In the meantime Urgl had moved the little table into the open and put on all sorts of sweets and fruit and herb jellies.There were also little drinking cups and a pitcher of fragrant herb tea. The table was lit by two tiny oil lamps.“Sit down!” Urgl commanded. “Atreyu must eat and drink something to give him strength. Medicine alone is not enough.”“Thank you,” said Atreyu. “I’m feeling fine already.”“No back talk!” Urgl snapped. “As long as you’re here, you’ll do as you’re told. The poison in your body has been neutralized. So there’s no reason to hurry, my boy. You’ve all the time you need. Just take it easy.”“It’s not on my account,” said Atreyu. “But the Childlike Empress is dying. Even now, every hour may count.”“Rubbish!” the old woman grumbled. “Haste makes waste. Sit down! Eat! Drink!”“Better give in,” Engywook whispered. “I know the woman from A to Z. When she wants something, she gets it. Besides, you and I have a lot to talk about.”Atreyu squatted cross-legged at the tiny table and fell to.
