212
‘We are friends, Gatekeeper. Open up now,’ you say, uncomfortably.
‘State your business,’ the Gatekeeper replies.
‘We are merchants,’ continues Hugi, taking up the charade. ‘Here to trade our silks for the rich treasures of Gyanima.’
‘What’s the password?’ the Gatekeeper snaps. ‘You can’t come in if you don’t know the password.’
‘Crows foot!’ says Hugi immediately and more than a little hopefully.
The Gatekeeper holds his hand out in front of his face and looks it up and down as if checking off an invisible list. ‘No, that was yesterday. You’ve given me the Luneday password.’
‘But today is Luneday,’ replies Hugi indignantly.
‘It is?’ says the Gatekeeper, astonished. Mutely, all three of you nod your heads. ‘Very well then, you may pass.’
The Gatekeeper vanishes and moments later reappears in the archway, lifting the non-existent bar on the non-existent gate and ushering you in with a show of great respect.
