The Quaking Lands — Robert E. Vardeman

The struggle of demons against mortals begins!

Lovely Kesira, a nun cloistered and naive in the ways of the world, is thrust into violence, forced on a sacred quest to avenge her patron, Gelya. Her magical talking bird companion Zolkan is, at times, more of a hindrance than a help. Following her is the shape-changer Molimo as they enter the lair of the loathsome Jade Demons. Kesira's weapons are few, but her resolve is great. Her destiny, that of her companions--and the world--depend on her faith never flagging.

So begins a war of magic and wonder.