diff --git a/tools/render b/tools/render
index 3b92126..dd48ad0 100755
--- a/tools/render
+++ b/tools/render
@@ -3,6 +3,7 @@
 
 # Adapted from: https://enix.io/en/blog/pxe-talos/
 
+import base64
 import functools
 import json
 import pathlib
@@ -71,6 +72,9 @@ def tailscale_subnet(gateway: str, netmask: str):
     netmask_bits = IPAddress(netmask).netmask_bits()
     return f"{IPAddress(gateway) & IPAddress(netmask)}/{netmask_bits}"
 
+def load_secret(path: str):
+    with open(path) as f:
+        return base64.b64encode(f.read().encode()).decode()
 
 @functools.cache
 def get_schematic_id(schematic: str):
@@ -165,7 +169,7 @@ def main():
     template_args = {
         "config": config,
         "root": ROOT,
-        "helper": {"tailscale_subnet": tailscale_subnet},
+        "helper": {"tailscale_subnet": tailscale_subnet, "load_secret": load_secret},
     }
 
     nodes = []