Grey moved through the forested slopes with deliberate care. Each step was measured, each shift of position calculated to keep him beyond the reach of the senses of the patrolling Gnomes that criss-crossed the mountain. The bunny leader sent out a few scouts to help Grey out while Void stayed on his shoulders.
The outer ring of Gnome sentries proved relatively loose. Most of the weaker Gnomes walked fixed routes, their attention dulled by repetition. Grey slipped between them with short spatial blinks, never remaining in one line of sight long enough to draw notice. The air grew thinner as the elevation increased, and the dry heat of the region clung to the rocks even under the cover of the trees.
