Annika pursed her lips as she pondered the question. Though there were cavernous differences between Orthodox and Estakonic doctrine the confession of sins was a fairly uncomplicated point of agreement.

“Both things can be true, certainly we should conduct ritual confessions periodically,” she hopped over a stream with a graceful jump and smiled back at Orion.

“Though, perhaps not right at the moment,” she grinned. The were climbing a small hill, clambering over rocks as the trees thinned in the unhelpful soil. Reaching the crest they could view the valley beyond through a large gap in the canopy. The city of Tolth was visible as a distant smear of light, but the forest between was spotted with fires where Vuldrok’s had found smaller forest villages, or perhaps had simply started fires.

“I am supposed to watch you, and provide advice during your service,” she continued as the started down the otherside of the hill.

“Most people, yourself included, confess at church services and ask for the Pancreator’s forgiveness in a general sense,” she explained, halting for a moment as Orion cautioned her about a fern covered with hairlike barbed hooks.

“But some people, like nobles, sometimes take on quests and tasks that have far more dangerous decisions to make. People who need the Pancreator’s forgiveness in a more immediate and personal way. I am expected to act as a counselor and a confidant as well as a priest.”

She climbed over a log and slipped down into a shallow creek that soaked her to her ankles in chilly water.

“I suspect that the bishop had his own reasons for making this particular appointment, but I shall endeavor to do my best to serve.”