Look for another way in

Christina thought she had time on her side. Attacking the guards didn't seem like a good idea and she didn't think she could sneak around them, even though they were distracted. Maybe there was another way into the castle, one that didn't require dealing with the gate guards.

Moving stealthily, Christina wandered around the side of the castle. There wouldn't be an unguarded gate, but perhaps she could find a open window, or a coal chute or some other small entrance a single person could clamber into.

But it seemed hopeless. The exterior of the castle was made of sheer black rock, with nothing that looked like it would be useful as a handhold- the few protruding rocks looked razor sharp and very dangerous. The windows she could see all seemed to be barred, and she could see nothing that looked like an entrance into a basement.

Finally she got lucky. Towards the back of the castle was a segment of wall that looked less formidable. Some of the rocks were cracked, offering tight little hand holds, and there were fewer spikes. Christina followed the damaged section of wall with her eyes and saw that it led up to a window that was missing its bars. Was this her way in? The climb would be tough but she thought she could manage it.