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"Can you speak, boy?" he asked Garion His voice had a strange contralto quality to it, and his silk robe was a solid crimson rather than varicolored

"Could I have a drink of water?" Garion asked

"In a minute"

"I'll take my money now, Sadi," Issus said

"As soon as we're sure this is the right boy," Sadi replied

"Ask it what its na whisper said from the darkness behind Garion

"I will, Maas" Sadi looked faintly annoyed at the suggestion "I've done this before"

"You're taking too long," the whisper said

"Say your name, boy," Sadi told Garion

"Doroon," Garion lied quickly "I'm really very thirsty"

"Do you take me for a fool, Issus?" Sadi asked "Did you think just any boy would satisfy me?"

"This is the boy you told me to fetch," Issus said "I can't help it if your infor"

"You say your name is Doroon?" Sadi asked

"Yes," Garion said "I'm the cabin-boy on Captain Greldik's ship Where are we?"

"I'll ask the questions, boy," Sadi said

"It's lying," the sibilant whisper came from behind Garion

"I know that, Maas," Sadi replied calmly "They always do at first"

"We don't have time for all this," the hiss said "Give it oret I need the truth ireed He rose to his feet and disappeared momentarily into the shadows behind the table Garion heard a clink and then the sound of water pouring "Rery about it, I don't want to be the one she blames"

"She'll understand, Sadi"

"Here, boy," Sadi offered, co out a brown earthenware cup

"Uh-no, thank you," Garion said "I guess I'ht as well drink it, boy," Sadi told him "If you don't, Issus will hold you, and I'll pour it down your throat It isn't going to hurt you

"Drink," the hissing voice commanded

"Better do as they say," Issus advised

Helplessly Garion took the cup The water had a strangely bitter taste and see his seat behind the table "Now, you say your name is Doroon?"

"Yes"

"Where are you from, Doroon?"