Confession, by Christopher Hughes

Story name: Confession
Author: Christopher Hughes
Publication date: January 26, 1998 (on TSA-List)

Date: Spring 706 CR, 2 weeks before Easter
Location: Metamor Keep

Overview

After injuring Saulius, Matthias is consoled by Chris.

+ Story info (Spoilers!)

Summary

Chris has been working late into the evening at the library. In the courtyard, he is surprised that Charles is up so late. Charles is thinking about Saulius, whom he personally injured that morning. He says he lost control for the first time in five years, but doesn't wish to discuss it further.

Chris asks if Matthias has been to confession lately, as it might help to put his fears into Eli's hands. Matthias asks where can he go, as Midland is a two days' ride. Chris suggests that, although Raven is not a Follower, she understands the faith well, and might still be in the chapel saying benedictions. Matthias is disturbed at not getting a proper Follower shriving, but decides it's the best he has at hand, and thanks Chris for his advice.

Chris tells Matthias that he will always be free to talk to him, and they part ways. Chris wonders about Matthias's past before dozing off.

Characters

Main Characters:

• Chris: A bear morph, a Lothanasi, and a tutor at the Keep's library. Though he does not share Matthias's faith, he wants to help him.
• Charles Matthias: A rat morph, a Follower, and Headmaster of the Writer's Guild. Though he wishes a Follower priest at the Keep, he is willing to take what he can and receive a shriving from Raven.
  • He mentions he has not lost control in 5 years, that is, since 701 CR.

Important Mention:

• Raven: The Keep's Lothanasi priestess. Chris suggests that Charles confess his actions to her.
• Saulius: A rat morph, a former knight, currently recovering from three cracked ribs.
  • If not for his armor, his wounds would have been fatal.

Referenced:

• Dr Channing: A Headmaster of the Writer's Guild with an interest in astronomy.
• Wanderer: Chris's friend.
• Brian Coe: The Keep physician.
• Fox Cutter: The Keep librarian.

Story Connections

• Saulius attained his injury in Facing Knight.

Points of Interest

• A continuity error: the moon is in crescent phase here. A couple of days later in Evening Stroll, it is a full moon.

	Matthias's First Cycle	Second Cycle >
Stories	Stories in yellow are not part of the cycle proper, but give important context for other stories.
	Metamor Keep · Writer's Guild · The Fight That Never Happened · Support Group · Facing Knight · Confession · Evening Stroll · Especially Disappointed · Escaping · Escalation · Errands and Editors · The Secrets in Truth · A Small Repair · Equinox Arriveth · Entertaining Thoughts of Eucharist · The Effects of Rising Too Early · Eating at the Duke's Table · Easter Endeth · Early to Sleep
Characters	Charles Matthias · Kimberly · Channing · Elliot · Goldmark · Hector · Father Hough · Julian · Loriod · Michael · Nahum · Phil · Saulius · Tallis · Thalberg · Duke Thomas · Zhypar Habakkuk