Stranger, did you just ring the bell? Well, of course you did — another young traveler, sore of foot, come to immerse himself in that great tale of magic and true love called.... “The Cronnex,” you say? Yes, it is called that by ordinary folk. However, for initiates into the arcane powers, it's more properly named.... Stay, though. Now that my old eyes have adjusted to the light, I see that you are no student of the stars, but a simple star-struck student, instead.

Still, you've made the pilgrimage, and we can't all be raised to the higher sphere. So, yes, I give you leave to enter — after you wash your hands and face in the fountain just behind you. And I'll have to take that knapsack, and that knife, and... my, what an empty purse you have! Don't you know that there's an entry fee? How else am I to earn my crust of bread and cannikin of ale? Ah, well. I'm an old man, weak in the knees and going soft in the head. I tell you what — give me a kiss, lad, and I'll let you in.

My faith! That was a nice one, and no mistake. Were I a year or two younger, I’d give you a squeeze in return... just where, I'll let you guess. Now, come along. We'll put your possessions on this shelf. Take a seat at the reading table and I'll bring you the first of the volumes. We close, mind you, as soon there's not enough daylight to make out the letters. You can read, can’t you? Good. Good. Don’t be offended. Many a visitor has to pay me to read the story to them. Those are feast days for me, I'll tell you!

Well, if you're settled, I think I'll go take that spot you've warmed for me on the stoop. And when you leave, if you find me asleep there by the door, give me a shake. We'll lock up and I'll show you a warm, safe place to spend the night.