The Spine of the World

You hear the guards footsteps rumble past as you continue down the alleyway. As you come closer to the other end, you hear a large crowd. Perfect, you think. You slip into the bustling crowd of a busy market place, with all the usual marketplace trappings, and expertly weave through the crowd to the other side. You emerge from the marketplace onto a refreshingly empty street that ornate wooden houses loomed over. It’s mostly uneventful as you reach the gate. Guards are bustling around the portcullis, letting nobody in or out, which flustered a few’s feathers. However you sharply turn away from the main gate and walk on a solemn trodden path that lay around the wall. You can’t help but let out a giddy laugh as you feel your ingenious plan come together. You slip into a deserted alleyway to your left and slip into a tunnel that snakes out and under the wall. You walk into your main base of operations and close your eyes to get the best experience for the praise you’ll be getting from your gracious crew. You walk in and hear nothing. A surprise? You thought. You stood there foolishly for a bit before opening your eyes to a horrid sight.   Everyone’s gone.