(Alash Vortex POV)
The Hermit came to the gate an hour after dark.
I know, because the man on the gate came into the yard to tell Renn so, holding the gate book in both hands, well away from his body.
"He's here, sir. He gave his name. I've written it down."
Renn took the book, read the last line, and looked at it for some time. His jaw moved once. Then he closed the book without a word and handed it back.
I never found out what was in that book. I have wondered since.
Renn checked the rest himself. He walked down to the gate and back with two of his men. He looked at the yard, and at the passage, and at the door of the room where the five of us were to sit. Then he went out to the gate again and brought the Hermit in, along the passage and through the right door, like anyone else.
The Hermit came in with his hands folded into his sleeves and looked round at us all.
"Four guards," he said. "A book, and a commander. All to make certain I used a door."
"Yes," said Renn.
