the tramping of steps towards the confessional and the opening and closing of its small wooden door. Whoever this next parishioner was, Palmark was certain he would be able to help with whatever problems they might have. Because, for the first time in years, the confessor felt as if his faith were true.

::Linear Notes::

Rendall is a reference to Knight King Rendall from Dark Souls. Gwaihyr is a reference to the big eagle from LOTR.