Penric’s Demon (Penric and Desdemona, #1)

by Lois McMaster Bujold

Better it seemed to export cheese or cloth, but it was true that fortunes were made in the military trade. Though seldom by the soldiers, any more than by the cheeses.

Dear gods. Have I just acquired a council of twelve invisible older sisters?

He pointed out a few more militarily useful features along the way, sounding as house-proud as any goodwife. Were the goodwife enamored of serious mayhem.

“You looked a god in the eyes. And spoke for me. There is nothing in my power that I will ever refuse you, after that.”