much upon their own guile as the information they received regarding Dunop's passages.
The lead gluun said nothing at first as it inspected several silver lined mirrors that served to direct light toward the lower levels of the castle. It examined the angle of reflection of a single beam sent toward the stone wall and then noticed a small opening in the rock foundation. Finally, it whispered its finding to its cohorts.
"As we were told, light from the tunnels and airshafts are reflected into the castle. Follow the angle and you will see there's an entry point through the outer castle wall. The light beam from this region cuts into the stone foundation several lengths above the ground."
The other gluuns looked toward the mighty fortress. In order to assist their stealth, their eyes were capable of detecting different concentrations of light. Where the beams were invisible to ordinary humans, the gluuns could actually follow the distinct rays reflected from one mirror to the next and finally to an opening through the exterior of the keep.
"Small channel," one gluun observed.
"Tight fit," another agreed.
The lead gluun viewed the comments as a rejection of their original plan to gain access into the inner sanctuary. Accepting the dismissal without wasting effort on argument, it immediately offered a counterproposal.
"We could wait for a change of the guard and attempt to make entry during the transition," the lead gluun offered.
"Too risky," one of the others responded.
"Too many eyes to avoid while having to move too quickly," agreed another.
"The gatehouse?" the lead gluun offered. "Several openings."
"No. It would only allow us entry beyond the gate. We would still be barred from the main keep."
The lead gluun revealed no frustration as they debated the issue. Instead, it continued its own appraisal of the situation. It eyed the higher parts of the castle. There were wider windows at the peaks of the towers. The gluuns could climb the outer stone walls with ease while allowing minimal exposure to dwarf eyes below, but entering the castle at the highest levels would only add to their difficulties in reaching their ultimate destination. Entering the keep at such a high point could create more risks than walking up to the front gate.
"Any other proposals?" it asked.
The others said nothing, so the lead gluun returned to the initial plan.
"Then we will have to utilize the opening for the light. We were told it would be large enough. Information has been accurate to this point. We should not begin to doubt it now."
The last gluun in line voiced its one vital concern.
"We can fit, but we will block incoming light. It will be noticed. Look around. Light is an important resource to these dwarves. The interior of the castle will dim and they will investigate."
It was a concern that could not be dismissed. The gluun at the lead realized additional action was necessary. Once more, it examined the distinct line of light that was reflected into the castle. Following it back to its source, it understood the process by which the light was gathered.
All the mirrors in the area directed their reflections to one final silver lined plate erected high on a nearby pillar. Through ingenious dwarf construction, the large reflective surface merged the incoming light fragments into one concentrated beam and directed it toward the opening in the keep wall.
"That can be solved. Find cover."
The other gluuns did not argue. They believed they were all equals and did not relinquish authority to the lead gluun, but they all understood the need for immediate cooperation.
Once the others had taken suitable places of hiding to avoid probing dwarf eyes, the lead gluun pulled a stone from the ground and effortlessly scurried up the pillar that supported the final mirror. Once within arms reach of the silver plate, the gluun smashed the rock against the reflective face. It took extreme effort, for gluuns lack great physical strength, but the
The lead gluun said nothing at first as it inspected several silver lined mirrors that served to direct light toward the lower levels of the castle. It examined the angle of reflection of a single beam sent toward the stone wall and then noticed a small opening in the rock foundation. Finally, it whispered its finding to its cohorts.
"As we were told, light from the tunnels and airshafts are reflected into the castle. Follow the angle and you will see there's an entry point through the outer castle wall. The light beam from this region cuts into the stone foundation several lengths above the ground."
The other gluuns looked toward the mighty fortress. In order to assist their stealth, their eyes were capable of detecting different concentrations of light. Where the beams were invisible to ordinary humans, the gluuns could actually follow the distinct rays reflected from one mirror to the next and finally to an opening through the exterior of the keep.
"Small channel," one gluun observed.
"Tight fit," another agreed.
The lead gluun viewed the comments as a rejection of their original plan to gain access into the inner sanctuary. Accepting the dismissal without wasting effort on argument, it immediately offered a counterproposal.
"We could wait for a change of the guard and attempt to make entry during the transition," the lead gluun offered.
"Too risky," one of the others responded.
"Too many eyes to avoid while having to move too quickly," agreed another.
"The gatehouse?" the lead gluun offered. "Several openings."
"No. It would only allow us entry beyond the gate. We would still be barred from the main keep."
The lead gluun revealed no frustration as they debated the issue. Instead, it continued its own appraisal of the situation. It eyed the higher parts of the castle. There were wider windows at the peaks of the towers. The gluuns could climb the outer stone walls with ease while allowing minimal exposure to dwarf eyes below, but entering the castle at the highest levels would only add to their difficulties in reaching their ultimate destination. Entering the keep at such a high point could create more risks than walking up to the front gate.
"Any other proposals?" it asked.
The others said nothing, so the lead gluun returned to the initial plan.
"Then we will have to utilize the opening for the light. We were told it would be large enough. Information has been accurate to this point. We should not begin to doubt it now."
The last gluun in line voiced its one vital concern.
"We can fit, but we will block incoming light. It will be noticed. Look around. Light is an important resource to these dwarves. The interior of the castle will dim and they will investigate."
It was a concern that could not be dismissed. The gluun at the lead realized additional action was necessary. Once more, it examined the distinct line of light that was reflected into the castle. Following it back to its source, it understood the process by which the light was gathered.
All the mirrors in the area directed their reflections to one final silver lined plate erected high on a nearby pillar. Through ingenious dwarf construction, the large reflective surface merged the incoming light fragments into one concentrated beam and directed it toward the opening in the keep wall.
"That can be solved. Find cover."
The other gluuns did not argue. They believed they were all equals and did not relinquish authority to the lead gluun, but they all understood the need for immediate cooperation.
Once the others had taken suitable places of hiding to avoid probing dwarf eyes, the lead gluun pulled a stone from the ground and effortlessly scurried up the pillar that supported the final mirror. Once within arms reach of the silver plate, the gluun smashed the rock against the reflective face. It took extreme effort, for gluuns lack great physical strength, but the
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