Answer 1

I think the hermit somehow knew everything before the king arrived. He must have known about the plan of the king's enemy and so was able to deal with it purposefully when the king arrived. News about the ambush must definitely have come to his ears. Otherwise, he would not have been able to answer the king's questions in such a real and practical way. He was a hermit, a wise man, and nothing of importance would have escaped his consideration.