The stranger looked up at Faragorn's clipped tone. "Your place is to answer questions and not ask them. There will be a time for questions and a time for answers. But this small thing will I grant. My name is Falkor Alaksoron. Do not wonder that I know your name, for my ears are everywhere and you did not exercise caution in the giving of your name. Rather, you said it quite loudly, or loudly enough, and my man overheard.
"One more thing: Do not esteem yourself high enough to speak shortly to me, or you may lose your tongue. I am forestalling you from thinking, you said. Ha! You had better start thinking quickly. Now answer my question, and do not lie to me for I shall sense it immediately."
The man leaned back and took another sip of his wine, waiting to be answered. Faragorn sensed a faint strain of impatience from the man. The man was apparently making himself comfortable and showed no intention of leaving Faragorn to himself. Rather, he lit a pipe and prepared for a long wait.
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