Penric's Fox (Penric and Desdemona, #5)

by Lois McMaster Bujold

“Magic dogs. Demons. I swear to the Father, my inquiries never used to be this strange.”

“She became betrothed to someone else. He’s been glum ever since.” Pen reflected on this. “How can you tell the difference?”

“The oldest forest stories would have it that the first shaman was a blessing of the Son of Autumn,” said Inglis.

You’re feeling guilty about lying to a fox? Des asked, amused. Only you, Pen. Or, perhaps, to a demon. Or both. It would depend on how events played out. Ah. Yes. Periodically, I am reminded why I like you. A hint of smug possessiveness.

Lips twisting in bemusement, Hamo said, “Penric—are you trying to preserve the life of a fox?”

She looked him over. “My, my, my.” Three mys tonight, goodness. He usually rated only two. He wondered what he’d have to do to win four.

Pen glowered at her slippers. “That’s not my Temple superior, that’s my mother.”