"Many of my Chosen prefer it," she answers, amused. Durga's lowest right hand reaches to return the handshake, only after one of her left hands takes the spear.

"I have Chosen you in Synodiporia. Sadly you cannot yet return home. You are needed still for Phase Three. You will compete in Phase Three. For me, in my name. I cannot compete directly, but I can help. You, and others. We are... a good match, you and I. You represent my idiom."