Paladin of Souls (World of the Five Gods, #2)

by Lois McMaster Bujold

“You are unfinished. They are discerning Patrons, but not, I think, impossible to please. The Bastard said to me, from His own lips—” Dy Cabon’s breath drew in. “—that the gods did not desire flawless souls, but great ones. I think that very darkness is where the greatness grows from, as flowers from the soil. I am not sure, in fact, if greatness can bloom without it.