So Amelia had been talking to someone about a cluviel dor," the devil said. "That led her to bring it up with you. How interesting. No one’s had one for . . . well, in my memory. A cluviel dor would have been made by the fae . . . and you understand, they are not tiny, cute creatures with wings.
-- Devil (Prologue paragraph 7)

Importance: This is the introduction to the cluviel dor, a magical object belonging to Sookie Stackhouse.

Arlene Fowler knew instinctively that those few things would not really be little, and definitely not optional. Looking at the two men, she didn’t sense they were interested in something she might not have minded giving up, like her body. (Chapter 1 paragraph 3)

Importance: Arlene Fowler has been released on bail due to an appeal. Arlene has unwittingly sold her soul to the devil - and her lawyer - for a chance at freedom.

Eric’s maker, Appius Livius Ocella, had signed...
-- Sookie (Chapter 2 paragraph 4)