The sun dipped behind the rooftops casting long golden shadows across the guild district as Evan worked over the reports from the listening grid. His apprentices hovered near the main table waiting for him to speak. Lenar stood by the doorway wringing his hands nervously.

Evan finally placed one finger on a specific entry. This one. A dock worker said Iron Crest brought in sealed crates from an eastern port. Not normal. They never import from the east.

Could it be new ore asked an apprentice.

No Evan said. If it were ore they would not seal it. They want to hide it. Something valuable or dangerous.

Lenar swallowed. Could it be weapons

Evan shook his head. Iron Crest does not attack with force. They attack with timing. If they brought sealed crates it means they plan to disrupt something or manipulate a market. Think economically not violently.

He sorted through more notes. Prices of certain herbs were rising in the northern markets. Metal quality was dropping. And caravans in the east were carrying new enchantment stones with markings he had never seen.

Evan paused. Whatever they are planning it is multi layered.

He pointed at the listening grid notes. They are preparing three moves. One supply manipulation. One price pressure. One misdirection.

The apprentices exchanged nervous glances.

Lenar whispered What do we do

We test their reaction Evan said.

He walked to the window and stared down at the crowded street. Merchants rushed to secure shipments. Caravans moved like veins carrying goods across the city. And somewhere Iron Crest was watching all of it waiting to strike.

Evan turned to the apprentices.

We will create a false rumor. Nothing too dramatic. A whisper that Silver Quill found a new herbal source in the southern hills. Spread it quietly. Not with shouts. With side conversations. Make it believable.

One apprentice hesitated. But what will that do

Evan answered without looking up. If Iron Crest plans to hit herbs they will react immediately. They will send scouts. They will increase activity. Their movement will reveal priority.

The apprentices nodded understanding the logic.

Lenar raised a hand uncertain. What if they do not react

Then their plan is something else Evan said. And we follow the next signal.

They spent the afternoon preparing the rumor campaign. Evan instructed them on tone phrasing and placement.

Rumors are like smoke Evan said. Too thick and people choke. Too thin and no one sees it.
Make it drift.

The apprentices spread into the city at sunset. One chatted with tea stall customers. Another whispered to a dock worker. Another asked a merchant about southern goods in a casual tone.

Evan stood at a vantage point near the guild watching movement. He did not need magic. He watched posture speed direction of travel tension in shoulders the small signs that revealed intention.

He saw two Iron Crest scouts emerge from their usual safehouse. They moved faster than usual. Not casual. Not routine. Purposeful.

He smiled. They were reacting.

He followed them discreetly observing from the flow of the crowd. The scouts spoke with a vendor who sold dried herbs. They checked crates for southern markings. They questioned caravan handlers. Everything aligned.

Evan returned to the intelligence room where the apprentices waited nervously.

They reacted Evan said. Strongly. That confirms it. Their primary target is the herbal market.

Lenar looked pale. They will strike soon then

Yes Evan said. But now we know the direction. And knowing direction changes everything.

He placed the latest notes onto the table and drew a clean line under them.

Tomorrow we set a trap.

The apprentices stared at him stunned.

Evan continued. Not a violent trap. A strategic one. We create an opportunity they cannot resist. And when they move we see their full hand.

Lenar swallowed. And then what

Then Evan said calmly we crush their plan before it starts.

He looked out the window again. The last traces of sunlight faded leaving the guild district in soft shadow.

Iron Crest moved in silence.
But Evan heard every step.
And he planned to make them trip.