"Indeed. The Two Fingers still enforce the designs of the Greater Will, but their influence wanes. We take advantage of their disarray."

He began to walk, adjusting his bundle of gathered supplies to hang more comfortably from his shoulder. "I can only say so much--but for the first trial, I suppose there's no harm in it. There are Tarnished throughout these lands, but the Two Fingers draw you apart through subtle means. Almost like that marvelous trick of yours." Ayatan seemed to become intangible when she disappeared.

"There are many beyond saving among these hidden Tarnished--brutes that have no love for our kind. They are the first trial."

Perhaps Ayatan would find the bloody fingers distasteful as well. But she seemed such a sensible girl. She would understand their use.