Penric's Demon

Lord Penric kin Jurald is a younger son of an impoverished noble family. On the day of his betrothal, he comes upon a riding accident. Learned Ruchia, an elderly temple divine and servant of the Bastard, bequeathes her powers to Penric as she dies. Penric sees strange lights and hears voices; he passes out.

The next day, he awakens and is told that he is now the host of a demon. He is sent to the city of Martensbridge to confer with the Bastard’s Order. Penric names the demon Desdemona. She contains the memories of her twelve previous hosts. At Martensbridge, Penric meets the Learned Tigney and an acolyte named Clee. He studies books in the temple library while the Bastard’s Order decides what to do about his situation. His connection with Desdemona grants him the ability to understand the languages spoken by her previous hosts, as well as the ability to use small magics.

Clee invites Penric to visit the castle ruled by his elder half-brother Rusillin. At dinner, Rusillin gives Penric a drugged cordial, which Desdemona immediately identifies. Penric feigns unconsciousness. Rusillin attempts to kill Penric, which would transfer Desdemona into his body. Penric reveals that he is awake; after a brief confrontation, he escapes into a lake. As he swims away, Desdemona sets Rusillin’s castle on fire.

Penric returns to the Bastard’s Order in Martensbridge to speak to Learned Tigney. He finds that Clee has arrived before him; Clee accuses Desdemona of possessing Penric and committing arson. Tigney summons Blessed Broylin, a saint of the Bastard who can destroy demons. Tigney believes that the demon is too dangerous to remain in the world, and asks Broylin to return Desdemona to her god. Penric prays to the Bastard on Desdemona's behalf, declaring her to be a "good demon." The Bastard agrees to let Desdemona remain. Clee is arrested. Penric swears fealty to the Bastard. The Order sends Penric to be educated at a university for Temple sorcerers.