Alain was quiet for a long moment. Then, he lowered his knife, making up his mind. "Give me the mask," he said softly, and held out his free hand. Let me see, then. Let me reach out and touch the truth, and if I am wrong to trust you...

...If I am wrong, then that's a problem for a nearer time.

"I know the eyes you mean," he said, by way of further explanation. "We call it the Touch, where I come from. Brushing up against the true shape of things. Give me the mask, if what you say is true. Let me see for myself."