Spy Mission

“Summon Guido!”
 “Aye, aye, sir.” The page scurried like a nervous wreathe down the moldering halls of the castle and soon had the young recruit returning with him.
The general didn't waste time on preliminary remarks. He never did.
“I have a mission for you. You are to dress as a needy peasant woman and get into the Glass Castle. If you play your role correctly they will let you eat at their tables and you will learn the secret of their strength. I must know their strong points! Every time one or the other of them is weakening they flee for refuge and come back more vigorous than ever! This must stop!”

Guido carefully steeled his features to conceal his ire but inwardly cursed his numerous for-bearers who were delicate of face and form. When will they give me a man’s job?

“When do I begin, sir?”

“Tonight. You are to arrive just as the sky is too dark to see clearly. A storm is scheduled which would be to your convenience. They are known for their compassion to the poor and will not leave you out in the thunder and rain.”

“But I know not the password.”
For the first time the general seemed to lose some of his self confidence.

“Simmons was concealed nearby when one of their own was admitted. He did not hear it clearly but it was either ‘fire bright, firelight, fair-light or fair-bright”. Whatever you do say it softly but confidently! If possible wait for a crash of thunder before speaking, and conceal your face in your mantle as if you are wet and chilled from the cold.” He laughed sardonically. “Which you will be, anyways!”

Guido threw back his shoulders and pretended to be self confident.  He knew the consequences of failure on his mission. If he came back unsuccessful, the punishment would be brutal, and if he was caught, well, he had no idea what The Enemy would do to him. Probably throw him into a dungeon even more dreadful than their own.
“Oh, and one more thing!”

Guido bowed slightly.
“Never under any circumstances walk erect. They might have spies even many furlongs from the castle. Hobble, moan a little, slouch, and by all means walk slowly. My page has fetched you a walking stick.”
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To be continued...

And He said Take heed that ye be not deceived. Luke 21:8a